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Would you like to inspect the original subtitles? These are the user uploaded subtitles that are being translated: 1 00:00:26,000 --> 00:00:27,040 Tofu brains. 2 00:00:27,840 --> 00:00:29,000 Sure! 3 00:00:30,520 --> 00:00:31,420 There. 4 00:00:37,120 --> 00:00:39,040 Give me another bowl. Yes. 5 00:01:07,720 --> 00:01:11,200 Slide your left foot, thrust your right. 6 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:23,600 Grand Secretary Li? 7 00:01:26,960 --> 00:01:28,040 Grand Secretary Li? 8 00:01:28,640 --> 00:01:29,800 The very man. 9 00:01:29,920 --> 00:01:31,056 I heard that the Japanese government 10 00:01:31,080 --> 00:01:32,680 has protested against our expeditionary force 11 00:01:32,720 --> 00:01:34,560 to help quell the rebellion in Korea. 12 00:01:34,720 --> 00:01:36,440 The Japanese have never recognized 13 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:38,640 our suzerainty over Korea. 14 00:01:39,200 --> 00:01:41,160 What need have we for their recognition? 15 00:01:41,320 --> 00:01:43,000 Koreans share common roots with us. 16 00:01:43,160 --> 00:01:44,760 They write in the Han script 17 00:01:44,880 --> 00:01:46,480 and speak in a Manchu dialect. 18 00:01:46,640 --> 00:01:48,920 That must be the reason 19 00:01:49,080 --> 00:01:51,120 Grand Secretary has come to Court. 20 00:01:51,320 --> 00:01:53,880 He and Weng Tung-ho are arch-enemies. 21 00:01:54,040 --> 00:01:57,320 There'll be a fierce debate at Court today. 22 00:03:01,320 --> 00:03:02,680 Kou Lien-tsai! 23 00:03:04,280 --> 00:03:05,800 Kou Lien-tsai! 24 00:03:07,200 --> 00:03:08,560 What are you doing here, 25 00:03:08,720 --> 00:03:10,920 you little rascal? 26 00:03:11,880 --> 00:03:13,560 Spying on the Emperor 27 00:03:13,720 --> 00:03:16,000 and Empress again? 28 00:03:16,160 --> 00:03:17,680 How did it go last night? 29 00:03:17,840 --> 00:03:18,960 Can't you read? 30 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:21,880 Same old story. No conjugal rites. 31 00:03:23,240 --> 00:03:26,280 What a pity! 32 00:03:26,480 --> 00:03:27,720 It's bad enough the son has to wait, 33 00:03:27,880 --> 00:03:29,240 but even the grandson has to wait! 34 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:30,800 What? What did you say? 35 00:03:30,920 --> 00:03:32,160 Nothing. 36 00:03:32,320 --> 00:03:34,640 Go, go! It was nothing! 37 00:03:35,320 --> 00:03:36,960 You little bugger! 38 00:03:46,280 --> 00:03:48,200 Go! 39 00:03:58,200 --> 00:04:01,120 Come. 40 00:05:33,440 --> 00:05:37,400 Long live your Majesty! 41 00:06:03,200 --> 00:06:07,440 The Empress Dowager 42 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:40,920 Has the Old Buddha awakened yet? 43 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:43,000 No. Please wait. 44 00:08:11,480 --> 00:08:12,880 Uncle... 45 00:08:14,520 --> 00:08:17,120 Why are you panting, Lien-tsai? 46 00:08:17,320 --> 00:08:18,560 I ran all the way here. 47 00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:20,960 The subject of war came up again at Court. 48 00:08:23,000 --> 00:08:24,320 Hasn't the Old Buddha woken up yet? 49 00:08:24,520 --> 00:08:26,080 She's still asleep. 50 00:08:28,720 --> 00:08:30,920 Why did they bring up war again? 51 00:08:31,920 --> 00:08:33,880 Didn't the Old Buddha make it clear 52 00:08:34,000 --> 00:08:36,080 we shouldn't go picking a fight? 53 00:08:37,080 --> 00:08:39,920 The Korean situation is worsening. 54 00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:43,120 Japan won't pull out its troops. 55 00:08:43,720 --> 00:08:45,120 Didn't Li Hung-chang assure us 56 00:08:45,280 --> 00:08:47,880 everything's signed and sealed 57 00:08:48,040 --> 00:08:50,000 and treaty terms are in our favour? 58 00:08:50,600 --> 00:08:52,040 Lord Li received a real tongue-lashing! 59 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:54,600 Lord Li received a real tongue-lashing! 60 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:58,720 Why is he opposed to war? 61 00:08:59,800 --> 00:09:01,880 Lord Li takes the long-term view. 62 00:09:02,000 --> 00:09:05,040 He knows not to cross the Old Buddha. 63 00:09:05,960 --> 00:09:08,600 When we inspected the navy at Tientsin 64 00:09:08,760 --> 00:09:13,000 I told him of the Old Buddha's wishes. 65 00:09:13,200 --> 00:09:16,560 There were words against you at Court too. 66 00:09:16,720 --> 00:09:18,600 Against me? 67 00:09:18,760 --> 00:09:21,080 They said the Old Buddha's making trouble 68 00:09:21,240 --> 00:09:23,320 at your instigation. 69 00:09:24,600 --> 00:09:27,120 Then why don't they get rid of me? 70 00:09:27,560 --> 00:09:29,000 What did he say? 71 00:09:29,640 --> 00:09:30,760 Prince Shun spent ages reporting 72 00:09:30,880 --> 00:09:32,560 on his Tientsin naval inspection, 73 00:09:32,720 --> 00:09:33,960 on his Tientsin naval inspection, 74 00:09:34,120 --> 00:09:35,680 then the ministers presented their memorials 75 00:09:35,800 --> 00:09:37,480 all of which motioned for your censure 76 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:38,560 The Emperor was furious. 77 00:09:38,720 --> 00:09:41,040 They may well send someone to arrest you. 78 00:09:41,200 --> 00:09:42,480 What did the memorials say? 79 00:09:42,640 --> 00:09:45,320 I couldn't hear clearly through the screen, 80 00:09:45,520 --> 00:09:49,160 but what else but that as the Chief Eunuch 81 00:09:49,320 --> 00:09:52,800 it's not for you to meddle in Court affairs. 82 00:09:52,920 --> 00:09:54,440 They accused of... what did they call it? 83 00:09:56,800 --> 00:10:00,280 Some offence called outer fires. 84 00:10:00,480 --> 00:10:02,280 Outer fires? What's outer fires? 85 00:10:02,480 --> 00:10:03,600 Who knows? Inner fires, 86 00:10:03,760 --> 00:10:04,880 outer fires, 87 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:07,120 whatever it is, it must be serious! 88 00:10:07,280 --> 00:10:11,480 Inside or out, a fire's no joke! 89 00:10:16,120 --> 00:10:18,560 They meant the offence of ultra vires. 90 00:10:18,720 --> 00:10:20,520 Ultra vires? 91 00:10:20,680 --> 00:10:22,840 What's ultra vires? 92 00:10:23,120 --> 00:10:24,600 That bunch of monkeys meant 93 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:27,040 that we've stepped out of line. 94 00:10:27,200 --> 00:10:29,560 That we've stepped out of line. 95 00:10:34,000 --> 00:10:34,920 Is Chief Li here? 96 00:10:35,080 --> 00:10:35,800 Uncle Wang, he... 97 00:10:35,920 --> 00:10:36,920 Is he here or not? 98 00:10:37,080 --> 00:10:39,480 See? Someone's come to get you. 99 00:10:39,640 --> 00:10:42,560 It sounds like Wang Shang. 100 00:10:42,720 --> 00:10:43,800 Go see. 101 00:10:43,920 --> 00:10:45,200 Yes, Your Highness. 102 00:10:45,400 --> 00:10:46,800 Who's there? 103 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:48,040 Yes, Your Highness. 104 00:10:49,080 --> 00:10:50,560 Good morning, Your Highness. 105 00:10:50,720 --> 00:10:52,040 Your slave Li Lien-ying has come 106 00:10:52,200 --> 00:10:53,960 to wish Your Highness boundless fortune 107 00:10:54,120 --> 00:10:56,560 and a long life of ten thousand years! 108 00:10:56,720 --> 00:10:59,440 It's you. When did you return? 109 00:10:59,600 --> 00:11:01,000 On the night train last evening. 110 00:11:01,160 --> 00:11:02,320 As it was late, 111 00:11:02,520 --> 00:11:04,080 I was afraid of disturbing you, Old Buddha, 112 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:06,480 so I didn't come to pay my respects then. 113 00:11:06,720 --> 00:11:07,880 What time is it now? 114 00:11:08,040 --> 00:11:09,840 The sun is already in its throne. 115 00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:11,360 When you held Court from behind the scenes, 116 00:11:11,440 --> 00:11:14,880 the audience would have been over by now. 117 00:11:17,200 --> 00:11:19,760 I'm in retirement now. 118 00:11:19,880 --> 00:11:21,880 Do not bestir yourself. There is no haste. 119 00:11:22,000 --> 00:11:24,880 There's fruit and incense here, 120 00:11:25,040 --> 00:11:26,760 and such spectacular peonies, 121 00:11:26,880 --> 00:11:28,960 all vying with each other's fragrances. 122 00:11:29,880 --> 00:11:31,640 I'm getting up. 123 00:11:31,800 --> 00:11:34,200 Shall I have them serve breakfast? 124 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:35,300 You may. 125 00:11:35,440 --> 00:11:36,560 Yes, Your Highness. 126 00:11:36,720 --> 00:11:38,400 I don't think it's anything serious 127 00:11:38,560 --> 00:11:40,880 His Majesty probably just wants to hear 128 00:11:41,040 --> 00:11:43,000 what Chief Li has to say about the navy. 129 00:11:43,520 --> 00:11:44,160 Serve breakfast! 130 00:11:44,320 --> 00:11:45,440 Yes sir! 131 00:11:47,000 --> 00:11:48,920 Good morning, Chief Li. 132 00:11:49,640 --> 00:11:52,120 I wondered who it was they sent. 133 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:55,160 So it's you, the great eunuch Wang Shang. 134 00:11:55,320 --> 00:11:56,920 Please forgive me, Chief. 135 00:11:57,080 --> 00:11:58,760 It was His Majesty's decree. 136 00:11:58,880 --> 00:12:01,120 Ah yes, His Majesty's decree. 137 00:12:01,280 --> 00:12:02,520 Now that he presides at Court himself, 138 00:12:02,640 --> 00:12:04,640 the Emperor's put all his men in power. 139 00:12:04,800 --> 00:12:06,320 No wonder His Majesty's followers 140 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:08,760 have all become so haughty. 141 00:12:08,880 --> 00:12:10,200 I wouldn't dare! 142 00:12:10,400 --> 00:12:11,920 It was by your favour that I was assigned 143 00:12:12,080 --> 00:12:14,040 to go serve the Emperor. 144 00:12:14,640 --> 00:12:17,320 But now you bite the hand that fed you. 145 00:12:17,520 --> 00:12:18,720 This slave wouldn't dare! 146 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:21,120 I'm only a servant, I have no choice. 147 00:12:21,280 --> 00:12:23,120 Whatever His Majesty bids me do, 148 00:12:23,280 --> 00:12:24,680 I must carry out. 149 00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:26,560 Whatever you wish me to tell the Emperor, 150 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:27,960 I'll do so as instructed. 151 00:12:28,120 --> 00:12:30,120 Very well. Tell His Majesty 152 00:12:30,280 --> 00:12:32,920 Chief Li is attending the Old Buddha 153 00:12:33,080 --> 00:12:34,200 and doesn't have the time. 154 00:12:34,400 --> 00:12:35,720 Yes sir. 155 00:12:36,400 --> 00:12:38,840 This slave will obey. 156 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:40,200 But His Majesty will surely scold me 157 00:12:40,400 --> 00:12:42,760 for failing to carry out such a simple task, 158 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:45,000 and perhaps send me back once more 159 00:12:45,160 --> 00:12:48,080 to ask you to come with me again. 160 00:12:48,240 --> 00:12:50,600 If you persist in contradicting His Majesty, 161 00:12:50,760 --> 00:12:53,400 It would just make trouble for me. 162 00:12:53,560 --> 00:12:54,560 Enough! 163 00:12:54,720 --> 00:12:56,160 Please forgive me. 164 00:13:02,560 --> 00:13:03,920 Ingrate! 165 00:13:05,160 --> 00:13:07,680 Didn't you assign him to the Emperor? 166 00:13:07,840 --> 00:13:09,960 I did indeed. 167 00:13:12,240 --> 00:13:12,720 Lien-tsai. 168 00:13:12,880 --> 00:13:13,640 Yes! 169 00:13:13,800 --> 00:13:14,800 I have a nice job for you. 170 00:13:14,920 --> 00:13:16,400 How would you like to serve His Majesty? 171 00:13:16,560 --> 00:13:18,320 Very much so! Please give me the chance. 172 00:13:18,520 --> 00:13:19,760 How old are you? 173 00:13:19,880 --> 00:13:22,960 17. I came the year before last. 174 00:13:25,920 --> 00:13:27,520 I'm sending you to attend the Emperor. 175 00:13:27,680 --> 00:13:28,840 You must attend him very closely. 176 00:13:28,960 --> 00:13:30,120 Never leave him for an instant 177 00:13:30,280 --> 00:13:32,800 and report his every move to me. 178 00:13:32,920 --> 00:13:33,820 Understood? 179 00:13:33,920 --> 00:13:37,000 Yes sir. I'll watch him closely. 180 00:13:37,160 --> 00:13:38,400 Nothing he says or does will escape me. 181 00:13:38,560 --> 00:13:40,120 Nothing he says or does will escape me. 182 00:13:40,280 --> 00:13:42,680 Good. Let's see how you do with him. 183 00:13:42,840 --> 00:13:43,920 Yes sir. 184 00:13:44,440 --> 00:13:48,880 Good morning to you, Old Buddha. 185 00:13:58,240 --> 00:13:59,000 Tell them... 186 00:13:59,160 --> 00:14:02,240 I'm too busy attending the Old Buddha. 187 00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:03,340 What's the matter? 188 00:14:03,520 --> 00:14:04,520 Lien-ying, come in here. 189 00:14:04,680 --> 00:14:05,920 Yes, Your Highness. 190 00:14:11,680 --> 00:14:13,040 Empress Dowager, please save me! 191 00:14:13,200 --> 00:14:15,840 Your slave is so sorry to trouble you. 192 00:14:15,960 --> 00:14:16,860 What is it this time? 193 00:14:16,920 --> 00:14:18,760 Someone came to Your Highness's palace 194 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:20,680 to arrest your slave. 195 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:23,240 Who has the nerve? Who? 196 00:14:23,440 --> 00:14:27,680 His Majesty, the Emperor Kuang Hsu. 197 00:14:27,840 --> 00:14:31,000 Him... Why? 198 00:14:31,160 --> 00:14:33,200 Some ministers censured your slave, 199 00:14:33,400 --> 00:14:35,600 objecting to my Tientsin trip on your behalf. 200 00:14:35,760 --> 00:14:39,040 Look how frightened our Chief Eunuch is! 201 00:14:39,200 --> 00:14:42,680 Arise. Don't worry, you have me. 202 00:14:43,560 --> 00:14:45,880 So it's only such a trivial matter. 203 00:14:49,680 --> 00:14:52,040 See what you've done to my hair! 204 00:14:52,480 --> 00:14:54,920 You do it for me, they can't do it right. 205 00:14:55,080 --> 00:14:56,160 Yes, Your Highness. 206 00:15:01,520 --> 00:15:02,880 Look how nervous you are. 207 00:15:03,040 --> 00:15:05,000 Are you so afraid of the Emperor? 