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 14]

After much time spent on horseback playing with swords and bows,

I have gotten

rusty on using a brush.

Let me see.

Let me help you, come on.

I wanted to draw plants and flowers.

Yet Your Majesty has turned it into an oriole.

This painting

is filled with the feeling of spring.

What it lacked is an oriole.

Your Majesty is truly a master artist.

It is a shame that the war hasn't ended yet.

Otherwise I could always teach you painting.

And I could teach you reading and writing as well.

I'm afraid

we won't be able to enjoy more of such lovely time.

If you are to lead troops personally into the war in future,

I am willing to go with you, Your Majesty.

Very courageous.

Do you know that

among the harem,

you are the only one besides Consort Liu

who dares to volunteer

to go to the north?

Come on.

Draw it like this.

-Like this? -That's right, slowly.

Your turn, Your Majesty.

Alright.

Your Majesty,

Lord Kou is here to seek audience.

Let him in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Jia Ling,

Kou Zhun has something to discuss with me.

Go back first.

I will be going.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, you asked for me?

Didn't Empress Dowager Xiao want to negotiate peace?

Then we

shall send a peace envoy to Liao for the negotiation.

Pan Liang and Cao Li Yong have both volunteered to go.

And Wang Qin Ruo has nominated Ding Wei.

I want to know

who do you think is qualified to go.

Your Majesty,

Lord Ding is the provincial governor of the imperial court.

He has too much on his plate in the court.

It isn't wise for him to leave the capital for a long time.

Pan Liang has been dismissed from his post

for failing his duty,

and he was defeated by the army of Liao.

He is not fit for the position as well.

Are you saying that I should send Cao Li Yong?

Yes.

Since Cao Li Yong was demoted,

he has been shutting himself away and pondered over his mistake.

He wants to take this opportunity to make contribution to the court.

I believe Cao Li Yong is the right person for the job.

Alright, I will appoint Cao Li Yong as the peace envoy.

But Your Majesty, Cao Li Yong

is just a Mounted Courier of the Fuyan Region.

Going to Liao as peace envoy is a great responsibility.

He should at least be granted a suitable title.

Then I shall grant Cao Li Yong titles of

Audience Usher and Deputy Commissioner for Fostering Propriety.

Kou Zhun, prepare a decree and send it

to the Bureau of Military Affairs for execution at once.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Over 90,000 people

were killed and wounded in the war in Yingzhou.

That's right, Your Majesty.

Now that I've returned safely.

I will hold a grand ceremony

to honour the dead.

The dead have been buried,

and the wounded soldiers have been sent back to recuperate.

The soldiers in the city have been resting for many days.

After years of preparation for the war,

this may be the

last battle between me and the Song.

If our army fails to gain the upper hand on the battlefield,

it will be difficult for me to bargain with

Zhao Heng in the peace negotiation.

The Song army, who is defending the city, shows no intention of abandoning it.

Armies from both sides are currently in a stand-off.

Your Majesty, what should we do next?

If we can't conquer Yingzhou,

we will give it up.

We shall move on to our next target, Daming Province.

Daming Province?

Penetrate deep with the only troop left?

Your Majesty, this is extremely risky in war.

Speed and surprise attack

are the essence of war.

If we still can't conquer the Daming Province,

then we will continue to move south

to launch a final battle in Chanyuan,

heading towards Kaifeng.

He's asleep?

Liao Army is moving south,

yet we still haven't received news on whether His Majesty is going north.

If His Majesty and the reinforcements don't get here soon,

I'm afraid that the Liao army

will march straight to the capital within a matter of days.

I want to write a letter to His Majesty.

I want to ask him to personally lead the troops to the north.

But how can I get this letter delivered?

Sister, once you've written your letter,

you can give it to Mu Yi.

Maybe he can find a way to deliver it.

Given the circumstances,

I have no choice but to let Mu Yi take the risk.

[Your Majesty, I hope this letter finds you well.]

[Ji'er and I are doing well.]

[Don't worry about us.]

[Liao Army is now moving south]

[after it failed to conquer Yingzhou.]

[It's targeting Daming and Chanyuan.]

[I implore Your Majesty to lead the troops personally]

[to save Daming and Chanyuan.]

[Yours truly, Ying'er.]

Sister, he's here.

Prince Consort.

Prince Consort.

These wounded won't be able to survive

without warm clothing

and food.

Madam,

food and clothing are in short supply in the camp.

There isn't enough to ration to them.

Captives do not deserve

to be treated like this.

Can you think of a way

to get some warm mats

for them to get through the winter?

Please?

Send it to the Song Army garrison.

