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[Nirvana In Fire II]

[Episode 11]

For the past few months, I've been attending to my sister meticulously.

Consort Li has tried to harm her many times but I fended her off.

Who knew...

Who knew she would do this to me?

Honestly speaking...

I don't think that dracaena from Eastern Sea State works.

Nor am I interested in it.

Perhaps it's because I've been in the harem for too long.

I'm used to seeing such tricks.

However...

Should His Majesty learn of this matter, what would he think?

I can't say for sure.

I'm afraid... you'll end up just like your husband did.

Unless...

Your Highness...

Be careful.

Madam, His Grace is here.

Mother?

Mother?

Mother?

Mother.

What brings you here at this hour?

Didn't you go out to meet friends today?

I heard from Xiao Yan that Mother was feeling unwell.

I was worried, so I came to see you.

It's nothing serious.

I've been occasionally startled by dreams in my sleep.

What's wrong?

What did you hear?

It might have been a stray cat.

- You may be dismissed now. - Yes.

Mother, I've actually wanted to ask His Majesty for a job

and leave home to gain some experience.

I'm just worried about Mother's health, so I'm afraid to travel far.

You wish to leave home for an official position?

Silly child.

What good position can there be for you?

You clearly know that...

I'm well aware that the Marquis of Laiyang Manor

fell from grace with the former emperor.

We're not liked.

Who told you that?

Do I need anyone to tell me?

Father was the former emperor's son but he died without a title.

He wasn't buried in the Imperial Mausoleum.

It's easy to tell that he must have done something wrong.

That was why the former emperor disfavored...

He then died young from illness.

Mother, His Majesty bestowed me with the second-rank title of a marquis.

I've led a life of luxury and he never treated me poorly.

Actually... He's already been very generous to us.

Right, Mother?

It's too early to discuss this.

Mother, you need not worry about this yet.

It has been quite unsafe in the capital.

I surely won't leave anytime soon.

It's unsafe in the capital?

What do you mean by that?

This concerns Eastern Sea State.

Mother, you'll hear about it sooner or later.

Marquis Mo Zi is in the capital.

He's already killed six people.

Puyang Ying has long been awaiting the arrival of Your Grace.

That letter...

You had it sent to me?

Exactly.

To have the chance to witness the best fighter in action...

It's my utmost honor.

How are you related to this case?

You thought of sending me a letter after seven years?

What are you after?

It matters not how I'm related to this case

but that I can assist Your Grace in finding the real culprit

who killed Consort Shu.

Do you think that I'll spare you

just because you're going to tell me who the culprit is?

You will.

Because I'm making a great business deal with you.

We shall see if this deal keeps you alive.

Ping Zhang!

Ping Jing!

I've discussed this with Brother Xun.

He's gone to make some arrangements.

Then we'll question some people in the palace.

Have you eaten?

I grabbed a bite to eat.

Nothing much can be traced back from the Eastern Sea Dracaena.

You must be feeling upset.

The empress has found the artisan who crafted this box.

Should I interrogate him?

He died seven years ago.

This makeup box was the last item that he crafted.

That's quite a coincidence.

Something is fishy!

However, after this box was crafted, it had to go through

three stages of examination in the Inner Court.

Before it was sent to Zhengyang Palace

a female palace official and the chief palace lady would check it again.

Even if it was hidden very well within the box...

it couldn't have gone unnoticed for several examinations.

You're right.

It's not possible that everyone who examined the box was involved.

If so many knew of this matter, wouldn't the secret have been spilled?

Perhaps this box was only tampered with

after it was sent to Zhengyang Palace.

If so...

Then it had nothing to do with the artisan?

Why did he have to die?

A mere artisan who was miles away from the palace.

What could he have done?

What could he possibly do?

Could it be--

Ping Jing is here?

Your younger sister was married far away from home into the palace.

Not only was she not protected, but she died with her unborn child.

It was a tragic end in which justice wasn't upheld.

Whoever did it must surely be punished

but I think that the Imperial Clan of Great Liang is involved in this.

What do you mean by that?

I've drafted an incredible plan for Your Grace.

Not only will you be able to avenge your sister

but also realize the great ambition that Your Grace has in mind.

Your Grace might have come to solve the mystery of Consort Shu's death

but don't you also have great ambition for Eastern Sea State?

Now, in your country

every official supports a different master.

It's very unstable.

Your Grace might have stayed above it all

but you must be very displeased with it.

