Tan Jianci, recently headlining concerts where he showcases his cool, fun, and relatable personality, is truly a multi-hyphenate. As the top artist of his agency, Youhug Media, the 33-year-old singer-actor, who most recently appeared in Lost You Forever 2 and gave a lot of angst, returns with Go East (四方馆), iQIYI’s newest historical drama that’s completely different in tone. Directed by Zhao Qichen of My Heroic Husband fame, the show unexpectedly aired last night, August 23, 2024.
Adapted from Chen Jian’s novel Venture To The West, the story follows four individuals. Yuan Mo (Tan Jianci), a commoner from Changle City, issues entry permits at the city gates using the Four Square Pavilion’s seal. He clashes with A Shu (Zhou Yiran), a refugee from Yanle Kingdom, leading to the newly arrived border general Wang Kunwu (Du Chun) being tasked with overseeing the Four Square Pavilion. Yuan Mo becomes a minor official handling international matters, with A Shu as his maidservant, Wang Kunwu as his superior, and the powerful noblewoman Yuchi Hua (Kan Qingzi) entering the scene. Once mocked as useless, Yuan Mo matures as he navigates challenging diplomatic issues.
Even though the show teased an imminent release, its air-dropping last night left little time for publicity. While the premiere felt quiet, Go East is delivering a fast-paced, light comedy. Tan Jianci carries the show as the main protagonist Yuan Mo, but the ensemble cast, including Zhou Yiran, Du Chun, and Kan Qingzi, rounds out the story.
Source: 1
