Original subtitles

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

EPISODE 4

My lady!

Are you awake now?

Siwan.

I heard Zhaohua was insensitive and brought you to tears again.

That's why I came to visit you.

I never expected you to be so upset.

What if things went awry

and you actually lost your life?

I...

Get some rest.

Save your energy so you can make a complaint tomorrow.

Let's go.

Yes.

My lady, I ran outside for help, but Imperial Noble Consort stopped me.

She wouldn't let me go outside, so you were left hanging.

See?

Who's there?

Go. Guard the door.

Yes.

Imperial Noble Consort Ling is vicious.

She wanted me to die.

Don't worry.

She won't let you die.

If you lose your life,

Zhaohua would be to blame.

The important thing now is to refrain from directly confronting her.

You just need to remember one thing.

You couldn't bear being humiliated by Zhaohua.

You were driven to take your own life.

But she witnessed everything.

I'm afraid...

I'm afraid that she...

Everybody fears Imperial Noble Consort.

Just remember this, Siwan.

She is human, not a god.

She can't stop rumors,

nor can she stop the imperial clan and the councilors.

Siwan.

Don't be afraid.

Yes, she is the imperial noble consort who rules the harem.

But if she openly discriminates in favor of Zhaohua,

how will she be able to keep her position?

Lhawang Dorji.

You're not worthy of loving Zhaohua.

Your Highness, Princess Siwan tried to take her own life!

What did you say?

The Imperial Clan Court insists that you be punished!

Prince He's wife, Lady Ujaku, is no longer alive,

but his two other consorts are still around.

They showed up at Yanxi Palace and demanded an explanation.

The censors are also submitting reports.

What do they want?

They're saying Your Highness pushed Princess Siwan to suicide,

and has disgraced the imperial clan.

They want you severely punished.

-Your Highness, you're under confinement! -Step aside.

-Your Highness! -Mother.

Where are you going?

-To see Father! -What for?

To inspect Dingxiang's corpse.

I've already sent someone to do so.

If they want to conceal the truth, they won't leave behind loose ends.

They have already dealt with the body.

When she hung herself last night,

I was there to see it.

Why didn't you stop her?

I could stop her this time.

But what about next time?

Zhaohua, with the way things are now,

regardless of what really happened,

everyone will only see that Siwan has been coerced into suicide,

and you were the one behind it.

Mother, I'm not in the wrong.

It doesn't matter who is right in the palace.

Win or lose is what matters.

You're not the only one.

Even I, your mother, has become the target of criticism.

You are loved by His Majesty and you've been in power for years.

They wouldn't dare!

The harem only has one mistress.

I am the mistress while they are my subordinates.

How could they accept that?

When His Majesty isn't around, does Empress Dowager Niohuru have power?

So what should I do?

Mother, help me. What do I do?

What are you panicking for?

Think carefully.

What does Siwan want the most?

What is her deepest desire?

Her methods are circuitous,

but her ultimate goal is to have Lhawang Dorji.

I see now!

Mother, I'm heading to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Your Majesty and Empress Dowager have always doted on Seventh Princess.

She was bound to become somewhat willful.

Others were in no position to criticize.

However, she seems to have gotten even worse lately.

Aside from the fact that she had a palace maid caned to death,

she also pushed Princess Siwan to hang herself.

How will Your Majesty handle this?

Minister.

Are you criticizing me for being too lenient with my daughter?

I wouldn't dare.

Whether right or wrong, good or evil,

people will already have decided for themselves.

Prince He and his daughter had untimely deaths,

also, Duke of Baarin's second wife was abusive to Princess Siwan.

Empress Dowager took pity on the princess and brought her into the palace.

However, Princess Siwan has now been pushed to suicide.

This has caused a stir in the palace.

Empress Dowager's act of kindness

has instead led the princess to this plight.

If the Imperial Court Clan remains silent,

how will we be trusted with our judicial and disciplinary authority?

How will we face our Aisin Gioro ancestors?

Minister.

Your Majesty, Seventh Princess is arrogant and domineering.

She treats human lives with utter disregard.

Word of her behavior has reached the ears of the ministers,

leading them to voice their criticism.

Everybody is saying that Seventh Princess' conduct is the result

of Imperial Noble Consort Ling's failure to discipline and excessively spoiling.

Do you mean to say

you wish for me to punish Imperial Noble Consort as well?

Imperial Noble Consort Ling is Seventh Princess's mother,

she is responsible for the princess's upbringing.

Seventh Princess has committed a tremendous offense.

As her mother, how can she be exempt?

Moreover,

Imperial Noble Consort rules the harem and wields immense power.

