a really surprisingly good show
Initially, my curiosity was piqued simply by a desire to take a quick peek at the trailer for this show, largely due to my admiration for the female lead (FL). Going into it, I’ll admit I didn’t harbor any lofty expectations. From the outset, the production struck me as somewhat modest—perhaps even low-budget, if I’m being honest. The cast, too, seemed fairly unremarkable, with the notable exception of the FL, whose presence was the primary draw for me. I wasn’t anticipating anything extraordinary, and yet, something compelled me to stick with it beyond that first glance.As I continued watching, I found myself pleasantly surprised. The story unfolded in a way that hooked me, steadily drawing me deeper into its world. One of the standout aspects was how the director handled the dialogue—keeping conversations concise, sharp, and purposeful. There wasn’t a single moment that felt like unnecessary filler, which is a rarity in itself. Every scene seemed to serve the narrative, propelling it forward without wasting time or dragging things out.
What’s even more intriguing is how my perception of the show evolved the longer I watched. At first, I was skeptical about the production quality, but as the episodes progressed, my appreciation grew. I started to see the method behind what I’d initially dismissed as a flaw. The seemingly modest production values actually complemented the story perfectly, enhancing its tone and atmosphere in a way I hadn’t anticipated. Don’t get me wrong—I’m still not entirely sold on the aesthetic itself; it’s not my personal preference. But I get it now. I understand why it was done that way, and I can respect the artistic choice, even if it’s not my favorite.
The storyline itself is nothing short of captivating. It’s managed to hold my attention in a way that very few shows ever have. In fact, I’d go so far as to say this is the first series—aside from the obvious juggernaut that is Game of Thrones—to keep me this invested from start to finish. There’s something about the way it’s crafted, the way it builds momentum and keeps you guessing, that feels uniquely gripping. I found myself eagerly anticipating each new episode, a level of enthusiasm I hadn’t expected when I first clicked play.
I’d love to take a moment to tip my hat to the production team behind this gem. Congratulations are in order—seriously, well done. You’ve managed to take what could have been an unassuming project and turn it into something truly special. The effort and vision shine through, and it’s clear you’ve struck a chord with viewers like me.
Speaking of which, I’ve noticed I’m far from alone in my growing admiration. A quick glance at the ratings tells the story: what started as a solid 8 has climbed to an impressive 8.5. That upward trend speaks volumes. It’s evident that plenty of others have had a similar experience—starting off with modest expectations, only to find themselves increasingly won over as the series progresses. It’s a testament to the show’s ability to surprise and captivate, and I’m glad to be one of the many who’ve come to appreciate its brilliance.
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Petty, petty and more petty
Ridiculous from start till Ep 15, then decided to drop it. What could have been quit e a good storyline, with twists in the plot and some mystery plus romance- just became annoyance and angst in every episode!PETTY- the one word that keeps popping to my mind. First the mother was insufferable for 6 eps, then we learn the true reason behind it. But the concubine and her two children were #!?^*!!#!#. How many times have they slandered Zhuang Hanyan, and yet they are still allowed to be in the house and continue to slander her. After learning the Zhou yinan hired the Taoist priest and lied about her being some barefoot ghost, she shld have been banished from the house already! Such a serious crime and yet the father did nothing. Still allowed to take charge and continue to plot and slander. All the women gatherings- so whiny and petty, malicious and downright bitchy. Can’t stand it.
No thanks. Romance? What romance hahahaha up till Ep 15 there was only one moment up against the wall, and there was ZERO chemistry. Sighhhh, many gave it a 10! I don’t know how lol
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Not bad story line
I have never reviewed but I’am feeling quite bored watching this show. The story was interesting enough to be watch able despite the unbelievable plot and the production wasn’t too bad , but the ML and FL can’t act. Want to drop it, but want to see how it ends. The ML and FL”s acting is so emotionless., it’s like they’re just reciting lines. ML is worse than the FL, but overall they could have used any other actors the story would still be watch able, apart from their lack of acting skills there’s no chemistry between them. The only thing keeping me watching is really just the story line and I haven’t found anything good on.Was this review helpful to you?
