Original subtitles

When I passed by Prince of Wu's mansion at a quarter past 9:00 tonight,

I saw Prince of Wu leaving through the back door in a carriage.

Prince of Wu always rides his horse.

The carriage must be a cover-up.

He went to the forest outside Chang'an to meet someone in secret.

Li Ji?

Yes.

What did Prince of Wu say to Li Ji?

He seemed to be explaining why he left Chang'an.

After Prince of Wu said something, General Li Ji looked perplexed.

Your Highness, why did you ask me to come here?

Li Ji?

I'll be leaving Chang'an and going to Songzhou tomorrow.

In that case, allow me to congratulate you for leaving this troubled land.

I'll be gone temporarily and staging my return.

On His late Majesty's death anniversary one year later,

I'll be back with an excellent cavalry troop and break the dominance of Zhangsun Wuiji.

Disputes are expected.

General, I hope you can stay neutral as you always do.

To act in accordance with the Tang Code, I should do that.

Zhaoyi Wu, one year later the Prince of Wu

will push the Grand Chancellor Zhangsun out of the Court by force.

However, building an army in Chang'an is the same as raising a revolt.

So that's the reason why the Prince of Wu met with Li Ji.

Li Yifu, under any circumstances,

you must not tell anyone what you saw and heard tonight.

You and His Majesty knew about it all along?

You're dismissed.

Yes.

Your Highness, I shouldn't have doubted you today.

My apologies.

Thank you for seeing me off so early in the morning.

If you really care, please help Zhaoyi Wu out.

The Harem has become a perilous place.

Brother, is Meiniang really nothing more than a friend to you?

Your Majesty, His Highness Prince of Wu went to see Li Ji before he left.

He's leaving Chang'an right now.

I see. You're dismissed.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Aren't you the sweetest thing?

Good girl.

I wish I had a daughter like you.

Anding is always fussy, but she calms down every time she sees you.

Compared to me, you're more like her mother.

That's because you put all your energy into "Instructions for the Inner Quarters"

and have no time for her.

I came over to help you out as a favour,

but I don't want to put her down every time I hold her.

Good girl.

I think you simply love Anding too much. That's why you don't want to put her down.

There's a special connection between us.

Let's go outside and talk. She needs some quiet time.

Here.

Come on.

In barbarian customs, the ring is a symbol of marital bond.

Looks like the imperial son-in-law has finally won your heart.

It's true that he'll do anything to please me,

but how can I possibly like such a wimp?

Forget it, I don't want to talk about him.

I heard Empress Wang has recently recommended a miracle healer

to treat my brother's fengji.

And I heard he's a Taoist monk. He's been around for quite some time.

All those recommended by Empress Wang were either monks or Taoist monks.

They looked more like swindlers than physicians,

and none of them was able to treat my brother's condition.

She can never win his favour. Maybe in her dreams.

Empress Wang hasn't come to see Anding yet?

No.

After a prince or a princess is born,

the empress is supposed to pay a visit and give her blessings within a month.

It's been almost three months, but that woman still hasn't shown up.

Apparently her heart is full of jealousy and hate.

She has joined hands with Consort Xiao,

but the security in Penglai Hall has become laxer since Hong'er was born.

It's better if Empress Wang doesn't come.

I don't want to see her force a smile on her face.

But even though her heart is full of jealousy and hate,

Anding is in a safe position.

I guess this is the advantage of being a girl.

Supposedly, if Empress Wang takes action, her target should be Hong'er.

Harming Anding won't do her any good.

However, that woman has been obsessed with spiritual mediums over the past two years.

She doesn't think like a normal person. You'd better be careful.

Sooner or later she will come to Penglai Hall.

If she gives Anding something to eat or wear, you must stop her.

I will, don't worry.

Your Highnesses. Rui'an.

Your Highness, Her Imperial Highness recommended the sorcerer Ming Chongyan

to treat His Majesty's feng;ji with golden needle, and it worked.

His Majesty's headache was greatly reduced.

His Majesty was very much delighted and granted Her Imperial Highness generously

He'll be staying at Lizheng Hall tonight.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Master Ming, you successfully treated His Majesty's chronic condition.

You deserve all these.

Honestly, His Majesty's fengji is highly obstinate.

With my medical skills, I can only provide temporary relief.

I honestly cannot guarantee a permanent cure for His Majesty's fengji.

Anyway, you are far more skilled than those so-called prestigious physicians.

Allow me to express my deepest admiration.

Master Ming, here's to your gifted hands.

In fact, golden needle acupuncture treatment is not anything to speak of.

