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| Legend of the Female General Premieres Strong as Zhou Ye & Cheng Lei Charm Fans in Beijing |
The new historical romance drama Legend of the Female General (锦月如歌) has officially ridden into the battlefield of summer dramas — and it’s already proving a worthy contender. Premiering last week the series, led by Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei, burst out of the gate with strong numbers.
As of today, this drama has topped the Week 31 drama charts, with over 246 million views across all platforms.
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According to Yunhe data, the debut secured a solid 5.4% market share for its main episodes, placing it eighth among all dramas airing in the same window.
Over on its streaming platform, popularity peaked at an impressive 23,257 — a sign that audiences aren’t just curious, they’re hooked.
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Adapted from Qianshan Chake’s beloved novel Reborn Female General, the story follows the fearless He Yan (Zhou Ye), a once-revered general who gets a second chance at life. In her new chapter, she enlists with the Yezhou Guard, where she crosses paths with the sharp-witted yet reserved Commander Xiao Jue (Cheng Lei).
From quelling traitors to surviving ambushes, the two are bound by a shared sense of duty — but in the midst of sword clashes and political schemes, sparks quietly begin to fly.
Their journey isn’t just about protecting their homeland, but also about learning to trust and lean on each other.
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The very next day, 7 August, the cast brought the drama’s energy to real life with a lively fan screening event in Beijing.
Zhou Ye stunned in an all-black ensemble with delicate accessories, blending elegance with a dash of mischief. Cheng Lei balanced her look perfectly with a bright blue jacket over a crisp white shirt — casual, calm, yet effortlessly magnetic.
Look at the fan service these two is delivering's fans. Zhou Ye and Cheng Lei taking pictures while looking at each other. 🥹😭#LegendOfTheFemaleGeneral #锦月如歌 #zhouye #chenglei #周也 #丞磊 pic.twitter.com/4oZDRfBjyo
— Liz 🌻 (@detailsedts) August 7, 2025
Things really lit up during the interactive games. The pair had fans in stitches by imitating the goofy charm of a “happy Samoyed” and the sly smirk of a “mischievous cat,” before teaming up for a spot-on recreation of the viral “pink bunny” meme. The crowd responded in unison: “So cute!”
The biggest laugh came when Zhou Ye pulled a “punishment” card requiring her to measure Cheng Lei’s waist.
Playing along with mock outrage, Cheng Lei quipped, “So this is my punishment?” His ears betrayed him though, flushing pink as he stood still for the tape.
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To top it off, Cheng Lei leaned into his leading man role and read an overly romantic wake-up line to Zhou Ye — in the voice of Commander Xiao Jue.
The delivery was so perfectly syrupy that fans practically melted, with many praising their natural, easy chemistry.
With a promising start, a popular source material, and a lead pairing this charming both on and off screen, Legend of the Female General is well on its way to becoming one of the season’s standout hits.