They Kiss Again

Thursday, January 29, 2009

They Kiss Again

Genre Romance, Comedy, Drama
Created by Qu You Ning
Directed by Qu You Ning
Starring
Ariel Lin
Joe Cheng
Jiro Wang
They Kiss Again (traditional Chinese: 惡作劇2吻; pinyin: È Zuò Jù Èr Wěn) was a Taiwanese drama that aired from December 16, 2007 to April 27, 2008. It was based on the Japanese manga Itazura na Kiss (Mischievous Kiss) and starred Taiwanese idols Joe Cheng and Ariel Lin as the leading characters. It was the sequel of the top-rated series It Started With a Kiss.

Synopsis
It Started With a Kiss ended with odd couple Zhi Shu (Joe Cheng) and Xiang Qin (Ariel Lin) getting married in characteristically comical fashion, and the sequel picks up the story right away with their honeymoon and married life. Xiang Qin is as ham-fisted as ever, creating many funny situations as she learns the ropes of being a wife and tries hard to become a good nurse and work alongside her genius husband. Aspiring doctor Zhi Shu meets some obstacles at school when he encounters both academic and romantic rivals who are determined to over-rule him. The pressure of balancing marriage, work, and school often leads to mistakes and misunderstandings, and Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin soon learn that marrying young isn't all it's cracked up to be. [1]

As Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin struggle with their professional ambitions, they also struggle with their personal relationship. Many times, Zhi Shu's coldness and harshness drives Xiang Qin to tears and she tries to run away. Zhi Shu himself tries to push Xiang Qin to higher ambition and making a life for herself. Zhi Shu soon learns to love Xiang Qin and forgive her bumbling ways, and Xiang Qin tries harder to become a better wife and nurse for her husband.

Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin are not the only ones having problems with their relationship. Xiang Qin's childhood friend Ah Jin (Jiro Wang) deals with the affections of Christine, an English exchange student who latches onto him against his will. Xiang Qin's friend, Chun Mei (Petty Yang), gets pregnant by her boyfriend, Ah Bu (Aaron Yan), but his wealthy, highbrow mother is desperate to keep them apart. Zhi Shu's younger brother Yu Shu (Zhang Bo Han) deals with his own first love and their story remarkably resembles that of Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin.


Cast
Ariel Lin as Yuan Xiang Qin
Joe Cheng as Jiang Zhi Shu
Jiro Wang as Jin Yuan Feng
Larisa as Christine
Aaron Yan as Ah Bu
Petty Yang as Lin Chun Mei
Liu Rong Jia as Liu Nong
Zhang Yong Zheng as Jiang Ah Li
Cyndi Chaw as Ah Li's wife
Tang Tsung Sheng as Yuan You Cai
Zhang Bo Han as Jiang Yu Shu
Ken Zhong as Li Shu Ning


Romantic Princess

Format Romance, Comedy
Directed by Lin He Long
Starring Wu Chun
Angela Zhang
Calvin Chen
George Hu

Synopsis
Adopted by middle classed parents, Xiao Mai (Angela Zhang) has always had a dream to be an heiress. Finally, this dream comes true. Xiao Mai's biological grandfather, Huangfu Xiong (Gu Bao Ming), is the head of a prestigious aristocratic family. After being kidnapped by their family's enemies and after many years of searching, he finally finds his long lost granddaughter.

As she starts her life as an heiress, everyday is filled with excitement; however, everything seems a bit different from what she had imagined them to be. In the family, there are 4 candidates, one of whom will become the successor of Huangfu Xiong. One of those candidates is Nan Feng Jin (Wu Zun). At first Nan Feng Jin, dislikes Xiao Mai because he knows that he will be engaged to Xiao Mai and can never leave the Huangfu family.

Because Jin wants to be a normal sales person, he tried his best to ignore the growing fondness of him for Xiao Mai, but love prevails. Hatred soon turns to love as Xiao Mai and Nan Feng Jin's relationship starts to unravel. But they want to hide their relationship from Emp, a name called by everyone in respect to Xiao Mai's grandfather, because they will be engaged again and Jin's dream of havng a normal life will all vanish.

Then one day a new 'Huangfu Shan' appeared and with the same birthmark and wih more evidences that she is Huangfu Shan, a ring with her birthdate encrypted in it. Xiao Mai and Gong Mo Li, the 'real' Huangfu Shan, have the same interests and birthdates. Then Xiao Mai, became a maid in the Huangfu house. But she later discovered the plot between Gong Mo Li and Emp, and more chaos happened. It turns out that Gong Mo Li wasn't in love with Jin, and instead she is in love with Cai.

Then the four tried to confront Emp, but he keeps hiding, with the help of Steward Yi. But soon they faced Emp and told him that, Xiao Mai doesn't want to be the heiress anymore, Jin and Cai doesn't want to be the successor. Emp was furious and let them do what they want: "start from scratch".

Jin keeps getting denied of work, because of Emp's influence. But soon finds a job, and he became a construction worker. Then Cai And Mo Li, who were also kicked out of the Huangfu House, started selling their things to pawnshop but keeps spending their money for useless things. Soon Cai and Mo Li gave up and went back to the Huangfu House.

Soon Emp, had an ailment and has to go under operation.He kept his ailment a secret between himself and Steward Yi. Even though his condition is becoming worse, he still does't want to go under operation. But when Xiao Mai learned about his ailment and that her grandfather's stubbornness can cause him death, she told Steward Yi that she will take the blame if Emp gets mad about going under operation.

The operation was successful, but Emp is still unconscious. In a few days, if Emp does not wake up, the co-owners of the the Huangfu business, will take over. Even though Xiao Mai is the heiress, the co-owners don't believe that women are good enough to run the company. But Xiao Mai still tried her best and took the exams that were taken by Jin and the other 3 (Cai, Lin and Ying). But she failed, fortunately at the time the co-owners are about to say that Xiao Mai failed, Emp has awaken and told them to allow Xiao Mai to become the successor. Xiao Mai ends up being both heiress and successor. Jin remained as a office worker.

The story ends at the airport, wherein Xiao Mai is leaving for the States to study with the CEO in becoming the successor of the Huangfu family, and before Xiao Mai leaves Jin comes and gives her the first contract he made because of her. They (Jin and Xiao Mai) kiss, in the end.


Main cast
The names used in the Philippines are in the parentheses

Angela Zhang as Mai Qiu Sui/Huangfu Shan/Xiao Mai (Jannah Mai/ Cheryl Huangfu)
Wu Chun as Nan Feng Jin (Jin Nan Feng)
Gu Bao Ming as Huangfu Xiong (John Huangfu)
Calvin Chen as Nan Feng Cai (Ralph Nan Feng)
George Hu as Nan Feng Lin (Jeff Nan Feng)
Eric Lee Ang Lin as Nan Feng Ying (Tim Nan Feng)
Genie Zhuo as Gong Mo Li (Mickey Gong)
Bu Xue Liang as Mai Cong Guang
Huang Jia Qian as Mai Ge Hao Wa
Hsia Ching Ting as Yi Sen Chuan (Bernard Yi)


Why Why Love

A poster of Why Why Love
Genre Romance / Comedy
Starring Rainie Yang
Mike He
Kingone Wang
Chen Yen-xi
Judy Qiu
Dai Wei-ru
Wang Dao

Cast
Rainie Yang as Tong Jia Di()
Mike He as Huo Da()
Kingone Wang as Huo Yan ()
Chen Yan Xi as Xiao Nan
Judy Qiu as Yang Yan Shu
Chen Yan Xi as Jiang Xiao Nan
Wang Dao as Huo Zhen Hao
Ge Wei Ru as Liao Cai Juan
Jin Yu Lan as Qin Yu Hua
Sun Qin Yue as Tong Jia Hui
Ye Min Zhi as Tong Bao San
Xu Shi Hao as Wu Bo Zi
Eric Tu as Sai Lang
Carolyn Chen as group leader
Fu Pei Ci as Tong Jia Di's cousin
Xiang Bo Tao as Childhood Huo Yan
Xu Qiong Yun as childhood Yang Yan Shu
In the Philippines,the main characters are named:

Rainie Yang as Stephanie Tong
Mike He as Joshua Huo
Kingone Wang as Joseph Huo
Chen Yan Xin as Joanna Jiang
Judy Qiu as Bianca Yan

Summary
Tong Jia Di needs a life besides work, paying down family debt, and more work. So her best friend Jiang Xiao Nan sneaks in a “Love” coupon in Jia Di’s raffle box praying that the lucky guy who draws it will sweep Jia Di off her feet. As it so happens, Huo Yan, the compassionate manager Jia Di has secret crush on, is the lucky guy. But, though the prince can exchange the coupon for Cinderella’s love, it doesn’t mean he will, especially when his devilish younger brother is determined to exchange his “Master/Angel” coupon for her servitude.


Synopsis
The plot summary in this article is too long or detailed compared to the rest of the content. Please edit the article to focus on discussing the work rather than merely reiterating the plot. (October 2007)

Tong Jia Di (Rainie Yang) is a college student whose family has struggled to pay back their debts ever since her father died. Her best friend Xiao Nan (Chen Yen-xi) wants Jia Di to fall in love and she tries to set Jia Di up. Xiao Nan carried out her first plan at a carnival by selling exchange coupons that she wrote on. There, Jia Di meets the two sons of the owner of the company, Huo Yan (Kingone Wang) and Huo Da (Mike He), who buy exchange coupons from Jia Di.

Then, on her 20th birthday, Xiao Nan wishes that Jia Di will ask the tenth guy who passes by for his phone number. Huo Da and Huo Yan had a bet and are in an accident on motor bikes they ended up with broken arms (Huo Yan) or broken legs (Huo Da) This resulted in the trio meeting again. During this meeting, Jia Di asks for Huo Yan's phone number which he obliged, however his phone number was accidentally mentioned in their class that it was used online for a bad site which made Huo Yan mistrust Jia Di but they were able to patch things up.

Huo Da's dislike for Jia Di soon changes after Jia Di fulfills her roles in accordance to the "angel-owner" service coupon that Huo Da bought. Huo Da soon found out that he had fallen in love with Jia Di. Eventually, Huo Yan and Huo Da both fall in love with Jia Di, and try to win her over in their own ways. The drama details the struggle between the half-brothers over Jia Di.

Later on, Huo Da is diagnosed with Wilson's Disease and is dying. He chose not to reveal his illness to anyone except Yan Shu , Jia Di eventually found out what happened. She encourages Huo Da to live on for love.

