Asian dramas like
Schemes Of A Beauty

The narrative follows the fictionalized account of Liu Che, who was known as Emperor Wu during the Han Dynasty.

The special edition includes scenes and episodes that have never been shown before, enhancing the intrigue of the initial series. (DramaCool)

Born as the daughter of a humble servant, Wei Zi Fu lacks wealth and status, but possesses undeniable beauty and virtue. After catching the eye of Princess Ping Yang and Emperor Wu Liu Che while entertaining at court, Zi Fu's life takes a drastic turn as she becomes Liu Che's cherished empress. However, she must navigate a treacherous high society filled with deceitful courtiers and ulterior motives while trying to maintain her innocence and purity.

In the era of Emperor Wu of Han, Princess Jie You was dispatched to Xiyu as a form of Heqin. In this new land, she faced the challenge of adjusting to her surroundings and managing her husband's harem. Through her dedication, the Han dynasty emerged victorious over the Xiongnu tribe, leading to the spread of Han culture in Xiyu.

Li Zi Yun assumes the persona of Shao Chun Hua and starts working as a servant in the palace, forming a bond with Bai Han Xiang. Despite her desire for a quiet life, her cleverness attracts envy, leading Ling Qi Qiao to make things harder for her. After Emperor Ying Zong's passing, the ascension of the Crown Prince as Emperor Xian Zong sparks a rivalry among the women in the Royal Harem.

For generations, the Gu and Fan families have been rivaling each other in the embroidery industry. In a bid to secure a male successor for their family business, the Gu family exchanged their baby daughter with the Shen family's son in secret. Unexpectedly, the daughter they gave away blossomed into a renowned embroidery expert, while the son they received in return brought misfortune to their business... (DramaWiki)

Upon first setting eyes on Yin Li Hua, Liu Xiu instantly knew she was the one for him. He expressed his desire to serve as a chamberlain of the imperial insignia and to have Yin Li Hua as his wife. Ultimately, Liu Xiu went on to establish the Eastern Han dynasty, reclaiming the throne for the House of Liu after it was taken by Wang Mang in 9 AD. (cfen.si)

The narrative takes place during the Northern Song dynasty and centers around Sheng Ming Lan, the unloved sixth daughter of an official who was born to a concubine. Raised by her grandmother after her mother's early passing, Ming Lan learns to conceal her intelligence and resorts to clever tactics to navigate the treacherous environment of her family, where deceit and lack of familial affection are prevalent. Her path crosses with Gu Ting Ye, the second son of a wealthy marquis household set to inherit both riches and a noble title. Unlike Ming Lan, Ting Ye is transparent in his actions and falls prey to the schemes laid against him, leading to his downfall. Ming Lan and Ting Ye team up, employing cunning strategies and bold initiatives to rise in status and seek justice against those who have wronged them.

The narrative unfolds during the Tang Dynasty, beginning from the latter part of Wu Ze Tian's rule to Emperor Xuan Zong's rise to power.

The drama follows the life of Shang Guan Wan Er, a poet, author, and statesman who served as a concubine to two rulers: Emperor Gao Zong and Emperor Zhong Zong.

Fifteen years following the coronation of Emperor Ka Hing during the Qing dynasty, the kingdom seems to be peaceful. However, tensions rise among the imperial concubines as they vie for the emperor's affection. As the triennial imperial concubine selection approaches, all the concubines, including the emperor's favorite Yu Fei, feel anxious. Yu Fei faces competition from imperial descendant Yuk Ying, powerful eunuch's adopted daughter Yi Sun, and experienced imperial servantmaid On Sin. These women are both allies and rivals in the battle for the emperor's love. Yi Sun eventually falls for imperial physician Bak Yeung, who also captures the hearts of courtesan Heung Fou Lady Fuk and his neglected wife. However, Bak Yeung only has eyes for Yuk Ying, the one who least reciprocates his feelings. Meanwhile, as a palace maid, On Sin falls for imperial guard Hung Mou, but he distances himself from her once she becomes a Lady, the emperor's concubine.

