Original subtitles

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Subtitles and Timings By The Qing Hair and Those Who Dare Team @ Viki.com

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♫The sounds from the sheng and xiao die away in the distance, in the sparse, declining light ♫

(T/N reed instrument made of vertical pipes; end-blown flute)

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♫ Memories of my past, my companions in youth. ♫

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♫ Over boundless years, old affairs have become difficult to recall. ♫

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♫ I’ve used a lifetime of truth to put up a pretense. ♫

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♫ Parting without opening these cupped hands full of tears. ♫

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♫ Clears my vision and permits me to resist ♫

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♫ Perhaps when targeted by love it is not wise to separate ♫

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♫ The morning wind can not dispel the aftermath. ♫

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♫ Whose hidden tears made the blooming flowers blush, ♫

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♫ And in the desolate and dreary torrential storms to painfully droop low, ♫

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♫ Unwilling to blossom again alone? ♫

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♫ The coming day belongs to the young. ♫

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♫ As the glimmer of dawn becomes again the setting sun. ♫

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♫ Who is this person who does not sleep soundly in the middle of the night? ♫

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♫Sitting and watching the autumn wind puff out and penetrate the palace curtains. ♫

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♫One strand held in remembrance, shackling sentiment and concern. ♫

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♫ Always submerged in the fragrant incense of fleeting time ♫

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Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace

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Episode 40

21

Your Majesty.

22

Sulian's death, is there any clues?

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Yes.

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This bead flower, it was two years ago, on the 7th,

25

I gifted them to a few consorts.

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Everyone used a different flower. This one's Consort Chun's.

27

Your Majesty is wise.

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Where did you find it?

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It was discovered in Sulian's hand.

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Sulian held this dying so it must be important.

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You did very well.

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You also know this is Noble Consort Chun's flower.

33

Yes.

34

Just a bead flower doesn't count much.

35

Yes. A bead flower doesn't count indeed.

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Where is Noble Consort Chun right now?

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I just came from Empress's Blue Tit Ship.

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I saw Noble Consort Chun and Consort Jia busy with funeral arrangements.

39

- Consort Jia is there too?

- Yes.

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Consort Jia can't help with much. Everything's by Noble Consort Chun's order.

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That Noble Consort Chun is a fierce one.

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On the one hand she's working hard to carry out Empress's funeral.

43

Even the pregnant Consort Jia is obeying her. She's something else.

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Your Majesty, the autopsy examiner said Sulian's death, it's either she slipped and bumped herself.

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Or it's possible that someone grabbed her head and banged it on the rock pillar.

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It's just that where Sulian died is a remote place that no one usually goes.

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It can't be investigated, right?

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I am useless.

49

Forget it. You can go.

50

Yes.

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Empress. Sulian died strangely. Noble Consort Chun leaped out.

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Is there something else I don't know in here?

53

If there are some things I mis-blamed you, don't blame me.

54

Empress Xiaoxian's Memorial Tablet

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Empress was virtuous. Only the words filial and virtuous can describe her. She will be titled Empress Xiao (filial) xian (virtuous).

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All people in this nation shall join the mourning of their national mother.

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Yes, we follow your royal command.

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Empress Xiaoxian's funeral is so grand, already passing all previous ones in Great Qing.

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Empress Xiaoxian is His Majesty's legitimate wife and she bore two royal princes.

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Though they were distanced later on, they shared a special bond.

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The person is gone and the tea is chilled. This grandness is meaningless.

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She is gone now, so naturally we will think of her assets.

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6th Prince, please slow down.

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Yongrong, don't run around.

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It's alright. Let him climb. He's a kid.

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He's grown so fast.

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Do you want to eat this?

[ 6th Prince: Yongrong ]

68

You grab it yourself and eat it.

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Yongrong, thank Royal Grandmother.

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Yongrong thanks Royal Grandmother.

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So good.

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Empress Xiaoxian's funeral, though there are previous cases to compare to,

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His Majesty is treating it so formidably so you all need to too.

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Your Highness is right.

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Consort Jia is pregnant. Each palace has consorts that are getting older in age.

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A pregnant concubine needs careful care.

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The palace servants are managed by various palaces and they are easily arranged.

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Just that right now, there are many matters that need to be tended and everyone needs hands.

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I'm getting exhausted too.

80

No matter how exhausting, we've still got interior bureau and rites bureau.

81

Yonghuang is also helping you with the arrangements, no?

