The Vendetta of An

Cheng yi best cdrama

The Vendetta of An (长安二十四计) has quickly become one of the most discussed C-dramas of 2025, blending historical intrigue, psychological revenge, and intense plotting in a way that resonates with many viewers worldwide.

At its core, the drama unfolds around Xie Huai’an, a strategist driven by a decade-long vendetta — a role that has drawn significant attention for its emotional complexity. Actor Cheng Yi, who portrays Xie Huai’an, reportedly transformed physically and emotionally for the part, even losing weight to embody the character’s fragile yet determined nature.  Audiences have praised his restrained performance and chilling intensity, particularly in moments where subtle facial expressions and eye acting convey deep internal conflict.  Although some viewers feel his presence sometimes reads as too “common” for a mastermind and that line delivery (especially in poetic scenes) could be smoother, the overall reception to his work has been strong.

One of the drama’s major strengths is its ensemble cast of veteran performers, whose portrayals add richness and gravitas to the political landscape of the story. Critics and fans alike highlight that these seasoned actors elevate the narrative and provide compelling contrast to the protagonist’s journey.

The storytelling itself is frequently singled out for its tight pacing and strategic twists, with the early episodes delivering several key developments that keep viewers engaged without unnecessary filler.  Production quality also stands out, with cinematic set designs and immersive historical visuals that enhance the drama’s atmosphere.

At the same time, The Vendetta of An is not without critiques: some viewers have pointed out occasional logical inconsistencies and moments where narrative choices feel forced, indicating that while the drama excels in ambition, it isn’t perfect.

Overall, The Vendetta of An delivers a dark, layered historical drama with standout performances, complex schemes, and an emotional core that stays with the audience — making it a memorable watch for fans of political intrigue and character-driven storytelling.

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Light vs Darkness

No matter how fiercely the darkness prevails, light will always triumph in the end. - this quote sums up this drama

Finished watching Vendetta of An., finally This is one of the best dramas that has come out in 2025 year-end. I enjoyed watching every bit of it, craving for more episodes. I had so much to vent while watching, about humans acting worse than animals, and also wondered if living is so important that one would kill to live. . ML's side answered my question, they killed too , so that others lived , not for greed , not for power , but to bring peace to the realm. they killed only the garbage parading in human skin . .. they have mostly forgiven or protected innocents (even if they have done mistakes , unknowingly) . I loved and hated the deposed king. it took so much death and destruction for him to grow a pair! On the contrary though I started off being suspicious of his brother, i ended up admiring him in the end. He came out as being more compassionate , politically matured and more deserving of the throne , and i felt bad that he died in the end. Some of the moments felt so helpless, and i was worried ML's side wouldnt be able to succeed . and only a miracle would help them succeed - and that miracle is ML himself - the ending was so intense and he indeed strategised the win so brilliantly , and convinsingly!

I immensely enjoyed the series, no doubt about it! And I will follow the original author's works more closely. I think the author is immensely talented.

The drama captured the essence and presented it powerfully and convincingly. I loved the fast pace .my only grouse was, it needed more episodes to do justice to all that content (choppy editing didnt help) - in the later episodes i sometimes struggled with names /characters /context , when some references made by various character , more episodes would have given us more context , breathing space to catch up. the fast pacing though i loved was so fast that i found myself racing (albeight not as fast )playing catchup.... Otherwise good content , acting , direction ..... will revisit this series again.

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A Different type of Series!

I have watched the series to its end from day one. I love the story, cast, music. It is NOT suitable for the children as it is very brutal/cruel BUT it makes me feel patriotic towards my own country and race. The pace is fast and slow depending on the plot but very relatable. If i put myself in xie huaian position, i might be more brutal in fact. We protect our family, our friends, our country too. We wont compromise on that. All actors acted so well in their respective roles that made me cry ever so often. It offers no romance BUT it offers lots of human connections and compassion and forgiveness. I love Zhang Mo/deposed emperor's role the most as he changed from a coward to a very responsible human being. Also love Gu Yu's role. Very loyal, protective and willing to do anything for his country/king.

