Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

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Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace
Ruyi Royal Love.jpg
Also known asThe Legend of Ruyi
Traditional如懿傳
Simplified如懿传
MandarinRúyì Zhuàn
Genre
Based onHou Gong Ru Yi Zhuan
by Liu Lianzi
Written byLiu Lianzi
Directed byWang Jun
Starring
Country of originChina
Original languageMandarin
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes87
Production
Executive producerHuang Lan
Production locations
Production companyNew Classics Media
Release
Original networkTencent, Jiangsu Television, Dragon Television
First shown inChina
Original releaseAugust 20 (2018-08-20) –
October 15, 2018 (2018-10-15)

Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace (Chinese: 如懿传; pinyin: Rúyì Zhuàn) is a 2018 Chinese television series based on novel Hou Gong Ru Yi Zhuan by Liu Lianzi. Starring Zhou Xun and Wallace Huo, the series chronicles the marriage of Qianlong Emperor and Ula-Nara, the Empress. It is the sequel to the critically acclaimed drama Empresses in the Palace.[1][2][3] It aired on Tencent Video starting 20 August to 15 October 2018;[4][5][6] during which it was streamed more than 18,9 billion times.[7] It later went on national broadcast and aired simultaneously on Jiangsu Television and Dragon Television from 25 December 2018.[8]

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the series eventually won acclaim for its exquisite props, lavish sets, affecting storyline and stellar cast and has a score of 7.5 points on Douban.

Synopsis[]

Ulanara Ruyi is the niece of the Empress and the childhood lover of Hongli, the fourth prince. She was initially chosen to be the third prince Hongshi's difujin (official wife), but fell out of the bride selection. Hongli's mother, Niohuru Zhenhuan, reveals to the Emperor that the Empress had killed the former Empress. Ruyi's aunt, Empress Yixiu, is locked away and she is poisoned by Zhenhuan. Before Ruyi's aunt dies, she tells Ruyi to become Hongli's Empress. With the Ulanara clan in disgrace after Empress Yixiu falls out of favor with the Emperor, Ruyi (Zhou Xun) learns the politics of the harem. She faces the schemes of Fuca Langhua the Empress, and her underling Gao Xiyue and is framed for inducing multiple miscarriages.

Ruyi is eventually forced to reside in the Cold Palace and separated from the Emperor. There, she meets Ling Yunche, an imperial guard who helps her survive. She also finds out the bracelet that Empress Fuca Langhua gave her on her wedding day prevented her from having a child. In order to help Ruyi, her close friend Keliyete Hailan decides to win Qianlong's favor and Ruyi is saved from the Cold Palace. After Gao Xiyue is exposed, she loses the favor of the Emperor. Ruyi approaches Gao Xiyue and tells her that the reason why she wasn't able to have a child is because of the bracelet that Fuca Langhua gave her. Gao Xiyue is saddened and eventually dies in the snow, after exposing Fuca Langhua's evil deeds to Emperor Qianlong. Xiyue's servant causes Fuca Langhua's son to die to comfort her owner. Fuca Langhua's daughter, Jingse, is also married to a Mongol Prince after Empress Dowager Zhenhuan refused to send her daughter for heqin. After Fuca Langhua almost drowns, she succumbed to illness out of grief.

Gao Xiyue and Fuca Langhua's downfall is actually the result of the scheming Jin Yuyan, a Korean woman in love with the King of Joseon. After Jin Yuyan's plans are revealed, she dies heartbroken when the King of Joseon refused to recognize her due to her being adopted. Another consort, Su Luyun also lost Emperor Qianlong's favor after she wanted her son to become the next Emperor; she and her son eventually succumb to illness. Consort Shu Yehenara Yihuan loves the Emperor, but set herself on fire after realizing the Emperor never wanted her to have his children due to her connection with his mother. Even after surviving multiple conspiracies at the hands of scheming concubines and successfully proving her innocence, Ruyi's relationship with Qianlong (Wallace Huo) eventually becomes irreparable. She eventually becomes disillusioned with her husband and the harsh reality of life in the palace.

With the love and trust between them fading, Ruyi is put aside by Qianlong in favor of Wei Yanwan, who seeks to one day displace Ruyi as Empress. Wei Yanwan is eventually promoted to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort (one rank before Empress), but her ruthless and biased actions in managing the Emperor's harem create enemies amongst notable concubines such as Hailan, Balin Meiruo, and Han Xiangjian, who work to take her down. Ling Yunche, who was Yanwan's previous lover, tells Hailan about her endeavors and sacrifices himself to save Ruyi. Eventually, Wei Yanwan's numerous evil deeds are exposed, and Qianlong delivers a stoic apology to Ruyi, knowing their relationship cannot be repaired. Ruyi eventually peacefully dies after suffering from tuberculosis, saddening the Emperor heavily and hauntingly. Wei Yanwan is given a slow-acting and extremely painful poison, for which she must ingest the antidote on a regular basis to prolong her suffering. Emperor Qianlong and Empress Dowager, knowing that if Wei Yanwan lives until her son becomes emperor she will live a life of luxury, permit her the release of death.

The series ends with Emperor Emeritus Qianlong cutting a lock of his white hair and intertwining it with the lock of black hair that Ruyi cut decades earlier when she declared she no longer wanted to be his Empress. Qianlong dies with the two locks of hair in his hand as Ruyi's favorite plant, the green plum, blooms for the first time in decades.

Cast[]

Main[]

Actor Character Residence Introduction
Zhou Xun (乌拉那拉·如懿) Yanxi Palace
Yikun Palace		 The Empress (继皇后)
Lady Qing (Ce fujin) → Consort Xian → Noble Lady Xian → Commoner → Consort Xian → Noble Consort Xian (嫻貴妃) → Imperial Noble Consort Xian → Empress → Empress Xiaoxianqing (posthumously)

Coming from the Ula Nara clan of Plain Yellow Banner with the birth name Qingying (青樱), niece of Empress Jingren Ula Nara Yixiu. She was the childhood friend and lover of Hongli (who later ascends to the throne as Emperor Qianlong). She later becomes one of Qianlong's secondary wives. When Empress Jingren is deposed for her crimes, Qingying's standing in the palace is affected. So, she has to make amends with Empress Dowager Chongqing.
Wanting to distance herself from the past, Qingying asks the Empress Dowager to give her a new name, to make a fresh start. The Empress Dowager then gives her the name Ruyi; 如懿, meaning 'beautiful and quiet' (美好安靜), reminding her that she must be calm if she wants to have a peaceful life in the palace.
After Hongli ascends to the throne, becoming Emperor Qianlong, Ruyi is granted the position of a consort. Due to events of the past, Ruyi is hated by other wives like Fuca Langhua, Gao Xiyue, and Jin Yuyan. Often targeted by their machinations, Ruyi survives with her strength and determination, and with the help of her close friends. She eventually gets promoted up the ranks in the harem until becoming the Empress. Later on, due to many misunderstandings between her and the Emperor, mainly plotted by Wei Yanwan and Princess Hejing, their relationship has become strained.
The last blow to their relationship occurred on one of the Emperor's tours to Southern China when he tries to take a courtesan, Shui Linglong, as a concubine to his harem. Disillusioned, Ruyi cuts her hair, wanting to end the relationship between her and the Emperor and declaring that she no longer wants to be his Empress. This angers the Emperor, who punishes the Empress by putting her under house arrest in Yikun Palace.
In the end, she reveals all of Wei Yanwan's wrongdoings to the Emperor, but she refuses to reconcile with him. She dies not long after from tuberculosis. Her death causes great pain and guilt to Qianlong Emperor up to the day he died.

