Original subtitles

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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 61

Look, how warm is this?

Don't move .

Since she's not willing,

why continue to transcribe sutra in blood?

That's actually the biggest disrespect to Buddha.

Empress Dowager, Consort Ling and you lived together at Yuanming Garden for three years.

Her character, are you not aware of it?

It's precisely because I lived with her for three years,

that I know that much more about her.

That Wei Yingluo, is too clever.

She can use all usable measure to make you like her.

Rongyin of then, and the emperor after. Wasn't it all the same?

Perhaps this is a misunderstanding?

If she didn't complain,

how would Concubine Shun know about it?

Consort Ling is here to deliver newly transcribed sutra?

Yes.

I will see to it that it's delivered to Empress Dowager.

I will come again tomorrow.

No need. Empress Dowager is concerned it's hard for your health to transcribe.

So she's pardoned you from this toiling chore.

Transcribing the sutra is cultivating merit. I am happily willing.

How can it be a toiling chore?

I am just relaying Empress Dowager's order.

Another matter is that Empress Dowager will be meditating to Buddha for the time being.

You won't need to come pay respect anymore, Consort Ling.

What exactly happened?

Empress Dowager's attitude changed greatly suddenly.

If you have time to worry for me.

You should think about your own matters instead.

Consort Ling.

Consort Ling, may I borrow Mingyu to talk?

Mingyu. Don't let all things drag through mud. Speak clearly.

Mingyu.

Are you crazy?

I haven't left the palace yet and you grab me like this.

How can this look be allowed?

I already made my plea with His Majesty.

And His Majesty cast decree to grant you to me.

Talking to my on fiancée. How's that so wrong?

Mingyu, I want to know.

Why did you send back all the engagement gifts?

I thought about it left and right and it's just not right.

What's not right?

You'll have to go to battlefield in the future.

Who knows when you will return?

I don't want to be a widow.

I don't believe you.

If you didn't want to be a widow,

why did you consort with me?

That's to help Yingluo.

In order to scope news for her.

Then you stayed up all night,

to make head wrap and to make small dishes personally,

all just to use me as well?

In order to use you, I would have to show something first.

You speak so coldly,

but your eyes hold tears.

Mingyu, what has really happened?

That's enough. Don't waste your time on me anymore.

- I need to go. - Mingyu.

These words you say today, I don't believe a word of it.

When we are married, I will ask you slowly then.

I have already took clear inventory of the zithers in Yuanming Garden.

218 total.

It was stored during Emperor Yongzheng's 4th year in reign.

So many years have passed.

Good care has been lost and there's been a lack of versed musicians.

To just leave them in the storage so recklessly is such a waste.

A great Plum Blossom Scores Zither,

to see that it's been so ill-cared for.

Yuan Chunwang, order Yuanming Garden,

to present a zither here every five days

I will check and fix myself to restore to their glory

I will surely find a good zither artist for you

You needn't exhaust yourself to it personally.

This zither was once used by Emperor Kangxi too.

If one day His Majesty suddenly finds himself in the mood,

and sees Emperor Kangxi's item come to such dismay,

he would surely be furious.

Empress, over Concubine Shun,

he's not come into Chengqian Palace for so long.

But you still think of him like this.

In another four months, it's Emperor Kangxi's memorial.

If His Majesty finds out just how lamented you are,

he would surely be so consoled.

This zither cover is too ordinary too.

I will personally make a floral design,

and you see to it that it gets made.

Yes.

No. Let's not embroider flowers on it.

Let's embroider the name of the zither on this.

Yes.

12th Prince!

Empress, forgive me. I've failed to watch 12th Prince well.

Your Highness.

Yongji, how can you be so naughty?

Go find an experienced zither master to see if it can be restored.

Yes.

Stop crying. You're not like me at all.

Shouldn't you be taking the prince to stroll at Imperial Garden at this hour?

- Hurry.- Yes.

