This review may contain spoilers
Don't waste your time watching this
Like my S1 review I want to start the positives. When the leads finally got together, they are so sweet! The acting in this drama definitely deserves an applause, especially in S1, you cried with the characters, you laughed with the characters, it's a shame that the screenwriters completely ruined this. I had pointed this out in my other review, but I want to say it again: out of the 56 episodes of both seasons, they are together for 7! 7!! thats insane especially since they had chemistry so early in the show. It just became a routine of watching the show on ×2 speed and skipping until something finally happened between them. I understand that S1 may be focusing on Mu Dan's career and all, but their chemistry was so good it makes sense for them to get together in S2, then we have a sweet S2 with our couple, but no the writers drag it through the gutter and use absolutely illogical and ridiculous plots like having Liu Lang sabotage their relationship and that cliche excuse 'oh we can't be together, its too dangerous'. I was so fed up with the whole show I watched it on ×2 speed and just skipped. I only stayed waiting for the romance in the end.Aside from romance the plot was not it either. It was nice to see some more characters being flushed out, especially Jiang Chang Yang and his past, but that was where the positives stopped. The takedown of Prince Ning was so anticlimactic, I didn't feel any satisfaction. Also the cliche faked death was not helpful either. Furthermore, the whole backstory with the FL's mother being murdered was the most unnecessary plot point ever. It makes no sense, and did not add to the plot or characters at all. It was just there for that little bit of angst.
Honestly, don't waste your time watching this, but listen to the OST, I loved it!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Lots to love but a bit disappointing TBH
This story continues the story from Flourished Peony also starring Yang Zi as Mudan and Li Xian As Jiang Changyang but gets a bit pedestrian in places though Jiang’s ghost, popping up in Mudan’s consciousness broke my heart.The two main characters continue to deepen their feelings and eventually (and I really do mean eventually 🤦🏼♀️) admit their feelings. The bad guys lose but even though they come to a sticky end I still feel very sad for Lui Chang, played so convincingly by Miles Wei as he continues to be a pawn cruelly used by Prince Ning (brilliantly played by Tu Song Yan who couldn’t be a more dominant, dysfunctional and selfish father and the absolute opposite of the cute, shy and supportive one he was in Go Ahead opposite Tang Songyun and Song Weilong) who realises too late that he’s backed the wrong team.
Overall the script writers did a great job, adding depth and subplot magic to this drama through the use of its supporting cast. There are plenty of other relationships that develop and for once we don’t really lose any main good guys to some pointless plot line which is refreshing but the end the concluding scenes was too sappy even for my taste. That said, why on earth the emperor didn’t just stab Prince Ning instead of completely collapsing to him I really don’t understand- this part could have been better written so I deducted points for this.
The production values, fight scenes and costumes/ makeup was top notch and often subtly conveyed additional context that the dialogue and acting alone did not which just gained this drama points in my eyes.
Would I watch this again? No because I was only watching it for the playful banter between Yang Zi and Li Xian and I think they did a better job in Go Go Squid
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Overcoming Blossoming
In the name of Blossom is the highly anticipated sequel and the third drama collaboration between Yang Zi and Li Xian, and their on-screen chemistry is simply breathtaking. Despite the title change, thanks to the director and author’s quick decision, fans didn’t have to wait long for this installment — and it was absolutely worth it. Yang Zi, my #1 favorite Chinese actress, delivers another stunning performance as He Wei Fang, bringing depth, strength, and grace to her character. Li Xian, as Jiang Chang Yang, perfectly balances quiet determination with emotional intensity, making his role unforgettable. The supporting cast, especially Miles Wei and Zhang Ya Qin, add emotional weight, portraying pain and heartbreak so well that it’s impossible not to sympathize with their struggles. The story continues as Fang Garden’s peony cultivation business thrives under Wei Fang’s care, aided by Chang Yang, but new challenges arise when she learns of her mother’s passing and decides to open a medical clinic to help those who cannot afford treatment. Meanwhile, Chang Yang secretly plans a rebellion to return power to the people, facing immense danger along the way. As politics, sacrifice, and love intertwine, the question remains: can Wei Fang and Chang Yang find peace together, or will fate pull them apart again? Beautifully written, emotionally powerful, and visually stunning, this drama delivers everything fans hoped for and more.Was this review helpful to you?