Wallace Huo Aisin Gioro Hongli (爱新觉罗·弘历), Qianlong Emperor Prince Bao Manor
Yangxin Palace		 Qianlong Emperor (乾隆皇帝)
Prince Bao of the First Rank → Qianlong Emperor
Hongli is the fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor. His birth mother is a low-status servant named Li Jingui (李金桂). On one drunken occasion, Emperor Yongzheng got her pregnant when he was formerly known as Prince Yong. After giving birth to Hongli, his mother died and he is left to live at the Old Summer Palace. Later on, Hongli is appointed as Noble Consort Xi Niohuru Zhenhuan's son. After Third Prince Hongshi is removed from the yudie (genealogy records), essentially disowned by the Emperor, Hongli rose to the rank of Prince Bao. When he became the Emperor, he takes the era name Qianlong.

An unpredictable individual who can be emotional and hide his emotions really well, never truly trusts anyone, which inadvertently hurts many of his wives and sons: from Fuca Langhua, Yonghuang, Yongzhang, his sister Elder Princess Duanshu, to his childhood love Ruyi. As he grew older, he becomes more erratic. When Han Xiangjian appeared, the Emperor lost control and hurt Ruyi. Despite Han Xiangjian's continuous denial of his feelings, Qianlong orders Ruyi to convince Xiangjian to accept him, which hurts Ruyi. Later on, he believes the disparaging remarks and accusations made by Wei Yanwan, Consort Yu Borjigit Eyinzhu, and Sakda Miaoqian. He doubts Ruyi and thinks she committed infidelity with Ling Yunche. He punishes Ling Yunche into becoming a eunuch to serve at Yikun Palace in hopes to humiliate Ruyi, to satisfy his blind jealousy, and to force Yunche to die.
Selfish, with an ego of a ruler, Hongli makes Ruyi completely lose all hope in him. On one of the Emperor's tours to Southern China, he tries to take a courtesan as a concubine. A determined Ruyi decides to end the relationship between her and the Emperor and cuts her hair. When he finally regrets his actions, it is already too late because Ruyi dies from tuberculosis. In his old age, he's tortured with his pain, always reliving the memories of Qingying but he can never see her again.

Supporting[]

The Harem[]

Actor Character Residence Introduction
Janine Chang[9][10] Keliyete Hailan (珂里叶特·海兰) Xianfu Palace
Yanxi Palace 		Noble Consort Yu (愉贵妃)

Embroidery Lady → Lady Hai (Shu fujin) → First Class Female Attendant Hai → Noble Lady Hai → Concubine Yu → Consort Yu → Noble Consort Yu (posthumous)
Hailan was initially an embroidery lady in Qianlong's residence until Ruyi helped her gain the title of Mistress. Gentle yet determined, she is a loyal friend and confidante of Ruyi. She is the mother of Yongqi, the Emperor's favorite son. Hailan is an exceptionally influential consort in the harem and she makes use of her influence to deal with the consorts who stand in Ruyi's way.

Dong Jie[11] Fuca Langhua (富察·琅嬅) Changchun Palace Empress Xiaoxianchun (孝贤纯皇后)

Di fujin → Empress
Elegant and dignified, Fuca Langhua was a respected and virtuous Empress who served her role well. However, she envied Ruyi and her intimate relationship with the Emperor. Under the manipulations of Jin Yuyan (Noble Consort Jia), she became embroiled in the inner palace conflicts and collaborated with Gao Xiyue to harm Ruyi. Her misguided actions eventually caused her relationship with the Emperor to deteriorate, and she died a woman with grievances.

Xin Zhilei[12] Jin Yuyan/Kim Ok-yeon (金玉妍/김옥연) Qixiang Palace Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (淑嘉皇贵妃)

Lady Jin (Shu fujin) → Noble Lady Jia → Concubine Jia → Consort Jia → Noble Consort Jia → Concubine Jia → Noble Lady Jia → Concubine Jia → Noble Consort Jia (嘉貴妃) → Second Class Female Attendant Jin → Noble Consort Jia → Commoner → Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (posthumous)
An orphan who was taken in by a Joseon minister, Yuyan's main goal in life is to earn the Emperor's favor and bring honor to her tribe to assist her real love, the "young master" who eventually becomes the King of Joseon. Manipulative, cunning and shrewd, she is skilled in instigating conflicts between the concubines and is the main culprit behind many of the concubines' deaths. Her evil deeds were eventually revealed, and Emperor Qianlong granted her the posthumous title of Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (a homophone for loser).

Tong Yao[13] Gao Xiyue (高晞月) Xianfu Palace Imperial Noble Consort Huixian (慧贤皇贵妃)

Lady Gao (Shu fujin) → Noble Consort Hui (慧貴妃) → Imperial Noble Consort Hui → Imperial Noble Consort Huixian (posthumous)
Due to her father's position as a highly ranked officer, Xiyue is arrogant and defiant. She hated Ruyi and chose to submit to the more powerful Empress Fuca Langhua, collaborating with her to plot against Ruyi. Due to her naivety, she was often goaded by the Empress' attendant, Sulian, to commit many evil deeds in place of the Empress. Believed that she was haunted by A'rou's ghost, she falls ill for years with no hope of recovery when the Emperor, having discovered her part in blaming Ruyi, refuses to have her treated. Later discarded by Empress Langhua after she lost the Emperor's favor, she then discovered that the Empress was the one who caused her to be infertile by Ruyi who tells her out of sympathy. On her death bed, she exposed Langhua's evil deeds to Qianlong and gave him scabies as a parting gift when she learns that he never wanted a child with her because of her health issues.

Li Chun[14] Wei Yanwan (卫嬿婉/魏嬿婉)[15] Yongshou Palace Empress Xiaoyichun (孝仪纯皇后)

Palace maid of Consort Chun → Palace Maid of the Royal Garden → Palace Maid of Consort Jia →Palace Maid of the Yangxin Palace→ Second Class Female Attendant Wei → First Class Female Attendant Wei → Noble Lady Ling → Concubine Ling → Consort Ling → Second Class Female Attendant Wei → Noble Lady Ling → Concubine Ling → Consort Ling → Noble Consort Ling (炩貴妃) → Imperial Noble Consort Ling → Imperial Noble Consort Lingyi (posthumous)
Yanwan was born a noble lady of the Yellow Banner, but was reduced to being a palace maid after her father was tried for treason. Her first love was Ling Yunche, but she abandoned him after Qianlong took notice of her (due to her close resemblance with Ruyi). She is an ambitious, cruel, and treacherous woman who sees Ruyi as her biggest foe. She would resort to all kinds of underhanded methods to climb up the ranks, hoping to be Empress one day. Yanwan is responsible for the deaths of many imperial consorts, royal children, and Ruyi's ultimate demise. Eventually, her evil deeds and past relationship with Ling Yunche were exposed to Qianlong, and she was slowly poisoned to death as punishment for her crimes.

