iQiyi's latest historical drama When the Clouds Rise has quickly become a standout in the crowded landscape of period epics. Adapted from the beloved Japanese anime The Story of Saiunkoku, the series reimagines its source material with a focus on political scheming, nuanced character arcs, and a female protagonist whose grit overshadows romantic tropes. While the star-studded cast initially drew attention, it's the unexpected depth of its storytelling and performances that have audiences hooked.
Li Yitong Steals the Spotlight
At the heart of the drama is Li Yitong's portrayal of Fan Yun, a role that defies expectations. The 33-year-old actress, often praised for her ethereal beauty, delivers her most compelling performance yet. Fan Yun begins as a humble village teacher, her wardrobe of faded blues and greys reflecting her modest life. But when recruited to mentor the seemingly apathetic Emperor Zi Liu Hui (played by Zeng Xuxi), her journey transforms into one of quiet revolution. Li masterfully navigates her character's evolution—from a woman cautiously navigating palace politics to a reformist challenging gender norms. A standout moment occurs in Episode 12, where Fan Yun debates court officials on allowing women to sit for imperial exams. Her delivery—firm yet devoid of theatricality—turns what could have been a clichéd "girl power" moment into a grounded, emotionally resonant plea for equity.
Equally impressive is her chemistry with Zeng Xuxi's Emperor. Their dynamic avoids typical romance beats; instead, their bond grows through intellectual sparring. In one scene, Fan Yun dismantles the Emperor's feigned ignorance about corruption with a single raised eyebrow, showcasing Li's ability to convey authority through subtlety.
Deng Wei's Magnetic Antagonist
While many viewers tuned in for rising star Deng Wei (The Lost You Forever), his role as the antihero Cha Shuoxun has sparked heated debate. Far from a one-dimensional villain, Cha is a nobleman whose charm masks a fractured psyche. Deng's physicality shines here: a slouched posture in court contrasts with his predatory grace during covert missions. In Episode 8, a seemingly benign tea-sharing scene with Fan Yun becomes unnerving as his fingers tremble while pouring—a tiny detail revealing his obsessive longing.
The character's complexity peaks in a haunting mid-season sequence. After sabotaging a military campaign, Cha watches villages burn, his laughter fading into silent tears. Deng's portrayal walks a razor's edge, making viewers question whether Cha is a manipulative monster or a trauma-scarred soul. This moral ambiguity has ignited online discourse, with hashtags like #ChaShuoxunRedemption trending for days.
Narrative Grit Over Glamour
Unlike many historical romances, When the Clouds Rise prioritizes political machinations over love triangles. The first six episodes weave a tight tapestry of crises—tax fraud, border rebellions, and a famine cover-up—each resolved through Fan Yun's cunning rather than brute force. A subplot involving counterfeit coins, for instance, isn't just a backdrop for royal intrigue; it becomes a lens to explore class disparities. When Fan Yun tracks the coins to a brothel run by exploited women, the story shifts from a procedural mystery to a searing critique of systemic oppression.
The production design subtly reinforces these themes. Fan Yun's transition from peasant to stateswoman is mirrored in her costumes: her once-plain robes gain delicate embroidery, culminating in a crimson court uniform adorned with phoenix motifs—a visual nod to her rising influence. Even Cha's wardrobe speaks volumes; his disheveled silks and perpetually loose collars mirror his inner chaos.
A Modern Resonance
What truly sets the drama apart is its refusal to let romance overshadow Fan Yun's agency. Her relationship with the Emperor remains rooted in mutual respect rather than dependency. In a bold narrative choice, Episode 15 sees Fan Yun reject his marriage proposal, declaring, "I won't be remembered as your consort, but as the woman who rewrote the law." This line, delivered without grandstanding, encapsulates the show's feminist ethos.
Fan Yun's struggles also mirror contemporary workplace battles. Her male colleagues dismiss her ideas as "naive," while her family pressures her to abandon her career for marriage. How did she fighting institutional sexism.resist? Just watch the drama and you'll know.
Audience and Critical Reception
Since its premiere, When the Clouds Rise has earned an 8.1 Douban rating, with praise concentrated on its layered characters and refusal to romanticize power. Clips of Fan Yun's courtroom speeches have gone viral, while Cha Shuoxun's tragic backstory has inspired fan edits and analytical deep dives. Even the soundtrack has sparked buzz, blending traditional Chinese instruments with haunting vocals to underscore the story's emotional beats.
As the series approaches its finale, anticipation centers on whether Fan Yun's reforms will survive court backlash—and whether Cha's path leads to redemption or ruin.
