The results portrayed Liu E not as a legendary heroine, but as a Mary Sue, a mother-killer, a child-snatcher, a white lotus, and a vicious consort.
As expected, the drama flopped spectacularly upon its release.
Subsequently, several imitative works were released, all failing in their own peculiar ways.
What no one could have predicted, however, was how profoundly *The Twin Saints of the Tang Dynasty* would alter the historical drama market.
Shortly after this drama concluded, several more "big female lead" dramas were slated for release.
Originally, according to the producers and investors, these dramas were expected to at least break even, if not become massive hits.
However, upon their official premiere, the internet was flooded with complaints.
The female leads, in particular, were savaged.
The audience's criticism was remarkably consistent: the female leads were too weak.
They cited *The Twin Saints of the Tang Dynasty* as an example, arguing that only those who, like Wu Meiniang, created miracles through their intelligence were true heroines.
Those who relied on men for advancement or used their beauty to reach the pinnacle of success were all fake heroines.
Audiences had previously accepted these "fake heroine" dramas because they hadn't seen a true one.
Now, with *The Twin Saints of the Tang Dynasty* setting a high bar, the audience's tastes had become exceptionally discerning.
All "big female lead" dramas had to conform to this industry standard, or they would face public outcry.
The audience's reaction left major companies, directors, and actors in despair.
If every drama had to meet the standards of *The Twin Saints of the Tang Dynasty*, how could they possibly continue filming?
The capital in the entertainment industry once again felt the terrifying ripple effect of Jiang Ling’s blockbuster performances.
The last time she starred in *When a Prince Becomes a Frog* and became a hit, Jian Zhou’s portrayal of Shan Junhao became the benchmark for domineering CEOs.
Subsequently, numerous idol dramas were produced, but the domineering CEO male leads played by young heartthrobs were criticized by the audience as being like security guards, sales managers, or even nightclub bouncers – anything but domineering CEOs.
Now, with Jiang Ling starring in *The Twin Saints of the Tang Dynasty*, the previously booming "big female lead" genre had been utterly dwarfed.
Countless actors trembled, once again lamenting, "Sister, please, stop showing off your acting skills, just rely on your looks to make a living!"
If her acting continued to improve, they truly wouldn't have any work.
Seeing their laments, Jiang Ling couldn't help but laugh.
What kind of logic was it to blame others for acting too well when one lacked talent?
Not only would she continue acting, but she would also strive to achieve precise breakthroughs in every genre, clearing the market of those trash dramas that could no longer poison the audience's eyes.
As she was thinking, a system prompt suddenly chimed.
[Classic drama has appeared, locking character!]
[Ding! Congratulations to the host for obtaining the role of Li Yuhu, the female lead in *The Lady in a Flower*, who married the right man by mistake!]
"The Lady in a Flower, who married the right man by mistake?"
Upon hearing the title, Jiang Ling smiled brightly. "This role is truly a classic!"
As the title suggests, *The Lady in a Flower, who married the right man by mistake* tells the story of two young ladies from Yangzhou, Li Yuhu and Du Bingyan, born on the same day, month, and year. Both were married on the same day, but a heavy rainstorm caused them to mistakenly board each other's sedan chairs, ultimately leading them to find their true loves.
This drama, with only twenty episodes, was incredibly rich in content.
Two female leads, two love lines, and an exceptionally captivating story.
If another crew were to film it, they would surely stretch it to seventy or eighty episodes with unnecessary filler.
Jiang Ling wondered which director would be entrusted with such a classic television series.
As she was pondering, her phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Hua Ruyi calling.