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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 20]

Madam... Madam...

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

Yes.

Imperial physician...

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 those guards appear when Madam Li opened the ball?

From my understanding, they were Huayang Palace guards.

They were there to protect Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang.

- 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 back immediately.

Li Zhong.

You drew your sword because you suspected

Madam Li was going to kill me, correct?

- At the time... - Do not worry.

You know that I trust you. Voice your thoughts.

Everything was incredibly chaotic at the time.

Madam Li suddenly rushed towards Your Grace

so I truly believed she was heading for you.

Thus, I drew my sword.

Looking back, however...

If not for Madam Li's sword

Your Grace would be the one injured.

The consequences would be unimaginable.

I believe that if Madam Li truly wanted to hurt Your Grace

she has had plenty of opportunities to do so.

She has had many places and times to choose from.

She did not have to choose to do so today, in front of the guests

and in the presence of so many guards.

Madam Chu.

That was quite a show, was it not?

My dear sister, today's events gave me such a scare.

How could you say that?

You didn't expect Guard Han to appear so suddenly, did you?

I don't know what you're talking about.

The only thing I saw was Madam Li attempting to assassinate His Grace.

Madam Min, you are an intelligent woman

and Madam Li is your friend.

Do you know why she wanted to assassinate His Grace?

Assassinate?

Madam Chu, did you not see that Madam Li was protecting His Grace?

Who knows?

If I'm not mistaken, Madam Chu, today's lovely performance...

was arranged by none other than you.

Madam Min, your accusation lacks merit.

Why would you accuse our Ladyship so?

You can deny it all you want...

but the truth always comes out.

Your words are full of thorns, Sister Min.

It seems you are quite determined to protect Madam Li.

You don't have to admit it.

You already know what you have or have not done.

Allow me to offer you a word of advice.

Give a man enough rope and he will hang himself.

Your Grace, Madam Li's injuries are not critical.

Her fever just needs to be brought down.

You may all leave. I'll take care of Madam Li myself.

- Yes. - Yes.

Senior.

Senior Han.

Don't worry, I'll make sure he is fine.

Rest well, all right?

How are things in the palace lately?

The sword dance was arranged by Grand Empress Dowager Hua Yang

and it was Madam Li and Guard Han that were injured.

His Grace is completely focused on the Huayang guards.

From what I have heard, he isn't too focused on the assassin.

Ying Zheng will not think too much of assassins in the palace

considering Qin State has made enemies of the Six States.

The assassin was from Wei State.

Her family was killed by the Qin army.

She is not notable in the fighting world

and has no connection to Ji City.

They won't find out that we arranged for the assassin.

This incident will not affect Great Yan.

How is Madam Li's injury?

Did she draw her sword that day out of instinct as a warrior

or did she genuinely want to protect Ying Zheng?

Crown Prince, why do you concern yourself with her actions?

Madam Li is a concubine of the King of Qin.

Protecting him is her duty, is it not?

I just think she's different from the other concubines.

Since entering the palace she has shown no interest in being queen.

She is also not afraid of offending Ying Zheng.

Crown Prince, what you're saying is...

We can win over Madam Li to be on our side and help Yan State.

That's not what I meant.

Madam Li is persistent, and indifferent to fame and fortune.

She is truly a spirited and bold warrior of the fighting world.

She is not the type to be easily manipulated.

I am just a bit envious that Ying Zheng has

such a talented and virtuous woman by his side.

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.

I heard, when we were in Luoyang.

What are you doing here?

This is my room.

This is your room?

Actually, I...

I'm not very comfortable sleeping next to others.

Likewise.

How do you feel?

Your fever seems to have gone down.

My Senior...

Guard Han... How is he doing?

He lost a lot of blood.

I have asked the physicians to take good care of him.

Guard Han took that blow for me.

I'm sure his wounds are serious.

I must go see him.

The physician said you must stay put and let yourself heal.

If you move right now, your wound will reopen.

Besides, there is nothing you can do to help right now.

Rest assured.

Take care of yourself, and I will take you to see him.

Actually... it wasn't my intention to assassinate you that day.

