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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Eight

If I really do have countermeasures would you be willing to help me?

Your Highness!

Happiness and peace to the Empress.

I have brought some cakes for His Majesty.

Get out of my way.

I am going in to take a look at His Majesty.

How dare you block the path of the Empress?

His Majesty asked me to guard this door so I will not take one step back.

How audacious!

Get lost!

I have an imperial command to carry out.

Please show some self-respect, Your Highness.

The Empress is the leader of the harem.

You should be a motherly role model to all the people.

I hope that Your Highness will obey the imperial decree

to serve as a role model to all.

When His Majesty comes out here, you'll know soon enough how I plan to punish you!

'His Majesty is the son of gods, so he is everything to me.'

'His Majesty asked me to guard this door, so I will not take one step back.'

'I have an imperial command to carry out.'

'Please show some self-respect, Your Highness.'

'I hereby obey the imperial decree to serve as the role model to all!'

Your daughter, the respectable Empress of Great Han dynasty

was stopped right outside my husband's door!

You told me to be tolerant.

Yet I was bullied in such a way!

Are you saying that His Majesty has shut himself in Orchid Palace

and won't even see you?

- That's great. - Great? How is that great?

His Majesty is only fond of having fun with that little bitch.

He wouldn't even spare me a glance.

He even ordered that bitch to stop me in my tracks!

This is great!

The gods are helping my child!

His Majesty shuts himself in Orchid Palace

and the longer this goes on the easier it is to prove that

Lady Wei has gotten His Majesty completely obsessed.

Consort Mo Xi exterminated Xia Dynasty and Consort Bao Si destroyed Zhou.

Emperors are always warned not to allow women to destroy the nation.

Mother is right.

Should Grandmother hear about this, I can only imagine the punishment.

Don't be so anxious. You have to be a bit more tolerant first.

Concentrate on being filial to your grandmother and serve at her side.

In a few days time, we'll show everyone who the virtuous empress is

and who the seductive concubine is.

By then, your grandmother will stand up for you.

[Pingyang Manor]

- Housekeeper Chang. - Your Highness.

Get the horse carriage ready.

After the Marquess and I have had breakfast

we'll go to the palace to have an audience with Empress Dowager.

Yes.

In addition, inform the horsemen that the carriage has to take a detour.

Do not go past Changxin Palace.

Keep it in mind that we must not alert Grand Empress Dowager.

Yes.

Greetings to Your Highness.

You've had some time off work and you're here to bid me farewell?

Yes.

Due to Your Highness' kindness

I was allowed to bury my head into a sea of books in the library.

I have had learned much in this short period of time.

I just came across this scroll and was wondering if I could borrow it?

I have already told you that you could borrow any books at will.

- You do not have to ask me again. - Thank you, Your Highness.

By the way, when you left the palace

did anyone mention anything about the Emperor to you?

His Majesty? What about?

It's all right. You should head back first.

Your Highness!

Your Highness is in such a hurry to get to the palace. Is something the matter?

Your Highness has specifically asked me about it, so does it concern my sister?

His Majesty has stayed in Orchid Palace for too long. He has shut himself in there.

Empress Dowager is in a hurry to summon me to the palace.

A while ago, my sister told me not to visit her lately.

She said that His Majesty is discussing state affairs at Orchid Palace.

It's inconvenient for me to be there.

There must be more than meets the eye.

Your Highness, please try to smooth things over.

I will handle this matter.

I'm heading to the palace to find out what is going on.

You're worried about your sister.

Wouldn't I be worried about my brother?

If there's nothing else, you should head back first.

There's no need to call for the physician.

Just make me that soup you made me last time to nourish the lungs.

- Get the cooks to make it. - Yes.

What's wrong?

You were okay before I left the room.

Your Highness, our minds are indeed connected

and we are both of great intelligence.

We know that pretending to be ill is the best strategy now.

Pretending to be ill?

Mother summoned you urgently because His Majesty shut himself in the chamber.

If we go to the palace now

and ask His Majesty to show himself, we would offend him.

