Behold! The Mother of Revenge Has Entered the Palace!
Story of Yanxi Palace follows Wei Ying Luo, a young lady who enters the palace as an embroider to investigate the truth and seek revenge over her older sister's death. When her investigation leads to imperial guard, Fuca Fu Heng as the prime suspect, Wei Ying Luo decides to approach his sister, Empress Fuca Rong Yin, where she eventually starts working as her maid. The kindhearted empress then teaches her how to read and write. In the meantime, Fuca Fu Heng also develops feelings towards Wei Ying Luo and aids her in her investigation. After finding the real perpetrator and avenging her sister, her journey continues on in the palace as she navigates harem's conspiracies and eventually climbing her way up to power.
This drama features the intricate stories and conspiracies of the Forbidden City's harem during Emperor Qian Long's reign. Back then, it was no surprise that an emperor, or any able man of that time, would have multiple wives and concubines, inciting jealousy and rivalry among the women. It was interesting to see the schemes that the ladies came up with, as well as the devious incitements from third parties in the harem, all done for their own gains. I often question how they came up with such conniving ideas. The harem conspiracies in this drama are like a chain of conflict and retribution. Still, the never-ending conspiracies are well-paced and well-written enough not to drag the story out. All the conflicts are always solved right before it starts to wear you down. Not to mention, every devious scheme would always end with a sweet and painful payback, leaving you with a sense of relief. Compared to the many themes in this drama, the revenge plot definitely stood out and make you anticipate how it will all unfold. Despite the many conspiracies, this drama was well-written until the end, leaving no room for unanswered questions. On top of the well-written story, the characters also played a huge part in the success of this drama.
Wei Ying Luo is the embodiment of revenge. She is unlike any other women in the harem. Wei Ying luo is intelligent, witty, sharp-tongued, fearless, courageous, loyal, and playful. She refuses to accept injustice and always gives back what is given to her. If someone wrongs her, then she will hurt them back. If someone is nice to her, then she will do everything she can to protect them. Seeing her in this drama would give you a sense of relief. Although the conspiracies and schemes never ends, with Wei Ying Luo there, there is nothing to worry about! On the contrary, during the parts of the story when Wei Ying Luo is away, the effects of the conspiracies would leave you anxious, although it won't be long until injustice would be avenged. Wei Ying Luo is definitely the smartest most badass woman in the history of costume Chinese dramas. She is a character that empowers women. Although true, she also comes with some flaws that I find ironic.
[Spoiler]
I find Wei Ying Luo as a selfish character. She is a self loving character who, at the end of the day, always makes decisions that would benefit herself. Despite knowing Empress Fuca Rong Yin's love towards the emperor, as well as the emperor's romantic interest towards her, she still decides to seek protection from him by becoming his concubine after her death, which makes her come off as such a hypocrite considering the sincere bond she has with the empress. Her flirtatious and push and pull behavior towards the emperor makes me cringe at times to the point that it almost wears me out. In addition, the way she always take advantage of the emperor's affection towards her irks me in a way that I always remember Empress Fuca Rong Yin at the back of my mind whenever I see those scenes. Still, it is a relief to see how Wei Ying Luo does not fully give in to the emperor and always leaves him hanging whenever he tries to confirm her feelings towards him.
[Spoiler ends]
I can't imagine a better actress than Wu Jin Yan for the role of Wei Ying Luo. Wu Jin Yan's physique was befitting for the young and playful Wei Ying Luo. She possesses a different kind of beauty compared to other women in the harem. With her small figure, small face, round eyes, and plump lips, she was able to display the youthful and doll-like beauty of Wei Ying Luo that is different from the more mature, elegant, and poised beauty of other women in the harem. This, topped with her witty and sharp-tongue, easily catches the eyes of many people in the harem. Not to mention, Wu Jin Yan has always been great at teasing and acting flirtatious in her roles, to the extent that it would get annoying from a female audience perspective. Although Wei Ying Luo's personality remain constant, she did become more poised and elegant in the way she handles things and make decisions, which Wu Jin Yan did great at portraying as well. Wei Ying Luo's growth as a character was evident throughout the drama.
Compared to Wei Ying Luo, Emperor Qian Long is a character I dread watching the most. It got to the point that I had to take a break and almost dropped this drama because I felt so disturbed whenever he appears. He is by far the greatest hypocrite I have seen in all the costume Chinese dramas that I have watched. Emperor Qian Long is a hard-working and powerful ruler who is very masculine and strict. Just like many other emperors, Emperor Qian Long believes that he can get everything he wants. As a ruler, he sees the need to have many wives and concubines in order to guarantee a successor and for political alliances. However, I believe that these are just reasons to mask his sexual addiction.
