- Drama Title: How Dare You!?
- Also Known As: 成何体统, Cheng He Ti Tong, How Are You, How Are You?, In What Manner?, This Is Ridiculous, What a Disgrace
- Director: Liu Hai Bo, Wang Li
- Genres: Historical, Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
- Cast: Wang Chu Ran, Cheng Lei, Tang Xiao Tian, Hu Yi Xuan
- Number of Episodes: 32
- Date of Release: February 6, 2026
- Original Network: iQiyi
- Where to Watch: iQiyi
- Adapted from the web novel “This Is Ridiculous” by Qi Ying Jun
Dear readers, how are you today? I hope right now you are curled up on your favourite couch, sipping something nice, ready to dive into a drama so full of twists, laughter, and unexpected moments. Well, I won’t be too chatty today, so, let’s get started on this How Dare You!? Drama Review. It’s one of the new Chinese dramas released in February 2026. Happy reading, dear readers!
How Dare You!? Drama Review
The Synopsis
Wang Cui Hua is a rookie in the workplace who was tasked with reading a cringe novel titled Transmigrated: The Devil’s Beloved Consort. But something strange happened while she was reading it. Suddenly, she found herself inside the novel as Yu Wan Yin, a domineering imperial concubine with a tragic fate.
In this new world, she met another transmigrator named Zhang San. Like her, Zhang San had also suddenly ended up in the body of the tyrant emperor, Xiahou Dan. Unlike other emperors, Xiahou Dan spent ten years lying low and concealing his abilities.
Now, the emperor and his concubine are teaming up and beginning a series of strategic manoeuvres to survive palace intrigue. They knew that one wrong move could cost them their power and their lives.
They must win the heart of the novel’s real female lead, Xie Yong’er, and defeat the Duke of Duan, Xiahou Dan’s younger brother. Things were more complicated because Xie Yong’er was also a transmigrator written in the book.
However, just as victory seemed close, they had to face Xiahou Dan’s chronic illness. Yu Wan Yin realized that only one of them could survive in this world, but she refused to accept her fate. Wang Cui Hua risked everything to save Zhang San. Through danger, schemes, and repeated assassination attempts, the two fought against destiny.
The Review
I’ve been wandering in Cdramaland for years and there were countless reasons why I stayed and become a loyal resident.
I am proud to announce that I am now immune to 40 episode emotional rollercoasters, to dramatic snail-paced romance, to the scheming concubines, to the fallen princes, to the long-lost illegitimate siblings, to the noble idiocy that could have been solved with just one conversation, to the dramatic confessions in the pouring rain, to the misunderstanding that last for three full episodes, to the sudden memory loss, to the sudden royal decree that separate a lovebirds, to the political betrayals disguised by royalty, and to the cliffhangers that pretend to be an “open ending”.
Gasp. Drink water. Continue suffering.
So, imagine my confidence when I started this drama. Fully prepared. And imagine my face when the ending proved that Cdramaland still owns me. Completely. 😖
How Dare You?! was one of the dramas that I’ve been waiting for. The moment it dropped, I didn’t hesitate to press the play button. And I was like… “WOW”. This drama brings more than I can chew. Gorgeous faces, beautiful costumes, detailed sets, strong chemistry, layered story with plot twists, all served in one plate.
This drama started off strong as a comedy. But as the story went on, more chaos, more twists, more secrets slowly revealed. What you think happened might not be what actually happened. Even if you initially came for Cheng Lei or Wang Chu Ran, or Tang Xiao Tian, I bet you will stay until then end for the story itself.
Or maybe the hotpots. 😁
How Dare You!? wasn’t just another palace story wrapped in flowy robes and pretty hairpins. It was bold. Sometimes ridiculous in the most entertaining way, yet still addictive.
Every time I thought I understood the direction, I got lost again. I sacrificed my beauty sleep time to finish this drama. Now I have eye bags, a slightly bruised heart, but zero regrets.
Before writing this article, I rewatched this drama to make sure that I hadn’t missed anything. My verdict remains the same. The main forte of this drama lies in its layered story and the natural, effortless performance of our main leads: Wang Chu Ran, Cheng Lei, Tang Xiao Tian, and Hu Yi Xuan.
Wang Chu Ran and Cheng Lei are clearly at the peak of their career right now. Their dramas always gain a lot of attentions, not just in China but internationally. Wang Chu Ran’s name is always listed in my must-watch list.
Aside from this drama, I really enjoyed Wang Chu Ran’s acting as Liu Mian Tang in Are You the One. And I still have Overdo and Love Has Fireworks on my 2026 must watch list dramas. I hoped they’ll be aired soon.
Cheng Lei’s performance as Xiahou Dan in this drama was on point and convincing. Beneath his unhinged, reckless, and rebellious nature, there was a strong and commanding aura. Many people talked about his expressive eyes.
