ChineseDramaFan

What is Equality / Inequality?

This drama has a very inspiring theme: What is equality/inequality? It is a satire criticizing the system for enabling the aristocrats for their wickedness and insatiable appetite for power and wealth in the expense of the poor and the weak by suppressing them in every possible way. The main male character of this story, together with the help of his beloved, fights to change the system to make it a more equitable one.

The title of this drama, Qing Qing Zi Jin, is taken from the first line of a famous love poem, appropriately as this story is using poems as its backdrop, though poems are not the main features here.

The Story
Wenren Juan (Lu Xiaoyu aka Rain Lu) is a daughter of a prominent government official studying in the prestigious Zhuxiu Academy. One day during an outing, she and her female school mates are kidnapped by a group of bandits for ransom. Wenren Juan is selfless and she sacrifices herself to save her friends. This act of selflessness impresses the leader of the bandits, Zuo Qiuchi (Fan Shiqi aka Kris Fan) who later falls in love with her. He releases her and gets himself into the prestigious academy through a special selection by the Emperor. In the academy, he finds out why he is being rejected in a state exam many years ago, and being hunted down to be killed. Together with Wenren Juan, they uncover mysteries, corruptions, malpractices, injustices, and they vow to bring justice to the system together with their school friends.

The plot is not complex. Academic lessons are taught in poems through wisdom by ancient wise men. Although some of the logic is rather simplistic and elementary, certain scenes can be quite heart wrenching and thought provoking; their dialogues and words are inspiring. Many scenes also cover refined artistry in the fine arts, dances, chess, martial arts, poems, among others. I’m particularly impressed by the polo sports competition scene with students on horsebacks riding and fighting over the control of the ball. The cinematography is breath taking and convincing.

The Characters and The Acting
Zuo Qiuchi (Fan Shiqi) is a self-taught genius. He is the leader of the bandits hiding away in the mountains. They make their living through demanding ransom payments from the wealthy and distributing to the poor and needy. He is talented in every field – academic work, painting, chess, archery, fighting etc. He becomes a legend when he passes a special exam to enter the prestigious Zhuxiu Academy with his lowly background. Fan Shiqi’s acting is very convincing as the actor looks equally believable as a bandit or as a scholar.

Wenren Juan (Lu Xiaoyu) is from an aristocratic family with a low self-esteem because she thinks she's unwanted by her father after the death of her birth mother. She is selfless and volunteers in every given opportunity. After she realizes her father’s hidden love for her, she is determined to help clear the misunderstanding between Zuo Qiuchi with her father. Lu Xiaoyu has amazing acrobatic talents. As Wenren Juan, she showcases her trained talents in the beginning episodes. All her moves are so beautiful and elegant.

Zuo Qiuchi’s and Wenren Juan’s romance starts from the first episode of the story. Throughout the drama, they are by each other’s side constantly, solving crimes and mysteries together. Their relationship is cute and at the same time, not unlike a parent/child dynamic as Zuo Qiuchi is obviously the more mature character since he’s gone through more ups and downs in life, whereas Wenren Juan is a well-sheltered girl in a wealthy family. Zuo Qiuchi is protective of her and teaches her with great patience and helps her grow.

The acting by other cast members is equally convincing in particular the Fu Yuan Zhi (Huang Xuan Wen) character. He is tormented at the same time wicked. The actor really brings out all the traits and emotions in the character, making the viewers despise and empathize with him.

I have also enjoyed watching a baby emperor who is ultra-intelligent and is not controlled by anyone as a puppet. This is very refreshing and I love the moments whenever the Emperor comes on screen. This drama also brings us a very loved and inspiring second couple, Hang Ru Xue (Xie Bin Bin) and Qing He (Yan Yi Yi). Together with our OTP, they form the most solid friendship that can be trusted with their own lives.

My Verdict
The dialogues are simplistic and idealistic. The plot is not complex. There are a few tropes and a evil sister. Despite some insignificant flaws, this is an enjoyable light series. The sword fighting choreography is amazing and usually found only in great wuxia dramas. The cinematography exceeds many of similar genre, with quite a few intelligent and inspiring scenes. It also brings out the typical parenting in Asian families – pressures the youngsters get and not being rewarded with comforting words from their parents. Most of all, it focuses on the inequality and morality of the society we still live in.

Don’t let this drama go unnoticed. This is a great watch!

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Witty, Humorous and Happy

Set in the Song Dynasty, Perfect Match follows the unwavering Madam Li as she embarks on a singular mission: securing the best possible husbands for her daughters—no matter what it takes. Widowed and left to raise five daughters, a son, and an adopted daughter on her own, Madam Li’s resilience is tested time and again. Tragedy strikes when her young son vanishes after an accident, leaving his fate uncertain. To make matters worse, the family is ruthlessly stripped of their home and possessions by greedy relatives.

Rather than succumbing to despair, Madam Li instills in her daughters a sense of unity, independence, and fearlessness—qualities rarely seen in women of their time. Her daughters grow into strong-willed, capable young women, standing in stark contrast to the traditionally meek and homebound women of the era.

Determined to rebuild their lives, Madam Li moves the family to Bianjing (Kaifeng), the capital city, where they start anew. Together, they establish an eatery directly across from the most prestigious restaurant in town. With each daughter contributing her unique skills, their business flourishes, proving that perseverance and family unity can overcome any hardship.

A Mother’s Role in Marriage
In ancient times, a parent’s duty extended beyond raising children—it included arranging advantageous marriages. Madam Li is no exception. However, unlike many parents of the era, she carefully selects husbands who will not only elevate the family’s status but also truly cherish her daughters. The daughters, though dutiful, are not passive in this process; each love story unfolds with mutual admiration and heartfelt connections.

The drama weaves together these individual love stories with humor, charm, and intrigue. As one couple’s journey concludes, they gracefully step into the background, allowing the next romance to take center stage. This seamless transition keeps the narrative fresh and engaging throughout.

Characters and Performances
I have no complaints about the acting—everyone delivers their roles convincingly, and I can’t get enough of the main characters.

Madam Li (Ni Hong Jie) – The Unyielding Matriarch
Madam Li is an extraordinary woman for her time—fierce, shrewd, and devoted to her daughters. Having lost everything to greedy relatives, she rebuilds her life through sheer willpower and business acumen. Despite being known as a "shrew" in her neighborhood, her daughters adore her, returning home often for family reunions—an unusual dynamic in a time when married daughters rarely visited their maternal homes. Their bond is a testament to her unwavering love and sacrifice.

Shou Hua (Liu Xie Ning) – The Strategist
The eldest daughter, Shou Hua, is a widow—intelligent, reserved, and deeply thoughtful. A natural strategist, she offers wise counsel to her sisters. She agrees to remarry as per her mother’s wishes, and fate rewards her with Du Yang Xi (Chen He Yi), a brilliant scholar who tops the imperial examination and rises to prominence as a government official.

Fu Hui (Wu Xuan Yi) – The Matriarch-in-the-Making
Married into a wealthy family, Fu Hui’s husband, Fan Liang Han (Huang Sheng Chi), is naive and childlike, often yielding to her authority. Despite living under her in-laws’ roof, she establishes herself as the true head of the household.

Kang Ning (Lu Yu Xiao) – The Sharp-Tongued Twin
Kang Ning, twin to the lost brother, is quick-witted with a razor-sharp tongue. She clashes with Chai An (Wang Xing Yue), a proud and cunning businessman who owns the rival restaurant across the street. Their fiery banter and stubborn personalities make for an entertaining and endearing romance.

Hao De (Ke Ying) – The Pure-Hearted 4th Child
Unlike her outspoken sisters, Hao De is kind, naive, and sincere. She falls for Shen Hui Zhao (Liang Yong Qi), the stern and incorruptible magistrate of Kaifeng. With numerous enemies plotting against him, Shen vows never to marry, fearing for his wife’s safety. However, Hao De’s unwavering honesty and warmth gradually melt his icy exterior.

