Bestowing ten agate plates, ten large golden flower silver plates, two jade waistbands, ten pieces of golden plated boxes, and ten boxes of golden and silver pearls, to celebrate Crown Prince's birthday! Thank you, Imperial Father, for your graces. Imperial Mother, even though today is not the actual date of my birthday, I still troubled you and Imperial Father to put so much effort in sending me gifts. I feel really bad. I am taking the chance to come here because it's almost your birthday. I'm not tired. Oh, right. Where are the officials that came to greet you, too? My eunuch-in-charge of imperial accouterments outside the palace is taking care of them. I'll go over there later. I want to know what gifts Crown Princess Consort and Related Lady of Excellence Zhao prepared to give you this year. I personally embroidered the scenery of a hundred flowers to celebrate the birthday of Crown Prince. May you have a day like this every year, may you be glorious and auspicious on your every birthday. You are very thoughtful. I really like the embroidery that you made. I congratulate the crown prince's on his birthday. You are gifting me that for my birthday? Is this not a good present? If I gave you a golden flask or gourd, then you'd have to melt it before trading it for money. This is so convenient. I think that Crown Princess Consort's gift is very unique. Leave. What are you going to reward this year? Imperial Mother, I really don't know what kind of gift I should give in return for her hundred gold ingots. Should I just go to the stockroom and get a bundle of one hundred copper coins for her? Bring it up. That then. That would be the reward for Crown Princess Consort. Thank you, Your Imperial Highness.
[Weipin Pavilion] Crown Princess Consort, this was a custom made palace quality item from the Weipin Pavilion. Horseback riding clothes? What are you doing?! Your measurements are about the same as Sese's. I'm using your measurement to make her an outfit. Did he specifically buy this for me? Sese, all those are for you. Thank you, Your Imperial Highness. Crown Prince, I prepared a special gift for you, too. Come in! I really didn't think that my first imperial grandchild would be born from the womb of a lady-in-waiting named Xuniang. What? Crown Prince did you not tell the Crown Princess Consort? I brought Xuniang over today so that we can have a discussion about when you will let Xuniang enter the Eastern Palace. Imperial Mother, I still have to discuss this matter with Crown Princess Consort. Then, you should pick a lucky day quickly. Even though Xuniang is of low status, she still has to be promoted. Conferring her as a Filial Lady of Excellence (Liangyuan) is too high for her.
(Liangyuan is a consort rank below Liangdi) Promote her to Lady of Precious Bevy (Baolin) then. It suits her status.
(Baolin is third to the last in terms of royal consort status) Crown Princess Consort, what do you think? What? Imperial Mother, what's the rush? We can wait until the child comes out. If it's a prince, then we can discuss her ranking. What do you mean? Imperial Mother, the Crown Princess Consort and Related Lady of Excellence Zhao were not notified of this matter. Even if Xuniang is to enter the Eastern Palace, you should have let me know first so that I can notify them. Are you blaming me for acting on my own accord? No, I do not dare. However, today is my birthday. This huge gift from you came too sudden; hence, I dare not accept it. What are you crying about?! This is a happy event! Why are you coming to grief?! Empress, Related Lady of Excellence Zhao and I, we... It's not that we aren't happy for His Imperial Highness, it's just that we weren't mentally prepared. Crown Princess Consort lives up to her name. You are quite magnanimous. But on the other hand, this Concubine Zhao needs to be taught some manners! The Crown Prince is the heir to the throne. Propagating the imperial bloodline is his duty! In the future, once he ascends the throne, there will be thousands of women in his harem. As a woman of the imperial harem, you have to know what is generosity and propriety! This is the way for a long-lasting relationship between husband and wife. Related Lady of Excellence, stop crying. Imperial Mother, why don't we just allow Related Lady of Excellence to go back and rest. You may leave! Empress, please forgive me for leaving first. Empress, I will also be leaving first. Stay here. It's hard for Imperial Mother to come here all the time. It's not right for everyone to leave. Imperial Mother, Xuniang's pregnancy is a good thing. However, immediately promoting her and the child... will cause quite a commotion within the Eastern Palace. Because of that, I won't be able to take care of any official affairs. I fear His Imperial Majesty will be unhappy about that. Forget it then. Xuniang's pregnancy term has just begun. If she lives in the Eastern Palace, I am afraid your Concubine Zhao will not allow her to have a peaceful day. She can stay in my Clean and Peaceful Palace for now. I'll take care of her for you. Thank you for being understanding, Imperial Mother. Thank you for being understanding, Empress. Related Lady of Excellence, don't be angry! Be careful for you might hurt yourself! Related Lady of Excellence! Wait for His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince to come and then ask him about it. He said that he will only love me, but now he has another woman behind my back. They even have a child. How does that make me look? What happened? The Crown Prince is here! Greetings to Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. Where is Related Lady of Excellence? She locked herself inside the palace. She won't let anyone inside, aside from Jin'er. If His Imperial Highness sees you in this state, then-- - Sese! Sese!
- It's His Highness. Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. Who spouted the nonsense that Related Lady of Excellence Zhao isn't thinking straight and is planning to kill herself? Your Imperial Highness, Related Lady of Excellence was heartbroken and cried. It is possible that while gossiping, the servants started to distort the story. - Get out.
- Yes, Your Highness. Sese. Sese. Since you already know, I won't keep it from you. That day, I got drunk in Imperial Mother's palace. Sese. Sese, don't cry. It was planned by Imperial Mother. What else can I do? Are you really angry at me over this? I do not dare to be angry at you, Your Imperial Highness. I am just sad about my bitter life. I cannot make the empress like me. My status is not as revered as compared to the crown princess consort. And now, a lady-in-waiting like Xuniang is pregnant with an imperial grandchild and will rise above me. I... I am not even as good as a maidservant anymore. What kind of status and ranking they are, even I, as the crown prince, cannot decide for it. You know this. Sese, what is the use of you throwing a tantrum now? I never thought that you would forget your promise to me this fast. My heart only has you, Your Highness. But what about you? Even though I am of lower status, my love for you does not deserve to be trampled like this! Since you cannot find reason in anything I say, I will not further explain myself. I will visit you on another day. Related Lady of Excellence, what are you doing? Even if you throw things, you should have not thrown that jade pendant! That was a love token from His Imperial Highness. Li Chengyin? What are you doing here so late? You are not here to argue with me again, are you? I am not here to argue with you. I am here to sleep with you. This is none of your business. Go out. What is improper about the crown prince sleeping in the crown princess consort's bed chamber? You all hurry up.This is the first time that His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is staying overnight at our Bearing Graces Hall. You must all serve him well. Yes! Greetings, Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince! I did not know that Your Imperial Highness would be coming here tonight. We didn't prepare anything. Please pardon our offense. Then, hurry up and prepare. Yes. You, infuse the tea. The water must be warm and the tea should not be too strong. - And you, prepare the bedroom clothes.
- Yes. And you all, assist Crown Princess Consort in bathing and changing her clothes. Go. Let's go. Crown Princess Consort, this way, please. Crown Prince, this way, please. Crown Princess Consort, please take your bath. Crown Princess Consort, this way, please. What is your opinion on Xuniang's child? The empress has already told me. Told you what? That in the future, I will raise the child. That I will be his mother. And you agreed to do so? How can you be this selfish? Stealing someone's child, raising him as your own, and have him call you "Mother" to protect your position in the future. Is this what you want? I know why you are so angry. I heard from others that you are not the empress' biological son. Your biological mother separated from you when you were really young. Do not worry. I will not let Xuniang's child be apart from her. But you... It was you who acted in confusion under the influence of alcohol, causing Xuniang to become pregnant. And then you felt that her status was too low and are not accepting her into The Eastern Palace. You committed the first wrong in this situation. It is not what you think. Then, let me ask you,. Did you have a child with Xuniang because you genuinely liked her? Apart from this, do you not have any other words to say to me? What words? I am your husband. Are you not angry that I now have a child with another woman? Isn't it normal for men of the Central Plains to have three or four concubines? Additionally, I have long heard the imperial harem consist of three thousand beauties. And in Xi State, my father also has many wives. I have a lot of siblings as well. Who you want to marry, who you want to have kids with, is not something I can control. I do not like Xuniang. I know, the one you like is Zhao Sese. So tonight, you should not have come here. You should have gone to her, stayed with her, and coaxed her. This is the Eastern Palace. I am the crown prince. I will sleep wherever I wish to sleep. Tonight, I will sleep here! Then you sleep. I am going to sleep with A'Du. You are my crown princess consort. Tonight, you will sleep here with me. - On what grounds should I listen to you?
