- Title: The Rise of Ning
- Also Known As: 锦绣安宁, Long Life Long Street, Chang Jie Chang, Shou Fu Yang Cheng Shou Ce, Jin Xiu An Ning
- Director: Mai Guan Zhi
- Genres: Romance, Historical
- Cast: Zhang Wan Yi, Ren Min
- Number of Episodes: 40
- Date of Release: October 10, 2024
- Original Network: Hunan TV, Mango TV, Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, Tencent Video, iQIYI, MGTV
- Adapted from the novel “Shou Fu Yang Cheng Shou Ce” by Wen Tan
Hola dear readers, The Rise of Ning just ended last night and I am already glued to my computer to write this review. This is the most diligent moment of my drama reviewing career. I have sooo much to say about this drama. Mainly because I already read the novel (the English translation version), so I have so many things on my mind right now. This drama has its good and its bad, and I’m going to tell you about them. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
The Rise of Ning Drama Synopsis
Luo Yi Ning was betrayed by her father’s concubine and sent to the side yard when she was young. Ten years later, she returned to the main house. Yi Ning secretly began an investigation to find the answer to her mother’s mysterious death. She was helped by her third brother, Luo Shen Yuan.
Although she lived a lavish life, in her heart, Yi Ning wanted only one thing: freedom. She wanted to live the life she aspired to, a life where she didn’t have to rely on others.
Luo Shen Yuan was on a mission to find the mastermind behind his mentor’s unjust death when her younger sister, Yi Ning, returned to the main house. Since their first meeting, Luo Shen Yuan felt an indescribable bond with her.
Although his situation in the main house was pitiful, Luo Shen Yuan always helped her. When everyone despised and looked down on him, Luo Shen Yuan secretly cultivated himself to reverse the situation. He sought the highest position so that he could protect his loved ones.
Two siblings, both with the same fate: their mother died young, and their father hated them. It didn’t take long for them to get close to each other. Yi Ning strived to free herself from a painful past, while Luo Shen Yuan sought the recognition he needed. When the secret of Yi Ning’s birth was revealed, Luo Shen Yuan’s feelings towards her changed.
The Rise of Ning Drama Review
The Story of Yi Ning
The story begins with a strong message: “Those who believe in you will always believe in you. Those who don’t believe in you won’t change their minds, no matter how hard you try to explain”. This echoes the plight of Yi Ning. She only had the support from her stepmother and grandmother. Her father’s support was out of the question.
After all, what can you expect from a father who has such a biased way of thinking? Luo Cheng Zhang sent his young daughter away because he believed the words of his favorite concubine. He didn’t even do a bit of investigation before punishing Yi Ning.
The Rise of Ning is a drama adaptation from a Cnovel titled “Shou Fu Yang Cheng Shou Ce” by Wen Tan. The main plot of this drama was quite common in Cdramaland. There were many dramas and novels about children avenging the death of their parents.
When the children avenged their mother, it was usually the father who was wrong. He is often described as an unfaithful husband who prefers concubines to wives. Later, the concubine would kill the main wife for her position. Then the revenge began. If it was the father that died unjustly, it was usually because he was killed by the enemy. The children would hunt down the enemy to the ends of the earth for revenge.
In The Rise of Ning, Gu Ming Lan died mysteriously. Yi Ning suspected that she died at the hands of Luo Cheng Zhang’s concubine, Qiao Yue Chan. However, there was a slightly different plot.
Luo Cheng Zhang didn’t blindly favor his concubine. He truly loved Qiao Yue Chan, but he also realized the important position of a main wife. Gu Ming Lan, Yi Ning’s mother, came from a wealthy family and brought a huge dowry.
Later, Luo Cheng Zhang married Lin Hai Ru, who also came from a wealthy merchant family. So you could see what kind of a perfect main wife for Luo Cheng Zhang was. He needed a wealthy wife who could support his career. Meanwhile, Qiao Yue Chan came from an ordinary family. She couldn’t do much for his career. Money-grubbing man indeed. 🤑
But the interesting part of the story is the relationship between Yi Ning and Luo Shen Yuan. From the first episode, you can see that the interaction between them is somewhat ambiguous. The poster for the drama on WeTV also has a provocative tagline, “Are they siblings?” If you missed the clue, you probably wondered how this drama could pass China’s strict censorship.
