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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 21]

Wouldn't you say that Li has helped us a lot?

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 as bad as being lacking.

I ask Your Grace to take note of it.

Does Grand Empress Dowager recall that I once stated

that I wish to have a unique queen like the Queen of Shang?

I do remember that.

Madam Li is skilled with both pen and sword.

She has outstanding viewpoints.

Therefore...

I intend to make her my queen.

Your Grace, what did you say?

Appointing a queen is no trivial matter.

Among the six nations, Qi and Chu are still powerful.

If a lady of Chu were to become queen

Qin State and Chu State would then be on friendly terms.

Having one less enemy would surely help unite all the nations.

It's exactly because Qi and Chu State are strong

that there are concubines from all six states in the harem.

If I take sides with one state when appointing my queen

it won't do Great Qin any good, and it'll only bring further trouble.

Isn't a commoner's daughter a better choice?

She has no kin or relatives.

There's no need to worry about relatives interfering in politics.

Your Grace.

I am but a commoner.

I can offer no benefit to any of the six states.

But Your Grace insists on making me your queen.

It can do no good for Qin State.

Moreover, if I were to be made queen

I would have to manage the concubines in the harem.

I'd also have to attend ceremonies and rituals.

I really don't think I'll be able to take on such a role.

It's fine.

It's not like I didn't expect Grand Empress Dowager to object.

I have come up with an idea.

What is it?

In order to prove that Madam Li is just as outstanding as other concubines

I'll be taking her along with me on my next conquest.

If we win the battle...

No one is to stop me from making her my queen.

Your Grace.

The weapons on the battlefield know no mercy.

Madam Li is a concubine in your harem.

If it's made known to everyone that she went with you to war

I'm worried it will be a disgrace to Great Qin!

Although Madam Li is a concubine

she has the combat skills and courage of a fighter.

If it becomes known to all

others might think that everyone in Great Qin is trained in martial arts

and that our nation is strong.

Isn't that a good thing?

Your Grace, forgive me for being blunt.

There are so many concubines.

Why would Your Grace take only Madam Li with you?

Ruo, if you'd like to accompany me as well

I can give you armor, a war horse, and a sharp sword.

So you too can come on the conquest.

How does that sound?

Your Grace, you were so awe-inspiring just now!

The way you spoke to Grand Empress Dowager.

I even broke a sweat from fear.

I'm just worried about Madam Li.

Is it?

Qing's words are so pleasant to the ears today.

I must reward you handsomely.

Thank you, Your Grace!

Your Grace.

Why are you so reckless in appointing the queen

and deploying the troops to war?

How was I reckless?

I made this decision after much consideration.

I have no interest in being queen.

Don't tell me you couldn't tell?

This is what every concubine desires.

Why don't you want it?

If I make you my queen

Grand Empress Dowager and Madam Chu wouldn't dare to pick on you again.

If I am made queen

Tian Ming will surely be forced to compete to be heir apparent.

Then someone would definitely try to harm me and my son.

It's such a terrible position to be in.

I really don't want it.

As for the conquest, you never asked my opinion

and yet you announced it directly to Grand Empress Dowager.

Why should I accompany you to war?

Hold on.

I have a gift for you.

Come!

This is what you have for me?

What is it?

You don't like it?

These are delicious.

Have some.

Your Grace, you really haven't listened to any of what I said.

I just told Grand Empress Dowager about the difference

between Yunmeng oranges and Huaibei oranges.

Yet you got me such a gift now?

As for making me your queen and taking me on the conquest

without discussing it with me, did you just do it to spite me?

Since you don't like the gift, we can just dump it.

Your Grace, that's not what I meant.

This...

you'll definitely like.

What is this?

My grandfather's short sword?

It was yours in the first place.

I'm just returning it to its owner.

You can carry it on you... for self-defense.

Your Grace...

You've returned this sword to me.

Does this mean you trust me whole-heartedly?

Of course.

What is it? You don't want it?

I'll take it back if you don't want it.

I want it. It's mine.

Well...