- A'Du! A— If A'Du comes in right now, and Imperial Mother punishes her or Grand Empress Dowager punishes her, then I would really be unable to protect her. Li Chengyin, you are despicable, shameless, and indecent! If you still do not sleep, then I really will become despicable. You dare? Move over a bit. Your attitude is so good while sleeping? What are you doing? Why do you alone have to use two blankets? You should be grateful that I came here. You still want to fight over a blanket? Who asked you to come here? This is my bed, my blanket. Give it to me. If Sese did not persuade me to come, I would not have come at all. Zhao Sese let you come here? If it was not for Sese, would I come here to be maltreated by you? You leave. Do not worry. I will leave in the morning. Why are you still not sleeping? What were you looking at? Nothing. There was no blanket for me to use on the bed. I came outside to get some air. I will return the blanket to you. Quickly come back to sleep. Related Lady of Excellence! Related Lady of Excellence! - Related Lady of Excellence!
- What happened? Why are you acting impudently? Related Lady of Excellence, last night, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince stayed at Crown Princess Consort's Bearing Graces Hall. Rela-Related Lady of Excellence, perhaps, His Imperial Highness is just acting rashly because he feels wronged, so he purposefully acted that way for you to see. He is not. He really is angry. I broke the jade pendant he sent me. He really is upset with me and is not willing to visit me. Related Lady of Excellence, since the crown prince is not willing to come here, how about we visit the crown princess consort? This way, we can let the crown prince know that you are also a tolerant person. Crown Princess Consort, be dignified and composed. Older Sister! - Sister, are you all right?
- Are you all right? - Careful. Careful.
- Slowly. - How are you?
- I'm fine. I'm fine. - Come in and sit.
- All right. I've always wanted to come and see you, but I was scared to disrupt your peace, so I never got a chance to. Today, the weather is nice and I heard you had no duties, so I made the decision to come over today. I handpicked these gifts carefully. Although they are petty, they speak from my heart. You're a year older than me. Why do you call me "Older Sister?" Even though you are younger, you are of higher status. It's just appropriate that I address you this way. No need! I feel awkward when I hear it. You can just call me, "Xiaofeng." This... Crown Princess Consort, by calling you sister, it actually makes you and Related Lady of Excellence feel closer and harmonious. I have long heard that there is a capable servant by your side. Now that I see her, she indeed lives up to her name as your right-hand person. In the Eastern Palace, Related Lady of Excellence is the right-hand person of Crown Princess Consort. I hope Related Lady of Excellence won't feel estranged. I understand the caring heart of Sister. Crown Princess Consort doesn't know a lot of people in Shangjing. In the Eastern Palace, she entered at the same time with Related Lady of Excellence; hence, your relationship indeed is different with others. I hope that Related Lady of Excellence will visit Bearing Graces Hall more often. It is quite boring this afternoon. Why don't we go play something to have fun? Great. - Let's play leaf card!
- Sure. Pass. - You have quite lucky hands today, Related Lady of Excellence!
- Sister is being lenient on me. I don't know what is wrong with me today. I can't seem to have the right cards. How weird... Pass. Sister's boots are really pretty. Our Central Plains don't have such fine leather. You are right. These type of boots can only be found in Xi State. Do you like them? If you like them, I will have my dad send some good boots next time his men come. That would be great. I'll thank you in advance then. These boots are warm. Why don't you give His Imperial Highness a pair? Li Chengyin? I would never do that. Didn't His Imperial Highness stay at Bearing Graces Hall last night? So you came today because last night Li Chengyin spent the night here? No, no! That's not what I meant. For you and the crown prince to be harmonious is a good blessing for the Eastern Palace. I don't have any other thoughts. I don't, either. The Eastern Palace is his. Everyone in this palace is also his. It is not easy for both you and me. Let's get along well in the future. Continue playing! Then, when will sister fetch Xuniang in? Xuniang? Why must I fetch her? You are the crown princess consort. Xuniang just got pregnant recently. Logically, she should stay here for better care. You should go and ask Li Chengyin about that. How would I know? Replying to Related Lady of Excellence, as of now, Xuniang is staying at the empress' Clean and Peaceful Palace. Without the empress' summons, it's also inconvenient for Crown Princess Consort to fetch her into the Eastern Palace. Is that so? Greetings, Sister. Did you come to play cards again? The weather is great today. I then thought of coming to your place and have a chat with you. Sister... you're going out of the palace? No! I just wanted to try on this outfit. Sister, you look valiant and heroic in those clothes. You won't lose compared to other men. I envy you. You also like it? Then, let Li Chengyin gift you one, too. - His Imperial Highness gifted that to you?
- Yes. This is a scented pouch that I personally sewed. A token of my respect for you. New clothes always smell like the manufacturing workshop. If you take some fragrance to perfume the clothes, it will be better. It smells great! What's this? I've used this scent since I was young. The crown prince likes this smell, too! A'Du doesn't have manners. Please forgive her Related Lady of Excellence. The people of Bearing Graces Hall don't have any manners indeed. Greetings, Your Imperial Highness. Sese, I went to visit you in Qingluan Hall. Your servants said you were here. Why did you come here so suddenly? Did she make you do anything against your will? - No—
- Hey, what do you mean by that?! Why would I make things difficult for her? Your Imperial Highness, Sister treats me very well. She didn't make things hard on me. Since this bag has the scent that I like, it should be gifted to me. She doesn't know how to appreciate this. Don't gift one to her anymore. Let's go, Sese. Sister, please don't be angry. I'll come to see you another day. Why would you come here? She's a savage. Don't be bullied. Let's go. Li Chengyin! You can't set one foot in my Bearing Graces Hall from now on! Crown Princess Consort, don't get too angry. I won't be angry with him! If he wants to take the scented pouch, that's fine! I don't like that scent anyway! Li Chengyin's whole body is covered with that scent. So, it's all because of that Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. I initially thought that we could use your good relationship with Related Lady of Excellence Zhao to better your relationship with the crown prince. I didn't think that... Your Imperial Highness. Your Imperial Highness. Are you not angry at me anymore, Your Imperial Highness? Not anymore. Then, Your Highness, how about sending me back to Qingluan Hall? Tonight, I have important matters to attend to. Do not worry. Tomorrow night, I will definitely go to your hall. I will await Your Imperial Highness. Shi'en, go and check to see if this fragrance pouch has any problems. Your Highness, you are too nervous. This is just a normal flower scented pouch. Yes. Related Lady Zhao of Excellence is so warm and pretty. Li Chengyin truly likes her. How great would it be if the two of them were together? But because he is the crown prince, he had to marry me. I then became the most hateful person stuck in between them. No wonder he is constantly afraid that I will harm her. I really admire her. I am not jealous. I just admire her. I admire the fact that there is someone who treats her so well. A'Du, do you miss our home? I really miss Xi State. Every night, when I see that tree, I will think about Xi State's vast desert and grasslands. I will think about riding horses at night with my brothers, galloping into the depths of the wide desert. The wind blew across the splendid achnatherum, making a sandy sound. The starry sky is so low. So clear. So smooth. Like frozen grapes, sweet and sour. But the more I think of Xi State, the more I hate the cold and quiet Eastern Palace. What are you doing here? Today is the Double Seven Festival. It is so lively outside, so I just knew that you would not be able to sit still and would go outside. Hence, I came here to catch you. Catch me? You're not planning to report me to the grand empress dowager and the empress, right? To report or not depends on your behavior. If you go outside with me, then I will not report you. Why are you looking at her? She is not allowed to come with us. Why not? Think carefully. If you are not willing, then I will tell Imperial Mother. At that point, the two of us will not be able to go out. Who knows? We might even be forbidden to go out for a few months. No need for that, I will protect her. Let's go. A'Du... Are you still able to carry us on your boat, Mr. Boatman? Customer, it is very late already. I have stopped working for today. It is best if the two of you just come back tomorrow. Boatman, rent the boat to us. We will row ourselves. Then the two of you must be careful. Thank you. Why are we rowing a boat in the middle of the night? It would be better to just have a drink in town. Woman, you only know to drink and fight all day. You really do not know how to be romantic. As if you know how to be romantic. The two of you must be careful. Thank you. Before, when you were shooting wooden ducks and fell into the water, did you not say that you had never seen a boat before? Today is Double Seven Festival. What wish have you made to the Weaving Goddess?
