LayarHijau – Chinese drama Royal Betrothal (御廷谣), starring Wu Jinyan and Chen Zheyuan, has finally aired its final episode. The story of Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua reaches its conclusion after political conflicts, hidden identities, and a dangerous plot to restore the fallen Zhongwan regime. While the couple ultimately gets a happy ending, the drama’s finale has sparked mixed reactions among Chinese viewers.
SPOILER ALERT: This article discusses the ending and major plot details from the final episode of Royal Betrothal.
Support Layar Hijau
Layar Hijau is an independent media outlet dedicated to sharing news and stories about the Asian dramas you love. If you enjoy our content, your support helps us keep going and bring more stories to fellow drama fans.
Every bit of support means a lot to us. Thank you for reading, following, and being part of Layar Hijau's journey.
For supporters in Indonesia
For international supporters
For more information, click here.
In the finale, Meng Tinghui (Wu Jinyan) finally discovers the truth about her identity. She is actually the Princess of Zhongwan, a former dynasty. The revelation comes when Meng Tinghui notices a mysterious black-bird mark on her back while bathing with several other women. The sight of the mark triggers memories of her past and reveals her true origins.
Meng Tinghui is not the only character connected to the former dynasty. Yin Qing (Liang Yongqi), who has remained by her side at the Chaowen Academy, is also part of the remnants of Zhongwan. He establishes the Blood Moon Society with the goal of restoring Zhongwan and secretly carries out the plan while staying close to Meng Tinghui.
Yin Qing eventually attempts to use Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua’s (Chen Zheyuan) wedding as an opportunity for revenge. On their wedding day, he uses incense to put Meng Tinghui under the influence of a drug, hoping that she will lose control and attack Ying Gua.
The scene initially makes it appear as though Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua’s love story is heading toward a tragic ending. Meng Tinghui even plunges a knife into Ying Gua’s chest, making it seem as if the two have truly turned against each other.
However, the entire confrontation is actually part of a plan devised by Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua.
By this point, Meng Tinghui has already learned about the Blood Moon Society’s plans and decided to work together with Ying Gua. After getting to know the emperor more closely, she realizes that Ying Gua genuinely cares about his people and wants to be a good ruler. As a result, Meng Tinghui abandons her previous desire to restore Zhongwan.
The two then devise a plan to lure the Blood Moon Society into the open. Meng Tinghui pretends to remain under the influence of the drug until the group reveals itself. Once their plan succeeds, she publicly destroys the mark representing her Zhongwan identity and calls on the rebels to surrender.
Ying Gua also offers the people of Zhongwan a new future. He abolishes their status as slaves and allows them to join the military and take the imperial examinations. The emperor even promises that Zhongwan can establish a special autonomous territory within the empire.
With the conflict finally resolved, Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua’s relationship also gets the closure viewers have been waiting for. However, they do not immediately settle down together in the imperial court.
Meng Tinghui chooses to leave the court for three years because she believes she still has unfinished business to take care of. After the situation stabilizes, Ying Gua sets out to find her and eventually discovers that she has established a private school where she teaches children.
Their reunion becomes the final chapter of their love story. Ying Gua and Meng Tinghui are ultimately together again, making the central romance in Royal Betrothal a happy ending overall.
However, that happy ending has not been enough to satisfy all Chinese viewers.
One of the biggest criticisms concerns the change in direction of Meng Tinghui’s character. Early in the drama, she is introduced as a determined woman who works her way up until she becomes the first female top scorer in the imperial examination. Her intelligence, ambition, and struggle to establish herself in a male-dominated political world are among the drama’s biggest draws.
As the story approaches its conclusion, however, the plot increasingly focuses on her connection to the former dynasty, the remnants of Zhongwan, revenge schemes, and secrets from her past. Some Chinese viewers feel these developments make the story lose focus compared with its original premise.
The shrinking screen time for Ying Gua has also frustrated Chen Zheyuan’s Chinese fans. The emperor is considered one of the drama’s two main characters, yet his presence becomes increasingly limited as the story progresses. Some fans had already complained about Chen Zheyuan’s limited screen time in several episodes while the drama was still airing.
The finale has also drawn criticism because some Chinese viewers feel several conflicts are resolved too quickly. The use of flashbacks and the way certain plot points are edited together have also led some viewers to describe the ending as rushed and disjointed.
That said, Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua’s relationship itself does receive a satisfying conclusion. After beginning as allies and gradually falling in love, the two survive the final conflict and eventually find their way back to each other after three years apart.
So, does Wu Jinyan and Chen Zheyuan’s love story in Royal Betrothal have a happy ending? Yes. Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua survive the final conflict, reunite after three years, and ultimately remain together.
However, a happy ending for the main couple does not necessarily mean the entire finale has been well received. Some Chinese viewers continue to criticize the final stretch of the story, particularly the shift in Meng Tinghui’s character arc, the increasingly complicated backstory involving Zhongwan, and Ying Gua’s limited role.
In the end, Royal Betrothal closes with Meng Tinghui and Ying Gua reunited and their love story intact, but the road to that happy ending has become one of the most debated aspects of the drama among Chinese fans.
Chinese dramas products
Rosy Zhao Rosydoedian Authentic Dachshund Plush Doll Squeaky Soft Stuffed Decorative Throw Pillow Collectible Gift
Authenthic Dachshund plush doll from Zhao Lusi's Rosydoedian.
It's only available for shipping to certain countries.
Official Genuine Pursuit of Jade Drama Collectible Photocards Zhang Linghe Tian Xiwei Photo Trading Cards Holiday Gift
Official genuine collectible photocards These Pursuit of Jade Drama collectible photocards are officially licensed and authentic, featuring beloved characters Zhang Linghe and Tian Xiwei. Perfect for fans seeking genuine memorabilia from the popular drama.
High-quality packaging and design Each card comes in a premium original box with clear, vibrant printing. The 100000015 measurement unit ensures precise packaging for collectors who value neat organization and presentation.
New Drama Fangs Of Fortune Official Merch Collectible Cards Zhao Yuanzhou, Wen Xiao Characters HD Photocard Cosplay Gift
Official Merchandise from Fangs of Fortune This collectible card set is officially licensed Fangs of Fortune merchandise, featuring beloved characters Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao in high-definition detail for true fans.
High-Quality HD Photocard Design Crafted with sharp, vibrant visuals, each card delivers HD photocard quality, capturing character expressions and costumes with stunning clarity and color accuracy.
