Li You Zhen
In the drama Flourished Peony (国色芳华), Li You Zhen is an original character brought to life by actress Zhang Ya Qin. While not present in the original novel, her inclusion adds a fresh dynamic to the storyline, enriching the emotional depth and complexity of the narrative.Li You Zhen is portrayed as the loyal best friend of the female lead, He Wei Fang (played by Yang Zi), while also being romantically entangled with the second male lead, Liu Chang Zi Shu. Her unwavering love and devotion to Liu Chang Zi Shu make her character stand out as deeply passionate and emotionally resonant, even as she navigates the challenges of her connections to both leads.Although her storyline deviates from the original work, Li You Zhen’s character introduces new layers to the drama. Some viewers speculate whether she might parallel a noblewoman from the novel, though the drama leaves this open to interpretation. Zhang Ya Qin’s captivating performance vividly portrays Li You Zhen’s multifaceted personality, particularly in her poignant interactions with He Wei Fang. These scenes create memorable moments, delivering a feast of both visual beauty and emotional intensity.Li You Zhen’s role is a testament to the drama’s ability to craft compelling, original characters that enhance the world of Flourished Peony.