The White God that I worship has informed me

that the great responsibility of uniting Eastern Sea State as its king

now lies upon Your Grace.

I predict that within three years

Your Grace can become the next king of Eastern Sea State.

Within 10 years, the king of Eastern Sea State will conquer the world!

I've said so much.

Your Grace, you no longer need to conceal your ambitions.

What do I need to do now?

First, you'll avenge Consort Shu.

Then you should plant a seed from Eastern Sea State in Great Liang.

Plant a seed from Eastern Sea State in Great Liang?

Exactly.

Who exactly are you?

I am the one who will help you reach your goals.

Look, Miss Lin Xi gave me these.

I have to take them every morning and night.

Then I don't need to take decoctions anymore.

Miss Lin finally eased me of my worries with these words.

It seems that you must have improved.

- Yes. - Let me take a look.

Don't you have an important task?

Why are you slacking off in your brother's quarters?

When I was out working on the task, you were still asleep.

- All right, put them there in order. - Yes.

Over there.

- Slowly. - Dong Qing.

Open the windows for me.

- Let some air in. - Yes.

Why is Dong Qing in charge of your quarters now?

Where's Housekeeper Zhou?

Your brother said that Housekeeper Zhou is old now.

He shouldn't work too hard.

He has enough to do at Father's.

We now have Dong Qing manage our quarters.

Ping Zhang is always so thoughtful.

Isn't he?

Your brother also arranged for my two maids to be married

when they come of age.

I'm too thoughtless.

I couldn't help you much at home or at work.

That sounds about right.

There are so many noble ladies in the capital

who are gentle and good at attending to husbands.

They really have every chore covered.

Every chore covered?

Who told you to fall for someone like me?

That's right. It's now too late to regret my decision.

Hey.

Both of you. I'm still sitting right here.

I'll... get going then.

You... How can you do this to me when Ping Jing is around?

I've heard about you.

I'm also aware of your status here in Great Liang's capital.

Your Grace, you're not interested in my plan?

I just don't understand what you stand to gain

from plotting all this for me.

I certainly have my reasons for doing it.

Your Grace, you need only know that my reasons and your goals don't clash.

That's all.

Speaking of which, I'd like to ask Your Grace for a favor.

Your Grace, have you heard of the Royal Changlin Manor?

Isn't that a redundant question?

Your Grace also knows of its status here in Great Liang?

Changlin Army is valiant and ferocious.

It's only right that the Royal Changlin Manor is held in high esteem.

The Royal Changlin Manor isn't just held in high esteem now.

Changlin Army was founded by the former emperor.

The emperor has always rewarded the Royal Changlin Manor generously.

The emperor is very close to the old prince of Changlin.

Recently, he has been taking the old prince's suggestions as his own.

Prince of Changlin is now old.

The real pillar of the Royal Changlin Manor is Xiao Ping Zhang.

I've already said too much.

Your Grace is extremely clever, so you should know by now

what I've been hinting at.

Xiao Ping Zhang?

He is but the first born prince of Changlin.

He's not a threat to me.

It wouldn't be difficult to get rid of Xiao Ping Zhang

but he has someone by his side.

Princess Consort, Meng Qian Xue?

What a joke.

So what if she's the grandniece of Meng Zhi?

Not even Meng Zhi's favorite disciple, Xun Fei Zhan, is a threat to me.

But then there's still someone else.

Second Young Master of Changlin, Xiao Ping Jing.

Xiao Ping Jing?

Although he's still young, he's very skilled in martial arts.

Should he join forces with Meng Qian Xue

I'm afraid that as skilled as Your Grace is

it will be hard for you to get away.

I'd quite like to see it for myself.

Royal Changlin Manor.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty?

I'm all right.

The imperial physician said that I caught a cold.

It's fine as long as I don't run a fever.

Empress, it's getting late.

You should get some rest.

The servants will attend to me.

How can I sleep well knowing that Your Majesty is unwell?

It's all right.

I know that you're thoughtful.

Go on now.

Get going.

Yes.

[Royal Changlin Manor]

Who did you learn this from?

Miss Lin has given you a few rounds of acupuncture treatments.

How do you feel?

I can't tell.

But honestly, I didn't sense anything wrong with my health

before all this was revealed.

Since you can't tell, you'll have to read Miss Lin's expression.

If you've improved, she will surely look more relaxed.

You have no clue at all.

Miss Lin hardly even raises her eyebrows.

I can't help but wonder how such a young lady could train to become like that?

