The director starts by learning from the abilities of renowned directors.

Chapter 127, "Palace," premiered, marking the first gap in release schedule.

"Palace" was initially sold to four major satellite TV stations in Anhui, Jiangsu, Beijing, and Zhejiang provinces, at 500,000 yuan per episode each, totaling 2 million yuan per episode across the four stations. In the second round, it was sold to three more satellite TV stations and nine local channels, accumulating 900,000 yuan per episode. The combined first and second round sales totaled 2.9 million yuan per episode. Multiplying this by the total number of episodes (35), "Palace" achieved a cumulative sales revenue of 1.15 million yuan, becoming the second TV series in China, after the new "Three Kingdoms," to surpass 100 million yuan in sales.

The total production cost of the TV series was 3000 million yuan, of which Shenqi Film and Television Company invested 1200 million yuan, accounting for 50% of the shares, and Tangren Company invested 1800 million yuan, accounting for 50% of the shares.

It may seem like Tangren was at a disadvantage, but the actual results proved that this was Tangren Film & Television's most profitable drama.

The media has widely reported on the copyright price of "Palace" and it has sparked heated discussions online.

It's true that the total sales price of "Three Kingdoms" was much higher than that of "Palace," with media reports indicating it sold for 2.5 million yuan. However, "Three Kingdoms" has 95 episodes, while "Palace" only has 35. In terms of per-episode price, "Three Kingdoms" was slightly lower than "Palace."

The first run of "Three Kingdoms" was also sold to four satellite TV stations for 45 yuan each, totaling 180 million yuan. "Palace" sold for 200 million yuan in its first run.

The four major TV stations were only willing to pay 45 yuan per episode for "Three Kingdoms", but they were willing to pay 50 yuan for "Palace"? Netizens are discussing this extensively.

"Actually, it's perfectly normal. 'Palace' can't be viewed in isolation as an ordinary drama. It has to be compared with 'Scarlet Heart' and 'Legend of Lu Zhen' from a recent period, and even with 'My Love from the Star' from a much earlier period. In short, all the dramas that Magical Films invests in are phenomenal hits. The four major TV stations are betting on their dramas this time, and GG Entertainment also believes that this time will be no exception."

"I forgot to mention 'Boss & Me,' which was the starting point for Zhao Liying's rise to A-list status with just two dramas. Fan Bingbing's popularity soared after 'My Love from the Star,' turning around her public image; Zhao Liying went from extras to A-list after just two dramas; Liu Shishi was even more exaggerated, rising to A-list status with just one drama; now it's Yang Mi's turn."

"Yang Mi acted in Shen Qing's movies a long time ago. 'The Shallows' even opened up the North American market, and 'Chinese Paladin 3' was also very strong. But I feel that her overall popularity is not as high as Zhao Liying and Liu Shishi now. Recently, 'Scarlet Heart' and 'Legend of Lu Zhen' are really amazing."

"Shenqi Films' previous dramas were all good, but this time, we have to question their 'Palace'."

"Upstairs, why?"

"This drama is inherently flawed; it's just something Shen Qing uses to appease Yang Mi."

"what?"

"Absolutely true! Yang Mi is Shen Qing's woman, and Shen Qing dotes on her. He cast her in 'The Shallows,' and supposedly in 'Overheard.'"

It was also thanks to Shen Qing's resources. Shen Qing suggested Yang Mi act in *Chinese Paladin 3*, and then, when Shen Qing visited Yang Mi on set, he immediately spotted Liu Shishi, who played Long Kui, on set. This led to Shenqi Pictures' collaboration with Tangren Media to co-produce *Scarlet Heart*, all for Liu Shishi! Ironically, Tangren initially didn't understand Shen Qing's intentions and wanted Liu Shishi to play a minor supporting role as Lüwu. In the end, Shen Qing simply declared: Liu Shishi will be the female lead! But what do you think Yang Mi thought of that? Apparently, it caused a stir, and Shen Qing, having no other choice, casually wrote an outline and gave it to the company's screenwriter, which led to the current *Palace*!

"Yang Mi is Shen Qing's woman? They're dating? Neither of them has ever admitted it, right?"

"It's normal not to admit it in the entertainment industry."

"So, Shen Qing used 'Palace' to appease Yang Mi?"

"I heard that many plots are similar to 'Scarlet Heart.' How could Shen Qing have time to seriously write a TV series? Other people can easily get $1.5 million in investment for their movie scripts, with a target of $10 billion in global box office. It's already very rare for him to be able to write a lousy palace intrigue drama about Yang Mi."

"You mean 'The Great Wall'? A $1.5 million investment? Is that true?"

"Everyone in the industry knows, it's absolutely true. I heard the female lead's character is incredibly well-developed, and female celebrities in the entertainment industry are practically fighting tooth and nail to get involved. Anyone who can contact Shen Qing wants to be close to her. Didn't someone photograph Shen Qing having dinner with Li Bingbing and the Li sisters a few days ago? Why? It's all for this movie!"

"Huh? Didn't the person upstairs just say that Yang Mi is Shen Qing's woman? Does that mean the movie will fall into Yang Mi's hands?"

