Palace II
| Company type | Television drama series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2012 |
| Founder | Yu Zheng |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Television series |
Palace II (, literally Locked Beaded Curtain) is a Chinese television drama from 2012, scripted and produced by Yu Zheng with direction by Lee Wai-chu. Serving as a follow-up to the 2011 series Palace, it was broadcast on HBS between 20 January and 8 February 2012. The series is part of a broader franchise that includes Palace 3: The Lost Daughter () and the motion picture The Palace (2013 film), also known as The Palace: Lock Sinensis ().
Synopsis
Following their return from the Qing dynasty era to contemporary times, Luo Qingchuan and the eighth prince Yinsi enter into marriage. While Yinsi finds it challenging to adjust to modern society, Qingchuan faces difficulties with her antique business. She then transitions into screenwriting, creating a successful television series titled Palace, inspired by her time-travel experiences, which brings her widespread recognition and motivates her to develop its sequel. During the filming of Palace II, Qingchuan withdraws from her leading role for personal reasons, endorsing Lian'er as her successor.
Set against the backdrop of the Yongzheng Emperor’s reign, Palace II narrates the love story between Lian'er and the 17th prince Yinli. Their intentions to wed are thwarted when Yinli sacrifices their relationship to protect his mentor Alingga, marrying Alingga’s daughter instead. Devastated, Lian'er attempts to escape palace life but becomes enmeshed in political intrigues involving official Li Wei, who seeks an alliance; eunuch Su Peisheng, who expresses gratitude; and friend Yushu, who ultimately betrays her.
Lian'er uncovers that beneath the imperial family’s outward appearance of unity lies fierce factional conflict. She captures the attention of the Yongzheng Emperor and ascends to the position of Consort Xi, becoming stepmother to Yongzheng’s son, Hongli. Confronted with mounting threats, Lian'er's resilience and moral fortitude allow her to triumph over adversity and earn esteem within the palace hierarchy.
Main
- Yuan Shanshan portrays Niuhuru Lian'er, who becomes Consort Xi and serves as the central character.
- Du Chun plays Yinli, the 17th prince.
- Mickey He appears as Yinzhen, the fourth prince who ascends as the Yongzheng Emperor.
- Han Zixuan depicts Yinzhen during his youth.
- Shu Chang takes on dual roles as Bo Haitang, Concubine Yun—rival to Concubines Wan and Xixiang—and Bo Mudan, Haitang's twin sister.
- Jenny Zhang acts as Genggiya Yushu, Concubine Yu, initially an ally but later an adversary of Lian'er; character inspired by Imperial Noble Consort Chunque.
- Yang Rong plays Xugiya Xixiang, Noble Lady Qian, cousin to Concubine Wan and competitor to Concubine Yun; based on Consort Qian.
- Sun Feifei portrays Ula Nara Zhen'er, both friend and romantic rival to Lian'er; modeled after Empress Xiaojingxian.
Supporting
- Michelle Bai embodies Geng Shuwan, Concubine Wan—Xixiang's cousin and Concubine Yun’s adversary; inspired by Consort Ning.
- Leanne Liu features as Consort De, deceased empress dowager and mother of Yinzhen and Yinti.
- Tien Niu appears as Grand Consort Qin, Yinli’s mother.
- Michelle Yim plays Bo Yun, a courtesan and mother to Haitang and Mudan.
- Hai Lu portrays Niuhuru Jiajia, spouse of Yinli.
- Kent Tong acts as Alingga, Jiajia’s father and mentor figure to Yinli.
- Bao Bei'er is cast as Su Peisheng, a high-ranking eunuch.
- Wei Qianxiang appears as Yinti, the 14th prince.
- Ma Wenlong takes on Ula Nara Zhalantai, brother to Zhen'er and lover of Xixiang.
- Li Man plays Jingiya Xiuli, Concubine Xiu and Hongli’s birth mother; based on Consort Qi.
- Wang Yang portrays Li Wei, minister of justice and lover of Concubine Yun.
- Chen Xiao appears as Yinxi, the 19th prince.
- Jiang Ruijia plays Niuhuru Rong'er, wife to Yinxi and sister to Lian'er.
- Zhou Shaodong features as Niuhuru Lingzhu, father of Lian'er and Rong'er.
- Liu Fang portrays Guwalgiya Yuying, Lingzhu’s wife and mother of Lian'er and Rong'er.
- Chen Xu acts as Hongli, son of Yongzheng Emperor destined to become the Qianlong Emperor.
- Han Zixuan depicts young Hongli.
- Zhao Jingyu plays Daniu, daughter of Concubine Wan.
- Liu Bin appears as Yin'e, the 10th prince.
- Sun Jian acts as Li Qingxi, eunuch attendant.
- Ru Ping portrays Erma, nanny to Yinli.
- Shen Baoping features as Zhang Tingyu, government minister.
- Yang Yaotian plays Xiongkui, a mysterious figure.
- Hao Ziming is cast as Zeng Jing
- Shao Min portrays Xiuchun
- Ai Long acts as Yuanshou
- Wang Lin features as Panchun
- Xue Jianing plays Wenyue
- Li Xiang appears as Mrs Zhang
- Xia Yang portrays Bingyan
- Luo Ting acts as Wu Yong
- Zeng Zhen features as Xuezhen
- Lü Jiarong plays Shuangshuang
- Zhao Jinjun appears as eunuch
- Marco Li acts as Commander Cui
Notable Guest Roles
- Yang Mi portrays Luo Qingchuan, the lead character from Palace, and also appears as Huaying, a palace servant.
- Feng Shaofeng features as Yinsi, the eighth prince who travels through time to the 21st century alongside Qingchuan and eventually marries her.
- Zanilia Zhao takes on the role of Tunggiya Baihe, an assassin assigned to eliminate the Yongzheng Emperor.
- Sonija Kwok appears as herself, making a special guest appearance in the series finale.
Accolades
| Year | Award | Category | Recipient |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | China TV Golden Eagle Award | Audience's Choice for Actor | Mickey He |
| China TV Drama Awards | Most Popular Actor | Du Chun |
External links
- Official Palace 2 page on Hunan TV
- Palace 2 profile on Sina.com