Original subtitles

Subtitles by DramaFever

[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Thirteen

The sachet in this jade pillow can help one to sleep well.

Please accept it.

Wonderful!

Duan Hong, it seems that you're fully recovered?

Yes, I'm going to report to His Majesty about it tomorrow.

Are you here to see me about something?

It's the Magpie Festival in two days.

There is a feast at Orchid Palace. I'm here to invite you over to the feast.

Magpie Festival?

Yes.

That girly festival used to have nothing to do with us

but we're using it as an excuse to have a gathering.

You must join us.

Sure, I will be there.

But you must not toast to me in gratitude in front of everyone.

I've already received three gifts for rescuing you.

If you keep on thanking me, I won't be able to take it.

Duan Hong, you risked your life to save me.

I'm the one who took all the credit without doing anything.

Don't be embarrassed.

Your position as a supervisor is nowhere near as good as the three gifts

that your sister gave to me.

I am already satisfied.

All right then, I'll stop thanking you.

The day of Magpie Festival, we'll only talk about romance, just like the girls.

I'll get my sister to be a matchmaker for you.

Duan Hong, it's been years already.

It's time to forget about that lady outside Shanhaiguan.

Moreover, when your father returns and sees that you are still single

he won't feel at ease either.

Am I right?

Why don't you let go of the past and start anew?

You're so fast. You're indeed attentive and skillful.

The Weaver Maid will bless you with an ideal husband.

Jia Er! We're about to start the feast!

What are you still doing here?

Jia Er, what are you looking for?

The feast is starting. Get going and help out with it.

Where has it gone?

Jia Er, what are you looking for?

Have you dropped a needle? Why are you so careless?

In the past, I told you to make wishes by threading in needles

but you never cared about it.

Why are you now hiding here to thread needles with them?

Could it be...

Mother, don't make wild guesses.

It's not.

What's there to be embarrassed about? It's good that you have someone on your mind.

Who is it?

Do I know him? Have you told him how you feel about him?

Should I go and talk to him to pair you both up?

Who exactly is it?

Stop with the questions.

There really isn't anyone.

Wei Qing! Steward Duan! Could I trouble you to come over for a while?

Mother!

- Let's go. - Sure!

Mother...

Jia Er accidentally dropped a needle.

My old eyes are weary now. Could you help us find it?

Sure!

If this was just an ordinary needle, it wouldn't be a big deal.

She was making a wish by threading needles for the Magpie Festival!

Mother...

If she can't find the needle, she will lose the good luck.

Is it this one?

Steward Duan, you have such sharp eyes!

Thank you so much.

Miss Shen Jia has always been smart and nimble.

Why would you need to ask Weaver Maid for nimble hands?

I'm too flattered.

Exactly! Whoever gets to marry my Jia Er is really fortunate.

Isn't that right?

Yes, yes, yes! Of course!

The feast has started. Lady Wei is calling for you.

Shouldn't you hurry over?

I don't know if His Majesty is coming over.

She wants you to help decorate and set up the tables.

Why didn't you tell me sooner?

Hurry up! Go on! Quickly!

I got you out of that fix, now you owe me a favor.

Go and pick out some fruits in Shanglin Imperial Park tomorrow.

- That will save me some trouble. - Sure. Thank you, Uncle Yi.

The feast has started. You'd all better go in now.

Let's go.

Shen Jia.

I'll go to Shanglin Imperial Park tomorrow as well.

I'll help you out.

That's too nice of you.

It's nothing. Don't mention it.

Shen Jia?

Duan Hong? What are you doing here?

Why are you here?

Duan Hong!

I'm sorry.

Shen Jia, something important came up and I have to meet with the Marquess.

I'm afraid that I can't accompany you to pick fruits.

I got Duan Hong here to take my place.

Duan Hong, I'm sorry that I wasn't being clear about this matter.

I'll leave this to you today.

I hope that you can start anew.

I'll take my leave now.

Wei Qing! Wei Qing!

Let's go and pick some fruits then.

After you.

What did Wei Qing mean by telling you to start anew?

It's nothing.

He just meant wants me to walk more often during my recovery for rehab.

I...

Why don't you speak first?

I wanted to ask you how you recovered so quickly from your internal injuries.

Yes, the soup that Uncle Yi made me was very good.

And the sachet that Zi Fu gave me does indeed help me sleep very well.

It helps with my recovery.

But I saw that Wei Qing still has those scars on him.