Madam, I will report it to the food officer.

Please wait patiently.

Sister.

How is it?

Your Highness, the Prince Consort just rode out of camp

and headed south.

He still went.

He didn't listen to me at all.

Go up the hill and set the signal at once.

Call him back.

Yes, Your Highness.

Oh, Mu Yi.

Mu Yi.

You made me a promise.

No matter where you are,

as long as you see my signal,

you will come back.

Your Highness.

We've been married for so long.

Yet you still talk to me with so much formality.

Do you really think of me as your family?

Since we are married,

of course we are family.

Fine.

Since we are family,

why did you leave the camp alone

without telling me?

Where did you go?

I've been staying in the camp for too long.

I just wanted to get some air.

You still won't tell me the truth?

I saw it.

You were delivering a letter for Liu E.

This is such a big deal, yet you won't even discuss with me,

and you kept it from me.

If mother and His Majesty hear about this,

do you know you won't be able to get away with this?

Even I can't save you.

About Consort Liu's letter,

I burned it.

Tie Jing, don't worry.

Don't be mad.

What happened today,

I will let it go.

But from now on,

you must not get close to Liu E and her son again,

and that Li Wan'er too.

I won't.

I will keep it in mind.

You are a Song.

You were born in Song.

You were raised in Song.

You want to

do something for Song,

I can understand that.

But I am your wife now.

Can you try to put yourself in my place?

Try to

turn yourself into a person of Liao,

will you?

Hurry up.

We might be able to see your father soon.

We can see Father soon, really?

Brother Mu Yi,

what are you doing here?

Come here.

Mother, Mu Yi is here.

Ji'er,

go inside and carry some stuff for Wan'er.

Come here, Ji'er.

Madam,

I didn't deliver the letter.

Please forgive me.

It's not your fault.

I know you tried.

It's just the Liao Army is relocating suddenly.

Where are they going?

Daming Province.

Please take care, Madam.

Daming Province?

They would turn to Chanyuan next.

The situation is dire.

I wonder if His Majesty has departed yet.

I wish His Majesty can make up his mind soon

and depart to the north.

Your Majesty, Liao Army has withdrawn from Yingzhou.

They still have over 200,000 men left.

I believe that

the Liao army gave up Yingzhou

to avoid our reinforcements.

Cavalry troop travels fast.

Empress Dowager Xiao is trying to penetrate into the heart of Song

by adopting the flanking strategy.

The Daming Province is the second most heavily fortified land of Song.

Not to mention that

200,000 soldiers led by Wang Chao are after the Liao Army.

If Empress Dowager Xiao continues to attack,

she will end up losing.

Report!

Your Majesty, Cao Wei, General of Daming Prefecture is requesting for an audience.

Summon him.

Summon General of Daming Province, Cao Wei.

Your Majesty,

Regional Commander of Jian Xiong Command, Wang Chao has been staying put.

I have sent five letters requesting for emergency assistance to Dingzhou,

asking him to return to Chanyuan.

Yet no word has been heard from him.

Liao Army is approaching the Daming Province

and going to attack Chanyuan in the south.

What do we need his 200,000 troops for

if he doesn't make a move now?

Issue another urgent letter.

Tell Wang Chao to send his troops without delay.

or he will be persecuted by military law.

Thank you for your hard work, General Cao. You may leave.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

based on the marching speed of the Liao cavalry,

it would take them less than half a month to reach Daming Province.

If we can't stop them outside the Daming Province,

they would enter Dongjing

within three days' time.

I hope that Your Majesty will order all the armies

and the garrisons of Chanyuan to fight them in Daming Province.

I hope that Your Majesty can lead the troops personally.

Preposterous!

His Majesty is the foundation of the nation.

The capital needs His Majesty here.

His Majesty's presence can boost troops' morale and reassure civilians.

I agree with Lord Guo's opinion.

Your Majesty, you mustn't lead the troop yourself.

Your Majesty, the Liao cavalry is ferocious.

They killed and pillaged wherever they went.

If they really come to Dongjing,

this place will no longer be safe.

Lord Kou,

since you said the capital is not a safe place,

I am worried about the safety of His Majesty more.

Your Majesty, why don't you move to Chuanshu in the southwest,

or Jinling in the southeast?

So that the country will be saved.

The country is already under siege,

how could His Majesty run away?

Lord Kou,

His Majesty is not feeling well.

His Majesty will rest in the Imperial Study today.

Lord Kou,

you have been kneeling here for four hours.

You'd better go back now.

Your Majesty,

Empress Dowager Xiao and the Emperor of Liao have arrived

at the Daming Province with 200,000 men.

