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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 24]

For some reason, lately, I keep remembering those days

I was held hostage here in Qin State, along with Zhao Jia.

I had just taken the throne then.

We were really young then.

I've always remembered one matter very clearly.

I wonder if Your Grace still remembers?

Tell me about it.

It was extremely cold in Xianyang that winter.

Even though I grew up in Northern Yan

I couldn't stand the cold either.

Zhao Jia and I had fur coats on all day.

We even had fur hats on and heaters next to us to feel warmer.

Yet Your Grace was only dressed in thin cotton clothes.

You cared not for the cold and focused on your studies.

It's that matter?

I remember it.

Your Grace said that if you couldn't understand the misery of a commoner

how could you understand theories in governing the world?

I was too young and arrogant then, I even thought you were a fool.

You had fur coats and yet you'd rather freeze in the cold.

It was only after I grew older that I realized Zhao Jia and I were the fools.

Yan Dan.

You flatter me.

I had only just taken the throne then.

It was just that Lu Bu Wei was in power then

and my mother was suppressed.

I had no one to relate my misery to.

I only used that as an excuse to torture myself.

Even if you were provoked by Marquis Wenxin into doing that

it all seems worthwhile now.

Do you not see how powerful a state Qin has become?

It's now under your reign.

Zhao Jia's title as Crown Prince was abolished upon his return.

Who knows how he'll end up?

I, Yan Dan...

I still remain a hostage prince.

Yan Dan, did you deliberately lose to me today?

This isn't how you usually play chess.

It isn't that I deliberately lost to you, but that Your Grace has improved.

If you keep doing that, it won't be any fun.

Commander of Guards has arrived!

Your Grace, Mister Yao Jia has done well in visiting four states.

He shall return to Qin soon and report to you personally.

Good.

It seems that Yao Jia has succeeded in breaking the alliance.

Congratulations.

Han Shen, do you play chess?

A bit.

Play a few rounds with me.

Since Your Grace has company, I'll take my leave now.

- Li Zhong. - Present.

- Escort Crown Prince out. - Yes.

Don't bother.

I'll take a walk in the palace.

You can send someone over when I'm heading back to my manor.

All right then.

Come and play chess with me.

Crown Prince.

Madam Li.

Crown Prince, why didn't you bring any attendants with you to the palace today?

I was playing chess with His Grace.

His Grace found me boring, so I came out here for a walk.

His Grace is now playing chess with Guard Han.

Senior Han?

Are you bringing this book to His Grace?

It's Xun Kuang's "Debate on The Principles of Warfare."

I mentioned it once and he told me to find it for him.

What is "Debate on The Principles of Warfare" about?

Could you tell me a bit about it?

It might seem to be discussing strategies of warfare

but it's actually about the theories of governance.

Guard Han, I've lost.

I've acted recklessly.

Do forgive me, Your Grace.

Those who used to play chess with me would deliberately lose to me.

They are afraid to offend me.

That's too boring.

It's seldom that I get to play chess as I wish.

Guard Han, you needn't reproach yourself.

I won't punish you for it.

Guard Han.

You must play chess with me more often, when you have the time.

Thank you, Your Grace.

Playing chess is a way to determine one's intelligence.

Today, I finally got to meet my match in chess, you.

It's rare for me to enjoy such delight in playing chess.

Life is actually like a game of chess.

If you can only play alone, you'll be bored and lonely.

Guard Han.

You've been in Great Qin for years now.

Do you intend to marry and start a family?

Why does Your Grace ask?

It's nothing really.

I think you've been protecting Madam Li for so long.

It took up a lot of your time.

If it were other fighters of your age

they would have found women by now.

They would've had a child or two already

before wandering off on their travels, wouldn't they?

Your Grace, I've never considered marriage.

Let alone having children.

I'm all alone in this world.

I really don't wish to be a burden to any lady.

Li, didn't you say you'd show me the "Debate on The Principles of Warfare"?

When I was about to bring it to you, Crown Prince Yan Dan borrowed it.

Yan Dan?

Exactly.

I saw that Crown Prince Dan was very interested in it

so I couldn't bear to turn him down.

He said he'd bring it to you when he's finished.

You lent Yan Dan the book just because he asked for it?

Am I so unimportant to you?

That's not it.

Is Your Grace in such a hurry to read it?

This won't do. I want to read it now.

