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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 9]

Grand Madam.

Grand Madam, what could be so urgent

that you have to meet me in the Elixir Chamber?

Guru, the empress is now investigating that set of makeup boxes

bestowed to Princess Consort of Changlin.

Have you heard about that?

If Grand Madam already knew, I definitely did as well.

Guru, you're actually not even worried about it?

Grand Madam.

I'll take my leave.

Why should I be worried?

Didn't you say that the set of makeup boxes meant for swapping

was crafted by an artisan you secretly bribed for the job?

So?

Aren't you worried that the artisan will confess what he did?

That artisan?

He's been dead for seven years now.

Grand Madam, rest assured.

The empress will never find out anything.

Pay attention and be sure to clean it up nicely.

- Yes. - All right, get going.

Here.

All the horse carriages that will be sent out during the Lunar New Year

must all be carefully checked again.

Yes.

The tearoom that the first born prince is using to host visitors

we must use more coal to heat it.

Yes.

Have you ordered fresh fruit from the south yet?

Your Highness.

What would you like me to do?

Housekeeper Zhou joined the manor along with my mother when she was married.

It's been so many years now and he's already at a ripe old age

so it's best to just have him look after my father.

There are too many miscellaneous chores during Lunar New Year.

From today onward, my East Quarters will be entrusted to you.

It's as good as sharing some of Housekeeper Zhou's burden.

Yes.

Great!

- Great! - Great!

Madam.

He has four of the earthly branches in his birth chart.

They clash and reinforce one another.

It carries a malicious aura.

Madam... This certainly isn't the birth chart of an ordinary person.

This person is highly ranked in an important official position.

There's too much killing and grudges in his life.

His good fortune falls once it hits the pinnacle.

I can pray to the White God to cast a voodoo spell on him

so as to fulfill Madam's wish.

However, all things in the world reach a certain balance.

If a curse is cast, there will be retribution.

I wonder if Madam dares to bear the consequences?

Miss Lin, come have your meal.

Sure.

- Yun. - Yes?

Swap this for wild mugwort.

I need twice as much as this.

The chill in Princess Consort must be drawn out in high heat.

Yes.

Is Second Young Master of Changlin Manor very busy

during Lunar New Year?

He hasn't visited for two days.

Yu, if you're not busy with anything

can you let me try an acupuncture treatment on you?

Miss Lin.

Just a moment, Miss Lin.

Miss Lin... Why don't you take a break?

I'm fine.

This is a complicated treatment.

I have to be fast and accurate.

I must practice until I'm very familiar with it.

The wind sounds so strong and it's so chilly.

I'm afraid it will snow soon.

Why would Ping Jing run into such weather when he's out traveling?

He claims to be part of the fighters' world.

He's often out wandering about.

It's just a bit of wind and snow.

Don't worry about him.

Seeing how you're behaving... Do you have a secret to tell me?

I heard that the envoys of the Eastern Sea State will arrive

in the capital after Lunar New Year?

There's always been a diplomatic relationship

between Eastern Sea State and Great Liang.

Even Northern Yan hasn't started a war with us.

What's so strange about sending envoys here?

If I've already heard of it, how could you not know?

They said that Northern Yan will marry a princess.

Is that true?

Marital alliances are always made.

This won't be the first time

we've had noble ladies from other states married into Great Liang.

Why are you so interested in it this time?

Don't you pretend not to get what I mean.

I'm still hurt!

Are you all right?

After you.

You were right.

Father asked Ping Jing to hold on to the past engagement until now.

But His Majesty has been quite reluctant.

For the past year or two

His Majesty has hinted at getting Ping Jing married.

But that has nothing to do with Northern Yan.

But why have I heard this time--

This year, you're getting more and more interested in the gossip.

First of all, His Majesty might not agree to Northern Yan's terms.

Even if he really did agree to their terms

the marital alliance of two states is no trifling matter.

Who doesn't know what Ping Jing is like?

Although the orders of one's ruler and father come first

how could it be possible not to let him have it his way?

But he can't just have it his way either.

At least, we should get someone to keep an eye on his choice.

You're right.

Mother isn't around anymore.

The eldest sister-in-law is respected as a parent.

Whichever lady he chooses, you'll have to like her first.

I do already favor one.

But then, there's the old engagement.

