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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 13

[Jianzhang Palace]

I'll definitely take you to the front hall of Beauty Palace some day.

It is even taller than here.

I'll show you the view of the entire Jian-An City.

But that is where all the imperial officials greet you.

I can't go there.

If I said that you can go, then you can.

Qin Xiang... is this just an act?

You have to be sure.

Are you fighting this battle with caution

or are you slowly falling for him?

Is hatred really that important?

You should stop when you can.

Who is it?

Wu Ji greets Your Majesty and Your Highness.

The weather is lovely today so I thought it would be a great day to look at stars.

We happened to think alike, and I ended up disturbing Your Majesty.

But I discovered that Your Majesty is here without any guards.

So I believe that Your Majesty sneaked in here as well?

Well done, Wei Wu Ji.

I haven't even questioned you and you're already questioning me?

All right, you may both get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Since you're here to look at stars and admire the scenery

you should lift your chin up and be at ease.

You may look at whatever you wish.

I heard that you come from the desert.

You should be quite forthright.

Yes.

Your Majesty, we've already admired the scenery

and it is late. I feel a bit tired.

We'll leave this spot to you.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I'll let you off today.

Make sure that you give me an explanation in a few days' time.

Of course, Your Majesty.

We're going to admire the flowers at Taiyue Pond a few days later.

I'd like to summon Xin Yue to come along and keep me company.

Xin Yue, did you hear her?

Of course, Your Highness.

All right, enough with the pretense.

You were like that the moment you saw His Majesty.

You're even more obedient than a rabbit that stands before a tiger.

Tell me how I should behave before His Majesty then?

Should I talk to him without any reservations?

That's not necessary. This is better.

All the women in the harem are gentle and obedient.

His Majesty is already tired of them.

Madame Xiang may be gentle

but she has an underlying sense of unbridled passion.

That is even more attractive to His Majesty.

What do you think about what you just saw?

This is the first time that I saw His Majesty sitting quietly

with a woman without laying his hands on her.

This is also the first time that I saw His Majesty being so intimate with a concubine.

Seeing them like that was indeed shocking. But it is nothing really.

Go on.

His Majesty is a man, and a man needs someone to see him as an equal.

I don't mean that Empress Wan isn't good enough

but she is too gentle and subtle.

Years ago, His Majesty was oppressed by Empress Dowager Bi

and his throne was at risk.

The previous empress was willful and difficult.

No one could understand His Majesty's hardships.

Back then, he needed a woman like Empress Wan who was gentle

and always looked up to him.

But it is different now.

What His Majesty needs now is a woman who could laugh with him

and even throw a tantrum at him at times.

You're taking His Majesty's side.

No wonder His Majesty favors you so much.

Don't say that.

Which emperor is ever faithful?

My aunt is well aware of that.

That is why it isn't such a big deal.

There is Madame Xiang now.

But there could be some Madame Wang, Madame Zhao or Madame Chen one day.

Are we here to discuss about His Majesty or are we here to look at stars?

Look at stars.

The weather is really lovely today. There truly are stars around. Come over here.

He is right.

If it isn't Qin Xiang, it could very well be someone else in favor.

However, should Qin Xiang give birth to a prince

she is sure to try every means to ensure that her child will sit the throne.

Then her war with the Wans would be inevitable.

How is she?

Congratulations, Your Majesty.

An imperial child?

Your Majesty, Her Highness is carrying your imperial child.

Your Majesty.

- I haven't greeted Your Majesty yet. - You don't have to do all that anymore.

The baby comes first, understand?

I understand.

What rewards would you like?

Your Majesty has already bestowed on me the best gift.

What could be better than him?

You will have to endure some hardships from now on.

Has Your Majesty thought of a name for our son?

The child isn't even born yet.

You're thinking way ahead of time.

- I know that it will be a son. - Why?

I just know that it is going to be a son.

It seems that you prefer sons more than I do.

