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 6

21

Miss A'ruo, don't be angry. These are all good items.

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It's such a beautiful brocade.

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The colors are just as beautiful as you.

24

I will deliver them immediately.

25

These items are considered pleasing to the eye.

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As concubines,

27

we are currently considered as phoenixes with broken wings,

28

- But with the Emperor's care...

- Yes.

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we will immediately be able to fly to the clouds.

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That's right.

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Why don't you use your brains?

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Why do you think His Majesty is bestowing this plaque to us?

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'Careful', 'Praise', 'Subtle', 'Sound'. This 'sound'

34

refers to our marriage with His Majesty.

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That's right. Absolutely right.

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Okay, Older Sister, we should leave.

37

His Majesty treats us

38

differently from the public.

39

Open your eyes.

40

Older sister, don't say anymore. I don't like this.

41

I insist on letting them know.

42

Don't look down on us.

43

We definitely wouldn't.

44

Let's go.

45

Okay then.

46

Aunt Sulian.

47

I will deliver the items later.

48

Is a plaque worth talking about it?

49

So short-sighted.

50

Aunt Sulian, what instructions do you have?

51

- Really?

- Definitely.

52

The attending concubine, Aruo, personally said that

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these past days, His Majesty seems to rarely pay attention to Consort Xian.

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He must be holding out his heart for her.

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His Majesty hardly goes to Yanxi palace. Most of time, he's taking care of the Empress Dowager.

56

Your Highness, Noble Consort is here.

57

Let her in.

58

Yes, Your Highness.

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Noble Consort, this way, please.

60

Greetings to Her Highness.

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- Rise.

- Thank you, Your Highness.

62

- Sit.

- Yes.

63

It has been snowing and the weather is cold.

64

You are afraid of the cold.

65

You are even wearing wool.

66

I have always have poor qi and blood deficiency.

67

Once it's winter, I can't take the cold.

68

You are young. You should take good care of your health

69

and provide His Majesty with a son.

70

Yes, Your Highness.

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Lianxin.

72

There is a fox fur in the storeroom which was presented by General Jilin. Go and get it.

73

Your Highness dotes on me.

74

The rest of the Imperial physicians has been diligently attending to me too.

75

I can only blame myself for this blessing.

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There are only three princes under His Majesty.

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I only hope that you will be able to give His Majesty with the first-born Emperor after he has descended from the throne.

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Even if I risk my life, it will be hard to repay your care and love.

79

I have known you for many years. I regard you as my sister.

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Lianxi, give this to the Noble Consort.

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As the old saying goes, 'First in rank is a black fox, second a marten, third is a fox-marten'.

82

The fur is in dark black.

83

There are also brushes of silver on top. It must be very expensive.

84

Whatever I give you, no matter how good it is,

85

it's only just a gift.

86

How can be it compared to the plaque in the concubine's a palace?

87

It's personally written by His Majesty.

88

What plaque?

89

I heard that His Majesty personally wrote some characters for Consort Xian.

90

She made it into a plaque

91

and even announced to everyone about His Majesty's interest in her.

92

From what I, if His Majesty wants to bestow this calligraphy to be hanged,

93

he should hang it in Her Highness and Noble Consort's palace first.

94

How could it be her?

95

Isn't she just relying on the fact that she almost became the First Wife before?

96

Before is before. Upon entering the crown prince's manor before, she was officially a concubine.

97

How can she be compared to the Empress?

98

Technically speaking, it's also common for His Majesty to bestow his calligraphy.

99

It's just that this Consort Xian is publicizing it.

100

She's really annoying.

101

I just don't believe it.

102

Is it that difficult just for a plaque?

103

Your Highness, I'm taking my leave first.

104

Go then.

105

The Noble Consort's temper is still so bad.

106

What Mother said is right.

107

We need to maintain check and balances in the Imperial Concubine too.

108

Noble Consort is here.

109

Be careful, the steps are rather slippery.

110

What is His Majesty doing?

