Original subtitles

Episode 8

Is this worth the trouble?

I've been in charge of the internal affairs office for a while now

The higher ups say that I haven't accomplished a single thing

Why don't you quickly confess

so that I can get my reward from them.

It will also save you the physical torture

Servant really didn't

I really didn't

Continue

Gong Gong, a servant lady from the interior household department says the two phoenix garments were mixed up.

She specially brought it here for Gong Gong

Stop.

Gong gong, it's all my fault.

I washed Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang's phoenix robe and put it away in her shrine

I carelessly forgot.

causing Gong Gong to mistake that old garment, which was to be burned,

for Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang's phoenix robe.

How could you do such a mistake?

You should really die.

Pan Chun Gu Gu

I apologize.

I truly apologize

For Gong Gong's clarity of judgment

servant is eternally grateful.

However, it is someone under your care's fault.

Your punishment was not for nothing

Also,

This mistake of the servant,

how do you say should be punished?

Or,

right here and now,

I will give her 10 whips

to teach her a lesson.

Yes.

What happened? Still not moving your hands?

Unless, you want to chicken out.

Gu Gu, go hit me.

I'm fine.

Hit me!

Why did you save me?

I...

Don't tell me

That it's really your fault

My eyes are very sharp. I distinctly remember Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang's phoenix robe embroidered with blue thread.

And the one you sent...

was embroidered with purple thread.

This is originally our fault.

Letting Gu Gu take our punishment,

I just can't let it past.

I treated you this bad!

Don't tell me that you don't hate me.

What if I really died? Wouldn't you be celebrating?

It's just part of life

in the palace.

I think that Gu Gu really isn't thinking that.

Shut up!

Don't think that just because you saved me,

be nice to me,

I will be thankful of you.

I'm telling you,

From tomorrow on,

I will only have more hate towards you, you hear me?

You will leave right now.

SCRAM!

Yes.

I realized that you duckhead never follow the rules,

so today, I will thoroughly teach you the rules.

Go

Go get a cup

yes.

Put your arms out straight.

Gu Gu, hot! Gu Gu, Gu Gu, hot!

Hot, is it? Even if it's hot, you have to endure it.

If you can't endure anything, how are you going to survive in this place!?

Gu Gu, I-

Get another one.

Yes.

Gu Gu, hot. Gu Gu, hot!

Very hot!

Gu Gu! Hot!

Eh!? Gu Gu, what is the meaning of this!?

We are here to work,

how could you, nonchalantly,

torture people!?

This is for me to take care of, so it's for me to punish!

If you can't stand to see this, then when you become Niang Niang,

you can change the rules!

Yu Shu, quickly go do your chores

I'm fine

Quickly go!

Episode 8

Is this worth the trouble?

I've been in charge of the internal affairs office for a while now

The higher ups say that I haven't accomplished a single thing

Why don't you quickly confess

so that I can get my reward from them.

It will also save you the physical torture

Servant really didn't

I really didn't

Continue

Gong Gong, a servant lady from the interior household department says the two phoenix garments were mixed up.

She specially brought it here for Gong Gong

Stop.

Gong gong, it's all my fault.

I washed Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang's phoenix robe and put it away in her shrine

I carelessly forgot.

causing Gong Gong to mistake that old garment, which was to be burned,

for Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang's phoenix robe.

How could you do such a mistake?

You should really die.

Pan Chun Gu Gu

I apologize.

I truly apologize

For Gong Gong's clarity of judgment

servant is eternally grateful.

However, it is someone under your care's fault.

Your punishment was not for nothing

Also,

This mistake of the servant,

how do you say should be punished?

Or,

right here and now,

I will give her 10 whips

to teach her a lesson.

Yes.

What happened? Still not moving your hands?

Unless, you want to chicken out.

GÅ« GÅ«, go hit me.

I'm fine.

Hit me!

Why did you save me?

I...

Don't tell me

That it's really your fault

My eyes are very sharp. I distinctly remember Empress Dowager Xiao Zhuang's phoenix robe embroidered with blue thread.

And the one you sent...

was embroidered with purple thread.

This is originally our fault.

Letting GÅ« GÅ« take our punishment,

I just can't let it past.

I treated you this bad!

Don't tell me that you don't hate me.

What if I really died? Wouldn't you be celerbrating?

It's just part of life

in the palace.

I think that GÅ« GÅ« really isn't thinking that.

Shut up!

Don't think that just because you saved me,

be nice to me,

I will be thankful of you.

I'm telling you,

From tomorrow on,

I will only have more hate towards you, you hear me?

You will leave right now.

SCRAM!

Yes.

I realized that you duckhead never follow the rules,

so today, I will throughly teach you the rules.

Go

Go get a cup

yes.

Put your arms out straight.

GÅ« GÅ«, hot! GÅ« GÅ«, GÅ« GÅ«, hot!