It is a good sequel of Flourished Peony, as Mu Dan and Chang Yang faced political unrest.
In the Name of Blossom is a sequel to Flourished Peony, continuing the lives of Mu Dan and Jiang Chang Yang as they turn their pretended marriage into reality, facing political and financial setbacks.Synopsis: He Wei Fang, the gifted proprietor of Chang’an’s thriving Fangyuan Garden, earns renown when she orchestrates a stunning peony display for foreign envoys. After uncovering the truth behind her mother’s death, she turns from commerce to compassion, opening clinics and teaching trades. Together with Jiang Chang Yang, she aids the emperor during a time of political unrest. She helps suppress Prince Ning’s rebellion, all while nurturing a powerful love that withstands hardship. (Source: SpillTheDramaTea at kisskh)
My Reviews:
Acting: 8
Script: 7
Music/OST: 7
Production Quality: 8
Cinematography: 8
Onscreen Chemistry: 8
Rewatchable: 6
Overall Rating: 7.5
Was this review helpful to you?
Here's the good stuff.
Here's the good stuff.I'm writing two separate reviews for both parts and this will be just for the second half In the name of Blossom.
Before we get into anything negative, I want to praise this show for many aspects that I wholeheartedly enjoyed. The cinematography was amazing, there was never a single scene in this show that looked ugly. So many shots from both parts that actually gave me goosebumps on multiple occasions. I really liked the production value, hardly ever did the show have cheap, disposable looking sets or props. You could tell a lot of money and effort went into how this show looks and feels, the production team was most certainly on point. The music was great as well! So many memorable tracks that fit the scenes perfectly. Another positive call out was for the cast. This is the best I have ever seen from Yang Zi! It's so refreshing to see her break out of the comedic scamp role. She's very mature and arresting in this drama. Our ML is played by Li Xian who proves to you once again that he has range, his character hides a double identity for certain reasons. It's amusing to see him flip that switch over the course of this series. The main leads had excellent chemistry, and were so amazing to watch together. The first half of this show really sold me on this couple and I really wanted to see them make it work. I also enjoyed the depiction of the women in this show. In a patriarchal society, it can be very difficult for a woman to find her way in life, even in modern days… Seeing such varied women with their own problems to overcome was also satisfying. In most dramas women are pitted against each other and barely ever understand how one another might be feeling. This show has a female lead who recognizes the difficulties any woman faces regardless of class or social status.
My main issue with FP (part 1) was how repetitive and boring a lot of the scenes are. It was frustrating to be halfway through the drama and our leads are dealing with some really basic issues.
ITNOB completely turns that on its head, it's romantic, exciting and heartbreaking from beginning to end! The conflicts really get turned up and its so satisfying to see our female lead FINALLY operating on a higher level. Yang Zi was the MVP of this story and I loved it. Great watch!
I would only rewatch SOME of part 1 but I would absolutely demolish a rewatch of part 2.
Was this review helpful to you?
Very pro-woman like part 1
LIKEDISLIKE
Liu Lang just like Sheng Yi grow up without receiving any love very possessive
Liu Lang always self-pity very annoying always trying to sabotage FL and ML - he is a jerk
Scriptwriter is insane always torturing the characters.. constantly being accused and they suffered so much
This idiot Liu Chang everytime bringing danger to Mu Dan - he knew it but still continue giving her trouble
Some of the hairstyles just ugly I cannot take it
Second half kind of boring same old revenge cliche fast forward from episodes 18 to end
MUSIC - personal fav
霓光 Ni Guang - 郁可唯 Yu Ke Wei
REWATCH VALUE
Nope
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Stop the angst train!
