Great Mothers-In-Law in Dramas
As a drama lover, as well as an avid reader, there's not a time I'm happier other than when a novel I have enjoyed gets adapted into a drama. It feels like getting the best of both worlds, whether the adaptation is good or not, is a topic for another time. Here are some of those novels I wish would get a drama adaptation.
Disclaimer: I tried to keep the synopsis for each novel as short and as spoiler-free as possible. However, some readers might have different standards for what they consider a "spoiler". Proceed with caution.
Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang
Sansheng, Wangchuan Wu Shang aka "SanSheng, Death Exists Not at the River of Oblivion" is the story of Sansheng (her name literally means "three lives"), a stone by the mythical river of forgetfulness who develops a soul. She sits by the river watching the souls pass by on their way to reincarnate. One day, she sees a beautiful man walking by and falls in love at first sight with him. The man turns out to be the god of war who, charmed by her clumsiness, grants her three lives in the human world.
Why should this be adapted: Sansheng is one of the sassiest female leads you will find out there. She is naive but intelligent, kind-hearted, and outspoken. My favorite part is how even though the male lead is a god, the protagonist is her; she is not relegated to second place in order for him to shine. She uses her three lives to "seduce" him while he goes through his human trial, so you have plenty of shenanigans coming your way.
The novel:
Alternative names: Tam Sinh, Vong Xuyên Bất Tử, Three Lives, Death Exists Not At The River Of Oblivion, 三生，忘川无殇
Author: Jiu Lu Fei Xiang, 九鹭非香
Genre: Xianxia, Tragedy, Comedy, Josei, Romance, Action, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural
P.S.: Do not let that tragedy tag prevent you from reading this novel; it's a happy ending!
The Rice Pot Next Door
What happens when a sassy foodie and a stiff professor who happens to cook really well become neighbors? Chaos, of course!
Our female lead, Lan Shan, and our male lead, Qiao Feng, first meet when she mistakes him for an inflatable sex doll at an adult exhibition. Yes, you read that right. From there, our poor guy would never have a moment of peace in his life. First, they find out they are next-door neighbors, then she finds out his cooking is amazing and, like a bottomless rice pot (someone who eats a lot), she cannot help but pester him for his delicious dishes.
Why should this be adapted to a drama: This is an entertaining story! It is refreshing since the female lead is a grown woman with zero naivete to her. A drama adaptation would bring out the rom-com to the front, with some beloved old drama cliches sprinkled here and there. This would be the perfect fluffy, brainless watch we all crave on a Saturday night.
The novel:
Alternative names: The Foodie Next Door สะดุดรักยัยถังข้าว 隔壁那个饭桶
Author: Jiu Xiao Qi 酒小七
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Modern Day
P.S.: Do not get put off by the adult comedy in this novel, it is not crass at all.
Seven Unfortunate Lifetimes, All Thanks to a Single Moment of Impulse
A cloud spirit and a minor god get into a brawl that causes havoc in heaven. During one of their many fights, they mess up the red string of fate that the god of marriage is weaving. This results in them being punished to spend seven lifetimes in the mortal realm as a fated couple. This is a hate-to-love story that you will love to hate.
Why should this be adapted to a drama: These two will have you pulling your hair out! They are not only mischievous, messy, and over the top. They are also crazy and funny as hell. Their shenanigans will get them in a lot of trouble, with each lifetime getting messier and messier, but it is an enjoyable ride.
The novel:
Alternative names: Bảy Kiếp Xui Xẻo, 一时冲动，七世不祥
Author: 九鹭非香, Jiu Lu Fei Xiang
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance, Josei, Comedy, Shoujo, Fantasy, Xianxia
P.S.: While writing this article, I found out that this novel is being adapted to a drama! The title is The Seventh Generation (2022), and there's not much information on cast nor synopsis, but, hopefully, this drama will be as fun as the novel.
To Be A Virtuous Wife
This is your typical transmigration novel; a female lead from modern times finds herself in the body of an olden times girl. She now has a prince for a husband, a harem to manage, and schemes and intrigues to watch out for. Should she learn to become a virtuous wife or use her brain to achieve her goals?
Why should this be adapted to a drama: Do not let the title fool you; this female lead is anything but "virtuous". She is calculative, cold-hearted, and vengeful. All with good reasons, though. One thing that sets this time traveling story apart from others is that the female lead keeps her host body's memories. She feels pity for this girl who grew up with no family love was married off young and then died as a result of harem schemes. So what does she do? She sets her mind to avenge her. A drama adaptation of this novel better not turn this amazing female into a white lotus, or so help me, I will riot.
The novel:
Alternative names: He Wei Xian Qi, Thế Nào Là Hiền Thê, 何为贤妻
Author: Butterfly's Shadow Beneath The Moon, Yue Xia Die Ying, 月下蝶影
Genre: Historical, Slice Of Life, Romance, Josei
P.S.: The romance it's a bit slow, but you will definitely not get bored with the leads' interactions. ML falls hard and fast!
Counterattack of the Cannon Fodder Chambermaid
Xiao Hua is a slave who has been sold many times, in her past life she struggled a lot in order to soar to the skies and leave her slave status behind. To achieve this she becomes a concubine to a marquise's fourth son and fights for a favor. During her first life, she dies due to these struggles, in her new life, she will do anything to avoid her past life mistakes.
Why should this be adapted to a drama: Do not let the title misguide you, unlike other reincarnation novels, our female lead is not vengeful, actually, she is the complete opposite. She does her best to live a quiet life as a maid, waiting for the day she can be freed from her slave contract. She does not meddle or struggles to become a concubine, yet she ends up as one, this time however she becomes a royal concubine and eventual empress to a repressed prince (hehe). This novel has enough juice to become a hit period drama. I can imagine the beautiful costumes and cinematography. Plus the idea of a woman in a harem being solely favored is just too tempting!
The novel:
Alternative names: A cannon fodder chambermaid wants a counterattack! 炮灰通房要逆袭
Author: Jia Mian De Sheng Yan, Mask Feast, 假面的盛宴
Genre: Historical, Slice Of Life, Romance, Josei, Mature
P.S.: Make sure you read the tags and genre really well, as some themes in the novel can be triggers.
After a long time, I got the urge to write a bit and came up with this little piece, so I hope you all enjoy it and feel encouraged to read these novels as well.
Pictures were taken from Pinterest and do not belong to me.
Edited by: YW (1st editor), BrightestStar (2nd editor)
