Synopsis
A concubine's daughter in Song Dynasty China hides her brilliance to survive family politics, then fights her way to happiness. Stars Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng. Produced by Daylight Entertainment. Douban 8.0.
Overview
The Story of Minglan (Chinese: 知否知否应是绿肥红瘦) is a 2018 Chinese period drama directed by Zhang Kaizhou, starring Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng. This 73-episode series, adapted from Guan Xin Ze Luan's novel, was produced by Daylight Entertainment — the studio behind Nirvana in Fire. It premiered on Hunan TV on December 25, 2018.
With a Douban rating of 8.0, it is one of the highest-rated Chinese period dramas. Zhao Liying and Feng Shaofeng met on set, fell in love, and married (later divorcing) — one of Chinese showbiz's most talked-about romances.
Plot Summary
In the Song Dynasty, Minglan (Zhao Liying) is the daughter of a concubine in the household of Vice Commissioner Sheng. Her mother dies when she is young, murdered by her stepmother's schemes. On her deathbed, her mother tells Minglan to hide her brilliance and survive.
Minglan grows up appearing docile and ordinary, concealing a sharp mind beneath a placid exterior. She first falls in love with the noble Qi Heng (Zhu Yilong), but their different social standings make marriage impossible.
Eventually she marries Gu Tingye (Feng Shaofeng), the rebellious second son of the Ningyuan Marquis household. Outwardly a dissolute playboy, Gu Tingye is actually a principled man who sees and values the real Minglan beneath her disguise.
Together they navigate the treacherous waters of aristocratic family politics, and Minglan uses her intelligence and resilience to earn respect and build a life of her own choosing.
Cast
| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Zhao Liying | Minglan | Concubine's daughter, brilliant and resilient |
| Feng Shaofeng | Gu Tingye | Rebellious marquis's son |
| Zhu Yilong | Qi Heng | Noble heir, Minglan's first love |
| Liu Lin | Lady Wang | Calculating stepmother |
| Cao Cuifen | Grandmother Sheng | Minglan's protector |
Cultural Significance
The Story of Minglan masterfully blends family intrigue, romance, and period detail. Minglan is widely regarded as one of the most fully realized female characters in recent Chinese television.
Daylight Entertainment's production values are impeccable — from Song Dynasty clothing and etiquette to architecture and cuisine. The series showcases Song-era aesthetics — incense burning, tea whisking, flower arranging, and painting — offering viewers a window into refined ancient Chinese life.
References
- Douban: https://movie.douban.com/subject/26928226/
- Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/知否？知否？应是绿肥红瘦
- Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/知否知否应是绿肥红瘦/20485668
Stills & Gallery
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