Don't forget that you are also someone's daughter.

I'm thinking that if he is a prince

he would definitely share your burdens.

I am always your priority.

I actually have a selfish reason for wanting a son.

If this son could share your burdens

then you would have more time to keep me company.

I promise to visit you every day.

Really?

But I'm worried about holding you up in handling national affairs.

My dear, you think too much.

I'm willing to be a bit more tired just for your sake.

I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness.

I will give a clever and obedient child for Your Majesty.

Mister Qin, I've brought you some snacks.

Try some.

I saw my sister in the palace yesterday.

She picked out some women's jewelry and asked me to hand them over to you.

Madame Xiang's gifts are too valuable.

I'm afraid that...

She is Madame Xiang, but she is also my younger sister.

Since this is a token from my sister

please accept them.

Mister Qin, I'll head back to my room then.

The food container.

Did you see them?

Did you see how in love they are with each other?

Should we go with the flow

and allow them to get married soon?

I've already returned her indenture.

Ding Ling is a good and grateful young lady.

She will never leave Fair Maiden's House

until you speak to her about it.

You should know that better than I do.

I'd like to help the lovebirds as well.

But this isn't the right time yet.

How is this not the right time?

There are plenty of other outstanding ladies in the house.

Ding Ling's absence wouldn't affect our business.

This isn't about our business.

It's just like those Lovers' Vine.

I hope that its flowers would bloom and the fruits would grow soon.

But I can only sit and wait.

I can only wait for its flowering season and the right time to come.

What are you talking about? I'm talking about Ding Ling.

I am also talking about Ding Ling.

You're talking about Lovers' Vine.

I am talking about Ding Ling.

Lovers' Vine.

I am the House Mistress.

I am talking about Ding Ling.

Here, let us all take a seat.

My dear, you've walked such a long distance with me.

Are you tired?

I'm not tired.

Your Majesty, we've only made a few rounds

and you've already asked Madame Xiang twice!

A few days ago, the imperial physician came to report to me

that you are frail and easily out of breath.

You'd need to nurse your health more.

Since you're unwell, don't bother to come over to greet me every day.

Thank you, Your Highness.

The imperial family pays great attention to pregnant women.

Although there are many regulations

you'll get used to them soon.

I had a hard time getting used to them in the beginning.

It is especially so with the chanting of sutras at night.

The chanting always make me so sleepy.

But then I got used to it.

I now find it hard to fall asleep if I don't listen to it.

Back then, the Empress had to listen to the chanting of sutras before bedtime.

Yes. In the beginning it was really hard.

But now that I see how obedient and generous Di Er is

I realized that those chanting of sutras really did help a lot.

Di Er has always been quiet and obedient since he was little.

But I hope that you will give birth to a competitive son for me.

I'll hand him over to Wu Ji for training.

He must expand my territories for me in the future.

I'll focus on delivering our child safely.

I haven't thought much about the rest.

When Your Majesty had Di Er

you were thirty years old then.

But now, there are still very few offspring.

The Empress and Madame Xiang would have

to work harder to give Di Er more siblings.

Wu Ji.

- Greetings to Your Majesty... - Greetings to Your Majesty...

- and Your Highnesses. - and Your Highnesses.

Don't stand on ceremony. Get up now.

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

Wu Ji, I just mentioned you.

I heard that my concubine invited Xin Yue over to admire the lotus.

Why have you come along as well?

If Your Majesty would like to know about their relationship

you could ask me instead.

Why don't you tell me about it?

The story is very amusing.

Your Majesty, I haven't seen Xin Yue for quite some time.

Will you allow Xin Yue to take a stroll with me to the Lakeside Pavilion?

All right, go ahead.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Have you seen all these ladies here in the harem?

They are all as beautiful as flowers.

I wonder how much effort they've made in order to see His Majesty.

It's fine as long as Your Highness is the most beautiful flower of all.

