Drama revisits turbulent era in China's history

Actress Zhou Yutong, who plays Sun Taizhen — the wife of Qian Hongchu — said that the drama not only creates over 230 characters, primarily officials and military generals of the era, but also sheds light on ordinary people from different walks of life, from fishermen and businessmen to soldiers, giving them a rightful place in the story on screen.

Zhu Yawen plays the role of Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty.

"While portraying Zhao, I kept reminding myself to exercise some restraint. I must not amplify my creative needs simply because of the character's historical status. I believe that the more significant the figure, the more we should illuminate each step of his journey in an honest and unadorned way," he said.