(Double Seven Festival celebrates the love story between Weaving Girl and Cowherd) Weaving Goddess, please let this person stay far away from me. Do not let him come bother me. He is so annoying. Do you think I am willing? Isn't it because you are both stubborn and dumb, that I just could not take it anymore? Then you can go find your warm, beautiful, kind, generous, Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. Why did you come over here to row a boat for me? You are my official and legal wife. If I want to do something with you, then I will do it with you. Sing a song for me. If you want me to sing, then I will sing? I am rowing a boat for you. What is the big deal with singing a song for me? I will not sing. ♪ A fox sitting on top of the sand dune. ♪ ♪ Sitting on top of the sand dune, looking at the moon. ♪ ♪ But actually, it's not watching the moon ♪ ♪ It's waiting for the shepherd girl to come back. ♪ It sounds horrible. Change the song. Change the song. I only know how to sing this one song. You come here, I will row the boat. You? - Be careful.
- Here. The oar fell. You are so dumb! Why are you showing off trying to row the boat? Oh, no! What to do?! What to do? - Be careful!
- It's going very far! Oh no, we are done for. Done for. It's now so far away. You really are so stupid! If there is no oar, how are we to get back? Who says that rowing a boat requires an oar? Then what are we going to use? Hurry, use all your strength over there! - I am using all my strength!
- Use some effort! - You use all your strength, too!
- This will not do. We cannot get back like this! Hurry and use your strength! Put in effort! - Why do I always have such bad luck when I am with you?!
- Hurry up! - If you do not want to remain on this river for an entire night with me...
- Quickly exert some effort! ...then hurry up and row the boat! Hurry, more strength! Jinx woman. You are the one who's the jinx! Crown Princess Consort, where did you go? General Pei was looking for you for an entire night! Thank you for your efforts Yongniang and General Pei. As long as Crown Princess Consort is back, all is good. Crown Princess Consort, are you okay? Where were you for an entire night? - Are you hurt?
- There is nothing wrong with me. I am not hurt.
- Crown Princess Consort was with me last night. - Greetings, Your Imperial Highness.
- Your Imperial Highness. Yongniang, Crown Princess Consort did not rest well last night. So today, watch over her carefully and let her rest well. I— Yongniang, first cook a bowl of ginger soup for Crown Princess Consort, and then call an imperial physician to check on her. - Yes, Your Highness.
- Remember that. Pei Zhao, let's go back to my palace. - Crown Princess Consort, are you all right?
- I'm fine. - Later, ask the royal physician to come take a look at the Crown Prince.
- Yes. Sese, why are you here? I heard that you didn't eat much at lunchtime. It so happens that I picked some silver chrysanthemums this morning. - So, I made a honey silver chrysanthemums cake. Please try some.
- Sure. What's the matter? Did you go somewhere last night? Did you get a cold? Last night... I was with your brother investigating a case at the Court of Judicial Review. Maybe I picked up some chilled air. It's all right. I'll be fine in a couple of days. - Elder brother?
- Yes. It's actually all your brother's accomplishment. It took him no time to find the culprit that killed Zhang Can. It's all because of your blessing that Elder Brother can luckily accomplish his mission. Zhao Shixuan is your brother and also a capable person. Of course, I will use the best talent for the best job. I thank Your Imperial Highness on behalf of my brother. Since you are busy now, I will quit bothering you. I will take my leave. [Eastern Palace] Related Lady of Excellence, what's the matter? Are you worried about the crown prince getting a cold? How about this? Let's go to the kitchen and brew a ginger broth for him. You don't understand. He was brushing me off. Yesterday, Elder Brother sent me a message. He has been busy investigating the case, and wouldn't return to the capital until tomorrow. Crown Prince said he went to the Court of Judicial Review last night. How could he have met my brother? My Lady, the crown prince is the heir to the throne. If he has something that he doesn't want to tell, you probably shouldn't keep pursuing it. Forget it. Go to the kitchen and make a bowl of ginger broth for him. Sister A'Ci, I would like... Sister, are you cooking ginger broth? Yes, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince ordered us to make one for the crown princess consort. Related Lady of Excellent! My Lady! Crown Princess Consort, I heard that the crown prince is in a bad mood these days. Do you want to visit him? Yongniang, you want me to visit him when he's in a bad mood? Are you not afraid of me angering him even more? Why is he in a bad mood? Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince. If you have the time to worry about others, why don't you worry about yourself? Yongniang, you see? He said that his business is considered "someone else's" business. You still want me to worry about him? Then according to you, I am not "someone else?" What are you doing here? I heard that you refused to drink medicine today. I don't need to take medicine. I'm healthy. Also, that medicine tastes so bad. Every time I smell it, I— That is indeed the smell! Why are you at it again? So, I am going to drink it with you today. The imperial doctor said that you have a lot of cold aurae within you. You need to nurse your body well... or you can't bear children. Who said I want to bear your child? Crown Princess Consort, those words are considered to be against morality. You cannot say them. If it's me that has too much cold aura, why are you drinking medicine? I also have a lot of cold aurae so I also have to take medicine. Such a coincidence. Give it to her. Either you drink it or I feed it to you. No, thanks. I'll drink it myself. I'll do it myself. All right, in the future, I'll drink medicine with you every day. Yongniang, what part of him is in a bad mood? The crown prince was indeed in a bad mood, that's why he came to see you. I think that you and the crown prince are looking more like a married couple now. Yongniang, are you blind? Son, you have to behave and listen to me so that you can be born safely. Mother did not think that you would be born in this type of place. Your father is a useless man. You will never be able to meet your biological father for the rest of your life. But... you do not have to worry. I will protect you. The crown prince promised that he would treat us well. Someone come! - Hurry!
- Someone come quickly!
- Bring in some water. - My Lady!
- Quickly. Get some water. Good. This too. Hurry. Your Imperial Highness, something bad happened to Xuniang. Crown Princess Consort! Crown Princess Consort, something happened in the palace. - What is it?
- Xuniang's child is gone. What? - Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince.
- Crown Princess Consort. Greetings, Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort. Today, around 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Xuniang's stomach started to hurt and she passed out. The empress urgently called the imperial physician over. But by the time the imperial doctor arrived, Xuniang already lost her baby. After the imperial doctor checked her pulse, he found out that Xuniang mistakenly ate food that induced labor, causing her to lose the baby. Empress already detained all the people serving Xuniang. All of the food and water were also preserved. The director of Sleeping Apartments was the one who interrogated them. They eventually found out that there was medicine within the rice. Someone wanted to get rid of the child. Empress was so furious and ordered an investigation. Finally, a palace maid couldn't take the torture and said that she was following someone's order. I can't believe that in the Eastern Palace, right under my supervision, a child of the crown prince would be plotted against. Empress, we need to investigate this matter to its roots. We can't let the evil person get away with it. Do you guys know who the servant said it was? I don't know. Read the confession to Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort. "Originally, I was a servant in Embracing the Moon Pavilion. I served Crown Princess Consort when she was still Ninth Princess. So, every time Crown Princess Consort came to the palace, she would speak with me. When Xuniang was two months pregnant, Crown Princess Consort entered the palace and she called me over." Me? When did I do that... "The Crown Princess Consort gave me a box filled with gold nuggets. She also gave me an unknown bag of medicine." Imperial Mother, I didn't do this! Why would I cause Xuniang to have an abortion? Please believe me! Now that we have physical evidence and a witness, you must have evidence to prove your innocence. Evidence? Mother, I don't even know where Xuniang is. I don't have any evidence! If I suddenly had evidence, that would be more strange. Crown Prince, what do you think? Imperial Mother, please make the decision. Although Crown Princess Consort is of special status and is also the princess of Xi State, she was still muddled for a moment and did such a thing. It seems that she's not fit to head the Eastern Palace anymore. I didn't do it! I have nothing to do with this matter! Even if you killed me today, I wouldn't confess to the crime! The confession is here. What do you think Crown Prince? Imperial Mother, please make the decision. As they say, a hundred days as husband and wife is equivalent to an everlasting harmonious relationship. Crown Prince, you're not even giving your husband and wife relationship any consideration? A country has its laws. A family has its rules. I dare not be swayed by personal affection. Knowing that is good. A country has its laws. A family has its rules. These are really good sentences. Deliver my order. Demote Related Lady of Excellence Zhao to be an ordinary citizen. - Immediately expel her from the Eastern Palace!
