You are still able to sit still? Why would I not be able to sit still? Related Lady of Excellence Zhao is now suffering from vomiting and diarrhea after eating the longevity noodles that you sent! How do you explain that?! When did I have someone send noodles to her? You dare to act but do not dare to admit? I did not do it so why do I have to admit? Xi State women have always been upright and aboveboard in our actions. But you, you didn't clearly investigate the situation first, did not go comfort your Related Lady of Excellence Zhao, and instead came here to indiscriminately and violently criticize me. With your brains, are you really fit to be the crown prince?! You still dare to speak to me this way?! Do you believe that I can divorce you now?! - So what if you do?
- Your Imperial Highness, please forgive my sin! This has nothing to do with Crown Princess Consort. That... bowl of longevity noodles was sent by me. Crown Princess Consort? Crown Princess Consort? Instruct the Imperial Buttery to prepare a bowl of longevity noodles and send it over to Related Lady of Excellence Zhao later. Tell her that Crown Princess Consort especially had the Imperial Buttery make it for her. Yes. Related Lady of Excellence, Crown Princess Consort really does not take you seriously. You only have one birthday in a year, but all she sent was just a bowl of longevity noodles. From what I can see, she is likely jealous of you. She is jealous that His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince cherishes you alone. She's using her status as the crown princess consort to be haughty and sneer at you. It is best if you do not eat this bowl of noodles. Let me dispose of them for you. No, since it was rewarded by the crown princess consort, then I must eat it. And I have to enjoy eating it. What are you doing? What are you looking for? I am looking for something you hid. What thing? - Give it to me!
- What is this? What does it matter to you? It must be something you use to hurt others. I'm using those to make a protection bracelet that I'm gifting someone in a few days! I have to give it to him in a few days! If I lose one bead, I will have you answer for it. You are still able to sit still? Why would I not be able to sit still? Related Lady of Excellence Zhao is now suffering from vomiting and diarrhea after eating the longevity noodles that you sent! How do you explain that?! When did I have someone send noodles to her? You dare to act but do not dare to admit? I did not do it so why do I have to admit? Xi State women have always been upright and aboveboard in our actions. But you, you didn't clearly investigate the situation first, did not go comfort your Related Lady of Excellence Zhao, and instead came here to indiscriminately and violently criticize me. With your brains, are you really fit to be the crown prince?! You still dare to speak to me this way?! Do you believe that I can divorce you now?! - So what if you do?
- Your Imperial Highness, please forgive my sin! This has nothing to do with Crown Princess Consort. That... bowl of longevity noodles was sent by me. But I really did not do anything to it. I just thought that today was Related Lady of Excellence Zhao's birthday. If Crown Princess Consort does not reward her anything, it seemed... a bit... But Crown Princess Consort had not yet woken, so without permission, I acted presumptuously and ordered someone to send a bowl of longevity noodles. But I did not think that Concubine Zhao would vomit and have diarrhea from it. I would never hurt her! I will properly investigate this affair. This is all because I acted presumptuously. Please confer upon me the death penalty. Since we did not do anything, her having diarrhea has nothing to do with us! Yongniang, do not always go around asking for the death penalty. Hurry and get up! You kneeling this long makes me tired. Crown Princess Consort, that word is taboo. You cannot say it. Your Imperial Highness, what are you going to do about the longevity noodles? The longevity noodles were sent by the chief lady-in-waiting of the crown princess consort, Yongniang. Yongniang used to serve Imperial Great-Grandmother. She won't do anything dishonorable. But in the Eastern Palace now, there are only two harem members, crown princess consort and Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. Who would want to harm Concubine Zhao? Even though I don't want to believe it, I am afraid Sese did these things to herself, and then acted as the thief that cried thief.
(covering her deed by shifting blame) That Concubine Zhao really had the audacity to play the thief crying the thief. You're right. Related Lady of Excellence Zhao acted out this whole incident but the crown prince still believed her. He even made a scene in the palace of the crown princess consort. Out of anger, the crown prince even threatened to divorce the crown princess consort. How can these inferior tricks fool the crown prince? It's because he favors Concubine Zhao too much, so he is blinded by her tricks. Concubine Zhao is a menace. I am afraid that later on the crown prince will only listen to her and not you. Empress, you should plan accordingly. Have you taken care of Xuniang's incident yet? I have arranged it accordingly. Related Lady of Excellence Zhao is quite unlucky. I should go see her. I haven't even given her the gift I bought for her. Are you silly? You were reprimanded by my fifth brother because of her. And now, you want to visit her and send her gifts? It's not her fault. It's Li Chengyin who was unreasonable. Either way, she is sick, I should go visit her. You're going to visit her? If anything else happens to her, Fifth Brother will blame you again. He can believe whatever he wants. Girls from Xi State are always upright and righteous. Why would I be afraid of him? Play a card. Related Lady of Excellence, the crown princess consort is here. Did she find out something and is here to question us? Don't panic. Let's go out and check first what her purpose in coming here is. Greetings, Elder Sister. I have not yet fully recovered, so I am a little tired. Forgive me for my inadequate behavior. You don't have to be particular about rules in front of me. I am here to give you a birthday present. Take a look. Last time, it was because Li Chengyin angered me that I forgot to give it to you. Do you like it? This rock looks very unique. This is a malachite stone from Xi State. It may not be expensive, but it's very rare in the Central Plains. Thank you, Sister. You aren't fully recovered yet, so I won't bother you any longer. Maybe, I ate something bad, but I know that it has nothing to do with the longevity noodles. It's good that you believe me, unlike Li Chengyin, who blamed it on me without any evidence. Make sure to have plenty of rest. Sister, stop for a bit. Do you remember when you asked me about the wolf fang? It might not be mine. Maybe, I mistook it for mine. You won't know unless you see it. Jin'er, bring my wolf fang here. Go bring it. Yes. Crown Princess Consort. Sister, take a look. Is it your wolf fang? This is mine. Why is it with you? Actually, this wolf fang is a love token gifted to me by the crown prince. Li Chengyin? I didn't know that this wolf fang belonged to you. But since it was gifted to me by the crown prince, if I gave it to you, I am afraid it would not be proper. Since it was like that, you should keep it. I'll go now. Related Lady of Excellence, why did you do that? I have to make sure what relationship she had with HIs Imperial Highness. Come, Crown Princess Consort, have some tea. - Crown Princess Consort, you made this?
