"Flourished Peony" – A Love That Blooms Against Fate
Flourished Peony" is a mesmerizing tale of love, resilience, and destiny set against the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. At its heart is He Weifang (Yang Zi), a woman of quiet strength and unwavering determination, who rises from betrayal to carve out a future of her own. In her path stands Jiang Changyang (Li Xian), a man of power and charm, drawn to her like the moon is to the tides. Their love is not rushed but deep, blooming like the peonies she so carefully cultivates—delicate yet enduring. Every frame of this drama is a feast for the senses, with breathtaking cinematography, lavish costumes, and a story woven with intrigue, longing, and passion. Fans are eagerly awaiting the second part, where the roots of love and fate will entwine even deeper, promising a continuation as rich and captivating as the first.Was this review helpful to you?
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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 drama to remember
Flourished Peony is a story about friendship, love, trust , betrayal and happiness.A male lead that know a woman’s worth and actually listen SIGHN ME UP. I cannot wait S2, this was so good, their friendship was truly wonderful and this was one of the best fml and ML relationship i have seen in a while. I could care less about them being together just give me more of them.
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Too long for its own good
This is a 32 episode story, continued with another 24 episode long sequel, under a changed title: In the Name of the Blossom.Either way, it was too, too long.
The story did not need a total of 56 boooooring episodes to be told.
Half of its length was due to characters reminiscent of past events. A story that is self referencing to the point of nausea it's too painful to watch.
ML and FL forced to forever smile at each other it was another source of pain.
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One of the best Chinese period drama ever!!!!
I wasn't quite keen on watching a Chinese period drama as it all seemed quite they same. This one I happened to watch only because of the lead couple who I enjoyed watching in "Go Go Squid." Hence, watched the first episode but to my surprise this was so different from the other period drama, it was enchanting!!! It gripped me and kept me hooked right till the end. Everything about this drama is good! If I would have known they had a Season 2 for this drama I would have stopped anticipating the way I did in the last few episodes. (You know what I'm talking about once you watch it.)This is the best drama of 2025 so far!!!! Don't miss out on this one! It is surreal, the banter and the harmony between the lead characters was wonderful to watch!!!
Awaiting season 2!!!😍💌
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I would love to know who the art director was for this series. I would watch all their work
I find this series well told, well acted. The sets, costumes, make-up helped tell the story beautifully. Even the lighting is worth mentioning. Great colors. Inspiring.Hmmm.. I am required to write more. So few people I know want me to blather about anything! I'm honored!
Editing seems nice too. The tale has a good clip, never spending and overly tedious amount of time on any points, but still guiding us on where to look and think about what's going on.
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Sisterhood, Strength, and Softness
Whoa, I finally finished it. It was truly an amazing series. However, from beginning to end, some events kept repeating themselves. Still, it was definitely worth watching. It's been a long time since I watched something this high-quality in terms of cinematography. The acting was also top-notch. The script was a bit average, but somehow, when looking at the series as a whole, I didn’t really mind. Despite everything, I think this is a 10/10 show. (And thanks to the writer for not wasting the side couples.)Even though it was a historical drama, I really loved how Mudan kept trying on new outfits — it was such a nice touch. Since flowers were used as a main decorative element throughout the show, it was a complete visual feast. I think the makeup and costumes reflected the era really well. That made watching it even more enjoyable from a visual perspective.
I also really liked how Mudan genuinely understood what women were going through, and even if they were her rivals or enemies, she always offered them a way out. I loved how the girls’ friendships never got ruined by jealousy or pettiness — they stayed close no matter what. I admired how Mudan didn’t give up in the face of misfortunes and kept getting back on her feet again and again.
Even though the romance was a slow burn, the fluffy and cute scenes after they became official were genuinely heartwarming. Watching those little kisses really melted my heart. After all those episodes, I thought to myself, “Yes, this was absolutely worth it.”
Overall, we saw a lot of female characters in the show, and each of them had their own charm. A’Fu was physically strong — fiercely loyal, always stood by her word, and practiced martial arts. Gengchun was highly skilled in medicine and taught herself everything. She worked incredibly hard to chase her dream. Xue Xi, even though she was in love with the same man as the female lead, wasn’t like your typical “second female lead.” When the time came, she stepped back gracefully. And she didn’t let it affect her friendship with the female lead.
Li You Zhen was more like a typical antagonist. She acted as if she was the only one going through hardships. She got caught up in unrequited love — maybe she didn’t even know how to get out of it. She was merciless, but it felt like she was forcing herself to be that way. Toward the final scenes, though, I started to feel some character development from her.
Ling Ge was a fun character to watch. As the emperor’s wife, she had to be careful with her actions, but she was a free-spirited woman who loved horseback riding. I was glad to see her and the emperor reconcile through open conversation in the end.
Also, Sheng Yi... I just feel sorry for her.
