The Story of Minglan

The Story of Minglan
DVD cover
Also known asLegend of the Concubine's Daughter: Minglan
Genre
Based onDo you know? Do You Know? If the green is still plump and the red still lean? by Guanxin Zeluan
Written by
  • Zeng Lu
  • Wu Tong
Directed byZhang Kaizhou
Starring
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes73
Production
Executive producerHou Hongliang
Production locations
Production companyDaylight Entertainment
Original release
NetworkHunan TV
ReleaseDecember 25, 2018 (2018-12-25)
The Story of Minglan
Simplified Chinese知否?知否?应是绿肥红瘦
Traditional Chinese知否?知否?應是綠肥紅瘦
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhīfǒu? Zhīfǒu? yìng shì lǜféi hóngshòu

The Story of Minglan (simplified Chinese: 知否?知否?应是绿肥红瘦; traditional Chinese: 知否?知否?應是綠肥紅瘦; pinyin: Zhī fǒu? Zhī fǒu? Yīng shì lǜ féi hóng shòu) is a 2018 Chinese television series adapted from the novel of the same name written under the pseudonym Guanxin Zeluan.[1] The series stars Zhao Liying, Feng Shaofeng, and Zhu Yilong, and premiered on Hunan Television on December 25, 2018.[2]

Background

Set during the Northern Song dynasty, the story follows Sheng Minglan, the daughter of a civil official and his concubine. Neglected by her father and stepmother, and often mistreated by her half-sisters, Minglan learns to conceal her talents and intentions. She meets Gu Tingye in childhood, although she initially develops feelings for Qi Heng, the son of the Duke of Qi. Over time, Gu Tingye rises to prominence as a military official and eventually marries Minglan. After their marriage, Minglan assists him in managing family conflicts, countering corrupt officials at court, and avenging her biological mother's death. As the wife of a marquis, she gains authority within the Sheng household and becomes an influential figure in the family's rise.

Plot

Sheng Hong, a fifth-rank official and head of the Sheng household, has one official wife, two concubines, and six children. His official wife, Wang Ruofu, is temperamental but good-hearted, and she is often in conflict with Sheng Hong's favored concubine, Lin Qinshuang. Lin, a former servant, feigns weakness and sympathy to gain Sheng Hong's affection, which causes tension with Wang Ruofu. Sheng Hong's stepmother, Old Madam Sheng, the only daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi, is highly respected among the nobility. However, her relationship with Sheng Hong is strained due to his inability to restrain Lin Qinshuang and protect Wang Ruofu's position, as well as the fact that she is not his biological mother despite raising him.

Sheng Minglan, the sixth daughter of Sheng Hong, was born to his concubine Wei Shuyi. After witnessing her pregnant mother's death—an indirect result of Minglan's attempt to defend her—she learns to conceal her intelligence and suppress her spirited nature. Minglan is subsequently raised by Old Madam Sheng, who dotes on her. Minglan's siblings include Hualan, Changbai, and Rulan, the legitimate children of Wang Ruofu, and Changfeng and Molan, the children of Lin Qinshuang. Their personalities largely reflect those of their mothers: Hualan is gentle but submissive to her mother-in-law; Changbai is cautious and scholarly, later befriending Gu Tingye; Changfeng is carefree but ambitious; Rulan is temperamental yet straightforward; and Molan is calculating, seeking to improve her status through marriage. The Sheng children grow up alongside Qi Heng, Gu Tingye, and Yu Yanran.

Molan, resentful of her position as a concubine's daughter, schemes to marry into wealth. With Lin Qinshuang's assistance, she becomes involved with Liang Han, son of the Count of Yongchang. Although Lady Wu, Liang Han's mother, favors Minglan as a daughter-in-law, Molan resorts to underhanded tactics to secure the marriage. The scandal brings shame to the Sheng family, and Lin Qinshuang is punished and sent to the family's farmstead, where she admits to lacking true affection for Sheng Hong. Minglan reveals to her that Molan's marriage was part of a plan to avenge her mother's death. Molan later suffers in her marriage, as Liang Han keeps many concubines, particularly favoring his maid Chun Ke.

Rulan, by contrast, values personal happiness over social standing. Despite Wang Ruofu's wish for her to marry into nobility, she falls in love with her father's student, who had previously been engaged to Molan. Rulan eventually marries him, and the couple enjoys a stable and affectionate relationship. Meanwhile, Qi Heng, the son of the Duke of Qi and the Princess of Pingning, develops feelings for Minglan. Though she reciprocates, Qi Heng idealizes her and fails to understand her true emotions. Ultimately, he is compelled to marry the Princess of Jiacheng. Their marriage ends tragically during a rebellion, resulting in the execution of his wife's family.

Gu Tingye, the son of the Marquis of Ningyuan, rises in prominence after saving the emperor during the rebellion. Despite his achievements, he has a troubled past: his stepmother, Lady Qin, despises him while feigning kindness, and his father resents him due to the circumstances of his birth. His mother, Lady Bai, was forced into marriage for her wealth and died in grief while pregnant. Tingye develops a poor reputation for reckless behavior and fathers two children with his mistress, Zhu Manniang, who later abandons him but attempts to return when his fortunes improve. Upon discovering her betrayal, Tingye expels her. He also faces Lady Qin's schemes, as she attempts to position her son, Tingwei, as heir to the marquisate.

