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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

[Episode Thirty-One]

Is Your Highness tired?

We'll stop the carriage and have a rest.

It's all right.

I do not want to keep your friends waiting.

I didn't expect Marquess to have so many friends.

We've been to many banquets since our wedding.

Are you tired?

All my friends who have met Princess

complimented that Your Highness is regal and beautiful.

That is why everyone is asking us over to their banquets

in hope of meeting Your Highness.

Since Marquess likes it

as your wife, I'll definitely attend the banquets with you.

But you don't have to worry, Your Highness.

You'll like the banquet today.

I've long heard that Your Highness is elegant and dignified.

Now that I've met you today, I know it is indeed true!

Yes, yes!

Princess is of unrivaled beauty.

Marquess of Ruyin is truly fortunate!

You're absolutely right!

Princess' mannerism isn't something

that the courtesans of Ruyin could imitate!

Exactly!

How could those lowly women be compared to the Princess?

Therefore, I've specially prepared Ruyin's specialty wines and delicacies

to go with Her Highness' nobility.

Thank you, Young Master Chen.

How could my gifts be compared to the surprise

Marquess prepared for the Princess?

- Indeed! - Cai Xian!

Bring it in!

What is it?

Look! Look at that pony!

Marquess knows that Princess loves horses.

In order to please Your Highness, he's giving this horse to you.

This horse is really cute and amusing!

Yes, yes!

Doesn't Marquess know that

'Nothing in heaven can compare with the dragon'

'and nothing on earth can compare with the horse.'

The horse on earth is like the dragon in heaven.

Warhorses in particular are meritorious beasts of battle

who protect our nation.

How can they be treated as toys?

And those arrows and bows!

Those are vicious weapons used to kill enemies.

They are the key to victory.

How can they be used as entertainment?

As some child's play?

At Ruyin's banquets, we don't talk about anything serious.

We've misbehaved.

Please forgive us, Your Highness.

I suddenly feel unwell.

I am leaving now.

Your Highness, why don't you stay for a little while longer?

After finishing this round of drinks, I'll go home with you.

That's not necessary.

It is not in me to drink and make merry.

I'd rather not spoil your mood.

I'll take my leave now.

Head home and rest then!

Here, come on!

We'll keep on drinking!

Sure! Here, here!

- Sure! - Let's drink!

Here, drink up!

Please appease your anger, Princess.

What is this?

I'm heading back to the palace.

You're putting on airs of a princess?

You embarrassed me in front of everyone just now

but I put up with that.

Now you're leaving whenever you want?

What do you take the Ruyin Manor for?

You're a princess.

But I am a marquess!

What's your point?

Don't put on airs in front of me!

You are my wife.

I usually show consideration for your identity as a princess

so I tolerate and give in to you on almost everything.

Today, on a rare gathering with my friends

you've embarrassed me greatly!

If it had been in my earlier years, it wouldn't be just drinks.

You've actually been pretending to be elegant and virtuous all this time.

But the truth is...

you're no different from those disreputable friends of yours!

Yes, that is what I am.

I can't help it. I was born a marquess.

I only know how to drink and make merry.

I am not some stable boy.

I don't have to do any chores

nor do I need to spend time with horses all day long.

Neither do I have to go to war on warhorses with bows and arrows.

I really don't have Wei Qing's skills.

What nonsense are you talking about?

I was kind enough to give you a horse.

If I hadn't dressed it up as a warhorse

and reminded you of Wei Qing

would you have been so mad?

You believed those rumors as well?

You think that Wei Qing and I had an affair?

If you didn't have an affair with him

why would you choose the horse sculpture in person

and give it to him at his manor?

You gave him the gift in public to show your affection!

You are shameless!

Don't you dare treat me like Cao Shi, who you could command at will.

How dare you hurt me.

I could report you to Empress Dowager and His Majesty for injuring me.

You wouldn't even be able to stay a marquess!

I'm afraid that if anyone learns of this

it is your reputation that is going to be marred.