Le Shan (Huangyang Tian Tian) – The Fearless Youngest Daughter
Le Shan despises the powerful who prey on the weak. Ironically, she ends up marrying Yang Xian (Winwin), a wealthy man she initially detests. Over time, she discovers his hidden vulnerabilities, and their rocky relationship gradually evolves into a deep and meaningful bond.

The Sons-in-Law Alliance
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Perfect Match is the camaraderie among the sons-in-law. They form their own alliance, frequently gathering at Chai An's restaurant to strategize, support one another, and solve both family and external conflicts. It is deeply satisfying to watch a group of intelligent, upstanding men work together, balancing their individual strengths to navigate the challenges that arise. Their interactions add depth to the drama, showcasing the importance of partnership—not just in marriage, but in brotherhood as well.

My Favorite Son-in-Law: Shen Hui Zhao
Among all the sons-in-law, Shen Hui Zhao stands out as my favorite. As the eldest of the group, he embodies righteousness and unwavering integrity. In court, his cold, unreadable demeanor strikes fear into wrongdoers. Yet, in private, his subtle smirks reveal a hidden tenderness, making his character all the more compelling.

My Favorite Couple: Le Shan & Yang Xian
Every couple in this drama is well-matched, but the most intriguing transformation belongs to Le Shan and Yang Xian. Initially despised by everyone—including the audience—Yang Xian evolves into a devoted and responsible husband, while Le Shan matures into a woman who learns to love and respect him. Their journey is one of the most satisfying arcs in the series.

Final Thoughts
Perfect Match is a refreshing, witty and heartwarming drama. It is not a mindless comedy, but a story of resilience, love, and familial strength. Despite the hardships the Li family endures, they stand united, facing challenges with intelligence and unwavering support for one another.

With the addition of their capable sons-in-law, the family gains even more strength, proving that love and partnership can be powerful tools against injustice. Amidst crime, danger, and false accusations, they emerge victorious, stronger than ever.

If you enjoy well-written dramas with intelligent humor, compelling romances, and strong female leads, Perfect Match is a must-watch.

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It's Hard to be a Phoenix

"Beauty of Resilience" is an enchanting tale of love between a phoenix and a son of God, intertwined with themes of duty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of immortality. In a world where chaos looms over the three realms, the forbidden romance between a beautiful phoenix, disguised as a human girl, and a handsome young man, burdened with the task of ending her existence, takes center stage. As their love transcends time and challenges, they must navigate a treacherous path of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of power. Unbeknownst to everyone, the fateful mission to kill the phoenix is driven by a personal obsession for immortality, setting the stage for a series of life-altering choices.

As the story unfolds, the true motivations behind the decree to kill the phoenix are revealed. It is discovered that the insatiable desire for immortality drives the selfish personal obsession of the one in power. The phoenix possesses a mysterious spirit flower called "hua rong", capable of enhancing its power and granting immortality. This misguided and deadly fixation wreaks havoc on the lives of the main characters, causing them to experience a rollercoaster of emotions, including love, hate, happiness, pain, gains, loss, togetherness, and separation, across multiple lifetimes.

Ju Jingyi delivers a convincing performance, taking on multiple roles throughout the series. As Wei Zhi, a humble and low self-esteemed maid servant with a mysterious power, she embarks on a journey that leads her to the cultivator academy. Her portrayal captures the essence of Wei Zhi's transformation into a phoenix, showcasing a delicate balance between strength and vulnerability. However, in her role as Sima Wangyue, a male military general, Ju Jingyi's feminine appearance becomes a noticeable aspect, though her ability to deceive the entire army is reminiscent of the conventions in Chinese cross-dressing dramas. Nevertheless, her overall performance remains commendable and believable, despite her lack of character change as she assumes the roles of the sacred lady of the demonic sect and the demon queen.

Guo Junchen's portrayal of Yan Yue is commendable, showcasing his versatility as an actor through multiple character interpretations. However, there are instances where the writing of his characters seems inconsistent and confusing. In his role as the conflicted lover tasked with killing the phoenix, his lack of emotional display during crucial moments leaves the audience longing for a deeper connection with his internal struggles.

The drama introduces several memorable supporting characters, adding depth to the storyline. Yi Er, portrayed by Lu Tingyu, captures hearts with her bubbly personality as an explorative cook betrothed to Yan Yue. Liu Dongqin's Mu Nan, the secret admirer turned demon chief who is unable to laugh, and Lin Fengsong's reluctant sit-in heavenly king, Yan Luo, also bring unique elements to the narrative. Additionally, Zhang Zhihao as Ou Ya, the wolf, and Song Xinran as Lan Su, the fox, add intrigue and depth to the story. On the other hand, the antagonists, portrayed as atrocious and hateful, provide a sense of relief when their fate is sealed. However, their actions also result in the loss of beloved side characters, which feels like a missed opportunity for more nuanced storytelling.

The drama excels in its authentic and visually stunning portrayal of the settings, costumes, and overall production design. While the headgears worn by Ju Jingyi may appear distracting in some scenes, the attention to detail and commitment to authenticity are praiseworthy.

My Verdict

One recurring flaw in the story lies in the characters' repetitive experiences and their failure to learn from past mistakes, resulting in a somewhat predictable narrative. Additionally, the presence of loose ends, plot holes, and weak logical explanations can detract from the overall viewing experience. The ending leaves certain aspects of the main characters' fate ambiguous, leaving the audience wondering if Wei Zhi and Yan Yue have returned to a time where their lives can begin anew without the burden of the phoenix. Furthermore, the conclusion for Yi Er feels far-fetched and some of the side characters' untimely deaths seem unnecessary, suggesting a lack of creativity in the writing process.

Despite these shortcomings, " Beauty of Resilience" remains an engaging drama, albeit with less humor and a heavier emphasis on evoking emotional responses from viewers. Although it may not have garnered favorable ratings on MDL, it still deserves recognition as a decent production with compelling performances and an intriguing storyline.

In conclusion, " Beauty of Resilience" is a captivating love story that explores themes of sacrifice and redemption within a fantastical realm. Its visually appealing aesthetics and committed performances make it a worthy addition to the genre. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this enchanting tale of love and fate.

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Epic Production. Absolutely Intriguing & Captivating!

The Qin Dynasty Epic depicts the odyssey of Qin Shi Huang aka Ying Zheng (259 BC – 210 BC) from childhood to the time when he became the First Emperor of China (221 BC). The drama is enthralling and fascinating. Over the years, there have been many other movies and dramas made about Qin Shi Huang. Whether this account comes any closer to the actual truth is anybody’s guess. For me, this story is captivating and has successfully put all the events and historical figures into the perspective that can be easily understood by the viewers.

Being a novice, I’m in no place to judge the accuracy of the story with the actual historical account. Traditional Chinese historians have always depicted Ying Zheng as a brutal tyrant who burned books, buried scholars alive, feared death and was obsessed in seeking elixir for immortality. Many of the writings are fragmented, inconsistent, and unable to reconcile with logic and actions. In recent years, historians are beginning to acknowledge the inconsistencies and misleading accounts, and reevaluate how we view Qin Shi Huang.

In Sima Qian’s Shi Ji (Records of the Grand Historian) of which many historical writers based their writings on, the inconsistencies were glaring. In it, two accounts were provided for Ying Zheng’s birth father, one was Ying Yiren and the other Lǚ Buwei. Other controversies include the burning of books and killing of scholars. It is not hard to see the motive behind the controversies. Different ideologies or justification of own existence, among others, may have led to biased accounts of events and truth. Later historians found that Sima Qian may not have been objective as he was a Confucianist who opposed to Ying Zeng’s Legalism ideology, therefore his account made against the first Emperor cannot be given much historical weight. They (the historians) feel the text was likely written to smear the emperor, justifying their own existence.

