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 28]

Sister.

Look. What is this?

Licorice.

Where did you get this from?

A market in the eastern side of the city.

Do you know that place?

It smells so nice.

A market in the eastern side of the city?

I think I've been there before.

You've been there as well?

Did you watch any street performance or visit a theatre?

Have you tasted

the cake in the shops before?

Which is your favourite?

My favourite is Liang's walnut cake.

You asked me so many questions at once.

Which one do you want me to answer first?

Then, tell me.

When did you go there? Was it on Lantern Festival?

It was quite a long time ago.

I just went there and walked around

on a typical day.

As for these things that you mentioned,

I'm not aware of them at all.

Why don't you ask for the Emperor's permission to leave the palace

for Lantern Festival this year?

The Emperor likes you very much.

I'm sure he will permit it.

Who knows?

Maybe he will disguise as a commoner and go with you.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

What is this dance called?

What I performed is the Rainbow and Feather Garments Dance.

Remnant of the Tang dynasty's legacy.

The parts kept in the palace

are just fragments of it.

I've also watched it before,

but it's slightly different

from your performance.

Back then, the emperor of Southern Tang dynasty, Li Yu,

favoured Zhou E Huang.

She's well-versed in dance and music.

She loved the Rainbow and Feather Garment Dance.

So, Li Yu found the remaining note for her.

Zhou E Huang composed the melody and played it with a pipa.

That's how Tang's music was restored.

My performance is a new song.

Wan'er, I didn't expect you to know this.

Sister taught me everything.

Was Virtuous Consort also the one who taught you this dance?

Yes.

I wasn't aware that Virtuous Consort had such a talent.

Sister said

she learnt it by chance.

Jing Zong.

Your Majesty.

Lady of Handsome Fairness Li will serve me tonight.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Highness, return to the palace to get ready.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Sister, do you really not mind?

Just say whatever you want to say.

Sister, I understand that

you're the one who arranged for Sister Wan'er

to dance at Imperial Garden.

You also told Eunuch Zhang

to get the Emperor to go there.

I wasn't going to hide it from anyone.

That's right. Even I know.

The Emperor is smart.

Of course he'd know what's going on.

Sister, aren't you worried about being punished by the Emperor

or that the Emperor will be heartbroken?

He is the Emperor anyway.

The Emperor's favour should be shared by all concubines.

Wan'er was appointed as a lady

but she hasn't been serving the Emperor.

It's bad for her, too.

That's not the same.

Of course the Emperor can favour any concubine,

but it's different if you're the one who arranged it.

The Emperor loves you very much.

How can a man

tolerate the fact that the woman he loves

is pushing him to another woman?

Ying Luo.

Royal descendants is the basis of a nation.

Since we've married into the royal family,

it concerns the nation.

I'm sure the Emperor understands that

we mustn't act according to our feelings on certain things.

Of course the Emperor understands.

That's why the Emperor went along with it

and summoned Sister Wan'er to serve him.

Come to think of it,

the officials of the previous reign are at fault.

Why did they keep talking about descendants before the Emperor?

There's also Duke Ji.

Why does he have so many sons?

There's also Noble Consort Pan.

She keeps thinking of ways everyday

to make the Emperor favour her instead of you.

-She already has a little... -Ying Luo.

You always speak without thought.

When you're at the Imperial Harem,

you should watch your words and behaviour sometimes.

You should know what you should or should not say.

Don't bring trouble upon yourself.

I only act that way

around you, sister.

About Wan'er,

thank Nanny for me.

My mother and I are very happy

to be able to help you.

However, sister, don't blame me

for deciding on my own

to tell Sister Wan'er about Mu Yi.

She'll find out sooner or later.

I just want Wan'er

to open up soon.

Sister Wan'er is willing to serve the Emperor.

She must've decided

to move on from Mu Yi.

All right, it's late.

Go back and rest.

Sister, I'll stay overnight here.

Sister.

This is the fragrance invented by Sister E.

Dew of hundreds of flowers in imperial garden is collected at early morning.

The flowers are peony, wall iris, daisy, water lily and so on.

The fragrance is made by mixing dozens of flowers.

Sister said

this fragrance was rich and long-lasting

and it aided one in sleep.

She's quite generous.

Your Majesty, it's time to sleep.

Wan'er, you seem to be different from usual.

If you aren't willing,

I won't force you.

No, Your Majesty.

I'm willing.

