The Vendetta of An cast and characters: Here's who brought the thriller C-drama to life

Youku's latest historical revenge thriller, The Vendetta of An, wrapped up with its exciting finale episode on December 25, 2025.

At the centre of the revenge thriller is Xie Huai'an, who is the lone survivor of a family massacre. Tragedy struck his family when feudal lord Xiao Wu Yang seized power, but Yan Feng Shan grabbed the opportunity and got Xie Huai'an's father killed for the throne.

Xie Huai'an went into hiding for ten long years, but when he got the opportunity to return to Chang'an, he did not step back. He was tasked by Emperor Xiao Wu Yang to get rid of corruption, but Huai'an saw this as a golden chance for his revenge plot. He took upon a new identity and profession. Disguised as a lowly clerk, his motive was clear: to exact revenge on Yan Feng Shan, the person responsible for his father's death. But is seeking revenge so easy? Watch Huai'an navigate his way through palace politics and conflicts to avenge his father's death.

The Vendetta of An isn't your usual revenge thriller; it's a complex tale of political power plays, sacrifice, and strategies. We also get flashback sequences of the Huben Army massacre. Additionally, we get a glimpse of the character’s backstory. Lin Feng serves as the director.

The Vendetta of An cast

Cheng Yi as Xie Huai'an /Liu Zhi

Cheng Yi plays the lead role of Xie Huai'an in The Vendetta of An. He had a traumatic childhood after he lost his father in a nasty power play. It turns out he was born into privilege; he was the son of the Huben Dark Guards' creator. But fate wasn't so kind to him, so he grew up to be quite cold, calculative, and smart. He had one motive since his childhood, and that was to avenge his father's death. So he trained for ten long years before the Emperor entrusted him with a task in Chang'an, and without thinking twice, he grabbed the opportunity.

Liu Yi Jin as Xiao Wu Yang

Liu Yi Jin plays the role of Emperor Xiao Wu Yang in The Vendetta of An. He's a complex character, and viewers will often find themselves questioning whether he is really an ally of Huai'an or not. Liu Yi Jin aces the role as he perfectly captures the complex emotions of being both ruthless yet firm.

Tong Meng Shi as Ye Zheng

Tong Meng Shi plays Ye Zheng, a swordsman in The Vendetta of An. He becomes a part of Xie Huai'an's alliance. Tong Meng Shi aces the fight sequences.

Xu Lu as Bai Wan

Xu Lu plays Bai Wan in The Vendetta of An. She's a talented artist. Her soft nature provides a refreshing change from the otherwise tense plot. She's calm and intelligent. Her bond with Huai'an feels quite sweet and emotional.