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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Seventeen

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 your wishes.

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 even asked to acquire the farmlands to the south of the capital to build granaries!

I might as well give him the whole armory!

I would remove the Chancellor to uphold the Emperor's authority!

Zi Fu, what is your opinion?

I wouldn't dare to discuss affairs of the imperial court.

- I order you to talk to me about it. - I wouldn't be so bold.

Your Majesty is in a fit of anger and you would vent it out on me.

If you're scared to advise me, then you aren't my Zi Fu.

Do you know how many times in the last three years

I have warned Tian Fen to clean up his act?

He just got all the more cocky!

- He has no regard for the Emperor. - I know that.

Your Majesty is angry out of concern for the nation and the people.

You are worried that the welfare of the people will be at risk.

Your Majesty's anger reminds me of the Art of War my brother mentioned to me.

Unfortunately, I am of humble talent.

I don't understand the deep meaning behind those words.

What about Art of War?

Never mobilize your men out of anger.

Never engage into battle out of spite.

Because anger may in time change to happiness

and vexation may be succeeded by contentment.

But a kingdom that has been destroyed can never come again into being

nor can the dead ever be brought back to life.

Does that mean to say that your anger can be changed

but if you start a battle in anger

then the death or destruction caused by it cannot be changed?

Zi Fu, you mean to say an impulsive decision made in a fit of anger

will result in something irreversible

and you would like me to calm down to think it through?

Appointing Tian Fen as the Chancellor was a promise that you made to Empress Dowager.

If you remove him from office, it will damage your relationship with your mother.

Empress Dowager will be worried and upset to see her son fall out with her brother.

Your Majesty has always been filial to your mother.

I'm sure that you would not bear to see Empress Dowager upset.

I am caught between a rock and a hard place.

I do indeed need to think this through to come up with a perfect solution.

This is so pretty.

It's so sweet of Jiao Er to put on nail polish for me every day recently.

It is Jiao Er's blessings to be able to serve you.

His Majesty arrives!

Greetings to Your Majesty.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Greetings to Mother.

At ease.

Have a seat.

You've been occupied with state affairs but you still come to visit me often.

Good.

My family has recently become very filial, and that makes me happy.

Even my younger brother, Tian Fen

often comes over to greet me and share chatter. I am so pleased.

It's good that Mother is pleased.

But nothing makes me happier than the fact that he can assist you.

I was wondering what to reward him.

Che Er, you've come at the right time. Give me some ideas.

Reward him whatever Mother pleases.

What? You sound as if you're brushing me off.

He is your uncle. He is your indispensable assistant.

You mustn't be sloppy with rewarding him for his merits.

He is already the Chancellor-in-chief.

He has power over the imperial court. What else can I reward him?

Listen to yourself.

Power over the imperial court?

He's been seeking personal gains with his power.

Many have reported to me about impeaching him.

He still hasn't cleaned up his act.

Oh, I thought it was some serious matter.

My brother told me that all that he did was for the nation

and he was very strict in his orders.

It's inevitable that he has aroused some jealousy.

There are those who want to impeach him but they are usually conniving villains.

I think that you should punish those who told on him.

I'm afraid that the loyal and good subjects would then be wronged.

What the Chancellor meant by doing the nation good

was to come up with seemingly good excuses to extort wealth for himself!

How could you believe in those rumors that were fabricated?

Do you know that respecting your elders is also your filial duty?

I have a matter to report.

Go ahead.

Empress Dowager mentioned filial duties.

That resounded in my ears and reminded me of

'As children, when parents are alive, comply to serve your parents.'

'When they die, comply with the rites of burying and offering sacrifices.'

'Parents are to be honored. Hence, their children should please them.'

'Relieve them of worries and sorrows.'

That is filial piety.

Yes, you quote some sense. But what is it that you wish to report?

My mother's tomb is soon to be moved.

I wish to leave the palace to take care of this matter.

I understand that this is a breach of regulations.

But I know that Empress Dowager values filial piety and the virtue of rites.