- Yes, I did. You even have this type of craftsmanship? Even the palace's treasure-holding female officials don't have these skills. I may not know how to do other things but with things like this, if I claimed to be second best in Xi State, no one would dare to claim first. Girls in the Central Plains mainly work on embroidery and needle work. There's no one that knows how to do this. In Xi State, before a lady is married off, she must make a waistband as a token of love. So, even if the girls in Xi State cannot do embroidery, they must know how to make beaded accessories. Making this is good. His Imperial Highness will surely like it. What does that have to do with me? You didn't make this for His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. I made this for the person who saved my life. Your savior? Greetings to Your Highness. General Pei, thank you for saving A'Du and me at the East Market last time. I never saw you outside the palace. I understand. But girls from Xi State will not be indebted to someone without repayment. I made a good luck charm for you. Protecting Crown Princess Consort is just a part of my duties. Would you please take it back? - You must take it.
- No, I cannot take it. - Take it.
- Crown Princess Consort. Your Imperial Highness. What are you doing here? This is my Eastern Palace. Why would it be strange for me to be here? But you, as the crown princess consort, are not staying in your Bearing Graces Hall, - and instead came here for what?
- This is also my Eastern Palace. I can go wherever I want. Junior Mentor Li is still waiting. Let's hurry and leave. Yes. Wait! I have something to ask you. What's the matter? Zhao Sese's wolf fang, did you give it to her? Why are you asking? I ask you if you did or did not? Answer me first. Why are you asking? What does that wolf fang have to do with you? That was my wolf fang! - Just because you say it's yours doesn't mean it is.
- You... That was grandfather's gift to me. It was his trophy from killing the wolf king. Really? Of course, it is. I had it since I was young. How can I mistake it for something else? I found that wolf fang after organizing the things I took back from the Western Border. Sese liked it, so I just gave it to her. You just gave it? Why would you just give my stuff to another person? I didn't know it was yours! Fine, I'll take care of it. Let's go. You'll take care of it? So, are you giving it back to me or not? [Mi Luo Drinking House] With this many dishes, how long will it take you to finish cleaning? I'll help you. So, she made this to give to you. This wrist protector... It's not that easy to take off by myself. You're not here this late at night just to show off, right? The crown princess consort asked His Imperial Highness about the wolf fang today. Wolf fang? His Highness also didn't know from where he got that wolf fang. He then gifted it to Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. Crown Princess Consort then saw Concubine Zhao wearing the wolf fang, so she went to ask His Highness how he got it? What did His Imperial Highness say? He said he found it in a box of things brought back from the Western Border. I am worried... what if they remember something through the wolf fang? Now that you mention it, Xiaofeng has been acting weird these days. She's been avoiding me every time she leaves the palace. She even went to see a physician. She might be looking for ways to regain her memory. What if she is slowly remembering things? What should we do? Since His Highness and Xiaofeng are being suspicious because of the wolf fang, then we should give them a reasonable answer, so they don't keep guessing. I don't know how to lie. I'll teach you. Your Imperial Highness, these are all the things you brought back from the Western Border. Your Imperial Highness. Zhao, what is it? Last time, Crown Princess Consort asked you about that wolf fang. Actually... You know where it came from? That wolf fang was found on the way back from the Western Border. I found it outside the campsite. I thought it was a trophy you took from defeating Danchi, so I didn't think too much about it and put it in your belongings. I didn't think it would lead to a conflict between you and Crown Princess Consort. Should I go explain this situation to her? No need to. What I mean is, I'll go tell her. You don't need to go through the trouble. Shi'en, take these back first. Yes. - General.
