Doomed to Oblivion
The series revolves around the ups and downs of the life of a painter during the Qing dynasty, Cheng Ban Kiu. Through many endeavours to prove his painting skills, Ban Kiu became a celebrated painter and expert in drawing bamboos (in which is a shared interest with the emperor, who went in search for the best bamboo painting to be buried with him when he passes away). Ban Kiu was also famous for his quote, "Ignorance is Bliss", which in the end can ironically cause him many troubles.
Episodes
Runtime: 45m
The feverish on paintings has driven KANG XI to disguise and leave palace to look for fine art. His best painter, ZHANG NAM SHA accompanies the king and sets off the journey to Yang Zhou. At the same time, painter, CHENG PANG KIU specialises in painting bamboo; however, his father, CHENG ZI BEN has an opposite view. Destiny has taken over the adventure of KIU. He boards on the boat of WONG YAT TSE and heads towards Yang Zhou together. KIU finds out that TSE disguises as a man; hence, he threats to disclose her secret in return to stay on the boat. TSE has no alternatives but associates with KIU for the trip. KIU visits the art gallery and comments on the works of other artists. Yet, an art trader, WONG SUN finds his perspectives remarkable. However, the high price of KIU’s work is hardly to afford and has become a joke for SUN to laugh at. At this moment, TSE appears and is delighted to help KIU……
Runtime: 46m
The government officials arrest KIU for disruption. KIU claims innocent and has no intention in making trouble. Hence, ZHANG takes his explanation of carelessness into account and releases him. Meanwhile, SUN comes up a plan for fortune. KIU has no place to live; therefore, SUN invites KIU to his art gallery. KAM NONG is one of the famous artists in the gallery of SUN. SUN introduces KAM NONG to KIU and tends to integrate an art society under his name. But NONG has put himself in high risk while he is sitting at a dangerous building. Luckily, KIU thinks of a way to rescue NONG before the building collapses. On the other hand, KIU declines to work for SUN when he finds that SUN has no sense of art. TSE loses her memories and is forced to work in a nightclub. One day, KIU meets TSE again and promises to take her away from the nightclub. Then, KIU seeks for the assistance from SUN……
Runtime: 46m
CHUI decides to work at a restaurant and practises her excellent cooking technique on dumpling. She hopes to find TSE or arises her attention by the delicacy one day. The smell of dumpling attracts KIU instead. Owing to poverty, KIU cannot afford to taste the delicious. Hence, CHUI gives him the food without charge. In return, KIU thanks CHUI by writing a poet on her handkerchief. The owner of the nightclub decides to trade TSE within five days. Without money, KIU thinks of a solution. He associates with NONG and drink heavily in the crowds on purpose; while SUN disguises as a thief and chases after them. Unexpectedly, CHUI appears and nearly ruins their conspiracy. KIU faints CHUI and carries on their plan. Just when everyone in Yang Zhou believes that NONG is died; KIU stupefies NONG and hides him up. KIU and SUN think that the death of NONG might spur his admirers to rush out and purchase his paintings……
Runtime: 46m
NONG considers that KIU has once saved his life, he agrees to keep the secret for him as compensate. Since the troublesome issue is solved, SUN and KIU rush to pay the ransom for TSE. But their rescue plan does not roll out smoothly. Because of late arrival; another buyer is adopting TSE. Under such circumstances, SUN has no choice but uses up all his saving to liberate TSE. Due to cost considerations, SUN treats TSE as a maid and orders TSE to take care of the housework for NONG. However, TSE is inexperience in serving people and burns the kitchen while cooking. SUN is furious about the mess. Apart, CHUI refuses to make up with KIU because of the misunderstandings. KIU is upset. But when he chats with the owner of the restaurant, he realises that CHUI is looking for her master. On the other hand, KIU encourages TSE to try hard to handle the housework……
Runtime: 46m
One day, KIU invites TSE to taste the dumplings made by CHUI. Although TSE finds the taste is so familiar, she is lacking of chance to meet CHUI at the moment. On the other hand, KIU has an idea to set free NONG. He asks SUN to imitate the work of NONG and launches to the market. The price drops eventually due to mass re-production. People lose interest in collecting the work of NONG also. Those who paid for high price in collecting the work of NONG complain about the depreciation of their collection. After investigation, they discover the conspiracy of KIU and capture him. SUN and NONG try to rescue KIU, but fail. They are imprisoned by KUI together. Luckily, with the assistance from ZHANG, they are released at last. Though NONG pleases to be set free, happiness just lasts for a while. The public find NONG unfaithful to them and turn against him……
