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| From Villain to Fan Favourite: He Hongshan’s Tearful Turn in 'The Prisoner of Beauty' Melts Hearts (Weibo) |
Chinese historical drama The Prisoner of Beauty has taken audiences by storm since its recent premiere, swiftly climbing the popularity charts and breaking Tencent’s record for the fastest-growing series in 2025 — all within its first ten minutes of release.
Led by prominent actors Liu Yuning and Song Zuer, the drama immediately drew attention for its cinematic elegance and emotional complexity. Yet amid the buzz surrounding the leads, it was supporting actress He Hongshan who unexpectedly stole the limelight with a poignant performance that has left viewers deeply moved.
He Hongshan portrays Da Qiao, a noblewoman engaged to Wei Shao (played by Liu Yuning) as part of a political alliance between powerful families.
However, torn between duty and love, Da Qiao chooses to flee before the wedding, leaving her cousin Xiao Qiao (played by Song Zuer) to step in and marry Wei Shao in her place — a decision that sets the tone for one of the series’ most emotionally charged moments.
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| Song Zuer (1998-born) and He Hongshan (1987) |
In a quiet, moonlit farewell, the two women share a tearful goodbye, aware that their fates may now never intertwine again. The scene has resonated widely with audiences, prompting an outpouring of emotion on social media.
“Da Qiao’s crying wasn’t just acting — it felt like pain from the soul,” read one comment on Weibo, while another hailed He Hongshan’s performance as “a defining moment of the drama” and “far beyond expectations.”
The praise marks a significant shift in public perception for He Hongshan, who had previously been known for playing antagonistic roles. In The Glory, she embodied the manipulative and spiteful Zhuang Yushan — a character viewers loved to hate.
Zhuang Yushan had finally come to her senses. I hope she truly did. She was the only one who actually cared about her brother.
— Abbie is waiting for LOTFG 🍉🍉🍉 (@jingxingmiao) March 28, 2025
She thought she was used by her mother, but they were all just pawns used by Zhuang Shiyang — the real evil.#雁回时 #theglory #hehongshan #wangyan pic.twitter.com/Eq96AM7fwK
Her portrayal was so convincing that it sparked widespread dislike for the character, though it simultaneously cemented He’s reputation as a skilled actress capable of commanding attention.
Similarly, in 2021’s The Sword and the Brocade (Jin Xin Si Yu), she played Qiao Lianfang, a cunning noblewoman who willingly became a concubine in the pursuit of love — once again drawing notice for her nuanced performance, even in a morally ambiguous role.
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In The Prisoner of Beauty, however, He Hongshan takes a turn that reveals another dimension to her craft. As Da Qiao, she exudes vulnerability, strength, and grace, portraying a woman caught between love, familial duty, and personal sacrifice. The emotional depth of her portrayal has prompted many to call this her most powerful role to date.
The drama also features veteran performers such as Jin Shijie and Liu Xiaoqing, whose seasoned presence adds gravitas to the already intricate narrative.
Set against a backdrop of courtly politics and romantic entanglements, The Prisoner of Beauty offers more than just visual splendour — it delivers an introspective tale about choices, honour, and heartbreak.
The relationship between the Qiao daughters ♡
— 𝙢𝙖࣪ ִֶָ☾. (@fairyining) May 16, 2025
— #ThePrisonerOfBeauty #SongZuer #HeHongShan pic.twitter.com/gCFfWhdtlG
Lavish costumes, refined cinematography, and a stirring script all contribute to the show’s broad appeal, but it is the emotional resonance — particularly in Da Qiao’s departure scene — that has proven unforgettable for many.
He Hongshan, once typecast as the antagonist, is now being hailed as one of the series’ emotional anchors. Her role is a reminder that supporting characters can sometimes leave the most lasting impression.
They're so much alike real sisters♡ whoever decided to cast them as sisters is brilliant! #SongZuEr #HeHongShan#ThePrisonerOfBeauty pic.twitter.com/LPI7x8Rhza
— 𝚄𝚁𝙼𝙸.Ivy✿ 🍉 (@Urmi1862371) May 14, 2025
With just a few episodes aired, The Prisoner of Beauty has already demonstrated the potential to become one of the year’s standout dramas — and if the early reactions are any indication, He Hongshan’s name may soon be synonymous not with villainy, but with raw, heartfelt acting at its finest.
So if you haven’t yet caught the tear-jerking episode that everyone’s talking about — prepare your tissues. The Prisoner of Beauty is not only a feast for the eyes, but a journey through love and loss that strikes directly at the heart.