Gripping and thrilling story of a comeback
The FL is thrown away to the burbs at birth because a Taoist priest calls her bad luck . Now 17 and having survived abuse all her life with her vulgar and cheap foster parents she is back as the noble woman she was to reclaim her legacy and recreate her life but will she be able to see through the schemes, the politics and the ugliness of people around her and survive the plots ? The series is meaty in its plot, great with execution, good acting by the leads and is extremely intriguing as each episode unfolds layers of conspiracy and scheming ! Not like “ The Double” but more tightly woven story telling and focused execution of the plot! Loving it !!Was this review helpful to you?
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SUPPORTING ACTORS SHINE
Zhuang Han Yan (Chen Du Ling) was abandoned as an innocent baby and raised in the southern countryside by other family, being horribly abused and neglected by adopted family. One reason, she managed to survive to find her family in the capital to get to know her birth parent as well as step siblings. Too bad her family ignored her, her mother wanted her go - marry her off to far away land while her father was a weak mind and cowardly man. On top of that concubine Zhou were a over zealous woman with 2 other step siblings who always contradicted her in so many ways. Han Yan has to always on her toes to keep herself one step ahead. Her return catches the attention of Fu Yun Xi, a deputy minister at the Dali Temple, the brother in-law who married one of her already deceased step sister.Behind all that there're big secret her family act the way they do. Her mother keep hatred and painful regret marrying the husband while her farther is the one who instigate crimes and treacherous in mask of cowardly and weakness behavior as he kills most of his family. Han Yan starts to understand the stigma each individual of her family as she reconciles with her mother. Fu Yun Xi who suffers from a mysterious illness. Seeking a virtuous and capable wife to entrust with his family Fu Yun Xi finds Zhuang Han Yan, with her exceptional courage and kind heart, to be the ideal candidate. One thing I say here though, relationship between Han Yan & Chai Jing isn't like sisterhood - they're too devoted to each other like 'I will lay my life just for you' kind of thing.
Also as I watch this drama I found that skinny Chen Du Ling has characteristic of calmness and wary smiles that suitable with ML Xin Yun Lai, He has handsome aloofness. Although so far their pairing doesn't have much of couple sweetness but I think their cold-warm relationship is pretty enduring. Ep 20-21 is where they joint in marriage with assumption of 'close-deal' rather than admitting they're actually like (or love) each other. They both act good but I think all the supporting actors are the one shines especially Concubine Zhao (Wang Yan) remarkable acting (she made me hate her character) I think she deserves an award, as well as Yu En Tai as Zhuang Shi Yang (I want to knock this bastard off to the cliff). Up from ep 21, Han Yan acts more a hysteric nonsensical woman like her mother, ignoring husband who shown his compassion and self sacrifices on to his end of life, I don't know if I like her character change. Only vengeance, coldness and stubbornness pasted in her face instead of her youthful beauty. It's a happy ending. Zhuang Shi Yang get what he deserve.
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Stellar acting, direction and costumes
The script was at times forced, but ultimately this is a story of mental illness, so a few incoherent twists in the plot can be excused. It has a dark mood: social glory can exact a very high price... but it is a fascinating and extremely classy kind of gothic mood. I wasn't over enthusiastic of the male protagonist acting, but Duling Chen was incredible in a very difficult role: we slowly acknowledge she inherited her father's carefully hidden psychosis, but her stubborn fight for love will redeem and heal her soul, while her father falls deeper and deeper into his murdering sickness. Her enigmatic mother is performed by a master actress, theatral in a traditional yet unconventional way. So the protagonist is excellent (and her costumes the best I've seen since Yanxi palace, expecially after she's married) but both her parents perform their cursed destiny to a vertiginous level. A feast for the eyes the scenography too. Don't miss this if you love gothic atmospheres with a psychological depth.Was this review helpful to you?
Good copy of The Double?
After watching "The Double" and "The Glory" I had to go see which one is 1st filmed and which 2nd. It seems "The Double" was 1st.Both are the same type of revenge story, even the title is similar.
Why I say the same:
Female leads were wronged
They return to the capital and start scheming their revenge.
