New Life Begins (2022)

Just leave ur prejudice before watch this

Watch this due to watch YT short clip. At first not planned to watch this drama this fast, but that short clip really intrigued me. And I'm not disappointed watching this. Haha...

Ok. Just like I said just leave ur prejudice before watch this. I mean leave what you know about harem or Palace drama. Because this drama nothing like that & really gonna overturned what you expect about harem or Palace drama.

What I like / different about this drama:
+ All the sisterhood. Nobody really anybody enemy in this harem. All the woman are in the end friend and helper of each other. Especially in 3rd prince house is really funny & unique, how all the woman become friend instead backstabbing each other just to get prince attention.
+ All the brotherhood between the prince. Well so glad finally to see the real brotherhood between the prince for once. Where the prince live like a real brother & have support one each other, then just see they purely just rivalry and scheming between the prince for get power.
+ The feminism. How the woman try to change century prejudice or rule about woman. Like woman supposed to be at home only looking after their house, but here Li Wei (LW) build business instead.
+ Talk about depression after childbirth. Very sensitive issue to touch here, but they pulled it.
+ The couple. I really like how every couple’s relationship is developed & not only focus to our main couple (LW & Yin Zheng [YZ]). Especially I really like how Shang Guan Jing & Yin Qi relationship develop.
+ The beautiful introduction about all the other district. They not only talk about what special about that district but also about martial status in some district. Like how ji chuan is monogamy, xin chuan like every kingdom (poligamy with many wives) and dan chuan dominated by woman.
+ The most weird thing is the king is not called by name king or Emperor but just lord. So unusual...

What feel like force / minus in the drama
- Yuan Ying really fit the role of legal wife of the prince that in the end really fit for the role of Empress/Queen. But because of our FL, LW, the real/true love of YZ, of course she must move aside. And her obsessions with becoming minister is really just doesn't make sense.
- The crazy part when LW about to become legal wife from just consort. All the action is just doesn't make sense. Like they already do the first night, yet YZ still try to get LW's dad approval & to do all the procedure to do marriage ceremony in the 'right' way. Yeah maybe some of you will think that what YZ did looked like oh so sweet, but for me it just like wasting duration. They should be able to wrap sooner.
- Too many episode. For me everything that comes after YZ appointed as the crown prince is a little bit just wasting duration. It's like they need some more story just to make the episode into 40 ep long.

Really funny actually, before I watched AvenueX on YouTube, I've never really think about this. But what she said that true for me:
- all too easy for our ML. Our ML, Yin Zheng (YZ), got it so easy. It's like everything settle for him without he really need to do much. Like when LW struggle with her restaurant, we see YZ not really do much for her, LW rely more on her sister (all the princes wife) & herself then hoping that YZ will do something for her.
- All the problem so easy to solved & all the bad person so easy to change their mind & attitude. Like Yin Jun / 4th Prince so easy to change his attitude after his father scold him.

Overall this really unique historical drama that worth your time to watch it...

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Wholesome show indeed!

This is one of those cdramas that come silently, not star studded, not many anticipated it, and turn out to be surprisingly great, better than a lot other hyped shows. Initially i moved past this one after reading the synopsis because  it wasn't my cup of tea and i am no fan of family/life dramas because they tend to be melodramatic but this was far from it and the synopsis does the show justice but makes it sound so bland, not the best description imo. It was a breath of fresh air with the whole vibe of the show, so much positivity, merriment and good things happening everywhere. Watching it felt like looking at people living a good daily life in happiness and peace with love. It was such a peaceful and feel good show.

The pacing was great. It spans over about 4 yrs in 40 eps, there wasn't anything boring or anything rushed, editing was good, no plotholes or abrupt scene changes.

