A story on Chinese clothing history
AChinese television series revolving around the life story of a woman who revolutionised the Chinese textile industry is dubbed to Sinhala as ‘Sannaliyane’ is now being telecast at 6.30 pm daily on Rupavahini channel. Based on the life story of Huang Daopo, who revolutionized the textile industry during the Mongol conquest of the Song dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan dynasty, the teleserial is co-directed by Lee Kwok-lap, Wei Hantao, Lin Yufen, Liang Shengquan and Li Huizhu. Ran for 36 episodes starting from August 2014, the story is considered to be historical fiction, as the plot deviates from factual accounts and contains elements of heroism and romance. Huang Qiao’er (Ivy Lu, Janine Chang) was born to a poverty-stricken family. She lost her parents at an early age and was raised by her aunt, who taught her textile arts. While growing up in a weaving mill, Huang developed a close bond with the neighbouring dye house owner’s son, Fang Ning (Edwin Siu), who fell in love with her. Eventually, Splendid Mill’s weavers produce outstanding results and earn an opportunity to work in the palace. Through Huang’s friendship with the emperor’s niece, Zhao Jiayi (Cecilia Liu), Huang is able to gain access to the palace’s study, deepening her knowledge of weaving from its collection. However, the weavers become embroiled in a power struggle with the emperor’s concubines, as well as a rivalry with the Iridescent Cloud Mill’s weavers, who also work at the palace.
While in the palace, Huang falls in love with a young general, Lin Mufei (Justin Yuan), at the expense of her friendship with the princess. Lin also rejects the princess’ affections, due to his prejudice against the imperial family members’ corruption, and in spite of his vows to defend the Song dynasty. During Lin’s absence, Fang Ning’s legs are crippled while saving Huang from the corrupt members of the imperial court. Feeling guilty for Fang’s plight, and hearing rumours that Lin had been killed in battle at the city of Chuzhou (present day Huai’an), Huang decides to marry Fang. Lin, however, has survived and is heartbroken when he sees the two marry, thus complicating the love triangle among Lin, Huang, and Zhao Jiayi.