- Drama Title: Youthful Glory
- Also Known As: 韶华若锦, Glória Radiante , Shao Hua Ruo Jin, Xiao Dou Kou
- Director: Min Guo Hui
- Genres: Romance
- Cast: Song Wei Long, Bao Shang En, Dai Lu Wa, Bai Shu
- Number of Episodes: 30
- Date of Release: May 19, 2025
- Original Network: Hunan TV, Mango TV
- Where to Watch: Netflix, iQiyi, MGTV, Viki
- Adapted from the novel “Xiao Dou Kou” by Bu Zhi Shi Ke Cai
Dear readers… this is the drama review of Youthful Glory. The title got me thinking about my own youthful days. They were messy, exciting, and sometimes a little bittersweet. Back then, horror movies didn’t scare me, and riding a roller coaster felt like a walk in the park.
But now, I’ve come to realize that having no money is far scarier than any ghost story. And I’d much rather have my emotions stirred by a good C-drama binge than have my stomach flipped at an amusement park. Well, I’m sure my dear readers are more curious about Song Wei Long’s Youthful Glory drama than mine. So, without further ado, let’s get started. Happy reading, y’all!
Read Youthful Glory drama review and ending explained here:
- Youthful Glory Drama Review
- Youthful Glory Ending Explained (will be uploaded soon)
Youthful Glory Drama Synopsys
The Prince of Dingbei, Jiang Xu, holds immense military power and has defended the northern borders of Xian for years. Known for his cold and ruthless demeanor, his very presence sends chills through the capital. He now returns to investigate a major embezzlement scandal involving the military funds meant for the Dingbei Army.
During his mission, he crosses paths with Ming Tan, the most admired noblewoman in the capital and the daughter of Marquis Jing’an. Ming Tan is fighting her own battle. She is determined to break off an engagement with a young nobleman who secretly has a pregnant lover. By chance, she and Jiang Xu end up helping each other.
But their story is only beginning.
Because her father also commands great military influence, Ming Tan’s marriage becomes a political prize many seek to claim. To protect her and to uncover the truth behind the corruption, Jiang Xu proposes marriage. After their union, they face many trials together and stand united in the defense of their homeland.
As the conspiracy unfolds, the Ming family finds itself caught in a dangerous trap. Jiang Xu and Ming Tan must join forces to uncover the network of corruption threatening the empire and fight to protect her family from destruction.
Youthful Glory Drama Review
Youthful Glory drama wasn’t on my radar at first, but I gave it a shot for Song Wei Long. I had previously dropped his drama Everlasting Longing because it just didn’t spark anything for me. This time, I managed to finish all the episodes. Was I satisfied? In some ways, yes.
Youthful Glory drama has all the right ingredients. Gorgeous leads? Yes. Beautiful costumes? Yes. Great visuals and cinematography? Absolutely. Did I stay because of those things? Unfortunately, yes. The reason is simple. I have a weakness for beautiful things. But in terms of the story? I might have dropped it by episode eight.
The pacing was slow in the beginning, mostly spent building the romance between Ming Tan and Jiang Xu. And here’s where the clichés start stacking up. Jiang Xu? He’s your classic cold male lead with a soft heart (Love Like the Galaxy drama, Till the End of the Moon). He’s powerful and falls in love first (The Long Ballad, My Journey to You). Then comes the jealous, possessive lovers trope (Hidden Love, Lost You Forever).
The plot? Predictable. I could guess what would happen from the moment Jiang Xu met Ming Tan. When the stepmother and stepsister showed up, it was obvious they had bad intentions, and of course, her father didn’t see it. I even figured out the main villain early on. If you’ve spent enough time wandering through Cdramaland, you probably could too. And honestly, that predictability drains the excitement from watching.
I don’t want to be cruel in my judgment, because I know how hard it is to create something as complex as a drama. I believe that everything has both good and bad sides. Nothing is perfect. But every piece of work is unique, and if you look closely, there’s always something worth appreciating.
The Story – Soft Eyes, Sharp Swords, and a Dull Journey
The main story of Youthful Glory centers on Ming Tan and Jiang Xu, who stand side by side to protect their country. Naturally, this involves political conflict, but not the usual fight for the throne.
Jiang Xu and the emperor, Jiang Heng, are brothers who share mutual trust, tacit understanding, and unwavering support. The central conflict is about corruption led by cunning officials.
