Empresses in the Palace

Empresses in the Palace

Company type	Television series
Industry	Television drama
Founded	2011
Founder	Liu Lianzi (original novel)
Headquarters	China
Products	TV series

Empresses in the Palace () is a 2011 Chinese TV series adapted from the novel authored by Liu Lianzi. Under the direction of Zheng Xiaolong and featuring Sun Li in a leading role, the series earned widespread praise for its compelling cast and sharp dialogue. It became one of the most prominent Chinese dramas, enjoying frequent rebroadcasts and exerting considerable cultural influence throughout Chinese-speaking regions. In 2015, the show was abridged into six episodes for Netflix before later being available on Amazon Prime Video.

Plot

Set during the final years of the Kangxi Emperor's reign, Fourth Prince Yinzhen competes with his brothers for control of the Qing dynasty throne. With strong backing, Yinzhen ascends as Yongzheng Emperor after eliminating his rivals. Despite his success, he becomes increasingly distrustful and wary of potential usurpers.

Yinzhen’s first wife, posthumously honored as Empress Chunyuan, was deeply cherished; following his enthronement, her younger sister assumes the position of empress. Both siblings, along with Yinzhen’s mother, Empress Dowager Renshou, hail from the powerful Ula-Nara clan.

Six months into Yinzhen’s reign, Empress Dowager Renshou arranges a selection process for new members of the Imperial Harem. Reluctantly, Zhen Huan is chosen due to her striking resemblance to the late Empress Chunyuan. She enters the palace alongside her childhood companion Shen Meizhuang and An Lingrong, who comes from a humble background.

Although Zhen Huan initially seeks to avoid palace intrigues, she develops feelings for the Emperor, inciting jealousy among rival consorts who then scheme against her and Shen Meizhuang. Motivated by envy, An Lingrong collaborates with senior consorts including Empress Ula-Nara Yixiu in their conspiracies.

Amidst the complex power struggles within the palace, Zhen Huan forms a friendship with Fourth Prince Hongli, pledging to look after him. Upon uncovering the Emperor’s true intentions, she retreats to become a nun at Ganlu Temple, where she secretly begins a relationship with Prince Guo.

Their attempt to escape together is thwarted when Prince Guo is dispatched to Tibet and presumed dead. Seeking safety and vengeance, Zhen Huan returns to the harem under the title Consort Xi (Niohuru Zhenhuan), claiming maternity over Hongli by formally adopting him. This elevated status secures her new allies.

Prince Guo reemerges but their relationship dissolves due to palace restrictions. The Emperor grows suspicious and commands Zhen Huan to assassinate Prince Guo; instead, he takes his own life.

The Empress loses favor as her schemes unravel; she admits to involvement in various crimes including her sister’s demise. Although the Emperor attempts to depose her, Empress Dowager Renshou’s will protects the Ula-Nara clan’s interests, resulting in the Empress being confined under house arrest.

Zhenhuan gradually poisons the Emperor and exposes infidelities among concubines before his death.

Upon his succession as Qianlong Emperor, Hongli bestows upon Zhenhuan the title of empress dowager. Due to stipulations in a will, the former Empress retains her title indefinitely.

As sole empress dowager, Zhenhuan oversees harem selections, advises Qianlong on governance matters, and manages palace affairs.

Main

Actor	Character	Description
Sun Li	Zhen Huan (甄嬛), later Niohuru Zhenhuan (钮祜禄·甄嬛)	Starting as Lady Zhen progressing through ranks: First Class Attendant Wan → Noble Lady Wan → Concubine Wan → Nun → Consort Xi → Noble Consort Xi → Empress Dowager Chongqing The central figure who rises to become a favored imperial consort. Intelligent and socially adept with strategic acumen, she is biological mother to Hongyan, Longyue, and Lingxi and adoptive mother of Hongli and Jinghe.
Chen Jianbin	Aisin-Gioro Yinzhen (爱新觉罗·胤禛)	Yongzheng Emperor → Emperor Shizong Qing dynasty ruler deeply devoted to his first wife Empress Chunyuan while favoring multiple consorts. Exhibits paranoia regarding court conspiracies.
Ada Choi	Ula-Nara Yixiu (乌拉那拉·宜修)	Empress → Mistress of Jingren Palace Initially kindhearted empress who ruthlessly removes threats to maintain authority, particularly targeting Zhen Huan. Half-sister of Empress Chunyuan and adoptive mother of Hongshi.