Eventually, Gu Tingye proposes to Minglan. Though hesitant at first, she accepts after realizing he has reformed and is sincere in his devotion. As the lady of the Gu household, Minglan must navigate conflicts with Lady Qin, extended relatives, Wang Ruoyu (Wang Ruofu's elder sister and matriarch of the Kang household), Zhu Manniang, and members of the imperial family. Throughout her marriage, she strengthens her ties with her siblings, reconciles with her father and stepmother, and supports other noble families. Together, she and Gu Tingye face personal and political challenges, gradually developing a relationship built on mutual reliance and understanding.

Differences from the novel

(Incomplete)

In the original novel, the protagonist is a 21st-century woman whose consciousness enters the body of a fever-stricken five-year-old Minglan. Despite her background, she rarely uses knowledge from the modern era and instead strives to remain inconspicuous, so the course of events remains largely unchanged.

Rulan is portrayed as haughty and arrogant. Although she eventually develops a reasonably amicable relationship with Minglan, this is mostly due to Minglan's accommodating nature, rather than genuine affection.

Sheng Hong, Minglan's father, is indecisive in mediating disputes between his wife and favored concubine, but he is portrayed as fair and reasonable toward his children. Minglan's early life is depicted as relatively peaceful, with little bullying.

Unlike in the television adaptation, there is no love triangle involving Qi Heng. He wishes to marry Minglan but confides only in his parents. His mother does not dislike Minglan, though she does not consider her suitable as a legal wife. His parents suggest that Qi Heng take Minglan as a concubine, which he refuses. At their urging, he marries a princess instead. Neither Minglan nor the public are aware of his intentions, and the matter is not revisited once Minglan becomes engaged to and later marries Gu Tingye.

Gu Tingye's marital history also differs. He initially seeks to marry Minglan's friend, but circumstances lead him to wed her half-sister, a concubine's daughter. At the time, he is already in a relationship with Zhu Manniang, with whom he has children. Minglan warns him of Manniang's ambitions and predicts her eventual betrayal, which later proves accurate. After his wife's death, Gu Tingye investigates and expels Manniang, sending her and her children away permanently.

Opposition to Minglan in the novel is generally less confrontational than in the television series. Most adversaries attempt to exploit her position for personal gain, and she thwarts them while maintaining etiquette and decorum. Few directly attack her reputation, and violent schemes such as murder are absent.

Cast

Main

Actor Character Introduction
Zhao Liying[3] Sheng Minglan The sixth child and fourth daughter of Sheng Hong, born to his concubine Wei Shuyi. Intelligent and observant, she grows up overlooked within the family and learns to conceal her abilities. Cautious about trusting others due to her upbringing, she later marries Gu Tingye and builds a relationship based on mutual respect. Calm and pragmatic, she is protective of those close to her.
Feng Shaofeng[4] Gu Tingye The second son of the Marquis of Ningyuan, by his wife Lady Bai. Skilled in military affairs, he has a reputation for brash behavior and strained family relations. Loyal to those he values, he gradually improves his public standing and becomes a trusted official, with Minglan's support.

Supporting

Sheng household (Minglan's childhood home)