If we couldn't get him to leave the chamber

we would offend Mother, or even Grand Empress Dowager.

No matter who we offend, we would have a rough time.

To persuade, or not to persuade, that is the question.

Pretending to be ill and refraining from going to the palace is the best solution.

All in all, this is entirely Wei Zi Fu's fault.

She's always getting us in trouble.

His Majesty keeps her in the palace, and if she is charged with some crime

we are sure to be implicated again.

If we're to discuss being placed in a difficult position

we would be defying the imperial decree if we don't go to the palace.

We'll be sentenced to death for that.

Moreover, even if they weren't the Empress Dowager and the Emperor

they are still my mother and younger brother.

How could I ignore them?

Your Highness, what are we to do?

This is giving me a headache.

If so, your head can keep on aching.

I'll go to the palace alone.

That's the best solution!

Should anything go wrong, I'll be here to take care of it.

Your Highness, would you really be all right on your own?

Be very cautious. Remember to have your breakfast before you leave.

Don't starve yourself.

Your Highness.

What are you doing here?

Your Highness is feeling unwell so I'd like to escort you to the palace.

I also went to the kitchen to get you some nectar of coltsfoot flowers

to help nourish your lungs and stop the coughing.

How did you know that?

Although Your Highness acts as if you are feeling fine

I saw that you have been coughing.

You wish to come with me to visit your sister?

I am worried about my sister and I'm worried about Princess as well.

All right, let's go then.

After we arrive at the palace you are to return to Jianzhang Palace immediately.

You must not linger.

You must avoid going to Orchid Palace.

But my sister might be in trouble. I'd like to take a look.

What could you do?

Should Zi Fu truly be in trouble, who are you to be of any help?

This matter concerns the imperial court and the harem.

It has already caught Empress Dowager's attention.

If you get implicated by it

not only would you be of no help but it would only make things worse.

It would only do more harm than good to His Majesty and Zi Fu.

All right. I understand.

After I've escorted Your Highness into the palace

I'll head straight back to Jianzhang Palace.

I won't say a word, nor will I ask any questions.

That's good. Let's go now.

The Emperor has shut himself in for days.

He didn't even show up when I summoned him yesterday.

He didn't hold a morning session in court today either. This is really worrying.

His Majesty's new policies have met with some obstacles.

He must still be angry.

If that is the reason, he has already thrown quite a tantrum

for the past few days.

Empress Dowager, the carriage is ready to go.

Let's go. We'll go to Orchid Palace.

My dear daughter, you've always been very close to His Majesty.

Lady Wei was also recommended by you.

You have to try and talk your brother out of the chamber.

Should your grandmother learn of this matter, the consequences would be dire.

Grandmother dotes on His Majesty a lot as well.

As long as we explain the matter to Grandmother properly, she wouldn't--

I'm just afraid that someone will make something up.

Lady Wei has had conflicts with Empress and her mother.

I heard that Lady Wei was even bold enough to block the Empress.

I'd like to see if she dares to stop Empress Dowager from entering.

Let's go.

Duan Hong, you've come back.

Are things going well?

Everything's going very well.

I'm just worried about the situation here.

Don't worry, Duan Hong.

I can handle it.

Zi Fu!

Empress Dowager and Princess Pingyang are here.

Empress Dowager arrives!

Greetings to Empress Dowager.

Greetings to Princess.

You may all get up.

Thank you, Empress Dowager. Thank you, Princess.

His Majesty has shut himself in here for days.

Empress Dowager is concerned about His Majesty's health.

Therefore, she is here to visit him.

Lady Wei, go and ask His Majesty to come out here.

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

His Majesty does not wish to see anyone.

The Emperor doesn't even wish to see his biological mother?

Or are you stopping him from seeing me?

Please forgive me, Your Highness.

I wouldn't dare to do so.

Lady Wei, there are already rumors going around the palace.

It is said that His Majesty is wallowing in sensual pleasures

and has disregarded the affairs of the states.

Should this matter be further magnified

His Majesty's reputation would be tainted.

