Original subtitles

Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.

Watching the person in the mirror's countenance pale and grow haggard,

Examining love together with regret, both new and old.

Keeping watch still by a lantern though it is daybreak, drenched with tears,

Watching others meet as promised, as twilight falls.

Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 44

Have you sent someone to find her? When is she returning?

I have. I think she'll be back soon.

It's always people waiting for His Majesty.

But your mistress is great. Reversed? Is there any rules?

Well . . .

His Majesty didn't say he was coming.

It's improved quite a bit.

Forgive me, Your Majesty.

Noble Lady Wei personally made ice tonight and she went to deliver and chat with Empress Dowager at Shuokang Palace.

Until now?

Since Empress Dowager was in a rare great mood today.

Talking about the past when she went on a private tour to Jiangnan with Late Emperor.

It sure invited such envy from Noble Lady Wei.

Now, I fear she won't return.

So she leaves me hanging here?

Your Majesty, Noble Lady accompanying Empress Dowager is completely out of filial devotion.

Or you could chose a different place to go.

You want to die? To speak in such a way?

Your Majesty, you can't blame Mistress Wei for this.

Filial piety is utmost priority. She can't just abandon Empress Dowager.

Each one of you learning from your mistress.

Watch how I fix you later.

Sister Mingyu.

Why did Noble Lady Wei lure His Majesty to come in but she won't see him?

What does a little homey maiden know? Go now.

Yes.

What's wrong?

It's nothing.

Noble Lady, you were a talking companion for so long so you must be tired.

Rest up.

You . . .

Your Majesty.

You . . . didn't you leave earlier?

I've never been tricked by anyone like you before.

Wei Yingluo, who gave you the nerves?

Sister Mingyu.

Now I understand. Noble Lady is so skilled.

Stop the nonsense or I'll squeeze and break your mouth.

I'm wrong. I really did wrong.

Disturbing His Majesty and Noble Lady is a deadly crime.

Hurry and quiet.

Greetings to Concubine Jia.

Noble Lady Wei, do you know your offense?

I am dull-witted. I am ignorant of my offense.

Yesterday you had someone hang a sunshade in the palace path.

- Yes. - That's it then.

A crowd of people making so much noise.

Disturbing my after noon. It's deserving of death.

But they are just servants.

So naturally, I came seeking the mistress of them.

Concubine Jia, the reason I did so was all for His Majesty.

I said you did wrong, then you did wrong.

Just a mere noble lady and you dare to talk back to me?

Kneel now.

You . . .

Concubine Jia is right to teach me. I disturbed your nap.

I deserve to die.

Since you know your offense, continue to kneel.

Until the sun sets.

You want to fight favors against me? You think you are worthy?

Noble Lady, how can you just kneel when she said so?

- Why is Noble Lady Wei kneeling? - I don't know.

Let's go.

Your Majesty. I have entered the palace for so long.

I never endured such anger.

Noble Lady Wei hasn't entered the palace for long but she dares to talk back at me.

It's all because she thinks you favor her.

Alright.

Stop crying.

It's not some grand incident. The crying isn't a good image.

Hurry and get up.

Your Majesty.

You won't blame me anymore?

I know this isn't some grand event to you.

But in the palace, there are customary rules. She speaks unruly.

I punishing her isn't in discord with rules of seniority.

I know you favor Noble Lady Wei.

But I only said a couple things to her.

But she turned on me right away and left.

What about the compromise I suffered? Where do I complain?

I'm just afraid you might listen to the idle talk outside.

And you thought I was bullying her on purpose.

Then I can't clear my honor even if I have a hundred mouths.

Alright. I didn't blame you.

- You won't blame me? - I don't blame you.

Stop crying. Alright?

Fine now.

Your Majesty. Do you still remember before?

Before Noble Lady Wei came into the palace.

You treated me so well.

But since Noble Lady Wei entered the palace, you've never came to visit me.

Tell me, Your Majesty, what's wrong with me?

For you to be annoyed at me already.

I am really quite busy lately.

So I didn't go to Chuxiu Palace to visit you.

When I'm done with the busy period, I will visit you.

Your Majesty, you are not lying to me?

I'm not lying.

I'm busy so you should get going.

I've just . . .

