Original subtitles

Daiei Productions Presents

YOKIHI

Produced by Masaichi Nagata, Run Run Shaw

Screenplay by Matsutaro Kawaguchi, Yoshikata Yoda, Masashige Narusawa

Cinematography by Kohei Sugiyama Sound by Kunio Hashimoto

Art Direction by Hiroshi Mizutani Historical Research by Lu Shi-hou

Music by Fumio Hayasaka

Cast

Yang Yu-huan/Kuei-fei - Machiko Kyo Emperor Hs�an-tsung - Masayuki Mori

An Lu-shan - So Yamamura Kao Li-hsi - Eitaro Shindo

Yang Chao/Kuo-chung - Sakae Ozawa Princess Yen-chun - Haruko Sugimura Hung-tao - Yoko Minamida

Chen Hsuan-li - Bontaro Miyake Premier Li Lin-fu - Tatsuya Ishiguro Yang Hsien - Isao Yamagata

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

- We have come to take you away, sire - Please make yourself ready

Where are you taking me?

- To the Palace of the West, sire - What?

The Palace of the West?

You're going to confine me there?

- Yes, sire - No!

I refuse to leave here

I shall remain here

Here, at least I can listen to the sounds of the city...

...and there are many distractions to console me in my solitude

Go tell the Emperor that

Tell my son...

...not to cause his old father any further suffering

But it is the Emperor's order

We must carry out his imperial order to the letter

Please, make yourself ready to leave

You insult me!

Get out!

Out!

Out!

Kuei-fei...

Kuei-fei...

Where are you, my love?

Are you watching over me from somewhere beyond the grave?

Alas, I am too old now...

... for any pleasures this world may offer me

I wish only to see you again

Any place without your presence...

... is unbearable to me

Kuei-fei...

... where are you?

Well done. You all played very well

I wasn't too sure of the piece at first...

...but I very much enjoyed your rendition

I think it is one of Your Majesty's masterpieces

However, there is a certain underlying sadness to it, sire

How can you expect me to compose anything joyous, the way I feel?

Majesty, you are the most fortunate person in the Empire

Look at me, do I really seem that fortunate?

Fortune is not a mere corollary of one's social status

If I were truly fortunate...

...then I would be able to compose more joyous pieces of music

This piece was composed in honour of my late wife

Well... let us play the next movement

Your Majesty...

...Premier Li wishes for an audience with you...

...to discuss pressing affairs of state

And as your schedule must be strictly observed...

...I must ask you kindly to finish now for today

Thank you, everybody

Wait

I just want to try this last piece

Premier Li, you can wait a little longer

I fear I cannot, Majesty

Besides myself, you are to address several foreign ambassadors, sire

We also have to plan your journey details

Affairs of state must always take precedence, sire

You constantly interfere with my pleasures...

...and bind me to ridiculous schedules and ceremonies!

You distract His Majesty from his duties of governance

Get out!

- Majesty... - What is it?

Please look at this statue of the Bodhisattva...

...that came in tribute from the Silla Kingdom of Korea

She is truly a work of great beauty

And who is this?

You honour me by giving her recognition, Majesty

I have taken the liberty of selecting this highly capable lady...

...to take care of all your needs, sire

It's unnecessary

Nobody can take the place of the late Empress

Just forget about it

I heard that His Majesty turned her down

Did he refuse you?

It wasn't your fault

We may be the most beautiful women in the capital...

...but we're just not beautiful enough for His Imperial Majesty, that's all!

You just have to accept your fate with good grace

Oh, welcome, sire!

General An Lu-shan has arrived!

Welcome

Oh, welcome, sire

What a shame. I really thought your daughter would be accepted

She failed, despite all your intercessions on our behalf

What a shame

That's put an end to all our plans, General

Not so. All is not lost yet

Her acceptance would have hastened things along, that's all

All our hopes are dashed

She's the third sister to be rejected

I'll end up working here and never getting on in life

General, please take me with you to your fortress

- And what would you do there? - But I've no future here in the capital

I'd rather be an official under you, General...

...then I could take bribes and get rich quick!