Daming Province is unprotected.

Chanzhou is in danger.

The only way to boost the troops' morale and win the war

is having Your Majesty lead the army personally.

Please reconsider, Your Majesty.

Please...

The fall of Chanzhou is the end of Song.

If Your Majesty doesn't lead the troop,

the reign of Song will come to an end.

The fall of Daming Province,

the fall of Chanzhou,

the reign of Song will come to an end.

Madam, no sign of Master there either.

What should we do?

Yes.

Madam,

I think there is something there.

-Go and check it out. -Yes.

Master? It's Master.

-Master. -Master...Master.

Why are you sleeping here?

I'm out of wine, more wine!

More wine!

Madam, Master is back.

There's a feeling of snow coming after dark.

Would you like to join me for a drink tonight?

I haven't finished yet, there is still wine.

Careful.

I was sleeping well.

Why did you wake me up?

Where do you think you were sleeping at?

Fortunately we found you in front of our residence.

Next time, if you are sleeping somewhere else,

I am just going to leave you.

-Get some water here. -Yes, Madam.

If His Majesty doesn't lead the expedition himself,

then Song will be in grave danger.

When I was in the court...

Look at you, so dirty.

...how dared they object me!

They won't let His Majesty lead the expedition.

Guo Xian and Wang Qin Ruo objected me.

Who can put His Majesty straight?

Who can save Song?

I don't believe that

no one in the court is on my side.

Master, you are really drunk.

The one who supports His Majesty to lead the troops,

the one who admires you,

you don't even remember him now.

Madam, here is your tea.

The one who supports me?

Who are you talking about?

Who else am I talking about?

He is just waiting for the right time.

You are right.

Waiting for the right time.

The right time has come.

Where is my hat?

The right time has come, yes it has.

My hat.

I need to see him now.

Master, your boot.

Lord Bi!

Lord Bi!

Who is knocking?

Lord Bi!

Lord Kou.

Is the Prime Minister home?

I must see him now.

It's early in the morning, who is this?

Lord Bi.

Lord Kou.

Lord Bi, you are the only one who can save Song now.

Get up first, get up first.

Lord Kou,

what is going on?

What's the rush?

You didn't even wear your boot.

You said

I am the only one who can save Song now.

I am not that capable.

Please think about it, Prime Minister.

The Liao Army is now moving to Chanzhou.

The war between Song and Liao is at a critical stage.

Song will have a chance of winning if His Majesty

leads the expedition himself.

If His Majesty won't lead it,

the capital will be in jeopardy when Chanyuan falls.

If the capital falls,

the reign of Song will come to an end.

You are the only one who can

convince His Majesty now.

That's why I said

you are the only one who can save Song.

Ping Zhong, calm down.

Here, drink some tea.

Drink some tea.

Prime Minister,

if His Majesty is determined not to lead the troop,

I am prepared to commit admonishing suicide.

I will commit suicide by hurling myself against the pillar.

You must never do that.

You must never do that.

In the coming battle in Chanyuan,

you are still needed to formulate strategic plans

to assist His Majesty.

If you commit admonishing suicide, who will take up the responsibility?

Who can make plans and advise His Majesty?

Pardon me for being a fool.

You're saying that

His Majesty will still lead the expedition sooner or later?

Knowing His Majesty,

now that the enemy is getting closer,

will he really choose to retreat to Jinling

to avoid war?

No.

If His Majesty had been a coward,

he would have given up the Southern Pass

to Empress Dowager Xiao already.

That's right.

But it seems that

His Majesty has been hesitating.

It makes it hard to guess what's on His Majesty's mind.

There are two reasons why His Majesty hasn't departed yet.

First, he wants to sap Liao Army's energy.

Second, he needs to get the affairs in the court sorted

before he can depart north without worries.

But you are here in the capital,

what is His Majesty worried about?

His Majesty is concerned about

Duke Ji.

Duke Ji?

Ping Zhong,

who do think is behind

those anonymous letters?

Who brought up and started the discussion

of the Empress Dowager's injunction?

Since His Majesty already knew it,

why didn't he have Duke Ji convicted

and put an end to the problem instantly?

The relationship of the imperial family

is very complicated.

Duke Ji hasn't done anything yet,

what can His Majesty do to him?

For what reason can His Majesty convict him?

What do you think we should do?

Let's work together in the court today.

We will advise His Majesty again,

so that His Majesty can make decision

and dispatch troop as soon as possible.

Alright, Prime Minister.

That's what we should do.

Let's go to the court now to see His Majesty.