- What happened? Wannian County's Magistrate sent someone to inform us that two of our guards got involved in a case. They want you to go over and check it out. But I checked our records and these two don't exist. Maybe it's an impostor hoping to get out of the case. You can take care of this yourself. Yes. Wait. General, do you know their names? There is one called Zhou Xi. Okay. [Court of Wannian County] What's going on? Are they swindlers? They're swindlers. I'm telling you, it's true. Last time, I saw them, too. How can they bully a little child? How can they do that? They shouldn't be doing that. There are all kinds of people in this world. It was my last resort to disturb you, My Lord. I heard that my men pushed an innocent child into the water. Of course, I have to come and take a look. It is true. General, please take a seat. This is the Court of Wannian County. Just keep the trial going. I'll be observing on the side. Yes, of course. What are you still doing there? Go get a chair for the general! General, this way, please. Who is the plaintiff? What is your occupation? Your Honor, my family name is Jia. Our family lives by the river and are fishermen. What are you charging this person for? Your Honor, today, as my wife and I were reeling in the fishing net, a fellow neighbor came to tell us that our son fell into the water. So we ran over to take a look. My son was wet from head to toe. He was lying on the ground and shaking from the cold. I asked him why did he end up in the water? He told me that he accidentally bumped into this young lord. He then pushed my son into the water, Your Honor! - I...
- The weather is so cold lately. My poor son is so cold to the point that he's lost half his life, Your Honor! Little child sitting below the court, who pushed you into the water? It's him! I saved you! Didn't you fall into the water and I ended up saving you? When did I push you? Zhou Xi, let me ask you. Do you know how to swim? I don't know how. You don't know how to swim, yet you still jumped into the river to save him. If you didn't push him into the river, why would you risk your life to save him? Why would I think so much about saving someone's life? He fell into the water, of course, I had to save him! Then, how did you two get out of the river? I... My friend knows how to swim. When I fell into the water back then, he saved me. He learned how to swim for my sake. Nonsense! Humans are selfish and treasure their life the most. You and the boy are strangers. You don't know how to swim and you still saved him? If you didn't feel guilty, then what is it? If you felt guilty, then it must be because you pushed him into the water. So, this is how you resolve cases. That... General Pei, look. How about we do this? Take the little girl to the back hall first. I'll ask her elder brother for now, then bring her out later. Oh, right. Give her some snacks. Men, take the little girl away. You said earlier that you were playing by the river - and this person pushed you into the river, right?
- Right. Then did he push you from behind? Yes, he did. Since he pushed you from behind and you don't have eyes behind you, how come you're so sure that it was this person and not someone else? I remembered wrong. He pushed me from up front. I fell into the water with my back first. All right. - You're sure that your back fell into the water first?
- Yes. Your Honor, you can take him to the back and give him some snacks, too. Men, take him back there. Bring that little girl forward! Little miss. Let me ask you, did you personally see that person push your brother? - It is him.
- All right. Your brother was playing along the river, then he just pushed your brother into the river, right? How did he push your brother? He pushed like that. Elder Brother was sitting there, and he walked over from behind and pushed my brother like that. Then, did he push your brother's backside or did he push your brother's shoulder? He pushed my brother's backside. You're sure it's the backside? If it's not shoulders, then it's the back. All right. Your Honor, these two children's answers are different. There are too many suspicious points. I hope you carefully investigate. General, you are right. You are right. Bring that boy who fell into the water here! How audacious of you! You dared to lie! I didn't lie! If you still don't speak the truth, you will be dragged out and caned 100 times! My father told me to do it! My little sister and I are good at swimming. We commonly pretend to fall into the water and trick people into saving us. Then, claim that they pushed us into the water, so Father can get a compensation fee. They were all willing to get scammed by you? People usually think that children don't lie. The people who saved the children are unable to give a convincing explanation and refuse to go to court. So, in the end, they would just accept their bad luck and solve the issue with money. People like you who would insist to go to court to settle this affair, it's our first time running into one. Now that the truth is clear, that my subordinate saved the child with good intentions but ended up being framed, he is indeed innocent. Your Honor, now that things are cleared up, I will take my men back. General, please do as you please. Wait! You just said that humans are selfish and treasure their lives the most. I don't know this child and I can't swim. If I risk my life saving him, it must mean I'm feeling guilty. Right? Complete nonsense! Protecting the weak and young, and saving those in trouble are righteous deeds! He is a young child. If he accidentally fell into the water, shouldn't I save him?! But you, on the other hand. If you conclude cases like this, who then is willing to risk their lives to save others in the future? Wouldn't it disappoint all the good people in the world?! Of course. You're right. Let me tell you. Things got cleared up this time. Next time, if this happens again, I will still go save that person! You're right. Save the people. Save the people. Good! Well done! - Young Lord, well said!
- Let's go. Yes, great! Yes, it should be like that! People should be like that, good! Great! Crown Princess Consort. Call me Young Lord. Young Lord. I never saw you dressed like this before. I always see you in armor and always so stern. You actually look good in that. Let me tell you. I was so worried when the magistrate went to find you. You don't know that I used the pseudonym Zhou Xi. What if you didn't come, or if someone who didn't know the situation came? Then, wouldn't A'Du and I have to fight those people right there in the court? Good thing, you came. [Court of Wannian County] I have learned a lesson today. I didn't know parents like this existed. The human heart is full of treachery. You should be careful. I won't be able to take precautions on everything. There are too many swindlers here. Unlike people from Xi State, our feelings are shown right through our faces. You aren't like them. You're a good person. I've caused so much trouble, and you fix it every time. It looks like the colored glass beaded bracelet isn't enough for repayment. I should think about what else I should give you. Crown Princess Consort, it is my job to protect you. I don't need any repayment. I am a person who likes to repay any debts of gratitude. Your Imperial Highness, you must not give me any more gifts. Do you not like the things I give you? It's not that. It's just... you're the crown princess consort. We are not of the same status, I do not dare to take it. I treat you as a friend. Is it right to bring up status between us? But in the palace, not everyone can be friends. Who said that? Yongning is my friend. Luoxi is my friend. You are also my friend. Let's go. Greetings to Your Imperial Majesty. How is the investigation? Chai Mu seems to have disappeared overnight. I searched the whole capital. There is no trace of him. - Ceng Xian.