Everyone else is just wasting their efforts.

I have to take great caution because of the position I am in now

in order to prevent future incidents.

Is Your Highness still worried about my relationship with Wei Wu Ji?

It was merely accidental that we ran into you that night.

There is nothing between us.

You may not have feelings for him

but he definitely feels for you.

Shouldn't you know his temper by now?

Your Highness, I am at least considered to be his savior.

He has to treat me with politeness.

Besides, who am I to control how he treats anyone?

Is Your Highness pregnant?

Congratulations, Your Highness.

It's too early to congratulate me.

I heard that you hired a tutor for my second brother?

You even got him a study mate.

You may not have Ding Ling's indenture

but she is grateful to you.

She would never leave Fair Maiden's House

until you ask her to do so.

As for my eldest brother, he would just keep on waiting.

And there's the Senior Princess

and...

It seems that everyone is your pawn.

Xin Yue, what is it that you want?

What I really want is simple.

I just want to be with the Ninth Lord.

If he is willing to leave Jian-An

I would leave everything behind anytime.

But it doesn't seem that he would.

Therefore, I can only choose to stay.

I have to do my best to become a tree

and shelter him from the wind and rain.

I heard that you and Ms. Hong even opened up a social house

that only received female family members of imperial court officials and nobles.

In the eyes of others, you are only managing Fair Maiden's House.

But I know what you have on your mind.

Women can never keep secrets.

As long as you make an effort

you would have information of all those court officials.

You still managed to see through it.

That is because you are Xin Yue.

When it comes to you I have to pay more attention.

You have also secretly purchased many whore houses.

When men are caught up in sex, they are willing to part with any information.

Tell me what it is you want.

I can promise you that no matter what I plan to do

my goals will not conflict with that of yours.

I've always believed in that.

But when Wei Wu Ji appeared

I'm no longer sure.

You have calculated all the factors

except for Wei Wu Ji.

Be it his status or his influence on His Majesty

he is your most useful pawn.

It's true that I can't give you a convincing explanation.

Perhaps, this pawn is too precious to me.

I refuse to use it lightly.

Do you remember how I went to ask your brother for help

before you entered the harem?

You were the one who taught me how to play 'Song of the Yue Lady.'

I learned that tune for the Boat Lord of Shi's Shipping.

He is the one on my mind.

Xin Yue, will you swear an oath?

I'm sorry, but I will not swear an oath to you.

I have always opposed to your plans for revenge.

I won't take the initiative to hurt you

but what if you intend to harm me?

This isn't the oath that I want you to make.

I want you to promise never to reveal my secret.

That you won't use this to blackmail me in the future.

Should the day come when we become enemies

my secret would be your sharpest weapon.

Isn't that so?

I never expected you to force me in such a manner.

I shouldn't have believed in you so easily.

I swear on my own life that I will never reveal your secret.

No, that isn't what matters most to you.

I want you to swear on the life of the one you love.

Qin Xiang... Madame Xiang.

The palace changes a person so rapidly.

I don't think I know you anymore.

All right, as you wish.

I swear on the Ninth Lord's life

- never to reveal your... - No.

Swear on the life of the one you love.

What difference does it make?

I swear on the life of the one I love

never to reveal your secret.

Good. Now, the gods have heard you.

Let's go and take a stroll.

Xin Yue, don't blame me.

You have no idea how much I have suffered to get to this stage.

The harem is in the control of Empress Wan.

General Wan Qian has her back.

And now there is Wei Wu Ji as well.

I may be in favor now

but how long can it last?

Li Ji greets Your Highness. May you be blessed.

You're too polite, General Li.

Greetings to General Li.

It is Madam Yue.

I visited Fair Maiden's House some time ago.

But you happened to be away.

Yes, you both do know each other.

I wouldn't say that I know her.

I once asked the House Mistress of Fair Maiden's House for a treasure.

Unfortunately, I was deceived.

