Wednesday, 24 February 2021

A Dream of Splendor

Web Drama: A Dream of Splendor
Chinese Title: 梦华录 / Meng Hua Lu
Broadcast Website: Tencent

Broadcast Date: June 2, 2022

Air Time: eps released 4 days straight on premiere week, subsequently, Thu-Sat (20:00) 2 eps with 8 eps on premiere for VIP, Thu-Mon (1 eps) for non-VIP with 2 eps on premiere (See Viewing Calendar)
Genre: Historical, Romance
Language: Mandarin
Episodes: 40
Director: Yang Yang
Screenwriter: Zhang Wei
Origin: China
Source: Adapted from the play Saving the Prostitute (赵盼儿风月救风尘) by Guan Hanqing
Watch Episodes On: Youtube

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Synopsis and Plot Summary

Zhao Pan'er who has opened a tea house in Hangzhou receives the good news that her fiancee Ouyang Xu has passed the civil exams with flying colors. However, she realizes later on that he has left her. Amidst the many trials and tribulations in her life, the beautiful and intelligent Zhao Pan'er opens doors for women from a low social status to achieve equality in ancient times.

Unwilling to bow down to fate, Zhao Pan'er (Liu Yifei) has decided to go to the capital to demand an explanation from her fiancee. On the way, she rushes to the aid of her good friend Song Yinzhang who was scammed into marriage and has become the victim of abuse. At the same time, she also rescues Sun Sanniang whose failed marriage leads to her suicide attempt.

When Ouyang Xu learns that Zhao Pan'er has come to find him, he actually tries to drive her out. Zhao Pan'er, Song Yinzhang, and Sun Sanniang decide to stay in Bianjing, relying on their own ability to carve out their path to success. After experiencing all kinds of hardships, the three sisters work together to turn a small tea house into the largest establishment in Bianjing. Zhao Pan'er gradually learns to let herself live and to let go of her hatred towards Ouyang Xu.

Fun Facts

Filming reportedly began on February 16, 2021 although there was no official announcement.
It was announced on July 5, 2021 that filming has wrapped after over four months.
It was shot in Hengdian, Xiangshan, Wuxi, Xianyang
Liu Yifei played Xiaolongnü in the 2006 wuxia adaptation of The Return of the Condor Heroes while Chen Xiao played Yang Guo in the 2014 adaptation.
It marks Liu Yifei's return to historical dramas since The Return of the Condor Heroes in 2006 as she has focused mainly in movies.
Netizens pointed out that the VIP finale was set on Jul 7 which coincides with the Mukden Incident. The finale was moved up to July 3, 2022.
It hit 30,000 popularity points on Tencent in 2022 when the platform replaced online views for popularity points.

Cast

	Crystal Liu as Zhao Paner
	Chen Xiao as Gu Qianfan
	Ada Liu Yan as Sun Sanniang
	Jelly Lin Yun as Song Yinzhang
	Joe Xu Haiqiao as Ouyang Xu
	Dai Xu as Chi Ya'nei
	Zhang Xiaoqian as Du Changfeng
	Guan Yunpeng as Chen Lian
	Daisy Li Muchen as Ge Zhaodi
	Wang Luoyong as Xiao Qinyan
	Jeff Bao Jianfeng as Huang Di
	Zhang Xiang as Zhou She
	Kris Sun Zujun as Shen Ruzhuo