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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Two

Straight to the point.

It's subtle, but ingenious.

Well written! What a pity.

[The people are suffering and yet they are teased with gold pellets.]

This is more than just referring to Han Yan!

Thank you for your compliments.

Please pardon me for leaving now.

I will repay your kindness some day.

All right.

Young lady!

Sister!

Wei Qing.

Are you all right?

I'd have gone looking for you if you haven't made it back here.

You were right to wait here for me.

Mother pinched and scraped to leave this house to us

in hope of giving us a place to seek shelter and refuge.

Did you get hurt on your way here?

I'm fine.

Who do you think your brother is?

How many people could catch up with me?

You're one to talk.

Sister, if I hadn't taken any action

the horse carriage would have ran over you.

How could I let you get hurt?

I understand that.

I'm just afraid that...

What are you afraid of?

We're just peasants.

Why would an influential official like Han Yan be bothered about us?

Moreover, he only caught a glimpse of us.

He's probably already forgotten what we look like.

That makes sense.

It's all right since we weren't caught right on the spot.

Yue E! What are you doing here?

Aren't you supposed to be cleaning the chambers?

- Hurry up! Quickly! - Yes.

And you! What is the matter with you? Why are you so slow?

Hurry up!

Qiao Er! What are you doing here?

Aren't you supposed to bring wine over to the marquess?

- Here you are dilly-dallying! Hurry! - Yes.

Dawdling about all day! Every one of them! It makes me so mad!

And!

Jia Er!

Jia Er.

Why are you here?

Shouldn't you be practicing in the Echo Chamber?

They picked on me for having just made it to middle-grade

so they wouldn't let me practice with them.

That's why I've taken these bed covers for embroidery.

You're still a songstress even if you're only middle-grade.

How could you do such heavy work?

Besides, there are face readers here today

to read the faces of female musicians.

But those face readers are all snobs.

If you don't catch their eyes or you don't give them the right gifts...

Jia Er! You'd better go and dress up.

Mother, first you wanted me to go practice dancing

and now you want me to dress up.

But the Princess has already given orders that

these bed covers are to be embroidered before she gets back to the manor.

I'll help you with it.

- Zi Fu? - Zi Fu!

Zi Fu.

This is my chore.

How could I trouble Zi Fu with it?

Moreover, Zi Fu is going to have her face read as well.

Jia Er, you're bosom friends with Zi Fu.

Zi Fu wouldn't mind.

Go on now. Hurry up!

Hurry up.

- Hurry up. - Go on.

Zi Fu, don't worry.

You've done Jia Er a favor so I'll put in some good words for you

with the face readers.

Then you might move up to middle-grade very soon.

When Jia Er becomes a Madame she's sure to take you with her.

The marquess's manor is indeed magnificent and spacious!

Mister Yi, this way please.

Sure.

Are you Mister Yi?

Yes, I am.

I am the deputy housekeeper of Pingyang Manor.

Everyone calls me Xi Niang out of respect.

We've been waiting for you.

Xi Niang, Xi Niang.

Uncle Quan, you can eave us now.

I'll be in charge of Mister Yi.

- Yes. - Qiao Er, come over here!

Go and get some chrysanthemum wine for Mister Yi.

Xi Niang, actually...

Yes, Sir?

I actually prefer osmanthus wine.

Yes.

Hurry up!

Prepare some osmanthus cakes as well.

That's not necessary.

Wine is fermented.

The longer it takes, the better it is.

Cakes are steamed.

The fresher, the better.

Osmanthus isn't exactly in season now so I can do without the cakes.

Osmanthus wine is pungent.

I'll have it with some light and sweet lychee cakes.

Yes.

Take the osmanthus wine and lychee cakes to the chamber.

- Yes. - Hurry up!

- This way, Mister Yi. - Yes.

Marquess of Pingyang is so kind to others.

I even get my own chamber?

There are many talented people here in Pingyang Manor.

We'd never treat anyone disrespectfully.