Then . . .

- Go on. - I'm leaving.

Keep your word!

Supervisor Li.

Li Yu.

Your servant is here.

Wei Yingluo, was she really so audacious?

Well . . .

Your Majesty. I didn't see it personally so I don't really know.

I think she lacks teaching.

Before she talked back at me when we were in Changchun Palace.

Now she's more out of control with the favor.

Your Majesty, then you mean . . .

Get rid of her tag.

Yes.

Yes, over there.

Tie it tightly.

It must be that younger Imperial Concubine Jia who fanned the flames.

That lady is totally a thief who cried thief.

How many times have I told you

to not tie it down but tie it up?!

His Majesty removed your name in the list of bed attendants. Why are you not anxious at all?

Right. Right. Higher.

- Noble Lady!- Tie it tightly.

Other than a swing, set me a painting table too.

Noble Lady Wei didn't come even once?

No.

Zhengzhu, push me!

Give it more power!

Zhenzhu, push me higher!

Push harder!

Push harder!

Your Majesty...

- Right.- Chief Steward Li?

Chief Steward Li, why is His Majesty here?

Say, that little Imperial Concubine Jia kept throwing muddled water into Noble Lady Wei everyday,

but she's not even trying to approach His Majesty.

If His Majesty doesn't come, she'll also won't go to him. She's even here playing swing.

This...does she think she has a long life?

Higher!

Didn't anyone see me?

This... Your Majesty, Noble Lady Wei is playing the swing.

She probably didn't see you.

Didn't you stay behind to remind her?

They didn't notice you?

His Majesty came earlier.

Push harder!

Noble Lady!

You're blocking me!

Push harder!

Don't go!

Zhenzhu, push harder.

Zhenzhu, push harder!

Your Majesty, calm down...

Your Majesty, I'm here to check your pulse.

I don't need it. Leave now.

No, Your Majesty,

look at how strong your inner heat is.

It's better that you let me check your pulse.

When I said that I don't need one, I don't need one.

Doctor Ye, you better just go back. His Majesty is currently very angry.

No, His Majesty shouldn't refuse to be medically checked.

Look at this Noble Lady Wei.

- Who did you say?- Noble Lady Wei.

She hurt her knees and didn't seek treatment right away.

It caused her to develop multiple bruises.

It almost affected her future ambulation.

- Really?- Right.

What did you say?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

I said that you still have to have your regular pulse check.

You mustn't delay it.

What did you say about the legs of Noble Lady Wei earlier?

Noble Lady Wei...

Didn't Imperial Concubine Jia punished Noble Lady Wei to kneel for four hours?

She hurt her knees for kneeling for so long and had to nurse them for a long time.

It just improved a few days ago.

Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.

Noble Lady Wei, all these were bestowed by His Majesty to you.

Look.

This is Zhao Mengfu's

'Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains'.

Noble Consort Chun even asked His Majesty for this,

but His Majesty couldn't bear to give it.

Today, he eagerly had it sent here.

Really?

But I don't understand calligraphy painting.

It's such a waste for His Majesty to send me such painting.

Moreover, that painting is so precious.

I dare not accept it.

Noble Lady, His Majesty knows that you're practicing calligraphy painting lately.

His Majesty meticulously picked this to give to you.

This...I've already brought it here.

I can't just return with it, right?

Noble Lady, did you understand the intentions of His Majesty?

Understand what?

Noble Lady, His Majesty knows that he has falsely accused you.

He feels so upset.

But...His Majesty couldn't lower down his pride,

hence, have to let you suffer a little and go to Yangxin Palace instead.

Is that okay?

Noble Lady, I've served His Majesty for so long.

It's my first time seeing someone that His Majesty cares about a lot.

This...if you don't show up, it's fine too.

But at least let the House of Respectful Affairs include your green name tag on the bed attendant selection.

That should be okay with you, right?

No.

Noble Lady swallowed some wind while playing the swing.

Her throat is a bit uncomfortable.

It's better to wait for her to completely recover first.

This... Say, Noble Lady,

how could one get sick so often?

Haven't you gotten sick so frequently for this month?

Take them away!

Your Majesty, calm down!

If she's unwilling, don't let her attend to me in bed forever. Leave!

Yes.

