The Prisoner of Beauty with Song Zu Er and Liu Yu Ning Breaks 28,000 on Tencent Shortly After Premiere as Drama Tops Search Buzz and Receives Strong Reviews
IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT! Omg, I cannot believe just released period C-drama The Prisoner of Beauty is even better than I expected and could have hoped for. It changes, swaps around, and condenses the novel substantially but stands on its own so it’s like the novel is amazing and the drama is amazing (so far) but in its own way. The first 7 episodes have dropped on Tencent and within 24-hours this drama is just motoring up in viewership, hitting big heat index jumps and just topped 28,000. It’s also topping the drama searches and if the quality of visuals and story telling holds for the rest of its run then this has a chance to be the biggest C-drama hit of 2025 since nothing so far has been a major runaway hit. I cannot express enough accolades and love for leads Song Zu Er and Liu Yu Ning in their roles as Xiao Qiao (nickname Man Man) and Wei Shao, respectively. Each perfectly essays his/her character from the novel in every way – she’s so beautiful it’s insane (and I never though Song Zu Er was as pretty as C-ent paints her to be) and so tiny like a period polly pocket and he’s so tall and visually arresting and handsome. For once the Liu Yu Ning naysayers that he’s ugly are actually calm and he’s getting more than usual good reviews for his visuals in this drama. I’m actually glad TPoB was delayed now so that his last drama The Story of Pearl Girl was released first because that was such a snoozefest in both his character and the story that releasing TPoB first before Pearl Girl would totally suck the wind out of his sails. Now this is giving both leads the glow up and palette to shine and hooboy are they just hitting it out of the park. This drama is officially my crack.
CGI is just bad…but I dont dislike the drama. Will wait till the end and binge unless ending is bad. I hope Liu Yu Ning’s acting gets warmer and better.
I don’t think it will be the biggest hits this year. The market is cold right now. It has been a few months since the total viewership is below 200 millions.
I remembered the The Glory broke 30k heat on tencent but the average views, 33 millions/episode during hot broadcast period.The viewership is gradually decreasing every month.
The Glory was not the hit people try and make it to be. If anything it was average
Lol I’m glad you like this drama, wonder if this is the reason why you removed some comments from the previous article?
I think site is still having problems. Comments are missing…even Post are missing..
I had one comment missing, and that was a short fair review based on the first 5 episodes I’ve watched, with a mildly negative opinion about the cinematography, CGI and acting. I was busy watching The Devil’s Plan season 2 yesterday so I didn’t check for replies here. Wondered if there was some argument here which prompted the removal of several comments. There’s one comment which seemingly replies to someone called Gina but I couldn’t see any commenter named Gina.
Site went down due to a new software installation so I had to reboot from a backup two days ago. hence comments and some posts are missing. That’s all, nothing nefarious. Please re-comment anything you want. 🙂
I see, thanks for the explanation.
Don’t want to complain all the time but the site is not working yet and still has some problems (once the number repliesis 3 once 12). A message about some functions not working appears at the top of web page from time to time and I just replied to @Lilith and it disappeared 😭.
@Lilith yeah that was me. I just checked it as you mentioned it and saw that Gina’s comment and its other reply are gone.
Regarding the drama I am beginning to become envious I guess (?). I wished I liked it. Usually I would go and check the dramas that receive positive reviews here or at MDL but I just wonder how those dramas get that high ratings. There was a time I used to enjoy C dramas a lot (3 kingdoms, all of Jin Yang’s adapted novels etc). I even learned few Chinese some words and some of the traditions thanks to them. But now I don’t know its just not the same (or probably my state of mind has changed).
Generally Eastern Asia’s culture and history are fascinating and have great potential to be discovered. But I feel all I see is a shallow shadow of it in nowadays period dramas. Unfortunately it is also happening in my country despite we have (used to probably) a storng historical movie/drama making industry. The production team hires the best costume designer, the most good looking cast and even go to historical sites but the real vibe is missing. Generally that’s what attracts me to foreign period dramas, to face some cultural barriers that force me to discover and learn sth new which web novels can barely deliver and achieve. Sigh, After all it is entertaining to some me excluded and as a frustrated foreigner my idea does not count.
@Gelar I trust myself more than online ratings nowadays. If a drama sounds interesting, I’ll watch the trailers first then decide if I should go for the first few episodes, then if the first few episodes aren’t interesting, I’ll drop the drama.
It would be difficult to insert real historical vibes into dramas because the real history is grim and dark. I don’t think any country has done or can do it. Even those foreign period dramas which attracted you, their costumes and sets are inaccurate too but we won’t know because we aren’t experts in their culture.
