
Chinese Title: 云秀行 (Yún Xiù Xíng)
English Title: The Legend of Rosy Clouds
Also Known As: 云起时 (Yún Qǐ Shí), Take Me Where the Clouds Rise
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Historical, Costume
Episode Count: 36 episodes
Release Date: June 20th, 2026
Streaming Platforms: iQIYI, YOUKU (in China)
Production Companies: iQIYI, Yiyantang
Main Cast
Li Yi Tong as Fan Yun
Joseph Zeng as Qi Zheng
Deng Wei as Zheng Shi / Lou Qiyan
Supporting Cast
Dai Lu Wa as Wei Shisan
Riley Wang as Gao Ran
Cheng Hong Xin as Wei Ying
Tian Jia Rui as Yan Jiang
Jian Yu Xi as Tian Xing
Fan Jing Wen as Su Yin
Deng Xiao Ci as Wei Rong
Yin Zhu Sheng as Zheng Yuan
Bao Da Zhi as Lü Wenzhong
Hei Zi as Zhao Chang
Zhang Xi Lin as Fan Qi
Plot Synopsis for The Legend of Rosy Clouds
In the legendary realm of the Nine Cities, a penniless young woman from a once-noble family, Fan Yun (Li Yi Tong), crosses paths with Qi Zheng (Joseph Zeng), a city lord whose outward appearance belies a complex and calculating nature. Initially wary of each other, their relationship evolves from mutual suspicion to deep trust as they join forces to overcome challenges and fight for the people’s welfare.
Together, they navigate treacherous political landscapes, confronting deep-seated crises that threaten the stability of the Nine Cities. Fan Yun’s intelligence and determination prove instrumental as she aids Qi Zheng in breaking outdated rules, quelling unrest, and striving to create a prosperous and harmonious realm. Their journey is one of shared purpose, where they ultimately find not only friendship and love but also the strength to build a better world for all.
Production & Adaptation Notes
Director: Zhu Shao Jie known for his work on My Sassy Princess
Screenwriter: Yu Xiao Qian (Loving Strangers)
Original Source Material: The drama is adapted from the popular Japanese light novel series “Saiunkoku Monogatari” (彩雲国物語) written by Yukino Sai (雪乃紗衣).
This marks a significant adaptation, as it brings a beloved Japanese fantasy romance story into the Chinese historical drama format.
Format: The original source material is a multi-volume novel series. This 36-episode adaptation condenses and adapts the core storyline into a serialized drama format.
Setting: The drama is set in a fictional land based on ancient China, featuring the “Nine Cities” as a central part of its political landscape.
Tone: While the source material has elements of political intrigue, the drama adaptation is described as incorporating comedic elements and a lighter tone at times, classifying it as a “costume light comedy” alongside its romance and drama aspects.
Why you should watch The Legend of Rosy Clouds
Star-Studded Cast: The Legend of Rosy Clouds boasts a highly popular ensemble cast, featuring Li Yi Tong (A Dream Within a Dream) and Joseph Zeng (Feud) in the lead roles, alongside rising stars like Deng Wei (Lost You Forever) and Tian Jiarui .
Strong Female Lead: The narrative centers on Fan Yun, a smart and resilient woman navigating a male-dominated world, making it a compelling watch for fans of strong female protagonists and “big female lead” stories.
Long-Awaited Release: The drama was highly anticipated, having completed filming in October 2023 but running into licensing problems (the production company didn’t have a license to produce a drama based on the novel), and garnering over 3 million reservations before its premiere in June 2026.
Romantic and Political Intrigue: The series promises a blend of heartfelt romance and complex political maneuvering. The evolving dynamic between the intelligent Fan Yun and the “white cut black” city lord Qi Zheng, a character who is gentle on the outside but cunning within, is a central draw.
