- Drama Title: The Glory
- Also Known As: 雁回时, Yan Hui Shi, Gui Nv
- Director: Yang Long
- Screenwriter: Cao Xiao Tian, Cao Zhuo Er, Lu Shu Ting
- Genres: Historical, Drama
- Cast: Chen Du Ling, Xin Yun Lai
- Episodes: 30
- Date of Release: March 18, 2025
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: Tencent Video, WeTV, Viki
- Adapted from the web novel “The Reborn Noble Girl is Hard to Find” by Qian Shan Cha Ke
Dear readers, how are you today? The weather in my area has not been very friendly lately. There were days when I decided to head out because the sun was shining, only to end up completely drenched by sudden rain. There were also times when I had to pull over because of a heavy storm, but by the time I reached home, everything was dry again.
Rapid changes in weather like this can put extra stress on our bodies, and now I am feeling a little under the weather myself. So, dear readers, especially those living in tropical countries, please take extra care of your health. Stay hydrated, eat nutritious foods, and consider taking supplements if you start feeling unwell. I hope you are all blessed with good health and happiness.
Now, let us get straight to the point. Here is my review of The Glory drama. It is one of the Chinese dramas released in March 2025. Happy reading!
The Glory Drama Synopsis
Zhuang Han Yan was abandoned at birth, condemned by a Taoist priest as a barefoot ghost who would bring misfortune. Stripped of any choice in her future, Zhuang Han Yan was cast out of the city by her parents and left in the care of cruel foster parents.
When the foster parents plotted to sell her, Han Yan managed to escape. She returned to the capital, dressed in rags, and collapsed at the gates of the Zhuang family mansion. Her sudden appearance sent shockwaves through the household.
But the home she had longed for was nothing like she imagined. Coldness greeted her—a distant mother, a hypocritical father, and jealous siblings. Her return also drew the attention of Fu Yun Xi, a brilliant young official from the Court of Judicial Review.
Fu Yun Xi was in the midst of investigating a major case involving the mysterious fall of a powerful eunuch. He soon discovered that Zhuang Han Yan’s past might be tied to the case and began to scrutinize her closely. His sharp gaze made Zhuang Han Yan wary, and they quickly found themselves at odds.
From enemy to an ally. Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi joined hand in hand to face the enemies together. As the investigation deepened, so did their bond. But with secrets still between them, can growing closer really take away all the doubts?
The Glory Drama Review
“If there is even a slightest chance, would you take it?”
Dear readers, I should have paid more attention to the tags before diving into this drama. But like many others, I was swept away by the buzz surrounding The Glory. While everyone was singing its praises, I found myself teetering on the edge of dropping it. Still, I pressed on until the end. Do I regret it? Not at all.
Revenge-themed dramas usually come packed with angst and endless plot twists, and this one is no exception. It can drain you emotionally, and honestly, that used to be my kind of story. But recently, I have found comfort in gentler, more heartwarming shows. Maybe it is because I just finished Zhang Ling He and Xu Ruo Han’s drama, The Best Thing, which left me feeling peaceful and warm. So even though The Glory is well-written, it felt a little too intense for my current mood.
Still, I stayed. How could I resist? The Glory offers a feast of beautiful visuals, stunning costumes, and faces that are almost too perfect to be real. 😍
The Story – War Behind Closed Doors
At its core, The Glory tells the story of an abandoned daughter’s journey for revenge. Zhuang Han Yan’s vengeful schemes fuel the narrative. Admittedly, the setup is somewhat familiar.
A baby abandoned because of malicious manipulation and superstitious beliefs immediately reminded me of Love Like the Galaxy, where Zhao Lu Si’s character, Cheng Shao Shang, was similarly cast aside due to twisted family schemes.
In The Glory, Zhuang Han Yan’s life was shaped by betrayal. Zhou Ru Yin, a scheming concubine, bribed a Taoist priest to condemned her as a barefoot ghost who brings misfortune. Instead of growing up in luxury, Zhuang Han Yan endured a brutal childhood with a pair of poor and abusive foster parents.
