'Agent Kim Reactivated' concludes, 'Spooky in Love' goes steady
Li Xian sits for an interview following the conclusion of In the Name of Blossom.
The C-drama tells the story of He Wei Fang, a businesswoman and the owner of Fang Garden, and Flora and Fauna Envoy Jiang Chang Yang, who navigate challenges and face danger to bring peace to their people.
Li Xian played Jiang Chang Yang, who, on the outside, appears to be carefree, but actually harbors great ambitions.
Here is an excerpt from the Q&A with the actor:
Compared to Flourished Peony, what advancements or significant differences does the storyline of In the Name of Blossom have?
Li Xian: For Jiang Chang Yang himself, his career and his ambitions for the country have reached a higher level. The political storyline involving the court and his conflict with Prince Ning is now more openly portrayed. Previously, he mostly operated covertly under a disguise, but going forward, he gradually shed that disguise. In terms of the relationship, everyone can clearly see that Jiang Chang Yang is definitely moved. Compared to Flourished Peony, his feelings for Mudan have noticeably deepened. However, Jiang Chang Yang feels that he carries too much responsibility and worries that Mudan might get into danger because of him. Therefore, he hesitates and struggles, afraid to take another step forward — but in the end, he bravely expresses his true feelings.
As the story unfolds, the patriotic ideals of the Flower and Bird Envoy Jiang Chang Yang gradually become clear. This is likely one of the reasons that attracted you to play this role. How do you understand Jiang Chang Yang's ambitions? In some sense, are his ambitions aligned with Mudan's?
Li Xian: Jiang Chang Yang's ambition is for the stability of the state and for the people to live and work in peace and contentment. This is his ideal of a peaceful and prosperous nation. This has been his and the Emperor's hope since youth. He has been striving toward this goal for years. In this sense, his and Mudan's ambitions are in alignment. They both hope, through their efforts, to contribute to the country and help the people of the Tang Dynasty to live the lives they desire.
It's been almost a year since In the Name of Blossom wrapped filming. Looking back now, what are some particularly memorable moments you have from this production?
Li Xian: Many memories are very vivid. For example, when we were filming in winter, we could see our breath when we spoke lines. During the barbecue scenes, the props team prepared real grilled food, and that smelled really good. Also, while filming, I was learning photography, so I often took photos of everyone on set and asked them to be my models (laughs). It was a crew with a great vibe, really joyful and fun.
Some viewers remarked, "Han Shang Yan gave Tong Nian a bracelet, Jiang Chang Yang gave Mudan a bracelet." When filming In the Name of Blossom, were there deliberate connections or Easter eggs planted? Seeing many viewers still mention Go Go Squid from six years ago, do you have anything you'd like to say to them?
Li Xian: I think this is actually a coincidence, and also fate. Thank you all for liking and still remembering Go Go Squid after so many years, and also thank you for supporting Flourished Peony and In the Name of Blossom.
Would you like to play villain roles in the future?
Li Xian: Regardless of the type of role, I think it depends on the script. If the story is good, the script is good, and the character fits well within the story and plot — and is something I'm interested in — then I will give it a try. Sometimes villain characters carry a sense of tragedy, which might bring some reflection to me and to the audience. I think that kind of food for thought can be meaningful.
We see you are currently filming A Prophet. The theme and synopsis are quite interesting. Could you give a preview of unique highlights of this project and the character Shangguan Cheng Ming, whom you play?
Li Xian: Shangguan Cheng Ming is a man with many identities and also someone obsessed with revenge. He started as a wealthy young master, later worked as a fortune teller, a Taoist priest, and also as a master of anti-fraud. He designs a scheme for revenge, but later finds out he himself was deceived. It's a story of "a game within a game, a con within a con," which is quite interesting. I won't give spoilers; everyone is welcome to watch when it airs.
Are there any particularly practical beginner photography tips you can share for novices? Do you plan to try anything new in your photography hobby? And is there still a chance to bump into you while strolling in a Beijing park?
Li Xian: For beginners, I'd suggest shooting a lot and trying things. As you keep shooting, you'll gradually make discoveries and changes, improving skills and experience through practice. Any new attempts will probably wait until after filming wraps, then I'll see if there are suitable opportunities. I might also go to the parks to take some photos again. Autumn in Beijing should be quite beautiful.
During your solo travels in 2024, did you come to understand or gain any insights or energy regarding any confusions?
Li Xian: Yes, I think traveling can give people energy. Being in nature more and seeing the outside world can give unique gains — things that are not easy to get from daily work and life. That's also why I like traveling and going out more now. Sometimes when I feel stuck or confused, after going out and walking around, I realize it's not such a big deal after all.
Are there any new work plans you can share coming up?
Li Xian: The most important thing at the moment is to finish filming A Prophet successfully. After wrapping, I'll probably take a short break.
Source: Sohu Entertainment
Stream In the Name of Blossom on Viki and Netflix.
