Original subtitles

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

EPISODE 2

Master, how could you be so audacious?

His Majesty could behead you in a moment of anger.

The risk isn't worth it.

Why don't I summon the imperial physician?

Your injuries must be tended to at once!

No.

I have to escort Xiang'er out of the palace.

Master, it can wait.

Your health is more important.

-Don't meddle! -Master!

Master!

Master, wake up!

Take him to the Imperial Dispensary!

Now!

Yes, right away!

-My lord. -Come and help.

My lord.

Imperial Guard Fuca left in a hurry.

He didn't even wait for the declaration of pardon.

What should we do now?

I'll see the bondservant.

Your Highness, you mustn't.

All bondservants are sinners. You mustn't go.

Why not?

Fuk'anggan is a condescending philanderer.

I'm curious to see how devastatingly beautiful this Xiang'er can be

to make him so infatuated with her.

Go! Move!

-Go! -Madam Zhao!

Go.

Madam Zhao, I don't mind going to Anle Hall.

But this child isn't sick. He can't go there.

I was kind enough to allow you so many extra days.

Xiang'er, you should count your blessings.

Take her away.

No, Madam Zhao!

Anle Hall is filled with the sick and diseased.

This child isn't sick.

Please show me some kindness.

Greetings, Your Highness.

What can I do for Your Highness?

What is going on here?

Your Highness, this maid is critically ill,

she is to be sent to Anle Hall.

Your Highness, Anle Hall is where one awaits death.

This child is innocent.

Please show mercy and let him stay.

How dare you. Stop saying that taboo word.

Lower your head.

That's enough.

Princess Zhaohua needs to speak with her. Leave us.

Your Highness, she is afflicted with tuberculosis.

You mustn't come near her.

I can't afford to let Your Highness be infected.

Enough talking. Leave us.

Yes.

Fuk'anggan begged His Majesty for a pardon on your behalf.

You and your child may safely leave the palace.

A carriage is waiting. Someone will be here to escort you soon.

However, you can't return to Fuca Manor.

You need to settle down elsewhere.

Just take care of yourself.

Your Highness, Master Fuca...

He received 80 canes for pleading on your behalf.

He couldn't come.

Leave quickly.

I will never forget Master Fuca's kindness.

"Kindness"?

If not for his philandering, you wouldn't be in this situation.

That's not how it is!

Then what is it?

Master Fuca only did this to save our lives!

Leave if you're going to cry.

Everyone says you have His Majesty's favor.

That doesn't seem to be the truth.

If you were hit any harder,

-you would have lost your life. -Shut up.

What are you doing here?

I was kind enough to deliver the pardon to save Xiang'er.

Is this how you show your gratitude?

Why are you looking at me like that?

No matter how I look at you,

you are a philanderer and prodigal son.

You don't look like a good person.

But to my surprise,

you risked your life to save another.

What did you find out?

Master Fuca, don't hurt Her Highness!

Let go!

If Her Highness is hurt,

-Let go. -I'll lose my head.

You won't tell the truth?

Then I'll tell Father.

-You'll be guilty of deceit! -Wait.

Are you being a wuss now?

Then tell me.

Who is the father of Xiang'er's child?

Wang Fengming, an imperial bodyguard at the Gate of Heavenly Purity.

Where is he? Why isn't he taking responsibility for his own actions?

He's dead.

Dead?

He encountered bandits while on an escort and died protecting his charge.

That means he was meritorious.

-So why did you-- -He was meritorious for dying in service

and posthumously named bataru, a brave warrior.

His family will be provided for.

But if it is discovered that he had an affair with a palace maid,

not only would he not be a hero, his name would be reviled by all.

His family would be implicated.

So the child is a posthumous child.

Fuk'anggan, do you think you're a hero?

You would risk the Fuca name and your future,

just to protect them?

I'll restore the Fuca family's reputation and my future.

All right.

Are you not afraid that Father will kill you?

You'll protect me.

Who do you think you are? Why would I save you?

But you already have.

Don't you want Lhawang Dorji?

Don't worry.

Whatever you want, I will get it for you.

Master, Princess Zhaohua left this behind. It is the best treatment for wounds.

I must say, your plan to gain pity by bringing injury upon yourself

has saved Xiang'er and her child.

