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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 14]

Forget it.

Since we've found Tian Ming...

Someone must be behind this.

I will have this investigated.

And all of you...

Await punishment.

Han Shen.

It's due to your intelligence and decisiveness

that the prince was found, you have contributed greatly.

Tell me.

How would you like me reward you?

Your Grace.

It's my duty to protect the palace and keep it safe.

Your Grace need not reward me.

Guard Han is too modest.

As a mere guard of the Inner Palace

how much courage must you have plucked up

to come up to me and ask me to search South Palace?

I remember that I asked you then if you're scared that I might punish you.

You said that you'd rather have it investigated carefully than overlook it.

Why are you so concerned about the prince's safety?

Or is it--

The prince is of royal blood and affects the reign of Great Qin.

Should the prince be missing and harmed, the six states will surely invade us.

Then it will cause a threat to Your Grace's safety in the palace.

So I made a great effort investigating this case.

Hold on.

Your Grace.

There's one matter I'd like to confirm with Guard Han.

Go ahead.

Thank you, Your Grace.

How did you get wounded?

Could it be...

You're the assassin who snuck into the king's quarters?

It can't be good... The commander has noticed something?

Guard Han.

This injury...

How did you get wounded?

Commander, I was too playful and made a bet on a fight

outside the palace during my break, and got wounded.

Do we bet on such fights in our markets?

Why haven't I heard of it?

I was the one who suggested it.

I don't know if anyone else has done it.

Commander of Guards.

Guard Han has found Prince Ting Ming for me and His Grace.

We're indebted to him.

His Grace is grateful to Guard Han Shen.

Han Shen, since you have shown such merit

there's no reason for me not to reward you.

Tell me.

What reward would you like?

Your Grace, could I have a few days off from duty?

I received a letter from home.

My mother is unwell.

She'd like me to go home for a visit.

Sure!

I'll allow you to take a few days off.

You're dismissed.

Thank you, Your Grace.

Has Senior Han made a plan?

Li...

That was the first time you referred to Tian Ming as my child.

I'm delighted.

We've both been exhausted the last few days since Tian Ming went missing.

I'm a bit tired now.

I'll get some rest back in my quarters.

All right.

Go and get some rest.

- Madam Min. - Madam Min.

- Madam Min. - Madam Min.

Qing greets Madam Min.

How is Madam Li?

Madam is having a rest now.

She's exhausted from searching for the prince today.

Madam Min, why don't you wait a while?

I think she will wake up soon.

Don't bother.

I'll visit her again when she feels better.

Take these in first.

I asked to have some of Zhao State's specialty, red dates, sent over.

I saw that Li likes them so I brought more over.

She just gave birth some time ago

and now she has exhausted herself while searching for the prince.

She will need to get better nourished.

Right, there's this as well.

This is said to relieve fatigue in the skin.

If applied to the face, it will make one look radiant.

The imperial physician had this concocted personally.

Thank you, Madam Min.

I'll take my leave.

I'll visit Li again another day.

Marquis.

Chu State has sent over some fine tangerines.

They said they're in season and sent you some to try.

Leave them there.

Recently, the envoys from Zhao, Wei, and Chu State

have all been here to offer you gifts.

They eagerly invite you over to be a chancellor in their states.

Among the six states

only Chu State, which is abundant in natural resources

and Zhao State, which has a remarkable commander, Li Mu

are still considered quite a match for Great Qin.

Marquis, have you already decided?

In Wei State, since Lord Xinling passed away

their fundamental principle has been destroyed.

Chu State might be prosperous

but their officials are vying against one another at all times.

It's a strain on their power as a nation.

Although Zhao State has Li Mu

the King of Zhao is inane and relies heavily on the villain, Guo Kai.

What good can an old man like me do, observing such political trends?

Minister Ma.

You've been with me for years.

You have always had clear insight into my matters.

What is your opinion?

Forgive me for being blunt.

I think that you don't wish to go anywhere else.

