The Long Ballad

Presentation

Fore more…

Preview

Synopsis

Li Changge is the Princess of Tang, when her entire family is murdered by her uncle, so he can take the throne. The only survivor of the bloodbath thus swears to take her revenge and leaves on a long journey. Along the way, she encounters Ashile Sun of the Grasslands, experiences war, friendships, love and fulfills her destiny. 

My Opinion (No Spoiler)

One word: AMAZING! I hadn’t watched a Chinese drama in quite a long time, and I’m super glad I went back to C-Dramaland with this one! Honestly, there’s not much to criticize. On the contrary, all characters are well portrayed, they all have a great transformation throughout the drama, and have their own purpose. The romance, or should I say romanceS, were so cute, though sometimes shy. The plot is well-knitted from beginning to end. I was literally stuck to my screen for 49 episodes, and never once felt bored. The Long Ballad depicts the eventful journey of a badass and strong heroine, all of that mapped out on a historical background at the time of Turkish tribes, and wars between the people from the Central Plains and the Grasslands (aka China and Mongolia from my understanding). I can only recommend you watch it, you won’t be disappointed!

Analysis

• Context Overview
  Historical background
  Main locations
• Characters
  Li Changge
  Ashile Sun
  Li Leyan
  Hao Du
  Li Shimin
  Yi Cheng
• A long journey
  Chang’an, part 1
  Youzhou
  Shuozhou
  Grasslands, war front
  Capital of the Grasslands
  Luoyang
  Mobei
  Chang’an, part 2
  Dingxiang
• Love, peace and hope

Context Overview: The drama tells a fictitious story, but some events and characters are actually based on real life. So, let’s take a look at the political, geographical, and historical backgrounds of The Long Ballad.

Historical background: The drama takes place in the year 626 C.E under the rule of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) founded by the Li family. Like in the drama, the Sui Dynasty preceded the Tang Dynasty; and Chang’an (a.k.a. Xi’an today) was the capital where a cosmopolite population resided. At the origin of the Dynasty stands Emperor Gaozu of Tang, father of Crown Prince Li Jiangcheng and Li Shimin. The Long Ballad starts with a real-life event called the Xuanwu Gate Incident in 626, during which Li Shimin ambushed his brother Li Jiangcheng and murdered him. After that, his father made him Emperor of Tang. The resemblance with the drama is uncanny, as only Changge’s presence and revenge have been added to History.

Early on in his reign, Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) has been confronted to the Earstern Turkic Khaganate (meaning a tribe ruled by a chief known as a Khan or Khatun). It’s located in the Mongolian Plateau north of the Tang Dynasty, exactly like in the drama. From 603 to 630, the Eastern Turkic Khaganate ruled as an independent realm, and threatened the Tang Dynasty in 626 by reaching the gate of Chang’an. This event is showed in the middle of the drama, when Sun’s uncle the Great Khan and Changge’s uncle, now turned Emperor, meet at the border between the 2 kingdoms. In 630, General Li Jing was sent by Emperor Taizong to fight against the Eastern Turks, just like in the final scenes of the drama opposing the Ashile Tribe (led by Yi Cheng) and the Tang Dynasty in Dingxiang. After the battle, the Tang Dynasty absorbed Turkic territories leading to the fall of the Khaganate.

Main locations: In a nutshell, The Long Ballad features 3 main locations: The Central Plains where the Tang Dynasty (and former Sui Dynasty) rules; the Grasslands also known as the Eastern Turkic Khaganate where the Ashile Tribe lives; and the Desert where tribes are under the yoke of the Ashile Tribe.

Characters: There’s a handful of characters in The Long Ballad. From the royals of Tang to the Desert Tribes, all of them play an important role in the dynamics of the plot. Whether they are leads or not, each goes through his/her transformation journey that ultimately connects the main values of the drama (peace, hope) to the various plot twists.

Li Changge: Li Changge (Dilraba Dilmurat) is the daughter of Crown Prince Li Jiangcheng (Liu Jin Long) of the Tang Dynasty. At the beginning of the drama, she’s the current Princess and her brothers are heirs to the throne. Despite her high status, Changge doesn’t act like a Princess. She dresses as a man, learned how to fight and use martial arts at a young age, and is brilliant in both politics and military strategy (qualities that will come in handy later on). Personality-wise, Changge is loyal to her country and her closest relatives such as her mother, her cousin Li Leyan (Zhao Lu Si), her best friend Wei Shuyu (Fang Yi Lun), and more importantly her uncle Li Shimin (Geng Le) whom she considers a father. The love and affection between Changge and her uncle are strong and mutual. Li Shimin adores her like his own daughter and taught her everything. Li Changge is also brave and fair. Despite her animosity towards her enemies, the greater good becomes a priority in her decision-making.