Now that you have your sword back

can you come with me on the conquest?

Your Grace, allow me to think it over.

You still need to think it over?

Here, give me back the sword.

Your Grace!

As a king, how can you go back on your word?

I don't care. We're in Great Qin, so I call the shots.

Quickly.

Come with me on my conquest.

You're so bossy.

If you won't accompany me to war

then why don't you bear me a child?

No way.

Let go of me.

Let go of me now.

If you don't, I'll stab you with my sword.

You couldn't bear to.

I owe it to Brother Gao for helping me this time.

With how ignorant I am

I only figured out where the sword manual is because of you.

Brother Jing, you're too modest.

Lan and I would like to invite you to come with us to Mount Song.

Brother Jing...

This sword manual was passed down solely to you by Warrior Gongsun Yu.

It's not my place to even have a peek at it.

I sincerely hope that once you master the swordsmanship

we'll converse with our swords again.

Wouldn't that be a great delight?

All right then, Brother Gao.

I bid you farewell.

Brother Gao, do take care.

Take care.

Lan, let's set out now.

Summon Han Shen into the hall!

Guard, Han Shen greets Your Grace and Madam Li.

Guard Han is still wounded. There's no need for such formality.

Thank you, Your Grace.

Announce my decree.

Yes.

In accordance with Heaven and time, the king hereby decrees that

Guard of Inner Palace, Han Shen, is valiant and loyal.

He renders merit in protecting the king's mistress.

Hence, he is now promoted to Guard Prefect of the palace

and serves directly under Commander of Guards, Li Zhong.

By the king himself.

Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace.

Guard Han, since you protected Madam Li successfully

and you're like a brother to her

I'll allow you to meet her in private another time.

You can have a good chat.

Thank you for such a great act of kindness, Your Grace.

You already got to see your senior.

Will you come with me on the conquest?

Senior Han, I heard from Physician Zheng that

you were wounded very badly that day.

It's fortunate you didn't injure any vital organs.

Otherwise, you would've lost your ability to do martial arts.

How could I not feel guilty?

If you had been injured instead, I'd be the one to feel really guilty.

Li, after that incident

I think even you've witnessed the malice within this palace.

From officials to servants, they appear to be devoted to Qin State

but they all have their own interests in mind.

So Li, you must always remain vigilant.

You must understand that

anyone here may try to kill you for any reason.

Ying Zheng is no exception.

Before Ying Zheng is certain that Qin State can unify all the states

be it his officials or concubines

he will keep them all in check.

He won't appoint Madam Chu or Madam Min as the queen.

It seems he is not taking sides by just favoring you.

However, this does coincide with how he handles politics.

In the beginning...

I really wanted him dead.

But then...

For some reason, I actually rushed to his rescue that day.

Honestly speaking...

I don't really know if I truly wanted to save him...

Or if I only did so because if anything happened to him

what would happen to Tian Ming?

Tian Ming is actually much safer outside the palace.

Even if Ying Zheng dies, I'll bring Tian Ming back to you.

Senior Han, do you still remember the short sword Grandfather gave to me?

Of course.

Commander Li confiscated it from me when I entered the palace.

But Ying Zheng returned it to me today.

Ying Zheng grew up being manipulated and used by others.

He has always wanted to find someone he could truly trust.

Li...

You haven't fallen for Ying Zheng, have you?

I just think that Ying Zheng isn't as cunning as he seems.

Li Zhong.

Do I pamper Madam Li too much?

Your Grace is generous.

You know that Madam Li values friendship.

It's a lovely gesture to let friends meet up.

From now on, Madam Li will trust Your Grace even more.

You're right.

Only if I offer her freedom, will she be genuinely convinced.

I am capable of being so ruthless because I have no burdens.

There's no one and nothing I care for.

But it's different now.

I have Consort Li now.

She will become my only weakness.

Your Grace, can you not be as you were just because of one weakness?

I am the king of Great Qin.

If I have any weakness...

It means that Great Qin also has a weakness.

I don't want anyone to get a hold of my weakness.

However...

I just can't help myself.

