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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

[Episode Twenty-Two]

Jiao Er, you mustn't be like this.

His Majesty will eventually be here.

Even though I hope for His Majesty to come over every day

I always rejoice too soon.

Even if I've prepared the zither and incense to welcome His Majesty...

it is still useless.

He won't ever come again.

It's only been a few days that His Majesty hasn't been here.

A few days?

It's been years.

I've changed so much for His Majesty over the years.

I've done so much for him.

Mother could be my witness.

He said that I have a bad temper.

I've corrected that.

He said that I'm not gentle enough.

I've corrected that.

He said that I don't behave like an Empress should.

I've corrected that!

I've tried every means to win him back.

But he still went back to Orchid Palace after coming here for just a few days.

Jiao Er...

No matter what I do

as long as it annoys him he would fly into a fury.

But no matter how much that woman was put on the spot

having said to be a jinx

or to have stirred up trouble

as long as she frowns

he would rush to her side to console her.

She has His Majesty's love.

And she has three princesses.

Some day, she will give birth to a son.

But what about me?

Grandmother passed away.

I have no children at all.

I've already grown old.

What else could I rely on?

All I have is the title of the empress.

But I have already completely lost to her.

Jiao Er, under such circumstances

we're left with only two options.

Do we still have other options?

One, go all out to fight against that Wei Zi Fu.

Ignore the consequences and just fight to the bitter end!

Haven't I already gone up against her?

If not, then admit defeat.

Get along with her in peace

take the humiliation and accept your fate.

You might still be able to stay an empress.

Jiao Er...

You either take her down with you or simply accept your own fate.

Make your own decision.

May the ancestors bless us

with what we wish for.

Bless the spirit of Marquess of Pingyang

so that my daughter could be at ease.

Thank you for your concern, Mother.

Pingyang...

The dead is already dead.

Don't grief too much and exhaust yourself.

Emperor, your brother-in-law's funeral is on the seventh of next month.

Preparations of the funeral and burial must be arranged properly

to ensure that everything goes well.

Don't worry, Mother. I will.

And it must all be done in respect to Marquess' reputation.

All who should be present must be present

and those who shouldn't must not be present

so as not to make Princess look bad.

Has Mother heard of some rumors?

They are but groundless gossips.

Some people saw that Wei Qing has been promoted by me

and spread rumors to attack him.

Someone's brother has been wronged so Your Majesty was often seen

to be comforting her at Orchid Palace.

Your Majesty, don't be too caught up

comforting your favorite official and concubine

and end up overlooking the reputation of your own sister.

Mother, Grand Master Wei and I have nothing to hide.

There is no need for us to avoid each other.

If he attends the funeral

I will receive him in person.

- What did you say? - Mother.

Wise men would not believe in rumors.

Both of you teamed up

to imply that I am a foolish mother?

Mother, why would I even be bothered by that nonsense

and distance myself away from Madame Wei and Wei Qing?

That is not in my nature to do so.

Those two siblings of the Wei family could really bewitch others.

They made both my son and daughter speak up for themselves.

In Chuande Palace

before all the ancestors you both dared to sound so resolute

and disregard your mother?

Mother, since I have nothing to hide

and my conscience is clear

I have every right to be resolute.

That's enough.

I'm doing this for your sake.

If you don't appreciate my efforts then forget about it.

You truly are my wonderful sister.

You're still completely at ease even with all the rumors going around.

How could these rumors affect me?

But I am worried about how Wei Qing will deal with this.

He is a man of great sentiment and loyalty.

Now, he is put on the spot.

Yes, his presence at the funeral will just aggravate the rumors.

But if he is absent from his former master's funeral

he would also be criticized.

From his perspective it is hard for him to be there

but it is equally difficult for him not to be there.

Duan Hong, give it a try.

This is Uncle Yi's new dish, honey-coated lotus root.

Tell us what you think.

It is just the right crunch.

The honey is rich.

His Majesty bestowed this honey to me.