Meanwhile, Huo Yan tries to find ways to cure his younger brother's sickness. He soon finds out that his brother will need a liver donation and the former is the only suitable donor. Huo Yan agrees to undergo the transplant despite his heart problems. Viewers are led to believe that the operation ended badly for Huo Da; however, it is later revealed that both brothers survived . Huo Da and Jia Di continued their relationship.


Information About the Characters
Tong Jia Di (Rainie Yang)
She is a hardworking girl who comes from a poor family. She is the elder daughter in a family consisting of her mother Liao Cai Juan and younger brother Tong Jia Hui. Her father passed away when she was still a little girl. Together with her mom, they make a living by selling vegetables on the streets. She will do anything for money in order to help settle the family debts. She also has an uncle who makes unwise investments, leading to the accumulation of debts, burdening the family even further. Jia Di is so dedicated to her family and work, she refuses to fall in love and have high hopes that way she feels no disappointment. Jia Di is best friends with Jiang Xiao Nan. They work as part time workers at the Huo's Family Emporium. In addition, Jia Di has many part-time jobs such as working at the petrol station.

Huo Da (Mike He)
A rebel and the second heir to the Huo Co. Huo Da is also nicknamed "Devil Boy" due to his reputation of pranks and rude attitude. Huo Da loves Yan Shu but she loves Huo Yan, Huo Da's elder brother. Jia Di fulfills her roles in accordance to the "angel-owner" service coupon, He enjoys bullying and making fun of Jia Di but because of her pure and kind heart, he slowly fell in love with her. He was able to win Jia Di's heart but unfortunately he soon discovers that he has Wilson's Disease. He is reluctant to tell Jia Di since he doesn't want her to be lonely when he dies.

Huo Yan (Kingone Wang)
He is the General Manager of their company and the elder brother of Huo Da . He is the exact opposite of Huo Da . Everything about Huo Yan is impressive. Huo Yan is also nicknamed "10th Guy". At the beginning, Huo Yan and Jia Di were interested in each other and often talked and helped each other. But when Huo Yan realizes that Jia Di has feelings for Huo Da he agrees to let her be with Huo Da after he lost to a motorcycle race for Jia Di's love. Huo Yan has a bad childhood memory, his mother sold him to the Huo family because she was unable to cure Huo Yan's heart weakness. But after his mother selling Huo Yan to the Huo family, for years Huo Yan hated his mother, but when it came to his mother's death they patch things up.

Tokyo Juliet

Cast list
Ariel Lin as Lin Lai Sui
Wu Chun as Ji Feng Lian
Simon Yam as Chu Xing
Tang Zhi Ping as Ai Li Ou
Huang Hong Sheng as Lu Yi Mi
Tomohisa Kagami as Ke Xing
Lu Jia Xin as Gan Li Sha Janel
Tsai as Gao Gang Quan
Cai Yi Zhen as Pei Mei Zi
Wu Jun Qiang as Guang Xi Alexia Gao as You Qi

Summary
While lost during a party, Lin Lai Sui fortuitously meets a young boy who comforts her while she is scared. He compliments her hair while touching it, saying that it looks very long and dark, just like a doll. From then on, she thought of him as her first love and grew her hair out in hopes of meeting him again.

Lin Lai Sui (Ariel Lin) is an upcoming fashion designer who had her designs "Daisy", which she drew when she was 5 years old, stolen by Chu Xing (Simon Yam), a fashion 'genius'. Even though Chu Xing is a fashion genius, he still feels the need to steal designs from an up-and-coming designer. Sui believes this theft is the cause of her parents' separation, because her parents enjoyed role playing while wearing the "Daisy" dress. At the opening ceremony of her university, Bao Cheng Institute, she openly embarrasses and challenges Chu Xing, promising she will become a much more prominent designer than him and cause his downfall. Privately, Sui also vowed she would not fall in love until her promise is fulfilled. However, she soon changes her mind when she meets the attractive, flirty, kinky, and popular senior Ji Feng Liang (Wu Chun). To her dismay, she finds out that he is both Chu Xing's one and only son and the young boy she knew at that party! There are many surprises in store for Sui as she tries to outmaneuver Chu Xing's plans to ruin her while still striving to keep a steady relationship with Liang. Then again, in the world of fashion nothing is secure, not even one's chastity.



Hanazakarino Kimitachihe

Genre Comedy, Romance, Romantic comedy, Drama
Created by Gao Wu Song
Starring Wu Chun, Ella Chen, Jiro Wang
Opening theme Zen Me Ban (怎麼辦) by S.H.E
Ending theme My Personal Angel (專屬天使) by Tank
Country of origin Republic of China (Taiwan)
No. of episodes 15
Production
Running time 90 minute episodes
Sypnosis
Back in America, Lu Rui Xi watches a documentary on the Taiwanese high jumper Zuo Yi Quan. Inspired by his jumps, Rui Xi decides that she wants to meet her idol and therefore transfers to Ying Kai University which he attends in Taiwan. However, the school is an all-boys school and thus Rui Xi disguises herself as a boy in order to attend the school. There she befriends Jin Xiu Yi. During a friendly soccer match between the two, Rui Xi gets knocks unconscious and so Quan aids by taking her to the school's doctor. But as he grabs her to carry her to the sick bay, he discovers that she is in fact a girl. He keeps her identity a secret from everyone, including Rui Xi and their relationship begins to blossom. Meanwhile, Rui Xi's manliness cannot pass Xui Yi's girl radar and so Xiu Yi begins to develop feelings for Rui Xi. However, since Xiu Yi is unaware that Rui Xi is a girl, he begins to question his own sexuality.


Characters
This drama has a full cast of characters, based on the Japanese manga. Major Characters appear in more than one story arc, and Minor Characters are those who serve a very limited purpose. Most characters in the series have names which are close approximations of the Chinese transliterations of the names found in the original manga.


Major Characters
Lu Rui Xi (盧瑞希) (Ella Chen; based on Mizuki Ashiya) – Female protagonist who masquerades as a boy to attend Quan's school.
Zuo Yi Quan (左以泉) (Wu Chun; based on Izumi Sano) – The male protagonist, who is a school athlete. He is usually quiet but defends those he cares about.
Jin Xiu Yi(金秀伊) (Jiro Wang; based on Shuichi Nakatsu) – Ying Kai's soccer star. He begins to question his sexuality when Rui Xi arrives.

Devil Beside You

Genre Romance / Comedy
Starring Rainie Yang
Mike He
Kingone Wang
Cast
Rainie Yang as Qi Yue
Mike He as Jiang Meng
Kingone Wang as Sang Yuan Yi
Tsai Pei Lin as Qing Zi
Ivy Fan Xiao Fan as Xin Li Xiang
He Du Lin as Jiang You Hui
Ge Wei Ru as Huang Xue Wei
Masuyama Yuki as Yu Yang Ping
Yuan Jun Hao as Guo Kai
Figaro Ceng Shao Zong as Yuan Chuan Rang
Katherine Wang Kai Di as Liu Mei Di
Fu Xiao Yun as Xiao Cai
Wu Zhong Tian as Tian Si Shen
Wang Jian Min as Chui Ming
Tang Qi as Grandma Jiang
Meng Ting Li as Yuan Mei Jin
-- trivia: in the Philippines their name was changed to relate to the Filipino terms of using names.

Rainie Yang to Quinee
Mike He to Bryan
Kingone Wang to Louie
Tsai Pei Lin to Lizette
Ivy Fan Xiao Fan to Tricia
Figaro Ceng Shao Zong to Allan
Masuyama Yuki to Junjun
Katherine Wang Kai Di to Nikki