You sound desperate, and I don't hire such desperate men

I'll worry about it later. General, let's have a drink

- Good - Come right this way

- Let's drink - You go on ahead...

What's up with you? Look lively!

Master Kao will be arriving soon. Let's go

Even on the branches of the willows Throughout the town...

Hey, the guests have arrived! Stop that singing!

- Who is she? - She's my youngest cousin

Same family as the others?

She's their half-sister. A country girl, just arrived from the mountains

- General? - Wait...

So, you're a daughter of the Yang family?

I'm more like their servant

Hey!

Show me your face

Please leave me alone, I have work to do

Hey!

What are you doing?

What are you doing to me?

What...?

You're quite a beauty

Let go of me!

You're wasted here in the kitchen

General! What are you doing in this place?

- I've just found a real treasure - What?

This one, here!

That was a real shame your daughter was rejected

No, not at all, one can't expect the daughter of a mere restaurateur...

...to attract the attention of His Majesty

It was our fault for thinking above our station

What do you mean, brother, that it was our fault?

You want to run this restaurant for the rest of your life?

Well, I don't! I want to be someone and get on in life!

I just think differently from you

You want to use your daughters to further your own ambitions

What's wrong with that? I'm doing it for the honour of the Yang Family

For the prosperity of the whole family

I'm only doing the right thing

No, your motives are evil...

Stop

- Let me see how you look in these - No!

Don't answer back! Put them on quickly!

If I put those on, everyone will just laugh at me!

What a child! Come here

I'm just a country peasant

Since my mother died, I've been forced to work as a maid in the kitchens

You treat me worse than a dog!

Everyone has to start somewhere

Take me for instance, my father was a foreigner in this country

I suffered enormous prejudice and was maltreated as a child

But human beings have a destiny...

...and if you don't grasp at good fortune then you'll regret it for life

Don't you see, you have been presented with a wonderful opportunity?

Right then, try these robes on

And then what?

We're going to see where your destiny lies

You've never realised how beautiful you are?

No, not at all

Well, it's up to me to convince you otherwise

But you must be aware of your beauty, before you can convince others to see it

Yes?

Get dressed quickly

Follow the General's kind advice and put this robe on

Others may envy us...

...but our low birth stops us from progressing further

Is it only the Li family that can gain advancement?

There's nothing we can do about it for the present

No one can stand in the way of Premier Li Lin-fu

It's unfortunate the Emperor wasn't attracted to your daughter

He can't forget the late Empress Wu-hui, can he?

She was a wonderful Empress

There could be no other like her in this world

Yes, there could be, Master Kao! There could be another Wu-hui!

You're not the only one who wishes to see Empress Wu-hui reincarnated

Those who support the Emperor wish it, too

- Another Empress Wu-hui, you say? - Yes, another. See for yourself

It's Yu-huan, isn't it?

She's beautiful

You're such fools!

How could you hide such a jewel in your kitchens?

Who is this?

My youngest cousin, Yu-huan

From here, we're heading for the convent on Mount Li

I will ask the Mother Abbess to present you to His Majesty's court

She is a relative of the Emperor and he trusts her implicitly

Master Kao is already there waiting for us

At last, our luck is going to change

I have no doubt that you will attract the Emperor's attention

As a reward for finding you...

...I will be called back to the capital in triumph and made a minister

And as the highest ranking concubine, you shall enjoy a most glorious life

You must take full advantage of the fact that you were born beautiful

What's wrong?

Why are you so quiet?

Don't you understand, if you become an imperial concubine...

...great status and honour will be bestowed upon all your family?

And I will simply become a tool for the family to use...

...just as I was when I was forced to work in their kitchens

Not at all! This is for your own happiness

Our rewards will be a mere fraction of yours

You must understand that

Everything will turn out just fine...

Just fine

So, from this point onwards...

...everything about your past will be extinguished

What do you think of her, Mother Abbess?

A lovely girl

- Everything is prepared, madam - This girl is your servant

She will obey your every whim

Please allow me to show you to your room

Do you think she will be to the Emperor's liking?

Mother Abbess...

Just as you recommended Wu-hui as a wife for the Emperor...

...I would like to propose her suitability as an imperial consort

Do you think the Emperor trusts you more than he does me?