At the end of Flourish Peony, things are looking up. Business is booming, their fake marriage could become real with one kiss. While it didn't exactly end on a high, it was full of promise. I was genuinely looking forward to the continuation of their story.The start of S2 dashed my hopes. It was disaster after disaster. I can even accept the pain if the love line moves forward. The leads are obviously in love, but they kept dancing around each other. It went nowhere for 11 eps. The final straw is when the ML played the all-mighty Noble Idiot Card™! I was ready to rage quit.
Ye gods, I haven't felt like this for a long time. The show is still great. I can't fault the acting nor the production, they are S tier (as you would expect). It just feels like the show is mocking me. The drama kept teasing me and giving me false hopes. Yet it delivers naught. Consider we waited patiently for 6 months for this, it felt like a gut punch.
I have no doubt this drama was caught in the middle of the rule change regarding drama length. The production company chopped the show in two with scant consideration of how the halves will work after a 6-month hiatus.
As it stands, 2/3 of this new "chapter" feels jarring. We are dropped into a world of hurt. The OTP made scant progress with their relationship but faced setbacks after setbacks. It is literally all pain and no gain.
We finally hit paydirt in EP.17. This is the equivalent of 49 eps and 6+ months in real time before our leads are finally official! So much teasing, meaningful gazes and pining at the moon. Thankfully, the skinship quota went from 0 to 100 in 3 seconds. So much penned up passion on display! We give thanks for any fan service we are about to receive. Amen.
Will you be surprised if I told you the writer then hit us with the weaponised kitchen sink PLUS dishwasher combo? Ep.19/20 are the crème de la crème of angsty twists. Thankfully, the plot armour or maybe the Force is strong with our leads.
This is where I think the show is too focused on the palace intrigue. It sucks all the oxygen from the OTP's storyline. Granted, the antagonist's endless scheming is a ready source of angst, but it is so transparent. There are no subtleties with their machinations.
I rated Flourish Peony 9/10. This part is an 8 only because the last few eps bring home the bacon, otherwise, it would be a 7.5. If it was one 60 eps run, it would have worked better. The forced break in the middle did the show no favour.
It is done and dusted. Peace.
Was this review helpful to you?
The most valuable thing in life is having hope and an open mind.
My biggest takeaway from this show is that the most valuable things in life are having hope and an open mind. Mudan and Jiang Chang Yang suffered greatly and lost many friends along the way. At times, their situation seemed hopeless, but faith and being willing to change/learn different perspectives were what kept them afloat. Although there were some moments that irritated me during this drama, I am grateful for the journey and enjoyed the story. If you are looking for a show about friendship, change, and a dash of romance, this is the show for you. Yang Zi, Li Xian and the rest of the cast did a great job. I look forward to watching their future works.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
HEAVY THICK MAKE-UP
First thing we notice on this drama is the heavy thick make-up on all actresses and actors. So heavy we can see the different color of their contour on nose line, good thing these guys are professional they still convey emotion in their acting through all that face cover. This is the second season of Flourish Peony with different title, I like the first one as it was new idea of screen-writing, the 2nd one though kind of boring. We knew the basic concept of the story-line, knew each characters, knew the villain - it's just the extension of what 1st season has already laid out. Of course, we want to know the end of drama but continuations episodes with no much differences. My best guess is this drama actually 56 ep total but made into 2 division because of China's regulation. But if they don't cut into 2 seasons, it might be just make sense because audience still be excited with it's moment, before losing interest after a year gap. At least that's what I thought.All disaster happens to He Wei Fang (Yang Zi) and Jiang Chang Yang (Li Xian) are the result of Prince Ning's family and his minion's actions. Like they shouldn't see anywhere else, it's them Prince Ning did it (or under his order) or his daughter or son in law, they should have just prepared themselves when they bump problems - don't look anyone else. Love obsessiveness Liu Chang towards Wei Fang, Li You Zhen towards Liu Chang is tiring...I think I am over them. It isn't me, I mean when someone told him/her 'not interested' can we just move on already rather forcing it...or worse kill or intent for destruction. Ep 10 On Jiang Chang Yang begin to reveal his declaration serving the country and his allegiance to the Emperor, so of course He Wei Fang support his mission being a good wife she is. The two gradually develop a secret love. After a near-death experience, the two work together to put down a rebellion, and both retreat into the world of heaven and earth.
