Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 45: Tying loose endsIn the penultimate episode of season 1 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian must tie up the loose ends before heading home. That loose end is Shen Zhong. He cleverly sets a trap for Shen Zhong by building a fragile alliance with Shang Shan Hu. Sure enough, with some prompting from Shang Shan Hu, the Empress Dowager strips Shen Zhong of his powers. Before Fan Xian departs, he pays one more visit to the Qi scholar Zhuang Mo Han. Fan Xian informs him of Xiao En's death, providing closure to the old man. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the history found in this episode!May 13, 202522:03In the Know - Battle of the FansFans of different celebrities (Wang He Di, Bai Lu, Zeng Li etc) have been the center of different stories over the last few days. Listen to hear what's happened, often times without input from the idol/celebrity they represent.May 08, 202521:52Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 44 part 2: Friends?Hai Tang Duo Duo invites Fan Xian to her residence after a grocery trip. They have a delightful meal together where Fan Xian finally let's down his guard. After several drinks, he reveals to Hai Tang Duo Duo that he is lonely. He has no friends. He wants to do more in this world than just politics and here he recites the inspiration of this whole story of Joy of Life. The poem Liu Yu Qing from Dream of the Red Mansion. Fan Xian wakes hours later and is shocked to discover Si Li Li sitting next to his bed. He's angry at Hai Tang Duo Duo for setting him up but she jokes that this is simply revenge for their first encounter.Listen to our latest discussion of episode 44 Joy of Life season 1!May 05, 202521:56May 2025 Chinese Drama Update - Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭, The Demon Hunter's Romance 无忧渡, Serendipity 榜上佳婿and more!Here are the dramas that aired in April and are airing now in May The Demon Hunter's Romance 无忧渡 starring Allen Ren Jia Lun and Song Zu Er surprised everyone with its airing as Song Zu Er was soft blacklisted a few years ago.Love in Pavilion 淮水竹亭 is part 2 to the Fox Spirit Matchmaker series starring Liu Shi Shi and Zhang Yun Long. Serendipity 榜上佳婿 features Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Zi Qi. We discuss other dramas, many of which have actually faired quite poorly in AprilMay 02, 202524:50Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 43 + Ep 44 part 1: Changing AllegiancesIn episodes 43 and 44 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian begins to set in motion his plan to seize power within the Overwatch Council and gain favor in the Qi Kingdom. The best way to do so is to form new allegiances with different factions and defeat the formidable Shen Zhong. Fan Xian brings to light the of embezzlement occurring in the kingdom to the Empress Dowager and makes a persuasive case for Shen Zhong to reveal his secrets. Listen to our latest podcast episode to understand more about the political machinations at play.Apr 29, 202522:47In the Know - The 7 year ItchSocial media was all abuzz around April 20th because for the 1st time since they started dating 7 years ago, Guan Xiao Tong did NOT wish Lu Han a happy birthday on Weibo. We talk about what the implications are and the speculation around their relationship.Apr 25, 202517:32Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 42: 4D ChessIn episode 42 of Joy of Life, Fan Xian is stunned to discover that not only is he a prince, but that his whole life has been nothing more than a lie that was masterminded by Chen Ping Ping. The reason for his move to the Capital, his friendship with Teng Zi Jing, and his trip to the Qi Kingdom was all pushed forward by Chen Ping Ping. He also deduces that there must be more to his mothers death and vows to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, Chen Ping Ping and the Emperor are pleased with the turn of events but the Emperor immediately begins to question Chen Ping Ping's loyalty.Apr 22, 202523:38In the Know - Stars who need a breakIn 2025, Zhao Lu Si and Zhang Wan Yi have dominated the trending topics on social media, but not all to their benefit. Zhao Lu Si, who publicly announced she was suffering from mental illness late last year, released a new reality show that resulted substantial backlash in China. Zhang Wan Yi has fallen out of favor with Chinese audiences despite his prolific output in the past year. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts on the events surrounding these two stars and how a break from the public eye would be good for their health and public image.Apr 18, 202523:41Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 41: Shocking SecretsFan Xian spends time with Xiao En on his deathbed who reveals shocking secrets to Fan Xian after mistaking him for his grandson.Apr 15, 202522:57In The Know - Sister Stage 2025 pt 2We're back to discuss the remaining 15 ladies for this season's Sister Stage 2025! There are actresses, singers, former idols, hosts, and rappers! Listen to this episode to learn more about these ladies and how they performed during the first round of individual performances!Apr 11, 202524:50Joy of Life S1 - Ep 39pt 2 + 40: Another RescueWith Yan Bing Yun rescued, Fan Xian now needs to work on rescuing Xiao En under Shen Zhong's watch. To do so, he partners up with Shang Shan HuApr 09, 202520:45Apr 2025 Chinese Drama Update - The Glory 雁回时, A Moment But Forever 念无双, Ski into Love 嘘，国王在冬眠, Breaking the Shadows 乌云之上 and more!Karen and Cathy discuss the latest dramas that have aired in March and April! Ski into Love 嘘，国王在冬眠 starring Esther Yu Shu Xin and Li Yin was a disappointment ratings wise despite all of the promotions. The Glory 雁回时 starring Chen Du Ling and Xing Yun Lai was a surprise hit for Tencent due to the strength of the plot, not the acting from the leads. A Moment But Forever 念无双 starring Tiffany Tang Yan and Liu Xu Yi marks Tang Yan’s return to fantasy dramas after many years. Sun Li of Empresses in the Palace fame returns to the small screen after 4 years with Breaking the Shadows 乌云之上 with Luo Jin in a new mystery drama.Apr 04, 202519:35Joy of Life S1 - Ep 38 + Ep 39 pt 1: The Successful RescueFan Xian and company tail Shen Zhong's sister in order to find where Yan Bing Yun is hidden. After some scheming, the group is successfully able to rescue him.Apr 01, 202523:53In The Know - Sister Stage 2025 pt 1It's that time of year again! We introduce 15 of the 30 sisters for this year's singing competition Sisters Who Make Waves but now renamed as Sister Stage 2025.Mar 28, 202528:25Joy of Life S1 - Ep 37: The Other EmperorFan Xian is brought forth to meet the Qi Kingdom Emperor who is more than meets the eye. The Emperor proposes that Fan XIan works with him to achieve their own separate goalsMar 25, 202525:01In the Know - Descent of a fallen idolIn light of all the recent arrests and scandals, Karen and Cathy take a step back to discuss the public images and personas that Chinese celebrities carefully curate and the different levels of how those images crack or destroyed. Some celebrities simply have a smear on their image, others are soft blacklisted or no longer marketable, or to the most extreme, blacklisted or even imprisoned. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the different public personas and how many have come crashing down.Mar 21, 202523:42Joy of Life - S1 ep 36: New Formidable FoeFan Xian and company meet Shen Zhong, the head of the imperial guard of the Qi kingdom. He is a new formidable foe as he is quite ruthless to his own men and intelligent enough to guess all of Fan Xian's orders in the Qi kingdom.Mar 18, 202521:16In the Know: More Arrests and a Korean ScandalArrests and scandal have dominated the Chinese trending topics for the past week. First, Wang Da Lu, who was already arrested for evading Taiwan's military service, is now further implicated in the assault of a driver. Then, Taiwanese actor Li Wei has been implicated in the murder of a woman and is now in trial. But the biggest scandal that has been exploding in China is the allegations that Korean superstar actor Kim Soo-Hyun had a 6 year long relationship with the late actress Kim Sae-Ron when she was only 15 and he was 27. Kim Soo-Hyun rose to fame in China with his 2013 smash hit My Love from the Star and has since been a beloved star. