Original subtitles

Tofu brains.

Sure!

There.

Give me another bowl. Yes.

Slide your left foot, thrust your right.

Grand Secretary Li?

Grand Secretary Li?

The very man.

I heard that the Japanese government

has protested against our expeditionary force

to help quell the rebellion in Korea.

The Japanese have never recognized

our suzerainty over Korea.

What need have we for their recognition?

Koreans share common roots with us.

They write in the Han script

and speak in a Manchu dialect.

That must be the reason

Grand Secretary has come to Court.

He and Weng Tung-ho are arch-enemies.

There'll be a fierce debate at Court today.

Kou Lien-tsai!

Kou Lien-tsai!

What are you doing here,

you little rascal?

Spying on the Emperor

and Empress again?

How did it go last night?

Can't you read?

Same old story. No conjugal rites.

What a pity!

It's bad enough the son has to wait,

but even the grandson has to wait!

What? What did you say?

Nothing.

Go, go! It was nothing!

You little bugger!

Go!

Come.

Long live your Majesty!

The Empress Dowager

Has the Old Buddha awakened yet?

No. Please wait.

Uncle...

Why are you panting, Lien-tsai?

I ran all the way here.

The subject of war came up again at Court.

Hasn't the Old Buddha woken up yet?

She's still asleep.

Why did they bring up war again?

Didn't the Old Buddha make it clear

we shouldn't go picking a fight?

The Korean situation is worsening.

Japan won't pull out its troops.

Didn't Li Hung-chang assure us

everything's signed and sealed

and treaty terms are in our favour?

Lord Li received a real tongue-lashing!

Lord Li received a real tongue-lashing!

Why is he opposed to war?

Lord Li takes the long-term view.

He knows not to cross the Old Buddha.

When we inspected the navy at Tientsin

I told him of the Old Buddha's wishes.

There were words against you at Court too.

Against me?

They said the Old Buddha's making trouble

at your instigation.

Then why don't they get rid of me?

What did he say?

Prince Shun spent ages reporting

on his Tientsin naval inspection,

on his Tientsin naval inspection,

then the ministers presented their memorials

all of which motioned for your censure

The Emperor was furious.

They may well send someone to arrest you.

What did the memorials say?

I couldn't hear clearly through the screen,

but what else but that as the Chief Eunuch

it's not for you to meddle in Court affairs.

They accused of... what did they call it?

Some offence called outer fires.

Outer fires? What's outer fires?

Who knows? Inner fires,

outer fires,

whatever it is, it must be serious!

Inside or out, a fire's no joke!

They meant the offence of ultra vires.

Ultra vires?

What's ultra vires?

That bunch of monkeys meant

that we've stepped out of line.

That we've stepped out of line.

Is Chief Li here?

Uncle Wang, he...

Is he here or not?

See? Someone's come to get you.

It sounds like Wang Shang.

Go see.

Yes, Your Highness.

Who's there?

Yes, Your Highness.

Good morning, Your Highness.

Your slave Li Lien-ying has come

to wish Your Highness boundless fortune

and a long life of ten thousand years!

It's you. When did you return?

On the night train last evening.

As it was late,

I was afraid of disturbing you, Old Buddha,

so I didn't come to pay my respects then.

What time is it now?

The sun is already in its throne.

When you held Court from behind the scenes,

the audience would have been over by now.

I'm in retirement now.

Do not bestir yourself. There is no haste.

There's fruit and incense here,

and such spectacular peonies,

all vying with each other's fragrances.

I'm getting up.

Shall I have them serve breakfast?

You may.

Yes, Your Highness.

I don't think it's anything serious

His Majesty probably just wants to hear

what Chief Li has to say about the navy.

Serve breakfast!

Yes sir!

Good morning, Chief Li.

I wondered who it was they sent.

So it's you, the great eunuch Wang Shang.

Please forgive me, Chief.

It was His Majesty's decree.

Ah yes, His Majesty's decree.

Now that he presides at Court himself,

the Emperor's put all his men in power.

No wonder His Majesty's followers

have all become so haughty.

I wouldn't dare!

It was by your favour that I was assigned

to go serve the Emperor.

But now you bite the hand that fed you.

This slave wouldn't dare!

I'm only a servant, I have no choice.

Whatever His Majesty bids me do,

I must carry out.

Whatever you wish me to tell the Emperor,

I'll do so as instructed.

Very well. Tell His Majesty

Chief Li is attending the Old Buddha

and doesn't have the time.

Yes sir.

This slave will obey.

But His Majesty will surely scold me

for failing to carry out such a simple task,

and perhaps send me back once more

to ask you to come with me again.

If you persist in contradicting His Majesty,

It would just make trouble for me.

Enough!

Please forgive me.

Ingrate!

Didn't you assign him to the Emperor?

I did indeed.

Lien-tsai.

Yes!

I have a nice job for you.

How would you like to serve His Majesty?

Very much so! Please give me the chance.

How old are you?

17. I came the year before last.

I'm sending you to attend the Emperor.

You must attend him very closely.

Never leave him for an instant

and report his every move to me.

Understood?

Yes sir. I'll watch him closely.

Nothing he says or does will escape me.

Nothing he says or does will escape me.

Good. Let's see how you do with him.

Yes sir.

Good morning to you, Old Buddha.

Tell them...

I'm too busy attending the Old Buddha.

What's the matter?

Lien-ying, come in here.

Yes, Your Highness.

Empress Dowager, please save me!

Your slave is so sorry to trouble you.

What is it this time?

Someone came to Your Highness's palace

to arrest your slave.

Who has the nerve? Who?

His Majesty, the Emperor Kuang Hsu.

Him... Why?

Some ministers censured your slave,

objecting to my Tientsin trip on your behalf.

Look how frightened our Chief Eunuch is!

Arise. Don't worry, you have me.

So it's only such a trivial matter.

See what you've done to my hair!

You do it for me, they can't do it right.

Yes, Your Highness.

Look how nervous you are.

Are you so afraid of the Emperor?