May I be so bold to make this request?

You're asking for permission to leave the palace?

I thought that you were trying to persuade the Emperor.

I have indeed been persuaded.

I am sure to put filial piety first in the future to please Mother.

I also ask that Mother understand Madame Wei's filial affection for her mother.

Please approve her request.

The relocation of her mother's tomb is an important matter.

This time, I...

I will grant you permission to leave the palace.

I thank Empress Dowager for your kindness.

Waiter, serve us our usual dishes.

Marquess.

I'm sorry, but the eastern chamber that you usually reserve is already taken.

I wonder if you can bear with us and take a seat downstairs?

The eastern chamber has always been reserved for our Marquess. What's changed?

Do you respect him less now that he isn't as highly ranked as before?

No...

Let's leave now.

Coming!

Excuse us for not welcoming you at the door!

We have already cleaned up the eastern chamber!

I guarantee that you will be pleased with it.

Pardon me for disturbing you. Please allow me to hide in here.

Young lady seeks help from us.

Among us, who do you think can save you?

According to courtesy, the host takes the upper seat.

Mister Swordsman, and the Sire playing the zither, are guests.

Although Master is dressed in a humble outfit

you carry a seal pouch and sword hook.

Those are two items that court officials use very often.

Please allow me to hide in here, Master.

What an observant and well-educated young lady.

I still remember that young lady who seemed helpless

but had great intelligence and an extraordinary presence.

I was once deeply moved.

Little did I expect that you would become the respectable Madame Wei.

If Marquess did not save me that day

what would have become of me and my brother, Wei Qing?

Our family of five are deeply grateful to you, Marquess.

My sister has always said that Marquess is very righteous

and shares the burden of His Majesty.

It is my honor to have met you today.

In filial respect, I toast to you.

You are now also working for His Majesty.

You must think carefully before you act in whatever you do or say.

You're young and passionate.

As a man of military services, if you can be calm in all situations

people will regard you as a man of noble character.

If you are impulsive, people will mock you as reckless.

- I will obey your teachings. - Marquess is virtuous and kind.

It is no wonder that His Majesty still keeps Chancellor Dou on his mind.

He still hopes that you can one day assist him at his side, again.

I am but a deposed man.

Protecting the nation and administering the state affairs aside

I couldn't even hold on to my lands. They were taken away by force.

Marquess has contributed to the imperial court. They have really gone too far.

Where are your lands? I will uphold justice for you.

It is thirty miles south of the capital.

If it is gone, then it is gone.

If a mean man, he will die for gain. If a superior man, he will die for fame.

Why bother sulking over a piece of land?

Thank you to the both of you for putting me in the upper seat

here in the eastern chamber again.

You are both sincere and kindhearted. This is a blessing to Great Han.

If you can overcome all of the obstacles of the palace

you will both be very promising.

I take my leave now.

Marquess.

No need to see me out. I take my leave now.

That land belongs to Marquess of Weiqi.

He is our benefactor.

He was once Chancellor Dou.

Back then when Chancellor Tian gave me that land in the south of the capital

I was just glad that Mother's tomb could now be moved to a good place.

How could I know that it belonged to Marquess of Weiqi?

Now that we know about it

we should tell Chancellor Tian that we don't want that land anymore.

We have to stop him now from snatching it away.

I've already promised to accept it. I've sent over gifts of appreciation.

I can't take it back now.

Moreover, he is in a high position, as well as the Emperor's uncle.

Brother, sow nothing, reap nothing.

We have never done anything for him. How can we accept such a huge gift from him?

Wei Qing, he is the current chancellor!

Even if I could disregard my own life, I have to show him some respect.

If I don't show him any respect, how would he let Zi Fu off?

I'm doing all this for the sake of Zi Fu.

Brother, you have been foolish!

I'm afraid that the Chancellor is just using this chance to suppress

the Marquess of Weiqi to seize his lands!

Then he gives them away as a gift. Now we have become his accomplice!

Chancellor has nothing to lose.

But what about our sister?

She now owes him a favor.

