Plot Synopsis
"Wonderland of Love" is an adaptation of the novel "Le You Yuan(乐游原)" by Fei Wo Si Cun. It tells the story of the imperial grandson, Li Yi, stationed at the border, who keeps a lowprofile and carries the burden of seeking justice. He becomes entangled in apower struggle with Cui Lin, the cunning and intelligent general's daughter who hides her true identity. The two lead separate armies and engage in a battle of wits and love. They are simultaneously drawn to and at odds with each other, but ultimately developa mutual understanding and attraction, forming a bond to conquer the chaos and unite the world in this tale of love amidst turbulent times.
Li Yi and Cui Lin each have their own strengths and distinctpersonalities, but their comparable abilities and noble aspirations to serve the greater good create a mutual respect and understanding. Li Yi ispure-hearted and kind, longing for apeaceful life away from the court, desiring to retuto a carefree existence after quelling the turmoil. Cui Lin, brave and righteous, cares for the world andpossesses a keen understanding of the current situation. She knows that in a world of hidden conflicts, any sign of weakness will only lead to greater calamity. Despite their conflictingpositions and inner strength, they both come to recognize their feelings and make apact to bringpeace to the world while fulfilling their individual responsibilities.
Where to Watch "Wonderland of Love"
WeTV (Subscription)Viki (Subscription)YoYo English Channel Free (sub)Episodes Recap
- 1-4
- 5-8
- 9-12
- 13-16
- 17-20
- 21-24
- 25-28
- 29-32
- 33-36
- 37-40
Episode 1 : Li Yi and Cui Lin engaged in continuous combat.
Episode 2 : Li Yi and Cui Lin teamed up to infiltrate General Guo's military camp.
Episode 3 : Li Yi hurriedly travels with Cui Lin on his back.
Episode 4 : Li Yi and Cui Lin worked together.
Episode 5 : Li Yi and Cui Lin made an agreement.
Episode 6 : Li Yi danced with a sword while Cui Lin accompanied him.
Episode 7 : Li Yi took the lead and caught Han Li with Cui Lin.
Episode 8 : Li Yi took refuge in Cui Lin's room.
Episode 9 : Cui Lin kissed Li Yi's cheek.
Episode 10 : Li Yi and Cui Lin cooked together.
Episode 11 : Cui Lin and Li Yi were communicating with each other.
Episode 12 : Li Yi saved Cui Lin in a critical moment of danger.
Episode 13 : Li Yi and Cui Lin arrived in Xichangjing together.
Episode 14 : Li Yi staged a wedding with Cui Lin.
Episode 15 : Li Yi protected Cui Lin from the shadows.
Episode 16 : Cui Lin lived in Zhenxi Army.
Episode 17 : Cui Lin is preparing to leave the Zhenxi Army.
Episode 18 : The Zhenxi Army and the Cui Family Army stormed into Xichangjing.
Episode 19 : Li Yi was stripped of his title as the Prince of Zhen.
Episode 20 : Cui Lin accompanied Li Yi to drink together.
Episode 21 : Li Yi endured the whipping for Cui Lin.
Episode 22 : Liu Cheng Feng poisoned Cui Yi.
Episode 23 : Cui Lin's identity was revealed to the public.
Episode 24 : Cui Lin and Li Yi had an argument
Episode 25 : Cui Lin chose the prince as her husband.
Episode 26 : Cui Lin and Li Yi bid farewell at Leyou Yuan.
Episode 27 : Li Yi rescued Cui Lin from Liu Cheng Feng's hands.
Episode 28 : Cui Lin went to meet the Emperor.
Episode 29 : Li Yi and Cui Lin have no debts between them.
Episode 30 : Lao Bao and the Zhongxi Army protect Li Yi and die on the battlefield.
Episode 31 : Li Yi was heartbroken over the death of his brother.
Episode 32 : Li Yi was conferred the title of Crown Prince.
Cast & Role
Li Yi
(Xu Kai)
Tao Zi
(Zheng He Hui Zi)
Consort Xiao
(Zeng Li)
Xie Chang Er
(Liu Dong Qin)
In the later episodes, Shiqiulang's reluctance to fight for the throne is a great tragedy. Although I think he should have fought, I can understand his feelings. He has suffered grievances since childhood, with his birth mother losing her life, which naturally made him detest the power struggles and desire to stay away from the court.
That's why he planned to go to Laoslan Pass. He didn't aspire to such ambitions, but was forced into this situation by the circumstances and his loved ones, which truly feels suffocating.
The male and female leads have different desires—one yearns for freedom and spontaneity, while the other believes the other should shoulder the responsibility of family and country.
