 |
| Empress Reborn Kiss Scene Goes Viral as Fans Analyse Every Frame of Meng Ziyi and Dylan Wang Hedi. (Photo: Weibo) |
The cameras have stopped rolling on Empress Reborn (将门独后), but the drama has simply moved online. Just as filming officially wrapped after five months, leaked behind-the-scenes footage featuring stars Meng Ziyi and Dylan Wang (Wang Hedi) sent social media into overdrive. Instead of discussing costumes or battle scenes, viewers became completely distracted by two intimate kiss sequences that quickly turned into one of the hottest entertainment topics across Chinese social platforms.
The historical romance, officially titled Empress Reborn (将门独后), has been one of the most anticipated Chinese dramas of 2027. Adapted from Qian Shan Cha Ke's popular novel Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of the Military Lineage, the series follows Shen Miao, played by Meng Ziyi, a noblewoman who suffers betrayal, loses her family and dies tragically before being given a second chance at life.
Determined to rewrite her fate, she crosses paths once again with Xie Jingxing, portrayed by Dylan Wang, and together they navigate revenge, palace intrigue and eventually love while changing the future of an empire.
 |
Attention shifted dramatically after paparazzi photos and videos emerged from the drama's final days of filming. One sequence showed Dylan Wang inviting Meng Ziyi to sit on his lap before the cameras rolled, allowing the pair to rehearse dialogue while staying in position.
Moments later, filming began with a close embrace that developed into a lengthy kiss. Another scene featured Dylan Wang gently holding Meng Ziyi's face before the pair shared another extended kiss lasting close to half a minute.
As filming wrapped, he was also seen leaning in for a soft kiss on her forehead before the two remained in an embrace, a detail that quickly became a favourite among fans following the production.
 |
| Empress Reborn Kiss Scene Goes Viral as Fans Analyse Every Frame of Meng Ziyi and Dylan Wang |
However, it was one particular frame that stole the spotlight. After slowed-down clips circulated online, some internet users claimed the kiss appeared far more passionate than expected, with speculation spreading that the scene briefly resembled a French kiss.
Within hours, countless viewers began examining screenshots, zoomed-in images and frame-by-frame videos, all attempting to answer the same question.
Ironically, the internet seemed to launch a full-scale investigation over a fraction of a second. Forget solving fictional palace conspiracies; apparently every viewer had suddenly become a professional video analyst.
 |
| Did Meng Ziyi and Dylan Wang Really Share a French Kiss? |
The debate soon centred on what exactly appeared in the footage. Some viewers argued it looked like Dylan Wang's tongue during the kiss, while others insisted it was actually Meng Ziyi's upper lip being compressed by the camera angle.
As more slowed-down clips surfaced, fresh theories continued appearing almost as quickly as the previous ones disappeared.
 |
| Fans React to Meng Ziyi and Dylan Wang Intense Kiss Scene in Empress Reborn |
 |
Supporters of Meng Ziyi responded by sharing enlarged stills and older photos, pointing out that the actress naturally has fuller lips which can fold upwards at certain angles, particularly when pressure changes their shape during close-up scenes.
According to these fans, the unusual angle simply created an optical illusion that was misinterpreted once the footage spread online.
 |
Some C-netz continued producing their own breakdown videos and alternative interpretations, keeping the discussion alive across entertainment forums.
Slow mo:
 |
They questioned whether the visual effect came from cosmetic enhancements, although those claims remain entirely speculative and have not been supported by any official confirmation.
It's hilarious how they immediately start yapping right after kissing, lmao! 😂#DylanWang #MengZiyi#EmpressReborn pic.twitter.com/Vhofed7tpp
— just a fangirl 🌱🥔🦋 (@durianlovr) July 21, 2026
Some netizens also shared older photos of Meng Ziyi, arguing that her naturally full lips cause her upper lip to curl upwards, even when she drinks water.
 |
Despite the unexpected online conversation, anticipation for Empress Reborn remains exceptionally strong. The production has attracted attention since filming began in February, largely thanks to the pairing of Meng Ziyi, whose popularity soared following The Princess's Gambit, and the recent success of Blossoms of Power, alongside Dylan Wang, one of China's most recognisable leading men after a string of high-profile costume dramas. Their first collaboration has already generated enormous interest long before a release date has even been announced.
Many fans believe the leaked footage actually highlights the natural chemistry between the two leads rather than creating controversy. They simply cannot wait to see how the emotional relationship between Shen Miao and Xie Jingxing unfolds on screen, arguing that context will matter far more than a few seconds of behind-the-scenes footage.
With Empress Reborn filming now complete, the focus will gradually shift from leaked set videos to trailers, promotional material and eventually the finished drama itself.