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[The Virtuous Queen of Han]

Episode Twenty

Steward Duan, after you left, Jia Er has been thinking about you

and hoping that you would return safely.

Why isn't Miss Shen Jia here?

She said that she is unwell and seems to be very uncomfortable.

What's wrong with her?

Miss Shen Jia is just down with a minor illness.

She will be fine after having a rest.

Zi Fu!

What are you doing here?

I heard that you're unwell, so I brought you some herbal tea.

It can help you to relax before bed.

Zi Fu, you're already ranked as Madame now.

How can I let you...

Have a seat.

Shen Jia, you must remember that no matter when it is

no matter what status I am, you will always be my bosom friend.

Zi Fu...

Since we're like sisters, you should talk to me about your troubles.

You shouldn't keep them all bottled up.

What troubles could I possibly have? I am just feeling a bit sleepy.

Everyone had thought that you admired Duan Hong.

But now that I think carefully about it

if you had fallen for him and had been waiting for him all these years

you wouldn't have pretended to be sick to be absent at dinner.

I don't know if I had thought too much.

When Xi Niang and Duan Hong mentioned you tonight

I realized that...

Wei Qing seemed to be very awkward.

- Could it be... - You're over-thinking!

How could that be?

So it really is Wei Qing.

It's been difficult for you all these years.

All these years, I've tried to avoid seeing him.

Fortunately, he has been very busy at work.

He doesn't come over here very often.

When I really can't avoid seeing him

I just pretend as if everything is fine and laugh along with him.

But every time after he left, I found it so hard to go to sleep.

I can tell that he knows about your feelings for him.

He does.

Of course, he does.

Many years ago, he had already told me that he would never fall for me.

I know that I do not have outstanding looks

and can't even be compared to wild flowers out by the roads.

I'm just like a young weed.

Like reeds.

But he told me that reeds are very useful.

Reeds can be woven into rugs to cover the heated brick beds.

They can be used to build houses and cover the rooftops.

They can also be made into flutes and produce music.

The roots of reeds can also be used in medicine.

He even praised me for my nimble hands and my kind-heartedness.

Do you know that since I was little no one has ever appreciated me like that.

But I know that in his heart, he only treats me as his younger sister.

But those words that he said to me...

I can never ever forget them.

Shen Jia, don't cry.

This is my fault.

This is all my fault.

Blame it all on me.

You've taken care of my daily life all these years

and helped me with trifles in life.

You cared for my princesses.

You are always very thoughtful and paid great attention to details.

But I knew nothing of your feelings.

As your sister, I've neglected you.

Shen Jia, I'm sorry!

I'm all right, Zi Fu.

I'll be fine after I've cried.

I know that feelings cannot be forced.

If the affection can't be mutual, I wouldn't want us to be enemies either.

In the future...

He already has my heart.

I can't take it back.

Actually, there isn't anything else that I ask for.

I just hope to stay by your side for a long time

to take care of you and the three princesses.

Shen Jia!

He said to me that 'Jia' is the young sprout of reeds.

I have to learn from its vitality.

Despite the rain and the winds, it still holds its head up high, fearlessly.

So I can live up to my name.

Don't worry, I will be fine.

I would live my life with a smile.

You are indeed like the young sprout.

You haven't let your name down.

We will continue to support one another in the future.

As your older sister

I'll never allow you to feel aggrieved again.

Mother, this dish is called, 'Flying phoenix through colored clouds.'

It's pleasant and auspicious.

This one is 'Dancing dragon and phoenix.'

And this is 'Beautiful phoenix.'

Here, try them.

This is good.

It is indeed different with a daughter by your side.

Mother has been troubled lately, and lost her appetite.

She is already a lot more energetic since Princess showed up with dishes.

These are what I usually like.

You know me well.

Mother, I definitely know you well.

But it is Zi Fu who came up with these dishes.

I can't take all the credit for it.

Yi Han came up with a lot of ideas.

Yes, Mother. Yi Han made a huge effort to boost your appetite.

Look how interesting this is.

What is this?

This is called 'The five peaks.'

All the five colors of these ingredients help boost one's appetite.

Here, give it a try.

This is indeed to my liking.

It really does boost one's appetite.

This is great!

Madame Wei tried every means to cheer Mother up.

She even invited Princess Pingyang over.

Mother is now happy and healthy.

Everyone is happy. How wonderful!

It's only right that the consorts and concubines serve Mother well.

As a daughter, I wanted Mother to enjoy her meals as well.

Yi Han started preparing for this feast early in the morning.

Mother, have a bit more.

Of all the people you have offered to the palace

only this cook does not make me angry.

