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General and I
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GenreHistorical fiction
Romance
Based onA Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated by Feng Nong
Written byZhang Yongchen
Directed byJu Jueliang
StarringWallace Chung
Angelababy
Sun Yizhou
Gan Tingting
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes62
Production
Executive producerZhao Jianling
Production companiesCroton Media
Send Joy Media
LeTV
Cornucopia Music
Original release
NetworkHunan Television
Release2 January (2017-01-02) –
10 February 2017 (2017-02-10)

General and I (Chinese: 孤芳不自赏; pinyin: Gū Fāng Bú Zì Shǎng) is a 2017 Chinese television series based on Feng Nong's novel A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated. Directed by Ju Jueliang and written by Zhang Yongchen, the series stars Wallace Chung, Angelababy, Sun Yizhou and Gan Tingting.[1] General and I aired on Hunan Television from 2 January to 10 February 2017.

Synopsis

[edit]

When the mansion of Prince Jing'an is under attack and destroyed overnight, He Xia (Sun Yizhou) and his attendant Bai Pingting (Angelababy) are forced to flee the Kingdom of Yan. They get separated, and Pingting takes refuge in a monastery where she meets the powerful general Chu Beijie (Wallace Chung) of the Kingdom of Jin. He recognizes her as his childhood first love. However, their situation renders this relationship a difficult one as they are from opposing kingdoms.[2]

Cast

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Main

[edit]
  • Wallace Chung as Chu Beijie
    • Prince Zhen Bei. A powerful general and genius military strategist; secret half-brother to the King of Jin. He loves Bai Pingting since their first encounter twenty years ago when she and her father saved him and his mother. He is very loyal to his country, causing him to be split between his responsibilities and love on various occasions.
  • Angelababy as Bai Pingting
    • A genius military strategist who is a cherished playmate and loyal servant of He Xia. She is wanted by the rulers of many kingdoms because she knows by heart the teachings of a highly wanted military strategy book that her father forced her to recite before he died. Chu Beijie rescued her when she was on the run, and he recognized her by the hairpin he gave her when they were young. Though she was initially forced to marry Chu Beijie, she eventually fell in love with him.
  • Sun Yizhou as He Xia
    • Son of Prince Jing'an. An ambitious noble who is intent on seeking revenge for his family after being betrayed by the royal household of Yan. He later took asylum in the Kingdom of Bai Lan and became the princess' consort in order to gain power. He only realizes at the very end that he fell for Yao Tian.
  • Gan Tingting as Yao Tian
    • Princess of Bai Lan, and later He Xia's wife. Her love for her husband ultimately leads to the downfall of her kingdom, and she sacrifices herself and her unborn baby to allow He Xia to fulfill his ambitions.

Supporting

[edit]

Jin kingdom

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  • Yu Bo as Sima Hong, Emperor of Jin. Chu Beijie's half-brother.
  • Jin Qiaoqiao as Dowager Empress Ren De
    • Sima Hong's mother. The only person who knows the truth of Chu Beijie's identity.
  • Shi Yuyan as Chu Yu
    • Chu Beijie's mother. She committed suicide to protect her son, and left him under the care of the Dowager Empress.
  • Wang Ruizi as Empress
    • Empress of Jin. Sima Hong's first wife and true love. She dies after being suffocated by Royal Consort Zhang.
  • Deng Sha as Zhang Yun'er
    • Royal Consort Zhang. Sima Hong's concubine. Daughter of the Prime Minister. She is in love with Chu Beijie, but was forced to marry Sima Hong due to political struggles. As a result, she bore vengeance in her heart and resorted to schemes to ruin both Chu Beijie and Sima Hong's life.
  • Chen Haofeng as Chancellor Zhang
    • Consort Zhang's father. An evil, scheming and power-hungry person. He sacrificed his daughter's happiness in order to attain the throne. After failing to steal the throne, he committed suicide.
  • Lu Qing as Shuang'er
    • A palace maid who stayed by Sima Hong during the times he was imprisoned within the palace. She later becomes the second Empress of Jin.
  • Cheng Haofeng as Zhang Wenzheng
  • Zhu Jianyun as Xie Heng, Prime Minister/Grand Marshal of Jin state.
  • Wei Binghua as Chu Moran, Chu Beijie's trusted lieutenant who likes Zui Ju.
  • Cui Mingyang as Mu Lan, Chu Beijie's subordinate.
  • Zhang Yun as Chen Mu, General of Jin.
  • Zhang Jiao as He Xiang, Consort Zhang's maid.
  • Yu Xiaofan as Madame Hua
  • Miao Haizhong as Mister Hua
  • Leo Li as Miss Hua
  • Liao Songmei as Nanny Chen

