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[Episode 18]

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 that can't be revealed!

Li Zhong, what is your opinion?

Your Grace.

When Regular Palace Attendant had Guard Han arrested

I did think that he went overboard.

After all, even if Guard Han's visit to his hometown seems suspicious

it shouldn't be deemed related to Madam Li's disappearance.

However, be it Madam Li's reaction to this matter

or Guard Han's attitude in taking full responsibility for it

it is indeed very baffling.

- I speculate that... - Go on!

Your Grace, forgive me for being blunt.

I think that Madam Li and Guard Han surely share an unspeakable secret.

The guard of Inner Palace seeks audience!

Summon him in!

Greetings, Your Grace. I have an urgent matter to report.

Speak.

My comrades and I have been guarding Madam Li's room.

Madam Li has just sneaked into the prison disguised as a maid.

Come with me.

- Don't stay for too long. - Yes.

Junior Li...

Senior Han...

You shouldn't have come.

Why are you so silly?

You should've known that His Grace wouldn't hurt me if I returned alone.

At most, he'd just reprimand me and keep me grounded.

Do you know how dangerous it was for you to return to the palace?

Regular Palace Attendant is crafty and cunning.

Once he gets hold of you, he'll surely use the chance

to make a contribution to His Grace.

I have never offended the Regular Palace Attendant.

What could he possibly do to me?

Luckily, I did return.

Ying Zheng...

He didn't just reprimand you and put you under house arrest.

He actually had you thrown into the prison.

His Grace was just...

He just wanted to make me reflect on what I did.

Moreover, he'd never allow the warden to hurt me.

Only Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang's servants can get in here.

The harem is such a dangerous place.

Ying Zheng had you locked up in the prison.

That's as good as slicing your flesh to feed to the tigers.

So many would want to use this opportunity to kill you.

He only did so because he wanted you dead.

Even if he wanted me dead...

you should never have claimed to abduct me.

If he's going to have you executed tomorrow

how am I to save you?

It matters not.

Since I decided to become a guard here in the palace of Qin...

I've prepared myself to die anytime.

I'd never leave you alone in this dangerous palace.

I once made an oath to the gods.

I must protect you until the moment I die.

This is all because of me...

You've suffered so much.

Compared to what you have to suffer mentally

the physical pain I endured was nothing much at all.

I will save you.

Take care.

Li.

I'm afraid that I won't have a chance to say it after tonight.

That day in Puyang...

- I actually-- - What are you chatting about?

Your Grace!

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

Guards!

Lock the door!

You have been lying to me all along.

You...

You obviously left the palace together.

Han Shen, you really are very bold.

How dare you lure away my concubine?

Guards!

Execute him on the spot!

Yes!

Your Grace, you can't kill him!

He's my eldest senior.

Guard Han Shen and I knew each other before I entered the palace.

That's because we're disciples who grew up together.

My grandfather, Gongsun Yu raised Han Shen since he was a child.

Since we were children, we trained and practiced in martial arts together.

We played together.

Therefore, he didn't abduct me from the palace.

I willingly went with him.

We went to meet my sworn sister together.

She's the daughter of Warrior Ge Nie.

Her name is Ge Lan.

Madam Li.

The palace of Qin isn't some dungeon.

If you had wanted to visit your family

you could have asked His Grace for permission to do so.

Since you're disciples of the same mentor

why didn't you clarify it in advance?

According to the palace regulations of Qin State

never has any concubine been allowed out of the palace.

Even if I missed my kin greatly

His Grace would never have made an exception for me.

Madam Chu, Madam Min...

Have they ever been allowed to visit their family back in their motherland?

Madam Li, you've stirred up such chaos by leaving the palace.

A whole lot of servants were nearly all killed because of you.

I'm just concerned about the safety of the palace.

Please advise, Your Grace.

Master Regular Palace Attendant.

I left the palace for personal reasons and caused many a disturbance.

However, this isn't entirely Han Shen's fault.

He was just trying to clear me of any charges

by lying that he'd abducted me.

You have both been lying to His Grace all along.

Yet you still sound as if you were in the right.

Guard Han, it's said that you're Li's eldest senior.

Is that why when Tian Ming went missing

you exerted yourself to search for the prince?

