- Drama Title: The Prisoner of Beauty
- Also Known As: 折腰, Zhe Yao, Feng Huo Hong Xiao
- Director: Deng Ke, Gao Cong Kai
- Screenwriter: Nan Zhen
- Genres: Romance, Historical
- Cast: Song Zu Er, Liu Yu Ning, Xuan Lu, Liu Duan Duan
- Episodes: 36
- Date of Release: May 13, 2025
- Original Network: Tencent Video
- Where to Watch: WeTV, Tencent Video, Netflix, Viki
- Adapted from the web novel “Zhe Yao” by Peng Lai Ke
Dear readers, how are you today? Before writing this, I had one of those random deep thoughts. You know, the kind that shows up uninvited like a pop quiz. The weather was nice, then boom, sudden rain. I almost complained, but then thought, maybe this is just life doing its thing. Or maybe the universe is telling me to stop rewatching drama and finally get on with this The Prisoner of Beauty drama review. Now, before I get distracted again, let’s get started. Happy reading! 😁
Read Love in Pavilion drama review and ending explained here:
The Prisoner of Beauty Drama Synopsis
The Prisoner of Beauty is one of the Chinese dramas released in May 2025, with 36 episodes. Fourteen years ago, the Qiao Clan betrayed the Wei Clan, setting off a bitter feud between them. Now, filled with regret of his past mistakes, Qiao Gui wants to make amends through a marriage alliance.
Qiao Man, also called Xiao Qiao, isn’t your typical noblewoman. As the second daughter of the Qiao Clan, she steps up to take her cousin’s place who eloped with a young stableman. This decision leads her to marry Wei Shao, the feared ruler of the Wei State, known for his cold heart and brutal reputation.
Married life is anything but smooth. Caught in the middle of political tension and surrounded by enemies, Qiao Man and Wei Shao face challenge after challenge while learning how to live as husband and wife.
At first, they clash. There is distance, distrust, and silence. But slowly, through shared struggles and small moments, something begins to change. They learn to accept and understand each other. What began as a forced union becomes a partnership built on trust and resilience. And together, they rise to protect their people and their future.
The Prisoner of Beauty Drama Review
I’ve been wandering through Cdramaland for so long that I’ve lost count of how many dramas I’ve watched. Some are worth re-watching, some I dropped halfway, and others were good, but not quite good enough to watch again.
There are so many aspects of a drama that can make me fall in love with it. The beautiful visuals, the gorgeous costumes, the spot-on makeup, and the smooth cinematography. All of it looks amazing and could pulls me right in. But then comes the real magic: powerful acting, a thoughtfully written story, and undeniable chemistry between the leads.
Well, that’s not just enough to keep me watching; it earns my loyalty. This kind of dramas were the one that keeps me hooked and brings me back to Cdramaland time and time again.
And The Prisoner of Beauty has it all.
Last month, I was drawn to Song Zu Er’s remarkable acting in The Demon Hunter’s Romance. Combined with Liu Yu Ning’s cold, handsome looks, I simply couldn’t resist The Prisoner of Beauty. Yes, I admit it, I’m such a sucker for a pretty face. My dear readers probably already know that… 😁
I watched this drama on WeTV. I didn’t binge-watch it; I followed it from the first episode to the last. I rarely watch ongoing dramas because I lack patience. But for this one, I was willing to wait.
What I love about The Prisoner of Beauty, despite its heavy main plot, are the heartfelt romance and the comedy. The romance between Qiao Man and Wei Shao is slow burning. You won’t get much before you reach two-thirds of the drama. But once the romance blooms, I got my share of swoon-worthy scenes that filled me with giddy joy, and kissing scenes that made me pause and rewind (twice!), then giggle like a teenager. 😅
As for the comedy, this is the first time I’ve found a new favorite hilarious group of generals since watching Love Like the Galaxy. If in Love Like the Galaxy drama we had Liang Qiu Fei and Liang Qiu Qi as Ling Bu Yi’s generals, now we have twice the fun. Meet my favorite entourage: Wei Liang, Wei Qu, Wei Xiao, Wei Du, and Gongsun Yang. They were generals and advisor under Wei Shao.
Warriors by day, dorks at play. And don’t forget the ever-funny Xiao Tao, Qiao Man’s maidservant. I love watching their banter and their grass-drawing straw scenes.
Wei Shao’s character isn’t always easy to like. At times, I saw him as a red flag man who was prone to violence, ruthless, and poor at communicating. He reminded me a lot of Zhang Ling He’s character in Story of Kunning Palace drama. Xie Wei was sweet, caring, and protective of Jiang Xue Ning, but could be terrifying when angry or jealous.