What kind of tantrum are you're throwing now?

Fine, since Your Grace insists on reading it now

I'll go retrieve it for you.

Where are you going?

Weren't you anxious to read the book?

Let me go!

I won't allow you to go see Yan Dan.

If he dares to talk to you again, I'll cut off his tongue.

Who is he to talk to you or borrow the book from you?

Did he ask me for permission?

What did the two of you talk about after the archery match?

I want you to tell me each and every word now.

Why should I tell Your Grace?

What did you talk about?

I'd like to know about it.

Since Your Grace is so interested in it

why don't you ask Crown Prince Dan?

All right...

My darling Madam.

Do you know I played chess with your senior today?

I know.

Crown Prince Dan told me about it.

How was it? Did you defeat Senior?

I was totally defeated.

Your Grace, you mustn't be vexed.

When Senior Han used to play chess with my grandfather

it would usually end in a stalemate.

My grandfather often lost to him as well.

As long as Your Grace is willing to learn from Senior Han during the chess games

you'll most certainly improve.

Chess is but trivial entertainment.

What I'm more interested in is engaging in another sort

of entertainment with you.

Tell me stories about your life in Puyang.

I'd really like to hear them.

Those are just some childhood stories.

What's so interesting about them?

I just wish to know...

What did you do and like before you came to my palace?

Everything about you...

I wish to know all about it.

May I?

What is it?

Nothing.

Last time, you dared to block my path.

Why can't I block yours today?

I have matters to handle.

Please step aside.

You told me to step aside?

Are you some rebel?

How about this?

Madam Chu.

I have a presumptuous request to ask of you.

If it's all right with you

please stay as far as possible from me and Madam Li.

Stay as far away as you possibly can.

How about that?

Do I sound respectable enough?

Does that offend you?

You really are very bold.

You dare talk back to me like this, again and again.

Cut that out.

If you hadn't offended me in the first place

I wouldn't waste my time threatening you.

Here's a warning for you.

If you'd like to have me treat you respectfully

you first need to be important enough.

Excuse me.

I don't have time to waste my breath on you.

- I take my leave. - Halt!

You better remember what you said today.

I'll repay you with double the suffering.

I just heard the servants saying that

His Grace wanted to pair up Guard Han and Miss Qing.

He tricked them both into a secluded room in Yanming Palace.

A man all alone with a woman... surely something would happen.

Madam, isn't His Grace's plan quite brilliant?

Guard Han and Qing?

Yes.

Great.

This is just great.

I can make use of this opportunity.

Madam, how so?

Think about it.

His Grace loves Consort Li.

Consort Li is in love with Han Shen.

As for Han Shen, it's needless to say.

He's always been deeply in love with Consort Li.

If Guard Han and Qing get together...

That's His Grace's intention.

If we catch Han Shen red-handed, when he's in bed with Qing

and then inform Consort Li...

When Consort Li learns of it, how could she not hate His Grace?

How could she not hate Han Shen?

She'll be all the more unable to tolerate Qing.

This kills three birds with one stone.

Why would His Grace order me to standby in this place?

Is someone out to harm Li?

This palace's quarters seem to be long deserted.

Who else could be here?

Could it be that His Grace wishes to discuss

future strategies for protecting Li?

Who is it?

Let go of me!

Miss Qing?

Guard Han? What are you doing here?

His Grace sent me here.

Did he send you here as well?

I...

His Grace told me that a concubine is moving into Yanming Palace tomorrow

so he sent me here tonight to tidy it up.

And to rid it of bad luck.

It was so dark that I thought a thief had broken in.

I see. His Grace arranged all this.

Guard Han... Could you let go of my hand first?

I'm sorry, Miss Qing.

It wasn't on purpose.

Guard Han... What should we do now?

A man and woman, all alone here in the middle of the night.

What shameless affair is this?

Madam Chu, I only came here to inform Miss Qing

to look after Madam Li.

Who is also my junior.

Hold on.

Qing...

Answer me.

Is what Guard Han said true?

Yes...

And no...

Madam, it was His Grace who arranged for us to be in the same room.

I don't know what His Grace means.

Since it was the king's order, so we didn't dare to leave.

If we defy the king's command, we will be killed.

Guard Han really didn't lay a finger on you at all?

No! Nothing happened!

What about you?

I wouldn't dare! I wouldn't dare!