You only wish to return to Qin.

I was right to confide in you.

Of all 3000 underlings, you're the only one who knows me best.

Forgive me for making another bold suggestion.

I know that you wish to return to Qin State.

But His Grace is highly suspicious of you.

I think it's safer to offer your service to any state

rather than heading back to Qin State.

Indeed.

It might not be safe to head back to Qin State.

I've served Great Qin for years.

Everyone knows that.

The six states have been in decline for too long

without any kings that stand out.

If I really offer my service to them

who would truly treat me kindly?

If you do, the six states will still see you as the chancellor of Great Qin.

They wouldn't dare to treat you badly.

However, if you turn them down

there's no knowing if King Zheng of Qin would still treat you with respect.

You're afraid Zheng will have me killed?

Zheng should be well-informed of my actions here on my estate.

Should I violate his wishes

the army of Great Qin would come down on me immediately.

If he really wanted to kill me, he'd have done it ages ago.

That scoundrel, Li Si...

I had him under my roof for years.

He turned on me overnight.

It's hard to say that he won't slander me before His Grace

just to secure his own position.

If so, Marquis, wouldn't you like to take the initiative?

I can make a trip to Xianyang to find out what His Grace truly thinks.

No.

Zheng is sensitive and highly suspicious of others by nature.

If we were to make a move first, we would be alerting our enemies.

We might as well just wait and see.

I believe that with His Grace's impatience

he won't be able to keep it bottled up for long.

Envoys from every state are out to recruit Lu Bu Wei?

But he's not interested in any of them yet?

Yes.

It's hard to tell if Marquis Wenxin is playing hard to get

in order to boost his prestige

or if he's really not interested in becoming another state's chancellor.

That sly old fox...

If he really plans to become the chancellor of another state

it wouldn't be possible for him to make moves discreetly

even if he acts as if he's not interested.

Could it be that he really isn't interested in going elsewhere?

He's only seeing those visitors in order to provoke His Grace?

Master Li, that does sound plausible.

After all, His Grace and Marquis Wenxin...

They even share the bond of father and son.

The bond of father and son?

Lu, that treacherous--

Is he still hoping that His Grace would care for that bond

so he pretends to play hard to get?

He's waiting to be welcomed back to Great Qin in full glory.

Should Marquis Wenxin return to Qin

it's hard to tell if he'd pose a threat to your position.

This is the post and authority you worked so hard to attain.

Master Li, shouldn't we take action?

Junior Court Officer, Li Si seeks an audience.

Send him in.

Yes.

This way, please.

Li Si greets Your Grace.

Why do you seek an audience?

It concerns Marquis Wenxin.

Isn't Marquis Wenxin now residing in his own estate

and enjoying retirement?

What have you got to say about it?

Enjoying retirement?

But why have I heard that there are many visitors

going in and out of Marquis Wenxin's manor?

His former underlings and various scholars of all states keep visiting him.

Some informants have notified me

that since Marquis Wenxin retired to Luoyang

the envoys of all the other states have visited to try to recruit him.

They went in hopes of convincing him to become their counsellor.

The terms and conditions are extremely generous.

Furthermore...

Chu State has proposed to him the highest post, Chief Counselor.

Your Grace, have you heard of it?

Your Grace, Marquis Wenxin had an important post here for so long.

Be it the political affairs within the Inner Palace

or military deployment, he knows them all too well.

If we allow him to serve another state and do as he wishes

the consequences would be dire if he betrays Qin's interests!

I've been thinking about it lately.

Great Qin's greatest threat lies in the alliance of the six states.

Li Si, what is your opinion?

Should the alliance be formed

it will indeed pose a huge threat to Qin State.

However, the other states are weak and declining.

I... I believe that the alliance is unlikely to form successfully.

The key to forming the alliance

is in the other states winning over our feudal lords.

Therefore, Great Qin must prevent the feudal lords from

seeking personal interests and strictly monitor their estates.

Marquis Wenxin wields great authority in Sanchuan Commandery.