And yes, I totally agree. Cheng Lei expresses Xiahou Dan’s emotions mostly through his eyes. Sometimes they look soft and dreamy, filled with affection. And then, they suddenly turn cold, distant, and dangerous. That shift feels natural. Cheng Lei handles Xiahou Dan’s contradiction very well, without overdoing it.
Tang Xiao Tian surprises me too. I usually see him in gentler romantic roles like in The Story of Pearl Girl or in Love’s Ambition. I never expected him to play such intense characters as Xiahou Bo. But he did it perfectly. And I’m sure it wasn’t easy to portray Xiahou Bo whose heart was evil and wicked but still looking harmless on the outside.
The only main lead that I was completely unfamiliar with was Hu Yi Xuan. Yet she did great as Xie Yong’er who’s a little bit naïve and inexperienced. At first, I didn’t like her character. But as the story goes, I found out that Xie Yong’er was quite adorable and kind. And now I couldn’t imagine anyone portray her as good as Hu Yi Xuan.
And my favourite character? It’s definitely Bei Shu. Portrayed by Cui Yi when in female disguise and Louis Fan in male form. Bei Shu is a martial art master whose disguises himself as a momo (a palace matron/nanny).
Most of the time, Bei Shu appear as a middle-aged lady. I love her character because she is kind and funny. Bei Shu can be a little extra, but somehow it never feels too much. For Xiahou Dan and Yu Wan Yin, Bei Shu felt like an elder figure. My heart feels warm whenever she/he appeared. 🥰
How Dare You!? is a mix of comedy, romance, drama, and tragedy. I enjoyed the comedy found here and there, though it became rarer towards the end. I thought I would die laughing while watching this, but it turned out that I cried a bucket of tears, too. Too many good people died, while the bad ones seemed indestructible.
In any case, this drama was like riding a roller coaster of emotions. It was quite draining yet addictive at the same time, and it seemed perfect in every aspect. Until you reach the end.
I had to lower my rating because of this part. I’ve read the book, and boy! How could they cut the well-explained ending and replace it with something that forces viewers to guess and speculate? After everything we went through with these characters, we deserve clarity. Instead, we were handed a question mark. 😭
Still, I will enjoy this drama again and again, but I will learn from my mistake and press the stop button five minutes before the end of the 32nd episode. 😆
The Story – Fate Said No. She Said Watch Me.
“How are you? I’m fine. Thank you.”
As someone who grew up in a non-English-speaking country, this line feels oddly familiar. In the early stages of learning English, it was one of the first conversations we memorized in school.
We repeated it so many times that it became automatic. At that time, we weren’t really asking about someone’s well-being. We were just practicing the structure, pronunciation, and basic manners.
As I got older, my English improved. I learned many ways to ask about someone’s well-being. How have you been. What’s going on. Are you okay. And the answers no longer limited to “I’m fine, thank you”. You could say I’m doing well. I’m good. Not bad, thanks. The old “How are you? I’m fine. Thank you” slowly faded to the back of my mind. Still there but rarely used.
Until I watched How Dare You!?
So, maybe only those with similar learning experience would understand why this phrase meant so much for Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San. It wasn’t just basic English, a global language. It became their secret code. A small sign that they came from the same place.
I have always love transmigration stories. They challenge logic, for sure. However, that wasn’t the only reason I keep watching. First of all, what fascinates me is how the character has to rebuild their identity from scratch.
They got new name, new role, and has to adapt to new rules. Watching them survive is strangely satisfying. Because it gives us something real life rarely does. A reset. A second chance.
Second, transmigration story creates a tension between fate and free will. If the character were transmigrated into a book like in How Dare You!? or My Page in the 90s, the protagonist often knew the original plot.
They knew who will have a tragic ending or will suffer. The real questions are whether they dare to rewrite the destiny. Or can a knowledge rewrite destiny? Or does fate always find a way back no matter what.
I saw this in My Page in the 90s drama. Lin Huan Er tried to avoid the ending. But in the end, she failed. It was painful for her and for Gao Hai Ming. And me, as a viewer, cried so hard in my chair.
In How Dare You!?, Wang Cui Hua must rely on herself to escape Yu Wan Yin’s tragic fate. Otherwise, she would die quickly, because Yu Wan Yin was only a small supporting character.
The real protagonist in the book is Xie Xie Yong’er, another transmigrator. The same goes with Zhang San who transmigrated and became the emperor. He is not the real protagonist either. That role belongs to Prince Duan, his brother.
When you watch this drama, remember that there were layers of reality inside the story. The transmigrators in the drama didn’t came from the same level of existence.
Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San came from the same world with the Transmigrated: The Devil’s Beloved Consort novel’s writer. They crossed from the reality into fiction.
