A Drama That Leaves You Wanting More
I’ve finished watching both parts, and I just couldn’t stop myself from sharing my thoughts about this beautiful drama.As someone who strongly believes in women’s empowerment, I truly love dramas that focus on women or have strong women-centric stories—and this one absolutely did not disappoint.
It’s an amazing drama with stunning sets and eye-catching visuals, especially the beautiful flower symbolism throughout. I love how the female lead (FL), despite having no one to support her at the beginning, finds the strength to motivate herself and rise on her own. One of my favorite moments is when she cries alone in a corner, unseen by anyone—but when she faces the world, she stands tall and powerful, showing that nothing can break her.
I admire how she starts from zero, climbs to the top, falls again, yet never loses hope or gives up. Her resilience is truly inspiring. I also appreciate how she understands her ex-husband’s new wife’s concerns, despite being hurt by her many times. Her kindness, empathy, and strength shine through as she supports and motivates her friends as well.
Overall, it’s a truly beautiful drama that focuses on women’s struggles and the strength it takes to overcome them. It’s inspiring, empowering, and deeply moving—and I would definitely love to watch it again.
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It's like a hot cup of hot chocolate on a cold day
The best way I would describe it is warm and fuzzy. I really enjoyed this show, the acting was top tier everyone played their part well. The show has many themes in it, but they are done so well that they don't overwhelm the viewer.There's a smart and strong but not hardened FL, she face so much strife, hardships, abuse, rejection and just plain old unfairness but it doesn't hardened her or lessen her resolve to better herself.
There's a sisterhood that I loved (I'm a sucker for a good sisterhood). There's the friendship between the ML and FL, the development of their relationship is done exceptionally well, I was almost ok with them just remaining friends. The ML's character is written and performed so well, I hope he got an award for this role.
Then there's the palace intrigue, terrible inlaws, an indecisive ex husband (side note, Miles Wei, another amazing actor), it's really a story of resilience, friendship in my opinion.
It's a good show. Watch!!!
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One of the best depictions for women
Finally a series with some substance that makes me want to go back and downgrade the scores on other recently viewed series.Foremost, huge kudos for bringing one of the best depictions of an emotionally independent woman I've come across so far. This is a huge gripe of mine as many other series try to convince you of what defines an independent woman, but they send her an abundance of unappreciated support and/or has her continually being rescued by a man. It was refreshing to see representation of a woman who isn't expecting to be saved by others even in dire situations and a man who isn't constantly trying to save her. Although she still had the fortune of him having her back, it was realistically something that was necessary in order for her to reach certain levels of success. I tend to avoid romance-heavy dramas but this was one that instigated forgotten longings. They chose the perfect cast for their respective roles and the chemistry with the lead couple is just great.
I also appreciate how they delved into the mentality of women who has had cultural norms beaten so hard into them that even when fortune smiles upon them, it doesn't heal the deep damage of feeling unworthy. This is also when the female lead develops character growth from realizing that choices which seem obvious to her, caused her to fail to notice that not all women had the same type of mentality or desire.
The plot has too much going on for me to touch on everything in this review but it highlights the many issues one comes across through the different stages of starting a business, maintaining it, and growing it (especially as a woman). The male lead is a very interesting character, particularly with his role in the political scenery. There is a good enough balance of events occurring that the 32 episodes just flew by despite minimal action scenes or over-dramatization.
The score was kicked down a notch because there was just a sprinkle of drag in certain scenes, minor hiccups in plot transitions, and the last few episodes felt rushed. But highly recommended for those who enjoy good dialogue over flashiness. I laughed, I cried, I smiled, and I self-reflected. Crossing fingers on the follow-through with the sequel.