Did you think I only did it to save them?

From now on,

Zhaohua will have even more trust in me.

Your hair smells so nice.

There's no scent. You must be smelling something else.

Then come on closer.

I see, it's the delicate fragrance of lotus leaves.

If you didn't apply hair oil, then you must've been picking lotuses.

You ought to wear a lotus flower in your hair

to match your beauty.

Leave us.

Interrupt no impropriety.

Doesn't Your Highness understand that?

Do no impropriety.

Master Fuca, have you forgotten this palace rule?

Why are you here?

What should I do now?

About what?

I irked Lhawang Dorji.

No matter how I pretend to run into him, he won't spare me a glance.

You said you would help me. Why are you here playing around?

Why are you chuckling?

You're asking for my help,

but you're still bossing me around.

It's no wonder no man likes you.

You...

I dare you to say that again.

I'm just telling you how to be a likable woman.

Then teach me properly.

If you push me too far, I'll scratch your face.

Let's see how you'll chase girls then.

What are those?

Don't you know? Seventh Princess is choosing another prince consort.

That can't be true.

Everybody knows Prince Chaoyong is set to be Seventh Prince Consort.

The prince may be a noble,

but he doesn't have Princess Zhaohua's favor.

The names of Mongolian nobles in those golden booklets

are being sent to Old Summer Palace for the Empress Dowager to review.

They are all candidates for prince consort.

Gossiping in the palace? Do you value your lives?

Your Highness.

Your Highness, it is unfair to you.

You wasted five years waiting for Princess Zhaohua.

There is no good reason for this injustice.

Go receive 20 canes each.

-Yes. -Yes.

Your Highness.

How have you been?

I'm doing great. Thank you for asking.

Your Highness, I spoke too harshly the other day.

Please forgive me.

I never take to heart the words said by insignificant people.

Your Highness, it was a reflex. I didn't mean to hurt you.

Reflex?

You did it on purpose!

You previously sided with Siwan to go against me.

Now you're deliberately attacking me!

All right.

Lhawang Dorji, you just wait!

When my grandmother returns from Old Summer Palace,

I'll have her skin you alive!

Nobody in the palace dares to hurt me.

It's you!

It's all on you!

Your Highness, does it really hurt?

-I'll help you to the pavilion. -No need.

It's all your fault.

Why do you believe those rumors?

Why do you believe Siwan?

Ever since we were little, if her eyes so much as filled with tears,

I would have to give her

all the Western toys given to me by Father,

and all the jewels given to me by Grandmother.

If I didn't, it meant I had no compassion for a poor girl who lost her mother.

It meant I was selfish, petty, and inconsiderate.

And you can see now

she's set her sights on my fiancé!

Do I have to give her what she wants?

All right!

I'll let her have everything!

Your Highness.

I'm sorry for upsetting you.

I don't like you at all. Why would I be upset?

Lhawang Dorji, who do you think you are?

Your Highness, I have never sided with Princess Siwan.

I was angry with you

because I didn't want you hurting yourself and others.

Think about it.

Why does everyone stand on her side?

It is because you often fly into a rage and say hurtful words.

Even if you were not in the wrong, others would assume you had hurt her.

This attitude of yours hurts yourself more than it hurts others.

-Hurts myself? -Yes.

Zhaohua, bear this in mind.

Emotional outbursts will cost you.

The princess represents the imperial family.

Do you want to hear others say

that Siwan is more of a princess than you are?

I'm leaving.

Thank you.

I'll remember what you said.

Wait.

I'll walk you back.

No need to. I'll be fine.

Zhaohua.

Fuk'anggan, how was my performance?

Fair to middling.

Your tears were somewhat fake though.

Why did you spread the false information

that the Empress Dowager is selecting another prince consort?

Breaking the engagement is different from being rejected.

No matter how lofty Lhawang Dorji is, he is still a man.

He can give up the position of Seventh Prince Consort,

but he could never tolerate having it taken from him.

That is human nature.

Wouldn't it be better for me to confess my feelings to Lhawang Dorji?

Silly girl.

You'll never win a man's heart by confessing to him.

-Well... -You must beguile him

into confessing his love to you.

How do I do that?

Show him that you are his ideal woman.

I see.

