Princess Pearl
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| Princess Pearl | |
|---|---|
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| Format | Drama, Dramedy |
| Created by | Qiong Yao |
| Developed by | Ouyang Changlin |
| Directed by | Sun Shupei |
| Starring | Zhao Wei Ruby Lin Alec Su Zhou Jie Zhang Tielin Fan Bingbing Dai Chunrong Li Mingqi |
| Theme music composer | Qiong Yao |
| Country of origin |  People's Republic of China Republic of China (Taiwan) |
| Language(s) | Mandarin |
| No. of seasons | 3 |
| No. of episodes | 112 (List of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Wei Wen Bin |
| Running time | 40 mins. per episode |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | Hunan Television |
| Original run | 1998 – 2003 |
| External links | |
| IMDb profile | |
Princess Pearl (traditional Chinese: 還珠格格; simplified Chinese: 还珠格格; pinyin: Huán Zhū Gé Gé) is a television-adaptation of Qiong Yao's novel-series of the same name. It stars Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Alec Su, and Zhou Jie and is a joint-production between Taiwan and Mainland China. Because of the heavy comic elements present in the first two seasons of the series, the show can be classified as a dramedy. Fans may often abbreviate this series as "HZGG".
The legend of Princess Huanzhu of the Qing dynasty and the reign of Emperor Qianlong served as the initial inspiration for the author, acclaimed Taiwanese romance writer Qiong Yao. Although some of the characters and the premise of the plot are based on real historical events and figures, considerable artistic license was employed and the series is largely fictional.
Due to its immense popularity, this series propelled its four main leads to super stardom in eastern Asia . The first season debutted in 1998, it had a successful run becoming a region-wide phenomenon, winning over legions of fans. A second season was first broadcast in 1999 and a third in 2003. It is popular in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and even Thailand. In fact, the second season broke China's TV record with the highest ratings ever, achieveing almost 50% viewership in all local TV stations.
The third season saw the show suffer a backlash in popularity, partly because most of the original cast, including the main characters, had been replaced with different actors and actresses. Zhou Jie was the only principal actor from the original series who remained.
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[edit] Cast
[edit] Original Cast
| Actor/Actress | Character |
| Zhang Tielin (张铁林) | Emperor Qianlong (乾隆) |
| Zhao Wei (赵薇) | Xiao Yanzi (小燕子) |
| Ruby Lin (林心如) | Xia Ziwei (夏紫薇) |
| Alec Su (苏有朋) | Yong Qi (永琪) |
| Zhou Jie (周杰) 4 | Fu Erkang (福尔康) |
| Fan Bing-Bing (范冰冰) | Jin Suo (金锁) |
| Dai Chunrong (戴春荣) | Empress (皇后) |
| Li Mingqi (李明启) | Rong Mo Mo/Nanny Rong (容嬷嬷) |
| Juan Zi (娟子) | Ling Fei/Consort Ling (令妃) |
| Lu Shiyu (陆诗雨) | Liu Qing (柳青) |
| Chen Ying (陈莹) | Liu Hong (柳红) |
| Chen Zhipeng (陈志朋) 1 | Fu Er Tai (福尔泰) |
| Zhang Heng (张恒) 1 | Sai Ya (塞娅) |
| Hai Bo (海波) 4 | Fu Lun (福伦) |
| Liu Fang (刘芳) 4 | Fu Jin (福晋) |
[edit] New Cast Members
| Actor/Actress | Character |
| Zhao Minfen (赵敏芬) 2 4 | Empress Dowager (太后) |
| Liu Dan (刘丹) 2 | Han Xiang (含香) |
| Mu Fengbin (牟凤彬) 2 | Meng Dan (蒙丹) |
| Wang Yan (王艳) 2 4 | Qing Er (晴儿) |
| Zhu Hongjia (朱宏嘉) 2 | Xiao Jian (箫剑) |
| Betty Huang (黄奕) | Xiao Yan Zi (小燕子) |
| Ma Yili (马伊琍) | Xia Zi Wei (夏紫薇) |
| Leo Ku (古巨基) | Yong Qi (永琪) |
| Jiang Qinqin (蒋勤勤) 3 | Xia Ying Ying (夏盈盈) |
| Qin Lan (秦岚) 3 | Zhi Hua (知画) |
| Liu Tao (刘涛) 3 | Mu Sha (慕沙) |
| Di Long (狄龙) 3 | Emperor Qianlong (乾隆) |
| Jiang Lili (姜黎黎) 3 | Empress (皇后) |
| Unknown Actress (??) 3 | Ling Fei/Consort Ling (令妃) |
| Huang Xiaoming (黄晓明) 3 | Xiao Jian (箫剑) |
| Zhou Guiyun (周桂云) 3 | Gui Mo Mo/Nanny Gui (贵嬷嬷) |
| Chang Jinsheng (臧金生) 3 | Meng Bai (猛白) |
[edit] Notes
- Note 1: - Appeared in Season One only. Dropped from Series.
- Note 2: - Joined the cast in Season Two
- Note 3: - Joined the cast in Season Three
- Note 4: - Remained a cast member from Season 1-3.