I don't know that he's fully recovered, but he's running about.

Look at how energetic he is. He should be fine.

Besides, he just got a promotion. He wants to be responsible in his duty.

That's good for him.

What were you going to say just now?

I was going to ask you what fruits you would like to pick.

Green pears, peaches, and plums.

These are all Wei Qing's favorites.

Zi Fu likes them as well.

I remember that when she was little, she liked to eat sour plums.

I used to climb to the top of the trees

to get her the plums that hadn't yet ripened.

I'd also get her a few leaves, for her to blow into to make music.

Wei Qing likes listening to music as well.

Back in Pingyang Manor, Wei Qing would always eavesdrop at our practice room

when we were practicing playing our instruments.

Sometimes when I caught him, I'd drive him away.

After that, he'd always give me a few gifts when he saw me.

He wanted me not to drive him away.

Those that are just about ripe are perfect for Zi Fu.

These bellflowers can be made into cakes that Wei Qing...

and Zi Fu, really like.

Greetings to Your Highness. Sorry to intrude on Your Highness.

I have an important matter in need of Marquess' construction blueprint.

But he isn't in Jianzhang Palace.

He isn't here either.

I'm looking for him as well.

Wei Qing, you've been with Marquess every day recently.

Have you noticed anything amiss about him when he is out and about?

I don't understand what Your Highness is referring to.

I've learned that he is on intimate terms with another woman.

Do you really know nothing of it?

Tell me honestly. Does he have another family out there?

Your Highness, Marquess has always been well-behaved and prudent.

How could he possibly do such a thing?

- Please don't believe in rumors. - Don't defend him!

I'm not defending him, I am just being honest.

Although I'm not with Marquess constantly

he has not acted inappropriately in front of me.

Have you been too sensitive, Your Highness?

This information might not be accurate.

My men saw him with their own eyes. How can I not believe it?

I don't know how I plan to deal with him when he gets home.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, the Marquess is home.

Where is he?

Marquess came in by the side door. He went straight into the chamber.

He is indeed guilty of something.

Why has Marquess of Pingyang, the owner of this manor

sneaked back home by the side door?

Have you done something you shouldn't have?

There are now some rumors out there that concern Marquess.

I'd like to ask you if such rumors are true or not?

What rumors do you speak of, Your Highness?

Judging by how sneaky you look, I think you know.

To err is human.

- Moreover... - Enough of these empty words!

I just want the truth from you.

Have you kept another woman outside?

Have you?

Yes.

You've answered very readily.

How could you, Cao Shi?

You've admitted yourself that you have no military achievements or talent.

I've been married to you for so many years now.

When have I ever failed you?

You actually had another woman.

I'm asking you, what right do you have?

I was just being stupid.

Now, I'm beyond regret.

You should regret having done such a shameless thing.

Who exactly is this woman?

I'd like to know how capable she is

to make the timid Marquess of Pingyang lie to me!

She's not capable of anything! She is just a poor orphan girl who has no family!

I met her when I was collecting rent from the territories.

I found her pitiful so...

You fell in love with her out of sympathy?

Now that this affair is exposed

it would be difficult for her to play the pitiful one.

She is going to be despised by all as a temptress.

Your Highness.

I beg you to stop mocking her.

She is already dead now.

She's dead?

It seems that the gods refuse to let you both have your way.

Your Highness is right.

This must be the gods' punishment to me.

Your Highness, please be forgiving.

Since she's already died in childbirth, please stop dwelling on the matter.

Childbirth?

You have children with her?

It's a boy.

He lost his mother when he was born.

He had no one else. He's so pitiful.

That's why I've brought him home to the manor.

You even brought him back to the manor?

I've asked Housekeeper Chang to take him to the guest chamber.

You are really bold!

You've completely disregarded me!

Am I, Princess Pingyang, forced to take him in?

No...

If not that, what do you plan to do with this child?

I'm not hoping that Your Highness will take him in.

I'd like Your Highness to adopt him as your own child.

What did you say?

Of course, an illegitimate child is not entitled to inherit a title

but this child is my biological son.

I couldn't allow him to be left out there without an identity.

We'll need someone to inherit the title of Marquess of Pingyang.

I can only...

I can only ask that Your Highness take him as your own.

Do you know how aggrieved I have been all these years?

- I know... - You do?

Then why are you still doing this to me?

You want me to take a child you had with another woman as my biological son?

How would others think of me?

In the future, your illegitimate son will be the first born

and my own child will be the second?

