Original subtitles

His Majesty had to keep his promise

He can't be recorded

as an Emperor who has gone back on his word in the history books

Well, that's too good for Dongfang Shuo!

That's it

His Majesty is full-fledged, and I'm old

I can no longer deal with all those things

Sister, I came to report to you

a solid message today

Dongfang Shuo is colluding with Liu Hao, the Crown Prince of Jingchu

to plot a rebellion

Who told you this?

A friend of mine in Jingchu informed me

Dongfang Shuo is indeed vexing and hard to deal with

but he would never incite rebellion against His Majesty

Sister, this time, Liu Hao sent Liu Nan to the capital

to establish contact with Dongfang Shuo

This is just hearsay. Where's your evidence?

Sister

people change

Since Dongfang Shuo was dismissed from office

he has harbored deep resentment towards you

Over time, he has redirected his anger towards His Majesty

Those with weaknesses are susceptible to evil influences

Now that Dongfang Shuo has a weakness

Liu Hao's evil influences will certainly come

It's logical

But His Majesty reinstated Dongfang Shuo

his weakness has gone

But that was after

Liu Nan contacted him

These are still merely your speculations

I have a friend in Jingchu

who informed me of the specific conspiracy of them

So, this is confirmed to be true?

Yes

Then you should report it to His Majesty immediately

No, not yet

On second thought

Sister, you were right earlier

We need evidence

Without it, His Majesty will protect Dongfang Shuo again

I've asked my friend in Jingchu to monitor discreetly

When the time comes, with evidence in hand

Dongfang Shuo will be doomed!

My dear

The tofu is sold out

The ones for the noon session were sold out long ago

and the ones for the evening session haven't been made yet

Qiu Hu, it's me

There's nothing left, go home

Who the hell are you?

It's you, Chamberlain Yang

Why didn't you come earlier if you wanted tofu?

Where's Dongfang Shuo? Have him come out to receive the decree

- What decree? - The imperial decree!

His Majesty has issued a decree for Dongfang Shuo

Chamberlain Yang, does His Majesty

also want to enjoy free tofu

- like Consort Wei? - Nonsense!

Chamberlain Yang

The imperial decree is here. Dongfang Shuo, prepare to receive it

I will humbly head the decree

His Majesty ordered that

- you shall resume your position and duties at the court. - Understood

Long may Your Majesty reign!

Dear! Sis!

What's going on? Why so jumpy?

Great news! We will no longer have to work!

- What great news! - What happened?

The eunuch surnamed Yang from the palace just said that

His Majesty has reinstated my brother-in-law to his official position!

Really?

It seems

I can be a proper lord again

and I won't have to sell this lousy tofu anymore! It's true, come on

If they didn't let him hold office

I would've felt injustice for him

But now that he's regained his position

I somehow get nervous and alarmed

What are you afraid of?

We'll have a nice house again

- Right, we don't have to grind this lousy tofu anymore. - Exactly

They say sailing and traveling are risky

but now I find

holding an official position lawfully

is the riskiest thing

What if Dongfang Shuo gets demoted again?

What will we live on by then?

We can't stop this tofu business

Sis

do you mean

I can't be

a respected and well-off lord?

Am I only allowed to be a waiter?

Yes

I'll still be the head

sister-in-law will still be the second-in-command and the accountant

And you will still be the waiter

seating guests and instructing servants to grind tofu

But, why can you two be the bosses

and I'm only

Dear, she kicked me!

Screw you! Don't stand here blocking the way

You're causing inconvenience everywhere

I can't believe it!

- Dongfang Shuo. - At your service

How do you feel about reinstating to your former position?

