LayarHijau.com — One of 2025’s most talked-about Chinese dramas, The Prisoner of Beauty (also known as Zhe Yao), has drawn widespread international praise—especially for the strong romantic chemistry between its lead actors, Song Zuer and Liu Yuning. This historical romance and political thriller, comprised of 36 episodes (each about 45 minutes long), is available on major platforms such as Tencent Video, WeTV, Viki, and Netflix.
Among the international coverage, Gulf News—a leading English-language media outlet based in the UAE—published a glowing review, calling the show “a love story wrapped in betrayal and witty dialogue.” They praised The Prisoner of Beauty as a love letter to the enemies-to-lovers trope, set in a fictional realm inspired by China’s Three Kingdoms era. The story opens with bloodshed, betrayal, and a war cry, then follows the journey of Xiao Qiao, an intelligent and capable young woman from the influential Qiao family, who marries General Wei Shao—head of the Wei clan, known for his sharp mind and hidden tenderness—for the sake of a political alliance. While suspicion and hostility exist between them due to the deep-rooted conflict between their clans, they gradually build trust, navigate family politics, and form a powerful bond in the face of greater threats.
Undeniable Chemistry: The Drama’s Greatest Strength
Many reviewers and viewers have singled out the electrifying romantic tension between Song Zuer (as Qiao Manman/Xiao Qiao) and Liu Yuning (as General Wei Shao) as the drama’s emotional core. Their dynamic has struck a deep emotional chord with viewers, with many hoping they will collaborate again in the future. Their relationship is built on slow-burn intensity, conveyed through lingering gazes, subtle expressions, and emotionally charged conversations. Despite only two or three on-screen kisses, their chemistry is described as “blisteringly hot.”
Liu Yuning in particular has received widespread acclaim for his performance as a cold but gradually softening military commander. His eyes and body language convey both restraint and longing, making the emotional development between the characters feel organic. Their enemies-to-lovers relationship is heartfelt, with humor and clever dialogue adding warmth to the tension-filled plot.
Other Highlights Worth Mentioning
Beyond the romance, The Prisoner of Beauty earns praise on multiple fronts:
Strongly Written Main Characters:
Female Lead – Xiao Qiao (Qiao Manman): A rare gem among female characters in Chinese period dramas—intelligent, strategic, compassionate, and emotionally mature. She fights injustice with logic, not blind emotion, and holds her ground in both political and military discussions.
Male Lead – General Wei Shao: A compelling character arc of redemption. Initially harsh and calculating, he gradually opens up due to Xiao Qiao’s influence. A loyal, powerful, and charismatic hero who exudes authority yet vulnerability.
Impressive Visual Production: Costumes, cinematography, and soundtrack all contribute to the show’s immersive feel. The wedding scenes in particular are described as poetic and aesthetically pleasing. The drama is beautiful to watch from start to finish.
Balance of Humor and Emotion: Despite the dramatic setting, the show injects plenty of light-hearted and sweet moments, especially in the middle episodes. It often feels like a well-paced romantic drama with moments of comedic relief.
Scene-Stealing Supporting Cast: From Wei Shao’s brothers to quirky advisors and secondary couples, many side characters shine in their own right. Even the villains are layered and occasionally sympathetic.
International Reception and Criticisms
The Prisoner of Beauty currently holds a strong rating on both IMDb (7.9/10) from over 800 users and MyDramaList (9.0/10) with over 7,600 entries. It has been widely recommended as an excellent entry point for viewers new to Chinese costume dramas, especially those who enjoy romance-driven stories with political intrigue and emotional stakes. Viewers often describe it as fast-paced, emotionally engaging, and addictive.
That said, the drama is not without criticism. Some viewers and critics have pointed out the following:
Decline in Political Intrigue: While the drama opens with intense political stakes, the plot gradually shifts toward romance. Those expecting a deep and complex political drama may find the later episodes too light.
Weak Villains: The main antagonist is eliminated early on. The remaining “villains” feel more like filler characters than real threats. The final battle lacks suspense and high stakes.
Rushed Ending: Many plot threads—romantic, political, and emotional—are resolved quickly in the final few episodes. Some viewers wished the drama had a few more episodes (perhaps 40 instead of 36) to allow for a more satisfying conclusion.
Uneven Romantic Progression: The pacing of the romance is slow in the first half, then suddenly accelerates in the final stretch.
Minor Critique of Song Zuer’s Acting (Early Episodes): While she’s praised overall, a few reviewers noted she appeared slightly stiff in early episodes—like a “deer in headlights”—with open-mouth expressions and limited emotional range. However, her performance improves significantly as the story progresses.
Final Verdict
Despite a few pacing and structural flaws, The Prisoner of Beauty knows exactly what it wants to be: a heart-melting love story carried by magnetic leads and intelligent writing. With gorgeous visuals, memorable characters, and romantic tension that sizzles, it’s no surprise this drama is one of the most beloved C-dramas of 2025. If you're drawn to stories where strong women and emotionally layered men fall in love against a backdrop of war and political tension, this drama is well worth your time.