LayarHijau.com—On January 7, the drama “Flourished Peony” premiered on Mango TV. Then, on January 9, it aired on Hunan Satellite TV. Starring Yang Zi and Li Xian, the drama has quickly become one of the strongest series in China at the start of this year, as evidenced by its impressive ratings during its premiere.
Even though it only started airing on Mango TV at 8 PM, the drama quickly climbed to the top of the popularity charts according to Maoyan Professional Edition. On the second day of its airing, it managed to maintain its position. According to Maoyan, the total network exposure of “Flourished Peony” since day one exceeded 2 billion, with a cumulative total reaching 14.9 billion. Alongside this popularity data, the drama has also received a significant number of positive reviews on online platforms, reflecting support from both fans and general viewers. Clearly, “Flourished Peony” is not just a major drama for fans at the start of the year, but also an engaging and high-quality series for the general audience.
High quality is essential for gaining a good reputation, popularity, satisfying ratings, and high viewership. This is a fundamental rule in today’s TV series landscape. Based on the four episodes of “Flourished Peony” currently available, the series’ high quality is reflected in four main aspects. Sohu highlights these four factors that contribute to the drama’s popularity:
Luxurious Costumes, Makeup, and Props
The first aspect that captures viewers’ attention is the beautiful costumes, makeup, and props. The series not only spends a significant amount of money on luxurious details, but also ensures that the costumes and props reflect the ancient aesthetic styles of China. Every detail in the drama serves not merely as a gimmick, but as a way to showcase the classic beauty of China through a costume drama.
Intelligent Character Design
Why is “Flourished Peony” so captivating? One reason is its intelligent and profound character design. After watching the first four episodes, many viewers feel that the characters are not just faces on the screen, but possess emotional depth and complexity that makes them want to follow the story. Each character in “Flourished Peony” is crafted with unique traits that reflect their nature and conflicts. For example, the female lead, He Weifang/He Mudan, played by Yang Zi, faces moral and emotional dilemmas when she is forced to marry a man to care for her sick mother. This sacrifice reveals her vulnerability, creating a strong emotional connection with the audience despite her apparent weaknesses.
On the other hand, the male lead, Jiang Changyang, played by Li Xian, is portrayed as intelligent and skilled in combat, yet he harbors deeper secrets. His cynical attitude and tendency to reveal his flaws add layers of tension and intrigue to the story. Viewers are invited to explore the complexities of these characters, fostering curiosity about how their relationships will develop. The supporting characters are equally compelling; for example, Liu Chang, played by Miles Wei Zheming, displays both academic sincerity and a cold demeanor, adding depth to the narrative. The female character portrayed by Zhang Yaqin, while initially appearing arrogant and harsh, also showcases sincere emotions and deep romantic conflicts, illustrating that no character is purely black or white.
The importance of character design lies not only in the individual traits but also in how these characters interact with one another. Each character’s relationships create a rich emotional network within the story. As viewers follow their journeys, they witness conflicts and resolutions while empathizing with each character’s struggles. With its intelligent character design, “Flourished Peony” successfully creates a vibrant and engaging world, allowing viewers to feel connected and emotionally invested. These characters serve not only to advance the plot but also as reflections of various aspects of human life, including love, sacrifice, and the search for identity. Thus, the appeal of character design becomes a key factor in keeping viewers engaged and eager to delve into each layer of the story.
Expertise in Storytelling
A good TV series requires a skilled writer who can tell a compelling story. The writer not only creates characters but also develops the narrative structure. From the very first episode, viewers are thrust into the conflicts and challenges faced by Mudan. As she encounters bullying and deception, the writer cleverly builds tension and establishes “hope,” making the audience eager to see how she will navigate these difficulties.
The atmosphere created through various scenes of the protagonist’s daily life allows viewers to feel her sadness and struggles. Well-crafted dialogue significantly contributes to this; every conversation not only conveys information but also illustrates character relationships. For instance, when the protagonist files for divorce, the dialogue reveals her determination and the chauvinistic nature of the supporting character, creating an engaging dynamic.
The connections between characters and the storyline further enhance the appeal of the series. Every decision and action taken by the characters impacts the development of the plot, making it feel more realistic and forging a strong emotional bond with the audience. With all these elements combined, “Flourished Peony” succeeds in creating a deep viewing experience, compelling viewers to continue watching each episode and immerse themselves in the narrative.
The Concept of Women’s Independence
A central theme explored in “Flourished Peony” is women’s independence, clearly depicted through the protagonist’s journey. Despite coming from a merchant family often regarded as socially inferior, she faces numerous crises, including mistrust from her husband’s family. In this context, the storytelling highlights women’s struggles to maintain dignity and navigate a challenging life. Through difficult decisions, such as fighting for a divorce or finding ways to overcome hardships, the series illustrates how women can rise and become independent, even when trapped in unfavorable situations.
Moreover, this concept of independence is balanced with strong portrayals of human values. The protagonist not only fights for her own interests but also demonstrates care and compassion for her family, especially her mother. Her skills and cleverness in facing various challenges underscore the importance of mental and emotional resilience for women. By showcasing Mudan’s brave and intelligent journey, “Flourished Peony” not only inspires viewers but also reinforces the message that women, even in challenging circumstances, can rely on themselves and achieve true independence.