This had the potential to be compelling. The political storyline included two major cases of corruption and smuggling, with a sharp and intelligent mastermind behind them.
Although Jiang Xu and the emperor suspected him early on, proving his guilt was difficult. Several villains are involved in the conspiracy, and while they are all interconnected, some of them were underused, and their endings felt unsatisfying.😔
Jiang Xu return to the capital in a bold manner. He arrives unannounced, yet the emperor is unsurprised, suggesting that it was all premeditated. Despite leaving his long-held post at the border, Jiang Xu is far from idle. His mission to expose the embezzlement of military funds that cost the lives of his brothers in the Dingbei Army.
He retrieves the stolen silver and gold from a secret chamber in a Robin Hood-style operation. It wraps up swiftly and was done outside the courtroom. Which made me questioned the legality. But with Jiang Xu’s notorious reputation and the emperor’s backing, no one dares to challenge him.
When the Ming family falls into crisis, Jiang Xu faces yet another obstacle. He fails to protect them and must endure the anger and disappointment of Ming Tan. Then a new problem arises.
This time, Ming Tan takes the lead by identifying smuggled goods in the capital, a discovery that leads them toward Lingzhou City. It is in this arc that Ming Tan finally shines, showing her intelligence and courage. Personally, I think the Lingzhou arc is the strongest part of the drama.
Youthful Glory had the potential to be a gripping drama filled with suspense, but unfortunately, the romance ends up overpowering everything else. The main love story is interesting and enjoyable, but it overshadows the political intrigue.
In the first half, Ming Tan, who was supposed to be clever, turns into someone clueless about love and her feelings for Jiang Xu. In the second half, the focus shifts to the secondary couples, but their romance stories are also predictable and full of cliché.🤷🏻♀️
The drama does try to balance things with moments of comedy. Some parts didn’t quite work for me, but there were some genuinely funny scenes. For instance, a scene in episode 23 had me laughing thanks to a jealous Jiang Xu and a goofy secret guard named Zhui Yu.
Another hilarious moment comes when Yun Yi, Shu Jing Ran, and two secret guards are locked in a small room and end up bickering non-stop. It was a fun break from the intensity and gave the characters a lighter, more human side. You’ll have to see for yourself if our sense of humor aligns.😁
As for the ending, it felt rushed and underdeveloped. There was a plot twist involving one of the villains who discovered a shocking secret that could have changed the game, but it only lasted for three episodes.
Another major villain simply killed himself, which felt out of character considering his ambition and effort throughout the series. A good villain deserves a meaningful conclusion. Without that, the final impact just falls flat.
The Story – When the Sparks Fly Elsewhere
The main couple in Youthful Glory is clearly between Ming Tan and Jiang However, due to the lack of chemistry between them, despite numerous intimate scenes, I felt that the supporting characters had better on-screen chemistry than Song Wei Long and Bao Shang En.
For instance, I loved the relationship between Bai Min Min and Zhang Huai Yu. Played by Dai Lu Wa and Bai Shu, both actors gave engaging performances as their playful and bold characters.
Bai Min Min initially disliked Zhang Huai Yu, looking down on him as an idle young master. However, they found similarity between them. But over time, they discovered similarities. Both were interested in business and dislike being restricted by others.
Despite his lazy and carefree demeanor, Zhang Huai Yu is a skilled businessman with sharp instincts, while Bai Min Min has a creative mind and an entrepreneurial spirit. She learn to earn money through writing and storytelling. Their relationship developed at a snail’s pace, slow but steady. And I thoroughly enjoyed their banter. Their dynamic added a lively, refreshing tone to the drama.
The next couple, Shu Jing Ran and Yun Yi, had a more complicated path. Their relationship was challenged by a significant gap in social status. He a noble with a promising future, she a low-ranking concubine. Their personalities, both reserved and serious, made things even harder. Unfortunately, their “role reversal” setup, the powerful heroine and the weak scholar, felt a bit off for me.
Meanwhile as the lead couple, Jiang Xu and Ming Tan’s emotional chemistry feels lacking. Their interactions are designed to portray an intense and passionate relationship, particularly from Jiang Xu’s side, yet the connection seemed off.
That said, Song Wei Long delivers a commendable performance. As Jiang Xu, he convincingly evolves from a stoic, reserved prince into a man who falls deeply in love. He became a caring husband, a jealous lover, and even clingy partner in an amusing way.