This drama tries to look at Qin Shi Huang from a different angle, emphasizing on his achievements, piecing together all the events and historical figures that have been officially documented. What I see is a benevolent genius of compassion and wisdom with unlimited patience and vision. He’s a man with love and blood, not as depicted for 2,000 years as a coldblooded monster. This new account is enlightening because it explains a lot of the missing pieces and joins the dots of logic and actions.

Qin Shi Huang shows wisdom of a modern-day politician. He recruits talents from all over the land including non-Qins. He favors meritocracy over nepotism and entitlements. He doesn’t emphasize on rituals and traditions, instead he values law codes which don’t change according to family or parochialism. The goal unification is constantly on his mind and brought up in almost every conversation with his generals and ministers. The drama shows how he maneuvers and outwits his opponents. He uses embargoes, espionage, sabotages and any conniving and deceptive strategies to undermine and weaken other states. Together with his strategists who made up of his most trusted generals and ministers, they read their enemies like a book and strike them at their weakest points. Having the best minds working for him, Qin State always comes up winning against the other states even with them forming alliances against Qin. Many of such historical figures and actions in the drama were well documented, and the timeline matches the sequence of events in the drama perfectly.

Watching Ying Zheng reminds me of watching Mei Changsu in “Nirvana in Fire” who always works with seamless plans and capable people. To conquer other states is like playing a game of chess, his generals and ministers brainstorm with him. They understand his mind and work with him in unison – they all have one goal – unification. It is really very interesting to see how crafty, deceptive and conniving each is and together they play their adversaries into their traps. The desperation of each state to remain alive catches the viewers’ sympathy, and yet we all know that they’re doomed.

The Characters and The Acting
This drama boasts an enormous cast with, among others, soldiers, generals, ministers, palace attendants, and most of all, prominent characters from various states. Despite having such a huge budget, I was disappointed with the selection of actors playing the juvenile Ying Zheng. It was confusing to watch a 3 year-old future emperor in a 9 year-old body, and then a 9 year-old in a 15 year-old body, worst, a 13 years old king in a 40 year-old body and voice. However, when Ying Zheng becomes a grown adult, Zhang Luyi becomes a perfect Qin Shi Huang. According to some account describing Ying Zheng’s look, he was said to have a tall bridge with pointed nose, and sharp eyes. Zhang Luyi fits that description perfectly. With his regal charisma, he and Qin Shi Huang become one. Seeing the earnest in his eyes, feeling his turmoil, torments and predicament, the viewers feel his loneliness and empathize with him. Zhang Luyi has rewritten history by giving the viewers a brilliant and benevolent ruler.

There are so many lovable and respectable characters here. Duan Yihong’s Lǚ Buwei is simply brilliant and convincing. What an incredible performance here by the actor. Li Si is another important character and Li Naiwen’s performance renders me speechless; he is believable and immaculate. My other favorite characters include Yao Gu, Dun Ruo, even the despicable characters such as Lao Ai (we had had a field day with him) and Guo Kai because both the acting and the characters themselves are incredible to watch and fascinating. All the characters have their flaws and strengths and the whole cast has successfully captured every single detail and performed to their best. A big kudo to the whole cast.

The OSTs (Official Sound Tracks)
We hear drum beats for the opening music. It’s solemn and heart pounding, grandiose and mysterious. The closing music is agonizing, resigned with dream and vision. I love the verses the Qin soldiers sing in unison. The male chorus is somber and touching, bringing viewers back to the ancient times of more than 2,000 years ago.

My Verdict
This is a serious and heavy drama that can be dry for some viewers who are not into Chinese history. For me, this is one of the best dramas I’ve ever watched with no noticeable plot holes nor flaws. The Qin Dynasty Epic is definitely a very difficult drama to make. The number of actors, horses, costumes and logistics used here is mind boggling. The war scenes are epic and breath-taking with war machines, spears and arrows, soldiers and horses, and everything is believable and impressive. This drama is really an eye opening experience into ancient China more than 2,000 years ago.

It is amazing to see how much legacy Qin has left in modern China and the nations around it including Korea and Japan; the name China has come from the character Qin. How the story is being written, putting all the fragmented accounts into proper place and being linked together, is simply a work of art. The writing is tight and immaculate. Superb cinematography with beautiful and awe-inspiring scenes makes this drama second to none.

I watched all 78 episodes without skipping a beat because every moment is pivotal and absorbing. How Ying Zheng has led his strategists and generals in trapping and playing out their adversaries is really an intriguing and convincing watch. Upon completion of this drama, my afterthought is, how a great man as such succumbed to his eventual untimely ending. Like most of us, his fear of death and quest for eternity become one of the keys to the downfall of his short-lived dynasty.

If you are a history buff and can stomach atrocities, cruelty and bloodshed, you would definitely enjoy this drama. This is a must-watch for all who love history, in particular Chinese history.

TWO THUMBS UP!

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Sweet & delightful story, top notched acting, wonderful bromance

This drama is adapted from a very popular Japanese manga (comic) which was later also made into an anime (cartoon) in the early 2000s. The adapted story tells the struggle in bringing awareness of weiqi and retaining interests in the game among the youths, and the arduous path to fame and glory for the successful players. Weiqi is also known as GO in Japan and Baduk in Korea.

Despite being one of the oldest board games and was started in China more than 2,500 years ago, weiqi has not received a lot of attention, especially among the Chinese youths who favor Chinese chess. For years, Korea has been the champion and in recent years China produces multiple world class players to challenge the champions. Weiqi is a must-have and common item in all Chinese historical dramas today. All emperors, scholars, officials and generals are expected to be well versed at the game.

What seemingly a very simple board game, using only any drawn grid boards or tiles on the ground with any black and white pieces, weiqi is one of the most complex games. There are no complicated pieces, no complicated moves. Anyone can play it anywhere, any time. And yet it can be challenging and difficult to master. For me, weiqi is a philosophy; it helps us realize many analogies in life and understand the philosophy of life. It has no restrictive form and yet there is a name for every position on the board and a term for every action a player takes; it is intriguing and mesmerizing.

All the actors are unrecognizable to me, but their acting is one of the best - natural and believable. Shi Guang (played by Hu Xian Xu) is just like a kid in your neighborhood. He’s not very fond of academic work and fully absorbed into his toy cars (when he was a little boy). He is restless and at times, reckless, but he is the most endearing character who has great dynamics with everyone he encounters. Often, he is unintentionally funny.

When the spirit of Chu Ying (played by Zhang Chao aka Juck Zhang) appears to him, they become friends. Chu Ying uses Shi Guang as a medium to play weiqi, and his first opponent is Yu Liang (Hao Fu Shen) who is the youngest and the best weiqi player and his (Yu Liang’s) father is the nation’s number one weiqi player. To Yu Liang’s dismay, he loses the game and it is the most unforgettable event for him. He vows to work harder and wins back his honor. Since Shi Guang is not interested in weiqi in the first place and doesn’t want to be used by Chu Ying, he refuses to comply to Chu Ying’s instructions in playing the game. Chu Ying disappears. For years Shi Guang is happy with his life and has forgotten about Chu Ying until one day he’s back playing weiqi again in high school. Chu Ying returns. This time, they become pals. Chu Ying teaches Shi Guang all the skills, polishing him up for competitions. They love each other and they are inseparable. Chu Ying is Shi Guang’s angel but others think Shi Guang is having an active imagination and an imaginary friend. The path to become a professional player is covered with challenges and obstacles as Shi Guang finds out. Like all other weiqi players, his daily life is mundane; he plays weiqi eating, sleeping and all the time. I wish the drama has focused and showed the viewers more on how he has won playing with the more seasoned players with his strategic and unconventional moves. Unfortunately, all these are skipped and we only know of the results at the end of the competitions.

