I didn’t even think I would dive into this one when it was showing up in the “Upcoming” section of iQiyi’s panel until I saw Wang Chu Ran. Yes, I came to like her since watching The Longest Promise although I hated her character in there initially. Yes, she grew on me after realizing how talented and lovable she was. So, I was waiting for this one to air (like most) and dived in immediately from the start. I noticed there were the donghua and short drama versions as well. But I didn’t want to watch those. I decided to start the novel while waiting for more episodes to air. It was a fun experience regardless. Because of how inexperienced I am in the transmigration genre. So, it was indeed a fun journey for me to dive in even more after the initial experience with A Dream Within A Dream.
Main Cast:
- Wang Chu Ran (王楚然) as Wang Cui Hua (王翠花) and Yu Wan Yin (庾晚音). Wang Cui Hua was a typical employee who had to go through the daily routine and pushing the grind in a modern world. She was assigned to read the novel and adapt the script yet didn’t care for the dramatic plot. It was hard to blame her for her lack of motivation because of the typical plot. However, she unexpectedly traveled into the novel and met up with the supposedly evil tyrant who ruled over the land. Yet, she soon discovered an ally in him (if only to grip onto him to survive at first). But she ended up living in the skin of Yu Wan Yin and form a lot of relationships and change the course of events for many characters. I liked Wang Chu Ran since watching The Longest Promise, even if her character was very hateful at first in there (as mentioned previously). Yet, I was so glad to finally found a production that I could get behind to watch. Knowing it would get dramatic later, I welcomed the comedy scenes anyway. Indeed, it was hilarious and she delivered with much charm and humor. Of course, she also did quite well when the tragic scenes rolled around.
- Cheng Lei (丞磊) as Zhang San (張三) and Xia Hou Dan (夏侯澹). Zhang San entered the novel world at an early age. It was a very traumatic experience for him and caused him to doubt his existence in general. For the longest time, he struggled to find an ally in those around him yet failed. Having given up hope, he began to think that nightmare of a world he came to know was actually the true world and the real world was just a false world that he created to escape from the cruel reality he had to face. So, a lot of his performances or actions were indeed done to survive the turmoil. If he wasn’t guarded, he would fall like all of the others who were targeted by the Empress Dowager. So, after all that he did to survive, it was hard to blame him for wanting to use Wang Cui Hua at one point to turn the tides. His confession letter near the end said it all. It was the final piece she needed to understand the inconsistencies of his stories but also to understand his pain throughout all these years. This was my first time watching Cheng Lei and I was truly impressed. Being able to see the suffering that he went through, someone who was stuck in a strange world just trying to survive. His humorous side was also done to the right touch, not overboard either.
- Tang Xiao Tian (唐晓天) as Xia Hou Bo (夏侯泊). Prince Duan, Xia Hou Dan’s older brother. Of all the main characters involved in the elaborate story, he was the only true fictional character whose destiny was meant to be and no matter how he tried to scheme against them, he couldn’t win. Well, he was manipulated by the Empress Dowager since little so he ended up learning the tricks that was needed to survive as well. However, his hatred was too much for him to realize the Empress Dowager had won because her manipulation worked. His downfall was never trusting anyone. Sounded simple but because he only saw everyone as pawns (aside from his mother who had tragically passed away), they also were guarded against him. Well, according to the novel that had turned into a transmigration theme (when Ma Chun Chun entered the fictional world as Xie Yong Er), he was supposed to turn the tides and emerged up top at the end. It was one of the reasons why they had to keep him alive via giving him false hope about a possible rebellion scheme from his supposed allies. However, his fate got changed again when Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San transmigrated into the novel to reversed the course of the events. Yes, the story was very layered and headache-y to figure out. It was indeed very complex. But regardless of his fate, he had always been the type to use and dispose of others as he saw fit.