[edit] Controversy over Casting of Season Three
The cast of Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3 changed drastically, as the majority of the original cast declined the offer to star in another sequel. Futhermore, many of the original cast members from Huan Zhu Ge Ge have become much more famous than before, taking on additional project offers. Hence, their busy schedules did not permit time to star in another season of Huan Zhu Ge Ge.
The decision to use new actors was not well-received by fans, who had grown to love the original portrayals of the characters.
In their place, Betty Huang (黄奕) was cast as Xiao Yan Zi, Leo Ku (古巨基) from Romance in the Rain as Yong Qi, and Ma Yili (马伊琍) as Xia Zi Wei.
Aside from the main characters, other supporting characters who were absent from Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3 include the strong veteran cast of Zhang Tie Lin (Emperor Qianlong), Dai Chun Rong (Empress), Li Ming Qi (Rong Mo Mo/Nanny Rong), and Juan Zi (Ling Fei/Consort Ling). They have since been replaced by a new set of veteran cast.
Jin Suo, Liu Qing, Liu Hong, Han Xiang, and Meng Dan, were not written into the storyline for Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3.
One change that was more welcomed was the replacement of Zhu Hongjia with Huang Xiaoming for the titular character of Xiaojian.
The only original cast members from the first 2 seasons to remain are Zhou Jie (Fu Erkang), Zhao Minfen (Empress Dowager) and Wang Yan (Qing Er).
[edit] Death of Hanxiang Actress
The actress who played the character Hanxiang in Season 2 of Huan Zhu Ge Ge, Liu Dan, was involved in a fatal car accident that killed her; shortly after filming of the 2nd Season wrapped.
[edit] Synopsis
[edit] Part One
Huan Zhu Ge Ge is the story of an orphan whose life changes after she is accidentally named princess.
It starts off with the tale of two sworn sisters: orphaned adventuress Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, a talented young lady with an interesting history. Zi Wei is actually the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Qianlong. Eighteen years ago, Qianlong had an affair with her mother, Xia Yu He, at Lake Daming in Jinan. Because of political reasons, Qianlong left Yu He, promising to return for her. However, Yu He was already pregnant with his child and waited faithfully for his return. On her deathbed, Yu He asks Zi Wei to find her father, Qianlong.
Zi Wei takes on this arduous task with her servant Jin Suo. After the two arrive in Beijing, they discover the challenges of entering the Forbidden City. Meanwhile, they meet Xiao Yan Zi, a clever and daring girl around their age. Having been abandoned at a young age, Xiao Yan Zi lives with her buddies Liu Qing and Liu Hong in the Da Zha Yuan. Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi soon develop a meaningful friendship. As Zi Wei runs out of supplies and money, she moves in with Xiao Yan Zi who earns her trust. Zi Wei tells Xiao Yan Zi her huge secret mission.
Xiao Yan Zi agrees to help Zi Wei with her mission. They plan to meet Qianlong during his hunting trip to a local mountain. However, climbing up the mountain turns out to be a challenging task. The frail Zi Wei and Jin Suo struggle to climb up. Hence, Zi Wei decides to send Xiao Yan Zi as her trustworthy messenger. She gives Xiao Yan Zi a fan and painting, both gifts that Qianlong gave Yu He years ago.
Unfortunately, Xiao Yan Zi is shot with an arrow by Yong Qi, the fifth prince who was originally aiming for a deer. Wounded and barely conscious, Xiao Yan Zi does not have the energy to explain her mission to Qianlong. When Qianlong sees Xiao Yan Zi carrying his fan and painting, he assumes Xiao Yan Zi is Yu He's daughter. He treats Xiao Yan Zi so kindly that she decides to "borrow" Zi Wei's father for a few days. However, she is soon overcomed with guilt.
Meanwhile, Zi Wei is extremely worried about Xiao Yan Zi, afraid that she was captured and executed as a female assassin. However, when she witnesses Xiao Yan Zi parading the streets with Qianlong in a palaquin with the title "Huan Zhu Ge Ge", she believes Xiao Yan Zi has deceived her. Hurt and confused, she chases after the palaquin, screaming Xiao Yan Zi's name. The commotion she causes alerts the guards who rush to restrain her, but when Fu Er Kang, one of the Emperor's bodyguards, hears hints that she might be telling the truth, he rescues her.
Zi Wei and Jin Suo are persuaded by the Fus to live in the Fu household, Xue Shi Fu, temporarily. Xiao Yan Zi also realizes the greatness of her error where she might be beheaded if she tells the truth. Because both Yong Qi and Er Tai are infatuated with Xiao Yan Zi, they ask Zi Wei to keep quiet about her secret.
Slowly, Er Kang and Zi Wei begin to fall in love. Er Kang realizes their marriage is impossible, however, because he cannot marry Zi Wei if she only has the status of a commoner.
