Original subtitles

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The Plough Department Of Song Dynasty

Episode 13

Your majesty,

Concubine Shu's illness didn't come by coincidence.

Someone is murdering her!

If we can't find the murderer in time,

she might not live long.

Guru,

I'll empower you

to do whatever you need

to investigate this case thoroughly.

Yes, your majesty!

Your majesty,

Since someone was trying to murder Concubine Shu,

the murderer won't give up his or her murdering plan.

So I'd like to ask your majesty's permission

to allow the Plough Department

to guard you and the concubines in the palace.

There are guards in the palace,

why bother?

Besides,

Whether it's a nightmare spell,

or a witchcraft,

they're all spells killing people unnoticingly.

What's the point

to add more guards?

Your majesty...

No more talking.

I have a plan.

What is the spell

casted on Concubine Shu called?

It's called witchcraft.

Then go back and figure out

how to help Concubine Shu get rid of it as soon as possible.

Yes, your majesty.

Father,

it's always better to have more people protecting you and Concubine Shu.

There are so many kungfu masters in the Plough Department

why not allow them in?

There are some things

you don't need to know

now.

Spell?

Is it the one

that originated from the Miao area in the South?

That is the nightmare spell.

Nightmare spell?

What is that?

The one prevailing

in the Miao area

is called a undead insect.

But the one

using one's birth time

to cast a spell on others is called a nightmare spell.

Let me explain!

If you take a small puppet,

stick the birth time of your victim,

and plug some needles in it,

it is evidence.

It's the simplest thing to fabricate.

When this kind of case happens,

it's inevitable that someone take advantage of it.

You know,

the empress Wang of the Emperor Taizong in Tang Dynasty

was abolished because of the nightmare spell.

Even the excellent Emperor Han Wu was deceived.

In history, Chen Ajiao was abolished because of the nightmare spell,

and empress Wei was also brutally killed by it,

with two princess and one prince involved in.

There are countless officials and imperial members

killed by the nightmare spell.

The witchcraft itself

is horrible enough,

but the human heart is much more horrible.

I'm worried that

some might take advantage of this case

to eliminate their enemies.

I'm afraid

the seemingly unstable court

is hard to maintain its superficial peace.

However,

Concubine Shu being such a peaceful lady,

who wants to harm her?

Or is it possible that the murderer's real target is his majesty,

but accidentally harmed Concubine Shu?

Dongming,

we must enter the palace to protect his majesty as soon as possible!

I've made it very clear!

Not allowed!

Not allowed!

Ummm...

His majesty's concern hasn't...

Detective Yinguang,

what's wrong with the defense minister?

Why is he acting like this?

Does he mean we cannot enter the palace?

Of course we can!

The Plough Department was originally his majesty's closest armed escort.

It's just...

It's just when the Emperor Taizu died of illness,

there was a rumor in the folk,

saying...

saying that we were...

Forget it.

Senior detective Yinguang,

there are no outsiders here.

Just say it!

The rumor says that

the day the Emperor Taizu passed away,

he and his brother,

the Emperor Taizong,

was drinking in the palace,

when the palace attendants heard them arguing.

And then came the news that

the Emperor Taizu passed away and passed down his throne to Emperor Taizong.

Not only in the folk,

because of this rumor,

the Plough Department was separated.

Separated?

I haven't heard this before.

You were young then.

You know nothing!

Beck then, your Shifu is one of the Plough Department.

It's a scandal of the Plough Department,

and it's also bad for us.

No need to spread it out.

Beside you, who haven't been told by your Shifu,

even those who joined us later,

I have never metioned a single word about it.

Since

this case has involved

those who has separated from the Plough Department,

I think it's necessary

to tell you what happened that year.

Kaiyang was right.

This case has not only provoked

heated discussion in the folk,

court officials are also doubting it,

among whom the most exciting one

is the former the vice defense minister of the Plough Department,

Priest Yinguang.

Senior detective,

is that your Shifu?

No.

The positions in the Plough Department\Nare not passed down from Shifu to disciples.

The reason why Kaiyang can reach the same position as her Shifu

is the result of her own abilities.

The first generation of Priest\NDongming which you've already known,

is priest Chen Tuan, a friend of the first emperor

of Song Dynasty.

And the first generation of Priest Yinguang,

Miaoqing, was the most reliable subordinate

beside the Emperor Taizu.

it is said that he also played a role

when the Emperor Taizu ascend the throne.