For that reason, I skimmed the original novel I found online. And for the first time, I had a hard time deciding which version I liked better. The novel was much longer, so the romantic relationship between Yi Ning and Luo Shen Yuan was developed slower than in the drama.
The novel also shows Yi Ning’s confusion over her feelings for Luo Shen Yuan. Having her status changed from sibling to stranger was quite a shake for Yi Ning. However, they maintained their sibling relationship for a long time after Yi Ning moved to her new family. It was only after a love rival appeared that Yi Ning began to realize that her feelings were no longer familial.
In The Rise of Ning, everything happened quickly. It only took a few scenes for Yi Ning to realize the changes. And to be honest, I like the novel version of that part.
As for Yi Ning’s relationship with Lu Jia Xue, the novel has a more understandable explanation. Yi Ning’s hatred for Lu Jia Xue came from the past life entanglement. In the novel, Yi Ning is mentioned as having been born again and returning to her younger self. But in the drama, Yi Ning’s past with Lu Jia Xue was due to a misunderstanding and a cruel third party.
However, since everything is only shown in flashback, you have to play with your imagination first. Later, it was explained, but not very clearly. But you could still understand the main point after the third party from the past appeared.
The novel seemed to have more positive points than the drama. But there were some things in the novel that I didn’t like, such as getting married at a young age. In the novel, Yi Ning got married and consummated the marriage when she was only 14 years old. Can you imagine that? 😣 However, I like the ending of the novel better than the drama. I wasn’t a fan of Lu Jia Xue’s character, but the ending of the novel was a bit merciful to him.
After watching a lot of episodes, I began to question the synopsis. It said that Yi Ning wanted to be a businesswoman. But the story dwells on the death of Gu Ming Lan for longer than I expected. Yi Ning started her business in episode 17. The business stuff just seemed to be an add-on to the main storyline.
Watching The Rise of Ning also feels like a rollercoaster. Nevertheless, the story was quite gripping, which kept me glued to my seat. The Rise of Ning started out moving slowly, strolling over Gu Ming Lan dying and Luo Shen Yuan’s secret mission. Later, it went really fast.
Gu Ming Lan’s death and Luo Yi Ning’s real identity as the daughter of a prominent family were revealed. In the meantime, Lu Jia Xue is still investigating Luo Yi Ning’s past, Luo Shen Yuan is starting a new career, and the romantic relationship between him and Luo Yi Ning is beginning.
And when I thought the story was over after the big villain was arrested in episode 37, I realized: We still have 3 episodes left and Lu Jia Xue’s fate is still unknown. However, for those who are curious, the ending of The Rise of Ning was of course a happy ending.
Well, that is all about the plot of the drama. Now let’s talk about something I really like. For example, the makeup, costumes, sets, and drama visuals.
The Costumes and Makeups That Make My Heart Flutters
I love how The Rise of Ning didn’t use filters and only relied on makeup. Even though filters would make the actors look amazingly beautiful with porcelain skin, it kind of looked like instant Botox. You could barely see wrinkles. When they had to frown, you could just see their eyebrows move, but there was no line on the forehead.
When I realized that this drama didn’t use any filters, my respect for the directors went up several notches. Unfortunately, Ci Sha’s makeup didn’t do him justice. The wrong shade of foundation made him look pale and sickly. He looked so much better in The Blue Whispers and The Longest Promise.
The costumes are the best part. From the very first episode, I was fascinated by Yi Ning’s blue tasseled robe. It was beautiful and I couldn’t take my eyes off it. The rest of the costumes were amazing as well.
The young ladies mostly used pastel colors, while the older ladies wore bold colors. The costume designer of this drama is Huang Wei. She is also the one behind the beautiful costumes in Love of Nirvana drama, The Last Immortal, My Journey to You, and Till the End of the Moon. The hair ornaments are also worthy of praise. Colorful stones combined with gold and pearls looked very nice. And don’t forget the tassels. I’m obsessed! 😍
This drama’s visuals are great. You might find some flaws, but overall everything was good. The director, Mai Guan Zhi, did a good job with The Rise of Ning. I like his work in Fox Spirit Matchmaker: Red-Moon Pact and also Love and Redemption Drama.
How About the Actors?