Your Highness, 12th Prince is still young. Don't be too frustrated.

He's the legitimate heir of the central palace and the world is watching him.

He is not an ordinary playing child.

Be assured, Mistress. I will see to it that a good master will restore the zither.

I will not let it ruin your intention.

Careful.

12th Prince, you can't be that naughty again.

Careful that Empress finds out and she will punish you.

12th Prince is at an age that's hard to keep idle.

Empress is too strict.

What do you know? Discipline is out of love.

12th Prince is the legitimate prince so he's different.

Don't speak recklessly again or watch your skin.

Come, 12th Prince. Slower.

Let's go there to catch dragonfly, alright?

Empress. Prince He sent a gift.

He says it's for 12th Prince.

Prince He?

Letter from Prince He

Your Highness.

To Her Highness the Empress.

In the past, during Lantern Festival, often in the palace the colorful lanterns would pile up into sea turtle.

With autumn crickets placed in the lanterns.

Once lighted, a spate of insect cries, quite the fun.

Once, in order to grab the cricket inside,

I set the sea turtle on fire and almost burned the entire Forbidden City.

Royal Father reprimanded me for being too naughty and mischievous.

But when I was five, I could recite and at seven, poetry.

Naughty children are the smart ones.

The academy 12th Prince will be attending.

I will have the teachers train him well.

May you not worry, Empress.

12th Prince, come here!

Look at this. This is very fun. Come here. Look.

Look, what is this?

What about this?

Father, they hit me.

Who did?

The princes and their study partner.

Father, why are you laughing?

His Majesty spoils you. The princes yields to you.

Upon entering the palace, you tore the book of your teacher, destroyed the ink-stone of Fifth Prince,

broke the fan of Sixth Prince,

hid the whip of your companion, and even rode your study partner like a horse.

Fukang'an, that's not studying.

You're leaning to be like a crab.

Who told you to tell those to father?!

Young Master, I really didn't.

Fukang'an!

You won't have dinner today!

You don't get to have snacks for a month!

If I can't eat any snacks, it's better to just die.

Stand there.

Fine!

Imperial Concubine Shun, my son was disrespectful. Please forgive him.

You and your father are totally not like father and son.

Fukang'an, apologize to Imperial Concubine Shun.

Your Highness Imperial Concubine Shun, I was wrong.

Quickly get up.

That handkerchief...

What about it?

Nothing. We'll take our leave.

Fukang'an, come over here.

What about it?

Mingyu.

Turn around.

This wedding dress is so beautiful!

Zhenzhu, we still need a veil.

Go ask Xiao Quanzi if it was already delivered.

Yes.

Mingyu.

Yingluo, I can't bear to leave you.

Get up.

The embroidery on your wedding dress

was designed by me

and especially customized for you.

I initially planned to personally embroider it.

But you know that

I've lost my mother upon birth, and then lost my sister afterwards.

If the fortune teller is asked, he surely will say that my fate is too hard.

All bride should receive blessings from an auspicious wife

whose parents are both still alive and have a lot of children.

I dare not delay your marriage.

Yingluo,

before, you just snort at these sort of things (despise).

I might not believe them,

but I can't interrupt your happiness.

YIngluo, I can't bear to.

I really can't bear to part with you.

I beg you.

Don't marry me off, okay?

Mingyu.

Look at how beautiful that red wedding dress is.

My sister once said that if I get married,

she surely will personally make my wedding dress.

Too bad, in this life,

I wasn't destined to wear it.

But I hope that you can wear yours.

If Her Highness is still alive,

and saw you getting married off,

she also would be happy.

Our wishes both ended in vain.

Hence, Mingyu,

please be blissful.

Yizhu, why are you here?

Miss Mingyu, my mistress told me to deliver you these embroideries

and a set of gold tools.

Mistress said that those you were using are already old.

She especially had a golden set made for you

to add to your dowry.

