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 37]

You'll take care of the Empress and the Crown Prince from now on.

From today onward,

you'll report to me about their daily lives in great detail.

As you wish, Your Majesty.

Jing Zong.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Escort Physician Dong to the Imperial Pharmacy

to get more precious herbs that can calm fetuses.

Send the herbs to the Empress and Consort Chen.

At your command, Your Majesty.

Physician Dong, this way please.

Ying Luo.

Do you have any objections?

In that case,

I don't have any objections.

I'll take good care of her

and the prince in her womb.

Don't worry, Your Majesty.

I've made arrangements.

Please spare my life.

Please spare my life.

It's a type of gel-like essence produced by Gods.

Its taste is sweet and pleasant.

It's an auspicious item.

What is its use?

It can cause miscarriage.

Miscarriage?

It's for real.

I'm not lying, my lord.

I had eight miscarriages before this

after having sweet dew.

How long did it take to come into effect?

Well...

Sometimes, it happened right after consumption.

No.

Sometimes, it took two to three days.

It's possible for it to come into effect after five to six days.

It really depends.

My lord.

You said something different the other day.

You said that the sweet dew would surely cause a miscarriage.

Did I hear it wrongly?

My lord, you didn't hear it wrongly.

Sweet dew

can indeed cause miscarriage.

However...

However, it depends on the amount of consumption

and

it also depends on the health of the pregnant lady.

Furthermore,

the Empress is living a good life.

Her Majesty is taken well care of by many physicians.

It's reasonable that

the sweet dew didn't work on her.

My lord, please believe me.

Please believe me.

Make her drink it.

My lord, I'm not pregnant.

My lord, please spare me.

Force it down her throat.

Please spare me!

Take her away.

What?

At Xiang Guo Temple,

Her Majesty took the sweet dew which could cause miscarriage

in front of everyone?

How is that possible?

Her Majesty is still pregnant at the moment.

Are you sure that the sweet dew is effective?

That woman tried it herself before.

It should work.

However, Her Majesty doesn't suffer from miscarriage.

Physician Dong

has to report Her Majesty's pulse reading to His Majesty.

He can't possibly fake the reading.

I even sent Yue'er to ask around.

Yu Chen Palace and Jin Hua Palace have been

sending servants to the Imperial Pharmacy every two to three days

to get Astragalus, Angelica Root

and herbs that help in nourishing the body

and preventing miscarriages.

How is that possible?

It would take some time for the sweet dew to come into effect.

It would take some time?

How long do we have to wait?

Chinese New Year has long passed.

Brother.

Why didn't you add abortion pills

in the sweet dew?

Things would have been much easier.

On New Year's Eve,

I sent you a letter instructing you to ask around.

Are you sure that nothing special happened?

On New Year's Eve, I didn't see Her Majesty.

I was chased out by His Majesty.

Nothing serious happened.

What's wrong?

Look into the matter again.

Again?

What is inside the bottles?

It's salt.

I guess

the other bottle contains lard.

Your knowledge is broad, Your Majesty.

Please try it, Your Majesty.

I'm immediately greeted by the fragrance at the first sniff.

When I taste it, it has the fragrance of tea

and it's creamy like milk at the same time.

In comparison with the tea in the Central Plain,

it's slightly saltier and sweeter.

It has a smooth and satisfying aftertaste.

Noble Lady, can I try it?

Lady Beauty, please hold on.

It's so lively.

Your Majesty, sorry I'm late.

Please forgive me.

It's okay.

Yue'er.

Your Majesty, I was ignorant back then.

I've offended you time and again.

Fortunately, Your Majesty is forgiving

and never takes it to heart.

I heard that Noble Lady Wen

is making tea for Your Majesty,

so I purposely prepared red date soup

for Your Majesty and Consort Chen.

Please accept it.

Your Majesty, are you worried that the soup is poisoned?

I didn't know that

Your Majesty is so wary

of me.

It seems that

I should reflect upon myself.

Jia Ling.

