Asian dramas like
Maids

This drama portrays the story of Kim Man Deok, a woman from Jeju Island who rose above her humble beginnings as a gisaeng and the limitations imposed by her isolated birthplace, which was viewed as a distant exile at that time. She emerged as a prosperous female trader during the Joseon Era. Eventually, she gained recognition as a paragon of virtue and nobility by donating her entire fortune to assist the people of Jeju during a famine, thereby saving numerous lives.

Si Young, the eldest son of Park Hee Chan, is aware of the reason behind his father's insistence on him succeeding the family business. He is known for his ruthless business tactics and gradually evolves into a formidable leader while managing the guild. On the other hand, Jae Young, his younger brother, forges his own path and refrains from adopting his brother's cutthroat business approach.

The son of the renowned doctor Gu Feng from Qingyuantang pharmacy tragically drowned, leading Gu Feng's mother to blame their butler, Fang Cheng. Feeling resentful, Fang Cheng, who had a daughter named Qiang Wei with his mistress He Xiu, decided to swap his daughter with Gu Feng's daughter Ren Dong, who had been previously fostered elsewhere. Qiang Wei was raised in luxury by the Gu family, while Ren Dong grew up in poverty with He Xiu. As adults, Ren Dong coincidentally found employment at Qingyuantang pharmacy and crossed paths with Han Chong, a man who had faced numerous hardships in his life. Ren Dong's positive attitude and medical skills quickly earned her popularity at the pharmacy, including catching the attention of Zheng Ding, her longtime crush. When Fang Cheng discovered Ren Dong's true identity, he plotted against her and convinced Gu Feng's mother to create obstacles for her. Qiang Wei, upon learning her real heritage, also worked to prevent Ren Dong from reuniting with her family. With the support of Han Chong and Zheng Ding, Ren Dong persevered through challenges and emerged as a respected doctor. Fang Cheng's deceitful actions were eventually exposed, leading to his punishment, and Ren Dong was ultimately able to reunite with her family.

During the early 1900s in China, Xiao Yue Gui, a young girl from the countryside, moves to Shanghai to avoid starvation. By rescuing Yu Qi Yang, a member of the Pujiang Association, the most powerful gang in Shanghai, she gains access to the leaders of the organization. This leads her to start working at their brothel, which alters the course of her life. Xiao Yue Gui is now on a journey to become the next "King of Shanghai," following in the footsteps of three previous generations, as depicted in Hong Ying's novel.

Due to financial difficulties, Wen Yu He's father agreed to have her marry into the Gu family as the wife of Madam Gu's third son. With Madam Gu's first son missing and her second son deceased, all hope was placed on Yu He and her remaining brother-in-law. The third son, Shao Tang, is known for his reckless behavior, spending time in brothels and gambling away his money. Madam Gu believed that Yu He could positively influence her son. Yun Kai, a school teacher, disguised himself as a groundskeeper to work in the Gu household, assisting with accounting and the family's lantern business. Despite facing mistreatment from her older sister-in-law, Yu He remains devoted to Shao Tang. As tensions rise and hidden agendas come to light, the Gu family's secrets begin to unravel, revealing a web of deceit and betrayal.

In the 1930s, the setting for this tale is in the southern region of Fujian

Shen Xin Ci escapes from her dangerous fiance, Liang Yong Chang, after discovering the truth. Along the way, she encounters Zhao Shi Jun, who shows compassion by giving her money to settle her father's medical bills. Following her father's passing, Xin Ci resolves to find Shi Jun and repay his kindness, regardless of the request. To resolve conflicts between Shahe Town and Wan Jia Village and secure the water supply, Zhao Shi Jun is compelled to marry Mayor Wan's daughter, Wan Qiu Ling. On their journey to Qiu Ling's new home, she falls ill due to a lifelong condition but is saved by a mysterious doctor, Liang Yong Chang. He offers a cure for her illness but warns that she will be unable to conceive in the future. Determined to continue her family line, Qiu Ling follows Yong Chang's advice and switches places with another girl to ensure pregnancy. Unbeknownst to Yong Chang, the other girl happens to be his former fiance, Shen Xin Ci. Now, Yong Chang seeks revenge on Zhao Shi Jun and anyone else in his path.

