Chasing Dramas: Recent Episodes
Karen and Cathy
Karen and Cathy explain cultural and historical references episode by episode in popular Chinese historical dramas. Currently discussing The Story of Ming Lan starring Zhao Li Ying and Feng Shao Feng. The podcast is in English with proper nouns and phrases spoken in Mandarin Chinese. Completed dramas/movies include: Empresses in the Palace, Palace (2013 film), and Mulan (2020 Disney movie)
Several top Chinese actors/actresses had different careers before turning to acting. Many of them were dancers. Tune in to learn who were classically trained as some may surprise you.
In episode 14 of Joy of Life S2, Fan Xian seems to have gained the upper hand against the 2nd Prince. Fan Xian captures one of the 2nd Prince's trusty warriors with the help of a fan favorite. Meanwhile, Fan Si Zhe has safely arrived at the Qi Kingdom and connects with another familiar face. This familiar face boasts that he is now the spymaster of the Qing network in the Qi Kingdom. Is that really the case? Fan Xian makes some moves after a meeting with Censor Lai but does it all go according to plan? Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear on discussion!
Zhao Lu Si and Chen Wei Ting's modern day romance Love Ambition is a massive surprise hit right now. Meanwhile, Cheng Yi's The Journey of Legend underperformed as both the production and Cheng Yi were panned for poor quality. Bai Jing Ting came forward with a sci fi thriller, Mobius in September and Li Qin and Chen Zhe Yuan star in newly airing Fated Hearts.
Fan Xian reconciles with Wan'Er and the two head over to Chen Ping Ping's residence. The extravagance shocks them as they see a difference side of Chen Ping Ping. Meanwhile, the 2nd Prince has a few more tricks up his sleeve as he desperately tries to win against Fan Xian. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!
In episode 12 of Joy of Life Season 2, Fan Xian finally decides to visit his betrothed Lin Wan'Er. The 2nd Prince has his own motives for meeting Lin Wan'Er and encounters his own betrothed, Ye Ling Er. The four sit down for a meal but are interrupted by another engaged couple, the 1st Prince and the Northern Qi Princess. Tensions are high as Fan Xian confronts the 2nd Prince. Fan Xian must also navigate his relationship with Lin Wan'Er as rumors are rampant between him and Hai Tang Duo Duo. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history in this episode!
The surprise accidental death of 37 y/o Chinese actor Yu Meng Long shocked everyone for how sudden it was. Sadly, it looks to be drinking related. Other negative news includes Xu Kai now being accused of leading a gambling ring while filming and 2 dramas that were scheduled to film, including one headlining Yu Shu Xin, are now paused indefinitely.
Fan Xian had his first win at the Imperial Court with the help from Chancellor Lin. The 2nd Prince is seething at the new investigations to those loyal to him and vows to bring Fan Xian down. Meanwhile, the Crown Prince is caught in the crossfire and must navigate through his own precarious situation. Listen now to our latest podcast episode on episode 11 of Season 2 of Joy of Life!
Vogue China's 20th Anniversary September Cover featured 11 Chinese actresses with Liu Yi Fei sponsored by Bulgari taking center stage. However, there was plenty of discussion around who was or was not included.
One of the actresses on this cover was Xin Zhi Lei who recently won best actress at the Venice Film Festival. This became a point of national pride and catapulted her to the top of the A list.
In episode 10 of Season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian has his first day at the Imperial Court after receiving summons from the Emperor to respond to the allegations of corruption from the Censorate. Fan Xian has a plan but is surprised to see the cast of characters at court.
Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more about palace etiquette!
The biggest Chinese drama to air in August was This Thriving Land with Yang Mi as a lead but shined as an ensemble cast. Meanwhile, the fantasy/costume dramas featuring the likes of Xu Kai, Tian Xi Wei, Chen Fei Yu, Cheng Lei, Song Yi, Wang Ying Lu all didn't make too much of a splash. Listen in for more details!
On August 22nd, Weibo exploded when one of actor Xu Kai's (of the Story of Yanxi Palace fame) ex-girlfriends, Xu Li Sha, publicly posted how Xu Kai cheated on her. Xu Kai became a trending topic with billions of views about what happened. His manager, Yu Zheng also joined in on the fray by livestreaming a rebuttal. It became a whole saga which we explain in this episode.
In episode 9 of S2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian's acceptance of 3000 taels of silver is reported to the Emperor from the Censorate. Fan Xian must make his case in front of the Imperial Court. However, Fan Xian does not seem too particularly worried. Instead, he turns his attention to the chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, and tries to understand what happened to this once righteous man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!
Dilireba dominated social media after her unique red carpet look at the W Annual Gala on Aug 19. We discuss some of our other looks as well as the themes for the evening.
Fan Xian is now the head of the 1st Bureau and heads off to his first day of work. He instead finds the men happily playing Mahjong while accepting "gifts" from others. The chief clerk, Deng Zi Yue, is full of flattery towards Fan Xian but Fan Xian isn't fooled. Fan Xian decides to investigate the Crop Investigation Bureau for all of the "gifts" it sends. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!
On Aug 2, Chinese Drama actress Zhao Lu Si publicly blasted her management company on Weibo for mistreatment following her illness at the beginning of the year. She has since been on continuous live streams with both positive and negative commentary. Listen in to hear more!
Fan Xian leaves the palace, disappointed that the Emperor will not take action against the 2nd Prince. He finally has a face to face conversation with Chen Ping Ping about the trajectory of his life. He finally returns to the Fan Manor and must inform his father and mistress Liu of Fan Si Zhe's involvement with Bao Yue Lou. The family make a decision for Fan Si Zhe's future with the hopes for him to gain some real-world experience and grow his talents in business
July/August 2025 Chinese dramas that are airing include historical detective romance, The Coroner's Diary ft Li Lan Di and Ao Rui Peng, fantasy drama, The Immortal Ascension starring Yang Yang and Jin Chen and Sword Rose featuring Dilireba and Jin Shi Jia. Other dramas include The Wanted Detective and Legend of the Female General among others.
In episode 6 of season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian clashes with the 1st Prince, who has just returned to the Qing capital after many years patrolling the borders. The Crown Prince comes to quell tensions as all of the Princess arrive at the gate to welcome the 1st Prince home. Fan Xian is still furious with the 2nd Prince and decides to report his findings to the Emperor. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more!
Chinese singer influencer Wang Zai Xiao Qiao recently caught the ire of online netizens for her expensive concerts but also caused singer Zhang Bi Chen and Wang Su Long to be embroiled in a feud over who had singing rights to a popular song Nian Lun.
Zi Yu, the 2nd main male lead to gay drama Revenged Love, was revealed to have cheated in a recent relationship.
In episode 5 of Season 2 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian wraps up the ordeal with Bao Yue Lou. He must now return to the diplomatic envoy and devise a plan of how to "publicly" return to life as his death was widely publicized. He finds a new person as a member of the crew, a Qi Princess who is now to wed the 1st Prince. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more!
Revenged Love is a new highly popular C drama airing outside of China that features a gay couple. However, the main male leads are embroiled in personal scandals. Elsewhere, we discuss Xiao Zhan going solo from his boy band and the results of the investigation into Huang Yang Tian Tian's family.
Fan Xian is furious to find his brother Fan Si Zhe as the owner of the brothel, Bao Yue House. Except, he's not the only one. Shortly after, the 3rd prince, the 2nd prince AND the crown prince arrive for an eyebrow raising gathering.
Fan Xian continues his quest to discover the secrets of Bao Yue Lou. With guidance from the courtesan, Sang Wen, he learns of a new girl, Miss Jin, who has been forced to the brothel. Fan Xian encounters a vegetable vendor, Old Man Jin, who is desperately trying to save his daughter, the same woman Sang Wen mentioned. Fan Xian agrees to help the old man but is shocked at the outcome. Seething, Fan Xian vows to find the owner of this mysterious establishment. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the episode and the history found in the season 2, episode 3 of Joy of Life!
Karen and Cathy list the most viewed Cdramas both on streaming platforms and on TV as well as the dramas that breached coveted popularity thresholds across key streaming platforms.
We're now hitting the high summer season and all of the major platforms are releasing what they hope will be the smash hit of the summer. There's thrillers including The Seven Relics of Ill Omen. There's spy dramas such as Deep Undercover. There's period romance dramas including The Princess's Gambit, A Dream Within a Dream, In the Name of the Blossom, and Qing Chuan's Veil of Vengeance. But the biggest winner so far is the modern day case thriller In the Name of Justice. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we have been watching several of these dramas!
Despite advice to leave the capital, Fan Xian decides to seek an audience with the Emperor instead. The meeting turns out fine and his next step is looking for Teng Zi Jing's widow and son in Bao Yue Lou, a new brothel.
Labubu has taken China by storm and has gotten a ton of traction in the West! What exactly is Labubu and why is Brad Pitt even talking about it on his F1 press tour? There's also an update on the Naer Naxi college entrance exam scandal that exploded everywhere on social media. Listen to our latest In the Know podcast episode to find out!
After 5 years of waiting, we finally learn how Fan XIan actually survives from being stabbed by Yan Bing Yun. His "fathers" are distraught but then pleased to learn he faked his death. Fan Xian and Wang Qi Nian return back to the capital to find a rather interesting sight.
Lei Jia Yin returns to the Tang Dynasty with his new drama the Litchi Road. It's a welcome return to see many familiar faces from The Longest Road in Chang'An. But the biggest controversy is with actress Naer Naxi, a woman from Inner Mongolia and of the Mongolian minority. News surfaced that she might have taken advantage of her minority status to get preferential treatment for her college entrance exams. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear more!
We provide a brief intro to Season 2 of Joy of Life that was presented to audiences 5 years after Season 1.
There's been quite a few new topics dominating the trending topics in China. The first is an interesting fan feud between the two female leads of the 2015 drama, The Diamond Lovers. The two female leads (Tang Yan and Dilraba) didn't instigate anything but rather, a producer decided to jump into the fray. Then there's an influencer He Qiu Shi who was accused of plagiarism at his most recent concert. He tried to defend himself but it didn't go over too well. Lastly, the two leads of the 2021 dark horse drama, Rattan, starring Jing Tian and Zhang Bin Bin announced their pairing up again to star a new drama. Listen to our podcast on the latest in Chinese entertainment news!
The Prisoner of Beauty ft Song Zu'Er and Liu Yu Ning and The Legend of Zang Hang ft Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jing Yi were heavy hitters in May. For upcoming dramas, Bai Lu and Zeng Shun Xi come forward with Feud and Lei Jia Yin returns to Chang An in the Tang Dynasty Drama, the Litchi Road. Listen in to hear more!
We noticed a LOT of electric vehicles in our latest trip to China. This episode discusses latest EV trends that are also making headlines in the west.
The biggest bombshell over the past two weeks involve the 17 year old actress Huang Yang Tian Tian and a pair of earrings that she wore. This set off a firestorm with everyone focusing on her background and potential corruption. Meanwhile, Zhao Li Ying has a new rumored boyfriend that has sent her fans spinning. Listen to our latest podcast episode to hear about these two new events!
Fan Xian and company head out on their journey back to the Qing kingdom. Turns out, the 2nd prince was behind everything Fan Xian suffered in the Capital. He threatens Fan Xian into working with him but Fan Xian refuses. However, this results in a shock ending that left fans waiting painfully for season 2.
In the penultimate episode of season 1 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian must tie up the loose ends before heading home. That loose end is Shen Zhong. He cleverly sets a trap for Shen Zhong by building a fragile alliance with Shang Shan Hu. Sure enough, with some prompting from Shang Shan Hu, the Empress Dowager strips Shen Zhong of his powers. Before Fan Xian departs, he pays one more visit to the Qi scholar Zhuang Mo Han. Fan Xian informs him of Xiao En's death, providing closure to the old man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!
Fans of different celebrities (Wang He Di, Bai Lu, Zeng Li etc) have been the center of different stories over the last few days. Listen to hear what's happened, often times without input from the idol/celebrity they represent.
Hai Tang Duo Duo invites Fan Xian to her residence after a grocery trip. They have a delightful meal together where Fan Xian finally let's down his guard. After several drinks, he reveals to Hai Tang Duo Duo that he is lonely. He has no friends. He wants to do more in this world than just politics and here he recites the inspiration of this whole story of Joy of Life. The poem Liu Yu Qing from Dream of the Red Mansion. Fan Xian wakes hours later and is shocked to discover Si Li Li sitting next to his bed. He's angry at Hai Tang Duo Duo for setting him up but she jokes that this is simply revenge for their first encounter.
Listen to our latest discussion of episode 44 Joy of Life season 1!
Here are the dramas that aired in April and are airing now in May The Demon Hunter's Romance 无忧渡 starring Allen Ren Jia Lun and Song Zu Er surprised everyone with its airing as Song Zu Er was soft blacklisted a few years ago. Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭 is part 2 to the Fox Spirit Matchmaker series starring Liu Shi Shi and Zhang Yun Long. Serendipity 榜上佳婿 features Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Zi Qi. We discuss other dramas, many of which have actually faired quite poorly in April
In episodes 43 and 44 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian begins to set in motion his plan to seize power within the Overwatch Council and gain favor in the Qi Kingdom. The best way to do so is to form new allegiances with different factions and defeat the formidable Shen Zhong. Fan Xian brings to light the of embezzlement occurring in the kingdom to the Empress Dowager and makes a persuasive case for Shen Zhong to reveal his secrets. Listen to our latest podcast episode to understand more about the political machinations at play.
Social media was all abuzz around April 20th because for the 1st time since they started dating 7 years ago, Guan Xiao Tong did NOT wish Lu Han a happy birthday on Weibo. We talk about what the implications are and the speculation around their relationship.
In episode 42 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian is stunned to discover that not only is he a prince, but that his whole life has been nothing more than a lie that was masterminded by Chen Ping Ping. The reason for his move to the Capital, his friendship with Teng Zi Jing, and his trip to the Qi Kingdom was all pushed forward by Chen Ping Ping. He also deduces that there must be more to his mothers death and vows to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Chen Ping Ping and the Emperor are pleased with the turn of events but the Emperor immediately begins to question Chen Ping Ping's loyalty.
In 2025, Zhao Lu Si and Zhang Wan Yi have dominated the trending topics on social media, but not all to their benefit. Zhao Lu Si, who publicly announced she was suffering from mental illness late last year, released a new reality show that resulted substantial backlash in China. Zhang Wan Yi has fallen out of favor with Chinese audiences despite his prolific output in the past year. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the events surrounding these two stars and how a break from the public eye would be good for their health and public image.
Fan Xian spends time with Xiao En on his deathbed who reveals shocking secrets to Fan Xian after mistaking him for his grandson.
We're back to discuss the remaining 15 ladies for this season's Sister Stage 2025! There are actresses, singers, former idols, hosts, and rappers! Listen to this episode to learn more about these ladies and how they performed during the first round of individual performances!
With Yan Bing Yun rescued, Fan Xian now needs to work on rescuing Xiao En under Shen Zhong's watch. To do so, he partners up with Shang Shan Hu
Karen and Cathy discuss the latest dramas that have aired in March and April! Ski into Love 嘘，国王在冬眠 starring Esther Yu Shu Xin and Li Yin was a disappointment ratings wise despite all of the promotions. The Glory 雁回时 starring Chen Du Ling and Xing Yun Lai was a surprise hit for Tencent due to the strength of the plot, not the acting from the leads. A Moment But Forever 念无双 starring Tiffany Tang Yan and Liu Xu Yi marks Tang Yan’s return to fantasy dramas after many years. Sun Li of Empresses in the Palace fame returns to the small screen after 4 years with Breaking the Shadows 乌云之上 with Luo Jin in a new mystery drama.
Fan Xian and company tail Shen Zhong's sister in order to find where Yan Bing Yun is hidden. After some scheming, the group is successfully able to rescue him.
It's that time of year again! We introduce 15 of the 30 sisters for this year's singing competition Sisters Who Make Waves but now renamed as Sister Stage 2025.
Fan Xian is brought forth to meet the Qi Kingdom Emperor who is more than meets the eye. The Emperor proposes that Fan XIan works with him to achieve their own separate goals
In light of all the recent arrests and scandals, Karen and Cathy take a step back to discuss the public images and personas that Chinese celebrities carefully curate and the different levels of how those images crack or destroyed. Some celebrities simply have a smear on their image, others are soft blacklisted or no longer marketable, or to the most extreme, blacklisted or even imprisoned. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the different public personas and how many have come crashing down.
Fan Xian and company meet Shen Zhong, the head of the imperial guard of the Qi kingdom. He is a new formidable foe as he is quite ruthless to his own men and intelligent enough to guess all of Fan Xian's orders in the Qi kingdom.
Arrests and scandal have dominated the Chinese trending topics for the past week. First, Wang Da Lu, who was already arrested for evading Taiwan's military service, is now further implicated in the assault of a driver. Then, Taiwanese actor Li Wei has been implicated in the murder of a woman and is now in trial. But the biggest scandal that has been exploding in China is the allegations that Korean superstar actor Kim Soo-Hyun had a 6 year long relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-Ron when she was only 15 and he was 27. Kim Soo-Hyun rose to fame in China with his 2013 smash hit My Love from the Star and has since been a beloved star. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about these new arrests and latest scandals.
Fan Xian and company make their way north towards the Northern Qi kingdom but are met with not 1, not 2 but 4 different parties attacking him. He has to think on his feet in order to ensure he stays alive. In the mix are old acquaintances that want him dead while he meets Shang Shan Hu and Hai Tang Duo Duo of the Qi kingdom
Karen and Cathy discuss the latest dramas that have aired in Feb and early March! The First Frost 难哄 starring Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan was one of the most highly anticipated romance dramas. Filter 滤镜 starring Tan Jian Ci and Li Lan Di has been a surprise critical darling. Zhang Ling He rounds out the trio of romance dramas with The Best Thing 爱你 with co-star Xu Ruo Han. Jin Tian pairs up with Zhang Wan Yi for another historical romance revenge drama in Si Jin 似锦. Bai Lu scores a win with a CCTV network airing drama in Northward 北上. Listen to our latest episode on these dramas and more!
In episode 33, Fan Xian is tasked with Operation Hong Xiu Zhao by the Emperor as his mission to the Qi Kingdom. Fan Xian says his goodbyes and begins his journey north with the formidable prisoner, Xiao En. Fan Jian gifts Fan Xian his own personal guard led by the hilarious Gao Da who takes big issue with the thieving Wang Qi Nian. Fan Xian must keep his guard up as the envoy makes its way north to the Qi Kingdom.
It's been a busy week in the Chinese entertainment world. Chen Xiao and Chen Yan Xi officially announced their divorce after 8 years of marriage. This is after several years of speculation of trouble in paradise, most notably Chen Xiao's absence from Chen Yan Xi's father's funeral back in December. Other celebrities have also been arrested including Wang Da Lu for escaping military service, Li Ming De for trashing a car, and an actress from Empresses in the Palace causing a stir. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the gossip and tea from this week!
Fan Xian is essentially forced to lead the diplomatic envoy to the Qi Kingdom and exchange Xiao En for Yan Bing Yun. Even though he didn't want to go, the Emperor threatens his marriage to Wan'Er to get him to comply.
The top trending topic over the past 2 weeks has been the shocking death of Da S or Barbie Hsu. The Taiwanese actress shot to fame in the early 2000s in the Romance Idol drama Meteor Garden and has stayed in the public eye ever since. She died while on vacation in Japan in early February, shocking everyone. The online speculation and vitriol towards different parties has been rampant. We discuss what happened and the recent aftermath.
In other news, today marks the end of the Lunar New Year holidays and there's a clear winner in the box office battle. Ne Zha 2 has been breaking all sorts of records, becoming the biggest movie in China and the biggest $1B grosser in a single market. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about Da S's death and the latest box office returns!
The Princess Royal is ultimately kicked out of the capital for overstepping her boundaries. We say goodbye (for now) to this fan favorite - an unapologetically ruthless and ambitious woman.