Madam Yue is skilled in deception.

Back then, the House Mistress had her own concerns.

She did not mean to deceive you.

For my sake, let bygones be bygones.

Forgive and forget.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I will obey Your Highness.

But I would still like to hear what Madam Yue has to say.

Xin Yue, you have to deal well with Master Li's misunderstanding.

You must not leave it like this.

[Xiang]

Your Highness.

Xiao Yue is here as well?

Li Ji, what are you looking at?

Don't tell me that you are admiring flowers.

His Majesty arrives.

Why is everyone standing here?

- Greeting to Your Majesty, Princess. - You may all rise.

- Thank you, Your Majesty. - What are you all talking about?

What is it about? I'm curious as well.

Xin Yue just told us an interesting story.

I heard this story from General Li.

Why don't General Li tell the story to Your Majesty and Your Highness?

Excuse my storytelling.

The house of a bookworm's neighbor was on fire.

The neighbor's wife begged him to look for her husband, who was playing chess.

After the bookworm found the neighbor

he stood and watched them play.

Half a day went by and a game of chess was over.

That was when the neighbor saw the bookworm.

He immediately asked 'What is the matter?'

'I have an important matter to inform you.'

'Your house was on fire.'

His neighbor was shocked and furious.

'Why didn't you say so sooner?'

'Have you not heard of the old saying?'

'Onlookers should not comment on a game.'

This story is interesting.

Do such people truly exist?

Your Highness, those who would disregard the lives of others

for their own interests surely do exist.

I didn't tell the story well.

Miss Xin Yue told it all so vividly.

Your Majesty, I am a bit tired.

I'd like to rest back in the palace.

All right, let's head back to the palace.

Why haven't you visited your uncle these days?

I've been busy with training soldiers.

I'll be sure to visit Uncle and you in a few days when I have the time.

I don't blame you.

National affairs come first.

Your sleeve!

If His Majesty spots this, not only you, but Madame Xiang may be killed.

The weather changes so quickly.

It's raining.

Yes, it's just like your mood.

You're heading home? I'll take you.

It's all right. I have to go somewhere else first.

Where are you going?

Don't get mad at me.

I'm going to General Li's manor.

You're going to General Li's manor?

I'm not well-acquainted with Li Ji.

Apart from having seen him when you took me to the palace guards' camp

and the recent mess he made at Fair Maiden's House

we rarely seen each other.

You're already behaving like this when you rarely see each other?

There's a reason behind this.

Li Ji is but a tiny seed to me.

When my eyesight is poor, I couldn't even find it.

What about me?

You? You are a bit bigger than him.

You're like a silly melon. Satisfied?

What about Mo Xun?

Didn't you say that you're taking me to General Li's manor?

Yes, I'll take you anywhere you wish.

As long as you're not going to Shi's Shipping.

I'm the one who is meeting General Li so why are you coming along?

Didn't you ask me to bring you here?

You can go in alone if you wish.

Get the servants at the door to notify him.

We'll see how long you have to wait.

You used me as your driver?

Great archery skills.

Judging by the fury in his eyes

he truly hates me.

Is this just a warning

or is he going to kill me?

I'll see if you still dare to visit Li Ji again.

Why not?

I have you, don't I?

I have offended you.

You walked in right before my arrow.

I was taken aback by your sudden appearance.

We once trained and fought in the military camps.

We trained in archery together and have always been on fairly good terms.

I don't wish to turn against you because of some misunderstanding.

Today, I will inform you seriously

that should you dare to treat her in this manner again

my archery skills are no worse than yours.

I lost my temper momentarily.

I believe that Madam Yue could empathize with me.

I'm just here to say a few words.

Have a seat in the side hall.

If there is any misunderstanding, it is better to clear it up.

I'll wait for you outside.

General Li, Madame Xiang did leave from my dance house.

All I did, I did to protect her.

I believe you should understand that after what happened today.

