Palace II (Chinese: 宫锁珠帘, lit. Locked Beaded Curtain) is a 2012 Chinese television series written and produced by Yu Zheng and directed by Lee Wai-chu. It is a sequel to the 2011 television series Palace. The series was first broadcast on HBS in China from 20 January to 8 February 2012. It was followed by Palace 3: The Lost Daughter (宫锁连城), and the film The Palace (2013 film), otherwise known as The Palace: Lock Sinensis (宫锁沉香).
Synopsis
Luo Qingchuan, the time travelling protagonist in Palace, has returned from the Qing dynasty to the 21st century together with the eighth prince Yinsi, and they are married. Yinsi experiences difficulty in adapting to modern life, and Qingchuan is not doing well in her antique-selling business. Qingchuan changes her career and becomes a screenwriter. Her first story, based on her time travelling experience, is adapted into the popular television series Palace. Qingchuan is skyrocketed to fame, and she starts writing a sequel. One day, while on the set of Palace II, Qingchuan suddenly remembers that she and Yinsi are celebrating their wedding anniversary on that day. She declines to be the lead actress and recommends Lian'er, who is playing a supporting role, to be her replacement. The director considers carefully and eventually agrees to the suggestion.
Palace II is set in the Qing dynasty during the reign of the Yongzheng Emperor. Lian'er meets the 17th prince Yinli and they start a romantic relationship. However just as they are planning to get wed, Yinli is forced to give up on Lian'er in order to save his mentor Alingga, and he marries Alingga's daughter Jiajia instead. The heartbroken Lian'er wishes to leave the palace and lead a normal life, but she finds herself embroiled in complex circumstances: the official Li Wei proposes an alliance with her; the eunuch Su Peisheng wants to repay her kindness; her close friend Yushu betrays her.
Lian'er realises that although the members of the imperial household appear to get along harmoniously, they are actually constantly plotting against each other, and she is torn between rivaling factions. By coincidence, she catches the attention of the Yongzheng Emperor and rises through the ranks to become Consort Xi, and a stepmother to Yongzheng's son Hongli. At this point Lian'er discovers that she is now in a more complicated situation with various lurking dangers. By choosing to persevere and remain faithful to herself, believing that she can weather the storm, she eventually overcomes all odds and earns herself the dignity and respect she deserves.
Shu Chang as Bo Haitang, Concubine Yun. She is Concubine Wan and Xixiang's rival. Shu Chang simultaneously played Bo Mudan, Haitang's twin sister.
Jenny Zhang as Genggiya Yushu, Concubine Yu. She was originally Lian'er's friend but later became her foe. The character is based on Imperial Noble Consort Chunque.
Yang Rong as Xugiya Xixiang, Noble Lady Qian. She is Concubine Wan's cousin and Concubine Yun's rival. The character is based on Consort Qian.
