All preparations were complete. With an opening ceremony, filming could officially begin.
Zheng Xiaolong was extremely efficient. While Jiang Ling spent these days meticulously researching her role, he had already sequentially cast the actors and arranged their scenes.
The female lead, Zhen Huan, had long been decided as Sun Li, making further mention unnecessary.
"The Legend of Chun Yuan and She Xiang" was a palace intrigue drama, also a big female-lead drama. With women of the harem as the main focus, the male lead role was somewhat vague.
However, if one were to analyze it closely, the male lead should be the Emperor.
The original novel of "The Legend of Chun Yuan and She Xiang" was a fictional work without a specific historical background. The Emperor was a twenty-five-year-old young man.
Adapted into a television series, the story's setting was moved to the Yongzheng era. As the Yongzheng Emperor ascended the throne at forty-five, it was naturally impossible to cast a young, handsome actor.
To align with history, Zheng Xiaolong boldly cast the acclaimed middle-aged actor Chen Jianbin to play the Emperor.
Chen Jianbin, nicknamed "Teacher Jianbing," gained another endearing title, "Big Orange Cat," after "The Legend of Chun Yuan and She Xiang" became a huge hit.
Although this decision was met with opposition from investors and many original fans, who believed the Emperor should be a refined and handsome youth and that Chen Jianbin was too old, Zheng Xiaolong remained firm in his decision to adhere to history and have Teacher Jianbing carry the main role.
Facts proved his choice was correct. Teacher Jianbing truly was the soul of the male characters in the series, and his importance was no less than that of the female lead.
For the role of the Empress, Zheng Xiaolong had initially intended to find a middle-aged actress with both excellent temperament and acting skills.
Unfortunately, after searching far and wide, he couldn't find anyone who met his expectations.
In the end, at the repeated insistence of the original author, the Hong Kong actress Cha Shao Fen was chosen.
(Melon: Cha Shao Fen is an affectionate nickname, not meant to be derogatory. Doge protecting me!)
According to unofficial sources, the original author had originally intended for Sister Fen to play the female lead.
Years ago, upon seeing Cha Shao Fen star in "Luoshen," the author was struck by her brilliance, which ignited his inspiration and led him to write "The Legend of Chun Yuan and She Xiang."
The name of the female lead, Zhen Huan, was derived from Zhen Mi and Guo Huan.
Alas, Sister Fen was already older at that time and no longer suitable for playing the young Zhen Huan. Thus, she had to settle for the role of the formidable antagonist, the Empress.
As for Sister Mei, Little Bird An, Captain Jing Fei who caught them in the act, and Detective Duan Fei, they also had their respective actors.
The role that gave Zheng Xiaolong the most headaches was Consort Hua.
Jiang Ling refused to play Consort Hua and instead chose Consort Qi.
Finding someone in the industry whose looks could surpass hers was exceedingly difficult.
Even if someone could rival her in appearance, their acting skills might not be sufficient to carry the role.
Difficult, difficult, difficult, it was truly too difficult.
Zheng Xiaolong’s head throbbed like a thousand drums, but he had already agreed, and contracts were signed. There was no turning back.
His wife, Wang Xiaoping, who was also the screenwriter for the series, had put a great deal of effort into it.
Like her husband, she also believed Jiang Ling was the most suitable candidate for Consort Hua.
Her eyes twinkled, and an idea suddenly struck her. "Husband," she said, "I do have an idea that might allow her to play Consort Hua."
Zheng Xiaolong rejoiced and quickly asked, "What is it?"
Wang Xiaoping smiled and said, "I remember a few years ago, I recommended Jiang Yulei for a leading role in a project. Jiang Yulei's sister is Jiang Yushuang, and I heard that recently Jiang Yushuang and Jiang Ling have become very close, as if they were sisters. Why don't we..."