What's wrong?

Who is it?

How dare you trespass in the Royal Changlin Manor?

Stop right there!

Second Young Master!

Dong Qing!

- Present! - Secure the manor!

Yes! Come with me!

Yes!

Go to bed.

I'll stay up tonight.

All right now.

The Royal Changlin Manor is better guarded than I thought.

Although I managed to enter the East Quarters

I still couldn't get close to Xiao Ping Zhang.

I never expected that.

Your Grace is the best fighter in the entire world.

You wish to sound out the security measures

taken around the first prince of Changlin.

What grudges do you hold against him?

It doesn't matter what grudges I have against him.

If we wish to take down Great Liang and realize Your Grace's ambition

we must destroy the Royal Changlin Manor first.

I've also chosen the right person to assist Your Grace

in wiping out the Royal Changlin Manor.

Ping Jing.

Brother Xun.

I've heard that Marquis Mo Zi barged into the Royal Changlin Manor last night.

Are your brother and sister-in-law all right?

This isn't the right order.

Why did you ask about my brother first?

I know that the old prince will be fine.

Fortunately, all is well.

He was discovered before he even got to my brother's quarters.

He then escaped right away.

Royal Changlin Manor has nothing to do with Consort Shu's death.

Why would he barge in there?

Is he just testing security measures at our manor before he comes to the palace?

He would dare to barge into the palace?

I'm just making a wild guess.

Let's go.

We should start the interrogation.

Greetings, Your Highness.

His Majesty has yet to recover from his cold.

Why isn't Your Highness attending to him in Yangju Hall?

Marquis Mo Zi is wandering around Jinling City.

It's as good as having Consort Shu's lingering apparition

lurking before His Majesty's eyes.

He need not say a word for me to realize

that he doesn't wish to see me.

I've come to the palace today to ease your mind, Your Highness.

I might not know the details

but this matter can be concluded in a few days.

It can truly be concluded.

Finish every drop.

Here.

I've always been sickly since I was a child.

You always have that same expression when I take my medication.

We agreed to leave the children in charge of the case

but Your Majesty is still worried.

You got me wrong.

The imperial physician said this is because of a cold, not from my worries.

The imperial physician also said that it's bad if you run a fever tonight.

Your Majesty, you must rest well.

Who cares about the first or second best fighter out there?

Today in the palace, your brother... I will keep watch personally all night.

Sure.

Consort Shu's medical maid said

that three full months before Her Ladyship was due

she stayed by her side.

She was never away for even one day.

Oh, right. Apart from a few times

when Her Ladyship chatted with Grand Madam of Laiyang in private.

What about Grand Madam of Laiyang's statement?

No one ever questioned Grand Madam of Laiyang?

She was from the same clan as Consort Shu.

They are close sisters and they have no conflicting interests.

By rights, she shouldn't be suspected.

Does she need to be questioned?

This is the list of Consort Shu's visitors

three months before she gave birth.

Take a look to see what's amiss.

After reading that, read this.

[Grand Madam of Laiyang, six servants: four female, two male, no gifts.]

[List of gifts for the first born prince's wedding.]

Ping Zhang, you're still looking for the culprit who harmed Qian Xue?

I have to.

Especially when these two cases might actually stem from one cause.

Stem from one cause?

Which two cases?

We're talking about Consort Shu's case.

Qian Xue, I'm hungry.

The food is ready.

Come and eat.

I rarely get the chance.

I've been thinking about your cooking for days.

If it weren't that Father is away tonight

I wouldn't dare make you cook for me.

Just tell me.

What's there to worry about?

I wouldn't dare.

Haven't you heard how Father reprimands me?

"Seniority must be strictly honored."

"Good for you, you don't care about being filial to your father and brother."

"All you do is trouble your sister-in-law to cook for you."

"Tell me, what have you learned in Langya Hall?"

He can even scold me for this.

I really wonder if Papa found me somewhere on the streets.

All right, let's eat.

Come.

[Imperial Guards' Office] Grand Madam of Laiyang?

She's a widow living outside the palace.

She can't be related to Consort Shu's case, can she?

It's not that she's definitely involved

but since she was mentioned in a few statements

isn't it normal to ask her a few questions?

Just because they mentioned her?

Brother Xun, I don't mean to keep anything from you.

But some matters are too personal.

I can't tell you.

Grand Madam of Laiyang is, after all, a female member of the Imperial Clan.

Ping Zhang told us to visit her tomorrow.