"The Tale of Qin Cheng" narrates the renowned saga of Meng's Household and Lin's Household near the Yellow River. In the past, Meng Xiang He, the heir of Meng's clan, wedded Lin Xiang Yu, the offspring of Lin's Household, in an arranged marriage. However, he absconded shortly after the ceremony. Consequently, Meng's Household agreed to a settlement: if Meng Xiang He did not return within six years, they would compensate Lin's Household with ten thousand silver dollars and over sixty thousand square meters of land. After six years, Meng Xiang He reappeared with his newfound lover as his wife. This led to a complex web of emotions involving both families and wives. Leveraging his business acumen, he amassed a fortune through trading hookahs and rose to become the wealthiest individual in Qingcheng, earning himself the status of a legendary figure. As the prolonged feud neared its conclusion, the true identity of the main antagonist was finally revealed. (Q1Q2)

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s, this famous story follows the journey of Zhang Lian Xin, a former maid who defies her predetermined fate during China's conflict with Japan. In her pursuit of liberty and affection, Lian Xin becomes entangled in Zhang Wen Jin's plot to overthrow his father, leading to her and Chong Yang being falsely accused of a crime. As they face numerous challenges while battling against Wen Jin and the Japanese forces, Lian Xin and Chong Yang develop a romantic relationship. In an attempt to protect Chong Yang, Lian Xin chooses to turn down He Tian, a wealthy admirer who is deeply in love with her, and instead weds Ma Kun, the influential leader of Shanghai Bund's underworld. Upon uncovering Ma Kun's true nature and facing the wrath of the Japanese, Lian Xin and Chong Yang make the ultimate sacrifice by relinquishing their love and lives in the name of freedom and justice.

Consort Shun expressed her discontent with her elder sister Consort Yu by spreading rumors about her within the palace. The nanny, Sheung Ling, had ulterior motives as she pretended to help uncover the truth for others, when in reality she was scheming for personal gain. She managed to earn Consort Yu's trust and they became close friends. The arrival of Kunqu Opera artist Ko Lau Fei and FaDan Wan Chau Yin stirred up emotions among the women in the palace. Feeling threatened by Consort Yu interfering with her plans, Shun devised a cunning scheme. Unexpectedly, she found herself entangled in a complicated relationship with Ling and Fei. To further manipulate her sister, Shun enlisted the help of fortune-teller Tung Kat Hoi, who was seen as eccentric by the public but was privy to the true madness within the Forbidden City.

The tale takes place in the early Minguo period within a concealed library. Fan Zhen holds the books passed down from his forebears in high regard and protects them fiercely. Fan Shu Han, Fan Zhen's adopted son, possesses an extraordinary memory and is infatuated with Lin Ruo Yun, the daughter of his father's long-time friend Lin Zheng Gong. Despite their decision to run away together, their plans are foiled, leading to a tragic outcome. Fan Yu Lian, Shu Han's older sister, is intelligent and sophisticated. She is compelled to marry Lin Shao Qing, Zheng Gong's eldest son, due to family obligations, even though her heart belongs to Fang Zi Wen, a scholar who frequents her family's library.

Taking place during the early Qing dynasty, the plot centers on the love affair between Dorgon and Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang. (Wikipedia)

Lin Wan Ru's family runs a well-known bean shop and they lead a modest, yet fulfilling life. However, their peaceful existence is disrupted when Mr. Lin agrees to guarantee his cousin's loan and becomes the primary target of debt collectors. The family loses everything, including their shop and home. To repay the debt, Wan Ru takes a job at Ji Xiang Brothel. Gao Ming Hui, a compassionate and affluent young man who owns a prosperous timber business, empathizes with Wan Ru and falls in love with her. Despite his mother's strong disapproval, Ming Hui rescues Wan Ru from her difficult situation at the brothel and decides to marry her.

