C-Drama Review: “Who Rules the World” Imbues Storyline With An Irresistible Allure

Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi did a remarkable job portraying characters with double lives. Indeed, they will be missed as the Hei-Feng-Bai-Xi tandem.

Who Rules the World delivered a great cast ensemble, a thrilling love story and an intriguing plot premise. Overall, the production team and the cast members’ efforts are reflected in this great Wuxia drama they have produced.

And sadly, Yang Yang fans will have to say goodbye—for now—to his immaculate look with a long hair and ponytail. Here’s to hoping he will have another costume-drama project or another project in general, starring together again with the gorgeous Zhao Lusi!

• Main Casts: Yang Yang | Zhao Lusi 
• Supporting Casts: Leon Lain | Zhang Hao Wei | Xuan Lu
• Romance / Thrilling Meter:
• Overall Rating:
• Rewatch Value:
• Dramas of Similar Vibes: No Boundary | The Romance of Tiger and Rose | Luoyang | Sleuth of Ming Dynasty

Nathan Llantos watched Who Rules the World on Netflix.

Recaps: First Look | Mid-Series

Who Rules the World Plot Recap (Finale Spoilers!)

Following the fiasco during Prince Chang’s engagement party, Queen Baili and Prince Feng Ju did not stop colluding against Prince Lanxi. Lanxi also was finally able to confess his love to Bai Fengxi after many obstacles were conquered. Unfortunately, with the help of Yu Wuyuan, the evil queen and third prince of Yongzhou were able to expose Prince Lanxi’s other identity as the great martial artist, Hei Fengxi.

This enraged the current Lord of Yongzhou and severely punished his son Feng Lanxi. The Lord prepared a concoction to weaken the inner force for Lanxi to drink so he could no longer be a threat to his father. He was then sent to the marriage candidate selection in Youzhou, where Princess Chun’ruan is.

Bai Fengxi accompanied Feng Lanxi on his trip, and the two came up with plans on their own. During the marriage candidate selection, Princess Chun’ruan asked Bai Fengxi to conduct the first examination for her suitors.

Prince Huang Chao of Jizhou recognized Bai Fengxi immediately. Later that day, he even proposed to Bai Fengxi that when he became the next Emperor of Dadong, Bai Fengxi would be his Empress.

However, Bai Fengxi rejected him. Feng Lanxi purposely failed the last trial for the marriage candidate selection. He went back to Yongzhou soon after. This time, misfortune falls on Bai Fengxi.

Murderer on the Loose

Yu Wuyuan’s identity is yet to be exposed. During his visit to the Tianshuang sect, he discovers that the Sect Leader and Token keeper, Bai Jiande knows too much. He eventually kills him with poison and frames Bai Fengxi.

Langhua, the daughter of the Sect Leader, was devastated and suspected that Bai Fengxi wanted to be their next leader. She stabbed Bai Fengxi and banished her from their sect. Subsequently, Feng Lanxi nursed her back to health and gave her the Sacred Jade Moonflower from Old Taiyin, which saved her life. Miraculously, it brought back Feng Lanxi’s inner force as well.

The Death of the Imperial King

The Dadong Emperor died an untimely death. This was the work of none other than the scheming Yu Wuyuan, who was the last descendant of the oppressed Imperial Yu family. To seek out his revenge, he was the one who started stealing the legacies of the massacred clans and was behind their deaths. All to revive his Locust and Cricket army and to suppress the blood curse bestowed upon his kin.

Bai Fengxi and Prince Feng Lanxi traveled to the Palace of the Dadong Empire to investigate the case discreetly. Their findings turn out to be a clue not only for the emperor’s death but also for Queen Yige’s. Lanxi gathered proof about an undetectable poison used by Queen Baili on the late Yongzhou Queen and Imperial Princess, his mother, Yige.

Prince Feng Ju’s Coup d’état

After obtaining proof of his mother’s murder, Prince Lanxi brought the Minister of Justice as his witness. During the celebration of King Yong’s 50th birthday, Lanxi arrived with the news of the Emperor’s death and a revelation about his late mother’s death.

When they heard the confession of the Duke of Liang, the Lord of Yongzhou could no longer cover the evil deeds of Queen Baili. They also found out that Prime Minister Wang assisted her in murdering Queen Yige. Not just that, Prime Minister Wang was apparently a deep-cover agent of the State of Jizhou agent.  Yu Wuyuan provided him with the information he needed to do inside jobs.

To protect his mother, Prince Feng Ju launched a coup to dethrone his father. Unfortunately for him, Lanxi is one step ahead, and he came prepared. They have already expected this desperate move from his brother. It was part of the third prince’s plan to frame Lanxi for staging a coup to obtain the commander’s tally from their father, the King.

