A female minister who cares for all under heaven x a kindhearted, innocent Prince of Yan
"I can help you ascend the throne, so I can also drag you down to the underworld."
Two paths of growth:
Zhao Qingyan pours her heart and soul into restoring a golden age;
Li Duzhang grows rapidly and ultimately becomes a wise ruler of his generation.
The common people, officials, merchants, the imperial harem, the martial world... She stands in the court, but her heart belongs to the realm.
The romance is understated. The focus is on building a career. No transmigration, melodrama, or being reborn (there might be a little melodrama, but not much).
Slow-paced, very slow.
An ensemble cast, with wise ministers, corrupt officials, capable generals, heroines, open rivalry, and secret schemes.
The heroine values deep bonds, but has her flaws.
The hero is innocent, but not a naive pushover.
Theme: The wise do not fall in love
