Original subtitles

[English subtitles are available]

[Palace of Devotion]

[This drama is based on historical data and legends]

[The story and characters portrayed are fictitious]

[Episode 2]

Father.

Why did you want me to marry a Pan?

[Yu Shu to be married to Duke Xiang.]

I've lost my son.

And I've lost the woman I love.

Those who are alive are still heart-broken.

Guo still misses your grandson by holding his clothes.

How could you make me marry again?

To you,

women can be given

or taken away as you wish.

Do they exist

only to give birth to royal grandchildren?

A lucky diagram.

The unpleasant star is coming near Zi Wei.

This shows a great fortune.

This is a lucky diagram.

Yu Shu will help Duke Xiang become the Crown Prince.

Exactly what I wanted.

His Majesty ordered the marriage himself.

How envious.

It's not long after Sister Liu E died.

His Highness loved her very much.

He must be in a lot of pain

being forced to marry again.

His Majesty ordered the marriage.

His Highness can't refuse it.

No royal family member

can live his life as he likes.

Besides,

if His Highness becomes the Emperor,

he'll own countless women.

Naturally he'll get over Liu E.

You're finally awake, Sister E.

Yi Jian?

It's you.

Why are you here?

I thought I'd never see you again

after escaping from Shu.

[I'm surprised to meet you]

[in a situation like this.]

[You saved me?]

The prison guard was our fellow countryman.

[I secretly asked him to help.]

Thank you very much.

Hurry.

But why are you in Dongjing?

How did you get the news?

After we got separated,

I ended up in Dongjing through many places.

Fortunately, I ran into Guo Han Lin.

He gave me some money,

and asked someone to recommend me to work

at Duke Qin's Residence.

This time,

I was informed by Li Wan'er,

[a maid in Duke Xiang's Residence.]

[That's how I got the news]

[and came to your rescue.]

When will she wake up?

It'll take 16 hours.

She'll come to at noon tomorrow.

Where are you going, Sister E?

To Duke Xiang's Residence.

I want to thank Madam and Wan'er for saving me.

You can't go back to Duke Xiang's Residence.

You're dead after drinking bane given by His Majesty.

A commoner like you don't know the wickedness of the royal family.

Don't tell anybody

that Liu E is still alive.

Why?

I need to tell Madam what happened.

She told me to save Liu E.

Look at this.

The royal grandchild was Duchess Xiang's eldest son.

He died in your arms.

Why would Guo Xian risked his life

and lied to His Majesty to save you?

Duke Xiang has offended His Majesty when pleading for mercy for you.

It's obvious how important you are to him.

But have you ever thought about this?

If you really marry him

and give birth to his children,

what will become of Duchess Xiang?

I meant her no harm.

I don't care about the title.

I know.

You don't care, but others do.

Why did they save me then?

They could have let me die in the prison.

Duchess Xiang defended you

just so she'll look virtuous

and Duke Xiang will take pity on her.

A woman who's just lost her son

will endure it now to have her revenge later.

No matter how many women Duke Xiang have in the future,

he won't abolish the position of Duchess Xiang.

And if His Majesty was sympathetic?

That's why this token exists.

If His Majesty let you off,

they'd ask me

to kill you in the prison,

making it seem like you dropped dead.

Guo Han Lin's very crafty.

He even kept this from his daughter, Duchess Xiang,

in case she gives the show away.

No. I don't believe that.

His Highness won't let them do that.

His Highness holds responsibility for the nation.

He knows what to do and what not to do.

Sister E, wake up.

If it weren't for me,

you would've become a lonely spirit in the graveyard.

But Duke Xiang?

[His Majesty's ordered him to marry the daughter of Lord Pan.]

[She's the sister of Pan Liang, the Commander of the Army.]

[No.]

[He said he'll never let me down.]

I'll never

let you down.

[He won't do this to me.]

The bride will enter the house.

So useless!

You can't even cure my wound.

Why should I feed you?

I'm useless.

Your Majesty, I bid you respect.

Take a seat.

Thank you.

You already visited Duke Qin.

He's been absent from the imperial assembly for days due to sickness.

How is he?

It's a strange disease.

He seems pale,

like everything's fine.

But Duchess Qin is very worried.

It's said that after the earthquake,

[he had amnesia and he couldn't sleep all night.]

Couldn't sleep at night?

Maybe

he's secretly troubled by something.

You mean, Duke Qin might be rebellious?

Send someone

to keep an eye on him.

In that case, why don't we feel him out?

