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These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:01,950 --> 00:00:10,000 Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki. 2 00:01:10,680 --> 00:01:17,070 Watching the person in the mirror's countenance pale and grow haggard, 3 00:01:17,070 --> 00:01:23,690 Examining love together with regret, both new and old. 4 00:01:23,690 --> 00:01:30,720 Keeping watch still by a lantern though it is daybreak, drenched with tears, 5 00:01:30,720 --> 00:01:39,580 Watching others meet as promised, as twilight falls. 6 00:01:41,450 --> 00:01:49,290 Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 50 7 00:02:24,620 --> 00:02:27,930 Imperial Stable's supervising director, along with the grounds supervisor, 8 00:02:27,930 --> 00:02:31,370 the stewards and the eunuchs were all interrogated. 9 00:02:31,370 --> 00:02:34,810 Other than all of them pleading innocent, we got nothing. 10 00:02:41,420 --> 00:02:44,950 The eunuch assigned to the care of the horse is to get eighty heavy strokes of flogging. 11 00:02:45,680 --> 00:02:51,160 The rest, one year forfeit of salaries, then release them. 12 00:02:51,160 --> 00:02:53,690 - Release them? - Correct. 13 00:02:55,680 --> 00:02:57,520 Release them. 14 00:03:23,180 --> 00:03:25,880 [ Zhongcui Palace ] 15 00:03:31,130 --> 00:03:34,000 Greetings to Your Majesty. 16 00:03:38,000 --> 00:03:40,130 Your Majesty, what brings your sudden visit today? 17 00:03:40,130 --> 00:03:43,030 You didn't tell me in advance. 18 00:03:45,800 --> 00:03:50,070 I see you are very joyous in appearance. 19 00:03:50,670 --> 00:03:55,000 Your Majesty gives the honor of a visit to Zhongcui Palace and naturally I am joyous. 20 00:03:56,300 --> 00:03:58,830 But Consort Ling is with a heavy injury. 21 00:03:59,750 --> 00:04:02,780 Yanxi Palace has the royal physicians in and out nonstop. 22 00:04:02,780 --> 00:04:05,760 I am very worried too. 23 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:07,680 If it hadn't been Your Majesty's strict order 24 00:04:07,680 --> 00:04:09,540 to disallow anyone from disturbing, 25 00:04:09,540 --> 00:04:13,180 I would have gone to visit Sister Ling long ago. 26 00:04:19,390 --> 00:04:25,350 Your Majesty. In my palace, we still have the reishi mushroom and deer antler granted by Your Majesty before. 27 00:04:25,350 --> 00:04:28,290 We will send them to Consort Ling later. 28 00:04:28,290 --> 00:04:31,860 They will aid greatly to her in treating her illness. 29 00:04:35,250 --> 00:04:36,850 Great. 30 00:04:37,540 --> 00:04:42,340 You are gentle and attentive, and easily comprehending of others. 31 00:04:42,340 --> 00:04:44,910 I have always valued you. 32 00:04:46,030 --> 00:04:50,490 But when a person is too smart, they tend to be stubborn. 33 00:04:50,490 --> 00:04:54,970 You must have heard the saying that cleverness may overreach itself. 34 00:04:57,450 --> 00:05:01,990 Your Majesty? I..? 35 00:05:04,030 --> 00:05:07,300 Someone had a hand in the horse that Consort Ling rode. 36 00:05:08,370 --> 00:05:12,640 I was thinking, the Empress is the mother of the nation. 37 00:05:12,640 --> 00:05:15,160 No matter how favored Consort Ling is, 38 00:05:15,160 --> 00:05:17,710 her position isn't threatened. 39 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:24,660 As for other consorts, they all don't seem to have that amount of daring. 40 00:05:25,260 --> 00:05:28,970 Then tell me, who would have done it? 41 00:05:30,470 --> 00:05:32,160 Your Majesty. 42 00:05:33,580 --> 00:05:35,700 It can't be that you suspect... 43 00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:45,710 Since the days at the old Prince Bao Manor, I have served Your Majesty. 44 00:05:45,710 --> 00:05:49,760 All day long, accompanied by zither, poetry and painting. 45 00:05:49,760 --> 00:05:54,700 Other than your slight pity, I have no other request. 46 00:05:55,290 --> 00:06:00,880 Even if Your Majesty suspects all the other people, you shouldn't suspect me. 47 00:06:12,850 --> 00:06:17,260 Before Consort Ling, you were the one most favored. 48 00:06:17,260 --> 00:06:21,400 After she entered the palace, the one who suffered the biggest setback, 49 00:06:21,400 --> 00:06:23,820 wasn't that you as well? 50 00:06:23,820 --> 00:06:29,120 Your Majesty. When I was favored before, 51 00:06:29,120 --> 00:06:31,470 I pitied my sisters' solitude. 52 00:06:31,470 --> 00:06:34,180 I often persuaded you to share the rain and dew, 53 00:06:34,180 --> 00:06:36,730 and the harem was able to sustain harmony. 54 00:06:36,730 --> 00:06:41,680 Now no matter how great Consort Ling is, she will never urge Your Majesty to go to others' palaces. 55 00:06:41,680 --> 00:06:44,590 She is overly tyrannical. 