The Princess Royal

✒ ☸ Rong is Right ⛩️ Pei is the Way ☸ °8.3° °excellent°

As TPR opens, the kingdom is in shambles and our Princess is very ill. She /knows/ her husband, Pei Wen Xuan, has poisoned her. She orders her minions to kill him as everything fades to black. When she wakes, she has time-slipped 20 years back to age 18. She's alive once again, and no one in the palace has ever heard of Pei Wen Xuan.

Another chance? How will she handle things and avoid disaster this time around?

TPR is a 2024 release that is rated 8.2 on MDL. It is 1 season consisting of 40 fantastic 45-minute episodes. One thing about Chinese historical dramas is that they will make a person happy to be a commoner. Nobody wants to hang with these noxious royals. Soon, Rong will learn that Pei did not kill her. She will never guess who the real murderer is.

TPR is not in the later episodes what it seems like in the earlier ones. Towards the end, the cesspool of the human heart is uncovered and the stench permeates. The show leads up to Rong's pained and impassioned soliloquy: “All of you were really disgusting. How evil. Father and son weren't real father and son, siblings weren't real siblings, couples weren't real couples, and friends weren't real friends. Everything in the past was just a rotting swamp filled with disgusting pus… The ruler showed no mercy to his family. The successor neglected ethical values. The officials plotted rebellion. People's lives were just pawns.” It really is heartbreaking.

Zhao Jin Mai (A Little Thing Called First Love-8.6, Amidst a Snowstorm of Love) is Li “Rong”., Her acting is stellar. She's a woman who's lived over 40 years but is now back in her 18 year old body. Her demeanor says mature. She actually has a tired air about her. She's measured, she's never in a rush, she's always composed, and she's pensive. Zhang Ling He (Love Between Fairy and Devil-8.9, Story of Kunning Palace) is “Pei” Wen Xuan, Rong's husband. She wants to marry “Su” Rong Qing, who was her BFF in her prior life. They loved e/o, but he had been castrated, so they just stayed friends. When Rong’s father holds a banquet to get a look at potential suitors, Su will not engage with her. She ends up being stuck with Pei again! She quickly learns that he traveled back just like she did. He insists that he didn't kill her. He's certain that Su did. Ouch. That hurts. Chen He Yi (Till the End of the Moon, Summer Again) portrays Su, who is a Minister of Justice. His Long pensive stares make us wonder what's on his mind. The wheels are clearly turning and churning.

He Qiu (Xiangbei Regret) is Qin Zhen Zhen, the girl-warrior who has captured the heart of the crown prince. Rong's mother is simply hateful - she's the most wrong character of the show. Zhao Pei Lin (Go Ahead, Hi Venus) is the Empress and Shangguan family devotee. Cheng Guo (Married, The Lord of Losers) is the spritely Rebel Shangguan Ya. She's always donning peasant clothes and sneaking off to gamble. When important work needs to be done, she's a go-to resource. In the first go-around, she married the crown prince. When we meet her she's awesome. She's in a pleasure house, disguised as a man, and slapping down cards while yelling out drink orders. Her personality shifts rather quickly though. She's one of the oldest members of one of the most powerful families, and ambition takes over. The way her character goes is a little bit disappointing. Will she make a comeback?

The tensions between the noble families and the common folk is what's driving politics. At one point, the emperor, who truly wants to help the people, can't even look at his wife. Her elaborate jewelry would feed so many poor if they sold it. “Do you know what's the scariest thing about wielding power? It's when it corrodes one's heart. The person whose heart is almost corroded to the core cannot feel anything at all,” Rong will point out. That describes the privileged families and it's no different from what we see today.

