Yang Chun Rui

Tencent

Once the gentle heiress of the Luo family, Luo Ai Lian (Xu Lu) is plunged into destitution after a sudden disaster takes everything from her. Despite being forced into a life of hardship, Ai Lian perseveres, eventually rising from the ashes of her former life as Shen Dan Qing, a woman as skilled in martial arts as she is in literature. With plans to exact revenge on her enemies, Dan Qing embarks on a perilous journey, where she soon meets General Xu (Wei Zhe Ming), a man on a quest for lost treasure. Traveling side-by-side, will the two questing heroes find what their hearts most desire? This 2024 Chinese historical mystery series was directed by Li Hong Yu.

Lady Revenger Returns From the Fire

𓂃⊹ ִֶָ   Fiery Rebirth

Luo Ji Zhou

Hua Zhi (Zhang Jing Yi) has scores of talents. But as the eldest female daughter of the high-standing Hua family, she is expected to keep them under wraps – and play the part of a “good partner” to her intended husband Shen Qi (Caesar Wu). That all changes when the family’s reputation takes a nosedive. All of a sudden, Hua Zhi has to step up to the plate and use all her hidden talents. This new, no-nonsense approach helps her family, but also scares off many potential suitors. One suitor appears undaunted by her abilities, however – the mysterious Gu Yan Xi (Hu Yi Tian). Could the duo find romantic bliss in this most unconventional of scenarios? This 2024 Chinese drama series was directed by Zhu Rui Bin, Lan Zhi Wei, and Gu Zhi Wei.

Blossoms In Adversity

 Love Blossoms In Adversity

Li Shou

Mu Zhuo Hua (Jing Tian) is the seventh daughter of the richest man in Jiangnan. But as her mother was a concubine, she is considered “illegitimate.” Her family has planned out her destiny, and wants her to marry a man of their choosing. But she has no intention of bowing to their wishes, and decides to carve a different path for herself. She takes her province’s civil service examination, and gets relatively good grades. She thinks she can do better, so moves to the capital. She thinks that marriage would be disastrous for her, and sees academic success – and a government position – as her way out of this.

But while she is in the capital, she meets a general named Liu Yan (Feng Shao Feng). The latter’s reputation was previously second-to-none. But after suffering a defeat in battle, he is feeling aggrieved and hankers for justice. The duo forms an uneasy alliance, each thinking that they can use the other to achieve their own goals. But as they begin to spend more time together, a closer bond forms – could Cupid step in...and help them make their dreams come true?

“The Legend of Zhuohua” is a 2023 Chinese drama that was directed by Wen De Guang.

The Legend of Zhuohua

❦Team of A Dazzling Love❀

Censor Yu

In the ancient state of Jing, a young Emperor named Zhen Zhong has just ascended to the throne. But the state has been torn apart by a tumultuous rebellion. But the rebellion has also left the royal court in tatters. All sorts of powerful nobles have their eyes on the throne, and the risk of a coup is higher than ever. Meanwhile, the poor folk of the state attempt to eke a living out of the land – with their overlords unconcerned with anything other than seizing power. In this harsh world, a young orphan woman named Mo Xi (Zhang Nan) is trying to avoid an unpleasant fate. Her calculating aunt, the Lady of the Mai mansion, threatens to marry her off to the stable keeper.

But Mo Xi is free-spirited and independent. And it is this spirit that leads her to become embroiled in one of her aunt’s schemes – a plan to gain favor with the government by marrying her daughter Bai Feng Yao (Wang Yu Wen) to Chen Wen De (Sun Yi Zhou). Chen Wen De is a military leader who, rumor has it, is a former bandit. His uncouth ways have earned him a bad reputation among the noble ladies. Mo Xi, who is close to Bai Feng Yao, tells her cousin that she will help her avoid the marriage. But interfering with the situation inadvertently lands Mo Xi in Chen Wen De’s path. Will he take a fancy to her instead of her cousin? Could love bloom among the chaos?

This drama was based on the novel “Love in the Chaotic Realm” by Ni Luo.

Gone with the Rain

💞 Rainy Love ☔

Ye Ling Shuang (Peng Xiao Ran) is a young woman who can foresee great tragedies and disasters before they happen. Although she is pure of heart, her gift has become a curse – and she has been shunned by those who think she brings bad luck. Only a young and beautiful princess shows her kindness. But that same princess is given a deadly choice by the dastardly Emperor Gao of the Chao Kingdom (Feng Shao Feng). She must either marry him – or die. She refuses to give in to him, which gives him the excuse he needed to attack her people.

