Director: Li Huizhu  /  Mai Guanzhi

Starring: Zhang Ting  /  Mingdao  /  Li Xiaolu  /  He Shengming  /  Zheng Guolin  /  Yang Mi  /  Tong Liya  /  Zhang Meng

First aired: 2011

Plot Summary:

  The series is set against the backdrop of a large-scale palace maid escape that took place within the Daming Palace during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty. Set against the backdrop of a bygone era, the story unfolds as a tale of family bonds, romantic love, and lifelong friendship. The heroine, Helan Xin’er, falls in love with Pei Shaoqing, a guard at Danfeng Gate—only to discover on their wedding day that Empress Wang, who once showed her great kindness, has been banished to the Cold Palace following the murder of the young princess. Determined to repay her debt of gratitude, Xin’er forsakes her nuptials and boldly enters the imperial palace, launching an investigation into the truth behind the tragedy. Yet she soon finds herself swept up in the treacherous power struggles led by Wu Meiniang. Torn between love and duty, right and wrong, she endures relentless trials and faces agonizing choices. In the end, moved by Wu Meiniang’s magnanimity and vision for the greater good, Xin’er resolves to remain by her side and serve as her loyal confidante. Over the course of many long years, these two women stand together, braving one obstacle after another, until they finally attain their cherished goals and forge lives of perfect fulfillment.