“If an emperor thinks he's incompetent, the sense of shame will drive him mad.” Part of the problem with the past is that Rong's brother ended up being a terrible ruler. He's a tenderhearted boy who wants to do the right thing, and he doesn't even want to be king. “Do you know what the hardest thing about being a ruler is? Everyone around you may be deceiving you. While anyone else can obtain the truth easily. As the emperor, I have to search for the truth in the middle of a trove of lies. What's more, the truth often consists of the half lies they tell me…. I was born with free will, yet I couldn't live freely,” laments the king. Yet, for his son, Chuan, it's much worse. All the above turns into bitterness when he gets no assistance and feels completely isolated during the course of his reign. He becomes spiteful and cruel. Liu Xu Wei (The Glory) plays crown prince Li Chuan.

This time around, Pei & Rong know that power won't satisfy. They know a simple life of love is what makes it all worth it. But, wielding it for good, will be very satisfying. “Only the incompetent ones need to use the weakness of their wives to prove themselves. What I desire is for my wife to achieve her aspirations… My love for my wife is not about trapping her in a gilded cage but about being able to offer her opportunities to do whatever she desires without restraints.” Pei wants a partner, not property he can push around.

I don't have many nitpicks. The cadence is relaxing but it flirts with dragging at times. It's a slow paced show. It is methodical and elegant, but I suspect some won't like the pace. Pei’s lipstick is too much in many scenes; positively Maybelline Plum #3. At the very end, they go ahead 3 years but don't show us any kids. In the context, they should have. None of the needs-improvements stack up against the filming, which is beautiful. Cinematography and costume designs are exquisite. The wardrobe is wearable art. The sets are opulent but not overdone, with the rich colors serving as a balm to the eyes. The music is lovely. There's several fights and skirmishes. Fight scenes are largely typical but also graceful and exciting. The sword fight in ep 40 is riveting.

The acting is top tier. There's a stunning love confession in the rain. No kiss, though. Since the confession comes earlier than expected, I guess they can't jump into things too quickly. They eventually generate some lovely, well-above-average, romantic moments. It is even funny at times. The blemishes are few; this show is magnificent.

TPR gives the viewer plenty to consider. We see people chasing after power and privilege with nary a whim about what they'll do with it. Helping the poor and disadvantaged never occurs to them! The “Rong” will “Pei” for their wrongs! Most fall on their own swords, in the end. There's no better last words than this: “I also went through so much to finally understand that my whole life should be dedicated to my righteousness.” We shouldn't save those thoughts for last, though. The sooner we work on acting and thinking “right” the better for us, and everyone else.

Things split and go in unexpected directions In the last 7, or so, episodes. We hear more about the past from 2 or 3 different perspectives, and it's shocking. It's sad, all around. Rong is confronted with a huge dilemma. But, Rong is going to Pei. He will figure it out. Pei is the way.


QUOTES📢

The worst thing women can do is pin their hopes on men.

The essence of power is understanding people.

People only have the right to choose when they are strong enough.


〰🖍 IMHO

📣7.9 📝8.5 🎭8.5 💓7 🦋6.7 🎨9 🔚8 ▪ 🌞4.5 ⚡4.9 😅2 😭4.2 😱3 😯2.8 🤢3 🤔4.8 💤1.5 🤗5

🎵/🔊7 Shazams: 藏心 (电视剧《度华年》情感插曲) by Ye Xuanqing & 执爱 (电视剧《度华年》情感插曲) No English title is available.

📝Original Creator Mo Shu Bai (Destined)

📝Screenwriter: Rao Jun (The Journey of Flower, Ancient Love Poetry-8.6)

📣Director: Go Yik Chun (The Empress of China)


Age 13+ mild sexual content, moderate violence

Re-📺? Would


In order of ~lite & trite~ to ~heavy & serious~ you may also like:

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K🇰🇷 :
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🎎 -
C🇨🇳: Overlord 8.4,
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K🇰🇷:
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🔮🐉-
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⚡/😱 -
C🇨🇳: Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Saber 9-Kung-fu!;
K🇰🇷:
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Japanese🇯🇵 lite romcoms: Maid Sama-10, Mischievous Kiss Love in Tokyo-7.8, Love, Chunibyo And Other Delusions-8.4, Toradora-8.5

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Another drama to the list

I have never seen a lot of historical dramas but it's actually my first time seeing such a story of time traveling. If you like such a badass woman in court then I could recommend this to you. It's not the typical badass but a person who can rule the country, not leading to the war. Also it's my first time getting angry to a character, how they cast Heyi as the villain, how he had this calm, scholar demeanor but with a evil intensions. How i also got angry and annoyed to a female character, when it shows Li Chuan's side of a story. Now understand why he killed her.
It's not focus on romance, but a descent amount of romance. Love how Jinmai acts, it suits her well. it suits to the character.

