When I say this was the most contradictory bromance in a long time, I don’t mean it lightly. And rightly so, because A League of Nobleman takes you on a journey of deceit, redressal and hardcore revenge.

From the onset, the drama sets the stage for the unlikely relationship/friendship/bromance between the main leads, Lan Jue (Jing Bo Ran) and Zhang Ping (Song Wei Long). It is cold, calculating and unconventional; while these two dance around their attraction, the other characters become a part of the foregone conclusion. You know the concept, understand the challenges; yet arguably, the storytelling is indulgent and crisp. Adapted from the novel “The Mystery of Zhang Guo” (张公案) by Da Feng Gua Guo (大风刮过), A League of Nobleman delivers a solid romance with a supernatural twist. It keeps you on the edge; you know the players and their formidable moves and still you can’t help but be intrigued. Although not a BL adaptation, this drama incorporates a juxtapose that displays proximity between the male characters. As such, the sudden premiere without any fanfare or promotions was obviously surprising. The production is top-notch, costumes are elegant and depict the elegance of the foregone era. Earnestly, this year started on a good note; with promises that other BL adaptations, like Winner is King and Immortality, might be released soon. For now, let’s concentrate on reviewing A League of Nobleman with a brutal honesty!

The Dubious Vice Minister of Rites, Lan Jue

There is only one way to describe this character- an insufferable minx (and I’m not even sure if we can use this terminology for a male character). Lan Jue is an utter charmer; while his office attire coincides with his sophisticated outlook and calculating approach, his casual unbound style scream seduction. As such, he has not one but three suitors (trust me; the disbelief is genuine and shocking). From the pilot episode, it’s clear that Lan Jue isn’t exactly conscientious. Rather, he is a man on mission- to clear his dead father’s name who was deemed as a traitor by the court. Despite the treasonous rhetoric, Lan Jue still manages to climb the ranks and become the Vice Minister of Rites. The first half of the storyline focuses on his dubious and underhanded attempts to seek justice while pursuing revenge. He is ruthless and suspicious; traits unknown in a lead character. The fun begins when he meets his match in Zhang Ping and slowly his convictions are changed. Lan Jue is cynical, his methods are questionable and yet you can’t help but empathize with him. Being a veteran actor, Jing Bo Ran portrays this character with an honesty that is both admirable and praiseworthy.

The Scholarly Noodle Detective

Inarguably one of his best performances in recent times, Song Wei Long’s Zhang Ping is a self-righteous, truth seeker. Nothing fazes him and he is mostly unconcerned about worldly issues. The only thing that strikes his attention is injustice- he can’t stand by and watch people lie. Thus begins the cat-and- mouse chase because he is convinced that Lan Jue is aiding some major conspiracy, being unscrupulous (which is obviously true). He finds it detestable that a formidable Court Official is so suspicious. Zhang Ping isn’t exactly a likable character in the beginning; his strong sense of justice often causes trouble. But as he toes the line between evident truths and profound lies, Zhang Ping grows into a more mature individual. He learns to be tactile, hones his detective skills and returns to his humble origins, despite being elevated to the Magistrate level. His endearing friendship with Chen Chou (Guo Cheng) and Emperor Wang Xuan (Shawn Zhang) are equally interesting. Song Wei Long’s somber portrayal is quite memorable.

The Abundant B/Romance

This show strums the line between a subtle bromance and an abundantly obvious romance. And Lan Jue is at the centerfold of these love stories. Jing Boran’s Peizhi is intimately involved with not one, but three confidants. His long-standing friendship with Wang Yan (Hong Yao) seems heartwarming but the intimacy he shares with Shulin/Gu Qing Zhang (Wang Duo) is like a livewire. You can’t help but blush as these utterly gorgeous men share deep, soul searching gazes which are equal parts flirtatious and engaging. You will question Wang Yan’s utter devotion to Lan Jue while Shulin’s possessive nature might seem contentious. Including Zhang Ping to this equation is like adding fuel to the flames. The scriptwriters have taken undue liberties in carving a seductive image for Lan Jue as three men fight for his affections. Frankly, I haven’t seen a more sensuous character in a Chinese Bromance before. The fact that Lan Jue zealously enjoys this attention is even more entertaining. Although Wang Yan and Shulin seem like worthy suitors, the fact remains that the story revolves around Lan Jue’s thirst for revenge and, as such, Zhang Ping becomes his most trusted aide/confidant. If you aren’t watching this show for its mystique, then watch it for its blatant romance!

Final Impressions

Starting with the first episode, I wasn’t under any illusion that it might depict any romantic proclivities. The Chinese censorship leaves a lot to be desired when it gets done with reviewing BL adaptations and this show is adapted from an investigative novel. Admittedly, the scriptwriters decided to add a poignant twist to the thriller with a character driven narrative. The investigation for most parts takes a backstage, since there is a lot of soul searching to be done. The water illusion technique that Zhang Ping ostentatiously uses might seem metaphorical, but it isn’t. It’s clearly just a meditative recourse or maybe a hypnotic experience. The production value is unquestionably high, the settings are carefully designed to exude the exuberance of that era and the costumes are resplendent of royalty (except for poor Zhang Ping, who always looks like he rolled in a haystack). Song Wei Long is a handsome man, but the show undermines his look by projecting a image that highlights Zhang Ping’s detective skills instead. Jing Bo Ran’s Lan Jue, plays a wonderful contrast between a son seeking justice for his wronged father and an authoritarian. Wang Duo’s Shulin is as seductive as Lan Jue but evidently more treacherous and psychotic. Hong Yao’s Wang Yan leaves a strong impression with his formidable act and demeanor. Each character in this show delivers a realistic performance; it could be the power thirsty Empress Dowager, the empathetic Emperor or the trustworthy Chen Chou. If you are looking for a show that closely resembles “The Sleuth of the Ming Dynasty” or “The Silent Criminal”, then “A League of Nobleman” will indeed satisfy your palate.

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming- Here