- Hu Yi Xuan (胡意旋) as Ma Chun Chun (馬春春) and Xie Yong Er (謝永兒). Ma Chun Chun was a 2D character who thought that she was a real person who had somehow migrated into a novel and ended up plotting to change the course of her character, Xie Yong Er, by joining forces with Prince Duan. She didn’t realize she was just being used by him. However, being an inexperienced person in her world, she miscalculated several steps and almost ended up losing her life before she could achieve her goals. Her character took a turn when Wang Cui Hua finally managed to communicate with her and join forces with her, convincing her that they were from the same world. She realized that she had other choices. Regretfully, she couldn’t follow them until the end. Yet, she had comforted Wang Cui Hua in the end that it was only for the best, considering how she could return to her world. I thought the actress did well. Because how layered her character was. She thought she was a real person yet she was also part of another novel. Her innocence at first, thinking she could just turn the tides and bordering on cunning to survive the turmoil of the palace schemes. Then the turnaround. It was convincing.
Supporting:
- Zheng Jun Hao (郑钧颢) as An Xian (安賢). Xia Hou Dan’s closest loyal eunuch. He didn’t understand many things but was dragged into their dramas one time or another. It was somewhat hilarious to see how he reacted to some of the most bizarre situations. One of his defining moments was forcing himself to listen to Prince Duan–although he didn’t want to. It meant something when Xia Hou Dan told him to stay alive, knowing he might make a rash move, which would get himself killed. I do pity him at times for his confusion, lol.
- You Jing Ru (尤靖茹) as Er Lan (爾嵐). She dressed as a man throughout to enter the court (or attempted to) and wanted to make a difference. She met some of the like-minded people and found her true calling. She was indeed a very brave character and wanted to make changes for a better world for everyone to live in. I was glad she got to be more involved in the cause later on. Because of Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San’s new plans, they were able to change the whole thing with allowing women to play active roles where they were needed or wanted to contribute. It made her dream come true and also aided the nation greatly. I haven’t seen her since The Legend of Qin, so it was nice to see her in this role. And I saw that she was Blossom but I don’t remember her, lol. Watching too many series in the past few years did that.
- Zhang Rui Han (张瑞涵) as Li Yun Xi (李雲錫). A very traditional and stubborn yet upright man. He was very stubborn in many ways because he was raised and learned of only those ways. Yet he wasn’t stubborn to the point of unwilling to change or learn from different trials and tribulations.
- Xie Ze Cheng (谢泽成) as Yang Duo Jie (楊鐸捷). An ally of Xia Hou Dan and Yu Wan Yin and companions of Er Lan, Li Yun Xi, and others. He was recruited like some others to help with turning the tides. Initially, he was like the others, not sure of what to expect, considering the rumors of a tyrant ruler and his vile consort. Yet he took the leap like some of others and became a resourceful ally.
- He Lei (赫雷) as Cen Jin Tian (岑堇天). A scholar who had vast knowledge of crops and farming in general. Unfortunately, he had an incurable disease so his days were numbered. Yet he never blamed anyone. A surprisingly memorable role. NOT just because he passed away later. But because he had such a big heart and wanted to do so much for the citizens of the country. I felt his acting in here was better than in Are You Safe? because his ability to express his feelings. Or more like being able to make his character relatable.
- Ji Xiao Fei (姬晓飞) as Wang Zhao (汪昭). It was such a tragedy that he didn’t make it home. He was so close too. He truly believed he helped them in going on this journey (and he did) yet was sabotaged on the way back. It was indeed one of times that Xia Hou Dan truly lost it. Because he felt he let Wang Zhao down, not being able to stop the tragedy from happening. And that the promise was broken because they couldn’t reunite to celebrate.
- Hao Han (郝汉) as Xiao Tian Cai (蕭添采). Nicknamed by Xie Rong Er as Little Genuis (小天才) because it sounded similar to his name. He was an imperial medic who met Xie Rong Er by chance and had an interesting conversation. He liked Xie Rong Er and helped her throughout after learning she was one of the consorts. He was led to believe that Xie Rong Er was still alive and had traveled the world like she wished because Yu Wan Yin felt it was too cruel to let him know the truth. It gave him hope that Xie Rong Er finally was living the life she wanted, even if they were never going to meet again. He only wanted her to be safe.
- Sun Bin (孙斌) as Mu Yun (木雲). His real name was Murong Yun Ji (慕容雲霽). He was actually part of Prince Duan’s faction but changed his name and infiltrate into the Empress Dowager’s faction to sow discord between the Empress Dowager and the king to weaken their resources, so Prince Duan could take the final win. Yet, he didn’t see it coming with all the planning behind the scenes. So, he, like Prince Duan, miscalculated.