Zhuang Han Yan’s fate was no different from Cheng Shao Shang. She was also abandoned by her parents because of Zhou Ru Yin’s incitation. She bribed a Taoist priest who condemned Zhuang Han Yan as a barefoot ghost who bring misfortune for the family. and because of this, she was raised by a pair of poor and horrible couple.
Ironically, staying at the Zhuang mansion might not have been much better. The Zhuang family is a nest of vipers, with every member hiding dark motives, including Zhuang Han Yan herself. She is not a typical heroine. She is sharp, calculating, and fuelled by anger. Fu Yun Xi, is not much better.
Ambitious and determined, he is willing to cross lines to achieve his goals. In this story, sincerity and purity are rare. Only Su Hong, Han Yan’s loyal maid, and the young Fu Ling Zhi show some real innocence. Yet, Fu Ling Zhi’s maturity feels unsettling at times.
From the moment Zhuang Han Yan returns to the mansion, the battle begins. She must fend off Zhou Ru Yin and her scheming children, endure her mother’s coldness, and survive her father’s manipulation. And above it all, there is Fu Yun Xi, investigating her every move. He firmly believed that Zhuang Han Yan was involved in her foster parents’ deaths.
Much of the drama between Han Yan and her siblings also revolves around Fu Yun Xi. Zhuang Yu Shan, who has long dreamed of marrying Fu Yun Xi, burns with envy when he shows interest in Zhuang Han Yan.
Meanwhile, Zhuang Yu Chi resents her because he believe that Zhuang Han Yan stole his sister’s chance at happiness. This whole situation is a bit disturbing because Fu Yun Xi is still considered their brother-in-law. But this is a common thing back then, and even now, but this definitely not for me.
The relationship between Zhuang Han Yan and her mother, Ruan Xi Wen, is one of the central threads in the drama. On the day Zhuang Han Yan was born, her grandfather passed away. Zhou Ru Yin seized this moment of misfortune to scheme against Ruan Xi Wen.
As a result, Zhuang Han Yan was sent away to distant Danzhou, while Ruan Xi Wen herself was brutally beaten until her legs were permanently injured under the guise of warding off evil. That night, she lost both her daughter and her ability to walk.
Yet despite the cruelty she suffered, Ruan Xi Wen was strong enough to maintain her position as the mistress of the household. However, the pain and betrayal planted a deep seed of hatred in her heart. From that moment on, Ruan Xi Wen quietly began plotting her revenge against her husband, and against the concubine who ruined her life.
This mother and daughter duo were completely consumed by hatred. We had to watch them clash episode after episode before they finally opened their eyes and reconciled. And guess what? Since the beginning, I believed that the real villain of the story was not Zhou Ru Yin or her scheming children.
It was Zhuang Shi Yang. He is the master manipulator who pulling the strings from the shadows. Every time he appeared with that pitiful, pleading expression, I felt like throwing something at my screen. 🤬
The plot moves at a brisk pace, and just when you think a major secret has been unveiled, another twist was thrown into you. The Glory keeps you hooked, unable to leave your seat until the very end.
For those hoping for a sweeping romance, however, a word of caution: this is a slow, SLOW burn. Sure, there are plenty of lingering glances between Zhuang Han Yan and Fu Yun Xi. There are moments when you hope they will find happiness together. But the romantic moments take so long to arrive that by the time it does, you might feel emotionally numb. That was exactly how I felt during my binge-watching marathon.
Lastly, be ready for a bittersweet ending. Some goals are reached, but not without heavy sacrifices. The ending felt a little rushed, leaving me slightly dissatisfied. Still, after such an intense journey, I was grateful it came to a close.
The Story – When Looks Outshine Emotion
Well, I Know I’m Being Judgemental, But… I was never a big fan of Chen Du Ling or Xin Yun Lai. In fact, I have dropped several of Chen Du Ling’s dramas in the past, including Fangs of Fortune and Love in Flames of War, and I never regretted it.