Liang kingdom

[edit]
  • Wang Ce as King of Liang, King of Liang state.
  • Qi Hang as Ze Yin, Famous general of Liang. Yang Feng's husband.
  • Madina Memet as Yang Feng, Bai Pingting's childhood best friend, known as the "Two Qins of Jingan". Ze Yin's wife.
  • Liu Mengmeng as Thirteenth Lady Yan, Lady Boss of Jiao Yan Lou. She is Chu Beijie's long-time strategic confidante, and is in love with him.
  • Gu Minghan as Ruo Han, General of Liang state and trusted lieutenant of Ze Yin.
  • Wang Tianze as Ze Qing, Ze Yin and Yang Feng's son.
  • Qu Musen as Mu Yan

Yan kingdom

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  • Wang Zizi as Queen of Yan
  • Yu Rongguang as He Sheng, Prince of Jingan Manor. He Xia's father.
  • Wan Meixi as Murong Heren, Grand Princess of Yan. He Xia's mother, He Sheng's wife.
  • Hu Wenzuo as Dong Zhuo, Bai Pingting and He Xia's childhood friend, and loyal assistant of He Xia. He has a kind heart.
  • Sun Wei as Lu Ke, General of Yan.

Bai Lan kingdom

[edit]
  • Li Haohan as Gui Changqing, Prime Minister of Bai Lan. Gui Yan's father.
  • Song Wenzuo as Gui Yan, General of Bai Lan. Gui Changqing's son. He is in love with Yao Tian.
  • Wang Tianchen as Fan Lu, a mercenary tasked to kill Bai Pingting. However, he mistook Zui Ju to be Pingting, and took her hostage. He later falls in love with Zui Ju.
  • Ma Chengcheng as Feng Yin, God-daughter of Gui Changqing. He Xia's concubine, positioned by Yao Tian.
  • Mu Le'en as Lu Yi, Yao Tian's maid.
  • Lu Yong as Qi Tian, General in Bai Lan who is in charge of Yongtai troops and later approached by Chu Beijie.

Others

[edit]
  • Zou Yang as Zui Ju
    • A highly skilled healer who saves Bai Pingting and later becomes her best and most loyal companion. Huo Hainan's disciple. She had a crush on Chu Beijie, but later falls for Fan Lu.
  • Chen Dacheng as Huo Hainan, Zui Ju's teacher. A skilled royal physician in the palace.
  • Li Qingyu as Chu Changxiao, Chu Beijie and Bai Pingting's son.
  • Li Jinrong as Bai Hefu, Bai Pingting's father.

Soundtrack

[edit]
No.TitleLyricsMusicSingerLength
1."A Lonesome Fragrance (孤芳不自赏)" (Theme song)Zhao JianpingTan XuanHenry Huo 
2."A Lone Flower (一支孤芳)"Zhang MengwanChen ZhongyiWallace Chung 
3."The Scene Before (眼前)"Zhou JieyingTan XuanTan Jing 
4."A Familiar Scenery (風景舊曾諳)"Liu ChangTan XuanWilliam Wei & Claire Kuo 
5."Won't Disappoint (不負)"Li XuemanTan XuanZhou Pin 
6."Tower of Tears (淚塔)"Zheng Nan, Jin FangTan XuanFang Yuan 

Production

[edit]

The drama was filmed from April to September 2016 in several locations, such as Beijing, Inner Mongolia, Yinchuan, Yunnan, Xiangshan and Hengdian World Studios.