208 00:15:05,320 --> 00:15:06,960 Since Your Highness ceased holding Court 209 00:15:07,120 --> 00:15:09,880 His Majesty has held all power, 210 00:15:10,040 --> 00:15:13,440 and we of your palace are all but retired. 211 00:15:13,600 --> 00:15:15,400 I've kept my head down, 212 00:15:15,560 --> 00:15:17,640 but look at them! 213 00:15:17,800 --> 00:15:19,240 Daring to come to your own palace! 214 00:15:19,440 --> 00:15:21,520 How can your slave not be afraid? 215 00:15:21,720 --> 00:15:24,600 Are you saying we've lost so much face? 216 00:15:24,760 --> 00:15:27,040 Old Buddha, since you retired, 217 00:15:27,200 --> 00:15:28,640 we your slaves have not dared 218 00:15:28,800 --> 00:15:30,480 to make a noise even when we breathe. 219 00:15:30,640 --> 00:15:32,680 You beat a dog, you insult its owner. 220 00:15:32,840 --> 00:15:34,520 Whoever picks on me 221 00:15:34,680 --> 00:15:37,520 has no respect for you, Empress Dowager. 222 00:15:37,680 --> 00:15:40,320 Why would he pick on you slaves? 223 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:43,280 He's been like this since he was little. 224 00:15:43,480 --> 00:15:45,320 You know that only too well. 225 00:15:46,000 --> 00:15:49,000 No, he's not picking on you. 226 00:15:55,400 --> 00:15:56,320 Old Buddha. 227 00:15:56,520 --> 00:15:59,480 So late already, and Court's still in session. 228 00:15:59,640 --> 00:16:03,440 I hear they're planning for war again. 229 00:16:03,600 --> 00:16:05,920 What? It's the old complaint again? 230 00:16:06,080 --> 00:16:07,680 His Majesty forgets 231 00:16:07,840 --> 00:16:11,280 it's your 60th birthday this year. 232 00:16:11,480 --> 00:16:14,400 The work on the Summer Palace 233 00:16:14,560 --> 00:16:16,200 is almost complete. 234 00:16:16,400 --> 00:16:18,920 That boy! I told him not to be careless! 235 00:16:19,080 --> 00:16:21,600 Such a worry me at his age! 236 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:25,320 I can understand. The Japanese are bullies. 237 00:16:25,520 --> 00:16:28,880 The young Emperor wants to do something. 238 00:16:29,000 --> 00:16:30,840 That's not such a bad thing 239 00:16:30,960 --> 00:16:33,080 as long as he doesn't take it too far. 240 00:16:33,920 --> 00:16:37,480 It's no bad thing the Emperor's doing, 241 00:16:37,640 --> 00:16:39,600 of course, but he's still young, 242 00:16:39,760 --> 00:16:41,680 and he lacks a proper agenda. 243 00:16:41,840 --> 00:16:44,920 The ministers have him round their fingers 244 00:16:45,280 --> 00:16:47,240 and His Majesty doesn't even realize it. 245 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:48,720 In this slave's humble view, 246 00:16:48,880 --> 00:16:51,840 Old Buddha shouldn't stay in retirement. 247 00:16:51,960 --> 00:16:54,880 You should take charge again. 248 00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:58,960 I'm getting old. I don't have the energy. 249 00:17:04,920 --> 00:17:07,280 Lien-tsai bids the Old Buddha good morning. 250 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:09,400 Boundless fortune to Your Highness 251 00:17:09,560 --> 00:17:11,240 and long life of ten thousand years! 252 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:12,340 You may rise. 253 00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:14,200 Thank you, Empress Dowager. 254 00:17:14,720 --> 00:17:15,760 Where are they? Have they gone? 255 00:17:15,880 --> 00:17:16,880 He's come back again. 256 00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:19,840 It's the same old spiel. He refuses to leave. 257 00:17:19,960 --> 00:17:22,160 He insists you go with him at once. 258 00:17:22,480 --> 00:17:24,880 Tell them the Old Buddha is displeased. 259 00:17:25,040 --> 00:17:26,720 How dare they come to her palace 260 00:17:26,880 --> 00:17:29,120 to arrest her Chief Eunuch? 261 00:17:29,280 --> 00:17:30,880 They can tell the Emperor to come himself. 262 00:17:31,040 --> 00:17:32,120 Yes, Your Highness. 263 00:17:32,280 --> 00:17:33,000 He's gone too far. 264 00:17:33,160 --> 00:17:34,080 Yes. Your Highness. 265 00:17:34,240 --> 00:17:35,140 Lien-tsai. 266 00:17:35,200 --> 00:17:36,680 Yes. 267 00:17:41,080 --> 00:17:42,520 Go see if the morning session is over, 268 00:17:42,680 --> 00:17:44,280 and what their decision is on war. 269 00:17:46,120 --> 00:17:46,640 Yes. 270 00:17:46,800 --> 00:17:48,880 My profound thanks to the Empress Dowager. 271 00:17:49,000 --> 00:17:50,800 Arise. Finish my hair. 272 00:17:50,920 --> 00:17:51,960 But it's finished already. 273 00:17:52,120 --> 00:17:53,520 Finished? 274 00:17:53,680 --> 00:17:55,080 Let me see. 275 00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:07,120 Yes, I see. It's very nice. 276 00:18:07,280 --> 00:18:10,000 And it took you no time at all. 277 00:18:10,160 --> 00:18:12,000 You should all learn from him. 278 00:18:12,160 --> 00:18:14,640 So clumsy, every last one of you! 279 00:18:14,800 --> 00:18:16,800 No wonder you could never make Chief. 280 00:18:16,920 --> 00:18:19,560 Old Buddha, you make fun of me again. 281 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:21,520 I didn't exactly start today. 282 00:18:21,680 --> 00:18:24,160 I've been attending you for decades. 283 00:18:25,680 --> 00:18:28,560 Old Buddha, your meal is ready. 284 00:18:29,080 --> 00:18:30,120 Very well! 285 00:18:35,920 --> 00:18:37,120 Your Majesty... 286 00:18:40,120 --> 00:18:41,020 What is this? 287 00:18:41,080 --> 00:18:42,480 The gratuity for Chief Eunuch Li. 288 00:18:42,640 --> 00:18:44,440 It's the rule. It's paid daily. 289 00:18:44,600 --> 00:18:45,800 Why wasn't I told of this? 290 00:18:45,920 --> 00:18:48,080 There's much yet you haven't been told. 291 00:18:55,440 --> 00:18:57,200 Your Majesty. 292 00:18:59,880 --> 00:19:02,400 Get up. Don't stand on ceremony with me. 293 00:19:02,560 --> 00:19:04,000 Yes, Your Majesty. 294 00:19:07,840 --> 00:19:08,920 Where is the Empress Dowager? 295 00:19:09,080 --> 00:19:12,200 She's at breakfast, and will be out anon. 296 00:19:13,480 --> 00:19:16,800 Majesty, the Empress is over there. 297 00:19:17,000 --> 00:19:18,080 I see her. 298 00:19:19,200 --> 00:19:22,240 She's not fuly recovered yet, 299 00:19:26,880 --> 00:19:28,040 But look at her, 300 00:19:28,200 --> 00:19:31,280 doesn't she look much better now? 301 00:19:37,400 --> 00:19:38,120 Lien-tsai. 302 00:19:38,280 --> 00:19:39,280 Yes, Your Highness. 303 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:40,760 Go to the Empress Dowager 304 00:19:40,880 --> 00:19:42,440 and pay her respects on my behalf. 305 00:19:42,600 --> 00:19:44,560 I don't feel well and must go. 306 00:19:44,720 --> 00:19:46,000 Yes, Your Highness. 307 00:19:48,200 --> 00:19:49,800 Highness! 308 00:19:51,920 --> 00:19:54,440 Are you all right? 309 00:19:57,800 --> 00:19:58,920 Sit down for a while. 310 00:19:59,080 --> 00:20:01,200 The Old Buddha was just talking about you. 311 00:20:01,400 --> 00:20:03,920 Why don't you keep each other company? 312 00:20:04,080 --> 00:20:05,800 I'll report back to Her Highness. 313 00:20:20,280 --> 00:20:22,200 I know I don't mean anything to you. 314 00:20:23,440 --> 00:20:25,200 What's wrong with you today? 315 00:20:25,880 --> 00:20:27,840 Are you trifling with me? 316 00:20:31,760 --> 00:20:33,240 I thought you'd never speak to me. 317 00:20:33,440 --> 00:20:33,920 Your Majesty. 318 00:20:34,080 --> 00:20:35,760 I... 319 00:20:36,760 --> 00:20:39,120 Your Majesty. Your Highness. 320 00:20:42,920 --> 00:20:47,520 Your Majesty spoke to the Empress. 321 00:20:49,400 --> 00:20:51,240 Actually spoke! 322 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:54,720 Perhaps this slave should leave... 323 00:20:54,880 --> 00:20:56,880 There's nothing you can't hear. 324 00:20:57,040 --> 00:20:59,160 I've said all I have to say. 325 00:21:00,040 --> 00:21:00,800 Li Lien-ying. 326 00:21:00,920 --> 00:21:01,920 Yes, Your Majesty. 327 00:21:02,080 --> 00:21:04,880 I sent Wang Shang to fetch you. 328 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:05,960 Why didn't you... 329 00:21:06,400 --> 00:21:08,200 Your slave begs the Emperor's pardon! 330 00:21:08,400 --> 00:21:09,920 This slave did wanted to come, 331 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:13,480 but having been away for almost a month, 332 00:21:13,640 --> 00:21:16,560 I had so much to do on my return, 333 00:21:16,720 --> 00:21:19,200 especially for the Empress Dowager, 334 00:21:19,400 --> 00:21:20,080 so your slave... 335 00:21:20,240 --> 00:21:21,440 Forget it. 336 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:24,040 And stop saying slave this and that. 337 00:21:24,200 --> 00:21:26,080 I ask you. You... 338 00:21:26,720 --> 00:21:28,720 Your Majesty, please wait. 339 00:21:31,120 --> 00:21:32,400 Your Highness... peace and good morning. 340 00:21:32,560 --> 00:21:35,000 The Empress Dowager wishes to see you. 341 00:21:41,040 --> 00:21:44,040 Wait, Majesty. The Dowager gave no decree. 342 00:21:44,200 --> 00:21:45,120 I have urgent business. 343 00:21:45,280 --> 00:21:48,200 That's the custom. It's the rule. 344 00:21:52,000 --> 00:21:53,560 Li Lien-ying. 345 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:56,920 You're not going either. Come here. 346 00:21:57,560 --> 00:21:59,960 What's Your Majesty pleasure? 347 00:22:00,120 --> 00:22:03,400 I ask you, do you admit your guilt? 348 00:22:03,560 --> 00:22:06,520 This slave doesn't understand. 349 00:22:07,920 --> 00:22:12,240 You're the root of all corruption here. 350 00:22:13,120 --> 00:22:16,240 This slave doesn't understand. 351 00:22:16,440 --> 00:22:18,120 Don't play dumb. 352 00:22:20,440 --> 00:22:22,160 This slave's trip to Tientsin with Prince Shun 353 00:22:22,320 --> 00:22:24,080 was at the order of the Empress Dowager 354 00:22:24,240 --> 00:22:26,760 and by Your Majesty's leave. 355 00:22:26,880 --> 00:22:28,400 Yes. You were censured for it. 356 00:22:28,560 --> 00:22:31,040 I let that pass. 357 00:22:31,240 --> 00:22:32,560 But there's something else. 358 00:22:32,720 --> 00:22:34,680 Something else? 359 00:22:35,920 --> 00:22:37,720 This slave doesn't understand. 360 00:22:37,880 --> 00:22:41,520 As a servant, I've never step out of line. 361 00:22:41,680 --> 00:22:44,880 I mean these new practices you instigated. 362 00:22:45,040 --> 00:22:46,280 These vile, corrupt practices. 363 00:22:46,480 --> 00:22:47,720 Your Majesty! 364 00:22:47,880 --> 00:22:51,440 What practices? This slave wouldn't dare! 365 00:22:51,600 --> 00:22:54,440 Everything's according to ancestral custom. 366 00:22:54,600 --> 00:22:56,440 Your Majesty hasn't assumed power for long, 367 00:22:56,600 --> 00:22:59,080 but you grew up in the palace. 368 00:22:59,240 --> 00:23:01,600 What rites and customs haven't you seen? 369 00:23:01,760 --> 00:23:04,640 When Your Majesty was little, 370 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:06,760 I carried you in my arms� 371 00:23:06,880 --> 00:23:08,040 Shut up! 372 00:23:08,680 --> 00:23:10,680 I'm grown up now. 373 00:23:10,840 --> 00:23:12,280 Yes, Your Majesty. 374 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:16,440 How dare you patronize me! 375 00:23:16,840 --> 00:23:17,840 This slave wouldn't dare! 376 00:23:17,960 --> 00:23:19,800 Do you take me for a callow youth 377 00:23:19,920 --> 00:23:21,720 who knows nothing? 378 00:23:22,080 --> 00:23:23,320 This slave wouldn't dare! 379 00:23:23,640 --> 00:23:25,480 The gratuity to enter the Inner Court 380 00:23:25,640 --> 00:23:27,880 almost prevented me from entry today. 381 00:23:28,000 --> 00:23:29,800 Aren't you responsible for the practice? 382 00:23:29,920 --> 00:23:32,240 This slave wouldn't dare! 383 00:23:33,000 --> 00:23:35,840 On this trip to Tientsin to inspect the navy, 384 00:23:35,960 --> 00:23:38,880 every government official along the way, 385 00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,320 especially those connected to naval affairs, 386 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:44,880 had to grease your palm, one and all. 387 00:23:45,040 --> 00:23:46,320 Is that true or not? 388 00:23:46,520 --> 00:23:47,480 This slave wouldn't dare! 389 00:23:47,640 --> 00:23:49,120 Don't say that again! 390 00:23:49,280 --> 00:23:51,160 I ask you, is it true or not? 391 00:23:51,320 --> 00:23:53,000 This slave wouldn't dare! 392 00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:55,280 I ask you, do you admit your guilt? 393 00:23:55,480 --> 00:23:57,320 Speak! Do you admit your guilt? 394 00:23:57,520 --> 00:23:58,920 This slave wouldn't dare! 395 00:23:59,080 --> 00:24:00,640 I told you to stop saying that! 396 00:24:00,800 --> 00:24:02,160 But this slave really wouldn't dare! 397 00:24:02,320 --> 00:24:03,400 Wouldn't dare... 398 00:24:03,560 --> 00:24:06,040 You may be the Dowager's Chief Eunuch, 399 00:24:06,200 --> 00:24:08,920 but it doesn't mean you can do as you like! 400 00:24:09,080 --> 00:24:12,080 Mercy, Majesty! This slave wouldn't dare! 401 00:24:12,240 --> 00:24:14,040 You're getting bolder and bolder. 402 00:24:14,200 --> 00:24:17,560 You have no respect for your Emperor. 403 00:24:17,720 --> 00:24:20,720 I sent Wang Shang to summon you, 404 00:24:20,880 --> 00:24:23,240 and you dared to disobey! 405 00:24:23,880 --> 00:24:26,040 It was on account of the Old Buddha... 406 00:24:26,200 --> 00:24:28,440 Don't Old Buddha this, Old Buddha that! 407 00:24:28,600 --> 00:24:29,960 It really was on account of the Old Buddha. 408 00:24:30,080 --> 00:24:31,720 The Old Buddha? Really? 409 00:24:31,880 --> 00:24:33,600 What's the matter? 410 00:24:34,280 --> 00:24:37,120 What about the Old Buddha? 411 00:24:40,440 --> 00:24:44,680 Progenitor! Peace and good morning to you. 412 00:24:46,680 --> 00:24:50,040 A good morning indeed, but not so peaceful. 413 00:24:50,520 --> 00:24:51,760 Why did you want someone arrested 414 00:24:51,880 --> 00:24:54,600 so early, from my personal palace? 