He's already seen my true nature.

He knows I have a terrible temper.

That's why I told you to show him your inner sorrow.

You usually seem arrogant and despotic,

but once in a while, your soft side comes out.

Such a huge contrast will stun him.

As expected from a womanizer. You do have your ways.

So do you remember the advice that the prince gave you?

Yes.

He is the sole heir in his family, while I have many siblings.

Sometimes, others will take courtesy for granted.

I will be defiant as a warrior instead of being kindhearted like Buddha.

Fuk'anggan, what kind of woman do you like?

You want to know, don't you?

Obviously...

-Beautiful women. -You!

DIGNIFIED AND UPSTANDING

Fuk'anggan, come.

Here.

For you.

This is my favorite, glutinous rice dumpling. Try it.

I don't like sweets.

I like this sweet and fragrant flavor. Have a taste.

He's as cold as ice.

-He just won't melt. -Wrong.

-How am I wrong? -His eyes sparkle when he looks at you.

He clearly adores you.

I've been following your directions and putting in so much effort.

He hasn't tried to turn down the engagement again,

but he hasn't confessed his love to me.

That's because he needs a push.

What kind of push?

A setback.

Seventh Princess is such a nuisance.

Prince Chaoyong doesn't fancy her, but she keeps pestering him.

She is a princess after all.

Who would refuse a royal?

Her?

She is arrogant and violent.

Aside from her royal blood, she is in no way comparable to you, my lady.

Dingxiang, my father is only a duke.

How can I be equal to an imperial princess?

I merely speak the truth.

In terms of status, looks, and merits nobody is superior to Prince Chaoyong.

Why does Seventh Princess always get to have the best?

You should look out for yourself.

Dingxiang, do not speak such words again.

You could bring ruin upon me.

My lady, others might not dare to break off an engagement to her

but Prince Chaoyong is no ordinary man.

His family has guarded north of the Gobi Desert for years

and every generation has sacrificed themselves for the empire.

He has great prestige on the court.

If the prince insists on refusing the marriage

would His Majesty kill him?

How naive.

I thought you were smart, Princess Siwan.

You should know that an imperial edict cannot be defied.

I cannot believe that you let a man get to your head.

Imperial Guard Fuca, you were eavesdropping.

Is that befitting of a gentleman?

My lady, you won't succeed on your own,

but I can help you.

You'll help me?

Not even Lhawang Dorji can openly defy an imperial decree.

If you wish to steal him,

you'll need my help.

I never intended to vie for him.

Do not measure others by your own standards.

Are you aware that His Majesty has also chosen a husband for you?

It's a coincidence.

He is also a Mongolian prince.

Khorchin Hohi Taiji Hadan.

Unfortunately, he is already 50 years old with a head of gray hair.

By the way, he also has three adult sons.

You're lying!

Royals are cold-hearted.

Throughout history, Emperors have always adopted daughters.

They can't bear to send princesses in a faraway land,

they send the adopted daughters instead.

No.

His Majesty wouldn't do that to me.

Prince He died of illness in his prime.

Do you think it was that simple?

Once he passed away, his household fell into decline.

However, His Majesty brought your mother into the palace

and married her off as a princess.

He has also been particularly fond of you.

If it wasn't because of guilt, what could it be?

My lady, I'm sure I don't need to say more.

Why would you help me for no reason?

What do you think?

You want to be Seventh Prince Consort?

Becoming the princess's husband is the easiest way to rise through the ranks.

Isn't that good?

Then...

I hope you succeed, Imperial Guard Fuca.

I wish you the same.

Your Highness, it's raining heavily today.

Prince Chaoyong is likely busy with flood control and won't be coming.

I'll walk back with you.

We agreed to meet. I can't break my word for no reason.

What if he comes and I'm not here?

The storm is getting worse.

It's all my fault.

I was going to bring a cloak when we were leaving,

but I forgot.

Stop harping on about it. I told you that it's all right.

Your Highness, are you all right?

Wait a moment. I'll fetch the cloak.

Hey, come back!

My lady.

My lady.

My lady.

Someone come quickly!

My lady, are you all right?

-It hurts. -Your Highness, please help.

Princess Siwan says she's in pain!

My lady.

My lady.

My lady.

Your Highness!