Hot, is it? Even if it's hot, you have to endure it.

If you can't endure anything, how are you going to survive in this place!?

GÅ« GÅ«, I-

Get another one.

Yes.

GÅ« GÅ«, hot. GÅ« GÅ«, hot!

Very hot!

GÅ« GÅ«! Hot!

Eh!? GÅ« GÅ«, what is the meaning of this!?

We are here to work,

how could you, nonchalantely,

torture people!?

This is for me to take care of, so it's for me to punish!

If you can't stand to see this, then when you become Niang Niang,

you can change the rules!

Yu Shu, quickly go do your chores

I'm fine

Quickly go!

This burn ointment is the best.

Here, let me.

This is just too harsh!

If you asked me, you shouldn't have saved her!

Look at her, harming you like this!

If I knew earlier,

let her end her life, whatever.

We're not gods

How could we have anticipated that?

As long as we have a clear conscience

Now Miss Lian Er is thinking the right thing

There are many dark places in the palace

If you bothered with so many things

life would be no fun.

It would be better to, for example, find a chance to climb up

When you reach the top, it won't be too late to deal with them

You have a chance?

Eh, quickly say, quickly!

Me? I'm already like this,

what chance?

Say, and you don't tell.

Yu Shu

Right erm Miss Yu Shu

I have some melons and fruits for Miss Lian'er. They're in my room.

It's inconvenient for her to use her hands right now. Could you help her get them?

Is there any for me?

Of course!

Okay

Then wait here for me! I'll be right back!

Why did you divert her away?

Miss Lian'er saw through that?

If you really wanted to give me fruits, I would be holding them right now

Why ask her to get it?

Miss Lian'er is very careful

I'm telling you, tomorrow at noon,

go to the imperial garden and walk around barefoot on the gravel road.

You will have an unexpected encounter

Unexpected encounter?

Believe me

Su Gong Gong

Thank you for thinking of me.

But you know that I'm really not interested in gaining favor

Yes, I know that you aren't, nor do you need to be

But what about the people around you?

We both know very well what you went through these few days

Although you were very lucky and escaped this time,

can you guarantee that you will be so lucky everytime?

What if you really got in to trouble?

Wat are you going to do?

What about the people who cares about you?

What is Miss Yu shu going to do?

What is your mum going to do?

What is your little sister going to do?

Have you thought about it?

You only get one chance

One fleeting moment

To go or not, you think it over

Not playing,not playing, not playing

I lost again

You're such a sore loser

That's unbecoming for someone in the harem

But the emporor said

That he likes me like this, careless and carefree

That's because you're his new pet

In time,

your beauty will fade.

Then see if His Majesty will still spoil you like he does now

Then...I will learn when the time comes

But to be honest, cousin, these things

I really don't like

I would rather

play with cats when I have free time.

That's so fun!

You are like a kid!

If this continues, you will be at a disadvantage

Ok Ok

I know Cousin you are powerful

You have self-discipline, and you're also shrewd

But in the end,

aren't you still stuck in the cold palace for a very long time? I...

I was confined to the cold palace only because of my momentary carelessness

I really don't want to see you make the same mistake

But you...

okay okay

I know i've said the wrong thing

Don't get mad

It's getting late

His Majesty should be coming soon

You go and return to your part of the palace

I will come and get you tomorrow

I promise to learn well

He won't be coming today

How is that possible?

Greetings Niang Niangs

Wan Ping Niang Niang

The Hall of Resting Soul sent someone to report that

His Majesty won't be coming tonight.

You may leave

Yes

See?

You didn't believe me

Cousin

What is going on

How did you now that The emporor isn't coming tonight

Today is June 12th

This day every year, His Majesty never goes to the six inner palaces

June 12th?

What day is that?

What the hell is going on?

Actually I'm not really sure either

I only heard that when His Majesty was still a prince,

he knew a girl.

They would walk barefoot

on the cobblestone for a night.

Afterwards that girl disappeared

His Majesty felt very sad

so June 12th of every year, he would

walk back and forth on that cobblestone.

So that's the story

If I meet the emperor,

can I really be with him?

If I don't come,

what if I'm persecuted again?

I don't care about my own safety,

but what about Yu Shu?

My mother and sister?

Don't think about it anymore!

What are you doing?!

What are you doing?!

Leave leave

If walking on the gravel is so painful,

why are you still walking on it?

Your majesty

Greetings Your majesty

I'm asking you a question. Why?

I...

Don't make up any lies to please me

Did you know? I hate hearing fake lies.

I heard a story

that Your Majesty and a girl

would always walk back and forth on this gravel.

So I wanted to come try my luck

To see if I can run into you

and also to know

why one would walk on this gravel.

I believe every word you said

Want to know why?

When your feet hurt,

your heart doesn't hurt as much.

Your Majesty, your heart hurts?

