Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Palace of Devotion]

[This drama is based on historical data and legends.]

[The story and characters portrayed are fictitious.]

[Episode 11]

Your Majesty.

I'm willing to lead the army.

You're old.

I can't let you do this anymore.

Your Majesty.

I may have been demoted,

but my loyalty remains unchanged.

I'm willing to redeem myself by leading the army for this battle.

I'll fight on the front line

without fear of death.

The Pans are loyal to the country. Please let us go, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Leading the army is a grave matter.

Xiao Ta Lin is the best valiant general of Liao.

He had previously captured our general, Yang Wu Di.

How is General Pan his rival?

Your Majesty.

Should I fail to repulse the enemy,

I'll not return alive.

In that case,

I command you to depart immediately.

Lead the army north to counter Liao's invasion.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Please enter, Lord Kou.

Thank you.

Do you see me, Prime Minister?

Everything is fuzzy.

What brings you today, Ping Zhong?

What's the matter?

Prime Minister.

Liao General Xiao Ta Lin has led a 100,000 strong army

all the way south to Baozhou and Dingzhou.

I know.

This battle is of great consequence.

At the royal court today,

His Majesty let Pan Liang lead the army.

This battle is doomed.

His Majesty entrusted Pan Liang

probably because Consort Pan is pregnant with his royal child.

His Majesty wants to give Pan Liang

a chance to render a meritorious service

so that he can be promoted in future.

But even if His Majesty is biased,

the security of the border shouldn't be compromised.

Prime Minister, what do you propose

to get His Majesty to retract his decree?

Since His Majesty had issued a decree,

it is impossible even for me

to sway His Majesty's mind.

But there is one person who may stand a chance.

Please tell me.

This is your first visit, Lord Kou.

Excuse me for not going out there to meet you.

It's an honour to meet you, my lady.

The honour is mine. Please take a seat, Lord Kou.

Let me make you some tea.

My lady.

The declaration of war towards Song

has long been conspired by Liao.

The kidnapping of a hostage

is just an excuse of Empress Dowager Xiao's.

Only you can persuade His Majesty

to retract the decree.

If His Majesty insists on letting Pan Liang lead the army,

this battle is definitely doomed.

Please be seated, Lord Kou.

In my opinion, what is most important now

is saving Yelu Kang first.

We can then negotiate peace with Empress Dowager Xiao.

Consort Pan is pregnant with the royal child.

His Majesty is bound to favour the Pan family.

Even if His Majesty favours the Pan family,

it doesn't mean that the mediocre son of the Pan family

should lead the battle with Liao.

All the ministers in the court know full well

that Pan Liang is not general material

or that he is only seeking opportunity via this battle.

As the Emperor,

how can His Majesty

retract his decree?

His Majesty told me

we're fortunate to have great generals like Yang Yan Zhao in the north

to ensure that nothing goes wrong.

Say no more, my lady.

I see it now.

His Majesty is really disoriented.

Even you can't persuade him now.

Farewell, my lady.

Lord Kou.

[Song]

Retreat.

Empress Dowager. Your Majesty.

I have brought Wang Ji Zhong.

[General of Liao, Yelu Liushou] [Surveillance Commissioner, Wang Ji Zhong]

Kneel.

I'm the martial general of the great Song.

I don't kneel in front of Liao.

It's your call to torture or kill me.

Don't be rude.

Untie General Wang.

I know.

Your father passed away very young.

Since the age of six,

you have taken over your father's post

and gradually advanced in career

after gaining the trust of the Emperor of Song.

Hence you're sent with Pan Liang to relieve Wangdu.

Am I right?

Empress Dowager Xiao seems to know a lot about me.

You're highly trained in martial arts, intelligent and brave.

It's just that the army provisions transported by Pan Liang

were intercepted by our great army.

Having cut off all provisions

and surrounded heavily by our army,

Pan Liang fled the city

and dared not save you.

It's still a glorious defeat.

You have my utmost respect.

Queen Mother has always revered the good warriors and officials of Song.

If you're willing to submit yourself,

I'll definitely promote you.

I have long admired you, General Wang.

If you're willing to surrender,

I'll bestow upon you the surname of Yelu

with a new name Xianzhong.

You'll be dubbed Duke Chu.

This way,

you'll become a part of

the Liao royal family.

Empress Dowager values great talents

and sincerely wants to recruit you.