Actually, neither side is wrong. However, as Cui Lin said, the best way would be for both of them to compromise. Shiqiulang believes that he can achieve success and retire without fighting, but his two elder brothers won't let him off, especially the Crown Prince.
Only by contending for the throne can he have the possibility of establishing the Crown Prince as his heir.
This is not a matter of fighting or not. The Crown Prince is still alive, and there is a legitimate heir above him. Li Yi's pursuit of power would be nothing but usurping the throne. He is merely upholding what he believes to be the righteous path in his heart.
After watching up to episode 16, I feel that the male lead's love is too submissive, almost becoming a "simp." The female lead has been using him from the beginning, even the people around her.
The male lead saved the female lead and the second male lead, only to be betrayed by the second male lead in return. The plot didn't mention how many people died, it only said that more than half of the Zhenxi Army died, which must be over ten thousand people.
Aren't other people's lives valuable? I don't understand what kind of character would save someone who just saved their life, only to later take a knife and kill them.
He claims to be righteous, doing it to save his own father, but does his father really need saving? The female lead keeps acting high and mighty, blaming the male lead! Honestly, even a normal person, not just a "simp," wouldn't go and save someone a second time!
Being in the royal family, experiencing so much injustice since childhood, don't you know how treacherous the hearts of the royal people are? Doesn't that position drive people to madness? Your brothers from the Zhenxi Army didn't have to die.
It was precisely because of this that you chose to stay away from the troubles and went to Laoslan Pass, but you shouldn't have been so naive! When the world is in chaos, it's your responsibility to bring stability to the world.
You should understand that without power in your hands, how can you protect the world? You know very well that your father and brothers have always ignored you since you were young. How can you naively believe that they would hand over the position to the crown prince or show you any familial affection?
Only when you have power can the world be stabilized, and then you can take back the position of the crown prince and raise him according to the standards of a crown prince. When he grows up, you can abdicate in his favor and return to Laoslan Pass with the Zhenxi Army and the female lead.
That would be the right course of action!
Shiqiulang, truly, even though he was hurt and treated unfairly since childhood, still believes in affection and sincerity... I think it's because he left his twisted family at a young and naive age and grew up with the brothers at Laoslan Pass and the Zhenxi Army.
In his world, people prioritize emotions, and no one would abandon their feelings for the sake of personal gain.
Even after many years, he believed that his father didn't like him because of his love for his mother, and his brothers didn't like him because of his longing for paternal love.
However, the truth proved him wrong.
So, when he discovered that the identity of the crown prince brought only conspiracies and suspicions, he only wanted to return to Laoslan Pass, where everyone valued loyalty and camaraderie.
That was his comfort zone. He couldn't adapt to the environment of the imperial city, nor could he allow himself to become the person he despised under the clashes of power.
When Cui Lin analyzed the situation for him and told him that the Eastern Palace was the only path, he would question why people couldn't be seen in a better light.
When Cui Lin told him that both the Eastern Palace and she were necessary, his concerns were not about his own safety, but rather about his future family and children. Would they also have to struggle in such an environment?
He understood the pain all too well. At this point, he still couldn't comprehend why Cui Lin, who clearly loved him, refused to marry him... His guiding principles were about trust and commitment, not blind loyalty or filial piety.
It was about firmly believing in what he considered the right path and pursuing it without hesitation, even if it meant sacrificing his life.
In fact, their differences in approach were already exposed when the old couple of hunters was killed.
From Li Yi's perspective, he believed that if he received a favor, he should repay it. However, Cui Lin, after careful consideration, stopped him, and in the end, the old couple was still killed, unable to prove whether Li Yi's path was correct.
Similarly, Li Yi feels responsible for supporting the Crown Prince, but Cui Lin's consideration leads to Li Yi ascending the throne. This time, Cui Lin cannot directly stop Li Yi, so they are destined to walk separate paths.
However, their common goal is a peaceful world, so let's leave everything to time. As long as they collectively discover the right path, they can once again hold hands and embark on the journey together!
I'm not particularly fond of the female lead. She knows that the male lead likes her, yet she repeatedly plays with his emotions. Your Chuaijia Army killed so many of his brothers, and you know it was Gongzi who did it.
Even though he didn't seek revenge on Gongzi, she still complains that the male lead didn't save him. What right does she have?
She relies solely on the fact that the male lead likes her.
He has saved her multiple times, but what has she done for him so far?
I gave up after watching the eighth episode. I don't understand the female lead, or rather, her character design is unlikeable. If she was solely focused on her career and had no feelings for the male lead, that would be one thing.