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about these new arrests and latest scandals.Mar 14, 202519:41Joy of Life - ep 34+35: Chaos at the BorderFan Xian and company make their way north towards the Northern Qi kingdom but are met with not 1, not 2 but 4 different parties attacking him. He has to think on his feet in order to ensure he stays alive. In the mix are old acquaintances that want him dead while he meets Shang Shan Hu and Hai Tang Duo Duo of the Qi kingdomMar 12, 202528:58Mar 2025 Chinese Drama Update - The First Frost 难哄, Filter 滤镜, Si Jin 似锦, Northward 北上 and more!Karen and Cathy discuss the latest dramas that have aired in Feb and early March! The First Frost 难哄 starring Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruo Nan was one of the most highly anticipated romance dramas. Filter 滤镜 starring Tan Jian Ci and Li Lan Di has been a surprise critical darling. Zhang Ling He rounds out the trio of romance dramas with The Best Thing 爱你 with co-star Xu Ruo Han. Jin Tian pairs up with Zhang Wan Yi for another historical romance revenge drama in Si Jin 似锦. Bai Lu scores a win with a CCTV network airing drama in Northward 北上. Listen to our latest episode on these dramas and more!Mar 08, 202522:22Joy of Life - S1 Ep 33: The Road to the Qi KingdomIn episode 33, Fan Xian is tasked with Operation Hong Xiu Zhao by the Emperor as his mission to the Qi Kingdom. Fan Xian says his goodbyes and begins his journey north with the formidable prisoner, Xiao En. Fan Jian gifts Fan Xian his own personal guard led by the hilarious Gao Da who takes big issue with the thieving Wang Qi Nian. Fan Xian must keep his guard up as the envoy makes its way north to the Qi Kingdom.Mar 04, 202519:52 In The Know - Separation and ArrestsIt's been a busy week in the Chinese entertainment world. Chen Xiao and Chen Yan Xi officially announced their divorce after 8 years of marriage. This is after several years of speculation of trouble in paradise, most notably Chen Xiao's absence from Chen Yan Xi's father's funeral back in December. Other celebrities have also been arrested including Wang Da Lu for escaping military service, Li Ming De for trashing a car, and an actress from Empresses in the Palace causing a stir. Listen to our latest podcast episode on the gossip and tea from this week!Feb 21, 202520:45Joy of Life - S1 Ep 32: Work TripFan Xian is essentially forced to lead the diplomatic envoy to the Qi Kingdom and exchange Xiao En for Yan Bing Yun. Even though he didn't want to go, the Emperor threatens his marriage to Wan'Er to get him to comply. Feb 19, 202522:56In The Know - Da S / Barbie Hsu and Box Office ReturnsThe top trending topic over the past 2 weeks has been the shocking death of Da S or Barbie Hsu. The Taiwanese actress shot to fame in the early 2000s in the Romance Idol drama Meteor Garden and has stayed in the public eye ever since. She died while on vacation in Japan in early February, shocking everyone. The online speculation and vitriol towards different parties has been rampant. We discuss what happened and the recent aftermath.In other news, today marks the end of the Lunar New Year holidays and there's a clear winner in the box office battle. Ne Zha 2 has been breaking all sorts of records, becoming the biggest movie in China and the biggest $1B grosser in a single market. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about Da S's death and the latest box office returns!Feb 13, 202527:17Joy of Life S1 - ep 31: Kicked OutThe Princess Royal is ultimately kicked out of the capital for overstepping her boundaries. We say goodbye (for now) to this fan favorite - an unapologetically ruthless and ambitious woman.Feb 11, 202522:11Feb 2025 Chinese Drama Update - Moonlight Mystique, Perfect Match, Kill My Sins and more!A fresh slate of dramas began airing around the Lunar New Year holidays with some surprise hits and duds. Bai Lu led Moonlight Mystique (白月梵星) with co-star Ao Rui Peng to middling success. Drifting Away (漂白) starring Guo Jing Fei and Zhao Jin Mai was a surprise hit for iQiYi. Angelababy, after being soft blacklisted for over a year, returned with Everlasting Longing (相思令) with Song Wei Long. Unfortunately the poor script and