Imperial Harem

Hierarchy: Lady-in-waiting → Second Class Attendant → First Class Attendant → Noble Lady → Concubine → Consort → Noble Consort → Imperial Noble Consort → Empress
Honorific titles take precedence over family names as symbols of distinction.

Actor	Character	Description
Jiang Xin	Nian Shilan (年世兰)	Progression: Consort Hua → Noble Consort Hua → Imperial Noble Consort Dunsu An early favorite of the Yongzheng Emperor; her noble lineage enables her to act with arrogance and impunity.
Lan Xi	Shen Meizhuang (沈眉庄)	Advancement: Lady Shen → Noble Lady Hui → Concubine Hui → Consort Hui → Noble Consort Hui Zhen Huan's childhood companion and confidante; biological mother to Jinghe.
Tao Xinran	An Lingrong (安陵容)	Titles: Lady An → Second Class Attendant → Noble Lady → Concubine → Consort Li Once a friend, she becomes a rival due to familial pressures and palace intrigues.
Yang Fanghan	Feng Ruozhao (冯若昭)	Ranks: Concubine Jing → Consort Jing → Noble Consort Jing A high-ranking but less favored consort; a close ally of Zhen Huan and adoptive mother of Longyue.
Li Yijuan	Qi Yuebin (齐月宾)	Positions: Consort Duan → Imperial Noble Consort A consort with elevated rank yet lacking favor; adoptive mother to Wenyi.
Zhang Yameng	Li Wanting (李婉婷)	Role: Consort Qi A high-status but unfavored consort; biological mother of Hongshi.
Chen Sisi	Cao Qinmo (曹琴默)	Status: Noble Lady → Concubine Xiang A lower-ranking consort who previously served Imperial Noble Consort Dunsu; biological mother of Wenyi.
Tan Songyun	Fang Chunyi (方淳意)	Progression: Lady Fang → First Class Attendant Chun → Noble Lady Chun The youngest consort introduced early in the series.
Cui Manli	Yu Ying'er (余莺儿)	Titles: Palace Maid → Lady-in-waiting → Second Class Attendant A palace maid who impersonates Zhen Huan during the emperor’s initial meeting with her.
Liu Yitong	Qiao Songzhi (乔颂芝)	Positions: Senior Maid of Consort Hua → Second Class Attendant Zhi Loyal servant aiding Consort Hua as her influence wanes.
Tang Yixin	Gūwalgiya Wenyuan (瓜尔佳·文鸳)	Titles: Lady Gūwalgiya → Noble Lady Qi → Concubine Qi Consort who accuses Zhen Huan and Wen Shi Chu of having an illicit relationship.
Rayzha	Ye Lanyi (叶澜依)	Ranks: Lady Ye → Second Class Attendant → Noble Lady Ning → Concubine Ning Horse trainer forced into the Imperial Harem after capturing the emperor’s attention.
Wan Meixi	Lü Yingfeng (吕盈风)	Progression: First Class Attendant Xin → Noble Lady Xin → Concubine Xin Ascends through ranks eventually becoming Dowager Concubine Xin.
Ying Er	Xia Dongchun (夏冬春)	Titles: Lady Xia → First Class Attendant A brash consort known for causing offense at the beginning of the story.
Zhao Qin	Fuca Yixin (富察·仪欣)	Status: Lady Fuca → Noble Lady An influential figure manipulating An Lingrong’s decisions.

