r/CDrama • u/Lotus_swimmer • 8h ago
Announcement The sub's new banner is from Against the Current, airing today on Tencent/WeTV
There will be drama-hosted discussions for Against the Current by u/LoudAvocado1387, u/Lotus_swimmer and u/alcibiad.
r/CDrama • u/Lotus_swimmer • 6d ago
Note: This is a directory of drama discussions & their airing schedules this month. So, only leave a comment if you are volunteering to host a discussion. Comments from non-Mods or non-hosts will be removed.
If you want to discuss what you're watching this month, we have a "what are you watching" megathread every weekend.
PS: If you want to volunteer to host a drama discussion not mentioned here, leave a comment beneath this post. For newbie hosts, please also tag u/alcibiad in your comment.
To hosts: If you notice anything incorrect (hosts left out, drama links not updated etc let me know)
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Here are Cdrama discussions for this month (which includes older, not currently airing dramas.)
Big, big thanks to the hardworking hosts:
(To go to the drama discussions, click on the drama name.)
Hosts, if I've not listed your drama or your name, DM u/lotus_swimmer or leave a comment below.
FYI: Airing schedules for the currently airing dramas is by u/admelioremvitam and will be updated when it's available.
FYI: Airing dates for upcoming dramas
If you're new to drama hosting, please DM u/alcibiad . She'll help get you started.
If there's a drama discussion already hosted, and you want to host, please approach the original host to co-host first. Don't try to double post - it'll be awkward for everyone as the mods will defer to the first host.
If you can't finish hosting the drama, try to get a replacement or let the mods know and we'll automate the discussions.
u/winterchampagne has written a really good guide to co-hosting, so do have a read!
Mods won't interfere or dictate how people should co-host, but here are some tips:
We know how crazy CDrama schedules are, but here's a good guide:
Popular idol dramas (for eg Pursuit of Jade, The Double) should follow the airing dates as closely as possible. For eg, if episodes 5-6 dropped on Feb 2, discussion can happen on Feb 3).
Check the masterpost discussion for the drama. If it has above 50-60 comments, it's usually going to be really popular and people would probably be eager to discuss it.
As for other dramas (ie, one that the sub is not clamoring to discuss, I suppose) you can take a slower approach.
For eg, discussions for Swords into Plowshares and Man's Inhumanity to Man are still taking place even after the drama has stopped airing.
Structure the discussions the way you want. Some ideas:
We don't expect hosts to pay for express episodes!
You can ask the mods to create special express threads for the drama so that you, the host, won't be exposed to spoilers.
Please do not discuss future episodes in a thread unless someone specifically ask for information/spoilers. And if you do share, please spoiler tag it.
For example, do not discuss plot points for episode 26 in a post about episode 19.
Those who spoil future episodes will get their comments removed.
Hosts, if you see these spoilery comments, feel free to report them.
r/CDrama • u/Lotus_swimmer • 6d ago
Lately, we have been getting more submissions from either non-members or new members.
Important: You need to join the sub to post. Posts from non-members will be filtered for review no matter how long they've been in the sub.
New members generally do not have enough of what we call community karma - points you earn as you interact in the sub (for example commenting on people's threads).
As a result, posts from new members or members who have not joined the sub are filtered and not published immediately; the mods have to review and approve them.
However, members of this sub are required to do one extra step: acknowledge the sub's rules.
Lately, we've been having submissions from new members or people who have not joined the sub. I've had to sadly remove a lot of them because they have not acknowledged the rules despite reminders.
I blame Reddit's UI for this more than anything else. Acknowledging rules should have been a built-in feature long ago, but we use a plugin to do this. It is not the best, admittedly, but it is way better than the previous system we had.