I get salary from Your Majesty, so I'll take care of your concerns

I'm willing to serve at Your Majesty's command at any cost

That's a good attitude

I'll be observing your performance

Ministers

yesterday Wei Qing reported that

the Xiongnu are amassing troops on the border, eyeing our heartland

He suggests I take military action to secure the border

But we must ensure internal stability before that

I have received secret reports indicating that

some feudal lords have ulterior motives due to their military power

which have left me unsettled

Therefore

I have pondered tirelessly

and finally found a potent remedy to quell the rebellious feudal lords

Your Majesty possesses incomparable wisdom and insight

Undoubtedly, your idea must be ingenious

The strategy I conceived is called

the Participation of Interests policy

Wondering what that means?

Today, I will explain it to you

What? Participation of Interests?

Who came up with such a venomous scheme?

It's likely His Majesty's idea

His Majesty has always viewed the feudatories as potential threats

constantly pondering how to scheme against us

His Majesty contemplates day and night

so any idea can come to him

- Where did you hear about this? - I heard it from

Wang Xiu, the maternal uncle of His Majesty

When will it be implemented?

If nothing goes wrong

it'll be decreed soon

Your Majesty, how wise you are!

This is truly a brilliant scheme!

Only a sagacious sovereign like Your Majesty

could possess such extraordinary insight!

- Your Majesty. - Dongfang Shuo

What do you think of this scheme I've proposed?

Your Majesty's scheme is indeed profound

but implementing it now might not be prudent

It could lead to widespread chaos if rushed

Are you suggesting that

if I enact the Participation of Interests policy

the various feudal lords may rebel?

That's what I believe

Anyone who dares to rebel

will be quelled immediately!

- Your Majesty… - Enough

Dongfang Shuo, you've claimed numerous times before that

you could devise a clever plan to curb the power of the feudal lords

Yet, up until now

I haven't seen you propose a single idea

Now, having come up with one myself

you vehemently object

Do you feel that because I have outsmarted you

you've lost face?

Your Majesty

I have no pride in front of you

You know, there'll always be smarter people than you

It's commendable that you recognize your limitations

It's rarely seen

Ministers

my determination to implement this new policy is resolute

Liu Che, this ruthless bastard! Ruthless!

Your Highness must act decisively

When your brothers found this out

they would be growling in response

If those little brats

dare to make a move

I won't show mercy!

No, this is exactly what His Majesty desires

He's just waiting for chaos within the feudatories

so he can step in

You are my trusted confidant, tell me what should we do?

Concerning the current situation

Your Highness will have to burn the bridge

It's better to fight to the death than to await the doom

Perhaps there's still a chance of victory

How much chance do you estimate?

With the power of Jingchu alone

Your Highness has a 50% chance

Fortunately, we have many forces at our disposal

Once the Participation of Interests policy is announced

the feudal lords will be filled with indignation

If Your Highness issues a call to arms

they will undoubtedly respond actively

If two or three more feudal lords give full support

Your Highness will have an 80% chance

If we can contact the Xiongnu to divert the imperial forces

victory will be firmly within Your Highness's grasp!

But we have had no prior dealings with the Xiongnu

How can we establish contact?

There is one person who can assist Your Highness in this matter

Who?

Li Zun, Liu Che's mortal enemy

and the cousin of Prince Liang

who is hiding on the outskirts of Longxi

Right

Liu Che killed the cousin he revered most

so he will surely assist me

to seek revenge on Liu Che

Apart from rebellion

can't you suggest anything else?

If His Majesty's policy is implemented

Father, in just a few generations

the Jingchu feudatory you've built for so many years

will surely be gone

Can you bear

to see your descendants reduced to commoners?

Right now, the eyes of all other feudal lords are on us!

Once we make a move

the whole realm will inevitably fall into chaos

We don't have to rebel right from the start

Father, we can contact various feudal lords

to submit a memorial in joint names

urging His Majesty to rescind this policy

Since it's issued

His Majesty won't retract it

Then, let's fight them!

What are you up to?

I'll offer you some advice

- Stall in the open, and see which way the winds will blow. - Stall

As for your brothers

as long as I'm around

they won't dare to cause trouble for you

Your Highness, we can't delay in this matter!