As the 5th-generation eldest grandson of Ming Shanbin, Head of the Imperial Academy

of Southern Liang,

I actually have my areas of expertise in voodoo and spellcasting.

Spellcasting? Sounds interesting.

I've met a lot of people with special powers who said they had such abilities,

but they were not as good as they claimed.

Master Ming, I'm impressed with your medical skills.

I wonder if you can give a demonstration of spellcasting.

I'm afraid I can't.

Deep-seated resentment is the basis

of the ability to communicate with demons and spirits.

It doesn't work unless deep hostility is present.

Also, its vicious nature is against natural harmony.

It should not be used unless absolutely necessary.

That makes sense, but those are just excuses.

Since you have the power to communicate with demons and spirits,

are you also able to read minds?

Of course I know how to do such an easy trick.

Then show me. If you win, I'll give you three chests of treasures.

If you lose, your tongue will be removed as punishment.

I hate those who use their silver tongues to cheat others out of money.

Well then, allow me to show you a trick.

Your Highness, please pick a number between five and twelve

and write it on a piece of paper.

See if it's the same as the one I write.

Sure.

Bring forward ink and paper.

Alright, let me see.

Sis, what did he write?

Wu.

What? Master Ming, looks like you've lost.

He wrote "Wu" as in Wen Wu.

"Wu" as in Wen Wu?

Your Highness, I wrote on this side

the surname of the person Consort Xiao hates most.

I wrote the number on the back.

Your Highnesses, please forgive my rudeness and excuse me.

Sis, I wrote the number seven. What about him?

Seven? He's quite something.

Sis, why don't we ask him to cast a spell on Wu Meiniang?

Thanks for your advice,

but it's against my conscience to practise vicious voodoo in the Palace.

Your great kindness is a blessing to the Harem.

I've spent much time in Lizheng Hall today. It's time for me to go.

You still need to prepare dinner for His Majesty, so don't bother to see me out.

Thanks for your understanding.

Gao Gong-Gong.

Yes, Your Highness?

As I remember, before I recommended Ming Chongyan,

I was told that he practised medicine in Luoyang with a good reputation.

Indeed, Your Highness.

Send some men to look into this person, check his family background and origins,

especially his experience before he went to Luoyang.

I need to know every detail.

Yes.

Thank you for recommending Master Ming. I can finally have a good night's sleep.

My pleasure, Your Majesty.

So, how has Zhong'er been?

He's been fine. He always gets praised for his swordplay and academic performance.

It's getting cold these days. I wonder if Hong'er and Anding are warm enough.

What's the matter?

While your body is in Lizheng Hall, your heart remains in Penglai Hall.

Allow me to ask you one question.

Besides dragging you in danger, what else has Zhaoyi Wu done?

Do you know why I no longer go to Xianling Palace?

As Sujie grows up, every time I get intimate with Consort Xiao,

she has so many things to say, but after all she just wants to say that

Zhong'er is not worthy of the throne, so Sujie should be the Crown Prince.

I don't like women who gossip indiscreetly,

because they remind me of the annoying sounds crows make.

I'm not blind, nor am I deaf. I don't need their hints and advice.

If something belongs to you, no one can take it away.

If something doesn't belong to you, you won't be able to keep it forever.

I'm terribly sorry. Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

To protect your reputation as Head of the Harem, I'm not leaving tonight.

I'll be sleeping alone in the side chamber of Lizheng Hall.

Let's eat.

I still remember the first time you said that to me.

You are my empress. I'm obligated to protect your pride.

You were holding my hand.

I'd sacrifice everything to make time stop at that moment.

From that moment onwards, I've been trying to earn a place in your heart.

Every time you look at me,

you see expectations of Honourable Zhangsun and my father.

I know very well that in your eyes our marriage is merely a political tool.

I wish I knew what to do to make you see my true heart.

I've seen it.

I know what you have sacrificed as Head of the Harem all these years.

Your Majesty, do you remember back then in the Eastern Palace

my father set Consort Xiao up to punish her?

But she did make a mistake, so I must punish her!

At that time, I came to realise that in order to survive in the Harem,

no one could escape from antagonism!

I've been trying my best to avoid becoming a heartless woman

by reflecting on myself constantly!

All these years I've done nothing shameful!

Are you sure you've done nothing shameful?

No, there's one thing.

I haven't been able to have children and become your bosom friend.

Good girl.

Your Highness...

"Instructions for the Inner Quarters" has been revised.

Wonderful. What about Li Yifu? Is his memorial ready?

It was ready days ago. Honourable Li will present it tomorrow morning.

Your Highness, everything is going as planned.

It's finally happening.