Be careful on the way, Sister E.

After you arrive safely,

remember to write to me.

If you pass the imperial examination,

don't forget to let me know.

Sure.

Sister-in-law.

Who's there?

Halt!

Who are you?

What are you doing here sneakily?

I...I'm looking for my relative.

Your relative in Duke Qin's Residence?

Sister-in-law.

I couldn't catch up with you.

Guard Wang.

Mr Su.

Is this woman really your sister-in-law?

Yes, she's my sister-in-law.

I wish to recommend her to the house steward

so that she can work here.

I see.

I'll let the steward know.

Please wait here.

Thank you.

What happened, Sister E?

Where is this?

This is Duke Qin's Residence.

I think I saw an old friend.

An old friend? In this house?

I'm not sure. Maybe I got the wrong person.

Never mind.

Mr Su, I already informed the steward.

You may come in.

What is your sister's name?

You may call her Xiang'er.

Okay. This way please.

Please come with me.

My fellow ministers, we had made a great achievement in the hunting.

The tasty foods on your tables

are the rewards.

Here. Let's enjoy the drink and food.

May Your Majesty stay healthy.

Your Majesty, this land is magical.

It's a blessed place.

I heard that a dragon once appeared here.

So, I asked Painter Dong from the Imperial Academy

to draw the painting of a dragon for you.

Please take a look.

Okay.

How dare you!

Such a brazen man.

How dare you be so disrespectful!

I deserve to die.

I've long heard

that the Imperial Academy has accepted

a painter who can't speak clearly.

He's known as Mute Dong.

That must be you.

Yes...yes. That's right.

You're recommended by Duke Qin.

But why did you draw

two dragons fighting?

Please do me justice, Your Majesty.

There's only one real dragon.

The other is just its reflection

in the water.

A huge dragon winding through the waves.

There's only one dragon,

that's why it can't stop itself

from fighting its reflection when it sees one.

The painting tells the difficulties of being an emperor,

and depicts the scene where people are happy

as our country is united.

A dragon playing with its reflection.

I like it.

Get up, Ting Mei.

Be mindful, all.

Those out there are important guests.

No mistake is allowed.

Your Highness, Dong Yu's dragon painting

was arranged by Zhao Pu,

Emperor Taizong's trusted subordinate.

I'm afraid he was trying to feel you out.

His Majesty is suspecting you.

But you're having fun instead of

making plans for your sake.

Aren't you afraid of the brewing troubles?

Lord Lu.

Are you trying to scare me with your words?

His Majesty and I are very close.

A mere painter

can't get between us.

That worry is uncalled for.

Lord Lu.

Your Highness.

Why are you leaving already?

His Highness and I have nothing to talk about because of our different views.

After we were saved in the earthquake,

I have thoroughly understood this world.

Be it the positions of the Crown Prince or the Emperor,

they don't matter at all.

No one knows for sure

when they will die.

Why not sing and drink to the beautiful scenery at this wonderful moment?

It's fantastic.

His Highness isn't feeling well.

Please don't be offended.

Madam, the Empress Dowager entrusted me

to educate Duke Qin back then.

According to the Empress Dowager's last words,

after His Majesty dies,

Duke Qin should be enthroned.

The late Emperor passed the throne to His Majesty.

His Majesty should pass the throne to Duke Qin.

Yet, His Majesty plans to pass the throne to Duke Xiang

because he's his son.

But what about Duke Qin?

Your Highness, I'm ordered to make you tea for sobering up.

I'll talk to him when I have the chance,

and convey your feelings to His Highness.

Thank you, Madam.

Without my permission,

don't come close.

Understood?

Yes.

Your Majesty, Duke Qin is here.

Your Majesty.

Let him in.

I heard

that your house is full of guests

listening to music these days.

You sure know how to enjoy life.

I'm a music lover.

So, I invited some old friends

to enjoy some performances at my house.

Ting Mei, stay in the palace today.

It's been a while since we had a long chat.

No wonder we're not that close anymore.

[It's only been a few months.]

[Your body has gotten this bad]

[that you can't even hold a bow?]

Your arm is exceptionally strong.

I'm not as good as you.

We've been brothers for years.

This is the first time I hear you admit you're not as good as me.

I admire you from the bottom of my heart.

Let's drink for the whole night.

It should be fun.

Your Majesty.

What is it? You can't make it?

I feel honoured

to join your party tonight.

I wanted to name De Zhao the Crown Prince,

but the ministers are against it.

