Against the Current Drama Review

Drama Title: Against the Current
Also Known As: 兰香如故, Lan Xiang Ru Gu, Orchid Fragrance Remains, The Story of Xiang Lan
Director: Huang Ying Xiang
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy
Cast: Tan Song Yun, Liu Xue Yi
Number of Episodes: 47
Date of Release: September 11, 2026
Original Network: CCTV, Tencent Video
Where to Watch: WeTV, tencent Video, Viki, Disney+
Adapted from the novel “Lan Xiang Yuan” by He Yan Shan

Dear readers, I took a very long time writing this Against the Current drama review. There was so much I wanted to talk about, and somehow the words keep piling up. But after 3 cups of coffee, I managed to finish this article. And I hope you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed putting my thoughts together. I’ll get going then, happy reading!

Against the Current Drama Review

The Synopsis

Shen Jia Lan is born into a noble and scholarly family, surrounded by wealth and loving family. But her life takes a tragic turn when her family is falsely accused of treason. As if it isn’t enough, her engagement with Lin Jin Qi also falls apart. Overnight, her family lost everything including their lives.

With the help of a kind couple, Shen Jia Lan survives by assuming their deceased daughter’s identity, Xu Lan Xiang. She begins a new live. But this time, as a lowly servant. Despite losing her status and wealth, Xu Lan Xiang still blessed with parents who loves her unconditionally, regardless their circumstances.

Against the Current Drama Review - Shen Jia Lan and Lin Jin Qi — Against the Current Drama Review – Shen Jia Lan and Lin Jin Qi

However, fate brings her back to Lin Jin Qi after her family become the Lin family’s servants. Determined to build a happy and peaceful life, Xu Lan Xiang relies on her intelligence and wisdom to overcome every obstacle. She wins Lin Jin Qi’s heart, earn the Lin family’s respects, and ultimately clear the Shen family’s name.

The Review – A Story of Strength and Hope for Tomorrow

Dear readers, let me tell you how things work on my side before an article appear. When I watched a drama for a review, I have 2 habits. The first is when I go all out as a reviewer. I sit in my chair with a notebook and pen in hands. Of course, I still have some food or drinks nearby, but that’s not the point.

With those weapons in hand, I’m ready to write down every little detail I notice in the drama. It could be a beautiful accessory or a small plot hole. My eyes are on high alert, and my mind is running even faster as I think about what I should write in my article. But sometimes, I go berserk and watch the drama without thinking about work at all. I follow my emotions and get so engrossed in the story that I forget about my notebook and pen.

Well, to be honest, the second one happen more often that the first one. And because I’m a rather forgetful person, I have to spend extra time revisiting episodes to find the things I missed while writing my review.

That is why my review don’t always follow the same style. Sometimes they feel like a bunch of technical observations. Other times, they feel like a journal where I pour out my feelings and experiences while binge-watching.

But don’t assume that every emotional review means the drama was good. Sometimes, I get so engrossed in a terrible drama that my hand simply can’t keep up with the barrage of rants inside my head. 😂

And can you guess which technique I used when I watched this drama? 😁

Against the Current has become a hot topic, not only in China but also among Cdrama lovers in other countries. My social media feeds were filled with people talking about Cdramas. Well, some still hadn’t move on from Jing Bo Ran’s The Early Spring, but many others talked about this one in utmost awe, just like I did.

Against the Current was not a highly promoted drama. Although Tan Song Yun and Liu Xue Yi are established actors with strong acting skills, they aren’t high-profile traffic stars who attract lots of fans and commercial interest.

They have a steady position in the Chinese drama industry, and their acting is top tier. But they are not Xiao Zhan or Dilraba Dilmurat. You know what I mean, right? 😉

So, although Against the Current is an S+ drama, which means it’s a large-scale production with substantial amount of investment, this drama earned its success without loud promotional support. Instead, people started watching it because it generates so much discussion that it made them wants to watch it.

They might not be Tan Song Yun or Liu Xie Yi’s hardcore fans, but they curious about the story and visuals. And sometimes, that’s all it takes to make you press the play button.

At first, I thought Against the Current would be another romance that I could happily enjoy as a self-proclaimed romance junkie. After all, the story revolves around Xu Lan Xiang and Lin Jin Qi. but after watching it for several episodes, I realized that romance wasn’t what impressed me the most.