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Under power, relations are bound to be broken

So, first of all i agree by the people who are saying Zhang ling he doesn't get much screen time is true. He is such a great actor in this drama his acting was very good his visuals was very pretty and sexy. The married couples bickering, cute moments, and the steamy scenes were so so much good but my complain here is they were very short lived and left us craving for more.

I even noticed that the male lead often got ignored or invalidate in so many scenes. And us as audience was not ready. He even got stabbed in fields and the princess just asked him to go after bickering. Its like he was the original victim. He helped everyone in so many matters but he always become sidelined in so many situations.

And what was wrong with writers and producers? They tried so hard to convince us that SML is innocent. But he was not innocent.

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I had hoped for something along the lines of The Story of Kunning Palace but was sadly disappointed

**This is just my opinion. I truly appreciate all of the hard work that went into the making of this drama. Thank you.**

I should preface this review by stating that I'm not a big fan of palace intrigue, politics or watching people obsess about how to dominate someone else. This drama seems to be almost entirely focused on that or revenge. There is a little bit of romance sprinkled in but very little of the healthy variety.

**Spoiler Alert**

Not one, not two, but three people somehow get a second chance to start over as their younger selves when they die at the same time. We know about two of them from the drama's description. The third, that I won't reveal, comes as a surprise. We aren't told how or why they are able to come back and have another chance, we just see the Princess and Pei Wen Xuan trying to guess what happened and how that person came to be there as well. Personally, I found this incredibly vexing. I wanted some kind of explanation as to why the three of them would all be back in their younger bodies with their memories intact.

The female lead character is arrogant, cold, entitled, selfish and while she does have the desire to do the right thing, she lacks the ability to empathize with other people and understand what they're feeling and really need. Because of that, she's unable to let her guard down and trust anyone. Not because she doesn't want to, she just can't. Nevertheless, it makes it really hard to understand why both Pei Wen Xuan and Su Rong Qing would literally do anything for her. She does so many disrespectful, cruel things that I don't know how they can forgive her them.

While both Pei Wen Xuan and Su Rong Qing are attractive, intelligent and devoted in their own ways, neither of them seem to have any self respect when it comes to doing whatever it takes to have the Princess. She might have wanted them more and behaved better if they stopped taking whatever she doled out to them. I was offended on behalf of them, just watching it. Yes, I know Li Rong did come around and start treating them better later on, but not well enough, in my opinion. Li Rong was also never clear about who she cared about. She should have made it clear to both Pei Wen Xuan and Su Rong Qing early on. It would have saved them all a lot of heart ache. It wasn't fair to have them have to live with that doubt /hope still lingering.

I found the first half of the drama really boring and I struggled to get through it. The second half picked up though and I was interested to see where it would go, especially if they would reveal any of the answers I was looking for. The cast is good and I enjoyed the acting. I was disappointed with how they decided to do the action scenes though. There wasn't any realism. They went for the fake, Wuxia feel even though it wasn't a fantasy in any way other than the going back in time bit. People fall off tall cliffs and only get bruises, stabbed in the chest or back and it might as well have just been a scratch. Seriously, what were they thinking? And then of course there's the fact that people just order others to be killed at the drop of the hat and we're still supposed to sympathize with their characters. How exactly? They're murderers. In the end, the character that I liked the most was Su Rong Qing's elder brother, Su Rong Hua, played by Yi Da Qian. He was sweet, kind, stuck to his convictions and was self sacrificing.

My favorite thing about this drama would be the soundtrack. I absolutely love the song "Devoted Love" by Mika and keep listening to it on repeat, even though I don't speak Chinese. It's just beautiful. There are some other really good songs on it as well. They're well worth checking out.