@Lilith I understand what you are saying. Additionally Learning about anotber culture through watching period dramas isn’t the best way of course. What I said about shallow depiction of history/culture was not particularly about China but also reffering to my own country’s and generally our own region’s production as well (I can assure you I know my homeland culture and history). As an example, here we used to scold one of the recent high budget period dramas saying “we didn’t know royal babies were wrapped in Armani’s towels 14 centuries ago”. So I think such trend is spreading everywhere (especially Asia, atleast I can say it about our middle east, Turkey and as I see it in Eastern Asia, I don’t know maybe due to Globalization (?)). While unlike what you said I can name some great historical productions which was both as historically accurate as possible but not grim and dark with characters having their roots in history (“Magnificent century” depicting Ottoman empire (Turkey) or “Nirvana in fire” in Daliang dynasty era (China) are two examples, “Heros never die” my owm country which didn’t get distributed globally). Those breathtaking great dramas which are historical fiction to some extent were successful thanks to the historical knowledge, creativity and hardwork (lots of researches) of their script writers whom knew how to tune down the grim and dark side while keep the characters and story intact and deliver a robust plot line which made sense in historical basis. IMO “Ne Zha” (Chinese animation) is a good example in terms of modernizing a myth while keeping the roots unharmed. I think being too dependent on web novels has detrimental effects on period C-dramas since they have not much of depth and take advantage of culture/history as an entertaining object (I am saying it out of good intentions about a culture I like). Although Western productions are somewhat downgraded after the platforms involment but they are less prone to shuch trend in depicting their own history and still make great shows (“Wolf Hall” as an instance). Nonetheless they also present horribly wrong picture of Eastern culture recently (ours at least). Ugh Alladin live action is an example of how they mixed their shallow perception of Indian and Arabic culture and ruined a middle eastern folklore (One thousand and one nights) and sadly many international viewers liked it.
Back to the point. In conclusion, I was NOT reffering to costumes and sets being inaccurate BUT I wanted to emphasize on the essence itself which is directly affected by the script/plot and the subject they want to depict. What I am trying to say is they just want to tell a modern story with modern-thinking chatacters in a historical basis simply because such a set seems magical and mystical. Historical aspect is not the heart anymore but much of a decoration. Apart from that it has nothing to do with history.
Generally speaking producing a successful costume drama takes more than just putting traditional outfits and makeup (even if the cast looks good on them). It is more about forming the essence of the era. And there was time such dramas were produced both in east and west. I can name some of my favorite tv series in this regard:
Magnificent century and Kurulus Osman (rebel of Osman) (Turkey) – Sisi (Germany-Austria) – Goldern horde and I am dragon (Russia) – Cardamon Coffee (Ukraine) – 3 kingdoms, Nirvana in fire, Laughing in the wind and LOCH (China) – Iljimae, Empress Ki, Jumong, a Jewel in the palace (S Korea).
And many others I don’t remember now.
PS. I am NOT trying to offend anyone here. Those are my honest thoughts and opinions.
@Lilith I replied to your comment but it didn’t get viewed so I summerize it. I understand what you are saying but my problem isn’t with the costumes or the sites (I think I have even mentioned considerable amount of money spent for them). But generally speaking, making a good period drama takes more than putting tradional outfits. It is more about forming the essence of that era and once, in spite of their flaws, C dramas had that (Nirvana in fire for instance). There comes the importance of the script and script writer. A successful period drama counts on the creativity and historical knowledge of the script writer to as you said tune down dark and grim aspects while saving the authenticity of the story (“Ne Zha” is a good example in this regard). Expecting web novels to deliver such a goal is a tall ask and if I were a producer I would distance myself from such stories.
@Gelar Yes, you’re right. Dramas nowadays tend to stick to the superficial and “safe” topics. They tend not to dwell into deeper themes for the sake of being politically correct or maintaining harmony, which is such a pity.
I was really looking forward to this drama but now finding the acting from Song Zuer and the rest of the cast minus LYN a bit exaggerated.. Like I can see they’re acting and not immersed in their roles. Rather disappointing given the story is interesting and better than yet another stupid rebirth drama.
It is weird because on rednote and Bilibili I keep on seeing posts and videos of people complaining about Liu YunNing appearance while wishing someone like Chen Xing Xu was the lead actor. I am seeing a lot of those over there.
@sirey
The styling for liu yun Ning is certainly not great in the drama. I find him looking good in The Long Ballad. I am not into Chen Xing Xu, didn’t know he is that popular.