You must consider the offer deliberately.

I know

your four sons are still in Wangdu.

Please do not worry.

If you surrender,

I'll definitely get all four of your sons

out of that place

and reunite you in Kaifeng.

You'll be able to enjoy great wealth.

You need not answer immediately.

De Rang, take General Wang.

Serve him well.

After you've thought it out,

you can come to give me your answer.

His Majesty, the Emperor.

News from Dingzhou has arrived again.

Yelu Longqing and Xiao Ta Lin personally led their cavalry.

They were unstoppable, destroying everything in their path.

At that rate, they'll make their way here very soon.

How are we going to defend the capital by then?

Your Majesty.

Imperials guards stationed in the capital and three cities

have been sent to the front line by Your Majesty.

There were a lot of casualties.

In view of the present crisis,

we should assemble reserve soldiers at the capital.

The reserve soldiers are mostly made up of the old and weak.

How can they rival the cavalry of Liao?

Your Majesty need not worry.

A storm is coming within three days.

By that time, the Liao army will retreat naturally.

Are you sure?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Nonsense.

The Liao army is known to be tough and ferocious.

They're always in battle mode.

How can they be intimidated by a storm?

Lord Ding.

You bragged too in your expedition to Southern Shu

but eventually returned in total defeat.

You were the privy scholar

before demoting to vice director of the Ministry of Personnel.

His Majesty was kind in considering your sincere remorse

and thus restored your original post.

You can't joke in military matters.

The imperial court especially doesn't tolerate nonsense.

Lord Cao is right.

It is because I was demoted for the defeat in Southern Shu

that made me value the lives of our soldiers.

It's a foregone conclusion that the Liao army will retreat in three days.

We need not send any troops for battle.

If you say so. I shall give you three days.

After three days,

if the Liao army doesn't retreat,

you'll be punished for deceiving the Emperor.

I'm coming in.

I lost the battle again.

You really have to put in a good word for me

in front of His Majesty.

If I'm demoted further,

I'll just become a commoner.

I've exhausted everything

to persuade His Majesty

so that you can lead the army for this expedition.

Yet,

you were defeated again.

History is said to never repeat itself three times consecutively.

But you were defeated three times consecutively.

How can I face His Majesty to beg for another chance?

This was an expedition of great importance.

It was never yours to begin with.

But you kept insisting.

You don't show remorse even after defeat.

You brought shame to the family.

You are no military general material.

You're the biggest disgrace of the Pan family.

Stop talking.

My lady. My lady.

Blood. She's bleeding.

Young Master, my lady is bleeding.

What should we do?

Servants. Come quick.

Servants.

Stop the beatings.

My lord, stop it.

Beatings won't change anything.

We should consider

what to tell His Majesty.

Tell what?

The entire Pan family is going to be punished.

Our entire clan will be executed.

Look at you. How can you be so senseless?

Yu Shu is a Pure Consort now.

How can you raise your hand at her?

If His Majesty knows of this,

you won't be able to live.

Let him

ask His Majesty for forgiveness

and wait for his punishment.

Your Majesty.

What's the matter?

Your Majesty.

The Pure Consort...

What happened to the Pure Consort?

The Pure Consort had a miscarriage.

Your Majesty. Lord Pan Liang requests to enter.

Let him in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Pan Liang to enter the hall.

I've sinned, Your Majesty.

The Pure Consort came to visit her family.

I did not take good care of her.

She accidentally fell

and had a miscarriage.

It's all my fault.

I have disappointed Your Majesty.

I deserve to die.

Death penalty would have been too lenient.

Your crime

can't be exempted

by strapping some thorns to your back.

Get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Since the miscarriage,

The Pure Consort blamed herself deeply

for letting Your Majesty down.

She cries everyday and doesn't eat.

She wants to kill herself.

Comfort the Pure Consort on my behalf.

Tell her this is fate,

not her fault.

Your family has always been loyal.

Whether in the court or in the harem,

I favour your family greatly.

Although we have lost the royal child,

the Pure Consort can still carry a child in future.

From this day onwards,

she'll be dubbed Noble Consort.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Go back and tell the Noble Consort

to recuperate well and return to the palace soon.

I will, Your Majesty.

You may leave.

I beg to report.

Your Majesty. Dingzhou has sent news.

The entire Liao army has retreated.

Read the message.

Liao has been savage, in defiance of heaven's way.

