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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Four

Open the door!

Who is it? Who is it?

Who is it?

Who is it? Come out!

Come out!

Come out!

Come out!

Who are you? What are you doing here?

You should know that you can't get out once you are in here.

What is this for?

It's already been so many years.

Why wouldn't they let me off?

She sent you here?

You should know it isn't that easy to harm me.

No.

I'm the new person of the household. (lowest rank in the harem)

I'm here to learn about palace regulations from Lady Rui.

Palace regulations?

You should have said so earlier.

Without rules, nothing can be done.

You must learn about the palace regulations.

But how could the palace simply be defined by its regulations?

There is much to learn about the power struggle and tactics.

I'll teach you about that later.

You are dismissed now.

Yes.

Sister.

Sister.

I've brought you your meal.

Xiao Qian, why are we locked in here?

Lady Rui is ill. She needs to be treated.

Please convey my message.

Ask Fan Niang to let me out and notify the bailiff of the Drying House.

Lady Rui has gone mad. She can't be cured.

Even the bailiff wouldn't be of any help.

We locked the doors to keep her in.

What?

I'm really sorry.

I feel really bad about this.

Actually, I was the one who was assigned to take care of Lady Rui.

But for reasons unknown, they have you here for the task instead.

Thank you for rescuing me from this disaster.

Lady Rui... Everyone knows that she is dangerous?

I heard that she's been trapped here in the Northern Palace for forty years.

She was originally the person of the household of late Emperor Xiao Wen.

But unknown to everyone, she became insane one day.

Everyone is afraid to be sent here to serve her.

It's easy to make it in, but difficult to get out.

Lady Rui... She hurts people.

She could go insane at any time!

It's useless to take any precaution.

I really don't know how you plan to spend your days here.

It's all right.

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

Take life as it is.

Stay strong yet kind-hearted.

Since I can't leave this place, I'll just stay here at ease.

Don't worry, I'll be very careful.

It's useless no matter how careful you are.

Crazy people can do anything.

Years ago, one of the palace maids sent to take care of Lady Rui...

was killed by her.

Another one was...

Don't you see me breathing in incense to relax?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

Yes! Grand Princess Dou couldn't hear a word of what I just said.

You have always carried out your tasks well.

I appreciate that very much.

I reward you three hundred taels of gold.

Take Fan Niang to pick up her reward.

Yes.

Thank you, Grand Princess Dou.

Mother, how is everything?

Do not worry.

Lady Rui could go insane at any time and lash out.

Wei Zi Fu will soon be battered to death!

Lady Rui is already very old.

What if she couldn't hurt Wei and lost to her instead?

What should we do then?

That's even better.

There was once a palace maid who hurt Lady Rui

with a candelabra, in self-defense.

That maid was beheaded and displayed for all to see as a warning!

Lady Rui was just a person of the household

who fell from the grace of Grandfather.

Why would anyone be executed for hurting her?

You're too young to know about the secret behind this.

There is more to Lady Rui than meets the eye.

A bethrothed makes a wife, an eloped makes a concubine.

Apart from the Empress, all other concubines are not bethrothed

and do not count as wives.

Only the Empress can hold the demonstration of sillkworm raising.

She would lead princesses and concubines

to the eastern suburbs to pick mulberry leaves.

Sister.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Have you visited Shen Jia for me?

Of course. She is doing very well. Don't worry.

But it's very busy in the weaving room, so she's exhausted.

In my mind, you're suffering in my stead.

As long as you are safe here, I will feel relieved.

Don't worry.

Actually, as long as I don't disturb her

and attract her attention, I'll be fine.

That's good. I should leave now.

You must be very careful.

Lady Rui, it's time for your meal.

This is for you.

What's wrong? Are you afraid that it's poisonous?

Lady Rui, we should have our meal first.

Do you know what is the most painful way to die in this world?

Millions of bugs, eating away at your body...

The pain of being skinned, and having your spine ripped out...

Have you tried that before?

Lady Rui!

Look how frightened you are!

It's all right.

All right, since you were willing to drink my licorice soup.

We are a family from this day on.

I trust in you and you trust in me.

Here, let us have our meal.

Grandmother, this is a play called Master Huang of Eastern Seas.

