During an Age of Chaotic Warfare, how did one simple farmer rise to the throne? What power struggles and love was found in the corners of the crumbling Han Palace. How would a once in a millenia Romance between Emperor and Empress end? Schemes, Politics, Passion, and Family forged a vastly elegant empire in what is to become one of the most beautiful love stories of all time.
First official Trailer
Storyline
At the start of the New Dynasty, LiuXiu studied at ChangAn where he met DengYu 邓禹, LiuYuan刘玄, FengYi冯异, young but brilliant scholars of their time. Here he also met the Young YinLiHua阴丽华. Some Years later, civil war broke the country was in chaos. LiuXiu participated in his brother LiuYan劉演's rebellion, whilst YinLiHua cross-dressed to join in the war as the male YinJi. Through many great battles, LiuXiu fought amongst those who would become his lifelong allies and comrades, only to have their efforts stolen when LiuYuan刘玄 was crowned Emperor. Challenged by the two Brother's glory, LiuYuan had LiuYan assasinated. In order to avoid his fate LiuXiu married YinLiHua as she came from a powerful noble family, and receeded into endulgence to have the Emperor lower his guard against him and sent him to the North where LiuXiu was able to regroup. Though life in the North was harsh, one by one, his friends and allies came to join his campaign. When a Worlord of HeBei suggested an marital alliance to his daughter, LiuXiu painfully parted with his beloved wife. Step by Step LiuXiu claimed the throne and founded Easten Han and after decades of efforts finally restored peace across the land.
According to Historic reference
YinLiHua was of Noble decent and was the Childhood Sweetheart of LiuXiu (Future Emperor GuangWu). It was said that even during his youth, when Liu Xiu was visiting the capital Chang'an, he became impressed with the mayor of the capital (zhijinwu, 執金吾) and, already impressed by Yin's beauty, he made the remarks: "If I were to be an official, I want to be zhijinwu; if I were to marry, I want to marry Yin Lihua". He eventually was able to accomplish both of these things—and more.
LiuXiu married YinLiHua soon after his brother was executed. When LiuXiu relocated to the North to sought independence from the Empire, he entered into a political marriage with GuoShengTong who was neice to the regional Warlord.
When LiuXiu became Emperor he favored his Childhood Sweetheart and Wife YinLiHua to become Emperess. However as she was childless at the time, she declined, and endorsed GuoSengTong to the position. When LiuXiu created GuoShengTong as Empress, YinLiHua was effectively demoted to Concubine, whilst the Concubine was promoted to Wife, and also created her son as Crown Prince.
As years passed, Empress Guo began to loose the favor of the Emperor, in which he disposed of her and created YinLiHua as Empress. At first GuoShengTong's Son remained as crown prince, however due to his precarious position, repeatedly offered to step down. When LiuXiu finally agreed, YinLiHua's Son LiuYang was created Crown Prince in his stead.
English Title: "Elegant Empire" "Song of a Long Journey" (unofficial)
Chinese Title: 秀麗江山之長歌行
Original Novel: Xiu Li Jiang Shan 秀麗江山
Production House: Ruby Studios
Producer: Ruby Lin
Director: LinFung
Year in Production: August 2013
Year Release: 2014
Genre: Historic Series
Number of Episodes:
Film Official Site:
Cast:
@林心如 飾演 阴丽华 -- Ruby Lin XinRu as Yin LiHua - Empress Yin
@袁弘 飾演 刘秀 -- Yuan Hong as LiuXiu - Emperor GuangWu
Other Characters:
关智斌 as 邓禹 Eastern Han's Founding General
李佳航 as 冯异 Eastern Han's Founding General
王雨 as 陰識 Yin LiHua's Eldest Brother
王媛可 as 劉伯姬 LiuXiu's Yongest Sister
茅子俊 as 陰興 YinLiHua's Yongest Brother
宗峰岩 as 刘玄 Emperor GengShi
于波 as 劉演 LiuXiu's Eldest Brother
戴君竹 as 琥珀 YinLiHua's Maid