Yin Tao as Yang Guifei (left) and Anthony Wong as Xuanzong in the upcoming television drama, "Secret Anecdotes of Yang Guifei". [sohu.com]

Hong Kong actor Anthony Wong and mainland actress Yin Tao are set to reprise a legendary imperial romance in the upcoming television drama, "Secret Anecdotes of Yang Guifei".

Wong and Yin signed up on Tuesday to star in the epic drama, which is to be directed by You Xiaogang. Wong will play Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), and Yin is to portray the emperor's beloved consort, Yang Yuhuan, one of the Four Beauties of ancient China.

Yang Yuhuan was historically known as Guifei, literally "honorable consort". She was loved by Xuanzong for many years, but was eventually executed together with her relatives during a political rebellion.

"Secret Anecdotes of Yang Guifei" is the first project of director You's historical series about Sui and the following Tang dynasties. According to the director, the drama will not only chronicle the legendary life of Yang Guifei, but also offer a panorama of Tang art culture.

Other cast members include Shi Xiaoqun, Wang Luoyong and Michelle Ye.

(CRI July 29, 2009)