Jiang Xu’s emotional vulnerability comes through naturally. His ability to balance the dignity of a royal with the helplessness of a man in love is one of the drama’s strongest aspects.
In contrast, Bao Shang En’s portrayal of Ming Tan is less compelling. While Ming Tan is introduced as an intelligent and strong-willed woman, she quickly becomes passive and dependent after she met Jiang Xu. She need his protection in every turn and it diminish the complexity of her character.
Only after they leave the capital does she seem to regain her independence and intelligence. But by then, the romantic development has already leaned heavily on Jiang Xu’s emotional labor.
This imbalance in their dynamic feels like a deliberate narrative to highlight a “man protect woman” theme. While that kind of romantic arc can be enjoyable, it requires strong chemistry to work. You could see in dramas like The Best Thing drama, You Are the One, Hidden Love or Love Between Fairy and Devil.
In those dramas, the lead couples’ mutual affection and emotional synchronization elevate even simple plotlines. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen in Youthful Glory drama.
Bao Shang En also appears noticeably younger beside Song Wei Long, which may contribute to a sense of disconnect. Her performance, while not without effort, feels somewhat flat. And to be honest, in my opinion Ming Tan role was not Bao Shang En’s best performance.
It’s always a bit disappointing when the supporting roles deliver stronger performances than the main leads. However, this is something unpredictable in the industry.
There are many factors that determine whether an actor truly brings a character to life. They need to make the audience believe in the character’s emotions, and their performance should feel natural and authentic. You can usually tell when an actor is being overly theatrical or forcing emotions.
A convincing performance also requires smooth and genuine emotional transitions that match the character’s journey. A good actor should be able to use their facial expressions, body language, and gestures effectively.
I was a bit impressed by the acting of Xiu Qing who played the cunning Left Chancellor, Su Wen Chun. As a seasoned court official, Su Wen Chun carries a strong presence, concealing his malicious intentions beneath a composed exterior.
In the final episodes, Xiu Qing showcased an impressive emotional range from rage to sorrow, from helplessness to cold-blooded ruthlessness. He nailed it. 👏🏻
The Visual – Almost Picture Perfect
Aside from the story and the chemistry between the leads, Youthful Glory is also a visual treat. The set designs are meticulously crafted. However, not everything was flawless. Some props were noticeably fake.
For example, in the first episode, the silver ingots in the treasure chest: the ones in front gleamed convincingly, while the rest looked more like plastic.
The makeup and costume design have their highs and lows. On the positive side, the makeup was generally stunning. The color choices were lovely (with the exception of Song Wei Long’s burgundy lipstick), and everything felt well-matched to the characters.
Noblewomen like Ming Tan wore soft, elegant makeup that enhanced their refined image. Meanwhile, the courtesans had bolder, more dramatic looks. For instance, Shui Ying from Bieyu Mansion not only wore the huadian (red flower on the forehead) but also had a decorative flower painted on her chest.
In contrast, Qiu Yue, a courtesan from Lingzhou, had a less polished makeup look but wore a more intricate hairstyle, draped to the side of her face. Personally, I preferred Shui Ying’s makeup. It felt more refined and striking.
As for the costumes, they too were a mix of the beautiful and the slightly odd. The designs were visually appealing, and the hairpins were especially gorgeous. But something about the shoulders looked off. It seemed like they used shoulder pads under the costumes, which made the actresses appear even skinnier than they already were.
Still, I found Youthful Glory’s visual experience to be enjoyable overall. Sure, the shoulder pads and the burgundy lipstick might make you frown at first, but your eyes eventually will adjust. Over time, you begin to appreciate the finer details and the effort behind the aesthetics.
Much of that credit goes to Art Director Shao Chang Yong, the same talent behind Blossom, The Rise of Ning, The Last Immortal, The Blue Whisper, and Nirvana in Fire. The makeup was handled by Lin An Qi, who was also responsible for Wu Jin Yan and Li Meng’s flawless looks in The Double (remember the pearls?), Chen Du Ling’s icy appearance in The Glory, Zhang Zi Yi and Zhou Yi Wei’s elegant styling in The Rebel Princess, and Zhou Xun’s iconic brows in Ruyi’s Royal Love in the Palace.
