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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 16]

How about this?

We are finally reunited.

Brother Jing and Sister Li should put on a friendly match for us.

Lan!

Are you purposely trying to make me look bad?

When I haven't even had the chance to wield a sword for a year...

I'm quite rusty now.

Li, it's all right.

We'll use that swordsmanship we came up with.

If you forgot the stances, I'll remind you.

Brother Jing, you're so skilled now.

You should give Sister Li an advantage.

How about... covering up your eyes?

That won't do.

Wouldn't that be bullying my senior?

How about this?

I'll cover my eyes as well.

Sure.

Why don't we use this silk scarf?

The sight of this scarf reminds me of so much that we went through.

Li...

Only after you left did I realize

why you often said you wished to conceal your identity

and stay away from the fighting world.

In a world of chaos and war...

it's impossible to live only for ourselves.

Senior Jing...

I only hope that I don't become a hindrance to your future.

I don't care about it.

Be it the sword manual or achievements

neither matters to me as much as you do.

Senior Jing.

You and I...

We're not the Gongsun Li and Jing Ke we once were.

Sister Li!

Miss Qing.

I don't believe a word you just said.

Master Zhao...

I...

Every word I said is true.

I feel wronged!

Oh? You feel wronged?

Fine.

I'll change your mind on that today.

- Guards! - Spare me...

- Present! - Do it!

- Yes! - Master Zhao, spare me!

I'm innocent!

Madam Min has arrived!

What are you doing?

Madam Min, what brings you to the Lateral Courts?

Regular Palace Attendant.

The Lateral Courts are within the premises of the palace.

I have not stepped out of the palace.

Have I?

No, Madam.

Are you torturing palace maids here?

This is...

Guards.

Release Miss Qing.

Quickly! Let her go.

- Yes! - Let her go.

I'm just following the king's orders to investigate Madam Li's disappearance.

Investigate?

I think this looks more like coercing a confession.

Miss Qing was too tight-lipped.

I was left with no choice but to--

Zhao Gao!

This case is yet to be determined.

If you resort to such means of torture without knowing the facts

and Madam Li is later proven to be abducted or wrongfully framed

are you not worried that His Grace will hold you accountable?

This is...

His Grace is now on his way back to the palace.

Should Regular Palace Attendant still wish to stay in favor...

I advise you to put an end to what you're doing now.

Yes.

All right then.

You are all dismissed.

I take my leave.

Yes!

Qing.

Madam Min...

Thank you for saving me, Madam Min.

Qing...

His Grace is now on his way back to the palace.

If Madam Li remains missing

I'm worried you might have to keep suffering.

Madam Min...

I really don't know anything.

I really don't know where Madam Li is...

Qing!

We're selling it cheaper!

Senior Han! Over here.

What have you heard?

I heard that Lu Bu Wei has killed himself with poisoned wine.

Is it true?

It can't be wrong.

The news spread so quickly.

Luoyang is already in chaos.

They are scared that the King of Qin will turn against them and punish them all.

Many have fled Luoyang like refugees.

Lu Bu Wei was powerful and wealthy.

All the other states were vying to recruit him as a chancellor.

Why would he kill himself?

I heard people from Luoyang say that the King of Qin...

handed Lu a confidential decree to relocate him to Shu area.

Soon after, Lu killed himself in despair.

I think the poisoned wine was even given to him by the king.

The King of Qin is harsh and ruthless.

However Lu Bu Wei may have schemed for fame and wealth

he did after all, contribute all his life to Qin State.

How could he kill Lu so easily?

How spine-chilling.

Yes, I also heard that.

The King of Qin is particularly brutal to his enemies.

He could even kill the old and young.

Li?

What's wrong? Why are you so quiet?

From what I know of Ying Zheng...

He isn't like that.

Although he felt helpless and agonized due to his background

Lu Bu Wei was still his biological father.

Ying Zheng still shows some benevolence toward him.

