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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

[Episode Forty-One]

The kite is flying again!

Mother is watching us again!

Give it to me.

Father, come over here.

Auntie said that Mother is a kite.

She flies higher and higher until she gets to the skies.

We'll keep her company as she flies.

Yes!

Fly quickly! Fly to the skies!

Fly! It's flying so high!

The kite is flying so high!

It's flying!

It's flying high!

Before Jia Er was married, we flew a kite together.

At that time, I thought that she was delicate and fragile

just like Jia grass in the water.

I didn't know that she had the courage to get close to the skies

and the valiance to die for love.

I once doubted whether it was a god-sent marriage for the both of you.

It is only today that I realize

the gods will only give one the opportunity.

The outcome of it is up to the person.

I can understand her years of grievances

loneliness, tolerance, and contribution.

From being a frail maid who worked under another's roof

to becoming a mother of three and the wife of Great General.

She managed a whole household.

She must have had... numerous worries.

But at all times...

she's always welcomed me with a wonderful smile.

She is a lot stronger than we thought.

Look! The kite is flying so high!

It's flying! The kite is flying so high!

Be at ease to soar high.

I am the skies, and you are the kite.

Even if we are separated by death, we can still be close to each other.

It's flying so high!

Mother has flown up to the skies again!

Jia Er, this is your husband.

The husband who lived with you and lived in your heart.

You were born like a reed, but when you passed away

you left an oasis in the heart of your husband who fought in the deserts.

Jia Er would be happy to see Wei Qing and the children back on their feet.

She would be even more happy if you could forget your sorrows

and return to your old cheerful self.

Great General, Princess of Pingyang has arrived.

Greetings to Princess.

I am here to congratulate you on your seventh victory in a row

and your safe return.

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.

I was just carrying out my duties as entrusted by His Majesty.

I recently received some styrax incense.

I remember that Shen Jia used to like this sort of incense

when she was in Pingyang Manor.

I brought some over especially for her.

It is a small token from me.

This incense consists of a collection of all sorts of fragrances.

It can ward off evil spirits and bring in goodness.

It is suitable to be offered to Shen Jia in memorial.

I remember that Jia Er liked adding sandalwood incense to styrax incense.

It brings out the sweetness of its aroma.

You've kept her preferences in mind.

I believe she must feel comforted in heaven.

This Jia Chamber is set up for Jia Er.

It naturally has to be set up according to her preferences.

Whenever I come here, it feels as if she is still alive.

The dead is already dead.

You should stop grieving.

Jia grass, vitality.

Although Jia grass is a weed, it grows swiftly.

It creates a land of vitality.

She seemed as if she were light as a feather

but she was willing to sacrifice her life for her husband and the nation.

Her heroism is as great as the mountains.

Shen Jia is truly a role model for women.

I thank Your Highness for your compliments on behalf of Shen Jia.

If Jia Er knows that Your Highness regards her so highly

she will be very happy.

I truly respect her.

I envy her.

There aren't many who are as fortunate as she was.

You were very fortunate to have married such a woman.

It is indeed my great fortune to be able to marry Jia Er.

I once prayed to the gods

to bless me and Jia Er a lifetime together.

But my fate wouldn't allow it.

Sometimes, I really wish time had stopped when she was with me at camp.

We gazed up at the stars, side by side.

I have once seen my grievances as a nightmare.

Actually, everything is a dream.

Even if you can't bear to wake up from a sweet dream

you have to turn that dream into a memory.

Just keep it deep in your heart.

I've let go of my nightmare and started a new life.

Hopefully, you can also let go of your sweet dream.

You're absolutely right, Your Highness.

The dream is over and the sun rises.

It is the beginning of another day.

- Get out of my way! - Marquess of Guannei!

You mustn't! Great General is...

I don't care! I want to see Wei Qing now!

Marquess of Guannei, you...

Marquess of Guannei, what brings you here to Great General's manor?

I am here for my father!

If it hadn't been for you

why would my father be stripped of being the vanguard

and left the front to provide cover for the main forces?

If it hadn't been for you, why would my father get lost

and fail to meet up with the army at the designated time?