[Spoiler]
Emperor Qian Long interest and affection towards Wei Ying Luo was very disturbing. Not only was Wei Ying Luo 16 years younger than him, but she also had mutual affection with Fuca Fu Heng. Noticing that her husband's growing interest, the Empress Fu Rong Yin even asked him for one dying favor, which is to leave Wei Ying Luo alone. Despite his wife's request and knowing that his brother-in-law, and trusted aid, was in love with Wei Ying Luo, Emperor Qian Long still sabotage their relationship by arranging another marriage to Fuca Fu Heng under the pretense that Wei Ying Luo is not good enough for him even degrading her status. While he constantly speaks ill of Wei Ying Luo to Fuca Fu Heng, it was distasteful to see that in the same time, he would pursue Wei Ying Luo, even enforcing himself on her and talking her into being with him. He was the embodiment of hypocrisy. It doesn't end there. Emperor Qian Long is a notorious womanizer indeed. Although the facts are unclear, Emperor Qian Long spent a night with Fuca Fu Heng's wife, which got me nauseous. Moreover, after making Wei Ying Luo his concubine, Emperor Qian Long's possessive and clingy behavior towards Wei Ying Luo was very hard to watch. The way he hugs her and goes to bed with her was so disturbing, considering their characters' age gap and how he snatched her away from Fuca Fu Heng.
[Spoiler ends]
Despite his capabilities in managing political affairs, he was nonchalant, persuadable, and rather naive when it comes to the harem. It often seems that he has no backbone when dealing with his many wives and concubines. He was easily persuaded and would easily soften up when it comes to dealing with his women's rants and antics. This was annoying considering that he was the one who brought all these women together to the Forbidden City. At least, take responsibility! Not to mention, it was sickening every time the women of the harem would do things to curry favor with the emperor. Nie Yuan was great at portraying Emperor Qian Long. Aside from his mature visuals that fits the 16 years age gap with Wei Ying Luo, he also exudes the charisma, vigor, and masculinity befitting for the role of Emperor Qian Long. His expressions were also above par in a way that it sends a chill down your spine whenever he expresses interest in a woman. It was satisfying to see how Nie Yuan's posture and gait would also support his role as Emperor Qian Long by imposing masculinity and vigor, even showing how he is in his prime.
In a place full of deceit, the Fuca siblings deserves better. Fuca Fu Heng is one of the most pitiful man I've seen in costume Chinese dramas. He got everything taken away from him and his life controlled by Emperor Qian Long. He even has to be responsible for a child that is not his. Yet, as expected from the kindhearted Fuca Fu Heng, he remains loyal to Emperor Qian Long as his most trusted aid. He is a character that you would root for the most. I wish he had a better ending, especially after everything he went through. Casting Xu Kai for the role was the right decision. Aside from his attractive face, his posture and built is perfect for the role of imperial guard, Fuca Fu Heng. He looks young, vigorous, strong, and dependable. Xu Kai was also great at displaying the lovesick side of Fuca Fu Heng towards Wei Ying Luo. He is the type of character that many would fall for in the harem. Aside from the revenge plots, I loved Fuca Fu Heng and Wei Ying Luo's scenes the most. Their chemistry was definitely special and would make you blush! His older sister, Empress Fuca Rong Yin, was a scene stealer in the drama. Empress Fuca Rong Yin is a character I loved seeing in this drama. Qin Lan's beauty surprised me as it tops all the other actresses playing this drama. Qin Lan exudes the elegance, maturity, and charm befitting for the role of Empress Fuca Rong Yin. She was the perfect actress to play Emperor Qian Long's first and probably, greatest love. She was perfect in every way.
Aside from the great casting, this drama is definitely in a league of its own with its production quality. The set was beautiful and iconic. The set of Yanxi Palace was surprisingly well-made. It was well suited for Wei Ying Luo's playful personality and it was unlike any other palace sets I have seen before. The costumes in this drama were also beautiful and graceful. Even the costumes of supporting characters were styled aesthetically. In addition, I love the color grading. As a 2018 release, the visuals of this drama made it seem like it's a new release. The color grading fits the overall setting of 18th century Beijing without making it look old but rather realistic. The colors of the costume and set also compliments one another, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Story of Yanxi Palace is a drama that tops other dramas when it comes to revenge theme. The conflict does not drag and the payback is sweet, so sweet that Wei Ying Luo deserves to be called, Mother of Revenge! This drama is a must-watch for those looking to see some satisfying revenge. However, do be aware that there are some disturbing age gap plots and hypocrisy going on.