Runtime: 45m
SUN is ashamed when the buyer takes TSE away. He tells KIU the truth and they search around the city for TSE. Fortunately, TSE is able to escape due to the slip sight of the buyer and reunion with KIU and SUN. They hurry to hide TSE and beats up the follower, CHIU, mistakenly. All of them shelter at the house of SUN. Finally, CHIU and TSE are reunion. CHUI tends to go home with TSE; however, SUN insists to have ransom from the WONG’s family. CHUI has no alternatives and leaves behind to accompany TSE. Meanwhile, she often quarrels with SUN for his ill-treat on TSE. KIU becomes a mediator to pacify both parties instead. KIU encounters a lot of hardship and humiliation during the sale of his paintings. BEN cannot tolerate and asks KIU to leave the place with him. However, KIU pleads BEN to give him half year to build up his career at art culture……
Runtime: 45m
KIU presents his new painting to the rich buyer, while he is entertaining four famous artists. KIU learns a harsh lesson, his work is deprecated by those artists in a straightway. KIU goes home with despair, while BEN continues to persuade KIU to give up and returns home. But at least, he still has an understanding friend, CHIU; who always supports him. ZHANG points out that the work of KIU is spoiled by unnecessary factors, like family burdens and love issues. Yet, these factors have become the major elements that present in his paintings. Therefore, ZHANG introduces his elder fellow to KIU, who has unique techniques in painting but also in poverty. Finally, KIU learns the essential part in painting - spirit. Although KIU figures out the essential part in painting, he still cannot creates his new work after several days. Hence, ZHANG tends to take him for a trip and enhances his vision……
Runtime: 46m
ZHANG and KIU travel along the countryside and it is definitely a fertile trip for KIU. He forgets all his worries and gains a lot of new ideas for his work. Moreover, ZHANG teaches KIU to paint the bamboo in a new perspective. KIU completes his new painting and presents it to ZHANG as a gift. TSE realises that her mother is coming to pick her up very soon. Despite the happiness of reunion, she is upset for leaving KIU and his friend. CHIU helps TSE to dress up for meeting Mrs. Wong and the beauty of TSE attracts SUN at once. ZHANG invites KIU to go to the imperial palace with him. Furthermore, if the bamboo painting of KIU is recognised by KANG; ZHANG is willing to refer KIU for an interview with the king. In the palace, ZHANG starts to draw from the inspiration he gets during the trip. He and his colleagues are drunk when they return to the art gallery. Meanwhile, KANG visits them and comments on the painting……
Runtime: 45m
SUN regrets to let go TSE. He brings along the ransom and tends to ask for the permission of WONG in getting married with TSE. Meanwhile, KIU arrives and proposes his love to TSE also. But their hopes vanish because WONG concerns money only. And, WONG drives them away harshly. KIU feels disappointed on SUN for going after TSE. In return, SUN disagrees with his selfishness for leaving TSE so long. They compromise at the end and KIU forgives SUN. KIU asks CHUI to deliver a letter to TSE and asks TSE to elope with him. Unfortunately, Mrs. WONG picks up the letter accidentally. The next day, TSE and KIU are caught by WONG at the pier. WONG beats KIU severely and asks BEN to take him away. Moreover, WONG also humiliates the father and son in the public. Unlike the past, BEN comforts KIU this time. He encourages KIU to work hard and be famous one day. His blessing overwhelms KIU……
Runtime: 45m
WONG identifies JUN is the ideal husband for TSE since JUN is brought up in a wealthy family. Hence, WONG creates opportunity for JUN to date TSE for picnic; and in coincidence, they meet KIU. KIU is upset because he notices that JUN is rich and his family has great influences at the imperial palace. But sometimes, despair can be healed by friendship; yet, ZHANG comforts his young fellow, KIU, kindly. On the birthday of WONG, KIU presents a picture dedicated by ZHANG. Of course, WONG aware to the fame of ZHANG and changes her attitude towards KIU immediately. Besides, KANG suspects ZHANG is not faithful to him. Therefore, he asks ZHANG to paint a portrait on him at the hunting held after a few days. ZHANG promises with no alternatives. At home, ZHANG tries hard to imitate the work of KIU. Even so, ZHANG fails to copy the spirits because every artist is unique……