His wealth equals that of a state.

If we are to discuss the feudal lords and their estates...

I'm afraid he's the only one who is the greatest threat to me.

Zhao Gao.

Present.

Summon Li Zhong here immediately.

Have him accompany me to Luoyang.

If Marquis Wenxin intends to betray Qin State

I must hold him accountable for it.

Yes, Your Grace.

Your Grace is wise!

I thank Your Grace for being so sensible.

[South Palace]

What brings you here today?

I'm not hiding anything here.

I'm not here to reprimand you.

I'm going to Luoyang.

I'll be visiting that person.

Why would you tell me you're visiting him?

You won't allow me to be with him anyway.

You only came here to make fun of me.

I've always wanted to ask you this question.

You came with that person to Qin State.

Do you regret it?

Regret?

Your father was too timid.

He didn't even dare to think of vying for the position of crown prince.

If it weren't for Lu Bu Wei

he never would have made it back to Qin State.

If Zi Chu (former emperor) wasn't appointed as the crown prince...

If I weren't Zi Chu's wife...

Lu Bu Wei never would have sent us here to Qin State.

What is there to regret?

I was nothing more than a tool to those two men.

But Zheng, you're different.

You're now the king of Qin State.

The entire world will soon be yours.

Indeed.

If my deceased father wasn't the crown prince...

If Lu Bu Wei hadn't brought us to Qin State...

If I were still the Zhao Zheng I once was...

Would the world still be mine?

How can you think like that?

You are my son.

You were born to be a king and to unite all states as one.

None of this is supposed to be mine.

If it wasn't for Lu Bu Wei, you wouldn't have been used.

I wouldn't have come to Xianyang either.

This is all because of him.

No...

You must not think like that.

You deserve all of this.

This is what we deserve to have.

You must not think like that!

Mother.

I just want you to answer one question.

If I weren't the king of Great Qin...

And you weren't Empress Dowager...

Would you have abandoned me?

Zheng...

How could you think that?

You are my son.

What mother would abandon her son?

But you're using me.

Grand Empress Dowager is using me too.

You're both using me.

For the sake of your authority...

For the sake of luxury and wealth...

None of you considered how I feel.

No... It isn't like that.

It isn't like that...

It isn't like that!

Sometimes...

All I want is to be an ordinary man.

- 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 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.

Senior Han--

I've been in the palace for a year.

I've investigated the Inner and Outer Palace carefully.

I've calculated every guard's location and shift.

I told you that I'd get you out of the palace one day.

I've prepared all this for you.

But now, it's not just me. There's also Tian Ming.

The palace is also heavily guarded.

- Should anything go wrong-- - Don't worry.

I'd never put you or Tian Ming in danger.

It's just...

I'm still waiting for the right timing.

Junior Li.

I can tell that Ying Zheng is very devoted to you.

His affection for Tian Ming isn't a mere hoax either.

However, you should know better than I do.

He is an unpredictable man.

He gets agitated and aggressive quickly.

You might be the apple of his eyes now

but you could end up in prison the next day.

I can't be at ease as long as you have to stay by his side every day.

Now, I'm thoroughly familiar with the palace grounds.

Once Ying Zheng is away, the security measures are more relaxed.

That will be the perfect time to get you out of here.

Ying Zheng might leave Xianyang in a few days.

I'm not too sure about the details

but I happened to overhear his conversation with Li Zhong today.

He said that the officials and nobility are not to know of this trip.

Junior Li, what do you have on you

that can prove your identity to Mister Tian Guang and Jing Ke?

Yes, I have a silk scarf that Senior Jing gave me.

Mister Tian Guang has seen it.

Seeing the scarf is as good as seeing me.

[Manor of Marquis Wenxin]

The new year is around the corner.

Get the servants to prepare some food to distribute to various households.

Although I'm so desolate and powerless

they are still willing to follow me so faithfully.

Although I can no longer promote them to higher ranks

I can still keep them clothed and fed.