Do you also assume that... I can't give you any children?

As you said, you haven't been able to bear a child for so many years already.

It seems that I should come back on another day.

- All right. - I take my leave now.

Princess.

Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

I have offended you. Please forgive me, Your Highness.

I've already told you that as the supervisor of Jianzhang Palace

you do not have to bow so solemnly.

No matter what position I am in

I will always remember the chance that Princess gave me for a new life.

I will always remember the promise that I made to Your Highness.

I will always be at the command of Your Highness.

Hurry up and grab a huge knife to kill the horse.

Then we have to burn it.

- Your Highness. - What's gotten you in such a panic?

Your Highness, a mare is now in labor but it has contracted malaria suddenly.

To prevent more horses from catching the disease, we can only kill it.

- I take my leave now. - I'll go and have a look.

They say that both you and your baby cannot be saved.

They are going to kill you both.

What is it?

Do you want to give birth to it?

- Sure! I'll help you! - I'll help as well.

Wei Qing, let's help her deliver her baby.

Harder!

Push harder!

Harder!

Harder!

Life and death are unpredictable. They are as temperamental as the winds and clouds.

There is no sadness greater than being forced apart.

Does Your Highness remember what comes after that?

Nor is there happiness greater than meeting new people.

But it is all alone now.

Where are the new people that it could meet?

Aren't you one, Your Highness?

If Your Highness is willing, count me in.

That is quite true.

We are indeed the people it met when it came into this world.

Why don't we give it a name?

I remember that there was once an immortal bird.

It's got five colors and flies between heaven and earth.

It knows music and conveys joyous news.

You're talking about the times of King Cheng of Zhou.

The tribes of Di and Qiang offered him a mythical Luan bird.

Exactly.

Good. Luan would sing happily to its own tune.

The sight of it symbolizes peace.

It is a sign of auspiciousness.

I hope the foal can be like Luan, who sings at will and flies freely.

All right then, we'll call it Fei Luan.

Fei Luan...

Good!

We'll let it roam at will so that it can live its life to the fullest.

Roam at will...

Live its life to the fullest.

[Pingyang Manor]

My child... You are my son.

But you cannot inherit my title.

You are not blessed with good fortune.

This is all your wrongdoing!

Don't blame this child for having ill fortune.

Have you given him a name?

His mother carried him for ten months.

Did you not even think of a name for this child during all that time?

Yes, yes!

Cao Xiang.

'Xiang' as in 'to assist.'

Xiang...

The title of Marquess of Pingyang was handed down to you

and its reputation is now sullied by you.

Who do you expect him to assist?

My wife... You are an outstanding woman. You have great ambitions.

From the moment you married me

I made up my mind to honor our family with you.

It's a shame that I have no talent.

I have the will but not the ability.

Now that I'm fortunate to have a son

I can only hope that he will assist Your Highness in achieving your goals.

Attain honors and fame.

Xiang...

'I am just assisting your will.'

I am just assisting the will of my wife.

Your words are always so sweet.

You said to me then that you're content with just having me.

After years that I had not conceived, you said it was fine.

Those words of yours have made me think that I was in great bliss.

- Actually... - Your Highness!

Those were my heart-felt words.

I've never minded that Your Highness hasn't given me any children.

I...

I only hated myself for having neither virtue nor talent.

I couldn't honor my ancestors, but I hope...

Xiang Er is my only hope.

I beg Your Highness to fulfill my wish.

You make it sound so easy!

Do you think that this only requires my approval?

You want him to inherit your title.

All the members of the clan are sure to discuss this.

How do you expect me to uphold my dignity as a princess?

Do you think that His Majesty will agree to this?

Will both Empress Dowagers agree to this?

I'm afraid that Xiang Er will not be allowed to survive in this world.

This is all my fault.

You don't have to be afraid of anything.

Mother will be here for you.

Mother will take care of you.

Your Highness!

I have let you down!

Your Highness, to be blessed with a wife like you...

I only pray that you will always be happy and healthy.

Even if I have to give my life for you, I am willing to do so!

No!

You can't keep that child.

I'll depose him of his title.

He and his child will both be thrown out beyond the Great Wall!

- You can't! - This is Mother's opinion.

No matter what Cao Shi did Xiang Er has already entered the manor. He is innocent!

I cannot allow you to put up with this!

I want the proud and haughty and awe-inspiring Princess Pingyang!

- Where is she now? - Your Majesty.

The wine is warmed. Have a taste, Your Majesty.