- Mei Bao Lai (梅宝莱) as Consort Wei (魏貴妃). She was really spoiled and relied heavily on the Empress Dowager’s backing and her father’s force that she harassed others as she saw fit. Yet, she was later dragged down because she miscalculated.
- Dong Si Yi (董思怡) as Consort Shu (淑妃). One of Xia Dan’s concubines.
- Zhao Shi Yi (赵诗意) as Lady Chu (楚嫔). One of Xia Dan’s concubines.
- Wu Man Si (吴曼思) as Consort Zhuang (庄妃). One of Xia Dan’s concubines.
- Liu Ting Xi (刘亭希) as Lady He (贺嫔). One of Xia Dan’s concubines.
- Zhou Rui Rui (周睿睿) as Beauty Li (李美人). One of Xia Dan’s concubines.
Others:
- Ma Su (马苏) as the Empress Dowager (太后). She was sure the top villain all right. She manipulated everyone and everything around her, not caring about consequences. Yet she dared to say that Xia Hou Dan was cruel? He was the product of her manipulations. It was a miracle he hadn’t gone completely insane yet. Or perhaps, Prince Duan was the outcome of that. Ironically, her overplanning and stirring of the chaos led to her downfall. Because she didn’t care one way or another, she just wanted to overthrow the whole empire. Sure, she was from a foreign land and wanted to fulfill her duty of destroying another country. Yet, her actions harmed a lot of innocent people. So, it could never justify her motives or her point of view. I initially thought she was another transmigrator because of how she said she could go home now. It somewhat reminded me of what Xie Rong Er said before she died. But it was actually referring to her homeland. Ma Su’s acting? Very convincing and captured her character quite well. The manipulation, the cruelty combined with her composure, it brought the character together.
- Louis Fan (樊少皇) as Bei Zhou (北舟). A childhood friend of Xia Hou Dan’s mother. He loved her greatly but they were separated because of the inevitable. After learning a son of a long-lost love/ friend needed him, he didn’t hesitate about jumping to help. Even knowing that it would be his downfall. It was indeed very sad. He was considered the highest ranked fighter in the novel, which was why Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San sought him out. Yet they became attached to him overtime, realizing it wasn’t that simple with treating others like fictional characters (which they were). His ending was tragic and frustrating. Even though there was no other way at that point. To think that he was wiling to sacrifice himself for them, trying to buy more time, even after Zhang San confessed to him he wasn’t Xia Hou Dan. They had bonded all this time, it was hard to say there were no feelings or attachments.
- Cui Yi (崔奕) as Bei Zhou (北舟). She was Bei Zhou in disguised when they were in the palace. It helped because he wasn’t exposed under this identity. The actress acted very well. I also credited them for making them looking somewhat similar. I meant by their face structures and their gestures at times. It was like Bei Zhou was in disguised but still reserved some of the old habits and personality. The two actors did well to coordinate with one another.
- Cheng Hong Xin (程泓鑫) as Ah Bai (阿白) aka Lin Xuan Ying (林玄英). He followed his master’s advice to aid Zhang San, knowing that Zhang San came from another world. He joined the army on the command of Zhang San and ended up controlling some factions of the army that led to the turnaround in the end. He was suspicious of Yu Wan Yin at first but soon grew to like her for who she was. He even admired her bravely having witnessed her going through different trials and tribulations but never giving up. She earned his respect in more ways than one.
- Qu Xin Zhi (邱心志) as Nameless Being (無名客). Ah Bai’s master. Taking on the role of a master being who was good in seeing the things beyond others, it reminded of his role in Guardians of the Dafeng. Yet, the little similarity only ended there because he only appeared a little bit. It was relevant to the plot.
- Wang Hong Xin (王泓鑫) as Xu Yao (胥尧). A very short appearance but impactful in many ways. He was another character in the story that Yu Wan Yin thought she could use to turn the tides for her and Xia Hou Dan. In other words, he was just a pawn (to both sides). However, his death caused Wan Yin to reconsider because how real it was with his last moments and his determination to fight for her survival, so she could escape and get the words out. He wanted to do the right thing at the last moment, knowing he was misled by Prince Duan. It was his sacrifice that led to Wan Yin’s determination to save others later, knowing that it mattered. What if it was a fictional world? To them, they were real and their cause mattered. An honorable character through and through. Because he was deceived and turned around to find ways to fix those mistakes, knowing he had helped Prince Duan majorly in the past with gaining some leverage against the so-called enemies.
