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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Fourteen

Uncle Yi, where are the apricot blossom cakes?

That is Duan Hong's favorite.

This isn't the season for apricot blossoms.

Those apricot blossoms are stored in the ice cellar for a long time.

After the cakes are made, they have to be kept cold with ice.

Lady Wei.

Duan Hong.

What is this about?

Where are the others?

You're the only one I invited to dinner.

Zi Fu, I take my leave.

There's something nice that she wants to talk to you about.

Relax first. Listen to what Zi Fu has to say.

- Zi Fu, what would you like to say to me? - I just want to catch up on things.

Have a seat.

We don't get osmanthus very often.

These mulberry cakes are what you used to have often when we were little.

I remember that we had a lot of mulberry trees in our village.

When you were hungry, you would climb up the trees to pick mulberries.

Your mother scolded you very often because of that.

But you prefer plums. And sour ones too.

I was scolded by my mother for so many times.

Not because I was picking mulberries, but plums.

I got you into trouble then.

These mulberry cakes are made by mulberries picked this morning.

They were all big, sweet, and fresh.

You must have more of it. Just treat it as making it up to you.

Sure.

It's so light and sweet.

And these chestnut cakes...

I remember all of your favorite foods.

But it's not as pleasing as having someone to take care of you every day.

Do the cakes taste like those we had when we were little?

They do.

I picked the mulberries and Uncle Yi made the cakes.

Shen Jia helped as well.

Isn't it about time you get a wife and start a family?

I haven't had any achievements nor have I realized my ambition.

I just want to focus on sharing the burden of His Majesty.

I won't consider marriage anytime soon.

I heard that you and a lady from outside Shanhaiguan...

You have a past romance that you can't forget.

I know that you are very sentimental.

But since the relationship has ended

why won't you open yourself up to embrace someone new?

I've tried to forget my past love.

The more I try to forget her, the harder it is.

The love in my heart from her seems far but near.

It seems to be gone but still lingers on.

It is reluctant to leave.

I cannot get it out of my mind.

Even looking at things around me makes me think of her.

It reminds me of her moves, and her smile.

It is all deeply engraved into my heart.

I cannot forget about her.

You are so deeply in love that I do not know how to talk you out of it.

I just hope that after some time, you can clear up your feelings

and go in search of another romance.

Let's leave this to destiny.

I wouldn't dare think about it now.

Someday, when you don't feel so strongly about your past love

you can pay some attention to those around you.

There might be someone who can relieve you of your pain and open up your heart.

Here's a toast to you.

Here you go.

Greetings to Your Highness.

Fei Luan is really fortunate to have Your Highness visiting him so often.

How do you know that I visit him very often?

Because I saw how familiar you are with feeding him milk.

Fei Luan.

You're very observant, and study the art of war very thoroughly.

It seems that the position of Supervisor of Jianzhang Palace

soon might not be good enough for you.

Deploying forces and troops might be a better way

to put your intelligence to use.

Your Highness flatters me.

Recently, the corners of Fei Luan's eyes were red.

He couldn't go out for a walk.

That's why I come over every now and then to visit him.

Did you know that he was ill?

I didn't, but I try to visit him every time I come past here.

It seems that the both of us are really his friends.

I can tell that Your Highness is feeling much happier.

I can now be at ease.

I am indeed happier.

I've been spending a lot of time in the manor these days.

I've been assisting my husband and bringing up my child.

Xiang Er is especially dependent on me.

Sometimes when he cries

only my playing of the zither can calm him down.

I've always known Your Highness to be wise and liberal

but I didn't know that you're equally content with

looking after your husband and child.

No matter how smart I am, I am, after all, a woman.

I now place all my hopes on Xiang Er.

I hope that he can grow up to have talent in governance.

You're skilled in archery and horse riding.

When Xiang Er starts training in martial arts, could you be his mentor?

Who am I to be the mentor of Young Master?

You're both virtuous and talented.

You have every right to be his mentor.

I'm just afraid that you'll either be a general or minister by then

and too busy to teach my child.

If I really do get the chance to realize my ambition

it is all due to Your Highness' benevolence.

Whatever Your Highness asks of me, I will definitely do my best.

Sir, the maidservant of Orchid Palace is waiting for you in the hall.