But if I don't,

I feel like I've wronged Emperor Taizu.

What do you think?

Although De Zhao is Emperor Taizu's eldest son,

he's not competent.

I feel restless ever since

I named the Crown Prince.

It's not easy to get the throne,

but it's harder to hand it to others.

Why are you troubled, Your Majesty?

People's speech and heart.

They're troubling me.

Those known mistakes

as well as unknown secrets

will stir up troubles when people talk about them.

They will become a deep mess when people think carefully about them.

You're right.

Some words hold the power of life and death when spoken out.

Some problems that one can't get over

will tear people apart.

Do you remember day nine of the seventh month 20 years ago?

Emperor Taizu bestowed upon Shi Shou Xin and Gao Huai De money and lands,

but relieved them of their military duties.

From then on, the three parties lived in peace with each other.

Now, I think

that this approach

can solve a lot of matters in the imperial court.

The late emperor was far-sighted and he knew how to make plans.

That was indeed a wise choice.

So, you agree with it?

Absolutely.

Here you go, Your Highness.

I heard that the new maid, Xiang'er's skills in making tea

were well-appreciated by Duke Qin.

Was it you who made tea for me

at the room the other day?

Yes, it was me.

You have the skills of Shu in making tea.

Come and serve tea at my study room in the future.

Yes.

Xiang'er, come and greet Madam.

Greetings, Madam.

What else can you do besides making tea?

Madam, I can do the Shu embroidery.

How is it different from Su embroidery in Jiangnan?

Madam,

the craft of Shu embroidery

needs fine craftsmanship and has more patterns

compared to Su embroidery.

I'm sure you'll like it.

Okay.

I'm attending the Empress' birthday party

in the palace.

Make me a gown

with the Shu embroidery.

Her Highness will be happy to see a new design.

You'll also be highly rewarded.

Thank you, Madam.

Sister-in-law.

Yi Jian.

You looking for me?

I noticed that your shoes are broken.

I made you another pair.

Thank you.

Put them on.

I'm sure they'll fit well.

Do they fit?

Yes.

Duke Qin is having fun every night.

Does he really have no ambition

and only care about pleasures?

Remember, Sister E.

Don't poke your nose into others' businesses.

Then only can you survive in this house.

Keep that in mind.

[Pan Yu Shu, daughter of Pan Bo Zheng]

Why are you unhappy

after coming home, Yu Shu?

Did Duke Xiang treat you badly?

Why... why do you still have the virginity mark?

Didn't Duke Xiang and you consummate

after marrying for so many days?

It's all because of the woman called Liu E.

He didn't eat or drink, but only drown his sorrow with wine.

Liu E is already dead.

What can I do?

Hurry.

Ying'er?

It's you.

Why are you wearing Ying'er's clothes?

Please forgive me.

Your Highness looked troubled.

It may cause depression.

So, I'm here to share your sorrow.

No need.

You may leave.

Your Highness.

-Your Highness. -Leave.

Madam.

Duke Qin loves the tea you make the most.

I need to learn from you.

Put four fingers here and hold the cup well.

How stupid I am.

I can't get it done no matter how.

Tea shows what's in your mind.

If you're distracted, the tea won't be nice.

Is my gown ready?

Yes.

Here, Madam. This is Shu embroidery.

I love butterflies.

I'm best at embroidering butterflies.

I didn't know that it would be to your liking.

Butterflies are likeable,

but not all women

are as pretty as them

like you, Madam.

You can brew tea and do the Shu embroidery.

Duke Qin thinks highly of you too.

Maybe I can make you Duke Qin's concubine.

Madam, I lost my husband not long ago.

I still have to mourn for him.

Forgive me, but I can't do as you say.

Madam.

What are you doing?

If you insist, I'd rather die.

I was just teasing you.

Get up.

Get up, Xiang'er.

Thank you, Madam.

I received a report from the Ministry of Rites

stating that De Zhao should be allowed to return

to hold or join the worshipping ceremony

of Emperor Taizu this year.

De Zhao is Emperor Taizu's rightful son.

He should return naturally.

De Zhao is staying at the Metropolitan prefecture.

I've not seen him for years.

What will he do if he returns to the capital?

Duke Zhao is weak. He's not to be feared.

Are you worried that he might join forces with Duke Qin in the capital?

Duke Qin has been grounded.

His residence has also been surrounded by the Imperial Guards.

The tiger is already caged.

De Zhao can't get near him.

He won't dare to do that.