So... the rumors are true?

Lu Bu Wei really is--

Even so, Ying Zheng did kill his younger brothers.

A man who could even kill his younger brothers...

What's so surprising about him killing his father?

Those two brothers were actually born to Empress Dowager

and her kept man, Lao Ai.

They never lived with Ying Zheng.

It's just that...

Since Ying Zheng was a child

he has been manipulated by Lu Bu Wei and Empress Dowager Zhao.

Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang is also a scheming person.

Since his youth, Ying Zheng has never been treated with sincerity.

He also doesn't trust anyone completely.

It seems that after spending a year by Ying Zheng's side

you understand him better than anyone else.

Junior Jing, Li is just telling us what she observed in the palace.

So many rumors are circulating.

They are bound to exaggerate.

That is all.

Anyway, Lu Bu Wei can never return to Qin State.

Isn't this a good thing for the stability of the six states?

I said too much.

If you don't want to know about what I just said

just pretend you didn't hear a word.

We've all come out here to enjoy a nice meal together.

I've dampened the mood.

I'm really sorry.

Not at all, Sister Li! Don't think too much of it.

Don't you like the food here?

Have a bit more.

Here!

Thank you, Ge Lan.

Who was in charge of guarding Madam Li's quarters?

Present!

Go on and pick up that sword.

Yes, Your Grace.

Why are you handing it to me?

I want you to use the sword to end your own life.

I...

I...

Please spare me, Your Grace! Please spare me, Your Grace!

If you still won't do it

I'll have the three generations of your family wiped out!

Your Grace!

Do it!

Convey my orders.

Not only did this man fail to protect Madam Li

but he also defied my orders in public.

Kill his entire family.

Drag him out!

- Guards. - Present!

Zhao Gao.

Present.

Pick up the sword.

Please spare me, Your Grace!

I know of my own sins.

However, may I be so bold as to say

that I've already lead my men to search the palace for Madam Li

and interrogated these lowly maids for several days and nights.

To this day, not one clue has been found.

But I beseech Your Grace to believe that I have been in great anxiety and panic.

If my death would bring Madam Li back to the palace, I will die willingly!

Enough nonsense! Pick up the sword!

Your Grace, forgive me.

Regular Palace Attendant is in charge of administrative matters.

While I was away the past few days, he was the only witness.

If you have him killed now, it will be even harder to find Madam Li.

Li Zhong does have a point.

I'll spare your life today.

If you can't find Madam Li, then you'll hand in your own head!

Thank you for sparing me, Your Grace!

I'll surely atone for my mistakes.

I'll bring Madam Li back safely!

Lan!

Sister Li? What are you doing here?

You're not out with Brother Jing?

I haven't seen you in so long so I wanted to catch up with you.

The seniors walk a lot faster.

They've already gone much farther ahead.

I'll take you up on the offer then?

Lan, you've been traveling with Warrior Ge all these years.

You must have met many heroes and warriors.

I wonder if any young warriors have won your affection?

Why do you suddenly ask me that?

All men and women are to be married.

An older sister is like a mother.

As the older sister, I should take care of you.

I... I never thought about marriage.

You're still young. Why wouldn't you consider getting married?

Could it be...

You already have someone in mind?

I...

Lan, you can be honest with me.

I've always seen you as my closest sister.

I hope for you to be happy.

Even if I have someone in mind

it doesn't matter if he cares for me or not.

As long as I get to stay by his side and can see and take care of him

it's good enough for me.

Because I know he's destined to be with someone else.

So I just wish for his happiness.

That's enough for me.

Why are you so silly?

Sister Li, you chose to go to Qin Palace to save Brother Jing.

Others would find you silly as well.

But I understand.

I mean it.

A wild hare!

Lan, don't worry.

You like Senior Jing so much.

I won't keep you waiting all your life.

Junior Jing.

Junior Li was closely monitored in the palace.

