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On September 19, 2015, the highly anticipated drama "Nirvana in Fire" officially premiered on Beijing TV and Dragon TV during prime time, kicking off this epic tale of political intrigue.

When the plot progressed to the point where Prince Yu, Xiao Jinghuan, played by Su Ning, first appeared on screen, countless viewers watching on television couldn't help but hold their breath.

The Prince Yu, as portrayed by the camera, is not simply a sinister or arrogant figure.

Su Ning's performance imbued this character with an extremely complex sense of depth...

He stood tall and straight, his demeanor exuding the grace and majesty of an imperial nobleman; his eyes were deep, and beneath the seemingly calm gaze surged a desire for power, an expectation of his father's approval, and a complex mix of admiration and apprehension towards Mei Changsu.

Without needing many lines, the innate nobility and profound shrewdness that came from within the character had already captivated the hearts of all viewers through the screen.

The online discussion forums instantly erupted:

"My God! This is the Prince Yu I've always imagined! He commands respect without even being angry; his aura is so powerful!"

"Suning's acting is amazing! I get chills down my spine when he smiles, but I can't help but find him so charming!"

"I don't know why, but a voice inside me is shouting that Prince Yu is the ultimate winner! This character is so convincingly portrayed!"

However, the charm of "Nirvana in Fire" goes far beyond that.

When the plot reached the point where Princess Nihuang of the Mu family in Yunnan arrived in the capital, and Princess Nihuang, played by Chen Xiaojun, made her first appearance, it once again triggered a ratings surge.

It was a perfect combination of fiery red makeup and gleaming silver armor!

Chen Xiaojun rode in, her posture as upright as a pine tree, her eyes as sharp as an eagle, possessing both the noble bearing of a princess and the imposing presence of a seasoned general.

In the scene where she reunites with Mei Changsu at the training ground, her eyes shifted from a businesslike scrutiny to incredulous shock, and then to the surging of emotions buried deep in her heart. The precision of her emotional transitions and the moving nature of her performance were truly stunning.

"She's practically a female general straight out of history books!" a history blogger excitedly wrote on Weibo. "Chen Xiaojun's portrayal of Princess Nihuang is both heroic and gentle, resolute yet tender—this is the kind of ancient heroine we want to see!"

The successful portrayal of Princess Nihuang was like a thunderclap, instantly awakening the memories of all viewers...

The recently leaked project "Qin Liangyu" will feature Chen Xiaojun as the female lead, Qin Liangyu!
All previous doubts and controversies vanished at this moment.

As viewers watched the dashing and spirited Princess Nihuang on screen, they automatically imagined her donning the armor of the late Ming Dynasty, leading the White-Spear Army, and galloping across the battlefield on a grander historical stage.

"My God! I was worried that President Chen wouldn't be able to play Qin Liangyu, but now I have to kneel down and apologize to her! This aura, this acting skills, Qin Liangyu is definitely her!"

"From Princess Nihuang to Qin Liangyu, is this the start of a 'Chen Xiaojun female general universe'? I can't wait!"

"If Su Ning is so domineering as Prince Yu, his role as Ma Qiancheng, the husband of Qin Liangyu, which he directs and makes a cameo appearance in, must be just as good! This production team is amazing!"

The buzz continues to grow, with both critical acclaim and viewership ratings exploding.

By October 14th, "Nirvana in Fire" had delivered a record worthy of being recorded in the history of Chinese TV dramas:

With over 930 million views, it continues to dominate the top of the popularity charts on major video websites.

With a viewership rating consistently exceeding 2.085%, it topped the viewership charts in fifty major Chinese cities, leaving other dramas airing far behind.

This is not just a victory of data, but a victory of quality.

With its excellent production, rigorous script, meticulous costumes and props, and the outstanding performances of the entire cast, "Nirvana in Fire" successfully broke through to a wider audience and became the undisputed "phenomenal drama king" of 2015.

Riding on the huge success of "Nirvana in Fire," Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun reached another peak in their careers.

Suning's portrayal of the complex supporting character, Prince Yu, once again demonstrated his versatility and profound acting skills, winning over countless fans.

