The three major antagonists in "Empresses in the Palace"—the Empress, Consort Hua, and An Lingrong—have committed countless atrocities but have each garnered a significant number of sympathetic fans due to their backstories. The phrase, "If you knew the past me, you would forgive the present me," effectively represents their grievances.
However, Huanbi, whose hands are clean of blood, has become a target of widespread dislike and criticism. Commonly seen as incompetent in everything except being annoying, Huanbi stands as a character worth discussing.
1. Confusion
We often say everyone experiences confusion in life, but in comparison, no one has the right to claim confusion like Huanbi does. She is constantly grappling with fundamental questions about her existence: Who am I? Where am I? Where am I going?
Who is Huanbi? Her name suggests she is a maid in the Zhen household. However, she knows in her heart that she is a daughter of the Zhen family, sharing the same bloodline as her pampered sister. Despite this, she spends her days among the maids, engaging in needlework alongside Liu Zhu.
So, is she a maid or a young lady? She is unable to figure it out.
Huanbi's life in the Zhen household is ambiguous. As a workplace, her biological father often appears before her, unwilling to let her do heavy work. As a home, she can never call this man 'father' or show too much closeness, only standing aside watching him enjoy family time with others.
Although she does not lack food or clothing, the sense of belonging she craves has always been elusive. One day, when her sister was about to get married, she had to be taken along as part of the dowry, without any consultation or regard for her wishes.
Unlike her sister, who had a life plan dictated by their father before entering the palace, Huanbi had no clear direction. After entering the palace, she witnessed a more brutal reality than that of the Zhen household. The imperial palace had only one man whose decisions determined everyone’s fate. If Huanbi couldn't stand out, she would forever be a servant at the mercy of others, even facing death at any moment.
Unlike her sister, who had the opportunity to pursue love, Huanbi was struggling at the most basic level of human rights. Attracting the Emperor's attention became her only hope for a better life. She never intended to replace or compete with her sister; she simply desired a life befitting her true status. Despite all her efforts, she was ultimately ridiculed by the Emperor for her lack of style.
In deep despair, Huanbi found solace when her sister revealed her plans for her, prompting her to repent and place her trust in her sister completely. Though fortunate to have a sister who accepted her, this fortune was also marked by resignation and bitterness.
2. Torment
Huanbi’s fate, being an extension of Zhen Huan’s, was always influenced by her sister’s will. When Zhen Huan decided to leave the palace, Huanbi's destiny darkened as well. Although Zhen Huan wished to secure a good marriage for her to prevent suffering, everyone still treated her as a mere servant, casually deciding her fate without considering her feelings.
She could only watch as her sister found love again, highlighting the stark differences in their lives. Huanbi's long-held affection for the Prince was ignored, and she continued her duties silently, aware of the unbridgeable gap between them. She did not grow resentful, content with just seeing the Prince.
Upon returning to the palace, Zhen Huan faced numerous challenges, leaving her with little time to address Huanbi's marriage. Despite harboring feelings for the Prince, Huanbi did not dare to hope for such good fortune. She dedicated herself to supporting her sister.
During a feast, when the Prince accidentally dropped a small portrait of Zhen Huan, the situation threatened to expose their secret. With Yurao unwilling to take the blame, Huanbi stepped in, risking herself. Marrying into the Prince's household marked the beginning of her true suffering.
Even though she was aware of the Prince’s love for Zhen Huan, Huanbi still harbored a sliver of hope for a normal married life. Yet, she found herself merely an observer to the Prince’s sorrow over Zhen Huan, overshadowed by Meng Jingxian's manipulations.
Her days were filled with the Prince's indifference, Meng Jingxian's schemes, and Zhen Huan’s righteous advice, making her feel perpetually out of place and uncared for.
In her three years in the Prince's household, Huanbi played the role of messenger for the couple, supporting them silently. Upon the Prince's return, she was left with only his lifeless body, having never seen him one last time.
Ultimately, Huanbi ended her life tragically, similar to Consort Hua, ending all her unfulfilled desires.
3. Ordinary
Despite the miseries in Huanbi’s life, she never gains the audience’s sympathy. Instead, she is often disliked.
Reason 1: Scheming Nature
Compared to Liuzhu and Jinxi, who prioritize Zhen Huan’s interests, Huanbi always appears to lack a broader perspective, driven by personal motives. Such behavior makes her seem unreliable and self-serving, traits that are generally unappreciated. However, it's important to note that comparing her to Liuzhu and Jinxi is unfair, as their roles and motivations differ significantly.
Reason 2: Arrogance and Incompetence
Huanbi’s arrogance and overestimation of herself often alienate others. Unlike An Lingrong, who endears herself to the audience despite similar tactics, Huanbi's lack of education and decorum highlight her shortcomings. This contrast underscores her predicament as someone born with noble aspirations but raised without the means to fulfill them.
Reason 3: Perceived Selfishness
Many see Huanbi as selfish, especially when she discourages Zhen Huan from accepting the Prince’s love or dissuades the Prince from rescuing Zhen Huan. Despite these actions being reasonable, they are often misinterpreted as heartless.
In reality, Huanbi’s advice was pragmatic, aiming to protect her sister and the Prince from greater harm. Her loyalty and efforts to support them silently speak volumes about her character.
Huanbi’s ordinary nature, filled with flaws and struggles, reflects a more relatable human experience. Her story, though marred by misunderstanding and tragedy, is one of a person seeking her rightful place in a world that continually denies her identity.