- Imperial Mother! That servant's confession wasn't fake. But she committed suicide right after the confession. Don't think that just because she died I don't have any proof. The Director of Sleeping Apartments has always been diligent in her job. She continued the investigation and found out that that palace servant received graces from the Zhao family years ago. They even found 100 ingots of silver in her house. Her family confessed that Concubine Zhao sent someone to go to their home. This Concubine Zhao really devised a good "killing two birds with one stone" scheme to wreak havoc in the Eastern Palace. It's really despicable that she is so evil. How could we keep her? - She wants the royal family to not have an heir.
- Mother, calm down! I think that someone is trying to frame Sese! We need to have someone investigate this slowly. Please don't be angry. It might harm your health. I think you are so enchanted by that vixen that you can't think clearly. Initially, Concubine Zhao was crying and making a big scene about Xuniang's situation. Now, she even sent someone to harm Xuniang and tried to put the blame on the crown princess consort. With such evil intentions, she's worthy to be killed. Mother, Sese isn't that type of person! Please investigate further! Investigate what? Who's way was Xuniang's child blocking? She looks at her as an eyesore. Leaving a person like that in the Eastern Palace would just invite future disaster. When the servant was reading the confession earlier, you didn't even defend Crown Princess Consort one bit. Now that I've told you the truth, you keep saying that seducing vixen is innocent. How could you do something like this? I think that if we don't kill a troublemaker like this, I fear that you'll get bewitched by her to even give up the empire! - Imperial Mother, please don't.
- Imperial Mother, please appease your anger! - Related Lady of Excellence Zhao, might just be muddled for a moment. If you have her executed, I fear—
- Imperial Mother, Related Lady of Excellence Zhao's father and older brother are all working for the imperial court and are important high officials of Imperial Father. May Imperial Mother reconsider! Didn't you just say that "A country has its laws. A family has its rules?" That you won't dare be swayed by personal affection. Imperial Mother! The matters of the Eastern Palace should be handled by Crown Princess Consort. It's because I have no choice, that's why I'm handling it on her behalf. Just let me be the evil person. - Imperial Mother, please ease your anger.
- Imperial Mother, please ease your anger. Since you said that it's me who should make the decision in the Eastern Palace, and I also know that I'm not doing a good job, but can you listen to me for a while? Say it. Imperial Mother, His Imperial Highness sincerely loves Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. If you bestow her death, I fear that His Imperial Highness might never be happy again. I and His Imperial Highness have been married for a year. Although he doesn't like me, I know that he can't live without her. Without her, he will hate me more! Also, there are a lot of things in the Eastern Palace that I couldn't understand. It was Related Lady of Excellence Zhao who has been helping me. For example, those accounting books, I couldn't understand them at all. If there is no her, I... Yongniang, can you explain things for me? Yes. Empress, what Crown Princess Consort means is in attending to Crown Prince, even if Related Lady of Excellence can't be considered to be meritorious, she did exert painstaking efforts. - Right.
- Also, Related Lady of Excellence was good to everyone. She also treated Crown Princess Consort with respect. She has been assisting Crown Princess Consort in managing the Eastern Palace. May Empress consider that it was just a moment of confusion and give her a lighter sentence. - That's right.
- I hope Imperial Mother can be more lenient. That Related Lady of Excellence Zhao can be spared from death, but has to suffer other penalties. She's demoted to a commoner and will be confined for three months. Thank you, Imperial Mother. Regarding Xuniang's situation, Crown Prince, no need to be so sad. You and Crown Princess Consort are still young. You will have kids sooner or later. It's just that Xuniang is quite pitiful. Empress, why don't we promote her as Lady of Precious Bevy? The Eastern Palace should prioritize harmony. Crown Princess Consort acts like a child. She can't take care of many things. It's a good thing if there would be a Lady of Precious Bevy Xu to help her. Yes, Imperial Mother. Crown Prince, you two have been married for about a year. Why is there no news of a son yet? Normally, you should be more intimate with Crown Princess Consort. Keep a distance from those foxy women. Yes. Okay now. Rise. Rise now! You wicked woman, I know that you did this. You set up a plan to get rid of Xuniang's child and then frame Sese! How could you say I did something like that? You are always pretending to be innocent and pitiful in front of Imperial Mother. Don't think I don't know about you telling her that I have been cold towards you! You are jealous of Sese, so you set this up to frame her! You are even more evil than the world's most poisonous snake! You pushed Sese away and broke us up. Let me tell you. If something happens to Sese, I will not forgive you! Then remove me from my crown princess consort position now! Do you think I married you willingly? That I care about being the crown princess consort? Let me tell you that there are thousands of men in our Xi State and all are valiant heroes! None of them is a useless scumbag like you! Li Chengyin, what else can you do besides reciting poems? Your horse riding skills aren't even as good as mine. If we were in Xi State, no one would want a man like you! Crown Princess Consort, the crown prince is just venting his anger on you because of Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. - Don't take it to heart.
- I know that he doesn't like me, but I never thought that he hated me this much! He doesn't even hesitate to think of me as a malicious person! His Related Lady of Excellence Zhao was framed and he feels wronged, but why does he have to vent out his anger on me?! His Imperial Highnesss is just angry. Don't think about it too much. He said that I am jealous of Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. I am indeed jealous of her because she has someone that cares about her. No matter when and where that person will trust, protect, and love her. But I never thought about hurting her. I know. I initially was afraid of Concubine Zhao using you to do bad things, so I was cautious around her. But I never would have thought that she would still become impatient. She still went to harm Lady of Precious Bevy Xu and her child. The empress promoted her to Lady of Precious Bevy, so what? Because Li Chengyin doesn't like her, she will be an addition to the pitiful people in the Eastern Palace. Yongniang, let's go see her. All right. You saw Rongshuang earlier, right? I saw her. You know that I had no way out of this. Under that situation, what else could I do? I know that hitting the crown princess consort hurt you more than it may have hurt her. Troubles in the palace are happening constantly like clouds and waves. Especially around me. I doted on Sese, causing her to be sent to the abandoned palace. She might even lose her life. As of right now, your relationship with the crown princess consort has shattered. This might be a good thing for her. You're right. But I don't know if she would be able to understand me. That loud and careless girl from Xi State. Right, about Sese, she has treated me whole-heartedly. Humans are not made of wood or grass. Since she is from my palace, then I will protect her safety. Zhao, help me send in some medicines, food, and daily needs there. Then let her know about my current situation and try consoling her. You still care about Related Lady of Excellence Zhao, Your Imperial Highness. Pei Zhao, don't speak so sarcastically. As the crown prince, I am useless. Right now, I can't protect the person I love or even the person that loves me. Empress, the crown prince claims that it was crown princess consort who framed Concubine Zhao. Once he stepped foot outside the palace, he hit her. Then they started arguing outside. The crown prince even said that once he is the emperor, the first thing he will do is to dismiss her from her main consort position. Younger Sister, what do you think about this scheme? Elder Sister, it's such a great plan. You hit two birds with one stone. I have been preparing presents for Uncle, but I never had the chance to send them to him. Today, I finally can ask you to send them to him and tell him to take care. Once Father hears about what happened today, he will surely recover earlier. Greetings to Crown Princess Consort. No rush, just lie down. You don't have to greet me. You are very weak. You must take care of yourself. You are still young. Don't be sad. Thank you, Crown Princess Consort. What do you want to eat? I'll ask people to make it and then bring it over. Or do you need anything? I'll send someone to get it for you. I overheard the empress saying that she will write the decree to officially promote you. In the future, you will be the Lady of Precious Bevy. The first month after miscarriage and birth are similar. You must take care of yourself. You are still young. There are still many days to come. Once your health has recovered. You can still bear a child. Don't cry. It will hurt your eyes. Crown Princess Consort. Yongniang, look! Are these flowers pretty or not? Crown Princess Consort, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince knelt in front of the empress' Clean and Peaceful Hall for an entire day and fainted. Hurry and go look. Yesterday, he didn't do such a drastic action in front of the empress. Why does he have to kneel? Last night, the empress made an imperial decree to seal off Qingluan Hall and dismissed all their servants, leaving only Jin'er to serve Related Lady of Excellence Zhao. Wrong, it's commoner Zhao. Commoner Zhao received a great shock and fainted. His Imperial Highness heard this and rushed to Clean and Peaceful Hall early this morning. In order to beg for mercy, he knelt for a day. If he wants to kneel then let him kneel. What does this have to do with me? - Yongniang, pay no attention to him.