Xiao Yan Zi has her own troubles in the Forbidden City, as her outlandish behaviour and lack of sense of propriety offends the Empress. Even Qianlong becomes overwhelmed with Xiao Yan Zi's disobedience and outspokenness. He punishes Xiao Yan Zi with twenty beatings, despite pleas from Ling Fei, Yong Qi, and Er Tai. However, Qianlong and Xiao Yan Zi soon mend fences.
Sensing the romance between Zi Wei and Er Kang, Er Kang's parents, Fu Da Ren and Fu Jin, kindly ask Zi Wei to give up Er Kang. Heartbroken, Zi Wei and Jin Suo leave Xue Shi Fu without notice, leaving Er Kang in panic. After his search for Zi Wei is unsuccessful, he calls for the help of Xiao Yan Zi. Together, they manage to find out where Zi Wei is from Liu Qing and Liu Hong. When they finally find Zi Wei, they decide it is perhaps the best idea to sneak Zi Wei into the Forbidden City as well.
Zi Wei, along with Jin Suo, enjoys an excellent start in the Forbidden City. Although Zi Wei is but a court maid, Qianlong quickly takes notice of her. He takes a liking to her talent, intelligence, and kindness. This arouses the jealousy of the Empresses, who views Zi Wei as a potential political threat. She secretly brings Zi Wei to her palace, Kun Ning Gong, and pierces her with needles. Zi Wei nearly dies, but is rescued by Qianlong, Xiao Yan Zi, Er Kang, Er Tai, and Yong Qi. The relationship between Qianlong and Zi Wei grows deeper as Qianlong becomes more amazed by Zi Wei's talents. His love for Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei becomes so great that he takes them on his Wei Fu Chu Xing.
Qianlong uses the time to enjoy life outside the Forbidden City. Hoping to reveal Zi Wei's true identity without angering Qianlong, Er Kang, Yong Qi, and Er Tai suggest that they ask for a special order from Qianlong, promising that he will never execute Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi.
During the trip, feelings between Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi begin to arise. Yong Qi begins to have a crush on Xiao Yan Zi after discovering she is not really his sister. However, their relationship is awkward because they are currently considered brother-sister. When Yong Qi first admits his feelings to Xiao Yan Zi, she is confused and bewildered. But, when Xiao Yan Zi is jealous of another girl who likes Yong Qi, she cannot hide her feelings for him. The romance between Zi Wei and Er Kang grows deeper. Unfortunately, Qianlong, not knowing Zi Wei is his daughter, falls in love with Zi Wei as well. Along the way, Xiao Yan Zi fights injustice, rescuing many civilians.
Qianlong's Wei Fu Chu Xing is abruptly put to a halt when an assassination attempt is made on the emperor. Zi Wei shields Qianlong from a knife aimed at him. Everyone manages to get rid of the assassins, but Zi Wei's life is at risk. Zi Wei then asks Qianlong never to execute Xiao Yan Zi. Qianlong agrees, but the mood is not calm at all. Thinking she is on her deathbed, Zi Wei also asks Er Kang to marry Jin Suo, her loyal servant and friend.
Surprisingly, Zi Wei manages to survive getting stabbed. Qianlong's admiration for her grows stronger because of her remarkable bravery. After returning to the Forbidden City, Qianlong hints that he wants to take Zi Wei in as his concubine. Meanwhile, the king of Tibet and his daughter, Princess Sai Ya, have arrived in Beijing.
Sai Ya and Xiao Yan Zi quickly develop a rivalry, as Sai Ya's kung fu skills stir up feelings of competition. After fighting against Er Kang in a match, Sai Ya develops a crush on Er Kang. Her father asks Qianlong if he can arrange a marriage between Sai Ya and Er Kang. Although Qianlong originally intended to save Er Kang for Xiao Yan Zi, he agrees, creating huge dilemmas for Zi Wei and Er Kang.
At this point, Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, Er Kang, Er Tai, and Jin Suo decide it is time to reveal their secret. Qianlong is shocked to discover Zi Wei is his true daughter, as he had once considered taking her in as a concubine. He is hurt to know that Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, two people he trusted most, had tricked him. The Empress takes advantage of the situation to tell Qianlong that she always knew something was wrong with Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. After pressuring from the Empress, Qianlong agrees to imprison Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei in Zhong Ren Fu, even though Ling Fei pleas that he reconsiders. Jin Suo, wanting to risk her life rather than Zi Wei's, joins them. Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Er Tai are in great turmoil.
Hoping to finish Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei once and for all, Huang Hou conspires with Liang Da Ren, the man in charge of Zhong Ren Fu. She orders him to force Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, and Jin Suo to sign a document stating they disguised as princesses in an attempt to murder Qianlong. Refusing to sign such a ridiculous document, the three girls are whipped harshly. Knowing that the three cannot survive long in such conditions, Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Er Tai decide to risk their lives. They break into the jail and free the three girls. Because they have broken the law, they decide to run away forever.
At the same time, Qianlong begins to regret his actions. He realizes how much he has grown to love Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. His officers and Ling Fei also ask that he release them. Qianlong goes to Zhong Ren Fu and decides to let them go, but is aghast that they had escaped earlier. Furious, Qianlong orders that they be found and all executed.
