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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 9]

What are you going to do?

When we were in Luoyang...

Didn't you already sleep with me then?

I, the royal one, was too drunk last night and entered the wrong room.

The royal one?

This is how I am.

I like to address myself as the king when I'm drunk.

Young Warrior Sun, don't take it to heart.

I should have known that

Young Master Zhao was no more than a swindler.

I never share my bed with anyone.

It was indeed Young Master Zhao who slept with you that day.

Not the king of Qin.

That's strange... why don't I hear anything?

If I were to make it seem like we're making love...

I would have to stay a bit longer.

What would you like to do with me?

I'm all yours.

How dare you!

Whose maid dares to eavesdrop on His Grace's pleasure?

This isn't proper manners!

Commander, please forgive me!

I will take my leave now!

- Faster! - Keep up!

The ones at the back!

Faster!

Walk faster! Hurry up!

Keep up!

Where are we going?

Hurry up! You're convicted to hard labor!

You're to build walls and canals!

- Work all day and night! - Keep up!

Walk faster!

Keep up!

[Xianyang City] Move faster!

- Hurry up! - Keep up!

Li...

Wait for me.

I'll come back to save you.

Hurry up!

What are you looking at?

Hurry up!

After coming of age, I have always focused on my work.

I've never gone to the harem night after night like I do these days.

Zhao Gao, do you think this is good or bad?

Your Grace, frequently visiting the harem isn't just about the concubines

but also to procreate.

It is the foundation of the nation.

It will also affect the balance between the six states.

There's definitely nothing wrong with visiting the harem often.

I've spent some time serving in the harem as well.

I wonder if Your Grace would be willing to listen to a few thoughts?

Speak.

Your Grace has been having Lady Jing and Lady Li attend to you in bed recently

but the other ladies of the harem aren't blind.

They have been competing quite fiercely over...

Your Grace these last few nights.

Therefore, in my humble opinion

Your Grace could use this to kill time or you could keep the harem in check.

The long-term solution is to not favor one specific concubine.

All right, I understand.

Your Grace is wise.

Go and inform Madam Chu.

I'll visit Zhaode Palace tonight.

Yes, Your Grace.

I believe you must have heard about last night?

Yes, we heard that His Grace went to your quarters, Sister Ruo.

It seems that His Grace doesn't favor one particular concubine.

Although he visited Lady Jing and Lady Li a few days ago

he also came to me last night.

That's why...

There's still a long way to go in the harem.

Those who are favored a bit earlier shouldn't get cocky so soon.

Palace Woman Han, am I right?

Yes, you are right.

Jing...

Why are you so quiet today?

Are you in a bad mood?

I caught a cold a few days ago and now I have a headache

so I was a bit absent-minded when you were talking.

Please don't take it to heart.

You caught a cold?

It's serious to have a cold.

Shang Yi!

Present.

Bring me the medicated oil that Imperial Physician concocted

and give it to Virtuous Lady Jing.

Make her feel better.

Otherwise, should His Grace suddenly think of her

and want her to attend to him in bed

it would be a pity if she isn't well enough!

Sir, is it all right on this side?

Not bad.

Sir, you're now the king's favorite.

Who should we cozy up to but you?

Exactly.

You two are quite sensible.

Master Zhao.

How do you have the time to take a break at our place?

Virtuous Lady Li is pregnant.

His Grace could summon me at any time.

It's too tiring for an old fellow like me.

Sir.

Is this Virtuous Lady Li the king's new favorite?

This woman is like no other.

She is but a commoner of Wey State

- and the king made her a Virtuous Lady. - It is Junior Li.

In just a few days, she is even carrying the king's child.

The concubines in the harem are so jealous, they're seeing red.

Lady Li must be extremely gorgeous.

Otherwise, His Grace wouldn't be so obsessed with her.

I find her quite plain.

I wonder if she's exceptionally outstanding in other skills?

Your Grace, you've been handling the state affairs personally.

You must be tired.

I've had chrysanthemum tea prepared for Your Grace.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Your Grace.

I've heard that Your Grace has a new favorite Virtuous Lady.

I congratulate Your Grace on the new wife in the harem.

It is a joyous occasion to have a new lady in the harem

but why have I heard that Lady Li attacked the palace maids

threatened the imperial physician, and even nearly killed General Meng Wu?

Is any of that true?

Lady Li is born of a warrior family.

Her father and grandfather were both commander-in-chiefs of Puyang.

She has trained since youth and is very skilled in martial arts.

There's no need to fret.

She had a friendly match with Meng Wu purely for entertainment.

Moreover, wasn't it Madam Chu who suggested the friendly match?

I think that the harem is occupied by defenseless concubines.

Lady Li is skilled in martial arts and swordsmanship.

