# The Little Nyonya

The Little Nyonya (Chinese: 小娘惹) is a 2008 drama serial on Singapore's free-to-air MediaCorp TV Channel 8. It stars Jeanette Aw, Qi Yuwu, Pierre Png, Joanne Peh, Dai Xiangyu, Darren Lim, Yao Wenlong, Zen Chong, Eelyn Kok, Lin Meijiao, Ng Hui and Xiang Yun as the main casts of the series. The storyline, which circles around the biographical flashback of an extended Peranakan Chinese family in Malacca, Malaysia, is set in the 1930s and spans to over 70 years and several generations of three families.
It debuted on 25 November 2008 and concluded its run on 5 January 2009. It was shown on weekdays at 9 pm. The series was partly sponsored by the Media Development Authority of Singapore.
Produced by MediaCorp in commemoration of Channel 8's 45th anniversary, the drama series is widely regarded as one of the greatest television series on MediaCorp Channel 8. It has been acclaimed by viewers and critics, and ranked the highest viewership in the country in 14 years. The success of this drama series has led to the show being broadcast internationally. In December 2016, the subscription-based streaming service Netflix acquired broadcasting rights for the series.
The series spawned a 2012 remake titled Precious, a 2020 Chinese remake of the same name [zh], and a 2025 sequel titled The Little Nyonya: Emerald Hill [zh].

## Plot

The story spans 70 years (1930–2000) and follows the struggles and triumphs of two generations of Peranakan women in a patriarchal society, Huang Juxiang (Jeanette Aw) and her daughter Yamamoto Yueniang (Christabelle Tan, Jeanette Aw, and Xiang Yun), alongside the fates of the people around them.
Huang Juxiang, a beautiful and skilled Nyonya, is mistreated by her wealthy Peranakan family in Malacca due to being an illegitimate daughter and a deaf-mute. She catches the attention of multiple men:
* Chen Sheng (Pierre Png): a kind man who admires her but fails to stand up for her,
* Charlie Zhang (Desmond Sim): a ruthless businessman who wants her as a mistress, and
* Yamamoto Yousuke (Dai Xiangyu): a gentle Japanese photographer who truly loves her.
When her family forces her into marriage with Charlie Zhang for business benefits, Juxiang escapes, only to be kidnapped by traffickers. Yousuke rescues her, and they elope to Singapore where they operate a photography studio. Their happiness is cut short when Yousuke returns to Japan to visit his father and is drafted into the Japanese army during WWII. Juxiang struggles alone, raising their daughter Yueniang with help from Chen Sheng. When Yousuke finally returns after deserting the army, war erupts in Singapore, and both he and Juxiang die, leaving Yueniang orphaned.
Yueniang, mirroring her mother’s beauty and resilience, is taken in by her grandmother Wang Tianlan (Xiang Yun) and her loyal servant Ah Tao (Ng Hui). She learns Peranakan traditions in the house, and faces the same mistreatment her mother endured at the hands of her relatives, especially from Huang Zhenzhu (Eelyn Kok), her cruel and envious elder cousin, and Huang Yuzhu (Joanne Peh), her kind-hearted younger cousin who suffers due to family expectations.
Yueniang catches the eye of Chen Xi (Qi Yuwu), Chen Sheng’s nephew, who pretends to be a chauffeur to befriend her. They fall in love, but the Huang family plans to marry Chen Xi to one of Yueniang’s cousins. Despite his determination, Chen Xi is tricked into an engagement with Yuzhu, while Yueniang is forced to marry a butcher-turned-gangster, Liu Yidao (Yao Wenlong). Yidao, impressed by Yueniang’s strength, respects her, and they become sworn siblings instead of husband and wife.
Yuzhu however supports Yueniang and Chen Xi being together. She and Chen Xi, who has Chen Sheng's encouragement, help Yueniang to escape her arranged marriage. However, tragedy strikes when Yuzhu is mistaken for Yueniang in the process and raped by Robert Zhang (Zen Chong), Charlie Zhang’s son. In the aftermath, Yuzhu is married off to Robert, who abuses her, driving her to insanity. Meanwhile, Chen Xi is manipulated into marrying the jealous Zhenzhu while he is gravely ill.
Determined to take control of her life, Yueniang refuses to remain a victim. She becomes a successful businesswoman, buys back the Huang ancestral home which has been possessed by the bank due to her uncle's financial mismanagement, and reconciles with her family. Chen Xi, divorced from Zhenzhu, still loves Yueniang but cannot marry her due to societal constraints. He instead started a relationship with his good friend Libby (Pamelyn Chee). Yueniang instead marries a British lawyer, Paul Robertson (Bobby Tonelli), and adopts Yuzhu and Robert’s son, Zhang Zuye (Edsel Lim, and Zen Chong).
In the present, Yueniang’s granddaughter, Angela (Felicia Chin), uncovers their family history and learns that Yuzhu was her biological grandmother. Yueniang, now elderly, passes away peacefully in a traditional white garment, signifying her reunion with Paul in the afterlife.