This is Bai Yu ointment from the palace.

It's the best for wound healing. No scars will be seen.

Take it.

Thank you, Madam.

Aren't you silly?

Why did you do that?

Your tea, Madam.

I just wanted to let you know

that I came to Duke Qin's Residence

to work. Nothing else.

The gown needs adjustment.

Cui'er will explain to you.

The Empress' birthday is in a few days.

I want to wear it to the palace. Can you make it?

I'll do my best.

You actually are quite pretty.

But you'd rather rely on your skills

than face for a better life.

You have my respect.

Stay with me from now on.

I will treat you fairly.

Thank you, Madam.

De Zhao is coming back to the capital.

The Ministry of Rites and the three financial ministries

are working on the worshipping ceremony of Emperor Taizu.

I'll let you take charge of it. What do you think?

You're still thinking about that commoner?

A man who wants to own the world

can't be obsessed with a woman.

I married the only daughter of a high lord as well as the Crown Prince's tutor

to you.

And Duchess Xiang, a Guo, has power over her family.

Civil and military.

With these two wives,

you have power over half the imperial court.

Why can't you get over that commoner?

To you,

the relationship with families can be used as tools?

If this is the Crown Prince you're trying to nurture,

I don't want the throne.

You...You unfilial son!

Who's there?

Who's there?

Who are you?

Come with me. Come on.

-Who's there? -Hurry.

Sister E. Why are you here?

Why are you at the Moon Pavilion?

I...I don't know.

I was just passing by.

And I saw...

What did you see?

Nothing.

Let's get out of here first.

Take a look at mine.

What's that sound?

I've been trying for three days but still failed.

You need to be patient.

This is one fine stitching.

Didn't you hear that?

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Please, Your Highness.

Move.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Your Highness, please don't kill Bao'er.

His Majesty brought this monster up again today

and humiliated me in front of the others.

It once crossed my mind

to make you the Crown Prince.

But after you pass away,

can you pass the throne

to your crazy son

and let him rule over the nation?

I've never coveted the position of a Crown Prince.

One destined to be the emperor's son

will be protected by the gods.

But looks like yours isn't protected.

What's the point of keeping him alive?

Your Highness.

Don't kill Bao'er. He's innocent.

You want to die with him?

Okay. As you wish.

Your Highness.

What is it? You want to die too?

Your Highness, please don't kill Bao'er.

Please don't kill Bao'er.

Please don't kill Bao'er, Your Highness.

I won't let him off next time.

Madam.

Have some tea, Madam.

Xiang'er.

Take a seat.

Why did you save me today?

You were in danger. Of course I had to save you.

Do you know who that is in the attic?

I'm in no position to ask.

You don't have to tell me either.

You risked your life for me.

There's no need to hide it from you.

The person being locked up in the attic is Bao'er.

He's five years old,

the son of Duke Qin and I.

Duke Qin is said to be childless.

But Bao'er is being locked up in the attic.

Not many people in the residence know about that.

Bao'er was absolutely fine when he was born.

We only realised that he couldn't talk when he was two or three years old.

He was more energetic than other children.

Later, he'd even make a big fuss

over a little sound.

I searched everywhere for famous doctors.

None of them could help him.

Duke Qin took him as a bad omen,

and locked him up in the attic,

letting him live in darkness.

Stay away from him.

He'll go crazy when he hears someone coming close,

but keep quiet when he's left alone.

You, again.

How could you do this to your own son?

He's not my son.

He's a jinx.

I'll kill him with my own hands one day.

Killing Bao'er is like killing Madam.

Bao'er is mentally unsound,

but he is Madam's only son.

You vent your anger at Bao'er every time.

Do you know how much that hurts Madam?

A mother and her son are one.

How can Madam endure the pain

of seeing her child suffer?

Because of your loyalty to her,

I won't punish you.

You've got my attention.

[Qian Yuan Gate]

[Your Majesty,]

[Duke Zhao is on his way to the capital.]

He's now at Henan province.

I miss him a lot after all these years.

Take him to me once he arrives at the capital.

Yes, Your Majesty.

De Zhao is my nephew.

He grew up in the palace.

He was very close

with the princes since little.

And I taught him to read.

Duke Zhao has been writing in his reports

that he misses Your Majesty as well.

This is Emperor Taizu's ten-year worshipping ceremony.

De Zhao is a filial son.

We can't stop him from doing his filial duty.

Yuan Xi. Yuan Zuo.

Go and bring De Zhao to the palace.