If it pleases Empress Dowager, you may summon Yi Han to Changle Palace anytime.

How would I dare to use your staff?

Mother, how can you say so?

Whose staff can't you use in this palace?

Moreover, it'd make Mother look good if you use more staff.

Why don't we get him to cook for the Chancellor?

So that Uncle can have a change of appetite.

Sister, you know that Mother lost her appetite because

Duan Hong frightened Uncle by staging a mourning ritual on the road.

He has fallen ill since then.

His Majesty has already given orders to have Uncle recuperate in the palace.

I'm sure that with the intensive care from imperial physicians

he will recover very soon.

I'm afraid that some illnesses can even be too difficult

for imperial physicians to cure.

Some people can really be ruthless.

When they were still alive, they accused Uncle of crimes.

Now that they are dead, they are still bothering Uncle unceasingly.

They have made Uncle so restless.

I have no appetite anymore.

How can I still have any appetite when my brother is in poor health?

My mind cannot be at ease.

Mother...

Clear conscience to all.

The spirit of Marquess of Weiqi seeks the blood of conniving villains!

Those who deceive one's superiors and delude one's subordinates

shall not taste the goodness in food! Die a painful death!

This was handwritten by the Marquess before his death!

It is his burial gown!

It is his burial gown!

Bound to be punished by the gods!

Bound to be punished by the gods!

Bound to be punished by the gods!

Empress Dowager arrives!

Greetings to Empress Dowager!

Brother!

Brother! Brother!

Brother! Brother!

Why won't you let the imperial physician diagnose your illness?

Brother! Brother!

Sister! You're here at the right time!

I'm not ill.

I'm at ease now that you're here.

I don't know anything about treating illnesses.

You should let the imperial physician take a look at you.

The imperial physician is useless.

I have to depend on you. What should I do, Sister?

Only you can hold them back.

Sister, don't leave me. Don't leave me!

Can you really be haunted by evil spirits?

Don't say it out loud.

They will hear you.

They are here! They are here!

Brother!

They are here!

- Brother! - Sister!

- You can't save me! - Send for the chief physician!

- Yes. - Hurry up!

- You can't save me! - Brother!

Brother! You will be fine.

As long as I'm still around, I won't let anything happen to you!

It's just like how you protected me and made great efforts for me

when I wasn't doing well in the harem.

They are really vicious!

When they were alive, they led troops to victory and killed many men.

Now that they are ghosts, they are not to be underestimated!

He's here to get me! They are here to get me!

Brother, don't scare me!

They wouldn't dare to lay a finger on you!

They wouldn't dare to lay a finger on you!

It won't work, my sister. It won't work...

You can't protect me anymore!

Duan Hong's witchcraft is really something!

He can summon winds and rain, gods and ghosts!

I really can't defeat him...

It's all right. He is just an Archery Steward.

I am the Empress Dowager.

I'm here with you so it will be all right.

Brother?

Brother!

Brother...

Sister... I can have you as my sister...

I am already content...

Brother!

Brother!

My brother...

The Chancellor is Your Majesty's uncle, so he should have a grand funeral.

I have already assigned officials to this task.

The burial ground is also chosen.

The shape of the tomb will be the same as the Chancellor's manor.

All the gold, copper and brass burial offerings are all already prepared.

All that is left to do

is to have Your Majesty pick out an auspicious day for the burial.

How is Mother?

Mother is still depressed and would like to recuperate quietly.

Mother has shut herself indoors for three days already.

She refuses to leave her chamber, nor will she meet anyone.

Instead of arranging Chancellor's funeral

I'd rather the Empress comfort Mother to see if she is all right.

Empress Dowager arrives!

Greetings to Empress Dowager.

Greetings to Empress Dowager.

Greetings to Mother.

- Greetings to Mother. - I'm worried about Mother.

Mother.

I'm here today to seek her out!

Among all the concubines, you should understand how I feel the best.

When your brother, Wei Qing got into trouble outside the palace

you chose to protect him even when you were pregnant.

Now that my brother is harmed to death

tell me how I should uphold justice for my brother?

There are 2,498 pieces of jade.

Count them for me to see if the number is correct.

Bear a witness to it for me!

Mother, this is the kind of jade that is used to make funeral gowns.

Why have you brought these items that are used in burial?

I've prepared these for myself, for I am soon to be dead!

My younger brother, Tian Fen, was petrified by the mourning ritual

that Duan Hong set up, and became ill from the fright.

He died for no reason!

I pledge with my life to seek justice for my brother today!

Please appease your anger, Mother!

Please appease your anger, Empress Dowager!