But my old man has always been timid and cautious

desiring nothing more than to maintain the status quo

In my opinion, for Your Highness

this is both a challenge and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity

We mustn't let this chance slip through our fingers!

But how should we handle my old man?

His Highness has a nature inclined towards leisure and detachment

When the time comes, it might be best to find a quiet place for him

to engage in scholarly pursuits and live out his years peacefully

Are you suggesting

confining my Father?

Out of sight, out of mind

It's been a month since the Participation of Interests was enacted

Why haven't we seen any reactions from below?

I anticipated

they would employ both soft and hard tactics

But I'm not afraid

because every feudal lord has numerous sons

and they will stir up trouble themselves

Your Majesty, your wisdom shines brightly

However, I still have some lingering concerns

At present, the authority in the various feudatories

is firmly held by their princes and crown princes

The other sons of feudal lords are unarmed

making it difficult to contend against the princes and crown princes

Your Majesty

we cannot afford to wait any longer

We must explore alternative means to encourage action

How?

Your Majesty could dispatch several ministers

to the feudatories to oversee the implementation of the policy

With the support of the court

other sons of feudal lords will surely

stand up for their rights

If any prince or crown prince dares to defy the decree

I will take the opportunity

to strip the crown prince of his inheritance

and divide the fiefdom among the other princes

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Why the rush?

General Li Guang from the border has sent an urgent report

The Chanyu of Xiongnu is leading 200,000 troops to invade our borders!

This Chanyu is truly despicable

He repeatedly launches incursions

posing a grave threat to our Great Han

I have decided to personally lead an expedition

marching into their territory and swatting down the enemies

We will vanquish the Xiongnu in one fell swoop

cleansing our Great Han of decades of shame!

Your Majesty, I believe that

as the esteemed ruler of all

you should preside at the central court and oversee the situation

I am willing to lead the troops in battle

Your Majesty, leading troops to war is a duty of skilled generals

Your Majesty need not embark on a personal expedition

No

Considering the heroic conquests of Emperor Gaozu

I, as his descendant bearing a title with the meaning of valiant

aspire to emulate

his gallant charges across the battlefield

Your Majesty!

The fate of the realm rests on your shoulders

If any mishap were to occur

the consequences would be catastrophic

Ming Fei

I have not yet set out for battle

and you're already speaking of such ominous words

Your Majesty

- Dongfang Shuo have something to report. - No

Your Majesty, I have no report to make

Your Majesty

I earnestly implore you to prioritize the stability of the nation

and reconsider your decision to personally lead the expedition

Your Majesty, please rescind this decision!

- Rise. - Thanks, Your Majesty

Dongfang Shuo

At your service

Do you support my decision to personally lead the expedition?

Your Majesty, I didn't express any support

So, are you opposed to it, like the others?

Your Majesty, I didn't say I'm opposed either

Then what exactly do you intend to do?

I intend to do nothing

I was just standing here, dutiful and quiet

without moving or making a sound

Dongfang Shuo, how dare you!

Typically, you speak eloquently and assert yourself in every situation

Why are you so tight-lipped today

not saying a word?

Your Majesty

forcing someone who has nothing to say to speak

is like forcing a rooster to lay eggs

You must have something on your mind, yet deliberately withhold it

Your Majesty

I'm afraid

I'm afraid that I might accidentally say something wrong

and Your Majesty will expel me from the court again

In my lifetime

I don't want to be without

the sight of your kind face

Today, you must speak

If you don't speak

I will have you expelled

Then

I guess I must muster the courage to say a few words

Your Majesty, please listen with indulgence and leniency

Cut the verbiage. Speak quickly!

I carefully pondered Your Majesty's intentions

and believe that this act is a sign of your desire

to abdicate the throne

Dongfang Shuo

how dare you to speak such nonsense!

