Original subtitles

Inside Rui'an's room, we found letters written to Wenniang.

His handwriting is easy to copy.

The letters written in his hand

have been sent out to the courtiers.

Meiniang, don't blame me.

Blame yourself! You shouldn't have come back!

The content of the letter. Is it true?

I've checked.

80% of it is true.

I still don't know who sent it.

But I'm sure it came from the Palace.

I'm glad it's true.

I don't care how it got out

and it's probably a ploy to fight for His Majesty's favour.

The key is Wu Meiniang,

as a member of the harem, went with the army

and breached the law laid down by the late Emperor Gaozu.

Not to mention she interfered with military decisions.

That alone deserves the death penalty.

Chancellor Zhangsun,

the aristocrats from Guanlong will follow your lead.

What do you think we should do?

She must be removed from the Palace,

or else disaster will follow.

Kill her!

That's right! Kill her.

I'll go home and prepare the memorial.

For a woman to take such liberty,

she must be executed at once.

These charges may not be sufficient to kill Wu Meiniang.

His Majesty would come up with excuses to overrule your petition.

We need something bigger,

like "the woman ruler named Wu" endangering Tang.

Master!

Rumours are circulating in Chang'an about the arrival of Yuan Tiangang.

They say he has set up a booth to tell people's fortune.

People are rushing to the Western Market to meet the great fortune teller.

You may go!

Aye!

Yuan Tiangang came to Chang'an to visit his protege Li Chunfeng's grave.

Greetings, Your Majesty...

At ease!

Chancellor Fang,

your health seems worse than when I left Chang'an.

Your Majesty, my health is indeed failing.

You're right! We're all getting old.

Zhinu, help Chancellor Fang sit down!

Aye!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Fuji, have a seat.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

I must thank you for helping Zhinu run the state.

May I thank you for your supervision and guidance.

Your Highness! Your Highness!

I summoned you here today

because of the Crown Prince.

Since Zhinu became the regent,

I want to know how he has been doing.

Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is still young

and he lacks experience.

But I have observed him.

He's meticulous and prudent.

Whenever he disagreed with us,

he would resolve the situation with a give-and-take approach.

There has never been an open confrontation with any courtier.

Everyone has nothing but praise for him.

To achieve that at such a young age is not easy at all.

Pacification may not be the best policy.

Though you can win over others and secure your position as the Crown Prince

some people will look down on him

and may become a source of trouble for him in the future.

Your Majesty, when the Crown Prince gets older,

he'll learn to be firm and tough.

I hope so too.

All in all, he tried his best.

I see quite a bit of you in him.

I find that quite surprising.

Chancellor Zhangsun has found you the ideal heir apparent, Your Majesty.

He has a long way ahead of him.

He still needs your advice.

I came to visit you.

If there's such a thing as the next life,

I hope you won't be so stubborn.

Learn to take it easy, and life will be better for you.

Then you won't need this old man to feel bad for you.

Chancellor Zhangsun,

I only came to visit my protege's grave.

Why can't you leave me alone?

That's an overstatement, Mr Yuan.

I admire your great gift

and am honoured to make your acquaintance.

What exactly do you want from me?

Don't worry,

I only want your help with divination in the Palace tomorrow.

What if I refuse?

Mr Yuan, I'm a Chancellor, I do everything with propriety.

As long as you don't break any laws,

what you do and where you go is entirely up to you.

I'm an ordinary man. What can I possibly do to you?

Let's hear the "but"...

But...your protege Mr Li was an incorruptible official.

His family had financial trouble after he passed away.

It was I who did my part to improve their livelihood.

I'm sure you wish that they could continue living a steady and happy life. Right?

In our discipline,

after we train the vital essence into energy and energy into spirit,

we return spirit into nothingness,

until we're void of human emotions.

Yet we're only human, we can't rid ourselves of emotions.

Very well!

I'm bound to my protege, and it's also my inexorable doom.

I'll go with you!

This way, please!

I should go.

Wait! Her Highness wants to see you.

Please follow me.

Greetings, Your Highness!

Cairen Wu sent me to bring you a snow ginseng from Liaodong.

Get up! Mieniang is too kind!

Aye!

Why did you want to see me, Milady?

As I've heard, you have an unfinished embroidered handkerchief.

Can I take a look?

Handkerchief?

