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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 19]

Senior Jing...

You must remember...

no matter what happens or where you are...

my heart will always belong to you.

It's a pity.

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

You would definitely achieve greatness if you just let everything go.

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

You have to pull yourself together.

From this day forth, I am but a sword.

A sword with no point of return.

Mentor.

Junior Li...

I swear on my life. I will no longer be a disappointment.

Father!

Where did Brother Jing go? I can't find him anywhere.

How should I know?

Lan, are you angry because I pushed him too hard yesterday?

I am mad at you.

Why did you provoke him?

You were so harsh.

You could have been more understanding of his losing the woman he loves.

Warrior Jing is a grown man.

He is not a child.

Would you prefer that I coddle him like a child?

Considering how things were going...

if I hadn't provoked him or brought him to his senses...

he would've never crawled out of that rut.

That's what you say... but aren't you worried about him?

Where is he?

He probably went to buy more wine.

If that is so, then he is weak.

There is no saving that kind of man. You should let him go.

What are you saying? Brother Jing is not weak, and I cannot let him go.

- You... - Senior.

Lan.

Brother Jing!

Your hair tie has fallen off. Shall I help you fasten it?

No need.

Whether or not my hair is tied doesn't matter.

Isn't that so, Senior?

You are correct.

Warriors don't bother with etiquette.

What is the point of burdening yourself with the trivial rules of common people?

If you hadn't scolded me yesterday

I wouldn't have been able to overcome this obstacle.

Please accept my sincere gratitude.

That's not necessary.

Although I'm sure that now, Lan has no reason to be angry with me.

Father!

I woke up early to practice and stopped by the town.

I bought some rice dumplings. They smell delicious.

Eat them while they're warm.

How lovely!

I'm sure Mister Tian would be relieved to see you in such a good mood.

It's a pity I'll be heading out before Mister Tian returns.

Where are you going?

I plan on asking around and seeing if I can find out

the true purpose of the poem that Mentor left me.

I've wasted too much time wallowing in self-pity.

I must make it up.

The Swan Swordsmanship Manual in Gongsun Yu's hands

was the greatest swordsmanship method.

Unfortunately, it went missing many years go.

If you can find it, it will definitely help you improve.

But... Brother Jing, it's too dangerous for you to journey alone.

How about I go with you?

Lan, so far, I have no leads on the poem.

I'm sure there will be many difficulties ahead.

It will take a lot of time, and the journey will be rough.

Are you sure you want to come?

Of course!

I can help you if you encounter obstacles.

But I think we need to get your father's permission first.

I understand my daughter very well.

Nothing can stop her when she has her heart set on something.

What else can I say then?

Father, you're the best.

How are the desserts this morning?

We burden Grand Empress Dowager with preparing desserts for us

every time we come to Huayang Palace for tea.

You indulge us.

I have brought you here today

due to the recent lack of propriety in the harem.

A certain concubine breached Qin Palace rules and left on her own.

His Grace is busy with government affairs

and has not bestowed adequate discipline.

He had the audacity to allow a concubine to fight a general!

A concubine from the palace of Qin wielding swords...

how laughable!

Grand Empress Dowager, you are right.

Concubines are prohibited from visiting family.

Going in and out of the palace with a foreign man

is unheard of and cannot be tolerated.

It is apparent that His Grace spoils Madam Li.

He bears with all of her actions.

If word travels, what would people think of Qin's harem?

Sister, you cannot drink the tea if a bug falls in.

I don't plan to drink it.

The harem is akin to this cup.

One bug ruins the entire harem.

If it isn't proper cleaned, the toxicity will spread

through the entire table, till everything is poisoned.

Is that not so, Grand Empress Dowager?

I have thought much about how to address this incident.

Those who follow the rules do not have any cause to worry.

Those who break the rules must be duly punished.

Birds of a feather flock together.

Ruo's words were very clear.

I'm sure none of you need reminding

of who you should walk with and who you should avoid.

- Yes, we understand. - Yes, we understand.

Your Grace, is there anything else?

No.

Qing, please escort His Grace back to his room.

- I am tired and would like to rest. - Yes.

No need.

I will be sleeping here tonight.

- How is that acceptable? - Why is it not?

Qing, enlighten us. Whose palace is this?

Your... Your Grace's.

Now tell us.

I have the right to choose which concubine I spend the night with.

Isn't that correct?

Yes.

So tonight, I have decided to spend the night here.

Is that acceptable?

Of course.

You see? Even a maid understands this basic principle.

What is it that confounds you?

- Qing, you may leave. - Yes.

What are your intentions?

You know I'm not one to beat around the bush.

It has been a year since you entered the palace.

But we have yet to consummate our marriage.

That is because I respect you.

I want you now.

Will you give yourself to me?

You still bite.

You say you respect me.

Because I have no other choice.

I cannot help myself.

If you don't give yourself to me tonight

I will return tomorrow night.