A fresh slate of dramas began airing around the Lunar New Year holidays with some surprise hits and duds. Bai Lu led Moonlight Mystique (白月梵星) with co-star Ao Rui Peng to middling success. Drifting Away (漂白) starring Guo Jing Fei and Zhao Jin Mai was a surprise hit for iQiYi. Angelababy, after being soft blacklisted for over a year, returned with Everlasting Longing (相思令) with Song Wei Long. Unfortunately the poor script and wooden acting couldn't save the ratings. Perfect Match (五福临门) is the new Yu Zheng produced drama starring Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Xing Yue. There's several familiar faces from Yu Zheng's other dramas. Liu Shi Shi returns to the small screen with Kill My Sins (掌心) with co-star Dou Xiao in a Tang Dynasty period drama. Deng Wei rounds out the upcoming slate with Love of the Divine Tree (仙台有树), another fantasy romance drama.
Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about the dramas that aired in January and the announced dramas for February!
The Princess Royal believes she was able to throw suspicion of treachery back onto Fan Xian and is ready to take over the Overwatch Council, only to realize that her ally, Zhu Ge, is caught in Chen Ping Ping's trap.
Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake! We will talk about this year's annual spectacle that is the Spring Festival Gala! While not as drama-filled as last year's show, the event was still an extravagant affair with a dizzying cast of celebrities and stars from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Heck, One Republic even performed this year! The 4 cities featured included Chongqing, Lhasa, Wu Xi, and Wu Han. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts about the performances this year.
Fan Xian gets some help from Wan'Er in sneaking back into the palace to replace the key he stole from the Empress Dowager's palace. Fortunately, he is able to avoid detection. Meanwhile, he makes a ruckus in the capital by exposing the Princess Royal's traitorous activity
We share 6 movies that are hitting Chinese movie theaters for Lunar New Year next week. They include Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, starring Xiao Zhan and Zhuang Da Fei. Creation of the Gods 2: Demon Force, NeZha 2, Detective 1900, Operation Hadal, and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn.
After successfully stealing his mother's key from the Empress Dowager's residence, Fan Xian finally opens his mother's mysterious case. The details reveal significant answers to Fan Xian and his mother's origins.
On January 11, 2025, the Chinese entertainment stars largely attended two events. The annual Weibo Night, including headliners such as Zhao Li Ying, Xiao Zhan, Wang Yi Bo, Wang He Di, Yu Shu Xin, Ni Ni, and many many more, had the stars walking the red carpet and making slight jabs at Weibo. Shen Teng was crowned Weibo King while Zhao Li Ying took the crown of Weibo Queen. Down in Macau, Youku managed to organize a whole Empresses in the Palace reunion, the largest in the 13 years since its original run. Sun Li, Chen Jian Bin, and Jian Xin all made appearances, marking the first time for this trio.
Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts of how the evening went with these two star studded events!
In our favorite episode of Joy of Life, Fan Xian stuns the world with his output of hundreds of poems during his drunken monologue during the foreign banquet in episode 27. Seeing through the trap set by Zhuang Mo Han, Fan Xian immediately recites hundreds of poems including many of the most famous poems in the Chinese canon. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we dissect many of the poems mentioned by Fan Xian including our translations and the context for the poems!
The end of the holidays and into the new year saw quite a bit of chaos on social media. First was the revelation that Zhao Lu Si, who was filming a drama, was very ill and in the hospital. More stories came out afterwards about her illness, different causes and other trauma she suffered int he past. Afterwards, relatively unknown actor Li Ming De blasts the cast and crew of his drama, stealing all the social media thunder from Tencent's All Star Night. Tune in to listen in to what happened!
Fan Xian is invited a grand diplomatic banquet. He's tapped to showcase his literary skills in front of legendary scholar Zhuang Mo Han, something Fan Xian is worried about. Zhuang Mo Han comes forward and calls out Fan Xian for plagiarizing, causing drama at the banquet.
Welcome to 2025 and the new slate of dramas that will kick off the new year! Dylan Wang He Di's highly anticipated drama Guardians of Da Feng began airing to much fanfare but hasn't met expectations. Yang Zi and Li Xian reunite in the upcoming Tang Dynasty drama Flourishing Peonies after their 2019 smash hit Go Go Squid. Zhang Bin Bin launches the fantasy romance dramas this year with The Blossoming Love alongside Sun Zhen Ni. Meanwhile, Tan Jian Ci had a decent hit with Under The Skin 2 that did surprisingly well in December. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the new and upcoming dramas of Jan 2025!
Our final episode of 2024 features our discussion on the Chinese actors that were the winners, losers and everything in between this year. Ding Yu Xi saw success this year with Love Game in Eastern Fantasy while Zhang Wan Yi and Bai Jing Ting saw their popularity wane. Listen in for our commentary!
Check out our entirely subjective view of the 2024 Chinese actresses. Listen to our take on who were the winners, losers, up and comers, the controversial and more!
As 2024 winds down, Karen and Cathy share the most viewed dramas and most popular dramas, winners, and losers of the second half of the year. Then we discuss the top dramas of 2024, some interesting trends, and finally our top dramas of the year! Listen to hear the stats and our thoughts on the Chinese dramas of 2024.
Fan Xian steps in to save Chen Ping Ping from a coup within the Overwatch Council but it turned out to be nothing more than a test. Meanwhile, he is also called into partake in diplomatic peace talks with an envoy of the Northern Qi kingdom that leaves him very confused as to how these negotiations work. Listen to our latest podcast episode on Fan Xian's hilariously bad day at work.
While 1 former EXO member got married in December (Huang Zi Tao), another former member, Lu Han, went on weird rants while livestreaming. Meanwhile, Chen Xiao and Chen Yan Xi divorce rumors continue to run rampant and we also highlight the death of legendary Taiwanese writer, Qiong Yao.
In a delightful episode 24, Fan Xian visits the palace for the first time to meet the women of the Qing Emperor's harem. These ladies watched Wan'Er grow up and want to meet him. He is shocked to find the ladies all weird but personable in their own way. He is summoned to visit his future mother-in-law where she reveals that she was the mastermind between his assassination attempts. Fan Xian cannot enact revenge there but now knows who his enemy is. He had another motive in the palace, to create a map of the palace. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the lore behind the ladies of the harem.
2024 comes to a close with new dramas that aired in late November and new ones announced in December. Brocade Odyssey 蜀锦人家 starring Tan Song Yun and Zheng Ye Cheng marks a return to period romance dramas for Tan Song Yun after 3 years. Meng Zi Yi stars in Deep Purple 九重紫. These two add to the growing list of dramas depicting women building business empires. However, it looks like modern day dramas have been enjoying the highest viewership with We are Criminal Police 我是刑警 starring Yu He Wei. Several other dramas including The Land Of Warriors 2 斗罗大陆之燃魂战 have aired but to disastrous results. Listen to our latest podcast on the gossip and our thoughts on the newest dramas airing this month!
Fan Xian wraps up his visit from Tai Ping Yard but returns to Wan'Er telling him that her father's men accidentally kidnapped the Crown Prince. Fan Xian and company hurry back to the capital to speak with the Chancellor. The result? The Chancellor no longer suspects Fan Xian of any involvement in his son's death.
After a 3 year hiatus, Chinese vlogger and global phenomenon Li Zi Qi set the internet ablaze by releasing 3 new videos. She chose lacquerware for her return which holds a unique significance to her. We discuss her background and influence not just in China but globally too. Elsewhere, a new romance might be blooming with Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Yun Long. Gu Li Na Zha was embroiled in Xu Kai Cheng and Zhang Tian Ai's relationship last year and publicly stated that she wanted to take a break from dating but that might have changed with a new video of the two of them. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the latest gossip!
Fan Xian takes Wan'Er and several others out on a spring outing/picnic to enjoy a change of scenery but both Wan'Er and Fan Xian have ulterior motives while they are out.
November has a new slate of dramas with the 95 flowers Esther Yu Shu Xin and Zhao Lu Si headlining a drama each. Yu Shu Xin stars in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy 永夜星河 with co-star Ding Yu Xi. Zhao Lu Si is back with her The Long Ballad co-star Liu Yu Ning in The Story of Pearl Girl or 珠帘玉幕. The surprising winner though is the 70s, 80s drama, Romance in the Alley 小巷人家 starring Yan Ni and Jiang Xin. Hou Ming Hao and Chen Du Ling star in a fantasy drama 大梦归离 Fangs of Fortune. Wu Jin Yan is back with another revenge period drama with fellow co-star Liu Xue Yi in Kill Me Love Me or 春花焰.
Check out the our latest podcast episode to hear more about these dramas and checkout our website for our reviews.
In a twist, Chen Ping Ping claims that Dong Yi City Grandmaster, Si Gu Jian killed Lin Gong, and urges the Emperor to declare war on the Qi kingdom. The Emperor nor the Chancellor believes it but it is the answer that the Qing kingdom wants and this helps cover up for Fan Xian and Wu Zhu.
Happy Halloween! In China, many celebrities have been unmasked from their personas in recent reality shows or plain internet sleuthing. This includes well known actor, professor, and cook Huang Lei, who's been unmasked as a regular cook and thin-skinned person who wants to have the last say. This also includes actress Zhou Yu Tong who's appearance in Season 6 of Divas Hit the Road has set off a firestorm on social media about her potentially narcissistic personality, dragging the entire season down. Listen to our latest podcast to hear how and why these two celebrities have been unmasked!
After a tense showdown in front of the Overwatch Council, we finally meet Chen Ping Ping, Chief Justice/Director. He ups the ante of the cast of characters and immediately shows his cunning and tactical skills.
In this episode, we dive in to the fashion measures of success that fans and celebrities care about. This includes Fashion brand sponsorships with the different titles, Fashion Magazine covers, and public appearances wearing haute couture. Speaking of congratulations to Zhao Li Ying for winning best Actress at the Golden Eagle Awards wearing a Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture dress. Listen to our latest podcast episode to learn more about the competitive nature of fashion within the Chinese entertainment industry
Fan Xian is brought forth to meet both the Emperor and the Chancellor as they question him on his involvement in Lin Gong's death.
With the recent Golden Eagle Award nominations, fans went into a frenzy to begin boasting about their idol getting nominations. For today's episode, let’s talk about what are the different measures of success fans have for their favored actor or actress. That includes award nominations, ratings, marketability, and so much more! Listen to our latest podcast as we discuss the fierce competition amongst fans and the celebrities themselves on the measures of success.
Fan Xian learns that the man who ordered his assassination is none other than Lin Gong, Wan'Er's brother. He has to make the difficult decision of avenging Teng Zi Jing or torching his relationship with Wan'Er
In 2024, a new slate of pop culture slang has taken China by storm. The most popular has been whether you are an i person or an e person. There's also the City Walk and the special ops vacation. Listen to our latest podcast episode to see if you recognize some of these latest pop culture references!
Fan Xian captures Si Li Li with the help of the Overwatch Council and its mysterious President. He sneaks into the prison where Si Li Li is held to interrogate her on details of who ordered his assassination.
It's October and we have a new slate of dramas! My favorite drama this year is She and Her Girls. This recounts story of teacher Zhang Gui Mei and her establishment of the first free all girl high school in China. It's definitely a winner. Meanwhile, Ren Jia Lun just keeps having duds with Love In Nirvana alongside Li Lan Di. Uyghur beauty Ha Ni Ke Zi looks right at home in Love in the Desert with the handsome Fang Yi Lun but the plot is rather lacking. Karen's most excited about upcoming Wu Xia drama Snowy Night: Timeless Love starring Li Qin and Zeng Shun Xi. Zhang Wan Yi and Ren Min star in The Rise of Ning, hoping to win some audiences with another period romance drama. Let us know your thoughts about these dramas!
Fan Xian and Wang Qi Nian initially thought they reached a dead in on clues for figuring out who ordered Fan Xian's assassination. But, they turn their attention to Si Li Li who is now highly suspicious. Using Wang Qi Nian's expert tracking skills, they give chase to Si Li Li who is attempting to leave the Qing kingdom
As it turns chilly this fall, we discuss 2 actress and 1 actors who've seen their reputations take a nosedive this year despite not having any dramas or movies air this year. Ning Jing showed her disregard and dismissive attitude towards the cast and crew during the France stop of Divas Hit the Road: Good Friends Season. Ru Yi's Love in the Palace was completely skewered this summer, with Zhou Xun bearing the brunt of the criticism. Her best friend, Chen Kun, could not escape Zhou Xun's orbit and was also ridiculed for his drama The Rise of Phoenixes. Listen to our latest episode to hear why these 3 in particular received such a public backlash this summer.
Just as we said summer was a bore, new relationship bombshells and news were shared this past week! Wu Jian Yan, fresh off her success from The Double, shared a photo on Weibo shocking everyone on her update. Actress Zhang Yu Qi roasted actor Yu Shi on a talkshow for cheating on her but there's so much more to his scandalous past. Huang Xiao Ming announced his first new relationship since his divorce to Angelababy. Listen to our latest podcast episode for all the news!
Fan Xian swiftly avenges his friend Teng Zi Jing's death. He is promptly captured by Zhu Ge of the 1st Bureau for disregarding orders, but is ultimately freed by the Emperor for his public actions
Summer is officially over and it was a rather muted one in the Chinese entertainment industry. There wasn't one breakout star of the summer. The Double, starring Wu Jin Yan and Wang Xing Yue, performed the best but the two leads fizzled out in the summer. Lost You Forever Season 2 was the biggest disappointment this summer with its poor plot, lack of CPs, and poor characterizations. Karen and Cathy discuss their thoughts of the performance of the dramas and the stars this summer!
In episode 13 of Joy of Life S1, just when everything seemed to be going Fan Xian's way with his engagement to Lin Wan'Er and bromance with Teng Zi Jing, things take a sudden turn. Fan Xian and Teng Zi Jing are ambushed at Niu Lan Jie with a powerful assassin from the Kingdom of Northern Qi. Teng Zi Jing dies protecting Fan Xian. Fan Xian is in complete shock at the loss of his friend. He finds solace with Lin Wan Er and tries to avenge his friend's death, only to hear that the Overwatch Council will release the assassin for political gain. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our analysis of this intense episode!
In August, Zhang Wan Yi and Wang Chu Ran headlined a historical romance drama Are You The One. Tan Jian Ci leads Go East in a historical comedy and Ding Yu Xi and newcomer Deng En Xi star in the historical romance Melody of Golden Age. All of these dramas have only been decent, a step down from the buzz of their prior dramas. We discuss other dramas that have aired in Aug and early September as well
Fan Xian and Wan'Er are both ecstatic to find each other's true identities as not only the person each other likes, but as each other's betrothed. Fan Xian starts to help cure Wan'Er's sickness with another late night visit with medicine. Meanwhile, something is off with Si Li Li.
In a recent bombshell post, Joy of Life actor Zhang Hao Wei, known for his portrayal as the Crown Prince, was revealed to have discussed prostitutes and potentially even establishing his own brothel! These voice recordings set off a whole firestorm with legal notices and declarations being posted all over Weibo. Will Joy of Life be in peril? Actress Song Zu Er who was softly canceled last year might be making a comeback after her company posted a statement that she's been cleared of any wrong doing, but is she really in the clear?
Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out about this juicy tea!
Fan Xian takes matter into his own hands to rid his engagement to Lin Wan'Er. But when he does go to her residence to cause chaos, he finds that his chicken leg girl is none other than Lin Wan'Er herself. An incredibly cute episode where these two finally learn each other's identity.
The Emperor and Mei Zhi Li engage in a thrilling conversation where the Emperor shares his displeasure at Mei Zhi Li allying himself with the Crown Prince, a sign of disloyalty. The punishment? Death.
We were having a blast watching the Paris Olympic games and so was everyone in China! The French certainly put on a show and the Chinese athletes performed extremely well. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the top trending sports, events, memes, and moments from these Olympic games!
Fan Xian is summoned to trial after his assault on Guo Bao Kun landed the poor man bandaged up like a mummy. The trial at the Capital Court becomes a battleground for not only Fan Xian and Guo Bao Kun, but the Crown Prince and 2nd prince as well
A new variety show - Travel with the Royal Family has been a hilarious Empresses in the Palace 甄嬛传 reunion. The general premise of this variety / reality show is to have the hosts and guests travel around China to experience local culture especially with the minorities within China. The regular cast includes Ada Choi - Empress. Lan Xi - Shen Mei Zhuang, Zhang Xiao Ling - Wen Shi Chu, Tao Xin Ran - An Ling Rong, Lan Ying Ying - Huan Bi, Chen Si Si - Cao Qin Mo. There's many guest appearances and surprises from the cast of Empresses in the Palace and everyone takes us on a trip down memory lane! Listen to our thoughts on the fun gossip and tea they shared about their time filming the drama!
Fan Xian finally runs into the girl of his dreams, his Chicken Leg Girl, at the poetry meeting. While they get to speak for a little bit longer, he forgets again to ask for her name.
Meanwhile, he finds details of Guo Bao Kun's involvement in Teng Zi Jing's family's death and heads to a brothel where he meets the beautiful courtesan Si Li Li to enact a distraction.
The Olympics are in full swing captivating audiences in China. A slew of dramas have aired but haven't been able to compete with Olympic buzz. Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty Season 2 Journey West starring Yang Xu Wen and Yang Zhi Gang has been a surprising delight after a strong first season. Dashing Youth, starring Hou Ming Hao, He Yu, and Hu Lian Xin, is a prequel to the 2022 The Blood of Youth. The long anticipated Vampire drama, Snowfall, starring Gao Wei Guang and Ou Yang Na Na, started airing. Zhang Ling He is on a roll with his new drama with Jing Tian, Love's Rebellion. Listen now to our latest August drama updates!
Former k-pop boy band EXO member, Huang Zi Tao, publicly announced his relationship to Xu Yi Yang on social media on July 13. Normally, these types of announcement garners a lot of discussion but this time, there's been more mockery/ridicule. We explain who they are and why this relationship announcement missed the mark.
In episode 7, Fan Xian goes undercover to find more details on Teng Zi Jing's case and is surprised and suspicious at how easy the entire mission was. The next day at the poetry meeting, Fan Xian tries to find his chicken leg girl but fails. Annoyed at this and Guo Bao Kun's constant provocations, he writes one poem that stuns the entire gathering. News of this masterpiece, called Deng Gao, and originally written by Du Fu, travels fast to the Palace and causes a commotion amongst many in the royal family.
Tencent saw 5 Chinese dramas breach 30,000 on its popularity index in the first half of the year. Youku saw 5 breach 10,000 while iQiyi only had one. We discuss which dramas they were and also which dramas had the highest tv ratings in 1H24.
In episode 6 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian wanders off to find the Overwatch Council and is surprised and bemused to see Wang Qi Nian as a member there. Fan Xian finds his mother's tablet and has a better understanding of the world she tried to build. At the palace, everyone has their eyes set on Fan Xian's performance at the poetry meeting. Lin Wan Er tries to meet Fan Xian for a discussion but he's nowhere to be found, forcing his siblings to cover for him and presenting a rather bad image of Fan Xian. Listen now to the history and fun pop culture referenced this episode!
The 29th Magnolia Award had quite a bit a drama when the nominations were announced including Wang Yi Bo fans being upset he was not nominated and then questioning whether Tang Yan, Yang Zi and a few others were deserving of their nominations.
Fan Xian and his siblings head out for a nice lunch in the capital. They find that the Dream of the Red Chamber that Fan Xian memorized and wrote for Fan Ruo Ruo is now an incredibly popular book that's selling in the black market. Fan Si Zhe hears this and immediately wants to partner up with Fan Xian.
Meanwhile, they are intercepted by Guo Bao Kun and Li Hong Cheng and invited to a literary/poetry meeting the next day.
A full new slate of dramas have geared up for the summer season. New Wu Xia Drama Legend of Heroes is another adaptation of Legend of the Condor Heroes. Luo Yun Xi and Song Yi star in an original period romance drama Follow Your Heart. Meanwhile, Zhang Ling He has found his groove in The Princess Royal with Zhao Jin Mai. The hotly anticipated season 2 of Lost You Forever is slated to air on July 8th! Listen to our thoughts on these recent dramas in our latest podcast episode
Fan Xian meets his father Fan Jian who gives him the rundown of the capital. The Princess Royal Li Yun Rui currently controls power of the Royal Treasury which she would lose once Fan Xian marries her daughter Lin Wan'Er, thus making him a prime target for attack.
