Original subtitles

Episode 16

Practice properly!

Be careful!

Don't be lazy!

Be serious!

Be careful!

Mother!

Ning Zhi!

-Mother. -You're back.

It's all my fault.

I made you all suffer.

No.

We're all good.

How are you?

Everyone's here.

It's all good.

Mother, aren't you all supposed to be in Beidian?

I thought I could...

go straight to Beidian to meet up with you all.

I already asked Her Majesty to...

take back the order to arrest you all.

I guess you didn't receive the news in Beidian.

It was His Majesty.

His Majesty sent his men to look for us.

Ning Zhi.

What exactly happened?

I heard from the men sent by His Majesty that...

you're an imperial consort now.

But,

before we left,

you were in love with Mr. Wei.

How did you become...

I made a mistake.

Mother.

It's alright.

Don't cry.

What happened?

It's too complicated.

I don't know where to start.

There's no hurry.

We've a lot of time.

It's just that things changed too fast.

By the way, His Majesty's men also told us that...

I'm a relative of the royal family now.

His Majesty even bought this theater...

to build a house for me.

From now on,

our circus troupe...

won't need to travel anymore.

Mother.

Good girl. Don't cry.

Don't cry.

Ning Zhi.

Go.

Your Majesty.

I'm aware that Prince Bei Ying's case...

will affect my family.

I know I've put you in a difficult position.

Don't thank me yet.

Do you know...

who that man in the tea house is?

Who is he?

According to my spy,

he was sent by Prince Bei Ying.

Ning Zhi.

I was unfair to Prince Bei Ying...

and some are dissatisfied.

Someone is covertly investigating this case.

The only clue is the jade tag you used when you were still a female official.

They can't do anything to you since you're in the palace.

They can only go after your family.

Ning Zhi.

Through this trip,

I'm telling them that...

you matter a lot to me...

and that I care about your family too.

With this, I hope you feel more relieved.

This is...

my present for you.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

May Your Majesty be blessed.

What brought you all...

to Yong De Palace so early in the morning?

Your Majesty is the leader of the royal harem.

We are obligated to greet you every morning.

From tomorrow onwards,

stop coming to Yong De Palace.

Go to Wan Xiang Palace instead and greet Consort Ning.

Just do that from now.

Consort Ning is destined to rise like a phoenix.

She will soon become the leader of the royal harem.

I'm too old...

to compete with anyone.

I don't want her to think that I'm competing either.

If our relationship turns sour because of competition,

it'll be terrible.

Since the return of the Princess Royal,

I haven't been able to sleep well.

I feel threatened...

and restless.

Now,

I'm busy dealing with my enemy...

and I don't want any more trouble.

You're a clever person.

I believe you understand what I mean.

Your Majesty.

I am foolish.

I don't understand.

We've been husband and wife for many years.

I know...

everything that you did.

Don't you understand?

What you're doing now...

will only push me away.

Do you want me...

to never set foot in Yong De Palace again?

Your Majesty.

If I blindly act as you wish,

will you come to Yong De Palace regularly?

You won't either.

You...

You'd better know your place.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

What's the matter?

I received a secret letter from the front line.

Is it bad news about Mr. Wei?

Don't worry.

It was just a relapse of his illness during a battle.

Is it serious?

Fortunately, it's not serious.

Wei Guang was just exhausted.

Under the leadership of Chief Commander Wei,

Liang is winning this war.

I'm planning to send another general...

to get rid of the remaining enemy troops,

so that Wei Guang doesn't need to fight anymore.

I thank Your Majesty on behalf of Mr. Wei.

Don't worry.

Soon enough, Wei Guang will...

return safely.

Your Highness.

Sit down.

You've lingered at the front line for so long.

Haven't you thought of returning?

I haven't had a chance to drink with you.

How can I leave?

Cheers.

Mr. Wei.

Do you still remember...

what I told you?

I'm busy with the war.

