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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Sixteen

Fei Luan, you're a year old today.

Here are some feathers for you.

Wear the feathers, and may you soar high.

He has to also grow strong and be faithful to his mistress.

I haven't visited for six months and he has already grown estranged from me.

I wouldn't say estranged.

He's just throwing a tantrum because you haven't visited him for so long.

Your Highness loves Fei Luan so much.

But you'd want him to soar high and far away from you?

I'm considered his mother now.

As a mother, I definitely hope that he can be ferocious and strong.

Some day, he can storm the battlefields and fight for the nation.

But we already have enough warhorses.

As for Your Highness, you look to Fei Luan to share your joy and troubles.

That is how close you are to him.

Why don't you keep him with you?

You're leaving?

It's always a hasty visit to see Fei Luan.

This is already hard to come by.

When there is training outside the city, you always stop by to visit Fei Luan.

The future looks to be a busy time for the army.

I might be here to visit him less and less frequently.

I'll take care of Fei Luan. Don't worry.

You're here.

Your Highness doesn't look as well as you did.

Are you still troubled over the fire at the ancestral palace?

Grand Empress Dowager hasn't been feeling well these days.

This accident is quite a blow to her.

His Majesty has ordered everyone in the palace

to be in plain clothes for five days, to express his filial affection.

He hopes that his filial affection can move the gods

and make this unfortunate accident into something propitious.

It's a pity. It was meant to be good

but once something bad happens, it then all goes down hill.

Your Highness.

I sent Zi Fu into the palace.

I definitely hope that she is well.

Who knew that this third child would still be a girl?

The birth of the child coincided with the fire at the ancestral palace.

Even the hundred-day anniversary of the child is canceled.

His Majesty's love for my sister has not waned

but for a ruler of a nation to have no sons it has to be disappointing for him.

The cold words and gossip in the harem can be very mean.

I'm afraid that my sister will have a very hard time.

Happiness and peace to the Empress.

At ease.

Madame Wei gave birth to a third daughter for the imperial family.

It's been hard on you.

Please remember to take care of yourself.

Thank you for your concern, Your Highness.

Please have a seat, Your Highness.

On behalf of Grand Empress Dowager

I bring gifts to the princess for her one month anniversary.

I don't intend on disturbing you.

The snacks are already prepared. Your Highness, please...

This is a jade kylin (mythical creature). Do you know its underlying meaning?

You had one child after another.

But you didn't manage to give birth to a prince.

Grand Empress Dowager blames me for not giving you any lucky gifts.

I feel guilty about not bearing any sons for His Majesty yet.

I'm even more uneasy to have implicated Your Highness.

I hope that after wearing this jade kylin

Zhu Yi will bring along a baby brother.

It's good that you understand.

Don't disappoint both Empress Dowagers and His Majesty again

after waiting for ten months.

Your Highness, look.

Zhu Yi likes your gift very much.

Zhu Yi, be good. We'll rock along with the kylin

and ask it to bring you a baby brother soon.

Don't disappoint both Empress Dowagers and your father again.

I thank Grand Empress Dowager and Your Highness

on behalf of the little princess, for your kind gift.

How unfortunate that right after the little princess was born

the ancestral palace caught fire.

No wonder someone said that a jinx has descended.

But how could we blame her for that?

No matter what, she is still an imperial offspring.

However, she was indeed born at the wrong time.

Therefore, both Empress Dowagers decided not to throw

her a one-hundred-day-old anniversary banquet.

She will just have to put up with it.

Please don't say so, Your Highness. It's fine for the little princess.

After the fire, I've considered it over and over again.

It wouldn't be proper to hold an extravagant celebration.

I was going to request that Grand Empress Dowager cancel the banquet

but now it is all well because both Empress Dowagers had planned to do so.

I feel relieved.

Zhu Yi will join us in remembrance of our ancestors.

It's good that you understand.

I am at ease now. Get ready to leave.

Happiness and peace to the Empress.

Happiness and peace to the Empress.

What is that?

What is this all about?

Everyone in the palace is in plain colors in remembrance of the ancestors

and you're still wearing colorful ribbons?

My sister likes it and she smiles when she sees it.

Your Highness, this is my fault!

I didn't keep a good eye on the young princess.

This is disrespect to the ancestors, and a breach of filial piety!

This isn't some minor sin that a maid can take the blame for.

Grandmother used to love putting on nail polish.

Out of respect for our ancestors, your nails are now bare.

You only put on fragrances.

I want to be filial to our ancestor, the late Emperor Gao Zu.

Even Grandmother is filial but Madame Wei doesn't take this matter to heart.

She allowed Princess Weizhang to run around with ribbons.

I didn't want to trouble Grandmother in the first place

but this is a serious matter.

I have to report it to you.

