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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Suspenseful, Sinister and Fatalistic: A Bloody Vendetta

The Vendetta of An is not a drama for anyone looking for romance, light-hearted moments, or a comforting happy ending. This is a dark and often brutal tale of revenge, political ambition, betrayal, and bloodshed, in which almost no one seems safe. From the beginning, the drama makes it clear that power is won and maintained not by virtue, but by cunning, loyalty, manipulation, and a willingness to sacrifice others.

I have to give the English title, The Vendetta of An, full marks for capturing the essence of the drama. This is, at its heart, a vendetta — a long, bloody, and deeply personal campaign for revenge, played out against a backdrop of political intrigue, shifting loyalties, and ruthless ambition.

At the centre of the story is Xie Huai An, the son of a prince and a capable general, whose life is destroyed as a child. He witnesses the betrayal of his father's army by his deputy, Yan Feng Shan, the massacre of his family, and his father's murder. Yan Feng Shan seizes power and places the young Xiao Wen Jing on the throne as his puppet. Growing up with this trauma and a burning desire for revenge, Huai An vows to destroy everyone responsible.

Years later, Prince Wu Yang recaptures Chang'an, the capital, and summons Huai An back to court to assist him. However, the political situation is far from stable. Wu Zhong Heng, leader of the Northern Tiemo Tribe, is waiting to exploit the chaos, stir up internal conflicts and seize the kingdom.

The drama's greatest strength is its suspense. Rather than simply presenting Huai An as a powerful hero who can overcome every obstacle, it places him constantly at a disadvantage. Surrounded by enemies, political rivals, traitors, and hidden infiltrators, he has to rely on intelligence, deception, and an increasingly elaborate network of spies and former loyalists to his father. The various subplots are woven effectively into the main story, keeping viewers guessing not only about how Huai An will achieve his objectives, but sometimes what his real objective is in the first place.

It is particularly gripping to watch Huai An's tactics and strategies unfold. He is not a conventional righteous hero. His childhood trauma has clearly left its mark on him, making him seem at times almost half-psychopathic. He is masochistic and fatalistic, repeatedly choosing the most dangerous path, even when one wrong move could lead to death or horrific torture. This makes the drama constantly tense because Huai An never seems to take the safe option. There is something immensely satisfying about watching how he goes about achieving his ends - although at times it does backfire as the young emperor can be an unhelpful baggage.

Cheng Yi is excellent as Xie Huai An. With his dark eye makeup and sinister appearance, he brings an unsettling quality to the character that suits the role perfectly. Huai An is a deeply damaged man, and Cheng Yi successfully conveys both his intelligence and his emotional detachment, while allowing glimpses of the pain beneath his calculated exterior. He looks rather fuller in the face than I remember from some of his earlier dramas, but this does not detract from his performance.

Be warned, however: this drama is extremely bloody. The writer appears to have a particular fascination with burning people alive, and there are scenes that can be genuinely disturbing. There is little attempt to soften the consequences of ambition and war. Innocent people die, loyal people are sacrificed, and sometimes those who deserve to survive are killed while the truly wicked continue to prosper.

That is also what makes the drama emotionally effective. Beneath all the plotting and bloodshed is a painful reflection on the human cost of individual ambition and obsession. Yan Feng Shan's ambition for power and Wu Zhong Heng's determination to bring his people south to kinder weather and more fertile land leave a trail of destruction behind them. The drama repeatedly reminds us that when powerful people pursue their ambitions, it is often ordinary and innocent people who pay the price.

There are also some interesting observations about power and human nature:

Even villains can inspire unwavering loyalty from their followers.
Bringing down one tyrant does not necessarily mean freedom; another tyrant may simply take his place.
The person who eventually sits on the throne may be an absolute fool, elevated there by circumstance rather than merit.

I rank The Vendetta of An highly for its suspense, political intrigue, and emotional intensity. It is an emotional roller coaster, full of moments that make you sigh in anguish when an innocent person falls or when someone you hoped would survive is killed. The constant sense of danger keeps the drama compelling, while Huai An's unpredictable and self-destructive nature makes him a fascinating central character.

Do not expect romance. Do not expect a gentle love story. Expect betrayal, political manoeuvring, revenge, torture, death, and an absolute bloodbath.

And if that sounds like your kind of historical drama, The Vendetta of An is well worth watching.

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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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The Vendetta of An — Review

The Vendetta of An is a political intrigue set in Chang’an during the fictional Wude Dynasty, where control of the court has fallen into the hands of the powerful Huben Army. At the center of the story is Xie Huaian, a man driven by a deeply personal vendetta who enters a dangerous struggle for power and survival. What begins as a pursuit of revenge gradually becomes entangled with a much larger battle over who will control the government and, ultimately, the fate of Chang’an.

The drama is elevated by its strong fight choreography, brisk pacing, and carefully timed plot reveals. Paired with strong performances and distinctive character design, the cast gives each role a clear personality and presence, while the quieter political exchanges provide a nice contrast to the action.

