Empress of the Ming
In 1402, Emperor Yongle orders the execution of royal physician Jing Qing's family, sparing only his eldest daughter, Sun Ruo Wei (Tang Wei), who is rescued and adopted by nobleman Sun Zhong. The Qingzheng Cult attempts to manipulate her marriage plans, but she becomes the concubine of Zhu Zhan Ji (Zhu Ya Wen), the Emperor's grandson. When Zhu Zhan Ji becomes the Xuande Emperor, Sun Ruo Wei discovers he is unlike his grandfather and begins to see his compassionate nature. After giving birth to the Crown Prince, she must navigate court politics and her own desire for vengeance. As she grows closer to the Emperor, she faces a critical choice between pursuing revenge and securing the dynasty's future. This is a 2020 Chinese period drama series directed by Zhang Ting.