New Life Begins
2022 Chinese historical series
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New Life Begins (Chinese: 卿卿日常)[1] is a 2022 Chinese romantic comedy series starring Bai Jingting and Tian Xiwei.[2][3] It is an adaptation of the web novel Time Travel to the Daily Life of the Qing Dynasty by DuoMuMuDuo, directed by Zhao Qichen and produced by Liu Wenyang.[4][5] The story is about Yin Zheng and Li Wei who meet unexpectedly, and embark a lively life filled with dynamic situations. On 10 November 2022, it premiered on IQIYI.[6][7][8] It sets record by achieving the fastest 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' on iQIYI.[9][10]
- QingQing Daily
- QingChuan Daily
- Blind Date in XinChuan
Wang Xiaoping
| New Life Begins | |
|---|---|
Official poster | |
| Also known as |
|
| Genre | |
| Based on | Time Travel to the Daily Life of the Qing Dynasty by DuoMuMuDuo |
| Written by | Liu Lianzi Wang Xiaoping |
| Directed by | Zhao Qichen |
| Starring | |
| Country of origin | China |
| Original language | Mandarin |
| No. of episodes | 40 |
| Production | |
| Production location | China |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production companies | |
| Original release | |
| Network | IQIYI |
| Release | 10 November – 9 December 2022 |
| Related | |
| The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020) | |
On 17 April 2023, the series was aired on Hong Kong TVB Jade channel under the title "Blind Date in XinChuan".[11][12]
Plot
Due to a political marriage, girls from all over Ji Chuan gathered in Xinchuan. Yin Zheng, the Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan, who lives a low-key life, and Li Wei, who hopes to fail in this political marriage and return to her hometown, unexpectedly meet. Together, they begin a new life full of varied and enjoyable experiences. As Yin Zheng enters the government, they gradually find they share similar tastes and feelings. They experience daily life together, sharing meals and seasons, and grow alongside other siblings with distinct personalities and destinies, creating a warm and vibrant story of life within the large Xinchuan family.[13][14]
Geopolitical theme
The TV series is set in nine regions and countries. The continent is divided into nine regions (九川), each called a "Chuan" (川). Each Chuan has its own culture and system, and they intermarry to maintain peace and development. Among them, "XinChuan" is the most powerful region. Consequently, each region must participate in the marriage election convention held by XinChuan to gain its protection.[15][16]
| Name of Chuan | Introduction |
|---|---|
| Xin Chuan | Situated at the center, the first of the nine Chuans upholds Confucian traditions, values the rule of law, and follows the belief in male superiority over female inferiority. |
| Jin Chuan | Located in the east, close to the sea, Jin Chuan thrives on commerce, fishing, and salt industries. The people of Jin Chuan have a particular fondness for seafood. |
| Dan Chuan | Situated in the west, Dan Chuan has a matriarchal society where women are superior to men. The people of Dan Chuan enjoy spicy food, such as hot pot, and are fond of playing card games. |
| Dai Chuan | Located in the northeast, Dai Chuan is mountainous and rich in mineral resources. The people of Dai Chuan are known for their unique foods, including luosifen and stinky tofu. |
| Yan Chuan | Situated in the south, Yan Chuan enjoys a warm and humid climate, rich in flowers and fruits. Women from Yan Chuan are renowned for their beauty. |
| Mo Chuan | Located in the north, Mo Chuan has vast grasslands and is known for its nomadic lifestyle, developed animal husbandry, and powerful cavalry. The people of Mo Chuan enjoy spirits and barbecued meat. |
| Cang Chuan | In the northwest, Cang Chuan has a dry climate with numerous deserts and barren lands. Resources are scarce, and most people live near oases with clean water. |
| Yin Chuan | Located in the southeast, Yin Chuan enjoys a temperate climate with abundant rainfall and a landscape that resembles spring year-round. Its rivers, lakes, and fertile land make it highly productive. |
| Ji Chuan | Situated in the southwest, Ji Chuan is known for its gender equality, monogamy, and liberal culture. The people of Ji Chuan have a love for mushrooms. |
Cast
Main
| Artist | Role | Note | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bai Jingting | Yin Zheng | Sixth Prince of Xinchuan, a low-profile and studious noble, known for his many talents and ability to govern. He eventually marries Li Wei. | Carlos Lee |
| Tian Xiwei | Li Wei | She was born into a humble yet harmonious family, a cheerful girl with a love for food. She accidentally marries Yin Zheng. | Heidy Ling Hei |
| Chang Long | Yin Qi | Fifth Prince, husband of Shang Guan Jing, known for his kindness and as the biological brother of Princess Linlang. | |
| Fan Shuai Qi | Shang Guan Jing | A princess of Danchuan and younger sister of the Madam of Danchuan, she becomes the main wife of Yin Qi. |
Jiu Chuan (Nine Regions)
- Xin Chuan
| Artist | Role | Note | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gao Shuguang | Lord of Xinchuan | The ruler of Xinchuan and Jiu Chuan. | Zhao Shiliang |
| Zhang Ruika | Madam Xinchuan | Wife of the Lord of Xinchuan and the mother of Yin Song. | Yuan Shuzheng |
- Karina Zhao as Madam He: Mother of Yin Zheng and the Eleventh Prince, she became the Lord of Xinchuan’s concubine at a young age
- Edward Zhang as Yin Song: Second prince, born to Madam Xinchuan. He is brother of the Tenth Prince and Princess Shuyu. Husband of Lady Fangru and ex-husband of Hao Jia
- Chen Zi Han as Zhao Fangru: Yin Song’s main wife, from Danchuan. Her family owns most of the mines in Daichuan
- Liu Meng Meng as Dong Haitong: Yin An's main wife, from Cangchuan
- Liu Mei Han as Song Wu: Princess Kening, adopted daughter of Madam He, marries Song Wu
- Yin Kun: First son, born to a concubine. He was stationed in the Mo Chuan region and is the father of Ping'an.