Since Your Highness ceased holding Court

His Majesty has held all power,

and we of your palace are all but retired.

I've kept my head down,

but look at them!

Daring to come to your own palace!

How can your slave not be afraid?

Are you saying we've lost so much face?

Old Buddha, since you retired,

we your slaves have not dared

to make a noise even when we breathe.

You beat a dog, you insult its owner.

Whoever picks on me

has no respect for you, Empress Dowager.

Why would he pick on you slaves?

He's been like this since he was little.

You know that only too well.

No, he's not picking on you.

Old Buddha.

So late already, and Court's still in session.

I hear they're planning for war again.

What? It's the old complaint again?

His Majesty forgets

it's your 60th birthday this year.

The work on the Summer Palace

is almost complete.

That boy! I told him not to be careless!

Such a worry me at his age!

I can understand. The Japanese are bullies.

The young Emperor wants to do something.

That's not such a bad thing

as long as he doesn't take it too far.

It's no bad thing the Emperor's doing,

of course, but he's still young,

and he lacks a proper agenda.

The ministers have him round their fingers

and His Majesty doesn't even realize it.

In this slave's humble view,

Old Buddha shouldn't stay in retirement.

You should take charge again.

I'm getting old. I don't have the energy.

Lien-tsai bids the Old Buddha good morning.

Boundless fortune to Your Highness

and long life of ten thousand years!

You may rise.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Where are they? Have they gone?

He's come back again.

It's the same old spiel. He refuses to leave.

He insists you go with him at once.

Tell them the Old Buddha is displeased.

How dare they come to her palace

to arrest her Chief Eunuch?

They can tell the Emperor to come himself.

Yes, Your Highness.

He's gone too far.

Yes. Your Highness.

Lien-tsai.

Yes.

Go see if the morning session is over,

and what their decision is on war.

Yes.

My profound thanks to the Empress Dowager.

Arise. Finish my hair.

But it's finished already.

Finished?

Let me see.

Yes, I see. It's very nice.

And it took you no time at all.

You should all learn from him.

So clumsy, every last one of you!

No wonder you could never make Chief.

Old Buddha, you make fun of me again.

I didn't exactly start today.

I've been attending you for decades.

Old Buddha, your meal is ready.

Very well!

Your Majesty...

What is this?

The gratuity for Chief Eunuch Li.

It's the rule. It's paid daily.

Why wasn't I told of this?

There's much yet you haven't been told.

Your Majesty.

Get up. Don't stand on ceremony with me.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Where is the Empress Dowager?

She's at breakfast, and will be out anon.

Majesty, the Empress is over there.

I see her.

She's not fuly recovered yet,

But look at her,

doesn't she look much better now?

Lien-tsai.

Yes, Your Highness.

Go to the Empress Dowager

and pay her respects on my behalf.

I don't feel well and must go.

Yes, Your Highness.

Highness!

Are you all right?

Sit down for a while.

The Old Buddha was just talking about you.

Why don't you keep each other company?

I'll report back to Her Highness.

I know I don't mean anything to you.

What's wrong with you today?

Are you trifling with me?

I thought you'd never speak to me.

Your Majesty.

I...

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

Your Majesty spoke to the Empress.

Actually spoke!

Perhaps this slave should leave...

There's nothing you can't hear.

I've said all I have to say.

Li Lien-ying.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I sent Wang Shang to fetch you.

Why didn't you...

Your slave begs the Emperor's pardon!

This slave did wanted to come,

but having been away for almost a month,

I had so much to do on my return,

especially for the Empress Dowager,

so your slave...

Forget it.

And stop saying slave this and that.

I ask you. You...

Your Majesty, please wait.

Your Highness... peace and good morning.

The Empress Dowager wishes to see you.

Wait, Majesty. The Dowager gave no decree.

I have urgent business.

That's the custom. It's the rule.

Li Lien-ying.

You're not going either. Come here.

What's Your Majesty pleasure?

I ask you, do you admit your guilt?

This slave doesn't understand.

You're the root of all corruption here.

This slave doesn't understand.

Don't play dumb.

This slave's trip to Tientsin with Prince Shun

was at the order of the Empress Dowager

and by Your Majesty's leave.

Yes. You were censured for it.

I let that pass.

But there's something else.

Something else?

This slave doesn't understand.

As a servant, I've never step out of line.

I mean these new practices you instigated.

These vile, corrupt practices.

Your Majesty!

What practices? This slave wouldn't dare!

Everything's according to ancestral custom.

Your Majesty hasn't assumed power for long,

but you grew up in the palace.

What rites and customs haven't you seen?

When Your Majesty was little,

I carried you in my arms�

Shut up!

I'm grown up now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

How dare you patronize me!

This slave wouldn't dare!

Do you take me for a callow youth

who knows nothing?

This slave wouldn't dare!

The gratuity to enter the Inner Court

almost prevented me from entry today.

Aren't you responsible for the practice?

This slave wouldn't dare!

On this trip to Tientsin to inspect the navy,

every government official along the way,

especially those connected to naval affairs,

had to grease your palm, one and all.

Is that true or not?

This slave wouldn't dare!

Don't say that again!

I ask you, is it true or not?

This slave wouldn't dare!

I ask you, do you admit your guilt?

Speak! Do you admit your guilt?

This slave wouldn't dare!

I told you to stop saying that!

But this slave really wouldn't dare!

Wouldn't dare...

You may be the Dowager's Chief Eunuch,

but it doesn't mean you can do as you like!

Mercy, Majesty! This slave wouldn't dare!

You're getting bolder and bolder.

You have no respect for your Emperor.

I sent Wang Shang to summon you,

and you dared to disobey!

It was on account of the Old Buddha...

Don't Old Buddha this, Old Buddha that!

It really was on account of the Old Buddha.

The Old Buddha? Really?

What's the matter?

What about the Old Buddha?

Progenitor! Peace and good morning to you.

A good morning indeed, but not so peaceful.

Why did you want someone arrested

so early, from my personal palace?

Not arrest. I just wanted to question him.

They motioned for his censure at Court.