Hu Ke[16] Su Lüyun (苏绿筠) Zhongcui Palace Imperial Noble Consort Chunhui (纯惠皇贵妃)

Lady Su (Shu fujin) → Concubine Chun → Consort Chun → Noble Consort Chun (純貴妃) → Imperial Noble Consort Chun → Imperial Noble Consort Chunhui (posthumous)
Lüyun is a naive woman who treated everyone with kindness and was manipulated often. She loved her sons dearly and would do anything for them. She has a good relationship with Ruyi and Hailan since their days in Prince Bao Manor. Lüyun lost Qianlong's favor when he found out she wanted to take the position of Empress for herself. She later died of illness.

He Hongshan[17] Bai Ruiji (白蕊姬) Yonghe Palace
Anhua Palace 		Concubine Mei (玫嫔)

Musician of South Manor → Second Class Female Attendant Mei → First Class Female Attendant Mei → Noble Lady Mei → Concubine Mei
A yueqin/pipa player hailing from Suzhou, Ruiji, was the first woman to be taken into the inner palace after Qianlong's ascension to the throne. She was actually sent in by Empress Zhenhuan to spy on Qianlong. After Ruiji lost her child, her health gradually weakened and she eventually lost the Emperor's favor. She was manipulated into thinking her child was killed by Empress Fuca Langhua, and was used as a chesspiece by Jin Yuyan (Noble Consort Jia) to cause the Empress' death.
When her identity was revealed, Ruiji was used as a scapegoat by Qianlong to weaken the Empress Dowager's control of the imperial harem by poisoning Muping's health to the point that she becomes infertile. She died a death with grievances after realizing she took revenge on the wrong person.

Chen Haoyu[18] Yehe Nara Yihuan (叶赫那拉·意欢) Chuxiu Palace Consort Shu (舒妃)

Noble Lady Shu → Concubine Shu → Consort Shu
A talented lady of noble birth, Yihuan was recommended into the palace by the Empress Dowager Zhenhuan. Despite being one of Empress Zhenhuan's chess pieces, she fell in love with Qianlong at first sight during one of his outings. She is extremely dedicated to him. Straightforward and good-natured, Yihuan keeps herself out of the palace inner conflicts and is good friends with Ruyi.
Unbeknownst to her, Qianlong personally gave medicine that would prevent her from bearing healthy children due to her affiliation with Zhenhuan. She becomes mentally unstable after her son died in infancy, and commits suicide soon after discovering Qianlong's true intention.

Zeng Yixuan[19] Socolun Aruo (索绰伦·阿箬) Qixiang Palace Concubine Shen (慎嫔)

Palace maid of Ruyi → Imperial palace maid → First Class Female Attendant Shen → Noble Lady Shen → Concubine Shen → Commoner
Aruo was originally a personal maid that entered Qianlong's residence as part of Ruyi's dowry, she secretly sided with the Empress Langhua, Gao Xiyue and Jin Yuyan in an effort to climb up the ranks. Arrogant, superficial, and sharp-tongued, she appeared to be favored by Qianlong but was actually used by him as a charade partner. She was eventually sent to the Cold Palace and committed suicide there.

Cao Xiwen[20] Chen Wanyin (陈婉茵) Zhongcui Palace Noble Consort Wan (婉贵妃)

Shu fujin → Second Class Female Attendant Wan → First Class Female Attendant Wan → Noble Lady Wan → Concubine Wan → Consort Wan → Noble Consort Wan (posthumous)
A timid lady who never formed cliques, and always kept to herself. She was not favored by the Emperor and chose to express her love for the Emperor through drawings. She has a good relationship with Ruyi. She unknowingly played a part in Qianlong and Ruyi's separation due to Wei Yanwan's manipulations.

Zhang Jianing Barin Meiruo (巴林·湄若) Chuxiu Palace Noble Consort Ying (颖贵妃)

Concubine Ying → Consort Ying → Noble Consort Ying
A spirited young lady who is of royal Mongol descent, and is described as the "Southern beauty" by Qianlong. She despised Wei Yanwan and Jin Yuyan, and ended up becoming good friends with Ruyi.

Liu Meitong[21] Bai'erguosishe (拜尔果斯氏) Xianfu Palace Concubine Ke (恪嫔)

Noble Lady Ke → Concubine Ke
A descendant of Mongolian royalty. She is very close to Barin Meiruo, dislikes both Wei Yanwan and Jin Yuyan, and stays loyal to Ruyi.

Li Qin[22] Han Xiangjian (寒香见) Chengqian Palace
Baoyue Lobby 		Consort Rong (容妃)

Noble Lady Rong → Concubine Rong → Consort Rong
A beautiful woman who was taken into the palace by General Zhaohui after her tribe was conquered by the Qing Dynasty. Xiangjian's only goal was to assassinate Qianlong in order to take revenge for her lover. She is on good terms with Ruyi, to whom she is grateful toward.

Yu Yang[16] Lu Muping (陆沐萍) Jingyang Palace Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong (庆恭皇贵妃)

First Class Female Attendant Qing → Noble Lady Qing → Concubine Qing → Noble Lady Qing → Concubine Qing → Consort Qing → Noble Consort Qing → Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong (posthumous)
A daughter of the Deputy Minister from the Court of Sacrificial Worship, she was sent in by the Empress Dowager and acts as her spy. She was set-up by the Emperor, causing her to lose the ability to bear a child. After falling out of favor with the Emperor, she chose to submit to Wei Yanwan.

Han Dantong[23] Huang Qiying (黄琦莹) Jingyang Palace
Yanxi Palace 		Concubine Yi (仪嫔)

Personal maid of Langhua → Shu fujin → Noble Lady Yi → Concubine Yi (posthumous)
Originally a maid under Langhua, she was promoted to the position of Mistress after Qianlong took advantage of her.
Empress Fuca Langhua and Xiyue despised Qiying for stealing the Emperor's affections and caused her to miscarry her baby. She was manipulated into believing that Ruyi was the culprit, and attempted to assassinate the latter when they were living in the same quarters.

Zhao Ke[16] Borjigit Eyinzhu (博尔济吉特·厄音珠) Yonghe Palace Consort Yu (豫妃)

Concubine Yu → Consort Yu
A descendant of Mongolian royalty, and an early favorite of Qianlong. However, she leaked secret political messages for her people and intended to use a banned drug on Qianlong to increase his interest in bedroom affairs. She was under house arrest and cold-shouldered by Qianlong. Later to earn the Emperor's favor, she started coming up with lies, including framing Ruyi of having an affair with Ling Yunche. She was sent to the torture chambers after she was found to have lied about Ruyi and Ling Yunche's affair.

Sun Wenting Lady Lin (林氏) Jingren Palace Noble Lady Gong (恭贵人)

First Class Female Attendant Gong → Noble Lady Gong
A lady of Lin descent who entered the harem along with Concubine Ke. Originally sided with Jin Yuyan, she is close to Barin Meiruo, hates Wei Yanwan, and stays loyal to Ruyi.