Make a cup of milk tea for the Lady of Complete Beauty.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The milk tea is unique.

You should try it.

Sure.

Lady of Complete Beauty.

Please try it.

Since it's offered by Her Majesty

and made by Noble Lady Wen,

how can I refuse?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

If I let the red date soup go cold,

your effort will go to waste.

Sister.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

His Majesty has a message for you.

Shu has sent us some Shu brocades.

When Your Majesty is free,

Your Majesty may choose a few brocades.

I'll go now.

I'll get some nice brocades

and send them to your residence later.

-Thank you, Your Majesty. -Thank you, Sister.

Hold on, we're almost there.

Hold on.

-Your Majesty! -Ying'er!

Jing Zong, summon the physician!

Yes!

Carry her to the other side. Hurry up!

-Your Majesty. -Ying'er.

Your Majesty, the physician is here.

Quick, give the Empress...

Why didn't you summon Physician Dong?

Your Majesty,

I'm on duty today.

What did I tell you?

Thank you for coming, Physician Huang.

Ying'er.

I'm all right.

In his panic, His Majesty

insisted on summoning the physician.

Come forth.

Go ahead.

What is the diagnosis?

Your Majesty,

Her Majesty's pulse is normal.

The prince in her womb is healthy.

She's only suffering from morning sickness.

It's nothing serious.

Since it's not serious,

you may leave now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

When I'm back at the pharmacy,

I'll prepare the medicine prescribed by Physician Dong

and send them here.

Excuse me.

I'll be waiting outside.

I'm at your command anytime, Your Majesty.

Ying'er, what's wrong?

Fortunately, Nanny Wang saw it coming.

She was worried that something like this would happen.

So she got me a prescription.

After taking it,

it would appear that I have a double pulse.

I see.

How do you feel?

I feel so much better now.

Don't worry, Your Majesty.

How can I not worry?

Jing Zong!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Summon Physician Dong now

to give the Empress a check-up.

Yes, Your Majesty.

This way, please.

Your Highness, Physician Huang is here.

Greetings, Your Highness.

I've just diagnosed the Empress.

She has a double pulse.

No way.

How is that possible?

She should be...

Are you sure?

Your Highness,

I did not diagnose wrongly.

Did she look different?

Her Majesty behaved as usual.

She didn't look like she was in pain.

Furthermore, she's indeed pregnant.

The fetus is healthy and is ready to be born when the time comes.

Yue'er, give Physician Huang his reward.

Yes.

Physician Huang, please come with me.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Why does Liu E...

Your Majesty.

Her Majesty is all right.

Why did she have a stomachache?

What did Your Majesty eat?

Your Majesty, at the backyard of the Imperial Kitchen,

I found

the bowls used by Her Majesty and Consort Chen

to consume red date soup.

Is there anything wrong?

Your Majesty,

the soup was mixed with poison.

Poison?

The special feature of the poison is that

after consuming it, a normal person will feel sharp pain in the stomach.

-Jing Zong, summon the physician now! -Yes!

However, a pregnant woman

will not react to the poison.

Hence, this poison is always used

to check if a woman is pregnant.

However, it's a vicious deed.

The Pan family is vicious.

Jing Zong.

At your command, Your Majesty.

-Your Majesty. -Issue a decree.

Let it go.

She should be pitied.

She did this to you.

Why are you speaking up for her?

I won't let her stir up trouble in the harem.

Your Majesty.

I'm not speaking up for her.

If I'm really pregnant,

taking the poison won't harm me.

In that case,

how did Your Majesty find out about the poison?

We need to keep quiet about it.

No matter how the Lady of Complete Beauty got the poison,

once she's punished,

it will raise suspicion among others for sure.

No matter what,

I won't let it slide. Jing Zong.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Find out the truth of the poison at all cost.

Yes.

Your Majesty, if you must find out the truth,

the investigation has to be conducted in secret.

I'll be more careful moving forward.

I'll keep an eye on the Lady of Complete Beauty.

However, the priority now

is to send Physician Dong to check on Wan'er.

