Watch the #cdrama Under the Microscope - Learn about math and tax mismanagement in the Ming Dynasty

Saturday, 26 July 2025

 


"Under the Microscope" provides an in-depth examination of the ancient financial schemes that ultimately led to the fall of a dynasty. This adaptation of a book is based on rare ancient folk archives from the Ming dynasty and was written by Ma Boyong.


The story follows Shuai Jia Mo (Zhang Ruoyun), a mathematics enthusiast, who encounters a epic tax miscalculation in the Jinhua County registry. His efforts to rectify this mistake are met with numerous obstacles, creating tension among various stakeholders.




It is said, the Ming dynasty's downfall was largely due to the government's failure to manage its finances effectively, particularly in regard to tax revenue collection. The narrative of this #cdrama centers around a tax known as the "ren ding sijuan" (silk by head count).



Themes of corruption, humanity, injustice, and politics resonate universally, making this story relatable to people around the world. As someone who  mostly enjoys period idol cdramas, I found this to be a fascinating watch. The storytelling relied heavily on dialogue, and if I missed even a second, I risked losing track of the plot. Nonetheless, it was an enjoyable experience. The world-building was impressive, and each character was utilized effectively. The acting was exceptional; everyone delivered strong performances.



In my humble opinion, this is a must-watch for everyone. 

Share your thoughts in the comments.





Post a Comment