Wang Mian Lady Sirin Gioro (西林覺羅氏) Jingren Palace Noble Lady Xi (禧贵人)

First Class Female Attendant Xi → Noble Lady Xi
A lady of Sirin Gioro descent who entered the harem along with Concubine Ke. Originally sided with Jin Yuyan, she is close to Barin Meiruo, hates Wei Yanwan, and stays loyal to Ruyi.

Zhu Jue Lady Socolun (索綽倫氏) Jingyang Palace Noble Lady Rui (瑞贵人)

Entered the palace at the same time as Eyinzhu. She is sided with Wei Yanwan.

Xia Yuxia Lady Fang (方氏) Yonghe Palace First Class Female Attendant Kui (揆常在)

Palace Maid → Second Class Female Attendant Kui → First Class Female Attendant Kui
Entered the palace when Ruyi was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort. She is sided with Wei Yanwan.

Zhao Ruoxi Lady Xu (徐氏) Jingyang Palace
Zhongcui Palace		 First Class Female Attendant Xiu (秀常在)

Second Class Female Attendant Xiu → First Class Female Attendant Xiu
Promoted from Second Class Female Attendant Xiu to First Class Female Attendant Xiu when Ruyi was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort.

Qu Rong Lady Qian (錢氏) Yonghe Palace First Class Female Attendant Ping (平常在)

Lady → Second Class Female Attendant Ping → First Class Female Attendant Ping
Entered the palace when Ruyi was promoted to Imperial Noble Consort.

Huang Lulu Lady Bai (白氏) Jingyang Palace First Class Female Attendant Bai (白常在)

Entered the palace at the same time as Eyinzhu.

Song Qinglin Lady Lu (陸氏) Jingyang Palace First Class Female Attendant Lu (陸常在)

Entered the palace at the same times as Eyinzhu.

Yang Wanyi First Class Female Attendant Wu (武常在)

She is sided with Wei Yanwan.

Gao Rui First Class Female Attendant Lu (柏常在)

She is sided with Wei Yanwan.

Sun Wanting First Class Female Attendant Ning (宁常在)
Jin Ning First Class Female Attendant Fu (福常在)

Imperial members of the Qing dynasty[]

Actor Character Residence Introduction
Zhang Fengyi[24] Aisin Gioro Yinzhen (爱新觉罗·胤禛) Yangxin Palace Yongzheng Emperor (雍正皇帝)
Father of Qianlong Emperor.
Joan Chen[25] Ula Nara Yixiu (乌拉那拉·宜修) Palace of Great Benevolence Empress Jingren (景仁宫皇后)
Former Empress of Yongzheng Emperor; Ruyi's aunt.
Vivian Wu[26] Niohuru Zhenhuan (钮祜禄·甄嬛) Yongshou Palace
Shoukang Palace
Cining Palace		 Empress Dowager Chongqing (崇庆皇太后)
Foster mother of Qianlong Emperor; Empress Zhenhuan.
Although she appeared to share a civil relationship with Qianlong, they are wary and suspicious of each other. In order to ensure that she continues to thrive in the inner court, she placed concubines that were subservient to her by Qianlong's side to spy on him. She hated Ruyi because of her familial relationship with Empress Jingren, but grew to respect her later on.
Zhu Yan Dowager Concubine Ji (吉太嫔)
A disposed concubine of the Yongzheng Emperor who was banished to the Cold Palace, where she met Ruyi and attempted to assassinate Dowager Empress Zhenhuan.
Li Jie
Ma Qiyue (young)		 Aisin Gioro Hongshi (爱新觉罗·弘时)
Wang Xiao Aisin Gioro Hongzhou (爱新觉罗·弘昼) Prince He Manor Prince He of the First Rank (和亲王)
Fifth son of Yongzheng Emperor.
Tang Chengjing Lady Ujaku (吳扎庫氏) Prince He Manor Prince He's wife.
Xuan Lu[27] Aisin Gioro Hengchuo (爱新觉罗·恒娖) Grand Princess[28] Duanshu (端淑長公主)
Yongzheng Emperor and Zhenhuan's elder daughter.
She was married to the Mongol clan since she was young.
Wang Herun[29] Aisin Gioro Hengti (爱新觉罗·恆媞) Grand Princess Roushu (柔淑長公主)
Yongzheng Emperor and Zhenhuan's younger daughter.
Ding Qiao
Wang Donghe (teen)
Ye Kaiwan (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yonghuang (爱新觉罗·永璜) Prince Bao Manor
Yanxi Palace
Zhongcui Palace
Prince Ding Manor		 Prince Ding'an of the First Rank (定安亲王)
Eldest prince; Ruyi's foster son (later Su Lüyun's).
Initially innocent and simple-minded, he later grew to become ambitious and vied for the throne. He was instigated by Jin Yuyan into thinking the Empress killed his biological mother, the Imperial Noble Consort Zhemin, causing him to lose favor with the Emperor.
Ma Yanan Lady Ilari (伊拉里氏) Prince Ding Manor Yonghuang's wife.
Yu Yao Aisin Gioro Yonglian (爱新觉罗·永琏) Prince Bao Manor
Changchun Palace
Age Manor		 Crown Prince Duanhui (端慧皇太子)
Second prince, Fuca Langhua's eldest son.
He died young due to his weak health and Langhua's bad parenting.
Guan Xueying
Wu Yuyu (teen)[30]
Liu Sitong (young)		 Aisin Gioro Jingse (爱新觉罗·璟瑟) Changchun Palace
Third princess Manor		 Princess Hejing of the First Rank (固倫和敬公主)
Third princess, Fuca Langhua's daughter.
Proud and eloquent, she looks down on all the imperial consorts due to her noble birth but was later selected to marry a Mongol prince. She especially disliked Ruyi due to her rivalry with Langhua. She chose to side with Wei Yanwan, but later betrays her after Barin Meiruo convinced her of Yanwan's hypocritical deeds.
Cheng Xingyuan
Liu Zeyu (teen)
He Luanhui (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongzhang (爱新觉罗·永璋) Zhongcui Palace
Third prince manor		 Prince Xun of the Second Rank (循郡王)
Third prince, Su Lüyun's eldest son.
An ambitious and calculative royal, he was goaded by Su Lüyun to compete for the position of the Crown Prince. He lost favor with Qianlong after the death of Empress Fuca Langhua.
An Jie
Hu Xianxu (teen)[31]
Rong Zishan (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongcheng (爱新觉罗·永珹) Qixiang Palace
Prince Lü Manor		 Prince Lü of the First Rank (履亲王)
Fourth prince, Jin Yuyan's eldest son.
Being the first prince born to Imperial Noble Consort Shujia after Qianlong's reign, he was initially favored which made him become more ambitious, cunning, and calculating. He later lost Qianlong's trust after the truth of the Mulan Garden incident was brought to light. He was exposed for plotting to get the position of Crown Prince by conspiring with his mother. He was soon expelled from the palace and became the adoptive grandson of Yuntao, the Prince Lü of the First Rank, who was Qianlong's uncle.
Tang Mengjia Lady Irgen Gioro (伊尔根觉罗氏) Prince Lü Manor Yongcheng's wife.
Qu Chuxiao[32]
Bian Cheng (teen)
Wuze Jinxi (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongqi (爱新觉罗·永琪) Yanxi Palace
Yikun Palace
Prince Rong Manor
Chonghua Palace		 Prince Rong of the First Rank (荣亲王)
Fifth prince, Hailan's son.
Sensitive and intelligent, he was Qianlong's favorite son. He distanced himself from Ruyi under the manipulations of Hu Yunjiao. He later died due to recurring bone cellulitis caused by Yanwan's machinations.
Janice Wu[33] Hu Yunjiao (胡芸角) Prince Rong Manor Yongqi's concubine, Nursemaid Tian's daughter.
Yunjiao was manipulated by Wei Yanwan into thinking that Ruyi caused the death of her mother. She was sent to Yongqi's side as a concubine and sowed discord between Yongqi and Ruyi, which caused the Emperor to become suspicious of Ruyi.
Li Yiru Lady Sirin Gioro (西林觉罗氏) Prince Rong Manor Yongqi's wife.
Zhang Jinze
Zhou Jinshi (teen)
Chixu Xuanzhe (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongrong (爱新觉罗·永瑢) Zhongcui Palace Prince Shen of the Second Rank
Sixth prince, Su Lüyun's youngest son.
He Xinrui Aisin Gioro Jingyan (愛新覺羅·璟妍) Zhongcui Palace Princess Hejia of the Second Rank (和硕和嘉公主)
Fourth princess, Su Lüyun's daughter.
Ma Boquan
Ha Lin (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongxuan (爱新觉罗·永璇) Qixiang Palace
Age Manor
Shoukang Palace		 Prince Yi of the First Rank (儀親王).
Eighth prince, Jin Yuyan's second son.
He was set up by Wei Yanwan, which causes him to become crippled.
Dongli Wuyou
Zhang Yaoyang (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongxing (爱新觉罗·永瑆) Qixiang Palace
Shoukang Palace		 Prince Cheng of the First Rank
Eleventh prince, Jin Yuyan's youngest son.
Xu Lingchen
Ye Shengtong (teen)
Lin Jingjie (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongji (爱新觉罗·永璂) Yikun Palace
Yanxi Palace		 Twelfth prince, Ruyi's eldest son. Accidentally plays a part in Ruyi's framed affair with Yunche.
Lin Jingyi Aisin Gioro Jingsi (爱新觉罗·璟兕) Yikun Palace Princess Heyi of the First Rank (固倫和宜公主)
Fifth princess, Ruyi's daughter.
Born with a weak heart, she was startled by Jin Yuyan's dog, in a setup by Wei Yanwan, causing her to become comatose and later pass away.
Jin Ziqi Aisin Gioro Jingyuan (爱新觉罗·璟妧) Yongshou Palace
Xianfu Palace		 Princess Hejing of the First Rank (固伦和静公主)
Seventh princess, Wei Yanwan's eldest daughter.
She was raised by Barin Meiruo since birth and believed Meiruo was her birth mother. She disliked her birth mother Wei Yanwan because she thinks that she harmed Ruyi.
Chen Yuan'er[34] Aisin Gioro Jingyun (爱新觉罗·璟妘) Yongshou Palace
Xiefang Palace		 Princess Heke of the Second Rank(和硕和恪公主)
Ninth princess, Wei Yanwan's younger daughter.
She was separated from Wei Yanwan since birth and has a weak relationship with her birth mother.
Wei Zihan
Chen Xuetao (young)		 Aisin Gioro Yongyan (愛新覺羅·永琰) Yongshou Palace
Xiefang Palace
Zhongcui Palace
Prince Jia Manor		 Prince Jia of the First Rank (嘉亲王)
Fifteenth prince, Wei Yanwan's son.
He was later appointed the Crown Prince nearing the end of Qianlong's reign.
Tang Jiaze Qingyou (庆佑) Yikun Palace Son of Jingse.