On what charge?

That in his naval inspection with Prince Shun

he overstepped the bounds of authority.

But it was I who sent him.

Yes, and with my approval.

Then what's the fuss about?

Many reports have come back

of him taking bribes along the way.

Well, did he?

I was just asking him. He had nothing to say.

See?

Li Lien-ying.

Yes, Your Highness.

Did you take bribes along the way?

This slave wouldn't dare!

Did you or did you not?

Empress Dowager, Old Buddha,

This slave went to Tientsin with Prince Shun

in the capacity of an Imperial Commissioner

representing Your Highness and His Majesty.

Every place I passed through,

officials flocked to pay their respects

through me to your august selves.

Obviously, they all came bearing gifts.

It was only natural for them to do so,

and it would have been rude to refuse.

Those jealous of this slave's assignment

made up stories about me taking bribes.

Made up stories about me taking bribes.

I beg you not to believe this calumny!

I think there might be something to it.

Progenitor, you don't know

how detailed charges against him are.

They say he had lists of names

and went through them soliciting bribes.

Forget it. You didn't see it yourself.

It's easy to make accusations.

People are jealous of him.

He's just returned from a tiring trip.

Forget it. You may rise.

Yes. Your Majesty.

Progenitor, I want to make an example of him

and put an end to corruption.

That's good, but don't start with my people.

Lord Li.

Since the reign of Emperor Tung Chih

we've been trying to modernize:

mines, factories, seaports, railroads,

military academies, naval departments,

we've purchased machinery and armaments.

But now, in the country's hour of need,

what's happened to it all?

Your Majesty, I am to blame

for any failure in modernization.

That we cannot confront Japan militarily

is also my fault. But...

I have reasons of which I cannot speak.

Tell me.

There are other ears. I dare not.

Lien-tsai.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Why are you standing here?

I'm� here to serve tea.

And have you finished?

I have, Your Majesty.

Then leave.

Your slave's been listening intently

and would like to hear the rest.

I said go outside.

No.

Your Majesty, it's just getting interesting.

Please let this slave learn more.

I'm asking you, go wait outside.

Yes, Your Majesty.

You meant the Empress Dowager?

The Dowager and her henchmen,

Take Prince Shun. He's in charge

of the military, but takes no decisions.

He does everything the Dowager says.

No one at Court dares cross her.

In the palace there's Chief Eunuch Li,

and outside there's war minister Sun.

They're the Dowager's eyes and ears.

She's ostensibly retired,

but in fact she still holds power.

That reminds me,

Compiler Wen and others

recommend that you recall Prince Kung.

The late Emperor had left orders

for him to restrain the Dowager.

That's why she fears no one but him.

That's why she fears no one but him.

But will the Empress Dowager agree?

She always kept Prince Kung at a distance.

All through our decade's war

with France in Indochina,

he's been kept out of office.

He's been kept out of office.

Prince Kung's spirit remains undiminshed.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Even if we recall Prince Kung,

who would dare tell the Empress Dowager

to cancel her elaborate birthday plans?

Your Majesty!

I'll do it!

It's the eunuch Kou!

You heard everything?

Yes.

Lien-tsai, how could you eavesdrop?

This matter is too serious.

You mustn't tell anyone.

It's a matter of life and death for us all.

You� did someone plant you here

Did you come to spy on me?

Yes or no? Speak up!

Eunuch Kou, speak up!

Tell us.

Yes. This slave was sent here as a spy.

Yes. This slave was sent here as a spy.

But don't worry, Your Majesty.

Yes, they sent me here, but...

You mustn't betray His Majesty!

This slave understands.

I still have a conscience.

All right, then. Arise.

Now I understand everything.

Since no one will dare speak to the Dowager,

I'll do it.

Eunuch Kou...

Lien-tsai, you mustn't.

Your Majesty, don't worry.

Eunuch Kou...

This won't do!

The first one's Miss Li.

Tutor Weng recommended the next two.

They're sisters, Chang Hsu's daughters.

And the remaining two?

They're sisters as well,

Daughters of the Kiangsi Governor.

Good. When the Emperor is free

we'll take them to Yu Ching Palace

for him to make his choice.

Lien-tsai.

We won an engagement!

Congratulations, Your Majesty!

We've officially declared war!

Please don't hit this slave!

We can hold our heads high from now on.

Your Majesty, you're so happy!

Of course I'm happy!

Not so loud.

The Dowager, the Empress and others

are having dim sum inside.

They've all come?

They've come to await your selection.

Which one would you choose?

Guess.

It'd have to be Miss Li, of course.

How would you like to be punished?

Answer me?

How would you like to punish me?

Take off your pants! No!

No way you're escaping!

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, what are you doing?

I'm just testing something.

They say a slave kneeling like this

with someone sitting on his back

will never stand up unless ordered.

Stand up.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, never forget for an instant

that you are the Emperor.

Lien-tsai.

Yes.

Is the Empress Dowager inside?

Yes.

Emperor! So what if I'm Emperor?

Can't the Emperor laugh?

Can't the Emperor have fun?

Doesn't the Emperor eat?

Doesn't the Emperor go to the toilet?

The Emperor's still a human being!

It's only a small matter.

Don't descend to his level.

When did he come in?

Your slave doesn't know either.

Progenitor!

We girls have been waiting for you.

Why did you wait so long before coming in?

I was waiting for Tutor Weng and Lord Li.

I wanted to come in with them.

I hear you're overjoyed.

Yes, Porgenitor. Aren't you?

Of course I am.

But don't let it go to your head.

But don't let it go to your head.

Yes.

I know your selecting concubines today.

Topped with a victory, it's cause for glee.

Yes, Progenitor.

Come. Tell your Progenitor

which one you choose.

If you had waited any longer

it would have been decided already.

I've eliminated all but three.

Tell me. Which one do you like?

Well? Which one is it?

Which one?

Very well...

I mean... They're all very nice.

I'd like to keep them all, too.

But keeping 72 concubines

is no longer the custom.

Old Buddha.

Actually, three aren't that many.