Until the day you willingly give yourself to me.

Rest well.

Your Grace didn't come here today just to play chess, did you?

I simply seek company.

Some people make me uncomfortable.

Some people keep me up at night.

But with Madam Min... I can clear my mind.

So what Your Grace means is

I am neither your favorite nor your most difficult concubine.

To me, that is a wonderful compliment.

Min Dai.

You have never changed. You've always had an open heart.

It is not that my heart is open...

but that I am well-versed in the ways of the harem.

Concubines come and go in the harem.

Everyone fights for Your Grace's favor.

The more you fight, the higher your hopes become.

And thus, the more easily you fall.

It is easy for someone to find your weaknesses and get rid of you

when you are blinded by ambition.

One can be austere if he has no selfish desires.

Not fighting... is fighting.

Allow me to be frank with you.

When I attempted to conquer Zhao State under the guise of saving Yan State

I didn't expect to drive King Zhao to his death.

Madam Min, have you ever hated me?

I am a concubine of Qin State.

I no longer think of my motherland.

I pass my time peacefully, tending to flowers within the palace

and don't concern myself with government matters.

Moreover, it isn't my place to hate Your Grace.

I didn't expect...

that Zhao Qian would succeed the throne.

I have always viewed Prince of Jia as intelligent and courageous.

His succession to the throne would be a blessing to Zhao State.

But Zhao Qian's mother was favored by the late King.

Neither the government

nor the military will ever be Prince Jia's.

I remember when we were young...

Zhao Qian always told me he loved you most.

You would always be his concubine, whether or not he ever became king.

I was surprised when you decided to come to Qin State.

Zhao Qian is a frivolous man. He is arrogant.

Your Grace shouldn't take his word.

Every King has a harem.

What's the difference between marrying into Qin or staying behind in Zhao?

You speak the truth.

Your Grace came to me to clear your mind.

I think that would be best achieved if we return to our game.

All right.

Your Ladyship. I am afraid.

Afraid of what?

I fear His Grace will return tonight.

His Grace will definitely come again.

Your Ladyship.

Allow me to say something.

His Grace was right last night. This is his palace.

And every concubine in the harem belongs to him.

Including you.

Your Ladyship, you can't win.

It's better if you don't fight him.

All right, Qing. I'll listen to you.

I will not fight him.

Hearing that gives me great relief.

I'm here like I promised. Are you prepared?

You are beautiful today.

I have said that I'd wait for the day you willingly give yourself to me.

So tonight... are you willing or unwilling?

What does His Grace think?

I presume you intend to kill both of us.

You plan to kill me first, and then yourself.

But...

have you considered Tian Ming?

I did. So I already had him sent out of the palace.

When?

Why was I not aware?

The less people know, the better.

Tian Ming was abducted a while ago.

We have yet to find the culprit.

I was concerned, so I sent Tian Ming out of the palace.

I am protecting him.

That's what you say.

But in reality, you're using Tian Ming as leverage.

You know that as long as you keep Tian Ming hidden...

I cannot leave you.

That's right.

I did it for you. I did it in order to keep you here.

But you don't have to worry.

I will not keep Tian Ming hidden forever.

I will let him return soon so you may reunite with your son.

- You're blackmailing me with my son. - This is not blackmail.

I am protecting you and Tian Ming.

During war, princes are sent to other countries for their safety.

It's the same principle.

To you, I am just a country you're at war with.

I want you. I want to have you.

I want to win your heart.

It's the same as my desire to conquer the six states.

Don't worry. I will not hurt Tian Ming.

He is my heir.

I will protect him.

And I am the only one... who can protect him.

A hairpin is just a hairpin.

It is used to pin your hair.

Leave us.

Grand Empress Dowager.

Hasn't Consort Li gone too far?

Forgive my directness... but His Grace indulges her too much.

Look, if Guard Han really is Consort Li's senior...

then that means they worked together to deceive His Grace!

Deceiving the King is an unforgivable crime!

That is one thing.

Consort Li went so far as to protect Guard Han in front of the King.

How do we know if they are really just friends?

Even so, how do we know what kind of unspeakable things

they may have done with each other before they came here?

That is certainly a possibility when a woman is as lowborn as she is.

That's right. Grand Empress Dowager, you are correct.

Consort Li is wild and uneducated. She does not understand our rules.

His Grace did not even punish her.

It really frustrates me so.

I hope you see why I am concerned.

Ruo, do not fret.

The King's birthday celebration is in a few days.

In accordance with the rules...

Every concubine must gift His Grace with a performance on his birthday.

When the time comes, I will have my own way of dealing with her.

Grand Empress Dowager, do you really have a way

to punish that harlot?

Grand Empress Dowager, please punish me.

It was wrong of me to leave the palace

and cause such a disturbance within the Inner Palace.

I have nothing to say if the Grand Empress Dowager

wishes to discipline me for my actions.