Imperial Family

Leanne Liu Liu Yan Li Dongxue Lan Yingying Yang Qi Duan Shaonan Wang Min Tan Limin Tian Xiping Tian Pujun Kang Fuzhen Xu Lu Wu Lipeng Wang Wenjie Yuan Yi Zhang Yan Duan Shaonan Yao Wan'er Yang Xinyi Ding Xiaomei

Actor	Character	Summary
Uya Chengbi (乌雅·成壁)	Initially Empress Dowager Renshou, later Empress Xiaogongren. Mother to the Yongzheng Emperor, she protects the Empress to maintain the Ula-Nara clan's power and favors her younger son, Yunti, Prince Xun, over her eldest.
Yuan Yanran (阮嫣然)	Dowager Consort Shu turned nun Master Chongjing. She is Prince Guo's birth mother and Kangxi Emperor's favored consort.
Yunli (爱新觉罗·允礼)	Prince Guo of the Second Rank, later elevated to Prince Guoyi of the First Rank. The Yongzheng Emperor's favored younger half-brother, he is a free-spirited prince devoted to arts and literature, who develops affection for Zhen Huan.
Huanbi (浣碧), later Niohuru Yuyin (钮钴禄·玉隐)	Initially maid to Lady Zhen and then to Noble Consort Xi. She becomes Lady Niohuru and ultimately Secondary then Primary Consort of Prince Guoyi. She is Zhen Huan's dowry maid and illegitimate half-sister who marries Prince Guo.
Meng Jingxian (孟静娴)	Daughter of Duke Pei; becomes Secondary Consort to Prince Guo due to her love for him.
Aisin-Gioro Yuanche (爱新觉罗·元澈)	Eldest son of Prince Guo and Meng Jingxian; later adopted by Yurao and becomes Heir of Prince Shen.
Yunki (爱新觉罗·允祺)	Known as Prince Heng of the First Rank; Yongzheng Emperor's younger half-brother.
Lady Tatara (他他拉氏)	Primary Consort to Prince Heng.
Yun'e (爱新觉罗·允䄉)	Holds the title Prince Dun of the First Rank; a younger half-brother of Yongzheng Emperor.
Lady Borjigin (孛兒只斤氏)	Primary Consort to Prince Dun.
Yunxi (爱新觉罗·允禧)	Initially Prince Shen of the Third Rank, later promoted to Second Rank. Younger half-brother to Yongzheng Emperor; married to Yurao, Zhen Huan's youngest sister.
Zhen Yurao (甄玉娆), later Niohuru Yurao (钮钴禄·玉娆)	Starts as Lady Zhen, then becomes Lady Niohuru and Primary Consort of Prince Shen. Youngest sister to Zhen Huan; marries Prince Shen despite attention from Yongzheng Emperor.
Hongshi (爱新觉罗·弘时)	Third Prince; son of Consort Qi. Adopted by the Empress but not favored due to perceived lack of intelligence.
Qianlong Emperor (爱新觉罗·弘历)	Fourth Prince progressing from prince title Bao to Qianlong Emperor. Born to a palace maid and later adopted by Zhen Huan; a dedicated scholar admired by his father.
Empress Xiaoxianchun (富察氏)	Known as Lady Fuca before becoming Primary Consort to Prince Bao and eventually Empress. Selected by Zhen Huan as Hongli’s primary consort.
Empress Nara (乌拉那拉·青樱)	Born Lady Ula-Nara; becomes Secondary Consort of Prince Bao then elevated as Consort Xian. Niece to Empress; assigned secondary consort status after rejection as Hongshi’s consort candidate.
Hongyan (爱新觉罗·弘曕)	Sixth Prince and Heir of Prince Guo; son of Zhen Huan and twin brother to Lingxi.
Aisin-Gioro Wenyi (爱新觉罗·温宜)	Daughter of Noble Lady Cao, later adopted by Consort Duan.
Aisin-Gioro Longyue (爱新觉罗·胧月)	Eldest daughter of Zhen Huan, adopted by Consort Jing.
Aisin-Gioro Lingxi (爱新觉罗·灵犀)	Daughter of Zhen Huan by Prince Guo; twin sister to Hongyan.