While I was dancing...

a real sword suddenly fell from above.

Then I saw an assassin behind you

so I just rushed forward.

If Guard Han hadn't taken that blow for me...

I would have been seriously injured

or I might have just died.

I'll definitely get to the bottom of this incident.

I won't let your wounds be for nothing.

To be honest, a lot of things about that day don't make sense.

If someone simply wanted to incriminate me as an assassin...

Then who was that assassin?

I think the two incidents were arranged by different people.

Great Qin is an enemy of the Six States.

There are many people who would delight in my death.

However...

The person who dared use your sword dance to incriminate you

during my birthday celebration is much more vicious.

Your Grace, Your Ladyship.

Your Ladyship, you've woken up at last.

I've been so worried.

Give me the medicine.

Here.

You are my wife.

Of course I should care for you while you're ill.

- Here. - I can do it myself. I'm not a child.

Do you think this medicine is poisoned?

That's not what I meant.

Qing can help me.

If anyone dares impede me from my task

I will have her beheaded.

If you still refuse to eat, I'll feed you like this, bite after bite.

Be a good girl. Take your medicine.

Here.

It's so lively here!

We've finally arrived at the capital.

No more flat cakes.

I don't think I can stomach another one.

I really want to have a savory, hot meal.

All right.

Fresh vegetables, over here!

Brother Jing, are you all right?

I'm fine. Just a bit hungry. I think I just got a waft of food.

- Let's go eat. - What are we waiting for? Let's go.

- You may go. - Yes.

Your Grace.

How is he?

Guard Han's wounds are very critical.

I have used the highest quality medicine available.

But his fever still hasn't receded.

He will be out of danger if he can make it past the next two days.

Fortunately, Guard Han is young and strong.

I have taken his pulse. It is feeble, but I believe he will overcome this.

He is undoubtedly devoted to his duties.

I cannot imagine if Madam Li had taken that blow...

He disregarded his own life to protect her life.

Not many people are capable of doing so.

Physician Zheng.

Put all your effort into saving this man.

Inform me immediately if you need any assistance.

I understand.

- Amazing! - Amazing!

- Amazing! - True martial arts!

Brilliant.

[Qin Wu Yang of Yan State]

- They are clearly masters. - Yes!

Without question.

Brother Qin.

You are young, yet your inner force is great.

Given time, it will certainly become even greater.

I must beat you today!

Do not rush.

One's technique cannot be improved in a glance.

Keep practicing.

- Amazing! - That was great!

- Brilliant! - Amazing!

Amazing!

Counting today, Warrior Gao has already won 79 times.

No wonder he is called the Soaring Sword of Yan! Amazing!

- Yes! - Absolutely brilliant.

I will get you next time.

All right.

Everyone, go back to your seats. Come on, honorable guests.

- Brother Gao! - Brother Gao!

Ge Lan. Jing Ke?

Long time no see. Your skills have advanced even more.

Jing Ke, you seem different.

Thank you for your past guidance.

I could not be where I am today without it.

Otherwise, I would still be wasting my life

and drinking all my sorrows away.

I am glad you're better.

Miss Ge Lan, you have come as well.

It's been so long!

I didn't expect to see you in Daliang City.

Brother Gao, you live in Qi State.

Do you come to Wei State often?

To be honest, I didn't come to Daliang City without purpose.

What do you mean?

It's a long story. Let's sit and talk slowly.

All right.

- How are things? - I've investigated it thoroughly.

The assassin that infiltrated the palace was from Wei State.

She had no connection to the Huayang Palace guards.

The culprit behind the assassination still requires further investigation.

Grand Empress Dowager wanted Madam Li to perform a sword dance for me.

She also took the opportunity to bring her guards into my palace

to kill Madam Li under the guise of protecting me.

It's obvious that this was premeditated.

Where are those six guards?

I issued a summons for them, but they've all gone to Huayang Palace.

I was obstructed by Grand Empress Dowager.

- What did you say? - Empress Dowager Hua Yang maintains...

that those guards aren't under Your Grace's jurisdiction.

They cannot be interrogated.

