The upcoming historical drama Princess Shang, starring Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui, has officially begun filming. The first stills released by the production quickly captured attention: Meng Ziyi’s regal attire and striking look vividly embody the elegance of Princess Danyang, while Li Yunrui’s refined, scholarly aura perfectly matches his character. Their reunion on screen has already become one of the season’s hottest talking points.
Even before the project was confirmed, rumors of the pair’s “third collaboration” had stirred online buzz. Following their partnerships in West Out of Yumen and Nine-Purple Towers (《西出玉门》《九重紫》), fans were eager for another chance to see the two together. Once the official Weibo account launched and the lead cast was announced, the show gained over 100,000 followers in less than a week, with 178,000 engagements by the first day of filming—a clear sign of how much anticipation surrounds the “Yun–Meng CP.”
Adapted from the popular novel of the same name by Yi Ren Kui Kui, Princess Shang weaves together romance and political intrigue. The story follows Princess Danyang, outwardly glamorous yet secretly ambitious, and Yan Shang, a poor but intelligent scholar. With her support, Yan Shang gradually rises through the court to become prime minister. Their journey is not just about love but also about strategy, ambition, and mutual empowerment—a dynamic that resonates strongly with readers of the original novel.
Both lead characters are written with deliberate contrasts. Princess Mu Wanyao (Meng Ziyi) appears arrogant and cold but is fiercely independent and never loses herself in love. Yan Shang (Li Yunrui) seems gentle and harmless at first, but beneath the surface lies sharp intelligence and political cunning. When it comes to relationships, however, he is attentive and kind—traits that align naturally with Li Yunrui’s real-life image. Their chemistry is expected to deliver a romance full of tension and fire.
Behind the camera, the drama boasts a powerhouse creative team: director Qin Zhen, known for Lost You Forever (《长相思》); screenwriter He Fang, who penned Till the End of the Moon (《长月烬明》) and Cherish the Flowers (《惜花芷》); along with the acclaimed styling and music teams behind A Dream of Splendor (《梦华录》). With such a strong lineup, production quality is all but guaranteed.
What sets Princess Shang apart from typical romance dramas is its dual-power love line. Rather than a simple tale of devotion, it portrays two ambitious figures—an audacious princess and a scholar-turned-statesman—who test, challenge, and ultimately uplift each other. The push-and-pull between them creates a love story as intense as it is compelling.
✨ With its “perfectly cast” leads and top-tier production crew, Princess Shang is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated costume dramas on the horizon. Will Meng Ziyi and Li Yunrui’s third collaboration spark another CP craze? Viewers will soon find out.