56 00:06:44,590 --> 00:06:46,940 I have urged her before, 57 00:06:46,940 --> 00:06:52,350 but she is just too stubborn and overly ostentatious. 58 00:06:52,350 --> 00:06:57,840 Hence, someone must have taken revenge on her out of jealousy. 59 00:07:02,280 --> 00:07:07,620 I can swear to Heaven. This matter has nothing to do with me. 60 00:07:23,080 --> 00:07:24,790 Listen clearly. 61 00:07:25,760 --> 00:07:30,260 The more you want, the more you have nothing in the end. 62 00:07:30,850 --> 00:07:36,120 Before you do anything, think for the Sixth Prince's sake. 63 00:07:45,170 --> 00:07:47,290 Mark my words. 64 00:07:47,950 --> 00:07:52,550 Your Majesty. I didn't. 65 00:07:53,770 --> 00:07:55,870 I really didn't. 66 00:07:55,870 --> 00:07:57,950 I hope so too, 67 00:07:57,950 --> 00:08:00,450 that this is not linked to you. 68 00:08:01,260 --> 00:08:03,570 Don't disappoint me. 69 00:08:06,850 --> 00:08:10,860 Your Majesty. Your Majesty. 70 00:08:26,100 --> 00:08:27,850 Your Highness. 71 00:08:31,350 --> 00:08:33,760 How do you carry out your work? 72 00:08:34,260 --> 00:08:37,070 Your Highness, I didn't imagine 73 00:08:37,070 --> 00:08:40,120 that His Majesty would risk danger to save her. 74 00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:41,770 But be assured, Your Highness. 75 00:08:41,770 --> 00:08:44,460 All the people who had a hand in it have had their mouths sealed with money. 76 00:08:44,460 --> 00:08:46,960 It won't implicate you. 77 00:08:48,310 --> 00:08:51,410 I didn't make a move that day. 78 00:08:51,410 --> 00:08:53,550 If the investigation continues, 79 00:08:53,550 --> 00:08:58,850 Consort Yu, be careful of your Fifth Prince. 80 00:09:09,290 --> 00:09:11,680 [ Yanxi Palace ] 81 00:09:30,730 --> 00:09:32,560 Your Highness Consort Yu! 82 00:09:34,650 --> 00:09:36,970 Greetings to Your Highness. 83 00:09:39,600 --> 00:09:41,510 How is Consort Ling? 84 00:09:41,510 --> 00:09:45,210 I am worried about her and wanted to come see her. 85 00:09:45,210 --> 00:09:50,420 But His Majesty cast the order to not allow the harem women to visit Consort Ling. 86 00:09:50,420 --> 00:09:54,360 Consort Yu, my mistress is awake. 87 00:09:54,360 --> 00:09:59,370 Since you're here, allow me to go announce you. 88 00:09:59,370 --> 00:10:01,770 If Consort Ling finds out I didn't try to retain you, 89 00:10:01,770 --> 00:10:05,590 she would say I am unruly. 90 00:10:05,590 --> 00:10:08,180 Consort Yu, this way please. 91 00:10:32,740 --> 00:10:34,820 Sister Ling. 92 00:10:37,430 --> 00:10:42,200 Your calling me "Sister", I don't dare to take it. 93 00:10:51,860 --> 00:10:53,730 Wei Yingluo. 94 00:10:54,760 --> 00:10:56,730 That's right there. 95 00:10:58,850 --> 00:11:01,470 Since you already turned on me, 96 00:11:02,570 --> 00:11:05,070 why do you pretend to be amiable? 97 00:11:06,670 --> 00:11:08,720 It's too pretentious. 98 00:11:09,700 --> 00:11:12,190 You saved me so many times. 99 00:11:13,930 --> 00:11:15,570 I didn't want to harm you either. 100 00:11:15,570 --> 00:11:20,660 But you still chose to stand by Noble Consort Chun... 101 00:11:20,660 --> 00:11:23,000 to attempt to eliminate me. 102 00:11:28,420 --> 00:11:30,050 Yingluo. 103 00:11:33,010 --> 00:11:36,150 Not everyone is as lucky as you, 104 00:11:36,150 --> 00:11:38,940 having the late Empress' shielding and His Majesty's pampering. 105 00:11:38,940 --> 00:11:40,890 I have nothing. 106 00:11:40,890 --> 00:11:45,030 If I want to set my feet down in the Forbidden City, I must rely on help from Noble Consort Chun. 107 00:11:45,030 --> 00:11:48,490 I don't have a second road to choose. 108 00:11:48,490 --> 00:11:51,810 It's all just survival. 109 00:11:51,810 --> 00:11:55,840 Don't you know that Noble Consort Chun 110 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:58,650 is the real murderer of the Seventh Prince? 111 00:11:58,650 --> 00:12:01,990 She is the mastermind that forced the late Empress to die. 112 00:12:10,690 --> 00:12:14,840 I don't know. And I don't want to know either. 113 00:12:14,840 --> 00:12:17,930 I am just a low rank. 114 00:12:17,930 --> 00:12:20,390 I must survive, 115 00:12:20,390 --> 00:12:23,490 so I can protect Yongqi, my son. 116 00:12:23,490 --> 00:12:27,400 I...I don't have the ability to ask about these matters or people. 117 00:12:27,400 --> 00:12:28,690 You! 118 00:12:28,690 --> 00:12:31,220 Yingluo, careful! 119 00:12:32,430 --> 00:12:34,240 You give a piece of meat to a dog, 120 00:12:34,240 --> 00:12:36,390 and the dog then knows to guard the house and garden. 121 00:12:36,390 --> 00:12:40,320 You received the late Empress' protection, over and over again. 122 00:12:40,320 --> 00:12:43,190 But you actually joined hands with Noble Consort Chun! 123 00:12:43,190 --> 00:12:47,320 Consort Yu, you are worse than a domestic animal! 124 00:12:49,730 --> 00:12:51,950 Domestic animal? 