Serenade of Peaceful Joy
Also known asHeld in the Lonely Castle
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese清平樂
Simplified Chinese清平乐
GenreHistorical period drama
Based on孤城闭 Gucheng Bi
by Milan Lady
Written byZhu Zhu
Directed by
  • Zhang Kaizhou
Starring
Ending theme"Searching Light" (寻光) by Zheng Yunlong[1]
Country of originChina
Original languageChinese
No. of episodes69
Production
Executive producerHou Hongliang
Production locationsHengdian World Studios, Dongyang
Camera setupMultiple-camera setup
Running time40-45 minutes
Production companies
  • Daylight Entertainment (Dongyang) Television Ltd
  • China Wit Media Co. Ltd
Original release
NetworkHunan TV
ReleaseApril 7, 2020 (2020-04-07)

Serenade of Peaceful Joy (simplified Chinese: 清平乐; traditional Chinese: 清平樂; pinyin: Qīngpíng Yuè), or previously known as Held in the Lonely Castle, is a 2020 Chinese period drama series loosely based on Milan Lady's novel of the same name. It is directed by Zhang Kaizhou, and stars Wang Kai as Emperor Renzong of Song and Jiang Shuying as Empress Cao.[2] The series aired on Hunan TV starting April 7, 2020.[3]

Synopsis

When Zhao Zhen discovers his biological mother is not the Empress Dowager Liu E, but her maid Li Lanhui, he arranges a marriage between his beloved daughter Princess Fukang and the Li family's son Li Wei as compensation for his lack of filial piety. In the political arena, Zhao Zhen strives to maintain a balance of power between the conservative and progressive factions after the Qingli reforms experiences a significant backlash from the former.

Inside the palace, Emperor Renzong faces the dutiful Empress Cao, the troublesome Zhang Mihan, and the gentle Lady Miao. As time passes, all of his sons don't survive past childhood and he is left without a male heir.

Outside the palace, Huirou's married life with Li Wei is far from pleasant – displeased with her foolish and boring husband, and annoyed by her prying in-laws, Huirou develops an even closer relationship with her eunuch Liang Huaiji. After a serious dispute with her husband's family, Huirou knowingly breaks the law by charging back to the palace the same night with the help of Huaiji.

The next day, conservative official Sima Guang presents a scathing memorial to Zhao Zhen, heavily criticising Huirou for her selfishness and violation of imperial etiquette. Zhao Zhen had always encouraged freedom of speech and supported a supervisory system that would maintain disciplinary surveillance over bureaucrats and royalty, and must ultimately choose between his daughter's happiness and the stability of government.[4]

Cast

Main

Supporting

Imperial Family

Imperial Court

Servants

Others

Production

Principal photography commenced on 5 January 2019 at Hengdian World Studios.[6]

Casting

On 8 November 2018, Wang Kai was announced as the male lead, and the director confirmed that the focus of the drama would be on the emperor's reign, while still keeping the original romance between Princess Huirou and Liang Huaiji intact.[7] On 7 December 2018, the rest of the cast was announced.[5] In May 2019, the drama wrapped up filming and announced guest appearances by several actors.[8]

Original soundtrack

The Original Soundtrack album (清平乐 电视剧原声带) was released on April 30, 2020, and was produced by Meng Ke and Lu Liang.[9] The compilation album of the drama ending themes (清平乐 电视剧片尾曲合辑) was released on May 1, 2020, and was produced by Dong Yingda.[10]

No.TitleLyricsMusicSingerLength
1."Wish Song《愿歌行》" (Opening theme)Zhang Jingyi, Zhu ZhuLiu XuandouHu Xia3:44
2."Seeking Light《寻光》" (Ending theme)Dong Yingda, Zhu ZhuDong YingdaZheng Yunlong4:07
3."Two Flying Birds《双飞燕》" (Ending theme)Zhu Zhu, Dong YingdaDong YingdaCui Zige3:48
4."Tender Peach《桃夭》"Zhang JingyiLiu XuandouShuang Sheng4:21
5."Wind of the Horse《以风为马》"Zhang JingyiLiu XuandouYe Xuanqing4:51

Ratings

Hunan Satellite TV CSM59 City ratings[11]
Air date Ratings (%) Audience share (%) Timeslot Rank
2020.4.7 2.294 7.91 2
2020.4.8 2.216 7.57 3
2020.4.9 2.365 8.01 3
2020.4.10 2.562 8.15 1
2020.4.11 2.45 7.74 1
2020.4.12 2.751 9.31 1
2020.4.13 2.562 8.77 1
2020.4.14 2.699 9.27 1
2020.4.15 2.798 9.62 1
2020.4.16 2.69 9.23 1
2020.4.17 2.292 7.46 2
2020.4.18 2.123 6.71 3
2020.4.19 2.684 9.04 1
2020.4.20 3.068 10.53 1
2020.4.21 2.742 9.6 1
2020.4.22 2.793 9.66 1
2020.4.23 2.935 10.55 1
2020.4.25 1.926 6.43 2
2020.4.26 2.874 10.31 1
2020.4.27 2.428 8.78 1
2020.4.28 2.397 8.68 1
2020.4.29 2.316 8.49 2
2020.4.30 2.615 9.54 1
2020.5.1 2.407 8.80 1
2020.5.2 1.834 6.78 2
2020.5.4 2.592 9.37 1
2020.5.5 2.552 9.23 1
2020.5.6 2.458 9.08 1
2020.5.7 2.26 8.31 1
2020.5.8 2.741 9.55 1
2020.5.9 1.521 5.53 3
2020.5.10 1.573 5.87 3
2020.5.11 2.032 7.54 2
2020.5.12 2.184 8.27 1
2020.5.13 1.938 7.15 2
2020.5.14 2.147 7.92 1
2020.5.15 1.806 6.38 3
2020.5.16 1.890 6.91 2
2020.5.17 2.198 8.08 2
2020.5.18 2.563 9.79 1

References

  1. ^ "《清平乐》片尾曲《寻光》MV首曝光 郑云龙倾情献唱". Netease (in Chinese). April 3, 2020.
  2. ^ a b 正午阳光新剧《孤城闭》官宣男主 王凯出演宋仁宗. Sina (in Chinese). November 9, 2018.
  3. ^ "王凯《清平乐》终于定档4月6日，播前改剧名减集数". Beijing News (in Chinese). April 2, 2020.
  4. ^ 《孤城闭》电视剧拍摄制作备案公示表. Sarft (in Chinese). November 9, 2018.
  5. ^ a b 《孤城闭》公布主演阵容，江疏影饰演曹皇后. Sina (in Chinese). December 7, 2018.
  6. ^ "《孤城闭》王凯再演古装大剧受关注--人民网娱乐频道--人民网". ent.people.com.cn. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
  7. ^ 《孤城闭》公布男主角,王凯挑战宋仁宗. Sohu (in Chinese). November 8, 2018.
  8. ^ 《孤城闭》历时4月将杀青 吴樾张天爱加盟演配角. Sina (in Chinese). May 24, 2019.
  9. ^ "清平乐 电视剧原声带 - QQ音乐-千万正版音乐海量无损曲库新歌热歌天天畅听的高品质音乐平台！". y.qq.com. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
  10. ^ "清平乐 电视剧片尾曲合辑 - QQ音乐-千万正版音乐海量无损曲库新歌热歌天天畅听的高品质音乐平台！". y.qq.com. Retrieved 2020-06-22.
  11. ^ "电视剧收视率排行榜 | 收视率排行" (in Chinese (China)). Retrieved 2020-06-07.

External links

Hunan Broadcasting System (HBS)
Categories