Officials[]

Actor Character Introduction
Qin Yan Zhang Tingyu (张廷玉) Member of the Grand Council.
He disliked the Empress Dowager and often goes against her opinions.
Jia Tinglong Fuca Fuheng (富察·傅恒) A senior officer and commander-in-chief. Brother of Empress Fuca Langhua.
Gao Lancun Gao Bin (高斌) Qianlong's trusted minister. Gao Xiyue's father.
Wang Jinsong Ula Nara Na'erbu (那爾布) Left Minister. Ruyi's father.
Ma Weifu Liu Tongxun (劉統勛) Minister of the Eight Banners.
Huang Wei Niohuru Naqin (钮祜禄·讷亲) Minister of the Eight Banners. Close relative of Empress Zhenhuan.
Zhang Xingzhe Zhao Hui (兆惠)
Wu Lihua Yue Zhongqi (岳钟琪)

Male servants[]

Actor Character Residence Introduction
Imperial guards, physicians and others
Jing Chao[35] Ling Yunche (凌云彻) N/A

Imperial guard of the Cold Palace → Imperial guard of Kunning Palace → Royal Lanling Imperial guard → Royal Imperial guard of 3rd rank → Slave → Royal imperial guard of 2nd rank → Royal imperial guard of 1st rank → Eunuch of Yikun Palace
Wei Yanwan's first love, Miaoqing's husband.
A loyal and empathetic man who helped Ruyi while she was banished to the Cold Palace. He gradually becomes attracted to Ruyi, and helped her through her most difficult times in the palace. He is later accused of having an affair with Ruyi, then castrated and subsequently ordered to serve in Ruyi's palace as a form of humiliation. He was killed by Hailan when the latter realized he would pose a threat to Ruyi's position as the Empress.