She also serves at your side.

I'm indeed concerned for your safety.

Exactly, I'm also concerned for Your Grace's safety.

Everyone in the harem knows

I never sleep over in any concubine's chambers.

Besides, apart from guards of the Inner Palace

no one is allowed to carry weapons with them.

Not to mention the concubines' chambers.

Grand Empress Dowager need not worry.

Your Grace...

I know that you've always slept alone.

However, it's windy and cold late at night.

If you sometimes sleep in the harem, the concubines can soothe your fatigue.

Since the chancellor left Qin State, I have many state affairs to handle.

I have to make more of an effort to handle political issues.

It's Great Qin's blessing that

Your Grace is diligent in governing the state.

However, I am already in my old age.

I often feel that my strength can't keep up with my mind.

If Your Grace could appoint a queen soon

I could then hand over matters of the harem to the queen.

Then I could retire with ease.

In regards to appointing a queen, I don't think that it is the right time.

Why would Your Grace say so?

Your Grace has come of age and govern the state personally.

If this isn't the right time to appoint a queen

when is it the time to do so?

Grand Empress Dowager.

Virtuous Lady Li is already pregnant.

What did you say, Your Grace?

The imperial physician has read her pulse.

It's been about a month.

Virtuous Lady Li...

She is expecting Your Grace's child soon after she entered the harem...

I...

I am indeed happy for Your Grace.

I congratulate Your Grace.

According to the system of rites, the legal son must be born to the queen.

Therefore, this isn't the time to appoint a queen.

Your Grace is right.

We are yet to know if Lady Li will give birth to a prince or princess.

If we are to appoint a queen according to who bears the legal son

her conduct, parentage, and virtues must also be evaluated.

I think it is indeed too early to consider appointing a queen.

Grand Empress Dowager should also agree that

concubines with sons should be considered first when choosing a queen.

This is a precedent of Great Qin.

I also have high hopes for Fu Su.

It's just a shame that Madam Zheng died young.

I, too, look forward to seeing other concubines give birth to sons.

If the crown prince is born to the queen

that will avoid much conflict within the harem.

It would be a blessing for Great Qin.

If Grand Empress Dowager has no other important matters to discuss

I will take my leave.

Grand Empress Dowager, what should we do?

How has Lady Li conceived so soon after entering the harem?

How am I to answer to my father?

We can't just back down on this matter.

However capable Lady Li might be

I will never allow her to become the queen.

Feng Yi!

Present!

Ask the Imperial Medical Bureau for a prescription.

You don't need me to tell you which prescription to get, do you?

Rest assured, Your Highness. I will get this done properly.

Very good.

I shall take my leave.

Grand Empress Dowager, you mean to...

Since His Grace thinks that

concubines with sons have the advantage in the selection of the queen

I certainly can't allow any other concubine to bear sons before you do.

You mean...

You would have Lady Li miscarry?

Lady Li came from a subjugated nation.

It's normal to have miscarriages in the palace.

Even if she cries herself hoarse, she has no one to back her!

What it His Grace gets angry and traces it back to us?

Don't worry.

After Marquis Wenxin left Qin State

His Grace has but a few confidants left.

Commander Li is in charge of safety in the capital and the palace.

He has many matters to handle.

His Grace wouldn't entrust the matter to him.

According to my estimation...

His Grace will likely leave this matter to his recent favorite confidant.

Your Highness is referring to Regular Palace Attendant, Zhao Gao?

Zhao Gao was born lowly, so he's the easiest to bribe.

A puny concubine like Lady Li who has no supporters

is not someone Zhao Gao would try to fawn over.

When it's time, use whatever method you can and bribe him.

I'm still in charge of the harem. Do you think he would rat us out?

I understand.

So...

I'll have the prescription sent over.

Look out for yourself.

You have to try harder as well.

His Grace has always been highly suspicious of everyone.

He doesn't warm up to anyone easily.

Since you've married into the harem, you should make more effort with His Grace

and conceive an heir soon.

Only then can you secure your place as queen.

Yes, I understand.

Take care, Grand Empress Dowager.

- Shang Yi! - Present.

Let's return to my palace!

What? Lady Li is pregnant?

That witch.

Who knows what method she used?

I've been in the harem for two years

and I'm not even as capable as that female commoner!

She conceived the king's child so soon.

Madam.

My mother used to say that conceiving a child has to do

with physical conditions. But mostly, it is down to luck.

Lady Li probably didn't try any tricks.

It could just be that she's blessed and lucky.

Jing...

Are you now mocking me on behalf of that Consort Li?

I wouldn't dare.

However you put it, I still can't put up with this insult.

I won't allow her child to be born safely.

What do you mean by that?