Reception

[edit]

The drama is a commercial success in China, achieving high ratings and surpassing 16 billion views.[3] It ranked 1st place on the list of Most Profitable Dramas of 2017.[4]

Despite its popularity, the drama received some criticisms for its production quality. The majority of the scenes used computer-generated imagery (CGI). However, the special effects were criticized of poor quality. The director Ju explained that the purpose of using CGI is to enhance the visual effect of the drama. He admitted the imperfect and said that time constraint for post-production is a factor.[5]

Ratings

[edit]
CSM52 city network ratings[6] National Internet ratings
Air date Episode Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Rank Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Rank
January 2, 2017 01 1.303 3.965 1 1.34 4.52 1
January 3, 2017 02-03 1.214 3.683 1 1.46 4.78 1
January 4, 2017 04-05 1.269 3.871 1 1.53 4.95 1
January 5, 2017 06-07 1.221 3.66 1 1.68 5.37 1
January 6, 2017 08 0.981 2.806 2 1.183 3.449 1
January 7, 2017 09 1.067 3.047 1 1.261 3.643 1
January 8, 2017 10-11 1.163 3.341 1 1.256 3.835 1
January 9, 2017 12-13 1.341 4.019 1 1.575 4.98 1
January 10, 2017 14-15 1.289 3.806 1 1.459 4.625 1
January 11, 2017 16-17 1.297 3.825 2 1.57 4.808 1
January 12, 2017 18-19 1.315 3.797 2 1.599 4.814 1
January 13, 2017 20 0.910 2.672 2 1.237 3.563 1
January 14, 2017 21 1.016 2.973 2 1.303 3.804 1
January 15, 2017 22 0.985 2.806 3 1.23 3.57 1
January 16, 2017 23-24 1.238 3.591 2 1.658 5.039 1
January 17, 2017 25-26 1.352 3.993 2 1.768 5.365 1
January 18, 2017 27-28 1.571 4.592 1 2.108 6.391 1
January 19, 2017 29 1.005 2.874 4 1.347 3.895 2
January 21, 2017 30 1.055 3.123 2 1.382 4.089 1
January 22, 2017 31 0.961 2.85 3 1.306 3.836 2
January 23, 2017 32-33 1.430 4.297 1 1.976 5.797 2
January 24, 2017 34-35 1.297 3.806 3 1.818 5.378 2
January 25, 2017 36-37 1.306 3.808 2 1.811 5.43 1
January 26, 2017 38-39 1.435 4.136 1 1.906 5.608 1
January 27, 2017 40 0.807 2.392 1 1.199 3.2 1
January 28, 2017 41 1.079 3.340 1 1.837 5.387 1
January 29, 2017 42 0.948 3.190 2 1.322 4.304 2
January 30, 2017 43 0.801 2.634 1 1.094 3.555 1
January 31, 2017 44-45 1.023 3.292 1 1.789 5.702 1
February 1, 2017 46-47 1.071 3.296 1 1.721 5.355 1
February 2, 2017 48-49 1.395 4.199 1 1.917 5.951 1
February 3, 2017 50 1.208 3.476 1 1.549 4.628 1
February 4, 2017 51 1.244 3.649 1 1.672 5.084 1
February 5, 2017 52-53 1.668 4.731 1 2.18 6.533 1
February 6, 2017 54-55 1.676 4.756 1 2.268 6.625 1
February 7, 2017 56-57 1.719 4.746 1 2.405 6.855 1
February 8, 2017 58-59 1.707 4.721 1 2.288 6.665 1
February 9, 2017 60-61 1.723 4.844 1 2.401 6.965 1
February 10, 2017 62 1.609 4.518 1 2.379 6.75 1
Average ratings - 1.314 3.863 1 - - 1

