Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace (Chinese: 如懿传; pinyin: Rúyì Zhuàn) is a 2018 Chinese television series based on novel Hou Gong Ru Yi Zhuan by Liu Lianzi. Starring Zhou Xun and Wallace Huo, the series chronicles the marriage of Qianlong Emperor and Hoifa-Nara, the Step Empress. It is the sequel to the critically acclaimed drama Empresses in the Palace.[1][2][3] It aired on Tencent Video starting 20 August to 15 October 2018;[4][5][6] during which it was streamed more than 15 billion times.[7] It later went on national broadcast and aired simultaneously on Jiangsu Television and Dragon Television from 25 December 2018.[8]

Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace
Also known as	The Legend of Ruyi
Traditional	如懿傳
Simplified	如懿传
Mandarin	Rúyì Zhuàn
Genre	Historical fiction Romance
Based on	Hou Gong Ru Yi Zhuan by Liu Lianzi
Written by	Liu Lianzi
Directed by	Wang Jun
Starring	Zhou Xun Wallace Huo
Country of origin	China
Original language(s)	Mandarin
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	87
Production
Executive producer(s)	Huang Lan
Production location(s)	Hengdian World Studios Beijing Wulan Butong Mudu
Production company(s)	New Classics Media
Release
Original network	Tencent, Jiangsu Television, Dragon Television
First shown in	China
Original release	August 20 (2018-08-20) – October 15, 2018 (2018-10-15)

Despite receiving mixed reviews, the series eventually won acclaim for its exquisite props, lavish sets, affecting storyline and stellar cast and has a score of 7.4 points on Douban.

Synopsis

Ulanara Ruyi is the niece of the Empress and the childhood lover of Hongli, the fourth prince. She was initially chosen to be the third prince Hongshi's difujin (official wife), but fell out of the selection. Hongli's mother Niohuru Zhenhuan reveals to the Emperor that the Empress had killed the former Empress. Ruyi's aunt is locked away and she is poisoned by Zhenhuan. Before she dies, she tells Ruyi to become Hongli's Empress. With the Ulanara clan in disgrace after Empress Yixiu falls out of favour, Ruyi (Zhou Xun) learns the politics of the harem. She faces the schemes of Fuca Langhua the Empress, and her underling Gao Xiyue.

Ruyi is eventually forced to reside in the Cold Palace and separated from the Emperor. There, she meets Ling Yunche, an imperial guard who helped her survive. She also finds out the reason why she hasn't had a child is because of a bracelet that Fuca Langhua gave her. In order to help Ruyi, her close friend Keliyete Hailan decides to win Qianlong's favor and Ruyi is saved from the Cold Palace. After Gao Xiyue is exposed, she lost the favor of the Emperor. Ruyi approaches Gao Xiyue and tells her that the reason why she wasn't able to have a child is because of the bracelet that Fuca Langhua gave her. Gao Xiyue is saddened and eventually dies in the snow, after exposing Langhua's evil deeds to Qianlong. Xiyue's servant causes Fuca Langhua's son to die to comfort her owner. Fuca Langhua's daughter Jingse is also married to a Mongol Prince after Empress Dowager Zhenhuan refused to send her daughter for heqin. After Fuca Langhua almost drowned, she succumbed to illness out of grief.

Yet, Gao Xiyue and Fuca Langhua's downfall is actually the result of the schemes of Jin Yuyan, a Korean woman who loves the King of Joseon. After Jin Yuyan's plans are revealed, she dies heartbroken when the King of Joseon refused to see her one last time. Another consort, Su Luyun also lost Qianlong's favour after she wanted her son to become the next Emperor. Consort Shu Yehenara Yihuan loves the Emperor, but willingly set herself on fire after realizing the Emperor never wanted her to have his children. Even after surviving multiple conspiracies at the hands of scheming concubines and successfully proving her innocence, Ruyi's relationship with Qianlong (Wallace Huo) eventually becomes irreparable. She eventually becomes disillusioned with her husband and the harsh reality of life in the Palace.

With the love and trust between them fading, Ruyi is put aside by Qianlong in favour of Wei Yanwan, who seeks to one day displace Ruyi as Empress. Wei Yanwan is eventually promoted to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort (one rank before Empress), but her ruthless and biased actions in managing the Emperor's harem create enemies amongst notable concubines such as Hailan, Balin Meiruo, and Han Xiangjian, who work to take her down. Ling Yunche, who was Yanwan's previous lover, tells Hailan about her endeavors and sacrifices himself to save Ruyi. Eventually Wei Yanwan's numerous evil deeds are exposed, and Qianlong delivers a stoic apology to Ruyi, knowing their relationship cannot be repaired. Ruyi eventually dies of Tuberculosis, saddening the Emperor heavily and hauntingly. Wei Yanwan is given a slow-acting and extremely painful poison, for which she must ingest the antidote on a regular basis to prolong her suffering. The Emperor and Empress Dowager, knowing that if Wei Yanwan lives until her son becomes emperor she will live a life of luxury, permit her the release of death.

The series ends as Emperor Emeritus Qianlong cuts his hair and intertwines it with the lock of hair that Ruyi cut decades earlier when she declared she no longer wanted to be his Empress. Qianlong dies with the two locks of hair in his hand as Ruyi's favorite plant blooms for the first time in decades.