But she clearly has feelings and yet she manipulates the male lead using those emotions. Moreover, she knows Mr. Cui's feelings but fails to maintain a proper distance in a timely manner.
At the same time, the male lead is too love-struck.
He easily loses his focus due to the female lead's small tricks, jeopardizing important military matters. And he falls in love too quickly. I can't grasp what makes him truly attracted to someone who repeatedly takes advantage of his kindness and uses underhanded tactics.
The scenes where needles are used leave the female lead speechless, and I can't understand the male lead's mindset either.
Shiqi Lang grew up in a loveless palace, and Laosuiguan was the most comfortable time of his life. Ayin, on the other hand, grew up under the love of General Cui. Despite their contrasting personalities due to their different environments, they also share similarities.
That's why they experience friction and conflicts when they are together, but eventually they accept each other and grow together, growing old together.
It's really wonderful, worth watching multiple times.
Each time you watch it, you will have a different understanding.
Today's plot seems to be quite controversial. Shiliulang (Seventeen) is being heavily criticized, but from Shiliulang's perspective, he has witnessed the dirty secrets of the palace since childhood and has had enough of the royal constraints.
The supreme position in Xi Changjing is not what he sought or desired. He is unwilling to fight for it. He saves Taisun for the sake of Consort Xiao's promise, for the duty to his older brother, and for the loyalty to the late emperor's rightful successor.
Keeping promises, remaining loyal and righteous—this is who he is. His desires were once to never see his mother again, and later, to break free from constraints and be with Ayin by his side.
Are his desires truly excessive?
I find his character development to be very reasonable. It's unnecessary to stand in a godlike perspective and criticize Shiliulang. What he wants and desires has never been fulfilled. It's truly cruel to blame him for everyone's misfortune.
From the very beginning when Li Yi went to Laoslan Pass, it was evident that he didn't want to compete. The Li Dynasty itself was foolish, and if someone as smart as Li Yi wanted to compete, wouldn't he have succeeded?
Does it mean that just because his surname is Li, he must become emperor? That's why he would rather hide his identity and serve at the border as a loyal soldier, avoiding the internal conflicts of the palace.
Although he was eventually forced to reveal his identity due to his outstanding achievements, it's clear that he just wanted to live as an ordinary person, with brothers and a loved one. Becoming an emperor means being bound by countless responsibilities, and it's not the fairy tale ending that many imagine.
In reality, Li Yi sees through it all!
We are outsiders, so we understand that what Ayin said is right, and we also understand that they are trapped by their royal status.
However, the male lead has never experienced the love of parents or the bond between siblings since birth, so Laoslan Pass is the only place he wants to go.
He wants to make his own choice, but the cost of growing up is immense. If everything had always gone in the right direction from the beginning, how could there be so many tragedies in history?
So I think being in the midst of it all, their empathy and longing may influence their choices.
Li Yi's persistence in returning to Laoslan Pass may be influenced by his experiences from childhood.
He has seen too many people go mad for power, so he doesn't want power. Because once you reach the pinnacle of power, as the preview says, your children will become sacrifices to power.
The struggle for power will lead his brothers and friends to lose themselves for the sake of their families, just like Sun Jing and Pei Xian Cui Yi, who were comrades of his grandfather's generation.
They fought together against external enemies, but things changed, and Sun Jing eventually fell into the struggle for power, killing the former emperor and declaring himself the Grand Commander.
His initial intentions were lost. That's why Li Yi values emotions and stubbornness. He just doesn't want to be tainted by power, to prevent his friends like Pei Yuan from losing themselves due to power and status, losing their lives, or losing the friendship between ruler and subject.
That's why he is determined to bring them back to Laoslan Pass. He doesn't want to lose any of them or the bond they share because of that position. However, in the end, he underestimated the treacherous nature of human hearts and still couldn't protect them.
Cui Lin saw through this, which is why she said that even if he doesn't fight, others won't let go of him as a hidden danger. She's afraid that Li Yi will die.
It's not that the female lead doesn't understand him, but from the moment he stepped out of the Lao Lan Pass, he couldn't go back. From the moment he was crowned as the Qin King and entered West Changjing, his destiny was no longer in his hands.
The female lead understands him, but his situation has become extremely difficult. It's not that he can avoid trouble by not fighting for it. If he doesn't fight, he will face a dead end. His older brother won't spare him.
Not only will he die, but the people around him, including the female lead and the Zhenxi Army, won't be safe either. It's said that those involved are blind while bystanders see clearly. It's just that Li Yi has been unable to see the reality clearly.
The female lead sees it very clearly and has been reminding him that if he wants to protect himself and those around him, he must take control of the Eastern Palace.