## Cast
### First Generation

* Yan Bingliang as Huang Yuan (黄元)
* Lin Meijiao as Lin Guihua (林桂花)
* Xiang Yun as Wang Tianlan (王天兰)
* Jeanette Aw as Huang Juxiang (黄菊香) (Main Protagonist of the series)
* Darren Lim as Huang Jincheng (黄金成)
* Apple Hong as Huang Meiyu (黄美玉)
* Pan Lingling as Xiufeng (秀凤)
* Cynthia Koh as Xiujuan (秀娟)

### Second Generation

* Jeanette Aw as Middle-Age Yamamoto Yueniang (山本月娘) (Main Protagonist of the series), will reprise her role in The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill [zh] (2025) for a cameo appearance
** Christabelle Tan as Young Yamamoto Yueniang (年轻山本月娘)
** Xiang Yun as Old Yamamoto Yueniang (老山本月娘)
* Andie Chen as Alexandre Huang Tianbao (黄天宝)
* Eelyn Kok as Helen Huang Zhenzhu (黄珍珠)
* Joanne Peh as Huang Yuzhu (黄玉珠)

### Third Generation

* Zhang Zetong will portray Middle-Age Zhang Zuye (黄祖业) in The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill [zh] (2025)
** Edsel Lim as Young Zhang Zuye (年轻黄祖业)
** Zen Chong as Old Zhang Zuye (老黄祖业) (Cameo appearance)

### Fourth Generation

* Felicia Chin as Angel (安琦)

### Chen Family

* Li Yinzhu as Madame Chen (陈老太)
* Chen Xiang as Chen Gong (陈功)
* Yang Yanqing as Xiulian (秀莲)
* Pierre Png as Chen Sheng (陈盛)
* Qi Yuwu as Chen Xi (陈锡) (Main Protagonist of the series)

### Zhang Family

* Desmond Sim as Charlie Zhang (查里张) (Main Antagonist/Villain of the series)
* Zen Chong as Robert Zhang (罗伯张) (Main Antagonist/Villain of the series)
* Henry Heng as Zhang Tianfu (张添福)

### Other Characters

* Ng Hui as Ah Tao (阿桃)
** Zhu Xiufeng as Old Ah Tao (老阿桃)
* Dai Xiangyu as Yamamoto Yousuke
* Yao Wenlong as Liu Yidao (刘一刀)
* Pamelyn Chee as Libby (丽贝儿)
* Nat Ho as Jonathan Li Xiuwen (李修文)
* Li Yuejie as Da Sha (大傻)
* Bobby Tonelli as Paul Robertson
* Jeszlene Zhou as Jinhua (金花)
* Peer Metze as Smith
* Chua Cheng Pou as Hei Gou (黑狗)

## Development and production

This drama series took 1 year of research and 4 months to film. More than 150 staff members were involved in production of the series and the cast was required to travel frequently from Singapore to Penang, Malacca and Ipoh during filming. This drama series was notable for having the highest production budget in the history of MediaCorp due to the elaborate period costumes like the kebaya. A pair of beaded shoes traversed over a cost of S$1200, while a dining table acquired for the set cost S$15000.
Rumours indicate that the role of Xiufeng was initially offered to May Phua, who turned the offer down due to her pregnancy at the time of filming, which resulted Pan Lingling taking over the role. Huang Biren was said to be a prime candidate for the role of Tian Lan, although the actress' decision not to renew her contract with MediaCorp ultimately resulted in Xiang Yun obtaining the part.
It was also rumoured that Zoe Tay had expressed interest in portraying a role in the series, although there were no suitable roles for her. Elvin Ng was originally considered to be portraying Yamamoto Yousuke, but unfortunately, he was injured before filming began, which resulted Dai Xiangyu replacing him. Andrew Seow was first choice to play Robert Zhang but he declined due to him leaving MediaCorp and not renewing his contract, which resulted the role being replaced and portrayed by Zen Chong.
The series initially received a 30-episode order, although over-runs in filming led the series to be extended to 34 episodes instead. Possibly as a result, two episodes were aired on Mondays from 15 December 2008 till the conclusion of the series.

