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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode One

Greet His Majesty, Emperor of Han!

Please rise!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Welcome Madame Wei!

The royal prerogative of the Empress

is equal to that of the Emperor!

Worship the gods!

Revere the ancestral shrine!

Be the mother model of all people!

Who is your father?

You want to be a part of my family? Don't even dream about it!

You're but a puddle of mud that is of no use at all!

Sister, why isn't my surname Wei, like yours?

We have different fathers.

Our father already passed away.

Zi Fu, I have always been a maid.

I have no hope left.

You have to depend on yourself in the future.

Mother...

In the past, there was Yin, the mother of the legendary founder Shang Tang

there was Tai Jiang, Tai Ren two virtuous queens of Zhou

Two dynasties of virtuous queens...

- Mother! - Mother!

- Mother! - Mother!

- My children! - Mother!

- I'm so glad that you're all here! - Mother...

- I'm so glad that you're all here! - Mother...

I'm so glad that you're all here...

I was so worried that I would never see you again!

Mother, what is wrong?

I heard that this rainstorm is unlike any others

so I asked to leave work a bit earlier.

I saw landslides on my way home.

It has killed many people already.

If I chose to stay and make a bit more money

leaving all of you here alone

should anything happen to you I wouldn't want to live either!

- Mother. - Mother...

Don't be like this.

Master Zhou said that all is well as long as one is alive.

Life is easier with a smile.

Master Zhou said that we should be happy whether we're poor or rich.

- We should be happy when life is sweet - and when life is bitter.

We'll endure the bitterness and enjoy the sweetness together.

We should take life as it is and be happy about it.

We'll strive as a family stay strong yet kind.

- Mother! - Mother!

Be happy whether we're poor or rich.

Be happy when life is bitter and when life is sweet.

Take life as it is and be happy about it.

Strive as a family stay strong yet kind.

Find a place to hide, children!

- Mother! - Mother!

May the royal family prosper.

May they be blessed with an abundance of offspring.

The current Madame Wei is respectful and modest

humane and kind.

She is not arrogant even in her distinguished position.

In great virtue and elegance...

It's raining soon! Go home now my little brother! Hurry!

Yes, if you get sick from the rain

your father will get angry!

No, this is Wei family's farm so all of us have to work hard on it.

We're a family, bond to each other through our hearts!

He is my little brother!

glamour and brilliance

her virtue will rule the harem.

- Zi Fu! - Hong!

- Duan Hong! - Hong, come back here!

- Hong! - Zi Fu!

Hong, stop running!

Duan Hong!

Duan Hong!

Zi Fu! Zi Fu!

You're my best friend!

You're also my best friend!

In memorial to the throne

she is to be given the title

as the mother to billions of people.

Today, Madame Wei is to be crowned the Empress.

May the gods bless you forever with their fortune.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Please rise, my Empress.

Censor-in-chief, Zhang Ou

presents and hands over the seal.

The Empress accepts the seal!

Greetings to Your Highness, the Empress!

You may all rise.

Thank you, Your Highness!

Don't be overjoyed with the birth of a son...

Don't be sorrowful with the birth of a daughter...

Empress Wei brought great prosperity to her family...

Great prosperity...

You gave me a son and I have to feed your entire family?

I'm really unlucky!

I still have a wife and children back in the countryside!

What am I to tell them?

Duan Hong! Duan Hong!

Sister, it is Duan Hong.

- Duan Hong! - Duan Hong!

Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Duan Hong!

What are you shouting?

Get off the cart if you keep on shouting!

Zi Fu!

- Where are you going? - Hong!

- Get back here, Hong! - I don't know.

Get back here, Hong.

Hong!

- Zi Fu! - Duan Hong!

Duan Hong!

Hong!

Uncle, could you please stop the cart for a while?

- Why should I stop? - Zi Fu!

- Get off the cart if I stop it! - Zi Fu!

- Hong! - I promised to give it to you!

I won't break my promise!

Duan Hong!

Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Hong!

Duan Hong! Duan Hong!

- Stop running! - Zi Fu!

You are my best friend!

So are you!

You are my best friend as well, Duan Hong!

I'll never forget you!

- Straw shoes! Get some shoes! - Have your fortune told!

- Have your fortune told! - Straw shoes!

Accurate readings!

Have your fortune told!

Get some shoes!

All accurate readings...

Sir, would you like to have your fortune told?

Uncle... Uncle...

What are you doing?

Are you going to get your fortune told?

It's none of your business!

Why don't you spend the money on a pair of straw shoes instead?

Do you think that by coming here with me to carry my things

will get you something in return?