She couldn't speak her mind freely.

She was just expressing her opinion yesterday.

Don't take it to heart.

I just think that she has changed.

She's not as cheerful as she once was.

She seems to be keeping something from me.

I don't know either.

Although she has returned to me, I still feel very disturbed.

Li went through a lot in the palace this past year.

Of course she can't be the same.

Just a year in the palace of Qin, and she forgets about avenging Puyang?

Just a year by Ying Zheng's side and she no longer sees him as a tyrant?

I simply can't understand it.

Li has her reasons.

When the time is right, I think she'll tell you.

What reasons does she have?

Brother Jing! Brother Han!

Look! I hunted down a wild hare!

Not only is Miss Lan skilled in martial arts, but also hunting.

I'm all right.

It's getting late.

We should find a spot and make a fire.

Sure!

Let's go.

Useless scum!

Idiots!

It's been a day and you still haven't found her!

Your Grace, this afternoon

General Meng led 1000 elite soldiers to search the 300-mile radius

of the Qin and Wei border.

500 soldiers of Tiger Valor Army are also searching the villages

and houses in Xianyang. They will report back if they have any news.

I don't believe that Madam Li is a mother who would abandon her child.

She has put up with insults and humiliation in the palace

but she has never once tried to leave.

All for Tian Ming's sake.

She couldn't have left just like that.

Unless...

someone abducted her.

If she left the palace without permission

it must be purely accidental that she didn't take Tian Ming with her.

Li Zhong!

Present!

Keep a close eye on the wet nurse and the prince day and night.

Anyone going into the wet nurse's room must be checked by your trusted guards.

Yes!

The palace is so heavily guarded.

I don't think that she left the palace on her own.

If she could pull that off so easily, she would have escaped a year ago.

Your Grace means...

Someone secretly helped Madam Li leave the palace?

It's... very likely they lived in the palace too.

It's wonderful that we can all be together.

This must be the best time in life.

Lan...

Do you remember the day we made the oath to become sworn sisters?

Of course!

It was the first time I met another girl with similar interest around my age.

I was so thrilled.

So was I.

I grew up with my seniors.

I finally got to meet an adorable and smart younger sister.

I also felt it was very fortunate.

Lan... You must not forget me.

What are you talking about?

We will never be apart again.

I won't be able to forget you even if I wanted to.

Whenever we miss each other, let's just look up at the sky.

We'll be looking at the same moon.

I believe the moon will pass on the yearnings we have for each other.

Right, I just received a messenger pigeon from my informant.

Xianyang has already sent out troops to search for you.

We're not so far from the border of Qin and Wei.

The soldiers will be here soon.

We must leave this place as soon as possible.

The let's hide at Mount Taihang first.

My father has a small hut there for his training.

It might be small but it's fully equipped.

Mount Taihang is especially beautiful this time of year.

I can also hunt for meat.

What do you think?

That sounds pretty good.

If we hide in the mountains and rely on the nature for food

we won't have to go to the markets.

However capable Qin's army may be, they won't be able to find us.

We could stay away from danger and travel at the same time.

It sounds like paradise to me.

Li, what do you think?

I won't be joining you.

If you don't like that place, we can go somewhere else.

Li, what are you worried about?

I'm going back to Xianyang.

You finally made it out, why would you head back?

Li...

We went to great lengths to reunite.

You're saying you want to go back now?

There's something I didn't tell you.

I bore Ying Zheng a child.

- Junior Li-- - Senior Han!

What did you say?

My son is called Tian Ming.

As his mother, I have to return to the palace of Qin State.

I'm sorry...

I lied to all of you.

Ying Zheng...

Ying Zheng did that to you--

I'll kill him! I'll kill him!

You can't kill him.

He's the father of my child.

My child can't be without a father.

So you're Ying Zheng's woman now?

You have his best interests at heart?

No wonder you kept speaking up for him.

You're on his side.