His Majesty isn't wallowing in sensual pleasures.

He is frustrated because of the adversity in the imperial court.

Hence he has decided to shut himself away in quiet contemplation.

I ask that Empress Dowager and Princess be understanding.

Since the Emperor is frustrated about the affairs of the nation

Pingyang, you should go in there to help your brother out.

Has His Majesty been eating well?

His Majesty has been eating and sleeping very well.

He is in good health.

He is still angry, that's all.

Mother, when my brother is frustrated, he doesn't eat or sleep well.

He always goes horse riding to hunt and gallop in order to vent his frustrations.

However, he is acting unlike himself.

Moreover, this is the Archery Steward of Imperial Guards, Duan Hong

who always stands guard close to His Majesty.

Yet he is guarding this place now with his sword.

I believe that this is His Majesty's arrangement.

It might not be that he is here for sensual pleasures.

Mother, we'll ask His Majesty about this matter when he shows up.

I am willing to wait

but Grand Empress Dowager might not be so easily dismissed.

Grand Empress Dowager arrives!

Greetings to Grand Empress Dowager!

Greetings, Grand Empress Dowager.

You may all get up.

- Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager. - Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Greetings to Empress Dowager.

You may all rise.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Mother, if you would like to see anyone

you could just summon them to Changxin Palace.

Why would you have to come all the way here?

I have not seen the Emperor for days.

If I do not visit him in person

I probably wouldn't be able to see my grandson.

Che Er is concerned about the affairs of the states.

It is good that the Emperor is concerned about the nation.

But the affairs of the nation must not be dealt with recklessly.

Xu Chang and the officials are against carrying out the new policies.

But they are just being cautious.

It's fine that the Emperor does not take in their advice

but now he doesn't hold morning sessions in imperial court

and even prolongs his stay in his concubine's palace.

Is that reasonable?

Jiao Er!

Go and ask your husband out in person!

Have him, Xu Chang, and the officials discuss the affairs of the nation

right here before my presence!

Grandmother, the last time I tried to do so I was told I have no self-respect.

I wouldn't dare to try it this time.

I'm afraid of damaging my dignity as an Empress.

I might lose respect as an Empress!

How do these words not damage your integrity?

You are the Empress of Great Han dynasty.

What place is there in the harem that the Empress of Han could not go?

Yes.

My dear sister, the nation comes before family.

His Majesty is the ruler of the nation.

Since he has already given an imperial decree that he is not to be disturbed

if you were to barge in recklessly, it would not be ideal.

Is the Princess truly afraid to defy the imperial decree

or are you trying to cover up for someone who has made up the decree?

I almost forgot that the owner of this palace

was once a songstress in Pingyang Manor, not so long ago.

If the Empress cannot enter the chamber

as His Majesty's aunt, I will go in to ask him out in person!

My dear sister.

Pingyang has always been a very cautious child. She would never cover up for anyone.

As for Che Er, you should know his temper.

He's throwing a tantrum and refuses to see anyone.

It is indeed wrong of him to do so.

But if so many people are here to force him out, how is he to face everyone?

It seems that I have to ask him out myself?

Who would still dare to stand in the way?

None of you are allowed to come with me! Qiu Ping, let's go!

Yes.

Hold it!

What dog is this that is blocking the way?

How dare you offend Grand Empress Dowager?

Archery Steward of Imperial Guards, Duan Hong.

By His Majesty's orders, I am to stop anyone from entering

the chambers of Orchid Palace.

Intruders, kill!

His Majesty's orders?

Do you know that this is His Majesty's grandmother?

Even the Emperor has to bow to her in her presence!

Whoever it is, I am His Majesty's subject

so I will hold steadfast to his command with my life!

Great.

Since you're determined to die, I will grant you your wish!

- Guards! - Present!

Take him away to be beheaded!

Yes!

Grand Empress Dowager, please have mercy on him!

Steward Duan is indeed following His Majesty's orders!

He has no intention of offending you!

Grand Empress Dowager, please have mercy on him!

Temptress!

You've seduced His Majesty and made up a fake decree.

