According to Sina, The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress has been one of the most talked-about Chinese drama projects since its announcement. When Wang Hedi and Meng Ziyi were confirmed as the leads, controversy immediately erupted. Many viewers argued that both actors looked too mature for the original novel’s characters, sparking heated debate that dominated Weibo’s trending topics with over 200 million reads.

However, on March 1, audiences finally got their first glimpse of Wang Hedi’s on-set styling as Marquis Xie Jingxing — and reactions quickly shifted. The production team spared no expense in crafting luxurious, aristocratic costumes and high-end accessories, ensuring the male lead exuded power and nobility.

Standing at 1.85 meters tall, Wang Hedi’s commanding physique was not overshadowed by the elaborate historical attire. Instead, the intricate robes seemed to enhance his imposing presence. His sharp features and confident aura captivated viewers, with many praising his “untouchable cold prince” charisma. The first-look photos alone generated a separate trending keyword with more than 24 million views.

Comments flooded social media: “He looks both rebellious and cool,” “Playing a cold, distant noble fits him perfectly,” “His face is unreal,” and “Who’s still complaining now?” Some fans even declared that he finally embodies the aura of a true marquis heir.

Still, not all skepticism has disappeared. While many admit his visuals are striking, some viewers maintain that Wang Hedi must prove himself through acting once the drama airs. Critics continue to point out that his real-life aura differs from the novel’s description of Xie Jingxing, who is portrayed as ethereal and fox-like, with a playful yet dangerous charm. The age gap between actor and character also remains a discussion point.

Meanwhile, Meng Ziyi’s styling as Shen Miao has also received positive feedback. Initially criticized at age 31 for portraying a 14-year-old girl, the actress opted for soft, youthful makeup that visually reduces her age and better aligns with the character’s early storyline.

Originally written by author Qianshan Chake, the novel boasts a massive fanbase, with Xie Jingxing frequently topping rankings of most beloved male leads in romance fiction. Shen Miao is equally cherished, making casting choices especially controversial.

The story follows Shen Miao, the daughter of a military family, who falls deeply in love and marries Prince Ding — only to be betrayed after he exploits her family’s power and military influence. After her tragic downfall, she is reborn at age 14 and begins plotting her revenge, eventually crossing paths once more with Marquis heir Xie Jingxing.

Given the novel’s immense popularity, expectations for the drama adaptation are sky-high. Whether Wang Hedi and Meng Ziyi can fully win over skeptics remains to be seen, but at least for now, Wang Hedi’s first appearance as Xie Jingxing has undeniably shifted the conversation — from doubt to awe.