125 00:12:54,990 --> 00:12:57,950 In this dark palace, 126 00:13:00,930 --> 00:13:03,320 a woman who is not favored, 127 00:13:04,580 --> 00:13:07,460 she has to rely on others for air to breathe. 128 00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:13,750 In order to survive, 129 00:13:15,500 --> 00:13:20,680 I watched my best sisters die in front of me. 130 00:13:21,590 --> 00:13:24,020 In order to survive, 131 00:13:26,080 --> 00:13:29,950 I had to fawn, and bend and scrape to curry favor before Noble Consort Gao. 132 00:13:31,860 --> 00:13:34,540 Late Empress indeed rescued me before. 133 00:13:35,210 --> 00:13:40,230 But she was a pitiful woman who couldn't even protect herself. And you, Wei Yingluo! 134 00:13:40,230 --> 00:13:42,980 You gave me rice straws to save me. 135 00:13:44,540 --> 00:13:49,530 But when I wanted to live as a human, where did you all go? 136 00:13:49,530 --> 00:13:52,350 I fell into the abyss. 137 00:13:52,350 --> 00:13:55,040 At that time, only she... 138 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:59,750 only Noble Consort Chun extended her hand to me to pull me up! 139 00:14:07,120 --> 00:14:10,100 Did you tell His Majesty 140 00:14:11,020 --> 00:14:14,400 that it was Noble Consort Chun who caused you to fall off the horse? 141 00:14:15,240 --> 00:14:17,160 Let go of her. 142 00:14:22,040 --> 00:14:24,990 Don't look into the matter further. 143 00:14:26,810 --> 00:14:28,850 I beg of you. 144 00:14:30,010 --> 00:14:32,220 At this rate, 145 00:14:33,520 --> 00:14:35,500 Noble Consort Chun, 146 00:14:36,570 --> 00:14:39,450 she will surely push me out to take the blame. 147 00:14:41,730 --> 00:14:44,530 My death is nothing. 148 00:14:46,860 --> 00:14:48,940 But Yingluo, 149 00:14:50,010 --> 00:14:52,380 I have a child. 150 00:14:52,990 --> 00:14:59,300 Don't forget. That Yongqi you once rescued from Noble Consort Gao's hands. 151 00:15:00,390 --> 00:15:04,550 Can you bear to watch him lose his mother like this? 152 00:15:06,140 --> 00:15:08,010 You've gone crazy. 153 00:15:08,010 --> 00:15:10,720 You want Yingluo to forgive Noble Consort Chun? 154 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:15,140 Turn hostility into friendship. 155 00:15:18,360 --> 00:15:21,240 Don't pursue this matter anymore. 156 00:15:21,240 --> 00:15:24,470 Don't pursue the late Empress' death anymore. 157 00:15:24,470 --> 00:15:26,850 It's all in the past. 158 00:15:28,150 --> 00:15:31,350 Isn't it good for all to live in harmony? 159 00:15:34,810 --> 00:15:37,000 Don't pursue them? 160 00:15:37,000 --> 00:15:41,570 Now, you are deeply-pampered by His Majesty and all goes to your liking. 161 00:15:41,570 --> 00:15:44,080 Why do you still begrudge the past? 162 00:15:44,080 --> 00:15:47,560 If you can reconcile with Noble Consort Chun and bear a child or two, 163 00:15:47,560 --> 00:15:50,890 in the dark palace, no one can compare to you! 164 00:15:50,890 --> 00:15:55,340 I didn't do all this just for me. 165 00:15:55,340 --> 00:15:58,350 For Fifth Prince you saved. 166 00:15:58,350 --> 00:16:00,940 And for you. 167 00:16:02,260 --> 00:16:10,450 Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki. 168 00:16:14,130 --> 00:16:16,880 If I really quit. 169 00:16:18,090 --> 00:16:22,150 Noble Consort Chun won't kill anymore? 170 00:16:22,150 --> 00:16:23,770 She won't. 171 00:16:24,790 --> 00:16:27,010 I guarantee it to you. 172 00:16:28,250 --> 00:16:31,360 As long as you will quit now, 173 00:16:31,360 --> 00:16:33,780 I will do all to persuade Noble Consort Chun. 174 00:16:33,780 --> 00:16:35,460 You? 175 00:16:55,070 --> 00:16:57,070 Let me think about it. 176 00:16:57,070 --> 00:16:59,520 How can you forgive that woman? 177 00:16:59,520 --> 00:17:01,800 She betrayed Her Highness the Empress! 178 00:17:01,800 --> 00:17:06,460 I just made a round by the door of death. 179 00:17:07,030 --> 00:17:09,390 Do you intend for me to continue my exchange with my enemies? 180 00:17:14,320 --> 00:17:16,210 Yingluo. 181 00:17:18,220 --> 00:17:20,630 Don't worry. 182 00:17:22,810 --> 00:17:26,530 I will never let Noble Consort Chun harm you again. 183 00:17:30,790 --> 00:17:32,550 Consort Yu. 184 00:17:34,190 --> 00:17:36,470 You made this choice. 185 00:17:37,570 --> 00:17:39,790 You really won't regret it? 186 00:17:39,790 --> 00:17:41,750 For Yongqi's sake, 187 00:17:42,750 --> 00:17:44,620 for my son, 188 00:17:47,090 --> 00:17:50,760 even if everyone scorns me as a petty coward, 189 00:17:52,790 --> 00:17:57,000 even if I have to kneel and serve my enemy, I will not regret. 190 00:17:59,760 --> 00:18:01,570 Yingluo. 191 00:18:02,550 --> 00:18:06,990 One day, you will become a mother too. 192 00:18:06,990 --> 00:18:09,290 You will have a child too. 193 00:18:10,060 --> 00:18:15,720 When that day comes, you will surely understand how I feel today. 