We're both ladies of the harem.

Do you not understand what I meant?

Shang Yi.

Please accept this, Your Ladyship.

This... This is...

My dear sister, give this a thought.

Apart from Fu Su, the king has had no other children in recent years.

If the newcomer, Consort Li, gives birth to a prince so soon

then she will surely pose a threat to our positions.

If you're pregnant, I'll surely protect you.

If I'm pregnant and rewarded by His Grace

I would also share my gifts with you.

However, should Consort Li become a mother

would she share her rewards with you?

Would she care for you like I do?

So you mean...

Do you understand what I mean now?

Get this done properly.

And I certainly won't neglect you.

What if something goes wrong?

What is there to be scared of?

I'll have your back.

Your Ladyship, have more food.

Your Ladyship, is the food not to your liking?

You're not eating.

I don't have much appetite.

Have some at least, please?

When I think of...

I lose my appetite.

Your Ladyship, do you have severe morning sickness?

You don't feel well?

Why don't I get the kitchen to make you some appetizing dishes?

You should have some food.

Don't bother.

Your Ladyship, your health matters the most.

You have to nourish the baby.

I will eat.

Your Ladyship?

Your Ladyship!

What's wrong?

Your Ladyship, are you unwell?

Your Ladyship, what's wrong?

- It hurts... - Your Ladyship!

- Your Ladyship! - What's wrong?

Anyone there? Summon the imperial physician!

Your Ladyship!

The king has arrived!

Greetings, Your Grace.

Imperial Physician, how is Lady Li?

Your Grace, Lady Li and the unborn prince should be fine.

Yet, there is indeed a symptom of miscarriage.

According to what I read from her pulse

someone deliberately added croton and motherwort into Lady Li's food.

Perhaps it's because Her Ladyship is trained in martial arts

and has a stronger physique, the child is safe.

Why would such herbs be in the kitchen?

Who is trying to harm Lady Li?

- Li Zhong, Zhao Gao! - Present.

- Present. - Convey my orders.

Investigate into all personnel in the imperial kitchen.

Whatever the method

you must find the culprit who drugged her food.

Your Grace, the servants who prepare the meals

as well as those who go in and out of the kitchen

amount to at least hundreds of people.

However many there are...

If you can't find the culprit...

Just kill them all.

That includes all of you.

- We're terrified, Your Grace! - We're terrified, Your Grace!

- Please spare our lives, Your Grace! - Please spare our lives, Your Grace!

Yes, Your Grace.

You are all dismissed.

I take my leave.

Stop pretending.

You drugged me, didn't you?

Do I need to go to such trouble to rid you of your child?

That's right.

In this palace of ceaseless schemes and malicious struggles

you didn't have to make such an effort at all.

You just have to order someone...

Others would do it for you.

If I really am the one who did this to you...

Why would I bother to come here?

Who knows?

Back then, in front of the king of Wey

weren't you just as good at posing as the highly dignified Young Master Zhao?

Commoner Gongsun Li greets King of Wey!

Greetings, Your Grace!

Don't...

I only did so in front of the king of Wey for your sake.

If I had acted as I normally do

I could have killed him then.

I didn't get those drugs into the kitchen.

The harem is never a peaceful place.

Now that you are with child

I'm afraid the other concubines are now jealous of you.

So they targeted you.

This palace is like a dungeon.

There are so many who vie over the king out of jealousy.

What has their jealousy got to do with me?

Food in the palace isn't even as nice as peas and rice in an inn.

Li...

If you wish to safely give birth to this child in the palace

this is your fate.

This is my fate.

Then why did Your Grace pretend to throw such a tantrum just now?

I really was angry just now.

Why do you distrust me so?

You're my concubine.

Should anyone dare to lay a finger on you

then it is just as though they dare to attempt an assault on me.

I will not spare them.

So you are still just doing this for yourself.

If the child you're carrying was mine...

Would you then believe that I am truly worried about you?

It's getting late.

Get some rest now.

I heard that His Grace was furious.

He's investigating the attempted assault on Lady Li.

What if by then...

You...

You're so impatient.

Since I had you carry out this task

I have already made arrangements.

Sister Ruo, you mean...

The drugs were prescribed by the Imperial Medical Bureau.

I was having issues with my period

so the imperial physician prescribed me the motherwort

to help with blood circulation.

I have some phlegm, so he prescribed me some croton to dissolve it.

Even if it's traced back to my medication

they can't say that I was the culprit.

Both croton and motherwort can cause miscarriage.

Pregnant women must not take them.

So?

Even if that is true, they still can't pin it on me.

Besides, do you know who is in charge of investigating this case?

Who is it?

It's Regular Palace Attendant.