415 00:24:54,960 --> 00:24:57,880 Not arrest. I just wanted to question him. 416 00:24:58,000 --> 00:25:01,440 They motioned for his censure at Court. 417 00:25:01,600 --> 00:25:03,920 On what charge? 418 00:25:04,080 --> 00:25:06,120 That in his naval inspection with Prince Shun 419 00:25:06,280 --> 00:25:08,760 he overstepped the bounds of authority. 420 00:25:08,880 --> 00:25:10,440 But it was I who sent him. 421 00:25:10,600 --> 00:25:12,480 Yes, and with my approval. 422 00:25:12,640 --> 00:25:14,280 Then what's the fuss about? 423 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:15,040 Many reports have come back 424 00:25:15,200 --> 00:25:17,160 of him taking bribes along the way. 425 00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:18,880 Well, did he? 426 00:25:19,040 --> 00:25:21,840 I was just asking him. He had nothing to say. 427 00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:23,600 See? 428 00:25:25,240 --> 00:25:26,200 Li Lien-ying. 429 00:25:26,400 --> 00:25:27,640 Yes, Your Highness. 430 00:25:27,960 --> 00:25:31,480 Did you take bribes along the way? 431 00:25:31,960 --> 00:25:32,760 This slave wouldn't dare! 432 00:25:32,880 --> 00:25:35,000 Did you or did you not? 433 00:25:39,480 --> 00:25:41,680 Empress Dowager, Old Buddha, 434 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:44,880 This slave went to Tientsin with Prince Shun 435 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:47,080 in the capacity of an Imperial Commissioner 436 00:25:47,240 --> 00:25:50,240 representing Your Highness and His Majesty. 437 00:25:50,440 --> 00:25:51,880 Every place I passed through, 438 00:25:52,000 --> 00:25:55,320 officials flocked to pay their respects 439 00:25:55,520 --> 00:25:58,480 through me to your august selves. 440 00:25:58,640 --> 00:26:01,720 Obviously, they all came bearing gifts. 441 00:26:01,880 --> 00:26:03,040 It was only natural for them to do so, 442 00:26:03,160 --> 00:26:07,280 and it would have been rude to refuse. 443 00:26:08,800 --> 00:26:11,280 Those jealous of this slave's assignment 444 00:26:11,480 --> 00:26:12,880 made up stories about me taking bribes. 445 00:26:13,040 --> 00:26:16,280 Made up stories about me taking bribes. 446 00:26:16,480 --> 00:26:21,560 I beg you not to believe this calumny! 447 00:26:25,160 --> 00:26:27,560 I think there might be something to it. 448 00:26:27,720 --> 00:26:29,760 Progenitor, you don't know 449 00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:31,840 how detailed charges against him are. 450 00:26:31,960 --> 00:26:33,080 They say he had lists of names 451 00:26:33,240 --> 00:26:34,720 and went through them soliciting bribes. 452 00:26:34,880 --> 00:26:37,480 Forget it. You didn't see it yourself. 453 00:26:37,640 --> 00:26:41,240 It's easy to make accusations. 454 00:26:41,640 --> 00:26:44,560 People are jealous of him. 455 00:26:44,720 --> 00:26:47,880 He's just returned from a tiring trip. 456 00:26:48,040 --> 00:26:50,880 Forget it. You may rise. 457 00:26:51,040 --> 00:26:52,480 Yes. Your Majesty. 458 00:26:54,760 --> 00:26:57,240 Progenitor, I want to make an example of him 459 00:26:57,440 --> 00:26:59,440 and put an end to corruption. 460 00:26:59,600 --> 00:27:02,800 That's good, but don't start with my people. 461 00:27:08,520 --> 00:27:09,640 Lord Li. 462 00:27:13,040 --> 00:27:14,320 Since the reign of Emperor Tung Chih 463 00:27:14,520 --> 00:27:17,160 we've been trying to modernize: 464 00:27:17,320 --> 00:27:18,960 mines, factories, seaports, railroads, 465 00:27:19,120 --> 00:27:21,480 military academies, naval departments, 466 00:27:21,640 --> 00:27:23,600 we've purchased machinery and armaments. 467 00:27:23,760 --> 00:27:26,560 But now, in the country's hour of need, 468 00:27:26,720 --> 00:27:28,640 what's happened to it all? 469 00:27:32,680 --> 00:27:35,840 Your Majesty, I am to blame 470 00:27:35,960 --> 00:27:37,520 for any failure in modernization. 471 00:27:37,680 --> 00:27:39,200 That we cannot confront Japan militarily 472 00:27:39,400 --> 00:27:42,800 is also my fault. But... 473 00:27:43,680 --> 00:27:45,640 I have reasons of which I cannot speak. 474 00:27:46,720 --> 00:27:48,120 Tell me. 475 00:27:50,040 --> 00:27:53,120 There are other ears. I dare not. 476 00:27:57,840 --> 00:27:58,760 Lien-tsai. 477 00:27:58,880 --> 00:28:00,480 Yes, Your Majesty. 478 00:28:00,760 --> 00:28:04,040 Why are you standing here? 479 00:28:04,200 --> 00:28:07,120 I'm� here to serve tea. 480 00:28:09,720 --> 00:28:10,880 And have you finished? 481 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:11,920 I have, Your Majesty. 482 00:28:12,080 --> 00:28:13,680 Then leave. 483 00:28:13,840 --> 00:28:14,976 Your slave's been listening intently 484 00:28:15,000 --> 00:28:18,120 and would like to hear the rest. 485 00:28:18,280 --> 00:28:19,520 I said go outside. 486 00:28:19,680 --> 00:28:20,920 No. 487 00:28:21,080 --> 00:28:23,280 Your Majesty, it's just getting interesting. 488 00:28:23,480 --> 00:28:26,400 Please let this slave learn more. 489 00:28:27,480 --> 00:28:30,880 I'm asking you, go wait outside. 490 00:28:33,280 --> 00:28:34,960 Yes, Your Majesty. 491 00:28:39,880 --> 00:28:43,160 You meant the Empress Dowager? 492 00:28:43,760 --> 00:28:47,080 The Dowager and her henchmen, 493 00:28:47,240 --> 00:28:50,240 Take Prince Shun. He's in charge 494 00:28:50,440 --> 00:28:52,640 of the military, but takes no decisions. 495 00:28:52,800 --> 00:28:55,160 He does everything the Dowager says. 496 00:28:55,320 --> 00:28:58,680 No one at Court dares cross her. 497 00:28:58,840 --> 00:29:01,520 In the palace there's Chief Eunuch Li, 498 00:29:01,680 --> 00:29:04,120 and outside there's war minister Sun. 499 00:29:04,280 --> 00:29:08,960 They're the Dowager's eyes and ears. 500 00:29:09,560 --> 00:29:11,640 She's ostensibly retired, 501 00:29:11,800 --> 00:29:15,440 but in fact she still holds power. 502 00:29:18,880 --> 00:29:20,880 That reminds me, 503 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:23,600 Compiler Wen and others 504 00:29:23,760 --> 00:29:26,280 recommend that you recall Prince Kung. 505 00:29:26,480 --> 00:29:28,880 The late Emperor had left orders 506 00:29:29,000 --> 00:29:31,000 for him to restrain the Dowager. 507 00:29:31,160 --> 00:29:33,040 That's why she fears no one but him. 508 00:29:33,200 --> 00:29:35,480 That's why she fears no one but him. 509 00:29:35,640 --> 00:29:38,560 But will the Empress Dowager agree? 510 00:29:38,720 --> 00:29:41,800 She always kept Prince Kung at a distance. 511 00:29:41,920 --> 00:29:42,960 All through our decade's war 512 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:45,280 with France in Indochina, 513 00:29:45,480 --> 00:29:47,640 he's been kept out of office. 514 00:29:47,800 --> 00:29:50,240 He's been kept out of office. 515 00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:54,400 Prince Kung's spirit remains undiminshed. 516 00:29:59,760 --> 00:30:01,120 Your Majesty! 517 00:30:03,000 --> 00:30:03,900 Your Majesty! 518 00:30:03,960 --> 00:30:07,240 Even if we recall Prince Kung, 519 00:30:07,440 --> 00:30:10,440 who would dare tell the Empress Dowager 520 00:30:10,600 --> 00:30:13,480 to cancel her elaborate birthday plans? 521 00:30:13,640 --> 00:30:15,280 Your Majesty! 522 00:30:15,880 --> 00:30:17,040 I'll do it! 523 00:30:17,200 --> 00:30:18,880 It's the eunuch Kou! 524 00:30:19,040 --> 00:30:20,200 You heard everything? 525 00:30:20,400 --> 00:30:21,880 Yes. 526 00:30:22,000 --> 00:30:24,120 Lien-tsai, how could you eavesdrop? 527 00:30:24,280 --> 00:30:25,960 This matter is too serious. 528 00:30:27,720 --> 00:30:29,120 You mustn't tell anyone. 529 00:30:29,280 --> 00:30:31,440 It's a matter of life and death for us all. 530 00:30:31,600 --> 00:30:33,600 You� did someone plant you here 531 00:30:33,760 --> 00:30:35,880 Did you come to spy on me? 532 00:30:36,760 --> 00:30:37,920 Yes or no? Speak up! 533 00:30:38,080 --> 00:30:39,920 Eunuch Kou, speak up! 534 00:30:40,080 --> 00:30:41,640 Tell us. 535 00:30:46,520 --> 00:30:50,880 Yes. This slave was sent here as a spy. 536 00:30:52,400 --> 00:30:53,920 Yes. This slave was sent here as a spy. 537 00:30:56,480 --> 00:30:59,960 But don't worry, Your Majesty. 538 00:31:01,520 --> 00:31:04,760 Yes, they sent me here, but... 539 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:07,200 You mustn't betray His Majesty! 540 00:31:07,400 --> 00:31:10,880 This slave understands. 541 00:31:12,160 --> 00:31:16,560 I still have a conscience. 542 00:31:18,600 --> 00:31:21,560 All right, then. Arise. 543 00:31:25,560 --> 00:31:28,400 Now I understand everything. 544 00:31:28,880 --> 00:31:32,200 Since no one will dare speak to the Dowager, 545 00:31:32,920 --> 00:31:33,440 I'll do it. 546 00:31:33,600 --> 00:31:34,080 Eunuch Kou... 547 00:31:34,240 --> 00:31:36,240 Lien-tsai, you mustn't. 548 00:31:36,440 --> 00:31:39,200 Your Majesty, don't worry. 549 00:31:39,760 --> 00:31:42,080 Eunuch Kou... 550 00:31:43,160 --> 00:31:46,200 This won't do! 551 00:32:53,760 --> 00:32:55,480 The first one's Miss Li. 552 00:32:55,640 --> 00:32:57,920 Tutor Weng recommended the next two. 553 00:32:58,080 --> 00:33:01,640 They're sisters, Chang Hsu's daughters. 554 00:33:04,040 --> 00:33:06,160 And the remaining two? 555 00:33:06,320 --> 00:33:07,680 They're sisters as well, 556 00:33:07,840 --> 00:33:10,560 Daughters of the Kiangsi Governor. 557 00:33:22,120 --> 00:33:25,040 Good. When the Emperor is free 558 00:33:25,200 --> 00:33:28,000 we'll take them to Yu Ching Palace 559 00:33:28,160 --> 00:33:30,440 for him to make his choice. 560 00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:35,000 Lien-tsai. 561 00:33:35,160 --> 00:33:37,400 We won an engagement! 562 00:33:37,560 --> 00:33:39,720 Congratulations, Your Majesty! 563 00:33:40,560 --> 00:33:42,920 We've officially declared war! 564 00:33:43,080 --> 00:33:44,280 Please don't hit this slave! 565 00:33:44,480 --> 00:33:46,320 We can hold our heads high from now on. 566 00:33:46,520 --> 00:33:48,200 Your Majesty, you're so happy! 567 00:33:48,400 --> 00:33:49,800 Of course I'm happy! 568 00:33:52,000 --> 00:33:53,040 Not so loud. 569 00:33:53,200 --> 00:33:55,800 The Dowager, the Empress and others 570 00:33:55,920 --> 00:33:58,200 are having dim sum inside. 571 00:33:58,400 --> 00:34:00,520 They've all come? 572 00:34:00,720 --> 00:34:02,400 They've come to await your selection. 573 00:34:02,560 --> 00:34:04,880 Which one would you choose? 574 00:34:05,240 --> 00:34:06,520 Guess. 575 00:34:07,960 --> 00:34:09,400 It'd have to be Miss Li, of course. 576 00:34:36,480 --> 00:34:38,880 How would you like to be punished? 577 00:34:39,040 --> 00:34:39,280 Answer me? 578 00:34:39,480 --> 00:34:41,040 How would you like to punish me? 579 00:34:41,200 --> 00:34:44,120 Take off your pants! No! 580 00:34:44,720 --> 00:34:46,480 No way you're escaping! 581 00:34:49,160 --> 00:34:51,280 Your Majesty. 582 00:34:54,920 --> 00:34:58,640 Your Majesty, what are you doing? 583 00:35:00,080 --> 00:35:01,520 I'm just testing something. 584 00:35:01,920 --> 00:35:04,040 They say a slave kneeling like this 585 00:35:04,200 --> 00:35:05,520 with someone sitting on his back 586 00:35:05,680 --> 00:35:08,040 will never stand up unless ordered. 587 00:35:08,520 --> 00:35:09,720 Stand up. 588 00:35:10,760 --> 00:35:12,040 Yes, Your Majesty. 589 00:35:17,040 --> 00:35:20,080 Your Majesty, never forget for an instant 590 00:35:20,240 --> 00:35:22,320 that you are the Emperor. 591 00:35:30,400 --> 00:35:30,960 Lien-tsai. 592 00:35:31,120 --> 00:35:32,020 Yes. 593 00:35:32,120 --> 00:35:33,120 Is the Empress Dowager inside? 594 00:35:33,240 --> 00:35:34,520 Yes. 595 00:35:44,120 --> 00:35:45,800 Emperor! So what if I'm Emperor? 596 00:35:45,920 --> 00:35:47,080 Can't the Emperor laugh? 597 00:35:47,240 --> 00:35:48,680 Can't the Emperor have fun? 598 00:35:48,840 --> 00:35:49,740 Doesn't the Emperor eat? 599 00:35:49,880 --> 00:35:50,520 Doesn't the Emperor go to the toilet? 600 00:35:50,680 --> 00:35:52,240 The Emperor's still a human being! 601 00:35:53,000 --> 00:35:54,880 It's only a small matter. 602 00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:57,800 Don't descend to his level. 603 00:35:59,960 --> 00:36:01,120 When did he come in? 604 00:36:01,280 --> 00:36:03,400 Your slave doesn't know either. 605 00:36:16,200 --> 00:36:17,400 Progenitor! 606 00:36:17,560 --> 00:36:19,760 We girls have been waiting for you. 607 00:36:19,880 --> 00:36:22,560 Why did you wait so long before coming in? 608 00:36:22,720 --> 00:36:24,760 I was waiting for Tutor Weng and Lord Li. 609 00:36:24,880 --> 00:36:27,640 I wanted to come in with them. 610 00:36:28,400 --> 00:36:31,280 I hear you're overjoyed. 611 00:36:31,480 --> 00:36:34,520 Yes, Porgenitor. Aren't you? 612 00:36:34,680 --> 00:36:36,880 Of course I am. 613 00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:39,920 But don't let it go to your head. 614 00:36:40,080 --> 00:36:41,960 But don't let it go to your head. 615 00:36:46,000 --> 00:36:47,480 Yes. 616 00:36:48,560 --> 00:36:50,720 I know your selecting concubines today. 617 00:36:50,880 --> 00:36:53,280 Topped with a victory, it's cause for glee. 618 00:36:53,480 --> 00:36:54,640 Yes, Progenitor. 619 00:36:54,800 --> 00:36:56,520 Come. Tell your Progenitor 620 00:36:56,680 --> 00:36:58,600 which one you choose. 621 00:37:00,440 --> 00:37:02,120 If you had waited any longer 622 00:37:02,280 --> 00:37:03,680 it would have been decided already. 623 00:37:03,840 --> 00:37:05,720 I've eliminated all but three. 624 00:37:06,640 --> 00:37:09,200 Tell me. Which one do you like? 625 00:37:27,480 --> 00:37:30,800 Well? Which one is it? 626 00:37:35,480 --> 00:37:37,240 Which one? 627 00:37:37,720 --> 00:37:39,920 Very well... 628 00:37:41,080 --> 00:37:44,080 I mean... They're all very nice. 629 00:37:44,240 --> 00:37:46,720 I'd like to keep them all, too. 630 00:37:46,880 --> 00:37:50,080 But keeping 72 concubines 631 00:37:50,240 --> 00:37:52,200 is no longer the custom. 