Don't tell me you don't have it.

Everyone says it's more important to you than your life.

You always carry it with you.

(Rui)

Yes...it's Wenniang's work.

Looks like the rumour about you and Wenniang pairing up is absolutely true.

No, Milady!

Not that I'm afraid of punishment.

If Wenniang was willing,

I'd love to be with her even in my dreams.

But I'm a eunuch, I'm not worthy of her.

That's why...

We were never a pair!

It was Wenniang's good fortune to have met you.

I can't be happier for her.

Why would I punish you?

Hurry and get up!

The handkerchief tells me you and Wenniang truly cared about each other.

Looks like I can trust you with this silk log.

What's so special about this silk log?

You know, I have long suspected Wenniang's death was not an accident.

I think she was murdered.

You think so too?

"Too"? Is that what you think?

But it was just a guess and I had no proof.

That's why I did nothing.

But I've been investigating in secret.

In this silk log,

I recorded Wenniang's whereabouts 3 days before she died,

where she had been and what she had said.

It's all in here.

I hope I'll be able to find a lead.

You're so good to her, Milady.

If Wenniang knew about this,

she would be very pleased.

Too bad I don't know her too well.

I see nothing suspicious.

Maybe after you read it,

you'll find a lead.

Based on what you said,

over the last few years,

have you been trying to find her killer too?

I was looking into it.

What have you found?

How did you conduct your investigation?

I'm too stupid and have not found anything.

I've made absolutely no progress.

I used the only way Sis Wu taught me.

I might just spend over 10 years

and still come up empty handed.

Milady, I have something very important to tell you.

If you're busy, Milady.

I'll excuse myself.

No, just wait here.

Aye!

I must be wrong about Sis Xu.

What is it?

Congratulations, Milady!

Chancellor Zhangsun found Yuan Tiangang in the state cemetery outside of Chang'an.

He's taking him to see His Majesty in Taiji Hall.

Excellent!

Rui'an?

Strange...Where is he?

Yuan Tiangang at your service, Your Majesty!

The great fortune teller?

Aye!

Fuji, why did you bring him here?

What do you mean by this?

The Venus, Star of Calamity again?

If stars can determine the fate of Tang, and the fortune of the state,

why did we bother with going to war

and killing so many to win the kingdom?

We'd only need divination and wait for the stars to converge,

and the world would be ours.

I'm sick of the talk about some Venus Star of Calamity.

It's complete nonsense!

Don't be upset, Your Majesty.

I have doubts about the stars too.

But it's wise to play it safe.

Chancellor Fang, not you too!

Fuji, why wouldn't you two give it a rest?

Why pick on a weak woman?

If you think Cairen Wu is weak,

you're quite mistaken, Your Majesty.

In naming the Crown Prince,

she was the brain in mapping out a strategy,

which had an impact on the fate of Tang.

You still think she's an ordinary woman?

What ordinary weak woman

would have the courage to follow the army onto the battlefield,

meddle with military affairs, and convince you to withdraw the troops?

I have heard about those rumours.

I didn't expect the two of you to believe in such complete nonsense!

Fine! Let me tell you, Wu Meiniang was not with the army.

I put her up somewhere else.

Your Majesty, a rumour in circulation is not something you can explain.

All the courtiers as well as people in Chang'an are saying...

Your Majesty has defied the rules laid down by the late Emperor for a woman,

and neglected state affairs.

You guaranteed Cairen Wu would not do anything to harm Tang.

But first we have the prophecy of the "woman ruler named Wu",

now Cairen Wu meddled with state affairs from the harem.

How do you explain that, Your Majesty?

You're excused! Let me think about this.

Zhinu, you may go too.

Goodbye, Father!

Your Majesty, for the sake of Tang and to assure your subjects;

if you're so certain,

why won't you resort to divination?

Please resort to divination, Your Majesty...

After the divination,

whatever the outcome,

we shall not dwell on this matter again.

And if I refuse, you'll remain kneeling.

Am I right?

Aye!

Wenniang!

She killed her!

Rui'an, what's wrong?

Who got you all scared and confused?

Did you take the snow ginseng to Sis Xu?

Sis Wu...

I've found Wenniang's killer!

What? Who was it?

It's...Consort Xu!

The Consort Xu whom Wenniang respected and adored.

She killed Wenniang.

She's the killer!

