How Dare You!?

From Chaos to Complexity: An Unexpectedly Deep Journey

* [My rewritten review after completing the drama]

After watching the trailer of How Dare You a few months ago, I was waiting so impatiently for this drama to air. 😭✨ From the very first glimpse, I felt like it was going to be hilarious. Even though comedy is not really my cup of tea, I was extremely curious to see how Chang Lei and Wang Churan would handle funny characters — and most importantly, how their chemistry would burn on screen. 🔥

I just completed the drama and honestly, it has not disappointed me. 🙌 I haven’t read the original novel or watched the donghua adaptation, so I’m experiencing the story purely through the drama itself. That actually helps me enjoy it without comparisons.

😂 From Comedy Chaos to Political Depth

At the beginning, I expected pure comedy — chaotic humor, exaggerated situations, lighthearted fun. The first episodes even had moments that made me laugh awkwardly (yes, that “how are you” line caught me off guard 😭).

But after episode three, the tone gradually shifted. What started as a seemingly light transmigration drama slowly unfolded into something much deeper.

The second half? It became a real palace political drama.

Transmigration itself isn’t new in historical dramas, but this drama brought novelty in execution. The plot development, the layered foreshadowing, and the structural payoff were surprisingly solid. Some moments felt slightly strange in pacing, but when the foreshadowing was revealed, everything clicked. That “ohhh” realization feeling was rare and satisfying.

For example, small details like Xie Yong’er and the jasmine motif didn’t feel random. They were carefully planted hints. Even minor characters — from Xu Yao to the scholars — had clear ambitions and narrative completeness. Their motivations were expressed with clarity. I haven’t seen such passionate, era-consistent dialogue in a long time.

One of the most satisfying parts for me is the dynamic between the male lead and female lead. 🥹 They work together. They plan together. They survive together. There’s a mutual understanding between them that feels very refreshing. They are not plotting against each other — they are plotting side by side to protect themselves and improve the kingdom. That partnership feels mature and balanced.

💖✨The Couple - Partnership and Romance

The ML–FL dynamic was honestly one of the most satisfying parts for me. 🥹 They don’t scheme against each other — they strategize side by side. They plan together, survive together, and genuinely try to improve the kingdom together. That partnership feels mature, balanced, and so refreshing for a C-drama couple.

The FL is incredibly sharp and strategic. 🧠✨ She observes, calculates, and acts — she doesn’t wait to be saved. I love that energy.

And the ML… he lived through years of loneliness and manipulation after transmigrating so young. When he met her, everything changed. 😭 Even while hiding his true situation, he loved her wholeheartedly. He barely worried about himself — her safety always came first. That kind of quiet, selfless love really hits. 💔

At first, their chemistry felt more like allies than lovers. But as the story progressed? It started to burn. 🔥 Watching them grow from survival partners into something deeper — through subtle glances and unspoken protection — was lovely.

🌸 Wang Churan — Unexpectedly Perfect

I had watched her some dramas before. But her acting there wasn't that special to me.

But here? She is stunning. Absolutely stunning.

Her beauty is almost unreal — especially in the male disguise scene in the tavern. How can she look that good even dressed as a man? And when she pouts slightly? Too cute.

But beyond visuals, she brought brightness and warmth to the role. She felt lively, intelligent, and emotionally sincere. I genuinely couldn’t imagine anyone else playing this character.

👁️ Chang Lei — The Eyes That Act

Now my favorite part.

After watching My Journey to You in 2024, I waited more than a year to see Chang Lei portray a character whose eyes carry that same raw emotional depth again.

And finally, I saw it.

His eyes in this drama do the acting on their own.

Sometimes they are filled with laughter.
Sometimes they are terrifying in tyrant mode.
Sometimes they are full of loneliness and pain.
Sometimes they soften with love.

I don’t even need to categorize the emotion — it just reaches me. It hits directly.

Dan lived in loneliness for years. Manipulated. Poisoned. Used like a puppet. And yet when he met her, his world shifted. Even when he couldn’t let her go, even when he hid truths from her, his concern was always about her safety. That silent, restrained affection hurt in the best way.

At first, I didn’t see intense romantic chemistry. It felt more like allies. But as the story progressed, their chemistry slowly ignited. That slow burn made it even more satisfying.

