The Lotus Casebook (2023)

Humorous Hodgepodge of Wuxia and Murder

A title of this nature pretty much speaks for itself. A humorous hodgepodge of wuxia action, politics and murder mysteries starring Cheng Yi, Joseph Zeng and Xiao Shunyao as an unlikely trio travelling around the martial arts world (jianghu) for various reasons. Cheng Yi’s character Li Lianhua aka Li Xiangyi is looking for the remains of his beloved senior, while Joseph Zeng’s Fan Duobing is aiming to prove himself to Baichuan Yuan, the Pinkerton detective agency of his era. Xiao Shunyao’s Di Feisheng however wants to have a final showdown with Li Xiangyi so that he can say fair and square that he’s the No.1 pugilist of his era.

Cheng Yi puts in a terrific performance as Li Lianhua (lotus) who was formerly known as Li Xiangyi, a master swordsman, the founder of the Sigu Sect. At the start of the drama Li Xiangyi has taken on the persona of Li Lianhua (lotus), a wandering physician with a reputation as something of a miracle healer. This moniker isn’t entirely without foundation. He is a skilled doctor in his own right but more importantly, a shrewd observer of the human condition. The glibness with which he tells lies is at times astonishing. This combination makes him a highly effective sleuth in the vein of the world famous resident of 22B Baker Street. Early on he encounters Fang Duobing who is eager to traverse the length and breath of jianghu away from the all-protective eye of his aristocratic parents. The two cross swords at first sight and bicker a-plenty until Di Fengsheng enters the picture wanting a rematch. The ignorant lad, mercilessly lied to by his companions, fails to notice that he’s among giants in wulin, is quick to direct his wrath against the surly newcomer who looks upon him with the same contempt Goliath looked upon David. Soon the caravan that Li Lianhua travels around in with his trusty doggy Fox Spirit becomes rather crowded.

To be honest it took me some time to warm up to Joseph Zeng’s Fang Duobing who at first seems to be combative on impulse. Some of that was warranted because Li Lianhua plays up his trickster persona with impunity — spinning tall tales at the drop of a hat trying to conceal the true state of his health and his former identity. It’s all quite amusing as he’s at the receiving end of a lot of dramatic irony. Nonetheless the lad has an inkling that Li Lianhua might be holding back. However a lot of Fang Duobing’s hostility towards others comes across like a rather bad case of the terrible twos — picking fights unnecessarily and out of what can only be interpreted as jealousy when others were partial to Li Lianhua. Still he has a decent growth arc and by the time the final showdown takes place most of his bad habits are a thing of the past. At the start he comes across as a bratty rich kid running away from home utterly lacking common sense. After undergoing a series of experiences with Li Lianhua investigating all kinds of murder mysteries, the belligerent newbie grows up enough to be worthy of a princess.

Joining them now and again is Di Feisheng (Xiao Shunyao) leader of the Jinyuan Alliance which is gradually being taken over by his obsessive proxy Jiao Liqiao and her minions. Her goal is to be kingmaker and rule by his side as his bride while he has less romantic notions in mind. It isn't long before he discovers that Jiao Liqiao is a serious and maddening obstacle to his personal aspirations. While all the plotting and scheming is going on in the background, the banter among the trio injects levity into the landscape of murder and mayhem without diminishing the stakes. More than once Di Feisheng comes to Li Lianhua’s aid during the rough and tumble of sleuthing in the tumult of jianghu.

There’s no doubt that Cheng Yi is born to play this role and any role in this genre. He’s an expressive actor who is capable of nuance. His elegance in executing fight scenes is one of the show’s highlights. He certainly knows his way around a sword. That said, the star of the show has to be the screenplay which does an excellent juggling act of pulling all the story threads together at the end for the show’s final showdown with the villains of the piece.

To my mind the second half of the show was better than the first which is why in the end, this is an 8.5 out of 10 for me. In those early days Fang Duobing did grate on my nerves and there was a fair bit of clumsy investigation going on while he blundered his way around the china shop. I also think that the puzzle hunt though fun (and perhaps necessary to stress the gravity of what’s at stake) lacks polish, and made matters more complicated, leading to more deaths than necessary. That awkward plotting I suspect was in service of a major reveal at the end.

Despite criticism I may have of this, it was a good watch and I could never accuse this show of inducing boredom. Cheng Yi is certainly a stand out and I ended up really appreciating how all the moving parts came together in the end.

Leia Mais

End is the Beginning.....