194 00:18:59,330 --> 00:19:02,190 Mother, look. 195 00:19:06,490 --> 00:19:09,910 Govern with merit. 196 00:19:09,910 --> 00:19:13,170 Yongqi's writing. It's improved so much. 197 00:19:13,170 --> 00:19:17,760 My teacher said to put heart into the stroke. When the heart is upright, the strokes are upright. 198 00:19:17,760 --> 00:19:21,160 No matter if it's calligraphy or if it's being human. It's the same. 199 00:19:21,160 --> 00:19:23,860 Only with upright mindset and proper attitude 200 00:19:23,860 --> 00:19:26,920 can you write well and be a good person. 201 00:19:28,020 --> 00:19:29,610 Yongqi is so right. 202 00:19:29,610 --> 00:19:30,960 Come. 203 00:19:32,030 --> 00:19:34,590 Yongqi, you have a great teacher. 204 00:19:34,590 --> 00:19:39,230 From now on, you must listen to your teacher. Alright? 205 00:19:46,830 --> 00:19:50,650 Yongqi, your braid is messy. 206 00:19:50,650 --> 00:19:52,630 I'll comb it for you in a bit. Alright? 207 00:19:52,630 --> 00:19:54,360 Yes. 208 00:20:01,980 --> 00:20:05,870 Mother, why are you crying? 209 00:20:08,030 --> 00:20:12,320 Yongqi. Mother is happy. 210 00:20:12,320 --> 00:20:17,700 Without my awareness, my Yongqi is already so grown up. 211 00:20:17,700 --> 00:20:20,640 Why do you cry if you're happy? 212 00:20:26,130 --> 00:20:30,190 Yongqi. Mother will bring you to meet someone. 213 00:20:31,300 --> 00:20:36,360 You must remember. You must court her happiness. 214 00:20:36,360 --> 00:20:38,430 Why? 215 00:20:41,150 --> 00:20:43,960 Because only by having her love you 216 00:20:44,750 --> 00:20:48,030 can you be safe forever. 217 00:21:01,080 --> 00:21:04,370 Your Highness, this knee guard..? 218 00:21:05,360 --> 00:21:08,530 My father's getting old, and his arthritis is getting worse. 219 00:21:08,530 --> 00:21:13,110 The ones Mother made for him before are getting so old. 220 00:21:14,440 --> 00:21:18,560 Your Highness, you're missing Old Madam again. 221 00:21:20,630 --> 00:21:24,490 When I was little, my mother was especially strict with me. 222 00:21:24,490 --> 00:21:28,430 Stand, walk, sit and lie down. All had to be proper. 223 00:21:28,430 --> 00:21:30,940 She wouldn't allow half a mistake. 224 00:21:31,960 --> 00:21:34,820 Only my father pampered me the most. 225 00:21:35,860 --> 00:21:37,860 He would always shield me. 226 00:21:44,510 --> 00:21:48,100 Your Highness the Empress, Lord Naerbu is waiting by Qianqing Gate, 227 00:21:48,100 --> 00:21:50,260 seeking your attendance. 228 00:21:50,260 --> 00:21:52,510 Isn't he in East Zhejiang with disaster relief? 229 00:21:52,510 --> 00:21:54,520 Why is he back suddenly? 230 00:21:54,520 --> 00:21:57,930 Lord Naerbu said the disaster matter is already handled. 231 00:21:57,930 --> 00:22:02,330 It's soon the Old Madam's memorial, so he rushed back. 232 00:22:02,330 --> 00:22:04,370 The palace gate is about to be locked. 233 00:22:04,370 --> 00:22:07,130 How can we meet now? 234 00:22:07,130 --> 00:22:10,200 Go tell him we will meet another day. 235 00:22:10,200 --> 00:22:15,150 Your Highness, the Old Master labored to get back. 236 00:22:16,660 --> 00:22:19,140 I am the Empress. I must be strict with palace rules, 237 00:22:19,140 --> 00:22:21,870 or I will be the subject of talk. 238 00:22:21,870 --> 00:22:23,360 Go. 239 00:22:29,100 --> 00:22:31,060 Next time when Father comes, 240 00:22:31,060 --> 00:22:33,250 this knee guard will be ready. 241 00:22:33,250 --> 00:22:36,160 At the time, I will give it to him personally. 242 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:43,210 Heaven's will. 243 00:22:43,210 --> 00:22:46,700 Old Master. What's wrong with you? 244 00:23:13,500 --> 00:23:19,160 This old subject wanted to meet Her Highness one last time... 245 00:23:21,270 --> 00:23:23,760 but regrettably I can't. 246 00:23:25,120 --> 00:23:27,730 I must only wish upon 247 00:23:27,730 --> 00:23:31,090 Her Highness peace and smooth sailing, 248 00:23:32,330 --> 00:23:35,120 a life of longevity. 249 00:23:49,800 --> 00:23:50,990 Give it to me. 250 00:23:50,990 --> 00:23:53,990 Prince He, what are you doing? 251 00:23:55,800 --> 00:23:59,380 I told you to hand over Lord Naerbu's report. 252 00:23:59,380 --> 00:24:02,460 This is for His Majesty. 253 00:24:02,460 --> 00:24:06,360 It's just a false accusation. Don't you forget, 254 00:24:06,360 --> 00:24:10,420 the mastermind that falsely accused Master Sun has been beheaded. 255 00:24:11,050 --> 00:24:12,570 Move aside. 256 00:24:13,650 --> 00:24:16,150 Hailancha. Come in. 257 00:24:16,150 --> 00:24:17,570 Yes. 258 00:24:30,040 --> 00:24:34,040 That Naerbu! Money is not to be coveted? 259 00:24:34,040 --> 00:24:36,720 He's scheming after the relief aid? 260 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:40,310 Royal Brother. Lord Naerbu has always been cautious and conscientious. 