It's far more interesting than all other operas and shows.

Jiao Er, tell me about it.

The story is about Master Huang who is from Eastern Seas.

He learned some wizardry when he was young.

He could use it to capture tigers and snakes

create fog, rivers and mountains.

Is he that remarkable?

This is incredibly fragrant.

Grandmother, you've promised me

that you'd only smell it when I'm done with all of them.

Yes, yes, yes.

What happened to Master Huang?

Who's touched my dangling hairpin with twin butterflies?

Please pardon us, Your Highness!

Didn't your supervisor inform you that everything could be cleaned

apart from this dangling hairpin with twin butterflies?

Put all the accessories back.

Get your supervisor to send experienced maids over next month!

Yes.

Beautifully crafted fabric! Have a look!

It's only eight thousand taels for three meters of fabric!

We don't accept silver coins. We'll trade goods for yours.

If you want to buy this from us, trade for it with your jade stern.

I don't want any coins!

What is that about?

We've already made a deal. Why won't you accept coins?

No means no.

These are silver coins! You can't touch them!

- Silver taels! - Grab them quickly!

These are silver coins! What are you trying to do?

Those are government funds! You can't touch them!

I'm going to wreck all these lousy coins!

It's Guan Fu.

What are you doing?

Step aside! You're not to take it!

- What is this about? - Sir!

This person is robbing the silver cart!

Arrest him right away!

Master Guan, you were originally an official in the capital.

Even if you've been dismissed from your position

I've always respected you greatly.

What are you doing now?

You've forged these silver taels yourself!

I'm intercepting your silver taels

to tell our people that you're robbing them of their hard earned money!

Yes! Indeed!

Because of forgery merchants like you

who produce coins and taels that fall short of weight and value

businessmen are using such coins to pay their workers.

Arrest him! Arrest him!

Look!

This all stemmed from your greed!

Take this evil merchant away!

Great! Well done!

Tow all these away as well!

Well spoken! Well done!

Guan Fu, have you been doing these sorts of good deeds often?

I'm just doing it for the sake of a clear conscience.

When I run into such inhumane and unjust matters

how could I stand by doing nothing?

I felt great when I saw that heartless mintage merchant arrested.

Now that you're roaming the lands without a title or a position

officials and peasants alike all respect you greatly.

I heard from Duan Hong

that you have an extreme sense of justice and righteousness.

Is that why people gather at your residence?

I wouldn't call myself extremely righteous.

I'm just quite liberal and have some savings.

I'm willing to make friends with all those who are talented and virtuous.

That's why I have people at my residence.

Duan Hong also trained under your wing when he was young.

And you were the one who recommended him to Dou Ying.

Hence, I get to have such a good officer.

You've played a vital role in this.

I'm afraid that I have done more than just that.

It is indeed more than that.

When the late Emperor reigned, you had a hand

in subduing the rebellion of the seven states.

I've wanted to put you in an important position since I took the throne.

It's a pity that you got into trouble when you were drunk.

You even dared to hurt the relatives of Grand Empress Dowager.

I had you relocated to Yan State.

- But you... - Recklessly hurt others again.

It's only right that I was dismissed from office.

But I still stand by my words.

All I seek is a clear conscience!

All you seek is a clear conscience. Very well.

I hear that you're skilled in martial arts

and you have no fear of hurting anyone's feelings.

I wonder if that is true.

- I beg for your forgiveness! - What is there to forgive?

Two loyal subjects emerged from the trial of my swordfight.

I am very pleased!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Duan Hong, accept your new position!

Present!

You were willing to sacrifice your life to protect your master.

I hereby award you the title of Archery Steward of Imperial Guards.

I swear with my life to protect Your Majesty until death!

I'll give it my all until the day my heart stops beating!

Get up now.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

As for you, you know your place.

I had thought that you are reckless and wouldn't accomplish much.

It seems that I was wrong.

Your Majesty has overstated.

You've seen and heard much.

You have numerous talented minds under your wing.

I hope that you can recommend ones who will be

of great help to offer their services to me.

When my new policies come into effect

I will reward your greatly for your services.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I don't ask for any titles or rewards.

Your Majesty is virtuous and loving.

You are bound to become an outstanding, wise, ruler!