You want me to get you a pair of straw shoes?

Not a chance!

It's not for me.

My brother's shoes are all worn out.

Uncle, Master Zhou once said that

fortune tellers only lie with sweet sounding words to swindle others.

Sir, I won't take a penny from you even if my words might not sound nice.

You won't charge me for it?

I beg you to take Zi Fu with us!

How could you believe in a fortune teller?

Then who should I believe in?

She will jinx me.

She will bring about my downfall!

I won't take her with us!

I'm begging you!

Whatever for?

If you keep nagging, I'll only take Qing with me.

He is my biological son.

How many children could a woman like you possibly raise on your own?

- Get out of my way! - I'm begging you!

Please don't be so cruel...

She is just a child!

Sister, look.

This fish is for you.

But it is a bit too small.

It's getting late. We should head home.

I've already mended your shoes.

Here, try them on.

You're so wonderful!

My feet don't hurt anymore. Thank you!

Hurry up! Get on the cart!

Get on the cart! Hurry up!

My son!

- Sister... - My son!

What are you crying about? I'll kick you off the cart if you keep of crying!

Wei Ao!

What are you dilly-dallying for?

Hurry up! Come out here to leave with me!

Wei Ao! I'm going to leave now if you still won't join us!

Sister...

Sister...

Sister...

Sister...

Mother...

I can't bear to leave you...

Here, have some rest.

I'm starving.

Do you still have anything to eat?

I'm so hungry.

- Give the bread to me! - It's mine!

- Give it to me now! - Don't take my bread!

- Give it to me! - It's my bread!

- My child can survive now! - Don't take it!

There's food!

There's food!

Give me a bite!

Give it back to me!

Uncle? Uncle...

Mother said that whether we are sick

injured or hungry

as long as we're not dead

we have to eat.

When we're fed and become strong we will have hope.

Uncle, have some of this if you're not dead yet.

It's good as long as you can still eat.

My teacher said that all is well as long as we're alive.

Are you awake?

Eat up.

My teacher also said that life is easier if we smile.

At the break of dawn, we'll see the sun.

Have I frightened you?

No.

But you've eaten what's left of the steamed bread that my mother left me.

I'm hungry as well...

Uncle! Are you all right, Uncle?

You're so young but kind-hearted.

What else did your teacher teach you?

My teacher also said that

we should be happy whether we are poor or rich.

We should be happy when life is bitter and when life is sweet.

I've done wrong.

You're hungry?

I miss my family.

Master Zhou said that we should stay strong yet kind.

Then we wouldn't be afraid of anything.

I will do so. I won't be afraid.

I'll definitely see my family again!

You've given me food.

I'll give you six words.

Combine these six words with the teachings of your teacher

and you'll benefit from them for life.

Don't fight.

Don't...

Don't fight, don't stand out, don't show.

Don't fight, don't stand out, don't show.

That's right.

Uncle? Uncle! Uncle!

Don't snatch it from me!

Don't rob me of my belongings!

Stop it!

Give it to me!

That is mine!

What are you doing?

Don't steal my money!

Give my things back to me!

Mother...

Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Sister!

- Zi Fu! - Zi Fu!

We should be happy whether we are poor or rich.

We should be happy when life is sweet

and when life is bitter.

Take life as it is

and be happy about it.

We'll strive as a family stay strong yet kind!

- Mother! - Mother!

Be happy whether we're poor or rich.

Be happy when life is bitter and when life is sweet.

Take life as it is and be happy about it.

Strive as a family stay strong yet kind.

Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Sister!

Zi Fu!

Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Zi Fu!

- Sister! - Zi Fu!

- Zi Fu! - Zi Fu!

Zi Fu! I've let you down! Zi Fu!

Zi Fu...

Are you really here?

Sister, we are here!

We really are here!

We couldn't leave you behind!

Zi Fu...

If I couldn't find you

I'd be guilty all my life!

We are a family.

No matter how hard life may be

we will spend it together!

We are not to leave anyone of us behind anymore!

We're a family, bond to each other through our hearts!

Sister, I won't live with my father.

I want to stay with you!

- Really? - Your surname is Wei and so will mine.

I will now be called Wei Qing!

Wei Qing, hold it!

Marquess, what is your command?

You are asking me that?

Didn't I order you to just hunt for a few hares to make me look good?

Those wild and ferocious beasts are to be kept for the chancellor and commander.

Not to mention those deer.

You're but a stable boy. How dare you even go after those deer?

I took you hunting with me because you've been very obedient.

But now you've got me in trouble!

I know that I've done wrong!

All right! We've bagged enough animals for today.

There's not a person out here in the wilderness.