Kaifeng
Actor Character Introduction
Old Master Sheng (Deceased, never shown) Husband of Old Madam Sheng and father of Sheng Hong.
He placed third in the Hanlin Academy examination.
Cao Cuifen Old Madam Sheng Matriarch of the Sheng family and the only daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi. Legal mother of Sheng Hong and mother-in-law of Wang Ruofu.
She adopted Sheng Hong, the son of her husband's concubine Lady Chun, after the death of her biological son, and raised him as her own. She develops a close bond with Minglan, whom she raises after Wei Shuyi's death. She is critical of Sheng Hong's inability to restrain Lin Qinshuang or uphold the status of his official wife. Skilled at subtle manipulation, Old Madam Sheng is capable of navigating household politics but generally prefers to live quietly.
Liu Jun[5] Sheng Hong Current head of the Sheng family and father of Hualan, Changbai, Changfeng, Molan, Rulan, and Minglan.
He favors his concubine Lin Qinshuang, causing tension with his adoptive mother and official wife. Although tactful, he avoids confrontation and is often indecisive in conflicts between his wives. While affectionate toward his children, he is prone to favoritism and manipulation. Maintaining the Sheng family's reputation is his top priority, sometimes at the expense of his children.
Liu Lin Wang Ruofu Sheng Hong's official wife and mother of Hualan, Changbai, and Rulan.
Her temper often overshadows her reasonable and kind nature, leading to misunderstandings with her husband. She resents Lin Qinshuang, whom Sheng Hong took as a concubine during her early years of marriage. Devoted to her children, she struggles with manipulation by others, including her sister Madame Kang. After being tricked into actions that harm the family, she is sent to live with relatives for reflection. Eventually, she accepts her mistakes and grows more self-aware.
Gao Lu[6] Lin Qinshuang Sheng Hong's favored concubine and mother of Changfeng and Molan.
Once a servant of Old Madam Sheng, she gains influence through manipulation and secures her position in the household. She embezzles resources from Wei Shuyi and contributes to her death. Known for scheming and feigning weakness, her primary ambition is to see her daughter Molan marry into nobility. Eventually, her deceit is exposed, and she is punished and exiled to a rural estate, where she dies shortly afterward.
Liu Xiyuan Wei Shuyi Sheng Hong's concubine and Minglan's biological mother.
From a poor background, she enters the Sheng household without wealth or strong family connections. Gentle and reserved, she avoids conflict and teaches Minglan to remain inconspicuous. She dies during childbirth, manipulated by Lin Qinshuang's interference.
Wang Herun Sheng Hualan Sheng Hong's eldest child and daughter, by Wang Ruofu. Mother of Zhuang and Shi.
Gentle and caring toward her siblings, she supports her mother during family conflicts. Married into a higher-status family, she struggles with mistreatment from her mother-in-law, who at times separates her from her children.
Wang Renjun[7] Sheng Changbai Sheng Hong's eldest son, by Wang Ruofu.
A learned and upright scholar, he values justice over family reputation and is known for fairness. Trusted by his siblings, especially Minglan, he is also a close friend of Gu Tingye.
Ren Wanjing Hai Zhaoyun Wife of Sheng Changbai and mother of Sheng Quan. Intelligent and sensible, she maintains good relations with Minglan and Rulan but dislikes Molan.
Sheng Quan Son of Sheng Changbai and Hai Zhaoyun.
Zhang Xiaoqian Sheng Changfeng Sheng Hong's youngest son, by Lin Qinshuang.
Reckless and impressionable, he causes trouble for the family in his youth. Though frivolous, he remains loyal to his mother. Later, fatherhood and distance from household politics lead him to mature.
Lady Liu Wife of Sheng Changfeng.
Shi Shi[8] Sheng Molan Sheng Hong's second daughter, by Lin Qinshuang, and wife of Liang Han.
Ambitious and insecure about her status as a concubine's child, she is competitive and scheming. Pressured by her mother, she seeks to improve her social position through marriage, ultimately marrying Liang Han. However, her manipulative behavior strains her marriage and leads to difficulties in her new household.
Zhang Jianing[9] Sheng Rulan Sheng Hong's third daughter, by Wang Ruofu, and wife of Wen Yanjing.
Spoiled but straightforward, she values personal happiness over ambition. Close to Minglan but often at odds with Molan, she marries Wen Yanjing, a scholar of lower status who loves her sincerely.
Zhang Lu Wen Yanjing Sheng Rulan's husband and a scholar of modest background. Devoted to Rulan despite his lower status and domineering mother.
Shi Yan Mother Fang Old Madam Sheng's personal maid.
Suqin Maid of Old Madam Sheng.
Dongrong Servant of Sheng Hong.
Hong Hua Mother Liu Jia Wang Ruofu's personal maid and mother of Yinxing.
Wang Yi Caihuan Maid of Wang Ruofu.
Ma Ding[10] Zhou Xueniang Lin Qinshuang's maidservant. Loyal to her mistress, she assists in household schemes until Lin Qinshuang's downfall, after which she is sold.
Lu Yanqi Liu Xiaodie Wei Shuyi's servant. Wrongly accused of theft by Lin Qinshuang, she is dismissed but receives a token of farewell from her mistress.
Yuan Yuan Zhulou Lin Qinshuang's servant, later transferred to Wei Shuyi.
Zhang Shuwei Lümeng Lin Qinshuang's servant, later transferred to Wei Shuyi.
Hanniu Sheng Changbai's servant.
Yanghao Sheng Changbai's servant.
Langhao Sheng Changbai's servant.
Yunzai Sheng Molan's servant.
Luzhong Sheng Molan's servant.
Tian Luo Mother Cui Ru'an Servant of Old Madam Sheng, later assigned to Minglan.
Wang Ziwei Xiaotao Minglan's personal maid and confidante. She grows up alongside Minglan and later marries Shitou, Gu Tingye's servant.
Han Ye[11] Danju Maid of Minglan. Later married to an ordinary man.
Li Yuanyuan Cuiwei Servant of Old Madam Sheng, later assigned to Minglan. Becomes one of Minglan's most trusted companions.
Cao Ying Jiu'er Wang Ruofu's servant, later reassigned to Minglan. Trusted as one of her chief maids.
Yinxing Daughter of Mother Liu and maid of Wang Ruofu, later serving Minglan.
Ke'er Sheng Changfeng's servant, later serving Minglan.
Mei'er Sheng Changfeng's servant, later serving Minglan.
Yang Xiaodan Lady Guan Head of the kitchen in the Sheng household.
Liu Qing Lady Wei Younger sister of Wei Shuyi.
She convinces Old Madam Sheng and Wang Ruofu to care for the orphaned Minglan and remains suspicious of the Sheng family's role in her sister's death.
Ning Xiaozhi Zhuang Xuejiu
Yu Nannan Momo Kong Etiquette tutor brought in to instruct the Sheng daughters in courtly manners.
Youyang
Actor Character Introduction
Sheng Huaizhong Old Master Sheng's elder brother. The father of Sheng Wei and Sheng Shu.
Zhu Huaixu Elder Old Madam Sheng Huaizhong's wife and the mother of Sheng Wei and Sheng Shu.
Wang Gang Sheng Wei Sheng Huaizhong's eldest son. The father of Changsong, Shulan, Changwu and Pinlan.
He is the head of the eldest branch of the Sheng family.
Qian Youyou Lady Li Sheng Wei's wife and the mother of Changsong, Shulan, Changwu and Pinlan.
Sheng Changsong Sheng Wei's eldest son, by his wife Lady Li.
Zhang Hanyun Sheng Shulan Sheng Wei's elder daughter, by his wife Lady Li. Former wife of Sun Zhigao.
Hu Shuoyu Sheng Changwu Sheng Wei's second son, by his wife Lady Li.
Xu Yue Sheng Pinlan Sheng Wei's younger daughter, by his wife Lady Li.
Sheng Shu Sheng Huaizhong's daughter.
Xia Minghao Sun Zhigao Sheng Shulan's former husband.
Xue Yuanyuan Mrs. Sun Sun Zhigao's mother.