## Promotion

Promotion for this drama series lasted throughout the initial broadcast of the series as well after the series ended. Twelve members of the cast participated in "The Little Nyonya Public Event" 小娘惹户外影迷会 at Compass Point on 27 December 2008, which included an autograph session. An estimated 5000 people were present during the event. 100 posters were given out to members of the audience. The unprecedented number of appearances resulted in damage of the flooring at Compass Point. Certain tiles on the floor cracked under the pressure exerted by the crowd.
Due to the overwhelming response of the initial public event, a "Thank You Roadshow" was held at Suntec City on 31 January 2009, where fans were allowed to take photographs with the cast and then shake hands. It featured several cast members from the first event as well as Olivia Ong, who recorded the theme song of the series.
Minor roadshows were held at various locations between January and April 2009. On 17 January 2009, Jeanette Aw and Xiang Yun promoted bird nest at Tiong Bahru Plaza, while Qi Yuwu and Joanne Peh appeared at Courts Megastore along Tampines Road. Qi and Peh later appeared in character as Chen Xi and Huang Yuzhu respectively as part of the official launch for Media Fiesta at Marina Square on 5 March 2009. On 26 April 2009, Jeanette Aw and Pierre Png made an appearance at the first anniversary of the Singapore Peranakan Museum shortly before leaving to attend the Star Awards.

### Chinese New Year Special

In response the tremendous support to the show, the producers filmed a one-hour special, showcasing the stars enjoying a special Nyonya's reunion dinner, "The Little Nyonya's Big Reunion" (Chinese: 小娘惹大团圆), which was aired on 1st day of the Chinese New Year (26 January 2009) at 7 pm. It was hosted by Dasmond Koh and featured Yan Bingliang, Lin Meijiao, Pan Lingling, Darren Lim, Li Yinzhu, Cynthia Koh, Eelyn Kok, Andie Chen, Joanne Peh, Zen Chong, Dai Xiangyu, Jeanette Aw, Xiang Yun, Pierre Png, Qi Yuwu, Ng Hui and Yao Wenlong. The cast talked about the filming experiences and about the unexplained fates of characters that were not mentioned in the finale. Unaired blooper clips and behind-the-scenes shots were also shown. The special also had a special repeat telecast on 8 February 2009 (14th day of Chinese New Year) at 9 pm.

### Home media release

The drama series was released by MediaCorp a 2-volume DVD boxset. The first volume, which contained the first 12 episodes of this drama series was released to stores on 6 January 2009. The remaining episodes were compiled in the second volume and released two weeks later. The boxset contains no special features, although it is accompanied by a booklet which provides descriptions of the major characters in the show, as well as a family tree.
Mediacorp's YouTube's channel, Mediacorp Drama, uploaded the episodes onto YouTube from February 4 thru 13, 2020. As of 2024, the series has also been archived on Mediacorp's video-on-demand platform meWatch.

## Commercial performance

This drama series achieved extremely high ratings during its initial run, with an average of 993 000 viewers per episode and peaking at 1.67 million viewers on the final episode. In addition, the series achieved the highest viewership rating in Singapore in 14 years.
Viewership for this drama series steadily increased throughout its run. Its first episode garnered an estimated 1.098 million viewers, which equates to 20.3% of the country's population. On Episode 11, the show rating increased to 23.6%. The 15th and 16th episodes, both broadcast back-to-back, was watched by 24.1% of the country's population. The rating increased by 2.2% a week later, and further increased to 27.8% by the 27th and 28th episodes. The viewership peaked at 33.8% on the final two episodes, also broadcast back-to-back.