Shen Jia?

Has something happened to my sister?

What?

Don't worry. Zi Fu asked me to bring you winter clothes and cured meat.

Give that to me. You don't have to tidy things up for me.

It might seem messy in here, but I know where to find what I need.

Even the guards don't touch these scrolls.

- Have you had your meal yet? - I haven't...

Have you? Why don't I get you something to eat?

It's fine. I have whatever the soldiers have.

If you're hungry, I could get them to bring one more serving over.

But you might not be used to it.

This is the first time that I've visited your place.

You have such a large chamber.

Shen Jia... Is something the matter?

I've made a pair of shoes.

You're really skilled in needle work.

Do you want me to pass these on to someone for you?

I can't help you unless you tell me who it is.

I...

These are for you!

Wei Qing.

Duan Hong.

What's the matter with Miss Shen Jia?

Nothing's wrong.

She was here to bring me some clothes from my sister and lost track of time.

She was in a hurry to get back.

What's the matter? Are you here to see me about something?

It's nothing really.

I just wanted to tell you that feelings couldn't be controlled.

It doesn't come and go as I like.

That's true.

So you can stop trying to play matchmaker for me.

I just want to focus on assisting His Majesty.

I can't think about romance for now.

All right. Anyway, it doesn't just appear whenever you want

or disappear even if you don't want it.

Don't worry, Duan Hong. I won't try to hook you up anymore.

Your Majesty, the arrangements to welcome Prince of Jiangdu.

arrival in three days are all prepared.

Good.

Here is our chance.

Prince of Jiangdu is my older half brother.

He is quite a favorite of Grand Empress Dowager.

He cares a lot about etiquette and respect.

I've always respected him and treated him with the right etiquette.

I have never treated him with disrespect.

Your Majesty, Senior Grand Master Han seeks audience.

Perfect timing.

- Summon him in. - Yes.

Han Yan is summoned.

Greetings to Your Majesty.

Han Yan, I'm going hunting in three days' time.

- Have you made the arrangements already? - Your Majesty, everything is in order.

I will check to see how much hunting is going on

in Shanglin Imperial Park these days.

Look, the hunting has been planned long in advance.

I can't change my schedule for a family gathering held for a small feudal king.

But the Prince of Jiangdu is Your Majesty's older brother.

We don't even share the same mother.

Your Majesty has a feast with Prince of Jiangdu on the day of the hunt?

Yes, it is annoying.

But I've even made new bows.

They are all exquisite bows made by the prefects of Imperial Workshops.

Why didn't you bring them here so that I could try them out?

I had wanted them to be a surprise for Your Majesty on the day of the hunt.

All the more reason not to cancel the hunt.

Report back to Empress Dowager that I won't be attending the family dinner.

It's enough that I am seeing Prince of Jiangdu in imperial court.

But Your Majesty, this isn't quite the right etiquette.

I've already made up my mind.

Han Yan, you may ride in my escort carriage

and take the royal road to Shanglin Imperial Park.

Three days later, I will go hunting for deer and tigers with you.

We will reminisce of our youth and hunt down plenty of game.

I will have all the preparations in order to welcome Your Majesty.

My grandson, don't be angry.

What exactly has happened?

The royal road has always been exclusively used by His Majesty.

All officials and dukes can only walk on both sides.

Han Yan actually rode in His Majesty's escort carriage and went down

the middle of the royal road.

I thought it was His Majesty in the carriage

so I got off my carriage to bow to him.

I am, after all, His Majesty's older brother and the Prince of Jiangdu.

I had to bow to a mere Han Yan!

He must have breached etiquette because he didn't see you.

He couldn't see me? He laughed at me!

His carriage even stormed right past me.

Grandmother. Empress Dowager. Is His Majesty's favorite official

allowed to dismiss hierarchy and manners?

Or did His Majesty indulge his favorite official to humiliate me?

That could not be the Emperor's intention.

It's simply a mean-spirited man like Han Yan having more power now

and disgracing himself.

As a feudal prince, I might as well turn in my territories

and be a guard here in the palace!

Then I'd be as haughty as Han Yan!

My grandson, why would you say so?

My heart aches to hear you say that.

Exactly.

You are the Emperor's older brother. The Emperor cares a lot about kinship.