A conflict breaks out, whereby Ye Ling Shuang is taken prisoner. But she has now vowed to take revenge on the Emperor. And, using her talents, she wins freedom – and then promotion. Soon, she finds has caught the Emperor’s eye. But he is not the only one who wants to win her heart: Wu Yu (Zhu Zheng Ting), a surviving prince of a clan that was all but wiped out by the Emperor, also loves Ye Ling Shuang. Although he finds it hard to express his love, he springs into action when he sees that the Emperor has fallen for the woman he loves. Will love cause the cruel Emperor to change his ways? Or is Ye Ling Shuang destined to be with the angelic Wu Yu?

“Shining Just For You” is a 2022 Chinese drama series that was directed by Chung Shu Kai and Zhang Jun Hao.

Shining Just For You

Shining 7️⃣Days 

JiangsuTV, Youku

In the early part of the 20th Century, the Republic of China is struggling to establish itself, with the Imperial Japanese posing a growing threat to Chinese sovereignty. Against this backdrop, Xiao Bei Chen (Shawn Dou), a hotheaded teenager is growing up fast. He likes to bully a girl who has taken refuge with his family named Lin Hang Jing (Chen Du Ling), but she shows resilience and determination even when he intimidates her – a fact that ultimately leads him to fall for her.

The attraction grows, but Xiao Bei Chen discovers that his father wants to send him away to a military academy for several years. Before he leaves, he manages to get a promise from the family that he can marry Lin Hang Jing when he returns. But when, five years later, he comes back, he discovers that she is now promised to another man – Mu Zi Zheng (Yuan Hao). No longer an impetuous bully, Xiao Bei Chen has become a steely, focused young man. But he won’t give up on his plan of winning Lin Hang Jing’s heart. This plan could be thrown into turmoil when the Second Sino-Japanese War breaks out in 1937, however. Suddenly all three are forced to choose a side – and their decisions could shape the destiny of not only their own futures, but also those of thousands of others...

“Love in Flames of War” is a 2022 Chinese drama series that was directed by Chung Shu Kai.

Love in Flames of War

Love in 7️⃣ Flames of War

Adjutant Zhou

Sang Qi (Zhao Lu Si) is a young woman who grew up at the very border of the Empire, where she developed into a free-spirited, energetic, and intelligent person. Yan Yun Zhi (Xu Kai Cheng), meanwhile, is the new acting head of the prestigious Imperial College – the place where the finest scholars in the land are trained. Yan Yun Zhi has vowed to be upright and reform the college. Sang Qi decides to visit the college and see what Yan Yun Zhi is like for herself, but the first meeting between them is problematic – as she stops the path of his carriage before it can collide with a noblewoman.

Sang Qi also runs into Zhuo Wen Yuan (Ren Hao), her childhood friend, who is now residing in the capital. She tells him that she has promised to enter the Imperial College – which usually only enlists young men from noble families. Although the task will be hard, she will not give in easily, as she is hoping to fulfill the last wish of her late elder brother. But as she begins her quest to win acceptance to the prestigious institute, it appears that both her childhood friend and the righteous head of the college have begun to develop feelings for her!

“A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College” is a 2021 Chinese drama series that was directed by Xu Pei Shan and Cai Guo Li.

A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College

♚ Imperial College Students ♚

Minister Xiao

Youku, Mango TV

Growing up as the daughter of a performer, Xiao Wan Zi (Li Geng Xi) spent her entire life on the streets. Always cheerful and incredibly clever, Wan Zi had a knack for grabbing the attention of those passing by, drawing them into watch her father’s impressive performance. Though she never learned to read or write, Wan Zi never wanted for anything, as she possessed all the skills she needed to survive. But none of her street-smarts could prepare her for the encounter that would unexpectedly change her life forever.

Suddenly declared to be a princess, Wan Zi finds herself completely unprepared for the life she is now expected to live. As if trying to adjust to this new life wasn’t enough, Wan Zi soon learns that she’s expected to marry Mei San Shao (Huang Jun Jie), a man who wants nothing to do with her. Vehemently opposed to the marriage, San Shao does everything he can to push Wan Zi away, but despite his best efforts, neither can escape the inevitable marriage. Meanwhile, the king has arranged a marriage for the ninth prince’s daughter, Lu Ying Yao (Sun An Ke), but things go terribly wrong when the bandit Xiao Bao Ye (Ding Jia Wen) mistakes her as his wife.

Trapped in the most unexpected and unlikely marriages, Wan Zi, San Shao, YIng Yao, and Bao Ye all find themselves wondering what to do next. Is love even possible when your marriage starts out as a mistake?

