Chasing Dramas

We're finally doing review episodes! Our first review will be of A Dream of Splendor 梦华录! Listen to our latest episode to hear us discuss the general plot, characters, what we liked and didn't like, and our overall review of the drama! Set in the Song dynasty, the story follows the lives of three women, each with unique skillsets, who head to the capital of Dong Jing, overcome personal troubles...

In episode 6, the Empress's birthday draws near and the Embroidery Department was tasked with making a Phoenix Robe using a precious peacock thread. Wei Ying Luo got the honors to sew the robe. Unfortunately, a thief stole the thread, plunging the whole department into chaos. Ying Luo miraculously finds a solution and gains favor with the Empress. In episode 7, the eunuchs try to catch the thief....

In our latest In The Know episode, we discuss the latest woes that plague Yang Mi's new drama, Fox Spirit Matchmaker, including another tax evasion scandal. Jackson Yee and 2 other young stars have also been caught in an admission scandal that blew up Weibo. Finally, Jay Chou released a new album after 6 years! Listen to our latest podcast episode to check out our thoughts about the latest Chinese...

Wei Ying Luo stands up to herself against two other seamstress maids in the palace who are determined to kick her out else get her killed. The thing is, their tactics aren't too smart. Ying Luo takes them for a ride and shows exactly what she can do to protect herself.

We are introduced to Fu Heng, the handsome younger brother of Empress Fu Cha. He arrived to help jolt his sister out of her grief of her son's passing 3 year's prior. Elsewhere, Ying Luo is brought before Noble Consort Gao as the one who revealed to Lady Yu about Noble Consort Gao's plot against her child.

Karen and Cathy bring you updates on currently airing Chinese dramas as well as the announced pipeline for future projects from July 2022.

We learn that Ying Luo is in the palace to discover the truth about her sister's death and help seek revenge against who killed her. Meanwhile, Noble Consort Gao is shown to be a aggressive foe in the palace.

We are introduced to Wei Ying Luo, a young quick witted maid with impressive embroidery skills, as well as the imperial royal family of Qian Long, his Empress, Fu Cha Rong Yin and the rest of his harem.

The Story of Yanxi Palace follows the young maid, Wei Ying Luo's journey as she enters the imperial palace during the reign of Qing Dynasty Emperor Qian Long to seek answers for her sister's death. Karen and Cathy provide an overview in this intro episode before diving into plot and historical analysis of the drama in future podcast episodes

In this new series for the podcast, In The Know aims to provide up-to-date information on the Chinese entertainment industry. This new episode series is a more casual look at what's going on with your favorite stars. In this premier episode, Karen and Cathy discuss four groundbreaking events that occurred in the first half of 2022 in Chinese pop culture news.

The Crown Prince has his romantic wishes dashed by his father as the Emperor contends with a myriad of military issues that threaten the safety of the empire's borders that culminate in an heart-pounding display at the important archery competition

It's time for the imperial entrance exam and the Crown Prince's allies are once again caught in a scandal against his brother, this time around cheating at the exam.

The Crown Prince prepares for his Capping ceremony. However, his older brother, the Prince of Qi conspires against him and plots to discredit the Crown Prince. It's a battle of wits as the two brothers try to outmaneuver each other to win the Emperor's favor. The Crown Prince is accused of being unfilial and disloyal by the Prince of Qi's allies. Who wins this round? Listen to find out.

Set in the fictional world of the Qi dynasty, Royal Nirvana follows the story of the crown prince, Xiao Ding Quan, as he struggles to balance the role required of his title with this yearnings for love while also doing the right thing. In this intro episode, Karen and Cathy provide an overview of the plot and introduce the cast and characters for this 2019 drama.

Join Karen and Cathy as they provide their final thoughts and analysis on The Story of Ming Lan!

in the last episode of the Story of Ming Lan, the revolt organized by the Empress Dowager was easily dismantled by the Emperor and his allies including Gu Ting Ye who is alive and well. The conflict at court is finally resolved and the chaos at home is quelled after Madame Qin succumbs to flames out of despair. All that is left are the harmonious and simple days for Ming Lan and Gu Ting Ye to enjo...

In the penultimate episode, Gu Ting Ye is sent off to fight in a war that broke out on the border but terrible news reaches home that he has been killed. Shortly after, Ming Lan must contend with an onslaught of soldiers intent on enacting another coup in the Capital.

Many of Ming Lan's friends and family show up to support her during her son's banquet celebration in the midst of Gu Ting Ye's punishment. She uses the evidence gathered from the banquet to beat the Deng Wen Drum as well to request a retrial for her husband.

Following news Gu Ting Ye's imprisonment, friends and family all try to help Ming Lan with what to do next. But the most important decision she has to make is whether or not to separate from Gu Ting Ye prior to any sentencing to protect herself and their son. She easily makes the decision to remain married to face upcoming challenges together.

Gu Ting Ye's enemies have all assembled to deal a devastating blow to him. Gu Ting Ye tries to protect the Sheng family and stay in the good graces of the Emperor. Unfortunately, the future looks bleak for Gu Ting Ye as enemies from his past all come to haunt him. In the meanwhile, Ming Lan needs to be watchful of enemies at home

In the aftermath of Aunt Kang's death, Grandma Wang vows for vengeance and seeks aid from the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager continues to assemble troops within the Palace. Madame Qin also picks a side. In the meanwhile, Gu Ting Ye and Ming Lan have to deal with the aftermath of the near fatal attack. How will the couple respond to threats coming from all sides?

Ming Lan goes into labor after overhearing that Gu Ting Ye has died while protecting Prince Huan. Taking this opportunity, Madame Qin enacts her plan to finally eliminate Ming Lan - she sets fire to Ming Lan's residence and also goads Aunt Kang, who has escaped to the Gu Manor, into attacking Ming Lan.

Ming Lan is finally able to get some rest after her brother and husband returned to her aid in ensuring that Aunt Kang would pay for her crimes against Grandma Sheng. She is also able to have a frank conversation with her father on his poor treatment of her throughout her upbringing. The dust seems to have settled but we are reminded that Mo Lan still exists in this universe and she aids Aunt Kang...

Ming Lan is still trying to get justice for her beloved Grandmother. The Wang family, however, tries every trick in the book to force Sheng Hong to let go of the matter. Ming Lan is about to do something rash but her brother Chang Bai and Gu Ting Ye return in time to save the day. Chang Bai passes judgment on his mother and Aunt. Is family thicker than blood? Will Chang Bai choose justice over his...

After Ming Lan has rounded up all the evidence to show exactly how her grandma was poisoned, she must face off against the Wang family who will try to acquit either Madame Wang or Aunt Kang or both from their deeds.