# Controversy and production errors in Lan Xiang Ru Gu

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-lan-xiang-ru-gu-drama
> Updated: 2026-09-30T02:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 3.

The Chinese historical drama ‘Lan Huong Nhu Co’ (also referred to as ‘Lan Xiang Ru Gu’) has achieved rapid success on Tencent Video, becoming one of the fastest series in 2026 to surpass a 30,000 heat index milestone. The series follows a noblewoman who survives by disguising herself as a maid to clear her family name.

Despite this popularity, the production has faced several controversies. Initial criticism focused on the legitimacy of the show’s popularity metrics, with some viewers alleging that viewership numbers were artificially inflated. Additionally, the series faced backlash for marketing strategies that critics claimed were ‘relying on the reputation’ of the 2018 drama ‘Minh Lan Truyện’ and its lead actress, Zhao Liying.

As the series progressed, attention shifted toward the lead actors. Liu Xueyi discussed the physical rigors required for his role, including strict dietary restrictions, while actress Li Meng faced scrutiny regarding her professional conduct and punctuality. 

More recently, while the show reached a peak heat index of over 33,491 and topped Douban’s trending charts, viewers identified several production errors. Notable mistakes include an iPhone appearing beneath a monk’s scriptures in episode 37, modern athletic shorts visible under official robes, clothing tags left on costumes, and continuity errors regarding food levels in bowls between different camera shots.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-30: Lan Xiang Ru Gu drama achieves high popularity despite production errors

The period drama ‘Lan Xiang Ru Gu’, starring Tan Songyun and Liu Xueyi, has become a major hit despite viewers spotting production errors like a modern smartphone appearing in a historical scene.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lan-xiang-ru-gu-drama-achieves-high-popularity-despite-production-errors

### 2026-09-26: Actors of Lan Xiang Ru Gu face scrutiny and praise amid drama success

The drama ‘Lan Xiang Ru Gu’ sees high viewership as stars Liu Xueyi and Tan Songyun discuss filming challenges, while actress Li Meng faces renewed controversy over past professional conduct allegations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/actors-of-lan-xiang-ru-gu-face-scrutiny-and-praise-amid-drama-success

### 2026-09-19: Tan Songyun drama sparks controversy despite record popularity

The Chinese drama ‘Lan Huong Nhu Co’, starring Tan Songyun, has set 2026 popularity records on Tencent Video amid controversies regarding inflated viewership metrics and marketing that relies on comparisons to

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tan-songyun-drama-sparks-controversy-despite-record-popularity

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Cite as: Controversy and production errors in Lan Xiang Ru Gu. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/controversy-surrounding-lan-xiang-ru-gu-drama