I think that he means for me to taste sweetness in hardships.

I suppose that it was you who told His Majesty

about my recent predicament?

I only brought it up by chance.

Not only does this honey-coated lotus root taste sweet

it sweetens up my mood as well.

This sweetness comes from His Majesty's empathy and your concern.

Sister!

Duan Hong is here as well?

I just invited Duan Hong over to try some snacks.

You came at the right time.

I had wanted to ask you how you have been recently.

I'll prepare more of the honey-coated lotus root

and take a look at the two princesses as well.

Go ahead.

Regarding those rumors about me...

I'm sure that you have already heard about them.

I have heard them.

Are you all right, my brother?

Why aren't you going to ask me if the rumors are true?

Why would I need to ask you that?

Don't I know that my own brother always abides by the rites?

I have no idea how this rumor came about either.

But I have been ordered to deploy horses at the frontier tomorrow.

It's just the right timing to leave this hotbed of rumors.

You're going to the frontier?

Yes, I'm here to let you know of the trip.

So you won't be able to rush back in time for the Marquess' funeral?

I believe that would be so.

I think that His Majesty has purposely arranged

for you to be absent at the Marquess' funeral

so as to avoid more gossip.

Moreover, His Majesty has ordered me to place all the war horses that I bought

in the stables of Marquess of Pingyang's for training

so as to keep the enemies out.

So even if you run into Princess Pingyang

at their stables, you are there on duty.

There is no need to avoid her.

It seems that His Majesty has great trust in you.

He even made such a huge effort to protect you.

Although you're troubled by the rumors

you are blessed with His Majesty's grace.

Sure enough, a bad event has turned into a good tiding.

In the future, you must do your best to repay His Majesty's kindness.

I know.

So should you, my sister.

Although you have to be separated from Zhu Yi

His Majesty's love for you is still going strong

and he dotes on you even more.

With your kindheartedness you will surely move Empress Dowager

and she will send Zhu Yi back to you.

Then another bad event could also become a good tiding.

You are right.

Kinship is strong enough to move anyone.

Empress Dowager will be sure to return Zhu Yi to me.

Empress...

Bai Min.

Tell the kitchen that I won't be having my lunch.

No matter how busy or frustrated you are

you should take care of your health.

Empress is here?

I've made you some pear soup with dates.

It's nourishing for the lungs.

When did Empress learn to make soup?

I just learned it recently.

I'm worried that it might not be to your liking.

I fidgeted for quite a while.

The soup is light and sweet.

The sweet sticky rice is very soft and smooth.

Empress is being too modest.

Your Majesty has been very busy all day long with national affairs.

I'm worried about your health.

I don't know what I could do for you.

If you could have the concubines in the harem get along well with one another

with Mother being kind to them and them being filial to her

I could then be at ease.

I understand.

I will do my best to ease the tension between Mother and Madame Wei.

I hope that they could resolve their misunderstanding

so that Your Majesty could be at ease.

Do you really want to share my burdens?

Of course!

Do you still think that I am who I used to be?

Since I now know how relaxing it is

not to fight and compete for attention

why would I be bothered even if

Madame Wei is once again liked by Mother?

If everyone in the harem is happy

then Your Majesty will definitely be at ease.

My Empress, you are getting more and more refined.

I'm still not refined enough.

There is still a lot for me to learn.

For example... stewing soup, cooking...

needlework and gardening.

I'd like to learn anything that could light up the harem

and make Your Majesty happy.

This soup tastes sweeter everytime I taste it.

I shall name this soup 'Collar's soup.'

'Verdant is your collar'

'melancholic is my heart'

I know of the feelings that Empress has for me.

I've learned to make some snacks

so I've invited all of you over to have a taste.

If I didn't do well

you must tell me honestly

so that I could improve on it.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Here, let us all have a taste.

This is so crunchy.

What is it exactly?

This is called Junu.

This is made with rice flour and honey. It is then shaped into a loop.

