What if the fortune teller who sealed your fate was the very person who swore to love you until death? That is the chilling premise of Rise of the Wind (长风起), a 24-episode Republican-era suspense drama set to hit Tencent Video and iQiyi simultaneously this coming September. This isn’t just another period piece; it is a high-stakes game of deception where the scales of justice are balanced only by the weight of a lie. Based on the novel I Am a Fortune Teller (我是个算命先生), the series has already secured its broadcasting license, signaling a highly anticipated arrival. It masterfully blends the shadowy underworld of Republican-era con artists with the pulsating dread of a modern thriller, creating a unique genre hybrid that promises to captivate audiences with its “Chinese-style weird and suspenseful” narrative. At its heart is a story of ruin, rebirth, and the ultimate question: can you fight fire with fire without getting burned?
The Anatomy of a Swindle
The narrative engine of Rise of the Wind is its protagonist, Shangguan Chengming (上官诚明), a wealthy and idle young master whose life is shattered by the very superstitions he once indulged in. His obsession with opera leads him to Jiang Feiyan (江飞燕), a beautiful performer, but their wedding day is marred by a grim prophecy from a blind fortune teller: the union will bring ruin. As the prophecy unfolds with terrifying accuracy—his father drops dead, his siblings are killed—Shangguan finds himself a broken man on the brink of death. He is rescued by Jin Buhuan (金不换), a disabled elder, who reveals a devastating truth: his beloved bride was the architect of his family’s destruction, acting on behalf of the “Tianxiang Pai” (天相派), a criminal syndicate that uses fortune-telling as a cover for its deadly cons.
This revelation transforms the protagonist from a victim into a vengeful specter. He discards his identity, takes on the guise of a fortune teller, and learns the tradecraft of his enemies—cold reading, facial analysis, and elaborate psychological manipulation. The story then becomes a brilliant game of “conning the conner.” He infiltrates the organization that ruined him, his heart burning with a desire for retribution. The series cleverly uses period-typical swindles to parallel modern-day scams like “pig-butchering” and telecom fraud, creating a narrative that feels both historical and acutely contemporary. It argues that while the methods may evolve, the anatomy of a con—exploiting fear, greed, and love—remains timeless.
The show employs a “unit case + main revenge” structure, tackling a new scam every two episodes. From “ghost soldiers demanding grain” to “reversing a corpse to change fate,” each case is a mini-masterclass in deception. This structure ensures relentless pacing, making the series perfect for binge-watching. It’s not just a revenge story; it is a detailed exposé of the art of the con, offering a grimly fascinating look into a world where nothing is as it seems.
Love in the Time of Deceit
At its core, Rise of the Wind is an epic, twisted romance. The relationship between Shangguan Chengming and Jiang Feiyan is a complex tapestry of love, betrayal, and a shared talent for deception. He was once a naive fool, but his ordeal transforms him into a “dark hunter,” a man capable of ruthless strategy. She, on the other hand, is a master of disguise, a “thousand-faced” seductress who uses her charms as a weapon. Their initial dynamic is one of predator and prey, but as the layers of the conspiracy peel back, they find themselves drawn into a reluctant alliance, forced to navigate a world where trust is the most dangerous gamble of all.
The casting elevates this intricate dynamic. Li Xian steps into the role of Shangguan Chengming, trading his typical charming demeanor for a look of intense, simmering rage. This is his first “dark and vengeful” role, and early glimpses of him in a dark blue Taoist robe, his eyes holding both sorrow and menace, suggest a transformative performance. Opposite him, Li Yitong is Jiang Feiyan, a character who is a “pure villainess” unlike any she has played before. Her character is a study in contrasts—gentle and frail in one moment, cold and obsessive the next. She embodies the “poisonous rose,” using her nine striking Qipao outfits and a chilling “ghost bride” persona to blur the line between seduction and destruction.
Their relationship is a dance of pain and passion. He is driven to destroy her and her organization, but finds himself inextricably linked to her. Her motives are complex, and the series teases the possibility that her love, even if twisted, was once real. It asks if redemption is possible for those who have mastered the art of lies. In a world built on deception, this central duo must ask themselves: is their love a genuine emotion or just another brilliant con? Their journey from bitter enemies to partners against a common foe promises a gripping and emotionally charged narrative.
Redemption in the Republican Gaze
Beyond the personal drama, Rise of the Wind shines a light on the socio-economic anxieties of the Republican era. It uses the “Tianxiang Pai” and its network of swindlers as a metaphor for the chaos and uncertainty of a society in transition. This was a time when old beliefs clashed with new realities, creating a fertile ground for predators who preyed on fear. The show’s “Chinese-style weird and suspenseful” aesthetic goes beyond mere style; it is a storytelling device. It uses traditional folklore and “weird” tales to build an atmosphere of dread and unease, reflecting the internal turmoil of a nation grappling with its identity.
The visual palette is a crucial part of the experience. The creators have aimed for a “cinematic quality,” utilizing a low-saturation, vintage filter that perfectly captures the damp, shadowy atmosphere of Republican-era Jiangnan. The settings—from smoky opera houses to the opulent, decaying mansions of the wealthy—are meticulously crafted. This visual language enhances the narrative’s themes of decay and hidden menace. The “spectacular” folk customs, such as “immortal boys descending to the world” and “ghost weddings,” are not just cheap thrills; they are visual representations of the fears and superstitions that the characters exploit to gain power.
With a stellar supporting cast including Wu Gang (吴刚), Guo Jinglin (果靖霖), and Liang Tian (梁天), the show promises a robust ensemble performance. The veteran actors are set to portray the key figures of the “Tianxiang Pai,” adding depth and menace to the criminal organization. As the series prepares for its September launch on the two major platforms, anticipation is high. For fans of suspense, historical fiction, or simply a good old-fashioned story of revenge, Rise of the Wind offers a uniquely compelling proposition: a world where the most dangerous weapon is not a gun, but a well-told lie.