She would have no choice but to put in good words for him before the Emperor!

You have gotten her into trouble!

Wei Qing!

Zi Fu, I know that I have breached propriety this time.

I am just a civilian of a lower social status.

It really is difficult for me to turn down the Chancellor's offer.

Moreover, I once swore by Mother's tomb

that I would choose a date to relocate her soon.

I don't want to break my promise.

Speaking of Mother, it reminds me of the flood that year.

It was a scene of desolation.

Bandits and thieves roamed the lands.

Although we were utterly destitute

whatever we had left was still taken away by others.

You saw that we were all so hungry that we were all shaking.

You were so upset that you said...

They took what was ours so we'll take what was theirs.

What's more important than staying alive?

But... before you even finished your sentence

Mother slapped you across your face.

Mother told us that even if we starved to death

we must not covet that of others.

Because greed is the root of all evil.

Once we get greedy, bad intentions will arise.

If such a person lives, he would bring disasters!

Brother, obeying the teachings of Mother is true filial piety.

If Mother is watching over us from heaven, she would be comforted.

I have let Mother down.

Brother.

We often sing 'Take life as it is and be happy about it.'

'Strive as a family, stay strong yet kind.'

As long as all of our siblings can stay true to what this song teaches us

no matter if we are rich or poor

we can take life as it is and be happy about it.

Our family will stay kindhearted. What else could get us down?

The authority of the Chancellor won't get us down

nor will the dangerous obstacles of the palace.

Yes! As long as we work together as a family

our kindheartedness can make us stay strong.

We have nothing to fear!

Brother!

You've scared all the fish away.

Nearly all of your lands have been stolen. You're still in the mood to fish?

- Didn't I still manage to keep some? - Tian Fen is stepping way over the line!

He might want something else of yours another time.

Those lords are all playing up to him.

Marquess, you're not in office now so they don't even visit you anymore!

But there are always others who would treat me sincerely, despite my status.

I'm already content to have a friend like you.

I can't help you with anything.

I'm not the Emperor.

Why do you have to mention His Majesty?

His Majesty said that he would surely put you to great use

and also remember my contributions.

What now? We are still deposed.

Instead, that greedy and incapable Tian Fen holds a high position

and keeps the imperial court under his control!

His Majesty has his difficulties.

You wouldn't have him fight against his mother because of Tian Fen, would you?

The current Emperor has the talent to become a legendary ruler.

He has his own plans. We will wait and see.

It's fine as long as we don't stir up any trouble.

Even though you know that you have to be at Tian Fen's disposal

you're still going to attend his wedding?

Tian Fen is getting married. Empress Dowager decreed

all lords and dukes are to be present at his wedding.

I might be removed from office, but I am still the Marquess of Weiqi, after all.

I have to be present.

- You'd better attend it with me. - I won't!

Empress Dowager wants to put feathers in her brother's own hat. I won't attend!

You would be defying the imperial decree if you don't attend it.

I won't attend! I've long had a grudge against that Tian Fen!

- He wouldn't be happy to see me either. - Why would you care if he's happy or not?

Just be sure that you don't defy the imperial decree

forget your manners, and your status

and get yourself into trouble because of this sort of person. It's not worth it.

Marquess knows that I misbehave when I am drunk.

I'm afraid that if I attend the wedding, I'll just stir up more trouble.

You should still attend it. I'll be there.

If you should get drunk, would I stand by doing nothing to stop you?

Good.

- Congratulations, Chancellor. - Congratulations, Chancellor.

Congratulations, Chancellor.

- Congratulations, Chancellor. - Congratulations, Chancellor.

I've already told you that I don't want to be here.

Look how much others despise you.

- We have to go and make a toast. - I'm not going.

Don't forget your manners.

Come on.

- Let's go. - Good, good.

Congratulations, Chancellor.

Drink it up.

Chancellor, the Marquess of Weiqi and I are here to toast to you!

I am already drunk so I can't drink anymore.

Princess Pingyang arrives!

