| Native Name: | 宮心計 |
| Director: | Fong Chun Chiu |
| Opentheme: | "攻心計" performed by Susanna Kwan |
| Endtheme: | "風車" performed by Charmaine Sheh |
| Composer: | Tang Chi Wai |
| Country: | Hong Kong |
| Num Episodes: | 33 |
| Executive Producer: | Mui Siu-ching |
| Location: | Hong Kong |
| Camera: | Multi camera |
| Runtime: | 42 – 45 minutes |
| Company: | TVB |
| Network: | TVB Jade |
| Related: | Can't Buy Me Love (2010) Deep in the Realm of Conscience (2018) |
| T: | 宮心計 |
| S: | 宫心计 |
| L: | The Palace Conspiracy |
| J: | Gung1 Sam1 Gai3 |
| P: | Gōng Xīn Jì |
| Pic: | BTROC title.jpg |
| Piccap: | Title screen |
Beyond the Realm of Conscience is a 2009 Hong Kong television period drama serial. Produced by Mui Siu-ching, the serial is one of two TVB productions to celebrate along with the channel's 42nd anniversary, the other being Born Rich.[1] [2] The drama aired five days a week on the TVB network with 45-minute episodes starting 19 October 2009. It stars Charmaine Sheh, Tavia Yeung, Moses Chan, Kevin Cheng, Susanna Kwan and Michelle Yim as the main leads.
Set in the latter years of the Tang dynasty, Beyond the Realm of Conscience tells the story of palace maid Lau Sam-ho and her relations in the Imperial Palace, beginning with her experiences in the Imperial Household Bureau (尚宮局). The series title roughly means "Plots in the Palace" and is a play on the phrase (攻心計), a homonym which roughly means "Plots that target and attack the heart".
Gong Choi-king, a jewellery maker, is forced back into the palace with her daughter, Lau Sam-ho and their servant, Yiu Kam-ling. She was assigned the task of making a beautiful, gold hairpiece in the shape of a phoenix, with a luminous pearl as the eye and the feathers of a river kingfisher as the tail for the Empress Dowager. However, during the Empress' daily walk around the imperial garden, the phoenix headpiece suddenly weeped tears of blood. Taking this as a sign of bad luck, the Empress throws the hairpiece away and demands Choi-king to be severely punished. Choi-king suffers harsh beating as her punishment and passes away. Before her death, she tells Sam-ho to always remember the significance of her name ("Speak good words, do good deeds, show good will."). She also tells her to help and work together with Kam-ling as if they are sisters.
Around the time of Choi-king's death, Dowager Concubine Cheng's son, Lee Yi, the prince, encounters a 6 year old Sam-ho. He shows kindness to her by giving her some white flowers from Choi-king's favourite tree, the Chinese viburnum (瓊花), so she can take it to her dying mother. Empress Dowager was still very angry because of the hair piece and asked the new head of the Jewellery department, Yuen Chui-wan to shatter it. However, Yuen Chui-wan believed that the hairpiece is a one of a kind masterpiece, therefore she injures her own hand to protect it. She tells Empress Dowager that the hair piece is full of bad luck and if it is shattered, then all of the bad luck will merge with the air. Taking this as an advantage, Empress Dowager forces Dowager Concubine Cheng to wear the hair piece and tells her because of her good spirit, she can block the bad luck from the entering the palace. After a short period of time, bad luck begins to happen to Dowager Concubine Cheng and her son Lee Yi. A rumour spreads around the palace that Lee Yi fell from the tree and injured his head, causing his brain to remain as a 6-year-old boy forever. Lee Yi uses this as an excuse to escape the imminent death threat from the Empress Dowager. Sam-ho gives him some sweet lotus seed candy to comfort him on the journey as he is sent away from the palace. The young prince begins to develop a small affection for her.
The Imperial Household Bureau is responsible for managing and directing all household services to the Emperor and the Imperial family of the Tang Dynasty. It is made up of four departments, namely the Houses of Jewelry, Attire, Food, and Furnishing. Sam-ho and Kam-ling are introduced into the bureau in their childhood and are brought up as the disciples in the palace. Yuen Tsui-wan, Head of the Jewels, and Chung Suet-ha, Head of Attire, are both very fond of Sam-ho for she is a kind-hearted young girl and shows great capabilities in the decorative arts of jewellery and silk work. Both of them fight bitterly to have Sam-ho in their departments. In the end, Sam-ho is assigned to Department of Attire while, Kam-Ling is assigned to the Department of Jewelry.