- I'm here! Go outside the palace with me. Where did you want to go, Your Imperial Majesty? Fellow customer, this way please. Here, take a look. Go to Mi Luo Wine House and buy some good quality wines. Just tell her that I have an important customer. Miss Mingyue, did the two strangers from last time come to bother you again? Didn't he give you ten taels of gold? Can you show me? Maybe I can find some clues from that. My Lord, you aren't here to listen to me play songs, am I right? Are you still suspicious that I am somehow related to those two people? I am raised by Mother Wang. She knows my background very well. If you don't believe me, you can ask her. If you don't believe Mother Wang and me, then you can take me to the court for questioning. You don't have to waste your time. I never would've thought that you had such a strong personality. Even though I am born into the materialistic world and am of lower status, I still have dignity. I am not willing to let others look down and think lightly of. I only perform to those who I believe can appreciate my music. I thought that you came here to listen to me play music. But it turns out, you are here to do official business. Then would you please do your business accordingly, and not ridicule me. How audacious! Do you know who you are speaking to?! Actually, I've only met you once. Why do you trust me? Even though I've never seen your face, I've heard your voice. I know that you are different from those that use music as an excuse for their ulterior motives. Your voice puts me at ease. I imagined you as a cultured and fine gentleman. So, my heart has developed some hope. But it turns out, I thought too much. I shouldn't have had the delusion of having you as a bosom friend. I am your bosom friend? Honestly, I have been a little impolite. All right, I will take the penalty of three cups of wine. - My Lord!
- You may leave. Earlier, I did not act properly, I spoiled your experience. I should take the penalty, too. So, you think of me as your bosom friend? That's great. A toast to you. [Singing Jade Brothel] [Singing Jade Brothel] Mingyue, has His Imperial Majesty gotten suspicious of you because of last time? Brother Gu Jian, can you plan for me to meet the crown prince? I have something important to tell him. General Pei, thank you. Crown Princess Consort, I'll take my leave then. Crown Princess Consort, I deserve to be killed. I waited here for you for four hours. It's quite late. Where did you go? I... Yongniang. You all leave first. Yes. What are you looking at? I fell into the water and General Pei gave me some clothes to change in. That's all. That's all? Every time you leave the palace, you cause chaos outside. General Pei has governmental responsibilities. He is in charge of protecting the whole Eastern Palace. He's not here to follow you around all day, protect you, and fix the issues you've caused. You were the one who told him to follow me around and prevented him from doing his duties. How could you blame me? If you didn't sneak out every day, would I have someone follow you?! Did you come to Bearing Graces Hall this late just to fight with me? No. Last time, you asked me about the wolf tooth. I thought about it and think I should give you an answer. I found that wolf tooth on my journey back from the Western Border. It was found in front of my tent. I didn't know who it belonged to so I brought it back. At that time, Sese liked it so I gifted it to her. Since it is yours, I will find an appropriate time to get it and return it to you. You should have returned it to me earlier. Your Imperial Majesty, the other day, the Protectorate General Office in the Western Border reported that the remnant army of Danchi escaped towards the southwest of Shuobo State. They are hiding in the western valley of Yanzhi Mountain. They frequently attack the soldiers, harass the citizens, and creating major disturbances in the Western Border. Far Subduing Generalissimo Gao Xian is requesting for a western expedition in order decimate the rebels and spare us from future trouble. He asks for twenty-five million kilograms of food supplies and one million taels of silver for military payroll. May Your Imperial Majesty approve of it. Minister Gao, my father is the North Subduing Marquis of Danchi. Therefore, the responsibility to capture the Danchi remnants belongs to our Zhao family. The military provisions and payroll should be distributed to the North Subduing Marquis. Your Imperial Highness, the Protectorate General Office of the Western Border has guarded the border and maintained its stability throughout the years. Therefore, General Gao should be the one in-charge of capturing the Danchi remnants. Your Imperial Majesty ordered General Zhao to take charge of Danchi for the purpose of pacifying the Danchi people. It doesn't make sense to give the military payroll and forage to the North Subduing Marquis. Twenty-five million kilograms of forage? One million taels of silver for wages? These are not small sums. Why does capturing a small group of remaining Danchi fighters require so much forage and silver? Besides, it's not up to you to decide who will lead the expedition. You don't want to distribute the payroll to the North Subduing Marquis, maybe because this a plot between you Gao brothers of embezzling the treasury funds under the guise of military justification! Am I right? Official Zhao, how can you bring up personal disputes to the royal court and make up stories? Your Imperial Majesty, I've been the Minister of Revenue for many years. Every transaction is recorded in the journal. I have never coveted it in private. - While you've kept mentioning the military payroll. What do you really want?
- You... - That's right.