"If only it were that simple. It's said that Shen Qingyuan has more than one woman, ever since he appointed Liu Shishi to star in 'Scarlet Heart'."

"Now I know what kind of person he is."

"Listen upstairs, don't spread unsubstantiated rumors about Shen Qing. The administrator will be deleting the posts soon."

""

"It seems quite difficult to air Shen Qing's drama."

-

Ouyang Changlin, director of Hunan Provincial Television, said to Xiao Ning, deputy director of the editorial office.

Xiao Ning replied, "200 million per episode has already exceeded our station's limit, but this time they sold 290 million per episode. Unless we give up the operating rights and only want one round, Shen Qing will not agree. If Shen Qing doesn't agree, no matter how easy Tangren is to talk to, it won't work."

Ouyang Changlin asked, "Which of these shows from Magical Films hasn't been released yet?"

Xiao Ning said, "That show is called 'The Romance of Tiger and Rose.' It's said that the cost per episode is only 50 yuan. The female lead, Li Yitong, isn't very popular, but Magical Pictures still wants to sell it for 200 million yuan per episode. This price is no longer worthwhile."

Ouyang Changlin said, "Youth, inspiration, emotion, women—this is how Hunan TV positions itself, and the dramas from Magical Films are naturally suited to our platform."

Xiao Ning said, "Jiangsu TV and Anhui TV have announced that 'Palace' will take over the time slot from 'Three Kingdoms'. Let's see how 'Palace' is received. It is said that Magical Films did not take this drama very seriously. The plot is similar to 'Scarlet Heart' in many ways. It is hard to say how it will be received. Magical Films cannot produce a hit every time."

Ouyang Changlin said, "If every drama from Magical Films becomes a hit, then we'll have to lower ourselves and co-purchase Shen Qing's dramas with other channels."

Xiao Ning said, "Let's wait and see."

2010年6月18日，新《三国》大结局。6月21日，《宫锁心玉》正式接档《三国》播出。

On the day of the premiere of "Palace," countless viewers sat in front of their televisions early in the morning to wait. About an hour later, a large number of reviews began to appear on the internet.

"I just watched one episode, and my assessment is that it's a low-budget version of 'Scarlet Heart,' not very interesting."

"It feels less rigorous than 'Scarlet Heart,' and the plot feels very pieced together."

"I heard that Shen Qing wrote a synopsis and then handed it over to the company's screenwriter? I absolutely refuse to believe that Shen Qing wrote this. Master Qing should save his energy for writing movie scripts!"

"Who said it was a low-budget version of 'Scarlet Heart'? They're not even in the same league!"

"The tone is more relaxed, but overall it's not as good as 'Scarlet Heart'."

"Yang Mi fans, stop trying to piggyback on 'Scarlet Heart,' it's really incomparable!"

On the internet, the vast majority of viewers said that "Palace" was not as good as "Scarlet Heart", but the final result was unexpected.

On June 22nd at noon, four major TV stations successively announced the premiere results of "Palace".

Jiangsu Satellite TV: 2.27%.

Anhui Provincial Satellite TV: 2.16%.

Beijing TV: 2.12%.

Zhejiang Satellite TV: 2.01%.

On the day of its premiere, all four major satellite TV channels achieved a rating of over 2%, with Jiangsu Satellite TV taking the lead and even reaching an astonishing 2.4%!

How incredible is this achievement?

The recently concluded "Three Kingdoms" series was a hit this year. Among the four major satellite TV channels that broadcast it, Jiangsu Satellite TV 1.24, Anhui Satellite TV 1.12, Tianjin Satellite TV 1.06, and Chongqing Satellite TV 0.34.

The performance of "Palace" is basically twice that of the new "Three Kingdoms".

The report caused an uproar on the entire internet.

The whole internet is saying that "Palace" is a low-budget version of "Scarlet Heart", so how come it has a much higher viewership rating than "Scarlet Heart"?

"Scarlet Heart" was a phenomenal hit, with a 1.6% rating on Beijing TV and a 1.5% rating on Jiangsu TV on its premiere day. However, "Palace" was broadcast on four channels simultaneously, resulting in even more severe audience fragmentation. In the end, all four channels achieved a rating of over 2%!

What happened to the promise that it's not as good as "Scarlet Heart"?

Fans of "Scarlet Heart" are somewhat disheartened because no matter how you look at it, "Scarlet Heart" is better, but in terms of viewership ratings, "Palace" is better.

"With the foundation laid by 'Scarlet Heart,' it's no surprise that 'Palace' had a good premiere. If the quality isn't good, the ratings will drop later on!"

Many people thought that the ratings for "Palace" would drop, but that wasn't the case. By the sixth episode, the highest-rated channel, Jiangsu Satellite TV, had already surpassed 2.5% in ratings.

There's no need for any further speculation, and there's no need to fantasize that its ratings will drop later on. All signs indicate that this is going to be another super hit!

The theme song, "The Power of Love," has become a hit across the country along with the TV series.

Yang Mi's status has always been somewhere between first-tier and second-tier, almost first-tier. With the premiere of "Palace", her first-tier status is no longer in doubt.