632 00:37:54,000 --> 00:37:55,480 Old Buddha. 633 00:37:55,640 --> 00:37:59,280 Actually, three aren't that many. 634 00:38:01,880 --> 00:38:04,440 Li Lien-ying's sister very nice too. 635 00:38:05,240 --> 00:38:06,440 Yes she is. 636 00:38:06,600 --> 00:38:10,520 But we don't take Han Chinese concubines. 637 00:38:10,680 --> 00:38:12,440 This slave has become Manchu. 638 00:38:12,600 --> 00:38:13,680 You've become Manchu? 639 00:38:13,840 --> 00:38:15,520 That's still not the same as being born one. 640 00:38:15,680 --> 00:38:17,520 Court and commoners alike would oppose it. 641 00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:20,080 Very well then. 642 00:38:21,440 --> 00:38:22,920 Very well then. 643 00:38:23,760 --> 00:38:26,760 This slave doesn't deserve the honour. 644 00:38:26,920 --> 00:38:29,280 Pity you weren't born a Manchu. 645 00:38:29,480 --> 00:38:31,760 Never mind. She can stay with me. 646 00:38:31,880 --> 00:38:33,280 I'll treat her well. 647 00:38:33,480 --> 00:38:35,000 Thank you, Old Buddha. 648 00:38:35,400 --> 00:38:37,680 What about the other two? 649 00:38:41,080 --> 00:38:43,920 Progenitor, you decide for me. 650 00:38:44,240 --> 00:38:46,880 I knew you wouldn't be able to decide. 651 00:38:47,040 --> 00:38:49,880 Let's take them both. They're sisters, 652 00:38:50,000 --> 00:38:52,640 they can keep each other company. 653 00:38:52,800 --> 00:38:54,520 How's that? 654 00:39:51,520 --> 00:39:53,240 Your Majesty. 655 00:39:53,880 --> 00:39:56,720 The draft Declaration of War. 656 00:40:01,240 --> 00:40:03,120 I'm against declaring war. 657 00:40:10,640 --> 00:40:12,400 Progenitor. 658 00:40:12,600 --> 00:40:14,600 Give it to me. 659 00:40:19,640 --> 00:40:22,200 You'd rather have war instead of peace? 660 00:40:22,400 --> 00:40:28,080 War! War! War! 661 00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:31,560 War! War! War! 662 00:40:31,720 --> 00:40:33,240 I was so happy this morning, 663 00:40:33,440 --> 00:40:35,160 but now you've uined it for me. 664 00:40:37,280 --> 00:40:39,200 Old Buddha is leaving! 665 00:40:42,040 --> 00:40:43,320 What is it? Why such haste? 666 00:40:43,520 --> 00:40:44,420 Old Buddha, 667 00:40:44,560 --> 00:40:47,240 Japan has declared war on us. 668 00:40:48,920 --> 00:40:50,120 What? 669 00:40:53,640 --> 00:40:55,200 Progenitor. 670 00:40:55,400 --> 00:40:58,520 Everyone is against me! 671 00:40:59,320 --> 00:41:00,320 I didn't expect... 672 00:41:00,520 --> 00:41:01,880 What didn't you expect? 673 00:41:02,000 --> 00:41:03,680 This should make you happy. 674 00:41:03,840 --> 00:41:06,080 Now we have no choice but to go to war. 675 00:41:12,080 --> 00:41:14,400 Progenitor, it's beyond our control. 676 00:41:14,560 --> 00:41:15,960 At such a juncture, please also approve 677 00:41:16,120 --> 00:41:18,160 the appointment of Prince Kung. 678 00:41:18,840 --> 00:41:20,080 Don't bother me with anything else. 679 00:41:20,240 --> 00:41:22,000 Do whatever you like. 680 00:41:22,160 --> 00:41:24,560 But remember, your war must end 681 00:41:24,720 --> 00:41:28,560 by the 10th Month. It's not far ff. 682 00:41:29,240 --> 00:41:29,840 Li Hung-chang. 683 00:41:29,960 --> 00:41:30,720 Yes, Your Highness. 684 00:41:30,880 --> 00:41:32,160 Have you any solution? 685 00:41:32,960 --> 00:41:35,840 I'll go talk to the Russian envoy. 686 00:41:35,960 --> 00:41:37,200 He promised to intercede for us 687 00:41:37,400 --> 00:41:38,480 if anything happened with Japan. 688 00:41:38,560 --> 00:41:41,760 If anything happened with Japan. 689 00:41:41,880 --> 00:41:44,800 Good. Get him to intecede for us. 690 00:41:44,920 --> 00:41:47,040 Yes, Old Buddha. 691 00:41:51,880 --> 00:41:53,240 Prince Kung has arrived. 692 00:41:53,840 --> 00:41:54,740 Send him in at once. 693 00:41:54,880 --> 00:41:56,720 When he heard you were busy 694 00:41:56,880 --> 00:41:58,880 he went on to Yang Hsin Palace. 695 00:42:01,000 --> 00:42:02,880 It's windy. Did your sedan have curtains? 696 00:42:03,040 --> 00:42:05,720 Yes. I'm just too old. 697 00:42:14,160 --> 00:42:17,240 I'm sorry to have made you come all this way. 698 00:42:19,440 --> 00:42:21,200 What did you say? 699 00:42:21,480 --> 00:42:25,800 It's windy. Sorry to make you come. 700 00:42:26,080 --> 00:42:26,980 That's all right. 701 00:42:27,080 --> 00:42:29,760 Rest awhile. 702 00:42:30,120 --> 00:42:31,920 Don't take it off. It's cold. 703 00:42:32,080 --> 00:42:34,880 Old Master, have some hot tea. 704 00:42:35,640 --> 00:42:37,280 You've come for the birthday rehearsals too? 705 00:42:37,480 --> 00:42:38,920 Yes. 706 00:42:39,560 --> 00:42:42,520 We waited half the day. I couldn't take it. 707 00:42:42,680 --> 00:42:43,440 Waited for whom? 708 00:42:43,600 --> 00:42:44,960 Li Lien-ying. 709 00:42:45,120 --> 00:42:46,640 He was busy itemizing gifts. 710 00:42:46,800 --> 00:42:48,800 Many nobles and princes were kept waiting. 711 00:42:48,920 --> 00:42:51,640 I saw the Old Master couldn't take it, 712 00:42:51,800 --> 00:42:54,040 so I brought him here to rest. 713 00:42:55,600 --> 00:42:57,080 What did he say? 714 00:42:57,440 --> 00:43:01,280 He said you have to go rehearse soon. 715 00:43:01,720 --> 00:43:03,160 Rehearse? 716 00:43:05,160 --> 00:43:07,040 Old Master, you rest awhile. 717 00:43:07,200 --> 00:43:09,160 Old master, you rest awhile. 718 00:43:09,560 --> 00:43:12,040 No... 719 00:43:12,400 --> 00:43:15,520 Didn't they just say Korea is lost? 720 00:43:15,680 --> 00:43:19,440 And the frontier is about to fall? 721 00:43:19,600 --> 00:43:23,160 Your Majesty, what can we do? 722 00:43:23,480 --> 00:43:26,080 Have you got any concrete plans? 723 00:43:26,800 --> 00:43:27,840 Just rest for awhile. 724 00:43:27,960 --> 00:43:30,960 No... 725 00:43:31,120 --> 00:43:34,240 Majesty, whatever your plans, go with them. 726 00:43:34,440 --> 00:43:39,040 If anything happens, I'll take responsibility. 727 00:43:39,400 --> 00:43:40,920 As long as I have breath left, 728 00:43:41,080 --> 00:43:43,760 I'll pitch my life against hers. 729 00:43:44,520 --> 00:43:47,080 Old Master� 730 00:43:47,240 --> 00:43:52,320 Of course, that woman doesn't fear me. 731 00:43:52,520 --> 00:43:57,240 But at least I make her a bit wary. 732 00:43:58,960 --> 00:44:02,280 Your Majesty, whatever you say, we'll do. 733 00:44:02,480 --> 00:44:05,600 Reward and punish those who deserve it. 734 00:44:05,760 --> 00:44:08,480 We can't be passive anymore. 735 00:44:08,640 --> 00:44:12,160 War Minister Sun failed to mobilize troops. 736 00:44:12,320 --> 00:44:13,600 Relieve him. 737 00:44:13,760 --> 00:44:15,760 Can we? 738 00:44:15,880 --> 00:44:18,920 Why not? I'll tell the Empress Dowager. 739 00:44:19,280 --> 00:44:20,640 That's marvellous! 740 00:44:20,800 --> 00:44:23,560 None of the southern provinces mobilized. 741 00:44:23,720 --> 00:44:25,680 Only the Northern Army is fighting. 742 00:44:25,840 --> 00:44:26,880 And Li Hung-chang's navy 743 00:44:27,000 --> 00:44:29,120 is staying put in port. 744 00:44:29,280 --> 00:44:33,400 All right. That's enough. 745 00:44:33,560 --> 00:44:37,480 The Ching Dynasty is in peril, 746 00:44:37,640 --> 00:44:41,680 but luckily we have an able emperor. 747 00:44:41,840 --> 00:44:46,800 Go on! We're all depending on you 748 00:44:48,160 --> 00:44:51,280 to preserve our 300-year old Dynasty. 749 00:44:53,960 --> 00:44:56,520 Old Master, you must rest. 750 00:44:58,000 --> 00:44:59,640 I'll say it again: 751 00:44:59,800 --> 00:45:03,240 Majesty, whatever your plans, go with them. 752 00:45:03,440 --> 00:45:05,240 If anything goes wrong, 753 00:45:05,440 --> 00:45:07,400 I'll take responsibility. 754 00:45:08,920 --> 00:45:09,600 Old Master, you must rest. 755 00:45:09,760 --> 00:45:12,480 Old Master, you must rest. 756 00:45:12,640 --> 00:45:15,240 Yes. Rest awhile. 757 00:45:29,680 --> 00:45:32,560 Majesty, Chief Li's still itemizing gifts. 758 00:45:32,720 --> 00:45:34,720 He said he'll be here soon. 759 00:45:35,040 --> 00:45:37,280 Really, this is too much! 760 00:45:37,480 --> 00:45:39,000 All these nobles and officials 761 00:45:39,160 --> 00:45:40,680 waiting just for him! 762 00:46:05,600 --> 00:46:09,400 Uncle, His Majesty's been waiting for you 763 00:46:09,560 --> 00:46:11,800 and got very angry when you failed to show. 764 00:46:11,920 --> 00:46:13,720 He's gone back to Yang Hsin Palace. 765 00:46:16,800 --> 00:46:17,920 He's become more and more arrogant! 766 00:46:18,000 --> 00:46:20,280 Your Majesty, please calm down. 767 00:46:20,480 --> 00:46:24,040 It's too much. Apply the palace punishment. 768 00:46:24,480 --> 00:46:26,680 The palace punishment? Bring him. 769 00:46:26,840 --> 00:46:27,960 Yes, Your Majesty. 770 00:46:30,320 --> 00:46:31,280 Uncle. 771 00:46:35,880 --> 00:46:38,200 Your Majesty, this slave deserves death! 772 00:46:38,400 --> 00:46:39,880 I'm glad you realize that. 773 00:46:40,000 --> 00:46:42,200 Your slave was really very busy, 774 00:46:42,400 --> 00:46:45,080 what with the rehearsals, the gifts, 775 00:46:45,240 --> 00:46:46,000 your slave was really� 776 00:46:46,160 --> 00:46:48,960 So you say you had no time to see me? 777 00:46:51,240 --> 00:46:53,000 Aren't you forgetting you're the one 778 00:46:53,160 --> 00:46:55,800 who's always talking about palace rules? 779 00:46:55,920 --> 00:46:57,520 Your Majesty, this slave was really... 780 00:46:57,680 --> 00:46:58,580 Shut up! 781 00:46:58,640 --> 00:47:00,600 40 strokes, as per palace rules. 782 00:47:00,760 --> 00:47:01,240 Your Majesty! 783 00:47:01,440 --> 00:47:02,880 Your Majesty, please have mercy! 784 00:47:03,160 --> 00:47:04,680 No! He's gone too far. 785 00:47:04,840 --> 00:47:05,600 Come! 786 00:47:05,760 --> 00:47:07,000 Yes, Your Majesty. 787 00:47:07,160 --> 00:47:07,720 Your Majesty. 788 00:47:07,880 --> 00:47:08,560 Take him outside. 789 00:47:08,720 --> 00:47:09,960 Yes, Your Majesty. 790 00:47:11,920 --> 00:47:13,120 Uncle. 791 00:47:13,280 --> 00:47:14,400 Your Majesty. 792 00:47:14,560 --> 00:47:15,880 Hurry up! 793 00:47:16,680 --> 00:47:19,760 Your Majesty... 794 00:47:19,880 --> 00:47:21,200 Your Majesty, I fear 795 00:47:21,400 --> 00:47:22,840 this would aggravate the situation. 796 00:47:22,960 --> 00:47:24,760 Then so be it! 797 00:47:25,880 --> 00:47:28,040 Hurry up, or it'll be too late. 798 00:47:57,040 --> 00:47:57,600 Your Majesty. 799 00:47:57,760 --> 00:47:59,800 He's a villain. He'll seek revenge. 800 00:47:59,920 --> 00:48:01,880 If the Empress Dowager hears about it... 801 00:48:02,000 --> 00:48:03,280 Punish him first. 802 00:48:28,680 --> 00:48:29,880 Your Majesty, it's done. 803 00:48:30,040 --> 00:48:31,640 Bring him in. 804 00:48:37,600 --> 00:48:39,000 This is only the first time. 805 00:48:39,160 --> 00:48:42,240 Don't think you can trifle with your Emperor. 806 00:48:42,960 --> 00:48:45,280 Your Majesty. 807 00:48:45,640 --> 00:48:46,760 I ask you, 808 00:48:46,880 --> 00:48:50,080 will you dare disobey me again? 809 00:48:51,000 --> 00:48:54,240 Your Majesty, this slave wouldn't dare! 810 00:48:54,920 --> 00:48:56,480 Your Majesty, the Old Buddha desires you 811 00:48:56,640 --> 00:48:58,240 to postpone the Chief's punishment. 812 00:48:58,440 --> 00:48:59,560 She wants to question him first. 813 00:48:59,720 --> 00:49:01,560 She's on her way here now. 814 00:49:01,720 --> 00:49:03,760 He's already been punished. 815 00:49:06,440 --> 00:49:08,040 Already? 816 00:49:11,720 --> 00:49:14,200 Chief Li, you'd better take a rest. 817 00:49:14,400 --> 00:49:14,880 Uncle, 818 00:49:15,000 --> 00:49:16,720 I'll break some eggs to a salve. 819 00:49:16,880 --> 00:49:19,040 I'l break some eggs for a salve. 820 00:49:37,240 --> 00:49:41,680 The Old Buddha is here! 821 00:49:44,520 --> 00:49:49,080 The Old Buddha is here! 822 00:49:51,480 --> 00:49:56,040 The Old Buddha is here! 823 00:50:02,800 --> 00:50:03,800 Progenitor. 824 00:50:03,920 --> 00:50:05,640 Old Buddha! 825 00:50:12,800 --> 00:50:16,280 Brother! 826 00:50:18,520 --> 00:50:22,720 Brother! 827 00:50:31,920 --> 00:50:33,000 Progenitor. 828 00:50:33,160 --> 00:50:34,720 Don't give me that Progenitor business. 829 00:50:34,880 --> 00:50:36,040 What happened? 830 00:50:36,200 --> 00:50:36,920 At today's rehearsals 831 00:50:37,080 --> 00:50:39,880 he kept the whole court waiting. 832 00:50:42,000 --> 00:50:43,240 By the time your message arrived, 833 00:50:43,440 --> 00:50:45,880 he'd already been punished. 834 00:50:47,480 --> 00:50:49,440 What's done is done. 835 00:50:57,680 --> 00:50:59,040 Progenitor. 836 00:51:01,720 --> 00:51:02,680 Old Buddha! 837 00:51:02,840 --> 00:51:05,720 This slave was really very busy 838 00:51:05,880 --> 00:51:09,000 with the rehearsals and receiving gifts. 839 00:51:09,520 --> 00:51:11,720 I haven't even had a drop to drink 840 00:51:11,880 --> 00:51:13,160 since early this morning! 841 00:51:13,320 --> 00:51:14,640 Serves you right. 842 00:51:14,800 --> 00:51:17,600 Preoccupying yourself so much 843 00:51:17,760 --> 00:51:20,880 that you forgot all about His Majesty! 844 00:51:21,160 --> 00:51:23,440 Old Buddha, this slave... 845 00:51:23,600 --> 00:51:25,200 Enough. 846 00:51:26,640 --> 00:51:29,240 Get out of my sight. 847 00:51:29,640 --> 00:51:30,000 Come. 848 00:51:30,160 --> 00:51:30,680 Yes, Your Highness. 849 00:51:30,840 --> 00:51:31,740 Carry him away. 850 00:51:31,840 --> 00:51:33,000 Yes, Your Highness. 851 00:51:34,600 --> 00:51:36,040 Brother! 852 00:51:38,240 --> 00:51:39,440 See if he has internal injuries. 853 00:51:39,600 --> 00:51:42,640 Have the Court Physician take a look. 854 00:51:43,320 --> 00:51:46,320 Forget it. He's not worth it. 855 00:51:51,800 --> 00:51:53,640 What are you crying about? 856 00:51:53,880 --> 00:51:55,880 Stop shedding crocodile tears. 