17 Swords into Ploughshares stills drop – as Bai Yu, Zhou Yu Tong-led C-drama nears premiere
Michelle Topham 
Huge number of Swords into Ploughshares stills feature all the main and lead supporting actors
If you are into epic historical dramas, let me introduce you to the upcoming Chinese drama Swords into Ploughshares (aka 太平年), which is due to premiere on Tencent Video and WeTV soon (likely this month), and is scheduled to air for 50 episodes.
Yes, Chinese authorities have now lifted the ban on long dramas, and this one will be one of the first to be released free of that ban.
That can be a good thing or bad, depending on how well-written or dragged out the C-drama turns out to be, but… Swords into Ploughshares is written by Dong Zhe (screenwriter of The Imperial Age), which suggests we will be treated to a nicely-written, interesting drama chockful of characters.
Throw in that the Swords into Ploughshares cast includes Bai Yu (I loved him in Guardian, although I was not a fan the drama), Zhou Yu Tong (Me and My Family), Yu Hao Ming (Hunting), Dong Yong (The Miracles), Zhu Ya Wen (Legend of the Magnate), Zhang Fan (Eternal Brotherhood), the wonderful character actors Ni Da Hong (The Vendetta of An), Jiang Kai (A Moment but Forever), and Hai Yi Tian (The Narcotic Operation), and this one is a definite “check out” for any historical drama fan.
You can see how fascinating the Chinese drama is likely to be from the 17 Swords into Ploughshares stills Tencent Video released this morning on their social media accounts.
Yep, this one looks like it will be a gritty look at the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. A period in Chinese history that took place between 907–960 and, as an Asian history buff who always loves to learn about a period I know little about yes, I’m all in for it. Aren’t you?
What is the Swords into Ploughshares plot?
The Chinese historical drama is directed by Yang Lei (The Legend of Heroes) and, when it does premiere, which is rumored to be on January 23rd (we’ll keep you posted), it will be releasing new episodes every day until its 50 episodes end.
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The Swords into Ploughshares plot, which should satisfy any Asian drama fan who enjoys an involved story featuring many different characters, looks like this. (Just be aware, the plot synopsis does feature a couple of spoilers so read at your own risk):
Swords into Ploughshares portrays an epic panorama of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, ranging from the war-torn Central Plains with battle flags snapping in the wind to the prosperous Wu Yue region where markets glitter like strings of pearls.
Amid chaos and contention, with grand strategies shaping the fate of the realm, three aspiring young men — Qian Hongchu (played by Bai Yu), Zhao Kuangyin (Zhu Ya Wen), and Guo Rong (Yu Hao Ming) — experience dynastic upheaval, the collapse of order, and widespread suffering.
They gradually come to realize that only the unification of the state can free the land from endless warfare and national calamity.
In a time of political turmoil, Qian Hongchu shoulders the heavy responsibility of ruling Wu Yue, safeguarding its territory and bringing peace to its people, thereby blessing one region.
Guo Rong restores state order amid mountains of corpses and seas of blood; his ambitions remain unfulfilled, and the hero’s life is cut short.
At a pivotal turning point in history, Zhao Kuangyin establishes the Northern Song dynasty. He enforces strict military discipline, reforms corrupt practices, stabilizes the people’s livelihoods, and uses military force with restraint, sweeping away the decadent chaos of the Five Dynasties and advancing step by step toward peace under heaven.
In the end, before the irresistible momentum of Northern Song unification and the long-held hopes of the common people, King Qian Hongchu of Wu Yue surrenders his territory and submits to the Song, completing one of the great acts of unification in Chinese history.
Look out for Swords into Ploughshares dropping on WeTV or iQIYI internationally depending on where you live (my guess is in the next few days).
You can also watch the C-drama’s trailer at the bottom of this page as it makes it look absolutely spectacular.
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