-Let's go now. -Alright.

Hurry up.

Lord Guo.

Remember, Ping Zhong.

Remain calm no matter what happens.

I wish I could see His Majesty sooner.

[Qian Yuan Gate]

[Da Qing Gate]

Your Majesty, I have something to say.

You may say it.

Liao Army is closing in,

Daming Province is in jeopardy.

Once it falls,

Liao Army will march straight into the city

and endanger the capital.

If Your Majesty leads the expedition,

the morale of our troops will be boosted.

We can win the war and crush the Liao Army.

The Prime Minister

has proposed that I should lead the troops personally.

Do you have anything to add?

Your Majesty,

Chanyuan is the transportation hub between the north and the south of Song,

a strategic location in war.

At present,

the place is short of troops and food.

I implore Your Majesty to lead the expedition.

I am willing to accompany Your Majesty to go north

and defend Chanzhou with my life.

I, Su Yi Jian, am willing to accompany Your Majesty in the expedition.

I swear I won't return home until Liao Army is defeated.

Your Majesty, please make a decision soon

and rescue Song from the great danger.

Your Majesty!

Rescue Song from the great danger!

Rescue Song from the great danger!

Good!

Since you are all in unison,

I shall have no more worry or fear.

I have made up my mind.

Starting today, I shall travel north and fight against Liao!

Hail to His Majesty!

Hail to His Majesty!

Long live Your Majesty!

Your Majesty,

I will go north with you

to make my humble contribution.

You have my approval.

Your Majesty,

I am willing to go with Your Majesty.

Prime Minister,

you are too old to go to war.

You and the Grand Tutor will stay in the capital

to preside over the court affairs.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Li Ji Long, Li Ji he,

Pan Liang, listen to my command.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You three will lead the army

and join me in the expedition.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Eunuch Zhang.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Lord Li Ji Long is outside the hall asking for an audience.

Summon him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Summon Li Ji Long for an audience.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

All hail Your Majesty.

Please rise, General.

You are a former minister of the late emperor.

And you are my uncle.

You have made a great contribution

to Song by fighting in wars.

Your Majesty,

my sister Empress Li

was involved in the scheme to seize the throne with Duke Chu,

but I was away on the frontline guarding the border at the time.

I did not participate in the scheme,

nor did I know of her treachery.

The current war between Song and Liao,

is when you are in need of talented man.

I pledge allegiance to Your Majesty,

I will remain loyal until death.

I trust you.

Please get up.

Regional Commander of Jian Xiong Command, Wang Chao disobeyed orders,

causing a shortage of soldiers in Chanyuan.

I have been thinking about it for a long time,

but I can't find anyone to guard Chanyuan for me.

I, together with my brother Li Ji He,

are willing to escort Your Majesty to the north.

We will kill and die for Your Majesty.

Good.

I shall give you the title of General of Chanyuan City.

Thank you, Your Highness.

This is the Beiyuan Tribute Tea from Phoenix Mountain.

Is it good, Father-in-Law?

Yes, it's good tea indeed.

But Your Highness might want to use a better teapot.

Very true, Father-in-Law.

His Majesty is about to embark on an expedition soon.

The palace

is about to change hands.

While His Majesty goes on his expedition,

besides Your Highness,

who else will His Majesty ask to guard the capital?

Isn't this the perfect opportunity for the palace to change hands?

But while His Majesty is away,

Regent Ministers like Bi Shi An

and Wang Dan

are still watching over the palace.

How can I do anything?

Don't worry, Your Highness.

I've planned it all out for you.

Duke Chu's former men are now under my control.

And General Li Ji He

is now willing to work for Your Highness.

Empress Dowager Li's brother?

Empress Dowager Li,

Li Ji Long

and Li Ji He,

they were originally quite powerful in the palace.

But since the Empress Dowager Li was abolished,

her brothers have been neglected.

They are only recruited now that His Majesty

is going on an expedition.

The eldest brother Li Ji Long has been appointed as General of Chanzhou.

He has departed for his quest.

Li Ji He has been appointed as Imperial Bodyguard.

He will always stay by His Majesty's side.

They are both highly regarded by His Majesty.

Why would Li Ji He want to help me?

The brothers do not see eye to eye with each other.

Li Ji Long is loyal to His Majesty,

but Li Ji He has always had a problem with His Majesty.

I've tempted him several times.

He is willing to work with me

to help Your Highness.

He will stay by His Majesty's side

in the expedition.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Li Ji He will have His Majesty under control out there,

while I will keep Bi Shi An and Wang Dan in check in the capital.

We will coordinate with each other and we will succeed.

