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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 13]

The harem is so heavily guarded!

Yet you still managed to lose the prince!

Useless servants!

If you don't come clean, I'll have you all killed!

- Your Grace, please spare us! - Your Grace, please spare us!

We haven't found out the truth behind Tian Ming's disappearance yet.

If some scoundrels snuck in

aren't we just giving them a chance to escape while we question the servants?

Your Grace, forgive me for being blunt.

Madam Li is right.

What is most pressing is finding Prince Tian Ming soon.

Moreover, an assassin barged into Your Grace's quarters last night

and I failed to catch him.

Could the assassin have abducted Prince Tian Ming?

- Li Zhong! - Present.

Have all exits of the Palace sealed off.

Before the prince is found...

no one and nothing may leave this palace!

Yes!

And the rest of you.

Go and search every corner of the palace.

If you can't find anything

I will definitely have you all killed.

- Yes, Your Grace! - Yes, Your Grace!

- Your Grace, please spare us! - Your Grace, please spare us!

I'm going to look for him.

Li.

My child is missing.

How can I wait here while they search for him?

All right then.

I'll send Zhao Gao with you.

Just search within your palace.

Prince Tian Ming has gone missing.

The harem is in great chaos.

His Grace has ordered that all the exits be sealed off.

Everyone going in and out of palace halls will be checked by the Tiger Valor Army.

At the moment, Madam Li is at a complete loss.

She's crying her eyes out.

She keeps asking if the prince was stolen from the palace and sold.

She's even searching for the prince in the palace quarters.

What did His Grace say?

His Grace?

His Grace was going to hold the servants accountable

and punish them and the wet nurse right away.

But I heard that Madam Li pleaded on their behalf.

She also asked to search for the prince first, so the matter is put off for now.

That Consort Li is surely one manipulative woman.

Her son is missing

but she still doesn't forget to win over the servants.

Definitely.

If the prince can't be found

Madam Li surely won't be favored by His Grace as she is now.

If she doesn't win over her servants and eunuchs

she'll have a hard time in the palace from now on.

Since Madam Li joined the harem, she has become even more arrogant.

Since she's the king's favorite

she shows no regard for you or Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang.

This incident will serve as a lesson to her.

Madam, using Regular Palace Attendant was such a brilliant move.

Certainly.

Right, the meeting between me and Regular Palace Attendant is confidential.

Too many tongues wag in this palace.

Be sure not to mention it so casually, without giving it any thought.

Yes, Madam.

Greetings, Madam Chu.

This is the fertility decoction that Grand Empress Dowager sent over.

It's said that the imperial physician prescribed this especially for you.

Madam, would you like to try some?

I didn't instruct you to do so, but you've already taken note of it.

Definitely.

It's so bitter.

- I don't want it. - Madam.

However bitter it may be, you must drink it to bear a child.

Madam Li! Madam Li!

Please hold on.

Madam...

Forgive me.

The sun has already set.

We have already searched all the palaces in the harem.

This place alone has been searched twice already.

Are you sure that Prince Tian Ming is still in the palace?

Master Zhao, you have spoken inappropriately.

You don't have any children, so how would you understand

how Madam Li's worries for her lost child?

Miss Qing, what did you just say?

Do you have your own child?

Can you understand how she feels?

- I... You-- - All right, don't squabble.

Regular Palace Attendant, I can tell that your feet hurt.

It's been hard on you.

You can get some rest back in the palace.

I'll keep searching on my own.

That won't do.

His Grace instructed me to come along with you.

It's not something you wanted to do.

I can't bother you with it.

Master Zhao, fret not.

I won't tell His Grace.

Madam, please don't say that.

That's not what I meant.

So...

I'll just comply with your orders then.

Madam, it's been hard on you.

Qing, let's look up front.

Yes.

Go on looking then.

However hard you search, you won't find him.

Han Shen, what are you doing here?

I'm sneaking a break in between busy shifts.

Taking a break?

You still have the time to take a break?

Do you know that there was an assassin in the palace last night?

Is that so?

All the guards have been sent out on patrol.

We searched the entire palace, but the assassin is nowhere to be found.

Exactly.

We've worked all night and we're all exhausted.