Years later, a grown up Sam-ho meets Ko Hin-yeung, a palace scholar and also a chess teacher and the two share a secret love. A grown Prince Lee Yi, also grows up and returns to the palace. He eventually becomes the Emperor after evading assassinations with the help of Sam-ho and Hin-yeung. He promotes Hin-yeung as the Palace General because of his faithfulness. Sam-ho later becomes the Head of the Jewelry Department. Even though the Emperor has a deep feeling for Sam-ho and wants to have Sam-ho as his concubine, he buries his feelings for her when he discovers that Hin-yeung and Sam-ho are deeply in love and planning to escape from the palace but stayed to help him.
Sam-ho and Kam-ling continue their friendship, treating each other as sisters and this provokes jealousy among other palace girl servants. Time and time again, they will try to get Sam-ho and Kam-ling into trouble. However, Sam-ho's honesty and kindness charms many powerful people in the palace and they always come to her aid. Meanwhile, Kam-ling uses her cunning mind to eliminate her enemies. As time passed, Kam-ling realises to protect herself and to be able to survive in the palace, she has to be powerful and respected. She slowly works on a scheme to gain favour of the Empress Dowager Cheng, Yi's mother and is chosen as one of the Yi's concubines. She works on a bigger scheme to eliminate all her competitors, which eventually includes Sam-ho.
Note: Some of the characters' names are in Cantonese romanisation.
Note: Some of the characters' names are in Cantonese romanisation.
| Cast | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chung Suet Ha 鍾雪霞 | Head of Embroidery Proceedings→Head of Palace Proceedings in Episode 22 Marries Bo Kat Cheung on his deathbed | |
| Yuen Chui Wan 阮翠雲 | Assistant Head of Jewellery→Head of Jewellery Proceedings in Episode 1→Head of Furnishings in Episode 14→ Head of Furnishings & Embroidery Proceedings in Episode 22 Married to Man Gim Fung in Episode 33 and has a long lost son with Man Gim Fung | |
| Ma Yuen Zi 馬元贄 | Head Eunuch Commander Imperial household troops Cousin of Suen Ka Bik Godfather of Concubine Yin Died in Episode 33 (stabbed by Concubine Lai) Main Villain | |
| Empress Dowager Zheng 鄭太后 | Concubine Dowager→Empress Dowager Lee Yi's mother Died in Episode 32 killed by Lady Lai | |
| Empress Dowager Guo 郭太后 | Empress Dowager → Grand Empress Dowager Grandmother of Lee Chin Lee Jau's mother Died in Episode 14 killed by General Ma | |
| Choi Jong Ping 蔡仲屏 | Head of Palace Proceedings Retired and stripped of her status and possessions in Episode 19 Assumed dead due to hepatitis. | |
| Bo Kat Cheung 布吉祥 | Head Servant in the Palace Bo Siu Chun's Adopted Father Died in Episode 22 (Killed by Concubine Lai) Married to Chung Suet Ha on deathbed | |
| Tam Yim Sheung 譚艷裳 | Head of Food & Beverages Proceedings Niece of Choi Jong Ping Semi-Villain up to Episode 19 | |
| Wu So Yan 胡素恩 | Head of Furnishings Proceedings (died in Episode 13, committed suicide) Tried to poison Yuen Chui Wan. | |
| Concubine Yin (Man Po Yin) 賢妃 (also 万宝賢) | Concubine to Lee Yi in Episode 16 Miscarriage and died in Episode 31 (killed by Concubine Lai) | |
| Chin Fei Yin 錢飛燕 | Palace Maid Kam Ling's personal maid Betrayed Concubine Lai to reveal her guilt to Lee Yi in Episode 33 Semi-villain | |
| Lee Jau 李宥 | Emperor Muk Tsung Died in Episode 2 Villain | |
| Lee Chin 李瀍 | Emperor Mou Tsung Died in Episode 10 killed by General Ma | |
| Lee Chun 李峻 | Prince of Qi Eldest son and heir presumptive of Emperor Mou Tsung | |
| Noble Concubine Wong 王貴妃 | Concubine to Lee Chin Killed by orders of Grand Empress Dowager Guo to be buried with Lee Chin | |
| Concubine Wai 惠妃 | Concubine to Lee Chin Died in Episode 9 (killed by Head of Army) | |
| Tsui Ma Ma 徐媽媽 | Maid of the Empress Dowager Guo Beheaded in Episode 7 Villain | |
