Original subtitles

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!

What's up are you hurt?

Why did you block in front of me just now?

Do you know if i didn't get to you faster

You would've died

I didn't really think about it too much

I saw you in danger, so I wanted to protect you

I'm fine

It's alright

In that moment,

I suddenly had a thought

I can't live so recklessly anymore

I must live, for you

protect myself

Really? it's because of me?

I'm not dreaming am I?

If it's a dream..

I hope this dream

will never end.

God how did you get hurt?

It's nothing it's just a little cut

What kind of people are they?

Hurting you so severely

Those people

all fight with Manchurian Baturu kungfu.

If I'm not mistaken,

it should be someone I laid off this time.

Then...I'm alright Don't worry me

Let's go

Cousin where you of to?

Come, Da Niu, let's go

Careful

What? Still won't come over?

Cousin, I didn't see you and Da Niu come

Sister is now favored by the emperor. You still care about us two?

Cousin, what do you mean by that?

You know we're relatives

Moreover, I've always respected you a lot

That's just on the surface

I've asked you many times to speak to the emperor

and tell him to come visit Da Niu

Maybe sister has forgotten?

How is that possible?

Lately, every day I see the emperor, I talk to him about it

But the Emperor

brushes it off.

It goes in one ear and out the other

To be honest, I don't know

how to break it to cousin either.

Really?

It all depends on effort. As long as there's a will,

there's definitely a way.

I'm just afraid

that certain people burn bridges after crossing the river.

Feasting on chicken yourself, but not even giving others any soup

Cousin, you're wrongly accusing me!

- How could you... - Stop quibbling!

I know that deep in this palace,

there's only struggle between women,

no sisterly relations.

I was blind, wrong about you!

From now on, we will have nothing to do with each other

Wait and see

Cousin

Take these fruits over there

Yes

How much longer will I have to live like this?

I really can't take it anymore

If this continues, it will make me sick!

Yes yes

Inhaling this smoke

is like choking on bitter medicine. It's awful!

This wormwood is good stuff

Smelling this has no negative effects on your health,

it only has benefits!

But Lian Er

We can't keep going on like this

I heard people outside say

that if Xinzheku continues like this,

the emperor will banish us all to the smallpox quarantine area.

That would be disastrous for us

Come Ladies

Fresh pears!

- Quickly come eat! - Pears!

Su Gong Gong

Isn't Su Gong Gong Great? Yes! The one Named Su

Come over here

I asking you don't you...

normally have a plan

Hurry up and think about what we should do How can we get out of this haunted place?

I'll do anything you want

I will work everyday even if it exhausts me!

I don't want to smell these strange smells anymore!

Miss Yu Shu, just bear it for a while

It will be over very soon

Yeah right! Very soon...

You always say that

All thunder, no rain

I want to leave this place

I want to leave immediately!

Yu Shu

Su Gong Gong don't blame her

She's probably just sick of the confinement

Yes Yes . Yes that line

She can't even endure this bit of suffering

How will she deal with bigger problems in the future?

In the future?

Miss Lian Er don't be anxious

I'm looking out for you You will have an opportunity very soon.

Who wants that?

Smell it!

Hey I'm eating!

Chance... Chance...

Help!

Help!

Help!

Help!

Niang Niang!

Don't kill yourself!

Who said I was committing suicide?

Then why are you in the water in the middle of the night?

I feel hot

My body is burning up

Without this water, I really don't know

if I will be burned to death

by this fire.

Niang Niang, if you're hot, you should say so earlier

I will have someone get you ice from the iceroom

You're too polite

This fire cannot be extinguished by ice

Then...how can servant help you?

You are an eunuch

You can't extinguish it either

Niang Niang

Cheer up

The Emperor still loves the little princess very much

He will come sooner or later

How soon?

How late?

You useless guy! Get lost!

Leave

Niang Niang

you...

Leave

Yes

Wait

You can't extinguish the fire in my body

But you can extinguish the fire in my heart

Niang Niang means...