I can't hold myself back from being drawn to her.

In this world, a man with no weakness probably doesn't exist.

A person without any weaknesses has no one and nothing he cares for.

Your Grace cares for Great Qin.

Even if Madam Li is someone you can't part with

you'll have to place your sovereignty before the beauty.

I can understand it very well.

Master Zhao, now that Madam Li is rising higher in authority

what should we do next?

Judging from the current situation, and the information we received

even though Madam Li convinced His Grace to withdraw the army from Chu

it doesn't mean that she's siding with Chu State.

Judging by that... she is neither our friend nor foe.

We don't have to deal with her yet.

However...

You must still have our men keep an eye on Madam Li.

Report back to me if anything comes up.

Yes, I understand.

What is this about?

What do you think I am doing?

How dare you!

A mere palace guard dares to block Madam's path?

Are you blind?

My eyes are perfectly fine.

As for Madam Chu's eyes... are they quite bad?

My eyes are just fine.

What nonsense are you spewing?

Is that so?

Madam Li is my junior.

I was instructed by His Grace to protect her in the palace.

But Madam Chu, you have picked on Madam Li again and again.

You might not fear Madam Li.

But picking on my junior means that you're going against me openly.

That's why I say that your eyesight must be quite bad.

What did you just say?

Guard Han, how dare you threaten Madam!

Exactly!

I am threatening you.

By all means, go and complain about me to Grand Empress Dowager.

His Grace has to worry about maintaining peace between Qin and Chu.

I have nothing to worry about.

So listen up.

If you dare lay a finger on my junior again...

I won't let you off.

You... Hey!

Madam, he has gone overboard!

Just because His Grace and Madam Li have his back

he dares to make such a scene in front of you!

[Red Crown Sect, Xia Hou Yang's Manor]

Mentor, a messenger pigeon arrived.

- Step out. - Yes.

[Jing Ke and Lan headed toward Mount Song.]

Judging from Mentor's expression, it must be good news.

Indeed.

A disciple from Yu Prefecture reports that he located Jing Ke's whereabouts.

There's a woman with him, called Lan.

They are heading toward Mount Song.

Mentor, if I remember correctly

I have met Lan in the past.

Oh?

She's Ge Nie's daughter.

Ge Nie's daughter?

It seems that self-righteous Ge Nie might be involved as well.

Convey my orders quickly.

Bao Ye, take our men to Mount Song.

You want me to go to Mount Song?

What we seek should be there.

Fellow countrymen!

If we keep going down this path, will it lead us to Mount Song?

Exactly. Young lady, why are you going to Mount Song?

We have some matters to handle.

The both of you look very sophisticated.

You don't seem to be hunters.

It's best to be careful.

What should we be careful of?

Many have said that there are ferocious beasts on the mountain.

Quite a lot of people went hunting for beasts.

In the end, none managed to return.

- Let's go. - Yes.

There are ferocious beasts?

Let's go.

Your Grace, are you really bringing Madam Li with us?

A king never lies.

Besides, are you worried about the skilled fighter who defeated you?

Since Your Grace has allowed me to join you on the conquest

you can't to go back on your word.

Madam, fret not.

It's Meng Wu who doesn't want you to join us.

Not me.

If you perform even better than him in war

he might have to give up his title as Great General to you.

Since Your Grace said it's a conquest

where exactly are we going?

Madam, have you heard of a man called Han Fei?

Han Fei?

Is he the Mister Han Fei who traced Taoism to its roots

and wrote “Solitary Indignation,” as well as “The Five Vermin”?

My grandfather once mentioned him to me.

General Gongsun mentioned him?

What is he like?

Mister Han Fei is highly renowned for his talent.

He is a man of great talent.

It's just that he suffers from stuttering.

However, the officials and ruler of Han State are mediocre.

So Mister Han Fei's remarkable talent hasn't been put to use at all.

This is great.

It's exactly as I heard.

What does Your Grace mean?

During this conquest of Han, I want to invite Mister Han Fei to Qin.

General Gongsun, after you.