When the time comes and he has to leave, Chu Yin leaves without saying goodbye. Shi Guang is devastated. He grieves for the loss of a good friend who is also a part of him. For months, he’s lost, rendering him dropping out of weiqi. He returns when he realizes Chu Ying is now in his weiqi; they have become one.

Hu Xian Xu’s acting here is amazing. He captures the whole essence of the character of Shi Guang who is a happy-go-lucky kid with not much on his mind. He loves his friends but at the same time, mischievous to everyone. He may not be intelligent academically, but he is quick witted and can always find a way out of his predicament. His final few episodes are heart wrenching, crying for the loss of his soulmate, and I cry with him. Hu Xian Xu’s acting is so natural and so authentic, making the viewers laugh and love him.

Chu Ying is the spirit of an ancient weiqi player who is being slandered and whose name disgraced. He comes to Shi Guang by accident and piques Shi Guang’s interest in weiqi. They form a formidable alliance and become soulmates. For years, he helps Shi Guang realizing his potential. To others, Shi Guang seems like having an imaginary friend, speaking to himself and playing with himself all the time. The scenes are sweet and funny.

Zhang Chao’s depiction of Chu Ying is commendable. His portrayal is so real and makes the character such a lovable and beautiful ghost for all to enjoy. The contrast in their outfits is just so hilarious and yet so outstanding. His chemistry with Hu Xian Xu is undeniable.

Shi Guang has many buddies like Hong He (Zhao Hao Hong) and Shen Yi Lang (Sun Can), but none have the chemistry like he has with Yu Liang (Hao Fu Shen). Though they have met each other in episode one, they have not been together until the final episode when they are building a double team for the world championship. They bicker and banter a lot like young boys do, but their chemistry is amazing. I wish they have shown the scenes how the duo beat other renown weiqi couples with their unspoken communication, a look in the eyes, reading each other’s body language. For Yu Liang, Shi Guang is the light that brightens him up, and with his brightness, Shi Guang shines (their names).

This drama deals in depth with the relationships of Shi Guang with his mother, with Yu Liang, with his friends, and most of all, with his teacher, Chu Ying. It is delightful, funny, humorous and meaningful. The characters are flawed, interesting and well developed. This is one of the dramas that I’ve enjoyed thoroughly. It is also one of the very few that respects viewers’ intelligence. I love how they use the child actors for juveniles Shi Guang and Yu Liang, both children have resemblances of the older Shi Guang and Yu Liang, and the kid actors are adorable and great in their acts. I find myself smiling from episode one until the last. My only qualm is perhaps with the fan that Chu Ying has left for Shi Guang. I wish the writer has done it differently than giving a physical object of Chu Ying to tell the viewers that Chu Ying has never left Shi Guang but with him in his weiqi. I would love to have thought there has never been a Chu Ying but an inner voice of an unwoken prodigy. But with the fan, this has ruined the scenario for me; Chu Ying does exist but it’s hard to fathom how his immaterial fan materializes and becomes a solid object in front of Shi Guang.

Seeing the dedication of each player, their respect for each other and their humbleness, really makes my heart warm and brings a warm tear to my eyes. Winning is not everything, but the process in taking part in a competition is the most exhilarating experience one can enjoy. As with everything we may do in life, winning doesn’t really mean success and losing doesn’t really mean failure; it’s how we look at winning and losing.

As the world moves towards popular culture, ancient board games such as weiqi is being forgotten. Like ancient languages, fewer and fewer people know how to play and have the interest in weiqi. This drama tries to create awareness of the most wonderful game and promote interest among the youths. I hope after this drama, more people pick up playing weiqi. As for me, I am definitely doing so, crossing out one of the items which has been on my bucket list forever.

My verdict
This drama does not have all the big names, and yet it is well written and performed. The attention to details, in particular the norms of the era, is both immaculate and applaudable. This is an endearing and my most favorite non rom-com drama that evolves around weiqi and competitions. Even if viewers think weiqi is not their favorite subject, this drama is still an amazing watch because the story is so well told, the acting is fabulous and authentic, and the subject weiqi is deep and fascinating.

Some viewers have complained the final few episodes that the director has spent too much time dwelling into Shi Guang's pain and his breaking down. I actually love this breaking down period. It's a period of discovery and realization for him; I feel many people have missed that element here and therefore couldn't understand what the director's intention is. I wish the director has also delved further into Shi Guang's relationship with Yu Liang after Chu Ying, how the duo have communicated with each other silently, especially during their double competitions. Their body language part is too short and shallow without the depth like how it's been done for others.

This is a drama that deserves to be on everyone’s to-watch list. Strongly recommended.

TWO THUMBS UP!

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Two thumbs up. Strongly recommended!

Finally, I completed watching this drama, almost 6 months after its airing. My delay in completing this drama was not only because it’s a long drama of over 70 episodes, but also for other reasons. This is a drama that is totally different from most other historical dramas – in visuals, sound effects, costumes, etiquettes, how people speak, how real families lived more than 1,000 years ago, to name a few. Unlike most historical Chinese dramas which emphasize on its beautiful eye-catching costumes, unreal politics and dramatic effects, “The Story of Ming Lan” tries to depict how the Chinese society was like more than 1,000 years ago. The producers even used the sepia tone effect to capture the mood, making it even more so authentic. How accurate such depiction is to actual life in that era perhaps only historians can tell.

The real reason for my delay was how much I relished this drama that I didn’t want to simply skimp through the episodes without truly understanding and appreciating every nuance of the story. I researched into Chinese history of the Song Dynasty, in particular during that era, and tried to understand its social ethics and geo-politics.

The period depicted in this drama is a very interesting one, with political turmoil and constant worries of foreign invasion from the north. All these political upheaval and socio-cultural scenes were captured realistically in the drama.

I love the OST of this drama, sung at the end of the episodes. The lyrics (also the Chinese title of this drama) was from a poem by a very famous female poet, Li Qingzhao, during that era. She was a rare breed, not only living in a suppressive environment in the Chinese society, also in the world. Her poems were mostly very free-spirited or of care-free style, something unthinkable from a woman of that era in that society.

It is painful to see how women were oppressed and suppressed in the orthodox conservative Chinese society, and such treatment of women is still prevalent in many modern societies. The glaring injustice in gender inequality is so entrenched in most cultures that it is literally an uphill battle if one wants to change it. Sadly, a lot of the enhancers for the inequality are also women themselves. On the brighter side, the current trend in women liberty is very encouraging especially in the western world. I hope, we will one day, truly achieve equality for all.

This drama is truly a gem, and one deserved to be watched and relished by all.

Two thumbs up. Strongly recommended!

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Behind Every Great Man, There's a 'Great' (?) Woman

If we want to talk about a story with a woman behind the man, this is it. As he is fighting the enemies on the battle fields, she defends the people and herself back at home. When all resorts are exhausted to save everyone, her hero appears in the nick of time and save the day. This drama is nail-biting with antagonists lurking in the dark and protagonists trying to stay alive.

The story is told from the perspective of A’Wu or Wang Xuan (portrayed by Zhang Zi Yi) who is the wife of our main lead Xiao Qi (portrayed by Zhou Yi Wei). The drama is intense and action packed, punctuated by love scenes between the couple. During the tumultuous period when wars constantly break out with nearby kingdoms, uprisings of various warlords, noble families controlling all the power rendering the emperor a toothless tiger, and marriages between powerful noble and royal families in garnering more power are the norms, a notable character arises.