My own cousin, Xujia Xixiang,

Consort Qian...

I helped her so much

but she repays my kindness with enmity.

She won't even give me any soup!

Niang Niang

This isn't your first day in the palace

If the strategy doesn't work,

use another chess piece.

Why upset yourself so?

Getting upset only harms yourself

To others,

they don't care at all if you're upset.

Chess piece?

There's one in Xinzheku

Before, I wanted to help her myself

But with my status right now...

anyone in the palace is higher than me.

Instead of letting her rot in Xinzheku,

Niang Niang might as well use her for your own purposes.

What do you say?

Okay

In the very least, Xujia Xixiang will know

what it feels like to be neglected.

Greetings Niang Niang

Lift your head up

Niang Niang

She...

Don't say a word

I just want to see

why exactly she is so great.

Of course...she can't compare to Niang Niang

But she's young!

Shut up!

Someone

Smack him yes

Aren't you a veteran in the palace?

Why are you so tactless when you speak?

If she can't compare to me

Then why would i ask her to come here?

You say that her advantage is her youth

By that, do you mean I'm old?

I should die I should die

- I...actually... - Enough

However, she does look pleasing to the eye

Then stay with me

Hurry, thank Niang Niang!

Thanks Niang Niang

Servant greets Niang Niang

Excused

I don't want you to do these things

I don't understand what Niang Niang means

If I'm willing to,

I can give you everything.

Then tell me...

are you willing to listen to me

Yes I am

Then that's great

Cousin

Cousin

Why are you with her?!

It's Consort Qian

What? Have you forgotten the rules in the palace?

No respectful gestures when you see me?

Yes

Greetings Wan Ping Niang Nian

That's more like it

Since

we're not sisters anymore,

we will have to do things by the palace rules.

Cousin

Move!

Cousin

I don't care what you think of me

But you absolutely can't

take Lian'er in!

Do you know...

She's always wanted to get close to the emperor

This woman is also sick!

What's with all the pushing and shoving?!

Lots of people in the palace want to get close to the emperor

As for sickness,

I've already asked imperial doctor Li.

She's perfectly fine

Cousin

Don't know if it's because

of the unclean people around me.

I suddenly feel tired

Lian Er

Help me back to rest

Yes

Cousin

Cousin

Listen to me

Someone come

I'm thirsty get me some water

Where the heck is everyone?

They should die!

Where is everyone?!

Lian Er

You...

Why are you here?

And your wearing my clothes

Someone Someone come

Seize her!

Me?

This Chang Chun palace is no longer yours

Who says Chang Chun palace isn't mine?!

Some one come someone come quickly

Stop yelling

They won't listen to you

This morning, the emperor already stripped you of your rank

Now this Chang Chun palace is mine

Nonsense!

You don't believe me

Look for yourself

That can't be

That can't be

The emperor wouldn't abandon me!

Someone come!

Lock this malicious woman

in Xinzheku!

Yes

- Let me go! - So stubborn!

No

I absolutely can't let this happen

Absolutely not!

Lian'er

Just wait and see

I won't let you get your way!

I absolutely won't!

It's so late, you're still up?

Wang Ye

Couple days ago in the marketplace,

I learned how to embroider double-sided from an embroidery house.

It's still fresh in my memory so I made a few more

You did so many in just a few days?

It's not an embroidery competition

Go to bed early

I will be done in just a little while

Duke, you go to bed first

What are you embroidering?

to make you not sleep?

Alright, my Duke

It's my only hobby

Just indulge me

and let me finish embroidering, ok?

Okay

Rest early

Don't stay up too late

I obey

Embroidering overnight...

and leaving first thing in the morning...

what is going on?

Listen to me!

Leave!

This is the reason you were embroidering all night?

You're here to apologize for me

Wang Ye listen to me

They're bad people!

They exploit the commoners

and squander the government's money!

I didn't do anything wrong

Why did you come here and help me apologize!?