Runtime: 45m
KIU promises ZHANG to withdraw from the art society and returns home. KIU is not just upset with his career disappointment; he also encounters hardship on his love issue. WONG insults KIU directly and drives him away; when KIU tries to say goodbye to TSE. Although ZHANG burns all the art works of KIU, he still worries because FONG notices that there is one piece left in the market. Meanwhile, KANG visits Yong Zhou in disguise and buys the painting of KIU already. ZHANG realises that KANG is in Yong Zhou, thus he has more concern. Therefore, FONG provokes ZHANG to kill KIU. ZHANG doubts. CHIU tells TSE that KIU has left and returned home. TSE chases after and insists to have an explanation from KIU. However, KIU is not prepared to talk about the love relationship with TSE at the moment; hence, he commits a regrettable mistake……
Runtime: 46m
Sharing builds a closer relationship between KANG and KIU. They express their feelings by drawing the bamboo. At mid-night, there is an emergency call from the imperial. KANG leaves a referral letter to KIU and returns to palace. In the letter, KANG assigns KIU to be the chief art director. The achievement of KIU changes the view of WONG eventually. The success in career does not open all the gates for KIU because TSE refuses to forgive him and date with JUN instead. Meanwhile, JUN promises to shelter and support TSE whenever she is unhappy; furthermore, he is willing to be the replacement of KIU. TSE is moved by his generous. On the other hand, KIU continues to obtain the forgiveness of TSE in spite of her reproach. Finally, romance sparkling lights up between KIU and TSE again. Apart, BEN arrives Yong Zhou and knows that KIU will work for the Ching Imperial……
Runtime: 46m
WONG explains to TSE honestly that their family is bankrupt; hence, she forbids TSE to marry KIU. The family burden weighs too heavy for TSE and she can never imagine the matter will affect her whole life. TSE sobs sorrowfully. On the other hand, SUN teases CHUI; meanwhile, BEN also has bias on CHUI. CHUI is upset because she finds a lot of difficulties in fitting into the family of KIU. Though KIU sues against WONG for cheating his marriage, JUN settles the case for WONG secretly. On the trial day, WONG is able to get rid of the charges and TSE also indicates that she would not marry a poor artist. KIU fails the law case and TSE breaks his heart into pieces. Furthermore, JUN takes over the role of ZHANG. KIU loses both the career and love battle and visits SUN at his gallery sadly. He meets a gang of traders, who ask for remunerate of his paintings……
Runtime: 46m
Despite the persuasion of BEN, the students still have reservation to attend classes. BEN feels pity and blames KIU for his irresponsible act. However, KIU has a different opinion towards the perspective of studies; in fact, he does not believe education from books can enrich one’s life nor brings prosperity. BEN finds KIU more pathetic then. One day, KIU goes back to Yong Zhou immediately after receiving a letter from SUN. The letter mentions that YONG has sent his subordinate, CHIU KO MING, to suppress the development of art; hence, Yong Zhou has become a disaster place in the suppression. So KIU helps NONG to struggle their rights and offends CHIU directly. NONG is arrested and KIU has to return to the Hing Fa at last. BEN is in despair because of the incidents happened. Meanwhile, KIU realises the importance of studies and the value of school to BEN……
Runtime: 46m
CHIU insults NONG and SUN and releases them. Though the life is saved, NONG and SUN find no dignity to live in Yong Zhou anymore. Apart, the relationship goes rapidly between KIU and CHUI and they become a real couple after drunk on a splendid evening. At that time, the country is suffered from drought; hence, YONG releases all criminals in order to praise for mercy. And, ZHANG is set free then. Living in prison does not diminish the spirit of ZHANG; he determines to get back his gallery instead. But his determination has frightened FONG. Since JUN is a narrow-minded person, he assigns ZHANG to be responsible for the storage of KANG’s legacy. Although ZHANG spends a lot of efforts on his left hand drawing at the prison, he does not have a chance to demonstrate after released. On the other hand, TSE cannot forget the memories of KIU and always thinks of him when she looks at his paintings……