857 00:51:57,000 --> 00:51:58,800 Get out of here! 858 00:51:58,920 --> 00:52:00,080 Yes, Your Highness. 859 00:52:07,560 --> 00:52:09,520 Progenitor. About what happened 860 00:52:09,680 --> 00:52:12,520 Your punishment was just. 861 00:52:12,680 --> 00:52:14,640 What else can I say? 862 00:52:18,240 --> 00:52:21,200 Old Buddha, please don't be upset. 863 00:52:21,400 --> 00:52:23,280 I'm not upset. 864 00:52:23,480 --> 00:52:24,840 I'm elated that our Emperor 865 00:52:24,960 --> 00:52:26,880 has proved to be so daring. 866 00:52:27,040 --> 00:52:29,240 Empress Dowager, today� 867 00:52:29,440 --> 00:52:30,400 You're not needed here. 868 00:52:30,560 --> 00:52:32,320 Wait outside. 869 00:52:32,520 --> 00:52:34,680 I want to talk privately with the Emperor. 870 00:52:36,760 --> 00:52:39,480 Dowager, about what happened... 871 00:52:40,200 --> 00:52:43,640 You shouldn't trouble yourself at your age. 872 00:52:44,480 --> 00:52:45,380 Why don't you go home? 873 00:52:45,520 --> 00:52:47,320 Yes, Your Highness. 874 00:53:37,480 --> 00:53:39,320 Did you really want to punish him, 875 00:53:39,520 --> 00:53:42,320 or were you intent on bringing me bad luck? 876 00:53:42,760 --> 00:53:44,440 How many times did I say 877 00:53:44,600 --> 00:53:47,280 I wanted auspiciousness in the 10th Month? 878 00:53:47,480 --> 00:53:48,840 It's the 1st of the Month, and you do this? 879 00:53:48,960 --> 00:53:50,200 Progenitor? 880 00:53:50,400 --> 00:53:52,880 Are you deliberately provoking me? 881 00:53:53,040 --> 00:53:55,040 Progenitor, do you know our troops in Korea 882 00:53:55,200 --> 00:53:57,000 have retreated to the Yalu River? 883 00:53:57,160 --> 00:53:58,296 Our frontier is hanging by a thread. 884 00:53:58,320 --> 00:53:59,600 You think I don't know it? 885 00:53:59,760 --> 00:54:01,200 He had to be punished. 886 00:54:03,400 --> 00:54:05,720 If anyone had to be, it should have been you. 887 00:54:06,600 --> 00:54:07,280 If you hadn't taken the lead 888 00:54:07,480 --> 00:54:08,600 in advocating war, 889 00:54:08,760 --> 00:54:10,400 would we have lost so much territory? 890 00:54:10,720 --> 00:54:11,620 Progenitor! 891 00:54:11,760 --> 00:54:14,040 And you have the nerve to punish others! 892 00:54:14,920 --> 00:54:16,560 I haven't got round to punishing you! 893 00:54:16,880 --> 00:54:18,040 Progenitor, I... 894 00:54:18,200 --> 00:54:20,520 Do you admit you are wrong? 895 00:54:22,240 --> 00:54:23,920 Answer me! 896 00:54:25,960 --> 00:54:27,240 I do. 897 00:54:38,640 --> 00:54:39,540 Understood? 898 00:54:39,600 --> 00:54:40,500 Yes, I do. 899 00:54:40,600 --> 00:54:41,816 Come here immediately after the show. 900 00:54:41,840 --> 00:54:42,520 Yes. 901 00:54:42,680 --> 00:54:43,880 I'll think of some way to lead her here. 902 00:54:44,000 --> 00:54:45,520 Then it's up to you. 903 00:54:45,680 --> 00:54:46,880 Don't ask who she is. 904 00:54:47,040 --> 00:54:47,760 Right. 905 00:54:47,880 --> 00:54:48,520 That's the plan then. 906 00:54:48,680 --> 00:54:49,920 Yes. 907 00:55:14,200 --> 00:55:15,320 Chief Eunuch Li isn't here. 908 00:55:15,520 --> 00:55:16,720 Is he watching the opera? 909 00:55:16,880 --> 00:55:17,520 No. 910 00:55:17,680 --> 00:55:19,600 Really. 911 00:55:20,280 --> 00:55:22,720 Li said you must see him first. 912 00:55:22,880 --> 00:55:25,600 Wait for him at the Lo Shou Hall. 913 00:55:26,560 --> 00:55:27,080 Where is he? 914 00:55:27,240 --> 00:55:28,880 At Ching Yen Pavilion. 915 00:56:15,600 --> 00:56:17,040 All right. 916 00:57:35,440 --> 00:57:37,080 Empress. 917 00:57:38,240 --> 00:57:39,800 Look. 918 00:57:40,160 --> 00:57:43,000 This is Cheng Yueh-lou. 919 00:58:08,320 --> 00:58:11,640 See how happy she looks. 920 00:58:24,840 --> 00:58:26,000 Tutor Weng. 921 00:58:27,760 --> 00:58:29,400 On hearing of Lord Li's return 922 00:58:29,560 --> 00:58:32,600 The Old Buddha rushed to Le Shou Hall. 923 00:58:33,560 --> 00:58:35,280 The Emperor obviously doesn't know yet. 924 00:58:35,480 --> 00:58:38,480 Go to Le Shou Hall quickly. 925 00:58:38,640 --> 00:58:40,880 Try to fetch the Emperor. 926 00:58:41,000 --> 00:58:42,560 Yes. 927 00:58:43,000 --> 00:58:45,600 Don't drink too much. 928 00:58:45,800 --> 00:58:47,320 I know. 929 00:58:58,680 --> 00:59:00,120 They've all gone. 930 00:59:02,960 --> 00:59:05,720 Tell me the truth. How goes the war? 931 00:59:06,200 --> 00:59:08,000 Old Buddha. 932 00:59:10,400 --> 00:59:12,440 I can pretend to know nothing, 933 00:59:12,600 --> 00:59:14,880 but you shouldn't keep me in the dark. 934 00:59:15,000 --> 00:59:17,960 Old Buddha, let's discuss this tomorrow. 935 00:59:18,120 --> 00:59:20,280 Today is your birthday. 936 00:59:20,480 --> 00:59:22,560 Forget this business on you happy day. 937 00:59:22,720 --> 00:59:23,240 It doesn't matter. 938 00:59:23,440 --> 00:59:27,160 If you respect me, tell me the truth. 939 00:59:28,280 --> 00:59:30,240 Tell me, how goes the war? 940 00:59:30,880 --> 00:59:31,640 Old Buddha. 941 00:59:31,800 --> 00:59:33,400 It doesn't matter. Tell me. 942 00:59:33,560 --> 00:59:35,000 You couldn't get back for the ceremony. 943 00:59:35,160 --> 00:59:36,760 The situation must be grave, isn't it? 944 00:59:36,880 --> 00:59:39,080 Old Buddha, today is your happy day. 945 00:59:39,240 --> 00:59:40,920 Why do you want to upset yourself? 946 00:59:41,080 --> 00:59:41,980 Old Buddha, 947 00:59:42,040 --> 00:59:43,760 the whole country is celebrating 948 00:59:43,880 --> 00:59:44,780 this happy occasion. 949 00:59:44,880 --> 00:59:46,000 This war business... 950 00:59:46,160 --> 00:59:48,880 I don't care what day it is. 951 00:59:49,000 --> 00:59:51,800 I must know what's going on. 952 00:59:53,680 --> 00:59:58,200 This minister deserves death. 953 01:00:00,880 --> 01:00:02,200 Tell me. 954 01:00:03,000 --> 01:00:05,720 The enemy is advancing on Tientsin. 955 01:00:25,200 --> 01:00:27,520 The enemy so near our capital, 956 01:00:27,680 --> 01:00:29,840 how can they pretend nothing's wrong? 957 01:00:29,960 --> 01:00:33,280 It's no use panicking. Think of something! 958 01:00:34,040 --> 01:00:35,320 I must see Li Hung-chang. 959 01:00:35,520 --> 01:00:37,280 I doubt that's possible. 960 01:00:37,480 --> 01:00:40,720 Eunuch Li never leaves his side. 961 01:00:41,160 --> 01:00:42,840 I don't care. Find him. 962 01:00:44,680 --> 01:00:46,280 Yes, Your Majesty. 963 01:00:56,120 --> 01:01:01,080 Mistress Chen, many people are about tonight. 964 01:01:01,240 --> 01:01:04,120 Don't go running about. 965 01:01:04,280 --> 01:01:04,880 Why? 966 01:01:05,000 --> 01:01:06,560 What's there to be afraid of? 967 01:01:07,720 --> 01:01:10,800 Just a word of caution from your slave. 968 01:01:10,920 --> 01:01:13,040 Go quickly! Stop talking nonsense. 969 01:01:13,200 --> 01:01:15,080 Look, you're drunk. 970 01:01:16,640 --> 01:01:18,880 This slave isn't drunk. 971 01:01:20,280 --> 01:01:23,840 This slave knows everything. 972 01:01:39,840 --> 01:01:40,920 I'd better go back, 973 01:01:41,080 --> 01:01:43,080 or theyll start gossiping again 974 01:01:43,240 --> 01:01:45,840 Ignore them. 975 01:01:46,440 --> 01:01:48,920 No, it's not worth it. 976 01:01:49,640 --> 01:01:50,800 Stay with me. 977 01:01:50,920 --> 01:01:54,400 We haven't seen each other for ages. 978 01:01:54,640 --> 01:01:57,440 Do you know how much I've missed you? 979 01:02:21,600 --> 01:02:23,640 Your Majesty. 980 01:02:23,960 --> 01:02:25,200 All rise. 981 01:02:25,400 --> 01:02:27,800 Thank you, Your Majesty. 982 01:02:29,320 --> 01:02:31,120 So here you are. 983 01:02:31,280 --> 01:02:34,040 The Old Buddha has been asking after you. 984 01:02:34,200 --> 01:02:35,320 Really? 985 01:02:47,720 --> 01:02:48,960 Miss Li. 986 01:02:49,320 --> 01:02:50,560 His Majesty wants to see you. 987 01:02:50,720 --> 01:02:51,960 Me? 988 01:02:52,160 --> 01:02:54,840 That's something new. 989 01:03:04,200 --> 01:03:05,720 Mistress Chen. 990 01:03:07,960 --> 01:03:10,480 I thought His Majesty wanted me, but it's you. 991 01:03:10,640 --> 01:03:12,000 Me? 992 01:03:13,720 --> 01:03:16,240 He's conferring with Prince Duan and others. 993 01:03:16,440 --> 01:03:18,720 You're to meet him at Ching Yen Pavilion. 994 01:03:18,880 --> 01:03:20,480 He'll be there anon. 995 01:03:20,640 --> 01:03:21,680 Ching Yen Pavilion? 996 01:03:21,840 --> 01:03:26,760 We invite... 997 01:03:27,200 --> 01:03:32,240 The Old Buddha... 998 01:03:32,440 --> 01:03:35,960 Her Imperial Highness... 999 01:03:36,120 --> 01:03:39,760 Our gracious Empress Dowager� 1000 01:03:39,880 --> 01:03:46,000 to grace the banquet. 1001 01:04:13,880 --> 01:04:19,160 We wish her good fortune 1002 01:04:19,320 --> 01:04:23,160 and long life of ten thousand years! 1003 01:05:11,240 --> 01:05:12,200 You... 1004 01:05:12,400 --> 01:05:13,840 Let me go! 1005 01:05:13,960 --> 01:05:16,680 Help! 1006 01:05:18,440 --> 01:05:19,400 Let me go! 1007 01:05:19,560 --> 01:05:22,160 Oh no, help! 1008 01:05:22,320 --> 01:05:23,560 Hurry up. Help! 1009 01:05:23,720 --> 01:05:25,840 There they are! 1010 01:05:25,960 --> 01:05:27,560 Hurry! 1011 01:05:30,720 --> 01:05:32,080 Let me go! 1012 01:05:33,000 --> 01:05:37,760 The Concubine Chen asked me to come! 1013 01:05:39,800 --> 01:05:42,600 Are you frightened? Don't be. 1014 01:06:06,600 --> 01:06:07,200 Your Majesty. 1015 01:06:07,400 --> 01:06:08,880 Wait. 1016 01:06:09,920 --> 01:06:12,240 Old Buddha. 1017 01:06:12,680 --> 01:06:14,240 What happened? 1018 01:06:15,280 --> 01:06:16,960 I... 1019 01:06:17,840 --> 01:06:18,960 Old Buddha. 1020 01:06:19,120 --> 01:06:22,440 I was scared to death. There was this maniac! 1021 01:06:24,720 --> 01:06:26,520 What? 1022 01:06:27,200 --> 01:06:29,160 Cheng Yueh-lou. 1023 01:06:29,720 --> 01:06:31,400 What happened? 1024 01:06:31,560 --> 01:06:33,880 What is there between you and Chen? 1025 01:06:37,160 --> 01:06:40,560 The Concubine Chen and I are close friends. 1026 01:06:40,880 --> 01:06:44,160 She even asked for my picture a few days ago. 1027 01:06:47,720 --> 01:06:51,760 After the show, she sent word 1028 01:06:51,880 --> 01:06:55,600 that I should meet her at Ching Yen Pavilion. 1029 01:06:55,760 --> 01:06:56,160 Liar! 1030 01:06:56,320 --> 01:06:57,720 Quiet. Take him away. 1031 01:06:57,880 --> 01:06:58,440 Beat him! 1032 01:06:58,600 --> 01:06:59,500 Yes. 1033 01:06:59,600 --> 01:07:02,240 I'm innocent... 1034 01:07:05,280 --> 01:07:09,240 Concubine Chen, you have no heart! 1035 01:07:09,440 --> 01:07:12,480 Look what you got me into! 1036 01:07:12,640 --> 01:07:14,840 You have no heart! I'm innocent! 1037 01:07:14,960 --> 01:07:16,120 Preposterous! 1038 01:07:16,280 --> 01:07:18,840 Not even considering what occasion it is! 1039 01:07:19,120 --> 01:07:22,760 Poor Concubine Chen! 1040 01:07:22,880 --> 01:07:23,960 Get up. 1041 01:07:24,120 --> 01:07:25,880 Not so fast! 1042 01:07:26,080 --> 01:07:28,320 What really happened? 1043 01:07:28,800 --> 01:07:31,840 Old Buddha, I have no idea! 1044 01:07:31,960 --> 01:07:35,320 Come off it. Why didn't he name anyone else? 1045 01:07:35,520 --> 01:07:37,840 Old Buddha, I� 1046 01:07:40,080 --> 01:07:42,280 I ask you, it was so late and dark, 1047 01:07:42,480 --> 01:07:44,840 what were you doing there alone? 1048 01:07:45,600 --> 01:07:48,240 I... 1049 01:07:53,400 --> 01:07:57,520 Don't ask, Old Buddha. After all 1050 01:07:59,640 --> 01:08:01,280 I always knew you were no good. 1051 01:08:01,480 --> 01:08:03,920 Speak! Or I'll have you slapped! 1052 01:08:04,560 --> 01:08:07,880 Old Buddha, I� 1053 01:08:08,720 --> 01:08:12,040 Don't tell me you're innocent. 1054 01:08:12,200 --> 01:08:13,760 I wanted this to be a happy day, 1055 01:08:13,880 --> 01:08:16,120 and you're ruining it for me. 1056 01:08:16,320 --> 01:08:17,880 There's nothing you can say. Come! 1057 01:08:18,000 --> 01:08:18,520 Yes, Your Highness. 1058 01:08:18,680 --> 01:08:19,320 Take her out and slap her. 1059 01:08:19,520 --> 01:08:20,960 She's innocent! 1060 01:08:21,120 --> 01:08:22,720 Old Buddha, she's innocent! 1061 01:08:22,880 --> 01:08:24,800 Old Buddha, she's innocent! 1062 01:08:26,760 --> 01:08:28,400 She's innocent! 1063 01:08:28,880 --> 01:08:31,240 Old Buddha, the Concubine Chen was framed. 1064 01:08:31,440 --> 01:08:32,960 She's innocent! 1065 01:08:33,120 --> 01:08:34,720 She's innocent! 1066 01:08:34,960 --> 01:08:35,560 Old Buddha! 1067 01:08:35,720 --> 01:08:36,640 What are you shouting about? 1068 01:08:36,680 --> 01:08:38,320 Can't you be a bit more respectful? 1069 01:08:38,520 --> 01:08:39,800 Chief Eunuch Li. 1070 01:08:40,600 --> 01:08:42,600 Chief Eunuch. Take him away. 1071 01:08:42,920 --> 01:08:45,040 Old Buddha... 1072 01:08:45,200 --> 01:08:46,160 Give him a severe punishment! 1073 01:08:46,320 --> 01:08:48,040 She's innocent, Old Buddha! 1074 01:08:48,200 --> 01:08:49,880 You've been deceived! 1075 01:08:50,040 --> 01:08:52,840 You don't know good men from bad! 1076 01:08:52,960 --> 01:08:55,520 Our country is in peril! 1077 01:08:55,840 --> 01:08:57,000 We're about to lose Tientsin! 1078 01:08:57,160 --> 01:09:00,720 And still you're in the dark, my Old Buddha! 1079 01:09:00,880 --> 01:09:04,000 Old Buddha, they're deceiving you! 1080 01:09:04,160 --> 01:09:06,400 Old Buddha! 1081 01:09:06,560 --> 01:09:09,720 Our country is in peril! 1082 01:09:09,880 --> 01:09:11,960 You're drunk! Take him away. 1083 01:09:12,120 --> 01:09:13,400 Punish him severely. 1084 01:09:13,560 --> 01:09:15,160 She's innocent, Old Buddha! 1085 01:09:15,320 --> 01:09:16,760 Wait! 1086 01:09:23,560 --> 01:09:27,320 He's just a boy who's had too much to drink. 1087 01:09:27,520 --> 01:09:30,280 He's had no major transgressions before. 1088 01:09:30,480 --> 01:09:31,880 Spare him! 1089 01:09:32,040 --> 01:09:33,400 Yes, Your Highness. 1090 01:09:34,440 --> 01:09:35,800 Let him go. 1091 01:09:38,480 --> 01:09:40,400 Old Buddha. 1092 01:09:58,920 --> 01:10:00,520 All right. 