Original subtitles

There are less than five days left before entering the palace

No matter how well I teach you

there will not be enough time

Mother Liu, Sir, this... you can’t blame it on me

When I was 12, both of my parents passed away

my only brother and I were separated

I can only rely on the nunnery help from the nuns

to keep my stomach full

Where will I have the chance to learn any

form of art?

These are the skills that girls must know, and you fail at every one of it

How are you going to catch the attention of the Emperor

and get him to like you?

If girls need outstanding talents

to catch the attention of the Emperor

then didn’t the girls that you trained, with outstanding results

still didn’t succeed?

Mother Liu has the most experience

in seducing men

The girls that she groomed

have men wrapped around their fingers

It is a pity that the Emperor is still young

and has not matured yet

Plus, there are many beautiful girls in the palace

but they failed to catch the Emperor’s attention

so they can't show off their skills

You are right on this one

If we want to catch the attention of the Emperor

using good skills and talents is not enough

We need to think of a way

am I right, mother?

Then why don’t you tell me

how can we get the attention of the Emperor?

About this...

Right now I can’t give a good answer

but after going into the palace, I’ll go with the flow

Sir, if we are going to go with the flow

this silly girl, Yi Huan is smarter than other girls by a lot

Sir, don’t worry

I won't let you down

and for me to have a good future in the palace

I will work hard to get the Emperor to notice me

Forget it, this heart is hard to guess

The way to his heart

really depends on you

It is a pity that I don’t have a daughter

if I have a daughter that is as intelligent as you

that would be great

Godfather, goddaughter bows to you!

You... I was just saying it casually

you... why did you suddenly accept me as your family?

You...

You silly girl

you really know how to take the opportunity when it comes

Great!

I will take you as my goddaughter

Please stand up

Thank you, godfather

There is something I need to remind you of

Our relationship can only be known to us

Once you’ve entered the palace

please do not let anyone else know about this

If the Emperor finds out that you are related to me

it won’t be good for both of us

Godfather, don’t worry

I won’t let it out

You really have a way with words

Since you have identified yourself as my goddaughter

then as your godfather, I must show you some affection

I shall give you a present

This golden silk vest is really one of a kind

Thin and soft, yet impenetrable

Durable

Years ago, when Sir Ao succeeded through all those hardships

the former Emperor gave this to Sir Ao as a reward

Yet, today he gives this vest to you

It seems that you are very important to him

If you want me to spy on the Emperor

you definitely need to win over me first

But if this don’t go as planned

you will definitely kill me to cover up

Then, even if I am wearing the golden silk vest

I cannot escape your evil hands

Mother, the fact that I managed t become the goddaughter of the Premier

is all thanks to your help

Don’t worry

If I become rich in the future

I will definitely treat you well

You sure have a way with words

Mother Liu, let me have a look at the golden silk vest

Take a look

Golden silk vest?

Is it that great?

Wow, it is true! It didn’t tear

Mother, keep it safe for me, hurry...

Brother Zhu said that the Capital’s First Restaurant and Oboi’s residence

have our Pearl Valley’s insiders

They must know about my situation by now

They will surely let the insiders at the residence to come and see me

However, this old hag keeps close and won't leave me alone

She is such a pain

Are those food?

Yes

Miss Yi

these are specially ordered for you from the Capital’s First Restaurant

especially this plate of soy sauce duck head

The restaurant’s new chef

Chef Zhu, is the one who prepared this for you

Chef Zhu said

after tasting it, if there is anything to improve on

Chef Zhu will do his best to accommodate your requests

Understood. You are dismissed.

Remember to bring a pot of Osmanthus Cider over

Yes

Mother, take a look

There is so much food

I should share these with you

but you know

my biggest weakness is my greed

Plus, the last time at the restaurant, you snatched a piece of duck from me

and it left me very hurt

So if I were to eat with you

I would be very afraid

Why don’t... you can...

Don't worry, I won’t fight with you

I am going back to my room and eat

But, after you have your dinner

I want to share a bed with you

Share a bed with you?

From young, I’ve never shared a bed with anyone before

Moreover... sharing a bed with you

looking at your old... beautiful face

I won't be able to fall asleep

Tonight is a must, I have to accompany you to sleep

The Emperor will summon you

once Your Majesty is fascinated by your talents

You are shy now, but once you’ve entered the palace

and earned the favour of the Emperor

you will thank me for all the teachings

All right... thank you, mother

Don't say anything, you hurry off

Go, you are making me embarrassed!

Hurry... hurry up and eat

Duck?

Already arranged an insider to save you

Come in

Miss Yi, the Osmanthus Cider you requested

Miss Yi Huan said she plans to foil their plan

Once she’s entered the palace

she will report Oboi’s every movement to Long San

to create a rift between Oboi and Kang Xi Emperor

Yi Huan says that she is against us overthrowing the Ming Dynasty

but once there is an opportunity, she will help us at all cost

Miss Yi Huan also said that Oboi doesn’t really trust her

He is looking for her lost brother all over the capital

To avoid Oboi from getting suspicious

we’ve got to ask our alliance to prepare

to act out a sibling reunion scene

I understand

Leader, all of the drugstores on this street have been searched

The person we are looking for isn't there

- Go that way - Okay

We are not successful here either

- Follow me - Okay

Shopkeeper

What is the matter, sirs?