If it hadn't been for you, why would my father think

that he had let our ancestors and all the soldiers down

and killed himself for it?

I have indeed not considered thoroughly enough.

Old General misunderstood my intentions.

Misunderstood?

My late father was given a difficult route with twists and turns.

Yet he wasn't assigned a guide!

It is difficult to tell direction in the deserts.

It is within reason that he got lost and was late for the meetup.

Why did you send Superior Chief over to humiliate my father

before His Majesty had even mentioned his punishment?

I never meant to humiliate General Li.

At that time, I just wanted to know the truth

in order to report back to His Majesty.

With Great General's intelligence

how would you not know that my father was proud and unyielding?

He would rather die than be questioned by some petty official.

You forced my father to his death.

Your thoughtlessness is not an excuse!

Indeed.

My late father guarded the frontier for decades.

The foreign enemies addressed him as Flying General out of respect.

Despite his merits, he was never awarded a title.

This battle was supposed to change that.

But all because of you

not only did he fail to claim a merit, he sinned!

He died in the desert!

In regards to Old General Li's death, I feel great sorrow.

I feel guilty about it, but that was never what I intended.

It is truly something I regret.

I only hope that the Li family and I can let go of this personal grudge

and direct our anger at the same enemy.

I don't know how to rid you of the hatred in your heart.

I...

How dare you!

You dare to disrespect Great General?

Do you know that this slap from you is enough to have you killed?

Since I dared to come here, I do not fear death!

How does one not fear death?

Fearlessness is a trait that soldiers exhibit when facing enemies in war!

It is not to be used as a false front to act tough and vent your anger!

You offend your superior and I've tolerated it again and again.

That is because I respected your father's dedication and loyalty!

In consideration of the tragic loss of your father

I take it that your reckless behavior stemmed from your filial affection.

I am not afraid of you.

You've served in the army with your father for years.

You should know what the punishment is for offending your superiors

and breaching military discipline.

You should be executed!

If you injured the Great General Minister of War

who commands the army of Great Han

that is betrayal, disloyalty, and an attempt to rebel!

Not only would you be executed, your entire clan would be wiped out!

Old General Li killed himself

in order not to disgrace his family and his honor.

As the heir of Li family

you have brought unto yourself the notorious reputation of

ill-mannered, undisciplined, disloyal, and unfillial!

If Old General was still alive, what would he think?

As Princess has said

if you are to be punished for your crime

your clan would be eliminated.

How would you face the entire Li family?

But I can forgive you because you have lost your father.

I will not have you prosecuted.

This matter is closed.

You're young and impetuous.

You refuse to express your gratitude in order to uphold your dignity.

Minister of War Great General is a man of magnanimous tolerance.

He can even tolerate you!

Now that you are Marquess of Guannei

and the only living son of Old General Li Guang

you should cultivate your mind and moral character.

Be a marquess that lives up to what your father taught you

and be worthy of His Majesty's award.

Storm the battlefields and fight against our enemies

to protect the people of Great Han!

Demonstrate the courage of the Li family.

If you ever act irrationally and try to lord it over anyone

Great General might be able to let you off lightly

but His Majesty will not!

Uncle Duan?

What is Uncle Duan doing here?

I've been waiting here for you for a long time

to stop you from seeking out Li Gan.

You know that my uncle was insulted by him?

I do.

Then why are you still here to stop me?

I want Li Gan to know today

what military ranking and status mean!

He shouldn't assume that after he insulted the Great General

who ranks above all officials, he can get away with it!

I am not the one who wants to hold you back.

I am here on the Empress' orders.

What?

My aunt?

Auntie, why won't you allow me to teach that Li Gan a lesson?

Auntie!

Qu Bing couldn't hold his temper again?

Li Gan behaved atrociously and insulted Uncle.

He was too impetuous!

As his superior, if I still treat him mildly

I would be disregarding the military discipline.

Do you know why your uncle didn't punish Li Gan according to law?

Uncle is too lenient to his subordinates.

That's why Li Gan dared to treat him like that.

Moreover, Li Gan was only awarded Marquess of Guannei

because Uncle asked His Majesty for it!

But he isn't grateful for it and even injured Uncle!