So, here’s a friendly warning, dear readers: characters like these are best left in fiction. In real life, use your own judgment. And remember, communication is key in any relationship! 😊
The Story – Between Hate and Heartbeats
The long-standing hatred between the Qiao and Wei clans sets the stage for this story. The Qiao Clan rules Yanzhou, and the Wei Clan governs Wei State. Years ago, their leaders, Qiao Gui and Wei Lun, formed a friendship during a deer hunt.
Their cooperation led to the creation of the Yongning Canal, bringing water and prosperity to both states. On that day, an oath was made. The Wei and Qiao clans would live and die together.
Fourteen years ago, when Bianzhou attacked Wei State, the Weis asked the Qiaos for help. But Qiao Gui, influenced by his eldest son Qiao Yue, decided against aiding them. His second son, Qiao Ping, insisted on helping, but Qiao Gui trusted a bad omen and withdrew from the battle.
This betrayal led to the deaths of three generations of the Wei family: Wei Lun, Wei Jing, and Wei Bao. With his grandfather, father, and elder brother gone, Wei Shao became the sole heir of the Wei Clan.
Since then, the Weis have held a deep grudge against the Qiaos. Filled with regret, Qiao Gui sought to bury the hatchet through a marriage alliance. Surprisingly, the Wei Clan’s matriarch, Lady Xu, agreed. And so began the arranged marriage between Qiao Man and Wei Shao.
The arranged marriage plot is a common theme in Chinese period dramas. While modern people have the freedom to choose their own partners, back then especially among noble families marriages were often political or strategic moves. Families arranged matches based on which alliances would bring the greatest benefit or honor. Love was rarely the main consideration.
Even after years of watching Cdramas, I still frown at these stories. The idea of being a pawn in someone else’s plan unsettles me. But The Prisoner of Beauty is different. Though Qiao Man seems disadvantaged at first, she actually chooses to marry Wei Shao.
At first, the arranged marriage between the Qiaos and the Weis was meant to be between Qiao Fan, Qiao Man’s cousin, and Wei Shao. But Qiao Man knew that her cousin already loved someone else. Still, Qiao Man didn’t become the substitute bride out of pity, she did it to fulfill her grandfather’s dream of peace between the clans.
As I mentioned earlier, Qiao Gui deeply regretted not helping the Weis fourteen years ago. He hoped the marriage would heal old wounds. But Wei Shao hated the Qiaos with all his heart. Facing such a strong opposition, the soft, gentle, and fragile Qiao Fan was unlikely to succeed in the marriage.
Qiao Man, however, was different. Smart, strong, and far-sighted, she understood her grandfather’s goals and was the perfect choice to make the alliance work.
The marriage was also a way for Qiao Man to avoid Liu Yan’s unwanted proposal. Despite being seen as childhood sweethearts by many, Qiao Man felt no love for Liu Yan and knew the Lius looked down on her, treating her as a pawn.
The road to love wasn’t easy. Jealous rivals, a harsh mother-in-law, and family betrayals tested Qiao Man and Wei Shao. But over time, their relationship grew from enemies to lovers. This is the enemies to lover trope that I’ve been waiting for since the first episode. 😘
The romance isn’t the only thing that touched me. The strong bond between Qiao Man and Qiao Fan is truly sweet. After watching so many historical dramas where sisterhood often turns toxic, their relationship feels like a breath of fresh air.
Qiao Man also treats those around her with kindness. Her maidservants, Xiao Tao and Xiao Zao, bring energy and fun, while her nanny Chun Niang adds a calm, steady presence.
The happiest couple in the drama is definitely Qiao Fan and her husband, Bi Zhi (I have to admit, I was a little jealous of his curly hair 😁). They come from different worlds, but it doesn’t matter to them. What counts is their genuine love for each other.
Qiao Man sees this clearly, which is why she didn’t hesitate to switch places with her cousin. Breaking up a happy couple just wouldn’t be right, and all Qiao Man wants is for her cousin to live a joyful life.
The main story of The Prisoner of Beauty centers on the relationship between Qiao Man and Wei Shao. However, two other important characters appear after their marriage: Wei Yan and Su E Huang.
Wei Yan is Wei Shao’s cousin, while Su E Huang is his childhood friend who grew up alongside him. Both play the role of antagonists to Qiao Man and Wei Shao. Su E Huang harbors hidden motives toward Wei Shao, making her Qiao Man’s enemy.
Meanwhile, Wei Yan has a good relationship with Wei Shao but hides a secret from him. Wei Yan and Su E Huang’s actions play a crucial part in driving the story’s climax.
The Story – Hearts that Beat for the Land
The Prisoner of Beauty is a story about loyalty to your country, your people, your family, and most importantly, to yourself. Qiao Man marries her enemy. On their wedding day, Wei Shao tells her that from that moment on she is a Wei, both a member of the Wei family and a citizen of Wei State.
Yet Qiao Man still holds her family and Yanzhou close to her heart. She continues to see herself as a Qiao but now her strategy includes protecting her husband and the peace of the Wei people.
