Cast & Character List
Liu Shishi as Ye Ping'an
Ye Ping'an (叶平安), played by Liu Shishi (刘诗诗), is not who she initially appears to be. Formerly known as Gu Qing (顾清), she is a skilled practitioner of heart medicine ("心医" - xinyi, literally "heart healer," suggesting a focus on psychological and emotional well-being alongside physical health). Gu Qing came from a prestigious medical family and displayed a keen interest in the art of healing from a young age.
Her life took a dark turn when she became entangled in a conspiracy orchestrated by individuals like Zheng Yuan and Du Liang. This led to her involvement in a horrific case in Tongquan County, where women were being abducted and brutalized. Witnessing these atrocities deeply scarred Gu Qing, planting the seeds of revenge within her.
Adopting the alias Ye Ping'an, she returns to the capital city, Shengdu. She is intelligent, resourceful, and possesses a unique ability known as "dream gazing" (窥梦之术 - kuimengzhishu), enabling her to delve into the minds and dreams of others. Using her skills and sharp intellect, she partners with Yuan Shao Cheng, to expose the truth behind the past events and bring justice to the victims. After succeeding in her mission, Ye Ping'an chooses to retire from public life. This choice reflects the emotional toll of her journey and a possible desire for peace after years of pursuing vengeance.
Shawn Dou as Yuan Shaocheng
Yuan Shaocheng is a judge in the Dali Temple,in the Tang Dynasty. Born into a low social class, he has worked his way up through sheer determination and ability. He's a driven and ambitious individual, motivated by a strong sense of justice. He becomes increasingly frustrated and angered by the rampant corruption and evil deeds of powerful figures like Du Liang. Yuan Shaocheng is determined to expose their crimes, but his efforts are thwarted, and he faces intense persecution and framing attempts.
Initially, Yuan Shaocheng is suspicious of Ye Ping An, the female lead. However, as he gets to know her, he begins to respect her capabilities and integrity. They form an alliance to fight against the corrupt officials. Throughout the series, Yuan Shaocheng experiences significant personal growth as he navigates complex cases, ultimately earning the recognition of the Emperor. He is presented as a more straightforward and honest contrast to other characters' more manipulative nature.
Zheng Yecheng as Wu Ankang
Wu Ankang is a highly respected and influential general, known for his long-standing service defending the country's borders. He commands considerable respect within the military. His experiences in the Jin Yuan War, where his troops faced near-disaster due to critical supply shortages, profoundly impacted him. This pivotal battle highlighted the vital importance of salt and provisions for the army.
Upon returning to the capital, Wu Ankang begins investigating the salt routes, uncovering widespread corruption and illicit activities. He is a man of principle, deeply affected by the brutal realities of war. Because of this, when he learns of his father Wu Youjing's plan for rebellion, he takes a firm stand against it. To prevent the nation from descending into civil war, he voluntarily surrenders his military command. He is a man who will do what is right, even if it is difficult.
Xuan Lu as Lu Danxin
Lu Danxin is the steadfast and courageous best friend and right-hand woman to Ye Ping'an. Possessing a strong will and unwavering loyalty, Danxin plays a crucial role in Ping'an's quest for revenge. She goes undercover, infiltrating the inner circle of Zheng Yuan, a key figure in their plan. It is Danxin who introduces Ping'an to Zheng Yuan, ostensibly for medical treatment, which allows Ping'an to gain access to the imperial court.
Danxin's keen perception leads her to uncover a connection between Hai Yiping and a past injustice (the Imperial Censor case). To further aid Ping'an, she feigns a falling out with her friend, allowing her to get closer to Hai Yiping and gather more information. She works with Ye Ping'an and together, they expose the crimes of Lizong Xu and Hai Yiping.
Driven by a fierce sense of justice and a desire to avenge the deaths of Cai Lian and others, Danxin makes the ultimate sacrifice. She consumes a deadly poison, ensuring that Lizong Xu meets his end alongside her. Danxin is a complex character, demonstrating bravery, intelligence, and a willingness to sacrifice everything for her friends and the pursuit of justice.