I'm willing to be your woman.

I want to bear a child for you,

an intelligent child

like Ji'er.

Will this Cheng Ping Palace

become

Chang Men Palace someday?

Your Highness,

Lady of Handsome Fairness Li is only serving the Emperor.

Your Highness, you're the Noble Consort.

Don't belittle yourself.

Serve the Emperor?

What happens after that?

What if she gives birth to a prince?

Lady of Handsome Fairness Li is of a humble status.

Even if she gives birth to a prince,

she still can't compare to you.

Besides, she might not be that fortunate.

Fortunate?

What is fortune

or heaven's will?

Why do I suddenly feel that

I'm living like a joke?

Your Highness.

What about the mistress of Hui Ning Hall?

She was the one who offered that unworthy woman to the Emperor.

She'd do anything for the sake of having a child.

After tonight,

the mistress and servant will occupy the Emperor's time.

Her position in the Imperial Harem will be even more secure.

She still thinks she's right.

I'll just wait and see.

Let's see how she, Liu E, will reap what she sowed.

Sister, you're still awake.

Did I wake you up?

No, I haven't slept yet either.

Since we're still awake,

can we have a chat?

Sure. What do you want to talk about?

Sister, are you afraid of the Emperor?

Afraid?

Are you afraid of the Emperor?

When I asked you

whether you're worried the Emperor would be mad about what happened tonight,

I was genuinely concerned for you.

Why are you afraid of the Emperor?

In fact,

you're the daughter of the Emperor's nanny.

You two should be very close.

No way.

No matter how kind the Emperor is towards my mother,

our status can never change.

At the end of the day, I'm just a servant's daughter,

whereas he is the Emperor.

There's a great difference in our social status. How can we possibly be close?

Compared to other princes,

at most,

the Emperor is the more handsome one.

Why are you afraid of him then?

It has nothing to do with his appearance.

The Emperor is indeed quite handsome

and he smiles often.

Once he glances at any concubine,

she'll blush for a long time.

However,

don't you think

the Emperor's smile is very dangerous,

especially his eyes?

Even if the Emperor looks at you with a smile,

it also makes you shudder for an unknown reason.

Sister?

Well, I actually like his eyes.

Why?

Do you know

how the Emperor and I met?

Sister, do tell me.

It was outside Xingzhou City.

That year, Liao army attacked.

[I fled along with the villagers.]

[When Liao army was about to get us,]

[a troop of Song army rushed out]

[and both forces were locked in a battle.]

[The leader had an armour on]

[and he had a sword.]

[He was awe-inspiring.]

[He then held me without saying anything]

[and ran forward at the speed of light.]

At that moment,

suddenly, there was an earthquake

and the mountain collapsed.

[Hence, the two of us fell downwards.]

[It was the Emperor, wasn't it?]

He saved you.

When we fell,

I thought I was going to die for sure.

I was scared and I panicked,

but he kept holding me tightly

and protecting me.

Amidst the chaos,

[I couldn't see his face clearly.]

[The only thing I saw]

was his bright eyes.

They were beautiful.

[His eyes were elongated and the gaze was penetrating.]

The eyes were shaped upwards at the end.

His jet-black pupils were shining.

[Determination was shown in his gaze]

[and suddenly, I was filled with courage.]

[I thought]

[no matter what's in store for us,]

[even if it's a bottomless pit]

[and my life would end]

[at that very moment,]

with him by my side,

I'd be considered fortunate.

So, you met the Emperor

in such a thrilling way.

It's a lovely encounter.

I'm envious.

When will I ever meet my hero

who will descend coolly from the sky

and stay by my side to protect me?

You're being childish again.

Now that you're a part of the Imperial Harem,

you mustn't think about this anymore.

Go to sleep.

Sister,

the Emperor belongs to you.

He always will be.

Go to sleep.

[He's my hero]

[and my husband,]

[but he's also the Emperor.]

[I mustn't let my husband]

[be criticized for favouring only one concubine and having few children.]

[I cannot let my hero]

[be criticized by the future generations for his personality.]

[Be it the nation]

[or the palace,]

[I'll strive]

[to achieve his wishes.]

[Even if I'm not the person]

[who helps him to achieve his wishes,]

[I still hope his wishes will come true.]

[Yuan Kan,]

[do you understand my feelings?]

Your Highness, these were freshly plucked.

This flower is so beautiful.

