Cast & Character List
Zhou Ye as He Yan
He Yan is the eldest daughter of the He family. To preserve the family's noble title, she is compelled to wear a mask and live under the guise of the family's eldest son, "He Rufei".
During her youth at the Xianchang Academy, she first encounters the exceptionally gifted Xiao Jue. However, determined to escape the fate dictated by her family, she resolutely leaves the academy to go to the battlefield. Years later, He Yan returns home covered in glory, only to be ensnared in a family plot following the return of her brother, the real He Rufei.
After surviving the ordeal, He Yan assumes a new identity as the daughter of a city gate captain. Disguising herself as a man once more, she enlists in the army in Yezhou, firmly resolved to reclaim everything that is rightfully hers.
Cheng Lei as Xiao Jue
As the gifted second son of the prominent Xiao family, Xiao Jue is a man of noble standing. He first crossed paths with He Yan during their youth at the Xianchang Hall. Years later, they meet again in Yezhou, where He Yan has enlisted in the army disguised as a man.
Initially, Xiao Jue is deeply suspicious of He Yan, believing her to be a spy. He constantly challenges and tests her, creating difficult situations to uncover her true motives. Despite his targeted antagonism, He Yan remains undeterred and determined to prove her worth, ultimately earning the top rank in the Yezhou Guard.
Together, they navigate a series of perilous events, including the Sun family incident, the case of Princess Jiyang, and the great battle to defend Rundu. Having faced life and death side-by-side, their initial mistrust blossoms into a deep, mutual affection.
Zhang Kangle as Chu Zhao
At 25, Chu Zhao is a young and promising Inspecting Commissioner who serves under the tutelage of the current Prime Minister. On the surface, he is known for his suave demeanor, elegance, and impeccable manners.
However, hidden beneath this polished exterior is a forbearing, prudent, and deeply calculating mind that few ever get to see. Navigating the treacherous, undercurrent-filled imperial court, he skillfully maneuvers between two rival factions. He is not above applying these same manipulative tactics, born from his quest for power, to his relationship with He Yan, the very woman he loves.
Zhang Miaoyi as Song Taotao
At 20 years old, Song Taotao hails from a distinguished family of physicians. She possesses a bright and candid personality, never afraid to express her passions and dislikes.
With a unique and intense fascination for toxicology, her primary ambition is to compile the Manual of Poisons, a comprehensive medical text she hopes will be passed down for generations. She has long shared a mutual disdain with Cheng Lisu and was once determined to break off their engagement. However, as the time to act approaches, she finds herself unexpectedly filled with regret.
Bai Shu as He Rufei
He Rufei, 25, is the eldest son of the He family and the older brother of He Yan.
Driven by an ambition that refuses a life of mediocrity, He Rufei makes a dark pact with Chancellor Xu Jingfu. He plots to murder his sister, He Yan, in order to steal her identity and reemerge as the distinguished General Feihong.
However, when He Yan unexpectedly survives the attempt on her life, He Rufei is consumed by the fear that his treacherous deeds will be exposed. His murderous intent is rekindled, determined to silence his sister for good to protect his newfound status.
Rao Jiadi as Ying Xiang
Ying Xiang is the personal maid of He Yan, to whom she is completely and faithfully devoted.
Li Qing as Cheng Lisu
At 23 years old, Cheng Lisu is a gifted physician with exceptional medical skills, having once trained under the head of the Imperial Medical Academy. While he may appear carefree and unreliable on the surface, Cheng is decisive and knows how to adapt when faced with a crisis. He often gives his uncle, Xiao Jue, advice on matters of the heart. When it comes to his own romantic life, however, he remains quite clueless, not yet realizing he has fallen for Song Taotao.