I'm not saying that at all. I mean...

Master Kao...

...do you have any idea how much the Emperor trusts my judgement?

- Of course I do, but... - Then be silent!

Yes, madam

It was I who instructed the Empress Wu-hui

And I will mould this girl in the same way

You will see, I will make her worthy of the Emperor

Yes, madam

His Majesty has arrived

He's walking in the Plum Tree Garden

I've been told to fetch you, it's time for you to meet him

Do you think I'll be all right dressed like this?

You look very beautiful

If I am not to the Emperor's liking...

...I'll end up being confined to his harem...

...to live out the rest of my days

You mustn't concern yourself with such things

I think the Emperor will be amazed when he sees how beautiful you are

What kind of a man is the Emperor?

What kind of things does he like?

How did Wu-hui manage to capture his heart?

Please tell me

The Emperor is a very kind-hearted person

And he greatly appreciates people who show sincerity

The more you listen to his music, the more you will understand him

I see...

It is time for you to take some tea, Majesty

I'm enjoying looking at the plum blossoms, I don't want any tea

But your physician has given strict instructions, Majesty

Why do you all constantly try to impede me?

You don't even allow me to enjoy my leisure as I wish

Please do not chastise me, Majesty...

...I am simply following the strict rules of court etiquette

Please, if you would kindly make your way to the tea house...

Your Majesty...

Even in the distance, the plum blossoms look so beautiful

It's not only the plum blossom that is beautiful...

...there is also a beautiful girl in full blossom, Majesty

I would like to express the colour and scent of the plum blossoms in music

I would like to be left alone this evening, please

Thank you. You may go now

You are dismissed

Master Kao, why are you still here?

Your Majesty, I understand your grief at the loss of Empress Wu-hui...

...but to continue mourning her like this...

I'm in no mood to listen to your sermons this evening

I asked you to leave me alone this evening. Understand?

Yes, sire

I would like to be left alone to reminisce about my late Empress

Who are you?

Who allowed you into my private chambers?

I know...

This must be Kao's doing

Because I talk so much of my late wife...

...he has taken it upon himself to bring me a woman who looks like her

Your resemblance to Wu-hui is uncanny

However, it is not her body that I yearn for, but her spirit

Majesty...

No one can replace Wu-hui

Please don't destroy my memories

I wish you to go now

Isn't that the piece I composed in the Plum Tree Garden?

You play very well

Very well indeed

Did you learn to play that piece to impress me?

Or did you play it simply to show me how clever you are?

Not at all, Your Majesty

Why did you play it, then?

I merely wanted to soothe and comfort your poor heart, Majesty...

...if only for a short moment

My poor heart?

Majesty...

...I did not enter your court of my own free will

Others will be delighted if my presence here pleases you

It has nothing to do with me...

...it is the will of those that brought me here

I am like their puppet and they pull my strings

I thought I'd have to spend the rest of my life here...

...like some ornament at Your Majesty's side

There was nothing I could do but accept the inevitability of my destiny

But then...

...when I realised how much love Your Majesty still felt for Wu-hui...

...I felt ashamed of myself

Empress Wu-hui was a very fortunate person indeed

I never imagined...

...that a woman could be so loved by a man

I envy Wu-hui

If only I could meet a man who was as gentle and kind as Your Majesty...

...then I would be happy

I shall take my leave of you, sire

Wait a moment

Up until now, I believed only Wu-hui could bring happiness into my life

But you...

...of your own accord, played my composition...

...and gave me great comfort

Moreover, you have asked for no reward

Above all...

...you spoke to me with honesty, as you would address any other person

Not even Wu-hui was ever able to do that

Tell me what your name is

I am Yu-huan of the Yang family, Your Majesty

Yu-huan, from now on I wish you to remain close at my side...

...as a friend

Only if you wish, of course

Yes, sire

I would like that very much

That settles it. You agree to stay at my side?

I take that as a promise

Tomorrow morning...

...I want you to prepare the hot spring in the Lotus Pool for Yu-huan

Lady Yu-huan...

...since Empress Wu-hui passed away...

