Empresses in the Palace
| Empresses in the Palace | |
|---|---|
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| Also known as | The Legend of Zhen Huan |
| Traditional Chinese | 後宮·甄嬛傳 |
| Simplified Chinese | 后宫·甄嬛传 |
| Hanyu Pinyin | Hòugōng Zhēn Huán Zhuán |
| Genre | Historical fiction |
| Based on | Hougong Zhen Huan Zhuan by Liu Lianzi |
| Written by | Liu Lianzi Wang Xiaoping |
| Directed by | Zheng Xiaolong |
| Starring |
|
| Country of origin | China |
| Original language | Mandarin |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 76 |
| Production | |
| Running time | 45 minutes |
| Production company | Beijing TV Art Center |
| Original release | |
| Network |
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| Related | |
| Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace (2018) | |
Empresses in the Palace (simplified Chinese: 后宫·甄嬛传; traditional Chinese: 後宮·甄嬛傳; pinyin: Hòugōng Zhēn Huán Zhuán; lit. 'Inner Palace: The Legend of Zhen Huan') is a 2011 Chinese television series based on the novel of the same name by Liu Lianzi. Directed by Zheng Xiaolong, it stars Sun Li in the title role.
Premise[edit]
In the later years of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, then-Fourth Prince Yinzhen and his eight brothers are embroiled in a bitter power struggle for the Qing throne. With the help of powerful allies, Yinzhen becomes the Yongzheng Emperor and the brothers who fought against him are either killed or imprisoned.
Despite becoming emperor, Yinzhen grows increasingly paranoid of being usurped and vows to not follow his father's footsteps.
Prior to his ascension, he was deeply in love with his first wife, Empress Chunyuan, who tragically passed away; her younger sister became his second wife. The sisters are Yinzhen's maternal kinswomen as his mother, Empress Dowager Renshou, is also a member of the Ula-Nara clan.
Plot[edit]
Six months after his ascension to the throne, Empress Dowager Renshou organizes a selection to bring newer members into the Imperial Harem of the Yongzheng Emperor. Despite not wanting to be selected, the titular Zhen Huan is forced to join the selection and ends up being chosen due to her resemblance to the late Empress Chunyuan. She joins the Imperial Harem alongside her childhood friend Shen Meizhuang, and the low-born An Lingrong.
Zhen Huan attempts to avoid the Imperial Harem's politics but ultimately falls in love with the Emperor, resulting in various schemes against her and Shen Meizhuang as retaliation. Due to some misunderstandings and her own sensitive and suspicious personality, as well as out of jealousy toward Zhen Huan, An Lingrong also begins plotting against the former and works alongside higher-ranking imperial consorts, notably the Empress, Ula-Nara Yixiu.
While avoiding the pitfalls of such schemes, Zhen Huan befriends the neglected Fourth Prince Hongli, promising to care for him when she can. She also learns the reason behind the Emperor's favor toward her, and the disillusionment ultimately leads her to become a nun at Ganlu Temple. There, her relationship with Prince Guo secretly blossoms and the two become intimate with each other.
Despite the two planning to elope, Prince Guo is sent away to Tibet by the Emperor and presumed to be dead. Now seeking both revenge and protection, Zhen Huan convinces the Emperor to bring her back into the Imperial Harem. She takes on a new identity as Consort Xi, or Niohuru Zhenhuan, Hongli's biological mother who had supposedly spent years away from the palace praying at Ganlu Temple, and she formally adopts Hongli. With her new status, Zhenhuan gains more allies.
Prince Guo is revealed to be alive, but he and Zhenhuan have to cease their relationship now that she has returned to the Imperial Harem. Despite doing what she can to remain favored by the Emperor and distance herself from Prince Guo, the Emperor's suspicion towards their relationship escalates as time passes and Zhenhuan is ordered to kill Prince Guo but the latter commits suicide instead.
The Empress begins to lose favor as her schemes against Zhenhuan backfire and she ultimately confesses to her role in her sister's death and several other crimes. The Emperor attempts to depose her as punishment, but the will of the Empress Dowager, who wishes to maintain the influence of the Ula-Nara clan, forbids him from doing so; he unwillingly puts the Empress under house arrest instead.
The Emperor is slowly poisoned by Zhenhuan and she meets with him one final time to narrate the infidelities of some of his concubines, before announcing his death.
Hongli becomes the Qianlong Emperor and Zhenhuan is granted the coveted title of empress dowager. Although the Empress should have also become an empress dowager upon the Yongzheng Emperor's death, a loophole in the previous Empress Dowager's will forces her to remain empress indefinitely instead.
Zhenhuan spends the rest of her life serving as the sole empress dowager: planning the next selection for the Imperial Harem, advising the Qianlong Emperor on state matters, and warning his imperial consorts about the consequences of harming each other.