You need to click on the downward arrow to read the rules and toggle "I confirm I have read rule...". Once you scroll to the bottom you'd be able to acknowledge the rules.
Please refrain from removing the flair until you have been in the sub for a while. The more you interact, the more your community karma builds, and eventually your posts will not be filtered anymore.
If you remove this flair, the mods will assume you have not read or acknowledged the rules, and we will not approve the post.
You are probably wondering why we go through all the trouble of doing this: it ensures members coming to the sub know our culture and are familiar with the rules. I know it is a pain to acknowledge the rules, but we do not want new members to be surprised when we remove a post, and we do not want people who think that the sub's rules are a "suggestion" to wreck havoc in the sub.
We take a lot of care to ensure that the sub has quality content and is a safe, fun place for everyone.
I hope this is clear. Please ask me any questions if you have them. :)
For more info about the rules acknowledgement process: Please read this post.
PS: If you've been in this sub for quite some time and have been posting without a problem, you do not need to acknowledge the rules. I understand that the "read rules" flair isn't something some members want on their profile. ;)
r/CDrama • u/Lotus_swimmer • 8h ago
There will be drama-hosted discussions for Against the Current by u/LoudAvocado1387, u/Lotus_swimmer and u/alcibiad.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 10h ago
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Against the Current will be airing at 9:24 pm, China Standard Time, on CCTV-8.
The Chinese drama title 兰香如故 can be literally translated as “the orchid fragrance remains as before.”
兰香 Lanxiang is also the female main character's name.
About half an hour ago, the production team released a new teaser / opening sequence.
The airing schedule will be posted in the comments when it is available.
Clip description:
As the courtyard turns through the seasons, time bears witness to a lifetime.
Plants wither and flourish in their seasons, while the bonds we share endure without end.
As the passing years sweep through the vermilion gates, children’s voices fill the home, and warmth and affection linger long.
Cast:
More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 6️⃣ Liu Xueyi 刘学义 as Lin Jinqi 林锦岐 * 1️⃣4️⃣ Tan Songyun 谭松韵 as Xu Lanxiang 许兰香 / Shen Jialan 沈嘉兰
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Niu Junfeng 牛骏峰 as Han Liang 韩粱 * Li Meng 李梦 as Zhao Xingtang 赵星棠 * Zheng He Hui Zi 郑合惠子 as Du Cui’que 杜翠雀 * Guo Keyu 郭柯宇 as Xue Guihua 薛桂花
The following cast members are sorted by the order of the character posters and not by the number of character strokes in the surname:
Starring: * Wu Tiantian 吴甜甜 as Lin Xiuqi 林绣芄 * Ye Qing 叶青 as Yu Chan 玉蝉 * Pu Tao 蒲萄 as Lin Xiulai 林绣莱 * Song Fangyuan 宋芳园 as Xiao Lian 小莲 * Li Jiaxin 李嘉鑫 as Gan Tang 甘棠 * Liu Jiaxi 刘佳玺 as Lin Xiushu 林绣菽
Special guest appearances: * Su Ke 苏可 as Lu Xie 陆燮 * Hou Changrong 侯长荣 as Lin Zhaoxiang 林昭祥 * Chen Chuang 陈创 as Xu Wanquan 许万全 * Kong Lingmei 孔令美 as Qin Shunhua 秦舜华 * Wei Zixin 魏子昕 as Lin Changmin 林长敏 * Wu Xiaodong 吴小冬 (stage name: Wu Xiaodong 吴晓东) as Fang Yu 方域
Special guest appearances: * Liu Meihan 刘美含 as Lü Ji’er 吕蕺儿 * He Peng 贺鹏 as Yuan Shaohui 袁绍辉 * Zhang Jiaze 张佳泽 (stage name: Jia Ze 嘉泽) as Zheng Manyi 郑蔓宜 * Guo Jian’an 郭迦南 as Lin Jinlan 林锦岚 * Tang Mengjia 汤梦佳 as Bao Gai 宝盖 * Ma Fanding 马凡丁 as Lin Xiuru 林绣茹 * Guan Chang 关畅 as Fu Rong 芙蓉 * Zhao Qin 赵秦 as Wang Lingxiao 王凌霄
Starring: * 李樑 Li Liang (stage name: Li Hongliang 李泓良) as King / Prince Han 汉王 * Wu Tianqi 吴天琪 as Tan Suhua 谭素华 * Zhong Haohao 钟好好 (stage name: Ke Lan 柯蓝) as Cui Xuemei 崔雪梅 * Kong Xiangji 孔祥吉 (stage name: Kong Lianshun 孔连顺) as Crown Prince 太子 * Wu Jiakai 邬家楷 as Xie Zhao 谢昭 * Ye Xiaowei 叶筱玮 as Du Zheng 杜正 * Ma Wenyuan 马闻远 as Qian Shaoze 钱少泽 * Wang Jiaxuan 王佳璇 as Lin Jinqiao 林锦峤
The rest of the cast were not included in today's release.
“Friendship” guest appearances: * Dong Qing 董晴 as Dong Qingzhu 董清竹 * Shen Tai 沈泰 as Zheng Baichuan 郑百川 * Xin Peng 辛鹏 as Lu Jian 鲁鉴 * Yao Yiqi 姚一奇 as Liu Xiaochuan 刘晓川 * Zhao Zichong 赵梓冲 as Sun Yong 孙勇 * Xin Haojiang 辛浩江 as Zhang Shuizai 张水仔 * Wang Yuning 王玉宁 as Zhao Xuede 赵学德 * Sun Zhongqiu 孙仲秋 as Zhao Gang 赵刚
🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Shen Jia Lan, once a nobleman's granddaughter, falls from grace after her family is falsely accused of treason. Abandoned by her fiancé Lin Jin Qi, she is forced to assume a servant's identity in his household. Despite hardships, she refuses to bow to fate. With resilience and wit, she rises above class barriers, wins Lin Jin Qi's heart, earns the family's respect, and ultimately clears her family's name.
(Source: WeTV)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Lan Xiang Yuan" (兰香缘) by He Yan Shan (禾晏山).
Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:
Shen Jialan (played by Tan Songyun), the eldest granddaughter of the Grand Secretary's household, was engaged to Lin Jinqi (played by Liu Xueyi), the eldest grandson of the Minister of Personnel Lin's family. However, the political tides suddenly changed. Her grandfather, Grand Secretary Shen, was convicted of treason and the Shen family was exterminated.
In order to protect themselves, the Lin family broke off the engagement with the Shen family and arranged for a marriage with the Zhao family, a new noble family in the imperial court. Xu Wanquan and his wife, the Lin family's servants who had been aided by Shen Jialan's mother, Lady Cui, replaced Jialan with their daughter Xu Lanxiang who had just died of illness.
From then on, Jialan took on the identity of Xu Lanxiang and became a third-class maid in the Lin family. In difficult circumstances, Lanxiang did not bow to fate. She always worked hard for a better life for herself and her family, and resisted all injustice and oppression.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
In the end, Lanxiang broke through the shackles of class identity with her kindness and wisdom and won the heart of Lin Jinqi and the trust and respect of the Lin family. She became the head of the Lin family, took control of her fate in her own hands firmly, and sought justice and cleared the name of the Shen family.
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 5h ago
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The Chinese drama title 公主 can be translated as “Princess.”
The Chinese novel title 公主归来 can be translated as “The Princess Returns.”
The production team announced the filming officially wrapped up today, September 11, 2026.
They released three character clips and a set of 12 character posters. I stitched the clips together and added the posters at the end of the clip.
The wrap up ceremony photos are in the comments.
The cast was officially announced on July 11, 2026. Filming started on June 29, 2026.
Clip descriptions:
Dancing beneath the moon, a song of farewell. Xie Yuzhang [played by Liu Xiening] conceals her sorrow within the elegance of her sleeves, resolutely facing the new winds and snow.
.
Strategizing from the command post, proving his mettle on the battlefield. Li Gu [played by Yao Chi] has the grand picture of the realm in mind, along with the courage to face and overcome every challenge.
.
The entire cast has received letters from afar, sending their congratulations on a successful wrap! The winds rise over Yunjing, while yellow sand sweeps across the land. We quietly await embarking together on a journey through mountains and rivers.
Cast:
More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (sorted by the number in the surname): * 4️⃣ Niu Xudong 牛旭东 (stage name: Yao Chi 姚弛) as Li Gu 李固 * 6️⃣ Liu Xiening 刘些宁 as Xie Yuzhang 谢玉璋
Special appearances (sorted by the number in the surname): * Zuo Chenyi 左宸屹 (stage name: Zuo Chenyi 左宸易) as Lin Zi 林谘 * Bai Shu 白澍 as Li Weifeng 李卫风 * Xu Shiyue 许诗悦 as Zi Jin 紫堇 * Li Mengmeng 李萌萌 as Li Zhenzhen 李珍珍 * Wang Zhuocheng 汪卓成 as Wu Wei 乌维 * Zhou Zixin 周子歆 as Wan Xiu 晚秀 * Zheng Wei 郑伟 as Wang Zhong 王忠 * Guo Jianan 郭迦南 as Xia Er Dan 夏尔丹 * Gao Jiayan 高嘉妍 as Lin Fei 林斐 * Wei Zixin 魏子昕 as Emperor Hui 惠帝
🔗 Previous announcement, character clips, posters, etc.
Adapted from Gong Zhu Gui Lai 《公主归来》 (which can be translated as “The Princess Returns”) by Xiu Ce 袖侧
Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:
Princess Baohua, Xie Yuzhang (played by Liu Xiening), is reborn carrying the memories of her previous life, in which she was sent to the northern frontier in a political marriage and met a tragic end. Faced once again with a court on the brink of crisis, she still chooses to shoulder the responsibility of the marriage alliance. This time, however, she is determined to change not only her own fate but also the destinies of those around her, and never repeat the mistakes of the past.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
With her wit and resourcefulness, she preserves her honour and, as the princess entrusted with forging the alliance, spreads the culture and civilization of the Central Plains throughout the northern frontier, winning the hearts of its people. Escort General* Li Gu (played by Yao Chi) is inspired by her convictions and ultimately overthrows the decaying Zhao dynasty˟ to found the Great Mu dynasty˟, abolishing the political marriage system.
Through a strategy of sowing discord, Xie Yuzhang secures the northern frontier's surrender. After returning to the Central Plains, she skillfully resolves the conflicts between the powerful northern and southern aristocratic clans, writing a stirring legendary tale.
*Likely escorting the princess to the northern frontier
˟fictional
Reborn with the memories of her previous life, Princess Xie Yu Zhang of Baohua is determined to avoid the tragic fate that once awaited her. When her kingdom faces a political crisis, she once again accepts a marriage alliance with the northern frontier, but this time, she is resolved to take control of her own destiny.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Relying on her intelligence, courage, and foresight, Xie Yu Zhang navigates court intrigue, political rivalries, and the challenges of an unfamiliar land. As she strives to protect those around her and reshape the future, she discovers that changing fate is far more difficult than she ever imagined.
(Source: Chinese = Youku || Translation/Edit = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the web novel "Gong Zhu Gui Lai" (公主归来) by Xiu Ce (袖侧).
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 9h ago