- Crown Princess Consort. Let him kneel. Let him faint. Who knows? He probably wants to act out a show for the empress. Crown Princess Consort, are you not going to just take a look at him? Even if he has a fever, he'll be fine in a few days. - Crown Princess Consort—
- I am not going. Responding to Your Imperial Highness. You knelt for too long, so the old wound on your thigh has recurred. In addition to the emotional issues on your mind and the chilliness of the wind, it led to Your Imperial Highness to have such a high fever. Imperial Physician Wang, I have something I would like to ask you. Your Highness, please speak. Have you ever heard of someone losing their memories? Losing their memories? Yes. If the head had suffered a blow, the blood and qi might have been blocked; hence, can cause temporary memory loss. Or, maybe, the patient had suffered from immense trauma, his mind getting confused and developing "Losing One's Soul" syndrome. Naturally, they will forget the things of the past. For a short time? So you are saying, as time goes on, the memories might come back? This is possible. Thank you for your trouble, Imperial Physician Wang. Your servant will prescribe another prescription for Your Imperial Highness. Your high fever isn't subsiding, so you must properly nurse your health. Thank you. You are dismissed. Your servant leaves now. - Zhao.
- I'm here. Take extra care of the crown princess consort. Do not let her out the palace in the near future. Yes. Your Imperial Highness, it is time to take your medicine. Your Imperial Highness. Your Imperial Highness. I must get my memories back. Remember it. Remember it? Remember... Take the medicine away. You all go out. Don't let anyone in here. Go. Crown Princess Consort. Crown Princess Consort, I'd heard that last night the crown prince had an unrelenting high fever. He also made everyone leave him. He is not taking the medicine, nor letting anyone near him. Why isn't he taking medicine for his illness? In my opinion, I think he is not taking medicine and also not wanting anybody else to know, because he thinks if the empress finds out, she will blame it on that Zhao commoner. Crown Prince is still mad at the empress. Does he think he can avenge for Related Lady of Excellence Zhao by tormenting himself like this? Crown Prince is honest and kind-hearted. Also, he is favored by His Imperial Majesty and Empress. But to do this is a little too... A bit too immature and absurd. Crown Princess Consort, it's better that you go take a look. Those two are so in love. Why should I go meddle? Crown Princess Consort, His Imperial Highness has had a high fever for three days already. No one has dared to enter his sleeping chambers. If this continues... That's true. It's okay if Li Chengyin dies. But if he dies, I would have become a widow. Infinite Light Buddha, Crown Princess Consort, you can't speak such words outside of here! Why are you so anxious? He is not dead yet. Fine. Fine. I'll go with you to see him. Mother... This hot?! Mother! Mother... It's me. Yongniang, get the medicine. Mother... Come, Your Imperial Highness, open your mouth. Just a little bit. A'Du, pinch his nose. Open your mouth. - It's done.
- It's hot! He swallowed it. You can let his nose go. Here, careful. Miss, you are sick, but Empress will not allow any imperial physician to see you. I made some congee for you. It's better than not eating. What about His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince? Did he come to see me? Jin'er, you sneak out and go tell the crown prince that I am sick. He will definitely come to see me. Go tell him. My Lady, you eat the congee first. When you've gotten better, the crown prince will come to see you. I don't want to drink it! Crown Prince will definitely come to see me. He surely will. When he comes, I will tell him that I didn't try to hurt Xuniang. I am not the one. It's all Qu Xiaofeng. She planted this trap to frame me. I didn't hurt her...! Crown Princess Consort, do you want to eat something? What is it? Your body is numbed. Then, I won't eat anymore. I will have some water. All right. I will bring it over for you. No... Don't. Put the knife away. Here. They are husband and wife. Go. Yongniang! Yongniang! What is it, Crown Princess Consort? Is your body numbed? I will massage it for you. No... I need to relieve myself. I'll ask someone to get a commode. Yongniang! Block! Block! Block! Hurry and block me! Block me! That side! No! Hurry. Take-Take it away. Don't laugh anymore. Stop laughing! I will stop. I won't laugh. Li Chengyin, stop laughing! Take it away. Take it away. I... Who told you to laugh?! Do not harm His HIghness the Crown Prince! - Get lost! Yongniang, move out of the way.
- Don't harm him! A'Du, drag Yongniang away! A'Du, don't drag me! - I'll let you laugh!
- Don't pull me! Crown Princess Consort! - You're still laughing? You're not allowed to laugh!
- Don't harm the Crown Prince! Be careful! A'Du, let me in! Laughing again? You're not allowed to laugh! If you keep laughing, I will have A'Du come over here and kill you! Don't touch me. Don't touch me! - A'Du! Li Chengyin!
- You can't catch me! Give it back to me! Come, come, come. If you catch me, then I will give it to you. - Hand it back to me!
- You can't reach it! - You can't reach it!
- Give it back to me! If you can reach it, I'll give it to you! - Give it back to me!
- You can't reach it! - What are you doing, you!
- Return it to me! - A'Du, come save me!
- Quickly drag her away! A'Du! - A'Du, you cannot go in. The two of them are doing what a husband and wife should be doing.
- A'Du! Li Chengyin, I'm going all out with you! A'Du! A'Du, if you go in, then kill me. Today's affair must not be made known. What affair... cannot be said? Kiss me. Why do I have to kiss you again? If you kiss me, then I will not tell anyone. Come. If not because I was afraid that the two countries would go to war, people would be plunged into misery, that blood would flow like a river, and bones would be like a mountain, I'll endure this. What is wrong with you? You can leave now. I can leave? Yes. Yongniang, I cannot live anymore! Crown Princess Consort! Crown Princess Consort! You are not wearing shoes, Crown Princess Consort! - Crown Princess Consort!
- Crown Princess Consort! Crown Princess Consort, run no more! You are not wearing shoes! - Crown Princess Consort! Crown Princess Consort!
- Run slower! Crown Princess Consort! - Crown Princess Consort!
- Crown Princess Consort, put on your shoes! Crown Princess Consort! - What is going on here?
- What happened with Crown Princess Consort? Crown Princess Consort! Reporting to Crown Princess Consort. The Crown Prince has sent someone to send something. Send something? His Imperial Highness said that he was momentarily impatient and tore Crown Princess Consort's belt. He feels very apologetic. So, he specifically made up for it with a mandarin duck silk ribbon. His Highness also said that he was originally going to personally gift this to Crown Princess Consort, but he was too exhausted and was sweating. He was afraid of catching a cold, so he did not come. His Highness also said that he will not tell anyone what happened. Crown Princess Consort, do not worry. I... Thank you, Your Imperial Highness. Crown Princess Consort, look. Yongniang, you are still smiling?! Does everyone in the Eastern Palace now know that I came out of Li Chengyin's bedchambers with messy clothes? - Yes, Crown Princess Consort.