| Man Gim Fung 萬劍鋒 | General Father of Man Po Yin Paralysed in Episode 30 Married to Yuen Chui Wan in Episode 33 | |
| Suen Ka Bik 孫家碧 | Man Po Yin's mother Cousin of Ma Yuen Zi Executed in Episode 21 Accused for using dark magic that caused Concubine Lai's miscarriage Villain | |
| Kwok Fung | Ko Yiu On 高耀安 | Palace Chess Teacher Hin Yeung's father Died in Episode 25 (Poisoned by Head of Army) |
| Bo Siu Shun 布小順 | Servant in the Palace The Mistakened son of Man Gim Fung and Yuen Choi Wan in Episode 24 later god son Bo Kat Cheung's adopted son Chung Suet Ha's god son | |
| Li Tak Yu 李德裕 | Prime Minister and Lee Chin's friend Died of illness in Episode 27 | |
| Physician Si 史太醫 | The Royal Surgeon Bribed by Concubine Lai to assist killing Suen Ka Pik, Man Po Yin and Empress Dowager Cheng Died in Episode 32 (Killed on Ma Yuen Zi's command) Villain | |
| Lau Chong Pak 劉松柏 | Lau Sam Ho's father Died in Episode 25 (Poisoned by Head of Army) | |
| Kong Choi King 江採瓊 | Lau Sam Ho's mother Died in Episode 1 due to wounds from the punishment. | |
| Kristy Leung | Siu Kam Ling 小金鈴 | Lau Sam Ho's daughter |
| Prince Dorji | Son of the Tibetan King | |
| Onizuka Kojiro | Japanese chess player | |
Parts of the plot of the drama series are inspired or based on historical facts or beliefs.
Since the successful Korean blockbuster drama, Jewel in the Palace, reached a final peak 50 rating points, and topped the chart in Hong Kong in 2005, Hong Kong had been waiting for another breathtaking production to the likes of Jewel in the Palace. After in 2004, the highly successful TVB drama series War and Beauty gripped a huge audience and gained excellent ratings. Producer Mui Siu Ching, who is highly familiar to this type of darker plot, with her experiences in dramas such as Forensic Heroes and The Brink of Law, moved straight to commission this drama production which genre to costume series revolving around the conflicts and struggle within the inner palace.[3] In late 2008, a trailer was released at TVB's sales presentation.[4] A costume fitting took place on 17 February 2009.[5] The series was originally planned to start filming in December 2008, but executives felt it had potential to be a grand production and pushed filming to February 2009 with the script modified from the original 25 episodes to 33 and new costumes were designed specifically for the series.[6]
The original working title known as Palace Schemes linked the story to scheming hearts of women in the royal palace.[7] Although its Chinese title kept on the same meaning, the English title was changed to Beyond the Realm of Conscience.[8] When initial script was first submitted, it was temporarily called Lau Sam Ho, representing Charmaine Sheh's character. 50% of the storyline from the sales presentation trailer was changed. It yielded the some development in casting, costume, setting, character and screenplay as well.
Charmaine Sheh was cast as the protagonist. Two previous TVB award-winning actors, Moses Chan and Kevin Cheng are also featured. TVB Best Supporting Actress 2008 winner Tavia Yeung portrays her first villainous role, which was also the most challenging role she has taken on for the past 10 years.[9] Other experienced actresses starring alongside her also played famous villainous roles including Susanna Kwan (villain in Heart of Greed), Michelle Yim (villain in Moonlight Resonance) Susan Tse (villain in Rosy Business).[10] Selena Li was cast as Mun Bou Yin to motivate younger audiences. Christine Ng[11] and Fala Chen, who were featured in the trailer were replaced by Kara Wai and Yoyo Chen due to scheduling conflicts.
The series was only filmed in Hong Kong, unlike 2003's costume drama War and Beauty. The outdoor scenes were filmed in local parks and within TVB City.[12] High rise buildings that surrounded the parks were removed in post production.
