Both dramas are Chinese historical romances where the FL is a clever, strategic, beautiful and graceful princess who has to lie to everyone (including the ML) for a good reason.
In both dramas, the ML is strong fighter who falls for the FL quickly, respects her, and always defends / protects her - even if it means risking his own life.
And in both dramas the FL does not know that the ML is connected to the emperor and distances herself from the ML when she finds out.
But there are two major differences: ZGZZS is short and fast and (for lack of a better word) just plain horny. The Princess Wei Young is long with lots of characters, subplots, and repetitive themes and the leads have very limited skinship. They're both great dramas in their own way.
In both dramas, the ML is strong fighter who falls for the FL quickly, respects her, and always defends / protects her - even if it means risking his own life.
And in both dramas the FL does not know that the ML is connected to the emperor and distances herself from the ML when she finds out.
But there are two major differences: ZGZZS is short and fast and (for lack of a better word) just plain horny. The Princess Wei Young is long with lots of characters, subplots, and repetitive themes and the leads have very limited skinship. They're both great dramas in their own way.
The FLs both come from rich and powerful families. They have built reputations for being cold, demanding, and prone to shallow flings. The MLs are both good looking and good fighters, and the FL makes it clear that she finds the ML attractive early on. The leads seemingly start out on different sides and the ML does not tell the FL about his connections to the most powerful people on his side. But the ML takes on the role of the FL's bodyguard and goes to extreme lengths to protect her from harm - even if it means risking injury or death. The ML falls for the FL quickly and has no problem with the FL's demanding personality (in fact, it seems to be one of the things he likes about her).
Both are short, bingeable romance dramas with little filler, simple plots that shouldn't be taken too seriously (because the "plot" is mainly just a vehicle for the romance), and great chemistry between the leads.
The FLs in both dramas have bad-ass personalities and defy societal expectations regarding acceptable behaviour when it comes to how women should interact with men (particularly their romantic / sexual partners). While some of the FLs' "bad girl" persona is a front, their bad-ass personality and lack of shyness in the bedroom is real. The MLs are not at all put off by the FLs' reputation or forwardness.
In both dramas, the leads are smart and competent people, but with secrets or hidden agendas.
In both dramas, one of the leads risks death or serious bodily harm to protect the other lead from danger.
In both dramas, one of the leads (L1) approaches the other lead (L2) with secret intentions, misunderstands the relationship between the other lead (L2) and one of their family members, and temporarily thinks less of the other lead (L2) based on the misunderstanding.
The FLs in both dramas have bad-ass personalities and defy societal expectations regarding acceptable behaviour when it comes to how women should interact with men (particularly their romantic / sexual partners). While some of the FLs' "bad girl" persona is a front, their bad-ass personality and lack of shyness in the bedroom is real. The MLs are not at all put off by the FLs' reputation or forwardness.
In both dramas, the leads are smart and competent people, but with secrets or hidden agendas.
In both dramas, one of the leads risks death or serious bodily harm to protect the other lead from danger.
In both dramas, one of the leads (L1) approaches the other lead (L2) with secret intentions, misunderstands the relationship between the other lead (L2) and one of their family members, and temporarily thinks less of the other lead (L2) based on the misunderstanding.
The ML is a strong fighter who is sent to spy on the FL. The ML goes undercover to get close to the FL in a role where he is under the FL's authority. When the FL issues commands, the ML generally obeys and plays the role of a subordinate. The ML also becomes the FL's protector and saves the FL from harm on several occasions, even when it means risking his own life. And the ML does not let injury or illness get in the way of... intimacy.
One further parallel that is minor but amusing: the man who at first seems to be the ML's main romantic rival is later shown to have more romantic interest in a family member of the FL.
One further parallel that is minor but amusing: the man who at first seems to be the ML's main romantic rival is later shown to have more romantic interest in a family member of the FL.
Both of these short-length Chinese historical web-dramas feature two strong romantic leads, one of which is a newcomer to the other's life. They also both feature a jealous disciple/assistant who comes up with a juvenile scheme to get rid of the newcomer, before ultimately falling into their own romantic plot. Both stories feature a lingering tone of betrayal and power that the leads are conscious of.