Xie Yong’er is different. She is also labelled as transmigrator. But she didn’t come from the real world. She existed as a fictional character inside the story.
That made her no different from Prince Duan and the rest of the characters, a 2D character inside a written story. While Xie Yong’er knew what will happen to Prince Duan, Wang Cui Hua also knew what will happen to Xie Yong’er, or what she would do in the story.
Because of Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San, the storyline slowly changed. They are the foreign element that disrupts it.
I like how calm Wang Cui Hua was when she realized that she had transmigrated. Well, there’re solid reasons for that. First of all, she was reading a transmigration novel. Second, she noticed the strange signs when it happened. The frozen people. The characters that flying out of the book, and the falling scene.
I couldn’t help but remember Loki falling for 30 minutes straight through Doctor Strange’s magical loop dimension. Wang Cui Hua probably felt something similar at that moment…😆
And here comes the main issue in every transmigration story. The inner conflict when the protagonist starts to feel that the characters inside the story are not just fictional. They are human who can feel pain, can be hurt, can be happy or sad.
And after living and interacting with them, Wang Cui Hua began to see them as real people. Zhang San in other hand, felt otherwise. There were times when he restrains his emotions and reminded her that they were only 2D characters.
The story brings out its core message when Wang Cui Hua realized that she didn’t want to waste her time in the new world. If she was stuck there, then she would live it properly.
She chose to aim for something meaningful like to save the people from suffering. What she didn’t realized was that her mindset, her courage, and the way she carried herself were slowly changed Xiahou Dan and even Xie Yong’er.
The Story – How Not to Follow the Script
The real Yu Wan Yin was devoted to Prince Duan and kept rejecting the emperor. It was Wang Cui Hua who changed the trajectory of the story. At first, she planned to replace Xie Yong’er as the female lead.
But then she saw another path, one that felt safer and smarter. Instead of chasing the unpredictable Prince Duan, she chose to approach the so-called tyrant emperor.
Before we start, I want to remind you that Wang Cui Hua and Zhang San never revealed each other’s real names. They kept addressing one another by their in-book identities.
Zhang San called Wang Cui Hua by the name “Yu Wan Yin” or “Wan Yin”. While Wang Cui Hua called Zhang San “Xiahou Dan”, “Dan”, or “CEO Dan”. The reasons behind this were revealed later in the story. 😁
The relationship between Yu Wan Yin and Xiahou Dan was entertaining because it moved at the right pace. It was neither rushed nor dragged out. They took time to understand each other, so love came naturally. But of course, it was obvious that Xiahou Dan fell first. He just good at conceal it.
Xiahou Dan genuinely loved and cherished Yu Wan Yin deeply. And she couldn’t help but falling for him in return. They truly cared about each other’s wellbeing and safety.
Yet the emotional weight was undeniably heavier on Xiahou Dan’s side due to his painful past. At times, his devotion almost close to obsession. Not in a possessive or crazy way, but in the sense that he was willing to gamble everything for her.
In the middle of the story, I could feel that Xiahou Dan’s character was much deeper than he let others see. He kept secrets from Yu Wan Yin. And I could see his eyes carried indescribable emotions.
A mixture between sad, fear, affection, loneliness, and desperation he tried so hard to hide. It was in those brief moments that you’ll realized he was fighting a battle that no one could see.
There were also two ill-fated love stories revealed later. One was about two scholars who loved each other, but the fate wasn’t on their side. The other involved a noble figure. I will not say more about that one. Let it be a surprise. You probably would not see it coming. 😉
The Visual – Everything but the Blood
Everything inside How Dare You!? are pleasing to see. Really a feast for my eyes. In the first episode, I was instantly drawn to Yu Wan Yin’s Douyin makeup. The face jewels and all the jewellery are intricate and beautiful at the same time.
Yu Wan Yin’s costume was just as stunning. The fabric was thin and flowy, it moved gently when she walked. Everything was just perfect and suited Wang Chu Ran’s ethereal beauty.
I though the only drama whose makeup that could stun me was The Double with all those pearls. But Wang Chu Ran’s douyin makeup was a tough contender.
Thankfully, How Dare You!? was a fantasy drama, therefore all the makeup, dresses, and the jewellery aren’t limited by strict historical accuracy. They can be creative, experimenting with different styles, and I love that freedom.
Aside from the delicate hair pins and buyaos, what truly caught my eye were the nail covers. The Empress Dowager and Yu Wan Yin wore them. They aren’t the long and intimidating ones like in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
These nail covers were shorter but still beautifully decorated. They looked elegant without looking dangerous. Because, honestly, every time I saw the super long nail covers on the screen, I worry someone is about to get scratched during an emotional confrontation. Worse, poking into the eyes. If that happened, this drama would be titled Final Destination. 😆
Should I talk about Cheng Lei’s costume? Ever since I saw him on My Journey to You, I think he fits dark colours so well. He has that kind of rebellious expression, and dark colour totally suited Xiahou Dan’s unhinged temperament.