Chen Xiaojun, on the other hand, with her role as Princess Nihuang, which was extremely popular with the audience, successfully shed the doubts that she was "just dabbling in other fields" and truly joined the ranks of powerful actresses, enjoying unparalleled popularity for a time.

Soon after, netizens and viewers learned that Chen Xiaojun was originally a traditional opera actress, but was tricked by Suning into starting her own business.

The reputation of the "Bizarre and Bizarre" film and television company has also reached new heights.

The industry is amazed by its accurate vision and strong production capabilities. Both the currently airing "Nirvana in Fire" and the upcoming "Qin Liangyu" are regarded as the most anticipated top projects in the next few years.

The storm stirred up by "Nirvana in Fire" not only solidified Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun's status in the entertainment industry, but also paved a dazzling road to stardom for their even bigger moves in the future.

Everyone is eagerly anticipating what kind of legend "Qin Liangyu" will create once again.

……

In the golden autumn of October, at Hengdian World Studios in Zhejiang Province, the Ming and Qing Palace Scenic Area.

A grand opening ceremony is underway.

The incense table was set high, and a heavily armed array of cameras covered with red silk stood guard.

The words "Great success of the start of filming for the large-scale historical drama 'Qin Liangyu'" on the banner gleamed in the sunlight.

Director Kong Sheng, co-director and lead actor Su Ning, lead actress Chen Xiaojun, as well as representatives from Shandong Film Group and the entire cast and crew made an appearance.

The media's cameras and microphones swarmed around the set, the clicking of shutters and the clamor of the crowd jointly announcing the official opening of this highly anticipated epic production.

Director Kong Sheng delivered a calm speech, emphasizing the need to meticulously restore history and portray the heroic spirit.

When Suning took the microphone, the atmosphere reached a climax. He said succinctly, "We will do our best to present a real, three-dimensional, and flesh-and-blood Qin Liangyu, living up to history and expectations."

……

The highlight after filming began was the wedding ceremony of Qin Liangyu and Ma Qiancheng, the Pacification Commissioner of Shizhu.

This scene not only needs to showcase personal joy, but also to highlight the political significance of the Tusi marriage and the magnificence and solemnity of the Ming Dynasty's etiquette.

The camera first pans across the long, winding procession of people delivering the makeup.

The rows of red-lacquered and gilded chests, cabinets, and carrying poles stretched endlessly, winding like a red river.

Silk, jewelry, land deeds, ancient books, exquisite artifacts...

The dazzling array of items showcased the extravagance and cultural heritage of the chieftain's household.

The crowd of onlookers was enormous, marveling at the spectacle of the "ten-mile-long red bridal procession." This was not just a wedding, but also a display of the strength and status of the two families.

Inside the dressing room, Chen Xiaojun (playing Qin Liangyu) was already dressed and ready.

Wearing a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes, surrounded by pearls and jade, and gleaming with gold ornaments, her hair was dignified and hung down on both sides.

Wearing a bright red silk robe with long sleeves and a kylin pattern, the kylin symbolizes auspiciousness and nobility.

She wore a dark blue shawl draped over her shoulders, adorned with gold-embroidered cloud and dragon patterns and adorned with gold pendants.

Wearing a jade belt around her waist, she exuded an extraordinary sense of solemnity.

This wedding dress, meticulously crafted according to the etiquette of a first-rank noblewoman in the Ming Dynasty, is magnificent and dignified. It tempers her original heroic spirit, transforming it into a graceful, dignified, and unapproachable noble bearing.

At first, her gaze was somewhat unfamiliar as she looked at herself in the mirror, but it gradually settled, revealing the complex emotions of a woman about to be married and her cautious expectations for the future.

Su Ning (who plays Ma Qiancheng) is also dressed in a bright red python robe, with a jade belt around his waist and a Liang crown on his head.

He was already tall and straight, but now he looked even more dashing and handsome. His brows showed both the joy of a newlywed and the composure and dignity of a regional envoy.

The wedding was held in the main hall of the Ma family mansion, following the procedures outlined in the "Da Ming Ji Li" (Collection of Rites from the Ming Dynasty).

