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[Beyond the Realm of Conscience]

Episode Ten

I've got news that His Majesty wants to hunt them down.

Them? You mean?

The pitiful mother and son. The prince and Lady Zheng.

There's nothing I can do to help them.

They will die?

- Sam Ho. - Officer Ko.

Are you all right? Is there any problem?

I worry about the prince and Lady Zheng. They are in danger.

Last time you said they would be better leaving the palace

than staying here like sitting ducks.

Of course it's good for them to leave. But too bad it's the road to hell.

The prince is sick. Worrying about him can't help him.

His life or death is predestined.

If he had believed in fate

he wouldn't have suffered the humiliation for so many years.

The prince isn't an idiot at all, he isn't sick either.

The so-called accident and epidemic are both faked.

His objective was to leave this place.

Now that his wish is granted, he's free.

Why is it the road to hell?

His Majesty has decided to kill them.

He's already sent people to hunt them down.

The prince and his mother are in danger, but I can't leave the palace to warn them.

You can't. But I can.

You? No. This is too serious.

What if something goes wrong?

I shouldn't have told you about this.

I taught the prince sword fighting before. How can I just sit back?

Besides, you've done me a favor before.

I don't want to see you feel so troubled and sad.

I'm willing to run this errand for you.

Officer Ko.

You ran into me tonight.

It seems that I'm predestined to help you solve this problem.

As fate has allowed us to meet and become friends

let's follow the will of God, no matter if it's a blessing or a curse.

Are you sure we can make it in doing so?

If we don't leave tonight, we won't get a chance to do so tomorrow.

The guards said all the infected persons from different places will gather here.

After that, they will go to Celestial Mountain together.

By then the number of guards will be increased in multiples.

It will be more difficult to escape.

I hope God will have mercy on us and let us stay alive.

We've been forced to live apart for so many years.

Now that we are free from persecution, we can start all over again.

Even if we don't have any fixed abode in future

there will still be sweetness in bitterness.

I feel so content with you there, I will hang in there.

Once we're away from danger, we don't need to pretend anymore.

Officer Ko?

- Are you all right? - I'm fine.

You are wounded for our sake.

You've even committed the offense of killing imperial guards.

His Majesty won't look for the killer in public.

He doesn't want people to know that he tried to kill his uncle

so I'm not afraid of it.

You've saved our lives, we planned to escape tonight.

Now we have to run for our lives.

My lord, what's your plan?

I've lived in a monastery for a long time before.

I happened to meet a monk in charge whom I can trust.

It's my plan to go stay in his place.

I didn't expect His Majesty would order to kill us so soon.

I'm not afraid of dying.

I just don't want my mom to live in terror.

So I pretended to be dumb and stupid in all these years

in the hope that my mom could live a long life.

But everything didn't work out as planned.

You mustn't give up, my lord. Her ladyship still counts on you.

If you hadn't risked your life to save us, both of us would have died already.

It's a long way ahead.

I really don't know if I can provide a good living for my mom.

You can if you are determined to do so.

Oh yes, Sam Ho asked me to give you this.

- My lord. - Sam Ho.

You're fine now.

Thank you. Thank you for giving me sweetness in bitterness.

You're right.

A person must have hopes to survive.

Besides, the bitter days won't be for long.

There's still sweetness no matter how bitter it is.

You call yourself General Special Tactics?

I asked you to deal with an idiot and a sick woman.

I can't believe you've screwed up.

It's my fault, Your Majesty, please have mercy.

I'll send fifty soldiers to hunt them down again.

I believe I can find out their whereabouts very soon.

I don't want the persons, I want their dead bodies.

How dare this bitch see someone without my knowledge.

General Ma, make the announcement that

Prince Kwong and Lady Zheng have parted on the way to the mountain.

As they are royal family, they must be found and taken back to the palace.

There will be a substantial award.

Yes, Your Highness.

But if you screw up again, you'll be the next one to be executed.

Master Bo.

Sam Ho, I'll talk to you after I get the job done.

I've made some chrysanthemum and longan cakes for you.

Thank you. Please put them down. I'm so busy today.

I don't even have time for tea. General Ma is throwing a party today.

