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[Episode 17]

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.

Whatever you might think of it, everything that Li does 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 in 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 so that you could protect Li?

What do you mean?

You could get close to Li.

That means you could also get near Ying Zheng.

Have you forgotten what our mentor taught us?

Why didn't you kill him?

- I already tried. - But you didn't succeed!

- Is that what you mean to tell me? - What exactly are you saying?

You went to Qin State and now, you've also become the king's minion.

I got it right, didn't I?

Junior Jing, I'm not going to argue with you.

You've already lost your sense.

So what if I have?

At least, I still know who I am.

I could never have been right next to that tyrant without killing him!

What good will it do if I kill Ying Zheng?

What about Li?

Once Ying Zheng is dead and I'm arrested

could she make it out of the palace on her own?

- Besides, there's still-- - Still what?

What else is there?

That child she had with Ying Zheng?

She can't bear to leave that child?

You--

Junior Jing.

You now have already deviated from what our mentor expected of you.

I hope you can calm down and think things through.

Brother Jing, stop it!

Listen up.

It's you and Li who betrayed our nation and mentor.

Not me!

Draw your sword! Wield it!

You can take your frustrations out on me!

I know that you're in agony now.

But Brother Han didn't do anything wrong!

You're taking his side as well?

Junior Jing.

Calm down.

We can talk this through.

You and I have nothing to talk about.

Go and be Qin State's minion if you want.

From now on, we're brothers no more.

All ties are severed.

Brother Jing!

Brother Han...

Why would Sister Li torment Brother Jing so?

Are they not in love with each other?

If they are, why can't they be together?

Miss Lan.

Not everything is as simple as you think it is.

If any two people in love could be together

there wouldn't be so many unmarried men and women.

Nor would there be so many separations and reconciliations.

All in all...

only the two of them can settle this matter between themselves.

All we can do is fret.

There are so many guards watching Zhaode Palace.

Yet a defenseless Madam could just slip away!

The palace of Great Qin is now a place anyone can enter and leave at will.

Why would I keep these idiots around?

Li Zhong!

Present.

Drag those servants out and beat them to death!

Yes.

Zhao Gao!

Present.

Drag the maids out of the Lanes of Perpetuity and cane them!

If no one can tell me where Madam Li is

kill them all and leave none alive!

Yes, Your Grace.

Report!

Your Grace, Madam Li has returned.

I left the palace without permission and caused a disturbance.

I apologize to Your Grace.

- Guards? - Present!

Madam Li left the palace unauthorized.

She violated the law.

Throw her into the prison right away!

Madam?

Madam!

Madam!

- Qing! - Madam!

- Qing! - Madam!

Qing...

How could they have you beaten up so badly?

Madam, where have you been?

I'm sorry, this is all because of me.

Don't say that!

- Madam... - Madam Li.

If you'd like to know what Miss Qing had gone through

I could let you have a taste of it as well.

You can come at me.

I left the palace on my own.

Qing knows nothing about it.

I dare you to lay another finger on her!

No one leaves the Lanes of Perpetuity without some missing limbs.

If Madam Li is eager to have a taste of such torture

I can let you try some lighter ones first.

Guards? Use physical torture on her!

Don't touch Madam!

- Let go of her! - Qing!

- Qing... - Madam!

- Qing! - Madam!

Madam!

Let go of Madam!

Let go of her!

His Grace arrives!

- What are you doing? - Your Grace.

Have I ordered you to torture her?

This is... I'm just acting according to the law in the Lanes of Perpetuity.

Set her loose now!

Yes, set her loose.

- Quickly! Set her loose! - Yes!

I'll have a few words with Madam Li.

You are all dismissed.

Yes.

Can you now tell me why you left the palace unauthorized?

Your Grace should know that I always led a carefree

and unrestrained life before I came to the palace.

I could go anywhere at will.

However, I can no longer go out for fun freely.

I can't practice swordsmanship by the river.

For someone like me, who is used to practicing martial arts

life in the palace is simply too boring.

You're saying that you left the palace just to go out for some fun?

Where have you been?

I took a walk around.

I didn't go to any specific place.

With whom?

No one.

Zhaode Palace is heavily guarded.

How did you slip out of the palace alone?

Is it true that no one assisted you?

I've practiced martial arts and swordsmanship since I was a child.

As long as I wish to go out...

Why can I not just go ahead and try it?

Sure.

Even if you could make it out of your own quarters

there are guards stationed all along the Inner Palace to the Outer Palace.

How did you get past the heavily guarded palace gates alone?

Have you planned to leave the palace for some time now?

Why have you chosen to leave at such a time?

Why didn't you leave the palace when you were still carrying Tian Ming?

I was afraid that I might miscarry.

What about now?