The story is filled with twists and turns, with much of its political maneuvering and character motivations revealed through dialogue. While this helps clarify an increasingly complicated plot, it can also leave little room for the audience to piece things together for themselves.

Xie Huaian is an interesting character precisely because he changes so little for much of the story. He is a steady rock—controlled, calculating, and relentlessly committed to revenge. More importantly, he is not naïve about what that revenge will cost. He understands the danger to himself and those around him, yet continues forward anyway. That awareness gives his obsession more weight: revenge is not simply an emotional impulse but a conscious choice he repeatedly makes despite knowing its consequences.

This makes his eventual realization—that the greater good of Chang’an matters more than his personal vendetta—a potentially meaningful conclusion to his arc. The problem is not the revelation itself, but how abruptly it arrives. The story gives us too little sense that his priorities are gradually shifting or that his certainty is beginning to fracture. We rarely see him seriously wrestle with the conflict between what he personally wants and what Chang’an needs. As a result, what should feel like the culmination of an internal struggle instead feels almost instantaneous. The destination makes sense for the character, but the emotional journey toward it is largely missing.

One recurring weakness I find frustrating in Chinese dramas is the tendency to tell rather than show, and The Vendetta of An is no exception. Its reliance on exposition and convenient plot devices occasionally makes certain developments feel engineered for the next reveal rather than naturally driven by the characters and their choices. There is certainly no lack of sophistication among the audience, which often makes me wonder whether this is instead an industry problem—whether there is a shortage of strong screenwriters, too little time devoted to developing scripts, or simply an entrenched approach to storytelling that continues to underestimate how much an audience can understand without having everything explained to them.

Despite these writing shortcomings, The Vendetta of An succeeds because its execution is stronger than its script. The production, direction, performances, action, and pacing work together well enough that the weaknesses in the writing never completely undermine the experience. It may fall short of the richer character development and subtler storytelling its premise deserves, but it remains an unusually polished and satisfying production. Among the many costume dramas coming out of Hengdian, The Vendetta of An is one of those rare gems that reminds me how good the genre can be when its individual elements come together—even if the writing still leaves me wishing

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A masterful display of political warfare and hidden agendas

(FYI - it has no comedy, no romance)

The Vendetta of An is an incredibly thrilling historical drama that takes viewers on a dark, intense ride through political schemes and personal revenge.It is a show that does not rely on cheap tricks, forced tropes, or silly comedy. Instead, it delivers a gripping, fast-paced story about strategy, survival, and the heavy price of vengeance. If you are looking for a smart drama where every character has an agenda and the stakes are always high, this is definitely one to watch.

The story follows Xie Huai'an, a brilliant and calculating strategist who returns to the capital city of Chang'an after fifteen years. His only goal is to uncover the truth and seek revenge for the brutal massacre of his family. What makes this drama so special is that it feels like a giant, high-stakes game of chess. Xie Huai'an is not a traditional, purely good hero. He is willing to get his hands dirty, manipulate others, and use complex stratagems based on the art of war to corner his enemies. The drama is unpredictable. You never quite know who will betray whom, or which hidden plan will suddenly come to light. It is highly suspenseful, and the writers do an excellent job of keeping the audience guessing until the very end.

The acting is one of the strongest pillars of this drama. Cheng Yi gives an outstanding performance as Xie Huai'an. He perfectly captures the heavy emotional burden of a man who has lived with hatred for over a decade. His subtle facial expressions and cold stares are enough to send chills down your spine. The supporting cast, especially the veteran actors who play the villains and corrupt officials, are equally amazing. There are no foolish enemies here. Everyone is intelligent, cunning, and dangerous. This makes Xie Huai'an's journey much more exciting because he is constantly challenged by people who are just as smart as he is. When characters make mistakes in this show, there are real, deadly consequences, which makes the danger feel very authentic.

Another thing I really appreciated about the drama is its serious and dark atmosphere. The show stays focused on its core themes of power, betrayal, and justice. It does not waste time on unnecessary forced romance or random comedic relief that ruins the tension. Every scene feels important to the plot. The production quality is also top-notch, from the beautiful but gloomy set designs to the detailed costumes and well-choreographed action scenes. The physical fights are fast and brutal, perfectly matching the ruthless nature of the story's world.

While I highly enjoyed the drama, it is not entirely flawless, the story is only 28 episodes long, it sometimes packs in too many ideas, twists, and betrayals in a short amount of time. This breakneck pace can occasionally make the plot feel a little overwhelming or hard to follow if you are not paying very close attention. There are also a few minor logic holes and moments where the story relies a bit too much on sudden twists just for shock value, sacrificing a bit of realism for high entertainment.

Overall it is a fantastic and tightly written drama that respects the intelligence of its audience. It is an engaging story of long-planned revenge filled with unforgettable characters and brilliant tactics. If you enjoy historical thrillers that make you think and keep you on the edge of your seat, you should definitely add this to your watchlist. It is a highly satisfying watch from start to finish.

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