In short, all the female characters were well-written, and their individual stories were touched upon. We saw many different types of women, each with unique personalities and ways of thinking. Watching that was truly enjoyable.
It was my first time seeing Miles Wei play a villain — and I almost hated him :D
Jiang Chang Yang, on the other hand, was a total green flag. He was perfect in every way.
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SO INCREDIBLE
Flourished Peony is a visually stunning drama with high production value. From the intricate costumes to the lavish set designs, everything feels grand and meticulously crafted. The cinematography enhances the immersive experience, making it a visual masterpiece.The storyline is equally engaging, blending themes of love, ambition, and betrayal. The characters are well-developed, with the lead actors delivering heartfelt performances and showcasing incredible chemistry. Each twist keeps you hooked, making it impossible to stop watching.
The drama balances emotional intensity with lighthearted moments, exploring the complexities of relationships in a relatable way. Its seamless pacing and compelling character dynamics make every episode captivating and enjoyable.
The soundtrack is another highlight, perfectly complementing the narrative and amplifying the emotions in key scenes. Flourished Peony is a must-watch for its stunning visuals, gripping story, and unforgettable performances.
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6 episodes so far sooo good
I love Yang Zi’s acting!! She brings a depth of emotion to her character and her ability to balance strength with vulnerability makes her portrayal of the role both complex and compelling. The way Yang Zi conveys the emotional turmoil is truly remarkable, and it further solidifies her reputation as one of the most talented actresses in the industry.Was this review helpful to you?
Great Watch
I find the leads intelligent, funny, and inventive. I would watch again. Lits of greed and integrity. Love, and loss. Females are strong, defiant, and go head to head with their counter parts. As always goid pitted against evil. I find chi ese dramas, especially te realic ones are the best Asian dramas.Was this review helpful to you?
Poor storyline and ancient style
The firat episode seem slow and boring but. Thought is just strating but shit it continue to ep 8 and is a no for me . Very slow and old looks drama. The cast looks older and ancient drama view. The storyline is off and too many fast plot. Very very boring i will say honestly . Only the cast fans will just still want to hype the drama if not watch it yourselves ans do the review if you felt lies herWas this review helpful to you?
it was good ep 1 - 4 and 18 plus. and this is not a stand alone with out season 2.
The first episodes with the husband and princess were quite riveting. But then it leveled off. The ML and FL had no chemistry or honest moments until ep 17. Before that there was smirky sarcastic banter, which is ok, I guess but for 16 episodes, it got old. A that point I really didn't care about whether or not they got together.And I really didn't care at all about the ML.
The characters that had me riveted were the husband -- actor did a FANTASTIC job, and he stole every scene he was in; at first I wanted her to start to like him, until the horrible things that came out of his mouth (tiny spoiler: "Why are you so upset that a servant died?") You really can't come back from that. Later I was riveted to the domestic abuse victim and her husband. Actors portrayed those roles brilliantly in stark, heartbreaking reality.
Finally in Ep 27 it got up to my standard of 7 to 8ish for one of these big dramas, but I still can't forgive it for being dull from ep 4 through 17.
The ex-husband? Remember when I said a minute ago (8 episodes ago in my time) that I wanted him to be likeable? Yeah. That ended in the ep 20s. He deserves every slice of hell he goes through. Idiot refuses to walk on his own two feet and make his own decisions. Always upset that mummy, daddy and princess are making him do what he doesn't want to do....you know what cures that?? STOP DOING IT! But NO! He caves AGAIN!!! How many times is this? How long must viewers endure??? But that shows you how well the 2ML actor killed it for me to be able to hate his GUTS! (I've only ever seen that actor play a mild mannered ceo or teacher. He must have enjoyed doing this role.)
By the end of the drama, we see a variety of women dealing with various circumstances and ill treatment, due to rampant misogyny, and how they tried to survive or overcome their circumstance using a variety of methods. But again, up until ep 20, I wasn't really riveted to their stories. Maybe because the early ones were more lighthearted. they are not all happy endings wrapped up in a bow. The writers show us the especially when the FLs are given a choice that would set them free, but because of self loathing, fear of society (rape, slavery, domestic abuse), fear of succeeding, they choose not to do it. Some of the stories are quite powerful. When we're screaming at the TV, "TAKE DOOR A!!!!! TAKE THE FREEDOM!!!! GO!!!! DO IT NOW!!!" and they don't, you can only imagine a tiny bit how terrifying it would have been for a woman in those days. The FL? I can't say she's one of my favorite characters or actresses but whenever she is subjected to evil -- and it's a lot -- she OWNS the screen -- and survives and turns it in her favor.
For the poor suckers who watched this then had to wait for "Season 2" aka In the Name of Blossom - the Sequel, I feel for them. It is not a proper story without season 2. It just stops. No cliffhanger no nothing. For those on the fence, if you can bear the middle episodes, I'd recommend it. In 3rd episode of the sequel now and it's quite good.
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