There is someone by the name Li Jian Qing here

a young physician?

There is, but he is seeing a patient

Sir!

Are you Li Jian Qing?

Yes

Done

What is the matter? Are you here for a consultation, sir?

From Shu Province?

Yes

What are you doing, sir?

This is great, Mister Li, we have finally found you

Please follow me

Your Excellency The Premier

Yi Huan, this silly girl, is really clever

No matter what role she is given

or asked to remember these ingredients

she can remember them with ease

Also, all those important secret skills

I have passed it to her last night

Impressive as expected

Yi Huan, three days left before you enter the palace

You have to be prepared

After you’ve entered the palace

I cannot arrange for people to look after you anymore

to avoid suspicion on you being a person ordered by me

Whether you are able to avoid the messy harem ruse

catch the attention of the Emperor and his favour

all this will depend on you alone

Godfather, don’t worry

I will not let you down

Good. Today, I want to give you another present

I am sure you will be very happy

What present?

Take a look at who is here

Brother!

Are you my sister?

- Brother! - Sister!

Brother!

Sorry, it is all my fault

I won't do that again

I will listen to you

Sister, I didn’t expect to see you here

I thought something happened to you

I’ve been looking for you all these years

I was so anxious when I can’t find you

I understand. I won’t do it ever again

Sister

Brother

It is okay, let’s not talk about the past

Hurry... let me introduce

This is godfather, quickly kneel before him

Your Excellency The Premier, I'm villager Li Jian Qing

Firstly, thank you for saving my sister, Huan

Secondly, thank you for uniting us, brother and sister

No need for the formalities, stand up

Thank you, sir

Have a seat

Godfather wants you to sit

Master, we have news of Mister Li

What is it, is he safe?

He is safe, but in the hands of Oboi.

Oboi?

Based on my observation

have you been feeling restless recently?

No matter what food you take, it is not appetising

and difficult to digest. Is that right?

How did you know?

A physician’s observation can discover a variety of illnesses

Looking at your complexion

it seems like you are worrying excessively

This will affect your digestion and your energy

Naturally, you will lose your appetite

Is there a cure?

This is simple

Later, I will take your pulse

Concoct a few medicine,a and it will get better

Previously I’ve heard from Yi Huan that her brother

followed a master to learn medicine from young

and learnt the art of healing

Although you cannot resurrect the dead

but you have saved countless lives

Today has proven that what she said is true

I am getting older and my health is deteriorating

Are you willing to stay at the residence to take care of me?

This old crook still doesn’t trust me

He wants to take Brother Zhu as a hostage

I've been a travelling physician for many years

although I’ve learned a lot from it

but travelling is very exhausting

That is why I want to settle down at the capital and slowly plan my future

But the earnings at the clinic is not much

if I can seek refuge under your wing

I am very grateful

This is a special pill made by my subordinate

If you want to seek refuge under my wing

then, like your sister

are you willing to take one?

Every month, I will give both of you

this pill

Based on your expertise

surely you know the effects of this pill

If you are not willing to take this pill

how can I trust you and train you?

I only ask for the safety of my one and only sister

and plan a good future for myself

So, I will definitely be faithful to you

I will follow you obediently

Godfather, I still have a request

hopefully you can agree to it

Do tell me. If it is possible, I will fulfil it

Is it also possible to

get a position for my brother in the palace?

This way, we can take care of each other

Moreover, we don’t need to go through others

to pass messages to you regarding the matters of the palace

My brother can tell you directly

It is more convenient and safer, don’t you think?

This is a good suggestion

There is a fantastic opportunity

The Imperial Medical Institution

has an old physician who is retiring at the end of the month

He is going back to his hometown

and they are still short of staff

Based on Mister Li’s medical talents

I can definitely leave a position for you at the institution

This way, both of you can communicate with each other

and it will be much more convenient

- Thank you, godfather - Thank you, sir

But there are a lot of restrictions in the palace

Once you both have entered the palace

do not let anyone know of your relationship

I understand

I understand

Not too long ago, the Emperor was not feeling well

His Majesty got tired easily and was in a daze

but all of a sudden it got better

Mister Li, after you’ve entered the Imperial Medical Institution

take note of this for me

Look out for which physician that is so skilled

who managed to heal the Emperor of such an illness with ease

Old crook

You want to find out who knew you poisoned the Emperor, don’t you?

I understand

I will take extra notice

if there is any news, I will report back immediately

Oboi forced Li Yi Huan to eat the pill

sending her into the palace

to become a spy

- Pill? - Yes, Li Jian Qing said

this pill is Oboi’s special poison

He said, after taking this poison

you have to continue taking it every month

Or else, you will die tragically

Then if Yi Huan has eaten this pill

doesn’t that mean she has to serve Oboi for life?