His performance here proves again that he can be comedic, dark, vulnerable, and authoritative — all through subtle control. I truly missed seeing that depth.

💔 The Ending… and My Regret

Now, about the ending. honestly… I wanted more. Where was CEO Zhang? I wanted modern company scenes, not just reunion-on-the-subway vibes. The emotional build-up was so high, and suddenly it cut. I felt like some aftermath scenes were missing.

It’s not about comparing or dragging anything down. I just genuinely feel that if the production had slightly more episodes — maybe four or six more — the pacing in the final stretch wouldn’t have felt rushed.

Still, despite some regrets, it remains a very faithful adaptation with impressive acting and detailed presentation. Knowing the novel beforehand actually made me more critical, but it also allowed me to appreciate how certain textual descriptions were transformed into visual storytelling.

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From Low Expectations to Completely Hooked: A Surprisingly Brilliant Drama

I went into this drama with pretty modest expectations, but it completely caught me off guard—in the best way. The very first episode pulled me in and never really let go. The writing is sharp and witty, and the leads deliver their lines with such natural charm that every exchange feels engaging.

What really stood out to me is how layered the characters are. No one feels flat or one-note. Even the antagonists are portrayed with so much nuance that it’s hard to truly hate them—you end up appreciating the performances instead. And the chemistry between the male and female leads? Absolutely delightful. Their dynamic is playful and genuinely funny, their growth feels organic, and the romance unfolds in a way that feels earned rather than forced. It’s the kind of love story you can actually root for.

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How Dare Yo? I Do Dare!

I knew that watching this drama was going to be great. Wang Chu Ran (played Consort, then Noble Consort Yu Wan Yin / Wang Cui Hua) and Ryan Cheng (played Emperor Xiahou Dan / Zhang San), you could not go wrong. Wang Chu Ran was great, as the Emperor's Consort, the noble consort / Noble Consort. She was such a strong character and she was so kind, unless someone she cared about was in danger. She was fearless and just so brave. Xiahou Dan was the Emperor and was a weak character overall; he drew strength from You Wan Yin (his Consort / Noble Consort).

This drama was serious at times, but had many funny moments too!

Tang Xiao Tian (played Xiahou Bo), was a very dark and mysterious prince. His deceased mother was formerly a palace maid servant. He was considered illegitimate. Actress Hu Yi Xian (played Consort Xie Yong Er) and was genuinely attracted to the illegitimate prince, Xiahou Bo. He used her for information and as a bed partner. Xiahou Bo only liked himself, somewhat. consort Xie Yong Er developed into a great character and she went from being aloof to having a close relationship with Wang Chu Ran's character (Consort / Noble Consort Yu Wan Yin). When Consort Xie Yong Er and Consort / Noble Consort You Wan Yin developed such a close relationship, they became close like sisters. The two of them played together, talked with each other and ate together. Sometimes the emperor would interrupt them and get in the way. There was a time when Noble Consort Yu Wan Yin started looking out for Consort Xie Yong Er, especially after she got pregnant and was poisoned. The Noble Consort Yu Wan Yin carried Consort Xie Yong Er on her back, to the Consort's palace. The evil Empress Dowager was a killer, a schemer and a control-centric person. Near the end of the drama, it was said that she was actually from the enemy country.

All throughout this drama, was was yelling at the television that the Emperor should give his Noble Consort more power; I wanted him to make her his Empress sooner so she would not have her hands to tied; she needed more power. He made her is Empress in the last third of the drama.

The final episode of the drama was so beautiful. The Emperor Xiahou Dan was in court with all of his Ministers. Wang Chu Ran, Emperss, walked into court with the most beautiful of gowns. She walked so gracefully and was so beautiful. She left the Emperor and Minister in aw. They Emperor and Empress walked back to a place laced with flowers. As the walked around and met at the end, a beautiful huge fireworks display took place in the night sky. The Emperor slipped a very unique gold locket ring on the Empress' finger. I had to snap so photos of the Empress' red and black gown. I also took some photos of the locket ring. I showed the photos to other people and they could not believe how the beauty of Wang Chu Ran, her red / black gown and the locket ring.

Actually, the ratings of this drama went from 8.3 to 8.7 on kisskh. If you do not know, that is a very high rating, that is up there with shows like Guardians of the Defang. It is ahead of Legend of the Female General.