International broadcast

[edit]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

General and I

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from Grokipedia
General and I (Chinese: Gū fāng bù zì shǎng) is a Chinese historical romance drama television series directed by Ju Jueliang, starring as the clever strategist Bai Pingting, as the prince-general Chu Beijie, and Sun Yi Zhou as Prince He Xia. Adapted from the A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated by Taiwanese Feng Nong, the series consists of 62 episodes and aired from to July 10, 2017, on Hunan TV and LeTV. Set in a fictional of warring states including Jin, , and Qin, the plot centers on Bai Pingting and Prince He Xia, who flee their fallen kingdom of Jin only to be separated amid political intrigue and battles for power. Bai Pingting later encounters Chu Beijie, a formidable general from a rival kingdom and her former love, leading to a tense romance complicated by divided loyalties, plots, and strategic alliances. The narrative explores themes of love versus duty, with elaborate costumes, large-scale battle scenes, and intricate court politics that highlight the characters' personal sacrifices in a turbulent . Produced by Huace Film & TV, the series blends elements of action, , and , earning praise for its strong female lead and visual production despite some criticism for pacing issues in its extended runtime. It achieved significant viewership in and internationally through streaming platforms, contributing to the popularity of costume dramas during the mid-2010s.

Background

Source material

General and I is adapted from the Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang (孤芳不自赏), known in English as A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated, written by the Taiwanese author Feng Nong. Feng Nong, a prolific writer specializing in romance and , originally published the online on platforms like Jinjiang Literature City before its 2005 print release through Uei Shiang, with subsequent editions by publishers such as New World Publishing in 2007 and Chaohua Publishing House in 2011. The work spans multiple volumes and gained popularity for its blend of political intrigue, warfare, and emotional depth in a fictionalized ancient Chinese setting, building a strong fanbase that facilitated adaptations. The novel centers on the intelligent strategist Bai Pingting and the noble warrior Chu Beijie, whose paths cross amid rival kingdoms' conflicts, forcing them to navigate personal desires against national duties. This narrative framework directly informs the television series' structure and character arcs. Beyond the drama adaptation, Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang has been serialized in form, with illustrations by artists including Bi Mu Yu and Rosa, further extending its reach in Chinese media. The original text's emphasis on complex loyalties and subtle romance has been praised in reader communities for its literary style and plot twists.

Development

The adaptation of Feng Nong's novel A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated into the television series General and I was undertaken by Croton Media, a of Huace Film & TV, a major Chinese focused on historical and period dramas. The project was formally announced in March 2016 as a high-budget endeavor expected to span approximately 50 episodes. Directed by Ju Jueliang, known for previous works such as and Patriot Yue Fei, the series featured a screenplay by Zhang Yongchen—credited for adaptations like The Last Concubine—along with and Yi Ding. The script aimed to preserve the novel's core elements of political intrigue, warfare, and star-crossed romance between a clever strategist and a prince-general, while incorporating adjustments for visual storytelling, including an added childhood backstory between the protagonists to strengthen narrative cohesion and foreshadowing. Principal photography commenced with a traditional booting ceremony in May , primarily in and other locations to recreate the warring ancient kingdoms of Jin, , and Qin. The production faced logistical challenges, including extreme summer heat exceeding 40°C that caused exhaustion among cast and crew in heavy period costumes and armor, as well as the demands of memorizing extensive dialogue. Despite these hurdles, the shoot wrapped by late , allowing for a premiere on Hunan TV's prime-time slot starting January 2, . The emphasis on elaborate sets, costumes, and action sequences underscored the series' scale, positioning it as a key release for Croton Media.

