Original subtitles

Subtitles by TVB USA

[Beyond the Realm of Conscience]

Episode Seven

- Sam Ho. - Officer Ko.

Master Bo said you wanted to see me.

Thanks to you for saving the Imperial Household Bureau.

I want to thank you in person.

It's no big deal. Don't mention it.

You talked to the empress.

If she was in a different mood, she would have imprisoned or even killed you.

You've taken great risk to help us. I really don't know how to thank you.

You should thank yourself for this.

Myself?

Do you remember brother Onizuka said that you've got determination?

I just modeled on you. You aren't afraid of pain or difficulties.

You insist on doing good deeds.

Good deeds will be rewarded. I've got a gift for you.

- Did you make it yourself? - Yes.

It's so beautiful. I'll carry it with me all the time.

- Sam Ho. - Kam Ling.

People from the Internal Services said

the empress has handed over Madam Tsui to Chief Choi for further handling.

She's now being taken to the Imperial Household Bureau.

Madam Tsui works for the empress. She can punish her at will.

She doesn't need others to do the job for her. Why is she doing so now?

Maybe the empress can't give the order to execute Madam Tsui

as she's worked for her for so many years.

But if she sets her free, people will say she's unjust.

The empress knows Chief Choi is kindhearted.

Maybe she wants Chief Choi to spare Madam Tsui.

I don't think so. Madam Tsui is guilty. She deserves to be executed.

The empress doesn't want to give the order in person

lest people may say she's stone-hearted.

So she wants Chief Choi to do the job for her.

Does the empress want to kill her or release her?

If we make the wrong guess

the Imperial Household Bureau will be in trouble.

- Get a chair for Madam Tsui. - Yes, Chief.

Chief Choi does show good manners. You still remember my status.

I work for the empress. You aren't so rude like the other slaves.

You aren't what you were before. What status do you have?

I've got no status? I'm entitled to sit on this chair.

How long have you guys been in the palace?

Do you know how much I've done for the empress?

I came to the palace at the age of twelve.

Back then I already served the empress when she was Lady Kwok.

Her Highness has assisted four emperors in all these years.

She's in charge of the inner chambers. She's even unified the country.

I've got credit too. I've won her favor.

Now she wants you to set me free because I've served her faithfully.

Madam Tsui, of course you are entitled to sit on this chair.

But it isn't because you've got credit in serving the empress.

It's just because I want to take this opportunity to return your favor.

Back then when I was still a maid in the Embroideries Department.

I used the wrong threads to make a pair of pillows. I was supposed to be punished.

But you said my craftsmanship was good.

You asked the then Chief Leung to give them to you.

So I was spared of the punishment.

Now I'm giving you this chair in return for your favor.

Please sit down during the trial.

Trial? By you?

Of course not. The judge is the empress.

The Imperial Household Bureau carries out her order only.

We'll follow the law strictly.

You are a loan shark in breach of the law. You show no respect for the emperor.

To cover up your crime, you planted evidence to set up others.

You show no respect for the law.

You set up the innocent. You are mean.

You are unscrupulous. You coveted the post of Chief. You are dirty.

Yes, I did everything for power and fortune.

Who doesn't do that in the palace?

You've shown no respect for the emperor or the law. You are arrogant and dirty.

You wanted to get us killed so as to take over my post. You are guilty.

How about you guys? You say I set you up to get the post of Chief.

Don't you guys want to get the post too?

Who doesn't want to head the four departments?

Besides, who among the maids and students doesn't want to get the post too?

In the palace, you don't get any status if you have no power or authority.

Who doesn't want a promotion? Who doesn't want the authority?

You say I tried to get you killed so as to climb up? How about you guys?

How many people did you kill before you got your current status?

You are a mean and dirty person. You aren't qualified compared to us.

No matter how we fight with each other, we never intended to hurt anyone.

We've never done anything to hurt anyone.

We aren't like you. You are wicked.

Now there's concrete evidence.

According to Tang law, I sentence you to death.

