Novoland: Pearl Eclipse/斛珠夫人 (Yang Mi, William Chan and Xu Kaicheng) 2021 Chinese Drama.

Set in the vast world of Novoland is a story that follows three individuals. A young woman from a fishing village who survives a massacre is pulled into the power struggles of the imperial court. She gets into complicated relations with the most powerful official of Dazheng and its emperor.

While at the juncture of life and death, Hai Shi’s (Yang Mi) pleas for help is heard by Fang Zhu (William Chan) who happened to pass by. He is the number one minister of Dazheng. From then on, Hai Shi becomes Fang Zhu’s apprentice and starts to pose as a man to stay by his side.

With Dazheng in a state of chaos, its young and unpredictable emperor Di Xu (Xu Kaicheng) who has gotten tired from the endless civil strife has lost all motivation to rule. Di Xu seemingly turns a blind eye to Fang Zhu’s efforts to keep the peace, yet silently keeps watch from the sidelines.

Hai Shi catches the eye of the emperor after she is ordered to become his guard. After experiencing many trials together, their relationship revolves from that of distrust to a mutual understanding. Di Xu discovers Hai Shi’s real identity as a woman and develops feelings for her. However, Hai Shi depends and relies on Fang Zhu in a way that cannot be explained in words. With the rise of the rebellion, Hai Shi bravely bears the responsibility to protect the people.