Asian dramas like
Pretty Maid

During their childhood, Huai Yu, Zhi Gao, and Dan Dan made a pact to be as close as siblings and visited a mysterious old eunuch for fortune-telling using divination sticks. However, the sticks were accidentally shuffled by the eunuch's cat before they could be interpreted. One stick mentioned preferring death over birth, another suggested life was better than death, and the third talked about dying and being reborn. The meaning behind these messages remains a mystery.

In the aftermath of World War II in Shanghai in 1945, Tang Teng, a fighter pilot, and Shen Ying, a Qi Pao saleswoman, fell in love. Despite facing consequences such as being court-martialed for desertion, Tang Teng was determined to be with Shen Ying. He was ultimately saved from a death sentence by family friend Ji Wen, who helped him escape to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Shen Ying, believing Tang Teng to be dead, agreed to marry another man for financial support. However, upon learning that Tang Teng was alive in Hong Kong from expert tailor Lu Xiao Mao, she broke off the engagement and traveled to Hong Kong. Instead of a joyful reunion, Shen Ying discovered that Tang Teng had married Ji Wen.

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

The plot revolves around Bai Wen Huan, who is the head of the Northern Shaanxi Brothers Association

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.

During the 1930s in Shanghai, Peng Yu Tian, a National Army officer, bravely fought against the Japanese forces and was gravely wounded. He was saved by Lei Jin Yi, a field nurse, and the two developed a deep bond. Just as they were preparing to wed, Peng was called back to the battlefield. Tragically, Peng's family was targeted and bombed by the Japanese. Lei managed to escape with Peng's child and later assumed a new identity as Shen Han Bing, working as a dancer to support her family. Meanwhile, Peng, believing Lei had perished in the bombing, went on to marry a wealthy businessman named Wu Jiang. However, fate brought Peng and Lei back together when they crossed paths at a party hosted by Wujiang. As a member of the Communist underground, Peng was tasked with investigating Wu Jiang, and sought Lei's help in uncovering the truth. It was ultimately revealed that Wu Jiang was a Japanese spy posing as a Chinese. After the Anti-Japanese War, Wu Jiang attempted to flee with Lei, but was apprehended and met his end at the hands of Peng and Lei.

"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.

In a time of military expansionism, He Tao Hua's father, a highly respected military official, was killed. Adopting a new persona, Tao Hua embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind her father's murder. By 1925, the He Family had been wiped out, leaving only He Tao Hua alive. She ventures to a different city and finds employment as a servant for the Liao Family. Her quick wit and charm win over Old Master Liao, while she also forms a romantic relationship with Young Master Liao Chun Feng. However, just before their wedding, Liao Chun Feng learns of her true identity and, unable to bear the burden, confesses before leaving to join the war effort. Recognizing her feelings for him, He Tao Hua decides to pursue him despite the challenges that lie ahead.

A jade sculptor named Li Tian Shun, residing in Beijing Old Street, bravely defends a valuable jade ornament that has the power to change the fate of the nation. Despite facing opposition from local criminal groups, Li Tian Shun remains steadfast in his mission to safeguard this national treasure. Alongside other ordinary yet courageous individuals in the neighborhood, such as Chinese opera singer Yang Shang De, camel herder Ding Guang Yuan, and antique dealer Jin Zhao Ji, Li Tian Shun demonstrates unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. The arrival of Ding Liu Lan, a Communist revolutionary, brings a glimmer of hope for a brighter future to Old Street.

In 1913, Yuan Shi Kai assumed the role of temporary president and collaborated with foreign countries to betray the nation. Four individuals - Feng Yi, a covert operative dedicated to his homeland, Liu Yi Kui, a passionate nationalist, Hua Er, a destitute girl longing for basic necessities, and Xiao Xue, an aspiring singer - all become entangled in the clandestine plot to betray their country. Xiao Xue harbors feelings of affection and admiration for Liu Yi Kui, who, in turn, develops feelings for the courageous Hua Er. However, Hua Er's heart belongs to Feng Yi, who had shown her kindness in her time of need. As they face a treacherous conspiracy and the destiny of their nation, their youthful relationships become increasingly complex, and their bond must withstand numerous challenges until they ultimately emerge as unsung heroes of the nation. During that era, a group of individuals emerged who, though not connected by blood or friendship, were willing to make great sacrifices that have shaped our present reality.

