In "Empresses in the Palace," several female characters captivate the audience with their unique beauty and charm. Their beauty is not only reflected in their appearance but also in their personalities and actions. Here are the women I find the most beautiful and why:
The Beauty of Motherhood - Cao Qinmo
Although Cao Qinmo, known as Noble Lady Cao, harmed Zhen Huan multiple times, she truly deserved the title of a loving mother for Princess Wenyi.
"Mother's heart is the most bitter; she is afraid that others won't like her, so she eradicates it."
This sentence breaks my heart. A mother under control, unable to ensure her child's safety, must suffer greatly. When she heard that Consort Hua used sedatives to stop Wenyi from crying, she hated her own helplessness. Seeing Princess Chaogui being forced to marry and then remarry her husband's brother after his death, she couldn't let Wenyi suffer such humiliation.
Many believe Noble Lady Cao's intelligence declined later, perhaps because it involved her beloved daughter. For her daughter's honor, she had to fight. From Noble Lady to Consort, she climbed step by step. When she gave birth to Wenyi, she was merely a Noble Lady, while Zhen Huan was already a Concubine without being pregnant. It seemed she didn't care about her status before, just wanting to live peacefully with Wenyi. It was for Wenyi that she struggled, falling into traps and ultimately meeting her demise. Sadly, she never saw her beloved Wenyi get married.
The Beauty of Purity - Liu Zhu
Liu Zhu didn't have many scenes, but throughout the entire series, she remains unforgettable.
Many died for Zhen Huan for various reasons, but only Liu Zhu did so entirely for Zhen Huan, without any personal gain.
Sister Mei's death involved concerns about Doctor Wen, Ying Noble Lady was more harmed by the Third Prince, and Prince Guo's death protected Huan Bi and his own child. Only Liu Zhu saw the glint of the guard's sword and unhesitatingly ran towards her demise.
She didn't mind when Zhen Huan gave a silk robe to Huan Bi instead of her. On the first tiring day in the palace, while Huan Bi rested, Liu Zhu continued to massage Zhen Huan's legs. She never got angry at Huan Bi's betrayal, nor was she arrogant after being praised by the Emperor. She was the purest person, yet her name meant "flowing blood," fittingly, as she had no peaceful days, always suffering alongside Zhen Huan.
The Beauty of Innocence - Chun'er
There has been debate over whether Chun'er was genuinely innocent or pretending to be. The answer is clear when comparing her behavior in public and private.
She didn't eat the palace's bad food due to missing her mother, which fits her innocent nature. She was genuinely scared, crying for help when Yu Consort locked Xin Changzai in the Punishment Bureau. She offended An Lingrong because of her careless words. If she were truly scheming, she would have saved herself when in danger. There's no need to doubt her innocence.
She played games with the servants on snowy days, ate snacks without worries, and generously shared all the good food with Zhen Huan's child. Her innocence led to her demise, as she couldn't survive the palace's intrigues. She shouldn't have entered the palace in the first place.
The Beauty of Arrogance - Consort Hua
Consort Hua was the undisputed beauty of the Forbidden City, unmatched even by the Eight Banners.
Zhen Huan might have had an emotional advantage, but in terms of sheer beauty, Consort Hua was the most stunning. She wasn't a mere substitute for Empress Chun Yuan and dared to challenge the Emperor. Despite her cruel punishment methods, her beauty was undeniable. Initially vibrant and domineering, she became cautious and subdued, showcasing the palace's brutal reality.
The Beauty of Innocence - Noble Lady Qi
Upon first seeing Noble Lady Qi, her beauty was striking, with her round face still retaining a bit of baby fat. She cried when complaining to the Emperor about Consort Hua, her tears evoking sympathy. Despite being arrogant and foolish, her beauty remained. Standing there, she was a sight to behold. Actress Tang Yixin later moved away from villain roles and shed her baby fat, adopting a sweeter image, but her initial portrayal of Noble Lady Qi was most fitting.