Imperial Court

Actor	Character	Description
Wang Biao	Zhang Tingyu (张廷玉)	A minister devoted solely to the Yongzheng Emperor.
Zhang Yi	Tunggiya Longkodo (佟佳·隆科多)	Influential official instrumental in supporting Yongzheng Emperor's accession.
Shen Baoping	Zhen Yuandao (甄远道), later Niohuru Yuandao (钮钴禄·远道)	Father figure of Zhen Huan.
Li Dan	Yun Xinluo (云辛萝)	Zhen Huan's mother.
Ma Weifu	Gūwalgiya Emin (瓜尔佳·厄敏)	Father to Concubine Qi.
Sun Ning	Nian Gengyao (年羹尧)	Chief general under Yongzheng Emperor and elder sibling of Consort Hua.
Li Hongrui	Moge (摩格)	Ruler of the Dzungar Khanate.
Xing Hanqing	Ji Weisheng (季惟生)	Assistant director at the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy.
Liu Boting	A'jin (阿晋)	Personal attendant assigned to Prince Guo.
Sun Boyang	Xia Yi (夏刈)	Leader of the Yongzheng Emperor’s assassination squad.

Servants

Actor	Character	Description
Lee Tien-chu	Su Peisheng (苏培盛)	Head eunuch serving Yongzheng Emperor since youth; eventually weds Jinxi.
Li Lubing	Xiao Xiazi (小厦子)	Eunuch apprentice under Su Peisheng.
Sun Qian	Cui Jinxi (崔槿汐)	Senior maid loyal to Zhen Huan; later becomes Su Peisheng's spouse.
Zhan Jingyi	Liuzhu (流朱)	Maid included in Zhen Huan's dowry.
Luo Kang	Xiao Yunzi (小允子)	Chief eunuch attending to Zhen Huan.
Zhai Beibei	Pei'er (佩儿)	Initially a maid for Zhen Huan, later serves Concubine Xin; remains devoted to Zhen Huan.
Zhao Hailong	Kang Luhai (康禄海)	Lead eunuch for Concubine Li, formerly assigned to Zhen Huan.
Guo Zihao	Xiao Yinzi (小印子)	Eunuch transferred from Zhen Huan’s service to Concubine Li.
He Mengting	Huasui (花穗)	Maid originally serving Yu Ying'er, subsequently assigned to Zhen Huan.
Li Qun	Bin'er (玢儿)	Maid initially at the Zhen Mansion, later transferred to Gūwalgiya Mansion.

Cheng Nan Feiwen (斐雯) Maid attending to Zhen Huan. Li Yang Xu Jinliang (徐进良) Eunuch responsible for managing the Yongzheng Emperor’s sleeping quarters. Du Xiang Huang Guiquan (黄规全) First director of the Imperial Household Department; related by family ties to Consort Hua. Zhang Zhiwei Jiang Zhongmin (江忠敏) Second director within the Imperial Household Department. Quan Baojun Head Eunuch Gou (苟总管) Third director overseeing the Imperial Household Department. Zhang Zhiwei Liang Duorui (梁多瑞) Fourth director at the Imperial Household Department. Liang Yixin Baojuan (宝鹃) Senior maid serving An Lingrong. Hu Xinhui Baoque (宝鹊) Attendant maid to An Lingrong. Li Mengyang Juqing (菊青) Maid transferred from Zhen Huan’s service to An Lingrong. Xu Lei Xiao Guizi (小贵子) Eunuch assigned to An Lingrong. Liu Yin Jixiang (吉祥) Senior maid serving Consort Duan. Han Yuting Cuiguo (翠果) Maid attending Consort Qi. Tian Shumei Sun Zhuxi (孙竹息) Senior maid in service of the Empress Dowager. Yang Jingfang Fangruo (芳若) Former maid of Yongzheng Emperor; later serves Empress Dowager and mentors consorts. Yang Kaichun Jianqiu (剪秋) Trusted senior maid to the Empress; involved in a poisoning plot. Li Yingya Huichun (绘春) Maid serving the Empress. Liu Yang Jiang Fuhai (江福海) Head eunuch attending the Empress. Wang Yiming Zhou Ninghai (周宁海) Lead eunuch for Consort Hua and key operative in her schemes. Wang Xiaoming Suxi (肃喜) Eunuch serving under Consort Hua. Sun Fei Fuzi (福子) Palace maid spying on Consort Hua on behalf of the Empress. }

Imperial Physicians

Actor	Character	Description

Actor	Character	Description
Zhang Xiaolong	Wen Shichu (温实初)	Zhen Huan's childhood companion and most reliable imperial doctor; also recognized as an authority on traditional dance and Qing dynasty court customs.
Qin Yiming	Wei Lin (卫临)	Protégé of Wen Shichu who eventually becomes the chief imperial physician.
Huang Ningsheng	Zhang Mi (章弥)	Imperial doctor responsible for overseeing Zhen Huan’s initial pregnancy.
Du Xiaotao	Jiang Cheng (江诚)	Sibling of Jiang Shen; serves Consort Hua.
Yang Xiaobo	Jiang Shen (江慎)	Brother to Jiang Cheng; employed by Consort Hua.
Guo Chen	Liu Ben (刘畚)	Imperial physician assigned by Consort Hua and Noble Lady Cao to earn Shen Meizhuang’s confidence within the Imperial Gardens.