In the Classic of Poetry, it says

"How grand Mount Song is. Whose summits touch the skies."

During Shang Dynasty, it was named Mount Chong.

But it's never been said to host any ferocious beasts.

I think it's just a rumor

that started due to the people's ignorance of natural phenomena.

It's just hearsay.

They're no more than wild guesses.

Don't take it too seriously.

Anyway, even if we run into beasts

we're both fighters, so there's nothing to fear.

Kill!

Over here.

Be careful.

Keep up with them.

Although the poem pointed out that the sword manual lies in Mount Song

where should we go looking on such a huge mountain?

I'd like to head up to higher ground to observe the terrain first.

Then I'll compare it to Mentor's poem.

Let's see what we can glean from it.

Come here.

How strange...

We've been following those two all the way.

How did they suddenly disappear?

You're so dumb.

This is an open space.

No matter where they went

they won't be able to disappear from right in front of us.

Unless they know that they were being followed, and went into hiding.

They're hiding?

It doesn't matter.

There aren't many trees or rocks.

There aren't too many places to hide.

- Keep searching. - Yes!

[Within Han State]

Your Grace, we've crossed River Yi.

There's still about half a day's journey to Southern Liang.

I suggest giving the soldiers one more day to recuperate.

Let's do that.

Your Grace, they are here.

Swift Wind greets Your Grace.

Python Forest greets Your Grace.

You've worked hard.

This is Madam Li.

She is here on this conquest with me.

The Commander-in-Chief of Puyang City was really remarkable.

So what if he was?

He was still killed by our warriors, Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain.

He was so brutally killed...

Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain?

- Madam! - Step aside!

Stop it!

The two of you, get lost now!

You won't rest until you kill them?

Exactly.

I am going to kill them both.

They are the scoundrels who killed my grandfather!

You can't bear to lose two warriors?

I'm not worried about them.

I'm worried you would get hurt.

Who insisted on bringing her along?

Your Grace...

Get those two fellows to stay as far away as possible.

If they dare to show up before Madam Li...

I'll have them killed.

Yes.

Bao Ye.

- Mentor. - Mentor.

How's the task I assigned going?

Mentor, I followed Jing Ke up into the mountain

but we lost track of him in this area.

I suspect that they have gone into hiding.

Hiding?

This is an open space so there's an extensive view.

Where could they possibly hide?

All right, stop making wild guesses.

It's impossible to hide here.

Split up and start searching thoroughly!

- Yes! - Yes!

Let's go.

Jing Ke, don't bother hiding!

Show yourself.

Jing Ke, it's been a long time.

You just got here and sent your disciples away.

That's when I knew that you had spotted us.

Oh?

Yet you pretended not to know.

You sent your disciples away so you can have the sword manual all to yourself.

You don't wish to share it with your disciples.

Am I right?

Your improvement in just a matter of days is impressive.

It seems that I've underestimated you.

Mister Xia Hou Yang, you flatter me.

My wit is nothing compared to your craftiness.

Then don't blame me for coming at you!

Let's go!

This is...

Show yourself!

Bao Ye?

What are you doing here?

Didn't I order you to search elsewhere?

I... I--

Do you know you've ruined my great plan?

Mentor, hold on.

You dared to defy me and came back here unauthorized.

What more is there to say?

I know I've sabotaged your plan to seize the sword manual

and no amount of effort can make up for this mistake.

Mentor, please give me one last chance!

I'll surely capture Jing Ke and get the sword manual to you.

Fine.

I'll leave it to you to go after Jing Ke.

If the task is accomplished, I won't neglect you.

But if you dare play any tricks again

I won't let you off easily!

Yes, Mentor.

You're still angry about what happened during the day?

I'm not just angry about it.

There's also hatred and grievance.

I hate myself for not being capable enough to defeat them.

What grieves me is that...

I have married my enemy.

There's nothing I can do now that I've sided with my enemies.

You're blaming me for it?

I didn't send the army to Puyang.

What difference does it make?

All right.

It's all Great Qin's fault.