I found that candle stand.

She killed Wenniang!

The candle stand was in her chamber.

Sis...

No way! A candle stand alone

cannot prove Sis Xu killed Wenniang.

Just ask yourself...

Since the Crown Prince incident,

a lot about Consort Xu was questionable.

But you chose to believe she wouldn't hurt you,

and purposely ignored the obvious.

Who else but she

knew about the crape on Chancellor Wei's coffin?

Who else could have ordered Wenniang... ordered her to deceive me?

I hate myself for being such a coward.

I ran from Jinle Palace without a word

and did not seek revenge for her.

Revenge!

Come back! Where are you going?

Never mind.

I want to kill her and avenge Wenniang.

Rui'an, you ran off just now.

If she was the killer,

you think she'll let you go near her again?

If she wasn't,

you would have killed someone Wenniang respected.

How can you face her in Hell in the future?

Tell me,

what should I do?

The key is to confirm whether Sis Xu is really the killer.

Sis Wu...we have trouble!

Uncle...brought Yuan Tiangang to the Palace.

Courtiers are kneeling outside Ganlu Hall

asking Father to resort to divination

to see if you're "the woman ruler named Wu".

They're trying to kill you!

Why?

Why did Chancellor Zhangsun choose to come after me right now?

I don't know.

But I think Uncle said something about

you were with Father on the battlefield up north

and was involved in military affairs.

Where have you been?

Rui'an!

Yes?

No matter what happens, I must see Consort Xu tomorrow.

Aye!

Looks like Chancellor Zhangsun plans to

use "the woman ruler named Wu" to kill me.

Don't worry, Sis Wu!

I'm now the Crown Prince,

I can speak to those courtiers on your behalf.

No, you're the Crown Prince, you need their support.

You definitely cannot confront them over a woman

who may jeopardise the fate of Tang,

not to mention your uncle Zhangsun Wuji is on their side.

I can't watch you die.

The trouble starts with the Court

and the courtiers want me dead.

That's why the person to get me out of this bind

should also be someone from the Court.

Zhinu, you must tell me,

who are the courtiers kneeling outside Ganlu Hall.

Most of them are from aristocratic families who follow my Uncle's lead.

Some are with the Fang clan.

The others are from the Cui's, Lu's, Zheng's and Wang's;

who are all listed in the Records of Clans.

The ones in the front row are descendants of aristocratic clans.

I see. All from noble clans.

No one from poor families?

Their positions are far too low.

They're not qualified to kneel outside Ganlu Hall.

Wait... remember Li Yifu.

On my way over here, I saw him walking towards Ganlu Hall.

He's a social parasite.

I bet he wants to curry favour with my Uncle

Li Yifu...

Minister Zhangsun...

for the future of Tang, I'd like to do my share,

please allow me to kneel out here with you.

You're well informed indeed and invited yourself.

Based on your background,

for you to kneel among us is rather inappropriate.

Of course...my position is obviously not worth mentioning.

But my loyalty to Tang

Heaven and Earth can vouch for it.

You only want His Majesty to notice you.

Your eagerness as a social climber is known throughout Chang'an.

Gentlemen,

I only wish to make progress.

There's nothing wrong with pursuing fame and wealth...

Right...

but one should have scruples and shame.

Or else why bother to study the classics?

You were a hanger-on inside the Prince of Wei's mansion.

Outside the North Gate,

exactly what was your contribution

to his grand scheme of becoming the Crown Prince?

Gentlemen,

perhaps I should get going.

Even a dog knows its owner.

The way you betrayed the Prince of Wei makes you unworthy of your human skin.

A lowly social climber like him knows nothing about moral principles.

The teachings of the classics

are only tools for him to get ahead.

They're ferocious when they're poor, heartless when they're rich.

That's right...

It's better for the Court to be filled with

descendants from aristocratic families like us.

Not exactly!

Don't you have dogs?

Your Majesty, please listen to me.

You should turn in early.

You're not in perfect health, why hold against the courtiers like this?

Your Majesty,

please get some rest.

Your Majesty! Send for the doctor!

Aye!

No need!

Wait!

I'm fine! Aye!

Serve teal

Your Majesty!

Fuji and Chancellor Fang still there?

Your Majesty,

they're both on their knees in the Imperial Study.

They're all in this together!

Master Li Yifu?

