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Court Lady

Ep24

The secret of the peacock screen embroidery

is all about

using fastening stitching on the edges of the feathers.

Fastening stitching

can make a design lifelike,

but it can't make it come to life.

What if every layer of threads

faded in sunlight,

thus showing

the color of the next layer?

Threads that fade in sunlight.

My family has been running a dye house for eight generations.

We not only need to master the skills of coloring

but also the skills of fading.

There is a herb called cat tongue flowers.

With the right amount,

it can make newly-colored threads

fade in sunlight.

I especially asked Manager Yuan

to wait till the last minute

to lift the red cloth off the screen.

That is to avoid

the colors of the threads fading too early.

When Lu Qi was aiming at the screen,

the sun shined on it,

so the colors faded.

Therefore, the fastening stitching could work the magic.

That's how it looked like

the peacock came to life.

But for such a subtle change,

people can't see it

if they stand far away.

That's why I asked Yang Bai to suggest

to His Majesty that Lu Qi should come closer to the screen.

I see.

But wait a second.

Even if the threads can fade,

they will turn white,

covering up the next layer.

How could the next layer be shown?

Do you still remember

how you stood out in the corner

to win His Majesty's favor?

The glossy silk?

The glossy silk is transparent.

It is transparent,

and it can reflect light.

Lu Qi was already in shock when he saw

the change on the screen,

then his eyes were hurt by the reflected sunlight.

No wonder he lost his aim.

Only you

can think of such a perfect way.

It's not perfect.

Moreover,

there's a deadly flaw.

What is the flaw?

It's the embroidery itself.

The cat tongue flowers,

the glossy silk,

and the fastening stitching,

they won't be able to fool an expert.

They can see through it

when they examine it.

It seems that there is nothing strange.

Wait a minute.

Get me a big candle.

Hurry, get a big candle.

Have you noticed anything?

I'm not sure.

Please help me prepare a few things.

Name it.

12 grams of tallow tree, 9 grams of rue,

and 9 grams of aged wheat powder.

Dissolve them in a bowl of boiling water.

Okay.

Hurry, get it done.

I asked Yang Bai to retrieve that piece,

but it disappeared.

I worry that

it may end up in the wrong hands.

No wonder you look preoccupied.

Alright.

I have told you the ins and outs of this matter.

So what?

It will only add to your worries.

Directress Fu,

we were good friends just now.

But now,

we are not.

I was too naive.

You can report me to His Majesty.

In the Palace,

have you heard of the life-trading letter?

The life-trading letter?

The Harem is a dangerous place.

Weak women like us

need to have friends who are trustworthy

and dependable.

You trusted me

and told me the secret that might get you killed.

You entrusted your life to me.

That means you've given me your life-trading letter.

From now on,

we are no longer just good friends

but friends who will die for each other.

Here comes the water.

Ma'am.

Give me a brush.

One made with weasel hair!

This is a secret method only in the Zhang family.

Only Lady Zhang can find out

the tricks used in the dyeing process.

That's amazing.

She is truly the Queen of Embroidery.

Young Master.

How's it going? Have you found out anything?

Yes, we have.

Is this what you've found out?

Lady Zhang even used the secret method

of the Zhang's Embroidery Shop.

She didn't miss a single thread.

The dyes, the stitches, and the cloth

are all fine.

Get out!

Yes, Young Master.

This is...

This is the deadly flaw

of your plan.

How come you have it?

I started to pay attention when I knew you suggested

this method to His Majesty.

Remember,

I also worked in the Sewing Office before,

and I know what you are capable of.

So I set my eyes on the embroidery.

No wonder Yang Bai couldn't find it.

You really amazed me.

Amazed?

You underestimated me.

After all,

I entered the Palace ten years earlier than you.

I am ten times stronger than you in terms of

surviving in the Palace.

Why are you laughing?

I failed miserably in the past

because I underestimated you.

Alright.

I really need to thank you this time.

Thank yourself.

If you hadn't taken me as one of your own

but had lied to me,

I wouldn't have given you the work.