Over all, the acting was really good but I didn't like the characters or story very much. I don't like arrogant, entitled women or men who suck up and take abuse. If you do, then you'll love this one.

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A Regal Masterpiece with Unresolved Intrigues: A Love-Hate Affair with The Princess Royal

The Princess Royal is a breathtaking drama that captivates with its stunning cinematography, expressive acting, and a beautifully composed musical score that enhances every scene. From the mesmerizing costumes to the intricate set designs, the production value is nothing short of exquisite, creating a world that feels both grand and intimate. The story itself flows smoothly, making it easy to get hooked on the political intrigue, romance, and character dynamics.

However, what starts as a tale of love and power soon shifts focus in an unexpected way. While the chemistry between Zhang LingHe’s Pei Weixuan and Zhao Jin Mei’s Li Rong is evident and enjoyable, the narrative increasingly revolves around Su Rongqin, the second male lead. He is, without a doubt, the best-developed character in the entire drama, with a compelling backstory, internal struggles, and a clear trajectory that overshadows even the main couple. His layered personality—torn between his loyalty, ambitions, and personal desires—makes him fascinating to watch, but it also raises the frustrating question: was he the true protagonist all along?

This imbalance in character development extends beyond the leads. Many key figures lacked the necessary background to fully understand their motivations, particularly in the noble families’ struggle for power. While the aristocrats feared Consort Rou, her actual influence was never properly explored, making their anxieties seem contradictory. The Empress, in particular, was a wasted character—perpetually sidelined despite being caught in a heart-wrenching struggle between her children and her Shagguan family. Her sacrifices and isolation could have added depth to the narrative, but she remained an enigma with little resolution.

On the other hand, the drama does shine in its portrayal of individuals breaking free from the expectations of their noble lineages. Shagguan Ya and Su Ronghua’s defiance of their families to stand with Li Rong was one of the most interesting aspects of the series, proving that loyalty and love could transcend societal constraints. These moments provided some of the most emotionally rewarding payoffs.

Then there’s the Emperor—perhaps the biggest missed opportunity. His decisions, particularly his poisoning of Consort Rou and his son Li Cheng, hi knowledge of ongoing conspiracies, remained vague and frustratingly unexplored. His character had so much potential for depth without taking away from the Princess or Pei Weixuan, both of whom also deserved more focus. Pei Weixuan, in particular, had all the makings of a complex and brilliant strategist, yet his character arc was left underdeveloped, making his moments of genius feel underwhelming in contrast to Su Rongqin’s prominence.

Despite these frustrations, The Princess Royal remains an unforgettable drama. Its artistry, emotionally charged performances, and moments of brilliance make it worth watching, even if the uneven storytelling leaves lingering what-ifs. A solid 8.5/10—an experience that I loved, hated, and will undoubtedly keep thinking about.

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A political turn of events

I had mid to low expectation over this c-drama.
The plot did seem interesting but not something new at first glance.
The cast did stand as the compelling factor.

Along the way I saw how many scenes had be hooked up. Having emotional intelligence dialogue with suppressed emotions, wounds unhealed and a lot of traumas, Ive seen how talking can finally resolve stuff, given time and effort, or in this drama's case, another life's chance.
I loved the fights between Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong, from old couple having to restart as young adults. A sense a familiarity between them yet knowing each other for so long time, made their chemistry on screen so sweet and warm at times.
I admired this drama's romance, without so many complicated mixed feelings on some points yet you can resonate with the swift of power:
---->Strong female lead with over loving husband, being ignored or mistreated
---->Forming new bonds, learning from mistakes, often selfish narcissistic behavior on the female lead.
----> communication becoming the best remedy for past life mistakes, new perspectives

Loved Li Rong as a character. I find her refreshing on some level for c-dramas, even though i know some find her annoying. I find her relatable and humane
As for Pei Wuxian, he feels like a very supportive male/husband, but hungry for attention and desperate for approval and Li Rong's love. Understandable for the male side yet on some points sad to see how much he suffered.
As for Su Rongquing, I feel like his entire life was full of good and bad episodes but on one point, he found his happiness along side Li Rong. Happy to see he got such of experience

With politics being the main center of this drama, i wasnt bored. You get some episodes more low key but I enjoyed to see the struggles of a royal family and knowing that some decissions cant be based on the right morale feelings or having to decide with the heart rather than the head. I felt how hard some things are to do, wishing life would have been easier.