The Characters and Acting
Xiao Qi (Zhou Yi Wei) has come from a lowly background. He’s strategic and a brilliant general who has never lost a war because of his leadership, prowess and his united army. To him, his men are his brothers-in-arm and he treasures every one of them. When they’re fallen, he sheds tears for them and takes care of their families with his own personal finance. In return, all his men are loyal to him and will die for him. With a calm and composed demeanor even under the most dire situations, he has an indepth and far sighted vision that no one can match; he is confident, secure and formidable. Devoted to only his one and only wife, his love for her is sincere and with respect. She is his soulmate and his brother-in-arm.

Many viewers are disappointed to see Zhou Yi Wei being chosen for the role because he is not one of those pale face, pin waist, young and good-looking actors. For me, Zhou Yi Wei is my perfect general as he nails the role as Xiao Qi. Naturally tanned and not particularly handsome in today’s standard in the entertainment world, Zhou Yi Wei’s portrayal is refreshing and authentic with a calm, gentle, quiet and yet firm and commanding aura. Without a fearsome face that most Chinese dramas like to associate a general with, Zhou Yi Wei’s Xiao Qi is a real human.

Wang Xuan or A’Wu is a pampered girl by all around her, including the Emperor and her own family. She has never tasted a bit of hardship, let alone pain. Everything is all laid out perfectly for her. But she’s not the type who would take orders from authority; she challenges them. As she begins to see how she’s been used in politics, she distances herself from it, including cutting ties with her own father. She is very clear that she would not be used by anyone, and her husband will always come first when she’s forced to make a choice.

Despite many viewers criticizing Zhang Zi Yi’s age of 40 playing the role of a 15-year-old A’Wu, I feel she has done pretty well, and is amazingly awesome visually as a grown-up Wang Xuan. Unlike most spoiled princessly characters we see in other dramas, Zhang Zi Yi’s portrayal subdues the brattiness of A’Wu (who is supposed to be really spoilt by everyone including by the Emperor), making her lovable and not annoying as in others. After her marriage, she matures fast, and becomes elegant and somber, fitting the role of a future consort. And I have to commend that she has the most beautiful couture in Chinese historical dramas; each of her outfits is long, draggy, flowing, beautifully designed with amazing color coordination and patterns, enhancing the natural beauty of Zhang Zi Yi. I have to also admit I like the A'Wu character but do not love it, and Zhang Zi Yi's acting is not as stellar as I have hoped: when she's supposed to be happy, she's not; when she's supposed to be sad, she's neither - she always has the same expressions.

The acting by other cast members is fabulous. I have really enjoyed watching the crafty older Emperor and his relationship with his wife and A’Wu, and the other despicable characters and antagonists. Though acting as supporting roles, their skills are commendable and have put up their best performance and this is reflected in the quality of the overall production. I must point out that the writing of some of the characters is inconsistent and can be confusing for viewers - it's hard to fathom why the characters keep switching their values throughout the drama.

The Official Sound Tracks (OSTs)
This drama produces some of the most beautiful songs. I love both the opening and closing songs, ‘Shang Yang Fu’ (title song) and ‘The End of the World’, the latter with Zhou Shen (he's a man) singing the female voice so beautifully and touchingly.

My Verdict
The war scenes with warriors on horsebacks are breathless, awesome, and fearsome. With heart pounding war music and panoramic landscape, the cinematography is epic. I love the romance of the main couple here. It’s a love built on trust, respect, patience and honesty. The couple is open to each other, and have always aligned their own values with the other. There could be some flaws here and there, but the story is overall rather intriguing and of very high quality.

Having said that, I have to admit I'm not emotionally attached to this drama like I have for others. The story is good but has not captured nor touched my heart. For new viewers, this drama is a good watch if you can look pass the ages of the main actors.

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Tears, Humor, Love & Stunning Looking Actors

After a hiatus of more than a year from watching dramas, I was eager to dive into something captivating. Fangs of Fortune caught my eye, largely because I’ve enjoyed Neo Hou’s performances in his previous works. All the stunningly good looking main cast members have also attracted me. However, the 4.9 rating on Douban gave me pause. Still, knowing how meme bots, stealth accounts and contemporary competing dramas can skew ratings hence opinions in today's world, I decided to take the plunge.

I’m glad I did. For the past two weeks, I’ve been immersed in a breathtaking journey with a group of closely knitted friends who love and trust each other, and willing to die for each other. Almost 100% of the dialog time between our main characters, the actors have tears streaming down their faces as the writer(s) and directors try to capture viewers' heart. The sheer volume of tears is astonishing—this is, without a doubt, the most tear-filled series from the actors I’ve ever watched. It felt like every conversation started and ended in tears, to the point where crying became so normal that it lost its emotional impact on me.

Storyline
The plot is surprisingly compelling. It revolves around a love story between a demon who has a conscience and a human girl, exploring themes of redemption, transformation, and the power of love. Another human who vows vengence against the demon, but becomes empathizing with the demon as he turns into one himself. The story takes the characters through harrowing trials, strengthening their bonds and forcing them to grow amidst relentless antagonists who seem nearly invincible.

If not for the hints of romance between the demon and the girl, viewers might mistake the dynamic between the two male leads for a bromance, which is one of my most enjoyable moments. It's heartening to see a deep confidant friendship between the two main male characters.

While the central narrative relies on familiar xianxia tropes, the journey itself is engaging. The characters' struggles, setbacks, and triumphs create a tapestry of perseverance and emotional growth.

The Characters
I thoroughly enjoyed all the characters, but I was particularly drawn to Zhu Yan/Zhao Yuan Zhou (Neo Hou) and Zhuo Yi Chen (Tian Jia Rui). Their interactions are captivating, and the chemistry between them is both endearing and compelling. Despite Zhuo Yi Chen's vow to kill Zhao Yuan Zhou for vengeance and Zhao Yuan Zhou's desire to sacrifice himself for redemption, their emotional struggles are portrayed so authentically that viewers can't help but be moved as their relationship evolves into a deep bond of mutual understanding and trust.

Although Wen Xiao (Chen Du Ling) is a main character meant to complement Zhao Yuan Zhou, her role feels comparatively weak, ultimately overshadowed by the more dynamic presence of Zhuo Yi Chen.

I also found myself appreciating the character of Li Lun (Yan An), despite his role as the antagonist. His character elicits a complex mix of emotions—hatred intertwined with pity—as his tragic backstory gradually comes to light, adding depth and nuance to his character.

Performances
The acting is another highlight. The young cast is talented, particularly the two male leads, who deliver strong performances and exhibit great potential for their careers. The ensemble cast is full of visually striking actors, making even the villains such as Li Lun, Fei, Ran Yi, Cheng Huang etc charismatic and memorable.

Dialogue and Humor
The dialogue is often predictable and at times even childish, but as I settled into the story, I began to find its quirks endearing. There’s a paradoxical charm in the light-hearted humor that surfaces during dire situations. The rivalry between the two alpha male leads, for instance, injects a layer of amusement as they constantly try to outdo each other and earn approval, eliciting genuine chuckles from viewers.

Visuals and Special Effects
As is typical of xianxia dramas, the fight scenes are fast-paced and visually dazzling, with special effects that are remarkably well-executed. The visuals are well polished, and the characters, even the demon antagonists, are stunningly portrayed. With the flip of a coin, the pace slows, allowing viewers a moment to catch their breath. These slower, dialogue-heavy scenes often unfold with an abundance of tears from our characters, adding an emotional weight that permeates the narrative.

Music
As a fan of Chinese historical music, the OST is a major draw for me. The songs are beautiful, especially Zhao Yuan Zhou’s character song which is my favorite. The lyric is deeply moving and capture the essence of the character, allowing listeners to visualize the emotions and scenes of the character even without context.

Ending and Final Thoughts
Like many dramas in this genre, Fangs of Fortune doesn’t shy away from bittersweet endings. Some beloved characters meet untimely fates, which might leave viewers with heavy hearts. If you’re someone who gets attached to characters, prepare for an emotional rollercoaster.

