That Year, the Palace Gate Didn't Wait for You
Shen Zhaowan enters the palace to retrieve the embroidery case belonging to her elder sister, Shen Mingtang, but Consort Pei Lingyi accuses her of stealing palace property. An unfinished old handkerchief allows Emperor Xiao Chengyan to recognize someone from his past. As testimonies from palace stewards and imperial physicians gradually emerge, the truth behind an old embroidery workshop fire is brought to light. To cover up problems within the palace administration, the consort had ordered the gates blocked, forced confessions, and hastened the dismissal of those involved. The emperor, seeking to preserve his power, had tacitly approved a hasty investigation and verdict. The present-day accusation is withdrawn, the old case is reopened for review, and the family's belongings are returned. Although the emperor admits his mistakes, Shen Zhaowan refuses his jade pendant and chooses to leave the palace. She seeks justice for her sister and the right to live her own life.
Main characters: Shen Zhaowan, Xiao Chengyan, Pei Lingyi
Supporting characters: Shen Mingtang, Zheng Huiwen
Also known as: 那年宫门没等你
Tahun Itu, Gerbang Istana Tak Menunggumu (30 episode)
Shen Zhaowan memasuki istana untuk mengambil kembali kotak jarum milik kakaknya, Shen Mingtang, tetapi malah dituduh mencuri barang milik istana oleh Selir…
Shen Zhaowan memasuki istana untuk mengambil kembali kotak jarum milik kakaknya, Shen Mingtang, tetapi malah dituduh mencuri barang milik istana oleh Selir Agung Pei Lingyi. Sebuah saputangan lama yang belum selesai disulam membuat Kaisar Xiao Chengyan mengenali seseorang dari masa lalunya. Seiring kesaksian para pengurus istana dan tabib kekaisaran terungkap, kebenaran di balik kebakaran bengkel sulam pada masa lalu perlahan tersingkap. Demi menutupi masalah dalam urusan internal istana, sang selir pernah memerintahkan gerbang ditutup, memaksa orang-orang mengaku bersalah, dan mempercepat pengusiran mereka yang terlibat. Sementara itu, sang kaisar demi mempertahankan kekuasaannya, diam-diam membiarkan penyelidikan dan penutupan kasus dilakukan secara ceroboh. Tuduhan saat ini dicabut, kasus lama dibuka kembali untuk ditinjau, dan barang-barang keluarga dikembalikan. Sang kaisar mengakui kesalahannya, tetapi Shen Zhaowan menolak giok pemberiannya dan memilih meninggalkan istana. Ia ingin memperjuangkan keadilan bagi kakaknya sekaligus menentukan jalan hidupnya sendiri.
那年宫门没等你 · That Year, the Palace Gate Didn't Wait for You