Father hasn't said anything yet.

I don't dare bring it up.

But now, there are the envoys from Northern Yan.

That's why I got really anxious.

- I have to know-- - Don't you worry.

Even if they really sent a princess here for a marital alliance

they won't choose Ping Jing.

She's not meant for Ping Jing?

Who is she for then?

You surely know.

His Majesty always tells Father what he thinks.

Father tells you.

Don't keep me guessing.

Why would you care who it is?

As long as I'm not chosen, why would it concern you?

You still think of having a princess from Northern Yan?

You'll have to defeat me first!

Aren't you still wounded?

Stop fooling around!

It's so windy out here.

You came to wait for me?

I feel bad about it.

I'm not waiting for you.

Who are you waiting for?

The last medicinal ingredient.

Old Hall Master decocted this himself.

Miss Lin, do rest assured.

Thank you.

So?

What about the herb that I told you to find?

I picked this much.

Is that enough?

Thank you.

Lin Xi!

I should head back to make some preparations.

I'll let you know after Lunar New Year.

All right.

Thank you, Miss Lin.

Ping Jing!

I wish you a peaceful new year.

Mother, wait for me.

Take care, Sister-in-law.

Let's head home.

[Royal Changlin Manor]

Ping Zhang.

We'll wait here for Father.

I know very well what Father and His Majesty think.

But in all these years, I've never asked you.

What do you think about this old engagement made in the past?

What opinion can I have?

Ever since I was old enough, Mother has told me that

there's a girl who is exceptional waiting for me.

I should protect her and take care of her.

I don't have much choice.

All right, I'll be serious about it.

The promise that Father made is a responsibility for me.

Therefore, I did think about this matter many times.

Where is she?

What does she look like? How is her temperament?

I don't really expect to be able to be with her.

I just truly hope that she's safe and happy.

I wish that she finds her happy ending.

It sounds as if you think that we'll never find her.

That goes without saying.

Father might keep this on his mind

but even if this girl were standing in front of us, we wouldn't recognize her.

Your Highness.

There are so many rituals before Lunar New Year.

It's been hard on you, my brother.

You must have a few more drinks today.

Sure!

Don't worry.

If you get drunk, I'll have my men carry you home.

Your Majesty's capacity for wine is enough to get me carried home?

I'm not that old yet.

Here, Ting Sheng.

Yuan Shi.

Have you greeted your uncle for the new year?

This mustn't be done!

Crown Prince is the heir apparent.

How can he greet me? He mustn't.

This is a family banquet.

Here, it's all down to seniority.

Don't mind the formalities.

Greet quickly.

If you insist on the new year greeting, just do a quick bow.

Uncle, I wish you a long and peaceful life.

Thank you, Crown Prince.

Do you like the new year's gift that I gave you?

Yes, I like it so much!

But Mother said that I'm not tall enough to ride such a large horse.

I can only look at it for now.

Her Highness is right.

Crown Prince, it will take you just a few more years

to do archery on a boisterous horse.

By then, whatever it is you like, just tell me.

I'll have it prepared for you.

How is it?

You don't find it tasty?

Banquet dishes are definitely not tasty.

My sister-in-law made these. Try one.

You made me peckish as well.

We wish Father an auspicious and peaceful new year.

You may both get up.

- Thank you, Father. - Thank you, Father.

Xue, help Ping Zhang up.

Yes.

I wish Father an auspicious and peaceful new year.

Get up.

Thank you, Father.

All right, it's almost midnight, so we've stayed up for New Year's Day.

There was much socializing to do at the imperial banquet.

Ping Zhang hasn't fully recovered, so he seems tired.

Xue, head back to your quarters to prepare some snacks for him.

After the three of us are done paying respects to the ancestors

I'll let him get some rest.

Yes.

You both know that

this nameless memorial tablet was made by the former emperor himself.

It's bestowed to be enshrined in the Royal Changlin Manor.

Although we pay respects to it year after year

I only mentioned its significance when Ping Zhang was made my official heir.

Do you both still remember that?

How could we dare easily forget what Father has preached to us?

There are many valiant souls.

Not all of them are remembered in history.

Although this memorial tablet isn't engraved with names

the friendship lies in our hearts.

Whomever it is that you wish to pay respects to

be it your mentors, seniors, old friends

or each and every soldier who died fighting for Great Liang

they can all be paid respect by this memorial tablet.