82

Yonghuang, though he's an adult, he's not experienced these matters so he's an awkward hand.

83

But my Yongzhang is actually very stable.

84

Yongzhang is so helpful now?

85

Yes. The legitimate mother passed away and no matter how childish before, it's time to be mature.

86

Great then. We can let Yonghuang and Yongzhang share the burdens, as examples.

87

Yes, I thank Empress Dowager.

88

You've got daughter and son both. All the concubines can't compare to you.

89

I heard Empress Xiaoxian even recommended you as the successor before her death.

90

I imagine it's a rumor.

91

How am I suitable to be the empress successor?

92

It's nothing. You can sit and talk.

93

Yes.

94

The empress seat is vacant now and it seems someone just can't hide their intention anymore.

95

Noble Consort Chun has been leading the consorts busying with memorial bows.

96

Working especially hard on flattering and gathering support.

97

Consort Jia and them are trying to chum up to Noble Consort Jia too.

98

It seems Noble Consort Chun also has sight on the empress seat.

99

Nowadays in the palace, it's only she and I that are noble consorts and she's got son and daughter both.

100

And she has the recommendation of Empress Xiaoxian before her death, so it's not an overreach that she does.

101

Noble Consort Chun only has two sons and a foster son as what she relies on.

102

But don't you forget.

103

You were born into an empress clan and you have His Majesty's love.

104

If there's a step empress, that should be you.

105

What I always wanted was love, not a title.

106

Having both love and title is what you call perfect duo.

107

His Majesty had already put the ruyi stick in your hand at the time he was choosing his main wife.

108

If it hadn't been the late emperor's obstruction, you'd be empress already now.

109

At the time my aunt wanted me to become empress.

110

But becoming empress isn't something you can compete for.

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It's all up to His Majesty's will.

112

His Majesty is in lamentable mind now, without the leisure to worry about this so let us now add chaos to him.

113

Crown Prince says his father is very ill and may not last till summer.

114

That means Crown Prince should be able to succeed the kingship.

115

Yes. Crown Prince assisted Old Prince for so many years, so it's only natural that he becomes the next master.

116

It's you though. Empress Xiaoxian is dead and empress seat is vacant.

117

It's time for you to calculate the next step forward.

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I only wanted to compete for the favored consort position before, to honor Crown Prince.

119

But now, I can't retreat. I must go forward only.

120

Your foe now is only Noble Consort Chun and Noble Consort Xian.

121

Noble Consort Xian is childless and she's the clanswoman of Jingren Palace. She's not worthwhile.

122

But Noble Consort Chun has three sons now.

123

But I want that to be her fatal weakness.

124

Greetings, First Prince. I'll go inform Mistress.

125

Mistress, First Prince is here to greet you.

126

Quickly let him in.

127

Yes.

128

Suoxin, go get some favorite snacks of First Prince.

129

Yes.

130

Greetings, Mother. Greetings Mother Yu.

131

Quickly get up. No need to be so formal.

132

Thank you, Mother.

133

Sit.

134

Every time you come to Yikun Palace, you still call Noble Consort Xian as mother.

135

Even though I'm being raised by Mother Chun, even if I have no choice but to call you Mother Xian while outside,

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but when inside, my heart is still like it was before.

137

My doting for you is also the same as before.

138

These past days, you've led the different princes to undergo the funeral ceremony. You must be exhausted.

139

I'm the eldest. I have to take part on everything.

140

The more I should follow the principles of filial piety and not make any lapses.

141

Good thing you have such thoughts. You are the Eldest Prince.

142

It's natural that you'll bear more burden than others.

143

But you must remember to still be careful in your words and actions.

144

I will remember.

145

Today is your mother, Imperial Consort Zhe Mian's birthday.

146

I've already sent offering to Anhua Temple.

147

Thank you mother for remembering.

148

Mother Chun doesn't remember my mother's birthday.

149

The Empress just died. There are so many things to take care of.

150

It's understandable for Noble Consort Chun to neglect some things.

151

Eat some snacks first.

152

Mother Yu, there are still a lot of things to handle outside. I dare not stay long.

153

Quickly go. You are needed in the funeral. Just be careful.

154

As the eldest, I surely will do my best.

155

I'll take my leave.

156

Since time immemorial, the choice for the Crown Prince has always prioritized the legitimate line and the eldest, before the talented and virtuous.

157

First Prince is the only adult among the princes.

