On August 12, 2011 at 17:59, Liaoning One Network - Huashang Morning Post reported that the second part of "Palace Lock Heart Jade" (referred to as "Palace") named "Palace Lock Pearl Curtain" (referred to as "Palace 2") officially commenced filming with a grand ceremony in Hengdian, Zhejiang.
The massive cast, including Yang Mi (Weibo), Feng Shaofeng (Weibo), Du Chun (Weibo), He Shengming (Weibo), Shu Chang, Zhang Jianing (Weibo), Xue Jianning (Weibo), Tian Niu, Sun Feifei (Weibo), Hai Lu (Weibo) and many others, left people in awe. Outsiders also commented that "Palace 2" was attracting attention by relying on star power.
"Palace 2" has more actors than usual
At the beginning of this year, the court time-travel drama "Palace" became a huge hit, and "Palace 2" began its preparation phase soon after.
"Palace 2" continued the large ensemble cast style from "Palace," and due to the success of "Palace," the star lineup for this project exceeded expectations. Regulars in screenwriter Yu Zheng's works, such as Du Chun, He Shengming, Shu Chang, Sun Feifei, Zhang Jianing, Yuan Shanshan, along with actresses like Xue Jianning who joined by reputation, were all part of the cast. Yu Zheng even recruited Hai Lu, who played Ziwei in the new version of "The Story of A Concubine."
Big stars combined with lesser-known actors made up a group of dozens. However, Feng Shaofeng and Yang Mi, who skyrocketed to fame through "Palace," would only make cameo appearances in "Palace 2." In this sequel, their characters are not lovers anymore. It’s understood that Yang Mi’s role has changed; she plays the resurrected "Hua Ying" instead of Qingchuan, and her screen time is minimal. Feng Shaofeng, playing the eighth prince, only appears in flashback scenes. Their exact dates for joining the production are still being scheduled. Meanwhile, Tong Liya, who was supposed to play "Su Yan," couldn’t participate due to scheduling conflicts. Screenwriter Yu Zheng mentioned that some additional actors would be confirmed and join the production later.
The new "Ziwei" will play the seventeenth princess consort
Despite the all-star lineup, it sparked doubts among the public. Many netizens accused screenwriter Yu Zheng of relying on star power to attract attention again. Fans of various popular idols complained about their idols having limited screen time. For instance, Zhang Jianing, Xue Jianning, Li Man, and Hai Lu had roles akin to "cameo appearances." The passionate "FengMi fans" questioned Yu Zheng for using Feng Shaofeng and Yang Mi for publicity despite giving them little screen time, saying, "Their parts are so small, yet you're using them as a draw. This show has nothing to do with 'Palace.'"
As for the female lead, Yuan Shanshan, she wasn't well-received by netizens. Many complained on Yu Zheng's Weibo account, expressing dissatisfaction with the actress chosen to replace the original female lead from "Palace." Yuan Shanshan is personally selected and promoted by Yu Zheng and is signed under his studio. Yu Zheng previously launched the careers of Yang Mi and Feng Shaofeng but went through great lengths to invite them back for "Palace 2." Due to their busy schedules, they couldn't take on leading roles; even appearing as guests was considered a "huge favor." It's said that Yu Zheng also suffered from the difficulties of working with rising stars, hence his decision to boldly cultivate new talent within his team. Inviting Hai Lu, the new "Ziwei," to play the seventeenth princess consort also drew criticism, with fans of "Palace" expressing dissatisfaction with her acting skills and appearance.
No longer focused on palace intrigue, still a "love triangle"
Although the all-star approach continues, there isn't much continuity between the stories of "Palace 2" and "Palace." After "Palace," the State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television banned further productions of time-travel dramas. However, the plot of "Palace 2" is divided into modern and ancient segments. According to Yu Zheng, the love triangle involving He Shengming's fourth prince, Yuan Shanshan's Lan Ying, and Du Chun's seventeenth prince is the focal point. The complex friendship between rivals-turned-friends is a highlight, while the twin sisters portrayed by Shu Chang present a challenge. The mysterious atmosphere surrounding the Imperial Medical Institute and the Cold Palace adds color.
Yuan Shanshan's young maid character is more clever than Qingchuan
Yuan Shanshan's portrayal of the young maid is more cunning than Qingchuan. Yu Zheng revealed details about her storyline: "Because she doesn't have a fiery personality, she's very innocent. In the drama, she encounters two men who love her—He Shengming plays a man like a 'mountain,' someone dependable yet possessive; Du Chun portrays the seventeenth prince as a 'water'-like man, one who can embrace a woman like the sea. Yuan Shanshan and He Shengming meet by chance. The hardest thing to obtain is love, the hardest to maintain is human relationships, the most cherished is friendship, the hardest to separate is family ties, the hardest to find is true feelings, and the hardest to forget is your tender affection... You are my everything, my lifetime bet. I endure hardships for you, I work tirelessly for you, I am resolute, and these are my sweetness and happiness! Thinking of you, missing you, just like a mouse loves rice, to love you forever, I save rice every day, finally saving enough for a bag of rice, each grain loving you, wishing you become more beautiful, spending life together without ever parting! All I want to say to you is, as long as you're willing, I'll love you forever and ever."
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