CHAPTER 111
After 20 days of intense filming for Deep in the Palace, with both day and night scenes being shot back-to-back, numerous on-set leaks had already flooded the internet. Entertainment influencers kept dropping hints, yet the official Weibo account remained silent—though that did nothing to slow the skyrocketing hype.
The main reason? The rumored cast list kept getting more and more star-studded.
Since no official announcements had been made, no matter how confidently these insiders swore by their sources, fans remained skeptical. Only the more casual viewers—those with time to spare and a keen interest in film—bothered scrutinizing the blurry leaked photos to identify the actors.
Netizens jokingly dubbed this production team "the aloof and tsundere crew."
Finally, on June 21st, the official Weibo account Deep in the Palace TV Drama made its long-awaited debut.
Its first post: [Hello everyone, we've finally met! 😆]
Within an hour, comments had surpassed 10,000.
The most liked and top-ranked comment was: [Release the cast list already! 😂]
Official account's response: [8 PM tonight. 😉]
Comment 1: [Why am I suddenly so nervous?! 😖]
Comment 2: [Never seen a crew so 'secretive, hesitant, awkward, and dragging their feet'—you'd better bring out the absolute A-listers, or my expectations will be crushed! 🐶]
Comment 3: [Not bad marketing though! And hey, the person above has some serious literary chops—that was smooth! (Not shading, just impressed!)]
Comment 4: [Kinda bored by this tbh! (But I'll still watch~)]
......
The earliest insider to leak news about Deep in the Palace, the influential blogger Pink-Bearded Lolita Grandpa, reposted the announcement with a laugh: [OMG, they finally showed up! I've been dying holding this in—nearly popped a heart pill! Just wait—this is gonna be wild!]
[A lot of you asked why I stopped leaking Deep in the Palace scoops. Obviously, I was 'threatened' (jk, they paid me to shut up, hehe~).]
The comments under his post were just as lively—netizens loved his accurate exclusives and blunt personality, filling the thread with laughter.
At exactly 8 PM, amid overwhelming anticipation, the official account leisurely posted: [Welcome Guo Zhilu, Lu Jingnian, Xiang Xiaoyuan, and Zou Yirui to Deep in the Palace cast~ Can't wait to see your performances! 😊]
[(P.S. Names listed in alphabetical order.)]
Within an hour, the post trended.
[Four names at once? Wow, Xiang Xiaoyuan's in this? Didn't she just finish Huo 3? The leaks only showed the other three.]
[Lu Jingnian? Phew, glad she's still getting roles!]
[Zou Yirui's the weakest link here, right? Must be nice having a big agency hand you roles. The other three can actually act! Ah well, Xiaozou, it's not easy for you either! You do your best! 🐶]
[It basically gathers the most talented and famous young actresses under 30. I'm quite curious about what role Xiang Xiaoyuan will play. From the leaked costumes, Lu Jingnian seems to be playing a palace maid, while the other two are likely princesses, but we haven't seen Xiang Xiaoyuan's look yet.]
[Didn't 'Bearded Lolita Grandpa' previously leak that He Chenying and Zeng Li are also involved?]
[Wow! I really like Xiang Xiaoyuan. By the way, when is her new movie coming out?]
[Same here, love Xiang Xiaoyuan! She's had such a tough journey before!]
[Xiang Xiaoyuan has a bright future ahead—with 'Huo 3' and 'Deep in the Palace,' she's thriving in both film and TV!]
The entertainment blogger "Pink-Bearded Lolita Grandpa" reposted this Weibo post: [I know what role Xiang Xiaoyuan is playing, but I can't say! (Alright, time to get another hush-money payment, nice!)]
The official Weibo account was buzzing, and so were the comments under this blogger's post: [Huh? That sounds intriguing—what role is she playing?]
[Be honest, did you get paid for promotional marketing?"
[Marketing accounts really have no limits—getting paid twice! (doge)]
"..."
On June 21st, at exactly 8 PM, the official Weibo account announced more cast members.
This time, it was Zhou Yu, Zeng Li, and two other highly skilled middle-aged male actors—another group of four.
Netizens seemed to have figured out the pattern of the announcements:
[So it's based on age and seniority? Or are young actresses prioritized first? Either way, I love this rollout style.]
[Looks like 'Bearded Lolita's' leaks were accurate after all.]
[So there's more tomorrow night?]
[Getting more and more excited!]
[Even though I know the official account is teasing us on purpose, I just can't help but look forward to it—ahhh!]
By June 22nd, even before 8 PM, many netizens were already waiting under the official Weibo post and refreshing the page.
At exactly 8 PM, the two most anticipated actresses were finally revealed:
[Welcome He Chenying and Zheng Wan to the cast~ (So excited!)]
After three consecutive days, netizens' excitement had now peaked.
[Is this their first collaboration? Can't wait! And it's a palace drama! So thrilling—let the sisters fight (just kidding)!]