On the eve of the 1911 Revolution, Duan Muhai is getting ready for the fire festival at his Nanshan Manor. Duan Muhai, a wealthy man known for his questionable methods of acquiring wealth, has a favorite daughter named Aiyue. Aiyue stands out from the rest of the family for her intelligence, empathy, and clear moral values. Aiyue's servant A Ci is a carefree individual who enjoys dancing with a bamboo pole, smoking, and singing folk songs. During the annual fire festival, two young men named Liu Bo'en and Long Chulai arrive and meet Aiyue and A Ci. Aiyue starts to develop feelings for Bo'en but struggles to express them due to her pride. A Ci, who is deeply in love with Bo'en, tries to take advantage of the situation. Long Chulai admires Aiyue from afar but keeps his feelings hidden due to his insecurities about his appearance. As the 1911 Revolution unfolds and Duan Muhai's family faces hardships, Bo'en is sent to Beijing, and Aiyue is forced into a childhood marriage arrangement and later sold to an opium lord by her heartless husband. However, the ruthless Wang Kun is intrigued by Aiyue's Sandao tea and decides to support her in establishing a tea garden.

The plot of the drama revolves around the question of what might occur if Lee Myong Ryong were to be considered unattractive, whereas his servant Bang Ja Jeon possessed good looks. As Lee Myong Ryong pursues Lady Chun Hyang, both individuals utilize their servants as intermediaries for communication...

The drama narrates the tale of Hong Pei Shan, the Hong family's adopted daughter-in-law, who defied traditional practices and challenged destiny due to her romance with the Hong family's adopted son in the era of the Republic of China

The series revolves around the challenges faced by the main character as she is compelled into a marriage with a high-ranking official of the Kuomintang, also known as the National party.

Master Long and his loyal friend Fang Xiu Cai come together to help their village during a severe outbreak. They later uncover that Madam Long and Master Long are responsible for the disease outbreak. The wicked duo then kills Master Long and blames Fang Xiu Cai for the epidemic, resulting in the demise of the entire Fang family except for Fang Xiu Cai's young son. In a twist of fate, Fang Xiu Cai's son is mistakenly switched with the Long family's son. The true heir of the Long family is raised by the Guan family, while Fang's son grows up in the Long family's care.

Numerous brave individuals rose to prominence during the turbulent era spanning from the Sui to early Tang dynasties. Among the most renowned were Qin Qiong, Luo Cheng, Cheng Yao Jin, Shan Xiong Xin, and Wei Chi Gong, collectively referred to as the "Five Tigers of Sui and Tang." These heroes played a crucial role in assisting Li Shi Min in overcoming rebellions and adversaries, ultimately bringing peace to the land. The drama will commence with the founding of the Sui dynasty and culminate in Li Shi Min's coronation as ruler.

The plot follows Du Yu Lou, who runs a tea shop called "Shenchang" and is unexpectedly promoted to head after his brother's tragic death

The melodrama depicts the journey of Han Chun Ming, a once educated young man. Upon his return to the city from a rural village, Han Chun Ming explores various avenues to sustain himself, such as running a street vendor stall. Through his perseverance and dedication, Han Chun Ming manages to save up enough money to start his own business and capture the affection of his desired romantic partner.

Qu Yuan, a gifted child from a respectable family, finds himself in an unexpected romance with Mo Chou Nu, a slave. Their love is hindered by their social differences, leading them to face numerous challenges as they navigate through political intrigues and palace schemes in their quest to be together. The narrative also chronicles Qu Yuan's gradual efforts to protect his nation.