It is indeed so.

Your Grace, forgive me for saying this.

I find it hard to believe that Guard Han and Madam Li

are fellow disciples just based on what Madam Li proclaimed.

Exactly.

You claimed that he is your senior, but that is all just talk.

We need someone from the fighting world to prove it.

If Madam Li is afraid to have it verified

wouldn't that make what you just said pure nonsense?

What have I got to be afraid of?

I trained in Gongsun Swordsmanship with Senior Han since I was a child.

As long as you bring in a highly skilled fighter, he can tell

if we're both from the same school of martial arts.

I do have one person in mind who can vouch for you.

When you first came to the palace

didn't you have a match with General Meng Wu?

General Meng Wu is the best warrior in Great Qin.

He wouldn't side with anyone for his personal interests.

I'll invite General Meng over tomorrow to have a match with Guard Han.

Then we shall know

if Han Shen and Madam Li were trained under the same mentor.

Your Grace, that is a great idea.

However...

my senior has been badly tortured in the prison these past few days.

If he were to compete with General Meng Wu tomorrow

I'd find it unfair since his internal force is now damaged.

It isn't so much about who wins the match.

It's whether he shares the same stances as you do.

What Madam Li should be worried about isn't whether Han Shan can defeat Meng Wu

but that...

if he can't be proven as your senior...

his life...

I will surely take it!

More wine...

More wine...

Don't hold me back! I want more wine!

Why?

Give me more wine!

Tell me!

How am I to believe in you?

There's no one else in here.

Come clean.

Was it really the truth that you just told?

Half of it is true and half of it is a lie.

Fine.

Go ahead.

Guard Han is indeed my senior.

I did leave the palace willingly.

I wasn't abducted by him.

But the person I went to meet...

It wasn't my sworn sister, Ge Lan.

You went to see him?

Did you see him?

I did.

You're still willing to come back here after seeing him?

It's because of Tian Ming.

I had to come back here.

When I left the palace, I decided that I would return.

I knew that as long as Ying Zheng shall live

and as long as Great Qin remains in power

you'll never let me off.

I don't wish to implicate more people.

Besides...

I told him...

Tian Ming is the child I had with you.

What did you say?

Why would you do so?

For the sake of Tian Ming.

I want him to lead a carefree life.

I want him to do as he wishes without being held back by anyone.

Moreover, if I failed to realize it beforehand

I never would have come here in the first place.

You're still so considerate of that man.

Because of him...

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

The days when you were away...

I could neither eat nor sleep.

Yet you only see me as a joke.

If you dare to do so again...

If you dare to deceive me again...

I won't let you off easily.

Lan.

Don't hold me back...

What's the matter with Jing Ke?

He had too much to drink again.

Again?

Father.

After Mother was killed by Xia Hou Yang

how did you pull through it?

It was as if I would soon die and I was just the living dead.

Brother Jing has now lost Sister Li, who has been his greatest supporter.

He must be like what you just said. He's now like the living dead.

Junior Li...

What should I do?

What else can you do?

I have to try and encourage him so that he can get back on his feet.

Lan... Jing Ke already has someone on his mind.

It's hard for him to accept anyone else.

Although you won't like it, here's what I have to say.

In his current condition, however hard you try

he'll only regard you as no more than some passerby.

It's a fruitless endeavor to make him take note of you.

Father, I understand every word you just said.

However, you've also taught me...

where there's a will, there is a way.

However difficult it might be, we shouldn't give up easily.

Isn't that so?

Comrade, you're really lucky.

We didn't even get the chance to scar your face

and His Grace is already summoning you over.

But it's all right.

If you get thrown back in here again, we'll be waiting for you.

Let's go.

Good morning, Mister Tian!

- Good morning. - I'll help you.

Warrior Ge already practiced early in the morning?

I reviewed my swordsmanship with Father.

I've slacked off lately, so I'm a bit rusty.

Where's Brother Jing?

I've been to his room.

It's empty.

I reckon that he went out last night.

He's gone drinking again?

Lan.

Lan!

Your Grace, Han Shen is here.

- Step down. - Yes!

Shouldn't you kneel at the sight of His Grace?

Junior Li...

Junior Li?