Marquess, will you be traveling with the Princess?

- Where to? - There is a messenger from the palace

who came to report that Empress Dowager was down with a flu earlier on

and hasn't recovered from it.

It is getting worse now.

Princess is summoned back to the palace.

Enough! There's no need to explain any further.

Is the carriage ready?

- It is ready. - Get our men to pick up my luggage.

Yes.

- Your Highness... - Unnecessary people will stay.

No matter how well the trees and grass grow

they will all wither one day.

It is chilly in the morning and late at night.

Mother, why don't you return to the palace earlier?

My health is deteriorating.

I'm afraid that I won't have the chance to look at this scenery again.

Let me take a look at it for a while longer.

Mother is blessed with good health.

You will surely get well.

Why would you be so pessimistic?

I am just being honest.

I know my body well.

My breaths are getting shorter.

My chest hurts whenever I take a breath.

Lady Hua, who entered the harem at the same time as I did

was like this before she passed away.

Mother...

It is all right.

My daughter-in-law is filial and my children love me.

I already have no regrets.

It's just that...

there is still one thing on my mind.

I'll need your help with it.

Mother, please let me know and I promise to help you with it.

Zi Fu, I know that you're gentle and virtuous.

You're also very thoughtful and filial to me.

I am just carrying out my duty as a daughter-in-law.

I'm only afraid that I haven't done well enough.

Pingyang isn't by my side.

You took care of my daily life and needs.

You care about how I feel.

You treated me as if you were my daughter.

Do you know that I see you as my own daughter as well?

As a mother...

I find it so hard to talk to you about this matter.

Mother, please speak your mind.

Che Er only has one son.

That isn't enough.

In order to consolidate the power of Great Han

the imperial family must have more offspring.

You impaired your health when you gave birth to Ju Er.

It will be more difficult for you to get pregnant again.

But Che Er only has eyes for you.

As the head of the harem

it is your responsibility to ensure an abundance of offspring.

Mother, I've never desired to be the only favorite.

Please do not worry, Mother.

I will definitely arrange to select concubines for His Majesty

to ensure that Great Han is blessed with an abundance of imperial offspring.

You're indeed virtuous and broadminded.

When I think of how I used to misunderstand you

and now that I'm making you share your husband with more women

I can't help but feel uneasy.

Mother, please don't say that.

You and Pingyang are no longer as close as you were in the past.

I wonder if it is because I broke off that marriage

she had wanted deep in her heart.

Mother, Princess and I get along just fine.

Please do not worry.

Even if there is any misunderstanding, it can be resolved.

I did it for the sake of her reputation.

She has now married a hereditary marquess.

He is graceful and talented.

He loves her and dotes on her.

She should have let go of any resentment by now.

Mother!

Mother!

Empress Dowager!

- Send for the chief physician! - Empress Dowager!

Mother!

How is she?

- Speak up! - Empress Dowager is...

I'm afraid...

Qiao Qiao, report to His Majesty immediately.

Yes.

Mother!

Mother...

Mother?

Is Pingyang here?

Mother... Mother...

I have returned.

You have returned...

How are you feeling?

You will get better.

I just dreamt that you were in Ruyin, but you weren't doing well there.

My daughter... I just dreamt that you were being bullied.

I even dreamt that you couldn't make it back here.

Fortunately, it was but a dream.

You've rushed back in time to see me.

Don't cry, my daughter.

I've missed you and these are just tears of joy.

Let me have a look at it!

How did you get such an injury on your precious body?

It's just a bruise. It is fine.

My husband... My husband and I went out on a boat

to look at the waves.

The waves were high, so I fell and injured myself.

My husband applied ointment for me.

It really is fine.

You're lying to me!

There is drought in Ruyin at the moment.

Where did you find water to look at waves on a boat?

Mother, I'm not lying to you.

Mother...

Zi Fu... Zi Fu has been paying attention to the situation in Ruyin.

Be it fine or bad weather, floods or drought

she has already told me about it.

