Let's review the notable deaths in "Empresses in the Palace" in chronological order:
Fu Zi
A palace maid assigned to Consort Hua by the Empress, admired for her beauty by the Emperor, which incited Consort Hua's jealousy. She accidentally hurt Consort Hua while combing her hair and was subsequently killed and thrown into a well in the imperial garden. Her death was inadvertently witnessed by Zhen Huan, causing her to feign illness to avoid attention, a strategy that, unlike Shen Meizhuang's, spared her from becoming a primary target too soon.
Yu Ta Ying
A palace maid at Yi Mei Garden, favored by the Emperor after reciting a line of poetry. She was later demoted and then sentenced to death for poisoning Guiren Wan. Her death was manipulated by Zhen Huan to scare and destabilize the faction of Consort Hua.
Pure Consort
Accidentally discovered Consort Hua's corruption while retrieving a kite and was drowned by Hua's attendant. Known for her innocence, Pure Consort's death was both tragic and cruel.
Consort Hua
After her brother's fall from grace, Consort Hua was demoted. Upon learning from Zhen Huan about the Emperor's role in her infertility and lack of favor, she committed suicide by crashing into a wall. Her end was dramatic and sorrowful.
Consort Cao
After exposing Consort Hua's crimes, she was promoted but later poisoned to death by the Empress and Emperor due to her ruthless ambition. Her death, although deserved, was pitiful.
Liu Zhu
Zhen Huan's loyal maid, sacrificed herself to secure medical help for her ailing mistress. Her death was a poignant display of loyalty and devotion.
Consort Qi
Manipulated by the Empress and ultimately committed suicide. Her demise was seen as just due to her malicious actions.
Consort Qi (Jin)
Beautiful but naive, manipulated into framing Zhen Huan. She was executed by the Emperor's order. Her death was unnecessary and brutal.
Consort Hui
Died from hemorrhage during childbirth after witnessing her lover's castration. Her tragic end solidified Zhen Huan's resolve against her enemies.
Consort An
Engaged in numerous plots, her death was satisfying for the audience as she received her due punishment.
Guiren Ying
Demoted and then executed due to her relationship with the Third Prince. Her death was unjust and implicated her family.
Meng Jingxian
Tragically poisoned after giving birth, her death was deeply unjust.
Prince Guo
Sacrificed himself for Zhen Huan, showing his deep love. His death was heart-wrenching for Zhen Huan and the audience.
Huanbi
Committed suicide after Prince Guo's death. Her loyalty and tragic end were profound.
Emperor
After a tumultuous reign, his death marked the end of an era, leading to significant changes in the palace dynamics.
Consort Ning
Committed suicide after the Emperor's death, longing to reunite with her love, Prince Guo.
Empress
Manipulative and ruthless, her ultimate demise was seen as a deserved end for her malicious actions.
Each character's death is intricately linked to the storyline, making their fates deeply impactful. While there isn't a single death that stands out as the most heartbreaking, certain characters' demises, such as Consort Hua's tragic realization, Liu Zhu's loyalty, and Prince Guo's sacrifice, are particularly poignant. The deaths of antagonistic characters like Consort Cao, Consort Qi, and Consort An are less sorrowful, highlighting the justice served in the narrative.
