Chinese Title: 折腰
English Title: The Prisoner of Beauty
Also Known As: Zhe Yao
Genre: Historical, Romance, Political, Drama
Episodes: 36
Episode Duration: Approx. 45 minutes
Original Network: Tencent Video
Production Company: Tencent Video, New Classics Media
Source Material: Adapted from the novel Zhe Yao written by Peng Lai Ke
Synopsis
The Prisoner of Beauty is a historical romance drama set against a backdrop of political intrigue and family rivalry.
The story follows Qiao Man (played by Song Zu Er), a clever and perceptive noblewoman born into the defeated Qiao family. In order to secure peace between rival clans, she is forced into a political marriage with Wei Shao (Liu Yu Ning), the powerful and ruthless lord of the Wei family.
Though their union begins as one built on resentment, suspicion, and old grudges, Xiao Qiao survives within the Wei household through intelligence, emotional restraint, and quiet strength.
As external threats grow and internal power struggles intensify, the two are gradually drawn together. Their relationship evolves from wary cooperation to deep trust, revealing a story of love forged through sacrifice, strategy, and shared responsibility for the fate of their people.
Director & Production Team
- Director: Deng Ke (Guardians of the Dafeng) and Gao Cong Kai (Shadow Love)
- Screenwriter: Nan Zhen
- Original Novel Author: Peng Lai Ke
- Production Company: Tencent Video, New Classics Media
Main Cast & Characters
- Song Zu Er as Qiao Man / Xiao Qiao
- Liu Yu Ning is Wei Shao
- Xuan Lu plays Su E Huang
- Liu Duan Duan as Wei Yan
- Wang Chen Si is Wei Liang
- Li Xue Qin as Xiao Tao
- He Hong Shan is Qiao Fan
- Wu Hao Chen as Wei Qu
- Liu Yi Hong is Wei Xiao
- Chu Zi Jun as Wei Duo
- Wei Zi Jin plays Gongsun Yang
- Hu Xiao Ting as Chun Niang
- Gao Wei Guang is Wei Bao
- Cola Yao as Xiao Zao
- Liu Yu is Xiao Tan
- Liu Xiao Qing plays Lady Xu
- Zhou Lu La is Bi Zhi
- Ciu Yi plays Lady Zhu
- Ji Xiao Bing is Liu Yan / Mao Qin
- Wang Xing Han as Liu Yan / Mao Qin
- Ao Zi Yi is Qiao Ci
- Liu Ling Zhi plays Qiao Ping
- Vinnie Yao is Zhang Pu
- Feng Hui is Qiao Yue
Production Notes & Highlights
- The drama emphasizes slow-burn romance, political maneuvering, and character-driven storytelling.
- Lavish historical costumes and set design highlight the aristocratic setting.
- The female lead is portrayed as strategic and emotionally intelligent rather than passive.
- Adaptation stays largely faithful to the original novel’s tone while streamlining political elements for television.
Trailer & Promotional Material
At the time of writing, Tencent Video has released concept posters, stills, and teaser previews, highlighting the drama’s historical aesthetic and tense romantic dynamic.
Where to Watch
- Tencent Video (China)
- WeTV
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