Characters
Qi Yue/Quinee: Qi Yue is a sweet and innocent sophomore in college who lives with her widowed mother. She is very shy and sometimes clueless, but she has a loyal and kind heart that shines even through the toughest of times. She harbors a crush on the captain of the basketball team, Yuan Yi, but her life was turned upside-down by Ahmon. Eventually, she falls out of love with Yuan Yi and starts developing feelings for Ahmon. She constantly worries about him and their relationship being discovered. Qi Yue is also one of the managers of the basketball team.
Jiang Meng/Bryan: Nicknamed Ah Meng and Ahmon by his fellow peers, he is the son of the president of the school. He is a freshman at the college, yet he has power of his teachers due to his father's position. Ahmon is also frightening to a lot of people and is known to bully girls, yet he is also known as the "prince of seduction." Despite his cool composure and "bad" attitude, Ahmon has a gentle side and often sticks up for what is right. Li Xiang has a crush on him, which he does not reciprocate, but Ahmon has feelings for Qi Yue. Although she is his future stepsister, he does love her and enjoys teasing her. He knows that she loves him but gets jealous when he finds out that there are new people that are pursuing her. Ahmon also joins the basketball team and has faster reflexes that rival Yuan Yi's. Ah Meng also has a little brother.
Shang Yuan Yi/Louie: Yuan Yi is a boy in Qi Yue's class (teasingly nicknamed "Ah Yi (Auntie in Chinese)", and is the captain of the basketball team. Qi Yue is initially in love with Yuan Yi for his gentle personality. Yuan Yi reciprocates her feelings and they become a couple. When Qi Yue falls in love with Ahmon, she breaks up with Yuan Yi, wishing not to lead him on. Yuan Yi is angry and hostile towards Ahmon at first, but gets over it and realizes his feelings for Qing Zi after she kisses him.
Qing Zi/Lizette: Qing Zi is Qi Yue's outspoken best friend. She and Xiao Cai are the ones who encourages Qi Yue to confess her love to Yuan Yi, even though Qing Zi herself had a crush on him. Qing Zi cares for Qi Yue a lot and spends a lot of effort in helping her. After Qi Yue and Yuan Yi break up, Qing Zi starts dating Yuan Yi. Qing Zi and Yuan Yi's relationship is tested when Qing Zi feels that Yuan Yi is spending more time playing basketball than being with her. Feeling dejected, she meets with a stranger she chatted with online. She later gets into a tussle with him and Yuan Yi comes to her rescue instead of playing in the team's basketball match. When her father gets a new job, he forces her to emigrate with him, taking her away from Yuan Yi and her friends. Yuan Yi, in order to keep her with him, challenges her father, a skilled swordsman.
Xiao Cai : Xiao Cai is Qi Yue and Qing Zi's friend. She and Qing Zi were the ones who supported Qi Yue to confess her love to Yuan Yi. Unlike Qing Zi, Xiao Cai appears to be more calm. She also alerted Yuan Yi of Qing Zi's escapade with the stranger because she was worried about Qing Zi's safety.
Yuan Chuan Rang/Allan: He is nicknamed Ah Rang and the little brother of Ah Meng. Their father tried desperately to forget about him, and naming Ah Meng as the successor of the company. Ah Rang follows and stalks Qi Yue everywhere, trying to force her and blackmail her to like him, who in turn, does everything she can to stop him. He tries to ruin Ah Meng's name, and puts Ah Meng and Qi Yue in lots of danger. He is later softened by Qi Yue, who later feels sorry for him and reaches out to him, and becomes more open. Ah Rang actually really looks up to Ah Meng and sees him as a hero, and actually cares deeply about him. He also tried to act like him, which causes him to get bullied and beaten up in school. Ahmon then teaches him how to protect himself and fight the boys who bulied him. His mother chose him instead of Ah Meng when his parents divorced, causing Ah Meng to envy his younger brother. Ah Meng would often ignore him and never look at him, and act coldly toward him. Ah Rang is also being helped by the university president's assistant who is in love with Ah Rang's mother, who does not reciprocate that love. Plus, Ah Meng had accidentally shoved Ah Rang into a vase that had severely injured and cut his neck when they were young, which was the reason for his hate. Because of this injury, he usually is weak and can collapse due to breath failure. [He has asthma] After a "fake" attack, he and Ah Meng rekindle their relationship and become brothers once more.
Meidi/Nikki: A girl who Ahmon saved when she dropped her glasses in the middle of a road. He took her to an optician and bought new glasses for her. She never got a good sight of him as she broke her glasses, but she fell in love with him. Coincidentally, Ahmon's grandmother arranged a marriage for him and Meidi to try to break Ahmon and Qi Yue apart. She is well-sheltered because everyone thinks she is cute and innocent due to her appearance. Ahmon is the only person, besides blunt Li Xiang, that didn't give her what she wanted which is one of the reasons she loves him so much. She also has a sickness that causes her to be dependent on chocolate, notably Ferrero Rocher, so she always carries a box in her bag. She likes to give out the chocolates to thank people.
Li Xiang/Tricia: In high school, she was an anti-social girl and acted snotty to all the girls in the class. Whenever she got bullied, Ahmon would protect her. Li Xiang has also developed a crush on Ahmon, calling him "Prince". She would do anything to get Ahmon to notice her, she would even go as far as hiring girls to beat her up so Ahmon could "save" her. Finally she realizes that this is not the way to get him to love her. Yang Ping had a crush on her and she then starts to have feelings for him and goes out with him.
Yang Ping/Junjun: Yang Ping is Ahmon's best friend who supports him. He used to be mocked by the middle school basketball teacher because he was overweight and he could not play well. Ahmon was quite defensive and protective over him and he beat up the teacher. This lead then to become good friends. He has feelings for Li Xiang, but she has a crush on Ahmon. He is willing to do anything for her, even trying to beat up Qi Yue with a metal pole. Li Xiang then starts to develop feelings for him and they start to go out.
Ahsen: Qi Yue's first crush. He was her father's student when they were younger. He studied overseas for some time. And when he came back, he became a substitute for a short while at her college. He also became the coach for the basketball team. Though he has a girlfriend, he harbors feelings for Qi Yue. Once he knows that Qi Yue is not the same girl she used to be and is in a relationship with Ahmon, he then tries to get back his girlfriend.

Summary
The story begins with Qi Yue planning to confess her liking to the basketball team captain, Yuan Yi. She wrote a love letter and plans to pass it to him. Being as careless as only she can be, she has made her confession to the wrong person, who happened to be the school's devil, Ah Meng (her junior, a first year student in school). She is so shocked and embarrassed to see Ah Meng's face that she drops her love letter in front of Ah Meng and runs away. Ah Meng picks up the letter.

Ah Meng is amused by the whole thing and decides to have some fun with Qi Yue. He threatens Qi Yue to print a thousand copies of her love letter and let the whole school know of her liking for Yuan Yi. In order to stop Ah Meng, Qi Yue agrees to be his 'runner'.

With Ah Meng's continuous bullying of Qi Yue, she is driven to stop all the nonsense by confessing her liking to Yuan Yi again. In this way, she will not be afraid of Ah Meng's disclosing the love letter anymore. To Qi Yue's surprise, Yuan Yi has a similar liking for her.

While Qi Yue assumes that the whole ordeal with the devil is going to end, she receives another piece of bad news - her mom is going to marry the school's chairman who is also Ah Meng's father, which means Ah Meng is going to be her stepbrother.

Qi Yue's love letter is being put up on the school notice board and she misunderstands that it is Ah Meng who did it. She confronts him and storms off. After realizing that she has misunderstood Ah Meng, she apologises to Ah Meng and pleads him to hit her so that she feels better - Ah Meng kisses her instead. Yuan Yi happens to see them kissing and confronts their relationship, Ah Meng yells at Yuan Yi, saying that he wants Qi Yue. After Yuan Yi runs away in anger, Qi Yue looks at Ah Meng and begins to sob. After Qi Yue walks away in tears, Ah Meng has a strong feeling of guilt.

Yuan Yi regrets not believing in Qi Yue and returns to her, asking her out on a date. Qi Yue agrees happily. On their first date, they met Ah Meng again. Qi Yue and Ah Meng have some misunderstandings and they went separate ways.

After the date, Qi Yue left for home. After she took her bath, she fainted and was saved by Ah Meng's father. He brings her to his house to take care of her while her mom was away on a trip. Ah Meng and Qi Yue meet again at his house. She knows from Yuan Yi that she has misunderstood Ah Meng again. Seeing Ah Meng has injured his hand, she offers to clean the wounds for him. Sitting on Ah Meng's bed and putting medicine on his hand, she realizes Ah Meng is staring at her intensely and this makes her heart pound. Qi Yue wakes up and finds herself sleeping on Ah Meng's bed. Apparently, both have fallen asleep and Ah Meng's father has carried her to his bed.

Qi Yue finally realizes that the person she likes is Ah Meng. She tells Yuan Yi the truth and walks away. In the evening, she sits alone at the playground, crying softly to herself for hurting Yuan Yi. Ah Meng finds her and comforts her. She takes a ride on Ah Meng's bicycle. They had a minor accident and both fell on the road, unharmed. Qi Yue asks Ah Meng why is it always so dangerous to be with him. Ah Meng replies her that he cannot stop the dangers but he will protect her. Ah Meng kisses Qi Yue passionately on the road.

Due to their relationship as future stepsiblings, they keep their romantic relationship in the dark. Except for some close friends of Ah Meng & Qi Yue, nobody knows of their relationship.

Ah Meng's buddy, Yang Ping, who is in love with Li Xiang, is unhappy to see Ah Meng and Qi Yue together. He wants to get rid of Qi Yue so that Ah Meng can be with Li Xiang. At the school's rooftop, he ambushes Qi Yue and wants to kill her. Li Xiang hesitantly tells Ah Meng of Yang Ping's plan and Ah Meng rushes to Qi Yue's rescue. He beats up Yang Ping and brings Qi Yue home. At home, Qi Yue confesses her liking to Ah Meng and he hugs her, saying that he is happy to know that she likes him.

One fine day, a sweet-looking boy comes to Qi Yue and confesses his liking for her. This shocks Qi Yue and her whole class as he storms into her class and tells her that he likes her and wants her to convey a message to her boyfriend that he wants Qi Yue for himself. His name is Ah Rang.

Yuan Yi casually mentions this to Ah Meng and he storms away in anger. In the evening, he tells Qi Yue that nobody is more confident than him in liking her and she belongs to him only. Qi Yue smiles at his possessiveness.

Qi Yue goes to Da Zhi High School to look for Ah Rang and realizes that he is Ah Meng's younger brother. Yuan Yi tells Ah Meng about this and Ah Meng storms off to look for Qi Yue. At seeing Ah Rang and Qi Yue, he trips Ah Rang and makes him fall to the ground. Ah Meng grabs Qi Yue's arm and walks away. He does not want to talk about his brother at all. Ah Rang is actually harmless, and his only intention is to attract Ah Meng's attention. He longs for his brother's affection. While arguing with Ah Meng, Ah Rang suffers an asthma attack and Ah Meng rushes him to the hospital. Both brothers patch up. Ah Meng was told that Qi Yue fainted in the hospital. Ah Meng runs towards her. At her home, Ah Meng reprimands Qi Yue for being a busybody and tiring herself out, which is the cause of her fatigue. He is concerned about her, which makes Qi Yue happy.

Ah Meng's grandmother suspects that Ah Meng and Qi Yue are seeing each other. She plans to matchmake Ah Meng with a rich girl, Mei Di, which Qi Yue feels sad and uncertain. At the same time, Qi Yue's first love reappears as her school lecturer (Ah Sen). This causes Ah Meng to be jealous and he feels insecure. Ah Meng rejects Mei Di and she left wishing Qi Yue and him happiness. Similarly, Qi Yue tells Ah Sen that she likes Ah Meng and he goes back to his girlfriend.

Following that adventure, Ah Meng and Qi Yue take advantage of their parents' out of town trip to travel to see Qi Yue's father's grave. They get caught in a rain storm and discover that the train is not running. Ah Meng gets a hotel room, but Qi Yue can't stand the tension and makes the trip back home to find her mother waiting for her. She finally confesses that she and Ah Meng are a couple. Since this is going to be a problem for the family, her mother decides that she will have to move out of the house. However, when she faints, they find out that she's pregnant. Though it isn't proper, they decide that they will support Ah Meng and Qi Yue's relationship, and continue their own.

While things seem to be going fine again, Ah Meng's mom comes back and wants Ah Meng to go to Italy with her to pursue his studies. When Ah Meng finally agrees to go with her, Qi Yue is heartbroken. At the playground, Ah Meng tells Qi Yue that she can continue to date other people while he is away but he will always like her only. They embrace. Together, they decided it was time to have their "first time" together. They attend their parents' wedding a few days afterwards.

Later that year, at Christmas time, Qi Yue goes out to get a part for the Christmas Tree that Ah Meng gave her the previous year. While she's out, she's grabbed off the street and blindfolded, thrown in the trunk of a car and taken to another location. It's a prank, orchestrated by Ah Meng's friends. When she takes off her blindfold, Ah Meng is standing in front of her. He tells Qi Yue that he's back and they kiss.