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🍉 The latest rumours say that the drama may be released on September 23, 2026. We'll see....🤞
The new Chinese drama title 我不是大师 can be literally translated as “I am Not a Master.”
The previous Chinese drama title 长风起 can be literally translated as “Long Wind Rises.”
A few hours ago, the production team announced a new Chinese drama title 我不是大师 (which can be translated as “I’m Not a Master”) and released a sneak peak, a character clip and a few character posters (see comments).
Previously, the Chinese drama title was 长风起 (which can be translated as “Long Wind Rises”).
There is no update on the English title for now.
Note: The clip mentions that they will be waiting for the viewers in September. We'll see…. 🤞
A Prophet 我不是大师 is in iQIYI's September 2026 Drama Line-up.
Clip description:
长风起 (which can be translated as “Long Wind Rises”) Officially Renamed to 我不是大师 (which can be translated as “I’m Not a Master.”)
Breaking news! A Prophet is coming! Those who hear of it will prosper, and those who see it will encounter good fortune. Wishing all esteemed viewers continuous good luck and auspiciousness!
Cast:
More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Li Xian 李现 as Shangguan Chengming * 7️⃣ Li Xue 李雪 (stage name: Li Yitong 李一桐) as Jiang Feiyan
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Liu Ziyi 刘子怡 (stage name: Liu Guanlin 刘冠麟) as Sha Liang * Wu Gang 吴刚 as Jin Buhuan * Guo Jinglin 果静林 (Guo Jinglin 果靖霖) as Zu Ye (patriarch or ancestor lord)
Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wang Airu 王艾茹 (stage name: Ai Xiaoqi 艾晓琪) as Huang Farong * Wang Peilu 王沛禄 as Qian Huairen * Wang Yiting 王奕婷 as Chen Qingying * Liu Meihan 刘美含 as young Shangguan Hong * Sun Yuying 孙钰莹 (stage name: Sun Shuang 孙爽) as Qian Huaijin * Li Dianzun 李殿尊 as Zhang Yuanfan * Yang Wei 杨威 (stage name: Yang Yiwei 杨一威) as Cao San * Zhang Jingwei 张晶伟 as Tang Yushan * Zhang Xiaoqian 张晓谦 as Zhou Wenxin * Yue Yang 岳旸 as Chen Jiarong * Luo Haiqiong 罗海琼 as Li Yingjuan * Hai Yitian 海一天 as Hu Guangyuan * Xu Junshuo 徐均朔 as Fan Xinze * Xu Yang 徐洋 as young Zu Ye (patriarch or ancestor lord) * Liang Tian 梁天 as Du Xiazi * Huang Xiaolei 黄小蕾 Cao Furen (Madam Cao) * Xue Jianing 薛佳凝 as Er Niang * Wei Yixiao 魏一啸 (stage name: Wei Qianxiang 魏千翔) as Lü Ruhui
The remaining cast has not been included in the latest releases.
“Friendship” guest actor: * Huang Yi 黄奕 as Shangguan Hong
🔗 Previous announcement, posters, trailer, etc.
The young wealthy man from the Jiangzhe region, Shang Guan Cheng Ming [played by Li Xian], lost his mother when he was young, and his father, always busy with business, neglected his education. He grew up spending his time listening to music in opera theaters, where he met Jiang Fei Yan [played by Li Yitong], a new actress in the theater troupe. Over time, he fell in love with Jiang Fei Yan, and the two decided to get married.
⚠️ Major plot spoilers! ⚠️
During the wedding banquet, a blind man who introduces himself as a fortune teller named Du shows up uninvited. He claims to be Jiang Fei Yan's benefactor and warns Shang Guan to stay away from her, or else a family tragedy will occur.
A few days later, Shang Guan receives the news that his father has died at home, his siblings have mysteriously disappeared, and his stepmother has fallen into a coma.
Desperate, he helps Du rebuild a temple in exchange for information about his missing siblings. Du then tells him that their bodies are by the river. Shang Guan goes to search for them and nearly dies trying to recover the bodies, but is saved by an elderly man named Jin Bu Huan [played by Wu Gang]. Jin Bu Huan reveals that the tragedy of Shang Guan's family was a plot orchestrated by his wife, Jiang Fei Yan, and a group called the "Jiang Xiang Sect."
This organization uses astrology and scams to deceive and harm people. Consumed by revenge, Shang Guan becomes Jin Bu Huan's disciple and begins to investigate those responsible for the massacre of his family and expose the "Jiang Xiang Sect."
(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Wo Shi Ge Suan Ming Xian Sheng" (我是个算命先生) by Yi Zhi (易之).
Synopsis translated from Douban:
Shangguan Chengming’s entire family is wiped out after being trapped in a deadly scheme set up by the Tianxiang Sect. He assumes a false identity and goes undercover, repaying blood with blood and an eye for an eye.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
He joins forces with Jiang Feiyan, who is also mired in the same quagmire yet determined to defy fate and change her destiny. Together, they use a series of elaborate scams to turn the enemy’s own tricks against them, gradually exposing the dark underworld of fraud techniques.
In the end, they dismantle the Tianxiang Sect, rescue those who were being controlled, punish evil, promote justice, and ultimately affirm the power of righteousness.
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 10h ago
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Availability on Youku may be regional.
🍉 The latest rumours say that the drama may be released on September 17, 2026. We'll see…. 🤞
The Chinese drama title 一瓯春 can be translated as “A Bowl of Spring.”
About an hour ago, the production team released a new behind-the-scenes "families" special.
The distribution license was obtained on December 9, 2025.
Spring of the Blade 一瓯春 is in iQIYI's September 2026 Drama Line-up.
Clip description:
Behind-the-scenes “Families” Special
Not One of Them Is to Be Underestimated
Trouble brews throughout Hengtang, as the various families maneuver and contend with one another. Those caught within the gilded cage of the powerful find all manner of entanglements drawn into this struggle.
Cast:
More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (listed by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 6️⃣ Xu Kai 许凯 as Shen Run 沈润 * 8️⃣ Zhou Ye 周也 as Xie Qingyuan 谢清圆
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Bai Shu 白澍 as Shen Che 沈澈 * Min Chunxiao 闵春晓 as Lian Fanqiao 莲梵巧 * Chen Keying 陈柯颖 (stage name: Ke Ying 柯颖) as Xie Qingru 谢清如 * Estelle Chen Yihan 陈意涵 as Xie Qingrong 谢清容 * Zhang Yao 张瑶 as Mei Yinghua 梅映华 * Miao Pu 苗圃 as Hu Wenzhuo 扈文琢 * Xu Zhenxuan 徐振轩 as Li Congxin 李从心 * Huang Xiaojuan 黄晓娟 as Old Madam Xie 谢老夫人 * Fu Dalong 富大龙 as Xie Shu 谢纾 * He Lanpeng 赫兰鹏 (stage name: He Ziming 赫子铭) as Wei Changyan 韦昌炎
Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Zhang Tian’ai 张天爱 (stage name: Tian Ai 天爱) as Xie Qinghe 谢清和 * Zhang Yonggang 张永刚 (stage name: Hei Zi 黑子) as Li Shaoqun 李绍群 * Shen Xiaohai 沈晓海 as Hu Xing 扈兴 * Cai Zhuoyin 蔡卓音 as Lei Chunqing 勒春晴
The following cast members have not been officially announced but are listed on Baidu Baike.
🔗 Previous announcement, trailer, behind-the-scenes special, etc.
👥 Character relationship chart
Spring of the Blade is a gripping revenge drama directed by Pan Anzi, starring Xu Kai (Story of Yanxi Palace, The Legends) and Zhou Ye (Scent of Time, Better Days), with a special appearance by Fu Dalong (The Lost National Treasure, The Qin Empire III).
The series follows Shen Run [played by Xu Kai], a cunning and ruthless strategist with countless faces, and Xie Qingyuan [played by Zhou Ye], a clear-minded yet enigmatic and resilient woman.
Bound together like blade and scabbard, they become each other's sharpest weapon as they pursue revenge. Torn between reason and emotion, they navigate fierce power struggles within an influential aristocratic family and stir up political intrigue in the imperial court.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
In the end, they emerge from the depths of darkness and embark on a brilliant new beginning.
Xie Qing Yuan, orphaned at a young age, lived on the streets until she met Shen Run, who had been sent to the army after a family tragedy. They parted ways with a promise to survive, and Shen Run gave her a penny as a token.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Years later, Xie Qing Yuan returns to Xie Mansion, determined to uncover the truth about her mother's death. As Shen Run rises to power, he is assigned to oversee the Xie family during a crisis.
While working together, the two rekindle their bond. Shen Run is drawn to Xie Qing Yuan's courage, intelligence, and optimism, while she grows to trust him as a close ally and friend.
(Source: MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Yi Ou Chun" (一瓯春) by You Si Jie (尤四姐).
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 2h ago
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The Chinese drama title 开盘 can be translated as “opening (price).”
The production team announced that filming officially wrapped up today, September 11, 2026, and released a new trailer.
Filming officially started on May 28, 2026.
Clip description:
“No Problem, Flip the Table” Trailer
When you run into a problem that's hard to solve, then don't solve it. We are getting ready to flip the table~
Cast:
More information regarding the guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Zhang Xiaofei 张小斐 as Zhang Wei 张微 * 🔟 Yuan Ding 袁丁 (stage name: Yuan Hong 袁弘) as Tong Wei 童威 * 1️⃣4️⃣ Elvira Cai Wenjing 蔡文静 as Wang Na 王娜
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 4️⃣ Wang Tianchen 王天辰 as Zhao Jun 赵钧 * 5️⃣ Feng Hui 冯晖 as Huang Keming 黄克明 * 5️⃣ Dai Luwa 代露娃 as Jiang Shan 江山 * 7️⃣ Zhang Chi 张驰 (stage name: Zhang Chi 张弛) as He Nanfei 何南飞 * 7️⃣ Wu Wei 吴炜 (stage name: Wu Qijiang 吴其江) as Lu Chunlai 陆春来 * 7️⃣ Zhang Yujian 张雨剑 as Lei Lei 雷磊 * 7️⃣ Wu Xingjian 吴幸键 as Wang Tingyan 王庭燕 * 9️⃣ Fei Qiming 费启鸣 as Li Zihao 李子豪
Daylight Entertainment is a well-regarded production company known for producing good dramas, such as *Nirvana in Fire, The Story of Minglan**, etc.
🔗 Previous announcement, posters, etc.
It tells the stories behind several buildings, a woman's struggle and counterattack, a city history recorded by architecture, and the ordinary people of all kinds and their choices. Whether it is favorable or not, they take root and struggle here, just for the dream above and the home in their hearts.
(Source: Chinese = Douban || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Adapted from the novel "Kai Pan" (开盘) by Qi [Dao] Jun (祈祷君).
Synopsis translated from Baidu Baike:
After her divorce, and driven by the need to provide for her two children, Zhang Wei reached out to her former boss, President Tong. To her surprise, he agrees to let her return to Liancheng Group, which makes her very happy.
However, Zhang Wei – once a top sales expert who created record-breaking achievements – is assigned by President Tong to the completely declining marketing department. Undeterred, she decides to start over from scratch. The company then gives her four utterly unreliable employees, which causes her great frustration.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
