I recently finished watching the television series 'Schemes of a Beauty', adapted from Xiao Qiying's short story Turbulence in the Empress's Chamber (未央沉浮). Produced by Lin Guohua and directed by Wu Jinyuan, Liang Xinquan, and Chen Guohua, it was reported that this Chinese series was produced with a budget of ¥50 million (US$7.3 million).
Due to its large and diverse cast as well as expensive set and costume production, the series attracted international attention during its production stages. Amongst the casts include Ruby Lin (林心如) of Taiwan, Sammul Chan (陈键锋) of Hongkong, Yang Mi (杨幂) of China, Luo Jin (罗晋) of China, and etc.
Set in Chang'an, China during the beginnings of the Han Dynasty, Meiren Xinji tells a dramatized account of Empress Dou and how her efforts and achievements in the royal court positively influenced the reign of her husband Emperor Wen, which paved the way for the creation of the Rule of Wen and Jing.
After the death of her mother, Du Yunxi (Dou YiFang/ Empress Dou) was brought up by her uncle and his family. She was later sent into the palace to work as a maid. There she met her long-lost sworn sister, Lie Shen'er who always had the ambition to marry the emperor. Yunxi impressed the Empress Dowager Lu with brilliant intellects, who then changed her name to Dou YiFang and sent her as an imperial gift to be the ladies-in-waiting for the prince of Dai, Liu Heng. She and Liu Heng fell in love. Prince of Dai later became emperor in the aftermath of the Emperor Lü. Lady Dou, a favorite consort of Prince Dai was then promoted as empress. Their alliance finally led them to ascend to the throne of the glorious empire. Their son, Prince Qi, was named Crown Prince.
The film potrayed the scheming plots and plans of the women in the palace in order to gain power and the favoritism of the emperor.
A great film worth watching!
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