The Prince Who Turns into a Frog

Genre Romance, Drama
Starring Ming Dao
Joe Chen
Cast
Ming Dao as Shan Jun Hao (單均昊)/Dangou (茼蒿)
Sam Wang as Xu Zi Qian (徐子騫)
Chen Qiao En as Ye Tian Yu (葉天瑜)
Zhao Hong Qiao as Fan Yun Xi (范芸熙)
Gino as Zhang Ming Han (張明寒)
Su Li Xin as Su Li Xin (蘇立欣)
Wang Juan (王琄) as Chen Jin Zhi (陳金枝)

Story
Shan Jun Hao, hated by many people for his personality, gets hit by a car in a planned accident on the day of his wedding with Fan Yun Xi, a woman who loves Jun Hao. Ye Tian Yu, who thought that it was her fault for crashing into the unconscious Jun Hao, brings him home (because she doesn't want to get arrested). He wakes up but doesn't remember anything of his past, so Ye Zheng Zhe, Tian Yu's brother, told him that his name was Dang Ou and he was their illegal cousin. Tian Yu and Dang Ou slowly develop feelings for each other. During this time, Xu Zi Qian, a close friend of Shan Jun Hao, and Fa Yun Xi also begin to develop feelings for each other after they had given up looking for Jun Hao. Love and romance fills these two couples up. However, good times never last. Xu Zi Qian finds Dang Ou, and together with Yun Xi, forces Tian Yu to return Dang Ou. Tian Yu is granted one last day. After their last date, Tian Yu brings Dang Ou back to his real home. But Dang Ou doesn't give up and searches for Tian Yu. When he finally finds her, he gets hit on the head by gangsters and forgets the memories as Dang Ou and the sweet moments with Tian Yu. Then he become Shan Jun Hao again. Xu Zi Qian is in pain as well, because he loves Fan Yun Xi, but she has a blind loyalty to Shan Jun Hao, and almost immediately dumps Xu Zi Qian. Everything was back to "normal."
But love will not disappear easily. Ye Tian Yu meets Shan Jun Hao again. But Jun Hao does not clearly recall anything about Tian Yu, only loving memories of Fan Yun Xi. Being crushed, Xu Zi Qian and Ye Tian Yu start dating in order to forget about Jun Hao and Yun Xi. Zhang Min Han, the deputy-GM of Senwell, digs up information about the Shan's history between them and Yun Xu. When this is revealed to Xu Zi Qian and her ill-ridden mother, the mother dies of a heart-attack. Xu Ziqian develops a mental and emotional breakdown, and needs TianYu. But when he needed her the most, she was embracing Jun Hao during his wedding reception with Yun Xi. The constant/random encounters causes Jun Hao to slowly remember his life with Tian Yu and the side of Dang Ou awakens again.
At this point, Jun Hao then tells Tian Yu everything he feels for her at their wedding reception, in front of everybody, including Xu Zi Qian and Fan Yun Xi. Knowing it was a forbidden love, Tian Yu runs away in tears. Since she did, Xu Zi Qian's emotions become more violent, to the point where his naturally kind and gentle-hearted personality becomes harsh and unkind. He becomes the rightful owner of Senwell. Zhang Min Han, in hopes for a higher position, did this on purpose to Zi Qian, but it had gotten too far. At this point, Zi Qian believed all the problems of his life were Senwell's fault, and begins to sell it. Fan Yun Xi later that day decided to divorce Jun Hao for his happiness, but because of her obsessive dreams of having a family, she too has a mental/emotional breakdown.
Jun Hao/Dang Ou returns to Tian Yu and they begin to pick up where they left off. Coincidentally, Xi Qian receives a call to pick up Fan Yun Xi because she fell into a river. Both are currently mentally and emotionally unstable, but Zi Qian, seeing Yun Xi in her state, gets more angry at Senwell and blames them for this. Zhang Min Han, in desperation, needs help for the person he brought down, Shan Jun Hao. Together, they stopped Xu Zi Qian from doing a huge mistake. Yun Xi, probably because of the moment, remembers that it was not Jun Hao that was there for her first, but Zi Qian, and she falls for him again. Zi Qian, after this incident, snaps out of it, and realizes that he loves Yun Xi too. So in the end, Tian Yu and Jun Hao get married, and Xu Zi Qian and Fan Yun Xi become a couple of travellers.

It Started With a Kiss

Genre Romance, Comedy, Drama
Created by Qu You Ning
Directed by Qu You Ning
Starring Ariel Lin
Joe Cheng
Jiro Wang
Summary
Yuan Xiang Qin (Ariel Lin) is a bumbling, naïve, but optimistic high school girl. Ever since she met Jiang Zhi Shu (Joe Cheng) at the freshman orientation, she's been in love with the genius with an IQ of 200. After two years of having a crush on him, she finally musters the courage to confess her love to him at school with a love letter. Zhi Shu is not impressed, and Xiang Qin is left humiliated publicly in front of their entire school.

That afternoon, the new house she has just moved into with her father collapses in a minor earthquake. She and her father are instantly left homeless because they lacked the foresight to pay for earthquake insurance. Fortunately, her father's old college friend extends a helping hand and invites both of them to live at his house. Little does Xiang Qin know that the kind Uncle Li is actually the father of Jiang Zhi Shu.

Because of this unexpected turn of events, Zhi Shu and Xiang Qin begin living their lives under the same roof. Zhi Shu's mother aspires to bring them together, coaxing Zhi Shu into tutoring Xiang Qin and taking numerous pictures of the couple together. Zhi Shu remains cold towards Xiang Qin, however, thinking her to be one of the dumbest people he has ever met, and refuses to speak to her at school. Through the course of the series, Zhi Shu slowly warms up to Xiang Qin, who tries her hardest to do better in school for him, as they deal with romantic rivals, their futures, and their relationship.


Main cast
Ariel Lin as Yuan Xiang Qin 袁湘琴
Joe Cheng as Jiang Zhi Shu 江直樹
Jiro Wang as Jin Yuan Feng (Ah Jin) 金元豐
Tiffany Xu as Pei Zi Yu 裴子瑜
Jason as Wang Hao Qian 王皓謙
Chang Yung Cheng as Jiang Li (Ah Li)
Cyndi Chaw as Ah Li's wife/Jiang Zhao Zi
Tang Tsung Sheng as Yuan You Cai (Ah Cai)
Petty Yang as Lin Chun Mei
Candice Liu as Liu Ya Nong
Aaron Yan as Ah Bu
Zhang Bo Han as Jiang Yu Shu
Bianca Bai as Bai Hui Lan

[edit] Characters Based on Manga
(Jiang)Yuan Xiang Qin 袁湘琴 = Kotoko Aihara
Jiang Zhi Shu 江直樹 = Naoki Irie
Jin Yuan Feng (Ah Jin) 金元豐 = Kinnosuke
Wang Hao Qian 王皓謙 = Sudou
Jiang Li (Ah Li) = Sigeki Irie
Yuan Cai (Ah Cai) = Shigeo Aihara
Ah Li's wife = Machiko Irie
Jiang Yu Shu = Yuuki Irie
Lin Chun Mei = Satomi
Liu Ya Nun = Zinko
Ah Bu = Ryo
Pei Zi Yu= Reiko Matsumoto
Bai Hui Lan = Sasuiko
Pei Zi Qi = Ayako Matsumoto

Meteor Garden

is a Taiwanese drama that began its broadcast 12 April 2001 on CTV. It is Taiwan's attempt at a live version of the Japanese manga Hana Yori Dango. It stars Jerry Yan, Vic Zhou, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu and Barbie Hsu. The plot centers on a plain and poor teenage girl called Shan Cai, who goes to a university for rich people, forced upon her by her parents. The university is dominated by a gang of handsome but arrogant students called F4, who are the heirs of the most influential families in Taiwan.

In the beginning, Dao Ming Si, the gang leader, hates Shan Cai so much that he makes everyone in the university play tricks on her. However, Shan Cai's persistence gradually gains Si's respect and later he falls in love with her. Like many other TV series, the lovers end up getting together after going through a series of painful challenges.

Meteor Garden was very popular in Asia. In the Philippines, the four main male characters, with a band called F4, had a sold-out concert. Due to the popularity of the series throughout Asia, two sequels, Meteor Rain and Meteor Garden II, were produced.

The main antagonist is Dao Ming Si's judgmental, arrogant mother Dao Ming Feng who is somewhat based on Kaede Doumyoji in Hana Yori Dango. However she is seen to be not as evil as her Japanese counterpart.

Main Cast
Barbie Hsu as Shan Cai (杉菜)
Jerry Yan as Dao Ming Si (道明寺)
Vic Zhou as Hua Ze Lei (花澤类)
Ken Chu as Xi Men (西門)
Vanness Wu as Mei Zuo Ling (美作玲)

[edit] Supporting Cast
Zheng Mei Dai (Belinda Cheng) as Baihe
Zhang Ruo Zhen as Qianhui
Ye An Tin as Lizhen
Wang Yue as Shan Cai's Mother
Tung Chi Cheng as Shan Cai's Father
Zhen Xiu Zhen as Daoming Feng (道明楓)
Edward Ou as Qinghe
Rainie Yang as Xiaoyou (小優)
Winnie Qian as Tengtang Jing
Ke Huan Ru as Xiaozi
Mary Hsu as Dao Ming Zhuang (道明莊)


Meteor Garden
流星花園
Genre Romance
Comedy
Starring Jerry Yan
Vic Zhou
Vanness Wu
Ken Chu
Barbie Hsu
Opening theme (情非得已) by Harlem Yu (庾澄慶)
Ending theme (流星雨) Meteor Rain by JVKV
Country of origin Taiwan
Language(s) Mandarin Chinese, Taiwanese
No. of episodes 27 episodes
Production
Location(s) Taiwan

Princess Pearl





Format Drama, Dramedy
Created by Qiong Yao
Developed by Ouyang Changlin
Directed by Sun Shupei
Starring Zhao Wei
Ruby Lin
Alec Su
Zhou Jie
Zhang Tielin
Fan Bingbing
Dai Chunrong
Li Mingqi
Theme music composer Qiong Yao
Country of origin People's Republic of China
Republic of China (Taiwan)
Language(s) Mandarin
No. of seasons 3
No. of episodes 112 (List of episodes)
Production
Producer(s) Wei Wen Bin
Running time 40 mins. per episode
Broadcast
Original channel Hunan Television
Original run 1998 – 2003

Returning Princess Pearl (traditional Chinese: ; simplified Chinese: ; pinyin: Huán Zhū Gé Gé) is a television-adaptation of Qiong Yao's novel-series of the same name. It stars Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, Alec Su, and Zhou Jie and is a joint-production between Taiwan and Mainland China. Because of the heavy comic elements present in the first two seasons of the series, the show can be classified as a dramedy (although the second season carries a more serious plot). Fans may often abbreviate this series as "HZGG".

