On August 1st, the murky waters of the Great Qi Dynasty will churn with deception and vengeance. The Wanted Detective (定风波), a historical mystery drama starring Wang Xingyue (王星越) and Xiang Hanzhi (向涵之), arrives on iQIYI. This highly anticipated series plunges viewers into the shattered life of Xiao Beiming, the dynasty’s foremost investigator. His wedding day becomes a nightmare when he’s branded the demonic killer "Night Terror," accused of murdering his mentor and betraying the realm.
Forced into exile, Xiao Beiming spends three years plotting his return. Now, he emerges from the shadows, determined to clear his name and expose the true architect of his ruin.
Unraveling the Night Terror’s Shadow
Xiao Beiming’s quest for justice is far from solitary. He reunites with his skeptical martial sister, Zhong Xueman, whose initial distrust melts as she witnesses his relentless pursuit of truth. Their alliance forms the core of an unlikely team. Together, they confront a string of gruesome, seemingly disconnected murders shaking the capital. Each victim bears the chilling signature of the "Night Terror" – the very entity Xiao Beiming was framed as embodying.
The cases escalate in brutality and complexity. A bride vanishes from her wedding vessel under a blood moon, the Night Terror’s symbol etched nearby. Royal archives are reduced to ashes in a suspicious fire, revealing cryptic pre-dynasty markings. Behind these horrors lies a calculated plot intertwining corrupt officials, shadowy river guilds, and treacherous court factions. Xiao Beiming’s investigation becomes a race against time, peeling back layers of conspiracy that threaten the emperor himself. Every revelation ties closer to the forces that orchestrated his downfall years prior.
The path to vindication forces Xiao Beiming to navigate a labyrinth of lies. Old allies prove treacherous, and new enemies emerge from the highest echelons of power. The tension culminates in a deadly confrontation where loyalties fracture and sacrifices must be made. His ambition, masked by the Night Terror’s legend, aimed to topple the throne. Xiao Beiming’s fight transforms from personal redemption to a battle for the dynasty’s survival.
A Fusion of Craft and Performance
The Wanted Detective promises a visually arresting journey into Great Qi’s treacherous world. Director Zhao Jintao (赵锦焘) cultivates an atmosphere thick with suspense. Low-saturation cinematography captures the capital’s oppressive intrigue – mist-shrouded lakes reflect hidden dangers, while bustling markets mask whispered plots. Action sequences prioritize visceral realism. A standout rain-drenched chase through a bamboo forest showcases Wang Xingyue’s physical commitment, executed without stunt doubles for heightened intensity.
Wang Xingyue shoulders the complex role of Xiao Beiming with palpable intensity. His portrayal captures the character’s transformation: from celebrated hero to broken fugitive, then into a figure burning with a dangerous mix of anguish and resolve. Subtle details, like frayed red silk clinging to his sword hilt, silently echo his wedding day trauma and thirst for justice.
Xiang Hanzhi breaks from previous roles, embodying Zhong Xueman’s steely resolve and combat prowess. Her journey from suspicion to unwavering solidarity adds emotional depth. Supporting performances, including He Luoluo’s (何洛洛) menacing turn as a mysterious antagonist, enrich the narrative’s texture.
The drama arrives amidst fervent anticipation, with iQIYI pre-views surpassing one million. It inherits a prime summer slot following the platform’s recent historical hit, Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录). The Wanted Detective distinguishes itself through its core theme: a hero battling systemic corruption and weaponized slander to reclaim his identity. This resonant struggle, set against intricate puzzles and polished production, positions the series as a potential standout in the competitive summer landscape. On August 1st, The Wanted Detective begins.
