Its villains are unforgettable—it's just a shame the rest of the drama isn't.
A 24-episode historical C-drama is a rarity, especially one led by a female protagonist. What could possibly go wrong?
As it turns out, quite a lot.
The drama opens with an intriguing premise that keeps you hooked. A kind-hearted and innocent Chu Zhao, betrayed by the prince Xiao Xun she loved, is given a second chance at life. This time, she returns not as a victim but as a brilliant strategist—sweet on the surface, venomous underneath, an excellent judge of character, quick on her feet, and determined to exact her revenge. Alongside her is Yanlai, a prodigious swordsman who has sworn to protect the Chu family.
Unfortunately, that's where the strength of their relationship ends.
Despite the amount of screen time devoted to them, their emotional connection was not convincing. The plot surrounding them also begins to lose coherence, with several developments feeling more convenient than earned.
Ironically, the rivalry between Deng Yi and Xie Yanfang became the highlight of the series for me. Both actors deliver wonderful performances, creating characters who are calm, calculating, and quietly dangerous. Every encounter between them—whether in court or beyond—felt like a battle of wits, with each conversation and calculated move an attempt to outmaneuver the other. While Deng Yi is driven by ambition and survival, Xie Yanfang is consumed by the pursuit of power and family prestige. Their scenes carried far more tension and intrigue than the central romance ever did.
I only wish the story had trusted these strengths. There was genuine potential here. With sharper writing and a more intricately crafted plot, Ashes to Crown could have been a standout historical drama. Instead, by the final two episodes, the series managed to destroy the goodwill built by its opening. I would rewatch it only for Deng Yi and Xie Yanfang. 3 stars for the villains.
As it turns out, quite a lot.
The drama opens with an intriguing premise that keeps you hooked. A kind-hearted and innocent Chu Zhao, betrayed by the prince Xiao Xun she loved, is given a second chance at life. This time, she returns not as a victim but as a brilliant strategist—sweet on the surface, venomous underneath, an excellent judge of character, quick on her feet, and determined to exact her revenge. Alongside her is Yanlai, a prodigious swordsman who has sworn to protect the Chu family.
Unfortunately, that's where the strength of their relationship ends.
Despite the amount of screen time devoted to them, their emotional connection was not convincing. The plot surrounding them also begins to lose coherence, with several developments feeling more convenient than earned.
Ironically, the rivalry between Deng Yi and Xie Yanfang became the highlight of the series for me. Both actors deliver wonderful performances, creating characters who are calm, calculating, and quietly dangerous. Every encounter between them—whether in court or beyond—felt like a battle of wits, with each conversation and calculated move an attempt to outmaneuver the other. While Deng Yi is driven by ambition and survival, Xie Yanfang is consumed by the pursuit of power and family prestige. Their scenes carried far more tension and intrigue than the central romance ever did.
I only wish the story had trusted these strengths. There was genuine potential here. With sharper writing and a more intricately crafted plot, Ashes to Crown could have been a standout historical drama. Instead, by the final two episodes, the series managed to destroy the goodwill built by its opening. I would rewatch it only for Deng Yi and Xie Yanfang. 3 stars for the villains.
Was this review helpful to you?