I think the guy Tu Song Yan (Prince Ning) is good, I meant I hate his character. He embodied greed and ambition, he think himself is more deserving as Emperor than his little brother. He uses his royal status to get away shady things, carefully loyal in front of the Emperor but instigate nuisances. Tu Song Yang is usually play the nicest guy (Go Ahead, Meet Yourself) but in this drama, his appearance totally change and dubiously malicious character. His daughter is not much different. The more episode progress the more I feel this drama is kind of preachy, beautiful perfect Saint He Wei Fang, she doesn't have flaws no mistakes no wrong no slips. Like everybody adores & love her, everybody praises, adulate her, so generous so kind. Bleh...
I think Yang Zi and Li Xian are compatible, they're close to age, so comfortable to each other. They're looking good together. Oh, I dropped this drama. Bleh.....she's a self religious...enough with her holiness He Wei Fang.
Was this review helpful to you?
Was this review helpful to you?
In the Name of Blossom -A Peony in Full Bloom (And My Heart on Fire)
Let’s start with the logistics: In the Name of Blossom is actually Part 2 of the Tang‑era saga. It follows Flourished Peony (国色芳华) and aired its second half on June 30, 2025 — while Part 1 began in early January 2025 .At the heart of the story is the FL He Weifang -a divorced, savvy peony cultivator with razor-sharp business instincts, rebounds from a transactional polity marriage to build an all‑women enterprise, turning horticulture into empowerment with flair
ML, her counterpart, Jiang Changyang, enters as a seemingly mild-mannered official with a solid core and unexpected heroism.
Together, they’re a fermented blend of strategy, soul, and - let’s face it-heating chemistry. She brings the business genius; he brings the statecraft muscle. Watching them navigate rebellion, romance, and societal change? Chef’s kiss.
Why It Still Sparkles? - Its a visual and cultural splendour. This drama doesn’t skimp on the aesthetic. A fan wrote: “I didn't really enjoy this show but can't deny it had EXQUISITE production and some of best‑textured sets and night lighting I’ve even seen in a Chinese costume drama.” Every scroll, every courtyard scene feels like stepping into a peony‑perfumed painting.
It was woman empowerment at every petal. He Weifang isn’t waiting for rescue-she is the rescue. She launches a flower shop that becomes a bold statement of independence and community, especially among women with rough pasts .
That blend of femininity and fire? Major empowerment vibes. Perfect Pacing, Fan Frenzies couldn’t contain their excitement for Part 2—calling S1 “one of my favorite dramas of ALL TIME!!!” and counting down the days until the return
Spoiler: The pacing stays sharp, the chemistry stays blazing, and the stakes stay high.
Top Spot: In the Name of Blossom pilfers hearts by day, reignites them by night—with mind, muscle, and botanical brilliance.
I would give In the Name of Blossom a solid ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (9.5/10)
That tiny half-point deduction? Only so I do not look completely biased (and to account for the brief heart-stopping scare when I thought it might end sadly).
Was this review helpful to you?
Beautiful story
Both seasons connected with each other. The pace start slowly in seasons 1. Start from middle seasons 2 the story starting very interesting. I like team player method of the main lead. How the wife main lead keep her husband still to have reasons to life, very good .The main lead acting very good.
The soundtrack is good
Was this review helpful to you?