Have you forgotten about our vengeance?

Have you forgotten that Mentor wanted us to save the world?

I didn't.

I didn't forget Grandfather's last words.

It's just...

I'm just unfilial.

I'll never be able to fulfill Grandfather's dying wish.

Get lost.

- Get lost! - Brother Jing!

Take care.

Sister Li!

Sister Li!

Sister Li!

- Junior Jing, calm down. - Sister Li!

Sister Li, don't leave!

Sister Li!

Sister Li!

Sister Li! Why do you have to return to the palace of Qin?

For my child's sake.

For Senior Jing's sake.

I have no choice but to leave.

I don't understand!

Even if he is the King of Qin's child we can bring him with us!

Brother Jing will accept him.

I can look after him too!

Lan, you have your own destiny.

I have mine.

Remember. No matter where we may be

we'll be looking up at the same moon, won't we?

I won't let you leave, Sister Li!

Just tell me what is bothering you!

We can fix it together!

Tell me! What is it?

Lan, I have to go.

Like I said, be brave in the pursuit of love.

Don't worry too much.

I'll always wish for your happiness.

Can you promise me that?

Sister Li!

Brother Jing! Brother Jing!

Brother Jing, Sister Li is really leaving! Go after her!

Go now!

You already knew?

She had the Qin King's child.

Junior Jing, it's not what you think.

If not, what is it then?

Tell me! What is it then?

I...

You've been lying to me all this time.

You brought me hope and despair.

First, you gave me hope again, and then despair!

You've been lying to me!

Junior Jing, calm down first.

I'll bring Junior Li back.

Junior Li!

Junior Li!

Why did you lie to him?

When I left the palace...

I had already decided that I would return.

What?

If we run from the palace

Ying Zheng will definitely hunt us down to the ends of the Earth.

With Qin's power, it's not difficult.

But my child, Tian Ming...

He'll have to live his life in hiding, with a false identity.

Isn't it too cruel for a child to lead his life as a homeless vagrant?

You're still the more thoughtful one.

Then...

Are you going to keep Junior Jing in the dark forever?

But Tian Ming is his son.

Judging by Senior Jing's temperament

if he learns that his own son is still in the palace of Qin

he'd no doubt risk his own life to rescue him.

We both know just how dangerous it is for an outsider to sneak into the palace!

Not to mention rescuing a child.

But if we hold him back from doing so...

Wouldn't it be pure torment for him to never see his child?

But he has now misunderstood you.

You'll suffer all the hardship alone.

Suffering alone...

is still better than dragging everyone down.

Senior Han.

This time away from the palace...

I've figured something out.

What is it?

Miss Lan...

She likes Senior Jing very much.

Miss Lan has traveled the world with Warrior Ge Nie from a young age.

She's forthright and cheerful.

She's considerate and loving.

If she could be with Senior Jing...

She could help him understand the sword manual and improve his skills.

Isn't that great?

Besides, Senior Jing is now going to fulfill my grandfather's wishes.

If he knew that Tian Ming is his son

it would only make him worry.

It would only become his burden.

Senior Han.

Promise me.

You must never tell Senior Jing the truth.

Junior Li...

I thought I did right by taking you out of the palace.

Who knew it would only add to your misery?

I'll be honest with you.

I know that Miss Lan likes Junior Jing.

But I thought...

I thought that's just some people's fate.

They spend their lives being in love with someone.

It doesn't matter if their affections are never reciprocated.

As long as they get to stay by their beloved's side

it's good enough.

If someone in the harem helped Madam Li leave the palace

then they would also be absent from the palace.

- Meng. - Present.

Go and look into it.

Find out who has taken days off in the Inner Palace Bureau and the harem.

Yes, Master Zhao.

Right, Xiao Bai.

Look into the Commander of Guards, as well as the bodyguards.

Understood.

Madam Li has sabotaged our plans.

We must teach her a lesson.

