Ao Ruipeng

Two summers ago, Mysterious Lotus Casebook lit up the martial arts scene with its trio of sleuths solving ten classic cold cases. Last year, The Ingenious Detective Lu Lingfeng brought Tang Dynasty aesthetics back in fashion with eight eerie mysteries. Turns out, the so-called "Chinese detective aesthetic" really does something to the audience — maybe it's the sense of order, maybe it's the ancient riddles, maybe it's just that familiar thrill of peeling back layers of lies. Now it's summer 2025, and the first historical mystery drama out of the gate is Coroner's Diary (朝雪录). And right from episode one, it pulls you in with a headless bride and a corpse buried in a well. No warm-up, just straight into the weird. Within days, the show's trending with over 9,000 heat index (a local metric for popularity), and multiple plot threads climbing the hot search charts. At the core of Morning Snow is a double-lead mystery arc, set against a backdrop rich with ancient forensic techniques and a distinctive Chinese visual style. But beyond the murder boards and blood trails, the show threads in themes that resonate with today's audience — fighting injustice, rejecting toxic romance tropes, and showcasing women…

In the sweeping historical drama Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录), protagonist Qin Wan (秦莞) dedicates her life to avenging her parents' deaths, believing General Li Muyun (李牧云) orchestrated their downfall. Yet the devastating finale unveils a truth more shattering than any battlefield: her lifelong struggle targeted the wrong enemy. The real architect of her tragedy lurked silently in her innermost circle—a revelation that redefines every sacrifice she ever made. The Illusion of Justice Qin Wan’s quest began with certainty. Her father, the revered minister Shen Yi (沈毅), was executed after Li Muyun accused him of shielding the disgraced Prince Jin. Convinced of her father’s innocence, she infiltrated the imperial court, gathering evidence against Li Muyun. Her resolve never wavered—until proof emerged that Li’s accusations were justified. Shen Yi had concealed Prince Jin’s dagger, a murder weapon implicating the emperor himself. Worse, he discovered an unthinkable secret: the throne was occupied by an impostor who murdered the true emperor years earlier. Li Muyun merely exposed corruption, unaware his report would ignite a chain reaction of cover-ups. Qin Wan’s hatred, it turned out, was built on half-truths. The real villain wore a crown. The Emperor’s Stolen Throne Emperor Xuan’s reign was a masterclass in…

Li Landi’s journey in costume dramas is a tale of quiet defiance. Six years ago, she faced harsh criticism for her round face in Back to the Qing Dynasty (梦回大清), deemed unsuitable for the ethereal beauty standards of historical epics. Yet, she persisted, steadily appearing in period pieces like The Starry Love (星落凝成糖) and Love of Nirvana (流水迢迢). Now, starring in the sleeper hit Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录), Landi isn't just accepted; she's celebrated as a captivating presence, her performance silencing past detractors. The drama, co-starring Ao Ruipeng (敖瑞鹏), has dominated viewership charts since its debut, its success proving far more complex than mere aesthetics. Landi’s transformation extends beyond physicality; it’s a honing of craft, evident in her powerful delivery and nuanced portrayal that anchors this gripping detective saga set against imperial intrigue. This drama’s triumph signifies a shift, proving substance and skillful storytelling can captivate audiences as much, if not more, than conventional glamour. Forensic Brilliance Fuels the Plot Coroner’s Diary thrives on its compelling fusion of mystery and meticulous deduction. Landi plays Qin Wan (秦莞), daughter of a disgraced minister massacred with his family. Assuming a noble woman’s identity, she crosses paths with Yan Chi (Ao Ruipeng), a prince’s…

In an era saturated with formulaic fantasy romance series, Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录) emerges as a deliberate homage to early 2000s period dramas. Premiering in 2025, this understated gem captivates audiences precisely by rejecting contemporary tropes. Instead of flamboyant costumes and melodramatic conflicts, it offers meticulously crafted characters and grounded storytelling. Lead actress Li Landi (李兰迪) embodies this philosophy with her classically resonant beauty—her rounded features and refined makeup echoing an era before influencer aesthetics dominated screens. The drama’s deliberate pacing and emphasis on professional competence over romantic theatrics signal a refreshing return to narrative substance. Grounded Character Portrayals Li Landi’s Qin Jiu (秦九) redefines the female protagonist archetype. As a forensic examiner, she navigates imperial bureaucracy with quiet authority, her medical expertise and analytical mind driving investigations. Unlike many peers, she avoids comic relief or exaggerated naivety. Co-lead Yan Chi complements her perfectly—a nobleman whose strategic acumen matches her intellect. Their dynamic thrives on mutual respect, not manufactured tension. Even minor figures like Qin’s sister-in-law or courtesan Lü Xiu (绿袖) reveal nuanced motivations. Each character, however brief their screen time, operates with coherent internal logic rather than serving as plot devices. The drama’s realism extends to relationships. Qin Jiu and…

Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录), the captivating historical mystery drama adapted from Bu Yue Qian Zhuang's novel, has gripped audiences with its tale of Qin Wan (秦莞), the "Ghost Hand Coroner" (Li Landi), and Prince Yan Chi (Ao Ruipeng) unraveling conspiracies and seeking justice. Amidst the intricate plots and striking leads, Zhang Mingbo's (章明伯) portrayal of Zhan Yang (展扬), Prince Yan Chi's steadfast bodyguard, emerges as a quietly powerful force, demonstrating the actor's expanding versatility beyond his modern crime drama roots. The Silent Catalyst Zhan Yang operates primarily within Prince Yan Chi's shadow, embodying the archetype of the loyal retainer. Yet, Zhang Mingbo ensures the character transcends mere background presence. Zhan Yang functions as the narrative's connective tissue across multiple case units. His sharp observation skills and decisive actions frequently provide crucial breakthroughs, propelling the central investigative duo forward when paths seem blocked. This role demands efficiency, and Zhang Mingbo delivers precisely that, ensuring every appearance counts. The relationship between Zhan Yang and Prince Yan Chi forms a compelling dynamic. Zhang Mingbo portrays not simple subservience, but a bond forged in mutual trust and battlefield understanding. Their silent communication speaks volumes, conveying years of shared experience and unspoken loyalty. This depth transforms…