It hurts when there is no meeting

But if there is a meeting, then it hurts a great deal

Hurts so much that I can't breathe

I often ask myself

why are people born in this world?

Why must they endure so much pain and suffering?

But after some time,

I finally understood

that people live in order to feel this pain.

If one has never experienced pain in life,

then where's the joy in life?

I still don't really understand

Come, let's go to my palace

I will slowly tell you about it

Yes your majesty

What are you doing?

You shouldn't have come here. Let's go.

Ten years seem like purgatory

No yearning, just unforgettable A thousand wishes but at lost for words

Your majesty

Just let the past stay in the past

Don't feel bad about it anymore

I often tell myself to let the past stay in the past

and cherish the people around me. But the people around me...

are they really worth cherishing?

Your Majesty, no matter what,

my heart only has you.

I will only be happy if you are happy

If you are unhappy, then I can't be happy either

I know you care about me

I need to read reports now

Go get some food

and sit with me for a while.

Yes

Greetings Consort Qian

Rise

Who was that palace maid by the gravel road just now?

I didn't see clearly

Miss Lian'er from the labor division

it was her?

Greetings Consort Qian

Greetings Consort Qian

Auntie Pan Chun

I would like to talk individually with you

You guys go ahead.

yes

Auntie, how did you handle the task I gave you last time?

What Niang Niang is saying...

Lian Er

Lian'er is a good girl, she has no interest in fighting for the emperor's favor

Besides, in the labor division she's not a threat

I beg Niang Niang to be magnanimous

and spare her.

Spare her? Do you know that if I hadn't arrived just in time yesterday,

she would be the emperor's close friend by now.

That can't be

can't be..

Do you think I'm lying to you?

i warning you

I will not tolerate it

His Majesty belongs to me alone

Anyone else, don't even think of getting close to him!

So Auntie...

I suggest that you cooperate

Auntie...this is good stuff

It can kill a person without anyone detecting

Auntie can either have Lian'er drink it

or drink it yourself.

Do as you see fit

Oh right, I suddenly remember that lately a lot of things have happened at the labor division

Is it a black sheep in the herd

or because Auntie managed the division poorly?

If Auntie managed the division poorly,

then how would you be punished by the palace rules?

Right, I remember!

You would be sent to Long Fu Temple to care for those old retired eunuchs

Auntie, I heard that those old eunuchs are very scary!

They will get up in the middle of the night to pluck out your nails

then gnaw and bite at you.

Auntie, I trust you wouldn't want to go to that kind of place

Right?

Is it still too hot?

It's alright

Put it down

Do you know why it doesn't burn anymore?

Because your hands have grown calluses

With calluses,

it doesn't seem as hot.

My Auntie also taught me this

Unfortunately, I won't be able to see you completely heal

Auntie, what did you say?

Nothing

Do you know why I trained you with this?

No

Because things are different inside and outside the palace

The palace is full of traps

I remember when I was young

and served the Empress Dowager tea,

the tea was very hot.

I spilled it right away

For this incident,

my Auntie beat me for a whole day and night. My body was covered in blood.

Even when I think of it now,

it's still extremely painful.

Auntie wants me to learn more skills

to avoid making future mistakes.

I know you all hate me

Just like I hated my Auntie

But human hearts are all made of flesh

Who doesn't want to live peacefully everyday?

But, if I'm friendly and agreeable to you,

your lives will be tougher.

If you make mistakes before me, you will at most get a few beatings

If you make mistakes before a master,

you will lose your heads.

I understand

Auntie, you're really a good person

Good person or bad

When it's over,

you don't remember it anymore.

One day, if you reach my position,

you will understand.

It's late. Go back and rest.

Lian'er

Masters cannot be provoked. Try to hide if you can.

Especially from Consort Qian, understand?

go

Subtitles Brought to you by the Gong II team @Viki

Gu Gu you woke up so early

Gu Gu what you doing?

GÅ« GÅ«!GÅ« GÅ«!GÅ« GÅ«!

GÅ« GÅ«!GÅ« GÅ«!GÅ« GÅ«!

Miss Lian Er are you alright?

She's been crying the whole time

Su Gong Gong, do you still remember that day I went to the gravel road?

What happened?

I wasn't careful. I was captured by Consort Qian's maids.

Afterwards, Gu Gu had a chat with me

She said a lot of strange things, even telling me to be wary of Consort Qian

And then Today Gu Gu died

Su Gong Gong, do you think there's a connection here?

Could it be that Consort Qian saw you on the cobblestone and

Wants to hurt you

Pan Chun Gu Gu didn't agree to it

so she chose this.

Then what?

I wasn't hurt. Then Yu Shu and I

are in more danger. She will think of more ways.

Someone! Someone!

Hurry! She fainted

Hurry! Careful!

Yu Shu, what happened?

One just died, and now one fainted

This place is really not for humans

Good news

Good news?

We can leave?

Imperial Dr. Li, this way

I rarely go to the labor division

Greetings Consort Qian

Stop!

