# The Story of Ming Lan (2018)

> A clever, overlooked sixth daughter hides her talents to survive a hostile noble household and avenge her mother, while forging a romance with a powerful man amid court politics.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/69729

## Facts

- Seasons: 1
- Episodes: 78
- Episode runtime: 45 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: drama, romance
- Created by: Zheng Yi
- Network: Hunan Television
- Cast: Zhao Liying, William Feng, Zhu Yilong, Karlina Zhang, Shi Shi, Liu Jun, Liu Lin, Gao Lu
- TMDB rating: 8.1/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9465476/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: measured
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: layered
- Violence: mild
- Tone: wistful, tender, romantic, intriguing, warm

## Synopsis

The Story of Ming Lan (2018-2019) is a Chinese historical drama series created by Zheng Yi for Hunan Television, a single-season run of 78 episodes. Zhao Liying plays Sheng Minglan, the intelligent but overlooked sixth daughter of a noble household who hides her talents to survive a cruel childhood and to quietly pursue vengeance for her mother's death. William Feng plays Gu Tingye, the powerful man whose bond with her grows into a partnership of love, loyalty and duty. Around them, Zhu Yilong, Karlina Zhang, Shi Shi and Liu Jun sharpen the web of sisterly rivalry, family pressure and shifting alliances. The engine of the story is patient: every small concealment, every household quarrel and every political maneuver pushes Minglan closer to a position where she can act openly. Episodes unfold as a long serialized saga of courtyard intrigue, marriage negotiations and rising influence. Set in a changing imperial court, the series has a warm, wistful and romantic register, with a slice-of-life texture that lingers on domestic detail. Fans of Story of Yanxi Palace, Nirvana in Fire and Serenade of Peaceful Joy will find resonance in its blend of clever heroine, court politics and tender romance.

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