Li Lien-ying's sister very nice too.

Yes she is.

But we don't take Han Chinese concubines.

This slave has become Manchu.

You've become Manchu?

That's still not the same as being born one.

Court and commoners alike would oppose it.

Very well then.

Very well then.

This slave doesn't deserve the honour.

Pity you weren't born a Manchu.

Never mind. She can stay with me.

I'll treat her well.

Thank you, Old Buddha.

What about the other two?

Progenitor, you decide for me.

I knew you wouldn't be able to decide.

Let's take them both. They're sisters,

they can keep each other company.

How's that?

Your Majesty.

The draft Declaration of War.

I'm against declaring war.

Progenitor.

Give it to me.

You'd rather have war instead of peace?

War! War! War!

War! War! War!

I was so happy this morning,

but now you've uined it for me.

Old Buddha is leaving!

What is it? Why such haste?

Old Buddha,

Japan has declared war on us.

What?

Progenitor.

Everyone is against me!

I didn't expect...

What didn't you expect?

This should make you happy.

Now we have no choice but to go to war.

Progenitor, it's beyond our control.

At such a juncture, please also approve

the appointment of Prince Kung.

Don't bother me with anything else.

Do whatever you like.

But remember, your war must end

by the 10th Month. It's not far ff.

Li Hung-chang.

Yes, Your Highness.

Have you any solution?

I'll go talk to the Russian envoy.

He promised to intercede for us

if anything happened with Japan.

If anything happened with Japan.

Good. Get him to intecede for us.

Yes, Old Buddha.

Prince Kung has arrived.

Send him in at once.

When he heard you were busy

he went on to Yang Hsin Palace.

It's windy. Did your sedan have curtains?

Yes. I'm just too old.

I'm sorry to have made you come all this way.

What did you say?

It's windy. Sorry to make you come.

That's all right.

Rest awhile.

Don't take it off. It's cold.

Old Master, have some hot tea.

You've come for the birthday rehearsals too?

Yes.

We waited half the day. I couldn't take it.

Waited for whom?

Li Lien-ying.

He was busy itemizing gifts.

Many nobles and princes were kept waiting.

I saw the Old Master couldn't take it,

so I brought him here to rest.

What did he say?

He said you have to go rehearse soon.

Rehearse?

Old Master, you rest awhile.

Old master, you rest awhile.

No...

Didn't they just say Korea is lost?

And the frontier is about to fall?

Your Majesty, what can we do?

Have you got any concrete plans?

Just rest for awhile.

No...

Majesty, whatever your plans, go with them.

If anything happens, I'll take responsibility.

As long as I have breath left,

I'll pitch my life against hers.

Old Master�

Of course, that woman doesn't fear me.

But at least I make her a bit wary.

Your Majesty, whatever you say, we'll do.

Reward and punish those who deserve it.

We can't be passive anymore.

War Minister Sun failed to mobilize troops.

Relieve him.

Can we?

Why not? I'll tell the Empress Dowager.

That's marvellous!

None of the southern provinces mobilized.

Only the Northern Army is fighting.

And Li Hung-chang's navy

is staying put in port.

All right. That's enough.

The Ching Dynasty is in peril,

but luckily we have an able emperor.

Go on! We're all depending on you

to preserve our 300-year old Dynasty.

Old Master, you must rest.

I'll say it again:

Majesty, whatever your plans, go with them.

If anything goes wrong,

I'll take responsibility.

Old Master, you must rest.

Old Master, you must rest.

Yes. Rest awhile.

Majesty, Chief Li's still itemizing gifts.

He said he'll be here soon.

Really, this is too much!

All these nobles and officials

waiting just for him!

Uncle, His Majesty's been waiting for you

and got very angry when you failed to show.

He's gone back to Yang Hsin Palace.

He's become more and more arrogant!

Your Majesty, please calm down.

It's too much. Apply the palace punishment.

The palace punishment? Bring him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Uncle.

Your Majesty, this slave deserves death!

I'm glad you realize that.

Your slave was really very busy,

what with the rehearsals, the gifts,

your slave was really�

So you say you had no time to see me?

Aren't you forgetting you're the one

who's always talking about palace rules?

Your Majesty, this slave was really...

Shut up!

40 strokes, as per palace rules.

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, please have mercy!

No! He's gone too far.

Come!

Yes, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Take him outside.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Uncle.

Your Majesty.

Hurry up!

Your Majesty...

Your Majesty, I fear

this would aggravate the situation.

Then so be it!

Hurry up, or it'll be too late.

Your Majesty.

He's a villain. He'll seek revenge.

If the Empress Dowager hears about it...

Punish him first.

Your Majesty, it's done.

Bring him in.

This is only the first time.

Don't think you can trifle with your Emperor.

Your Majesty.

I ask you,

will you dare disobey me again?

Your Majesty, this slave wouldn't dare!

Your Majesty, the Old Buddha desires you

to postpone the Chief's punishment.

She wants to question him first.

She's on her way here now.

He's already been punished.

Already?

Chief Li, you'd better take a rest.

Uncle,

I'll break some eggs to a salve.

I'l break some eggs for a salve.

The Old Buddha is here!

The Old Buddha is here!

The Old Buddha is here!

Progenitor.

Old Buddha!

Brother!

Brother!

Progenitor.

Don't give me that Progenitor business.

What happened?

At today's rehearsals

he kept the whole court waiting.

By the time your message arrived,

he'd already been punished.

What's done is done.

Progenitor.

Old Buddha!

This slave was really very busy

with the rehearsals and receiving gifts.

I haven't even had a drop to drink

since early this morning!

Serves you right.

Preoccupying yourself so much

that you forgot all about His Majesty!

Old Buddha, this slave...

Enough.

Get out of my sight.

Come.

Yes, Your Highness.

Carry him away.

Yes, Your Highness.

Brother!

See if he has internal injuries.

Have the Court Physician take a look.

Forget it. He's not worth it.

What are you crying about?

Stop shedding crocodile tears.

Get out of here!

Yes, Your Highness.

