https://m.weibo.cn/detail/5320641303286458

DataWin's evaluation of Hou Minghao and "KEY TO THE PHOENIX HEART":

The historical drama #KeyToThePhoenixHeart#, starring #HouMinghao#, is currently airing on iQiyi. Despite skipping the usual pre-release promotion and hype period, the drama has achieved a surge in popularity thanks to positive word-of-mouth, quickly surpassing 8500 in popularity on the platform and reaching a peak of over 2 in the Datawin popularity index. Simultaneously, the character #XiaoWuyi#, played by Hou Minghao , has surpassed 200 million views on the platform, with the Datawin character's average contribution remaining consistently high at 46%, demonstrating Hou Minghao's solid market foundation and ability to carry a drama in the new generation of historical drama actors.

Xiao Wuyi is a young general with contrasting personalities and depth—outwardly, he is a decisive and unrestrained prince in the eyes of the world, burdened by the injustice done to military equipment and the deaths of 30,000 soldiers; inwardly, he reveals a gentle and forbearing side, a supportive and understanding older man who respects the female lead's true feelings and always provides her with understanding and support.

Notably, he performed all his action scenes himself, including real fire scenes, filming with a two-meter-long fire sword, and high-difficulty scenes such as blindfolded horseback archery with red silk, all shot on location. His clean and crisp martial arts style effectively supported the character's "ceiling of combat power," and related clips sparked widespread discussion on social media.

On the emotional level, Hou Minghao's portrayal of Xiao Wuyi's "older man charm" is also a key memorable aspect of the drama. This "older man" aspect is not merely about age maturity, but also about a sense of absolute support in both mindset and action—he has the ability to control the situation, yet never acts like a controller; he gives the female lead unconditional respect and freedom, rather than a top-down projection of protectiveness. Xiao Wuyi's gentleness lies in his "knowing when to advance and retreat, and understanding restraint." His tolerance carries a clear sense of boundaries—he doesn't overstep boundaries or make choices for the other person, yet he always becomes the most reliable support in crucial moments.

Viewers see more than just the tension of love in Xiao Wuyi; they also experience a sense of security and comfort stemming from his mature personality. This is a key reason why the character quickly broke through to a wider audience. In the fiercely competitive summer season of 2026, Xiao Wuyi embodies both national and personal narratives, and seamlessly blends political intrigue with pure gentleness.

Hou Minghao's superb acting has made Xiao Wuyi one of the most memorable historical drama characters of the summer. How Hou Minghao will further unleash the multifaceted charm of Xiao Wuyi as the story unfolds remains to be seen.