The Glory: Chen Duling’s Stunning Transformation from “Cold Beauty” to “Power Queen”
Amidst a sea of period dramas this spring, The Glory has emerged as a breath of fresh air. With its tightly woven plot, compelling female narrative full of twists and turns, and outstanding performances, the series quickly became one of Tencent Video’s hottest releases of 2025. Among the many highlights, the most surprising was Chen Duling’s portrayal of the lead character, Zhuang Hanyan. Once criticized for her “wooden acting,” this self-taught actress delivered a breathtaking transformation from an innocent facade to a calculating strategist, proving both her talent and growth.
From Survivor to Game-Changer: Zhuang Hanyan’s Evolution
The Glory tells the story of Zhuang Hanyan, the legitimate daughter of the Zhuang family, falsely accused of being a “barefoot ghost.” Abandoned by her family, she endures abuse while living with adoptive parents in Danzhou. Upon returning to the Zhuang household as an adult, she finds herself entangled in even more treacherous schemes. Her character arc is filled with dramatic tension from the very start—forced into survival mode, she gradually transforms into a formidable power player.
In an interview, Chen Duling shared, “Zhuang Hanyan is a character forged by fate. She had to raise herself anew. She starts as someone merely trying to survive but eventually becomes the one who rewrites the rules of the game. Her transformation showcases her inner strength.”
Throughout the series, Zhuang Hanyan navigates a perilous world filled with deceitful enemies: her ruthless father Zhuang Shiyang, the scheming concubine Zhou Ruyin, the emotionally abusive birth mother Ruan Xiwen, and half-siblings constantly plotting against her. Chen Duling’s nuanced performance captures Zhuang Hanyan’s delicate balance—appearing soft and innocent on the surface while remaining sharp and unyielding underneath. In iconic scenes like her barefoot return to the city and the snow-covered confrontation, she exudes a “shattered yet regal” aesthetic, earning praise from viewers who hail her as a refreshing presence in the historical drama genre.
Chen Duling’s Breakthrough: From “Academic Approach” to Deep Emotional Connection
As a non-professionally trained actress, Chen Duling initially faced criticism for her rigid performances. She first gained recognition as a campus beauty queen before making her acting debut as “Xiao Erduo” in The Left Ear. Over the years, she has taken on diverse roles, continuously honing her craft—from the cunning villain in Till the End of the Moon to the virtuous heroine in Mysterious Lotus Casebook, and now the multi-layered Zhuang Hanyan in The Glory.
Her performance in The Glory stands out due to the emotional depth she brings to the role. She masterfully handles abrupt emotional shifts—”One moment, she’s on the verge of killing someone, and the next, she’s forced to maintain a facade of harmony.” Her subtle expressions convey intricate power plays, especially in scenes like her strategic plea to Fu Yunxi, where she exposes her scarred back to elicit sympathy while her downcast gaze subtly signals her manipulation of their power dynamics.
“Playing Zhuang Hanyan made me reflect on how she would handle situations differently from myself,” Chen Duling revealed in an interview. “She has given me a new sense of resilience and determination. It’s fascinating how a character can unconsciously teach you new perspectives on life.” This mutual influence between actress and role has made her performance even more authentic and compelling.
A Romance of Strategy and Sacrifice: A Unique Take on Period Drama Love
The romance in The Glory deviates from the conventional sweet and sentimental approach. Zhuang Hanyan and Fu Yunxi (played by Xin Yunlai) enter a “contract marriage,” one based on strategic advantage rather than love. Fu Yunxi, the widower of Zhuang Hanyan’s deceased sister, proposes a partnership: “You become my wife, and I will be your stepping stone to power.”
This pragmatic foundation makes their evolving relationship even more captivating. Their interactions are charged with tension, as seen in the snow-covered confrontation, where a mere exchange of glances conveys both calculated interest and emerging affection. However, their love is overshadowed by Fu Yunxi’s fatal poisoning—”Because he loves her, he dares not love her. Burdened by societal prejudice and his impending death, he suppresses his true emotions, disguising sincerity as mere transaction.” This restrained yet profound emotional depth resonates more than any overt confession.
From The Glory to the Future: Chen Duling’s Career on the Rise
The success of The Glory has catapulted Chen Duling’s career to new heights. The drama not only topped Yunhe Data rankings for consecutive days but also secured over 20% of the market share, making it one of the most talked-about period dramas of early 2025. Chen Duling, now recognized for her ability to carry a drama, has significantly expanded her choice of roles.
She has already wrapped up filming for Veil of Shadows, her second collaboration with director Guo Jingming. Rumors also suggest she will join Tencent Video’s high-profile production Jin Zhi, portraying a concubine-turned-noblewoman. Given her refined yet commanding screen presence in The Glory, fans believe she is a perfect fit for this new role, further fueling anticipation.
Conclusion: A Female-Led Epic Worth Watching
The Glory stands out not only for its intricate court intrigue but also for its authentic and multi-dimensional portrayal of female growth. Zhuang Hanyan is not a typical “invincible heroine”—she has no divine interventions or overpowered abilities. Every step forward is paved with sacrifice and tough choices. Chen Duling’s nuanced performance brings this complexity to life—her character is both patient and ruthless, pragmatic yet yearning for genuine connection.
If you’re tired of formulaic period dramas and crave a narrative that offers a fresh female perspective on power struggles, The Glory is a must-watch. The series may have reached its finale on Tencent Video, but the impact of Zhuang Hanyan’s journey—and Chen Duling’s stellar performance—will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
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