A deadly legacy from China’s ancient Wu Kingdom era resurfaces in the suspense thriller Qi Gen Xin Jian (七根心简). Starring Liu Haocun (刘浩存) as Mu Dai (木代) and Song Weilong (宋威龙) as Luo Ren (罗韧), the drama follows a team racing against time to contain seven supernatural artifacts. These relics, born from celestial anomalies and human sin, threaten to activate a cataclysmic ritual. The artifacts demand blood, manipulate minds, and transform bearers into vessels of primordial evil. With each relic requiring seven sacrifices, the hunters become the hunted in a battle spanning centuries. Oracle Bones Turned Deadly During the Wu Kingdom period (1046–771 BCE), shamans recorded grave sins on oracle bones—turtle shells and animal scapulae used for divination. Seven specific bones documented heinous crimes: murder, betrayal, sacrilege, and others lost to history. These artifacts gained unnatural power during a rare celestial event when the Big Dipper’s alignment emitted cosmic energy. The charged bones developed abilities to control thoughts, amplify malice, heal fatal wounds, and corrupt souls. They became known as the "Heart Slips," each representing one star of the Big Dipper constellation. A containment method emerged called the "Phoenix Blood Encirclement." By trapping a Heart Slip and using blood from…

Beneath Coroner’s Diary's (朝雪录) chilling rain and veiled corpses, a deeper tempest rages: the struggle for power. This acclaimed drama masterfully weaves intricate murder mysteries with profound examinations of human choice within a corrupt imperial court. As forensic investigator Qin Huan (秦莞) and military prodigy Yan Chi (燕迟) navigate a labyrinth of decaying mansions and political treachery, three pivotal male figures embody starkly divergent paths through the maelstrom. Their ultimate destinies – liberation, destruction, and disgrace – are irrevocably shaped by their responses to the siren call of authority and the weight of buried sins. This is not merely a tale of solving crimes; it’s a dissection of character under pressure, where justice demands confronting the abyss within oneself and the empire. The General's Path Yan Chi, the Shuo Xi (朔西) Army's young commander, enters Jingzhou (荆州) seemingly for a wedding feast. His true mission is far deadlier: uncovering the fate of the missing official Shen Yi (沈毅) and clearing the name of the disgraced Prince Jin. His military precision and noble bearing mask a deep commitment to justice, evident when he silently shields Qin Huan with an umbrella during a grisly rain-soaked autopsy. This quiet act of respect for…

In the chilling landscape of Coroner’s Diary (朝雪录), a historical suspense drama gripping audiences, the pursuit of truth is as relentless as winter’s frost. Forensic investigator Qin Guan (秦莞) and silver-speared constable Yan Chi (燕迟) navigate a world where aristocratic facades crumble to reveal rot. Each meticulously crafted villain—driven by ambition, fear, or greed—meets an end meticulously tailored to their crimes. This narrative tapestry weaves eight macabre cases into a singular thesis: beneath the snows of injustice, no sin remains buried forever. The First Sacrifice to Justice Wei Yanzhi (魏言之), the disgraced Duke of Song’s illegitimate son, believed privilege could shield monstrosity. His murder of lover Song Rou (宋柔)—decapitating her to conceal a sword wound, then incinerating her skull—was calculated arrogance. Yet Qin Guan’s forensic brilliance unraveled his design. Vinegar paper revealed hidden wounds; pelvic bones betrayed Song Rou’s pregnancy. Wei’s attempt to frame the Marquis of Anyang collapsed. His beheading at the city gates became the drama’s foundational lesson: blood demands blood. His execution was no mere plot point. It established Qin Guan’s authority in a society that dismissed her skills. The charred skull fragments, once intended as proof of invincibility, instead symbolized nobility’s vulnerability. As the crowd cheered…

Historical suspense drama Coroner‘s Diary (Zhaoxuelu, 朝雪录) surprises audiences with a sudden July 13 premiere on iQIYI. Forensic examiner Qin Wan (秦莞) and General Yan Chi (燕迟) navigate eight chilling cases to expose imperial corruption. Li Landi (李兰迪) transforms into forensic examiner Qin Wan, hiding her identity after her family’s unjust execution. Beside her stands General Yan Chi, portrayed by Ao Ruipeng (敖瑞鹏), whose military prowess shields their investigation into eight interconnected atrocities. Their partnership anchors Zhaoxuelu, which advanced its debut by three days to dominate summer streaming. Director Li Huizhu’s (李慧珠) signature visual tension permeates previews showcasing skeletal remains in moonlit courtyards and bloodstained scrolls. This unexpected scheduling shift capitalizes on intense fan anticipation fueled by Zhou Huang’s haunting soundtrack and viral promotional clips. Premiere Strategy Shift Platform iQIYI prioritized Zhaoxuelu Files following robust early engagement metrics. Over 250,000 viewers pre-saved the series before its rescheduled launch, signaling strong market readiness. Executives moved the premiere to fill a content gap left by A Dream Within a Dream’s (书卷一梦) conclusion, avoiding direct competition with romance drama Cherry Amber (樱桃琥珀). Six consecutive episodes debuted at noon on July 13, establishing immediate narrative immersion. Audience forums buzzed with approval for the accelerated…