2. Flourished Peony - Yang Zi
I watched 5 of Yang Zi's modern dramas (including Ode to Joy 1 & 2), and while she aced her modern dramas and her team is really great at choosing good script be it costume or modern, imo her temperament and vibe is more suited for costume dramas.
3. Story of Ming Lan - Zhao Li Ying
I think Zhao Li Ying looks prettier in costume. She is actually more suited starring in republican dramas, becoming a rich heiress (The Mystic Nine) or a spy (Rookie Agent Rouge), but Story of Ming Lan imo was her best work. Only watched 1 of her modern drama (Boss & Me/Shan Shan Comes to Eat) though so maybe I'm not entitled to say this.