Little Princess Jinyang and Her Friends

Princess Li Mingda of Jinyang: Courtly Daily Life + Friendship + Growing Up + History + Heartwarming + Comedy

During the Zhenguan era, Princess Li Mingda of Jinyang and a few "little friends" share a childhood inside and outside the palace, full of laughter and tears.

The imperial cat falls into a lotus pond, and the little princess anxiously paces in circles. The maid A Zhu uses the empress's parasol as a net to rescue it, only for one of the ribs to accidentally hit Wei Shuyu, son of Wei Zheng. Crown Prince Li Chengqian leads everyone out of the palace, and they stumble into the Pig-Slaughtering Alley. A Zhu grabs a pig and holds it "hostage," while the princess's declaration, "This is an imperial pig," so intimidates a vendor that he gives them candied hawthorns. When they sneak snacks on the city wall, the wind scatters Wei Shuyu's carefully divided meal, and a bun hits a guard. Xiao Li, an orphan of the previous dynasty, tricks the guards into kneeling by claiming it is "the heavenly dog devouring the moon." Thus, the five of them form their "little friends' group."

They protect Xiao Li at a flower-viewing banquet, stumble upon Wei Zheng "scolding the emperor" while digging a tunnel to deliver books, join forces to get back at a prince who mocked Li Chengqian's leg condition, and accidentally help A Zhu's family out of trouble with a note that misspells "strong tea."

But growing up always brings partings. Li Chengqian is caught up in the struggle over the succession, Xiao Li is forced to leave, and the princess falls gravely ill. They say goodbye with a "worry-eating game" and crookedly drawn charms for safety.

Years later, a drawing of a slingshot is hidden in Wei Shuyu's memorial to the throne, A Zhu's "worry-eating cakes" fill the streets with their aroma, Xiao Li keeps the name "Jinyangzi" on the chessboard, and the imperial cat's descendants still wait in the old palace. Those chaotic days remain a warmth in their hearts that will never fade.