The Long Ballad (Chinese: 长歌行; pinyin: Chánggē Xíng) is a 2021 Chinese television series based on the manhua of the same name by Xia Da. It is directed by Zhu Ruibin, and stars Dilraba Dilmurat, Wu Lei, Zhao Lusi and Liu Yuning. Set against the backdrop of the Tang dynasty, during the reigns of Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong, it tells the story of an imperial princess who seeks revenge for her family, and in doing so, her fate intertwines with that of a tribal prince. Although the series features many real historical figures, most of the relationships between the characters and plotlines are fictional.
Contents
Plot
The story starts in Chang'an in the year 626 and revolves around Li Changge, one of the daughters of Li Jiancheng.
Her peaceful life turns upside down after her family is brutally massacred during the Xuanwu Gate Incident, a coup d'état instigated by her uncle Li Shimin, who later becomes Emperor Taizong. Traumatized by the sudden loss of her mother and the betrayal of her uncle, Li Changge's anguish evolves into a burning intent for vengeance.
With her mind firmly fixed on revenge, she sets off on a journey to overthrow Li Shimin. Along the way, she unexpectedly meets Ashile Sun, who is later revealed to be a valiant general of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate and Tegin of the Eagle Division. Through countless events, their fates become increasingly intertwined, and together they soon discover the forces working behind the scenes that could jeopardise the safety and peace of everything they love.
Cast
Main
Dilraba Dilmurat as Li Changge, Commandery Princess Yongning
Historical prototype: County Princess Dingxiang (定襄县主)
Li Jiancheng's daughter. Proficient in martial arts and military strategy, she seeks to avenge her mother who was killed by her second uncle, Li Shimin.
Leo Wu as Ashile Sun, Tegin of the Eagle Division
Historical prototype: Ashina Zhong (阿史那忠)
Yanli Qaghan's adopted son. A skilled warrior and strategist who is embroiled in rivalry for the throne.
Liu Yuning as Hao Du
Historical prototype: Du He (杜荷)
Du Ruhui's foster son. Cold-blooded and loyal, he works for Li Shimin.
Zhao Lusi as Li Leyan, Princess Yongan
Historical prototype: Princess Chengyang (城阳公主)
Li Shimin's daughter. A shy but independent princess. She is Li Changge's closest friend.
Fang Yilun as Wei Shuyu
Wei Zheng's son. A Tang official who grew up with Li Changge and Li Leyan.
Supporting
Geng Le as Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong
Li Changge's beloved second uncle who betrayed her trust.
He Yuxiao as Li Chengqian, Crown Prince of Tang
Li Shimin's troublemaking eldest son.
Liu Jinlong as Li Jiancheng
Li Changge's father and elder brother of Li Shimin.
Xu Rongzhen as Lady Jin
Li Changge's mother.
Cheng Taishen as Du Ruhui
Hao Du's foster father. A Tang official and Li Shimin's loyal supporter.
Tan Jianchang as Wei Zheng
Wei Shuyu's father. Li Jiancheng's advisor who later becomes Li Shimin's official.
Nicholas Wang as General Wang Junkuo
Yang Zi Hua as Fang Xuanling
Li Changge's teacher and later chancellor of Tang under Li Shimin.
Tian Yupeng as Li Jing
Mei Lingzhen as Hongfu
Li Jing's wife.
Kong Qili as Li Chunfeng
Dongli Wuyou as Sheng Xin
Li Chengqian's servant.
Production
The Long Ballad is based on Xia Da's manhua Chang Ge Xing, which was published from 2011 to 2016. The manhua has received numerous awards such as the Golden Dragon Award for Best Girls' Comic and the Newcomer Award at the first Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Cartoon Festival.
International broadcast
It is available for streaming on Netflix, YouTube and Viu.
In India this series aired on MX player in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu dub version from 2021.
Reception
The Long Ballad was well received both at home and overseas. According to the overseas distributors of the series, the first 20 episodes of the English and Vietnamese versions accumulated over 20 million views online as of April 6, 2021, just a little over three weeks after it began airing.