This episode is so infuriating. The second male lead is nothing but a traitor. They saved him, and he repays them with betrayal. And he has the audacity to justify it by claiming to save Yingzhou.
How shameless, this treacherous scoundrel. The female lead's behavior is also really outrageous. It's true that she was manipulated by the camp she was in, although she was unaware of it.
But her attitude shouldn't be so stubborn. She should feel extremely guilty.
And then, when she confronts the main culprit, her approach is not fierce enough. She lacks the same level of intensity as that despicable person.
It makes me so angry that I want to jump up. Can this kind of betrayal just be easily brushed aside? So many people died. Is it so easy to say that they are enemies now and move on?
It's terrifying.
There's some guilt, but not much. There's some action, but only to a certain extent. Just imagine if the roles were reversed, and the female lead's camp was manipulated by the second female lead like this.
If the male lead reacted like this afterward, wouldn't everyone be furious?
I'm furious. I'm cursing the male lead for not handling things properly enough.
Do you know why so many people criticize this drama? It's because the plot is intentionally contrived in order to showcase the growth and transformation of the male lead. Little did they know that tragedies like those of 17 Lang could have been completely avoided given his character and abilities.
Did he not know about the character of his father and elder brothers since he was young? Why would he entrust the world that was hard-won by the Zhenxi Army and the Cui Family Army to someone like him?
It's infuriating! If he didn't contend for it, he could have fulfilled his own wish, returned to Loulan Pass.
But how many bad people, who are in power and hold authority, would harm this country and its people?
That's why the screenwriter is too deliberate. If someone like 17 Lang existed in real life, he wouldn't have handled things in this way.
In just 30 episodes, the plot twists were too extreme. The rebellion was such a major event, yet the entire army was defeated. The Cui family's army discovered Ni Duan, but failed to provide timely feedback.
Meanwhile, Prince Zhen and Cui Lin were busy with their romantic entanglements, completely oblivious to the situation. It's completely different from their previous intelligence and keen insight.
The emotional manipulation was excessive.
They focused so much on the struggle for the position in the Eastern Palace that they neglected other aspects. It feels like there was a complete change in the production team for this part of the rebellion plot.
The filming effects for Prince Zhen, who is the male lead and holds a "get out of death free" card, were extremely subpar.
I can't take it anymore. I was really looking forward to this drama, but I find it difficult to watch. During the part where the second male lead harmed the male lead, what were the circumstances for the Cui family army and the Zhenxi Army at that time?
The Cui family army's hometown was besieged, indicating that they were at a disadvantage and needed to return quickly for assistance. The advantage or disadvantage of the Zhenxi Army was not immediately apparent, but the fact that the male lead needed to cooperate with the female lead suggests that they were not overpowering Sun Jing.
In this context, the second male lead broke the alliance with the male lead for his own selfish desires, causing the alliance to rupture. It would be difficult for them to separate and individually fight against Sun Jing, especially since the Zhenxi Army lost a significant number of soldiers.
Once Sun Jing gained the upper hand, what benefits could the Cui family army, who had previously opposed him, gain?
It was only a matter of time before the Cui family army would suffer.
In such a war-torn background, how could the second male lead disregard the bigger picture? Even if the relationship between the male and female leads was more intimate, they hadn't even officially become a couple yet.
How could the second male lead not care about the consequences of giving Sun Jing a chance to catch his breath?
This is a disregard for the greater good. The Zhenxi Army saved him, helped him heal, and yet he watched as most of the people he had lived with for a period of time died?
All for his own selfish desires? Were their lives merely sacrificed to make way for the second male lead's love? This is a lack of righteousness. The female lead knew about this, and her concern was not just about potentially falling out with the Zhenxi Army and allowing Sun Jing to rise again, but also because she would have to face the male lead in battle in the future, causing her sadness.
Apart from the male lead himself, does no one care about the entire Zhenxi Army as a collective? The Zhenxi Army has been deceived, and they will have to be wary in the future.
How can the female lead pursue a peaceful world she desires?
This incident will require more time to resolve. When the female lead went to confront the second male lead, it was because she felt deceived and believed that he lacked a sense of righteousness.
Fine, fine, now she isn't worried about not being able to defeat Sun Jing anymore?
When scolding the second male lead, couldn't she criticize him from a broader perspective?
Instead, when the second male lead persistently asked if her anger stemmed from personal motives, I felt frustrated. Couldn't she refute him from a bigger picture and question if he was the one with ulterior motives?
Even if the female lead didn't know that the second male lead liked her, he had previously expressed his dislike for the Zhenxi Army. Couldn't she argue that the second male lead had personal motives and that he was using a narrow-minded perspective to judge others?