wooden acting couldn't save the ratings. Perfect Match (五福临门) is the new Yu Zheng produced drama starring Lu Yu Xiao and Wang Xing Yue. There's several familiar faces from Yu Zheng's other dramas. Liu Shi Shi returns to the small screen with Kill My Sins (掌心) with co-star Dou Xiao in a Tang Dynasty period drama. Deng Wei rounds out the upcoming slate with Love of the Divine Tree (仙台有树), another fantasy romance drama.Listen to our latest podcast episode as we talk about the dramas that aired in January and the announced dramas for February!Feb 06, 202525:38Joy of Life S1 Ep 30 - The Comet FallsThe Princess Royal believes she was able to throw suspicion of treachery back onto Fan Xian and is ready to take over the Overwatch Council, only to realize that her ally, Zhu Ge, is caught in Chen Ping Ping's trap. Feb 04, 202523:05In The Know - Welcome to the Year of the Snake!Happy Lunar New Year and welcome to the Year of the Snake! We will talk about this year's annual spectacle that is the Spring Festival Gala! While not as drama-filled as last year's show, the event was still an extravagant affair with a dizzying cast of celebrities and stars from China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Heck, One Republic even performed this year! The 4 cities featured included Chongqing, Lhasa, Wu Xi, and Wu Han. Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts about the performances this year. Jan 30, 202527:54Joy of Life S1 ep 29: Flying Under the RadarFan Xian gets some help from Wan'Er in sneaking back into the palace to replace the key he stole from the Empress Dowager's palace. Fortunately, he is able to avoid detection. Meanwhile, he makes a ruckus in the capital by exposing the Princess Royal's traitorous activityJan 28, 202528:21In The Know - Upcoming Chinese Movies for the Lunar New Year HolidaysWe share 6 movies that are hitting Chinese movie theaters for Lunar New Year next week. They include Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Gallants, starring Xiao Zhan and Zhuang Da Fei. Creation of the Gods 2: Demon Force, NeZha 2, Detective 1900, Operation Hadal, and Boonie Bears: Future Reborn. Jan 24, 202521:41Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 27 pt 2 + Ep 28: Mom's MysteriesAfter successfully stealing his mother's key from the Empress Dowager's residence, Fan Xian finally opens his mother's mysterious case. The details reveal significant answers to Fan Xian and his mother's origins.Jan 21, 202522:32In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Weibo Night and Empresses in the Palace ReunionOn January 11, 2025, the Chinese entertainment stars largely attended two events. The annual Weibo Night, including headliners such as Zhao Li Ying, Xiao Zhan, Wang Yi Bo, Wang He Di, Yu Shu Xin, Ni Ni, and many many more, had the stars walking the red carpet and making slight jabs at Weibo. Shen Teng was crowned Weibo King while Zhao Li Ying took the crown of Weibo Queen. Down in Macau, Youku managed to organize a whole Empresses in the Palace reunion, the largest in the 13 years since its original run. Sun Li, Chen Jian Bin, and Jian Xin all made appearances, marking the first time for this trio.Listen to our latest podcast episode on our thoughts of how the evening went with these two star studded events!Jan 17, 202536:40Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 27 pt 1: A Star is BornIn our favorite episode of Joy of Life, Fan Xian stuns the world with his output of hundreds of poems during his drunken monologue during the foreign banquet in episode 27. Seeing through the trap set by Zhuang Mo Han, Fan Xian immediately recites hundreds of poems including many of the most famous poems in the Chinese canon. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we dissect many of the poems mentioned by Fan Xian including our translations and the context for the poems!Jan 14, 202534:02In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: A Chaotic New YearThe end of the holidays and into the new year saw quite a bit of chaos on social media. First was the revelation that Zhao Lu Si, who was filming a drama, was very ill and in the hospital. More stories came out afterwards about her illness, different causes and other trauma she suffered int he past. Afterwards, relatively unknown actor Li Ming De blasts the cast and crew of his drama, stealing all the social media thunder from Tencent's All Star Night. Tune in to listen in to what happened!Jan 10, 202533:31 Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 26: The BanquetFan Xian is invited a grand diplomatic banquet. He's tapped to showcase his literary skills in front of legendary scholar Zhuang Mo Han, something Fan Xian is worried about. Zhuang Mo Han comes forward and calls out Fan Xian for plagiarizing, causing drama at the banquet. Jan 05, 202522:56Jan 2025 Chinese Drama Update - Guardians of Da Feng, Flourished Peony, The Blossoming Love and more!Welcome to 2025 and the new slate of dramas that will kick off the new year! Dylan Wang He Di's highly anticipated drama Guardians of Da Feng began airing to much fanfare but hasn't met expectations. Yang Zi and Li Xian reunite in the upcoming Tang Dynasty drama Flourishing Peonies after their 2019 smash hit Go Go Squid. Zhang Bin Bin launches the fantasy romance dramas this year with The Blossoming Love alongside Sun Zhen Ni. Meanwhile, Tan Jian Ci had a decent hit with Under The Skin 2 that did surprisingly well in December. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the new and upcoming dramas of Jan 2025!Jan 02, 202524:44In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Men's Winners, Losers and Everything in BetweenOur final episode of 2024 features our discussion on the Chinese actors that were the winners, losers and everything in between this year. Ding Yu Xi saw success this year with Love Game in Eastern Fantasy while Zhang Wan Yi and Bai Jing Ting saw their popularity wane. Listen in for our commentary!Dec 30, 202420:27In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Women's Winners, Losers and Everything in BetweenCheck out our entirely subjective view of the 2024 Chinese actresses. Listen to our take on who were the winners, losers, up and comers, the controversial and more!Dec 26, 202427:59In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: 2024 Drama RecapAs 2024 winds down, Karen and Cathy share the most viewed dramas and most popular dramas, winners, and losers of the second half of the year. Then we discuss the top dramas of 2024, some interesting trends, and finally our top dramas of the year! Listen to hear the stats and our thoughts on the Chinese dramas of 2024.Dec 19, 202431:56Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 25: A Rough Day at WorkFan Xian steps in to save Chen Ping Ping from a coup within the Overwatch Council but it turned out to be nothing more than a test. Meanwhile, he is also called into partake in diplomatic peace talks with an envoy of the Northern Qi kingdom that leaves him very confused as to how these negotiations work. Listen to our latest podcast episode on Fan Xian's hilariously bad day at work.Dec 17, 202423:23In The Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Marriage, Death and Drunken RantsWhile 1 former EXO member got married in December (Huang Zi Tao), another former member, Lu Han, went on weird rants while livestreaming. Meanwhile, Chen Xiao and Chen Yan Xi divorce rumors continue to run rampant and we also highlight the death of legendary Taiwanese writer, Qiong Yao. Dec 13, 202421:52Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 24: A Group of Eclectic WomenIn a delightful episode 24, Fan Xian visits the palace for the first time to meet the women of the Qing Emperor's harem. These ladies watched Wan'Er grow up and want to meet him. He is shocked to find the ladies all weird but personable in their own way. He is summoned to visit his future mother-in-law where she reveals that she was the mastermind between his assassination attempts. Fan Xian cannot enact revenge there but now knows who his enemy is. He had another motive in the palace, to create a map of the palace. Listen to our latest podcast episode as we discuss the lore behind the ladies of the harem.Dec 10, 202430:34Dec 2024 Chinese Drama Update - Brocade Odyssey, The Land Of Warriors, Deep Purple2024 comes to a close with new dramas that aired in late November and new ones