Greetings to Princess. Greetings to Marquess of Pingyang.

- Welcome! - Be at ease.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Congratulations, Uncle.

Congratulations, Uncle.

This is something from Princess and me. We wish you and Auntie great marital bliss.

Thank you!

Please have a seat.

Tian Fen!

Is this the way to host your guests?

You show no respect at all!

Marquess of Weiqi was after all conferred by the late Emperor.

Guan Fu, you've drunk too much.

Guan Fu, here.

Get lost!

If you meddle in this, mind your husband first!

Don't have him bring home another bastard!

All right, that's enough.

Your Highness, don't take it to heart. Guan Fu had too much to drink.

Let's leave now.

Tian Fen! You're now highly-ranked.

You've forgotten that when Marquess of Weiqi served as the General

during the reign of the late Emperor you were but a petty official?

What kind of behavior is this to disrespect him so? Unacceptable!

Didn't you only get this position as Chancellor because of your sister?

Insolence!

You accept bribery and confer official ranks for money.

You've abused the law to take bribes!

You dispossessed others of their lands.

You bribed the harem!

These are but petty crimes to you!

I even know of schemes of yours that would get your entire clan killed!

The evidence is irrefutable!

Guan Fu is drunk and stirring up trouble!

Guards!

- Present! - Arrest him!

Yes!

Greetings to Empress Dowager.

Brother?

You just got married. What are you doing here early in the morning

instead of keeping your wife company?

Sister, you've gotten me into a big mess.

Get up quickly, my brother.

How have I gotten you into a mess?

You've married the daughter of the King of Yan State.

I sponsored your wedding.

As the Empress Dowager, I could not make an appearance.

But I decreed all the lords in Chang An to attend the wedding to make you look good.

They were there to humiliate me!

What happened?

Guan Fu humiliated me at the wedding, in front of all the guests.

He said that I disrespected the late Emperor's Chancellor.

That doesn't matter!

But he even criticized you!

He said that you were biased and named your own brother to be the Chancellor.

This Guan Fu is so disrespectful! Such nonsense!

I'll get someone to arrest him.

Please forgive me, my sister.

I was worried that the wedding would be disrupted and offend the King of Yan

so I have already had him imprisoned.

You're the Chancellor. What wrong have you done by doing that?

I was afraid that others would render me petty-minded

and think that I was throwing my weight about. This might taint your reputation.

Don't be afraid. I'll get the Emperor to punish Guan Fu.

- No one else will dare say a word. - My sister, you mustn't!

I'm afraid that His Majesty would only believe Guan Fu

and instead have me convicted of the alleged crimes.

Why would the Emperor convict his own uncle of crimes

based on allegations of a reckless rogue?

His Majesty has long wanted to depose me of my position to establish an inner court.

He wishes to discuss state affairs only with officials of the inner court.

- I would not be able to participate. - Is this really true?

- Yes. - I'll ask the Emperor about this.

Sister, don't!

Don't hurt the feelings between you and your son

because of this useless and disrespectable brother.

It would be fine if I was not the Chancellor.

Now that His Majesty already despises me

the officials are claiming what Guan Fu said is true.

They say that I bullied them with my authority

took other people's lands, and collaborated with our relatives.

I might as well quit my position and return to my farmlands

to prevent anyone from talking behind your back.

What lands? Whose relatives?

What exactly is going on here?

Isn't it all because of the land thirty miles south of the Capital?

This is so sweet.

Your Highness really treats us so kindly.

She always treats us to the best articles of tribute.

Empress Dowager treats the Empress well.

Chancellor's wife brought dates from the state of Yan for Empress Dowager.

Empress Dowager gave them all to the Empress.

If my sisters like them, do feel free to help yourselves to more of them.

Empress Dowager arrives!

Happiness and peace to Empress Dowager.

You may all rise.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Mother, you have arrived with perfect timing.

I have just shared the dates that you gave me with my sisters.

They all said that the dates are sweet and delicious.

Thank your for the kind gift Empress Dowager.

Empress knows well to put the general interest above all else.