261 00:24:40,310 --> 00:24:42,080 Honest and incorruptible. 262 00:24:42,080 --> 00:24:44,300 This matter must be a false accusation. 263 00:24:44,300 --> 00:24:48,200 May you allow me time to investigate thoroughly. 264 00:24:48,200 --> 00:24:49,890 False accusation? 265 00:24:50,470 --> 00:24:54,140 The porridge he presents daily is almost like clear water. 266 00:24:54,140 --> 00:24:59,720 Causing the victims of the disasters to rebel, one hundred eighty-five dead and over five hundred injured! Is that a false accusation? 267 00:25:04,300 --> 00:25:09,090 Imprison Naerbu immediately for interrogation by the Office of Careful Punishment! 268 00:25:09,090 --> 00:25:10,520 Yes. 269 00:25:10,520 --> 00:25:14,970 Your Highness! Your Highness. Old Master is in the prison. 270 00:25:22,330 --> 00:25:25,240 Your Highness the Empress, His Majesty already said he will see no one. 271 00:25:25,240 --> 00:25:28,050 I really have an urgent matter that I must see His Majesty for. 272 00:25:28,050 --> 00:25:31,110 Your Highness, you really can't go in. 273 00:25:32,590 --> 00:25:34,660 Your Highness. Oh my. This..! 274 00:25:34,660 --> 00:25:37,260 You can't. Can't. 275 00:25:39,390 --> 00:25:41,330 Your Majesty. 276 00:25:52,300 --> 00:25:55,650 Empress. You have lost your composure. 277 00:25:55,650 --> 00:25:58,970 Your Majesty, my father is innocent! 278 00:26:05,900 --> 00:26:08,510 Victims of disaster smashed the relief center. 279 00:26:09,050 --> 00:26:14,160 He and other relief officials did nothing. 280 00:26:14,160 --> 00:26:18,770 The situation is out of control, and many died or have been injured. 281 00:26:20,040 --> 00:26:22,660 The officers I dispatched to investigate 282 00:26:22,660 --> 00:26:26,850 discovered that in the granary, the newly-appropriated grains 283 00:26:26,850 --> 00:26:29,540 were less than one-third of what was sent. 284 00:26:29,540 --> 00:26:34,860 Tell me. Who framed your father? 285 00:26:34,860 --> 00:26:40,020 Was it the disaster victims, was it the Imperial censor, or was it me? 286 00:26:40,020 --> 00:26:43,180 Your Majesty. These last twenty years, 287 00:26:43,180 --> 00:26:45,360 my father never sought a barrack. 288 00:26:45,360 --> 00:26:47,930 He never asked for promotion or wealth. 289 00:26:47,930 --> 00:26:53,450 Whatever His Majesty says and whatever the people need is how my father has conducted himself. 290 00:26:53,450 --> 00:26:58,160 Three years ago, Zhili rivers breached (their levees). He was only passing through 291 00:26:58,160 --> 00:27:00,910 but he stayed to help the locals. 292 00:27:00,910 --> 00:27:05,910 Thirty days and nights, his boots were worn out. 293 00:27:05,910 --> 00:27:08,510 His hair went grey. 294 00:27:08,510 --> 00:27:13,390 At the most dangerous time, he and the three hundred officers and people went to the river breach together 295 00:27:13,390 --> 00:27:16,330 to stop the breaching with sand-bags. 296 00:27:16,330 --> 00:27:18,120 For what? 297 00:27:18,120 --> 00:27:20,590 He has made no mistakes all his life. 298 00:27:20,590 --> 00:27:24,980 The only mistake was that he bribed Prince Yi for his own son. 299 00:27:25,910 --> 00:27:28,060 That is his biggest black mark in his life. 300 00:27:28,060 --> 00:27:30,520 He owes Your Majesty and he owes Great Qing, 301 00:27:30,520 --> 00:27:33,280 and so he has repented himself. 302 00:27:34,710 --> 00:27:37,910 Your Majesty. A man like him. 303 00:27:37,910 --> 00:27:41,940 Would he covet the people's relief grain? 304 00:27:44,690 --> 00:27:49,220 - Empress. - A few days ago, my father came to find me. 305 00:27:49,220 --> 00:27:53,360 He knew he would fall before this disaster today. 306 00:27:53,360 --> 00:27:58,770 So he came to bid me farewell especially. But I was not filial. 307 00:27:58,770 --> 00:28:01,310 I didn't see him. 308 00:28:01,310 --> 00:28:06,550 I beg of you, Your Majesty. Pursue it to the end. Please. 309 00:28:13,850 --> 00:28:17,340 And if the result...doesn't change? 310 00:28:17,340 --> 00:28:21,860 No. I believe my father would never do such a thing! 311 00:28:23,010 --> 00:28:27,680 Your Majesty. My mother is already gone. 312 00:28:27,680 --> 00:28:32,330 My brother is gone too. Only my old father is left. 313 00:28:33,290 --> 00:28:35,860 I once resented him as incompetent. 314 00:28:35,860 --> 00:28:40,740 I resented him being weak. I resented most that he went on the wrong path. 315 00:28:40,740 --> 00:28:43,560 But blood is thicker than water. 316 00:28:43,560 --> 00:28:48,400 He is my father. He is my only relative. 317 00:28:48,400 --> 00:28:52,490 Your Majesty. On my account, 318 00:28:52,490 --> 00:28:55,740 please give him another chance. Please? 