Then it is deep fried in lard.

Try the date paste cake as well.

I picked the dates myself.

We're really lucky to get such delicacies today.

Unfortunately, Lady Teng is ill and couldn't join us here.

I've already sent some over to her.

I've made hers slightly lighter

so that she could relax and recuperate well.

Your Highness is so thoughtful.

Lady Teng is sure to be very touched.

If all of you like the snacks

I'll make them more often in the future.

Besides coming here to greet me

come over to Jiaofang Palace to get together more often.

His Majesty could only be at ease to manage national affairs

if it is harmonious and united in the harem.

- Yes. - Yes.

Since it should be harmonious in the harem, we should all be happy

and resolve any misunderstandings.

Besides coming over to Jiaofang Palace

you should all visit Orchid Palace more often as well.

We should all care about each other.

A mother would always miss her daughter when she isn't by her side.

Madame Wei, you must take care of yourself.

Thank you for your concern, Empress.

Mother loves her grandchildren too much.

There might be some misunderstanding of some sort here and there.

Madame Wei, I'll try to help resolve this issue

and relieve Mother of any doubts.

I think that your daughter should soon be returned to you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I heard that sweets could cheer one up and lift one's spirits.

Madame Wei, you must have a bit more.

This plum juice is light and sweet.

It boosts one's appetite.

Here.

Don't look at mine.

You'd better write yours quickly.

You could take a break first and have some snacks.

What secret are you hiding from Mother?

My dear sister, Zhu Yi.

You're writing to your sister?

I haven't seen her for quite a long while.

I wonder what she is doing now?

I miss her very much.

I don't know what she is eating.

Auntie Jia made her favorite sweet bean soup.

It is so delicious.

So you are writing a letter to ask her to come back to us?

Then why do you need to hide it from me?

Every time we mention her

Mother gets upset.

Mother, don't be upset.

I'm not upset.

I'm very happy to see how much you care about your sister.

We have Mother to dote on us

but our sister is there all alone.

I wonder if she is happy?

She must be treated very well at your grandmother's place.

You don't have to be worried.

If she knows that you're both so concerned about her

she will definitely be very happy.

That is good then.

Look.

It is so pretty.

There are bound to be difficulties and obstacles in life.

But as long as we don't give up

the skies always clear up after the rain.

And the rainbow that appears after the rain is the most beautiful.

Your sister is only staying apart from us temporarily.

She will eventually come back to us.

In the future, we will definitely be happier and more blissful.

Zhu Yi, look.

There are so many flowers here.

It is so pretty.

Here, I'll give this to you.

Give me a smile?

There aren't any of Mother's favorite flowers around at all.

Then... what flower do you like?

I like all the flowers that my mother and sisters like.

Zhu Yi.

Mother!

Mother!

- Sister! - Sister!

- Sisters! - Sister!

My sisters, I've missed you all very much.

I'll take you both to see the flowing stream, all right?

- Yes! - Come over here.

- Let's go. - Let's go.

Here, walk slower.

Greetings to Empress.

I thank Your Highness for allowing me and my daughters to reunite.

Here, have some food.

I saw how much you missed Princess Zhu Yi every day.

You've lost so much weight and look so pale.

If this continues, how could you look after your other two daughters?

Here.

Thank you, Your Highness.

It tastes delicious.

You've finally got to see your beloved daughter

so your appetite is boosted.

Here, have a bit more.

Do you think that I've changed a lot?

Actually, after going up against you for so many years

it has really worn me out.

As time goes by, I've been having a hard time as well.

Your Highness, I've never wanted to go up against you.

For years, I've only hoped that you would accept and bear with me.

I hope that we could be like one family.

Back then, I just couldn't let it go.

The more I couldn't let go and the more I fought against you

the further His Majesty distanced himself from me.

If that is to be the outcome why would I bother anymore?

Now that I no longer go up against you

His Majesty respects me for that instead.