I've forgotten...

a lot of things you said to me.

I said...

His Majesty is a cold person.

If he can beg for your help,

he can also kill you one day.

You put your life on the line in the battlefield.

Yet, he's sending Chen Zi Qi...

to replace you as the new chief commander.

Do you know Chen Zi Qi?

I've heard of him.

Then you should know that...

he's a realistic and despicable person.

In terms of military leadership,

he's a far cry from you.

But now,

he's going to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.

A while ago,

you were worried about me making His Majesty feel threatened.

Now, someone is here to steal the credit.

Doesn't that solve my problem?

You're so loyal.

Wei family is a family of patriots.

Did your father tell you...

whether you all are protecting Pang Tong...

or the country itself?

Is there a difference?

Of course there's a difference.

Wei family protects Liang dynasty and its people.

You protect whoever sits on the throne.

If the emperor is a good ruler, it's good news for everyone.

But, what if he's a foolish man?

It's been 5 generations since the founding of Liang.

From the founding period to the peak period,

the country had been strong and wealthy.

Ever since Pang Tong succeeded to the throne,

the country has been plagued by war.

The court is full of incompetent officials...

and the royal harem is full of conflicts.

The case of Fu family...

was the biggest scandal in the history of the dynasty.

Isn't Pang Tong responsible for all of this?

Pang Tong became the emperor because of favoritism.

The court lacks integrity...

and the royal harem is a mess.

Chief Commander Wei.

When you pay tribute to your ancestors,

you should ask your ancestors...

if this is the kind of emperor...

Wei family is going to protect.

Is that so?

Sir, the Grand Marshal has arrived.

I shall excuse myself.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I was not aware that you were here.

What brought you to the front line, sir?

I came upon His Majesty's order.

After learning about your recent relapse,

His Majesty was very concerned.

As such, he sent General Chen to assist you.

General Chen will arrive in a few days.

By then, you may return to Yandu for recuperation.

I'm fine. I can still fight.

You're very important to the country.

For His Majesty's sake, you must take good care of your body.

It's just a small injury caused by an arrow.

Say no more.

This is His Majesty's decision.

The prime minister...

specially requested for this...

and His Majesty sent me to convey his order.

The ruler is indeed a reflection of his subjects.

I can't stand hearing all of this anymore.

Chief Commander Wei.

I don't think you've the mood to drink today.

I'll come again.

Your Majesty.

The consorts came to greet you again.

What about Ye Ning Zhi?

She's not among them still.

Let them in if they wish to come in.

When is Lang Kun coming back?

Did you send him a letter?

There's no news of Mr. Lang at all.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

May Your Majesty be blessed.

Your Majesty.

The imperial physician said you've weak lungs.

Fritillaria cirrhosa cakes for breakfast...

is most helpful for your recovery.

I don't like this.

I said I don't like it!

What do you like, Your Majesty?

I'll order them to prepare it immediately.

That's unnecessary.

I don't need food.

From now onwards,

I'm not eating anything!

Stop bothering me!

Your Majesty.

Do you know that...

the empress has starved herself for a day?

She's starving herself?

I just made a trip to Yong De Palace to talk to her.

She said she lost her appetite.

She wouldn't eat at all.

Is she sick?

I'll send the imperial physician to check on her.

The imperial physician had examined her pulse.

He said she's healthy.

She's just throwing a tantrum.

She's deliberately torturing herself.

In the past, only you could cheer her up.

She's the empress.

Yet, she's acting like a 3-year-old child.

She's embarrassing me.

If she doesn't want to eat,

she can starve for all I care.

Are you fine with...

letting Chen Zi Qi...

take all the credit?

As His Majesty's subject,

I must obey His Majesty's order.

Is His Majesty really worthy of your support?

It's a taboo to replace the chief commander during a war.

He's doing something so unreasonable...

because he feels threatened.

Let's imagine.