He would not be estranged from you because of a small official.

Did you hear that?

Even the Emperor's biological mother said that herself.

Family is always the closest. You are brothers.

I'm afraid that a half brother like me who visits the palace every few years

is inferior to a study mate like Han Yan.

My grandson, your brother has always had a sense of propriety.

It's just that he is occupied with national affairs

so while he attends to one matter, he loses track of another.

That is why this sort of lowly official has gone uncontrolled.

Empress Dowager will naturally uphold justice for you.

Han Yan dares to ride in the escort carriage on the royal road.

He must have been given permission by the Emperor.

I'm afraid I can't fault him for that.

Han Yan is very cocky.

It won't be difficult to find out about all the other laws he has violated.

Empress Dowager, don't you think so?

Grand Empress Dowager is absolutely right.

I'll be sure to rid His Majesty of conniving officials.

Thank you, Grandmother. Thank you, Empress Dowager.

What orders does Empress Dowager have for me?

I've heard that Grand Master Han is very knowledgeable

of colorful gems and gold pellets.

If Empress Dowager is interested in them

I'd offer the best gemstones and gold pellets to Your Highness.

I've also heard that every one of your gold pellets is engraved with your seal.

Yes, that makes them more imposing.

If Your Highness would like to engrave words on her gold pellet

I could think of some ideas for Your Highness.

That's not necessary.

Bring it out here!

This gold pellet is engraved with words just like yours?

Your Highness, this...

Lady Wei, where did you get this gold pellet from?

Your Highness, this was given to me by the maidservant of Lateral Courts, Lu Chan.

Where did she get it from? Why did she get it?

And why did she hand it over to you?

Your Highness, I have always been in touch with maidservants in the palace.

I heard that Lu Chan was ill in bed, so I went to visit her.

That was when I learned that...

Lu Chan was sexually assaulted by Master Han.

Her illness was from her depression.

After the assault, Master Han bribed her with a gold pellet.

Lu Chan was terrified of his power and did not dare to expose him.

With my persuasion, Lu Chan is willing to testify against the criminal

who sexually assaulted maids in the palace.

She handed over the gold pellet as the evidence.

That is to say, we have both the witness and the solid evidence?

I beseech Empress Dowager to understand this.

I have indeed made a mistake in a thoughtless moment.

But this sort of matter does happen now and then in the palace.

Lady Wei is too ignorant.

I ask that Empress Dowager forget about such trivial matters.

I will definitely present you with treasures...

How ridiculous! This is a trivial matter?

You are indeed very bold, Han Yan!

If Lady Wei wasn't so thoughtful and found out about it

the victim would have continued to stay silent in grief.

You'd have gotten even more cocky!

Grand Master Han has admitted that such crimes do happen in the palace.

We can assume that there must be more maidservants who are victims.

But they are all petrified by the lustful villain's authority.

It is very rare that Lu Chan is willing to step forward to testify.

I beg Empress Dowager to uphold justice for her.

The palace of Han will not allow this lustful villain to go free!

- Guards! - Please forgive me, Empress Dowager!

Drag him out to behead him, and display his head for all to see!

Please spare me, Empress Dowager! I acted out of a momentary folly.

Lady Wei hates me! Lu Chan deliberately got close to me.

Drag him out!

Even if I have to die, I wish to see His Majesty one last time!

His Majesty arrives!

- Great blessings to Your Majesty. - Your Majesty.

Greetings to Empress Dowager.

Happiness and peace to Mother.

A filthy crime has taken place in the palace.

He had the indecency to say that this is very common.

I cannot tolerate this!

Save me, Your Majesty!

- Han Yan tainted the harem, he... - Your Majesty!

Everyone has sensory desires.

This is very common in the palace.

How can one die for this?

Please uphold justice for me, Your Majesty.

Save me, Your Majesty!

Please appease your anger, Mother. Leave this matter to me.

I would not make it difficult for Mother.

Empress Dowager, since His Majesty is willing to share your burden

why don't you hand this matter over to His Majesty?

I think that if Lu Chan was given the care and concern of Empress Dowager

it will help her recover better than any miracle cure.

Why don't you allow me to accompany you to visit her?

All right.

I will ask Lu Chan about this, clearly.