Why did she have to be questioned by the second male lead, asking if her anger was due to her liking the male lead? The way the female lead couldn't come up with a counter-argument made me want to throw my hands up in frustration.
Moreover, this incident had just occurred, and the male lead went to rescue the female lead again. Wow, does the male lead have the only sense of the bigger picture?
The male lead had his own plans on how to deal with Sun Jing, but he was betrayed by someone behind his back. When he turned around and saw them, he said, "Ah, it's fine, go ahead and stab me, I'm not hurt at all.
What's even more outrageous is the reaction of the female lead and her subordinates. When they saw the male lead taking longer to rescue someone, they had a look on their faces as if they were looking at an enemy.
I can't stand it. They had just fallen out, and he came to save them out of kindness. Yet, they complained that he came too slowly. In my eyes, it's as if the male lead was stabbed by the Cui family army and then turned around to hand them the knife.
I don't know if the subsequent plot will explain this, but I couldn't bear to watch any further. I had been eagerly anticipating this drama for a long time, and now I understand why so many people criticize other dramas.
It's because the expectations are high, and sometimes we end up disappointed.
Even after finishing watching "Le You Yuan," my emotions remain unsettled. This drama has evoked strong emotional resonance in me, accompanying me through tears and laughter.
Every character is brought to life, appearing vivid and realistic, making me feel as if I am immersed in the story.
Li Yi is undoubtedly the most outstanding scout. He always upholds his beliefs and has paid a significant price to achieve peace in the world.
However, the appearance of Ah Ying gives meaning to Li Yi's life. Cui Lin, like Li Yi, holds steadfast ideals and carries immense pressure because of it.
Fortunately, the ending is beautiful.
It is truly, as Fei Wo Si Cun said, an extraordinary sweet drama. The pure and beautiful relationship between Tao Zi and Er Duo fills my heart with joy when I see them finally embrace each other in happiness.
Although Liu Chengfeng's actions are despicable and anger-inducing, in the end, they also leave me in awe. After all, "those who are hated must have pitiable aspects." And there are also Li Yi's loyal career fan Xiao Pei, the female version of Liu Chengfeng, Gu Wan Niang, and many others, not to mention our lovely Zhenxi Army.
Their performances are all remarkable, and I feel fortunate to witness their growth and transformation. In my heart, this drama will always be number one! Finally, seeing them gather at Lao Lan Pass, roasting yellow lamb and enjoying fine wine, Lao Bao and the others appear genuinely happy.
Because they can finally reunite.
The mindset of the female protagonist fully demonstrates that she prioritizes her own happiness over the pain of others. From saving them and sheltering them inside Dongguan after rescuing them from under Cui Li's blade, to then voluntarily betraying her benefactors and allies to the enemy's army, causing the deaths of so many people.
But when she returned and had an argument with the other party, everything was forgiven. And she was in the wrong for not saving her cousin when he was being killed? She knew Cui Lin had betrayed her, and she still got angry and drew her sword.
But she gets angry when someone doesn't save her? What right does she have to get angry? Immature.
Cui Lin is truly the most outstanding character in the entire drama. She has been wise since childhood, and the unwavering love from her parents gives her confidence.
She becomes a young general, pursuing her passion, and serves in troubled times to bring peace to the world. When she encounters a more suitable male lead, she actively supports him.
She remains emotionally stable and never places her hopes solely on others. She is exceptional in her own right and believes in her friends and subordinates. She embodies the ideal image that all women aspire to have.
Tonight's two episodes once again showed me Li Yi's loyalty, courage, and righteousness. I have gained a deeper understanding of Li Yi. He has been lonely and without support since childhood, longing to be loved.
He is brave and skilled in battle, possessing both intelligence and bravery. He can achieve whatever he desires and can conquer the world, but he does not enjoy the power struggles of the throne.
He only wishes to no longer be adrift like a duckweed, having a loved one by his side, experiencing happiness and warmth together!
The character of Li Yi is impressive, with a well-developed and complete character arc.
He makes people like him, feel sorry for him, and understand him!
Shiliulang, who is carefree and unrestrained, cannot simply return to Laoslan Pass amidst the chaotic times. Moreover, the Cui family's military power has no successor now. How could Cui Lin leave her father and go to Laoslan Pass with you?
The outcome of the Cui family's involvement in the Camp is evident, even without wielding military power.
Why doesn't Shiliulang think about what will happen to him once he loses his military authority?
Would he still have his life? Ayin originally wanted peace in the world. Why doesn't he ask or consider that her aspirations are not aligned with his, and yet he keeps wanting to take her back with him?