In "Jang Hee Bin," we follow the tale of a young court servant who captivates the King with her beauty and becomes his concubine. Through her rapid ascent in status and the birth of her son, she is motivated by a strong desire for power, leading her to not only secure her position but to ultimately become Queen.

Created by Yu Zheng and penned by screenwriter Zhang Wei, this series serves as the companion piece to the well-received Female Prime Minister. It follows the journey of Ban Shu, the niece of the first female prime minister Ban Zhao. Ban Shu rises through the ranks to become a teacher at the Royal Female Academy established by Empress Deng Wei. However, facing increasing challenges due to court intrigues, she ultimately chooses to depart from the court in order to promote Han culture.

During the Early Republic era, around 1911, Chen Bi Yun, a talented individual from the southern region, is determined to fight for her education rights. To uncover the truth surrounding her father's passing, she sacrifices her own happiness by marrying into the Xuan family, prominent owners of the largest library. However, this decision leads her into complex power dynamics within the family, rather than bringing her closer to her beloved books. Can she navigate these challenges and secure the opportunity to pursue her academic aspirations?

In 1627, Emperor Chong Zhen took over the leadership of the Ming dynasty following his brother Emperor Tian Qi, with assistance from Wang Cheng En, a eunuch. Despite his best efforts, Emperor Chong Zhen struggled to revive his declining empire due to widespread corruption inherited from his predecessors and a rebellion led by Li Zi Cheng. Meanwhile, Huangtaiji, the ambitious ruler of the Qing dynasty, was preparing to invade the Ming Empire from the north. Emperor Chong Zhen appointed Yuan Chong Huan and Hong Cheng Chou as military commanders to counter the threat, but their outcomes differed - Yuan was falsely accused of plotting against the emperor and executed, while Hong surrendered to the Manchus after a defeat at the Battle of Songjin and later aided them in fighting against the Southern Ming dynasty. In 1644, Li Zi Cheng's rebels seized Beijing, leading Emperor Chong Zhen to take his own life. Shortly after, Wu San Gui, a Ming general, defected to the Qing dynasty, allowing them to conquer the rest of China. Wu's betrayal was driven by the loss of his concubine, Chen Yuan Yuan, who was taken by a rebel general after the fall of Beijing. Wu joined forces with the Qing against the rebels in retaliation.

Qing Lian is satisfied with a simple life and dreams of finding a partner who truly loves her. However, she ends up marrying into the royal family against her wishes. Surprisingly, she learns that her husband, He Lian Xin, is not as cold and aloof as he appears. She supports him in handling difficult situations and gradually earns his love and admiration. Based on the online novel "XiFei Zhuan" by Xie Yu.

In order to escape her abusive stepmother, Lu Zhen decides to seek refuge in the palace as a servant. Due to her exceptional pottery-making skills, she quickly rises in status. Despite capturing the affection of crown prince Gao Zhan, their love is thwarted by societal barriers and envious adversaries. Lu Zhen dedicates herself to politics and aids Gao Zhan in overcoming a coup. Although she cannot become his empress, Gao Zhan appoints her as the female prime minister, the highest position in the kingdom.

This tale revolves around Dongfang Shuo, a scholar during the Han dynasty who served as a court jester to Emperor Wu of Han. Unlike other scholars and officials in Emperor Wu's era, Dongfang Shuo had unique qualities. Despite falling in love with both a prostitute named Luo Qi and Princess Ping Yang, his unconventional advice was often disregarded, resulting in no change in his rank. Surprisingly, Emperor Wu never punished Dongfang Shuo and allowed him to remain by his side. Dongfang Shuo's intelligence was evident as he mediated conflicts within the Emperor's harem, modified Heqin's strategies, and provided counsel on how to combat the Xiongnu. However, the Emperor's arrogance led to setbacks for his empire, with the Xiongnu winning multiple battles and the loss of the young general Huo Qu Bing in combat. Realizing the Emperor's unwillingness to heed his advice, Dongfang Shuo eventually parted ways with him.