- I... This is all your fault! It was you who wanted me to go there yesterday! Crown Princess Consort, you are tired from last night. I will have someone stew a bowl of ginseng soup for you to drink. This is a conspiracy. A conspiracy! His Imperial Highness finally has a change of heart. The infinite light, Buddha. Madam Zhao must have bewitched His Highness. Look! Upon locking Madam Zhao up, Crown Princess Consort and Crown Prince are suddenly getting along very well. I know right. Our Crown Princess Consort is such a beauty. It's totally unacceptable that she's not favored by His Imperial Highness. That's right, that's right. You did not see Crown Princess Consort's expression when she saw the mandarin duck silk ribbon today. Her face was red from blushing, and she was so shy. If it were me, I would be shy, too. His Imperial Highness, too, asking someone to send such an item over in broad daylight... That's right. I saw it, too. That is not what actually happened! My face was red because I was angry. And our clothes were messy because we fought with each other! It was not what you thought it was! Crown Princess Consort, forgive our offenses! I should die! Crown Princess Consort! These are the things I know. This crown princess consort has gotten what she wants now. She's even going around saying that this was against her will. - Is that true?
- Of course. I think that it must be because she saw you had suffered a setback, and the crown prince was sick, so she went to seduce the crown prince. His Imperial Highness... Could you have forgotten about me in such a short time? Related Lady of Excellence, His Highness got sick because of you. When the crown prince recovers from his illness, he will definitely find a way to let you out. At that point, let us see if that crown princess consort will still matter. There are four edifying behavioral characteristics for women: the first is womanly virtue, the second is womanly speech, the third is womanly manners, and the fourth is womanly merit. Refined and gentle, chaste, with moral principles, have shame, speaks and acts with propriety: those are the womanly virtues. One must frequently wash her clothes, only wear cleaned and properly dried ones, always take a bath and dress appropriately: that is womanly manners. If womanly virtues aren't manifested and your womanly manners are disordered, that is being dishonorable. Crown Princess Consort, do you understand that you are the crown princess consort, the legal mistress of the Eastern Palace. You are a model of this country. The crown prince is young and rash. You should be correcting him from the side, and not join him in his wild actions. Not just our royal family, even a wife of a commoner should understand self-restraint. Not that I didn't exercise self-restraint, it was Li Chengyin who— The crown prince is still sick. Why do you not understand how to refuse him? If he doesn't rest well and contract a more serious illness, how can we take it? You will become the future empress. You are supposed to be the role model as you take charge of the inner palace. How will you have people willingly submit to you in the future? We did not... did not do that. You may rise. What I am doing is for your good. If this was made known publicly, it would sound terrible. The Central Plains is different from Xi State. Flippantly saying a phrase is like a dagger, especially in the palace. These rumors and slanderous words can kill people. How annoying. You all must properly care for and watch over Crown Princess Consort. The crown prince is still sick. Crown Princess Consort is young and has numerous affairs to attend to. Do not allow her to serve soup and medicine to the crown prince anymore. Have Crown Princess Consort copy "Lessons for Women" ten times. I'm copying "Lessons for Women" again? Can't there be anything new? You want something new? Then copy it twenty times. Prepare paper and ink. Yes. I am so mad. I now know that this is Li Chengyin's trap! What mandarin duck silk ribbon? This is a white silk ribbon! (symbolizes death) - Crown—
- And having me copy "Lessons for Women" ten times, is this not wanting me to die? Crown Princess Consort, don't get angry. The crown prince is still sick, so it's unlikely he had thought that thoroughly. You should just hurry and copy now. Or else, you will not be able to finish copying this ten times today. Oh... it's twenty times. [Longevity and Benevolence Palace] What are you thinking of? Look. This is a nourishing porridge that I especially asked them to make for you. Try a spoonful. It tastes very good. How is it? Taste good? Eat some more. What's wrong? Get the spitting basin! Here, Crown Princess Consort. - Call the Imperial Physician!
- Yes. She is most likely pregnant. You do not have to be shy. Being pregnant is a natural occurrence. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You are just continuing the family line. Thinking of it... Your child, what will we name him? Responding to Grand Empress Dowager. Crown Princess Consort's stomach was just exposed to cold and then she drank thick deer porridge, thus she felt nauseous. She is not pregnant? No, she is not pregnant. You are dismissed. Dismissed. The crown prince? Call him here! Responding to Grand Empress Dowager. Today is the First Celestial Bodies Grand Ceremony. His Highness the Crown Prince has entered the Fasting Palace today. Enter what Fasting Palace? There are three ways to be unfilial, the worst is having no children. Does he not understand this? When His Imperial Father was his age, he already had two sons. - But him? He is twenty already.
- Yes. Wasn't Related Lady of Excellence Zhao always with him before? How come they didn't get to have a son or a daughter? That Lady of Precious Bevy Xu finally got pregnant, but then the child was suddenly gone just like that. What should we do? When will I... be able to hold my great-great-grandchild? - I have no more hope.
- Imperial Great-Grandmother, calm your anger down. I am so anxious. Prepare the carriage for the Eastern Palace. Greetings to Imperial Great-Grandmother. You bathed and scented yourself already? Yes. Then that is good. Someone come. Bring Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort now to the main bedchamber and lock them there. Without my orders, no one is allowed to let them out. Imperial Great-Grandmother! Why? Imperial Great-Grandmother, why? - Go. Go.
- Imperial Great-Grandmother! You are... Yongniang! - Imperial Great-Grandmother! Imperial Great-Grandmother!
- Let's go.
- Go! Imperial Great-Grandmother! Imperial Great-Grandmother! - Imperial Great-Grandmother!
- Imperial Great-Grandmother! - Let us out!
- Imperial Great-Grandmother! Is there anyone there? Despicable. Who are you calling despicable? What right do you have to curse me? If it was not for you reporting me to Imperial Great-Grandmother, would she lock the two of us together? Greetings, Empress. Greetings to Imperial Grandmother. I heard that you locked up the crown prince and the crown princess consort. What wrong did the two of them commit? They did not commit any wrong. I just wanted to hold a great-great-grandchild soon. Empress, do you not want to hold a grandchild? Of course, I want one. But the First Celestial Bodies Grand Ceremony will start soon. If Crown Prince does not attend, it would seem as if he does not want to follow the customs passed down from our ancestors. Then is the First Celestial Bodies Grand Ceremony important or an heir more important? If you ask me, have this year's First Celestial Bodies Grand Ceremony go forward with just the emperor. - But—
- But what? Is what I said wrong? Of course, you are the imperial harem's master. With me doing this, it seems like... seems like I have overstepped my powers, right? Then fine. I will personally go and open the doors for them and let them out. Come. Okay, okay already. No need for you to go. Grand Empress Dowager, what I have said is wrong then. Okay? What you have said is right. A descendant is more important. You can lock them away for however long you wish. As long as you are happy. I will handle the matters with His Imperial Majesty. That is more like it. Letting us go now? Hey! How come you left again?! Don't go! Yongniang! Yongniang! A'Du! Are you two out there? Let us see what delicious food there is to eat. Fragrant. Tastes good. Are you not cold sitting there? I'm not. Don't come over here. Don't come. Why are you sweating so much? Are you sick? Do not touch me. The porridge has medicine. There is medicine. There is medicine in the porridge? What medicine? Xiaofeng. Think of your Sese! The one you like is Related Lady Excellence Zhao! You must restrain yourself for her. You cannot betray her and do her wrong! You are my wife. This doesn't count as wronging her. It has already been the two incense stick's time. There is no rush. I am going to get the Grand Empress Dowager. How do I untie this? Why can't I untie it? It is not what you think, Imperial Great-Grandmother! This is more like it. It's not what you think! Imperial Great Grandmother has not seen anything. We did not see anything at all. That's more like it. No, Imperial Great-Grandmother! It is not what you think! Imperial Great-Grandmother! - Open the door!
- Imperial Great-Grandmother! Imperial Great-Grandmother! Imperial Great-Grandmother, I am begging you! Open the door, Imperial Great-Grandmother! Imperial Great-Grandmother! You are going to stifle me to death! How come you wore such light clothing? There is no live fire in this room either. Do you want to die from freezing? I am not going there. Do not worry. I will not do anything to you. Open the door! Open the door! Do not leave! - Open the door!