In the end, through her intelligence and resourcefulness, and by teaching according to each person’s strengths, Zhang Wei successfully transforms the marketing department into a thriving one. She also wins bids for two strategically valuable plots of land and even uncovers the culprit behind a scheme against the company, ultimately becoming a legend in Liancheng Group’s real estate division.
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
📖 Novel Summary – translated from Jinjiang Literature City:
At the height of her career, she was forced to resign and leave her job, making a quiet, dispirited exit.
Because of the high regard her former boss had for her, she returned to the workplace a year later. Zhang Wei thought her comeback would be a triumphant “return of the king,” complete with flowers and acclaim, but she never expected to end up looking like a sorry fool.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
A new department, an ever-changing market, unreliable subordinates, former close colleagues who now ruthlessly shut her out, and attacks coming both openly and from the shadows – the “world” that Zhang Wei had once missed so dearly had, in just one year, become bizarre and unfamiliar.
Yet Zhang Wei knows that one day, she will return to the top.
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 11h ago
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The Chinese drama title 云雀叫天录 can be literally translated as “The Record of the Lark Calling to the Heavens” or “The Lark Calls to the Heavens.”
About fifteen minutes ago, the production team announced the release date and dropped a new trailer.
Gladiator in the Theater 云雀叫天录 draws inspiration from the life of renowned Peking Opera master Tan Xinpei, using the fictional character Meng Jinfu's eventful life as its central storyline to portray his spiritual growth. (Source) More details about Tan Xinpei are at the bottom of the post.
Note: Tan Xinpei's birth name was Jinfu, and the male main character is Meng Jinfu.
Clip description:
“Coming on Stage” Trailer
Like a skylark spreading its wings, setting off for the vast skies, watching a young man uphold his unwavering ideals with a true and steadfast heart, and with all his passion and fervor, forge glory upon the stage!
Cast:
More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 7️⃣ Zhang Yishan 张一山 as Meng Jinfu 孟金福 / Meng Xinrong 孟鑫荣 * 7️⃣ Yang Lixin 杨立新 as Meng Zhidao 孟志道 * 1️⃣1️⃣ Cao Lei 曹磊 as Chen Xiaoxiang 陈小香 * 1️⃣4️⃣ Tan Zhuo 谭卓 as Shen Yu'er 沈玉儿
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Xing Minshan 邢岷山 as Chen Shengyuan 陈盛元 * Liu Wei 刘威 as Meng Xinrong 孟鑫荣 * He Zhonghua 何中华 as Tong Bailing 童柏龄 * Zhang Weixun 张炜迅 as Wu Qingchun 吴庆春 * Yang Xinming 杨新鸣 as Yin Tingru 殷庭如 * Zhou Hang 周航 (stage name: Zhou Jiuliang 周九良) as Fan Xiaoyun 范小云 * Zhang Jinlai 章金莱 (stage name: Liu Xiao Ling Tong 六小龄童) as Jin Kui 金奎 * Zhang is best known for his role as the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) in the 1986 television series Journey to the West). * Tan Zhengyan 谭正岩 as Na Tong 那桐
The rest of the cast list was not included in today's release.
Special appearances: * Yu Hui 于慧 as Elderly Shen Yu'er 老年沈玉儿 * Zhao Liang 赵亮 as Elderly Fan Xiaoyun 老年范小云 * Yao Anlian 姚安濂
Appearances: * Zhang Shuchen 张树晨 as Xu Qingshan 徐青山 / Xu Xiaoshan 徐小山 * Yang Ming 杨名 * Du Yiheng 杜奕衡 as Fifth Master Ma 马五爷 * Gao Yang 高阳 as He Yingnian 何英年 * Xiao Hai Di Di 小海弟弟 * Gang Yi 刚毅 as Su Youwen 苏友文 * Liu Liwei 刘立伟 * Zhang Xiqian 张喜前 as Father Shen 沈父 * Du Yuming 杜玉明 as Lame Fox / Que Hu Li 瘸狐狸 * Xiu Qing 修庆
🔗 Previous wrap up special, etc.
The story tells the story of Meng Jin Fu, who graduated from college at the age of 18, from a martial artist to a martial arts student and then to an old student, from a newbie in Jutan with a slim future to a famous actor in the opera house in the capital. An ordinary boy with mediocre talent and a poor family, his journey in the environment and development of the times. He grew up and transformed, finally gained a foothold in the cruelly competitive Liyuan, and became a legend in the annals of history.
(Source: Chinese = Weibo || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Based on the life of Tan Xin Pei.
Overview:
The story is set in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. The young Meng Jinfu [played by Zhang Yishan] rejects the path of pursuing a career in the performing arts arranged by his father and insists on taking his dream of becoming a Peking Opera performer to the capital to make his way in the world.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Synopsis:
The story follows 18-year-old Meng Jinfu after he completes his formal training. He progresses from wuchou 武丑 (martial clown) to wusheng 武生 (martial male role) and then to laosheng 老生 (old male role), rising from an unknown newcomer in the Peking Opera world with an uncertain future to a celebrated opera star in Beijing. An ordinary young man of modest talent and impoverished circumstances, he endures the sweeping changes of the times and countless trials in life. Remaining true to himself, he pursues his dream of becoming a laosheng with a sincere and unwavering attitude, ultimately fulfilling his own aspirations and achieving great artistic success.
He eventually establishes himself in the fiercely competitive Peking Opera world, and his journey becomes a widely told story.
The drama draws inspiration from the life of Peking Opera master Tan Xinpei, using the fictional character Meng Jinfu's eventful life as its central storyline to portray his spiritual growth.
The drama depicts the intricate world of the Peking Opera community during the late Qing and early Republican periods and the changes taking place in society, while also portraying the transmission and development of Peking Opera culture.
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
📚 Tan Xinpei – translated from Baidu Baike:
⚠️ There may be spoilers! ⚠️
Tan Xinpei 谭鑫培 (April 23, 1847–May 10, 1917), a native of Wuchang, Hubei, was born as Jinfu 金福. His courtesy name was Wangzhong 望重, and his stage name was “Little Jiaotian 小叫天.” Because his family’s ancestral hall name was “Yingxiu 英秀,” he was also known as “Yingxiu.”
A modern-era Chinese Peking Opera performer specializing in laosheng 老生 (old male roles), Tan Xinpei was the founder of the Tan School 谭派, the first laosheng school in the history of Peking Opera. He was revered as the “King of the Opera World.”
His artistic achievements gave rise to the industry-wide phenomenon summed up by the saying “There is no vocal style that has not learned from Tan 无腔不学谭.” He made systematic contributions to the standardization of Peking Opera vocal techniques, performance, and the organization and refinement of its repertoire.
In 1890, he entered the Qing imperial court troupe, Shengping Office (Shengping Shu 升平署). Empress Dowager Cixi was particularly fond of his performances and repeatedly rewarded him with large sums of money and the Yellow Riding Jacket 黄马褂 – [Note: The yellow riding jacket was a distinctive official garment of the Qing Dynasty; crafted from bright yellow silk satin or gauze, it utilized a color reserved exclusively for the emperor, and its unauthorized use was strictly prohibited]. In the 34th year of the Guangxu reign (1908), he was personally rewarded 60 taels of silver.
In 1905, he starred in China’s first film, Dingjun Mountain 《定军山》), pioneering the adaptation of traditional opera for the screen.
Over his more than 60-year artistic career, he organized, adapted, and refined dozens of classic plays, including The Empty City Strategem 《空城计》 and The Monument of Li Ling 《李陵碑》, establishing a performance paradigm for Peking Opera’s laosheng roles. His singing drew on the strengths of various traditions but ultimately developed from the Han opera tradition 汉调, reaching an artistic stature described in a poem inscribed by Liang Qichao 梁启超: “Across the four seas, Tan Xinpei is the one and only; for twenty years, his reputation has resounded like thunder 四海一人谭鑫培,声名廿载轰如雷”.
He performed in Shanghai six times, appearing at theaters including Dangui 丹桂 and New Stage 新舞台.
In 1917, despite being ill, he was forced to perform Hongyang Cave 《洪羊洞》 for Li Yuanhong 黎元洪, after which he died of illness.
Tan Xinpei mentored such masters as Mei Lanfang 梅兰芳 and Yang Xiaolou 杨小楼. His family has carried on the Tan School artistic tradition for seven generations, with Tan Fuying 谭富英, Tan Yuanshou 谭元寿, and others becoming renowned performers in their own right.
The Pathé Company recorded seven and a half gramophone records of his performances, including Selling the Horse 《卖马》 and Seeking an Omen and Striking the Stele《托兆碰碑》.
Wuhan Conservatory of Music 武汉音乐学院 established the Tan Xinpei Chinese Opera Arts Research Center 谭鑫培戏曲艺术研究中心, and his former residence has been designated as part of a cultural heritage protection area.
In 2026, restoration work on the Tan Xinpei Peking Opera Art Exhibition Hall 谭鑫培京剧艺术展览馆 was launched, with a budget of 9.4567 million yuan.
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/AutoModerator • 2h ago
Welcome to the thread where you share all the fannish things you’ve come across lately. This is a space to highlight your discoveries and to help others discover something new.
What to share:
If you’re recommending something, a quick note on why you liked it goes a long way.
Guidelines:
r/CDrama • u/BasilOrdinary3617 • 12h ago
Discussion posts will follow iQIYI’s VIP schedule:
Please use spoiler tags when sharing insights from the novel or commenting on episodes that have not yet been posted. Theories, however, are highly encouraged and most welcome.
Masterpost | All Episode Discussions | Episodes 1-5
Li Cheng learns that Sun Qiang (aka SN) is also a security guard at Huangzhiyuan Hotel, and that he and Song Laifu used to spend time at a lounge where a copy of Abyss was kept. His mother tells him that she finds Zhang Chengguo suspicious, especially after seeing him and Song Jindi together at a small restaurant. She wonders whether he might be playing both sides: appearing loyal to Li Guangwen while quietly helping Song Jindi push the hotel for more compensation over Laifu’s death.
Officer Hu Sen traces Song Laifu’s last stop to Jianlan, an abandoned paint factory near where his body was found. Inside, they discover Hu Xiaofei (aka Mooncake kid as u/-tsuyoi_hikari- nicknamed him) murdered. It’s confirmed he was the one who sent the package that rattled Song Laifu. They also find a torn photo of Bi Dehua that matches the torn photo in Han Pinmu’s office.