All concubines know where you stand.

But some people may be good at sweet-talking

and yet their minds...

Madame Wei!

Present.

Are these dates good?

Empress Dowager dotes on the Empress.

The Empress cares about me.

- The food that she bestows to me are all... - You enjoyed delicacies in the palace

but do you know that the Chancellor was humiliated by Guan Fu

on his wedding day because of you, and lost all appetite?

Please appease your anger, Mother.

My sister has always treated others with generosity.

How could she have embarrassed the Chancellor?

There must be a misunderstanding.

Even if she is at fault, it must have been unintentional.

Unintentional?

I think it must have been done purposefully.

You said that filial piety comes first.

These words were seemingly to help guide His Majesty.

You were actually plotting to cause even more trouble to sow discord between them.

Pardon me for my ignorance. Please explain it explicitly.

Ignorance? You are way too clever!

The Emperor favors you and now you've become spoiled.

You told your older brother to ask the Chancellor for land out of greed!

The Chancellor reluctantly claimed the land for you

and then you don't dare to accept it for fear of being reprimanded.

It's fine that you don't want it

but your shameless brother claimed that the Chancellor offered him the land

as a bribe, to curry favor with His Majesty!

He slandered the Chancellor.

Those siblings of yours who are without merit and titles throw their weight around.

They are arrogant and unruly.

This is all because you have turned a blind eye to it!

Do you know acknowledge your sin?

I have not sinned.

Say that again!

It is the same answer. I have not sinned!

My family and I have always kept our mother's teachings in mind.

Sow nothing, reap nothing.

My older brother has never asked anyone to claim any lands.

You mean that the Chancellor has wronged you?

I wouldn't dare to say so.

It's just that...

It's just that the Chancellor did indeed offer the land to my brother.

But my brother did not accept it in the end.

You are saying that the Chancellor has falsely accused you?

The Chancellor offered land in attempt to bribe the Wei family?

And the Wei family rejected the offer?

Please appease your anger, Mother.

Madame Wei, you might have nothing to do with the extortion and rumors.

But no matter how much you value your family

you shouldn't have made Empress Dowager so angry.

My family has never mentioned a word about the Chancellor's offer.

I could not possibly admit to the sin of slandering the Chancellor.

The land we speak of originally belonged to Marquess of Weiqi, Dou Ying.

I believe that Guan Fu only learned about this matter because of that.

I ask that Empress Dowager and Empress see this clearly.

Mother, that is to say that Wei family is clean and righteous.

They are of sublime virtue.

It has nothing to do with the Wei family that the Chancellor was insulted.

Is that so?

Is the Wei family really not greedy, competitive, argumentative, and jealous?

Don't assume that we have all forgotten where you've come from.

Your mother was but a servant. She was but a wild peasant!

How dare she act so virtuous that her virtue surpasses that of the Chancellor?

Don't you dare try to deceive me!

Every word that I've said is true.

Although my mother was a servant, and struggled through her life

she knew much about the ancient teachings of virtue.

My mother taught all her children to be self-disciplined and abide by the rites.

She despised greed and theft.

Even if we starve to death, we won't steal even a grain of rice!

My family might have all been servants

but we know that neither poverty nor destitution

will swerve us from our principles.

Neither riches nor honors can corrupt us!

My siblings did not extort any lands nor did they slander the Chancellor.

Moreover, they are not arrogant and impudent!

I ask that Empress Dowager investigate into this matter.

You... you...

You... How dare you...

You...

Madame Wei, how many years have you been in the palace?

Have you completely forgotten about the etiquette and rules of the harem?

No matter what, you do not talk back.

Do you still have any regard for Empress Dowager's dignity?

I did not mean to talk back to Empress Dowager.

Mother, are you all right?

Don't get so angry that you fall ill.

Please appease your anger, Empress Dowager!

This is all my fault. I haven't disciplined the harem well.

That's why Mother is humiliated and offended.

If you are to punish anyone, punish me instead.

This is what it means to put the general interests above all else! Do you understand?

