National Beauty and Fragrance

Synopsis

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Yi Qianzhong, it tells the legendary and inspirational story of He Weifang, the daughter of a merchant family, who rises from the struggles of the inner household with her exceptional skill in cultivating peonies, ultimately achieving her goal of aiding the people and saving the world.

Overview

"National Beauty and Prosperity" is a historical business drama broadcast in 2025, produced by Huace Film & TV, directed by Ding Ziguang, and written by Zhang Yuan'ang, Ma Yuxin, among others. The series stars Yang Zi and Li Xian in the lead roles, with Wei Zheming in a special guest role, and Zhang Yaqin, Tu Songyan, and Guan Le in starring roles. Xu Lingyue, Dong Jie, and Yang Kun make special appearances.

The drama is adapted from the novel of the same name by Yi Qianzhong. It tells the legendary and inspirational story of an extraordinary woman who starts from cultivating peonies and ultimately achieves the goal of aiding the people, saving the world, and helping all under heaven. It opened with a Douban rating of 7.8, received over 300,000 ratings, and achieved an average viewership of 40.83 million per episode during its peak broadcast period, garnering both critical acclaim and impressive data.

Plot

He Weifang (played by Yang Zi), the daughter of a merchant family, starts off trapped in a disastrous marriage. Faced with the hypocrisy of the Liu family, she transitions from non-confrontation to fighting back. Relying on her exceptional skill in cultivating rare peonies, she gradually overcomes her difficulties.

After meeting Jiang Changyang (played by Li Xian), the renowned Flower and Bird Envoy of Chang'an, He Weifang forms an excellent partnership with him as the artisan and investor. Jiang Changyang progresses from initial indifference to later assistance. The two develop deep feelings through their shared ideals and endeavors.

Set against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty, "National Beauty and Prosperity" skillfully blends peony culture with the spirit of female independence. Through her wisdom and talent, He Weifang not only realizes her personal value but also aids the world and saves the people, showcasing the strength and responsibility of ancient women.

Cast

Reception

"National Beauty and Prosperity" became a hit at the beginning of 2025, with a Douban rating of 7.8, temporarily ranking first among 2025's romantic historical dramas. The drama's set design, props, costumes, and use of lighting are all top-notch, creating visually stunning scenes.

The reunion of Yang Zi and Li Xian after "Go Go Squid!" sparked high anticipation among viewers. Their on-screen chemistry, combined with the high-quality production, made the drama one of the most talked-about series at the start of 2025.

Cultural Impact

Using the peony as a central thread, "National Beauty and Prosperity" showcases traditional Chinese peony culture. As China's national flower, the peony symbolizes wealth and beauty. In the drama, it is not only the female lead's livelihood skill but also an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture.

The drama explores the independence and self-actualization of ancient women. He Weifang is not content to be confined to the inner chambers; instead, she carves out an independent path using her own talents. This theme of female self-awakening holds contemporary significance within the historical drama genre.

References

1. Douban Movie: https://movie.douban.com/subject/36126283/
2. Baidu Baike: https://baike.baidu.com/item/国色芳华/62083421
3. Wikipedia: https://zh.wikipedia.org/zh-tw/国色芳华
4. Zhihu Column: https://zhuanlan.zhihu.com/p/18980012770