Adapted from the novel, “Wrong Carriage, Right Groom” by Xi Juan, “Truth or Dare” is a 2021 historical romantic comedy drama directed by Wai Hong Chui.

Truth or Dare

Chi Feng

iQiyi, Tencent

Born into privilege as the son of one of the founding pillars of the Tang Empire, Sheng Chu Mu (Xu Kai) has never had any desire to do more than enjoy the ease of his own life. With no aspirations, no direction, and no ambition, his life was one of idleness and frivolity but all that changed, the day he first laid eyes on Fu Rou (Li Yi Tong).

The daughter of a local merchant, Fu Rou never imagined she would be one to inspire greatness in anyone, but when she meets Sheng Chu Mu for the first time, that’s exactly what happens. Instantly enamored by the far superior Fu Rou, Chu Mu is suddenly aware of his own shortcomings and vows to make himself worthy of Fu Rou’s love. Dedicating himself to his studies, Chu Mu grows in knowledge and maturity, hoping that someday he will be worthy enough to ask for Fu Rou’s hand in marriage. As time passes, he finds himself following in his father’s footsteps, volunteering to selflessly serve the country by defending the coast against a band of marauding pirates.

While Chu Mu’s journey towards greatness sets him down one path, Fu Rou sets out on another. Leaving her family to become a master weaver in the royal palace, she soon finds herself entangled in palace schemes that could put not only herself, but her entire family, in danger. Walking paths that don’t often cross, Chu Mu and Fu Rou must rely solely on their wits and skill to overcome the ever-growing number of enemies and obstacles that stand in their way. With so much opposition before them, do these two destined souls have what it takes to save their country and their love?

Based on an original screenplay by web-novelist Feng Nong, “Court Lady” is a 2021 historical adventure romance drama directed by Yu Zheng and Li Hui Zhu.

Court Lady

Weavers of Fate team

Xu Liang Ping

Tencent Video

&nbsp;The year is 626 C.E, and the realm, and its political center Chang’an, are shaken to its core by the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a successful palace coup to take charge of the Tang Dynasty.

A scheming prince leads the bloody coup, and kills the family of Li Chang Ge (Dilraba Dilmurat) during the raid, although she manages to escape.

Now the prince has placed himself on the Imperial throne, and rules as the Emperor Tai Zong.

Li Chang Ge has her mind firmly set on revenge – and musters a powerful army intent on overthrowing the new Emperor.

But her plans are thrown into disarray when she suffers an unexpected defeat against the armies of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. The victorious General, Ashi Na Sun (Leo Wu), decides to keep her in his service, making her his military strategist as he looks to pursue his own military goals.

The duo forms a formidable military partnership. And over time, she finds herself falling for her captor – as he also starts developing feelings for her.

But what will become of Li Chang Ge’s quest for vengeance as she continues to serve at the General’s side?

This drama was based on a popular manhua by artist Xia Da.

“The Long Ballad” is a 2021 Chinese drama series that was directed by Zhu Rui Bin.

The Long Ballad

The Ode to Love Team

Na Mu Ze

Xia Lin Xi’s (Xiang Han Zhi) senior year of high school was as perfect as anyone could ever hope one’s would be. With good friends, good grades, and a bright future ahead of her, she was ready to face whatever life brought her way with confidence and a smile. Jiang Zheng Han (Wang An Yu), on the other hand, didn’t have quite the same experience during his final year of high school, but he did have Xia Lin Xi. The brightest part of every day, Lin Xi was the friend who helped him through his most trying times and from their friendship, a profound love blossomed. But it didn’t happen overnight.

Moving from high school to university, Lin Xi and Zheng Han found themselves attending the same school. Spending their university days together, the love and friendship they had fostered during high school began to grow. As their feelings for each other deepened, they began to make plans for their future, certain the other would always be a part of whatever lay ahead. But life has a way of taking you down unexpected roads and as their university years drew to a close, Lin Xi and Zheng Han found themselves walking along different paths.

Even so, their relationship never faltered. Now as working professionals, the two are beginning to see that the feelings they have for each other have only gotten stronger with time. Recognizing that the feelings they have for each other are strong enough to last a thousand lifetimes, Lin Xi and Zheng Han begin to wonder, is it time to take their relationship to an entirely new level?

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Su Guang Tong, “Forever Love” is a 2020 romance drama directed by Wen De Guang.

Forever Love

💞 Loving Connections Team 💞 

Cao Chong

iQIYI

Fu Rong (Ju Jing Yi) is the second daughter of the powerful Fu family. But after a terrible mishap and a painful illness, she is granted the gift of foresight.

