The Glory

Director and Production: Refined Political Narrative

Director Yang Long: Known for his expertise in romance (e.g., "A Love So Beautiful"), this time he centers the story around a "hypocritical family," restoring the complex structure of "three hidden schemes under one roof" as depicted in the novel.
Faithful Adaptation: Screenwriter Cao Xiaotian retains the contrast between the "abandoned girl's revenge" and the "sick strategist," enhancing the suspenseful elements of the Dali Temple investigations and family power struggles.

Plot Core: A Love Story Between the Abandoned Girl and the Sick Strategist

Zhuang Hanyan (played by Chen Duling), abandoned to the countryside in her youth, returns to the capital as an adult, unexpectedly attracting the attention of Fu Yunxi (played by Xin Yunlai), the deputy of the Dali Temple. Their relationship evolves from "manipulation and testing" to "coexistence and redemption," unveiling three core conflicts:
Hypocritical Mask: Zhuang’s father, Zhuang Shiyang (played by Yu Entai), appears benevolent while secretly manipulating the dark underbelly of politics, even involved in murder cases.
Family Reconciliation: Hanyan reconciles with her birth mother, and Fu Yunxi gradually helps her resolve her resentment towards her family during the investigation.
Life-and-Death Alliance: Fu Yunxi feigns a "strange illness" to marry Hanyan, secretly joining forces against the Zhuang family's power.

Character Highlights: A Spectrum of Humanity

Chen Duling: Transitioning from "Love in Flames of War" to portray Hanyan's awakening from timidity to decisiveness, showcasing a strong chemistry with Fu Yunxi’s "weak strategist."
Yu Entai: Returns to a complex antagonist role after "My Own Swordsman," portraying Zhuang Shiyang’s dual nature with his "smiling tiger" performance.
Wen Zhengrong and He Hongshan: Portray Hanyan's birth mother and the power figure in Fu’s household, igniting the dual conflicts of "mother-daughter bond" and "family power."

Production Highlights: Modern Interpretation of Costume Aesthetics

Scene Design: Contrasts between "blue bricks and gray tiles" and "red gates and gold plaques," reflecting the Zhuang family's outward elegance and inner corruption.
Costume Symbols: Hanyan’s initial "plain skirts" symbolize oppression, while her later "gold-embroidered garments" hint at her awakening to power.

Audience Buzz: A New Benchmark in Costume Political Drama

The trailer's long shot of "Hanyan exploring a secret chamber at night with a lantern" has sparked a wave of speculation, with online viewers analyzing, "Every lantern's shadow hides evidence of the Zhuang family's crimes!" Critics have commented, "The series merges the domestic conflicts of 'The Story of Minglan' with the suspenseful pacing of 'Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty,' and Chen Duling finally finds a role suited for her as a leading lady."

"The Glory" embodies the spirit that "hypocrisy will ultimately be defeated by true love." Mark your calendars for March 18 on Tencent Video to witness how the abandoned girl rewrites her fate!