Cast

Main

Actor	Character	Residence	Introduction
Zhou Xun	Ula Nara Ruyi (乌拉那拉·如懿)	Yanxi Palace Yikun Palace	The Step Empress (继皇后) Lady Qing (Ce fujin) → Consort Xian → Noble Lady Xian → Commoner → Consort Xian → Noble Consort Xian → Imperial Noble Consort → Empress → Empress Xiaoxianqing Coming from the Ula Nara clan of Plain Yellow Banner with the birth name Qingying (青樱), niece of Empress Jingren Ula Nara Yixiu. She was the childhood friend and lover of Hongli(later ascends to the throne as Qianlong Emperor). She later becomes one of Qianlong's secondary wives. When Empress Jingren is deposed for her crimes, Qingying's standing in the palace is affected. So she has to make amends to Empress Dowager Chongqing. Wanting to distance herself from the past, Qingying asks the Empress Dowager to give her a new name, to make a fresh start. The Empress Dowager then gives her the name Ruyi; 如懿 , meaning 'Beautiful and quiet' (美好安靜), reminding her that she must be calm if she wants to have a peaceful life in the palace. After Hongli ascends, becoming Emperor Qianlong, Ruyi is granted the position of a consort. Due to events of the past, Ruyi is hated by other wives like Fuca Langhua, Gao Xiyue and Jin Yuyan. Often targeted by their machinations, she survives through her strength and determination, as well as with the help of her close friends, eventually rising up the ranks to become Empress. Later on, due to many misunderstandings between her and the Emperor, mainly plotted by Wei Yanwan and Princess Hejing, their relationship is greatly strained. The last blow to their relationship is on one of the Emperor's tour to Southern China, when he tries to take a courtesan, Shui Linglong, as a concubine in his harem. Disillusioned, Ruyi cuts her hair, wanting to end the relationship between her and the Emperor. This angers the Emperor, who punishes the Empress by putting her under house arrest in Yikun Palace. At the end, she reveals all of Wei Yanwan's wrongdoings to the Emperor, but she refuses to reconcile with him. She dies not long after from tuberculosis. Her death causes great pain and guilt to Qianlong Emperor up til the day he died.
Wallace Huo	Aisin Gioro Hongli (爱新觉罗·弘历), Qianlong Emperor	Prince Bao Manor Yangxin Palace	Qianlong Emperor (乾隆皇帝) Prince Bao of the First Rank → Qianlong Emperor Fourth son of the Yongzheng Emperor, his birth mother is a servant name Li Jingui(李金桂) who is ugly and low-status, she is pregnant with Emperor Yongzheng when he's still as Prince Yong at one time he's heavily drunked. After giving birthed to Hongli his mother has died and he is being left to live at the Old Summer Palace. In a occasion, Hongli is appointed as Noble Consort Xi Niohuru Zhenhuan's son. After Third Prince Hongshi is removed from the yudie, essentially disown him, Hongli rose to the rank of Prince Bao. When he rose to as the next Emperor, taking the era name Qianlong. A unpredicted individual, could be emotional yet could hide his emotions really well, always never truly trust anyone, which inadvertently hurt many of his wives and sons: from Fuca Langhua, Yonghuang, Yongzhang, his sister Elder Princess Duanshu... even to his childhood lover who he did once love Ruyi is unable to escape such fate. As he grew older he becomes more erratic, when Han Xiangjian appeared, the Emperor lost control and hurt Ruyi. Despite Han Xiangjian's continous denial of his feelings, Qianlong orders Ruyi to convince Xiangjian to accept him, which hurts Ruyi. Later on, he believes the disparaging remarks and accusations made by Wei Yanwan, Consort Yu Borjigit Eyinzhu and Sakda Miaoqian, doubt that Ruyi and Ling Yunche commit infidelity, punish Ling Yunche into an eunuch to serve at Yikun Palace in hopes to humiliate Ruyi, to satisfy his blind jealousy, he forces Yunche to death. Selfish, with an ego of a ruler, Hongli makes Ruyi completely lost all hope on him. In one of the Emperor's tour to Southern China, when he tries to take a courtesan determined Ruyi to end the relationship between her and the Emperor and cut her hair. When he finally regret his actions it is already too late, and in his old days he's tortured with his pain, always reliving the memories of Qingying but could never see her again.

