If there’s one thing Rise of Phoenixes does not lack, it is diversity of character + great acting. Ok… make that two things. Here is a short list of characters we simply can’t overlook even though they play minor roles, some VERY minor roles.
(But no Xin Ziyan or Gu Nanyi, of course. We consider them major characters since their actions and decisions significantly influence the story.)
*WARNING: post contains spoilers.
Zhao Yuan (赵渊) – as we mentioned in our In A Nutshell video, Zhao Yuan is the secret NingYi/Zhiwei shipper. In a world of manipulative people who try to pull the miserable couple apart, it doesn’t get any better than this.
In addition, Zhao Yuan is extremely loyal toward the King and insightful overall. He always knows what to do and what to say and can figure out what his boss is thinking most of the time and therefore keeps a lot of people out of trouble. No wonder the man has been able to keep his job for this long.
10th Prince (宁霁) – Can we all agree that the Tenth Prince Ning Ji is a sweetheart? Innocent, fair, and without a shred of greed, Ning Ji stays out of the battle for the throne and chooses a peaceful life with books and chess; that is, until Xin Ziyan drags him into the show. But even then, he remains pretty much loyal to his beliefs and most of all, to his brother Ning Yi.
Zhu Yin (珠茵) – Why? Just… just why did you have to do this to Zhu Yin, drama???
An intelligent and sophisticated courtesan with a tragic past, Zhu Yin is one of Ning Yi’s supporters. She often provides him with important information and accommodation. We don’t know about you all but to have Zhu Yin die at the hands of that boorish and good-for-nothing Chang Hai guy is a terrible humiliation for her.
But then… there are always unjust sacrifices in power struggles during these times. *sighs*
Ning Cheng (宁澄) – Loyal, clever, kindhearted, etc. Ning Cheng’s got them all. In fact, we heart this character so much that we made an oath to drop the drama IF THEY DARED KILL HIM OFF. Luckily, they did not. Ning Cheng lives to accompany Ning Yi through thick and thin until the very end.
Hua Qiong (华琼) – Fiancee of Yan Huaishi, friend of Feng Zhiwei and a rather skillful swords-woman.
Hua Qiong and Feng Zhiwei share the same view toward the world and are close friends who eventually can read each other’s mind without much difficulty. Hua Qiong can be quite hot-tempered and reckless occasionally.
Yan Huaishi (燕怀石) – Alongside Feng Zhiwei’s many relationships, Yan Huaishi pales to the background sometimes. Though he remains pretty much a nice guy throughout and is one of those characters whose appearances give you a sense of security due to his reliable intellect and absolutely loyalty to his friends.
Wu Ying (吴英) – Directed to spy on Ning Yi at first, but different from the other spies, Wu Ying has a strong conscience that prompts him to consider Ning Yi’s kindness. Therefore, he makes the decision to pursue his own beliefs and support Ning Yi’s cause. Like Ning Cheng, Wu Ying is almost always there to deal with Ning Yi’s worries and (occasional) tantrums.
Gu Yan (顾衍) – Chief of the Royal Guards of Tiansheng Kingdom and eventually Ning Yi’s supporter. Talented, loyal, considerably smart, and respectful; but what strikes us most is how clueless and kind of humorous he can look WHILE being all of those things.
Being the brother-in-law of Feng Zhiwei’s mother and a general of Tiansheng Kingdom, Gu Yan often finds himself in difficult/awkward circumstances. This is certainly not the drama’s intention, but Gu Yan’s confused expression usually lessens the magnitude of a serious situation.
(Right, guys? … Guys…??)
Though, like everyone else on this list, Gu Yan is a reliable character who can get his job done effectively.
*To be honest, Helian Zheng would have made this list too had it not been for the last plot twist that confuses us to no end about his characterization. And since we’re not sure we can pin down his personality, we thought it best to leave him out.
Thanks for reading, guys. Don’t forget the poll below on your way out.
[crowdsignal poll=10280610]
I loved to watch Ning Cheng playing with Ning Yi like he was a younger cousin, and was happy for him when he got the golden armour and looked all grown up.
GuYan resilience and Zhao Yuan conflict management skills were also delightful to watch.
You’re right, Zhu Yin death was really humiliating… I hated how they killed all the cool females… the patriarchy sucks 😭
Thanks for leaving a comment! Yes, poor… poor Zhu Yin 🙁
And certainly it was great to watch Ning Cheng growing up alongside Ning Yi.
Ning Chen won my heart trying to explain to Ning Yi what “jealose” mean… it was the best!!!
Ning Cheng’s the best 🙂