Your Majesty, please calm down

Please, calm down

Wasn't it Your Majesty who compelled me to speak?

Your Majesty, speech is not a crime

Please let Dongfang Shuo finish his words

Very well, then

Continue

I'm done

Dongfang Shuo

I fail to understand

why you claim His Majesty

intends to abdicate the throne

Lord Ming, isn't it obvious?

How many feudal lords now fix their eyes

intently on His Majesty's throne?

I'm telling you, they are literally aching for it!

Dongfang Shuo

it appears you're beating around the bush

to express your discontent with the Participation of Interests policy

You've been insisting that

once I implement this policy

the feudal lords across the realm will stir up trouble

Yet, it's been over a month now

and not a single feudal lord has caused a disturbance

Can you name one? Just one!

Your Majesty, the absence of news about feudal lords causing trouble

doesn't mean it's impossible

Are you proposing a wager again?

Your humble servant

dare not to do that again

However

I still believe that

this time it must be

no, it's possibly another instance of coordinated action

The strike of the northern Xiongnu has already begun

Within a few days

unpleasant news from the southern feudatories will arrive

What do you mean?

Your Majesty, there's an urgent message from the Ministry of Personnel

What urgent message?

Read it

Fifteen feudal lords, including the Princes of Jingchu, Hengshan

Yan, and Qi, have jointly submitted a memorial

earnestly requesting Your Majesty to issue an edict

abolishing the Participation of Interests policy

Greetings, Your Majesty

Zifu, here you are

What brings you here?

Your Majesty

I heard that you haven't had your meal at noon

I was a bit worried, so I came

Who said I didn't eat? It's just

Just what?

It's just nothing

Zifu, don't worry, my appetite is fine

I just don't feel like eating right now

Your Majesty, I am your consort

I should share your joys and sorrows

and worry about what worries you

Your Majesty!

Greetings, Your Majesty

Uncle, what's the matter?

Qiankunzi sent a letter from Jingchu

He claimed the sudden attack of the Xiongnu

was because Liu Hao, the crown prince of Jingchu

reached an understanding with the Xiongnu

with the help of Li Zun, the cousin of Prince Liang

Liu Hao intends to divert the imperial forces northward

taking advantage of the vulnerability of Chang'an

to lead the Jingchu army himself to attack

aiming to usurp the throne!

I really appreciate you bringing me tofu every day

It's okay

My husband Dongfang Shuo said, as long as Your Highness likes it

our family will provide you with tofu for life

How's Dongfang Shuo these days?

It's hard to put it into words

I can't tell

- His Majesty, however, is not in good spirits. - Really?

- Are you pleased about it? - No

Dongfang Shuo foresaw that His Majesty might not be in high spirits

He said it's because His Majesty

hasn't seen the little tricks he used to perform in a long while

Whenever His Majesty sees the little performances

Dongfang Shuo puts on, his mood always improves

Lüyu, that's great!

- Today's earnings are a hundred more than yesterday. - Really?

At this rate, in less than a year

we'll have earned back the money for the tofu shop

By then

we can open another tofu shop

In another year

we'll have earned back the money for two tofu shops!

You don't act like a man at all

The master of our house

is planning to put all his cleverness and energy

into running the tofu shop

My dear, those are two different matters

Don't underestimate your husband!

Did you actually deliver the message to Consort Wei

as I instructed?

You keep asking, it's been over a dozen times today! I told her

I told her!

So why hasn't His Majesty called me to the palace yet?

You must be dreaming!

Why would the Emperor summon you to the palace?

To wash His Majesty's feet?

Stop arguing! Chamberlain Yang from the palace is here

Greetings, Chamberlain Yang

By order of Noble Consort Wei, Dongfang Shuo is summoned to the palace

I appreciate Her Highness's favor

Behold, Your Highness

This is a coin

Other than that, I have nothing on my hand

Good, now watch closely

Let's cover it up

Then, take a look

These are two lids

It's not here, right?