Don't you know how humiliating this is for me?!

Wang Ye don't say anything!

Go home with me!

Wang Ye

Wang Ye

Listen to me

I know that what you said is right

But try to think

from my point of view as a wife.

It is easy to dodge an open attack but difficult to escape from a clandestine one

To me, if enduring some humiliation

can save my husband's life,

it's worth it!

Other than me

There's also mother

She will be 50 soon

Can you bear to break her heart

by having something happen to you right now?

You think that they won't touch me

just because you gave them these gifts?

At least we can make it clear to them

that we know they did it.

They won't dare act rashly again

Throwing out my embroidery

I think, will let them blow off some steam.

Wang Ye did you know?

There's not much left at home we can give them

I thought the double-sided embroidery was pretty

so I kept learning

and learning.

Until all my fingers had blisters

Why?

Because I hope you can return home safely

I'll go with you

Wang Ye

Let's go

17th really went from home to home with his Fujin

to apologize?

Yes. This isn't like him

Yes

I'm also baffled

But I think that

once those people have vented their anger,

this thing will be over.

I don't think they will cause 17th Duke

any more trouble.

This 17th...

I really underestimated him

When Imperial Father was still alive,

he praised him for having courage and insight.

I didn't accept it

Seems like I must accept it now

Your Majesty is the son of heaven

No matter how great Duke is,

how could he be mentioned in the same breath as Your Majesty?

Good is good Bad is bad

You can lie to everyone on this planet

But You can't lie to yourself

So why do it?

17th has talent

The government can use him

Which is a good thing to me

Yes

Your Majesty is absolutely right

Oh! That's right

You came back to the palace in such a rush

not just to tell me this?

Replying to Your Majesty,

Qin Tai Fei's birthday is almost here.

I came to ask Your Majesty

whether it should still be handled by tradition.

Originally, Mother's 50th birthday

should have been a grand affair.

But you know how things are now...

Make it simple

Yes Your majesty

Greetings Your Majesty

Where are these dumplings from?

Replying to Your Majesty, Qin Tai Fei sent them over

Tai Fei Niang Niang is really in good spirits

Why would she suddenly think of making dumplings for me?

Tai Fei Niang Niang said

Your Majesty likes to eat her dumplings

so she made some everyday to send over.

But Your Majesty had no time

The servants were afraid that the cold dumplings

would upset your stomach,

so we threw them away

She sent them everyday?

Yes

This is mine

This is mine

This is mine

My mother made my dumplings

with pork

My mother made my dumplings

With cabbage

Look at mine

My mother made my dumplings

with different stuff inside.

4th Prince

Where's your dumpling's that your mother made you?

I... I forgot to tell my Mother

Don't listen to him

His mother doesn't even like him

Even though he says so

His mother will never make dumplings for him

- That's nonsense! - Not nonsense!

Yesterday I saw you

tell De Fei Niang Niang that you wanted to eat dumplings.

But De Fei Niang Niang

told you to go away.

Who cares about dumplings?!

I don't care!

You dare smash our dumplings!

Brothers,

teach this guy a lesson!

Our Dumplings' Stop!

Your dare hit me? I kick you!

Stop!

What are you lot doing?

How can each and everyone of you watch them fight?

Take the princes back home!

Yes

4th prince

Are you alright?

I want to eat my mother's dumpling's

Why won't she make me any?

Maybe your mother is very busy

How about...

I make some for you to eat?

No I want to eat dumplings made from my mother

I want to eat dumplings made from my mother

4th Prince!

Remember

When 4th prince comes back later,

tell him that De Fei Niang Niang specially made this for him.

Understood?

Yes

Qin Fei Niang Niang

I'm hungry

I want to eat some goodies

Why is he back so fast?

I must hide first

Remember

Don't tell him that I'm here yes

Why is there dumplings?

4th prince

De Fei Niang Niang brought this over

My mother made me dumplings

that's great

My mother made me dumpling's

4th prince is it delicious?