Will this plan

really work?

It is foolproof.

His Majesty will see Your Highness before the expedition,

and Your Highness must pledge

your loyalty in front of him.

You mustn't let His Majesty suspect you.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty mustn't go to the north.

If something happens during the expedition,

I won't be able to live without you.

Please reconsider, Your Majesty!

Get up now.

Please get up, Your Highness.

Please reconsider, Your Majesty.

Don't worry, Yuan Fen.

My expedition this time

will not only boost the morale of our soldiers,

but I am also emulating Emperor Taizu's expedition to Hedong.

Therefore, it is imperative for me to lead the expedition.

Looks like

Your Majesty has grown rather fond of the milk tea I make.

It's a pity that

once I leave for war tomorrow,

I won't be able to taste your milk tea anymore.

It is still uncertain

whether we would win this war.

Don't worry, Your Majesty.

You will come home victorious

as long as you have the will to win.

Why don't

I go with you?

No, you mustn't.

Why?

I belong to Your Majesty now.

I should share either life or death with you.

I am grateful

to hear you say that.

Though, since the beginning of the reign,

there has been no precedent for a concubine to go on an expedition.

But...

Jia Ling,

be good.

Get up now.

Stay well in the palace.

Wait for me to return in triumph.

This is as far as I can walk you to.

Goodbye.

[Wang Dan, Ministry of Works]

Greetings, Your Majesty.

All hail Your Majesty.

Please rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Only a few people in the world

have your virtue, tact

and talent of governing a country.

Hence, while I am away on the expedition,

I am letting you stay in the court

to assist Prime Minister Bi Shi An.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I won't disappoint you, Your Majesty.

Here's a secret edict from His Majesty.

Please keep it safe, Lord Wang.

I will, Your Majesty.

I shall prove myself worthy of Your Majesty's trust.

Father.

Don't leave me and Royal Mother.

You'er.

I am the emperor of a country.

The people of the world are waiting me.

The soldiers in the north are also waiting for me.

That's why I have to go.

I am going to win the war

and return home soon.

While I am away,

listen to your mother.

Practise your writing and read more.

Why do I need to write and read everyday?

Because you are my son.

You are going to rule the country

with virtue and with kindness.

You must read and understand the book of the sages.

This is what makes you a good emperor.

Understand?

I understand.

Now that you understand,

go and have your class with the Grand Tutor.

I will test you when I return.

I won't disappoint you, Father.

Go on.

Your Majesty is going north soon.

Is there something

you want to instruct me?

Although You'er is still young,

he is gentle and diligent.

He

will be a good emperor in future.

If anything happens to me during my expedition,

You'er shall take over the throne.

Your Majesty will return safe and sound.

Song can't lose Your Majesty.

You'er can't lose his father.

I can't lose my husband.

I have instructed Yuan Fen

to guard the capital.

I want you to stay and guard Dongjing.

I will entrust the palace to you.

You will be in charge of

all the affairs of the court.

I can't.

Your Majesty,

this is a matter of national importance.

I am incapable of undertaking such responsibility.

Yuan Fen is timid by nature.

But he is good-natured.

I am not suspicious of him.

But I don't trust

the people around him.

So I

have been planning for a long time,

and have a secret edict prepared.

Here's a secret edict from His Majesty.

Please keep it safe, Lord Wang.

If you don't receive news of the defeat of the enemy

after ten days of my expedition,

I want you and the Prime Minister to crown my second son.

And you should do your best to assist him.

[This is the only way]

to ensure the safety of both of you.

I will keep that in mind.

Your Highness, His Majesty is here.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

What were you praying for?

I pray that Your Majesty will

return victorious from the expedition.

I pray Your Majesty to remain in good health.

And I pray that I will give birth

to a son for Your Majesty.

I've been so busy with court affairs that

I've neglected you.

I am sorry.

I haven't had many chances to see Your Majesty,

and I do not ask for Your Majesty's favour.

Your Majesty will depart for the expedition tomorrow.

I will pray for Your Majesty all the time.

No matter where Your Majesty are,

my heart

will be there with you.

Your thoughts...

I understand.

Your Majesty will definitely win the war

and defeat the Liao Army.

I will also pray for Your Majesty in the palace.

I will wait for Your Majesty to return victorious.

I appreciate your wishes.

But the expedition is full of uncertainty.

Even if you are to conceive and give birth to a son,

his fate will be uncertain.

What do you mean, Your Majesty?

Jing Zong.

Your Highness, after taking this pill,

you won't be pregnant.

It will prevent you from conceiving.

[End of Episode 14]