When this gets out, how is Uncle going to uphold military prestige?

I didn't expect the roots of this flower to be rotten already.

No wonder the flower has withered.

The maids must have been worried that they didn't water enough

so they kept on watering it.

Who knew that it would cause the roots to rot?

What a pity.

They thought that it would do the flower good

but now, looking at it, they have done it harm instead.

It proves that everything needs to be kept within control.

We shouldn't act too excessively.

Why bother beating around the bush?

Perhaps you think that I have been flustered.

But I am, after all, a general who leads the army to war.

The battlefields are dangerous.

If a commander cannot uphold his military prestige

his subordinates will not follow his orders.

The entire army would then be at risk.

Winning the war would be the last concern.

Qu Bing is right.

But will your actions help your uncle

or make your uncle break his promise to his subordinate

and leave him with no military prestige at all?

Since your uncle already promised not to prosecute him

and Princess Pingyang is his witness

if you approach Li Gan to teach him a lesson now

won't you make your uncle go back on his words?

If Great General goes back on his words

how could he possibly uphold his military prestige?

Are we just going to let him off like that?

Great General said that this case is closed.

You should obey his orders.

I'm just worried that those officers will get cocky

because of Uncle's lenience.

But since Uncle has already made a promise

I have to respect his decision as well.

And as Auntie has said

if I continue to look into this matter, I might put Uncle in a tight spot.

I'd better forget about it.

It's good that you've decided to let it go.

But make sure that you don't feel bitter towards him.

Your uncle noted that Li Gan just lost his father.

He isn't being lenient, but rather thoughtful.

As a commander

the key to defeating the enemies is indeed courage and strategy

but force and status will one day decline.

Only the power of good virtue will increase in time.

That will motivate the subordinates to follow willingly and fight.

It will also win the trust and defense of His Majesty and his subjects.

I understand.

Auntie can stop preaching now.

All right then. I'll let you off this time.

I owe it to Duan Hong for intercepting him and bringing him over.

Otherwise, Qu Bing was sure to get himself into trouble again.

Qu Bing is the one who can see the whole situation as it is

and let go of his hatred.

Duan Hong, why don't you stay and have dinner with us?

I'll have my men prepare more good wine and dishes.

Good! That is a great idea!

I'll drink until I drop with Uncle Duan

to rid me of the anger that I have suppressed.

Your Uncle Duan will have to keep you company then.

I'll send my men over to fetch your wife.

Doesn't she come to the palace at regular times to bring things to you?

She should be around today.

Yes, Uncle Duan is often very busy at work.

You don't often go back home.

You usually stay at your office here in the palace.

You've made Auntie make such errands to the palace.

You should keep her company later.

Of course.

- Bottoms up! - Bottoms up!

Uncle Duan, here is a toast to you.

This is indeed good wine.

I've heard that Sister-in-law is very skilled in cooking.

Now that I get to taste it today, the dishes are rich and delicious.

Thank you for your compliments, Your Highness.

Your Highness cooked in the kitchen, and even made steamed bread yourself.

I am truly impressed.

I did it for my nephew, who loves the steamed bread that I make.

Auntie, don't say that.

There are also Uncle Duan's favorite chestnut cakes here.

By the way, the ocarina has been repaired.

I've put it in your office.

Thank you for the hard work.

What happened to the ocarina?

I dropped it accidentally, and it cracked slightly.

I know that my husband's played it for many years now, and really cherished it.

It must have a special meaning.

So I selected a few craftsmen and had it repaired.

Duan Hong treasures his possessions.

The ocarina is the musical instrument that he plays often.

He must cherish it very much.

Fortunately, the word 'peace' that was engraved on it was not damaged.

Otherwise, Duan Hong would have been even more upset.

It is that ocarina?

It is already very old.

If it gets damaged again, don't repair it.

I'll order the craftsmen to make a new one.

I can also get them to engrave words of blessing on it as well.

That ocarina was a gift from Your Highness?

Duan Hong was going away to the western regions on a mission.

I wanted to give it to him to bless him with safety and peace.

In the end, I only managed to give it to him when he returned.

Auntie, I've heard about it.