You do make it sound so smooth.

I bet the two of you must have had an affair before you left the palace!

You ganged up to deceive His Grace.

Master Regular Palace Attendant.

I can make an oath before His Grace

that Senior Han and I have never been in some unspeakable affair.

We shall soon know if Guard Han Shen and I

are truly fellow disciples.

Meng Wu! Fight!

Yes, Your Grace!

Han Shen's skills in martial arts are but as such.

The senior isn't even better skilled than his junior?

What logic is this?

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.

Li...

You've lied to me.

I didn't.

Kill him!

Junior Li...

Senior Han, focus.

Manipulate your inner force through your veins.

Surge to the vital acupoint. Wield the sword with your will.

Manipulate your inner force through your veins.

Surge to the vital acupoint.

Wield the sword with your will.

General Meng, I apologize for offending you.

Your Grace.

After my combat with the both of them

I can tell that Madam Li and Guard Han were mentored

by the same martial arts school.

Li Zhong.

- What do you think? - Your Grace.

If they haven't trained together since they were children

it's impossible to have such perfect coordination in their stances.

There was no flaw in their attack and retreat.

They must have at least trained together for 10 years.

Zhao Gao.

What else do you have to say?

Your Grace, Madam Li has wielded your personal sword.

Not only was this a bold move, but also a threat to--

Shut up!

Madam Li was just trying to prove that she and Guard Han are fellow disciples.

She has not harmed me.

I'll ask you again.

What else is there to say?

This...

I have nothing more to say.

- Li Zhong. - Your Grace.

Take Han Shen to Guangan Hall.

- I have questions for him. - Yes.

Your Grace.

Li, I won't hurt him.

Here, cheers.

Gentlemen, your food is here.

Leave it here.

Enjoy.

Server...

Sir, you're drunk.

If you're falling asleep, you should go elsewhere.

We're running a business here.

Give me more wine.

He's sleeping here?

Give me wine quickly!

Here.

Senior Jing.

Senior Jing, you've drunk so much.

You're not worried that my grandfather will scold you?

Li...

Gentlemen, take care.

Please visit us again.

Sure.

Give me more wine!

Give me wine!

- Welcome in. - Get me wine!

Server!

Get me wine...

Since Meng Wu can confirm that you and Madam Li are fellow disciples

I won't have to take your worthless life now.

If I were to kill Madam Li's senior...

wouldn't that make her hate me for life?

Madam Li said...

you were orphaned at a young age.

You were fortunately adopted by your mentor, Gongsun Yu.

You trained in martial arts and swordsmanship with her.

You grew up together. You're as close as siblings.

As close as siblings...

Is it also just a sibling relationship?

Answer me.

Is there any other sort of affection between you and Madam Li?

I'm afraid that after tomorrow

I might not have the chance to say some words to you.

Li...

Actually... I--

Senior Han.

Why are you suddenly so pessimistic?

Being in love with someone...

It doesn't matter even if such an affection is unreciprocated.

As long as I can stay by her side quietly

it's good enough for me.

I know that... you're not the man she is deeply in love with.

I'm just her senior.

What should I do about you?

If Your Grace would spare my life...

I'd like to make a bold request.

Please allow me to remain in the palace of Qin State.

When I took the risk to return to the palace

I thought that my life would come to an end.

I have no reason to beg for mercy.

However, now that Your Grace knows of our sibling affection

you should understand why I tried so hard to get into the palace

and then risked my life to return.

My actions stem from concern as her older brother.

I beseech Your Grace to keep me in the palace to protect Madam Li.

How ridiculous!

Madam Li is my concubine.

An outsider like you isn't fit to make such an arrogant remark!

Madam Li is indeed Your Grace's concubine.

However, as much as you love her and keep her protected

you can't deny the fact that danger lurks in every corner of the palace.

Your Grace might be able to keep her safe

but you can't do so at all times forever.

How atrocious!

If I, the royal one, can't do it, can you?

I can.

Because I have nothing to fear.

Wherever and whenever...

Whatever the price I have to pay...

I can sacrifice my life to protect her.

However, Your Grace, as the king of a state

could you do the same for her?

You have to consider the imperial court and the entire world...

There's also your sovereign.