This trip that I'm making to observe the lives of my people

finally allows me to gain an insight into their suffering.

I now feel deeply about the true meaning behind

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

These words are enough to motivate me to become a loving Emperor.

So as not to let my lady down.

Lady Rui, please have a look.

I've finished mine.

It smells so lovely.

You are smart.

You've finished making this while I was having dinner.

In exchange, I will teach you what I know about etiquette.

Thank you, Lady Rui.

Feet light, eyes forward.

Hands reverent, head upright.

Breath deeply.

Lady Rui, please wash your hands.

Well done.

No! I won't have an abortion!

- I don't want to! - Drink it!

I don't want to!

I won't have an abortion!

I won't have an abortion!

Drink it!

Empress wants you to abort the child!

I don't want to!

- I don't want to! - Lady Rui!

Lady Rui, let go of me!

Lady Rui, let go of me!

Let go of my hands!

My child!

My child...

I couldn't protect you!

It's all right...

It's all right now. That was all in the past.

It's all right...

It's all in the past...

Lady Rui, it is all in the past now.

No one can hurt you anymore.

Just now, I...

I'm sorry.

I'm all right.

It will heal after a while.

You're so silly.

Why didn't you just kick me away like everyone else?

You didn't mean to bite me.

It barely bled.

But if I kicked you away, and your teeth get knocked out

how are you going to eat your meals?

I never meant to bite you.

Just bear with it.

But if anyone else tries to bite you, you mustn't allow them to.

Kick until you've crushed all of their teeth.

Do you understand?

Jiao Er.

Why do you look so down-trodden?

She still hasn't gotten hurt.

Mother, don't bother consoling me.

You might as well just say that you can't deal with her.

What a waste of my efforts. I've made all the arrangements already.

But she didn't kick her.

This woman is quite something.

How dare you try to prick me with flowers?

I've done wrong! Please forgive me Your Highness!

Dismissed!

Yes, I'll take my leave now.

Jiao Er, you don't have to be nervous.

There might be thorns hidden on those flowers

but the injury that it could cause is very minimal.

That might not be true.

His Majesty has always been very cautious.

Now he is acting more irrationally because of her.

Lady Rui, who has always been crazy, is now calm because of her.

Mother, how could I not be nervous?

Since that crazy woman didn't manage to hurt her this time

and she didn't hurt that crazy woman either

we might as well...

Mother, besides the sound of bells

are there other ways to trigger Lady Rui's madness?

Why would we need to make her go insane?

She didn't kill that little bitch.

So we'll let that little bitch kill her instead!

Although I was only her maid

she once said that she treated me like her younger sister.

She didn't want the other madames to be favored, but asked for me

serve the Emperor.

Although I promised her that I wouldn't have any children

once I got pregnant, how could I bare to let the child die?

Moreover, if I could keep the Emperor's child

I could stay in his favor and I could stay alive.

It goes without saying that I didn't tell her that I was pregnant.

In the palace, nothing is real.

Those who claim to be your bosom friends

can take your life the next day.

Have some liqorice soup.

The soup you brewed today is especially sweet and light.

You truly are a good lady, but the world changes so swiftly.

You have to protect yourself well. Do you understand?

Otherwise, it's probably better to leave this place.

Back then, the Emperor doted on me the most.

He complimented my feet and said they were smooth like jade.

Then I had a scar on my feet, and I was ashamed to face the Emperor.

I didn't have much luck.

And I didn't manage to protect my child.

I couldn't hold on to him, and I couldn't stay in favor.

I hope that you have better luck than mine.

In the future, you will be able to...

Lady Rui!

Lady Rui, what's the matter?

Don't scare me!

I'm going to see my child.

I'm going to see His Majesty...

Don't scare me!

Is anyone out there?

Anyone there?

Anyone out there?

- Wei Qing! - What's wrong?

There is news from Weiyang Palace.

Your sister was arrested for killing the late Emperor's favorite concubine!

That gets the death penalty!

You might still be able to survive if you escape now.

Otherwise, you could be sentenced to a heavy penalty as well!

You've already violated the law by leaving the palace without permission.

Simply because of that, it is hard for me to help you out.

Not to mention that your sister is involved in a murder!

No, she has been wronged!

