Dramatized Historical Figures
Empress Dowager Guo (Susan Tse) - Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager Guo is based on a historical figure of the same name, who was recorded in history as being the rival of Empress Dowager Zheng.
Empress Dowager Zheng (Mary Hon) - based on a historical figure of the same name, initially a maid to the Imperial Household who caught the Emperor's attentions and was elevated to the status of an imperial concubine.
Emperor Xuānzong of Tang (Moses Chan) - based on Emperor Xuānzong who succeeded Empress Dowager Guo's grandson Emperor Wuzong of Tang as Emperor of the Tang.
Emperor Wuzong of Tang (Edwin Siu) - based on the Emperor Wuzong who succeeded his brother Emperor Wenzong of Tang as Emperor of the Tang.
Emperor Muzong of Tang (Eric Li (actor)) - based on the Emperor that preceded by Emperor Xianzong of Tang and succeeded by his son Emperor Jingzong of Tang. Neither of the latter two are featured in the series.
Li Jun, Prince of Qi 杞王李峻 (Jeffrey Wong) - based on the eldest son of Emperor Wuzong, of whom nothing is known, in the series he assisted Emperor Xuānzong in defeating the character of Ma Yuan Zhi in return for the throne which he rejected in the end.
Consort Wang 王貴妃 (Tracy Ip) - based on the favourite concubine of Emperor Wuzong, Consort Wang (Wuzong) 王賢妃. Consort Wang was never titled guifei in reality. During her lifetime she held the position of a cairen which was a lower rank of imperial concubine than a guifei. She was posthumously honoured as yinfei by Emperor Xuãnzong, who was in reality moved by Consort Wang's devotion to her husband.
Ma Yuan Zhi (Lee Kwok Lun) - loosely based on a trusted and powerful eunuch of the same name under the rule of Emperor Xuãzong. The character portrayed by Lee Kwok Lun is a combination of two powerful figures, the eunuch Ma Yuan Zhi and military statesman Ma Zhi, who were known dually as the "Two Mas".
Chancellor Li Deyu (Lau Dan) - based on Chancellor Li Deyu.
Read more about this topic: Beyond The Realm Of Conscience, Historical Basis
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