Summer 2024 has been dominated by two dramas that are star representatives of the genre of their source IP, Nan Pin or Books of the Male Gaze and Nv Pin or Books of the Female Gaze. In today's podcast episode, I discuss these two book genres, the tropes typically found in these books, and how they have translated on screen. Joy of Life represent the Nan Pin books and dramas and the Double represent the Nv Pin books and dramas.
Fan Xian heads to the Capital of the Qing kingdom but meets a myriad of characters along the way including a beautiful "Ms. Chicken Leg". When he finally arrives at the Fan Manor in the Capital, his family dynamics also become quite eventful.
Actress Zhou Ye garnered negative publicity due to her attitude towards the "6th Princess" which is actually CCTV6. We discuss what happened and why the "6th Princess" is important.
We kick off with our discussions of Joy of Life Season 1 with the first 2 episodes! We start with an episode recap and then move onto culture and history! We discuss how the author chose the name 庆余年 and references behind it. Join us on this journey for Joy of Life
Our next drama to discuss is the wildly popular Joy of Life 庆余年! Starring Zhang Ruo Yun, Li Qin, Chen Dao Ming and a star-studded cast, the drama follows the story of Fan Xian, who is reincarnated into another world as a baby, as he grows up and is thrust into the machinations of the Qing Empire. For this intro, we discuss the plot, the actors, and our own Joy of Life connection as Cathy travels around in China! Listen and get ready for Joy of Life Season 1.
The summer season for Chinese dramas is now in full swing. Yang Mi and Gong Jun offer Fox Spirit Match Maker: Red Moon Pact which is stunning in both set design and costumes, but has failed to capture audiences. Meanwhile, Wu Jin Yan from The Story of YanXi Palace returns with The Double which is a surprise hit. The Tale of Rose featuring Liu Yi Fei is slated to air on June 8, a modern day drama, and we highlight Golden Trio which features some of our favorite, more senior actors.
We wrap up our in depth discussion of the extraordinary drama, The Longest Day In Chang'An with a recap of episode 48. We also discuss overall thoughts of the drama, go over book differences, highlight key historical character endings and also elaborate on careers of the 3 main cast members.
Thank you all for joining us as we complete another drama!
In the penultimate episode (ep 47) of the Longest Day in Chang'An, the characters uncover one final spy hidden amongst them at Jing An Si. The Emperor is bewildered to see Xu Bin as the one to greet him after his harrowing escape. Despite his best efforts, Xu Bin is dismayed to see that the Emperor refuses to acknowledge his abilities. Xu Bin resolves to show just what he is capable of. Listen our latest podcast episode as many more secrets are revealed!
The variety/reality Chinese singing competition Singer 2024 created quite some buzz in its latest season following the knockout performances by a few competitors in this live recording of the show that has left Chinese audiences eager to see who can compete against these strong contestants. Listen to hear what's been creating the buzz in May.
Xiao Gui and Zhang Xiao Jing hide alongside the Emperor and Tan Qi in a tavern. A barber and his young daughter seek refuge in the tavern only to find that they stepped into a lion's den. Xiao Gui wants the Emperor to be killed publicly but is surprised when the Emperor kneels and requests that Xiao Gui lets innocent civilians go. Seeing that innocent lives are in danger and that perhaps the Emperor is not as bad as he seems, Xiao Gui decides to step forward to save the day.
Phoenix Legend or 凤凰传奇, a music duo, have been known to Chinese audiences for 2 decades but their recent concert tour in China have been highly entertaining. Concert goers have become very intense and are competing to make sure they represent their concerts well with knowledge of Phoenix Legend lyrics. We share music from the duo and fun tidbits that have been shared online from these concerts.
The BIGGEST drama of the year to air, in our opinion, is the HIGHLY anticipated season 2 of Joy of Life or Qing Yu Nian. It is slated to air on May 16 with most of the cast returning from season 1 and a number of new characters joining the cast. Outside of that, In the Name of the Brother featuring Yang Mi has not gone over well with audiences despite her heavy marketing of her improvement in acting. Meanwhile Cathy enjoyed the modern love story of Will Love in Spring. An interesting short series To The Wonder is also piquing our interest.
In episode 44 and part 1 of episode 45, the Emperor finally experiences the reality of Chang An. He cannot believe the poverty, filth, and corruption that is occurs right outside of his palace walls. He is also touched by the kindness shown by regular people expecting nothing in return, but he nevertheless see the reality that the Right Chancellor wants him to see. Meanwhile, Li Bi vows to uncover the mastermind behind the day's events, even if it means the end of his career. Cheng Sen agrees to aid him
Karen and Cathy introduce the other 18 ladies competing in Season 5 of Ride the Wind/Sisters Who Make Waves for 2024.
In episode 43, Xiao Gui successfully kidnaps the Emperor. The remaining factions, especially the Right Chancellor, begin plotting to seize power and begin moving their pawns in the city of Chang An. Only the Crown Prince is genuinely worried about his father's safety. Xiao Gui discovers that deceit from Tan Qi and threatens to kill everyone but is distracted by guards searching the city. The Emperor manages to escape and is now out in the city of Chang An and faces many surprises from his subjects.
Season 5 of Ride the Wind (formerly Sisters Who Make Waves) started airing on April 19. This popular reality tv show airing on Hunan tv/Mango Tv brings together a diverse group of women who compete to create a "girl group" at the end of the competition. We introduce 18 of the 36 contestants in this episode and will follow up with the remainder next episode.
In episode 42, Xiao Gui finally slaughters his way to the Emperor where he confronts the man on whether he remembers the 8th squad. The Emperor stands his ground and almost persuades Xiao Gui to abandon his mission. The Emperor shoots his arrow, but thanks to Zhang Xiao Jing, the explosion does not go off as planned.
Now that we know what "hua" or "hua dan" means for Chinese actresses, who are discussed on the various lists of flowers? Karen goes over some actresses most generally discussed as part of the 85 flowers, the 90 flowers and 95 flowers for Chinese actresses.
Tensions rise at the Emperor's banquet as Director He finally confronts the Emperor on how he is running his empire. Director He tries to kill the Right Chancellor, exclaiming that he is a corrupt presence. The Emperor though dismisses all of these claims. Zhang Xiao Jing part ways with Xiao Gui as the latter heads to the Palace to confront the Emperor. Li Bi escapes and persuades the Crown Prince to protect the Emperor
Karen and Cathy are here with the latest Chinese dramas in April! We have Blossoms in Adversity starring Hu Yi Tian and Zhang Jing Yi. There's Best Choice Ever with Yang Zi and Xu Kai. We have a remake of the original Chinese Paladin game with Paladin Legend. Zhang Bin Bin stars in this new medical drama Live Surgery Room. A new drama with Li Xian called Shooting Stars will begin airing in the middle of the month. Listen more for our thoughts on these dramas!
Zhang Xiao Jing finally heads up to the Lantern tower and sees the true identity of Long Bo - his fellow soldier from the 8th squad, Xiao Gui. Swiftly, Zhang Xiao Jing chokes Li Bi to death before discussing with Xiao Gui why he's on today's path. Meanwhile, the Emperor is making the Crown Prince's life difficult again and Cheng Sen is discovering more clues about Xu Bin's involvement in tonight's events.
We're providing an introduction to the Flowers or Hua in the Chinese entertainment industry. Why are certain actresses called Flowers and others aren't? What's the history of this name and who are the top Flowers? Listen to our latest episode to find out!
Wen Ran finds Zhang Xiao Jing in the Lantern Tower and she implores him to leave Chang An with her. He, however, is adamant he wants to stay in Chang An to protect its people. He wishes for Wen Ran to stay because it is what his fallen brothers hoped for on the battlefield.
We get flashbacks now of when Zhang Xiao Jing was a soldier defending the border. He and his fellow soldiers were faced with low morale, no food and no reinforcements. But ultimately, they decided to not retreat or give up.
A slew of new dramas just began airing in March so we wanted to do a mid-month update!
- Burning Flames starring Ren Jia Lun and Xing Fei.
- In Blossoms starring Ju Jing Yi and Liu Xue Yi.
- Simple Days starring Tong Yao and Chen Xiao.
- The Legend of Shen Li starring Zhao Li Ying and Lin Geng Xin
- War of Faith starring Wang Yi Bo and Li Qin
With so many stars gracing our screens, listen to our thoughts on these dramas as we have been chasing them!
Zhang Xiao Jing is making his way up the lantern tower but is met with an tough decision. Who does he save? The civilians in the square? Or the Emperor.
Zhang Xiao Jing finally makes it into the grand lantern and is closer to see his adversary of the night. The Crown Prince and the Right Chancellor square off in front of the Emperor in the Flower Sepal Tower. Meanwhile, back at Jing An Si, Cheng Sen offers his services to investigate the case in order to not be a scapegoat for today's events.
A slew of new dramas began airing in February and March including Eternal Brotherhood, The Hunter, Always on the Move, Judge Dee’s Mystery, White Cat Legend, Pegasus, Detective Chinatown 2, and Everyone Loves Me. Karen and Cathy have begun chasing several of these dramas. Listen to our latest episode to see what we think about them!
Karen and Cathy discuss the the critically acclaimed sci-fi drama Three Body or 三体. As one of the first mainstream Science Fiction dramas that aired in China in 2023, it boasts a great source material, strong cast, and heavy investment. We discuss how the drama faired when it first aired and our thoughts about the drama itself. Listen and let us know your experience with Three Body.
This podcast is sponsored by JubaoTV
The Emperor holds court and asks about an embassy for the ambassador from Little Patola. Here, the Prince of Yong and the Right Chancellor start a verbal spat with the Crown Prince and Director He on the true nature of how the land was procured. We finally learn what happened that bloody day months ago that landed Zhang Xiao Jing on death row. Meanwhile, Tan Qi requests aid from Yan Yu Huan to save Zhang Xiao Jing while he travels to the palace to stop Long Bo.
The Spring Festival Gala had plenty of winners but there was one big loser caught everyone's attention. Bai Jing Ting's shenanigans during his performance with Wei Da Xun and Wei Chen drew ire from social media and he has since been flooded with negative press. Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out what he did! Elsewhere, the Chinese box office has been chugging along with one big breakout in Jia Ling's latest flick Yolo.
Zhang Xiao Jing learns that Long Bo's true target might be the giant lantern tower built for the Emperor for the Lantern Festival. Meanwhile, we finally get to meet the famed Yan Tai Zhen aka Consort Yang Yu Huan of history and the Emperor Tang Xuan Zong at Hua E Tower during the strike of midnight.
Karen and Cathy share our thoughts about the most recent cultural phenomenon of Blossoms Shanghai (繁花) starring Hu Ge (胡歌), Ma Yi Li (马伊利), Tang Yan (唐嫣), and Xin Zhi Lei (辛芷蕾). The drama was hit as viewers flocked to the screens to see the first TV drama helmed by famed director Wang Kar Wai. He presents a beautiful vision of Shanghai that admittedly took us some time to fully immerse ourselves in. Listen to our thoughts and go watch the show!
We celebrated this year's Lunar New Year eve by participating in a Chinese tradition of watching the Spring Festival Gala. This year's event celebrating the year of the dragon and a number of stunning performances as well as a magic show that quickly became a meme due to an unexpected result. Listen in to our recommendations and let us know which performances you liked from this year's spring festival gala or Chun Wan!
In ep 33, we finally get a breather for our heroes. Tan Qi and Li Bi finally part ways despite Li Bi ultimately saving her from certain death. Zhang Xiao Jing head off in search of clues from the mysterious bamboo fragment. This leads them back to Jing An Si where they have a hilarious encounter with an old frenemy. The two then go off to find a blacksmith who might solve their mystery and get them closer to the final riddle.
Transcript now on our website! Chinese Paladin 4 and 6 or The Legend of Sword and Fairy 4 and Sword and Fairy sees Ju Jing Yi and Chen Zhe Yuan vs Esther Yu Shu Xin and Xu Kai fight it out with the same IP. Meanwhile Yang Zi was not able to maintain her presence in TV ratings with her drama Love Endures. Wu Lei and Zhao Jin Mai's new drama Amidst a Snowstorm of Love is highly anticipated while Karen and Cathy are separately watching Fighting for Love and Frozen Surface
Li Bi manages to escape from the Right Chancellor's clutches and brings much needed news to the Crown Prince and General Guo. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiao Jing finds Xu Bin and heads off to rescue Tan Qi held hostage at the Right Chancellor's residence. Yao Ru Neng steps up in a big way to save Tan Qi who reiterates that she is more than just a slave. She has value and is capable of more.
It finally snowed in large swaths of Southern China. Many actors and actresses shared posts of the snowy spectacles down in Heng Dian with fans speculating which film crews will take advantage of the natural scenes! However, the biggest news with the snow actually comes from the pandas in Cheng Du! Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out more!
Director He finally makes an appearance and heads to the Right Chancellor's residence along with Li Bi and Tan Qi. There, we see just how powerful the Right Chancellor is as he manipulates He Fu into giving a false confession before committing suicide and then tries to force Li Bi into signing a statement implicating the Crown Prince by threatening Tan Qi's life. Elsewhere, Zhang Xiao Jing searches for more clues with the help of the famed singer, Xu He Zi.
Fresh in the new year, infamous producer and screenwriter Yu Zheng decides to spill some shocking tea about his latest drama Wu Fu Lin Men. This is just one in a slew of petty and passive aggressive posts that he dishes out about the entertainment industry. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about Yu Zheng's history and influence in the Chinese entertainment industry and just what sparked his latest outburst.
In episode 28, Zhang Xiao Jing must return to the underground to find more clues about the hired mercenaries. Ge Lao faces a mutiny from his men but, with the help of Zhang Xiao Jing, dispatches the traitors. Zhang Xiao Jing is rewarded for this loyalty. Meanwhile, He Fu's actions have escalated to the battle between the Right Chancellor and the Crown Prince. The Right Chancellor tries to discover if Director He knew of He Fu's plans. General Guo tries the same.
Welcome to 2024! Karen and Cathy are back to discuss the latest slate of Chinese dramas to kick off the new year. The biggest drama airing is 繁花 Blossoms Shanghai, directed by celebrated director Wang Kar Wai and stars Hu Ge, Ma Yi Li, Tang Yan, and Xing Zhi Lei. Others dramas include Zhang Ruo Yun's The Hope, Zhao Lu Si's The Last Immortal, Liu Hao Cun's Derailment, and Victoria Song's Our Interpreter. Listen to our latest podcast episode to learn more about the dramas that are airing!
Rounding out 2023, Karen and Cathy share their favorite Chinese dramas this year via superlatives. They include drama with the best soundtrack, most uplifting dramas, most thought provoking dramas and more! Let us know your favorite Chinese dramas of the year!
Karen and Cathy discuss the ladies of the Chinese entertainment industry that were the biggest winners, most controversial, up and coming and more!
In episodes 26 + 27, Zhang Xiao Jing flees for his life as the new kill orders from Ji Wen take effect. He is aided by Isse and the Sleuth Hounds but can barely stay ahead.
He Fu has been blinded by Long Bo but still is given the opportunity to "assassinate" the Right Chancellor. He fails and is brought to see him instead.
Li Bi flees from his captivity and has a series of encounters in the underground of Chang'An, which hardens his resolve to fight for the people of Chang'An.
Yao Ru Neng finally steps up to beat the drums of Never Retreat at the watchtowers. Inspired by these drumbeats, Zhang Xiao Jing vows to stay and save Chang'An
Cathy and Karen share their thoughts on Chinese drama actors for 2023 including the biggest winners and losers as well the up and commers, the ones in more precarious positions and those that held steady.
In episodes 24 + 25, Zhang Xiao Jing meets the leader of the mercenaries and surprisingly meets an old friend. After the massacre, Li Bi tails Long Bo and his crew but is captured. He comes face to face with the mastermind for the events, He Fu. The destruction of Jing An Si means that the Right Chancellor must take over. He orders his subordinate Ji Wen to find the culprit within 2 hours. Ji Wen turns to the smarmy Yuan Zai for ideas who suggests naming Zhang Xiao Jing as the culprit.
Journey to Love features a return to historical dramas for Liu Shi Shi whose last historical costume drama was 6 years ago. Bai Lu and Zhang Ling He's The Story of Kunning Palace finally aired. Charmaine Sheh and Kenneth Ma return with a well received TVB drama The Queen of News. Tan Jian Ci, Zhou Ye lead a modern romance, Gu Li Na Zha and Xu Wei Zhoul starred in a sequel to Weaving a Tale of Love.
In episode 23, Li Bi still holds Yu Chang captive at Jing An Si. Long Bo and his men mount a surprise attack to rescue her. Jing An Si is unguarded and only Cui Qi remains as he decides to finally do the right thing for the city of Chang An. In the face of Long Bo's men brutally murdering the officials at Jing An Si, Cui Qi makes a last stand. He died a hero and is finally remembered as Cui Qi of Chang An
In episode 22, Zhang Xiao Jing and Tan Qi successfully capture Yu Chang and bring her to the custody of Li Bi at Jing An Si. Based on Yu Chang's words and Yao Ru Neng's memories of the day, Li Bi makes the decision to summon the officials back to Jing An Si to continue their search for "Long Bo", the closest lead they've had. Long Bo decides to mount a rescue. Meanwhile, the Right Chancellor is summoned to the palace by General Guo and they engage in some spectacular verbal sparring about the Emperor's intentions.
Karen shares some high level observations of the current landscape of Chinese variety and reality tv shows.
Yisi and Zhang XIao Jing chase after an assassin on the rooftops of Chang An where Yisi shows off his rather impressive parkouring skills. They didn't catch the assassin's at this point but managed to trick them later and captured one for questioning. In the meantime, Yu Chang arrives to remove any loose threads.
Li Bi finally makes a breakthrough with the dying Cao Po Yan. His final clue leads them to the Lotus Cross and their leader You Cha. Zhang Xiao Jing and Tan Qi head off undercover in search of a Persian monastery but instead find themselves at a Nestorian church or the Church of the East. Their quest hits a snag as an eager deacon gets in their way. Meanwhile, Wen Ran escapes and regroups with Long Bo. Yu Chang is furious that Long Bo didn't send her on a mission
Top Chinese celebrity/actress Dilireba joins season 5 of Divas Hit The Road or 花儿与少年 alongside Qin Lan, Qin Hai Lu, Xin Zhi Lei, Zhao Zhao Yi, Wang An Yu, and Hu Xian Xu. This variety show from Hunan television has this group of actors/actresses travel through various countries to perform different tasks. While previous seasons had varying levels of drama, this season is mostly funny. Karen and Cathy crack up with our thoughts on the first few episodes of the show!
The attempted prison break goes awry as Zhang Xiao Jing, Tan Qi, and Yao Ru Neng get captured by General Gan, the leader of the Right Cavalry. He cruelly orders Tan Qi to dance on hot coals or else Zhang Xiao Jing will be branded by hot iron. Tan Qi agrees and performs a beautiful dance despite Zhang Xiao Jing's protestations. The trio are saved by General Guo and reconvene with Li Bi to hear the news that more Crouching Fire is hidden in the city. Meanwhile, Wen Ran escapes prison with her own secret fragrance.
October dramas include A Scent of Time featuring Zhou Ye, Romance on the Farm with Tian Xi Wei and Zeng Shun Xi and Pearl River Family which is smashing tv viewership numbers but does not have much online buzz. Into November, Gong Jun has a new modern day romance and so does Bai Lu and Dylan Wang He Di. Xu Kai and Jing Tian have a historical romance, Wonderland of Love slated to air.
In episode 18, Tan Qi tries to rescue Zhang Xiao Jing with the help of a surprise accomplice, Yao Ru Neng. Unfortunately, things don't go as planned for this trio. Li Bi tries to solve the puzzle as to why Director He decided to close the case by visiting the aging man. After a conversation, Li Bi finds himself drugged and close to death. One man in the house is not who he seems. Listen to our latest episode on The Longest Day in Chang An!