Progenitor. About what happened

Your punishment was just.

What else can I say?

Old Buddha, please don't be upset.

I'm not upset.

I'm elated that our Emperor

has proved to be so daring.

Empress Dowager, today�

You're not needed here.

Wait outside.

I want to talk privately with the Emperor.

Dowager, about what happened...

You shouldn't trouble yourself at your age.

Why don't you go home?

Yes, Your Highness.

Did you really want to punish him,

or were you intent on bringing me bad luck?

How many times did I say

I wanted auspiciousness in the 10th Month?

It's the 1st of the Month, and you do this?

Progenitor?

Are you deliberately provoking me?

Progenitor, do you know our troops in Korea

have retreated to the Yalu River?

Our frontier is hanging by a thread.

You think I don't know it?

He had to be punished.

If anyone had to be, it should have been you.

If you hadn't taken the lead

in advocating war,

would we have lost so much territory?

Progenitor!

And you have the nerve to punish others!

I haven't got round to punishing you!

Progenitor, I...

Do you admit you are wrong?

Answer me!

I do.

Understood?

Yes, I do.

Come here immediately after the show.

Yes.

I'll think of some way to lead her here.

Then it's up to you.

Don't ask who she is.

Right.

That's the plan then.

Yes.

Chief Eunuch Li isn't here.

Is he watching the opera?

No.

Really.

Li said you must see him first.

Wait for him at the Lo Shou Hall.

Where is he?

At Ching Yen Pavilion.

All right.

Empress.

Look.

This is Cheng Yueh-lou.

See how happy she looks.

Tutor Weng.

On hearing of Lord Li's return

The Old Buddha rushed to Le Shou Hall.

The Emperor obviously doesn't know yet.

Go to Le Shou Hall quickly.

Try to fetch the Emperor.

Yes.

Don't drink too much.

I know.

They've all gone.

Tell me the truth. How goes the war?

Old Buddha.

I can pretend to know nothing,

but you shouldn't keep me in the dark.

Old Buddha, let's discuss this tomorrow.

Today is your birthday.

Forget this business on you happy day.

It doesn't matter.

If you respect me, tell me the truth.

Tell me, how goes the war?

Old Buddha.

It doesn't matter. Tell me.

You couldn't get back for the ceremony.

The situation must be grave, isn't it?

Old Buddha, today is your happy day.

Why do you want to upset yourself?

Old Buddha,

the whole country is celebrating

this happy occasion.

This war business...

I don't care what day it is.

I must know what's going on.

This minister deserves death.

Tell me.

The enemy is advancing on Tientsin.

The enemy so near our capital,

how can they pretend nothing's wrong?

It's no use panicking. Think of something!

I must see Li Hung-chang.

I doubt that's possible.

Eunuch Li never leaves his side.

I don't care. Find him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Mistress Chen, many people are about tonight.

Don't go running about.

Why?

What's there to be afraid of?

Just a word of caution from your slave.

Go quickly! Stop talking nonsense.

Look, you're drunk.

This slave isn't drunk.

This slave knows everything.

I'd better go back,

or theyll start gossiping again

Ignore them.

No, it's not worth it.

Stay with me.

We haven't seen each other for ages.

Do you know how much I've missed you?

Your Majesty.

All rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

So here you are.

The Old Buddha has been asking after you.

Really?

Miss Li.

His Majesty wants to see you.

Me?

That's something new.

Mistress Chen.

I thought His Majesty wanted me, but it's you.

Me?

He's conferring with Prince Duan and others.

You're to meet him at Ching Yen Pavilion.

He'll be there anon.

Ching Yen Pavilion?

We invite...

The Old Buddha...

Her Imperial Highness...

Our gracious Empress Dowager�

to grace the banquet.

We wish her good fortune

and long life of ten thousand years!

You...

Let me go!

Help!

Let me go!

Oh no, help!

Hurry up. Help!

There they are!

Hurry!

Let me go!

The Concubine Chen asked me to come!

Are you frightened? Don't be.

Your Majesty.

Wait.

Old Buddha.

What happened?

I...

Old Buddha.

I was scared to death. There was this maniac!

What?

Cheng Yueh-lou.

What happened?

What is there between you and Chen?

The Concubine Chen and I are close friends.

She even asked for my picture a few days ago.

After the show, she sent word

that I should meet her at Ching Yen Pavilion.

Liar!

Quiet. Take him away.

Beat him!

Yes.

I'm innocent...

Concubine Chen, you have no heart!

Look what you got me into!

You have no heart! I'm innocent!

Preposterous!

Not even considering what occasion it is!

Poor Concubine Chen!

Get up.

Not so fast!

What really happened?

Old Buddha, I have no idea!

Come off it. Why didn't he name anyone else?

Old Buddha, I�

I ask you, it was so late and dark,

what were you doing there alone?

I...

Don't ask, Old Buddha. After all

I always knew you were no good.

Speak! Or I'll have you slapped!

Old Buddha, I�

Don't tell me you're innocent.

I wanted this to be a happy day,

and you're ruining it for me.

There's nothing you can say. Come!

Yes, Your Highness.

Take her out and slap her.

She's innocent!

Old Buddha, she's innocent!

Old Buddha, she's innocent!

She's innocent!

Old Buddha, the Concubine Chen was framed.

She's innocent!

She's innocent!

Old Buddha!

What are you shouting about?

Can't you be a bit more respectful?

Chief Eunuch Li.

Chief Eunuch. Take him away.

Old Buddha...

Give him a severe punishment!

She's innocent, Old Buddha!

You've been deceived!

You don't know good men from bad!

Our country is in peril!

We're about to lose Tientsin!

And still you're in the dark, my Old Buddha!

Old Buddha, they're deceiving you!

Old Buddha!

Our country is in peril!

You're drunk! Take him away.

Punish him severely.

She's innocent, Old Buddha!

Wait!

He's just a boy who's had too much to drink.

He's had no major transgressions before.

Spare him!

Yes, Your Highness.

Let him go.

Old Buddha.

All right.

Everything's out in the open now.