Feelings of guilt arise as Xiao Yan Zi and her entourage run away. Er Tai decides to return to the Forbidden City and explain matters to Qianlong. Knowing that Er Tai is most likely to be beheaded, Zi Wei begs that they all return and face Qianlong. They soon agree and return to the Forbidden City.
Qianlong originally intends to behead them all, but when he sees that the three girls have been whipped, he is heartbroken. He orders them to return to Shu Fang Zai, where they reside in the Forbidden City, to rest, but they refuse to go until he has forgiven Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Er Tai. Qianlong does not want to at first, but when he realizes the entire matter is actually his fault, he relents. He knows that if he had not gotten involved with Yu He alone in the first place, there would be no fiasco. He also cannot bear to kill his favourite people. Thus, he forgives them all.
At Shu Fang Zai, Qianlong recognizes Zi Wei as his daughter. He hand-feeds her medicine and the two share a father-daughter hug. Because of Qianlong's liking for her, Xiao Yan Zi keeps her title as Huan Zhu Ge Ge.
Everyone is overjoyed, except for the Empress and Rong Mo Mo. The Empress reprimands Qianlong for being tricked by "some eighteen-year-old girls". However, Qianlong ignores her and questions her on her involvement in conspiring against the girls. Angered, Qianlong orders for the Empress' and Rong Mo Mo's immediate removal to Zhong Ren Fu. Yong Qi begs Qianlong to reconsider his verdict as it is inappropriate to punish the "Mother of the Country". In her anger and desperation, the Empress snatches a nearby scissors and cuts part of her hair off, upset that Qianlong no longer considers her thoughts. Zi Wei pleads mercy on their behalf, hoping that she will make peace with the Empress. Qianlong agrees, and the rivalry seems to have ended.
The last obstacle is the proposal between Sai Ya and Er Kang. However, it is easily solved when Er Tai courts Sai Ya as a favour to Er Kang and the two fall in love.
The story concludes with a ceremony, during which Zi Wei is proclaimed Ming Zhu Ge Ge (Princess Bright Pearl). Qianlong also announces a betrothal between Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi, Zi Wei and Er Kang, and Er Tai and Sai Ya. The three couples, along with Jin Suo, end the series by riding on horseback through the countryside. They sing happily with joy.
[edit] Part Two
The sequel to Huan Zhu Ge Ge mainly revolves around Qianlong's newest concubine, Han Xiang, unwillingly sent as a gift from Uyghur leader Alihezhuo. Han Xiang was born with a natural scent that attracts butterflies. She has long loved another man, Meng Dan, whom she had unsuccessfully eloped with several times.
Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, and Er Kang meet Meng Dan at the restaurant and hotel recently opened by Liu Qing and Liu Hong. There, they learnt of the love story of Meng Dan and Han Xiang. Ultimately, they decide to help Han Xiang escape the Forbidden City and escape with Meng Dan.
After several attempts to resist Qianlong who was trying to force himself on her, Han Xiang accidentally cuts Emperor Qianlong's arm. When the Empress Dowager finds out about this, she secretly forces Han Xiang to drink poison as punishment. Xiao Yan Zi, Yong Qi, Zi Wei, Jin Suo, and Er Kang rush back but were not able to make it in time. Han Xiang is said to have died. Before she "dies", the aroma emitting from her body strengthens and tens of hundreds of butterflies fly to her side and circle the room. They leave and so does the aroma. In the end, Han Xiang is saved by the repeated attempts from Xiao Yan Zi. She is ultimately saved by eating the life-saving medicine that her father gave her, in the case of an emergency. After this affair, Han Xiang loses her scent.
After Han Xiang's escape, the group lies to Qianlong that Han Xiang had turned into a butterfly and flew away. When Qianlong finds out the truth, he sentences Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Jin Suo to death. However, they eventually escape with help from their friends. They decide to leave the Forbidden City permanently and travel to Dali. On their trip, they encounter many adventures and unfortunate events.
Later, Qianlong begins to miss their presence and laughter. In the end, the emperor travels to Dali himself to convince them to return to the Forbidden City. There, he awards Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi with a gold insignia each. It can be used to excuse three executions each. Qianlong and the Empress Dowager later discover the Empress had been plotting against Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. Qianlong is furious and commands both the Empress and her maidservant, Rong Mo Mo, to be beheaded. However, Zi Wei pulls out her gold insignia and uses up two pardons: one for Rong Mo Mo and one for the Empress.
Because of this affair, Rong Mo Mo and the Empress both grow appreciative of Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi. Afterwards, Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi, along with Zi Wei and Er Kang, are finally married.