- Thank your mistress for me.- Yes.

Fuheng?

You surely must be busy with work in the Council of State.

Why do you still have the time to come here?

[House Title]

A real estate title?

Your old house is in Qingyun County.

Now that you're marrying a wife, you should set up a family here in the capital.

Each inch of land here in the capital is as expensive as gold.

Unless you are an aristocrat,

most only rent their places.

You're gifting me a mansion?

What a good brother!

Not right. You've already given me a wedding gift.

What is this for then?

When I give it to you, just accept it.

This mansion is so close to Forbidden City.

Mingyu can then enter the palace everyday.

- Could it be that towards Consort Ling, you still—- Hailancha,

don't make up things.

Do you want it or not? If not, give it back.

How could you take it back when you've already given it?

Then just shut up.

Did you hear it? Young Master Fuca said earlier that he's taking you out of the palace.

Are you happy?

Imperial Concubine Shun.

Lord Fuheng, why are you here?

Sorry to have disturbed you.

Imperial Concubine Shun, I have one thing to ask.

What is it?

Lord Fuheng, you haven't changed at all.

What did you say?

Upon seeing you for the first time, I've already heard that you're an elegant and talented young master of a powerful and rich family.

You're well-versed in both literary and fighting skills, gentle and refined.

But I feel that...

...it's not the real you.

Imperial Concubine Shun, I've only seen you a few times.

How could you say that you know me?

General Jaohui has a bad temper.

Every battle, he would drink a lot of wine

to vent his tension.

But you?

You wake up at exactly yan hour (3 - 5 am) to practice martial arts for 2 hours.

Slowly waiting for daybreak.

After handling military affairs, you'll read a book for 2 hours.

You'll then rest by hai hour (9 - 11 pm).

Just like that cuckoo clock by Yangxin Palace,

you're like a machine without any signs of life.

This is just my living habit.

Everyone says that you're very disciplined.

But people who are extremely self-disciplined usually holds deep melancholy.

In this world, how could there be anyone who never gets angry?

But your face

is always that balanced and gentle.

It shows that you have deeper melancholy than anyone.

Imperial Concubine Shun, stop making casual guesses.

It's my first seeing you have a change of expression.

This is quite fun.

You are very different to that beautiful,

magnanimous, passionate, and cheerful lady that I've imagined.

A fighter would usually have mud in between his fingers,

but your hands are always clean.

You clearly are a meritorious imperial relative, an important official of the Council of State,

but you are so humble.

Always courteous to the wise. No wonder His Majesty gives you a lot of importance,

other officials admired you a lot. But don't you feel tired living like this?

Stop forcing your ideas on others.

Harshly restricting yourself like this, each moment must feel very painful for you.

Enough!

Lord Fuheng!

The words I said earlier surely is very offensive.

But from the first time I saw you,

that's already what I felt.

If I angered you, please forgive me.

I would just treat it that I've never heard you say anything.

I would never forget that it was you who helped me

when my life was hanging by a thread.

I will always remember it.

Remember it forever.

I only hope that you live a more carefree and happier life.

I totally have no evil intentions.

Oh, right. What do you want to ask me earlier?

Where did you get that handkerchief?

This handkerchief?

The 'Hyacinth Beans and Dragonflies' design.

I saw Consort Ling having this kind of handkerchief.

The pair of dragonflies on it had their head on each other shoulders. So unique.

Hence, I especially asked her for it, but she wouldn't give it to me.

So when I returned to my palace, I can only draw an imitation.

May I ask if there's any special meaning with this handkerchief?

It's the seventh work in Han Ximeng's Famous Song-Yuan Embroidery Collection.

Most women would embroider plants.

This design is indeed very unique, hence, I took notice of it.

Really?

Of course. I still have to do something.

I'll take my leave.

Sir!

All those are for Mingyu?

Mingyu's family isn't rich. I must back her up.