I am the Great King of Qin, but I cannot touch Huayang Palace?

I will make it very clear to Grand Empress Dowager

exactly whose jurisdiction her palace guards are under.

Your Grace, please listen.

Our army is currently attacking Chu for Wei.

It may not be a huge war but if you anger Grand Empress Dowager...

She could use it as an excuse to make Chu and Wei allies

to simultaneously attack Qin State.

Such an action would be detrimental to our nation.

Your Grace, think carefully and consider the big picture.

I suggest thinking about this for a few days.

In all these years...

Have I not let Chu State get away with enough?

If Grand Empress Dowager uses this excuse to help her motherland

it will give me the opportunity to clean up my harem.

- Li Zhong! - Yes.

- Take me to Huayang Palace immediately. - Yes.

Greetings, Grand Empress Dowager.

You may rise, Master Li.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

You have been quite busy with state affairs.

We are honored that you have taken the time to visit us.

Everyone is aware that Grand Empress Dowager

holds the highest seat in the Qin palace harem.

I am but a mere officer.

Thus, it is I who must be grateful for the opportunity to visit you.

Master Li, you are modest.

You and I are both from Chu State.

Today, we are both in service to Great Qin.

We should of course help one another.

Master, Grand Empress Dowager had

this special veined jade brought in specially from Chu State.

This is the work of one of Chu State's famous craftsmen.

You have a good eye.

Its colors are incredibly exquisite.

The carving is vigorous and unique.

It is certainly a jewel amongst jewels.

This is a gift for Junior Court Officer Li.

For me?

It is said that there is no gain without pain.

I cannot accept such an extraordinary gift.

Master Li, you need not be so cautious.

This jade is a gift from both Grand Empress Dowager and myself.

Consider it an introductory gift for our continued acquaintance.

We hope you will look after us in the future.

If that's the case...

Since it is a gift from Grand Empress Dowager

I shall respectfully accept this gift.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

In accordance with etiquette, I must offer something in return.

I have a piece of news that may interest

Grand Empress Dowager and Madam Chu.

Master Li certainly shares the bluntness of us Chu citizens.

Let us hear it.

Unfortunately, it is not good news.

A few days ago, a delegate of Wei State came to see His Grace.

He hoped that Great Qin would send troops to attack Chu State

and take back the land that Chu appropriated from Wei.

How bold of Wei State to rake up the past.

They could not fight us and surrendered peacefully.

That land rightfully belongs to us.

Bringing this up now... have they no shame?

Grand Empress Dowager speaks the truth.

However, from what I have heard...

- His Grace has already sent troops out. - Is this true?

Master Li, is there any way to stop His Grace?

My words carry no weight.

His Grace has made his decision.

He has already sent out military tallies.

I'm afraid the army is already on the way.

The only thing that can be done now

is for you to send a warning to Chu State's king

so they can prepare for the attack.

Grand Empress Dowager.

Word just got around the palace.

His Grace is heading to Huayang Palace with the Commander and Tiger Valor Army.

They say... they say they're coming for our guards!

What?

Your Grace.

It is past dusk.

You have brought the Commander and the Tiger Valor Army

to my palace without cause.

What is the rush?

I haven't necessarily... come here without just cause.

Six guards from Huayang Palace treated the crown

with such contempt on my birthday.

Causing such a disturbance in the presence of my guests...

Arrest them all!

- Yes! - Wait!

How dare you arrest my guards right in front of me?

I dare you to kill me first!

I would like to see if His Grace

has any respect left for his Grand Empress Dowager.

If His Grace thinks I am an old troublemaker

provoking people into defying the crown... Then kill me!

Seeing as how Grand Empress Dowager

clearly doesn't want me to interrogate her guards...

there is no point in keeping them alive.

- Tiger Valor Army! - Yes!

- Kill them! - Yes!

- Your Grace! - Your Grace, spare us!

- Spare us, Your Grace! - Wait.

Your Grace, please spare them.

Madam, you are injured.

The imperial physician says you must rest.

Why have you come here?

Your Grace, please allow me a bold request.

These guards accidentally injured me

because they were protecting Your Grace.