I must entertain him properly.

As you instructed.

Welcome back, Brother De Zhao.

The both of us

have come specially to greet you.

[Zhao De Zhao, the second son of Emperor Taizu of Song, Duke of Wugong]

Thank you.

Brother De Zhao, take this.

Yuan Xi.

Stop it.

Yuan Xi.

We haven't seen De Zhao for years.

Yuan Xi, don't do that.

De Zhao.

How are you?

Yuan Kan.

The four of us have not seen each other for years.

Brothers, let me have it my way.

I must entertain De Zhao tonight.

Let's go and see Father.

Let's go.

Father.

I bid you my respect, Your Majesty.

Skip the formalities, De Zhao.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I'm glad that you have returned to the capital.

You haven't been in the palace for years.

I've ordered people to clean up the room you used to stay

when you were little.

It's exactly the same.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Father, we haven't seen each other for a long time.

I ask for your permission

to let me take him home for a reunion.

Let him stay at your place?

Yes.

Okay. He may stay at Duke Xiang's Residence.

Both of you can catch up with each other.

Thank you, Father.

Things have changed.

His Majesty wants to name you the Crown Prince.

To others,

I'm the biggest obstacle for you to take the throne.

I don't know what the people have in mind.

All I know

is we're brothers no matter what.

We may ignore what the others think.

But I need to worry

about what His Majesty is thinking.

De Zhao, you're overthinking.

It's been too long since we met.

Let's drink till we drop.

It's not everyday De Zhao returns to the capital.

Your Majesty wanted him to stay in the palace.

[Li Mu Qing, the Empress]

But why did Duke Xiang insist on taking him

to his own residence?

What do you know?

Yuan Kan doesn't trust me like he used to be.

It's a rare chance for them to get together.

They must have a lot to talk about.

Ever since Liu E showed up,

Yuan Kan and I drifted apart.

I worked so hard to pave the way for him to get in power,

but he doesn't care at all.

Our hearts are getting further away from each other.

Your Majesty, stop worrying about it.

Please just let it go.

Take good care of your health.

Did His Majesty arrange for De Zhao to come back to the capital?

Who else if not him?

De Zhao's return to the capital has put him in a very dangerous position.

De Zhao has no military power nor bold visions.

What's the point of killing him?

What do you know?

Mind your tongue.

You may leave.

Completed.

Bow.

Rise.

Another bow.

Rise.

The third bow.

Worship with wine, to the Earth and the ancestor.

Completed.

This way.

De Zhao.

Is this mine?

I kept the two wine bowls very well.

We used to drink a lot of wine

with the two bowls.

Here.

I still remember this.

We were always fighting each other for the shadow puppets.

Even the Osmanthus cake too.

We fought like cat and dog.

In the end,

grandmother had to be the judge.

Yuan Kan.

That was so immature of the young me to fight with you.

But I won't fight with you over anything now.

Do you get it?

Why did you say that, De Zhao?

During today's ceremony,

Uncle Ting Mei was crying his eyes out.

[He's putting up another show again.]

Uncle Ting Mei once told me a big secret.

When the earthquake happened, Da Qing Hall collapsed.

Uncle Ting Mei and His Majesty were buried under the rubble.

They had a really long talk that day.

His Majesty told Uncle Ting Mei

that if he could live to see another day,

he'd name me as the Crown Prince

to repay the kindness of the late Emperor.

I've never heard about that before.

It's only right

if you take the throne. Everyone will be united.

I'll be the first to support you.

No way. Absolutely not.

I've always hated going to the imperial assembly.

You know that, don't you?

I remember.

Yuan Kan, if you take the throne one day,

I'll do my best to assist you.

But I have a request.

Let me enjoy my life as a Duke at the Metropolitan prefecture.

Get us some wine.

Where's the wine? Hurry.

Bring them the wine. Quick.

Hurry up.

De Zhao.

De Zhao.

De Zhao!

De Zhao.

Come on.

Come on.

What happened?

De Zhao.

Poison.

De Zhao.

Poison.

Poison.

Poison?

Impossible.

I told you I won't fight with you over anything.

Why can't you...

Your Majesty, according to the the Court of Judicial Review,

there was no sign of an outsider.

But it's been confirmed

that Duke Zhao died of poison.

Have them close the case.

Announce that De Zhao poisoned himself.

Hold a state funeral. The entire city shall mourn for him.

Put aside the matter of Crown Prince nomination for now.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[End of Episode 2]