Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Flourished Peony, which has been making waves on Netflix as a merchant’s daughter moves from growing peonies to cultivating a philanthropic business, and romance with a divorced government official.
This 2025 Chinese historical television series directed by Ding Ziguang premiered in early January 2025, reuniting Yang Zi and Li Xian after their previous collaboration. Set during the vibrant Tang Dynasty, this female-centric drama delivers both political intrigue and slow-burn romance across its episodes. The series has been praised as “truly a tribute to women,” telling the sweeping story of a woman’s quest to restore her mother’s legacy and control her own destiny.
The drama follows He Wei Fang, who defies societal expectations to carve out her own destiny after escaping an arranged marriage. With stunning choreography, engaging plot development, and the chemistry between its leads, Flourished Peony has managed to capture audiences’ attention in the competitive streaming landscape.
A Merchant’s Daughter Defying Convention
Set in the Tang Dynasty, the story follows He Wei Fang (Yang Zi), a merchant’s daughter skilled in cultivating rare peonies who defies societal expectations after escaping an arranged marriage to Liu Chang (Wei Zhe Ming). After divorcing her family, she starts a peony business with minister Jiang Changyang, and amidst political turmoil, she establishes women’s shelters while supporting Jiang’s service.
The series showcases Wei Fang’s transformation from a constrained daughter to an independent businesswoman who uses her horticultural expertise to build something meaningful. Her journey involves not just personal growth, but also social impact as she creates safe spaces for women in a male-dominated society.
He Wei Fang: Yang Zi’s Empowering Performance
Yang Zi delivers a compelling portrayal of He Wei Fang, a character who embodies strength and determination. The series recognizes Wei Fang’s (called Mu Dan) strength and character, treating her as more than just a damsel in distress. Her evolution from a sheltered merchant’s daughter to a savvy businesswoman and social reformer forms the emotional core of the series.
Wei Fang’s expertise in peony cultivation becomes both literal and metaphorical as she learns to nurture not just flowers, but also relationships, businesses, and social change. Her character arc demonstrates how personal passion can transform into broader social impact.
Jiang Chang Yang: Li Xian’s Complex Anti-Hero
Li Xian plays Jiang Chang Yang, known for his selfishness that earned him the nickname of “the most corrupt official in Chang An,” but beneath this facade lies a shrewd, altruistic strategist dedicated to the welfare of the country. Li Xian’s character wasn’t the typical “I will protect you from everything” hero, instead recognizing Mu Dan’s strength and treating her accordingly.
This nuanced approach to the male lead creates a more balanced dynamic between the protagonists. Chang Yang’s character development reveals layers of complexity that challenge initial impressions, making their romantic development feel earned rather than forced.
The Blossoming Romance: Chemistry and Character Growth
As Wei Fang and Jiang develop their romantic relationship, the chemistry between Li Xian and Yang Zi proves fantastic. Their reunion after previous collaborations brings a natural ease to their interactions that enhances the slow-burn romance element of the story.
The relationship develops alongside their individual character arcs, with both leads growing and changing as they navigate political intrigue and personal challenges. Their romance feels organic because it’s built on mutual respect and shared values rather than just attraction.
Success on Netflix: Audience Reception and Production Quality
Since airing, Flourished Peony has sparked widespread discussion and continued to enjoy buzz even after concluding, attracting strong commercial interest. The drama has received positive reviews with ratings of 8/10 for its insightful storytelling and intriguing secondary characters. Despite competing with other popular dramas, Flourished Peony surpassed expectations and triumphed in ratings thanks to its light-hearted, engaging plot and stunning choreography.
The series’ success has even led to accelerated plans for its sequel, with the production team moving up the release date to capitalize on the positive reception. Netflix subscribers have particularly appreciated the series’ blend of historical authenticity with contemporary themes of female empowerment.
If you love historical Chinese dramas with strong female leads, political intrigue, and slow-burn romance, Flourished Peony is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. This sweeping story about a woman’s quest to restore her mother’s legacy and control her own destiny offers both entertainment and inspiration.
An insightful drama with fantastic chemistry between Yang Zi and Li Xian that ends on a strong note, proving that period dramas can successfully blend historical authenticity with modern themes of independence and social reform.
Series Details:
Number of Episodes: 25
Platform: Netflix
Rating (IMDb): 5.5/10
Genre: Drama, Romance
Protagonists: Yang Zi (He Weifang), Li Xian (Jiang Changyang)
Antagonist: Wei Zheming (Liu Chang)