I was supposed to go help him there

but then suddenly I have to make the medicine. I feel exhausted.

Are you sick?

I wish I was, then I could drink some herbal tea and take a nap.

I don't need to work. Everyone comes to me when they're in trouble.

But when I need help, they are nowhere to be found.

Everyone takes my Purple Bamboo Wood as a shelter.

Siu Shun goes there to goof off. Kam Ling goes there when she's unhappy.

He fought with others and got injured.

He dare not go home, so he hid himself there.

Who fought with others?

- Hin Yeung did. - Officer Ko?

He suddenly left the palace, then he suddenly returned. He's wounded.

He's wounded?

I guess it's an internal injury.

So I need to give him the medicine for internal injury.

Oh no, it's already four. I need to hurry to General Ma's place.

Let me help you?

Sam Ho, you're really so kind. Thank you.

Officer Ko, Master Po can't come. He asked me to bring you the medicine.

What? Officer Ko...

Where have you been?

You're injured. You shouldn't walk around.

I worried so much.

I wanted to drink water, so I went to get some from the well.

You should ask someone to help you.

Officer Ko... Officer Ko.

You've come around?

You stayed here for the whole night?

Let me get you some water.

No, thanks.

I don't want dad to feel worried, so I didn't go home.

I asked Master Bo to let me stay here while I heal.

The prince and his mom are fine.

Right now, they are in a safe place. You don't need to worry.

Thank you.

I should say thanks to you for taking care of me here.

You wouldn't have gotten hurt if not for me.

It's daybreak already. You'd better leave.

It's a serious offense not to be in your room at night.

But you're alone here.

I've got much better after drinking the medicine. Don't worry about me.

- Hurry back to your room. - All right.

If a maid doesn't return to her bedroom at night

she must be spanked thirty times according to the rule.

Kam Ling, why are you here?

Why weren't you here?

Sam Ho, you said you'd go to see Master Bo.

But then you disappeared. Where have you been?

Do you know this is a very serious offense? Thank God I'm the one who discovered it.

If someone else did so, you'll be in serious trouble.

Sam Ho, where have you been? You won't tell me?

- Officer Ko is wounded. - Ko?

I mean Ko Hin Yeung.

I stayed in Purple Bamboo Wood for the whole night to take care of him.

It's none of your business that he's injured.

Why did you...

Sam Ho, do you have feelings for him? You won't even tell me?

Yes, I have feelings for Officer Ko.

I feel so happy to be with him no matter we're chatting or playing chess.

At first I didn't know why.

But after spending more time with him, I knew it.

However, I also understand I live in the palace. Romance is prohibited.

So this is the farthest we can go. I force myself not to think about it.

I dare not allow myself to fall in love. Kam Ling, have I made a terrible mistake?

Officer Ko is handsome and charming. He will be a very good husband.

How would you be wrong to fall for him?

Kam Ling.

If you two met outside the palace, then everything would be different.

If? If every dream could come true.

Nonsense. How do you guys do your job?

You've searched for three days but got nothing.

General, General Man has sent you a confidential letter.

If Prime Minister Lee hadn't given the pressure

General Man wouldn't have been assigned to defend the border for so many years.

This time he happens to return to the capital to report his duties.

I'm sure he can give you a hand, General. You will be much stronger then.

Good. Man Kim Fung is really my best student.

He's already given me a gift before he shows up.

Tomorrow morning, I'll go see His Majesty and report to him this good news.

His Majesty will give me a substantial reward for sure.

- Your Majesty, Your Highness. - At ease.

Grateful, Your Majesty.

His Majesty summoned both of you in the middle of the night

as he had a nightmare again.

He saw Prince Kwong appearing as Asura in his dream.

He looked kind, but was in fact cruel. He attacked His Majesty.

His Majesty still feels scared.

I take this as a sign of warning from God.

The hiding place of Price Kwong must be related to this dream.

Your Majesty, regarding the hiding place of Prince Kwong, I...

You shut up! You've looked around for too long.

You still haven't found any lead at all.

You've failed to discharge your duty.

Prime Minister Lee, you will take over the task of searching for Prince Kwong.

Your Majesty, you mean?