Cast[edit]
Main[edit]
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Li | Zhen Huan (甄嬛), later Niohuru Zhenhuan (钮祜禄·甄嬛) | Lady Zhen → First Class Attendant Wan → Noble Lady Wan → Concubine Wan → Nun → Consort Xi → Noble Consort Xi → Empress Dowager Chongqing
The titular protagonist who becomes a favored imperial consort. She is very clever, socially skilled and well-educated, and has a keen eye for strategy. |
| Chen Jianbin | Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen (愛新覺羅·胤禛) | Yongzheng Emperor → Emperor Shizong
The emperor of the Qing dynasty who is still deeply in love with his first wife, Empress Chunyuan despite favoring various imperial consorts throughout the series. He is suspicious of his women due to paranoia against the Imperial Court. |
| Ada Choi | Ula-Nara Yixiu (乌拉那拉·宜修) | Empress → Mistress of Jingren Palace
Initially appearing to rule the Imperial Harem as a benevolent empress, her true nature is shown over time as she removes anyone favored by the Emperor who is deemed a threat to her plans. She is Empress Chunyuan's younger half-sister and the adoptive mother of the Third Prince, Hongshi. |
Supporting[edit]
Imperial Harem[edit]
Ranking System: Lady-in-waiting → Second Class Attendant → First Class Attendant → Noble Lady Concubine → Consort → Noble Consort → Imperial Noble Consort → Empress
In the series, it is considered a huge honor to be bestowed a title rather than using one's own surname for one's rank.
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Jiang Xin | Nian Shilan (年世兰) | Yongzheng Emperor's favourite consort before Zhen Huan enters the palace and her main nemesis in the first half of the series. Due to her family's status in the Imperial Court, she is arrogant and gets away with acting imprudently. She despises anyone who seem to have Yongzheng Emperor's favor or attention. She is the younger sister of Nian Gengyao.
Ranks: Lady Nian (年氏) → Secondary Consort to Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王侧福晋) → Consort Hua (华妃) → Concubine Nian (年嫔) (Cancelled before being officially canonized）Noble Consort Hua (华贵妃) → Consort Nian (年妃) → Consort Hua (华妃) → Second Attendant Nian (年答应) → Noble Consort Dunsu (敦肃贵妃) (posthumously) → Imperial Noble Consort Dunsu (敦肃皇贵妃) (posthumously) |
| Lan Xi | Shen Meizhuang (沈眉庄) | Zhen Huan's childhood friend and ally in the palace.For many years, the emotions towards Zhen Huan have remained consistent, and the two are close friends and allies. During this period, due to the emperor's indifference and favoritism, she lost her sincerity towards the emperor and devoted herself to serving the empress dowager..She ultimately falls in love with Doctor Wen and has a daughter with him before dying from childbirth.
Ranks: Lady Shen (沈氏) → Noble Lady Shen (沈贵人) → Noble Lady Hui (惠贵人) → Second Attendant Shen (沈答应) → Noble Lady Hui (惠贵人) → Concubine Hui (惠嫔) → Consort Hui (惠妃) → Noble Consort Hui (惠贵妃) (posthumously) |
| Tao Xinran | An Lingrong (安陵容) | A friend turned foe to Zhen Huan and Meizhuang. Pressured by her family to have Yongzheng Emperor's favor and manipulated by the Imperial Harem to do their bidding at the cost of her fertility, she grows jealous of Zhen Huan's favor and tries to scheme against her. She ultimately confesses to her of Empress Yixiu's evils before committing suicide.
Ranks: Lady An (安氏) → Second Attendant An (安答应) → First Attendant An (安常在) → Noble Lady An (安贵人) → Concubine An (安嫔) → Consort Li (鹂妃) |
| Li Yijuan | Qi Yuebin (齐月宾) | A highly ranked concubine unfavoured by the Emperor. Befriends and helps Zhen Huan numerous times. She is one of the two Dowager members that survive with Zhen Huan after Yongzheng Emperor's death. Adoptive mother of Princess Wenyi.
Ranks: Lady Qi (齐氏) → Secondary Consort to Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王侧福晋) → Consort Duan (端妃) → Imperial Noble Consort (皇贵妃) → Dowager Imperial Noble Consort (皇贵太妃) |
| Yang Fanghan | Feng Ruozhao (冯若昭) | A highly ranked concubine unfavoured by the Emperor. Sides with Zhen Huan numerous times and later adopts her eldest daughter, Princess Longyue, when Zhen Huan becomes a nun. She is one of the two Dowager members that survive with Zhen Huan after Yongzheng Emperor's death.
