The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty (2020)

A gripping Chinese historical mystery following an unlikely duo who unravel deadly conspiracies in the imperial courts of 15th-century Ming Dynasty China.

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty - Series Information

  • Original Title: 成化十四年
  • First Air Year: 2020
  • Last Air Year: 2020
  • Type: TV Series
  • Genres: Drama, Mystery
  • Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (50 minutes)
  • Number of Seasons: 1
  • Number of Episodes: 48
  • Status: Ended
  • Original Language: Chinese
  • Spoken Languages: Mandarin
  • First Air Date: April 1, 2020 (South Korea - 15)
  • Networks: iQiyi
  • Alternative Titles: The Story of Ming Dynasty (US), 성화14년 (KR), Cheng Hua Shi Si Nian (CN)
  • Production Companies: iQIYI 北京爱奇艺科技
  • Production Countries: China

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty - Plot

Set during the 14th year of Chenghua Emperor's reign, Tang Fan, a sixth rank official and Sui Zhou, an embroidered uniform guard, join hands to crush a conspiracy to maintain peace and order for the people.

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty - Trailer

Watch the official trailer and get a first look at the intrigue unfolding in Ming Dynasty China:

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The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty - Cast & Crew

Main Cast

  • Darren Chen
  • Fu Meng-po
  • Liu Yaoyuan
  • Alyssa Chia
  • Wang Maolei
  • Mao Yi
  • Huangyang Tiantian
  • Cai Heng
  • Zhang Bojia

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty - FAQs

Is The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty based on a novel?

The series is adapted from the Chinese novel 'Cheng Hua Shi Si Nian' (成化十四年) by author Meng Xi Shi. The story blends historical fiction with mystery and investigation, drawing on the political intrigues and social dynamics of 15th-century Ming Dynasty China to craft its central narrative.

Is The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty worth watching?

Fans of Chinese historical dramas have embraced the show warmly, praising the engaging bromance between the two leads, the intricate mystery plots, and its richly detailed period setting. If you enjoy costume dramas with clever investigations and compelling character dynamics, this 48-episode series delivers consistent entertainment throughout.

Where can you stream The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty?

The series is available to stream on Rakuten Viki, which offers both a subscription tier and an ad-supported option, as well as on iQIYI with a flatrate subscription. Availability may vary by region, so check your local version of each platform for access.

Who plays Tang Fan and Sui Zhou in the series?

Taiwanese actor Darren Chen portrays Tang Fan, the sharp-minded sixth-rank official at the heart of the investigations, while Fu Meng-po plays Sui Zhou, the skilled embroidered uniform guard who becomes his trusted partner. Their on-screen chemistry is widely considered one of the show's greatest strengths.

What is the historical setting of The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty?

The drama unfolds during the 14th year of the Chenghua Emperor's reign in 15th-century China. This era was marked by court intrigue, powerful eunuch factions, and political instability, all of which form the atmospheric backdrop against which the central mystery and conspiracy storylines play out.

How many episodes does The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty have?

The series consists of 48 episodes across a single season, with each episode running approximately 50 minutes. It aired in 2020 on iQIYI and concluded the same year, telling a complete, self-contained story without leaving plotlines unresolved.

What are some shows similar to The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty?

If you enjoyed this series, Mysterious Lotus Casebook (2023), The Imperial Coroner (2021), and Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty (2022) offer a similar blend of historical mystery and engaging character dynamics. Joy of Life (2019) and The Advisors Alliance (2017) are also strong picks for fans of Chinese period dramas.

When did The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty first air?

The Sleuth of Ming Dynasty premiered on April 1, 2020, on the Chinese streaming platform iQIYI. The series completed its run the same year, with all 48 episodes released in 2020, making it a fully concluded single-season production.

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