On May 20, the artist posted several videos and photos from "The Legend of Wu Zetian" on her personal page. The series is currently streaming on a short film platform. Liu Xiaoqing portrays the main character, Wu Meiniang, from her youth, newly entering the Tang Dynasty palace, until she becomes a consort, empress, and emperor. When depicting the young woman, Liu Xiaoqing wore bangs and red ribbons tied on both sides.

This series is a modern adaptation of the television drama "Wu Zetian," which Liu Xiaoqing previously starred in, released in 1995. The artist wrote on Weibo, "Wu Zetian's journey spanned 53 years, from a maid to an empress. My life, from its peak to the abyss, and then back to the peak, also took many years. She never surrendered, and neither have I".

The short film is a modern adaptation, with language and a presentation style appealing to young audiences.

Mao Guaping, who did her makeup and hair for the 1990s television series, is still responsible for Liu Xiaoqing's styling.

Mao Guaping is known as the "magic hand" in the Chinese art scene. In the 1990s, image editing technology was not yet advanced, making the role of a makeup artist crucial. At that time, for the first time in Chinese television history, an actress transformed into a character from her youth to her eighties.

The short film features significant investment in its settings and costumes.

Liu Xiaoqing chose to star in the series because she wanted to spread a story about women's independence and strength.

The actress collaborates with a cast of young actors. She filmed several romantic scenes with a co-star in his forties.

Wu Zetian's imperial attire.

In recent years, the actress has been active in the entertainment industry. Last year, she starred in the short film "Sweet Marriage at 50", co-starring with an actor 30 years her junior. In a video on her personal page last year, the artist stated that her seventies are a period of taking on challenges, and she is not afraid to try new fields.

Liu Xiaoqing believes she can still play any type of character, except male roles. She said, "Regardless of whether they are young, a young woman, or old, fat or thin, as long as it's not a role I've played before, I can portray it".

Nhu Anh

Photo: Red Note