Story of Kunning Palace

A Gripping Tale of Power, Rebirth, and Redemption

Original Title: 宁安如梦 / Ning An Ru Meng
English Title: Story of Kunning Palace
Genre: Historical, Romance, Political
Episodes: 38
Broadcast Network: iQiyi
Broadcast Period: November 7 – November 25, 2023
Air Time: 19:00 CST
Based on the novel: Kun Ning (坤宁) by Shi Jing

📜 Synopsis

Jiang Xuening once schemed her way to the highest position in the palace — Empress of the Da Qian Kingdom. Yet, just as she achieved ultimate power, betrayal struck, and she was forced to take her own life during a bloody coup. But fate offers her a second chance.

Reborn before the events that led to her downfall, Jiang Xuening’s only wish is to live a quiet life, far from the treacherous court. However, destiny pulls her back into the palace, where she becomes a tutor under Xie Wei, the imperial master who once held the strings of power.

Determined to change the tragic fates of those she once cared about, Jiang Xuening secretly plots to stop the infamous “Blood Crown Ceremony” that dooms the Yan family. Her covert alliance with Xie Wei sets off a chain of events that not only saves lives but also thrusts her deeper into political warfare, rebellion, and an unexpected romance.

As foreign threats loom from the Yue Kingdom and hidden conspiracies begin to unravel, Jiang Xuening and Xie Wei must face enemies within and without. Together, they uncover the truth behind Prince Pingnan’s betrayal 20 years ago — and with it, their own intertwined destinies.

🌟 Main Cast & Characters

Bai Lu as Jiang Xuening
A brilliant yet scarred former empress, Jiang Xuening is both calculating and compassionate. After rebirth, she walks a fine line between seeking peace and facing unavoidable responsibilities. Bai Lu delivers a performance filled with nuance and intensity.
Zhang Ling He as Xie Wei / Xue Dingfei
The enigmatic Imperial Tutor whose wisdom and strategic mind steer the tides of the court. Cold and unreadable on the surface, Xie Wei’s devotion to Jiang Xuening becomes his greatest vulnerability. Zhang Ling He’s layered portrayal makes him a standout.
Wang Xing Yue as Zhang Zhe
A noble secretary in the Division of Criminal Justice, Zhang Zhe becomes a loyal ally and possible rival in both politics and love.
Zhou Jun Wei as Yan Lin (Yan Min)
Son of Marquis Yong Yi and a key figure in the Blood Crown Ceremony, Yan Lin’s fate is one Jiang Xuening is determined to rewrite.
Liu Xie Ning as Shen Zhiyi
The courageous Elder Princess of Le Yang, Shen Zhiyi becomes both Jiang Xuening’s closest friend and a political figure of peace. Her journey to the enemy Yue Kingdom for a peace alliance is one of the drama’s most powerful arcs.

🔥 What Makes Story of Kunning Palace Stand Out?

🌀 A Female Antiheroine Worth Rooting For

Unlike the typical palace drama lead, Jiang Xuening is flawed but deeply human. Her ambition, mistakes, and growth set her apart. Viewers watch her evolve from a calculating empress to a woman seeking redemption and justice.

🔁 Rebirth and Political Intrigue

The second-chance trope is elevated here with intense political plotting and emotional weight. Every move Jiang Xuening makes is driven by past regrets, giving her actions a profound sense of urgency.

💔 Tragic Romance With Depth

Xie Wei and Jiang Xuening’s love is quiet, complicated, and deeply moving. Their relationship doesn’t rely on grand gestures but on mutual respect, protection, and sacrifice.

⚔️ Action-Packed and Thought-Provoking

From court politics to battlefield diplomacy, the drama keeps its audience hooked with clever schemes, betrayals, and acts of bravery. The mystery behind the Prince Pingnan rebellion adds a satisfying layer of suspense.

🎥 Production Highlights

Original Novel: Kun Ning (坤宁) by Shi Jing
Directors: Zhu Rui Bin, Lan Zhi Wei, Gu Zhi Wei
Screenwriters: Ren Zhuang Liu, Yan Mo Yi
Producers: Niu Ji Xin, Quan Hao Jin, Liu Zi Yin, Nie Ben Jie
Art Direction: Han Zhong, Ma Xiao Fei
Stylist: Fang Si Zhe
Makeup Artist: Wang Han
Choreography & Martial Arts: Wang De Ming
Music: Yi Rui, Gong Shu Jun
Production Company: iQiyi
Filming Period: May 21 – September 8, 2022

🎶 OST – Music That Moves the Soul

The Story of Kunning Palace OST features elegant, haunting compositions that mirror the drama’s emotional highs and lows. From soft zither melodies during palace intrigue to powerful orchestral pieces in battle scenes, the soundtrack elevates every moment.

👥 Viewer Reception

User Ratings: ★★★★☆ 4.76/5 (21 votes)
Praised for its sharp script, emotionally charged performances, and powerful female lead, the series quickly gained a devoted following. Viewers commend its balance of slow-burn romance and tense political drama.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Story of Kunning Palace is a beautifully crafted tale of power, regret, and second chances. It takes everything beloved about palace dramas — ambition, love, betrayal — and wraps it in a poignant, poetic narrative that lingers long after the final episode.

If you loved dramas like The Rise of Phoenixes, Empresses in the Palace, or Love Between Fairy and Devil, this series is a must-watch.