Plot and themes

Synopsis

General and I is a Chinese historical romance television series set in an era of incessant warfare among four rival kingdoms: Jin, Yan, , and Qin, where alliances shift and power struggles dominate. The narrative revolves around Bai Pingting, an exceptionally intelligent strategist and maid in the service of the of Jing-An in the kingdom of Yan, who defies traditional expectations of women through her sharp wit and advisory role. Her life becomes entangled with Chu Beijie, the formidable prince and general of the enemy kingdom Jin, whose military prowess and personal charisma draw her into a web of conflicting loyalties and forbidden attraction. The King of Yan accuses He Xia of treason and orders an attack on Jing-An Manor, forcing Bai Pingting and He Xia—the Marquess's son and her childhood companion—to flee for their lives. Separated during their escape, Bai Pingting encounters Chu Beijie again, leading to a tense born of necessity amid the chaos of and betrayal. The series explores their evolving relationship, marked by strategic gamesmanship, emotional turmoil, and the constant threat of discovery, as Bai Pingting grapples with her duty to Yan and her inexplicable pull toward the man who represents its downfall. Throughout the 62 episodes, the plot delves into themes of versus , with intricate , campaigns, and personal sacrifices driving the central conflict between Bai Pingting and Chu Beijie. Supporting characters, including the vengeful He Xia and various scheming advisors, add layers of intrigue, highlighting the broader geopolitical rivalries that ensnare the protagonists. Adapted from Feng Nong's A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated, the series portrays a tale where cunning minds clash and hearts are tested in the shadow of empire-building ambitions.

Central themes

The central themes of General and I revolve around the tension between personal love and national loyalty, set against the backdrop of relentless warfare among ancient kingdoms. The story explores how individuals, particularly the protagonists Bai Pingting and Chu Beijie, navigate the irreconcilable demands of romantic devotion and patriotic duty, often leading to profound sacrifices and moral dilemmas. This conflict underscores the human cost of ambition and power, as characters must choose between their hearts and their homelands in a world where alliances shift like battlefield sands. Another key theme is the and prowess of women in a male-dominated era of and . Bai Pingting, portrayed as a brilliant tactician, challenges traditional roles by using her cunning to influence political outcomes and survive betrayals, highlighting themes of agency and resilience amid . The emphasizes equality in relationships, where mutual respect and intellectual parity form the foundation of the central romance, contrasting with the era's hierarchical norms. Political intrigue and the brutality of further permeate the , illustrating the fragility of and the cyclical of vengeance. Through depictions of scheming , fragile truces, and large-scale battles, the series examines how personal vendettas fuel broader conflicts, ultimately questioning the true victors in endless strife. These elements draw from the source novel's exploration of and forbidden connections in turbulent times.

Cast and characters

Main cast

Angelababy portrays Bai Pingting, the clever and resourceful from the kingdom of Yan who becomes entangled in political intrigue and romance. Her character is depicted as a loyal servant and genius , navigating rivalries between kingdoms with sharp . Wallace Chung plays Chu Beijie, the noble prince-general of the Jin kingdom, known for his strategic prowess and internal conflicts over loyalty and love. Chu's role highlights his transformation from a leader to a figure grappling with personal sacrifices amid war. Sun Yizhou embodies He Xia, a scholarly prince and loyal childhood friend to Bai Pingting from the kingdom of Yan, whose unrequited affection adds emotional depth to the narrative. Gan Tingting stars as Princess Yaotian, a determined royal from the kingdom of Bai Lan who forms a complex alliance with the protagonists. Her portrayal emphasizes Yaotian's resilience and diplomatic maneuvers in the inter-kingdom conflicts.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast of General and I features an ensemble of actors who portray pivotal secondary characters, including allies, rivals, and family members that influence the central romance and political intrigue between protagonists Chu Beijie and Bai Pingting. These roles often highlight themes of , , and courtly ambition in the historical setting. Key supporting characters include Yu Bo as Sima Hong, a scheming whose actions fuel much of the political tension; Madina as Yang Feng, a skilled warrior and ally who aids in endeavors; and Cheng Feng as Zhang Wenzheng, a reliable contributing to the Jin Kingdom's governance. Ce Wang depicts King Liang, the authoritative ruler whose decisions propel the kingdom's conflicts, appearing in all 62 episodes.
ActorCharacterRole Description
Sima HongDeceptive official involved in court intrigues.
MadinaYang FengWarrior supporting military campaigns.
Cheng FengZhang WenzhengDependable advisor in the Jin Kingdom.
Ce WangKing LiangRuling monarch driving political narratives.
Additional performers, such as Deng Sha as Zhang Yun'er—a gentle —and Liu Mengmeng as the Thirteenth Lady Yan, add depth to the ensemble by representing interpersonal relationships and societal norms of the era. The supporting actors' performances were praised for enhancing the main storyline without overshadowing the leads, contributing to the series' overall dramatic tension.