111

He had an afternoon nap. When he woke up, he evaluated the memorials.

112

Currently, His Majesty is inside with those piba musicians from the South Office.

113

South Office's piba musicians?

114

Xiyue, you are here.

115

Greetings to Your Majesty.

116

Rise. Come and sit here.

117

I wanted to listen to the pipa performance with you

118

but it's cold out there and I was afraid you wouldn't be able to take it.

119

I wanted you to nurse your health.

120

You seem much better today.

121

I'm weak.

122

With Your Majesty's concerns, I'm feeling much better.

123

This hand is still so cold.

124

- Wang Qin.

- Here.

125

Tell them to bring two more brazers here,

126

Yes, Your Majesty.

127

Your Majesty is in good health.

128

Wouldn't you feel cold with me sitting next to you?

129

You were over there just now listening to them play the pipa.

130

What do you think of their performance?

131

Are there no one else in Nanfu who can play the pipa now?

132

Choosing them to be come here to reward His Majesty,

133

isn't it insulting to His Majesty's ears?

134

We are not skillful enough.

135

Please forgive us.

136

- Rise, everyone.

- Thank you, Your Majesty.

137

Xiyue, if we talk about playing pipa, you are at the national level.

138

Because you are not here, I'm listening to their performance to pass the time.

139

Does Nanfu Music Academy now using pipas

140

with ivory inlaid like this?

141

My skills is not good enough. I didn't want to insult His Majesty's ears.

142

That's why, I chose the best pipa to compensate for it.

143

Moxin.

144

If you don't have any real talent,

145

Even if you use the shaocao piba of Empress Dazhou of the South Dynasty,

(Shaocao Piba is a kind of piba made from burned fortune paulownia wood)

146

you will only ruin it.

147

Good! In terms of playing piba, there are indeed no one who can beat you.

148

My hands today is cold and a bit dry.

149

I'm not used to using other people's instrument.

150

Hence, that tune wasn't as good as my usual.

151

Your Majesty, please don't mind it.

152

It's already very good.

153

- Wang Qin.

- I'm here.

154

I remember that the general from Jilin has given some black fox fur as tribute.

155

Give one to Empress. As for the second one, give it to Noble Consort.

156

Okay. Your Highness Noble Consort, His Majesty dotes you the most.

157

What a coincidence.

158

Earlier, Her Highness Empress also gave me a black fox fur.

159

Looks like good things are fated to end up in my hands.

160

Empress is virtuous. Of course, she treats you very well.

161

It's just that my good intentions is a bit more than hers.

162

Wang Qin, send that black fox fur to Inner Palace

163

and have them made it into a dress before delivering to Xianfu Palace.

164

I will abide.

165

- Thank you, Your Majesty.

- You all can leave now.

166

Yes.

167

Your hands are still so cold.

168

When I'm with you, I'm not afraid of the cold anymore.

169

Say, can you all be a bit smart? In front of Her Highness Noble Consort, don't try to show off. Quickly go back.

170

You think you played so well? After seeing Her Highness Noble Consort, you got stunned and lost to her, right?

171

What we're competing about isn't on that matter.

172

Your Majesty, you indeed favor Consort Xian more,

173

while you doting me is just fake.

174

Only you say such words.

175

I rarely visit Consort Xian. How then do I not love you?

176

I heard that you especially wrote a passage

177

and made it into an inscribed board that you gifted her.

178

It's probably impossible for me to expect such kind of loving affection from you.

179

It's because her Yanxi Palace is so simple, that's why, I gifted her an inscribed board.

180

How can it compare to you Xianfu Palace?

181

The sign 'Painting Meditation Room' in the eastern side and the sign 'Zither Morals Small Room' on the western side

182

were personally written by me.

183

Because you love zithers, I gifted you the Song dynasty's 'Singing Phoenix' zither

184

and the Ming dynasty's 'Paradise of Immortal Music' to admire and play with. What else do you want?

185

Xianfu Palace indeed have everything already.