Perhaps I treat you well now only for selfish reasons

because I wish to be loved by His Majesty again.

I'm truly grateful that

Your Highness could be so honest with me today.

I also hope that all will be well with Your Highness

and be loved by His Majesty again.

I'm glad that you could understand.

Let us forget all that had happened between the both of us?

Here.

- Let's. - Let's.

Sister, are you feeling unwell?

I'm all right.

You still insist that you're fine?

Since Princess Zhu Yi isn't by your side

you have been low-spirited.

You haven't been sleeping well?

To be honest with Your Highness

I find it hard to sleep in the middle of the night.

It makes my heart ache to look at Zhu Yi's empty room.

I miss her dearly.

Don't worry.

I'll try to talk Mother around slowly

so that you can reunite with your daughter soon.

Thank you for making such an effort.

What is that for?

Although I don't have any children of my own

I could still empathize with your pain.

Actually, it is your love and affection for your children that moved me.

Look how close they are.

This is such a sight to behold. How could I bear to keep you apart?

Zhu Yi!

- What happened? - Zhu Yi!

What is the matter?

I... I saw Zhu Yi fall down.

Her face was covered in blood.

My eyes could have been dazzled from a lack of sleep.

My sister, you must rest well.

Don't think too much.

I think that Zhu Yi will soon be returned to you.

Here I come!

My little Zhu Yi!

You are so adorable now.

I'm sure that you'd grow up to be a great beauty like your mother.

Mother said that she'll take me to Orchid Pavillion to look at

the streams from the mountains.

We'll watch the water in the streams flow by and by, flow by and by.

- Come with us, Father! - All right, I will.

I will go with you.

We'll flow by and by, by and by...

Then Zhu Yi would have to sleep early to build up your energy.

You'll go to class tomorrow morning

and then you could go out to play in the afternoon.

Yes.

Good night, Father.

Good night, Empress.

Empress knows how to teach a child well?

Thank you for your compliments, Your Majesty.

She doesn't have her mother by her side so I could only dote on her more

and teach her more so as to make it up to her.

This Collar's Soup is freshly made.

I've also made some snacks specially for Mother.

Mother seems to feel much better now.

After some time when Mother is calm and peaceful in mind

I will try to coax Mother.

By then, Zhu Yi could reunite with Madame Wei.

You've made much effort, Empress.

Today's Collar Soup tastes even better now!

Then Your Majesty could have more today.

Sure, here.

Mother, save me!

Zhu Yi!

- Save me! - Zhu Yi!

Don't be scared!

- Mother! - Don't be scared!

Don't take away my child.

- Don't take away my child! - Mother!

- Mother! - Don't take away my child!

- Mother! - My child!

Don't take her away! Don't take away my child!

Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Don't take away my child!

- Don't take away my child! - Zi Fu!

Zi Fu?

Here.

Have some water.

What is the matter?

You've had a nightmare?

I dreamed that they took Zhu Yi away again.

I couldn't ever see her again.

You miss the little princess too much.

Everything in dreams is always the opposite of what is in reality.

Don't take it to heart.

I have good news for you.

Just a while ago, Empress sent someone over to say that

Lady Yun will take Princess Zhu Yi to Orchid Pavillion tomorrow

at 3 in the afternoon.

But tomorrow at 3, Weizhang and Shi Yi have to be in class.

This chance is hard to come by.

You should still go there.

If there is another opportunity the sisters could meet up another day.

That is true.

I could feel much more at ease if I see her tomorrow first.

Don't worry, I'll get both princesses to study well in class tomorrow.

You could just relax and get together with the third princess.

You have to rest well now.

Get yourself re-energized. All right?

What is the matter?

The socks that I am making for Zhu Yi are almost done.

If I finish them tonight, I could give them to her tomorrow.

Zi Fu, you haven't been sleeping well for several nights already.

You have to take good care of yourself.

I'll get them for you.

I'll do it.

I'd like to do it on my own.

I know that you'd like to stitch this up for the princess

as if you were right by her side.