You two are in such a rush, where are you off to?

Replying to Niang Niang, someone in the labor division was infected with smallpox

Tai Fei Niang Niang gave orders to seal the entire place

Smallpox?

At exactly this time?

Su Gong Gong

The labor division has smallpox

Is this a deception?

Niang Niang, smallpox is not a minor illness

It can lead to death

If Niang Niang doesn't believe it, feel free to go look

Don't blame servant for not warning you

Everyone there has vomiting and diarrhea

It's highly contagious

Is this true, Imperial Dr. Li?

Replying to Consort Qian,

absolutely true.

I don't believe it

I must go look myself

Servant!

That's fine

But can Niang Niang agree to something before going?

Speak

Pardon servant from blame for not stopping you

Gong Gong, rest assured

I wanted to go myself

It has nothing to do with you

Even if something really does happen,

you won't be the one to blame.

Let's go! To the labor division!

Are you all dead?! Cowards!

If you dare not go,

then come with me to the internal affairs division for a beating!

Yes

Niang Niang, please

Never mind!

Since Imperial Dr. Li already confirmed it,

I don't think there's the need for me to take this risk.

But you two listen good!

Seal up and lock Xinzheku!

If the smallpox spreads,

you're all dead!

Yes

Back to the palace!

Goodbye Consort Qian

Imperial Dr. Li

Servant bows before you

Su Gong Gong, quickly get up

As a doctor I care like a parent As long as I can save someone

I'm willing to do it

The Qiantang River has been flooding for over a month now

Have you thought of any solutions to the flood?!

Replying to Your Majesty,

we have already ordered the Board of Revenue to release an official notice, allowing the surrounding counties to raise money.

Donations...getting those rich people to donate money

is nearly impossible!

Let's do this. First take out 100,000 taels from the national treasury to give some relief.

As for the rest, think of other ways

Yes

Minister Zhang Tingyu reports to Your Majesty

Currently our country's financial funds are depleted

The national treasury doesn't have that much money to give

I have always been frugal and economical

How could the national treasury not have enough money?

Your Majesty

All the expense items

are listed in here.

Please inspect

Alright, this matter

cannot be resolved in a day.

Court adjourned

Zhang Tingyu stay behind!

Is everything written in the report true?

Is the imperial court really employing so many idle people?

Your Majesty, this is indeed the case

Everyone on that list comes from some kind of background

Some are relatives of Niang Niangs in the back palace

Some have ancestors who made contributions

The late emperor ordered that their families

continue to be financially supported.

All these add up

to at least tens of thousands of people.

The goverment's money

can't be used at critical moments when it's needed.

It's used to support these leeches

Zhang Tingyu!

Minister here

Issue my decree

Starting today,

stop supporting them.

Your Majesty, you must not

Why not?

The Qiantang River is flooding. The people do not have food to eat.

Yet I give them money to eat, drink, and play?!

Your Majesty

I have also been thinking constantly of ways to increase revenue and decrease spending

but these people on top cannot be touched

because they are connected to all the Manchurian and Mongolian power and influence.

If this is done, it will step on many peoples' vested interests

By then, I'm afraid it will bring Your Majesty lots of trouble

Then what should be done?

I think...

how about you choose a suitable person

to do this on your behalf.

Of course, we hope that this person can take care of the matter

That would be best

But in case he can't,

offending the powerful people and provoking public anger,

Your Majesty will have nothing to do with it, or any knowledge of it.

When the time comes, you only need dispose of this person to end this

This way, it won't bring Your Majesty any trouble

Then I need to find someone dependable

Get out of the way!

Get out of the way!

See those refugees?

Yes

They all escaped here from Jiangnan

Many people died in the flood this time

The ones who escaped are lucky

At least they have food to eat. Those who couldn't escape, who knows what tragic fates they faced.

Does the government have any solutions?

Not really

except asking for donations

But just think,

who would be willing to take money out of their own pockets?

Originally, I wanted to take some money out of the national treasury

But I didn't expect that the treasury has no money

Where did the money go?

Take a look

The government should have investigated and handled these people a long time ago

The large sums of money that the government saves every year

all go to their pockets!

What a waste!

Yes

I wanted to deal with them right away

But they're all from families of power in Manchuria and Mongolia

The country has just been stabilized. I don't want to

disappoint the people.

But I also don't want to cause any difficulties

It's hard

Have you thought

of finding someone to help you with this burden?

Who would want to offend so many people?

17th brother, you would have been the best candidate

but I'm afraid that if I gave the job to you,

Mother would think too much of it.

You know that we have some misunderstandings

I don't want to further deepen this misunderstanding

As long as Your Majesty trusts me,

I will definitely put in all my effort

and give you a satisfactory result. As for Mother, don't worry.

I will explain it to her

You really want to hold this hot potato?