If she has failed in educating her daughter,

how can she win the hearts of the people?

As Minister Zhang said,

a servant will be no more than a servant.

Imperial Noble Consort Ling comes from humble origins,

she had a poor upbringing.

If she is placed in charge, what will become of the harem?

Seventh Princess should be severely punished.

Imperial Noble Consort should relinquish her control over the harem,

and reflect on her failure to educate her daughter.

Seventh Princess grew up at Empress Dowager's side.

You've blamed Imperial Noble Consort.

Are you also going to blame Empress Dowager?

We wouldn't dare. Your Majesty, please appease your anger.

Your Majesty, Seventh Princess seeks an audience.

Didn't I tell her to reflect in confinement?

Father.

I am here to acknowledge my wrongs.

Father.

I am willing to yield my marriage to Siwan

and gratify her deep affections.

Your Highness, what do you mean?

Minister, do you not know?

I do not understand.

Father.

Siwan is besotted with Lhawang Dorji.

She has repeatedly expressed animosity towards me over him,

which undermined our years of friendship.

She has even gone so far as to kill herself.

It breaks my heart.

Since Siwan is so in love with him,

I am willing to give him up.

Zhaohua!

Don't you dare break off the engagement or push Siwan on me.

I have chosen you and I won't change my mind.

Lhawang Dorji.

I am not the woman you like.

You are!

Zhaohua, I've been contemplating for three days and three nights.

I finally understand.

You are the only one I love.

Even if everybody says you are wrong and evil,

I will still love and protect you.

Zhaohua!

It's getting windy.

Please take care, Your Highness.

Fuk'anggan!

You said Zhaohua's reputation would be destroyed.

That's why I took the risk.

But look at what she's done!

Everybody in the palace is now saying

that I damaged Seventh Princess's reputation

in order to have Prince Chaoyong for myself.

Is this the surefire plan you meant?

Don't you want Prince Chaoyong?

Not by this means!

Princess Siwan, you want to destroy Zhaohua completely

while preserving your good reputation.

How greedy of you.

Fuk'anggan!

Zhaohua definitely didn't come up with this clever counterattack.

So, who did?

Who else but Imperial Noble Consort Ling?

Zhaohua pulled the carpet from under you,

but you can still seize the opportunity.

But Lhawang Dorji doesn't want to marry me.

Then you can only blame yourself for being incompetent.

Fuk'anggan.

Don't assume that you can just wash your hands of this.

Are you not afraid that I'll tell Zhaohua about this?

Do as you please.

There's no need to.

Your Highness!

Siwan, get out.

Fuk'anggan, trouble is at your door.

Leave!

Why did you help Siwan frame me?

Hasn't Lhawang Dorji confessed his love to you?

I once said I would make Lhawang Dorji bare his heart.

That was my goal.

I don't understand.

If everything is smooth sailing,

a relationship will be dull and passionless.

Lhawang Dorji is a man and a fierce individual.

Criticism of the court councilors and interference from others

won't extinguish the flames of his love,

but urge his desire to possess you instead.

Zhaohua.

I promised that I would help you win over Lhawang Dorji.

You have won.

He has submitted to you.

No matter what kind of person you are, he will never leave you.

Isn't he noble?

I did win.

But all the pain and suffering I endured leading up to this was real!

You are so simple.

If I couldn't deceive you,

how could I possibly deceive the prince?

Fuk'anggan!

Let me tell you.

I don't like such despicable methods!

I don't like them!

YANXI GATE

Your Highness, Princess Siwan sent rumors flying,

but a single statement from you has turned everything on its head.

Everybody is now saying

Princess Siwan became infatuated with the future Seventh Prince Consort,

which led her to create such a stir in desperation.

Mother was right.

Everybody is afraid of those who speaks the truth.

Words that hit straight in the heart

are unbearably painful.

One doesn't need to bother responding to underhanded tactics.

One clean strike is all that is needed.

His Majesty summoned Prince Chaoyong in front of an audience

and told him that Princess Siwan is infatuated with him.

He was given another chance to choose.

Do you know what the prince said?

What?

The prince said that Your Highness is the only one he'll marry.

Didn't you say you want him kneeling and begging you?

He's on his knees now and his love is sincere.

I...

am no longer interested.

Your Highness.

Don't you...

Chisu, help me dress.

Lhawang Dorji said he'll take me outside the palace today.

Okay.

-Take a look! -Here!

-Here! -All right.

-Come, look! -Take a look.

-Look at this wonderful stuff. -It's quite good.

Take a look.

Take a look.

Your Highness, an urgent missive.

Zhaohua, wait a moment.

My lady!