Youthful Glory Drama Characters
Jiang Xu / Prince of Dingbei / Jian Qi Zhi (Played by Song Wei Long)
Jiang Xu is the younger brother of the emperor of Great Xian, Jiang Heng. Aside from being a royal descendant, he commands the powerful Dingbei Army and holds both political and military influence. As the emperor’s most trusted aide, Jiang Xu plays a vital role in governance, acting as his eyes, ears, and sword.
Intelligent and strategic, Jiang Xu helps stabilize the court and manage both internal and external threats. Their relationship is marked by deep trust and tacit understanding, making Jiang Xu an indispensable ally to the emperor.
To outsiders, Jiang Xu appears cold, ruthless, and intimidating. His sharp demeanor and unwavering authority evokes fear. Even Ming Tan once viewed him as wild, arrogant, and reckless. However, beyond his official duties, Jiang Xu is warm-hearted, loyal, and sincere. He cherishes his friendships and is protective to those he holds dear.
In love, Jiang Xu reveals a passionate and possessive side. He is easily jealous, especially when it comes to Ming Tan. Although he may not voice his feelings directly, his actions speak clearly. The way he looks at her and the way his got angry when she said that Prince of Dingbei is not suitable for her are undeniable sign that she has already captured his heart.
Ming Tan (Played by Bao Shang En)
Ming Tan is the fourth young lady of the Marquis of Jing’an Manor and widely known as the most distinguished noblewoman in the capital. Her father commands military authority over the Yangxi Prefecture, and her godfather is none other than Su Wen Chun, the Right Chancellor of Great Xian.
With her mother having passed away early and her father often stationed at the border, Ming Tan was left to manage the household alone from a young age. This loneliness, hidden beneath her graceful demeanor and flawless appearance, left a quiet emptiness in her heart.
As a person, Ming Tan is bold, quick-witted, and kind-hearted. Her broad knowledge and talents are well-known throughout the capital. She enjoys lively company and shares a warm bond with her maidservants.
Despite her many accomplishments, Ming Tan remains inexperienced in matters of the heart. She has never fallen in love, nor has any man ever truly caught her eye. That is, not until she met Jiang Xu.
Bai Min Min (Played by Dai Lu Wa)
Bai Min Min is Ming Tan’s cousin, and the two share a close bond like sisters and best friends. Wherever Ming Tan goes, Bai Min Min is never far behind. Known for her cheerful and lively personality, Bai Min Min also has a creative streak and a growing interest in business and making money. Truly a perfect match for someone like Zhang Huai Yu.
As a friend, Bai Min Min is loyal, sincere, and fiercely protective. She deeply cherishes her relationship with Ming Tan and would do anything to support her. In return, Ming Tan regards her as one of the most important people in her life, second only to Jiang Xu and her father.
Beneath her sharp wit and laid-back attitude, Bai Min Min is sensitive and thoughtful. Her kindness shines through naturally, and with her striking appearance, it’s no surprise Zhang Huai Yu fell for her at first sight.
Zhang Huai Yu (Played by Bai Shu)
Zhang Huai Yu, Shu Jing Ran, and Lu Ting are Jiang Xu’s closest friends. Zhang Huai Yu comes from a noble family. His father is the Duke of Ping, and his sister is Empress Yuan, making him related to Jiang Xu by marriage.
As the heir to Duke Ping’s Manor, Zhang Huai Yu chose to step away from the political scene and instead became a businessman. He was known as the owner of the capital’s most renowned entertainment house, Beiyu Mansion.
Behind his playful and seemingly reckless demeanor lies a sharp business instinct and solid financial savvy. Still, unlike the usual portrayal of cunning merchants, Zhang Huai Yu often comes across as naïve and childlike. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mystery how he manages to run such a successful business with that kind of attitude… 😅
Youthful Glory Drama Conclusion
Youthful Glory drama has its own kind of charm. After rushing through all 30 episodes, I’ve decided that it’s perfect for a one-time watch. It entered the list of dramas I probably won’t revisit, but that doesn’t mean I didn’t enjoy it.
There were moments of genuine happiness for me. Song Wei Long’s appearance alone was enough to keep a smile on my face, and when paired with the beautiful visuals, it gave me a small sense of satisfaction during the binge moments. Story-wise, though, it just wasn’t my cup of tea.
Well, dear readers, everything I’ve written in this long Youthful Glory drama review reflects my personal preferences. We might see this drama differently, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share your opinions in the comment box below. I’ll see you in another drama review. Until then, take care and goodbye!