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i have a love-hate relationship with this drama

Zhang Linghe and Zhang Jin Mai's chemistry is what keeps me watching this drama LOL. I love moments of them bickering to each other. I just love how good ZHL portrayed his character so good (I want to have a husband like him who is so down with their wife HEHE). ZJM's acting is also a masterpiece, but hated the part when she was with SRQ. She slayed being LR fr!

It's such a waste that they didn't let us see their child in last ep. It was PWX's dream tho, they could've just done it for us since SRQ has more screentime than him LOL. Overall, I love the drama, the story, the characters, and ZLH.

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This drama falling into formulaic patterns

The Princess Royal" (2024) c-drama seems to delve into themes of royal intrigue, power struggles, and personal relationships, typical of many historical Chinese dramas. The premise of a royal princess facing challenges in both politics and personal life could be intriguing, especially if it explores the tension between duty and desire, a common but compelling dynamic.
I’m on episode 23 and I’m thinking, 'Oh wow, I still have so much left to watch...' Yet, I’m speeding through all the storylines :) At first, it was pretty good, interesting even, but after 20 ep till the end it’s getting long, there’s not much left to say. Why so many episodes in these series? The ML is trying to create chemistry. Good acting... As for the FL, she’s sometimes annoying, even though I try to understand her coldness because of her character and as a princess. However, her performance feels stiff. And this indecision and the endless love triangles are ruining everything. I can’t take it anymore with these series..
The SML has a bland face, lacking charisma, which adds nothing to this drama (his performance is the same as usual for an SML in dramas; without overshadowing the ML). Without him, the couple's relationships would have been more interesting, I think, . I find the plot it childish overall. The positive point is the ML, the general idea, and a few episodes from the beginning. And the idea of a second chance in a relationship and the wrong intentions we can have due to the lack of communication

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CHEMISTRY, a fresh start, and betrayal…

!!!!! LET ME START WITH CHEMISTRY. holy cow… the angst went CRAZYYY the slow burn was to die for. the JEALOUSY. wenxuan’s “ill support u always” treatment to li rong. WTF. this was crazy. wenxuan was SO secure attachment (slightly anxious) meets anxious avoidant :,) i loved the character development & how wenxuan helped li rong feel so secure within romantic relationships after being betrayed… HOW CUTE. ugh and their couple scenes had me drooling bro like the banter was there and the teasing . so good and i was floored. ofc wenxuan was hot too and the FL hella good acting - very surpised about that after seeing her other dramas!!

i loved the concept of a refresh and trying to fix everything. i loved how everyone had their soulmate they were meant to be with and persist!!! and how loose ends were tied(ish). ugh and LI RONG as an ACTUAL badass FL (not a “omg i’m so girlboss but i rely on my ML for everything” type). she literally commanded wenxuan and her army and the court. what a woman!!!! also court scenes and political scenes i usually can’t follow and don’t understand but this one was good!!! i understood the schemes

but oh my god. su rongqing GOT ON MY NERVEEES. AND WHY WAS LI RONG SO NICE TO HIM??? AFTER HE RUINED EBERYTHING?? HIS DEATH WAS SO SWEET??? LIKE BRO… HE WAS DELUSIONAL AND STUPID. and you COULDNT set his head right??? that was the worst part of this drama bro. i can’t.

