Never before did I think that skinship could be a viable option in a Chinese drama with male leads, but “Towards the Truth” proved me wrong!

There were umpteen number of times when I asked myself this question while watching this show- “How the hell did it pass the rigid Chinese censorship?”. Ridiculously enough, the female protagonist in this show acts as a viable shield for the very visible romance happening between the main leads. Despite the lack of promotions and discernible subtitles, the show draws you in. Starring Wang You Shuo as Shen Song, the show retraces his past and present as he uses his sharp acumen and investigative skills to dissect complicated cases with an ease that is unheard of; the only glitch or we can say dangerous element is the double iris in his left eye that grants him the ability to peer into the past but it also makes him lose control. Like a double-edged sword, this ability helps him but also endangers his consciousness; and the only person who can bring back to reality is Gong Sun Li (Zhang Chen Xiao). The show gained popularity because of the unhinged romance between the male protagonists. Rightly so, because somehow the scriptwriters successfully surpassed censorship while making sure that the connection between the main leads remains viable & visible!

Ten years ago, the entire Shen family was massacred overnight, leaving only the young Shen Song alive. When Shen Song grew up, he passed the imperial examination to seek revenge, but fate played a trick on him and he was eventually demoted to a commoner. During the fire at Huamen Tower during the Empress Dowager’s Thousand Years Festival, Shen Song exposed the inaction of the local prefect and thus became the emperor’s “common man”. During this process, he met Gongsun Li, Li Qin Er, Zhan Mao Er and others, formed a detective team to solve many bizarre cases, and finally uncovered the truth behind the extermination of the Shen family.

(Source: Chinese = Baidu || Translation = MyDramaList)

Shen Song As The Underdog

Set during the Song Dynasty, the show focuses on Shen Song (Wang You Shuo), an intelligent scholar who passed the imperial examination but was dismissed from the imperial court. The reason was that he sought re-investigation of the case involving the massacre of his entire family. The Emperor wants nothing to do with the cold case and Shen Song’s stubborn refusal to let go of old wounds leaves him downcast & struggling. Shen Song is rescued by a kind constable who introduces him to his uncle, a restaurant owner. As Shen Song puts his past behind and becomes a skilled cook, he is forcibly coerced to investigate a heinous crime involving 60 corpses. As he pieces together evidences with the help of his double iris, Shen Song uncovers a gruesome web of corruption and injustice. Later, he is appointed as the Imperial Envoy by the Emperor, who forgives him.

The Scrupulous Minister’s Son

Gongsun Li (Zhang Chen Xiao) is the son of a high-ranking treasury official. He was the Emperor’s study mate during their childhood days. He was punished for a comment he made and as such, he can’t take up any official positions. Despite his privileged background and pampered upbringing, Gongsun Li has a strong sense of justice. He gets involved in the cases involving the 60 corpses because it is evidently tied to the Ministry where his father works. As they form a team to investigate the case, Gongsun Li becomes Shen Song’s biggest supporter. He often uses his connections or wealth to help him.

The Inevitable Romance That Doesn’t Fail to Entice You

Sun Li- This is my heart and it has your name engraved on it!

The show does little to nothing to hide the growing affection between Shen Song & Gongsun Li. Of course, their relationship starts on a rough note, Shen Song doesn’t trust Gongsun Li and it is strained further when Shen Song learns his real identity. But Gongsun Li sticks close to Shen Song and earns his trust back. They don’t shy away from skinship either, the show capitalizes on their abundant hugging scenes. Shen Song has been a loner since his entire family was massacred, he never had anyone protecting him before; so he slowly starts falling when Gongsun Li protects him in difficult situations. Their chemistry is refreshing and the bromance is sickeningly sweet. The show does try to imbibe situations where Gongsun Li seems to have interests in other women but he forgets everything whenever Shen Song is in danger. Surprisingly enough, Gongsun Li is the only one who can connect with Shen Song’s consciousness and draw him out of his dazed confusion when his double iris’ evil side strikes. Every time Shen Song falls, Sun Li is there to hold him tight & embrace him. Wang You Shuo & Zhang Chen Xiao have the kind of chemistry that is both unheard-of before and enticing. By the end of the show, they are behaving like a typical, married couple and you have no qualms watching them bicker endlessly.

Final Impressions

Despite it’s short format, the storytelling is crisp and detailed, so don’t miss out on a single moment!

The show isn’t without its own pitfalls, the storyline gets choppy in some places and might seem unevenly paced. But the intriguing characters, their back stories and the compelling main leads will certainly keep you invested until the very end. The show ends on a major cliffhanger so there is wiggle room for Season Two. The main actors did gain popularity because of their strong chemistry so there is a chance that the show may be renewed, though the lack of promotions is certainly discerning. Fingers crossed!

Rating- 4 out of 5

Streaming on- IQIYI