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Recently, he even gave His Majesty his first grandchild. Making His Majesty a grandfather now. He has all favorable characteristics.

159

Having favorable traits means there are unfavorable ones too. Hope Yonghuang can understand that.

160

[Changchun Palace]

161

[ Moon surround the nine clouds and crowd of stars ]

162

I heard that Yonghuang visited you again earlier.

163

You weren't in Yongcui Palace, so Yonghuang sat a while in my palace and then left.

164

Noble Consort Xian did raise Yonghuang before.

165

It can't be helped for him to always think of you.

166

I also have raised Yonghuang so many years. Cared for him with great solicitude.

167

In the end, I still am inferior to you.

168

Noble Consort Chun, you're overthinking.

169

I only raised Yonghuang for a short time and he didn't forget me. Moreover, you doted on him a lot.

170

Yonghuang is a filial child. He surely will remember to show gratitude for your love and care.

171

In Yonghuang's heart, your love and care isn't that shallow too.

172

You don't have your own child.

173

It's just right for Yonghuang to be more filial to you.

174

The offering of wine ceremony has ended. Everyone, please rest for a while.

175

I asked the Imperial Kitchen to cook some Eight Treasures Sweet Soup. You all can have some.

176

Subtitles and Timings By The Qing Hair and Those Who Dare Team @ Viki.com

177

[Changchun Palace]

178

My knees are so painful.

179

Let's quickly go and return,

180

so as not to induce any criticism that we're being disrespectful to Empress Xiaoxian.

181

Sister, walk slowly.

182

Since Empress Xiaoxian died, His Majesty has changed to a different person. He has become so moody.

183

A few days ago, he scolded the court ministers as being disrespectful during the funeral rites.

184

He immediately had them dragged out to be flogged.

185

When she was still alive, he didn't show her a lot of doting.

186

But now, it's as if they used to be a married couple that's deeply in love.

187

If Empress Xiaoxian can know all about these in the afterlife,

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don't know if she'll feel bad for not dying earlier, so that she is able to enjoy this much graces.

189

Hai Lan, you're getting more willful in the manner you talk.

190

Noble Consort Chun used to be quite a coward, but didn't she dare to disrespect you?

191

The intentions of Noble Consort is now getting more obvious and hard to conceal.

192

Is Sister just going to follow her every command?

193

Let's not talk about this first.

194

I've prepared you some ginseng soup. Drink some to lift your spirit.

195

I've also prepared you some hot water. I saw you kneeling all day. Try to massage your legs with it.

196

Why do these nuisances? I must hurry and guard in front of Royal Mother's memorial tablet.

197

Royal Mother has died. I'm the eldest among my siblings.

198

If I'm not there, how will that look?

199

In this life, you've been restricted by the word 'eldest'. You're not an iron—

200

Lighter.

201

You're not made of iron. What's wrong with resting?

202

When you're free, you even go visit Her Highness Xian.

203

You should try to consider the pride of Her Highness Chun too.

204

Mother Chun has her own son. Even in choosing a bride for me,

205

she only chose a lower class family of the Ilari Hala Banner.

206

Her Highness Chun was thinking of increasing the connection to our banner.

207

That's good too.

208

But in the end, it's the top family surname that's more important.

209

You should stop fawning on Mother Chun.

210

You treat her as your distant aunt. But in her heart, she only has her son. She isn't sincere in her kindness to you.

211

I will remember your words.

212

I won't dare to frequently accompany Her Highness Chun again.

213

A person should rely on himself.

214

Now that Royal Mother has died, the Empress position will either fall unto Mother Chun or Mother.

215

If Mother Chun becomes the Empress, her son then becomes the legitimate son. You think I still have a chance?

216

It's First Prince and his wife.

217

Mother has no children. If I keep mentioning her past affection of raising me,

218

you think I can't compete with that child Yongqi?

219

Even if Mother doesn't become the Empress, as long as she frequently mentions to Royal Father that I'm the eldest,

220

it will improve my chances of getting the Crown Prince position.

221

It is indeed Her Highness Xian who loves you more.

222

Who knows? What familial relation? What filial piety? All are fake.

223

Only by becoming the Crown Prince, when I have real power in my hand, that's what real.

224

Oh, right. I'll be going to Anhua Hall to light some incense later at dusk. I'll be going home late.

225

Yes. Today is mother's birthday. Let me go with you later.

