Chasing Dramas

The Story of Ming Lan – Ep 1: Engagement Party Drama

The drama begins by introducing us to two main conflicts. The first is that young Ming Lan, the main character of the show, and her mother are unable to secure coal to help them through the winter. The second, is that Ming Lan's oldest sister, Hua Lan's engagement party is almost ruined. Their brother drank too much and almost loses his sister's betrothal gift in a bet. We are introduced to the dynamics of the Sheng household and some interesting traditions of Chinese marriage during the Song Dynasty.

The Story of Ming Lan: Intro to the Drama

Set in the Northern Song Dynasty, this drama depicts the life of the 6th daughter of the Sheng family, Sheng Ming Lan. Though not of high birth, she is able to use her intelligence and perseverance to secure happiness in this interesting time period. This podcast episode provides the historical background of this drama, the Story of Ming Lan/ 知否知否硬是绿肥红瘦 and introduces the 2 main leads.