- He wants the money. Your Imperial Highness Crown Prince. This affair involves national security. Please make a decision, Imperial Father. Prime Minister Gao, what is your opinion? When it comes to the border, even a small matter is critical. Ministers, generals, Gao family, and Zhao family, we all work for His Imperial Majesty. We just have different roles and must consider based on different perspectives. General Gao uses an iron hand to capture the remnants. General Zhao uses gentle policies to pacify the people. The dual use of strength and kindness is the way to keep Danchi people willingly obedient and secure the peace in that area. - Zhao Kun.
- I'm here. Can the Ministry of Revenue afford to spend what Gao Xian requested? Your Imperial Majesty, in the past, it's quite a stretch to come up with this sum. However, we've had a good harvest this year. The weather has been good since late spring. Our granaries are full. - Your Imperial Majesty!
- If the empire is going to war, - the soldiers naturally must eat well.
- Right. Right. - We definitely cannot be lacking in rations.
- That's right. - Zhao Kun.
- I am here. Write up a clear and accurate memorial for me. You mustn't aggrieve the Protectorate General Office of the Western Border, nor will you leave our State Treasury empty. Your Imperial Majesty is wise. Your Imperial Highness, the Gao family was colluding in court today. Just for their own pockets, they disregarded the people's needs. How can you keep tolerating them? What do you think happened today? Your Highness, Danchi State has been eliminated. It's only the feeble, old, women, and children that have escaped to the west. It isn't necessary to send a 100,000-men army to go after them. Gao Xian is definitely eyeing the money by using the expedition as an excuse. Or he may be taking this opportunity to gather his own army. You have to be cautious of his dark plans. You saw it, too. In the past, there were still allies of Elder Prince Zhong arguing with the Gao family in court. But in the court now, even you have to listen to the Gao family. So, Your Highness will just let it go? Unless you have evidence to prove that Prime Minister Gao has an ulterior motive. If you just say one word, I will dedicate myself to the investigation. I will not be afraid or avoid trouble. I will take my leave now. Greetings to Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. I am Chen Yan. Miss Mingyue, please have a seat. What would you like to talk to me about? I am willing to assist Your Imperial Highness to topple the Gao family, and redress both the Gu and Chen families. Mingyue! I was fortunate enough to see His Imperial Majesty twice. His Imperial Majesty has started to trust me a little. If I can get him to give us some help, the redress of our case might happen sooner. My imperial father has seen you? Does he know about your background? Your Imperial Highness, this shouldn't be done under any circumstances. Mingyue is only a lady and she doesn't know any martial arts. It's already super dangerous for her to see the emperor. If we still involve her in this, Prime Minister Gao will definitely not let her go easily. That's exactly what I want. He killed my mother and eliminated my clan. This matter must be settled. It seems that you have made up your mind. If I don't agree today and rejected your kind offer, you would still use your relationship with my father to follow through with this plan. Right? Yes. Mingyue, if anything were to happen to you, even If I die ten thousand times, I still cannot answer properly to Godfather. I'll explain it to him myself. I respect your tremendous wisdom and courage. But Prime Minister Gao's shrewdness and viciousness are way beyond what you can imagine. Since Sir Chai is not here, if harm really comes to you, I will not be able to rest easy. Your Highness, what Prime Minister had done is not only the massacre of the Chen and Gu families years ago. Think about it. The imperial court today are under Prime Minister Gao's influence and threat. Also, the previous case of the imperial examination. They are all the result of the Gao family's immense power. If we continue to allow the Gao family to endanger the society of our Li Empire, it would be the citizens who will suffer the consequences. Your Highness, if we must make sacrifices, it is enough that I am the one. I will use this tea to toast you. Cousin, I know you are perplexed as to why I agreed to Mingyue's plan. I also know how you think of me. You think that I am very selfish. You think that for my goals, I would use all the innocent people around me. Am I right? But have you considered that if I don't agree with her request, she would act on her own? She might face even more danger. If she discusses everything with me and with my protection, she might be safer. Excuses. Gu Jian. All right, I will admit that I do have personal reasons. I also want to topple Prime Minister Gao as soon as possible; hence, I agreed to her request. Do we have other methods? Cousin, we all cannot wait any longer. Prime Minister Gao has already started to suspect me. He was able to find out about Sir Chai. Then, uncovering his true identity will be inevitable. All of us will be in danger then. Do you understand? Related Lady of Excellence, what is the matter with you? My eyesight got blurry because I knelt for too long. A while back, you were put on house arrest. Now, you're being punished to kneel here and read Buddhist scriptures. The empress is so biased. Even the crown prince believes that crown princess consort sabotaged you, and she still punished you. It doesn't matter how the empress treats me, as long as His Imperial Highness believes me, that's enough. Fortunately, the crown prince's heart only has you. Every morning and evening, he comes to Qingluan Hall to find you. Too bad the empress prohibited the crown prince from entering here. Even though I occasionally received items sent from my hometown, I've already been married for a year and have only received one letter from dad. Mom has never sent a letter to me. I don't even know when Older Brother will come visit me. One day, when I get the opportunity, I will try to ask for a royal decree to visit the Xi State once. Dad and Mom, I miss you a lot. Crown Princess Consort, Princess Yongning and Princess Luoxi are here. Yongning! Luoxi! Why are you here? - Xiaofeng.