1093 01:10:04,920 --> 01:10:07,440 Everything's out in the open now. 1094 01:10:08,560 --> 01:10:12,240 I've kept on smiling because 1095 01:10:12,440 --> 01:10:15,440 I didn't want to spoil the occasion. 1096 01:10:16,800 --> 01:10:19,480 But since one can't wrap fire in paper, 1097 01:10:20,600 --> 01:10:23,920 we'll just have to let it burn! 1098 01:10:24,640 --> 01:10:25,760 Progenitor. 1099 01:10:25,880 --> 01:10:28,920 Right, you're the Emperor. 1100 01:10:29,080 --> 01:10:32,480 The Empress, concubines, officials, 1101 01:10:32,640 --> 01:10:35,080 eunuchs and ladies-in-waiting are all here. 1102 01:10:35,240 --> 01:10:38,720 Tell them! You wanted a war. 1103 01:10:38,880 --> 01:10:42,120 Now Tientsin's under attack. 1104 01:10:43,680 --> 01:10:45,840 Chen was your choice as concubine, 1105 01:10:45,960 --> 01:10:49,080 and she's created a scandal. 1106 01:10:49,240 --> 01:10:51,440 You tell me, what's to be done? 1107 01:10:55,720 --> 01:10:59,040 Progenitor. You... What do you think? 1108 01:10:59,200 --> 01:11:00,640 Shut up! 1109 01:11:01,280 --> 01:11:03,760 Today's my happy day. 1110 01:11:05,640 --> 01:11:07,320 Progenitor. 1111 01:11:11,800 --> 01:11:14,000 I was wrong. 1112 01:11:19,880 --> 01:11:23,560 Old Buddha, don't be upset. 1113 01:11:23,720 --> 01:11:25,440 You think I want to be? 1114 01:11:25,880 --> 01:11:28,240 Try to think of happier things. 1115 01:11:29,400 --> 01:11:33,680 Find out the truth about the Concubine Chen. 1116 01:11:34,080 --> 01:11:35,760 As I said before, 1117 01:11:35,880 --> 01:11:39,520 whoever upsets me today of all days 1118 01:11:41,000 --> 01:11:44,520 Old Buddha, we all wish for you to be happy. 1119 01:11:44,680 --> 01:11:47,320 Who would dare deliberately upset you? 1120 01:11:48,560 --> 01:11:51,840 We'll look into Chen's case in a few days. 1121 01:11:51,960 --> 01:11:53,600 On this happy occasion 1122 01:11:53,760 --> 01:11:56,080 you should avoid bad omens. 1123 01:11:58,840 --> 01:12:02,800 Avoid them? There's no avoiding them! 1124 01:12:03,560 --> 01:12:05,680 Take the war. 1125 01:12:05,840 --> 01:12:08,840 What options have we left now? 1126 01:12:09,920 --> 01:12:13,400 All we can do is accept their terms. 1127 01:12:14,080 --> 01:12:15,880 Yes, Progenitor. 1128 01:12:17,400 --> 01:12:20,520 You won't let it go till it's over, will you? 1129 01:12:22,040 --> 01:12:24,760 Tutor Weng, read the conditions again. 1130 01:12:24,880 --> 01:12:25,920 Yes, Your Highness. 1131 01:12:26,600 --> 01:12:28,880 The main conditions are, firstly, 1132 01:12:29,040 --> 01:12:34,920 China rexognizes Korea's independence. 1133 01:12:36,680 --> 01:12:39,720 Secondly, we cede Liaotung Peninsula, 1134 01:12:39,880 --> 01:12:42,680 Formosa and its surrounding islands, 1135 01:12:42,840 --> 01:12:45,000 and the Pescadores to Japan. 1136 01:12:45,160 --> 01:12:49,080 Thirdly, we pay an indemnity of 200m taels. 1137 01:12:49,240 --> 01:12:50,920 Did you hear all that? 1138 01:12:52,560 --> 01:12:55,040 Li has signed the treaty in Shimonoseki. 1139 01:12:55,200 --> 01:12:57,000 Once it's approved by both emperors 1140 01:12:57,160 --> 01:12:59,680 we can exchange ratifications. 1141 01:13:02,280 --> 01:13:05,520 If we're all agreed, we'll approve it. 1142 01:13:05,680 --> 01:13:06,760 Wait. 1143 01:13:06,880 --> 01:13:10,400 The treaty needs the Emperor's approval. 1144 01:13:10,880 --> 01:13:12,560 We should consult His Majesty. 1145 01:13:12,720 --> 01:13:15,040 We should consult His Majesty. 1146 01:13:15,200 --> 01:13:18,560 Prince Kung, why are you such a stickler? 1147 01:13:18,720 --> 01:13:20,040 Didn't I tell you 1148 01:13:20,200 --> 01:13:23,160 His Majesty's indisposed? 1149 01:13:23,320 --> 01:13:24,760 If he wasn't, 1150 01:13:24,880 --> 01:13:27,920 would I need to take charge? 1151 01:13:28,080 --> 01:13:29,880 He is the sovereign after all. 1152 01:13:30,040 --> 01:13:33,640 How can he not be part of this decision? 1153 01:13:34,640 --> 01:13:40,280 I think we should consult His Majesty. 1154 01:13:40,600 --> 01:13:42,280 Very well. 1155 01:13:43,320 --> 01:13:46,520 I didn't want to overburden the Emperor. 1156 01:13:46,680 --> 01:13:48,480 But if you all insist, 1157 01:13:50,240 --> 01:13:53,400 then so be it! Go burden him! 1158 01:13:53,560 --> 01:13:56,520 Return after dinner. 1159 01:14:13,960 --> 01:14:17,440 Come. Here's your beloved Emperor. 1160 01:14:18,000 --> 01:14:19,880 It's been over a month, hasn't it? 1161 01:14:20,000 --> 01:14:22,480 Why don't you catch up? 1162 01:14:22,640 --> 01:14:25,600 Attend him like you would a patient. 1163 01:14:26,040 --> 01:14:28,400 Feel his forehead from time to time 1164 01:14:28,560 --> 01:14:30,760 to see if he has a fever, 1165 01:14:30,880 --> 01:14:32,760 then give him some water. 1166 01:14:33,200 --> 01:14:34,320 Got it? 1167 01:14:35,960 --> 01:14:37,160 Yes. 1168 01:14:37,600 --> 01:14:39,280 Go on. 1169 01:14:39,520 --> 01:14:41,720 Go on, hurry. 1170 01:14:44,200 --> 01:14:45,600 Yes, Your Highness. 1171 01:14:47,120 --> 01:14:48,680 Witch! 1172 01:14:54,320 --> 01:14:56,040 Sit down! 1173 01:15:00,640 --> 01:15:02,080 His hand! 1174 01:15:06,480 --> 01:15:07,800 Hold it. 1175 01:15:08,640 --> 01:15:10,600 They haven't arrived yet. 1176 01:15:11,600 --> 01:15:13,560 Don't be so eager. 1177 01:15:15,560 --> 01:15:16,760 Lien-tsai. 1178 01:15:16,880 --> 01:15:18,000 Yes, Your Highness. 1179 01:15:18,160 --> 01:15:19,760 Send them in. 1180 01:15:20,840 --> 01:15:22,240 Yes, Your Highness. 1181 01:15:25,200 --> 01:15:26,680 Wang Shang. 1182 01:15:27,800 --> 01:15:28,700 Yes, Your Highness. 1183 01:15:28,800 --> 01:15:29,920 I'm telling you, 1184 01:15:30,080 --> 01:15:32,160 if any of this leaks out, 1185 01:15:33,440 --> 01:15:34,880 you know the consequences. 1186 01:15:35,040 --> 01:15:36,640 Yes, Your Highness. 1187 01:15:59,560 --> 01:16:00,960 Softly. 1188 01:16:14,720 --> 01:16:18,400 The Emperor's ill. Forget the formalities. 1189 01:16:18,920 --> 01:16:19,880 You can stand too. 1190 01:16:20,040 --> 01:16:21,280 Thank you, Old Buddha. 1191 01:16:21,480 --> 01:16:23,200 Give Prince Kung a chair. 1192 01:16:25,560 --> 01:16:28,080 Your Majesty, how do you feel? 1193 01:16:28,240 --> 01:16:30,080 No one knows what the ailment is. 1194 01:16:30,240 --> 01:16:32,520 The physician attends him everyday. 1195 01:16:32,680 --> 01:16:37,760 Can't His Majesty speak for himself? 1196 01:16:37,880 --> 01:16:40,240 The doctor forbids it. 1197 01:16:40,440 --> 01:16:42,400 His Majesty must save his strength. 1198 01:16:45,960 --> 01:16:47,280 Old Buddha. 1199 01:16:47,480 --> 01:16:50,200 His Majesty's complexion isn't too bad. 1200 01:16:50,560 --> 01:16:52,760 That's what' bad about it. 1201 01:16:53,000 --> 01:16:54,600 It might be tuberculosis. 1202 01:16:54,760 --> 01:16:57,600 The worse it is, the better the complexion. 1203 01:16:57,760 --> 01:17:00,880 Is His Majesty asleep? 1204 01:17:01,040 --> 01:17:04,040 He's semi-conscious all the time. 1205 01:17:04,440 --> 01:17:06,200 Does he hear what we're saying? 1206 01:17:06,400 --> 01:17:07,720 Yes, he does. 1207 01:17:07,880 --> 01:17:10,560 Occasionally, he even moans 1208 01:17:10,720 --> 01:17:12,680 as if from some kind of pain. 1209 01:17:14,520 --> 01:17:16,280 Listen, he's groaning now. 1210 01:17:16,480 --> 01:17:18,400 Help him turn over. 1211 01:17:34,200 --> 01:17:36,880 I've spoken to His Majesty. 1212 01:17:37,040 --> 01:17:38,880 He expressed no opinion. 1213 01:17:39,040 --> 01:17:41,760 So let's speak candidly. 1214 01:17:41,880 --> 01:17:45,040 We're nothing more than a paper tiger. 1215 01:17:45,200 --> 01:17:48,240 We can frighten people from afar, 1216 01:17:48,440 --> 01:17:50,880 but now that you dragged us into this war, 1217 01:17:51,040 --> 01:17:54,560 our bluff's been called. 1218 01:17:55,200 --> 01:17:58,280 We won't frighten anyone from now on. 1219 01:17:58,480 --> 01:18:00,040 What else is there to say? 1220 01:18:00,200 --> 01:18:02,120 We'll have to accede to all their demands. 1221 01:18:02,280 --> 01:18:04,600 We'll have to accede to all their demands. 1222 01:18:05,960 --> 01:18:07,240 Old Buddha. 1223 01:18:07,440 --> 01:18:09,880 The treaty terms are much too harsh! 1224 01:18:10,000 --> 01:18:14,600 It's unheard of! They demand territory 1225 01:18:15,040 --> 01:18:19,160 larger than the size of their own country! 1226 01:18:20,880 --> 01:18:22,440 What treaty terms? 1227 01:18:22,600 --> 01:18:24,240 What treaty terms? 1228 01:18:26,320 --> 01:18:27,960 What? 1229 01:18:29,400 --> 01:18:31,440 What did His Majesty say? 1230 01:18:32,640 --> 01:18:35,800 He asked, What treaty terms? 1231 01:18:35,920 --> 01:18:37,640 Who says so? 1232 01:18:38,040 --> 01:18:40,040 It's nothing. His Majesty was only mumbling. 1233 01:18:40,200 --> 01:18:42,640 Concubine Chen, see if he has a fever. 1234 01:18:42,800 --> 01:18:44,120 Yes. 1235 01:18:47,000 --> 01:18:48,520 He's burning. 1236 01:18:48,680 --> 01:18:50,720 He shouldn't have come out. 1237 01:18:50,880 --> 01:18:54,000 He really shouldn't have come out. 1238 01:18:55,320 --> 01:18:57,800 For the sake of the country, His Majesty... 1239 01:18:57,920 --> 01:19:00,880 Enough noble words. 1240 01:19:01,040 --> 01:19:03,960 For the country, for the people. 1241 01:19:04,120 --> 01:19:05,880 Don't I know the terms are harsh? 1242 01:19:06,040 --> 01:19:07,920 Wouldn't I like them to give us 1243 01:19:08,080 --> 01:19:09,840 three islands and 400m taels? 1244 01:19:09,960 --> 01:19:11,760 But that's not possible, is it? 1245 01:19:12,800 --> 01:19:14,160 Old Buddha, 1246 01:19:14,320 --> 01:19:16,240 can we renegotiate? 1247 01:19:16,440 --> 01:19:19,240 Who will do it? You? 1248 01:19:19,440 --> 01:19:21,880 You wouldn't go when Lord Li asked you. 1249 01:19:24,080 --> 01:19:26,840 The alternative is to go on fighting. 1250 01:19:26,960 --> 01:19:28,880 Right. Go on fighting. 1251 01:19:29,880 --> 01:19:31,840 We'll go on fighting. 1252 01:19:31,960 --> 01:19:33,280 How are you, Your Majesty? 1253 01:19:33,480 --> 01:19:34,640 Hold him. 1254 01:19:34,800 --> 01:19:35,880 Yes. 1255 01:19:36,880 --> 01:19:37,440 Your Majesty! 1256 01:19:37,600 --> 01:19:38,500 We'll fight on. 1257 01:19:38,560 --> 01:19:39,460 Majesty! 1258 01:19:39,520 --> 01:19:40,960 We'll fight on. 1259 01:19:41,120 --> 01:19:42,240 Majesty! 1260 01:19:42,440 --> 01:19:47,080 We'll fight on. 1261 01:19:47,280 --> 01:19:48,720 His condition is serious. 1262 01:19:48,880 --> 01:19:50,200 Isn't it. 1263 01:19:50,400 --> 01:19:52,080 I'm all right. 1264 01:19:52,240 --> 01:19:53,560 Nonsense. 1265 01:19:53,720 --> 01:19:56,600 Progenitor, I'm all right. 1266 01:19:56,760 --> 01:19:57,880 All right, lie him down. 1267 01:19:58,040 --> 01:19:59,720 Give him some water. 1268 01:19:59,880 --> 01:20:01,400 Yes, Your Highness. 1269 01:20:04,560 --> 01:20:06,120 I'm not thirsty. 1270 01:20:06,280 --> 01:20:08,560 I'm not thirsty. 1271 01:20:11,160 --> 01:20:14,680 His Majesty's condition has worsened. 1272 01:20:29,280 --> 01:20:32,200 How dare you suggest we fight on? 1273 01:20:37,040 --> 01:20:40,400 There are two countries to one side of Japan. 1274 01:20:40,560 --> 01:20:43,040 One's Burma, the other's Cochin-China. 1275 01:20:43,200 --> 01:20:45,000 They're much bigger than Japan 1276 01:20:45,160 --> 01:20:47,920 and Japan fears them like tigers. 1277 01:20:48,080 --> 01:20:50,600 If we send an able envoy to them 1278 01:20:50,760 --> 01:20:52,960 to seek an entente� 1279 01:20:53,720 --> 01:20:55,880 This is getting more and more absurd! 1280 01:20:56,520 --> 01:20:57,420 Progenitor, I... 1281 01:20:57,560 --> 01:20:59,760 Calm down. Try to get better. 1282 01:20:59,880 --> 01:21:02,560 See what solutions they can offer. 1283 01:21:03,760 --> 01:21:07,000 I have an elegant, simple ploy. 1284 01:21:07,160 --> 01:21:09,400 We'll train some new troops 1285 01:21:09,560 --> 01:21:11,240 in the use of new weapons: 1286 01:21:11,440 --> 01:21:16,480 Long poles. Those Japanese shorties 1287 01:21:16,640 --> 01:21:18,480 will never even get close. 1288 01:21:18,640 --> 01:21:21,440 Our men will have their balls! 1289 01:21:25,160 --> 01:21:26,480 What? 1290 01:21:26,640 --> 01:21:28,520 It's a miracle our Ching Dynasty 1291 01:21:28,680 --> 01:21:30,160 hasn't collapsed yet! 1292 01:21:30,320 --> 01:21:32,440 What words are these? Have you gone mad? 1293 01:21:32,920 --> 01:21:34,400 Progenitor. 1294 01:21:34,560 --> 01:21:36,440 I can't lie here any longer. 1295 01:21:36,600 --> 01:21:38,560 Please let me speak. 1296 01:21:38,720 --> 01:21:40,040 Your health is paramount. 1297 01:21:40,200 --> 01:21:41,960 Don't talk any more nonsense. 1298 01:21:42,120 --> 01:21:45,480 They're the ones talking nonsense. 1299 01:21:45,640 --> 01:21:48,400 Progenitor, under the circumstances 1300 01:21:48,560 --> 01:21:50,120 we'd better implement 1301 01:21:50,280 --> 01:21:53,560 the sweeping changes proposed by 1302 01:21:53,720 --> 01:21:55,200 Kang Yu-wei and his followers. 1303 01:21:55,400 --> 01:21:56,300 You get some rest first. 1304 01:21:56,440 --> 01:21:57,720 Progenitor, 1305 01:21:57,880 --> 01:21:59,520 did you hear what I said? 1306 01:22:01,640 --> 01:22:04,520 Don't be like this. 1307 01:22:04,680 --> 01:22:08,320 His Majesty's young, and unwell. 1308 01:22:08,560 --> 01:22:11,280 But since he brought it up, 1309 01:22:13,880 --> 01:22:15,880 who was he talking about? 1310 01:22:16,000 --> 01:22:19,320 Kang Yu-wei and his followers. 1311 01:22:20,080 --> 01:22:22,560 All right, whatever the decision, 1312 01:22:22,720 --> 01:22:26,440 we should discuss it cordially. 1313 01:22:27,600 --> 01:22:28,760 Who is this Kang Yu-wei? 1314 01:22:29,880 --> 01:22:31,840 Never heard of him. 1315 01:22:32,240 --> 01:22:33,880 They're all disappointed scholars 1316 01:22:34,040 --> 01:22:35,880 who failed in the civil service exams. 1317 01:22:36,040 --> 01:22:37,640 They can't be officials, 1318 01:22:37,800 --> 01:22:39,480 so they write petitions instead. 