The hall was brightly lit with red candles and decorated in a magnificent manner.

The wedding ceremony: Ma Qiancheng personally went to the Qin family's residence to welcome the bride, and went through the rituals of removing the fan and urging the bride to get ready.

Temple Visit/Announcement to Ancestors: The newlyweds go to the family temple to offer sacrifices to their ancestors and inform them of the marriage arrangements.

Washing hands, sitting opposite each other, and eating the same meat: The newlyweds wash their hands, sit opposite each other, and eat the same meat, symbolizing that they will share joys and sorrows from now on.

The nuptial cup ceremony: A waiter presents two halves of a gourd, filled with fine wine. Su Ning and Chen Xiaojun exchange a glance, their eyes meeting with the shyness of a first meeting and the solemnity of their mutual commitment.

They each drank half of the wine, then exchanged cups and drank the rest.

The gourd has a bitter taste, symbolizing sharing joys and sorrows; the two together symbolize the unity of husband and wife.

This is the most crucial emotional interaction scene in the ceremony, capturing in close-up the slight trembling of their fingertips, the slightly furrowed yet determined brows as they drink the bitter wine, and the deep glance when exchanging wine cups, silently conveying their promise.

Untying the tassel and tying the hair: The ceremony official solemnly untied a red tassel from Ma Qiancheng's crown, tied it to a strand of Qin Liangyu's black hair, and placed it in a brocade pouch.

"We are bound together as husband and wife, our love unwavering." This scene is solemn and romantic, symbolizing the connection between life and destiny.

Wedding Ceremony: The newlyweds face the positions of Heaven, Earth, Emperor, Parents, and Teacher, and perform the grand ceremony of three bows and nine kowtows.

The movements were slow and precise, full of ritual.

After the elaborate and solemn ceremony, the camera shifts to the festively decorated new home.

The red candles flickered, illuminating the faces of the newlyweds.

With some of the heavy headdress removed, the atmosphere became slightly more relaxed.

Looking at Qin Liangyu (played by Chen Xiaojun), who appeared even more beautiful and clear-eyed in the candlelight, Ma Qiancheng (played by Su Ning) took the initiative to speak, his voice gentle yet firm: "Liangyu, you and I will be husband and wife, and also allies. Shizhu and Zhongzhou will be interdependent from now on. I know you are no ordinary young lady. I hope you can share the burden of military and political affairs with your husband in the future."

Qin Liangyu (Chen Xiaojun) looked up at him, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, which quickly turned into appreciation and determination.

She nodded slightly, her voice clear and melodious: "Thanks to my husband's trust, Liangyu will do her utmost to help him stabilize the region, and live up to the expectations of the court and the people."

Their hands gently clasped for the first time beside the bed covered with a bright red quilt draped with mandarin ducks.

This is not the tender affection of young lovers, but a covenant based on mutual recognition and shared responsibility, the starting point of a legendary life together.

"Cut!" Director Kong's voice came through the walkie-talkie, filled with satisfaction: "That take was perfect! The emotions, blocking, and etiquette details were all spot on!"

All the staff breathed a sigh of relief and then responded with enthusiastic applause.

This meticulously crafted wedding banquet scene not only showcased the magnificence and solemnity of high-level wedding ceremonies in the Ming Dynasty through visual spectacle, but more importantly, it precisely established the unique tone of the relationship between Ma Qiancheng and Qin Liangyu, who knew and cherished each other and fought side by side.

Chen Xiaojun's expressive eyes under heavy makeup, and Su Ning's respect and appreciation, all imbued this "political marriage" with a moving emotional tension.

The opening scene of "Qin Liangyu" is a major production that combines historical weight, cultural beauty, and profound character development, demonstrating the production's ambition and strength in creating high-quality works.

Under the sky of Hengdian, the epic tale of a female hero is slowly unfolding its glorious first page.

……

As night fell, the hustle and bustle of the film and television base gradually subsided with the call to wrap up, leaving only a few scattered lights illuminating the outlines of the antique-style buildings.

For Chen Xiaojun, however, this marked the beginning of another important moment in her day.

She would always carry a thick script and walk briskly to Suning's room.

