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The actress Zhao Li Ying, who portrays the main female lead, attracted me to pick up 《与凤行》 “The Legend of Shen Li”, and she didn’t disappoint. She carried the show, and her character became one of my favourite female leads in Chinese dramas.
I loved her character so much that I’ve bookmarked the original book to read later this year (hopefully!). I wasn’t satisfied with certain parts of the show, so I hope that’s the problem with the adaptation, not the original work.
Four years of learning Chinese, I achieved this goal and finished the 2024 edition of 《天官赐福》at the end of July 2024. This edition was heavily revised from the original. While the overarching plots and side character backstories remained the same, many individual subplots were heavily altered.
Having read the new edition in Chinese, I slightly regret reading the English translation and wish it had been a different series that got me into learning Mandarin Chinese.
《大理寺少卿游》 “White Cat Legend” is a decent straightforward and lighthearted mystery drama with a bit of fantasy elements. I would recommend this if you are looking for just that.
Don’t expect amazing crimes, lots of clever moments or cinematic scenes. If you want to watch a simple show, this is for you!
I wasn’t amazed by this show, but I enjoyed it and had a great time watching it.
During the serialisation period of 《一念关山》 “A Journey To Love”, there were many positive ratings and comments on this drama, but unfortunately, the rating drastically dropped after the release of the final arc.
Despite the potentially disappointing ending, my curiosity got the better of me, so I decided to give this drama a chance.
Going into the drama with the knowledge of a potentially bad ending changed my perspective of the drama, and I really enjoyed the journey…up until that ending.
Webnovel author Yan Yi Yi wakes up as the evil support character of her novel who is destined to be banished to the cold palace. She tries everything she can to avoid this tragic ending but is soon told by the book official that the story must flow according to the original plot, or else she will be obliterated.
Yan Yi Yi finds herself trying to maintain the original plot while trying to avoid a bad ending for herself.
… And soon, she starts to fall in love with the emperor.
《念念无明》 “The Killer Is Also Romantic” is one that is perfect for Chinese learners! It’s lighthearted and funny, with an easy-to-follow, straightforward plot that is comprehensible even without understanding every dialogue.
Many call this show the Chinese historical version of the American movie “Mr. & Mrs. Smith”. There is a very strong resemblance, but with more romance and the addition of a second couple.
《云之羽》 “My Journey to You” was captivating and enjoyable for most parts but unfortunately, it wasn’t satisfying enough and I was pretty frustrated by the end of the show.
How can it be captivating but frustrating at the same time?
Let me explain in this drama review of 《云之羽》 “My Journey to You”.
This is an approachable Chinese drama for an intermediate-level Chinese learner. The language used is generally simple, with strong historical language in some speech. The plot is easy to follow after the initial few episodes; therefore, full comprehension isn’t required.
A young prince has his eyes set on the crown prince’s personal guard, and he soon finds that life in the palace can’t be forever peaceful.
The most approachable Chinese historical webnovel that involves members of the royal family and the imperial court.
A widowed single mother is determined to marry her four daughters into good families. Despite enormous financial pressure, she bought a house in the capital city, left their old life behind and moved in with her four daughters. However, she didn’t find the wealthy son-in-law she had hoped for; instead, a series of young men unexpectedly entered their lives one after another.