If Duan Hong is not killed...

this funeral gown will be made for me!

Please appease your anger, Mother.

- This matter... - I would like to see

if my filial son whom I carried in my womb for ten months

will defend a member of a concubine's clique or fulfill his filial duty

to sentence a vicious Duan Hong to death?

Tell me.

If it's not his life that you take today, then it is mine!

Of course, I hope that Mother lives long and well.

I know the importance of filial piety as well.

Parents, when alive, should be served according to propriety.

When dead, they should be buried according to propriety.

Offerings to them should be sacrificed according to propriety.

If Mother insists on threatening me with your life to murder my faithful subjects

I can only carry out burial and offering rituals for Mother in return.

You...

Mother...

- Mother! - Empress Dowager!

Go away!

Empress Dowager!

Please appease your anger, Empress Dowager!

- Unfilial son! - Mother, please hear me out!

I won't!

Mother, one can be faithfully filial or stupidly filial.

Confucius' disciple Zeng Shen damaged the gourd's root when planting it in.

He allowed his father to flog him as punishment.

He almost died.

He almost had his father commit murder and carry an evil reputation.

Confucius later reprimanded Zeng Shen, saying that he was stupidly filial.

- He was not faithfully filial. - Excuses!

Mother gave birth to me and nourished me.

I am always worried that I have not carried out my filial duties well.

How can I let Mother carry the sin of threatening the Emperor

and interfering with state matters?

If I abide by your orders and sentence a court official to death

with the crime of summoning spirits that scared the Chancellor to death

it might please Mother, but it can not be justified.

I am bound to be ridiculed by all.

I would have to be reprimanded for being stupidly filial.

It is too difficult for me to obey your orders.

Moreover, I don't believe that ghosts can take lives!

There are mourning rituals by the roads every day.

If Uncle had nothing to hide

why would he be petrified when he ran into one?

He even died from the fright?

How can you...

How can you say that about your own uncle?

Those crimes that Uncle committed in disregard of the laws

are but slanderous accusations?

Mother would probably believe that out of your love for your brother.

But as the ruler of a nation, I know well enough what the truth is.

Should Mother continue to insist

there will be righteous officials who would spread the news of Uncle's death

and define it as the retribution of his sins.

This would just expose more of Uncle's sins.

Wouldn't that be a greater blow to Uncle's reputation?

That would be against Mother's wishes?

I ask that Mother reconsider your actions and take back your orders.

Don't put me in a dilemma.

Your Majesty, can I say a few words?

Go ahead.

Empress Dowager mentioned the abduction of my brother years ago.

Now that I think about it, I feel ashamed of myself.

Back then, I was too ignorant.

I acted recklessly because of my brother's abduction.

I very nearly made a grave mistake.

I almost had a miscarriage and harmed my unborn child.

Now whenever Princess Weizhang is ill

I feel guilty of what I did then.

I can't help but think that my past actions have hurt the child.

Empress Dowager and Chancellor are very close siblings.

But Empress Dowager and His Majesty are bound by flesh and blood.

I'm sure that Empress Dowager would not want His Majesty to be

scrutinized by all the court officials, and be in a dilemma.

I beg Empress Dowager to make a wise decision.

This burial item of Mother is brought to me today.

I can then summon craftsmen to have them all beautifully crafted.

Every piece of jade will be engraved with phoenix and auspicious creatures.

Only then can they be worthy of Mother's kindness and virtue.

Gods have blessed Mother with great health

that will surely allow Mother to live long.

I would then have the time to have these pieces of jade crafted.

I can then repay Mother's kindness.

Have it done so.

Mother, leave this matter to me.

I will have these pieces of jade taken to the East Garden to be polished.

- They will be done perfectly. - Good.

I will leave this matter to the Empress.

Yes.

Your Majesty offended Empress Dowager for my sake.

I can not repay such kindness even if I risk my life for you.

Get up now.

I've already lost Dou Ying and Guan Fu.

How can I lose another faithful subject whom I can confide in?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

It is now all behind us.

Don't bring it up again.

As long as the rest of those who plotted with Tian Fen are not found out

there will always be a trouble for Great Han in the future.

Those who dare to plot against you must be of great authority and status.

If Tian Fen colluded with them

it must have been before he was made the Chancellor.

What use is Tian Fen to them?

This man might be of great status but he can't enter the palace at will.

That's why he needed to make use of Tian Fen's identity as my uncle

to take actions with ease.

I will be sure to further investigate in this direction.

I will definitely look into each and every one of Tian Fen's friends.

I won't rest until all the rest of the conspirators are executed.

I can be at ease now that you have given me your word.