As a ruler, Wei Shao puts his country and family above all else. His family is the foundation of Wei State and if it falls so does the country. He accepts the marriage alliance because Qiao Man protects the Wei people but I believe there is more to it.
From the moment he first sees her his widened eyes reveal everything. Because his feelings conflict with his deep sense of loyalty to his late grandfather, father, and brother it takes Wei Shao time to realize he actually cares for her.
There are four major states in this drama: Wei, Yanzhou, Bianzhou, and Liangya. Each is ruled by ambitious lords who desire to become the sole ruler of the Central Plains. Their goals vary; some seek prosperity for their people and others pursue their own vanity.
The Yongning Canal plays a vital role in the story. It symbolizes the cooperation between the Qiao and Wei clans and is the fruit of Qiao Man’s grandfather’s hard work. The canal promises a better life for the people.
It is not easy for Qiao Man to protect both the canal and her grandfather’s dream but thankfully Wei Shao understands her vision. Still, while some see the canal as a symbol of peace, others view it as a threat to their territory.
The ending of The Prisoner of Beauty is happy but my heart aches for the loss of one of my favorite characters. The fate of one villain felt unsatisfying at first but after thinking it through I realized that dying with regret is punishment enough for such cruelty.
The Visual – Elegance in Stillness
When you watch The Prisoner of Beauty, I’m sure you will be captivated by its beautiful visuals. The costume design reminded me of Love Like the Galaxy. The loose silhouettes and overlapping front skirts clearly reflect the Han Dynasty era.
The makeup reminded me of the drama Are You the One drama, where the actors’ complexions were so heavily applied that their faces looked completely poreless. Maybe the production team of The Prisoner of Beauty wanted to avoid using filters but still aimed to make the actors’ faces look flawless.
The directors of The Prisoner of Beauty are Deng Ke and Gao Cong Kai. Deng Ke is known for The Legend of Shen Li, Guardians of the Dafeng, and The Legend of Heroes. As for Gao Cong Kai, I’ve only seen one of his dramas, which is The Sleepless Princess. Their collaboration resulted in excellent cinematography for The Prisoner of Beauty.
The camera angles and lighting were top-notch. I especially loved how the bedroom scenes were kept slightly dark, yet the actors’ expressions remained clear and easy to read. I’m sure you’ll fall for the intimate scenes between Wei Shao and Qiao Man. They made me blush. Not because they were explicit, but because they were just the right amount of steamy while still remaining tasteful.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend watching those scenes during your commute or at the office. The battle scenes also deserve praise. Creating a convincing fight sequence isn’t easy, but this drama pulled it off beautifully. 👍🏻
A good story needs good actors to bring it to life, and our main leads, Song Zu Er and Liu Yu Ning, delivered powerful performances with strong on-screen chemistry.
Liu Yu Ning skillfully portrayed Wei Shao’s fluctuating emotions through a calm and seemingly indifferent exterior. He mastered the art of subtle expression. For example, his widened eyes when he first saw Qiao Man perfectly conveyed his surprise and admiration for her beauty.
Later, when he discovered his mother’s scheme, he didn’t overact. A slight frown, a slow inhale, a gentle tilt of the head, and a sharp stare were all it took to make me believe in his disappointment and heartbreak upon realizing his mother was the culprit.
Song Zu Er also did a great job portraying the complexity of Qiao Man. At times she was playful and childlike, while at other times she came across as a mature and composed young woman. She appeared delicate but was inwardly strong. What I loved most was her crying scenes, especially when she sobbed like a child. I found them truly endearing.
The rest of the cast (for the most part) did a good job. I especially enjoyed the banter between Wang Cheng Si, who played Wei Liang, and Li Xue Qin, who played Xiao Tao.
They had great chemistry. Wu Hao Chen also gave a convincing performance as the sly and cunning Wei Qu, but my favorite was Wei Zi Xin as Gongsun Yang. His character was wise, yet had a playful side that made me laugh whenever he teased Wei Shao. I was also pleasantly surprised to see Peter Ho appear as Gao Heng, the scholar.
If there was one thing that bothered me, it would be Gao Wei Guang’s role as Wei Bao, Wei Shao’s older brother. Although there was supposed to be a significant age gap between them, Gao Wei Guang looked more like Wei Shao’s father, at least that’s what I thought when I watched the first episode.
I have no doubt about Gao Wei Guang’s acting skills. He was very convincing as a seasoned general. I just found it hard to see him as Wei Shao’s brother because of his mature appearance.
Still, I really loved this drama. The Prisoner of Beauty gave me 36 episodes of pure joy. It wasn’t just laughter, I cried and cursed along the way too. This drama has everything I need to brighten up my day. And if political intrigue isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the romance and the playful chemistry between the main leads.