Against the Current is a female centric historical drama. The drama opening already gives a hint of this focus. Behind the title, is all the important female characters. No male at all. Not even Lin Jin Qi.

The main story is about women navigating a world that doesn’t always give them the freedom to choose their own path. They have to survive the restricted world imposed by their families and also the society. Those women had to use all the limited power available to them. their upbringing also shapes the choice they make.

When I reached episode 9, I finally understood how hard it must be to live as Xu Lan Xiang. It wasn’t the manual labour that bothered me, it was having to suppress her ability and pretend to be someone she isn’t. Because she is a servant, and her life is hanging by a thread every day, Xu Lan Xiang has to use her intelligent and wisdom, while making it look like a pure luck. Now that is sound exhausting.

The Story – Beyond the Romance, Beyond the Ordinary

Story wise, Against the Current follows Shen Jia Lan’s journey as she became Xu Lan Xiang and learns to survive in a world that offers women very little protection.

A conversation between Shen Jia Lan and her father, Shen Bo Ru, showed how vast the gap between Shen Jia Lan’s status and Xu Lan Xiang’s. Shen Bo Ru explain that a slave was considered chattel. They were classified alongside livestock because they were their master’s property.

They can do whatever they please with them, whether it was bought, sold, traded, or inherited. However, masters were still bound by law and propriety. But that didn’t stop masters from having them beaten, sometimes to death.

When Shen Jia Lan finally became Xu Lan Xiang, she knew what kind of the world she would be living in. She showed just how strong-minded she was. It wasn’t easy to stand up again after you falling to the very bottom. But she did it anyway, while also helped the people around her rise with her.

So the first lesson I learned from Against the Current is that a good upbringing from a young age can build a strong foundation for a person. Shen Jia Lan lived with her Shen family for only a few years, but the values of an upright and scholarly family stayed with her for the rest of her life.

And one thing worth noting is that the Xu couple never asked Shen Jia Lan to forget her roots. The small altar in their home was dedicated not only to their decease daughter, but to the Shen family as well.

Honestly, the only thing missing from their household is a bunch of stray cats and dogs for them to rescued. If the drama had included a few of them, at that point, the Xu couple would have been officially crowned as the kindest people in Cdramaland. 😄

I cried a lot when watching this drama. The first episode already brought tears to my eyes. but the second episode had me bawling. While Shen Jia Lan’s biological mother told her to live, Xu Lan Xiang’s mother encourage her to cry her heart out, then live with all her might. To live fiercely like a wild grass. And after that, Shen Jia Lan slowly put her grief aside and began to adapt to her new life as Xu Lan Xiang.

Later, Xu Lan Xiang was forced to work as a slave too at the Lin residence. It happened because coincidentally, Xu Wan Quan had sold himself and his family to the same Lin family that had broken off their engagement with the Shens, all to protect their lives.

So, I can imagine the turmoil Shen Jia Lan’s heart when she discovered that she would have to serve her former fiancé. And for the records, Lin Jin Qi and Shen Jia Lan were engaged because their grandfathers, Shen Qi Han and Lin Zhao Xiang, are good friends.

Years ago, Shen Qi Han and Lin Zhao Xiang urged the previous emperor to curb the power of regional princes. But after one of the regional princes ascended to throne, someone dug the matter up and make the new emperor furious.

Shen Qi Han refused to write a memorial condemning the previous emperor. But Lin Zhao Xiang agreed to do so and sought refuge with Grand Secretary Zhao, the grandfather of Zhao Xing Tang.

The differences between Shen Qi Han and Lin Zhao Xiang’s principles are reflected in the wooden plaques hanging in their studies. Shen Qi Han’s bears the words “Integrity Above All”, while Lin Zhao Xiang’s reads “Ever Mindful of the Future”.

Shen Jia Lan inherited her family’s integrity and wisdom. She was wise beyond her age, knowledgeable, and most importantly, knew exactly what she wants in her life. She never sought wealth or fame. All she wanted was to life a happy and peaceful life with her loved ones, because that was exactly what she had experienced with her Shen family.