Lhawang Dorji!

Princess Siwan broke her leg. I'm taking her to an imperial physician.

-I'll be back soon. -Put her down!

Your Highness.

I told you to put her down! Do you hear me?

My lady has already fainted from the pain.

We mustn't delay.

Siwan, drop the act.

Wake up!

Get down!

-Your Highness! -Get down!

-Let go! -Stop it!

Your Highness!

My lady truly is injured!

Lhawang Dorji.

Why won't you believe me when I say she's pretending?

She's in the arms of my fiancé.

I won't tolerate this!

Please believe me. It's an act!

Your Highness, I've inspected her injury.

She really is injured.

I don't have time to explain. I'm taking her to the imperial physician.

Lhawang Dorji, come back here!

Your Highness?

Your Highness?

Let's go. I'll escort you back.

My lady, Prince Chaoyong sent someone to say that he wants to see you.

Ask him to leave!

Calm down, Your Highness. I'll go right away.

Your Highness, I can't let you tire yourself from holding that.

Why don't you allow me?

No!

I finally persuaded Father to give me this music box.

I'm holding on to it.

Then please watch your step.

-Your Highness. -I'm the first to play with this new toy.

Fifteenth Brother and Ninth Sister will be annoyed when they find out.

Your Highness, Prince Chaoyong is looking at you.

Hurry up.

I can't wait to show this off to Mother.

Let's go.

We saw him at the Imperial Garden two days ago,

in the corridor yesterday,

and at the Hall of Mental Cultivation today.

Your Highness, haven't you noticed?

What is it?

Prince Chaoyong has been finding chances to bump into you so he can apologize.

Don't talk to me about him. I don't want to hear it.

Wait for me, Your Highness!

This is a gift from Prince Chaoyong's Manor?

Yes.

I see.

It is quite exquisite.

Prince Chaoyong has been sending over many precious gifts,

but Seventh Princess threw them all out.

He is making a plea to you for help.

-Right. -Mother!

Come, let me show you something precious!

-Come. -Slow down.

Look!

This is the music box that Father gave me.

It's much more fun than that clock.

Listen.

All right, enough.

If Fifteenth Prince sees this,

he will find a way to steal it from you.

That's true.

Yongyan is the most devious child.

Grandmother gave me an exquisite jade qilin last time.

Yongyan took one look at it and wouldn't leave my doorway

for two whole hours.

He loitered outside for two months and refused to talk.

In the end, Grandmother caved in and made me give it to him.

He cheered up at once and ran off with it.

I say, everything nice always ends up in Yongyan's hands.

Nobody can match his patience.

How about this?

I'll leave it with you!

No matter how far Yongyan's reach is, he won't be hunting here.

Wait.

I won't watch over it for you.

The noise makes my head ache.

Mother!

You have to keep it safe from Yongyan's eyes for me.

No.

-Mother, please! -No.

Mother, you're the best.

Seriously.

You always get your way.

You're the best, Mother.

By the way, store that tapestry carefully.

Be careful.

Wait!

Let me see it.

It's beautiful!

Who is it from?

Who do you think?

How could you accept his gift?

Throw it out!

The imperial physician said Siwan was seriously injured.

If Lhawang Dorji hadn't saved her in time,

her right leg would have become disabled.

It's none of my concern.

Lhawang Dorji is an outstanding man in a position of power.

He is the best choice for a husband.

Are you going to relinquish your spot?

What do you mean?

If you can't fill the role, Siwan will naturally take your place.

Absolutely not!

I won't let her have her way.

But I've already rejected Lhawang Dorji three times.

Will he still come to see me?

The tapestry is beautiful and elegant,

but the colors are too plain.

I don't like it.

All the best things in the Forbidden City can be found in Yanxi Palace.

You wouldn't care for such an insignificant gift.

I'll return it to him.

All right?

Come.

Your Highness, His Majesty gave the musical box to you,

but you refused it out of spite.

He is too old to be a sore chess player.

You refused to accept your loss too.

His Majesty is afraid you'll be angry again,

so he used Seventh Princess to bring this to you.

I wonder when she'll realize that.

She can't even solve her problem with Lhawang Dorji.

Don't expect her to figure it out.

Not for a long while.