While there are occasional editing flaws—some scenes feel out of sequence or poorly spliced—the drama overall is enjoyable. If you can handle a few heartbreaks and a steady stream of tears, Fangs of Fortune is worth your time.

Two thumbs up! Great watch! Don't miss this great drama!

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大道无为 (Dàdào wúwéi) For The Noble Deeds

Since “Nirvana In Fire”, I have dreaded watching a grown-up Wu Lei (he was only 15/16 in Nirvana In Fire) because I fear his grown up image may ruin my fond memory of the juvenile Wu Lei as the Fei Liu (Nirvana In Fire) character. To my pleasant surprise, Wu Lei has grown up into a fine young man with a chiseled good look. Together with Dilraba who doesn’t seem like an ideal partner in the beginning, this drama has taken me by surprise and totally out of my expectation.

Adapted from a manhua (comic), the story begins at the Xuanwu Gate incident in 626 during the Tang Dynasty when Li Shimin assassinated his brother the Crown Prince, Li Jiancheng, and his younger brother, Prince Li Yuanji, and later became the emperor (Emperor Taizong) himself. This story is based on real historical events and people, interjected with fictional characters and incidents. The story is captivating, nail-biting and well told. The fictional parts fit in perfectly with the actual historical events.

Li Changge is a fictional character whose father was the Crown Prince assassinated by Li Shimin. She vows revenge. Her quest takes her through the plains to the steppes. She meets friends and foes. She loses ones she loves and meets new ones. Ultimately, she finds the love of her life whom she would sacrifice everything to be with.

Both Dilraba and Wu Lei were not on my favorite actor list. I also didn’t think very highly of the matching of the couple. I was so wrong. Here in this drama, both are amazing, in their acting and their styling. As Li Changge, Dilraba is strong, tough, decisive and strategic without the cringe-worthiness which I have always associated her with. The two strands of her hair become her trademark and is very pleasant to watch but criticized by some viewers. Whether dressed as a man or as a girl, Dilraba is beautiful and her acting is convincing. Wu Lei has an aura of a man with few words but a lot goes through his mind at every instant. As Ashile Sun, he’s extremely charismatic and authentic, looking stunning in tribal costumes with braids on horseback, fearsome and stunning in war helmet. With Li Changge, their chemistry is wonderful and reassuring.

My Verdict
I love all the characters, friends or foes. Each has a story and the cast is well selected. The acting is convincing and authentic. Some scenes can be heart wrenching and tear jerking. The pace is just right with actions and connivance packed for every episode, making the whole drama irresistible to watch. And the OSTs are some of the best.

Everything looks good until the fighting comes. The substitution of expensive scenes (such as wars) with cheap manhua blemishes this wonderful drama. For me, it hasn’t diminished my pleasure and would have given this a 10/10 had it not been the little blemish.

An absolutely wonderful drama. Highly recommended!

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Simple XianXia, Great ML, Awful FL

Love of Petals is a simple, easy-to-follow xianxia drama that’s perfect for a casual watch. It’s not trying to reinvent the wheel—just a straightforward story about love, sacrifice, and a world where humans, gods, and devils live side by side without any fuss. The drama dropped all 24 episodes at once, which is great if you’re the binge-watching type. But while the story has its charms, it’s held back by one big problem: the female lead just doesn’t fit the role.

The Story
The plot revolves around Gu Qing Cheng, a sweet little gardener who has a special talent for bringing plants back to life. Her dream is to become a flower goddess so she can go to heaven and see her parents again, who passed away when she was little. To do that, she needs to heal 9,999 dying plants. One day, she finds a dying peony in a graveyard, takes it home, and nurses it back to health. What she doesn’t know is that the peony is the original form of Lv Geng Yun, a half-god, half-devil who’s been through a lot. When the peony transforms into a man, they fall in love—but there’s a catch. His soul is now tied to hers, and if he takes it back, she could die. And without it, he could die too.

This creates a sense of urgency as Gu Qing Cheng goes through trials and tribulations to find a way to save Lv Geng Yun without losing her own life because Lv Geng Yun wouldn't let her to. Along the way, there’s an antagonist stirring up trouble, making their journey even harder.

What’s interesting about this drama is how casual the relationship between humans, gods, and devils is. Unlike other xianxia stories where humans are terrified of gods and devils, here they all just kind of live together. It’s normal for humans to bump into a goddess or a devil on the street, which gives the story a laid-back, almost cozy vibe.

The Characters and Acting
Here’s where things get a bit messy. The casting for the female lead is... not great.

Gu Qing Cheng (Li Lin Fei)
Gu Qing Cheng is supposed to be this cute, sunny, slightly naive girl who loves plants and has a big heart. But Li Lin Fei just doesn’t fit the role. She looks too mature for the part, and her acting doesn’t help. Her crying scenes feel awkward, and her overall vibe is more “serious adult” than “charming flower girl.” Her styling doesn’t do her any favors either—she often ends up looking like a Holland maid instead of a budding sweet flower goddess. There’s only one scene where she actually looks the part as a snobbish goddess, and it’s a dream that lasts about two minutes. It’s a shame because the character had so much potential, but Li Lin Fei just doesn’t bring it to life.

Lv Geng Yun (He Chang Xi)
Lv Geng Yun’s backstory is one of the more compelling parts of the drama. He’s the son of a flower goddess and the king of the devils—a union that was forbidden and ultimately led to his parents’ execution. Growing up in the heavenly realm, Lv Geng Yun is constantly bullied and ostracized because of his mixed heritage. The heavenly gods see him as an abomination, a living reminder of his mother’s “shameful” love for a devil. He’s punished regularly, treated like an outcast, and forced to endure the hatred of those around him.

When the heavenly realm finally condemns him and leaves him to die on earth, it’s almost a relief for him. He’s tired of the cruelty and hypocrisy of the gods, and he finds solace in the human world, where he’s free to live without judgment. That’s where he meets Gu Qing Cheng, who saves his life and shows him kindness he’s never experienced before. He Chang Xi does a fantastic job portraying Lv Geng Yun’s pain, anger, and eventual softening as he falls in love. His chemistry with the world and the supporting cast is great—it’s just a shame that his chemistry with the female lead is so lacking.

Supporting Cast
The side characters are actually pretty good. The second couple has a nice little storyline, and their chemistry is way better than the main couple’s. The villain is your typical meddling antagonist, but they do their job well enough.

The OST
One of the standout aspects of Love of Petals is its soundtrack. The OSTs are absolutely beautiful and perfectly capture the emotions of the story—love, longing, and separation. The songs are melodic and haunting, with lyrics that reflect the struggles and heartaches of the characters. Whether it’s the tender moments between Gu Qing Cheng and Lv Geng Yun or the bittersweet scenes of sacrifice and loss, the music enhances every emotional beat. It’s one of those soundtracks that stays with you long after the drama ends.

Final Thoughts
Love of Petals is a decent drama if you’re looking for something simple and easy to watch. The story is sweet, the concept of humans, gods, and devils living together is fun, and He Chang Xi is a great male lead. The urgency of the soul-sharing dilemma adds some tension, and Gu Qing Cheng’s efforts to save Lv Geng Yun give the plot some emotional weight. Lv Geng Yun’s backstory as a bullied outcast adds depth to his character, making him one of the highlights of the drama.

But the miscasting of Li Lin Fei as Gu Qing Cheng really drags the whole thing down. She doesn’t look or act the part, and it’s hard to get invested in the romance when the female lead feels so off.

If you can overlook that, it’s a nice little xianxia drama to pass the time. But if you’re looking for something with strong leads and great chemistry, this might not be it.