Just remember to act in secret. It must not be known to others.

I understand. I will be very careful.

To have a subject like Duan Hong, what have I got to worry about?

To have a ruler like Your Majesty, I'd die with no regrets.

Madame Wei, Empress Dowager is still in bed.

Perhaps Madame Wei can head back first?

That is fine.

I'll keep waiting here.

Empress arrives! Grand Princess Dou arrives!

Greetings to the Empress.

Greetings to Grand Princess Dou.

Get up.

Are you here to greet Empress Dowager as well?

Yes, but Empress Dowager is still in bed.

Is that so?

Cui Er, go in and report that the Empress is here to greet her.

Yes.

Madame Wei, you've been very diligent in coming here to greet Empress Dowager.

Is it because His Majesty has been staying over at Jiaofang Palace?

Such deliberate flattery might not win Empress Dowager's favor.

I've always come here to greet Empress Dowager.

Recently, I heard that Empress Dowager is unwell so I've come more frequently.

I do not have any intention to stoop to flattery.

I hope that Grand Princess Dou can understand.

So I must have put it in the wrong way.

Madame Wei definitely doesn't have to do this deliberately

because every move she makes is always a respect to the elders

and love to the Emperor. She plays the part of a virtuous concubine

who is kindhearted and graceful so well!

Mother, how can you say that?

Madame Wei is indeed virtuous to the core.

How can you say that she is just pretending?

Because of Madame Wei's virtue and kindness

she made it to the position of Madame from a mere songstress.

Then she was blessed with three daughters.

So even as an Empress

I have to learn from my dear sister on how to become a virtuous wife.

Your Highness, Empress Dowager has just got out of bed.

Please come in.

Jiao Er, look. Didn't they say that Empress Dowager was having a rest?

She summoned you in immediately upon hearing that you're here to greet her.

It seems that Empress Dowager doesn't want to see some people.

Mother, let's go in then.

Madame Wei, I thought that you were usually quite smart.

Why are you being so insensitive today?

Empress Dowager obviously doesn't want to see you.

Do you insist on going in to make her angry?

As the head of harem, I should help you out.

But we can't possibly agitate Empress Dowager when she is ill?

However, I don't mind sending your regards to Empress Dowager.

Madame Wei should head back first.

Your Highness, I've prepared some nutritious soup for Empress Dowager.

I hope that Your Highness can pass this on to her for me.

Madame Wei, save that for yourself.

Empress Dowager doesn't want to see you because she's angry at you.

You asked me to take your soup in for you.

We would both be in trouble if that infuriates her again.

Empress and Grand Princess Dou arrives!

Happiness and peace to Empress Dowager.

At ease.

Mother is feeling unwell so I've specially prepared some chicken broth for Mother

to re-energize and nourish your health.

Jiao Er is so filial.

Others aren't as thoughtful as you are.

Sister, Jiao Er brewed this chicken broth for you this morning.

Have it while it's hot.

Jiao Er made it herself?

Then I'll definitely give it a try.

It'd be even better if it can boost my energy.

Medications aren't working.

Minister of imperial medical affairs prescribed me a few medications

but they don't seem to help much.

This is no trivial matter.

Sister, have you been dreaming?

It isn't just dreams.

I've had one nightmare after another.

I sometimes dream of my brother and sometimes Grand Empress Dowager.

She reprimanded me and questioned

why I indulged my brother to insist on killing Dou Ying?

Dou Ying brought it upon himself by forging the imperial decree.

What has it got to do with me?

A few days before my brother passed, he had nightmare after nightmare too.

Could it be...

Mother is blessed with long life.

I think that you must be too sorrowful.

Just don't think too much about it.

It must be that the physician didn't prescribe you the right medication.

That is why you can't get well.

Fortunately, our Jiao Er is very filial.

After much effort, she finally found you a great physician.

I've been searching for cures and medications for Mother.

I met a wise person with extraordinary abilities today.

Not only is he very resourceful, but also highly skilled in medicine.

She is honored as a miracle healer in the west of Yellow River.

I heard that she can bring the dead back to life.

Would you like to give it a try, Mother?

There is actually such an extraordinary person in the world?

Who is she?

Her name is Chu Fu.

Chu Fu?

Empress Dowager is blessed by gods. The cure is right here.

You are sure to be cured.

Mother, you've only taken two doses of the medication

and you're already looking much better.

I believe that you will recover very soon.

When Jiao Er first recommended her, I was still quite doubtful.

Although I haven't fully recovered, I already feel so much better.

You may all take a seat.

Chu Fu, you do indeed live up to your reputation.