I think Song Zu Er is a pretty consistent actress and I think she is doing fine in the show but I only seen until the 4th episode. I have not watched her in demon hunter yet so I wonder if demon hunter is better …
From what I could grab (Thanks the translation option on rednote) they kept on saying Chen Xing Xu acting is better and he is good in Power-struggle dramas (their words). But yeah Liu Yunning is getting roasted left right center over there
Poor him. I liked him in “The long Ballad” (he was way better than ML there). He isn’t a good actor but I have no problem with his appearance on the contrary like him way better than those actors with unnatural faces. Just wonder what are the aesthetic standards there.
From what I can observe their aesthetic is more the Zhang Ling He type
His average acting is one thing. I personally find his appearance distracting. He looks shrewd (Sorry, LYN fans!), and to me that isn’t the type of visuals suitable for male leads. Even though his current role in TPOB *is* shrewd, there are times where he’s supposed to look like he’s not scheming, yet he still looks shrewd and *that* un-immerse me from the story.
You are not alone in thinking that.
Personally I don’t think he is male lead material. He is a singer that is at best a supporting role actor. But the capitalists got his back.
I think it really depends on your rednote algorithm, on mine I see a lot of praise for the drama including praise for LYN’s looks and how much he fits the role and telling the ones scolding him to shut it and watch another drama if they don’t like him. They are also recommending the people commenting xxx is better suited for the role to suggest xxx get casted for the new Prisoner of Beauty short drama which will be filmed next month.
To be honest Prisoner of beauty is not under my radar over there at Xiao Hong Shu nor BiliBili but from the very first day of airing, whenever I was opening the app, and because the drama is hot right now, I was getting videos about the drama and nowhere I can see vids nor posts praising LYN. If anything people have been posting video edits of the drama where SZE character is paired with other young actors deemed more attractive
That’s what I mean by it depends on your algorithm. If you prefer seeing posts calling LYN ugly, you will get recommended them.
@momo I don’t even write Liu Yuning nor search about him anywhere on the internet. I don’t search about PoB on rednote nor BiliBili so how come something I never follow nor search is part of my algorithm ?
First time I’m watching LYN and he’s not that good looking for me too. Lol after episode 4, he’s starting to be acceptable!
I wonder what koala uses as her metric for hit dramas but from what I gathered the dramas with the highest views and market share was January dramas, and from there the market started to regress, maybe 4 or 5 more dramas have been hits but nothing has beast January dramas this year yet
Pretty glad that the wait paid off. I’m quite liking it as well and the timing of its release seems to benefit both leads. I agree with you koala, I’ve never found SZE to be really pretty but in this show she is styled so well that she looks like a doll. You understand this is someone known for her beauty. LYN is serviceable, he’s not the best actor but he works well with a good director who plays to his strengths. I feel that’s the case both here and in A journey to love. He looks hot imo.
I feel like I like them individually so far; SZE for her visuals in this drama but not together like I’m missing the tension between them. Idk, if it’s the chemistry, acting, or pace of the writing. For some reason, as much as I like LYN, he is not as handsome as he was in AJTL even with all the better clothes and hair wardrobe, and I see some limits to his acting. So far, drama is okay in comparison with the novel, but I’ll continue to check this out to see how it does.
Sorry, not meant to reply to you.
I don’t feel for any of the characters. I wanted to like it, but I don’t feel like the world building is strong enough to make me understand or feel for the characters. The clans’ beef doesn’t seem deeply rooted enough. I wonder if I need to suspend more disbelief? Since they’re both the main characters, my brain is telling me that I should care for both clans, but then I start to wonder why the two leads can’t just do that very thing and care for both clans by settling their beef since they’re already married. Lol. I get it, I get it. Vengeance, blood feud, drama……. but…. meh. I think the reason why I liked LYN’s “A Journey to Love” was because of the brotherhood storyline + the princess’ character journey + even the groveling student of the FL. Lol. There was enough to latch on to emotionally because the writer built a fuller world. The ending sucked lol, but overall, I could understand everybody’s motivations and even supported them. I feel like they’re fortunate that LYN can hit some of those comedic beats to ground his character in “Prisoner”, even when he has to mostly be serious and emotional. Anyways, at least LYN and SZE are pretty to look at…
@sirey
I can imagine people would comment much after seeing LYN’s visuals in this drama. I think the styling is pretty poor. The sleek look really makes him look sleazy and cunning. And also, feel they are putting too much make up on him.
@sirey
I only recall CXX was reported to be married which stirred up some “buzz” and then there was this accusation of him “accidentally” touching Gulinazha’s “chest” during a riding horse scene. Despite all that, I guess he must be pretty popular to have the netizens rooting for him to act in this drama instead of LYN.