Now we are in this together

because I will keep your secret.

I trust you,

so you can trust me.

You entrust your life to me.

I'll repay you with my life.

Is this the life-trading friendship

in the Harem?

You're right.

You haven't told me

how you got this

out of the Housekeeping Service.

I am a royal concubine after all.

I have servants that listen to me.

I was well prepared,

so I got it as planned.

I also got

a piece with the same design,

pierced two holes on it,

and threw it in the cage.

This is such an elaborate plan.

But with such a short time,

where did you find the replacement?

A peacock spreading its tail

is the most common auspicious design in the Palace.

His Majesty only visits me once every few months.

I was so bored

that I have made

so many similar pieces to kill time.

One of those had a peacock spreading its tail.

Thank god.

You saved the day.

You need to remember that

deception and schemes are all over the Palace.

Only friendships like what you and I have are real.

Got it?

Got it.

Young Master.

It's late. It's time to sleep.

Don't touch it.

I asked you not to touch it.

Did you hear me?

Don't touch it.

That's how my temper is.

Don't take it personally.

What made you so mad?

I was fooled by a woman.

Who had the nerve to fool you?

One cannot see the forest for the trees.

Fu Rou thought she had a great win.

I'll let her know tomorrow

the meaning of cutting one's own throat.

Didn't you come to ask me to sleep?

I'll listen to you.

Let's go.

Chumu.

That one is

Directress Fu that Sheng Chumu likes.

Thank you for the reminder.

I have been so busy lately

that I forgot about it.

I've visited your family.

Don't worry about Fu Yin.

I'll send people to find her.

How peaceful my life in Guangzhou was!

But now,

people leave all the time.

I'm so useless.

I can't keep anyone around.

Nonsense.

You still have me, right?

Rou.

Did you and Ma Hainiu...

We didn't kiss.

Really.

Well,

what do you mean by that?

Nothing happened, really.

I am a decent and upright man.

Okay, you don't need to explain yourself.

What do you mean?

Why don't you let me explain?

I feel wronged.

Are you upset?

No, I'm not.

Really?

Really.

On the day

I was told you sacrificed on the battlefield,

I told God that

I'd do anything

to keep you alive.

I'll never be upset

no matter what you do.

Because as long as you are alive,

I am the happiest person in the world.

So, even if there were ten Ma Hainius,

it wouldn't mean anything

compared with you being alive.

Chumu.

I don't know how long our journey will be.

But many couples grow apart along the way.

I am really scared.

You have to promise me

that you will hold my hand tight.

Don't let go of me.

I'll never let go of you.

Never.

Sheng Chumu.

Why are you here?

I don't care if you're with King Zhou

or our General,

I am warning you, don't be a cheater.

Sheng Chumu belongs to me, Ma Hainiu.

What is wrong with you?

Your brother has already

agreed to our marriage.

Here is his fingerprint.

What is it?

Go away.

How dare you push my sister!

Watch out, Chumu.

Ma Hainiu.

Don't move.

What are you doing?

She's stealing my boyfriend.

I'll cut her throat.

Miss,

if you want to be Sheng Chumu's wife.

I'm afraid you can't act like this.

What should I do then?

I think

what you did at first is right.

If you want to marry Sheng Chumu,

you have to win his family's approval first.

But Sheng Chumu didn't buy it.

He even ripped up the letter.

It's not about him not buying it.

You went to the wrong person.

The wrong person?

Do you know who

Chumu listens to the most in his family?

Who?

Queen Han.

I didn't know that you are so bad.

Fine, I'm bad.

Then you can ignore me.

I'll never do that.

In Ma Hainiu's words,

you belong to me.

You're the only one.

I'm not used to you being so quiet.

What's on your mind?

I'm thinking about what you said to me.

Will you really be good to me forever?

Will you always obey me?

Then promise me one thing.

What?

Chumu.

-Then... -Help me clean my ears.

You're a big man now.

Can't you clean your own ears?