However, as the most important guard of the emperor,

he declined the reward,

unwilling to accept the position in the court.

Instead, he stayed with the Emperor Taizu

as a guard.

Today's glorious Plough Department

is due to Miaoqing's recommendation to the Emperor Taizu.

As a friend of Emperor Taizu,

Chen tuan just did a nominal favor.

Miaoqing single-handedly built up

the Plough Department,

which means,

how many masters he had recruited,

Dongming and I

have completely no idea.

I see.

Afer the Emperor Taizu passed away,

Miaoqing thought it was the Emperor Taizong who killed him,

so he was determined to revenge for him,

and take the throne

back to the Emperor Taizu's son,

today's

Prince Xian.

Those who disagreed with him

stayed in the Plough Department,

and the others followed Miaoqing,

and left the Plough Department

ever since

Did they assassinate the Emperor Taizong?

Yes.

And they were all brutally killed.

The Emperor Taizong himself was martial master.

so it was no surprise that he had many masters beside him.

After the assassination failed,

these people disappeared from the martial art circles.

How many of them left,

and where are they now,

we

have no idea.

So,

because of this case,

the Emperor Taizong is afraid of us, but he has to use us.

That's why he didn't allow us to guard him.

That's correct.

His majesty is the son of the Emperor Taizong.

Since the Emperor Taizong bewared of us.

his majesty

should have too.

The reason why I mention this today

is due to a person,

Yanzheng.

I'm afraid Yanzheng

is one of those masters

who followed Miaoqing and left the Plough Department.

Hidden behind the court,

he must have his purpose.

I think he haven't given up the plan

to take the throne back to the Emperor Taizu's offsprings.

He is a predecessor of the Plough Department,

and haven't showed up yet.

So if you want to tackle him,

you must remember

you must be

very careful.

Have you strengthened the

the guarding force in the palace?

Yes.

It's not peaceful inside the palace.

I have already add guards beside

your majesty's mother

and the prince.

Just speak!

Although the guarding force has been strengthened,

I'm stilled worried.

Your majesty,

Though the Plough Department caused trouble before,

the people left

are all loyal to your majesty.

People in the Plough Department are all capable.

Why not use them, your majesty?

Your majesty, you!(R)re responsible for the whole world.

If something bad

happens to you,

the whole country will suffer.

Even if you don't like them,

but for the sake of Concubine Shu,

your majesty,

you should call them in.

You are so valued.

If,

if anyone dares

to do anything,

it's worthless that you, such a delicate jade bottle,

confront with the crocks!

Your words do make sense.

After all,

it has been such a long time.

Call the Plough Department in tomorrow.

Yes, your majesty.

Eunuch Zhou,

are you on duty today?

Is His majesty resting now?

His majesty is resting now.

What's the matter, eunuch Lei?

I'm here to inform you that

it's not peaceful in the palace recently.

Be sure to strengthen the force.

Don't worry.

Tomorrow,

his majesty will call the Plough Department in.

With them in the palace,

those criminals won't succeed.

But the former emperor once said

the Plough Department

shouldn't be allowed to guard in the imperial palace.

Special time, special measures.

Also,

it's the edict of his majesty.

Why,

do you disagree with this?

No.

How dare I doubt his majesty's edict.

It couldn't be better

that the Plough Department could enter into the palace.

Take care, eunuch Zhou!

By the grace of God,

his majesty commands

the Plough Department

that as a significant part of our country,

during this turbulent time in the imperial palace,

you can select several

outstanding kung fu masters

to guard his majesty, the empress dowager, princes,

and other imperial members.

This edict will take effect right now.

Please follow the it.

Afternoon, Feb. 7, first year of Qianxing.

Yes, your majesty.

Defence minister,

the situation in the palace is unstable.

His majesty's safety

all depends on you!

We'll try our best!

Please!

Take care, eunuch Zhou!

Have his majesty

changed his mind?

Wenqu,

you'll enter into the prince's palace today,

take care of the prince's diet and daily life,

and never let anyone harm him.

Yes!

Yaoguang,

Your responsibility is

staying with Concubine Shu and ensuring her safety.

Yes!

What about me?

You stay with his majesty,

and ensure his safety.

Yes!

Senior detective Dongming,

Isn't it a little improper

to appoint this immature and obtrusive guy

to protect his majesty?

How could you say that, Yaoguang!