That was so funny!

If you ask me,

that Noble Lady Wei is really unappreciative of her blessings.

His Majesty repeatedly asked her to step down from the stage.

She instead kept refusing to step down.

But now, really good. His Majesty said

that she isn't allowed to attend to him anymore. Let's see if she'll continue to be happy from now on.

In this Forbidden City,

there are all kinds of women, but I've never seen one like her.

It's not only unappreciative,

but I think she doesn't want to live anymore.

Let's wait and see. Once she lost the favor of His Majesty,

everyone will step on her.

Let's see how she'll continue to live.

What is that Wei Yingluo trying to do?

Could it be...she wants to anger His Majesty and completely lose favor?

Every woman in this world thinks that they are special.

Especially those at the early stage of obtaining His Majesty's favor.

But as the days go by,

they will realize that they there is no such thing as being special in the eyes of His Majesty.

In my opinion, that Wei Yingluo wants to do something different

so that His Majesty would remember her. But never thought that she would get too far,

and completely angered His Majesty, hence, she has now became a joke.

This is good then.

No need for us to do anything

and she already lost favor.

Does she still

go to Shoukang Palace lately?

Yes. Seeing that she has lost the favor of the emperor now,

she has gotten more diligent in fawning on the Empress Dowager.

Don't know what trick she has used

that there is nonstop laughter inside Shoukang Palace. Empress Dowager likes her a lot.

It shows that she's not that stupid.

She knows to use the Empress Dowager to save her life.

Too bad, Empress Dowager hasn't interfered with palace affairs for a long time.

I don't think she'll be able to protect her.

It's rare that His Majesty has changed his mind.

Why not just find a step to go down to?

Now that you angered him, didn't you lose more than you have gained?

Let him be angry then.

Yingluo!

It's so late at night.

I'm going to sleep. If there's anything else,

let's just talk about it tomorrow.

Talking about Jiangnan local cultures,

of course, Suzhou has the best one.

There are less old palaces and leisure areas, but a lot of water canals and small bridges.

Night markets selling water caltrops and lotuses. Spring boats transporting beautiful fabrics.

Too bad, when Empress Dowager traveled with the former emperor,

you didn't pass by Suzhou.

Or else, you would be surprised that there is a place as gentle as water in this world.

Everyone is saying that Suzhou and Hangzhou are like paradise.

Although I've never been personally there,

just looking at you,

I already know that the women of Suzhou and Hangzhou

are gentle like water,

warm and adorable.

His Majesty has arrived!

Greetings, Royal Mother.

You came just in time.

I'm currently chatting with Noble Consort Chun

about the scenery in Jiangnan.

Too bad, I wasn't able to go to Suzhou and Hangzhou last time.

I'm unable to see the beautiful landscapes of Jiangnan anymore.

But, today, I obtained a beautiful painting of Ji'nan.

If you're interested,

why don't you take a look at it.

Sure.

Bring the painting here!

This is the 'Autumn Colors on the Qiao and Hua Mountains' by Zhao Mengfu?

This is a painting given to you by Noble Lady Wei?

That's right.

Your Majesty, didn't you always love paintings like this?

If you like it, take it back with you.

Of course, I can't refuse

such kindness from you.

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

What is it, Noble Consort Chun?

I should be the one asking you that.

You look very mad.

I'm fine.

I just remembered that I have official matters to attend to and is rushing back to Yangxin Palace.

Your Majesty, state affairs will never end.

You should put more importance on your health.

Or else, I will be worried.

Weird.

Your Highness?

That painting ended up in the hands of Wei Yingluo.

It must have been given to her by His Majesty.

But in this world, there is actually a person who would dare to

casually give an imperial gift to others.

That's so funny. An item bestowed by His Majesty

just went in a circle and returned to him again.

No wonder, His Majesty was so mad. In my opinion,

it's game over for Wei Yingluo this time.

For a very intelligent person like her,

why would she seek death?

- Your Majesty! Your Majesty!- Noble Lady! Noble Lady!

What? Where are you going? Why are you interfering?

But His Majesty looked so mad.

Wasn't it your mistress who brought this to herself?

She gave the imperial gift of His Majesty to someone else!

But it's not some other person. It's Empress Dowager.

