The Glory

revenge drama done RIGHT with actually morally grey characters, sisterhood and strong chemistry!

The story is fast paced and doesn't drag too much and if you loved 'The Double' like me, trust me you are in for a treat. All characters are morally gray and not goody two shoes with actual secretive motives and makes you keep guessing their next moves. Both the main leads have insane chemistry to my surprise and are not to be taken lightly. And as much as the concept of an abandoned daughter pursuing revenge is cliche, this drama does right with strong fl and ml who don't take shit for any bullshit and actively strive to put the villains in their places. Not to mention the burning tension ASFHGSSHSH

The schemes in this drama will reel you in and want for more. I must admit the first two episodes seem a little to boring to me but that was because i have watched far too many revenge based dramas that the suffering of the fl didnt make feel suprised but do i feel bad for her? YES I DO! Gurl went through hell for nothing and her history is all the more reason you will want her to just tear everyone apart.

Also the bond between her and chai jing is super adorable and the sisterhood is soo beautiful to watch. Sometimes you can't help but ships those two >_<

Therefore I highly reccomed you to watch this and the male lead reminds me of Duke SU (my husband ) and Ling Buyi who would protect their girls till the worlds end.

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magnificent

oh.....my.....god. A magnificent show. Villainy unfolded layer upon hidden layer and hidden heart-wrenching love. 30 eps at 45mins ea, and I was riveted to the screen for every single one. Shock and awe mixed with both pity and love may not be to your taste but this is the kind of show where even a few episodes will be worth it for the memory.

Give it a try. I recommend it.

An FL who resorts to biting or murder when all else fails, Zhuang Han Yan, played by the actress Chen Du Ling, is a realistic character who has never been loved by anyone except a piratical female bodyguard and childhood friend. Abused from the beginning of her helpless infancy she does not trust, and given the family she meets when she comes back for revenge, she is right not to do so. She still yearns and quietly hopes for some form of love in some corner of her heart, but she is definitely psychotically possessed by a need for revenge.

She is a lonely goose poetically who flies back north to find a home. There is a great moment about exactly halfway through where she hangs an anonymous poem about herself on a festival tree where girls invite poems in response. Fu Yunxi finds it by sheer powerful instinct and writes a perfect reply, which then gets lost and one despairs of these two, even though fireworks rain down overhead.

An ML both stoic and vulnerable, Fu Yun Xi, played by Xin Yun Lai, is a shadowy personage, an criminal investigator for the imperial govt, who plans so far ahead into the future that he knows when he sees ZHY that she is the wife he needs. A man who is playing a dangerous game that is not easily guessed by the viewer, he is so calculating that he manages, thank goodness, to predict when his love is about to go off the rails in some murderous rampage. Unlike the usual romantic hero he doesnt so much as magically rescue her from danger as protect her from herself. How does he understand her so well? She is baffled by him, as are we. Xin Yun Lai is gorgeous, so it is a pleasure to wonder and watch him as he plays out his long-term strategies.

It is a character-driven story, written by a novelist who has had other works successfully adapted to the small screen. The scriptwriter and director however must still receive great credit for emphasizing the classically 'tragic' elements successfully. Pity, fear and awe (w/a bow to the Poetics), all are evoked.

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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.

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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 !!

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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.

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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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