LayarHijau— Amidst the release of a new project claimed to be the long-awaited continuation of a legendary historical drama, Zhao Liying’s studio has sparked significant discussion by sharing a nostalgic video from her time filming the hit series Princess Agents (楚乔传). The post was accompanied by a reflective caption, “Time passes, but faith remains; the heart stays true.”
The project in question is Rebirth (冰湖重生), which has recently premiered as a narrative sequel that picks up directly from the cliffhanger ending of the original series, Princess Agents (楚乔传), where Chu Qiao and Yuwen Yue fell into the icy lake. While it does not feature the original cast, Rebirth (冰湖重生) is marketed as the definitive answer to the long-standing mystery surrounding the characters’ fates.
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Many industry observers interpreted this move by Zhao Liying’s studio as a subtle way to distance her and her team from the current sequel. Interestingly, this wave of nostalgia coincided with a massive surge in viewership for the original 2017 series, which saw a daily increase of 12,257%. Princess Agents (楚乔传) even managed to climb back to the 18th spot on the Yunhe daily charts, highlighting the enduring legacy of Zhao Liying’s portrayal of the legendary character.
In contrast, the newly released sequel Rebirth (冰湖重生) is currently weathering a storm of negative feedback. The drama stars Huang Yang Tian Tian, who previously played the younger version of Chu Qiao in the original series. While she has a historical connection to the role, her transition into the lead adult role has met with significant resistance from the audience.
The casting has become the primary target of criticism. At 18 years old, Huang Yang Tian Tian is viewed as looking too youthful to embody a formidable female general. Some viewers have mockingly labeled her a “Baby General,” arguing that she lacks the maturity required for the role. This perception is further exacerbated by her pairing with 30-year-old Li Yunrui, with many noting a complete lack of chemistry and suggesting they look more like an uncle and niece.
Production quality and narrative depth have also been called into question. Critics and viewers alike have described the plot as having significantly “downgraded” compared to the original. “The acting feels very raw and the plot is nowhere near as deep as the first series,” one netizen commented. The absence of major advertisements during its premiere has also led to questions regarding the commercial confidence in the production.
The tension reached a peak when the official social media account for Rebirth (冰湖重生) posted a cryptic message that was widely perceived as a jab at Zhao Liying’s team. The post read, “Decent in public, difficult in private, who doesn’t have two faces?” although it was quickly deleted. This social media skirmish has only solidified the public’s sentiment that the original Princess Agents (楚乔传) remains an unmatched classic, while the sequel struggles to step out of its predecessor’s massive shadow.
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