In this ultimate C-drama face-off, Cheng Yi (成毅) leads the charge with his much-anticipated role in The Vendetta of An (长安二十四计), a gripping historical drama that sets him apart in a genre he's already mastered.
The Vendetta of An is more than just a spinoff of the highly successful The Longest Day In Chang'an (长安十二时辰). While the two series are connected within the "Chang'an Universe," they stand as separate narratives. And while the concept of a "Chang'an Universe" is an exciting new development in the world of C-dramas, it's the lead actor, Cheng Yi, who really steals the spotlight.
In The Longest Day In Chang'an, Cheng Yi played the character Li Lianhua, a delicate and intelligent young nobleman. His portrayal of this "sickly but charming" character became an iconic portrayal of the aristocratic hero. However, in The Vendetta of An, Cheng Yi's character, Xie Huai'an, represents a total departure from that persona—enter the world of vengeance, resilience, and political strategy.
Xie Huai'an is a man tormented by the massacre of his family. For ten years, he has hidden in the shadows, biding his time, sharpening his mind. Now, he returns to Chang'an not as a naive youth, but as a brilliant strategist bent on revenge. The transformation of Cheng Yi's character from a tormented youth into a cunning, cold-blooded tactician promises to be one of the most riveting arcs of the drama. And it's no surprise that his portrayal of Xie Huai'an is already generating buzz for its intensity.
In the teaser, there's a particularly haunting scene where Xie Huai'an stands over a charred battlefield, silent tears falling down his face. But as he raises his head, his eyes are filled with venom, and the subtle smirk on his lips suggests that no one who wronged him will survive. That's the power of Cheng Yi's acting: the ability to convey a range of emotions, from vulnerability to pure, icy vengeance, in just a few seconds.
Xie Huai'an and the Revenge-Fueled Strategy
What makes The Vendetta of An stand out is not just the complex characters but also the brilliant political chess games at play. Cheng Yi's Xie Huai'an is not out for mere retribution—his ambition is far greater. He aims to tear down the entire city of Chang'an and rebuild it in his own image. The comparison to Hu Ge's iconic character Mei Changsu in Nirvana in Fire (琅琊榜) is inevitable. Both characters are masterminds seeking vengeance, but where Mei Changsu sought justice, Xie Huai'an seeks to burn everything to the ground. His approach is colder, more ruthless, and far more dangerous.
This twist on the traditional "revenge drama" has already intrigued fans, especially since The Longest Day In Chang'an was known for its intricate plot twists and complex characters. However, where Nirvana in Fire focused on slow-burning tension and diplomacy, The Vendetta of An promises to deliver brutal, high-stakes action. Xie Huai'an isn't just plotting his revenge in secret—he's playing a dangerous game in the open, and every move he makes brings him closer to taking down his enemies.
The stakes are high, and the battles are bloody. Unlike Mei Changsu, who operated in the shadows, Xie Huai'an isn't afraid to use force. With a strategy that combines intelligence with the cold, hard edge of a warrior, his character promises to leave a deep impression on viewers.
Supporting Cast: A Masterclass in Acting
While Cheng Yi's performance is the obvious focal point of the drama, The Vendetta of An also features a powerhouse supporting cast. Liu Yijun (刘奕君) and Wang Jinsong (王劲松) bring decades of experience to the table, playing the emperor Xiao Wuyang and the loyal official Wu Zhongheng, respectively.
Liu Yijun's portrayal of Emperor Xiao is expected to be both chilling and charismatic. On the surface, Xiao is a benevolent ruler, but his cunning nature will be revealed as the series progresses. With just a glance, Liu Yijun's character can send shivers down your spine, making him the perfect foil to Cheng Yi's calculating strategist.
Wang Jinsong, on the other hand, plays the loyal but calculating official, Wu Zhongheng. His character might appear to be the archetypal "honorable minister," but the teaser gives us a glimpse of his darker side. One chilling line, "The waters of Chang'an run deep," sends a clear message that this character is more than he seems, and Wang Jinsong's ability to deliver subtle yet impactful performances will undoubtedly make him a key player in the drama's web of deception.
The combination of these veteran actors with Cheng Yi's rising star power creates a dynamic that promises to deliver some unforgettable moments. The scenes between these three—each bringing a unique flavor of power and intrigue—are sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Action, Intrigue, and Political Drama
Beyond the emotional and psychological depth of the characters, The Vendetta of An also offers fans a feast for the eyes. Cheng Yi's fighting scenes are expected to be just as mesmerizing as his moments of silent intensity. In The Mysterious Lotus Casebook (莲花楼), Cheng Yi proved his ability to seamlessly transition between delicate, cerebral roles and physically demanding action scenes. In The Vendetta of An, he gets to display both sides of his acting prowess. Whether it's a blood-soaked fight scene or a serene moment of contemplation, Cheng Yi is poised to deliver.
The action sequences in The Vendetta of An are expected to be as beautifully choreographed as they are thrilling. There's a particularly striking moment in the trailer where Xie Huai'an, dressed in a flowing red cloak, leaps into battle with a sword that cuts through the air like a blade through silence. The visual of him fighting in the snow with an umbrella turned into a weapon is a testament to the drama's commitment to blending traditional martial arts with a more literary, refined fighting style—something that will resonate with fans of "scholar-warrior" tropes.