...you are the first to have been allowed to use the Lotus Pool

His Majesty says that spring has returned to the court!

I can't stay long. I have to leave tomorrow

It's unfortunate that I have to return to my old life as a provincial governor...

...without seeing how Yu-huan is getting along

Does my presence here embarrass you?

Please, General...

...a governorship is an honourable post

What use is a provincial governorship?

I want a position in the capital

If Li Lin-fu falls from power, who will be the next premier?

Do you have your sights set on being premier, General?

One must be ambitious and aim high, for the premiership...

...or even the imperial throne!

The throne?

You just watch, your little kitchen help may one day become Empress

You're right...

Anything is possible

I will never abandon my ambitions

If Yu-huan becomes influential, you won't remain here much longer

General, it seems she's already been accepted as his mistress

Being one of his harem means nothing

The important thing is for Yu-huan to rise above the other women in status

The future of the Yang family depends on it

Don't forget that, Chao!

In accordance with the law, sire, it is dictated that Lady Cheng must die

I have no recollection of issuing such an order

You are the servants of a prisoner!

How dare you presume to speak in front of His Imperial Majesty!

Get out!

Out!

It is strictly forbidden by imperial decree for any lady in your harem...

...to involve herself in matters of governance

Therefore the penalty for such a crime is death

But Lady Cheng only involved herself in politics...

...because she wanted to secure a government post for her relative

I am only observing a law that you yourself decreed, Your Majesty

But laws should be made to safeguard the well-being of the people

Why can't you use the law for the benefit of the people?

If Your Majesty should care to make such laws...

...then I will faithfully carry them out

However, I must insist that if a law...

Enough!

I have no wish to listen to you

Your Majesty...

I thought that you had the power to do anything that you wished

For years, I was able to do as I pleased in all matters

But the laws and codes of practice that I myself made now constrain me...

...and the result is a curtailment of my powers

Sometimes it is important to relax and forget all your troubles

Forget all my troubles?

Let me accompany you, Your Majesty

- Where to? - Into the city

This evening there is an annual festival, and the whole city will be celebrating

Festival of Lanterns

Hold on to me tightly so I don't lose you, sire

There are servants from the court approaching

This way

That was a narrow escape

Is it all right to remove my hood? It's so uncomfortable

I'm sure we'll be fine here

- How kind of you, sire - These are for me?

Many thanks. Please, accept these

Won't you try one?

Try it

Tonight, you must do exactly as I tell you

It's delicious, isn't it?

I'm not sure

Everybody is so kind

This is the first time in a long time that I've felt so free

Aren't you glad you ventured out?

These sweets are very tasty

Now you see!

We can't allow a pair of lovers to pass through

- Why not? - You have to drink before you can pass

- I don't want to trouble you - You're not troubling us! Have a drink!

Please forgive their impertinence

Let's celebrate your wedding!

- One more! - One more!

First we drink, then we dance!

Your dancing was wonderful

Why did you never dance for me before?

Well, it was the beautiful sound of your lute that made me want to dance

Your movements kept perfect timing

Only because Your Majesty matched my tempo

I've had a marvellous evening

I feel so refreshed that my blood is tingling

It makes me so happy to hear you say that

This evening, I don't feel like an emperor...

...I feel like a man of the people, you can call me Li San-lan!

Me, too. I'm Yu-huan, just a simple peasant girl

Majesty...

May we have some tea, please?

Careful, it's hot

Here

You know...

...it feels like I've lived here with you for years and years!

As our governor-generals, it is your responsibility to defend our borders...

...against the invading barbarians

For a long time they have been troublesome and war seems inevitable

But it is important to win them over not by force but by diplomacy

It will all depend on your abilities

His Majesty is relying on you completely, generals...

...and each of you is expected to fulfil his duty

I hope you enjoy this gathering...

...that His Majesty has arranged in your honour

Well, if it isn't General An Lu-shan...

Welcome to the capital

Well, Chao...

You must call me by the new name and title that His Majesty gave me

So, you're Minister Yang Kuo-chung now, are you?

Close to the throne. A lofty position indeed

Damn these upstart women!