Production

Filming

for General and I began in April 2016 and concluded in September 2016, spanning approximately 130 days across multiple provinces in . The production involved over 1,200 cast and crew members, with a crew of over 700 and filming in excess of 260 scenes to depict the series' four rival kingdoms—Jin, Yan, Qin, and Liang—with diverse landscapes including palaces, battlefields, and rural terrains. Key filming locations included in Province, where significant portions were shot at the Qin Wang Palace and Chunqiu City sets to capture imperial and historical architecture central to the story's ancient warring states setting. In August 2016, the cast, including leads and , relocated to Hengdian for intensive scenes involving large-scale crowd and action sequences. Additional exteriors were filmed at Xiangshan Film City in Ningbo, , utilizing its coastal and mountainous areas for strategic battle and escape sequences. The production emphasized elaborate period authenticity, with extensive use of practical sets and on-location shooting to minimize reliance on effects, though some interior close-ups employed green screen for efficiency. A notable example was the filming of a pivotal "blind chess" confrontation scene between the protagonists, which required two full days of meticulous and multiple takes to convey the intellectual tension without visual aids. Directed by Ju Jueliang, the shoot faced logistical challenges from the expansive scope, including coordinating horse-mounted action and across varied terrains, but the team prioritized historical accuracy in costumes and props.

Post-production

The post-production phase of General and I faced significant challenges due to a tight timeline, exacerbated by the limited filming schedules of lead actors and , who prioritized other commitments. This necessitated extensive use of green screen compositing (known as "kōu xiàng" or keying) for many scenes, allowing interiors and close-ups to be shot separately from exteriors, often with stand-ins handling wide shots or outdoor sequences. Director Ju Jueliang revealed that ' reluctance to film on further relied on digital enhancements to construct the ancient kingdom settings, with involving additional reshoots due to scheduling conflicts to refine these elements. The process involved a team of artists handling , but high personnel turnover in China's industry—where experienced staff often move on after two years—contributed to inconsistencies. Upon the series' premiere in January 2017, viewers quickly noted visual flaws, including blurred or virtualized backgrounds, overexposed lighting in composites, and mismatched actor integrations, attributing them to rushed VFX work. Total producer Zhao Jianling addressed the backlash on the official account, affirming that green screen techniques are a standard and efficient method for historical dramas to achieve premium visuals, but conceding that the effects fell short due to insufficient time following the September 2016 filming wrap. Despite these issues, the approach enabled the 62-episode series to meet its broadcast deadline on Hunan TV.

