Original subtitles

I'll talk! I'll talk!

It's Lord Song Han.

He's hunting me.

It's because...

Because of Young Master An Ping!

That day at the Zuixian Tower...

Song Han!

Look at me, someone beat me up!

Get some men and get even for me!

Come on.

You...

Why? Why?

-Get rid of any evidence. -Yes, sir!

I'm sorry, Your Highness!

And I've let Young Master An Ping down!

I was terrified of being hunted down by Lord Song Han,

so I had no choice but to hide among the refugees.

You startled me.

Where were you

tonight?

I...

Do you know

where I went

or what I saw?

How would I know?

I searched the entire capital

to find this necklace.

Today is your first birthday

since we got married.

Oh,

today's my birthday?

The moment I saw this necklace, I knew it would look great on you.

Do you like it?

Yes.

What's wrong?

Did I

do something wrong again?

No.

It's just

that in the past, only Zhao celebrated my birthday with me.

From now on,

I'll celebrate

your every birthday with you.

Alright?

Alright.

Mu Yu,

is there anything

you're keeping from me?

I've made many mistakes.

And I've done things that have let you down.

If you had the chance to make things right,

would you do it for me?

(Blossom)

(Episode 33)

Your Majesty, you've just woken up.

Take this elixir to steady your nerves.

Where is Imperial Physician Lu?

He claimed his treatments were ineffective

and requested to return to his hometown.

The alchemist I've found

was recommended by him.

With Wang Yuan attending to you day and night,

you'll surely recover soon.

That's odd.

Imperial Physician Lu has always advised me to stop taking elixirs

and abandon alchemy.

Why would he recommend an alchemist?

Since Wang Yuan has been by my side,

who's in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonial now?

Could it be Wang Ge?

Your Majesty,

don't worry about these trivial matters.

Focus on your health above all else.

When you smiled just now,

it reminded me of the time you first entered the palace.

Back then,

we would stay up all night discussing state affairs.

Even when I grew tired,

your face would still light up with a smile,

so full of life, like the morning sun.

I was so naive back then.

I entrusted You Ting to the late Empress's care

and sent him to his fief when he was so little.

It must have been hard on you.

If you've felt wronged,

you can be honest with me.

Your Majesty, why don't you rest for tonight?

It's past midnight.

His Majesty has been unwell these past few days.

If I slack off,

the operations of the Six Ministries will slow down,

and issues will arise.

Has His Majesty gone to bed?

Not yet.

His Majesty has been coughing terribly.

When I pass,

ensure this decree is carried out,

order the Empress to accompany me in burial.

This will prevent her from seizing power like Wuzetian.

Before I married into the palace,

I once disguised myself as a man

to take the imperial examination.

My parents caught me and brought me home.

They punished me severely.

They said it was improper for a woman to do such things.

But you were never like that, Your Majesty.

Instead, you praised my abilities,

taught me how to handle state affairs,

and granted me countless honors.

If anyone has grievances,

it should be you, for my ambition and bold words.

How could I?

Over the years,

I've only had you to rely on.

I'm endlessly grateful to you.

But dealing with all internal and external affairs alone

has been overwhelming.

For the sake of the empire,

please take the elixir

-and recover soon. -This is ridiculous!

Father has just woken from a serious illness.

As his son, am I not even allowed to see him?

Apologies, Your Majesties,

I couldn't stop His Highness and Grand Secretary Liang.

I will accept any punishment.

I am your subject and your son,

but being your son comes first.

Father, you've been unconscious for so long,

and now that you're awake,

it's only right that I stay by your side.

If you wish to blame me,

I'll accept it.

But if I had to do it again,

I'd make the same choice.

You Sheng,

at last, you're starting to act like a crown prince.

Grand Secretary Liang,

you've come at great personal risk.

Speak only of the most urgent matters.

Your Majesty, my petition

concerns the Ministry of Rites'

preparations for this year's southern ancestral worship.

Given your current health, it would not be advisable

for you to travel.

This has caused me great concern.

However, as ancestral worship is a matter of state importance,

I humbly request your approval

for the Crown Prince to go on your behalf.

Unexpected clouds

bring timely rain.

Approved.

Father,

I should remain by your side,

attending to you.

The Crown Prince is a filial son.

Perhaps the ancestral worship can be postponed?

I have Grand Secretary Liang and others by my side.

Stop fretting over things that don't concern you.

Representing me at the ancestral worship is an imperial order,

not a suggestion.

Yes, Father.

Wise decision, Your Majesty.

Then let Gu Yu that brat accompany him.

