By Wuxiadrama_lover.

If you are looking for a female-centric historical drama where romance is born from rivalry, strategy, and mind games, I highly recommend you watch Glory. Glory will keep you guessing till the very end.

The female lead, Rong Shan Bao (played by Guli Nazha Bextiyar), is sharp, strategic, smart, powerful and surrounded by cunning sisters — each playing their own dangerous games. While nearly every other character hides a second face — no one is ever who they seem.

The male lead, Lu Jiang Lai (played by Hou Ming Hao), starts off formidable, but as the story unfolds, he gradually shifts into more of a “trophy husband” role — stepping back and only showing his brilliance when it truly matters.

And if that’s not enough to convince you, Shan Bao gets a parade of husband suitors that brings unexpected comedy, and twists as they compete and clash to become her husband. There’s also one very petty and jealous butler. And the great thing about these suitors and butler? They are none other than actors from mini-series! It’s basically a greatest-hits lineup of mini-drama actors all in one show. I believe a couple of actresses who play Shan Bao’s sister are also from mini series. It’s super fun and makes a fantastic cast!

While the final arc feels noticeably different in tone from the rest of the drama, and is my least favorite part of the drama, the twists, family power plays, and evolving dynamics keeps it interesting and fun until the end.

If you find yourself watching this drama and really enjoying it, there is also an animated version 玉茗茶骨: 攻略计划 (The Essence of Jade Tea: The Conquest Plan). I checked out the first two episodes, and the animated characters are also very fun to watch.

Check out the links below to the animated version for those who are interested.

And go watch the drama Glory if you haven’t yet! Happy Watching!

BONUS: GLORY OST [DOWNLOAD]