Music

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for General and I consists of original compositions that integrate traditional Chinese musical elements, such as the xiao flute and pipa, with contemporary arrangements to underscore the series' themes of love, loyalty, and warfare in a turbulent ancient setting. Primarily composed by Tan Xuan, the music emphasizes emotional resonance through melancholic melodies and orchestral swells, supporting key dramatic moments like battle sequences and romantic interludes. The full original soundtrack album, containing 6 tracks, was released by Renxi Culture on September 28, 2018.
No.Song TitleLyricsComposerArtistNotes
1"A Lonesome Fragrance (孤芳不自赏)"Zhao JianpingTan XuanOpening theme
2"A Lone Flower (一支孤芳)"Chen ZhongyiZhang MengwanEnding theme
3"Once Familiar with the Scenery (风景旧曾谙)"Liu ChangTan XuanWilliam Wei, Claire KuoInsert song
4"Before My Eyes (眼前)"-Tan XuanTan JingInsert song
5"Never Betray (不负)"-Tan XuanZhou PinInsert song
6"Tower of Tears (泪塔)"-Tan XuanFang YuanInsert song
The opening theme song, "Gu Fang Bu Zi Shang" (A Lonesome Fragrance Waiting to be Appreciated), performed by Huo Zun, serves as the series' titular anthem, its ethereal vocals and piano-xiao interplay evoking the protagonist's isolation and unyielding spirit; the track was released as a single in December 2016. Another prominent insert song, "Feng Jing Jiu Zeng An" (Once Familiar with the Scenery), a duet by William Wei and Claire Kuo, highlights themes of nostalgia and reunion with its harmonious layering of strings and soft percussion, released in late 2016 to accompany pivotal flashbacks. Additional vocal highlights include "Yi Zhi Gu Fang" (A Lone Flower) sung by lead actor , which conveys quiet determination through minimalist acoustic guitar and vocal delivery, and "Lei Ta" (Tower of Tears) by Fang Yuan, featuring poignant about set against swelling orchestral backing; both tracks were part of the 2017 promotional releases. "Yan Qian" (Before My Eyes) by Tan Jing adds emotional depth to romantic scenes with its folk-inspired melody and powerful range, while "Bu Fu" (Never Betray) by Zhou Pin underscores loyalty motifs via upbeat yet introspective rhythms.

Theme songs

The opening theme song for General and I (孤芳不自赏) is "A Lonesome Fragrance" (孤芳不自赏), performed by Chinese singer (also known as Huo Zun). Released in December 2016 as part of the drama's promotion, the song is a melancholic composed by Tan Xuan with by Zhao Jianping, evoking themes of isolated beauty and unspoken longing that align with the series' central romance between the protagonists Chu Beijie and Bai Pingting. The ending theme song is "A Lone Flower" (一支孤芳), sung by lead actor , who portrays Chu Beijie. This track, with music by Zhang Mengwan and by Chen Zhongyi, underscores the emotional depth of sacrifice and enduring affection in the narrative, playing over the of each episode to provide a reflective coda. Both songs were included on the official soundtrack album released on September 28, 2018, by Renxi Culture, highlighting their role in enhancing the drama's atmospheric tension and romantic intrigue without overshadowing the plot.

Release

Broadcast schedule

"General and I" premiered on Hunan Television on January 2, 2017, occupying the evening prime-time slot at 19:30. The series aired nightly, with the broadcast schedule designed to release multiple episodes per evening to cover its total of 62 installments within a condensed timeframe. Typically, two episodes were shown each night, enabling the show to conclude its television run on February 10, 2017. This accelerated airing format was common for high-profile Chinese historical dramas on provincial networks like Hunan TV, allowing for rapid audience engagement and ratings buildup during the winter viewing season. The premiere episode drew immediate attention, setting the stage for consistent nightly viewings that maintained momentum through the lunar holiday period. No major schedule disruptions were reported, though online platforms such as LeTV began simultaneous episode releases, extending availability beyond the TV finale. Post-broadcast, the full series became accessible via streaming services, with LeTV distributing episodes progressively through July 2017 to cater to on-demand viewers. This hybrid model supported broader domestic reach, complementing the linear TV schedule without altering the original TV airing.