- Open the door! Imperial Great-Grandmother! Grand Empress Dowager, it is cold and freezing outside. How about we give Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort a furnace? It cannot be a good thing if they freeze. Send what furnace? Won't they be warm from each other's body heat? Is there any use for a furnace? Throw out a card. Let me ask you. Your two best friends are going to get married soon. Should you not be happy for them? But judging by your expression when Imperial Father bestowed their wedding, you had not an ounce of happiness on your face. Do you have some sort of other thoughts? If the two of them were a normal man and woman having an affinity towards each other, then, of course, I would be happy for them. But just because of a royal decree, they have to be together. If one person does not even have the power to choose their own marriage, then they will have remorse in the future. How do you know they will not be happy in the future? A forcefully gotten melon doesn't mean it won't be sweet. For example, you and I. You obviously have someone else in your heart, but you're locked up with me. Can your heart be joyful? We are different from them. That is right. We are different from them. We are even more pitiful than them. I came to Li Empire for a marriage alliance, so I know that even though you hate me, I still must be your crown princess consort. I must still appear together with you and be an example for everyone in Li Empire. Actually, I... Act... Actually, I... I... I... What do you want to do? You're not at it again, right? Empress. Why are the Crown Prince's clothes out here? Replying to Empress. Grand Empress Dowager won't let him wear them. Nonsense. Open the door. Replying to Empress. Grand Empress Dowager ordered that no one can open the door without her decree. Empress, forget it. His Highness the Crown Prince is probably asleep already. We should go back. The crown prince has always liked things to be clean. I'll order people to take these clothes back with me first. They will be cleaned and ironed. After the crown prince comes out, tell him to come to my palace to get them. The distinguished crown princess consort of the Li Empire actually went to Singing Jade Brothel?! All right. All right. Don't you know that there are people listening through the walls? Why are you shouting? I just went to broaden my horizons. I didn't do anything bad. Next time, when you go to Singing Jade Brothel again, bring me with you. The distinguished crown prince of the Li Empire actually goes to the Singing Jade Brothel?! I just want to broaden my horizons. I'm not trying to do anything bad. Don't even talk about Singing Jade Brothel, but we don't even know when we'll be able to leave here. That surely is another congee with medicine. If this continues, we'll starve to death. We need to think of a way to leave. I have an idea. You pretend to be sick. Why is it me? Because you aren't fully recovered from last time. It's more suitable for you to act sick. No. I don't know how to act. Someone come! Crown Prince fainted! - Someone come!
- Are you crazy? Hurry! Someone come! Crown Prince... Crown Prince fainted! Your Highness! Your Highness! - What's wrong with you, Your Highness?!
- Shi'en, hurry up and get the imperial doctor! Why are you just standing there? Yes! Yes! Hurry! Hurry! How is he? Reporting to Empress Dowager. His Highness Crown Prince's pulse is a bit superficial, and he is lacking in middle qi. He was just dizzy for a little bit. There aren't any big problems. Oh, so that's how it is. Then, please prescribe some medication, Imperial Doctor Wang. You should know as well. Tomorrow, we are offering a sacrifice to Heaven. Let him stay in the palace to properly recuperate. Yes, I will take my leave. All right. Imperial Great-Grandmother, does that mean I don't have to be locked up here anymore? You can leave now, too. I need to return to Longevity and Benevolence Palace. Listen carefully. Escort Crown Princess Consort back to her palace carefully. Nurse her health well. Yes, Grand Empress Dowager. Thank you, Great-Grandmother. Prepare to return to the palace! Your Imperial Highness! Yongniang, let's go. Shi'en, bring my clothes over, too. Your Highness, you're all right. Yes! It's not those. It's the ones I wore before I came in. Yongniang said that the empress took them last night for cleaning and ironing. She also said to have you go get them when you get out. Empress? Yes. Then, where's my jade pendant? Jade pendant? Imperial Mother. You're here to get your clothes, right? Yes. I already had the servants finish washing and ironing them. Thank you, Imperial Mother. I often see you wear half of this jade pendant, but I've never seen this other half before, though. Where did it come from? When I came back from the Xi State, Aunt Mingyue gifted it to me. Did she ever tell you where this jade pendant came from? She didn't say anything about that. She just said that if I liked it, she could gift it to me so they could become a set. And then, she told me to carry it all the time and think about her. What's wrong? Nothing. I just never saw you wear it before. After coming back from the Xi State, I've worn it every day and night. You just never noticed. Very good. Since it's so important, you have to make sure to keep it safe. Yes, Mother. Then, I will leave. How is it? Congratulations Your Imperial Majesty! Congratulations! Lady of Handsome Fairness Gao is pregnant. I will go back immediately to prescribe some medication. - All right. Leave.
- Yes. Empress. Empress. Congratulations to Your Imperial Majesty. Congratulations to little sister. Empress, you came at the right time. For this period of time, I will have to bother you in properly taking care of Lady of Handsome Fairness Gao. Even if Your Imperial Majesty doesn't say it, I would still properly take care of little sister. Older Sister, why is your hand so cold? That is right. I do not know why but recently, my body has been afraid of the cold. Empress! Empress! Empress! Empress! Empress... This will be my end. I have no other road to walk now. What should I do? What should I do? Empress, what do you mean by these words? Do not scare your servant! Gao Ruyi is pregnant! The Gao family will not care about me anymore. Chengyin wants to report my crime, too! He does not want me either. If His Imperial Majesty learns that I killed his woman, he will surely depose me! - Empress!
- What should I do? What should... What should I do? Empress, at this time, the more you must keep a clear head. Do not worry, I will forever stay by your side. No, the emperor... he will depose me. Wrong! He will surely grant me death! It can't be! It can't be! What should I do? Hurry and find a way for me. Empress, with your one word, I am willing to go through any difficulties and dangers, and risk my life for you! I cannot allow them to abandon me. I... I will definitely find a way. Empress! Keep a clear mind! I just need your one word! Your one word! Empress! Leave! - All of you leave!
- Yes. Today, I do not need anyone in Magnificent Main Hall! All of you, leave! Yes, yes, yes. Quickly go. Your Imperial Highness, what happened to you? - You leave as well.
- Yes, I will leave. Do not hurt yourself. I will leave. Leave! Yes. Crown Princess Consort! Crown Princess Consort! Shi'en asks to see Crown Princess Consort! Shi'en? Come in quickly. Greetings to Crown Princess Consort. What happened? Why are you in a panic? Responding to Crown Princess Consort. Ever since His Imperial Highness returned from the empress' palace yesterday, he has been weighed down with anxiety. Today, I don't know why, but he got himself absolutely drunk and locked himself in his room. He will not allow anyone to serve him. In all the years that I've served him, this is the first time that I have seen him like this. Even I do not know what is wrong with him, I am scared to impetuously tell the empress and the grand empress dowager about it, so I am asking Crown Princess Consort to go there and persuade His Imperial Highness. What use is there for me to go there? Will he listen to my persuasions? Crown Princess Consort, recently, your relations with the crown prince have gotten better. I beg you to take a look. Crown Princess Consort, you should go take a look. A'Du, you wait here for me. I'll go take a look. Li Chengyin. Li Chengyin? Li Chengyin? Go out! It is me. I said that I do not need anyone in my chamber today. Leave immediately! Shi'en said that you are in a bad mood, so I came to check on you. I am very worried about you. Can you tell me what exactly happened? You leave first. For the next two days, do not come here. I will explain to you later. You must leave now. Why? A'Du! There is an assassin! - How are you, Chengyin?
- Your Imperial Highness! Your Imperial Highness! Shi'en, hurry and call the imperial physician! Yes! Left Battalion, protect Fasting Palace. Right Battalion, search the Eastern Palace and catch the assassin! Yes! [Eastern Palace] Xiaofeng... - Chengyin...
- Are you hurt? Does it hurt a lot? The imperial physician will come soon. Hold on a little while more. Just hold on. I have never seen you cry before. Are you afraid... afraid of being a young widow? Say no more. Say no more. Do not say anything. Do not talk. Do not talk. Do not speak. Do not say anything. Are you really scared? Who asked you to be so fierce to me in the past? Let me tell you, Li Chengyin. You are not allowed to die before me, do you know? Do you know that? You must push through this. Li Chengyin? Li Chengyin! - Search!