226

If we both go, it will be too obvious. People might say that I'm being disrespectful to the Empress. I'll just go alone.

227

Yes.

228

Yonghuang is a child that I've doted on.

229

How could he...

230

I instead feel that a First Prince like that is acting more like a true prince.

231

Maybe one day, Yongqi will also become like that.

232

But in this palace, all benevolent mother and filial son, friendship and respect between brothers, are all just jokes.

233

It's just some undeserved compliment written on your merits when you die.

234

Hai Lan, your words are so depressing.

235

It is indeed, but was I wrong?

236

In the past, during Emperor Shengzu's reign, how was the situation when his nine sons competed for the crown prince throne?

237

How did the former Emperor treated his brothers? All those people weren't able to escape.

238

Now, Yonghuang is like this. Isn't Noble Consort Chun too?

239

Sister, I know that you don't have plans to get the Empress position,

240

but Noble Consort Chun is determined to have it. Aren't you going to think of a way?

241

Let's look at what else Noble Consort Chun

242

will do first.

243

You mustn't delay this matter, Sister.

244

Sister!

245

Noble Consort Chun, you must be tired. Let me massage your legs.

246

Such kinds of things can be done by the servants. Noble Lady Ling, you don't need to do this.

247

It's an effortless task.

248

Sister, no need to worry. Noble Lady Ling used to be my maidservant. She is used to doing such things.

249

Oh, right, Sister, why is Third Prince not here?

250

Yongzhang said that some younger princes have developed mouth sores from severe exhaustion.

251

Hence, he personally went to the Bureau of Imperial Physicians to get some honeysuckle and make some drinks for everyone.

252

He probably should be back.

253

It's still Third Prince who deeply understands the essence of filial piety.

254

- Look at them so openly fawning at her one by one.

- Drink more.

255

Sister, you have worked hard today.

256

No such thing. Everyone has worked hard.

257

Go get Yongqi here.

258

Yes.

259

Mistress, it's time to take conception medicine.

260

You're still eating conception medicine?

261

In the past I'd be given it each time I tended to bed.

262

But now, I suppose I'm eager to get pregnant.

263

I'm drinking it more diligently.

264

Medicines are 30 percent poison. If you can skip, skip it.

265

Imperial Noble Consort Huixian was eager to have baby too.

266

She drank so much conception medicine and it was still useless.

267

I know this medicine may not be effective.

268

But His Majesty treats me well and I know that.

269

I'll go first.

270

Sister. I heard Yongqi cough a couple of times.

271

I'll take him to Royal Physician's Court to have them look at him.

272

Go fast and come fast. Don't get chilled on the way.

273

Mother Xian, your son takes his leave.

274

Let's go.

275

Good thing we've got you managing the great affairs today.

276

So everything could be so properly done.

277

No, it was all due to you sisters doing well.

278

Yongqi, be close to me so you don't get wet.

279

Come, Yongqi, this way.

280

I have something to tell you.

281

Yongqi, tomorrow is your royal mother's transfer to Mount Jing's Guande Temple.

282

It's a big day that day. You must remember this.

283

You mustn't cry, got that?

284

But Mother Xian says everyone should cry sorrowfully.

285

Or Royal Father will be angry.

286

That's for usual days but not for that day.

287

All the princes and princesses will cry very sadly that day.

288

But if you can be resolute,

289

your royal father will see you in a different light.

290

Because you will be among the crying people.

291

Yet the only one who isn't crying.

292

Why?

293

Because your royal father not only lost an empress,

294

the 7th prince, the legitimate heir as well.

295

So what he needs now isn't a multitude of filial sons.

296

He needs someone who is not affected by sadness or joy.

297

Someone who can be the crown prince when chance comes.

298

I understand.

299

Greetings, Mother Yu.

300

- Third Brother.

- Fifth Brother.

301

Third Prince, how are you here?

302

Yongzhang saw that many of my brothers were showing mouth sores from the fatigue.

303

So I went to get honeysuckle flowers from the royal medicine office to boil water for my brothers to drink.

304

Third Prince is thoughtful.

305

You over-praise me. Then I take my leave first.

306

Go now.

307

Come, Yongqi, let's go.

308

You must be exhausted.

309

Of course I am.

310

So busy all day.

311

My back. My legs.

312

- Everywhere hurts.

- Slower.

313

This is all from when I birthed Yongzhang. Leftover illness.

314

I will massage well for you soon.