Now let’s talk about Lin Jin Qi. He is very capable when it comes to work, but a bit dim-witted when it comes to relationship. 😝

It was Lin Jin Qi who fell for Xu Lan Xian first. Since the beginning, he wasn’t a man who fell in love with a woman for her appearance. It was Xu Lan Xiang’s intelligence, courage, and spirit that won him over.

Actually, Lin Jing Qi is a good person. He is considerate, attentive, and highly responsible. The problem is that he was born into family who relied heavily on its status and power.

Somehow, Lin Jin Qi began to rely on that power, too. He used the emperor’s authority to force Xu Lan Xiang to marry him without even asking for her consent. And he truly believes that the imperial decree was an honor for Xu Lan Xiang and her family.

This was the part that made me lose respect for him. Lin Jin Qi basically lived in his own bubble, surrounded by male privilege. He didn’t understand how difficult it was to live as a woman in that era. He also lacked wisdom compared to Xu Lan Xiang.

Lin Jin Qi knew how to navigate the imperial court, but he often failed to consider the consequences of her actions. Still, I cannot entirely blame him. Lin Jin Qi was raised by his grandfather, Lin Zhao Xiang, who also lacked wisdom compared to Shen Qi Han. 😂

Shen Jia Lan truly more intelligent and wise since the beginning. It was just like Zhao Xing Tang said that “the ungrateful Lin Jin Qi didn’t deserve you (Xu Lan Xiang)”. 😂

However, he also a man who willing to bow down and apologize for his wrong. He treats Xu Lan Xiang with utmost respect and sweetness, the way every girl in Cdramaland (and beyond) dreams of being treated. So, I can’t stay mad at him for long.

After a few episode, I start to like him again. What can I do? That man has Liu Yue Ning’s face. Besides, every comedy in this drama would happen around him and his attendants, Jiu Gao and Nan Ke.

Speaking about attendants or servants, they are an important part of the story. It was heartwarming to see Xu Lan Xiang’s bond with her friends/maidservants. From the capable Yu Chan, the kind Zhao Gan Tang, the determined Bao Gai, and the talkative Du Xiao Lian.

Each of them brought something to the story. Lin Jing Qi also share a close bond with his people, the shrewd Jiu Gao, the uptight Nan Ke, and Yu Chan. Many dramas show the strong bond between a young master with his attendants. But it is rare to see a young master spoke to his maidservant as casual as Lin Jin Qi and Yu Chan.

In Against the Current, the story wanted to see slaves as human being. We got to see the glimpse of their families, daily struggles, and ordinary joys through the Xus, the Lvs, or the Dus.

Each of them their own relationships, personalities, and stores worth telling. And I think what makes those people’s presence meaningful is because even in a world where their status defines their place in society, they are still people with lives and feelings of their own.

There are several villainesses in this drama, but the most complicated one is Zhao Xing Tang. She is a villain through and through yet couldn’t stop pitying her. She is controlling, arrogant, and ruthless.

But she is also willing to kneel to save her maid, Qing Xiang. She is a victim of her own family, who believe a woman’s virtue lies in having no talent. They never let her learn how to read or write.

The Zhao family is one of the most despicable family I’ve ever seen. They treat their daughter as disposable. She knows she cannot rely on her family, and after suffering a betrayal, she no longer believes in love.

Gold and silver are the only things she trusts. Episode 4 shows a glimpse to her mindset. When Zhao Xing Tang throws a tantrum, money is the only thing that soothes her. She builds a fortress out of silver ingots and sits inside it in her loose, casual clothes. It symbolizes how money make her feels safe. The silver fortress is a physical barrier between herself and a world she cannot trust.

I love how this drama uses subtle details throughout the story. Whenever you notice one, it feels like you just found an Easter egg. Xue Gui Hua’s earrings, for instance, reflect the Xu family’s improving circumstances. This selfless mother would rather give Xu Lan Xiang the best things and leave nothing to her.

Then there’s the vegetable seller who first appear in episode 2. You could recognize her by the large birthmark on her neck. Initially, I though she would become a part of the story. But her real purpose is much cleverer. She serves as the timestamp of the drama.

At first, she is only a young girl. As the time passed by, I watch her grow into a woman. Eventually, her children join her. Her only lines are the names of the vegetable she sells. Who would have thought this vegetable seller could tell us how much time has passed.