Remember them and keep this friendship forever.

Well said.

Both of you should offer the wine now.

- Yes. - Yes.

Lin Xi!

Lin Xi?

My sister-in-law prepared this new year's gift for you.

She made it just for you.

Even I'm not allowed to have some.

Everything's ready?

Although I can't guarantee that it will work

I have almost everything ready.

It's best to start soon.

Since it's a medical treatment, we'll need the patient to cooperate.

It's about time to let Sister Meng know the truth.

Although Ping Zhang didn't say it

I know that he hasn't been sleeping well recently.

It's disgusting to think that we might never find out

who was really behind this evil deed.

Whenever I think about that, I am so annoyed.

Fortunately, Sister Meng has a cheerful temperament.

She should be able to pull through this.

It's Lunar New Year and yet I have to tell Ping Zhang about this.

I'm really very upset.

[Jifeng Hall]

Sir, this way, please.

Your Grace, you're finally here.

Your Grace.

Have a seat.

During Lunar New Year, everyone is busy going around making social calls

but idle people like us get to drink together.

What are you talking about?

We are idling around but Marquis of Laiyang is the royal nephew.

He's a close imperial relative.

Who knows? He might get appointed to some position soon.

My mother has gone to worship the gods.

She told me not to accompany her, so I'm bored at home.

Since you said we're here for drinks, let's get some quickly.

Server! Serve wine!

Tai? What are you doing here?

- Second Young Master. - Where's Yuan Qi?

His Grace has gone in.

He's having a few drinks with his friends.

Yuan Qi doesn't even invite me along for drinks.

I happen to be bored.

Sir, please come in.

The first day of the new year is the day to make offerings.

Not only your mother, but almost half of the nobility in town headed out.

Who cares if it's the White God or the Yellow God?

Everyone has a place to worship gods.

Exactly.

On my way here, I happened to see Princess Consort of Changlin's carriage.

Judging from the direction, she must be going to Green Lotus Temple.

Green Lotus Temple in the West Mountain?

That's where people pray in hopes of bearing children.

Princess Consort is so beautiful

yet she still can't have any children.

She must be very anxious about that.

In my opinion, what's the use in praying to Buddha for that?

It's been rumored that the old prince led the army to war for decades.

There was too much killing and a malicious aura appeared.

It's all now retribution on his offspring.

That's why his daughter-in-law can't bear a child.

What nonsense is that?

Ping Jing?

Xiao Ping Jing!

Who do you think you are?

This is the capital, Jinling, right under the emperor's nose.

You can't just do anything you wish!

You didn't even ask me for a reason.

- How do you know this isn't justified? - I don't need to ask!

Whatever mistakes they might have made

the Metropolitan Government Office is always open!

Yet here you are punishing them out in public.

Are you just too free-spirited or arrogant?

They were gossiping about Changlin Manor

and the lady of the manor.

You want me to report this?

Are you in your right mind?

It concerns the lady of your manor?

Who is that?

Don't you know how many ladies of our manor are there?

Guards!

- Tie them up! - Yes!

Take them away!

Tell your masters to come get them at the Imperial Guards’ Office!

Ping Jing!

What is going on?

I haven't even vented my anger yet!

[Qiantian Yard]

I beat up two men on the streets today.

You must have been informed by now.

Is there always so much gossip about Changlin Manor?

We're easily targeted because of our status in the Imperial Court.

It's not new.

Even when the former emperor was still alive

there were all sorts of rumors.

I still remember those years before His Majesty had any sons.

There were even more rumors about Father that sounded worse.

Then the crown prince was born and then two other illegitimate princes.

It was then that the rumors died down a bit.

Are we to just allow them to slander us without doing anything?

What are we to do about it?

If you hear them, teach them a lesson just like you did.

If it's said behind our backs, why worry about it?

Rumors are always hard to pacify.

A soft tongue cuts like blade.

Even if you're a formidable hero, there's not much you can do about them.

That's fine.

There's also Xun Fei Zhan.

Who knows what got into him today?

He interfered but then accused me of being willful and arrogant.

I believe that Fei Zhan didn't do that with any bad intention.

You were at Jifeng Hall today?

Don't you have anything to tell me?