Ganlu Temple

Actor	Character	Description
Hai Yan	Jing'an (静岸)	Chief Nun at Ganlu Temple; kind-hearted but manipulated by Jingbai.
Zhao Qianzi	Jingbai (静白)	Deputy Head Nun; mistreats and belittles Zhen Huan during her stay.
Wang Lihan	Moyan (莫言)	Forthright nun who supports Zhen Huan and resists Jingbai’s commands.

Special appearance

Actor	Character	Description
Liu Lianzi	Liu Lianzi (刘莲子)	Participant in the first episode of the Imperial Selection; cameo by the original author, with most scenes removed from the final cut but shown at the author’s wedding.

Production

• Publisher: Zheng Xiaolong, Zhong Yi, Dun Yong, Li Ruigang
• Producer: Cao Ping, Dun Qi, Xu Xiaoou
• Supervisors: Liu Zhiyuan, Wang Xiaodong, Zhang Suzhou, Chen Liang, Tang Rang, Zhang Ping, Li Junming, Zhao Hongmei, Chen Yaping
• Director: Zheng Xiaolong
• Assistant Directors: Dong Xiaoyun, Liu Le, Zheng Hanqing
• Screenwriters: Liu Lianzi, Wang Xiaoping
• Cinematography: Li Zhiqiang, Li Qiang, Yu Fei, Zhang Yuanshou, Feng Yucheng, Wang Lindong, Zhao Hao, He Lichun, Chen Jianwei, Wei Liangliang, Li Meng, Yang Jinbo
• Music Composers: Liu Huan, Meng Ke, Ding Ji, Zhao Liang, Song Lei, Wang Songyang, Wan Xiaoyuan, Li Wei, Sui Jing; Asian Philharmonic Orchestra; Huang Lijie
• Editors: Jin Ye, Jiang Jimei
• Props Department: Wang Yue et al.
• Casting Director: Li Yang
• Voice Actors: Liao Jing, Zhang Wei
• Art and Set Design: Chen Haozhong et al.
• Costume Department: Chen Tongxun et al.
• Visual Effects: Beijing Huacai Shengtang Mathematics Technology Co., LTD
• Lighting Team: Li Tianlei et al.
• Sound Recording: An Wei, Liu Xinghe, Lin Xin
• Script Supervisors: Guo Guanhua, Yu Feng
• Distribution: Cheng Ting

Impact

Promotion of Chinese Traditional Arts

The drama significantly enhanced recognition of "Filigree Inlaid Metal Art" (花丝镶嵌), a traditional decorative technique originating from the Spring and Autumn period, as noted by the Overseas Chinese Language and Culture Education Online platform.

Traditional Medicine Awareness

Through product placement within the series, public familiarity with a traditional remedy derived from donkey-hide gelatin (东阿阿胶, Dong-E-E-Jiao) was notably increased.

