Historical enthusiasts are notoriously intense, their fervor often surpassing that of die-hard fans of popular celebrities.
Given the limited and often incomplete nature of historical records, interpretations of historical figures vary widely.
This is especially true for prominent heroes immortalized in history books, where even minor discrepancies can ignite fierce debates.
Figures like JIANG Zhaoyue, JIANG Haiping, JIANG Xuanjin, and particularly Emperor Yin are prime examples.
Despite Emperor Yinâs monumental contributions, he still has a substantial number of âhaters,â including several historians.
Critics label him as brutal for executing thousands of corrupt officials, cold-hearted for imprisoning his father and killing his brothers to secure his throne, and ruthless for waging relentless wars, causing widespread suffering.
If even money faces criticism, how much more so for people?
The news of Si Fuqing playing JIANG Zhaoyue indeed stirred the historical enthusiastsâ circles, triggering a wave of opposition and skepticism.
No one favored this decision.
[No way, JIANG Zhaoyue??? You dare to play JIANG Zhaoyue?]
[Boycott this drama! Even if itâs filmed, it shouldnât be aired. I donât want to watch it.]
[Iâm curious how Si Fuqing will portray JIANG Zhaoyue. Honestly, no actress is fit for the role.]
[I advise the scriptwriters not to add any clichéd romantic subplots. JIANG Zhaoyue was a general, and adding a bunch of love stories would be an insult to her.]
[A friendly reminder, the last award-winning actor who played JIANG Xuanjin faded into obscurity. Can we stop trying to cash in on historical figures?]
[These celebrities just want to exploit historical figures. Itâs infuriating. JIANG Zhaoyue was leading armies at eighteen, facing enemies on the battlefield. At eighteen, you hadnât even finished high school!]
Sang Yanqing and the production team of âThe Nationâs Heroineâ had anticipated such reactions.
Even if Yun Lan came back from retirement to take on the role, there would still be a barrage of criticism from history buffs before filming began.
Worried that the online comments might affect Si Fuqing, Sang Yanqing made a call to reassure her. âDonât let those history fansâ words get to you. You have the skills. As long as we put our hearts into it, the quality will speak for itself.â
The stronger the pressure, the more significant the eventual rebound.
Sang Yanqing was eagerly anticipating Si Fuqingâs portrayal of JIANG Zhaoyue.
âSister Sang, donât worry,â Si Fuqing said lazily, âIâll meet her soon.â
Sang Yanqing was puzzled.
What?
She paused. âOh, her tomb is indeed in Northern State. It might give you some inspiration if you visit.â
After the call ended, Si Fuqing set her phone aside.
She stretched before lying down in the newly installed gaming pod.
The hatch closed, and the device connected to her brainwaves.
A familiar game prompt sounded.
[Welcome, S009.]
[Logging inâ¦]
âWelcome to the Eternal Continent. Your account level has reached the cap. You are free to roam.â
Si Fuqing first visited the Ghost Valley but found that the Master of Ghost Valley was not there.
She checked her friend list.
There were only four people on it.
JI Xingzhi had added himself shamelessly.
The other three, Ye Wanlan and Lu Qingning, would never log in again.
Yu Huixue was also offline, with no indication of when they would return.
Si Fuqingâs eyelashes lowered before she entered the game systemâs return gift.
The next moment, she felt a strong wind, followed by a sensation of weightlessness. Her vision cleared once more.
[Welcome to the Great Xia Dynasty. Time travel has commenced.]
[Searching for a suitable identity⦠Search complete. Playerâs appearance has been modified. The disguise cannot be removed.]
[Players are prohibited from altering history. Restrictions will be imposed if necessary.]
[Player level has been limited to Level 10.]
Players start at Level 10.
Being restricted to this level, she couldnât use her Yin-Yang and Five Elements powers, making even basic combat difficult.
Si Fuqing remained expressionless.
What a lousy game.
But she understood the systemâs intent to prevent historical alterations.
Si Fuqing was cautious about this, knowing that even the flutter of a butterflyâs wings could cause a storm.
She first inspected her attire, then touched her chest.
Flat.
At the same time, the mechanical voice of the game system sounded.
[Reminder: Your current identity is a male military strategist who died just before your arrival. The system has simulated his appearance. The change in appearance does not affect the playerâs gender. Enjoy your time travel experience.]
Si Fuqing: ââ¦â
Her fists clenched.