The Legend of Shen Li Breaks Records Despite Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin Controversies

The highly anticipated historical fantasy drama *The Legend of Shen Li* (Du Phuong Hanh), starring Zhao Liying (Trieu Le Dinh) and Lin Gengxin (Lam Canh Tan), has taken the Chinese drama market by storm since its premiere on March 18. Adapted from the popular novel by Jiu Lu Fei Xiang and directed by Deng Ke, the series has shattered multiple streaming records, proving once again the immense star power of its lead actors, particularly Zhao Liying, who also served as an executive producer for the project.

Upon its release, *The Legend of Shen Li* achieved unprecedented milestones on Tencent Video, reaching a popularity index of 23,000 in just 17 minutes, and crossing the 30,000 mark in less than two days, making it the fastest drama to reach 'blockbuster' status on the platform. The series also dominated Hunan TV and MangoTV, claiming the top spot in television ratings and securing massive commercial success with a record number of brand advertisements. On social media platforms like Weibo and Douyin, the drama generated hundreds of millions of views and dominated trending topics, solidifying its status as a massive hit.

Despite its phenomenal success, the drama has not been free from controversy. On review platforms like Douban, opinions have been highly polarized. Some viewers criticized the show's pacing, CGI effects, and the decision to use voice dubbing for Zhao Liying's character, Thẩm Ly, arguing it showed a lack of professionalism. However, Zhao Liying clarified that she chose to use a professional voice actor to ensure the character's voice perfectly matched Thẩm Ly's powerful aura, rather than relying on her own voice which might not fit the role. Additionally, Lin Gengxin faced criticism regarding his physical appearance, with some viewers pointing out signs of aging.

Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of fans have praised the undeniable chemistry between Zhao Liying and Lin Gengxin, who previously starred together in the hit drama *Princess Agents*. Their mature acting, expressive performances, and natural interactions have won over millions of viewers, proving that their talent and dedication easily overshadow any initial skepticism. As the drama continues its run, it remains a must-watch for C-drama fans worldwide.

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