They live in luxury, all paid for with our taxes

They're just taking advantage of His Majesty's love for Kuei-fei

They're jumped-up servants who think they're better than the rest of us

Make way for Her Ladyship! Move!

Move!

Move, you bastard!

What do you think you're doing?

What are you doing?

The Yang family has corrupted the whole court!

Death to the Yangs!

Don't just stand there! Quickly, to the palace!

Kill them!

- Death to the Yangs! - Kill them all!

- Down with the Yangs! - Kill them!

Kill the Yangs!

- What's happened? - What's happened, madam?

On the way here, we were attacked by a mob...

...and they were shouting, "Death to the Yang family!"

How frightening for you

How dare they treat friends of His Majesty this way!

They're ruffians!

Were they arrested?

Our guards just stood by and watched them abuse us!

You were all useless! Someone must take responsibility for this!

I apologise, madam. What were the guards doing?

Are you all right, madam?

What about Kuei-fei?

What happened?

Kuei-fei...

Are you hurt?

You were right when you said one should be ambitious and aim high

And you have been made governor of three provinces

You must be pleased with your progress

That's nothing compared to your promotion, Minister

And to whom do you attribute your success?

I attribute it to my own prowess

It certainly hasn't been easy, though

Don't talk nonsense! It's all due to Kuei-fei

And Kuei-fei, in turn, owes all she has to me!

Listen, Chao...

Promote me to a central government post and make me a minister

Only the Emperor has the authority to do that, not me

So arrange for Kuei-fei to make a request to His Majesty

It is forbidden for women to have any involvement in politics

Listen to me, Chao...

...I have now consolidated my power base in the north

You'd be wise to retain my friendship if you wish to remain in power

- Minister? - What is it?

Would you ask His Majesty what music he'd like the musicians to play next?

I will consider what you have just said, General

Does Your Majesty have any particular music you'd like to hear next?

Let me see...

I know...

...in honour of my new governors...

...I shall play for them myself

It has been a long time, madam

Congratulations on your new post, General

I don't see it as any cause for celebration

I still nurture my ambition for a government post in the capital

Yu-huan...

Listen to me...

You have become a very influential concubine at court

I want to be a government minister...

...and I have the right to expect your help on this matter

General, please... not here

What?

So, you won't even deign to listen to what I have to say?

Are you too selfish to think of anyone but yourself?

Look how your three sisters have risen through the ranks

Even Chao has been rewarded with a ministerial post

Why, then, must I languish in the provinces?

Please don't raise your voice

- Excuse me - Wait!

You really are exquisitely beautiful

I never thought you could look this radiant

If only I had taken you for my own that day we first met...

...both our destinies would be very different now

Yu-huan...

What are you doing?

I belong to the Emperor now

What do you mean, "belong to the Emperor"?

You mustn't forget, Yu-huan...

...it was I who took you away from the drudgery of life in the kitchen

And has His Majesty not generously rewarded you for your efforts?

Some reward, indeed!

Yu-huan...

Surely you've heard that the people are cursing the Yang family?

Do you not see how the nation suffers under a heavy taxation system...

...while Chao abuses his position and lines his own pockets?

And your three sisters lead a life of ostentatious decadence

The people may revolt at any moment...

...and when they do, it'll be the Yang family they'll be after

If it goes on like this, even the Emperor's life may be in danger

Even the Emperor was once nothing more than a provincial warlord

Fortune favours the mighty...

...and any mighty feudal lord can make himself Emperor!

Listen, Yu-huan...

My future is as boundless as an ocean

Why don't you accompany me to my fortress?

This is the only way you can save yourself now

Kuei-fei!

Kuei-fei, His Majesty has finished his recital now

But why are you telling me this all of a sudden? Tell me the reason

The whole nation seems to be burning with rage at the Yang family

Please let me return to my former life as Yu-huan...

...and discharge my cousin Kuo-chung and my three sisters from the court

Your three sisters are of no consequence

And as for promoting Kuo-chung to a ministerial position...

...I have my own ulterior motive for doing that

I would never be foolish enough to allow my feelings for you...

...to jeopardise the governance of the country

I'm not thinking of just Your Majesty's safety...

...but for the safety of the whole country

Wait!