It's a waste that I've doted on you for so long. You treat me in this manner!

You...

Empress Dowager!

- Summon the doctor! - Yes!

You've really gone overboard! You've made Empress Dowager sick with anger!

Please appease your anger, Empress Dowager!

- I... - Shut up!

This is all my fault.

I was eager to protect the reputation of my family members

and offended the elderly with disobedience.

Please punish me, Your Majesty.

Get up now.

Have a seat.

Do I not know what you are like?

Fortunately, Mother is all right.

Let's just say that this is understandable.

Your hand is so cold.

Here.

How do you feel now?

It is so warm.

The fire may be warm but you will burn yourself if you get to close to it.

I understand.

In the future, I will have a sense of propriety in everything that I do.

I will try to appease Empress Dowager's anger and soothe her mood.

Then I am relieved.

But some people always make me worried.

What a reckless rogue.

Your Majesty is referring to... Master Guan?

His criticisms have ignited such flames.

It is just like those burnt coals in the stove now.

He's unable to fend for himself.

Is there really no other solution?

I had wanted my sister to intervene but Guan Fu was really ungrateful.

My sister was kind enough to step in to stop him

and yet she was also insulted by him.

This time, my sister will not be involved in this matter.

Mother wants Guan Fu's head to uphold justice

for her daughter's reputation and her brother's dignity.

Only then can she be appeased.

How can I possibly save him?

Your Majesty is wise. I'm sure that you will come up with a good plan.

Mother is involved in this matter.

It's very difficult.

Your Majesty is wise and intelligent. I'm sure that you can turn this around.

Years ago, when Ji An opened up granaries without permission

and was rendered guilty by the officials to stop the new policies from being carried out.

Your Majesty took a trip and exposed the corruptions of clan members as well.

You allowed Grand Empress Dowager to understand the situation clearly.

That was how the new policies were first officially acknowledged.

Tian Fen extorted through means of trickery and force.

He formed a clique to pursue personal interests.

He accepted bribes and sold titles for money.

All of these crimes could not be committed without leaving any evidence.

Look, the charcoal that has gone humid will not go unnoticed.

Moreover, Tian Fen has committed so many crimes.

If we expose him in public

I'm afraid that even Mother would find it hard to cover up for him.

Who cares about all the changes out there in the world?

Now they are at each other's throats.

The both of us can just sit back and enjoy the show.

I understand, Mother. I am enjoying the show!

That woman is usually very composed.

She always seems as if nothing can get to her.

But when it implicates her family, Mother only said a few words

and it threw her off completely.

She forgot the proper way to behave!

Family... They are, after all, bound to each other by flesh and blood.

Madame Wei wants to protect her family.

And Empress Dowager wants to protect her own brother.

Once this animosity is triggered

there is a higher chance of getting her to offend Empress Dowager in the future.

Guan Fu has only made a slip of the tongue while drunk.

He won't be heavily punished.

His Majesty still dotes on her so much.

He is sure to come up with a solution for her.

Why don't we fan the flames a bit more?

Jiao Er, don't be too anxious.

You're now the good and virtuous daughter-in-law

in the eyes of Empress Dowager.

You mustn't be too obvious about trying to make the situation worse.

But I'm afraid that she might have the upper hand again.

Then His Majesty would care even more about her.

Now, Tian Fen and Dou Ying are like cats and dogs.

Guan Fu has brought trouble upon himself and now he is burnt.

Dou Ying is sure to intervene in order to protect Guan Fu.

And Tian Fen is sure to seize this opportunity.

Without having us to meddle in it, they are already putting on

the show of the battle between imperial relatives.

At the right moment, we accuse that woman of being in league with Dou Ying.

We can pin her with colluding with others for authority

and interfering in political affairs!

Would it really be that serious?

Jiao Er, you should now enjoy the scenery happily and have some snacks.

Seize the opportunity to fan the flames.

- Understand? - I understand, Mother.

We'll just sit around and wait to see what happens next.

In divination, you can ask three questions.

