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[The King's Woman]

[Episode 45]

Greetings, Your Grace.

Aren't you caught up in reading war strategies lately?

I heard that even Fu Su and Tian Ming couldn't get you

to go hunting with them in the Western Hills.

Why did you suddenly come to see me?

I just heard that Your Grace sentenced Madam Chu to death.

I don't have an appetite anymore, let alone the mood for reading.

Your Grace, what exactly happened?

Did Madam Chu really betray Qin State?

It doesn't matter who betrayed Qin.

The only thing that matters is who takes the blame for it.

So...

Even though Your Grace knew that Madam Chu was innocent

you still sentenced her to death anyway?

Your Grace, why would you do that?

Madam Chu was innocent.

Madam, you need to know...

First, King You of Chu suddenly passed away a few months ago.

His younger brother only had the throne for two months

before being usurped by his half-brother, Fu Chu.

Right now, Chu State faces great political instability

and the people are frantic.

It's only a matter of time...

before Great Qin vanquishes Chu.

If that is so, why did Your Grace have Madam Chu sentenced to death?

Because if I were to condone anyone's betrayal of Qin

it would mean that we're overlooking our political enemies.

This is a critical period for the integrating of the states.

I can't make mistakes at such a time.

Right now, I can't let anyone think that

we have let our guard down.

If I do, all our efforts will have been in vain.

So it was all because Your Grace wants to integrate all the states as one.

So if it's just that Madam Chu had to die...

Why would it matter?

One day, Your Grace may sacrifice me, just as you did with Madam Chu.

Am I right?

However His Grace may dote on or favor you

you must always remember to leave yourself a way out.

Don't believe every word he says.

Li, I still have some work to do.

How about some other day--

I'd like to rest early today.

I won't disturb Your Grace.

I take my leave.

[Inn, Xianyang]

Anyone there?

Master Zhao.

Go and get me some wine.

Master Zhao, it's getting late.

You've had too much to drink already.

Why don't I walk you home?

How dare you!

How dare you defy my orders?

You don't think I can have you punished for it?

Master Zhao, you really shouldn't keep drinking.

Bring me more wine!

Yes.

Master Zhao Gao.

Han Shen?

What are you doing here?

Don't panic.

I've come to ask a favor of you.

What is it?

I'd like to visit Madam Li in the palace.

Why do you think I'd help you?

You should know that the most favored concubine is Madam Li

who you used to bully the most in the past.

If you're willing to help me

I can certainly get her to put in a good word for you to His Grace.

How does this deal sound to you?

Deal!

Your Grace, I've received a confidential report.

Yan State's envoy, Jing Ke, has already set out.

Good, inform all divisions.

Prepare to attack Yan State.

Yes!

- Madam Li. - Madam Li.

Greetings, Madam Li.

What is the matter?

Madam Li, I haven't seen you for some time.

Could we have a word in private?

Regular Palace Attendant.

I don't think we have much to talk about.

If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave.

Madam!

Zhao Gao! How dare you!

Step aside!

I have a message from your senior, Han Shen.

Don't you wish to know what it is?

[South Palace]

Senior Han, it's Li.

Senior Han!

Junior Li, long time no see.

How are you?

I'm all right.

How about you? How are you doing?

Where have you been all this time?

I've been traveling around.

Sometimes I remember the old days

when we used to travel the world with Mentor.

It's great to be able to see you again.

Tian Ming must have grown quite a lot by now.

He's already nine years old.

I think that if he sees you again, he won't be able to recognize you.

Senior Han, are you here to tell me something?

Junior Li, do you know that Yan State is surrendering to Qin State?

His Grace told me about it a few months ago.

To be honest, I can't really understand what made Yan State make such a decision.

Considering Crown Prince Dan of Yan's personality

I was quite shocked by the decision.

Senior Han, do you have news of Yan State?

What exactly is it, that it's so hard to say?

The envoy from Yan presenting the Instrument of Surrender is Junior Jing.

What?

Junior Li, you should know better than anyone else

that Junior Jing would never succumb to King of Qin.

So this act of surrender is just a facade

to assassinate Ying Zheng.