319 00:29:06,700 --> 00:29:12,680 Alright. I promise you. 320 00:29:12,680 --> 00:29:14,960 Thank you, Your Majesty. 321 00:29:26,500 --> 00:29:31,160 The harem is not supposed to mind the state affairs, but this matter is about my father's life. 322 00:29:31,160 --> 00:29:34,700 I have lost my composure. May Your Majesty forgive me. 323 00:29:36,430 --> 00:29:38,140 You may go. 324 00:30:17,300 --> 00:30:19,020 Your Highness! 325 00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:23,600 Empress. 326 00:30:25,090 --> 00:30:27,760 Are you alright? 327 00:30:35,700 --> 00:30:37,830 Your Highness the Empress, be assured. 328 00:30:37,830 --> 00:30:41,190 I will wash away Lord Naerbu's wrongful accusation. 329 00:30:42,490 --> 00:30:44,100 Thank you. 330 00:30:52,100 --> 00:30:54,520 Respectfully greeting Your Majesty. 331 00:30:54,520 --> 00:30:57,590 - Rise. - The Emperor is here? 332 00:31:00,650 --> 00:31:05,430 Royal Mother, you have the time and mindset to prune today? 333 00:31:05,430 --> 00:31:10,070 I was bored and I saw how it's not beautiful the way it sticks out. 334 00:31:10,070 --> 00:31:12,320 So I am fixing it. 335 00:31:13,620 --> 00:31:19,050 Royal Mother summoned me to ask about Lord Naerbu, right? 336 00:31:19,050 --> 00:31:24,210 I haven't spoken and you have already guessed. 337 00:31:26,600 --> 00:31:29,990 The Harem asking about state affairs, 338 00:31:29,990 --> 00:31:32,360 you object to it the most. 339 00:31:32,360 --> 00:31:37,700 But you allowed the Empress to wail and beg before you. 340 00:31:38,150 --> 00:31:41,830 That means you also believe in your heart 341 00:31:41,830 --> 00:31:46,420 that Naerbu is innocent. 342 00:31:50,000 --> 00:31:52,900 But the situation is as it is. 343 00:31:52,900 --> 00:31:56,000 Hongzhou and Ministry of Justice have investigated many times. 344 00:31:56,000 --> 00:31:59,560 Before the relief grains arrived at the granary, 345 00:31:59,560 --> 00:32:02,390 there were layer upon layer of exploitation. 346 00:32:02,390 --> 00:32:07,150 Naerbu cannot cook without rice. How is he to relieve the disaster? 347 00:32:08,750 --> 00:32:11,330 So what of it though? 348 00:32:17,200 --> 00:32:22,020 Royal Mother speaks this way because she has another thought? 349 00:32:23,630 --> 00:32:27,590 Naerbu is more than loyal. 350 00:32:27,590 --> 00:32:31,180 It's his competence that is lacking! 351 00:32:31,180 --> 00:32:37,100 East Zhejiang has one hundred twenty-six relief centers installed, 352 00:32:37,100 --> 00:32:41,040 but it's only his center that has the issue! 353 00:32:41,040 --> 00:32:45,060 The victims of disaster rebelling and he couldn't control it, 354 00:32:45,060 --> 00:32:47,980 instead he let the chaos get bigger. 355 00:32:47,980 --> 00:32:53,090 Many victims died and startled both the Imperial court and the people. 356 00:32:53,090 --> 00:32:59,890 If we are all incompetent like him, 357 00:32:59,890 --> 00:33:03,430 Great Qing will be in such chaos! 358 00:33:07,600 --> 00:33:09,520 Royal Mother. 359 00:33:11,070 --> 00:33:14,000 You mean I should kill Naerbu? 360 00:33:19,610 --> 00:33:21,880 If you don't kill him, 361 00:33:21,880 --> 00:33:25,200 you can't pacify the anger of the people. 362 00:33:32,250 --> 00:33:37,110 You are usually abstaining from meat and reading scriptures. 363 00:33:37,110 --> 00:33:39,110 Merciful in mind and heart. 364 00:33:39,110 --> 00:33:43,690 Even if it's a palace maid or an eunuch committing a wrong, you don't punish easily. 365 00:33:44,710 --> 00:33:50,100 But now you're telling me to kill a devoted officer. 366 00:33:50,100 --> 00:33:53,830 You clearly know he was framed. 367 00:33:53,830 --> 00:33:57,660 May I ask you, Royal Mother. 368 00:33:58,630 --> 00:34:00,070 Why? 369 00:34:02,170 --> 00:34:04,070 Royal Child. 370 00:34:05,450 --> 00:34:07,770 If you don't kill Naerbu, 371 00:34:07,770 --> 00:34:10,160 you will have to investigate this matter thoroughly 372 00:34:10,160 --> 00:34:13,020 and more people will be implicated. 373 00:34:13,020 --> 00:34:16,440 Even your own royal uncle or your royal brother, 374 00:34:16,440 --> 00:34:19,940 and the thousands of relief officers! 375 00:34:19,940 --> 00:34:23,360 The grains went through their hands, 376 00:34:23,360 --> 00:34:27,260 one drop here and there like leaking sand, 377 00:34:27,260 --> 00:34:30,590 not much left. 378 00:34:32,400 --> 00:34:37,970 Royal Mother. There was exploitation from top to bottom, layer by layer, 379 00:34:38,970 --> 00:34:42,030 to come to today's plight. 380 00:34:42,030 --> 00:34:46,840 Of course, they should pay for this. 381 00:34:49,780 --> 00:34:53,980 Royal Child. Sit. 382 00:34:53,980 --> 00:35:00,130 Those people are indeed deserving of death. 