She was so careless?

Mother, you're being too kind to say that she was just being careless.

She gave birth to three daughters in a row and she is still a favorite of His Majesty.

She's grown arrogant and cocky. She's no longer well-behaved.

Even Jiao Er has to bear with her temper.

How can she possibly still abide by the rules?

There is just one more day left to the mourning period

but Madame Wei refused to behave properly.

What should I do now?

If I cannot be fair and just, how can I face the harem in the future?

But if I were to be just, someone will say that I'm bullying her again.

She's using that to bully Jiao Er.

But Mother, she must be punished for this matter.

First, she defied filial piety.

Second, she failed in teaching her daughter.

Third, all court officials are in plain clothes in accordance to

His Majesty's imperial decree.

As a concubine, how can she gain the trust of others

if she can not follow the rules?

She's let the ancestors down, as well as given a bad influence to her children.

Others are criticizing her as well.

She must not only be punished, but severely punished.

Grand Empress Dowager, Madame Wei seeks audience with you.

- Let her in. - Yes.

Grandmother, you must speak up for me.

Greetings to Grand Empress Dowager, Empress, and Grand Princess Dou.

I hear that you've made a mistake?

Yes, I've not taught my daughter well

and Princess Weizhang was seen wearing ribbons.

This violates His Majesty's imperial decree

to mourn in plain clothes for five days.

This is a great disrespect. I ask Grand Empress Dowager for punishment.

It's good that you know what you have done wrong.

Do not take it lightly because your daughter is still young.

If you don't discipline her now

she will grow up to be willful and disregard your feelings.

She won't care about your life or death.

She will just care about fighting for favors and honors.

She won't let you have a moment of peace and quiet.

I will definitely obey the teachings of Grand Empress Dowager

to discipline my three daughters strictly.

I won't let them grow up to be willful and spoiled.

It's good that you are willing to take my advice.

If this had been in an ordinary family

it would have caused a family to fall apart.

In the harem, there would have been blood shed.

The Dragonboat Festival is around the corner.

Before the festival, go and weave bolts of white cloth in the weaving room.

Not only is it to have you reflect on your mistakes

but also to show your filial affection to me and the ancestors.

Also, you can weave for your own blessings.

The length of the cloth will be the length of your blessings.

Yes.

Madame Wei.

What brings you here, Sister?

If we are to weave for filial affection

I am here to contribute mine to Grand Empress Dowager as well.

I am also here to weave my blessings with you.

You say that you're doing so for yourself

but you're actually doing this for me.

I am deeply grateful.

The day my mother passed away

Empress and all the sisters were busy organizing the birthday celebration

for Empress Dowager.

Who would care about this sorrowful person

who stayed away from the celebration?

Only Madame Wei made me soup so that I may sleep peacefully.

You also took me to the riverside by Orchid Pavilion

and taught me to light bamboo lanterns

to mourn and pray for my deceased mother.

That is only my responsibility.

But you have made me feel that there is still warmth

and friendship here in the harem.

We are always at the disposal of the Empress.

There's nothing we can do, even though we know that you have been wronged.

Fortunately, Grand Empress Dowager didn't punish you too severely.

And she didn't specify that only you could weave the cloth.

I'm here to help you out.

Why don't you count me in as well?

I cannot forget your gift of incense.

His Majesty hasn't visited me for quite a long time.

If it hadn't been for you

I'd have been so embarrassed to welcome him without any incense.

I saw Sister on my way in. How long do you plan to stay outside?

I've made some side dishes and couldn't finish them all on my own

so I've brought them over.

I wonder if you can help me finish them?

Lady Teng is very thoughtful.

My three sisters are here to see me.

I am really touched.

We all know how you've treated everyone in the palace these past few years.

It's because you've always been kindhearted and benevolent

and rendered friendship with kindness.

That's why many of us in the palace wanted to help you out.

It's just that you've been blamed for many things. It's been hard on you.

I have three daughters to bring me much delight.

This time, I get to make up for my mistakes

as well as the help from my three sisters here.

I have no hardships, just blessings.

Madame Wei is always like this.

When it comes to her, whatever difficulty it might be

she can always face it cheerfully.

When I was little, my teacher Master Zhou once said

that life is easier with a smile.

We must all learn from Madame Wei.

If everyone was like Madame Wei, it would be a lot more harmonious in the palace.

- Exactly. - Stop complimenting me.

I am also still learning.

Let us weave together to pray for blessings and filial affection.

Let us pray for the health and longevity of Grand Empress Dowager.

Grandmother.

The wind is strong up here on the walls. We'd better go inside.

I'm fine.

I would like to feel that rush of majestic pride and hope from the high grounds.

Che Er, look around for me.

Are the mountains and rivers still as beautiful and majestic as before?