Yes, Marquis.

Marquis.

There's one other matter.

Chu State has sent another letter.

They have asked that you reply to the Chief Counselor's offer.

How should I handle it?

Let's not take any action.

Just reply...

Tell them that I'm unwell and recuperating in seclusion.

I'll make a decision when I feel better.

Yes, I understand.

However, you won't be able to stall for too long with the excuse of an illness.

Marquis!

There's an envoy from Great Qin.

Great Qin?

Who is the envoy?

He hasn't given his name, but just asked to see the marquis.

Who is it?

This is the marquis' manor.

Who would be so rude?

Marquis.

Long time no see.

Li Zhong?

Could His Grace be--

Your Grace.

Your Grace.

I wonder where Brother Jing went.

There's no news of him at all.

It's really worrying.

Young Warrior Jing suffered a drastic change in his life.

It's natural that he is at a loss.

However it might be, he is still the prized disciple of Warrior Gongsun.

Besides, he has spent years training in swordsmanship.

His endurance and tolerance is unmatched.

So, Miss Lan, you don't need to worry too much.

Is Mister Tian at home?

Just a moment!

I'll go take a look.

What is the matter?

I'm here to deliver a letter from Mister Han in Xianyang

to Mister Tian Guang.

Hand it to me.

Thank you.

I take my leave.

Who is Mister Han from Xianyang?

Unless I'm mistaken

he should be the Miss Gongsun's and Young Warrior Jing's senior.

A silk scarf?

This is the token of affection that Young Warrior Jing gave to Miss Gongsun.

This means Mister Han has already met up with Sister Li?

I'll get Junior Li out of the palace soon.

Please hand this letter to Junior Jing.

Han Shen.

Your Grace personally came to Luoyang.

You could have sent someone to notify me in advance.

Then I could've properly welcomed you.

This is a confidential trip.

I don't wish for the historians to record it.

Is that so?

You should know very well why I personally came here.

Let's get straight to the point.

Both Chu State and Zhao State wish to recruit you as their official.

What is your decision?

What are you thinking?

Stop acting in front of me.

You act like you're keeping a low profile.

But haven't you just been waiting for a chance to make your comeback?

How about this?

I'll give orders dismissing your 3,000 underlings.

There's no point in keeping them anyway.

Those underlings are my loyal friends.

They can't be dismissed just because I want them to be dismissed.

Since they are so faithful to you...

They are of no use to Great Qin.

I'll have them all killed then!

How about that?

I have always been faithful to Qin.

Although Your Grace dismissed me from my post as the chancellor

I never intended to serve another state as an official.

Your Grace, please believe me.

Should Your Grace worry that I would use

my many underlings as a private army

I can have them all dismissed.

I'll return to Qin alone.

I don't believe you.

From what I know of you

you go where the fame and incentives are.

You have always catered to those in power.

Why would you be willing to return to Great Qian?

This is...

Zheng, don't you understand?

You're my flesh and blood!

However scheming and manipulative I might be

I'd never abandon you and betray Qin!

I can make an oath to the Heavens.

I, Lu Bu Wei, might have schemed and plotted all my life

for all sorts of ulterior motives

but after what I went through, I have come to a realization.

I'm already at this age.

What would I still seek?

Fame and fortune? Military power and authority?

Which have I not had before?

If there's anything I still wish for...

it's just that you unite the states and rule as the emperor!

Do you understand?

If that is so...

Congratulations to the Marquis on becoming Chief Counselor of Chu State!

- Hold on! - Let's go.

Congratulations, Marquis!

You're now Chief Counselor of Chu State!

- Congratulations, Marquis! - Congratulations, Marquis!

We just heard the news and came right away to congratulate you.

Wherever Marquis goes, we'll follow. Even till the world's end.

- We swear to follow you till death! - We swear to follow you till death!

You...

Where did you hear such news?

Who told you that?

Do you not see that Marquis has a visitor?

Get lost!