If you return to Yandu now,

will you be safe?

Will you still have a chance to serve the country?

Now, let's talk about Ms. Ning Zhi.

She's the woman you love.

Can you bear to let another man have her?

If Old General Wei Yan sees this,

I believe he won't want his son...

to repeat his irreversible mistake.

Your Highness is attacking my weaknesses.

As His Majesty's loyal subject,

do you think I'll tolerate...

your treacherous ideas?

We've nothing in common.

Please forgive me.

Alright.

If I don't speak of that person,

can we still be friends?

Your Highness is a princess.

It's my honor to...

befriend Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Come.

Let's have a toast.

I'm sorry.

I didn't mean it.

Why are you so worried?

Look. I'm not hurt at all.

Chief Commander Wei.

I think you're drunk.

Maybe it's because I'm unwell.

Please forgive me.

Is the empress eating now?

No matter how hard I tried to persuade her,

Her Majesty refused to eat.

Is she going to starve herself to death?

We've never had an empress that starved herself to death.

Can we force-feed her?

I'm afraid that won't do.

Why?

I've examined Her Majesty's pulse.

Her Majesty's body is currently very weak.

Only her anger is supporting her emotionally.

If we force-feed,

we'll make it worse.

Mr. Imperial Physician.

Tell me.

If the empress continues to starve herself,

what will happen?

Your Majesty.

If one is starved for 4-5 days,

the internal organs will be damaged.

If this goes on for 6-7 days,

I'm afraid Her Majesty will be in mortal danger.

Tell the Imperial Kitchen...

to prepare her favourite cuisine.

I will personally deliver it to her.

Yes.

His Majesty has arrived!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

You may all retire.

Yes.

I came personally to bring you food.

It's time you eat.

You're the empress.

You should be big-hearted to others...

and considerate of me.

Every emperor in the history...

had numerous consorts.

If all empresses were as jealous like you,

don't you think...

they would have all starved to death?

I've never said no to more imperial consorts.

Your Majesty may have any woman at all.

On top of being supportive,

I'd even make arrangements on behalf of you.

But, Ye Ning Zhi is an exception.

She cannot be your consort!

The emperor keeps his word.

I've officially conferred the title to her.

I cannot take back my order.

Fine.

If that's the case,

I refuse to eat.

Please take them away.

You may all retire.

Your Majesty.

Something happened in the prison.

Did Yan Kuan escape?

Yan Kuan did not escape.

But, for some reason,

he looked up and laughed all of a sudden.

He laughed and said...

What did he say?

He said...

He said, "Liang is doomed."

"Liang is doomed."

He had the nerve to say that.

Go and tell him that while I cannot kill him,

I can sew his mouth up!

Your Majesty.

While he laughed,

a group of ravens flocked over.

These ravens are resting on the roof and yard of the prison.

Everyone is afraid.

People think it might be a sign.

Alright. I'm informed.

You may retire.

Yes.

How's Consort Ning?

During Your Majesty's afternoon nap,

she left Guang Xuan Palace.

She didn't mention where she was heading to.

Alright.

Tell Commandant Chen who is in charge of the prison that...

I want to see Yan Kuan.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

Please take a few bites at least.

It's all my fault. I made you worry, mother.

You are unwell.

Please return and rest early.

Your Majesty.

I've been there and done that.

I know that a man's heart changes very quickly.

You've been the empress for so many years.

Don't you understand?

Even if Consort Ning doesn't exist,

there will always be competition.

There are always new faces in the royal harem.

You're the mother of the nation.

If you starve yourself to death,

what will the historians write about you?

You're so prideful.

Do you want to be ridiculed by the later generations?

Mother, you are directly and indirectly...

telling me to tolerate.

But tolerating...

is too difficult.

This time,

I don't want to tolerate.

If His Majesty refuses to accept my conditions,

I will continue to starve myself.

Is this necessary?