I beg you to forgive them and not use them to vent your anger.

You may be able to forgive them...

but I cannot forgive them for what they have done on my territory.

What happened during the celebration was planned in advance.

They dare use me to hurt you.

There is nothing I hate more than being used...

especially for such despicable purposes.

I cannot forgive them!

Your Grace.

A sword suddenly landed in my hands while I was dancing that day.

Everyone present presumed that I was the assassin.

These guards were simply doing their duty.

They demonstrated their loyalty to Your Grace

yet you want to repay them with a death sentence.

And with their deaths, the truth will be obliterated.

Is this the result Your Grace seeks?

All right.

- Huayang Palace guards, heed my words! - Yes.

You have violated my palace and my rules.

I will spare your lives seeing as your crimes

were committed on my behalf.

- You shall be exiled. - Thank you, Your Grace!

This is unacceptable.

That harlot managed to gain the upper hand.

That was a brilliant act she put on in front of His Grace.

She clearly wants to use this opportunity

to gain the favor of Grand Empress Dowager.

How frustrating.

Madam, have you considered that the real assassin

was arranged for by Madam Li herself?

She then killed them on site.

I hadn't thought of that possibility.

Now, the assassin is dead and can't verify it.

What an impressive scheme.

This plan solidifies His Grace's trust in Madam Li.

It also ends any opposition from Grand Empress Dowager.

Lastly, it lets everyone in the palace know

that she is well-rounded, so they forgive her upbringing.

That must be her plan.

That harlot.

Jing Ke.

Are you aware of Qin State sending help to Wei State?

We aren't too sure.

- Do you have details? - Yes.

Qin's imperial army was sent to Chu State

to help Wei State take back their land.

The former land of Song State.

I heard they've already sent troops from four armies.

Qin State was originally confident

that they'd be able to beat Chu's army and rise victorious.

But it's hard to determine who will win now.

The Qin army is finding it difficult to gain the upper hand.

The longer the battle drags on, the harder it will be for them to win.

I fear the soldiers will lose patience and the citizens will suffer.

I understand now.

You're afraid that this battle will harm the innocent civilians

so you wish to help them.

Yes.

That is an arduous task.

As a member of the fighting world, you must use all your will and strength.

Isn't that right, Brother Jing?

Right, Lan is right.

Us warriors spend all our time practicing swordsmanship and martial arts.

It's all so that in times like these, people can rely on us to protect them.

Good. Here, let us toast.

- To peace. - To peace.

How have you been feeling these days?

I feel much better.

I am glad Your Grace was willing to listen to me that day.

I would not have been able to rest

if those guards had been killed for my sake.

They weren't killed because of you

but you nearly died because of them.

Aside from what you said that day...

Li Zhong also had a lot to say.

Lately, the Qin army has been helping Wei State fight Chu State

but we have not yet seen victory.

If I have a dispute with Grand Empress Dowager right now...

I cannot prevent her from using her power to aid Chu State in retaliation.

Your Grace.

On your birthday, someone tried to fool you.

They wished to frame me for assassinating you.

So?

What do you wish to say?

It was a red herring.

Wei State expected things to turn out as they did.

In this moment

Chu State is one of the only states that can fight against Qin.

The Great Qin army has accomplished many feats this year.

Attacking Zhao State and defeating Wei State.

Chu State was only able to maintain sovereignty as a corner state.

Now, Wei State is using their old land as an excuse

to convince Qin State to fight against Chu State.

And thus, distracting their focus.

The King of Wei voluntarily offered to work with the powerful Qin.

The reason wasn't to get back his land...

but to protect the State of Wei.

The two most powerful states weaken themselves

by fighting against each other.

It will not be Wei State that suffers, but Qin State and Chu State.

Your Grace.

I am simply theorizing.

If my assumptions are illogical, simply pretend I said nothing.

No. What you say makes sense.

I never considered that before.

Perhaps you have helped me solve a troubling issue.

The Qin army is heading west rather than east.

Are they retreating?

That seems to be the case.

They have nearly won, why retreat now?

