Chapter 8

The editing and dubbing work for *Old Boy* is ongoing, but it seems impossible to complete the final version before *Empresses in the Palace* starts airing.

The song version of *Old Boy* has already been recorded, and with Wang Shang's deep and clear voice, it is perfect, earning high praise from many internal listeners.

As days passed, there were only a few days left before *Empresses in the Palace* aired on the 18th, and the promotional efforts of Tang Dynasty International began to intensify.

For some reason, the Shanghai Media College suddenly stopped pursuing Wang Shang relentlessly and began to lay low.

Originally, Tang Dynasty International wanted to engage in a verbal battle to boost the popularity of *Empresses in the Palace*, but now that the other party was not cooperating, they could only grumble in frustration.

In the end, the inside story leaked out. It turned out that Wang Yuanze had caused too much trouble due to the Wang Shang incident, and his opponents had dug up many scandals, revealing his involvement with many female students and teachers. Many of the women's husbands and parents came to the school to cause a commotion, leaving the Shanghai Media College in a state of chaos.

Since the internal administration of the Shanghai Media College was not a monolithic entity, many people who wanted to advance or promote others continuously attacked Wang Yuanze. As long as Wang Yuanze was driven away, a position would be vacated, and a group of people could be promoted.

Driven by the pursuit of interests, many people were eager for Wang Yuanze to leave, so his days at the Shanghai Media College were numbered.

Because of this, no one would tangle with Wang Shang and Tang Dynasty International, and they were even afraid that Wang Shang and Tang Dynasty International would tangle with them.

When Wang Shang heard about this, he was both amused and frustrated. His recording had not even been used, and it had already lost its effectiveness, without even having a chance to play a role.

However, Wang Shang was not without gains. At least he had gained a lot of fame from this incident and was recognized by countless people. Moreover, once Wang Yuanze was in trouble, Wang Shang's negative image began to dissipate.

Without the conflict with the Shanghai Media College, there was one less point of controversy, but the promotion of *Empresses in the Palace* still needed to continue, especially as the premiere date approached.

In the final few days, the major stars of the production began to hold press conferences in various places to promote *Empresses in the Palace*. Wang Shang, who had been controversial, also took the opportunity to appear before the media to increase his visibility.

During Wang Shang's first public interview, the journalists naturally did not spare him: "Mr. Wang, we heard that Wang Yuanze has been exposed for his scandals. What are your thoughts on this?"

"At the school assembly, I already said that he was behaving improperly," Wang Shang said, not hesitating to add fuel to the fire against the person who had tried to harm him.

"Do you have anything you want to say about the Shanghai Media College?"

Wang Shang naturally had nothing good to say: "I have nothing good to say about this school."

The journalists then asked several more questions, but Wang Shang skillfully redirected them to the promotion of *Empresses in the Palace*. Many media outlets tried to take advantage of his lack of experience in dealing with the media to stir up trouble and dig for inside information, but they were surprised to find that Wang Shang could handle the situation with ease, leaving them frustrated.

The stars of the production who were promoting the show knew of Wang Shang's capabilities and were not too surprised by his impressive performance.

...

On January 18, 2001, the premiere day of *Empresses in the Palace* on Suzhou TV.

Billboards and advertisements were everywhere on the streets, squares, airports, and stations. Advertisements were posted inside and outside theaters, stadiums, amusement parks, and shopping malls, and Suzhou TV continuously broadcast previews and promotions.

Countless advertisements flooded the market, catching everyone's attention.

Most companies had finished their annual operations, distributed year-end bonuses, and employees were on their winter break. Schools were also on winter break, and all the students were excited to go out and play.

"Xiao Le, how about going to sing KTV tonight? It's been a long time since we've had a chance to sing," Wang Fang asked her friend enthusiastically. She was a student in the Chinese Department at Xiangnan University and had always loved singing with her friend Xiao Le. Now that school was on break, she was eager to go to the KTV.

"Tonight? No way! I have to go home and watch *Empresses in the Palace*. It's premiering today," Xiao Le tilted her head cutely, her eyes bright and lively.

"*Empresses in the Palace*? The one written by Wang Shang, who is about our age?" Wang Fang had also heard about the show, as many people around her were talking about it.

Xiao Le replied excitedly, "Yes, that one! I've been looking forward to it for a long time! I've watched the behind-the-scenes footage and trailers, and I love them. I can't miss the premiere tonight!"

Xiao Le enthusiastically shared her insights about the plot, themes, and characters of *Empresses in the Palace*.