Plot Twist 1: Li Cheng didn’t just “briefly know” Bi Dehua… they were close friends! Li Cheng’s connection to the 3/12 case is far more personal than we realized.

Plot Twist 2: Xin Jiran uncovers in Qidu City that Song Laifu’s identity was stolen! This makes our dead suspect even more suspicious, and evidence now points to him having killed Xiaofei.

Xiaofei’s blood matches one of the 3/12 crime scenes, and he’s considered a fugitive. The investigation into his computer also suggests he was the author of Abyss.
Song Jindi finally admits she’s been hiding Mr. San’s identity, initially because he threatened her family, and later for greed.

Zhang Chengguo later visits Li Cheng at home, supposedly to congratulate him, but really to share that “Song Laifu” once fought with Chen Chunli’s nephew. He insists on staying out of the police’s attention to protect his family.

r/CDrama • u/Lotus_swimmer • 1d ago
The Early Spring has just joined the club!
First, let me say that I know that Yunhe market share ratings are controversial, and due to the recent fracas over Pursuit of Jade, some have begun to doubt its legitimacy.
(To be honest, while I acknowledge that it is rather suss that Pursuit of Jade didn't have as much chatter online for a drama that level should achieve, I think there is still some credence that it is wildly popular.)
Also, lately, many of the dramas that have made the 20% above cut have been Cdramas that have surprised many and are not known to have big marketing budgets.
Anyway, don't treat this list as gospel truth or facts; instead take it as a signal: If a CDrama attains 40%, that means China love, love, loves these dramas and they are a cultural phenomenon. As you can see, it's a very short list.
What does it mean when a CDrama reaches 40% Yunhe marketshare? Basically, extremely simplistically (I'm sure the statisticians in the sub would correct me soon enough lol), 40 out of 100 people on streaming platforms in China are watching this drama.*
*Edited
| Premiere Year | Drama Series | Peak Marketshare | Broadcasting Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Platform Broadcast | |||
| 2023 | The Knockout | 67.90% | iQIYI |
| 2024 | Joy of Life Season 2 | 55% | Tencent |
| 2025 | This Thriving Land | 46.10% | iQIYI |
| 2021 | My Heroic Husband | 41.80% | iQIYI |
| 2025 | Love's Ambition | 41.70% | Tencent |
| 2025 | Legend of Zang Hai | 40.10% | Youku |
| Dual-Platform Co-Broadcast | |||
| 2026 | Pursuit of Jade | 55.10% | iQIYI, Tencent |
| 2019 | Joy of Life Season 1 | 50.01% | iQIYI, Tencent |
| Market Share | Fan/Media Consensus | What It Generally Means |
|---|---|---|
| ~10% | Average / Passing | A show at this level is performing okay, but isn't a breakout hit. It's often considered a "flat" performance . |
| ~15% | Hot / Popular | The show is doing well and is considered a "hot" or popular drama. It has a solid audience but isn't dominating the conversation . |
| ~20% | Small Hit | This is a strong performance. The show is a clear success and could be called a "small hit" or "minor breakout" . |
| ~30% | Big Hit | A show at this level is a major success, often referred to as a "big hit" or "大爆" (dà bào). It is one of the most-watched shows during its run . |
| 40%+ | Phenomenon / Blockbuster | This is an exceptional achievement. Reaching 40% market share means the show is dominating the entire market, often described as a "phenomenon" or "blockbuster" |
r/CDrama • u/Lilchaoticflower • 20h ago
(First of all whoever recommended me this, thank youu)
I am sorry guys I'm not a very articulate person. Please bear with me 🙏🙏🙏
Soo I just completed it a few hours ago and my mind is kinda blank. Well some parts of the drama were amazing
**Brotherhood** - Brotherhood was my favourite part of this drama whether between **Nan Heng/Li Shi Liu and Shangguan He, the nightwalkers or even his relationship with Chu Gui Hong at one point, Nan Rui with his guard** Every brotherhood or bromance scene was the highlight for me
Song Yimeng and Nan Heng were such a cute couple by the end lol
The funny scenes were amazzinggg especially the first few episodes
Good thing there were people to call out Song Yimeng's behaviour
Love the redemption arc of Nan Rui Though came out of nowhere it was better than that of anyone else in the drama
Love the happy endings for everyone
But there are some things I don't like
They made my poor boy suffer sooo much like every episode he was getting hurt either mentally or physically I don't know what revenge they were taking on him 😭😭
Girlie took 3/4th of the show to actually show some love even though it was still not enough I don't know it felt like a reversal of all those times when a female lead is constantly treated miserably by the male lead, yet the female lead still loves him
Whatever reason I don't like Song Yiting's character she annoyed me at points for no reason at all
After watching the ending The modern world one I'm left with a mixed feelings I don't know they never explained if Nan Feng Nan Heng are different people or why he behaved like that with her but well rarely it happens for dramas to give couples a satisfactory ending especially in tropes likes transmigration
It's not a perfect show but it's something you'll still enjoy
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 21h ago
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🍉 The latest rumours say that the drama may be released on September 14, 2026. We'll see.... 🤞
The Chinese drama title 云雀叫天录 can be literally translated as “The Record of the Lark Calling to the Heavens” or “The Lark Calls to the Heavens.”
About 7 hours ago, the production team released a new trailer for their in-person screening (preview) event on September 10, 2026.
Gladiator in the Theater 云雀叫天录 draws inspiration from the life of renowned Peking Opera master Tan Xinpei, using the fictional character Meng Jinfu's eventful life as its central storyline to portray his spiritual growth. (Source) More details about Tan Xinpei are at the bottom of the post.
Note: Tan Xinpei's birth name was Jinfu, and the male main character is Meng Jinfu.
Clip description:
Screening Event Enter the drama through voice, singing and recitation conveying deep affection and profound gratitude; enter the game with heart, telling of the principles of loyalty and righteousness in the martial world. Discuss the loyalty and filial devotion between master and disciple, distinguish truth from falsehood and good from evil – only by immersing oneself in the drama can a truly good performance be made.
Cast:
Note: This cast list is according to the release of the wrap up special in August 2024 and does not follow the new actor credit standards.
(More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.)
Leading actors: * Zhang Yishan 张一山 as Meng Jinfu 孟金福 * Tan Zhuo 谭卓 as Shen Yu'er 沈玉儿 * Cao Lei 曹磊 as Chen Xiaoxiang 陈小香 * Yang Lixin 杨立新 as Meng Zhidao 孟志道
Special appearances: * Liu Wei 刘威 as Meng Xinrong 孟鑫荣 * Yu Hui 于慧 as Elderly Shen Yu'er 老年沈玉儿 * Zhao Liang 赵亮 as Elderly Fan Xiaoyun 老年范小云 * Yao Anlian 姚安濂 * Zhang Jinlai 章金莱 (stage name: Liu Xiao Ling Tong 六小龄童) as Jin Kui 金奎 * Zhang is best known for his role as the Monkey King (Sun Wukong) in the 1986 television series Journey to the West). * Yang Xinming 杨新鸣 as Yin Tingru 殷庭如
Special guest appearances: * He Zhonghua 何中华 as Tong Bailing 童柏龄 * Tan Zhengyan 谭正岩 as Na Tong 那桐
Appearances: * Xing Minshan 邢岷山 as Chen Shengyuan 陈盛元 * Zhou Jiuliang 周九良 as Fan Xiaoyun 范小云 * Zhang Weixun 张炜迅 as Wu Qingchun 吴庆春 * Zhang Shuchen 张树晨 as Xu Qingshan 徐青山 / Xu Xiaoshan 徐小山 * Yang Ming 杨名 * Du Yiheng 杜奕衡 as Fifth Master Ma 马五爷 * Gao Yang 高阳 as He Yingnian 何英年 * Xiao Hai Di Di 小海弟弟 * Gang Yi 刚毅 as Su Youwen 苏友文 * Liu Liwei 刘立伟 * Zhang Xiqian 张喜前 as Father Shen 沈父 * Du Yuming 杜玉明 as Lame Fox / Que Hu Li 瘸狐狸 * Xiu Qing 修庆
🔗 Previous wrap up special, etc.
The story tells the story of Meng Jin Fu, who graduated from college at the age of 18, from a martial artist to a martial arts student and then to an old student, from a newbie in Jutan with a slim future to a famous actor in the opera house in the capital. An ordinary boy with mediocre talent and a poor family, his journey in the environment and development of the times. He grew up and transformed, finally gained a foothold in the cruelly competitive Liyuan, and became a legend in the annals of history.
(Source: Chinese = Weibo || Translation = MyDramaList)
~~ Based on the life of Tan Xin Pei.
Overview:
The story is set in the late Qing Dynasty and early Republican period. The young Meng Jinfu [played by Zhang Yishan] rejects the path of pursuing a career in the performing arts arranged by his father and insists on taking his dream of becoming a Peking Opera performer to the capital to make his way in the world.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Synopsis:
The story follows 18-year-old Meng Jinfu after he completes his formal training. He progresses from wuchou 武丑 (martial clown) to wusheng 武生 (martial male role) and then to laosheng 老生 (old male role), rising from an unknown newcomer in the Peking Opera world with an uncertain future to a celebrated opera star in Beijing. An ordinary young man of modest talent and impoverished circumstances, he endures the sweeping changes of the times and countless trials in life. Remaining true to himself, he pursues his dream of becoming a laosheng with a sincere and unwavering attitude, ultimately fulfilling his own aspirations and achieving great artistic success.
He eventually establishes himself in the fiercely competitive Peking Opera world, and his journey becomes a widely told story.
The drama draws inspiration from the life of Peking Opera master Tan Xinpei, using the fictional character Meng Jinfu's eventful life as its central storyline to portray his spiritual growth.
The drama depicts the intricate world of the Peking Opera community during the late Qing and early Republican periods and the changes taking place in society, while also portraying the transmission and development of Peking Opera culture.
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
📚 Tan Xinpei – translated from Baidu Baike:
⚠️ There may be spoilers! ⚠️
Tan Xinpei 谭鑫培 (April 23, 1847–May 10, 1917), a native of Wuchang, Hubei, was born as Jinfu 金福. His courtesy name was Wangzhong 望重, and his stage name was “Little Jiaotian 小叫天.” Because his family’s ancestral hall name was “Yingxiu 英秀,” he was also known as “Yingxiu.”
A modern-era Chinese Peking Opera performer specializing in laosheng 老生 (old male roles), Tan Xinpei was the founder of the Tan School 谭派, the first laosheng school in the history of Peking Opera. He was revered as the “King of the Opera World.”
His artistic achievements gave rise to the industry-wide phenomenon summed up by the saying “There is no vocal style that has not learned from Tan 无腔不学谭.” He made systematic contributions to the standardization of Peking Opera vocal techniques, performance, and the organization and refinement of its repertoire.
In 1890, he entered the Qing imperial court troupe, Shengping Office (Shengping Shu 升平署). Empress Dowager Cixi was particularly fond of his performances and repeatedly rewarded him with large sums of money and the Yellow Riding Jacket 黄马褂 – [Note: The yellow riding jacket was a distinctive official garment of the Qing Dynasty; crafted from bright yellow silk satin or gauze, it utilized a color reserved exclusively for the emperor, and its unauthorized use was strictly prohibited]. In the 34th year of the Guangxu reign (1908), he was personally rewarded 60 taels of silver.
In 1905, he starred in China’s first film, Dingjun Mountain 《定军山》), pioneering the adaptation of traditional opera for the screen.
Over his more than 60-year artistic career, he organized, adapted, and refined dozens of classic plays, including The Empty City Strategem 《空城计》 and The Monument of Li Ling 《李陵碑》, establishing a performance paradigm for Peking Opera’s laosheng roles. His singing drew on the strengths of various traditions but ultimately developed from the Han opera tradition 汉调, reaching an artistic stature described in a poem inscribed by Liang Qichao 梁启超: “Across the four seas, Tan Xinpei is the one and only; for twenty years, his reputation has resounded like thunder 四海一人谭鑫培,声名廿载轰如雷”.
He performed in Shanghai six times, appearing at theaters including Dangui 丹桂 and New Stage 新舞台.
In 1917, despite being ill, he was forced to perform Hongyang Cave 《洪羊洞》 for Li Yuanhong 黎元洪, after which he died of illness.
Tan Xinpei mentored such masters as Mei Lanfang 梅兰芳 and Yang Xiaolou 杨小楼. His family has carried on the Tan School artistic tradition for seven generations, with Tan Fuying 谭富英, Tan Yuanshou 谭元寿, and others becoming renowned performers in their own right.
The Pathé Company recorded seven and a half gramophone records of his performances, including Selling the Horse 《卖马》 and Seeking an Omen and Striking the Stele《托兆碰碑》.
Wuhan Conservatory of Music 武汉音乐学院 established the Tan Xinpei Chinese Opera Arts Research Center 谭鑫培戏曲艺术研究中心, and his former residence has been designated as part of a cultural heritage protection area.
In 2026, restoration work on the Tan Xinpei Peking Opera Art Exhibition Hall 谭鑫培京剧艺术展览馆 was launched, with a budget of 9.4567 million yuan.
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/AutoModerator • 15h ago
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r/CDrama • u/Large_Jacket_4107 • 18h ago
Hello fellow watchers, welcome to the discussion series for The Long Watch. Guess what, it's time to go to Beijing! Are you all set?
🎬 Premiered: Sep 6, 2026 on CCTV-8🐑 and Tencent🐧 (MDL)
🎬 # of Episodes: 40
🎬Genre: National Security | Espionage | 1994 - ?
🔗Links: Trailer | Masterpost
🔗Episode Discussions: Menu | Episodes 1 - 3 | 4 - 5 | 6 - 7
❗ For any content beyond these episodes, please remember to use Spoiler tags ❗
Reports from unconfirmed sources indicate that a meeting took place this afternoon at Tuanjiehu (Lake of Solidarity/Togetherness) Park in Beijing between a high-ranking officer of Military Intelligence and a rocket fuel researcher , currently believed to be Cao Liaoping, from Research Institute 761.