It's best not to stray far from the rest of the hunting party for too long.

We'll head back now!

Yes!

Chancellor, we still couldn't find His Majesty.

Send another troop of men to search for him in the east.

Yes!

Chancellor, we haven't found him.

- Search for him again! - Yes!

Chancellor. Commander.

Grand Empress Dowager will be hosting a banquet for all the imperial officials.

If His Majesty doesn't show up in time

what are we to do?

Master Han is the Emperor's studymate.

You should have stayed by his side.

Why are you standing here while His Majesty is still away?

I know that I've done wrong.

What is the point of being high and mighty?

The thing that matters is one's head.

His Majesty is back!

His Majesty is back!

Congratulations to Your Majesty upon your return with the deer.

Congratulations to Your Majesty upon your return with the deer!

May you reign forever!

Bow in appreciation!

You may all rise.

My hunting of the deer and the gathering of all the officials

have brought on a new scene of great prosperity!

Your Majesty's courage and bravery are beyond imagination.

All the officials are deeply convinced about that.

Isn't this a great timing to carry out some new policies?

I understand that you mean well.

But Grand Empress Dowager prefers to keep everything in status quo.

She is sure to object to it.

Your Majesty, although Her Highness' governance has kept our nation safe

the times has changed now.

Moreover, Your Majesty has already come of age.

You should take over the government.

I beseech Your Majesty to allow us to bring this up in court tomorrow.

I beseech Your Majesty to stop reporting to Grand Empress Dowager

in regards to political matters.

Grand Empress Dowager is my grandmother after all.

If this matter is handled poorly

I'm afraid that...

Your Majesty, should you be concerned that you do not have allies in the army

my men and I will be at your service.

Isn't that as good as forcing her to abdicate?

We have a banquet with Grand Empress Dowager today.

We will discuss this matter at a later time.

- Grandson greets Grand Empress Dowager. - Greetings to Grand Empress Dowager!

You may all rise!

Thank you, Your Highness!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Che Er, I heard that you had hunted a deer.

Such formidable skills and courage.

You are indeed the offspring of the founder of Han dynasty, Liu Bang.

I know that after the hunting trip Grandmother is holding a banquet

for all the officials.

Therefore, I deliberately hunted the deer as a gift to you.

Well done!

Che Er is so filial.

I will share the venison with all the officials later at the banquet!

All the officials assist His Majesty in governing our country.

On behalf of the Emperor I present a gift to all of you

so that we may all admire it together!

Guards! Present it!

Yes!

Open it.

Your Majesty, should you be concerned that you do not have allies in the army

my men and I will be at your service.

As subordinates, you should all speak and act cautiously.

As a ruler, it's even more crucial to be able to tell the good from the bad

and the lies from the truth.

Be wary of despicable villains.

There are many covetous officials around the Emperor.

I couldn't be completely at ease.

Now, I've already wipe them out for you!

The Emperor may now be a great ruler with the majestic airs with which

he hunted the deer with.

Grand Empress Dowager killed court officials at will without

seeking permission from the Emperor.

This has made His Majesty a brute.

Such a behavior may have rendered Your Highness unsuitable

as the model and leader of the inner harem.

Your Majesty is wise!

Your Majesty is diligent and benevolent.

With all due respect, may I ask Your Highness

why you would say that His Majesty is surrounded by covetous officials?

Why?

Zhao Wan. Wang Zang.

How dare you even utter such words!

You ganged up to drive a wedge between His Majesty and Grand Empress Dowager.

You instigated the Emperor to defy his elders.

This goes against the motto of the Han's

which is to rule the country with filial piety.

Doesn't that make you despicable covetous villains who deserve to die?

Your Highness, Zhao Wan and Wang Zang didn't make me turn against you.

Could it be that Grandmother has believed in slanders?

My eyesight might be poor!

But my mind is clear!

The Emperor has always been filial.

But now he accused me of being blind and deaf in front of all officials.

This is so disrespectful. How could he not have been incited?

Zhao Wan and Wang Zang are just dedicated to set up discipline for Han

and bring upon enlightenment.

All court officials!

Am I the one who listened to slanderous accusations

or were these two the ones who had driven a wedge between us?

Your Highness, both Zhao Wan and Wang Zang were too agitated

in their attempt to clear their names.

Hence, they have offended you with a wrong choice of words.

But to claim that they turned your grandson against you is farfetched.

Dou Ying!

As the Chancellor-in-chief

and my own nephew

are you biased because you were the one who recommended them?

Mother, it is difficult for Chancellor Dou not to take sides.