I know that you like her.

- But does she know about your feelings? - She doesn't.

She is already the Emperor's concubine.

I am no different from other officials in her eyes.

I don't wish for her to know either.

These feelings I have for her are just some wishful thinking of mine.

It is just as I had thought.

Qin Xiang pretended to know nothing about this matter

and shoved all the blame unto me.

I promise you that I would never tell Madame Xiang about this.

Of course.

Since you've kept this from her for such a long time

you wouldn't tell her about it now.

I met her before His Majesty did.

It's your fault that I couldn't get to her in time.

And this fault of yours had cost me my happiness of a lifetime.

This is entirely your fault!

Madam Yue, tell me!

Why did you deceive me?

Don't you think that I should pay you back for it?

Now that it has gotten to a stage where nothing could be done

I hope that you would not hurt Madame Xiang.

Do you know how much trouble that character 'Xiang' on your sleeve

could have stirred up?

The stitching of that character 'Xiang' is very unique.

Most people would not forget it once they have seen it.

I don't know if His Majesty has seen it yet

but whether he has seen it before or not

you shouldn't expose Madame Xiang to such a great danger.

I would never hurt her.

I was too careless.

I have already gotten rid of all my clothes with this character embroidered.

From now on, this character 'Xiang'

will only be engraved on my heart.

Thank you, General Li.

I will take my leave.

How did you offend Li Ji?

It was just some misunderstandings.

I've cleared things up now.

The palace is such a strange place.

People change so quickly once they get in there.

Slowly, they become frightening.

The palace is the core of all power and authority.

Once you get in there, even if you don't want to fight for anything

you would have to plan your every move all day long.

That's to avoid getting yourself killed for no reason.

I'm used to all these since I was little.

People in the palace doesn't always smile because they are truly happy.

They don't necessarily cry because they are truly upset.

As long as you don't try to fight for anything

and keep a distance away from them

you can just treat it as some show.

His Majesty really seems to treat Madame Xiang differently.

Congratulations to Sister.

You found such a unique lady.

If Madame Xiang is truly fortunate to give birth to a prince

I believe that she would be even more doted on.

His Majesty is a man.

It's normal for him to go after new excitements.

When Your Highness was carrying Di Er wasn't His Majesty just the same?

Many imperial officials are speculating the appointment of a Crown Prince.

I'm afraid that if Madame Xiang really gives birth to a prince

His Majesty will be overjoyed

and appoint her son as Crown Prince.

When you gave birth to Di Er

you broke the rumor of His Majesty's infertility.

Everyone in the palace and the imperial court could tell

how much His Majesty dotes on Di Er.

Di Er is His Majesty's first born when he was almost thirty years old.

How could Madame Xiang's child be of the same importance?

Your Highness do not have to be so worried.

I recommended Qin Xiang

so that you could have someone to correlate with.

In terms of her status and position she is but an ordinary woman.

She has two older brothers.

One is an imperial musician and the other is nothing but ignorant.

They both have to rely on their younger sister, Qin Xiang.

All in all, I am married into the Wan family.

Should anyone try to make the Wans falter

I wouldn't sit on the sidelines.

That includes Qin Xiang.

Why couldn't you come up with a diagnosis?

Your Majesty, Her Highness is down with cold syndromes and asthenia.

She has been taking concoctions since she entered the harem.

- But this time... - All right.

I know that she is frail.

I want to know why she is feeling especially unwell today.

Your Majesty, Her Highness gets nauseous from smell of food and throws food up.

She has white coating on her tongue as well, so this is just morning sickness.

All right... How could you relieve these symptoms?

This...

Your Majesty...

My dear?

Please don't be hard on them.

These are common symptoms of early pregnancy for most women.

For the sake of Your Majesty and our child

I can bear with it.

When the Empress was pregnant, she was never in such a state.

I never thought that you would feel so unwell.

I have been sickly since I was little.