Sin Yun Bok is a skilled artist who masquerades as a male in order to track down her father's killer

Set in Shanxi during the early Republican era, the story centers around the Long family, a wealthy clan. The protagonist, Ying Niang, along with her children, face numerous challenges in a harsh world. Ying Gu, a young mistress of the affluent Long family, has three daughters during her eight-year marriage. Due to superstitions surrounding her third daughter, Ying Gu and her husband, Long Ji Zong, are compelled to leave with their daughter for her safety. Tragedy strikes when Xu Zhi passes away, leaving Ying Gu pregnant with his son and deserted by her in-laws. Facing rejection from her own family, Ying Gu is forced to marry an opium addict who callously sells her daughter for drugs. In a moment of desperation, Ying Gu starts a fire and is imprisoned. Despite giving birth to her son while incarcerated, her life post-release is grim. Long Yan Zong, her husband's younger twin, tries to assist, but the tumultuous times lead to her separation from her children. Determined to reunite her family, Ying Gu embarks on a challenging journey.

A tale of rivalry and romance unfolds between Jianwen Emperor Zhu Yun Wen and his uncle Zhu Di as they compete for power and the affections of the same woman. Despite his impressive abilities and bravery, Zhu Di was never able to become crown prince due to the rules of succession. When the crown prince unexpectedly dies, Zhu Yun Wen is named emperor by Zhu Yuan Zhang, creating a barrier for Zhu Di. Both men become enamored with Xu Miao Yun, setting the stage for her tragic dilemma of being torn between two rulers.

The story takes place between the 1920s and 1940s and focuses on Beile Ha Lan, a mischievous and timid individual from the former Qing Dynasty. Ha Lan's life takes a dramatic turn when he comes into possession of a confidential document detailing the treasures hidden in the imperial tombs. Born in a rundown palace in the capital city in 1909, Ha Lan shares a childhood romance with Xiao Yue Lou. While serving as a study companion in the palace, Ha Lan develops a passion for imperial cuisine and befriends the skilled Chef Xie. Despite being engaged to Tong Li Hua, the daughter of Marquis Tong, Ha Lan declines the arrangement and expresses his desire to marry Xiao Yue Lou instead. Elsewhere, Eunuch Wang steals the secret tomb records, but Chef Xie manages to swap it with a meal given to Ha Lan. Additionally, Eunuch Wang's godson, Wang Si Jai, is also on the hunt for the treasures.

Yi Yul, the Crown Prince of Joseon, is a meticulous individual who largely dismisses the nobles within the royal court

Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Yong roamed the marketplace as a troublemaker by day, but transformed into a thief at night, targeting corrupt officials to aid the impoverished

Following the tragic death of the Fu family, Fu Zhao Xue is the sole survivor. She suspects her former lover, Gu Jing Zhou, of being responsible for the crime. To uncover the truth, she assumes a new identity as Lin Qian Yu and marries into the Gu family as Gu Jing Zhou's sister-in-law. As she tries to get closer to him, she finds herself entangled in a complicated relationship that causes tension among the Gu brothers. As secrets are revealed, Lin Qian Yu and Gu Jing Zhou's complicated past resurfaces, leading to a dramatic conflict between revenge and forbidden love.

Taking place in the 10th century, the plot centers on two kings: Zhao Kuang Yin, a skilled conqueror who became the inaugural leader of the Song dynasty, and Li Yu, a renowned writer who served as the final ruler of the Southern Tang dynasty. The TV show delves into the intricate dynamics of the friendship and rivalry between these historical figures, as well as their romantic involvement with a woman named Zhou E Huang.

Set in a vineyard in China during the early 20th century, the story revolves around the art of winemaking and the emotional journey of a widow engaged in a ghost marriage and her husband's loyal servant.

Set during the Enlightenment period of 19th-century Joseon, this story features a protagonist who is the offspring of the kingdom's most renowned swordsman. Following the loss of his father and the sale of his younger sister into slavery, he exchanges his sword for a firearm as he sets out on a quest for vengeance. Throughout this journey, the drama aims to illustrate the struggles and bravery of the youth from that time.

