The Glory (2025)

An intriguing drama that captivates from start to finish!

I chanced upon “The Glory” (雁回时) airing in WeTV when I came home from a trip more than a week ago. The summaries I’ve read intrigued me, so I started it and I was hooked! I was binge-watching episodes during my free time such that I quickly caught up to the latest happenings.

The story is about Zhuang Han Yan, who was sent away as a baby due to some supposedly prophetic words from a Taoist master, saying that she is the barefoot ghost (赤脚鬼) and her birth caused her grandfather’s death. She was raised by his father’s friend and his wife in Danzhou, both of whom mistreated her. Due to some turn of events, she was able to break free from them and come back to the capital, falling unconscious at the gates of the Zhuang residence in the cold winter. Her sudden return threw the entire family into an uproar, and she also caught the attention of Fu Yun Xi, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, with whom she has a marriage agreement that was decided by their parents. These led to a series of events that unfolded one after the other, with secrets being exposed and the truths eventually coming to light.

STORY / PLOT 📚:

“The Glory” is a drama that encompasses many themes. It is a story about one woman’s quest for a family that had been denied from her when she was born. It’s about her quest for justice/revenge and her goal to break free from the “barefoot ghost” reputation that had followed her from birth. It focuses on the mother-daughter relationship, friendship, the sometimes complex family dynamics, and even romance, albeit the romance is slow-burn and somewhat subdued (more on that later). Then there are the political and investigative aspects in the case of the fallen Pei Da Fu, the powerful eunuch who, during his lifetime, had amassed a fortune and had many cronies in court, the most prominent of whom is the so-called adopted son.

As I watch each episode, I can feel the excitement and anticipation since there is no boring moment. It’s like when one episode ends, I’m drawn to continue, and before I realized it, I’ve been watching for hours and I’m way past my bedtime. Indeed, the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. There are also a myriad of other emotions and reactions such as happiness, surprise, tenderness, sadness, intrigue, anger, and indignation. There are some emotional and touching scenes where I cried a bucket, e.g., between Zhuang Han Yan and her mother Ruan Xi Wen, between Zhuang Han Yan and Ah Zhi. Other relationships also tugged at the heartstrings such as Zhuang Han Yan and Chai Jing’s friendship, the push and pull between Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi, the father and daughter dynamics of Fu Yun Xi and Ah Zhi, among others.

As I mentioned above, the romance between Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi is slow-burn. There are definitely sweet moments and affectionate gestures between them. Some are subtle/indirect, such as longing glances and lending support behind the scenes, while others are more obvious, such as holding hands, intercepting marriage proposals, jumping in to save her from a raging horse, the hugs and the few sweet kisses, etc. More explicit displays of their affection is very much welcome, but I'm still happy with how the drama portrayed their relationship's progress. They started out with distrust and suspicion as they schemed and pushed their own agenda, developed respect and admiration for each other, vacillated between doubt and trust, and finally learned to trust and love each other.

As for the ending, I'm satisfied with how they executed it. Everything tied up nicely, and even if there is a question or two, they’re minor and does not affect my enjoyment of the drama. What Zhuang Han Yan said towards the end is a fitting wrap-up for this series: “Any place full of love can be my home.” (有情之地, 处处皆可为家) ❤️🏠

ACTING / CAST 🎭:

Chen Du Ling’s star shines very brightly here. She gave an outstanding performance as Zhuang Han Yan 👏. She conveyed different kinds of emotions through her facial expressions, eyes, mannerisms, and tone of voice (kudos to the voice actor too). Zhuang Han Yan is an emotionally scarred woman who has experienced a lot of pain and trauma during her young life. All these molded her into the kind of woman she is – smart, savvy, independent, strong but with a soft spot, kind and compassionate but not a doormat, and does not easily trust others.

Xin Yun Lai was able to portray the serious, stoic and somewhat mysterious Fu Yun Xi quite convincingly, though I would prefer more facial expressions in some instances. But one could argue that his character is supposed to be that way. I like how he poured his heart out when he confessed his emotions and love to Zhuang Han Yan in one of the latter episodes.