Gu household

Cheng Garden (Gu Tingye and Sheng Minglan's marital home)
Actor Character Introduction
Li Yixiao[12] Zhu Manniang Gu Tingye's unofficial mistress during his early youth and mother of Shurong and Shuchang.
She defies her lowly birth and occupation as a street performer to live with Gu Tingye. Ambitious and manipulative, she aims to become the official lady of the Gu family. After a series of schemes and attempts to control Gu Tingye, she is ultimately placed under house arrest and later killed in self-defense while trying to harm Gu Tingye's infant son.
Zhao Qi Qian Fengxian Gu Tingye's unwanted concubine, arranged by his aunt, who is actually a spy sent by Lady Qin. She attempts to poison Sheng Minglan and Gu Shutuan but is captured by Shi Tou.
Ye Xuantong Gu Shurong Gu Tingye's first child and only daughter, by Zhu Manniang. Bright and intelligent, she is favored by her father and comes to view Minglan as her mother due to Minglan's care and affection.
Deng Hanyu Gu Shuchang Gu Tingye's second child and eldest son, by Zhu Manniang. He is taken by his mother as a toddler and dies from illness before reuniting with his father.
Gu Shutuan Gu Tingye's third child and second son, by Sheng Minglan. Born during a fire, several attempts are made on his life as a baby.
Kang Qunzhi Granny Chang Gu Tingye's wet nurse and former servant of his mother. She protects Gu Tingye and treats Sheng Minglan with respect, while seeing through Zhu Manniang's schemes.
Shen Chi Shi Tou Gu Tingye's servant and closest confidant. Loyal and stalwart, he also advises his master and has affection for Xiaotao, Minglan's maid.
Yang Yang Lady Che Shitou's third sister-in-law.
Supervisor Tu Gu Tingye's subordinate and leader of his personal guard, later tasked with protecting Sheng Minglan.
Tian Junlian Mother Diao Servant of the younger Lady Qin, later sent to serve Sheng Minglan.
Cong Zhongxiao Mother Lai Mother of Mingyue and servant of the younger Lady Qin, later sent to serve Sheng Minglan.
Liu Mengke Mingyue Elder daughter of Mother Lai and servant of the younger Lady Qin, later sent to serve Sheng Minglan.
Jing Tian Mother Tian Fourth Aunt's servant, later sent to serve Sheng Minglan.
Mother Hua Fifth Aunt's servant, later sent to serve Sheng Minglan.
An Wei Wife of Wang Wu.
Zhang Jing Xiaocui Zhu Manniang's servant.
Zhou Yihua Ba Laofu Manager of Heishan Farmstead.
Ningyuan Manor (Gu Tingye's childhood home)
Actor Character Introduction
Li Hongtao Gu Yankai Marquis of Ningyuan and father of Gu Tingyu, Gu Tingye, and Gu Tingwei.
He is strict, military-minded, and unyielding. Pressured by his family, he divorced his first wife to marry Lady Bai, which caused lasting resentment. He treats Gu Tingye with harshness and favors displays of propriety over personal relationships.
The elder Lady Qin Gu Yankai's first wife and childhood sweetheart, mother of Tingyu.
Forced into divorce due to family pressure, she commits suicide.
Wang Jingyun Lady Bai Gu Yankai's second wife and mother of Tingye.
From a wealthy merchant family, she marries Gu Yankai under family pressure. Her marriage is unhappy, and she dies during childbirth after learning her husband married her for her dowry.
Wang Yinan Lady Qin the Younger Gu Yankai's third wife and mother of Tingwei.
She maintains a virtuous public image but privately favors her son over her stepsons. She later becomes Gu Tingye's primary antagonist and ultimately dies by suicide.
Gao Zifeng[13] Gu Tingyu Eldest son of Gu Yankai and the elder Lady Qin, and father of Gu Shuxian.
Intelligent and virtuous, he supports Gu Tingye in exchange for protection of his family. Tingyu is aware of the family's intrigues and tries to safeguard his daughter and wife.
Yang Zhidi Lady Shao Gu Tingyu's devoted wife and mother of Gu Shuxian.
Kang Jiaye Gu Shuxian (娴) Gu Tingyu's only child and daughter. Smart and well-cared for by her father, she befriends her cousin Rong'er and learns household management from Minglan.
Liu Zhehui Gu Tingwei Gu Yankai's third son and Xian's father.
Amiable and genuine, he is uninvolved in his mother's schemes and maintains a positive relationship with Gu Tingye.
Xia Yiyao Lady Zhu Gu Tingwei's wife.
Xu Yulan Third Aunt Gu Yankai's third younger sister.
Yang Xinming Fourth Uncle Gu Yankai's fourth younger brother and Tingbing's father.
Head of the fourth branch of the Gu family.
Cui Yi Fourth Aunt Wife of the fourth master and mother of Tingbing.
Ye Zicheng Gu Tingbing Second son of the fourth master.
Hu Yuanjun Gu Tingbing's wife.
Tan Xihe Fifth Uncle Gu Yankai's fifth younger brother and Tingdi's father.
Head of the fifth branch of the Gu family.
Wang Lele Fifth Aunt Wife of the fifth master and mother of Tingdi.
Liu Mianzi Gu Tingdi Son of the fifth master.
Chen Xi Gu Tingdi's wife.
Zhao Qianzi Mother Xiang Ji'an Servant of the younger Lady Qin.
Youqing Servant of Gu Tingyu.
Zhuique Servant of Gu Tingye.
Hongxiao Servant of Gu Tingye.

Bai household

Actor Character Introduction
Tu Nan Bai Tingyu Cousin of Lady Bai and eldest son of the second branch of the Bai family.
The Bai family is a recently ennobled, wealthy merchant family. Gu Tingye inherits a substantial portion of the family's wealth from his maternal grandfather and his mother's generous dowry. Since childhood, some Bai relatives have attempted to harm him to reclaim the family fortune.