Coming to the acting, Tian Xiwei is such a cutie but her voice bugs me so much. Her acting as a cheerful optimistic girl was good, but nothing fabulous about it. Her character had developed quite a lot, and she was mostly likeable when she wasn't being rash. Bai Jingting, his acting was on point, perfect. His character was rather flat one, but enjoyed it. But in some scenes how much he looked like Cheng yi was creepy. I liked all the characters except 4th consort and 2nd former crown prince. Special mention i loved Yuan Ying, but i was so worried that they'd make her fall for the ml and ruin the whole relationship dynamic in the family but luckily they didn't do that and she had a strictly platonic relationship, as a mentor. The 4th prince was annoying but grew to be so adorable. And Su shen was so sweet. The solar term ladies and all other princess consorts were very good and their unity and friendship, sisterhood was a rare theme to see in a cdrama because usually all females are in love with the ml so they are collectively bitches to the fl. Here the ladies had a beautiful bond with each other and it was so good to see. Even some characters that i didn't really like at first sight had developed into likeable characters, like 2nd princess consort, Song wu, 3rd prince, Mls mother, etc. Importantly, they all have their own characters which are unique and different from the rest, and none of them is willing to morph their originality to please others.

The story highlights deeply on the themes of women empowerment and modernization of society in a traditional state and gender discrimination too. Other important themes were sisterhood among the ladies and brotherhood among the princes. It was well executed. There were mostly happy things going on, but nothing in life is only good, so there was a fair little share of bad things too, but not to the point of tragedy or melodrama. The story was heartwarming, how the leads managed to achieve their each individual dreams without sacrificing someone's life and all the other characters too got their own happiness and deserved endings. The writing of the story and the characters was smooth and very well done. The last 5 eps had a lot of romance that it lacked in the previous eps. The ending was very happy. The family life was well portrayed with warmth and no ultra evil characters who were doing black magic to ruin the leads. Not everyone was out to get the main couple and i liked this uniqueness, since everyone had their own thing to do and it did not have anything to do with harming the leads. A family/life drama written, executed and done so well is rare for sure.

Overall it was a pleasant watch and I'd recommend watching it for the positivity and warmth it spreads. The characters and storylines are good, the ending is sugary sweet and wonderful. It is happy and peaceful, perfect for a break from other heavy dramas.

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A Wuxia with a feminist twist

Let me just say, I absolutely adore this series so much! Definitely on one of my top C-drama faves.

Though this series may not be for everyone. It actually does not follow the traditional way, and if you're looking for heavy romance or dramas without politics, this might not be for you. The first few episodes may seem to be on the romance route, but it'll take the backseat of the drama.

Just to put this in, this might be a TRIGGER WARNING but there are abusive relationships in this series and a suicide attempt.

STILL! I'm hoping that new watchers could still give this a try and watch this whole series.

Things I like about this drama:
- I really love the sisterhood between all the women in this drama. At first there might be several women that are rude and actually there is one that I really dislike, but they do change throughout the series. There are no evil scheming women in this drama, and this was just really refreshing to see. I absolutely love their friendship with one another.
- There are no love triangles! You may think that there might be for the main leads, but there is not.
- The series really does tackle issues about gender equality, political corruptions, family problems and etc.; and seriously love how they bring women empowerment into this series and how they really push for changes in such a chauvinistic world.
- Main leads have good chemistry, I wish they extended the drama a bit because I really wanted more romance since it did take the backseat of the drama for a while. But every scene where their characters flirted or bantered throughout the whole drama, I seriously love it.
- It is a very light and feel good drama, there may be some parts that may seem heavy; but they are not.
- Everyone's acting! Please everyone really did a great job bringing each their characters to life and show how different each of their characters are. Seriously kudos to them!
- Comedy, for me I really loved the comedy in this series and it was actually the reason why I got hooked to the drama. The comedic timing and conversations would have me bursting into tears of laughing so hard. If you find the comedy in the first two episodes really hilarious, you'll definitely like the comedy further in the drama.
- All the arc in this series. Everything was really put together, each arc connecting to one another. To be honest, I've seen some reviews saying that the series is draggy, but that's really not the case. There is a lot of characters, and their stories do unfold in this drama and why they are connected to the main plot. You get to see each and every individual character (important characters), how they differ from one another and how several of them strive for changes in their world and/or have a huge character development.
- I love the brotherhood between the 3rd, 5th and 6th princes; these three looking out for one another unlike the others.
- I've mentioned it earlier, but both main leads and the other important characters have a character development. It's really nice seeing their growth and how they do mature.
- Please the food in this drama, they absolutely looked delicious. I actually crave to eat Chinese food because of this series.
- Music, seriously love every music and background music they used throughout the series. Even the tune they use on the comedy scenes was just so perfect, that it would just make me laugh.
- The ending, it was just so satisfying!