[edit] Part Three
In the final installment of Huan Zhu Ge Ge, there is a change in the actors. The story starts off with Xiao Yanzi losing a child after an accident and Tai Hou was very unhappy with it. The incident gaves Tai Hou an impression that Xiao Yanzi was not ladylike enough and very careless that she was unable to bring Yong Qi a son. At the same time, Qing Er and Xiao Yanzi's brother, Xiao jian, were also in love. But Tai Hou does not like and Xiao jian, especially after when she found that Xiao Yanzi and Xiao jian's parent was killed by Qian Long. She thought that the slibing may want to hurt Qian Long for revenge. Before she found out this fact, when they went to Chen's family, she met Zhi Hua and thought that she was more suitable for Yong Qi than Xiao Yanzi. Due to all these reasons, Tai hou made a plan to separate them: Yong Qi and Xiao Yanzi, Qing Er and Xiao jian. She threat that she would kill Xiaojian if YongQi does not marry with Zhihua, and request that Zhihua should be wife and Xiao Yanzi should be the mistress. To save Xiaojian's life, they accept Taihou's conditions and Xiaojian were also sent away so that he would not have chance to meet Qing Er.
Although YongQi gives in to marry with Zhihua, Zhihua remain as a virgin after marrying YongQi for quite a long time. But for some incident, Xiaoyanzi was persuade that Zhihua has that right to have a child of YongQi, and she actually force YongQi to enter Zhihua's room. Not long later, Zhihua was found pregnant.
Not much time after the news, both YongQi and Er Kang was told to take part in the war with Mian Dian. In the war, when Erkang fights with the eighth 'prince', he found that 'he', or rather 'she', was actually the eighth princess, Musha. Musha was attracted to Erkang and used some trick to make the Qings thought that Erkang was dead, and bring Erkang back to MianDian.
[edit] Characters
- Emperor Qianlong (乾隆皇帝)
Based on a true-life emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong, the emperor in this series is portrayed as a benevolent and caring but often short and hot-tempered father. Part of the Aisin-Gioro ruling family, Qianlong is of Manchu descent. Like the real-life Qianlong, the emperor in Huan Zhu Ge Ge is a lover of arts and literature. Besides his empress, whom he often neglects, he has many concubines, his favourite of which is Consort Ling.
Qianlong first meets Xiao Yan Zi (literally "Little Swallow") on his hunting grounds, into which she broke into whilst serving as Zi Wei's messenger. Zi Wei is the Emperor's real daughter from a tryst the Emperor had long ago. Her attempts to contact her father have all failed and eventually meets Xiao Yan Zi, a happy go lucky street wanderer, who agrees to sneak onto Imperial hunting grounds to deliver her message during the Emperor's hunting outing. After accidentally being shot by an arrow, Qianlong finds the message she is carrying and mistakes her for his daughter and quickly becomes enamoured with her happy-go-lucky charm and her free spirited ways, unfettered by the protocol and conventions of the nobility. Ironically, though, he later grew to love Zi Wei for completely different reasons-her elegance and eloquence, intelligence and sophistication. At one point, Zi Wei shields him from an assassination attempt. Xiao Yan Zi is taken into the royal household and is dubbed "Huan Zhu Ge Ge", or Princess "Returned Pearl", claiming that she is like a pearl that is lost and then returned/refound; though she is still referred to as Xiao Yan Zi by those closest to her. Xiao Yan Zi eventually convinces the court to allow her to bring Zi Wei into her household, still determined to help her reconnect with her father. Qianlong's feelings for Zi Wei prove problematic when he asks her to be his concubine. Although he is upset when he learns that Zi Wei is his true daughter, he later forgives them for their deception and serves as a very loving father to both his actual daughter and his newly adopted one as well.
- Xiao Yan Zi (小燕子)
The lovable heroine of this story, Xiao Yan Zi is an orphaned adventress living in Beijing. She meets Xia Zi Wei and becomes sworn sisters with her. Through a series of misunderstandings, Xiao Yan Zi is mistakenly proclaimed Princess Huanzhu.
- Xia Zi Wei (夏紫薇)
Perhaps the exact opposite of Xiao Yan Zi, the gentle Xia Zi Wei is the result of Qianlong's short affair with her mother, Xia Yu He.
- Yong Qi (永琪)
Also known as Wu A Ge (五阿哥), Yong Qi is the fifth prince. His mother, Yu Fei, died of illness during his childhood. Yong Qi is Qianlong's favourite son, being intelligent, considerate, and skilled at martial arts- and the most-likely heir to the throne. His all-round talents also inspire the jealousy of the Empress, who hopes her son, Shi'r A Ge the twelveth prince, will succeed Qianlong instead. Yong Qi is close friends with the sons of Fu Da Ren: Fu Erkang and Fu Ertai. He and Er Tai are also classmates; both study with Ji Xiaolan, or Ji Shifu.
Yong Qi and Xiao Yan Zi meet during the same hunting trip that brought the latter into the royal circle. He was the shooter of the fateful arrow that caused Xiao Yan Zi to lose consciousness, triggering the train of events and mistaken identities. Like his father, Yong Qi was besotted by her fun, warm and bold nature. Because Xiao Yan Zi struggles to adjust to living in the Forbidden City, Yong Qi, along with Er Tai, helps her through some early problems. He also learns from Er Kang and Er Tai that Xiao Yan Zi is not the true princess; rather, Zi Wei is. Yong Qi's "like" for Xiao Yan Zi soon turns into love, although he did not admit this for a long time. After Xiao Yan Zi attempts to matchmake Yong Qi with another girl, Yong Qi finally told Xiao Yan Zi his feelings. A confused Xiao Yan Zi later realizes she is also in love with Yong Qi. Throughout the series, Yong Qi goes through much adversity with Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, and Er Kang. Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi go through a relationship with many fights and makeups, until they wed at the end of the sequel, Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2.