You're the only one taking a break in here.

Commander Li Zhong has arrived!

Master Li?

Commander.

This is the last palace guard unit.

Obey my commands!

Get into the prone position!

Push your body up with both arms!

What is your name?

I am Han Shen.

Han Shen?

How long have you served in the palace?

Sir, it's been almost a year.

You're quite fit.

Not bad indeed!

I'm strong and nimble.

I will do my best to protect Qin State's palace

so that our masters are safe from danger.

Very good!

You've all worked hard.

More food will be added to your meals tonight.

Let's go.

Senior Jing...

Our child was born.

His name is Tian Ming.

The last of the snow melts away

the clouds disperse to reveal a bright sky (Tian Ming).

However...

I've lost our child.

Tian Ming...

Where on earth are you?

I miss you so much...

This is all my fault.

I've failed to protect you.

Madam, dinner is ready.

Please have your meal.

Clear the table.

I have no appetite.

Madam... I'm worried about you.

You haven't had anything since lunch.

Your health matters.

Qing...

You've been running around with me all day too.

Go and get some rest.

I'm not tired.

All right then.

I'll have the kitchen prepare some appetizing side dishes tomorrow.

If you need anything, just call for me.

I take my leave.

There's no one else in the room.

Junior Li.

Around five o'clock this afternoon, Commander Li came to check on the guards.

I only learned of Tian Ming's disappearance then.

Are you all right?

In just a day, you've become so pale and gaunt.

Who would take Tian Ming away?

Tian Ming would have had some oat porridge right about now.

But he needs breast milk before he goes to bed.

Otherwise, he will keep bawling.

Tian Ming is still a baby.

Who would want to hurt him?

All day long, I've been thinking...

I had thought that as long as I act dignified and righteous in this palace

don't offend anyone unless attacked, and raise Tian Ming well

we could both spend our days safe and sound.

However...

I've underestimated the malice within the palace walls.

Junior Li, don't be so harsh on yourself.

Senior Han?

What's wrong?

It's fine. It's just a slight injury.

Why are you wounded?

Could it be...

You're the assassin who sneaked into the king's quarters that day?

Although I failed, I didn't leave a trace.

How could you take such a risk?

Should anything go wrong...

If I succeeded in assassinating the King of Qin

you and Tian Ming could be freed.

Senior Han...

Qin Palace isn't as simple as you think.

Ying Zheng actually treats me--

Junior Li.

Do you want to be trapped here forever?

Don't you wish to go wherever you want freely, like you used to?

And to do whatever you wish.

What matters most to me now is finding Tian Ming.

In this trouble-brewing harem, everyone is vying for power.

Tian Ming is a prince.

He will be seen as a potential heir.

He might already be someone's target.

But I failed to realize that.

Whoever did this...

Their goal is to first have you lose Tian Ming

and then to take you down from your current position.

Such evildoers must be close.

Actually, when Regular Palace Attendant came with me to search the palace today

his attitude made me a bit wary.

Regular Palace Attendant, Zhao Gao?

What do you mean?

When he came with me to search the palace today

it seemed like he was positive that Tian Ming isn't in the palace.

It seemed like he knows where Tian Ming really is.

Or perhaps I'm just too worried about Tian Ming and am being sensitive?

If he did abduct Tian Ming, what good would it do him?

Whatever it might be, I'll do my best to find Tian Ming.

Senior Han...

I don't wish to involve you in this.

Moreover, your injury--

I only came to the palace for you.

How can I be indifferent to your suffering?

Don't worry, I'll be careful.

At the moment, large troops from Tiger Valor Army and palace guards

are all searching for Prince Tian Ming.

His Grace is still young.

He should have more children.

It's just an unimportant young prince with no title that has gone missing.

In time, he will forget about him.

Exactly.

It's just been hard on the wet nurses and servants irrelevant to the incident.

Where's Ruo?

The palace is such a mess now.

She had better behave well.

Madam Chu is burning incense in her room now.

Your Highness, you need not worry.

Ruo often acts too impatiently.

This incident could end well or badly.

She better not get burnt.

If she does, I won't be worried.

Madam! Where are you going?