Li Xiangyi (Cheng Yi) head of Sigu Sect, the greatest sword master at a young age of 20, made a peace agreement with another sect Jinyuan Alliance of the cult of the Devil whose leader was Di FeiSheng(Xiao Shunyao). Li Xiangyi's senior Shan GuDao's (He Gang) was unhappy with this treaty. Shan GuDao had a disagreement with Li Xiangyi over this issue where Li Xiangyi ended up saying some bitter words. Shan GuDao decided to leave Sigu Sect and continue opposing Jinyuan Alliance independently. Some time later Li Xiangyi received news of his senior's murder, all the clues pointed at Jinyuan Alliance members.

Li Xiangyi got information that his senior's dead body had been taken away by Di FeiSheng. Therefore he engaged in a fierce battle on a ship with Di FeiSheng to retrieve his Senior's remains. Unbeknownst to both, Li Xiangyi was already poisoned by deadly incurable 'Bicha poison' before their confrontation. Both Di FeiSheng and Li Xiangyi were severely injured, there were rumours abound that both opponents perished in the battle, as a result Li Xiangyi's associates decided to dismantle Sigu Sect. Only Bichuan Academy, the hall of punishment remained from the Sigu Sect. Li Xiangyi was guilt stricken over the death of his sect members by Jinyuan Alliance so he chose to hide the fact in the martial world that he had survived.

Ten Years later, Li Xiangyi had changed his identity and was living as a traveling doctor, Li Lianhua in a mobile, caravan like Lotus Medicinal Tower. He has cut all association with the Martial world but somehow contrary to his wishes he gets embroiled back in the Pugilistic world. Li Lianhua meets Fang Duobing (Joseph Zheng) the young master of Tianji Manor on one mysterious case. Tianji Manor was renowned for making intricate devices. Fang Duobing was quite sickly when he was a child and was wheelchair bound, his uncle was Li Xiangyi's Senior, Shan GuDao. Many years ago Li Xiangyi had told the invalid child Fang Duobing that if he could lift the sword, Li Xiangyi would take him as his direct disciple. Fang Duobing tried his best to recover his health and had now become a temporary detective of Bichuan Academy to await his master's return and revive Sigu Sect. Fang Duobing told everyone that he was a direct disciple of Li Xiangyi because of Li Xiangyi's earlier promise.

In the beginning Fang Duobing doesn't know that Li Lianhua is Li Xiangyi. Fate keeps throwing them in each other's path, at first reluctantly they join hands to solve bizzare cases. Fang Duobing is a greenhorn, eager to uphold justice whereas Li Lianhua is a world-weary embittered person grappling with the effects of the Bicha poison. Li Lianhua is slowly losing his senses, it's a mystery as to how he survived 10 years after being poisoned because the deadly poison would result in death of the person within a month.

Slowly Li Lianhua and Fang Duobing establish trust, friendship and affection. As they solve mysterious cases one after the other, many hidden details regarding their 'Past' comes to light. The viewers get answers to many questions as the series progresses. What is the Real Identity of Fang Duobing and Li Xiangyi? Who benefited from Li Xiangyi and Di FeiSheng's battle? Who is the mastermind and what is his end goal?

There are two Narrative Arcs to the story, The Major Arc explores the Hidden Identities of the protagonists, revealing piece by piece their past relationship with friends, associates and families. Second Arc encompasses various mysteries that these two solve to get closer to the final showdown.

Apart from the case solving, the portion of the story delving into Fang Duobing's family and Tianji Manor was quite interesting. Fang Duobing was blessed with the most loving supportive even though a little strict mother. Although his family would have chosen a different life path for him, Fang Duobing's family loved him unconditionally, were always proud of his progress and achievements.

Overall: A fast paced drama managing to keep me glued throughout with solid cast and good storyline. I did not have a problem with the open ending however I would have favoured for Li Xiangyi to stay at Lotus Tower after the final resolution, him leaving everyone at the end to live the rest of his short life alone was somehow feeble excuse and dissatisfying. I would have preferred the ending to not just allude at but show Li Lianhua, Fang Duobing and Di FeiSheng continue to roam the Jianghu world, celebrating life with good companions.

MAJOR THEMES

**********Changeable Public Opinion*********
What people love more than worshipping a person is to watch his fall from grace. Li Xiangyi had reached the pinnacle of success at a very young age, he had established the Sigu Sect to uphold justice and peace in the pugilistic world. However his one perceived misstep turned the public opinion against him, even his closest friends turned their backs. This opened Li Xiangyi's eyes to the truth. He had boasted in front of his senior, Shan GuDao's at one time that the Sigu Sect could operate without anyone but Li Xiangyi now realised that all the people around him actually hated him for his brilliance and prosperity. They were eager to replace him all the while criticising his leadership.