Why don't I give orders now to have Meng Wu arrest those two villains

and bleed them out in River Yi?

How does that sound?

- Would you feel better? - Of course not.

Wouldn't my grandfather be mocked in the fighting world?

He was attacked by all four of them.

Now, King of Qin is going to sentence them to death?

If others learn of it, won't they call me a witch?

Then what would you have me do?

How about this?

Don't you have your sword back?

Here, hack me with it.

Vent your frustrations.

You really want to?

Why are you such a ruthless woman?

Have you been thinking about killing your husband every day?

Don't be mad anymore.

I'll show you something nice.

Let's go.

Look, I'll be conquering Zhao State and Han State next.

After I've taken both states, I can then move towards the north

and dominate the lands at the frontier.

I'm going to build the Great Wall along this border.

Then my people won't have to worry about being invaded by foreigners.

What is it?

You don't agree with my idea?

However great it would be to unify all the states into an empire

there will surely be dangerous battles.

As long as there are battles, there will be great suffering.

The people will be in misery.

For the people, it's better to pull through a brief misery than prolong it.

Judging by Great Qin's overwhelming power

we can achieve great peace with the smallest sacrifice.

Even if I am condemned in history

I won't regret my actions.

If war continues to rage on in the world, even more people will lose their lives.

Am I too impatient?

Never, in history, has an empire been formed.

However confident Great Qin might be

it's hard to predict how things will progress.

It will still be very difficult.

Your Grace has thought it through very carefully.

You're not too eager to achieve this goal.

After much planning, you chose to conquer the east first.

You're right to do so.

You know I wasn't asking about that.

Report!

- Your Grace! - What is it?

Madam Li's military tent is ready!

All right, I heard you.

Yes.

It's not safe outside the tent.

Why don't you... just sleep over at mine?

I've traveled to many places with my grandfather.

I can even fall asleep against a tree.

Your Grace doesn't need to worry about it.

There are snakes outside.

It's not safe.

I'm not scared of snakes.

What about tigers? Bears?

Aren't you scared of them?

Are tigers as scary as you?

You're not to leave.

I forbid you to leave.

If you dare to take another step away

I won't spare you.

All right.

I'm tired. I won't leave.

Your Grace, loosen your grip.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Are you all right, Brother Jing?

I'm fine.

Where are we?

I don't know either.

Let's get up and take a look.

What's wrong?

I...

I... I seem to have sprained my ankle.

It hurts a bit.

You must have sprained it when we fell.

I'll take a look at it.

It's all right.

It's just a slight injury.

Let's look for an exit and get out of here quickly.

It's best not to push yourself too hard.

I'll carry you?

It's all right.

Brother Jing, you really don't have to.

We're away from home.

I should look after you.

I'll carry you on my back.

Thank you.

Here.

Your Grace.

No... What do you mean by this?

You just said that you're staying for the night.

Why are you making your bed here?

My bed is so big! It's big enough for two.

Look at your bed.

It's so small that... Look!

It's only big enough to fit me.

It's only big enough for me!

That's why this is my bed.

Your bed is over there.

If this is what you insist on doing

I might not be able to fall asleep.

[Preview]

What's wrong?

Did you have a nightmare?

I'm right here.

I'll protect you.

Brother Jing.

Lan.

Where have you been?

I took a look around the place.

I wanted to find a way out of here.

This cave might be big but there's no path that will lead us out of here.

If we finish all the rations we have on us

before I manage to learn Swan Swordsmanship...

We'll starve to death in here.

I'm afraid so.

Madam! Bad news!

Virtuous Lady Jing is pregnant.

This tea is bestowed to you by Grand Empress Dowager.

Does it taste good?

It's tasty.

Stop running!

Be careful. It's slippery!

Be careful. It's slippery!

We just said that same thing!

You run so slowly!

See, I caught you?

All right, you win.

This is so tiring.

Be careful.

Could we stop running?

This is too tiring.

Your Grace is tired?

Guards? Escort His Grace back to his palace.

Don't bother.

I'll be sleeping here tonight.

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