1319 01:22:39,640 --> 01:22:40,840 Progenitor. 1320 01:22:40,960 --> 01:22:43,280 A 10,000-word petition signed by thousands� 1321 01:22:43,480 --> 01:22:44,880 Don't say anything. 1322 01:22:45,040 --> 01:22:45,480 Progenitor. 1323 01:22:45,640 --> 01:22:47,560 Have you forgotten you're sick? 1324 01:22:47,880 --> 01:22:49,960 Yes, I'm sick. 1325 01:22:50,120 --> 01:22:51,480 I didn't say I wasn't. 1326 01:22:51,640 --> 01:22:53,280 I'm very sick. 1327 01:22:53,480 --> 01:22:55,240 But this is important. 1328 01:22:55,440 --> 01:22:56,880 You can't stop me from speaking. 1329 01:22:57,000 --> 01:22:58,760 Who's stopping you? 1330 01:23:00,800 --> 01:23:02,880 Who's stopping you? 1331 01:23:04,080 --> 01:23:06,560 As if you're being intimidated. 1332 01:23:06,720 --> 01:23:10,480 Never mind. His Majesty's ill. 1333 01:23:19,560 --> 01:23:21,880 Everyone's against me because I'm a woman! 1334 01:23:22,000 --> 01:23:24,120 I get blamed for everything. 1335 01:23:24,280 --> 01:23:26,000 All I do, I do for you, our ancestors, 1336 01:23:26,160 --> 01:23:28,280 the people, and the country. 1337 01:23:28,680 --> 01:23:30,280 I only want peace for everyone's sake. 1338 01:23:30,480 --> 01:23:32,560 Does anyone appreciate my motives? 1339 01:23:32,720 --> 01:23:35,880 Now even you blame me! 1340 01:23:36,000 --> 01:23:39,480 Is there no sympathy for me? 1341 01:23:48,520 --> 01:23:49,420 Look at you, 1342 01:23:49,480 --> 01:23:52,960 Old Buddha, why be like this? 1343 01:23:53,120 --> 01:23:56,040 His Majesty's feverish. 1344 01:23:56,200 --> 01:23:57,200 He doesn't mean what he says. 1345 01:23:57,400 --> 01:23:58,880 You're always so perceptive, 1346 01:23:59,000 --> 01:24:00,400 how can you not realize now? 1347 01:24:00,560 --> 01:24:04,440 Don't take his feverish words to heart. 1348 01:24:04,600 --> 01:24:08,000 Why be upset with a sick person? 1349 01:24:11,080 --> 01:24:14,560 Old Buddha, I believe in the scriptures. 1350 01:24:14,720 --> 01:24:16,160 In my humble opinion 1351 01:24:16,320 --> 01:24:18,440 everything has its cause and effect, 1352 01:24:18,600 --> 01:24:20,680 reward and retribution. 1353 01:24:20,840 --> 01:24:23,440 Man cannot help what's ordained. 1354 01:24:23,600 --> 01:24:26,000 Now that events have come to this, 1355 01:24:26,160 --> 01:24:28,200 however humiliating the treaty 1356 01:24:28,400 --> 01:24:30,560 we have no choice but to accept it. 1357 01:24:30,720 --> 01:24:32,000 But once we've put our own house in order, 1358 01:24:32,040 --> 01:24:34,680 But once we've put our own house in order, 1359 01:24:34,840 --> 01:24:36,920 our day of reckoning will come. 1360 01:24:37,080 --> 01:24:39,240 Our day of reckoning will come. 1361 01:24:39,440 --> 01:24:42,840 Yes. We'll accept the treaty for now, 1362 01:24:42,960 --> 01:24:45,480 but one day we'll tear it up. 1363 01:24:45,640 --> 01:24:48,560 That right. That's absolutely right. 1364 01:24:49,600 --> 01:24:50,640 So, Old Buddha, 1365 01:24:50,800 --> 01:24:54,880 we're unanimous that we accept the terms. 1366 01:24:55,160 --> 01:24:56,920 Old Buddha, don't be upset. 1367 01:24:57,080 --> 01:24:59,800 They all agree to accept the treaty, 1368 01:24:59,920 --> 01:25:02,520 and His Majesty has no objection. 1369 01:25:02,680 --> 01:25:04,880 There's no need to be upset. 1370 01:25:05,000 --> 01:25:07,120 Don't we all want peace? 1371 01:25:07,280 --> 01:25:10,440 Old Buddha, once this treaty is signed, 1372 01:25:10,600 --> 01:25:15,040 losing land and money is the least of it. 1373 01:25:15,200 --> 01:25:17,760 What's worse is we'll lose people's faith, 1374 01:25:17,880 --> 01:25:19,640 The faith of the entire country 1375 01:25:20,200 --> 01:25:22,560 Once people see how weak the govenrment is, 1376 01:25:22,720 --> 01:25:25,600 how powerless we are to protect them, 1377 01:25:25,760 --> 01:25:28,000 there will be danger, Old Buddha. 1378 01:25:28,760 --> 01:25:30,080 What do you mean by that? 1379 01:25:30,240 --> 01:25:31,480 Old Buddha, 1380 01:25:31,640 --> 01:25:34,600 revolutionaries in the southern provinces 1381 01:25:34,880 --> 01:25:37,760 are advocating overthrowing the Manchus 1382 01:25:37,880 --> 01:25:39,640 and making China a republic. 1383 01:25:39,800 --> 01:25:44,680 They use foreign encroachment as an excuse. 1384 01:25:45,400 --> 01:25:48,520 Consider this: 1385 01:25:48,680 --> 01:25:51,320 If we sign this treaty, 1386 01:25:51,520 --> 01:25:54,880 they'll rally the people against us. 1387 01:25:57,200 --> 01:25:59,440 Are you trying to frighten me? 1388 01:25:59,600 --> 01:26:02,680 Old Buddha, it's not a scare story. 1389 01:26:02,840 --> 01:26:05,000 It's the truth. 1390 01:26:05,480 --> 01:26:06,380 Aren't you aware 1391 01:26:06,520 --> 01:26:08,600 of the recent attempted coup in Canton 1392 01:26:08,760 --> 01:26:10,040 of the recent attempted coup in Canton 1393 01:26:10,200 --> 01:26:11,880 by revolutionary factions? 1394 01:26:13,720 --> 01:26:16,760 Of course, we caught a lot of them, 1395 01:26:16,880 --> 01:26:19,560 but their leaders fled to Macao. 1396 01:26:19,720 --> 01:26:21,880 They have followers all over the south. 1397 01:26:22,000 --> 01:26:25,960 They won't give up, Old Buddha. 1398 01:26:26,520 --> 01:26:27,420 What's there to fear? 1399 01:26:27,520 --> 01:26:29,320 I cn order greater vigilance 1400 01:26:29,520 --> 01:26:31,120 and their utter extermination. 1401 01:26:31,280 --> 01:26:34,840 Old Buddha, you can't kill them all. 1402 01:26:34,960 --> 01:26:36,080 Then what should we do? 1403 01:26:36,240 --> 01:26:38,400 Old Buddha. 1404 01:26:39,600 --> 01:26:40,720 I see now. 1405 01:26:40,880 --> 01:26:42,680 You're in league with them. 1406 01:26:42,840 --> 01:26:45,320 That's why you glorify them purposely. 1407 01:26:46,200 --> 01:26:48,880 Old Buddha, I... 1408 01:26:49,240 --> 01:26:51,840 I have a stubborn streak. 1409 01:26:51,960 --> 01:26:55,040 If you say no, I'll go ahead and do it. 1410 01:26:55,920 --> 01:26:59,640 Old Buddha, if this treaty is signed, 1411 01:26:59,800 --> 01:27:03,000 the Emperor will be the first 1412 01:27:03,160 --> 01:27:04,880 to lose face before the people. 1413 01:27:05,000 --> 01:27:07,080 If the Emperor loses face, 1414 01:27:07,240 --> 01:27:10,200 he should have thought of it from day one. 1415 01:27:11,640 --> 01:27:12,920 Spare me your words. 1416 01:27:13,080 --> 01:27:15,160 It seems to me you're getting senile. 1417 01:27:15,320 --> 01:27:19,040 Go home and stick to eating congee. 1418 01:27:19,200 --> 01:27:21,000 Yes, Your Highness. 1419 01:27:22,720 --> 01:27:23,800 Progenitor. 1420 01:27:23,920 --> 01:27:25,960 I know I'm useless. 1421 01:27:26,120 --> 01:27:28,240 I don't deserve to be Emperor. 1422 01:27:28,440 --> 01:27:31,880 Very well. I'll abdicate. I will. 1423 01:27:32,280 --> 01:27:35,680 But you must retain Tutor Weng. 1424 01:27:36,400 --> 01:27:38,680 If you're retaining him, it's no abdication. 1425 01:27:38,840 --> 01:27:41,080 Look at you! None of you know your place! 1426 01:27:41,240 --> 01:27:42,760 Disgraceful! 1427 01:27:42,880 --> 01:27:44,880 Progenitor, I will abdicate. 1428 01:27:45,000 --> 01:27:46,640 Whenever you wish me to, 1429 01:27:46,800 --> 01:27:48,200 I'll abdicate immediately. 1430 01:27:48,400 --> 01:27:49,760 I wish you to abdicate? 1431 01:27:49,880 --> 01:27:51,040 Didn't you say so yourself? 1432 01:27:51,200 --> 01:27:54,200 You want plead illness and abdicate? 1433 01:27:54,400 --> 01:27:56,200 No, Progenitor. 1434 01:27:56,400 --> 01:27:58,160 No. 1435 01:28:00,080 --> 01:28:01,800 Let's say I do. 1436 01:28:01,920 --> 01:28:04,320 Progenitor, I can abdicate, 1437 01:28:04,520 --> 01:28:08,000 but this treaty cannot be ratified. 1438 01:28:08,160 --> 01:28:10,840 You're babbling. 1439 01:28:10,960 --> 01:28:11,960 Didn't you say yourself 1440 01:28:12,120 --> 01:28:15,040 there's no choice but to accept the terms? 1441 01:28:15,200 --> 01:28:17,960 I said so myself? 1442 01:28:18,120 --> 01:28:20,880 When? I didn't say that. 1443 01:28:21,000 --> 01:28:22,720 Didn't you? 1444 01:28:22,880 --> 01:28:24,200 I really didn't. 1445 01:28:24,400 --> 01:28:26,400 Are you trying to say I'm lying? 1446 01:28:26,560 --> 01:28:29,000 You didn't? 1447 01:28:29,400 --> 01:28:30,640 Did you or didn't you? 1448 01:28:30,800 --> 01:28:31,760 Yes or no? 1449 01:28:33,200 --> 01:28:35,240 Stop! 1450 01:28:35,440 --> 01:28:35,960 Answer me... 1451 01:28:36,120 --> 01:28:37,880 Stop! 1452 01:28:42,800 --> 01:28:44,760 Emperor Kuang Hsu. 1453 01:28:48,800 --> 01:28:52,280 What a poor, poor Emperor you are! 1454 01:29:09,200 --> 01:29:11,280 And you, Empress Dowager. 1455 01:29:12,880 --> 01:29:15,920 You're more and more the tyrant! 1456 01:29:17,600 --> 01:29:20,560 Everything's by your word alone. 1457 01:29:21,040 --> 01:29:23,520 The late Emperor left a decree 1458 01:29:23,680 --> 01:29:26,080 that I should restrain you. 1459 01:29:26,240 --> 01:29:28,840 I've never invoked that decree before, 1460 01:29:28,960 --> 01:29:33,040 But I'm doing so it today. 1461 01:29:35,680 --> 01:29:37,560 The late Emperor. 1462 01:29:38,920 --> 01:29:40,640 I ask you: 1463 01:29:40,800 --> 01:29:45,040 How does it benefit you 1464 01:29:45,200 --> 01:29:48,880 to ruin our 300-year-old dynasty? 1465 01:29:51,280 --> 01:29:53,000 I ask you: 1466 01:29:53,160 --> 01:29:57,320 you put Kuang Hsu on the throne yourself. 1467 01:29:57,520 --> 01:30:01,520 What is your purpose for doing so? 1468 01:30:02,160 --> 01:30:05,800 You force him to feign illness. 1469 01:30:05,920 --> 01:30:09,920 You force him to accept the treaty. 1470 01:30:11,800 --> 01:30:14,120 How can you face our ancestors above 1471 01:30:14,280 --> 01:30:18,440 and the country's people below? 1472 01:30:25,760 --> 01:30:27,840 Why should the Emperor abdicate? 1473 01:30:27,960 --> 01:30:29,720 To abdicate or not? 1474 01:30:30,600 --> 01:30:32,520 To abdicate or not? 1475 01:30:35,080 --> 01:30:37,400 Let's ask everyone of Imperial blood, 1476 01:30:37,560 --> 01:30:41,040 every prince and princess, 1477 01:30:41,200 --> 01:30:43,920 to go to the Ancestral Temple 1478 01:30:44,560 --> 01:30:47,440 and settle the matter there. 1479 01:30:49,200 --> 01:30:52,280 I'm not long for this world anyway. 1480 01:30:52,520 --> 01:30:56,080 I'll fight her to the very end. 1481 01:30:57,560 --> 01:30:59,040 He can't breathe. Lie him down. 1482 01:30:59,200 --> 01:31:00,600 Quick! 1483 01:31:04,080 --> 01:31:06,280 Hold it. 1484 01:31:06,480 --> 01:31:07,520 What's wrong with lying him down? 1485 01:31:07,560 --> 01:31:10,440 Your Majesty, he can't lie there. 1486 01:31:10,600 --> 01:31:12,240 That is Your Majesty's bed. 1487 01:31:12,440 --> 01:31:13,880 Then what should we do? 1488 01:31:14,040 --> 01:31:15,560 Take him home quickly. 1489 01:31:15,720 --> 01:31:18,120 Right, take him home quickly. 1490 01:31:18,280 --> 01:31:21,840 He can lie anywhere he likes there. 1491 01:31:21,960 --> 01:31:24,280 And he can say anything he likes too. 1492 01:31:24,480 --> 01:31:25,920 Chief Li, it's raining outside. 1493 01:31:26,080 --> 01:31:28,280 Prince Kung might catch cold. 1494 01:31:28,480 --> 01:31:29,080 Prince Kung might catch cold. 1495 01:31:29,240 --> 01:31:30,320 Hold your tongue. 1496 01:31:30,520 --> 01:31:32,040 Carry him out. 1497 01:31:33,240 --> 01:31:36,720 Prince Kung. 1498 01:31:37,240 --> 01:31:39,160 Your Majesty. 1499 01:31:39,840 --> 01:31:43,320 Do what you must. Have no fear. 1500 01:31:44,480 --> 01:31:49,800 You have my support. 1501 01:31:49,920 --> 01:31:51,040 Old master. 1502 01:31:51,200 --> 01:31:53,920 Go home now. Rest well. 1503 01:31:54,080 --> 01:31:57,240 Have a nice, long sleep. 1504 01:31:57,440 --> 01:31:58,760 Prince Kung. 1505 01:31:58,880 --> 01:32:00,200 Your Majesty. 1506 01:32:00,400 --> 01:32:01,160 My Emperor. 1507 01:32:01,320 --> 01:32:02,320 Don't worry. 1508 01:32:02,520 --> 01:32:04,560 You'll see Prince Kung again. 1509 01:32:04,720 --> 01:32:06,520 Let him go, please. 1510 01:32:08,440 --> 01:32:10,080 Please. 1511 01:32:50,760 --> 01:32:54,320 It's a family affair. 1512 01:32:55,120 --> 01:32:58,400 It's not the concern of an outsider. 1513 01:32:59,400 --> 01:33:02,960 As I said, I have a stubborn streak. 1514 01:33:03,520 --> 01:33:05,560 The forceful approach doesn't work with me. 1515 01:33:05,800 --> 01:33:07,920 I always respond in kind. 1516 01:33:08,440 --> 01:33:11,160 Don't squabble, we're one happy family. 1517 01:33:11,320 --> 01:33:15,800 You. You're not young any more. 1518 01:33:16,320 --> 01:33:18,720 Having worked hard all these years, 1519 01:33:19,120 --> 01:33:23,040 why don't you take retirement tomorrow? 1520 01:33:24,760 --> 01:33:25,660 Old Buddha. 1521 01:33:25,720 --> 01:33:27,600 Let's say no more. 1522 01:33:29,840 --> 01:33:30,920 Old Buddha. 1523 01:33:31,080 --> 01:33:34,040 I have only one wish. 1524 01:33:34,200 --> 01:33:35,800 What is it? 1525 01:33:36,840 --> 01:33:38,720 Before I retire 1526 01:33:38,880 --> 01:33:41,680 I'd like one last audience with His Majesty. 1527 01:33:41,840 --> 01:33:44,640 So you can delude him again? Forget it. 1528 01:33:47,240 --> 01:33:49,120 Progenitor. 1529 01:33:51,600 --> 01:33:53,880 We used to have a good relationship, 1530 01:33:54,040 --> 01:33:57,040 but it was undermined by them. 1531 01:33:59,840 --> 01:34:00,740 Progenitor, 1532 01:34:00,840 --> 01:34:02,120 please grant his request. 1533 01:34:02,280 --> 01:34:03,880 No. 1534 01:34:04,280 --> 01:34:05,600 You can withdraw now. 1535 01:34:05,760 --> 01:34:07,680 Yes, Your Highness. 1536 01:34:10,320 --> 01:34:13,600 Your servant bids you farewell. 1537 01:34:50,480 --> 01:34:52,080 Your Majesty. 1538 01:34:52,800 --> 01:34:54,640 I also bid you farewell. 1539 01:34:54,800 --> 01:34:59,000 Long live Your Majesty. 1540 01:34:59,160 --> 01:35:02,000 Long live Your Majesty. 1541 01:35:04,200 --> 01:35:07,280 Thank Tutor Weng for his teaching. 