The Lord of Yongzhou fell for the trick and handed the tally to his third son. However, this does not state Queen Baili or Prince Feng Ju. They were demanding that in order obtain absolute command over the guards and soldiers.

King Yong must declare Feng Ju as heir to the throne. Before the decree could be written, Prince Lanxi arrived with Zhang Zhong Ge, amd they declared that the 30,000 warriors outside were not his, but Prince Ju’s men.

Treachery Begets Punishment

While Bai Fengxi and Feng Qiwu are fighting Prince Ju’s men, the revelations keep pouring inside the Palace Banquet Hall. Prince Lanxi also beat up Prince Feng Ju, who was surprised to see that his brother’s inner force is back. After accepting defeat, the third Prince spoke casually to their father, King Yong and ranted.

Prince Ju confessed that he feels exhausted from being the son of King Yong. In addition, he pointed out how Lanxi, the second prince was always so faultless and dedicated to his obligations as a prince. Yet instead of being proud, the king stripped Lanxi of his inner force so he could not be a martial artist anymore. All because he was afraid Prince Lanxi would seize the throne.

As for Prince Ju, his title as a prince was renounced. He was reduced to the status of a commoner. Despite this, Prince Ju was pretty pleased with his punishment. However, his relief does not last long when he sees Queen Baili’s body hanging and dead.

Proposals & State Crisis

If Hei Fengxi is the Second Prince of Yongzhou and one of the four fine gentries of the Dadong Empire, Bai Fengxi is apparently the Princess of Qingzhou. Supported by her father and brother, Princess Feng Xiyun entered the martial arts world and traveled the six states of the empire. She was then named as Bai Fengxi by her mentor Bai Jiande, the Leader of the Tianshuang Sect.

With the death of the Emperor, the Empyrean token still missing, and the King of Qingzhou’s illness, the six states have all the reasons they need to be at war with each other. In particular, the newly married couple Princess Chun’ruan of Youzhou and Prince Huang Chao of Jizho have joined forces to conquer the state of Qingzhou.Bai Fengxi has to return to her kingdom and become Princess Xiyun again to help her brother and father protect their state and people.

Before knowing this though, Lanxi has already proposed to Bai Fengxi. He believes that it was the right time since all his worries in Yongzhou were already resolved and he could not wait to spend the rest of his life with her. Unfortunately for Bai Fengxi, after the joyous reunion with his brother a few months ago, she receives alarming news about the King of Qinzhou’s health condition.

She was unaware that Lanxi had heard her conversation with the messenger. Lanxi was surprised and thrilled to know she was Princess Xiyun. As Bai Fengxi was telling him she had to leave, Lanxi said he understood her situation and that he would join her as she had in all those years, they solved crimes and problems together.

The Rise of the Phoenix

Following the death of Crown Prince Feng Xieyue and the demise of the King of Qingzhou, Bai Fengxi is now Queen Xiyun. The warring Youzhou, supported by Huang Chao of Jizhou, promptly tested Xiyun’s Queenship. It was a death match, but Xiyun was an experienced military strategist. Furthermore, Crown Prince Lanxi is there to help her every step of the way.

Queen Xiyun was formidable with her cavalry and infantry’s Bloody Phoenix formation. They have been at odds with Jizhou and Youzhou’s combined armed forces. However, a brief cease-fire was implemented. A lot of Youzhou and Jizhou’s soliders were sacrificed. Although there were casualties among Qinzhou’s armed forces, they were able to limit it and achieved continuous victories in the battlefield.

Prince Lanxi married Queen Xiyun during the ceasefire period. He was also given the title of Lord of Yongzhou on their wedding day. For five years, they continued the war with Jizhou and Youzhou, who had conquered one out of the two remaining states of the Dadong Empire. Lord Yongping (Prince Lanxi’s new title) also conquered the last remaining state. Hence, the race is on for the first person to unite the empire.

The Last Two Battles

Han Pu the little kid that the Hei-Feng-Bai-Xi couple saved years ago is now a young general of Qinzhou. Together with Yongzhou’s Moyu Cavalry, Qingzhou’s forces brace themselves to face Youzhou and Jizhou. Queen Xiyun is leading the troops on the frontlines. Unfortunately, to save the Queen, General Han Pu sacrificed his life.

This enraged Xiyun. After the fierce fight, they regrouped and recuperated for the last one. This time they are aware of Yu Wuyuan’s real identity but are yet to confirm his true motives. Now that even Jizhou and Youzhou are aware of who the true enemy is, another truce was set in motion. However, before the truce commenced Queen Xiyun’s life was put in danger.