Prince Kwong has stayed outside for so many years.

He must know some Buddhist monks. I guess he's hiding in a monastery.

There are thousands of monasteries in the capital.

I'm afraid it would take some time to find out their whereabouts.

I don't want to wait any longer.

If the two of them aren't killed, I'll get bad dreams all the time.

This is my order. All the Buddhist monks within a thousand miles of the capital

must return to their respective homes within three days.

All those monks who refuse to obey my order will be killed.

Their monasteries will be burned down.

Your Majesty, we mustn't do this.

The monasteries aren't involved in secular matters.

Now if Your Majesty want to kill the monks and burn down the monasteries

because of your dream, it won't be justified.

People won't support this, Your Majesty.

I'd rather kill the wrong persons than letting them go. I've already decided.

You don't need to say anything further. Just carry out my order.

Your Majesty, the Prime Minister is right. However, you own the world.

Burning down some monasteries to teach them a lesson won't do any harm.

Besides, it's perfectly justified for the sake of Your Majesty's peace of mind.

Your Majesty, this is serious. Your Highness.

As General Ma thinks there isn't any problem

you just carry out the order, Prime Minister Lee.

It's the most important that His Majesty gets a peace of mind.

Only then can he focus on national affairs and bring about peace.

But I think...

Your Majesty, please allow me to monitor this operation

so that I'll get a chance to make up for my mistake.

Granted.

Much obliged, Your Majesty.

There's a horse-drawn cart waiting outside. You two can leave the capital for Jiangnan.

Master in charge, you guys?

After you have left, my lord, I'll dismiss all my students.

I'm so sorry for getting you into such trouble.

If you get a clear mind, everywhere can be a monastery.

It's a big world.

There must be a place for us to stay. You don't need to worry about us, my lord.

You don't need to stay here. Get out.

Your ladyship, Prince Kwong.

General Ma, why are you doing so?

I implore your ladyship to return to the palace to help the people.

His Majesty is cruel and brutal.

He wants to burn down the monasteries and kill the monks.

He's offended the people. He'll lose his throne sooner or later.

I want to help the prince become the emperor.

Your ladyship and the other officials can assist him.

He can rule the country with love and kindness.

It's really a blessing for the people.

No, this is treason.

I don't have a choice.

We must rectify the wrongdoings for the sake of good administration.

I don't care about fortune, I just want to live a quiet life with my son.

I want to be a commoner, I want a stable life only.

My lady, do you think His Majesty will quit

just because you and the prince wander everywhere and stay low?

You think he won't hunt you down? You think you can live in peace?

His Majesty has eyes everywhere.

Actually I knew long ago that you are hiding in a monastery.

I just didn't report to His Majesty because of the existence of this letter.

That's why you can still stay alive.

The only way to keep your ladyship and his lordship safe

is to help his lordship to become the emperor.

This is the only and the last way out.

Even if you don't care about his lordship's safety

you should still consider the people.

Do you want them to suffer? Do you want to stay away?

For the sake of the nation, the people, and his lordship

you should return to the palace to get back what you deserve.

Can I really do that?

Your ladyship and his lordship were sick, but still you are healed.

This shows God has mercy on you. He's given you two his blessing.

What else can't you do?

But the empress.

I can handle this. The empress is old. She could enjoy a retired life.

Great. Mom, it's fun to be the emperor.

Why don't we just do what General Ma told us to do? This is really great.

Officer Ko, why do you come here?

To see you.

You didn't come to play chess, so I came here to wait for you.

You must be kidding. It's late, I have to leave.

There's something I must tell you tonight.

Let's talk later. If I don't return to my room at night, I'll be punished.

Then why weren't you afraid of it the other night in Purple Bamboo Wood?

You've got me wrong, sir. I did so the other night out of a sense of guilt.

I didn't mean anything else. Please let me leave, sir.

I want to ask you several questions, you can leave after that.

Please go ahead then.

What kind of person do you think I am?

A good man.

Do you think I'm a trustworthy man?

I just told you that the prince was in danger

and you risked your life to save them. This shows you're trustworthy.

If so, is there any special meaning for this purse?

Sir.