I'm going to look for Tian Ming.

I'd like to see if the those who took Tian Ming are still acting oblivious.

Madam Chu has arrived!

I wonder what brings Madam Chu to my quarters?

You make it sound like I'm an outsider.

We both live in Zhaode Palace.

I heard that you lost Prince Tian Ming.

I've come especially to visit you.

Now that you have seen me so forlorn

are you satisfied?

I know you come from a warrior family

so you tend to be too forthright in your words.

I won't take it to heart.

But here are some words of advice.

If you wish to stay in this palace for a long time...

A sharp tongue like yours could easily offend others.

I might not have given birth to His Grace's child yet

but since Madam Zheng's early demise

I've been in charge of raising Fu Su.

Prince Fu Su is clever and thoughtful.

He brings great comfort to me.

Now that I think of it

should any harm befall Fu Su someday

as his foster mother, I would surely be worried sick.

So I can totally empathize with how you must feel right now.

I'm just here to offer you some advice.

After all, I was born into the royal family of Chu State.

I have seen and heard much more than you have.

Within the palace, the king has many concubines and princes.

Prince Tian Ming is still an infant.

However His Grace might dote on him, they have yet to establish a deep bond.

Indeed.

His Grace might still be very worried at the moment

but what about next month?

What about the month after that?

If you still keep complaining to His Grace

every now and then like you do now

I'm afraid it will only make His Grace dislike you.

His Grace disliking me... Isn't that what you wish for?

Sister Li, you shouldn't say that.

You're not the only concubine in the harem.

The sisters of the harem should get along amicably.

We should serve His Grace together and share his burdens.

That's what I truly wish for.

I think what you truly wish for

is for everyone to succumb to you and obey you like a fool.

If you're here to convince me to do so

I suggest that you give up soon.

That's because you and I are never to share the same path.

Sure.

I'd like to hear from you what path you seek.

Madam Li is anxiously searching for her son.

Regular Palace Attendant has been following her around

keeping a close eye on her.

Ruo has learned well this time.

The dowry of treasures her father prepared for her

finally came in handy.

Exactly.

What about the fertility soup I had you send over to her?

I already sent it over.

Shang Yi is quite quick-witted.

She already had the servants decoct it.

The concubines of the harem have to rely on the offspring they produce.

Only the ones with sons will have authority.

My greatest regret is not having the deceased emperor's child.

Grand Empress Dowager.

Although you don't have a biological son

haven't you been managing the harem in Great Qin until now?

I'm old now.

I'm already old.

There won't be another Lu Bu Wei or Zi Chu (King Zhuang Xiang).

For someone of Chu State to lead a steady life in such chaotic times...

I can only rely on Heaven's will.

Since Madam Chu came here especially to visit me today

here are some words of advice.

Since you've become the foster mother who raises Fu Su

isn't it best for you to not have a child for His Grace?

What do you mean by that?

Now that the states are at war

the kings will decide on a crown prince early on

in order to pacify and set their people's minds at rest.

This is to prevent a vacancy of the throne if the king should suddenly die

which might affect the political climate.

Prince Fu Su is the eldest prince.

He's won the affection of His Grace with his intelligence and maturity.

If everything goes well

His Grace is very likely to make Fu Su his heir in a few years.

What has that got to do with the child I may bear?

If Fu Su really becomes the crown prince

you'd surely grab on tightly to Fu Su and forbid anyone to get close to him.

But you're not his biological mother, after all.

Fu Su might be obedient now

but as time goes by and you become stricter with him

it's hard to say for sure that he'll remain so respectful to you.

So?

As tough as you are, you surely wouldn't stand for it.

If you have your own son

you'd have to rack your brain

to make His Grace appoint a different crown prince.

Even if your ploys succeed

and you manage to make His Grace appoint your son as the crown prince

it's very likely that the first thing His Grace would do...

Once the prince comes of age, he'll have you killed.

What did you say?

How dare you curse me?

After the palace was sealed off yesterday

Tiger Valor Army took over the palace gates.

Anyone and anything going in and out of the halls was checked.

Yet nothing suspicious has been spotted.

Your Grace, perhaps the prince is still in the palace?