I will see what Han Yan has to say.

Fortunately, Your Majesty is here. Or I'd never see Your Majesty again.

That is true.

You committed unforgivable crimes. How can you die so ignorantly?

Your past subordinate, Sun Xuan, has already been found by Duan Hong.

You instigated him to hire men to capture Wei Qing.

You even framed the innocent villagers for committing this crime.

This alone is enough to sentence you to death!

You've ignored the lives of people for your own greed.

Each and every crime is a death penalty!

I've been framed! I am innocent, Your Majesty!

During the times of famine

you made people chase after gold pellets as a game, to tease them.

Many died because of that.

I have my people as witnesses.

You gave information away that killed both of my mentors.

I can be the witness!

Today, I will seek revenge for the people that you've tortured and killed

as well as the loyal subjects that you sent to their deaths!

Your Majesty, have you forgotten your childhood promise?

You said that no matter what I did wrong, you would never kill me!

- The Emperor makes no broken promises. - He did promise not to kill you.

But now it is Empress Dowager who wants to kill you.

His Majesty is very filial. He would not disobey Empress Dowager's decree.

Your Majesty wouldn't kill by another's sword, would you?

Would you, Your Majesty?

I wouldn't do so.

You offered this sword to me.

Even though I might have made a million mistakes

I did grow up with Your Majesty after all!

On behalf of my service to you since childhood

please offset my crimes with my offering of the sword to you.

I will be sure to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty.

I will remain faithful to Your Majesty, and craft more swords for you.

Allow me to atone for my crimes with good deeds.

Incredible swords...

He really thought that this sword could slice through three sharp swords.

We meant to boost your ego that day.

That led to your definite doom today.

But this sword is still of some use.

It can make you die a lot faster!

Your Majesty, you're so ruthless...

Our child isn't fussing around today?

Not at all.

Our child can tell that the melody was smooth and pleasing.

It's happy for Your Majesty.

I can now feel at ease because of my good Zi Fu.

Han Yan killed himself with his own crimes.

Your Majesty is the wise one who came up with a great solution.

It's because you're kindhearted and treat everyone in the palace sincerely

that the indecent deed could be exposed.

It's also because you are logical and persuasive enough

to convince Lu Chan to testify against Han Yan.

Mother could then have the reason to kill him.

I'm just following my orders to look after the harem.

Here.

In the future, my child will definitely be modest and loving

intelligent and virtuous like its mother.

I will also play a tune to thank Your Majesty for your compliments.

Sure.

Breathe in.

Breathe in harder.

Harder!

Good.

Harder!

This is medication from the Minister of imperial medical affairs!

It will help you to gather more strength!

Here, breathe.

Breathe!

Good.

Lady Wei has yet to give birth to her child after so many hours.

I pray to all ancestors to bless us with the safe birth of the imperial heir.

May the gods bless that Wei Zi Fu won't give birth to a son.

Son or daughter, may the child die at birth!

Grand Empress Dowager, Empress Dowager, and Empress arrives!

Grandmother. Mother.

Warm blessings to Your Majesty.

You may both rise.

Your Majesty must conduct yourself with respect.

Your Majesty's sacred torso must not be stained by blood.

Wait for another moment.

Your Majesty!

Congratulations, Your Majesty! Both mother and daughter are well!

That's good.

Good.

It's fine as long as they are well.

The little princess is smart and adorable.

Her first cry was to announce the safety of both mother and child.

Her second cry was to wish Grand Empress Dowager

Empress Dowager and Your Majesty warm blessings and happiness.

Congratulations to Your Majesty on having a princess!

Zi Fu...

You've had a hard time.

How could that be so?

Look how exquisite she is!

Grandmother. Mother. Look how obedient and adorable this princess is.

This little princess is really adorable! She is so likable!

A princess is good as well.

No matter if it's a prince or a princess, this is my first child.

I am just as happy.

Convey my imperial decree.

All widowers, widows and those who are without family

are to be given two bushels of rice.

The people shall celebrate with us.

Moreover, chime the bell to announce to the nation

that Weiyang Palace has gained a princess!

As long as you are well, it is all well.

The little princess is about to turn a month old.