For the country and the people, it's my duty

If only Qing could have

more people like you.

that would be good

Lord!

Duke, quickly come

What is it?

What are you doing?

Get some hot water

Nanny, go get the doctor

Yuan Shou, go to court and ask for leave

Yes

Go

Hey!

Jia Jia,

what are you all doing?

Duke, I heard Father say that the Emperor wants you to lay people off.

This is very dangerous. I'm a woman, I don't know what else to do.

I thought all day, the only way is to fake illness

Here, Duke, quickly lie down

Enough! Stop it!

What does this have to do with the emperor?! I volunteered to do it myself!

Duke!

I...

- Teacher - 17th Duke

Don't you know the importance of this?

Don't you know the consequences?

Student knows

Then why did you agree to His majesty?

What if you offend those long-time court subjects?

What will be the consequences?

What about Jia Jia? What about your entire household?

Teacher, don't be anxious

Listen to me. The Qiantang River flood this time is really too severe.

Have you seen those refugees?

It's an appalling sight

Those people supported by the national treasury do no work

and squander the money! Do you think this is fair?

Not fair

But nothing in this world is fair

Right now, your safety is most important to us

Teacher, I don't think that way

The country comes first. If this continues,

there's no money for the Qiantang River flood this time,

and there won't be money for the Yellow River disaster next time!

Then what will happen? Rebellion and unrest among the people!

Even if we royals survive,

what face do we have to face our ancestors?

Face the people?

17th Duke

Teacher,

someone has to do this.

I know you and Jia Jia care about me

but if I don't do it, someone else will do it and their families will also worry.

Since someone has to take this step,

let it be me.

17th Duke!

Father, let it go

All we can do

is take care of things back home.

Fellow countrymen and refugees,

the master of the Nalan household likes to give aid to people.

So the government specially gave us this sign

From now on, wherever you see a residence with this sign,

you can go in for food and water

in cases of emergency.

Great!

Go in!

Let's go!

Someone!

Lord Li

This is an act of kindness and charity

Many lords have already done this

You wouldn't want to be accused of being stingy

and bullying refugees, would you?

What's happening?!

What's going on?

What are you doing? Who are you?

What are you doing?!

Lord Jiang, these refugees know that you're a charitable person

and specially came to perform for you.

Come

Lord Jiang is great!

Lord Jiang has outstanding character!

Lord Jiang is great!

17th really had the guts to do that?

Yes, it's only been 3 days

All the officials given these signs have requested to return their salaries

and become commoners.

Great!

Great!

If this keeps up,

the national treasury

will very soon be replenished.

I'm worried whether this fire

with burn Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, think

They've already spent the money, so who wouldn't want to label themselves as philanthropists?

Even if they're bitter about it,

they can only keep it to themselves.

That's how they should be treated!

This burn ointment is the best.

Here, let me.

This is just too harsh!

If you asked me, you shouldn't have saved her!

Look at her, harming you like this!

If I knew earlier,

let her end her life, whatever.

We're not gods

How could we have anticipated that?

As long as we have a clear conscience

Now Miss Lian Er is thinking the right thing

There are many dark places in the palace

If you bothered with so many things

life would be no fun.

It would be better to, for example, find a chance to climb up

When you reach the top, it won't be too late to deal with them

You have a chance?

Eh, quickly say, quickly!

Me? I'm already like this,

what chance?

Say, and you don't tell.

Yu Shu

Right erm Miss Yu Shu

I have some melons and fruits for Miss Lian'er. They're in my room.

It's inconvenient for her to use her hands right now. Could you help her get them?

Is there any for me?

Of course!

Okay

Then wait here for me! I'll be right back!

Why did you divert her away?

Miss Lian'er saw through that?

If you really wanted to give me fruits, I would be holding them right now

Why ask her to get it?

Miss Lian'er is very careful

I'm telling you, tomorrow at noon,

go to the imperial garden and walk around barefoot on the gravel road.

You will have an unexpected encounter

Unexpected encounter?

Believe me

Su Gong Gong

Thank you for thinking of me.

But you know that I'm really not interested in gaining favor

Yes, I know that you aren't, nor do you need to be

But what about the people around you?

We both know very well what you went through these few days

Although you were very lucky and escaped this time,

can you guarantee that you will be so lucky every time?

What if you really got in to trouble?

What are you going to do?

What about the people who cares about you?

What is Miss Yu shu going to do?

What is your mum going to do?

What is your little sister going to do?

Have you thought about it?

You only get one chance

One fleeting moment

To go or not, you think it over

Not playing, not playing, not playing

I lost again

You're such a sore loser

That's unbecoming for someone in the harem

But the emperor said

That he likes me like this, careless and carefree

That's because you're his new pet

In time,

your beauty will fade.

Then see if His Majesty will still spoil you like he does now

Then...I will learn when the time comes

But to be honest, cousin, these things

I really don't like

I would rather

play with cats when I have free time.

