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The Story of Yanxi Palace (延禧攻略）

The drama follows Wei Ying Luo’s journey in the imperial palace during reign of Qian Long Emperor in the Qing dynasty (18th century China). Initially entering the palace to investigate her sister’s death, she soon finds herself entangled in the rivalries of the palace. The drama stars Wu Jin Yan as Wei Ying Luo, Nie Yuan as Emperor Qian Long, Qin Lan as the Empress Fuca, Xu Kai as the handsome Fuca Fuheng, Charmaine Sheh as Consort Xian.

Premiering in 2018, this drama was the most popular drama that year both in China and overseas. It propelled the careers of Wu Jin Yan and Xu Kai while also aiding the rest of the cast into a renaissance in their careers.

Podcast Episodes

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Podcast

Chasing Dramas

Karen and Cathy

The Story of Yanxi Palace 延禧攻略: Intro to the Drama

Chasing Dramas
21 Jun . 29 min 24 sec

The Story of Yanxi Palace – Ep 1: Welcome Back to the Palace

Chasing Dramas
27 Jun . 39 min 46 sec

The Story of Yanxi Palace – Ep 2+3: Here's to Revenge

Chasing Dramas
4 Jul . 36 min 3 sec

The Story of Yanxi Palace – Ep 4: Stepping Out of Grief

Chasing Dramas
12 Jul . 27 min 32 sec

The Story of Yanxi Palace – Ep 5: No Patience For Childish Games

Chasing Dramas
18 Jul . 26 min 27 sec
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Podcast Episodes

Key Characters

Wei Ying Luo 魏璎珞

Wei Ying Luo enters the palace to seek revenge for her sister and ends up as a key member in the palace

Qianlong Emperor 乾隆皇帝

The 6th Emperor of the Qing Dynasty.

The Empress 皇后

Beautiful and kind, she acted as a mentor and sister to Ying Luo

Consort Xian 娴妃

A poised and elegant woman in the palace who sought power after the death of her family

Consort Gao 高贵妃

Loud and obnoxious, she was an immediate threat to Wei Ying Luo and her cohort

Fuca Fuheng 富察傅恒

Empress Fu Cha’s brother. Imperial guard.

Drama Setting – Intro History and Cultural Details

Qing Dynasty

The drama takes place during the Qing Dynasty or at the time called 大清 . The Qing dynasty was founded by the Manchu Aisin Gioro (or 爱新觉罗 in Mandarin) clan in 1632 and ruled China from 1644 to 1912. It is the last imperial dynasty to rule China. Of note, the Manchu Aisin Gioro clan is not Han Chinese. The Manchu were from Northern China and were militaristic, well versed on horseback and had close ties to the Mongolians. In present day, Manchu is the second largest minority group in China and according to the 2010 Census from Baidu, there are over 10 million Manchu living in China. They have their own written and spoken language and many still live in dong bei province in China.

The Imperial Harem

The main setting of this drama is the emperor’s harem, or 后宫. Though it means “harem” in English, the direct translation of the words is “palace in the back”. This contrasts with qian chao 前朝 which is the Emperor’s court in which he conducts his ruling affairs, but the direct translation to those 2 words are “front court”. So you see, the emperor must manage two aspects of his life. The court, for ruling, and the harem, for continuing his progeny. There is a clear delineation of his roles and, of course, the role of women.

Titles in the Palace

During the Qing dynasty, you have one empress or 皇后, that rules the harem on behalf of the emperor. She is what is considered the “main” wife. Every other woman is, or supposed to be, subservient to her and enjoys special priviedges. There is normally a 皇贵妃, the Imperial Noble Consort followed by the rank of 贵妃, the Noble Consort. Then four women are generally appointed 妃子, Consort. The next tier is 嫔, Imperial Concubine. Of the above ranks, according to the drama, you are able to have your own, or at least control your own palace quarters.