Last time in Guangzhou,

I saw you cleaning Fu Tao's ears.

Now he is away,

it's finally my turn.

Lie down.

Turn away.

Be gentle.

Don't move.

Go deeper.

Be more serious, okay?

Yes, General.

It's so comfortable.

You want to be Chumu's wife?

Yes.

You like him?

Very much.

Does he like you?

Very much.

So the feeling is mutual?

Absolutely.

Can I have Your Highness's blessing?

Sure.

Really?

But being a future duchess is tiring.

I'm not afraid of it.

Are you willing to learn?

Yes, I am.

Great.

Then let's start with the easiest one.

Okay.

Keep your hands still.

Be steady.

Miss Ma,

it's rare that you two like each other.

You can't give up easily.

Me?

I won't give up.

I need to read, too?

Don't you want to let Chumu know

you are better than Fu Rou?

Yes, I do.

Fu Rou knows all of these.

You can't fall behind, right?

What Chumu likes the most is Fu Rou's embroidery.

Don't let her beat you so easily.

But I have never held a needle in my life.

Be elegant.

Boss.

Boss.

Can you let Lianyan stay?

She is an orphan.

She has no family.

Besides,

we are a bunch of men.

We need a woman to take care of us.

Who is Lianyan?

The lady that was hit on by those men last time.

She is so pretty...

She is so pitiable.

How can you forget about it?

Besides,

she displeased those playboys.

It's dangerous for her to be out there alone.

Can you please let her stay?

Whatever.

Thank you, boss.

The Palace Etiquette Service

You're back.

Consort Dowager Su just asked for you.

She invited you to the Jade Pavilion.

Okay, I'll go there now.

Is Directress Fu back?

I have a message for her from King Zhou.

Consort Dowager Su asked her to visit the Jade Pavilion.

Much appreciated.

You want me to ask His Majesty

to betroth Directress Fu to you?

You just refused to marry the Princess.

Now you want to marry a merchant's daughter.

Isn't it too soon?

What merchant's daughter?

Rou is a court lady now.

She serves the Empress.

Her status is much higher than that of other ladies.

Mother,

if you don't approve of this,

Chumu will be a monk again

and only see you as a stranger.

It's not me that doesn't approve of it.

I'm afraid His Majesty won't.

-Father can persuade His Majesty. -Father can persuade His Majesty.

You two ungrateful brats.

Leaving the hard part to me, right?

Here it is, Directress Fu.

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King Liang.

The Jade Pavilion?

Yes.

She was out for the whole day

and is still running around.

How busy!

You just got here. Why are you leaving so soon?

Since Consort Dowager Su is not here,

I'm going to leave now.

Consort Dowager Su didn't ask you to come here.

I did.

If it wasn't for someone's reminder,

I wouldn't know

there is such a beauty in the Palace.

Your Highness,

what do you want?

Don't come near me.

You want to beat me with a tea pick?

In terms of force,

I can't compete with Your Highness.

Do you think I'd care if you're alive?

I know,

in Your Highness's eyes,

I'm nobody.

You got that right.

However,

before I die,

I want to ask Your Highness a question.

What question?

Does Your Highness know where Liang city is?

Your Highness, you're getting better.

The red peonies look like they were just picked from a tree.

So vivid.

Go back again tomorrow.

Hand this painting to Directress Fu.

Tell her it's from me.

It's a template for embroidery works.

Yes, Your Highness.

I'll go early in the morning.

Directress Fu's embroideries

are the best in the Palace.

She doesn't work in the Sewing Office anymore.

We all miss her very much.

Consort Dowager Su called her in today

probably for this as well.

Consort Dowager Su?

Liang city?

It's in the middle of nowhere.

Why do you ask about it?

Isn't your appanage in Liang city?

If I am dead,

you will have to go back there.

Bullshit!

Do you think your mere life

can affect and decide my fate?

Surely my life

is trivial just like a straw.

However,

it can become

the last straw that breaks your back.