If Jing Ke succeeds in killing King of Qin

Qin State will definitely be in great chaos.

The past few years, there have been so many against you.

You and Tian Ming have been safe because Ying Zheng is around.

But once Ying Zheng dies

you can't keep staying here without his protection.

If Jing Ke's attempt fails

King of Qin will surely seek revenge against Yan State.

Tian Ming is Jing Ke's child.

Do you think he'd spare Tian Ming?

- But I-- - Junior Li.

I already told Junior Jing that Tian Ming is his child.

What?

Li, come with me.

I'll take you away from Qin Palace.

For Tian Ming's sake, and for your own sake...

This time, you must leave Ying Zheng.

King of Qin claims that he's unifying the world.

He claims that he wishes to bring true peace to the people.

But have you thought about how much blood

and how many corpses that peace is built upon?

If this is the peace that Ying Zheng wants

he's just making the world one huge graveyard!

You're a lovely young lady...

How can you be with this tyrant?

Leave him...

What should I do?

Your Grace, have I misheard what you just said?

You wish to anoint Prince Tian Ming as Crown Prince?

It is indeed so.

I thought it over for days.

I think Tian Ming should be the one to inherit my throne.

Fu Su is too gentle.

Zi Ying is too reckless.

Tian Ming shares the strengths of his two brothers

and has the demeanor of a king.

I find it inappropriate!

Forgive me for being blunt.

Prince Fu Su is the legal first born son.

It's only right that he succeeds the throne.

Should Prince Tian Ming be made the heir apparent

I'm afraid that it will be hard to convince the public of such a decision.

Convince the public?

I, King of Qin, don't need to consider others' opinions when choosing my heir.

Even if King of Zhou Court comes to life, he has no say in it.

Why do I need to convince the public?

Your Grace!

Convince the public, and you share the same mind.

Share the same mind, and the nation prospers!

Lord Changping!

You're unusually quiet on most days.

Why are you particularly talkative today?

Could it be that...

you have an ulterior motive?

Junior Court Officer, what are you talking about?

Nothing really.

It's just...

I thought as much.

The plan you've been working on all this time has now been destroyed.

So naturally, you have to strive for another chance. Isn't that right?

What plan?

Junior Court Officer, don't make such false accusations!

You're from Chu, but you're appointed Left Minister of Qin.

You're also Prince Fu Su's royal tutor.

For years, you've constrained the prince with your ideology.

Once Prince Fu Su becomes the next King of Qin

you can then seize great authority to safeguard the interests of Great Chu!

Isn't that exactly what you've been plotting?

Am I wrong?

Don't make such unfounded and malicious accusations!

I've never thought that way!

Is that so?

But I think that you're just recommending Fu Su so strongly

so that you can follow in Lu Bu Wei's footsteps

and become another Second Father of Qin!

Lord Changping...

Did you think that if you made Madam Chu take the fall for you

we wouldn't know that you're loyal to Chu, even though you serve Qin?

It's obvious you intend to betray Qin!

There's no need for you to make any excuses.

Your Grace, I assure you I don't harbor such intentions!

I only said that for the sake of Great Qin's future--

That's enough!

Listen up!

From this day forth, Tian Ming is the heir apparent.

This matter is not to be discussed.

Lord Changping, you know whether or not you betrayed Great Qin.

There's a limit to my tolerance.

Please forgive me, Your Grace!

Zhao Gao!

Present.

Prepare for the ceremony.

Select an auspicious day for the ritual.

Yes.

Your Grace, please calm down.

It's bad for your health.

I spared Lord Changping's life

and had Madam Chu take the blame for betraying Qin State

but he dares to shamelessly brag and defy me in public!

The look on his face showed his greed for power.

I won't tolerate him any longer!

Your Grace, please reconsider.

Lord Changping is the Left Prime Minister.

He's also a prince of Chu State, and Your Grace's maternal uncle.

He's well connected to personnel of both Chu and Qin.

If you were to have him executed now

I'm afraid it wouldn't do Great Qin any good.

Right now, most of our main forces are in the northeast.