Choi Chung Ping, everyone says you are kind and friendly.

Actually, you and I are two of a kind.

To eliminate your enemies, you can be so unscrupulous.

I've seen a lot of killings in all these years.

Today I'm going to die. I wonder who will be next.

You'd better mind your posts.

There are many out there who would want it.

Take her away to wait for execution.

Yes, madam.

Stop it. The empress handed me over to the Imperial Household Bureau for trial

as she wanted to spare my life.

Now you want to kill me? I don't mind dying.

But the empress won't let you go for sure. Very soon you'll get killed too.

Bring it on. I don't mind it.

Let me go. Let me go, Choi Chung Ping. I want to see the empress.

You want to convict me? You want to kill me?

I work for the empress. You must die too. I want to see the empress.

All of you will die too.

- Your Highness. - At ease.

Much obliged, Your Highness.

I feel sad and painful today.

I feel sad because the servant

who's worked for me for so many years is executed for her wrongdoings.

I feel painful as a faithful person has done something wrong.

The offense committed by Madam Tsui is serious.

All those related to her should be executed too.

But you executed her alone.

You are so generous to her.

Your Highness gave me the chance to find out the truth. Madam Tsui is convicted.

The name of the Imperial Household Bureau is cleared.

The maids in the Bureau are loyal and united.

But shouldn't you guys be loyal to His Majesty and me?

As slaves and maids, you should know who your master is.

You must never do anything against your master's will.

Don't ever think you can force your master to make a concession. This is so wrong.

We'll remember your teaching, Your Highness.

Do you still remember what I told you when you first came to the palace?

Once a slave, always a slave.

It's good you remember that.

Tsui Wan, Suet Ha, how are your hands?

Master Po gave me some medicine.

Mistress Chung also gave me a bottle of medicine from the imperial pharmacy.

I've applied both. It should get well very soon.

The medicine I gave you is very effective for bone setting.

I've applied it for a few days. My condition has improved a lot.

This is good. You two are friends again now.

Although we were tortured hard during the custody

it's worth it since the ordeal brings you two closer.

- General Ma, this way please. - Chief Choi.

General Ma, what brings you here?

This is a petty gift. Congratulations, Chief Choi.

- Your name is cleared. - Thank you.

General Ma knows Chief Choi was scared.

These nutritious herbs are good for your health.

She needs the replenishment. She's really scared. That's bad for her health.

Someone was so mean to refuse help. It's really disappointing.

You two shouldn't be so rude.

No matter how mean other people may be

we as members of the Imperial Household Bureau must still pay attention to manners.

We should be kindhearted.

If we see someone in trouble.

we mustn't sit back and refrain from offering help like someone did.

You've cited the wrong precedent.

According to the book of poems, staying away to preserve yourself

is the conduct of a gentleman.

What's the matter of you guys? Why do you keep talking?

Everyone knows we are united in the Imperial Household Bureau.

You don't need to remind General Ma. He knows that very well.

The Internal Service serves His Majesty.

The Imperial Household Bureau serves the inner chambers.

We should work hand in hand.

It's good you understand this, General Ma.

As the empress said, all of us are the master's slaves. Our status is the same.

What's the point of being so calculating?

It's already a blessing to serve the empress and the emperor, right?

You're so right, Chief Choi. Thanks for the enlightenment.

You can read this.

This book is about sewing and knitting?

There are so many different sewing techniques.

I saw this book in the library. I thought it's useful to you, so I got it for you.

Last time you made me a purse. I want to return your favor.

Do you mean my sewing is bad so that I should practice more?

No, you are so skillful.

I just think you may want to learn more.

I carry the purse you made everyday.

I think I didn't do a good job. Take here for example.

No. I find this purse so nice.

It's because it's made by you, Sam Ho.

My lord.

How are you doing, my lord?

You two? What a coincidence. I went to pay respect to Sweet Lotus Seed just now.

I've got some here. You want to eat it?

My lord, what happened to your hand?

Last time I snatched Madam Tsui's purse for fun. I tripped and fell.