When His Majesty took the throne and enfeoffed the kings,

he gave the order that

all the kings shall go to their appanages and assume duty.

But you have been staying in Chang'an

and disobeyed the order of His Majesty.

I'm not the only one.

King Han, Hao, and King Zhou, Ke,

are staying in Chang'an as well.

King Han and King Zhou both are beloved sons of His Majesty,

while you are just his brother.

You should ask yourself this, Your Highness.

In His Majesty's mind,

how much weight do you carry?

Once you touch his sore spot,

Your Highness,

do you really think you can

stay here in Chang'an safely?

Nice try.

You are right.

I don't carry much weight in the heart of my elder brother,

His Majesty.

But the Grand Emperor values me.

Even if not for His Majesty's sake,

I would be spared because of the Grand Emperor.

What's the worst he can do to me?

That's exactly why

I can be the last straw

that breaks your back.

The patience of everyone

is like this cup here.

For the sake of the Grand Emperor,

His Majesty bears and forbears.

You disobeyed his order

for the kings

and stayed in Chang'an boldly.

This is one thing.

You run amok here in the capital

and tread on people.

This is another thing.

You also insulted the maid of Princess Xinnan.

This is one more thing.

You are just a directress.

Do you think you can fill the cup?

Do you even have any self-knowledge?

Your Highness, you bully the weak

and hound a court lady to death.

Do you have any respect for the Tang Code?

His Majesty

may not care about the life of a court lady,

but he surely cares about

your contempt for the Tang Code.

My life doesn't carry much weight

but the Tang Code does.

By the courtesy of Her Majesty,

I was just made Directress of the Communications Office.

If anything happens to me at this point,

what would that make the Empress

if His Majesty didn't hold the culprit to account?

So,

this is the weight Her Majesty carries.

Once His Majesty is out of patience,

the one who suffers

shall be you, Your Highness.

You made a good point.

If I get banished to that awful place, Liang city,

by His Majesty just because of a woman,

it's truly not worth it, isn't it?

Your Highness, you are wise.

In that case,

please excuse me.

You can go now.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Let go of me!

Do you really think you can threaten me?

Let's just wait and see

if His Majesty will banish me

and let the Grand Emperor down

just for a bitch like you.

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Someone help me!

Your Highness!

Put me down!

Put me down!

Let me go!

Help!

-I thought you were fierce. -Help me!

Go ahead. Shout all you like.

I defy anyone to get in my way!

You!

Get your hands off me!

Help me!

You ungrateful bitch!

I always get what I want.

Sheng Chumu is going to be a cuckold for sure.

Your Highness!

Help me!

Let go of me!

-Get someone here! -Run!

There is an assassin!

Get in here!

There is an assassin! Get in here now!

Get in here now! An assassin!

-Go get him! -Don't move!

Stay there!

Chuling!

Chuling!

Your Highness!

Get away from me.

How dare you strike me?

You are so dead!

Stop it!

You all, leave us now.

No one leaves!

Are you going to take

my orders or his?

Think about it.

Yours, Your Highness.

I am your uncle.

If you were not my uncle,

you would be dead by now.

This is not Grandfather's Hall of Harmony!

Why are you still here?

You brute!

You reckless assassin.

How dare you insult me?

I will cut you into pieces!

I can testify for the guard.

Officer Sheng

came in only because he heard my cry for help.

He stopped your evildoing.

He is not an assassin.

You bitch,

you are not getting away with this.

You should go.

We'll see.

We'll see.

Sheng Chuling!

Why did you let him go?

Do you know he almost...

You assaulted a king and acted insubordinately.

Do you want to get everyone in your mansion

killed together with you?

I don't give a shit if you all die.

But if what happened tonight got out,

how could Directress Fu live with it?

Go and find those guards right away.

Tell them I said that

if anyone dares to say a word

about what happened tonight,

he will be killed.

Go now.

Chuling,

just go.

Be careful.

Chuling!

There is still an important thing I need to tell you.

Did he hurt you?

As for tonight,

King Liang should take the blame.