That's so fun!

You are like a kid!

If this continues, you will be at a disadvantage

Ok Ok

I know Cousin you are powerful

You have self-discipline, and you're also shrewd

But in the end,

aren't you still stuck in the cold palace for a very long time? I...

I was confined to the cold palace only because of my momentary carelessness

I really don't want to see you make the same mistake

But you...

okay okay

I know I've said the wrong thing

Don't get mad

It's getting late

His Majesty should be coming soon

You go and return to your part of the palace

I will come and get you tomorrow

I promise to learn well

He won't be coming today

How is that possible?

Greetings Niang Niangs

Wan Ping Niang Niang

The Hall of Resting Soul sent someone to report that

His Majesty won't be coming tonight.

You may leave

Yes

See?

You didn't believe me

Cousin

What is going on

How did you now that The emperor isn't coming tonight

Today is June 12th

This day every year, His Majesty never goes to the six inner palaces

June 12th?

What day is that?

What the hell is going on?

Actually I'm not really sure either

I only heard that when His Majesty was still a prince,

he knew a girl.

They would walk barefoot

on the cobblestone for a night.

Afterward that girl disappeared

His Majesty felt very sad

so June 12th of every year, he would

walk back and forth on that cobblestone.

So that's the story

If I meet the emperor,

can I really be with him?

If I don't come,

what if I'm persecuted again?

I don't care about my own safety, 217've said the wrong thing

but what about Yu Shu?

My mother and sister?

Don't think about it anymore!

What are you doing?!

What are you doing?!

Leave leave

If walking on the gravel is so painful,

why are you still walking on it?

Your majesty

Greetings Your majesty

I'm asking you a question. Why?

I...

Don't make up any lies to please me

Did you know? I hate hearing fake lies.

I heard a story

that Your Majesty and a girl

would always walk back and forth on this gravel.

So I wanted to come try my luck

To see if I can run into you

and also to know

why one would walk on this gravel.

I believe every word you said

Want to know why?

When your feet hurt,

your heart doesn't hurt as much've said the wrong thing .

Your Majesty, your heart hurts?

It hurts when there is no meeting

But if there is a meeting, then it hurts a great deal

Hurts so much that I can't breathe

I often ask myself

why are people born in this world?

Why must they endure so much pain and suffering?

But after some time,

I finally understood

that people live in order to feel this pain.

If one has never experienced pain in life,

then where's the joy in life?

I still don't really understand

Come, let's go to my palace

I will slowly tell you about it

Yes your majesty

What are you doing?

You shouldn't have come here. Let's go.

Ten years seem like purgatory

No yearning, just unforgettable A thousand wishes but at lost for words

Your majesty

Just let the past stay in the past

Don't feel bad about it anymore

I often tell myself to let the past stay in the past

and cherish the people around me. But the people around me...

are they really worth cherishing?

Your Majesty, no matter what,

my heart only has you.

I will only be happy if you are happy

If you are unhappy, then I can't be happy either

I know you care about me

I need to read reports now

Go get some food

and sit with me for a while.

Yes

Greetings Consort Qian

Rise

Who was that palace maid by the gravel road just now?

I didn't see clearly

Miss Lian'er from the labor division

it was her?

Greetings Consort Qian

Greetings Consort Qian

Auntie Pan Chun

I would like to talk individually with you

You guys go ahead.

yes

Auntie, how did you handle the task I gave you last time?

What Niang Niang is saying...

Lian Er

Lian'er is a good girl, she has no interest in fighting for the emperor's favor

Besides, in the labor division she's not a threat

I beg Niang Niang to be magnanimous

and spare her.

Spare her? Do you know that if I hadn't arrived just in time yesterday,

she would be the emperor's close friend by now.

That can't be

can't be..

Do you think I'm lying to you?

i warning you

I will not tolerate it

His Majesty belongs to me alone

Anyone else, don't even think of getting close to him!

So Auntie...

I suggest that you cooperate

Auntie...this is good stuff

It can kill a person without anyone detecting

Auntie can either have Lian'er drink it

or drink it yourself.

Do as you see fit

Oh right, I suddenly remember that lately a lot of things have happened at the labor division

Is it a black sheep in the herd

or because Auntie managed the division poorly?

If Auntie managed the division poorly,

then how would you be punished by the palace rules?

Right, I remember!

You would be sent to Long Fu Temple to care for those old retired eunuchs

Auntie, I heard that those old eunuchs are very scary!

They will get up in the middle of the night to pluck out your nails

then gnaw and bite at you.

Auntie, I trust you wouldn't want to go to that kind of place

Right?

Is it still too hot?

It's alright

Put it down

Do you know why it doesn't burn anymore?

Because your hands have grown calluses

With calluses,

it doesn't seem as hot.

My Auntie also taught me this

Unfortunately, I won't be able to see you completely heal

Auntie, what did you say?