As for the couple’s chemistry, it’s palpable and they truly make a good pair. I can feel the tension from their first meeting. There is this push and pull in their relationship especially when they were getting to know each other, which adds to the tension (see above on their relationship’s growth). They are well matched, both in looks, wits and temperament.

Wen Zheng Rong is a seasoned actress who has appeared in many dramas. She gave an excellent performance as Ruan Xi Wen, Zhuang Han Yan’s long-suffering mother. She showed those raw and pent-up emotions brilliantly. At first, I was mad at her, and then I came to sympathize with her as I learned of what she went through all those years.

Yu En Tai nailed his role as the manipulative, self-serving and duplicitous Zhuang Shi Yang. Some think his acting is exaggerated and overly dramatic, such that it’s distracting and annoying. But I think that’s what makes his portrayal so effective. By the last few episodes, I was strongly rooting for justice to be served.

Jinna Fu was able to capture the essence of Chai Jing. She is Zhuang Han Yan's loyal and trusted friend, her support during her difficult days in Danzhou and even when she arrived at the capital. She is skilled in martial arts and protects her whenever she can. Their friendship is precious.

I couldn’t write this review without giving kudos to the talented and adorable Huang Bo Si, who played Fu Ling Zhi / Ah Zhi, Fu Yun Xi’s daughter with his first wife. Ah Zhi is such a sweet and loving child. She is so innocent, smart, and yet also mature for her age. She never fails to touch me with her favorite line, “When we miss our mothers, I can hug you, and you can also hug me” (我们想母亲的时候，我可以抱一抱你，你也可以抱一抱我.) 🥰. This kid has potential, and I look forward to seeing her in other dramas.

The other supporting cast gave great performances as well, such as: Wang Yan as the 2nd wife Zhou Ru Yin, He Hong Shan as the competitive Zhuang Yu Shan, Li Sheng as Noble Consort Miao, and Song Pei Ze and Chen Kang as Fu Yun Xi’s reliable right-hand men Mu Feng and Mu Yan, respectively. They add depth, excitement and some humor to the drama.

OTHER THOUGHTS 🔮:

I’m satisfied with the overall production and costume design. The costumes look good, and the color combinations are nice.

The soundtrack is excellent and fits the drama so well. Hats off to the team who chose the songs 👒! The ending theme song, “Blade” (刃), is Zhuang Han Yan’s anthem. The song is written for her! It sums up her journey fittingly. “Flame” (焰) is Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi’s theme song, while “Cut” (剪) is a tribute to Zhuang Han Yan and Ruan Xi Wen’s relationship.


FINAL VERDICT ⭐️: “The Glory” is one of those dramas that left a lasting impression on me. It’s worth my time and attention, and I highly recommend it!

Read More

A viper's nest.

After growing up in the countryside, Zhuang Hanyan returns to the capital to claim her rightful place as the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family. Her reception is mixed—some family members seek reconciliation, while others fiercely resist her presence. It soon becomes clear that the Zhuang household is a viper’s nest, but Hanyan is no naïve country girl. There’s more to her return than meets the eye, something her late sister’s husband, Fu Yunxi, quickly discerns. Their relationship evolves from adversarial to conspiratorial as they uncover each other’s secrets and forge an uneasy alliance.

The Glory/ 雁回时 is another in a recent wave of revenge dramas that starts with a suspenseful, addictive hook but fizzles in the second half. The reveal of Ruan Xiwen’s tragic backstory and her complex, scheming dynamic with her daughter Hanyan forms the emotional core of the drama. Unfortunately, after this peak, the narrative devolves into dog-blood melodrama, riddled with clichés, plot holes, and unconvincing motivations. Wen Zhenrong delivers a vehement, emotionally charged performance as the bitter and wounded Ruan Xiwen, anchoring the first half—but once her arc concludes, the tension noticeably deflates.

Though I typically adore ruthless, morally grey characters like Hanyan and Yunxi, their pairing falls flat. Their silent staring contests and psychological battles feel insipid, especially compared to over-the-top performances by older actors like Yu Entai's exaggerated facial contortions and whispered threats. That said, Chen Duling shines as Hanyan, balancing hidden depths with fiery resolve. Xin Yunlai, however, is stoic to the point of woodenness, though his awkward, crooked half-smiles carry a strange charm.