He will try to hide this

just like us.

But he will not let you off so easily.

I know.

I'll send you back first.

Don't bother.

You can just ask two guards

to send me back, Your Highness.

You were stupid enough to be lured here.

Do you still think

two guards are more capable of protecting you than me?

Put it on!

I can do it myself.

Let's go.

The Palace Etiquette Service

Thank you, Your Highness.

I now start to understand

why Her Majesty detests poisons.

Because the Palace

is a place where people bully the weak.

It is full of conspiracies and plots.

Every corner is filled

with the cries of the weak

and the grudges they hold.

After staying here for long,

even the most kind-hearted man

is prone to have evil thoughts.

A cup of poisoned wine can rid them

of those pent-up grudges.

It can end others' pains

as well as their own suffering.

Even you, Directress Fu,

are starting to have such thoughts?

The Palace Etiquette Service

For a moment,

I did want to kill King Liang

at all costs

and despite all consequence.

Even if I would be executed

after I kill him.

Is it worth it?

No, it's not.

As long as someone

I love and cherish

is still living in the world,

then it is not worth it.

Brother!

What is it?

Did you fight with someone?

Something happened in the Palace.

Your Highness,

King Zhou is here.

Mother.

What is it?

I changed my mind.

King Liang?

You will pay for it!

Brother,

I'm afraid King Liang will not let things lie.

Directress Fu is in danger

in the Palace.

I will go to see His Majesty tomorrow.

She also told me to tell you something.

Only a few days ago,

you said that you didn't want to force her with your status.

And now, you have changed your mind?

King Liang will not let her off.

I would rather have her hate me

than risk her being ruined by King Liang.

This is just the way

the world works.

You are reluctant to take the path in front of you.

You keep trying to get around it and avoid it.

However, in the end,

you will be forced to take that path.

This is what we call

destiny.

Your destiny

has prepared this for you.

It is no use to turn it down.

You can only accept it with gratitude.

This is the nautical chart I just deciphered.

In this sea area,

this area,

and this area,

there are more reefs...

Your Majesty, King Zhou begs a word.

I am discussing business with General of Admiralty.

Tell him to wait.

King Zhou says that it is extremely urgent

and he can't afford to wait.

Extremely urgent?

Let him in.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

Go ahead.

What is extremely urgent?

My marriage.

You said you were not in a hurry only days ago.

And now you say it is extremely urgent?

Tell me,

whose daughter is it

that makes you so wrought-up?

She is not the daughter of any high official or noble lord.

She is a court lady.

Fu Rou.

Fu Rou?

Directress Fu entitled by the Empress?

Yes.

I am not wedded to anyone at present

and don't have a caring person by my side.

I only admire and adore Directress Fu.

Please allow me to marry her.

Your Majesty,

Sheng Chumu is here to see you.

Father,

could you please let me finish?

Your Majesty,

Sheng Chumu also says he has something so urgent

that he needs to see you right away.

What?

Send him in.

Your Majesty.

Today,

all the urgent things happened at the same time.

Tell me.

What is it?

I want to marry a court lady,

Fu Rou,

if Your Majesty permit.

What?

Fu Rou again?

Again?

Your Majesty,

I adore Directress Fu with my whole heart.

I adore Directress Fu with my whole heart as well.

I am the one who adores her wholeheartedly.

Yan Zifang,

what are you doing?

Directress Fu and I were childhood sweethearts.

Our parents arranged our betrothal over a decade ago.

This is our parents' order. We went through the official protocol

The longevity lock she used to wear is the proof.

Father,

I've never asked you for anything.

But this time,

please allow me to marry her.

I beg for your permission.

Your Majesty.

I want to

take the liberty

and ask you to grant Ke a wish.

A wish?

A wish

that will make two people happy.

Get up, all of you.

A king

and two generals

are all head over heels

for a court lady.

All right.

I'll make a decision on this.

Call in Fu Rou...

Your Majesty.

What is it?

The Hall of Harmony sent someone here.

Let him in.

Yes.