Qi household

Actor Character Introduction
Liu Pizhong Duke of Qi Father of Qi Heng.
Chen Jin Princess Pingning A descendant of the previous emperor, wife of the Duke of Qi, and mother of Qi Heng.
Raised by the Empress Dowager, she is elegant and proud, often looking down on those beneath her. Protective of her son, she initially disapproves of Sheng Minglan due to her lower social status. Her stern demeanor is largely motivated by concern for her family's welfare. After a series of tragedies, her views gradually soften.
Zhu Yilong[14] Qi Heng The only child of the Duke of Qi and Princess Pingning.
Childhood friend of Gu Tingye and Minglan's early love interest. He is earnest, amiable, and considered one of the capital’s most desirable bachelors. Bound by social norms, he struggles with his feelings for Minglan and faces multiple arranged marriages. Ultimately, he marries for the second time and develops a supportive and loving relationship with his new wife, moving past his earlier attachment to Minglan.
Zhang Hengyu Princess Jiacheng Qi Heng's first wife.
Her family forcibly secured her marriage to Qi Heng. She and her family are executed following a failed coup on the imperial family.
Chen Yalan Shen Hezhen Qi Heng's second wife.
Kind and intelligent, she quietly supports her husband despite his past affections for Sheng Minglan. Over time, Qi Heng comes to appreciate and love her.
Wang Zijie Buwei Qi Heng's servant.
He assists Qi Heng in matters relating to Minglan. He is later caned to death by Princess Pingning for actions that could have jeopardized the household, which deeply affects Qi Heng.
Shi Jingyi Lady Shen's servant.

He household

Actor Character Introduction
Mu Liyan Lady Zhuang Longtime friend of Old Madam Sheng. Lady Zhuang is knowledgeable in medical matters and often provides guidance regarding health and remedies.
Liu Yue He Hongwen Lady Zhuang's only grandson and one of Minglan's suitors.
He is an accomplished doctor and intelligent man with a calm, gentle, and solicitous personality. He has quietly admired Minglan since childhood, and his demeanor makes him Old Madam Sheng's preferred choice among potential suitors. However, his overly accommodating nature leads him to make decisions that disadvantage himself or others, such as agreeing to take his cousin Cao Jinxiu as a concubine before his own marriage. Ultimately, his indecisiveness and complicated family obligations render him unappealing to Minglan, and their engagement is broken off. Saddened, He Hongwen embarks on a multi-year journey to gather medicinal herbs and deepen his medical knowledge.
Cao Jinxiu He Hongwen's maternal cousin.
She has loved He Hongwen since childhood. The Cao family was previously branded as traitors and driven from the capital but was later pardoned. Jinxiu, formerly a general's concubine, creates complications for He Hongwen's engagement to Minglan. Desperate and infatuated, she requests to become He Hongwen's concubine after his marriage, putting Minglan in a difficult position and indirectly contributing to the engagement's end.
Yan Jingyao Madam Cao Jinxiu's mother.
Arrogant and manipulative, she pressures He Hongwen to accept her daughter as a concubine to secure her own safety and status. Her actions play a significant role in disrupting He Hongwen's engagement to Minglan.

Yuan household

Actor Character Introduction
Huang Youming Yuan Wenchun The eldest son of the Count of Zhongqin.
Cao Yueyao Yuan Wenchun's wife.
Wang Ziming Yuan Wenshao The second son of the Count of Zhongqin and father of Yuan Zhuang and Yuan Shi.
Yuan Zhuang The first child and daughter of Yuan Wenshao and Sheng Hualan. She is injured while attempting to protect her younger brother, Yuan Shi.
Yuan Shi The second child and son of Yuan Wenshao and Sheng Hualan. Due to his grandmother's machinations, he is taken from Hualan and frequently neglected by his caregivers. He is once nearly harmed by hot coals.

Yu household

Actor Character Introduction
Ma Yanbin The Grand Preceptor Master Yu's father and Yu Yanran's grandfather. He helped raise her and is fond of his granddaughter. Initially reluctant to approve Gu Tingye's marriage proposal due to his poor reputation, he eventually comes to believe Gu Tingye is upright and allows the engagement.
Feng Jun Old Master Yu The Grand Preceptor's wife and Master Yu's mother. She is Yu Yanran's grandmother and reacts strongly to insults against her granddaughter.
Master Yu The Grand Preceptor's son and father of Yu Yanran and Yu Yanhong. Head of the eldest branch of the Yu family, he delegates the care of his eldest daughter to his parents after the death of his first wife. He shows little attachment to her and plans to sell her in marriage to Gu Tingye when the opportunity arises.
Liu Shuchen Lady Fang Master Yu's second wife and mother of Yu Yanhong. She and her husband favor their own children over Yu Yanran.
Deng Sha Yu Yanran Master Yu's first child and eldest daughter by his first wife. A childhood friend of Minglan, she is kind and amiable. Gu Tingye initially courts her to secure a respectable main wife, but his plans are disrupted by his mistress, Zhu Manniang. Minglan helps Yu Yanran manage the situation without damaging her reputation, and the marriage proposal is canceled.
Liu Yanchen Master Yu's second child and only son, by his second wife Lady Fang.
Zhao Qin Yu Yanhong Master Yu's third child and younger daughter, by his second wife Lady Fang. She is proud and skilled in polo.