The biggest flaw lies in the overabundance of toxic characters with nonsensical motives. Why does Hanyan—clearly talented and resourceful—fight so hard for acceptance in such a dysfunctional family? The schemes lack payoff, the villains are cartoonishly petty, and the central "hidden treasure" subplot feels pointless (why hoard wealth with no heirs to inherit it?). The second half is a mess of twists without cohesion, and the ending—hinting at Greek tragedy but lacking the courage to commit—leaves a wishy-washy, unsatisfying aftertaste.

Yet, despite its flaws, I found myself oddly engrossed. Like a drink that starts intoxicating, turns bland, then ends bitter, The Glory is a flawed but strangely compelling ride. 7.5/10—great potential, squandered execution.

Read More

Attractive, captivating, and also eye-catching—this is THE GLORY

Story

First, I want to talk about the story. It’s completely creative, taking a specific slice of Chinese history. At first glance, the costumes and jewelry might feel unfamiliar, but they are still incredibly eye-catching.

The original story comes from Cha Ke, and as expected, this author's works share a distinct mood and feel quite similar to each other. But instead of being a flaw, I see this as a strong point. Though the screenplay differs significantly from the novel, I believe this is for the better. Since this was one of the author’s earliest works, the storyline naturally isn’t as strong as The Double.

Well, I want to give a brief explanation about the storytelling.

This series was entirely female-centered. It didn't just use revenge as a tool to punish the villains but rather as a way to soothe the pain of the suffering characters.

This "revenge" helped heal Han Yan's wounds, and I really liked this perspective.

I just want to say that this series deserves attention and praise, as it had truly beautiful screenwriting.

The screenplay is incredibly well-structured, with a smooth narrative flow that transitions seamlessly from one episode to the next. Normally, I can't binge-watch a drama without getting bored at some point, but with this one? There’s absolutely no way I can say I’ve felt even a tiny bit tired of it so far.


Acting

I genuinely admire Chen Du lings' acting. The way she stares—her eyes alone convey vengeance and sorrow so vividly. It’s as if she doesn’t need any dialogue to express her emotions; her gaze says it all.

I also really like the male lead. He fits the role perfectly, and I appreciate how he brings his character to life. His portrayal and the character development are both done incredibly well.

The supporting roles? Absolutely top-tier. And how could we forget Han Yan’s mother? That woman is phenomenal.

The casting choices were spot-on, precise, and complete. I have no complaints whatsoever.

Music

The drama’s soundtrack was beautifully executed. Personally, I loved how meaningful and well-connected it was to the storyline. In fact, the opening theme was what drew me into the drama within the first few minutes—it’s just that stunning.

Direction, Editing, and Cinematography

Everything was handled professionally, exactly as expected from this team. Watching this drama feels like witnessing a piece of art unfold, and honestly, it’s mesmerizing.

It’s absolutely worth watching. Thank you for reading! ❤️

Read More

The Glory — An Extraordinary Journey from Trauma to Triumph

Watching “The Glory” was not just entertainment — it has been one of the most soul-wrenching, eye-opening experiences I’ve had in a long time. Not just because of its intense and gripping plot, but because of the raw, unflinching portrait it paints of trauma — not the kind we casually reference in conversation, but the kind that leaves deep, lasting physical and psychological scars. The kind that reshapes you. That haunts you.

At the heart of it all is Zhuang Hanyan — and she’s not just a character. She is a walking wound, both physically and emotionally. A survivor of trauma most people can’t even begin to imagine. This isn’t just a revenge story. It’s not a romantic story. It’s the story of a girl denied the luxury of innocence, forced to survive in a world that offered her nothing but cruelty — and still, she breathes, perseveres, and ultimately triumphs against all odds.