Ranks: Lady Feng (冯氏) → Mistress to Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王庶福晋) → Concubine Jing (敬嫔) → Consort Jing (敬妃) → Noble Consort Jing (敬贵妃) → Dowager Noble Consort Jing (敬贵太妃) |
| Zhang Yameng | Li Wanting (李婉婷) | A highly ranked concubine that has been unfavoured by the Emperor. She sides with the Empress Yixiu and is the biological mother of the Third Prince, Hongshi. hangs herself to death after poisoning Ye Lanyi and being threatened by the empress
Ranks: Lady Li (李氏) → Mistress to Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王庶福晋) → Secondary Consort of Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王侧福晋) → Consort Qi (齐妃) |
| Chen Sisi | Cao Qinmo (曹琴默) | An unscrupulous low-ranking concubine. Initially sides with Nian Shilan, but betrays her with Zhen Huan's support, leading to Consort Hua's downfall. Poisoned to death under the Emperor's orders.
Ranks: Lady Cao (曹氏) → Noble Lady Cao (曹贵人) → Concubine Xiang (襄嫔) |
| Tan Songyun | Fang Chunyi (方淳意) | The youngest concubine to join the harem at the start of the series and is friendly with Zhen Huan. She was killed under Nian Shilan's orders after stumbling upon a corruption scandal.
Ranks: Lady Fang (方氏) → First Attendant Chun (淳常在) → Noble Lady Chun (淳贵人) (posthumously) |
| Cui Manli | Yu Ying'er (余莺儿) | Initially a maid in Imperial Garden, she witnessed first encounter between Yongzheng Emperor and Zhen Huan. She enters the Imperial Harem by pretending to be Zhen Huan during that encounter. She is later sentenced to death after attempting to poison her.
Ranks: Palace maid (宫女) → Chosen maid Yu (余官女子) → Second Attendant Yu (余答应) → Commoner (庶人) |
| Liu Yitong | Qiao Songzhi (乔颂芝) | Consort Hua's loyal maid who joins the Imperial Harem to consolidate the former's failing power in the middle of the series.
Ranks: Personal Maid to Nian Shilan (侍女) → Palace Maid (宫女) → Second Attendant Zhi (芝答应) → Palace maid (宫女) |
| Tang Yixin | Gūwalgiya Wenyuan (瓜尔佳•文鸳) | Initially friendly with Zhen Huan, she later sabotages the Zhen family under Empress Yixiu's orders. She later tries to incriminate Zhen Huan for having an affair with Doctor Wen and is deposed as punishment, later trampled to death by the eunuchs.
Ranks: Lady Gūwalgiya (瓜尔佳氏) → Noble Lady Qi (祺贵人) → Concubine Qi (祺嫔) → Noble Lady Qi (祺贵人) → Commoner (庶人) |
| Rayzha | Ye Lanyi (叶澜依) | A horse trainer who is forced to join the Imperial Harem after gaining Yongzheng Emperor's attention. In love with Prince Guo, she initially mistrusts Zhen Huan but decides to protect her after learning the truth of their relationship. She helps poison Yongzheng Emperor to death and commits suicide soon after.
Ranks: Lady Ye (叶氏) → Second Attendant Ye (叶答应) → Noble Lady Ning (宁贵人) → Concubine Ning (宁嫔) |
| Wan Meixi | Lü Yingfeng (吕盈风) | Initially a concubine who stays away from the conflicts, she pledges her loyalty to Zhen Huan after her return to the Imperial Harem. She helps to expose the corruption of Lingrong's father, leading to the latter's downfall.
Ranks: Lady Lü (吕氏) → Mistress to Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王庶福晋) → First Attendant Xin (欣常在) → Noble Lady Xin (欣贵人) → Concubine Xin (欣嫔) → Dowager Concubine Xin (欣太嫔) |
| Ying Er | Xia Dongchun (夏冬春) | An obnoxious concubine who picks on Lingrong and offends Consort Hua with her brazen ways. Paralyzed after being punished by Nian early in the series.
Ranks: Lady Xia (夏氏) → First Attendant Xia (夏常在) |
| Zhao Qin | Fuca Yixin (富察•仪欣) | A concubine who is close to Li Wanting. After her miscarriage, she picks on Lingrong and insults Zhen Huan during their loss in favour. Zhen Huan scares her to insanity after regaining favor with the Emperor. She stayed in the palace and was not thrown into the cold palace.
Ranks: Lady Fuca (富察氏) → Noble Lady Fuca (富察贵人) |
| Li Jiaxuan | Fei Yunyan (费云烟) | A straight-talking concubine close to Nian Shilan and used by Cao Qinmo in the plot to abet Yu Ying'er to poison Zhen Huan. Becomes a scapegoat to the poisoning plot and after being frightened to insanity due to her fear of ghosts upon the death of Yu Ying'er, was sent to the Cold Palace.
Ranks: Lady Fei (费氏) → Mistress to Prince Yong of the First Rank (雍亲王庶福晋) → Concubine Li (丽嫔) |
| Mao Xiaotong | Caiping (采萍) | Initially a maid at Prince Guo's Manor, she is selected by Huanbi as a tribute to the Emperor due to her beauty. Unintentionally gaining the affection of Prince Hongshi she is sentenced to death by Yongzheng Emperor.