Should Chu State invade us now or join forces with Wei State

Great Qin may not have much advantage over them.

Forget it.

You're right, Commander Li.

He's still useful in the imperial court.

I'll spare his life for now.

I'll wait till Great Qin is well rested, and our army has recuperated.

If he still dares to behave so atrociously

I'll annihilate him, along with Chu State.

Your Grace is wise.

Your Grace, honestly speaking

there's still something I can't figure out.

Ask away.

I really don't understand why

Your Grace would go against the officials' objections

to anoint Prince Tian Ming as your heir apparent.

Tian Ming is indeed a better choice than the other two princes.

Moreover, if I were to anoint Tian Ming as Crown Prince

he would never be allowed to leave Qin State.

Only if Tian Ming remains in Qin will Madam Li stay by my side forever.

After all these years...

Madam Li finally thinks differently of me.

Li is unlike any other concubine.

No one and nothing can restrain her.

In this world, Tian Ming is the one and only person she can't do without.

I'm anointing Tian Ming as Crown Prince.

Realistically speaking

Li has no family.

From a sentimental perspective...

This is the only way

to keep her by my side forever.

Even after all these years in the palace he still doesn't trust me.

Regardless of how much I've done to protect him and defend his actions

he's still going to threaten me using Tian Ming's life.

Tian Ming will always be nothing more than a pawn to him.

I am such a fool.

I'm so silly.

Come and have a seat.

Yes, Your Grace.

Here.

But Madam Li never gets involved in factional struggles.

She hasn't sought supporters among the officials either.

As for Prince Fu Su, he has the support of Lord Changping and many officials.

I'm worried that when both princes grow up

it'll be hard to prevent anyone from secretly helping Prince Fu Su

become the heir apparent.

That's exactly what I want.

Your Grace, what does that mean?

I'm anointing Tian Ming as my heir apparent

in order to keep Madam Li by my side forever...

But it is also...

to ensure that Fu Su remains alert and cautious at all times.

Fu Su is too gentle and mild.

If I were to anoint him as Crown Prince too early

I'm afraid he'd be too pampered.

He would slack off even more.

If I were to anoint Tian Ming as Crown Prince

it will cause a rift, even between the closest of brothers.

They will vie against each other for my favor.

They will hold me in high regard.

Besides, Fu Su is my legal first born son.

I'm just using Tian Ming to provoke him.

Perhaps he will make some progress then.

So Your Grace means

to anoint Prince Fu Su as Crown Prince after some time?

Of course.

Should Tian Ming truly be anointed as Crown Prince...

many in the imperial court and palace will want to get rid of him.

If anyone gets something on him...

Not only would he be abolished...

but his life will also be at risk.

So all these years, Your Grace has

actually held a grudge against Prince Tian Ming's lineage.

Could it be that his love for Tian Ming...

was nothing more than an act to convince me?

How wonderful would it be if Tian Ming was actually my child?

Tian Ming is indeed clever and adorable.

He also sees me as his father.

However...

He is, after all, the child that Consort Li had with that man.

I've kept my rage bottled up all these years.

But whenever I think of his lineage...

It's as if I'm being stabbed in the heart.

As long as that man is alive...

Consort Li will always have a place in her heart for him.

That is what I cannot tolerate.

I must get rid of Jing Ke first.

Only then...

would Li stay by my side forever.

Imperial Physician, abort that child!

If you want to kill him, kill me first!

He's a bastard!

He's my child!

Don't you dare forget...

I'm the one who allowed you to give birth to that bastard.

He's not a bastard.

My senior and I--

If you wish to keep him...

you have to make it known to everyone that he is my child.

If I were to anoint Tian Ming as Crown Prince

it will cause a rift even between the closest of brothers.

They will vie against each other for my favor.

They will hold me in high regard.

Besides, Fu Su is my legal first born son.

I'm just using Tian Ming to provoke him.

However His Grace may dote on you or favor you

you must always bear in mind

not to believe his every word.

Because deep down, he has never truly trusted anyone.

If anything goes against his interests

it will all be sacrificed.

What's on your mind?

Nothing much.

I was just in a daze.