The first one to meet you later is called Shen Jia.

She is indeed a true talent.

- Xi Niang! - Xi Niang!

Housekeeper Chang!

You're already showing him around?

I'll take the Master face reader to his chamber then.

He is the face reader?

How can that be?

I'm the one showing the Master of face reading around.

Why are you impersonating him?

My surname is Yi and I never conceal my name.

Why would you say something like that?

So you are the impersonator!

- I'm not. - You said that you're Mister Yi!

My name is Yi Han so I am Mister Yi.

Yi as in River Yi.

Mine is Yi, as in King Hou Yi.

He is the new chef.

You... when will you be smarter?

This is such an embarrassment.

Master Yi, this way, please.

You're just a chef and yet you're so picky about wine and cakes.

You're pretending to be of a higher class!

How could I be a good chef if I don't know about the flavors?

Are we going to the chamber?

A servant stays in the servants' quarters!

Do I have a choice?

Yes, the wood shed!

This is indeed the marquess's manor!

This is really classy!

But... Why is there so little fuel?

How is that enough to make soup or grill a fish?

We must have enough fuel out here in the kitchen. Understand?

I've traveled for hours. It's best that I take a nap.

Get me a stool and put it there.

I can then nap there whenever I'm tired.

Hurry up! Move!

- Yes. - Yes.

- Get to work! - Yes.

- Stop staring at me. - Yes.

Get to work.

- Master chef. - What is the matter?

I'm done with the honey. Here you go.

You...

I'm new here.

No, haven't I met you?

Pingyang County flooded and everyone was escaping...

In the woods near the suburbs...

I don't know what flood you're talking about.

I recognize the scar on your arm.

It is you.

I am that little lass!

You're the lass who fed me steamed bread!

My name is Wei Zi Fu.

I'm relieved to see that you're all right.

You left without a word. I thought that you had an accident.

Why would I stay there when you had no food left?

Besides, I ate your bread.

What would I do if your family found you and reproached me for it?

Thanks to you, I really did find my family in the end.

Put the stools there!

Go to the slaughterhouse and get me some good portions of meat.

I'll make some braised meat.

I'll show the marquess how good I am.

- Yes! - I'll leave you to your work.

- We'll catch up later. - Sure.

Be happy whether we're poor or rich.

Be happy when life is sweet or bitter.

Mother hoped that our family would never be apart.

But after she passed away Housekeeper Chang sent us away

to different regions that are under the marquess's governance.

Luckily, we're allowed to pray to Mother on her death anniversary.

That's when we get to be together, once a year.

Brother...

I believe that someday we will all be together.

Zi Fu has been talking to Housekeeper Chang very often.

Perhaps one day, when he shows us some sympathy

he will agree to it.

Yes, by then when we all reunite, we can...

We can...

Yes, we'll reunite eventually.

Be happy whether we're poor or rich.

Be happy when life is bitter and when life is sweet.

Take life as it is and be happy about it.

Strive as a family, stay strong yet kind.

They ate all of my favorite Sichuan pepper pork.

Our older brother and sisters come home so rarely.

They should eat more. Stop complaining.

You ate all the oranges that our eldest sister brought from Jindian Village.

It's you!

That's the criminal who knocked Master Han over!

Arrest him!

Go after him!

- Let me through! - Stop right there!

What is this about?

- What is this about? - Get out of the way!

Clear the path for the officers!

- Move to the side! - Get lost!

- Hurry! - Get lost!

- I'm sorry! - Get lost!

I'm sorry!

Get out of the way!

You! Did you see a man who is about this height?

- No... - Did you see him or not?

It's a serious crime to hide criminals.

I... I...

Exactly! Whether you've hidden him or not

they would know right away once they searched us, right?

Since you don't believe us, feel free to search.

Pingyang Manor takes pride in being frank and poised.

We're all honest and well-behaved.

We can't taint the reputation of the marquess.

Are you really from Pingyang Manor?

