Qiao Zhenyu never disappoints in historical dramas.
The Entangled Life of Qingluo 蔓蔓青萝 is based on the novel of the same name by Zhuangzhuang, and the much-beleaguered drama has finally secured its leads in Qiao Zhenyu (Perfect Wedding) and Yao Di (Mission Impossible Love) after a rather public casting kerfuffle on Weibo.
Yao Di stars as Li Qingluo, the illegitimate daughter of the ruling kingdom’s Left Chancellor. Despite being an unfavoured daughter, Qingluo still manages to learn all the skills required of a proper noble lady, and keeps her talents hidden to avoid being used as a political stepping stone. On one of her cross-dressing adventures, Qingluo meets the Five Young Sirs of Fengcheng. From the five, she gets romantically involved with Fourth Prince Liu Fei / Chen Zili (Qiao Zhenyu) and his cousin Liu Yu, played by newcomer Zhu Jiaqi.
Producers recently stated that they will only be borrowing the framework of the original, and that supporting character Zili will be the male lead for the drama. Butchering of the original aside, I’m just really glad Qiao Zhenyu isn’t playing second fiddle this time round.
The drama is slated to run for 30 episodes, and is produced by the crew behind Fan Bingbing’s infamous harem drama The Empress of China.
Ye Qing (of Bu Bu Jing Xin fame) publicly accused Yao Di of stealing her role, and apparently the former was shafted aside because the producers wanted Yao Di to sign with their company.
I would prefer Ye Qing for the role actually…
I kind of agree. :)
I like the novel, but I guess switching the male leads for the drama would be good for the other shippers. Looking forward to this! =)
I shipped her with Liu Yu in the original, but Qiao Zhenyu’s appearance in the drama changes everything. ;)
I don’t know the actors, but both guys are nice in the novel. However, the one willing to give up the country for love wins! :)