Guards! Drag Lady Wei out to be beheaded as well!

Drag them both away to be executed!

Yes!

Grand Empress Dowager!

Move it! Now!

Duan Hong, don't!

His Majesty is not in Orchid Palace!

Where is the Emperor?

Your grandson is here!

Greetings to Your Majesty!

You may all get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Happiness and peace to Grand Empress Dowager.

Joy and bliss to Empress Dowager.

Your Highness, I left the palace to take a trip to He Nan

to investigate the case of Ji An.

Since you were away to conduct an investigation

it is a just and honorable cause.

Why do you have to make a mystery of this matter?

Che Er, what is this about?

Grandmother, Mother. Civil Governor of He Nan Province, Chen Qi

charged Ji An for the crime of opening up the granary without authorization.

I found something amiss.

In order to prevent conniving officials from covering up their crimes

I had to pretend to stay in while I headed out to investigate the case.

The court officials accused Ji An of distributing army provisions

and hence causing great instability in the army's morale.

Therefore, I insisted on investigating near the frontiers.

I then discovered...

- General Li. - Present.

I'll let you do the talking.

Your Highnesses, I have led the army at the frontiers for years.

We have always imposed grain levies in the prefecture itself

and even planted our own crops.

We have never used grains from He Bei, He Nan, or He Nei.

Civil Governor of He Nan, Chen Qi, wrongly accused Ji An

out of his hatred for having been stopped from selling stocked grains.

But he overlooked the lives of the disaster-stricken refugees.

I had this sinner executed on the spot.

Well done!

In addition, along the way

I discovered that the Prince of Jichuan

had claimed that he could not make tributes because the grains are damaged.

But the truth is that he has been having secret dealings in private.

He even murdered the commandant who was going to report him.

I know that Grandmother is compassionate

and wouldn't want to kill offspring of our family.

Therefore, I sent Duan Hong to convey my imperial decree.

Prince of Jichuan is to be stripped of his title and relegated to a civilian.

Unfilial offspring!

He deserves to die!

Fortunately, the Emperor is benevolent and magnanimous.

I had previously been out inspecting the nation

and I knew that some officials are using their authorities for personal benefits.

I hadn't expected them to be so conceited.

I now understand why officials like Chen Qi

would object to the new policies so aggressively.

They are actually afraid that with the new policies in order

they won't be able to conduct underhand dealings with each other.

They would not be able to feather their own nests!

I have to uphold justice for Ji An.

Moreover, I will carry out the new policies.

I will investigate all the corruptions of the officials in the nation!

Grand Empress Dowager. Your Majesty.

We are sure to discuss the details of the new policies as soon as possible.

You should also discuss the transport of future army provisions.

I think that army provisions should be supplied by the Capital

to lessen the burden of the local regions.

General Li, I would leave you to discuss this matter with the officials.

- We now take our leave. - We now take our leave.

Ji An, stay.

Present.

Duan Hong!

Present.

Lady Wei!

Present.

The three of you here in the hall, one of you opened up

the granary without permission

one of you drew your sword to your superiors

and one of you lied defiantly.

How should I deal with all of you?

This is all my...

I am not asking you!

I am asking the ones who dared to block the Empress and defy my imperial orders!

Do all three of you deserve to die?

Your Highness, in my opinion one should be rewarded

one should be released

and one should be killed.

Here is my question.

Who should be rewarded?

Who should be released?

And who should be killed?

Speak up!

I have drawn a weapon to Grand Empress Dowager.

I deserve to die!

I abused the imperial decree, opened up granaries unauthorized

and implicated Steward Duan and Lady Wei.

I deserve to die!

Grandmother, I...

Let Lady Wei answer!

Your Highness, if the people are cold and starving, they fear no death.

If they fear no death, they would have no respect for the Emperor's authority.

That would be the beginning of chaos.

Ji An may have abused the imperial decree

but his action had relieved the people from the disaster of floods.

He had stopped the chaos from starting and honored His Majesty's benevolence.

He should be rewarded.