Of course.

But if you really doubt us, feel free to search us.

Go ahead and search us.

Xi Niang! Are you all right?

Did you point your swords at her just now?

She is very timid!

She must have been petrified!

Do you know that she isn't only the deputy housekeeper of Pingyang Manor

but also the wet nurse of our marquess!

Should the marquess get angry

you'll all be in trouble!

Xi Niang, are you all right?

Don't scare me!

Sires, if you want to search us, by all means, hurry up and do it.

This urn of wine is purchased according to the marquess's orders.

If it's exposed to the heat of the sun for too long, it will spoil!

Moreover, this cart of gourds will spoil very easily.

Most importantly, it's her!

Should anything happen to her, we will all be in trouble.

Sires, hurry up and search us if you want. Please go ahead.

Let's leave now!

- We'll search over there! - Take care!

Take care!

When was I ever the wet nurse of the marquess?

Aren't you?

Where did I hear that from?

I must have dreamed about that.

All right! Let's head back!

Back to the manor!

Wei Qing!

- Are you all right? - I'm fine.

What are you doing on the cart?

Are the officers looking for you?

This isn't my brother's fault.

He offended them because he was trying to save someone.

Save someone?

How did he end up becoming a criminal by saving someone?

He almost implicated me!

Should anything happen to me, who would take care of my Jia Er?

Wei Qing, here you are!

The marquess is looking for you!

If that is so, I will definitely punish him severely.

Sir, I've brought you Wei Qing.

That is the man I want!

I heard that this fugitive disappeared when he got to your manor's cart.

Then I remembered that he does resemble the stable boy

that you brought to the hunt.

It is him indeed!

Get down on your knees!

How dare you hurt a court official?

- I was just... - Marquess!

I've always respected the marquess for

managing your household well and being modest.

I'm sure that you won't take sides with a servant who violated the law?

Of course not.

I look to Grand Master Han to discipline him for me.

I'll accept your kind offer.

- Guards! - Present!

Marquess!

Please have mercy on him!

My brother has served you for years without making any mistakes.

Please don't let them take Wei Qing away!

Such an audacity!

Grand Master Han disciplines my servant for me

and disciplines your brother for you.

Not only did you not thank him for it, but you even came here to stop him.

Take him away!

Grand Master Han!

I am the one to blame! I didn't teach my brother well.

I'm willing to take full responsibility for this!

Please don't take my brother away! I'm begging you!

- Sister! - I'm begging you!

Listen! I'm the one who hurt him and knocked over the carriage.

Come at me by all means!

This has nothing to do with my sister!

No! This is all my fault!

This is all my fault!

Grand Master Han, this is all my fault!

Take them both away!

Who dares to take my sister away?

You can only take me!

You're in no place to talk here!

Wei Qing! Wei Qing!

Take them both away!

Who would dare to do so?

Princess Pingyang.

How rare it is that Grand Master Han still remembers that I'm a princess.

That I am the Emperor's biological sister.

Why would you say so, Your Highness?

Princess Pingyang is like an elder relative of mine.

I always have you on my mind.

I wouldn't dare to forget about you.

It doesn't matter whether you remember that I'm a princess or not.

But if you forget that this is the Pingyang Manor

then it is a very serious matter.

Your Highness has overstated.

Why would I forget where I am?

Grand Master Han, do you know why all four generations of the Caos

are appointed as marquess?

This is because my ancestor, Marquess Yi of Pingyang.

Cao Can fought for the founder of Han, and conquered the territories for him.

He carried seventy wounds.

All the soldiers said that Marquess of Pingyang Cao Can had the most merit.

The most merit indeed.

Therefore, when Emperor Gao Zu handed out territories to his subjects

all court officials gave the marquess the highest respect.

My husband inherited the title.

Although he has no military merits, his glory is just as brilliant.

All the officials and dukes treat him with great respect.

Grand Master Han might not be an important official

but you should know the manners after years alongside the Emperor.