There are so many masters around his majesty,

you won't make any difference there.

But Taisui is different.

He is immune to poison,

and will not die.

He is the best flesh shield.

Is there anyone better?

Me?

Flesh shield?

Guru, this way.

Who was on duty the day before yesterday?

It's us.

Take them down!

Guru,

The two attendants on duty that day are under controlled.

We can get some information

by torturing them.

As for where the puppet is hidden,

it depends on you!

I can almost sense

the place.

Eunuch Zhou!

Who are you?

I'm Taisui from the Plough Department.

I'm here to protect his majesty by decree.

How could you accompany his majesty

in this suit?

Then what should I wear?

You,

go get one of your uniform.

Yes.

What?

Am I gonna wear the eunuch's uniform?

Stop talking.

Get dressed.

His majesty is going to the court.

Zhou Zheng.

Hurry up!

His majesty arrives!

Salute!

Long live your majesty!

Arise!

Thank you, your majesty!

Report your issues

or leave the court.

I have something to report.

Minister Kang, please speak.

Your majesty,

I heard that Concubine Shu suddenly fell ill.

Some said it was caused by a witchcraft.

So your majesty have empowered someone

to do things at her will

in order to find out the so called murderer in the palace,

leading to the chaos

in the imperial harem.

Both the Plough Department and Guru Demiao

firmly believe that Concubine Shu was not ill,

but she was harmed by others.

In my palace,

someone has committed a murder.

Isn't it right that I should thoroughly investigate this case?

It does have to be investigate,

but you shouldn't have appoint such an improper person

to do so,

which has led to one trouble and another.

And many innocent attendants have also suffered from this.

Improper person?

Minister Kang,

who are you talking about, Lei Yun

or Guru Demiao?

The imperial issues,

if not entrusted to the trustworthy people around me,

who should I appoint, the three justice departments?

Your majesty,

not necessarily the three justice departments,

but the Court of Royal Affairs can do this.

The Court of Royal Affairs is in charge of royal affairs.

It's their responsibility to take over the case.

Or,

you can appoint eunuch Zhou Zheng to investigate this case.

Eunuch Zhou is in charge of the whole palace attendants.

It couldn't be more proper if he can take care of this case.

It's my own business,

No more words.

If you don't have other national affairs to report,

you can stand down now.

If your majesty want to hear national affairs,

I have something to report.

Your majesty,

Concubine Shu was hurt

and the palace is in chaos.

All of these

are due to the absence of an empress\Nin charge after the former empress passed away.

It's inevitable that

concubines may have some bad ideas.

But if there is an empress

to be in charge of the imperial harem,

the turbulence in the palace will naturally quiet down.

And you won't be distracted

by the imperial harem affairs.

So,

I recommend your majesty to crown an empress as soon as possible.

Your majesty,

Minister Kang. Is right.

I strongly agree with him.

Concubine Shu's misfortune

was because of the absence of an empress

who can take charge of the imperial harem.

The concubines all have their own ideas in their mind,

leading to the turbulence of the palace.

So in order to stabilize the situation in the imperial harem,

you should crown Concubine Shu as the empress as soon as possible.

Minister Kang, Minister Wei,

you're both right.

I do have this plan.

How do you think?

Your majesty,

I agree,

but I don't think Concubine Shu should be the empress.

Who do you think

can be the empress?

An empress must be the maternal example of the nation.

But Concubine Shu was born in a poor family,

how could she be the one?

So I think concubine Shen might be the proper one.

Although she entered into the palace very late,

she is educated and well-behaved

with a decent personality.

Also, she was born noble,

as the granddaughter of former prime minister Shenlun.

She is completely qualified for the motherly model of the nation.

Thus,

I recommend the Shen concubine to be the empress.

I agree.

We agree.

I oppose.

Concubine Shu

has been serving your majesty

before you became the emperor.

How contributive she is!

Besides, she is always well-behaved,

never said or done anything improper\Neven she's favored by your majesty.

Both her behaviors and words are perfect.

She is the best to be the empress.

Born in poverty,

Concubine Shu was supposed to be an ordinary women.

With such a background,

how to be the empress?

Heroes are not judged by their backgrounds.

What's the big deal of her background?

I agree.

I agree.

I agree.

Minister Wei is right.

Concubine Shu should be the empress.

Minister Wang,

Concubine Shu may be humble,

not well-educated,

and not convincing enough.

But it's not a good idea

to appoint concubine Shen as the empress.