Ranks: Maid at Prince Guo's Manor (侍女) → Second Attendant Ying (瑛答应) → First Attendant Ying (瑛常在) → Noble Lady Ying (瑛贵人) |
| He Yanan | First Attendant Kang (康常在) | Ranks: First Attendant Kang (康常在) |
| Guo Xuan | Concubine Zhen (贞嫔) | Ranks: Concubine Zhen (贞嫔) |
Imperial Family[edit]
| Played by | Role | Key storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Leanne Liu | Uya Chengbi (烏雅·成壁) | Empress Dowager Renshou → Empress Xiaogongren
The Yongzheng Emperor's mother. She protects the Empress throughout the series in order to maintain the power of the Ula-Nara clan, and it is also suggested that she favours her younger son, Yunti, over the Emperor. |
| Liu Yan | Yuan Yanran (阮嫣然) | Dowager Consort Shu → Master Chongjing
Prince Guo's biological mother. She was the favored imperial consort of the Kangxi Emperor and became a nun after his death. |
| Li Dongxue | Aisin-Gioro Yunli (愛新覺羅·允禮) | Prince Guo of the Second Rank → Prince Guo of the First Rank → Prince Guoyi of the First Rank
The Yongzheng Emperor's favored younger half-brother. A free-spirited prince who did not participate in the power struggle for the throne and only indulges only in literature, playing the flute and horse riding. He becomes hopelessly in love with Zhen Huan. |
| Lan Yingying | Huanbi (浣碧), later Niohuru Yuyin (钮钴禄·玉隐) | Maid to Lady Zhen → Maid to First Class Attendant Wan → Maid to Noble Lady Wan → Maid to Concubine Wan → Nun → Maid to Consort Xi → Maid to Noble Consort Xi → Lady Niohuru → Secondary Consort to Prince Guo of the First Rank → Primary Consort to Prince Guoyi of the First Rank
Zhen Huan's dowry maid and illegitimate half-sister. She later falls in love with Prince Guo and becomes his secondary consort. |
| Yang Qi | Meng Jingxian (孟静娴) | Lady Meng → Secondary Consort to Prince Guo of the First Rank
Duke Pei's daughter. She is in love with Prince Guo and becomes his secondary consort. |
| Duan Shaonan | Aisin-Gioro Yuanche (愛新覺羅·元澈) | Eldest son of Prince Guo of the First Rank → Heir of Prince Shen of the Second Rank
Prince Guo's son by Meng Jingxian. He is later adopted by Yurao and Prince Shen. |
| Wang Min | Aisin-Gioro Yunki (愛新覺羅·允祺) | Prince Heng of the First Rank
The Yongzheng Emperor's younger half-brother. |
| Tan Limin | Lady Tatara (他他拉氏) | Primary Consort of Prince Heng of the First Rank |
| Tian Xiping | Aisin-Gioro Yun'e (愛新覺羅·允䄉) | Prince Dun of the First Rank
The Yongzheng Emperor's younger half-brother. |
| Tian Pujun | Lady Borjigin (孛兒只斤氏) | Primary Consort of Prince Dun of the First Rank |
| Kang Fuzhen | Aisin-Gioro Yunxi (愛新覺羅·允禧) | Prince Shen of the Third Rank → Prince Shen of the Second Rank
The Yongzheng Emperor's younger half-brother. He marries Yurao, Zhen Huan's youngest sister. |
| Xu Lu | Zhen Yurao (甄玉娆), later Niohuru Yurao (钮钴禄·玉娆) | Lady Zhen → Lady Niohuru → Primary Consort of Prince Shen of the Second Rank
Zhen Huan's youngest sister. Despite catching the attention of the Yongzheng Emperor, she falls in love with and marries Prince Shen. |
| Wu Lipeng | Aisin-Gioro Hongshi (愛新覺羅·弘时) | Third Prince
Consort Qi's son. He is later adopted by the Empress. Despite being the eldest surviving imperial prince as well as being a legitimate son, he is not favored by his father due to his lack of intelligence and awareness. |
| Wang Wenjie | Aisin-Gioro Hongli (愛新覺羅·弘历) | Fourth Prince → Prince Bao of the First Rank → Qianlong Emperor
Originally neglected as a result of being born to a palace maid from the Imperial Gardens, he is later adopted by Zhen Huan and registered as her biological son. He devotes himself to studying and ultimately impresses his father. |
| Yuan Yi | Lady Fuca (富察氏) | Lady Fuca → Primary Consort of Prince Bao of the First Rank → Empress
Hongli's primary consort. She is chosen by Zhen Huan. |