I'm sorry. We have misbehaved.

Get out of here!

Get going! Quickly!

Zheng, that was just a misunderstanding.

I don't know where they heard that.

It's just a rumor.

You are Lu Bu Wei after all.

It seems that I'm still too soft-hearted.

For a split second, I almost believed you.

How could you possibly return to Great Qin to be humiliated?

Zheng, hear me out.

That really was a misunderstanding!

Why don't I summon them in here so we can confront them?

Minister Ma can also vouch for me.

I never intended to go to Chu State at all!

You must believe me--

That's enough!

Don't bother wasting your breath.

I know very well what kind of person you are.

I have made up my mind.

As the king of Great Qin...

I can neither allow you to return to Xianyang

nor have you serve the six states and pose a threat to Qin.

Since you've contributed greatly in the past...

I will spare your life.

However...

From this day forth, you're banished to Shu area.

Never again are we to meet in this lifetime.

Zheng! It isn't what you think!

Your Grace!

Your Grace, I beg you to hear me out!

I--

Your Grace!

Madam, you should rest early.

I'll take my leave.

Qing, hold on.

Madam, is there anything you need?

Qing, you have looked after me since I entered the palace.

I have nothing to give you.

Just accept this hairpin first?

No...

Madam's belongings are too valuable.

I don't dare to accept it.

Just take it.

If I don't give it to you now, I might not have another chance.

Madam, what do you mean?

Go and get some rest.

Thank you, Madam.

Madam, get some rest soon.

I take my leave now.

Senior Han.

Junior Li.

- Change into this quickly. - Yes.

Senior Han.

Tian Ming, Mother is here.

I'll take you away from here.

Don't cry...

Don't cry.

Good boy.

What is going on?

I heard the prince crying.

We came to take a look, just in case.

You make a fuss over nothing.

The prince is still young.

It's normal that he cries at night.

His Grace instructed us to check on the prince if we hear anything

in case the prince is taken again.

You've already checked.

The prince is fine. Everything's all right.

It'll just frighten the prince to see so many of you.

You should leave now.

Let's go.

Don't cry...

Junior Li.

It seems that since the last time Tian Ming went missing

Ying Zheng has sent more guards to protect him.

It'd be hard to take him away.

What should we do?

This is really urgent.

Why don't we leave Tian Ming behind first?

You'd have me leave without Tian Ming?

That's impossible.

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.

From midnight till after midnight, during the changing of shifts

the security in the palace is at its lightest.

Now that no one is around, this is our only chance.

Let's go.

Junior Li.

You can't bear to leave Tian Ming behind?

If we leave like this

what will happen in the palace in the next few days?

Let me think about it...

When I think about it, I can't bring myself to leave.

We're just leaving Tian Ming temporarily in the palace.

Once we have settled down, I'll think of a way to fetch him.

During my time here, I've memorized all the shifts of the guards here.

Even if I come back here many times, nothing could go wrong.

Trust me.

But...

[Preview]

Senior Han.

You didn't tell him what I told you, right?

You mean to not mention that you gave birth to Tian Ming?

Don't worry.

I didn't mention it.

Thank you, Senior Han.

You must want to tell Junior Jing about it personally?

That would be great.

It's just that he didn't even know about Tian Ming at all.

I'd like to tell him when he gets to see his own son.

But now...

I'm worried that Tian Ming...

Are you worried that Junior Jing can't handle it?

It's good if Consort Li doesn't return.

If she does return to the palace...

I'll have to make good use of this.

Li...

Put this all behind you now.

However much I have suffered

it's all worthwhile as long as you're by my side now.

From now on, I won't let you leave me ever again.

I'll protect you with my own life.

Even if they try hunting you down to every corner of the world...

I won't let them take you away.

- Greetings, Young Master. - Speak.

Marquis Wenxin killed himself with poisoned wine.

What? Marquis Wenxin is dead?

Yes, we learned of it this morning.

Master Lu has killed himself with poisoned wine.

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