But Marquess Pingyang is your grandson-in-law

as well as the Emperor's brother-in-law

he is sure to be fair and just.

Cao Shi!

Did Zhao Wan and Wang Zang ever suggested to the Emperor that

he shouldn't report political matters to the Eastern Palace?

Yes, they did.

Cao Shi!

Is that against filial piety? Speak up!

If Your Highness say so, then it is so!

Then I had thought that it was indeed a great defiance.

I found it inappropriate as well.

Your Highness, since both Zhao Wan and Wang Zan did give such a suggestion

it is but a suggestion. They did not...

I heard that both of them were also recommended by the Commander-in-chief?

Even if I did give such a suggestion it is not inappropriate.

Should Your Highness decide to punish me severely for that

I'm willing to accept the punishment

to prove that my conscience is clear.

I'm willing to accept the punishment with Zhao Wan!

All political matters should be discussed in court tomorrow.

Later on, the banquet...

Now that the both of them have admitted to their crimes

why put this off till tomorrow?

- Guards! - Present!

Arrest these two covetous officials

and lock them up in prison to await their sentence!

Yes!

Grand Empress Dowager...

The Emperor has just officially succeeded the throne

and there are more to be learned in terms of politics.

Even if you have hunted a deer

you shouldn't act out of reckless courage.

After long years of governance all will eventually be faithful to you.

I gather that the banquet which I will be enjoying with the officials is ready?

How would I dare to disobey Mother's orders?

The banquet is already prepared.

Officials, all who aided me in assisting the Emperor in his governance

please make a move to the banquet.

Drink and eat to your hearts' content.

Don't stand on ceremony.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager!

Che Er, you have to enjoy what you had hunted as well.

I understand.

Our officer's seals may be confiscated

but we have kept our fourrageres. (Braided cord of the seal)

Our fourrageres are the pride and honor of our lives.

We hope that Your Majesty could keep them!

I will definitely become a virtuous and outstanding Emperor.

I will not let both my mentors down!

Zhao Wan's life will reveal the true situation in court to Your Majesty!

It's worth it!

Wang Zang's life will bring a moment's safety to Your Majesty

to carry out new policies!

I have no regrets!

Your Majesty!

I have just heard that

Grand Master Zhao and Master Wang...

They already took their lives in prison!

Condolences, Your Majesty.

I am terribly sad as well.

But we do not know how many men Her Highness ambushed at the banquet.

I have served you since I was little and I am faithful to you.

I am not afraid of death.

I just wished to live longer to serve Your Majesty in the future.

How would I not understand that?

Look. There is no one here.

I know better than anyone else what situation I am in.

Forget it.

I'm already tired anyway.

Grand Empress Dowager oversees the country and people.

I'm happy to be free and unfettered.

Why would I make life hard for myself?

Let's go.

Go horse-riding with me!

At least he knows where he stands and that he should submit to fate.

But we can't trust him to be an all submissive Emperor.

Stay by the Emperor's side

and you'll be heavily rewarded should you report back useful information.

Thank you, Grand Princess Dou.

Your Highness is Grand Empress Dowager's favorite daughter.

You are also the Empress' mother.

His Majesty awarded you the title of Grand Princess.

It is such a honor.

Once the Empress gives birth to a successor

she will be respected because of her son.

Grand Princess Dou will then...

They have already been married for years.

Jiao Er has no children yet.

How could I feel at ease?

Please rest assured, Your Highness.

Not only have I gathered the herbs that are beneficial to fertility

but I've also come up with an excuse to persuade Grand Empress Dowager

not to select any concubines for his Majesty next year.

None of the beauties will have the chance to serve His Majesty.

Good! Jiao Er will be the sole affection of the Emperor.

A successor to the throne will be expected in no time!

We'll allow none of the beauties to serve the Emperor!

My sister has mastered such difficult steps with such ease.

You're top-class.

When did you get back?

You didn't tell me that you're here and even peeked at my practice.

How would I dare to interrupt you on your secret practices?

That's why I had to peek.

Are you done teasing me? Help me with these.

Sure.

You seem to have seen quite a lot this time.

Exactly.

I also know that those imperial officials have a tough life.

Since the marquess arrived home from the late night banquet

he's been sighing ever since.

Something serious seemed to have happened.

But none of us dared to ask about it.

This is because the marquess said that some things are better kept unknown.

Politics is forever changing and causes discords.

On one hand, I hope that you could learn more and have a bright future.

But on the other hand I am worried that...

Don't be worried.

I've always kept your words in mind.

Be modest and don't stand out.

You're so talented but you chose to be in charge of tidying the library.

Isn't it because you wanted me to have the chance to study?