Auntie and Uncle Duan played in harmony with zither and ocarina.

But I've never had the honor to listen to your performance.

I wonder if I have the honor to hear you both play a tune today?

Duan Hong, why don't I send Ming Yue to bring your ocarina over?

I've placed it on his desk.

- Go. - Yes.

But I haven't played the zither for a long time.

I might be a bit rusty now.

I've long heard that Sister-in-law was the best zither player in Huainan.

Why don't the both of you play together? That's even better.

That sounds good as well.

Allow this rough-neck here to enjoy a refined performance.

Actually, I haven't tried playing a duet with my husband yet.

Auntie, the both of you are by each other's side at all times.

How could you have not played a duet together?

Auntie must be too shy to perform in front of us.

Qu Bing, how can you tease your elders?

I'll perform instead then.

All right.

After all that, you are still playing a duet with my aunt.

Who knew that Fei Luan now has his own child as well?

The birth was very successful.

Yes.

Time flies.

Fei Luan was born right before my eyes.

But now he has his foal by his side.

Such matters as birth, death, illness, and old age

the ebb and flow of the tides are similar to that in one's life.

Flowers may bloom but they will always wither.

But after they wither, they will bloom again.

One is past one's prime, and yet it flourishes again.

Even if all the flowers wither

there are still all sorts of other organisms growing and thriving.

The cycle of life never ends.

Your Highness seems to have forgotten about something.

What is it?

I remember that when we delivered Fei Luan

we promised to be his bosom friends.

- Then... - We'll name his child.

What do you think we should name him?

It says in the Book of Changes

'emergence of life as being the process of change.'

The best of horses is called 'Jun.'

Why don't we name him Jun Yi?

'Y', a representation of width and greatness.

The width of life lies in its continuity.

The greatness of life lies in its continuous changes.

I hope that Jun Yi can inherit his father's personality.

Gentle and robust.

I also hope that he can surpass his father

and gallop through greater fields.

May his life be continued through the generations to come.

I also hope that our children can always stay healthy

and lead a better life than we did.

My three sons are more and more mature and filial now.

Every day, I watch them grow.

They make me feel so much at ease.

Xiang Er is also very filial.

He is now my biggest support.

Actually, I have to thank you.

You let me witness the birth of Fei Luan that day.

That was when I had the experience of being a mother.

It was then that I decided to raise Xiang Er.

Now that I have him as my company, I don't feel lonely anymore.

Nothing is as precious as kinship.

Your Highness should visit him in Pingyang County more often.

Indeed.

Don't forget about the matter that I've asked you to handle for me.

- Madame Wang. - Madame Wang.

You are both here to pick flowers?

If only I could be as carefree as you are, that would be great.

Madame, you're going to have dinner with His Majesty later.

Then you also have to take care of Second Prince.

How could you have such leisure?

You have to wear such a heavy hair accessory as well.

That's even more tiring.

This was bestowed to me by His Majesty.

I wouldn't dare not wear it.

That day when I was told to pick out the gifts

I didn't want to take so many either.

But His Majesty kept telling me to choose more.

So I had to take more and wear more.

His Majesty allowed you to pick out the gifts before the other concubines did.

It's obvious that he is very attentive to you.

This is indeed the gods' favor.

It is such great kindness from His Majesty.

Madame Wang's hair accessory is really luxurious.

But the Empress must have a lot of these accessories as well.

Of course!

His Majesty dotes on the Empress so much.

It's just that Her Highness is very modest

so she doesn't make such a huge fuss about gifts.

Idlers like us should just head back to dry these flowers to make wine.

- We'll take our leave, Madame Wang. - We'll take our leave, Madame Wang.

Sister, it is all right.

Feelings change with the circumstances.

It has always been so, since the ancient times.

Even if the Empress has something precious now

I'm afraid that she won't be in the mood to enjoy it.

You're referring to Great General

being slapped by General Li Guang's son?

The strangest thing is that

if His Majesty truly dotes on the Empress that much

why didn't he punish the person who insulted his beloved wife's family

and uphold justice for Great General Wei?

Do you mean that the Empress is no longer in favor?