Li, I've thought about this for a long time.

Today, during the imperial court session

I announced that I'll anoint Tian Ming as Crown Prince.

I think that only by having Tian Ming succeed my throne...

can you and Tian Ming safely settle down in Great Qin.

If Your Grace insists...

I'm very grateful for it.

If you think so, then all my efforts are worthwhile.

That's for the best.

Do you know?

All that I ever wanted was to always have you by my side.

I've already instructed Regular Palace Attendant

to prepare for Tian Ming's anointment.

Tell me if you like the arrangements.

Ying Zheng, you're still lying to me.

I won't let Tian Ming become your pawn.

Mother, what is the matter?

Do you not feel well?

I'm fine. I'm just tired.

Mother, since you're tired

why don't I take you to your room so you can rest?

Sure.

Tian Ming, you're such a good boy.

Tian Ming...

Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to live outside the palace?

Mother, why do you suddenly ask me that?

It's nothing. I'm just asking.

Right, I remember that when I was little Father and Mother had a fight.

I went to live with Uncle Han outside the palace for a few days then.

Mother, did you fight with Father again?

I...

It's not quite the same this time.

Tian Ming, I remember that Uncle Han Shen once promised

to teach you fishing and martial arts.

If Uncle Han Shen were to return

would you like to go with him to play outside the palace for a few days?

[The border of Qin State and Wei State]

Brother Jing!

Lan?

What are you doing here?

I've actually been following you since you set out.

It's just that I only caught up with you now.

Where's Warrior Wei?

Why isn't he here with you?

Miss Lan, we'll arrive in Xianyang soon.

Warrior Wei completed his task.

So he already left.

Why have you come?

After some thought, I'm still worried about the three of you

so I decided I'd follow you wherever you go.

Head back now.

We don't need you here.

I knew you'd say that.

I won't leave even if you hack me with your Yuchang Sword.

I'll stick with you!

Will you stop fooling around?

I'm not!

Miss Lan, have you come here because you missed me too much?

To be honest, I do find it strange to not hear you talking all the time.

Let's just say that... It's just a bit.

I miss you just a bit.

You've finally noticed my fine qualities!

What are you doing?

You're going to hug me?

Don't push your luck!

Look at how dirty your hands are!

How long have you gone without washing them?

You should mind your appearance and etiquette, all right?

I got too carried away.

You wanted to hug me because you got too carried away?

How shameless!

You even think of touching me? Seriously.

How is everything going?

Your Grace, Jing Ke has already arrived in Qin State.

Your Grace, are you really going to meet Jing Ke personally

or have you set up a trap to lure him into the palace?

You're worried that he'll kill me?

Jing Ke is too highly skilled in martial arts.

His swordsmanship is as swift as a shadow.

Not even I would have the confidence to take him head on.

I'm worried that Your Grace will--

Wei Zhuang.

If I don't even have the courage to face Jing Ke

then I'm not fit to be the king of Great Qin.

He robbed me of the woman I love.

It's about time I make him pay for it.

I... I'll kill Jing Ke with my own hands.

Li, come with me.

I'll take you away from Qin Palace.

For the Tian Ming's sake, and for your own sake...

You really must leave Ying Zheng this time.

The king has arrived!

- Your Grace! - Your Grace!

What's wrong?

You look so pale.

I must be tired.

I've made Tian Ming a new outfit.

He can wear it to the Spring Hunt.

Your Grace, I'd like to talk to you about a matter.

Go on.

Senior Han has returned to Xianyang.

He once promised to teach Tian Ming martial arts.

Could I take Tian Ming out of the palace?

They could catch up.

Han Shen?

I only found out a few days ago, when Senior Han sent me a letter.

He left the palace such a long time ago.

Tian Ming has grown so much.

Thinking about it, Senior Han once gave it his all

to protect Tian Ming in the palace.

He's like a godfather to Tian Ming.

Why would Han Shen return at such a time?

Could this be related to Jing Ke?

Will His Grace believe me?

What should I do if he won't let Tian Ming leave the palace?

Of course.

But for your safety, I'll send a soldier from Tiger Valor Army to protect you.