| Zhang Yan | Ula-Nara Qingying (乌拉那拉·青樱) | Lady Ula-Nara → Secondary Consort of Prince Bao of the First Rank → Consort Xian
The Empress' niece. Originally a candidate for Hongshi's consort selection, she is rejected due to being rude toward Longyue. Out of anger, the Empress bestows her as a secondary consort to Hongli. |
| Duan Shaonan | Aisin-Gioro Hongyan (愛新覺羅·弘曕) | Sixth Prince → Heir of Prince Guo of the First Rank
Zhen Huan's son by Prince Guo. He is Lingxi's twin brother. |
| Yao Wan'er | Aisin-Gioro Wenyi (愛新覺羅·温宜) | Noble Lady Cao's daughter. She is later adopted by Consort Duan. |
| Yang Xinyi | Aisin-Gioro Longyue (愛新覺羅·胧月) | Zhen Huan's eldest daughter. She is adopted by Consort Jing. |
| Ding Xiaomei | Aisin-Gioro Lingxi (愛新覺羅·灵犀) | Zhen Huan's daughter by Prince Guo. She is Hongyan's twin sister. |
| Zhang Zhixiang | Aisin-Gioro Jinghe (愛新覺羅·静和) | Shen Meizhuang's daughter by Wen Shichu. She is adopted by Zhen Huan. |
Imperial Court[edit]
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Wang Biao | Zhang Tingyu (张廷玉) | A minister proven to be loyal only to the Yongzheng Emperor. |
| Zhang Yi | Tunggiya Longkodo (佟佳·隆科多) | A minister who greatly helped the Yongzheng Emperor in the fight for the throne. |
| Shen Baoping | Zhen Yuandao (甄远道), later Niohuru Yuandao (钮钴禄·远道) | Zhen Huan's father. |
| Li Dan | Yun Xinluo (云辛萝) | Zhen Huan's mother. |
| Ma Weifu | Gūwalgiya Emin (瓜尔佳·厄敏) | Concubine Qi's father. |
| Sun Ning | Nian Gengyao (年羹尧) | Consort Hua's elder brother and the Yongzheng Emperor's leading general. |
| Li Hongrui | Moge (莫格) | Khan of the Dzungar Khanate. |
| Xing Hanqing | Ji Weisheng (季惟生) | Assistant director of the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy. |
| Liu Boting | A'jin (阿晋) | Prince Guo's personal attendant. |
| Sun Boyang | Xia Yi (夏刈) | Head of the Yongzheng Emperor's personal group of assassins. |
Servants[edit]
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Tian-chu | Su Peisheng (苏培盛) | The Yongzheng Emperor's head eunuch since the latter's youth. He eventually marries Jinxi. |
| Li Lubing | Xiao Xiazi (小厦子) | The Yongzheng Emperor's eunuch and Su Peisheng's disciple. |
| Sun Qian | Cui Jinxi (崔槿汐) | Zhen Huan's fiercely loyal senior maid. She ultimately falls in love with Su Peisheng and becomes his wife. |
| Zhan Jingyi | Liuzhu (流朱) | Zhen Huan's dowry maid. |
| Luo Kang | Xiao Yunzi (小允子) | Zhen Huan's head eunuch. |
| Zhai Beibei | Pei'er (佩儿) | Zhen Huan's maid who later serves Concubine Xin, but remains loyal to her former mistress. |
| Zhao Hailong | Kang Luhai (康禄海) | Zhen Huan's head eunuch to Concubine Li's service. |
| Guo Zihao | Xiao Yinzi (小印子) | Zhen Huan's eunuch who moves to Concubine Li's service. |
| He Mengting | Huasui (花穗) | Originally in the service of Yu Ying'er, she later becomes Zhen Huan's maid. |
| Li Qun | Bin'er (玢儿) | A maid at Zhen Mansion, and later at Gūwalgiya Mansion. |
| Cheng Nan | Feiwen (斐雯) | Zhen Huan's maid. |
| Li Yang | Xu Jinliang (徐进良) | The eunuch who manages the Yongzheng Emperor's sleeping arrangements. |
| Du Xiang | Huang Guiquan (黄规全) | The first director of the Imperial Household Department who is distantly related to Consort Hua. |
| Zhang Zhiwei | Jiang Zhongmin (江忠敏) | The second director of the Imperial Household Department. |
| Quan Baojun | Head Eunuch Gou (苟总管) | The third director of the Imperial Household Department. |
| Zhang Zhiwei | Liang Duorui (梁多瑞) | The fourth director of the Imperial Household Department. |
| Liang Yixin | Baojuan (宝鹃) | An Lingrong's senior maid. |
| Hu Xinhui | Baoque (宝鹊) | An Lingrong's maid. |
| Li Mengyang | Juqing (菊青) | Originally a maid in the service of Zhen Huan, she is later sent to An Lingrong. |
| Xu Lei | Xiao Guizi (小贵子) | An eunuch working for An Lingrong. |
| Liu Yin | Jixiang (吉祥) | Consort Duan's senior maid. |