*********All Heroes have feet of clay********
PERCEPTIONS versus REALITY plays a major role. Li Lianhua/ Li Xiangyi spent ten years of his life in search of his senior, Shan GuDao's dead body because of his guilt stricken conscience. As per his perception, his senior was a saint who died prematurely due to Li Xiangyi's arrogant behavior. The reality was quite opposite, his senior was an envious, jealous man who hated Lu Xiangyi's success and achievements. Then there is Fang DuoBing whose perception of Li Xiangyi was of a hero, infallible and perfect. In reality Li Xiangyi was an arrogant ambitious man who disregarded others' opinions when he was young.

******How do you choose to live your life?*****
After Li Xiangyi became disillusioned, he chose to live his life in relative anonymity as Li Lianhua. Some people chase fame and for others Fame chases them. Li Xiangyi was a person who always attracted attention in spite of his efforts to remain shrouded in obscurity. A person is always lonely at the top, constantly looking over his shoulder. There is always a new legend awaiting to replace the old. Whereas a mediocre person lives a peaceful and happy life with trustworthy confidants. After working hard for half of his life, a person achieves his goal and fulfills his ambition only to realise he is isolated and companionless. The beauty of simple life is highlighted in one of the conversations of Fang Duobing and Li Lianhua. Fang Duobing proposes a partnership to Li Lianhua enkindling him with the thrill of solving cases, leading an adventurous life, Li Lianhua ironically asks Fang Duobing then what after that, Fang Duobing replies that after such life they can retire to a calm place and lead their life enjoying wine with good friends. Sarcastically Li Lianhua replies, Isn't that what he is doing currently... Another instance of life choices is while Li Lianhua is reminiscing about his past, he says that after his battle with Di FeiSheng, when he was wandering penniless, he had only one valuable item in his possession, the badge of the leader of Sigu Sect when hunger pangs bothered him he decided to pawn that badge, bafflingly he realised the value of most coveted badge in the martial world was just 50 teals of silver. At the end fame is insubstantial what matters is living a tranquil and harmonious life.

Leia Mais

“Sherlock Holmes & Watson” wuxia style!

The rapport between the 2 male leads when solving their cases is reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes and Watson and it was enhanced further when the villain ML joined them!

A good break from romance dramas, this drama gives you 3 brilliant MLs who brought their characters to life not just when they interacted with each other but also in the well executed fighting scenes. I also loved the cool looking mobile house drawn by 4 horses and the life he led with his dog - the touch of humour on his cooking skills was nicely brought up throughout the drama.

The storyline was interesting in the way that the various mysteries they solved were related to each other and developed the bigger story behind the ML. I enjoyed the reveals behind each mystery. While some may prefer to be given enough clues to see if they can figure it out, I was happy enough to be spoon fed the deductions which were generally quite smart albeit a bit far fetched at times.

I am confused about the ML’s former love interest who on one hand seems to have gotten over him but on the other hand seems to show that she still cares for him… on one hand she writes him a break up letter and on the other hand she says she didn’t mean it… she even got married to someone just because that person loved her and cared for her throughout the ML’s disappearance for 10 years… no sign of love on her part and she was quick to leave him when he started getting jealous.

Some good twists in the drama especially the one with the mother bug which caught me by surprise. A good drama to watch if you’re not looking for romance and if you are ok with an open ending.

Random note - same Emperor and Empress from Destined made me do a double take as I had just finished that drama ;)

Leia Mais

Sherlock Holmes vibe! For those who enjoy a murder mystery series!

I decided to make a review since I can't move on from this series. Haha! Its been a week since I've finished Mysterious Lotus Casebook (MLC) and I can't find another cdrama to watch.

Anyway, I am always facinated with the murder mystery genre since I was in high school. So, when I saw the trailer of MLC I was immediately captivated with it plus it features Cheng Yi and I am currently obsessing over him after watching Love and Redemption and Immortal Samsara!

The first few episodes got me hooked immediately. First off, I am enjoying the cases they are solving. The stories are unique and non-repetitive. Secondly, I am loving the camaraderie and "bromance" of Li Lian Hua (LLH) and Fang Duo Bing (FDB) and the "cat and mouse" bickering of FDB and Di Fei Sheng (DFS). It also doesn't hurt that the three mains are all good looking and eye candies! Thirdly, I love that there is no romance in this series so it can focus on the mystery solving part! Fourth, I am impressed on how each cases being solved are interconnected with each other. It gives a nice cohesive storyline. Fifth, the plot twist is an A+ for me as I was really not expecting it, which gave me the "wow" factor. Lastly, the ending was not rushed. Tho it was not the ending I want but it is better than what I was expecting! ♡

This series is definitely now part of my top 3 cdrama of all time! I hope to find and watch another one that is as engaging and as entertaining as MLC!

