Series synopsis
Ashes to Crown is a Chinese drama television series that premiered on Youku on June 2, 2026. It ended on June 17, 2026. It stars Chen Duling, Zhou Yiran, Tang Xiaotian and Wang Ruichang.
The general's daughter, Chu Zhao, refuses to accept her fate as nothing more than a pawn to be sacrificed in Xiao Xun's rise to power. Taking matters into her own hands, she fights her way out with the help of Xie Yanlai, protecting the emperor's grandson as he makes his way to the emperor's presence. Through a tense standoff in the imperial court, she helps the young prince secure the throne, cutting off Xiao Xun's path to power. But with a new emperor comes new crises. The realm is torn by int ...
Premise
The general's daughter, Chu Zhao, refuses to accept her fate as nothing more than a pawn to be sacrificed in Xiao Xun's rise to power. Taking matters into her own hands, she fights her way out with the help of Xie Yanlai, protecting the emperor's grandson as he makes his way to the emperor's presence. Through a tense standoff in the imperial court, she helps the young prince secure the throne, cutting off Xiao Xun's path to power. But with a new emperor comes new crises. The realm is torn by internal strife and foreign threats. Working alongside Xie Yanlai, Chu Zhao navigates the treacherous currents of the court, leads troops into battle, and ultimately rewrites her own destiny, sparing the people of the State of Chu from the ravages of war.
Cast and characters
Leading cast
- Chen Duling as Chu Zhao
- Zhou Yiran as Xie Yanlai
- Tang Xiaotian as Xie Yanfang
- Wang Ruichang as Xiao Xun
- Wu Shile as Chu Tang
- Gao Maotong as Deng Yi
- Wu Jiajun as Xiao Ayun
Episodes
This series spans 1 season with 24 episodes.
| Season | Episodes | First aired | Last aired |
|---|---|---|---|
| Season 1 | 24 | June 2, 2026 | June 17, 2026 |
| Episode | Title | Air date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
Episode 1 Ruthless Emperor Xiao Xun wipes out the Chu clan and strangles his empress. Mysteriously reborn on the eve of their wedding, Chu Zhao vows revenge. |
June 2, 2026 |
| 2 |
Episode 2 Xiao Xun launches his rebellion early, but Chu Zhao fights her way into the palace to thwart his ascension and reshape the empire's fate. |
June 2, 2026 |
| 3 |
Episode 3 Now regent, Chu Zhao appoints her trusted ally to lead the Imperial Guard. But as tensions mount, Xiao Xun lays a trap — and she's ready for it. |
June 2, 2026 |
Production
Release
| Original network/platform | Youku |
|---|---|
| First aired | June 2, 2026 |
| Last aired | June 17, 2026 |
| Status | ended |
| Schedule | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday at 12:00:00 |