# New Life Begins

New Life Begins (Chinese: 卿卿日常) is a Chinese romantic comedy series starring Bai Jingting and Tian Xiwei. It is an adaptation of the novel Time Travel to the Daily Life of the Qing Dynasty by DuoMuMuDuo, directed by Zhao Qichen and produced by Liu Wenyang. It tells the story of Yin Zheng and Li Wei who accidentally meet, and start a lively life filled with dynamic situations. On 10 November 2022, the series premiered on iQiyi. On 17 April 2023, it was renamed Blind Date in XinChuan and aired on Hong Kong TVB Jade.

## Plot

Due to a political marriage, girls from all over Ji Chuan gathered in Xinchuan. Yin Zheng, the Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan, who lives a low-key life, and Li Wei, who hopes to fail in this political marriage and return to her hometown, unexpectedly meet. Together, they begin a new life full of varied and enjoyable experiences. As Yin Zheng enters the government, they gradually find they share similar tastes and feelings. They experience daily life together, sharing meals and seasons, and grow alongside other siblings with distinct personalities and destinies, creating a warm and vibrant story of life within the large Xinchuan family.

## Geopolitical theme

The TV series is set in nine regions and countries. The continent is divided into nine regions (九川), each called a "Chuan" (川). Each Chuan has its own culture and system, and they intermarry to maintain peace and development. Among them, "XinChuan" is the most powerful region. Consequently, each region must participate in the marriage election convention held by XinChuan to gain its protection.
| Name of Chuan | Introduction |
| Xin Chuan | Situated at the center, the first of the nine Chuans upholds Confucian traditions, values the rule of law, and follows the belief in male superiority over female inferiority. |
| Jin Chuan | Located in the east, close to the sea, Jin Chuan thrives on commerce, fishing, and salt industries. The people of Jin Chuan have a particular fondness for seafood. |
| Dan Chuan | Situated in the west, Dan Chuan has a matriarchal society where women are superior to men. The people of Dan Chuan enjoy spicy food, such as hot pot, and are fond of playing card games. |
| Dai Chuan | Located in the northeast, Dai Chuan is mountainous and rich in mineral resources. The people of Dai Chuan are known for their unique foods, including luosifen and stinky tofu. |
| Yan Chuan | Situated in the south, Yan Chuan enjoys a warm and humid climate, rich in flowers and fruits. Women from Yan Chuan are renowned for their beauty. |
| Mo Chuan | Located in the north, Mo Chuan has vast grasslands and is known for its nomadic lifestyle, developed animal husbandry, and powerful cavalry. The people of Mo Chuan enjoy spirits and barbecued meat. |
| Cang Chuan | In the northwest, Cang Chuan has a dry climate with numerous deserts and barren lands. Resources are scarce, and most people live near oases with clean water. |
| Yin Chuan | Located in the southeast, Yin Chuan enjoys a temperate climate with abundant rainfall and a landscape that resembles spring year-round. Its rivers, lakes, and fertile land make it highly productive. |
| Ji Chuan | Situated in the southwest, Ji Chuan is known for its gender equality, monogamy, and liberal culture. The people of Ji Chuan have a love for mushrooms. |

## Cast
### Main

| Artist | Role | Key Storyline | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
| Bai Jingting | Yin Zheng (尹峥) | Yin Zheng, the Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan, who keeps a low profile. He is studious and possesses many skills. He has the ability to govern the country. He marries Li Wei. Ranks: Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan (六少主) → Crown Prince of Xinchuan (元储 储君) | Carlos Lee (李凯杰) |
| Tian Xiwei | Li Wei (李薇) | Li Wei, born into a humble yet harmonious family, is a cheerful girl, with a love for food. She accidentally marries Yin Zheng. Ranks: Jichuan Girl (霁川秀女) → Concubine of the Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan (六少主侧夫人) → Main Wife of the Sixth Young Lord of Xinchuan (六少主正夫人) → Wife of the Crown Prince of Xinchuan (元储夫人) | Heidy Ling Hei (凌晞) |
| Chang Long | Yin Qi | The Fifth Prince of Xinchuan and husband of Shang Guan Jing. Yin Qi is known for his kindness and is the biological brother of Princess Linlang. Ranks: Fifth Young Lord of Xinchuan (五少主) | |
| Fan Shuai Qi | Shang Guan Jing | Shang Guan Jing, a Princess of Danchuan, is the younger sister of the Madam of Danchuan. She becomes the main wife of Yin Qi, the Fifth Young Lord of Xinchuan. Ranks: Princess of Danchuan → Main Wife of the Fifth Young Lord of Xinchuan (五少主正夫人) | |

