“My Fair Princess” is a seminal work in the realm of Chinese television drama. When it aired, it garnered impressive ratings, exceeding 50%. This series was instrumental in launching the careers of young stars such as Zhao Wei, Ruby Lin, and Alec Su, propelling them to instant fame.
As reported by Sohu, the camaraderie among the cast members was commendable. Zhao Wei, the lead actress, especially endeared herself to her colleagues with her intellect and charisma. The “Emperor,” Zhang Tielin, had a particular admiration for Zhao, frequently lauding her acting talents and sharp mind, and even predicted her potential to become a prominent director in the future.
The only individual bold enough to admonish Zhao Wei directly was the “Emperor” Zhang Tielin, who shared a paternal-like relationship with her. He expressed, “The atmosphere on the set of My Fair Princess was delightful. We were like family. Even today, when I’m filming near Ruby Lin, Zhao Wei, or Fan Bingbing, they always come to see me. They still refer to me as Emperor. Despite the generational differences, we had a very strong bond.”
In 2001, amidst the peak of her popularity, Zhao Wei found herself at the center of a significant controversy for wearing a dress adorned with the Nazi Japan flag. She faced harsh backlash online for her insensitivity and even experienced public humiliation. Zhang Tielin came to her defense, stating, “While she may not be my daughter, I care for her deeply. I advised her not to be concerned about public opinion. As performers, our focus should remain on our craft; what we wear is inconsequential; we shouldn’t dwell on it.”
In May 2013, Zhao Wei made waves with her directorial debut in the film So Young, which achieved both critical and commercial success. Zhang Tielin expressed his joy for his “daughter,” exclaiming, “I’m thrilled for Zhao Wei.”
However, their close relationship faced challenges when Zhao Wei was absent from a panel at the Beijing Film Academy in June 2013, an event Zhang had specifically invited her to. His disappointment prompted him to label her as ungrateful and irresponsible. When questioned about watching So Young, Zhang retorted, “Why would I watch that film?”
Following this incident, Zhao Wei reached out to Zhang to apologize and explain her circumstances. Although their relationship shifted and was not as close as before, it remained intact.
In 2018, while hosting Chinese Restaurant, Zhao Wei invited Zhang Tielin to guest on the show filmed in France. They reminisced about their time on the set of My Fair Princess, joined by Alec Su (Fifth Prince).
The following year, Zhao Wei welcomed cast members from My Fair Princess to her judging panel on the show Actors, Please Take Your Place, where characters like Liu Qing and Liu Hong made appearances alongside Zhang Tielin.
As mentioned by Sohu, Zhao Wei is often commended for her high emotional intelligence and sociable personality, which have helped her cultivate many friendships within the entertainment industry. Despite a prior rivalry with Fan Bingbing, the two were eventually spotted enjoying each other’s company on stage, with Zhao even investing in one of Fan’s projects.
Although once rumored to have had conflicts with Zhou Xun during the filming of Painted Skin, they tended to avoid discussing each other. However, at social gatherings or Ruby Lin’s wedding, Zhao Wei consistently appeared amiable and cheerful.
Having once been a powerful figure in the Chinese entertainment landscape, Zhao Wei has faced a ban from the arts for various reasons. Now at 48 years old, she appears to have distanced herself from acting and refrained from participating in public events. According to Sohu, she and her husband Huang Youlong have amassed wealth exceeding $1 billion through their business endeavors.
On the other hand, Zhang Tielin, known for his iconic roles in series like The Eloquent Ji Xiaolan, Lü Buwei, and The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, has faced personal challenges due to scandals, including allegations of neglecting his daughter and lover. Zhang’s commanding screen presence often suited him for roles portraying emperors.
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