Then we cover it up

Which way did the coin go?

Over here

Let's check

The coin here is gone

Seems like you guessed it wrong. Let's check this side

Why is the coin gone? Where is it?

- Let's take another look. - Hail the Emperor!

Greetings, Your Majesty

Greetings, Your Majesty

Please rise

Come on over, my precious son

Your Majesty

I'm performing a trick for Her Highness and His Highness

- Sit down. - Thanks, Your Majesty. - Come, son

Your Highness, let's do it again, shall we?

Behold

I cover it up

Which way did it go?

Here? No, it's gone over here

Okay, you should go to bed

No, I still want to watch

Let's do it again. Behold

Watch carefully

I cover it up

It's not over here. Then I blow on it

- And it goes over. - It's not there

It is here. See?

Your Majesty

I've been having nightmares for days recently, and I'm in a trance

so I lost the skill to perform the magic trick

I don't want you to lose it. I still want to watch

Alright, son

You should go to sleep

Come on

Your Majesty, I am sorry for being useless

Dongfang Shuo

how can you, the man full of yourself

ever go into a trance?

I am sick

Of what?

Autumnophobia

Autumnophobia?

How come I've never heard of this disease?

Your Majesty has already punished me twice

and I know good things never happen thrice

If Your Majesty punishes me for the third time

my head will truly be gone

So I am in fear and anxiety all day long

dreading the coming of autumn

For autumn is the time when everything withers

and the time of executing prisoners

Therefore, my physical strength is rapidly declining

and my mind is getting more lost

which makes me incapable of

transferring even this small coin around

Dongfang Shuo

if you have anything on your mind, spill the beans

Don't make insinuations!

Then, please hang in there, Your Majesty

I'll now let out

the unbearable idea about how to quell the rebellion

of Liu Hao of Jingchu for Your Majesty

Ministers

after much consideration, I have resolved to lead the expedition

to defeat the Xiongnu, ensuring a lasting peace

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please don't embark on this expedition!

Many feudal lords resent the Participation of Interests policy

Your Majesty decreed

so leaving the capital now might lead to undesirable consequences

I have reviewed the joint memorial submitted by the feudal lords

and I have issued a decree rejecting their appeal

Our immediate concern is to vanquish the Xiongnu threat

after which I will address the concerns of the feudal lords

Then, the nation and the foundation of the country will be at stake!

Your Majesty!

Lord Ming Fei

your words may have been a bit exaggerated

Dongfang Shuo, your reluctance to offer direct advice to the ruler

makes you a base person who only plays it safe

Lord Ming Fei

Your Majesty

Lord Ming Fei is fishing for fame and reputation!

He wants Your Majesty to execute him

so that he can leave a lasting legacy in history

Your Majesty, you mustn't fall for it

Of course, I won't be fooled by him

Go back to your position

Minister Dongfang

At your service

At moments like this

you're always the one who understands me the best

Thank you, Your Majesty. However

I have a small suggestion

What is it? Please share it now

Your Majesty, for this northern expedition

it is imperative to bring a young and beautiful princess along

A princess?

Dongfang Shuo, you're in the court!

Are such words even appropriate?

Lord Wang, I'm speaking with His Majesty

Your Majesty, back when Emperor Gaozu was besieged in Baideng

it was solely due to the Han concubine by the Chanyu's side

who persistently persuaded the Chanyu

that Emperor Gaozu managed to escape peril

In the event of Your Majesty leading the expedition this time and

by any chance, facing a situation akin to Emperor Gaozu's entrapment

on some hillside

Your Majesty can offer the princess as a solution

This will also save the day

Dongfang Shuo

you!

You're launching veiled accusations and relentless attack against me!

Your Majesty

I am genuinely

looking out for your best interests!

I don't think so

Your Majesty

Dongfang Shuo has uttered outrageous words

in the court to slander you. He deserves the gravest punishment!