announced in December. Brocade Odyssey 蜀锦人家 starring Tan Song Yun and Zheng Ye Cheng marks a return to period romance dramas for Tan Song Yun after 3 years. Meng Zi Yi stars in Deep Purple 九重紫. These two add to the growing list of dramas depicting women building business empires. However, it looks like modern day dramas have been enjoying the highest viewership with We are Criminal Police 我是刑警 starring Yu He Wei. Several other dramas including The Land Of Warriors 2 斗罗大陆之燃魂战 have aired but to disastrous results. Listen to our latest podcast on the gossip and our thoughts on the newest dramas airing this month!Dec 05, 202418:13Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 23: Mixed up KidnappingFan Xian wraps up his visit from Tai Ping Yard but returns to Wan'Er telling him that her father's men accidentally kidnapped the Crown Prince. Fan Xian and company hurry back to the capital to speak with the Chancellor. The result? The Chancellor no longer suspects Fan Xian of any involvement in his son's death.Dec 02, 202420:55In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: A welcome return and new romance buzzAfter a 3 year hiatus, Chinese vlogger and global phenomenon Li Zi Qi set the internet ablaze by releasing 3 new videos. She chose lacquerware for her return which holds a unique significance to her. We discuss her background and influence not just in China but globally too. Elsewhere, a new romance might be blooming with Gu Li Na Zha and Zhang Yun Long. Gu Li Na Zha was embroiled in Xu Kai Cheng and Zhang Tian Ai's relationship last year and publicly stated that she wanted to take a break from dating but that might have changed with a new video of the two of them. Listen to our latest podcast episode for the latest gossip!Nov 15, 202422:34Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 22: Spring OutingFan Xian takes Wan'Er and several others out on a spring outing/picnic to enjoy a change of scenery but both Wan'Er and Fan Xian have ulterior motives while they are out.Nov 12, 202422:45Nov 2024 Chinese Drama Update - Love Game in Eastern Fantasy, The Story of Pearl Girl, Romance in the Alley, Fangs of Fortune, Kill Me Love MeNovember has a new slate of dramas with the 95 flowers Esther Yu Shu Xin and Zhao Lu Si headlining a drama each. Yu Shu Xin stars in Love Game in Eastern Fantasy 永夜星河 with co-star Ding Yu Xi. Zhao Lu Si is back with her The Long Ballad co-star Liu Yu Ning in The Story of Pearl Girl or 珠帘玉幕. The surprising winner though is the 70s, 80s drama, Romance in the Alley 小巷人家 starring Yan Ni and Jiang Xin. Hou Ming Hao and Chen Du Ling star in a fantasy drama 大梦归离 Fangs of Fortune. Wu Jin Yan is back with another revenge period drama with fellow co-star Liu Xue Yi in Kill Me Love Me or 春花焰. Check out the our latest podcast episode to hear more about these dramas and checkout our website for our reviews.Nov 07, 202425:04Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 21: Closing the LoopIn a twist, Chen Ping Ping claims that Dong Yi City Grandmaster, Si Gu Jian killed Lin Gong, and urges the Emperor to declare war on the Qi kingdom. The Emperor nor the Chancellor believes it but it is the answer that the Qing kingdom wants and this helps cover up for Fan Xian and Wu Zhu.Nov 04, 202430:22In the Know - Chinese Pop Culture News: Unmasking CelebritiesHappy Halloween! In China, many celebrities have been unmasked from their personas in recent reality shows or plain internet sleuthing. This includes well known actor, professor, and cook Huang Lei, who's been unmasked as a regular cook and thin-skinned person who wants to have the last say. This also includes actress Zhou Yu Tong who's appearance in Season 6 of Divas Hit the Road has set off a firestorm on social media about her potentially narcissistic personality, dragging the entire season down. Listen to our latest podcast to hear how and why these two celebrities have been unmasked!Nov 01, 202432:12Joy of Life - S1 - Ep 20: Meeting Chen Ping PingAfter a tense showdown in front of the Overwatch Council, we finally meet Chen Ping Ping, Chief Justice/Director. He ups the ante of the cast of characters and immediately shows his cunning and tactical skills.Oct 29, 202422:54