I could understand that.

Zi Fu, I just wanted to help you thread

the threads into the needle and keep you company.

Madame, you haven't been sleeping well lately.

You even stayed up all night yesterday.

I saw how low-spirited you were this morning.

But now that you will soon meet the little princess

you already look much better.

You are right.

If I could see Zhu Yi every day

not only will I look better but also become more energetic.

Sister, didn't you say that you would take Zhu Yi

here to stroll in the garden and look at the flowers?

Because...

Because I won't allow Zhu Yi to come out here!

Happiness and peace to Empress Dowager.

What is this greeting for?

If I don't see you, then I won't have to be angry and uneasy.

I told you that you are not to see her. How dare you disobey my orders?

Do you think that getting Lady Yun to bring Zhu Yi here

would keep me in the dark?

You think that you could deceive me?

I wouldn't dare to do so.

I just missed Zhu Yi too much...

I beg Empress Dowager to forgive Lady Yun.

Seductive vixen!

You're best at pretending to be weak and obedient in front of others.

Put all these tricks of yours away.

Save them for the Emperor!

Stop putting on a show here!

Others would have thought that I had bullied you again!

Lady Yun has picked up Princess Zhu Yi to meet Madame Wei here.

If they know that Your Majesty is here as well

they will be even happier.

Empress is broad-minded and considerate.

Well done.

I really regret having kept you here in the harem

to allow you the chance to stir up trouble

and jinxed all the elderly and the young around you.

Not only have you got my brother killed

but also my son-in-law!

I would never allow you to take away my grandchildren.

Don't even dream about it.

I would never let you see Zhu Yi.

Even Weizhang and Shi Yi will also stay in my Changxin Palace.

I dare you!

As a mother, I have every right to keep my daughters by my side!

I wanted our family to be harmonious.

But you... you dared to say that I have been stirring up trouble?

I've given in to you in every way.

But you accused me of pretending to be obedient.

You simply couldn't stand me

and purposely slandered me!

Shut up!

You want me to shut up?

I gave in to her in every way.

But she kept terrorizing me and robbed me of my children!

I'm telling you!

None of you are to steal my children away from me!

None of you!

You have no respect for your elders!

How could my grandchildren have such a shameless and lowly mother?

Mother.

Look at her. Look how much you have spoiled her!

I want all of you to listen up!

This woman is never to see the princesses again!

Should anyone defy my orders

you will be severely punished!

Please appease your anger Empress Dowager.

Madame Wei, apologize to Empress Dowager right away.

I didn't do anything wrong.

I will see my own flesh and blood whenever I want.

No one could stop me!

How dare you!

How dare you talk to Empress Dowager in this manner?

Apologize to her right away!

I am the one who is now forced to be separated from my daughters...

A mother is forbidden to see her own children...

How could this be allowed?

Your Majesty, tell me how this could possibly be allowed?

How audacious!

Whatever I say will be allowed!

I say that you are not to see them, so you are not to see them!

Please appease your anger, Mother.

Get up first.

Madame Wei, we could empathize with how much you have missed your daughter

but you shouldn't create such a scene.

Hurry up and take Madame Wei back to Orchid Palace to get some rest.

- Yes. - Yes.

Let go of me!

Give my daughter back to me!

Give my daughter back to me!

Keep calm and be polite!

Madame Wei hasn't slept well for days.

That is why she is in such a terrible mood.

Allow her to get some rest first.

- Let go of me! - I know that you feel wronged.

I'll make you some medicinal soup later.

Give my daughter back to me!

- Get up first. - You're not to indulge her anymore!

- Give my daughter back to me! - Madame Wei!

Take her away!

She is mine!

I won't leave! Give my daughter back to me!

- I won't leave! - I'm all right.

I won't leave!

- Give my daughter back to me! - Go!

Give my daughter back to me!

Give my daughter back to me!

She thinks that she could go up against me?

Who does she think she is?