Ba U, a disreputable individual engaged in gambling, theft, and brawling, conceals his real self while profiting from Bossam, a traditional remarriage practice in Joseon involving the abduction of widows for marriage. In a misguided attempt, Ba U unknowingly abducts Princess Hwa In, the daughter of King Gwang Hae and the daughter-in-law of his rival Lee I Cheom. Princess Hwa In is coerced into a political marriage with her deceased husband's sibling, resulting in her becoming a widow on her wedding day.

Yongcheonru is known as the most prestigious inn in Joseon, with a strong commitment to treating every guest like royalty. Recently, four new interns have joined the team, each with their own unique motivations. Lee Eun, a disguised Joseon prince who goes by the name Lee Eun Ho, has taken up an internship at Yongcheonru. Hong Deok Soo, pretending to be a man, aspires to become the inn's general manager. Chun Jun Hwa, the heir to Yongcheonru, reluctantly starts as an intern under his father's pressure. Go Soo Ra, seeking to revive his family's fortune, also begins an internship with hopes of securing a permanent position. As they work together at Yongcheonru, these interns form strong bonds and friendships through shared experiences.

Queen Insu (1437-1504), spouse of King Deok Jong and daughter of Hanh Wak, who served as the second state councilor, was designated as Queen Insu beginning in the second year of Sung Jong's reign. She is regarded as one of the most remarkable stateswomen in the history of Joseon. The television series illustrates the tragic fates and relationships of three women. During the reign of King Dan Jong, the sixth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, Prince Soo Yang's son, Do Won, was wed to Han Jung. Distinct from other women of her time, Han Jung openly pursued her political ambitions. Ultimately, she opposed her mother-in-law, Queen Jung Hee, and maneuvered to place her son on the throne. The arrival of Deposed Queen Lady Yun escalated the tensions among the three women to a dramatic peak. (JTBC)

This story takes place in the 1930s during Japan's occupation of Korea. Na Yeo Gyeong owned a bookstore and was also an activist for independence. Seon U Wan, the affluent family's playboy son, got involved in the struggle for freedom after making a wager with his colleagues to win over Na Yeo Gyeong. His father financed the education of his employee's son, Lee Su Hyeon, only to be dismayed upon discovering he was working for the Japanese government's Security Branch. Cha Song Ju was a renowned gisaeng who operated a prestigious brothel.

During the summer of 1920, there was a devastating flood that affected four counties, including Wenling and Zhejiang. In the midst of this chaos, some individuals sought to profit while others struggled to survive. Lin Bi Jun, a skilled female locksmith, escaped to Suzhou with her adoptive father in order to stay alive. Known for her intelligence and knack for fixing and unlocking things, Lin Bi Jun believed she and her father could build a comfortable life in Suzhou. However, her plans took a drastic turn when she was framed and faced execution. In a twist of fate, Lin Bi Jun found herself awakening in a luxurious room with a wealthy man in the north. As she delved deeper into the situation, she discovered a plot involving her sister and a foreigner to smuggle valuable minerals overseas for profit. Influenced by Marxist ideas from a progressive youth named Qian Zhong Jie, Lin Bi Jun was determined to protect the town's resources from exploitation. Through a series of events, she was able to persuade her sister to change her ways and together they worked to safeguard the town's valuable minerals.

In Wangsha Village, Macau, a determined young man named Lin Wei Liang courageously revolted against colonial authority by assassinating Shavard, the Portuguese colonial governor of Macau, thus symbolizing Macau's fight for independence

A television series depicting the dreams, challenges, and victories of Nu Er Ha Chi, the founder of the Qing Dynasty. It follows his journey from a humble soldier to successfully overthrowing the formidable Ming Dynasty. (DramaWiki)