You've lied to me.

Could it be...

Could it be that you are really being ill-treated?

No, Mother.

I have not been ill-treated, Mother. I haven't.

Get him to come in here!

Mother...

Get him to come in here!

Mother... Mother...

Don't be like this.

Mother...

He...

He didn't come home with you?

Mother...

Mother...

Mother...

Mother...

My daughter...

You've just gotten married recently, and I fell ill right after.

You traveled so far to return to the capital

and yet he made you travel home alone!

Mother! Don't get so worked up, Mother.

Don't get so worked up!

Take care of your health.

Mother... Mother...

Mother, I'm fine.

I am fine.

Mother, don't be angry.

It's been so many years...

You've stayed by my side for so many years now!

Little did I expect...

that you wouldn't be with me throughout the last days of my life.

Instead, you're suffering in Ruyin, my dearest daughter...

I am not suffering.

I am not suffering...

This is all my fault...

I shouldn't have married you off to such a faraway place!

- Mother... - I shouldn't have done so!

- My daughter! - Mother!

- It is all my fault! - Mother...

- Don't be like this... - It is all my fault!

Please don't be angry.

- Don't get so agitated, Mother. - My daughter!

Chief physician!

Mother? Mother!

Mother!

Mother!

Chief physician, hurry!

Mother...

How is Mother?

Empress Dowager...

Empress, Princess...

Empress Dowager has passed away!

Mother...

How could my mother have passed away?

She was still talking to me just now.

She was still... energetic.

This can't be true...

If you keep saying such nonsense, I'll kill you!

Princess...

Get over here! Come over here and save her!

Come over here and save her! Hurry!

- Princess! - Mother!

Princess...

Mother...

Mother...

Mother... Please wake up.

I have come home.

I won't leave you again.

I'll stay by your side to keep you company.

Mother... Listen to me.

Don't worry about me.

I'm doing very well.

I'm doing very well...

Mother!

- Mother! - Princess...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Mother has already passed away.

Get away!

- Empress! - Empress!

I don't need your crocodile tears.

I was married off to a faraway place.

I couldn't serve my mother.

I made my mother worry about me, and she died with regrets.

All of my misfortunes...

all of my sufferings...

They are all because of you, Wei Zi Fu!

Greetings to Your Majesty.

Do you remember these?

These are ginkgo leaves.

When I first took the throne

Mother just moved to Changqiu Palace.

My sister sent her some medical herbs for longevity.

And I planted a ginkgo tree for her in the courtyard.

Princess is very thoughtful.

And even as the ruler of a nation

Your Majesty was willing to plant the ginkgo tree in person

to show filial affection to your mother.

Mother could really be content in death

to have had children as such.

I hope that Your Majesty can set your mind at ease.

You didn't know that my sister always said

it's better to plant fruit trees.

But I insisted on planting this ginkgo tree.

I never think carefully enough.

It takes a ginkgo tree twenty to thirty years to grow fruits.

I couldn't even offer a ginkgo to Mother in the end.

I remember when I first took the throne

Mother was always at the disposal of others, for my sake.

She had to please both Grandmother and Auntie and put up with them.

I always thought that when I could have full authority

and no longer have any concerns

I could spend time with her here under the ginkgo tree.

Your Majesty, stop reproaching yourself.

How could I not?

I couldn't keep her company more often when she was alive.

Now that she is gone

I've failed to take good care of the one whom she cared for the most.

Your Majesty is referring to the Princess?

My sister came back to the capital alone.

I already find something amiss.

Now that Marquess of Ruyin came here to mourn Mother's death

they only seem to be a couple in appearance.

They are both now in Chang An

but one is staying at Pingyang Manor

and the other is staying at the manor for the Marquess of Ruyin.

It is obvious that they are at odds.

Was I wrong to bestow this marriage to them?

Your Majesty, newlyweds need time and counseling to get along well.

Your Majesty is already occupied by national affairs and exhausted.

Why don't you leave this family matter to me instead?

