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| Watch Out for This Sleeper Hit! Liu Xueyi, Meng Ziyi Pair Up in Sharp Historical Romance ‘The Princess’s Gambit’ (WeTV) |
Tencent’s got a new period drama on the horizon, and it’s ticking all the boxes for a juicy summer watch — arranged marriage, power plays, emotional slow burns and enough palace scheming to make your head spin. The Princess’s Gambit (公主的博弈), starring Liu Xueyi and Meng Ziyi, officially drops June 25, 2025, and fans of web novel politics are already gearing up for chaos (the good kind).
Based on Bai Lu Cheng Shuang’s novel of the same name, this one’s a proper enemies-to-lovers tale — but in true Chinese historical drama fashion, nothing is ever that simple.
🧠 What's the Plot?
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Zaiye’s known far and wide for being as corrupt as they come — but like any good leading man, there’s more than meets the eye. Behind the power moves and dodgy alliances, he’s a man with a mission: protect the kingdom from the inside. Even if it means being hated for it.
Taohua, on the other hand, is no flower vase. She’s clever, resilient, and absolutely refuses to be a pawn. Navigating her new life in the enemy’s camp — complete with a scheming household, backstabby courtiers, and an imperial court that eats the weak for breakfast — she’s not here to lose.
👑 The Main Cast:
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Liu Xueyi as Shen Zaiye, the “corrupt” prime minister with more heart than he lets on. Last seen playing emotionally layered cold types — and let’s be honest, he owns this trope.
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Meng Ziyi as Jiang Taohua, the ex-princess turned chess master in her own right. She's got steel in her spine and a sharp tongue to match.
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Gao Han as Gong Zijing, the ever-loyal second male lead who may or may not catch feelings (book readers know 👀).
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Liu Lingzi as Meng Zhenzhen and Fan Jingwen as Xiang Qingying — both from the Moonlight Mystique crew — stir up palace drama on the sidelines.
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Supporting cast includes Bian Cheng, Wang Jiaxuan, and Xu Jingya, rounding out the royal chaos with flair.
💡 Why You Should Watch:
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1. That Tangled Chemistry.
This ain’t a cutesy romance — Zaiye and Taohua start as political enemies forced to share a bed (figuratively... at first). Expect tension, mind games, and the kind of mutual respect that grows from strategic warfare. It’s sexy in a brainy kind of way.
2. Slow Burn But Worth It.
The drama doesn't rush. It builds. There’s time to watch the characters grow, clash, and change each other. For fans of character-driven historicals (think The Rebel Princess, Joy of Life) — this one’s for you.
3. Gorgeous Production.
From palace sets to court costumes, Tencent's clearly shelled out the budget. The aesthetic’s rich, moody, and sharp — a visual treat for costume drama lovers.
4. Political Intrigue Galore.
Forget surface-level cat fights — The Princess’s Gambit is full of smart schemes, twisted loyalties, and moral grey zones. Perfect for viewers who love to yell “he’s playing 4D chess!” at the screen.
5. A Clean Ending (Hopefully).
Bai Lu Cheng Shuang, the original author, is known for actually finishing her stories properly — and without trauma dumps. If the adaptation stays faithful, you might just get the rare, satisfying ending with proper closure.
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🎬 What to Expect:
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Enemies-to-lovers tension with a layered emotional payoff
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Scheming maids, sly courtiers, and inner-palace politics
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Morally grey characters doing good for the wrong reasons
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A heroine who earns her respect, not just waits for love
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A quietly devoted male lead who softens only for her
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Possibly... some swordplay romance moments (you know the kind)
📺 When and Where to Watch?
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The Princess’s Gambit premieres June 25, 2025, exclusively on Tencent Video (WeTV for international fans). Expect subtitles, probably simulcast style — so international fans won’t be left too far behind.
If you’re into dramas where the romance builds through power struggles, the lines between right and wrong blur, and the leads fall for each other’s minds as much as their hearts — The Princess’s Gambit might just be your summer obsession.