Romance of Red Dust (eps 6-10)

I finally sat down and watched the second disc of Romance of Red Dust, which had episodes six thru ten. I know it's still fairly early in the series, yet I cannot help being slightly underwhelmed. The actors are all playing their roles well, the sets are nice enough, and I see a lot of potential in certain things. But, I can't help feel that their is something off. Maybe it's Chu Chen near Mary-Sue-ness? Or the quick pace of some storylines and the slow pace of others?



( spoiler filled thoughts )