Yes it's very delicious

Qin Fei Niang Niang!

4th Prince

4th prince,

I came to deliver the dumplings

for De Fei Niang Niang.

But is there so much flour on your hands?

This...

Doesn't matter who made it

These are the best dumplings I've ever had!

Will there be more?

Yes

There always wlil be

This phoenix robe

was Grand Empress Dowager

Xiao Zhuang's favorite.

When I first entered the palace,

I saw it once.

I thought it was so, so beautiful

But I was standing too far away,

I didn't see very closely.

Now it's right before my eyes

but I am already old.

I'm not in the mood to enjoy it anymore

Mother don't say such sad things

Oh yeah Mother

It will be your birthday in two days

How does Mother plan to celebrate?

The Qiantang River is flooding

The Emperor and 17th

are already very busy and in over their heads.

Besides, birthdays are trivial

I don't really like to celebrate

Keep it simple if possible

Mother makes a lot of sense

Then does Mother have any wishes?

So I can show my filial respect

Wish?

I know what mother is thinking

Mother don't worry put your heart at ease

You raised the Emperor since he was young

He will give in sooner or later

Mother

Mother look

This phoenix garment hasn't been worn in a long time

The color has even faded

How about this?

I will help Mother put it on

I think Mother will definitely look very pretty wearing it

That won't be good

What's not good about it?

It's sooner or later

Here Mother. Here

That looks really good mother

It's very pretty

Greetings Your Majesty

Greetings your majesty

Greetings mother

Your majesty please rise thank you mother

Mother, it's almost your 50th birthday

I specially came over to see you

Your Majesty please don't worry about this

It's only something small

It's not important

How can it be something small

Even if the national treasury has no money,

I will think of ways

to make it a glorious event.

This is all I can do

for Mother.

As for other things,

tradition can't be violated.

Although I am the emperor,

there are some things

I am powerless over.

Mother

Hall of Mental Cultivation

still has some reports I need to read and approve.

I'm leaving now

Empress

Keep Mother company

Yes your highness

Is this what you lot have prepared to give to Tai fei Niang Niang as birthday present?

I deserve to die

I deserve to die

How could Tai Fei Niang Niang possibly want these things?

How do you do things!

I deserved to die

I was wrong

I deserve to die

I deserve to die

Did you know?

Last night the Emperor went to Shou Kang Palace

What does that mean?

That means mother and son have reconciled

If I can make Tai Fei Niang Niang happy at this time,

it's the same as making His Majesty happy.

This is my final chance

Final chance

Do you understand?

Servant understands

Then why do you still do such a bad job?!

I think you're doing it on purpose to ruin my chances!

I deserve to die

I deserve to die

Niang Niang!

What?...

You want to stop me from teaching her a lesson?

Unless you want to be like her?

Niang Niang please calm down

Servant thinks

that Tai Fei Niang Niang is the wealthiest person in the world.

Preparing gifts for her

is definitely not an easy task!

Bing Yan has already tried her hardest

You want to protect her?

No problem

I approve

Giving Tai Fei Niang Niang a present

I will leave it to you

If you do a good job,

I will reward you generously.

But if you do a bad job,

you can go to hell with her.

This...

What?...

You can't do it?

I...

Then what are you showing off for?!

Niang Niang Don't worry

Lian'er will definitely prepare a good present,

one that will please Niang Niang.

Royal Mother

We have been here for a while now

How about i help you go back and rest?

I don't really want to go back

I just want to stay here

for a while longer.

Then I will take Mother to see a play

Yes yes, let's go to a play!

Yeah

I know you're filial

But today I really don't want to go

Greetings Tai Fei Niang Niang

Greetings Empress

Greetings Imperial Grandmother

Greetings Empress

Greetings Niang Niang

Greetings sister

Why are you here?

Da Niu, didn't you say you prepared something to make Imperial Grandmother happy?

Yeah

Then that's great

Everybody sit down and watch

Da Niu

Who taught you this?

How could teach her?