Perhaps he was already missing before the wet nurse noticed it.

Have the human trafficking market in Xianyang investigated right away.

Yes! I'll get it done right now.

Shang Yi, back to my quarters!

Madam Chu.

I don't mean it as a curse.

I'm just telling you the truth.

Historically, there have long been records of the prince's maternal side

interfering with politics.

Not to mention that you're the princess of Chu State.

You have the powerful royal family of Chu State to support you.

His Grace will surely be wary of you.

Moreover, should the crown prince of Qin also carry the Chu bloodline

there are bound to be numerous royal relatives of Chu

who would use this chance to infiltrate Qin State

and pose a great threat to the royal Ying family's Qin Empire.

However...

But if you died...

Such a threat would no longer exist.

That was why I said that if you treat Fu Su well

you should just raise him to adulthood.

If the both of you get along amicably

Fu Su would even address you as

Empress Dowager after he takes the throne.

Of course, if you don't get along well I can't say for sure...

if you could still enjoy great authority and luxury.

- You-- - Madam.

Be it you or me that is the king's favored concubine

all we can have are riches, beautiful clothes and antiques.

I'm only telling you all this so that you get my message very clearly.

I have no interest in becoming the empress

or playing mind games for power in the harem.

Nor do I wish for my Tian Ming to be embroiled in the fight for the heir.

I just want him to grow up healthily and safely.

Whether His Grace likes or dislikes me

I don't care about it at all.

Don't bother wasting your efforts on me.

Madam Chu is surely up to no good.

She knew you must be anxious and worried

but she purposely brought up Prince Fu Su to provoke you.

How mean.

Madam Chu wouldn't have come to my slumber hall for no reason.

She must be after something.

The only plausible reason for her visit is...

She is like an arsonist

who comes to see the outcome of the fire.

Moreover...

Madam Chu has always been very flamboyant in her ways.

Once she plays a dirty trick, she can't hide her delight.

Madam, you're right.

But it's just speculation.

We don't have any evidence to prove Madam Chu guilty.

Besides...

Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang always defends her in every way.

I'm worried that she might try some other tricks to get back at you.

Then--

Madam Chu doesn't have any children.

She purposely mentioned Prince Fu So to me just now.

It's enough to prove her jealousy.

She's jealous that I have Tian Ming.

Or should I say...

She hates the fact that she doesn't have a child...

So she wants to hurt Tian Ming to make herself feel better.

Goodness...

If that's true...

She really is too vicious.

All I wish to know is

if the person who took Tian Ming is looking after him well?

Or is he already...

Madam!

You must not start guessing wildly.

Prince Tian Ming is a very blessed child.

He will surely be all right.

I've imposed on you for so long.

What do you plan to do next?

What else could I do in my current predicament?

I'll roam the lands.

Take one step at a time.

Then why do you have to leave?

I heard that Warrior Gongsun passed on a poem about the sword manual to you.

You can't just ignore it, can you?

Mentor passed down the sword manual to me

so that I can protect my junior.

What's the point of deciphering that sword manual now?

Young Warrior Jing, I know you're not in the best state of mind.

How about this?

Go travel the world and look around.

You'll surely feel much better.

Brother Jing, don't be in such a hurry to leave.

When my father returns, I'll tell him that I'll join you on the journey.

No, thank you.

I'll be fine on my own.

- Brother Jing-- - All right now.

Mister Tian, Lan.

Farewell.

Madam Li has arrived!

Li, what brings you here?

I wish to talk to you about a matter.

In private.

You are all dismissed.

- Yes. - Yes, we take our leave.

Can you say it now?

These days, I've been thinking...

Who wouldn't like to have Tian Ming in the palace?

I think it over again and again...

It's you.

You had someone send Tian Ming away.

I know you miss Tian Ming badly.

You must be guessing wildly.

Am I wrong?

Why would you keep Tian Ming here?

You're not his--

Does that give you the right to suspect me?

You think that I'm capable of such a cruel deed?

You had your two younger brothers killed before your own mother.

Are you not ruthless enough?

Indeed.

Tian Ming isn't my child.

But it doesn't mean that I'd kill him.

