Chapter 32 - 31: Twinkling Stars
The first scene of the TV show opens with a young Emperor Xiang, newly enthroned, embarking on an autumn hunt with his eldest daughter.
In the frame, Emperor Xiang and Princess Lingjun are riding horses at the forefront, with Princess Lingjun occasionally tilting her head to say something to Emperor Xiang, her delicate face breaking into a brilliant smile. Suddenly, she lets out a light shout and dashes into the woods ahead.
Emperor Xiang, smiling indulgently and helplessly behind her, gestures to the guards to follow her.
In the history books, Princess Lingjun is noted for her excellent equestrian skills, and just from this first scene, Ye Qiu thoroughly showcases them. The entire sequence of mounting and speeding up on the horse is done in one go, including the subsequent hunting scenes, which all use no stunt doubles, but the actress herself in action.
What delights the viewers even more is the scene of Ye Qiu hunting, captured in a long shot where one can clearly see Ye Qiu piercing a plum blossom deer's neck with an arrow.
The arrow was real, and the plum blossom deer was actually bought from a farm by the assistant director; Ye Qiu truly shot that deer dead.
Originally, the director planned to shoot this scene in separate shots, but after a strong insistence and a successful trial by Ye Qiu, her capability was trusted, thus creating this classic scene which remained unequaled until Ye Qiu's retirement.
Only half an episode into its premiere, "Legend of Emperor Xiang" already generated an immense buzz.
Grand scenes, exquisite mise-en-scène, skillful acting, and a fast-paced plot truly captured the hearts of the audience.
At this moment, due to Ye Qiu's skillful acting, all doubts about her online instantly vanished, leaving viewers with a vague sense that this is indeed Princess Lingjun!
At this time, Ye Qiu also received her second movie project.