Listen up.

If you dare to deceive me, you know the consequences.

I'll give you one more chance.

Tell me the truth.

Even if I had all the courage in the world

I wouldn't dare lie to you, Madam!

I'm telling the truth!

Please spare me, Madam!

Leave now!

Do you think that nothing happened between them?

From what I saw, nothing seems to have happened between them.

Why didn't they do anything at all?

Your Grace, Madam.

Breakfast is ready.

Qing, did it go well last night?

Your Grace, I--

Qing, what happened?

I take my leave!

It seems it didn't go too well last night.

What is with Qing?

I gave her some orders last night.

I had Guard Han and Qing stay in the same room.

It seems that Guard Han is still too much of a gentleman.

He didn't do anything to Qing.

If he had, she wouldn't be so embarrassed.

How could you give such orders?

What's wrong with that?

Look at Han Shen.

He's so lonely and pitiful.

I just wanted to pair them up.

Is that not all right?

Of course not.

They are both my personal attendants.

You should discuss it with me before making a move.

Would you have agreed to it if I had discussed it with you?

Of course not.

Although Han Shen and Qing get along very well

it's not that sort of relationship.

Moreover, neither of them have feelings for each other.

There's nothing between them at all.

There you go, playing a careless matchmaker.

Even if there's nothing between them...

They are both still single.

Why can't I pair them up?

If it gets awkward every time they meet

how am I to smooth things over?

Don't worry about that.

If they really are awkward with each other

it means that they share a mutual affection.

If they don't like each other at all, they won't be awkward.

It won't be like that.

Senior Han isn't that sort of person.

What sort of person is he?

He won't fall for anyone so easily.

Are you trying to say that Guard Han likes you

so he won't fall for Qing?

What are you talking about?

Do you enjoy being liked by Han Shen?

You don't want him to fall for Qing?

How could I think so?

What nonsense is this?

Anyway, this is what really bothers me.

Can you stop dwelling on this?

I'm also doing this for his sake!

I don't want him to continue having one-sided affections.

I even thought of appointing him to an official position

so that he can live freely outside the palace. Is that wrong?

Forget it.

Just take me for a busybody.

Qing.

Wait for me on the side.

I'll have a few words with Guard Han Shen.

Yes.

- Senior Han. - Junior Li.

I heard about what happened last night.

I didn't take it to heart.

It's harder on Miss Qing.

She's an innocent young lady.

I hope it won't affect her.

All these years, I've been thinking that perhaps I'm too selfish.

I shouldn't keep you in the palace.

You didn't ask me to stay.

I chose to do so.

However...

I've failed to take your feelings into consideration.

I've always seen you as my family.

Kinship can never be replaced or abandoned.

If it weren't for me...

You'd have lived a carefree life in the fighting world

married a lady of your liking, and have had children by now.

Li...

I just wish to stay by your side.

I've never regretted my decision.

But I feel guilty towards you.

Perhaps, His Grace was right to have done that.

It's just that he took drastic means.

He's just trying to make me leave you.

I am a man.

I can understand.

Senior Han...

Listen to my advice.

Leave Qin Palace. It's a hotbed of trouble.

Find yourself a nice lady.

Start a family.

Li... Say no more.

I won't leave.

I know I can never win you over.

But that doesn't matter.

As long as I can see that both you and Tian Ming are safe

I can set my mind at ease.

What a touching conversation between fellow disciples.

It turns out that Guard Han is utterly devoted to Madam Li.

I didn't hear a word.

Keep chatting.

Take your time.

Here, you need to eat to get your energy back.

Eat up.

When we get to Anyi in a few days

I'll hire a skilled physician to treat your wound

and prescribe some medication once we settle down.

Is it sweet?

It's very sweet.

Brother Jing, you're so nice to me.

Thank you.

Silly girl, what are you talking about?

If it weren't for me, you wouldn't have suffered and gotten hurt.

I already feel so guilty.

You still thank me?

You don't have to feel guilty.

Even if I have to die for you, I'd do so willingly.

You mustn't say that.

My worthless life isn't worth such a sacrifice.

Moreover...

Should anything happen to you...

How can I face Warrior Ge?

- I-- - All right now.

Getting your wound treated is our top priority now.

Get some rest.

I'll go get some water.

Mister Han, it's a cool night.

Have some soup to warm up.