Why have you brought so many guards with you?

Your Highness, those two disrupted my journey and injured me.

I am just acting on the orders of the marquess

to take the criminals away, to enforce the law.

Grand Master Han, you should know what His Majesty's brother-in-law is like.

He always take a step back in order to gain an advantage.

He told you to take them away so that you could look good.

You should simply thank him and say

'Pingyang Manor's servants should be left to the marquess to punish.'

Doesn't that do the trick?

Grand Master Han, you serve alongside Empress Dowager and Emperor.

You're usually not so ill-mannered.

My ancestor the Grand Emperor

especially hired craftsmen to carve the merits of Marquess Yi

of Pingyang on the wooden screen when he bestowed the manor to him.

[The imperial seal of Emperor]

Emperor Gao Zu bestowed this screen to the Cao family.

It is placed in the front of the hall

to demonstrate the family's prestige and importance.

Since then, the hall has been kept clean as if it were new.

Not a speck of dust can linger in here, for fear of disrespecting the ancestors.

Today, someone dared to commit violence in this hall.

Blood was shed in the hall. How should you be punished?

Please pardon me, Your Highness!

I never meant to hurt anyone.

But those two refused to obey orders.

I was worried that the marquess's dignity would be marred so...

Servants of Pingyang Manor are always well-mannered and respectful.

If both of them refused to obey orders

it must be my fault that I haven't taught them well.

No, not at all.

If not, do you think that I'm not capable of disciplining them?

No, of course not.

That's good then.

- Housekeeper Chang. - Your Highness.

Take them away.

Move it!

Grand Master Han does indeed know your manners.

I would also make you look good.

I'll put in a few good words for you in front of the Emperor.

Since this matter is resolved, you may leave now.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I take my leave now.

Let's go.

We have acted and spoken recklessly today.

We have implicated the manor and troubled the princess.

We are here to beg for punishment.

You do know that you have troubled me?

Why don't you tell me how you should be punished?

Your Highness saved us today.

Your benevolence is as good as bestowing a new life upon me.

I will forever be in your service and abide by your orders.

I will accept any punishment willingly.

Your Highness, my brother is already injured, so if you have to punish...

- No! Your Highness... - That's enough!

All these years, you've always fought to take the blame for each other.

But today, you have offended the Emperor's favorite official.

How could I spare you both from any punishment for being so reckless?

If Grand Master Han's horse carriage wasn't about to run over my sister

I wouldn't have attacked the horse so recklessly

and injured Grand Master Han but...

Should such an incident occur again

I would do so again without any regret.

I know that I have put Your Highness in a difficult position.

A man must bear the consequences of his own actions.

Your Highness, please punish me!

Your Highness!

That will be considered your punishment.

Wei Qing, you must bear in mind that, from this day on, you will serve me!

Thank you, Your Highness!

Thank you, Your Highness.

This was originally given to your brother-in-law when Father passed away.

Now, your brother-in-law asked me to give this to you instead

as his way of seeking your forgiveness.

This is your idea?

We are indeed siblings.

This jade sword hook goes well with my new sword cord.

You have to remember that you inherited the throne from the deceased Emperor

and you carry the responsibility of governing the entire nation.

Don't worry.

I will definitely live up to my responsibilities.

A man with courage makes a majority.

Moreover this sword hook is to remind you to be alert.

Everyone in the imperial court is vying for power.

Even if you are the Emperor

you have to constantly remind yourself, at the sight of this sword hook, that

you must not lose your composure.

The times are such that I don't have much choice but to be cautious.

My dear brother, look.

Grandmother is like the bright moon in the sky.

But you're like the first glimpse of the sunrise.

Nights come to an end.

And the sun will soon shine.

How could moonlight be compared to that of the sunlight?

Sister...

The empire is like this sword.

It is already in your possession.

As long as you can keep your composure, you will have many days to come.

You will have the chance to pull that blade out from its sheath.

Before you do, you have to be careful of both open and clandestine attacks.

