Synopsis
In this fantasy palace drama, a modern office rookie is forced to finish the novel Transmigrated: The Devil’s Beloved Consort—only to wake up inside it as a doomed imperial concubine.
She soon discovers she is not alone. A second modern soul, now Emperor Xiahou Dan, has also crossed over. Together, they scheme through court politics, attempting to outmaneuver Prince Duan and rewrite their fates.
As conspiracies deepen and loyalties shift, destiny refuses to yield. Yet Yu Wan Yin refuses to accept her tragic ending.
Critical Thoughts
As a long-time C-drama viewer, I believed I was immune to emotional rollercoasters. I was quickly humbled.
What begins as sharp satire gradually transforms into a layered political fantasy. The story explores fate versus free will, adding depth beneath its entertaining surface.
The performances stand out. Wang Chu Ran delivers confidence and wit as Yu Wan Yin. Cheng Lei portrays Xiahou Dan with quiet intensity, often expressing complex emotions through subtle glances. Tang Xiao Tian convincingly embodies the calculating Prince Duan, while Hu Yi Xuan brings balance to Xie Yong’er’s evolution from idealistic graduate to ambitious contender.
Visually, the production is stylized and visually engaging. Flowing costumes, intricate hairpieces, and bold makeup choices enhance the drama’s fantasy tone.
Conclusion
How Dare You!? is more than a Cheng Lei comedic palace drama. It is bold, unpredictable, and surprisingly moving.
While the open finale may divide viewers, the strong performances and intricate storytelling make it well worth the watch.