Story of Yanxi Palace

Synopsis

A palace maid investigates her sister's death and rises through Qing Dynasty court intrigue to become the Emperor's most beloved consort.

Overview

Story of Yanxi Palace (Chinese: 延禧攻略) is a 2018 Chinese historical drama created by producer Yu Zheng and directed by Hui Kaidong and Wen Deguang. Starring Wu Jinyan, Qin Lan, Nie Yuan, Xu Kai, Charmaine Sheh, and Tan Zhuo, the series premiered exclusively on iQIYI and ran for 70 episodes. It became a phenomenal hit across Asia, ranking as the most Googled TV show worldwide in 2018 despite Google being blocked in mainland China, and accumulating over 15 billion streams on iQIYI alone.

Plot Synopsis

Set during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor in the Qing Dynasty, the story follows Wei Yingluo, a young woman who enters the imperial palace as an embroidery maid to secretly investigate the mysterious death of her older sister, Wei Yingning. Armed with sharp intelligence and an indomitable spirit, Yingluo navigates the treacherous world of palace intrigue and catches the attention of Empress Fuca, who transfers her from the Embroidery Bureau to serve as a trusted palace maid in Changchun Palace.

Under the Empress's tutelage, Yingluo learns to read and write, masters the etiquette expected of noblewomen, and develops a deep bond with her mistress — one that transcends the usual master-servant relationship. She also falls in love with Fuca Fuheng, the Empress's younger brother and an imperial guard.

As her investigation unfolds, Yingluo discovers that her sister was the victim of Prince He (Hongzhou) and that Consort Dowager Yu orchestrated the cover-up. Through a series of cunning schemes, Yingluo avenges her sister. However, tragedy strikes Empress Fuca: she is manipulated by Noble Consort Gao, betrayed by her trusted maid Erqing, and loses her beloved seventh prince to an arson attack orchestrated by Consort Chun. Broken and desperate, the Empress takes her own life.

Following the Empress's death, Yingluo is exiled to the Summer Palace to guard the memorial tomb. There, she befriends the eunuch Yuan Chunwang. Eventually, the Emperor's interest in her brings her back to the center of palace life. Rising through the ranks, she becomes Noble Consort Ling and faces off against the new Empress Nara, whose hidden ambitions and manipulations threaten the stability of the harem. Through wit, courage, and an unwavering moral compass, Yingluo ultimately rises to the position of Imperial Noble Consort, becoming the most important woman in the Qianlong Emperor's life.

Cast

Production

Filmed at Hengdian World Studios, the series is renowned for its exquisite costumes, headdresses, and set design. The production made extensive use of intangible cultural heritage crafts, particularly diancui (kingfisher feather) headdresses and kesi (silk tapestry) garments, achieving remarkable aesthetic authenticity. Screenwriter Zhou Mo drew on historical records while taking creative liberties to craft the character of Wei Yingluo — a bold, independent woman who refuses to be a victim, resonating deeply with modern audiences.

Reception

With a Douban rating of 7.2, Story of Yanxi Palace sparked widespread social discussion during its broadcast. It broke the mold of traditional palace dramas by featuring a female lead who fights back rather than passively enduring suffering. The show's attention to Qing Dynasty court服饰 (costumes), etiquette, and cultural details earned praise from historians and costume experts alike.

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Story_of_Yanxi_Palace
2. https://movie.douban.com/subject/26966262/
3. https://www.iqiyi.com/a_19rrhz5sht.html