Your Majesty, please take Her Highness' advice.

Why must you torture yourself?

-Your Majesty. -Yes, Your Majesty.

You must take good care of yourself.

Say no more!

You...

Ye Ning Zhi.

Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

Are you alright?

-Your Highness. -Your Majesty, are you alright?

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty!

-Your Majesty! -Your Majesty.

I can't believe this.

Not long ago, the two of you were still praising each other.

Women...

are really easygoing...

when they are big-hearted.

But, when they get petty,

they are completely unreasonable.

The empress' problem...

is you.

Love can easily develop into hatred.

Ning Zhi.

You know the empress very well.

You need to save her life.

Your Majesty.

Yan Kuan is here.

Bring him in.

Yan Kuan.

It's been a long time. How are you?

Your Majesty.

What we're about to talk about...

should be discussed in private.

You may all retire.

No one is allowed to enter...

without my permission.

Yes!

Yan Kuan.

I want to know...

why you laughed in the prison.

I wasn't laughing.

I was crying for Liang.

What about those ravens?

Tell me honestly.

Ravens can see the future.

Liang is doomed.

The country is about to be crushed.

They came to warn us all.

Are you concerned about me...

and worried about Liang dynasty?

Your Majesty.

I have something to show you.

You may judge me...

after seeing it.

More than 20 years have passed since then.

The late emperor was suffering from hemoptysis.

His Majesty was dying.

I set up the Seven Star Ritual...

and prolonged his life for 8 years.

In order to thank me,

His Majesty gave me this jade tag.

That's true.

Do you still remember...

what the late emperor promised me?

Regardless of the severity of your crime,

you shall be spared from death.

That was because the late emperor trusted me.

Of course I must be grateful.

For this reason,

I'm genuinely concerned about Your Majesty...

and Liang dynasty.

Did Your Majesty summon me...

to seek my advice?

I'm troubled.

The political situation is too unpredictable...

and unstable.

If you're really an expert in astrology,

I want you to explain the current situation for me.

The empress is about to starve to death...

and the Princess Royal intends to overthrow you.

On top of that, you don't know who Wei Guang will support.

Am I right?

There is only one way to solve this problem.

Reconciliation.

Reconciliation.

Reconciliation.

Negotiate with the Princess Royal...

and let Her Highness have half the ruling rights.

-Also... -What are you doing?

Your Highness! You can't come in!

Your Highness!

Yan Kuan.

What are you up to?

From now on,

kill all those who...

disrespect the Princess Royal.

Yan Kuan.

You demon!

You keep on misleading people...

and causing conflicts!

Her Majesty is dying...

because of your lies!

The late emperor once ordered...

to exempt me from death sentence.

Even His Majesty cannot go against this order,

let alone an imperial consort like you.

The late emperor did exempt you from death sentence.

But, you deserve to rot in hell!

Your Highness!

You must not do this!

Your Highness, please let His Majesty decide.

Your Majesty.

Are you alright?

What just happened?

I can't recall anything.

I think...

I think he said something...

about reconciliation.

Reconciliation?

Send Yan Kuan back to the prison!

Yes!

The empress has been on a hunger strike for 5 days.

I'm afraid she's at her limit.

I'll head to the Imperial Kitchen and prepare some food.

Then I'll deliver it to Her Majesty personally.

You can't go.

If you go, she'll be even more upset.

She'll be even more stubborn.

Ning Zhi.

Don't panic.

Let's think of something else.

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

Don't worry.

I know what to do...

to make Her Majesty eat.

But, I need Your Majesty to issue an order.

Please order all other imperial consorts...

to come with me.

In fact, all of them regardless of seniority...

must escort me.

You may retire.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

I prepared your favorite food.

You know what I really want.

Your Majesty.

I won't give up my position.

This might just be a symbol of glory to others,

but to me,

this is an armor for survival.

You just want power.

You don't have to conceal it with a noble reason.

