10 Recommendations for the Best Chinese Dramas Featuring Manipulative Male Characters, Most Frustrating in 2025

The drama THE PRINCESS’S GAMBIT tells the story of Princess Jiang Tao Hua of Zhao, who wants to break free from the control of Queen Lu by proposing a political marriage to the state of Wei. However, upon her arrival there, she is trapped and accused of having an affair with Chancellor Shen Zai Ye, forcing her to offer herself as his concubine to survive. The story becomes more complicated when the manipulative Shen Zai Ye finds himself captivated by Tao Hua's bravery. Political intrigue and forbidden love make their relationship filled with tension and dangerous strategies.

The drama SADISTIC LOVE tells the story of Helian Zheng, a warlord who returns to seek revenge for his mother's death by forcing his half-sister, He An Ran, to marry him. This revenge becomes the beginning of a psychological game that stirs emotions. The story becomes even more complex with the appearance of Mo Yu Tang, a woman who was once wronged by Helian Zheng, now reappearing with a new identity. This drama highlights how love can turn into a full-blown obsession filled with manipulation and revenge.

The focus of the drama MARRIED is the journey of Ning Yue, who is betrayed by her husband, Hu Cheng, while she is pregnant. After the divorce, Ning Yue must face the harshness of living alone and struggles to regain her self-esteem. In her suffering, Ning Yue finds the strength to be independent and rebuild her life from scratch. This story presents a realistic portrayal of a woman rising from betrayal and loss.

The drama LOVE OF NIRVANA tells the story of Xiao Wu Xia, the young heir of Yueluo City, who disguises himself as Wei Zhao in the Liang Kingdom to seek the truth behind his family's destruction. However, his encounter with Jiang Ci changes the direction of his life. Amidst political conflict and warfare, they build a relationship based on sacrifice and trust. Together with Pei Yan, they fight against the tyranny of the Liang Emperor to create a fairer world.

The drama STEP BY STEP LOVE centers around Lu Cen Yang, a cold and strategic CEO who does not hesitate to manipulate others for his own interests. Everything changes when he meets Bu Ran, an intelligent heiress who challenges him in a game of emotions. Initially, their relationship is cold and full of suspicion, but it slowly develops into a tug-of-war between love and hate. The dynamics between them create a tension that draws the audience into the atmosphere.

The drama THE LEGEND OF SHEN LI tells the story of Shen Li, a powerful general from the immortal world who rejects a political marriage and escapes to the human realm. In the form of a phoenix, he is saved by a weak man named Xing Yun, who unknowingly links their fates. Their story evolves from pity to love that defies destiny. However, that love also brings them into great danger when evil forces rise and shake the three worlds.

The drama MAID'S REVENGE tells the story of Dong Ting Yao, whose family was slaughtered overnight. She disguises herself as a maid in the house of Fang Tian Yi, the governor whom she believes to be the perpetrator of her family's murder. However, as the truth begins to unfold, their relationship becomes complex. Beneath the hatred, seeds of love emerge, making Dong Ting Yao's revenge increasingly difficult to carry out.

The drama LOST TRACK OF TIME tells the story of Lu An Ran, who suddenly wakes up in the past after experiencing a life full of blood and tears for ten years. With a hatred that has not yet faded, she is determined to change her fate. When faced with her past self, she must choose between the path of revenge or the chance to make things right. This drama depicts a deep inner journey filled with wounds and moral dilemmas.

The drama ONCE WE GET MARRIED follows the story of Gu Xi Xi, an online fashion buyer who finds herself in a contract marriage with a cold CEO named Yin Si Chen. Initially just a business agreement, their relationship slowly transforms into something more. Conflict arises as ego and love begin to mix, making their relationship unpredictable. This storyline highlights how two opposing personalities can fall in love in unexpected situations.

The drama WELL INTENDED LOVE tells the story of Xia Lin, a third-rate actress who suffers from leukemia and needs a bone marrow transplant. In order to survive, she secretly marries a wealthy CEO named Ling Yi Zhou. The secret marriage is filled with manipulation and misunderstandings, but over time, their relationship develops into genuine love. This story showcases the emotional journey from a fake relationship to true love. Want to know more recommendations for Chinese dramas? Check it out at KapanLagi.com. If not now, when?