Ashile Sun: Ashile Sun (Wu Lei) is the adoptive son of the Great Khan Yan Li (Jin Song). He’s the leader of the Ashile Tribe that rules over the Grasslands. Sun is actually the son of a slave named Alir who was placed in Khatun Yi Cheng’s tent (Yan Li’s wife/Sun’s foster mother) to control the young man’s actions. Throughout the years, Ashile Sun has proven his worth as the leader of the elite Eagle Division. He’s won numerous battles, and made a reputation and a name for himself. Sun is respected by his soldiers, but also his father who sees in him a potential heir. Despite his successes, Ashile Sun is a humble man. His priority is to protect his people. Hence, his clashes with the Great Khan sometimes. In terms of personality, Ashile Sun is extremely intelligent. He’s literate in politics, military strategies, negotiation, and many other fields that make him a great leader. He’s also a fair man, true to his words; making him a formidable opponent and a great ally. Behind his cold and detached face, Ashile Sun is actually warm-hearted and caring. His capacities combined with those of Changge make them incredible partners at war and in love.

Li Leyan: Li Leyan is Changge’s cousin and Li Shimin’s daughter. At the beginning of the drama, she is a frail and innocent young woman, who’s unaware of the ways of the world. Unlike her cousin, she doesn’t know how to fend for herself, and is too kind to her expense. Easily deceived, Leyan falls into traffickers’ trap and is kidnapped. This event is a turning point in Leyan’s life, as it brings her on a long journey to find her way back home. Along the way, she meets the people of her country, gets to know their hardships (famine, poverty, warfare…), and grows as a person and Princess. Upon her return to Chang’an, caterpillar Leyan has turned into a magnificent butterfly. She’s assertive, determined, brave and compassionate. Like Changge, she places the well-being of her people above everything else. Romantically speaking, Leyan has a crush on Shuyu for most of the drama, but the latter rejects her. He only sees a little sister in her, and can’t fathom the thought of marrying her. Fortunately, Leyan finds her happiness in the arms of an unexpected knight: Hao Du.

Hao Du: At the beginning of the drama, Hao Du (Liu Yu Ning) is Changge’s main enemy. Under his father’s orders, Minister Du Ruhui (Cheng Tai Shen), he tracks the former Princess down in order to bring her back to Chang’an. For the young man, filial duty and the safety of his country are placed above all else. That’s why he blindly follows his father’s orders. But, he then realizes that friendship and love are values that he needs in his life too. He appears to be cold and ruthless, but gradually shows a softer side. While looking for Princess Leyan, he develops feelings for the innocent royal. Care, affection and patience are his main qualities. The soldier also proves his worth by fighting for the Princess’ honor to win her hand in marriage, and save her from a forced union with Ashile Sher. Hao Du has the best character transformation of the drama in my opinion. By the end of the story, all his efforts pay off. His adoptive father recognizes him as his real true son; he’s more able to follow his heart and protect the ones he love; and he understands the importance of compromise for the greater good. His love story with Leyan is slow-burning and heartwarming, and their happy end is more than satisfactory.

Li Shimin: Li Changge’s uncle is an honorable, respected, and fair man. He’s always acted like a father towards his niece, and only wishes for her happiness. Unfortunately, he was never born to become the Emperor of Tang. Hence, his coup to dethrone his brother. This event is the trigger of the entire story, as well as the beginning of Changge’s long journey. Though he murdered his brother, his brother’s wife and sons, Li Shimin wishes to spare his beloved Li Changge. He also proves to be a worthy Emperor, as the well-being of his people matters more than power and authority. All along, I really appreciated that character. Of course, his actions at the beginning of the drama were cruel and wrong, but it was actually a necessary evil. The former Crown Prince Li Jiancheng was feeble and greedy, ready to sacrifice others for his own good. Li Shimin is his entire opposite. That’s why, Changge and viewers can’t resent him for the bloodbath.