Kuei-fei...

...I am sure that you are aware of the consequences...

...if a consort involves herself in the affairs of the state

Of course I am aware, sire

Therefore, please punish me as you see fit

Are you saying that you have no compunction about leaving me?

Perhaps I have committed a crime...

...and I am no longer worthy of the title of consort

Are you so willing to listen to what others have to say rather than me?

The other evening...

...the whole court knew that you were talking alone with An Lu-shan

Majesty, you must trust me, please

But you are still determined to leave me?

Please forgive me!

Enough!

Master Kao!

Take Kuei-fei to the harem immediately

But Your Majesty...

Do as I command!

Premier Li... what is it you want?

Majesty...

I heard that you have dismissed Kuei-fei

I must say, Your Majesty, that I admire your decision and congratulate you

Is that all you came to say?

Yes, sire

Kuo-chung, I hear you've been taking advantage of my illness...

...and have been acting as though you were the Premier

All with the blessing of His Majesty

Surely you should be considering retirement

You're too infirm to deal with the pressures of being Premier

I'll see that you receive notification of discharge of your duties

I won't hear such insolence!

Silence!

Your Majesty, Kuei-fei refused to enter the harem...

...but went to the house of her cousin Yang Hsien

What?

It's unacceptable for such a noble lady of the court...

...to stay in the house of a commoner

On your orders, I shall go and find her

We will bring her back immediately, sire

I'm so glad that you have come back here

It's better for your sisters and for Chao as well

You can remain here as long as you wish

I will protect you with my life

But what are your plans for the future?

I wish to become Yu-huan once again

You rose too high too quickly...

...that was your misfortune

There are many and varied ways...

... to live a good life

The province where I was born...

... is where I yearn to return

As they hang on the frame over the door...

... the grapes are ripening

The sun is high in the sky...

When did you arrive here from the provinces?

- Last year - Really?

- Do you like it here? - Yes

Kuei-fei, what are you doing in such a filthy place?

Master Kao and I have come to take you back to the palace

I wish to see no one

But the Emperor himself has sent us

His Majesty ordered us to bring you back immediately

Please get ready as quickly as possible

Your palanquin is waiting

I will not go back

I prefer to stay here

This is all your fault, Hsien

You should be worried about your own future!

The people of Chang'an are after your blood!

It's impossible for a politician to please everyone

Consider how you have lorded it over the whole nation

You should resign from your post. It is her wish also

What do you know about anything?

She is concerned for you!

Don't be so insolent!

- You damn upstart! - What?

Someone help me!

What insolence!

We cannot just stand by idly and watch our country fall!

We must destroy the Yang family and save the empire!

By favouring the Yangs, His Majesty must also share some of the blame!

It is time to usher in a new era! The nation must have a new ruler!

Our objective is to take the capital, Chang'an!

Onwards to the capital!

In an attempt to destroy the Tangs and usurp the imperial throne...

... General An Lu-shan heads a revolution

Giving himself the title Emperor Taien...

... he advances with his army toward the capital, Chang'an

Learning of the perils now threatening the life of Emperor Hs�an-tsung...

... Kuei-fei decides to return to him immediately...

... to be by his side and face their fate together

Despite the many dangers, she remains resolute and unafraid

Emperor Hs�an-tsung flees the capital, and after an arduous journey...

... they rest in Mukuai, a desolate village

Let me do this for you

You go and see to His Majesty

No, I'll prepare it

He looks exhausted. Take this to him quickly

Yes, madam

Forgive me, I'm afraid this is all we can serve you, Majesty

And what about my men? Aren't they hungry, too?

They'll be fed soon

I see...

No!

What's happening?

Look, men!

We've killed the three Yang sisters!

We've killed each one of them!

The people demanded their execution!

Listen, why did we flee from the capital without putting up a fight?

We Imperial Guards are a disgrace!

General An's forces are growing in strength!

Everyone who's anti-government is joining his ranks!

They're angry with the politicians Kuo-chung and Kao!

We have no ill-feeling towards His Imperial Majesty!

It was for His Majesty's sake that we executed the three Yang sisters!

General An isn't our enemy, it's the Yang family!