Don't worry. I will strive hard.

I won't let you down.

That's good.

In two days, our brother and sisters will be here to pray to Mother.

We can all get together again.

Ask Housekeeper Chang for some time off to buy some goods.

Yes.

Sir, why don't you take a look at my products?

These are all pretty good.

This comb that you've chosen is a great gift for girls.

Zi Fu!

- Duan Hong! - Zi Fu!

Duan Hong!

No matter where you go, I will find you.

Is there a Wei family nearby?

Wei?

I don't know any.

That wine store ahead of you started their business here the earliest.

Why don't you ask them instead?

Thank you, Sir.

Choose a better one.

Mother never had any good wine in her life.

We'll offer her three cups of good wine on her death anniversary.

Sure.

This one is good.

That's it.

We'll take this.

Sure, this is for you.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Let's go?

- Are you hurt? - No.

Mister Duan! I've found him!

Mister Duan, I've found the person that you're looking for.

Didn't you say that you'd like to meet Chancellor Dou

before you go to the capital?

Come this way!

Come on!

Let's go!

Get out of the way!

Get out of the way!

Get out of the way! Hurry up!

Get out of the way!

That is Han Yan's carriage!

- He has gold pellets! - Get out of the way!

He has gold pellets!

Gold pellets!

Grab them!

Put on a good show for me.

- It's mine! - Mine!

That's mine! Mine!

He has gold pellets!

He has gold pellets!

- There are gold pellets! - I want one!

- I want one! - Mine!

I want one as well.

It's mine!

Come on over!

Slaves!

You're greedy and yet you're afraid to die!

Come on!

It's mine! Mine!

- Don't snatch it! - It's mine! Mine!

Sister!

Give it to me!

This is so much fun! It's so amusing!

Be careful!

My gold pellet!

Are you all right?

- Arrest him! - I'm fine.

Arrest him!

Kill him!

Catch him! Don't let him get away!

Stop right there! Go after him!

Stop right there!

Stop right there! Go after him!

Stop right there!

Get him! Hurry up!

Go that way! Hurry up!

They have gone that way!

Stop right there!

Where have they gone?

You! Go that way! We'll go this way!

- Sir. - Don't block our way! Get lost!

Search over there!

- Search the entire place! - Yes!

Search every floor!

Pardon me for disturbing you.

Please allow me to hide in here.

Young lady seeks help from us.

Among us, who do you think could save you?

According to courtesy the host takes the upper seat.

Mister Swordsman and the Sire playing the zither are guests.

Although Master is dressed in a humble outfit

you carry a seal pouch and sword hook.

Those are two items that court officials use very often.

Please allow me to hide in here, Master.

What an observant and well-educated young lady.

Sir, you can't go in there!

We have very esteemed guests in there!

Who cares about your esteemed guests?

I'm here to arrest someone on Master Han's orders!

You would like us to save you.

But why would I save a lass who is of no concern to me

and end up offending bigwigs?

A real man should uphold justice and be ashamed to aide the evil.

You must either be officials or scholars.

But you're afraid or unwilling to save a woman in distress?

All in all, aren't you ashamed to lead a life as such?

Well said!

She's here! Arrest her!

Great! I'll liven things up!

One is fighting and the other is playing the zither.

It's so noisy that I don't even know what to write anymore.

You could simply say that Chancellor Dou is here.

Who else would dare to make a move?

Chancellor Dou.

We have offended you. Please pardon us.

Exactly.

Doesn't that quiet things down?

You have definitely lived up to your reputation as the Chancellor!

I wonder what my friend has done wrong?

How could Chancellor Dou's friend possibly do anything wrong?

It happens that she was with a man who has injured someone.

We just wanted to ask her if she knew where the man has gone.

She doesn't know that man.

Please return.

Yes.

I thank the Chancellor and both warriors for your help.

How do you plan to repay us?

I...

How about this? The Chancellor is about to leave Chang An.

He wanted to write down the current situation to a friend

but he couldn't find the words.

Since you're a peasant woman why don't you give us the words

to repay us for our help?

Great idea.

I wouldn't be so bold.

I'm not skilled in calligraphy so I might taint the silk scroll.

Young lady, go ahead.

Straight to the point.

It's subtle but ingenious.

Well-written! What a pity.

'The people are suffering and yet they are teased by chasing gold pellets.'

It's just missing out Han Yan's name on it!

Master Guan, this is more than just referring to Han Yan!

It spells out the domineering of all influential officials

and the misery of the people.

Thank you for your compliments.

Please pardon me for leaving now.

I will repay your kindness some day.

All right.

Young lady!

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