186

But it lacks one personally written inscribed sign from you.

187

Your Majesty, since it was just an informal calligraphy, why don't you gift me and Her Highness Empress too?

188

So that we won't feel envious.

189

Just with this one thing, you still have to compete?

190

Your Majesty and Consort Xian have mutual affection. With me,

191

don't you have any?

192

Fine. I'll gift you and Empress one too.

193

I am also allowing you two to convert it into an inscribed sign and hang at your main receiving hall. Are you satisfied now?

194

I am.

195

Your Majesty is the most considerate.

196

[Virtuous, respectful, gentle, and submissive]

197

Your Majesty, I've already escorted Her Highness Noble Consort back to her palace.

198

Your Majesty is really generous towards the imperial harem.

199

But Your Majesty, I'm slow-witted.

200

I think that all of your writing looks good.

201

But how come you still must choose the best

202

among so many writings?

203

That's your opinion. Li Yu, what is yours?

204

I am slow-witted.

205

I think that Your Majesty's favor spreads throughout the six harem palaces.

206

Yanxi Palace already has one.

207

These 11 are equal graces for the rest of the six palaces.

208

You are smart.

209

Empress' Changchun Palace will have 'Respectfully cultivates the principles of a wife'.

210

Noble Consort's Xianfu Palace will get 'Wonderful union of excitement and virtue'.

211

For Yikun Palace, it's 'Virtuous, respectful, gentle, and submissive'.

212

Your Majesty once wanted Consort Xian to live in Yikun Palace.

213

This 'Virtuous, respectful, gentle, and submissive'

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pertains to the 'yi' word in Consort Xian's taboo name.

215

Jingren Palace is 'Praising a virtuous palace chamber'.

216

Jingren Palace also have one?

217

Your Majesty, Empress once said that the palace should cut down on its expenses.

218

We shouldn't repair palaces without anyone living in it.

219

Are we then still hanging the inscription board for Jingren Palace?

220

What? Are you that obedient to Empress?

221

I...dare not.

222

I listen to Your Majesty's.

223

Your Majesty, even thought Her Highness Empress promotes controlling the flow of money,

224

she surely won't disobey your intentions.

225

You are very quick-witted and eloquent.

226

I'll hand you the task of converting these 11 phrases into inscription boards.

227

Yes.

228

Leave.

229

- Wang Qin.

- I'm here.

230

What time is it?

231

It's time for the flipping of the name plate.

232

The eunuch from Jingshi Office is already outside waiting for you.

233

In that piba troupe being sent by the South Office lately,

234

that lady who carries a phoenix neck piba...

235

That piba musician of South Office

236

called Bai Ruiji?

237

Bring here here.

238

Yes. I'll go do it right away.

239

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

240

Sister, are you dong reciting the Buddhist scriptures for Her Highness who once lived in Jingren Palace?

241

You clearly knew that I'm going to recite scriptures to my auntie, yet you didn't leave.

242

Sister, we've been together for so many years.

243

If we can only share the glory, but not the humiliations,

244

what does that count?

245

Let's go.

246

Why is your hand so cold.

247

Your hand heater is also just slightly warm.

248

Yexin, why didn't you change the charcoal?

249

The charcoal in our chamber isn't even enough to make a brazier.

250

How can it be enough for Mistress to use in her hand heater?

251

It's because we're going out, so we were forced to burn one.

252

Hai Lan is a First Class Attendant. She indeed can't use a hongluo charcoal.

253

But based on the distribution of ten jin of charcoal everyday, that should be enough for use.

254

Mistress Xian, allow me to speak. Although Her Highness Empress' promoting austerity

255

is out of good intention, after the supply of charcoal was halved,

256

Noble Consort kept complaining that her palace isn't warm enough.

257

She then reduced the supply of my mistress for her own use.

258

Even the rooms of her servants are warmer than Mistress'.

259

- Yexin.

- This Noble Consort is too much.

260

It will get colder the next few days. What will you do?