This wine smells sour, and bitter.

I don't want to drink it.

Your Majesty, what is a bit of sourness and bitterness?

Besides, Your Majesty has just said so much, you must be thirsty.

Have some wine to quench your thirst.

I just don't want my sister to go through such bitterness!

Your Majesty, this wine may taste sour and bitter in the beginning

but the aftertaste is fragrant and sweet.

With this wine, it tastes differently with different people.

Why don't you listen to the Princess' opinion?

She loves her husband too much!

Now she even loves what he loves.

She'd rather belittle herself to tolerate her husband and his son!

Do you know how anguished Mother and I felt for you?

I've truly respected you since I was little.

When you married, I had hoped that you would marry well.

For years, Cao Shi had no achievements or accomplishments.

But I saw how devoted he was to you.

I was willing to make him look good and glorious.

However, not only is he ungrateful but also...

Your sister understands the efforts Your Majesty has made for her.

But...

I think that she has her own reasons as well.

I know that you care about me.

But you only know one aspect of my worries.

For years now, I haven't been able to conceive a child.

Do you know how anxious I am?

He feels equally bad, but he has never complained about it.

Never a single word.

How would he dare to do so?

Your Majesty, this is where the problem lies.

Since I am his wife

why wouldn't he tell me about his troubles?

It's because I am a princess.

Like you said, I am proud and haughty and awe-inspiring.

As a man, as a marquess

he always respected and tolerated me, both in public and behind closed doors.

He has drunk this sort of wine for many years now.

Your Majesty, why don't you try it again?

Zi Fu is right.

The first taste of it is sour and bitter

but the aftertaste is fragrant and sweet.

Cao Shi has indeed done wrong.

It does make me unbearably upset that he brought Xiang Er back home.

But that gave me a chance to be a mother.

Your Majesty.

Didn't Your Majesty once say

this child that I'm carrying is more precious than any treasures

and more forceful than any tiger tally used to command troops?

Why don't you use the same expectation you have for the birth of our child

to understand Princess' desire to be a mother?

The joy of being a parent...

Even all the riches and glory could not replace it.

But can you put up with all those rumors and gossips?

I am worthy of respect, and I will be able to withstand rumors.

Your Majesty, if Princess says she can handle it, you should give your consent.

It really is one obstacle after another.

I know that you were there to help with the persuasion.

We managed to convince His Majesty and had him convince both Empress Dowagers.

Your Highness has overstated. I haven't done anything at all.

This matter could only be resolved because of Your Highness' generosity

and the maternal instinct that transformed your anger into sympathy.

Maternal instinct...

You're the one in this palace who knows me best.

I'm truly pleased to hear you say so.

It was by Princess' recommendation that I could be favored by His Majesty.

Now I am a mother, all thanks to Your Highness.

I was indeed worried initially.

Sending you to the palace is as good as throwing you to the wolves.

I didn't expect that you could overcome all these obstacles.

Not only are you going to be a mother soon

but also won the favor of His Majesty.

You're leading a much more peaceful life than those outside the palace.

I could overcome all these obstacles

because I handled them with the same attitude that Your Highness has.

Treat bitterness as sweetness.

Look at all misfortunes as a possible positive.

You're different from what you used to be.

That songstress I knew was decent, but she was still immature.

But now, you're natural and graceful. You have a sense of propriety.

You have surpassed what you used to be.

Perhaps it is because of all those obstacles that I have matured.

Life in the palace is indeed difficult.

There are ups and downs, twists and turns.

We'll look after one another.

I'm grateful for your kindness.

If Your Highness is willing to keep on supporting me

I am sure to forget all the hardships.

Your Majesty, our child is kicking around in here.

Perhaps the music of the zither is making our child uneasy?

Here, have a seat.

What about now?

It's a lot quieter now.

Your Majesty, I heard that children love to imitate adults.

Your Majesty frowns so often, won't we have a frowning prince or princess?

Duan Hong has already found out that those bandits who abducted Wei Qing

were contacted by Han Yan's former subordinate.

Han Yan instigated the abduction.

Did he really mean to make me worried so that our child would be harmed?

If only I could get rid of that vermin, I would be able to stop frowning.

It's my fault that when I was still the Crown Prince

I made him a promise never to kill him because I had a good time hunting.

He is such a specter of evil that I should have killed him ages ago.

I understand the dilemma you are in.

If you go back on your words, you are untrustworthy.