You just appointed him as Commander of the Cavalry.

This would be a good opportunity for him to lead some troops

and ensure the Crown Prince's safety.

Consider it

a little favoritism on my part,

so I can justify recommending him for promotion in the future.

Since you have asked,

approved.

Allow me thank you on Gu Yu's behalf.

His Majesty and Liang Ji Fang worked in tandem today

to have the Crown Prince perform the ancestral worship.

It's a clear signal of his intent to pass the mantle of the imperial line.

I arranged for you to accompany him

so you could seize the chance to claim the first merit in the new regime.

Yu,

I've doted on you for so many years.

It's time for you to grow up.

I understand what you mean.

Aunt,

can't you spare Yan Tang?

If you handle this well

and ensure a stable transition,

there'll be no need for Song Mo to die.

Not only that,

but whoever you wish to marry,

whatever title you desire,

I'll make it happen.

Yes, Aunt.

Also, for the sake of the realm,

You Ting must not return to the capital for my funeral.

If there's unrest in Liaodong,

issue a secret decree to the Duke of Ding

to suppress it under the name of quelling a rebellion.

Your Majesty!

It's been

all of you forcing me into this!

Your Highness, your archery skills now rival Song Mo's.

On the fifteenth,

you'll control all forces between Chengtian Gate and Zhengyang Gate.

When the time comes,

open Daming Gate.

A coup

is a life-or-death gamble.

I have to get what I'm owed.

I wasn't finished.

Your Princess Anyu,

she grew up with Dou Zhao.

To achieve great things,

you need unwavering ruthlessness,

especially since you've chosen to stand with me.

Don't repeat your father's mistakes.

The capital's 26 Guards,

except for the Jinwu Guard, which you don't control.

Convincing the key commanders

to stay out of the way on the same day

will take a tremendous amount of effort and money.

Can you afford that right now, Your Highness?

Without the Miao family,

I'm powerless to make this happen.

If you don't want to kill her, fine.

But I don't like

the way you're talking to me.

Whether you like it or not,

I don't care.

If you want the Tengxiang Guard to follow your orders,

you should understand this,

I'm not the one seeking refuge under you;

you're the one who needs my support.

I could kill you!

A dead man can't work with you, Your Highness.

I need to get what I'm owed.

Fine!

Bold and decisive, I like that.

My plan will definitely succeed.

Come.

Choose your fief.

You'll be the first non-royal prince of the new dynasty.

Very wise, Your Highness.

I'll arrange for her to leave the city immediately

so you can put your mind at ease.

This hairpin suits you perfectly.

Mu Yu,

there's something I'd like to discuss with you.

What is it?

My parents have been grieving.

They want to take my brother's memorial tablet back to our hometown in Futing

and place it in a temple for blessings.

I'd like to accompany them on this trip.

Just come back to me after the Lantern Festival.

But the Lantern Festival is for family reunions.

I don't want you to feel lonely.

If our love is true,

it doesn't matter if we're apart for a while.

I'm more worried about you tiring yourself out from the journey.

Alright,

I'll do as you say.

Yan Tang?

Yan Tang?

Su Xin, Su Lan.

Your Grace.

Where is Yan Tang?

When the poison takes hold, His Grace can't recognize anyone.

He might even hurt you.

Let's wait until he's more lucid before giving him the medicine.

His pulse shows the poison has deeply set in.

If he doesn't take the medicine soon, the poison will become uncontrollable.

-But... -Tell me where he is now.

His Grace has locked himself in the bathhouse.

He won't open the door for anyone.

Your Grace!

Your Grace.

Yan Tang!

Yan Tang!

Yan Tang!

His Grace has been inside for quite some time now.

Leave us.

Yes, Your Grace.

Yan Tang!

Shou Gu, don't come in.

I'm fine.

I just

don't want you to see me like this.

I'm your wife.

Even if your hair turned completely white, I wouldn't be afraid.

Even though you're my wife,

I want the image you have of me to remain

just a little more perfect.

Yan Tang,

I've made a new formula.

It will slow the poison's effects.

Please open the door.

The last medicine already worked.

I'm feeling much...

Yan Tang!

Yan Tang!

Yan Tang...

Here, drink the medicine.

Yan Tang,

it's me, Shou Gu.

Yan Tang!

Yan Tang...

Yan Tang, wake up.

Drink the medicine.

Shou Gu, I can't control myself.

I'll end up hurting you.

Yan Tang,

our lives have long been one and the same.

An Su,

take your time to go through it.

Pick a place you like the most

and let me know later.