I wanted to post this earlier but it couldn’t go through so I repost it here:
I can imagine people would comment much after seeing LYN’s visuals in this drama. I think the styling is pretty poor. The sleek look really makes him look sleazy and cunning. And also, I feel they are putting too much make up on him. He looks white and ghastly.
Anyway I stopped watching after 4 episodes and I am planning to catch Xiao Zhan’s new drama…
So far, loving the drama. And apparently, unlike others, I am in love with LYN. I think his look is more sexy than handsome and perfect for the role. I am sorry so many are critical of his looks. First time seeing SZE. I don’t think she is a pretty as some are saying, but they match each other. I like their chemistry and think they are both doing a good job acting. I hope the drama continues doing as well as it has so far.
@sirey
I replied you twice but the comments appeared below … anyway have a great day
I love liu Yu ning every show with him in it has been great and is the reason I’m watching this drama! Who said he was ugly is just hating let my man be great.
He’s not the best, but I don’t think LYN is a bad actor. I can at least differentiate him from his role here vs his other roles. He’s better than the blank wall that is the ML in The Glory. I think people are saying CXX because he did red flag male lead so well in Goodbye My Princess. He also has a tall muscular build that makes him more believable as a general.
I still don’t quite get SZE’s reputation as extremely beautiful. She does come across dainty and has a small face but it looks kind of mousy to me. She does look unique and very recognizable though compared to all the plastic beauties in the market.
LYN also looks a bit mousy, but that seems to be the trend nowadays. At least in western culture, I recalled seeing an article in the NYT about “rodent men” being desirable. Don’t take this as an insult, just that they’re not conventionally handsome. I don’t think LYN is ugly either, and can watch him as a male lead.
Agree with another commenter that I’m not quite invested in the characters. I get on paper why there’s such hatred. He literally watched his grandpa, father, and oldest brother get murdered in front of his eyes. It’s just it’s told so quickly and more like a documentary/history text that I didn’t really feel a connection. I loved the brotherhood in AJTL and the one here feels like it’s a shallow version of that.
Lastly, the older cousin and her stable boy gives off trashy romance novel vibes. I really can’t take them seriously for some reason.
Anybody talking shit about this drama. Should get checked in to the psych ward ASAP. Like there are gazillion reasons why this cdra a is and will be a hit
1. Handsome LIU YUNING. Mad how he keeps progressing with time. I can see a lot of improvement in his acting and facial expressions. Can we talk about the OSTs. Got me thinking of what LY can’t do in this life cause he is killing it.
2 song ZHU ER not gonna lie this is actually my first series of hers and I can see in her acting the effort and time she bought. For some reason she reminds me of ZHAO LUSI. SZE really played her role in this drama. Girl served on a golden PLAYTE period.
3. CHEMISTRY. we have a moment of appreciation to the heat the couple bought. Together they made FIRE. It’s not easy to like someone who is a relative to the people who betrayed your family. Give the guy a break he lost THREE!!!! close relatives and more clan members at that massacre. Plus PTSD doesn’t go well I the ancient times but he showed us both sides of love and hatred and it was just on point.
4 the supporting characters. A standing ovation to every single person that played part in this cause. You did it so well, no one else could have done a better job. The curiosity, gossips, friendship and bond that they help brought to light was worth it.
5 The right amount of HUMOUR and WISDOM. The fun I got in this drama was really amazing cause. Normally shídài jù is full of misunderstandings and anger issues but each misunderstanding that occurs is immediately resolved . Left for the characters to forgive and forget.
I don’t like writing much but the bull talk was too much. So yeah ” that’s there story that they brought to the table and WOKED HARD for if you don’t like it. GO make YOUR OWN”
P.S SEND ME YOUR PSYCH BILL AMMA PAY FOR IT CAUSE DAMN YOU SICK PEOPLE.
I agreed!!!!! I loveeeee both characters and the storyline.
I binged 5 eps straight. It’s watchable but LYN’s visuals and acting don’t live up to my expectation for a ML. Given that the novel has much focus on romance, it’s really hard for me be excited about the love lines thanks to his lack of charisma as the ML. I’ve switched back to watch Kdrama while waiting for Xiao Zhan’s new drama to premiere, having no desire to go back and follow this series even though SZE looks really pretty.
@Sirey
Have you heard of paid promotions? Or genres. If something or someone you normally do not search for appears in your feeds it’s either because it’s a similar genre such videos mocking celebrities or there’s money involved.
Loveeeeeee this drama!!!! Finally a good drama with a good storyline. I love both ML and FL character. Can’t wait to see it end.