## Critical response

This drama series has been critically acclaimed. However, despite being lauded as a drama that provides an insight into the unique Peranakan culture, the show has received criticism in local media over portrayals and promotion. Issues that were raised early included the castings of Pan Lingling and Cynthia Koh to portray teenage girls albeit being already in their thirties. This issue was counter-argued by being tantamount to ageism, as well as the fact that it was raised only three episodes after the show began airing. The character development of Xiufeng has come under fire due to the character's exhibitions of violence.
Criticism was also leveled at MediaCorp's bias towards Jeanette Aw. Many viewers saw this drama series as a television series conceived as a launching vehicle for Aw's career in television and to secure an award at the next Star Awards. Several viewers also believe that the producers intentionally wrote Aw's first role as a mute in attempt to conceal her imperfect delivery of Mandarin. In response, producers have lauded Aw's work, saying that she performed in a professional manner. Despite this, Aw's portrayal of Juxiang and Yueniang has been praised by members of the audience.
Due to the usage of dramatic license, the drama series also contains a significant number of historical inaccuracies, particularly in the first few episodes involving Juxiang's life and Yueniang's childhood. Notable examples include the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1932 (as opposed to 1937) and the first air raid on Singapore (8 December 1941) occurring in broad daylight (which took place at night in reality).

### The Little Nyonya: The Final Chapter

The scriptwriter of the series, Ang Eng Tee (also known as Hong Rong Di 洪荣狄), plotted five endings for the series, four of which would involve Yueniang and Chen Xi reuniting and living happily ever after.
The ending used in the series was criticised by fans to be too sad and abrupt. The response also prompted Ang to say that had he know that viewers would react as such, he would have Yueniang and Chen Xi reunite, for TV dramas are, in his words, made for viewers. In response to the criticisms, MediaCorp decided to make an alternate ending, which was aired on 11 January 2009 at 9:55 pm. The ending, titled "The Little Nyonya: The Final Chapter" (小娘惹之月娘与陈锡重逢篇, literally: "The Little Nyonya: The Chapter of Yueniang and Chen Xi Reuniting), lasted for three minutes. According to producers, the script for the alternate ending was finalised on 8 January 2009, and filming was completed on the following day.
Although it was rumoured that the ending would reunite Yueniang and Chen Xi, and have them living happily ever after, the new ending merely had Yueniang and Chen Xi tell each other why they could not be together. Yueniang and Chen Xi ended up separated, just as it was in the original ending. This drew heavy criticism from viewers, who told local newspapers that they felt they were being cheated. In response, MediaCorp said that this was not an "alternate ending", as some have suggested. Rather, it is a special presentation to show the station's appreciation to the fans of the series.

## Accolades

This drama was seen as an extremely strong contender in the Star Awards 2009, held on 26 April 2009, minting a new record of having 16 nominations in the acting category, surpassing former record holder's Holland V (which got nine) until it was topped by the first season of The Dream Makers in 2014, which have 21. The series became the biggest winner for the ceremony, taking home nine awards including the Drama Serial and the Top Viewership Drama Serial of 2008 (tying with the first season of The Dream Makers later in 2014); it was at the time the series won the most awards in a Star Awards ceremony until in the 2016 ceremony, the record was superseded by the second season of The Dream Makers, which received 26 nominations, and won 12.
The Chinese New Year special series, The Little Nyonya Big Reunion, and the promotional advertisement for the encore telecast for the series, were respectively nominated for Star Awards 2010 and Star Awards 2011, with the latter clinching the award.
In total, the entire franchise won a combined 11 awards from four award ceremonies.
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Backstage Achievement) | Young Talent Award | Christabelle Tan | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Backstage Achievement) | Best Director | Chia Mien Yang | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Backstage Achievement) | Best Director | Chong Liung Man | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Backstage Achievement) | Best Screenplay | Ang Eng Tee | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Backstage Achievement) | Best Set Design | Ho Hock Choon | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Backstage Achievement) | Best Theme Song | 《如燕》 by Olivia Ong | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Actor | Qi Yuwu | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Actor | Pierre Png | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Actress | Jeanette Aw | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Actress | Joanne Peh | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actor | Dai Xiangyu | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actor | Darren Lim | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actor | Yao Wenlong | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actor | Zen Chong | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actress | Eelyn Kok | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actress | Li Yinzhu | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actress | Lin Meijiao | Nominated |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actress | Ng Hui | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Supporting Actress | Xiang Yun | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Best Drama Serial | — | Won |
| 2009 | Star Awards (Main Show) | Top 10 Highest Viewership Local Dramas in 2008 Award | — | Won |
| 2009 | Asian Television Awards | Best Actor | Qi Yuwu | Nominated |
| 2009 | Asian Television Awards | Best Actor | Pierre Png | Nominated |
| 2009 | Asian Television Awards | Best Actress | Joanne Peh | Nominated |
| 2009 | Asian Television Awards | Best Drama Series | The Little Nyonya | Won (Joint winner) |
| 2010 | Star Awards 2010 (Show 2) | Best Variety Special | The Little Nyonya Big Reunion | Nominated |
| 2011 | Star Awards 2011 (Show 1) | Best Promotional Video | Danny Loh Boon Kiat | Won |