Yang Gui Fei, known as one of ancient China's Four Great Beauties, is the central figure in this drama depicting the complexities of her romantic life. She was originally married to Prince Shou, a son of Emperor Xuan Zong, but caught the emperor's eye and was forced to divorce her husband. Becoming Xuan Zong's imperial consort, she was known as Yang Gui Fei. Xuan Zong's infatuation with her caused him to neglect his duties as emperor, leading to a power struggle involving An Lu Shan and Yang Guo Zhong, who had gained power through Yang Gui Fei's influence. The consequences were severe, with Yang Gui Fei being blamed for a rebellion that forced Xuan Zong to make a difficult decision.

Within the realm of fiction, the Spirit, Snow, and Fantasy tribes are governed by the human race

Yue Liu Ying, a spirited young woman, is coerced by her stepbrother into marrying Ling Qi Ye in order to gather information on him

The narrative focuses on the selection of Yang Yu Huan, a commoner, to join the Emperor's concubines. In contrast to typical historical dramas centered on warfare or fame, this series highlights the romantic relationship between Yang Gui Fei and Emperor Ming of Tang.

This drama narrates the tale of Jang Hee Bin, a renowned royal concubine during the Joseon Dynasty, who played a significant part in the ousting of King Sook Jong’s spouse, Queen In Hyun. However, in contrast to the numerous dramas and films that depict this infamous antagonist, this series will explore the life of Jang Ok Jung prior to her rise as concubine Jang Hee Bin, highlighting her contributions as a fashion designer and cosmetic creator in the Joseon period.

Princess Jung Myung was the last living direct descendant of King Seon Jo, and her arrival was joyously celebrated throughout the palace. She possessed the most charming smile imaginable for an infant. Queen In Mok felt a sense of relief upon giving birth to a girl rather than a boy. The seer Nam Sa Go had foretold that the child she bore would emerge as the true sovereign of the Joseon Dynasty, a king of kings; however, the existence of a princess contradicted that prophecy. Unfortunately, the chaotic period that followed took a severe toll on Princess Jung Myung. After King Seon Jo's passing, Gwang Hae took the throne, and his first actions were to eliminate Prince Yeong Chang and expel Queen In Mok from the palace. Princess Jung Myung soon became his next target. Realizing the threat to her daughter's safety, In Mok arranged for her to go into hiding. Nevertheless, assassins managed to find Jung Myung. Thanks to the brave sacrifice of her bodyguard, she escaped on a boat that drifted aimlessly in the ocean. Meanwhile, her bodyguard and nanny set their own boat on fire, sacrificing themselves to deceive the assassins. Jung Myung witnessed the flames engulfing her nanny and protector. Adrift at sea, she lost consciousness and was rescued by a merchant vessel bound for Dejima in Japan, where she was sold into slavery. To endure the harsh conditions, she concealed her royal identity and buried her memories of being a princess, focusing solely on her desire for vengeance. Disguised as a boy, Jung Myung labored in a sulfur mine but found a glimmer of hope in the form of a friendship with Ja Gyung, which helped her to endure. However, her ultimate goal remained clear: to return to Joseon and wreak havoc on Gwang Hae, the man who had taken everything from her. Eventually, an opportunity presented itself. She began trading information and secrets within the sulfur mines. Utilizing her strategic position, she followed the Joseon delegation back to her homeland. At last, her long-held dream of returning to Joseon had been realized… (MBC)

During the 18th century in Beijing, Wei Ying Luo enters the Forbidden City in the 6th year of the Qianlong Emperor's rule, posing as an embroiderer to uncover the truth behind her sister's tragic death. Suspecting Imperial Guard Fuca Fuheng, Ying Luo cleverly gains the trust of his sister, Empress Fuca Rongyin, and becomes her maid. The Empress, impressed by Ying Luo's cleverness and determination, mentors her in reading and writing, while Fuca Fuheng develops feelings for her and aids in her investigation. As Ying Luo discovers the innocence of the Fuca siblings, she turns her focus to other palace residents in search of the real culprit, all while safeguarding the Empress from palace schemes and climbing the ranks herself.