[Sorry, I'm already torn over whose side to take! (Fight already!)]
[Oh my god, this is an all-star lineup! Every age group has the best of the best! I'm beyond excited!!]
[Seeing these two actresses reassures me—any project they choose is guaranteed to be good.]
[Noticed a small detail—He Chenying, Zou Yirui, and Xiang Xiaoyuan are working together again! A 'Choice' reunion!]
[Can't help but reflect—back then, Xiang Xiaoyuan was still in her 'overlooked' phase, but now she's officially part of the 'promotional lineup'!]
[Are you one of Xiang Xiaoyuan's fans? Come on, she's been doing great lately! Don't hype her up too much—she might fall hard! The entertainment industry isn't short of talented young actresses.]
[Honestly, it's Xiang Xiaoyuan's own fault, right? Rumor has it that after Director He's movie, she got too full of herself, turning down scripts left and right—too picky for her own good. Eventually, no one wanted her, so she had to settle for web movies.]
[Someone must be backing her now, right? Her manager is Ruan Qing now? No wonder—Ruan Qing once managed He Chenying and Huo Bijun, after all.]
[Oh, so that explains why Xiang Xiaoyuan got the resources for 'Huo 3' and 'Deep in the Palace'!]
[What's it to you? Does her talent and acting ability bother you? Has your idol not been chosen yet?]
[This is hilarious. What kind of toxic fandom nonsense is this? Has Xiang Xiaoyuan become one of those untouchable traffic stars now?]
[Exactly, the hype is a bit much. Has she even won any awards yet?]
[Excuse me, but 'Huo 3' was nominated for both the Feihe and Magnolia Awards!]
.....
[That comment above is weird. I just want to know when the official account will announce the air date. Hurry up!]
[Faster, faster, faster! Aaaaaah!]
[All the actors have been announced, right? Who else is left? I mean, who could possibly top our triple-crown film queen and double-award-winning TV drama queen?]
The ever-provocative "Bearded Lolita Grandpa" reposted this comment with a smirk—[Heh, actually, there is someone!]
Netizens were stunned: [Seriously?!]
[Don't you dare spout nonsense!]
[Hey! How much did they pay you? Share the wealth if you're making money off this!]
At 8 PM the next evening, the official account respectfully announced: [We are honored to welcome Zhu Ehua to our cast!]
The comments section exploded.
[Of course the biggest name would be saved for last! Oh my god! Am I seeing things?]
[Let me introduce this legend to the younger folks... Actually, never mind—word limit. Just go Baidu it! I'll sit here clutching my heart.]
[Who is this?]
[Didn't I just tell you to Baidu it?!!]
[Fine, I'm going! Stop yelling!]
[Hurry up! Kneel in reverence after you look it up!]
[Holy cow! I bow to 'Deep in the Palace'! My knees and eyes are yours—this is truly top-tier!]
The hashtag "#KneelingToDeepinthePalaceCrew" trended at No. 2 that night.
Over the next two days, the official account revealed the screenwriter, director, assistant directors, production companies, and platforms involved.
Even before filming wrapped—let alone aired—'Deep in the Palace' dominated trending searches for days purely through organic hype, already showing signs of a blockbuster.
On June 25th, netizens assumed all major announcements were over and expected only minor updates like behind-the-scenes footage or script teasers. The anticipation had waned.
Then at 7:55 PM, "Pink-Bearded Lolita Grandpa" posted: [HOLY—HOLY *&%$# (screaming)! A once-in-a-lifetime moment! I—I can't—my heart! My bl0od pressure!]
[What now?]
[Lolita Grandpa, your acting is so fake.]
[Is there really more? Oh, it's 8 PM. Let me check.]
[I can't believe my eyes—is that Lu Yue? Lu Yue too? A historic reunion between Lu Yue and Zhu Ehua?!]
[IT'S TRUE!!! Official account confirms Lu Yue's guest role! My entire body is covered in goosebumps!]
[Who are these people? I'm so lost! (Never mind, I'll Baidu them.)]
[These two are Grand Slam winners in Chinese cinema, double Best Actress winners at the 'Big Three' European film festivals—unmatched industry legends whose records remain unbroken!]
[The main gossip is about these two. Back when the internet wasn't widespread and print media dominated, any newspaper or magazine featuring their stories would sell out immediately.]
Some clueless netizens showed little interest, while those in the know excitedly exclaimed, [Oh my god, a once-in-a-lifetime moment! I need to tell my grandma—her favorite gossip just got updated! Heeheehee!]
[Hey, I just texted my dad about this while typing. He's putting on his reading glasses to check Weibo right now—Zhu Ehua is his goddess!]
[My mom's already giving me a lecture about their past feuds. Wow, she's so animated, her face flushed and spittle flying everywhere!]