It is exactly because it was Empress Dowager,

hence, your mistress didn't get executed.

Her head would have been gone in an instant.

Your Majesty, what are you doing?

Even if I falsely accused you, aggrieved you,

you could have argued with me.

You endured it and didn't tell me, and you blame me for treating you coldly?

Why?

I'm just a noble lady.

Suddenly obtaining your favor

would of course invite the envy of other palaces.

If I will tell you about it every time,

once or twice, you may still believe me.

But it's been too many times,

even if you believe it, you will get annoyed.

Hence, I'd rather just shut up.

Why did you offer the painting I gave to you to Empress Dowager as a tribute?

Empress Dowager liked it, so I naturally should offer it to her.

You're lying!

Why do you think I did it then?

Among the imperial harem, even one with a position as respectable as the empress,

they are all very submissive to me. Only you

are so daring and unrestrained.

Your mood is so labile.

You want me to always think of you.

You want me to always worry about you deeply.

Wei Yingluo, you think I couldn't see through your devious scheme?

Since you've seen through it,

why are you still mad?

You...!

If you're mad,

I'll just go to Empress Dowager

and ask for the painting back.

There's no big deal.

Being mad will harm your health.

Try saying something unpleasant to the ears again,

and do you believe that I'll break your neck?!

Did I hurt you? I didn't exert any effort?

You deceived me again.

Your Majesty!

Wei Yingluo, if you dare anger me again,

I will never be lenient. Got it?

This is how I am. I will never change.

[Yanxi Palace]

Li Yu, spread my decree.

Order Minister Hadaha of the Ministry of Works as the main envoy,

and Grand Secretary Wu Ling'an of the Secretariat as the vice envoy,

to handle the conferment ceremony of Noble Lady Wei as Imperial Concubine Ling.

Also, tell Imperial Concubine Jia that she is grounded for a month to reflect on her actions. She is to copy the Virtues of a Woman a hundred times.

Yes.

The word 'ling' come from the Major chapter of the Book of Songs.

Elegant temperament and good character, wonderful reputation and morality, worthy to be admired.

One should be as perfect as a jade to be worthy of such a title.

What's wrong with His Majesty now?

He was still very mad days before.

But in an instant, he gave her this kind of title.

Wei Yingluo is indeed outstanding.

She has just entered the palace for 3 months,

but it's like she's climbing up a cloud ladder. It's really frightening.

From the looks of it, this person shouldn't be allowed to stay here anymore.

Your Highness is making a move?

Even if I'm going to make a move, I mustn't dirty my own hand.

Your Highness,

what you mean is...

Presently, isn't the person who hates Wei Yingluo the most

that younger Imperial Concubine Jia?

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, great victory in Jinchuan! General Fuheng personally commanded the army

and conquered several military fortresses of Jinchuan!

Really?

We won in Jinchuan? Fuheng won?

Great victory, Your Majesty!

Tribe Leader Sha Luoben already submitted a surrender letter!

The main army would be immediately setting out to return to the imperial court.

Good! I wasn't wrong.

Fuheng is indeed a rare military talent.

Spread my decree, tell Fuheng to return to the capital first to report on his duty.

Yes! Yes!

Third Young Master is back!

Third Young Master!

Third Young Master is back!

Mother, I'm back.

It's been 3 years since you left.

I miss and think about you

everyday. You still know to come back?!

Mother, aren't I here?

It's good that you're back,

so mother and I won't keep on worrying.

You just left and abandoned her.

She had a difficulty labor and almost died from it.

Good thing, I asked the servants to forcefully break open that door.

Or else, I wouldn't have a grandchild.

Aren't everything fine now?

Fine. Everything is fine.

Quickly go see your son.

An'er!

An'er!

Come. Quickly call father.

Call.

Mother, I still have to go to the palace to report on my duty. I can't stay here for long.

I'll just chat with you later.

Quickly assist Madam back to rest.

Come.

Fuheng, father personally named him

as Fu Kang'an. He's your son.

How come you're not happy at all to see him?

Stop right there!

If not because you were so heartless to lock me inside my room,

I wouldn't have almost died.

Now that you're back,

won't you even apologize at all?

There was a doctor and midwife inside the room.

