Beyond the Great Wall (Wang zhao jun)

The 10th generation of the Han Dynasty

18th year of Emperor Yuan's reign

Spring is everywhere

Birds are humming

Trying to stand out in the group

Many beauties are waiting to serve the Emperor

The womanizing emperor is not satisfied

He's still searching for beauties from the portraits

Oh...

Are you Wang Zhaojun?

You're from Zigui? Yes?

Before coming here to the palace...

you ever heard of the imperial artist Mao Yanshuo?

Did you?

Only a few who haven't heard of my name

Then I guess you should know...

the reason why I painted your portrait, don't you?

Fine, if you don't...

Let me tell you the importance of this portrait

In the palace there're many concubines & maids

The Emperor won't know all of them

I don't think even the Chief Secretary Shi Xian

...would know all the girls

Then when the emperor is in the mood...

Who should he send for?

Huh? Tell me

Who should he send for?

Speak up

Why don't you say something?

You've instructed me...

not to move or talk though!

Only when I'm painting your portrait

I see

Answer me

There are plenty of girls here

Who should the emperor pick?

He does it according to...

What?

I have no idea

Of course he'd refer to the portraits

The portraits I paint for the concubines

Oh, this one here for instance

Thanks for your enlightenment

At this point...

I've finished the rough draft

The only thing missing is the face

Oh, please continue then

That's the last step of the portrait

And it's the most important step to decide...

whether the portrait will end up pretty or ugly

In case I draw your nose a bit to the side

Or if I draw you a larger mouth

Owing to that you may...

Iose the hope of getting close to the emperor

And end up alone here all your life

Therefore, I want to remind you...

how powerful my portraits are

What you mean is...

There's no need to be specific

In that case

Give me a price

How much?

A small token of regard... 100 taels of gold

What? You...

Mr. Mao, Artist Mao

You again?

Mr. Mao

I've managed to get 50 taels

Please change my portrait

Haven't I told you?

I've sent your portrait to the eunuch in charge

I heard that

Wondering if you'd do me a favor

Please pick up that portrait of mine...

and change the eyes to be the same size

Then I'd be highly obliged

That's not what I meant

It's too late now

You're twenty years too late

I know I've become old

Please have pity on me

You can imagine how it is waiting all these years

Here is 50 taels

My entire life savings

Please, have pity on me

Mr. Mao...

Ignore her, she's crazy

Let's continue

Mao Yanshuo, you're only a painter

How dare you cheat the emperor, and accept bribes?

I've nothing to speak to a shameless man like you

Get out of here

Fine

You asked for it!

Let's wait and see

Mr. Mao...

How could you offend him?

Mr. Mao...

His Majesty is here

His Majesty sends for Lady Xu

Picking beautiful women according to their portraits

There could be a lucky one

Poor young beauties!

Such misfortune

Don't be sad, my Lady

Are my eyes not attractive enough?

I'm not pretty enough? Quite lean?

I'm elegant and slender

Then what is missing?

Why am I so unlucky?

If only

I'd just keep my patience...

There's no need to thank me

The purpose of my visit...

is to take a look at your country's splendour

And also to learn your country's...

literature, music, medicine and much more

Secondly

The other tribe is getting very strong and aggressive

Not only they keep stirring up troubles at the border

...they are challenging my tribe too

Previously our nations repeatedly resorted to arms; but...

now I hope we'll work together to fend off enemies

If I could be of any service...

I'll sure be glad to help

Very well, let's work together

Yes

Please, Khan

Who is she?

Wang Zhaojun

Has the emperor shown any special favor to her?

Just let her wait

From winter to summer, from autumn to spring

It's been three years already

There's still no chance to meet the Emperor

My beauty doesn't get me anywhere

Without bribe I couldn't get an accurate portrait

Thinking about the past, I can't help back my tears

I still remember the day when I left my family

Parents wishing luck, an askance look on siblings!

Who'd know that I'm stuck here all alone?

Most likely the sound is from over there

Hold on

Shi Xian

Yes, Your Majesty

Who would play at this hour?

I'm not sure, Your Majesty

Not sure, eh?

Can't you do yourjob properly?

Sorry for my incompetence

Please forgive me, Your Majesty

Arise

Thank you, Your Majesty

It's not unusual to play music at this hour

But the pipa sounds so melancholy

Who could that be?

I do know of a concubine called Wang Qiang...

also known as Wang Zhaojun who plays the pipa

I wonder if that could be her!

Wang Zhaojun

From what I know...

Wang Zhaojun is good in music, she looks ordinary

Besides, it's late now

Maybe Your Majesty should...

That's enough

Yes

Leave

Yes your Majesty

Wang Qiang bids Your Majesty good night

Arise

Thank you, Your Majesty

It's late now, Your Majesty

Maybe you should return to your chamber

Mind your own business

Yes

How many days have you been in the palace?

Three years

Three years?

Shi Xian

Yes Your Majesty

Has Mao Yanshou painted her?

That...

So?

Painter Mao...

Painter Mao...

Have pity on me

Please change my portrait

I've the money you asked for

What are you doing?

How could you let a crazy person in?

Drag her out

Yes

Wait

Shi Xian

Yes, Your Majesty

Now I get it

No wonder you've been trying hard...

not to let me near Yongming palace here

Who'd have thought that...

there are so many ugly secrets going on here!