Right, I've been waiting for this day.

Pei Xingjian is new in the Western Regions.

He's merely an administrator supervising the granary of the left camp.

He has only made a few contributions.

It'd be inappropriate to promote him to Chief of Right Army in Qinzhou.

I think Wu Changging is a better fit for Chief of the Right Army in Qinzhou.

I disagree, Honourable Li.

Many historical figures gave up civilian pursuits to join the army.

Do not disregard his military achievements just because he was a civilian official.

Pei Xingjian wiped out the rebel army even though he was outnumbered.

That's quite an achievement for the State.

Even the renowned General Su Dingfang has given him great commendations.

Your Majesty, I think that

Pei Xingjian should be rewarded to avoid hurting morale.

Your Majesty...

Gentlemen, no further discussion is needed.

Although Pei Xingjian was banished to the Western Regions,

he started from the military title of 6th ranked Zhangshi as a civilian official.

u u i u He's been a successful frontier guard over the years.

Various states in the Western Regions admire his reputation greatly.

If we don't reward a talented man like him,

I'm afraid foreigners might say we don't know how to nurture talents.

It's decided. Pei Xingjian will be appointed Chief of the Right Army in Qinzhou.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Present your memorials now or the assembly is dismissed!

Allow me, Your Majesty!

Li, speak as you wish.

Your Majesty, the Records of Clans of Tang

was compiled by His late Majesty with a bias towards aristocratic families.

It's hard for those officials of humble birth to pursue high-ranking positions,

which is an obstacle for sourcing of talents

Since it's no longer compatible, I propose revising the Records of Clans.

Regardless of family status,

the names of all 5th ranked officials or above be included in the Records.

The previous version be discontinued and burnt.

Li Yifu, you propose revising the Records of Clans?

Have you lost your mind?

That Secretariat drafter handling compilation of history records

dared propose revising the Records of Clans.

There must be someone behind this.

Whoever that person is, the Cat cannot stay in Chang'an.

Notify the Secretariat to banish him to the Jiangnan Circuit.

Li Yifu should be leaving Chang'an soon.

His future is not our concern anyway.

General, Grand Chancellor Zhangsun has been expanding his powers in military affairs.

At this rate, his men will eventually take over Xizhou and Qinzhou.

His Majesty is still supporting him.

Can't he see you're the only one who can suppress the Grand Chancellor?

Look at those eyes. They wish they could swallow you alive.

Seeing those elderly high-ranking officials act agitatedly, I feel so good.

You're just a Secretariat drafter. The Secretariat can easily send you away.

I believe they have already taken action.

We shall proceed to the next step according to Zhaoyi Wu's plan.

Don't worry, I've already sent Wang Jian the memorial.

He's on duty today.

His Majesty will receive it before the order for my dismissal reaches the Chancellery.

Better be safe than sorry.

Your Majesty, Wang Jian from the Secretariat has sent over all the memorials for today.

Put them down.

Wang De.

Yes, Your Majesty?

Summon Li Yifu now. I shall give him a nice reward.

Yes, Your Majesty.

It was Wu Meiniang who sent it over?

Yes, according to Zhaoyi Wu,

"Instructions for the Inner Quarters" talks about how women serve their husbands,

the rules women should obey, as well as moral cultivation.

She spent years compiling this piece of work

and wished to share it with other women in the Palace.

She also said she'd sent a copy to Consort Yang's Xianling Palace.

What?

That shameless woman has served two men!

Instead of accepting criticism, she impudently teaches Sis moral virtues!

Has she no shame?

As the Empress, you should be the one to write such a book!

She has overstepped your authority and gone too far!

No, I must see His Majesty and ask him to make a fair judgment!

Your Highness, we have a serious problem!

Now what?

Today Honourable Zhangsun gave an order to banish Li Yifu to the Jiangnan Circuit!

Pushed into a corner, Li Yifu submitted a proposal to His Majesty to depose you!

His Majesty hasn't approved it yet,

but he has promoted Li Yifu to Vice Chancellor of the Secretariat

and granted him one bushel of gems!

Depose me?

If something belongs to you, no one can take it away.

If something doesn't belong to you, you won't be able to keep it forever.

Sis!

Be careful, Sis!

Sis, shall we seek an audience with His Majesty?

Forget it, let them do whatever they want.

I'm tired.

Well then, get some rest. I'll be leaving now.

Your Highness.

Wu Meiniang!

Summon Ming Chongyan to the Palace tonight!

Your Highness, why is Her Imperial Highness so weak?

How could she let Wu Meiniang insult her like that?

She's not afraid of Wu Meiniang. She just doesn't trust me.

