The historical drama How Dare You? has officially been confirmed to premiere on February 6. Adapted from the novel of the same name by author Qi Yingjun, the series has drawn attention for its unconventional narrative structure and subversive take on transmigration and palace intrigue.
The story follows Wang Cuihua, a modern-day office worker who is unexpectedly transported into a palace intrigue novel. Instead of becoming a heroine, she finds herself inhabiting the body of Yu Wanyin, a notorious villainous consort fated to die early in the original storyline. While attempting to survive in a world governed by rigid court politics, she makes a startling discovery: the feared tyrant emperor Xiahou Dan also contains the soul of a modern person.
This revelation leads the two so-called “villains” to form an alliance. Trapped within predetermined roles, they attempt to resist their scripted destinies and survive amid constant danger in the imperial court. The series further complicates its premise by introducing a layered transmigration structure. Wang Cuihua soon realizes that Xie Yong’er, originally portrayed as the novel’s “chosen heroine,” is in fact another transmigrator from a lower narrative dimension. As a result, the conflict shifts from a simple clash between modern and ancient mindsets to a strategic battle among multiple characters who possess partial knowledge of the story.
Wang Churan stars as Yu Wanyin, a character defined by sharp contrast. Outwardly, she is a stunning and arrogant femme fatale capable of toppling a nation; inwardly, she retains the survival instincts, logic, and cynical humor of a modern-day corporate worker. This duality forms the core appeal of the character.
Cheng Lei portrays Xiahou Dan, an emperor who transmigrated at a young age and has long concealed his true self behind the façade of a cruel and unstable ruler. Forced to adopt tyranny as a means of survival, he carries years of isolation and nostalgia for the modern world. Following his recognition of Yu Wanyin as a fellow transmigrator, his guarded demeanor begins to soften, revealing emotional depth and gradual character development.
Supporting characters such as Prince Xiahou Bo and Xie Yong’er are written with distinct motivations and hidden agendas rather than serving as one-dimensional figures. Together, they form a complex web of political maneuvering that adds depth and tension to the overall narrative.
A notable feature of How Dare You? is its integration of modern workplace logic into an ancient palace setting. Contemporary concepts such as performance evaluation, efficiency metrics, and organizational hierarchy are humorously reinterpreted within imperial politics, creating comedic impact while resonating strongly with modern audiences.
With its dual-transmigration structure and “villain alliance” perspective, How Dare You? offers a fresh approach to historical drama storytelling. Whether this unconventional blend of comedy, strategy, and meta-narrative will stand out in the crowded costume drama market remains to be seen after its premiere.