- Sit. We just received news that the empress will host a royal family banquet in the palace tonight. Banquet? We're not admiring flowers again, right? They say it's to allow royal ladies and ladies from important families to interact more. But it's actually to find husbands for princesses that are of age to marry. Luoxi is included in it. Why just me? Aren't you of age to marry, too? I'm not willing to marry far or marry below me so I'd rather not marry. You're different, though. You have a crush. It doesn't matter if you marry far or marry below you, wherever he goes, you will have to go, too. If we marry or not, will be Imperial Father's decision. You don't have a say it. Xiaofeng. Xiaofeng! What's wrong with you? Will everyone go tonight? Imperial Father and Mother will both be there. So, you and the crown prince will have to be there as well. Won't I be seeing Li Chengyin again? My fifth brother bullied you again? Yongning, are you even my friend? When you hear that Li Chengyin is bullying me, you look forward to it happening. No. No. I think that my fifth brother cares about you a lot. Yes. You and my fifth brother are a quarrelsome but loving couple. You always say that he's bullying you. But I think that ever since he got married to you, he's become a different person. He's more human-like now. That's because he married Lady Zhao. It has nothing to do with me. Luoxi. Luoxi! Isn't General Pei Zhao such a block of wood? There's a beautiful lady right in front of him, and yet his gaze doesn't even wander towards here. Who said so? General Pei is a gentleman. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever he does is good. "Red beans grow in the southern state. When spring comes, they grow a few branches.
(From the poem "Yearning" by Wang Wei) I wish for you to pick more. These are what one yearns for the most." What are you saying? Nothing. Last time, during your birthday, Xiaofeng said that someone's inner poet came out, and started to recite love poems to some other person. - Yongning, I'm going to hit you.
- Don't! Don't! Look at the dance. Where are you going? I'm going to drink with Yongning. As the crown princess consort, you cannot wander around during these events. Did you not know? Sit now, and eat your food. How can I eat if you keep holding onto me? Yongniang? What is this big bug? Can I eat it? Crown Princess, it's a crab. You don't have to eat it if you don't want to. "Crab pincers are like a magical drug, a pill of immortality. Brewed wines are like the immortal mountain Penglai."
(From the poem "Drinking Alone under the Moon" by Li Bai) Elder sister, do you not like crab? How does a barbaric girl like her know what crab is? She's probably never seen one. I indeed have never saw this big bug before, but you probably have never seen the red deer and antelope from our Western Border, either. Each country has its own specialties. What's so surprising about that? Here, Sese. I forgot. Last time, you ate the longevity noodles and got sick. Crab meat is considered a cold food. You cannot eat today. It's one thing that I forgot about it, but how can you forget, too? Why don't you know how to take care of yourself? The crab meat gets cold if left out. It's a waste to throw it. Shi'en. Thank you, Your Imperial Highness. Give it to the crown princess consort. Yes, Your Imperial Highness. It's tasty! Who is this girl? Your Imperial Majesty, this is Prime Minister Gao's only daughter. Her name is Gao Ruyi. I, Ruyi, greet Your Imperial Majesty. Good! Good! "When you think of the clouds, you think of her clothes; when you think of flowers, you think of her face.
(From the poem "Song of Purity and Peace, 1 of 3" by Li Bai) The spring wind caresses the railing; the dew moistens her clothes to a darker yellow." You danced really well to the tune of "Raiment of Rainbows and Feathers."
(a Tang Dynasty Song) I really can't believe that Prime Minister Gao has a daughter like you. You not only possess beauty, you also dance with such lightness and poise. Good. May I ask if Ruyi's dance is to Your Imperial Majesty's liking? Empress, you are always so considerate. You surely know what I like. Since Your Imperial Majesty likes it, is there any reward? I will definitely give a reward. A'Du! Yongniang, close the door. Come. I brought something for you two. This crab is really tasty! - Have a taste, Yongniang.
- Crown Princess Consort, please punish me with death! This is food from the royal banquet. My status is too low. How could I eat it? May... Crown Princess Consort punish me— Don't spit it out. This is food from the royal banquet. It would be a huge disrespect if you don't eat it. Not only would you die, but I would also be punished for stealing the crab as well. You just eat it. Try it. Does it taste good? Crown Princess Consort, if it weren't for the crown prince's help today, you wouldn't have learned how to eat a crab and would've been laughed at by others, too. It shows that the crown prince still cares for you. During usual days, you should also treat the crown prince with a better attitude. - Was he trying to help me?