Liang household

Actor Character Introduction
Wang Siyu Lady Wu Wife of the Count of Yongchang and mother of Liang Han. Lady Wu is bright, sincere, and bold. She favors Minglan and wishes her to marry her sixth son, Liang Han, as his main wife. Her motives include wanting a sensible and capable woman to manage her son's household affairs. Lady Wu attempts to negotiate this marriage even after Liang Han's affair with Sheng Molan, but the plan is ultimately prevented by Minglan's grandmother.
Wu Hong Liang Han Sixth and youngest son of the Count of Yongchang, by his wife Lady Wu. Initially drawn to the artistic Sheng Molan, Liang Han maintains a secret relationship with her. Although he agrees to marry Molan officially, the marriage becomes strained due to family complications and Molan's inexperience in managing a large household. Liang Han later begins to neglect her and takes new partners.
Chun Ke Liang Han's concubine, who dies due to complications in pregnancy.
Qiujiang Sheng Molan's servant.
Furong Sheng Molan's servant.

Wang household

Actor Character Introduction
Wang You Father of Shiping, Ruoyu, and Ruofu. He served as the Imperial Tutor and was buried in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
Zhao Shuzhen Old Madam Wang Wife of Wang You and mother of Shiping, Ruoyu, and Ruofu. She strongly favors her eldest daughter, Wang Ruoyu, which negatively affects her younger daughter, Wang Ruofu. Old Madam Wang plays a role in the conflict between Ruoyu and Minglan, leading to official intervention.
Ma Yan Wang Shiping First child and only son of Wang You and Old Madam Wang. Husband of Madam Wang.
Liu Wanting Madam Wang Wife of Wang Shiping.

Kang household

Actor Character Introduction
Li Duo Kang Haifeng Father of Jin, Yun'er, and Zhao'er. He largely refrains from controlling his household and shows little involvement in family affairs.
Zhang Yanyan Wang Ruoyu / Madam Kang Official wife of Kang Haifeng and elder sister of Wang Ruofu (Minglan's legal mother). Legal mother of Jin and Yun'er. She is ambitious and manipulative, using her social status to influence others and advance her position within the family. Her actions include controlling household members and intervening in the affairs of her relatives for personal gain. Madam Kang ultimately attempts to harm Gu Tingye and Minglan's family but is killed in self-defense by Gu Tingye.
Lu Jin Kang Jin Son of Kang Haifeng and Wang Ruoyu.
Du Lingli Kang Zhao'er Concubine-born daughter of Kang Haifeng by Lady Su. Initially forced into a plan orchestrated by Madam Kang, she is later given a choice for her own safety and opts to marry a scholar, escaping her family's control.
Lin Dengdeng Mother Qi Servant of Wang Ruoyu.

Imperial household

Actor Character Introduction
Yang Qing Empress Dowager Mother of the Emperor.
Qin Yan The Emperor Ruler of the empire.
Yang Yuting Noble Consort Rong One of the Emperor's consorts.
Ning Wentong Prince of Yong Father of the Princess of Jiacheng.
Xie Chengying Princess Consort of Yong Wife of the Prince of Yong and mother of the Princess of Jiacheng.
Wang Yongquan Prince of Yan Imperial prince.
Feng Hui Zhao Zongquan Father of Zhao Ceying and Zhao Yong; later becomes the Emperor.
Juan Zi Shen Congying Wife of Zhao Zongquan and mother of Zhao Ceying; holds the title of Empress.
Fu Miao Noble Consort Liu Concubine of Zhao Zongquan and mother of Zhao Yong.
Huo Yaming Zhao Ceying Elder son of Zhao Zongquan and Shen Congying; Prince of Huan.
Zhao Yong Younger son of Zhao Zongquan and Noble Consort Liu.

Shen household

Actor Character Introduction
Yan Xiang Shen Congxing Younger brother of Shen Congying and a close friend of Gu Tingye. He played an instrumental role in the war supporting the current emperor. After the death of his first wife, he takes her younger sister Zou Ping as a concubine, causing social and familial conflicts. Ordered by the Emperor to enter a political marriage with Zhang Guifen, the daughter of a decorated general, his initial reluctance and indulgence of his concubine create tension. Over time, he works to reconcile with his wife and stabilize his household.
Jiao Qiyue Elder Lady Zou Shen Congxing's first wife. She sacrificed herself during the war, impersonating the Empress to protect her.
Wu Xiaoyu Zhang Guifen Shen Congxing's second wife and the only child of General Zhang. Initially resistant to her arranged marriage, she struggles with depression but gradually improves her relationship with her husband. She is skilled in polo and, with guidance from Sheng Minglan, works to strengthen her marriage.
Chen Mengxi Zou Ping Shen Congxing's concubine and younger sister of the Elder Lady Zou. She initially manipulates her position to monopolize her husband's attention but is eventually exiled for endangering her co-wife and household.
Wang Yijie Shen Yuzhen Younger sister of Shen Congying who resents Zou Ping.

Zhang household

Actor Character Introduction
Wang Yongquan Duke of State Ying Father of Zhang Guifen.
Hu Qingyun Duchess Consort of State Ying Wife of the Duke of State Ying and mother of Zhang Guifen.
Tian Miao Mother Fan Servant of Zhang Guifen.

Imperial court

Actor Character Introduction
Wei Jinsong Eunuch Li Servant of the new Emperor.
Yu Zhe Qingyun Eunuch serving in the palace.
Wu Yujue Ruichu Palace maid.
Li Yan Eunuch Zhu Servant of the Empress Dowager.
Mother Su Servant of Shen Congying.
Cheng Guodong Han Zhang Grand Chancellor.
Mi Te Duan Chengyong General and friend of Gu Tingye; he is falsely accused of rape and murder, preventing him from entering the salt market.
Fan Zhechen Geng Jiechuan General.
Sun Zhengyu Xie Pingde Superior officer of Gu Tingye.
Shen Guotao Father of Shen Hezhen; government official.
Dong Zhao Imperial Physician Zhao Physician serving in the imperial court.