Yi Cheng: Yi Cheng (Yang Ming Na) used to be a Princess of the Sui Dynasty that was uprooted by the Tang Dynasty. Out of duty, she accepted to get married to the Ashile Tribe. Her sacrifice was praised by her people, but it also led to her demise. Though recognized as the highest female of the clan, the Khatun, Yi Cheng married four times, was constantly belittled by her husbands (the tribe’s leaders), humiliated, and considered as an outsider. For 30 years, she has prepared her revenge against both the Ashile Tribe and the Tang Dynasty. Even if she appears kind and harmless, Yi Cheng is a skilled and deceitful manipulative woman, who’s willing to kill anyone who stands in the way of her revenge. Her ultimate goal – the purpose of her life – is to revive the Sui Dynasty, regain the former prestige of her family, and put her dear son Sher (Wa Er) at the head of the Ashile Tribe. Unfortunately for her, Sher doesn’t share her ambition. Even if he’s always had an inferiority complex towards Sun, he’s never wanted to kill him. On the contrary, surpassing him and proving to his uncle that he’s as good as Sun is his goal throughout the entire drama. Of course, Sher is immature and childish, but learns through hardships how to become a better man and a better leader for his Wolf Division’s sake.

A long journey: The intrigue of the drama is split into 9 distinctive parts, all centered on a specific city. The events that occur in each location deeply impact the general intrigue, as well as characters’ evolution.

Chang’an, part 1: The drama starts with Li Shimin’s rebellion. To take the throne, he murders his brother and current Crown Prince, as well as well his entire family. Saved by her mother, Li Changge is the only survivor of the bloodbath. This event symbolizes the end of Changge’s life as a Princess, and the beginning of a new journey that will lead her on the path of revenge – and eventually peace.

Youzhou: Blinded by her hatred and resentment towards her uncle, Li Changge arrives in Youzhou. She deceives her uncle – and governor of the city – and convinces him that Li Shimin has ‘illegally’ taken the power. Unfortunately, her uncle turns against her and tries to capture her. Changge’s trip to Youzhou ends with more disappointment and frustration, as she is forced to run away northward. Meanwhile, she meets Ashile Sun along the way, disguised as a Tang person. The leader of the Eagle Division is on a mission to assess the political situation in Tang on behalf of his uncle who wishes to invade the territory. Quickly, Ashile Sun comes to Changge’s rescue and discovers she is actually a woman, dressed in man’s clothes. Her ability to fight, her intelligence and resilience make him curious of her. Their encounter is the beginning of a solid partnership and love story. As for Leyan, she is kidnapped by traffickers and forced to follow them far away from her home.

Shuozhou: Episodes occurring in Shuozhou are probably the most important ones in Li Changge’s development. There, she meets the province’s governor Gongsung Heng (Lu Xing Yu) and his family. Her experience at the border – in a town constantly harassed and pressured by the threat of invaders – changes Changge’s vision on life. By witnessing people’s misery due to repeated wars, she renounces her revenge and chooses to fight for peace. She becomes Gongsung Heng’s military adviser against Sun’s Eagle Division, as well as his successor when the former sacrifices his life to protect the town. On another level, Shuozhou is also quite interesting when it comes to Changge and Sun’s romance. In the province, they are enemies on the battlefield. Both demonstrate their brilliance in terms of strategy and negotiation. Out of love for Changge and duty for his tribe, Ashile Sun manages to protect his woman, as well as the people of Shuozhou.

Grasslands, war front: Although the conflict has been solved at Shuozhou, Sun’s uncle has not said his last words. He still wishes to attack the Tang Dynasty, which leads to a conflict during which Li Shimin himself – now Emperor – has to intervene. Though the tension between the two sides is at its peak, Li Changge and Sun diffuse it. After that, Li Changge discovers the Eagle Division and the Grasslands. She also meets her new best friend and ally: Mimi Guli (Cao Xi Yue). Mimi comes from the desert – more precisely Mobei – but was sold to the Ashile Tribe as a slave. Later on, we discover that she’s a spy planted in Sun’s tent by Yi Cheng who threatens her with her little brother. As for Leyan, she continues to wander around, learning hard work in a fabric workshop after having escaped from war and her bullies.