What are you doing?

Go!

-Zhaohua! -Let me down!

What are you doing?

Hey.

What are you doing?

Let go!

What are you doing?

Zhaohua.

I like you.

Shut up!

I used Siwan

to create an obstacle between you and Prince Chaoyong.

I didn't do it to bring you two together!

I did it to break the two of you apart.

Zhaohua.

Listen carefully.

I like you.

Fuk'anggan.

-You said-- -That was my pride talking.

I didn't want to admit I had fallen in love with you.

Nor did I want to admit...

I lost to you.

Fuk'anggan.

When are you telling the truth?

When are you lying?

Can you even tell?

What color is this flower?

Green.

This is red.

What about the leaves?

-What color are they? -Yellow.

This is green!

Look here.

What color are my clothes?

-Answer me! -I don't know!

Zhaohua.

In your eyes,

the flowers are green, the leaves are yellow,

and the sky is white!

Nobody ever told you otherwise.

Am I right?

Zhaohua...

That's because they are considerate of you and humor you.

But what do you do?

You realized it long ago,

but you use your temper tantrums

to hide the fact that you are different from others!

Zhaohua.

You have always been afraid of facing the truth

and facing the world.

Fuk'anggan, what is your point?

Zhaohua.

If you can't see clearly with your eyes,

then see with your heart.

Look at the world.

Look into my heart.

Your whip won't drive me away.

Your anger won't scare me away.

I am right here.

I'm not going anywhere.

Everybody in this world lies to you.

Only I am not afraid to tell you the truth.

But you have been lying to me.

Every word I am saying now,

comes from the bottom of my heart.

And if you are lying to me again?

You could kill me.

Fuk'anggan, I might believe you.

I'm not afraid to swear on my life.

Zhaohua.

I really do love you.

He said he loves me. Did you hear?

Do you know what love is?

I didn't know before, but I do now!

I know now!

Mother?

Who have you fallen in love with?

I've fallen in love with Fuk'anggan.

I want to marry him.

What are you smiling at?

What are you smiling at?

I heard Siwan had dealings with him.

Did Chisu tell you?

I already know about that.

Did he tell you

everything he did was because he loves you?

He slapped you in the face and said it was because of love.

Zhaohua, when did you become such a fool?

One who loves you wouldn't scheme against you,

wouldn't frame you,

nor would he break your heart.

You know he has ulterior motives, but you're still falling for him.

Are you still my proud daughter?

One who loves me wouldn't keep deceiving me,

letting me live in an illusion of happiness.

Mother.

My eyes are different from other people's eyes.

Am I right?

Zhaohua.

The world I see is different from what others see.

I knew it long ago.

I just didn't want to admit it.

He is the one who told me how the world really is.

He is the one who helped me get what I want.

But he is lying to you.

He loves me!

Even if the whole world hates me, he will still be on my side.

No matter what I do, he will still say he loves me.

Stupid!

Yes, I have always been stupid.

I am not as clever as my sister.

Even Fifteenth Brother can make a fool of me.

I have always obeyed you because I know my limits!

But, Mother...

I am not a puppet.

I have a heart too!

I want to make my own decision for once!

You are not a god.

Don't dictate my life!

What if your choice leaves you broken and battered?

Even so, I will still love him!

What if he betrays you?

Then I will tear him apart myself!

Zhaohua!

Mother, trust me.

I will be happy.

Have you achieved your goal?

Thank you for your help.

Even with Imperial Noble Consort Ling's intervention,

you still earned Zhaohua's heart in the end.

Love requires setbacks and fantasy.

Lhawang Dorji is to her as she is to me.

If I confessed to her straight away, would she have fallen in love with me?

She is too arrogant.

That's why I made her

come to me one step at a time.

Unfortunately...

You didn't help me win over Lhawang Dorji.

My lady.

Do you really love him?

What you love more is

seeing Zhaohua go mad and lose her mind.

Don't assume you know me.

A woman like Zhaohua who has everything

is the object of envy.

You would sacrifice yourself in order to destroy Zhaohua.

Isn't that true?

The envy you feel for Zhaohua

far exceeds your love for Lhawang Dorji.

Fuk'anggan.

You must work hard.

I cannot wait to see Zhaohua drowning in agony.

I don't need you to remind me.

It's best if we don't meet again for a while.

Take care.

Fuk'anggan.

Be careful.

Where it concerns Zhaohua,

at least one thing is true.

That is...

She is a lunatic.

-What did you say? -It's true.

She is crazy.

At least, she once was.

You must be careful.

Don't invite trouble upon yourself.

Young Master.

Wait.

Young Master?