You're so generous.

You might give Imperial Guard Suolun a shock.

You're so good to Mingyu.

Mingyu also treats me well.

Today is the day that she leaves the palace.

How come she's still not up?

I love the flower breaking off from its stem image in this wedding dress the most.

It was interesting and pretty.

You really gave a lot of efforts for this wedding of Mingyu.

On the day of her wedding, Mingyu surely will be the most beautiful bride.

Mingyu!

- Sister Mingyu!- Mingyu...

Mingyu!

Sister Mingyu...!

Mingyu.

Sister Mingyu!

Mingyu!

You're not focused.

It's my oversight. May Your Majesty forgive me.

Forget it.

You're rushing to go back and fetch your wife.

But Mingyu is leaving the palace according to the rules, hence, must first return to her home before being married off.

You can't really directly fetch her to go back to Qingyun, right? Why the rush?

We won't be going back to Qingyun anymore. I've already brought my mother to move here.

Our whole family is settling down in the capital.

Based on my salary, I indeed couldn't afford a mansion in the capital.

It's all thanks to Lord Fuheng, hence, I...

Fuheng?

Yes.

He's quite considerate.

Your Majesty, allow me to have a day's leave.

You...

So useless.

Your Majesty, I have something to report.

So unruly. Look at you.

Why the serious face?

Yanxi Palace sent someone to look for Imperial Guard Suolun,

saying...

What has happened?

Miss Mingyu...is gone.

Your Highness Consort Ling!

Lord Hailancha, what are you doing?

- Your Highness Consort Ling, I'm asking for an audience!- Lord Hailancha, what are you doing?

- Her Highness gave orders that she won't see anyone. You can't charge in like this.- Get lost! Your Highness Consort Ling!- Lord Hailancha!

- Come out! I have questions to ask you! Come out!- Stop knocking!

- Your Highness Consort Ling!- Lord!- Imperial Guard Suloun!

Lord...

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

Your Highness Imperial Concubine Shun.

You think just because you're an imperial bodyguard,

the trusted aide of His Majesty, you can already disregard palace rules?

Please move aside.

Imperial Consort Ling is in severe grief and is refusing to see anyone.

If there are any words, just tell them to me.

I only have one question to ask.

Mingyu...

...why did she die?

When we arrived in her room,

she's already dead.

She didn't leave any message.

Imperial Consort Ling!

Mingyu was your best friend! Your most trusted confidant!

Don't you have any explanation for her death?!

Move aside! Imperial Consort Ling!

- Imperial Consort Ling!- Preposterous!

Imperial Consort Ling!

Hailancha, you gave you the right to be unruly here in Yanxi Palace?

Arrest him!

Imperial Consort Ling, come out!

Tell me! Tell me!

Imperial Consort Ling!

Tell me!

Are you okay?

Even if you lock yourself in there forever,

a dead person will never return.

Your Majesty.

Let's go.

Your Majesty, regarding Mingyu's death,

I have something to report.

[Yanxi Palace]

Mingyu...

Why?

Ye Tianshi, say it.

Replying to Your Majesty, Miss Mingyu once came to see me.

I also diagnosed her silver needle has entered her lungs and is incurable.

Miss Mingyu asked me to not tell anyone, but I didn't expect...

...she would commit suicide.

She asked you to not say it and you really didn't?!

This is a request by the patient.

Lord Hailancha, I have no choice.

Stop.

It's my fault. All is my fault.

Why must I force her?

Why didn't I ask it clearly?

It's all my fault.

Your Majesty, regarding Her Highness Consort Ling...

Don't tell her.

Your Majesty, I've already committed a mistake for not reporting it.

And now, we're still hiding it from Her Highness Consort Ling. I fear that she...

No need to make an extra move.

At first, she didn't understand.

Now, she surely have figured it out.

Imperial Concubine Shun, mistress isn't in her palace right now. She locked herself up all day yesterday.