Both are smart and dont fear anything.
They both meet high ranking official that takes interest in them and starts helping them
Both male leads are cold and sus at first.
Same family dynamic, jealous sister, power struggle
Slow burn romance
And not to mention same scene with a drum (you will see if you watch it both)
But most important not a single boring episode
As for the difference one has sword fights and war while other investigations.
Even tho overall, "The Double" is better, more emotional and has better development of supporting characters, The Glory gives us more satisfying ending except if you dont watch last 10 minutes of "The Double".
Since they made "The Glory" very good watch i didn't mind at all that its so similar and rating score difference between them is just by 0,5.
I had an urge to binge both and went to sleep at 4 am. I guess that means it's good right? Or better, watch them and judge it for yourself.
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Entertaining? Yes, somewhat. Good? Absolutely not!
This drama was an entertaining watch, but the script was not good, and the subpar acting compounded the problems.The scriptwriters must have been on some good stuff while writing this; it has a frenetic energy that drags you along and masks the illogical plot points and shallow characterisation. The seeds for a good story and interesting characters are there, but they were sacrificed for cheap plot twists and preachy social commentary that was poorly set up and executed.
The subpar acting by the main leads didn't help. Scenes of confrontation between the two leads that should have been tension-filled fall short. You can see the script is working to build the tension leading to the crescendo, but the female lead, looking like she's trying to remember how to act, combined with the male lead's blank face, means that it never quite gets there. Special mention goes to the actor playing the female lead's father. I don't know whether it's bad acting or a deliberate acting choice, but he comes across as such a caricature that it was difficult to take his villainy seriously.
Overall, if you want to be entertained, then this might do the job. But lower your expectations.
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Poor writing and sloppy
I don't know how this show got their 10* rating from many reviews while it had so many problems. The actors and actresses has good acting, but the writers, directors, producers decided to put them in bad drama as this. It started good and proper. An abandoned and abused daughter has to come back to her house because she has nowhere to go but she has other intention, for a revenge and for a sentimental feelings called family (who had abandoned her and left her to die). It's a good 10 episodes when the daughter finally met her real mother who holds power in the house but still chose to kick her out. I thought the next arc would be about mending their broken relationship, a redemption of a mother. But instead it went downhill. The ML fell flat, the FL is too busybody, going into everybody's business. And i snapped when they finally chose to leave the family, the mother got her divorce, only to be killed. I can't no longer continue with this ridiculous plot.Was this review helpful to you?
Started good and..
The storyline started with potential but quickly became predictable and repetitive. Character development felt shallow, and many emotional scenes lacked impact due to forced dialogue. The pacing dragged in several episodes, making it hard to stay engaged. Overall, it felt like a missed opportunity.Visually, the costumes and sets were appealing, but the script failed to capture the depth and complexity of the period. The plot relied too heavily on clichés in the end, and some historical details felt inaccurate or oversimplified. Performances were uneven, with certain roles coming across as one-dimensional.
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A Worthy Match for Nirvana in Fire – And a Villain Who Refuses to Fall
This drama is a gem. I rate it a solid 10/10 for its gripping story, compelling characters, and flawless execution. It has everything – an intricate and layered plot, electrifying on-screen chemistry between the leads, a truly formidable villain, an outstanding cast, stunning costumes, breathtaking cinematography, lively set designs, and a beautifully composed soundtrack.Chen Du Ling and Xin Yun Lai shine as the lead couple. Chen brings depth and vulnerability to Zhuang Han Yan, a girl wrongfully branded as the “barefoot devil” after a dubious Taoist priest blamed her for her grandfather’s death. Sent away to live with her father’s friend, she endures mistreatment at the hands of a mentally unstable guardian before finding her way back home. Yet her return is far from peaceful – her biological mother, the legitimate wife, wants her gone, and the priest resurfaces, threatening her life once again.
Enter Fu Yun Xi, deputy minister at the feared Investigation Bureau – an institution notorious for extracting confessions through torture. He pressures Han Yan to reveal the truth about her foster parents’ deaths, threatening to expose her involvement if she refuses. Throughout the series, he straddles the line between foe and ally – investigating her while secretly helping her. The tension between them is electric, their past shrouded in complexity. Is Fu Yun Xi truly her enemy, or is he the only one she can trust?
