Glory

Interesting drama

It was an interesting drama, the story was good overall but some times was too much and felt forced. A lot of dead people and uh, how can they let her not marry twice??
Anyway, cast was very good, second leads were all great, special mention to the butler ^^.
But the main leads… I felt they didn’t understood their character very well, neo character felt incoherent and lacked power in the first episodes. He got better in the second half, I enjoyed his acting. Unfortunately, I felt the main couple was lacking chemistry and she played her character very coldly, it couldn’t completely justify the story for me. So I had to imagine them playing it differently, more intensely and emotionally coherent , in order to understand the story. And that was disappointing. I think if there was chemistry it would have been an amazing drama. But she had much better chemistry with the second lead, even though she still played too emotionally stiff that one scene with him. So yeah the main leads love story was not convincing for me

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Thoughtful development of themes

Delving into the results of the use and abuse of power yields many plot twists and interesting characters. Particularly in relation to the ways power can be wielded by women as well as against them, this drama follows a wide variety of characters driven to different life choices and paths as well as where these choices may ultimately lead.

Interesting with good acting, beautiful visuals.

Only one very small item, Gulnezer Bextiyar is a beautiful woman, but her face remains nearly motionless throughout. Is a flawlessly smooth forehead really worth having paralyzed eyebrows? I would prefer to see a full range of expression, but then that is just my opinion.

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STRONG FEMALE LEAD WITH A GAME OF WITS

Firstly, the story follows Lu Jianglai, a brilliant imperial scholar and magistrate known for his ruthless efficiency in solving cases. However, after becoming entangled in a dangerous conspiracy, he is ambushed and left to die. Enter Rong Shanbao, the daughter of a powerful 'Tea King'. Recognizing him as an old political rival, she doesn't just save him; she exploits his amnesia. She brings him into her household as a lowly stable boy to exact her own brand of petty revenge. The drama quickly evolves from a 'rich girl/poor boy' dynamic into a high-stakes struggle for control over the tea trade and the resolution of the murder case that ruined Jianglai.

### CRITICAL HIGHLIGHTS
Hou Minghao delivers a standout performance that differs significantly from his usual 'upright immortal' roles. He successfully navigates two distinct personas: the sharp, calculating magistrate and the cheeky stable boy. Also, Minghao's subtle smirks and 'eye-winking' musicality bring a sense of unpredictability to a character who is usually three steps ahead of everyone else.

Furthermore, one of the drama's strongest points is the Rong family dynamics. Unlike many dramas where women are sidelined, 'Glory' presents a strong female lead ( Gulnezer) whose character is ambitious, professional, and unconcerned with traditional marriage expectations. Also, the backstabbing and political maneuvering between the Rong sisters provide a 'Palace Intrigue' feel within a merchant-class setting.

Moreover, the production quality is undeniably high-budget: the series integrates traditional tea-making culture and trade as a coreplot device, rather than just window dressing. The costume design, notably the use of fur headpieces and a fusion of Eastern and nomadic aesthetics, sets it apart from the repetitive look of many 2024-2025 period dramas.

## POINTS OF CRITIQUE
While the reception has been largely positive, some parts of this drama have minor flaws. Purists have pointed out that the Hanfu styling occasionally sacrifices historical accuracy for runaway aesthetics ( eg, modern silhouettes or fits). Also, like many dramas of its length, the middle sections can feel slightly draggy as the investigation takes a backseat to family squabbles, though the outsmarting chemistry between the leads usually keeps it afloat.

In conclusion, this drama is very engaging, with stunning visuals of tea plantations and unique costume design, and a relaxing yet suspenseful vibe with 'who will out-smart who' chemistry. I RECOMMEND IT(*^▽^*)

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Addictive Tea Drama

This drama was impeccable until it fell off for me in the final arc.
I enjoyed the reverse harem, it felt a palace drama that we've been missing all these years due to the ban.
One of the major reasons why I enjoyed this drama is the way it was filmed, the traditional clothes were GORGEOUS. Everyone's acting was amazing, and of course the TEA. I love drinking tea and it's nice watching a drama about the process of tea leaves.

Gulinazher is not only a beautiful woman, but I think she really showcased her years and years of hardwork as an actress in this main role. I think this is her major breakthrough role, because oh my god, I couldn't imagine anyone else acting as Rong Shanbao. She was so elequent, poised, and the perfect eldest daughter any family would want. However, she can kick ass and is very cunning and smart. Until, she rebelled and that's when I loved her character even more. However, towards the end is when I realize Rong Shanbao seems to act like she knows EVERYTHING, like a prosecutor even though her BOYFRIEND, Lu Jianglai, is the true proscutor/judge. That's when the script felt off towards the end, it felt like Lu Jianglai is depended on Shanbao to solve crimes.