Supporting

The Harem

Actor	Character	Residence	Introduction
Janine Chang[9][10]	Keliyete Hailan (珂里叶特·海兰)	Xianfu Palace Yanxi Palace	Noble Consort Yu (愉贵妃) Embroidery Lady → Lady Hai (Shu fujin) → First Class Female Attendant Hai → Noble Lady Hai → Concubine Yu → Consort Yu → Noble Consort Yu (posthumous) Hailan was initially an embroidery lady in Qianlong's residence, until Ruyi helped her gain the title of Mistress. Gentle yet determined, she is a loyal friend and confidante of Ruyi. The mother of Yongqi, the Emperor's favorite son, Hailan is an exceptionally influential consort in the harem; she makes use of her influence to deal with the consorts who stand in Ruyi's way.
Dong Jie[11]	Fuca Langhua (富察·琅嬅)	Changchun Palace	Empress Xiaoxianchun (孝贤纯皇后) Di fujin → Empress Elegant and dignified, Langhua was a respected and virtuous Empress who served her role well. However, despite this, she envied Ruyi and her intimate relationship with the Emperor. Under the manipulations of Jin Yuyan, she became embroiled in the inner palace conflicts and collaborated with Gao Xiyue to harm Ruyi. Her misguided actions eventually caused her relationship with the Emperor to deteriorate, and she died a grievanced woman.
Xin Zhilei[12]	Jin Yuyan/Kim Ok-yeon (金玉妍/김옥연)	Qixiang Palace	Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (淑嘉皇贵妃) Lady Jin (Shu fujin) → Noble Lady Jia → Concubine Jia → Consort Jia → Noble Consort Jia → Concubine Jia → Noble Lady Jia → Concubine Jia → Noble Consort Jia → Second Class Female Attendant Jin → Noble Consort Jia → Commoner → Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (posthumous) An orphan that was taken in by a Joseon minister, Yuyan's main goal in life is to earn the Emperor's favor and bring honor to her tribe as to assist her real love, the "young master" who became the King of Joseon. Manipulative, cunning and shrewd, she is skilled in instigating conflicts between the concubines and is the main culprit behind many of the concubines' deaths. Her evil deeds were eventually revealed, and Qianlong granted her the posthumous title of Imperial Noble Consort Shujia (homophone of loser).
Tong Yao[13]	Gao Xiyue (高晞月)	Xianfu Palace	Imperial Noble Consort Huixian (慧贤皇贵妃) Lady Gao (Shu fujin) → Noble Consort Hui → Imperial Noble Consort Hui → Imperial Noble Consort Huixian (posthumous) Due to her father's position as a highly ranked officer, Xiyue is arrogant and defiant. She hated Ruyi and chose to submit to the more powerful Empress Fuca, collaborating with her to plot against Ruyi. Due to her naivety, she was often goaded by the Empress' attendant, Sulian to commit many evil deeds in place of the Empress. Xiyue was discarded by Langhua after she lost the Emperor's favour, and then discovered that the Empress was the one who caused her to be infertile. On her death bed, she exposed Langhua's evil deeds to Qianlong.
Li Chun[14]	Wei Yanwan (卫嬿婉/魏嬿婉)[15]	Yongshou Palace	Empress Xiaoyichun (孝仪纯皇后) Palace maid of Consort Chun → Palace Maid of the Royal Garden → Palace Maid of Consort Jia →Palace Maid of the Yangxin Palace→ Second Class Female Attendant Wei → First Class Female Attendant Wei → Noble Lady Ling → Concubine Ling → Consort Ling → Second Class Female Attendant Wei → Noble Lady Ling → Concubine Ling → Consort Ling → Noble Consort Ling → Imperial Noble Consort →Imperial Noble Cosort Lingyi (posthumous) Yanwan was born a noble lady of the Yellow Banner, but was reduced to being a palace maid after her father was tried for treason. Her first love was Ling Yunche, but she abandoned him after Qianlong took notice of her (due to her close resemblance with Ruyi). Ambitious, cruel and treacherous, she sees Ruyi as her biggest foe, and would resort to all kinds of underhanded methods to climb up the ranks. Yanwan is responsible for the death of many imperial consorts, children, and Ruyi's ultimate demise. Eventually, her evil deeds and past relationship with Ling Yunche were exposed to Qianlong, and she was poisoned to death.
Hu Ke[16]	Su Lüyun (苏绿筠)	Zhongcui Palace	Imperial Noble Consort Chunhui (纯惠皇贵妃) Lady Su (Shu fujin) → Concubine Chun → Consort Chun → Noble Consort Chun → Imperial Noble Consort A naive woman who treated everyone with kindness, and was manipulated often. She loved her son dearly, and would do anything for him. She has a good relationship with Ruyi and Hailan since their days in Prince Bao Manor. Lüyun lost Qianlong's favour when he found out she wanted to take the position of Empress for herself. She later died of illness.
He Hongshan[17]	Bai Ruiji (白蕊姬)	Yonghe Palace Anhua Palace	Concubine Mei (玫嫔) Musician of South Manor → Second Class Female Attendant Mei → First Class Female Attendant Mei → Noble Lady Mei → Concubine Mei A yueqin/pipa player hailing from Suzhou, Ruiji was the first woman to be taken into inner palace after Qianlong's ascension. She was actually sent in by Zhenhuan to spy on Qianlong. After Ruiji lost her child, her health gradually weakened and she eventually lost the Emperor's favor. She was manipulated into thinking her child was killed by Empress Fuca, and was used as a chesspiece by Jin Yuyan to cause the Empress' death. When her identity was revealed, Ruiji was used as a scapegoat by Qianlong to weaken the Empress Dowager's control of the Harem by poisoning Muping's health to become infertile. She died a grievanced death after realizing she took revenge on the wrong person.
Chen Haoyu[18]	Yehe Nara Yihuan (叶赫那拉·意欢)	Chuxiu Palace	Consort Shu (舒妃) Noble Lady Shu → Concubine Shu → Consort Shu A talented lady of noble birth, Yihuan was recommended into the palace by the Empress Dowager. Despite being one of Zhenhuan's chess piece, she fell in love with first sight at Qianlong during one of his outings and is extremely dedicated to him. Straightforward and good-natured, Yihuan keeps herself out of the palace inner conflicts and is good friends with Ruyi. Unbeknownst to her, Qianlong personally gave her medicine that would prevent her from bearing healthy children due to her affiliation with Zhenhuan. She became mentally unstable after her son died in infancy, and committed suicide soon after knowing Qianlong's true intention.
Zeng Yixuan[19]	Socolun Aruo (索绰伦·阿箬)	Qixiang Palace	Concubine Shen (慎嫔) Palace maid of Ruyi → Imperial palace maid → First Class Female Attendant Shen → Noble Lady Shen → Concubine Shen → Commoner Originally a personal maid that entered Qianlong's residence as part of Ruyi's dowry, she secretly sided with the Empress and Gao Xiyue in an effort to climb up the ranks. Arrogant, superficial and sharp-tongued, she appeared to be favored by Qianlong but was actually used by him as a charade partner. Aruo was eventually sent to the cold palace and committed suicide there.
Cao Xiwen[20]	Chen Wanyin (陈婉茵)	Zhongcui Palace	Noble Consort Wan (婉贵妃) Shu fujin → Second Class Female Attendant Wan → First Class Female Attendant Wan → Noble Lady Wan → Concubine Wan → Consort Wan → Noble Consort Wan (posthumous) A timid lady who never formed cliques, and always kept to herself. She was not favoured, and chose to express her love for the Emperor through drawings. She has a good relationship with Ruyi. She unknowingly played a part in Qianlong and Ruyi's separation due to Wei Yanwan's manipulations.
Zhang Jianing	Barin Meiruo (巴林·湄若)	Chuxiu Palace	Noble Consort Ying (颖贵妃) Concubine Ying → Consort Ying → Noble Consort Ying A spirited young lady who is of royal Mongol descent, and is described as the “Southern beauty” by Qianlong. She despised Wei Yanwan and Jin Yuyan, and ended up becoming good friends with Ruyi.
Liu Meitong[21]	Bai'erguosishe (拜尔果斯氏)	Xianfu Palace	Concubine Ke (恪嫔) Noble Lady Ke → Concubine Ke A descendant of Mongolian royalty. She is very close to Barin Meiruo, dislikes both Wei Yanwan and Jin Yuyan, and stays loyal to Ruyi.
Li Qin[22]	Han Xiangjian (寒香见)	Chengqian Palace Baoyue Lobby	Consort Rong (容妃) Noble Lady Rong → Concubine Rong → Consort Rong A beautiful woman who was taken into the palace by General Zhaohui after her tribe was conquered by the Qing Dynasty. Xiangjian's only goal was to assassinate Qianlong in order to take revenge for her lover. She is on good terms with Ruyi, whom she is grateful toward.
Yu Yang[16]	Lu Muping (陆沐萍)	Jingyang Palace	Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong (庆恭皇贵妃) First Class Female Attendant Qing → Noble Lady Qing → Concubine Qing → Noble Lady Qing → Concubine Qing → Consort Qing → Noble Consort Qing → Imperial Noble Consort Qinggong (posthumous) A daughter of the Deputy Minister from the Court of Sacrificial Worship, she was sent in by the Empress Dowager and acts as her spy. She was set-up by the Emperor, causing her to lose the ability to bear a child. After falling out of favor, she chose to submit to Wei Yanwan.
Han Dantong[23]	Huang Qiying (黄琦莹)	Jingyang Palace Yanxi Palace	Concubine Yi (仪嫔) Personal maid of Langhua → Shu fujin → Noble Lady Yi → Concubine Yi (posthumous) Originally a maid under Langhua, she was promoted to the position of Mistress after Qianlong took advantage of her. Langhua and Xiyue despised Qiying for stealing the Emperor's affections, and caused her to miscarry. She was manipulated into believing that Ruyi was the culprit, and attempted to assassinate the latter when they were living in the same quarters.
Zhao Ke[16]	Borjigit Eyinzhu (博尔济吉特·厄音珠)	Yonghe Palace	Consort Yu (豫妃) Concubine Yu → Consort Yu A descendant of Mongolian royalty, and an early favourite of Qianlong. However, she provides secret messages about politics for her people and intends to use the banned drug on Qianlong to increase his interest in bedroom affairs. She was under house arrest and cold-shouldered by Qianlong. Later to earn the Emperor's favor, she started coming up with lies, including framing Ruyi of having an affair with Ling Yunche. She was sent to the torture chambers after she was found to have lied about Ruyi and Ling Yunche's affair.
Sun Wenting	Lady Lin (林氏)	Jingren Palace	Noble Lady Gong (恭贵人) First Class Female Attendant Gong → Noble Lady Gong A lady of Lin descent who entered the harem along with Concubine Ke. Originally sided with Jin Yuyan, she is close to Barin Meiruo, hates Wei Yanwan, and stays loyal to Ruyi.
Wang Mian	Lady Sirin Gioro (西林覺羅氏)	Jingren Palace	First Class Female Attendant Xi (禧常在) First Class Female Attendant Gong → Noble Lady Gong A lady of Sirin Gioro descent who entered the harem along with Concubine Ke. Originally sided with Jin Yuyan, she is close to Barin Meiruo, hates Wei Yanwan, and stays loyal to Ruyi.
Zhao Ruoxi	Xiu Liqin (秀丽琴)	Jingyang Palace Zhongcui Palace	First Class Female Attendant Xiu (秀常在) Palace maid → Second Class Female Attendant Xiu → First Class Female Attendant Xiu
Zhu Jue	Lady Socolun (索綽倫氏)	Jingyang Palace	First Class Female Attendant Rui (瑞常在)
Song Qinglin	Lady Lu (陸氏)	Jingyang Palace	First Class Female Attendant Lu (柏常在)
Xia Yuxia	Lady Kui (揆氏)	Yonghe Palace	First Class Female Attendant Kui (揆常在) Lady → Second Class Female Attendant Kui → First Class Female Attendant Kui
Qu Rong	Lady Ping (平氏)	Yonghe Palace	First Class Female Attendant Ping (平常在)
Huang Lulu		Jingyang Palace	First Class Female Attendant Bai (白常在)
Sun Wanting			First Class Female Attendant Ning (宁常在)
Yang Wanyi			First Class Female Attendant Wu (武常在)
Gao Rui			First Class Female Attendant Bai
Jin Ning			First Class Female Attendant Fu (福常在)