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truly amazing revenge drama

The Vendetta of An is a drama that deserves a full 10/10 rating, combining suspense, strategy, and emotional depth in a way few series ever achieve. From the very beginning, the story grips the viewer with its intricate plot set in Chang’an during the Wude reign, where feudal lord Xiao Wu Yang seizes power and the shadowy Huben Dark Guards vanish with the dethroned emperor. At the center of this storm is Xie Huai’an, a man a strategist with influence, power, and a decade-long vendetta. His journey is both compelling and unforgettable, and he stands as the heart of the drama, embodying resilience, intelligence, and sacrifice. Huai’an’s transformation from a man consumed by vengeance into a leader fighting for a greater cause is inspiring, and his ability to outwit enemies with courage and cunning makes him one of the most memorable leads in recent dramas. What makes this series extraordinary is the way it weaves classical Chinese stratagems into the narrative, turning each episode into a battle of wits where deception, foresight, and sacrifice determine survival. The dialogue is rich with literary depth, layered with clues that reward attentive viewers, and the pacing keeps the tension alive without ever losing momentum. The supporting cast adds richness, with allies and enemies who are equally complex, while Yan Fengshan stands out as a menacing villain whose presence dominates the screen. Performances elevate the script, with Cheng Yi delivering a nuanced portrayal of Huai’an that balances vulnerability with strategic brilliance and supporting roles like Wenjing and Han Ziling adding emotional resonance. Visually, the drama is stunning, with sweeping cinematography, intricate set design, and battle sequences that balance spectacle with tension, culminating in a finale that is both thrilling and satisfying. Beyond its entertainment value, The Vendetta of An explores timeless themes of justice, loyalty, deception, and the cost of ambition, reminding us that all warfare is based on deception and that victory often comes at great personal sacrifice. Bold, unapologetic, and intellectually stimulating, The Vendetta of An is not just a drama but an experience, a feast for the eyes, a workout for the mind, and a journey for the heart, and it deserves to be remembered as one of the finest dramas of 2025 with a perfect 10/10 score. I have to add this drama does not have sad ending as people say in tik tok and once again Cheng Yi did great job i cried whenever he shed a tear, he is truly talented actor.

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This Drama is amazing

The Vendetta of An stands out as a compelling C-drama that masterfully blends emotional depth, strong performances, and polished storytelling. From the very first episode, the drama establishes a serious and immersive tone, drawing viewers into a world shaped by loyalty, loss, and unspoken grudges. Without relying on exaggerated twists, it builds its strength through atmosphere and character-driven tension.

One of the drama’s greatest achievements is its pacing. Each episode feels purposeful, allowing the story to unfold naturally while keeping the audience engaged. The writing is tight and thoughtful, with dialogue that carries weight and meaning. Rather than over-explaining emotions, the series trusts its viewers to read between the lines, which adds maturity to the narrative.

The performances are another major highlight. The cast delivers layered and believable portrayals, especially in moments of quiet intensity. Facial expressions, body language, and subtle shifts in tone often say more than words, making the emotional impact even stronger. The chemistry between characters—whether built on trust, tension, or rivalry—feels authentic and well-developed.

Visually, The Vendetta of An is beautifully crafted. The cinematography uses lighting and composition to enhance the mood, while the costumes and set design reflect the drama’s themes with elegance and restraint. The soundtrack is equally effective, reinforcing key moments without overwhelming the story.

Overall, The Vendetta of An is a refined and emotionally gripping C-drama that rewards patience and attention. It is ideal for viewers who appreciate character-focused storytelling, moral complexity, and dramas that linger in the mind long after the final episode.

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I love a good revenge drama

It was great from start to end. I did not enjoy the bonus episode because i liked that they made him die at the end that was believable but apparently he got a stab wound to the stomach and they even twisted the knife in there and he also survived a huge fire explosion?? Okay... but other than that it was great. Besides the main male lead the emperor in disguise and his best male friend were great characters i really cared for them even though i started out hating the deposed emperor because he killed tha main leads friend. His character development was beautiful. And theres something about that actor,ive seen him in other things i like his facial expressions and his voice. And the other male friend is very handsome i loved watching him fight. I love wuxia dramas they are my favorite and even though i typically prefer romance dramas,the plot and the fight scenes and the acting held up without it (which is rare) i loved this show a lot and i might watch again in the future.

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With Strategies and Wits -- Watch this Show!

When I saw watch this drama, I mean WATCH THIS DRAMA!! I want to first applaud the cinematography. Every scene was beautifully done, from gorgeous shots and angles, to exceptional color grading a lighting; I have truly never seen a show shot so beautifully! Other than the unforgettable cinematography, the acting is amazing, especially Cheng Yi. The way Cheng Yi channels Xie Huai'an is exceptional. You can feel every emotion, from pain and heart break to acceptance and wistful, Cheng yi does this character so well. The plot is also amazing, with numerous plot twists leaving you at the edge of your seats. The plot is gut-wrentching and tense; you truly feel the tense and stress throughout the whole show. This drama did recieve a lot of hate when it was released due to high expectations, but I truly believe that you should ignore them and just give this show a go. It was truly a thrilling watch.