Wan'er may be pregnant

and the poison won't affect her,

but it's still a poison.

I'm worried about her.

You're right.

Physician Dong,

go to Consort Chen's place now

and examine her pulse.

Your Majesty,

please go there.

You...

I'm all right.

I just need to take a rest.

That's for the best.

If you need anything, inform me immediately.

You may leave now.

I need to talk to Lord Su in private.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let's go.

Yi Jian, take a seat.

Is Your Majesty all right?

You've known about it.

After the incident,

His Majesty demanded me to keep an eye on Physician Dong

to prevent him from spreading the news.

Physician Dong is surely not the only person.

I've troubled so many people.

Don't say that.

Besides Physician Dong,

no one knows about it.

Since His Majesty has named the baby in your womb

as the Crown Prince,

this matter concerns the entire nation of Song.

His Majesty shouldn't have done that.

His Majesty shouldn't...

His Majesty should.

I agree with His Majesty's decision.

The most important thing at the moment

is to get through the remaining months safely.

His Majesty has already told me about

how the Lady of Complete Beauty used poison

to confirm your pregnancy.

His Majesty told me to look into the matter.

I'm here to get a better understanding.

It's weird.

Why would the Lady of Complete Beauty suspect that

I've lost the baby?

Think about it carefully.

Did she see anything unusual?

You love to see others being grateful to you.

Let me tell you.

Others might be fooled by your feigned kindness,

but not me!

No matter how foolish a person is,

they won't make the same mistake twice.

Though you're not smart, you're not foolish either.

Furthermore,

you haven't got to thank His Majesty face to face.

Do you want to be grounded again?

Could it be...

On New Year's Eve,

she came to my residence.

Come to think of it, it does seem a little too coincidental.

Why would she suspect that

I had a miscarriage?

When and how did she get the idea?

New Year's Eve?

Go there.

Father!

On that day, I didn't notice

anything unusual about the Lady of Complete Beauty.

Shou An and I wish Your Majesty an abundance of health.

After His Majesty left,

she didn't have much time

to do all that.

Where else did you go that day?

You went to Xiang Guo Temple to pray.

Yes.

At Xiang Guo Temple,

did anything unusual happen?

No.

Forget it.

Let me know when you recall anything.

Be more cautious of the Lady of Complete Beauty.

Walking on thin ice.

I guess the phrase describes my current situation.

Don't worry too much.

Trust me.

It will end well.

You've made so many clothes

for my child again.

You've already made quite a lot.

This one

will only fit him when he's one years old.

I made a few extra clothes as I was free.

Thank you.

Baby,

Her Majesty dotes on you.

When you're born,

you must take care of your older brother.

Or little brother.

Sister, the physician told me that

our babies will be due around the same time.

We don't know who will give birth first.

It doesn't matter.

I was separated from my younger brother at a young age.

I'm envious of those who have siblings.

My child is so much more fortunate than I am.

He will be accompanied by your child.

They will grow up together.

They will study and play together too.

They will surely get along well

and take care of each other.

Your Highness.

This new prescription

was prepared by the imperial physician on the Emperor's orders.

A few new herbs were added.

It's nourishing.

His Majesty is tied up with work.

Don't trouble His Majesty with trifles like this.

However, lately,

His Majesty has been checking on the medicine himself.

Sister.

I guess

you're consuming the same medicine, right?

Take it while it's hot.

In Buddhism, greed, anger, ignorance, jealousy and suspicion

are known as the five poisons.

They're common sins among mortals.

If one can't overcome them,

one will sin.

Every child that I had

was either

dead before they were born

or,

just like Ji'er,

not fated to be my son.

However, I never acquiesced.

I kept yearning for a child.

I want someone to call me mother.

I want to see him growing up bit by bit.

I enjoy the pleasure and accomplishment of being a mother.

Thank you, Father.

This is what I want.

Perhaps

I don't have the luck.

It's only my own foolish desire,

my irrational hope,

my senseless greed

that gave birth to an obsession.

As such, I'm full of greed and ignorance.

