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behold my #1 drama of 2025
this historical gem is based on Ma Boyong’s 2021 novel Lychees of Chang'an and, in an unusual twist, had both a film and drama adaptation released in the same year.
the basic premise is familiar: a ticking clock, with the protagonist having to deliver fresh litchis from Lingnan to Chang’an, a journey of over 1,000 miles, for the birthday of the emperor’s favourite concubine. the details of this story are largely unfamiliar but as each new character and landscape is introduced, they settle comfortably into the narrative framework so that by the end, it feels that we have known them for a long time.
the cast is led by Lei Jiayin as Li Shande, a socially awkward official who is conned by his colleagues into taking on a task that every department knows is impossible and an effective death sentence for whoever ends up with it. Lei Jiayin brings us a neurodivergent-coded, gently obsessive person with occasional flashes of frustration that were deeply human and believable.
I’d also call out veteran Feng Jiayi for his portrayal of a conniving, transactional rural official who does not balk at discarding even his closest associates when they are no longer of use; and Nashi, with vivid and colourful visuals which contrast with the restrained exterior and emotional core of Amita, the leader of the Lingnan trader branch. I cannot praise these actors and the rest of the cast enough for bringing their characters so solidly to life and allowing us to truly appreciate how this journey unfolds without distraction.
the costumes, cinematography and art direction were bold and colourful and although some critics have some negative commentary on this, personally I have nothing but compliments. the overall look of the series is beautiful, and the choices appear intentional and designed with care even if at first glance they may appear wild. I was enthralled and more than once found myself hitting rewind either to admire or screenshot a particular frame.
a particular moment of outré comedy in episode 7 was the catalyst to take this unfolding story from likeable to something I was unashamed to admit that I loved. there were a few other bizarre moments sprinkled throughout, with enough restraint so as not to become tiresome. the closing credits contained various songs in an eclectic rotation, including Liu Yuning’s thoroughly entertaining 逍遥仙 (Carefree Immortal).
the last few episodes suffered from some slipshod editing, which appears to be the result of last-minute changes after the drama had started airing. while this was noticeable, the drama had built up so much credit with me that I was hesitant to downgrade its rating. taking a leaf from Li Shande’s logical brain, I simply reallocate the bonus point accrued from the first three-quarters to that last section, and give it full marks.
in short, this is a drama about ordinary people and how they survive within systems designed for rulers and wealth. it's a deeply human story and a strong recommend for anyone interested in non-idol historical C-dramas or the many stories of Ma Boyong.
the basic premise is familiar: a ticking clock, with the protagonist having to deliver fresh litchis from Lingnan to Chang’an, a journey of over 1,000 miles, for the birthday of the emperor’s favourite concubine. the details of this story are largely unfamiliar but as each new character and landscape is introduced, they settle comfortably into the narrative framework so that by the end, it feels that we have known them for a long time.
the cast is led by Lei Jiayin as Li Shande, a socially awkward official who is conned by his colleagues into taking on a task that every department knows is impossible and an effective death sentence for whoever ends up with it. Lei Jiayin brings us a neurodivergent-coded, gently obsessive person with occasional flashes of frustration that were deeply human and believable.
I’d also call out veteran Feng Jiayi for his portrayal of a conniving, transactional rural official who does not balk at discarding even his closest associates when they are no longer of use; and Nashi, with vivid and colourful visuals which contrast with the restrained exterior and emotional core of Amita, the leader of the Lingnan trader branch. I cannot praise these actors and the rest of the cast enough for bringing their characters so solidly to life and allowing us to truly appreciate how this journey unfolds without distraction.
the costumes, cinematography and art direction were bold and colourful and although some critics have some negative commentary on this, personally I have nothing but compliments. the overall look of the series is beautiful, and the choices appear intentional and designed with care even if at first glance they may appear wild. I was enthralled and more than once found myself hitting rewind either to admire or screenshot a particular frame.
a particular moment of outré comedy in episode 7 was the catalyst to take this unfolding story from likeable to something I was unashamed to admit that I loved. there were a few other bizarre moments sprinkled throughout, with enough restraint so as not to become tiresome. the closing credits contained various songs in an eclectic rotation, including Liu Yuning’s thoroughly entertaining 逍遥仙 (Carefree Immortal).
the last few episodes suffered from some slipshod editing, which appears to be the result of last-minute changes after the drama had started airing. while this was noticeable, the drama had built up so much credit with me that I was hesitant to downgrade its rating. taking a leaf from Li Shande’s logical brain, I simply reallocate the bonus point accrued from the first three-quarters to that last section, and give it full marks.
in short, this is a drama about ordinary people and how they survive within systems designed for rulers and wealth. it's a deeply human story and a strong recommend for anyone interested in non-idol historical C-dramas or the many stories of Ma Boyong.
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