But if I knew kung fu last time, I could fly. Then I wouldn't trip.

Is there such a kind of kung fu?

Of course. Oh yes, you know kung fu. Why don't you teach me?

Even if I can't fly, at least it's good for my health. I'm strong. Look.

You want me to teach you kung fu, my lord?

Yes.

His lordship likes so much to learn. Why don't you teach him?

It's good for health.

He can also protect himself so that people can't bully him all the time.

There are only three strikes for this set of kung fu.

Wait... Wait... How to worship the sun?

Not like that, my lord. Let me show you the three strikes first.

Mantis worshiping the sun.

Kid asking for direction.

The third strike. Dragon wagging its tail.

You give your enemy a kick to ward off the immediate danger.

I'm the emperor, yet there's a time limit for going hunting. It's such a rush.

It's no fun at all.

Prime Minister Lee shortened the trip from three days to one day

so as to squeeze more time for Your Majesty to deal with the national affairs.

His intention is good.

But the problem is he that cares about the people so much

he's failed to consider Your Majesty's hardship.

Hey, it's you, uncle?

I saw you striking and kicking from a distance.

Are you practicing kung fu?

Yes, Your Majesty. I'm practicing kung fu here. Actually, it's so hard.

I nearly tripped hard.

You practice alone, of course it's hard.

- Let me play with you. - What?

No, Your Majesty. No.

My lord, don't hurt His Majesty.

No, Your Majesty... It hurts, Your Majesty.

No, Your Majesty. Please don't.

I've failed to teach his lordship well. His kung fu is so lousy.

How can he practice with Your Majesty?

This is no fun. I don't want to play anymore.

I'm the dragon. I'm the emperor.

Whoever fights with me will only be defeated.

- Let's go. - Yes, Your Majesty.

He's gone. He's gone. How are you? Are you alright?

Do you feel hurt getting hit by him?

It seems that you feel worse.

You're really a good mentor.

You get the guts to fight the emperor.

Let me bow to you.

Hey... This is a trivial matter Wait till His Majesty kills me.

You can bow to me then.

Hotpot of Qianzhou, pork and chicken. All these are famous dishes in Changan.

They are really nice.

Thank you for joining me for dinner, Mistress Chung, Mistress Yuen.

I'm really grateful.

You've invited us to dinner in particular. You want us to help you?

Actually I need both the Embroideries Department

and the Jewels Department to help me.

His Majesty is holding a banquet for the Persian envoys next month.

He will select six candidates to serve the wine. I'm lucky to be selected.

I've come to the palace for eight years.

This will be my first time seeing His Majesty.

If I can't give His Majesty a good impression, the chance will slip away.

I don't know how long I have to wait again.

So you want an outstanding dress and a beautiful hairpin to attract His Majesty?

I understand your situation. There are so many girls in the inner chambers.

All of them are waiting for a chance to become His Majesty's woman.

But too bad.

Some waited for their entire life

without getting a chance to meet His Majesty at all.

You are so lucky to get this chance. Congratulations.

That's why I take the liberty to ask for your help.

I'll tell you honestly that the other five candidates

have also requested us to make them beautiful dresses

and hairpins to attract His Majesty.

That's right. Both candidate Lam and candidate Tsang

want to sew some gold threads on their dresses.

They want to put some jewels there too.

Their red packets are of course much more substantial.

The material for their dresses is more costly. The craftsmanship is better.

Mistress Chung, I'm afraid we don't have enough time

to make the dress for candidate Ho.

Mistress Yuen, I'm afraid we don't get the time either.

I beg you two to help me please. I've come to the palace for years.

This could be my last chance. I don't mind growing old in the palace.

I just want to see His Majesty once. I beg you please.

Alright, alright. I'll see what I can do.

OK. I'll see if I can make the craftsmanship better.

As to whether you can draw His Majesty's attention, it depends on your luck.

Thank you so much.

- Deputy Head Cho. - Deputy Head Cho.

Deputy Head Ching.