Your Majesty, please rest assured that

I will give birth to a healthy child for Your Majesty.

I know that.

This is... This is my wish.

My beloved?

Master Eunuch?

By the verbal decree of His Majesty, Xin Yue is to be summoned immediately.

There must be no delay.

Miss Xin Yue, please come with me to the palace right away.

Master Eunuch, what has happened?

Madame Xiang has been ill for days.

She slipped into a coma tonight.

None of the imperial physicians could do a thing about it.

His Majesty thought of your friendship with Her Highness

so he would like you to visit her.

Your Majesty, Miss Xin Yue has arrived.

- Greetings... - Don't stand on ceremony.

My beloved concubine has already been in coma for three days.

Come and talk to her.

Let's see if you can get her to come out of her coma?

Yes.

Your Highness? Your Highness, this is Xin Yue.

Your Highness?

This is...

Your Majesty, could I say a few words of encouragement to Her Highness?

Go ahead.

- You are all to dismiss. - Yes.

Your Highness...

Qin Xiang, are you really going to stay in this coma forever?

Are you exhausted already?

Can't you get up again?

This is not like you. You are strong.

If you stay in this coma

you won't be able to make it

and neither will your child.

Could you bear to part with your unborn child?

You mustn't be so selfish.

Your unborn child is innocent.

Are you giving up just like this?

Think of Qin Yuan Qi.

Think of all those people who love you.

Qin Xiang!

Have you heard me?

For their sake, you have to be fine!

Nothing must happen to your child either!

Your Majesty, Her Highness is waking up.

My dear... My dear?

You're awake. You're finally awake.

Your Majesty...

Why are you here?

You've been in a coma for three days.

I should be here to stay by your side.

I'm here to keep you and our child company.

I cannot lose you.

Your Majesty...

I was afraid that I'd never see you again.

I am... right here by your side.

I will always be by your side.

Were you really ill

or did you make yourself ill?

Xin Yue, Master Li has been waiting inside for you all night.

Go and see?

You're back! Is she... Has she woken up?

She has.

How is she now? She...

The imperial physician said that as long as she is nursed to health well

she will fully recover in two months.

Thank you.

If her illness is just by coincidence

I can only say that the gods are truly on her side.

Her illness made His Majesty feel guilty

and Li Ji heartbroken.

Li Ji is Great General Li's only living son.

He holds a significant position in the army.

If Qin Xiang really gives birth to a prince

she could get her son to be Crown Prince with Li Ji's assistance.

But if she didn't really fall ill

this woman is truly too scheming.

Why would you still dare to get so close to Li Ji?

What's wrong? You're too busy in the palace to get some rest?

I'm so tired. Let me get some sleep first.

I'll bicker with you when I wake up.

You trust me this much?

Leave me alone.

I don't even trust myself.

What if I...

If I can't control myself, then perhaps...

Perhaps I may even take you by force.

Xin Yue, since you woke me up

to stay alive for my son

then you should assist me.

Help me manipulate Wei Wu Ji.

Help my son taking over the world.

Help me seek revenge so that my wronged father could rest in peace.

I woke you up because I didn't want you to die.

Qin Xiang, I will not help you with your revenge

I have sworn upon the life of my loved one

never to reveal your secret.

Your loved one?

But what if you disregard the life of your loved one

and insist on killing me?

I wouldn't do so.

Minds are hard to read. We never know what might happen in the future.

Li Ji!

Kill Xin Yue's loved one for me.

Don't!

Please don't hurt the Ninth Lord!

Wei Wu Ji!

What's the matter? Did you have a nightmare?

He already left.

I'm not looking for him.

You still say that you're not looking for him?

Didn't you just call out his name?

Why isn't it the Ninth Lord?

You must be exhausted.

You're talking nonsense.

Breakfast is ready.

Let's go and have some.

It must be that he was talking nonsense last night

so I had weird thoughts.

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