Scarlet Heart (Bu Bu Jing Xin) drama series

I am usually not a fan of Taiwan-China dramas as I mainly do not understand Mandarin very well so the only dramas I ever watched were Meteor Garden and some other series by Mike He and Kingone Wang. That is until I happen to run into this drama online called Scarlet Heart also known as Startling Step by Step or what they called Bu Bu Jing Xin.

So what is so special about this drama? The drama is about a modern day woman Zhang Xiao (played by Liu Shi Shi) who was accidentally transported back to the Qing Dynasty after a bad accident. Her soul went into the 2nd daughter of General Maertai- Ruoxi. She woke up realizing that she is stuck during the reign of Emperor Kangxi. Her eldest sister, Ruolan (played by Annie Liu) is the consort to the 8th Prince Yinsi (played by Kevin Cheng) She finds herself romantically involved with the 8th Prince and also the 4th Prince Yinzhen (played by Nicky Wu) while befriending the other Princes in the Palace. 

As Zhang Xiao knows in real life history Yinzhen becomes the future Emperor Yongzheng after Kangxi's death but what happened behind the palace doors is another thing. Kangxi dotes a lot on the 14th Prince Yinti with the 8th Prince, 9th Prince, 10th Prince supporting him. However Yinzhen ursurped the throne and pursues consistent revenge on his other siblings except for 13th Prince Yinxiang who is his closest buddy. Though Yinzhen and Yinti are from the same mother but Empress Dowager knows the throne belongs rightfully to her youngest son. And the rest is history....we all know the fate of the other Princes when Yinzhen becomes the Emperor and his reign was short before his son, Emperor Qianlong took over the throne. 

What I find interesting on the first few episodes of this drama- Ruoxi was nicknamed the "Death Defying 13th Sister" - named after the rebellious Prince Yinxiang. Known for her bold daring confident character, she gets her way around and attracts Yinsi, Yinzhen and Yinti.
Even the 10th Prince was hoping she'd be his consort but she only liked him as a friend. 

Kevin Cheng who plays Yinsi fits him well...the gentle, calm and kind 8th Virtuous Prince- a special title given by the Emperor himself for his generous and hardworking attitude. However Yinsi harbours great ambition for the throne with the support of his 9th, 10th and 14th brothers. He hardly shows emotions for his 1st wife Princess Ming Hui but he is concerned for Ruolan despite her coldness towards him. Then comes Ruoxi in his residence whom he treasures but he chooses power for the throne over the love for her.  

Nicky Wu has done well for playing Yinzhen- the cold stormy ice-block look. He is the oldest brother considered after the 1st and Crown Prince. He hardly talks and very serious in work.
His mother is one of the high rank Concubines favoured by Kangxi. He develops a strong possession for Ruoxi and aims for the throne when his father passes away.

I thought the scriptwriter should have written Ruoxi's character to be wittier and crazier since she is from the 20th century. She looked as if she was in history for the past few years and seem to adapt so well in the culture. As for the other Princes, they are all great in their respective roles and robes. I have to say thumbs up for the actress who played as Ming Hui for she yearns for the 8th Prince's affections only to realize he only cares for the 2 sisters.
Her sacrifice for him and the family was greater than anyone else. Talk about a woman's fate in the olden days... it's their destiny and fate when they meet the wrong man.

Look how different these actors are with hair and without hair! Haha!

They sure look better with the hair and with modern clothes!

As what Ruolan mentioned to Ruoxi- they are all pawns in the chess game. Whenever the Emperor decides anything, they cannot defy it but to accept the decree obediently. 
However Zhang Xiao manages to return back to the modern day in the hospital after a long coma. She couldnt find anything on Ruoxi in the history but discovered a painting of Kangxi and the Princes with a tea-lady serving them who looks like Ruoxi. Then there's the modern day reincarnation Yinzhen who walks by Zhang Xiao and doesn't recognize her at all. 

I particularly like the opening theme song 一念執著 (duet sang by Hu Ge and another woman) The song is melodious though I don't really know the lyrics as well.