Prune some flowers and bring them to my study.

Which kind would you like?

-Those. -Yes, I'll get to it right away.

Fuk'anggan.

Fourth Uncle?

Do you know what you're doing?

What do you mean?

It's said that Seventh Princess is beautiful and haughty.

Have you become complacent now that you've won her affections?

-No. -Have you forgotten?

This was all for revenge

for trampling on the poor girl's pride,

and to make her mother regret her past deeds.

Isn't that true?

Don't assume you know me.

Isn't that your goal?

Or am I wrong?

You waited too long.

So long that I suspected

you had gotten caught up in this absurd game

and unable to free yourself.

After all, you are still young.

You could easily be enthralled by the facade shown to you.

I have a clear head.

I know what I'm doing.

I don't need you to remind me.

Fuk'anggan.

Tomorrow is the anniversary of your mother's death.

Think about what I said.

Think about your mother.

Young Master.

YANXI GATE

Your Highness, I will be severely punished if Imperial Noble Consort Ling finds out!

Your Highness, take pity on me. Please don't sneak out.

Mother is hosting a flower viewing banquet today.

She has no time to pay attention to me.

If anybody asks, just say I'm not feeling well.

But I--

Enough.

Give me the badge.

It's time. I should go now.

-Don't tell Mother! -Your Highness!

Go.

Go.

Zhaohua, I have a surprise for you today.

CHENGCHAN TEMPLE

Master Fuca asked you to wait inside.

Here?

He will arrive soon.

Why has this pretty lady come to such a remote location?

What are you doing here?

What else?

-A rendezvous! -Go away!

Did you hear that?

She told me to go away!

Your beloved has given you to us!

Lies!

Is it a lie? You'll find out!

Go away!

Young lady, do you know what this place is?

The biggest beggars' den east of the city!

If you weren't tricked here, why would you choose to meet here?

You're lying!

Fuk'anggan! Come out!

-Fuk'anggan! -You're so beautiful.

But you're a fool!

You don't even know you were deceived!

Stay away!

Do you know who I am?

Who?

If you dare touch a hair on my head, I'll kill your entire clan!

Our entire clan!

I'm so scared!

Do you think you're a fairy from heaven?

Instead of staying up there, you came to roll around in the mud!

Stay away from me! What are you doing? Don't touch me!

-Go away! Don't touch me! -Stop acting.

Would a respectable lady be so shameless as to have a rendezvous here?

You were born lowly and depraved.

Don't pretend to be a chaste lady!

Tell us! Which brothel are you from?

I'm not!

-Here. -Let go!

Fuk'anggan!

Fuk'anggan, come out!

Let go!

Fuk'anggan!

CHENGCHAN TEMPLE

Let go! Don't touch me!

Fuk'anggan, show yourself!

Fuk'anggan!

Let go! Don't touch me!

Let go! Don't touch me!

Fuk'anggan!

Fuk'anggan!

-Shameless wretch. -Don't touch me!

Don't touch me!

Go away!

Go away!

Don't touch me!

Fuk'anggan!

Master Fuca, we were just following your orders.

Who permitted you to touch her?

We didn't touch her. We only scared her.

Get out of here!

Zhaohua, it's all right now.

Why?

Come.

-I'll take you home. -Don't touch me.

You have no right to be angry at me.

Imperial Noble Consort Ling sentenced my mother to death.

I saw her die before my very eyes.

Do you know how that feels?

You grew up in luxury and extravagance.

And I?

I lost my mother and father at a young age!

That is all your mother's doing.

If it wasn't for her,

I would've lived in a harmonious family and have a happy life.

She ruined everything.

What I've done to you

pales in comparison to what she did to the Fuca family!

Having your dignity trampled on is the lightest punishment I can give you.

Zhaohua, why are you silent?

I'm talking to you!

Did you hear me?

Zhaohua, your ego is too big.

You would never allow another to hurt you.

It was merely a few insults.

Others would just lightly brush it off.

But to you, they last like brands in your soul.

I only wanted you to hurt as I do

and be as sad as I am.

Zhaohua!

YANXI PALACE

I don't need a night vigil today.

You may go.

Your Highness, that is not in keeping with the rules.

My word is the rule.

Yes.

Let go! Fuk'anggan!

Let go!

There are countless ways to take revenge, but you chose the most foolish one.

Haven't I done enough?

Make her elope on the day of her wedding

and then promptly abandon her.

That would be the most fatal blow to an imperial princess.

Even the lofty Imperial Noble Consort

would be thoroughly disgraced because she failed as a parent.

Knowing you,

that was the original plan, wasn't it?

Subtitle translation by Renee Luk