We share the inside scoop of the Chinese entertainment industry from our cousins who work there! This includes why major cities aren't named anymore in Chinese dramas, to what to expect when visiting Heng Dian, to various restrictions on costumes and set design and more!
With Zhang Xiao Jing's apparent victory over the Wolf Squad members, the Emperor orders the case to be closed. No one is recognized for their efforts, which greatly angers Cui Qi. Zhang Xiao Jing is back in chains, first at Jing An Si, and then transferred to the Right Cavalry. Cui Qi abandons Li Bi for greater chances of glory elsewhere and takes Zhang Xiao Jing as his prize. The rest of the men at Jing An Si also take their leave but just as they do so, Xu Bin arrives to inform them that there are actually 300 barrels of petrol hiding in Chang An.
Lisa from Blackpink was embroiled in controversy for performing in a Parisian cabaret show called Crazy Horse. At least 2 Chinese female actresses, Angelababy and Zhang Jia Ni, were photographed to have attended. We discuss what the controversy is and the arguments from Chinese social media.
Zhang Xiao Jing finally catches up to the remaining Wolf Squad members and their carriages of Crouching Fire. Many in Jing An Si are doubtful that Zhang Xiao Jing will succeed but Li Bi puts his faith in him. Meanwhile, a traitor is revealed amongst their midst and Yuan Zai continues to woo Wang Yun Xiu.
With his reputation severely damaged, Xu Bin still decides to sneak out of Jing An Si. Li Bi pursues him to find out that Xu Bin is the inventor and owner of a Bamboo production making factory. Xu Bin wanted to find a way to help the empire and his grand idea was to produce more paper. Li Bi's suspicion of him recedes. In the meanwhile, the Right Chancellor also takes an interest in Xu Bin and finds that Xu Bin's funder was none other than He Fu, the adopted son of Director He. With this information, the Right Chancellor has what he needs to strike at the Crown Prince and his close ally, Director He
The October slate of dramas of interest include Parallel Worlds 西出玉门 featuring Ni Ni and Bai Yu in a modern day but supernatural show. Huang Jing Yu and Zhang Jing Yi bring us another romance around firefighters that is often compared to Fireworks of My Heart. Alliance 好事成双 has divorce, cheating, sisterhood and getting back at an awful ex with Zhang Xiao Fei, Huang Xiao Ming and Zhang Jia Ni. Faithful 九义人 with Wu Qian and Li Jia Hang is your historical mystery while Tiger and Crane 虎鹤妖师录 ft Jiang Long and Zhang Ling He offer a historical demon catching tale.
In the aftermath of the fire, Zhang Xiao Jing must race to save people, including the Wolf Squad member Cao Po Yan for clues. The blast was heard from all over Chang An and we come to learn that the bombs were called Crouching Fire. Li Bi interrogates Xu Bin about his relationship with Zhang Xiao Jing. Xu Bin finally admits that he chose Zhang Xiao Jing for this mission due to personal reasons.
For Chinese dramas and movies, having top billing or Yi Fan 一番 is a huge deal for actors or actresses. Well, at least the fans think so. Karen and Cathy discuss what Fan Wei 番位 or billing spots mean in the Chinese drama/movie world and what types of spats happen by fans who try to push for their star to get the top spot.
In episode 13, Cen Sen and Xu Bin finally discover the secret of Que Le Huo Duo - ink stones made from oil will be the catalyst to burn down all of Chang An. The lowly Yuan Zai meets with Feng Da Lun but quickly discovers that the woman the Blaze Gang captured is more than meets the eye. He seizes his opportunity to climb up the ranks. In the meanwhile, Li Bi turns his suspicions to Xu Bin.
Livestreaming is a particularly popular activity in China with many products being sold via livestreams on popular apps and social media platforms. Recently, one of the most famous livestreamers Li Jia Qi was embroiled in controversy with how he behaved during a particular session. Tune in to listen to what happened and learn more about the world of livestreaming in China!
In episode 12, Zhang Xiao Jing and Cui Qi resume their hunt for Wen Ran and the remaining Wolf Squad members. Long Bo has other plans for these Wolf Squad members. We are introduced to a very peculiar man, Yuan Zai, who is determined to grasp his opportunity to climb the ranks in Chang An. Li Bi in the meanwhile believes there's a mole within Jing An Si and publicly arrests Xu Bin in an attempt to find the mole. Things are looking grim for both Li Bi and Zhang Xiao Jing
With the summer over, Karen and Cathy share then completely and entirely "objective" thoughts on the winners and losers from this slate of summer dramas. Interestingly, there was no massive hit this summer akin to The Love Between Fairy and Devil last year. Outside of Wei Da Xun, there wasn't any other major breakout star. Yang Zi held her own and brought decent popularity with Lost You Forever Season One but didn't quite capture the same magic. On the flip side, there were quite a few losers, some more serious than others. Take a listen and let us know your thoughts!
An esteemed general/eunuch Guo Li Shi arrives with a decree from the Emperor for Li Bi which on the surface is congratulatory but is actually filled with his displeasure. Zhang Xiao Jing enlists the help of a special Chinese dog to follow Wen Ran's scent while Wen Ran brings her captors to meet Long Bo. Tan Qi brings Zhang Xiao Jing's message to the Prince of Yong who somehow immediately follows Zhang Xiao Jing's orders.
Ending August and starting September, we have a new slate of dramas including The Legend of Zhuo Hua starring Feng Shao Feng and Jing Tian, Love you Seven Times starring Yang Chao Yue and Ding Yu Xi, Wrong Carriage Right Groom starring Tian Xi Wei and Ao Rui Peng, Sunshine By Me starring Xiao Zhan and Bai Bai He, and My Journey To You starring Esther Yu and Zhang Lin He. Listen to our latest podcast as Cathy discusses our thoughts on them!
General Cui Qi announces via the watchtowers that they had complete and total victory in eliminating all members of the wolf squad. Which is entirely untrue. Cao Po Yan and Ma Ge Er are both alive and have abducted Wen Ran to boot. Zhang Xiao Jing awakes and with Tan Qi's help, cleans up to start his second chase. Meanwhile, the news of victory is impactful both to the crown prince and the right chancellor.
A new season of Call Me By Fire is upon us! 32 Brothers compete to form a new boy band! In this In the Know episodes, Karen and Cathy are excited to discuss the brothers, their history in the Chinese speaking entertainment industry, and the ones we are most familiar with! We have Jimmy Lin, Nicholas Teo, Tiger Hu, Cai Guo Qing and so many more!
Zhang Xiao Jing is getting beaten up by the wolf squad members and figuring out how to escape while Captain Cui Qi is treated to a stunning performance by the superstar Xu He Zi who performs her rendition of the Short Ballad.
Zhang Xiao Jing has chased the wolf squad members to Xiu Zheng Fang but unexpectedly meets the young woman, Wen Ran, who seems to know too much about the Wolf Squad. Through flashbacks and also Li Bi's investigation, Zhang Xiao Jing old connections with Wen Ran's father during the military are discovered. Meanwhile, general Cui Qi is dragging his feet to help Zhang Xiao Jing while encountering a grand parade.
In our latest In the Know episode, Karen and Cathy discuss the top 3 Drama and Theater Academies that have shaped the Chinese entertainment industry. Alumni from these schools have since become household names and major stars. Listen to hear about what each school is known for and why so many apply to these elite schools!
After an intense standoff in the last episode, in episode 7, Zhang Xiao Jing finally obtains crucial information about Long Bo and where the Wolf Squad might be hidden. The courtesan, Tong Er, who wanted to elope with her lover, is devastated to find that she is once again discarded by the man she loves. For Zhang Xiao Jing, this information comes at a cost. He can no longer rely on his old men for any information and must seek out Long Bo alone. Li Bi meanwhile stakes his own reputation and life on this mission, upping the ante for the entire Department of City Security
Do you know what Xian Yan Bao means, what about Tai Ku La, YYDS, u1s1? Listen to our latest In the know episode on the trending Chinese phrases and slang that's taking over Chinese pop culture this year! Be on the lookout for these phrases in interviews and reality shows and perhaps you'll spot them!
In episode 6 of the Longest Day in Chang'An, to find information about the token, Zhang Xiao Jing must negotiated with the leader of Chang'An's underground, a one Ge Lao. The information has a cost and Zhang Xiao Jing must decide if he will betray one of his own for the safety of all of Chang An. Listen to our latest podcast episode on this intense episode and a surprise guest appearance in the drama!
Karen and Cathy discuss 4 new Chinese dramas currently airing in August 2023. Dilraba Dilmurat and Gong Jun headline The Legend of An Le 安乐传. Yang Zi stars in the first season of 长相思 or Lost You Forever with Tan Jian Ci, Zhang Wan Yi, and Deng Wei. Cheng Yi stars in Mysterious Lotus Casebook 莲花楼 with Zeng Shun Xi and Xiao Shun Rao. Finally, the sequel to 2019's 大宋少年志 or Yong Blood is also airing. Listen to our latest podcast to hear our initial thoughts about these dramas!
In episode 5 of The Longest Day in Chang'An, we're finally introduced to the mysterious Long Bo and get a good look at the woman Yu Chang. They have nefarious plans in place. Elsewhere, two women, Wen Yan and Wang Yun Xiu, are marching towards the Wolf Squad hideout hoping to capture some of them but are quickly outnumbered. Zhang Xiao Jing must find more clues and comes to the famous red light district of Ping Kang Fang. Answers do not come by easily and he must travel to the underground for more information. Listen to our latest podcast episode for more!
In this episode, we explain to you what the term “Oily” or 油腻 in Chinese media means. The reason why 油腻 or Oily is so topical is because poor Yang Yang has been blasted as 油 or greasy for his portrayal as Song Yan in Fireworks of my Heart or 我的人间烟火. Some go so far as to call him the new Oil King. Listen to our latest episode on the origins of this phrase and how it's currently used in Chinese pop culture
Zhang Xiao Jing warns of an impending fire apocalypse but the political factions must weigh his words against the larger chest board at play. The battle between the Crown Prince and the Right Chancellor. Everyone has chosen a side, except for Zhang Xiao Jing but he must chose for the subjects of Chang'An instead. Listen to our latest as to how various factions react to the news and the struggle for power of Jing An Si
We’re solidly in the middle of summer and we’ve had plenty of Chinese dramas air already that were hoping to be that breakout hit of the summer. But, there has been a single person who has exploded this summer.
Who is this person? It is Wei Da Xun! He skyrocketed to popularity based his guest appearance as Meng Yan Chen in Fireworks of My Heart which stars Yang Yang and Wang Chu Ran. Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out why!
Zhang Xiao Jing chases the Wolf Squad member right into a religious ceremony. However, in the ensuing chaos, innocent bystanders and the Wolf Squad member are killed. Zhang Xiao Jing hears of a clue Que Le Huo Duo but cannot decipher it. He's quickly apprehended and sent to jail for causing this commotion, but in reality, it is to save his life from the mob. Zhang Xiao and the scholar Cheng Sen figure out the clue - an impending apocalypse. Elsewhere, we are introduced the Right Chancellor Lin Jiu Lang who clearly states that he opposes the Crown Prince.
*Note: This podcast episode contains discussions on suicide, depression and other mental health related issues. Please skip this episode if this is content that might be triggering for you.
Acclaimed singer and performer Coco Lee passed away suddenly on July 5th. It was a shock to the Chinese entertainment industry and perhaps a bigger shock to everyone when the death was ruled a suicide. Coco Lee paved a path for Asian artists over the past 30 years of her career. In this episode we discuss her career and the current aftermath of her death.
Zhang Xiao Jing is officially released from prison to find the missing Wolf Squad. He leverages his old spy networks to find clues about who sold the maps of Chang'An to the Wolf Squad and gives chase when he finds one in the city. In the meantime, Li Bi and the Crown Prince must plan their next move against a looming threat.
Karen and Cathy discuss 8, yes 8, Chinese dramas currently airing in July. Xiao Zhan brings The Longest Promise or 玉骨遥. Angelababy has 2 dramas out: Twilight or 暮色心约 with Ren Jia Lun and 尘缘 Divine Destiny with Ma Tian Yu. Yang Yang stars in 我的人间烟火 or Fireworks of My Heart with his rumored real life girlfriend Wang Chu Ran. There's also Destined 长风渡 with rumored real life couple Bai Jing Ting and Song Yi, Hidden Love or 偷偷藏不住 with Zhao Lu Si, Snow Eagle Lord or 雪鹰领主 with Gu Li Na Zha and Xu Kai and 闪耀的她 or Stand or fall with Qin Lan and Wang Yang.
The escaped member of the Wolf Squad, Cao Po Yan, murdered an elderly man who scooped him out of the river and heads to a barber to shave his beard to better escape in the crowd. Meanwhile, Zhang Xiao Jing recovers a detailed map of Chang An that the Wolf Squad were seeking, indicating a bigger plot is afoot in Chang An, bigger than just finding the lone survivor of the Wolf Squad.
There's been a flurry of scandals these past two weeks. Pop Idol Cai Xu Kun was exposed with having slept with a fan and ordering her to get an abortion. In Taiwan, multiple celebrities including former Fahrenheit boy band member Aaron Yan have been accused of sexual assault or harassment. The 28th Chinese Television Magnolia Awards were held last week and fans were rather discontent with the winners. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the latest tea!
Karen and Cathy discuss the first 20 min of episode one of The Longest Day In Chang'An. They introduce the layout of the city and how "fangs" work as well as the curfew system during the Tang dynasty. They provide an overview of how time was announced then and then introduce the main characters of Zhang Xiao Jing and Li Bi. Zhang Xiao Jing is an inmate on death row selected by Li Bi to track down a member of the Wolf Squad who escaped capture that may be intent on causing harm in Chang An.
The Chinese entertainment industry's biggest stars had dramas air in June. Xiao Zhan had success with The Youth Memories 梦中那片海 and Dilireba educated us on cybercrimes with Prosecution Elite. Karen and Cathy provide their thoughts on the drama and some ratings commentary for how these dramas performed in their initial airing periods.
We kick off our 4th season of Chinese history through Chinese dramas by starting our discussion of the Longest Day in Chang'An 长安十二时辰。 Based off of a 2017 book of the same name, this drama was nominated for and won numerous awards for acting, cinematography, production design among others. We provide a high level overview of the drama, discuss the setting in the Tang dynasty during Emperor Tang Xuan Zong's reign and introduce the two main leads, Lei Jia Yin and Yi Yang Qian Xi.
In our latest In the Know podcast, we discuss the events that led up to the blacklist of actor Zhang Zhe Han in 2021. Fresh off his success in Word of Honor, the future was looking bright for the actor. However, photos of him visiting a Japanese shrine were uncovered in the summer of 2021. The backlash online and the government was swift and severe. He was quickly blacklisted from the Chinese entertainment industry. Listen to our latest podcast to hear the whole story.
In our wrap up episode for the Story of Yanxi Palace with the history of Fu Heng, Emperor Qian Long, and our lead Wei Ying Luo! We then discuss the impact this drama has had on our main cast including Wu Jin Yan, Charmaine Sheh, Qin Lan, Nie Yuan, and Xu Kai. Finally, we share our thoughts on our favorite characters and stories in this drama! Come listen to our final goodbye to this drama
As we round out our discussion on The Story of Yanxi Palace, did you know that it, along with RuYi's Love in the Palace are both actually unavailable to stream in China? Both dramas were removed and may never be available for Chinese audiences. We discuss theories on why these dramas were removed as well as a few other dramas that are still available abroad but have either been edited or removed in China.
In a final confrontation on the dragon boat, the Empress Nala is dragged off after she cuts her hair as a way to curse the Empress Dowager and Emperor. The Prince of He similarly receives his just punishment for treason. As for Yuan Chun Wang? His background is finally revealed even though there are several questions that remain. We wrap up episode 70 with a plot recap and a discussion on what happened to Empress Nala in history.
In June 2023, the Chinese entertainment megastars Dilireba 迪丽热巴 and Xiao Zhan 肖战 take over Chinese network television with separate new Chinese dramas. Re Ba plays a prosecutor in Prosecution Elites 公诉. a modern day drama about online crimes. Xiao Zhan plays a young man from Beijing in the 70s in Where Dreams Begin 梦中那片海 alongside Li Qin 李沁. Ju Jing Yi 鞠婧祎 brings a fantasy drama Hua Rong 花戎, Zhang Bin Bin and Wu Qian star in the modern day romance Here We Meet Again 三分野 and William Chan is a firefighter in A Date with the Future 照亮你。
In June 2023, the Chinese entertainment megastars Dilireba 迪丽热巴 and Xiao Zhan 肖战 take over Chinese network television with separate new Chinese dramas. Re Ba plays a prosecutor in Prosecution Elites 公诉. a modern day drama about online crimes. Xiao Zhan plays a young man from Beijing in the 70s in Where Dreams Begin 梦中那片海 alongside Li Qin 李沁. Ju Jing Yi 鞠婧祎 brings a fantasy drama Hua Rong 花戎, Zhang Bin Bin and Wu Qian star in the modern day romance Here We Meet Again 三分野 and William Chan is a firefighter in A Date with the Future 照亮你。
We're nearing the final episode! On the fourth southern inspection tour, the Prince of He makes devious plans to overthrow the Emperor. The Empress, while not fully aware of his plans, agrees to play along. She believes that the Emperor has fully abandoned her. At night, rebels storm the dragon boat and a large fire breaks out. With the Emperor and Empress Dowager nowhere to be found, the Prince of He almost declares himself ruler. He is shocked to find the Emperor still alive. The Emperor coldly points out his treasonous behavior. Everyone in the room, including the Empress, is about to be betrayed by an unlikely person. Listen to our latest podcast episode!
We're nearing the final episode! On the fourth southern inspection tour, the Prince of He makes devious plans to overthrow the Emperor. The Empress, while not fully aware of his plans, agrees to play along. She believes that the Emperor has fully abandoned her. At night, rebels storm the dragon boat and a large fire breaks out. With the Emperor and Empress Dowager nowhere to be found, the Prince of He almost declares himself ruler. He is shocked to find the Emperor still alive. The Emperor coldly points out his treasonous behavior. Everyone in the room, including the Empress, is about to be betrayed by an unlikely person. Listen to our latest podcast episode!
Karen and Cathy discuss their thoughts on the recently aired and popular Chinese fantasy drama Till the End of the Moon 长月烬明 featuring Luo Yun Xi 罗云熙, Bai Lu 白鹿, Chen Du Ling 陈都灵 and Deng Wei 邓为。
Tensions run high between the Empress vs pretty much everyone else in the palace with Yuan Chun Wang as the master puppeteer. In several well planned steps, he manages to make the Empress and Prince of He think that a coup might be the best option to preserve their power and authority. All of this happens while the Emperor and the rest of the palace are planning for another southern investigation trip, a grand affair to the south of China.
We're finally discussing this new season of Sister who Makes Waves! This is a reality singing competition where 33 ladies over 30 compete to ultimately form a girl group! Each season, we get a variety of ladies from different backgrounds showcase their skills to form this girl group. These year, we have Ella from S.H.E., Ada Choi, our favorite actress Alyssa Chia, Amber from f(x), Japanese singer Mai Mizuhashi, Vietnamese actress Chi Pu, host Xie Na and so many more! Listen to our latest podcast episode as we introduce all 33 ladies and discuss our favorites and thoughts from the first couple performances!
While Ying Luo and the Empress do not want to attack each others' children, the eunuch Yuan Chun Wang steps in and starts wreaking havoc. He skillfully leverages a damaged gun to severely injure the 5th prince and also remove the 4th prince from contention while also causing the Empress to become the subject of the Emperor's suspicion behind this attack.