I will watch this drama, How Dare You?, again in the near future. I Do Dare!

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A different FML from other c-dramas

first the drama was perfect, loved it and main leads had great chemistry
now about FML, in the era of boss girls and self centered FMLs she was a good one. in this era almost 80 percent of FMLs are mostly talks, we are no less than men, this sentence is ALL OVER their entire drama and then they humiliate a man to show they're right again and again if this happens in some dramas it's ok we say they're doing it to some incapable or wicked but this is happening in almost every major drama we see, in these dramas women are usually seen as angels even if they are part of the bad guys their reason is ALWAYS JUSTIFIED this shows it seems like some writers have grudges against men in general!
NOW in this drama again we saw the 'we are no less than men' phrase again BUT the difference was first it wasn't said in every single episode like they're forever stuck in a slogan mode second FML did her job or duty RIGHT and by doing that she proved her point she didn't compete or tried humiliate others. If you seen GOT Remember when Tywin said: Any man who must say, "I am the king" is no true king. It's something like that. Do what you're good at others if they're wise enough will know your worth.
Now if we move on to the relationship of main leads
Before FML, ML had one goal, survive. After he saw her he began to take more responsibilities he tried to be better he wanted to be a good emperor.
Other girl boss FMLs are like I wanna do this if you don't like it, it means you don't support me then we're done, IF this is in the BEGINNING of the show, it's ok you've JUST met and you're not there yet BUT this happens usually when the drama is well advanced or in later stages of dramas when they've gone through all kinda ups and downs. In THIS stage being SELFISH like that is too much.
FML in this one was WAY better bcs she understood ML. She considered her and his situation and They found a purpose TOGETHER and they tried to reach a certain goal together.
Being a queen of a country isn't for everyone and SHE deserved it UNLIKE other FMLs.

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Standout Dramedy

"How Dare You?!” is, for me, an absolute standout among Chinese dramas. A series you don’t come across every day — and one you certainly won’t forget anytime soon. The blend of humor, emotion, historical atmosphere, and genuine depth is simply unmatched.

And as a little insider note: it almost could have been titled “How Are You?” — and that subtle nuance already hints at what makes it so special. This is not just another generic “I got pulled into a story” trope. It’s a cleverly constructed dramedy that plays with expectations and then gracefully turns them on their head.

Not a single second feels slow or unnecessary. Something new, surprising, or emotionally powerful is always unfolding. The characters grow in believable ways, and the development of feelings is portrayed with a rare tenderness and authenticity.

And then there is the visual beauty: the costumes, the colors, the cinematography — every scene feels like a painting. You can sense the love and care poured into every detail. The actors don’t simply perform; they embody their roles. It doesn’t feel like work — it feels like passion brought to life.
For me, this drama is a true highlight and absolutely worth rewatching. It’s rare for a series to captivate me this completely. A genuine masterpiece.

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Sparkly, Splendid, Supreme!

Originally came here for both the ML and FL but stayed for everything else.

As a Cheng Lei and Wang Chu Ran fan, I was here to support my lovelies. But this drama didn't just astound me with the visuals, it gave me that chemistry I deserve. I sometimes have urges to forward moments of mains because I don't like them, but not this one. I love theeemm!

Characters Review. Wanying is a magnanimous character - typical of a female hero lead all kind, courageous, and smart. You would expect she would plan things ahead because she has that "foresight". Xiahou Dan is not your typical hero - all benevolent and noble. He was disturbed and he was alone for a long time. The fact that he was in the story as a teenager added a lot of depth to his transmigrated character. So, in the end, he didn't only portray what is expected of a hero, he also lived every step to survive and to attain salvation in the form of Wanying. Xie Yong Er also was an unexpected transformation. I didn't see myself liking her because she was supposed to aid the Prince Duan but she changed - which is a good step they did. Xiahou Bo for a villain was formidable for a 2D character. This added more interest to the story because despite not having "foresight", he was able to have his own mind. It was like a 3 advanced players versus 1 beginner level but I guess he was supposed to really be that smart because he was, after all, the male lead. I hate him by the way! Haha. It means the actor was good.