Marquess should know what my sister is like.

How could she possibly poison anyone?

She must have been framed!

These sort of things do happen in the palace.

But what would you have me do?

Marquess!

My sister is now imprisoned in the Drying House in the Lateral Courts.

It's unclear if she's dead or alive.

I hear that they will torture for a confession.

A feeble woman like her would not be able to stand it.

I beg Marquess to let me seek audience with the Princess.

After all, Princess is the Emperor's biological sister and

granddaughter of Grand Empress Dowager!

I'd like to beg her to save my sister!

Shut up!

Do you think that Princess is your guardian angel?

Once Grand Empress Dowager is notified of this matter

whoever tries to persuade her would get into trouble!

You no longer belong to Pingyang Manor.

- Stop pestering me! - Marquess!

Housekeeper Chang!

- Present. - Take Wei Qing away.

Marquess! Marquess!

Wei Qing, the Princess will return home tonight.

Go and hide in the kitchen .

We'll wait until then to see how you can ask her for help.

Get up now.

Here, Princess. Try this.

Princess? Here.

What's the matter?

What's with you, Your Highness?

You've gone into a trance while having grilled meat? Here you go.

I'm fine. Help yourself to it.

Yi Han is quite something.

The meat is quite good!

What meat is this?

It's different from what we used to have.

Your Highness, this is the worry-free meat.

Only one who has worries could taste its true flavors.

It's fragrant as grass and sweet as flowers.

It makes one feel as if one is sitting among flowers and grass.

It makes you worry-free and takes away your troubles.

Crazy chef. You and your crazy words.

Isn't this meat marinated with herbs and honey before it is grilled?

I'm glad that Your Highness has enjoyed it!

I did. What other matters are there?

I'd like to ask for a few days off to take a trip out of the city.

You made such an effort just for this request?

Everything is a lot easier if Your Highness is in a good mood.

I'll grant you permission for those honey-coated words.

Thank you, Your Highness!

Princess!

How dare you! What are you still doing here?

- Your Highness! - Housekeeper Chang!

Drag him out!

- Princess, my sister... - That's enough.

I've already heard about it.

I beg Your Highness to save her!

Wei Qing, I'd like to help you

but the Empress is in charge of all matters in the harem.

Not to mention the fact that I am already married.

Even if I was still in the palace, I would have no right to interfere.

Moreover, His Majesty isn't in the palace now.

Even if I did want to help, there isn't anything that I could do.

Your Highness! Only you can save her now!

I'm begging you, Your Highness!

Your Highness, please save her!

Your Highness!

You...

Are you all right?

Fortunately, the soup isn't too hot.

Princess, are you all right?

Wei Qing, are you all right?

It's fine as long as Your Highness is all right.

Yi Han, why were you so careless?

I deserve to die.

I'll spare you today for the delicious grilled meat that you made.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Empress Dowager also really loves grilled meat.

I haven't gone to the palace to greet her in quite some time.

I'll prepare all the ingredients for grilled meats for the palace right away!

Who said anything about going to the palace?

- Si He. - Your Highness.

Prepare for my trip to the palace tomorrow.

Yes.

Princess, I think that it's best not to meddle in such murky waters.

Firstly, you were the one who sent Wei Zi Fu into the palace.

You've already offended the Empress.

Now that you're interfering in the matters of the harem

she will assume that you are deliberately picking on her.

Auntie would take sides with her daughter and blame you for everything.

Secondly, the victim was said to have served Grand Empress Dowager.

If you plead mercy for Wei Zi Fu

she will think that you are taking sides with your servant.

Thirdly, Mother has always listened to Grand Empress Dowager and Auntie.

If you drag her into this, and she offends both of them

she is bound to hold a grudge aginst you.

In order to save a songstress

you'll be offending the four most influential women in Great Han.

Why would you do that to yourself?

Why would I do that to myself?

Firstly, Wei Qing went all out to protect his sister.

I'm the Emperor's sister, so it is only right that I protect my brother.

Secondly, Wei Zi Fu went to the palace from Pingyang Manor.

Her glory or downfall is already connected to ours.

Thirdly, Wei Zi Fu is the woman that His Majesty favors.

If I can protect her for His Majesty, and win his trust

that is the most important matter of all.