Why is Shou An crying?

-Bring her here. -Your Highness!

Walk slowly, Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Shou An.

Be careful, Your Highness.

Don't run so fast. Come here.

What's wrong?

Your Highness.

Why are you crying? Come on.

Come, hold this.

Do you like it?

What happened to your hand?

Shou An!

Come here!

What's wrong with you? What happened?

She's so young. Why are you hitting her?

I'm educating my own daughter.

What does it have to do with you?

Have your own child then.

Virtuous Consort,

you're in a good mood in the morning

to pluck flowers in the Imperial Garden.

I thought since your servant won the Emperor's favour,

you'd be the first person to congratulate her.

It's still early.

The Emperor might still be sleeping.

Few can compare to you

for your generosity, sister.

I'm flattered, sister.

All a man sees is the smile of his new lover,

while his former lover's weep is unheard.

Sister, I wish you'll always have the Emperor's favour

and that you remain close to Lady of Handsome Fairness.

Shou An, let's go.

You aren't allowed to take any flower from anyone.

Your Highness.

-Sister. -Wan'er.

Where is the Emperor?

The Emperor is inside.

Sister, follow me.

The Emperor hasn't awakened.

I thought he was soundly asleep.

Eunuch Zhang came twice to usher the Emperor

before I realised something was wrong.

It's all my fault.

Your Majesty.

Yuan Kan.

Did you discover anything unusual last night?

No.

The Emperor was fine throughout the night.

He seemed normal.

Sister, I followed what you said.

I was trying to please the Emperor.

Enough, stop talking.

Tell Yi Qin to summon Imperial Physician Dong.

Summon an imperial physician?

Of course, the Emperor is already in this state.

[Da Qing Gate]

How is the Emperor doing?

Your Highness,

The Emperor's pulse is weak and his ophryon turned purple.

I'm afraid it's...

Just tell us.

I'm afraid the Emperor's primordial yin is affected.

His foundation is affected.

The symptoms this time

seem even more severe than last time.

I didn't expect his sickness to be so serious.

Lord Wang.

-Good morning. -Good morning, Lord Zhang.

Good morning, Lord Wang.

Lord Liu, after you.

Okay.

Father-in-law.

Son-in-law, no need to be so courteous.

How is Yu Ru doing recently?

She's doing well,

but she misses you and mother-in-law.

The Grand Secretariat

was willing to marry

his young and beautiful daughter

to Ding Wei,

who is over 40 years old.

Lord Wang is a smart person.

He must have his own reasons for doing so.

Smart?

I'm afraid it may backfire.

Last time, the Emperor fainted for an entire day.

Imperial Physician Dong, do you have a way

to make the Emperor regain consciousness?

There is a way,

but the Emperor's life is precious.

I dare not simply prescribe any medicine.

Lord Cao,

I haven't congratulated you yet

for having another grandson.

Thank you, Lord Pan.

Your Highness, look.

This treatment is to use this silver needle

to pierce the skull's baihui acupoint

to stimulate the brain.

However, the effect may differ depending on the patient.

To be honest, I'm not entirely confident.

Please decide, Your Highness.

Sister, there isn't

a fully effective treatment in this world,

right?

Lord Cao.

Father, you seemed to have said that intentionally.

"Going beyond the limit is as bad as falling short."

The Emperor doesn't have a son,

but Duke Ji keeps having one son after another.

It just makes both sides look bad.

It seems Lord Cao will have a lot to worry about.

It should be time to go to the Imperial Court, right?

Maybe something has happened in the Imperial Harem.

Your Highness,

allow me to say one more thing.

Your Highness, your decision

will directly affect the Emperor's health,

as well as Song.

Therefore, once you've made the decision,

you will have to

bear all the consequences.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, the sun is up.

All the court officials are gathered at Wen De Hall,

waiting for the Emperor.

Perform acupuncture.

Yes, Your Highness.

Gentlemen,

the Emperor isn't feeling well today.

The morning meeting will be suspended for today.

If there's any memorial,

please hand it to Da Qing Academy.

Eunuch Zhang,

the Emperor's health...

The Emperor caught a cold.

Don't worry, Grand Tutor Cao.

Eunuch Zhang,

I have an urgent report to make.

It needs the Emperor's decision. It can't wait.

Eunuch Zhang, please.

Why isn't anything happening?

I did say

the outcome differs from person to person.

How long will it take then?

