Di Ren Jie as the Magistrate is convincing. His investigations & inferences laudable. For a lead he looks old. His older brother looks younger. That I suppose is the only flaw.
His childhood & losing his father at a young age brings us to know why he is as he is. Mr Hong , his constant companion is with his family since ages
Also his two assistants Qiao Tai & Ma Rong are excellent. They provide him with all the support.
The character arc of Cao An is a little feeble. She likes Di Ying & then starts liking his younger brother, Di Ren Jie. She is almost married to him when Di Ying appears. Again she is in two minds.
Empress Wu by Zhong Chu Xi has been appreciated & awarded. But she has a very tiny role. Maybe she has more to do in the second season. She is a powerful lady. All her actions speak from behind the scenes.
Banishing The Magistrate to handle the borders is to test him & bring peace to the kingdom. She is shrewd. Unafraid of taking action against her enemies.
It has gore, violence & mystery. Sometimes a bit loud. Dark & gloomy.
Asian Entertainment 