Don't you think that I'm right?

You're right!

Your Highness is right!

We're already involved in this anyway, so we might as well do him a favor.

Your Highness is still the one with great insight.

Wait for me. I'll get dressed and then I'll go with you.

Do you already have a plan?

All is well as long as one is happy.

I just hope that the grilled meat not only made me happy

but will also make Mother happy.

This smells really good. Well done.

Thank you for your compliments, Empress Dowager!

Allow me to grill some others with different flavors for you.

If they are even better than this rabbit meat

I'll reward you with two gold bullions.

I thank Your Highness in advance!

Mother, Grandmother loves grilled meat as well.

Shall I get Yi Han to prepare some for her

and have them sent to Changxin Palace tonight?

That won't be necessary.

Grand Empress Dowager has said that

she will have vegetarian meals for seven days

and she won't see anyone unless necessary.

Is this because of Lady Rui?

I wonder what is the relationship between Grandmother and Lady Rui?

She is even going vegetarian for seven days because of her death.

I heard that Lady Rui used to be...

There has always been rumors about this in and outside the palace.

It's hard to tell what is true.

I don't have the strength to stop the rumors or to look into them.

As for all these rumors, pay them no mind.

You will only bring yourself trouble.

Mother has a point.

But Wei Zi Fu originally came from my manor.

I sent her in there and thus I am already in trouble.

Therefore, I have to think of a way--

Dear daughter, since you know that you are already in trouble

all the more reason to keep out of this.

Understood, we understand.

Don't worry, Mother. We are sure to stay out of this matter.

It's just that His Majesty cares a lot about Wei Zi Fu.

That is why we...

His Majesty mustn't go against Grand Empress Dowager for a songstress.

That's true...

All right, I have had enough grilled meat for today.

You should all head home.

Cui Er.

Bring out two gold bullions as a reward for Yi Han.

- Yes. - Thank you, Your Highness.

Come over here!

Take a look at these.

Have you seen these tools?

What do you think? Are you going to confess?

I have nothing to confess.

Fine.

Who would dare to hurt the heir of the Emperor?

What did you say?

I said, who would dare to hurt His Majesty's child?

You... You're pregnant?

If you don't believe me

you can check with the bailiff at the Drying House.

When I entered the palace, the bailiff noted

down the date His Majesty laid with me

as well as the dates of my menstrual cycle.

Since the day I laid with His Majesty, I haven't menstrated.

So? That does not prove that you are pregnant.

Can you be sure that I am not?

His Majesty does not have any children yet.

Should I truly carry a child and it is hurt during torture

could you bear the consequences?

Aren't you afraid to be killed and your entire clan wiped out?

It is indeed less than a month.

This lowly songstress dares to use her womb as protection?

Fan Niang is so useless.

She was too scared to torture her.

I insist on kicking and whipping her stomach.

Shall we see if her stomach can protect her, or she can protect it?

Jiao Er, don't get mad.

Sit down. Sit down now.

Everything is recorded in the books.

If you lay a finger on her now and something goes wrong

how are you going to face His Majesty?

There are just a few more days to go.

Hold your temper for the moment.

I believe that she is just trying to stall for time.

We'll let her enjoy a few more days.

Mother, do you know what worries me?

It's fine if she is just trying to stall for time

but if she really is pregnant, how could I still be the Empress?

If she isn't pregnant, she will definitely be sentenced to death.

If she really carries a child, I will let her die a more painful death.

She just can't die in the dungeon.

After she is no longer of your concern

I promise that she will vanish without a trace!

After I've left the palace, you have to be extremely cautious.

Wait for me to come home.

It's dangerous and treacherous in the palace.

Today's glory will not guarantee you a lifetime of safety.

Once you have a prince, you might be able to stay alive.

Obstetrician, come in.

Time is up.

It could be your lucky day, or your death anniversary.

Obstetrician, read her pulse.

- Yes. - Check to see if she's pregnant.

That's not necessary.

Could it be that you are menstruating?

If so, then it means that you're not carrying the Imperial heir?

Greetings to the Empress.

Wei Zi Fu greets Your Highnesses, Empress and Grand Princess Dou.

Wei Zi Fu, your murder case has already been submitted to me.

