Princess Agents
Princess Agents (Chinese: 楚乔传; pinyin: Chǔ Qiáo Zhuàn), also known as Chu Qiao Chronicles, is a 2017 Chinese historical action drama television series starring Zhao Liying as the titular slave girl Chu Qiao, alongside Lin Gengxin as Yuwen Yue and Shawn Dou as Yan Xun.[1] Adapted from the novel The Legend of Chu Qiao: Division 11's Princess Agent by Xiao Xiang Dong Er, the series follows Chu Qiao's perilous journey from enslavement in the chaotic Northern Wei dynasty to becoming a skilled agent entangled in political intrigue, revenge, and forbidden romance amid power struggles between noble families.[2] Directed by Wu Jinyuan and written by Yang Tao and Chen Lan, it consists of 67 episodes and aired daily from June 5 to August 1, 2017, on Hunan TV and various online platforms like iQiyi and Mango TV.[3][4] The drama is set during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period (circa 300-500 AD), blending elements of historical fiction, martial arts, and romance as Chu Qiao navigates betrayal, alliance, and warfare after being rescued from a deadly slave hunt by the prince Yan Xun, only to face further trials within the influential Yuwen clan under Yuwen Yue's tutelage.[1] Produced over five months at Hengdian World Studios and locations in Inner Mongolia, the series emphasizes themes of resilience, loyalty, and social injustice through intense action sequences and character-driven narratives.[3] Upon release, Princess Agents achieved unprecedented popularity, amassing over 50 billion views on Chinese streaming sites and setting a record with more than 230 million YouTube views, making it the most-watched Chinese drama internationally at the time and solidifying Zhao Liying's status as a top-rated actress.[5] It received acclaim for its production values, strong female lead, and gripping storyline, earning high user ratings of 7.6/10 on IMDb and 8.2/10 on MyDramaList, though some critics noted pacing issues in later episodes.[1][2] The series' success sparked discussions on a potential sequel, with announcements in 2024 for Princess Agents 2: Rebirth (also known as Chu Qiao Zhuan 2: Bing Hu Chong Sheng), which wrapped filming in April 2025 with a new cast led by Huang Yang Tiantian and Li Yunrui, positioned as a spiritual continuation rather than a direct follow-up, though no release date has been set as of 2025.[6][7][8]Background
Source material
Princess Agents is adapted from the novel 11 Chu Te Gong Huang Fei (11 Special Agents Imperial Concubine), also known as Chu Qiao Zhuan, written by the author Xiao Xiang Dong Er under the pen name Xiaoxiang Dong'er. The novel was first serialized online in 2007 on Chinese web literature platforms, including Xiaoxiang Book City, and completed in 2010, amassing a large readership due to its gripping narrative of a female protagonist navigating survival and power struggles. It was later published in print form as a three-volume set by Jiangsu Phoenix Literature and Art Publishing House starting in May 2011, with the story centering on themes of slavery, revenge, and romance set against a fictionalized backdrop of the Wei dynasty during a period of war and political intrigue.[9][10] The novel gained widespread popularity on platforms like Jinjiang Literature City, where it resonated with audiences through its exploration of the protagonist Chu Qiao's transformation from a lowly slave to a influential figure, blending elements of historical fiction with modern sensibilities. Its serialization contributed to the rise of web novels in China, highlighting themes of female empowerment amid betrayal and ambition. The print edition, spanning approximately 1,200 pages, retained the core plot while refining some details for broader accessibility.[9][11] In late 2014, Ciwen Media acquired Mitao Film Industry, which held the adaptation rights to transform the novel into a television series, marking a significant step in bringing the story to a visual medium. This acquisition involved negotiations to address prior controversies surrounding the novel's content, ensuring a version suitable for broadcast.[10][12] The series adaptation introduces notable differences from the source material to align with regulatory constraints and dramatic pacing. A primary alteration is the removal of the time-travel element, where the novel's Chu Qiao is a modern special agent reborn in ancient times; the series reimagines her as an ordinary slave girl in a purely historical setting, complying with China's ban on time-travel themes in dramas. The timeline is condensed, reducing the expansive scope of the novel's multi-year narrative into a more streamlined 67-episode arc focused on immediate conflicts. Character developments diverge as well, with Yan Xun's arc emphasizing a sharper descent into villainy and moral ambiguity compared to the novel's more nuanced portrayal, shifting emphasis from internal monologues and intricate political machinations to heightened action and visual spectacle. These changes enhance the series' accessibility and excitement but sacrifice some of the original's psychological depth and thematic complexity.[13]Development