Would you risk it all for a concubine?

Would you protect her even if it means sacrificing your life?

Could you do so?

Brother Jing, be careful.

Slow down!

Slowly.

Father?

Father, what are you doing here?

Let go of him.

What do you mean?

I told you to let go of him.

Father!

Jing Ke, draw your sword.

Father, what are you going to do?

Kill me if you wish.

I don't mind.

Young Warrior Jing.

You sure are capable.

As Gongsun Yu's prized disciple

you'd lose your will and seek death just because you've lost a woman?

Gongsun Yu's reputation is now ruined because he took you as his disciple.

You can criticize me but you're not to mention my mentor!

Your mentor?

Gongsun Yu was just an old man who preached all day

about righteousness, but had no skills.

I will say what I like!

Shut up!

Father!

Brother Jing has a reason for his behavior!

Why would you treat him so?

This doesn't concern you. Go away.

Father!

Father, stop it!

Keep going.

Pay attention to the consciousness in your swordsmanship.

If it's in a jumble, it will cause damage to your inner force.

Stop fighting!

Brother Jing!

You've fought well.

I believe that you've never wielded the sword with such ease and vigor.

Exactly.

That is the real Gongsun Swordsmanship.

As a swordsman, the sword is all you can think of.

You were angered by me.

The true essence of swordsmanship lies in a focused and clear mind.

Father, you were just trying to provoke Brother Jing?

But my mentor always told us to keep our nation in mind

and think about the world when we wield the sword.

We should wield the sword for those important to us.

Although your mentor was right

he had already welded himself and his sword as one.

That was why he could return to the natural state of mind.

Warrior Ge, you mean...

At your current age and with your experience

your mind is in a jumble and greatly troubled.

That will hinder you from improving your skills.

I believe that Miss Gongsun chose to leave you

because she has come to understand this theory.

She knew that as long as she stayed by your side

your swordsmanship would never improve to its extreme.

Brother Jing...

Is this really what Li thinks?

She really--

She only left because of me?

Jing Ke.

Think it through.

What sort of a swordsman would you like to become?

What great achievements do you hope to attain?

The sacrifice Miss Gongsun made and her support for you...

What was it all for?

Gongsun Yu passed on the sword manual to you.

He also had his reasons for doing so.

Lan, let's go.

Leave him to think it over.

Only when he figures it out can he overcome this obstacle.

I heard that you've allowed Senior Han to remain a palace guard.

Thank you for sparing his life so that he could stay in the palace.

All right, I will agree to it.

You can remain in my palace to protect Madam Li discreetly.

But on one condition.

Your Grace, please do tell.

You have to regard me as your king with utmost sincerity.

It is Madam Li you are protecting.

However, the one you obey will have to be me.

However close you are with Madam Li as siblings

you must never forget that...

Madam Li's life...

is still within my hands.

You have to report to me about everything that concerns Madam Li.

Should you even dare to keep anything from me or betray my trust

I'll have you banished from my palace.

Then you will no longer be of any help to Madam Li.

Can you do so?

I can do it.

There's just one matter that I can't figure out.

You've kept Senior Han in the palace.

Aren't you mad at us?

I'm not angry at your fellowship with Han Shen.

What really annoys me...

It's already been more than a year now.

When will you...

When will you open up to me?

Senior Jing...

You must remember that...

whatever happens, wherever you are...

my heart will forever belong to you.

It's a pity.

You're burdened by troubles and you're too gentle.

If you could free yourself of those burdens

you'd surely achieve greatness.

What could I do even if I killed Ying Zheng?

What about Li?

Can she get out of the palace on her own?

I'm leaving the sword manual to you.

It's not so that you attain some great achievements!

It's just so you can uphold justice and assist the weak someday.

This is the real Gongsun Swordsmanship.

The true essence of swordsmanship lies in a focused and clear mind.

Return to a natural state of mind.

From this day forth...

Jing Ke is but a sword.

A straightforward sword that seeks no point of return.

What is it that you want?

You know that I don't like to talk in circles.

You married into my palace a year ago.

We have yet to consummate our marriage.

That's because I respect you.

But I want you now.

Will you give yourself to me?

How dare you!

Protect the king!

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