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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

[Episode Twenty-Eight]

Madame, General Wei is here.

Sister. I've been busy with wedding preparations

so I've been occupied

with all sorts of important but also trivial matters.

I have visited you a lot less frequently these days.

Please don't take it to heart.

Your wedding is just around the corner

and you're busy preparing everything.

Why would I mind?

Focus on preparing your wedding.

Let me know if you need anything.

Sure.

I've made you a new mitre for your wedding day.

Come and try it on.

Sure.

Looking at it, I can visualize how you will look as a groom.

You're going to look very dashing.

Thank you, Sister.

Here.

Since I entered the palace

I haven't been as concerned about you as I should.

Mother is not with us anymore, and this is all I can do for you.

I haven't been able to carry out my duties as an older sister.

Please don't say that.

Since Mother passed away

Our older brother and sisters all left to work in different places.

Only you and I were left in Pingyang Manor.

If it hadn't been for you, how could I possibly study and learn martial arts?

How could I possibly have the achievement that I have today?

Even giving my life wouldn't be enough to repay your kindness.

It is my responsibility to take care of my younger brother.

Looking at my younger brother, who was once so boyish and immature

but now a general who leads thousands of soldiers to war

and soon going to start his own family

I am really happy.

All of my efforts were worth it.

Sister, from now on, Shen Jia will take care of me.

You don't have to be worried anymore.

If you and Shen Jia can be blissfully married and stay in great harmony

I can then truly be at ease.

We will definitely stay a blissful couple for a long time.

Don't be worried.

You will be blessed to lead a carefree life with such a capable wife.

In the future, you will storm through the battlefields

attain legendary achievements, and bring glory to Great Han.

I wish for you to be blessed to serve as the role model for all women

and be respected by all.

Assist the imperial family to attain harmony.

General Wei! It's time to head into your nuptial chamber!

Go on! Go!

Hurry up! Go on!

Hurry up! Come on!

Don't leave!

I still want to drink!

No one goes home until they are drunk!

Don't leave!

We're leaving now!

From this day on, we will never be separated.

Here.

I promise you that no matter what happens

I will always protect you.

You're so beautiful.

Since the first time I saw you, I found you so beautiful.

You're just like... a fairy.

I didn't dare to steal more glances of you.

I didn't even dare to dream that such a day would come.

I'll keep my promise to serve you for life.

We'll stay together in life and death.

Your Highness.

Your Highness...

You're awake?

Give your face a wipe to wake yourself up.

I've prepared a soup made with kudzu flowers.

It's good for hangovers and nourishes the spleen.

Once you've had the soup, your head won't hurt that much.

Did I... lose my composure last night?

Your eyes seem to be a bit red.

Is it because you had to stay up to look after me all night

and you couldn't sleep well?

I slept very well.

Here.

Drink this soup.

Then have some breakfast so you won't feel nauseous from the alcohol.

Breakfast?

I've prepared your favorite bell flower cakes.

Come here.

Don't overexert yourself.

You don't have to do everything on your own.

We still have many years ahead of us.

You have to take good care of yourself.

I promise to let you lead a good life.

I believe in you.

I'll take good care of myself and serve you well.

From this day on, be it good days or bad days

I'll always stay by your side.

I'll never leave you.

Where were we?

Five pairs of couple's cups.

It is six!

Four were taken to the storage and two are still here.

Doesn't that make six?

You didn't even get the numbers right, but you still write it down?

This won't do!

Please forgive us, my Lady.

I don't even know what Housekeeper Shi is doing!

He should have had all these gifts taken to the storage last night!

This is all recorded without order!

You should have all the gifts recorded according to the ranks of the officials.

Then it will be easier for the General to send them gifts in return.

I don't need you here anymore. Go and help stack up the wedding cards.

- Yes. - Go on!

Xi Niang!

Even the Marquess has to address me as Mother-in-law now.

How dare you address me as Xi Niang?

I should address you as Milady

but I'm afraid that you're not used to it.

Look! Why are you still doing the servants' tasks, Milady?

Does it bother you that I am doing chores in person?

You think that you can bully me because you were honored?

You really think that you're better than His Majesty's imperial chef

because the guests gave you some compliments?

They were just being polite for the sake of my son-in-law

the Marquess of Guannei, Wei Qing!

Fine, then don't ask me to be in charge of your daughter's future wedding feast!

Knock on wood! My daughter just got married!

She will only marry this once! Don't say such nonsense!

Don't ask me for help when you remarry!

But judging from that face of yours... How is that possible?

This little cook is heading back to the palace to prepare lunch.

So much for all my hard work these days.

You didn't even thank me. I'm leaving!

You'd better leave, or I'll skin you alive!

Xi Niang!