Plot Review. I can be quite harsh with plots. I dropped a lot of stories simply because they couldn't meet my expectations even if the actors were my faves. But this one really didn't disappoint. This gave me a new breath to transmigration stories. Initially, it was fun as it could get. I had a lot of laughter with the hotpot sessions, fake break-ups x losing favor scenes, Bei Shu disguise, and Eunuch An. And like we could all predict, laughter soon turned into tears, because, hey, how could there be no progress. So, sacrifices had to be made. Things had to go South. And, they would eventually solve it. Sometimes, I just give up how they solve things because we can never know with Chinese dramas. There seems to be no way, but there will be. The same thing happened here. Maybe the odd thing is, there should have been a better way to solve the poison problem. The mute girl was quite off and impractical. It lacks motive. For the ending, this drama actually gave a closure, allowing them to meet again in modern times unlike some that leaves the story in the book. The snippet from Zhan Sang's diary at the last episode also helped us see the story in the perspective of ML. It was the perfect snippet for the ending.

Music Review. They usually play the theme song when the mains are either kissing or reuniting and again, this time, I didn't skip those scenes because I like both of them so I listened to the songs and loved especially the theme song.

Overall Review. I give this a 10 primarily to boost its rating hahahahaha, don't judge me. As I said, I have my own preferences haha! My baobeis performed splendindly well! Plus, it gave us a new outlook towards transmigration stories, introduced peak casting, and developed character depths!

I know it's not for everyone, but it is for me. 🥴 So, I get to have the say!

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This is much more than a girl going into a novel!

From the beginning, I was full of laughter and couldn't wait till the next ep, then we get our ML (Ryan!) and he's from the same world as our FL, BUT only 2 hours before her he's been there. So our FL must play out this plot to save herself until she realizes things aren't as they seem, our 2D characters seem to have a mind of their own and as she's about to meet the ruthless tyrant of them all, the Emperor, he wants nothing to do with her! until she catches the line she's said earlier, and rushes up and says "How are you?" and as the tyrant emperor eyes redded, about to cry, he says in disbelief, "Fine... thank you.. and you?" and that there was the start of it all!

I loved this version of the novel. it stuck thru till the end. I ALMOST felt bad for Prince Duan but not really. when he realized he's only a 2D character and going mad. I loved how they had their wedding. I loved how they beat the system. I cried so much and laughed even more. this is on my very top of cdramas. Ryan Lei played his role so well, I am sad to see this end but I got the best ending I could ask for... of them saying "How are you?"... "Fine, thank you... and you?"

the book ended a bit differently but I'm much happiest with this ending. I'm going to watch it again and again and read the novel again and again. Ryan is my fav actor and I can't wait till his next drama.

this is a 10/10 for me and beyond!!!

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✨ Unique story with nice CP and their peaceful mutual friendship in their love story ✨

Okay… Finally finished it... So here is my opinion. Who got it got it, who don't don't. Its okay...

I cried a couple of times in last eps. OMG I didn't thanked I will honestly... I finished last 7 eps in one take. They wrapped it up well. It didn’t feel rushed. Er Lan is beautiful in women’s clothes and makeup. Younger was beautiful too. The makeup was amazing. That little girl, Flower, looks so much like Zhou Ye, it’s insane. I was like, why this plot now? But they wrapped it up well with Younger and her love for flowers and the poison cure.

I am so pissed about how she died. So pissed she died in such a stupid way, and they let her go like that.

I knew the whole time Mr. Bei was him under the mask — I was just waiting for that heartbreaking part. CL did an amazing job in the last scene of episode 30. The pain and madness were so well done. Him with long, messy hair is the best — such a shame they didn’t show that look more often. Chu Ran is such a beauty, I don’t even have words for her. CL was great as Dan, but I definitely can imagine some another actors playing him with a darker, more intense script also as WY. I think he could do much more with this too, also more darker, but they just didn't, they make him more cute than mad. Couple times he was like mad tyrant. I love Ryan really I do! Now I like CR because it was first time watching her. Still, he was cute and did such a good job. Both of them did. 👏

Bo got what he deserved — he went crazy. That leg thing was unexpected. 👏
Poor little doctor will forever live in the illusion that Younger is alive. I don’t like it. He deserves to know the truth. Giving him false hope doesn’t sit right with me… 💔
The ending part, when they all look at her as she walks toward him and cries, had such beautiful emotions — it makes your heart flutter. ✨

