Flourished Peony is a refreshing addition to the pantheon of historical shows.
Starring Yang Xi and Li Xian, this 32 episode season one takes us on a journey with Mu Dan who escapes a terrible marriage, beats odds to establish a business and in the process builds a tribe of women supporting women.
My usual gripe with women centered historicals is how unrealistic they are in pushing feminist narratives without factoring in social mores of that time.
Flourished Peony straddles that line beautifully keeping the narrative women centered while being mindful of the society in which this story plays out.
Su Zhi essays the role of the world aware courtier beautifully and supports his woman with a light but steady hand. He is mindful of boundaries and truly respects her abilities to solve her problems.
This is one show where I am truly looking forward to season two.
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