Your Majesty.

Did the Grand Emperor send you?

Yes.

What is it?

The Grand Emperor sent me

to deliver some message for him.

King Liang isn't getting any younger.

He still doesn't have a caring wife around him.

So, the Grand Emperor wants to marry a lady to him if Your Majesty permits.

Who is she?

A court lady of the Palace Etiquette Service,

Fu Rou.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, I truly...

Silence!

Silence!

It seems that Fu Rou is quite someone.

Even the Grand Emperor now knows about her.

Your Majesty,

you shall never marry Directress Fu to King Liang.

Father,

please allow me to do this.

Your Majesty.

She is just a court lady.

The empress Manages the Harem

and she takes direct orders from the Empress.

All right.

As for this matter,

I'll let the Empress make the decision.

This is already a huge mess.

The Hall of Joy

And you have to make it worse.

Rou and I have had a betrothal since we were little.

You are the one who stepped between us.

Would you both shut up?

The only one that can beat King Liang now is me.

The Hall of Joy

Your Highness.

What did Her Majesty say?

Her Majesty just took some medicine and went to sleep.

The doctor instructed that

even the most urgent thing

shall wait until Her Majesty gets well.

You may come back later.

Your Majesty,

I just sent them away.

Directress Fu

caused quite a disturbance.

Two generals, two kings,

and now even the Grand Emperor is involved.

All of a sudden, she became a great catch.

What a tricky decision to make!

And they have to make me do it.

Don't push me too far.

You wouldn't want to mess with my father.

Guys,

even if you want to kill me,

at least give me a reason.

I mean,

what did I do that pissed you off?

King Liang harassed Directress Fu,

saying that I would be cuckolded.

I have nothing against King Liang.

Why did he do that?

I mean...

I really don't know a thing about this.

You always fool around together.

If King Liang is tempted by a woman,

how could you not know about it?

If you ask me, King Liang dared to insult Directress Fu

only because you instigated it, you swine.

No.

It...

It has nothing to do with me!

It was Lu Qi.

Lu Qi?

Until Her Majesty gets well?

Father,

The Empress was just putting us off.

She didn't even take your words seriously.

What's the rush?

Leave us.

No matter what, she didn't say no.

You're not exactly innocent.

You have all the women around you,

but none of them

is willing to marry you.

This time,

I'll ask the Empress to marry that court lady to you.

Stop horsing around

and treat her kindly.

In this way, she'll be devoted to you with her full heart.

If you always beat and scold her,

of course, she won't care for you sincerely.

In the future,

when I am not around...

Father!

Get the doctors!

I am fine.

I am just getting old.

Your Majesty,

you must take good care of yourself.

King Liang is still immature.

He can't do without your shelter.

How long can I protect him?

Fortunately,

the Crown Prince is benevolent and generous.

I suppose after he ascends the throne,

he won't give you a hard time.

I told you

to get along with him.

Did you do as I said?

Sheng Chumu tried to play us against each other on purpose.

I made my way to bond with the Crown Prince.

But it was then sabotaged by him.

Sheng Chumu is just a nobody.

What you should be wary of

is the power behind him.

Your Majesty,

are you talking about...

Lu Qi even dared to incite King Liang to insult Fu Rou!

What a piece of filth!

Brother, let's make him pay for it.

Of course, we will.

But not now.

What's most important now is who Rou is going to marry.

We don't know what decision the Empress will make.

King Liang, King Zhou,

Yan Zifang, and you.

She'll choose one from the four of you.

Brother,

you only have a 25 percent chance to win.

"It first exercises his mind with suffering

and his sinews and bones with toil.

It makes him feel hungry..."

Wrong!

It's "It exposes him to starvation".

Say it again.

Mencius said,

"One prospers in worries and hardships,

and perishes in ease and pleasure."

Mencius said,

"Shun rose from the fields..."

Her Highness is having tea with Young Master Chumu in the Autumn Pavilion.

And she wants you to serve them.

Understood.

Sheng Chumu?

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