Xu Jiao as Wu Xian'er
Wu Xian'er is the daughter of Wu Youjing, the Prince of Kangping County and a high-ranking official (Grand Secretary). Having served the Emperor for many years, she has earned his deep trust. Clever and ambitious, Wu Xian'er is a woman with a keen desire for power. She is deeply involved in her family's political machinations, viewing Ye Ping'an as a significant threat to the Wu family's influence. Determined to eliminate Ye Ping'an, she becomes a fierce adversary. Wu Xian'er actively participates in her father's treasonous plot, aspiring to climb the ranks of power. However, Ye Ping'an uncovers their scheme. The failed rebellion leads to Wu Xian'er's tragic death in a fire.
Zhang Yuxi as Ni Chang
Ni Chang is a singer at the Wanguo Brothel and a victim of the Imperial Censor case. Known for her straightforward and loyal personality, Ni Chang comes from humble beginnings. She was taken in by Zheng Yuan and trained as a singer in the Wanguo Brothel. When Ye Ping'an begins investigating the Imperial Censor case, Ni Chang actively collaborates with him. Leveraging her position within the brothel, she helps gather crucial clues, making significant contributions to Ye Ping'an and his allies' plans for revenge.
Chen Jin as The Emperor
The Emperor of Da Feng. She is a calm and deeply thoughtful ruler with grand ambitions. The Emperor is known for her shrewd political maneuvering, skillfully balancing various factions to maintain the stability and progress of her nation. Since ascending to the throne, she has implemented policies to curb the power of the aristocratic families. With the assistance of individuals like Ye Ping'an and Yuan Shaocheng, she uncovers the crimes of powerful officials such as Du Liang and Li Zongxu, laying the groundwork for their eventual downfall. She uses a case involving imperial censors as a catalyst to promote a merit-based selection system for officials, aiming to address the root causes of corruption.
Wang Zhifei as Wu Youjing
Wu Youjing is a powerful and ambitious nobleman, the Prince of Kangping. He's a ruthless and manipulative figure driven by a thirst for power. He doesn't hesitate to exploit his position for personal gain, even if it means causing suffering to the common people. For instance, he manipulates salt prices, a crucial commodity, leading to widespread hardship.
Wu Youjing is also a master of intrigue, operating in the shadows to eliminate his rivals. He orchestrates the false accusation and death of Yu Qian, demonstrating his willingness to destroy anyone who stands in his way.
When he learns of the Emperor's intention to appoint him as the Crown Prince's tutor, Wu Youjing perceives this as a limitation on his power rather than an honor. This fuels his ultimate act of treachery: a planned rebellion. He intends to use his son Wu Ankang's military influence, combined with a conspiracy within the imperial guards (specifically, with Xian Guangping of the Left Royal Forest Army), to seize control. However, his meticulously crafted coup d'état fails, leading him to take his own life.
Huang Haibing as Hai Yiping
Hai Yiping is a high-ranking official, serving as the Minister of Personnel. Initially, he appears to be a man of duty, but his ambition and self-preservation lead him down a dark path. He becomes entangled with Du Liang after discovering discrepancies in his accounts. Instead of reporting the wrongdoing, Hai Yiping accepts bribes, choosing silence and personal gain over integrity.
This decision sets off a chain of events, ultimately leading him to betray his close friend, Yu Qian, resulting in Yu Qian's execution. As Ye Pingan investigates the case, Hai Yiping consistently obstructs the investigation, desperate to keep his secrets buried. However, his crimes are eventually exposed through the combined efforts of Ye Pingan and Lu Danxin. He is imprisoned in Dali Temple, where, consumed by guilt and the weight of his actions, he takes his own life. Hai Yiping serves as a cautionary example of how corruption and the pursuit of self-preservation can lead to devastating consequences.