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Great story - can’t wait for the sequel
From the get go I was invested in this drama and pleased to see that Yang Zi and Li Xian work just as well together as they did in Go Go Squid.FL & ML are so good together and the chemistry is excellent even though this is not a typical romance story in the beginning. He quietly watches from a distance and readies himself to step in even as she solves her problems on her own, each success she achieves makes him more and more proud of her as well as fiercely protective. In the beginning she sees him as an irrelevant playboy wastrel but by halfway through the series she begins to realise all is not as it seems and becomes intrigued as to what he is up to. Theirs is a slow build romance that develops naturally as they realise that they are stronger together than apart and start to notice each others strong points rather than perceived flaws.
Miles Wei is brilliant as Lui Chang, the pathetic, down trodden ex husband of the FL. He is bulldozed into marrying the spoilt princess Yu Zhen. Yu Zhen spends most of her time trying to sabotage FL rather than work on the sham of a marriage she has forced upon a man who suddenly realises he should have stuck with bride #1 which leads to several of the problems FL faces. By the end ML, who has a real problem with Yu Zhen’s father, realises he has to deal with the whole family not just the patriarch which makes his mission even more complicated.
Can’t wait for the sequel and would happily watch this again.
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I love women!
What a show … finally finished a Yang Zi drama, and I am glad it’s this one. Wonderful show about female resilience and innovation; I loved the flower business as well as Mu Dan’s endless ideas to expand her business! The cinematography was to die for, and so was the styling. The acting was amazing; I was especially very happy to see Wei Zhe Ming play a more complex character as I am used to his green-flag good guy characters. Yang Zi… when she cries, I cry with her, what an actress. And Li Xian’s eye-acting is just unparalleled to be honest. He brings so much warmth to a single glance, it’s amazing.Here’s a link to my small Sheng Yi character “analysis” : https://www.reddit.com/r/cdramasfans/comments/1m76otq/flourished_peony_sheng_yi/
Now moving on to S2!💖
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Flourished Peony has issues
I'm writing two separate reviews for both parts and this will be just for the first half Flourished Peony.Before we get into anything negative, I want to praise this show for many aspects that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The cinematography was amazing, there was never a single scene in this show that looked ugly. So many shots from both parts that actually gave me goosebumps on multiple occasions. I really liked the production value, hardly ever did the show have cheap, disposable looking sets or props. You could tell a lot of money and effort went into how this show looks and feels, the production team was most certainly on point.
Music was great as well! So many memorable tracks that fit the scenes perfectly.
Another positive call out was for the cast. This is the best I have ever seen from Yang Zi! It's so refreshing to see her break out of the comedic scamp role. She's very mature and arresting in this drama. Our ML is played by Li Xian who prove to you once again that he has range, his character hides a double identity for certain reasons. It's amusing to see him flip that switch over the course of this series. The main leads had excellent chemistry, and were so amazing to watch together.
The first half of this show really sold me on this couple and I really wanted to see them make it work. I also enjoyed the depiction of the women in this show. In a in a patriarchal society, it can be very difficult for a woman to find her way in life, even in modern days… Seeing such varied women with their own problems to overcome was also satisfying. In most dramas women are pitted against each other and barely ever understand how one another might be feeling. This show has a female lead who recognizes the difficulties any women face regardless of class or social status.
My negative takes are pretty simple. This show takes way too damn long to get to an exciting point. Tens of episodes in and our female lead is still dealing with pretty menial issues that seem to repeat over and over. So many scenes of her being wrongfully accused in public or being screwed over again and again. Flourished Peony really had me either frustrated or bored if either leads were not on the screen. I also HATED the 2nd ML, which isn't really criticism, it's just a fact… Overall I liked the first part and would rewatch.
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The one thing I ask you not to do!
