The Story of Yanxi Palace: Chinese Blockbuster Historical Drama

As I was searching for another historical drama to watch, I came upon a set of good reviews and comments about a recent C-Drama that took Asia "by storm." Having the penchant for historical dramas, I decided to peek about this drama.

The Story of Yanxi Palace may be the typical story of a young woman going up the ranks in the imperial harem, but it is also a story which anchors on history. Set during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, the drama series is focused on the life, love, laughter, and loss of the Yanxi Palace Mistress, Wei Yingluo.

Wei Yingluo's character developed from a simple-minded person trying to inflict revenge against her sister's killers, to a person becoming embroiled in harem politics due to her loyalty to the Empress and finding love within.


Her tragic lovestory with Fuca Fuheng and unexpectedly joining the harem, this 70-episode drama would give you the feeling of 'kilig,' sorrow and even the satisfaction of prevailing against the antagonists. Wei Yingluo, who will end up as a huang gui fei (Imperial Noble Consort or sometimes referred to as a Vice Empress), will show you how her peculiarity had two men falling deeply for her, especially how the Emperor made every concession and out-of-the-rules acceptance of her strong personality.


There are also a lot of antagonists in these story - friends into foes. The drama showed early Noble Consort Gao and some scheming concubines (of course, a harem drama won't be one without them) and would later on involve Consort Xian (becoming the Step Empress).

History would show that Wei Yingluo died as an Imperial Noble Consort, but the Emperor Qianlong, at that time Emperor Emeritus having abdicated in favor of their son, raised her status posthumously as Empress Xiaoyi - making her the third empress consort of the Qianlong Era. Their son, 15th Prince Yongyan, would later on succeed as the Jiaqing Emperor.


The drama is quite long, having 70, 45-minute episodes. The last remaining episodes would run on fast and on a personal note - had too much details that were left unclosed. But still, this drama would give you a fresh perspective how historical C-Dramas are now competing with the Korean sageuk.

Get to know Wei Yingluo, her undying love for Fuca Fuheng and loyalty for Aisin-Gioro Hongli. And I hope you'll love also the lovely empress, Fuca Rongyin! Her looks reminds me of Fan Bingbing of the Empress of China (will do another post about this).


P.S. The drama has a generally happy ending and cannot brush aside their historical basis. But I would have rooted for a Fuheng-Yingluo tandem! I cannot seem to get the Qianlong Emperor's character out of Qiye in Eternity: A Chinese Ghost Story (played by the same actor).

Note: All views are of the writer's. Credits to the owners of the photos.