I liked the ending book scene; it was beautiful. But what was that real-world ending? I just knew it would be short… but it was SO short. 😡 I wanted more. What’s the point of that kind of ending if they have a happy ending in the book? I don’t get it. Are they back immediately or what? 😵‍💫 Help, give me an explanation… I hate when they leave us to figure everything out. Did they die in the book as old people and then go back? Or immediately? They should have given us one special episode in the real world. How much times I must say in big dramas I wont forgive directors or scriptwriter fort this fast ending scenes. I even dont even care anymore. Maybe because of that I started to have less faith in bigger dramas from last half of a year. Maybe because of it my thinking of rating will be different this time.

Don’t blame me, but I must say I didn’t feel overwhelming passion — I felt chemistry and a lot of friendship chemistry. My heart didn’t flutter when they kissed, but I felt peace. It was that typical friends-to-lovers thing, which I love. It felt natural. For me, honestly, they felt like a true friendship couple — which isn’t bad at all. It’s actually really good, and I love that.

In the end, I want to say it was a nice drama. It had a bit of a boring political part — I watched some of it on 2x speed. I’ve started doing that more with big dramas because they can be slow and I want to save time. From halfway through, I felt like something was slightly missing — not in a bad way. Maybe I just wanted more, but that’s on me.

The last episodes were really great, and after the ending, I knew what rating I would give it. For the first time in a long time, I might give a drama 9.5 and not 10 — just because it feels right. Sometimes I give microdramas or mini dramas a 10 and then think, why did I rate this lower? But that’s just how it resonates with me. I can’t explain it. It’s not the script, not the acting, not the actors — I loved them. I just feel this rating is right from my point of view. If you ask me why, I can only say it’s my feeling and intuition telling me to rate it that way. I just know my consciousness after 3 years of watching cdramas is different and my taste became so picky or I just get bored because I now see how cdrama works. I need excitement more, not just quality. I need to something to make me think of it every day and cant wait to watch it as some dramas did. I didn't lost interest. I still watching just cdramas. Nothing else. But I cant deny I enjoyed. Its after so long I finally finished some big drama. Thats good enough for me. Definitely is 9.5 because of some things I would like to be different or better portrayed. Even tho. I recommend this unique story because it was lovely.

I loved when and how they used How are you and Thank you, and you sentences. 💕

Kudos to all of them — and of course to the costume designer, makeup artists, and hairstylists. It was a great journey, even though I didn’t read the novel. Thanks to the writer for such a unique story. ✨💕🥰

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Madness, Mayhem and Too Many Emotions

Let me start of by saying that I LOVE THIS DRAMA ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Although the plot and the theme of the drama is far beyond overused, however this drama did a wonderful job in every aspect required.

I will try to write my review without much spoilers.

The writer and the director did a wonderful job in how the pacing of the story went, there was not even a scene that was not required, or was not entering. I normally don't have much expectation of the live action as the production team often tend to add their on take, however this drama managed to stay true to the original story (There were minuscule changes, if I am being 100% honest, but don't care 🤷🏻‍♀️).

Whoever did the casting for this drama requires a pay raise, as they did a fabulous job in finding Yu Wan Yin / Wang Cui Hua and Xiahou Dan / Zhang San. The actors did a wonderful job in brining the characters alive and their chemistry was absolutely marvellous. Starting from the main leads to the side characters, every character was well paid. The male lead (Ryan Cheng) did an excellent job of portraying various emotions as well go deeper into the story. His facial expression are great to the point sometimes I find myself smiling as a response to the scene. The FL (Wang Chu Ran) was great choice as well as she portrayed a FL who was trying to survive a storyline that went against her, her mannerisms and action were spot on and held my attention. One other character I would like to mention is Tang Xiao Tian who played Xiahou Bo (The villain/original ML). I hated his character till the very end to the point I had no sadness when he was in the state he was, but that goes to show how much of an incredible actor he is and his efforts towards the drama, so hats off to him. Also the fact that he is trying an antagonistic character for a change out side of his ML role shows his artistic perception and abilities.

The OST of this drama is also peace worthy as it combined comedic elements where needed as well as some OST's did an excellent job in elevating the mood within the drama.

Overall, it is a well presented drama in the recent years of this particular genre.

I would 100% rewatch this drama.

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