315

I finally know,

316

managing the six palaces isn't an easy task after all.

317

Everything needs to be in detail and all need worries.

318

I can't offend anyone either. If in the future --

319

Greetings to mother.

320

Yongzhang is back. Hurry up.

321

Mother, I have something to say to you.

322

Go ahead.

323

Kexin, you may leave.

324

Yes.

325

Say it. What is it?

326

Greetings to Mistres Yu and Fifth Prince.

327

Mistress Yu, how are you here with Fifth Prince?

328

I heard Yongqi coughing a bit earlier.

329

I was going to take him to see the royal physicians.

330

But Yongqi misses His Majesty.

331

Saying he wants to greet him first before we go.

332

Fifth Prince is so devoted.

333

But His Majesty isn't seeing anyone much now. I fear --

334

Empress Xiaoxian passed away first.

335

Everyone in the palace is filled with grief.

336

His Majesty should be weary of his royal health.

337

Yongqi, your royal father is busy so we shouldn't bother him.

338

Let's do this. You go up the hall and make a bow.

339

And leave the ginseng soup we brought and that'll do.

340

Yes.

341

Go now.

342

I bow to Royal Father.

343

Royal Mother passed away first and I am as sad as you.

344

But may you think of your royal health.

345

Don't let Royal Mother be worried in after life.

346

May Royal Father drink some ginseng soup I made to restore some energy.

347

I take my leave.

348

Yongqi. Come.

349

Royal Father.

350

Concubine Yu, you come inside as well.

351

Yes.

352

I thought Mistress Yu was a docile one.

353

But she's got her motive too now.

354

Then you mean?

355

Fifth Prince may not cry.

356

But I can still make him cry.

357

But you should learn from Concubine Yu's teaching and be calm and controlled.

358

I thank you for your teaching.

359

Who would my heart ache for if not for you?

360

Yonghuang is just my foster son.

361

Besides him, you're the eldest among the princes.

362

If you can earn Royal Father's love,

363

you can be crown prince and that'll be great.

364

Plus we still have the recommendation of Empress Xiaoxian before her death.

365

Before Royal Mother passed away, she thought of you.

366

That's because she owes us that.

367

That year, if it weren't for her sending you to Xiefang Hall so early on,

368

the two of us wouldn't be apart.

369

If it weren't for her letting those maids spoil you on purpose,

370

your royal father would've had no reason not to love you.

371

Now she's gone and it's time to give it back to us.

372

Your wish is my wish.

373

Are you writing these words for Empress Xiaoxian?

374

It's ode to tragedy for Empress Xiaoxian.

375

Expression of my sorrow.

376

Royal Father's so good to Royal Mother.

377

Your royal mother, when she was alive, I wasn't better to her.

378

I feel sad over it.

379

I know you are sad.

380

So I boiled ginseng soup for you.

381

This ginseng soup was made for me?

382

Tell me, what's in there?

383

This ginseng soup is called four-ginseng soup.

384

There's purple powdered ginseng, southern sand ginseng, northern sand ginseng and black ginseng.

385

It's bitter and sweet both and thick and thin both to the mouth and restores good energy.

386

Bitter and sweet, and thick and thin?

387

You drank it for me before?

388

Yes. In the 24 filial exemplars, it says one must taste the medicine before dedicating it to one's parents.

389

So I tried it in case it was too bitter and you wouldn't want to drink it.

390

Great child.

391

Your Majesty, try it.

392

Royal Father, I understand all the 24 filial exemplars.

393

But today Big Brother seems to have said some allusion.

394

I don't really understand.

395

What allusion did he say?

396

Yongqi, your royal father is very versed in old teachings.

397

Unlike me, who doesn't know most of your questions.

398

Today I went to lament ceremony at Changchun Palace for Royal Mother.

399

When I passed by the side hall, I heard Big Brother talking very sadly.

400

Ming's Emperor Wangli liked his third son born by his beloved noble consort Zheng.

401

He liked Zhu Changxun. He didn't like the eldest son, Zhu Changluo.

402

He also said Ming Dynasty has loyal subjects.

403

That's why they had national competition.

404

He's worse than Zhu Changluo.

405

I don't know who Zhu Changluo is.

406

Why would Big Brother compare himself to him?

407

I also heard Big Brother talk to Big Sister-In-Law,

408

and before I dared to hear more, I left.

409

You were making your lament tribute to Royal Mother.

410

And that couple talked in secret?