Lu Jianglai started off cunning as well, both leads are pretty much scheming or hiding secrets throughout the drama which definitely gives off the palace drama vibes. I would say their relationship felt like a red flag. Jianglai feels more like the concubine or more like the '愛妃' of harem dramas. LOL Shanbao clearly loves Jianglai but she gives off hot and cold vibes a lot cause she shoulders a lot of the responsibility of the Rong family's tea plantations. I wish, as aforementioned, that Jianglai would showcase his ability to solve cases until the end instead of Shanbao doing it with her brain, and whatnot. Honestly, the last arc felt so boring to me because it just repeats what Shanbao can do instead of focusing on what Jianglai can do. Like he could've solve the case, he shouldn't need his lover to do so. I just think the script fell off towards the end, it started off amazing and it's definitely one of my top favorite dramas of all times. I even had my friend hooked on it as well. lol I think Hou Ming Hao acting here was okay, there's not much to say cause his acting didn't stand out for me - not I am not hating and yes I've seen many of his dramas since 2017 so it's not that I hate his acting here, it's more like it didn't stand out compare to Gulinazher's.

I wish they did something about that butler guy which had nefarious plans to ruin Shanbao's marriage cause he's in love with her and clearly will never get the chance to be with her. Yet the Rong family didn't do anything about him and just allowed him to work for them regardless.
I did enjoy the 4th sister's redemption, and I kind of wish she took over the Rong family tea plantation cause why else would Shanbao had her start from the bottom? If she took over then Shanbao would be released from the responsibility, I thought Shanbao would rather be free of it, but alas, she still followed her granny's wishes. lol One trivial thing that I really loved is the 4th sister's traditional clothes esp the myriad of collars she had - they were so gorgeous and lovely I wish I had them. lol
The 3rd sister was barely there, she felt like a background character, while other sisters' stories were more flushed out. I wanted to know more about the 3rd sister, but it felt like she was basically a leech - she leeches on to anyone that she could benefit from I guess?
The 2nd sister's redemption was interesting, it turns out she wasn't totally evil in the end. I am glad she got what she wanted.
The 5th's sister was a FAKE BETCH! Oh maaah god, I knew she was able to 'see' the second she spoke with Mr. He on that one rainy night. She was fishy throughout the whole drama honestly. Granted, I kind of understand her perspective, anyone would go crazy when the elders keep looking down them. I did not care for her til the end honestly. lol

You can tell from the get-go that this drama was a high budget drama due to the way it was filmed, the amount of outfits each character had, etc. It was just beautifu
l. I am also grateful that this drama was airing at the time of hardship for me, it was took me briefly out of reality and into a gorgeous tea-related world. I enjoyed every moment until the last arc ofc. To be honest, I stopped watching when the final arc began, hence the late af review. It was cause of real life had hit me like a truck so I was very slow in finishing the final arc of this drama. I did read that some people assumed this drama was about Lu Jianglai, but I don't know how that came to but I knew it was mostly going to be about the Rong family due to the native title itself.
Thus, be warned if you are a Hou Ming Hao fan - his character doesn't get too much of a highlight. It felt like he was a lover ya know? Not his own character - he was head over heels over Shanbao and ofc he solve crimes as a side hustle. lol

Would I recommend this drama? ABSOLUTELYYY! Especially if you miss watching palace dramas - this is the one!
There's a lot of back and forth schemings between every character in this drama hence the addiction. lol As for romance, it can tick some people off as aforementioned, Shanbao is hot and cold towards Jianglai. lol
Otherwise, I would definitely rewatch when I have time.

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A different cup of tea.

A rather unusual story line where the main theme is that of dominant and liberal female values clashing with the more pedestrian male-centric society in ancient China. The main family's females decide and make choices while males play second fiddle. The ultimate display of power is not merely from martial prowess but the possession of a historically, bestowed gift.

The story line is intriguing, confusing, engaging and definitely stretches the credibility of ancient Chinese values. As a thriller it succeeds, as a romance it barely stirs the heart strings and as a travelogue into the tea-scape of China, it is fabulous.

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"Being your beloved one is like pulling chestnuts from a fire. It's a dangerous task indeed."