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A Ventriloquist in an Isekai

“Catch Up My Prince” is an isekai story in which the main characters enter into a game world and experience various events including falling in love. The ventriloquist here refers to Liu Yichang’s way of speaking. As this is not a serious historical palace story, the tone here lacks the usual palace decorum. The female lead behaves and speaks just like a modern-day youth, and a Cinderella story whereby a lowly maid becomes a prince consort. It’s quite an enjoyable watch which I had not expected.

Lu Ranran (Xu Ruohan) is a young doctor. One day while playing a virtue game in an ancient world, she is somehow trapped in the game world and unable to return to the real world until she completes the task of marrying one of the male characters. In the ancient world, she meets 4 princes. While searching for the one whom she likes the most to marry, she finds herself falling in love with the 4th Prince, Zhao Chenyi (Liu Yichang). Having spent a lot of time with Lu Renjia (Xu Ruohan), Lu Ranran’s character name in the game, Zhao Chenyi finds her different from other girls and begins to fall for her too. However, when Lu Renjia checks her dashboard for the princes’ fondness of her, she finds, while all princes are very fond of her, Zhao Chenyi’s fondness score remains at zero. No matter what Lu Renjia does, his score continues to stay at zero. Out of desperation, she agrees to marry any prince so that she can get out of the game, which she comes to regret and replay the game.

Though not a breath-taking beauty like other more popular actors, Xu Ruohan exudes an aura of modern-day youthfulness and optimism. Watching her feels natural and soothing, and her portrayal of Lu Renjia is lovable and convincing.

Looking cold and indifferent, Zhao Chenyi is actually a romantic and affectionate person. He puts up a front as a playboy so that he can be considered as useless by his enemies and stay away from palace politics. Hidden, he is waiting and planning to avenge his slain teacher together with the teacher’s surviving daughter whom he had rescued. Constantly he faces assassinations from his enemy. To safeguard Lu Renjia and to prevent her from being embroiled in his scheme, he repeatedly rejects Lu Renjia and sends her away to live in his brothers’ palaces so that she can be protected.

Visually, Liu Yichang’s portrayal is very good. Unfortunately, he lacks the appropriate facial expressions especially when he speaks; he is like a ventriloquist, speaking without moving his lips. Having said, I do like the Zhao Chenyi character though Liu Yichang’s performance is lacking.

There are multiple very interesting characters in the story, such as the Crown Prince and his beloved wife, the second prince who is cold and nasty but devoted to the Crown Prince, the eleventh prince who is inventive, playful, pure and innocent, the villain who is in love with Lu Renjia’s best friend, etc. The actors give an impressive performance with their respective roles.

My Verdict
As the story mainly revolves around a game, whatever plot holes there might be, they can be taken as deliberate, just as stop-start and replay in a game. Though not shown for some, most characters face their consequences at the end. Some plots remain open as the game continues even after the drama has ended. Whenever Lu Renjia makes a mistake or gets a result she doesn’t like, such as the death of a character, she presses replay and returns to the point where she could change her choice or the scenario, hence an alternative outcome. In the real world, we don’t have such luxury; when a choice is made, good or bad, we’ll have to face up to the consequence.

A fun and non-serious watch. Recommended for the fun.

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Perfect!

I started watching this series after a long day of work. My cloggy mind didn't allow me to digest the story properly. Heck! I couldn't even distinguish the bearded characters one from another; they all looked alike to me. This was such a heavy drama for me wanting something light and funny to end my day, so I put it aside. Then I read my good friend's, PeachBlossomGoddess's, amazing review. Her articulation and insightful analysis piqued my curiosity and encouraged me to pick this drama up again. I'm glad I did. Since then, there's no one moment that was not filled with heart pounding excitement, suspense and intrigues.

The Wind Blows From Longxi is not your normal Chinese historical drama with beautiful faces and costumes, light hearted dialogues or "wirefu" fighting scenes. There are no wuxia elements nor romance here. This drama is heavy, authentic, and fast moving, with vicious killings and amazingly believable combat scenes. The acting is immaculate. The plot is tight with plots within plots, and twists and turns. Every episode is nail-bitingly tensed and enjoyable.

Set in the Three Kingdoms period (220 to 280), some very famous historical figures such as Zhuge Liang, are featured (not main role), with the capital city of Chengdu, and the chants of restoration of the Han Dynasty are repeatedly echoed. The settings, costumes, decorum and some events follow closely the historical records though the main characters are fictional.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this drama. This is a must-watch for history buffs and anyone who loves spy stories and espionage, and values authentic acting and believable settings with great plot.

TWO THUMBS UP!

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A Revenge Story with Mystery That Keeps You Watching

At first, I thought The Legend of Zang Hai would be a treasure-hunt adventure, something like The Mummy (1999)—especially with a name like "Zang Hai" setting that kind of expectation. But it is actually a revenge story packed with political scheming. It tries to be Nirvana in Fire with all its twists and layered revenge plots, but the writing isn’t as tight or compelling. There’s also a romance subplot meant to soften the main character’s hardened heart, but it’s… divisive. Some viewers hate it, saying it feels forced and unnecessary, while others want more, complain it’s not developed enough.

The Story
When Zang Hai was a kid (around 10 years old), his entire family—all 14 of them—was murdered over a forbidden artifact called the Ghost Seal. Apparently, this thing can raise an undead army, so of course, everyone wants it. His father hid it, and even when the villains slaughtered his family to force him to talk, he never gave it up. Young Zang Hai (then called Zhi Nu) witnessed the whole thing from a hidden tunnel.

Later, a masked man rescues him, sends him to a secret sanctuary, and has his face altered so no one recognizes him. From then on, he’s raised with one purpose: revenge. The masked man constantly feeds him names of his enemies, and by the time Zang Hai grows up, he’s laser-focused on vengeance.

Fast-forward ten years—he returns to the capital, climbs the political ladder with insane speed (becoming a high-ranking official in just a year), and starts taking down his enemies one by one. Just when he thinks he’s finished, the masked man drops a bombshell: there’s a third killer involved.

Characters & Acting
Zang Hai (Xiao Zhan) is a genius—strategic and great at puzzles, always ten steps ahead of his enemies—but he also makes mistakes, which makes him a character with flaws. Xiao Zhan’s performance is solid, but I’ll be honest: I didn’t fall in love with his character (or him, for that matter). And that’s saying something because he’s usually one of my favorites! Surprisingly, the one who stole my heart was young Zang Hai (Zhi Nu), played by the incredibly talented child actor Jiang Rui Lin. He brought so much intelligence and curiosity to the role—way more charm than the adult version.

Then there’s Xiang An Tu (Zhang Jing Yi), a princess from Dong Xia sent as a hostage. Secretly, she runs a tea house that doubles as a shelter for women in need. She falls hard for Zang Hai, and though he’s cold at first, she eventually wears him down. Zhang Jing Yi does a decent job, but like with Zang Hai, I wasn’t blown away by either the character or the acting.

The real standouts? The villains. Huang Jue as Zhuang Lu Yin and Xing Min Shan as the creepy eunuch Cao Jiang Xian are fantastic. Their performances are so gripping, they almost make up for the weaker leads.

Final Thoughts
The biggest hook for me and many viewers was guessing the identities of the masked man and the third killer. Even by Episode 33, the show keeps viewers in the dark—is it the Emperor? the Dong Xia Queen? Deputy Minister Zhao? That other eunuch, Sun? The theories on MDL are wild, and the debates are heated.

Speaking of heated—Xiao Zhan’s fans are… intense. Some can’t handle any criticism of him and attack anyone who isn’t completely obsessed. Look, I get loving an actor, but it’s just a drama. We should be able to discuss it without turning it into a battlefield.

A lot of viewers dropped this show as it went on, and I get why. The writing isn’t always strong, and some performances are just okay. But that mystery—who’s behind everything?—keeps people watching.