The development of Princess Agents was initiated in late 2014 when Ciwen Media acquired the adaptation rights to the novel 11th Bureau Special Agent Imperial Concubine by Xiao Xiang Dong Er, laying the groundwork for transforming its core premise of a modern special agent reborn as an ancient slave girl into a television series. By December 2015, subsidiary Mitao Film Industry assumed full production responsibilities, officially announcing the project as a joint venture with Kotone Media's Shanghai Syndicate Film and Television, signaling a commitment to a high-profile historical action drama.[14] Hong Kong director Wu Jinyuan was chosen to helm the series due to his proven track record in historical dramas, including acclaimed works like Scarlet Heart (2011) and Beauty's Rival in Palace (2010), where he demonstrated expertise in blending intricate palace intrigue with period authenticity.[15] Screenwriting duties were led by Yang Tao, alongside co-writers Chen Lan and Jia Wen, who undertook an intensive 18-month process starting in late 2014 to condense the novel's expansive three-volume narrative—originally serialized across hundreds of chapters—into a 67-episode format suitable for weekly broadcasting. This adaptation emphasized character growth and streamlined the source material's time-travel elements into a cohesive tale of resilience and rebellion, with multiple draft revisions ensuring dramatic pacing and thematic depth.[16][17] Casting auditions began in early 2016, prioritizing performers with martial arts backgrounds to execute the production's demanding fight choreography and physical demands.[18] The project's budget reached approximately 200 million RMB, with substantial investments directed toward historical fidelity in costume design, set construction, and props to evoke the turbulent era of the Northern Wei dynasty.[19]Plot
Synopsis
Princess Agents is set during the Northern and Southern Dynasties period (5th–6th centuries AD), a time of intense political turmoil and warfare among rival kingdoms including Western Wei, Northern Yan, and Southern Liang.[20][5] In this era of corruption and brutality, innocent civilians are frequently kidnapped and enslaved to serve the whims of the aristocracy, fueling a relentless struggle for dominance.[4] The story centers on the harsh realities of slavery and power, where survival demands cunning, strength, and unwavering resolve.[20] The protagonist, Chu Qiao, begins as an enslaved girl captured from her village and thrust into the opulent yet treacherous Yuwen Manor, a powerful household in Western Wei.[4] Her journey transforms her from a vulnerable survivor enduring brutal hunts and servitude into a formidable warrior and strategist who rises to become a pivotal figure in the brewing rebellions against oppressive regimes.[2] Throughout her arc, Chu Qiao navigates a web of shifting alliances and betrayals, honing her skills in combat and espionage while grappling with the moral complexities of loyalty in a world ruled by ambition.[20] Central to the narrative are Chu Qiao's evolving relationships with two key figures: Yuwen Yue, the stoic young master of the Yuwen family whose rigorous training of her sparks romantic tension, and Yan Xun, the disinherited prince of Northern Yan whose initial friendship with her deepens into a complex bond marked by shared hardships and diverging paths.[20] These connections underscore the series' exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and the corrupting influence of power. Adapted from the novel 11 Chu Te Gong Huang Fei by Xiao Xiang Dong Er, the plot emphasizes Chu Qiao's personal growth amid these dynamics.[2] The major plot phases trace Chu Qiao's progression from desperate survival in the slave pits of Yuwen Manor, through her daring escape and integration into the Han Shan alliance—a coalition of outcasts and rebels—to her leadership role in the Xiu Li Army during escalating conflicts and climactic wars between the kingdoms.[4] Each stage highlights her ingenuity and resilience as she forges her destiny, balancing personal vendettas with broader quests for justice and freedom in a fractured empire.[2]Cast
Main cast
Zhao Liying as Chu QiaoZhao Liying portrays Chu Qiao, a resilient slave girl who evolves into a formidable warrior and leader during the Northern Dynasties period.[21] Her character is depicted as clever, courageous, and unyielding, surviving brutal hunts and political intrigues while seeking justice for the oppressed.[21] Liying's performance highlights Chu Qiao's transformation through intense action sequences, for which she underwent extensive physical training to execute the demanding fight scenes authentically.[22] Lin Gengxin as Yuwen Yue
Lin Gengxin plays Yuwen Yue, the intelligent and stoic heir of the powerful Yuwen family, grappling with internal conflicts between duty and personal loyalties.[21] As a noble strategist, his character provides crucial support to Chu Qiao, aiding her in forging a path amid power struggles.[21] Gengxin's portrayal emphasizes the character's emotional depth, particularly through his palpable chemistry with Liying, which enhances their on-screen dynamic as allies and romantic interests.[23] Shawn Dou as Yan Xun
Shawn Dou embodies Yan Xun, the prince of Northern Yan and Chu Qiao's childhood friend, whose journey shifts from loyal ally to vengeful antagonist following his clan's devastation.[21] Beneath his cheerful exterior lies a prudent and conscientious nature, driven by a quest for revenge over eight years.[21] Dou's acting showcases Yan Xun's emotional range, capturing the complexity of his arc from hopeful companion to tormented ruler with memorable intensity.[24] Li Qin as Yuan Chun
Li Qin stars as Yuan Chun, the eighth princess of Western Wei, a noblewoman entangled in romantic rivalries and the harsh realities of court politics.[21] Initially portrayed as kind and naive, her character develops bitterness after betrayal in love, particularly her unrequited affection for Yan Xun, positioning her as a key figure in the series' interpersonal conflicts.[21] Qin's nuanced performance underscores Yuan Chun's evolution from simplicity to determined scheming in pursuit of power and retribution.[2] Deng Lun as Xiao Ce
Deng Lun depicts Xiao Ce, the crown prince of Southern Liang, serving as a sharp-witted strategist and steadfast ally to Chu Qiao in her battles.[21] Appearing outwardly unruly, his intelligent and selfless demeanor shines through as he harbors deep feelings for Chu Qiao while prioritizing her happiness.[21] Lun's role marked a significant breakthrough in his career, earning praise for bringing charm and depth to the character's supportive yet poignant presence in the ensemble.[2]