(If you’re not a romantic you can skip on by this review)This is a drama with really well written characters and a talented cast. The leads are adorable with a great friendship. The villain origin story of the ex husband was perfectly constructed. I was loving it, but towards the end I discovered that the writers are actually my biggest haters! They wrote a plot that I fear every time I watch a historical drama: the dreaded multi-wives. The leads(while not both in love yet) had a sweet, touching tiny wedding. The significance of a small wedding is purposefully shown. Then, just *3* days after the leads’ wedding ML is “forced”(didn’t try at all did ya, buddy?) to take another wife, in the lavish way that was previously avoided. I won’t go into detail about how it seemed out of character for him but, I mean, they couldn’t have at least made it a month later?! It totally diminished the leads’ own wedding. Whatever, ML doesn’t care about wife #2 but I sure do. As far as I can tell that plot isn’t very important to the story, so it must just exist to upset me? Call me petty but I’m taking away 3 whole stars for this, because I can
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A strong FL who empowers
He found her interesting and she found him mysterious.They admired each other work ethics
He tried not to meddle to much in her life but you can see he cares and don’t want to see her hurt
From friends to business partners, their relationship blossomed into something a little more.
The only thing that kept bothering me is that he was keeping his true feelings for her to himself and she was doubting how he actually feels about her and that bothered her a lot.
But I don’t think it would have hurt if Mu Dan said she likes him first after all she is very outspoken.
So don't expect any romance or kissing between them.
On the positive side, the series shows a strong FL who cares and empowers.
I won't even start with the other characters, you will just have to watch for yourself.
The ending??? Ummmm, I wasn't pleased but I read that there will be a season 2 so, I will wait and I hope we can see where they tied up some loose ends and GIVE US SOMETHING between the leads.
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Good Acting but Boring Story
The actors’ performances were excellent—no doubt about that. However, the story didn’t really support their acting. It started off strong, but as it got closer to the ending, it became dull. The ending was also a bit disappointing—just a marriage as a concubine and no kissing scene. There wasn’t enough romance between the two main leads.Was this review helpful to you?
Good Cast and Crew
The casting for 'Flourished Peony' is excellent, though the filming quality can be uneven. The pacing of the narrative occasionally falters, creating moments of disengagement. However, the series boasts truly captivating visuals, particularly the stunning display of flowers throughout the seasons. This visual spectacle, coupled with the exquisite costumes that perfectly complement each character, elevates the production.A significant strength lies in its portrayal of female empowerment. The female protagonist serves as an inspiring role model, demonstrating the importance of self-reliance and hard work. Her journey emphasizes the necessity for women to break free from dependence and forge their own paths. The title, 'Flourished Peony,' aptly reflects the themes of growth, resilience, and blossoming into one's full potential
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The Peony that will bloom despite the worse conditions
Infuriating exes, in-laws, families that care more about reputation than their own children, and patriarchy. What more can a woman ask for in the historical times in the Tang dynasty? This is an underrated drama and on a whim after starting two other CDramas that didn't really take hold with their storylines I decided to give this a try. I initially thought this would be boring but after three episodes in, you want this FL to kick her husband and in laws to the curb and blow it all up as she leaves.I'm glad I did because the themes of fighting for how you want to live your life, female kinship, and courage are woven into the confines of what a woman is allowed or expected to do in a strict Confucian patriarchal period. Marriage is typically required for a woman survive and she is seen as a piece of property. She is expected to endure intolerable situations even with exes and families that take domestic abuse to a whole another level.
You have the ex husband of the FL who I will call the "Flip Flopper" and another ex husband of one of the FL's good friends whose nickname shall be a curse word that I won't post here. Watching it will make the steam come of your ears and leave you with some empathy for why the FL doesn't want to remarry. The relationship the FL develops with the ML is one where he doesn't treat her like a damsel and offers a contrast to her "Flip Flopper" ex.
May this Peony thrive despite it all.
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Season 2
The story is awesome and concept is new. I love the music and background scenario. But acting of some cast is sort of weak and dull. The romantic chemistry between FL and ML is weak. The drama could have been completed and wrapped up beautifully, if the story was written short and good. There was no need to make season two. The previous drama, Lost You Forever also had 2 seasons with the same actress, which didn't go well with the audience. It's better to make one season only. Hope the storywriter and the director keep these points in mind.Thanks. ❤
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