Able to look into her own future, she can see great wonders – an unspeakable sadness.

She sees herself marrying a dashing duke named Su Xu Jin (Zhang Zhe Han). But she can also see that a tragic and untimely destiny also awaits her.

She begins to think that her untimely end may be linked to her relationship with the duke, so decides to avoid him at all costs. However, destiny will not be so easily dissuaded: A number of dastardly plots threaten to dethrone the royal family and cast the realm into chaos.

Eventually, Su Xu Jin realizes that the only way she can help bring peace to the land is to join forces with the duke – and attempt to do whatever it takes to change her fortunes!

This series was based on a novel of the same name penned by author Xiao Jia Ren.

“The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion” is a 2020 Chinese drama series that was directed by Kin Lung Lam and Tony.

The Blooms at Ruyi Pavilion

💞 Blooming Love Team 🌼

Li Wei

The granddaughter of the esteemed Yonglin leader, Helan Mingyu (Zhao Han Ying Zi) grew up well in the country of Sheng. Honest and bright, she caught the eye of many young men, but it was the Ninth Prince, Xiao Cheng Xu (Cheng Yi), who eventually won her heart. Happy as they were, their love was fated for ruin. Determined to help his older brother, Xiao Cheng Rui (Han Dong) ascend the throne, Cheng Xu sets out for war, well aware that his victory on the battlefield would help solidify his brother’s position as king. Leaving Mingyu behind, Cheng Xu departs, taking her heart with him.&nbsp;

With Cheng Xu gone, Mingyu soon finds herself caught up in the tangled inner-workings of the palace. Learning that the fate of Cheng Xu’s younger brother, Xiao Cheng Xuan (Zhao Wen Hao), is in her hands, Mingyu must act both quickly and prudently. To save Cheng Xuan, Mingyu does the unthinkable, making a sacrifice that will alter her life forever. With life as a permanent resident of the palace looming before her, Mingyu must learn to navigate the intricate inner workings of the palace; but the path she now walks is anything but easy.

Finding herself the object of more than one man’s desires, Mingyu is torn between the desires of her heart and the duties of her position. Understanding that the needs of both her family and her people outweigh her own, she must use her wisdom to bring peace to the palace and prosperity to the Great Sheng Nation.

A story of love and destiny, the Promise of Chang’an is a 2020 historical romance drama directed by Yin Tao.

The Promise of Chang’an

Lin Fang

iQiyi

In the early years of the 20th century, Chinese military forces find themselves locked in a drawn-out, bloody conflict as they fight back again the Imperial Japanese army.

The government drafts young male conscripts to defend the besieged northeast of the country – but a woman named Xie Xiang (Bai Lu) also wants in on the action. She decides to cut her hair short and assume her brother’s identity in a bid to join the Chinese army.

Xie Xiang quickly proves herself more than capable in soldiery, and soon wins herself a place in an elite military academy in Shanghai.

At the academy, she befriends a number of young male recruits, including quarrelsome rich kid Gu Yan Zheng (Xu Kai) and the gentle and introverted Shen Jun San (Li Cheng Bin).

As the recruits begin to hone their skills, they grow in confidence – and decide to take measures of their own in an attempt to foil the invading forces.

But their struggle becomes more complicated when both Gu Yan Zheng and Shen Jun San begin to develop feelings for Xie Xiang.

Will the comrades-in-arms survive the bitter ravages of military conflict? Will love derail Xie Xiang’s quest for justice? And will all really prove fair in love and war?

“Arsenal Military Academy” is a 2019 Chinese period drama series directed by Hue Kai Dong.

Arsenal Military Academy

The All Guns Blazing Team

Shi Hu

Tencent TV

As a member of a circus performing group in the Eastern Liang Dynasty, Ye Ningzhi (He Hong Shan) has never given much thought to the events in the imperial palace; the imperial family lived in their world, and she lived in hers. But on the day her circus troupe receives an invitation to perform at the Empress Dowager’s birthday party, all that changes. 

Suddenly caught up in the Crown Princess’ (Liu Min) mischievous plans, Ningzhi finds herself being framed for treason. Unable to escape the trap she’s been ensnared in, she’s saved at the last moment by a court advisor and brilliant political strategist, Wei Guang (Jeremy Tsui). Free from danger, Ningzhi puts the whole ordeal behind her and yet, she can’t help but hold a special place in her heart for her gallant savior. 

Two years later, Ningzhi returns to the palace as one of the Empress’ (Cao Xi Wen) handmaidens. In such a position, Ningzhi witnesses first-hand, the misconducts of those living in the palace. Choosing to do what’s right, Ningzhi stands up for her fellow servants, refusing to back down in the face of corrupt power. 