Thank you.

It's midnight. Shouldn't you rest soon?

His... His Grace has bestowed such a great gift to me.

I must devise an even... better strategy to bring prosperity to the nation

and strengthen our armed forces to repay His Grace.

Mister Han has devised political strategies for the world for years.

Yet you haven't been corrupted by the vanity of bureaucracy.

You're still so sincere and honest.

I am truly impressed.

How can I be considered as an official?

I am... but an ordinary visiting scholar.

I look up to King of Qin and hope to repay him for acknowledging me.

Mister Han is too modest.

Palace Woman is so gentle and graceful.

You've been so kind to me.

When the time comes... I'll ask His Grace to let me take you... home.

Do you wish to go back to Han State with me?

Mister Han, you still intend to return to Han State?

You... You don't wish to return home?

Palace Woman, do you not miss your family and friends back home?

King of Han is foolish and immoral.

Not only are our people in agony

but they are also sold as slaves.

If it weren't so, why would I have left my motherland?

My family and home are long gone.

What is there to miss about such a motherland?

You're right.

If the king of Han hadn't regarded me as no more than an old pair of shoes

how would I have the chance to come to Great Qin?

I have not considered thoroughly.

Li Si greets Madam Chu.

Do rise.

Junior Court Officer has been busy with state affairs.

I had to trouble you to make this trip today.

Madam, do not stand on ceremony.

Since we've already met at Grand Empress Dowager's

you can just speak freely.

Sure, Junior Court Officer is very straightforward.

I won't beat around the bush then.

Mister Han Fei has come to Great Qin.

His Grace trusts and favors him greatly.

It seems that Junior Court Officer has more and more enemies?

Since Marquis Wenxin has fallen and Lord Changping has risen in power

Grand Empress Dowager has been seeking a confidant

to secure Chu State's power within Qin State.

Sadly, Right Minister Lord Changping has been in Qin for years.

He no longer cares for his motherland.

I wonder... the Left Minister's vacant position...

Who will be appointed to it?

Madam, what are you trying to hint at?

There are just a few positions in the imperial court.

If Junior Court Officer wishes to move up the ranks

how could you not take out a few opponents?

Han Fei has only been in Qin State for a few months.

He'd have to write a letter back to Han State

to inform his family of his safety.

I happen to know a scholar.

He's very good at imitating the handwriting of others.

Even the person he imitates might not be able to tell the difference.

This...

This is my handwriting.

It's so similar to mine!

Is it not?

Our king has always been distrustful of others and temperamental.

When the time comes, you only have to say a few words to His Grace...

How would that stammering Mister Han Fei still defend himself?

Madam... How would you have me carry out this plan?

This round, the army of Qin has been defeated.

This is due to our underestimation Zhao State's army.

Thus, we attacked too recklessly.

Not to mention that we couldn't conquer their lands successfully

and we've lost a great many elite soldiers.

Zhao State has always had Qi State as their reinforcements.

Now that Qin State has lost to Zhao State

Great Qin has made both Zhao and Qi its enemies at the same time!

Han Fei, it's because of your suggestion to attack Zhao State

that we have ended up in this predicament.

How will you explain this?

Your... Your Grace.

Now that Zhao State has had the most recent victory in war

we should be wary as they may convince four states to form an alliance.

It will leave Great Qin to huge disadvantage.

Defeat... Defeat Zhao... The key to defeating Zhao State is Li Mu!

If we can take out.. take out Li Mu, we can look forward to defeating Zhao!

I... I have written up a new strategy.

Your Grace, please take a look at it.

That's enough!

I've had enough of these documents!

Great Qin has been defeated in so many battles.

Yet Mister Han Fei still insists on attacking Zhao State.

What exactly is your motive?

I... I just...

I just...

It's just that you have an ulterior motive.

It's just that you wish to keep Han safe.

Don't bother finding excuses for yourself.

Your Grace.

The claim that Han Fei is conspiring with Han's king isn't groundless.

I have verified it with a witness and supporting evidence!

It is confirmed!

What... What?

I never did!

Your Grace, please allow me to summon the witness!

Summon the witness!

Summon the witness into the hall! [Junior Court Officer, Yao Jia]

Greetings, Your Grace.

I was instructed by Your Grace to monitor Han Fei discreetly.

One day, I noticed that Palace Woman Han appeared to be very anxious.