I've kept on smiling because

I didn't want to spoil the occasion.

But since one can't wrap fire in paper,

we'll just have to let it burn!

Progenitor.

Right, you're the Emperor.

The Empress, concubines, officials,

eunuchs and ladies-in-waiting are all here.

Tell them! You wanted a war.

Now Tientsin's under attack.

Chen was your choice as concubine,

and she's created a scandal.

You tell me, what's to be done?

Progenitor. You... What do you think?

Shut up!

Today's my happy day.

Progenitor.

I was wrong.

Old Buddha, don't be upset.

You think I want to be?

Try to think of happier things.

Find out the truth about the Concubine Chen.

As I said before,

whoever upsets me today of all days

Old Buddha, we all wish for you to be happy.

Who would dare deliberately upset you?

We'll look into Chen's case in a few days.

On this happy occasion

you should avoid bad omens.

Avoid them? There's no avoiding them!

Take the war.

What options have we left now?

All we can do is accept their terms.

Yes, Progenitor.

You won't let it go till it's over, will you?

Tutor Weng, read the conditions again.

Yes, Your Highness.

The main conditions are, firstly,

China rexognizes Korea's independence.

Secondly, we cede Liaotung Peninsula,

Formosa and its surrounding islands,

and the Pescadores to Japan.

Thirdly, we pay an indemnity of 200m taels.

Did you hear all that?

Li has signed the treaty in Shimonoseki.

Once it's approved by both emperors

we can exchange ratifications.

If we're all agreed, we'll approve it.

Wait.

The treaty needs the Emperor's approval.

We should consult His Majesty.

We should consult His Majesty.

Prince Kung, why are you such a stickler?

Didn't I tell you

His Majesty's indisposed?

If he wasn't,

would I need to take charge?

He is the sovereign after all.

How can he not be part of this decision?

I think we should consult His Majesty.

Very well.

I didn't want to overburden the Emperor.

But if you all insist,

then so be it! Go burden him!

Return after dinner.

Come. Here's your beloved Emperor.

It's been over a month, hasn't it?

Why don't you catch up?

Attend him like you would a patient.

Feel his forehead from time to time

to see if he has a fever,

then give him some water.

Got it?

Yes.

Go on.

Go on, hurry.

Yes, Your Highness.

Witch!

Sit down!

His hand!

Hold it.

They haven't arrived yet.

Don't be so eager.

Lien-tsai.

Yes, Your Highness.

Send them in.

Yes, Your Highness.

Wang Shang.

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm telling you,

if any of this leaks out,

you know the consequences.

Yes, Your Highness.

Softly.

The Emperor's ill. Forget the formalities.

You can stand too.

Thank you, Old Buddha.

Give Prince Kung a chair.

Your Majesty, how do you feel?

No one knows what the ailment is.

The physician attends him everyday.

Can't His Majesty speak for himself?

The doctor forbids it.

His Majesty must save his strength.

Old Buddha.

His Majesty's complexion isn't too bad.

That's what' bad about it.

It might be tuberculosis.

The worse it is, the better the complexion.

Is His Majesty asleep?

He's semi-conscious all the time.

Does he hear what we're saying?

Yes, he does.

Occasionally, he even moans

as if from some kind of pain.

Listen, he's groaning now.

Help him turn over.

I've spoken to His Majesty.

He expressed no opinion.

So let's speak candidly.

We're nothing more than a paper tiger.

We can frighten people from afar,

but now that you dragged us into this war,

our bluff's been called.

We won't frighten anyone from now on.

What else is there to say?

We'll have to accede to all their demands.

We'll have to accede to all their demands.

Old Buddha.

The treaty terms are much too harsh!

It's unheard of! They demand territory

larger than the size of their own country!

What treaty terms?

What treaty terms?

What?

What did His Majesty say?

He asked, What treaty terms?

Who says so?

It's nothing. His Majesty was only mumbling.

Concubine Chen, see if he has a fever.

Yes.

He's burning.

He shouldn't have come out.

He really shouldn't have come out.

For the sake of the country, His Majesty...

Enough noble words.

For the country, for the people.

Don't I know the terms are harsh?

Wouldn't I like them to give us

three islands and 400m taels?

But that's not possible, is it?

Old Buddha,

can we renegotiate?

Who will do it? You?

You wouldn't go when Lord Li asked you.

The alternative is to go on fighting.

Right. Go on fighting.

We'll go on fighting.

How are you, Your Majesty?

Hold him.

Yes.

Your Majesty!

We'll fight on.

Majesty!

We'll fight on.

Majesty!

We'll fight on.

His condition is serious.

Isn't it.

I'm all right.

Nonsense.

Progenitor, I'm all right.

All right, lie him down.

Give him some water.

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm not thirsty.

I'm not thirsty.

His Majesty's condition has worsened.

How dare you suggest we fight on?

There are two countries to one side of Japan.

One's Burma, the other's Cochin-China.

They're much bigger than Japan

and Japan fears them like tigers.

If we send an able envoy to them

to seek an entente�

This is getting more and more absurd!

Progenitor, I...

Calm down. Try to get better.

See what solutions they can offer.

I have an elegant, simple ploy.

We'll train some new troops

in the use of new weapons:

Long poles. Those Japanese shorties

will never even get close.

Our men will have their balls!

What?

It's a miracle our Ching Dynasty

hasn't collapsed yet!

What words are these? Have you gone mad?

Progenitor.

I can't lie here any longer.

Please let me speak.

Your health is paramount.

Don't talk any more nonsense.

They're the ones talking nonsense.

Progenitor, under the circumstances

we'd better implement

the sweeping changes proposed by

Kang Yu-wei and his followers.

You get some rest first.

Progenitor,

did you hear what I said?

Don't be like this.

His Majesty's young, and unwell.

But since he brought it up,

who was he talking about?

Kang Yu-wei and his followers.

All right, whatever the decision,

we should discuss it cordially.

Who is this Kang Yu-wei?

Never heard of him.

They're all disappointed scholars

who failed in the civil service exams.