<< A Life Shaped by Trauma >>

From the moment she was born, Hanyan’s world was one of darkness and violence. Abandoned at birth, wrongfully branded a “barefoot ghost,” she was torn from her biological parents living in Ming Dynasty Beijing, and discarded into the hands of cruel, abusive adoptive family in a remote, impoverished village called Danzhou. Her childhood wasn’t just difficult — it was a relentless crucible of suffering: beatings, starvation, humiliation, and sexual assault — all before she even had the words to describe her pain.

Most people would have broken under the weight of what she endured.

But Hanyan’s suffering didn’t end there.

When she was finally reunited with her birth family, clinging to a fragile hope for love and belonging, she was met with more rejection, manipulation, and abandonment. Her biological mother — the one person she had longed to know — responded not with warmth but with cruelty: caning her, starving her, pushing her away with chilling detachment.

And then — the unimaginable. Hanyan witnessed her biological mother’s murder, brutally and mercilessly carried out by the man she had called father. A mother she had only just begun to love, died poisoned and bleeding in her arms. Later, she would learn he had also killed her grandfather, her stepsister, her stepfather, two loyal maids — anyone who dared stand in his way.

How does a person survive that?

How do you even breathe after that?

<< The Messy, Honest Truth About Trauma >>

"The Glory" doesn’t just tell us about her trauma. It makes us feel it — bone-deep, breath-shattering. It doesn’t romanticize trauma. It doesn’t use it as a decorative backstory or a convenient excuse for sympathy. It shows trauma as it truly is — raw, jagged, messy, suffocating, and unrelenting. The kind that reshapes how she sees the world, how she makes decisions, and how she learns to survive in a life that has given her nothing but agony from the moment she was born.

Hanyan’s trauma bleeds into everything: her thoughts, her choices, her relationships. Her coldness, her rage, her recklessness, her mistrust of people, and her thirst for justice at any cost — these are not signs of cruelty or evil. They are the armour she wears to survive.

Yes, she lashes out. Yes, she is messy. Yes, she makes mistakes. Yes, she is reckless. Yes, she breaks down. But how else is someone supposed to respond when they've been told, over and over again, that they don’t matter? When their very existence has been battered, broken, and betrayed?

To expect composure from the shattered is not only unfair and unrealistic — it’s cruel.

"The Glory" reminds us that real trauma is not tidy and nice. It doesn’t produce people who are graceful, likable, or thoughtful. It produces people who are angry, cold, explosive, guarded, impulsive, or volatile. People who wrap love in fear, and safety in suspicion. Underneath it all, is a human being, simply struggling to crawl out of the wreckage with nothing but sheer will.

And yet, Hanyan keeps going — not for praise or pity, but because her pain demands justice. Because her story demands to be heard.

<< Compassion Heals: Yunxi’s Choice >>

And maybe — just maybe — that is healing.

But here’s what we often forget: healing from trauma is not a straight line. It’s not always calm. It’s not always graceful. It’s not always pleasant. Sometimes, healing looks like rage. Sometimes, it looks like destruction. Sometimes, it looks like burning everything down just to prove you still have control over something.

Enter Fu Yunxi — the one person who knows Hanyan’s brokenness most intimately. He sees her pain, has touched her scars, lived through the fire of her fury, felt the sting of her mistrust. And still — he stays. He never flinched, never turned away. He pursued her, married her — not just out of love, but because he believed in her. He trusted her strength. He knew she would protect his family. And when Hanyan prepared a divorce letter on their wedding night — not out of rejection, but a desperate gesture to shield him and his family from the fallout of her dangerous quest for justice — he burned it without hesitation. Not to possess her, but to tell her, in the clearest way he knew how:

I choose you. Even now. Especially now. You are not too broken to be loved.

If he — the one closest to her rage, her sorrow, her scars — could choose compassion over judgment — then why can’t we?

<< The World’s Quick Judgment >>

In the real world, survivors like Hanyan are too often branded with convenient, dismissive labels: “angry,” “broken,” “evil,” “irrational,” “cold,” “reckless,” “stupid,” or “beyond saving.”

But these aren’t character flaws — they’re the visible signs of invisible wounds.

The Glory reminds us of a hard truth: behind every trauma survivor is a story we cannot fully comprehend, pain we cannot measure, and suffering we may never see.