Now, because of greed and ignorance,

I've even considered stealing Wan'er's child.

Wouldn't that cause a greater sin?

Sister.

Raising Wan'er's child

isn't just for your sake.

It's for Song's sake, too.

If Wan'er knew the truth,

she would agree with you.

But it's her flesh and blood.

After ten months of pregnancy,

what mother would bear to part with her baby?

She treats me as her sister.

Yet I lied to her.

I regret it now.

Sister.

The child in your womb isn't just a prince,

but the Crown Prince of Song.

I may not know much about politics,

but even I know how important a ruler is

to a society.

At this stage,

you mustn't waver.

Not only you,

His Majesty,

my mother and I,

and everyone who knows the truth

cannot turn back anymore.

Pass it to me!

Pass it to me!

This way. Hurry up!

Give it to me.

Stop him. Hurry up!

Pass it to the other side.

I'm here.

Give it to me.

At the back!

Watch out.

Take it!

Take it!

Stop playing! I'll beat you up.

Hit him!

You can't reach me.

Hit him!

Don't hit me!

Come on.

I'll hit you.

Stop hitting me!

What's wrong?

What did you do? Why are you so naughty?

Madam.

Don't get mad.

He's too naughty.

There's mud on your face.

Let's clean your face.

Didn't you hear me?

It's not me.

Madam, let's go inside.

-Watch out. -I'm sorry.

Darling, bring us some water.

Okay.

Please sit down.

Madam, are you okay?

I'm so sorry.

Here.

Let me clean your face.

Are those your children?

All the five boys are my son.

They're so naughty.

The sixth son is coming.

Is it a boy?

Gender doesn't matter.

The problem is we'll have to feed another person.

Look, we're worrying about it.

We can't afford food anymore.

Madam, look.

Your clothes are dirty.

It looks expensive.

We can't afford to pay.

Please don't be mad at us.

I'll clean it up.

We can't afford to pay even if we make tofu non-stop for a year.

This...

Please take it.

Have you found the baby?

That's right, Your Majesty.

It's an ordinary family.

I only told them that

my master was looking for an attendant for his young son.

They promised that

once the baby is born,

they will let me have it.

They won't look into the matter.

I've asked someone to investigate.

Their family background is clean.

No trouble will arise.

Great. Thank you, Nanny Wang.

In that case, everything is ready.

Now, we only need to wait for Consort Chen to give birth.

We will act accordingly

based on the gender of her baby.

We'll get the Crown Prince for Empress Liu.

Empress Liu.

Wan'er

has been really happy

as she's going to be a mother.

Empress Liu, you shouldn't be thinking too much.

Your Majesty, there's no turning back.

I know that.

However, Wan'er

is kept in the dark.

She's rejoicing in ignorance.

I feel really guilty.

If I have to take away her baby,

how will I face her?

Let us face it together.

Even if karma does exist,

I'll bear it alone.

I've promised you that

I won't treat Wan'er unfairly.

Your Majesty,

you don't have to come here often.

Your Majesty should keep Wan'er company.

Your Majesty, where are we going?

I heard that you love hiking.

Your Majesty, I was just...

I know that.

There's no turning back once one has entered the palace.

You're used to having freedom since you were little.

It's inevitable that

you feel constrained in the palace.

Forget you.

Even I,

when being kept in the palace,

feel like running away to a place

where no one can find me.

Even Your Majesty feels that way?

You don't believe me?

Okay.

After the little prince is born,

I'll take you out when I'm free.

Be careful.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Let's take a stroll today.

Let's go.

Looking at Deng Xiang Pavilion from afar,

everyone rushes to leave the viewing deck.

The scenery is breathtaking. Look.

The view is so nice. We should have invited Empress Liu.

Yes.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Send someone to pick up Consort Chen's hair pin.

Yes.

Since the golden hair pin is dropped,

why don't we make a prediction?

Prediction?

The hair pin fell from such a high place.

If it's still intact,

then you must be pregnant with a boy.

Sure.