## Legacy

This drama series has had notable cultural impact in Singaporean media. It was notably parodied in the variety show, Black Rose. In the episode when the encore started its debut, Chen Hanwei portrayes Liu Yidao (刘一刀) and Dennis Chew portrayed Yamamoto Yueniang (山本月娘). It was also used in the skit segment of Star Search 2010 Grand Finals in which contestants played Liu Yidao, Huang Yuzhu, Ah Tao and Robert Zhang.
In an interview with Lianhe Wanbao, the series' scriptwriter, Ang Eng Tee, said that if the demand exists, he will write a special presentation, or even a sequel to the series. Ideas for a possible sequel or special presentation have already been drafted by Ang, one of which would have Angela receiving a secret wooden box from Ah Tao, before Angela returns to Singapore. The box was owned by Yueniang, and Ah Tao defied her orders to burn the contents before Yueniang died. The box contained details on Yueniang and Chen Xi's relationship, in addition to a letter from Libby, telling Yueniang that Chen Xi and Libby did not get married after all. However, it was noted that production sequels have been much frowned upon by producers, and owing to the high production costs, a sequel seems to be very unlikely, but another police drama in 2010 known as Unriddle is having a sequel known as Unriddle 2, which was released 2 years later in 2012. Same likewise for another police drama known as C.L.I.F. (2011), which also had 4 sequels C.L.I.F. 2 (2013), C.L.I.F. 3 (2014), C.L.I.F. 4 (2016) and C.L.I.F. 5 (2019) respectively. Not only that, even the army drama series known as When Duty Calls (2017) also had a sequel known as When Duty Calls 2 (2022). However, In October 2023, Mediacorp eventually announced that a sequel known as The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill [zh] (小娘惹之翡翠山), would start production from May till October 2024, and would be released on the 19 March 2025.

### The Peranakan Ball

On 16 May 2009, Jeanette Aw and Dai Xiangyu starred in a musical called The Peranakan Ball (Chinese: 娘惹之恋). The musical is based on the story of Cinderella and it stars Jeanette Aw as Bee Tin, a Nyonya servant in a wealthy Peranakan Chinese household, and unrelated to this drama series, even though the concept was clearly derived from this drama series.

### Pretty Maid

While not promoted as such, and the program was produced by a different television station, many Singaporeans who watched the series Pretty Maid [zh] believe it copies the main plot of this drama series. Pretty Maid was produced by Yu Zheng and broadcast by Hunan Broadcasting System in China. On 6 May 2010, Pretty Maid's writer Li Yaling (李亚玲) claimed that Yu Zheng indeed plagiarized from this drama series either. She claimed that Yu Zheng once told her that as long as plagiarism does not exceed 20% then the courts would have no case. Another writer Zou Yue (邹越) also claimed to have heard the "20% rule" from Yu Zheng.

### Precious (The Little Nyonya remake)

This is a remake of this show. Set during the 1930s to 2000s, "Qian Jin" spans three generations and is about a young girl named Ling Qian Jin (also portrayed by Jeanette Aw) who was orphaned as a toddler. A decade later as a young lady, she rediscovers her family and her identity. Qian Jin goes through hell as her step-grandmother bullies her while also being caught in a love triangle. Will Qian Jin resign to fate or rewrite it?