From now on, no matter what you say,

I won't believe even a word.

Your Majesty is determined...

to strip me of my position.

Unless you give it up,

I won't eat.

Fine.

Then I'll just stand here...

and wait for you to come.

It's less than half a month since I became an imperial consort.

Do you know how I feel right now?

I thought that...

it would be an arduous journey of survival.

Surprisingly, everyone in the royal harem...

is no match for me.

Especially Consort Qi and Consort Zhao whom I overestimated.

They are trying so hard to please me...

and curry favor with me.

If you continue to starve yourself,

I'm afraid you will soon...

be replaced.

What are you trying to say?

I'm trying to say that...

if you're not the empress,

no one will care if you're eating properly.

His Majesty has already...

made his choice.

He chose me.

How dare you!

So, if you don't buck up,

I'm afraid the other imperial consorts...

will be confused about who to greet from now.

Your Majesty.

-Are you alright? -What do you think you're doing?

Listen!

The master of Yong De Palace is changing soon!

I advise you...

to make a wise choice!

Her Majesty is willing to eat now.

Bring her some food.

The imperial physician said she needs light food.

Don't let her consume too much at a time.

Yes.

Your Highness.

You can't spend the night here.

Get up. We'll escort you to Wan Xiang Palace.

-Come. -I'm too tired to move!

Ms. Ning Zhi.

What's wrong?

The life of an imperial consort...

is so tiring.

The emperor, empress...

and empress dowager...

seem to be keeping an eye on me all the time.

Your social status...

determines what you worry about.

I already told you that...

this might happen to you one day.

Palace maids...

have their own problems.

Female officials have their own duties.

You're an imperial consort now.

So, the problems of the royal family...

are your problems too.

But, I don't want to be an imperial consort.

Is this fate as well?

I want to run away.

Let me sleep a little longer.

-Your Highness. -This won't do, Your Highness.

You can't sleep here.

Yes, you can't sleep here.

-Please get up. -Get up.

-Get up. -Get up.

Your Highness.

This is Mr. Lang.

He asked to meet the two of you.

It's my honor to meet you, Mr. Lang.

Here's 300 taels.

I have a few questions.

Answer me honestly...

and the money will be yours.

What...

What do you want to know?

I want to know what you did in the royal harem back then.

You don't want the money?

Actually,

more than a decade ago,

I was an imperial physician.

I bad-mouthed our junior.

I said he was an incompetent physician.

Is that all?

I believe there's more.

Carry on.

I even said that...

he did something inappropriate in the palace.

That's not all.

You guys copied your junior's handwriting...

and forged evidence in attempt to get him killed.

When you were questioned in the Supreme Court,

you even swore that...

you were telling the truth!

As imperial physicians,

instead of using your hands...

to save lives, you used them to kill!

You...

Who exactly are you?

Are you related to our junior?

Your master talked a lot about one thing.

Karma!

Looks like it's real.

You loved your children the most.

But, a sudden gust of wind overturned their ship on the West Lake.

Until today, their corpses have not been found.

And you.

I believe you're aware that...

you've only 3 months left in this world.

Why do yo need so much money?

You want it for your children.

Yet, you don't know that...

money attracts troubles!

This sum...

is enough for your funerals.

It's good to have just enough.

Excessive money will only attract bad luck.

You...

He...

Who exactly is he?

Master.

I came late.

I didn't get to pay my last respects to you.

With these hands,

I treated countless of people.

So many patients kowtowed to me and said that...

I'm their savior.

But the one they should thank...

is you.

Of all your three disciples,

I was least gifted.

But, you never gave me up.

You taught me with all your heart.

I was unlucky.

I lost my parents at a young age...

and wandered on the street.

I was about to starve to death.

But you saved me.

You gave me clothes, food...

and a trade.

After I grew up,

I ran into a life-changing event...

and you gave me a new life.

Master.

I'm greatly indebted to you.