I just want to make sure whether it is my wishful thinking or mutual affection.

What's the difference?

The outcome is the same.

Look at the lanterns in the stream.

They are predestined to drift along with the current. This is the rule.

It can't be changed. Everyone knows that.

You're wrong. I believe in determination. Take the prince and his mom as an example.

So long as you get the courage and determination

you can start all over again.

So long as we can leave this place

we don't need to observe the so-called rules and regulations.

We'll get a chance then.

You mean leaving the palace?

Like what the prince and his mom did. Leave this place.

It's a capital offense for a maid to leave the palace without permission.

She will be hunted down for the rest of her life.

Besides, you are an officer, sir.

So long as I can be with you, I can give up everything.

I can give up my career, my assets, even my name.

Will you leave the palace with me?

I'll wait for your reply at Purple Bamboo Wood at six tomorrow.

So long as I can be with you, I can give up everything.

I can give up my career, my assets, even my name.

- Deputy Head Lau. - Officer Ko.

I want to talk to you. It won't take long.

You will be able to meet Hin Yeung before six as arranged.

Officer Ko, you know everything?

Hin Yeung looked preoccupied in the past couple of days. I worried about him.

So I followed him. I happened to overhear your conversation at the pond.

Honestly speaking, I don't know you well

so I asked Master Bo and learned how you got your name.

You're really as virtuous as your name suggests.

No wonder Hin Yeung has fallen for you.

Sir, you mean?

Hin Yeung isn't a reckless person.

He knows it's a violation to fall for a maid

but he still pursues you.

He even suggests leaving the palace with you.

He doesn't mind giving up his name either.

I can tell he wants to marry no one but you.

He can give up his name, but I can't give up my ancestors.

The Ko's have been officials from generation to generation.

If I'm found guilty and get dismissed

and if my son is found guilty of having an affair with an imperial maid

how can I face my ancestors?

Hin Yeung is a man of honor, I know he will never break his promise.

No matter how I object to it, he will still insist on what he wants to do.

Sir, you come to see me because?

I want you to make Hin Yeung change his mind.

Deputy Head Lau, you are a virtuous girl. Put yourself in my shoes.

You don't want people to call Hin Yeung a bad son or an immoral person, right?

Sam Ho, you've come at last? I was afraid you wouldn't come.

I've considered your proposal for the whole night. We'd better...

Sam Ho, you look so pale.

You didn't sleep well last night?

If you feel unwell, why don't we talk about it later?

- I'm fine. I've already decided. - We'd better...

You came in a hurry. You must be thirsty, I've made tea for you.

Whether I answer sooner or later the reply is still the same.

I'm sorry that I must decline your offer, sir.

Sam Ho.

Now you've got the answer. I'll leave.

Sam Ho, maybe my proposal is too abrupt.

I asked you to make a decision within one night. It is really hasty.

Why don't you take a few days more to consider it?

I don't think that's necessary, I've already decided.

This wasn't your response last night. How come there's such a drastic change?

I haven't changed, I've been a maid in all these years.

I've always been His Majesty's woman.

You were before. It doesn't mean you will be in future.

So long as we have the determination, we can change everything.

Change? I came to the palace at the age of six.

Ever since that day

I knew that everything I did and every word I said must follow the rules.

I must be obedient. You live because master allows you to do so.

If master wants you to die, you must die, no matter how determined you are.

This is true in the palace. But it's a totally different world outside.

The prince is a very good example.

He didn't get a choice. He would definitely get killed if he stayed in the palace.

But you're different, Officer Ko, you have a bright prospect.

Even if I can become the top ranking official with a bright prospect

I won't envy it without your company.

Now you've got a say in your own future. You just want to give it up so easily?

I can't even decide what my name is. How am I entitled to make any decision?

Thank you for your offer, sir. Please withdraw it.

Sam Ho.

Sir, in future please call me Deputy Head Lau.

It's more appropriate.

I've taken...

What's the matter, Sam Ho?

The perfume holder... You and Officer Ko?

It's over. All the feelings are gone.

You really told him?

Master Bo is right.

Once we are in the palace, never dream of getting out.

If there's no hope, there won't be disappointment then.

Sam Ho.