Yuan Wenkang[16] Jiang Yubin (江与彬) N/A An imperial physician.
He is Suoxin's childhood sweetheart and later husband. He is also Ruyi's only trusted Imperial Doctor.
Meng Zhaozhong Zhao Jiuxiao (趙九霄) Kunning Palace An imperial guard.
Ling Yunche's good friend. He likes Lancui, and was threatened with Lancui's life by Wei Yanwan to frame Ruyi of harming the eighth prince, Yongxuan
Wang Quanyou Qi Ru (齊汝) N/A Head imperial physician.
He secretly worked for the Empress Dowager Zhenhuan behind Qianlong's back to weaken Gao Xiyue's health and helped Empress Dowagers handpicked consort,Yehe Nara Yihuan, to get pregnant, causing Qianlong to be infuriated. He was killed under the orders of Qianlong, with his death disguised as an accidental drowning.
Ha Yingqun Imperial Astronomer (钦天监) N/A He collaborated with Wei Yanwan to set up Yihuan and Ruyi, causing the Emperor and Ruyi to be distanced. Following the incidents, he was chased out of the palace and killed secretly by Chunchan.
Steven Thomas Boergadine Giuseppe Castiglione (郎世宁) N/A A royal painter from Italy.
Jin Song Li Jinzhu (李金柱) N/A A guard at the Cold Palace.
Wang Liusheng Physician Zhao (赵太医) N/A
Feng Bao Physician Bao (包太医) N/A
Wang Zhimin Physician Xu (许太医) N/A
Huang Ningsheng Physician Zhao (赵太医) N/A
Xu Zhiming Er Tao (二套) N/A
Eunuchs
Shen Baoping Su Peisheng (蘇培盛) Yangxin Palace Personal attendant of Yongzheng.
Huang Ming[36] Li Yu (李玉) Yangxin Palace Deputy head attendant of Yangxin palace → Head attendant of Yangxin palace → Eunuch of Yuanming Garden → Head attendant of Yangxin Palace
Personal attendant of Qianlong.
He often assists Ruyi because she once lent him a helping hand. He likes Suoxin.
Hu Ming[37] Wang Qin (王钦) Yangxin Palace Head attendant of Yangxin Palace
Personal attendant of Qianlong.
He likes Lianxin and forced her into marriage by agreeing to work for Fuca Langhua. He was often hostile towards attendant Li Yu. He was sentenced to death after his abused treatment toward Lianxin was exposed through an elaborate plan by Ruyi.
Jiang Xueming[16] Jinzhong (进忠) Yangxin Palace Attendant of Qianlong, Li Yu's disciple.
He collaborated with Wei Yanwan to bring down Ruyi, so that he can take over Li Yu's place but is later killed by Yanwan.
Zhang Juju Jinbao (進保) Yangxin Palace Attendant of Qianlong, Li Yu's disciple.
Han Yu Xiao Linzi (小林子) Yangxin Palace Attendant of Qianlong.
He was bribed by Gao Xiyue to obtain information for Gao Bin.
Li Qi[38] San Bao (三宝) Yanxi Palace
Yikun Palace		 Personal attendant of Ruyi.
Gao Weibo Xiao Fuzi (小福子) Yanxi Palace Attendant of Ruyi.
Chen Zhuo Wu Fu (五福) Yanxi Palace Attendant of Ruyi.
Zhong Weihua Cheng Han (成翰) Shoukang Palace
Cining Palace		 Personal attendant of Zhenhuan.
He was sent by Empress Langhua to keep an eye on Empress Dowager Zhenhuan.
Ma Bo Zhao Yitai (赵一泰) Changchun Palace Personal attendant of Empress Langhua.
Liu Zikai Qian Shuangxi (钱双喜) Xianfu Palace Personal attendant of Gao Xiyue.
Chen Muyi[39] Wang Chan (王蟾) Yongshou Palace Personal attendant of Wei Yanwan.
Wang Peidong Xiao Lizi (小栗子) Zhongcui Palace Attendant of Su Lüyun, later eunuch of the Study Room and 12th prince.
Yang Shuo Xu An (徐安) N/A Head Eunuch of the House of Respectful Affairs.
Yu Tong Qin Li (秦立) N/A Eunuch of the Internal Affairs Department.
Yang Yang Xiao Lüzi (小禄子) N/A Eunuch of the Imperial kitchen.
He was instructed by Empress Langhua to frame Ruyi.
Zhang Shu Xiao Anzi (小安子) N/A Eunuch of the Internal Affairs Department.
He was instructed by Empress Langhua to frame Ruyi.
A Xing Xiao Leizi (小磊子) Prince Rong Manor Personal attendant of Yongqi.
Chang Cheng Xiao Guizi (小贵子)
Wang Zhen Xiao Shunzi (小顺子)
Ma Xin
Li Pengwu		 Xiao Lezi (小乐子)
Liu Xue Eunuch Ma (马公公) N/A

Female servants[]

Actor Character Residence Introduction
Chen Xiaoyun[40] Suoxin (惢心) Yanxi Palace
Yikun Palace		 Personal attendant of Ruyi.
Observant and kind-hearted, she remained loyal to Ruyi through thick and thin. She likes Jiang Yubin and later marries him. She became disabled after Jin Yuyan put her through excessive torture.
Qi Huan[16] Rong Pei (容珮) Yikun Palace Personal attendant of Ruyi.
A capable, firm and sharp-tongued woman, she is very loyal to Ruyi. She killed herself after Ruyi passed away from tuberculosis.
Zheng Shuijing[41] Lingzhi (菱枝) Yikun Palace Attendant of Ruyi.
Chen Erjia Yunzhi (芸枝) Yikun Palace Attendant of Ruyi.
Li Linfei Shuizhi (水芝) Yanxi Palace Attendant of Ruyi.
Gong Xiaoxuan[16] Yuhu (毓瑚) Yangxin Palace Imperial palace maid.
Former personal attendant of Qianlong's birth mother and current attendant of Qianlong, she assists Qianlong in keeping an eye of the internal palace.
Guo Hong[42] Fujia (福珈) Shoukang Palace
Cining Palace		 Personal attendant of Empress Dowager Zhenhuan.
Zhang Yanyan Xiuxia (绣夏) Jingren Palace Personal attendant of Yixiu.
Min Chunxiao[43] Sulian (素練) Changchun Palace Personal attendant of Fuca Langhua.
She often helped Empress Langhua plot against the other consorts behind her back. She was later killed by Zhenshu.
Wang Xiaocheng Lianxin (蓮心) Changchun Palace Personal attendant of Fuca Langhua.
She was married off to Wang Qin by the Empress in exchange for Wang Qin's loyalty. Lianxin chose not to save Empress Langhua when she fell into the waters, ultimately leading to Langhua's death. It is also suspected that she had a role in murdering the second prince. She committed suicide later out of guilt.
Liu Jia Yexin (叶心) Xianfu Palace
Yanxi Palace		 Personal attendant of Hailan.
Zhang Huanhuan Xiangyun (香云) Xianfu Palace
Yanxi Palace		 Attendant of Hailan.
She was instructed by Gao Xiyue to frame Hailan of stealing her charcoal and was executed by Qianlong due to her unloyalty.
Li Bingyi Zezhi (泽芝) Xianfu Palace
Yanxi Palace		 Attendant of Ruyi, later sent to serve Hailan.
Xia Nan[16] Lixin (丽心) Qixiang Palace Personal attendant of Jin Yuyan.
Guo Yuanyuan Zhenshu/Jung Swuk (貞淑/정숙) Qixiang Palace Personal attendant of Jin Yuyan. A highly skilled healer from Joseon.
She was responsible for framing Ruyi of having an affair with Anji Bosang. After her plan was exposed, she was exiled back to Joseon.
Zhou Xiaoqin[44] Palace maid Yan (妍宫女) Qixiang Palace Attendant of Jin Yuyan.
Sun Qianqian[45] Moxin (茉心) Xianfu Palace Personal attendant of Gao Xiyue.
After Gao Xiyue's death, she sought revenge for her by colluding with Bai Ruiji to pass on smallpox to the seventh prince, leading to his death.
Li Mengyang Xingxuan (星璇) Xianfu Palace Attendant of Gao Xiyue.
Wang Chun (王純) Chunchan (春婵) Yongshou Palace Personal attendant of Wei Yanwan.
Often the mastermind behind Wei Yanwan's schemes. She was almost murdered by and thrown under the bus by Yanwan and later exposed Wei Yanwan's evil doings to the Emperor.
Yang Liu Lancui (瀾翠) Yongshou Palace Personal maid of Wei Yanwan.
She was used as a bait by Wei Yanwan to threaten Zhao Jiuxiao into harming the eighth prince. Was later sent to and died at the Punishment Bureau by Yanwan in order to avoid leaving evidence of her mistress' relationship with Ling Yunche
Bai Lan[46] Kexin (可心) Zhongcui Palace Personal attendant of Su Lüyun.
Ding Liuyan Suyun (俗云) Yonghe Palace
Anhua Palace		 Personal attendant of Bai Ruiji.
Shi Min Hexi (荷惜) Chuxiu Palace Personal attendant of Yihuan.
Zhang Xinying Xinyan (新燕) Qixiang Palace Personal attendant of Aruo.
Wang Jingya[47] Shunxin (顺心) Zhongcui Palace Personal attendant of Chen Wanyin.
Wang Xinwen Abao (阿宝) Chuxiu Palace Personal attendant of Barin Meiruo.
Zhang Menghan Xianfu Palace Personal maid of Kezhuzi.
Chen Mengxi Xipo (喜珀) Chengqian Palace
Baoyue Lobby		 Personal attendant of Han Xiangjian.
Gao Dongyu Hali (哈丽) Chengqian Palace
Baoyue Lobby		 Attendant of Han Xiangjian.
Zhang Xinyuan Guli (古丽) Chengqian Palace
Baoyue Lobby		 Attendant of Han Xiangjian.
Ma Lan Jingyang Palace Personal attendant of Lu Muping.
Huang Wen[48] Huaixin (怀心) Jingyang Palace
Yanxi Palace		 Personal attendant of Huang Qiying.
Zhao Jing Duoyun (朵云) Yonghe Palace Personal attendant of Eyinzhu.
Jin Xi Duoyan (朵颜) Yonghe Palace Personal attendant of Eyinzhu.
Tian Miao Nursemaid Tian (田嬷嬷) N/A Hu Yunjiao's mother.
She was bought over by Wei Yanwan and committed many evil deeds for her due to Yanwan helping her during difficult times.

