Princess Agents

Set during the Warring Period, Princess Agents follows Chu Qiao, a slave girl who survives a lethal hunting contest and is drawn into the brutal power plays of the Yuwen family. After she earns the attention of Yuwen Yue, who trains and protects her, and forms a fraught bond with Prince Yan Xun, her life grows steadily more dangerous. Court schemes, shifting loyalties and open warfare push every relationship to the limit. As Yan Xun becomes consumed by revenge, Chu Qiao builds her own strength, becoming a military strategist and commander. She balances personal ties with a wider effort to challenge the system of slavery, while battles and betrayals reshape the political map around her.

The series premiered in 2017, created by Zhao Na and directed by Li Cai, Ng Gam-Yuen and Chen Wenyong. Shot at scale with elaborate costumes and large battle sequences, it stars Zhao Liying, Lin Gengxin, Shawn Dou and Li Qin.

While it didn't win major international prizes, Princess Agents received attention during Chinese television awards season, with industry discussion focusing on its production scale and standout lead performances. Zhao Liying's portrayal was repeatedly singled out in domestic coverage and viewer polls.

The show generated a large online fandom, inspiring fan art, cosplay and heated discussion across social platforms. Its depiction of a capable female lead navigating military command and court intrigue helped raise Zhao Liying's profile and influenced the popularity of high-production costume dramas on streaming platforms.

Critics and viewers gave mixed to generally positive feedback, reflected in a 7.5/10 user score from audience votes. Reviews praised central performances, fight staging and visual scope, while common criticisms targeted uneven pacing, melodramatic stretches and the sheer length of the series. Core themes include power, revenge, loyalty, and the struggle against an entrenched system of bondage.