[Wait, Xu Shumin, Zhu Ehua, and Lu Yue are actually gathered in the same production team? Aaaaaah!!! Forget watching the drama—I want to visit the set! I need to witness this drama firsthand!]
[This is too juicy! These grandpas and grandmas are so considerate. Modern netizens are starved for entertainment—we'll even feast on decades-old gossip! Tonight's gonna be a busy night for all the marketing accounts!]
[That's ancient gossip already buried six feet under (blows smoke ring) (world-weary face).]
[Whoa, stop—I can practically taste the dust in the air. Cough cough cough...]
...
What netizens didn't know was that even the cast of "Deep in the Palace" only learned about Lu Yue joining the production on the 25th.
Inside the studio, Zhu Ehua and Lu Yue sat facing each other, surrounded by seven or eight people—makeup artists, hairstylists, costume designers...
About a hundred meters separated them. Neither spoke, and neither did anyone else around them, everyone holding their breath.
Not far away, a group of younger actors—Zhou Yu, Lu Jingnian, Zou Yirui, Xiang Xiaoyuan, and Guo Zhilu—peeked out one by one from behind the artificial rock formations in the palace set.
Zhou Yu: "They've apparently never worked together before. Seems like their relationship really is that bad."
Xiaoyuan: "What exactly caused the rift?"
Lu Jingnian: "They're around the same age and debuted around the same time. Earlier in her career, Teacher Zhu mostly played glamorous roles—"
"Oh, just be blunt. Teacher Zhu played 'vase roles' in her early years," Zou Yirui interjected, disliking Lu Jingnian's phrasing. "While Teacher Lu became famous very early, winning the Baihua (Hundred Flowers) Award and the Jinhe (Golden Crane) Award at 21, she's a recognized acting powerhouse..."
"Ohhh! I remember now—didn't they play the same character? I think Teacher Lu did the movie version first, then Teacher Zhu did the TV adaptation," Guo Zhilu chimed in.
"And then people compared them?" Xiaoyuan asked.
"Yes, they said Teacher Lu acted better, but Teacher Zhu's appearance was much more beautiful. Which director said it back then? Something about how Teacher Zhu, with such looks, didn't even need acting skills, just her presence would outshine most actresses. The original words were probably even more exaggerated than what I'm saying," Lu Jingnian explained.
"Isn't that just inviting trouble for Teacher Zhu? Who knows if they were complimenting her or making enemies for her?" Zhou Yu shook his head.
"It seems like they both had a bit of a grudge around that time, right? And then there was that red carpet incident. They happened to wear dresses of similar colors and were compared again. Afterward, Teacher Lu gave a very famous interview quote: 'There are too many beautiful people in this world, but acting isn't a profession where beauty alone guarantees competence. It's something you can't force.'"
"The media immediately claimed she was subtly criticizing Teacher Zhu." Guo Zhilu whispered.
"Ohhh..." The others gasped dramatically.
"Later, when Teacher Zhu improved her acting, starred in films, and started winning major awards, she responded in an interview—'Actually, acting skills can be developed with practice. But if you're ugly? Well, there's just no cure for that,'" Lu Jingnian said with a meaningful expression.
"Yikes..." The others winced as if scalded.
"Anyway, these little frictions kept piling up until they stopped appearing together—whether intentionally or not."
"Has it been thirty years now?"
"Yes, it has..."
......
The under-thirty crowd exchanged gossip at this point, then stealthily peeked again at the two legendary figures.
"So what's the deal with Lao Xu?" Zhou Yu asked in a hushed tone.
"Lao Xu dated Teacher Lu first—for several years—then was revealed to be seeing Teacher Zhu at the same time." Zou Yirui provided the backstory.
"...Isn't that?" Xiaoyuan frowned.
"A two-timer!" Guo Zhilu completed the thought.
"After breaking up with Teacher Lu, Lao Xu didn't end up with Teacher Zhu either."
"But I heard Xiaoxu call Teacher Zhu godmother?" Xiaoyuan recalled.
"This is too messy! I never imagined Teacher Lu would agree to act in this," Zou Yirui's eyes darted around. "Hey, do you think... Xiaoxu might be one of their secret love children?"
"..." The others widened their eyes in universal "that's not something to joke about" expressions.
"Ahem. I can confirm with absolute certainty that I'm my mother's biological child." someone behind them coughed lightly.
They jumped, turning to see Xu Muyi leaning over their shoulders grinning. "Hahaha, it's fine, it's fine, I once thought that too!"
Everyone's gaze fixed on him. He shrugged. "Seriously, no! Whether they have illegitimate children, I don't know, but if they do, it's certainly not me."
"So, was Teacher Lu invited by your dad?" Zhou Yu asked.
Xu Muyi blinked. "Not my dad, it was me."
His eyes curved into a smile. "Teacher Lu is my Godmother too!"
It took several seconds for this bombshell to land. The group stared, dumbfounded, "...".
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