Because there are countless Hanyans among us — bearing invisible wounds from battles we may never fully know or understand. They don’t need our judgment. They need our presence. Our compassion. Our willingness to listen, even when the truth is hard to hear.

Hanyan is not a villain — she is a mirror held up to our society — a crucial reminder that people break in different ways, and that healing isn’t always straightforward. And her story, with all its brokenness and all its resilience, deserves compassion above all.

She isn’t heartless. She’s hurting.

She wasn’t trying to destroy others. She was trying to reclaim herself — to feel safe, to feel whole, to feel human.

Before we judge her for her rage or recklessness, we must ask:

What would you become, if you were taught that love always ends in betrayal, that trust is a weapon, and that your body and voice were never truly your own?

<< A Wake-Up Call for Us All >>

"The Glory" is not just a drama. It is a reckoning.

A searing reminder that real trauma doesn’t get resolved in a season or in a single kind gesture. It lingers. It shapes how you see the world. It stains relationships, and even the good moments with fear and suspicion — because trauma teaches you that every joy comes with a cost.

And that’s a lesson we desperately need today:

• Stop expecting perfection from the wounded.
• Stop demanding grace from the broken.
• Stop measuring worth by how “well” someone hides their pain.

And instead —

• Start creating space for the messiness of healing.
• Start showing up — not with judgment, but with empathy and kindness.
• Start offering understanding, not assumptions.
• Start offering help instead of knee-jerk reactions.

Because real life doesn’t come with dramatic music or scripted redemption arcs. In real life, survivors walk among us — quietly, bravely — carrying wounds we cannot see, fighting battles we may never understand.

So the next time someone seems angry, cold, distant, or hard to love — pause.

Consider what they might be surviving — and choose kindness.

<< The Glory’s Final Gift >>

"The Glory" doesn’t just tell a story. It gives trauma a voice. It gives pain a face. And it calls on us — the audience — to become better people. Not with pity, but with humanity.

Yes —" The Glory" may be just entertainment for some. And yes — the characters are pure fiction. But if, even after everything shown on screen — her backstory, her trauma, her rage, her vulnerability — we still cannot empathize with Hanyan… Then how will we ever truly empathize with a real survivor in real life?

• Let "The Glory" be more than just a show.
• Let it be a mirror.
• Let it change how we see, how we feel, and how deeply we care.

Because empathy — real, honest, uncomfortable empathy — is what makes us human.

Read More

Revenge is best served cold! Scheming & slow burn romance as subplot.

The story is about the female lead who returns home after being cast out for 17 years. Though searching for home and love, she quickly finds herself thrust into the web of lies and schemes. Things get more complicated when the male lead, who is her ‘former’ brother-in-law, takes an interest in her and sees right through her mask of lies.

The revenge plot is one, if not, THE best I’ve ever seen. Ep 1-19 kept me at the edge of my seat. However Ep 20-25 were… I wouldn’t say a let down but definitely not as strong. Lots of new characters were introduced with the focus on side stories that DID connect with the main plot but were just… not as interesting to watch. However, Ep 26-30 picked up the pacing and delivered a fantastic conclusion to the story.

Unexpectedly, one of the biggest highlight for me was the mother-daughter relationship. At first I hated the mother and per usual expected to dislike her till the end however I ended up absolutely loving her character. It’s rare to see a mother-daughter relationship so real and raw, it was written beautifully.

As a romance girlie, I was very much satisfied with the romance here. Some might say that there is barely any, but for me it WAS absolutely part of the story. If you expect grand gestures of love, fluffy dialogue, lots of intimacy or passionate kisses, you won’t find that kind of romance. What I loved was the slow burn, the fact that the relationship was always will-they-won't-they tension, the gradual build of trust, the way they unknowingly fell for each other, and the way they supported each other even though they were simultaneously against each other. Their love story felt organic, not forced, and connected seamlessly into the intense revenge plot.