The legend of Princess Huanzhu of the Qing dynasty and the reign of Emperor Qianlong served as the initial inspiration for the author, acclaimed Taiwanese romance writer Qiong Yao. Although some of the characters and the premise of the plot are based on real historical events and figures, considerable artistic license was employed and the series is largely fictional.

Due to its immense popularity, this series propelled its four main leads to super stardom in eastern Asia . The first season debutted in 1998, it had a successful run becoming a region-wide phenomenon, winning over legions of fans. A second season was first broadcast in 1999 and a third in 2003. It is popular in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, and even Thailand. In fact, the second season broke China's TV record with the highest ratings ever, achieveing almost 50% viewership in all local TV stations.

The third season saw the show suffer a backlash in popularity, partly because most of the original cast, including the main characters, had been replaced with different actors and actresses. Zhou Jie was the only principal actor from the original series who remained.




Cast

Ruby Lin as Ziwei in "Huan Zhu Ge Ge" (Princess Pearl) PART II (1999) -- a role that made her rise to stardom overnight

Original Cast
Actor/Actress Character
Zhang Tielin---- Emperor Qian Long
Zhao Wei-------- Xiao Yan Zi
Ruby Lin-------- Xia Zi Wei
Alec Su -------- Yong Qi
Zhou Jie-------- 4 Fu Er Kang
Fan Bing-Bing--- Jin Suo
Dai Chunrong---- Empress
Li Mingqi------- Rong Ma Ma/Nanny Rong
Juan Zi -------- Ling Fei/Consort Ling
Lu Shiyu--------Liu Qing
Chen Ying ------ Liu Hong
Chen Zhi Peng--- 1 Fu Er Tai
Zhang Heng------ 1 Sai Ya
Hai Bo ---------4 Fu Lun
Liu Fang ------- 4 Fu Jin


New Cast Members
Actor/Actress Character
Zhao Minfen---------2 4 Empress Dowager
Liu Dan ------------2 Han Xiang
Mu Fengbin ---------2 Meng Dan
Wang Yan ---------- 2 4 Qing Er
Zhu Hongjia --------2 Xiao Jian
Betty Huang ------- Xiao Yan Zi
Ma Yili ----------- Xia Zi Wei
Leo Ku ------------ Yong Qi
Jiang Qinqin ------ 3 Xia Ying Ying
Qin Lan ------------3 Zhi Hua
Liu Tao ----------- 3 Mu Sha
Dion Fung ----------3 Emperor Qianlong
Jiang Lili ---------3 Empress
Unknown Actress --- 3 Ling Fei/Consort Ling
Huang Xiaoming---- 3 Xiao Jian
Zhou Guiyun ------- 3 Gui Ma Ma/Nanny Gui
Chang Jinsheng ---- 3 Meng Pai


[edit] Notes
Note 1: - Appeared in Season One only. Dropped from Series.
Note 2: - Joined the cast in Season Two
Note 3: - Joined the cast in Season Three
Note 4: - Remained a cast member from Season 1-3.

[edit] Controversy over Casting of Season Three
The cast of Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3 changed drastically, as the majority of the original cast declined the offer to star in another sequel. Furthermore, many of the original cast members from Huan Zhu Ge Ge have become much more famous than before, taking on additional project offers. Hence, their busy schedules did not permit time to star in another season of Huan Zhu Ge Ge.

The decision to use new actors was not well-received by fans, who had grown to love the original portrayals of the characters.

In their place, Huang Yi (黃奕) was cast as Xiao Yan Zi, Leo Ku (古巨基) from Romance in the Rain as Yong Qi, and Ma Yili (馬伊琍) as Xia Zi Wei.

Aside from the main characters, other supporting characters who were absent from Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3 include the strong veteran cast of Zhang Tie Lin (Emperor Qian Long), Dai Chun Rong (Empress), Li Ming Qi (Rong Ma ma/Nanny Rong), and Juan Zi (Ling Fei/Consort Ling). They have since been replaced by a new set of veteran cast.

Jin Suo, Liu Qing, Liu Hong, Han Xiang, and Meng Dan, were not written into the storyline for Huan Zhu Ge Ge.

One change that was more welcomed was the replacement of Zhu Hongjia with Huang Xiaoming for the titular character of Xiao Jian.

The only original cast members from the first 2 seasons to remain are Zhou Jie (Fu Er Kang), Zhao Minfen (Empress Dowager) and Wang Yan (Qing Er).


Death of Hanxiang Actress
The actress who played the character Han Xiang in Season 2 of Huan Zhu Ge Ge, Liu Dan, was involved in a fatal car accident that killed her; shortly after filming of the 2nd Season wrapped.


Synopsis

Part One
Huan Zhu Ge Ge is the story of an orphan whose life changes after she is accidentally named princess.

It starts off with the tale of two sworn sisters: orphaned adventuress Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, a talented young lady with an interesting history. Zi Wei is actually the illegitimate daughter of Emperor Qianlong. Eighteen years ago, Qianlong had an affair with her mother, Xia Yu He, at Lake Daming in Jinan. Because of political reasons, Qianlong left Yu He, promising to return for her. However, Yu He was already pregnant with his child and waited faithfully for his return. On her deathbed, Yu He asks Zi Wei to find her father, Qianlong.

Zi Wei takes on this arduous task with her servant Jin Suo. After the two arrive in Beijing, they discover the challenges of entering the Forbidden City. Meanwhile, they meet Xiao Yan Zi, a clever and daring girl around their age. Having been abandoned at a young age, Xiao Yan Zi lives with her buddies Liu Qing and Liu Hong in the Da Zha Yuan. Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi soon develop a meaningful friendship. As Zi Wei runs out of supplies and money, she moves in with Xiao Yan Zi who earns her trust. Zi Wei tells Xiao Yan Zi her huge secret mission.

Xiao Yan Zi agrees to help Zi Wei with her mission. They plan to meet Qianlong during his hunting trip to a local mountain. However, climbing up the mountain turns out to be a challenging task. The frail Zi Wei and Jin Suo struggle to climb up. Hence, Zi Wei decides to send Xiao Yan Zi as her trustworthy messenger. She gives Xiao Yan Zi a fan and painting, both gifts that Qianlong gave Yu He years ago.

Unfortunately, Xiao Yan Zi is shot with an arrow by Yong Qi, the fifth prince who was originally aiming for a deer. Wounded and barely conscious, Xiao Yan Zi does not have the energy to explain her mission to Qianlong. When Qianlong sees Xiao Yan Zi carrying his fan and painting, he assumes Xiao Yan Zi is Yu He's daughter. He treats Xiao Yan Zi so kindly that she decides to "borrow" Zi Wei's father for a few days. However, she is soon overcomed with guilt.

Meanwhile, Zi Wei is extremely worried about Xiao Yan Zi, afraid that she was captured and executed as a female assassin. However, when she witnesses Xiao Yan Zi parading the streets with Qianlong in a palaquin with the title "Huan Zhu Ge Ge", she believes Xiao Yan Zi has deceived her. Hurt and confused, she chases after the palaquin, screaming Xiao Yan Zi's name. The commotion she causes alerts the guards who rush to restrain her, but when Fu Er Kang, one of the Emperor's bodyguards, hears hints that she might be telling the truth, he rescues her.

Zi Wei and Jin Suo are persuaded by the Fus to live in the Fu household, Xue Shi Fu, temporarily. Xiao Yan Zi also realizes the greatness of her error where she might be beheaded if she tells the truth. Because both Yong Qi and Er Tai are infatuated with Xiao Yan Zi, they ask Zi Wei to keep quiet about her secret.

Slowly, Er Kang and Zi Wei begin to fall in love. Er Kang realizes their marriage is impossible, however, because he cannot marry Zi Wei if she only has the status of a commoner.

Xiao Yan Zi has her own troubles in the Forbidden City, as her outlandish behaviour and lack of sense of propriety offends the Empress. Even Qianlong becomes overwhelmed with Xiao Yan Zi's disobedience and outspokenness. He punishes Xiao Yan Zi with twenty beatings, despite pleas from Ling Fei, Yong Qi, and Er Tai. However, Qianlong and Xiao Yan Zi soon mend fences.

Sensing the romance between Zi Wei and Er Kang, Er Kang's parents, Fu Da Ren and Fu Jin, kindly ask Zi Wei to give up Er Kang. Heartbroken, Zi Wei and Jin Suo leave Xue Shi Fu without notice, leaving Er Kang in panic. After his search for Zi Wei is unsuccessful, he calls for the help of Xiao Yan Zi. Together, they manage to find out where Zi Wei is from Liu Qing and Liu Hong. When they finally find Zi Wei, they decide it is perhaps the best idea to sneak Zi Wei into the Forbidden City as well.

Zi Wei, along with Jin Suo, enjoys an excellent start in the Forbidden City. Although Zi Wei is but a court maid, Qianlong quickly takes notice of her. He takes a liking to her talent, intelligence, and kindness. This arouses the jealousy of the Empresses, who views Zi Wei as a potential political threat. She secretly brings Zi Wei to her palace, Kun Ning Gong, and pierces her with needles. Zi Wei nearly dies, but is rescued by Qianlong, Xiao Yan Zi, Er Kang, Er Tai, and Yong Qi. The relationship between Qianlong and Zi Wei grows deeper as Qianlong becomes more amazed by Zi Wei's talents. His love for Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei becomes so great that he takes them on his Wei Fu Chu Xing.

Qianlong uses the time to enjoy life outside the Forbidden City. Hoping to reveal Zi Wei's true identity without angering Qianlong, Er Kang, Yong Qi, and Er Tai suggest that they ask for a special order from Qianlong, promising that he will never execute Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi.

During the trip, feelings between Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi begin to arise. Yong Qi begins to have a crush on Xiao Yan Zi after discovering she is not really his sister. However, their relationship is awkward because they are currently considered brother-sister. When Yong Qi first admits his feelings to Xiao Yan Zi, she is confused and bewildered. But, when Xiao Yan Zi is jealous of another girl who likes Yong Qi, she cannot hide her feelings for him. The romance between Zi Wei and Er Kang grows deeper. Unfortunately, Qianlong, not knowing Zi Wei is his daughter, falls in love with Zi Wei as well. Along the way, Xiao Yan Zi fights injustice, rescuing many civilians.