The crime he committed is compensated by his merit. He should be released.

Who then should be rewarded?

In history, Song State was attacked by Chu State.

Jie Yang was commanded by Duke Jing of Jin to rescue Song State.

He was captured by King Zhuang of Chu on his way there unexpectedly.

Jie Yang was then told to persuade Song State to surrender.

Jie Yang pretended to agree to it

but once he was free he fought with his life to carry out the orders of the duke

and betrayed King Zhuang.

Jie Yang insisted on remaining faithful to his orders.

In the end, King Zhuang of Chu pardoned him and rewarded him with a title of a duke.

Today, Duan Hong carried out His Majesty's orders

and defied courtesy to remain faithful to his orders.

He is faithful to his master and true to his words.

He should be rewarded.

So you are the one who should be killed?

Orchid Palace was closed to all visitors.

Although that was done to keep my promise to His Majesty

lying to Empress Dowager and Grand Empress Dowager was not His Majesty's intention.

As a subject and a junior

I have caused both Empress Dowagers hardship and worry.

I cannot shy away from my sin. I deserve to be killed.

That is very reasonable.

Mother, judging by that, Ji An should be released.

Duan Hong should be rewarded.

Lady Wei should be killed.

Grandmother...

Lady Wei assisted me in investigating and punishing corrupted officials.

Although she lied to both Empress Dowagers

the reason was justified.

Justified indeed.

You mean to...

reward Lady Wei?

And she should all the more be released?

Her actions were justified, but went against the laws of filial piety.

She should be punished.

Lady Wei is banned from being awarded any titles for a year!

She is to continue learning the regulations of the palace

to honor the compassion of Grand Empress Dowager.

Good, good.

Che Er, what should we do with the other two?

Ji An opened up granaries to relieve the disaster. His merits offsets his faults.

He is to be demoted to the position of Magistrate of Xianyang.

Duan Hong used his life to carry out his orders.

He should be complimented for his loyalty.

He is to be rewarded 500 taels of gold.

The three of you should thank His Majesty right away.

- Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager - Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager

- Empress Dowager and Your Majesty! - Empress Dowager and Your Majesty!

The temperature is just right.

The fruitiness and sweetness are thick and fragrant.

The rich bouquet of the wine overflows and lingers.

Che Er has indeed grown up.

You're no longer that impatient little boy who couldn't even sit still.

You are becoming more and more well composed, as an Emperor should.

Grandmother has taught me well.

This glass of warm wine is a symphony of water, fire, and fruit.

It still requires one to heat it patiently.

Not to mention the complicated affairs of the nation.

You mean to say that...

I have gone overboard with the punishment of Chen Qi and Liu Ming?

Conniving officials... One is to be killed to serve as warning to others.

You have handled it well.

Your Majesty leads hundreds of officials and manages the affairs of the states.

It is essential for the ruler to establish his authority.

Thank you, Grandmother.

I will definitely do my best to have my people fed and clothed.

I am relieved that Che Er has such a determination.

I handed you the estates of your father and grandfather.

But policy-making is unlike the enforcement of law.

You mustn't proceed too quickly.

Does Grandmother still object to my removal of the old policies

to replace them with new ones?

The governance of a nation is like drinking hot wine.

If one drinks too quickly, one will only burn one's tongue and harm one's health.

Taste it first to see what the temperature is like.

Drink slowly, without haste.

Then you can warm your stomach and enjoy the wine.

Yes, Grandmother.

I do not wish to obstruct you.

But I have lived through three generations

I realize how unpredictable life is and how difficult it is to unify thinking.

Should the ruler fail to be cautious

he will not be supported by his court officials.

Things would just get more difficult from then on.

I understand.

I won't rush into things.

We'll start from one prefecture first

and if the new policies are carried out well

we will then extend it to the entire nation.

This wine tastes more mellow as I drink more of it.

Spirits are lifted by good wine.

I'd love to listen to some music now.

- Bai Min! - Present!

Bring me my zither.

Here is a toast!

- Bottoms up! - Bottoms up!