Let's go.

Junior Li?

Junior Li!

I'm heading back to the palace alone.

I believe that Ying Zheng won't hurt me.

Senior Han, you must never return to the palace.

If you mean well, look after Senior Jing for me.

That would be a great comfort to me.

Do not miss me.

Li.

I never thought Marquis Wenxin would despair so easily.

Our Great Chu invited him to be Chief Counselor

and yet he wasn't interested.

A small decree made by His Grace shamed him enough to take his own life?

I really didn't see this coming.

His Grace has announced to the world

that all the underlings who interacted with Marquis Wenxin must leave Qin State.

All those who moved up the ranks because of Marquis Wenxin

can no longer bid their days in peace.

The intricate network Lu Bu Wei built throughout his life

is now officially dissolved.

What's most pressing now is for us to look for another confidant

within Qin State's political circle.

Only then can we guarantee Great Chu's best interests are met.

What about Left Minister, Lord Changping?

Wasn't he born to the royal family of Chu under the Mi-Xiong surname

as the son of the former king of Chu?

Lord Changping?

He was born in Qin State and has always served Qin State.

Although he is the late Chu king's descendant

he has no affection for Chu State.

I've been in Qin State for years.

Not once has he talked to me about Chu State's past.

He isn't someone we can win over.

Right!

How about that newly appointed Junior Court Officer, Li Si?

I read on the document of appointment that he's from Chu State.

Li Si?

Li Si was once an underling of Marquis Wenxin.

He gained the trust of His Grace since he submitted his article

"Advising Against Driving Away Foreign Talents."

Since Marquis Wenxin can never return we'll start from Li Si instead.

I understand. I'll have him investigated first.

Tell me.

How did he treat you?

He didn't mistreat me.

Lady Li is greatly favored by His Grace.

His Grace has gone to Lady Li's quarters again tonight.

I'm going back to Xianyang.

We took great pains to finally reunite.

Now you're saying you want to go back?

I bore Ying Zheng a child.

I'll kill him!

You can't kill him.

He's the father of my child.

My child can't be without a father.

You're now Ying Zheng's woman?

You have his interests at heart?

Brother Jing...

I know no words can console you.

But I think that Sister Li sacrificed herself

by going to the palace of Qin

and then overcame great obstacles to leave the palace to meet us.

She must have her reasons for returning.

It's just that she can't tell us.

Whatever reasons she might have, none of that matters.

She didn't choose me.

Instead, she chose to return to the King of Qin.

That decision alone tells me all I need to know.

Brother Han.

Junior Jing.

Brother Jing!

What are you still doing here?

Li told me to look after you.

I'm not a child.

I don't need anyone to look after me.

Junior Jing.

No matter what you think, everything Li did is for your sake.

I don't believe that!

If what you say is true...

If she really did everything for my sake, why can't she tell me the truth?

Between me and the King of Qin, she'd trust him instead?

Doesn't she know what kind of a person I am?

Senior Han, you've been in the palace of Qin for more than a year.

Was it really just to protect Li?

What do you mean?

[Preview]

Report!

Your Grace, Madam Li has returned.

Don't come any closer!

Don't fight.

Feng Yi, His Grace has already given orders.

You're not to torture Madam Li.

What are you so nervous about?

I didn't even try to scare her with Great Qin's flesh-peeling tactic.

I'm just following the orders of Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang

to teach Madam Li the regulations of the harem.

Your Grace, the criminal, Han Shen is here.

One of you is lying.

Who is it?

Speak.

Which one of you is lying?

Fine.

I'll take it that you lied to me.

Then Guard Han will be convicted for abducting a concubine.

Anyone?

Present.

Keep Madam Li under house arrest in the harem.

Without my permission, no one is allowed to visit her.

Yes, Your Grace.

Halt.

What is it, sir?

Is Madam Li asleep?

Yes, Madam is asleep.

All right, get going.

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