Imperial members of the Qing dynasty

Actor	Character	Residence	Introduction
Zhang Fengyi[24]	Aisin Gioro Yinzhen (爱新觉罗·胤禛)	Yangxin Palace	Yongzheng Emperor (雍正皇帝) Father of Qianlong Emperor.
Joan Chen[25]	Ula Nara Yixiu (乌拉那拉·宜修)	Palace of Great Benevolence	Empress Jingren (景仁宫皇后) Former Empress of Yongzheng Emperor; Ruyi's aunt.
Vivian Wu[26]	Niohuru Zhenhuan (钮祜禄·甄嬛)	Yongshou Palace Shoukang Palace Cining Palace	Empress Dowager Chongqing (崇庆皇太后) Foster mother of Qianlong Emperor. Although she appeared to share a civil relationship with Qianlong, they are wary and suspicious of each other. In order to ensure that she continues to thrive in the inner court, she placed concubines that were subservient to her by Qianlong's side to spy on him. She hated Ruyi because of her familial relationship with Empress Jingren but grew to respect her later on.
Zhu Yan			Dowager Concubine Ji (吉太嫔) A disposed concubine who was banished to the Cold palace, where she met Ruyi and attempted to assassinate Zhenhuan.
Li Jie Ma Qiyue (young)	Aisin Gioro Hongshi (爱新觉罗·弘时)		Third son of Yongzheng Emperor; foster son of Yixiu. He was stripped of his noble rank and banished from the palace after being suspected of treason.
Wang Xiao	Aisin Gioro Hongzhou (爱新觉罗·弘昼)	Prince He Manor	Prince He of the First Rank (和亲王) Fifth son of Yongzheng Emperor.
Tang Chengjing	Lady Ujaku (吳扎庫氏)	Prince He Manor	Hongzhou's wife.
Xuan Lu[27]	Aisin Gioro Hengchuo (爱新觉罗·恒娖)		Grand Princess[28] Duanshu (端淑長公主) Yongzheng Emperor and Zhenhuan's elder daughter. She was married to the Mongol clan since young.
Wang Herun[29]	Aisin Gioro Hengti (爱新觉罗·恆媞)		Grand Princess Roushu (柔淑長公主) Yongzheng Emperor and Zhenhuan's younger daughter.
Ding Qiao Wang Donghe (teen) Ye Kaiwan (young)	Aisin Gioro Yonghuang (爱新觉罗·永璜)	Prince Bao Manor Yanxi Palace Zhongcui Palace Prince Ding Manor	Prince Ding'an of the First Rank (定安亲王) Eldest prince, Ruyi's foster son (later Su Lüyun's). Initially innocent and simple minded, he later grew to become ambitious and vie for the throne. He was instigated by Jin Yuyan into thinking the Empress killed his biological mother, the Imperial Noble Consort Zhemin, causing him to lose favor with the Emperor.
Ma Yanan	Lady Ilari (伊拉里氏)	Prince Ding Manor	Yonghuang's wife.
Yu Yao	Aisin Gioro Yonglian (爱新觉罗·永琏)	Prince Bao Manor Changchun Palace Age Manor	Crown Prince Duanhui (端慧皇太子) Second prince, Fuca Langhua's eldest son. He died young due to weak health.
Guan Xueying Wu Yuyu (teen)[30] Liu Sitong (young)	Aisin Gioro Jingse (爱新觉罗·璟瑟)	Changchun Palace Third princess Manor	Princess Hejing of the First Rank (固倫和敬公主) Third princess, Fuca Langhua's daughter. Proud and eloquent, she looks down on all the imperial consorts due to her noble birth but was later married to a Mongol prince. She especially disliked Ruyi due to her rivalry with Langhua. She chose to side with Wei Yanwan but later betrayed her after Barin Meiruo convinced her of Yanwan's hypocritical deeds.
Cheng Xingyuan Liu Zeyu (teen) He Luanhui (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongzhang (爱新觉罗·永璋)	Zhongcui Palace Third prince manor	Prince Xun of the Second Rank (循郡王) Third prince, Su Lüyun's eldest son. An ambitious and calculative royal, he was goaded by Su Lüyun to compete for position of the Crown Prince. He lost favour with Qianlong after the death of Empress Fuca.
An Jie Hu Xianxu (teen)[31] Rong Zibin (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongcheng (爱新觉罗·永珹)	Qixiang Palace Prince Lü Manor	Prince Lü of the First Rank (履亲王) Fourth prince, Jin Yuyan's eldest son. Being the first prince born after Qianlong's reign, he was initially favored that made him became more ambitious, cunning and calculating, but later lost Qianlong's trust after the truth of the Mulan Garden incident and was discovered of plotting for the position of Crown Prince, by conspired with his mother. He was soon expelled from the palace and became the adoptive grandson of Yuntao, the Prince Lü of the First Rank, who was Qianlong's uncle.
Tang Mengjia	Lady Irgen Gioro (伊尔根觉罗氏)	Prince Lü Manor	Yongcheng's wife.
Qu Chuxiao[32] Bian Cheng (teen) Wuze Jinxi (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongqi (爱新觉罗·永琪)	Yanxi Palace Yikun Palace Prince Rong Manor Chonghua Palace	Prince Rong of the First Rank (荣亲王) Fifth prince, Hailan's son. Sensitive and intelligent, he was Qianlong's favourite son. He distanced from Ruyi under the manipulations of Hu Yunjiao. He later died due to bone cellulitis.
Janice Wu[33]	Hu Yunjiao (胡芸角)	Prince Rong Manor	Yongqi's concubine, Nursemaid Tian's daughter. Yunjiao was manipuated by Wei Yanwan thinking that Ruyi caused the death of her mother. She was sent to Yongqi's side as a concubine, and sowed discord between Yongqi and Ruyi, which caused the Emperor to become suspicious of Ruyi.
Li Yiru	Lady Sirin Gioro (西林觉罗氏)	Prince Rong Manor	Yongqi's wife.
Zhang Jinze Zhou Jinshi (teen) Chixu Xuanzhe (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongrong (爱新觉罗·永瑢)	Zhongcui Palace	Prince Shen Sixth prince, Su Lüyun's younger son.
He Xinrui	Aisin Gioro Jingyan (愛新覺羅·璟妍)	Zhongcui Palace	Princess Hejia of the Second Rank (和硕和嘉公主) Fourth princess, Su Lüyun's daughter.
Ma Boquan Ha Lin (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongxuan (爱新觉罗·永璇)	Qixiang Palace Age Manor Shoukang Palace	Prince Yi of the First Rank (儀親王). Eighth prince, Jin Yuyan's second son. He was setup by Wei Yanwan, causing him to become crippled.
Dongli Wuyou Zhang Yaoyang (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongxing (爱新觉罗·永瑆)	Qixiang Palace Shoukang Palace	Prince Cheng Eleventh prince, Jin Yuyan's youngest son.
Xu Lingchen Ye Shengtong (teen) Lin Jingjie (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongji (爱新觉罗·永璂)	Yikun Palace Yanxi Palace	Twelfth prince, Ruyi's eldest son.
Lin Jingyi	Aisin Gioro Jingsi (爱新觉罗·璟兕)	Yikun Palace	Princess Heyi of the First Rank (固倫和宜公主) Fifth princess, Ruyi's daughter. Born with a weak heart, she was startled by Jin Yuyan's dog, in a setup by Wei Yanwan, causing her to become comatose and later pass away.
Jin Ziqi	Aisin Gioro Jingyuan (爱新觉罗·璟妧)	Yongshou Palace Xianfu Palace	Princess Hejing of the First Rank (固伦和静公主) Seventh princess, Wei Yanwan's eldest daughter. She was raised by Barin Meiruo since birth, and believed Meiruo is her birth mother. She disliked Wei Yanwan, thinking that she harmed Ruyi.
Chen Yuan'er[34]	Aisin Gioro Jingyun (爱新觉罗·璟妘)	Yongshou Palace Xiefang Palace	Princess Heke of the Second Rank(和硕和恪公主) Ninth princess, Wei Yanwan's younger daughter. She was separated from Wei Yanwan since birth and has a weak relationship with her birth mother.
Wei Zihan Chen Xuetao (young)	Aisin Gioro Yongyan (愛新覺羅·永琰)	Yongshou Palace Xiefang Palace Zhongcui Palace Prince Jia Manor	Prince Jia of the First Rank (嘉亲王) Fifteenth prince, Wei Yanwan's son. He was later appointed the Crown Prince nearing the end of Qianlong's reign.
Tang Jiaze	Qingyou (庆佑)	Yikun Palace	Son of Jingse.

