Youku's Tang Palace Mysteries (唐宫奇案) isn't just another historical drama—it's a full-blown cultural moment. Starring Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue (their third team-up!), this Tang Dynasty thriller dropped on August 15 with zero prior marketing, yet crashed the platform's servers within hours. Why? Imagine Sherlock meets The Untamed, but with more poisoned tea, intricate hairpins, and unresolved sexual tension.
Death, Deception, and Disguises
Set during the glittering Zhenguan era, the story kicks off with the mysterious death of Princess Ningyuan during a lantern festival. Bai Lu plays Li Peiyi, a sharp-tongued palace investigator forced to partner with Wang Xingyue's Xiao Huaijin, a genius astrologer who reads star charts like text messages. Their mission seems straightforward: solve the case. But as they dig deeper, they uncover a conspiracy linking the princess's death to Li's own family massacre 15 years prior.
What follows is a rollercoaster of hidden identities, coded messages in lotus paintings, and enough slow-burn glances to power a kiln. The twist? Li spends half the series disguised as a male scholar to infiltrate suspects' circles, serving looks so convincing that even the emperor's guards get fooled.
Bai Lu and Wang Xingyue: Third Time's the Drama
These two have a history of tragic romances (Till the End of the Moon, The Journey of Chongxi), where Wang's characters pined hopelessly for Bai's roles. But here, the dynamic flips. Their chemistry crackles in scenes like:
The Library Argument: Li accuses Xiao of hiding evidence; he counters by reciting her childhood poetry from memory.
Midnight Chase: They pursue a suspect across rooftops, their robes tangling as Xiao pulls her close to avoid guards.
The "Almost Kiss": Trapped in a secret passage, their faces inches apart—until a collapsing bookshelf ruins the moment.
Bai Lu shines as Li Peiyi, balancing icy detachment with flickers of vulnerability. Watch for Episode 6, where she confronts a suspect who knew her father. Her voice stays steady, but her hands tremble as she unsheathes a dagger hidden in her sleeve.
Wang, meanwhile, ditches his usual "brooding hero" act. His Xiao Huaijin is witty, flawed, and secretly terrified of fire (a plot point that pays off brutally in Episode 12).
Why This Isn't Your Average Historical Drama
Mysteries That Matter: Each case ties into the central conspiracy. The "Bloodstained Celestial Chart" episode reveals a royal cover-up involving smuggled gold and a forged star map.
No Filter Romance: Li and Xiao's relationship grows through snarky banter, not grand declarations. When he finally admits his feelings, it's during a autopsy.
Tang Dynasty Aesthetics, No CGI: Filmed in Xi'an's replica Tang palaces, the sets drip with authenticity—velvet drapes, jade hair combs, even the teapots are museum-grade replicas.
Standout Moments
The Lantern Festival Reveal: Li notices a single lantern out of 500 has a torn painting—a clue pointing to the killer's identity.
Xiao's Breakdown: After failing to save a witness, he smashes his astrolabe, screaming, "What good is predicting stars if I can't predict this?!"
Final Scene: Li burns her male disguise, declaring, "The truth needs no mask." Cue Wang's character staring at the flames like his soul is leaving his body.
With its razor-sharp plot, layered characters, and visuals worthy of a scroll painting, Tang Palace Mysteries sets a new standard for historical thrillers. All 40 episodes are streaming on Youku. Watch with friends. You'll need someone to scream with during that cliffhanger ending.
