Profile
Title: Flourished Peony (国色芳华)
Genre: Historical Drama, Romance, Business
Original Release: January 7, 2025
Starring: Yang Zi as He Weifang, Li Xian as Jiang Changyang
Director: Ding Ziguang
Writer: Zhang Yuan’ang
Episodes: 32
Streaming Platforms: Mango TV, Migu Video, Viki
Based On: “Flourished Peony” by Yi Qianchong
Country: China
Synopsis
A Woman Trapped by Tradition
Set in the thriving city of Chang’an during the Tang Dynasty, Flourished Peony follows He Weifang, a determined merchant’s daughter trapped in an unhappy marriage. Despite her intelligence and business acumen, she is confined by the societal expectations placed on women. Her husband, Liu Chang, is a rigid and conservative man who views women as subordinate, limiting Weifang’s aspirations.
An Unexpected Ally and a New Path
Weifang’s life takes a dramatic turn when she crosses paths with Jiang Changyang, a high-ranking government official with a notorious reputation for corruption. However, beneath his public image lies a man dedicated to reforming the corrupt bureaucratic system and advocating for the marginalized.
Breaking Free and Embracing Independence
With Changyang’s guidance, Weifang gathers the courage to divorce her husband, an extraordinary act in a time when women had little agency. Free from her oppressive marriage, she embarks on an ambitious endeavor to cultivate and sell rare peonies—a lucrative trade reserved for the elite. Her business not only becomes a symbol of her independence but also provides employment and refuge for women abandoned or mistreated by society.
A Love Tested by Power and Politics
As Weifang and Changyang work together, their professional relationship evolves into a profound and passionate romance. However, their love faces numerous challenges. Political conspiracies threaten Changyang’s position, while Weifang must navigate rival merchants who seek to undermine her success. Amidst the backdrop of social upheaval and power struggles, their love story becomes a testament to resilience and the fight for a better future.
Character Dynamics and Performances
Yang Zi as He Weifang: Yang Zi delivers a powerful performance, portraying Weifang’s journey from a subjugated wife to an independent and empowered businesswoman. Her nuanced portrayal captures both vulnerability and strength.
Li Xian as Jiang Changyang: Li Xian brings complexity to his role, balancing the facade of a corrupt official with the integrity of a man striving for societal change. His dynamic with Yang Zi adds an emotional richness to their evolving relationship.
Supporting Cast:
- Wei Zheming as Liu Chang: Weifang’s traditional husband, whose rigid views stand in stark contrast to her aspirations.
- Zhang Yaqin as Li Youzhen: A pivotal character who adds complexity to the unfolding drama.
- Tu Songyan as Prince Ning: An influential figure whose political maneuvering intensifies the stakes.
The ensemble cast brings depth and authenticity to the storyline, each character contributing to the drama’s layered emotional and political landscapes.
Is Flourished Peony Worth the Watch?
Are you still not sre if this is the drama for you?
Pros:
- Compelling storyline blending romance, business, and political intrigue.
- Strong performances from the cast, particularly Yang Zi and Li Xian.
- Stunning visuals and meticulous attention to cultural authenticity.
- Themes of female empowerment and independence resonate deeply.
Cons:
- Slow pacing in some episodes.
- Complex political subplots may be challenging for casual viewers.
Overall, Flourished Peony offers a captivating blend of emotional depth, historical intrigue, and a poignant love story, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of historical dramas.
Watch Flourished Peony Trailer:
Flourished Peony Full Cast
Main Cast:
- Yang Zi as He Weifang (Mu Dan)
- Li Mei Yi Bing as He Weifang (young)
- Li Xian as Jiang Changyang (Sui Zhi)
- Song Cui Qi Hao as Jiang Changyang (young)
Supporting Cast:
- Wei Zheming as Liu Chang
- Zhang Yaqin as Li Youzhen
- Tu Songyan as Prince Ning
- Qu Zheming as the Emperor
- Shen Mengchen as Huangfu Lingge
- Tong Mengshi as Li Xing
- Dong Jie as Aunt Feng
- Shao Yun as Qin Shengyi
- Xin Peng as Wang Qing
- Yang Kun as Aunt Sun
- Guan Le as Zhu Fu
- Sun Meilin as Lü Gengchun
- Zhang Qi as Xu Zuping
- Xu Lingyue as Xiao Xuexi
- Zhang Lei as Father Liu
- Hao Wenting as Mother Liu
- Gu Zicheng as Qin Liulang
- Yuan Ran as He Weifang’s mother
- Chen Sisi as He Weifang’s aunt
- Liao Yinyue as Yu Lu
- Bao Chenxi as Lian Zhou
- Ma Yi as Cao Yuying
- Guo Zhe as Chuan Yu
- Zhou Pu as Uncle Wu
- Lin Zilu as Bi Yu
- Xie Xin as Madam Yun
- Wang Tianyu as Qiu Shi
- Mu Tong as She Yan
- Chen Yilong as Pei Zhong
- Kui Yuan as Ah Tao
- Hu Yiyan as Qing Que
- Ni Hanjin as Yu Zheng
- Gao Sheng as Ah Ci
