To Bend the Waist: Story, Cast and Series Facts

Story and premise

Adapted from Peng Laike's novel of the same name, set in a fictional chaotic world during the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The Wei and Qiao families are enemies due to past grievances. After the Qiao family's decline, they betray their eldest daughter and marry Xiao Qiao to Wei Shao. Wei Shao, harboring hatred for his father and brother's tragic deaths, coldly sends Xiao Qiao back to her hometown in Youzhou the day after their wedding. However, using memories from her past life and her own wisdom, Xiao Qiao overcomes the Wei family's difficulties and Empress Su E's repeated schemes. During times of crisis, she and Wei Shao support each other. Wei Shao is gradually moved by her gentleness and courage, lets go of his hatred, and begins pursuing his wife. Eventually, they work together to resolve their family conflicts. Wei Shao becomes emperor, Xiao Qiao becomes empress, and together they protect the peace of the realm.

Series details

• Title: To Bend the Waist
• Format: Scripted
• Language: Chinese
• Genres: Drama, Romance
• Premiere date: 2025-10-15
• Final broadcast date listed: 2025-10-15
• Status in TVmaze: Ended
• Web channel listed by TVmaze: Hongguo
• Network country: China
• Typical episode runtime: 2 minutes
• TVMaze ID: 87572

Seasons in the TVmaze catalogue

• Season 1: premiered 2025-10-15; final listed air date 2025-10-15; episode order: 71.

Source and licence

Adapted from To Bend the Waist on TVmaze. The synopsis is reproduced as plain text; catalogue facts, cast and season records are selected and reformatted. This adapted text is available under CC BY-SA 4.0, following the TVmaze API licence. Network and web-channel credits identify the service listed in this source; they do not establish current streaming availability.