Do you regard this place as an inn?

You come and leave as you wish.

Did you think that even if I caught you, I wouldn't punish you?

I'm not that arrogant.

In regards to Your Grace's rebuke, I have nothing to say for myself.

If Your Grace wishes to punish me

I'm willing to accept any punishment.

Since you knew that you'd be punished...

why did you still return?

There's Tian Ming.

I never intend to leave the palace for good.

You could have told me where you wanted to visit.

You still refuse to look me in the eye?

I've underestimated your capabilities.

From now on, I'll have to make adjustments to my palace.

The security at Zhaode Palace will be heightened.

If you're not punished severely, I can't uphold my authority in the harem.

Zhao Gao!

Present.

Lock Madam Li up in the prison cell to have her reflect on her ways.

Without my permission, no one is to torture her.

Yes.

Guards?

Take Madam Li away.

- Yes. - Yes.

Qing.

- Madam! - Qing!

Qing!

Qing...

I'm all right.

Qing...

I'm sorry. This is all my fault.

Madam, you mustn't say so.

It's my fault.

I've failed to take care of you!

Qing!

I left the palace unauthorized.

Why should you be blamed for it?

I'm willing to do anything for Madam.

Madam, are you hurt?

I've returned.

You won't have to suffer anymore.

Brother Jing, you...

I'm all right.

Just let me spend some time alone.

You haven't eaten all day.

Why don't I make you some food?

I'm not hungry.

Eat without me.

Brother Jing, why don't you practice swordsmanship with me?

Practice swordsmanship?

Exactly! It not only is good for your health

but it also helps one forget troubles and concentrate better.

It's best for you now to practice swordsmanship.

Good for my health?

Swordsmanship and martial arts...

What's the point in it?

I've trained in swordsmanship for 10 years.

Not to mention avenging my mentor or fulfilling my ambitions...

I can't even protect the woman I love.

You can practice on your own.

Why don't you accompany me to the market?

I just saw this pair of really pretty birds--

You can go alone.

Come with me! I'll be bored on my own!

Let's go! Come with me!

I told you that I'm not going with you!

Lan... I'm sorry.

I know that you mean well.

But I'm really not in the mood to do any of that now.

Just leave me alone.

Are you not fed?

Put more strength into it!

Yes.

Master Regular Palace Attendant!

What is it? Why the panic?

Master Zhao, as instructed

I've looked into the list of servants and guards

who have recently taken days off from duty.

There's actually that Guard Han who found the prince for Madam Li last time.

What did you say?

Madam Li left the palace for five days.

Guard Han took days off the day before Madam Li left the palace.

He has yet to return to the palace.

Interesting.

There's no coincidence.

There's a reason for everything.

Guard Han took days off from duty.

Madam Li happened to leave the palace?

These two must be related somehow.

Investigate Guard Han's background from when he entered the palace.

Yes.

This time, I don't believe that I can't get something on you.

What are you up to?

Han Shen.

You've violated the regulations of Qin State's palace.

As ordered, you're to be arrested immediately!

Guards, take him down!

Yes!

Take him away!

Move it!

Regular Palace Attendant seeks audience!

Greetings, Your Grace.

I've asked to seek audience hastily

as I've just arrested the traitor who assisted Madam Li in leaving the palace.

A traitor?

Exactly.

Your Grace, please allow me to summon this criminal here for confrontation.

Send him in!

Bring him in!

Han Shen?

Your Grace, I have already verified it.

The day before Madam Li left the palace

Guard Han applied to take days off to go home.

When Guard Han joined the palace guards

he registered his hometown as Puyang City of Wey State.

It'd take at least 10 days to make a return trip between Xianyang and Puyang

even if he rode very fast.

Not to mention that he has to visit his family and relatives.

However, Han Shen has returned to the palace in just five days.

Therefore, I came to a conclusion

that Han Shan never went home to visit his family.

He had gone somewhere else.

Han Shen, in the presence of His Grace

you'd better confess quickly!

Regular Palace Attendant.

Even if Guard Han didn't reveal where he really went

it doesn't mean that he's related to Madam Li's disappearance.

Your Grace, forgive me for making such a bold assumption.

The royal palace has always been very heavily guarded.

It's impossible for Madam Li to make it out of the palace alone.

Someone must have assisted her in secret.

This person must be Han Shen!

He dared to violate the law of Qin State and palace regulations

outright in the Inner Court of the royal palace.

Not only did he take a concubine of the harem out of the palace

but he also posed a threat to the safety of Your Grace

and disregarded the security measures within the palace!

How could I not investigate such a treacherous criminal?

Your Grace.

Although this is just an assumption made by the Regular Palace Attendant

it does sound reasonable.

Why don't we ask Guard Han if he's associated

with Madam Li's trip out of the palace?