261

Sister, don't escalate this matter anymore.

262

Noble Consort is currently distressed on having nothing to bully me about.

263

Don't worry, I will take good care of myself.

264

Once the Inner Palace distributes the charcoal,

265

I will send someone to secretly deliver some to you.

266

Let's go.

267

[Yangxin Palace Hall]

268

Go to the adjacent room to take a bath first.

269

This weather just suddenly turned cold.

270

Her Highness Empress is currently washing up and fixing herself. May you all wait for a while.

271

Last night, there was cold wind blowing all night. Don't know if I heard it wrong,

272

but there seems to be a sound of a Phoenix-Luan Spring Favor Carriage that went by the long road.

273

You didn't hear it wrong. The sound of that carriage was so loud. Everyone heard it.

274

Last night, His Majesty didn't flip any name plate.

275

Who then did this Phoenix-Luan Spring Favor Carriage fetch?

276

Your Highness Noble Consort, did His Majesty miss you so much that he had you fetched?

277

An act like that that's against palace rules and so secretive,

278

of course, it wasn't me.

279

When a golden hairpin falls into the well,

280

there naturally will be someone that will hurriedly go to pick it. Let's just wait and see.

281

Her Highness Empress is here.

282

Quickly wake sister up.

283

Mistress.

284

Greetings, Your Highness Empress. May you be safe and sound.

285

Rise. Sit.

286

Thank you, Your Highness Empress.

287

Earlier, I heard that you all were chatting so happily.

288

Is there any fun thing?

289

Your Highness Empress, we were talking about a funny thing earlier.

290

His Majesty didn't turn any name plate last night,

291

but how come the Phoenix-Luan Spring Favor Carriage was moving along the main street.

292

Don't know what is the reason behind it.

293

So it's this matter.

294

This is actually a fortunate event for all of us.

295

We have a new little sister to accompany us.

296

A new little sister?

297

Before you arrived here earlier, His Majesty has already sent the Jingshi Office to promulgate his decree.

298

Lady Bai from the South Office has been conferred as Second Class Attendant Mei.

299

He already granted her to live in Yonghe Palace.

300

South Office? Isn't that...

301

Technically speaking, Noble Consort have seen her.

302

I heard that she's a musician who's good in playing piba.

303

Yesterday, I indeed met a few musicians.

304

There is one who is the prettiest. She plays the phoenix neck piba.

305

But that time, His Majesty was even complaining how bad she has played.

306

It's not important if she played the piba well or not.

307

It's enough to win His Majesty's liking.

308

What kind of lowly class a musician is? Is she qualified to be treated as the same level as us?

309

Moreover, His Majesty is still in mourning right now.

310

Noble Lady Jia, you should practice propriety on your speech and actions.

311

Yes. I got it.

312

No matter what, Second Class Attendant Mei is the first imperial concubine that His Majesty took in after ascending to the throne.

313

As long as His Majesty likes it, no one should make additional comments.

314

I only have one message. Harmony in the six palaces must be maintained.

315

If anyone dares to be jealous and scheming, I won't tolerate it.

316

I will strictly remember your teachings.

317

Royal Mother, a fresh cow's milk tea. Drink it while it's hot.

318

Fawning on me like this, do you admit your mistake?

319

I took in Second Class Attendant Mei while still on mourning.

320

I was indeed too impatient.

321

Sit.

322

While in the mourning period, one mustn't have songs, dances, and women. But for an emperor's mourning period, the months are converted into days.

323

Being in the royal family, one must put more consideration on having descendants.

324

Emperor, you only have three sons and 1 daughter.

325

It is indeed few.

326

Emperor Shengzu has so many children.

327

It's really such an envious feat.

328

I got it.

329

You indeed have a small harem.

330

Other than Empress and Chunping, all have no children.

331

You can't blame me for feeling anxious in your behalf.

332

But regarding Second Class Attendant Mei, it won't sound well if this gets out.

333

Just skip the conferment ceremony.