- Feng Man (冯满) as Du Shan (杜杉). One of the scholars who wished to contribute more for the country but hadn’t met with the chance yet. Unfortunately, he was killed during the boat massacre. Yet it had fused the others’ energy to push forward and avenge him.
- Hu Xiao Ting (胡小庭) as the previous Empress Dowager (先皇太后). She only appeared briefly through flashbacks. It was disclosed that she was killed off by the current empress dowager so the latter could take over.
- Sui You Liang (隋咏良) as Tu Er (圖爾). Prince of the opposing nation. He was used by his uncle to cause issues among the citizens of both nations and drag out the war even more. He was the one who killed Wang Zhao but they had to let that one go because he was also misled. They also needed him to mend the gap between the two nations and end that ridiculous war at long last. They still have to hold him to his promises, so it wasn’t all for nothing.
- Hei Zi (黑子) as Tu Er’s father, the late king. Very brief appearance.
Likes:
- The soundtrack. I heard some complaints somewhere but I quite like the soundtrack. It was a touch of lightheartedness here and there. There were also sad, mellow songs too. But it wasn’t all out showy like some recent productions so it was different in that way.
- Costumes. They were elaborate, unique, and suitable for different situations. Also, those defined each character well.
- Mixture of comedy and drama. It was about right for both, not too much either way that would cause backfire. At least, for me. I swear, I like this one even more than A Dream Within A Dream (although I do like the cast for the other one). Maybe because it wasn’t super frustrating in regard to some details that made it more bearable.
- Hotpot gatherings. I was surprised but learned they retained that bit from the novel. It was fun and a good way for them to bond and plan their next moves. Why am I surprised? Food hasn’t been a prominent theme in most series because of how they discouraged eating or making it a crime. (They didn’t say that exactly. But characters were often mocked or picked on for loving food.) I haven’t seen this enthusiasm toward food since Love Me, Love My Voice. So, I welcomed the humorous scenes.
- The turn around and eventual friendship between Wang Cui Hua/ Yu Wan Yin and Ma Chun Chun/ Xie Rong Er. It was surprising yet convincing. It was hard to blame Ma Chun Chun for being suspicious of Yu Wan Yin because of prior knowledge before transmigrating in to the novel. What made her annoying was not seeing the hypocrite from both sides. Yet she wasn’t irredeemable either. She finally found the courage to trust and aided them when it mattered. To think that she would make it out alive, she was killed off by an unknown force. In the last moments, it was indeed touching to see how both tried to console one another. They were almost like sisters at that point, considering how they bonded after officially joining forces. So, yes, I did cry when Ma Chun Chun died. It was so abrupt and unexpected.
Dislikes:
- Makeup. Wang Chu Ran is very beautiful and elegant. What possessed the production team to make her look like a clown? Yes, harsh, but seriously. Yeah, I understood it was a comedy for the most part, so some stuff were exaggerated on purpose. But seriously, what made them think that was the look for her? Sometimes, makeup was okay. But other times, they were really slacking. (Or was it the lighting?) It seemed like a trends or something with making their eyes all red, so red that it became hard to ignore. I noticed with some other productions too and wondered if it was the same teams as those. And if they were historically accurate to whatever kingdom that was, completely terrible choice.
Discussions:
- The ending. That was cute. I was glad to see that they were able to return to their past lives and start over. And I greedily wished it would have been earlier so there could be scenes of him getting his life back and working hard to reach that point where they both stood. And I for once agree with the majority that Wang Chu Ran and Cheng Lei need a modern series together.
- Novel vs. Adaptation. There were so much they could do. Maybe they could do a modern version of Zhang San’s journey to get to that point? Considering how he was returned to the point where he entered the novel? Or did the short version do that already?
Recommended? If you’re a fan of the cast, definitely. If you like strange transmigration adaptations, it’s worth checking it out. I was surprised I watched it really fast (while it was airing) too.