Officials

Actor	Character	Introduction
Qin Yan	Zhang Tingyu (张廷玉)	Member of the Grand Council. He disliked the Empress Dowager, and often goes against her opinions.
Jia Tinglong	Fuca Fuheng (富察·傅恒)	A senior officer and commander-in-chief. Brother of Fuca Langhua.
Gao Lancun	Gao Bin (高斌)	Qianlong's trusted minister. Gao Xiyue's father.
Wang Jinsong	Ula Nara Na'erbu (那爾布)	Left Minister. Ruyi's father.
Ma Weifu	Liu Tongxun (劉統勛)	Minister of the Eight Banners.
Huang Wei	Niohuru Naqin (钮祜禄·讷亲)	Minister of the Eight Banners. Close relative of Zhenhuan.
Zhang Xingzhe	Zhao Hui (兆惠)
Wu Lihua	Yue Zhongqi (岳钟琪)

Male servants

Actor	Character	Residence	Introduction
Imperial guards, physicians and others
Jing Chao[35]	Ling Yunche (凌云彻)	N/A	Imperial guard of the cold palace → Imperial guard of Kunning Palace → Royal Lanling Imperial guard → Royal Imperial guard of 3rd rank → Slave → Royal imperial guard of 2nd rank → Royal imperial guard of 1st rank → Eunuch of Yikun Palace Wei Yanwan's first love, Miaoqing's husband. A loyal and empathetic man who helped Ruyi while she was banished to the cold palace. He gradually becomes attracted to Ruyi, and helped her through her most difficult times in the palace. He is later accused of having an affair with Ruyi, castrated and subsequently ordered to serve in Ruyi's palace as a form of humiliation. He was killed by Hailan when the latter realized he would pose a threat to Ruyi's position as the Empress.
Yuan Wenkang[16]	Jiang Yubin (江与彬)	N/A	An imperial physician. He is Suoxin's childhood sweetheart and later husband.
Meng Zhaozhong	Zhao Jiuxiao (趙九霄)	Kunning Palace	An imperial guard. Ling Yunche's good friend. He likes Lancui, and was threatened with Lancui's life by Wei Yanwan to frame Ruyi of harming the eight prince.
Wang Quanyou	Qi Ru (齊汝)	N/A	Head imperial physician. He secretly worked for the Empress Dowager behind Qianlong's back, causing Qianlong to be infuriated. He was killed under the orders of Qianlong, with his death disguised as an accidental drowning.
Ha Yingqun	Imperial Astronomer (钦天监)	N/A	He collaborated with Wei Yanwan to setup Yihuan and Ruyi, causing the Emperor and Ruyi to be distanced. Following the incidents, he was chased out of the palace, and killed secretly by Chunchan.
Steven Thomas Boergadine	Giuseppe Castiglione (郎世宁)	N/A	A royal painter.
Jin Song	Li Jinzhu (李金柱)	N/A	A guard at the Cold Palace.
Wang Liusheng	Physician Zhao (赵太医)	N/A
Feng Bao	Physician Bao (包太医)	N/A
Wang Zhimin	Physician Xu (许太医)	N/A
Huang Ningsheng	Physician Zhao (赵太医)	N/A
Xu Zhiming	Er Tao (二套)	N/A
Eunuchs
Shen Baoping	Su Peisheng (蘇培盛)	Yangxin Palace	Personal attendant of Yongzheng.
Huang Ming[36]	Li Yu (李玉)	Yangxin Palace	Deputy head attendant of Yangxin palace → Head attendant of Yangxin palace → Eunuch of Yuanming Garden → Head attendant of Yangxin Palace Personal attendant of Qianlong. He often assists Ruyi because she once lent him a helping hand. He likes Suoxin.
Hu Ming[37]	Wang Qin (王钦)	Yangxin Palace	Head attendant of Yangxin Palace Personal attendant of Qianlong. He likes Lianxin and forced her into a marriage by agreeing to work for Fuca Langhua. He was often hostile towards Li Yu. He was sentenced to death after his treatment toward Lianxin was exposed through an elaborate plan by Ruyi.
Jiang Xueming[16]	Jinzhong (进忠)	Yangxin Palace	Attendant of Qianlong, Li Yu's disciple. He collaborated with Wei Yanwan to bring down Ruyi, so that he can take over Li Yu's place.
Zhang Juju	Jinbao (進保)	Yangxin Palace	Attendant of Qianlong, Li Yu's disciple.
Han Yu	Xiao Linzi (小林子)	Yangxin Palace	Attendant of Qianlong. He was bribed by Gao Xiyue to obtain information for Gao Bin.
Li Qi[38]	San Bao (三宝)	Yanxi Palace Yikun Palace	Personal attendant of Ruyi.
Gao Weibo	Xiao Fuzi (小福子)	Yanxi Palace	Attendant of Ruyi.
Chen Zhuo	Wu Fu (五福)	Yanxi Palace	Attendant of Ruyi.
Zhong Weihua	Cheng Han (成翰)	Shoukang Palace Cining Palace	Personal attendant of Zhenhuan. He was sent by Langhua to keep an eye on Zhenhuan.
Ma Bo	Zhao Yitai (赵一泰)	Changchun Palace	Personal attendant of Langhua.
Liu Zikai	Qian Shuangxi (钱双喜)	Xianfu Palace	Personal attendant of Gao Xiyue.
Chen Muyi[39]	Wang Chan (王蟾)	Yongshou Palace	Personal attendant of Wei Yanwan.
Wang Peidong	Xiao Lizi (小栗子)	Zhongcui Palace	Attendant of Su Lüyun, later eunuch of the Study Room and 12th prince.
Yang Shuo	Xu An (徐安)	N/A	Head Eunuch of the House of Respectful Affairs.
Yu Tong	Qin Li (秦立)	N/A	Eunuch of the Internal Affairs Department.
Yang Yang	Xiao Lüzi (小禄子)	N/A	Eunuch of the Imperial kitchen. He was instructed by Langhua to frame Ruyi.
Zhang Shu	Xiao Anzi (小安子)	N/A	Eunuch of the Internal Affairs Department. He was instructed by Langhua to frame Ruyi.
A Xing	Xiao Leizi (小磊子)	Prince Rong Manor	Personal attendant of Yongqi.
Chang Cheng	Xiao Guizi (小贵子)
Wang Zhen	Xiao Shunzi (小顺子)
Ma Xin Li Pengwu	Xiao Lezi (小乐子)
Liu Xue	Eunuch Ma (马公公)	N/A