The palace is my home.

It's a place where I'll grow old.

Why do I dream of getting out?

I'm so silly. I thought I got a choice.

I thought I could decide it for myself.

Sam Ho, don't be like this. You still have me.

Even if everyone had left, I wouldn't leave you.

We are good sisters.

We share all our happiness and bitterness together.

- Kam Ling. - Sam Ho.

Damn it. I've been out for three days without anything new.

Please don't be mad, Your Majesty.

Maybe the animals are hiding in the caves due to the abrupt change in the weather

so we didn't see them.

Nonsense. When I wanted to catch someone.

I could burn down the monasteries to make him show up.

How would catching several foxes be a problem?

If I still can't catch them, I'll burn down the mountain!

It's just the thunder.

Which is the useless horse that neighed? Kill it. Serve it with wine.

Your Majesty is really a dragon. You're never scared.

Ma Yuen Chi, it's good you've come.

Don't ever think I'll spare you just because you've said something nice.

I know I've made Your Majesty feel upset. I'll take up the responsibilities.

If I still don't get anything tomorrow, I'll hunt human beings instead of foxes.

I've never returned to the palace empty-handed since I came to the throne.

Your Majesty, there's a first time for everything.

If this is the will of God, why don't you just bow to it?

Why fight it?

How dare you to say something like that, slave. This is my order.

If any crazy horse neighs again, it will be killed right away.

Your Majesty is generous.

Why take it out on the animals? The thunder is scary.

Even human beings feel restless and unsettled.

I've tried to put up with you, but you are still arrogant.

Aren't you afraid I'll really get mad?

Your Majesty, I'm not being arrogant. It's because you're incompetent.

You can't control me. Don't put the blame on me.

This is my order. This crazy horse keeps neighing. It makes me feel uneasy.

Kill it right away!

Today is really a good day for killing, but it isn't for killing horses.

It's for killing dragons.

You... You want to turn against me?

Your Majesty is smart. You can read my mind.

I dare you.

I'm General Special Tactics. Of course, I have the guts.

Guards, seize him... What are you guys doing?

You guys want to turn against me? Guards. Help.

Who are you calling, Your Majesty? Why don't I help you?

It's because no one dares come here tonight without my instructions.

Ma Yuen Chi, how dare you to turn against me.

Tell you what. You are castrated.

Even if I'm dead, you still can't take my place.

Don't ever dream about it.

His Majesty is hungry. Why don't you serve him his meal?

Yes, sir.

Make sure there's no physical injury.

His Majesty took some pills in an improper way

and his blood circulation was reversed.

He died in his sleep. If there are marks of injury, people will get suspicious.

Your Majesty, feel free to take your meal.

I guarantee we won't return to the palace empty-handed.

It's because right from the very beginning

we weren't hunting foxes but you, the Golden Dragon.

Your Highness.

Prime Minister Lee, why do you want to see me in the middle of the night?

According to the report of the scouts

His Majesty's hunting company has gone faraway from the scheduled route.

I'm concerned. Will Your Highness please summon His Majesty

to return to the palace right away.

Something like that has happened? This is my order.

His Majesty's company must return to the palace right away.

Yes, Your Highness.

- I... I... - Talk.

There's an urgent report. His Majesty took some pills during the hunting.

He's already...

- What? - Passed away.

Your Highness, Lady Wong.

Your Majesty... I've come to see you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty...

Your Highness, please mind your health.

Help me out.

Your Highness, don't be so sad. Mind your health please.

His Majesty was the apple of my eye.

God... Why have you taken him away from me?

Slaves, His Majesty often went hunting before.

How come he's passed away?

What happened?

Your Highness, Imperial Doctor Kwan who went with us has confirmed that

His Majesty took some pills causing a reversal of his blood circulation.

As a result, he died in his sleep.

Take imperial doctor Kwan here right away.

I want to interrogate him personally.

- I can't do that. - Why not?

I've already chopped his head off.

How dare you execute someone without filing a report first?

His Majesty passed away all because

he failed to notice that His Majesty was unwell.

He still gave His Majesty the medicine during the hunting.

He was unforgivable.

so I punished him for His Majesty.