383 00:35:00,130 --> 00:35:06,530 But Royal Child, you can't kill them all. 384 00:35:06,530 --> 00:35:11,010 You must follow the vine to get to the melon. (T/N find who is really behind it all) 385 00:35:11,010 --> 00:35:14,730 Do it slowly, and do not rush. 386 00:35:14,730 --> 00:35:18,650 You should move slowly, not quickly. 387 00:35:18,650 --> 00:35:21,090 If you startle 388 00:35:21,090 --> 00:35:23,950 Prince Lu of the First Rank or Prince Ping of the Second Rank, 389 00:35:23,950 --> 00:35:27,890 it's akin to making the Imperial clan your enemy! 390 00:35:27,890 --> 00:35:31,640 Think about the late Emperor back then. 391 00:35:32,290 --> 00:35:37,120 He was targeted by his brothers and objected to by the Imperial clansman together. 392 00:35:37,120 --> 00:35:40,200 All his decrees getting sent out, 393 00:35:40,200 --> 00:35:42,760 it was so hard. 394 00:35:42,760 --> 00:35:47,840 Other than your Thirteenth Uncle, no one else stood by him. 395 00:35:47,840 --> 00:35:51,770 Even the people said he was harsh and merciless. 396 00:35:51,770 --> 00:35:56,350 He could only stop the killing with a killing. 397 00:35:56,350 --> 00:36:00,290 You became the Emperor and stepped onto his shoulders, 398 00:36:00,290 --> 00:36:03,540 to successfully build your reputation of magnanimous reign. 399 00:36:03,540 --> 00:36:07,200 Do you want to see the ministers and the generals unsettled, 400 00:36:07,200 --> 00:36:09,420 and be subject to everyone's abandonment? 401 00:36:09,420 --> 00:36:11,050 Royal Mother. 402 00:36:12,320 --> 00:36:15,480 In order to pacify the Imperial clan and officials, 403 00:36:16,540 --> 00:36:19,160 I must kill an innocent man recklessly? 404 00:36:19,160 --> 00:36:22,540 I have already said this, he is not really innocent! 405 00:36:22,540 --> 00:36:25,320 He is incompetent. 406 00:36:26,200 --> 00:36:30,430 Many people only believe what they see 407 00:36:30,430 --> 00:36:35,170 and what they hear, and understand what they understand. 408 00:36:35,170 --> 00:36:39,370 To their eyes, Naerbu is a greedy officer. 409 00:36:39,370 --> 00:36:41,890 You present to them Naerbu's head, 410 00:36:41,890 --> 00:36:45,720 and that's easy logic. 411 00:36:49,570 --> 00:36:51,250 Royal Mother. 412 00:36:52,390 --> 00:36:55,760 He is the Empress' last relative. 413 00:36:57,130 --> 00:36:59,720 If he were someone else, 414 00:36:59,720 --> 00:37:03,110 we might be able to delay taking his life. 415 00:37:03,110 --> 00:37:07,350 But it is precisely because he's the Empress' relative 416 00:37:07,350 --> 00:37:10,600 that we must kill him! 417 00:37:10,600 --> 00:37:14,060 Only through killing him will people believe 418 00:37:14,060 --> 00:37:17,710 that Great Qing's laws aren't bending for the personal ties. 419 00:37:17,710 --> 00:37:20,360 So they can then believe you are an Emperor 420 00:37:20,360 --> 00:37:23,480 who is fair. 421 00:37:23,480 --> 00:37:27,000 Emperor, sacrifice one person. 422 00:37:27,000 --> 00:37:31,830 You can preserve the reputation of the Imperial clan through it. 423 00:37:42,570 --> 00:37:47,130 Royal Mother. If I am to do so indeed, 424 00:37:47,130 --> 00:37:50,430 I will only muddle Great Qing's officials' morale. 425 00:37:50,430 --> 00:37:54,510 I will lend hope to those vermin that deceive the Emperor and the people to take advantage. 426 00:37:54,510 --> 00:37:55,700 Emperor! 427 00:37:55,700 --> 00:37:57,240 Royal Mother. 428 00:37:58,280 --> 00:38:02,680 I know you are worried for Great Qing. 429 00:38:02,680 --> 00:38:04,250 But I... 430 00:38:06,180 --> 00:38:08,420 must think it through. 431 00:38:18,740 --> 00:38:23,480 Empress Dowager, why do you insist on it? 432 00:38:23,480 --> 00:38:28,530 If you anger His Majesty, and if Empress finds out, 433 00:38:28,530 --> 00:38:30,190 she will be dismayed. 434 00:38:30,190 --> 00:38:35,460 Now, the border wars aren't pacified. 435 00:38:35,460 --> 00:38:38,730 Every area is hit by disasters. 436 00:38:38,730 --> 00:38:43,900 By killing one Naerbu, others will say the Emperor passes like thunder and moves like the wind. (T/N he is swift and decisive) 437 00:38:43,900 --> 00:38:48,250 But if he governs through every layer of officialdom, 438 00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:56,000 the Imperial clansmen will blame the Emperor for being cold and merciless. 439 00:38:56,760 --> 00:39:01,690 And the people will be suspicious of Great Qing's governance. 440 00:39:01,690 --> 00:39:06,560 These are two different results. 441 00:39:08,950 --> 00:39:14,190 Empress Dowager. His Majesty will have a decisive measure. 442 00:39:16,090 --> 00:39:19,090 I hope so. 443 00:39:19,090 --> 00:39:22,200 Your Highness the Empress, His Majesty said he won't see you. 444 00:39:22,200 --> 00:39:24,590 The guards are here too. 445 00:39:24,590 --> 00:39:27,500 I really can't let you burst in there this time. 446 00:39:27,500 --> 00:39:32,090 Even if you keep waiting, it's useless. 