In May 2023, Chinese dramas the wuxia drama Ingenious One 云襄传 ft Chen Xiao and Mao Xiao Tong and the smaller budget fantasy drama Back from the Brink 护心 ft Hou Ming Hao and Zhou Ye are currently airing. More importantly, the highly anticipated season 2 of Joy of Life or 庆余年 has finally started filming 4+ years after the airing of the first season. From initial photos, most of the main cast has returned including Zhang Ruo Yun, Li Qin, Song Yi, Guo Qi Lin etc though Xiao Zhan's return remains a mystery. He was just cast as Guo Jing in a movie remake for Legend of the Condor Heroes. Elsewhere, Yang Mi has finally parted ways with JiaXing Media or Jay Walk Studios which she was a primary stakeholder of after helping start the company in 2012.
The drama time jumps to the 30th year of Emperor Qian Long's reign and we are now focused on the princes in the palace. Ying Luo has given birth to the 15th prince as well as several other children in the palace while also raising the 5th prince who adores his adoptive mother. Meanwhile, the Empress Nala, who has become hyper focused on maintaining her youthful look, has to contend with Yuan Chun Wang's badgering that she should act to ensure that her son, the 12th prince becomes the next Emperor.
Karen and Cathy provide an plot overview of the movie, Piercing Heart Sword 刿心剑, and explore the historical setting during the Ming dynasty as well as the powerful Embroidered Uniform Guard or Jin Yi Wei, the organization that the main characters are a part of.
After Ying Luo hits rock bottom, Imperial Concubine Shun or Chen Bi furthers her plan by creating the opportunity for Ying Luo to escape with Fu Heng from the palace. She sets it all up with both Ying Luo and Fu Heng and then immediately turns around and tells the Emperor. The day of the supposed escape, the Emperor stops the water tank Ying Luo was going to use to escape only to find her eunuch hidden inside. Ying Luo and Fu Heng both arrive separately to uncover Chen Bi's true motivations. Turns out, Chen Bi was selected as a pawn to enter the palace and hates Fu Heng for saving her life.
There's still 2 weeks left before Till the End of the Moon wraps up airing but there has been plenty of controversy both about the drama and about the cast. Karen and Cathy share what's been the latest commentary about the drama and also their viewing experiences which has been negatively impacted by the generally negative commentary mainly due to the extremely high expectations set for this drama.
In episode 62, the tide turns against Wei Ying Luo. Shun Pin successfully manipulates the Empress Dowager and even the Emperor against Wei Ying Luo. Wei Ying Luo is essentially left for dead as the creepy Yuan Chun Wang makes sure that she is given no sustenance. Shun Pin turns her gaze towards Fu Heng and plants the seeds of possibilities with Wei Ying Luo. What is Shun Pin's end game? Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out!
On April 18th, Actor Shawn Do and Founder/ Social Media Influencer Laurinda Ho tied the knot in Bali. Laurinda's father was billionaire tycoon Stanley Ho's personal life was just as gossip-worthy as any Chinese drama. Listen to our latest podcast episode covering the couple and why the Chinese media has been obsessed with this wedding!
Given the popularity of Till the End of the Moon and the various fans it has drawn, Karen and Cathy give a brief run down of the different types of cdrama fans there are in the Chinese language! Let us know what type of fan you are or who you are a fan of!
The pain in Ming Yu's chest from the silver needle Noble Consort Chun left in her body all those years ago is now starting to get worse, at the exact time Ying Luo is working to help Ming Yu get married to Hai Lan Cha. Ming Yu does not want to get married because she doesn't want to harm the ones who love her with her possible death so she decides to end her life instead. This is devastating to both Ming Yu and Hai Lan Cha but they don't realize that Concubine Shun may have had a hand in Ming Yu's death.
The much anticipated Till the End of the Moon or 长月烬明 featuring Luo Yun Xi and Bai Lu will air Thursday April 6. Meanwhile, Miles to Go or 人生之路 featuring Chen Xiao and Li Qin has garnered high viewership ratings on network television. Other dramas to highlight include Ming Dynasty drama Pledge of Allegiance 山河之影 that is flying under the radar, Royal Rumors 花琉璃轶闻 and Falling Before Fireworks or 最食人间烟火色。
Ying Luo finally meets the beautiful Chen Bi who has captured the Emperor's full attention but also the ire of the rest of the ladies in the palace. Ying Luo decides that instead of helping the Empress kill Chen Bi, she would step in to protect her. During the Empress Dowager's deceased daughter's memorial, Ying Luo comes up with a plan to save Chen Bi's life which involves her pretending to be the reincarnation of the deceased princess. This works for now in saving Chen Bi.
March 25, 2023 was the much anticipated Weibo night where plenty of the most popular Chinese celebrities turned up for the awards show. There were plenty of trending topics and discussion for this festive evening from the canceled red carpet to missing celebrities to awkward camera pans and much more!
Ying Luo has been enjoying her time in Yuan Ming Yuan with the Empress Dowager for the last three years but then is urged by Fu Heng to return to the palace. A new woman given the name Chen Bi has appeared in the palace and has captured the full attention of the Emperor. This woman is such a threat that even the Empress Nala has decided to work with Ying Luo to bring her down.
Karen and Cathy discuss the Chinese social media landscape including apps such as Weibo, Xiao Hong Shu, Dou Yin and others that help keep them up to date on the latest Chinese entertainment news and stay in the know on Chinese pop culture.
The Empress Nala takes a swing at the Empress Dowager by exposing to the Emperor that the Empress Dowager is not his actual birth mother, but instead the woman who killed his birth mother to claim him as her own. It doesn't look good for the Empress Dowager but then we are reminded that she is the cunning and intelligent Zhen Huan who won't be taken down so easily. Even Ying Luo has to learn a few things from the Empress Dowager.
In our latest In the Know podcast episode, Cathy congratulates Michelle Yeoh on her well deserved Oscar win. Fan Bing Bing also turned heads on the Oscar red carpet! Then we discuss the Top 20 apps in China to provide some context for the social media landscape in the country.
The Emperor is angry at Wei Ying Luo for killing Er Qing but was about to make amends with her until he learns another one of her hidden secrets. She has been taking a contraceptive tonic. Feeling betrayed, the Emperor concludes that the only reason why Wei Ying Luo entered the palace was to enact revenge for the late Empress. Wei Ying Luo does not deny this and essentially becomes forgotten in the palace. She rightly deduces that it was her adoptive brother Yuan Chun Wang who betrayed her and informed the Empress of her actions. With Wei Ying Luo forgotten, the Empress now successfully captures the attention of the Emperor.
Chinese celebrities hit up Milan and Paris fashion week with Xiao Zhan gaining plenty of praise for his looks and marketability at various shows. Karen and Cathy discuss their favorite celebrity looks and those with fashion faux pas. Elsewhere, many eyebrows were raised after high quality behind the scenes video of Zhao Lu Si and Wu Lei's interaction on horseback during the filming of Love Like the Galaxy. Zhao Lu Si was heard cussing up a storm at Wu Lei and hitting him repeatedly after she was startled during filming.
In episode 54, Wei Ying Luo finally discovers the full betrayal from Er Qing and the Emperor. Er Qing, trying to save herself from banishment from the Fucha family, tries to plead her case to the Emperor but to no avail. Wei Ying Luo decides to act enact revenge on Er Qing. During the Silkworm Ceremony, she summons Er Qing who confesses to all of her crimes. Wei Ying Luo orders the death of Er Qing, finally ridding us of one of the most despicable characters in the drama. However who was Er Qing in history and what about all the rumors with her and her son Fu Kang An? Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out!
Fantasy dramas The Starry Love and The Journey of Chong Zi are currently battling it out for viewership and ratings. Meanwhile Justice in the Dark drops 8 episodes and then goes silent. This raises questions as to whether or not similar themed dramas with primarily male centric leads and homosexual undertones will make a resurgence in the Chinese dramas. Karen and Cathy discuss a few other additional Chinese dramas to have on your radar for March 2023
In episode 53, the Emperor and Wei Ying Luo must resolve their outstanding issues regarding the death of Noble Consort Chun. While the Emperor believes that Ying Luo played no part in her death, he nonetheless wishes that she showed more initiative. The Empress and Empress Dowager are locked in a power struggle on who will lead the silkworm ceremony. A role traditionally reserved for the Empress, the Empress Dowager wants to punish the Empress and her clan for their role in the Empress's father's death. The Empress comes out victorious and will lead to another death in the near future.
Karen and Cathy provide their review of the 14 episode Ming Dynasty era drama ,Under the Microscope - 显微镜下的大明之丝绢案 starring Zhang Ruo Yun, Qi Wei, Wang Yang and Fei Qi Ming. A fun and beautifully shot drama with superb acting, it does suffer from some pacing issues but is overall an entertaining watch.
Ying Luo is accused of poisoning the 5th prince when in reality, it was another plot by both Consort Yu and Noble Consort Chun. The angered Emperor orders a thorough investigation only for the Empress Nala to uncover more disturbing news. The late Empress's son, the 7th prince, was killed by Noble Consort Chun. She is demoted and banished to the Cold Palace but ultimately meets her end due to the Empress. Meanwhile, Ying Luo discovers that Noble Consort Chun's downfall was entirely orchestrated by Consort Yu as a way to repay her and the late Empress for their kindness in saving her son. She is banished from the palace but leaves the 5th prince in Ying Luo's care.
Valentines Day was rocky for 2 celebrities. Arthur Chen had photos of him in bed with a social media influencer exposed by the paparazzi, fully destroying his innocent boy image and potentially destroying his career. His team is working overtime to save his image. Meanwhile, Johnny Huang's ex-wife exposed that he had an affair with another celebrity while they were married. Listen to our latest In the Know podcast episode for all the juicy gossip!
In episode 50+51, the Emperor tries to find the culprit who caused Wei Ying Luo's riding accident. All signs point to Noble Consort Chun. The Empress's father is accused of stealing disaster funds and sentenced to death. The Empress desperately tries make a case to commute his sentence. The Emperor, despite heavy protestation from the Empress Dowager, agrees to only sentence him to exile. Unfortunately, the Empress's father is found dead in his cell. The Empress, heartbroken, vows to get her vengeance and has her sights towards amassing more power for herself.
During the Lunar New Year, Knockout (狂飙) became the hottest airing Chinese drama. The adaptation of the sci-fi novel Three Body (三体) also aired. Zhang Ruo Yun 张若昀 will have his new drama Under the Microscope on February 10th and A League of Nobleman surprisingly aired with little fanfare. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the latest dramas airing and filming in the Chinese entertainment industry!
Fu Heng desires to head off to war again which makes sense after his wife Er Qing sold his maid to a brothel, leading to her death. Ying Luo steps in to help convince the Emperor to let him go. Meanwhile, Ying Luo starts plotting how best for her foes to surface and the opportunity presents itself when the Emperor decides to give her riding lessons.
Hu Ge, of Royal Nirvana and Chinese Paladin fame, shocked the Chinese entertainment circle by announcing that he is now a father to a baby girl. It's been a joke for years that Hu Ge would just stay single so for him to announce he's married and has a child is quite a welcome surprise for pretty much all of Chinese media! We also touch on continued drama with Lunar New Year Box Office movies and also the return of Chinese celebrities abroad for fashion weeks!
The Emperor decided to give Ying Luo the cold shoulder after seeing her with Fu Heng together even though he saw she was set up. This meant that she was mistreated and neglected in the palace without her favor. But, Ying Luo being Ying Luo captured the opportunity to return to his line of sight when Noble Consort Chun asked her to embroider a buddha portrait for the Empress Dowager. Add on top of that Fu Heng's words to the Emperor and we see Ying Luo not only regain the Emperor's favor but also be promoted to the title of Consort.
It's the Year of the Rabbit! Karen and Cathy discuss the highlights or lack thereof from this year's Spring Gala Performance. We also breakdown the fierce competition happening right now at the box office as film studios try to capture audience's attentions with offerings from legendary directors, respected actors, and pop idols.
With Fu Heng having returned victorious from war, old rumors resurface about his and Ying Luo's relationship which causes quite a headache for her as it destabilizes her position in the palace. After all, the Emperor himself knows all about the relationship between those two and has become quite jealous.
Karen provides her review of 月歌行 or Song of the Moon featuring Xu Lu and Zhang Bin Bin. It's a mediocre fantasy drama that has a poor story but stunning visuals.
Wei Ying Luo incurs the ire of Imperial Concubine Jia and is punished for insubordination. Imperial Concubine Jia goes running to the Emperor and lies about Ying Luo's disobedience. The Emperor decides to ignore Wei Ying Luo. A few days later, he finds himself annoyed that she hasn't come to ask for favor. Wei Ying Luo quickly finds herself back in favor after the Emperor finds out the truth of her punishment. He surprises the Imperial Harem by promoting Wei Ying Luo to the rank of Imperial Concubine. Meanwhile, Fu Heng returns and is devastated to hear the news of her new status.
This is an intro to the drama episode for the Tang Dynasty drama Weaving A Tale of Love 风起霓裳 starring Gulinazha and Timmy Xu. The drama follows the journey between Kudi Liu Li and Pei Xing Jian as the two navigate the palace machinations of Emperor Li Zhi's court. Cathy and Karen introduce the cast and characters, discuss the historical setting for the drama and some key historical counterparts. This won’t be a review of the drama, but rather an introduction to the history portrayed in the drama.
This podcast is sponsored by Jubao TV. This drama is available for free with English subtitles on Jubao TV and Plex.
Ying Luo has successfully been granted title of Noble Lady but that doesn't mean she has favor automatically. Instead, she starts to enact on various tactics to secure the favor of the Emperor, to great success.
The new year kicks off with a slew of fun and interesting dramas. Liu Yi Fei stars in her first modern day drama in Meet Yourself 去有风的地方. Vin Zhang Bin Bin and Xu Lu star in Song of the Moon 月歌行。Dylan Wang He Di headlines Fu Tu Yuan 浮图缘 with Chen Yu Qi and Liu Xue Yi brings comic book Blood of the Youth 少年歌行 to life.
Upon learning from Ming Yu that the 7th prince's death and ultimately Empress Fu Cha's death may be linked to Noble Consort Chun and to save Ming Yu's life, Ying Luo hatches a plan to seek revenge. How? Becoming a woman of the Emperor.
Karen and Cathy round out the year with our top favorite Chinese dramas for the year, the biggest breakout stars, favorite chinese books and more!
We enter into a new regime in the palace as the former Consort Xian is promoted to Empress and Fu Heng heads off to war to rescue a failed campaign in the Si Chuan region.
Cathy provides her reviews of the two medical dramas, Dr. Tang 关于唐医生的一切 starring Qin Lan and Wei Da Xun, and Thank You, Doctor 谢谢你医生 starring Yang Mi and Bai Yu. Dr. Tang is a comfortable, heartwarming medical drama that leaves you rooting for all of the characters at the end. Thank You, Doctor squanders its cast with paper thin character development and rides on the strengths of its cases. Overall, I would recommend watching Dr. Tang. In the episode, I also discuss some interesting gossip that has transpired between the leads of one of these dramas.
After suffering another devastating heartbreak, Empress Fu cha cannot cope with the fact that her second son, the 7th prince, passed away. When the Emperor reminds her that her most important duty is to be the Empress, she concludes that she must decide her own fate. She does not want to be Empress anymore, only Fu Cha Rong Yin.
Karen provides her review of the hit Chinese drama, New Life Begins 卿卿日常 starring Bai Jing Ting and Li Wei which became a surprising hit. This light hearted historical drama shines in its portrayal of sisterhood bonds but struggles to establish strong chemistry of the main couple. Overall though Karen thought it was a fun and worthy drama to chase.
Time goes flying by in these two episodes as two princes are born in the palace. However, Er Qing decides that she wants to ruin Fu Heng's life and plots to do so by way of the Emperor. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Chun cannot stand hearing that the Empress's newborn son would gain all the attention and strikes as well to devastating effects.
In December 2022, the key Chinese dramas out right now include She and Her Perfect Husband Featuring Yang Mi and Xu Kai, Wild Bloom Featuring Zhao Li Ying, Bright Future featuring Hu Ge and Shining Just For You featuring Feng Shao Feng and Peng Xiao Ran.
Wei Ying Luo is given the opportunity to return to Chang Chun Palace. She is offered the choice of publicly renouncing her love of Fu Heng or suffer a punishment. She chooses the latter. After her ordeal, she is allowed back to serve the Empress and help her regain the ability to walk. The Emperor, meanwhile, is trying to figure out his feelings towards Wei Ying Luo. Fu Heng and Er Qing finally get married. Fu Heng promises to try to be a good husband but the marriage quickly cracks. Consort Chun decides to gain favor from the Emperor and quickly becomes pregnant.
BREAKING - On November 25th 2022, Kris Wu, once one of the most famous pop stars in China, was sentenced to 13 years in prison and exile on counts of rape and group sexual promiscuity. We discuss in this episode who he is and the events that led up to his arrest and the subsequent aftermath. Listen for the latest updates on this scandal
Trigger warning: In this episode, we do discuss sexual assault as part of this story so please proceed with caution.
Wang Xiao Fei decided to publicly blast his ex-wife Da S/Barbie Hsu on Weibo complaining about all of the fees he's paying for in her home and he's sick of it, complete with a detailed spreadsheet. His mom entered the fray and so did Da S, her sister, Xiao S, and their mother, plus Wang Xiao Fei's mistress. It's been a multi-day saga with the clear winner being the mattress brand Hastens since Wang Xiao Fei has ordered the Hastens mattress he bought for him and Da S to be burned during one of his public tirades.
In the end of episode 34 and into 35, we get a number of disturbing revelations. 1) Yuan Chun Wang believes himself to be connected to an extremely powerful family, 2) Consort Chun had been nursing an unhealthy love for Fu Heng for the last decade and 3) with the Empress's return to consciousness, she outright forces the Emperor to reconcile for his true affections for Ying Luo.
The Emperor happens upon Ying Luo and Fu Heng working together to tend to the Empress and is furious to see them so close. Soon after, Ying Luo is accused of cursing Noble Consort Gao and is interrogated by the Emperor. In order to save her life, Fu Heng jumps to the conclusion that he must marry Er Qing, breaking Ying Luo's heart.
Here's our November drama update of the new dramas that have recently aired! This includes Lighter and Princess, Thank you Doctor, and New Life Begins. Several dramas have also recently wrapped filming including new dramas starring Yang Mi, Zhao Li Ying and Lin Geng Xin. We also have some new pop culture gossip as the two co-leads (Bai Jing Ting and Song Yi) of the recently wrapped Chang Feng Du were spotted together going to visit Bai Jing Ting's parents. Listen to our latest episode for the latest in drama and pop culture news!
Many different plot points re-emerge following the death of Noble Consort Gao. Consort Xian get's promoted, Ying Luo becomes Yuan Chun Wang's sister, Consort Chun becomes upset that Fu Heng wants to marry a maid. Though the most important conversations perhaps are the inner reflections of the Emperor who expresses his frustrations he faces of being Emperor in the face of true love, which he cannot have.
This episode covers the difference between online only Chinese dramas and the dramas that air on television networks. There is a more stringent process for a drama to be allowed to air on television networks but that comes with certain perks such as eligibility for award shows and prestige amongst the general public. But online dramas do provide more variety and flexibility on content.
This episode covers the difference between online only Chinese dramas and the dramas that air on television networks. There is a more stringent process for a drama to be allowed to air on television networks but that comes with certain perks such as eligibility for award shows and prestige amongst the general public. But online dramas do provide more variety and flexibility on content.
Noble Consort Gao is hit with molten iron from her Wan Zi Qian Hong or Blaze of Colors/Iron Flower Show and leaves her with severe injuries that unfortunately become infected. Recognizing her fate, she decides to dance one last dance for the Emperor before ending her life on her own terms.
Noble Consort Gao is hit with molten iron from her Wan Zi Qian Hong or Blaze of Colors/Iron Flower Show and leaves her with severe injuries that unfortunately become infected. Recognizing her fate, she decides to dance one last dance for the Emperor before ending her life on her own terms.
A swarm of bats ruin a palace banquet. The Empress falls unconscious after Noble Consort Gao pushes her amidst the chaos. Wei Ying Luo refuses to see the unconscious Empress, stunning Ming Yu and Fu Heng. She gets bullied the Noble Consort Gao and falls ill. Consort Xian takes over the reigns of the palace and, after an unsteady start, wins over the crowd at a porridge shelter with the help of the Prince Hong Zhou and the eunuch Yuan Chun Wang. Consort Xian is slowly consolidating power within the Imperial Palace.