Hence I approached her for questioning.

It turns out that when Palace Woman Han was tidying Han Fei's desk

she stumbled upon a letter.

There are letters from Han Fei to King of Han concealed within.

Your... Your Grace!

I... I'd never conspire behind your back!

Present the evidence!

Palace Woman Han... Why would you do this to me?

Your Grace!

Since Han Fei came to Qin State

he has always tried to keep Han safe and has misled everyone with his words.

He harbors malice and strongly suggested to have us attack Zhao.

It caused Qin State to suffer a great defeat!

He means to ruin Great Qin!

Your Grace must investigate and punish him according to the law!

It will only cause great calamity if you keep him, Your Grace!

Your... Your Grace!

Sister Min, you don't have to see me out.

- I'll drop by another day-- - Madam!

Madam!

- What's wrong, Qing? - Bad news!

- Bad news! - Calm down first.

His Grace...

His Grace has thrown Mister Han Fei into prison!

What?

I heard that it's because of Palace Woman Han.

She claimed Mister Han Fei has conspired with the King of Han

to harm Qin State.

Both Master Yao Jia and Master Li Si have verified it!

How could this have happened?

Palace Woman Han serves Madam Chu.

Why would Madam Chu want to get rid of Mister Han Fei?

Palace Woman Han, you have done well this time.

This is a small gift from me.

These are Southern Chu State's best colored glass beads.

It can keep evil spirits away if you wear it on you.

You should know the people of Chu State believe in such customs.

These glass beads are only meant for the royal family.

So you are one of us now.

Thank you for the gift, Madam.

I'll surely devote myself to Great Chu.

Just obey my orders.

I won't mistreat you.

Yes.

Madam Li is now worried about Mister Han Fei's predicament.

She has even approached His Grace.

She hopes that His Grace can set Mister Han Fei free.

In the end, she got into an argument with His Grace.

Consort Li is such a busybody.

She even discusses state affairs with His Grace.

But that's all right.

In no time, she won't even be able to save herself.

May I be so bold as to ask what Madam Li has done wrong?

Why do you say that she won't be able to save herself?

It's because she has offended me.

Who is this?

Madam Li is here to visit Han Fei.

Go in.

This way.

Han Fei! Someone is here to see you.

- Madam Li, this way, please. - Thank you.

It's... it's Madam Li?

Why would you come to visit a lowly subject like me?

I believe that Mister Han Fei is an honest and upright man.

You're not a scheming person.

You would never assist and harm Qin at the same time.

But you are from Han State after all.

No one would believe that you don't hope for Han State to survive.

But I believe that you didn't suggest His Grace to attack Zhao State

to have Qin State defeated and to wear down Qin State's armed forces.

Mister Han, am I right?

Yes, you're right.

You're absolutely right.

I truly am in awe of His Grace's wisdom.

I never wish to harm Qin State.

King An of Han has never once valued my expertise.

When I was in Han State, we never even interacted.

How would I conspire with him after coming to Qin State?

And even leave behind evidence?

I feel so wronged!

That letter is fake!

I beg Madam to save me.

Palace Woman Han presented that letter?

Palace Woman Han serves Madam Chu.

Master Li Si was the one who accused you of conspiracy.

They are both from Chu State.

But with just that much, we can't prove that they framed you.

As for Regular Palace Attendant, Zhao Gao, he's from Zhao State.

You suggested attacking Zhao State, so he holds a grudge against you.

It's only natural that he sides with Master Li Si and Madam Chu.

Don't worry, Mister Han.

I won't sit by doing nothing.

I'll surely clear your name.

It's just that you'll have to put up with imprisonment for now.

Thank you, Madam!

I take my leave.

Yes.

[Preview] Li...

Where are you?

Who ordered you to do this?

Madam Li, who are you trying to help?

Who are you hindering?

This is such a simple theory.

Can't you figure it out?

Li Si?

Anyway, someone wishes for you to disappear from the palace of Qin forever!

Run!

Does the Qin king treat you well?

Senior Jing...

Have you mastered the Swan Swordsmanship?

Lan accompanied me to Mount Song for half a month.

I had to master it in order to take her out of the mountain.

So Sister Lan was with you all along.

Lan is a lovely young lady.

She likes you very much.

It's best that she stays by your side.

She's a lovely young lady.

I'll cherish her.

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