Both Joy of Life and The Guardians of the Dafeng masterfully blend political intrigue, sharp wit, and unforgettable characters, making them standouts in the historical drama genre. Both feature intelligent, charismatic male leads — Fan Xian and Xu Qi’an — who navigate corrupt courts and dangerous hierarchies armed with brains, humor, and a knack for outsmarting those in power. Each story thrives on clever dialogue, layered worldbuilding, and that rare mix of intense political maneuvering and laugh-out-loud absurdity. You’ll find plenty of mystery-solving, moral dilemmas, and that satisfying “chess game” dynamic where every smile hides a strategy.
Where they differ lies in tone and emotional weight. Joy of Life leans darker and more cynical — it’s a biting reflection on how little human life matters in the pursuit of power, laced with tragedy beneath its humor. The Guardians of the Dafeng, on the other hand, keeps things lighter and more adventurous. It balances high-stakes politics with a playful energy, tight-knit teamwork, and bursts of comedy that make the heavy moments easier to bear. If Joy of Life makes you flinch and think, The Guardians of the Dafeng makes you grin and cheer — two sides of the same brilliant, politically charged coin.
Where they differ lies in tone and emotional weight. Joy of Life leans darker and more cynical — it’s a biting reflection on how little human life matters in the pursuit of power, laced with tragedy beneath its humor. The Guardians of the Dafeng, on the other hand, keeps things lighter and more adventurous. It balances high-stakes politics with a playful energy, tight-knit teamwork, and bursts of comedy that make the heavy moments easier to bear. If Joy of Life makes you flinch and think, The Guardians of the Dafeng makes you grin and cheer — two sides of the same brilliant, politically charged coin.
Jiang Xue Ning's obsession to become an Empress causes the rebels to destroy the royal family. She gives up her life for Zhang Zhe's freedom and she is reincarnated as her 18 year old self and becomes a disciple of Xie Wie.
The similarities in time travel and the dynamic between relationships are similar, including the costumes. The fighting rebel scenes are similar in the skills and action scenes.
The similarities in time travel and the dynamic between relationships are similar, including the costumes. The fighting rebel scenes are similar in the skills and action scenes.