Capital of the Grasslands: Troubles arise in the Grasslands when a Tang general is being captured and imprisoned at the Capital. Li Changge knows him and wants to save his life, but she only makes matters worse. Sher uses this occasion to weaken Sun’s position in the tribe. In his desire to humiliate Ashile Sun, he ends up killing his mother Alir (Zhu Li Qun). Sun is enraged, and takes it out on Changge whose reckless actions led to Alir’s murder. Li Changge understands how much she wronged Sun. She leaves, chased after by the Wolf Division. Yet, she is saved at the last minute by swordsman Situ Langlang (Liu Hai Kuan) and physician Sun Simiao (Li Guang Fu), who take her to Liuyun Taoist Temple.

Luoyang: Changge’s second transformation takes place in Liuyun Taoist Temple. She searches for her purpose in life, and tries to understand what to do now. Meanwhile, Ashile Sun is looking for her, as she has disappeared into thin air after their argument. In the meantime, Leyan arrives in Luoyang (the city where the Temple is). She is devastated by the death of a little boy who helped her during her journey and whom she couldn’t save. Hao Du finally finds her in Luoyang after months of search. Everyone reunites in the city, including Minister Du Ruhui who still believes Changge is a threat to the Dynasty. But, after a sudden attack by one of Yi Cheng’s followers, he has a change of heart. Changge is not the woman she used to be. She’s not seeking revenge anymore. After Luoyang, it’s become clear that Yi Cheng is the last enemy who prevents peace between all the people of the Continent.

Mobei: The situation in the Eagle Division is getting worse, as a plague has spread. Mu Jin (Yi Da Qian) has fallen sick. Physician Sun Simiao recommends they go fetch a plant only present in the desert, if they want to cure everyone. Li Changge volunteers, and travels to Mobei – Mimi Guli’s hometown. There, she meets the King of Northern Desert Pu Sa (Wang Rui Chang), and the King of Sourthern Desert Yi Nan (Peng Bo). Tired of being under the yoke of the Ashile Tribe, they agree to join forces with the Tang Dynasty against Yi Cheng, who has taken control of the Ashile Tribe.

Changan, part 2: Once the plague has gone in the Eagle Division, Ashile Sun joins Changge to Chang’an. It’s an important moment for the female protagonist, as she’s coming back to her hometown after a long and perilous journey. In the palace, she acts as the Princess of Mobei to influence other tribes to sign the peace/alliance treaty. Despite her success, Sun is captured by Yi Cheng and taken to Dingxiang, the former capital of the Sui Dynasty.

Dingxiang: Dingxiang is the last chapter of the story where Changge’s uncle (whom she’s forgiven), her allies from Shuozhou, the Northern tribes of the desert and the Eagle Division all come together to defeat Yi Cheng. Even Sher has turned against his own mother, and left to protect the Wolf Division. The drama ends with peace restored on the continent, and Sun and Changge together in the Grasslands.

Love, peace and hope: Though the drama starts with Li Changge’s desire to avenge her murdered family, she gradually changes her mind after experiencing a series of hardships across the Continent. Thanks to her different encounters (Gongsung Heng, Ashile Sun, monk at Liuyun Taoist Temple, Mimi Guli…), she understands the sufferings of her people, and the dire consequences of war for them, if she wishes to avenge herself against her uncle. The deaths of her disciple A Dou (Feng Jun Jie) in Shuozhou, and of Sun’s mother are turning points for the young woman, as her selfish actions lead to their deaths. By the end of the drama, Li Changge finds a new purpose: Peace. Just like Ashile Sun, or even Leyan and Hao Du, they put behind their differences and ally to protect the well-being of all inhabitants of the Continent, whether they are from the desert, from Tang or from the Grasslands. With their final victory against Yi Cheng comes the hope for a better future, in which all tribes/kingdoms have found a fair compromise, and promise not to engage in unnecessary wars.

Romantically speaking, the drama also showcases the union of differences: Ashile Sun from the Grasslands partners up with Li Changge of Tang; Princess Leyan finds her perfect match in Hao Du, a low-born man adopted by Du Ruhui. Social classes all come together, just like tribes gather in harmony. Even all wounds are healed (Changge/Li Shimin; Sun/Sher; Mobei/Monan tribes to quote a few).

P.S.: I had never seen such an intense football game in a historical drama! If you watch the first episode, you’ll understand what I’m talking about, and these scenes will surely prepare you for the rest of the drama!