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| Why The Noble (金枝) Is One of the Most Anticipated Chinese Dramas (Photo: Weibo) |
Upcoming Chinese drama The Noble (金枝) is already shaping up to be one of the most talked-about historical romance series ahead of its release, with new details finally giving fans a clearer picture of what to expect. Starring Chen Xingxu and Li Yitong, this political-flavoured historical romance is set to premiere on WeTV and Tencent Video, with international viewers able to stream it with English subtitles.
Set against a richly layered historical backdrop, The Noble blends romance, power struggles, and social ambition into one female-centric story. The drama follows Chen Que’er, a young woman born into the lowest social class who is mistakenly identified as the Changying Princess, Zhao Jinzhi.
Thrust into the elite Rongguo Mansion, she doesn’t simply survive the mistake, she quietly builds influence and reshapes her fate in the capital.
Her path soon crosses with Xianning Prince Sun Ru Yang, and together they form the Xianyi Society. What starts as collaboration slowly evolves into a powerful alliance, spanning fashion trends, business ventures like the Wan Guo Hui restaurant, and subtle manoeuvring within elite social circles.
As their influence grows, so do the political risks. Court disputes, hidden truths, and a dangerous confrontation with the ruthless Wang Ji Xun test their resolve, ultimately forcing them to stand together against a broken system.
The drama is adapted from the novel Born in the Purple (金枝) by Shao Li, a story long praised for its strong female perspective and layered political storytelling.
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Li Yitong takes on a demanding dual role as both Chen Que’er and Princess Zhao Jinzhi, portraying a woman navigating rigid class structures while challenging the idea that fate is decided by birth. Her character’s journey focuses on self-determination, intelligence, and emotional resilience rather than passive romance.
Chen Xingxu stars as Lu Xingzhi, a strategist with two identities, the adopted son of a duke and a blind political adviser whose calm presence hides sharp instincts. His character operates quietly in the shadows, making him a steady counterbalance to the drama’s more visible power plays.
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| Tencent Video |
The drama is written by Cao Xiaotian, whose previous work often leaned heavily into female-driven narratives, and directed by Zeng Qingjie, known for polished visuals and emotionally grounded storytelling. With 40 episodes planned, The Noble is clearly aiming for long-form character growth rather than rushed plot turns.
The Noble (金枝) officially held its booting ceremony on February 10, 2026, confirming that production is well underway.
The drama is currently expected to premiere in late 2026 or early 2027. It will air on Tencent Video and WeTV, with English subtitles available on WeTV for international viewers.
For overseas fans, this means no complicated access or delayed releases. Once it drops, the series should be available globally with official subtitles.
International viewers can watch The Noble legally through WeTV. Once the drama premieres, episodes are expected to be released according to the platform’s regular schedule, with English subtitles typically available shortly after the Chinese release. Depending on region, some episodes may be accessible for free with ads, while early access may require a VIP subscription.
#ChenXingxu and #LiYitong booting ceremony today! 💛
— 🌼. (@aienvu) February 10, 2026
Goodluck and smooth filming until broadcasting. 🥰#TheNoble #金枝 pic.twitter.com/Bi6GBlT3E5
Anticipation around The Noble has been steadily building since casting news first broke. Many viewers are particularly excited about Li Yitong’s dual-identity role, praising her ability to balance emotional depth with quiet authority.
Behind-the-scenes clips circulating on social media have also fuelled interest, especially due to the natural chemistry between the two leads.
However, online discussions have not been without debate. Some fans initially expressed concern that Chen Xingxu’s role might be overshadowed due to the drama’s female-centric narrative.
That conversation intensified slightly after the booting ceremony, where his brief remarks were contrasted with Li Yitong’s longer speech.
While some netizens read too much into the moment, others quickly shut down the speculation, pointing out that production details matter more than ceremony soundbites.
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Overall, reactions remain largely positive, with many agreeing that strong writing and balanced character development will ultimately decide how the drama lands.
Viewers can expect a mix of political intrigue, slow-burn romance, social commentary, and lighter moments that keep the tone from becoming too heavy. Early descriptions suggest humour woven into daily interactions, warm community dynamics, and visually polished period settings that make the story feel immersive without losing emotional intimacy.
Rather than relying purely on palace tension, The Noble looks set to explore how power is built quietly, through relationships, businesses, and social influence.
Its star-studded cast, experienced creative team, and a story centred on self-made destiny, The Noble (金枝) is already on many watchlists for 2026. What are your expectations for this drama, and do you think it will live up to the hype once it finally airs?