### Jiu Chuan (Nine Regions)
#### Xin Chuan

| Artist | Role | Key storyline | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
| Gao Shuguang | The Lord of Xinchuan (新川主) | The Lord of Xinchuan: The ruler of Xinchuan and Jiu Chuan. | Zhao Shiliang |
| Zhang Ruika | Mrs. Xinchuan (川夫人) | Madam Xinchuan: Wife of the Lord of Xinchuan and the biological mother of Yin Song. | Yuan Shuzheng |
| Karina Zhao | Madam He | Madam He: The mother of Yin Zheng and the Eleventh Prince. She became the Lord of Xinchuan's concubine at a young age | |
| | Yin Kun | First Prince: The first son of the Lord of Xinchuan, born to a concubine. He was stationed in the Mo Chuan region and is the father of Ping'an. | |
| | Jiang Yue | Lady of the Eldest Prince: Yin Kun's main wife and the mother of Ping'an | |
| Edward Zhang | Yin Song | Legitimate Eldest Prince: The second prince of Xinchuan, born to Mrs. Xinchuan. He is the biological brother of the Tenth Prince and Princess Shuyu. Husband of Lady Fangru and ex-husband of Hao Jia | |
| Chen Zi Han | Zhao Fangru | Lady Zhao: Yin Song's main wife, originally from Danchuan. She moved to Xinchuan for an alliance marriage. Her family owns most of the mines in Daichuan | |
| | Yin An | Third Prince: Husband to Lady Dong. His biological mother died when he was young, so he was raised by Madam Xinchuan. | |
| Liu Meng Meng | Dong Haitong | Lady Dong: Yin An's main wife, originally from Cangchuan. She moved to Xinchuan for an alliance marriage | |
| | Yin Han | Ninth Prince: Friends with Li Wei. | |
| | Yin Yue | Tenth Prince: The tenth son of the Lord of Xinchuan, born to Madam Xinchuan. Biological brother of Yin Song and Princess Shuyu | |
| | Yin Zai | Eleventh Prince: Born to Madam He and the biological younger brother of Yin Zheng | |
| Liu Mei Han | Song Wu | Princess Kening: Adopted daughter of Madam He. Later marries a man named Song Wu | |

#### Jinchuan

| Artist | Role | Key storyline | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
| Liu Ling Zi | Yuan Ying | Lady Ying: Princess of Jinchuan and Yin Zheng's main wife | |

#### Danchuan

| Artist | Role | Key storyline | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
| | Madam of Danchuan | The older sister of Shang Guan Jing and ruler of the Danchuan region. Sister-in-law of Yin Qi | |
| | Shang Guan Jing | The younger sister of the Madam of Danchuan | |

#### Daichuan

| Artist | Role | Key storyline | Cantonese Dubbing (TVB) |
| Chen Zi Han | Zhao Fangru | Lady Zhao: Yin Song's main wife. She moved to Xinchuan for an alliance marriage but later divorces Yin Song and moves back to Daichuan | |

#### Jichuan

| Artist | Role | Key storyline |
| Hu Ke | Zhu Ge Xiao Mei | Mother of Li Wei and Li Cang. Wife of Li Wen Bi |
| Yu En Tai | Li Wen Bi | Father of Li Wei and Li Cang. He is a lower official in Jichuan |
| Xu Wai Luo | Li Cang | Younger brother of Li Wei. The son of Zhu Ge Xiao Mei and Li Wen Bi |

## Reception

The series was national and internationally successful, becoming fastest drama on IQIYI to reach the 10,000 popularity mark. Critics appreciated casts acting in bringing their respective role to life, and the characterization which is not complex.

## Soundtrack

| Title | Artist | Lyrics | Music | Composer |
| Brilliance (清晖) Theme Song | Lui Yuning | Zheng Zhuoqun | Yao Beina | Yang Yuxiao |
| To Taste (经年) Ending Song | Xilinnayi Gao | Zheng Zhuoqun | Yao Beina | Yang Yuxiao |
| Through Years (至味) | | Zheng Zhuoqun | Yao Beina | Yang Yuxiao |
| Sound (声息) | Lai Meiyun | Zheng Zhuoqun | Yao Beina | Yang Yuxiao |
| South Wind (南风) | Ye Xuanqing | Zheng Zhuoqun | Yao Beina | Yang Yuxiao |
| Never (无从) | String | Zheng Zhuoqun | Yao Beina | Yang Yuxiao |

## Ratings

The ratings of the premiere on TVB Jade in Hong Kong, China. :
| Air date | Episodes | Audience share | Average live TV ratings |
| 17-21 April 2023 | 01－05 | 19.6 | 16.4 |
| 24-28 April 2023 | 06－10 | 19.8 | 17 |
| 01-05 May 2023 | 11－15 | 19.6 | 17.2 |
| 08-12 May 2023 | 16－20 | 19.1 | 17.8 |
| 15-19 May 2023 | 21－25 | 19.7 | 16.8 |
| 22-26 May 2023 | 26－30 | | |
| Average ratings | Average ratings | | |
* Highest ratings are marked in blue.

## Awards

| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
| 2022 | IQIYI TV and Movie Jury Award | Best Newcomer in a TV Series | Xiwei Tian | Won |
| 2022 | IQIYI TV and Movie Jury Award | Annual Influential Actor | Bai Jingting | Won |
| 2022 | IQIYI TV and Movie Jury Award | Special Honor | | Won |
| 2023 | 3rd Global Film and Television Culture Communication Summit Forum and Annual Selection | Excellent Series in International Communication | | Won |
| 2023 | Weibo Awards Ceremony | Progressive Actor of the Year | Xiwei Tian | Won |
| 2023 | Golden Screenwriters' Night | Best Adapted Screenplay | Sangrou JiLu, Ding Zhuoqun & Zheng | Won |
| 2024 | Star Awards Ceremony | Best Song Written By Television | Bubble Cucumber Hongkong Version | Nominated |
| 2024 | Star Awards Ceremony | Best Song Written By Television | Get The Courage To Be Happy Hongkong Version | Nominated |
| 2024 | Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival | Quality Director of the Year | Qichen Zhao | Won |
| 2024 | Golden Bud Network Film and Television Festival | Exquisite Drama of the Year | | Won |