Rather than punishing you...

I would rather that you promise me something.

Grand Empress Dowager, please go on.

The first of the month is approaching.

His Grace's birthday celebration is taking place in a few days.

Traditionally, the imperial musicians play some music

and a few girls are chosen to dance for His Grace.

Your leave from the palace burdened His Grace greatly.

The harem is talking, and some of what they say cannot be ignored.

What does Your Highness wish me to do?

Madam Li, you catch on quite quickly.

I've given it some thought and decided it would be perfect

if you were to dance for His Grace. It would surely delight him

and simultaneously ease the gossip around the palace.

It would kill two birds with one stone.

However, I am not versed in dance.

Not to mention, it is His Grace's birthday celebration.

I am afraid... that I might ruin the guests' moods.

Madam Li, you do not need to worry.

I am aware you come from a martial arts background

and cannot carry yourself like a lady.

However, the people of Qin are interested with martial arts.

Perhaps you could use your skills with the sword in a sword dance.

It would be a unique performance for sure

and certainly entertain His Grace. What do you think?

I will do as you say.

Please excuse my boldness.

I would like to ask Grand Empress Dowager for something.

I will acquiesce to anything as long as you keep your promise.

Gold, silver, copper, silks, coral...

I have no need for those luxurious things.

Then what is it you would like?

I only wish for Grand Empress Dowager to ensure Tian Ming's safety.

The great palace of Qin is the safest place under the sun.

Prince Tian Ming is His Grace's rightful son.

What else do you want?

When I was with child, someone poisoned my food

in an attempt to cause a miscarriage.

Later on, Tian Ming was kidnapped for many days.

He was nearly taken out of the palace.

The culprit behind these two incidents has yet to be found.

How then, can the palace be considered a safe haven?

As of today, His Grace has already sent Tian Ming

to be raised outside of the palace.

I am only allowed to visit Tian Ming a few times a month.

I am willing to sacrifice my feelings

if this is really what is best for my son.

I am of common birth.

If there comes a day that I die in the palace...

I shall do so with no regrets or resentment.

However, Tian Ming is the heir of Great Qin.

I only ask that if one day someone were to plot against him...

Grand Empress Dowager will stand on his side.

Do not worry. I can promise you that.

If anyone dares act nefariously against Prince Tian Ming

while I am still alive in the great palace of Qin...

I will certainly get to the bottom of it.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Junior Li.

Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang didn't punish you

for leaving the palace with me.

Moreover, she wants you to dance at His Grace's birthday celebration.

This doesn't sound right. I suspect something is going on.

It is just a dance.

What could they possibly do?

Besides, I have already negotiated terms with the Grand Empress Dowager.

As long as I promise to dance, she will protect Tian Ming.

She will not have mercy on anyone who tries to harm him.

It's a worthwhile deal, so I must try it.

You've ensured Tian Ming's safety. But who ensures yours?

Senior Han, don't worry.

Madam Min's music is breathtakingly beautiful.

It is one in a million.

Isn't that right, Your Grace?

Yes. It is indeed delightful.

- Congratulations, Your Grace. - Congratulations, Your Grace!

Madam Li's gift of dance!

Let her swing her sword brazenly in the Great Hall

and then accuse her of conspiring against the throne.

My guards will follow my orders and draw their swords.

No one will be able to get past them.

On the surface, it will appear as if they are protecting me.

However, their target will be Madam Li.

How dare you! Protect His Grace!

Protect His Grace!

Li Zhong! Protect His Grace, hurry!

Your Ladyship! Your Ladyship!

- Greetings, Your-- - Don't waste time. Take care of her.

- Wake up! - Yes.

Doctor...

Your Grace. Guard Han has been sent to the imperial physicians.

He was gravely injured.

Tell me exactly what happened today and why.

Why did all those guards appear when Madam Li opened the ball?

From what I understand, they were guards from Huayang Palace.

They were there to protect Grand Empress Dowager Huayang.

- And the assassin? - We are investigating her origins.

How could my guard have been so weak

that an outsider managed to get in to assassinate me?

Calm down, Your Grace.

I assure you I will find out what happened and report it immediately.

Li Zhong.

You drew your sword because you suspected

Madam Li was going to kill me, correct?

[Preview]

Li.

You're awake.

Did you have a nightmare?

I don't know why I fell asleep next to you.

Li, you know that I always sleep alone.

I never fall asleep next to anyone.

You are my wife.

You are ill. Caring for you is my duty.

How dare you arrest my guards in front of me?

You might as well kill me first.

- Tiger Valor Army, attention! - Yes!

- Kill them! - Yes!

Be a good girl, eat your medicine.

Does Grand Empress Dowager recall that I once stated

I wished for a queen like Queen Ru Shang?

I remember.

Madam Li is skilled in both civil matters and martial arts.

Thus...

I have decided to make her Queen.

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