When Madame Wei walks unto the coronation platform

the official of Imperial Clan will announce for Empress to take the seal.

Madame Wei will take over the seal from Empress's Chamberlain

and then take her place next to His Majesty.

The palace bandsmen will play thrice, and the music will end with drums.

Then the coronation ceremony comes to an end.

It's arranged very appropriately. I'm very pleased with it.

You've made such an effort for this joyous event of mine.

I should reward you.

I wouldn't dare to accept it.

Bai Min!

This is what I've prepared for you.

This is the niece of Chancellor Xue Ze.

She is just eighteen years old.

She is as beautiful as the freshly bloomed cherry blossoms.

Her moves are as elegant as the swaying of orchids.

Her dark brows give off an elegance, and her eyes give off a sparkle.

Duan Hong, she is a great match for you.

I don't have any wish to be married yet.

This isn't necessary.

Zi Fu is now made the empress, and Wei Qing is already married.

You're like family to them.

Now you're the only one who hasn't started a family of your own.

I only wish to serve Your Majesty with all my heart.

I don't wish to be distracted by problems of the family.

I thank Your Majesty for the kind thoughts.

What is that about?

It is because you are so loyal

that I specially played the matchmaker for you.

If this one isn't to your liking

I'll keep an eye out for another one for you.

Duan Hong, what was in the past is already in the past.

Why don't you just let it go?

You still can't forget about that woman outside Shanhaiguan?

Since your loved one is already married

and it has already been years

can't you forget about her?

Our relationship ended and so did my affections.

One's affection must not be like the flowing water

it should be that of still waters.

Since the water is still, so is my heart.

Why would I stir up the ripples again?

It seems that the woman from outside Shanhaiguan hurt you deeply.

That was just my own wishful thinking.

Your Majesty will soon be married.

You hope that everyone can be with the one they love

to share the joy with you.

It is a pity that such a kind thought has been wasted on me.

Since it will be a waste on me, we might as well not waste it.

We will save the delightful surprise for Madame Wei.

A surprise?

It's been said that the highest aspect of filial piety

is to honor one's ancestors.

Now that Wei Qing has credit in protecting the nation

and is already given the title of Marquess of Guannei

and you are soon to be crowned as Empress

you have both honored your ancestors.

Therefore, it is only right that you return home to

pay respects to your deceased mother and comfort her soul in heaven.

Your Majesty...

Wei Qing happens to be out on a task, so he has already left with his wife.

I will allow the maids in Orchid Palace

the cook, Yi Han, and your maid, Ming Yue

to go with you to your hometown within a few days

to take care of you along the way.

Duan Hong, you will escort Zi Fu back to her hometown.

You can both revisit your old haunts.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I told you that it is a burden taking so many of you with me.

This sickly lass is getting in our way.

We'll throw her out of the cart.

Get off!

Just leave her here!

- We'll get off to push the cart. - Yes!

Qing Er, don't get off.

No, we are a family, bound to each other by heart.

I want to help as well.

Since you want to push the cart, push hard!

Be happy whether we're poor or rich.

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

Take life as it is and be happy about it.

Strive as a family, stay strong yet kind.

Sister! It's Duan Hong!

- Duan Hong! - Zi Fu!

Hong Er!

- Zi Fu! - Duan Hong!

- Duan Hong! Duan Hong! - Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Hong Er!

- Stop running! - I promised to give it to you!

I'll never break my promise!

- Duan Hong! - Zi Fu!

You are my best friend!

So are you!

You are my best friend as well!

Zi Fu, no matter where you are, I will find you.

Let's go.

Master Duan.

Stop!

Madame would like to have a rest here and have some food.

Sure. We'll have a rest and have some food!

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

What has got you so deep in thought?

Nothing.

Since you're both revisiting your old haunts

I've made you the steamed bread that you used to have.

Would this make you upset?

It wouldn't.

You were thinking about childhood memories?

This was where I parted with my old friends when we were little.

I gave her the wooden comb that I made.

Then we were separated.

Memories of your childhood should all be faded by now.

They should be.

Now that I'm revisiting our old haunts, memories came rushing back.

Under these circumstances, do it for yourself and others.

I believe that you can let it all go.

Yes.

Everything that happened in the past is just a memory.

The other affections no longer exist. I believe that they have all faded away.

That's good then.

Some things are but a burden if you choose to keep them.

Throw away those heavy burdens

and only then can you move forward with ease.

Uncle Yi is wise.

Your words all serve as a good reminder.

I'll remember them by heart.

Then all this nagging is worthwhile.

If Master Duan can overcome this obstacle

you will be sure to find closure and truly move forward with your life.

Madame, Master Duan seeks audience.

Invite him in.

Master Duan, please come in.

Madame.

Wei Qing has sent a message over that they have reached your hometown.