All right.

We'll ask her a few questions tomorrow.

Here.

Have more food.

Mother, although I did tell you that I wish to gain experience away from home

I'm not leaving anytime soon.

You're acting as if you won't see me tomorrow.

It's your birthday next month.

I thought of how you were when you were just born.

You were too small.

Just like a small kitten.

More than 20 years have passed...

You've grown to resemble your father.

I'm a posthumous child.

I wasn't fortunate enough to have met my father.

No!

You are a fortunate child!

My son is surely blessed!

I know that you have great ambitions.

It's because I insisted on keeping you in this small manor.

Throughout this imperial city...

no one is a match for you.

Whatever it is you wish to do, you can surely accomplish it.

Mother...

I'm fortunate to have you as my mother.

Only you would dare to say that no one is a match for me.

Go ahead and finish your meal.

Marquis Mo Zi came last night.

He shouldn't come again tonight.

Not to mention that your sister-in-law is with me.

Why are you escorting me?

You have yet to recover fully.

It's best to be careful.

Ping Zhang.

Xiao Xue, it's too cold outside.

Why don't you head inside?

I'll join you soon, after I give Ping Jing a few reminders.

Please get some rest soon.

Ping Zhang...

Could it be Grand Madam of Laiyang?

All we are doing now is speculating.

After all, Father and His Majesty were once very close to Prince of Laiyang.

Ping Jing, bear this in mind.

Whatever you might find out in the Marquis of Laiyang Manor tomorrow

you must report to His Majesty right away if it concerns the harem.

Act upon his decree.

Before we find any concrete evidence

you mustn't act on any assumptions you make.

Do you understand?

Yes.

Fourth Brother.

As a noble lady of the Royal Clan...

I had hoped that you weren't the culprit.

Fourth Brother, have you come tonight assuming that I am the culprit?

My sister and I--

Save your breath.

Since I'm already here, it means that I know the truth.

Why bother wasting your breath?

You...

It was you!

I only helped the marquis seek you out sooner than he would have.

That's all.

Until this moment, I could not believe

that you could have been so ruthless to my baby sister.

My sister!

Am I the only ruthless one?

We're both noble ladies of Eastern Sea State's Royal Clan.

She was the favorite consort of the emperor.

She was cared for by His Majesty.

Yet I'm a widow with a child who has to live out my days acting obedient.

Who was she to reprimand me?

Who was she to say that I don't know right from wrong?

You think that I was ruthless to her?

Did she really treat me as a sister?

In the palace, so many wanted her dead.

Do you know that?

So many wanted her dead!

You were the one who killed a sister from your own clan.

Even if I hadn't, someone else would have!

She had to die sooner or later!

All right.

Grand Madam has confessed.

You did kill her.

His Grace definitely won't allow you to live.

Grand Madam, are you aware of that?

Next, we'll have to discuss what to do with your child.

What did you say?

Why?

Why would you involve with Yuan Qi?

Fourth Brother!

Yuan Qi doesn't know anything!

He's innocent! He doesn't know!

Fourth Brother!

I'm begging you! My child doesn't know anything!

- Whether he's innocent or not... - Fourth Brother...

it doesn't matter to me.

I just want to know what I have to gain from keeping him alive.

Fourth Brother...

What are you doing?

Look how nervous Ping Jing made you.

Do you have to be so tense?

Ping Jing is right.

It can't be wrong to be cautious.

I was born into the Meng family.

I'm the best person to be your bodyguard.

I just gave it some thought.

If Marquis Mo Zi comes

I'll get Ping Jing to watch you while I challenge him to combat.

My granduncle was the best fighter in the world.

Don't dream of it!

Come to bed now.

I can bet that Marquis Mo Zi won't be coming here tonight.

How would you know?

Last night, he left right away after he was discovered.

He didn't have any intention of fighting.

I think that he was here to check on something.

He has also already reached a conclusion.

Oh...

Oh?

Come to bed quickly.

I've even warmed up the bed for you.

I put in quite a lot of effort to persuade His Grace

to agree to this conclusion.

What conclusion is that?

We'll keep the young marquis alive.

We can spare his life.

Because he will be of great use to us in the future.

What are you going to use Yuan Qi for?

He is my son!

Don't you dare use him!

He carries the bloodline of Eastern Sea State.

He won't be content with being mediocre for life.

Using him isn't as scary as you think.

In one's life, one must first be useful in order to be given an opportunity.

Right?

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