Sam Ho, why did you come here?

Mistress Chung told me to come over.

Mistress Chung sent me here to ask about the hairpin that

you're going to make for candidate Ho.

We'll follow your design to make a matching dress.

Mistress Yuen is still drawing the design. You can see when she comes out later.

Deputy Head Cho, I heard that Mistress Chung

promised to make a dress for candidate Ho first.

She knew the red packet was so minimal. But she still agreed to do it.

That isn't her character.

After the ordeal, Mistress Chung has been so nice to everyone.

She's so friendly and nice.

The girls have spent so much money to make clothes and hairpins

so as to win His Majesty's favor.

But how many of them will really get lucky?

They are only wasting their time and effort.

Candidate Ho is quite pitiful.

She's waited for eight years before getting this chance.

She's put everything she's got on it.

If a candidate fails to win His Majesty's favor after she's turned twenty-five.

she will be demoted to work as a servant.

The treatment is really so different.

If she gets the luck to become a concubine, she'll be in heaven.

Otherwise, she'll be in hell.

I wouldn't want to spend my life like that.

You? Do you think you are good enough?

Mistress Yuen.

Did Mistress Chung send you here?

Yes, it's about candidate Ho's hairpin.

- Kam Ling. - Yes.

You'll be in charge of candidate Ho's hairpin.

You draw the design.

Then show it to me. I'll give you my comments if I find anything lacking.

There isn't much time. You must get it done as soon as possible.

Yes, Mistress Yuen.

Why are you holding my box of blush?

- What's inside this box? - Nothing.

Nothing? What did you give me?

- You want to give me poison? - No.

You came to poison me while I was having dinner in the canteen.

Thank God I came back early. Otherwise, I'll get killed.

No. This isn't poison.

It will only make your face turn red and blow up after wearing it.

You are so wicked. You always want to get me killed.

Last time you stole my bamboo design. Now you want to hurt my face.

Fine. I'll tell Mistress Yuen about it. Let her decide what to do.

No, Kam Ling. I bet you please. Don't tell Mistress Yuen about it.

Let me go.

Please don't turn me in. I was wrong. You are making very good progress.

Mistress Yuen favors you.

I feel threatened. That's why I'm doing so. Please believe me.

Give me a chance. Don't tell Mistress Yuen about it.

Otherwise, she will kick me out. I beg you please.

It's my fault. I'm mean.

I'm narrow-minded. I'm jealous of you. I shouldn't treat you this way.

I beg you to forgive me please.

Enough. I'm not so wicked like you. You always want to get me killed.

Do you mean you will forgive me?

I must punish you.

I want you to feel the pain and the itch so that you won't hurt people again.

You put the blush on your hand.

All right. I'll do it.

Remember this. Don't ever set me up again.

Otherwise, I won't let you go.

I'll never do it again.

Mistress Yuen.

What's the matter with your hand?

I was cut by the tools inadvertently. It's a minor injury only.

We work with our hands. Your future will be ruined if your hands are ruined.

I know that.

Mistress Yuen, this morning Kam Ling said she got a weird disease.

She asked me to tell you that she can't come in.

Kam Ling.

Mistress Yuen, don't come over. My face.

What happened? Let me see...

Kam Ling.

What happened?

This morning when I got up, I put on some blush. Then I felt very itchy.

After a while, it's like that.

I wear the blush everyday. Nothing went wrong before

Deputy Head Ching, come over here.

Why are you hiding your hand?

It's red and swollen like Kam Ling's face.

What have you done?

I put the drugs in the box of blush.

It's you? You set me up?

You knew it. You even said you would forgive me.

I don't know it. How would I know it?

If I knew it, how would I be so stupid to wear it on my face?

I would tell Mistress Yuen immediately.

Bitch, last night you said...

Shut up, Ching Wing Fong. You did this to your sister?

You aren't allowed to stay in the Jewels Department anymore.

No, Mistress Yuen... please give me a chance. I know I was wrong.

Please give me a chance.

I didn't do it on purpose. I beg you please.