King Lanxi was in a state of complete anguish. He was in a fast-moving chariot, holding Queen Xiyun, who was barely alive. King Lanxi told her that she could not die until he gave her permission.

Frantic and agitated, the couple arrived at Old Master Tianji’s domain. Lanxi requested that Master Tianji use Tianshan’s The Snow’s Life Transference method to save Queen Xiyun. However, because Xiyun has lost a lot of blood and is on the verge of death, the transfer demands a lot of inner strength from Lanxi. Lanxi will have just ten years to live as a result of this.

The Tragedy of the Empyrean Yu Family

The war continues but this time with Jizhou, Qingzhou, Yongzhou and Youzhou hand in hand. They are now united against the enemy, Yu Wuyuan and his Locus and Cricket army. During their confrontation with Yu Wuyuan, he revealed how the first Emperor Weilie had wronged his clan. It was a fallacy that the Dadong Empire was formed by the Six Lords and Emperor Weilie.

Instead of treating their mentor as he promised, Emperor Weilie saw became Yu Yantian as a threat. Thus, he ordered the whole Yu Family killed. A servant, however, saved Yantian’s youngest son, which was the ancestor of Yu Wuyuan.

The truth is that there was another member in the founders’ group, and his name was Yu Yantian. In fact, there would have been no Dadong Empire without Yu Yantian. He was the mentor to all of the founders of the empire and the six states.

After hearing this, Huang Chao, Lanxi and Xiyun all agree that Emperor Weilie was solely at fault for Dadong’s present situation. Nevertheless, Yu Wuyuan’s methods and years of murders are not justifiable.  Though Yu Wuyuan had a valid grievance, it was still personal, and he should not have utilized it at the expense of countless innocent lives and the destruction of peace.

At the End, Who Rules the World?

Xiyun and Lanxi attempted the highest level of Sacred Jade Moon and flew into the skies, pursuing Wuyuan. While Lanxi was fighting Wuyuan, Xiyun skilfully flung her blade at Wuyuan’s head, successfully bringing him down.

Wuyuan died on the palace floor in front of Huang Chao. The three powerful regnant then proceeded to the young emperor (Feng Lanxi’s cousin), who was relieved that Wuyuan’s rule of terror was over.

Huang Chao admits that the Hei-Feng-Bai-Xi couple is more valiant than him. He hands them the scroll and warns them that he will come for their heads if they do not establish a great empire.

This was the confirmation and assurance Xiyun and Lanxi needed in order for them to hand over the empire to Huang Chao confidently. Although Huang Chao was bemused by the couple’s decision, he was happy that his lifelong dream was finally achieved.

As Lanxi had only ten years left to live, the two rulers decided to go the state affairs to their trusted vassals and to now Emperor Huang Chao. They abdicate the throne together and bid their friends farewell. A few years later, the peaceful and prosperous Huang Empire was established. Princess Chun’ruan also achieved her dream of being the Empress.

Xiyun and Lanxi are still together and live in a hut in the heart of the forested mountain. They have been accustomed to their new domestic life. Yet they still squabble now and then as the old Hei Fengxi and Bai Fengxi do.

Lanxi would occasionally sulk when he did not receive the attention he desired from his beautiful wife. Nevertheless, they were satisfied with their new serene lifestyle, making the most of Lanxi’s few remaining years.

Xiyun and Lanxi split the household chores between them. The two also share an intimate bond by doing each other’s brows. They are still in love and content. The final episode wraps up by showing the two lovingly yet simply drawing the brows of each other.

Who Rules the World Series Highlights

Enticing Wardrobe & Production Designs

Wuxia and Xianxia dramas indeed require a hefty budget to make the worldbuilding as convincing as possible. For this series, the production and set designers did a great job of making the locations realistic and appropriate for the scenes. It is also significant that they prioritized using more actual backdrops and set designs rather than often relying on CGI.

This gave the series a more authentic feel in the long run. Moreover, the wardrobe for the characters looks very enchanting. Be it for characters in the martial arts world or palace courts, their wardrobe for their scenes is befitting and beautiful. Kudos to the stylists and sewists.

Striking Chemistry of Main Characters

There are no other actors or actresses that would give justice to the characters Bai Fengxi/Feng Xiyun and Hei Fengxi/ Feng Lanxi other than Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi. In particular, the two exude great chemistry. One that is not excessively sweet; instead, they have a pleasant and cool aura together.

In fact, viewers might find themselves shipping the two hardcore even when the scenes are very serious or wholesome. They just really go well together, and they look beautiful as a series couple. The angst they have, their acting prowess, and their stunning visuals comprise the formula for an effective lead pairing.

Interesting Trajectory

The battle for the throne, missing relics, and an old clan seeking revenge are not unusual tropes for costume dramas. The challenge lies in how the series will stand out among the abundance of the series with the same theme.