In the latest episode, Karen and Cathy discuss the current Chinese streaming platform landscape, the overall business model, and the key competitors. There are 4 major players, Tencent Video, iQiYi, Youku, and MangoTV. Tencent Video and iQiYi compete for the top spot while Youku and MangoTV have found their niches. Listen to our latest podcast episode to see the business strategies for these companies and how they dictate what dramas are produced and aired.
In an effort to save Wei Ying Luo's life, the Empress banishes her to Xin Zhe Ku to perform hard labor. Wei Ying Luo must find a way to survive as she encounters old foes and gets extra harsh treatment from the Emperor. She finds an unlikely ally in the form of Yuan Chun Wang, who, after being saved by Ying Luo, agrees to become a brother-like figure to her. Unfortunately for the Empress, without Ying Luo to protect her, nefarious plans are set in motion by Noble Consort Gao and Consort Xian to rid the Empress of her pregnancy.
Fu Heng publicly states his intentions to marry Ying Luo to both the Empress and the Emperor who oppose this match for different reasons. Meanwhile, Ying Luo successfully enacts revenge against Dowager Consort Yu who killed her sister by leveraging a powerful thunderstorm but is punished to do hard labor for this act by the Empress.
Karen provides her thoughts on the recent drama Thousand Years for You or 请君 starring Allen Ren Jia Lun and Li Qin. This 36 episode drama is set during the Republic of China era as the three thousand year old general Lu Yan awakes to seek the woman that saved him all those years ago. She just so happens to look just like Yu Deng Deng, the current leader of the Qing Quan village.
In episodes 24, Hong Zhou, showing no remorse for his previous actions towards Wei Ying Luo's sister, tries to seduce Wei Ying Luo in a night time rendezvous. However, Wei Ying Luo was prepared for Hong Zhou and attempts to kill him instead. Hong Zhou escapes and the two of them flee to the Emperor. Wei Ying Luo accuses Hong Zhou of rape (which isn't wrong). Before the Emperor can decide on a punishment, Hong Zhou's mother Concubine Dowager Yu arrives to whip her son and beg for forgiveness. In episode 25, the Concubine Dowager tries to quell the fires with Wei Ying Luo but Wei Ying Luo dismisses those pleas. The Concubine Dowager quickly shows her true colors and orders an assassination attempt on Ying Luo. The two come together once again but the Concubine Dowager issues a threat. If Ying Luo continues to find trouble for her son, Ying Luo's entire family will suffer. Ying Luo must now learn the virtues of patience if she wants to enact her revenge.
A potential new relationship between the young stars Zhang Ling He and Bai Lu was exposed earlier this month. In this episode, Karen and Cathy discuss the surprising implications for this new coupling and the broader landscape of celebrity relationships in the Chinese entertainment industry. In recent years, most celebrities do not admit to relationships. Why is that? How do fans play into this landscape as well? Listen to our latest podcast episode to find out!
After 20+ episodes, we finally find out who was the man who harmed Ying Luo's sister and ultimately caused her death. It is none other than the Emperor's closest brother, Hong Zhou. Hong Zhou is shown to be an arrogant and obnoxious man who then uses his money and status to force Ying Luo into letting go over her anger towards what he did to her beloved sister.
Ying Luo manages to foil two plots against her and the Empress in episode 21 while helping turn the Empress into the Goddess of the River Luo or Luo Shen which enthralls the Emperor. Not only that, the Empress's turn as the goddess creates a wave of imitators in the palace as maids all hope for beauty and good fortune but to deadly results.
Weibo exploded over the Mid-Autumn Festival weekend as the popular Chinese actor, Li Yi Feng was caught in a scandal for soliciting prostitutes. Karen and Cathy break down the timeline for what happened and how the story broke for the now canceled actor.
Emperor Qian Long contracts scabies and the Empress volunteers to tend to her husband. Wei Ying Luo, trying to find more information about her sister's death, also agrees to come along. The Emperor turns into a pouting child as he tries to combat his illness and is "bullied" by Ying Luo in an effort to cure him. At the Emperor's birthday, the women of the Imperial Harem present their gifts. The Empress, a painting. Noble Consort Gao, a western orchestra. Noble Lady Shu, a Buddhist relic. The Emperor is very pleased with all of his gifts. However, trouble stirs for Ying Luo and the other palace maids.
Our latest drama review is for Love Between Fairy and Devil (苍兰诀 2022)! Listen to our latest episode to hear Karen discuss the general plot, characters, what she liked and didn't like, and her overall review of the drama! Set in a fantasy land, Xiao Lan Hua (ft Esther Yu) as a kind-hearted young orchid fairy with limited powers and no real name. She watches over the written fates of all beings. One day, she accidentally realized that her secret love, the powerful Chang Heng (ft Zhang Ling He) will be in danger and rushes over to protect him. This results in her a life changing encounter with Dong Fang Qing Cang (ft Dylan Wang), the powerful leader of the Yue (Moon) clan who had been locked away for 30,000 years. This interaction changes the fates of all three individuals
The 5th prince is ultimately saved from pending death after a local doctor is summoned by the Emperor to reveal that the newborn simply had jaundice and could be cured easily. This diagnosis and additional evidence brought forth by Consort Chun turns the tables against Noble Consort Gao who is confined to her palace as punishment. After a degrading visit by her father, Noble Consort Gao refocuses her energy on the Emperor with a stunning rendition of the Drunken Concubine to recapture his attention.
In our episode recorded September 1, Cathy goes over the two big scandals of late in the Chinese entertainment industry- 1) Yang Zi supposedly sharing cake with her friend, Liu Xue Yi which would not have been problematic if they weren't caught in a series of lies denying this, and 2) Zhang Tian Ai released a recording of her and Xu Kai Cheng, whom she was dating, where he admits to cheating on her. What's worse is that he had turned his sights on Gu Li Na Zha and lied to her about his current relationship status.
Noble Lady Yu gives birth to a son while the Empress is away but her son is born with golden pupils. Noble Consort Gao who arrived just as the child is born, claims that this is a terrible omen and orders the child to be buried alive. Why would that be? There is a ton of history that Cathy explains in this episode so be sure to check it out!
Our latest drama review is for Love Like the Galaxy 星汉灿烂 月升沧海! Listen to our latest episode to hear Karen discuss the general plot, characters, what she liked and didn't like, and her overall review of the drama! The young woman Cheng Shao Shang finally meets her birth parents who are both generals in the army for the first time since birth after they went off to fight in war for her entire life. Meanwhile, Shao Shang crosses paths with several young men including Ling Bu Yi, the young and accomplished general raised by the Emperor and Empress. This is a 56 episode drama starring Leo Wu or 吴磊 and 赵露思 Zhao Lu Si in the title roles.
Wei Ying Luo successfully enacts revenge on the arrogant Prince Yi at the Sharing Prosperity by Sharing Meat ceremony. However, Fu Heng catches onto her ploy and avoids punishment. He promises Ying Luo that he wasn't involved in her sister's death. With the death of her family, Consort Xian finally snaps and cleverly enacts revenge on Concubine Jia. She is no longer the sweet and serene consort but a calculating and cunning woman. Meanwhile, the Empress seeks the aid of Consort Chun to help her get pregnant again. Rumors begin flying around in the palace of an "improper" relationship. What really happens? Listen to find out!
A few surprising releases hit platforms the last few days including Chen Xiao and Wang Yi Bo's police thriller Being A Hero and the 3rd installment of Ode to Joy.
Consort Xian experiences life-changing events after learning that her father participated in bribery. Her brother and mother also both passed on the same day. Given this event, she vows to become more powerful in the palace. Meanwhile, Prince Yi, cousin to the Emperor, decides to help Noble Consort Gao in eliminating Yingluo with little success.
Noble Consort Gao's dog is the star of these episodes as it first was used by Concubine Pin to scare Noble Lady Yu in hopes of causing a miscarriage. That fortunately failed but the dog became the center of attention once again after Ying Luo used it to misdirect the Emperor's ire when it was revealed that the lychee trees he specifically gifted to the Empress was destroyed. Elsewhere, Consort Xian's desperately seeks money to save her brother who fell in in prison.
Cathy brings you the latest updates on currently airing Chinese dramas and the announced dramas that will air in August 2022.
Ying Luo is summoned to work for the Empress at Chang Chun palace which was her plan all along in order to create opportunities to speak to Fu Heng, the Empress's brother about her deceased sister. But now at Chang Chun palace, she must engage with the likes of Noble Consort Gao more frequently. Elsewhere, Consort Xian has to decide what to do after finding out her brother has been embroiled in a corruption scandal.
We're finally doing review episodes! Our first review will be of A Dream of Splendor 梦华录! Listen to our latest episode to hear us discuss the general plot, characters, what we liked and didn't like, and our overall review of the drama! Set in the Song dynasty, the story follows the lives of three women, each with unique skillsets, who head to the capital of Dong Jing, overcome personal troubles and create a thriving restaurant business. The drama stars Liu Yi Fei, Liu Yan, Lin Yun and Chen Xiao.
In episode 6, the Empress's birthday draws near and the Embroidery Department was tasked with making a Phoenix Robe using a precious peacock thread. Wei Ying Luo got the honors to sew the robe. Unfortunately, a thief stole the thread, plunging the whole department into chaos. Ying Luo miraculously finds a solution and gains favor with the Empress. In episode 7, the eunuchs try to catch the thief. The naïve Ji Xiang gets framed for the crime and suffers a horrible punishment. To avenge her friend, Ying Luo plots to lure out the real thief and seek justice. Does she succeed? Listen to find out.
In our latest In The Know episode, we discuss the latest woes that plague Yang Mi's new drama, Fox Spirit Matchmaker, including another tax evasion scandal. Jackson Yee and 2 other young stars have also been caught in an admission scandal that blew up Weibo. Finally, Jay Chou released a new album after 6 years! Listen to our latest podcast episode to check out our thoughts about the latest Chinese pop culture!
Wei Ying Luo stands up to herself against two other seamstress maids in the palace who are determined to kick her out else get her killed. The thing is, their tactics aren't too smart. Ying Luo takes them for a ride and shows exactly what she can do to protect herself.
We are introduced to Fu Heng, the handsome younger brother of Empress Fu Cha. He arrived to help jolt his sister out of her grief of her son's passing 3 year's prior. Elsewhere, Ying Luo is brought before Noble Consort Gao as the one who revealed to Lady Yu about Noble Consort Gao's plot against her child.
Karen and Cathy bring you updates on currently airing Chinese dramas as well as the announced pipeline for future projects from July 2022.
We learn that Ying Luo is in the palace to discover the truth about her sister's death and help seek revenge against who killed her. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Gao is shown to be a aggressive foe in the palace.
We are introduced to Wei Ying Luo, a young quick witted maid with impressive embroidery skills, as well as the imperial royal family of Qian Long, his Empress, Fu Cha Rong Yin and the rest of his harem.
The Story of Yanxi Palace follows the young maid, Wei Ying Luo's journey as she enters the imperial palace during the reign of Qing Dynasty Emperor Qian Long to seek answers for her sister's death. Karen and Cathy provide an overview in this intro episode before diving into plot and historical analysis of the drama in future podcast episodes
In this new series for the podcast, In The Know aims to provide up-to-date information on the Chinese entertainment industry. This new episode series is a more casual look at what's going on with your favorite stars. In this premier episode, Karen and Cathy discuss four groundbreaking events that occurred in the first half of 2022 in Chinese pop culture news.
The Crown Prince has his romantic wishes dashed by his father as the Emperor contends with a myriad of military issues that threaten the safety of the empire's borders that culminate in an heart-pounding display at the important archery competition
It's time for the imperial entrance exam and the Crown Prince's allies are once again caught in a scandal against his brother, this time around cheating at the exam.
The Crown Prince prepares for his Capping ceremony. However, his older brother, the Prince of Qi conspires against him and plots to discredit the Crown Prince. It's a battle of wits as the two brothers try to outmaneuver each other to win the Emperor's favor. The Crown Prince is accused of being unfilial and disloyal by the Prince of Qi's allies. Who wins this round? Listen to find out.
Set in the fictional world of the Qi dynasty, Royal Nirvana follows the story of the crown prince, Xiao Ding Quan, as he struggles to balance the role required of his title with this yearnings for love while also doing the right thing. In this intro episode, Karen and Cathy provide an overview of the plot and introduce the cast and characters for this 2019 drama.
Join Karen and Cathy as they provide their final thoughts and analysis on The Story of Ming Lan!
in the last episode of the Story of Ming Lan, the revolt organized by the Empress Dowager was easily dismantled by the Emperor and his allies including Gu Ting Ye who is alive and well. The conflict at court is finally resolved and the chaos at home is quelled after Madame Qin succumbs to flames out of despair. All that is left are the harmonious and simple days for Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye to enjoy together with a loving family.
In the penultimate episode, Gu Ting Ye is sent off to fight in a war that broke out on the border but terrible news reaches home that he has been killed. Shortly after, Ming Lan must contend with an onslaught of soldiers intent on enacting another coup in the Capital.
Many of Ming Lan's friends and family show up to support her during her son's banquet celebration in the midst of Gu Ting Ye's punishment. She uses the evidence gathered from the banquet to beat the Deng Wen Drum as well to request a retrial for her husband.
Following news Gu Ting Ye's imprisonment, friends and family all try to help Ming Lan with what to do next. But the most important decision she has to make is whether or not to separate from Gu Ting Ye prior to any sentencing to protect herself and their son. She easily makes the decision to remain married to face upcoming challenges together.
Gu Ting Ye's enemies have all assembled to deal a devastating blow to him. Gu Ting Ye tries to protect the Sheng family and stay in the good graces of the Emperor. Unfortunately, the future looks bleak for Gu Ting Ye as enemies from his past all come to haunt him. In the meanwhile, Ming Lan needs to be watchful of enemies at home
In the aftermath of Aunt Kang's death, Grandma Wang vows for vengeance and seeks aid from the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager continues to assemble troops within the Palace. Madame Qin also picks a side. In the meanwhile, Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan have to deal with the aftermath of the near fatal attack. How will the couple respond to threats coming from all sides?
Ming Lan goes into labor after overhearing that Gu Ting Ye has died while protecting Prince Huan. Taking this opportunity, Madame Qin enacts her plan to finally eliminate Ming Lan - she sets fire to Ming Lan's residence and also goads Aunt Kang, who has escaped to the Gu Manor, into attacking Ming Lan.
Ming Lan is finally able to get some rest after her brother and husband returned to her aid in ensuring that Aunt Kang would pay for her crimes against Grandma Sheng. She is also able to have a frank conversation with her father on his poor treatment of her throughout her upbringing. The dust seems to have settled but we are reminded that Mo Lan still exists in this universe and she aids Aunt Kang escape from the Sheng family.
Ming Lan is still trying to get justice for her beloved Grandmother. The Wang family, however, tries every trick in the book to force Sheng Hong to let go of the matter. Ming Lan is about to do something rash but her brother Chang Bai and Gu Ting Ye return in time to save the day. Chang Bai passes judgment on his mother and Aunt. Is family thicker than blood? Will Chang Bai choose justice over his own mother? What will be the fate of the two Wang women? Listen to find out!
After Ming Lan has rounded up all the evidence to show exactly how her grandma was poisoned, she must face off against the Wang family who will try to acquit either Madame Wang or Aunt Kang or both from their deeds.
Grandma Sheng falls mysteriously ill and the heavily pregnant Ming Lan returns to the Sheng Manor to tend to her. She discovers an evil plot to poison Grandma Sheng. Upon some further investigation, Ming Lan deduces that the schemer comes from within the Sheng Family. Who is it and how will Ming Lan get justice for her grandmother?
The conflict between the Shen family and the Zhang family come to a head following Madame Zhang's harrowing labor process in the previous episode. At a loss for what to do next to maintain the peace in the empire, the Empress requests Ming Lan's presence who provides two stories for her to think about. The Empress heeds Ming Lan's advice with a grand apology to the Zhang family.
In this episode we delve into the Wang family as the matriarch and current head of the family arrive in the capital and give context as to why Aunt Kang and Madame Wang are the way they are. Elsewhere, Ming Lan steps up to save her friend, Madame Zhang, who went into labor. Madame Zhang is also supported by a powerful family - one strong enough to defy the Emperor.
In a special Lunar New Year episode, we cover the 2016 film Xuan Zang! It chronicles the the travels of the monk Xuan Zang. During his 5 year journey, he traveled over 25,000 km along the ancient silk road west and south to India. Xuan Zang's pilgrimage from Chang'An to India has inspired countless stories and legends, including the Journey to the West. Join us as we discuss the story, the history, and the gorgeous scenery of this film.This podcast episode is sponsored by JubaoTV.
Aunt Kang and Madame Qin cause nothing but trouble for the pregnant Ming Lan. Luckily, Ming Lan has Chang Mo Mo and Grandma Sheng. Chang Mo mo roundly tells off Aunt Kang for her rude behavior towards Ming Lan while Grandma Sheng helps Ming Lan see through the nefarious plot Aunt Kang planned for her.
After all of the political fighting in the previous episodes, the Emperor turns his attention towards salt taxation. His son, the Prince of Huan, volunteers to head south to perform an audit. Mysteriously, supporters of the Emperor all become embroiled in scandal. Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye find themselves in the middle as they try to help their friends. In the meanwhile, Ming Lan shares some happy news with her husband. She's pregnant! Unfortunately this is short lived as Gu Ting Ye must head south with the Prince
In this episode heavy with political conflicts, the Empress Dowager plays a few tricks to cause trouble in the Emperor's plan to regain power.
Karen and Cathy explain the Chinese and Chinese-American historical and cultural references portrayed in the Marvel Superhero film, Shang Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.
This episode is pretty much Gu Ting Ye being pouty that his wife isn't as clingy or as dependent on him as he would like. He thinks she doesn't love him and puts him in a sulky state.
Ming Lan's gathering is spoiled by the squabbles between the wife and concubine of the Empress's younger brother, Shen Guo Jiu. It's up to Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye to try to reconcile the relationship between Shen Guo Jiu and his new wife Madam Zhang.
Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye have to host a banquet for their newly renovated home. All of the reputable men and women in the Capital arrive to attend the banquet. Unfortunately, several unsavory characters also attend including Ming Lan's step mother Madame Qin, aunt of no relation Madame Kang, and 4th sister Mo Lan. They are all up to no good. Ming Lan gets accosted by Qi Heng's wife and realizes that she must have a frank conversation with Qi Heng to stop holding onto the past.
Ming Lan returns for a family lunch back at the Sheng family where she gets into a quarrel with her father and her sister Mo Lan over the topic of the deceased Mistress Lin. Luckily, Gu Ting Ye steps in to provide her full support. When returning home, Ming Lan is presented with a concubine for Gu Ting Ye which she readily agrees as a way to help Gu Ting Ye from further troubles. Hilarity ensues as Gu Ting Ye is annoyed his wife is not jealous at all at this new woman.
Man Niang, Gu Ting Ye's former mistress's reappearance re-ignited Gu Ting Ye's drive to find his lost son. It's not easy though as the devious plans between Man Niang, the Bai family and Madame Qin are uncovered where the ideal end result is Gu Ting Ye's death.
Gu Ting Ye requests for leniency for his family from the Emperor but generates displeasure in court. With the death of his older brother, Gu Ting Ye inherits the title of Marquis. Ming Lan is granted a title too! Just as the couple expected a slight reprieve, the evil stepmother hatches a plan to reintroduce an old flame into the picture. Man Niang reappears and bargains with Gu Ting Ye to be named a concubine by withholding the whereabouts of their son. What happens between them? Listen to find out
Gu Ting Ye still refuses to assist his brother and cousins for their involvement in the previous coup and is in a stalemate with his brother Gu Ting Yu. After learning about the truth of his health, Gu Ting Yu makes hard decision and decides to come clean to his brother for all of their family's previous ill deeds. He grants Gu Ting Ye the title of Marquis for the promise that he will take care of his wife and daughter. Gu Ting Ye, finally relents and agrees to save his brother and cousins from jail.