- Jiang Yue: Yin Kun's main wife and the mother of Ping'an
- Yin An: Third Prince, husband to Lady Dong. His biological mother died young, so he was raised by Madam Xinchuan
- Yin Han: Ninth Prince, friends with Li Wei
- Yin Yue: Tenth Prince, born to Madam Xinchuan, brother of Yin Song and Princess Shuyu
- Yin Zai: Eleventh Prince, born to Madam He and younger brother of Yin Zheng
- Jinchuan
- Liu Ling Zi as Yuan Ying: Princess of Jinchuan and Yin Zheng's main wife
- Danchuan
- Madam of Danchuan: Older sister of Shang Guan Jing and ruler of the Danchuan region. Sister-in-law of Yin Qi
- Shang Guan Jing:Younger sister of the Madam of Danchuan
- Daichuan
- Chen Zi Han as Zhao Fangru: Yin Song's main wife. Later, he divorces him and moves back to Daichuan
- Jichuan
- Hu Ke as Zhu Ge Xiao Mei: Mother of Li Wei and Li Cang. Wife of Li Wen Bi
- Yu En Tai as Li Wen Bi: Father of Li Wei and Li Cang; lower official in Jichuan
- Xu Wai Luo as Li Cang: Younger brother of Li Wei. The son of Zhu Ge Xiao Mei and Li Wen Bi
Soundtrack
| Title | Artist | Lyrics/Composer | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brilliance Theme Song |
Liu Yuning |
|
4:32 |
| To Taste Ending Song |
Bu Cai | 3:36 | |
| Over the Years | Xilinnayi Gao | 3:12 | |
| Sound | Lai Meiyun | 4:21 | |
| South Wind | Ye Xuanqing | 4:26 | |
| Never | Zhang Xianzi | 4:08 |
- HongKong version:
| Title | Artist |
|---|---|
| Bubble Cucumber (Theme Song) |
Yao Zhaofei, Zhang Chihao |
| Get the Courage to Be Happy (Ending Theme Song) |
Windy Zhan |
Reception
In 2022, the series was national and internationally successful,[17][18] becoming fastest drama on IQIYI to reach the 10,000 'Popularity Heat Index' mark; its first week peaked at 19.6 rating with 1.26M viewership.[19] Critics appreciated casts acting in bringing their respective role to life, and the characterization which is not complex.[20][21] The women empowerment and friendship theme was effectively conveyed.[22][23] It ranked among the 'Top 5 Dramas' in viewership and featured in 'iQIYI Top 10', maintaining its lasting popularity.[24]
Ratings
Premiere ratings on TVB Jade in Hong Kong, China.[25][26]
- The Blue number represents the highest ratings.
| Dates | Episodes | Audience share | Average live TV ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17-21 April 2023 | 01－05 | 19.6 | 16.4 |
| 24-28 April 2023 | 06－10 | 19.8 | 17 |
| 01-05 May 2023 | 11－15 | 19.6 | 17.2 |
| 08-12 May 2023 | 16－20 | 19.1 | 17.8 |
| 15-19 May 2023 | 21－25 | 19.7 | 16.8 |
| 22-26 May 2023 | 26－30 | 19.6 | 17 |
| All Episodes | 19.8 | 17.3 | |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | IQIYI TV and Movie Jury Award | Best Newcomer in a TV Series | Tian Xiwei | Won | |
| Annual Influential Actor | Bai Jingting | Won | |||
| Special Honor | Won | ||||
| 2023 | 3rd Global Film and Television Culture Communication Summit Forum and Annual Selection | Excellent Series in International Communication | Won | ||
| Weibo Awards Ceremony | Progressive Actor of the Year | Tian Xiwei | Won | ||
| Golden Screenwriters' Night | Best Adapted Screenplay | Sangrou JiLu, Ding Zhuoqun & Zheng | Won | ||
| 2024 | Star Awards Ceremony | Best Song Written By Television | Bubble Cucumber (Hongkong Version by Yao Zhaofei & Zhang Chihao) |
Nominated | [27] |
| Get The Courage To Be Happy (Hongkong Version by Windy Zhan) |
Nominated | ||||
| Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival | Quality Director of the Year | Qichen Zhao | Won | ||
| Excellent Drama of the Year | Won |