- Fu Er Kang (福爾康)
The eldest son of high-ranking noble Fu Lun, the handsome Er Kang is a scholar. Well-trained in kung fu, Er Kang is part of the royal guard. He is not quite as absorbed about Xiao Yan Zi as Yong Qi and Er Tai, but he does get involved in some of Xiao Yan Zi's earlier struggles in the palace. After meeting Zi Wei, the real Huan Zhu Ge Ge, during a parade, Er Kang falls in love with her. Their relationship progresses, but it reaches a dead end. Er Kang realizes that as a son of the aristocracy, he cannot marry Zi Wei, then a commoner. Thus, he brings Zi Wei and her maid Jin Suo into the Forbidden City as court maids through help from Xiao Yan Zi. Er Kang loves Zi Wei dearly. With his background, talents and his air of authority, Er Kang is a very attractive potential husband. At one point, Qianlong decides to pair him with Sai Ya, a princess from Tibet, but he was saved by his younger brother and narrowly escapes the dreaded marriage. Zi Wei once made him promise that he would take Jin Suo as a second wife, but that was later broken off. In the sequel, he is reunited with Princess Qing Er, the Dowager Empress's favourite. He and Qing Er have an interesting history, causing angst and jealousy between him and Zi Wei.
- Fu Er Tai (福爾泰)
Er Kang's younger brother, Fu Er Tai, has a lesser critical role. However, he is one of the more important characters in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 1. Er Tai is best friends and classmates with Prince Yong Qi. Like his brother, Er Tai is liked by the emperor. At first, Er Tai has feelings for Xiao Yan Zi, but later defers to Yong Qi as he realizes Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi share a bond even before the two become a couple. When the other couples, Xiao Yan Zi-Yong Qi and Zi Wei-Er Kang, get into arguments, he often serves as the voice of reason. In the end, Er Tai courts Sai Ya to help Er Kang avoid a marriage with her. The two end up falling in love, so Er Tai marries Sai Ya and goes to Tibet. He does not appear in future sequels.
- Jin Suo (金瑣)
Jin Suo is Zi Wei's loyal maid since Jin Suo was seven. Jin Suo always looks out for Zi Wei's best interests, and does not show any self-concern. At first, Jin Suo does not like Xiao Yan Zi very much because she affects the friendship between her and Zi Wei, but later is impressed by Xiao Yan Zi's courage. She joins Zi Wei as a court maid when they first enter the palace, and later remains a court maid after Zi Wei is crowned Ming Zhu Ge Ge. Jin Suo is greatly hurt in the sequel when she finds out Er Kang does not want her as a wife. However, she later falls in love with Liu Qing, one of Xiao Yan Zi's best friends.
- The Empress (皇后 Huang Hou)
The archnemesis of Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, and Er Kang, the Empress seems to be a heartless, cruel, and jealous empress. However, much of these feelings arise because Qianlong, who she cares much for, often neglects her. More outspoken and strict than Qianlong's other wives, Huang Hou does not win his favour. She is extremely jealous of concubine Ling Fei, Qianlong's favourite concubine, Yong Qi, who endangers her son's chances of inheriting the throne, as well as Xiao Yan Zi, who, despite her lack of discipline, always wins Qianlong's support and encouragement. Her feelings become intensified when Zi Wei arrives, as Zi Wei's talent, beauty, and kindness win the liking of Qianlong. Thus, she shows signs of cruelty, attempting to hurt those she is jealous of. She most often takes out her anger on Zi Wei, as she is unlikely to fight back. For instance, at one point, Huang Hou pierces Zi Wei with needles. At the end of HZGG 1, it seems as if Huang Hou has redeemed herself. Zi Wei pleads for Qianlong to forgive Huang Hou, and Zi Wei and Huang Hou share a hug. However, Huang Hou returns to her menacing ways in HZGG 2, with even worse plots to make the princesses miserable. When she is rescued from execution by Zi Wei, Xiao Yan Zi, Yong Qi, and Er Kang, she finally changes her ways and becomes a better person. She even hand-sews Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi's wedding dresses. In HZGG3, she becomes a devout Buddhist, and in very good terms with Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. She is asked by Qianlong to join him on a vacation to the south of China. When she gets there, she hears about Xia Ying Ying, and writes a letter to Qianlong with her blood. He becomes furious with her and refuses to read her letter, so she cuts her hair and almost tries to commit suicide. The Emperor's temper worsens and he sends her back to Beijing with Rong Mo Mo to live in deserted place in the Forbidden City. He also demotes her and takes away her privileges as Empress. Back in Beijing, she shaves her head and becomes a Buddhist nun. Months after Qianlong and company return, she falls ill and eventually dies.