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either I die with you, or take you home

ok first thing that i like ab this show is that i love love loooove the development LR & PWX had. love how PWX AAALWAYS reassures LR that he is for her & would literally die than live without her. my girl just has a lot of trust issues bc of all the things she's been through and i'm glad for PWX's character for not creating more headaches for her and always being there for her. and i couldn't imagine anyone else but ZLH playing that role ! i feel like the main leads did a really great job potraying the characters. i could literally go on about them bc they were so!! memorable!!

plot was interesting until SRQ/SML became the main part of the plot LOL i feel like it shouldn't have been dragged for that long. during the final episode he had more lines than PWX did ? which was funny bc tbh i couldn't care less about him. his obsession w the princess was weird, can't stop reminding her that he's in love with her like ok.........noted. the politics are just the usual tbh.. wish there were more scenes w the ML without it cutting to SRQ on to the next scene, but i'm satisfied enough with what's given (and i also have our generation to look forward to ZJM & ZLH together heheh). the second lead's couple(s) story urmmmz it was interesting at the start but then it was just bland (at least to me). feel like i skipped through a lot of scenes once it was ep20-25 because there were a few draggy scenes @_@ would've been perfect without the dragging or if it was a 26-30 ep show i tink

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The ultimate married couple

GURLL Im not lying when I say zhang linghe was MADE to yearn. I saw SKP and the best thing before watching this(can u tell im obsessed with linghe), and I can confidently say pei wenxuan was the biggest simp. No cuz wdym she had you assassinated in your last life and the first thing you wanna do when you wake up is see her again😍

I watched this show with no background info just knew my favorite actors jinmai and linhge were in it so I HAD to watch. Also this would mark my second historical cdrama and boy am i impressed. I usually stick with modern dramas because I'm not a huge fan of palace politics or being reminded women have little to no rights. However, I quite enjoyed our powerful, intelligent, gorgeous Grand Princess Li Rong. I loved how she stood on business and got shxt done while still being compassionate and forgiving. Watching her learn to accept wenxuan's love despite all the backstabbing and betrayals she's witnessed by the people around her was so beautiful. And rarely ever do I get to see a richer more powerful woman in historical romance dramas heck in the romance genre period.

That's only one reason out of a trillion that makes me LOVE this drama. The other being zhang linghe as pei wenxuan cuz YES SIR!! omg when the scene in the rain happened I was very genuinely screaming. Best scene in the entire show, cinematic truly. Storming out in the rain, running back just to yell at her "I love and I lost li rong"😭 i freaking love them so much

Their relationship is so refreshing to see play out on screen. You can tell their a married couple when their constantly bickering, but also looking out for each other(as allies, enemies, or lovers). They know each other and accept each other even when they believe they other to be in love with someone else. I really enjoyed watching their story unravel. They truly just complimented each other so well in this drama. Jinmai delivers an amazing performance as always, and linghe is proving to be the hottest man in cdramaland who can act the boots house DOWN(that rhymed didn't it)

But it wasn't only them making this show so good. The side characters and their actors really held it down. From the crown prince and his girl finding each other in a new life, to my favorite shangrong couple or HuaYa if you will(making ts up on the spot) the supporting cast really did their thing. We have yet to bring up Mr. Rongqing, heyu step on to the podium...

Ngl did not rly pay much attention to rongqing's character in the first half of the show despite him being a prominent character cuz I rly just saw him as the second male lead stopping my ship from sailing. But once SRQ dialed up the evil, something snapped with heyu. For some reason he just become hotter to me even though his character was being such a nuisance in the story. Anyway much of the girlies where saying that his character was getting to much screentime and was overshadowing linghe as if that is even possible), uhm idk...to each their own ig cuz for me I barely noticed him until he became so much more aggressive in wanting things to go his way.

The only thing that gets me with this show and with many a cdramas is were there's a lot of episodes, there's just a lot of plot that complicates things, confuses me, and lowkey makes me lose interest a bit, but ig that's something I'm gonna have to get used to. A lot of episodes means a lot of stuff will go down before the story reaches its happy ever after. Anyway, highly recommend, the storyline is so entertaining, the actors ate, and the plot didn't make me want to throw my device into a brick wall(just slam it shut with a bit of force).

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