Miss Lin said that we have to let Qian Xue know now.

You may all be dismissed and close the door behind you.

Yes.

What's the matter?

Xiao Xue... There's something I need to tell you.

- Let go of me! - Xiao Xue!

Xiao Xue! Xiao Xue!

Xiao Xue! Xiao Xue...

Xiao Xue, it's all right! It will be all right.

It's going to be all right.

We've just been held up for a few years.

Fortunately, we got married young.

It's not too late to have children yet.

When Miss Lin gets you nursed back to health

we'll have as many children as you like.

We'll show those scrupulous culprits

that my Xiao Xue won't be defeated so easily.

Tell me.

What have I done?

What have I done wrong that they had to do this to me?

Who have I offended?

How would anyone know what these terrible people actually think

until they say it themselves?

Just because there are people who are out to harm us

it doesn't mean that we've done anything wrong, right?

Didn't Granduncle used to say

that although there's evil and injustice in this world

that brings pain and suffering to people...

the serenity in the minds of those who are just and righteous

can't be understood by those with despicable minds.

You're right, my dear.

I was born to the Meng family.

I abide by the teachings of my granduncle.

Miss Lin said that she can help relieve your condition.

It means that there's still hope of a recovery.

Don't think too much about it.

Just take her medical treatment.

What am I to do if my condition never improves?

However it might turn out, we will pull through this together.

Right?

This one is for Mother.

This is for Father.

This is for my uncle.

This is for my maternal uncle.

Hold them well.

Crown Prince, slow down.

What's wrong, Your Majesty?

Consort Shu was so fond of red plum blossoms.

If only she could have given birth successfully...

That child would be old enough to pick plum blossoms for his mother now.

Indeed.

Your Majesty was so fond of her.

It's such a pity that Consort Shu didn't have luck.

She couldn't keep the child.

It's been so many years.

Yet it's still upsetting whenever I mention Consort Shu.

I do know that you did all that you could then.

I suppose this is fate.

Consort Shu might not have had the good fortune to survive

but she must be comforted to know that Your Majesty still misses her.

Come here.

You must be tired, my son.

Wipe off your sweat.

I'm a bit hungry, Father.

Eat then.

Right, the Imperial Court commences on the 16th.

The Court of State Ceremonial will prepare to welcome

the envoys of Eastern Sea State.

As for the ceremony to pay respects to Consort Shu, I'll leave it to you.

Pay respects to Consort Shu?

On the state letter of Eastern Sea State, they listed a few requests.

One is to pay respects to Consort Shu in their traditional custom.

I just gave it some thought.

I decided to agree to it as it seems fitting.

Inform the cabinet to transcribe a copy of the state letter

and send someone to explain the details to the empress.

Yes.

Father, you should also have one.

I accept the decree.

Why didn't you tell me in advance

that Eastern Sea State wrote in their state letter

that they wanted to pay their respects to Consort Shu?

Your Highness.

Consort Shu passed away years ago.

It's only normal that her motherland sent envoys here to pay respects.

It's not a serious matter.

Your Highness, you need not take it to heart.

It isn't that I care about it.

It's just...

I feel somehow uneasy about it.

She's been dead for seven years!

Why would she still be brought up again?

Your Highness, the envoys of Eastern Sea State will arrive soon.

As for the ritual in the Inner Court

His Majesty has assigned Your Highness to take charge of it.

The dead know and feel nothing.

Sometimes, you have to put up a front for other people.

For years, Your Highness has been virtuous and prudent.

His Majesty surely takes that into account.

I believe that for the blessings of the crown prince

you will act calmly and meticulously.

It's such a strong smell of herbs.

You've always been strong and healthy.

You didn't have to take much medicine.

It's normal for you to find it pungent.

Now that I'm in here for a while, it smells fine.

Miss Lin, the medication is ready.

Good.

Sister Meng, please.

There's no specific diet to follow.

Don't eat too much or food that is too spicy.

I will remember that.

Oh, right. I should have sent Ping Jing to fetch you.

His father and brother left him with many reports and documents

before they set out to the palace.

He's now grouchy in the study.

Don't be so polite.

I often make house calls as a doctor, so there's no need to pick me up.

I wonder if his patience has run out.

Why don't we take a look in the study?

I have matters to handle in the clinic.

I'll take my leave.

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