Proving herself intelligent, courageous, and kind, Ningzhi inadvertently catches the attention of not only the Empress but the Emperor (Wayne Lai) as well. Of course, the imperial couple isn’t the only ones paying attention to this bold new handmaiden. Wei Guang hasn’t forgotten the circus performer he had saved all those years ago. 

Reunited at last, Wei Guang and Ningzhi might have a chance to find true happiness but their bliss will have to wait. Caught up in the Crown Princess’ plans to overtake the throne, Wei Guang and Ningzhi must work together to stop the usurper before it’s too late. 
 
A 2019 historical romance drama, “Legend of the Phoenix” is directed by Wei Han Dao.

Legend of the Phoenix

Immortal Flame

Yang Ming

People make business decisions for all kinds of reasons. Nan Qiao (Bai Bai He) has built her drone design business from the ground up and will give it her all to see it succeed. But when she learns that her fiancé has been cheating on her, she breaks up with him, and he withdraws all of his investment capital from her drone company.

Nan Qiao goes to a high-end nightclub to meet with other potential investors. When she meets Shi Yue (William Chan), the mysterious owner of the nightclub, he realizes that she may be the person who was responsible for his career downfall in the military. Shi Yue decides to invest in Nan Qiao’s company with the intention of ruining her. But when Shi Yue starts to develop feelings for Nan Qiao, will he be able to carry out his revenge plan?

“Only Side by Side With You” is a 2018 Chinese drama series directed by Lin Yan. It is based on the novel Nan Fang You Qiao Mu by Xiaohu Ruwei.

Only Side by Side With You

Team By Your Side

A Gu

What could possibly go wrong with a fake relationship?

Qiao An Hao (Sierra Li) and Lu Jin Nian (Dylan Xiong) have a history together. They were very much in love in high school but misunderstandings kept the two apart. More than a decade later, Jin Nia has become a successful CEO of an entertainment company and An Hao is trying to make it into the business as an actress.

When An Hao and Jin Nian cross paths again, Jin Nian realizes he has a need that An Hao can fulfill. An Hao and Jin Nian enter into a fake marriage, but there are layers of complication as Jin Nian is pretending to be his younger brother, who is in a coma. But can they pull off the contractual relationship without their past feelings for one another getting in the way?

“Pretty Man” is a 2018 Chinese drama series directed by Zhou Xiao Peng. It is adapted from the novel Bringing the Nation’s Husband Home by Ye Fei Ye.

Pretty Man

Men Should Have Warm Hearts

Feng Lin

Her singular mission is to overthrow the emperor. When Liu Zi Ye (Zhang Yi Jie) ascends the throne in AD 464, he proves himself to be a tyrannical emperor, capable of great cruelty and violence.

The largest clan, known as Tianji Tower, sends a woman (Guan Xiao Tong) who resembles the emperor’s sister, Liu Chu Yu, to impersonate her and to overthrow the emperor. In the palace, the new Chu Yu meets the princess’ confidant, Rong Zhi (Song Wei Long), who is secretly a spy for the Northern Wei and tries to use Chu Yu’s influence to benefit his own kingdom.

When their own emotions get in the way, can Chu Yu and Rong Zhi both accomplish their own missions?

“Untouchable Lovers” is a 2018 Chinese drama series directed by Li Hui Zhu. It is based on the novel A Tale of Two Phoenixes by Tian Yi You Feng.

Untouchable Lovers

MEI DAXIA

Ting Wei Zheng

The year is 1627, and China is in the last days of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The young Emperor has decided that he must wipe out the powerful eunuch Wei (Chin Shi Chieh) and do away with his supporters. Three warriors and firm friends, part of a secret order of Imperial Assassins, step up to the challenge. They are the mysterious Lian (Chang Chen), the promotion-chasing Jian Xing (Wang Qian Yuan), and a young man with a troubling medical ailment named Yi Chuan (Li Dong Xue).

But although their assignment to kill the eunuch appears straightforward at first, the further along the trio progresses with their quest, the more they realize that conspiracies abound at every turn. The past is also catching up with them, and the secrets they hide from one another also threaten to complicate matters. The trio all need money for very different reasons: One hopes to raise enough money to bribe an official, another hopes to free his lover from her captors, and the other wants to pay off a blackmailer who is attempting to expose his criminal past. When they receive a tempting counter-offer, however, their plan to kill Wei could hit the rocks!

“Brotherhood of Blades” is a 2014 Chinese movie that was directed and co-written by Lu Yang.

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