Story timeline ~564-577AD (Northern Qi-Northern Zhou)

One of my most skipped dramas. The scenes with bad guys were unbearable, so I literally skipped through all of it. I think even though I did that, I caught enough story to remain entertained – probably only caught one-third of the show but that would suffice for now. Having said what I said, I still liked the show, no regrets watching it, and have lots to comment on this show.

First on plot. Some spoilers ahead.

This drama is about Lan Ling Wang – or Gao Chang gong, who was a general and prince of Northern Qi known for being one of four best looking man in Chinese history and a witty general. It starts right before his famous battle of having led only 500 men and defeated the enemy’s troop of 100,000. The plot is built on the premise that he will be killed soon but his fate was changed after he met a heavenly girl Yang Xue Wu.

There were some references to history and got me interested to know more about Lan Ling Wang. He apparently had been a great leader, and warrior, loved his people and soldiers. Only took one wife… (not sure how true) When he knew that he getting a lot of attention and support (he had a war dance named after him!), he took bribes on purpose to make himself look bad. But because of jealously, he was poisoned to death. (This story takes place when Gao Zhan was emperor I think, Gao Zhan is Lan Ling Wang’s uncle.)

In this drama, Lan Ling Wang did not die fortunately. But Yang Xue Wu did in the end! After I learnt that it was not a happy ending, it took me a while before I decided to complete the show. But why did she have to die? Even after completing the show, I still am not too sure why they could not have a happy ending at the end. So this show has a terrible ending. Btw, costumes were weird but bearable.

Next, on casting and characters. I chanced upon this drama and started watching but stopped at episode 2 or 3 because of the scene where Yang Xue Wu first met Lan Ling Wang and mistook him as a girl. 太勉强了！I thought. Feng Shao Feng did not look like a pretty boy who could be mistaken as a girl. Of course, he looked good – like any good-looking Chinese general should be. But perhaps not the legendary ancient pretty-man Lan Ling Wang, who was said to be so pretty that he had to wear a mask when fighting a war to look fearsome. While watching the show, Feng Shao Feng as Lan Ling Wang started to appeal to me. In fact, over time he was the only one who I thought worth watching. He was suave and quite cute at times. Especially in the scenes with Yang Xue Wu.

Now, Yang Xue Wu or Ariel Lin was very natural, as well as entertaining but it felt like her character was from another era, it felt like I was watching a Taiwan idol drama rather than a Chinese period drama. I would have preferred a different Yang Xue Wu. Daniel Chan was surprisingly good but for some reason he had a discoloured forehead throughout the whole show. Wu Ye is quite cute too.

I have to add that the songs were good!

All in all, I do not mind rewatching this show, but it would only be for Lan Ling Wang (Feng Shao Feng).

Rating: ❤︎❤︎

Actors/actresses to watch for: Feng Shao Feng