Judging by the relationship between Regular Palace Attendant and yourself

you won't be implicated in the case.

Exactly.

What is there for you to worry about?

What displeased me is that the drugs weren't strong enough.

That witch managed to keep her child.

Perhaps it's because Lady Li is trained in martial arts.

She is healthier and stronger.

So she didn't lose her child.

If Lady Li gives birth to a royal heir

I believe His Grace will only favor her even more.

My sister... Some words are easily spilled from one's mouth

but they don't sound nice.

Words that don't sound nice should be said less often.

You must learn to keep your mouth shut!

Do you understand?

Yes, I understand.

Madam, please forgive me.

Your Ladyship.

The imperial physician said in order to prevent miscarriage

you need to stay here and have bed rest for seven days.

Only then can you recover.

I feel better already. Why can't I get out of bed?

I'm so bored lying here all day.

It's more important to nurse your health.

Regular Palace Attendant, Zhao Gao has arrived!

Zhao Gao greets Virtuous Lady Li.

His Grace has ordered me to bring gifts to Your Ladyship.

Please take a look.

This is a thousand-year-old coral from the South Sea.

When placed in the room, it can disperse any evil aura and enhance your energy.

This is the Sky Stone used by Goddess Nuwa to mend the sky.

It has divine powers.

It can attract energy and keep your child healthy.

If Your Ladyship likes them

I will have them made into necklaces.

You can then wear them at all times.

Take them away.

Your Ladyship may not know that His Grace ordered these treasures be found for you.

I don't need any of those.

If your king really wishes to get me a present

then just return my sword to me.

Well...

If you keep bringing such things over and make my pregnancy unstable

I don't know what will happen then.

Yes.

I take my leave.

His Grace is such a liar.

He promised to give me my sword.

Madam Min has arrived!

Greetings, Madam Min.

My sister, you've just pulled through a crisis and still feel unwell

it's best for you to not sit up.

You should lie down.

Thank you, Madam.

When I came in, I saw a great many treasures.

It seems that His Grace is indeed very thoughtful of you.

I want none of those things.

Don't misunderstand, Sister Li.

Those gifts are all a token of His Grace's affection.

Honestly, I don't understand why you have come to visit me today.

Sister Li, I am the last person you need to watch out for in this harem.

That day, when His Grace took you to the royal banquet

I could tell right away that you never wanted to marry into Qin State.

It's just that with your temperament

I'm quite surprised that you could conceive so soon.

I grew up with His Grace in Zhao State.

We are fond of each other like siblings, nothing more.

I only married into Qin State

in order to establish a friendly bond between both states.

In the palace, everyone has their own plans in mind.

However, I could tell that both you and I aren't ones who play mind games.

Li, just see me as your older sister from now on.

Can I come to visit you often?

That's wonderful.

I heard that you're from Puyang of Wey State.

Could you tell me stories of that place?

What are you doing?

Show me your badge to enter the Inner Palace!

Only Inner Palace guards can enter.

Which unit do you belong to?

I'm sorry. I'm new here.

I came to the wrong place.

Head that way!

You'll get killed for barging into the Inner Palace!

Yes.

It's late. Your Ladyship should get some rest now.

Your Ladyship, what's troubling you?

Qing, sit.

I wouldn't dare.

Come here.

I'm just thinking...

Madam Min is ranked high in the harem.

Why would she be so kind to me for no reason?

Aren't all concubines in the harem competing against each other for power?

Perhaps I'm too sensitive.

Your Ladyship is right.

All the servants in the harem fawn over the concubines

according to their ranks and authority.

Madam Min and Madam Chu come from more powerful states.

Hence, their positions in the harem are secure.

As for the concubines from weaker and minor states

they can only fawn over them.

However, Your Ladyship is with child now and His Grace particularly dotes on you.

So it's only reasonable that Madam Min wishes to win you over.

I'm not favored in any way.

I am but a slave of a subjugated state.

I have no interest in the power struggle of the harem.

Your Ladyship, how could you say that?

Even if you don't think for yourself, you need to consider your unborn child.

You nearly suffered a miscarriage.

Someone must dislike you to stoop to such means.

Now that you are the apple of the king's eye

your son will also be favored by His Grace after he's born.

This is good news for you.

It's late now, Your Ladyship should get some sleep.

I take my leave.

[Preview]

You're willing to talk to me...

Just to ask me this question?

Yes.

If not, I don't wish to hear your voice at all.

Throughout all the six states...

I'm afraid you're the only one who dares to speak to me like this.

Ying Zheng.

You think too highly of yourself.

Among the people I know

there are so many who would criticized you.

Does that include your Senior Jing?

Eat it.

I was going to eat it.

But the more you tell me to, the more likely it is that I won't.

Fine then.

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