The skies opened up and Liao retreated without battle.

Dingzhou is safe and sound.

From your humble servant, Li Ji Long.

The Liao army...

The Liao army retreated.

Your Majesty. Lord Ding has a miraculous foresight.

A divine person indeed.

It is the grace of Your Majesty

that brought the rain in time.

Cheers to you, Lord Ding.

Lord Ding.

Three days ago,

you told His Majesty that the skies will open up.

The Liao army will definitely retreat.

I for one,

was really worried for you.

Are you worried that the skies won't open up

or are you worried that the Liao army won't retreat?

Both of course.

I'm sorry

for causing you anxiety.

How did you know that the rain will come today?

A chef in my residence

likes to hang salted fish at the windows.

If the fish is covered with frost,

a rainstorm will come in three days.

Good thinking, Lord Ding.

But even if you know a rainstorm is coming in three days,

how can you be sure that the Liao army will retreat?

What is the relation between the two?

Political instability of Liao has been brewing.

A large number of Liao merchants

fled across the border lately.

I heard occasionally

that the sister and brother-in-law of Empress Dowager Xiao's

are plotting a rebellion these days.

If this is true,

I made a bold prediction

that Empress Dowager Xiao will call back

all 100,000 of her soldiers

to suppress the rebels.

It happens that the skies will open up today,

so you boldly claim that

the rain will drive off Liao army.

I just made a bet.

Deep down I was nervous too.

I'm impressed, Lord Ding.

Bold and intelligent. You're a rare talent.

I'm flattered, Lord Wang.

The rebels invaded the palace.

Two soldiers were on my tail.

One was approaching from the front.

Even if I gave it my all,

I won't be able to fight off those three huge men.

Luckily Mu Yi arrived in time.

He took on the three men.

Killing the first with one strike,

the other two fled in fright...

Enough. Enough.

You have explained it many times.

Tell me.

How do you want me to reward Mu Yi?

I'll let Queen Mother decide on it.

Whatever you decide is fine with me.

Empress Dowager.

It is within my duty to save the Princess Royal.

Reward is not necessary.

Reward is not necessary?

Tie Jing will be pestering me about it.

Speak up, Tie Jing.

Should I award him a residence?

What do you think?

That would be great.

And award him 20 fine stallions.

That would be great too.

I will bestow a marriage too.

Pick a lady from Liao

to be married to Mu Yi today.

What do you think?

No way.

Why not?

Just no.

Queen Mother.

What kind of lady are you going to pick for Mu Yi?

In that case, I'll pick

the Princess Royal of Liao

to be his bride.

What do you think?

Queen Mother, do you mean it?

You can't go back on your words.

After putting down the rebellion,

you've been coming to me three times a day

just to tell me how Mu Yi saved you,

how great his martial skills are

or how nice he treats people.

Do you think I'm oblivious

to your thoughts and feelings?

Mu Yi.

I betroth the Princess Royal to you.

Empress Dowager.

How am I deserving? I...

I thank you, Queen Mother and Your Majesty.

And Prime Minister Han too.

Empress Dowager.

I'm loved by the Princess Royal.

It is my honour.

Thank you, Empress Dowager. Thank you, Your Majesty.

I have known that

you and the Princess Royal are in love.

I hope you treat her well.

I will, Empress Dowager.

You may leave.

Queen Mother.

Although I agree to this marriage,

I still have my doubts.

Prime Minister Han may be of Song descent

but he is born and bred in Liao.

He is no different from us.

But Mu Yi was a surrendered enemy general.

I have no idea of

what he thinks.

I have an eye for people.

Moreover, he has received our grace.

He'll repay our kindness.

The marriage between Mu Yi and the Princess Royal

fulfills not only the wish of the Princess Royal,

but also the Empress Dowager's.

Queen Mother.

What should we do about the conquest of the South?

What do you propose, Prime Minister?

Your Majesty. In my opinion,

we can first send a letter to Zhao Heng

to pressure him.

Give him ten days

to return the Third Prince Yelu Kang to us.

We can take this opportunity to make arrangements for our provisions

and assemble the troops.

In ten days, we'll be ready to advance south.

Proceed accordingly, Prime Minister.

Your Highness.

Loghead.

What are you thinking?

Are you unhappy about the marriage?

Your Highness.

I'm of course happy about the marriage.

