Both of them take place during the same historical period, that is, the Northern and Southern Dynasties period of Imperial China.
Same actress who portrait MING LAN, but with different temper. Lu Zhen is more upfront front the start.
"To escape her cruel stepmother, Lu Zhen enters the palace as an attendant. She was quickly promoted through the ranks for her pottery-making skill. During this time, she captures the heart of crown prince Gao Zhan. However, she can never be with him as social status and jealous enemies work against her at every turn. She devotes herself to politics and helps Gao Zhan defeat a coup d'etat. Though Gao Zhan can not make her his empress, he bestows her with the highest position in the land, the female prime minister."
"To escape her cruel stepmother, Lu Zhen enters the palace as an attendant. She was quickly promoted through the ranks for her pottery-making skill. During this time, she captures the heart of crown prince Gao Zhan. However, she can never be with him as social status and jealous enemies work against her at every turn. She devotes herself to politics and helps Gao Zhan defeat a coup d'etat. Though Gao Zhan can not make her his empress, he bestows her with the highest position in the land, the female prime minister."
gao wei who is suppose to be the cousin of lanling and the antagonist in prince of lan ling is the adopted son of lu zhen in legend of lu zhen. i would say this is a prequel to prince of lanling. it's a great drama, so underrated! watch it and you will fall in love with the lead male, BUT don't read wiki, never