1542 01:35:19,920 --> 01:35:23,520 Tutor Weng, will we ever 1543 01:35:23,680 --> 01:35:26,880 see each other again? 1544 01:35:31,120 --> 01:35:33,680 How undignified you are! 1545 01:35:42,800 --> 01:35:44,920 Tutor Weng, please hurry. 1546 01:35:45,080 --> 01:35:49,800 A safe trip home. 1547 01:35:53,920 --> 01:35:55,880 Please. 1548 01:36:00,240 --> 01:36:02,480 Gentlemen, please. 1549 01:36:18,440 --> 01:36:23,200 So the war's over at last. 1550 01:36:23,920 --> 01:36:26,280 The consequences aren't so grave. 1551 01:36:26,880 --> 01:36:28,880 I'm really getting old. 1552 01:36:29,000 --> 01:36:30,760 I find this all so exhausting now. 1553 01:36:30,880 --> 01:36:34,200 I'll retire to the Summer Palace. 1554 01:36:34,400 --> 01:36:37,440 You can take over at Court. 1555 01:36:37,600 --> 01:36:39,040 You're on your own from now on. 1556 01:36:39,200 --> 01:36:40,120 Progenitor. 1557 01:36:40,280 --> 01:36:41,000 Old Buddha, 1558 01:36:41,160 --> 01:36:43,160 now's the crucial time. Everything hangs 1559 01:36:43,320 --> 01:36:47,120 in the balance. You can't leave. 1560 01:36:47,760 --> 01:36:50,320 I told you not to interrupt. 1561 01:36:50,520 --> 01:36:51,560 You child. 1562 01:36:51,720 --> 01:36:54,200 Yes, this slave forgets himself. 1563 01:36:56,440 --> 01:36:59,120 Your Majesty, you ask her. 1564 01:37:00,560 --> 01:37:02,760 Progenitor, don't go. 1565 01:37:02,880 --> 01:37:05,320 How did the war end? 1566 01:37:05,520 --> 01:37:07,080 I have no idea! 1567 01:37:07,240 --> 01:37:08,440 You must... 1568 01:37:08,600 --> 01:37:10,040 I told you, you're on your own. 1569 01:37:10,200 --> 01:37:11,320 Don't you know my nature by now? 1570 01:37:11,520 --> 01:37:13,920 When I say I'm out of it, I'm out of it. 1571 01:37:15,440 --> 01:37:18,520 Progenitor, I'll be left all alone! 1572 01:37:18,680 --> 01:37:20,400 Prince Kung will not be at Court. 1573 01:37:20,560 --> 01:37:21,656 Tutor Weng and Lord Li have retired 1574 01:37:21,680 --> 01:37:23,280 by your order. 1575 01:37:23,480 --> 01:37:25,480 What am I to do on my own? 1576 01:37:25,640 --> 01:37:27,040 How are you alone? 1577 01:37:27,200 --> 01:37:29,160 I've arranged everything for you. 1578 01:37:29,320 --> 01:37:33,760 Kang Yi has taken over from Tutor Weng. 1579 01:37:34,480 --> 01:37:36,040 Kang Yi. 1580 01:37:36,200 --> 01:37:38,320 Your Majesty. 1581 01:37:38,800 --> 01:37:41,680 Yung Lu replaces Li Hung-chang. 1582 01:37:43,120 --> 01:37:45,960 There are also Tai Yi and Hsu Tung. 1583 01:37:46,120 --> 01:37:48,040 They'll be of great assistance. 1584 01:37:51,520 --> 01:37:52,840 His Majesty will rely on you. 1585 01:37:52,960 --> 01:37:54,000 Thank him for his graciousness. 1586 01:37:54,040 --> 01:37:55,320 Yes, Your Highness. 1587 01:37:55,520 --> 01:37:57,080 Thank you, Your Majesty. 1588 01:38:05,760 --> 01:38:08,720 Now that I've settled everything for you, 1589 01:38:08,880 --> 01:38:11,920 my work is done. We can go now. 1590 01:38:12,080 --> 01:38:14,480 We're going now, Old Buddha? 1591 01:38:25,120 --> 01:38:26,720 Your Majesty. 1592 01:38:29,320 --> 01:38:31,680 Your Majesty, say something. 1593 01:38:32,600 --> 01:38:33,920 If Old Buddha leaves 1594 01:38:34,080 --> 01:38:36,600 everything's over for you. 1595 01:38:36,960 --> 01:38:37,720 Your Majesty, say something! 1596 01:38:37,880 --> 01:38:40,960 Lien-tsai, what are you mumbling about? 1597 01:38:41,560 --> 01:38:42,760 Old Buddha. 1598 01:38:44,880 --> 01:38:45,440 Please don't leave. 1599 01:38:45,600 --> 01:38:46,720 Lien-tsai. 1600 01:38:47,560 --> 01:38:49,000 What is it? 1601 01:38:49,640 --> 01:38:52,080 Please recall Lord Li, Prince Kung 1602 01:38:52,240 --> 01:38:53,800 and Tutor Weng. 1603 01:38:53,920 --> 01:38:55,400 You must confer with them again. 1604 01:38:55,560 --> 01:38:57,240 You must confer with them again. 1605 01:38:57,440 --> 01:39:00,320 With you and them all gone 1606 01:39:00,520 --> 01:39:02,040 His Majesty will be on his own. 1607 01:39:02,200 --> 01:39:05,240 That wouldn't do, my Old Buddha. 1608 01:39:05,440 --> 01:39:07,200 When did you become so talkative? 1609 01:39:08,160 --> 01:39:11,120 Old Buddha, this slave has much to say. 1610 01:39:11,280 --> 01:39:14,160 I was afraid of not remembering it all 1611 01:39:14,320 --> 01:39:16,800 so I wrote it all down. 1612 01:39:17,800 --> 01:39:19,120 You wrote it all down? 1613 01:39:20,040 --> 01:39:21,760 You have a petition? 1614 01:39:44,680 --> 01:39:45,960 Old Buddha. 1615 01:39:46,400 --> 01:39:49,960 You've been kind to me, that's why I dare. 1616 01:39:50,440 --> 01:39:52,720 You love His Majesty, too. 1617 01:39:52,880 --> 01:39:55,800 But bad men undermine your relationship 1618 01:39:55,920 --> 01:39:58,880 and create a rift between the two of you. 1619 01:39:59,440 --> 01:40:03,400 Old Buddha, he's the Emperor after all. 1620 01:40:03,560 --> 01:40:05,120 He's still young. 1621 01:40:05,280 --> 01:40:08,880 He needs your guidance and correction. 1622 01:40:09,080 --> 01:40:11,480 He needs your guidance and correction. 1623 01:40:12,240 --> 01:40:14,280 When he's at fault, 1624 01:40:14,480 --> 01:40:16,400 you should forgive him. 1625 01:40:16,680 --> 01:40:18,680 Old Buddha, 1626 01:40:19,040 --> 01:40:24,760 The country's hanging in the balance. 1627 01:40:25,240 --> 01:40:27,640 Who will guide the Emperor if not you? 1628 01:40:27,880 --> 01:40:29,200 Old Buddha, 1629 01:40:30,400 --> 01:40:34,240 His Majesty addresses you as Progenitor. 1630 01:40:35,480 --> 01:40:38,200 If that's not respect, what is? 1631 01:40:38,960 --> 01:40:40,640 Old Buddha, 1632 01:40:40,800 --> 01:40:43,520 don't listen to the words of villains. 1633 01:40:43,680 --> 01:40:44,880 Old Buddha, be merciful! 1634 01:40:45,000 --> 01:40:46,280 Very good! 1635 01:40:46,480 --> 01:40:48,080 A mere boy presumes to lecture me! 1636 01:40:48,240 --> 01:40:49,920 A mere boy presumes to lecture me! 1637 01:40:50,080 --> 01:40:52,520 Old Buddha, this slave wouldn't dare. 1638 01:40:53,280 --> 01:40:54,320 I ask you: 1639 01:40:54,520 --> 01:40:58,280 Who taught you to say all this? 1640 01:40:58,720 --> 01:40:59,620 Old Buddha, 1641 01:40:59,760 --> 01:41:02,520 it comes from the bottom of my heart. 1642 01:41:03,960 --> 01:41:06,080 Is that's how you show your respect? 1643 01:41:06,440 --> 01:41:07,440 If so, then I haven't wasted 1644 01:41:07,600 --> 01:41:10,320 all my years of affection on you. 1645 01:41:10,920 --> 01:41:13,840 Old Buddha, please don't be angry. 1646 01:41:14,840 --> 01:41:17,560 This slave says what he feels. 1647 01:41:18,160 --> 01:41:19,080 These are true words. 1648 01:41:19,240 --> 01:41:21,480 These are true words? 1649 01:41:21,760 --> 01:41:23,680 I think you have no respect at all! 1650 01:41:24,040 --> 01:41:25,200 Progenitor. 1651 01:41:25,400 --> 01:41:28,040 I've spoilt every one of you. 1652 01:41:28,320 --> 01:41:30,560 Even a slave presumes to know better! 1653 01:41:30,720 --> 01:41:33,920 Does no one know their place anymore? 1654 01:41:34,480 --> 01:41:37,240 Progenitor, don't be upset 1655 01:41:37,440 --> 01:41:39,200 by the foolish words of a child. 1656 01:41:39,760 --> 01:41:40,660 Just send him outside, 1657 01:41:40,800 --> 01:41:42,960 or if you like, kick him out of the palace. 1658 01:41:43,120 --> 01:41:44,160 That's not the end of it. 1659 01:41:44,320 --> 01:41:46,480 Someone must have set him up to it. 1660 01:41:46,640 --> 01:41:49,320 They think he'll get away as I'm fond of him. 1661 01:41:50,720 --> 01:41:53,680 But fondness aside, I'm furious. 1662 01:41:53,840 --> 01:41:55,400 Forgive him, Progenitor. 1663 01:41:55,560 --> 01:41:56,880 Don' plead for him! 1664 01:41:57,040 --> 01:42:02,000 No! I must get to the bottom of this. 1665 01:42:02,160 --> 01:42:04,600 Who taught you to write this? 1666 01:42:04,840 --> 01:42:08,040 Old Buddha, please believe me. 1667 01:42:08,200 --> 01:42:09,100 I swear by heaven above, 1668 01:42:09,200 --> 01:42:10,800 this slave wrote it all by himself. 1669 01:42:10,920 --> 01:42:11,320 This slave wrote it all by himself. 1670 01:42:11,520 --> 01:42:13,520 What? You still try to lie? 1671 01:42:14,840 --> 01:42:17,560 I don't believe you wrote it yourself. 1672 01:42:17,720 --> 01:42:19,040 Recite it fo me. 1673 01:42:19,200 --> 01:42:20,520 Yes, Your Highness. 1674 01:42:24,320 --> 01:42:26,200 I beg the Dowager not to assume sole power; 1675 01:42:26,400 --> 01:42:28,160 to discontinue work on the Summer Palace; 1676 01:42:28,320 --> 01:42:29,800 to stop building railroads; 1677 01:42:29,920 --> 01:42:31,840 to reinstate Lord Li Hung-chang; 1678 01:42:31,960 --> 01:42:34,840 to continue the war against Japan; 1679 01:42:34,960 --> 01:42:36,880 and as His Majesty has no son yet, 1680 01:42:37,040 --> 01:42:40,680 to please designate an heir apparent. 1681 01:42:40,840 --> 01:42:46,920 Enough! It's so badly written, 1682 01:42:47,160 --> 01:42:50,040 it does seem like your own work. 1683 01:42:50,200 --> 01:42:53,600 Old Buddha, it is my own work. 1684 01:42:54,000 --> 01:42:56,320 I don't care whether you did so or not. 1685 01:42:56,520 --> 01:42:59,400 Do you know that by ancestral decree, 1686 01:42:59,560 --> 01:43:01,080 eunuchs may not interfere in politics? 1687 01:43:01,240 --> 01:43:02,840 This slave knows it. 1688 01:43:03,480 --> 01:43:05,560 But desperate times 1689 01:43:05,720 --> 01:43:08,200 calls for desperate measures. 1690 01:43:08,560 --> 01:43:11,600 Do you know it is a capital offence? 1691 01:43:17,200 --> 01:43:18,720 This slave knows it. 1692 01:43:18,880 --> 01:43:22,040 A loyal servant does not fear death. 1693 01:43:22,200 --> 01:43:26,760 This petition is worth my life. 1694 01:43:37,320 --> 01:43:38,520 Old Buddha. 1695 01:43:38,680 --> 01:43:41,720 It's the ancestral decree. What can I say? 1696 01:43:50,080 --> 01:43:52,120 I'm truly fond of you. 1697 01:43:52,440 --> 01:43:54,480 But what cause do you give me 1698 01:43:54,720 --> 01:43:56,960 to be fond of you? 1699 01:43:57,600 --> 01:44:01,600 Don't blame me that it has come to this. 1700 01:44:01,840 --> 01:44:03,440 Progenitor! 1701 01:44:03,600 --> 01:44:04,600 What more is there to be said? 1702 01:44:04,760 --> 01:44:05,880 Yes. 1703 01:44:06,520 --> 01:44:08,560 Guards. Yes. 1704 01:44:10,160 --> 01:44:12,080 Take him away. Yes. 1705 01:44:13,040 --> 01:44:15,960 Old Buddha, the truth may not be palatable, 1706 01:44:17,160 --> 01:44:20,040 but I've done this out of loyalty. 1707 01:44:21,200 --> 01:44:22,760 Old Buddha, 1708 01:44:23,640 --> 01:44:26,320 even if you don't care for the country, 1709 01:44:26,720 --> 01:44:30,160 at least have a care for yourself. 1710 01:44:30,800 --> 01:44:32,680 My death is a small thing, 1711 01:44:32,840 --> 01:44:35,880 but the country... 1712 01:44:38,880 --> 01:44:40,160 Enough, Lien-tsai. 1713 01:44:40,320 --> 01:44:43,240 Enough of your big talk. 1714 01:44:43,440 --> 01:44:46,480 You've brought this upon yourself. 1715 01:44:46,760 --> 01:44:48,000 For what purpose? 1716 01:44:48,160 --> 01:44:50,880 A real man should be honourable. 1717 01:44:51,120 --> 01:44:53,200 A real man. 1718 01:44:57,640 --> 01:44:58,920 How old are you? 1719 01:44:59,080 --> 01:45:00,720 Eighteen. 1720 01:45:02,520 --> 01:45:05,240 An 18-year old real man shouldn't cry. 1721 01:45:06,120 --> 01:45:08,080 I'm not crying. 1722 01:45:10,600 --> 01:45:12,200 You're a traitor. 1723 01:45:12,400 --> 01:45:14,160 I'm loyal subject. 1724 01:45:14,320 --> 01:45:16,240 You, loyal? 1725 01:45:16,440 --> 01:45:19,640 Didn't you say you had a conscience? 1726 01:45:19,800 --> 01:45:21,680 Where's your conscience now? 1727 01:45:21,840 --> 01:45:23,480 This is my conscience. 1728 01:45:23,640 --> 01:45:25,200 My conscience is in my petitition. 1729 01:45:25,400 --> 01:45:26,960 If I didn't have a conscience, 1730 01:45:27,120 --> 01:45:29,400 I would be like you. 1731 01:45:31,920 --> 01:45:32,520 Take him away. 1732 01:45:32,680 --> 01:45:34,200 Wait! 1733 01:45:40,320 --> 01:45:44,200 I'm the salve of your august persons. 1734 01:45:46,000 --> 01:45:48,480 Please let this slave's final breath 1735 01:45:51,240 --> 01:45:54,760 be to bid the Old Buddha and His Majesty 1736 01:45:57,880 --> 01:45:59,560 a last farewell. 1737 01:47:58,720 --> 01:48:02,680 A long life of ten thousand years! 1738 01:48:21,880 --> 01:48:24,160 You fosake peace and opt for war! 1739 01:48:24,320 --> 01:48:30,720 War! 1740 01:48:33,240 --> 01:48:35,800 The Old Buddha is departing! 1741 01:48:37,520 --> 01:48:39,600 What is it? Why such haste? 1742 01:48:39,760 --> 01:48:42,680 Japan has declared war on us. 1743 01:48:43,880 --> 01:48:45,760 Your Majesty! 1744 01:48:48,720 --> 01:48:50,960 Never forget for an instant 1745 01:48:51,120 --> 01:48:53,080 that you are the Emperor! 1746 01:48:54,560 --> 01:48:56,840 Don't delude yourself you're Emperor. 1747 01:48:58,080 --> 01:49:01,520 You're only Emperor because I let you be. 1748 01:49:01,960 --> 01:49:04,520 If I didn't let you� 1749 01:49:19,080 --> 01:49:21,240 Old Buddha, she's innocent! 1750 01:49:21,440 --> 01:49:24,480 Old Buddha, she's innocent! 1751 01:49:24,920 --> 01:49:25,820 She's innocent! 1752 01:49:25,920 --> 01:49:27,080 Can't you be a bit more respectful? 1753 01:49:27,240 --> 01:49:29,040 Chief Eunuch Li. 1754 01:49:29,640 --> 01:49:30,960 Chief Eunuch Li. 1755 01:50:19,160 --> 01:50:20,120 You didn't? 1756 01:50:20,280 --> 01:50:21,720 Really I didn't. 1757 01:50:21,880 --> 01:50:23,680 Are you trying to say I'm lying? 1758 01:50:23,840 --> 01:50:25,960 You didn't? 1759 01:50:26,120 --> 01:50:28,120 Did you or not? 1760 01:50:28,280 --> 01:50:30,400 Did you... 1761 01:50:30,560 --> 01:50:32,600 Stop! 1762 01:50:32,760 --> 01:50:33,440 Answer me... 1763 01:50:33,600 --> 01:50:35,040 Stop! 1764 01:50:35,480 --> 01:50:37,080 Emperor Kuang Hsu. 1765 01:50:40,880 --> 01:50:45,120 What a poor, poor Emperor you are! 118245

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