Other

Actor Character Introduction
Li Ruoning Prostitute Wei Confidante of Gu Tingye.
Zhang Xinyuan Yunniang
Hao Shuang Rong Feiyan Younger sister of Noble Consort Rong.

Production

Crew

The series is produced by Hou Hongliang and Daylight Entertainment, which has produced several successful television series including Nirvana in Fire and Ode to Joy.[15] It is directed by Zhang Kaizhou, known for Love Me If You Dare and Ode to Joy 2. The screenplay is written by Zeng Lu and Wu Tong, who were both co-writers of Battle of Changsha.[16]

Casting and filming

Pre-production began in April 2017. On May 8, 2017, Zhao Liying was announced as the leading role of Sheng Minglan.[17] Feng Shaofeng was revealed as the male lead on June 20, 2017.[18] The supporting cast was announced in August 2017.[19] Filming began in September 2017 at Hengdian World Studios.[20] The series completed filming in April 2018.[21]

Soundtrack

No.TitleLyricsMusicSingersLength
1.""Don't You Know? (知否知否)"" (Theme song)Li Qingzhao, Zhang JingyiLiu XuandouHu Xia & Yisa Yu 
2.""Dang Ge (当歌)""Zhang JingyiLiu XuandouYe Xuanqing 

Reception

The series holds an 8.1 out of 10 rating on Douban and received generally positive reviews. It became a major trending topic on social media, with related hashtags viewed hundreds of millions of times.[22]

The show has been praised for addressing social issues and family dynamics in contemporary China, including traditional preference for male children (重男轻女), the phenomenon of NEET youth (啃老族), and intergenerational conflicts in elder care (家庭养老).[23][24]

Ratings

Hunan Satellite TV premiere broadcast ratings[25]
Air date Episode CSM52 City network ratings National Internet ratings
Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Timeslot rank Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Timeslot rank
2018-12-25 1-2 0.608 2.39 5 0.59 2.47 2
2018-12-26 3-4 0.751 2.93 4 0.63 2.62 2
2018-12-27 5-6 0.710 2.71 4 0.65 2.68 1
2018-12-28 7-8 0.737 2.79 4 0.68 2.75 1
2018-12-29 9 0.549 1.84 5 0.61 2.04 2
2018-12-30 10 0.720 2.39 4 0.83 2.74 1
2019-01-01 11-12 0.932 3.24 3 0.81 3.08 1
2019-01-02 13-14 1.003 3.75 2 0.77 3.16 1
2019-01-03 15-16 0.981 3.67 2 0.88 3.56 1
2019-01-04 17 0.599 2.06 5 0.54 1.82 3
2019-01-05 18 0.662 2.25 5 0.71 2.37 1
2019-01-06 19-20 0.995 3.49 1 0.77 2.87 1
2019-01-07 21-22 1.146 4.19 1 0.87 3.39 1
2019-01-08 23-24 1.045 3.89 1 0.99 3.94 1
2019-01-09 25-26 1.102 4.06 1 0.92 3.51 1
2019-01-10 27-28 1.140 4.24 1 1.12 4.43 1
2019-01-11 29 0.715 2.51 3 0.75 2.62 1
2019-01-12 30 0.876 2.98 1 0.93 3.19 1
2019-01-13 31-32 1.211 4.38 1 1.14 4.34 1
2019-01-14 33-34 1.418 5.26 1 1.36 5.25 1
2019-01-15 35-36 1.536 5.63 1 1.52 5.90 1
2019-01-16 37-38 1.568 5.61 1 1.49 5.61 1
2019-01-17 39-40 1.552 5.71 1 1.43 5.48 1
2019-01-18 41 1.105 3.90 1 1.05 3.66 1
2019-01-19 42 1.251 4.27 1 1.33 4.64 1
2019-01-20 43-44 1.549 5.32 1 1.51 5.41 1
2019-01-21 45-46 1.803 6.60 1 1.68 6.37 1
2019-01-22 47-48 1.670 5.94 1 1.49 5.53 1
2019-01-23 49-50 1.739 6.32 1 1.69 6.42 1
2019-01-24 51-52 1.610 5.82 1 1.58 5.89 1
2019-01-25 53 0.864 3.07 4 0.87 3.07 1
2019-01-26 54 1.146 4.03 1 1.06 3.74 1
2019-01-27 55-56 1.505 5.32 1 1.43 5.22 1
2019-01-28 57-58 1.751 6.31 1 1.62 5.90 1
2019-01-30 59-60 1.791 6.42 1 1.67 6.12 1
2019-01-31 61-62 1.722 6.18 1 1.69 6.12 1
2019-02-01 63 0.985 3.54 2 0.92 3.41 1
2019-02-02 64 1.303 4.55 1 1.37 4.89 1
2019-02-03 65-66 1.689 5.89 1 1.68 5.87 1
2019-02-04 67 0.881 2.97 1 1.20 3.68 1
2019-02-06 68-69 1.395 5.52 1 1.46 5.72 1
2019-02-07 70-71 1.482 5.73 1 1.70 6.49 1
2019-02-08 72 1.224 4.51 1 1.34 4.96 1
2019-02-09 73 1.374 4.96 1 1.35 4.78 1
2019-02-10 74 1.426 4.99 1 1.42 4.91 1
2019-02-11 75-76 2.061 7.36 1 1.62 5.93 1
2019-02-12 77 2.252 7.50 1 1.99 6.68 1
2019-02-13 78 2.211 7.30 1 2.03 6.71 1
Average ratings 1.288 4.65 / 1.21 4.54 /
  • Highest ratings are marked in red, lowest ratings are marked in blue.

