Beyond the Realm of Conscience
Lau Sam Ho (Charmaine Sheh) always remembered her mother's words left to her before she passed away: "Doing good deeds, Speaking good words, Showing goodwill." Sam Ho lives her life being gracious and kind-hearted in the palace. On the other hand, Yiu Kam Ling (Tavia Yeung) believes her survival in the palace is achieved through cruel and calculating tactics. She cheats and schemes her way to the top and finally becomes the concubine to the emperor. Though she realizes that Sam Ho has fallen in love with the chess master Ko Hin Yeung (Kevin Cheng), her jealousy is still aroused by Sam Ho's attraction to the Emperor Lee Yi (Moses Chan). Fearing that she is losing power, she ruthlessly makes up a false allegation against Ho of murdering the Empress (Mary Hon) and condemns her to death. No matter how cleverly she schemes, things do not go the way she planned.
- 2009-2009
- 1 season
- Drama, Documentary
Lau Sam Ho (Charmaine Sheh) always remembered her mother's words left to her before she passed away: "Doing good deeds, Speaking good words, Showing goodwill." Sam Ho lives her life being gracious and kind-hearted in the palace. On the other hand, Yiu Kam Ling (Tavia Yeung) believes her survival in the palace is achieved through cruel and calculating tactics. She cheats and schemes her way to the top and finally becomes the concubine to the emperor. Though she realizes that Sam Ho has fallen in love with the chess master Ko Hin Yeung (Kevin Cheng), her jealousy is still aroused by Sam Ho's attraction to the Emperor Lee Yi (Moses Chan). Fearing that she is losing power, she ruthlessly makes up a false allegation against Ho of murdering the Empress (Mary Hon) and condemns her to death. No matter how cleverly she schemes, things do not go the way she planned.
Season 1 Episode Guide
33 Episodes 2009
Episode 1
Episode #1.1
43 mins
The refugees Kong Choi King and her two daughters are captured as imperial maids. Kong Choi King is given the task to make the Empress Dowager's phoenix hairpin.
Episode 2
Episode #1.2
43 mins
Sam Ho and Kam Ling anticipate being assigned to the Jewel department. The Empress Dowager schemes to get rid of Lady Zheng and her son.
Episode 3
Episode #1.3
43 mins
The Embroidery and Jewelry departments continue to compete to win favor from the Empress Dowager. Meanwhile, Prince Kwong has returned to the palace.
Episode 4
Episode #1.4
43 mins
A chess player from Japan defeats all the chess masters of the emperor's court. Kam Ling hurts her hand.
Episode 5
Episode #1.5
43 mins
The Japanese chess player departs. Kam Ling makes the foolish move of asking Prince Kwong if she's pretty enough to be a lady.
Episode 6
Episode #1.6
43 mins
Chief Choi tries to clear Head Yeun and Head Chung of the crime, and falls into a trap herself. Sam Ho and Kam Ling take matters into their own hands.
Episode 7
Episode #1.7
43 mins
The empress gives Madam Tsui to Chief Choi as prisoner. Six candidates are picked to serve at the upcoming banquet, and each girl wants to be her best to impress the emperor.
Episode 8
Episode #1.8
43 mins
Sam Ho becomes the Deputy Head of the Jewels Department. The maids prepare for the emperor's birthday banquet.
Episode 9
Episode #1.9
43 mins
Prince Kwong and Lady Zheng leave the palace. Hin Yeung's father is accused of impregnating an imperial maid.
Episode 10
Episode #1.10
43 mins
The empress and the emperor tries to eliminate Prince Kwong and his mother. Officer Ko, by Sam Ho's word, interferes.
Episode 11
Episode #1.11
43 mins
Prince Kwong ascends the throne amid the danger from General Ma and Empress Kwok. Empress Zheng takes charge of the Inner Chambers.
Episode 12
Episode #1.12
43 mins
General Ma and the emperor struggle with each other in their power game. Sam Ho and Hin Yeung get caught.
Episode 13
Episode #1.13
43 mins
Head Wu is caught for her attempted murder. Sam Ho injures her hand.
Episode 14
Episode #1.14
43 mins
The Bureau Head announces the promotions. Empress Kwok interrupts the empreror's administrating session.
Episode 15
Episode #1.15
43 mins
Head Yuen and Head Chang are once again at odds with one another. The empress implores her son to choose a wife.
Episode 16
Episode #1.16
43 mins
Head Yuen and General Man settle their problems. The emperor picks his ladies.
Episode 17
Episode #1.17
43 mins
Someone tries to frame Head Yuen and puts the Bureau at odds with Missus Man. The two ladies continues to fight for the emperor's attention.
Episode 18
Episode #1.18
43 mins
The emperor uncovers Ma Yuen Chi's theft of the palace treasures. Lady Yin saves two rabbits.
Episode 19
Episode #1.19
43 mins
The Bureau Chief falls sick. Head Tam brings back the animosity between Head Chung and Head Yuen.
Episode 20
Episode #1.20
43 mins
Kam Ling becomes pregnant with the emperor's child. Lady Yin and her mother grow jealous.
Episode 21
Episode #1.21
43 mins
Lady Yin begs for her mother's life in vain. Ma Yuen Chi schemes to make the situation his advantage.
Episode 22
Episode #1.22
43 mins
The empress picks the new Bureau Chief. Mistress Chung learns a shocking secret about Mistress Yuen.
Episode 23
Episode #1.23
43 mins
Tension rises between Lady Lai and Sam Ho. Ma Yuen Chi sends the emperor a warning.
Episode 24
Episode #1.24
43 mins
In a struggle of control with Chief Chung, Mistress Yuen finds out the truth about her son.
Episode 25
Episode #1.25
43 mins
Sam Ho and Hin Yeung's fathers are poisoned. The two get married, and Hin Yeung swears revenge.
Episode 26
Episode #1.26
43 mins
Sam Ho confronts Lady Lai about the yellow paper. The prince of Tibet is visiting the imperial palace, and the bureau must provide a gift.
Episode 27
Episode #1.27
43 mins
Chief Chung is told new information about Master Bo's death. The prince of Tibet visits the palace.
Episode 28
Episode #1.28
43 mins
The Prince of Tibet falls in love with Sam Ho, and wishes to marry her.
Episode 29
Episode #1.29
43 mins
General Man saves Mistress Yuen from torture. Sam Ho and Hin Yeung make their choice.
Episode 30
Episode #1.30
43 mins
The emperor sends General Man on a mission to rally up military strength, but Ma Yuen Chi learns of his true allegiance.
Episode 31
Episode #1.31
43 mins
Lady Lai forces Lady Yin to abort her baby. Ma Yuen Chi's men attack the imperial guards delivering General Man back home.
Episode 32
Episode #1.32
43 mins
Ma Yuen Chi kills the emperor and takes over the administration under false pretenses. The empress falls ill, and Lady Tak struggles to keep order.
Episode 33
Episode #1.33
43 mins
The story concludes. The emperor seeks the help of Prince Qi. Sam Ho and Kam Ling's sisterhood seals their fate.