They can't be officials,

so they write petitions instead.

Progenitor.

A 10,000-word petition signed by thousands�

Don't say anything.

Progenitor.

Have you forgotten you're sick?

Yes, I'm sick.

I didn't say I wasn't.

I'm very sick.

But this is important.

You can't stop me from speaking.

Who's stopping you?

Who's stopping you?

As if you're being intimidated.

Never mind. His Majesty's ill.

Everyone's against me because I'm a woman!

I get blamed for everything.

All I do, I do for you, our ancestors,

the people, and the country.

I only want peace for everyone's sake.

Does anyone appreciate my motives?

Now even you blame me!

Is there no sympathy for me?

Look at you,

Old Buddha, why be like this?

His Majesty's feverish.

He doesn't mean what he says.

You're always so perceptive,

how can you not realize now?

Don't take his feverish words to heart.

Why be upset with a sick person?

Old Buddha, I believe in the scriptures.

In my humble opinion

everything has its cause and effect,

reward and retribution.

Man cannot help what's ordained.

Now that events have come to this,

however humiliating the treaty

we have no choice but to accept it.

But once we've put our own house in order,

But once we've put our own house in order,

our day of reckoning will come.

Our day of reckoning will come.

Yes. We'll accept the treaty for now,

but one day we'll tear it up.

That right. That's absolutely right.

So, Old Buddha,

we're unanimous that we accept the terms.

Old Buddha, don't be upset.

They all agree to accept the treaty,

and His Majesty has no objection.

There's no need to be upset.

Don't we all want peace?

Old Buddha, once this treaty is signed,

losing land and money is the least of it.

What's worse is we'll lose people's faith,

The faith of the entire country

Once people see how weak the govenrment is,

how powerless we are to protect them,

there will be danger, Old Buddha.

What do you mean by that?

Old Buddha,

revolutionaries in the southern provinces

are advocating overthrowing the Manchus

and making China a republic.

They use foreign encroachment as an excuse.

Consider this:

If we sign this treaty,

they'll rally the people against us.

Are you trying to frighten me?

Old Buddha, it's not a scare story.

It's the truth.

Aren't you aware

of the recent attempted coup in Canton

of the recent attempted coup in Canton

by revolutionary factions?

Of course, we caught a lot of them,

but their leaders fled to Macao.

They have followers all over the south.

They won't give up, Old Buddha.

What's there to fear?

I cn order greater vigilance

and their utter extermination.

Old Buddha, you can't kill them all.

Then what should we do?

Old Buddha.

I see now.

You're in league with them.

That's why you glorify them purposely.

Old Buddha, I...

I have a stubborn streak.

If you say no, I'll go ahead and do it.

Old Buddha, if this treaty is signed,

the Emperor will be the first

to lose face before the people.

If the Emperor loses face,

he should have thought of it from day one.

Spare me your words.

It seems to me you're getting senile.

Go home and stick to eating congee.

Yes, Your Highness.

Progenitor.

I know I'm useless.

I don't deserve to be Emperor.

Very well. I'll abdicate. I will.

But you must retain Tutor Weng.

If you're retaining him, it's no abdication.

Look at you! None of you know your place!

Disgraceful!

Progenitor, I will abdicate.

Whenever you wish me to,

I'll abdicate immediately.

I wish you to abdicate?

Didn't you say so yourself?

You want plead illness and abdicate?

No, Progenitor.

No.

Let's say I do.

Progenitor, I can abdicate,

but this treaty cannot be ratified.

You're babbling.

Didn't you say yourself

there's no choice but to accept the terms?

I said so myself?

When? I didn't say that.

Didn't you?

I really didn't.

Are you trying to say I'm lying?

You didn't?

Did you or didn't you?

Yes or no?

Stop!

Answer me...

Stop!

Emperor Kuang Hsu.

What a poor, poor Emperor you are!

And you, Empress Dowager.

You're more and more the tyrant!

Everything's by your word alone.

The late Emperor left a decree

that I should restrain you.

I've never invoked that decree before,

But I'm doing so it today.

The late Emperor.

I ask you:

How does it benefit you

to ruin our 300-year-old dynasty?

I ask you:

you put Kuang Hsu on the throne yourself.

What is your purpose for doing so?

You force him to feign illness.

You force him to accept the treaty.

How can you face our ancestors above

and the country's people below?

Why should the Emperor abdicate?

To abdicate or not?

To abdicate or not?

Let's ask everyone of Imperial blood,

every prince and princess,

to go to the Ancestral Temple

and settle the matter there.

I'm not long for this world anyway.

I'll fight her to the very end.

He can't breathe. Lie him down.

Quick!

Hold it.

What's wrong with lying him down?

Your Majesty, he can't lie there.

That is Your Majesty's bed.

Then what should we do?

Take him home quickly.

Right, take him home quickly.

He can lie anywhere he likes there.

And he can say anything he likes too.

Chief Li, it's raining outside.

Prince Kung might catch cold.

Prince Kung might catch cold.

Hold your tongue.

Carry him out.

Prince Kung.

Your Majesty.

Do what you must. Have no fear.

You have my support.

Old master.

Go home now. Rest well.

Have a nice, long sleep.

Prince Kung.

Your Majesty.

My Emperor.

Don't worry.

You'll see Prince Kung again.

Let him go, please.

Please.

It's a family affair.

It's not the concern of an outsider.

As I said, I have a stubborn streak.

The forceful approach doesn't work with me.

I always respond in kind.

Don't squabble, we're one happy family.

You. You're not young any more.

Having worked hard all these years,

why don't you take retirement tomorrow?

Old Buddha.

Let's say no more.

Old Buddha.

I have only one wish.

What is it?

Before I retire

I'd like one last audience with His Majesty.

So you can delude him again? Forget it.

Progenitor.

We used to have a good relationship,

but it was undermined by them.

Progenitor,

please grant his request.

No.

You can withdraw now.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your servant bids you farewell.

Your Majesty.

I also bid you farewell.

Long live Your Majesty.

Long live Your Majesty.