There is no denying that Chen Du Ling is stunning. Her porcelain-like beauty makes her a perfect fit for classical period roles. In my opinion, her looks truly shine in historical dramas. However, I often felt that her acting lacked emotional depth. She looks charming when she pouts, but let’s be honest, you cannot pout through 40 episodes.
I used to think Chen Du Ling was only suited for melodramatic roles and not the kind of actress who could convincingly portray strong and resilient characters. But in The Glory, she proved me wrong.
Although she has not suddenly become as expressive as someone like Zhao Lu Si, her performance showed clear improvement. Her expressions were richer and more believable compared to her role in Love in Flames of War, and I appreciated that progress.
Xin Yun Lai gave me a similar impression. I remember watching him in The Legend of Shen Li as Zhao Li Ying’s general. He has the visual presence to portray a cold and distant character, but sadly, I do not think The Glory was his best work. He started off well as Fu Yun Xi, but as the character became more emotionally complex, Xin Yun Lai’s performance remained the same.
Fu Yun Xi is supposed to be a layered character who hides his emotions, but the audience should still be able to feel them. Unfortunately, that emotional depth was missing.
Although Chen Du Ling and Xin Yun Lai looked good together, I did not feel much chemistry between them. Their scenes lacked the spark that would make their relationship convincing. This emotional gap was one of the reasons why I gave The Glory a slightly lower rating.
The Costume – A Reflection of Growth and Character
The best part of this drama is undoubtedly the costumes. I especially loved the Ming Dynasty hanfu, or traditional Chinese clothing, with the special skirt called mamianqun being a main point. The loose silhouettes beautifully emphasized the elegance of each character.
At the beginning of the drama, Zhuang Han Yan always wore soft-colored, plain dresses, while Zhuang Yu Shan preferred striking red hanfu. Zhuang Yu Shan enjoyed flaunting her position as Zhuang Shi Yang’s favored daughter, whereas Zhuang Han Yan chose to keep a low profile. This stark contrast in personality was clearly reflected in the color and style of their clothing.
Ruan Xi Wen and Zhou Ru Yin’s hanfu also mirrored their personalities and backgrounds. Ruan Xi Wen often wore dark hanfu to project her authority and strength within the household. She chose simple yet refined designs that reflected the grace and restraint of a lady from a distinguished family. Her stern expression and dark red lipstick further emphasized her powerful presence.
In contrast, Zhou Ru Yin constantly tried to compete with Ruan Xi Wen. Her brightly colored hanfu and flashy accessories were her way of showing off the master’s affection and her own wealth. However, these loud fashion choices only revealed her underlying insecurity and feelings of inferiority toward Ruan Xi Wen.
As the characters changed, so did their clothing. Zhuang Han Yan, who at first kept a low profile, began wearing bolder colors as she gained power. One of my favorite outfits was the blue embroidered hanfu she wore to the palace.
It was so stunning that I paused the scene just to admire it. Meanwhile, Ruan Xi Wen continued to wear dark hanfu, but if you pay close attention, you will notice that her lipstick gradually changed to a lighter shade, subtly reflecting her emotional shift.
The costumes in The Glory are truly a visual treat. But beyond their beauty, they serve a deeper purpose. Each outfit tells a story of personal growth and transformation.
The Glory Characters
Zhuang Han Yan (Played by Chen Du Ling)
Zhuang Han Yan only wanted a home and a family. Since birth, people said she brought bad luck. They called her a barefoot ghost who cursed her family. Her parents gave her away, and her foster parents treated her badly. They abused her, and other children bullied her.
Her foster father was a poor scholar. He forced Zhuang Han Yan to sit with him and study. When he was upset, he took it out on her. But through those painful moments, Han Yan became very smart. She learned quickly and spoke eloquently and sharply. Her main strength is resilience.
Growing up in such a hard life taught her to be careful and clever. She learned how to think ahead and protect herself. Fu Yun Xi called her a strategist, which was a kind way of saying she was schemer or conspirator. But one needs to stay alive, and Zhuang Han Yan learned her lesson well.
