The costume drama landscape just got a thrilling jolt. Forget slow-burn palace intrigues—Voyage to Haihun (海昏行) detonates onto screens with a premise so audacious, it rockets to 16,000 popularity units on its premiere day. This compact series throws a modern man into the treacherous court of the Western Han dynasty, armed not with weapons, but with a bizarre resurrection curse. Two protagonists meet, face immediate doom, and discover death is merely a reset button in a show that masterfully blends farce, strategy, and heart-pounding tension.
Death Becomes a Strategy
The opening minutes are a masterclass in efficiency. Desperate to escape political imprisonment, deposed Emperor Liu He (刘贺, played by Geng Yeting) attempts a forbidden ritual, accidentally yanking modern-day slacker Wang Heng (王衡, played by Mao Zijun) through a temporal rift. Their first encounter—a comical head-on collision—lasts mere moments before the formidable warrior De Jiu (得九, played by Huang Riying) arrives. She kills Wang Heng and steals his mysterious bronze Qilin (麒麟) artifact.
Yet, Wang Heng doesn't stay dead. He awakens outside the compound, unharmed, moments before his fatal attempt to help Liu He. This is his curse, and soon, his tool: every death triggers an unpredictable rewind to a prior safe point. The initial shock of dual protagonist deaths gives way to ingenious strategy. Wang Heng realizes his "gift" allows trial-and-error problem-solving. His early, seemingly impulsive suicide? A calculated reset to save Liu He. This "die-try-again" loop injects exhilarating pace, hooking viewers instantly with its high-stakes puzzle-box narrative.
Laughs, Schemes, and Inevitability
Voyage to Haihun wears its historical setting lightly, wrapping complex power struggles in vibrant comedic packaging. Wang Heng’s modern perspective becomes a hilarious, potent weapon. Knowing Liu He faces deposition and death within 27 days of reaching the capital, he employs contemporary logic against ancient conspiracies. He crafts intricate double-crosses to counter the powerful minister Huo Guang (霍光) and coaches the naive emperor in evasion tactics. Their dynamic shines: Wang Heng, the quick-witted schemer with a penchant for turning gold into hidden "funeral assets," contrasts brilliantly with Liu He, the wealthy, impulsive prince whose first instinct is to throw money at problems but whose loyalty runs deep. Their camaraderie generates genuine laughs.
Beneath the humor, however, lies a poignant undercurrent. Wang Heng’s constant resets create a gnawing sense of futility. Can he truly alter the relentless tide of history? No matter how clever his plans, the shadow of Liu He’s recorded fate looms large. Director Zhang wisely avoids pure power fantasy. The central question isn’t if they can win, but how hard they’ll fight knowing victory might be impossible. This blend of sharp comedy and profound existential stakes—where laughter coexists with dread—elevates the series far beyond simple escapism.
Small Scale, Big Impact
Don’t let the "short drama" label fool you. Voyage to Haihun delivers production value that rivals lengthier epics. The casting is pitch-perfect. Mao Zijun embodies Wang Heng’s frantic, fish-out-of-water energy and sly resourcefulness without resorting to caricature. Geng Yeting captures Liu He’s journey from spoiled noble to determined leader, his concern for Wang Heng radiating in quiet moments—like carrying his exhausted friend—forging a bond that feels authentic, not manufactured. Huang Riying is magnetic as the lethal, enigmatic De Jiu, her connection to Wang Heng adding compelling layers. Their combined talent makes every interaction spark.
Attention to detail grounds the fantastical premise. Costumes, particularly Liu He’s formal robes, reflect meticulous research into Western Han aesthetics. Props, from jade ornaments to ceremonial vessels, feel historically grounded. Clever nods, like the bronze Qilin and gold horse hoof ingots, subtly reference real artifacts from Liu He’s excavated tomb, adding depth for history buffs. Even the antagonist Huo Guang avoids mustache-twirling cliche; his ruthless intelligence poses a credible, terrifying threat, ensuring the political chess match crackles with tension.
The Future is Short and Packed
Voyage to Haihun arrives as short dramas gain serious traction, attracting stars like Wan Juan and Wallace Huo. It exemplifies the format’s strengths: lean, mean, and relentlessly engaging. Episodes clock in around 15 minutes, excising all filler. Every scene propels the core story—from chaotic summonings and daring escapes to intricate plots and deepening bonds. It understands its audience perfectly: delivering genuine bromance without artifice, high-concept thrills without confusion, polished production without pretension, and laughs born from smart culture clashes.
Whether you crave historical depth, crave a dynamic duo, seek pure adrenaline, or just want a brilliantly crafted escape, Voyage to Haihun delivers. Its explosive debut isn't just hype; it's a testament to a show firing on all cylinders. Forget "potential"—this is the must-watch historical short drama of the year. The bar has been reset, much like Wang Heng himself.
