New Life Begins

New Life Begins is truly a gem-refreshing, heartfelt, and surprisingly funny. The chemistry between the leads, Li Wei and Yin Zheng, is natural and builds beautifully over time. What I love most is how it blends romance, slice-of-life, and light political drama without becoming overwhelming. Each character has depth, especially the female cast, who are empowered, supportive, and unique. Yuan Ying, in particular, stole my heart with her ambition and grace. It's rare to find a drama with this much balance, humor, and emotional intelligence. A perfect 10/10! I SUPER LOVE THE SIDE COUPLES. This drama is like a breath of fresh air.

This crowd pleaser starts off with a beauty contest held to provide the princes of powerful Xin state a pool of girls to choose from to marry or to take as concubines.

Amiable Li Wei (Tian Xi Wei) has been forced to represent Ji state, a predicament her politically weak father could not save her from. All she and her family could hope for is for her to not be selected by any prince. Alas, 6th Prince Yin Zheng (Bai Jing Ting) takes an interest in her.

The first few episodes promise a fast-paced entertaining drama. However, it gets bogged down by one of CDramas' pitfalls - too many fillers, i.e., scenes that don't advance the main story and seem to be added only to lengthen the drama. Thus, some later episodes are draggy.

Nevertheless, the drama sticks close to its lighthearted form. Even the palace intrigues are light. It tackles the subject of female empowerment and independence campily. Female friendship is celebrated. The romance between Yin Zheng and Li Wei is delightful.

Stumbled upon this drama on Youtube. The first 3 episodes captivated me. The leads are great without overpowering. A lot of small plots around supporting actors that are just as heart warming. Beautiful set, costume, enticing gourmet and highly relatable every day setting. The villans are never truly villans and quite human, characters are written with just sufficient depth and relatability. Nothing too sinister that would be upsetting. The drama Covers many themes of humanitarian virtues, women's right and brotherly support. Great for days when we need some emotional therapeutic balm. 9 stars well deserved!

In a time of nine kingdoms each kingdom sends a woman to the main and strongest region to form marriage alliance. This time the women will influence the future of this idea and the position women hold in this country.

The main story involves Li Wei played by the charismatic Tian Xi Wei who is determined not to be selected and sixth young lord Yin Zheng played by Bai Jing Ting who is a sickly son of the emperor and is ignored at court. It is an entertaining and gently paced romance and has some great side characters and stories. It is based on a novel Time travel to the daily life of the Qing dynasty by DuoMuMuDuo. Good to see strong women characters and it is an enjoyable feel good series.