As I mentioned earlier, Against the Current tells the story of Shen Jia Lan’s journey. The drama ends with her death. But of course, so many things happen before that. However, don’t worry, dear readers, it was not all tragedy and heartbreak. There is still happiness to be found, love to be cherished, and a life worth celebrating.

P.S. If you are looking for another encouraging drama about surviving the lowest point in life, I recommend Blossoms in Adversity, starring Zhang Jing Yu and Hu Yi Tian. It’s definitely worth adding to your watchlist. 😉

The Visual – Fine Details, Beauty Prevails

The visuals are one of the best things in this drama. Against the Current isn’t some breathtaking beauty who wear bright colors and red lipstick. No. Instead, its beauty lies in muted colors, subtle details and understated elegance. It gives mature and grounded feels without trying too hard.

One more thing I have to give this drama credit for is the makeup department. They really did a great job, and the results speak for themselves. From the natural makeup on daily lives, to special scenes where a character must stand under heavy snow, to the intricate make up of the opera performers.

And speaking about the Chinese opera, Against the Current uses it to tell story within story. The performances often mirror the character’s own struggles, making the opera more than just a beautiful performance on stage.

Cdramaland has plenty stories where characters disguise themselves as the opposite sex. But not many have satisfied me. But this year, I’ve been sooo happy. First, we got Fan Shuai Qi who act as Bu Shu Lin in Blossoms of Power.

In my opinion, she is one of the best representations of a woman disguise as man. Then Against the Current gave me two men dressing as women, and gosh! They were gorgeous.

First was Ma Wen Yuan as Qian Shao Ze, who disguise himself as a woman when having a tryst with his cousin. Later, Pan Yi Hong, who played Jiu Gao, also appears in woman’s clothing. Not as pretty as Ma Wen Yuan though, but let’s just say that he is still prettier than me…😂

The Characters

Shen Jia Lan / Xu Lan Xiang (Played by Tang Song Yun)

Shen Jia Lan is the eldest daughter of the Grand Secretary Shen. When the story begins, she is still young. However, she already talented and wise beyond her years, thanks to her upbringing. Her grandfather dan father teaches her about the ways of the world. While her mother and the womenfolk in the family teach her how to be kind and principled.

Shen Jia Lan born into a wealthy family. But as Xu Lan Xiang, she shows great resilience and adaptability. The skills she learns as a noblewoman, help her survive both as a servant and as a free woman. She is considerate and treat others with kindness. But she also wise enough to learn from her experiences and mistakes.

Lin Jin Qi / Feng Tai (Played by Liu Xue Yi)

Lin Jin Qi is the eldest grandson of the Lin family who carried the heavy expectations place on him. He has two sides of personality. As a general, he is serious, calculating, cunning, and proud. He rarely showed his emotions is difficult to persuade once he has made up his mind.

His strategic mind also helps him navigate complicated political situations. At home, however, he is a caring brother who protects his mother and siblings. He is attentive to those he loves. But only Xu Lan Xiang who can brings out his vulnerable side, including his jealousy and possessiveness.

Xue Gui Hua (Played by Guo Ke Yu)

Xue Gui Hua is Xu Lan Xiang’s mother. She is a simple and illiterate, but that didn’t make her narrow-minded. On the contrary, she is kind, sincere, compassionate, and selfless.

Although she may appear timid, Xue Gui Hua is not a coward. Her gentle nature and quiet strength made her Xu Lan Xiang’s biggest emotional support and a home to return to.

Xu Wan Quan (Played by Chen Chuang)

Xu Wan Quan is Xu Lan Xiang’s father. He may be timid at times, but he can also be brave and funny. His greatest strength are his honesty and loyalty.

Although he is a rough man, he values kindness and gratitude. He may lack education and be stubborn, but he is not selfish and a responsible family man.

Zhao Xing Tang (Played by Li Meng)

Zhao Xing Tang marries Lin Jin Qi after the Lin family breaks off his engagement to Shen Jia Lan. However, their relationship remains stranger. She is bold, proud, strong-willed, and controlling.

The servants fear her because she is ruthless. Yet, beneath her pride lies a woman trapped by the rigid expectation of society. It’s hard to hate her once we understand the circumstances she has endured.

Du Cui Que (Played by Zheng He Hui Zi)

Du Cui Que is the sister of Du Cheng, Lin Jin Qi’s subordinate and close friend. She is a cunning, greedy, and manipulative with a strong desire to control others.