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.

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.

During the early years of the Republic of China in Taiwan, there was a reorganization of industries, financial instability, and ongoing natural and man-made disasters. Two individuals from different regions, one from the North and the other from the South, came together to create and distribute the finest soy sauce in Taipei stores.

Taking place in Shanghai during the 1930s and 1940s, the plot centers around a dance hostess named Chin Zhao Li and her relationships with three significant men. Chin Zhao Li was compelled to work as a dance hostess at the well-known Paramount dance hall in Shanghai at the age of 18 due to her family's financial struggles. The narrative revolves around her encounter with her first love, Sheng Yue Ru, a young man from Shanghai's elite class who is passionate about painting and theater, having studied abroad. Despite facing opposition from their families, particularly Yue Ru's affluent banker father, the couple's love blossomed and they became romantically involved. This story is adapted from the short story "The Last Night of Taipan Chin" from the collection "Taipei People" by Pai Hsien Yung.

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.

The narrative follows Lin Rui Xi, a timid girl from a humble village, as she rises from obscurity to prominence in the glamorous world of Shanghai's film industry. Through a stroke of luck involving a cheongsam dress, Lin unexpectedly finds love, success, and a passion for her work. Set against a backdrop of intense rivalry and conflicting interests, she navigates the tumultuous waters of love and ambition with resilience and grace.

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.

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

During the Qing Dynasty, a princess witnesses the downfall of her family. She navigates through challenging circumstances and grows into a successful businesswoman. Tong Yu Wan, despite her royal background, represents a new wave of empowered women in the Republican era. Her affection for Zhou Ting Chen develops after he saves her from danger, but she is ultimately married off to Du Yun Tang, the son of a wealthy businessman, by her parents. Du Yun Tang may seem carefree on the surface, but he proves to be a valuable and strategic business partner for Yu Wan. Meanwhile, Zhou Ting Chen becomes involved in revolutionary activities, while his friend Li Shao Feng poses as the only son of the Li family and offers his sister Li Xue Mei to warlord Shen Zhi Pei. At the same time, Li Shao Feng works for a Japanese company and becomes a fierce competitor to the Du family in the race for development projects. Yu Wan finds herself entangled in complex relationships with various individuals in her life, including her lover Zhou Ting Chen, husband Du Yun Tang, friend Li Xue Mei, foe Li Shao Feng, and twins Qing Ping and Hong Yu.

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.

Set in the Early Republic period, this drama follows the tale of Gu Zhi Xia, the missing daughter of a military governor. Originally known as Ling Xue, she lost her memories while trying to find her father. Renamed Zhi Xia without her memories, her sworn sister Cui Cui took on the identity of Ling Xue. The story delves into the intricate and emotional love triangle involving Zhi Xia and the two men vying for her affection. Will she choose Xiang Tian, a rugged bandit with whom she developed a deep connection through life-threatening situations, or Chi Rui, the heir of the Chi family who instantly fell for her? Join Zhi Xia on her journey filled with joy, sorrow, and above all, love. (CdramaDevotee)

The story revolves around three separate households in Beijing as they experience China's transition from a feudal society to a democracy. The themes of familial bonds, love, and patriotism are interconnected as individuals, both men and women, evolve in their relationships for the sake of love or friendship.

Taking place in the Republican era, Dong Fang Jing Qi was raised by her adoptive father who educated her in the field of medicine. Upon his death, he reveals to her about their family's adversary. Seeking vengeance, she disguises herself as a servant in the household of pharmacist Du Yuan Shan. As she nears her objective, Du Yuan Shan discloses the true events of the past. Concurrently, Du Yuan Shan's son, Du Ming Hai, finds himself falling for Jing Qi.

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 depicting the challenges faced by Huang Xiao Hua, a retired soldier and member of the Communist party, from her youth at 18 to her old age at 80. Following the Chinese victory in the Anti-Japanese Occupation war, Huang Xiao Hua settles down in a peaceful farming village. She attracts the attention of two young men - war hero Wei Shou Gen and party branch secretary Tan Shan Tang - who both vie for her affections. Forced to flee, Huang Xiao Hua disguises herself as a man and relocates to a different village. There, she meets military leader Zhao Jing Song and joins the military as a medical worker. The two develop a romantic relationship, but Huang Xiao Hua is injured in battle and falls into a coma. Upon awakening, she embarks on a quest to find her lover, only to discover that he has passed away. She then dedicates herself to caring for his children until they come of age.