This morning, when I entered to deliver her food,

I discovered that she's gone missing.

We are already searching everywhere.

If you find her, immediately go to Lijing Pavilion to inform me.

Lord Fuheng!

Can we talk in private?

Imperial Consort Ling is missing.

Missing?

I'm sure you've heard of what happened yesterday.

I went to Yanxi Palace today and discovered that she's gone missing.

She's blaming herself for Mingyu's death.

I'm afraid that something bad might happen to her.

Imperial Concubine Shun, I'm an official that works outside the palace.

It's not convenient for me to intervene with palace matters. Sorry.

Mistress.

You know what to do now, right?

Yes.

What are you doing here?

You're no longer the junior palace maid of Changchun Palace.

You're Consort Ling.

If others see you clean here,

what would they think?

This is my matter. Not your business.

Wei Yingluo, Late Empress is gone.

Mingyu is gone too.

You're the only one left from the past.

But so what of it?

You're Wei Yingluo!

Without them,

you can still stand by yourself.

What do you know?

I have seen Hailan Cha.

Mingyu didn't want to implicate anyone so she chose to suicide.

That's not linked to you.

You don't understand.

Then you tell me.

It's me.

I was too anxious to marry off Mingyu.

I was not considerate enough. Not attentive enough.

If I had a bit more patience,

and ask clearly, then perhaps Mingyu wouldn't have died.

Even if she didn't commit suicide,

you can't save her life anyway.

That needle's already entered her lung. Even God can't save her.

You guessed the reason.

Then why do you still blame yourself?

Because I was selfish.

How were you selfish?

Late Empress,

she once said to me,

that she wanted to send me off to marriage personally.

Regrettable she didn't see it.

So I wanted to marry Mingyu off.

Draped in that bright red wedding dress.

Realize a matter I can never accomplish.

It was my fault. I shouldn't have

forced my own dream I could not realize,

onto Mingyu.

Yes, she was gravely ill.

But my stubbornness,

hastened her death.

Yingluo.

This isn't your fault.

If I had,

understood her more.

Treated her better.

Better more still.

Even if I am granted half a second.

Allow me to say,

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry to you.

I'm really very sorry.

Sorry.

Lord Fuheng.

I lost composure.

I apologize.

- Yingluo. - How you address me.

It's not rule-biding.

Consort Ling.

You must take care.

Who said I was here?

On the road, I ran into Concubine Shun.

She said you went missing.

I guessed you'd be here.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Your Majesty, Concubine Shun is outside asking to see you.

Let her in.

Yes.

What brings you here?

I learned to embroider from Consort Ling .

And I asked for pointers from the Embroidery House master.

And I finally finished this embroidery.

Your Majesty, have a look.

Do you like it?

Hyacinth beans and dragonflies.

I don't know what I should embroider to gift to Your Majesty.

I saw that Consort Ling had a handkerchief in this pattern.

And I thought it was so pretty.

So I muddled my way to copy it.

Is that right?

You must not tell Consort Ling.

I asked her so many times but she just wouldn't gift it to me.

By the way, that day, I ran into Lord Fuheng by coincidence.

Your Majesty, you must not be aware yet.

On my way to the capital, I met danger,

and it was Lord Fuheng on his way to the capital who saved me.

I didn't know if you'd like this present,

so I agonized and thought Lord Fuheng knows Your Majesty well,

so I asked him especially,

but he scolded me instead.

Saying I'm not abiding by rule by doing so.

It's actually quite the coincidence.

This Lord Fuheng has a scented pouch.

The pattern embroidered on it is exactly like this.

When I met danger, I almost caused him to lose it.

Enough.

Your Majesty, what's wrong?

Chenbi. I have work to do.

You go back first.

Your Majesty, did I say something wrong to anger you?

No. I am just anxious with all the work bound on me.

You go first.

When I have time, I'll visit you.

Yes.

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