LayarHijau.com — The highly anticipated historical costume drama Legend of Zang Hai, starring Xiao Zhan and Zhang Jingyi, officially premiered on May 18, 2025. Directed by the renowned Zheng Xiaolong—best known for the iconic Empresses in the Palace—the series wasted no time capturing public attention. According to reports from Sohu, the show quickly smashed records, surpassing 10,000 popularity points on Youku within just 38 hours of its release. Its buzz rivals that of the currently trending hit The Prisoner of Beauty.
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A Revenge Tale of a Boy Who Lost Everything
The series follows Zhinu (played by Xiao Zhan), the son of Kuai Yi, the Director of the Imperial Observatory during the Yong Dynasty. As a child, Zhinu witnessed the brutal massacre of his entire family at the hands of court official Marquis Ping Jin. He survived by hiding in the basement and then disappeared for ten years. When he returns to the capital, he takes on a new identity: Zang Hai.
Armed with knowledge in architecture and political strategy learned during his years in exile, Zang Hai slowly climbs the ranks of power. With intelligence and patience, he works to uncover the truth behind his family’s slaughter, clear their name, and fulfill his long-awaited revenge.
What sets this drama apart from other revenge stories is its grounded and realistic approach. There are no shortcuts or miraculous luck—Zang Hai is portrayed as a character who grows step by step, pulling viewers into every stage of his emotional and strategic journey.
Xiao Zhan Delivers a Nuanced, Mature Performance
Xiao Zhan has been widely praised for his compelling portrayal of Zang Hai, bringing depth to the character’s inner turmoil—rage, grief, and unwavering resolve. He convincingly embodies a man shaped by deep trauma, who chooses to seek justice with his intellect rather than through brute force alone.
Some netizens have even compared Zang Hai to the lead character in Joy of Life, but many argue that Zang Hai feels more “human” because he doesn’t rely heavily on deus ex machina or powerful allies. This makes his character arc feel more rewarding and emotionally resonant.
Zhang Jingyi’s Xiang An Tu: A Role Still Shrouded in Mystery
Zhang Jingyi plays Xiang An Tu, the female lead and Zang Hai’s eventual partner. Prior to the show’s release, some netizens expressed skepticism about her chemistry with Xiao Zhan. And after a few episodes, some viewers still feel that their on-screen connection isn’t quite strong enough yet.
However, many argue that this may be intentional, as Xiang An Tu’s character hasn’t been fully developed in the early part of the series. With most of the initial focus on Zang Hai’s backstory and internal struggles, there’s still plenty of room for character and relationship development. Her emotional journey is likely to play a key role in the narrative as the story unfolds.
Nods to Empresses in the Palace and Surprise Cameos
One moment that caught viewers’ attention is Zang Hai’s line: “Must we even doubt sincerity itself?” Many fans see this as a tribute to a famous line from Empresses in the Palace: “I only speak the truth, because sincerity matters most.” For longtime fans of Zheng Xiaolong’s work, it’s a delightful Easter egg.
Adding to the nostalgia, the drama features brief but memorable cameos by Wallace Chung and Michelle Chen, who play Zang Hai’s parents. Though their screen time is limited, both actors deliver powerful performances, capturing the anguish of parents facing unimaginable loss.
Viral Moments: From Plastic Surgery to Popularity Milestones
One of the most talked-about scenes on social media is when Zang Hai undergoes plastic surgery to conceal his identity. His transformation—from single to double eyelids—is shown visually, prompting playful comments from netizens: “Finally, a revenge drama that remembers the hero needs a new face too!”
With its gripping plot, layered characters, strong performances, and cinematic production, Legend of Zang Hai is shaping up to be one of the standout dramas of mid-2025.
