Set in the Tang Dynasty, Flourished Peony follows the turbulent journey of Mu Dan (Peony), a young woman whose life is upended by deception and betrayal. When her mother falls gravely ill, Mu Dan is coerced into marrying Liu Chang in exchange for his family’s prized medicine, which is believed to be her mother’s only hope. However, the marriage turns out to be a cruel scam. While Liu Chang harbors resentment towards Mu Dan, his parents are solely interested in the enormous dowry she brings. Instead of administering the real medicine, they give her mother a fake one, ultimately leading to her death.

Devastated and furious upon discovering the deception, Mu Dan demands a divorce. However, both Liu Chang and his parents refuse. Liu Chang, despite his initial disdain, has fallen for Mu Dan’s strength and authenticity, while his parents are unwilling to part with the wealth she brings. Their greed intensifies when Liu Chang’s childhood sweetheart reappears after her own failed marriage. Seeing an opportunity to break free, Mu Dan pushes harder for the divorce, only to find herself the target of a murderous plot by the Liu family.

Mu Dan manages to escape and flees to Chang’an, the capital city. Though she faces numerous hardships, her determination sees her through. She eventually establishes her own business with the help of Jiang Chang Yang, a seemingly corrupt official from whom she secures a small loan. Initially wary of him, Mu Dan later discovers that his outward corruption is merely a facade for a greater purpose. Jiang Chang Yang is, in reality, an upstanding and compassionate man who greatly admires Mu Dan’s wit, intelligence, and perseverance.

Characters and Acting
Mu Dan is a compelling protagonist—brave, resolute, and always able to see the bigger picture. She confronts every challenge head-on, surviving multiple assassination attempts and mistreatment while emerging stronger each time. Yang Zi delivers a commendable performance as Mu Dan, though there are moments where her acting feels somewhat rigid, as if she is reciting lines mechanically. Additionally, while her flawless makeup aligns with contemporary beauty trends, it makes her appear mannequin-like.

Mu Dan is also a gifted gardener, possessing a green thumb that allows all flowers to flourish under her care. Flowers were highly popular during the Tang Dynasty, with almost everyone, including men, wearing flowers in their hair. Mu Dan’s flower-themed businesses thrive, ultimately making her one of the wealthiest women in town.

Li Xian portrays Jiang Chang Yang with great believability, embodying the character’s flamboyant and seemingly corrupt nature while subtly revealing his deeper integrity. His wealth and power provide a sense of security, reassuring viewers that Mu Dan is safe in his presence.

The drama also features several despicable characters, chief among them being Mu Dan ex-father-in-law. Another character that is being portrayed very realistically is Wu Niang. She has low self-esteem, is weak, hesitant, and easily swayed by sweet words. Her character resonates with many women trapped in abusive relationships, unable to summon the strength to leave but chooses to escape—an unfortunate reality that persists even today.

One of the highlights of the drama is the dynamic between Mu Dan and Jiang Chang Yang. Their witty banter and calculated exchanges build an undeniable chemistry, demonstrating their deep trust in one another. Another standout relationship is between Jiang Chang Yang and his loyal sidekick, Chuan Yu. Though respectful and devoted to his master, Chuan Yu is also fearless, knowing that Jiang Chang Yang would never harm him. His sharp-witted criticisms and humorous betrayals of Jiang Chang Yang to Mu Dan add levity to the narrative.

OSTs
I'm particularly impressed by its OSTs, with "Spread Good Reputation", "Yuzhang Trip" and "Like Frost" being my favorites.

Final Thoughts
Flourished Peony is a powerful depiction of the struggles women have faced throughout history. Mu Dan’s character serves as an inspiring figure—she never gives up, never succumbs to fear, and even in the face of mortal danger, she remains steadfast in her resolve to help others.

Beyond its feminist undertones, the drama also presents a scathing critique of corruption, which remains relevant in today’s world. It underscores the importance of courageous individuals standing up against oppressive systems and those who exploit power for personal gain.

While viewers expect antagonists to receive their fair share of punishment, the villains in this drama seem to get away scot-free—at least, they neither die nor go to jail. Regular characters, such as Mu Dan’s friends, do not receive the prosperous or happy endings they deserve. Perhaps this reflects reality more accurately than the typical fairytale conclusion. The relationship between Mu Dan and Jiang Chang Yang feels somewhat at a status quo; while they continue to be confidants, their bond does not evolve into a traditional romance (no kisses) despite the knot is tied. The only indication of Jiang Chang Yang's lingering romantic feelings for Mu Dan is his jealousy when another young man expresses a desire to serve her. To Mu Dan, the wedding is just for show.

The final five episodes lack the excitement of the earlier ones. The intrigue, scheming, and clash between good and evil fade away, leaving only a focus on Mu Dan’s business success and her prowess as a skilled entrepreneur and manager.

Overall, Flourished Peony is a visually stunning drama with lavish settings and high production values. While the majority of the story is captivating, the final few episodes lose momentum and feel uninspired. Nevertheless, it remains an entertaining watch, particularly for its portrayal of the advanced and prosperous Tang society over 1,400 years ago.