I beg you please, Mistress Yuen, I know I was wrong.

Please give me a chance.

What's the matter? Don't want to leave? Right. Take a good look.

You'll be transferred to the Chores Bureau.

I really don't know if you will get a chance to be transferred back.

Why do you come here?

To see Deputy... Oh no, you aren't a deputy anymore.

I don't need to address you that way, right?

I can simply call you Ching Wing Fong.

What? You're pissed off?

Right.

You're going to wash the feet of those abandoned ladies.

You have to do all the tough jobs like fetching water and breaking wood.

You should feel unhappy.

I was so stupid to believe that you would forgive me.

Actually, you planned to set me up and get rid of me.

Who started this? You've set me up time and again.

You've done so many things to get rid of me.

Do you think you'll get the post of Deputy Head once I've left?

Now you aren't a member of the Imperial Household Bureau.

What does it matter to you who gets a promotion in the Bureau?

You tried to set me up first this time. That's why I did the same to you.

Tell you what. You've asked for it.

Sam Ho, you came at the right moment. Take a good look at your sister. Watch out.

She'll get you killed sooner or later.

So what Deputy Head Ching said is true.

I did so in self-defense only.

All of us are members of the Imperial Household Bureau.

We should understand sisterhood. Mom always taught us to show goodwill.

We shouldn't hurt other people.

But she hurt me first.

Has she ever been nice to us when she was the Deputy Head?

She's bullied me ever since I was a child.

She tried to set me up time and again. This time her trick was exposed.

It backfired.

We work and learn together. Can't we be honest with each other?

Can't we live in peace?

People in the palace are tricky. If they don't trick me, I won't fight back.

But can't I defend myself when people set me up?

I tried to put up with her. But she kept pushing.

There's a limit to my tolerance.

If I allow her to stay here, it's like putting a wolf next to me.

I need to survive. What else could I do?

If I didn't fight back, Ching Wing Fong would get me killed sooner or later.

Our days wouldn't be easy with such a Deputy Head there.

I'd rather get a new one.

Do you want to get the post of Deputy Head after she's left?

I have the confidence that if I get this post

I'll do a much better job than she did.

I will look after the sisters in the Jewels Department.

Forget it. You still think you're right no matter what I say.

There's no point to argue any further.

The dress is made of the knitted material from Hunan. It's so beautiful.

This gold hairpin is so delicate. Thank you very much.

I've never worn such a beautiful dress or such a delicate gold hairpin before.

It's good that you like it.

Are they really so beautiful?

- My lady. - My lady.

Let me see.

I heard that some beautiful dresses and hairpins will be delivered here today

so I came to take a look.

Hey, it's really beautiful.

Just now you said you've never worn such a beautiful dress

and such a dazzling gold hairpin before.

Dresses and ornaments are supposed to match a person's status.

What's your status?

You two report to Mistress Chung and Mistress Yuen that I want the dresses. Here.

We wouldn't dare take it.

The red packets are for Mistress Chung and Mistress Yuen.

Tell them not to work for others.

Yes, my lady.

Oh, there are two more?

They are cheap.

Candidate Ho.

I'm fine. You two go make the report. Thank you very much.

Sam Ho, the gold thread I've got is much more refined.

You can't buy it so easily outside.

It's better than that Master Po bought for you.

Thank you.

You know I'm making a hairpin for candidate Ho?

When candidate Ho was bullied by Lady Wong, you kept staring at her.

I knew you would help her for sure.

Like what your mom said, speak good words, do good deeds, and show goodwill.

You still remember what mom said?

Of course I do.

I'll show goodwill for good people.

Like in your presence, Sam Ho.

I'll speak all the good words and do all the good deeds.

But I won't give way in the presence of the mean and bad guys.

Only then can I protect myself and others.

- I get it. - You get it?

You've spoken so many good words, how can I not?

Actually no matter how bad or how mean I treat other people

I'll still be nice to you, Sam Ho.

It's because you're my only sister.