Female servants

Actor	Character	Residence	Introduction
Chen Xiaoyun[40]	Suoxin (惢心)	Yanxi Palace Yikun Palace	Personal attendant of Ruyi. Observant and kind-hearted, she remained loyal to Ruyi through thick and thin. She likes Jiang Yubin and later marries him. She became disabled after Jin Yuyan put her through excessive torture.
Qi Huan[16]	Rong Pei (容珮)	Yikun Palace	Personal attendant of Ruyi. A capable and firm woman, she is very loyal toward Ruyi, she killed herself after Ruyi passed away.
Zheng Shuijing[41]	Lingzhi (菱枝)	Yikun Palace	Attendant of Ruyi.
Chen Erjia	Yunzhi (芸枝)	Yikun Palace	Attendant of Ruyi.
Li Linfei	Shuizhi (水芝)	Yanxi Palace	Attendant of Ruyi.
Gong Xiaoxuan[16]	Yuhu (毓瑚)	Yangxin Palace	Imperial palace maid. Former personal attendant of Qianlong's birth mother and current attendant of Qianlong, she assists Qianlong in keeping an eye of the internal palace.
Guo Hong[42]	Fujia (福珈)	Shoukang Palace Cining Palace	Personal attendant of Zhenhuan.
Zhang Yanyan	Xiuxia (绣夏)	Jingren Palace	Personal attendant of Yixiu.
Min Chunxiao[43]	Sulian (素練)	Changchun Palace	Personal attendant of Fuca Langhua. She often helped Langhua plot against the other consorts behind her back. She was later killed by Zhenshu.
Wang Xiaocheng	Lianxin (蓮心)	Changchun Palace	Personal attendant of Fuca Langhua. She was married off to Wang Qin by the Empress in exchange for Wang Qin's loyalty. Lianxin chose not to save Langhua when she fell into the waters, ultimately leading to Langhua's death. She committed suicide later out of guilt.
Liu Jia	Yexin (叶心)	Xianfu Palace Yanxi Palace	Personal attendant of Hailan.
Zhang Huanhuan	Xiangyun (香云)	Xianfu Palace Yanxi Palace	Attendant of Hailan. She was instructed by Gao Xiyue to frame Hailan of stealing her charcoal.
Li Bingyi	Zezhi (泽芝)	Xianfu Palace Yanxi Palace	Attendant of Ruyi, later sent to serve Hailan.
Xia Nan[16]	Lixin (丽心)	Qixiang Palace	Personal attendant of Jin Yuyan.
Guo Yuanyuan	Zhenshu/Jung Swuk (貞淑/정숙)	Qixiang Palace	Personal attendant of Jin Yuyan. A highly skilled healer from Joseon. She was responsible for framing Ruyi of having an affair with Anji Bosang. After her plan was exposed, she was sent back to Joseon.
Zhou Xiaoqin[44]	Palace maid Yan (妍宫女)	Qixiang Palace	Attendant of Jin Yuyan.
Sun Qianqian[45]	Moxin (茉心)	Xianfu Palace	Personal attendant of Gao Xiyue. After Gao Xiyue's death, she sought revenge for her by colluding with Bai Ruiji to pass on smallpox to the seventh prince, leading to his death.
Li Mengyang	Xingxuan (星璇)	Xianfu Palace	Attendant of Gao Xiyue.
Wang Chun (王純)	Chunchan (春婵)	Yongshou Palace	Personal attendant of Wei Yanwan. Often the mastermind behind Wei Yanwan's schemes. She was scarred by the incident of Ling Yunche and Lancui, and later exposed Wei Yanwan's evil doings to the Emperor.
Yang Liu	Lancui (瀾翠)	Yongshou Palace	Personal maid of Wei Yanwan. She was used as a bait by Wei Yanwan to threaten Zhao Jiuxiao into harming the eighth prince. Was later sent to and died at the Punishment Bureau by Yanwan in order to avoid leaving evidence of her mistress' relationship with Ling Yunche
Bai Lan[46]	Kexin (可心)	Zhongcui Palace	Personal attendant of Su Lüyun.
Ding Liuyan	Suyun (俗云)	Yonghe Palace Anhua Palace	Personal attendant of Bai Ruiji.
Shi Min	Hexi (荷惜)	Chuxiu Palace	Personal attendant of Yihuan.
Zhang Xinying	Xinyan (新燕)	Qixiang Palace	Personal attendant of Aruo.
Wang Jingya[47]	Shunxin (顺心)	Zhongcui Palace	Personal attendant of Chen Wanyin.
Wang Xinwen	Abao (阿宝)	Chuxiu Palace	Personal attendant of Barin Meiruo.
Zhang Menghan		Xianfu Palace	Personal maid of Kezhuzi.
Chen Mengxi	Xipo (喜珀)	Chengqian Palace Baoyue Lobby	Personal attendant of Han Xiangjian.
Gao Dongyu	Hali (哈丽)	Chengqian Palace Baoyue Lobby	Attendant of Han Xiangjian.
Zhang Xinyuan	Guli (古丽)	Chengqian Palace Baoyue Lobby	Attendant of Han Xiangjian.
Ma Lan		Jingyang Palace	Personal attendant of Lu Muping.
Huang Wen[48]	Huaixin (怀心)	Jingyang Palace Yanxi Palace	Personal attendant of Huang Qiying.
Zhao Jing	Duoyun (朵云)	Yonghe Palace	Personal attendant of Eyinzhu.
Jin Xi	Duoyan (朵颜)	Yonghe Palace	Personal attendant of Eyinzhu.
Tian Miao	Nursemaid Tian (田嬷嬷)	N/A	Hu Yunjiao's mother. She was bought over by Wei Yanwan and committed many evil deeds for her.

