This review may contain spoilers
Great way to start the year
A Surprising Gem!
For the start of 2025, I have to say—this one took me by surprise! I'm so glad I gave this drama a chance because the trailer made it seem completely different from what it actually is. The trailer portrayed it as a lighthearted and dramatic series, which I wasn’t looking forward to after the emotional rollercoaster of Fangs of Fortune. On top of that, after watching multiple Yang Zi dramas recently, I assumed this would be another strong female lead with a comical and well-rounded personality—similar to her role as Jin Mi in Ashes of Love. But I was completely wrong!
I’m glad I stuck with it because Flourished Peony did not disappoint. One of Yang Zi’s biggest strengths is her ability to portray deeply emotional roles, and she truly shines in this one. The story follows Mu Dan, a woman who refuses to give up no matter what hardships she faces. Along the way, she meets other women who have suffered similar fates—wives who are expected to submit to both fate and the men who control their lives.
She also crosses paths with the male lead, Jiang Chang Yang, played by Li Xian—an actor I’ve grown to love through his recent work. His character starts off as a seemingly corrupt politician, wealthy and full of secrets, but their relationship, which begins because of money, gradually deepens into something much more meaningful.
What I Loved About This Series:
• The Pacing & Storytelling – Everything flowed smoothly. The conflicts and character development unfolded naturally, keeping me completely hooked. Surprisingly, I ended up binge-watching a series I never even planned to watch, finishing it in just a few days!
• The Leads & Their Chemistry – Having worked together before, Yang Zi and Li Xian have undeniable chemistry. While I didn’t particularly enjoy their previous drama, their dynamic in Flourished Peony was outstanding. Their characters understood each other so well, making their romance feel natural and deeply satisfying. If you’ve read my other reviews, you know I love this kind of well-developed relationship between leads—it makes the drama so much more memorable!
• The Supporting Characters – A good drama isn’t just about the leads. I love it when side characters shine, adding depth and energy to the story. Flourished Peony excels at this, as it brings together a group of people fighting for the same cause, making the journey even more impactful.
What I Wish There Was More Of:
• The OST – While I liked the main song, it felt repetitive because there weren’t many other tracks. After experiencing incredible soundtracks from other dramas (cough Fangs of Fortune cough), I couldn’t help but wish for more variety.
• Season 2 Wait Time – I’m not sure whether to be excited or frustrated, but finding out that Season 2 is on the way definitely has me looking forward to it! The best part? Rumors suggest it will air this summer instead of making us wait a whole year. Hopefully, I won’t forget about this gem by then!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a drama with a fantastic build-up, a meaningful storyline, and leads with amazing chemistry, this is a must-watch! You won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 9/10
For the start of 2025, I have to say—this one took me by surprise! I'm so glad I gave this drama a chance because the trailer made it seem completely different from what it actually is. The trailer portrayed it as a lighthearted and dramatic series, which I wasn’t looking forward to after the emotional rollercoaster of Fangs of Fortune. On top of that, after watching multiple Yang Zi dramas recently, I assumed this would be another strong female lead with a comical and well-rounded personality—similar to her role as Jin Mi in Ashes of Love. But I was completely wrong!
I’m glad I stuck with it because Flourished Peony did not disappoint. One of Yang Zi’s biggest strengths is her ability to portray deeply emotional roles, and she truly shines in this one. The story follows Mu Dan, a woman who refuses to give up no matter what hardships she faces. Along the way, she meets other women who have suffered similar fates—wives who are expected to submit to both fate and the men who control their lives.
She also crosses paths with the male lead, Jiang Chang Yang, played by Li Xian—an actor I’ve grown to love through his recent work. His character starts off as a seemingly corrupt politician, wealthy and full of secrets, but their relationship, which begins because of money, gradually deepens into something much more meaningful.
What I Loved About This Series:
• The Pacing & Storytelling – Everything flowed smoothly. The conflicts and character development unfolded naturally, keeping me completely hooked. Surprisingly, I ended up binge-watching a series I never even planned to watch, finishing it in just a few days!
• The Leads & Their Chemistry – Having worked together before, Yang Zi and Li Xian have undeniable chemistry. While I didn’t particularly enjoy their previous drama, their dynamic in Flourished Peony was outstanding. Their characters understood each other so well, making their romance feel natural and deeply satisfying. If you’ve read my other reviews, you know I love this kind of well-developed relationship between leads—it makes the drama so much more memorable!
• The Supporting Characters – A good drama isn’t just about the leads. I love it when side characters shine, adding depth and energy to the story. Flourished Peony excels at this, as it brings together a group of people fighting for the same cause, making the journey even more impactful.
What I Wish There Was More Of:
• The OST – While I liked the main song, it felt repetitive because there weren’t many other tracks. After experiencing incredible soundtracks from other dramas (cough Fangs of Fortune cough), I couldn’t help but wish for more variety.
• Season 2 Wait Time – I’m not sure whether to be excited or frustrated, but finding out that Season 2 is on the way definitely has me looking forward to it! The best part? Rumors suggest it will air this summer instead of making us wait a whole year. Hopefully, I won’t forget about this gem by then!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a drama with a fantastic build-up, a meaningful storyline, and leads with amazing chemistry, this is a must-watch! You won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 9/10
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