But what I needed was the concern of my husband.

Since you made that wild decision,

Fuca Fuheng is already not your husband.

The reason you're able to stay here

is because I left you a last layer of cloth to cover your shame.

Since you've given birth to this child, then be a qualified mother.

Don't bring insult to yourself.

Are you so rushing to enter the palace

to see the person you love?

What are you saying?

You probably didn't know yet.

She's already the Imperial Concubine Ling of His Majesty.

Look at yourself.

I embarrass you but you don't even care.

Fuk'angan's existence didn't give you any heartache either.

But now I just mention her and your complexion changed.

It's been three years.

Three years and you still kept her in the apex of your heart.

How regrettable.

She's already His Majesty's woman.

You are lying to me.

You'll know if you go and see for yourself now.

Fuheng.

Fuheng, have you gone mad?

His Majesty is still waiting for you at Yangxin Hall. What are you doing here?

- I have to ask her something. - Fuheng.

Fuheng!

Now you've seen it with your own eyes so you should let go.

Greetings to Your Majesty.

Get on up.

Fuheng.

You didn't disappoint me.

This time, at Jinchuan, you've contributed a great merit.

I shall reward you.

Tell me.

What do you want?

Your Majesty, no matter what I want, will you give me anything?

Deliver my decree.

Fuca Fuheng, promoted to first rank Duke, with title of Zhongyong (loyal and brave).

To be given gemstone hat and four-dragon badge square.

Your servant thanks Your Majesty's grace.

Alright.

- You can go for now. - I take my leave.

Why?

Young Master, you haven't had anything to drink or eat all day.

You won the battle and received a promotion. All great things.

How are you still so sad?

When the war was at the more dire point,

His Majesty sent 12 decrees in succession.

To command me to withdraw the troops from the front.

But I defied his decree.

I wagered my last breath for a must-victory.

Because only through victory,

I could ask His Majesty for a wish to be granted.

Just one step too late.

I'm just one step too late.

Young Master, what did you want?

I wanted a person.

I wanted to trade my battle merits for one person.

That one person that I lost.

The one person I want to reclaim with my own life.

In the battlefield.

The tip of the blade almost pierced through my heart.

I had thought then.

If I can return alive,

I would disregard her will and obtain her.

Even if she resents me.

Hates me.

I want to confine her to my side forever.

Young Master, this doesn't sound like you at all.

I had thought before.

That as a man, I must be generous.

I must be lenient.

As long as she's alive.

I wanted her to have happiness.

But now she's living very well.

She's Consort Ling.

She became a woman favored by His Majesty.

And I can't bear it.

Qinglian.

Do you know the taste of jealousy?

It's like a poisonous snake.

It's gnawing at my heart all the time.

Young Master.

After having tasted jealousy,

anyone will become ugly.

So when His Majesty asked me what I wanted,

I couldn't even say anything.

I knew clearly. Clearly.

That I would bring her trouble.

But I couldn't contain myself.

I really can't endure it.

Young Master, this isn't your fault.

It's life's circumstance messing people.

You ask too much of yourself.

You're a person. Of course you have joy, anger, sadness and bliss.

You don't even need to always control yourself.

My sister once said to me.

That I will surely regret it.

But now I really do regret so much.

I really regret it.

What am I to do?

Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.

♫Softly falling into the hollow of my palm,♫

♫Resting frozen in the center of my palm.♫

♫Our meeting across past incarnations was inevitable,♫

♫Joined together, deeply experiencing and holding onto the end of happiness.♫

♫Though plainly given words of discouragement,♫

♫Pretending to hear nothing but exhortation.♫

♫ Endless tears, believing it cannot be true,♫

♫ In this life, being born under an unlucky star.♫

♫I hear the sound of the snow slowly falling♫

♫ Though I close my eyes, it's impossible to stop the vision.♫

♫ Nothing you can do about being approached, not being inconsistent in love,♫

♫ Though merely holding onto it from the outside, prone to this sort of circumstance.♫

♫ I hear the sound of the snow slowly falling♫

♫ As though you are holding me closely, and speaking sweetly.♫

♫ Opening your eyes to a sky filled with merciless snow falling,♫

♫ Who, after suffering this loss for a lifetime, is fond of this scene?♫