Didn't I say that it is fairly normal for one's circumstances to change?

These changes in the imperial court

can be reflected in the rise and fall of concubines in the harem.

Empress is indeed kind and forgiving.

But she might be implicated by her close kin?

Exactly!

Great General made a veteran officer take his own life.

That Huo Qu Bing took advantage of his aunt and uncle's authority

to throw his weight around and use his power to do evil.

He's always showing off.

He even injured our brother!

I had just entered the harem then and had no other choice

but to tie our brother up to admit his mistakes.

Now that I think about it, my heart aches.

He that does evil shall find evil.

When he is no longer in power, we'll have him strung up

and give him a good beating to ease our grief.

The evil doer is here!

Who wants to beat me up?

I am an evil doer.

I am here right now. Why don't you hit me?

Do you both have nothing better to do in the harem?

You dare to stir up enmity and gossip

to incriminate important imperial officials?

Are you both tired of living?

Minister of War...

It is just a harmless conversation between two women.

Please forgive...

Sister, what's wrong with him?

I don't know!

Qu Bing!

Qu Bing, you're awake?

- Your Majesty... - Lie down!

Come forth, Minister of imperial medical affairs!

Minister of War is conscious!

Greetings to Your Majesty.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Why did you faint so suddenly?

I'm fine.

It's just a relapse of my old ailment.

Your Majesty, Minister of War has caught a cold

so his veins suddenly contracted

and caused him to faint from the air compression in his chest.

His pulse is smooth once again.

He will be fine after taking a few doses of medication.

Go and prepare it quickly.

He must be properly nursed back to health.

Yes.

You don't have to be worried.

I'm really all right.

Didn't I pass out all the time when I was little?

I am all right now!

So you were born with this illness that causes you to faint?

But aren't you already cured?

He was born very sickly.

That is why he was named Qu Bing.

Sadly, no one knows what causes this illness.

All the famous physicians said that practicing martial arts would help.

He's been practicing martial arts and horseback riding with me and Wei Qing

so he hasn't felt faint often.

Who knew that he would have a relapse now?

When he used to pass out like this

I was always worried that he would no longer regain consciousness.

There was one time where he lost consciousness for a very long time.

Whenever I think of that now, it makes me shudder.

Auntie, you were actually deceived back then.

There were many times that I would pass out to deceive you.

Because every time I regained consciousness

you would make me anything that I wanted to eat.

So I pretended to pass out

so that I could get you to make steamed bread for me.

Uncle knows about this as well.

We used to work together and deceived you so many times!

We're worried about your health.

Why have you dragged me into trouble?

Do I look like I am unwell?

I'm not that sickly child anymore.

Here, I'll demonstrate a few kicks and punches.

Just let me know whenever you want some steamed bread.

You don't have to pretend to pass out and frighten all of us.

I know!

I'm not afraid of any enemies or armies.

But I'm scared that Auntie will lecture me.

I was young and ignorant then. I won't do that anymore.

Who could have guessed that the commander of a great army

would pretend to be ill in order to get some steamed bread?

I pretended to pass out in order to get steamed bread.

Auntie was deceived and believed me.

That was but a moment's anxiety.

But I'm afraid that some people put on a false front

in order to get way more than what I asked for.

It seems that our Minister of War isn't here for steamed bread

but he has something else on his mind to say to me.

Before I passed out that day, I ran into Madame Wang

and her sister in the garden.

They were talking about the Wei family's decline

and how Empress is no longer a favorite.

I witnessed them both plotting against you.

They are not only competing for His Majesty's favor

but also authority.

Madame Wang isn't actually a mean person by nature.

When I picked her to be a concubine, she had nothing with her.

But she was willing to sacrifice herself for her family.

Now, I can tell that she truly loves His Majesty and her son.

The benevolent see benevolence.

Auntie is so virtuous that can you only see the kindness in everyone!

But I did worry that her childhood poverty would make her too competitive.

She could easily lose her bearings.

That would compromise her own interest and those of others.

She is especially prone to being manipulated by others.

It turns out that Auntie is already aware of this situation?

Some time ago, when Ju Er and Hong Er were alone in the chamber

Hong Er was injured for no reason.