411

Not talking in secret, but Big Brother said, Royal Mother died.

412

But he's the eldest among the brothers so he naturally should take on more.

413

I think what he said is right.

414

Royal Father, did I say something wrong?

415

Your Majesty, Yongqi is young and ignorant. If he truly said something wrong,

416

I plead forgiveness for him from you.

417

Concubine Yu, you may get up.

418

I know you don't know about these things.

419

Even Ruyi rarely looks at the previous dynasty, Ming's scrolls.

420

Yongqi is still young. He would've only heard these from others.

421

Yongqi, come.

422

Don't talk nonsense anymore, okay?

423

Yonghuang is truly my good son.

424

He compares himself to the Zhu Changluo who is not favored.

425

What about Yongzhang then?

426

He's like Zhu Changxun, with aspiration to snatch the crown prince seat?

427

I fear it's due to the birth mother.

428

Due to the birth mother?

429

Your Majesty speaks of Noble Consort Chun becoming Step Empress?

430

What did you say?

431

Isn't that true?

432

Everyone in the palace says.

433

Before her death, Empress Xiaoxian recommended to you,

434

to have Noble Consort Chun be Step Empress.

435

I see then.

436

Yongqi, you and Concubine Yu may go.

437

I take my leave.

438

I take my leave.

439

[ Yangxin Hall ]

440

Mother, I didn't say anything wrong, right?

441

No, you said very well.

442

You did proud to the effort I put in digging through the books to teach you lately.

443

Then when I go back I will tell Mother Xian.

444

You can't do that.

445

Why not? You don't keep any secrets from Mother Xian though.

446

Yongqi. Your Mother Xian is too busy lately.

447

If you tell her that she will be stressed.

448

You won't let her get stressed, right?

449

Then don't mention it.

450

Yes.

451

Come, let's go.

452

Let's go then.

453

Yu Hu, Yonghuang and the esteemed guests and ministers at the funeral,

454

how are they getting along?

455

First Prince is cordial and adaptive.

456

He's very courteous to everyone above and under.

457

What about Yongzhang?

458

Though 3rd Prince is younger by many years, he is very good to the subjects as well.

459

And everyone seems to respect Third Prince more because of Noble Consort Chun.

460

Then the two of them are working together in hosting guests?

461

Or are they holding own courts?

462

The palace is met with tragedy and there are lots to tend to and the brothers are each doing their own.

463

But First Prince, as the eldest son,

464

he's eager to see to everything himself and Third Prince doesn't fall behind either.

465

The two of them, if they are truly filial to Empress Xiaoxian,

466

then that is magnificient.

467

If they are each holding ulterior motives to court support, then they should die.

468

The princes wouldn't dare.

469

I hope so.

470

My sons are older and their minds have grown too.

471

So many tragedies in the royal families begin that way.

472

Yu Hu, I ask you another thing.

473

On Empress Xiaoxian's funeral --

474

Does Noble Consort Chun get more respect or Noble Consort Xian?

475

Noble Consort Xian is childless, so naturally she can't be compared to Noble Consort Chun.

476

It's naturally that people react to her more cold.

477

I got it. Have Noble Consort Xian come by at night.

478

Yes.

479

- Xiao Luzi, did you arrange everything?

- I have everything arranged.

480

Three quarters after the Hour of Monkey (3-5 pm), all the masters of Anhua Hall will be at Changchun Palace to recite for passing of the soul.

481

You can go then to Anhua Palace to pray for Imperial Noble Consort Zhe Min.

482

You arrange it every year and I trust you completely.

483

Just that this year, the situation is extraordinary.

484

We must be extra careful later when we go to Anhua Hall.

485

We must not let anyone see us no matter what.

486

Yes.

487

These days, it's been unfair on you.

488

I've not suffered any unfairness. What do you mean?

489

Come, sit.

490

In and out of the palace, the eyes of power,

491

disregard you as childless and have went elsewhere to align themselves with, right?

492

So that little affair.

493

How am I childless?

494

You granted Yongqi for me to raise.

495

Everyone in the palace knows that.

496

But still belittle you for never giving birth.

497

Ruyi, it's me who's not been good enough to you.

498

I've not protected you well enough.

499

Your Majesty, though I've not given birth,

500

but your children are my children.

501

If others deem me lesser for not having birthed a child.

502

It's they who are narrow-minded and we need not heed them attention.