In celebration of the princess

she shall be awarded ten bolts of tri-colored satin

one jade hanging accessory, a pair of silver bangles

a set of nine round cosmetic boxes, and a gold drop spindle.

What do you think about that, Mother?

It is the birth of a daughter.

This drop spindle may be just a toy, but its meaning is deep.

It is given to bless the princess with a thoughtful mind and nimble hands.

It is an auspicious object to bless her with great virtues.

It must be carefully made.

Yes.

Grandmother dotes on the little princess a lot.

I thank Grandmother on her behalf.

Moreover, the little princess was safely born

so the Minister of imperial medical affairs and obstetrician are each

awarded two bars of gold.

Maids of the Drying House and all at Orchid Palace

are awarded a bar of silver each.

Does Mother think that it is reasonable?

Yes.

As for Lady Wei...

We said not to award Lady Wei with a title for a year.

We needed her to learn the rules and regulations of the palace.

It has already been more than a year.

Now, she has also given me my first child.

It is right and proper to award her the title of Madame (highest in consorts).

Please give us your permission.

Just because Lady Wei gave birth to the Emperor's first child

you want to award her the title of Madame.

Aren't you rushing it a bit?

Have you considered the Empress' dignity?

Moreover, it is just a girl.

- But Grandmother... - Che Er.

You have to take the big picture into account.

Grand Empress Dowager is right.

If the rewards are too extravagant, there will be chaos in the harem.

Bestowing gifts to the little princess is already a great benevolence.

I will instruct the servants to prepare the gifts.

You?

Who is the head of the harem?

This should be done by the Empress, who is the leader of the harem.

I'll tell Jiao Er to announce the rewards and title

on the princess' one month anniversary.

No, it is just the rewards, no titles.

I didn't say that I won't award any titles.

All that hassle, and it is just a daughter.

What's there to be so smug about?

I can tell that she has very little good fortune.

She couldn't soar higher even if she was rewarded with heaps of gifts.

She's kept Grandmother waiting for ten months but what is the result?

Did you see that expression on Grandmother's face?

Instead of having a daughter, she might as well have no children.

Otherwise, it is just disappointing.

Empress. Grand Princess Dou.

All concubines are waiting outside the palace to be summoned in.

They are here to greet Your Highness first before going to Orchid Palace with you.

Here.

Look! How beautiful!

Jiao Er, she made a huge effort to give birth to a child.

But there is always a difference in legitimacy and hierarchy in the harem.

The Empress is the Empress.

They will still have to be at your disposal.

If so, it seems that as the head of the harem

I will have to congratulate Lady Wei properly.

Move the little princess' little limbs a little bit each day, for her health.

She's laughing!

Your Highness has to come here more often to teach me.

Don't worry. You'll pick it up slowly.

When I first started taking care of Xiang Er

I was even more flustered than you are now.

But now nothing is too difficult for me.

Xiang Er had a fever two days ago

and the Marquess was so anxious to get a doctor.

I guessed that his teeth were about to grow.

I was right.

The Empress arrives!

All concubines arrive!

This is His Majesty's first child. Rewards and titles are inevitable.

Wait to receive the rewards.

- Happiness and peace to the Empress. - Happiness and peace to the Empress.

Person of the Household Lady Wei, prepare to receive your rewards.

The little princess turns a month old.

Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager rewards her with

ten bolts of tri-colored satin, a pair of silver bangles

a set of nine round cosmetic boxes, and a gold drop spindle.

Not only are there gifts, there is awarding of titles.

By the imperial decree of Grand Empress Dowager

Lady Wei has brought bliss to the harem.

Congratulations on the birth of a daughter.

Lady Wei's daughter is to be awarded the title of Princess Weizhang.

What now? Shouldn't you thank Grand Empress Dowager?

I thank Grand Empress Dowager and Empress Dowager for their kindness.

And... Lady Wei, I have a gift for you.

- Chun Ling. - Yes.

I know that you don't have much allowance as a person of the household.

You've had a hard time giving birth to this daughter and your health is affected.

This is just a small token from me.

You can nourish your health properly with it.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Shen Jia.

Show Princess Weizhang to the Empress and all my other sisters.

- Let me take her. - Yes.

Princess Weizhang, you are His Majesty's favorite.

His Majesty has to see you every day.

In the future, whoever you dislike will be in trouble.