Nothing

Do you know why I trained you with this?

No

Because things are different inside and outside the palace

The palace is full of traps

I remember when I was young

and served the Empress Dowager tea,

the tea was very hot.

I spilled it right away

For this incident,

my Auntie beat me for a whole day and night. My body was covered in blood.

Even when I think of it now,

it's still extremely painful.

Auntie wants me to learn more skills

to avoid making future mistakes.

I know you all hate me

Just like I hated my Auntie

But human hearts are all made of flesh

Who doesn't want to live peacefully everyday?

But, if I'm friendly and agreeable to you,

your lives will be tougher.

If you make mistakes before me, you will at most get a few beatings

If you make mistakes before a master,

you will lose your heads.

I understand

Auntie, you're really a good person

Good person or bad

When it's over,

you don't remember it anymore.

One day, if you reach my position,

you will understand.

It's late. Go back and rest.

Lian'er

Masters cannot be provoked. Try to hide if you can.

Especially from Consort Qian, understand?

go

Subtitles Brought to you by the Gong II team @Viki

Gu Gu you woke up so early

Gu Gu what you doing?

Gu Gu!Gu Gu!Gu Gu!

Gu Gu!Gu Gu!Gu Gu!

Miss Lian Er are you alright?

She's been crying the whole time

Su Gong Gong, do you still remember that day I went to the gravel road?

What happened?

I wasn't careful. I was captured by Consort Qian's maids.

Afterward, Gu Gu had a chat with me

She said a lot of strange things, even telling me to be wary of Consort Qian

And then Today Gu Gu died

Su Gong Gong, do you think there's a connection here?

Could it be that Consort Qian saw you on the cobblestone and

Wants to hurt you

Pan Chun Gu Gu didn't agree to it

so she chose this.

Then what?

I wasn't hurt. Then Yu Shu and I

are in more danger. She will think of more ways.

Someone! Someone!

Hurry! She fainted

Hurry! Careful!

Yu Shu, what happened?

One just died, and now one fainted

This place is really not for humans

Good news

Good news?

We can leave?

Imperial Dr. Li, this way

I rarely go to the labor division

Greetings Consort Qian

Stop!

You two are in such a rush, where are you off to?

Replying to Niang Niang, someone in the labor division was infected with smallpox

Tai Fei Niang Niang gave orders to seal the entire place

Smallpox?

At exactly this time?

Su Gong Gong

The labor division has smallpox

Is this a deception?

Niang Niang, smallpox is not a minor illness

It can lead to death

If Niang Niang doesn't believe it, feel free to go look

Don't blame servant for not warning you've said the wrong thing

Everyone there has vomiting and diarrhea

It's highly contagious

Is this true, Imperial Dr. Li?'ve said the wrong thing

Replying to Consort Qian,

absolutely true.

I don't believe it

I must go look myself

Servant!

That's fine

But can Niang Niang agree to something before going?

Speak

Pardon servant from blame for not stopping you

Gong Gong, rest assured

I wanted to go myself

It has nothing to do with you

Even if something really does happen,

you won't be the one to blame.

Let's go! To the labor division!

Are you all dead?! Cowards!

If you dare not go,

then come with me to the internal affairs division for a beating!

Yes

Niang Niang, please

Never mind!

Since Imperial Dr. Li already confirmed it,

I don't think there's the need for me to take this risk.

But you two listen good!

Seal up and lock Xinzheku!

If the smallpox spreads,

you're all dead!

Yes

Back to the palace!

Goodbye Consort Qian

Imperial Dr. Li

Servant bows before you

Su Gong Gong, quickly get up

As a doctor I care like a parent As long as I can save someone

I'm willing to do it

The Qiantang River has been flooding for over a month now

Have you thought of any solutions to the flood?!

Replying to Your Majesty,

we have already ordered the Board of Revenue to release an official notice, allowing the surrounding counties to raise money.

Donations...getting those rich people to donate money

is nearly impossible!

Let's do this. First take out 100,000 taels from the national treasury to give some relief.

As for the rest, think of other ways

Yes

Minister Zhang Tingyu reports to Your Majesty

Currently our country's financial funds are depleted

The national treasury doesn't have that much money to give

I have always been frugal and economical

How could the national treasury not have enough money?

Your Majesty

All the expense items

are listed in here.

Please inspect

Alright, this matter

cannot be resolved in a day.

Court adjourned

Zhang Tingyu stay behind!

Is everything written in the report true?

Is the imperial court really employing so many idle people?

Your Majesty, this is indeed the case

Everyone on that list comes from some kind of background

Some are relatives of Niang Niangs in the back palace

Some have ancestors who made contributions

The late emperor ordered that their families

continue to be financially supported.

All these add up

to at least tens of thousands of people.

The government's money

can't be used at critical moments when it's needed.

It's used to support these leeches

Zhang Tingyu!

Minister here

Issue my decree

Starting today,

stop supporting them.