Sheh's character had 17 image and 30 set of custom-made costumes.[13] Cheng's wig with middle parting was made by the same master who crafted Tony Leung's wig in Red Cliff while Chan's emperor wig was specially created with braided pattern.[14] The wigs were heavy and the female cast needed to keep some painkillers handy during the costume fitting.[15] As the height of the wig represents social status, Susan Tse who played the Empress had the tallest wig, taking 3 hours to prepare for makeup and setting hairstyle.[16] Yeung pointed out that the female cast in the series suffer from neck and shoulder pains, "The head ornaments are too heavy. So, by the time we finish filming the series, everyone will probably suffer from cervical vertebrae inflammation (swelling)! As soon as the head ornament goes on, our necks already have problems. Right now, my neck and shoulders are swollen. I have to apply ointment on them every night."[17]
250 sets of costumes were made representing the 4 departments in the palace; embroidery department used lilies and the pink color, jewelry department used peonies and the blue color, food department used chrysanthemums and the orange color, and upholstery department used lotus and the green color.[18]
The series is in a miniseries format, typical throughout East Asia. It revolves around palace scheming, which has been featured in numerous TVB television series before Beyond the Realm of Conscience and also beyond Hong Kong, China and Taiwan in dramas from Korea and other East Asian countries. These series were originally made popular by War and Beauty, also produced by TVB in 2004 and also as an anniversary grand production. However, this series is different in that carries the typical message that good (Lau Sam Ho, Charmaine Sheh) always beats evil (Yiu Kam Ling, Tavia Yeung). War and Beauty depicts the lives of four imperial concubines who all scheme to rise.
Initial audience anticipation of the series before airing was mostly positive, reported as being a highly anticipated drama following its sales presentation.[19] Some audience also looked forward to Tavia Yeung being cast as a villain for the first time.[20] Some viewers also criticised Charmaine Sheh's character of "Lau Sam Ho" as being "too perfect" and unrealistic.
Tavia Yeung's acting skills initially received criticism from viewers saying that she was not "evil" enough for her role as "Yiu Gam Ling" but by the end of the series, she won praise. Sheh also received praise for her acting, in particular in the final episode.[21] The series also received acclaim from critics for its elaborate costumes and plot.[22]
The comparison of the series to TVB's 2004 War and Beauty received much retaliation from fans. The plotting and scheming of the characters in Beyond the Realm of Conscience was repeatedly inferior to that of War and Beauty. Others argued that the series was superior in portraying the vulnerability of those less powerful. Sheh and Chan who starred in both series, defended the popularity of both series.
Ratings wise the drama performed extremely well from the start. The first episode received an index rating of 34 points (2.14 million viewers) and peaking at 36 points (2.29 million viewers), breaking TVB's 2003 record for a first episode.[23] The second week of the series was better received, with a peak of 41 points for episode 6.[24] It maintained a steady progress in subsequent weeks. Sheh hoped that Beyond the Realm of Conscience, would break Korean drama Jewel in the Palace's record. For the final episode the series managed to receive 50 points for the scene in which the characters of Sam Ho and Ko Hin Yeung were reunited. The drama attracted 1% more viewers, with 98% of viewers against the formers's 97%, pleased both drama's producer and cast,[25] and meant that Beyond the Realm of Conscience finished as TVB's most viewed series in 2009.[26]
| Nominees | Accolades | Results |
|---|---|---|
| My Favourite Female Character | ||
| Best Performance of the Year | ||
| Best Actress | ||
| Best Actress | ||
| My Favourite Female Character | ||
| Best Drama | ||
| Michelle Yim | Best Supporting Actress | |
| Best Actor | ||
| My Favourite Male Character | ||
| Lee Kwok Lun | Best Supporting Actor | |
| Ram Chiang | ||
| Best Supporting Actress | ||
| Week | Episodes | Average Points | Peaking Points | References | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19–23 October 2009 | [27] | ||||
| 26–30 October 2009 | [28] | ||||
| 2–6 November 2009 | [29] | ||||
| 9–13 November 2009 | [30] | ||||
| 16–20 November 2009 | [31] | ||||
| 23–27 November 2009 | [32] | ||||
| 28 November 2009 | [33] | ||||
| 29 November 2009 | [34] |
| Region | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubbed in Mandrian (Mandarin Dubbed and Malay subtitles on TV2) | ||
| Channel 3[35] | Dubbed in Thai | |
| Dubbed in Mandrian | ||
| Dubbed in Mandrian |