POSITIVE:
- Revenge + scheming. A female centric story.
- Morally grey male and female lead.
- Badass female lead.
- Slow burn romance as sub-plot.
- Angsty and intense vibes.
- Lots of twists and turns.
- Captivating story with nicely written characters and their motives.
- Mother-daughter relationship. The true highlight of the drama.
- Great pacing.
- Best villain. I’m trying not to spoil anything, but this villain is the best psychopath I’ve seen in a historical cdrama. The way he kept one-upping the leads till the end had me going crazy.
- Fantastic OST.

NEGATIVE:
Ep 20-25 were not as strong as the rest of the drama (mentioned above).

OVERALL:
I picked this up as I was intrigued by the trailer but I truly had low expectations going in. I wasn’t a fan of Chen Du Ling but this drama completely changed my view of her. This role was MADE for her and she was brilliant in it. The revenge was 10/10 perfection, the characters were multilayered, the villain was so psychotic that he had me going crazy, and the slow burn romance was a nice cherry on top. That said, it's clear I absolutely LOVED this drama (especially as I’m in a huge drama slump and yet I binged this so fast). I wholeheartedly recommend this if you want a badass, scheming female lead with intense revenge and angst.

Read More

Rollercoaster that started off strong and finished meh

This series shouldn't be tagged as romance as the majority of the story lacks any sort of romance, it should be tagged with "slight romance". Instead the genre should be mystery and drama. The first 19 episodes is quite good, keeps you at the edge of your seat but then 2 to 3 filler episodes show up which feel forced and sudden just to let the FL make some allies and pull some strings. This could have been implemented earlier. After that the script suffered quite a bit with so many coincidences and things just magically getting fixed jut at the right moment. After episode 19 you suddenly feel like you're watching a makjang things become over dramatic, FL's personality wavers, etc. But at least it had a happy ending (though I'd say the ending was a bit weird because some ppl that weren't supposed to be there were there, I understand its a sentimental/artistic choice but still felt weird)

What I loved about this:
-Hanyan's mother's acting. *standing ovation* it was superb! You really hate her in the beginning but she slowly grows on you and for a lot of ppl you might end up loving her
-The leads were actually rivals/enemies of sorts and they didn't back down and trust each other for a while. I like slow burns like that because their union feels stronger than anything else.
-Both leads were somewhat morally grey, leaning towards white. I feel like ML wasn't even that grey, he just kept secrets. But FL did some scheming and was ruthless at times which I quite liked
-all bad guys got what was coming to them.
-Happy ending yeyyyy!
-cute babyyyyyy

What I disliked:
-Hanyan's father's acting. omg! just see it and you'll know
-This series is all about girl power actually and I love that but! the forced fed feminism in some scenes... I'm a feminist and they really put me off and ruined my immersion, the message was great its just the way that it was handled I think was terrible and not at all something that fits in a Historical fiction. Yes, its fiction, but if you set a rule for your fictional world you should stand by it and not break it only for a few characters/when its convenient.
-the rollercoaster of a script it had. like it was great one second and super cheap and cheesy the next (especially in the last couple of episodes)
-the FL's personality is this: Kind but willing to do anything for her loved ones (who are very few) and to survive herself. At least that what it was set as from the very beginning throughout most of the series. BUT... around the 3rd quarter her personality shifts back and forth and it feels like a different character each time. I understand ppl have complex emotions and they don't act the same way all the time but for fictional characters they need to have a very very plausible reason for a sudden change and her reasons didn't convince me enough.

Overall, I do recommend you watching this, but don't be expecting way too much. Its great when you underestimate it and don't try to think too much about how X happened when Y.

Read More

Enthralling revenge plot with amazing cast!

The Glory is very similar to many other revenge-focused cdramas out there, but what stood out for me was the characters.
Although the drama was quite predictable, most of the drama was quite thrilling to keep my attention going. If you're looking for a romance drama, I'd suggest looking elsewhere - The Glory focuses on revenge, and revenge was what they achieved.

