Chapter 105: Twenty

In addition to stars from all walks of the industry and cinema chain tycoons, the premiere was also attended by numerous well-known film critics and screenwriters. Given Hou Ming’s strong track record with commercial films in recent years, even though Above the Throne marked his first foray into period dramas, insiders were highly anticipating this project.

Meng Zhiqiu and Feng Ming, two award-winning actress and actor heavyweights, only raised the bar even higher for the film’s reception.

Strictly speaking, Above the Throne maintained Hou Ming’s signature excellence in cinematography and color composition. The visuals were stunningly sophisticated from start to finish, treating the audience to a supreme visual feast.

Compared to other auteur directors who loved to indulge their own visions, Hou Ming excelled at collaboration—partnering seamlessly with screenwriters, playing to strengths and shoring up weaknesses—while prioritizing narrative rhythm.

As a result, the film’s main storyline was crystal clear, revolving entirely around the power struggle between the two brothers, Prince Cheng and the Crown Prince, for the throne.

From Prince Cheng’s initial conquest of the Liang King’s Palace and abduction of Luo Ji back to camp, to his triumphant return to court facing suspicion from his elder brother and father, and finally his exile to the Northern Border—the first half’s pacing was pitch-perfect.

Ye Can’s portrayal of Xiao Can struck a perfect balance when sharing the screen with Feng Ming, accentuating the elder brother Prince Cheng’s unapproachable loftiness without overshadowing him.

This dynamic held steady until Luo Ji and Xiao Can’s first encounter in the palace’s rear garden.

The young noble in purple robes stood beneath a plum blossom tree, his slender fingers toying with the petals as he languidly cast his gaze toward the distant north.

In that instant, even Luo Ji on screen was captivated by the boy’s breathtaking allure.

Many critics were stunned by Xiao Can’s radiant beauty. Most had little prior knowledge of this newcomer and racked their brains wondering where entertainment circle had unearthed such a bewitching youth.

Yes, the aura Ye Can embodied on screen wasn’t the unmistakably feminine vibe from Calamity of the Nation—it was a pure masculine presence.

Even though she was androgynously gorgeous, in the film, she was a hormone-charged adolescent boy.

Later, the Empress Dowager passed away, and Prince Cheng used the mourning period as a pretext to storm the palace.

That night, Qin Wang Xiao Can disguised herself as a handsome young eunuch and ventured deep into the palace to rescue Luo Ji from poisoning.

Years away from her revered elder brother had bred an ugly ambition beneath Xiao Can’s handsome, debonair facade. Yet she played it coy, even maintaining deferential speech toward him. Only when she grasped Meng Zhiqiu’s right hand did her burning ambition reveal itself.

Their scene deep in the palace crackled with sexual tension, leaving viewers utterly satisfied.

The story raced toward its climax.

Prince Cheng rebelled, while dissenting princes outside the capital rallied under the former Crown Prince’s banner, marching north to assault the palace once more.

At this point, the ambition-swollen Prince Cheng held his coronation ceremony inside. The grand hall brimmed with music and revelry.

Prince Cheng slew the ministers at the throne’s foot amid pools of blood, paving his path to ascension. Luo Ji, who had endured years for South Liang’s sake, revealed her intent—she performed a dance for Prince Cheng, aiming to assassinate the would-be king.

Qin Wang Xiao Can intervened, joining Luo Ji in a duet as the music swelled chaotically. Outside, the rebel army finally breached the city walls.

Then came the twist: the ever-gentle-as-jade Qin Wang flicked her wrist, her expression turning vicious as she pinned her brother dead to the throne.

Blood gushed from the blade. Qin Wang’s eyes blazed red as she stabbed her brother repeatedly like a beast maddened by power.

Her glare chilled every viewer to the bone.

Amid the eunuchs’ screams, Qin Wang’s armored guards stormed the palace, surrounding the court.

Only after the new king gasped his last did Qin Wang release her grip. She leisurely wiped the fresh blood from her blade and strode toward Luo Ji at the hall’s center.

The old king was dead; the new one ascended. The ministers, ever the weathervanes, dropped to their knees in a wave, chanting “Long live the king!”

Xiao Can took Luo Ji’s hand and led her to the palace gates, gazing out at the smoke billowing beyond the walls. The rebels had broken the first defensive line. Their vanguard bellowed “For His Majesty!” and loosed arrows deep into the inner palace.

As one shaft thudded into the gate, a fresh wave of bloodshed erupted.