They will wait for you to arrive home to hold the praying ritual tomorrow.

So as not to be late, perhaps we should embark earlier than scheduled.

Sure. Thank you, Duan Hong.

The closer I get to my hometown, the happier I am.

I'd like to get back there sooner as well.

Ming Yue, notify the other maids to prepare for the trip in advance.

Yes.

All of my treasures are in this box.

This is the wind chime that my mother made for us when we were little.

She said that she is this branch.

These stones that are dangling from it are all my siblings and me.

She also said to us that we will always be together.

But now...

Duan Hong, take a seat.

I'll show you my other treasures.

This is the stone sickle that we used for harvesting grains.

Master Zhou gave this to me.

I remember that.

You were always the one to remember the poems by heart the fastest.

Master Zhou awarded that to you.

I memorized and recited the poems with you.

Actually, you memorized and recited just as many as I did.

You deliberately threw the contest.

I still can't hide the truth from you.

It's just that I don't know if Master Zhou is still alive and well.

He was a good teacher.

He taught us a lot about the rules of conduct.

Be happy whether we're poor or rich.

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

Now that I think about our lives in the past

we may have been poor, but we were indeed happy and peaceful.

Do you still remember this?

You gave this to me.

You've kept it with you and cherished it all this time?

You made it for me!

It is exceptionally precious to me.

I still remember how you ran over to give it to me.

I'd never forget such kindness.

You've actually remembered it all along.

You didn't forget about it.

How could I forget about this sentiment?

Back then, whenever I looked at this comb

I would think of you.

At the time, I'd pray to the gods to reunite us again.

I looked everywhere for you.

It's because we both wished for the same

that we were reunited.

Duan Hong, although we don't have to worry about food and shelter now

I still think of those days when we were poor

and how we used to look after each other and play together.

I still look forward to those innocent and carefree days.

If we could turn back time, would you be willing to do so?

You are joking.

How could we possibly turn back time?

Moreover, I am a mother now.

If you still have the sentiments, perhaps it is still possible.

You are right.

As long as we have the sentiments, we can always be as we used to be.

Didn't His Majesty grant us permission to head back home

because of how much we missed our hometown?

Now that I'm at home with objects of fond memories, as well as an old friend

I am already content.

Uncle Yi.

I'm here to inform Zi Fu we will depart earlier tomorrow.

I'm here to inform Madame that dinner is prepared.

Since we're leaving earlier tomorrow morning

I'd like to ask what Madame would like for breakfast?

Anything will do. Thank you, Uncle Yi.

You're welcome!

I just would like everyone to eat heartily

so that we can all move forward with ease.

I didn't expect to enjoy such lovely cuisine outside the palace.

Uncle Yi is truly remarkable.

I added a bit too much corn flour, so it isn't soft and delicate enough.

It's all because I was too deep in thought last night and was distracted.

But Uncle Yi added in osmanthus powder

which made up for the slight firmness and made it original.

Look how slow I am.

I'm still talking about culinary skills.

I've forgotten to ask why you were so deep in thought last night.

Be it about culinary skills or matters of the world

if they could all be tasted like these dishes

things would be a lot easier.

Madame, don't blame me for speaking out of turn.

It is because you're like family to me

that there are words I have to say to you to save you future pain.

Things might get out of hand in the future if I don't.

Uncle Yi, what is it?

You can speak openly to me.

Madame, why would you return to your hometown with objects of the past?

Those items remind me of the happiness of my childhood.

I haven't been home for years, this is a rare opportunity to come by

and I wanted to bring back those fond memories with family and friends.

This is a good idea, and Wei Qing will be very glad.

But...

Places, objects, and friends of the past...

These might not seem as simple as you think for someone with sentiments.

Places and objects of the past can bring out past affections.

Some people devote too much affection.

Even if they try to forget it, they find it hard to let it go.

Once feelings are triggered, they sink right back into it.

They cannot get themselves out of the fix.

You must remember not to mislead an old friend with an object of the past.

All of my treasures are in this box.

Do you still remember this?

You gave this to me.

You've kept it with you and cherished it all this time?

Uncle Yi, you mean...

Duan Hong!

I'll play with you!

Zi Fu!

Duan Hong, I'll be your bride.

Sure!

This is for you!

Zi Fu, from now on, you are my wife.

No matter what the river runs into

there might be ripples but the river will still keep flowing.

Do you still remember this place?

How could I not?

Childhood friendships are always the most unforgettable ones.

I brought objects of the past with me on this trip back home.

I wonder if you've kept that intertwined hair of ours?

Have you brought it with you on this trip back to our hometown?

I've always kept it with me.

His Majesty kept bringing up that intertwined hair of yours.

