In the historical drama "Liangjing Shiwu Ri" starring Cheng Yi (成毅), a scene where the court's retainers simultaneously brawl in the square in front of the palace has rapidly spread on Chinese social media and become a hot topic. What was supposed to be a serious political intrigue centered on imperial succession took an unexpected turn with such a huge disparity in development, causing the related topic's attention to soar to the top of the drama trend rankings in just one day.

The footage depicts an unexpected development where, during an important imperial conference held after the 4th Ming Dynasty emperor, Renzong, fell ill, supporters of Prince Han and proponents of the Crown Prince fiercely oppose each other over issues like grain transport and capital relocation, and eventually, all civil and military officials simultaneously begin a brawl on the spot.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Zhu Zhanji, played by Cheng Yi, who raced from Nanjing to Beijing in just 15 days and arrived at the palace covered in mud, rushes into the palace.

This scene, which completely deviates from the usual pattern of historical dramas depicting political intrigue, quickly spread online. Such humorous comments poured in one after another: "It seems Ming Dynasty civil officials are skilled in martial arts, and military officials enjoy poetry—truly masters of both civil and military arts," "Civil and military officials simultaneously brawling—an unprecedented melee," "Even civil officials, when truly enraged, can make generals throw in the towel," "The 'archery' and 'charioteering' from the Six Arts of the Gentleman have transformed into 'brawling'," and "Even the emperor must be watching in dumbfounded amazement from his throne."

Viewers have also commented that precisely because it's not a production deliberately aiming for 'exhilaration,' but rather a somewhat raw and absurd development, the tense maneuvering carried out by various factions within the early Ming Dynasty court is conveyed all the more vividly.

"Liangjing Shiwu Ri" has gained even more attention in an unexpected way. As its release approaches, anticipation continues to grow.

pic.twitter.com/rpSlyn9qTb

— 華流 (@_hualiu_) September 25, 2026