Ma Yuen Chi, you are really a favorite officer of His Majesty.

The country needs an emperor. The officers need a master.

We must appoint a new emperor right away to pacify the people.

Your Highness, His Majesty made a will before he died.

If there's a will, why didn't you tell us earlier?

I was too upset. I forgot about the will.

Cut the crap. Hand over His Majesty's will.

It isn't time yet.

How dare you! His Majesty has already passed away.

It still isn't time yet to read aloud his will?

Please don't be mad, Your Highness.

It isn't time yet, as we need to wait for someone.

Your Highness, Man Kim Fung has come to report to you.

- At ease. - Grateful, Your Highness.

So General Ma was waiting for General Man who's in charge of the military?

You've got it wrong, Your Highness. General Man, have you taken them here yet?

Your Highness.

Why have you two returned?

Your Highness, on my way back to the capital.

I came across her ladyship and the prince.

I knew the imperial court was looking for them, so I took them with us.

Shortly after that, I heard that His Majesty had passed away.

I was afraid there would be trouble

so I've taken fifty thousand cavalries into the capital.

You two came at the right moment. You two will be buried with His Majesty.

Guards, take them down.

Wait. His Majesty said his will could only be read

in the presence of her ladyship and Prince Kwong.

I'll see what you're up to Prime Minister Lee, read the will.

Yes, Your Highness.

Just read it.

Yes, Your Highness.

My uncle, Lee Yi, is noble and kind like me.

He will carry on with the tradition.

I hereby order to pass the throne onto Prince Kwong Lee Yi.

I see. You are really a seasoned officer for three generations.

I've underestimated you.

The new emperor has come to the throne. Everyone bow to the new emperor.

Your Majesty, I'm at your service.

We are at your service, Your Majesty.

How dare you guys to team up

with the bitch and the idiot to start a rebellion.

You killed the emperor to steal his throne. You are unforgivable.

I just acted according to order. I hope you will understand it, Your Highness.

His Majesty has got sons.

Why would he give his throne to his uncle?

There are so many doubts in this will. It must be faked.

When His Majesty made the will, Master Cheung was present as a witness.

How could it be faked?

If Your Highness has doubt about it, you can interrogate Master Cheung.

You even killed the emperor.

How difficult would it be to ask him to make false testimony?

This is your conjecture only, Your Highness.

You don't have any substantive evidence.

Let me ask you this. Both of them were seriously ill.

How come they are so healthy now?

They were really infected by the epidemic, but they are the offspring of the dragon

Heaven had mercy on them, so they got well so soon.

Dragon? I won't give them the country so easily.

Your Highness, please don't do it.

The will contains the last words of the late emperor.

If you destroy it, it will amount to a defiance of his order.

It's a capital offense. Please don't do it, Your Highness.

Please don't do it, Your Highness.

Your Highness, grief hurts. You must mind your health.

Did I ever say I wanted to use tea?

If you want me to feel happy

you give a glass of poisonous wine to that bitch Lady Zheng right away.

You want to cry? I'll give you a chance.

His Majesty is lonely. You guard his tomb.

It's quiet and lonely at the royal tomb.

I implore you to let me stay here to serve Your Highness.

Weren't you deeply in love with His Majesty?

What are you afraid of?

What are you afraid of? You can't endure it?

Then I'll bury you with him. Isn't that more appropriate?

No, Your Highness.

Your Highness, please allow me to stay with you.

Go.

Your Highness, have mercy on me.

Your Highness...

- Your Highness. - At ease.

I've checked the military power of Man Kim Fung.

I guess not too many of the provinces will follow him.

Besides, there's quite a number of officers who listen to Your Highness.

Coupled with the Lee's in different parts of the country.

I guess the military power of both camps are more or less the same.

We are powerful enough to fight Man Kim Fung.

Ma Yuen Chi thinks he can do whatever he wants, relying on Man Kim Fung alone.

He's really naive. I won't allow them to carry out their plan.

That foot-washing maid wants to become the empress?

She must be dreaming.

During the ascension ceremony, I'll personally drag that idiot down.

Everyone is so stupid, but I'm not. I have an announcement to make.

Subtitles by TVB USA