She came up with it herself

Don't you want to make me happy?

yeah

But i failed to do so

why?

Because Imperial Grandmother didn't laugh

Is it because i didn't dance very well?

You danced very well

Tell me

At my birthday banquet,

will you dance even better than you did right now?

Okay

Imperial Grandmother will wait for this day to come

Now come with me to see a play

Let's go

Lian Er

When are you going to...

save me from Xinzheku?

I can't right now

Why?

Wan Pin Niang Niang seems gentle on the surface,

but in reality, she's even more vicious than a wolf!

I think being in Jing Ren Palace

is even worse than being in Xinzheku.

Really?

You don't believe me?

How am i supposed to know?

Since you entered Jing Ren Palace,

you eat well and dress well.

The mistress is very nice to you

Maybe you already forgot about me in Xinzheku

Yu Shu

We're good sisters who face adversity together!

How can you say that about me

Then what do you want me to say?

Did you know?

how difficult my life is right now?

The plague was just over

I have a huge pile of work

Everyday, I have to get up before sunrise

if it's not washing, it's scrubbing

Look at my hands!

They're covered in blisters!

I don't have any hopes

I only have one hope

to quickly leave that miserable place Xinzheku.

As long as I can leave that place,

I'll do whatever you want

Yu Shu

I know your life is very tough

Just wait a bit longer,

for me to arrange it, ok?

A bit longer...you always say that

How much longer exactly?

I know that in this world,

it's easy to share adversity, but much harder to share wealth.

If you won't help me,

I will find a way myself

I didn't

Yu Shu

Yu Shu

Don't follow me

Good child, it will be over soon

When you've learned to dance

and get Imperial Father to come here,

I'll give you whatever you want

Why are you so useless

If you keep at it like this,

who can I count on in the future?

Niang Niang The princess is still very small

If she injures her back, she won't even be able to dance in the future

I've practiced dance since I was young. I know what I'm doing.

Don't help her

I'll teach her myself

Da Niu Listen Carefully

Our happiness

all depends on you.

You can help me isn't that right?

Then that's good

Let's continue practicing your back

Mother will support you

Slowly stretch backward, little by little

Don't rush it

Here

Don't help her!

You can't even tolerate this little pain,

what do you want Mother to do?

Mother don't get mad

Mother I'll try my best

I will definitely try my best!

Mother

Da Niu

Do you know

Mother has nothing

Mother only has you

If you don't work hard,

what will Mother do from now on?

Understand?

Understood

Good

Da Niu Da Niu

Auntie?

They are all asleep

Let's not wake them up

Auntie

Why are you here?

I heard that your mother made you practice dance

It's very tiring, right?

Yes

Then would Da Niu like to learn it right away,

and make your mother happy?

Really?

But...

It hurts it hurts

I can't practice anymore

I have a solution

What's this?

It's really heavy

When you drop back,

tie this onto your waist.

That way, your waist will...drop down right away!

Really?

Since when did I lie to you?

But Da Niu,

this...

is our little secret.

You can't tell anyone

Otherwise I won't visit you anymore

Ok, then lie down and keep sleeping

Here, hide this

When you leave the palace,

hire a dance instructor to come teach the little princess,

to avoid any mistakes on the day of the birthday banquet

I know

Don't worry Niang Niang

Mother, look, I came down!

Da Niu is amazing!

Just yesterday you couldn't do it,

but today you can do it?

What's that tied to you?

This is my secret weapon

Mother, I'm so tired

Then get up. Keep practicing after you eat some food.

Get up slowly. Be careful of your back.

Da Niu little Princess

Da Niu

Quick go get the doctor

Yes

Da Niu Da Niu

Da Niu!

Niang Niang

The princess isn't breathing

Scram!

Da Niu

Da Niu

Mother knows...

you're playing with me, right?

You don't want to learn dance

Mother agrees with you

We'll stop learning

Stop learning!

We'll stop learning...

Da Niu

Wake up

Wake up