Moreover, you've promised Grand Empress Dowager

you would not investigate further into Wei Qing's abduction.

If you bring it up again, you are unfilial.

Are we to allow this criminal to remain at large

because I'm scared of being called names?

Your Majesty, this reminds me of Duke Zhuang of Zheng

and his younger brother, Gongshu Duan, during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Gongshu Duan used his advantage as his mother's favorite child

to extort his territories taxes.

He violated the law and regulations. He even had his army and defied orders.

Everyone urged Duke Zhuang to punish his brother, but he looked the other way.

Then, Gongshu Duan decided to attack his brother.

Duke Zhuang only sent two hundred men and horses to take him on.

Gongshu Duan's immoral behavior turned his own people against him.

Gongsun Duan was forsaken by his friends and followers.

He fled from his utter defeat.

Duke Zhung said, 'Give a thief enough rope and he'll hang himself.'

'Just wait and see.'

Han Yan is guilty of many crimes.

He is sure to become aggravated and raise hackles.

That should get him killed.

Your Majesty's reputation is important.

You mustn't be labeled untrustworthy and unfilial because of mere Han Yan.

With Your Majesty's intelligence, I'm sure that you could handle it well.

Han Yan greets Your Majesty.

You're here.

Why has Your Majesty summoned me here?

Han Yan, you said that it took you years

to gather the mineral gems and craftsmen to craft this sword.

Would you call it second to none?

Of course.

If it wasn't, how would I dare to offer it to Your Majesty?

Although your sword is good

there are more valuable swords than that of yours.

Duan Hong has gotten me three ancient swords.

He said that once your sword comes in contact with them

it is bound to turn into dust.

I've recently attained a few good swords.

It is said too that Ou Ye Zi, the master swordsmith

made them for King of Chu during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Longyuan, Tiahe, and Gongbu. (Double-edged swords)

I don't believe that Grand Master Han's sword could surpass any of those swords.

Don't sound so resolute. Let's try them out first.

- Yes. - Your Majesty!

My sword might be good

but I'm afraid that it won't be a match for the swords of legendary swordsmiths.

I insist on trying it out.

Please take care, Your Majesty!

Forgive me.

Thank you for saving my life, Your Majesty.

I deserve to die. I was tricked into believing that these were legendary swords.

Han Yan offered me a treasured sword but you used those to fight against it.

You still dared to brag of them.

It's fine that those useless pieces of metal broke

but it nearly injured my loyal subject.

He is still going to excavate more mineral gems for me

to craft more stunning swords.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I am sure to craft a batch of good swords to offer to Your Majesty

so that they may assist Your Majesty in accomplishing great goals in battle.

Good!

When Uncle Yi brings smoked meat over later, you must have more of it.

He's used a special method in curing the meat this time.

I've already asked Uncle Yi to make extra.

Are you going to send it to Wei Qing?

Why don't I... take it over to him for you?

There is no rush.

When I'm finished with making his winter clothes, you can take them over to him.

He used to visit you very often.

But... why don't I see him around these days?

Does he really have so much to do?

It's fine that he's not visiting. Work should come first.

He's now the supervisor of Jianzhang Palace, so he has much to do.

Otherwise, there might be gossips.

This one is done.

Let me have a look.

How exquisite!

My child is so fortunate.

Your needlework is much better than those in the weaving room.

I'm the fortunate one, to be making clothes for the Emperor's first child.

Zi Fu, have your meal.

Uncle Yi and Xi Niang, you've come.

Why didn't anyone come in to serve you?

I'll get Su Er to bring you some water. Wash your hands first before you eat.

I wonder what it is the past few days that have made her so sleepy.

It's a pair of men's shoes!

This is definitely made for me.

Jia Er is so nice.

Stop messing around! Will these fit your feet?

You're the one messing around!

Don't ask Jia Er about this. She would be embarrassed.

Then she would hide all her feelings and you would never be a mother-in-law!

I can already tell that she is attracted to Duan Hong, but she won't admit it.

Duan Hong?

Don't you know that Duan Hong was the one who found her needle for her

on Magpie's Festival day?

Perhaps this is all destined!

What wild guesses are you making? Perhaps it's Wei Qing?

Wei Qing wouldn't be bad either. He's so young and he's already a palace supervisor.

He might still have more chances to be promoted in the future!

But they grew up together in Pingyang Manor.

If they were a couple, I wouldn't still be worrying about this.

It must be Duan Hong then!

Subtitles by DramaFever