447 00:39:32,090 --> 00:39:36,560 If His Majesty won't see me, then I will wait until he will. 448 00:39:36,560 --> 00:39:40,160 Empress! You are making it hard on me. 449 00:39:40,160 --> 00:39:42,940 It's windy outside and if you get the chill, 450 00:39:42,940 --> 00:39:45,910 I can't bear the blame! 451 00:39:47,510 --> 00:39:51,040 Your Highness the Empress. Why do you do this? 452 00:39:51,040 --> 00:39:53,180 When His Majesty sees me, 453 00:39:53,180 --> 00:39:55,720 then I will rise. 454 00:39:56,890 --> 00:40:01,580 Oh my! Miss Zhen'er, please help me persuade the Empress. 455 00:40:01,580 --> 00:40:04,460 What Mistress has decided on cannot be persuaded differently by anyone. 456 00:40:07,170 --> 00:40:11,460 Your Majesty. You're looking at reports about Lord Naerbu again? 457 00:40:11,460 --> 00:40:16,000 These are all asking me to kill Naerbu. 458 00:40:19,100 --> 00:40:20,500 Li Yu. 459 00:40:20,500 --> 00:40:23,640 Yes. Attendants! 460 00:40:33,370 --> 00:40:39,210 These are the ten thousand words pleading me to kill the mastermind of the crime, Naerbu, by the people of East Zhejiang. 461 00:40:39,210 --> 00:40:42,700 Hailancha, if it were you, 462 00:40:42,700 --> 00:40:45,150 what would you do? 463 00:40:45,150 --> 00:40:48,170 I don't dare to speak. 464 00:40:50,580 --> 00:40:52,340 You may speak. 465 00:40:53,610 --> 00:40:55,820 If I were handling this matter, 466 00:40:55,820 --> 00:40:58,840 I would kill Naerbu without reservation. 467 00:41:05,930 --> 00:41:10,550 Hailancha. You have always been honest and just. 468 00:41:11,590 --> 00:41:14,020 But to say this? 469 00:41:14,760 --> 00:41:19,040 Your Majesty, killing one person can appease the anger of the people. 470 00:41:19,040 --> 00:41:23,140 Kill a group, and it will court madness. 471 00:41:23,140 --> 00:41:24,870 Those true vermin, 472 00:41:24,870 --> 00:41:27,330 you can deal with each and every one of them all later. 473 00:41:27,330 --> 00:41:30,650 But right now, Naerbu must be killed. 474 00:41:35,950 --> 00:41:40,160 Your Majesty, the Empress is kneeling outside the hall all alone. 475 00:41:40,160 --> 00:41:42,700 She won't leave. 476 00:41:56,280 --> 00:42:01,420 Your Highness the Empress. His Majesty is toiling over this matter. 477 00:42:01,420 --> 00:42:04,770 Please don't push him more. 478 00:42:30,260 --> 00:42:33,030 Your Highness, His Majesty is already resting. 479 00:42:33,030 --> 00:42:36,020 Will you really continue to kneel? 480 00:42:47,410 --> 00:42:50,280 Your Highness. His Majesty is resting. 481 00:42:50,280 --> 00:42:53,220 He wants you to return to rest too. 482 00:43:05,640 --> 00:43:11,040 Your Majesty. The Empress is iron-hearted. She won't leave. 483 00:43:29,530 --> 00:43:35,060 How about you rest first since you have morning court session? 484 00:44:16,520 --> 00:44:19,330 Your Majesty, the disaster relief grain, 485 00:44:19,330 --> 00:44:22,400 there were layers of exploitation. By the time it reached my father's hands, 486 00:44:22,400 --> 00:44:24,790 not much was left. 487 00:44:29,590 --> 00:44:32,280 You have been kneeling all night. 488 00:44:33,540 --> 00:44:37,090 Is it to threaten me, Empress? 489 00:44:39,230 --> 00:44:45,040 Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki. 490 00:44:46,230 --> 00:44:54,300 ♫Softly falling into the hollow of my palm,♫ 491 00:44:57,160 --> 00:45:05,640 ♫Resting frozen in the center of my palm.♫ 492 00:45:07,920 --> 00:45:16,800 ♫Our meeting across past incarnations was inevitable,♫ 493 00:45:18,950 --> 00:45:28,290 ♫Joined together, deeply experiencing and holding onto the end of happiness.♫ 494 00:45:30,070 --> 00:45:38,890 ♫Though plainly given words of discouragement,♫ 495 00:45:40,750 --> 00:45:49,830 ♫Pretending to hear nothing but exhortation.♫ 496 00:45:51,780 --> 00:46:01,190 ♫ Endless tears, believing it cannot be true,♫ 497 00:46:02,800 --> 00:46:11,720 ♫ In this life, being born under an unlucky star.♫ 498 00:46:13,820 --> 00:46:19,380 ♫I hear the sound of the snow slowly falling♫ 499 00:46:19,380 --> 00:46:24,080 ♫ Though I close my eyes, it's impossible to stop the vision.♫ 500 00:46:24,080 --> 00:46:30,680 ♫ Nothing you can do about being approached, not being inconsistent in love,♫ 501 00:46:30,680 --> 00:46:35,630 ♫ Though merely holding onto it from the outside, prone to this sort of circumstance.♫ 502 00:46:35,630 --> 00:46:41,210 ♫ I hear the sound of the snow slowly falling♫ 503 00:46:41,210 --> 00:46:45,990 ♫ As though you are holding me closely, and speaking sweetly.♫ 504 00:46:45,990 --> 00:46:53,900 ♫ Opening your eyes to a sky filled with merciless snow falling,♫ 505 00:46:53,900 --> 00:47:09,670 ♫ Who, after suffering this loss for a lifetime, is fond of this scene?♫ 42948