That's why you've brought me the gold thread, right? I get it.

But Sam Ho, no matter how skillful you are.

the other candidates get feathering or jewels on their hairpins.

I'm afraid this one won't be their match.

How can I make it stand out?

Hey, do you have phosphorescent powder.

This Firefly Dancing is a new hairpin Kam Ling and I made for you.

Please take a look, candidate Ho.

We've worked on it for several nights.

Thank you very much.

Do you find it so commonplace? Are you disappointed?

You two have actually done a lot for me. I can't ask for anymore.

Why don't you get closer and take a better look?

It's so beautiful. How did you do it?

I've sprayed phosphorescent powder on it.

It glows in the dark like a firefly dancing at night.

So I call it Firefly Dancing.

I hope you won't give up, candidate Ho.

Although you are surrounded by the darkness of the night

you can still dance beautifully.

You look so beautiful wearing this hairpin.

I can't believe there are two kind persons in the palace. But my status is so low.

Maybe His Majesty won't look at me at all. I'm afraid I can never return your favor.

We don't expect any favor.

We just want to help you fulfill your wish.

Please let me bow to you two.

Don't mention it.

It's late. We have to go.

If someone sees us here, we'll get into trouble.

Kam Ling, do you feel happy after helping someone?

I've stayed up for several nights making the hairpin. I can sleep well tonight.

Of course I feel happy.

Next time if I say I want to go to Tai Ming Chambers

you must remind me not to go there.

It's really no fun at all.

It's still early. Do you want to see another lady, Your Majesty?

How come there's a firefly dancing at night in this season?

Who's over there? Stop there.

This is candidate Ho Tsau Yee, Your Majesty.

Raise your head. Let me see you.

You are... Candidate Ho?

Meet Lady Wai.

Lady Wai.

My fairy godmothers, please get up.

Your ladyship is now our master.

We wouldn't dare be rude.

Thanks to this Firefly Dancing, you two gave me

I've won His Majesty's favor and become Lady Wai.

I'm grateful to the two of you.

It's your ladyship's destiny to meet His Majesty. Your wish has come true.

Even God is on your side, your ladyship.

I can make it and get a bright future, all due to this hairpin.

I'm really so grateful to both of you. What would you like as a gift?

What? A gift?

We don't expect any gifts.

We are content to know that your ladyship's wish has come true.

That's right.

It's our job to serve the ladies.

But it would be rude to decline her ladyship's gift.

I'll give you two a pair of stickers. It's a tribute from Persia.

His Majesty gave them to me just now. Even Lady Wong doesn't get any.

Wow, they are so beautiful.

Grateful for the gift, your ladyship.

Sam Ho, let me show you something.

What is it?

- Look. Is it beautiful? - It is.

I put it here on purpose. I can see it. Other people can't.

I'll feel happier then when working. I really can't believe this.

A few days ago, candidate Ho still worried

that she might be demoted to work as a servant.

But now she's won His Majesty's favor and become a lady.

Her status is so different now. It's really hard to believe.

So long as you get hold of the chance, you can turn from a chicken into a phoenix.

God will look after good guys.

That's why you're rewarded for your goodwill.

This time you've got goodwill as well. I want you to be rewarded too.

Well, do you know if you are promoted to the post of Deputy Head?

Actually, Mistress Yuen has submitted my name to the Bureau Chief already.

It's pending the approval of the empress.

If I was really promoted to the post

I wouldn't bully my subordinates like Ching Wing Fong did.

Kam Ling, so you are here? The Bureau Chief wants to see you.

I bet it's good news.

Sam Ho, it's great you're here too. The Bureau Chief wants to see you too.

Is it a meeting for the four departments?

No. Apart from the two of you

Mistress Yuen to go see her.

My lady, Bureau Chief.

I've already given red packets to the Embroideries Department

and the Jewels Department.

I specifically prohibited you guys from helping Ho Tsau Yee.

How dare you make a hairpin for her? You think what I said was crap?

My lady, after you had taken the hairpin, the Jewels Department...