334

Just reward her more.

335

I have remember every word that you said.

336

You went to Anhua Palace Hall yesterday?

337

- Yes.

- I heard that you accompanied Consort Xian to go there.

338

Good then. You accompany Consort Xian in doing anything.

339

Did she go to Anhua Palace Hall to pray for a child?

340

No.

341

Your Highness Noble Consort, Sister Consort Xian just loves to recite Buddhist scriptures.

342

Pretending to be so religious. Don't know what she really is praying about.

343

While you, you surely have inappropriate thoughts, right?

344

I dare not.

345

You dare not?

346

Okay. Since you have such pure heart and few desires,

347

you love to go to Anhua Palace Hall to pray,

348

why don't you make some five-colored Buddhist scripture streamers in my behalf and bring it there with you.

349

Yes. May I ask Your Highness Noble Consort when do you need it?

350

Tomorrow morning.

351

To show your sincerity, go to the courtyard now and start making it.

352

Have to trouble you then.

353

Yes. I'll take my leave.

354

Mistress, be careful.

355

Your Highness Noble Consort.

356

First Class Attendant Hai, do it faster.

357

Or else, if you didn't finish it by tomorrow morning and cause a delay in our mistress' future, I fear that you can't bear the consequences.

358

Your Highness Noble Consort, it's already nighttime and the weather has grown colder.

359

The hands of my mistress are shaking so much. Can you add another stove by the side?

360

Making a Buddhist scripture streamer is a sacred thing.

361

How can you lose focus just because you're greedy for some warmth?

362

Moreover, a brazier may easily burn the scripture streamer. It's not right to put it beside you.

363

What Your Highness Noble Consort said is indeed right.

364

Xingxuan, stay behind and attend to First Class Attendant Hai well.

365

Yes.

366

Come, mistress.

367

Good thing you're done making the scripture streamer.

368

[Xianyun]

369

Xiangyun, go get some ginger soup.

370

Yes.

371

It's still cold.

372

Wufu!

373

Yes.

374

Go and make some more brazier.

375

[Wufu]

Mistress, Noble Consort didn't supply us any.

376

Those from Her Highness Consort Xian isn't enough anymore.

377

What's going on?

378

Before, it was just reducing. Now, she's not giving us anything anymore.

379

How come it's like this?

380

Mistress, how about I go tell Her Highness Consort Xian about this?

381

Don't go.

382

If Sister learns about this,

383

she will get worried again. You all mustn't go.

384

But Mistress, how are we going to survive

385

our future days?

386

Mistress, drink some ginger soup.

387

Her Highness Empress has made the order.

388

The charcoal supply of the six harem palaces is reduced to half.

389

Then that's 600 jin of black charcoal, and 150 jin of hongluo charcoal.

390

Correct.

391

- How about it? Is it complete?

- It's complete.

392

Mistress, I'm done verifying the charcoal number from the Inner Palace. They are outside.

[Sanbao]

393

Like before, secretly deliver some to First Class Attendant Hai.

394

- Remember that it must be black charcoal.

- Yes.

395

First Class Attendant Hai's status forbids her from using any hongluo charcoal.

396

Hongluo charcoal's smoke is white and people can immediately identify it.

397

There is indeed not much with black charcoal.

398

I understand.

399

I will deliver them during the time that Noble Consort goes out to pay her respect

400

and do it every several days, so a not to attract attention.

401

Also bring her a few good winter clothes from those new clothes sent by the Inner Palace too.

402

Yes.

403

Mistress, you are really caring towards First Class Attendant Hai, always worrying about her.

404

Hai Lan and I can really get along. Taking care of each other is just proper.

405

Oh, right, how did the sending of gifts to Yonghe Palace go?

406

Following your order, I delivered two rolls of flower-designed fabric to there.

407

Who knew that Yonghe Palace is quite lively right now?

408

Noble Lady Jia and Noble Lady Yi have both given her gifts.

409

Even Noble Consort has sent a lot of gifts.