Kin slaying kin, lovers plotting murder—for dominance and power, the road to the throne was forever stained with blood.

With that, Above the Throne drew to a close.

Audiences never learned Xiao Can’s ultimate fate, but history was cyclical: a new king bred new blood. Especially with the ever-watchful Luo Ji at his side.

As the credits rolled, lights flickered on throughout the auditorium. Ye Shen, the ultimate siscon superfan, leapt up first to applaud the film. Her enthusiasm rippled outward—soon, applause thundered, and the entire audience rose in standing ovation, affirming this commercial triumph.

Amid the tidal cheers, Ye Can turned to the Beauty beside her. “What did you think of my performance?”

Lin Zixi had observed Ye Can’s acting on set firsthand, giving her deeper insight into the raw talent than anyone. Still immersed in the suave, arrogant Qin Wang from the screen, she gazed earnestly at Ye Can. “Ye Can, I truly believe you’ll be etched in film history someday.”

Ye Can smiled nonchalantly. “That’s impossible. But… if you dream of me from now on, that’ll be enough.”

Lin Zixi didn’t grasp the words’ depth then. She simply looked at Ye Can tenderly, her excitement plain. Leaning to her ear, she whispered something utterly boundary-crossing: “You’re right here beside me—no need for dreams. Tonight, let’s make it physical again, so I never forget how radiant you are right now.”

Ye Can tsked softly, nipping her earlobe. “I knew it—you’re really craving me.”

That gorgeous, subtly psychopathic boy under the plum tree—who wouldn’t crave him? Lin Zixi thought. She was certain that once the film hit streaming platforms, Ye Can would gain a massive horde of screaming fans for her looks alone.

On July 6th, Above the Throne officially hit theaters nationwide.

The powerhouse creative team, bolstered by lavish pre-release hype, sparked massive buzz upon launch. The film was lucky too—no real competition in its slot, save one rival derailed by its lead’s scandals, tanking its box office.

Thus, Above the Throne claimed the weekly box office crown with 4.1 billion in its debut week. Buoyed by critics and word-of-mouth promoters, its earnings showed signs of explosive growth.

“This summer, after being poisoned by all those teen campus flicks and nostalgia cash-grabs, we finally have a film with coherent plotting, thrilling pacing, and explosive acting. Meng Zhiqiu’s role looks like a vase at first but rewards close scrutiny. For a commercial flick, it’s got way more sincerity than some big-shot comeback.”

“Hou Ming director holds his usual high standard—even a clichéd period palace intrigue unfolds spectacularly. He really knows how to cast: what matters most for commercial hits. Ye Can’s role here is a home run.”

“Above the Throne shows real sincerity lacking in other films. Honestly, if they’re gonna fleece us with commercial movies, I’ll happily buy another popcorn for this one.”

As release weeks passed, praise for Above the Throne flowed like the tide. Hou Ming knew his goal: a solid commercial film, balancing depth as best he could.

It succeeded as commercial fare, though its thematic core felt thin.

Minor flaws aside, most audiences in this summer season happily shelled out for quality above the bar.

Opinions varied across industry and fans, but the tide was positive overall. Amid it all, one figure captured universal adoration: Ye Can.

Even the sharpest-tongued critics lavished her with praise.

“Hou Ming’s casting eye is impeccable. Ye Can’s young but her acting feels effortless, aristocratic poise and all—elevates every frame.”

“Ahhhhh, Qin Wang is too hot! That deep-palace scene with Luo Ji—I swear she’s about to devour her any second!”

“Damn, Qin Wang slays— that final brother-stabbing scene will haunt so many people.”

“Honestly, I crave more Qin Wang-Luo Ji scenes; their chemistry hits like a hormone bomb.”

Ye Can’s fans swarmed the Above the Throne discussions, replying to every casual viewer: “This is Ye Can!”—then shilling Calamity of the Nation.

Even the official account jumped in, hyping the Ye Can-Meng Zhiqiu CP. They dropped behind-the-scenes footage of their scene work—Ye Can’s off-screen icy aloofness only fueled the frenzy.

The production went further, buying Ye Can a trending spot. They compiled her sword dance and all fight scenes into a topic: Qin Wang Fight Choreo, propelling her to the top.

Fans flooded the trend, shilling Ye Can herself.

The standout line: “Sis, Qin Wang x Luo Ji is peak ship—why not check out Calamity of the Nation too?”

Riding the wave, Calamity of the Nation reignited in popularity.