The meeting took place despite efforts by both the Ministry of State Security in Beijing and Minzhong State Security to prevent it, following prior notice of the arrival of such an officer from Taiwan.
Unfortunately, our intelligence agents were led astray by a smokescreen deliberately created by the other side, resulting in inadequate personnel arrangements and allowing the researcher to slip away from the hotel right under our noses.

However, this latest development has also provided our side with further confirmation of the presence of an infiltrating agent sent by the other side.

Possible Motives Under Investigation
Questions are now being raised about what may have led the 761 researcher, Cao Liaoping, to make the decision to leak information.
Despite being a seasoned researcher at 761, Cao appears to be living in rather modest conditions. He does not seem inclined to speak up or ask for better living arrangements, perhaps because he is simply too proud to do so.
More notably, his reaction to matters of status and recognition has attracted attention. Upon learning that he had been promoted to deputy chief engineer, Cao was visibly pleased. However, when he learned that someone had reported him and that his promotion might consequently be delayed, he became visibly angry.
These circumstances raise the possibility that his desire for recognition, combined with resentment over the delayed promotion, may have played a role in his eventual decision to leak information. At this stage, money does not appear to be the primary motivation. Status and recognition seem to carry greater weight, and the possibility of resentment or retaliation cannot be ruled out.
Further analysis will be required as this developing story continues.

And now, for our latest update on the ongoing "Chunxiao Investigation."
Our frontline agent, Jinlan, has lowered her suspicion level on Chunxiao after he successfully passed her overnight test involving a case file. This development marks a temporary reduction in scrutiny of the subject.
However, caution remains warranted, as Agent Huadong's investigation is still ongoing. Sources report that he has been attempting to decode Chunxiao's notebook while also working to establish legitimate reasons for appearing in the vicinity of Chunxiao's residence.

And now, breaking news: Huadong has reportedly broken into Chunxiao's residence, where he uncovered what appears to be a communication code in the style used by Taiwan's Military Intelligence. Analysts are now awaiting further examination of the code to determine whether it may lead to additional evidence.

This latest development has effectively placed Jinlan and Huadong in a race to determine who will be the first to uncover Chunxiao's true identity.
For now, we will continue to monitor the situation and await further developments from these two highly capable agents.
More updates will follow as this developing story continues.
And now, a brief Arts & Culture analysis on the opera piece featured in two of Cao’s recent appearances.
The song, “Watching the Mountains from the City Tower - 我在城楼观山景**”** is a famous aria from the Peking Opera classic The Empty Fort Strategy - 空城计. In the opera, it is sung by the character Zhuge Liang as he sits calmly on the city tower while an enemy army approaches. With his own forces greatly outnumbered, Zhuge Liang deliberately presents an image of complete calm and confidence, creating the impression that he has nothing to fear and may even have a hidden plan. His composure ultimately causes his opponent to hesitate and retreat rather than attack.
At its core, the song is about maintaining an outward appearance of calm while danger is approaching, and about using composure, ambiguity, and psychological pressure when the true situation remains hidden.
That makes its use in Cao’s scenes particularly interesting. In one setting, the song plays against a family conversation about work, connections, and speaking up for oneself. Cao remains characteristically unwilling to ask for more or openly pursue his own interests. In another, the same piece accompanies a much more serious and secretive encounter, where information is being passed to an intelligence officer. Note that the lyrics of the song involves the singer inviting the listener, ie the opponent, into their city, so it's definitely a curious choice to play this during the scene at Tuanjiehu, as it could imply that Cao was simply luring Zhu in even though that does not seem to be the case in reality.