410

The clothes that Second Class Attendant Mei was wearing was even more luxurious than Noble Lady Yi.

411

Mistress.

412

I already followed your instructions

413

and delivered some gifts to Second Class Attendant Mei.

414

It's good that she has received the gifts.

415

How do you find her appearance?

416

[Shuangxi]

417

His Majesty was the one who picked her, so she surely can't be bad.

418

Say it again.

419

No...I didn't dare to lift my head up to look at her.

420

She's looks ordinary.

421

I reckon that His Majesty just had a moment of interest and it will be gone soon.

422

- Get up.

- Yes.

423

You improved a lot.

424

I was fortunate to be taught by you.

425

I just find it a bit strange.

426

Her Highness Noble Consort has unrivaled skills in playing the piba. I am far inferior from her.

427

How come Your Majesty likes to listen to me playing instead?

428

Your piba can't be considered exquisite and unrivaled,

429

but after my advice, you improved a lot.

430

I also get to have a sense of being a good teacher.

431

So Your Majesty likes to train people.

432

But with you around, I don't need Noble Consort to frequently come here and play her piba.

433

So Your Majesty doesn't like Noble Consort frequently being by your side.

434

Look at how light your mouth and thin your tongue is. (hasty and rude)

435

You dare to criticize Noble Consort?

436

Come over here.

437

After getting conferred as Second Class Attendant, you haven't visited Empress.

438

Once the snowing has stopped, go to Empress' place and pay your respect.

439

No need to wait for the snow to stop.

440

If you want me to go, I'll go tomorrow.

441

Be careful of the slipper roads.

442

Second Class Attendant Mei is here!

443

I, Lady Bai from Yonghe Palace,

444

greets Your Highness Empress. Empress, may you always be worry free.

445

Get up. Sit.

446

Thank you, Your Highness Empress.

447

I thought it's some unrivaled beauty.

448

She's also just ordinary.

449

In terms of beauty here in the harem, you're number one. Who dares compete with you?

450

I should have come earlier to visit you.

451

But it has been snowing hard these past days, hence, I was only able to come today.

452

It's enough that you had the intention.

453

From now on, we all are going to see each other everyday.

454

You will learn that everyone is easy to get along with.

455

Second Class Attendant Mei, that one is Her Highness Noble Consort Hui.

456

This one is Her Highness Consort Xian.

457

Her Highness Chunping. Noble Lady Jia. Noble Lady Yi. First Class Attendant Hai.

458

Second Class Attendant Wan.

459

I greet all sisters good health.

460

Not only are we easy to get along with,

461

His Majesty really dotes on you.

462

The one you're wearing is made from the warm fabric from Jiangning, right?

463

Noble Lady Jia, you got good eyesight.

464

It's not that my eyesight is good. It's just that you seem to be wearing too thinly. I was afraid that you'll feel cold.

465

But this warm fabric is very rare.

466

Even Her Highness Empress doesn't have one.

467

Really?

468

His Majesty only rewarded me clothes. Whether he gave them to other people to,

469

how would I know that?

470

Her Highness Empress advocates that the imperial harem should live simply.

471

You're just a measly Second Class Attendant. Isn't wearing such clothes too luxurious for you?

472

But His Majesty likes that I dress like this.

473

Your Highness Noble Consort, should I listen to His Majesty

474

or to Her Highness Empress?

475

In everything, His Majesty's desire takes priority.

476

With her personality, I fear that she's not easy to get along with.

477

If she's not easy to get along with, let's not bother getting along with her then.

478

The snow outside has stopped. The weather is cold and the roads slippery.

479

You all be careful on your way back.

480

Yes.

481

I will take my leave.

482

- Let's go to the imperial garden to take a stroll.

- Okay.

483

Let's look at the snow scenery.

484

Your Highness Consort Xian, please wait.

485

Your Highness Consort Xian has such refined and elegant attitude.

486

I also planned on going to the Imperial Garden to observe the snow scenery.