It's just that

everyone knows I'm from Song.

I was born in the central plains.

But you have been here for many years.

You dress like us.

You eat our food.

You're even now my husband.

You're a true citizen of Liao now.

Who will remember you as a Song?

But I remember.

Song is the hometown of my parents.

My aging mother and brothers are there.

How can I forget?

You're made of flesh and blood.

Of course you shouldn't forget your kin.

But from today onwards,

we are husband and wife.

No matter what happens in future,

you must be honest with me.

This is our family matter.

We'll face it together.

Promise me.

I promise.

Ten days.

If there is no sight of Yelu Kang in ten days,

Empress Dowager Xiao will order the attack of the capital.

Is there any news from Ban Ruo Shi?

Ban Ruo Shi surrounded Lingzhou city.

Both armies have been in a stand-off for days.

Empress Dowager Xiao was ferocious in her southbound conquest.

She was eager to take Song down.

Why did they suddenly stop

and want us to return Kang'er in ten days?

This is just her strategy of deferment.

In fact they are gathering provisions

and assembling the troops.

Even if we send Kang'er there,

we can't avoid this war.

Your Majesty is right.

It has come to this.

Regarding the Tangut and Liao,

we can't sit and wait.

Hope Ban Ruo Shi is able to rescue Kang'er.

Your Majesty must also mobilise the troops

to assist the border.

This time,

Kou Zhun is right again.

The exchange of hostage

is just a cover by Empress Dowager Xiao.

Her desire to destroy Song

has never ceased.

Your Majesty.

Ban Ruo Shi didn't let your grace down.

He clamped down on the Tangut crisis.

He has sent the head of Li Ji Qian

and is coming to Dongjing.

Well done, Ban Ruo Shi.

My trust is not in vain.

I will reward him greatly.

Lord Kou is a great strategist with incredible foresight.

Assigning Ban Ruo Shi to stamp out Li Ji Qian

is an excellent strategy.

Since Li Ji Qian is defeated,

Kang'er must have returned safely.

Your Majesty.

Ban Ruo Shi has sent Yelu Kang back

but...

But what?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Jing Zong.

Quick. Open the coffin.

Yes.

Your Majesty. Your Majesty is in shock.

Quick. Close the coffin.

Your Majesty.

The death of Kang'er

spells disaster with the Empress Dowager of Liao.

We have to keep this a secret.

Issue my decree.

News of Kang'er's death must not leave the palace.

Particularly Consort Liu.

We can't break her heart further.

Yes, I'll take note.

What is this?

This is the head of Li Ji Qian.

Take it away.

I won't see it.

Li Ji Qian.

He has brought this upon himself.

But then,

he had been Ling Yang's husband for so many years.

Issue my decree.

Send Li Ji Qian's head

back to his family for burial.

That will be my closure

with the Tangut.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[War ends between Liao and Song. Peace reigns over the land.]

Kang'er.

Come back quick.

Come back to release this sky lantern

and fulfill your wish.

Have you made arrangements for Princess Royal Ling Yang?

Princess Royal and Ban Ruo Shi's sister, Wen Jia Ling,

have moved into Bao Hua Hall.

Ask her to rest well.

She need not be in a hurry to meet me.

Ling Yang was married to Li Ji Qian for many years.

Living in the remote land of Tangut,

she must have suffered a lot.

Her Highness is understanding.

She puts Song before herself.

I admire her deeply.

Emperor Taizong betrothed the princess to Li Ji Qian

to foster an alliance with the Tanguts,

but Li Ji Qian conspired a rebellion.

Now that Li Ji Qian is killed,

the Tanguts will not be a nuisance

after this.

That would be good.

Your Majesty. Ban Ruo Shi has written a letter.

It was brought by the deputy general.

Your Majesty's good faith is moving.

The Qingtang natives greatly admire this.

Timo sincerely submits to Song.

My sister Wen Jia Ling is 20 years old.

She's pretty and graceful.

I give her to Your Majesty.

May you live happily.

So Ban Ruo Shi sent his sister to me

to become a part of the harem.

Your Majesty.

Wen Jia Ling is Ban Ruo Shi's only sister.

She's like a pearl in his palm.

Giving her to you

shows his courage and loyalty.

Your Majesty should not refuse her.

Your Majesty.

I sincerely hope Your Majesty can take Wen Jia Ling as your concubine

to secure an alliance with the Timo tribe.