Others

Actor	Character	Introduction
Wang Wei	Sakda Miaoqian (萨克达·茂倩)	Daughter of an official. She was bethrothed to Ling Yunche as his wife. Due to her background as one of the lady of the eight banners, she looked down on Ling Yunche and did not have a good relationship with him. Due to her jealousy, she collaborated with Eyinzhu to accuse him of having an affair with Ruyi.
Yu Shaoqun	Anji Bosang (安吉波桑)	A senior monk. He was framed by Jin Yuyan and was accused of having an affair with Ruyi.
Zhang Yuxi[33]	Shui Linglong (水玲珑)	A famous courtesan favored by Qianlong.
Li Guangjie	Prince Yu (玉氐王爺)	Prince of Joseon. Jin Yuyan's first love.
Fang Xiaoli	Madame Na (那夫人)	Ruyi's mother.
Cai Wenyan	Madame Fuca (富察夫人)	Langhua's mother.
Meng Xiu	Madame Wei (卫夫人)	Wei Yanwan's mother. A greedy and obnoxious woman. She took the blame of harming Ruyi's children for Wei Yanwan, and was put to death.
Song Jiateng	Zhaqi (扎齐)	Hailan's nephew. A greedy and obnoxious man. He was manipulated by Wei Yanwan to frame Hailan of harming Ruyi's children.
Xu Xiaoning	Zuolu (佐禄)	Wei Yanwan's younger brother.
Wu Rige	Saisang Gendun (赛桑根敦)	Ruler of Khorchin tribe. Eyinzhu's father.
Liu Jun	Han Ati (寒阿提)	Ruler of Han tribe. Han Xiangjian's father.
Wang Leifang	Han Qi (寒企)	Han Xiangjian's first love.
Liu Yupu	Bai'erguosi (拜尔果斯)	Kezhuzi's father.
Zhang Xiaolin	Anduo (安多)	Anji Bosang's disciple.
Huang Deyi	Tian Jun (田俊)	Nursemaid Tian's son, Hu Yunjiao's brother.
Fang Yuchen	Yao'er (桃儿)	Madame Wei's maid.

Production

Crew

The series is directed by Wang Jun,[49] produced by Huang Lan,[50] and written by the author of the original novel Liu Lianzi.[51] The series also employed William Chang and Tongxun Chen as their overall style director,[52] Han Zhong as art director and Peng Xuejun as cinematography director.[53]

Development

Wu Xuelan, also known as Liu Lianzi, started to write the original novel in 2011, and changed her work several times to achieve the best version in the next five years.[54]

New Classics Media picked up the series for a 90-episode season (later shortened to 87), and each episode cost approximately S$1.95 million, making it the most expensive television series in China.[55]

Casting

On January 14, 2016, it was announced that Zhou Xun will play the leading role of Hoifa-Nara, the Step Empress.[56] The role of Qianlong Emperor, the male lead, was announced to be portrayed by Wallace Huo on May 27.[57] On August 3, actors Janine Chang, Vivian Wu, Dong Jie, Tong Yao, Jing Chao, Xin Zhilei, Li Chun, Zeng Yixuan and Chen Haoyu were cast in major supporting roles for the drama.[58] Around 5,000 actors competed for roles in the drama.[59]

Filming

Shooting began on 23 August 2016 and took place in various locations including Hengdian World Studios, Beijing, Inner Mongolia, and Hangzhou.[60] The series wrapped up filming on May 5, 2017.[61]

Soundtrack

No.	Title	Lyrics	Music	Singers	Length
1.	"Double Shadow (双影)" (Theme song (Ending theme episode 47 onwards))	Yi Jiayang	Ding Wei & Jim Lee	A-mei & Sandy Lam
2.	"Incense & Fleeting Years (沉香流年)" (Opening theme song (episode 1-46))	Yi Ming	Yi Ming & Wang Yaoguang	Lei Jia
3.	"Like the Fragrance of Plum Blossoms We Once Knew (梅香如故)" (Ending theme song (episode 1-38, 40-46))	Lv Jingye	Chen Shimei	Mao Buyi & Zhou Shen
4.	"Things stay the same, but people have changed (人非物是)" (Opening theme (episode 47 onwards))		Chen Shimei	Asia Philharmonic Orchestra
5.	"Worries (心事)" (Ending theme song (episode 39 only))	Lv Jingye	Yan Qing	Deng Tongtian

Reception

The series received mixed responses from viewers.

Many feel underwhelmed by the unaggressive heroine, who was not able to face off the villain consorts even in the second half of the drama, thus making her character design flawed and unconvincing. The drama was also criticized for its anti-climax story and depressive tone. Critics felt that it was ironic and unbelievable for the protagonist to pursue monogamy in a highly feudalistic context. The slow pacing in the first half of the drama was pointed out, with critics believing that the screenwriters neglecting a compact story-telling to flesh out the characters.[62]

The series has also received criticism over the age of the leading performers, with viewers saying they made unconvincing teenagers, and criticized the series' producers for not using younger actors to portray the lovestruck teens. Viewers were also divided over the lack of dubbing for Zhou Xun’s 15-year-old character, as they felt that her voice was “too raspy” and “mature” for a teenager.[63]

However there were also praises for the drama. Zhang Hanyue, a writer and critic, said “The show becomes more and more heart-tugging as the story goes deep". Many viewers agree that Ruyi bears many characteristics of a modern female. Vogue magazine commented that the drama actually recorded “the failure of a high-end girl” because what Ruyi had been pursuing was spiritual connections with her spouse; and such a pursuit represents the taste and ideal of the modern middle class.[64] Critics agree that the drama introduces a new light to and narrative of palace dramas, deviating from the existing patterns of treacherous harem games.[65] The drama won acclaim for its exquisite props, lavish sets and stellar cast.[66]

Ratings

Dragon TV ratings[67]
Broadcast date	Episode	Ratings (%)	Audience share (%)	Rank (excluding CCTV)	Rank (including CCTV)
2018.12.25	1-4	0.247	2.86	3	9
2018.12.26	5-8	0.306	3.42	1	4
2018.12.27	9-12	0.359	3.93	1	3
2018.12.28	13-16	0.291	3.20	2	6
2018.12.29	17-20	0.368	3.69	1	5
2018.12.30	21-24	0.455	3.79	1	3
2018.12.31	25-28	0.556	4.56	1	3
2019.1.1	29-32	0.557	4.36	1	3
2019.1.2	33-36	0.536	5.77	1	2
2019.1.3	37-40	0.467	5.22	1	2
2019.1.4	41-44	0.553	Not available	1	1
2019.1.5	45-48	0.550		1	1
2019.1.6	49-52	0.515		1	1
2019.1.7	53-56	0.551	5.99	1	2
2019.1.8	57-60	0.496	5.52	1	2
2019.1.9	61-64	0.500	5.29	1	3
2019.1.10	65-68	0.472	5.16	1	2
2019.1.11	69-72	0.482	5.05	1	2
2019.1.12	73-76	0.554	4.87	1	2
2019.1.13	77-80	0.611	5.38	1	1
2019.1.14	81-84	0.610	6.61	1	2
2019.1.15	85-87	0.623	6.29	1	1
Average ratings		0.485	4.79	-	-