- Yes. Why would he help me? Doesn't he hate me? Empress, my elder brother searched the whole Western Border and eventually located a skilled craftsman to work more than half a year to make this Bodhisattva holding a baby statue. He also asked a highly respected monk to bless it for eighty-one days. It should be able to grant wishes. Elder Cousin is being too courteous. Empress, my big brother... is anxious for Ruyi. Ruyi has entered the palace for some days now. We hope that Empress can help arrange for Ruyi to serve in His Imperial Majesty's chambers. Ruyi's "Raiment of Rainbows and Feathers" dance that day has been complimented by the emperor. With her outstanding appearance and intelligence, obtaining the heart of the emperor will happen sooner or later. My help is unnecessary. Empress is too kind in compliments. There are so many beauties in the inner palace. It's not easy to catch the emperor's heart. Father hopes Empress will give special care to my sister. If Ruyi receives the emperor's favor, the Gao family will never forget your kindness. I understand what uncle wants. Please go home and tell uncle that I will definitely give it my all to arrange it. Thank you, Empress. Empress, please stay calm. Don't get upset with the Bodhisattva. They weren't giving me a gift. They were here to collect a debt. You don't need to worry much. Gao Ruyi looks skinny and weak. Even if you arrange for her to attend to the emperor and be graced to sleep with him, it's still doubtful that she'll get pregnant. You know about the tricks in the inner palace. If she obtains the emperor's favor, she can become pregnant even if she isn't pregnant. Once she is pregnant, even a princess can become a prince. What worries me the most now is that the crown prince is becoming estranged from me. Everything I say, he only gives lip service. If Ruyi really bears a son, Prime Minister Gao will definitely support her child. When that time comes, I may even lose my empress title. Empress, if that's true, you need to make a plan before it's too late. This statue of Bodhisattva with a baby came just at the right time. I indeed need an obedient prince. Does Zhang Can know Xuniang is pregnant with his child? I have warned Xu Niang, so Zhang Can doesn't know about it. Do you actually plan to... I need to carefully make use of this dangerous move. Your Imperial Highness, Empress sent someone here earlier to relay a message inviting you to dinner at Clean and Peaceful Palace later. I got it. After my lessons, I will go there. Yes. I will answer them immediately. Wait! Shi'en. What do you think women like the most? Women? I asked the wrong person. How would you know? You can leave. Your Highness, you asked the right person! I know what women like the most. Tell me. I won't hide it from you. The palace's female servants all have a good relationship with me. When they have any problems they willingly share them with me, and often tell me about their love concerns. Hurry up and say it. What ways are there to make a woman happy? I understand now. Your Highness wants to make Related Lady of Excellence Zhao happy. Perhaps, it's to make Crown Princess Consort happy? You... Why do you spout so much nonsense? Just tell me. Yes. Your Highness, pretty clothes, unique accessories, and rouge will definitely make women very happy. Women, all like to be beautiful. All day, they think about how they should dress. As they say, "A woman dolls herself up for self-pleasure." Wow, you are a little bit useful. But unique clothes and accessories— Your Highness, if we're talking about unique clothes and accessories then it must be from the capital's most famous shop Weipin Pavilion. Weipin Pavilion? Come! Take a look! Everyone come look! Pretty accessories! Sugarcoated hawthorns! Sugarcoated hawthorns! Sugarcoated hawthorns! Pretty accessories! Come look! Buy it all! Pretty accessories! Take a look! Take a look, customer! Selling noodles! A'Du, wait for me at Mi Luo Drinking House. - Give me a bowl of wontons!
- Customer, have a bowl! Pretty accessories! Sugarcoated hawthorns! Why are you following me? I heard that Crown Princess Consort enjoys walking around the streets and causing trouble. I heard that the last time, she even ended up in the Wannian County Court. Was there such a thing? So, today I came to see what kind of chaos you could cause. What do you mean by causing trouble and chaos? I clearly was eliminating the corrupt and evil for the people, okay? - You? Getting rid of the corrupt and evil?
- Right! Let me tell you. A'Du and I recently have caught about t-three liars. Hit two evil young lads. Chased after four or five thieves. I think that's all. That's all? Then, why don't you announce your status as Crown Princess Consort instead of being bullied by those people. I'm doing that for your reputation. Think about it. If others knew that the crown princess consort of the Eastern Palace fought with people on the streets, then your reputation as the crown prince would be nonexistent. If you say it like that, then I should thank you for saving my reputation. Let's go. Come with me to a place. Where are we going? Customer, take a look.
[Weipin Pavilion] Why aren't you walking anymore? What is this place? This the capital's famous Weipin Pavilion. All outfits for government officials, honorary ladies, and princes are made here. Not only do they have Li Empire items, they also have the prettiest clothes, accessories, and rouge from the Xi State and Shuobo. You know that much? I'm the ninth princess of the Xi State. Of course, I would know! Then, let's go look inside? You want to buy clothes for your Lady Zhao? Then, just ask the people inside to go directly to the palace so you don't have to go in. Leave carefully, customers! [Weipin Pavilion] Welcome! Young Lords, my name is Xiaowei. How may I help you? We're just looking around. All right. Xiaowei, come here. I want to make... - Do you understand?
- We can definitely fulfill your request. - But you should know—
- I know. This will take some time and processing. How about this? I'll give you half a month. Make sure to use your shop's best craftsman to make it. This is the down payment. All right, Young Lord! I'll make sure our best craftsman makes the outfit. Do you need any other clothes? What else do I want? I want this. Make a silk dress with flower embroideries with it. All right, Young Lord! What are the measurements for the dress? Measurements? Let me borrow your measuring tape. I'll let you know when I'm done measuring. All right! Xiaofeng! Xiaofeng! Come here! Why? Raise your arms. Why? What are you doing?! Your stature is about the same as Sese's. I'm using your measurements to make her a dress. No, you're the one measuring it? Why not ask the shopkeeper to measure instead? Do you want her to find out that you're not a male? Besides, we're a married couple. What's the big deal about taking measurements? Lift up your arms. Hurry up. Hurry up and measure. Stop rushing. - Does it look nice?
- Who asked you to measure me? - Why did you take my measurements?
- What's wrong with that? Pinwheels! - Colorful pinwheels!
- Hold it well. Pinwheels! Take a look! Accessories! - Accessories!