- They are as they were. - Good!

Good!

Mountains and rivers have not changed.

But my Che Er has changed.

He now has a regal and awe-inspiring presence!

Che Er is all grown up now.

You're prudent and mature.

You have your own opinions on state and family affairs.

I might not be able to see clearly

but my mind is very clear.

Standing here, I can feel that the people of Great Han

are living and working in peace.

All is well and peaceful.

Great!

Che Er, when you first took the throne

you thought that I hindered you in everything you did.

You were but a new Emperor, who wasn't even twenty years of age.

There were many villains who were flattering and buttering you up.

There were many others who held troops and defied imperial orders.

I was worried that you were too young and ambitious to differentiate

between the loyal and the conniving.

Back then, I didn't understand the efforts behind your actions.

But as I grew older

I understood that everything Grandmother did was for the sake of Great Han.

You saw further and higher than I did.

In the past, there was the chaos of Empress Lu

who left behind a bad reputation.

In order to avoid suspicion and infamy

I tried not to be involved in political affairs several times.

But I've dreamed of the sudden changes in Great Han many times

and woke up in the middle of the night, drenched in fear and cold sweat.

I am not afraid of infamy.

But I was afraid that people would speak ill of Che Er.

Grandmother...

I'm not afraid even of wronged souls come to seek me out.

Should anyone try to drive a wedge between us, I would strike them first.

Grandmother, don't worry.

I'll make great efforts to build a strong nation

as to repay Grandmother for all the great pains you took.

Good. Good.

Then I can now be at ease.

The setting sun is endearing but the light of day is disappearing...

It is just like me.

I don't have much time left...

Grandmother has brought great blessings to Great Han.

Your virtue and grace are boundless.

You are sure to live a long life.

I know my health... better than anyone else.

Moreover, a long life...

What use is it?

I just hope that you can carry on the heritage

and become the legendary emperor

who created the times of prosperity and peace.

I will not fail you.

Then I am... content.

What more could an old person want...

than to have her grandchild grow up to be a useful person?

To have her granddaughter-in-law be virtuous and filial?

[Chuande Palace]

This...

You wove these bolts of cloth and I asked to have them brought in here.

Some people may think that I was punishing you

by telling you to weave cloth.

Actually, I was just trying to prove something.

And now it has been proven.

These years that you've been in the harem

I've often heard about how you treated others.

This plain cloth here is the evidence.

Grand Empress Dowager...

Someone who is without authority and power

can truly be respected by servants and concubines here in the harem

where every woman is for herself.

What a person, Madame Wei!

I've always considered the harem to be the Emperor's home.

Even if we might have conflicts

all of us are still bound to both Empress Dowagers and His Majesty.

As long as we treat each other with sincerity we can live in harmony.

Live in harmony?

You'd have to share the favors of His Majesty with others.

Can you bear to do so?

I'd put myself in others' shoes.

I'm glad to see other sisters being favored by His Majesty.

The best of men is like water.

Water benefits everything in the world, but never contends its own contribution.

You are virtuous to have such a kind heart.

No wonder Che Er always said that you are unique.

You've flattered me, Your Highness.

His Majesty said it out of love.

What I hope for the most is that you can give the Emperor a son.

I understand.

But... This is all up to the gods.

I have no complaints.

I believe if the prince is raised by you, he will not be spoiled.

I cannot be so sure about the other concubines.

You're kindhearted and virtuous.

You're sure to be assisted by the gods.

You will eventually give the imperial family a son.

A grandson to inherit the throne.

Thank you for your love, Grand Empress Dowager.

The plain cloth that you wove can soon be made into mourning clothes.

I have already ordered them to polish my tombstone

so as to engrave my life onto it.

Your Highness is sure to live long.

I'm not afraid of death.

I've lived through three emperors. More than seventy years.

That is enough already.

Emperor Gao Zu ruled the nation with politics.

He founded Great Han dynasty.

Emperor Xiao Wen tasted all soups and medications.

He treated his mother with utmost filial affection.

Grand Empress Bo's virtues blessed the harem.

She was a motherly model of the nation.

I have also assisted three emperors.

I have a clear conscience, and no regrets.

I am just sorry that I haven't been able to know you better

and bestow favors upon you, before I am about to depart.

Grand Empress Dowager is already extremely benevolent to me.

Back when I first entered the harem and caused all the chaos

that led to the attempted suicide of the Empress

Grand Empress Dowager did not punish me for it.

When His Majesty left the palace and I covered it up for him

Grand Empress Dowager forgave me as well.

And...

If you say that I have been benevolent to you

then I take the liberty to ask a favor of you.

Please tell me anything you would like me to do.

I've managed the harem for decades

and disciplined generations of Han's imperial offspring.

Jiao Er knows how to cheer me up the most, and she is also my favorite.