Han Shen.

What do you have to say about this?

Your Grace.

When Prince Tian Ming went missing

Han Shen boldly requested upon his own life

to have Your Grace search South Palace.

When Your Grace offered to reward him

he asked to take days off to go home for a visit.

However, his whereabouts and the facts didn't match.

He must be hiding something.

Since he's unwilling to tell us

I suggest sentencing him to capital punishment right away

to ensure the law of Great Qin is enforced.

It's been peaceful in the harem lately.

Speaking of which, I have to report to Grand Empress Dowager about one matter.

What is it?

Some days ago, when His Grace was out of Xianyang

Madam Li left the palace unauthorized.

Regular Palace Attendant had Madam Li's maids thrown into

the Lanes of Perpetuity to be tortured and interrogated.

Zhaode Palace was in such chaos.

After His Grace was informed and had hurried back

he sent out Tiger Valor Army to search outside Xianyang City.

This actually happened?

Exactly! His Grace was furious.

However, Madam Li acted as if nothing happened.

She returned on horseback at her own leisure.

Your Highness, do you know?

A whole lot of servants and guards were nearly killed because of her.

Madam Li is at least a first rank concubine.

How could she behave in such an arrogant and offensive manner?

Your Highness is right!

His Grace has only locked her up in the Lanes of Perpetuity.

He didn't even punish her.

In my opinion, once the commotion dies down

Madam Li will surely be set free back to her palace.

Grand Empress Dowager.

I'm really worried about those guards in the palace.

If everyone goes in and out of the palace freely like Madam Li

who would still take the security of the palace seriously?

Your Highness, don't let this affect your health.

How could I not be angry?

Fortunately, you've informed me of this matter.

This actually happened in such a huge harem.

I reside out here in Huayang Palace for some peace and quiet.

However, these younger ladies have now disrespected me.

If I don't take any measures and this is made known to others

everyone would think that the harem of Qin isn't regulated.

Wouldn't that be a disgrace to Great Qin?

Grand Empress Dowager is wise.

If you still refuse to talk

I will have you thrown into the prison to confront Madam Li.

What?

Madam Li is in the prison?

She violated the palace regulations by leaving the palace unauthorized.

If I didn't punish her, wouldn't I be mocked by all?

Your Grace!

I was the one who abducted Madam Li.

I had taken a fancy to Madam Li.

Therefore, I abducted her from the palace.

However, Madam is highly skilled in martial arts.

She came up with a plan to escape on the way.

Your Grace.

Madam Li didn't tell you the truth as she's too kind to have me punished!

Is that really so?

Madam Li has never interacted with you.

Why would she cover up for you?

I do not know either.

But I am indeed the culprit.

It has nothing to do with Madam Li!

Han Shen!

Do you think that confessing it now will spare you of your life?

Since you knew that you would come to a bad end

why would you return?

I've only returned to the palace in hopes of taking a chance.

Although I've committed such a crime, I do regret doing it.

The job here in the palace of Qin is well paid.

I truly shouldn't have done such a thing.

Your Grace, this isn't Madam Li's fault.

Please punish me!

Your Grace, this doesn't make sense at all!

Please look into it, Your Grace!

- Don't believe in his rambling-- - Shut up!

Throw Han Shen into the prison.

I want him to confront Madam Li!

Don't come any closer!

Don't fight.

Feng Yi, His Grace has already given orders.

You're not to use any torture on 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 some regulations of the harem.

You will have to hold off.

I've reported this to His Grace and he will be here very soon.

Young man, just pretend that you didn't see any of this.

Cut off the hair of those two!

- Yes. - I dare you to come closer!

Stop it!

What are you doing?

Who allowed you to throw your airs around?

Commandant, I've tried to hold them back

but they claim to be acting upon the orders of Grand Empress Dowager

so I don't dare to...

What are you still doing in here?

Scram!

Yes.

The servants of Huayang Palace are getting out of hand.

Has Madam reflected on your ways?

I'll ask you again.

Who assisted you in leaving the palace?

I have already explained it to Your Grace.

I left the palace on my own.

When you first returned to the palace a few days ago

you were too tired, so you made up an excuse to get by.

I didn't investigate.

That's because of my deep affection for you.

However, Guard Han has now confessed his sins to me.

He said that he abducted you from the palace.

What do you have to say to that?

Guards! Bring in Guard Han!

Your Grace, the criminal, Han Shen, is here.

One of you is lying.

Who is it?

Speak.

Which one of you is lying?

Why would you be so protective of a mere palace guard?

If Your Grace refuses to believe in me, you can have me sentenced.

If Your Grace believes in me, stop looking into this matter.

Your Grace!

I had Madam Li kidnapped and taken out of the palace.