I implore Your Majesty to hold Dongfang Shuo accountable

- Guards! - At your service

Drag this treacherous rebel out

and execute him!

Your Majesty, I am innocent!

Your Majesty, while Dongfang Shuo's words may be improper

his intention to advise is still genuine

I implore Your Majesty to spare Dongfang Shuo's life

Your Majesty

if you embark on the expedition, it is inauspicious

to execute a minister before the army is mobilized!

Very well

- Dongfang Shuo. - Yes, Your Majesty?

Today, I won't execute you, not because I lack the courage

You'll be spared from a death sentence, but not other punishments

- Guards! - At your service

Flog Dongfang Shuo 40 times

then banish him from the palace! He shall never be employed again

Your Majesty!

I'm… I'm wrongly accused!

Your Majesty, I am genuinely looking out for your best interests!

Your Majesty!

Your Highness!

- Your Highness! - What's the matter?

Dongfang Shuo was flogged heavily 40 times

and banished from the palace, never to be reinstated

I've already got wind of it

Your Highness, how did you receive the news so quickly?

Before the joint memorial was even sent out

I already dispatched someone to Chang'an

My spies are watching

all the winds of Chang'an

- and will report to me. - Understood

Your Highness

have you considered reviving this non-threatening brainiac

and using him for your own purposes?

He used to show no respect

and repeatedly rejected me

That was because he still had some illusions about the Emperor

Now, those illusions were shattered

Your Highness

as long as you send a trusted person

with a letter written by you

you can surely entice this great talent

to Jingchu

Alright, I will write the letter now

and send a trusted envoy to Chang'an

Depart immediately

get it to Chang'an at the swiftest pace

and hand it to Wang Xiu, the Defender-in-chief

Remember, it must be personally delivered to Dongfang Shuo

Understood

The wind is strong atop the tower, please return to the palace

I wish to linger a while longer

General Wei Qing has delivered a report

He and his troops held their ground, repelling the Xiongnu cavalry

The imminent peril lies not in the north

but in the south

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Uncle?

Your Majesty

Qiankunzi has sent a letter

He wrote that Liu Hao had sent someone

to Chang'an to contact Dongfang Shuo

Issue an order to summon Zhang Tang immediately to the palace

When we return, my Sis will scold you

May I ask, are you Lord Dongfang?

That's correct, and you are?

Lord Dongfang

- there's an inn over there. Shall we go up for a chat? - Sure

Fella, please don't follow

I'm only looking for Lord Dongfang

Who? Who are you calling a fella? I'm his brother-in-law!

Why should I step aside? I deserve a pleasant drink, too

Lord Dongfang, shall we?

We don't know each other. How can I boldly accept your hospitality?

Lord Dongfang, I'm here on behalf of Liu Hao of Jingchu

Go back and brew the medicine

This way please

- Your legs are not in good condition, please take it slow. - Thanks

Gentlemen, please come in

Lord Dongfang, please have a seat

Excuse me, I can only squat

- Your legs seem to be seriously injured! - No, it's my butt

Gentlemen, what would you like?

Bring two pots of good wine and some exquisite appetizers

Understood, please wait a moment

What task does His Highness have for me?

Once you read this letter, everything will be clear

Guards! Seize these two men!

Minister Zhang?

Take them away! Now!

Dongfang Shuo, you are so audacious!

Confess your collusion with the Crown Prince of Jingchu

in a rebellion now!

Minister Zhang

I have never conspired with any feudal lord

let alone rebellion

Dongfang Shuo

I caught you red-handed

and got enough evidence to incriminate you

How can you defend for yourself?

Minister Zhang

where is the evidence you speak of?

Can you show it to me?

The messenger who met you at the inn is a human testimony

and this secret letter from Liu Hao to you is material evidence

In the letter, Liu Hao explicitly invited you to Jingchu

to conspire for a great cause and partake in glory and wealth

Isn't this rebellion?