It will be your loss if you don't come and get a bit of her good fortune.

Princess Pingyang is right.

How could we not get a bit of the little princess' good fortune?

The little princess is indeed handsome.

Look at that little mouth. It's even prettier than Lady Wei's.

Her nose is really pretty as well. It's a pity that it isn't a prince.

- Exactly. - Who thought it would be a princess?

Really, her nose is so much like His Majesty's.

How lovely.

Lady Wei is content with having her daughter.

It's admirable to have a child to delight the parents.

Not everyone gets to have such a good fortune.

I have been rude. You have all been here for so long

and I haven't treated you to anything yet.

Xi Niang!

- Bring over the cakes that I made. - Yes.

That's not necessary.

I'm accompanying Grand Empress Dowager to admire some flowers.

You may suit yourself.

- I'll leave first. - I have something to attend to as well.

- Wait for me, Sister. - I'll leave first.

I'll leave first as well.

Here.

Your Majesty, look.

This spring fog makes one feel as if one is in a heavenly place.

You're still in the mood to enjoy the view?

Tell me, don't you hold a grudge against me for not having been awarded a title?

Why would I hold it against Your Majesty?

Our daughter received rewards and was awarded a title.

I never thought our daughter would be so glamorous.

As for me, it doesn't matter if I am awarded a title or not.

The important thing is that I know how much Your Majesty loves me.

I am already satisfied.

Our daughter is the best gift that Your Majesty has rewarded me.

This time, Grandmother should...

Please do not hold it against Grand Empress Dowager.

She has her reasons.

If I get awarded a title right after the birth of my child

it is sure to arouse discontent among the others.

Why don't we just go along with her wishes?

After all, it is a blessing to be content.

It's a danger if you don't know when to stop.

With you by my side, it is my blessing.

Do you think that our little princess is already asleep?

Your Majesty had been holding her in your arms and wouldn't let her go.

You've just left her a while ago and now you miss her already?

So what if I do?

Are you jealous?

There are so many gifts!

No wonder the one who always shouts so loudly is here to help me.

I won't get through all of this, even in a day.

And there are these as well! They have been left in Jia Er's and my room.

You would just chuck such precious gifts out like this?

- It is quite unlike you to do so. - What am I like?

No matter how greedy I might be, I don't care for these!

All of them sneaked these gifts in.

If they had the courage, they'd have gave Zi Fu the gifts in front of the Empress.

Don't send their maids to sneak these gifts into our rooms!

What are you so angry about?

It's better that those concubines sneak gifts in than talk behind her back.

You didn't see the looks on their faces?

It's even worse than talking behind her back!

They were all haughty when the Empress was around.

Every word they said was sarcastic!

It is indeed difficult to get along with others in the harem.

They have to win the heart of the Emperor but they must keep a low profile

so as not to offend the authoritative figures.

Head of the harem and the Emperor's new favorite. Neither must be offended.

If you were them, what would you do?

Anyway, it makes me uncomfortable.

If Zi Fu had given birth to a prince, they wouldn't have pulled that face!

In my opinion, it is a great blessing that Zi Fu had a daughter.

You insist on arguing with me?

With a daughter, she won't attract even more jealousy and hatred.

In the imperial household, it's good to be able to stay safe and sound.

Was I wrong to let Zi Fu bring Jia Er into the palace?

Luckily, she wasn't chosen by the Emperor.

She will still have the chance to find a man she loves.

Miss Shen Jia.

What are you doing here?

Did something happen to my sister?

No.

His Majesty misses the little princess so Zi Fu brought her here to see him.

But in a hurry, she forgot to take the princess' floral ball with her.

I'm going to bring it over.

So my sister and the little princess are keeping His Majesty company.

If I report official matters regarding Jianzhang Palace now

I'd be disturbing their family time?

Why haven't I seen you wear that pair of shoes that I made you?

Don't they fit?

You can give them to me and I'll make alterations.

No, they fit really well.

Your handiwork is really remarkable.

I couldn't bear to wear them.

And I really don't dare to wear them.

I'm worried that if I walk around in the shoes that Miss Shen Jia made me

your reputation would be tainted.

It might cause some misunderstanding.

If other men see it, it could be a hindrance to your future marriage.

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