| Han Yuting | Cuiguo (翠果) | Consort Qi's maid. |
| Tian Shumei | Sun Zhuxi (孙竹息) | The Empress Dowager's senior maid. |
| Yang Jingfang | Fangruo (芳若) | Originally a maid in the service of the Yongzheng Emperor, she later moves to the Empress Dowager. She is also the guidance maid to Zhen Huan and An Lingrong upon their selection as imperial consorts. |
| Yang Kaichun | Jianqiu (剪秋) | The Empress' trusted senior maid. |
| Li Yingya | Huichun (绘春) | The Empress' maid. |
| Liu Yang | Jiang Fuhai (江福海) | The Empress' head eunuch. |
| Wang Yiming | Zhou Ninghai (周宁海) | Consort Hua's capable head eunuch who helps her in many schemes. |
| Wang Xiaoming | Suxi (肃喜) | An eunuch working for Consort Hua. |
| Sun Fei | Fuzi (福子) | A palace maid sent to spy on Consort Hua by the Empress. |
Imperial Physicians[edit]
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Zhang Xiaolong | Wen Shichu (温实初)[a] | Zhen Huan's childhood friend and most trusted imperial physician. |
| Qin Yiming | Wei Lin (卫临) | Wen Shichu's disciple and the subsequent head imperial physician. |
| Huang Ningsheng | Zhang Mi (章弥) | An imperial physician who supervises Zhen Huan's first pregnancy. |
| Du Xiaotao | Jiang Cheng (江诚) | Brother of Jiang Shen. He works for Consort Hua. |
| Yang Xiaobo | Jiang Shen (江慎) | Brother of Jiang Cheng. He works for Consort Hua. |
| Guo Chen | Liu Ben (刘畚) | An imperial physician who is ordered by Consort Hua and Noble Lady Cao to win Shen Meizhuang's trust during their stay at the Imperial Gardens. |
Ganlu Temple[edit]
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Hai Yan | Jing'an (静岸) | Head Nun of Ganlu Temple, she is soft-hearted and often manipulated by Jingbai. |
| Zhao Qianzi | Jingbai (静白) | Only second to the Head Nun, she uses her authority to abuse and humiliate Zhen Huan during her stay at Ganlu Temple. |
| Wang Lihan | Moyan (莫言) | A straightforward nun who often berates but helps Zhen Huan and defies Jingbai's orders. |
Special appearance[edit]
| Played by | Role | Introduction |
|---|---|---|
| Liu Lianzi | Liu Lianzi (刘莲子) | One of the candidates of the Imperial Selection in the first episode.
The character served as a cameo for the original author. Most of the scenes outlining her character profile were deleted from the final cut, but were shown during the author's own wedding. |
Soundtrack[edit]
| No. | Title | Music | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Plight of a Beauty (红颜劫)" | Yao Beina | |
| 2. | "Bodhisattva (菩萨蛮)" (Male version sung by Liu Huan) | Yao Beina | |
| 3. | "Flying Phoenix (凤凰于飞)" | Liu Huan | |
| 4. | "Picking Lotus (采莲)" | Yao Beina | |
| 5. | "Golden Silk Blouse (金缕衣)" | Yao Beina | |
| 6. | "Jinghong Dance (惊鸿舞)" | Yao Beina |
Production[edit]
- Publisher: Zheng Xiaolong, Zhong Yi, Dun Yong, Li Ruigang
- Producer: Cao Ping, Dun Qi, Xu Xiaoou
- Supervisor: Liu Zhiyuan, Wang Xiaodong, Zhang Suzhou, Chen Liang, Tang Rang, Zhang Ping, Li Junming, Zhang Ping, Zhao Hongmei, Chen Yaping
- Director: Zheng Xiaolong
- Assistant director: Dong Xiaoyun, Liu Le, Zheng Hanqing
- Screenwriter: Liu Lianzi, Wang Xiaoping
- Photographer: Li Zhiqiang, Li Qiang, Yu Fei, Zhang Yuanshou, Feng Yucheng, Wang Lindong, Zhao Hao, He Lichun, Chen Jianwei, Wei Liangliang, Li Meng, Yang Jinbo
- Music: Liu Huan, Meng Ke, Ding Ji, Zhao Liang, Song Lei, Wang Songyang, Wan Xiaoyuan, Li Wei, Sui Jing, Asian Philharmonic Orchestra, Huang Lijie
- Editor: Jin Ye, Jiang Jimei, cao translation
- Props: Wang Yue, Liu Yuanfei, Wang Guiqing, Wang Shili, Gao Guiyong, Liu Jiye, Zhang Yanlong, Fang Jie, LiBiao, Cao Yongli, Wang Yanhua, Su Huizhi, Gao Yashi, Gao Xian, Lv Qiang, Zhang Fengjun
- Casting: Li Yang
- Voice acting: Liao Jing, Zhang Wei
- Art: Chen Haozhong, Luan Hexin, Wang Yongkang, Yang Kun