I understand that.

Zhao Wan and Wang Zang are already dead.

Dou Ying and Tian Fen have both resigned.

All of my trusted officials are now removed.

Grandmother favors Xu Cang as the new Chancellor-in-chief.

I could only agree to it.

Chancellor Dou leaves the court today.

All that is left to guide me are his written scrolls.

Your Majesty, I have just received the news.

All the books and scrolls that were sent from the Chancellor's manor

were intercepted by Grand Empress Dowager's palace guards.

I imagine they will all be taken to Changle Palace now.

What?

- Greetings to Grandmother and Mother. - Greetings to Grandmother and Mother.

Have a seat.

Qiu Ping, present the layered cake to His Majesty.

Yes.

Thank you, Grandmother.

The silly official Dou Ying has clouded Your Majesty's eyes.

I ordered his fallacious suggestions to be burnt.

Che Er, do not be angry at me for this.

I wouldn't dare to be.

Che Er, these covetous officials are very observant.

They only say words that you want to hear.

But none of that can help you with governing the nation.

You can't be hasty in governing a nation.

Revolutionary policies will only uproot the foundation.

That is a taboo.

Grand Empress Dowager is teaching him in person so Che Er must be

learning from you modestly.

Thank you for your kind reminder.

Grandmother takes everything into consideration.

I'm the inexperienced one.

Pingyang, you were out to pray for my health. What did you see along the way?

Tell me about it.

Grandmother has heard much about novelties.

There was nothing special about this trip.

But along the way, there are many who are in hunger due to disasters.

If Grandmother has no objection

please allow me to pray to the gods on the dam

for the well-being of our people.

Great!

Praying to the gods and heaven is also what an Emperor must learn to do.

As for politics, just take it slow.

Yes.

Your Majesty, I've already told the servants that

you will rest in a quiet place after praying to the gods.

They do not need to come along.

Both of my mentors have taught me with great efforts.

Yet they are now dead because of me.

I couldn't protect you when you were alive.

Now that you are dead, I couldn't even pay my respects to you openly.

I feel so guilty.

Your Majesty.

The rivers flow towards the east.

Your mentorship will always be remembered.

I will definitely be cautious in my words and actions.

When I'm fully prepared, I will be ready to take charge!

Protect his Majesty!

Back off!

- Yes! - Yes!

I beg your pardon, Your Majesty.

It was a critical moment so I...

That's fine. You may get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

What is your name?

- Duan Hong. - Duan Hong?

Duan, it sounds strong and powerful.

Hong, it's broad and deep. What a good name!

You're observant and swift.

You're unlike the others.

How long have you served in the palace?

Thank you for Your Majesty's compliments.

I have recently been recommended by the Chancellor

to be promoted to the rank of a calvary officer

to protect Your Majesty.

The Chancellor?

Chancellor Dou?

Dou Ying bestowed to you a fine sword.

Before he left, he arranged to have you assigned to me.

This proves that you are indeed capable.

I've studied both martial arts and literature since I was little.

I was fortunate to be acknowledged by the civil governor of Huainan, Guan Fu

before I even turned twenty years old.

I started serving in the army and got to know Chancellor Dou then.

It seems that you are like me.

You've already accumulated much experience before you were twenty.

Have you always been in the army of Huainan?

Since I came of age, I've been guarding the northwestern region.

It was not until a while ago that I returned to Chang-An.

I happened to be entrusted by Chancellor Dou before he left

to follow Your Majesty until the day I die.

Recently, I was given a new sword cord and sword hook.

I was just wondering when I could get a new sword.

It seems that you are my new sword.

Duan Hong pledges his life to serve Your Majesty.

Dou Ying is loyal to me.

He's assigned a brave warrior to me before he left.

He's also left me his advice.

Unfortunately, the scrolls that he left me were all burnt to ashes.

I have yet to read them.

Scrolls?

I believe it must be a long scroll of great advice.

No, there are only a few words on the scroll.