I wouldn't do it sneakily like some scoundrel

just so I can have the woman who won't even spare me a glance.

It's not like you're unaware of my lineage.

Isn't everyone gossiping about it?

Fine.

Even if you didn't take Tian Ming away...

The person who did it must still be in the palace.

I just can't figure it out.

Should anyone really bear such a deep grudge against me

why not come right at me?

Why target a child?

Since Tian Ming was born in the palace

this is the destiny he faces.

Vying for the throne, schemes, and power struggle.

Li...

I don't expect you to trust me.

But you should know...

If there's anyone who can protect you and your son in this palace...

I'm afraid I am the only one.

- Xiao Zhou. - What?

I haven't seen you since sunset a few days ago.

Where have you been?

Why do you ask?

Have you been hiding somewhere so you can nap?

We don't do that very often.

If you want to take a nap, I'll tell you where to go.

Sure.

There are a few good spots in the back garden.

Yes.

Then there's the South Palace.

It's particularly quiet.

But it's best not to go there.

Why not?

I think it might be haunted.

It's haunted?

How is it haunted?

Isn't the South Palace a deserted Cold Palace?

Yes, it might be, but I keep hearing the sound of children crying.

- What? - Isn't it scary?

Really?

Your Grace, please halt.

How impertinent!

A mere guard like you dares to hinder His Grace?

Don't you know that you'll be punished for breaking regulations?

I have an important matter to report to Your Grace.

What is it?

It's about Prince Tian Ming's disappearance.

Tell me!

Your Grace.

I'm a guard in the Inner Palace. My surname is Han.

Today, I heard from my colleague, Guard Zhou

that he happened to hear the crying of an infant

when he went past South Palace a few days ago.

Although I can't be certain

I beseech Your Grace to search South Palace as to relieve such a doubt.

Nonsense!

A mere guard like you dares to ask His Grace to search South Palace?

How bold you are!

Your Grace, you must judge carefully.

Don't be fooled by this fellow.

Guard Han.

You dare to have me search South Palace based simply on Guard Zhou's words?

If I fail to find the prince in South Palace

aren't you scared that I'll punish you?

The prince's disappearance is not some trivial matter.

I have a duty to guard the palace.

I would do so, regardless of my life.

Since we have discovered a clue

we should investigate it carefully instead of overlooking it.

If what I have said today is no more than sheer nonsense

I am willing to be punished without any complaint.

[South Palace]

- Good boy! - Your Grace.

Don't cry, good boy.

Tian Ming?

Tian Ming!

Tian Ming!

Don't cry--

I won't give him back, no...

Empress Dowager!

Hand the prince back to Madam Li.

All right...

So he's yours?

Here, here...

Mother is here.

Mother is here, Tian Ming.

Don't cry, Tian Ming. Good boy...

- Don't cry. - Zheng.

You haven't visited me for so long.

Empress Dowager.

You hid the prince away. Do you know the crime you committed?

The prince?

Xiang didn't say that he's a prince.

She said a maid had him outside the palace.

How ridiculous!

None but the king's children are allowed in the palace.

You have lived in the palace long enough to know that.

Your Grace.

Empress Dowager has been in South Palace for long

so she doesn't recognize the prince.

She trusted the servants and made a mistake unwittingly.

I believe it wasn't intentional.

Your Grace, please don't blame her.

Forget it.

Since we've now found Tian Ming...

Someone must be behind this.

I will have this investigated.

All of you...

Await punishment.

[Preview]

Li...

That was the first time that you called Tian Ming my child.

I'm delighted.

Guard Han.

This injury...

How did you get wounded?

- Senior Han. - Junior Li.

Senior Han.

I heard you tell His Grace that you're taking time off to go home.

I've been worried since then.

You never had any family.

What home are you visiting?

I took time off so that I can leave the palace.

I plan to have a letter delivered to Mister Tian Guang.

Junior Li, I'm taking you away from here.

This is really urgent.

Why don't we leave Tian Ming behind first?

You'd have me leave without Tian Ming?

No way.

I'm not leaving then.

Junior Li, we won't be able to leave if we bring him along.

Trust me.

I'll take him away from here later.

Trust me.

Li Zhong?

Could His Grace be--

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