Qianlong's Wei Fu Chu Xing is abruptly put to a halt when an assassination attempt is made on the emperor. Zi Wei shields Qianlong from a knife aimed at him. Everyone manages to get rid of the assassins, but Zi Wei's life is at risk. Zi Wei then asks Qianlong never to execute Xiao Yan Zi. Qianlong agrees, but the mood is not calm at all. Thinking she is on her deathbed, Zi Wei also asks Er Kang to marry Jin Suo, her loyal servant and friend.

Surprisingly, Zi Wei manages to survive getting stabbed. Qianlong's admiration for her grows stronger because of her remarkable bravery. After returning to the Forbidden City, Qianlong hints that he wants to take Zi Wei in as his concubine. Meanwhile, the king of Tibet and his daughter, Princess Sai Ya, have arrived in Beijing.

Sai Ya and Xiao Yan Zi quickly develop a rivalry, as Sai Ya's kung fu skills stir up feelings of competition. After fighting against Er Kang in a match, Sai Ya develops a crush on Er Kang. Her father asks Qianlong if he can arrange a marriage between Sai Ya and Er Kang. Although Qianlong originally intended to save Er Kang for Xiao Yan Zi, he agrees, creating huge dilemmas for Zi Wei and Er Kang.

At this point, Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, Er Kang, Er Tai, and Jin Suo decide it is time to reveal their secret. Qianlong is shocked to discover Zi Wei is his true daughter, as he had once considered taking her in as a concubine. He is hurt to know that Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, two people he trusted most, had tricked him. The Empress takes advantage of the situation to tell Qianlong that she always knew something was wrong with Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. After pressuring from the Empress, Qianlong agrees to imprison Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei in Zhong Ren Fu, even though Ling Fei pleas that he reconsiders. Jin Suo, wanting to risk her life rather than Zi Wei's, joins them. Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Er Tai are in great turmoil.

Hoping to finish Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei once and for all, Huang Hou conspires with Liang Da Ren, the man in charge of Zhong Ren Fu. She orders him to force Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, and Jin Suo to sign a document stating they disguised as princesses in an attempt to murder Qianlong. Refusing to sign such a ridiculous document, the three girls are whipped harshly. Knowing that the three cannot survive long in such conditions, Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Er Tai decide to risk their lives. They break into the jail and free the three girls. Because they have broken the law, they decide to run away forever.

At the same time, Qianlong begins to regret his actions. He realizes how much he has grown to love Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. His officers and Ling Fei also ask that he release them. Qianlong goes to Zhong Ren Fu and decides to let them go, but is aghast that they had escaped earlier. Furious, Qianlong orders that they be found and all executed.

Feelings of guilt arise as Xiao Yan Zi and her entourage run away. Er Tai decides to return to the Forbidden City and explain matters to Qianlong. Knowing that Er Tai is most likely to be beheaded, Zi Wei begs that they all return and face Qianlong. They soon agree and return to the Forbidden City.

Qianlong originally intends to behead them all, but when he sees that the three girls have been whipped, he is heartbroken. He orders them to return to Shu Fang Zai, where they reside in the Forbidden City, to rest, but they refuse to go until he has forgiven Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Er Tai. Qianlong does not want to at first, but when he realizes the entire matter is actually his fault, he relents. He knows that if he had not gotten involved with Yu He alone in the first place, there would be no fiasco. He also cannot bear to kill his favourite people. Thus, he forgives them all.

At Shu Fang Zai, Qianlong recognizes Zi Wei as his daughter. He hand-feeds her medicine and the two share a father-daughter hug. Because of Qianlong's liking for her, Xiao Yan Zi keeps her title as Huan Zhu Ge Ge.

Everyone is overjoyed, except for the Empress and Rong Mo Mo. The Empress reprimands Qianlong for being tricked by "some eighteen-year-old girls". However, Qianlong ignores her and questions her on her involvement in conspiring against the girls. Angered, Qianlong orders for the Empress' and Rong Mo Mo's immediate removal to Zhong Ren Fu. Yong Qi begs Qianlong to reconsider his verdict as it is inappropriate to punish the "Mother of the Country". In her anger and desperation, the Empress snatches a nearby scissors and cuts part of her hair off, upset that Qianlong no longer considers her thoughts. Zi Wei pleads mercy on their behalf, hoping that she will make peace with the Empress. Qianlong agrees, and the rivalry seems to have ended.

The last obstacle is the proposal between Sai Ya and Er Kang. However, it is easily solved when Er Tai courts Sai Ya as a favour to Er Kang and the two fall in love.

The story concludes with a ceremony, during which Zi Wei is proclaimed Ming Zhu Ge Ge (Princess Bright Pearl). Qianlong also announces a betrothal between Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi, Zi Wei and Er Kang, and Er Tai and Sai Ya. The three couples, along with Jin Suo, end the series by riding on horseback through the countryside. They sing happily with joy.


Part Two
The sequel to Huan Zhu Ge Ge mainly revolves around Qianlong's newest concubine, Han Xiang, unwillingly sent as a gift from Uyghur leader Alihezhuo. Han Xiang was born with a natural scent that attracts butterflies. She has long loved another man, Meng Dan, whom she had unsuccessfully eloped with several times.

Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, and Er Kang meet Meng Dan at the restaurant and hotel recently opened by Liu Qing and Liu Hong. There, they learnt of the love story of Meng Dan and Han Xiang. Ultimately, they decide to help Han Xiang escape the Forbidden City and escape with Meng Dan.

After several attempts to resist Qianlong who was trying to force himself on her, Han Xiang accidentally cuts Emperor Qianlong's arm. When the Empress Dowager finds out about this, she secretly forces Han Xiang to drink poison as punishment. Xiao Yan Zi, Yong Qi, Zi Wei, Jin Suo, and Er Kang rush back but were not able to make it in time. Han Xiang is said to have died. Before she "dies", the aroma emitting from her body strengthens and tens of hundreds of butterflies fly to her side and circle the room. They leave and so does the aroma. In the end, Han Xiang is saved by the repeated attempts from Xiao Yan Zi. She is ultimately saved by eating the life-saving medicine that her father gave her, in the case of an emergency. After this affair, Han Xiang loses her scent.

After Han Xiang's escape, the group lies to Qianlong that Han Xiang had turned into a butterfly and flew away. When Qianlong finds out the truth, he sentences Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, Er Kang, and Jin Suo to death. However, they eventually escape with help from their friends. They decide to leave the Forbidden City permanently and travel to Dali. On their trip, they encounter many adventures and unfortunate events.

Later, Qianlong begins to miss their presence and laughter. In the end, the emperor travels to Dali himself to convince them to return to the Forbidden City. There, he awards Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi with a gold insignia each. It can be used to excuse three executions each. Qianlong and the Empress Dowager later discover the Empress had been plotting against Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. Qianlong is furious and commands both the Empress and her maidservant, Rong Mo Mo, to be beheaded. However, Zi Wei pulls out her gold insignia and uses up two pardons: one for Rong Mo Mo and one for the Empress.

Because of this affair, Rong Mo Mo and the Empress both grow appreciative of Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi. Afterwards, Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi, along with Zi Wei and Er Kang, are finally married.


Part Three
In the final installment of Huan Zhu Ge Ge, the actors were nearly completely changed. The story starts off with Xiao Yanzi accidentally losing a child. The Dowager Empress was now increasingly unhappy with Xiao Yanzi, believing she is not lady-like enough to be Yong Qi's wife, particularly in carrying on the family line. At the same time, Qing Er and Xiao Yanzi's brother, Xiao jian, were also in love. But Tai Hou does not like and Xiao jian, especially after when she found that Xiao Yanzi and Xiao jian's parent was killed by Qian Long. She thought that the slibing may want to hurt Qian Long for revenge. Before she found out this fact, when they went to Chen's family, she met Zhi Hua and thought that she was more suitable for Yong Qi than Xiao Yanzi. Due to all these reasons, Tai hou made a plan to separate them: Yong Qi and Xiao Yanzi, Qing Er and Xiao jian. She threat that she would kill Xiaojian if YongQi does not marry with Zhihua, and request that Zhihua should be wife and Xiao Yanzi should be the mistress. To save Xiaojian's life, they accept Taihou's conditions and Xiaojian were also sent away so that he would not have chance to meet Qing Er.

Although YongQi gives in to marry with Zhihua, Zhihua remain as a virgin after marrying YongQi for quite a long time. But for some incident, Xiaoyanzi was persuade that Zhihua has that right to have a child of YongQi, and she actually force YongQi to enter Zhihua's room. Not long later, Zhihua was found pregnant

Not much time after the news, both YongQi and Er Kang was told to take part in the war with Mian Dian. In the war, when Erkang fights with the eighth 'prince', he found that 'he', or rather 'she', was actually the eighth princess, Musha. Musha was attracted to Erkang and used some trick to make the Qings thought that Erkang was dead, and bring Erkang back to MianDian. In the end YongQi abandons Zhijua and her son, and lives like a commoner with Xiao Yian Zi, QingEr and Xiao Jian. Years later, Erkang and the emperor goes to visit them, they find that both couples are happy and they both have 4 children. YongQi is a doctor


Characters
Emperor Qianlong (乾隆皇帝)
Based on a true-life emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Qianlong, the emperor in this series is portrayed as a benevolent and caring but often short and hot-tempered father. Part of the Aisin-Gioro ruling family, Qianlong is of Manchu descent. Like the real-life Qianlong, the emperor in Huan Zhu Ge Ge is a lover of arts and literature. Besides his empress, whom he often neglects, he has many concubines, his favourite of which is Consort Ling.

Qianlong first meets Xiao Yan Zi (literally "Little Swallow") on his hunting grounds, into which she broke into whilst serving as Zi Wei's messenger. Zi Wei is the Emperor's real daughter from a tryst the Emperor had long ago. Her attempts to contact her father have all failed and eventually meets Xiao Yan Zi, a happy go lucky street wanderer, who agrees to sneak onto Imperial hunting grounds to deliver her message during the Emperor's hunting outing. After accidentally being shot by an arrow, Qianlong finds the message she is carrying and mistakes her for his daughter and quickly becomes enamoured with her happy-go-lucky charm and her free spirited ways, unfettered by the protocol and conventions of the nobility. Ironically, though, he later grew to love Zi Wei for completely different reasons-her elegance and eloquence, intelligence and sophistication. At one point, Zi Wei shields him from an assassination attempt. Xiao Yan Zi is taken into the royal household and is dubbed "Huan Zhu Ge Ge", or Princess "Returned Pearl", claiming that she is like a pearl that is lost and then returned/refound; though she is still referred to as Xiao Yan Zi by those closest to her. Xiao Yan Zi eventually convinces the court to allow her to bring Zi Wei into her household, still determined to help her reconnect with her father. Qianlong's feelings for Zi Wei prove problematic when he asks her to be his concubine. Although he is upset when he learns that Zi Wei is his true daughter, he later forgives them for their deception and serves as a very loving father to both his actual daughter and his newly adopted one as well.