It will show Song's generosity

and ensure a lasting peace with the Timo tribe.

Jing Zong.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'll grant Chun Jin Pavilion to Wen Jia Ling.

Arrange maids to serve her.

Reward Ban Ruo Shi's deputy general with 20,000 worth of money and silk.

Let him rest well

before returning to Timo for his duties.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Li Ji Qian is killed by Ban Ruo Shi.

Tangut is without a leader now.

We have no choice but to cease war.

We owe this victory to Lord Kou

for his brilliant strategy.

Hence,

You have done well, Lord Kou.

I've wanted to make you Chancellor of Governance.

Today will be the day.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

At ease.

Your Majesty. The Tangut crisis may have ceased

but we can't bring back the dead.

Empress Dowager Xiao will make this an excuse

to send her troops to the south.

The war between Song and Liao is inevitable.

This is what I'm worried about.

Your Majesty.

At ease.

[Wen Jia Ling, sister of Pan Luo Zhi]

Your Majesty.

At ease.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You've had a long trip.

You must've been exhausted when you reached the capital.

How are you adjusting to life in the palace?

My arrival in Dongjing

is not a replacement for Yelu Kang.

I just want to be with Your Majesty.

My brother told me

to carry your royal child,

be it a princess.

It will make Timo and Song

truly allied in marriage.

You are quite straightforward,

different from ladies here.

I actually saw Your Majesty

in my dreams before.

Tell me then.

What do I look like in your dream?

In my dream,

Your Majesty looks tall and mighty,

with a muscular figure.

Just very different from how you are.

Then, seeing me now

must be a huge let-down.

I

prefer this version of Your Majesty.

I'm glad I didn't let you down.

Rest well.

Your Majesty.

Why don't you

stay here tonight?

The pearl here is so huge.

The princesses are preparing the wedding gifts.

Your Majesty. Your Majesty.

At ease.

Your Majesty.

Her Highness seems to be in a good mood.

Jia Ling, look at this.

And this.

Jia Ling.

Because the Chief

led the Timo tribe to take down Western Xia,

I get to leave that remote place.

And I don't have to endure the nastiness of Li Ji Qian anymore.

These days

I've specially prepared a gift for you

as a token of gratitude.

Thank you for your trouble, Your Highness.

I know you like horse-riding,

hence I ask an experienced jadesmith

to carve you a horse

with nephrite.

This gift she prepared

has won Jia Ling's heart.

I will definitely treasure this.

I actually prepared a gift too.

But this gift

requires everyone's participation.

I know the southern area

has a husband selection culture of throwing the embroidered ball.

So I wish to

give this culture a go.

Will Your Majesty give me permission?

Why not?

Today's banquet is held for you

and Ling Yang.

Just enjoy yourselves.

How do you

want to do this?

I'll throw this ball.

Whoever is hit by the ball

has me in his heart.

Sounds good.

Blindfold me.

I'm going to throw the ball.

What did I say?

I'm in your heart.

Yes, you are right.

Jing Zong.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Issue my decree.

From today onward, Jia Ling will be a Noble Lady.

Yes. My lady.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Ling Yang. Why don't you try it?

I'd like to see who your Mr Right is.

Who will he be?

Quick. Where's the cloth?

Start spinning.

One, two, stop.

It's all on you now.

I'm going to throw it.

Look who that is.

It's Lord Su.

So Yi Jian is Ling Yang's Mr Right.

Your Highness.

I'm a low level official.

I won't dare to catch your ball.

Lord Pan

should be the right candidate.

I think there is a mistake.

Maybe Your Highness can throw it again.

Yes, yes.

Lord Su is right.

Throw again, Your Highness.

Throw again.

Ling Yang, you can give it another go.

Your Majesty.

The throw just now

was just a game.

We need not take it seriously.

Moreover, if I were to throw again,

I'm afraid it would lose its effect.

Let's just leave it as it is.

I'm not feeling too well.

I would like to take my leave.

Alright. Return to the palace first.

Your Majesty.

Let me accompany Her Highness.

You may go.

Today

is indeed a rare day.

Eunuch Zhang.

These are His Majesty's gifts to the Noble Consort.

Including brocades from Shu.

One each of Blue Feather and Fine Brocade.

Medicinal supplements such as ginseng and lingzhi.

Use them to restore the health of the Noble Consort.