International distribution

The drama was distributed internationally primarily through streaming platforms and select regional television broadcasts, leveraging partnerships with global content aggregators to reach audiences beyond . In 2019, Viki, a leading platform for Asian , acquired distribution rights to General and I as part of a broader deal with Chinese production company Croton Media, enabling subtitled access in multiple languages including English, Spanish, and French for viewers in over 190 countries. This move expanded its availability to international fans of historical romances, with the series becoming one of Viki's popular titles, amassing over 23,000 user ratings by 2025. In , General and I received traditional TV airings to capitalize on regional interest in Chinese period dramas. It premiered on Malaysia's 8TV channel on May 8, 2017, airing weeknights at 8:30 PM, replacing the slot previously held by and drawing viewers with its synopsis of royal intrigue and forbidden love. The broadcast was promoted in local media, highlighting the story's appeal of Prince Jing An's survival after his mansion's destruction. Globally, the series is accessible on additional platforms beyond Viki, including Apple TV in regions such as , , and , where episodes are available for purchase or rental with subtitles. Bilibili's international service also streams it, targeting diaspora and / enthusiasts, while sites like Asiental offer full episodes with English subs for free viewing. These digital avenues have sustained its popularity, focusing on conceptual themes of and romance rather than extensive releases.

Reception

Critical response

The critical response to General and I was largely negative in China, where the series was widely criticized for its production shortcomings and uneven acting. Reviewers highlighted the heavy reliance on subpar green screen compositing, derisively termed "koutou" (cutout) effects, which resulted in awkward visual inconsistencies, such as mismatched lighting and unnatural backgrounds that undermined the historical setting. These technical flaws were seen as emblematic of rushed , detracting from the drama's ambitious war and romance narrative. Performances drew particular , with Angelababy's of the intelligent Bai Pingting frequently called out for and limited emotional depth, often reduced to exaggerated facial expressions that failed to convey the character's complexity. Wallace Chung's portrayal of the brooding general Chu Beijie also faced backlash for rigid expressions, attributed by some to overfilled facial features that hampered expressiveness. On , a leading Chinese platform for media ratings, the series earned a dismal 3.2 out of 10 from over 65,000 users as of 2025, having declined during its 2017 run from an initial higher score. While some outlets acknowledged the plot's engaging initial setup—drawing from Feng Nong's novel with themes of loyalty and forbidden love—the adaptation was faulted for excessive lengthening to 62 episodes, leading to pacing issues and diluted tension. Internationally, reception among English-speaking audiences was more forgiving, evidenced by a 6.6/10 user rating on , though professional critiques remained sparse. Overall, the drama's reputation suffered despite its commercial draw, positioning it as a cautionary example of high-profile projects undermined by execution.

Ratings and viewership

The series premiered on Hunan TV on January 2, 2017, and achieved solid television ratings despite facing significant criticism for its production quality early in its run. It maintained an average nationwide rating of 1.314% across its 62-episode broadcast, consistently leading its time slot against competitors, with a peak of 1.723% nationwide. Online viewership was equally robust, driven primarily by its exclusive streaming on LeTV (now Le.com). Daily views rose from 1.2 million to 2.6 million within the first week, far surpassing other dramas in the slot. By February 5, total online plays exceeded 13 billion, with an average of 255 million per episode, securing first place in multi-network data during the Spring Festival period ahead of rivals like Eternal Love and The Glory of Tang Dynasty; overall, views surpassed 16 billion. The series ranked 10th among 2017's top domestic dramas by overall ratings and contributed to its status as one of the year's most profitable productions through high commercial performance.

Commercial performance

"General and I" (孤芳不自赏) marked a major commercial triumph for its , Huace Film & TV, generating 438 million yuan in and topping the firm's chart for 2017, surpassing other hits like "" (Three Lives Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms), which ranked fourth. This financial success stemmed largely from lucrative deals, with the drama's per-episode comprehensive exceeding 10 million yuan, a milestone that highlighted the premium value placed on its star-driven appeal featuring and . On television, the series aired on Hunan TV from January 2 to February 10, 2017, achieving solid viewership metrics with an average rating of 1.314% and a peak of 1.723% nationwide, positioning it among the top-rated provincial satellite dramas of the first quarter. Online, it amassed over 20 billion views across digital platforms by the end of the quarter, contributing to its status as one of 2017's highest-grossing titles despite production controversies. These figures underscored the drama's robust market performance, driven by aggressive multi-platform distribution and the enduring popularity of genres in .

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