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 The present-day accusation is withdrawn, the old case is reopened for review, and the family's belongings are returned.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, Pintu Istana Tidak Menunggumu (30 episod)
Shen Zhaowan memasuki istana untuk mengambil semula kotak jarum milik kakaknya, Shen Mingtang, tetapi dituduh mencuri barang istana oleh Selir Mulia Pei…
Shen Zhaowan memasuki istana untuk mengambil semula kotak jarum milik kakaknya, Shen Mingtang, tetapi dituduh mencuri barang istana oleh Selir Mulia Pei Lingyi. Sehelai sapu tangan lama yang belum selesai disulam membuat Maharaja Xiao Chengyan mengenali seseorang dari masa silamnya. Apabila keterangan para pengurus istana dan tabib diraja mula terbongkar, kebenaran di sebalik kebakaran bengkel sulaman dahulu turut terdedah. Demi menyembunyikan masalah dalam urusan dalaman istana, selir itu pernah mengarahkan pintu dikawal, memaksa pengakuan bersalah, dan mempercepat pengusiran mereka yang terlibat. Maharaja pula, demi mempertahankan kuasanya, membiarkan siasatan dan penutupan kes dilakukan secara sambil lewa. Tuduhan semasa ditarik balik, kes lama dibuka semula untuk disemak, dan barang-barang keluarga dipulangkan. Maharaja mengakui kesilapannya, tetapi Shen Zhaowan menolak jed pemberiannya lalu memilih untuk meninggalkan istana. Dia mahu menuntut keadilan untuk kakaknya dan menentukan kehidupannya sendiri selepas ini.
那年宫门没等你 · That Year, the Palace Gate Didn't Wait for You