Our heroine is a morally grey abandoned female, Zhuang Hanyan played by Chen Du Ling, who found her way back home at the beginning of the drama. Within no time, she has been caught into endless schemes among her family, hatred from even her own mother, yet she would always fight her way to victory. What makes her morally grey is the fact that her own plans can be backfired, she would eventually lose a sense of herself for revenge and it's something rarely seen in any C-drama with revenge as the main plot. But at the end of the day, what or who really was behind it all? Everyone is a pawn, but they did not realize it.
Once Hanyan realize who truly was the mastermind, she did not stop, not even for the male lead, Fu YunXi.
Zhuang Hanyan is an intelligent, strong-willed woman but unfortunately due to her upbringing it can cause her harm as well. This is why she is a morally grey character - she doesn't know what's right from wrong sometimes and in those times, Fu Yunxi has to wake her up.
Chen Du Ling played Hanyan really well, I really enjoyed every moment of her acting because it's so natural and convincing. Some of the scenes I had to repeat because it displayed the experience she had from her long history of dramas over the past decade or so. I've seen CDL play as a villain more than once, and now she's a leading actress. The Glory is an amazing drama to place her on the spotlight!

As for Fu Yun Xi played by Xin Yun Lai - I don't have much to say as there wasn't much romance in this drama. Fu Yun Xi's role in this drama was very secretive throughout and his emotions were very stoic. Sometimes I wonder if it's the actor's poor acting (lack of facial muscle usage and esp no eye acting ) or if it's really the character. Now that I've watched the entire drama, I must say that Yun Lai really needs to work on his acting. His character is definitely full of secrets, but to say whether or not he loved Hanyan is difficult because it just felt like he was just a close friend by the end of the drama. I did not feel any chemistry between the leads. Perhaps it's because of Yunlai's poor acting that made it difficult to connect the two together. CDL carried really hard between the two. Most of the time, if he's not angry, Yunlai just looks like a dumbfounded lost puppy. Due to that, i thought the romance was not needed at all, maybe it was poor script as well but his character is useless in terms of romance. I have seen Yun Lai in The Legend of Shen Li and was quite excited to see him here but unfortunately was very disappointed by his performance.

With that aside, the veteran actors and actresses did a phenomenal job especially Wen Zheng Rong who played Ruan Xi Wen, she was always known to be a villain and in this drama, she played her role beautifully! I really love her character's love story and really wished for her happiness! The mother suffered so much and it's because of her is why Zhuang Hanyan was dead set on revenge. Yu En Tai did an amazing job, he had everyone convinced that he was a fragile, middle-aged man who would do no harm. But I was always suspicious of the way he acts and talks. With that, I applaud his amazing acting as Zhuang Shiyang!

Did the heroine get her revenge?Yes. Was the revenge satisfying? Compared to other revenge dramas, I'd say this was the best because the revenge was done by a family member. :)

If you enjoy revenge plots, thriller, and schemes - I highly recommend this drama. If you're looking for romance, this isn't for you.

Read More

A Relationship of Mutual Exploitation

Watching The Glory, I couldn’t help but see parallels to the power struggles and corruption we face in the modern world—especially the oligarchs who pull strings behind the scenes. The drama’s villain feels like a direct jab at them, wrapped in clever satire. Adapted from the web novel The Reborn Noble Girl Is Hard to Find, the series takes a completely different approach visually and narratively. Yet both versions stand strong on their own—comparing them wouldn’t be fair.

Storyline
Zhuang Hanyan’s life begins with betrayal. Abandoned at birth and raised by abusive foster parents in a poor village, she’s treated like an outcast—bullied by children, starved, and chained like an animal. At 17, when her foster father tries to assault her, she kills him and his wife in self-defense, then flees to her real family in the city.

But home is no sanctuary. Her birth mother coldly rejects her, her father’s concubine schemes against her, and her half-siblings make her life hell. Worse, she’s being investigated by Fu Yunxi, a sharp-witted Dali Temple official who also happens to be her late half-sister’s widower.

What follows is a dangerous game of lies and manipulation. Though they’re not enemies, they’re not allies either—she tries to kill him to protect her secrets, while he blackmails her for information. Yet, beneath the deception, there’s mutual respect. Both have loved ones to protect and truths to uncover.