Taking place during the Ming Dynasty when female doctors were unheard of, Hang Yun Xian hails from a lineage of medical healers. Despite her family's history as court physicians, they ceased practicing medicine after Yun Xian's grandfather was wrongly accused of malpractice. Undeterred, Yun Xian secretly pursues her passion for medicine. Her path takes a turn when she encounters Emperor Qi Zhen and his brother Qi Zhu, both of whom are captivated by her, sparking a love story that endures over many years.

Upon entering the palace gates, one is immediately struck by the profound depth within. While the palace may appear opulent to outsiders, it conceals the struggles of numerous imprisoned women. Xiao Cai Ren, for instance, relied on the emperor's favor to confront Concubine Wei, even resorting to plotting against her. Recognizing the need for strength and alliances, Concubine Wei navigated the treacherous palace life by forming bonds with other concubines, as well as princes and princesses from foreign lands.

In a fictional historical drama, Lee Tae becomes the ruler of Joseon after his father, King Sunjong, removes the previous king from power with the assistance of Park Gye Won. Lee Tae aims to govern as a supreme monarch, but faces opposition from the powerful Park Gye Won. Amidst this power struggle within the royal court, Yoo Jung, a noblewoman believed to be Lee Tae's wife, gets caught in the middle.

Despite being the eldest daughter of an official, Luo Yi Ning faced mistreatment from her father's concubine during her upbringing. With the assistance of Luo Shen Yuan, her long-lost half-brother, she returns home to unravel family conflicts and investigate her mother's mysterious death. Through this journey, Shen Yuan discovers Yi Ning's true lineage, leading to an unexpected romance.

This story delves into the intense power struggle among imperial consorts during the Qing Dynasty. The Forbidden Palace is divided into two factions: Chuan Fei and Xiang Bin. Fearing the loss of the emperor's favor, Chuan seeks a replacement in the imperial concubine selection to rival Xiang for the position of Empress. Si Lin Chun escapes on her wedding day to participate in the selection and encounters a man named Ding An along the way. Jing Zhen and Lord Yi Hui, who have been close since childhood, are in love, but Jing decides to become a beloved concubine for the sake of improving relations with Mongolia. Desperate, Lord Yi Hui constantly seeks out Jing, while Si finds comfort in Lord Yi Hui. The complicated love triangle adds further chaos to the Forbidden Palace.

A tale of a sorrowful young woman named Du Lan Yan unfolds. She encountered challenges from a young age and later worked as a servant. Unfortunately, she is subjected to a cruel destiny as a result of manipulation and rivalry among a group of women. Throughout her journey, she reconnects with a former companion and discovers a new romantic interest. However, the question remains: will this newfound love endure?

The play portrays the exciting and daring experiences of Wang Zhao Jun, a member of the Four Beauties from ancient China who were capable of influencing kingdoms with their stunning looks. Wang is celebrated not just for her remarkable beauty, but also for her intelligence and strength. This highlights the influence of women in a society that is predominantly male-dominated.

Emperor Chai Suen ventured into the remote mountains to enlist the help of martial arts expert Chung Mo Yim in restoring the Chai Empire. Suen eagerly promised to grant any favor in return for her assistance. However, upon completion of the task, Yim boldly expressed her desire to become Empress, despite Suen already promising the title to the naturally beautiful Ha Ying Cheun. Suen's legal adviser An Ying intervened by suggesting that the two be housed in separate East and West palaces temporarily to prevent conflict. Yim's true intention was to assist Emperor Chai in governing the country. Meanwhile, Cheun plotted revenge against Yim. The two Queens engaged in a power struggle using both diplomacy and force. While Emperor Chai was drawn to Cheun for her beauty, he also hesitated to offend the strategic Yim for the sake of his nation's future. He even manipulated Yim's genuine affection for him to his advantage on multiple occasions.