Pardon me, Your Highness.

I'm unable to tell you the answer.

He is the Emperor.

Surely he's blessed by the heaven

and he'll regain consciousness soon.

Thank you, Imperial Physician Dong.

Please go to the side hall to take a rest.

Yes, Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Lin Lang,

lead Imperial Physician Dong to the side hall.

This way, please, Imperial Physician Dong.

Sister, will the Emperor regain consciousness?

I have faith in him.

Your Highness, the court officials have memorials to submit.

Eunuch Zhang, please go in.

Come on.

Give me the memorials.

Eunuch Zhang.

Your Highness, there are memorials.

Bring them here.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Vice Commander of Ma Army, He Min,

is harsh to his soldiers without rewarding them.

Moreover, he often deducts the soldiers' pay.

That's why they're are against him.

According to a secret report,

the entire army plans to rebel against him.

Duke of Han said the matter was urgent

and it required the Emperor's decision.

This matter indeed allows no delay.

Eunuch Zhang,

wait outside first.

Yes, Your Highness.

Sister, the Emperor hasn't regained consciousness.

What should we do?

Lord Pan.

The Emperor's handwriting is free-flowing

with powerful strokes.

It seems the Emperor is fine.

Lord Su,

the Emperor appointed He Min as regional commander of Tian Ping Army.

He is taking away his military power.

This way, his subordinates can avoid his tyranny

and serve in the army with peace of mind,

thereby preventing the rebellion.

The Emperor is wise.

Your Highness,

Shezhou just offered a batch of yellow pears as tribute.

I specially brought them here

for you to taste, Your Highness.

Thank you.

Bring in the pears.

Put them on the table.

Yes, Your Highness.

You may go.

Yes, Your Highness.

Say it.

The Emperor went to Hui Fu Pavilion last night

and hasn't left.

Early this morning,

Virtuous Consort and Imperial Physician Dong went in.

Later, Eunuch Zhang passed a decree at the Imperial Court.

The memorials were also brought to Hui Fu Pavilion by Eunuch Zhang.

What is the Emperor's sickness?

According to Eunuch Zhang, the Emperor caught a cold.

However, Imperial Physician Dong hasn't left Hui Fu Pavilion since.

Lord Pan said

you should go and take a look.

What do you think about the Emperor's move?

Using a promotion to demote him, he took away his military power.

It's the best move.

Lord Kou, what do you think?

He Min will be your subordinate in the future.

He'll answer directly to you.

The Emperor thinks highly of you, Lord Su.

The Emperor pays my salary. Of course I have to carry out my duties loyally.

I'm just doing my part.

Father-in-law,

take a look at the handwriting.

The Emperor has good handwriting.

I could tell.

What brought you here, Your Highness?

Move aside.

Allow me to inform my mistress first.

Move aside.

Didn't you hear what Noble Consort said?

As a servant, what right do you have to stop me?

Greetings, Noble Consort.

Noble Consort, what are you doing?

Shou An is here to greet her father.

The Emperor caught a cold.

He just fell asleep after taking the medicine.

Shou An,

why don't you visit your father on another day?

The Emperor caught a cold?

Then all the more Shou An and I should greet the Emperor.

Noble Consort, the Emperor is asleep.

Noble Consort.

Virtuous Consort, what is the meaning of this?

Are we not allowed

to even see the Emperor?

I've already told you.

The Emperor fell asleep after taking the medicine.

Besides, Shou An is still young.

What if she gets infected?

Virtuous Consort, you don't have to worry about that.

Shou An is the Emperor's daughter.

Of course she will have the emperor's blessing.

Virtuous Consort,

if you keep stopping me to see the Emperor,

one might suspect that

this is not the truth.

Lady Li served the Emperor last night

and the Emperor is too ill to leave Hui Fu Pavilion now.

What exactly happened?

Virtuous Consort, although you're favoured by the Emperor,

still, you can't hoodwink others,

especially when it concerns the Emperor's health.

Must you see the Emperor today?

Yes.

Yi Qin, open the door.

Let Noble Consort and Princess Shou An in.

Didn't the Emperor say

he wouldn't meet any outsider?

Are Noble Consort and Princess Shou An outsiders?

Yes, Your Highness.

Why is it so merry here?

The Emperor's consorts are here.

Nanny.

I came here to deliver soup

to Lady of Handsome Fairness.

I heard the Emperor fell ill.

So I rushed here to check on the Emperor.

