The Empress of the Dynasty

The Empress of the Dynasty is a Taiwanese television series based on the life of Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. Directed by Li Yueh-fung and produced by Lin Hui-chun, the series starred Angela Pan as Wu Zetian. It was first broadcast in Taiwan on CTV from 18 November 1985 to 10 January 1986.

The Empress of the Dynasty
Also known asYi Dai Nü Huang
Yi Dai Nü Huang Wu Zetian
Chinese一代女皇 / 一代女皇武則天
Hanyu PinyinYī Dài Nǚ Huáng / Yī Dài Nǚ Huáng Wǔ Zétiān
GenreHistorical drama
Screenplay byMeng Tzu-yi
Tu-ku Hung
Lo Wen-chung
Directed byLi Yueh-fung
StarringAngela Pan
Theme music composerChang Yung-chiang
Opening themeYi Dai Nü Huang (一代女皇) performed by Jin Pei-shan
Country of originTaiwan
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes40
Production
Executive producersLi Jin-cheng
Peng Chao-min
ProducerLin Hui-chun
Production locationTaiwan
Running time60 minutes per episode (including commercials)
Production companyCTV
Release
Original networkCTV
Original release18 November 1985 (1985-11-18) –
10 January 1986 (1986-01-10)

Plot

Wu Shiyue was surprised when his wife Lady Yang gave birth to a daughter. His daughter was foretold to be important in the future. His daughter, Wu Meiniang entered the palace at the age of fourteen to serve as a concubine to Emperor Taizong of Tang. He acknowledges these talents and favors her after the death of Empress Zhangsun. She instead develops feelings for his son Li Zhi. She helped him gain prominence over his brothers Li Tai and Li Chengqian.

After the Crown Prince is deposed, Meiniang helped Li Zhi become the Crown Prince, and eventually emperor. He rescued her from a convent, and she is taken back to the palace after Emperor Taizong dies. She faces enemies such as Empress Wang and Consort Xiao, and several of Li Zhi's officials. After the downfall of Consort Xiao and Empress Wang, Meiniang ascends as Empress Wu. Her life isn't easy, because her sister the Lady of Han has an affair with Li Zhi and she is despised by Zhangsun Wuji. Since Li Zhi is often ill, Meiniang is in charge of politics.

Cast
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