Cons:
- To be honest, I did not like several of the character's decisions because they were a bit rash.
- Second couple, to be honest I did not like how one of them was abusive. Their abusive relationship was for comedy, but to be honest I find it a bit too much. There were several instances they push and pull; and it got a bit tiring.
- I'll be honest several regions in this series, sounds almost the same. At first I thought that several characters came from the same region, but later found out that they don't. So please do pay attention to the first part of the first episode as they do talk about the regions. If not, you can also check the discussion thread here on MDL that shows all the regions if you do get confused.

Overall:
I seriously loved this drama to bits! It is really refreshing to see a drama like this and definitely will be re-watching this again, as I really did enjoy this series! Maybe I might see any details that I've missed.

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FEELS GOOD SERIES YET SO UNDER RATED! YES TO SISTERHOOD!

*** Spoiler Alert (PERSONAL FEEDBACK)
Title : New Life Begins - 2022 (Complete 40 Episode)
Personal Rating : 9/10

FEELS GOOD SERIES YET SO UNDER RATED! YES TO SISTERHOOD!

New Life Begins is on top of my list. I watched this initially because of Bai Jing Ting and came to love Tian Xi Wei. Their chemistry is so good and the relationship between the ML and FL is relaxing, natural, and without any heavy drama.
This drama was so funny from the from the start that’s why it got me hooked. Yin Zheng is smart, strategic, secluded, who keeps a low profile and a bit sickly chooses to be with Li Wei who is adorable, foodie, who knows what she wants, stands up for herself and wants to live comfortably in her hometown.

The two became a support to each other even though they were not into a deep relationship from the start. Li Wei doesn’t want to marry a man she doesn’t love, and she wants a one-man-one-woman marriage with equal rights practiced from her city Jichuan whereas Xin Chuan still follows the traditional polygamous system. But in the end Yin Zheng follows Jichuan traditions of one-man-one-woman marriage because of his love for Li Wei.

Each couple has stories to tell. Each prince is married to woman from different cities with different mindset, cultures and characteristics which will they showcase of how to handle each others wife or husband from being just fixed marriage to true love. ?

What makes this drama different from other dramas is that woman in this drama (The wife of the princes) supports & protects each other back instead of scheming like other dramas. They start a food business which is not typical Xin Chuan kingdom specially they are woman. But despite that they still pursue it with the back up from the princes. And this drama shows women experiences like postpartum depression and domestic violence.

Overall, this drama is on top of my list. It’s a beautiful, light romantic comedy drama with a happy ending!

GENRE – Historical, Comedy, Romance, Life

CAST – Bai Jing Ting , Tian Xi Wei

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Fun show

This is not a historical drama. This is a drama set in a historical period while applying modern concepts of female empowerment, which will never work in ancient China. Take this drama for what it is - entertainment, not an accurate representation of history.

The acting and chemistry between the characters was great. The relationship between Yin Zheng and Li Wei was endearing, wholesome, and very cute. They were the whole package - mutual respect, understanding, devotion, and love. Yin Zheng was unspoiled and dutiful. Li Wei was optimistic and loving. Even the side characters were fun.

The only minus is that the drama did not really have a coherent plot. I guess the central idea was the relationship between ML and FL, except most of the story centered around female characters and sisterhood. At the beginning, ML and FL met and started liking each other. Then the story switched to female characters, making the romance kind of a side story. And, towards the end, the story switched back to the relationship between ML and FL. Some characters wholly disappeared after they reached a certain milestone. Song Wu was completely written off after she got marred, even though she was a constant semi-annoying presence at the beginning. The same was with the second prince after he was exiled. It seemed the writers were not too focused on the conflict. Nevertheless, the drama had a pretty good pacing, character development, and wholesome relationships. This is one of those rare stories were women do not undermine and betray each other for men and power, but instead, help and uplift each other.