I feel guilty for not being attentive enough to my mother and sister.

I was too obstinate about planting the ginkgo tree.

I never asked about my sister's marriage.

Your Majesty has been very thoughtful.

You insisted on planting this ginkgo tree years ago

because you knew that Mother was often breathless, her lungs were weak.

She had fits of coughs at times.

This ginkgo tree gives off fresh air that is good for lungs.

It is beneficial to those with weak lungs.

Its leaves give off a yellow glimmer.

Looking at them is as if one is bathing in sunshine.

It eases and warms one's mind.

All these years

Mother had always enjoyed relaxing in its shade.

She basked in the thoughtfulness of Your Majesty.

Zi Fu knows me best.

If Mother could taste an apple, it might taste sweet

but whenever she relaxed under the ginkgo tree

she felt the sweetness in her heart, thinking of your thoughtfulness.

This tree could flourish for thousands of years.

It could be passed down for generations and have a profound meaning.

I still remember that Mother asked me

to tell more stories to Weizhang and the princesses.

Some day, I will tell them about the story of

how you planted the ginkgo tree for Empress Dowager.

Then our children and grandchildren can fulfill their filial duties.

Zi Fu...

We're in mourning but the enemies have broken the peace pact

and have come to plunder our frontier again.

The feudal kings are all asking to come to the capital

to pay their last respects.

Is it truly out of filial affection

or are they conspiring in the midst of unrest inside and outside the nation.

Your Majesty, I'm willing to go on to the battlefields again

to repel the foreign enemies.

As for the feudal kings and marquesses, I'll send men to spy on them.

It's fine if they come to mourn according to the etiquette of the rites

but if they bring in troops with them, I'll ambush them into destruction.

Your Majesty, please rest assured

to hold the funeral for Empress Dowager

and carry out your duties as a filial son.

With the both of you to protect me, I should be at ease

but I know that someone is going up against me

and yet I do not know about his movements.

It is a thorn in my side.

Your Majesty, your health comes first.

Liu An might not be allowed into Chang An

but there could be numerous feudal kings and court officials on his side.

Especially his biological younger brother

King of Hengshan, Liu Ci.

If both brothers plot together

then Jiangnan and Huainan regions will fall into their hands.

Your Majesty, I request for your permission to go to Huainan.

What will you do in Huainan?

You intend to use the excuse of searching for your father

to visit the Huainan Palace?

I plan to use this opportunity to curry favor with Liu An

and earn his trust.

I could then find out how things truly are in Huainan.

This strategy might be good

but Liu An is a cunning fox who may seem kind.

I will surely act cautiously.

I've already lost my mother.

I must not lose my capable officials and bosom friends.

I thank you for the compliments, Your Majesty.

I will surely act cautiously.

I am sure to report everything about Huainan to Your Majesty.

Master Duan, why didn't you write to me in advance?

I could have arranged accommodation and transport for you.

I wouldn't dare to trouble you, My King.

Since I got news of my father, I've been thinking about him.

I've dreamt of my father very often lately.

I think that there could be a possibility of finding my father.

Therefore, I asked for leave to come here.

I wonder if you have news of my father?

I'm afraid that you have wasted a journey.

Although I've sent my men to search high and low for him

there isn't any news yet.

Could the face reader be right?

Nothing goes my way this year.

Master Duan, what else is troubling you?

Why don't you tell me all about it?

I've always been forthright.

After I contradicted His Majesty in court that day

I have since been given the cold shoulder.

Wei Qing, who used to call himself my brother

has gotten cocky now that he is promoted to a higher position.

If you hadn't saved me

you wouldn't have lost the favor of His Majesty.

I have implicated you.

Drink!

Please do not blame yourself, My King.

His Majesty only favors Empress Wei.

Wei Qing prides himself as the emperor's relative

and no longer cares about our past friendship.

To be honest with you, His Majesty is very crafty.

He is afraid that you'll start a war during national mourning.

He has already had his troops ambushed along the way to the capital.