Others[]

Actor Character Introduction
Wang Wei Sakda Miaoqian (萨克达·茂倩) Daughter of an official. She was bethrothed to Ling Yunche as his wife.
Due to her background as one of the ladies of the eight banners, she looked down on Ling Yunche and did not have a good relationship with him. Due to her jealousy, she collaborated with Eyinzhu to accuse him of having an affair with Ruyi and was exiled.
Yu Shaoqun Anji Bosang (安吉波桑) A senior monk.
He was framed by Jin Yuyan and was accused of having an affair with Ruyi.
Zhang Yuxi[33] Shui Linglong (水玲珑) A famous courtesan favored by Qianlong.
Li Guangjie Prince Yu (玉氐王爺) Prince of Joseon and later the King of Joseon. Jin Yuyan's first love.
Fang Xiaoli Madame Na (那夫人) Ruyi's mother.
Cai Wenyan Madame Fuca (富察夫人) Empress Fuca Langhua's mother.
Meng Xiu Madame Wei (卫夫人) Wei Yanwan's mother. A greedy and obnoxious woman.
She was thrown under the bus by Yanwan and took the blame of harming Ruyi's children, and was put to death.
Song Jiateng Zhaqi (扎齐) Hailan's nephew. A greedy and obnoxious man.
He was manipulated by Wei Yanwan to frame Hailan of harming Ruyi's children.
Xu Xiaoning Zuolu (佐禄) Wei Yanwan's younger brother.
Wu Rige Saisang Gendun (赛桑根敦) Ruler of Khorchin tribe. Eyinzhu's father.
Liu Jun Han Ati (寒阿提) Ruler of Han tribe. Han Xiangjian's father.
Wang Leifang Han Qi (寒企) Han Xiangjian's first love.
Liu Yupu Bai'erguosi (拜尔果斯) Kezhuzi's father.
Zhang Xiaolin Anduo (安多) Anji Bosang's disciple.
Huang Deyi Tian Jun (田俊) Nursemaid Tian's son, Hu Yunjiao's brother.
Fang Yuchen Yao'er (桃儿) Madame Wei's maid.

Production[]

Crew[]

The series is directed by Wang Jun,[49] produced by Huang Lan,[50] and written by the author of the original novel Liu Lianzi.[51] The series also employed William Chang and Tongxun Chen as their overall style director,[52] Han Zhong as art director and Peng Xuejun as cinematography director.[53]

Development[]

Wu Xuelan, also known as Liu Lianzi, started to write the original novel in 2011, and changed her work several times to achieve the best version in the next five years.[54]

New Classics Media picked up the series for a 90-episode season (later shortened to 87), and each episode cost approximately S$1.95 million, making it the most expensive television series in China.[55]

Casting[]

On January 14, 2016, it was announced that Zhou Xun will play the leading role of the Step Empress.[56] The role of Qianlong Emperor, the male lead, was announced to be portrayed by Wallace Huo on May 27.[57] On August 3, actors Janine Chang, Vivian Wu, Dong Jie, Tong Yao, Jing Chao, Xin Zhilei, Li Chun, Zeng Yixuan and Chen Haoyu were cast in major supporting roles for the drama.[58] Around 5,000 actors competed for roles in the drama.[citation needed]

Filming[]

Shooting began on 23 August 2016 and took place in various locations including Hengdian World Studios, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and Hangzhou.[59] The series wrapped up filming on May 5, 2017.[60]

Soundtrack[]

No.TitleLyricsMusicSingersLength
1."Double Shadow (双影)" (Theme song (Ending theme episode 47 onwards))Yi JiayangDing Wei & Jim LeeA-mei & Sandy Lam 
2."Incense & Fleeting Years (沉香流年)" (Opening theme song (episode 1-46))Yi MingYi Ming & Wang YaoguangLei Jia 
3."Like the Fragrance of Plum Blossoms We Once Knew (梅香如故)" (Ending theme song (episode 1-38, 40-46))Lv JingyeChen ShimeiMao Buyi & Zhou Shen 
4."Things stay the same, but people have changed (人非物是)" (Opening theme (episode 47 onwards)) Chen ShimeiAsia Philharmonic Orchestra 
5."Worries (心事)" (Ending theme song (episode 39 only))Lv JingyeYan QingDeng Tongtian 

Reception[]

The series received mixed responses from viewers.

Many felt underwhelmed by the unaggressive heroine, who was not able to face off the villain consorts even in the second half of the drama, thus making her character design flawed and unconvincing. The drama was also criticized for its anticlimactic story and depressive tone. Critics felt that it was ironic and unbelievable for the protagonist to pursue monogamy in a highly feudalistic context. The slow pacing in the first half of the drama was pointed out, with critics believing that the screenwriters neglected to write with compact story-telling to flesh out the characters.[61]

The series has also received criticism over the age of the leading performers, with viewers saying they made unconvincing teenagers, and criticized the series' producers for not using younger actors to portray the lovestruck teens. Viewers were also divided over the lack of dubbing for Zhou Xun's 15-year-old character, as they felt that her voice was "too raspy" and "mature" for a teenager.[62]

However, there were also praises for the drama. Zhang Hanyue, a writer and critic, said "The show becomes more and more heart-tugging as the story goes deeper." Many viewers agree that Ruyi bears many characteristics of a modern female. Vogue magazine commented that the drama actually recorded "the failure of a high-end girl" because what Ruyi had been pursuing was spiritual connections with her spouse; and such a pursuit represents the taste and ideal of the modern middle class.[citation needed] Critics agree that the drama introduces a new light to and narrative of palace dramas, deviating from the existing patterns of treacherous harem games.[63] The drama won acclaim for its exquisite props, lavish sets, and stellar cast.[64]

Censorship[]