Once you press play, it is almost impossible to stop. At first, the villains seem clear – scheming concubines and their children – but soon, deeper layers unravel. The true mastermind is revealed as the adopted son of Pei, a once-powerful eunuch rumored to have hidden a vast fortune that vanished with his death. Tracking him down, gathering evidence, and bringing him to justice is no easy feat. He is one of the most challenging villains to defeat, and taking him down risks implicating many innocent lives.
This is what makes the drama so compelling – the moral dilemmas, the complexity of justice, and the sense that every decision comes at a cost.
I absolutely recommend this drama. Its current 8.3 rating on kisskh feels far too low for a production of this calibre – a score closer to 8.7 or even 9 would be much more fitting.
However, I find the English title 'The Glory' rather irrelevant and lacking the poetic resonance of the original. It feels somewhat disconnected from the essence of the story, as if chosen mainly to echo the success of other popular dramas. A title like 'The Return' would be far more fitting and much closer in spirit to the original Chinese title.
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one need hella strong stomach to watch dis........
well i won’t talk about acting or music. i am sure the ones who chose were wiser than me, but as an ordinary viewer i would like to say some things.warning: this review contains no explicit spoilers. however, if you’re perceptive enough, you can still spoil yourself. oh, RANT warning.
so
1. age gap and remarriage.
well okay, we live in the 21st century and we can accept and be more open-minded. but since you’re doing it, idk, at least show some experience. ik he can be justified as traumatized and suffering from PTSD or whatnot, but since you are actively pursuing FL, show some responsibility. he be like police showing up when everything is over.
2. fl is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyy (put many y’s for effect) overconfident.
she is 17, came to the capital. i mean she’s smart, so she should know that everyone here knows everything more than her. i mean there is an information gap of about 17 years. gather the information. know thy enemy, know thy self—this is the oldest quotation of smart ppl. and it’s not like there are no hints. i mean when ML first warns her, that is a hugeeee red flag. something is wrong.
3. put aside fl overconfidence.
fl is supposed to be smart. throughout the drama i couldn’t bear to see her being outsmarted. ok, to be fair, i have no problem with her being outsmarted—OP ML or OP FL is so last century—but why the whiny route? i would like to quote some examples, but to avoid spoilers i would say: carefully observe demeanor of her father since the temple where there is a red light on the statue.
4. overall
i just noticed that in 2 and 3 i ranted about FML being dumb, so to correct myself: fl’s head is better than most ppl’s. she’s about top 20% in intelligence. but she lacks information and power and is overconfident. this is a major turn-off.
5. oh and last thing about fl
she is not cruel and cold. ik it doesn’t sound bad, but watch the drama—if she were 50% more cold and cruel and less confident, well let’s just say the drama would be more dramatic. i have more to rant about fl, but more on it later.
6. father.
let’s just say i saw many ppl hating him and i say: well well well, mission accomplished. he is a true politician to the core, the ones we read about in history. i have no complaints about the character. he’s a b**ch as he’s supposed to be. again, i blame fl for being an overconfident ignorant fire.
7. mother
good, typical bipolar and depressed housewife. liked her both ways. got the vibe of that game meme that goes:
the final boss when i fight him: godzilla roaring
the final boss as a playable character: chrome dino
8. ml.
let’s say nice assist. writing about him would reveal spoilers, so just say that he is not useless—it’s our fl that is useless.
9. and i just remembered from 8
WHY DA FAQ DOES FL HAVE AN ISSUE WITH PEI DAFU’S ADOPTED CHILDREN. DID THEY KISS YOUR MAMA AND RUN OFF? why you be hating him—you never saw him, he never harmed you, or had any karma with you. you be against his literal deadass as if he be your mortal enemy.
and that’s all for today. ik this has many holes and i would be happy to rant longer with examples, but it’ll spoil the fun. so if it suits your cup of tea, go ahead. it certainly didn’t suit mine, but i finished it cuz i was 20 eps in and chose to tough it out for 10 more.
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