When the Chancellor was writing down his advice

I was there as well.

What words were they?

The people are suffering and yet they are teased by chasing gold pellets.

The people are suffering...

yet they are teased by chasing gold pellets.

Disasters happen very frequently these days

yet the officials not only neglect the sufferings of the people

but make a fool out of them by tempting them with gold pellets.

They made them run after the pellets and fight over them.

The officials entertain themselves from the people's sufferings.

There are people who were injured and even lost their lives because of it.

Chancellor Dou hopes that I could empathize with my people.

That was why he wrote me those words.

Please forgive me for being blunt.

These words were not written by Chancellor Dou himself.

It was you?

It was written by a peasant girl.

This young lady was dressed in plain and humble clothes.

But she had an air of uniqueness.

She could summarize the current situation into just a few words.

It means that even a feeble woman could see the world.

Officials as superior as the Chancellor and peasants like the young lady

are giving me such warnings.

It seems that I really should take a few more trips among the people

to understand how life really is for my people.

But Your Majesty is busy with national affairs, I'm afraid...

I'm not busy with national affairs.

That is exactly what Grand Empress Dowager wants.

I will pass by Pingyang Manor on my way back to the palace anyway.

I might as well visit my sister.

His Majesty will be visiting the manor.

Xi Niang, place phoenix and floral jade candelabra in the front of the hall.

Add some tourmalines and colored feathers to the draperies.

Yes.

Change the tables for the eight-legged gold tables with copper legs.

Yes.

- Housekeeper Chang. - Present.

Pick out some beautiful maids to serve the dishes.

No one else is allowed into the hall.

Yes.

You are the new Master chef?

Exactly.

Don't smile so ridiculously in front of His Majesty.

Yes.

These dishes all look nice.

Add in another dish with fresh carp.

During the meal, you are to stand over here.

If I raise my glass and nod at you

you will serve another course.

If His Majesty compliments the meal

I'll call for you to step out to receive your rewards.

Thank you, Your Highness.

You've been busy since the break of the dawn.

This is all because I have offended His Majesty.

I have to trouble you to go all out to win His Majesty over.

I truly feel bad about it.

Fortunately, we have our own female musical band.

His Majesty can be entertained whenever he visits.

I've put great effort into this female musical band.

This is the day that I have been waiting for.

If His Majesty really does fancy one of them

and she manages to bear the imperial family an heir

Pingyang Manor would then have our trusted aide in the palace.

My wife has such great foresight.

Previously, I have gone against His Majesty's wishes in public.

Inevitably, this meeting will be quite awkward.

I already knew that you mean to hide from him.

Don't you still have some matters to deal with outside?

Why don't you avoid this meeting by going to one of your territories?

My wife is indeed alert and resourceful.

I will prepare for my journey right away.

Uncle Yi.

Why haven't you changed into your dancing costume?

I've been busy.

They have been ordering you about to do this and that?

No, they have all been very busy.

I just want to help them out a bit more.

Dried orange peel is good for getting rid of phlegm.

It would be good for Mei Xiu.

Uncle Yi, do you know where the dates and dried hawthorn are?

Miao Ru is too nervous, so she told me to...

That's enough.

You should go and dress up.

I see them teasing you every day.

Now that you should be getting ready to make an appearance

they start ordering you to do other chores.

Why would you bother making such an effort for them?

Zi Fu is just a maid.

I should be doing these chores.

It's because my friend Shen Jia dragged me along to join the musical band

and I was chosen by accident.

That's how I became the low-grade songstress.

Moreover, I'm just on the waitlist.

I don't have the chance to perform at all.

I've found them.

Are you really content to be a maid for the rest of your life?

There are different opportunities in life.

If I don't happen to get one of them, I'm just as content.

As long as my family can be together, we'll take life as it is.

Of course, it goes with the teaching of

'Don't fight, don't stand out, don't reveal.'

That will benefit me for life.

You do learn really well.