Does it belong to the woman from outside Shanhaiguan or...

does it belong to your childhood playmate who stands before you?

It belongs to the Zi Fu who was willing

to play my bride when we were little

despite the scabs on my face.

So the woman outside Shanhaiguan the past love that you couldn't forget

is actually your childhood friend?

Me?

Even after years and now that I am the wife of another and a mother

you still can't let it go?

I had let it go.

It was because I wanted to let it go

that I went to the western regions.

Is it because we're back in our hometown and looking at past objects

that your past affection has been triggered?

It has made you restless.

I saw that you've kept the wooden comb that I gave to you.

I heard how you much you had wanted to be reunited with me.

That was when I knew that we had mutual affection.

- No... - I can't help but think...

that if there weren't any disasters then this braid of hair

and the comb would have long become our tokens of love.

If I had recognized you at the restaurant then

if I had met you earlier than His Majesty did

you wouldn't have been favored by him in the dressing room.

If...

Duan Hong, these are all facts already.

There are no ifs.

Facts are facts and affection is affection!

I just want to know what you think!

If you hadn't met His Majesty would we be as childhood playmates

who share a sisterly and brotherly bond?

When we first reunited, didn't you say that I'm still your Big Dipper?

Our affections hadn't changed then!

Duan Hong.

I kept this comb with me because I missed my Big Dipper.

But now I've still kept this comb because

it serves as a reminder

like all my other objects of the past

of my humble birth.

I must always stay respectful and modest.

Should this mislead you in any way

and make you sink back into past memories

I'd rather destroy this precious item.

I want you to move on, and fall for someone else.

Get married.

Duan Hong, look.

No matter how high the splatter is

it will eventually go down.

No matter how unforgettable the past might be

it will be forgotten eventually.

You're just making life hard for yourself by dwelling on the past.

I beg you to let it go while you can.

You will definitely find a virtuous wife

whom you will get to know and love.

You will both be blessed for life.

I beg you to let go of the puppy love we once had in our childhood.

Send me off happily on my wedding day.

Do you really hope that I will forget about our puppy love?

Do you really hope that I will send you off on your wedding day?

Yes.

You are my most respectable brother.

As your sister, I can't bear to see you upset for love.

I hope that you can let it go as soon as possible.

It is just like these spring blossoms.

After they wither, bountiful fruits appear.

Since you have already made up your mind...

Fine.

From this day on, I will only be like an older brother to you.

Don't keep any of this on your mind.

Thank you, Duan Hong.

This is the best wedding gift that you have given me.

I can now be at ease.

Greet His Majesty, Emperor of Han!

Please rise!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Welcome Madame Wei!

The royal prerogative of the Empress

is equal to that of the Emperor!

Worship the gods!

Revere the ancestral shrine!

Be the mother model of all people!

In the past, there was Yin, the mother of the legendary founder Shang Tang

there was Tai Jiang and Tai Ren, two virtuous queens of Zhou

Two dynasties of virtuous queens!

May the royal family prosper.

May they be blessed with an abundance of offspring.

The current Madame Wei is respectful and modest

humane and kind.

She is not arrogant, even in her distinguished position.

In great virtue and elegance.

I beg you to let it go while you can.

I beg you to let go of the puppy love we once had in our childhood.

From this day on, I will only be like an older brother to you.

Thank you, Duan Hong.

This is the best wedding gift that you have given me.

I can now be at ease.

My love is too deep and too hard to forsake.

I hope that you'll be loved by His Majesty all your life.

Be in conjugal harmony

Stay blissfully married until you grow old.

In glamour and brilliance, her virtue will rule the harem!

In memorial to the throne

she is to be given the title

as the mother to billions of people.

Brother, the fate of my Jiao Er is now in your hands.

My territories are outside the capital.

Should I have the chance to take over the capital and the throne

I will definitely repay the kindness of all those who have assisted me.

I shall let Jiao Er be freed.

Rest assured, my dear sister.

Then I will do my best to assist you, my brother.

This lad, Liu Che...

It is my chance now that he crowned a new empress.

In order to achieve my goal, I'll have to sacrifice this new empress.

Today, Madame Wei is to be crowned Empress.

May the gods bless you forever with their fortune.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Please rise, my Empress.

Censor-in-chief, Zhang Ou

presents and hands over the seal.

You are indeed marrying for love.

The one you love the most is your sister.

Everything that you do is for her.

You kicked over the carriage and injured Han Yan for her.

You left the palace without permission for her.

You asked me for many favors for her, as well!

Now you're also forsaking your own happiness

so that your good sister can be a great empress of history!

Greetings to Your Highness, the Empress!

You may all rise.

Thank you, Your Highness!

I'm here to congratulate you today

so that I can see how glamorous you are as an empress.

And to see how long you can stay on that throne.

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