His Majesty's thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you, Eunuch Zhang.

My lady is a Noble Consort now.

Is she feeling better?

Since the miscarriage,

she has been depressed

and frequently shed tears.

I'm afraid it will affect her health.

Only with a restored health

can the Noble Consort carry His Majesty's children again.

These herbs consisting of deer antlers and ginseng

must be consumed according to the imperial physician's instruction.

Please give it to her everyday.

I'll do so.

My lady.

His Majesty sent Eunuch Zhang to deliver some fine fabrics

as well as ginseng and deer antlers

to restore your health.

My lady, why haven't you taken your medicine?

Although His Majesty didn't visit,

it must be due to court matters.

His Majesty is not busy with court matters.

His Majesty is just fond of the new concubine now.

I'm no longer in his heart.

Once the new concubine gives birth to a royal child,

His Majesty will forget me completely.

His Majesty is not heartless.

You should take this medicine first.

This fabric you picked out for Kang'er

would make him a nice robe.

Kang'er loves this colour the most.

Kang'er has been living out there for so long.

When he returns,

heaven knows if the robe would fit him.

Greetings, my lady.

The Prime Minister is gravely ill.

He wishes to meet you.

The Prime Minister wants to meet me?

Yes.

Do you know why?

I think no matter what it is,

You should pay him a visit.

Your Majesty. The imperial physician brought news.

The Prime Minister is gravely ill.

During our last conversation,

I'd realized that his condition is getting worse.

Your Majesty. The Prime Minister is very old.

His condition hasn't improved.

I'm afraid for the worst.

Pay him a visit on my behalf.

And

bring a few imperial physicians with you.

Get the finest medicine from the palace.

Bring along some ginseng and lingzhi.

Take everything as long as it will help the Prime Minister.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Prime Minister.

You asked for me.

Do you have something to tell me?

There is one thing

that I need you to promise me personally,

with Lord Su here as the witness.

Please go ahead to tell me.

I need you to swear to the heavens.

Never in this lifetime take the throne.

Take the throne?

Why do you say that?

I'm not even allowed into the palace.

It's not my place.

How can I take the throne?

Don't worry, Prime Minister.

My lady is an honourable person.

She lives far from the palace.

How is she capable of doing that?

You're no ordinary woman, Consort Liu.

You have the talent

and virtue of a ruler.

If you don't accept my request,

I can't die in peace.

Prime Minister.

Prime Minister.

Don't worry, Prime Minister.

I'll accept your request.

Please swear, Consort Liu.

Don't worry, Prime Minister.

I'll remain loyal to His Majesty.

I won't change my heart.

I won't seek the throne.

If I break my oath,

may I never die in peace.

My lady.

I'm relieved now.

The Prime Minister sent me to get you

because of his worry about you.

Take the throne?

This is indeed unbelievable.

How can he see me like that?

The Prime Minister may have lost his eyesight

but his mind is crystal clear.

He must really think that

you have the talent of a ruler.

That's why he is worried.

But I'm always in Du Yun Pavilion and never interfere in court matters.

What makes him say that?

I really feel that his concern

is very weird.

Greetings, my lady. Greetings, Lord Su.

Eunuch Zhang.

Did His Majesty send you here?

Yes.

The Prime Minister looks weak.

He might not make it.

Master is dead.

Master is dead.

Your Majesty.

Jing Zong, how is the Prime Minister?

Your Majesty, I arrived too late.

I didn't get to see him before he passed away.

I didn't know that day

was going to be our last meeting.

Your Majesty.

Madam Li handed me a secret letter.

She insisted that I pass it to you personally.

These were the Prime Minister's last words to you

before he passed away.

I'm approaching the end of my life.

The position of Prime Minister can't be left vacant.

Bi Shi An is an upright man.

He is dedicated to court affairs,

a meticulous scholar

and has an eye for talents.

Hence I recommend him for the post of Prime Minister

to take over my work.

I sincerely beg Your Majesty

to grant my request.

I can thus rest in peace.

Until his last breath,

he was still thinking about the court.

I thought

he would recommend Kou Zhun.

I never expected him

to recommend a modest man like Bi Shi An.

I don't understand his intention either.

The Prime Minister has a sharp eye

but refuses to explain his reasons.

Is he hoping I will

ponder over it?

Or maybe he thinks

Lord Kou is not ready?

[End of Episode 11]