The Kingdom or Her Heart - can it be both?
The sequel to Flourished Peony comes with sky-high expectations—and for good reason. The original had us hooked with He Wei Fang (aka Peony)’s harrowing journey: deceived into a toxic marriage, robbed of her dowry, and nearly killed by her in-laws. Her escape marked the start of her transformation, but her ex-husband’s sudden desire to win her back sets the stage for this next chapter.
Jealousy enters in the form of the County Princess, who sees Peony as a threat and tries to eliminate her. Enter Jiang Chang Yang—charismatic, corrupt, and complicated—who helps Peony reclaim her mother’s estate and turn it into a thriving business. To shield her from danger, he takes her in as his concubine.
If you have seen the first drama, you will want to watch this sequel. However, while the sequel remains highly entertaining, it does not quite match the gripping originality of its predecessor (which I rated a solid 10). Spoilers on sites like kisskh take some tension out of the ending, and there are a few plot weaknesses and clichés that slightly drag the drama down—but only slightly. I still give it a 9.
The slow-burn romance between Peony and Jiang is a major highlight. Both hide their feelings: Peony, convinced he is just a charming flirt; Jiang, fearful that drawing her closer could make her a target in his impending clash with Prince Ning. But someone has to crack first—can you guess who?
The plot to bring down Prince Ning raises the stakes. Jiang, knowing the dangers, tries to send Peony away. History has shown that anyone who opposes the Prince risks not just their lives but their families’.
A Few Quibbles:
A supposedly fatal stabbing by Prince Ning is reversed later with the flimsy excuse that he deliberately missed the heart. Realistically, a twisted dagger anywhere into the lungs should have been fatal. The writer should think of something better.
When the lead hero 'dies' with several episodes to go, it is obvious he will return—so the drama loses suspense.
His refusal to reveal he is alive because “it is hard to explain” feels weak. As someone who roots for justice, I felt cheated that he never received proper recognition for his heroism.
Highlights:
The chemistry between Li Xian (Jiang) and Yang Zi (Peony) is magnetic—intense gazes, passionate kisses, and believable emotional pull. Their real-life connection as former schoolmates only fuels the speculation that there is a real-life connection. The secondary couple, too, shines—Wei Zhe Ming is a standout with expressive acting and undeniable good-looks. The production quality, acting, and character arcs are top-notch.
Also, the show delivers emotionally. One antagonist’s breakdown—confessing he resents Prince Ning for crippling him and destroying his dreams—adds depth to his character. Sadly too, he starts with lofty ideas and righteousness but is destroyed by people close to him and his own obsession. His final fate, just as life was looking up for his romantic life, is tragic but dramatically effective.
Verdict: Despite a few narrative stumbles, this is a richly satisfying follow-up. If you loved Flourished Peony, the sequel is a must-watch. Together, they form a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant drama. Highly recommended.
Jealousy enters in the form of the County Princess, who sees Peony as a threat and tries to eliminate her. Enter Jiang Chang Yang—charismatic, corrupt, and complicated—who helps Peony reclaim her mother’s estate and turn it into a thriving business. To shield her from danger, he takes her in as his concubine.
If you have seen the first drama, you will want to watch this sequel. However, while the sequel remains highly entertaining, it does not quite match the gripping originality of its predecessor (which I rated a solid 10). Spoilers on sites like kisskh take some tension out of the ending, and there are a few plot weaknesses and clichés that slightly drag the drama down—but only slightly. I still give it a 9.
The slow-burn romance between Peony and Jiang is a major highlight. Both hide their feelings: Peony, convinced he is just a charming flirt; Jiang, fearful that drawing her closer could make her a target in his impending clash with Prince Ning. But someone has to crack first—can you guess who?
The plot to bring down Prince Ning raises the stakes. Jiang, knowing the dangers, tries to send Peony away. History has shown that anyone who opposes the Prince risks not just their lives but their families’.
A Few Quibbles:
A supposedly fatal stabbing by Prince Ning is reversed later with the flimsy excuse that he deliberately missed the heart. Realistically, a twisted dagger anywhere into the lungs should have been fatal. The writer should think of something better.
When the lead hero 'dies' with several episodes to go, it is obvious he will return—so the drama loses suspense.
His refusal to reveal he is alive because “it is hard to explain” feels weak. As someone who roots for justice, I felt cheated that he never received proper recognition for his heroism.
Highlights:
The chemistry between Li Xian (Jiang) and Yang Zi (Peony) is magnetic—intense gazes, passionate kisses, and believable emotional pull. Their real-life connection as former schoolmates only fuels the speculation that there is a real-life connection. The secondary couple, too, shines—Wei Zhe Ming is a standout with expressive acting and undeniable good-looks. The production quality, acting, and character arcs are top-notch.
Also, the show delivers emotionally. One antagonist’s breakdown—confessing he resents Prince Ning for crippling him and destroying his dreams—adds depth to his character. Sadly too, he starts with lofty ideas and righteousness but is destroyed by people close to him and his own obsession. His final fate, just as life was looking up for his romantic life, is tragic but dramatically effective.
Verdict: Despite a few narrative stumbles, this is a richly satisfying follow-up. If you loved Flourished Peony, the sequel is a must-watch. Together, they form a beautifully crafted, emotionally resonant drama. Highly recommended.
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