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The Glory features the intriguing journey of Zhuang Han Yan who was hell-bent on revenge. Abandoned right after birth, Zhuang Han Yan grew up facing constant abuse by her foster parents and local kids from the neighborhood. It was not until her foster father attempted to assault her that she killed him and returned to her family in the capital city. Upon her return, she met Fu Yun Xi, a deputy minister with a mysterious illness an an agenda of his own. The story then follows her journey as she attempts to rekindle her relationship with her mother and works with Fu Yun Xi to plot revenge against the people that wronged them.

This drama is the type of drama that gets you hooked from the beginning until the end as you watch with anticipation as to how the story unfolds. Although the writing was a bit sloppy towards the end and the ending felt a bit rushed, it was enough to say that this drama was well-written. This story in this drama centers on Zhuang Han Yan's revenge, which later ends in a bittersweet glory. Zhuang Han Yan was never an innocent, virtuous, or righteous lady. Abandoned as a baby, she has lived a hard life ever since she could remember. She is cunning, resilient, tenacious, and will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She is a survivor and will always fight back. Despite her tough personality, there is also a vulnerable side to her. Due to her lack of social support, she was always skeptical against new people. She would also go on emotional outbursts and make impulsive decisions when something doesn't go as planned or when something unexpected happens. Regardless of her unfortunate upbringing, she knows how to be grateful and is loyal to the people who are kind to her. She would do anything she can to protect the people who are nice to her, even if it means sacrificing herself and her revenge. She is a very well-written character in this story that definitely leaves a lasting impact. Seeing how she has lived and her journey on getting revenge just makes you want to pat her back and hug her. Casting Chen Du Ling for the role of Zhuang Han Yan was the right decision. Chen Du Ling brought life to Zhuang Han Yan, exuding vulnerability and resilience. Chen Du Ling's visual and thin figure were also befitting for the character of Zhuang Han Yan considering the character's upbringing.

The male lead, on the other hand, was a disappointment. Fu Yun Xi is written as a master of political warfare with a calm exterior and impactful depth. With his cool facade, he bears great responsibilities in addition to being chased by time. He is a character integral to the story as he aids Zhuang Han Yan in her revenge. Sadly, his character did not leave a lasting impact due to poor casting. Xin Yun Lai definitely has the charismatic and cool visual befitting for the role of Fu Yun Xi. It is a shame that his acting was far from expressive. Throughout the drama, the only expression he had was a straight face. It was like he just woke up. The only part when he showed expression was when a prince was flirting with Zhuang Han Yan. Even then, he only gave side eyes. I couldn't feel anything from him.

Although the Fu Yun Xi's character could've been improved, the casting of other characters were great. I would give a special shoutout to Wen Zheng Ron playing Ruan Xi Wen, Zhuang Han Yan's mother. Not only did she resembles Zhuang Han Yan, she also exudes the beauty, charisma, vulnerability, endurance, patience, and intelligence of Ruan Xi Wen's character. Her expressions were definitely above par and she definitely managed to leave a lasting impact!

The ending was okay in a way that Zhuang Han Yan got her revenge and Fu Yun Xi got what he wanted. Despite the symbolism trickery in the end through the alive and dead characters' blocking, as well as their outfit colors, I wish they made it clear whether or not Fu Yun Xi ended up dying in the end, hence the bittersweet glorious ending. All in all, this drama is definitely in my recommended list for those looking for a revenge plot.