LayarHijau – The historical drama Glory (玉茗茶骨) starring Hou Minghao and Guli Nazha has just aired its final episode. In a happy ending, Hou Minghao’s character chooses to give up his noble title for love, leaving behind his manipulative father, Duke Yong, to pursue a life with Guli Nazha’s character. Despite the cheerful conclusion, the drama has faced criticism due to two major plot weaknesses, resulting in a Douban rating of only 6.8, falling behind Shine on Me (驕陽似我), which scored 7.4.
(The following contains spoilers. Reader discretion is advised.)
From episodes 31 to 36, Hou Minghao plays Lu Jianglai, a top-ranking county official, while Guli Nazha portrays Rong Shanbao, the heir of a tea house. After officially becoming a couple, the story delves into their family conflicts. Rong Shanbao confronts her father for allowing her stepmother to sell counterfeit tea under the family name, and she ultimately removes both from the family in pursuit of justice.
Meanwhile, Lu Jianglai returns to his original household and discovers he is the son of Duke Yong. However, his mother, a household servant, was expelled after his birth, and he was raised by the Lu family in the south. This gives Lu Jianglai a unique identity: born noble, but raised in modest circumstances.
Duke Yong has two sons with his servants, while his official wife is infertile. The eldest son, originally expected to inherit the title, loses his chance after a leg injury, and the brothers’ relationship deteriorates due to external provocation. Near the end, the eldest son dies tragically, and the truth is revealed through investigations by Lu Jianglai and Rong Shanbao: the family conflicts and the death were orchestrated by their sister, now titled the “Princess of Jinxiang County,” along with the eldest son’s wives.
Although Lu Jianglai ultimately chooses to give up his title to be with Rong Shanbao, viewers noted two major weaknesses. First, the eldest son’s death case is full of logical gaps: Duke Yong, depicted as decisive on the battlefield, suddenly appears powerless at home. The investigation relies entirely on Lu Jianglai and Rong Shanbao, while the eldest son’s wife manages to control the affairs of Duke Yong’s household, which many viewers found forced, seemingly arranged to allow the main couple to be together.
Second, the earlier assassination attempt on Lu Jianglai, which caused temporary amnesia, is left unresolved. The political motives and identity of the assassin are never explained, leaving viewers disappointed that a major conflict thread was not explored in the finale.
Nevertheless, the romantic scenes between Hou Minghao and Guli Nazha remain a sweet highlight of the drama. The couple returns to Lu Jianglai’s household, expresses their love, and decides to live together, cementing a happy ending for the main characters.