Listen, I can tell that you have the brilliance of moon and sun.

Not even Pingyang Manor is good enough to keep you.

Master chef, His Majesty has already entered the city.

Her Highness is asking if everything is all prepared.

Off you go! Don't pester me.

Hurry up.

I have everything prepared.

Your Majesty.

Do you know that I've been busy all day to prepare for your visit?

Why go to all this trouble?

A regular family dinner would be fine.

I just want my brother to be happy and have a good time.

You've gone to too much trouble.

Since you know that, you should stop frowning so much.

Concentrate on enjoying the dance and the music.

It's just that...

Here I am watching this band of beautiful female performers

it reminds me of a woman that my calvary officer told me about.

Whose daughter is it that could make Your Majesty keep her on your mind?

It is just a peasant girl.

But she could see the world.

In order to remember the words that we have learned

we have to constantly practice writing them.

Sure.

You can practice writing while you dry out the flowers

and I can practice it when I work in the fields.

Duan Hong, teach me to write a few more words.

I'll treat you to almond cakes.

I know that they are your favorite!

Here you go.

Sure!

You should have some as well.

Mister Officer.

Sir, why don't you have your meal in the side chamber?

I was just taking a random stroll.

Uncle, are there any older maids with the surname Wei?

Who's looking for my mother?

Could you be Zheng Qing?

I am Duan Hong!

Duan Hong?

Duan Hong!

I didn't expect to meet you here!

My surname is no longer Zheng.

I've taken my mother's surname and I'm now Wei Qing.

What about your sister, Zi Fu?

Since my mother passed away

my sister and I have been staying here in Pingyang Manor.

I didn't get you those heavy beads.

I'm afraid that they will add on weight to your wig and make you nervous.

- Does this look good? - Put this on me.

Those top-grade dancers are usually very arrogant.

But they are all disappointed today.

His Majesty didn't fancy any of them at all.

My dear daughter, this is a great opportunity for you.

When it is your turn to perform lift your head up when the others bow down.

Do a few tricks to catch the attention of the Emperor, get it?

Get out there now! Hurry up! It's your turn now!

Let's go.

Zi Fu!

I... I'm a bit scared.

I think that... I don't seem to be able to speak.

My legs can't seem to move either.

Don't be scared! You dance so well. There's nothing to be scared of.

Exactly! Don't be scared.

- Don't worry about her. - Miao Ru!

Dance well later on.

You mustn't be nervous.

Are you all right?

I feel unwell.

Then we all grew up.

Housekeeper Chang finds us quite smart

so he kept us here to work for Pingyang Manor.

My sister is busy helping the others to dress up for the performance.

Miao Ru, what is the matter?

I am unwell.

I feel terrible.

Where is my sister?

She's taken my place.

Everyone is already on stage.

Didn't you say that you wouldn't get to perform on stage?

Miao Ru is ill so I've taken her place.

You're going to perform in this outfit?

Where are your beaded hairpins and accessories?

I rushed here right after I changed into this costume.

It's all right. I'm just in charge of playing the chimes.

No one will notice me. I just hope I won't disrupt their performance.

You're always thinking about others.

You should think of yourself as well.

- Hurry up! It's time to perform! - Even if you're standing at the back.

- Get on the stage! - You can't dress like this.

- Right? - Jia Er.

You can do this.

Don't be nervous. Hurry up.

Are you thinking about that lady whom you have no idea

what her name is or where she came from?

Or do you find the food terrible and my performers unentertaining?

I'm thinking that if a peasant can empathize with the people's suffering

how should I do my duty as an Emperor so as to have a clear conscience?

Since you're here at my place, you should forget about your troubles.

If not, you'll let my efforts go down the drain.

I'm grateful that you've made arrangements to lift my spirits up.

It's just that at this moment, joyous music and dancing

has brought on more of my frustrations and sorrow.

Light music would be nice instead.

Duan Hong, the one playing the chimes is my sister.

His Majesty is displeased.

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