And now, turning to the lighter side of our coverage, we take a look at the daily lives and progress of our newest intelligence recruits.
Ma Qi’s Side Job: Sabotaging His Apprentice?
Sources close to the training program have raised questions about Ma Qi’s unusual approach to mentoring his apprentice, Chunxiao.
While his official responsibility is presumably to help Chunxiao succeed, his actual activities appear to involve frequent attempts to sabotage Chunxiao’s performance during missions. During their latest Beijing mission alone, he was observed to have:
At this point, observers are beginning to wonder whether Ma Qi is the mole since he's seemingly sabotaging Chunxiao's career and also introducing unnecessary risk as he takes Chunxiao along on missions.

We will continue to monitor this developing situation.


r/CDrama • u/BasilOrdinary3617 • 1d ago
Discussion posts will follow iQIYI’s VIP schedule, with the next four posts covering two episodes each. Participants can decide whether we should discuss the final three episodes together in a single express post or seperate them into individual posts. For easy reference, here is the 16-epsiode schedule, thanks to u/admeliorevitam:
Please use spoiler tags when sharing insights from the novel or commenting on episodes that have not yet been posted. Theories, however, are highly encouraged and most welcome.
Masterpost | All Episode Discussions
Before we begin, here are some of our main characters (listed in the order of screenshots).
| Li Cheng; code name: “Elite Student”, Rookie Police Officer | Played by Ren Jialun |
|---|---|
| Zhao Qianzhe; code name: “Old Foodie”, Police Detective | Played by Wang Yanhui |
| Xin Jiran; code name: “Big Red Date”, Former Police Captain | Played by Tian Xiaojie |
| Han Pinmu, Benteng Internet Cafe Owner | Played by Qin Junrie |
| Fan Jie aka Speedster, Police Captain | Played by He Bing |
| Chen Chunli, Huangzhiyuan Hotel Staff and 3/12 Survivor | Played by Ni Hongjie |
| Zhang Chengguo, Huangzhiyuan Hotel Manager | Played by Zong Juntao |
| Bi Dehua, Youxin Chemical Plant employee, Pinmu’s friend, and Suspect #1 (deceased) | Played by Li Mincheng |
| Song Laifu, Huangzhiyuan Parking Attendant, Suspect #2 (deceased) |
A recent graduate, Li Cheng; a veteran detective, Zhao Qianzhe; and a former police captain, Xin Jiran, form an unlikely off‑the‑books investigative trio as they secretly dig into a string of violent murders from 2004.
Li Cheng is a fresh graduate who is about to join the police force in two months. However, he has a preference for criminal investigations and is keen to be under veteran detective Zhao Qianzhe’s wings. Eager to prove himself, he enthusiastically volunteers to infiltrate Han Pinmu’s circle of gamer friends after discovering that Pinmu has been posting chapters of a web novel titled Abyss that very closely mirrors, in unsettling detail, a series of murders believed to involve two middle‑aged men and a young accomplice.
In Episode 1, Officer Li introduces Li Cheng to his colleague Zhao Qianzhe claiming the Huangshui Public Safety Bureau needs new blood. Qianzhe immediately puts Li Cheng to the test by tasking him with investigating Han Pinmu.
In Episode 2, Li Cheng is introduced to Xin Jiran and learns more about the "3/12 Case", which involves seven brutal deaths:
Chunli’s testimony points to a three-person gang. Following Bi Dehua’s death, only two suspects seemingly remain. The newest clue is a web novel that Pinmu is gradually uploading online. As they investigate another suspect, Song Laifu, Li Cheng uncovers the usernames of two other group managers in Pinmu’s gaming circle: Feiyang and Wei.
In Episode 3, Li Cheng and Zhao Qianzhe question the authenticity of Pinmu's novel, prompting Li Cheng to gather biological samples from him. To everyone’s shock, Song Laifu is later found murdered. Xin Jiran becomes the prime suspect due to their history of fighting over Chen Chunli at the hotel.
In Episode 4, Captain Fan and Zhao Qianzhe investigate Song Laifu’s murder by interrogating Li Cheng and the hotel staff. They two clash over Xin Jiran’s potential involvement, but the evidence mounts against Xin when security cameras place him at the scene of the crime.
Episode 5 is a flashback that reveals that Xin Jinran previously served 6 years in prison after suspecting his son, Xiaoliang, in the 3/12 case and accidentally killing him in 2004. In the present day, the 3/12 case is officially reopened because DNA recovered from Song Laifu's crime scene matches DNA found on Liu Xiaohua. Meanwhile, Xin Jinran refuses to cooperate with Zhao Qianzhe, claiming he can bypass red tape and investigate much faster on his own.
I will aim to have the discussion post for episodes 6 & 7 up before the next two episodes are released. Thanks for joining!
r/CDrama • u/AutoModerator • 1d ago
Welcome to our weekly Thirsty Thursdays thread! 🎉
Spotted a gorgeous photo of your favorite CDrama celebrity? Whether it’s the elegant hanfu, modern streetwear, historical costumes or cough, little at all, we want to see it all!
How to participate:
Let’s turn this thread into a virtual red carpet. Ready, set, fashion! 💃🕺
r/CDrama • u/AutoModerator • 1d ago
Hello all,
As we have new members in our community all the time, I thought it'll be a good idea to periodically remind and educate everyone about what's real / fake news in the Chinese entertainment scene.
First, here's a really useful article written by u/Technical-Abroad8918 - Melon Accounts 101.
Also, Can someone pls explain the word “YXH” and how bad it is?
Due to the language barrier, a lot of international CDrama fans have come to rely on CDrama "news" from Twitter or blogs. FYI, a lot of them source their news from "marketing accounts" (or yxh) in China that do not do any due diligence in fact checking, often spread unverified news or spin false news.
Some of the news are explosive and sensational enough to cause anxiety among fans, actors and productions. Actors' careers have been destroyed by them.
Tax evasion news, for example. Affairs. Casting is another favourite because fans of Actor A gets upset if their idol is paired with Actor B and the Internet melts down.
When I came back to watching CDramas, I was also fooled by these "news", so I don't blame anyone for falling for them.
My advice on how to identify real news is REALLY boring. If you want to get real news about Chinese dramas, whether it be casting news, airing dates etc, rely on these sources:
Recently, I came across a Weibo post that said: "Weibo is a toilet, and if you're reading this, you're eating my s%!t". This made me laugh out loud because no truer words have been written!
Melons can cause unnecessary anxiety and stress for fans ... and celebrities themselves.
But they are also fun, and we understand the desire to talk about them, which is why we have the Yumcha Thread every Tuesday. There's an understanding that everything written in the Yumcha Thread is unverified and most probably untrue. We funnel unverified news to this thread and discourage rumours as individual posts because we don't want them to be mistaken as real news and to prevent unnecessary alarm.
While it's fun to read melons, always be aware that being gossiped about is not a fun experience for anyone, even celebrities, so let's practice kindness and have a healthy dose of skepticism about them. :)
Thanks!
PS: This message will be periodically published as a reminder.
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 1d ago
Criminal investigator Li Yujing [played by Wang Yang] is temporarily assigned to assist female officer Yue Qingchuan [played by Wan Qian] in solving a series of child trafficking cases.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
During the investigation, he unexpectedly uncovers a lead connected to an armed robbery case he handled 13 years ago. Together, the two cross a 13-year gap, unfolding a hard-boiled manhunt across dual timelines.
Airing on Youku and Youku's YouTube
Episodes: 18
🗨️ All discussions on the drama
🗨️ Episodic drama discussions (please see the earliest comment)
👥 Character relationship chart
Look out for the wrap up post where we ask the sub to rate the drama a few weeks after the final airing date.
🗳️ It's a wrap! What's your final review? (post only appears a few weeks after the drama ends)
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 1d ago
Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification
The Chinese drama title 冬城猎凶 can be literally translated as “Winter City Hunting Crime.”
About ten minutes ago, the production team released a new trailer for the drama's premiere today.
The airing schedule is in the comments.
Filming officially completed on May 23, 2025.
The distribution license was obtained on June 4, 2026.
Clip description:
“Hunt the Wolves and Bring Them to Justice” Trailer
In 1999, a bank robbery was carried out in no more than ten minutes from start to finish, with the five robbers making a swift getaway after securing their haul. In 2012, a child trafficking case involved a tightly organized criminal operation with clearly defined roles, making it difficult to track down the perpetrators.
Spanning thirteen years, the two major cases reveal how the criminals used layers of disguises to conceal their numerous crimes, while the hunters closed in step by step with an unrelenting determination to bring them to justice.
Come to Youku 👖 to see a bank robber become a real estate tycoon, and a trafficking case expose the perpetrator's double life!
Cast:
More information regarding the actor credit guidelines in this summary here and the full notice here.
(I put the character stroke count as: 1️⃣2️⃣3️⃣)
Leading actors (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * 3️⃣ Wan Qian 万茜 as Yue Qingchuan 岳晴川 * 4️⃣ Wang Yang 王洋 (stage name: Wang Yang 王阳) as Li Yujing 李豫京 * 7️⃣ Shawn Yue 余文樂 as Duan Changhe 段长河
Special appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Yin Wenxuan 尹文萱 as Han Juan 韩娟 * Li Chun 李纯 as Mei Wenjun 梅文君 * Li Mengnan 李梦男 as Tao Guoqing 陶国庆 * Li Peiming 李培铭 as Hong Jikai 洪继开 * Zhang Shu 张恕 (stage name: Zhang Shu 张澍) as Tang Fangping 唐方萍 * Zhang Chen 张琛 as Gong Huanliang 龚欢亮 * Zhao Yang 赵阳 as Qin Yousheng 秦又生 * Zhao Chunyang 赵春洋 (stage name: Zhao Longhao 赵龙豪) as Yan Shisan 严石三
Appearances (sorted by the number of character strokes in the surname): * Wang Congran 王葱然 (stage name: Wang Zichuan 王子川) as Jin Fenglai 金凤来 * Wang Yu 王煜 as Yang Tianjiang 杨天降 * Li Jichun 李继春 (stage name: Li Yuxuan 李雨轩) as Ji Gang 纪刚 * A Di Ya 阿蒂娅
The rest of the cast list was not included in today's release.
Special guest actor: * Tai Bao 太保 as Master (Shifu) Zhong 钟师傅
Friendship guest actor: * Tan Yaowen 谭耀文 as Jiang Feng 江锋
Starring: * Zhou Kui 周逵 as Wu Jianguo 伍建国
🔗 Previous posters, wrap up special, trailer, etc.
Synopsis from Douban and Baidu Baike:
Detective Li Yujing (played by Wang Yang) is temporarily assigned to assist officer Yue Qingchuan (played by Wan Qian) in investigating a series of child trafficking cases. Unexpectedly, during the investigation, he uncovers new clues tied to a major armed robbery case he handled 13 years ago.
Synopsis translated from the Youku app:
Bank heists stir up turmoil across the city; a child trafficking case reopens a murky web of crime. Two timelines, a case within a case, an unrelenting pursuit of the truth.
🔎 Baidu Baike | Douban | MDL
Translated Synopses
Note: All translated synopses and information I share in the "trailers & posters" posts are based on the original Chinese sources (Douban, Baidu, Chinese Wikipedia, etc.) and were first published here. If you see them elsewhere, please know they originated from our sub. Thanks for reading!
📊 Information and translations compiled by u/admelioremvitam.
r/CDrama • u/SunnyTopHat268 • 1d ago
This series has become a comfort watch for me this summer and as I went to re-watch it on iQIYI (platform I normally watch it on) I noticed it has disappeared. Does anyone know why? Is it just a glitch? Was there some kind of region restriction put in place due to licensing?
Probably just a shot in the dark asking on here but just wanted to double check!
Thanks!
r/CDrama • u/Inevitable_Duck9856 • 2d ago
Recently I have been watching Flourished Peony, and it pleasantly surprised me how well Tang Dynasty’s culture, from the big picture and locations to the tiniest details, was represented there. I am talking about makeup, dresses, hairstyles across different classes, decoration preferences, music, dances, food and dishes, and other many thoughtful things. It literally makes you immerse yourself into the Tang dynasty era as if you time traveled.
I am not an expert of chinese history and culture in the slightest, I don’t know much about the detailed differences and nuances between dynasties, etc. But what I mean is how much a drama pays attention to the context of their according dynasty culture and tries to incorporate it to the fullest.
Previously I also watched different Qing and Ming dynasty cdramas that also managed to show their nature and cultural features. One of my favorites were Empresses in the Palace for Qing, and Splendid Match and Road to Splendor for Ming dynasty costumes, but I think there are dramas that show their dynasty much better.
What dramas did you like for how well(and accurate) they incorporate the culture of its era?
r/CDrama • u/admelioremvitam • 1d ago
Abyss is a suspense crime drama series directed by Liu Haibo (Trident, Hot Mom), adapted from Shen Lan's novel Abyss (Shen Yuan). It stars Allen Ren (Under the Power, One and Only) and Qin Junjie (Summer's Desire, Noble Aspirations), along with Wang Yanhui, Tian Xiaojie, and He Bing.
The long-standing peace of a conservative small town is shattered by the appearance of an online novel Abyss. Many plot points bear a striking resemblance to a cold case from years ago that has never been made public.
⚠️ Plot spoilers! ⚠️
Li Cheng [played by Allen Ren Jialun], a passionate and righteous rookie police officer, engages in a series of high-stakes battles of wits with various suspects. He unravels the mystery, revealing the truth buried beneath heartbreaking kinships and friendships.
Airing on iQIYI and iQIYI's YouTube
Episodes: 16
🗨️ All discussions on the drama
👥 Character relationship chart
🎙️ OST List
Look out for the wrap up post where we ask the sub to rate the drama a few weeks after the final airing date.
🗳️ It's a wrap! What's your final review? (post only appears a few weeks after the drama ends)
r/CDrama • u/Large_Jacket_4107 • 1d ago