What are you trying to do?

If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise.

I'll write to you

and share some good news along with it.

Do you remember

that rainy night when we first met?

The rainy night at the country estate.

When we first met,

you even wanted to kill me.

You were so calm and composed,

dealing with me with ease.

I almost lost my footing.

To keep my soldiers from noticing,

I had to pretend I was in complete control.

Really?

I was terrified inside. I was just putting on a brave face.

Your eyes were filled with such chilling intent,

anyone would have been scared.

But what I felt was something else.

It was as if we were old friends who hadn't seen each other in years.

Beneath the panic in your eyes,

I saw a glimmer of expectation.

If I told you

I once dreamed of us

going through life and death together,

would you believe me?

I believe you.

I even look forward to the next life,

and the one after that,

where we'll still be together.

Why are you being so smooth-tongued,

turning this into a joke?

I'm serious.

I'm grateful for that rainy night.

It brought me to you.

When the magnolias bloom,

let's travel to see famous mountains, rivers,

spring blossoms, and autumn moons.

What do you say?

There's no need to wait.

You brought me spring a long time ago.

Your Graces.

Her Majesty's maid has arrived with a message.

By order of Her Majesty,

Lady Dou, you're invited to attend a palace banquet.

Your Highness.

Count of Yunyang,

you're a close friend of Song Mo and his wife.

I thought you'd stand on the side of justice.

The other side is my aunt, after all.

She's family.

I have to leave myself a way out too.

This is where your journey ends, Your Highness.

They actually fought?

The Duke of Ying's poison acted up.

They fought from the bathhouse all the way outside,

smashing everything in their path.

Both of them looked unwell.

They were breathing heavily and trembling.

They were either injured, or their illnesses had flared up.

Whether it's true or not,

I'll explain it to His Highness myself.

Make sure Yizhi Hall is tightly guarded

and report back immediately if anything happens.

Yes, sir!

Father has only been awake for a few days,

and already things have become complicated.

He refuses to take the elixirs,

so Mother changed the incense formula,

putting him back into unconsciousness.

To ensure nothing goes wrong,

no outside officials are allowed past Xihua Gate.

Her Majesty is relying on alchemists,

but there's always a risk if anything goes awry.

I'll need to trouble you to make a visit.

Nothing can go wrong

before the Lantern Festival.

If the Crown Prince returns, he'll surely ascend the throne.

As for Song Mo and Dou Zhao,

their cunning makes them a constant threat.

A serious threat indeed.

The Jiying Guards reported

that Song Mo and Dou Zhao had a violent fight in Yizhi Hall.

The courtyard was a complete mess.

Song Mo is gravely ill. He is incapable of interfering in court matters.

There is no better time than now.

What's the situation over at Yuxi Palace?

Prince Qing is a little concerned,

so he had Secretary Ji enter the palace

to check His Majesty's pulse and administer acupuncture.

The imperial physicians wouldn't dare say it,

but if you'll pardon my bluntness,

at this rate,

His Majesty won't make it to spring.

Reports from all forces have come in,

everything is in place.

Western goods

are so interesting.

But where's the Duchess of Ying?

The concubines in my family and I just found a new business venture.

I was hoping to get her advice.

Madam Mu,

you'd better be careful.

Those women from the Dou family,

one ruined my Pei Jin,

and the other brought down the Duke of Ying's entire family.

They're bad luck.

The Dou family's current misfortunes

are all thanks to her.

She's probably riding a donkey cart to the palace as we speak.

Lady Wei, you shouldn't underestimate her.

Why don't you guess who sent these fancy items to Her Majesty?

Surely not that troublemaker?

Looks like my donkey cart wasn't too slow after all.

Though, the braying from a donkey here sure is loud.

I could hear it from outside.

Who are you calling a donkey?

-Whoever the donkey is braying at. -The donkey's braying at you!

-You... -Her Majesty has arrived!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Tonight is a family banquet. There's no need for formalities.

Please be seated.

These new and unusual items

really are fascinating.

I must say,

thanks to Duchess of Ying for showing them to us.

So, these really were prepared by the Duchess of Ying!

I've also heard she has prepared some novel entertainment for us.

Such a beautiful dance.

These young ladies dance beautifully.

Such talent.

Talent might be an overstatement.

They simply follow their interests.

Once they master their craft, they can earn a livelihood.

They won't have to depend on their families or men to get by.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Seize control of Qianqing Place as quickly as possible.

By dawn,

I want to hold the imperial seal and proclaim our cause to the realm.

