Yes, Hero Is Back is a real Chinese drama — it is a 2020 historical wuxia series starring Wang Likun and Zheng Yecheng, and it is also known in English as The Legend of Xiao Chuo. The show is an adaptation of the novel Queen of the East by Jiang Sheng, and it tells the story of Xiao Yanyan, a historical Khitan woman who becomes a powerful empress of the Liao Dynasty.
Background: The Novel and the Drama
The drama is based on the popular web novel Queen of the East (东宫之皇后) by Jiang Sheng, which fictionalizes the life of Xiao Yanyan (also spelled Xiao Chuo). Xiao Yanyan was a real historical figure — she was the consort of Emperor Jingzong of the Liao Dynasty and later served as regent for her young son. The novel blends historical events with romance and political intrigue, and the drama adaptation follows that mix.
The series aired on Tencent Video and other platforms in 2020, with a total of 48 episodes. It was directed by Zhang Xiaohan, and the cast includes Wang Likun as Xiao Yanyan, Zheng Yecheng as Han Derang, and a supporting cast of well-known Chinese actors. The production was notable for its large budget and elaborate costumes, aiming to recreate the look of the Liao Dynasty, which was ruled by the Khitan people in northern China.
Plot Summary: What Happens in the Story
The story follows Xiao Yanyan from her youth as a carefree noblewoman to her rise as a decisive empress. She is betrothed to Han Derang, a Han Chinese scholar, but political circumstances force her to marry Emperor Yelü Xian instead. After the emperor’s death, she becomes regent for her son and must navigate court factions, foreign threats, and her own feelings for Han Derang.
The drama emphasizes her growth from a sheltered girl to a ruler who must make hard choices. It also portrays the complex relationship between the Khitan and Han cultures, and the internal power struggles within the Liao court. The title Hero Is Back refers to the return of a heroic figure — in this case, Xiao Yanyan herself, who steps into power when her family and state need her most.
Main Characters and Cast
- Xiao Yanyan (Wang Likun) — the protagonist, a Khitan noblewoman who becomes Empress Dowager and regent. Wang Likun is known for roles in Scarlet Heart and The Legend of Miyue.
- Han Derang (Zheng Yecheng) — a Han Chinese official and Xiao Yanyan’s first love, who serves as a loyal advisor. Zheng Yecheng is also known for Put Your Head on My Shoulder.
- Yelü Xian (Jason Wang) — the Liao emperor who marries Xiao Yanyan, portrayed as a ruler with a gentle heart.
- Xiao Yanben (Chen Ruoxuan) — Xiao Yanyan’s younger sister, who becomes a rival in both love and politics.
The cast was well-received by fans of historical dramas, though some viewers noted that the acting was uneven in places. The chemistry between Wang Likun and Zheng Yecheng was generally praised.
Reception and Controversy
Hero Is Back received mixed reviews. On Douban, a major Chinese review site, it scored around 5.5 out of 10, which is below average for a big-budget drama. Critics often pointed to a slow pace, a convoluted plot, and historical inaccuracies. However, fans of the novel and of the lead actors appreciated the romance and the political intrigue.
The drama also faced a controversy before airing: some netizens criticized the casting of Wang Likun, who was in her 40s at the time, as a young woman in the early episodes. The production defended the choice, but the issue sparked discussions about ageism in Chinese entertainment. Additionally, some viewers were disappointed that the adaptation changed key elements from the novel, particularly the ending.
How to Watch Hero Is Back
If you want to watch the drama with English subtitles, your best options are streaming platforms like Viki, YouTube (official channel), or Amazon Prime Video (in some regions). The show is also available on Chinese platforms like Tencent Video and iQiyi, but those may require a VIP subscription and often lack English subtitles.
Before you start, note that the drama has 48 episodes, each about 45 minutes long. If you’re used to faster-paced modern dramas, you may want to skip some of the early political setup. But if you enjoy historical epics with strong female leads, it’s worth a try.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that Hero Is Back is a sequel to another drama. It is not — the title is original, and the story is self-contained. Another question people ask is whether the drama is historically accurate. The answer is no: while it is based on real people and events, it takes significant liberties for dramatic effect, such as inventing romantic subplots and altering the timeline.
Some viewers also confuse this drama with the 2015 animated film Monkey King: Hero Is Back. That is a completely different work — an animation about the Monkey King, not a historical drama. The Chinese title of the drama is 燕云台 (Yan Yun Tai), which translates to Yan Cloud Terrace, so if you search for that, you’ll find the right show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hero Is Back available on Netflix?
As of now, Hero Is Back is not available on Netflix in most regions. Your best bet is to check Viki or YouTube, where it is officially licensed with English subtitles in select countries.
Who is the male lead in Hero Is Back?
The male lead is Zheng Yecheng, who plays Han Derang, the scholar and first love of the female protagonist. However, the drama also features Jason Wang as Emperor Yelü Xian, who is a second male lead and also important to the plot.
Is the drama a happy ending?
Without giving away too much, the ending is bittersweet. It follows the novel’s general direction, but the adaptation changes some details, so fans of the book may be surprised. If you prefer clear happy endings, you might want to read the novel instead.
Why is the drama called Hero Is Back?
The English title is a marketing choice, not a direct translation. It likely refers to the idea of a hero (Xiao Yanyan) returning to power or to her homeland. The Chinese title Yan Yun Tai is the name of a palace platform, which is more symbolic.
Are there any similar dramas I might like?
If you enjoy strong female leads in historical settings, you might like The Legend of Miyue (also starring Wang Likun in a supporting role), Empresses in the Palace, or The Story of Yanxi Palace. These all feature women navigating court politics and romance.
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