 |
| 3 Times Liu Yuning’s General Rejected Song Zuer’s Love in the Funniest Way Possible — ‘The Prisoner of Beauty’ |
China’s latest hit drama The Prisoner of Beauty has quickly become the show everyone’s talking about — and not just for its sweeping cinematography or fast-paced political plot. Nope, this time, it’s the unintentional comedy gold delivered by Liu Yuning’s character, General Wei Shao, that’s sending social media into meltdown.
Starring Liu Yuning and Song Zuer, The Prisoner of Beauty skyrocketed to the top of WeTV’s charts within days of release, already racking up a jaw-dropping 3 billion views. But behind those numbers lies the real reason fans are hooked: the legendary emotional cluelessness of one cold, beautiful general and the poor noblewoman who’s clearly fighting an uphill battle in the name of love.
Here are three laugh-out-loud moments that made Liu Yuning officially the strongest (wooden lad) of 2025.
1. Flirting Fail
When Xiao Qiao (played by Song Zuer) finally gathered the courage to show some feelings, she didn’t hold back. From dreamy stares to actual flirty poetry, the girl went all out to win over her cold-as-ice contract husband. But what did she get in return?
A literal shut down. As she peeked out from behind the train curtains with a teasing smile, Wei Shao calmly closed the window and muttered, “The wind’s strong. Close the window.”
Zero butterflies. Maximum second-hand embarrassment.
2. Bread of Betrayal
Xiao Qiao, trying to show she’s ride-or-die material, bites into a rock-hard piece of wheat bread (obviously trying to impress her warlord hubby). Any normal bloke might be touched. Wei Shao? He plops another chunk straight into her mouth like he’s feeding a duck.
Never mind that her face was already screaming “please save me” from the culinary torture. Stone-cold response. Once again, viewers were howling.
3. Legendary Love Confession… Or Fever Check?
In perhaps the most dramatic (and ridiculous) moment yet, Xiao Qiao poured her heart out using some top-tier ancient Chinese flirting lines:
“The mountains and rivers aren't as lovely as your face. The curves of the earth pale next to the arches of your brows.”
Sounds swoon-worthy, right?
Instead, our emotionally constipated general just… put his hand on her forehead and said:
“You’re acting strange today. Are you running a fever?”
Cue thousands of viewers absolutely losing it online.
From Political Marriage to Potential Soulmates?
Despite all the deadpan rejection, The Prisoner of Beauty isn’t just comedy gold — it’s a surprisingly heartwarming slow burn. The drama tells the tale of Xiao Qiao, a clever and stunning aristocrat, who enters a political marriage with Wei Shao, the fearsome and famously icy leader of the Wei state.
Underneath all the stone-cold glares, however, Wei Shao turns out to have a softer side. He’s risked his life for her, even getting poisoned along the way. But when it comes to romance? Man’s still three steps behind.
Fans are calling them “slow burn couple of the year”, with many loving how the failed romantic moments feel relatable, hilarious, and oddly charming.
Song Zuer’s portrayal of Xiao Qiao — determined, independent, and endlessly endearing — is earning heaps of praise, especially from viewers who relate way too hard.
“Me when I confessed to my crush and they thought I was joking…” one netizen posted.
“Wooden Man Wei Shao” Trends in China
Thanks to these viral moments, the tag Wei Shao Wood Man started trending on Weibo and Douyin, with comments like:
-
“Not emotionally unavailable. Just emotionally offline.”
-
“This isn’t slow burn, this is cold storage.”
-
“If it weren’t for political reasons, they’d never be a couple!”
Still, even with his ice-cube demeanour, Wei Shao has the audience rooting for him — if only because we need to see him finally clock the signals.