Now Concubine Shu is in the highest position of the imperial harem.

It's reasonable that she should be the empress.

However, since she is now between life and death,

she shouldn't be appointed as the empress.

What if she passed away

after becoming the empress?

Enough!

Let's talk about this later.

Levee dismiss!

Levee dismiss!

Take care, your majesty.

His majesty arrives!

My darling.

Yaoguang, Taisui,

leave us alone.

Is he coming back?

Meng!

I'm back.

Concubine Shu hasn't woke up yet.

I wonder,

what are Dongming and Demiao doing?

Eunuch Luo,

go find what Dongming and Demiao are doing now.

Yes.

Snake!

Your majesty!

It's OK.

Don't worry, your majesty.

Your majesty!

Are you okay?

Your majesty,

it's my fault.

Sorry to make you frightened.

Please punish me!

It's just an accident.

Arise.

Thanks, your majesty.

Thanks, your majesty.

What's wrong with you?

Why are there worms

in the imperial garden!

If his majesty ever gets hurt,

you'll all lose your head!

Okay, Lei Yun.

Take it easy.

Your majesty,

it's our fault,

you should blame us!

I said enough!

Yes.

Yes, your majesty.

Go away!

Go!

Hurry up!

Hurry up!

Hurry up!

Kid,

what do you wanna say?

Your majesty,

The snake you came across in the imperial garden

was really strange.

It's likely that someone wanted to murder you.

Why not investigate it carefully?

My imperial garden

should have been expanded.

Now with so many kind of plants grown inside,

it's normal that

there are some worms or snakes.

If there really is someone planning to murder me,

just throw a snake in the grass,

how to make sure it will come across me?

So,

it's just an accident.

If you investigate it,

it will get more people in trouble.

Just forget it.

Although the emperor

is sometimes fatuous,

he is actually kind,

and can be called a humane ruler.

Come on.

How do you do?

As usual.

On duty,

studying the mechanism

It's just...

you're not here.

I don't have any bosom friend.

There is no one to talk to

when I find something interesting.

I'm always thinking,

if only you're here.

So,

Did you find something interesting recently?

Yes,

I did.

Have you ever heard of the organ monster?

organ monster

Is it like the wooden ox?

The wooden ox can only repeat some simple moves,

like walking.

But the organ monster I've seen

is able to do more complicated things.

Who's there?

It's you!

Your majesty.

Quiet!

Your majesty.

Your majesty,

your water.

Have a sit.

Sit down, please.

Thanks, your majesty.

You martial arts are so great,

stealing the water

without people noticing it.

It's just a piece of cake.

It's your reward.

Thank you, your majesty!

Your majesty.

Why are you hungry now.

Today in the court,

I was irritated

by the stubborn Kang Pingzhong.

When I return back to the imperial harem,

concubine Shu

was still unconscious.

So I didn't have any appetite at all.

Surprisingly,

I was awaken

by the hunger at midnight.

Your majesty.

You are the emperor,

the most honorable of the nation.

If you're hungry,

just order the attendants,

they'll prepare the meal for you.

Why are you acting so covertly?

What a funny kid.

It is exactly because I'm the emperor

that I cannot bother anyone.

Why?

As an emperor, you must be carefully about what you say and do.

For example,

I'm just hungry tonight.

If I order a meal,

in order to be prepared

every night in the future,

the attendants or

some who use this opportunity to flatter me,

will regard this as a routine.

Then every night,

they will prepare a lot of food

in case of need.

In this way,

isn't it a waste of money and food?

I see.

I thought

an emperor

can eat whatever he likes

and enjoy endless wealth.

But after hearing your words,

I now know that an emperor also have many troubles.

Sometimes you're even less free

than the ordinary people.

The emperor's every word and deed can have a huge influence.

So you must act and speak cautiously.

Thinking carefully,

I'm not as comfortable and free

as those ordinary people.

Yes.

Like getting married.

Correct!

You're right.

Take marriage for example.

Your majesty.

To be honest,

I think these officials

are so meddlesome.

Your marriage is none of their business.

You're right!

So right!

Come on.

It's all yours.

Thanks, your majesty.

There is a saying that

the imperial affairs are nothing about privacy.

The imperial harem and the court

are combined together.

I'm an emperor,

and I want to appoint a empress.

But those officials and imperial members

attach so much importance to qualification,

background

and positon,

never asked me

who I love.