I've been wondering for days why I wasn't summoned to the chamber.

Since His Majesty was here

wouldn't you need even more help with cleaning and tidying?

So it was an act after all!

That means that you can't be trusted!

They were afraid that you would give the game away if you knew!

Could you be trusted?

Did you know that His Majesty had been away all this time?

I...

This is all my fault. This is entirely my fault.

I've made everyone nervous and terrified.

We should all celebrate that Zi Fu and Dua Hong returned safely.

The biggest reason we should celebrate today is because of Duan Hong.

If Duan Hong didn't risk his life to stall time, I'd be dead right now.

I was just following orders

but Zi...

But Lady Wei risked her life to save me in the time of crisis.

I am deeply grateful.

I treat you as my brother.

Not to mention that you had risked your life for me

even if you are in danger, I'll never stand by helplessly.

All right, Sister and Duan Hong.

Why are you both being so polite?

We are a family.

I am all alone so you are indeed my family.

- Exactly. - That's right.

I believe that you will reunite with your father some day.

Duan Hong and us, we've been taking care of each other.

We're just like a family.

Yes, we're like a family.

A toast to close ones and to family!

- Bottoms up! - Bottoms up!

Lady Wei.

His Majesty summons you to Feichang Palace right now.

Thank you.

I will be there immediately.

His Majesty is now Zi Fu's closest family.

We are all family.

Zi Fu, you had better hurry.

Let's continue drinking!

Bottoms up!

Here!

- Bottoms up! - Bottoms up!

Although you don't have a formal title yet

after this glass of wine, we are now husband and wife.

How could Your Majesty say that?

Your Majesty's rightful wife is the Empress.

Empress...

That is indeed true in status.

But you are the one who is in my mind.

I told you to turn away all visitors because I had no other options.

I knew then that you would have to suffer for this.

How is this considered suffering?

You almost lost your life.

But didn't Your Majesty rush back in time to save me?

Look! I am completely unharmed.

Zi Fu, in my heart, disregarding the status

you are my wife that I have gotten to know and love.

The Empress is the rightful wife of the Emperor.

And you...

I would have put aside my identity to be a humble and everlasting married couple

who would assist each other along the way.

When I was away inspecting the lives of my people

I saw an old lady who treated her braided band as a treasure.

She risked her life to protect it.

After asking around, I then understood that among the people

the braided band is seen as the symbol of a married woman

Therefore I ordered the weaving room to make one for you.

In my hometown, on the wedding day

the bride's mother would be tying the band for the bride

as she reminds her of a duties as a wife.

It's a pity that I will never be able to do that.

When you first came to the palace

you didn't even go through a formal ritual.

This braided band will make up for that.

Zi Fu ties my belt for me.

I will tie the braided band for Zi Fu.

Your Majesty...

Late Emperor Gao Zu and Madame Qi

had also pledged their love with five-colored threads.

It was named 'Interwoven love.'

This token of love is also to bind our love together with those threads.

I hope to hold your hand...

To have and to hold, until we grow old.

Now, not only do I have the support of my virtuous wife

the trust of my grandmother

but also the protection of loyal subjects like Duan Hong and Ji An.

I must achieve my goals

so as not to let your efforts go down the drain.

This is for you, Duan Hong!

Zi Fu!

Duan Hong, I'm over here!

Zi Fu!

Duan Hong, I got lost.

Don't be scared. I'll take you home.

Didn't you say that the Big Dipper could show us the way?

But we can't see any stars now.

Although there aren't any stars, I can be your Big Dipper.

Sure! Let's go.

Let's go.

I treat you as my brother.

Not to mention that you have risked your life for me

even if you are in danger, I'll never stand by helplessly.

A toast to close ones and to family!

The Emperor arrives!

Greetings to Your Majesty.

- Don't stand on ceremony. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

Steward Duan has kept these strands of hair carefully away.

It must mean something special?

Is this another folk custom?

Yes.

There are quite a lot of folk customs.

There are thick and thin strands of hair.

This is not the hair of one person.

Is this related to the affection between husband and wife?