If you are looking for a feel-good story without a deep plot, this is it.

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Light drama with a lot of girl power and sisterly love

It was a light drama. I say light as there was some conflict as there had to be to make a story, but there wasn't a ton of unnecessary angst or misunderstandings. If there was angry it was resolved pretty quick. I really liked all the character's even prince An even tho his character was a putz. The actors all did well and had good chemistry. The music was fine ,I suppose not anything memorable and nothing that made me need to look up the music to add to playlist.
I did stop watching at episode 35 and not because i wasnt enjoying it but because i was naughty and watched the last episode to see if it had a good ending. I would definitely watch again all the way thru but right now i have to many half watched shows and was getting confused. I think it will be one of those thats an easy watch when I need a calm down after to many intnese dramas.
Overall sweet, some hilarity and lots of sister from anothet mister love.

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Sisterhood and Brotherhood above all else

This show is very much a life drama about a family of young lords and the woman that go on to shape who they are as men. Every single female character is a whole human, with her own feelings, emotions, ambitions, thoughts, and plans. They aren't all the same nor do they want to be. They all help and uplift each other throughout the story. There are both male and female villains, some that get redemption and some that don't. There are gray characters that float between. Each personal feels like an actual person. The responses to conflict and misunderstandings feel real and earned. The love stories sprinkled in are strong and healthy depictions of what a balanced and mutually respectful relationship should look like. They also show you the bad side of toxic and one-sided relationships, and how just because you got yourself into a bad place doesn't mean you can't also get yourself out. Everyone deserves respect from their spouse.
Just the sisterhood alone with all of the young lords' wives and concubines is worth the watch. Very progressive in their storytelling in a fictionalized country. When 7th's wife feels nervous and unsure about herself because she is slower to do things, every single one of the women around her validates her and complements her on her care and attention. When the 2nd Crown Lord shows his true colors the women band together to help their friend Hao Jia. His wife even plays one of the largest roles in getting Hao Jia and herself out of a horrible situation. And with that storyline Yin Zheng(6th) gets closer to his own mother after realizing she was struggling with a similar situation as Hao Jia was.
But the best relationship is that of the 6th Lord's wife(Yuan Ying-Jin State's Princess) and side wife(Li Wei- FL). There are like true sisters. The Jin Princess immediately takes Li Wei under her wing and trains her to become the lady of a royal household and partner to Yin Zheng(6th lord). Yuan Ying becomes like a sister to both Yin Zheng and Li Wei, and they all share a bond that could never be broken. She becomes one of their fiercest allies.
The understanding and refusal of Yuan Ying to cause any misunderstandings between Li Wei and Yin Zheng is peak supporting female character energy.
We have a simple girl who has the protentional and drive to make great change.
A warrior princesses trying to find her happiness.
A woman who doesn't want to follow in her mother's footsteps. And though she miscalculates finds her feet again.
A princesses who is smarter than all the men and knows it.
A group of women who band together against their trying husband, and protect and care for each other as they fight for there individual wants and needs.
A kind and quiet girl, who just would rather be left alone, if that's okay, who finds her other half.

I could go on and on, because the characters are all great fully fleshed out. But just know that it's worth the watch. Even though it's 40episodes there are enough smaller story arcs that start and end every few episodes that keeps the momentum of the story going. You will laugh, cry. and kick your feet from this slow-burn romantic life drama.

PS: We don't see him much, but I have a soft spot for the 9th little lord as his is just like his sisters-in-law...and that punch in ep40....bravo.

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Love after marriage troupe

I was really entertained by the story of 9 regions and how people are different from each other. It's really an interesting plot, but I wish they could've elaborated more on the origins of each regions as to the diveristy of each individual. 


The fl is really fun to watch and the ml is the introverted, but wise kind of person. A girl is picked from each region to get married to the prince and this is where the story starts to unfold. All I can say is that each of them has a distinctive character and they found theirselves relying unto each other as they face difficulties with their husbands. There, they built an unmatchable bond with each other.


