Palace 3: The Lost Daughter
| Company type | Television drama |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television |
| Founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Yu Zheng |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Television series |
Palace 3: The Lost Daughter () is a Chinese television drama released in 2014, created and produced by Yu Zheng. The series stars Yuan Shanshan, Lu Yi, Gao Yunxiang, Shirley Dai, and Yang Rong. Serving as a continuation of the 2012 drama Palace II, it was broadcast on Hunan Television from April 7 to May 4, 2014.
The show garnered significant commercial acclaim, setting a new viewership record for a drama’s premiere on a provincial channel that year. It was later succeeded by the film The Palace (2013 film).
In December 2014, author Chiung Yao won a legal battle accusing Yu Zheng of plagiarism, claiming that Palace 3 was adapted from her 1992 novel Plum Blossom Scar. Yu Zheng was mandated to compensate damages and issue a formal apology, which he delivered six years later following pressure from industry peers.
Plot
Taking place during the era of the Qianlong Emperor, the narrative centers on Liancheng, an orphan saved by Hengtai, the son of a general. Although Liancheng harbors feelings for Hengtai, he initially pursues Jiang Qimei, who subsequently leaves him. Only afterward does Hengtai realize his affection for Liancheng. Meanwhile, Jiang Yichen develops romantic interest in her, while Princess Xingdai—the emperor’s daughter—also becomes captivated by Hengtai.
Because of her royal rank, Hengtai weds Princess Xingdai and fathers a daughter with her but retains Liancheng as a concubine. Liancheng endures plots orchestrated by Princess Xingdai and Hengtai’s mother, Nalan Yingyue. As secrets from Liancheng’s past come to light, she evolves into a merciless character—drowning Xingdai’s child, causing the princess’s declining health, and even assuming the identity of Tong Yuxiu, Hengtai’s sister-in-law.
Main
- Mabel Yuan as Song Liancheng
- Lu Yi as Fuca Hengtai
- Gao Yunxiang as Jiang Yichen
- Shirley Dai as Princess Xingdai
- Yang Rong as Tong Yuxiu
Supporting
- Alyssa Chia as Xingyu
- Kingdom Yuen as Mother Tan
- Kent Tong as Qianlong Emperor
- Wang Lin as Nalan Yingyue
- Kou Zhenhai as Fucha Wenghadai
- Zhang Yameng as Rumei
- Wang Renjun as Fucha Mingxuan
- Yang Mingna as Hoifa-Nara, the Step Empress
- Alice Chan as Liniang
- Shen Baoping as Minister Tong
- Madina Memet as Baile
- Zhang Tianyang as Guo Xiao
- Zhou Fang as Bu Qingyun
- Zhang Zhehan as Sun Heli
- Shao Min as Qin Xiang
Special appearances
- Bai Shan as Tian Wanniang
- Chen Xiao as Saman
- Huo Zhengyan as A Di
- Liu Xiaoxiao as Renshan
- Yin Xiaotian as General Duolong
- Mao Xiaotong as Chunxi
- Bao Bei'er
Plagiarism lawsuit
In April 2014, actress Shirley Dai claimed that Palace 3: The Lost Daughter was derived from Taiwanese author Chiung Yao’s 1992 novel Plum Blossom Scar. Writer-producer Yu Zheng denied these allegations and responded with criticism via social media. Following the series’ broadcast, Chiung Yao formally accused Yu Zheng of plagiarism and requested suspension of the show’s airing. Although Yu Zheng rejected any plagiarism intent, a Beijing law firm filed suit against him later that month.
The dispute attracted widespread attention and garnered support from industry figures such as actress Ruby Lin. Writer Li Yaling, who collaborated on two of Yu Zheng’s dramas, volunteered to testify that Yu had previously asked to "borrow" Chiung Yao’s story in 2008—a request she declined. In July, Beijing Third Intermediate People's Court dismissed Yu’s jurisdictional challenges.
By December, expert testimony backing Chiung Yao was presented during court proceedings. More than 100 Chinese screenwriters publicly endorsed her claim. On December 25, the court ruled in favor of Chiung Yao, ordering four companies to halt distribution and broadcasting of Palace 3, requiring Yu Zheng to issue a public apology and pay ¥5 million (around $800,000). This verdict was described by China Radio International as a "landmark decision."
External links
- Palace 3: The Lost Daughter available on Sina
- Palace 3: The Lost Daughter accessible via Hunan TV