Jiangsu TV ratings[67]
Broadcast date	Episode	Ratings (%)	Audience share (%)	Rank (excluding CCTV)	Rank (including CCTV)
2018.12.25	1-4	0.181	2.115	4	11
2018.12.26	5-8	0.178	2.011	4	10
2018.12.27	9-12	0.171	1.884	5	12
2018.12.28	13-16	0.208	2.313	5	11
2018.12.29	17-20	0.200	Not available
2018.12.30	21-24	0.292	2.437	3	6
2018.12.31	25-28	0.295	2.431	3	6
2019.1.1	29-32	0.298	2.343	3	5
2019.1.2	33-36	0.231	2.354	4	9
2019.1.3	37-40	0.170	Not available
2019.1.4	41-44	0.186
2019.1.5	45-48	0.266
2019.1.6	49-52	0.223
2019.1.7	53-56	0.215	2.314	3	11
2019.1.8	57-60	0.215	2.315	3	11
2019.1.9	61-64	0.216	2.186	3	10
2019.1.10	65-68	0.181	1.948	5	11
2019.1.11	69-72	0.180	1.837	6	12
2019.1.12	73-76	0.189	1.728	4	11
2019.1.13	77-80	0.206	1.866	5	11
2019.1.14	81-84	0.208	2.221	3	9
2019.1.15	85-87	0.265	2.826	2	8
Average ratings		0.217	-	-	-

Awards and nominations

Award	Category	Nominated work	Result	Ref.
24th Huading Awards	Best Director	Wang Jun	Nominated	[68]
	Best Actor	Wallace Huo	Nominated
12th Tencent Video Star Awards	Best Web Drama	Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace	Won	[69]
Golden Bud - The Third Network Film And Television Festival	Top 10 Web Drama		Won	[70]
Influence of Recreational Responsibilities Awards	Web Drama of the Year		Won	[71]
2nd Asian Academy Creative Awards	Best Leading Actress	Zhou Xun	Won	[72]

International broadcast

On 10 June 2016, Fox Networks Group Asia (FNG) and Turner Broadcasting System Asia acquired global rights outside mainland China to the series.[73] It was the first epic period drama secured by FNG for markets outside China, and was carried by STAR Chinese Channel (SCC), the flagship Chinese general entertainment channel, starting 20 August 2018 in selected countries, rerun on August 6, 2019 in all countries for return a year.[74]

From 27 November 2018, it aired on Fox Taiwan. From 27 December 2018, it aired on Talentvision Canada. To date it has debuted in 18 countries and regions, including the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan and Philippines.[75]

Region	Network	Dates	Notes
United States	Fox Networks Group	20 August 2018	Dubbed with English
Hong Kong and Southeast Asia Countries	Star Chinese Channel	20 August - 18 December 2018	Rerun on 6 August 2019 at 15:00 and next day 1:00 in all countries
Vietnam	HTV7	1 September 2018	Dubbed with Vietnamese
Taiwan	Fox Taiwan	27 November 2018	Original Language
Canada	Talentvision Canada	27 December 2018	Dubbed with English or Chinese
Japan	WOWOW TV	29 May 2019
Philippines	GMA Network	Coming Soon	A part of GMA The Heart of Asia and dubbed in Filipino

References

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15. She was renamed as 卫嬿婉/炩妃 in the subtitles in China, to avoid historical disputes. Her original name is 魏嬿婉/令妃 in the novel and the Taiwan version.
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26. "邬君梅变身霸气甄嬛 《如懿传》再度开启诡谲宫斗". Sina (in Chinese). November 2, 2017.
27. "《如懿传》再爆演出阵容 宣璐入住后宫备受期待". Tencent (in Chinese). December 2, 2016.
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30. "《如懿传》正式定档 吴雨珏多部大戏将播". Netease (in Chinese). September 26, 2017.
31. "胡先煦加盟《如懿传》 获汪俊钦点彪戏霍建华". Tencent (in Chinese). December 5, 2016.
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33. "张丰毅《如懿传》演雍正 吴倩张予曦加盟". Sina (in Chinese). December 3, 2016.
34. "《如懿传》杀青 晨媛儿完美诠释九公主璟妘". Tencent (in Chinese). May 26, 2018.
35. "《如懿传》曝凌云彻剧照 经超演绎英武冷宫侍卫". Sina (in Chinese). March 2, 2017.
36. "黄明《如懿传》杀青 颠覆暖男形象演绎传奇公公". Sina (in Chinese). May 9, 2017.
37. "《如懿传》再掀宫斗潮 胡明从和珅变太监". Sina (in Chinese). October 14, 2016.
38. "三宝公公李琦不惧压力 实力塑造经典引期待". Sina (in Chinese). December 5, 2017.
39. "陈木易《如懿传》杀青 转战沙场加盟《锻刀2》". Sina (in Chinese). May 9, 2017.
40. "陈小纭《如懿传》杀青 饰聪慧惢心和如懿主仆情深". Sina (in Chinese). May 5, 2017.
41. "水晶《如懿传》杀青 小宫女秒变"英语小老师"". Tencent (in Chinese). May 9, 2017.
42. "郭虹《如懿传》曝最新剧照 新剧热拍引期待". Tencent (in Chinese). November 2, 2017.
43. "闵春晓加盟《如懿传》 领旨进宫受关注". Tencent (in Chinese). December 14, 2016.
44. "电视剧《如懿传》演员周笑琴出演辛芷蕾贴身宫女". Netease (in Chinese). September 18, 2017.
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50. "制片人：霍建华不惧演"渣男"". Netease (in Chinese). August 24, 2016.
51. "流潋紫：在周迅之前 《如懿传》曾被很多人拒绝". Sina (in Chinese). October 24, 2017.
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56. "《如懿传》将拍 周迅担任女主首入清宫". Sina (in Chinese). January 14, 2016.
57. "霍建华确认加盟《如懿传》与周迅搭档". Sina (in Chinese). May 27, 2016.
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61. "董洁《如懿传》杀青难掩不舍 与周迅"相爱相杀"". Sina (in Chinese). May 5, 2017.
62. "评论：《如懿传》的结局是亮眼还是败笔？". Sina (in Chinese). October 17, 2018.
63. "'Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace' debuts to mixed reviews". Toggle. August 31, 2018.
64. "'Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace' brings a new light to Chinese historical drama". CGTN. October 31, 2018.
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69. "腾讯视频星光盛典：Baby美杨超越萌，老戏骨们最有范儿". Tencent (in Chinese). December 18, 2018.
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75. "《如懿传》日本播出，译为"紫禁城里命运凋零的王妃"". Beijing News (in Chinese). May 25, 2019.