I've always thought that it was quite suspicious.

Perhaps... someone was also behind all this.

I will look further into this matter.

I'll also talk to Madame Wang when I have the time

and give her some guidance.

I hope that she can manage to stay true to herself.

These hair accessories are really heavy.

They make my neck so sore.

When we were in Beautiful Lady Jia's halls

we made her and Lady Yao so mad that they flushed with rage.

It is worth it.

That is true.

I definitely have to show everyone what His Majesty rewarded me.

Since Huo Qu Bing fainted, I rarely see him come to the palace.

That Huo Qu Bing might seem strong, but he fainted just like that.

Who knows?

He might just die suddenly one day.

Empress has left the palace to make offerings to Empress Dowager.

I don't even have to greet her every day these days.

I've been leading a life of comfort and ease.

In my opinion, the Wei family is sure to decline.

Otherwise, why would anyone in Huo family fall sick so easily?

It seems that His Majesty will soon no longer dote on the Empress.

That is why the Empress went to make offerings and pray.

To hope that His Majesty will stay by her side.

His Majesty no longer dotes on the Empress.

Then you will be his only favorite.

That would be great!

Sister, if I could be His Majesty's one and only favorite

I could then feel relieved.

Madame, His Majesty just sent someone over to say that

he is holding a banquet at Jiaofang Palace tonight.

He's invited Madame and Miss Wang Sang over

to enjoy some delicacies that the feudal kings have endowed.

I understand. You are dismissed.

Yes.

Sister, why didn't His Majesty ask us over to Feichang Palace?

Or come over to Phoenix Halls?

Why would he ask us to taste the delicacies at Jiaofang Palace?

My dear sister, His Majesty would like to spend time with you.

The most luxurious and exquisite palace in the entire harem

is definitely Jiaofang Palace.

While the Empress is away, His Majesty uses this chance

to summon you over to Jiaofang Palace.

That means you hold a position in His Majesty's heart

that is as important as the Empress!

You should dress up!

Greetings to Madame Wang.

His Majesty is attending to an urgent matter.

Please have a rest here in Jiaofang Palace first

and enjoy the tribute of fruits.

His Majesty will be here in four hours.

Please tell His Majesty

that he can handle the national affairs with ease.

He doesn't have to worry about me.

I will be waiting here patiently.

Yes.

It's such a pleasure to be waiting in Jiaofang Palace.

This is really lovely.

It's light and sweet.

This is indeed top-quality wine.

If I can keep on enjoying these wonderful delicacies

and hold on to this favoritism forever

that would be great.

You have such an adorable little prince.

You are sure to be able to be loved forever.

Look. We are now in Jiaofang Palace

and don't you feel like the mistress of this palace?

Here is the Empress' throne.

Its glamour corresponds with the majestic air of the palace.

It seemed so far-fetched in the past.

But now I can finally touch this throne.

The throne is so exquisite and majestic.

I wonder what it is like to sit on it?

Sister, why don't you give it a try?

If His Majesty doesn't see you as important as the Empress...

Why would he ask you over to meet up at Jiaofang Palace?

Try the throne out quickly.

Perhaps the throne will be yours soon.

You're just trying it out now.

Happiness and peace to Empress.

I especially came to greet Your Highness.

Sister, it's as if I can see all the concubines and servants

bowing to me in this palace.

Greetings to Your Highness.

You may rise.

Wang Sang, you deserve credit for taking care of Crown Prince Liu Hong.

I shall award you the title of Princess, with lands of ten thousand households.

Thank you for your kind rewards, Your Highness.

This throne is indeed comfortable.

Now that I've sat on the throne, the dizziness that I've been having

is suddenly all gone.

Is that so?

Is it that comfortable?

Sister, do you want to give it a try?

Warm blessings to my sister.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Now that I am honored as the Empress

I have to get rid of villains and punish them for His Majesty.

The Wei family takes power and acts obnoxiously.

They all deserve to die.

Wei Qing killed Li Guang and his son, so he should be executed.

That Huo Qu Bing is insolent and despicable.

He should be flogged fifty times

and then he is to be tied to a scalding hot pillar in public.