Thank you for your compliment Empress Dowager.

But I wouldn't dare to take all the credit for it.

Can there be an even more extraordinary figure than you?

It is Chancellor Tian who is protecting Empress Dowager in spirit.

My brother?

Chancellor had done much good in his life, and hence he is already in heaven.

He now gives blessings to the harem

and that is why Empress Dowager can recover so quickly.

It is actually my brother...

who is protecting me.

But I can't protect him.

Mother, Uncle has already become a deity.

This is wonderful news. Why are you upset?

Jiao Er is right.

It's great that he is now a deity.

I can finally move on from my sorrow because of your recommendation.

I must reward you heavily.

I did this out of filial affection. What is there to be rewarded?

If Mother insists on rewarding me why don't you reward Chu Fu instead?

It is her spells that worked magic and relieved Mother of your troubles.

That is unquestionable.

I'll reward Chu Fu with a hundred bars of gold.

Thank you for the reward, Empress Dowager.

Get up now.

From now on, you will stay by my side.

You will cure me of my illnesses and keep me healthy.

I'm afraid that I wouldn't be able to perform this task adequately.

I beg Your Highness to take back your orders.

Why aren't you willing to accept this offer?

Tell me what it is that you request.

I do not have any requests.

It's just that although all illnesses can be cured

the jinx is difficult to deal with.

Chu Fu can not be sure to protect Empress Dowager from harm.

The jinx?

Why would there be a jinx in the palace?

Who is it?

The mysteries of heaven must not be revealed.

I order you to reveal it.

But...

Years of life would be taken for revealing the mysteries of heaven.

This concerns the safety of the imperial family.

Moreover, Empress Dowager trusts in you and appreciates your ability.

You should repay her kindness.

Then I would risk losing some years of my life to reveal the secret.

This jinx does not come from families of lords or the rich.

Yet she uses her skills in performance to secure His Majesty's favor.

She was born with bad omens and those close to her will be in danger.

One day, she'll take over the jade seal and the harem will be doomed.

What?

What do you mean by saying that she'd one day take the jade seal?

These are just the words that I sensed during my prayers to gods.

I don't know what jade seal it is.

Don't worry. Your jade seal is only given to the empress.

No one can take it away from you.

Tell me. Who exactly is this jinx that will disrupt the harem?

She uses her skills in performance to secure His Majesty's favor?

Can it be her?

Mother, don't make such a hasty comment.

So what if she does?

Who wouldn't be able to guess that?

Who else can it be besides Madame Wei?

Mother, Madame Wei has always been kind and charitable.

She treats Mother with respect.

Her words and actions always set a good example in the harem.

Why would she take the seal and even jinx Mother?

Your Highness, everyone's natal chart is fixed at birth.

Her auspicious star would clear all obstacles for her

so that she can make it easily to the top.

I'm afraid that... she might bring misfortune upon the harem.

I can't let this evil jinx hurt the Emperor.

Please do not worry, Empress Dowager.

This jinx gets stronger when the opponent is weak

but grows weak when the opponent is strong.

His Majesty is the ruler of all people, so he has nothing to fear.

But the young, the old, and the weak will be jinxed.

Nothing goes well for those who aren't heavily jinxed.

But for those who are severely influenced

they can fall ill and their lives can be in jeopardy.

There are many in the harem who are young and old.

Then... what should we do?

Chu Fu, if you can avert disasters, I will definitely reward you heavily!

I will definitely do my best in order to repay Empress Dowager for

acknowledging my abilities.

I'm over here.

Why are you so naughty?

I'm nowhere near as naughty as you are with your ploy.

Compared to all your well thought-out schemes

mine are almost as good as yours?

Those imperial physicians are worried about harming Empress Dowager's health

so they didn't dare to give her a heavier dosage.

They are but a bunch of cowards.

All in all, it is you who are a genius.

First, you gave her a heavy dosage to cure her illness

and make her all energetic again.

Then, you found a way to cure her of her mental distress.

You said that Tian Fen is already a deity.

Empress Dowager's troubles dispersed immediately

and she is almost cured of her illnesses, without any treatment.

Tian Fen took my advice but wouldn't put me to great use.

He was jealous of my talent. He deserved to die.

I'm already letting him off easily by lying that he is now a deity.

But it is also because he is so despicable

that we got to have the Empress and Grand Princess Dou as our supporters.

We can now show off our skills in the palace.

Next, you must get Grand Princess Dou to offer her Changmen Garden

to please His Majesty.

We must first secure the Empress' position.

Then we'll get rid of Madame Wei.

We'll make Wei Zi Fu suffer a living hell.

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