Awards and nominations

Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
25th Shanghai Television Festival Best Television Series The Story of Minglan Nominated [26]
Best Director Zhang Kaizhou Nominated
Best Adapted Screenplay Zeng Lu, Wu Tong Nominated
Best Actress Zhao Liying Nominated
Best Supporting Actor Zhu Yilong Nominated
Best Supporting Actress Liu Lin Nominated
Best Art Direction Nominated
26th Huading Awards Best Actor (Historical drama) Feng Shaofeng Nominated [27]
Best Actress (Historical drama) Zhao Liying Nominated
Golden Bud – The Fourth Network Film and Television Festival Best Actor Feng Shaofeng Nominated [28]
Zhu Yilong Nominated
Best Actress Zhao Liying Nominated
Baidu Fudian Awards Top Ten Television Series The Story of Minglan Won [29]
30th China TV Golden Eagle Award Outstanding Television Series The Story of Minglan Won [30]
Best Actress Zhao Liying Nominated
Audience's Choice for Actress Won
Audience's Choice for Actor Zhu Yilong Nominated
Best Cinematography Li Baichao Nominated
Best Original Soundtrack Zhi Fou Zhi Fou Nominated

References

  1. ^ The Chinese title for the TV series and the book it is based on a poem written by Song dynasty poet Li Qingzhao. The title literally translates to "Do you know? Do you know? [This should be a time] when the greens [shrubs] are in bloom, and the reds [flowers] are withering.
  2. ^ 赵丽颖冯绍峰《知否》定档 海外地区将同步播出. Sina Entertainment (in Chinese (China)). December 20, 2018.
  3. ^ "赵丽颖挑梁正午新剧《知否?知否?应是绿肥红瘦》". Tencent (in Chinese). May 28, 2017.
  4. ^ "《知否知否》男主公布 冯绍峰上演浪子回头". Netease (in Chinese). June 20, 2017.
  5. ^ "戏骨刘钧加盟《知否》 御用皇帝化身封建家长". Tencent (in Chinese). August 9, 2017.
  6. ^ "高露产后圆梦演古装 《知否》颠覆形象挑战反派". Netease (in Chinese). September 6, 2017.
  7. ^ ""知否知否应是绿肥红瘦"开机 王仁君成责任担当". Netease (in Chinese). September 7, 2017.
  8. ^ "《知否》施诗首挑反派: 拍戏从不给自己设限". Sina (in Chinese). August 11, 2017.
  9. ^ "《知否》横店开机 张佳宁愿新角色"盛开如兰"". Sina (in Chinese). September 7, 2017.
  10. ^ "《知否?知否?应是绿肥红瘦》开机 马丁尝攻心计". Netease (in Chinese). September 7, 2017.
  11. ^ "韩烨睡衣风写真曝光". Netease (in Chinese). December 6, 2017.
  12. ^ "外弱心狠李依晓《知否》挑战演绎蛇蝎美人". Sina (in Chinese). August 8, 2017.
  13. ^ "高子沣加盟《知否》 与冯绍峰上演精彩交锋". Netease (in Chinese). October 24, 2017.
  14. ^ "《知否知否应是绿肥红瘦》官宣朱一龙倾情加盟". 21cn.com (in Chinese). August 9, 2017.
  15. ^ ""宅斗种田文"《知否知否》拍电视剧, 出品方是"正午阳光"". ifeng (in Chinese). May 31, 2017.
  16. ^ "赵丽颖拍新剧《明兰传》 阵容强大超《楚乔传》". dzwww.com (in Chinese). August 5, 2017.
  17. ^ "《知否》公布女主赵丽颖 正午阳光再次涉足古装". Sina (in Chinese). May 28, 2017.
  18. ^ "《知否》官宣男主 冯绍峰出演顾二公子搭档赵丽颖". Sina (in Chinese). June 20, 2017.
  19. ^ "《知否知否应是绿肥红瘦》再曝角色阵容 9月开机". Netease (in Chinese). August 8, 2017.
  20. ^ "赵丽颖冯绍峰新戏《知否知否应是绿肥红瘦》横店开机". Sina (in Chinese). September 8, 2017.
  21. ^ "赵丽颖新剧杀青随时随地都在读剧本 网友表示期待". People's Daily (in Chinese). April 2, 2018.
  22. ^ 《都挺好》收视率低迷, 只有年轻人爱看?观众表示没关系后劲足. Sina (in Chinese). 2019-03-06.
  23. ^ 《都挺好》刷屏, 比樊胜美还惨的女主出现了!网友: 这剧千万别大团圆. Sohu (in Chinese). 2019-03-11.
  24. ^ "A hit TV series in China skewers cranky old parents". The Economist. 2019-03-21. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
  25. ^ "电视剧收视率排行榜 | 收视率排行" (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2020-06-07.
  26. ^ "第25届"白玉兰奖"入围名单公布 《都挺好》成夺奖热门". People's Daily (in Chinese). May 23, 2019.
  27. ^ "第26届华鼎奖提名名单: 李现肖战获新锐演员提名". Sina (in Chinese). November 8, 2019.
  28. ^ "金骨朵网络影视盛典提名揭晓 王一博肖战杨紫等入围". Ynet (in Chinese). November 25, 2019.
  29. ^ "百度沸点2019年度十大电视剧发布". Sina (in Chinese). December 12, 2019.
  30. ^ "第30届金鹰奖提名名单: 易烊千玺入围最佳男演员, 蒋雯丽赵丽颖争视后". ifeng (in Chinese). September 15, 2020.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.