487

Don't know if I can go with you?

488

It's our first time meeting and we're going to admire the snow scenery already.

489

I fear that we might have different interpretation of what we see and be unable to converse well.

490

Whether we can converse well, we can only know if we try.

491

Just let me go with you, okay?

492

Okay.

493

Your Highness Consort Xian loves plum flowers?

494

The plum flower landscape here in the palace is grand.

495

Too bad, it's inferior to the green plum I have seen when I was little in Suzhou.

496

How did Second Class Attendant know that our Mistress loves green plum?

497

You have been to Suzhou?

498

I trained in Suzhou when I was little.

499

Because I'm good in playing the moon zither, I got bought by the South Office from Suzhou.

500

I thought your instrument is a piba?

501

I initially was good in playing in the moon zither, but the trainer in South Office said

502

that the former Emperor likes piba. I then changed the instrument I'm training in.

503

What one likes or take fancy in

504

is dictated by others.

505

Second Class Attendant is currently greatly favored by His Majesty.

506

But hearing the tone of what you said, are you experiencing some grievances or dissatisfaction?

507

I dare not have any grievances.

508

It's just that even if I'm highly favored by His Majesty now, I still have this feeling of like a floating duckweed. (uneasy feeling)

509

I can't compare to you in being as valuable like gold and jade.

510

Even the flower you like is the unique and rare green plum.

511

Compared to you, I'm just a catkin floating with the wind.

512

I have the fate of a cattail and willow that withers in early autumn.

513

A green plum is indeed rare.

514

But everything that's novel and strange can never last a long time.

515

Isn't it, Consort Xian?

516

Greetings, Your Highness Noble Consort.

517

After separating for just 3 days, you've changed my impression of you.

518

So this passage was talking about you, Second Class Attendant Mei.

519

Upon meeting again, Your Highness Noble Consort

520

is still attractive, looks luxurious, and has such graceful bearing like last time.

521

You can really talk. Why didn't the South Office have you take part in operas

522

and instead choose you to play piba?

523

I haven't asked about your name.

524

My surname is Bai. My name Ruiji.

525

Bai Ruiji?

526

Ruiji...

527

Your name is pleasant to the ears.

528

It's like offering a person to be admired for fun.

529

A fated meeting. Being able to offer His Majesty a moment of pleasure

530

is my unending blessing.

531

You think because His Majesty conferred you as Second Class Attendant Mei, you can already fly up the branch?

532

With that piba skills of yours,

533

His Majesty is just treating it as hearing a joke during his idle time.

534

You really think that you're some phoenix crying?

535

I admit that my piba skills are inferior to yours.

536

More so in terms of beauty.

537

But Your Highness Noble Consort, have you thought about

538

why His Majesty chose to not listen to your great piba skills

539

and only like these measly lousy skills of mine?

540

Isn't it because you seduced him?!

541

Doing all kinds of lowly tricks.

542

What tricks can I have to seduce His Majesty?

543

I'm just a bit younger.

544

Time passes by so fleetingly and is unforgiving, right?

545

- How dare you!

- Second Class Attendant, in front of me and Her Highness Noble Consort, you mustn't be disrespectful.

546

Your Highness Consort Xian, don't overthink. How can time bear to be unkind to you?

547

Who is that person that I'm talking about, that person knows it very well.

548

Mistress.

549

- Shuangxi, what are you still standing there for?! Go and slap that woman's mouth!

- Yes.

550

Your Highness Noble Consort, Lady Bai just got conferred as Second Class Attendant and didn't know about the rules.

551

If you punish her now

552

and His Majesty learns about this, he might not be happy.

553

He is a Second Class Attendant that His Majesty personally conferred, while I'm a Noble Consort that His Majesty also personally conferred!

554

A difference between a cloud and a mud. Moreover, she dared to offend me.

555

Shuangxi, why are you still standing there?! Hit her!

556

Yes.

557

- May Noble Consort calm down.

- Noble Consort! You are also from a baoyi status!