They also gave him long, flowy hair instead of the stiff, overly sprayed style. And it looked so much more natural. It softens his overall look without taking away his sharp aura.
The only thing that I want to complain was the blood. Mr. Director, can you please make the blood a little bit convincing? We would truly appreciate it. 🥺
The Characters
Yu Wan Yin / Wang Cui Hua (Played by Wang Chu Ran)
Wang Cui Hua is a small corporate slave who got unlucky and had to read a cringe novel and wake up as Yu Wan Yin. In the book Yu Wan Yin’s life was less than 1000 words (FYI, I usually wrote this review article around 3000-4000 words.
So, yes, Yu Wan Yin’s life story was shorter than my article 😁). Her ending was supposed to be miserable because she was executed by Prince Duan and Xie Yong’er.
The new Yu Wan Yin, however, is a confident and intelligent person. She is creative, funny, and optimist. As someone with a modern mind, she is highly adaptable, analytical, and calculating.
That modern mindset changed everything and made her gain the “demonic consort” title. The new Yu Wan Yun treat survival as a strategic game. As a corporate slave, she is good in reading the room and have talent in flattery.
But in the eyes of ancient people, her straightforwardness is rude and bold. While her flattery became seduction. Yu Wan Yin’s main trait that gained Xiahou Dan’s admiration is her courage. For him, she is the most courageous person in his two lifetimes.
Xiahou Dan / Zhang San (Played by Cheng Lei)
Xiahou Dan lives a miserable life even though he was the emperor of the country. The Empress Dowager merely use him as his puppet king and controlled the court. Xiahou Dan must conceal his ability and live under the title of a tyrant emperor. he carefully hide his intelligence and secretly manipulating people to escape the Empress Dowager’s grasp.
In reality, Xiahou Dan is a very cautious person, shaped by circumstances. He did come from the modern world. But his understanding about how ancient people and ancient system operates were far superior to Yu Wan Yin.
Although he rarely shows it, Xiahou Dan is actually a very sensitive person. He is also a lonely person, and because of that, he will do anything to protect the people he cherished the most. He told many lies to Yu Wan Yin not because he wanted to take advantage of her. It’s because he treasured her and wanted to keep her safe. Emotionally, Xiahou Dan was younger than Yu Wan Yin.
Xiahou Bo (Played by Tang Xaio Tian)
Xiahou Bo is the real male lead in the book. In the original story, he was destined to rule the country. Unlike Xiahou Dan, who was reckless and tyrant, Xiahou Bo is known as kind and talented prince.
Unfortunately, he was born with a low status because his mother is only a palace maid. Xiahou Bo’s past was painful because he endured bullying and beatings. These experiences shaped him into the man he is today.
Calm and harmless on the outside, but cunning and ruthless on the inside. His mind is deep, and Xiahou Bo is good at managing and influencing people to support him.
Manipulation comes naturally to him. Xiahou Bo is the only one with real royal blood, since he was the only one who isn’t a transmigrator. Even though he came from the ancient time, you should never underestimate him.
Xie Yong’er (Played by Hu Yi Xuan)
Xie Yong’er is the true chosen one in the novel. She was just a college graduate when she was transmigrated into the story. Initially, she was kind, naïve, and inexperienced.
However, armed with knowledge of the plot, Xie Yong’er quickly learned how to adapt and survive the palace struggles. She became cautious and good at scheming. She understood her importance to the story, which made her entitled and ambitious.
Being alone in a foreign world, even with her knowledge, didn’t make her invincible. At times, Xie Yong’er has her vulnerable moments. But she conceals it very well by maintaining a calm and composed façade.
The Conclusion
How Dare You!? is a very interesting drama with a simple premise but complex execution. The story was layered and intricate, but it was truly addicting. The cast did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. You also wouldn’t miss the strong chemistry between the main leads. They were genuinely perfect for each other. 😍
Even though this drama has comedy in it, be prepared for the emotional twist and turns. Still, I really enjoy binge watching this drama, even on a bad day. If you are thinking to watch this one just because it looks funny and light-hearted, lower your expectation, dear readers.
This drama is much more than that. It’s filled with intense palace struggles and political intrigue that will completely suck you in and steal all your beauty sleep.
All right, dear readers, have you decided yet? I hope this article helped you get a better idea of what to expect or even convinced you to push the Play button right away. If you do, don’t forget to share your thoughts about the drama with me. Well then, thank you very much for stopping by. I really appreciate it. Until next time, dear readers. Goodbye!