Thank Tutor Weng for his teaching.

Tutor Weng, will we ever

see each other again?

How undignified you are!

Tutor Weng, please hurry.

A safe trip home.

Please.

Gentlemen, please.

So the war's over at last.

The consequences aren't so grave.

I'm really getting old.

I find this all so exhausting now.

I'll retire to the Summer Palace.

You can take over at Court.

You're on your own from now on.

Progenitor.

Old Buddha,

now's the crucial time. Everything hangs

in the balance. You can't leave.

I told you not to interrupt.

You child.

Yes, this slave forgets himself.

Your Majesty, you ask her.

Progenitor, don't go.

How did the war end?

I have no idea!

You must...

I told you, you're on your own.

Don't you know my nature by now?

When I say I'm out of it, I'm out of it.

Progenitor, I'll be left all alone!

Prince Kung will not be at Court.

Tutor Weng and Lord Li have retired

by your order.

What am I to do on my own?

How are you alone?

I've arranged everything for you.

Kang Yi has taken over from Tutor Weng.

Kang Yi.

Your Majesty.

Yung Lu replaces Li Hung-chang.

There are also Tai Yi and Hsu Tung.

They'll be of great assistance.

His Majesty will rely on you.

Thank him for his graciousness.

Yes, Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Now that I've settled everything for you,

my work is done. We can go now.

We're going now, Old Buddha?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, say something.

If Old Buddha leaves

everything's over for you.

Your Majesty, say something!

Lien-tsai, what are you mumbling about?

Old Buddha.

Please don't leave.

Lien-tsai.

What is it?

Please recall Lord Li, Prince Kung

and Tutor Weng.

You must confer with them again.

You must confer with them again.

With you and them all gone

His Majesty will be on his own.

That wouldn't do, my Old Buddha.

When did you become so talkative?

Old Buddha, this slave has much to say.

I was afraid of not remembering it all

so I wrote it all down.

You wrote it all down?

You have a petition?

Old Buddha.

You've been kind to me, that's why I dare.

You love His Majesty, too.

But bad men undermine your relationship

and create a rift between the two of you.

Old Buddha, he's the Emperor after all.

He's still young.

He needs your guidance and correction.

He needs your guidance and correction.

When he's at fault,

you should forgive him.

Old Buddha,

The country's hanging in the balance.

Who will guide the Emperor if not you?

Old Buddha,

His Majesty addresses you as Progenitor.

If that's not respect, what is?

Old Buddha,

don't listen to the words of villains.

Old Buddha, be merciful!

Very good!

A mere boy presumes to lecture me!

A mere boy presumes to lecture me!

Old Buddha, this slave wouldn't dare.

I ask you:

Who taught you to say all this?

Old Buddha,

it comes from the bottom of my heart.

Is that's how you show your respect?

If so, then I haven't wasted

all my years of affection on you.

Old Buddha, please don't be angry.

This slave says what he feels.

These are true words.

These are true words?

I think you have no respect at all!

Progenitor.

I've spoilt every one of you.

Even a slave presumes to know better!

Does no one know their place anymore?

Progenitor, don't be upset

by the foolish words of a child.

Just send him outside,

or if you like, kick him out of the palace.

That's not the end of it.

Someone must have set him up to it.

They think he'll get away as I'm fond of him.

But fondness aside, I'm furious.

Forgive him, Progenitor.

Don' plead for him!

No! I must get to the bottom of this.

Who taught you to write this?

Old Buddha, please believe me.

I swear by heaven above,

this slave wrote it all by himself.

This slave wrote it all by himself.

What? You still try to lie?

I don't believe you wrote it yourself.

Recite it fo me.

Yes, Your Highness.

I beg the Dowager not to assume sole power;

to discontinue work on the Summer Palace;

to stop building railroads;

to reinstate Lord Li Hung-chang;

to continue the war against Japan;

and as His Majesty has no son yet,

to please designate an heir apparent.

Enough! It's so badly written,

it does seem like your own work.

Old Buddha, it is my own work.

I don't care whether you did so or not.

Do you know that by ancestral decree,

eunuchs may not interfere in politics?

This slave knows it.

But desperate times

calls for desperate measures.

Do you know it is a capital offence?

This slave knows it.

A loyal servant does not fear death.

This petition is worth my life.

Old Buddha.

It's the ancestral decree. What can I say?

I'm truly fond of you.

But what cause do you give me

to be fond of you?

Don't blame me that it has come to this.

Progenitor!

What more is there to be said?

Yes.

Guards. Yes.

Take him away. Yes.

Old Buddha, the truth may not be palatable,

but I've done this out of loyalty.

Old Buddha,

even if you don't care for the country,

at least have a care for yourself.

My death is a small thing,

but the country...

Enough, Lien-tsai.

Enough of your big talk.

You've brought this upon yourself.

For what purpose?

A real man should be honourable.

A real man.

How old are you?

Eighteen.

An 18-year old real man shouldn't cry.

I'm not crying.

You're a traitor.

I'm loyal subject.

You, loyal?

Didn't you say you had a conscience?

Where's your conscience now?

This is my conscience.

My conscience is in my petitition.

If I didn't have a conscience,

I would be like you.

Take him away.

Wait!

I'm the salve of your august persons.

Please let this slave's final breath

be to bid the Old Buddha and His Majesty

a last farewell.

A long life of ten thousand years!

You fosake peace and opt for war!

War!

The Old Buddha is departing!

What is it? Why such haste?

Japan has declared war on us.

Your Majesty!

Never forget for an instant

that you are the Emperor!

Don't delude yourself you're Emperor.

You're only Emperor because I let you be.

If I didn't let you�

Old Buddha, she's innocent!

Old Buddha, she's innocent!

She's innocent!

Can't you be a bit more respectful?

Chief Eunuch Li.

Chief Eunuch Li.

You didn't?

Really I didn't.

Are you trying to say I'm lying?

You didn't?

Did you or not?

Did you...

Stop!

Answer me...

Stop!

Emperor Kuang Hsu.

What a poor, poor Emperor you are!