Ratings

Viewership statistics for Anhui Television and Dragon Television

Date of Broadcast	Episode Range	CSM42 City Anhui TV Ratings			CSM42 City Dragon TV Ratings
		Rating	Share of Audience	Position	Rating	Share of Audience	Position
March 26, 2012	1–2	0.813	2.17	3	0.601	1.61	8
March 27, 2012	3–4	0.959	2.57	3	0.677	1.82	5
March 28, 2012	5–6	0.854	2.22	3	0.727	1.88	6
March 29, 2012	7–8	1.058	2.75	3	0.844	2.19	5
March 30, 2012	9–10	1.087	2.72	3	0.930	2.32	4
March 31, 2012	11–12	1.005	2.67	3	0.894	2.37	4
April 1, 2012	13–14	1.080	2.85	3	0.910	2.41	4
April 2, 2012	15–16	1.097	2.98	2	1.018	2.77	4
April 3, 2012	17–18	1.008	2.76	3	1.036	2.86	2
April 4, 2012	19–20	1.110	2.91	2	1.050	2.75	3
April 5, 2012	(21–22)	(1.105)	(2.95)	(2)	(1.081)	(2.88)	(3)
April 6, 2012	(23–24)	(1.090)	(2.83)	(2)	(1.009)	(2.63)	(3)
April 7, 2012	(25–26)	(1.281)	(3.30)	(1)	(1.035)	(2.67)	(4)
April 8, 2012	(27–28)	(1.147)	(2.90)	(3)	(1.233)	(3.12)	(2)
April 9, 2012	(29–30)	(1.332)	(3.46)	(2)	(1.315)	(3.42)	(3)
April 10, 2012	(31-32)	(1.309)	(3.49)	(1)	(1.174)	(3.12)	(2)
April 11, 2012	(32–34)	(1.428)	(3.76)	(1)	(1.296)	(3.41)	(2)
April 12, 2012	(35–36)	(1.407)	(3.68)	(1)	(1.272)	(3.32)	(2)
April 13, 2012	(37–38)	(1.377)	(3.66)	(1)	(1.262)	( 3. 36)	( 2)
April 14, 2012	(39– 40)	(1. 411)	(3. 73)	(1)	(1. 189)	(3. 18)	(2)
April 15, 2012	(41– 42)	(1. 330)	(3. 32)	(1)	(0. 897)	(2. 29)	(4)
April 16, 2012	(43– 44)	(1. 422)	(3. 80)	(1)	(1. 294)	(3. 45)	(2)
April 17, 2012	(45– 46)	(1. 519)	(4. 06)	(1)	(1. 410)	(3. 78)	(2)
April 18, 2012	(47– 48)	(1. 571)	(4. 02)	(1)	(1. 416)	(3. 76)	(2)
April 19, 2012	(49– 50)	(1. 625)	( 4. 28 )	( 1 )	( 1 . 513 )	( 3 . 99 )	( 2 )
April  20 ,  201  ２  ｜ 51 – 52 ｜  ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜ ｜	Average ratings !１．４８０ !３．８９ !２０１２:１４th !１．３４０ !３．５３ !２０１２:２３rd |} The highest ratings are highlighted in red, while the lowest are indicated in blue. Accolades Compilation of Awards and Honors Received Award Name Category Recognized For Honoree(s) Outcome/Status China TV Golden Eagle Awards Outstanding Television Series Empresses in the Palace Template:Won International Emmy Award Best Actress Sun Li Template:Nom rowspan=2 |Shanghai Television Festival Best Director Zheng Xiaolong Template:Won Best Actress Sun Li Template:Nom rowspan=6 |China TV Drama Awards Best Television Series Empresses in the Palace Template:Won Best Director Zheng Xiaolong Template:Won Best Actress Sun Li Template:Won Best Supporting Actress Jiang Xin Template:Won Best New Actor Li Dongxue Template:Won Most Popular Actress (Hong Kong/Taiwan) Ada Choi Template:Won rowspan=3 |Macau International Television Festival Best Drama Empresses in the Palace Template:Won Best Director Zheng Xiaolong Template:Won Best Actress Sun Li Template:Won Huading Awards Best TV Actor Chen Jianbin Template:Won Chunyan Awards Best Director Zheng Xiaolong Template:Won rowspan=2 | China Hengdian Film and Television Festival Best Television Series Empresses in the Palace Template:Won Best Director Zheng Xiaolong Template:Won International broadcast The series initially premiered in 2011 on Shaoxing News, a local Chinese channel, before making its way to nationwide television in 2012. By April 2015, it became available on Netflix in the United States and subsequently transitioned to Amazon Prime Video. This edition was formatted into six episodes, each lasting 90 minutes, featuring the original audio accompanied by English subtitles. In Thailand, the show was broadcast on Channel 7 in 2016, followed by airings on One31 and LINE TV in 2018. Additionally, LeTV uploaded the entire series to YouTube in 2018. References