Even though she was smart and strong, Zhuang Han Yan still had one weakness. She wanted love. She wanted a real family. That hope made her return to the capital to find what she had lost. But the Zhuang family was not what she dreamed of. It was full of lies and danger. It was a den of demons.
Fu Yun Xi (Played by Xin Yun Lai)
Fu Yun Xi was the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. He had many enemies, and most people feared him. He used to be married to Zhuang Han Yan’s eldest sister, Zhuang Yu Qin, and they had a daughter named Fu Ling Zhi. After his wife died, Fu Yun Xi raised their daughter on his own.
As an official who fought crime and corruption, he had to be strict and ruthless. He always put justice first. His cold and serious nature kept people away, except for Zhuang Yu Shan, who was deeply in love with him.
His work was full of secrets. One of them was his quiet investigation into Zhuang Han Yan’s past in Danzhou. At first, he thought she was a schemer and could be a useful ally. But the more he got to know her, the more curious he became. Zhuang Han Yan turned out to be far more interesting than he expected. Even though he tried to stay distant, he found himself slowly falling for her.
Zhuang Shi Yang (Played by Yu En Tai)
On the surface, Zhuang Shi Yang’s life appears flawless. He is known as a respected scholar, a devoted son, and the head of a seemingly harmonious household. He has a noble wife, a gentle concubine, three daughters, and one son.
His eldest daughter, Zhuang Yu Qin, is the mother of Fu Ling Zhi, followed by Zhuang Yu Shan as the second daughter, and Zhuang Han Yan as the third. Although his son Zhuang Yu Chi contributes little, he is still the only male heir.
Zhuang Shi Yang is intelligent but deeply hypocritical. He keeps secrets from his family while pretending to be fair and honest. Behind his fragile image lies a sharp mind, skilled in manipulation and deceit.
Ruan Xi Wen (Played by Wen Zheng Rong)
Ruan Xi Wen is Zhuang Han Yan’s mother and the most powerful woman in the household. Even Old Madam Zhuang and Zhou Ru Yin feared her and never dared to confront her directly. Her marriage to Zhuang Shi Yang was distant and empty. Though they remained husband and wife in name, her heart belonged elsewhere.
Ruan Xi Wen shows little warmth or affection, with a heart closed to others. Unlike what Zhuang Han Yan had hoped, her mother never wanted her to return to the capital. Each time Han Yan tried to get close, she was met with rejection. Ruan Xi Wen treated her with nothing but coldness.
Zhou Ru Yin (Played by Wang Yan)
Zhou Ru Yin is Zhuang Shi Yang’s concubine. She could not become his legitimate wife because she came from a common background and her family offered no advantage to his career. Even so, she received the most affection from Zhuang Shi Yang, and her children were clearly his favorites, especially Zhuang Yu Shan.
Zhou Ru Yin is clever and manipulative. She acts kind on the surface, but in truth, she constantly looks for ways to harm Zhuang Han Yan and push her aside.
The Conclusion
The Glory offered so much to me. It was packed with a well-written story, beautiful visuals, stunning costumes, and undeniably gorgeous faces. This drama is was a whirlwind of plot twists. Watching it felt like peeling an onion, with every layer bringing new revelations and tears.
This drama may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re drawn to stories full of secrets, betrayals, painful personal growth, and a faint glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness, then The Glory might be the one for you.
It is the perfect drama for a binge-watch marathon. This is not the kind of show you could use as a daily dose of entertainment. Well, you could try, but I have a feeling you will end up sneaking in the next episode during class or in the middle of a work meeting. It might jeopardize your real-life responsibilities, so consider yourself warned.
And if you have already watched The Glory drama, I would love to hear your thoughts. Share your opinion in the comments box below. I always enjoy reading different opinion on a story. Anyhow, thank you for stopping by and reading this review of The Glory, dear readers. I’ll see you again in the next drama review. Ciao!