Who Rules the World effectively delivered interesting sequences and intriguing plot development. Hence, it feels very refreshing to watch.

Moreover, the side characters and their backstories are also interesting. They indeed added life and color to the story. In fact, there is seldom a dull moment in all 40 episodes of the series.

Convincing Romance Build-up

One of the great things about this series is that, even if the love story of the two main characters is predictable and, some would even say, cliché, the romance between Bai Fengxi/Feng Xiyun and Hei Fengxi/Feng Lanxi is not forced. Likewise, their romantic relationship was not rushed. Viewers will be able to witness how their love steadily blooms amid crisis and adventures.

At times, viewers might even wish the two to get together already. Nonetheless, the progress of their romantic relationship was not too slow or misplaced in the plot premise as well. There were appropriate sweet and candid moments and the right amount of serious sequences that made the characters’ individuality shine.

The Women of Who Rules the World

Now is the age for women’s empowerment. Hence, it is great to see that Chinese dramas are becoming abundant in strong female characters. That is especially true in this series. The women in the story are great martial artists and rulers. What is more, physical strength is not the only greatness equipped in the female characters of the series.

Characters like Princess Chun’ruan and Minister Feng Qiwu demonstrated how women could be competent, resourceful, and intellectually strong. Meanwhile, characters like Lang’hua showed how very feminine and dainty women could fight for themselves and grow to become leaders.

Who Rules the World Series Musings

Yang Yang & Zhao Lusi’s Splendid Portrayal

Although characters with double lives are not new themes, it is still challenging to portray for any actor and actress. Most especially, in this genre, there are many action scenes, and it is commendable how Zhao Lusi and Yang Yang did most of their stunts. The two were very absorbed in their characters and exhibited admirable acting prowess.

Their characters are both fun yet serious, regal yet brute. The two actors had to showcase various emotions ranging from deep sorrow to childish whims and calculated demeanors. In particular, this is by far the best costume drama Yang Yang has starred in. The rawness of his acting here is more impeccable than ever. 

Though arguably, there are still a few pointers to improve on, Zhao Lusi and Yang Yang did really well in this drama. It was such a great time seeing the pair bring to life the characters of the web novel this series was adapted from. They are very befitting to the roles they have played, and Zhao Lusi is very lovable in this series as well. 

Both are convincing, if not flawless, in acting as martial artists and palace royalties. Their synergy with the other cast is also excellent. More importantly, their chemistry as a love team feels natural and alluring. Hats off to the two for giving justice to Who Rules the World!

Magnifying the Flaws & Redeeming Factors of Who Rules the World

Some dramas of this genre tend to have excellent stories yet lousy CGI. This does not come as a surprise to long-time C-drama fans. One of them is this series. Not only that but there are quite a handful of scenes where the camera shots and angles are confusing and uncomfortable to the eyes.

In particular, while every effort is made to make the camera work engaging, the series has a propensity for the fighting sequences to be so fast-paced and, at times, a bit uncoordinated that viewers will struggle to appreciate the action feats.

More importantly, at first, the character introductions are puzzling. Although it is evident that the aim was to build anticipation for mystery, since there are many side characters, the first two episodes are somewhat overwhelming. To say the least, the series kind of started on the wrong footing.

Nevertheless, this C-Drama is teeming with redeemable qualities.  To be fair, it does arouse curiosity in certain ways. Furthermore, the series unveiled a pretty superb storyline. With that said, this series absolutely showcased its grandeur.

Some Thoughts to Ponder on the Ending of Who Rules the World

Despite its fictional fantasy set-up, Who Rules the World gave viewers a realistic ending to the plot. It is especially commendable how the series maintained its charisma until the end, serving stunning visuals and heart-fluttering scenes. And although it is somehow anti-climactic, the last three episodes wrapped up the series’ trajectory pretty well.

The ending is indeed a wholesome way to end the 40-episode long series. However, it paves the avenue for many viewer questions, like what will Xiyun do once Lanxi uses up his ten remaining years. What happens then to Prince Chang, the former first Prince of Yongzhou and Lanxi’s brother? And so many more questions that the ending entails.

Witness Yang Yang and Zhao Lusi’s double life as martial artists and kingdom royalties. Binge-watch Who Rules the World on Netflix and WeTV.

In case you are looking for more C-dramas, check out these recommendations:

“A Dream of Splendor” Is Now Streaming On Viu

June 2022 C-Dramas on iQiyi: “A Love Never Lost” “Heroes” & “Ordinary Greatness”

6 C-Dramas Top-Billed By Well-Loved Leading Men To Look Forward This 2022

Photos: WeTV

[wpedon id=”2271″ align=”center”]