Why are you all standing by the entrance?

What are you all doing?

The Emperor is taking a rest after taking medicine just now.

Why are all of you standing there

and disturbing the Emperor's rest?

This is Virtuous Consort's side of story.

We don't know

the Emperor's real situation.

In that case,

Noble Consort,

go in with me to take a look.

Don't worry, Noble Consort.

Even if the Emperor wakes up

and is unhappy,

seeing how old I am,

the Emperor won't blame us.

After you.

Greetings, Virtuous Consort.

Your Highness, I have handed

the memorials checked and approved by the Emperor to Duke of Han.

These memorials were brought in by the court officials this morning.

Imperial Physician Dong did say

the Emperor mustn't be exposed to the wind.

Bring these memorials to Hui Fu Pavilion's study

to be approved by the Emperor when he wakes up and feels better.

Yes, Your Highness.

This way, Noble Consort.

I don't think I'm going.

I'll feel bad

if I end up bothering the Emperor.

Nanny, why don't you visit the Emperor on our behalf?

Noble Consort,

do you trust me?

You are the Emperor's nanny.

of course I do.

Shou An, let's go.

Noble Consort Pan finally left.

Luckily you were around, Nanny.

It's nothing.

Come on, let's go in and have a look.

How long has the Emperor been in this state?

It's been two days.

What did the imperial physician say?

It should be a relapse of old sickness.

He already used a silver needle to stimulate the Emperor's brain.

As for exactly when the Emperor will wake up,

that remains unknown.

The Emperor doesn't have a son.

Once the news of his unconsciousness is circulated,

forget about the imperial court and the Imperial Harem,

even the entire nation will be in chaos.

Those with bad intentions

will definitely seize the chance to usurp the throne.

You're right, Nanny.

I already asked Imperial Physician Dong, who is treating the Emperor,

to stay at Hui Fu Pavilion.

Currently, other than Eunuch Zhang,

the ones who know the Emperor's situation

are only those who are present in this room.

Your Highness, you are very thoughtful.

With the Emperor's current situation,

luckily you're here to take care of internal and external matters.

Well, we have to do something

instead of just waiting for the Emperor to regain consciousness.

The imperial physician doesn't even have a way to treat the Emperor.

What can you possibly do?

There's something Ying Luo can help out with.

What is it?

Go on with life as usual.

This is obviously substandard.

I agree.

They are unreasonable.

They're humiliating us.

It's an insult.

What is the meaning of this?

Take a look at these.

Your Majesties,

among the 200,000 rolls of fabric sent by Song,

20,000 rolls are substandard.

I only realise now.

I seek punishment for failing to observe it.

Song people have always been cunning.

It's not your fault, General.

Song is obviously looking down on our nation.

If we don't pay them back,

they'll think Liao is a pushover.

They will become worse

by sending us even more substandard tribute.

They might even call off the tribute altogether.

Your Majesties,

why don't we write them a letter?

Why should we?

They'll understand once our army reaches their border.

When that happens,

not only I will ask him to compensate us for the substandard items,

I'll even seek 10 times the compensation!

Your Majesty, please allow me to go to war!

Allow me to mobilise 100,000 soldiers

to head directly to Xiongzhou Pass.

Calm down, General.

The Chanyuan Treaty

was jointly reached by us and Song.

I don't think Song's emperor would take the initiate to break it.

What is this then?

What about this?

There might be a misunderstanding

for these substandard items.

If we blame them and dispatch an army

before we find out about the truth,

firstly,

Liao will be portrayed as being reckless

and unreasonable.

Secondly,

if Song's emperor is also not aware

of the substandard items,

we'll be the first who ends up breaking the Chanyuan Treaty.

Song's imperial court will have an excuse to attack.

Prime Minister,

how do you think this matter should be handled?

Your Majesty,

I'm willing to go to Song's imperial court

to question them regarding this matter.

Greetings, Empress Dowager.

I wonder why you wanted to see me.

Since you're going to Song,

I hope to ask you

to pass an object to an old friend of mine.

An old friend?

Liu E, the consort of Song's emperor.

You know her as well.

I'm on an order to ask Song's emperor for an explanation.

I dare not cause trouble.

Although you're acting on the Emperor's order,

before I surrender the political rights completely,

I'm still the queen regent.

What's the matter? Are you disobeying my order?

I wouldn't dare.

[End of Episode 28]