Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace tells the tragic story of Qianlong and Ruyi, childhood sweethearts who become an imperial couple, only to see their affection fade and their marriage fall apart. Breaking away from the familiar palace-drama formula of vying for favor and climbing the ranks, it tells a sorrowful tale of women trapped deep within the confines of the feudal palace.
All Ruyi ever wanted was to share one heart with the emperor. Yet in the deceitful, treacherous whirl of the harem, she repeatedly gives way. She endures one struggle after another, takes the throne as empress, and defeats every rival, only to ultimately lose to the emperor's suspicious and cold heart. A promising beginning ending in sorrow: this is the most poignant testament to a deep love misplaced. Zhou Xun's richly nuanced performance, paired with meticulously crafted Qing-dynasty costumes and makeup, makes this regret all the more vivid