Yes, Master

It seems to be the only way

Li Jian Qing also said

he hopes Master Long San can quietly tell the Emperor

about Oboi coercing Li Yi Huan into submission

This way, the palace will know how to react

He also said that they will not work for the enemy

and do anything harmful to the Emperor

Master, please calm down

This Oboi is getting bolder

Go and tell Li Jian Qing

that I will inform the Emperor as soon as possible

and take extra care of Yi Huan in the palace

- All right - Also...

the Emperor will look for Oboi soon

and look for an antidote for Yi Huan. Fret not

All right

Is the Emperor’s headaches better now?

It is much better

A few days ago, Oboi came to accompany me to enjoy the scenery

At the same time, I point out a few things to him

He is a smart man

he should understand what I meant

and tone down a bit

His Majesty is still young

he relies completely on his grandmother

Are the girls that are chosen to enter the palace here yet?

The last group will enter in another three days

Are there any that the Emperor has his eyes on?

I have urged His Majesty

but His Majesty is too busy with political affairs

His Majesty doesn’t have the time to select the girls

This Emperor, is so different from his grandfather and father

He is not blinded by lust

Is this supposed to be good or not?

The good part is that he will be busy with politics

Good governance

The bad part is that he still doesn’t have an heir

I am still looking forward in having a great grandchild

I and the sisters will serve His Majesty with great care

and fulfil your wish as soon as possible

Stop!

When you are walking

you cannot lift your arms too high

and not too low, you need to put it at an appropriate spot

These are the rules, do you understand?

Understood

Please continue

Hold on

Court Lady Liu, we have been practising for two hours

it is way past our meal time

We are tired and thirsty

can you let us have some food first?

No. You haven't finished your practice, have you?

Once I feel it is up to standard, only then you can rest

Continue walking

Stop

Yi Huan, who allowed you to sit down?

Court Lady Liu

my feet are blistered, I can’t walk anymore

Then you must ask permission from me

How can you just rest like that?

As I've mentioned earlier, this is against the rules of the palace

Is this also considered as going against the rules?

Of course. In this palace

as long as you do something that is not allowed in the palace

say something that is not allowed, it is all going against the rules

Out of all the girls from last year

one of them fed the Grand Empress Dowager’s banded shark on her own

In the end, the fish died from overeating

Do you know what happened to the maiden?

What happened?

She was starved to death

Starved to death?

Such a cruel punishment

I...

Court Lady Liu, then I ask for your permission now

can I rest for a while?

No, you can't

Stand up and continue

It hurts so much

Court Lady Liu

- What is the matter? - I...

my head is itchy, can I scratch it?

Yes

Court Lady Liu

Yes?

I... I want...

Sorry, sorry

You are a reasonable person, right?

You will allow me to sneeze, right?

Or else it will get blocked later

Why do you talk so much nonsense? Walk quickly

Court Lady

What is the matter now?

In this short time, you’ve raised your hand three times

Didn’t you say it before?

If I have something to say, I have to raise my hand first?

What is the matter? Say it out

I... I want to.... fart

You silly girl, I understand now

All you want to do is to bicker with me, isn’t it?

No... I have no intention to bicker with you

I just can't keep it in

Stop bickering

Do you think I can’t see through your little games?

Someone, take her away. Spank her 20 times

- Yes - Hold on!

Court Lady Liu, surely you know who is Chief of Personnel, Sir Ding?

Of course I know

Then surely you know who his godson is?

Your Excellency The Premier...

Your...

A few words to the wise should suffice, right?

Some things needn’t be said too clearly, right?

Forget it

Because of the blisters on your feet

I shall allow you to rest for a while first

Thank you, Court Lady Liu

Continue practising

This is our Chief of Imperial Medical Institution

Chief

Are you the newcomer, Physician Li?

I am Li Jian Qing

I’ll need your guidance in the future

Being able to come work here as a physician at such a young age

I am sure that there is someone supporting you?

All these have different ages. These are 10 years old

These are 20 years, 30 years, 100 years

The workers were drying out the fungi

when suddenly it started to rain

In their haste to collect them

they mixed up all of the fungi

I’m not sure if you are able to separate it by its age

within three days

for an easy medicinal dispensary?

I think three days is not suitable

Then, how long do you need?

The time taken to burn an incense

One incense...

This is too exaggerated

She is sitting on her own, eating and drinking

but letting us suffer in hunger and fatigue

Be careful!

Are you okay?

- Stand up - I’m okay

What is wrong with the three of you?

You are not practising properly, but playing a fool?

Kneel here for two hours

Court Lady Liu, we didn’t do it on purpose

I stepped on something and slipped

Court Lady, there... there is a broad bean here, look

Sister Yu Lan accidentally stepped on it, that’s why we fell

Why is there a broad bean here?

What is wrong with you?

Speak

I... choked

Why would you choke all of a sudden?

Just now... I didn’t swallow my saliva properly

and choked all of a sudden

Didn’t swallow your saliva properly?

The air is filled with the smell of broad bean from your mouth

and you are still trying to deceive me?

- Give me your hand - I don’t have anything

- Give me your hand - I really don't have anything