This drama features the intricate stories and conspiracies of the Forbidden City's harem during Emperor Qian Long's reign. Back then, it was no surprise that an emperor, or any able man of that time, would have multiple wives and concubines, inciting jealousy and rivalry among the women. It was interesting to see the schemes that the ladies came up with, as well as the devious incitements from third parties in the harem, all done for their own gains. I often question how they came up with such conniving ideas. The harem conspiracies in this drama are like a chain of conflict and retribution. Still, the never-ending conspiracies are well-paced and well-written enough not to drag the story out. All the conflicts are always solved right before it starts to wear you down. Not to mention, every devious scheme would always end with a sweet and painful payback, leaving you with a sense of relief. Compared to the many themes in this drama, the revenge plot definitely stood out and make you anticipate how it will all unfold. Despite the many conspiracies, this drama was well-written until the end, leaving no room for unanswered questions. On top of the well-written story, the characters also played a huge part in the success of this drama.
Wei Ying Luo is the embodiment of revenge. She is unlike any other women in the harem. Wei Ying luo is intelligent, witty, sharp-tongued, fearless, courageous, loyal, and playful. She refuses to accept injustice and always gives back what is given to her. If someone wrongs her, then she will hurt them back. If someone is nice to her, then she will do everything she can to protect them. Seeing her in this drama would give you a sense of relief. Although the conspiracies and schemes never ends, with Wei Ying Luo there, there is nothing to worry about! On the contrary, during the parts of the story when Wei Ying Luo is away, the effects of the conspiracies would leave you anxious, although it won't be long until injustice would be avenged. Wei Ying Luo is definitely the smartest most badass woman in the history of costume Chinese dramas. She is a character that empowers women. Although true, she also comes with some flaws that I find ironic.
[Spoiler]
I find Wei Ying Luo as a selfish character. She is a self loving character who, at the end of the day, always makes decisions that would benefit herself. Despite knowing Empress Fuca Rong Yin's love towards the emperor, as well as the emperor's romantic interest towards her, she still decides to seek protection from him by becoming his concubine after her death, which makes her come off as such a hypocrite considering the sincere bond she has with the empress. Her flirtatious and push and pull behavior towards the emperor makes me cringe at times to the point that it almost wears me out. In addition, the way she always take advantage of the emperor's affection towards her irks me in a way that I always remember Empress Fuca Rong Yin at the back of my mind whenever I see those scenes. Still, it is a relief to see how Wei Ying Luo does not fully give in to the emperor and always leaves him hanging whenever he tries to confirm her feelings towards him.
[Spoiler ends]
I can't imagine a better actress than Wu Jin Yan for the role of Wei Ying Luo. Wu Jin Yan's physique was befitting for the young and playful Wei Ying Luo. She possesses a different kind of beauty compared to other women in the harem. With her small figure, small face, round eyes, and plump lips, she was able to display the youthful and doll-like beauty of Wei Ying Luo that is different from the more mature, elegant, and poised beauty of other women in the harem. This, topped with her witty and sharp-tongue, easily catches the eyes of many people in the harem. Not to mention, Wu Jin Yan has always been great at teasing and acting flirtatious in her roles, to the extent that it would get annoying from a female audience perspective. Although Wei Ying Luo's personality remain constant, she did become more poised and elegant in the way she handles things and make decisions, which Wu Jin Yan did great at portraying as well. Wei Ying Luo's growth as a character was evident throughout the drama.
Compared to Wei Ying Luo, Emperor Qian Long is a character I dread watching the most. It got to the point that I had to take a break and almost dropped this drama because I felt so disturbed whenever he appears. He is by far the greatest hypocrite I have seen in all the costume Chinese dramas that I have watched. Emperor Qian Long is a hard-working and powerful ruler who is very masculine and strict. Just like many other emperors, Emperor Qian Long believes that he can get everything he wants. As a ruler, he sees the need to have many wives and concubines in order to guarantee a successor and for political alliances. However, I believe that these are just reasons to mask his sexual addiction.