The deputy director of the editorial office of Hunan Satellite TV has flown to Beijing again. This time, she has only one task—to secure the first broadcast rights for "The Romance of Tiger and Rose".

The success of "Palace" isn't a question of whether it's good or bad; it's simply phenomenal.

All four major satellite TV channels have surpassed a 2%, with Jiangsu Satellite TV even exceeding 2.5%. This drama will continue to air for a while longer, so who knows how high the final ratings will go?! "Palace" may very well be the number one satellite TV drama in terms of ratings this year, and it might even be the number one drama with a gap in ratings!

Last year, the top-rated TV drama was "Meteor Shower" on Hunan TV, with an average viewership rating of 2.63%. Half a year has passed this year, and Hunan TV still hasn't had a drama that broke the 2% mark.

It's unlikely there will be any this year, but people at Hunan TV think "The Romance of Tiger and Rose" has a chance.

Normally, when TV stations buy dramas, they will take into account the production costs of the production company. TV stations are willing to spend less money on dramas with low production costs.

The production budget for "The Romance of Tiger and Rose" was only 1200 million. Normally, TV stations would definitely use this as a reason to negotiate a lower price. Leaving you 30% of the profit would be quite good. Your production budget is so small. We've already made a profit with this much. How much more do you want?

However, this logic is completely unsuitable for the current state of "The Romance of Tiger and Rose". The entire market is currently extremely enthusiastic, and Xiao Ning is afraid that things might change if she delays, so she hurriedly flew to Beijing.

The two parties quickly reached an agreement, and the first broadcast rights and distribution rights of "The Romance of Tiger and Rose" were sold to Hunan Satellite TV for 200 million yuan per episode.

Li Yitong's popularity is far less than Yang Mi's, and the production cost of "The Romance of Tiger and Rose" is far less than that of "Scarlet Heart" and "Palace". Shen Qing is already very pleased that it can sell for a super high price of 200 million per episode. Moreover, she can make another fortune by selling the online copyright later.

The filming of "Our Times," which was originally scheduled to wrap up before the release of "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons," was postponed to August. As June drew to a close, Shen Qing began to devote most of his energy to the promotion of "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons," and in the past few days he has taken Liu Yifei to many cities.

Recently, news about "The Great Wall" began to circulate in the industry. Shen Qing received a large number of phone calls and emails every day, and Mo Ying became the most sought-after role in the industry.

Fan Bingbing was performing in another city at the time. Upon hearing the news, she immediately flew back to Beijing and even called Shen Qing.

"Honey, what are you busy with? Did you miss me?"

"I'm busy sleeping with my mistress, of course I miss her."

"You said it yourself."

"What did I say?"

"Say I'm your first wife!"

Did I say that?

"Absolutely true. So, do you really have a mistress?"

"So what if I have it, and so what if I don't?"

"That's possible. As long as the other party is willing, I'm willing to serve you along with your concubine."

Shen Qing hadn't thought of it at the time, but after Fan Bingbing brought it up, the idea lingered in her mind. Finally, she pleaded with Li Yitong, who was Shen Qing's most obedient and accommodating friend. She always granted Shen Qing's requests, and this time was no exception.

Zhou Xun asked an intermediary to arrange a meal with Shen Qing, and Shen Qing agreed. Even Shen Qing doesn't know who will ultimately play the role of Mo Ying, and besides, Mo Ying isn't the only female character in the film.

Li Bingbing and her sister Li Xue also tried to invite Shen Qing to dinner, and during the process, they even hinted that they could have a double dose of happiness.

For a moment, Shen Qing was tempted, but he restrained himself. He felt that even if things were going smoothly, he couldn't indulge his desires too much, otherwise he would eventually crash and burn.

Jing Tian also received the news, but this time, unlike with "Little Girl's Kung Fu Uncle," she didn't have Lu Zheng accompany her to visit Shen Qing. Instead, she sent Shen Qing a text message late at night. The message didn't mention "The Great Wall," only saying that she missed the days when they filmed "Little Girl's Kung Fu Uncle" together, and that she enjoyed working with Shen Qing.

After seeing the text message, Shen Qing chatted with the other person for ten minutes, but then stopped replying. He was very busy, especially at night, and chatting for ten minutes was already a great favor to her.

Yang Mi also made an appointment with him, Zhao Liying also wanted to see him, and Wan Qian also came to Beijing. Shen Qing was very busy for a while.

Liu Shishi didn't contact him, but Shen Qing called her. She said their relationship was only for a year; if Shen Qing asked her, she would go, but if he didn't, she wasn't his girlfriend, and after a year they would be completely over, so there was no need for her to go. This girl was getting a little too involved.

Liu Yifei didn't contact Shen Qing, but as the release date of "Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons" drew closer, even if she didn't contact Shen Qing, Shen Qing would still contact her. So Shen Qing took her to Xijing City to promote the movie.

The two naturally shared a room that night, and then Jing Tian sent another text message, which was just casual chatting.

Shen Qing chatted with her for about ten minutes, and then focused his attention on Liu Yifei.