- You walk like a camel, so slow. Let's go. Come, take a look. Here you go. Drunk kitten, who is that man with Xiaofeng? Why did she pretend not to know us? Take a look. Accessories! All right. I'll wrap it for you. Accessories! We're here. This person is cold one moment and hot the next. Have you planned Xuniang's incident accordingly? Everything is prepared. His Highness the Crown Prince sent words that he'll come over for dinner after his lectures. A'Du, what are you doing here alone? Xioafeng... I saw Xiaofeng with a handsome man together on the streets earlier. Did she ask you to wait here? All right, just find a spot and sit. I'll prepare some good food and drinks for you. You're also looking for Gu Jian Jian? He's here, in the back. Gu Jian! Gu Jian, are you okay? Is it because the injury hasn't healed yet? I'm all right. I drank too much so my stomach hurts. Are you hiding something from me? What can I hide from you? Stop giving me that excuse. If you're not telling me, then I'll tell the princess. Don't. I fell down the cliff and heavily injured myself last time. I haven't fully recovered yet, but it's nothing serious. Is it from when I stabbed you? That's why... Don't think too much about it. No matter what, I am an accomplice to the murders of your clan. Just one knife injury is not a big deal. Compared to the mental trauma Xiaofeng received, my injuries are nothing. What I am mostly afraid of is... Xiaofeng remembering the past. I am afraid of her resenting me and even herself. A'Du, I know. I know you are in as much pain as me. We want to forget, but we cannot. If you want to cry, then cry. Here. Here. Take care, customer. All right. Sir, this way please. Mi Luo! - Where's A'Du?
- Why did you just come now? A'Du is in the back with Gu Jian. You're making my teacher chop wood again? He owes me money, so he has to work for me. It's reasonable. Prepare some food and drinks for us. I'll go back there to find them. All right, I'll bring it up. A'Du! A'Du! A'Du. What's wrong? Did Gu Jian bully you? How can I? Don't look at me like that. I wouldn't dare bully her. But you, you left her behind and secretly met with another man. Of course, she would be sad. What do you mean secretly meeting? What kind of teacher talks to their student like that? Teacher? I thought you would keep pretending not to know me. You're an infamous thief. If the crown prince saw you and reported you to the local official, what would you do then? I did that for your own good. So, you're afraid of implicating me? Obviously. Obviously what? Xiaofeng said your wine is obviously the best in town. You have the best fortune when it comes to drinking. I just asked this drunk kitten earlier to go get a batch of wines that came from Xi State. It's not even displayed in the shop yet, and we already bumped into you. - You went to get the wine earlier?
- Indeed. Move over a bit. Xiaofeng, I saw you on the streets earlier. The man with you is your husband, right? You guys are quite lovey-dovey and looked good together. Hand-in-hand, walking along the streets. What lovey-dovey? He went to buy clothes for his concubine but wanted me to come with him. He has a concubine? Why did you have to go if he was buying clothes for his concubine? How would I know? Maybe he wants to give her a surprise? But some things were weird. Speak up. Look, one time I fell into the water the same time his concubine did. But he saved me first and didn't care about his concubine. And one more time, I came here to get some wine for his concubine. But the wine gourd was smashed and we both almost fell. He also pulled me up first. His concubine ended up falling and hurting her hand. Isn't that weird? He obviously dislikes me, but always saves me first. Those really happened? Yes, they did. [Clean and Peaceful Palace] You haven't been here for a meal in a long time. I specifically asked the Imperial Buttery to make your favorite dishes. Quickly try if they suit your taste. All right. You know me so well. Today's dishes taste really good. Then, you should come eat with me more often. All right? All right. Here, eat this. Thank you, Imperial Mother. How have you been getting along with your two consorts? Related Lady of Excellence Zhao is gentle, respectful, cautious, and understanding. But the crown princess consort... She is from the Xi State after all. So unruly and overbearing. It is giving me a headache. There are many official affairs you have to take care of. Don't be stressing over women. Let them take care of it by themselves. Imperial Mother, if the crown princess consort could take care of these things, would I need to worry about it? Here, have some soup. Forget it. We won't talk about anything bothering you anymore. Rongshuang, pour some wine. Yes. This is a newly delivered pear blossom wine from the Court of Imperial Entertainments. Try it. It's sweet and easy to drink. The weather is cold so it can also warm you up. All right. It tastes good. Drink one more cup. Imperial Mother, try some, too. Imperial Mother, a toast for you. All right. I haven't been so happy in such a long time. You're right. If you like it, then drink some more. All right. Why are you still standing there? Hurry over. Do you remember the things you need to do? I remember it well. Enough. Leave him. There is someone here to wait upon him. Mind your business. Go down now. Don't bear any grudge against empress. After tonight, you and your child will start to enjoy a luxurious life. Remember that you need to take really good care of the crown prince tonight. From my perspective, I think that this husband of yours does not dislike you like the way you described him. Do you know that when a person faces an accident, his first reaction is the most truthful. Since you are the first person he saved, it means you are the person he cares about the most. Crown Princess Consort, if it wasn't for the crown prince helping you today, not only would you not learn how to open a crab, you probably would have been laughed at by others. This shows that His Imperial Highness really does care about you. In my opinion, I think most men in this world don't know how to interact with the woman they like. That's why, he treated you badly. He only wants to hide his affections for you. He clearly loves Zhao Sese. Why would he care about me?