The first half was easily the strongest. Once the marriage contest began, the show became pure entertainment. Watching the scheming and foolish candidates compete for Rong Shanbao was great fun, as were the clever plans of the Rong sisters.

I also loved the gender role reversal, with the cold, dominant Rong Shanbao and the devoted, clever, amnesiac Lu Jianglai. The romance worked well as a subplot.

Most characters were not very likable, but the story in the first half was engaging enough that it didn't matter.

Rong Shanbao is a really cool, capable, and strong female lead, though.
The story is clearly centered on her, and I have no issue with that. I loved all the girl power!
However, she often felt a bit too flawless to me. She seemed to have everything under control all the time, which could become boring.

I definitely liked Lu Jianglai better in his role as the amnesiac servant than as a magistrate. (Why does that sound kind of mean?) I have to say his character was rather uninteresting to me.

The only one who earned a soft spot in my heart was the cute, frail scholar Bai Yingsheng.

Slightly before episode 20, when Lu Jianglai fully returned to his role as a magistrate, the story lost momentum for me. While there were still a few twists that kept me watching, my interest steadily dropped.
I liked the growing bond between the Rong sisters, but Yunshu’s arc felt inconsistent. Her unhinged behavior was exciting, yet it was unsettling that she faced so few consequences. I would have preferred them to lean into her madness even more.

The final arc began during episode 30. And well... the sudden setting change, the introduction of a new toxic family, and the abuse and murder storyline... it felt disconnected and unnecessary, in my opinion. And this kind of last minute hidden noble identity reveal for Lu Jianglai felt especially pointless.

But now, away from the plot and the characters and on to the cinematography and costumes. All of that was truly wonderful!
The color palette, the clothing design, and the interior sets were incredibly pleasing to look at. I would really like to visit that tea farm.

Final thoughts:
Glory offers an engaging and visually stunning first half fueled by marriage games and girl power, but struggles to maintain that momentum as the story progresses. It was still an enjoyable watch in parts and a costume drama I don't regret trying.

[finished watching on 22 January 2026]

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It was glorious but ended up meh

This drama started out really interesting. I especially liked the episodes where the FL was trying to find a husband. It's like a different kind of Bachelorette show. All the family drama - with the sisters and grandma - had me so invested. I liked how the sisterhood relationships moved the plot and introduced us to different story arcs. However, as we got towards the end, it just got abandoned and we have this entirely new family drama that was very annoying and frustrating. I seriously was annoyed at the last few episodes and it just felt like they just dragged the story on with unnecessary drama. It felt like all the good from the first half of the series just turned sour. I was literally just trudging through the episodes to get to the ending. I mean, I have already invested so much time on this show to just drop it. Needless to say, the ending was unsatisfactory for me. I still liked how this series made women the stars and really went hard on women empowerment but it just didn't make for an enjoyable show.

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Cast is great, but the story doesn't make sense.

I found Bao and her family very annoying and hypocritical. The same things they criticize (and act righteous about) are what they do in their own family.

ml became totally useless in many episodes like we didn't see what he was capable off since the beginning, same time fl got more full of herself

There's redemption for the granddaughters but it's not extended to anybody else. One very stupid episode was Yun Shu plotting to kill Bai (he got stabbed) and drowned him. But if "cool" cause she gave him a pill after someone brought it out of the river.

Going to the Duke's mansion and acting righteous like her Evil Grandmother didn't do worse and her sisters haven't been doing that exactly.

And then you have the SIMPS who after being treated like dogs all come running back with their tongues out over and over just to have the same thing happen to them again.

And King SIMP himself Jiang, was a let down. They manufactured a Duke family ties just to make his biological family evil and he gives up everything to go back to being a dog in the Rong family.

I really do not like these "agenda"/"propaganda" shows with these kind of unnecessary plots

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Una gran serie que destaca en todo.

¡Menuda serie es Glory! A veces te encuentras con series que te sorprenden. Llegué a ella por Neo, que me vuelve a fascinar con su Lu Jianglai, un personaje complejo que lo interpreta a la perfección. Minghao hace un gran equipo con Nazha, que también esta genial como Rong Shanbao.Todo el reparto de la serie es fantástico. Los personajes están perfectamente definidos.
Me encanta que en la relación amorosa de los protagonistas, tengan los roles invertidos: él es el tímido y recatado, y ella la directa y decidida.
El escenario de la serie es en una plantación de té, y creo que es hermosísimo.
La dirección es muy buena. Los movimientos de cámara, sobre todo en las escenas de acción son magníficos.
Por último, el vestuario de la época, es muy bonito.

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