Runtime: 46m
BEN claims that he draws the bamboo painting in order to get rid of the suspect of CHIU. Besides, ZHANG tends to praise YONG with his paintings privately but he has a reverse result. YONG does not appreciate the intention of ZHANG; moreover, he is still angry with ZHANG for not helping him during the throne of KANG. He humiliates ZHANG and orders him to satisfy with his role at present. ZHANG is furious. At night, when ZHANG is making the inventory list for the legacy of KANG, he meets a eunuch, LEE. LEE is also redundant after YONG heir the throne. When they share their grieves, ZHANG discovers a secret. As LEE tells ZHANG that one of the favourite painting of KANG is the bamboo painting drew by KIU; yet, ZHANG finds out the metaphor placed by KANG in the painting. ZHANG carries the painting to seek for the advice from Prince Fourteen. After examination, both of them figure out the metaphor……
Runtime: 46m
KIU decides to help TSE to mend the painting secretly. Yet, CHUI feels suspicious and follows KIU; but she is upset to discover that KIU and TSE get along together again. One day, KIU meets SUN and NONG; they tell KIU that no one dares to draw at Yong Zhou due to the suppression from king. KIU feels pathetic about the situation. JUN is concerned about the progress of KIU. Just then, TSE and KIU returns after dinner and arise the jealousy of JUN at once. JUN thinks that they are having fun instead of helping him to mend the painting. So, he quarrels with TSE unreasonably. The next day, JUN kneels down to beg KIU to complete the work and tends to trade it with TSE. KIU finds him disgusting and beats him up. Even though KIU disagrees with JUN, he continues to help TSE. And, JUN has found a place for KIU to concentrate his painting. Therefore, KIU lies to his family and claims that he goes outing with SUN for a few days……
Runtime: 45m
Despite the illness of KIU, he carries on drawing and faints; hence, TSE takes care of him tenderly. Meanwhile, CHUI sobs and has the comfort of SUN in return. When KIU wakes up and he is pleased to find TSE takes care of himself. Just when KIU almost completes the painting, he asks TSE to elope again. TSE feels astonish and rushes out to calm down herself. She meets BEN coincidentally. BEN blames TSE for destroying the family of KIU and CHUI and asks her to withdraw as soon as possible. TSE feels guilty and decides to decline the proposal of KIU. KIU respects her decision and asks TSE to collect the painting tomorrow. Finally, KIU completes the painting and soon realises the metaphor of KANG. He seeks for the advice from SUN and both of them agree that they should not give the painting to YONG. When KIU tries to explain the consequence to TSE, WONG appears and assaults KIU……
Runtime: 45m
Unexpectedly, the private deal between YONG and JUN is call off. JUN receives an adjudication of death from YONG due to his delinquent. In fact, ZHANG is the one behind the plot; nevertheless, he persuades YONG to imprison Prince Fourteen also. ZHANG gets back his art gallery; but his arrogant becomes a burden to FONG. KIU chases after TSE to the imperial mainland. He discovers that JUN is dead and his family has been confiscated. Even though, he still hopes that TSE and WONG are alive. His search is unfound and YAU NG MUI robs him after drunk. MUI carries him to a hill slope and takes away all his money; moreover, beats him up. CHUI and SUN also follow KIU to the imperial mainland. Meanwhile, they feel suspicious to find MUI carries the jade accessory of KIU. CHUI begs MUI to tell her about the location of KIU; however, MUI is reluctant to help them. Hence, SUN uses his intelligence to force MUI tells the truth……
Runtime: 45m
CHUI returns Hing Fa to take care of BEN, who is seriously ill. Meanwhile, SUN and NONG promise to look for KIU. Besides, MUI fails to persuade KIU to return home; hence, she infatuates KIU and brings him home. The journey is rough and they nearly fall down from the cliff. KIU feels ashamed to face CHUI; but MUI encourages him to cope with the problems positively. MUI parts with KIU at the village then. KIU is afraid to open the door and hesitates at the doorway. Just then, CHUI returns and discovers him. At last, they embrace each other with tears and happiness. Furthermore, KIU regrets and moves when he finds out that CHUI always memorise him from his paintings. MUI commits robbery again. Luckily, CHUI pays off the loss for her and convinces her to rectify. On the other hand, YONG dies and QIAN LONG heirs the throne. QIAN releases Prince Fourteen at once and grant him Duke……