A narrative unfolds depicting a revolutionary who faces numerous perils in his crusade for his nation and eventually joins the Communist Party. During the 1930s, Xiong Bao Shan, the head of a criminal organization controlling Shanghai's waterways, uses up all his resources in a final confrontation against the Japanese invaders. However, before he can achieve victory, he is killed in his own residence. This incident leaves his son-in-law, Chen Lei, wounded, and forces his daughter, Xiong Hui Ming, to escape Shanghai with their child. Chen Lei suspects Sun Ben Li, who has ties to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, as the perpetrator and aligns himself with police superintendent Zeng Ru Long, a long-standing adversary of the Xiong Family, in pursuit of justice. Misinterpreting Chen Lei's actions as a betrayal, Xiong Hui Ming rises to the leadership of the criminal organization. Will they be able to join forces against their adversaries?

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.

After returning from the battlefield to attend his father's funeral and take over as warlord, Marshal Xue Dong Feng is shocked to learn that his fiancée, Ji Lian Yun, had married his father as a concubine just five days earlier. Feeling betrayed by the woman he loved, Xue Dong Feng treated her cruelly and humiliated her, despite always coming to her aid in times of crisis. As he struggled with conflicting feelings of love and hatred towards Ji Lian Yun, he also felt jealousy towards his sworn brother Xue Zhi Hai, who grew closer to her. Unbeknownst to Xue Dong Feng, Ji Lian Yun had married into the Governor's Mansion for revenge. Her father had been wrongly convicted in an arms trafficking case by Xue Dong Feng's father, who Ji Lian Yun believed was responsible for her parents' deaths in prison. Amidst a backdrop of love, hatred, guilt, innocence, truth, and lies, the question remains: which of these emotions will prevail in the midst of chaos?

Fu Yun Yue holds the position of second-in-command in the Crimson Flame Gang of Dragon City. Despite her brother Fu Yun Zheng's disapproval, she pretends to be someone else in order to approach Shen Xi Ze, the Shen family's young master. Her ultimate goal is to seek vengeance for her mother by eliminating Shen Wen De, the Shen family patriarch. As she carries out her mission, she uncovers a hidden secret that goes even deeper than she had anticipated.

Following a turn of events, street orphan Ruan Fei Fei takes on the persona of a renowned courtesan and infiltrates the esteemed Huo family, reinventing herself as the heiress Huo Qing Wan. With a strong desire for vengeance, she navigates a complex landscape of influence and betrayal while becoming deeply entangled in a passionate and tumultuous relationship with the authoritative young marshal, Huo Xiu.

Within a collection of historical artifacts, there lies a diary requiring immediate restoration. Liu Yuan, a young and compassionate restorer, takes on the task alongside her partner Wang Ze, a skilled restoration expert who has recently returned from studying abroad. Despite their differing roles, the two inevitably engage in some friendly banter while working together. As they delve deeper into the restoration process, they uncover a forgotten story from the 1930s and 1940s involving a female agent named Zhao Deng Man and her mission with a mysterious man known as "Fox" in a hotel. A sudden incident leads to an investigation that entangles everyone present, with various factions vying for control. The lines between friend and foe blur, leaving behind a trail of secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Xian, a girl raised by Hui, a single mother who owns a photo studio, had her life changed when she stumbled into the studio while following her lover Cong. Boss Meng from a film company noticed her and took advantage of Xian's innocence and desire to become an actress, leading her to fame and emotional fulfillment. However, during a time of war, Boss Meng abandoned pregnant Xian, who also lost her mother Hui due to betrayal from emotional support Lao Wang. Xian's only hope for survival became her daughter Zhi. As time passed, Zhi grew up and fell in love with her classmate Zou Jie, despite facing obstacles due to their backgrounds. Despite this, the couple persevered. In her middle age, Xian reunited with her former lover Cong, and they rekindled their love for each other. Their lives, filled with ups and downs, resolved misunderstandings between generations, allowing the mother and daughter to embrace beautiful lives together.