My fingertips paused briefly on the doorbell, as if performing a secret ritual, before gently pressing it.

The door opened with a sound, and Su Ning seemed to have anticipated her arrival, stepping aside to let her in.

The room was filled with a faint aroma of tea, and the laptop was still lit up, its screen displaying either storyboard sketches or recently completed business documents.

“Director Su, I feel that the emotional depth of today’s ‘Military Parade’ scene is not quite there yet…” She spread out the script, which was covered with notes, her expression focused and serious, as if she really only wanted to discuss the script.

Suning would take the script and examine it carefully under the light.

Then he put his arm around Chen Xiaojun and explained the character's motivation, analyzed the situation and atmosphere, and sometimes even personally demonstrated a look or a gait.

His guidance was always insightful and to the point, enlightening her.

However, beneath this serious professional exchange flows a tacit understanding and warmth that needs no words.

Chen Xiaojun knows her place better than anyone else.

She is Suning's capable assistant, an indispensable arm in his business empire, and also his confidante with whom he shares both successes and troubles in his life.

Their relationship has long transcended the simple superior-subordinate and partner dynamic, interwoven with trust, appreciation, and a profound understanding.

She knew that for a man like Su Ning, marriage was probably no longer something that could be simply decided by personal feelings.

That involves too many interests, strategic considerations, and future plans.

She never dared to ask for that official title. Being able to stand by his side, fight alongside him, and share the most important part of his life is a fortune that many people long for but cannot attain.

That's why, when she learned that she would be married to Ma Qiancheng, played by Su Ning, in "Qin Liangyu," and portray a deep and affectionate relationship of mutual support and fighting side by side, she felt an indescribable, immense joy mixed with a touch of bitterness welling up inside her.

In front of the camera, she can rightfully call him "husband," can hold his hand and gaze at him as a matter of course, and can immerse herself in the emotions given to her by the role, experiencing the kind of bond that is recognized by the world and recorded by history.

For her, it was like a short but magnificent dream, an unexpected gift from fate.

Sometimes, when acting out scenes, she would become slightly dazed, unable to distinguish whether the intense heartbeat belonged to Qin Liangyu for Ma Qiancheng or to her, Chen Xiaojun, for Su Ning.

As the word "Action" rang out, she was the valiant General Qin, and he was her solid and reliable support.

After the "Cut," she was a humble actress and subordinate seeking advice, while he was an unfathomable director and boss.

The boundaries are clear, yet they are gently blurred on countless nights like these.

At this moment, Su Ning held Chen Xiaojun tightly in his arms and whispered, "Xiaojun, will you stay with me tonight?"

"No! Tomorrow's scenes are very important; it's the main event—the battle against the rebels." Chen Xiaojun shyly refused Su Ning's offer to stay.

"It's alright! This level of intensity is a piece of cake for us!" However, Suning, who was on a whim, was not about to let it go so easily.

"But……"

"Stop saying 'but'! I'm practically turning into a monk these days."

"..." In the end, Chen Xiaojun still gave in to the bad man in front of her.

She put away the script, which had been annotated in greater detail, and got up to leave.

The next morning, while everyone was still asleep, Chen Xiaojun got up, dressed, and left Su Ning's room.

Looking at the man who was still fast asleep, she couldn't help but kiss him, and suddenly realized that she couldn't live without Su Ning anymore.

"Suning, it's so good to have met you."

In those eyes, there was gratitude, respect, dependence, and even more so, a sense of peace and contentment after a deep love had been properly placed.

The door closed gently.

Suning may not be able to give Chen Xiaojun worldly promises, but he gave her a broad stage, an opportunity to showcase her value, and the role of a "wife" in this work that is destined to be recorded in history.

For Chen Xiaojun, that was enough.

To be able to openly and honestly play a wife in a movie or TV series, showcasing the two most important identities in her life...

Her career and her feelings for him have become one in this work to which she has poured her heart and soul, which is the thing that makes her feel happiest and most at ease this autumn.

For her, this moment of companionship and the bond she shares with the characters in the play is, in a sense, an eternity.

...(End of chapter)