My King, you've always kept to yourself and are very gracious.

But he gauged a great man by his own mean measure.

Why would His Majesty doubt me so?

Since Empress Dowager passed away, I've been on a vegetarian diet.

I only listen to light music.

How... How could I possibly start a war during national mourning?

My King, please treat me as a drunk man ranting and raving.

Please do not take it to heart.

It's a rare opportunity for Master Duan to visit me here.

Why don't you stay for a few more days?

Although I do not have extravagant feasts and entertainment to offer

I have simple meals and light music to lift your spirits up.

I wouldn't dare to turn down your hospitality.

I can also use this chance to search for my father.

Master Duan, do not be worried.

I am sure to help you with my very best.

A while ago, in this courtyard, two peonies grew from the same base.

I had intended to invite Princess and Marquess over here to ease your minds.

Unfortunately, Princess has been ill.

Princess is still grieving the death of her mother.

I hope that Your Highness can understand.

It is a rare sight to have two flowers grow from the same base.

Princess and I are both disappointed not to have seen it.

It was indeed a rare sight.

But the meaning behind it is even more precious.

Yes, the meaning of one mind, one origin

one life, and one blessing, is indeed desirable.

If all married couples could be like that flower

then they could share their joys and get along harmoniously.

His Majesty and Your Highness must be so.

What I hope for is that all married couples can be so.

I heard that since Princess returned to Chang An

she hasn't stayed in the same place as Marquess.

She lives alone in Pingyang Manor.

Is that true?

Princess has been in great sorrow since the passing of Empress Dowager.

She wished to be left alone to grieve.

I didn't know how to console her in the first place

so I let her do it her way.

You are still newlyweds.

Don't you miss each other when you live apart?

Princess witnessed the death of her mother.

She is both depressed and sorrowful.

She needs consolation and comfort the most now.

I do wish to comfort her, but...

A married couple should be of the same mind

so Marquess should share her burden

and if you can relieve Princess of her sadness and troubles

then you won't make His Majesty regret marrying his sister to you.

I've been negligent.

After all, I've just gotten married recently.

We still need time to get used to each other.

I will pay a visit to Pingyang Manor.

When Princess has calmed down, I'll take her back to my manor.

That is good then.

Two flowers might be of the same base

but they still each face a different side

and have different experiences.

Princess grew up in the palace.

She has always been protected by His Majesty and Empress Dowager.

She is also very independent and decisive.

Should she offend Marquess in any way

I hope that you can be tolerant and understanding.

Your Highness speaks with reason.

I think that since a couple is of one origin and mind

how could there be any animosity?

Even if there is, I shouldn't dwell on it.

I will surely get along well with the Princess.

I will follow the examples set by affectionate and loving couples.

Once I noticed the epidemic

I immediately separated Fei Luan from the rest.

- Then how did he contract the epidemic? - Please forgive me.

Fortunately, he is okay now.

Fei Luan!

Nothing must happen to you.

Now that Mother had passed away and I've married the wrong man

should anything happen to you as well

I'll have lost my only bosom friend on earth.

In the years to come, be it good or bad

who should I turn to then?

I'm married far away in Ruyin, so I couldn't take you with me.

You and I are both on our own.

But even if life is hard, we have to stay strong.

We must not aggrieve our friends but please our enemies.

Do you know that?

You're here to see Fei Luan?

Empress Dowager has passed away. The dead are dead.

I am sorry for your loss.

Be it inside or outside the palace, there are many who care about you.

You are not alone.

I hear that you're going off to war again?

Yes.

Take care.

Likewise, Your Highness.

Greetings to Marquess.

What are you doing here?

I'll take my leave now.

I wanted to see you.

I couldn't find you at Pingyang Manor

so I came to this horse ranch hoping to see you.

Who knew... that I seem to have come at the wrong time.

What does that mean?

You meet here with your ex-servant to catch up on old times.

Did my sudden appearance dampen your delightful mood?

Are you saying that Wei Qing and I had asked each other out here?

