Liu Xueyi

Why is Liu Xueyi (刘学义) wearing a red velvet drape in his wedding scene? This question has sparked curiosity among viewers of the period drama Against the Current (兰香如故), where the actor’s costume features a striking crimson cloth over his left shoulder. Rather than a costume mishap, this detail is deeply rooted in historical tradition—a symbol of celebration known as Pihong (披红), or “draping red.” Symbol of Achievement During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Pihong was predominantly worn by scholars who had passed imperial examinations. Achieving the title of Zhuangyuan (状元) or Jinshi (进士) was met with great honor, and the draping of red cloth symbolized joy and intellectual triumph. The phrase “spring breeze” captures this euphoric moment—a scholar riding through the capital, admired by all. The fabric used for Pihong was typically lightweight silk, brocade, or fine satin, avoiding bulkiness. In Against the Current, the velvet-like material may seem unusual, but it stays true to the concept of ceremonial draping. Originally reserved for academic achievements, the practice gradually extended to other significant life events. Historical records, such as the Ming novel Joyful Feuds (欢喜冤家·二十三回), describe scholars wearing Pihong with floral headpieces—a duo of honor. This combination highlighted one’s social…

The historical drama The Princess's Gambit (桃花映江山), starring Liu Xueyi (刘学义) and Meng Ziyi (孟子义), premiered to high expectations but quickly saw a drop in viewership. Audiences and critics pointed to various reasons, from off-screen chemistry issues to an outdated storyline. This article explores why it couldn't match the success of shows like A Dream within a Dream (书卷一梦), examining the role of promotional dynamics, plot fatigue, and competitive pressures. By dissecting these elements, we uncover broader trends in viewer preferences during the 2025 drama season. The Off-Screen Dynamic Criticism often centered on the perceived lack of chemistry between Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi. Many viewers blamed this for the drama's declining ratings, arguing that their off-screen interactions felt forced during promotions. Unlike Meng's previous hit Blossom (九重紫), where her playful rapport with the co-star boosted buzz, her reserved demeanor with Liu fueled fan theories of discord. This overshadowed their on-screen performances, leading to unfair accusations against Liu's acting skills. The contrast was stark in promotional events. Blossom thrived on lively interviews and social media banter, creating viral moments that drew in casual viewers. In The Princess's Gambit, however, the actors' minimal off-stage closeness made fans question their believability as…

The Princess's Gambit (桃花映江山) captivated audiences with exquisite visuals and strong lead chemistry but ultimately disappointed with fragmented plot developments and an unsatisfying ending. This article examines its strengths, narrative flaws, and Liu Xueyi’s (刘学义) struggle to find consistent dramatic success. A Visually Arresting Start The Princess's Gambit launched with significant promise, largely driven by Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi’s (孟子义) remarkable screen presence. Both actors, celebrated for their recent popular projects, brought undeniable charisma to their roles. Meng Ziyi’s rise from supporting parts to leading lady generated organic interest, while Liu Xueyi’s commanding portrayal of the guarded strategist Shen Zaiye (沈在野) anchored the early episodes. The drama’s production design deserved praise, with meticulous costumes and sets establishing a tangible historical atmosphere. Scenes between the leads crackled with tension, blending intellectual sparring and reluctant attraction. Shen Zaiye’s suspicion of Jiang Taohua (姜桃花) as a potential spy created compelling friction, while her resourcefulness in life-threatening situations showcased her resilience. This dynamic laid a solid foundation for their evolving relationship. Audiences responded enthusiastically to the initial episodes, drawn by the sophisticated aesthetics and the leads’ magnetic performances. The blend of political intrigue and slow-burn romance offered a refreshing take on the historical…

The Princess's Gambit (桃花映江山), the highly anticipated historical romance drama starring Meng Ziyi (孟子义) and Liu Xueyi (刘学义), ignited screens with a blazing premiere. Its debut shattered records, soaring past 23,000 on popularity indexes, signaling potential dominance in the competitive costume drama landscape. Yet, this initial triumph quickly met a wave of audience skepticism. Online forums filled with debates questioning the central pairing's on-screen chemistry and the narrative's structural integrity. The drama promised intrigue between the neglected Northern Court Princess Jiang Taohua (姜桃花) and the cunning Qi Kingdom Prime Minister Shen Zaiye (沈在野). Their journey—beginning with forced alliance and mutual distrust, evolving through political machinations towards tentative partnership and love—faced immediate scrutiny. While some viewers championed the leads’ performances and embraced the familiar tropes, others pointed to repetitive plot devices and jarring inconsistencies, leaving The Princess's Gambit suspended between acclaim and critique. The Leads' Portrayal Initial reactions focused intensely on the perceived age gap between Liu Xueyi’s Shen Zaiye and Meng Ziyi’s Jiang Taohua, with some unkindly comparing him to her uncle. This surface-level critique overlooks the character’s inherent nature. Shen Zaiye is no youthful idealist; he is a seasoned political operator, burdened by responsibility and navigating treacherous court dynamics.…

Within days of its premiere, The Princesss Gambit (桃花映江山) has ignited fervent discussion, its viewership soaring past 23,000 and climbing rapidly. This adaptation of Bai Lu Cheng Shuang's novel The Peach Blossom Folds the Rivers and Mountains (桃花折江山) thrusts viewers into the treacherous courts of Northern Yan and Da Qi. Princess Jiang Taohua (Meng Ziyi), a disposable pawn sacrificed in a royal power play, finds herself in a forced marriage to the formidable and morally ambiguous Prime Minister, Shen Zaiye (Liu Xueyi). Their union, born from desperation and political maneuvering, sets the stage for a dangerous dance where survival hinges on outwitting enemies, navigating palace conspiracies, and deciphering each other’s motives. Directed by the acclaimed Yi Jun (The Tribute of Youth,The Legend of Fuyao), the series wastes no time plunging audiences into a world of razor-sharp tension, breathtaking visuals, and complex characters whose motives are as layered as the intricate plots they weave. Yi Jun's Signature Precision Director Yi Jun's (易军) masterful control is evident from the opening frames. The premiere episode efficiently establishes the dire stakes: Taohua's desperate escape attempt, her heartbreaking sacrifice to save her brother, and the perilous journey to Da Qi. Yi Jun utilizes stark lighting…