- Rong Mo Mo/Nanny Rong (容嬤嬤)
The empress's loyal nanny/wetnurse, Rong Mo Mo, serves as her sort of "sidekick" throughout the series. Like the empress, she greatly dislikes Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. She is a very ruthless person, not the least bit unwilling to inflict great pain on others. At the beginning of HZGG 2, when the empress no longer wants to hurt Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, Rong Mo Mo instigate her to continue for the well-being of her son. However, she is extremely loyal and always puts the empress before herself. This is perhaps her single positive trait. Like the empress, she redeems herself in the end and is forgiven. In HZGG 3, she stays loyal to Huang Hou. She also becomes and devout Buddhist and is at good terms with Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. She goes back to Beijing early with the empress and remains a faithful servant. Xiao Yan Zi once referred to Rong Mo Mo as a motherly figure, which reconfirms their peace. When the empress dies, Rong Mo Mo commits suicide by stabbing herself, so that she can serve her mistress in the afterlife.
- Ling Fei/Consort Ling (令妃)
Ling Fei is Qianlong's favourite concubine. She is the sister of lady Fu, the mother of Er Kang and Er Tai. Althgouh she has children of her own, she treats Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei like her own daughters. She always makes an effort to help Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei during difficult times. Qianlong spends the most time with her, but neglects her in HZGG 2 while she is pregnant. Instead, Qianlong spends time with his newest concubine, Han Xiang (Xiang Fei). Nevertheless, Ling Fei forgives him. In HZGG3, she is yet again pregnant and remains Qianlong's favourite. She helps Xiao Yan Zi in her times of need with Zhi Hua and Yong Qi.
- Liu Qing (柳青)
One of Xiao Yan Zi's two most trusted friends outside the Forbidden City, Liu Qing is a typical commoner from Beijing. He is not nearly as educated as Yong Qi or Er Kang, but is a kind, helpful, and loyal. Liu Qing sometimes has a rash temper, but his intentions are good. However, he is extremely skilled in kung fu, which helps him make a living. Although he grew up with Xiao Yan Zi, the two are only friends. When Liu Qing first met Zi Wei, he had feelings for her, but he knew he could not compete with Er Kang. Thus, he decided to give up his feelings. Later, he owns a restaurant, Hui Bing Lou, with his sister Liu Hong. He is always willing to help Xiao Yan Zi and her friends with anything they need. In the end, Liu Qing falls in love with Zi Wei's maid Jin Suo. The two are married.
- Liu Hong (柳紅)
The other of Xiao Yan Zi's most trusted friends, Liu Hong is Liu Qing's sister. She is also very skilled in kung fu and often performs with her brother. Sometimes, when Liu Qing loses his temper, Liu Hong acts more reasonably. Like her brother, she is willing to go to any lengths to help Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, and Er Kang.
- Sai Ya (塞雅)
A princess from Tibet, Sai Ya and her father arrive in Beijing in hopes of a marriage with the Aisin-Gioro royal family. Sai Ya is somewhat spoiled and gets very competitive with Xiao Yan Zi. The two actually share many characteristics, including a lack of interest in literacy, a feisty temper, and an enjoyment for physical activities like kung fu. Sai Ya first develops an interest in Er Kang after fighting with him during a kung fu match, but later realizes Er Tai is the man for her.
- Empress Dowager (太后)
The mother of Qianlong, Tai Hou is a very traditional woman. She does not always like new ideas and prefers prim, proper ladies. Many call her by her title, "Lao Fo Ye", or Old Buddha. Thus, she does not take a liking to Zi Wei because she was born out of wedlock. She dislikes Xiao Yan Zi even more for her feisty, unladylike attitude. However, she dotes on Qing Er, whom she raised, and cares deeply about Qianlong's best interests. Additionally, she wants to break up the betrothal between Zi Wei and Er Kang, as Qing Er liked Er Kang. She also wants Yong Qi to marry a more proper lady than Xiao Yan Zi. Tai Hou likes and trusts Huang Hou as she does not know how wicked Huang Hou is. Huang Hou takes advantage of this, making sure Tai Hou sees Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei at their worst moments. Tai Hou often punishes Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, as she has only seen them in trouble. However, when Huang Hou's evil ways are discovered and the two princesses plead for forgiveness on Huang Hou's behalf, Tai Hou realizes how special and kind-hearted they are. In the end, she treats them as her granddaughters.
- Han Xiang (含香)
A new character in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2, Han Xiang is a princess from Xinjiang. Her father, Ali He Zhuo, the leader of the Uyghur tribe, came to Beijing in hopes of making peace with China. Han Xiang was unique because her body carried a beautiful scent that attracts butterflies. Han Xiang was offered as a gift to Qianlong. As Qianlong was quite taken with Han Xiang's beauty and fragrance, he gladly accepted Han Xiang as his concubine. Although Han Xiang was given the title Xiang Fei and constantly doted on by the emperor, Han Xiang's heart was with a childhood lover named Meng Dan. Her insecurities in the Forbidden City and rejection of Qianlong's love result in trouble, thus leading to the climax of Huan Zhu Ge Ge.
