The Legend of Hao Lan Review and Ending Explained

The Legend of Hao Lan is a Chinese drama depicting the story of a strong woman’s rise from the ashes to the Empress’ seat and beyond. I love historical dramas like this.

First of all, why am I reviewing it in 2023? Even though this is a 2019 drama. Actually, I don’t want to review this again because it’s late but saw The Legend of Hao Lan on youtube with a different title (Be Your Slave Chinese Drama
) pisses me off.

They changed the title to make it look like this is a new play and I don’t like that. So I decided to review it here and let you know that this is The Legend of Hao Lan, not Be Your Slave Chinese Drama. Check out the full review below!

 

Details Drama

Title: The Legend of Hao Lan (皓镧传)
Episodes: 62
Release Date: January 19, 2019
Genres: Historical, Romance, Drama, Political
Country: China
Original Network: iQiyi
Available On: Viki

The Legend of Hao Lan Review

Synopsis and Plot Summary

The storyline of the Chinese drama The Legend of Hao Lan follows the story of Li Hao Lan, a woman who is forced out of her own home and sold into slavery despite being the daughter of Public Censor Zhao. It happened during the Warring States Period.

She was purchased by Lu Bu Wei, who then presented Ying Yi Ren with a Qin Royal man who served as a hostage to guarantee a truce between the states of Qin and Zhao.

A dangerous battle begins as a result of their arrival and they must rely on their wits to survive. Will Hao Lan be able to rise to her own success to overcome the difficulties in her life?

 

The Legend of Hao Lan Ending Explained

The Legend of Hao Lan has an unfinished ending that is choppy and ends suddenly for some reason. I don’t know why this is happening.

In the last episode, rumors spread throughout the state that Hao Lan and his eunuch Lao Ai are the parents of two illegitimate children. Back then, Lao Ai tried to start a coup d’état but was only thwarted by Ying Zheng.

Meanwhile, on the other hand, Hao Lan is then put under house arrest, and Bu Wei leaves the state, disappearing. The true ending of Hao Lan and Bu Wei’s love story was never shown on the screen but was explained in the broadcast text. Many viewers were dissatisfied with this fast and choppy ending.

Note: there is a leaked photo showing Wu Jin Yan and Nie Yuan perfecting the ending for their characters, both wearing old makeup and riding a small boat together. The closing script was also leaked, which read that Hao Lan and Bu Wei were finally back together, and they left their states to explore the land.

The Legend of Hao Lan Chinese drama

The Legend of Hao Lan Review

The Legend of Hao Lan is a Chinese drama that depicts the true story of the mother of the First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (in my opinion). It is similar to a real event that happened more than 2,000 years ago and no one can guess it.

However, many of the main characters in the story are actual people of the time. Since this is a true story, the “real romance” portion is limited. So if you are a fan of romance, chances are you will be a bit disappointed.

This drama depicts the arduous journey that Hao Lan goes through to survive various court politics, cunning, betrayal, and betrayal. It happened in the Zhao Palace (where she was originally from) and the Qin Palace (where she married).

He must also help his son become King Qin, who will eventually become the First Emperor of China, uniting the various kingdoms under his rule.

This is a serious drama, no bullshit. This can be very boring for some people who are not interested in history. For me, I like history and I am very interested in Chinese history.

Here I will not explain the plot and story in detail. Because this is a true story and some people who know the history of the first Emperor of China will surely be familiar with this.

In short, the story takes place around the end of the Warring States Period in China (475-221 BC) and focuses on the conflict between the State of Qin and Zhao.

We have three main characters here, Li Hao Lan (born to the imperial censor in Zhao) kicked out of the house and sold to the merchant Lǚ Bu Wei. Later, they met the prince of Qin who was being held hostage in Zhao, Ying Yi Ren.

With their help, Ying Yi Ren escapes from Zhao and becomes the King of Qin. He then passed the throne to his son and heir, Ying Zheng (later known as Qin Shi Huang — the first Emperor to unify China). Meanwhile, Li Hao Lan was Ying Zheng’s mother and she later became Empress Dowager.

For a good acting part, they nailed it. The cinematography is also epic, it can be said that the director and crew put a lot of effort into making this drama. Every detail is taken care of and everything is done to perfection.

I love the color palette of the scenery, especially the costumes, interior design and decoration, and gardens. I watch a lot. Having said that, though, I find palace politics amazing, and at times, I get really tired of looking at it.

Then is The Legend of Hao Lan worth watching? Of course it’s worth it, there are some tricky hidden messages for the viewers. Each main and supporting character has their own lesson to share.

The Legend of Hao Lan Cast

The Legend of Hao Lan Chinese Drama Cast

Main Role

Wu Jin Yan as Li Hao Lan / Zhao Ji, Ying Yi Ren’s Wife and Ying Sheng’s Mother

Mao Zi Jun as Ying Yi Ren, King Zhuangxiang of Qin

Nie Yuan as Lu Bu Wei

Ning Jing as Lady Li [Queen of Zhao]

Hai Ling as Princess Ya of Zhao

Wang Zhi Fei as Zhao Dan [King Xiaocheng of Zhao]

Support Role

Hong Yao as Prince Jiao of Zhao / Gong Zi Jiao

Jiang Zi Xin as Yin Xiao Chun [Physician / Zhao Ji’s friend

He Feng Tian as Prince Yu of Zhao

Zhang Nan as Han Qiong Hua [Princess of Han]

Li Chun Yuan as Li Xiu Yu / Gong Zi Fu [Hao Lan’s half-sister]

Wang Mao Lei as An Guo Jun / Ying Zhu [King Xiaowen of Qin/ Ying Ji’s son]

Tan Zhuo as Queen Dowager Huayang of Qin [Mi Shengge’s sister and Ying Zhu’s wife]

Lian Lian as Xiao Hong Ye [Queen Zhao’s lady-in-waiting]

Li Chuan as General Bai Zhong of Qin

Zhao Jiu Yi as Xiong Wan / Crown Prince of Chu

Wang Lin as Gao Min

Zhao Yi Qin as Prince Yi of Zhao [Son of Consort Yun]

Wang Yu as Ying Zi Xi [Prince of Qin]

Tim Pei as Gao Hao Yang [General]

Yin Xu as Consort Yun [Mother of Prince Yi]

Tong Meng Shi as Ying Zheng [Emperor Qin Shi Huang]

And More

 

My Verdict

Overall, The Legend of Hao Lan is a pretty dark series, but very likable. With an unbelievably impressive cast, chemistry, thrilling storyline, political intrigue, costumes, and artistic design. This is a very good series and I’m addicted to it. My rating for The Legend of Hao Lan Chinese drama review is 8,8/10.

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