Are you a fan of historical dramas filled with romance, scandals, and royal intrigues? If so, you won't want to miss the latest sensation sweeping through streaming platforms “Royal Rumours”. let's settle in for a journey back in time as we explore the exciting plot of this drama.
“Royal Rumours” is a romantic comedy cdrama set in ancient times, directed by Zhou Jiawen and starring Jeremy Tsui and Meng Ziyi in the lead roles, with supporting performances from Ryan Zhu, Su Mengyun, Yi Yunhe, Li Qing, and others. The series airs on March 15, 2023.
Adapted from the novel “Zao Zuo Shi Guang” by author Yue Xia Die Ying, the story follows the collaboration between the cold-hearted Crown Prince Ji Yuansu and the smart and witty Hua Liuli, who together uncover and eliminate imperial conspiracy, eventually falling in love with each other.
Basic Information of Royal Rumours
- Also known as: Zao Zuo Shi Guang
- Genre: Romance/Comedy/Historical
- Aired: March 15, 2023
- Director: Zhou Jiawen
- Starring: Jeremy Tsui as Ji Yuansu, Meng Ziyi as Hua Liuli
- Episodes: 24/45 minutes
Plot Summary of Royal Rumours
During the prosperous era of the Great Jin Dynasty, general Hua Yingting, who had just achieved a resounding victory over the neighboring country of Jinpo, sent his only daughter, Hua Liuli, back to the capital city. Although Hua Liuli grew up in a military camp on the border with her father and brothers, she possessed exceptional intelligence and martial arts skills.
However, life in the capital city was vastly different from the borderlands. On one hand, rumors were spreading about the Hua family's military might, while on the other hand, the second prince, Ji Yuansu, who was not the eldest son but was crowned as the crown prince, showed no interest in his duties and was drawing attention for all the wrong reasons.
Hua Liuli, who had expected stepping into the eye of the storm, surprisingly did not follow the standard routine. Instead, she opted for an unconventional approach, wearing the mask of a “sickly and delicate” young lady, and skillfully navigating the social circles of the capital on her own terms. With her formidable wit and courage, she shredded the superficiality and hypocrisies of high society.
Meanwhile, Jiyuansu, who was cold and indifferent to the adoration of the ladies, showed an obsessive interest in Hua Liuli. He deliberately inflicted setbacks on her to stimulate her fighting spirit, but was ultimately unable to evade the powerful attraction he felt towards her.
The two engaged in a series of playful and flirtatious encounters while being caught up in the same complicated investigation. Their relationship developed from joyful adversaries to lovers, and their story evolved from a convoluted tale of royal succession to a heartwarming and romantic comedy drama.
Character Introduction of Royal Rumours
Ji Yuansu
Actor Jeremy Tsui plays Ji Yuansu, a prince known for his cold and unfeeling demeanor. Despite the admiration and adoration of many, he remains indifferent to their advances, except for the persistent pursuit of Hua Liuli, who advocates for the “lying flat” lifestyle and avoids him whenever possible. It is revealed that his treatment of Hua Liuli is actually a form of tough love meant to ignite her fighting spirit.
Hua Liuli
Actress Meng Ziyi portrays Hua Liuli, the daughter of a military general, who puts on a façade of fragility but is actually a strong and capable individual. With her quick wit and intelligence, she overcomes obstacles and rises to the top, shining brightly like an eagle in the sky, in stark contrast to the delicate and fragile image of a canary. From dealing with national crises to resolving rumors and gossip, she handles everything with grace and ease.
Tian Jiamin
Actress Su Mengyun plays Tian Jiamin, a princess who resides in the bustling heart of the capital and has never lacked for money or entertainment. Her mother is Princess Shun An, and her father is the Minister of Revenue, their family monopolizes the trade of silk and satin, making them the wealthiest merchants in the land.
Feature of Makeup and Hair Accessories
The makeup and hair accessories in “Royal Rumours” demonstrate the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. From the posters released by the cast, we can find feel this charm. In the background of the palace and all kinds of flowers outlined from the brush painting, the actors' makeup abandoned the rich color scheme and used a rather traditional aesthetic color scheme to match the light and elegant beauty.
The female characters' hair accessories are particularly eye-catching, with Hua Liuli sporting a bun with tassels and a pink pearl hairpin, which exudes a delicate and lively personality.
Jia Min adorns her hair with large peony flower decorations, which express both luxury and her fierce and direct personality.
Although Yuan Wei's (played by Zhang Xinyi) hair accessory is simple, the pearl flowers on the temples and the bun on both sides display a delicate and graceful side.
Finally, Du Xiuying (played by SNH48-Jiang Shan) wears symmetrically placed hairpins on both sides, fitting for her status as a refined lady.
In addition, the hanfu costumes of the female characters are also carefully considered. Although Hua Liuli and Du Xiuying are born into nobility, the embroidery on their clothing is not as exquisite as Jia Min's, whose clothes are both lightweight and magnificent. The details of the costumes reflect the different roles and circumstances of the characters. Hua Liuli's hazy blue and pearl white color scheme is livelier and more charming than Du Xiuying's lake blue and light white.
These exquisite costumes and aesthetics of ancient China provide a foretaste for the entire drama. Unlike modern dramas, viewers of period dramas not only focus on the story but also pay close attention to the costume and background design.
Every ancient costume drama is born out of the foundation of traditional Chinese culture and the aesthetic charm of eastern beauty. The costumes and makeup of costume drams must create an authentic portrayal of traditional Chinese clothing aesthetics to provide viewers with a realistic viewing experience and artistic pursuit. “Royal Rumours” not only showcases the characteristics of Eastern classical beauty and inherits the excellent clothing culture of the Chinese nation, but also helps to develop the personalities of the characters, and reveals the subtleties of costume design.
Feature of Character Setting
The character setting of “Royal Rumours” takes an unusual path, subverting the sweet and refreshing tropes. The imposing Ji Yuansu is indifferent to the admiration of many, except for Hua Liuli. Despite Hua Liuli's seemingly elusive affection, she is actually quite innocent and unwittingly falls for Ji Yuansu's charm. The blossoming romance between the two is both sweet and refreshing.
However, emotions are only one aspect of the story. Both Ji Yuansu and Hua Liuli are career-driven individuals. Ji Yuansu, with his seemingly cold and short-tempered demeanor, always prioritizes the own goals and thinks things through carefully. Hua Liuli, on the other hand, may seem to be overly dramatic and fickle, but she is also capable of handling things on her own.
“Royal Rumours” promises to be a multi-layered story. It remains to be seen how the cunning prince and the affected beauty will ultimately clash.
