The Legend of Mi Yue

This is the story of Mi Yue, the first stateswoman in the history of China. Mi Yue was a young princess who lived in the Kingdom of Chu during the Warring States period. Her childhood was not peaceful, after witnessing her mother falling into the schemes of the Queen of Chu. Yet, she was on good relations with her sister Mi Shu, and her father, King Wei. She was eventually sent to Qin as a concubine and part of her sister Mi Shu’s dowry, separating her from Huang Xie, her first love. Mi Yue gains the favor of King Ying Si and gives birth to a son named Ying Ji. This leads to the jealousy of her sister, Mi Shu, Wei Yan, the queen, and other concubines.

After King Ying Si (King Huiwen of Qin), passes away, Ying Dang (King Wu of Qin), becomes his successor. Mi Yue is sent as an ambassador (banishment) to Yan with her son Ying Ji (King Zhaoxiang of Qin). However, Ying Dang suddenly dies after lifting weights, leaving Qin in a state of chaos where King Ying Si’s sons are battling for the throne. Mi Yue enlists the help of the “barbarian” Yiqu army, successfully returning to Qin, suppressing political revolts and instates her son Ying Ji on the throne. Mi Yue goes on to become the first Empress Dowager (Empress Mother) (Chinese: 太后; pinyin: tàihòu), in China’s history.

Casts:

Sun Li as Mi Yue
Liu Tao as Mi Shu
Ma Su as Wei Yan
Alex Fong as King Huiwen of Qin
Huang Xuan as Lord Chunshen
Gao Yunxiang as Zhai Li, King of Yiqu