Michelle Topham 
Drama Title: Against the Current (兰香如故)
Chinese Title: 兰香如故 (Lan Xiang Ru Gu)
Also Known As: The Story of Xiang Lan, Lan Xiang Yuan
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Director: Huang Ying Xiang
Screenwriters: Tong Hua, Xiao Lou
Based On: Novel Lan Xiang Yuan by He Yan Shan
Episodes: 40
Episode Duration: 45 minutes
Filming Location: Hengdian World Studios, China
Production Company: Tencent Video, Star Lotus Pictures
Original Network: Tencent Video
Release Date: Expected 2026
Language: Mandarin
Plot Synopsis
Against the Current is an upcoming Chinese historical romance drama set during the Ming Dynasty, centered on resilience, identity, and justice.
The story follows Shen Jialan (Tan Song Yun), the beloved granddaughter of a powerful Grand Secretary whose life collapses when her family is falsely accused of treason and destroyed. Her fiancé Lin Jinqi (Liu Xue Yi) abandons her under family pressure, and she is forced to adopt the identity of a maid named Xu Lanxiang inside his household.
While living as a servant, Shen Jialan secretly investigates the truth behind her family’s downfall. Despite enduring humiliation and hardship, she refuses to surrender to fate. Through intelligence, perseverance, and emotional strength, she gradually rises above her circumstances, confronts injustice, and seeks to restore her family’s honor while rekindling complicated feelings with Lin Jinqi.
The drama explores themes of social inequality, identity transformation, female resilience, and love forged under difficult circumstances.
Against the Current cast
Main Cast & Characters
- Tan Song Yun as Xu Lanxiang / Shen Jialan
- Liu Xue Yi as Lin Jinq
Supporting Cast
- Wu Tian Tian as Lin Xiu Wan
- Ye Qing as Yu Chan
- Pu Tao as Lin Xiu Lai
- Amber Song as Xiao Lian
- Liu Jia Xi as Lin Xiu Shu
- Chen Chuang as Xu Wan Quan
- Kong Lin Mei as Qin Shun Hua
- He Peng as Yuan Shao Hui
- Xin Peng as Lu Jian
Production Details
Adaptation & Writing:
Against the Current is adapted from the popular historical novel Lan Xiang Yuan (兰香缘) by He Yan Shan, a story known for its emotionally intense narrative and complex female protagonist.
Filming Location and Period:
Filming took place primarily at Hengdian World Studios and was completed in October 2025 after several months of production.
Episodes & Airing
- Total Episodes: 40 (expected)
- Episode Length: 45 minutes
- First Aired: TBA (expected 2026)
- Broadcast Network: Tencent Video (streaming platform)
Where to Watch
China:
- Tencent Video (official streaming platform)
International Platforms:
- International distribution platforms such as WeTV or Viki are likely but have not yet been officially confirmed.
Why It’s Worth Watching
- Strong Female Lead Story: The drama focuses on a noblewoman forced into servitude who refuses to give up and fights to reclaim her dignity and family legacy.
- Popular Lead Actors: Tan Song Yun and Liu Xue Yi are both well-known for delivering emotionally rich performances in historical and romance dramas.
- Rich Historical Setting: Set during the Ming Dynasty, the drama features detailed costumes, sets, and court politics that enhance its authenticity.
- Emotional and Political Depth: The series combines romance, revenge, and social commentary into a compelling long-form story.
Articles About Against the Current
14 Against the Current BTS photos drop – Liu Xue Yi and Tan Song Yun’s drama still filming
Li Meng gets birthday visuals from Tencent from Against the Current and The Epoch of Miyu
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