The series follows the life of Qiao Zhiyong, a prominent figure in the Qiao Family from Qi County, Shanxi, during the late Qing Dynasty. It begins with Qiao Zhiyong leaving for Beijing to take the imperial examination during the Xianfeng Emperor's rule. However, he is forced to return home without completing the exam due to the passing of his older brother, Qiao Zhiguang. Despite his initial reluctance, Qiao is persuaded by his sister-in-law, Madam Cao, to take over the family business as it is struggling financially. To prevent the family from going bankrupt, Qiao reluctantly marries Lu Yuhan, the daughter of wealthy Shanxi merchant Lu Dake. With Qiao at the helm, the family business eventually becomes profitable once again.

A young lady from the Eight Banners' lineage weds the Emperor and rises to become the Empress Dowager, overcoming numerous plots and deceptions. Throughout her journey, she evolves from a compassionate and intelligent girl to a ruthless and scheming woman.

During the sixth century in China, the Emperor of Great Liang orders the unfair execution of his brother-in-law Marshal Lin Xie, the Lin family, 70,000 army soldiers, and Crown Prince Qi

Mu Zhuo Hua, a woman born out of wedlock, challenges societal norms by running away from her wedding and pursuing a career as a female government official

The story follows a woman who is both intelligent and compassionate, rising to become a concubine in the imperial court

Describes the love story between Dong Ge and Huang Tai Ji. Dong Ge, hailed as the most exquisite woman in Later Jin (Jurchen), was born with a prophecy stating she could either usher in prosperity or chaos to the world.

Feng Zhi Wei, the disfavored daughter of the Qiu Family, is forced to escape under unfortunate circumstances. In debt to the 6th prince Ning Yi, Zhi Wei disguises herself as a man to enroll in the prestigious Qingming Academy and becomes the top scholar to the Emperor. She remains loyal and truthful to the ruling Emperor amidst the power struggle among the princes, all while developing feelings for Ning Yi as he delves into his past and seeks vengeance for his loved ones. Despite their genuine love, can they navigate through the deceitful plots and numerous obstacles in their path? Based on the book "Huang Quan" by Tianxia Guiyuan.

A gentle and intelligent young lady named He Lan Ming Yu develops a close relationship with the 9th Prince, Xiao Cheng Xu. When rumors circulate about Cheng Xu's demise, Ming Yu is compelled to wed his elder brother, Xiao Cheng Rui. As Cheng Xu assists Cheng Rui in establishing a prosperous nation, feelings of envy arise between them. Upon uncovering the truth about his mother's tragic end, Cheng Xu seeks retribution by scheming to seize the throne. However, before he can do so, Cheng Rui passes away, leaving his son, Xiao Qi Yuan, to ascend the throne. Cheng Xu supports Qi Yuan while endeavoring to reconcile with Ming Yu. Nevertheless, Qi Yuan harbors animosity towards Cheng Xu, particularly upon discovering his uncle's illicit relationship with his mother, causing Ming Yu to struggle in repairing their bond.

Chu Jiu Ling, the daughter of the previous emperor, learns that her uncle, the current ruler, was involved in her father's death. Seeking vengeance, she tries to assassinate him during her wedding but is captured and imprisoned. Her close friend, Jun Zhen Zhen, sacrifices herself to save Jiu Ling, leading Jun Ying Wen, her father, to switch their identities. Now going by Jun Jiu Ling, she gains the trust of the Fang family and becomes a respected healer. While uncovering corruption in the royal court and facing threats from her father, she must navigate intricate relationships with her childhood love, her friend's betrothed, and the imperial guard.