The First Jasmine

What it’s about

Eldest daughter Li Ye is married into the dilapidated Ding-wang household to Xiuyao Mo, a prince with paralysed legs. The same day, her younger sister Ye Ying weds Jingli Mo. Li Ye, a descendant of Lishan, spent eight years in confinement and now, outwardly calm after the wedding, secretly intends to eliminate one by one the officials who destroyed Lishan. Xiuyao Mo suspects her, but he too seeks revenge. Each acts alone until they begin to work together, disturbing the seemingly peaceful surface of the court. Meanwhile, Jingli Mo, known as the 'Prince of Opera' and a childhood friend of Li Ye, secretly stirs unrest and plots to usurp the throne.

What hooks you

Bai Lu plays Li Ye, the revenge-driven bride, and Cheng Lei plays Xiuyao Mo, the crippled prince who hides his own plan. The series is directed by Lam Yuk-Fan and written by Xiao Xiang Dong Er and Qing Feng.

Who it’s for

It will appeal to those who like historical court intrigue where personal vengeance and political conspiracy intertwine. It will also suit viewers drawn to slow-burning alliances between wary partners.