One of the most important elements of a good drama is the actors. Personally, I love Zhang Wan Yi and Ren Min. But seeing Zhang Wan Yi in three consecutive dramas with the same hairstyle and make up made me lose interest. It was as if he just went from one drama set to another drama set. AND all he does is change his costumes. 😅
I love Ren Min and her cuteness. However, I like her acting better in Ray of Light compared to The Rise of Ning. Even though she portrayed the character of Yi Ning in a perfect way, because in the novel, Yi Ning was described as being cute and lovely. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel a strong chemistry between her and Zhang Wan Yi at all.
After watching all the episodes, I decided that the most adorable cast member was the one and only FUGUI, the swan. He looked so dashing with an embroidered belt around his neck. 😂
The Rise of Ning Drama Characters
Luo Yi Ning / Wei Yi Ning
Yi Ning has lived far away from her family for ten years. Her mother died young, and her father disliked her. The only person who really loves her is her grandmother. But she couldn’t protect her in the main house, so she agreed to send her to the backyard. When Yi Ning returned to the main house, she got more people to help her: her father’s new wife, Lin Hai Ru, and her third brother, Luo Shen Yuan.
As a good and filial child, Yi Ning loved her grandmother and stepmother deeply and really cared for them. At first glance, Yi Ning seems to be a weak woman. But she has a strong will and mentality. She may have been abandoned by her own family, but that didn’t turn her into a bitter person. Instead, she was able to keep her righteous nature. Yi Ning is also intelligent and perceptive. Her kindness and beauty capture the hearts of Luo Shen Yuan and Lu Jia Xue.
Luo Shen Yuan
Luo Shen Yuan is a complicated figure. He is a good brother, a loyal student, and a passionate lover. On the other hand, he is also a cunning, cruel, and ambitious man. The greatest strength of Luo Shen Yuan is his sharp mind. He is a visionary who can see things happening before they actually happen.
All his negative personality is hidden behind his gentle demeanor. Lu Jia Xue could see it and tried to make Yi Ning hate Luo Shen Yuan for it. But alas! Lu Jia Xue’s plan didn’t work because Yi Ning understood her brother better than anyone else.
As the son of the Luo family, Luo Shen Yuan was born to a mother with a low rank. He was treated badly by the Luo family, and no one would support him. However, he seemed to develop an indifferent attitude to all the treatment.
I think that Luo Shen Yuan is just treating the Luo family’s mansion as a free shelter. He only stays there because he needs the identity of being the unfavored third son of the Luo family as a disguise.
Being the illegitimate son of Luo Cheng Zhang, Luo Shen Yuan has never been recorded in the family genealogy. Luo Cheng Zhang probably let him live in the mansion because he still has a grain of kindness in him. But as for Luo Shen Yuan, he is like a pearl stuck in the mud. No matter how badly the Luo treated him, they couldn’t erase his talents in literature and martial arts.
Lu Jia Xue
Lu Jia Xue is famous as the ruthless commander of the Imperial Guard. He is a cold and aloof person who has a sharp mind as well as excellent skills in the martial arts. However, only those who were close to him were aware of his love for a girl whom he had met at the time when he was injured.
Well, actually, Lu Jia Xue’s love for Yi Ning was more like an obsession, and it was quite frightening. Lu Jia Xue was willing to do anything to make her his own.
As a man in the military, Lu Jia Xue is a very straightforward person. He has a good relationship with the Duke of Ying, Wei Ling. Even Wei Ling’s foster daughter, Zhao Mingzhu, is Lu Jia Xue’s goddaughter. However, Lu Jia Xiu lacks the Duke of Ying’s calm and wise demeanour. Lu Jia Xue is a person with a bad temper who always carries an aura of arrogance with him wherever he goes.
The Conclusion
So, dear readers… after a long 40 episodes, I could say that I enjoyed my time watching The Rise of Ning drama. The main reason is because of the visuals, the costumes, AND the tasseled hairpins. The story was pretty good and the acting was great. But will I put it on my re-watch list? Probably not.
There were so many new dramas to watch and I’m sure I’ll forget this one after watching another drama. But you might have a different opinion about The Rise of Ning, so don’t forget to write it in the comment box below. I would be very happy to hear from you.
Thanks for your visit, dear readers… I’ll see you in another drama review post. Ciao!