Characters & Acting
Zhuang Hanyan (Chen Duling) is a survivor—intelligent, ruthless, and deeply wounded. She’s compassionate but never naive, willing to kill if pushed. Raised in betrayal, she trusts no one, not even Fu Yunxi, despite her growing feelings for him. Chen Duling embodies the role perfectly—stoic, calculating, and striking in Ming Dynasty nobility attire. (A far cry from her performance in Fang of Fortune, which didn’t leave much of an impression.)

Fu Yunxi (Xin Yunlai) is just as morally gray—cold, cunning, and willing to bend the law. Though he’s a deputy prosecutor, he lets Hanyan go free despite knowing she’s a murderer. His relentless pursuit of corruption makes him a target, and after his wife is poisoned, he becomes a single father fighting a shadow war against the remnants of a eunuch’s criminal empire. Xin Yunlai’s performance is decent, though at times he seems oddly detached from intense scenes.

Ruan Xiwen (Wen Zhengrong), Hanyan’s mother, steals every scene she’s in. Her cruelty is terrifying—she screams, threatens, and drives her daughter away at every turn. But it’s all an act to protect her. Wen Zhengrong delivers a powerhouse performance, making us feel the agony beneath her harsh facade.

OST
The soundtrack shines brightest in the rare tender moments between Hanyan and her mother—soft, melancholic melodies underscoring their fractured love.

Final Thoughts
Romance isn’t the focus here. This is a story about vengeance, survival, and the ugly choices people make when pushed to the edge. Both leads are deeply flawed—Hanyan is a murderer, and Fu Yunxi is an official who plays dirty. And that’s what makes them so compelling.

Most dramas force their characters into redemption arcs or moral clarity. Not this one. Hanyan doesn’t repent for her crimes, she doesn't need to, and Fu Yunxi doesn’t suddenly become a saint. They’re ruthless, pragmatic, and unapologetic—a refreshing change from the usual righteous heroes.

This isn’t a story about love conquering all. It’s about rage, power, and the lengths people go to protect what’s theirs. And for those of us tired of cookie-cutter plots, that’s exactly why it’s worth watching.

Novel vs. Drama
Don’t expect the novel and drama to align—they’re entirely separate. The book is a reincarnation story: Hanyan, murdered on her wedding night, wakes up in her 12-year-old body and relives her life with new knowledge.

Some Key differences (not complete)
- Hanyan was never exiled; she grew up loved by her mother and younger brother.
- Fu Yunxi is a prince and general, rumored to be gay (and 21 when Hanyan is 12—a very different dynamic).
- The novel’s tone is more scheming nobility than gritty survival.

Both versions have their strengths, but the drama’s raw, unflinching darkness makes it unforgettable.

Read More

My dear, let's live a happy life without regrets.

This is a story that is truly unique and unparalleled. A story that is close to realism, not bound in a traditional "we can do this with the power of our love and unlimited resources of solution because I got power." This is a true realization that everyone has limitations, especially the leads. Everyone has a person to protect; hence, you will not expect to throw it away just because you have feelings for someone.

Everyone did a great job, especially Chen Du Ling as Han Yan. Even though everyone is criticizing Yun Xi, for me , he did a great job. Remember, guys, he has many problems to deal with. You expect him to be a Prince Charming without flaws? What a joke... He was a mortal that had a limited number of resources and a family to protect.

Overall, this was a truly magnificent drama, which deserves praise. They wrapped it up nicely, and I do not have any complaints.

Read More

Just the way I like my dramas

This drama is exactly how I like my dramas, it leaves breadcrumbs for one to follow, instead of dumping the entire plot in the first 10 episodes, leaving us reeling and then using the next twenty hours for filler scenes and shenanigans that leave one stroking beards and wondering if they're still watching the same drama (hence why I'm watching more vertical dramas these days 😂)

It's clear the budget was well distributed out in the drama, from shooting equipment, to costume, location and actors. Everyone understands their assignment.

This story is solid, but it's not the usual girlboss-feminist message, it's about the journey of these characters, each of them just trying to survive the best way they can.
Be it a happy or sad ending (we're at episode 20 rn), there'll be no final winner in this story.
This drama will definitely make it to my top three this year. It's a good show.

Read More