Saturday, 22 September 2018

Schemes of a Beauty

Drama: Schemes of a Beauty / Beauty's Rival in the Palace
Chinese Title: 美人心计 / Mei Ren Xin Ji
Broadcast Network: Anhui TV, Shandong TV, Henan TV, Dongnan TV, Shenzhen TV

Broadcast Date: April 4, 2011

Initial Release Date: March 15, 2010
Genre: Historical, Palace, Romance
Language: Mandarin
Episodes: 40
Director: Gam-Yuen Ng
Screenwriter: Yu Zheng
Production Company: Zijun Ying Shi, Huanyu Film
Production Date: 2009
Producer: Yu Zheng
Distributor: Huanyu Film
Origin: China
Related: Beauty in Turbulent Times
Source: Adapted from the novel Turbulence in the Empress' Chamber by Shun Jian Qing Cheng
Watch Episodes On: Youtube

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Synopsis and Plot Summary

A story that takes place towards the beginning of the Western Han Dynasty and revolves around an exceptional woman who contributes greatly to two generations of peace and prosperity. It is known in history as the Rule of Wen and Jing.

Du Yunxi (Ruby Lin) became orphaned at a young age after her mother died to protect her. She is separated from another orphan girl named Shen Er (Claudia Wang) who grows up as a female entertainer. Their paths cross again after Du Yunxi's marriage falls through and both enter the palace as maids. Du Yunnxi's intelligence wins the admiration of Empress Dowager Lv (Dai Chunrong). She becomes a confidante to the Empress Dowager's granddaughter Yan (Su Qing). To hold on to her lust for power, Empress Dowager arranges for Yunxi to become Liu Heng's (Sammul Chan) woman so that she can spy on the enemy. Despite her precarious position, Yunxi falls in love with Liu Heng who walks a kingly path with her by his side. However, power comes with a price and Yunxi realizes that the palace machinations are turning those that she loves against each other.

Ending Spoilers

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Fun Facts

It is Shun Jian Qing Cheng's first novel that was turned into a drama.
Filming took place in Hengdian World Studios, Zhejiang Province.
There is a scene where Gao Hao had to play the xun, one of the oldest musical instruments in China. When filming began, the actor picked up the instrument and started playing a tune. It turns out that he had practiced in private.
It is one of Yu Zheng's hit dramas. Although Ruby Lin is already an established actress, she reached another level of fame in China because of the drama.
It is one of the highest-rated Chinese TV series in 2010.
Empress Dou is the wife of Emperor Wen and the mother of Emperor Jing. Her Taoist beliefs were a major influence to the imperial rule at the time.

Cast

	Ruby Lin as Dou Yifang / Tian Xianglian
	Sammul Chan as Liu Heng
	Claudia Wang Likun as Nie Shener / Wang / Bing Hua
	Mickey He Shengming as Zhou Yafu
	Yang Mi as Mo Xueyuan
	Luo Jin as Liu Ying