- Meng Dan (蒙丹)
Han Xiang's lover, Meng Dan, is part of the Uyghur tribe. He loved Han Xiang from his childhood, and although the two eloped seven times, they were unsuccessful because of Han Xiang's fragrance. With help from Xiao Yan Zi and her friends, however, Meng Dan is finally able to unite with Han Xiang.
- Qing Er (晴兒)
The daughter of Qianlong's brother, Qing Er's parents died when she was young, so Tai Hou took her in as her foster daughter. Qing Er is proper, pretty, and intelligent, as well as a smooth talker, thus gaining Tai Hou's liking. Qing Er falls in love with Er Kang, but when she returns to the Forbidden City from Tai Hou's religious pilgrimage, she finds that Er Kang is already betrothed to Zi Wei.
- Xiao Jian (蕭劍)
Xiao Yan Zi first meets Xiao Jian, a lover of poetry and drinking, at Hui Bing Lou, a restaurant owned by Liu Qing and Liu Hong. He carries around two possessions: a bamboo flute ('xiao') and a sword ('jian'), hence his name. At first, he pretends he does not know any kung fu to avoid fighting with Xiao Yan Zi, but later reveals his kung fu skills when he rescues Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei from beheading.
- Xia Yingying (夏盈盈)
A relatively insignificant character in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3, Xia Yingying is a prostitute Qianlong meets on his trip to Jiang Nan. The author, Chiung Yao, created this character exclusively for actress Jiang Qinqin. Qianlong is very taken by Xia Yingying, as she is charming and talented. However, because she came from a brothel, Tai Hou did not approve. Xia Yingying then decided to leave Qianlong, never reappearing in the story.
- Mu Sha (慕莎)
A princess from Burma, Mu Sha and Er Kang first meet on the battlefield, when Mian Dian and China are at war. Disguised as a man, Mu Sha falls in love with Er Kang. After Er Kang is hurt, she takes him to Burma for medical treatment. However, she gets Er Kang addicted on cocaine. She later uses cocaine as a way to keep Er Kang from leaving her for Zi Wei. In the end, however, Mu Sha lets Er Kang and Zi Wei reunite after discovering the deep love between them.
- Zhi Hua (知畫)
Known for her talent in painting ('hua'), Zhi Hua is accurately named. She is a daughter of the Chen family, a family that has close ties with Tai Hou. Hoping to find Yong Qi a more proper wife who can bear a child, Tai Hou proposes a match between Zhi Hua and Yong Qi. Although Yong Qi first does not want a second wife, he reluctantly gives in when Xiao Jian's life is at risk. Zhi Hua later has Yong Qi's child, Mien Yi, but in the end, Yong Qi leaves the Forbidden City with Xiao Yan Zi, abandoning Zhi Hua and her son.
Additional characters include Xiao Yan Zi's and Zi Wei's faithful eunuchs Xiao Deng Zi and Xiao Zhuo Zi and their maids, Ming Yue and Cai Xia. Unlike many other royals of the time, Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei treat their servants like family. Thus, their servants like them very much.
[edit] Music
Nearly all of the lyrics for songs in Huan Zhu Ge Ge were written by the writer, Qiong Yao, while other composers contributed to the music.
The opening theme, as well as main theme, for Part One was "Dang" (当), which means "When". The song was performed by a group called Power Station (Taiwanese group) (Simplified Chinese: 动力火车, Traditional Chinese: 動力火車). Additionally, two more traditional songs were composed for the character Zi Wei and performed on the zither, titled "Shan Shui Tiao Tiao" and "Cheng Xiang Yi". However, both of these were not performed by Ruby Lin, the actress who portrayed Zi Wei. Instead, Fang Qiong sang both songs. During their trip outside the Forbidden City, Zhao Wei and Ruby Lin, who play the female leads Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, sang the merry tune "Jin Ri Tian Qi Hao Qing Lang", directly translated as "Today's Weather is Very Sunny and Bright". Finally, the ending theme, "Yu Die", or "Rain Butterfly", was sung by Li Yijun.
Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2 presented a much more diverse soundtrack, as it was a higher-budget production. Many of the themes in the sequel were sung by lead actress Zhao Wei, including the main opening theme, "Zi Cong You Le Ni", translated as "Since I Have Had You". Other songs Vicki Zhao sang included one of the ending themes, "You Yi Ge Gu Niang" ("There Was A Girl") and "Wo Men" ("We"), a sub-theme. Vicki Zhao also did perform a remix of "Dang", the opening theme from Part One, titled "Bu Neng He Ni Fen Shou". Her singing in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2 launched her career as a singer. Furthermore, actress Ruby Lin and Zhou Jie, who portray the couple Zi Wei and Er Kang, sang the other ending theme, "Ni Shi Feng Er Wo Shi Sha" ("You Are Wind, I Am Sand"). The character Zi Wei sang another song accompanied by her zither called "Meng Li" ("In Dreams"), but this time Ruby Lin provided the vocals. In the soundtrack version, Ruby Lin and Zhou Jie have a duet on "Meng Li", although in the series, only Ruby Lin sings the song.