She sees people as tools to get what she wanted and looks down on those of lower status, including illegitimate children and servants. Du Cui Que only seeks relationships with people who could help her climb the social ladder.

Lin Xiu Wan (Played by Wu Tian Tian)

Lin Xiu Wan is Madam Wang’s daughter and Lin Jin Qi’s cousin. As the Second Young Lady of the Lin family, she is spoiled by her mother, who has high expectations for her.

This makes her arrogant, impulsive, immature, and easily swept away by love and affection. However, deep down inside, Lin Xiu Wan is a determined idealist. She just needs a guidance and a little bit slap to understand the world better.

Lin Xiu Ru (Played by Ma Fan Ding)

Lin Xiu Ru is the Third Young Lady and the daughter of Lin Chang Zheng’s concubine, making her Lin Jin Qi’s illegitimate sister. Because of her status, Lin Xiu Ru grew up observant and emotionally perceptive.

She is prudent and has sharper instinct than her legitimate-born sisters. Behind her timid appearance is an intelligent, open-minded woman who able to see the bigger picture.

Qin Shun Hua (Played by Kong Ling Mei)

Qin Shun Hua is Lin Jin Qi’s mother and the First Madam of the Lin family. She run the household and holds the authority just under Lin Zhao Xiang.

She is dignified and decisive woman who values rules and propriety.

Yu Chan (Played by Ye Qing)

Yu Chan is first-class maid who initially serves Lin Jin Qi before devoting herself to Xu Lan Xiang. She is a capable, observant, level-headed, and very loyal.

She understands the importance of maintaining proper boundaries and knows when to think carefully before taking actions.

Du Xiao Lian (Played by Song Fang Yuan)

Du Xiao Lian is the second-class maidservant who enters the Lin household alongside Xu Lan Xiang, Zhao Gan Tang, and Lv Ji’er.

She is cheerful, honest, talkative, and somehow naïve. She came from a poor but loving family.

Zhao Gan Tang / Ying Ge (Played by Li Jia Xing)

Zhao Gan Tang is also Xu Lan Xiang’ second-class maidservant. She is a quiet, cautious, observant, and sensitive.

Zhao Gan Tang learned how to survive as a servant from her mother and often passes the knowledge to Xu Lan Xiang and Du Xiao Lian.

Han Liang / Yi Zhen (Played by Niu Jun Feng)

Han Lian is a talented scholar who lived next door to the Xu family. He is a refined, intelligent, and composed.

Thoughtful and patient, he rarely rushes into anything. Although reserved by nature, he is quite affectionate when it comes to Xu Lan Xiang.

The Conclusion

Against the Current already entered my rewatch list. I plan to keep it on the rainy days when I need a little comfort from Cdramaland. This drama reminds me that sometimes, the best stories are not just about love and romance. But also finding strength to keep living and cherishing the people who make life worthwhile.

I hope this extra-long Against the Current drama review post has convinced you to give Against the Current a try. And if you were curious about how the story ends, don’t forget to check out my Ending Explained post for this drama. Thank you for spending your time here, dear readers. I’ll see you in the next drama review. Until then, goodbye and happy watching!

Against the Current Drama Review

Against the Current Drama Review

The Synopsis

The Review – A Story of Strength and Hope for Tomorrow

The Story – Beyond the Romance, Beyond the Ordinary

The Visual – Fine Details, Beauty Prevails

The Characters

Shen Jia Lan / Xu Lan Xiang (Played by Tang Song Yun)

Lin Jin Qi / Feng Tai (Played by Liu Xue Yi)

Xue Gui Hua (Played by Guo Ke Yu)

Xu Wan Quan (Played by Chen Chuang)

Zhao Xing Tang (Played by Li Meng)

Du Cui Que (Played by Zheng He Hui Zi)

Lin Xiu Wan (Played by Wu Tian Tian)

Lin Xiu Ru (Played by Ma Fan Ding)

Qin Shun Hua (Played by Kong Ling Mei)

Yu Chan (Played by Ye Qing)

Du Xiao Lian (Played by Song Fang Yuan)

Zhao Gan Tang / Ying Ge (Played by Li Jia Xing)

Han Liang / Yi Zhen (Played by Niu Jun Feng)

The Conclusion

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