The only sun in Huayu

After Han Sanping finished speaking, polite applause rang out in the room.

Host Xie Nan promptly enlivened the atmosphere.

"Thank you, Mr. Han, for your insightful remarks. I feel that we are not just making a movie, but also taking on a weighty cultural responsibility."

"However, even the most profound history needs living, breathing people to bring it to life. Now, let's hand the time over to the creators and hear their stories."

Xie Nan first turned her gaze to Wu Jing, who was standing to the side.

"Director Wu, this is your first time directing a feature film, and a project like 'Jiajing.' Could you share your feelings right now, and the biggest challenge you've faced?"

Wu Jing took the microphone, looking visibly reserved: "Of course I'm excited, and I'm also grateful. First and foremost, I want to thank Director Shen Shandeng. Without his trust and support, I wouldn't have this opportunity to stand here."

"As for challenges, there are too many to count; almost every day presents a challenge."

"How to present historical narratives and court intrigues in a way that maintains quality and tension."

"Also coordinating the schedules and acting styles of so many excellent actors, to be honest, was very stressful. I often couldn't sleep, because I was afraid of letting Director Shen down and also afraid of letting down such a good script and team."

Xie Nan laughed and replied, "It seems that being a director is really not an easy job. But judging from the finished product, your pressure and hard work were well worth it."

Her gaze swept over Chen Daoming and Huang Xiaoming, and she joked, "Next, let's ask the two 'pillars of the Ming Dynasty,' our Jiajing Emperor and Chief Minister Yang."

"The two fight to the death in the movie, and they look so good together off-screen. The audience at the premiere is in for a treat!"

A cheer immediately erupted from the audience.

The voices of female viewers were particularly clear.

Xie Nan first asked Huang Xiaoming, "Xiaoming, this time you play the young emperor Zhu Houcong, a role that spans a considerable period from an ignorant prince to someone who wields power. What do you think was the biggest challenge during filming?"

Huang Xiaoming picked up the microphone and said, "First of all, I must thank Director Shen for giving me this opportunity. To be honest, although everyone outside calls me the 'top leading man,' I don't actually have many good opportunities to carry a leading role."

This was a self-deprecating remark, but not entirely.

"As for the difficulties, the age difference is one of them. When Jiajing ascended the throne, he was only fourteen or fifteen years old. How could I, at my age, capture that feeling? I really thought about it for a long time."

At this point, Huang Xiaoming glanced at Shen Shandeng and then laughed, "Later, it was Director Shen's words that enlightened me. He told me that I have a particularly suitable characteristic, which is that I am very good at being cool."

"Don't overcomplicate Jiajing. Just focus on the 'beautiful, strong, and tragic' trope. After his later awakening, he can directly evolve into a domineering CEO. This is my comfort zone, and I found the right feeling right away."

"Oh?" Xie Nan asked curiously, "'Domineering CEO' is a rather novel term. And what does 'beautiful, strong, and tragic' mean?"

Huang Xiaoming explained with a smile: "This is what Director Shen summarized: 'beautiful, powerful, and with a tragic background.'"

"First, historical records describe the Jiajing Emperor as handsome, and second, as the emperor of a country at the pinnacle of power, he was naturally very powerful."

"And what about the 'tragic' part? He lost his father at a young age, entered the capital as a prince, and faced pressure from the court officials. He couldn't even acknowledge his own parents. Isn't that tragic enough?"

"So this role is about showing how he grows from an innocent boy into someone who gradually takes control of life and death and becomes the only one who has the final say."

This interpretation is quite novel.

Then, Xie Nan steered the conversation toward Chen Daoming.

"Teacher Chen, your portrayal of Yang Tinghe left a deep impression. Your imposing presence and every line you uttered carried immense weight. How did you understand and shape this character?"

Chen Daoming said, "I believe that the conflict between Yang Tinghe and the Jiajing Emperor was not primarily a simple contest of loyalty versus treachery, good versus evil, but rather a fundamental difference in their political lines and governing philosophies." "The 'Great Rites Controversy' was merely a trigger and entry point for the conflict."

Chen Daoming recounted the story in a detailed and engaging manner. He casually quoted from "The Veritable Records of Emperor Shizong of Ming," "Biographies of Grand Secretaries Since the Jiajing Era," and several works by modern scholars of Ming history.

Xie Nan looked on with admiration.

Huang Xiaoming, Wu Jing, and other key members of the production team also nodded in agreement.

The audience felt that he was truly cultured and lived up to his reputation.

Only Shen Shandeng looked strange.

Teacher Chen has borrowed from him again.

He did discuss it with Teacher Chen, who often recommended books.

At first, he looked at it, but later he found out that the other party hadn't.

Of course, projecting an image of being knowledgeable is a good thing in this circle, which shows that you pay attention to your image.

Chen Daoming was unaware that Shen Shandeng was thinking about him.

"Yang Tinghe was one of the most powerful officials in the Ming Dynasty."

Chen Daoming continued, "Looking back, there might have been Yu Qian, and looking forward, there was Zhang Juzheng, but in the crucial thirty-eight days between Emperor Wuzong's death and the new emperor's ascension to the throne, the power he possessed was unprecedented."

"Such a person must have something he firmly believes in. He is not a purely bad person; in fact, he believes that everything he does is for the stability of the country."

“I think we can describe him as an ‘elegant tyrant’ or a ‘lonely night watchman.’ He firmly believed that what he was protecting was the ‘foundation of the state’ and the ‘rites and laws’—the fundamental rules that maintained the operation of the Ming Dynasty, even if it meant standing on the opposite side of imperial power.”

Xie Nan exclaimed, "After listening to Professor Chen's interpretation, I feel that my understanding of the film has deepened. Especially the scenes in the imperial court, his delivery of lines is textbook-level, and every line makes people feel pressured."

This was followed by an audience Q&A session.

A young male audience member grabbed the microphone: "I want to tell Huang Xiaoming, your portrayal of Zhu Houcong was so handsome! Especially that domineering 'I want it all' attitude!"

"I want to sit on the throne! I want to acknowledge my parents! The whole process of being crushed by Yang Tinghe, to gradually scheming and finally turning the tables, was incredibly satisfying to watch!"

Next, a female viewer focused on more nuanced details.

"I was particularly moved by Zhu Houcong's filial piety towards his mother. His willingness to stand up to the whole world for his mother is very touching, and I think many female viewers would like this aspect."

"Finally, I want to say that Brother Xiaoming is so handsome."

Huang Xiaoming smiled slightly.

Some viewers even asked Chen Daoming questions, expressing their admiration for the charismatic villains and tragic heroes he portrayed.

Listening to the questions and feedback from the audience, Shen Shandeng, sitting in a corner, smiled slightly.

The last bit of weight that had been hanging over my heart finally lifted.

It seems that this film has firmly achieved its intended positioning.

In short, this is a "historical idol drama" packaged in the guise of a serious drama. (End of Chapter)