Serenade of Peaceful Joy
Serenade of Peaceful Joy (), or previously known as Held in the Lonely Castle, is a 2020 Chinese period drama series loosely based on Milan Lady's novel of the same name. It is directed by Zhang Kaizhou, and stars Wang Kai as Emperor Renzong of Song and Jiang Shuying as Empress Cao. The series airs on Hunan TV starting April 7, 2020. Synopsis. When Zhao Zhen discovers his biological mother is not the Empress Dowager Liu E, but her maid Li Lanhui, he arranges a marriage between his beloved daughter Princess Fukang and the Li family ’s son Li Wei as compensation for his lack of filial piety. In the political arena, Zhao Zhen strives to maintain a balance of power between the conservative and progressive factions after the Qingli reforms experiences a significant backlash from the former. Inside the palace, Emperor Renzong faces the dutiful Empress Cao, the troublesome Zhang Mihan, and the gentle Lady Miao. As time passes, all of his sons don't survive past childhood and he is left without a male heir. Outside the palace, Huirou’s married life with Li Wei is far from pleasant – displeased with her foolish and  boring husband, and annoyed by her prying in-laws, Huirou develops an even closer relationship with her eunuch Liang Huaiji. After a serious dispute with her husband’s family, Huirou knowingly breaks the law by charging back to the palace the same night with the help of Huaiji. The next day, conservative official Sima Guang presents a scathing memorial to Zhao Zhen, heavily criticising Huirou for her selfishness and violation of imperial etiquette. Zhao Zhen had always encouraged freedom of speech and supported a supervisory system that would maintain disciplinary surveillance over bureaucrats and royalty, and must ultimately choose between  his daughter’s happiness and the stability of government. Production. Principal photography commenced on 5 January 2019 at Hengdian World Studios. Casting. On 8 November 2018, Wang Kai was announced as the male lead, and the director confirmed that the focus of the drama would be on the emperor's reign, while still keeping the original romance between Princess Huirou and Liang Huaiji intact. On 7 December 2018, the rest of the cast was announced. In May 2019, the drama wrapped up filming and announced guest appearances by several actors. Original soundtrack. The Original Soundtrack album (清平乐 电视剧原声带) was released  on April 30, 2020, and was produced by Meng Ke and Lu Liang. The compilation album of the drama ending themes (清平乐 电视剧片尾曲合辑) was released on May 1, 2020 and was produced by Dong Yingda.