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This Drama Made Me a Fan

I just finished watching The Vendetta of an An, and despite being extremely busy with work, I’m so glad I finally made time for it. What a great way to end the year.

From Episode 1, the drama immediately caught my attention, and it never let go until the very last episode. The intensity was consistent throughout, I kept wondering how everything would unfold. I really appreciated the pacing of the story, as well as the overall quality of the production. The camerawork, action sequences, and fight choreography were all well-executed and added so much depth to the viewing experience.

I’ve been watching C-dramas for years, but I hadn’t really explored Cheng Yi’s works before. I knew of him as an actor and was familiar with some of his projects, but I kept putting them off, partly due to procrastination and partly out of fear of wasting time. This drama, however, gave me a real reason to finally watch his work. His acting was impressive, every smile, every sinister expression, and every emotional moment felt genuine. You could truly feel the character he portrayed. It was captivating to watch.

I would also like to commend the entire production team for their hard work in bringing this drama to life. Every actor and actress did an excellent job. There wasn’t a single moment that felt awkward or forced, each character had a clear purpose, and all performances were solid and convincing. I honestly can’t fully express how much I enjoyed watching this.

Whether this story was an original script or adapted from a novel, I’d also like to give credit to the writer or author. The dialogue was strong and meaningful throughout. As someone who appreciates a well-written story, I was truly impressed. I’ve watched many revenge-themed dramas before, and often they can feel frustrating or illogical. This one stood out for how intelligent and well-thought-out the revenge was it felt deliberate, strategic, and satisfying.

If giving Cheng Yi’s work a chance led me to this drama, then I can confidently say it made me a fan.

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My April Recommendation drama

Finished this just because Recommendation Challenge from 𝑯𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒉𝒖

The Vendetta of An is a historical suspense and revenge drama set during the fictional Wude reign in ancient China. The story centers on Xie Huai An (HA), the sole surviving son of Liu Ziwen. Fifteen years prior to the main events, the ruthless General Yan Fengshan (FS) orchestrated the massacre of HA's family in a brutal bid to seize control of the powerful Huben army and dominate the imperial court. Forced into hiding, the young heir adopted a new identity and spent a decade living quietly as a low-ranking county clerk in Huainan, meticulously plotting his return while honing his intellect, strategy, and network of allies.

When the new Emperor Xiao Wuyang (WY), issues an edict summoning HA to Chang'an, the long-awaited moment for revenge finally arrives. The Emperor summons HA to the capital because he needs a brilliant strategist to help him secure his unstable throne and dismantle a hidden threat. WY who has just reclaimed the throne from his younger brother (the puppet emperor Xiao Wenjing (WJ)), but the city is still crawling with spies and "Dark Guards" loyal to the treacherous FS.

After surviving twelve assassination attempts in just one month, the Emperor realizes he cannot win this war with soldiers alone; he needs a mastermind who understands the enemy. HA is recommended to the Emperor as a man of "unparalleled intelligence." Specifically, he is valued because he is the son of Liu Ziwen, the founder of the Huben Army.

While the Emperor summons him for political stability, HA accepts the summons for his own personal mission. They form a dangerous alliance: HA agrees to find the missing deposed emperor (WJ), and the Emperor gives him the authority to personally execute his vengeance against FS.

What unfolds next is a tense, game of deception, counter-intelligence, and psychological warfare played out across the Chang'an. HA operates not through brute force but through calculated manipulation, using misinformation, psychological pressure, and the very structures of power against his enemies.

That's pretty much the story without giving anymore spoilers.

What I like:
+ Really one of the most complicated chess strategists I've ever watched. Truth to be told, my head is a little heavy from all the plot twists & how everything evolves in the end.
+ A good performance from all the actor/ess involved.

What I don’t like:
- A little heavy for my taste.

Overall if you looked for something heavy to watch, this at the end of the day is really one of the best & most complicated chess strategists drama. But for me personally, this really is not my cup of tea, if not for the challenge I've already dropped after the 1st episode. Haha…

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An Intense Game of Chess..

This was a great show. Great actors who portrayed their characters beautifully. Epic storyline. Kept me wanting to know what happens next. As usual Cheng Yi nails his role. Plus i love him with white hair. The pacing and the amount of episodes what perfect. Even with so many characters and their back stories the director gave each one their time develop without being rushed or leaving me disappointed. So many shocking surprises and jaw dropping scenes. The story keeps you on your toes. Now would i recommend it.. YES! Just know this is not a love story. This is a revenge story. Would I rewatch.. YES! I love watching shows like this every now and then to break the cycle of just watching love stories and fantasies 💜

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