Shut up.

I know how Ho Tsau Yee seduced His Majesty with the hairpin.

You two damn maids made it for her.

Maid Yiu, did you make the hairpin for her?

I made the hairpin for Lady Wai. Kam Ling didn't.

This is serious. Don't take up the liability just to help your sister.

Do you know how to make hairpins?

- I do. - How dare you?

Sam Ho.

Drag her out. Chop her hands off.

My lady, if someone in the Imperial Household Bureau has made a mistake

I'll deal with her after it's confirmed.

The Bureau Chief is in charge of the four departments.

Your ladyship doesn't need to be bothered.

The Imperial Household Bureau is directly under the empress's jurisdiction.

We'll make a report to Her Highness if anything happens.

I don't even have the authority to punish a maid?

All the promotion, demotion award and punishment in the Imperial Household Bureau

are decided by the empress.

If you want to punish maid Lau

you need to wait till the empress has made a decision.

Fine. Let's go see the empress then.

- Your Highness. - At ease.

Thank you, Your Highness.

What's so urgent that you need to see me right away?

Your Highness has ordered that

there must be discipline in the Imperial Household Bureau.

The four departments have their respective duties.

They mustn't cross the line.

Just now, I found that maid Lau Sam Ho of the Embroideries Department

has crossed the line.

She didn't work on sewing and knitting. She made a hairpin in private.

You mean Lady Wai's Firefly Dancing?

Here comes Lady Ho.

Your Highness, my lady.

Come on. Sit next to me.

The material of this Firefly Dancing is commonplace. Its design is simple.

The most wonderful part is the thought of the maker, right, Lau Sam Ho?

Your Highness.

You sprayed phosphorescent powder on the hairpin so that it glows in the dark.

The gleam moves with the person like dancing.

It matches the name Firefly Dancing flawlessly.

I remember last time you cut the collar of the dress.

But you were calm enough to replace it with linen ribbons.

It's both a collar and a shawl.

Even her ladyship said it's so good.

Do you remember that, Lady Wong?

Yes, Your Highness.

But I do feel a little bit confused.

Isn't the Jewels Department responsible.

for making all the hairpins and earrings in the palace?

Your Highness, the Jewels Department did make a gold hairpin for Lady Wai.

But Lady Wong happened to see it. She liked it very much.

- So she's borrowed it. - I see.

As for the Firefly Dancing.

Your Highness, maid Lau noticed that Lady Wai didn't get a hairpin.

So she gave it a try.

She made another hairpin for her ladyship to go with her dress.

Lau Sam Ho works in the Embroideries Department.

How come her skills in making hairpins can be so outstanding?

Did the Imperial Household Bureau fail to notice her talent

so that she's assigned to the wrong department?

Maid Lau's hands are skillful.

Her needlework is the best among her colleagues. She's also clever and gifted.

She's got photographic memory. Maybe her skills are self-taught.

Maid Lau's late mom was Madam Lau Kong Choi King.

Maybe her mom had taught her well, so she's gifted in making hairpins.

You guys are making up excuses.

Lau Sam Ho has failed to observe the rules and orders.

She pays no respect to the regulations in the palace.

Easy, Lady Wong.

Who do you think made the rules for the inner chambers?

I made the rules. I'm not mad. How are you entitled to yell here?

I always want the concubines in the inner chambers to live in peace.

Now you seized the hairpin and made a scene here.

That's so unbecoming of your status.

The three palaces and six mansions are ruled by the queen.

Even though there isn't a queen yet, there's still me, the empress, here.

You don't get any say at all.

Chief Choi, you submitted the name of the new Deputy Head to me earlier, right?

Will Your Highness please make the order.

Now there's a change.

I've got a better candidate. This is my order.

From today onward, maid Lau Sam Ho of the Embroideries Department.

will be transferred to the Jewels Department.

She'll be promoted to the post of Deputy Head.

Deputy Head Lau, say thanks to Her Highness.

I'm so grateful, Your Highness.

Subtitles by TVB USA