#4everfangir1 #4everfangir1review

Leia Mais

I will definitely miss LLH's sarcasm, superb martial arts skills and his to die for smirks

Hail Cheng Yi!!!! This is definitely one of the best Wuxia series I've ever watched in my entire journey as a Cdrama fan. Every element included in this series, to be made as complete and whole did their part amazingly and perfectly.

The story may be cliche with revenge, betrayal, good vs evil, but! they did it with a twist.

There's mystery, adventure, brotherhood, good camaraderie, perfectly executed fight scenes (which takes my breath away) and couldn't helped myself but to rewind it to watch that scene again, and a lot more. You'll cry, get frustrated, upset, laugh, be curious, be on edge on your seat and just simply be awed with Cheng Yi's acting on this series. I love how he portrayed LLH's character. I love the sprinkled jokes, his sarcastic jabs/remarks, his to die for smirks, and his growth as a person. From being a proud, kinda selfish but fiercely loyal person, and was oblivious on what's happening around him, him as an excellent person, a martial artist genius, to having experienced betrayal, his downfall and realisation as a mature person.

I love how Cheng Yi and Joseph Zeng interact on screen. It looks natural and convincing. How they bicker with each other but you'll know for sure that they're ready to save and protect one another if needed.


Let me say it again, the fights scenes here are all perfectly executed! Most especially LLH's fight scenes! OMG!!!! I simply love those scenes, they looked sooo convincing and natural! Kuddos to their hard work!

Also, I really love this drama because there's no unnecessary romance plot that sometimes, ruin a good series.

I hate all the villains, I wanted to skinned them alive, that's how good and convincing they are with their parts/roles. ???

My only complain was the subtitles were too fast for a scene. I for an expert as a subtitle reader did had a hard time reading them all. ??? I had to rewind some in order to understand some.

If you're still contemplating whether you have to watch this series, I can gladly say, go for it! Give it a chance and you'll never regret it. Just as I didn't regret buying the express package just to know what's gonna happen in the end.

Leia Mais

Best drama of 2023

Just completed it. Cheng yi looks extra handsome here. i loved this trio. They played their roles very very well. Story and every episodes case solving they nailed it. I really love this kind of wuxia drama where are enough fighting, comedy, pain everything is well combined and entertaining. Surely going to rewatch this again after a few weeks. Don't miss this drama if you like to watch wuxia dramas like me.

Leia Mais

best Summer Drama of 2023

Everything about this drama was good. I know down deep that there should have been more episodes but due to the rule of not having more than 40 episodes this drama could added more great things.

every person delivered their roles right, so much Bromance and I love it. there’s no annoying female lead and we can watch an appropriate Wuxia for the longest. I’d wish there were more fighting scenes.

Cheng Yi plays a different character which amazes me. his acting is always improving every time he picks projects. hopefully the projects he picks keep getting better and better!!!

recommended to watch!!! must watch!!!!

Leia Mais

a well written male centered drama

I was surprised knowing that the original source was never a gay romance. The drama sure know how to up their bromance lol.

Personally I am not a fan of any type of romance in a drama that is heavy in friendship and brotherhood/sisterhood. But I like the bromance in this. If you see it from different perspectives, it actually fits in every one of them. Truly up to viewers' interpretation. You may see romance, or just friendship, or brotherhood, or even father-son bond between LLH-FXB (not entirely but it's there, you just have to see it from that angle).

I think even if people dislike the ending, I quite like it. I don't think Li Lianhua is still alive. He most probably have long been dead when DFS and FDB went to the beach. LLH has been lying to people thag Li Xiangyi is dead, and he lied that LXY was found dead on the beach and the body swept away by the ocean. Personally I think it foreshadowed the way he actually died. LLH chose to die that way because he wanted it.

Saving him is a bit unrealistic. He has said so many times that someone needs the cure more than him. While he was the best during his prime, his time has long passed and it's time for the new generation to surpass him. For him 30% chance is a 0 chance. If someone has 100% survival rate with the antidote, why waste it on him? He's both selfish and selfless in a sense, again depends on what way you see his action.