- We can also try again. - Divination!

I've done it with chicken bones as well! And the tortoise shell!

It all came to the same result!

It is always ominous! What fortune do I need told?

Have you come up with anything to deal with Guan Fu yet?

Not yet.

It's such a waste of effort to have kept you all with me!

You're just a bunch of good for nothing!

You're completely useless in critical times!

Is he just making things up or does he really have the evidence?

How many people know about it? And how much do they know?

Couldn't you find out what evidence he has in his hands?

I'm afraid that we'll need some time for that...

Guan Fu patrons so many people and his crime is not yet determined.

We cannot raid his home yet.

Come up with something so that I can legally raid his house!

Am I to sit around waiting?

Am I to wait for his lackeys to collect evidence of my crimes

to present it to His Majesty?

If I had known that I could become the Chancellor

I wouldn't have done that then!

This matter must never be disclosed.

Otherwise, the entire family and clan will be wiped out.

Even my sister won't be able to protect me.

- We might as well just... - You pompous fool!

Guan Fu insulted me and listed out all of my crimes.

Everyone in court knows about this matter.

If he dies suddenly in prison, I will have condemned myself!

This won't do.

I must have him convicted of the crime.

And he must be sentenced to death!

Only then can I be at ease.

Greetings to the Chancellor.

You are a fortune teller. Why is that not written on your banner?

What does the word 'Ji' mean?

I don't tell fortunes. I only offer advice. I make a living by offering advice.

You are out in the middle of nowhere. There is hardly anyone in this place.

Can you make a living by offering advice here in this place?

There might be crowds of people in the city

but destiny did not bring any of them to me.

It is pointless to be around them.

But whoever is on this path in the wilderness is destined to meet me.

One is enough.

Then, has the right person arrived yet?

The right person is within reach. It is the Chancellor.

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

How did you know that I would go past this place?

This is the path to the five-colored deities temple.

It is the temple in which emperors and imperial officials pray

and seek answers to their troubles.

Every object and life has a destiny.

As long as one abides by the will of gods, it will all be fine.

Chancellor, instead of seeking help from divination

why don't you go with gods' will and give me a chance?

Listen to what advice I have to offer. How is that?

As you say, the emperors of Great Han always pray to the five-colored deities.

Now, the country flourishes and is in great prosperity.

Who are you to compare yourself to the five-colored deities

to be capable of resolving my troubles?

I know that what troubles you is a way to kill someone.

What I have in this gourd is not medicine.

It is the knife to kill.

This wine consists of a star pepper, and an elixir of juniper leaves.

It can prolong your life.

The pepper and juniper leaves in this wine are best picked in January.

I sealed the urn up to infuse them in the fire for seven days.

This should be to your liking.

You know that I like pepper and juniper wine.

And you also know that I never drink the first cup.

You've really made quite an effort.

Tell me. Who exactly are you?

I sell my advice for a living.

I am one who is capable of selling advice to others.

Don't beat about the bush. What advice do you have to offer?

It sounds simple. The secret lies in twelve words.

Yin River clear, the Guans safe.

Yin River muddy, the Guans killed.

Chancellor, do you know what that means?

Keep talking.

Guan Fu made a scene at your wedding.

He did not commit a deadly crime, but he has a huge clan.

They are wealthy and powerful.

There are always a few crooked relatives

who use their family's power to conduct illegal activities.

If we are to turn Yin River muddy

we have to get the Guans convicted of murder.

Since the Chancellor cannot pin any crimes onto Guan Fu

why don't you have a look back at his hometown at Yin River?

The family clan of the Guans took advantage of their power

to take bribes and abuse the law.

Evidence of such can easily be attained there.

And then... You can use that to kill him.

That was it?

I thought that you were going to come up with something different.

Actually, I've already sent out my men to look into that already.

With your tiny bit of ability and some sort of advice

you had hoped to offer your service to me?

It seems that you've offered your advice for nothing.

And you've warmed this wine all for naught.

Most importantly, you've wasted my time.

Subtitles by DramaFever