Xiao Yan Zi
Main article: Xiao Yan Zi
The lovable heroine of this story, Xiao Yan Zi is an orphaned adventress living in Beijing. She meets Xia Zi Wei and becomes sworn sisters with her. Through a series of misunderstandings, Xiao Yan Zi is mistakenly proclaimed Princess Huanzhu.

Xia Zi Wei
Main article: Xia Zi Wei
Perhaps the exact opposite of Xiao Yan Zi, the gentle Xia Zi Wei is the result of Qianlong's short affair with her mother, Xia Yu He.

Yong Qi
Also known as Wu A Ge (五阿哥), Yong Qi is the fifth prince. His mother, Yu Fei, died of illness during his childhood. Yong Qi is Qianlong's favourite son, being intelligent, considerate, and skilled at martial arts- and the most-likely heir to the throne. His all-round talents also inspire the jealousy of the Empress, who hopes her son, Shi'r A Ge the twelveth prince, will succeed Qianlong instead. Yong Qi is close friends with the sons of Fu Da Ren: Fu Erkang and Fu Ertai. He and Er Tai are also classmates; both study with Ji Xiaolan, or Ji Shifu.

Yong Qi and Xiao Yan Zi meet during the same hunting trip that brought the latter into the royal circle. He was the shooter of the fateful arrow that caused Xiao Yan Zi to lose consciousness, triggering the train of events and mistaken identities. Like his father, Yong Qi was besotted by her fun, warm and bold nature. Because Xiao Yan Zi struggles to adjust to living in the Forbidden City, Yong Qi, along with Er Tai, helps her through some early problems. He also learns from Er Kang and Er Tai that Xiao Yan Zi is not the true princess; rather, Zi Wei is. Yong Qi's "like" for Xiao Yan Zi soon turns into love, although he did not admit this for a long time. After Xiao Yan Zi attempts to matchmake Yong Qi with another girl, Yong Qi finally told Xiao Yan Zi his feelings. A confused Xiao Yan Zi later realizes she is also in love with Yong Qi. Throughout the series, Yong Qi goes through much adversity with Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, and Er Kang. Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi go through a relationship with many fights and makeups, until they wed at the end of the sequel, Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2.

Fu Er Kang
The eldest son of high-ranking noble Fu Lun, the handsome Er Kang is a scholar. Well-trained in kung fu, Er Kang is part of the royal guard. He is not quite as absorbed about Xiao Yan Zi as Yong Qi and Er Tai, but he does get involved in some of Xiao Yan Zi's earlier struggles in the palace. After meeting Zi Wei, the real Huan Zhu Ge Ge, during a parade, Er Kang falls in love with her. Their relationship progresses, but it reaches a dead end. Er Kang realizes that as a son of the aristocracy, he cannot marry Zi Wei, then a commoner. Thus, he brings Zi Wei and her maid Jin Suo into the Forbidden City as court maids through help from Xiao Yan Zi. Er Kang loves Zi Wei dearly. With his background, talents and his air of authority, Er Kang is a very attractive potential husband. At one point, Qianlong decides to pair him with Sai Ya, a princess from Tibet, but he was saved by his younger brother and narrowly escapes the dreaded marriage. Zi Wei once made him promise that he would take Jin Suo as a second wife, but that was later broken off. In the sequel, he is reunited with Princess Qing Er, the Dowager Empress's favourite. He and Qing Er have an interesting history, causing angst and jealousy between him and Zi Wei.

Fu Er Tai
Er Kang's younger brother, Fu Er Tai, has a lesser critical role. However, he is one of the more important characters in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 1. Er Tai is best friends and classmates with Prince Yong Qi. Like his brother, Er Tai is liked by the emperor. At first, Er Tai has feelings for Xiao Yan Zi, but later defers to Yong Qi as he realizes Xiao Yan Zi and Yong Qi share a bond even before the two become a couple. When the other couples, Xiao Yan Zi-Yong Qi and Zi Wei-Er Kang, get into arguments, he often serves as the voice of reason. In the end, Er Tai courts Sai Ya to help Er Kang avoid a marriage with her. The two end up falling in love, so Er Tai marries Sai Ya and goes to Tibet. He does not appear in future sequels.

Jin Suo
Jin Suo is Zi Wei's loyal maid since Jin Suo was seven. Jin Suo always looks out for Zi Wei's best interests, and does not show any self-concern. At first, Jin Suo does not like Xiao Yan Zi very much because she affects the friendship between her and Zi Wei, but later is impressed by Xiao Yan Zi's courage. She joins Zi Wei as a court maid when they first enter the palace, and later remains a court maid after Zi Wei is crowned Ming Zhu Ge Ge. Jin Suo is greatly hurt in the sequel when she finds out Er Kang does not want her as a wife. However, she later falls in love with Liu Qing, one of Xiao Yan Zi's best friends.

The Empress
The archnemesis of Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, and Er Kang, the Empress seems to be a heartless, cruel, and jealous empress. However, much of these feelings arise because Qianlong, who she cares much for, often neglects her. More outspoken and strict than Qianlong's other wives, Huang Hou does not win his favour. She is extremely jealous of concubine Ling Fei, Qianlong's favourite concubine, Yong Qi, who endangers her son's chances of inheriting the throne, as well as Xiao Yan Zi, who, despite her lack of discipline, always wins Qianlong's support and encouragement. Her feelings become intensified when Zi Wei arrives, as Zi Wei's talent, beauty, and kindness win the liking of Qianlong. Thus, she shows signs of cruelty, attempting to hurt those she is jealous of. She most often takes out her anger on Zi Wei, as she is unlikely to fight back. For instance, at one point, Huang Hou pierces Zi Wei with needles. At the end of HZGG 1, it seems as if Huang Hou has redeemed herself. Zi Wei pleads for Qianlong to forgive Huang Hou, and Zi Wei and Huang Hou share a hug. However, Huang Hou returns to her menacing ways in HZGG 2, with even worse plots to make the princesses miserable. When she is rescued from execution by Zi Wei, Xiao Yan Zi, Yong Qi, and Er Kang, she finally changes her ways and becomes a better person. She even hand-sews Zi Wei and Xiao Yan Zi's wedding dresses. In HZGG3, she becomes a devout Buddhist, and in very good terms with Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. She is asked by Qianlong to join him on a vacation to the south of China. When she gets there, she hears about Xia Ying Ying, and writes a letter to Qianlong with her blood. He becomes furious with her and refuses to read her letter, so she cuts her hair and almost tries to commit suicide. The Emperor's temper worsens and he sends her back to Beijing with Rong Mo Mo to live in deserted place in the Forbidden City. He also demotes her and takes away her privileges as Empress. Back in Beijing, she shaves her head and becomes a Buddhist nun. Months after Qianlong and company return, she falls ill and eventually dies.

Rong Mo Mo/Nanny Rong
The empress's loyal nanny/wetnurse, Rong Mo Mo, serves as her sort of "sidekick" throughout the series. Like the empress, she greatly dislikes Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. She is a very ruthless person, not the least bit unwilling to inflict great pain on others. At the beginning of HZGG 2, when the empress no longer wants to hurt Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, Rong Mo Mo instigate her to continue for the well-being of her son. However, she is extremely loyal and always puts the empress before herself. This is perhaps her single positive trait. Like the empress, she redeems herself in the end and is forgiven. In HZGG 3, she stays loyal to Huang Hou. She also becomes and devout Buddhist and is at good terms with Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei. She goes back to Beijing early with the empress and remains a faithful servant. Xiao Yan Zi once referred to Rong Mo Mo as a motherly figure, which reconfirms their peace. When the empress dies, Rong Mo Mo commits suicide by stabbing herself, so that she can serve her mistress in the afterlife.

Ling Fei/Consort Ling
Ling Fei is Qianlong's favourite concubine. She is the sister of lady Fu, the mother of Er Kang and Er Tai. Althgouh she has children of her own, she treats Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei like her own daughters. She always makes an effort to help Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei during difficult times. Qianlong spends the most time with her, but neglects her in HZGG 2 while she is pregnant. Instead, Qianlong spends time with his newest concubine, Han Xiang (Xiang Fei). Nevertheless, Ling Fei forgives him. In HZGG3, she is yet again pregnant and remains Qianlong's favourite. She helps Xiao Yan Zi in her times of need with Zhi Hua and Yong Qi.

Liu Qing
One of Xiao Yan Zi's two most trusted friends outside the Forbidden City, Liu Qing is a typical commoner from Beijing. He is not nearly as educated as Yong Qi or Er Kang, but is a kind, helpful, and loyal. Liu Qing sometimes has a rash temper, but his intentions are good. However, he is extremely skilled in kung fu, which helps him make a living. Although he grew up with Xiao Yan Zi, the two are only friends. When Liu Qing first met Zi Wei, he had feelings for her, but he knew he could not compete with Er Kang. Thus, he decided to give up his feelings. Later, he owns a restaurant, Hui Bing Lou, with his sister Liu Hong. He is always willing to help Xiao Yan Zi and her friends with anything they need. In the end, Liu Qing falls in love with Zi Wei's maid Jin Suo. The two are married.

Liu Hong
The other of Xiao Yan Zi's most trusted friends, Liu Hong is Liu Qing's sister. She is also very skilled in kung fu and often performs with her brother. Sometimes, when Liu Qing loses his temper, Liu Hong acts more reasonably. Like her brother, she is willing to go to any lengths to help Xiao Yan Zi, Zi Wei, Yong Qi, and Er Kang.

Sai Ya
A princess from Tibet, Sai Ya and her father arrive in Beijing in hopes of a marriage with the Aisin-Gioro royal family. Sai Ya is somewhat spoiled and gets very competitive with Xiao Yan Zi. The two actually share many characteristics, including a lack of interest in literacy, a feisty temper, and an enjoyment for physical activities like kung fu. Sai Ya first develops an interest in Er Kang after fighting with him during a kung fu match, but later realizes Er Tai is the man for her.

