Also known as Chi Yan Jinyiwei, this Chinese donghua aired in 2023 and has been a hidden gem on many watchlists. After being on my watchlist for some time now (like two years), I recently binge-watched it and could get this doubt off my chest — that it is not BL. Bromance, maybe?

In this article, I will be talking about the good and bad aspects of this Chinese donghua so that you can decide whether to watch it or not.

The Good Aspects

Heavy on the Court Politics and Suspense

One of the strongest points of The Flame Imperial Guards is its engaging narrative structure. The donghua does an excellent job weaving court politics with detective-style mysteries, keeping you invested in uncovering the truth behind each case. The conspiracy elements feel genuine, and there's always another layer to uncover. If you enjoy plot-heavy series with twists and governmental intrigue, this will definitely keep you on your toes.

Slow-burn Friendship

Okay, I have to be honest — I didn't have high expectations to begin with, and it turned out to be true in terms of the supposed "romance." However, the donghua had some good moments for bromance enthusiasts, though they fall more on the friendship side if anything.

The primary MCs are Qin Hu and Yun Feilong. Qin Hu's character development throughout the series is solid; watching him navigate through betrayal, suspicion, and personal mysteries makes for compelling viewing. His journey to uncover the truth about his own past while protecting his country adds emotional depth to the plot.

Yun Feilong is such a good character, and honestly, we didn't get to see much of him — such injustice. There's clearly so much more to his character that could have been explored, and his dynamic with Qin Hu would have benefited from more screen time.

The Bad Aspects

Character Development Limitations

Plus, our MC's friendly attitude doesn't help either. Qin Hu is seriously an extrovert to the extent that it's difficult to understand his true feelings, or maybe it's just me. This makes it harder to connect with his internal struggles on a deeper level. His outwardly carefree personality sometimes masks the emotional weight of the situations he's in, which can feel like a missed opportunity for character development.

The supporting cast, while present, doesn't get enough development to make you truly care about all of them. Some characters appear promising but fizzle out, leaving you wondering what could have been with better pacing.

Story Incompleteness

Another fact we have to take into consideration is that the story isn't complete. The series ends with unresolved plotlines and character arcs that feel like they're setting up for a continuation. While this leaves room for hope regarding season 2, it also means you're left with a somewhat unsatisfying ending if you're expecting closure.

Final Verdict

Should you watch it? If you enjoy:

• Court intrigue and political mysteries

• Male friendships and character-driven narratives

• Donghua with decent animation quality

• Series where you're okay with cliffhangers and waiting for a next season

Then yes, absolutely give it a try! It's a solid watch that doesn't demand too much emotional investment but offers enough intrigue to keep you entertained through all 26 episodes.

However, if you're looking for:

• Clear romantic relationships

• Fully resolved storylines

• Consistently deep character exploration

• An action-packed donghua with less focus on politics

Then you might want to manage your expectations or perhaps wait until season 2 releases for a more complete experience.

Hoping for Season 2

Hopefully, when season 2 comes, we can see their relationships develop further, both the main duo and the ensemble cast. There's genuine potential here; the foundation is solid, and with tighter pacing and more character focus, this series could become truly exceptional. For now, it's a worthwhile addition to your donghua list, especially if you're in the mood for something different from the typical action or romance-heavy fare.

Rating: 7/10 

A solid, entertaining donghua that could have been great with better execution and more time for character development. Worth your time, but don't expect a masterpiece.