That's right!

What can I do for you?

Milady wishes to see you.

Please come with me.

Who wants to see me?

Don't worry.

She only wants to

have a discussion with you in a safe place.

She said, if you don't want to

be a petty official in Chang'an for the rest of your life,

please come with me.

Who wants to see me?

Don't worry, Mr Li.

We're actually old acquaintances.

Cairen Wu!

What do you wish to see me about?

I don't like to beat around the bush.

I invited you here to ask you whether you'd like to follow me,

so that from here onwards,

we can help each other out in both the Court and the harem.

I'm most flattered, Cairen Wu.

You're His Majesty's favourite concubine

and I'm just a petty official.

I'm not worthy to be at your service...

Do you know why, of all the courtiers,

I chose to meet with you?

I really don't.

Come to think of it,

you and I had a brief encounter at the North Gate.

How much do you really know about me?

Much more than you know.

You came from a destitute background.

You studied hard and passed the Imperial exams,

but you hate the injustice in life.

Some people didn't have to work hard

but already have everything given to them.

While you slaved yourself

before you could change your life around by a tiny bit.

You're quite right.

I am from a poor family.

Whether the Tang official circle is fair or not,

I'm not in a position to comment.

I was hoping to do my humble part

to serve the state.

The Tang official circle is well established.

The Guanlong aristocrats headed by Zhangsun Wuiji control the Court.

Only their descendants have the chance to get ahead.

A low level officer with a humble background

will never make it to the top no matter how hard you try.

Even if one or two is outstanding enough to become a chancellor,

he'd still be looked down upon by those aristocrats,

and laughed at when he dares to make a marriage proposal.

If Zhangsun Wuji is not removed,

Li Yifu will forever be a petty officer and die a miserable man.

You want to go after Chancellor Zhangsun?

No, we'll do it together.

You must have heard the rumour about "the woman ruler named Wu".

Zhangsun Wuji will not rest until he kills me.

I'm only alive because of His Majesty's grace.

But he's outnumbered by Zhangsun Wuji and his lot.

They hold high positions in Court and even His Majesty is cornered.

We must do something.

I can't be a sitting duck.

Zhangsun Wuji is our common enemy.

Not until he meets his doom, we're stuck with a dismal future.

This is the doing of a minion.

I shouldn't fight the pillar of the state for my own personal gain.

You've worked so hard for so long

because you want to rise to power and earn the return you deserve.

There's nothing shameless about it,

or else the other day at the North Gate,

you wouldn't have gotten cold feet and betrayed Li Tai.

No doubt you're a despicable man.

That's why in the eyes of the aristocrats, you'll never get ahead.

Only with someone like me who has a questionable future

will you get the chance you deserve.

I'm not worried you're a creep, as long as you're not useless.

Gentlemen are often full of empty talk.

Those who can make things happen are often those with no scruples.

If I help you, what will I get in return?

Good! Justice is not considered. Just the return you get.

That's the real you.

I believe you have heard,

when one gets to the top, his pets will ascend to heaven.

When the time comes,

you'll get the return you deserve in Court.

But me alone is no match for Chancellor Zhangsun.

I'll only be throwing an egg against a rock.

Who said you're alone?

The Court is full of lowly officials like you who came from humble background.

You mean to rally their help?

Yes, if Zhangsun Wuji is an elephant, you'll be ants.

The strongest dyke will collapse because of an ant hole.

As long as you pool together,

someday, you'll finish off the elephant nibble by nibble.

The Crown Prince is rather fond of me.

If you're all willing to take my side,

I'll become a towering tree in the harem.

By then,

our common enemy Zhangsun Wuji will no longer be a concern.

What you said made sense,

but I still can't commit myself.

Why?

Because you don't think I'll survive tonight?

So you knew!

Yes, you might have painted a picture of a bright future.

It's nothing but a moon in the water.

Vice Chancellor Li Chunfeng's mentor Yuan Tiangang

is in the Imperial Study right now.

Chancellor Zhangsun brought him to the Palace.

If his divination

says you are "the woman ruler named Wu"

even His Majesty can't save you.

If fate should have it and I survive,

would you be willing to follow my lead from here onwards?

Your remarkable prudence

makes you a worthy opponent of Zhangsun Wuji.

If you survive tonight.

I will definitely follow you.

Goodbye!