The only thing that would make these soldiers retreat

is the word of the Qin King himself.

There must be a reason he chose to retreat.

Whatever the reason...

A bloodbath was avoided, so it isn't necessarily a bad thing.

Exactly.

Since that is the case... we may as well take this chance

to have some fun in the area now that the troops are leaving.

That sounds great. Mount Song is not far from here.

My father has a training hut there.

How about we go for a visit?

Mount Song is the center of the Great Mountains.

Mount Tai in the east, Mount Hua in the west.

It is an ethereal location

and certainly a good place to focus and train.

Warrior Ge has good taste.

Mount Tai in the east, Mount Hua in the west...

Mount Tai...

Mount Tai is also a good place.

It was where ancient kings went to meditate.

It is abundant with royal aura.

But very few commoners like us visit Mount Tai.

My father said the same thing.

Mount Tai is his least favorite among the five Great Mountains.

Apparently, Mount Tai is a place for kings.

It's really incredibly pretentious.

Warrior Ge is quite candid in his thoughts

although his opinions have reason.

Although Mount Tai is expansive and stands tall and just.

Of course, it's full of spiritual aura. It's just...

"Mount Tai in the east, Mount Hua in the west."

"Mount Heng in the south, Mount Heng in the north."

"Mount Tai in the east, Mount Hua in the west..."

"Trembles the skies with a roar."

"Mount Heng in the south, Mount Heng in the north..."

"Keeps the world safe."

So that's what it means.

Brother Jing, what have you realized?

The sword manual is at Mount Song.

My Grand Mentor wants us to go to Mount Song.

Your Grace.

Madam Li has arrived.

- Grand Empress Dowager. - Grand Empress Dowager.

Rise.

Please sit.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Bring the tea in.

Madam Li, please try these Yunmeng oranges.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Grand Empress Dowager...

I have heard a lot about the Yunmeng oranges of Chu State.

I am now fortunate enough to try one in person.

Our southern Huaibei oranges definitely cannot compare.

However, Huaibei oranges taste just as they appear.

Unlike Yunmeng oranges, where sometimes the inside

does not live up to its flawless exterior.

Perhaps it resembles the customs of the Chu people.

Madam Li certainly has good taste.

You manage to make connotations of northern and southern oranges.

It's just a pity that

even if Great Chu's Yunmeng oranges are delicious...

who knows how many will be left after this war?

So that is the reason why Grand Empress Dowager

summoned me here today.

Madam Chu, please rest easy.

I already recalled my troops just a few days ago.

As for the battle between Wei and Chu...

I am going to pretend nothing happened.

Is that so?

It looks like Your Grace truly cares for Qin and Chu's relations.

That was not my reason.

A few days ago, I was worrying about the battle conditions.

Just as I was worrying...

Madam Li offered me some advice.

Fighting Chu State strengthens the states of Han and Wei.

This gives Qin a good excuse to retreat.

Our Great Qin experienced very little rain this spring

and I have been concerned about the food shortage.

Surprisingly, as soon as we recalled our troops...

Chu State immediately made an offering of food

in the name of peace.

Wouldn't you say Li has helped us a great deal?

Madam Li certainly had a hand in ending the war with Chu.

However, women have stayed out of state affairs

since the Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

It usually brings calamity to the people.

Going too far is just as bad as being lacking.

I ask His Grace to take note.

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.

[Preview]

Your Grace.

Why have you acted so impulsively regarding

the Queen's position and the military?

How am I being impulsive?

I gave it a lot of thought before coming to my decision.

I have no interest in being Queen.

Or have you not realized that?

This is what all the concubines are after.

Why do you not want it?

If I make you my Queen

neither Grand Empress Dowager nor Madam Chu will dare touch you.

I was able to act so mercilessly

because I carried no burdens.

I cared for no one and nothing.

But now, things are different.

I have Consort Li.

She is my only weakness.

Your Grace...

You cannot be who you once were because of this one weakness?

I am the King of Great Qin.

If I have weaknesses, it means Qin State has weaknesses.

I do not wish to possess any weakness.

And yet...

I cannot contain my desire for her.

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