Legend of Dragon Pearl
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment, Television |
| Founded | 2017 |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Television series |
The Legend of Dragon Pearl () is a Chinese television drama from 2017 featuring Yang Zi, Qin Junjie, Shu Chang, and Mao Zijun. The show debuted on Anhui TV and Beijing TV on 8 May 2017, broadcasting two episodes each night from Monday through Wednesday at 22:00 (CST). Subscribers with VIP access on Youku were able to watch 12 episodes per week.
Synopsis
The narrative centers on the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty alongside Li Yihuan, the final princess of the Southern Ming dynasty. Following the Qing conquest of the Ming, Li Yihuan and other Ming heirs retreat to Dragon Pearl Canyon where they train under elder mentors with the goal of reclaiming their lost dynasty. Li Yihuan is assigned the mission of infiltrating Kangxi’s circle to exact vengeance.
Without knowledge of each other’s true backgrounds, Li Yihuan and Kangxi encounter one another in Beijing and develop a friendship. They endure perilous situations together, with Li risking her life to protect Kangxi. Although initially adversaries due to their conflicting loyalties, a complicated romantic bond forms between them.
While traveling incognito as a fifth-rank Imperial official named Long San, Kangxi surveys his empire’s conditions firsthand. During his journey, he discovers corruption perpetrated by Liu Dezhao, a second-rank official who manipulates droughts and calamities by misappropriating imperial relief. Unable to intervene openly without revealing his identity, Kangxi relies on Li to document his findings for future action. Liu Dezhao uncovers counterfeit imperial orders and reports being sent to the Emperor.
Upon returning to the capital, Kangxi launches an anti-corruption campaign after realizing that even high-ranking nobles are complicit. Liu Dezhao is summoned for questioning but denies all accusations until confronted by Kangxi’s true identity as Long San and the evidence exposing his malfeasance.
Main
- Yang Zi as Li Yihuan
- The last princess of the Ming dynasty who was switched at birth and raised as Li Dingguo’s daughter without awareness of her true heritage. Betrothed to Zhu Cixuan to become queen through marriage, she is surrounded by mentors committed to overthrowing the Qing rulers. Though excused from intense training because of health issues, she maintains a cheerful and lively spirit. She forms a friendship with the disguised Kangxi Emperor and eventually reconsiders her plans for revenge after witnessing his just governance.
- The young Qing sovereign, intelligent and resolute in consolidating authority by defeating Oboi. Traveling undercover as an imperial official named Long San, he engages directly with his subjects and bonds with Yihuan, establishing a sworn brotherhood.
- Shu Chang as Xue Qingcheng / Shu Wanxin
- Yihuan’s capable yet reserved childhood companion who harbors secret feelings for Zhu Cixuan. To gain entry into the palace, she adopts the persona of Shu Wanxin and becomes Kangxi’s concubine through marriage.
- Mao Zijun as Zhu Cixuan / Li Jianqing
- The Ming crown prince who was switched at birth and is actually Li Dingguo’s son. Intelligent and composed, he bears the responsibility of restoring his dynasty. Engaged to Yihuan, he is heartbroken when she falls in love with Kangxi instead.
Characters in Dragon Pearl Canyon
- He Zhonghua portrays Li Dingguo
- A former general of the Ming dynasty, known for his patriotism and unwavering loyalty, prepared to give his life for his nation.
- Han Chengyu as Ye Mosheng
- Yihuan's childhood companion who harbors secret feelings for her; his rash behavior creates friction with Zhu Cixuan.
- Sun Wei as Fan Qianying
- Yihuan’s childhood friend, marked by a bear attack that left her disfigured and self-conscious; develops romantic feelings for Wu Yingqi during her assignment.
- Zhang Dan as Chen Shengnan
- Canti Lau as Fan Li
- Xiu Qing as Ye Mingzhang
- Tong Tong as Tang Yishou
- Jiang Hong as Snow-clad Warrior
Palace Residents
- Siqin Gaowa in the role of Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang
- Zhang Weina as Empress Xiaochengren
- He Zhonghua plays Li Defu
- An eunuch serving Kangxi, coerced into espionage by Oboi through poisoning; twin brother to Li Dingguo. Though reluctantly involved in schemes against the Qing, he covertly safeguards Yihuan and Zhu Cixuan.
Wu Sangui’s Family
- The gentle and kind second son of Wu Sangui, who falls in love with Fan Qianying despite her scars.
- Wang Yichan as Lady Qin, the wife of Wu Sangui.
- Li Zan as Shi Qinghong
- Bodyguard to Wu Yingqi; responsible for killing Shu Jian to prevent sensitive information from reaching Kangxi.
Residents of Shanxi Province
- Xie Ning as Liu Dezhao
- A corrupt official exploiting villagers’ land and grain supplies.
- Dai Zixiang as Meng Xianghe
- Liu Dezhao’s bodyguard for a decade and lover of Shu Wanxin.
- Cheng Cheng as Qiu Gui
- Liu Dezhao’s brother-in-law and partner in crime.
- Guo Ruixi plays Lady Qiu, wife of Liu Dezhao.
- Wang Yao as Shu Jian
- A loyal official who was killed while attempting to expose crimes committed by Wu Sangui and Liu Dezhao; father to Shu Wanxin.
Ming Dynasty Characters
- Huang Haibing as Yongli Emperor
- Wen Chunxiao as Empress Wang
- Huang Juan portrays Lady Jin, spouse of Li Dingguo.
- Ren Jialun as Li Sixing
- Son of Li Dingguo, who disappeared after witnessing a family tragedy.
- Zhou Tao as Sun Fu
- Lieutenant under Li Sixing who defects to the Qing and assumes the role of magistrate.
Ratings
- The highest ratings are highlighted in red, while the lowest are shown in blue
| Beijing TV CSM52 Ratings | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Date | Episodes | Rating (%) | Audience Share |
| 2017.5.8 | 1-2 | 0.401 | 2.702 |
| 2017.5.9 | 3-4 | 0.344 | 2.106 |
| 2017.5.10 | 5-6 | 0.369 | 2.358 |
| 2017.5.16 | 7-9 | 0.173 | 1.374 |
| 2017.5.17 | 10-12 | 0.241 | 1.758 |
| 2017.5.22 | 13-14 | 0.259 | 1.520 |
| 2017.5.23 | 15-16 | 0.222 | 1.278 |
| 2017.5.24 | 17-18 | 0.337 | 1.860 |
| 2017.5.30 | 19-21 | 0.180 | 0.994 |
| 2017.5.31 | 22-24 | 0.270 | 1.475 |
| 2017.6.5 | 25-26 | 0.180 | 1.010 |
| 2017.6.6 | 27-28 | 0.119 | 0.698 |
| 2017.6.7 | 29-30 | 0.265 | 1.506 |
| 2017.6.12 | 31-32 | 0.250 | 1.717 |
| 2017.6.13 | 33-34 | 0.147 | 0.852 |
| 2017.6.14 | 35-36 | 0.177 | "1.139" |