Runtime: 46m
The next morning, BEN makes an announcement to close down the school; meanwhile, he encourages KIU to cultivate his career at the art society. KIU appreciates and accepts his generous support. So, KIU accompanies with CHUI and his younger brother, MARK set off for their journey to Yong Zhou and KIU finds the prosperity of Yong Zhou is amazing. Because of the visit of QIAN, CHIU makes an excuse to impose huge tax on the businessmen. He instructs the district governor, HUANG to collect the money and build a giant ink stone for QIAN. Though the people are discontent, they do not realise the plot of CHIU. Apart, KIU and CHUI meet MUI at Yong Zhou again; however, she still carries on stealing. In view of the help from MUI in the past, CHUI insists to take care of MUI despite the disagreement from SUN. At the art gallery, KIU and SUN begin to teach MUI to read; whilst, NONG teaches her draw and CHUI teaches her gesture……
Runtime: 46m
QIAN tends to pay a high price for the artwork of KIU. KIU fails to recognise QIAN and finds him lacking sense of art; thus, refuses his offer in a straightway. QIAN does not angry with him; on contrary, he appreciates his nobility. Unfortunately, the subordinate of QIAN beats KIU and takes away his artwork to praise QIAN. Nevertheless, he cheats QIAN that KIU is willing to trade off the artwork with a higher price. QIAN believes and feels disappointed towards KIU at once. In order to get rid of the guidance of eunuch, SHUN, QIAN sneaks out and meets MUI. MUI takes revenge for KIU and takes QIAN to the hill slope. Moreover, she ties up QIAN and robs him. KIU rebukes MUI for her misbehaviour and keeps the money in order to return to QIAN later; whilst, MUI hides the imperial seal secretly. CHIU organises a tour to display the giant ink stone; meanwhile, forces people to donate money……
Runtime: 46m
The district governor punishes QIAN because of his accusation. At the same time, KIU appears and confess the crime. He is punished too. The district governor has no sense of justice but puts both KIU and QIAN in jail; hence, they meet again and make up with each other. Furthermore, QIAN highly appreciates and respects the courage of KIU. On the other hand, CHIU notices from SHUN that QIAN is mistakenly locked up in jail. He is frightened and tries to get rid of the responsibility. Apart, KIU still has no idea about the identity of QIAN in spite of the hint that gives by QIAN himself. Even though, behind the bars, QIAN has an unpredictable reward. He has a chance to see KIU draws in prison; he is amazed and impressed then. CHUI and MUI intend to rescue KIU from jail. Their plot arrives late because CHIU has sent his subordinates to take QIAN and KIU away. They are arranged to wait in a cave until further notice……
Runtime: 46m
Though CHIU tends to hid his secret and executes the district governor immediately, the arrival of SHUN and MUI disclose his plot to QIAN. QIAN sentences CHIU to death and his family is confiscated. Besides, CHUI is recovered from coma and the doctor proves that she is pregnant too. However, the doctor recommends CHUI for an abortion due to her internal injury. In view of the tradition, CHUI hopes to bore a child for KIU. Thus, she neglects the advice from doctor and continues the pregnancy for KIU. She asks MUI to keep the secret for her until the child is born. MUI agrees with deep sorrow. Knowing that CHUI is pregnant, KIU is overwhelmed. On contrary, MUI feels sorry for CHUI. QIAN assigns KIU to be in charge of the board of civil office. However, KIU declines the offer because of CHUI; he rather prefers to be a district governor instead……
Runtime: 46m
Since YAU often ill-treats the peasants, KIU considers giving him a lesson. At the grass field, KIU is bite by a snack. Luckily, MUI discovers him and carries KIU to visit the doctor in time. KIU is saved from danger then. CHUI thanks the help of MUI and realises that MUI can accompany KIU in the future. KIU tears off the wall of the government office in order to reduce the distance with peasants. Moreover, he builds up a reputation of justice successfully. Knowing that KIU has ceased the power from himself, YAU frames a peasant in order to destroy the credibility of KIU. In the power struggle, KIU thinks of a method and forces YAU to let go of investigation. And, KIU wins his reputation at the end. On the other hand, CHUI teaches MUI to administrate the duties at home; moreover, she advises KIU to marry MUI as his second wife. KIU feels ridiculous; meanwhile, MUI also has reservation on the suggestion……