The thing is, I thought this was a female eccentric drama, but the script just focuses more on how everything can be resolved with their husbands and that is the problem here. It feels like they need permission from their husband, first before making a decission and it's as if a wife's decission is always wrong. Nonetheless, I hope this will change as it's just the start of the drama and there will be a sudden turn of tables. If you're into love after marriage plot, this is definitely for you.

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What a gem!

Update: The story focused too much on sisterhood and feminism. The spark and romance from the first few episodes are pretty much gone. They are acting like friends or a couple that’s been married for at least 15 years.

Also didn’t like how the FL is always so rash and getting the ML and everyone in trouble. It’s like she doesn’t think before she acts. Then she would have a a bag full of tears while she justifies her actions to the ML. A pity because it started out so strong.

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After finishing Love Like the Galaxy and Love Between Fairy and Devil I struggled to find a show (cdrama, kdrama and even jdrama) that held my attention. I was literally dropping dramas left and right for a few months. I was bored out of my mind. Kept seeing New Life Begins everywhere so I decided to give it a try without any expectations.
I would just like you guys to know that I am officially HOOKED. The story is so fresh, characters are so engaging, clothing is stunning and the chemistry is ?. The leads are so cute together and I can’t stop smiling every time they are together.
It is hysterical!

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I cried so hard when I finished watching this drama

Honestly, I don't want this drama to only have 40 episodes. The storyline and acting of the cast are too good so I want this drama to be extended to 100 episodes (╥﹏╥)

I got carried away when I saw the relationship between Yin Zheng (6th Young Master) and Li Wei. Their love story is truly beautiful.

Really, I was amazed by Yin Zheng's persistence in trying to win Li Wei's heart. He didn't force her, he didn't act harshly, he actually loved Li Wei in a gentle way. He made Li Wei fall in love without the slightest coercion. Yin Zheng's feelings were very sincere, he helped Li Wei a lot to open the way when she encountered difficulties. He understands Li Wei's point of view, he's willing to learn from Li Wei. He's the epitome of a green flag husband. You won't find any patriarchal traits in Yin Zheng. He's a modern man who is intelligent, open-minded, and firm in his principles. Thank you to the writer and director for making Yin Zheng's character this good even though he's a man who lived in ancient times.

Meanwhile, Li Wei is a modern woman who upholds women's empowerment in the era she lived at that time. She loves Yin Zheng, but doesn't want to depend on Yin Zheng for her life. She was an independent woman, open-minded, forward-thinking beyond the times, and even gave encouragement to women who at that time were very constrained by patriarchal culture. That's why I admire Li Wei and Yin Zheng's relationship. They were a perfect couple, they both had the goal of reforming ancient culture that was detrimental to society, especially women whose position was considered weak at that time. Li Wei believes that women also have their own strengths, and Yin Zheng as an open-minded man, also agrees with what Li Wei believes.

High appreciation for Bai Jingting and Tian Xiwei. They're truly amazing actors, no wonder the casting team chose them to play Yin Zheng and Li Wei. For real, the chemistry between them is crazy. Sometimes I wonder.. are they really in love and not acting? haha :D

Talking about the storyline, I am happy because this drama takes an unusual storyline. There was no love rivalry or enmity among the palace ladies. They are all friends, support each other and give each other strength.

The character of the Great Master is also not made to be evil. He's a father who is also the leader of 9 regions. His burden is so heavy, having 11 children, so it's "understandable" why he's unfair to some of his children, BUT on the one hand he remains open to his children's thoughts. He didn't refuse when Yin Zheng came and gave him a lot of advice about state affairs even though previously he had not placed much hope in Yin Zheng because Yin Zheng was a sickly child.

The wives of the Great Master aren't evil either. The writer and director didn't create too many evil characters in this drama. Even if there is a problem faced by the main character, the problem tends to be resolved quickly without excessive dramatization.

I highly recommend 'New Life Begins' to you guys. I promise, you won't regret. The story is too beautiful, I even want to erase my memories of this drama and watch it from the beginning again so I can repeat the feeling when watching this drama ಥ‿ಥ

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