### The New Little Nyonya 2020 remake

In October 2018, it was announced that a Chinese remake of the show was in the works and would be aired on Chinese online video platform, iQiyi initially slated for 2019, but now in 2020. It is a joint production between iQiyi, Changxin Pictures and Singapore-based G.H.Y Culture & Media and will star Xiao Yan, Kou Chia-Jui, Yue Lina, He Yuhong, Darren Chiu, Dai Xiangyu, Xiang Yun, Jeffrey Xu and Fang Cheng Cheng as the main leads. Additionally, Dai, who played Yamamoto Yousuke in the original series, is reprising as the same role in the remake series. A mixture of Singaporean, Malaysian and Chinese actors from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and even Canada were cast as the other major and minor characters in the remake.
The remake's plot was generally reminiscent of the original's, though there are a few changes made to the plot, with some filling the plot holes of the original. The significant changes are that in the ending, both Yueniang and Chen Xi are reunited six years after Yueniang's presumed death, and happily married; Huang Yuzhu's mental condition improved and she reunited with the Huang family after her recovery; the adopted son of Robert Zhang and Yuzhu was named Huang Cien (黄慈恩) instead of Zhang Zuye (张祖业), following his mother's surname while subsequently allowing his own descendants to adopt the surname Chen (Chen Xi's surname); and that both Libby and Paul are engaged to different people. Another hidden ending (albeit speculated) is that both Chen Xi and Yueniang have one daughter together, and the daughter was subsequently married to Cien and have children with one another.
Other changes were made to the fates of some characters: Huang Tianbao; instead of being sentenced to death, was shot and killed by police officers after attempting to kill Chen Gong and Chen Xi, whom he took hostage for ransom, Huang Zhenzhu; who lost all her money to her Caucasian lover whom she eloped with, and feeling too ashamed to see her family, she became a prostitute who entertain British customers and subsequently died in a car accident, Charlie Zhang; who died protecting his son Robert Zhang from being shot by Tianbao, and Robert; who was not killed by Tianbao but fell to his death while trying to escape from Tianbao. Unlike the original series, the whole remake series was narrated by Yueniang's granddaughter instead of Yueniang herself to her granddaughter, as her granddaughter did not appear in the remake.
Singapore would eventually air the remake which premiered on 5 January 2021 at 11pm. The series finale aired on 10 March 2021.

### The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill [zh]

In October 2023, it was announced that a sequel to the series would start production in 2024. Auditions are currently undergoing. In January 2024, it was announced that the sequel to the series will be named The Little Nyonya II: Emerald Hill [zh] with Jeanette Aw making a special appearance in the sequel, reprising her role as Middle-Age Yamamoto Yueniang (山本月娘). Other casts that will join in are Tasha Low, Chen Liping, Jesseca Liu, Chantalle Ng, Ferlyn Wong, Kiki Lim, Sheila Sim, Elvin Ng, Zoe Tay, Shaun Chen, Romeo Tan, Tyler Ten, Zhang Zetong, Dawn Yeoh, Desmond Ng, Herman Keh, Zhai Siming and Zhu Zeliang. This series is slated to air on 19 March 2025. Zhang Zetong will replace Edsel Lim and Zen Chong as Middle-Age Zhang Zuye (张祖业) in the upcoming sequel.

## International release history

The drama serial was broadcast overseas, mostly in the Asian region.
| Country of Broadcast | Broadcasting Network | Release Date |
| Malaysia | Astro Shuang Xing, Astro AEC | 2 February 2009 |
| Malaysia | NTV7 | 26 October 2009 |
| Cambodia | PPCTV Drama 9 | 29 March 2009 |
| France | MIPTV | 31 March 2009 |
| Philippines | TV5 | 24 August 2009 |
| Myanmar | MRTV | 5 September 2009 |
| United States | Tai Seng Entertainment Channel (broadcast on DirecTV) | 1 December 2009 |
| Vietnam | Vietnam Television | 12 August 2010 |
| China (Shanghai) | TBA | 2009 |
| China (run across China via satellite) | TBA | 16 January 2010 |
| Thailand | Thai Public Broadcasting Service | 20 January 2010 |
| Hong Kong | TVB PayVision | 26 April 2010 |
| Malaysia | Astro AEC | 16 December 2019 |
In Indonesia, aired on B-Channel starts July 2011. The series was originally scheduled to air in Malaysia in mid-January, but was later delayed to February. The series was also aired by TV stations in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Mainland China.
On 1 December 2009, Tai Seng Entertainment Channel, an ethnic Chinese entertainment channel on DirecTV, became the first non-Asian station to air the series. It is also the first station to air the series with Cantonese dubbing.
Hong Kong broadcaster TVB purchased the rights to telecast the series in April 2009, and aired the series a year later, in late April 2010. Just like the United States, the series has also been Cantonese-dubbed.
The series was promoted at the MIPTV Television Trade Show in Cannes, France, near the end of March 2009. Jeanette Aw and Qi Yuwu were also in Cannes to promote the series at MIPTV.