The Glory

Plot Synopsis

Based on Qian Shan Cha Ke's novel,The ReboNoble Girl Is Hard to Find,The Gloryis a gripping historical drama that follows Zhuang Hanyan (played by Chen Duling), a young woman abandoned as a child due to superstitious beliefs about her being "cursed." When she's forced to retuto the capital, implicated in a crime, she attracts the attention of Fu Yunxi (played by Xin Yunlai), a seemingly gentle but secretly shrewd official at the Dali Temple.

Zhuang Hanyan, far from being a fragile victim, is intelligent and resilient. She uses a "playing thepig to eat the tiger" strategy, navigating the treacherous waters of her deceitful family. Hanyan enters into a contract marriage with Fu Yunxi, leveraging hispower to expose her father, Zhuang Shiyang's, corruption and fight back against the schemes of her stepmother, Zhou Ruyin, and stepsister, Zhuang Yushan. She rises from being a family outcast to becoming a celebrated figure in the capital.

Key Elements:

• APowerful Duo:Fu Yunxi, with his hidden depths, and Zhuang Hanyan form a "power couple," initially united by mutual benefit but developing into a deep, soulful connection. They work together to unravel conspiracies both within the family and the imperial court.
• Female-Centric Narrative:The Glorysubverts typical tropes of female rivalry. Instead, it showcases female solidarity, with Hanyan collaborating with other women, like Chai Jing (played by Fu Jing), to resist oppression and achieve justice.
• Intrigue and Suspense:The series weaves together intricateplots, including the "salt and iron case" and the mystery of "lycheepit hidden weapons." The investigation of crimes connects the domestic drama with thepolitical machinations of the court, creating a fast-paced narrative reminiscent of a "historicalNirvana in Fire."

Highlights and Reception:

• Stunning Visuals:The drama features exquisite Ming Dynasty costumes, with Hanyan's wardrobe evolving from simple fabrics to elaborate brocade gowns, reflecting her character's growth. The cinematography,particularly in scenes like the opening snowfall and the fire investigation, has beenpraised for its cinematic quality.
• Unconventional Storytelling:The series focuses on Hanyan's immediate quest for revenge. The first episode's dramatic scene of Hanyan's confrontation with her stepsister has been hailed as a "highlight of 2025."
• Critical Acclaim andPopularity:

  The show was released on March 18, 2025, and quickly became a trending topic. The 30-episode drama airs on WeTV. It has a duration of 45 minutesper episode.

  The Glory, through Zhuang Hanyan's journey, explores themes of female empowerment, breaking free from societal constraints, and finding one's true worth. It's a compelling blend of strong storytelling, beautiful aesthetics, andpolitical intrigue, making it a standoutperiod drama of 2025.

Chen Duling
Zhuang Hanyan

Xin Yunlai
Fu Yunxi

He Hongshan
Zhuang Yushan

Yu Entai
Zhuang Shiyang