I have also spoiled her into an impudent and domineering child.

Zi Fu, should she commit some monstrous crime in the future

I hope...

that you could save her life.

Please don't say so, Your Highness.

What abilities do I have?

Moreover, His Majesty...

No.

I'm afraid that the Emperor would be the one to sentence her to death.

Che Er has the talent to become a legendary emperor.

But he is the one who would not be able to tolerate Jiao Er.

Now that he reigns the world, I'm afraid one imperial decree from him

without any sentiments, would only state the law of the nation.

I understand.

Should anything happen to the Empress

you are the most likely to lead the harem.

If the Emperor wants to kill Jiao Er, out of your respect for me...

Save her life.

Just treat it as repaying my kindness.

Can you do that?

I hereby obey the orders of Grand Empress Dowager.

With your promise...

I...

I have no more regrets.

Thank you.

[Changxin Palace]

Mother...

For the past few decades...

you have always been the one to stay by my side.

You have also always been the one who made me feel warmhearted.

Even if you have made all sorts of mistakes

you are and always will be the apple of my eye.

Mother...

All of my gold and riches

treasures and exotic valuables

will all be left to you.

No...

Mother...

Jiao Er...

Although you're spoiled and willful

you know how to cheer me up the most...

I have led such a life...

But I have found it more difficult to discipline my grandchild

than to govern the world.

I've done wrong.

I've been unfilial.

I've made you worried.

I am leaving now.

No...

Jiao Er... You have kept me so worried...

All that I can leave to you...

is the most precious thing in the world.

A lucky charm to keep you alive...

Che Er has indeed grown up.

I can now be at ease

to hand over your grandfather and father's heritage to you.

Che Er has been busy with affairs of the state

but he hasn't forgotten to greet me every day.

He should be complimented on his filial affection.

I reward you with 'Permission granted.'

In the past, there was the chaos of Empress Lu

who left behind a bad reputation.

In order to avoid suspicion and infamy

I tried not to be involved in political affairs several times.

But I've dreamed of the sudden changes in Great Han many times

and woken up in the middle of the night drenched in fear and cold sweat.

I am not afraid of infamy.

But I am afraid that people will speak ill of Che Er.

I'm not afraid even of wronged souls come to seek me out.

Should anyone try to drive a wedge between us

I would strike them first.

Who is the head of the harem?

This should be done by the Empress, who is the head of the harem.

Can you depose the Empress, just because you want to?

As your mother, I have no power to shield you from any harm.

Mother, don't be upset anymore.

I think that I'm very unfilial.

Grand Empress Dowager passed away.

By right, I should be sad.

But without a reason, I actually felt...

I know.

Decades in the harem...

I might have made it to the position of Empress Dowager

I have not led a day without being in fear.

In the future, Mother can enjoy your old age.

For so many years...

When you were born, I was worried that you might not win the favor of your father.

You're clever and likable.

I was worried that you might attract jealousy.

When you were made the Crown Prince

I was worried that you would be framed by others.

Until you took the throne

I was still worried that you might be dethroned

by offending your grandmother.

All I could do was to be watchful and alert

and put in good words for you in front of your grandmother

to keep you on your throne.

Grandmother was just too insightful and cautious.

She never showed her emotions easily.

I was young and hot-headed then.

That's why Mother had to...

worry about me very often, and live in fear.

Live in fear...

How true.

It's been decades!

I can finally live the last years of my life freely!

Mother...

Mother will definitely enjoy your old age to do as you wish.

Only if Mother is content may I be well.

Mother gave me life and nourished me.

Soothed me, raised me

helped me grow up, taught me

took care of me and looked after me constantly.

I promise Mother, that as long as I shall live

I will fulfill all of your wishes.

With these words of yours...

all of the suffering that I've been through is nothing at all.

Xu Chang did not hold the funeral

hence, he is removed from the position of the Chancellor.

Marquess of Wu An, Tian Fen is appointed to be the Chancellor.

Minister of Ceremonies has no regards for order and principles.

I request Your Majesty remove him from office to pacify the imperial court.

Who shall take his place? Am I to use one of Uncle's disciples again?

I ask that Your Majesty construct an ice chamber in the west of the capital.

Is it for the needs of the palace or the Chancellor's manor?

Don't pick it up!

These are all Tian Fen's ideas to feather his own nest.

It will just taint my eyes if I take another look at it!

Your Majesty. No matter what, he is still your uncle.

So what if he is?

For the past three years, he's only used those who are close to him.

He's involved in embezzlement and corruption.

Now, he is getting even more liberal!

He's even reported to acquire the farmlands

in the south of the capital to build granaries!

I might as well give him the whole armory!

If not, I would remove the Chancellor to uphold the Emperor's authority!

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