Do you know why I have held off the trial until now?

It is because you were once favored by His Majesty.

I had hoped that you could produce offspring for the Imperial family.

A child or two might have saved you from your sins

and even have you rewarded.

Unfortunately, that didn't happen.

Since you do not have the protection of the Emperor's child

what is the punishment for murder, Fan Niang?

She is to be beheaded!

Take her out to be beheaded then.

Hold it!

Do you have any evidence to prove that I'm guilty?

The criminal has stepped over the line and talked back to me.

Slap her fifty times and flog her a hundred, before beheading her.

Take her away!

Hold it!

Greetings to the Princess!

I wish the Empress happiness and peace.

I wish Auntie warm blessings.

I am interrogating the criminal.

What is Sister doing here?

I know that Your Highness is about to condemn the criminal.

That is why I rushed here to stop you.

I respect that Your Highness is the biological sister of the Emperor

so I also address you as my sister.

But you should also respect that I am the Empress

the head of the harem.

I get to decide the right and wrong here in the harem.

The lives of those in the harem are within my command.

This isn't something the Princess should obstruct.

Take Wei Zi Fu away!

Torture her and then behead her!

Yes!

She cannot be beheaded!

Who would dare to disobey me?

The Emperor!

I wouldn't dare to interfere with the matters of the harem.

But Your Highness, you said so yourself.

I am the Emperor's biological sister.

This matter concerns the life of my brother's family member.

As his older sister, I have the duty to notify the Emperor.

Perhaps this is Gods' will.

His Majesty was already headed towards Shangjun.

But the messenger of Pingyang Manor caught him in time to notify him.

Now, His Majesty is heading back to the palace.

He has also sent back his handwritten Imperial decree.

'I am away on my duties, but I have kept my family on my mind.'

'I am shocked by the news of the murder in the palace.'

'I am deeply agonized by it.'

'After I inquired into the matter, there is much to be doubted.'

'In order to prevent any deception'

'I hereby order Wei Zi Fu to be kept in the Drying House'

'until my return to the palace to interrogate her in person.'

'Should anyone torture her, it will be treated as defying my Imperial decree.'

'By the Emperor himself.'

Thank you, Your Majesty.

We'll obey the Imperial decree.

The Emperor arrives!

Great blessings to Your Majesty.

You may all rise.

Your Majesty, the matters of the harem are within my authority.

It's not only unreasonable for you to interfere in this matter

but also a humilation to my integrity and authority.

From now on, how can I lead the harem?

I ask that Your Majesty permits me to be in charge of this matter.

I have no wish to interfere in the matters of the harem.

But this concerns the life of a person. It is of great importance.

I would like to know the truth.

I do not wish to have more wronged souls lingering in my palace.

There is already a wronged soul and the truth is clear.

Murderers must pay with their lives.

That is upholding justice for the victim.

You call her a murderer but what is the evidence?

Lady Wei is the only person inside Lady Rui's residence.

Meals are provided by the kitchen of the Lateral Courts.

Both of them shared the same meal but only Lady Rui was poisoned.

It's obvious that Lady Wei is the one who poisoned her to death.

Did Empress witness Lady Wei poison Lady Rui?

Even if I hadn't, there is no one else who could have done it.

Did any maids or guards witness the act?

Since the two of them were alone, who could bear witness to it?

Have you found the residue of poison on Lady Wei?

The poison had been used up, so where am I to find it?

Lady Wei lives in the depths of the palace

so did you find the accomplice who gave her the poison?

Perhaps, before Lady Wei came to the palace

she had already prepared the poison and has no accomplice?

Perhaps?

Did Lady Wei confess the reason for commiting the murder?

It could be that she had enough of Lady Rui's sterness

so she killed her out of rage to get away from hardship.

Could be?

Empress wanted me to let you run the harem and

decide the lives of the concubines.

But now you're sentencing someone to death with assumptions?

Isn't that ridiculous?

You have neither concrete proof nor do you have any witnesses.

Not to mention the lack of motive.

It is utterly ridiculous that you reached a verdict.

Lady Rui's death will be re-investigated by the representative of law.

Lady Wei is to be acquitted of murder charges!

- Thank you, Your Majesty. - And if I won't allow it?

What would you do?

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