We'll wait and see.

How is the hair pin?

Your Majesty, it's intact.

Great.

Great.

Please go inside.

Sure.

This way, please.

Congratulations.

This way, please.

Put it there.

Congratulations, Grand Tutor.

Lord Ding only drinks with immortals.

I didn't expect to see you here.

Chancellor Kou, you always were aloof.

I'm surprised to see you here.

You two seem to be having a good chat.

Duke of Han.

Duke of Han.

Duke of Han, Chancellor Kou.

Grand Tutor, wishing you an abundance of prosperity on your birthday.

May you live long and prosper.

Thank you for the blessing.

A little gift. Please accept it.

Thank you, Duke of Han.

You're welcome.

Grand Tutor.

I prepared a piece of calligraphy for you.

I hope you like it.

Not everyone can have Chancellor Kou's handwriting.

It's an honour.

May Grand Tutor

live long and prosper.

That's so embarrassing.

Thank you, Lord Ding.

Thank you, Lord Ding.

Everyone is here.

Your Highness.

Why isn't Lord Wang here?

The banquet is starting soon.

Imperial edict for Cao Jian!

I, Cao Jian, accept the imperial edict.

By God's will and the Emperor's command,

Cao Jian, the Grand Tutor is knowledgeable and respectable.

He assists the ruler and is meritorious.

He's the role model for teachers.

As such, he's awarded an honourable plaque.

Long live His Majesty.

Grand Tutor.

Congratulations, Grand Tutor.

Grand Tutor, take a look.

The plaque is written by His Majesty.

[Educating the World]

It's truly an honour.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Inhale.

Here. Do it. Good job.

Again.

Do it again.

Okay, do it.

Again.

Here, exhale.

Do it again.

Hang in there, madam.

Do it again.

Hang in there, madam.

Hang in there, madam.

Madam, exhale.

Darling.

Madam.

I'm not in pain.

I can't even pretend.

I can't give birth now.

It's getting late.

The baby is still not born.

What should we do?

My eldest son was born late too.

The delay

will put me in big trouble.

Don't worry.

The delay won't be long.

I'll give birth within three days.

Yes.

Three days?

Hold on.

Stand up and move around.

Wait for me.

Your Majesty, Consort Chen is having labour pains.

It seems the prince will be born soon.

We have to send Consort Chen

to the labour room as soon as possible.

Get ready now.

Yes.

Wan'er.

Wan'er, did you hear that?

I heard that.

Don't worry.

I...

I'll give birth to a prince for sure.

Great.

Jing Zong.

I'm here.

Where is Nanny Wang?

Make sure Nanny Wang

waits in the labour room.

Your Majesty,

Nanny Wang went out this morning.

She hasn't come back yet.

Send people to look for her.

Tell Su Yi Jian to bring Nanny Wang back

to deliver Consort Chen's baby.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wan'er.

Wan'er, are you okay?

Your Majesty.

These are Consort Chen's food restrictions

and prescriptions.

It may come in handy when Her Highness delivers the baby.

Your Majesty, the servants are done packing.

Take it.

Give it to Nanny Wang.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Wan'er.

The prince is important, but so are you.

I want both of you to be safe.

Do you hear me?

Yes.

Sister, what is the rationale behind push presents?

Push presents

are prepared by the mother's family

and sent to the husband's family when she gives birth.

It symbolises

a smooth delivery where both the mother and the baby are safe.

Aren't we

Wan'er's family?

Yes.

Here, be careful.

The food symbolises

the sharing of pain.

Your Majesty.

Consort Chen is in labour.

Her Highness is in the labour room now.

Wan'er is in labour?

My mother left the palace early in the morning. She hasn't come back yet.

Is the midwife ready?

Lin Lang and the other servants are taking care of Her Highness.

I heard that His Majesty has sent Lord Su

to bring Nanny Wang back to the palace

to deliver the baby.

Ying Luo.

Send the push presents to the labour room.

Sure.

Report to me immediately if anything happens.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Go now.

[End of Episode 37]