Your Majesty, you must not

Why not?

The Qiantang River is flooding. The people do not have food to eat.

Yet I give them money to eat, drink, and play?!

Your Majesty

I have also been thinking constantly of ways to increase revenue and decrease spending

but these people on top cannot be touched

because they are connected to all the Manchurian and Mongolian power and influence.

If this is done, it will step on many peoples' vested interests

By then, I'm afraid it will bring Your Majesty lots of trouble

Then what should be done?

I think...

how about you choose a suitable person

to do this on your behalf.

Of course, we hope that this person can take care of the matter

That would be best

But in case he can't,

offending the powerful people and provoking public anger,

Your Majesty will have nothing to do with it, or any knowledge of it.

When the time comes, you only need dispose of this person to end this

This way, it won't bring Your Majesty any trouble

Then I need to find someone dependable

Get out of the way!

Get out of the way!

See those refugees?

Yes

They all escaped here from Jiangnan

Many people died in the flood this time

The ones who escaped are lucky

At least they have food to eat. Those who couldn't escape, who knows what tragic fates they faced.

Does the government have any solutions?

Not really

except asking for donations

But just think,

who would be willing to take money out of their own pockets?

Originally, I wanted to take some money out of the national treasury

But I didn't expect that the treasury has no money

Where did the money go?

Take a look

The government should have investigated and handled these people a long time ago

The large sums of money that the government saves every year

all go to their pockets!

What a waste!

Yes

I wanted to deal with them right away

But they're all from families of power in Manchuria and Mongolia

The country has just been stabilized. I don't want to

disappoint the people.

But I also don't want to cause any difficulties

It's hard

Have you thought

of finding someone to help you with this burden?

Who would want to offend so many people?

17th brother, you would have been the best candidate

but I'm afraid that if I gave the job to you,

Mother would think too much of it.

You know that we have some misunderstandings

I don't want to further deepen this misunderstanding

As long as Your Majesty trusts me,

I will definitely put in all my effort

and give you a satisfactory result. As for Mother, don't worry.

I will explain it to her

You really want to hold this hot potato?

For the country and the people, it's my duty

If only Qing could have

more people like you.

that would be good

Lord!

Duke, quickly come

What is it?

What are you doing?

Get some hot water

Nanny, go get the doctor

Yuan Shou, go to court and ask for leave

Yes

Go

Hey!

Jia Jia,

what are you all doing?

Duke, I heard Father say that the Emperor wants you to lay people off.

This is very dangerous. I'm a woman, I don't know what else to do.

I thought all day, the only way is to fake illness

Here, Duke, quickly lie down

Enough! Stop it!

What does this have to do with the emperor?! I volunteered to do it myself!

Duke!

I...

- Teacher - 17th Duke

Don't you know the importance of this?

Don't you know the consequences?

Student knows

Then why did you agree to His majesty?

What if you offend those long-time court subjects?

What will be the consequences?

What about Jia Jia? What about your entire household?

Teacher, don't be anxious

Listen to me. The Qiantang River flood this time is really too severe.

Have you seen those refugees?

It's an appalling sight

Those people supported by the national treasury do no work

and squander the money! Do you think this is fair?

Not fair

But nothing in this world is fair

Right now, your safety is most important to us

Teacher, I don't think that way

The country comes first. If this continues,

there's no money for the Qiantang River flood this time,

and there won't be money for the Yellow River disaster next time!

Then what will happen? Rebellion and unrest among the people!

Even if we royals survive,

what face do we have to face our ancestors?

Face the people?

17th Duke

Teacher,

someone has to do this.

I know you and Jia Jia care about me

but if I don't do it, someone else will do it and their families will also worry.

Since someone has to take this step,

let it be me.

17th Duke!

Father, let it go

All we can do

is take care of things back home.

Fellow countrymen and refugees,

the master of the Nalan household likes to give aid to people.

So the government specially gave us this sign

From now on, wherever you see a residence with this sign,

you can go in for food and water

in cases of emergency.

Great!

Go in!

Let's go!

Someone!

Lord Li

This is an act of kindness and charity

Many lords have already done this

You wouldn't want to be accused of being stingy

and bullying refugees, would you?

What's happening?!

What's going on?

What are you doing? Who are you?

What are you doing?!

Lord Jiang, these refugees know that you're a charitable person

and specially came to perform for you.

Come

Lord Jiang is great!

Lord Jiang has outstanding character!

Lord Jiang is great!

17th really had the guts to do that?

Yes, it's only been 3 days

All the officials given these signs have requested to return their salaries

and become commoners.

Great!

Great!

If this keeps up,

the national treasury

will very soon be replenished.

I'm worried whether this fire

with burn Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, think

They've already spent the money, so who wouldn't want to label themselves as philanthropists?

Even if they're bitter about it,

they can only keep it to themselves.

That's how they should be treated!