Tonight,

we purge the court of its corrupt influences

and restore order to the empire!

-Bravo! -Yes, bravo!

I've prepared century-old floral wine for everyone.

I'll make a wish.

I wish that after today,

our world

will be renewed and transformed!

What's going on?

There are traitors in the palace tonight.

Prince Qing is conducting a purge.

For the safety of all you ladies,

Xuanyue Hall must remain sealed.

Dou Zhao,

don't bother waiting.

No reinforcements are coming.

As expected.

You knew that I would hold

the officials' wives hostage tonight, didn't you?

You've been controlling the imperial physicians,

keeping His Majesty bedridden and unable to govern,

all to coordinate tonight's plans with Prince Qing, haven't you?

Wang Ge only needed to pick someone,

slap a 'traitor' label on them,

say, his foster father Wang Yuan, who's served loyally for decades.

And Prince Qing's men would have a legitimate reason to cleanse the court.

By holding wives of officials hostage here in Xuanyue Hall,

the court ministers are effectively restrained.

Not only will Prince Qing's forces meet no resistance,

but tomorrow they'll even be praised for purging traitors

and protecting His Majesty.

At that point, whether His Majesty lives or dies,

the throne

will already belong to Prince Qing.

What... What do we do?

Is this a coup?

Dou Zhao, you're insane!

Do you have a death wish?

Ladies, there's no need to panic.

Her Majesty is merely using us as hostages.

She won't kill us.

If anything happens to the officials' families,

even if Prince Qing takes the throne,

the court officials won't let him rule in peace.

Killing one or two won't hurt.

Dou Zhao,

let's start with you.

Don't move!

Su Yan!

Ladies, run!

Go! Go!

Stop right there!

Your entire family will be executed if you defy me!

Protect Her Majesty!

Nobody move!

If anyone comes closer, I'll kill her!

Those lanterns were your doing.

You even have someone inside the Ministry of Works.

You summoned me here intending to take me hostage.

Did it never occur to you that I might turn the tables on you?

Don't you dare come closer! Walk!

Faster!

Stay back!

Just surrender.

This is pointless.

Without Song Mo,

what can you possibly change?

Song Mo!

Su Yan!

Dou Zhao, run!

Run!

Protect my mother and brother.

Go!

Surrender.

There's no place to run.

Your Grace!

-Your Grace! -You're here.

Your Grace, Prince Qing's men have breached the Shuntian Gate!

You've come all this way just to die?

Very well.

Today,

I'll send you all to join Jiang Mei Sun.

-Guards! -Yes, sir!

Execute these lawless assassins on the spot!

Chen Jia, are you rebelling?

I've wanted to kill him long ago.

If anyone wants to stop me for credit, come on then!

You...

Do you still not see

who's committing treason tonight?

Wang Ge has been colluding with Prince Qing to usurp the throne.

Are you Jiying Guards loyal to His Majesty

or to traitors?

Nonsense!

Don't listen to this madwoman's lies!

Brothers,

the people see us Jiying Guards as lackeys of eunuchs,

and the nobles treat us as disposable tools for murder and scapegoating.

Haven't you had enough?

I know I have!

Commander Chen, we'll follow your lead!

If you stand for justice and restore order,

His Majesty will reward or punish accordingly.

Should the worst happen tonight, and the world turns upside down,

I, Dou Zhao,

will take full responsibility for all accusations.

Chen Jia,

you and Zhao Liang Bi will lead the remaining Jiying Guards

and the men from Zhaowen Bookshop

to defend Chengtian Gate.

Hold off Prince Qing and Song Han.

Yes, Your Grace!

To repay His Majesty's merciful favor,

we wield our blades and die in his service!

Die in his service!

He's here.

Take the Duke of Ding's military orders

and issue a covert command for all Duke of Ding troops

to travel to the capital by ship before the Lantern Festival.

Song Mo?

Isn't he supposed to be dying from the poison?

He thinks he can turn the tide

with these mere Duke of Ding's Army? Dream on!

Duke of Ding's Army, hear my command!

Yes, sir!

Avenge

the Grand General!

Kill!

Kill!

Kill!

Fire!

-Defensive formation! -Yes, sir!

Your Grace, we're here.

Wang Ge can't be relied upon anymore.

That means Mother is...

-Soldier! -Yes, Your Highness!

-Deploy the reserve forces! -Yes, Your Highness!

We're outnumbered.

Stay steady. We will fight while retreating.

Kill!

They're trapped like fish in a barrel!

His Majesty is dying.

Now is the time to quell the rebellion and protect the nation!

Kill!