- Modeling: Chen Minzheng, Li Yuanyuan, Wang Yingkai, Kou Hainan, Yang Jia, Sun Yue, Guo Yang, Min Cong, Zhang Rongbin, Qin Yiping, Wen Lulu, Xing Lu
- Wardrobe: Chen Tongxun, Shi Dongling, Ji Doni, Zhu Yuxiang, Tang Biyun, Liu Xiaohu, Chen Guanglin, Guo Sheng, Shi Jianmin
- Visual effects: Beijing Huacai Shengtang Mathematics Technology Co., LTD
- Lighting: Li Tianlei, Zhang Xin'an, Zhang Cun, Wang Zhonghai, Xu Wanfei, Zhang Feng, Lin Shucong, Wu Tianzhao, Zhang Yunling, Meng Xudong, Chen Guofu, Xu Bing, Zhang Jiayu
- Recording: An Wei, Liu Xinghe, Lin Xin
- Script supervisor: Guo Guanhua, Yu Feng
- Issuing: Cheng Ting[1]
Impact[edit]
Chinese traditional arts
According to the Overseas Chinese Language and Culture Education Online website, the "Filigree Inlaid Metal Art" (花丝镶嵌), an accessory craft skill that can be traced back to the Spring and Autumn Period became a phenomenon due to being featured in the series.[2]
Donkey medicine
A traditional remedy derived from donkey-hide gelatin had its profile increased through product placement in the show.[3]
Ratings[edit]
| Broadcast date | Episode | CSM42 City Anhui Television ratings | CSM42 City Dragon Television ratings | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ratings | Audience share | Rank | Ratings | Audience share | Rank | ||
| March 26, 2012 | 1–2 | 0.813 | 2.17 | 3 | 0.601 | 1.61 | 8 |
| March 27, 2012 | 3–4 | 0.959 | 2.57 | 3 | 0.677 | 1.82 | 5 |
| March 28, 2012 | 5–6 | 0.854 | 2.22 | 3 | 0.727 | 1.88 | 6 |
| March 29, 2012 | 7–8 | 1.058 | 2.75 | 3 | 0.844 | 2.19 | 5 |
| March 30, 2012 | 9–10 | 1.087 | 2.72 | 3 | 0.930 | 2.32 | 4 |
| March 31, 2012 | 11–12 | 1.005 | 2.67 | 3 | 0.894 | 2.37 | 4 |
| April 1, 2012 | 13–14 | 1.080 | 2.85 | 3 | 0.910 | 2.41 | 4 |
| April 2, 2012 | 15–16 | 1.097 | 2.98 | 2 | 1.018 | 2.77 | 4 |
| April 3, 2012 | 17–18 | 1.008 | 2.76 | 3 | 1.036 | 2.86 | 2 |
| April 4, 2012 | 19–20 | 1.110 | 2.91 | 2 | 1.050 | 2.75 | 3 |
| April 5, 2012 | 21–22 | 1.105 | 2.95 | 2 | 1.081 | 2.88 | 3 |
| April 6, 2012 | 23–24 | 1.090 | 2.83 | 2 | 1.009 | 2.63 | 3 |
| April 7, 2012 | 25–26 | 1.281 | 3.30 | 1 | 1.035 | 2.67 | 4 |
| April 8, 2012 | 27–28 | 1.147 | 2.90 | 3 | 1.233 | 3.12 | 2 |
| April 9, 2012 | 29–30 | 1.332 | 3.46 | 2 | 1.315 | 3.42 | 3 |
| April 10, 2012 | 31-32 | 1.309 | 3.49 | 1 | 1.174 | 3.12 | 2 |
| April 11, 2012 | 32–34 | 1.428 | 3.76 | 1 | 1.296 | 3.41 | 2 |
| April 12, 2012 | 35–36 | 1.407 | 3.68 | 1 | 1.272 | 3.32 | 2 |
| April 13, 2012 | 37–38 | 1.377 | 3.66 | 1 | 1.262 | 3.36 | 2 |
| April 14, 2012 | 39–40 | 1.411 | 3.73 | 1 | 1.189 | 3.18 | 2 |
| April 15, 2012 | 41–42 | 1.330 | 3.32 | 1 | 0.897 | 2.29 | 4 |
| April 16, 2012 | 43–44 | 1.422 | 3.80 | 1 | 1.294 | 3.45 | 2 |
| April 17, 2012 | 45–46 | 1.519 | 4.06 | 1 | 1.410 | 3.78 | 2 |
| April 18, 2012 | 47–48 | 1.571 | 4.02 | 1 | 1.416 | 3.76 | 2 |
| April 19, 2012 | 49–50 | 1.625 | 4.28 | 1 | 1.513 | 3.99 | 2 |
| April 20, 2012 | 51–52 | 1.567 | 4.03 | 1 | 1.552 | 4.00 | 2 |
| April 21, 2012 | 53–54 | 1.652 | 4.43 | 1 | 1.570 | 4.23 | 2 |
| April 22, 2012 | 55–56 | 1.562 | 4.16 | 1 | 1.512 | 4.00 | 2 |
| April 23, 2012 | 57–58 | 1.687 | 4.23 | 1 | 1.444 | 3.82 | 2 |
| April 24, 2012 | 59–60 | 1.760 | 4.54 | 1 | 1.618 | 4.18 | 2 |
| April 25, 2012 | 61–62 | 1.753 | 4.68 | 1 | 1.609 | 4.30 | 2 |
| April 26, 2012 | 63–64 | 1.954 | 5.37 | 1 | 1.570 | 4.37 | 2 |
| April 27, 2012 | 65–66 | 1.720 | 4.59 | 1 | 1.670 | 4.47 | 2 |
| April 28, 2012 | 67–68 | 1.806 | 4.79 | 1 | 1.684 | 4.48 | 2 |
| April 29, 2012 | 69–70 | 1.878 | 5.21 | 1 | 1.525 | 4.25 | 2 |
| April 30, 2012 | 71–72 | 1.853 | 5.15 | 1 | 1.696 | 4.75 | 2 |
| May 1, 2012 | 73–74 | 1.770 | 4.68 | 1 | 1.710 | 4.52 | 2 |
| May 2, 2012 | 75–76 | 2.11 | 5.75 | 1 | 2.063 | 5.60 | 2 |
| Average ratings | 1.480 | 3.89 | 2012: 14th | 1.340 | 3.53 | 2012: 23rd | |
- Highest ratings are marked in red, lowest ratings are marked in blue.