I am the mother of this nation whom

the Emperor swore to keep in his golden palace.

I am the leader of the harem.

She is but a songstress that was favored in the dressing chamber.

How could she defeat my honorable daughter?

In her dreams!

Mother, you told me to make a choice.

It's either to take her down with me or accept my fate.

I, Chen Jiao, will never accept my fate.

I definitely have to go up against her.

You've completely won. It is a huge victory.

Now in His Majesty's heart you are a caring Empress

who could empathize with the concubines.

In Empress Dowager's eyes, you're a thoughtful daughter-in-law

who took her side.

Both the Emperor and Empress Dowager witnessed that farce.

How could that woman possibly turn the situation around?

But that wretch really does have endurance.

She has managed to overcome so many obstacles.

This time, we have to kill her.

Don't worry. Yuan Shu's arrangements are absolutely brilliant.

This is pretending to advance along one path

while secretly going along another.

Yuan Shu has lived up to my expectations. Well done!

Thank you, Grand Princess Dou.

I will be sure to convey your praises to Yuan Shu in person.

This medicine that you brewed is really something.

It's odorless and takes no form.

Not even the silver needle could detect it.

Nothing could go wrong.

Empress is the skillful one.

If it hadn't been for Your Highness

we couldn't get the help from all the concubines.

Even the most brilliant poison would have gone to waste.

There was no need to involve the concubines for such a trivial matter.

I only had to order the maids to add some poison to her food.

It was a piece of cake.

This plum juice is light and sweet.

It boosts one's appetite.

Here.

I then asked her out.

And brought her some food and snacks.

I put some in the soup

and some in the food.

The more she ate

- Zhu Yi! - The more poison she took.

Get Madame Xu Li to visit Orchid Palace more often.

Have them bring her the poisoned soup and food.

We'll see how much longer she could possibly last.

The more she eats, the more likely she is to descend into a mania.

She might even kill herself.

Great!

I will look forward to that.

I will see how that bitch descends into insanity.

Zi Fu has always kept her composure.

How could she possibly go into such a frenzy so suddenly?

She is so virtuous.

No matter how much she misses her youngest daughter

she would never be rude to His Majesty and Empress Dowager.

There must be a reason for

her restlessness and mood swings.

Could it be...

Witchcraft.

Uncle Yi, do you think so as well?

Most witchcraft places curses on voodoo dolls.

They might not all be real.

Most of them are just used to frighten people.

But if one is poisoned by witchcraft through food and daily life

the damage would be severe.

Most poisons would damage the victim's mental state.

Are there any strangers who have come in contact with her lately?

They are mostly concubines here in the harem.

But there are indeed quite a lot of visitors recently.

Moreover, I have already taken precaution in secret.

Whatever Zi Fu eats every day

be it from my cooking or sent it by others

I've examined all of them with silver needle.

They are all fine.

Could it be that the poison isn't in the food?

How did they do it then?

Whatever it is, from the fact that this could be done

without leaving any traces

this person must be not be underestimated.

Does it hurt?

What do you think?

I'm sorry. I was too reckless.

You can't stand any pain.

If you are in pain, then I hurt more than you do.

We owe it to your superb poison.

Once Madame Wei dies from the poisoning

our success will be at hand.

My voodoo poison is the best in the west of Yellow River.

Every poisonous ingredient is very rare.

The best thing about it is that it could not be detected by silver needle

and it slowly affects the victim gradually.

The poison acts up when the victim is agitated.

It will cause others to assume that Madame Wei has severe mood swings

and has descended into insanity.

As long as we take out Madame Wei for Grand Princess Dou and Empress

our time of glory and extravagance will soon arrive.

By then, we could lead a carefree life and I could enjoy my days

watching you dance with that slender waist of yours.

It seems that I should work a little bit harder.

Do you know that I haven't added in another of my secret toxin

that will make Madame Wei lose her senses and take her own life?

Once Madame Wei takes it

not even the deities could save her.

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