Tensions within the Gu Family escalate as 1) the 4th and 5th aunt first try to blackmail Ming Lan into helping their sons, 2) Gu Ting Ye's younger brother is taken in for questioning and 3) a stalemate occurs between Gu Ting Ye and his older brother on conditions to help the family.
Elsewhere, the Empress Dowager is furious that Gu Ting Ye devised a trick to take the Imperial Seal from her for the Emperor
Ming Lan is summoned to the Palace an unexpectedly is forced to greet the Empress Dowager. She's able to avoid a dangerous trap by finding a clever solution to the Empress Dowager's intended gifts. Qi Heng is now favored by the Empress Dowager and begins to investigate families from the failed coup. Two of Gu Ting Ye's cousins are thrown in jail and the families coming begging for help. Does Gu Ting Ye agree?
Ming Lan is out inspecting the new farmsteads that were gifted to her husband. During her audit, it becomes pretty obvious that the overseers have been lying on their accounts. Ming Lan outwits one overseer but needs Gu Ting Ye's assistance on another. Who knew managing lands was so difficult? Her actions are reported back to the Capital and various factions begin to take notice.
Goaded by words from Chang Mo Mo, servants engage in a full blown food fight in the kitchen while Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye have esteemed guests over. While the purpose was to help Ming Lan against a combative Nanny Lai, the result is that all of these problematic servants can be removed with a plausible excuse. Ming Lan enjoys a well earned victory against her stepmother-in-law!
With the gaggle of new servants in her household, it is now teeming with "spies" that report her every movement to her stepmother-in-law. Not only does she get a passive aggressive visit from her stepmother using intel gained from these servants, Ming Lan's reputation is also being sullied by this stepmother. How will Ming Lan fight back to regain peace in her household?
The newlyweds Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye head back to the Sheng family to meet the family and are introduced to Aunt Kang, Madame Wang's sister. She can't stand that Ming Lan married so well and already starts to plot against her. Elsewhere, Ming Lan's new stepmother-in-law also sends her troops to control Ming Lan's new home in the form of servants. Ming Lan though, trained well by her grandmother, shows the new staff who's really in charge.
It's the first day after Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan's wedding! Ming Lan is now officially a wife! Unfortunately that means that she also has to deal with new enemies, namely the rest of the Gu family. She is quickly summoned to meet the older ladies of the Gu family and has to deal with a tricky task. Luckily for Ming Lan, Gu Ting Ye has her back. The newlyweds also head back to the Sheng family to greet Ming Lan's family.
Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye complete their marriage vows and officially become husband and wife! There's a ton of history and culture to discuss so keep your eyes open as you watch the episode. It's a joyous occasion for all. Ming Lan has an unexpected encounter with Gu Ting Ye's daughter. Gu Ting Ye makes a nighttime trip to buy a meal for his new bride before sharing his vast fortune with her. After the exhausting events of the day, the two finally retire to bed.
It's the day of Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye's Wedding! Gu Ting Ye arrives at the Sheng manor with the wedding party to fetch his bride. Ming Lan is clothed in an extravagant green wedding dress! This is part 1 of episode 40. There's so much culture and history to discuss so we break down the episode and highlight everything that we see!
Ming Lan was first quite off put by the tactics Gu Ting Ye employed to secure a marriage with her. However, after hearing his heartfelt confession and his guarantee that she will no longer have to hide and suffer as she currently does if she marries him, she accepts.
Gu Ting Ye is determined to marry a daughter of the Sheng Family. Ru Lan finally accepts this marriage and arranges a final meeting with her beloved Wen Yan Jing, only to be spotted by Gu Ting Ye. The Sheng Family has no choice but to push Ming Lan out to marry Gu Ting Ye. Meanwhile Qi Heng does well on the Imperial Exams and has his mother propose marriage to the Sheng Family. Who will prevail?
Several marriages are causing drama in the Sheng family. Ming Lan's planned marriage is halted after being insulted and threatened by He Hong Wen's cousin's family while Ru Lan's love story is put in danger with the random appearance of Gu Ting Ye's marriage proposal. Too many schemes are happening just so Gu Ting Ye can get married!
In celebration of the 2 year anniversary of this podcast, please enjoy this special episode about the movie The Palace (2013). We discuss the plot, cast, and most importantly the history shown in the movie! We see some familiar faces and are brought back to a familiar time in history. Zhao Li Ying (Zanilia Zhao), the actress of Ming Lan in The Story of Ming Lan is the antagonist in this Qing Dynasty movie. While the plot leaves us wanting, the history and costume design are top notch. Let us know your thoughts!
With a new Emperor on the throne, Gu Ting Ye returns home as a favored general for the Emperor. He is able to retrieve his prized spear and declare to his brother and stepmother that he will fight for the title of marquis. Elsewhere, Ming Lan is waiting a marriage proposal from He Hong Wen but a random cousin of his shows up and wants to be his concubine. Ming Lan let's it be known that it is either her or the cousin. She will not share a husband.
Probably the two most confusing episodes in the drama, the story turns to focus on politics where a plot to take the imperial throne is underway. Gu Ting Ye aids an unfavored royal family member to the palace while concubines are taking military family members hostage and a prince instigates a coup. All the while, the fate of the entire Song empire falls on Ming Lan's shoulders.
Mo Lan finally gets her wish in marrying Liang Han but is sent off in a wedding that feels more like a funeral. Mistress Lin is severely punished for her actions by none other than her husband, Sheng Hong and exiled from the city. At long last, Ming Lan saw the downfall of the woman who killed her mother and unborn brother.
Mo Lan's illicit relationship is discovered by her father. Chaos ensues as rumors begin to trickle out to the rest of the Capital. Madame Wang and Sheng Hong cry to the heavens over what to do with this ungrateful daughter. Mistress Lin continues to scheme and push for Mo Lan to marry into the aristocracy. Grandma Sheng becomes absolutely furious at the turn of events. Does Mo Lan get what she wants at the end? Listen to find out!
Mo Lan is increasingly agitated to hear that Ming Lan might marry into nobility while their father only made a match with a poor student for herself. So, she decides, with goading from her mother that this is the only way to secure wealth and status, to let go of all humility and shame and throw herself at Liang Han, the son of a Count. Little do they know, it's all going according to Ming Lan's plan.
After being let down by Qi Heng, Ming Lan turns her attention to what truly matters - revenge against her mother's death. Countess Wu has her sights on having Ming Lan as a daughter in law and invites her to various events. Ming Lan seizes this opportunity to see what kind of mistake she can force her sister and Mistress Lin to make.
The Duke of Qi has gone missing. Qi Heng and his mother try in vain to find him but to no avail. With no other option, Qi Heng heads to the Prince of Yong's estate. The trap was laid for him The Princess Consort threatens Qi Heng with the destruction of Ming Lan's family if he doesn't agree to a marriage with her daughter. He has no other choice but to agree. Ming Lan finds out and is heartbroken. Gu Ting Ye learns the news and immediately offers his services to Qi Heng to help him fight for Ming Lan, but Qi Heng does prioritizes his family and the safety of Ming Lang's family over his happiness. The story between Ming Lan and Qi Heng comes to an end.
Ming Lan returns to the Capital and continues her investigation of her mother's death. The women of the Sheng family are invited to a grand banquet at the Gu Manor. The young duke manages to steal some time with Ming Lan to proclaim his love for her. Gu Ting Ye crashes the party later to warn Ming Lan that Qi Heng will not keep his promise. Sure enough, Qi Heng's mother reveals the truth about their family's predicament that will force Qi Heng to choose between his family and Ming Lan.
Ming Lan returns to the Capital to hear that Qi Heng, the young duke, has been feuding with his mother to secure his and Ming Lan's marriage. Shortly after, the Lantern Festival celebrations are dashed with the kidnapping of a prominent woman with royal connections, causing fear in the city. Elsewhere, Ming Lan discovers more about her mother's death.
Thanks to Ming Lan's efforts, her cousin Shu Lan is able to successfully separate from her despicable husband. Unfortunately, Ming Lan's great aunt passes shortly after. During the funeral procession, the group is attacked by bandits. Ming Lan becomes separated from the group and is rescued by none other than Gu Ting Ye. Does she make it back safely to the Sheng family?
Ming Lan and her grandmother make it to their hometown to visit Sheng family relatives. Once there, they discover the abusive marriage one of the cousins, Shu Lan, is currently trapped in and try to help save her. Elsewhere, Gu Ting Ye enters the military to begin building a career for himself.
Qi Heng thought his mother would help him propose marriage to Ming Lan but instead, she asked the Sheng daughters to be Qi Heng's sisters. Knowing that this devastated her granddaughter, Grandma Sheng brings Ming Lan on a trip to visit their Sheng family relatives to clear help her head. On the way though, Qi Heng follows Ming Lan via ship and vows he'll marry her, whatever his mother says. Later, Ming Lan's ship is attacked by bandits/pirates. She is saved by none other than Gu Ting Ye.
Gu Ting Ye has left the Capital to search for his son. Elsewhere, Qi Heng prepares thoughtful surprises for his mother's birthday in hopes of securing her permission to marry Ming Lan. Meanwhile, Ming Lan finally reaps the benefits of her long laid trap to rid her household of spies.
Gu Ting Ye gets into an argument with his father over his marriage proposal with catastrophic consequences - his father passes away. His beloved stepmother takes this opportunity to reveal that she was lying about her affection to Gu Ting Ye all these years in order to kick him out of the family which she and Gu Ting Ye's older brother are effectively able to do. To add insult to injury, Gu Ting Ye also discovers that his mistress was also lying about everything and was in fact a gold digger all along.
Ming Lan gets to showcase her skills in preventing her best friend, Yu Yan Ran from being bullied by Man Niang - an outside mistress of Gu Ting Ye. Ming Lan immediately sees through Man Niang's character as a Green Tea B**** and puts her in her place. This prevents Gu Ting Ye from successfully proposing to Yan Ran but at least it's a satisfying display of Ming Lan's ability to stand her ground in matters of the household.
After a triumphant display at the polo match, Ming Lan comes face to face, alone, with the young Duke of Qi. He professes his intentions to marry her which surprises her but she recognizes that her status does not befit his station. Regardless, he is willing to try to marry her as his wife. Back home, she is reprimanded by her father for participating in the polo match while Mistress Lin tries to get Sheng Hong to match her daughter with the Duke.
Countess Wu hosts a grand event! Everyone from the capital is in attendance! The main event of the episode is a polo match. Ming Lan attends with her family and decides to spend time with her best friend Yu Yan Ran. The Young Duke, Qi Heng, and Gu Ting Ye are also at the event. Yan Ran discovers that a prize for winning a polo match is actually one of her deceased mother's possessions and joins the polo match to try and win the prize from her own sister. Ming Lan, wanting to help her friend, replaces her in the match and is surprised to find out that her partner is none other than Qi Heng. What happens? Listen to find out!
Ming Lan is given a mini promotion after both Madame Wang and Mistress Lin committed egregious errors in the last episode. With no suitable candidate to run the Sheng family household, Grandma Sheng recommends Ming Lan. This is the first time we see Ming Lan starting to stand up for herself and we are here for it!
Gu Ting Ye learns some devastating news from his father. He will have to find another career as he will not be able to take any more Imperial Exams until the age of 50. Dejected, he plans to leave the capital with his mistress and their children. His mistress Man Niang though seems to have other plans. In the Sheng family, the master, Sheng Hong is summoned by the Emperor and confined in the Palace. Madame Wang tries to seize an opportunity and dispose of her rival Mistress Lin but fails. Sheng Hong returns from his ordeal and punishes his son Chang Feng. What happened at the Palace? Listen to find out
In this episode, we first discuss what the Chinese Imperial Exam is all about before seeing how Chang Bai, Chang Feng, Qi Heng and Gu Ting Ye fair in their first ever Metropolitan exam.
The Sheng daughters finished their lessons with Kong Mo Mo and are now back with Scholar Zhuang studying with the young men. In this episode, there is a spirited debate by the students on who is better - the eldest or the most capable. We dissect each historical example raised by the students and discuss Ming Lan's insightful conclusion.
The Sheng daughters learn 3 of the 4 arts of life prominent during the Song Dynasty. But these skills are not the only things they learn. After tensions blow up between 5th daughter Ru Lan and 6th daughter Mo Lan, Kong Mo Mo, a formidable woman, reprimands not just the daughters, but their parents as well.
Gu Ting Ye brings his nanny to care for his mistress and two young children. After she arrives, she shares that Gu Ting Ye's mother was tricked into marrying his father and was treated very poorly because she came from a merchant family whereas the Gu family is of nobility. Gu Ting Ye's mother's dowry was used to repay the heavy debts that the Gu family incurred. This story deeply angers Gu Ting Ye. Elsewhere, the ladies of the Sheng family start taking lessons with Kong Mo Mo, an old friend of Grandma Sheng, to improve their manners.
The Sheng family receives unexpected guests which makes at least one of the Sheng daughters curious. In the end, the 3 Sheng daughters sneak to the main hall for a peak at the Countess and her son. Elsewhere, Gu Ting Ye is embroiled in rocky family dynamics now he's returned to the Capital City
The Sheng children have arrived in the capital city and are off to school! Years pass and we finally get to meet our main cast! A handsome young duke Qi Heng studies with the Sheng family and he is quite smitten with Ming Lan. Unfortunately, Ming Lan's two older sisters Mo Lan and Ru Lan are quite jealous of any show of affection from the young duke. Ming Lan has no choice but to avoid Qi Heng. Gu Ting Ye, who has been away for a few years studying at another academy, returns to study with the Sheng family. How will the sisters react?
The presumed dead Gu Ting Ye appears at his grandfather's funeral, dashing some family members' plans to steal his inheritance. Ming Lan's mother goes into labor but the devious Mistress Lin doesn't aid the suffering woman. Ming Lan tries desperately to find a doctor but by the time she does, it's too late. Master Sheng and Madame Wang are furious at the turn of events and punish the servants. Grandma Sheng decides to raise Ming Lan under her care. The family leaves for the capital as Master Sheng is promoted. What will be in store for Ming Lan now that she has lost her mother?
In this episode, little Ming Lan tries to improve her mother's living conditions after winning favor with her father. Her father Sheng Hong is outraged to find the destitute living conditions she and her mother lives in and tries to investigate. However the devious Mistress Lin is one step ahead and artfully implicates an innocent maid. On a peaceful boat ride, bandits try to assassinate two young boys. What happens to one of them?
The drama begins by introducing us to two main conflicts. The first is that young Ming Lan, the main character of the show, and her mother are unable to secure coal to help them through the winter. The second, is that Ming Lan's oldest sister, Hua Lan's engagement party is almost ruined. Their brother drank too much and almost loses his sister's betrothal gift in a bet. We are introduced to the dynamics of the Sheng household and some interesting traditions of Chinese marriage during the Song Dynasty.
Set in the Northern Song Dynasty, this drama depicts the life of the 6th daughter of the Sheng family, Sheng Ming Lan. Though not of high birth, she is able to use her intelligence and perseverance to secure happiness in this interesting time period. This podcast episode provides the historical background of this drama, the Story of Ming Lan/ 知否知否硬是绿肥红瘦 and introduces the 2 main leads.
We conclude our discussion of Empresses In The Palace with our final thoughts. We discuss the historical figures the key characters are based off of and fun facts about the cast and crew. Lastly, we share our thoughts on the impact of this drama.
Zhen Huan is filled with hatred towards the Emperor after the death of the 17th Prince. Ning Pin schemes to slowly poison the Emperor. Zhen Huan seizes power in the Palace as the failing Emperor's suspicions towards the 6th prince reignites. In a final confrontation between the Emperor and Zhen Huan, Zhen Huan reveals her hatred towards the Emperor. The drama ends with Zhen Huan taking the mantle as Empress Dowager of the Qing Dynasty as her adoptive son, the 4th Prince, ascends the throne.
The Emperor has finally caught on to the 17th prince's feelings towards Zhen Huan and sets multiple traps for the 17th prince to confirm his suspicions. Unfortunately, the 17th prince falls directly in those traps and the Emperor forces Zhen Huan to kill her beloved in an act of jealousy. In their final meeting, the 17th prince drinks the poison she wanted for herself to protect Zhen Huan one last time.
The Empress and Emperor meet for one final showdown. The Empress finally confesses to her crimes but how will the Emperor react? What will happen to the Empress? The Emperor also has to deal with growing unrest in the Empire as a familiar face comes back to stir trouble for Zhen Huan
Zhen Huan continues to turn her attention to her biggest enemy in the Imperial Harem, the Empress. She needs to destroy the Empress's remaining power in the Palace, her adoptive son the 3rd Prince. Zhen Huan and her faction are forced to make sacrifices along the way as they devise plans against the Empress. Will they succeed?
The 3rd prince is following in his birth mother's footsteps in making decisions but not considering its consequences. He has fallen in love with one of his father's concubines, the beautiful Noble Lady Ying and is determined to make it work. Don't need to explain how that won't work. Meanwhile, there is drama brewing in the 17th prince's household as his two concubines fight for his attention
An Ling Rong's pregnancy comes to abrupt end with some help from Zhen Huan. That's just the beginning. An Ling Rong meets finally meets her downfall as Zhen Huan and her faction exposes her of her misdeeds in the past. The two former friends meet for one final conversation where An Ling Rong makes a shocking statement
The Empress Dowager passes away which means the Empress loses a crucial ally. She needs to find ways to secure her own faction. An Ling Rong becomes pregnant and the Empress wants to promote her to a Consort. However, the title An Ling Rong receives leaves her seething with anger. What is this title? Listen to find out!
The Emperor has his eyes set on Zhen Huan's youngest sister as she reminds him of his late wife. Unfortunately, she and the Emperor's 19th brother have already declared love for each other. Elsewhere, Zhen Huan's foes are starting to fall, leaving the Empress with fewer and fewer allies.
The Emperor has started setting his sights on other conquests and this time, he turned to Zhen Huan's sisters. In order to escape this attention, Huan Bi, Zhen Huan's maid/half-sister, may or may not have orchestrated an opportunity to align herself with the 17th prince. While she has loved him for many years, he still only has eyes for Zhen Huan. Unfortunately, in order to prevent any further suspicion between him and Zhen Huan, he accepts marrying Huan Bi and the daughter of a duke, Meng Jing Xian.
After a tumultuous day, Zhen Huan's heavily pregnant best friend, Shen Mei Zhuang, suffers a shock that forces her into labor. Though the doctors do their best to save both mother and daughter, Shen Mei Zhuang passes away with the two people she cares for most by her bedside. On a lighter note, after the events of the adultery accusation, Zhen Huan's younger sister gains the attention of both the Emperor and the 19th prince.
Zhen Huan is accused of adultery by the Empress's team in front of the entire Imperial Harem. The supposed lover though? The imperial doctor Wen Shi Chu. This is clearly a set up in an effort to destroy Zhen Huan. The Empress's team does everything in its power to prove Zhen Huan's infidelity while Zhen Huan's team work together to protect her. In an intense scene as the two sides battle it out in front of the Emperor, Zhen Huan must keep her nerve as she is accused that the Emperor is not the father of her twin children.
An Ling Rong lost her voice in the last episode and needs to claw her way back into favor. She hatches a plan to perform a show on the ice. However, to do so, she must practice skating and lose a lot of weight to capture the attention of the Emperor. Zhen Huan is more than happy to assist her if it means that An Ling Rong will never be able bear children. This is the calm before the storm that will engulf Zhen Huan and her loved ones.
After successfully giving birth to twins, Zhen Huan enjoys a promotion and is now the second most powerful woman in the Imperial Harem, just behind the Empress. This of course, prompts the Empress to start further retaliation against Zhen Huan. As these two powerful factions emerge in the palace, the various ladies have to decide which team to be a part of.
