If you’ve spent any time on Cdrama Weibo or scrolled through Viki lately, you’ve probably seen the vibrant, chaotic, and high-tension world of The Princess Royal. It’s one of those shows that looks like a standard "rebirth" romance on paper—two powerful people die hating each other and wake up young again—but the actual delivery is way more complicated. Honestly, a huge part of why this show works (and why it’s so polarizing) comes down to the The Princess Royal Chinese drama cast.
The casting choice for the leads felt like a bit of a gamble to some. You have Zhang Linghe, who has basically become the king of "obsessive, tortured genius" roles, paired with Zhao Jinmai, an actress known more for her grounded, modern performances than for playing a 40-year-old soul in an 18-year-old’s body. It’s a weird mix that somehow manages to feel both fresh and a little jarring.
The Powerhouse Leads: Zhang Linghe and Zhao Jinmai
Let’s talk about Zhao Jinmai as Li Rong. She’s the Princess Royal, and in this version of her life, she’s trying to not get murdered by her husband. Again. Zhao Jinmai is only 21 or 22 in real life, but she’s playing a woman who has lived an entire lifetime of political warfare.
Some fans really struggled with her "modern" vibe. You’ll see people on Reddit complaining that she doesn't have that heavy, regal gravitas of a traditional historical princess. But if you look closer, that’s sort of the point. Li Rong is cynical. She’s tired. She’s lived through the betrayal once already, so she doesn't carry herself with the stiff formality of a porcelain doll. She’s sharp-tongued and, frankly, kind of a bully to her husband.
Then there’s Zhang Linghe as Pei Wenxuan.
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He is basically the "green flag" of the year, even if he was a "red flag" in their previous life. Zhang Linghe has this incredible ability to play a man who is absolutely brilliant at politics but a total "simp" for his wife. He’s the one doing the heavy lifting in the emotional department. Unlike his roles in Story of Kunning Palace or My Journey to You, where he was more brooding, here he gets to be funny. His jealousy scenes? Pure gold.
Why the Second Male Lead is the Most Hated (and Loved) Part of the Cast
If there is one person who sparked a million "should I drop this drama?" threads, it’s Chen Heyi, who plays Su Rongqing.
In the novel, his role is significant, but in the drama, it feels like he’s everywhere. There were literally episodes where he had more screen time than the actual male lead. Chen Heyi plays the "white moonlight"—the elegant, scholarly man Li Rong thought she loved in her first life.
The drama takes a huge risk here. It spends a massive amount of time on the Su family’s tragedy and Rongqing’s internal struggle. Some viewers felt Chen Heyi’s acting was a bit flat compared to the leads, while others felt the writers just gave him too much to do. But you can’t deny that his presence creates the central tension: do you choose the man who loved you in secret (Pei Wenxuan) or the man you shared a bed with while ignoring your husband (Su Rongqing)?
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The Supporting Players Who Actually Steal the Show
While everyone is fighting over the love triangle, the supporting The Princess Royal Chinese drama cast members are doing some of the best character work in the series.
- Liu Xuwei (Li Chuan): He plays the Emperor’s son and Li Rong’s brother. His arc is heartbreaking. In the first life, he becomes a tyrant. In this life, he’s just a kid who wants to marry the girl he loves. Watching him struggle against his father’s coldness is one of the more grounded parts of the show.
- Cheng Guo (Shangguan Ya): Honestly, she might be the coolest character. She’s the future Empress, but she isn't some shrinking violet. She’s strategic, loyal to Li Rong, and has her own complex romantic entanglements.
- He Qiu (Qin Zhenzhen/Xun Chuan): The "hidden" player. Her character is a master of disguise and a victim of the court's cruelty. Her chemistry with Li Chuan is what keeps the "younger" side of the plot moving.
The cast also includes veterans like Calvin Yu (Yu Jinwei) as the Emperor. He is terrifying. Not because he’s a monster, but because he is so obsessed with power that he views his own children as chess pieces. It’s a masterclass in "bad dad" acting.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Acting
One of the biggest misconceptions about the The Princess Royal Chinese drama cast is that the chemistry isn't there. People say Zhao Jinmai looks too young for Zhang Linghe.
Sure, she has a "baby face," but their chemistry isn't about explosive passion. It’s "old married couple" energy. They bicker. They talk about taxes. They plan assassinations over tea. It’s a very different kind of romantic lead dynamic than your typical Xianxia drama where everyone is crying in the rain.
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Also, a lot of people were annoyed that Zhang Linghe was dubbed. In most of his dramas, his real voice is a huge part of his appeal. Because this show was rushed to air, he didn't have time to dub himself. It’s a bit jarring at first, but the voice actor they chose actually fits the "governing official" vibe pretty well.
Navigating the Drama: What You Should Do Next
If you’re just starting or considering a rewatch, keep these things in mind to enjoy the cast's performance more:
- Look for the non-verbal cues: Pay attention to Zhang Linghe’s eyes when Li Rong is talking about the "other guy." The micro-expressions are where his acting really shines.
- Don't skip the "boring" court scenes: A lot of the character development for the supporting cast happens in those long meetings about the "Great Families." It explains why Shangguan Ya and Li Chuan act the way they do later.
- Check out the OST: While some people found it too modern, the ending theme really captures the "lived-in" feel of the leads' relationship.
- Follow the cast's upcoming projects: If you liked the chemistry between the leads, they are actually starring together again in a modern drama called Our Generation. It’s a great way to see if their dynamic translates to a non-historical setting.
The The Princess Royal Chinese drama cast managed to take a story about bitter, middle-aged souls and make it feel like a vibrant, high-stakes game of life and death. Whether you love the "simp" energy of the male lead or find the princess's coldness frustrating, you can't deny that the actors committed 100% to their roles.
To get the most out of your watch, try focusing on the parallels between the first life and the second. The cast does a great job showing how much they've changed—or how much they've stayed exactly the same.