The Dream of Red Mansions

The Dream of Red Mansions is a 2010 Chinese television series, produced by Han Sanping and directed by Fifth Generation director Li Shaohong. It is a new adaptation of the classic 18th century novel Dream of the Red Chamber. The series, comprising 50 episodes, made its debut on 6 July 2010 on 9 terrestrial networks across China. Plot After her mother succumbs to illness, the sickly Lin Daiyu is sent by her father to her mother's family- the Jia household. She meets her grandmother, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives. Daiyu is shy and delicate, and shares an affinity with her cousin Jia Baoyu. Jia Baoyu grew up surrounded by women, and doesn't take interest in family matters. He has an affair with his maid Hua Xiren, and dreams of several female members of the Jia household, such as Qin Keqing (sister of Baoyu's best friend Qin Zhong). He also acts playfully with his maids Qingwen and Sheyue, and his sisters and cousins Jia Tanchun, Jia Yingchun, Jia Xichun, and Shi Xiangyun. The Jia family is corrupt, due to Baoyu's older sister Jia Yuanchun being a consort of the Emperor. Jia Yuanchun later visits her family in the Daguanyuan garden in the mansion. The Jia household also has relations with other notable families in Jinling such as the Xue and Wang households. Wang Xifeng is the aunt of Daiyu and Baoyu, and is known for being aggressive and quirky. Wang Xifeng dislikes her husband's concubines and one of them, Second Sister You commits suicide by consuming gold. Xue Baochai is Baoyu and Daiyu's fellow playmate and her brother is known for being a corrupt villain around town. Her brother Xue Pan even kills a man to buy a slave girl named Xiangling. Yet, their mother Aunt Xue doesn't interfere. Daiyu and Baoyu gradually develop feelings for each other, and Baoyu wishes to marry her. However, his mother Lady Wang, father's mother Grandmother Jia, and other relatives instead choose Xue Baochai as his wife. Daiyu unexpectedly hears this, and falls ill. After the marriage takes place, Daiyu succumbs to grief, and Baoyu becomes disillusioned with his life. At the same time, Baoyu's older sister Yuanchun dies, and the family falls out of favor with the imperial family. Their debt and corruption scandals are known and the Jia household is severely punished. Most of the servants leave and hope is diminished.