Following the discovery of the forbidden relationship between Zhen Huan's head maid and the Emperor's head eunuch, Zhen Huan masterfully secures their release from hard labor and further corporal punishment after a carefully crafted conversation with the Emperor. Both maid and eunuch are returned to their posts with fines. Later on, Zhen Huan, heavily pregnant with twins, meets her former lover, the 17th prince. After a heartfelt encounter, she is attacked by a group of cats that causes her to go into labor. Fortunately, she successfully gives birth to a healthy boy and girl.
Shen Mei Zhuang is pregnant but who is the father? The doctor has his hands full to take care of two pregnancies. It's been smooth sailing for Zhen Huan for a while and the Empress needs to strike. She gets the perfect opportunity to do some from a tip from a former ally. What does Zhen Huan have to do to protect herself and her servants?
Zhen Huan, having found her footing back in the Imperial Harem, has started to retaliate against her enemies. She quickly confines Qi Pin, the woman who's father framed her own father for crimes that exiled him, and her former friend An Ling Rong. Both of these ladies were part of the Empress's group who is public enemy number 1. Meanwhile, the Emperor finally visits Zhen Huan's best friend, Shen Mei Zhuang. The two have an awkward dinner where the Empress Dowager even sends them some alcohol to help them along but he decides to leave. She is saddened by her current state, gets drunk and her servants call for the Imperial Doctor Wen Shi Chu to provide her some medicine. After he arrives, one thing leads to another and... the emperor once again wears a green hat.
[Spoilers!] We really wanted to enjoy this movie but unfortunately, this fell short of our expectations. Listen to our full recap of the movie with our thoughts and explanations of various easter eggs, nods or inaccuracies to Chinese culture and history. Our review of the film starts at around the 33min mark. Overall, we give this film a 5/10. Including a CGI dragon called Mushu voiced by Eddie Murphy may have saved some of this film.
[No Spoilers!] The new Mulan is out! In this spoiler free discussion of the movie, we provide an overview of the film, an introduction to the main actors and describe the historical background of Mulan. Listen to this episode to learn about the centuries old ballad that inspired this movie, the enemy that threatens the Mulan's home and the dynasty this story is set in. We further discuss make up and costumes seen in this film. Part 2 will be our full review of this film!
Zhen Huan is back at the palace and already fending off attacks to her life and her unborn child. She, being older and wiser now, is ready to face these challenges and starts gathering intel in the palace. She see there is conflict between two concubines, one of whom's father framed her own father several years ago and caused her family to be exiled. She does not provide any mercy before starting her retaliation, albeit in a cunning way, against those who have wronged her.
Zhen Huan finally returns to the Imperial Harem after three years. She is back with a vengeance! Look at that makeup, the hair, the clothes! How will the other ladies in the Imperial Harem react to her return? Some are happy but the majority are not. All we can say is Zhen Huan is BACK
In an effort to protect her grandkids, the Empress Dowager decides to allow Zhen Huan, now pregnant, to return to the palace. The Emperor, now with his mother's permission, is resolute in bringing Zhen Huan back. So much so that he gives Zhen Huan a new identity to make her path as smooth as possible, much to the surprise of the Empress. But as Zhen Huan is preparing to return to the palace, she receives a shocking surprise.
Zhen Huan "reveals" her pregnancy to the Emperor who is ecstatic at the news. Zhen Huan plots to return to the palace as a concubine but word reaches the Empress. She plots to prevent Zhen Huan's return to the Imperial Harem with the help of an Imperial Astronomer. Zhen huan needs to find another path to return. The Empress turns her attention towards the Emperor's remaining sons.
The Empress continues to wield her power in the Imperial Harem by manipulating a Consort into harming a new concubine. While the Empress Dowager sees through these horrible acts, there is no one in the Imperial Harem powerful enough to counter the Empress. Meanwhile, Zhen Huan, pregnant with the 17th prince's child, hears devastating news. She has to decide how to proceed given her precarious situation and the need to provide medical attention to her exiled father. Her only route is to seek attention from none other than the Emperor.
To celebrate the 1-year anniversary of starting this podcast, we have finally set up our website. www.chasingdramas.com. We will be publishing additional blog posts and our episode scripts on that web page. Please also follow us on twitter and instagram: @chasingdramas
The main character Zhen Huan is blissfully enjoying quality time with the 17th prince. He, wanting to cement their relationship, decides that the two sign a marriage contract. The two do so before he heads off on a trip assigned to him by the emperor. Elsewhere in the palace, the emperor fell ill due to stress from work but also because in his subconscious, he missed Zhen Huan. When he wakes up, he takes a liking a horse tamer maid named Ye Lan Yi and makes her into a concubine. Many of the women in the imperial harem are jealous but they need not have been. Ye Lan Yi does not like the emperor and did not wish to become a concubine at all.
These 2 episodes give the opportunity for the 17th Prince to fully showcase his love for Zhen Huan and be that knight in shining armor. He rescues her when she is sick and stays outside her residence in the evenings to make sure she is safe. Do his efforts pay off? Elsewhere, the Emperor has decided it's time to eliminate another threat so he instructs his mother, the Empress Dowager, to remove the minister Long Ke Duo. The love/hate relationship between the two is revealed and the Empress Dowager ultimately does her duty to the throne.
Zhen huan leaves behind her life as an Imperial Concubine after giving birth to her daughter to become a nun at a temple outside of the palace. Her life there is challenging but she does it in order to keep her daughter safe. Inside the palace, the Empress is gloating about finally removing the threat that is Zhen Huan. Once she confirms that Zhen Huan is now harmless, she is able to have full control of the palace with her minions, An Ling Rong and Qi Pin. It is evident, however, that the Emperor is still not over Zhen Huan but it seems that Zhen Huan is resigned with doing hard labor at the nunnery.
Things continue to go downhill for the pregnant Zhen Huan. This time, her family is in trouble and her father is first imprisoned before the family is exiled to a cold and destitute location. All of this was done to hurt Zhen Huan by the Empress and her pawn, An Ling Rong. The two manipulative ladies, seeing that Zhen Huan is about to give birth, devise a way to cause her to miscarry in an effort to kill both mother and child. Despite this, the most devastating blow comes from none other than the Emperor himself. Zhen Huan discovers the source of all her favoritism and attention these past years in the palace. Will she be able to cope with the news?
This episode of Empresses in the Palace is full of unexpected surprises, and most of them are not good. The main character Zhen Huan is bedridden after falling from favor in the last episode. In an effort to get a doctor to see Zhen Huan, a huge sacrifice is made by one of Zhen Huan's loyal servants. When the doctor finally does arrive, it's revealed that Zhen Huan is pregnant! While this may be the only way Zhen Huan can keep her position in the palace, she is not overjoyed. Later on in the episode, Zhen Huan's friend, the imperial doctor, Wen Shi Chu also tells Zhen Huan that a gift she's been using for a long time contains a very harmful substance which was probably the root cause of her miscarriage many months ago. Zhen Huan is disgusted but it seems that all her enemies have revealed themselves. Her goal now is to make sure her pregnancy comes to term.
Having vanquished the famous Hua Fei, Zhen Huan thought she could have some peace in the Imperial Harem. Little does she know, other people have turned their attention towards her as the next target in the Imperial Harem. Zhen Huan unknowingly falls into a trap set by the scheming Empress. Zhen Huan learns of a heartbreaking secret that might break her spirit in the Imperial Harem.
In our longest episode yet, we close a chapter in Zhen huan's journey in the Imperial Harem with the death of one of our fan favorites. A new Noble Lady joins the ranks but is she an ally or an enemy? We also say farewell to one more woman who was perhaps doomed from the beginning by her own greed and circumstance.
Despite Consort Hua's best efforts to retain favor for her family, the Emperor is focused on eliminating threats to his throne which involves getting rid of Consort Hua's brother, the famous General, Nian Geng Yao. The Emperor works with court ministers and advisors to figure out what to do with Nian Geng Yao while Zhen Huan works to bring down Consort Hua in the Imperial Harem. The result? The once powerful Nian clan sees its fall from grace.
The Emperor continues to set his trap for Hua Fei's family. Zhen Huan continues to strengthen alliances in the Imperial Harem as she also plots for Hua Fei's downfall. Hua Fei realizes she's in a precarious position and makes a heart-breaking decision to have one of her maids become a concubine. But is this enough for her?
The 10th Prince is still causing trouble for the Emperor. Zhen Huan again delivers a plan to satisfy all parties. However, she also recognizes that it's time for Consort Nian to be restored back to favor. The Empress Dowager warns Zhen Huan about the dangers in meddling in the affairs of court.
Zhen Huan has successfully recaptured the attention of the Emperor and is now back on top. With the experience of her miscarriage behind her, she is now a transformed woman. Zhen Huan spends the whole episode strategizing to strengthen her position in the palace. This time though, she is much more firm and will not be pushed around again.
Zhen Huan finally recognizes the severity of situation and her own naivety. She hatches a plan to regain favor from the Emperor with the help from some butterflies. The Emperor needs to decide marriage candidates to secure an alliance. The rest of the ladies in Imperial Harem are worried about their own future prospects with Zhen Huan's change in fortune.
While An Ling Rong has recaptured the attention of the Emperor and has now been promoted to a Noble Lady, her friend, the main character, Zhen Huan is still heartbroken over her miscarriage. It's been months but Zhen Huan's depression causes a rift between her and the emperor. These 2 episodes revolve around her friends, allies and even the Empress Dowager, trying to help push Zhen Huan to understand that she needs to snap out of it. Otherwise, more suffering and pain may be in her future. Only until Zhen Huan is quite literally "slapped" out of it, does she finally decide to take some action.
The Emperor and Zhen huan are still grieving over the their child. He hasn't entered the Imperial Harem in a while. Both Zhen Huan and the newly demoted Consort Nian have fallen out of favor. The Empress sees this as an opportunity to have another woman capture the Emperor's attention. Who is she?
Due to Hua Fei's reign of terror, Zhen Huan unfortunately loses her child. Hua Fei is punished severely and the episode revolves around the aftermath of the miscarriage. It turns out, there are more sinister forces that caused the miscarriage beyond Hua Fei's arrogance and punishment. Instead, it is Hua Fei's, now demoted to be called Nian Fei, special fragrance called Huan Yi Xiang that is the root to many mysteries in the palace. Thanks to Zhen Huan's friends, the Imperial Doctor, Wen Shi Chu, and An Ling Rong, a fellow concubine, Zhen Huan is able to understand why.
The Empress got what she wanted or rather who she wanted. The Emperor and Empress leave the Forbidden City for a short trip but that means leaving the newly promoted Noble Consort Hua in charge. What will happen during her reign of terror? Spoilers starting roughly 21:40.
In this episode, the Emperor and Empress begin to lay their traps for their respective prey. Hua fei's brother is becoming increasingly insolent but the Emperor is aware of all his actions. The mother of the 3rd Prince, Consort Qi, is tricked into becoming a willing pawn for the Empress. Hua Fei is promoted to a Noble Consort but many are not happy about this news.
In Episode 27 of Empresses in the Palace, the main character, Zhen Huan is pregnant andjust in time for her birthday. The emperor is very excited to celebrate with her and even asks his brother, the 17th Prince, to help plan the festivities. It's quite a display and, of course, causes many of the other ladies in the imperial harem to be jealous. Unfortunately, the rest of the episode isn't as rosy. One of Zhen Huan's main friends in the palace, this cute and bubbly girl who loves eating sweets, meets an unceremonious end during a trip out in the garden.
Our heroine is pregnant but plenty of people are seething at this news. Hua fei is upset that she's not pregnant and tries everything she can to become pregnant. We learn a bit more about old feuds and past miscarriages. Zhen Huan gets promoted to a Concubine but does she realize the danger she's in? Spoiler section begins at 27:50
A seemingly harmless garden viewing party at the Empress's palace ends in chaos when the Empress's cat "accidentally" attacks the pregnant concubine, causing her to have a miscarriage. This accident was orchestrated by none other than the Empress herself and her new pawn, An Ling Rong. In a surprise twist, Zhen Huan, the main character, finds out she is also pregnant. While she is very pleased, it's clear that her pregnancy will attract a lot of unwanted and harmful attention.
Episode 23 and 24 is focused on the plague that rocks the imperial palace. Even though everyone is trying to find a cure, Consort Hua manages to infect Shen Mei Zhuang with the disease as a way to get rid of her for good. Fortunately, Zhen Huan steps in and asks her friend, the imperial doctor, Wen Shi Chu to help. Zhen Huan is also able to help clear Shen Mei Zhuang's name after the fake pregnancy scandal。 She shows the Emperor evidence that Consort Hua was the mastermind behind everything. However, Consort Hua ultimately does not get punished. Elsewhere in the palace, Noble Lady Fu Cha is pregnant (for real!) which is exciting and disappointing to many in the imperial harem and we see further glimpses of the Empress's true nature.
Hua Fei's side hustle is working quite well for her. She is making a fortune accepting bribes. Everyone at the Palace more or less knows what's happening but will anyone stop her? Meanwhile, Zhen Huan and An Ling Rong continue to drift apart. It's almost the New Year so the concubines head to the opera! We'll discuss Peking Opera and exactly what the ladies pick to watch. Only in this drama do they make us do so much research on opera titles and stories to understand how they're trying to talk to each other. Enjoy!
Hua Fei humiliates the main character Zhen Huan and An Ling Rong after summoning these two ladies to perform for her and the Emperor. We analyze the two poems that were performed. This humiliation, coupled with the fact that a cute, younger concubine named Chun Er is becoming closer to Zhen Huan, creates deeper chasms between Zhen Huan and An Ling Rong. By the end of the episode, we start seeing An Ling Rong turning away from Zhen Huan and joining the Empress's team. Elsewhere, further evidence is provided of Hua Fei's corruption and her brother Nian Geng Yao's arrogance.
In this jam packed episode, Zhen Huan finally wins a round against Hua Fei. She unknowingly flirts with a handsome Prince and confronts a backstabbing sister. Even though Hua Fei seems to have regained favor, it's not all flowers and roses for her. The Imperial Court and Imperial Harem are closely linked. Does anyone understand the pieces on the board?
It's looking like Zhen Huan has solidified her position in the Imperial Harem as her friend An Ling Rong gains favor from the Emperor. Hua Fei plots to destroy Zhen Huan, using the princess as a pawn. The princess's mother has no choice but to agree. After a few close calls, Zhen Huan finally realizes that there's a mole in her palace. Who could it be?
Things are getting desperate for some ladies in the Imperial Harem. New alliance need to be made while cracks are starting to from in others. Zhen huan must push another woman into the Emperor's bed. Who does she choose? How do they do it? To catch the Emperor's eye, you need more than just singing and flowers.
All the excitement and happiness around Shen Mei Zhuang's pregnancy unfortunately turns out to be...fake. She's the victim of a scheme to get her killed and she fell for it. Her "fake pregnancy plot" was uncovered right in front of the Emperor and he has her punished. Zhen Huan tries to protect herself from the fallout and save her friend but has to endure humiliation from all sides.
Zhen Huan just dazzled everyone with her dance the last episode but Hua Fei steals her thunder to regain favor with the Emperor. An Ling Rong receives some bad news about her father. The three ladies must weigh their options to save An Ling Rong's father. Alliances are created and cracks are formed. Who wins this round?
The ladies of the Imperial Harem have settled down in the Summer Palace. All seems quiet but Hua Fei's not going to stay out of favor for long. There's a birthday celebration for a princess and we get to meet a lot of princes. At the birthday bash, Zhen Huan performs one of the most iconic dances of the drama. Will that be enough to secure her favor with the Emperor?
Following all of the recent drama, the Emperor decides to take a summer retreat with several ladies in his imperial harem. They head out to the beautiful Yuan Ming Yuan (圆明园) Gardens. Zhen Huan and her friend, Shen Mei Zhuang, marvel at the luxurious amenities of this summer palace, which unfortunately, no longer exist today. Though calm on the surface during this trip, we see displays of the Emperor's dangerous paranoia towards everyone around him. Elsewhere, Shen Mei Zhuang is eager to obtain the most valuable asset in the imperial harem - a child. The question is, will she succeed?
Episode 11 of Empresses in the Palace sees the main character, Zhen Huan, and her friends putting on a show to root out the main culprit behind the plot against Zhen Huan's life in the last episode. The ghost show is successful and causes the main antagonist, Hua Fei, to lose an ally. This episode is very fun to watch and we have an even more enjoyable time discussing ghosts, superstitions and traditions around death in Chinese culture and history.
Zhen huan investigates a murder attempt. She finally decides to enter the battlefield that is the imperial harem with surprisingly good results
We discuss episode 9 of 后宫甄嬛传 Empresses in the Palace. Zhen Huan has received a lot of attention from the Emperor, causing much strife within the rest of the Imperial Harem. There's a murder attempt to one of our main characters and it becomes quite obvious that life within the Palace is perilous.
We are discussing episode 8 of 后宫甄嬛传, Empresses in the Palace. The Emperor and Zhen Huan finally have a romantic getaway. The Emperor spends much of this episode showcasing how much he favors her, much to the dismay of the other concubines in the Imperial Harem.
In Episode 6 and 7, the Emperor is enjoying spending time with, what we're calling as a Level 1 opponent, Yu Ying Er. She is a maid that is pretending to be the person the Emperor overhead in the plum garden. But of course, we know that person was actually Zhen Huan. Yu Ying Er is now a favored concubine in the Imperial Harem and is flaunting her favoritism everywhere, much to the annoyance of not just the rest of the ladies in the Imperial Harem, but also the Empress Dowager. Unfortunately for her, Zhen Huan and the Emperor cross paths again not too long after and he quickly forgets this maid and instead, turns his attention to Zhen Huan. Without having to work too hard, Zhen Huan is able to defeat this level 1 adversary.
It's winter time and the main character, Zhen Huan, is still "sick". This results in disrespect by not only her own servants, but servants who are supposed to provide her with much needed materials to survive through the cold. Luckily, her good friend, Shen Mei Zhuang, steps in to help. Meanwhile, at the New Year's Celebration, the Emperor decides to take an evening stroll to see plum blossoms. He overhears none other than Zhen Huan in the garden making a wish but wasn't able to catch a glimpse of her. Fortunately or unfortunately, the young and dashing 17th prince, and a garden maid, Yu, also overhear Zhen Huan's wish.
In this episode, Zhen Huan decides to feign illness to avoid attention from the Emperor and confrontation by the other concubines after discovering remnants of a sinister plot against the previous inhabitant of her pavilion. We discuss this sinister plot and how it's related to Chinese medicine. In her absence, Zhen Huan's close friend, Shen Mei Zhuang, starts receiving attention from the Emperor. We learn that she loves the Chrysanthemum flower and delve into why that is and what it means about her. Unfortunately, Hua Fei is not happy to share the affections of the Emperor with these new ladies and makes that clear. We also see how the Emperor has to balance court and his harem as he deals with a rebellion in his empire.
Zhen Huan and the newly selected concubines are settling into the palace. They quickly find out how deadly and dangerous the imperial harem, or hou gong, can be after just one formal court greeting in front of the Empress and Hua Fei.
In Episode 2, we discuss Zhen Huan's deliberation by the Emperor and Empress Dowager as to whether or not she has a spot in the palace. The latter tries a few interesting tricks to keep Zhen Huan from gaining entrance while the Emperor is smitten Spoiler alert: Zhen Huan gets chosen to become a concubine. We also meet the rest of the ladies in the Imperial Palace which makes for an entertaining tea time discussion.
Chasing Dramas analyzes the episode 1 of hou gong zhen huan zhuan (后宫甄嬛传), Empresses in the Palace. The show begins in 1722 during the Qing Dynasty under the reign of Yong Zheng. We meet several key players in the palace and learn about how ladies are selected to be concubines in the imperial harem
Welcome to Chasing Dramas! We are excited to start discussing Empresses in the Palace 后宫甄嬛传. This episode will provide some historical background on the Qing Dynasty and cultural norms for the Imperial Harem before we jump into discussing the actual show.
Welcome to Chasing Dramas! This is a podcast that explores Chinese history through historical Chinese TV dramas. This episode introduces basic information about ourselves, Chinese Dramas, and the shows that we will discuss.