Remember this. Clever women never let their hands get dirty.

Keep watch over Lizheng Hall. Something is going to happen.

Yes.

Why isn't Vice Director Li Ji here yet?

I've been informed that Honourable Li suddenly fell ill.

Then we shall start without him.

Gentlemen, I suppose you all know

I summoned you tonight regarding the Central Palace.

Which of you wants to speak first?

Your Majesty, I was appointed by His late Majesty before his death.

I shall spare no efforts to assist you.

About Her Imperial Highness' deposition, there is something I don't understand.

Please speak, Honourable Chu.

Your Majesty, what made you decide to depose Her Imperial Highness?

Empress Wang is childless, while Zhaoyi Wu has children.

So, I plan to appoint Zhaoyi Wu Empress.

That's simple enough.

Her Imperial Highness has a son.

Honourable Chu, that's not her birth son.

Being childless is the greatest sin of all.

It's not virtuous for Her Imperial Highness to remain childless for years.

Not only does Zhaoyi Wu have children, her "Instructions for the Inner Quarters"

provides guidelines for proper conduct in the Harem.

A virtuous and capable woman like her deserves the title of Empress.

Being childless is not a serious fault.

Your Majesty, do you remember

His late Majesty said something to me when he was holding your hand?

"I entrust my good son and daughter-in-law to your care."

Your Majesty, His late Majesty's words are still echoing in my head.

I dare not disobey him.

It's a serious fault already for the Head of the Harem to be childless.

And for her to adopt a son, she had his mother

fed with poison and killed.

Is that what makes her a good daughter-in-law?

Your Highness, as you expected,

Ming Chongyan in a cape just entered Lizheng Hall through the side door.

Really? That's wonderful.

My kind-hearted sister must be seeking his advice on spellcasting.

Keep watch over Penglai Hall.

If Wu Meiniang acts strangely, report to me immediately.

Yes. Excuse me, Your Highness.

Heaven is on my side.

Sujie, you will become the Crown Prince of Great Tang.

I've been waiting so long for this chance to destroy Wu Meiniang and Empress Wang.

Your Highness, your index finger please.

Spellcasting is complete. It will be effective starting tonight.

Every night at 9:00,

please repeat Wu Meiniang's name and birthday in your heart.

Wu Meiniang will die in her sleep after seven days.

Her Imperial Highness's deposition is a serious state affair.

If you must go your way, besides the fact that she is childless,

we need clear evidence of her disgraceful behaviour

or it'll be hard to convince everyone.

About who shall be appointed Empress, that's another issue.

Moreover, any Imperial Wife can be appointed Empress except Zhaoyi Wu.

Honourable Chu, I don't understand, please explain.

That woman once served His late Majesty.

Zhaoyi Wu was indeed His late Majesty's Cairen.

But that was then, this is now.

She followed Her Highness Princess Gaoyang as she married into the Fang family

and became an ordinary maid.

Now, it's reasonable enough to appoint her Empress.

Honourable Xu, you still remember Wu Meiniang once served His late Majesty?

I thought you and Honourable Li had forgotten that a long time ago.

If one of His late Majesty's consorts becomes His Majesty's Empress,

will it be like stealing his father's love?

Then the Tang state will become a laughing stock.

How can His Majesty control what people say?

And how will his descendants comment on this after many years?

Please reconsider, Your Majesty.

Chu, I think you're overreacting.

Wu Meiniang poses a threat to our state.

Naming her Zhaoyi was already an unwise decision.

She must not become Empress no matter what.

Your Majesty, if you must go your way, not only would you become a bad son,

I'm afraid the Tang state would begin to fall apart.

Chu Suiliang, just because you have served three emperors in succession

doesn't mean you can insult the Son of Heaven!

I dare not!

Your Majesty, Chu Suiliang was appointed by His late Majesty before his death.

His words might sound inappropriate, but he only spoke from his heart.

Please forgive him, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, Zhaoyi Wu just sent a message saying His Highness Prince of Dai is sick.

Forget it.

We shall call it a night.

To Penglai Hall.

Yes, Your Majesty.

His Majesty is going to Penglai Hall!

Honourable Zhangsun, don't you think what happened today was a little unusual?

First of all, Li Yifu proposed revising the Records of Clans.

Thus you gave an order to banish him.

Then he proposed to depose Her Imperial Highness.

Seemingly he did that to protect himself, but all were signs of a planned scheme.

It's just that his true intentions are yet unknown.

But as long as Her Imperial Highness acts virtuously,

and Li Ji remains neutral,

there's no way Zhaoyi Wu can replace Her Imperial Highness.