The Legend of Zang Hai doesn’t come close to Nirvana in Fire (which had way more compelling characters and tighter storytelling), but it’s still an entertaining ride. Not a blockbuster, but a great watch!

Strongly recommended!

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Great Acting, Boring Story, Not Really a Sequel

Though anticipated, the ending of “One and Only” gives the viewers tears and broken hearts. Most have been waiting anxiously for its sequel “Forever and Ever” which is believed to have a happily-ever-after ending that is needed for closure. This drama (“Forever and Ever”) is originally a story about karma and reincarnation but as the Chinese government bans the reincarnation subject in all drama productions, this essential element becomes subdued, if not totally eliminated, rendering a great shift of the story away from its original work.

From the beginning, our main couple from “One and Only” meets and gets married, almost instantly in their modern lifetime. For three quarters of the drama, viewers are shown a chronicle of daily life of the newlyweds, with a hint of something nefarious lurking beneath what seemingly a blissful life. As much as I love watching the love development of the couple, I find the over extension of love play rather boring had it not for the exquisite ancestral home and antiques hidden in a tranquil city. The daily life of the inhabitants of such a traditional home with complicated extended family members, is a reminder of how some large Chinese families still live today - with a lot of useless protocols and mindless burdens. The plot thickens slightly from episode 23 on, but still takes a leisurely slow pace till the end.

Many characters in the drama are said to have reincarnated from its prequel “One and Only” which is supposed to have taken place some 2,000 years ago. However due to the censorship, all the character links are downplayed or totally non-existent, except for some weak inklings for the main couple Zhou Sheng Chen (Ren Jialun aka Allen Ren) and Shi Yi (Bai Lu); they retain the same names in both dramas. Had it not been the repeated mention of the Xiao Nancheng Wang (Prince Nancheng Junior) in the FL’s voiceover project, there is really nothing linking the two dramas until the last episode when Shi Yi describes her dream which is also the story of “One and Only”. Not totally brilliant, but at least it manages to tie the 2 stories at the end (well, kind of).

Zhou Sheng Chen is a prodigy and a chemistry researcher working in a university in Germany. He returns to China to try salvage his family’s declining traditional businesses that are being run to the ground by his younger brother. His mission is to promote traditional crafts and to ensure their sustainability in modern times. As the oldest son in the family, he is entrusted the family inheritance and all the baggage that comes with it, with a caveat that he has to first get married, as stipulated in his father’s will. As a hermit, Zhou Sheng Chen doesn’t date nor know any eligible girls for marriage. Comes Shi Yi. He figures he could make do with her. Little did he expect himself to fall in love with her so deeply, and for her, she has known the name Zhou Sheng Chen from her work and falls in love with him when she hears his name mentioned, which to me, is a rather weak explanation.

Zhou Sheng Chen is passive, bashful, unromantic and uneasy with public intimacy. You can say he makes a very boring boyfriend as he doesn’t really know how to reciprocate a kiss, a hug, or any romantic play. But then again, romance, like beauty, is in the minds of the beholders. Many readers are angry over the adapted character as they claim the original Zhou Sheng Chen has a much more forceful and proactive personality in the novel. Many even lash out on the actor for changing the character or for not portraying it right or even for poor acting. I have not read the book but from my understanding of the adaptation, I find Ren Jialun delivers 100% of the Zhou Sheng Chen character in the drama. He captures every nuance in his every hesitation, embarrassment, bewilderment which is so real and so authentic, and very appropriate for the adapted character traits.

Bai Lu is natural and beautiful. Her portrayal of Shi Yi is commendable. As for her chemistry with Ren Jialun here, I find it not as great as in the prequel “One and Only” despite there is hardly any intimacy in the earlier drama as compared to the more kissing and touching scenes in this one. Understandably, as “Forever and Ever” was made before “One and Only”, this may explain the slight missing spark.

My Verdict

Not having read the novel, my expectation is quite different from what is delivered here. Perhaps I had expected a more arduous journey for our characters to find each other, and to overcome multiple challenges and tests - the usual drama stuff which may be less realistic. Here, the story is very realistically portraying life of very traditional big and complicated Chinese families with undesirable feelings and occasionally unfortunate events taken place.

The two dramas, “Forever and Ever” and “One and Only”, don't really connect to each other except for the repeated references to the historical one by Shi Yi in her work and finally in her dream. Initially there seems to have no plot and no story, merely a chronicle of the daily life of a couple. The overall plot is rather subtle and only in the last 8 episodes, it becomes more apparent, making the story realistically ordinary.

I love how artistic and poetic the whole drama is, from the poems to the antiques, to the traditional crafts passed down for generations, encapsulating the overall Chinese culture and treasure we want to preserve.

A drama well made and deserved to be loved.

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Convoluted, Great Plot, Great Scenes

This could have been an intriguing watch had it not been the senseless editing, cutting from 70 to 36 episodes; the drama should have been made into a 2-season series. As it is, many scenes are cut relentlessly, rendering it confusing and disjointed with new characters popping up out of the blue. Without proper background and explanation, the characters seem to be god-like, knowing everything in advance. Having said this, I have enjoyed the overall story.

The Story
Two brothers of royal blood fall in love with the same girl. Due to a misunderstanding, the girl marries the older brother who later becomes the emperor and she becomes the empress. As always with palace politics and harems, the empress is poisoned and died, but not before her soul and memory switch with her younger sister’s. Though her body has died, she lives in her sister’s body and vows for revenge. As her younger sister, she meets the younger brother of the Emperor and both fall in love with each other.

Had the story played out as described, it's pretty straight forward and easy to understand. However, this is not it. When Yao Moxin's and Yao Mowan's spirits switch, it appears that Yao Mowan's memory still partially remains within her body. Then the confusion arises: who has fallen in love with Ye Junqing, Mowan or Moxin? It's unclear until towards the end when Mowan confesses that she is indeed Moxin who has fallen out of love with the Emperor due to his evil deeds, and in love with Ye Junqing after all the years of yearning for her. Their love for each other is unmistakable and their bond is enviable.

The Acting
The overall acting is commendable. As having a more mature face, acting as a naïve and funny girl may be a tough sell for Li Mo Zhi portraying Yao Mowan, but as the consort whom she later becomes, she’s perfect – stunningly beautiful, regally elegant and poised. Cladding in dark red garments and somber, she exudes a fearless badass aura and commands respects from all including her enemies. I applaud Li Mo Zhi for her amazing acting.

Chen Zhe Yuan’s acting here renders me speechless as well. As Ye Junqing, he is tormented for the loss of his true love whom he can only view from afar. The yearning and heartache distinctly exhibit on his face and are felt by the viewers. Though having a baby face giving viewers the impression of a very young actor (Chen Zhe Yuan is in fact very young), Chen Zhe Yuan’s acting is mature. He’s able to capture all the essence in his character and has given a wonderful performance.

I must also applaud Zhang Junning (aka Johnny Zhang)’s performance. As a dark, insecure and angry emperor in Ye Hongyi, he is perfect. Good looking and yet devious at times, viewers can totally feel his inner torments and come to empathize with him and at the same time, despise him.

My Verdict
I have really enjoyed this story despite its seemingly randomness and disjointed editing. It doesn’t only just have the usual palace politics and harem fights, it also has dark supernatural witchcrafts as in spirit swapping and face changing, among others. Viewers can never be certain who they are watching and if the characters are who they say they are. Though with all the usual tropes such as memory loss, falling off cliff etc, the production is impressive with good sound effects, epic battle scenes with thundering war horses and soldiers, thick plot with twists and turns, lovable characters, wuxia, great CGI and more.

Though I can’t say this is a must-watch because of the poor editing, this production deserves some praises for its plot and acting, and a very satisfactory ending that viewers love.

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