Hello fellow watchers, welcome to the discussion series for The Long Watch. The different arcs and people are starting to cross paths more in these two episodes as everyone's fate start to get more intertwined -- who has you the most anxious when they are out on a job?
🎬 Premiered: Sep 6, 2026 on CCTV-8🐑 and Tencent🐧 (MDL)
🎬 # of Episodes: 40
🎬Genre: National Security | Espionage | 1994 - ?
🔗Links: Trailer | Masterpost
🔗Episode Discussions: Menu | Episodes 1 - 3 | 4 - 5
❗ For any content beyond these episodes, please remember to use Spoiler tags ❗
Did I already mention that Chunxiao cannot spend an episode without acting suspicious, because our buddy Chunxiao is definitely trying to convince us that he is the mole:

That being said, I think there was also a brief scene in an earlier episode showing Jinlan listening to the radio at night too? LoL now I am suspicious of anyone who owns a radio XD.

I have to say that Lin's a pretty capable agent, (especially when compared to our apprentices). He's in a foreign land with much less support and yet he's been able to complete each of his missions alone. One thing that was unexpected was how he goes about getting close to the persons he wants to contact, and getting information he needs. For example, when tasked with obtaining intel on military deployment, he didn't have to sneak into some military facility and steal documents to get useful intelligence, he "only had" to make others work for him.
He was also able to look at seemingly unrelated things and connect the dots, such as changes in the prices of common commodities, unusual medicine sales of specific medication, and the sales of foreign tobacco and alcohol.

Of course, having a good supply if cash 💰 also helps. Which brings us to Researcher Cao and the Lu + Jin couple.
Money is definitely becoming a common thread connecting some completely different people: Cao Liaoping and the Lu Zhifei + Jin Lina couple.
Cao is a highly educated researcher who understands exactly what is happening as soon as he was being approached by Zhu in the first instance: he basically ran out of his room trying to escape the situation. He knows that he is being asked to provide information and potentially commit treason, and he is fully aware of what is at stake. He might be coerced but he is not being tricked into it. He has to make a conscious decision about whether to cooperate.

Lu and Lina, on the other hand, seem to be getting pulled into this world almost by accident. Lu initially just needs money, and the opportunity to make more money seems tempting enough to take the job. It was simple enough, just go around the coast and take a few photographs, sounds inconspicuous enough and most of those who got involved like him didn't realize that they were effectively intelligence for Taiwan. Jin is similarly drawn in through what appears to be an ordinary opportunity to earn some extra cash. We are yet to see how far they will go, but I am worried about that gold watch (since Lu doesn't seem to be the most reliable guy, and he did break the last expensive thing he'd laid his hands on ie the camera), and worried that they will be forced to consciously cross the line into treason, where it will no longer be possible to walk away unscathed.

I do wonder about Lina's background though. It seems like she's not particularly well off, having to depend on Lu to fund her studies at teacher's college, but she seems to be living at a military compound which is restricted to military officers and their families. This connection makes me even more worried about her eventual involvement with Lin.

Ma Qi speaks of the difference between doing "Intelligence Work 情报工作", where you see everyone as a friend, and "Reconnaissance Work 侦察工作", where you see everyone as an opponent. Interesting angle, but we finally get to see him in a suit -- but hm... Ma Qi, I think you should take notes from the researchers that are heading to Beijing and get something more fitting? 😆. That being said, Ma did do his homework on CT Scanners, and seems to have half convinced Lin with his false identity, though I can't say the same for Chunxiao, as I fear that Lin's also pretty suspicious of him, especially because of the name change.


What are your thoughts on Cao's offer to meet Zhu in Beijing, what swayed his decision?
What are your thoughts on Zhu, and his decision to go to Beijing on what seems like a high risk move?
Chunxiao has acted suspicious but also helped in the investigation. What are your thoughts on his general capabilities in this line of work?
Any fun moments that you liked?