503

Your magnanimous mind. Compared to those who only think for their own offsprings.

504

It consoles me so much more than those who are petty and calculating.

505

First Prince, you have to make your tribute timely.

506

We still need to return to Changchun Palace afterwards.

507

This year is an ill-hap and it's compromising to my mother.

508

She clashes with Empress Xiaoxian's funeral and I can't properly commemorate her.

509

One of these days, I will win higher honor for my mother.

510

Let her be like Empress Xiaoxian.

511

To have the glory posthumously.

512

Your filial devotion. Imperial Noble Consort Zhe Min would know.

513

Sister Zhuying, since you left,

514

I haven't been able to rest well.

515

You left in a confusion.

516

I can't speak of what I know.

517

Now that person has gone to the grounds after you.

518

If you still have any grudges, ask her.

519

First Prince.

520

Mother Jia's words are not clear and you must make clear.

521

First Prince, how are you here?

522

Right. Today is your mother's death anniversary and you are a filial son.

523

Since I'm a filial son, I can't bear hearing your unclear words. May you please make it clear.

524

- How long has it been though? Talking of it will only be a stress.

- Don't go.

525

You need to go and conduct the funeral too in a while and you will be discourteous of you are so upset.

526

Wait. If you don't make it clear today,

527

I will not sit still.

528

This mouth of mine! I just say whatever I think of and have no filter at all.

529

Mother Jia, please tell me now.

530

But some words can't be spoken.

531

I married here from far away and though I've been promoted as consort and I've bore royal prince,

532

without anything as my back, I can only make cautious moves in this palace.

533

Mother Jia, be assured on that. I'm the eldest son.

534

I will watch over my brother well.

535

- Mother Jia!

- If you're truly willing to look after my young child, I am content without regret.

536

Please get on up first.

537

What you said, I will surely do.

538

Do you mean it?

539

I mean it.

540

Then I will really say it.

541

Actually that year, your mother's death.

542

It was the act of Empress Xiaoxian.

543

Mother Jia, though there has been rumors in the palace,

544

that Royal Mother disliked my mother birthing me first.

545

But what you said is very heavy. You must not --

546

We're at this stage now and could I deceive you?

547

Later on, your mother was pregnant again.

548

Empress Xiaoxian was worried she would continue to bore a son and steal away all the favor.

549

So on her delivery day, she --

550

It's so pitiful.

551

Your mother was clearly pregnant with a princess.

552

Even if she bore her, she wasn't going to get in anyone's way.

553

Mother.

554

Mother.

555

Mother.

556

The few years after your mother passed away,

557

no one dared to mention this again.

558

Later on, you grew up and Empress Xiaoxian,

559

she kept guarding Crown Prince Danhui and shunned you.

560

Everyone all saw it clearly.

561

Slowly then, these words started to go around.

562

Actually it didn't matter if Imperial Noble Consort was going to birth a boy or a girl.

563

She already birthed you and she wasn't docile to Empress Xiaoxian.

564

So she had to die.

565

Empress Xiaoxian, while still alive,

566

my mistress was always cautious as well.

567

First Prince, may you please leave a way to survive for me.

568

You must never tell anyone I told you this.

569

And the day after tomorrow, Empress Xiaoxian's casket

570

will be moved to Guande Temple at Mount Jing.

571

His Majesty will go personally to offer wine.

572

You must endure it. Don't show signs.

573

Mother.

574

You died so unfairly.

575

Subtitles and Timings By The Qing Hair and Those Who Dare Team @ Viki.com

576

♫ The dawn rises, sweeping over the beautiful woman,♫

577

♫ glacially increasing frost to temples’ raven locks.♫

578

♫ Lightly caressing the pillow’s edge with tears,♫

579

♫ only to realize old dreams are like acts in a play.♫

580

♫ Year after year, aspirations have merely served as situations that have already allowed one’s heart to regret.♫

581

♫ Ruby lips, rosy cheeks pale with one’s youth brief as a flash in time, disastrous to pursue.♫

582

♫ Gazing wistfully at the bright pearl moon through layer upon layer as it waxes and wanes.♫

583

♫ Regarding the world as act after acts in a play, departing from one’s own self.♫

584

♫ Reasons to leave the aging, worn pavilion, willing to become Zhuang Zhou’s dream butterfly, (T/N Zhuangzi, Warring States period philosopher)♫

585

♫ balancing on the wintry edge of a plum blossom branch for a single day.♫