The Characters
Qiao Man / Xiao Qiao / Man Man (Played by Song Zu Er)
Qiao Man is her name, but many call her Xiao Qiao. Those who share a closer bond with her, like her grandfather, affectionately call her Man Man.
As the second daughter of the Qiao family, Qiao Man was raised and educated by her open-minded grandfather. Thanks to his guidance, she developed a deep understanding of governance and strategy. She is a natural born tactician. Her grandfather was so proud of her that his final words were to ensure the Qiao family would always support her no matter what.
Qiao Man is intelligent, eloquent, far sighted, and patient, though she can also hold a grudge. With her strong emotional intelligence, she managed to outwit Wei Shao in the game of love. Poor Wei Shao might see through her political strategies, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he is completely clueless.
Despite being a noble young lady, Qiao Man never acts arrogant. She is humble and kind, but that does not mean she will let anyone walk all over her. One thing is certain. Qiao Man is an excellent actress. She can appear weak and helpless when needed, especially when she is trying to coax Wei Shao.😁
Wei Shao / Zhong Lin (Played by Liu Yu Ning)
Wei Shao is the Lord of Wei State and the second son of the Wei family. After the death of his elder brother, he became the sole heir of the clan. Wei Shao was raised under the guidance of an intelligent grandmother and a narrow-minded mother.
From a young age, he carried the heavy burden of clan leadership. His uncles constantly coveted his position as the Lord of Wei, but thanks to the protection and wisdom of his grandmother, Lady Xu, Wei Shao managed to hold onto his rightful place.
As a seasoned general, Wei Shao is skilled in both warfare and governance. He is strong and powerful on the battlefield, known for his ruthless efficiency and serious demeanor. Wei Shao is a man of few words.
While he excels at military strategy and political maneuvering, he is noticeably lacking in emotional intelligence. A good example appears in episode four, when Qiao Man is asked to choose between Wei Shao and Liu Yan.
While Liu Yan said many heartfelt things like “Xiao Qiao, do not be afraid” or “I consider you a jewel,” Wei Shao remained completely silent. It was not until Wei Liang reminded him that he finally spoke. And even then, all he said was, “Come here.” Wei Liang was so exasperated that he took back his encouragement and joked that it would have been better if Wei Shao had not spoken at all.
With emotional awareness like that, it is no surprise that Qiao Man can always outwit him. 😅
Su E Huang (Played by Xuan Lu)
Su E Huang is the daughter of Su Clan of Wushan. She used to spend her childhood in Yujun with Wei Shao and his brother, Wei Bao. After the battle in Xindu that kill Wei Shao’s family, Su E Huang marry the governor of Bianzhou, Cheng Xiang.
Beneath her demure, sweet-natured, and well-mannered façade lies a great ambition. Su E Huang never settles for being second. She always wants the best for herself and will do anything to achieve it. She is smart, cunning, arrogant, and manipulative.
Skilled at using charm, lies, and emotional leverage, she pursues power and status with the goal of becoming the Empress of the Central Plains. Su E Huang is famous for a special Huadian mark on her forehead, believed to signify the fate of an empress. It is said that whoever marries her will become the ruler of the Central Plains.
Wei Yan / Shi Yuan (Played by Liu Duan Duan)
Lady Xu of the Wei Clan has only one daughter, and Wei Yan is her son. In contrast to the cold and serious Wei Shao, Wei Yan is playful, charming, carefree, outgoing, and full of energy. He has a knack for winning people over, especially women, and is famously known as the city’s most sought-after playboy. His presence is a fixture in the most popular tavern, where he enjoys the company of many courtesans.
Yet beneath this flirtatious and easy going exterior lies a deeply sensitive and troubled soul. Wei Yan conceals his pain from everyone around him. Despite being surrounded by affection, he feels a profound emptiness within. He longs to be seen as dependable and worthy, but Wei Shao’s brilliance always outshines him. Though he yearns to step into the light, a hidden secret weighs heavily on his heart, keeping him trapped in shadow.
The Conclusion
I really enjoyed watching The Prisoner of Beauty. This drama completely captivated me, and I had a great time writing this The Prisoner of Beauty review. There is so much more to say, but I don’t want to spoil the details just yet. If you want to know more about the ending, we’ll be posting an Ending Explained for The Prisoner of Beauty soon.
This drama is perfect whether you want a daily dose of entertainment or a full binge-watching experience. Don’t forget to invite your friends because this show is even better when shared. Just make sure your house is well stocked, because once you start, you might not want to leave until it’s over.
So dear readers, did this review give you a clear picture of what The Prisoner of Beauty has to offer? Did I manage to spark your interest in watching it? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below and share your impressions of this beautifully crafted story.
Well, that is all for now, dear readers… Thank you so much for stopping by. Your support truly means the world to me. I look forward to seeing you in the next drama review. Until then, happy watching and take care!