Runtime: 46m
CHUI passes away finally; but her death echoes with the sounds of sorrow at the heart of KIU consistently. Moreover, KIU puts the blame on MUI and always demands for a divorce. On contrary, MUI does not angry with him at all but understands his grieves literally. She insists to stay behind and takes care of KIU forever. One day, KIU is responsible for a sue case from a poor student, whose bride breaks the wedding engagement due to his poverty. Ironically, similar case happens to KIU in the past and yet, it brings back the unhappy memories of KIU at once. On the other hand, MUI helps KIU to practise good deeds; however, KIU does not appreciate her act and dislikes her using the identity of Mrs. Cheng. QIAN appoints KIU to be the ambassador of art and responsible for an art competition at Yong Zhou. During the trip to Yong Zhou, KIU divorces with MUI and gives her the alimony for living……
Runtime: 46m
While fame follows KIU after he plays an important role for QIAN, SUN has an intention to seek for his help on NONG. However, SUN feels difficult to get close with KIU this time, especially when KIU becomes a government official. Therefore, MUI tries to help SUN and NONG at aside. Unfortunately, KIU does not pleased with their effort and reinforce the importance of equal and justice. Although KIU seems very harsh, he still treasures the friendship with SUN and NONG. He does not highly praise the work of NONG but rather emphasis his hard work and efforts. Apart, KIU and SUN visit TSE together; whilst, TSE introduces herself as Mrs. Chan. After investigation, SUN discovers that TSE has faked her identity; hence, forces TSE to confess. TSE tells them that WONG has been killed during their escape; and Mrs. Chan rescued her from danger. Afterwards, the house of Chan is on fire and Mrs. Chan leaves her money before she dies……
Runtime: 46m
WONG cannot tolerate the master rapes TSE; hence, she kills all the people in the house. Mrs. Chan begs TSE to take her away breathlessly but she wants to take revenge on WONG also. Just when Mrs. Chan tries to hurt WONG, TSE kills her by accident. TSE takes all the fortune and runs away with WONG. And, this is the truth behind the story of TSE; yet, it is also an opening chapter for the revenge of TSE. In fact, TSE blames KIU for bringing her the entire unfortunate and causing the death of her husband, JUN. Apart, the drawing of PING impresses KIU; however, he feels inconvenient to select his painting due to his relationship with TSE. Meanwhile, MUI remembers the warning of CHUI that TSE might do harm to KIU in the future. Therefore, MUI intends to negotiate with TSE and understands the situation. On the other hand, TSE convinces KIU to select the painting of PING successfully……
Runtime: 45m
MUI is imprisoned. Even though she tries to tell the truth, KIU neglects her explanation. Unexpectedly, TSE encourages KIU to set free MUI in order to misguide KIU violating the law. KIU is confused and fails to recognise the intention of TSE. He releases MUI eventually. Therefore, QIAN orders him to recover the last paintings and MUI within 3 days. MUI escapes to a rotten temple and meets the real Mrs. Chan; thus, MUI discovers the truth. On the other hand, TSE recovers the lost paintings for KIU; but KIU does not aware to the painting that has been edited. TSE prepares to celebrate her success and tells MUI that the death of KIU is approaching. At the art exhibition, many people believe that the bamboo painting of PING is drawn by KIU; especially the painting is concealed with the ink stone of KIU. It is more important that the painting has an irony and a reverse meaning against the throne……
Runtime: 45m
MUI persists in helping KIU and bustled around trying to rescue him. She seeks for the assistance of Mrs. Chan to disclose the secret of TSE; however, TSE does not fall into their trap. Moreover, she has strong believed in herself and her revenge on KIU. Until SUN mentions the unnoticed details, TSE has uncertainties. PING disagrees with TSE for framing KIU and intends to report to the yamen. Unfortunately, he does not succeed because WONG kills him in advance. TSE begins to suspect and forces WONG to tell her the truth. Hence, WONG admits her mistake, which has caused the outcomes. Although QIAN gives leniency to KIU, KIU has no intention to appeal. The execution takes place; TSE shows up and confess the crime at sudden. KIU pleads QIAN to release TSE; hence, TSE escapes from death penalty. TSE loses passion towards life and decides to be a nun……