We just happened to run into one another.

Could it be that you think I invited him over?

Exactly!

That is exactly what I think.

I had regretted my reckless behavior and the words I said in Ruyin

so I kept pondering how I could patch things up with you.

This is a waste of my effort.

You don't care about me at all.

You met up with that stable boy as if I don't matter!

This horse ranch belongs to Pingyang Manor

and this is also the stud farm for producing warhorses.

There's been an epidemic here.

What's inappropriate about me checking out the situation?

Wei Qing is the general of Great Han.

He's concerned about the warhorses and has every right to be here.

We have nothing to hide.

Who would be as petty-minded as you?

Everything that you see is being rendered filthy!

Are there so many coincidences in this world?

Do the both of you really have nothing to hide?

Or is there some unspeakable affair between the both of you?

I've told you the truth. Believe whatever you wish!

I only believe in what I see!

I was coming here to cheer you up

and console you for the loss of your mother.

I witnessed that my own wife, in her sorrows

turned not to her own husband for comfort

but a stable boy!

I cherished you and respected your every wish.

However, you treated me as if I am nothing to you!

It seems that the Empress was right.

You've always been protected.

Since you were little, everyone compromised to your wishes.

You were just simply spoiled.

Your independence and decisiveness are but a display of your willfulness!

My affection for you is now no more than dirt.

Wei Zi Fu...

His Majesty arrives!

How is Ju Er?

According to the Chief Physician

The sickness has infected the intestines.

That is why his fever wouldn't go down.

Your Majesty, this is all my fault.

I didn't take good care of Ju Er when he first fell ill.

Now...

Ju Er will surely be blessed by the gods and recover from this illness.

Stop blaming yourself.

But Chief Physician said that he'd only get better after the fever subsides.

Otherwise...

You haven't slept well for days.

Go and have some rest.

I'll take care of Ju Er.

I'm not tired.

I can only be at ease after seeing that our child's fever has subsided.

- You are dismissed. - Yes.

Your Majesty, have a rest after you've had your meal.

There is much to work on.

You still have to hold the morning session in court tomorrow.

No, this is my only son.

Now that he is critically ill

how can I just leave him here?

I've already sent for the reports and scrolls to be brought here for me.

I'll stay with you until we both see our child's fever subside

and his health improve.

Then I can be at ease.

To have a husband like you, what more could I ask for?

- Greetings to... - Well done!

You've held Liu An back with your visit to Huainan.

He didn't dare to take advantage of the situation to stir up trouble.

Empress Dowager's funeral was held peacefully

and Wei Qing left for war with his mind at ease.

I was merely carrying out my duty.

I'm embarrassed to be complimented by Your Majesty for it.

Have you brought me any good news from your trip to Huainan?

There is indeed.

You were worried about Liu An working with his brother, King of Hengshan

but they are actually estranged.

King of Hengshan is afraid that Liu An will swallow up his lands

so he started making more friends in order to contend against Liu An.

This is really good to know.

If these two brothers go up against each other

not only does that rid us of our worries

but also buys us some time to recuperate and build up our power.

Then we could seek out Liu An's conspirators and wipe them all out!

I heard that the prince was severely ill upon my return to the capital.

How is he now?

It's been a few difficult days, but he's fully recovered.

I really do not know what those people are thinking about?

It is fairly normal for children to fall ill.

Yet everyone made a huge fuss about it.

They keep pressing me to screen for more concubines.

I won't listen to their nagging.

Your Majesty is wise.

Your Majesty, the Empress seeks audience.

Greetings to Empress.

You've returned, Duan Hong?

Please rise.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

Is something wrong with Ju Er?

He's fine and sound asleep.

What brings you here to Feichang Palace then?

You should be having a proper rest.

You've lost weight these days.

I have an important matter to report to Your Majesty.

What is it?

This time that Ju Er fell ill

made me realize that the offspring of Great Han must be abundant.

Therefore, I ask that Your Majesty

accept the proposal to select new concubines.

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