558

Because of serving His Majesty, you got the honor of raising your family's status.

559

What's your difference with me?!

560

You actually are this reckless?!

561

- Shuangxi, hit her!

- Yes!

562

Stop hitting!

563

Your Highness Noble Consort, just let it go.

564

Her Highness Empress is here!

565

Greetings, Your Highness Empress.

566

I was about to visit Jiefang Palace Hall,

567

hence, I passed by here and heard you all shouting loudly. So scandalous!

568

This is the imperial garden of the palace and not your private punishment chamber.

569

Your Highness Empress, please calm down. There's something that you don't know.

570

Second Class Attendant Mei spoke so arrogantly.

571

Not only did he mock me for being of baoyi status,

572

she even said...that I'm old and fading.

573

Your Highness Empress, please investigate it wisely.

574

I indeed said that Her Highness Noble Consort is of baoyi origin. But it was exactly because of that,

575

that's why, she attained her current favored status. I didn't say anything wrong.

576

I never said the words 'old and faded'.

577

I just lamented that time is passing fleetingly.

578

If Your Highness Empress doesn't believe me, you can ask Consort Xian.

579

You all get up first.

580

Consort Xian, you say it.

581

Second Class Attendant Mei indeed was disrespectful in her words,

582

but she indeed didn't say the words 'aging and faded'.

583

Although she didn't say those words,

584

that clearly was her point.

585

It's also possible to misunderstand other people's words. Second Class Attendant didn't know the proper etiquette.

586

It's also right for Noble Consort to restrict other imperial concubines.

587

Since you've already slapped her, just drop it then.

588

Yes.

589

Your Highness Empress, I indeed was tactless,

590

but Noble Consort shouldn't be asking people to slap others just because she got angry.

591

I haven't served His Majesty that long and already got my face damaged.

592

If His Majesty asks about this, I can only honestly answer.

593

Two people arguing means that both parties are at fault.

594

Noble Consort indeed was too harsh in her punishment, but you offended someone more senior to you with your words and indeed should be punished.

595

If you create trouble again, I also won't forgive you.

596

Consort Xian, you didn't get involved in this matter.

597

You be the one to accompany Second Class Attendant Mei back to her chambers.

598

Try to advise her too.

599

Yes. I will take my leave.

600

Second Class Attendant, you're leaving without bowing. That's against proper etiquette.

601

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

602

♫Intoxicated by the falling flower petals in the plum garden♫

603

♫ as if this life were our first time we have met. ♫

604

♫ Black silken hair reflecting the frosty moonlight, ♫

605

♫ Hands joined together, for our innumerable mortal lives. ♫

606

♫ The burden of concern on my mind has paled rose-kissed cheeks, ♫

607

♫ Yearning now turns into confusion. ♫

608

♫ Glistening teardrops cover the pledge, ♫

609

♫ joining hands for a lifetime, when in the past did he change it? ♫

610

♫ Flowers start out blossoming in splendor, but are easily destroyed ♫

611

♫ Who is that plucking on qin (zither) strings? ♫

612

♫ When love becomes deep, people are prone to separate. ♫

613

♫ Alone, I sing the sad song of parting. ♫

614

♫ Twilight is tardy, spring is late. ♫

615

♫ With graceful reasoning, like it had been empty dream, with sighs. ♫

616

♫ Let it flow away with the river of time. ♫

617

♫ Vast years apart, with no clear date of return or hope, ♫

618

♫ Regretfully not admitting the care held deep within my heart. ♫

619

♫ Moonlight flows like water, washing away the pretentiousness of the past affairs. ♫

620

♫ Sincerity now is the only thing left to depend upon. ♫

621

♫ In the endless night, I cannot put down the gray hairs to pursue youth. ♫

622

♫ Nor dare to look at you quietly from afar. ♫

623

♫ If we can have another lifetime together, may we both be commoners. ♫

624

♫ Reunited, and again pledging faithfully to stand by each other. ♫