Summer is for costume dramas. They’re a crowd-pleaser, offering something for everyone. The genre is a sprawling universe of its own, constantly delivering fresh hits. From the political intrigue of Joy of Life (庆余年) to the refined elegance of Dream of Splendor (梦华录)—this shows masterfully weave together romance, Xianxia, suspense, and palace scheming.
This year is no exception. We’ve already seen breakout hits like A Dream of Majesty (书卷一梦) and The Immortal Ascension (凡人修仙传). And just as the latter continues its successful run, a new 36-episode contender has suddenly arrived: Legend of The Female General (锦月如歌).
With a compelling plot and a cast that’s perfectly aligned with current tastes, this show is poised to be a serious competitor.
The Vengeance Plot
Legend of The Female General is adapted from the hugely popular novel Rebirth of the Female General Star (重生之女将星) by Qian Shan Chake (千山茶客). It tells the story of He Yan (played by Zhou Ye), the eldest daughter of the He family. To preserve her family's status, she spent years impersonating her brother, He Rufei. But upon returning home, she was betrayed and nearly killed.
Surviving the attempt on her life, He Yan disguises herself as a man to enlist in the army. There, she meets Xiao Jue (played by Cheng Lei) and others, beginning her arduous journey to reclaim her name and get revenge.
While "rebirth revenge" plots are common lately, this one feels different. It ditches the confined settings of inner chambers and merchant rivalries for the vast, gritty backdrop of wartime. He Yan isn’t just fighting for herself; she’s shouldering the duty of protecting a nation. On the battlefield, she’s a formidable force.
The real conflict comes from being stabbed in the back by the very family she sacrificed everything for. They got the glory; she got a death sentence. So, she goes back to the one place she knows she can succeed: the military.
When Xiao Jue learns her secret and offers his protection, her response is refreshingly blunt: "I don't need anyone to clear the path for me." Finally, a female lead who carves her own destiny.
A Cast That Delivers
The series is bolstered by a strong ensemble cast that combines rising talent with familiar faces.
Leading the pack is Zhou Ye. She first turned heads with her chilling performance as the bully in the film Better Days (少年的你). Since then, she’s consistently chosen interesting roles. Here, she sheds her modern image entirely, transforming into a battle-hardened general. The previews show her in action—her movements sharp and precise, echoing the classic Wuxia heroes of the past. Her acting chops are unquestionable.
Her counterpart is played by Cheng Lei. Though a newer face, he’s already built an impressive resume with shows like The Evil Face (虚颜) and My Journey to You (云之羽). He returns to the familiar territory of playing a military commander, and his on-screen presence is a perfect match for the genre’s demands.
In a landscape filled with stories that claim to be about powerful women, Legend of The Female General seems to actually deliver. Its authenticity is perhaps best proven by its massive pre-release buzz, with over 3.6 million reservations across platforms. This is one summer drama you won't want to skip.