Thank you, Your Grace. We'll be careful.

[Handan, Zhao State] Run!

Run!

The once prosperous Zhao State is now in such a state.

If Jing Ke succeeds in assassinating King of Qin

things will only get worse in Zhao State.

Under such circumstances

will Xia Hou Yang still return to Zhao State?

Let go of it!

- Let go! - Sir, this is all the money I have!

If you take it from me, how am I to live?

I beg you to please let us off!

Stop nagging!

Everyone is in danger now.

How can you get food with money?

You might as well give it to Red Crown Sect to rebuild Zhao.

Let go of it!

Sir!

I have a grandson to raise.

My son and daughter-in-law are both dead.

How am I to live without the money?

- Let go! - Sir!

- I beg you, sir! - Let go!

- I beg you, sir... - What's the holdup?

Sir...

Get me the money quickly.

Then we can report to Mentor.

But this old woman keeps bothering me!

Even an old woman can block you from leaving?

Please...

What did you train in martial arts for?

Who would dare be so bold?

- Get lost! - How dare you hinder me?

Ge Nie?

Who knew that Red Crown Sect still dares to return to its old den?

My visit to Zhao State is now worthwhile.

Ge Nie, what is it you want?

Of course I want to beat all of you up.

Then I'll make you take me to Xia Hou Yang.

Brothers, attack!

Come, Tian Ming.

Junior Li.

Senior Han.

Tian Ming, greet Uncle Han.

Uncle.

Tian Ming, you're already so tall?

Do you remember when I taught you fishing?

You were so young then.

Uncle, I'm sorry. I don't remember.

It's all right.

From now on, I have all the time in the world to teach you.

Tian Ming, how about we head to the woods and I teach you a few stances?

Sure.

Stop right there!

Come here.

Protect Madam!

Stop right there!

Mother! What is going on, Mother?

Junior Li, take Tian Ming with you first.

Sure. Tian Ming, let's go.

- Thank you! - May we meet again!

Let's go!

Mother!

Tian Ming! Tian Ming!

You must remember what I'm going to tell you.

From this day forth, you'll leave the palace.

You'll go live with Uncle Han.

Mother, I don't want to leave you!

- I don't want to leave, Mother! - Tian Ming...

It isn't that I don't want to live with you.

It's just that I can't be with you anymore to watch you grow up.

You'll be in danger if you stay with me.

I can only feel at ease if you stay with Uncle Han.

Tian Ming...

From now on...

You must remember everything I tell you.

Your real father is Jing Ke.

I hope that you can become a righteous and faithful man like your father.

Whatever happens, you must live happily.

Don't do anything against your conscience.

All right?

I don't want to leave you, Mama!

Didn't you say that you'd like a carefree life?

You can be carefree if you live with Uncle Han Shen, all right?

Li! We're safe.

Let's go.

Senior Han, I can't go with you.

All of this started because of me.

I mustn't leave everything behind and run.

Why not?

If you head back alone after taking Tian Ming out of the palace

Ying Zheng won't let you off!

No! I can't let you go back alone.

Senior Han, I've made up my mind.

Take Tian Ming with you and leave now.

You won't be able to leave if they catch up with us.

Didn't we agree to leave together?

I can never repay your kindness in this lifetime.

Li!

Tian Ming...

Be good.

Leave now, Senior Han.

Behave, Tian Ming.

Be good.

Mama...

[Preview] Mama!

- Mama! - Tian Ming!

Mama!

Mama! Mama...

I'm begging you...

I beg you not to kill Tian Ming.

I beg you not to kill my senior...

I beg you not to attack Yan State.

You're still so protective of Jing Ke.

That remarkable senior of yours...

I'll have him killed in front of everyone...

just to vent my anger.

Your Grace! Your Grace!

Please!

I beg you! Please don't kill them!

If you must, just punish me!

Shut up!

You must capture Han Shen.

Bring Prince Tian Ming back.

Should anyone try to stop you...

Kill them all!

I'm Madam Li's personal maid.

Madam Li told me to pass on a letter to an old friend from Wey State.

Senior Jing...

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