Your leg hasn't fully healed yet.

Why are you out of bed?

It worries me that I caused a conflict between you and Seventh Princess.

That's why I came to see if there's anything I can do

to make up for it.

My lady,

it's inappropriate for you to keep visiting the Office of the Imperial Guard.

I saved you out of good intentions.

But your behavior will only

further deepen the princess' misunderstanding.

How can you say that, Your Highness?

Princess Siwan was trembling in pain last night.

Yet, when she heard about you and the princess,

she dragged herself to her feet to come and apologize to you.

She wholeheartedly wants to clear the misunderstandings.

Dingxiang, that's enough.

Your Highness, when you see Prince Chaoyong

remember to speak politely.

I know.

-What are you doing? -Come with me.

-Hold on. -Hey.

I'm in a hurry to see Lhawang Dorji!

Hold up!

What are you doing?

It's for your own good. I don't want to see you angry again.

Why would I be angry?

-Zhaohua! -Your Highness!

Your Highness.

You have been very kind to me, but I keep causing you trouble.

I am sorry.

It won't happen again.

Dingxiang, let's go.

My lady!

Your Highness, help her!

Please wait a moment, Your Highness. I'll go and get help.

That's not necessary.

I can manage on my own.

My lady.

My lady, we are not welcome here.

We should get going.

I came to tell you something important.

Seventh Princess used to love smiling,

she was the most lovable lady in the palace.

She later became violent and dreadful. It's not her true nature.

What do you mean?

This concerns her reputation.

I didn't want to speak about it,

but with all the misunderstandings,

I wanted to warn you.

Zhaohua was involved in an accident when she was 11 years old,

and her temperament changed overnight.

If her actions seem severe, please forgive her.

-An accident? -Yes.

-That's because I was seriously ill. -Because--

Zhaohua!

Your Highness, I was just talking about you.

It's nothing unusual.

I had smallpox when I was 11 years old and nearly lost my life.

After a grueling battle with this illness,

my temperament was bound to change.

I see.

I was wondering what it was.

Yes.

Siwan had journeyed outside the palace

to visit a brother afflicted with smallpox.

When she returned, she spread the disease to me.

Princess Siwan, those who visit smallpox sufferers,

must be observed outside the city for three months.

You entered the Forbidden City before the quarantine period ends.

It was my mistake.

But I didn't have any symptoms at the time.

Siwan must have accidentally brought smallpox into the palace.

The Empress Dowager reprimanded her after that.

Father said this matter is over.

Whoever dares to bring this up

must be intent on destroying our camaraderie,

and ought to be punished by death.

Do you remember that?

That's odd.

Why are your hands so cold?

It's nothing.

I don't feel well after being exposed to the wind.

Look at you.

You neglected your health just to clear up this misunderstanding.

Siwan, you are so compassionate and kind.

Father and Grandmother will be very glad to hear this.

I don't deserve such high praise, Your Highness.

Excuse me.

I shall take my leave.

Come in. Return the tapestry to the prince.

Mother doesn't like it and is returning it to you.

I'll be leaving now.

Zhaohua.

I'm sorry. I was wrong.

I told you not to help her.

I don't regret helping her.

If it were anybody else, even a eunuch or a maid,

I would still have done the same.

Then why are you apologizing?

I was wrong to leave you behind.

Princess Siwan has repeatedly approached me.

I understand her intentions.

I haven't outright rebuked her for the sake of decency.

However,

if you don't like it, I will pay her no attention.

It's not my concern. Why are you explaining this to me?

Of course I have to.

You are the only one in my heart.

How can I bear to let you misunderstand?

Say that again.

Listen carefully.

You are the only one in my heart, Zhaohua.

There has never been another.

Never.

My lady.

Why must you do this?

Are you all right?

Even though you're injured,

you're still determined.

You have my admiration.

Fuk'anggan, this is what you led me to do.

You made me embarrass myself!

You are a smart woman.

But Zhaohua is no fool.

Who would fall for the same trap twice?

Besides, our collaboration has just begun.

Why are you so impatient?

Fuk'anggan, what are you planning?

I want you to continue provoking her.

I failed though.

What's the rush?

The only thing you need to do now is

continue playing the victim while everybody is watching.

Subtitle translation by Renee Luk