I personally think people forcing him to stay alive is also quite selfish of them. If LLH chose to die peacefully with his illness, why are you so adamant to make him alive? DFS did it for his long obsession of defeating him. While I get FDB just wanted him to just live and be the LLH and enjoy adventure with him, I think FDB never understood LLH in this case. He's supposed to understand LLH and all his reasoning, but he just refused to accept this one.

Overall this drama is truly one of the best Chinese drama in 2023 aside from The Blood of Youth. Do I want a season 2? Perhaps, with FDB and DFS looking for LLH, dead or alive. And them forming a bond that they didn't know they could build. It would be lovely to have it.

Leia Mais

MLC - Mystery filled with Legendary Characters.

An Epic series my current no.1 non romantic drama. I dont usually write reviews but this one forced me to write. This is an underrated gem i feel, it deserves hype and popularity among more international audience so tht they can savour and appreciate this beauty cause i myself had no clue and just stumbled into this legit great wuxia adventure that just brings on addiction from the get go till the last episode. Those who dont watch spoilers it just has right amount of twists. The Mystery cases also has a good no. of clues but requires lot of guesswork but it is explained in detail and those are legit and believable ones.
Before going into the actors lets take a moment to appreciate the production. So many tiny tiny details i literally had to go through so many comments and rewatch for those. The color textures, accessories, scenery all are simple and classic and top notch. Its a diff world tht wants us to dive into it.
Next the OST chefs kiss, so smooth and relatable to the storyline and my fav liu yuning opening theme is just fab. The songs all contribute to the feeling of belonging and connection to the storyline.

Thn the actors and acting
Sorry but xiao rijin was not only an irritating annoying character but the actors acting was also not very appealing.

Qiao mian lxys ex lover atleast she had conscience atlast the only episode i appreciated her was her breakup with the lead and taking back leadership, its just tteotm her character left so stinky taste in my mouth i am not able to see her as an acter and again her crying face here just reminds her bitch face thr in tteotm i thnk the actress shd try modern drama for a while till people forget her stint in tteotm or else the influence will srill be there.

Sxy - she was a breath of fresh air in the nerve cracking serious mystery though it wad one sided crush , she respected lxy boundaries and helped him when ever necessary, it was a cute character

Fo bi bai shi - the elders of the sigu sect are just stupid people i guess being detectives they couldnt find lxy and they forgave bique for poisoning their leader later made a scene of executing him, though they all loved lxy its just the storyline msde me wary towards them.

Jiao liqao - sick poisonous beauty honestly she is the kind of third person i want in any drama , instead of a dumb not beautiful actress just to seperate the mainleads ,rather someone who truly loves and ml in a sick way her acting is so perfect tht we can hate her or love her no in between. Somewhr i wouldnt have minded her marrying dfs and having llh as side concubine, just kiddin. But her ambition to control the top 2 powerful man in history in applaud worthy.

Di fei sheng or my cutie A fei - no words just the right amount of gray in the black and white world. The anti hero kind. His backstory was nice tht it had a continuation and ending in the present time. That swag after he recovered fro weeping guyanin . And his true respect for lxy and extended fdb is appreciated. My voice chocked whn his emotions bubbled over him killing jiao liqao the first woman he slew. He is a decent guy and the middle stint without his memories as A fei even tht time he was praiseworthy cunning and demanding favor for a secret. Want to see more of this masculine actor as a male lead soon and hope this character becomes an inspiration to future drama writers.

Fang doubing - or xiaobao as I and llh likes it , joseph zheng played this character really well and xiaobao's character is the one that had max character growth, from a spoiled rich kind hearted curious irresponsible and shifu's child to a man full of responsibilities, determination, hope and experience filled wanderer each teaching him a lesson and fondness to those who deserve it. From being stubborn and stupid to becoming LLH's confident and first friend having that understanding and supporting when ever needed that brotherhood is something more thn just master disciple. Even after getting to know llh is lxy he still called him llh which just shows tht he is true to their present relationship nothing of the past matters. And his calmness and the villainous reveal of sgd was not really surprising but pleasantly welcomed Tianji manor with his mom and aunt both were really good characters and his bonding towards them also showed. I loved tht kid fangxiao bao but at the end i admired fdb who had bested lxy's shifu ,created his own swordplay, stood up against his dad after knowtowing, and also not running away from the princess instead understanding responsibility and her affection. He is one of a kind.

Li lian hua or li xiangyi - i fall short of words describing him , please watch the series and you will understand this guy is nothing short, truly majestic who made us all fall in love with his character and the one tht made me crave cheng yi's acting. Both actor and character deserve 100% standing ovation so freaking good.

I just want to delete the whole series and rewatch it without knowing the ending.

Leia Mais