On January 25, 2019 the Beijing Daily, an official government newspaper, criticized the program for failing to promote socialist values.[65] Four days later, on January 29, the Chinese government cancelled the program and similar programs such as Story of Yanxi Palace.[66] CNN and other media outlets quickly reported on this incident, calling it Chinese censorship.[67][68]

Ratings[]

hideDragon TV ratings[69]
Broadcast date Episode Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Rank (excluding CCTV) Rank (including CCTV)
2018.12.25 1-4 0.247 2.86 3 9
2018.12.26 5-8 0.306 3.42 1 4
2018.12.27 9-12 0.359 3.93 1 3
2018.12.28 13-16 0.291 3.20 2 6
2018.12.29 17-20 0.368 3.69 1 5
2018.12.30 21-24 0.455 3.79 1 3
2018.12.31 25-28 0.556 4.56 1 3
2019.1.1 29-32 0.557 4.36 1 3
2019.1.2 33-36 0.536 5.77 1 2
2019.1.3 37-40 0.467 5.22 1 2
2019.1.4 41-44 0.553 Not available 1 1
2019.1.5 45-48 0.550 1 1
2019.1.6 49-52 0.515 1 1
2019.1.7 53-56 0.551 5.99 1 2
2019.1.8 57-60 0.496 5.52 1 2
2019.1.9 61-64 0.500 5.29 1 3
2019.1.10 65-68 0.472 5.16 1 2
2019.1.11 69-72 0.482 5.05 1 2
2019.1.12 73-76 0.554 4.87 1 2
2019.1.13 77-80 0.611 5.38 1 1
2019.1.14 81-84 0.610 6.61 1 2
2019.1.15 85-87 0.623 6.29 1 1
Average ratings 0.485 4.79 - -
hideJiangsu TV ratings[69]
Broadcast date Episode Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Rank (excluding CCTV) Rank (including CCTV)
2018.12.25 1-4 0.181 2.115 4 11
2018.12.26 5-8 0.178 2.011 4 10
2018.12.27 9-12 0.171 1.884 5 12
2018.12.28 13-16 0.208 2.313 5 11
2018.12.29 17-20 0.200 Not available
2018.12.30 21-24 0.292 2.437 3 6
2018.12.31 25-28 0.295 2.431 3 6
2019.1.1 29-32 0.298 2.343 3 5
2019.1.2 33-36 0.231 2.354 4 9
2019.1.3 37-40 0.170 Not available
2019.1.4 41-44 0.186
2019.1.5 45-48 0.266
2019.1.6 49-52 0.223
2019.1.7 53-56 0.215 2.314 3 11
2019.1.8 57-60 0.215 2.315 3 11
2019.1.9 61-64 0.216 2.186 3 10
2019.1.10 65-68 0.181 1.948 5 11
2019.1.11 69-72 0.180 1.837 6 12
2019.1.12 73-76 0.189 1.728 4 11
2019.1.13 77-80 0.206 1.866 5 11
2019.1.14 81-84 0.208 2.221 3 9
2019.1.15 85-87 0.265 2.826 2 8
Average ratings 0.217 - - -

Awards and nominations[]

Award Category Nominated work Result Ref.
24th Huading Awards Best Director Wang Jun Nominated [70]
Best Actor Wallace Huo Nominated
12th Tencent Video Star Awards Best Web Drama Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace Won [71]
Golden Bud - The Third Network Film And Television Festival Top 10 Web Drama Won [72]
Influence of Recreational Responsibilities Awards Web Drama of the Year Won [73]
2nd Asian Academy Creative Awards Best Leading Actress Zhou Xun Won [74]

International broadcast[]

On 10 June 2016, Fox Networks Group Asia (FNG) and Turner Broadcasting System Asia acquired global rights outside mainland China to the series.[75] It was the first epic period drama secured by FNG for markets outside China, and was carried by STAR Chinese Channel (SCC), the flagship Chinese general entertainment channel, starting 20 August 2018 in selected countries, rerun on August 6, 2019, in all countries for return a year.[76]

From 27 November 2018, it aired on Fox Taiwan. From 27 December 2018, it aired on Talentvision Canada. To date it has debuted in 18 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Philippines.[77]

Region Network Dates Notes
 United States Fox Networks Group 20 August 2018 Dubbed with English
 Hong Kong and Southeast Asia Countries Star Chinese Channel 20 August - 18 December 2018 Rerun on 6 August 2019 at 15:00 and next day 01:00 in all countries
 Hong Kong TVB Jade February 4, 2019 -March 19, 2019 Monday to Saturday: 120 minutes, Sunday: 60 minutes
myTV SUPER August 20, 2018 – October 15, 2018
Vietnam Vietnam HTV7 1 September 2018 Airs Monday to Saturday at 13:00

Dubbed with Vietnamese

H1 - Hanoi Radio Television 26 March – 20 June 2019 Airs every day at 13:00

Original Language with Vietnamese voiceover

Vie DRAMAS 23 March – 17 June 2019 Airs every day at 19:00

Dubbed with Vietnamese

 Taiwan Fox Taiwan 27 November 2018 Original Language
iQIYI Taiwan August 20, 2018 – October 15, 2018 Original Language
 Canada Talentvision Canada 27 December 2018 Dubbed with English or Chinese
 Japan WOWOW TV 29 May 2019
 Malaysia Shuang Xing August 20, 2018 – November 14, 2018 Original Language

References[]

  1. ^ "'Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace' starts shooting". Shanghai Daily. August 23, 2016.
  2. ^ "New stills of 'Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace' released". China Daily. May 3, 2017.
  3. ^ "Star-studded TV Drama Gears Up for Small Screen". Women of China. May 5, 2017.
  4. ^ "《如懿传》8月20日腾讯视频全网独播 周一至周四每天两集". Tencent (in Chinese). August 16, 2018.
  5. ^ "New costume drama generating buzz". China Daily. August 17, 2018.
  6. ^ "TV series on royal romances hits screen". China Daily. August 21, 2018.
  7. ^ "《如懿传》今天宣布网路点击破150亿". Sina (in Chinese). October 20, 2018.
  8. ^ "《如懿传》一波三折终定档！25日将登陆两大卫视". Sina (in Chinese). December 22, 2018.
  9. ^ "《如懿传》张钧甯入主后宫首演清宫戏". Sina (in Chinese). August 5, 2016.
  10. ^ "《如懿传》曝张钧甯朝服海报 气质温婉尽显恬静秀丽". Sina (in Chinese). November 2, 2017.
  11. ^ "董洁《如懿传》剧照曝光 演绎不一样的孝贤纯皇后". Sina (in Chinese). March 3, 2017.
  12. ^ "《如懿传》曝朝服海报 辛芷蕾美艳霸气表演传神". Sina (in Chinese). November 2, 2017.
  13. ^ "《如懿传》朝服海报曝光 童瑶双眸似水端庄大气". Sina (in Chinese). November 1, 2017.
  14. ^ "《如懿传》发布皇家威仪海报 李纯演绎最戏剧性反派". Tencent (in Chinese). October 30, 2017.
  15. ^ She was renamed as 卫嬿婉/炩妃 in the subtitles in China, to avoid historical disputes. Her original name is 魏嬿婉/令妃 in the novel and the Taiwan version.
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