Empress Dowager
The mother of Qianlong, Tai Hou is a very traditional woman. She does not always like new ideas and prefers prim, proper ladies. Many call her by her title, "Lao Fo Ye", or Old Buddha. Thus, she does not take a liking to Zi Wei because she was born out of wedlock. She dislikes Xiao Yan Zi even more for her feisty, unladylike attitude. However, she dotes on Qing Er, whom she raised, and cares deeply about Qianlong's best interests. Additionally, she wants to break up the betrothal between Zi Wei and Er Kang, as Qing Er liked Er Kang. She also wants Yong Qi to marry a more proper lady than Xiao Yan Zi. Tai Hou likes and trusts Huang Hou as she does not know how wicked Huang Hou is. Huang Hou takes advantage of this, making sure Tai Hou sees Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei at their worst moments. Tai Hou often punishes Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, as she has only seen them in trouble. However, when Huang Hou's evil ways are discovered and the two princesses plead for forgiveness on Huang Hou's behalf, Tai Hou realizes how special and kind-hearted they are. In the end, she treats them as her granddaughters.

Han Xiang
A new character in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2, Han Xiang is a princess from Xinjiang. Her father, Ali He Zhuo, the leader of the Uyghur tribe, came to Beijing in hopes of making peace with China. Han Xiang was unique because her body carried a beautiful scent that attracts butterflies. Han Xiang was offered as a gift to Qianlong. As Qianlong was quite taken with Han Xiang's beauty and fragrance, he gladly accepted Han Xiang as his concubine. Although Han Xiang was given the title Xiang Fei and constantly doted on by the emperor, Han Xiang's heart was with a childhood lover named Meng Dan. Her insecurities in the Forbidden City and rejection of Qianlong's love result in trouble, thus leading to the climax of Huan Zhu Ge Ge.

Meng Dan
Han Xiang's lover, Meng Dan, is part of the Uyghur tribe. He loved Han Xiang from his childhood, and although the two eloped seven times, they were unsuccessful because of Han Xiang's fragrance. With help from Xiao Yan Zi and her friends, however, Meng Dan is finally able to unite with Han Xiang.

Qing Er
The daughter of Qianlong's brother, Qing Er's parents died when she was young, so Tai Hou took her in as her foster daughter. Qing Er is proper, pretty, and intelligent, as well as a smooth talker, thus gaining Tai Hou's liking. Qing Er falls in love with Er Kang, but when she returns to the Forbidden City from Tai Hou's religious pilgrimage, she finds that Er Kang is already betrothed to Zi Wei.

Xiao Jian
Xiao Yan Zi first meets Xiao Jian, a lover of poetry and drinking, at Hui Bing Lou, a restaurant owned by Liu Qing and Liu Hong. He carries around two possessions: a bamboo flute ('xiao') and a sword ('jian'), hence his name. At first, he pretends he does not know any kung fu to avoid fighting with Xiao Yan Zi, but later reveals his kung fu skills when he rescues Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei from beheading.

Xia Yingying
A relatively insignificant character in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 3, Xia Yingying is a prostitute Qianlong meets on his trip to Jiang Nan. The author, Chiung Yao, created this character exclusively for actress Jiang Qinqin. Qianlong is very taken by Xia Yingying, as she is charming and talented. However, because she came from a brothel, Tai Hou did not approve. Xia Yingying then decided to leave Qianlong, never reappearing in the story.

Mu Sha
A princess from Burma, Mu Sha and Er Kang first meet on the battlefield, when Mian Dian and China are at war. Disguised as a man, Mu Sha falls in love with Er Kang. After Er Kang is hurt, she takes him to Burma for medical treatment. However, she gets Er Kang addicted on cocaine. She later uses cocaine as a way to keep Er Kang from leaving her for Zi Wei. In the end, however, Mu Sha lets Er Kang and Zi Wei reunite after discovering the deep love between them.

Zhi Hua
Known for her talent in painting ('hua'), Zhi Hua is accurately named. She is a daughter of the Chen family, a family that has close ties with Tai Hou. Hoping to find Yong Qi a more proper wife who can bear a child, Tai Hou proposes a match between Zhi Hua and Yong Qi. Although Yong Qi first does not want a second wife, he reluctantly gives in when Xiao Jian's life is at risk. Zhi Hua later has Yong Qi's child, Mien Yi, but in the end, Yong Qi leaves the Forbidden City with Xiao Yan Zi, abandoning Zhi Hua and her son.

Additional characters include Xiao Yan Zi's and Zi Wei's faithful eunuchs Xiao Deng Zi and Xiao Zhuo Zi and their maids, Ming Yue and Cai Xia. Unlike many other royals of the time, Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei treat their servants like family. Thus, their servants like them very much.


Music
Nearly all of the lyrics for songs in Huan Zhu Ge Ge were written by the writer, Qiong Yao, while other composers contributed to the music.

The opening theme, as well as main theme, for Part One was "Dang" (当), which means "When". The song was performed by a group called Power Station (Taiwanese group) (Simplified Chinese: 动力火车, Traditional Chinese: 動力火車). Additionally, two more traditional songs were composed for the character Zi Wei and performed on the zither, titled "Shan Shui Tiao Tiao" and "Cheng Xiang Yi". However, both of these were not performed by Ruby Lin, the actress who portrayed Zi Wei. Instead, Fang Qiong sang both songs. During their trip outside the Forbidden City, Zhao Wei and Ruby Lin, who play the female leads Xiao Yan Zi and Zi Wei, sang the merry tune "Jin Ri Tian Qi Hao Qing Lang", directly translated as "Today's Weather is Very Sunny and Bright". Finally, the ending theme, "Yu Die", or "Rain Butterfly", was sung by Li Yijun.

Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2 presented a much more diverse soundtrack, as it was a higher-budget production. Many of the themes in the sequel were sung by lead actress Zhao Wei, including the main opening theme, "Zi Cong You Le Ni", translated as "Since I Have Had You". Other songs Vicki Zhao sang included one of the ending themes, "You Yi Ge Gu Niang" ("There Was A Girl") and "Wo Men" ("We"), a sub-theme. Vicki Zhao also did perform a remix of "Dang", the opening theme from Part One, titled "Bu Neng He Ni Fen Shou". Her singing in Huan Zhu Ge Ge 2 launched her career as a singer. Furthermore, actress Ruby Lin and Zhou Jie, who portray the couple Zi Wei and Er Kang, sang the other ending theme, "Ni Shi Feng Er Wo Shi Sha" ("You Are Wind, I Am Sand"). The character Zi Wei sang another song accompanied by her zither called "Meng Li" ("In Dreams"), but this time Ruby Lin provided the vocals. In the soundtrack version, Ruby Lin and Zhou Jie have a duet on "Meng Li", although in the series, only Ruby Lin sings the song.

Taiwanese Dramas

Year English Title Chinese Title Note

1998 Princess Pearl
2001 Meteor Garden
2001 Lavender
2002 Meteor Garden II
2003 At The Dolphin Bay Westside Story
2004 Yi Nan Wang
Mars
Love Contract
Love of the Aegean Sea
Heaven's Wedding Gown
100% Senorita
The Outsiders II
2005 It Started With a Kiss
The Prince Who Turns into a Frog
Devil Beside You
Green Forest My Home
KO One
2006 Hanazakarino Kimitachihe
Smiling Pasta
Tokyo Juliet
The Magicians of Love
My Lucky Star
Why Why Love
The X-Family
Brown Sugar Macchiato
Romantic Princess
Ying Ye 3 Jia
Queen's
Bull Fighting
2008 They Kiss Again
Fated To Love You
Rolling Love
Hot Shot
Honey and Clover
The Legend of Brown Sugar Chivalries
Invincible Shan Bao Mei
Miss No Good
Mysterious Incredible Terminator
Love or Bread


List of prominent Taiwan Drama actors and actresses
It is common for Taiwan Drama actors and actresses to also be famous pop singers and rock stars, and not all of them originate from Taiwan. There are actors who have made a name for themselves in Taiwan that were originally from mainland China, Singapore, or Malaysia. Some Taiwan Drama stars (such as Leon Jay Williams, Nicholas Teo, and Stella) were actually not born in Taiwan, though as adults, they mostly work and live in Taiwan. Some of the most well-known Taiwanese drama celebrities include:

Members of 183 Club: Ming Dao, Sam Wang
Members of S.H.E: Ella, Hebe, and Selina
Members of Fahrenheit: Wu Chun, Jiro Wang, Aaron Yan, Calvin Chen
Joe Cheng
Penny Lin
Chen Qiao En
Ariel Lin
Mike He
Alec Su
Ruby Lin
Angela Chang
Barbie Hsu
Rainie Yang
Alan Luo
Cyndi Wang
Ambrose Hsu
the members of F4: Vanness Wu, Vic Zhou, Jerry Yan, and Ken Chu
Nicholas Teo
the duo of Sweety: Esther Liu and Joanne Tseng
Danson Tang
Genie Zhuo
Amber Kuo
Yoo Hana
Jimmy Lin
Roy Chiu

Famous Loveteams in Taiwan and Asia
Hebe Tian and Mike He (Bulling Fighting)
Wu Chun and Angela Chang (Romantic Princess)
Wu Chun and Ella Chen (Hanazakarino Kimitachihe)
Chen Qiao En and Ming Dao(Ying Ye 3 Jia 1) and (The Prince Who Turns Into a Frog)
Ariel Lin and Joe Cheng (It Started With a Kiss), (They Kiss Again) and (Love or Bread)
Wu Chun and Ariel Lin (Tokyo Juliet)
Chen Qiao En and Ethan Ruan (Fated to Love You)
Jerry Yan and Barbie Xu (Meteor Garden)
Nicholas Teo and Cyndi Wang (Smiling Pasta)
Nicholas Teo and Amber Kuo (Invincible Shan Bao Mei)
Rainie Yang and Mike He (Why Why Love) and (Devil Beside You)
Alan Luo and Barbie Hsu (Corner With Love)
Wallace Huo and Penny Lin (100% Senorita)
Jimmy Lin and Yoo Ha Na (My Lucky Star)
Wang Zi and Gui Gui (Brown Sugar Macchiato)
Rainie Yang and Wilber Pan (Miss No Good)
Jiro Wang and Genie Zhuo (Rolling Love)
Gui Gui and Aaron Yan (Mysterious Incredible Terminator) and (Tao Hua Ai Wu Di)
Tammy Chen and Tender Huang (Story of Time)