A recently premiered historical Chinese drama, The Great Merchant, featuring the reunion of university classmates Rosina Lam and mainland star Chen Xiao, has captivated audiences, racking up over 250 million online streams in just ten days. The series has garnered a remarkable 3.21% viewership rating, positioning it as a strong contender to potentially surpass the record set by the highly anticipated Zang Hai Zhuan (3.3%) and become the year’s top-rated costume drama. Lam’s portrayal of the young Empress Dowager Cixi and the fact that Lam and Chen Xiao were college peers have both dominated trending topics on social media platforms.
Despite taking on a guest role in the production, Lam dedicated significant effort to meticulously embody the complex historical figure. Her commitment involved extensive preparation, highlighting her professional approach to character development. The actress diligently researched Cixi’s life, delving into accounts through numerous books to understand the Empress Dowager’s famed focus on beauty and fondness for traditional Chinese opera. This research subsequently informed adjustments to her physical presence and vocal delivery on screen.
Rigorous Preparation for a Historical Role
To fully immerse herself in the 19th-century court setting, Lam engaged in rigorous physical training. She humorously recounted practicing her movements at home while wearing the traditional Qing Dynasty “flowerpot shoes” (Huashen Di), high-platform footwear notoriously difficult to navigate. “I spent nearly a month adapting to them,” Lam shared. “I even wore them while walking my dog, much to the surprise of my neighbors.” Her co-star and long-time friend, Chen Xiao, publicly praised her professionalism and dedication to the craft.
A unique challenge for Lam in The Great Merchant was delivering her dialogue using her original Mandarin voice rather than relying on post-production dubbing, a common practice in mainland dramas. Although her role comprised only a few scenes, she felt compelled to present an authentic performance. “A month before filming, I contacted my former teachers at the Central Academy of Drama to practice vocal delivery and lines,” she explained. “Although there were only a handful of scenes, the lines had to be delivered using my own voice, so I continuously rehearsed and fine-tuned my performance.”
A Fulfilling Reunion and Audience Acclaim
Lam admitted the opportunity was daunting, marking her first foray into a period costume drama. However, encountering her former classmate Chen Xiao on set was a source of relief and comfort. She also expressed gratitude for the guidance provided by director Zhang Ting. Collaborating with Chen Xiao, her close friend and university peer, fulfilled a long-held wish, making the filming experience itself a valuable gift.
The overwhelming positive reception—reflected in the impressive viewership numbers and trending searches—has been a delightful surprise for the actress. “The positive response to the series, reaching the trending lists, and gaining so much attention and affection, is a tremendous surprise,” Lam said, thanking the audience for their support and hoping they enjoy both The Great Merchant and her portrayal of Cixi. The production’s early success underscores the enduring appeal of high-quality historical dramas and the audience’s appreciation for stellar performances delivered by veteran actors.