She never meant to leave the palace.

Your Grace, please have me punished.

Han Shen's life is worthless.

It's at your disposal!

If I confess that Han Shen is my senior

will I end up getting him into trouble?

Senior Han, why are you so silly?

Why would you return?

Fine.

If so, I'll take it that you lied to me.

Now, Guard Han will be convicted for abducting a concubine.

- Guards? - Present.

Keep Madam Li under house arrest in the harem.

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

Yes, Your Grace.

Madam, after you.

Zhao Gao.

Present.

Han Shen violated the law and palace regulations of Qin State.

He should be punished as he should.

Yes, Your Grace.

Guards!

It doesn't matter if such deep affections remain unreciprocated.

As long as we get to stay by their side quietly

it's good enough for us.

I hope that you'll cherish yourself more.

Don't just think of others.

Especially when you're in danger.

Be sure to leave yourself a way out.

Bear this in mind.

You can ask me for help anytime.

I'll be right by your side.

Senior Han...

Why are you such a fool?

I should be the one to suffer the consequences of my mistakes.

Right now...

What am I to do now?

Guard Han...

Who would have known that the story between you and Madam Li

would be so interesting and full of such twisted plots?

You might not know that when Madam Li rode back alone that day

she looked so refreshed and did not seem to be

flustered and scared from being abducted.

There are actually some unknown tales behind it.

Han Shen, you have quite the courage.

However...

Do you think that I can't figure out what is on your mind

as long as you don't utter a word?

Were you trying to elope with Madam Li?

If not, you wouldn't have come running back so faithfully.

There are plenty of fish in the sea.

Madam Li is indeed gorgeous.

However, just for the sake of one woman...

You... How dare you?

Han Shen, listen up!

You're still alive because I'm being lenient to you.

You violated the law and palace regulations of Qin State.

You've been found guilty.

Don't dream of making it out of here alive today!

- Guards! - Present!

Beat him up! Hit him hard!

Yes!

You may all retire for the night.

- Yes! - Yes!

Qing...

I'd like to ask you for a favor.

Madam, instruct me as you wish.

I'll get it done for you.

I have to visit Guard Han.

Madam...

You finally got out of the prison.

You're going there... It's too dangerous.

Qing, listen.

My room is now very heavily guarded.

Without your assistance, I won't be able to sneak out.

However, if he ends up dead, I will forever be guilt-ridden.

I know that I'm putting you in a tight spot.

I've thought long and hard, but I can't come up with another way.

Forgive me for speaking out of turn.

I'd like to know Madam's relationship with Guard Han.

When Madam left the palace, did you leave with him?

Qing, my relationship with Guard Han isn't what it was rumored to be.

One day, I'll surely explain it to you.

Guard Han really is a very good person.

I can't let him die for nothing.

Madam...

I was born poor and lowly.

However, when I serve at your side, you always treat me so kindly.

I hope to serve Madam all my life.

Whatever it is that Madam asks of me

I'll surely give it my all to have it done.

However...

However...

I'm frightened.

I don't wish for Madam to put yourself in danger again.

Qing, I know that when I left the palace unauthorized

I had you implicated.

However, whatever happens this time, I won't ever leave the palace again.

I will surely protect you.

Please just help me this once.

I will do it.

I'm tired. You're dismissed.

Madam, get some rest soon.

I'll take my leave.

Halt!

What is it, sir?

Is Madam Li asleep?

Yes, Madam is asleep.

All right, get going.

Your Grace.

I interrogated Guard Han with great detail yesterday.

He insisted that he had abducted Madam Li.

He emphasized that Madam Li is innocent.

I simply don't understand it.

Since Madam Li was abducted, Guard Han is a sinister criminal.

Why didn't Madam Li immediately inform Your Grace of this matter?

If, say, outside the palace, Madam Li...

She suffered some mishap that can't be mentioned

and she didn't wish to bring it up upon returning to the palace

that would have been fine.

However, when Madam Li was told that we had arrested Guard Han

she still didn't speak up for herself to have her injustice upheld.

That... is then illogical.

If it's because Madam Li treats everyone benevolently

without holding anyone accountable for their mistakes

that is still unreasonable.

After all, he is a criminal who had abducted her.

It's inappropriate for men and women to spend time alone.

They spent many days and nights together.

Wouldn't Madam Li wish to speak up for her own chastity?

Unless they share a relationship between them that can't be revealed!

What are you chatting about?

Your Grace!

Since you're already here, don't bother to leave now.

You're still so considerate of that man.

It's because of him...

that it doesn't matter if you sacrifice your own life?

Your Grace, it has now come to such.

Isn't it obvious enough?

Han could never be Madam Li's senior.

In my opinion

it's best to stop General Meng now so as not to take another life.

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