The next to be executed will be Yang Kuo-chung and Kao Li-hsi!

Commander, we must leave as soon as the men have eaten

General An has crossed the river and is advancing on Cheng-Tu

Understood, sir

What are you doing?

Prepare to move out!

What's going on?

It is Premier Yang Kuo-chung who is to blame for all this

Unless he's punished, the troops won't move an inch!

Silence! Who's the ringleader? I want his head!

It's a unanimous decision

We decided to kill the three Yang sisters as a blood sacrifice

You're powerless to stand in our way now

- Seize him! - No... no!

Back, you insolent fools!

Kill Kuo-chung!

Kuei-fei...

I regret having caused you so much hardship

Being here alone with you...

...it reminds me of that night we spent during the Festival of Lanterns

The memories are comforting to me

It heartens me to see you so cheerful, Majesty

It takes a lot more than this to cause me despair

What is it?

It's terrible

Kuo-chung and the three Yang sisters were seized by the enemy...

- What? ...and they have been executed

Kuo-chung and the three sisters?

The situation is beyond my control, Majesty

Please strip me of my title, sire

- What for? - We are being besieged, sire

Why? Is this a revolt against me?

The army is not disloyal to you, sire

Majesty...

You see... Kuei-fei...

What about Kuei-fei?

Well...

Kuei-fei, would you leave us a moment...?

Wait! Why can't Kuei-fei remain here?

Your Majesty, please excuse me

Kuei-fei!

Master Kao, what is it you wish to tell me without Kuei-fei present?

The executions of Kuo-chung and the three sisters...

...have not appeased the people

Your Majesty, the soldiers are demanding the life of Kuei-fei

- What? They want Kuei-fei? - Yes, sire

Never! Never!

Women of the harem have no responsibility for affairs of state

However, I have to say that under the circumstances...

...she is considered a member of the Yang family, sire

Kao... do you intend to betray us?

Was it not you who recommended Kuei-fei to me?

And now you intend to kill her?

Majesty... your life is in danger!

We must make a decision to save you and the nation

Silence! What do you mean, to save me and the nation?

Have you ever considered your country before now?

You're just trying to save your own skin!

No, Your Majesty, no!

The soldiers are baying for blood...

...they've lost all reason, they're going berserk!

Majesty!

What are you doing?

The soldiers are demanding your life first, Kao!

- What? No! - You're a traitor and must die!

Forgive me, sire, for spilling blood in your presence

I will pay the penalty, sire

Never mind about that

I must speak to the troops

Please wait!

- You must hand over Kuei-fei! - We are loyal to you, sire!

Wait!

Calm yourselves down

Listen to what I have to say...

Kuei-fei!

...Kuei-fei is blameless

Majesty, Kuei-fei is from the Yang family

Your life is in danger, sire. It is for your own safety

You must make a decision quickly, Majesty!

All of you have been so attentive to me over the years

Pray for the quick restoration of peace and the return of His Majesty to power

I am praying for the return of a peaceful springtime...

...when the beautiful plum trees will once again blossom...

...and people can celebrate the Festival of Lanterns

I pray with all my heart that those days arrive soon

Hung-tao...

Please give this to His Majesty from me

Tell him...

...that I shall always and forever be by his side

- Will you tell him that? - Yes, madam

- You must come with us - Prepare yourself!

Let us proceed

Kuei-fei...

Kuei-fei...

Will peace now be restored to my nation?

After you passed away...

... there was nothing left for me in this world

General An Lu-shan soon met his demise...

... but by then...

... my imperial throne had been usurped...

... by my very own son, the Crown Prince

He was no different from An Lu-shan after all

There was never any love lost between us

What a heartless world we live in

Kuei-fei...

Kuei-fei...

Majesty...

... I have come to take you away with me

Oh, Kuei-fei?

I have been waiting for this moment for many years

Finally, the day has come

Give me your hand, Majesty

Let me guide you

I have waited so long for this

We'll be together forever now. I'll never let you leave my side

Majesty...

no one can ever tear us asunder this time

Now we can be truly happy

Yes, truly happy

And our happiness shall know no end

I can see you smiling now, my dearest

The End