Accolades[edit]
| List of Accolades | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Award | Category | Recipient(s) | Result |
| China TV Golden Eagle Awards | Outstanding Television Series | Empresses in the Palace | Won |
| International Emmy Award[5] | Best Actress | Sun Li | Nominated |
| Shanghai Television Festival[6] | Best Director | Zheng Xiaolong | Won |
| Best Actress | Sun Li | Nominated | |
| China TV Drama Awards | Best Television Series | Empresses in the Palace | Won |
| Best Director | Zheng Xiaolong | Won | |
| Best Actress | Sun Li | Won | |
| Best Supporting Actress[7] | Jiang Xin | Won | |
| Best New Actor | Li Dongxue | Won | |
| Most Popular Actress (Hong Kong/Taiwan) | Ada Choi | Won | |
| Macau International Television Festival[8] | Best Drama | Empresses in the Palace | Won |
| Best Director | Zheng Xiaolong | Won | |
| Best Actress | Sun Li | Won | |
| Huading Awards[9] | Best TV Actor | Chen Jianbin | Won |
| Chunyan Awards | Best Director | Zheng Xiaolong | Won |
| China Hengdian Film and Television Festival | Best Television Series[10] | Empresses in the Palace | Won |
| Best Director | Zheng Xiaolong | Won | |
International broadcast[edit]
The series first aired in China in 2011 on Shaoxing News, a regional channel. As it gained popularity there it was picked up by national television channels and first aired nationwide in 2012.[citation needed]
In April 2015, the series was added to Netflix US and has since been taken off and put on Amazon Prime Video. It was edited down to six episodes, each with a 90-minute duration. The original audio was kept intact with the addition of closed captions in English.[11]
In Thailand, the series was first aired in 2016 on Channel 7[12] and in 2018 on One31 and LINE TV.
The series was uploaded on YouTube by LeTV in 2018.
Notes[edit]
- ^ Actor Zhang Xiaolong also served behind the scenes as the drama's expert regarding traditional dance and Qing court etiquette.
References[edit]
- ^ "甄嬛传01 - 在线观看 - 电视剧 - 乐视视频". www.le.com. Retrieved 2022-04-26.
- ^ "How TV shows saved the Chinese traditional Filigree Inlaid Metal Art".
- ^ Gill, Kate; Stephens, Victoria (16 February 2024). "Millions of donkeys killed each year to make medicine". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "电视剧收视率排行榜 | 收视率排行" (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2020-06-07.
- ^ "International Emmy Awards Nominees". iemmys.tv. Archived from the original on 25 December 2011. Retrieved 12 December 2013.
- ^ "Winners of 18th STVF Magnolia Award". stvf.com. Archived from the original on 27 April 2014. Retrieved 1 February 2014.
- ^ "Actress Jiang Xin Covers Fashion Magazine". Women of China. Archived from the original on 26 April 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2015.
- ^ "葛优闲来无事亲自领奖 孙俪大S齐封后". ent.cntv. Archived from the original on 2016-12-20. Retrieved 2017-04-15.
- ^ "2012华鼎奖名人满意度调查获奖名单". Sina.
- ^ "1st Hengdian film,TV festival gives out awards". China.org.cn. September 19, 2012.
- ^ "Empresses in the Palace coming to Netflix". Netflix Life.
- ^ ""ภ.จีน ชุด "เจินหวน จอมนางคู่แผ่นดิน" (THE LEGEND OF ZHEN HUAN)"". Channel 7 (in Thai). Retrieved 26 May 2016.