Such an atrocity!

Audacious women!

You dare to take the Empress's throne without authorization.

What are you up to?

Get down on your knees!

- Please forgive us, Your Majesty! - Please forgive us, Your Majesty!

I have no intention of usurpation.

It was just an act of ignorance.

I saw that no one is here so I just wanted to give it a try.

I wouldn't dare to do it again!

My sister was just being playful.

I beg Your Majesty for forgiveness!

You plan to escape the death penalty of usurpation

with the excuse of playfulness?

It's fun to play with the Empress' throne

and punish my important subjects with the death penalty?

It's fun to tie my warrior to a hot pillar?

No wonder you are accused with the intention to usurp the Empress!

All this fun that you had just exposed your deepest and darkest desires!

Please have mercy on us, Your Majesty!

I was really just curious.

I saw that this throne seemed to be able to cure dizziness.

That was why I tried it.

Ridiculous!

Do you take me as a fatuous emperor who is blind and deaf?

The moment I saw the expression on your face...

I knew right away how vicious and evil you really are!

The internal strife in the harem are always caused by people like you.

You committed the crime of absolute disrespect.

You will not be pardoned!

- Your Majesty... - Don't you dare plead for her!

- Guards! - Present!

Drag these two people out!

Wang Sang is to be beheaded right away!

Wang Yan is to be taken back to Phoenix Halls

to await my final verdict!

- Yes! - Please spare me!

- Please spare me! - Move!

- Please spare me, Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Sister! Sister!

- Your Majesty! - Sister! Save me!

- Sister! - Move!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please spare my sister!

We didn't mean any harm!

We never had any intention to usurp the Empress!

Please spare us, Your Majesty!

Stop finding excuses!

You indulged your sister and have ulterior motives!

I only spared you from death because you are Hong Er's mother.

I will give Hong Er the title of the King of Qi.

Tomorrow, you shall go with Hong Er to his territories.

You can be the Queen Mother of Qi!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty! I know that I have done wrong!

Drag her away!

- Yes! - Your Majesty!

Move!

Your Majesty!

Hong Er...

Both of them have now left Chang An for good...

I know that you couldn't bear to do this to them.

Don't worry. Qi State is a very crucial state geographically.

Its city is very big.

The capital, Linzi City, has a hundred thousand households.

It is a great place with an abundance of land and resources.

I have not treated her badly.

The luxury of life is perhaps the beginning of a corrupted mind.

In the first place, she sacrificed herself for her family in distress.

She was kind and pure-hearted.

But now she is...

People change easily, and their minds are hard to fathom.

Even a timid and frail woman like her

had usurpation in mind after being favored.

If Qu Bing hadn't exposed her true intentions to me

she might have got even haughtier in the future.

Then the harem would be in chaos.

Qu Bing is the one who appealed to Your Majesty?

Qu Bing has always been by your side, and was taken great care of by you.

It is only right that he is concerned about you.

It is normal for concubines to compete with each other for favor.

But if they discuss imperial officials behind Your Majesty's back

act extremely haughty, and speak disrespectfully of the Empress

you can judge a person's heart by their words.

I'm afraid that they will become the origin of chaos in the harem.

Whether they will cause future chaos or not

a test will tell.

In the past, I was the one who took care of him, and worried about him.

But now, he is the one who is worried about me.

He is eager to protect me.

What worried me was that Wang Yan was accompanied by Wang Sang

who had ulterior motives.

What you were concerned about is that Hong Er is still young

and does not understand the ways of the world.

He could easily be influenced by Wang Sang.

The Wang sisters dared to covet your position.

Then they would dare to instruct Hong Er to vie for Crown Prince.

Perhaps that day, when Hong Er was injured

and Ju Er was accused of hurting him

Wang Sang was behind it.

Only by sending Hong Er to his territories sooner

can we avoid strife between the brothers

and chaos in the palace.

But then Your Majesty will be separated from your son.

I was born into the family of emperors

so I have to bear with this pain of separation.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You have always had Ju Er's and my best interests at heart.

There are fewer and fewer people that I can trust.

I just want to cherish the true affection that you have for me.

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