[Spoiler]
Emperor Qian Long interest and affection towards Wei Ying Luo was very disturbing. Not only was Wei Ying Luo 16 years younger than him, but she also had mutual affection with Fuca Fu Heng. Noticing that her husband's growing interest, the Empress Fu Rong Yin even asked him for one dying favor, which is to leave Wei Ying Luo alone. Despite his wife's request and knowing that his brother-in-law, and trusted aid, was in love with Wei Ying Luo, Emperor Qian Long still sabotage their relationship by arranging another marriage to Fuca Fu Heng under the pretense that Wei Ying Luo is not good enough for him even degrading her status. While he constantly speaks ill of Wei Ying Luo to Fuca Fu Heng, it was distasteful to see that in the same time, he would pursue Wei Ying Luo, even enforcing himself on her and talking her into being with him. He was the embodiment of hypocrisy. It doesn't end there. Emperor Qian Long is a notorious womanizer indeed. Although the facts are unclear, Emperor Qian Long spent a night with Fuca Fu Heng's wife, which got me nauseous. Moreover, after making Wei Ying Luo his concubine, Emperor Qian Long's possessive and clingy behavior towards Wei Ying Luo was very hard to watch. The way he hugs her and goes to bed with her was so disturbing, considering their characters' age gap and how he snatched her away from Fuca Fu Heng.
[Spoiler ends]
Despite his capabilities in managing political affairs, he was nonchalant, persuadable, and rather naive when it comes to the harem. It often seems that he has no backbone when dealing with his many wives and concubines. He was easily persuaded and would easily soften up when it comes to dealing with his women's rants and antics. This was annoying considering that he was the one who brought all these women together to the Forbidden City. At least, take responsibility! Not to mention, it was sickening every time the women of the harem would do things to curry favor with the emperor. Nie Yuan was great at portraying Emperor Qian Long. Aside from his mature visuals that fits the 16 years age gap with Wei Ying Luo, he also exudes the charisma, vigor, and masculinity befitting for the role of Emperor Qian Long. His expressions were also above par in a way that it sends a chill down your spine whenever he expresses interest in a woman. It was satisfying to see how Nie Yuan's posture and gait would also support his role as Emperor Qian Long by imposing masculinity and vigor, even showing how he is in his prime.
In a place full of deceit, the Fuca siblings deserves better. Fuca Fu Heng is one of the most pitiful man I've seen in costume Chinese dramas. He got everything taken away from him and his life controlled by Emperor Qian Long. He even has to be responsible for a child that is not his. Yet, as expected from the kindhearted Fuca Fu Heng, he remains loyal to Emperor Qian Long as his most trusted aid. He is a character that you would root for the most. I wish he had a better ending, especially after everything he went through. Casting Xu Kai for the role was the right decision. Aside from his attractive face, his posture and built is perfect for the role of imperial guard, Fuca Fu Heng. He looks young, vigorous, strong, and dependable. Xu Kai was also great at displaying the lovesick side of Fuca Fu Heng towards Wei Ying Luo. He is the type of character that many would fall for in the harem. Aside from the revenge plots, I loved Fuca Fu Heng and Wei Ying Luo's scenes the most. Their chemistry was definitely special and would make you blush! His older sister, Empress Fuca Rong Yin, was a scene stealer in the drama. Empress Fuca Rong Yin is a character I loved seeing in this drama. Qin Lan's beauty surprised me as it tops all the other actresses playing this drama. Qin Lan exudes the elegance, maturity, and charm befitting for the role of Empress Fuca Rong Yin. She was the perfect actress to play Emperor Qian Long's first and probably, greatest love. She was perfect in every way.
Aside from the great casting, this drama is definitely in a league of its own with its production quality. The set was beautiful and iconic. The set of Yanxi Palace was surprisingly well-made. It was well suited for Wei Ying Luo's playful personality and it was unlike any other palace sets I have seen before. The costumes in this drama were also beautiful and graceful. Even the costumes of supporting characters were styled aesthetically. In addition, I love the color grading. As a 2018 release, the visuals of this drama made it seem like it's a new release. The color grading fits the overall setting of 18th century Beijing without making it look old but rather realistic. The colors of the costume and set also compliments one another, which adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Story of Yanxi Palace is a drama that tops other dramas when it comes to revenge theme. The conflict does not drag and the payback is sweet, so sweet that Wei Ying Luo deserves to be called, Mother of Revenge! This drama is a must-watch for those looking to see some satisfying revenge. However, do be aware that there are some disturbing age gap plots and hypocrisy going on.
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