- Yes! Responding to Your Imperial Majesty. His Highness the Crown Prince's wound is very deep and he has lost a lot of blood. This injury... What? He is in an extremely dangerous state, Your Imperial Majesty. What are you afraid of? He was able to live through Danchi's million bold warriors. I am telling you, he will definitely be able to live through this, too. If you cannot heal him, I will have your head! Your humble servant will follow your orders. Your Imperial Majesty! Your Imperial Majesty! - A'Du?
- What's going on? I found A'Du passed out on a palace path, but I did not see the assassin's shadow. I saw that A'Du was injured gravely, so I brought her back first. Your Imperial Majesty, I beg you to please save A'Du! She probably saw the assassin's appearance. - Imperial Physician, hurry and save her!
- Yes, I will obey! Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty! Hurry! Imperial Physician Wang, how is it? Responding to Crown Princess Consort. A'Du's internal injury has shattered her inner organs. Even with the best miracle drug, I am afraid it will be hard to cure. A'Du... A'Du... I am sorry. I am sorry. I should not have let you chase that assassin. It is my fault. I am sorry. I am sorry. [Eastern Palace] Yulin Palace Guards, listen. From this day on, without a pass to leave the palace, no one is allowed to leave the palace! Yes! You all should not cry. If crying would wake him up, His Imperial Majesty would have had one hundred people kneel here to cry. Xiaofeng, I know that in your heart, you feel very terrible. You should just cry. After you cry, your heart will be able to bear it better. Xiaofeng. Xiaofeng, people outside only know that you and Fifth Brother would frequently fight, but I know that you have him in your heart. Stop acting tough. Take care of yourself, so you will have the strength to take care of Fifth Brother. Please forgive us for any trouble caused. General Pei, take care. Crown Princess Consort, you have to eat something. His Imperial Highness has been unconscious for three days, and you've been beside him for three days. If this keeps going on, how will your body handle it? Shi'en, do you think he'll be able to regain consciousness? Crown Princess Consort, if you want to cry, then cry. Don't keep it in and hurt your health. Girls from the Xi State don't cry all day. Shi'en, did you know that night, he shielded me and stood in front of me. He got stabbed instead of me. - Li Chengyin.
- Your Imperial Highness! Li Chengyin, are you awake now? Your Imperial Highness. What are you trying to say? - Mother.
- Mother? Crown Princess Consort! Shi'en, hurry and ask for the empress to come. He's calling her. Yes! Yes! Open the door! Li Chengyin, just hold on. The empress is coming. Chengyin. Chengyin. Chengyin, my child. Chengyin. Mother. Mother. Chengyin! I am here. I am here. I am here. I am here, Chengyin. Chengyin, my child... I am here. Imperial Mother. - Search!
Yes! What are you doing?! Empress, I came under the order of the emperor to arrest the assassin. Sorry, if I will be offending you greatly. Arrest her! No! Preposterous! Who dares to touch her! What proof do you have that Rongshuang is the assassin? The witness A'Du woke up and identified Rongshuang as the assassin. - Take her away!
- Go! Go! Hurry! - No, you can't! Let go of Rongshuang!
- Empress! Empress! - Let Rongshuang go!
- Empress, you need to take care of yourself! Empress! - Let Rongshuang go!
- Empress! - Let Rongshuang go!
- Empress! Empress, take care of yourself! Let her go! - Empress!
- Let go of Rongshuang! Let her go! Imperial Doctor Wang, why hasn't the crown prince woken up yet? Was the medication I gave you not effective? Please forgive me Crown Princess Consort. I studied the medication. This medication can help the wound heal quickly, but it is too strong. The crown prince is a person of eminence. We don't dare to use the medication on the crown prince. You don't dare to use it? What time is it already? Are you all just going to watch him lay right there? - My life is also at risk if I'm unable to cure the crown prince.
- Give me the medicine. - If there are any consequences, I'll bear them!
- This... - Crown Princess Consort! Thi...
- Give it to me! Are you still not confessing? I don't know when I offended the crown princess consort's lady-in-waiting. Why would she frame me? Your Imperial Majesty! That female servant from the Xi State has only been in the palace for a year! How can we believe her words? Rongshuang has been by my side all these years. She would never do such a thing! I saw the crown prince grow up. Why would I want to assassinate him? Do you think the crown prince and Miss A'Du would use their lives to frame you? If it wasn't you, then you were ordered by someone. Tell me! Who ordered you to assassinate the crown prince? If you still don't confess, I will be using torturous means. Chengyin is my son! Why would I kill him? When Chengyin wakes up, we'll know why you wanted to kill him then. Until we figure out the situation, you stay in Clean and Peaceful Palace! Your Imperial Majesty! Imperial Physician Wang, the crown prince's fever won't break and he keeps throwing up the medication. Crown Princess Consort, the medication is too strong. His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince is asthenic and cold. I fear that... he can't bear it. We all are at our wit's end. I understand. - You are all dismissed.
- Yes. Li Chengyin, rest assured. If you die, I will die alongside you. The person you wish to see the most... should be her, right? Just hold on for a little longer. I will get her for you. I beg of you, let me out! Let me see His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince! My Lady! I will kneel to you all! I just beg you to tell His Imperial Majesty and the empress to let me see the crown prince! After I come back, I will accept any punishments. Even if you lock me up for one year, three, five, ten years are all okay with me! I just beg you, let me see His Imperial Highness just once! - Crown Princess Consort
- Just one glance! I beg you all! Jin'er, what should I do? If His Imperial Highness suddenly dies, I would not be able to live on. My Lady... If the empress should punish anyone for this, I will bear it all. Let her out. Yes. My Lady. Go see His Imperial Highness. How is he? Tell me! What happened to him?! He only wishes to see you right now. My Lady! My Lady! Crown Princess Consort. You go inside. But do not cry anymore. Thank you, Crown Princess Consort. Hurry and go in. Crown Princess Consort, it is windy now. You should go back first. Let Related Lady of Excellence Zhao stay here a bit longer. With Lady Zhao here, he will definitely recover. Your Imperial Highness... Hurry and wake up. Hurry and wake up. I beg you. Hurry and wake up. If you do not wake up, what will happen to me? Your Imperial Highness... Crown Princess Consort, it is not very good to let commoner Zhao stay here for too long. Have her return to her palace earlier. I will go in now. Then, I will leave now. The wind is actually this big... Li Chengyin, people are really very strange sometimes. Before, whenever we saw each other we would argue. The only thing I would think about was how much you angered me. But now that you are lying here in front of me, my eyes are only filled with all the good deeds you did to me. Actually, I did not hate you from the moment I saw you. I still remember that day when Yongning told me that you would soon become the crown prince. I was actually quite happy, even though I knew back then that the person you liked was Lady Zhao. And then not long after that, I heard about how you attacked Danchi. I really wanted to kill you with a slash of a sword. Do you still remember the night we married? You were in front of me. I looked at you. And in my heart I thought, "Should I just stab and kill you now?" I hated you, but I hated myself even more. I hated that I could not do it. I hated myself for I seemed to have liked you a bit. Hurry and wake up, okay? What you said is right. I am quite afraid of being a young widow. In Xi State, the women whose husbands that had died, had to marry their husband's younger brother. But if you really die like this, who else would I be able to marry? How can I marry someone else? Won't I really become a young widow for the rest of my life? I also have a secret I have not told you yet. When I was young, Lady Mingyuan taught me words from the Central Plains, but no matter what, I just could not learn them. After I came here, it was still the same. All I did was mechanically copy each and every stroke. For example, your name. The "yin" from Li Chengyin. At first, I thought it was read as "qin." I heard that the people of the Central Plains are very particular about naming their children. What does your character, "yin," mean? Yin State. The founder of the dynasty was originally from Yin State. It is east of Central State and south of Liang State. It is the place from where the dragon (symbol of the emperor) prevailed, so... that is why I am called "Chengyin." I am not dreaming! I am not dreaming! You are awake? Li Chengyin, you are awake. Li Chengyin, you are awake. You are awake. You are awake. Hurry and summon the imperial physician! Shi'en, hurry and summon the imperial physician! - What happened, Crown Princess Consort?
- What's wrong? Crown Prince is awake! Your Imperial Highness the Crown Prince! Your Highness! Your Highness! Do not cry. Crown Princess Consort, do not cry. Do not cry. Everything is fine now.