It is a token of love between lovers.

You carry this token with you at all times.

The owner of the hair must be the loved one that you think of every day.

Who is she?

It is a young lady that I met while I was serving on the frontier.

We were both in love with each other

so we pledged our love by the local custom of intertwining our hair.

It is a custom from regions outside Shanhaiguan?

Since you have her on your mind

and you couldn't even leave those strands of hair behind

why don't you just marry her?

You are my loyal subject. I can bestow marriage to you.

No.

I wouldn't dare to do so.

It is my duty to be faithful to Your Majesty.

Moreover... that lady is now married.

I didn't expect you to be such a romantic.

You can't forget the lady who is now the wife of another.

That is all in the past now. I'll keep an eye out for you.

I'll choose a good lady for you.

Thank you, Your Majesty. I no longer wish to be in love.

I hope that Your Majesty won't keep this matter on your mind.

It seems that she has wounded you deeply.

All right then.

Should you come across anyone that you like, tell me about her, by all means.

I will bestow her hand to you in marriage right away!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I am in a great mood today

so I brought my zither to invite you to play a tune with me.

But since you...

I wouldn't want to dampen your mood.

Since Your Majesty has brought the zither I will play in tune with your melody.

It would be a great way to stop me from missing her.

Good.

- Bring forth the zither! - Yes!

Let us only play impassioned and invigorating tunes tonight.

I'll relieve you of all your sorrows tonight!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I've invited you over because Grand Empress Dowager

has bestowed top quality chrysanthemum nectar to me.

I'd like you to have a taste as well.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager. Thank you, Empress Dowager.

This nectar tastes bitter and tart when you first taste it.

But when the flavor seeps in

the sweetness of the aftertaste comes soon after.

Lady Wei, since you have entered the palace

you have gone through quite a lot of obstacles.

You've had all sorts of hardships.

Every cloud has a silver lining.

I was originally a songstress.

I have never thought of attaining any sort of honor.

Now that I can sit among flowers

and sample nectar with Empress Dowager and Princess

I am already greatly honored.

If you like it, I'll bestow all of this nectar to you.

This is a gift to you. Shouldn't you thank Her Highness?

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager. Thank you, Empress Dowager.

One roof after another, one palace after the next.

It might seem to be close to the Emperor's Feichang Palace

but it takes some years, or even decades, to get close to him.

Since Emperor Gao Zu, there have been countless concubines in the harem.

But how many of them could truly be favored by the Emperor?

Some beat the others to it, while some catch up slowly.

But still, it was difficult to see the Emperor very often.

Lady Wei is fortunate to be the sole favorite of His Majesty.

This is good, but you mustn't be overly pleased with yourself.

Because of that, you have now become an eyesore.

I just wish to serve His Majesty.

I wouldn't dare to ask for favoritism.

I am thankful for your kind reminders.

I would be sure to be cautious and treat others with sincerity.

I would seek to live in harmony and avoid all conflicts.

Empress Dowager and I both know that you never meant to stir up trouble.

Just be very cautious in the future.

I understand.

Honestly, it is His Majesty's peace and prosperity that matters to me.

If he works hard for the nation while having to worry about the harem

and having to resolve issues with his favorite concubine all the time

how is that acceptable?

Mother.

I will take your teachings to heart. I would not trouble His Majesty again.

Although I have no control of the minds of others

I can have control over myself.

I would never forget my place and become arrogant.

I hope that Your Highness will observe my behavior.

This is good.

- Si He. - Present.

Check to see if the boat is ready.

Yes.

It is a lovely day today.

Empress Dowager is in the mood to cruise the lake.

Lady Wei, join us.

Thank you, Empress Dowager.

Mother sat and drank with Zi Fu.

We boarded the boat to cruise on the lake.

Mother also bestowed Grandmother's nectar to Zi Fu.

I have finally resolved one of your dilemmas before I leave.

How do you plan to thank your sister?

I definitely have to thank my sister for all the help.

It's just that...

the one that I've rewarded this time...

is someone else.

I think that... this is what you would like.

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