Wang Fang, seeing this, asked a bit helplessly, "Really not going to sing KTV? I really don't like historical dramas..."

Xiao Le firmly replied, "No! I have to watch *Empresses in the Palace*."

Wang Fang looked at Xiao Le with a pout and finally said, "Then I'll go to your place and watch it with you. I want to see if *Empresses in the Palace* is as amazing as you say."

The two of them left the school gate with their suitcases, unaware that a boy was following them, muttering to himself, "*Empresses in the Palace*? Airing tonight? I have to watch it. Maybe I can use this opportunity to get closer to the school beauty and strike up a conversation."

At that moment, countless people across the country were eagerly waiting, looking forward to the premiere of *Empresses in the Palace*.

The clock ticked to 7:40 PM, twenty minutes before the premiere.

All those who were eagerly awaiting the show had already finished their bathroom breaks and were sitting on the sofa, waiting for *Empresses in the Palace* to start.

The production team of Suzhou TV was also nervously waiting.

Wang Shang had arrived at Tang Dynasty International early. Director Zheng Long, the production team, and all the actors had gathered there. Everyone was sitting in a large meeting room, nervously watching the 70-inch TV in front of them.

As the time approached 8:00 PM, Wang Shang's heart was racing. This was his first major work in this world, and he couldn't help but feel extremely nervous. If it succeeded, his future path would be smooth.

Director Zheng Long was relatively calm, having experienced such moments many times. Seeing Wang Shang's nervousness, he smiled and said, "Don't worry, the results will be good."

Wang Shang smiled back, feeling slightly less nervous.

The clock struck 8:00 PM, and the first episode of *Empresses in the Palace* began on Suzhou TV.

"It's starting!! *Empresses in the Palace* is starting!! Stop doing other things."

Countless people, filled with excitement and curiosity, sat on their sofas and chairs, watching the trailer intently.

"The emperor, busy with state affairs, has not visited the harem for several days. The Empress Dowager, concerned about the continuation of the royal lineage, urges the emperor to hold the triennial selection of concubines."

"The eldest daughter of Dali Temple's Deputy Minister, Zhen Yuan, is naturally beautiful. Although she is among the candidates, she does not wish to marry into the imperial family and hopes to find a true love."

The trailer, though only one and a half minutes long, highlighted many conflicts, immediately piquing the interest of the waiting audience. Even those who were initially uninterested became curious.

The trailer ended, and a five-minute commercial began, leaving the audience in suspense.

After the five minutes, the highly anticipated first episode of *Empresses in the Palace* officially began, causing a wave of excitement.

The clear sound of a guzheng played, and the screen showed a background of a bright red peony, with the title: "Grand Television Series — *Empresses in the Palace*."

After the title, a clear, ethereal, and slightly melancholic tune played: "Cutting off the threads of love, the heart remains in turmoil, a thousand threads still entangled. Bowing to the throne, lowering the head to love the beauty, fortune and misfortune alternate..."

The audience praised it highly.

The well-coordinated visuals passed by, and when Wang Shang saw his name in the credits, his heart warmed.

After the opening credits, the main story began...

"This Emperor Yongzheng has a strong presence, and the actor, Chen Jianbin, did a great job."

"The Empress Dowager's eyes are indeed powerful. She is indeed a formidable enemy for Zhen Huan. The Empress seems kind and has a good aura, but I wonder if she is only kind on the surface and cruel at heart..."

"It's clear that the Empress Dowager and the Empress are in conflict. The Empress sending pastries is a clear attempt to curry favor. The Empress Dowager, feeling favored, ignored the Empress and secretly instructed her younger sister, Songzhi, to knock over the Empress's pastries (this younger sister and the Empress Dowager have great默契, a nod is enough for her to understand her intentions), showing that she doesn't care about the Empress..."

"..."

As the first episode progressed, everyone became engrossed in the plot, analyzing the hidden meanings and sharing their opinions with others.

When the first episode reached the point where the eunuch called Zhen Huan's name and she looked up, causing the emperor and the Empress Dowager to be surprised, the episode ended!

"Finished? What the heck, why are the emperor and the Empress Dowager surprised? What's the secret?"

"Damn!! It cut off suddenly, making me so anxious!!"

"Such a lousy edit, a big cliffhanger..."

"At least there's another episode coming up."

Leaving the climax hanging is one of the director's tactics to make the audience continue watching the next episode.

This key plot twist indeed made countless viewers curse, but they had no choice but to continue watching the next episode. However, most viewers were very satisfied with the quality of the first episode, which exceeded their expectations.

After the commercial, the second episode quickly began.

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