If you want me to forgive her, I can do that, but you must replace her punishment then. Han Qionghua, who do you think you are? This is Zhao State, not allowing you to be so wanton. Then today I'll clearly let you see Whether I can be wanton or not. Han consort, I really didn't have intent to affront. Why are you so aggressive? She is still quibbling. Lash! Han Qionghua, you are going too far! Just direct it at me. Why are you venting on innocent people? She secretly entered Punishment Hall, that charge is large enough. She is Li Haolan, whom the King will be titling to consort position soon. You can’t do that! Consort, look... First she was the Queen's Lady in waiting. Now she is the King's favored one. This background is quite impressive. Keep whipping Don't stop until she's dead. Haolan! Why are you two stopping me? Lady in waiting Li is getting punished by Han Consort. You can't enter right now. Let go! What should I do? Where's Master? Master! Master! Please go help Older Sister Haolan. What's happened? She is at Punishment Hall, Han consort is having her whipped. No. I can't go. Master. Go get Royal Descendant. Hurry. Master! Mas... Han Qionghua, you can't hit anymore. It's all my fault and wrongdoing. You have to stop whipping her. Lyuzhu, did you hear anything? Consort, the offender admits to her fault. When I wanted to listen to it earlier, she refused to say so. Now that she wants to say it, I don't want to listen anymore. Han Qionghua, you are a monstrous wench. How dare you! Look like it’s more interesting to hit her rather than you. Stop! Haolan! Haolan. Han consort, Haolan is the Queen's Lady in waitng. You’re acting so aggressively. Aren’t you afraid of the Queen’s punishment? With her intruding on Punishment Hall, consort is only helping the Queen to teach her a lesson. Even so, you have hit so many times. Isn't it enough? Enough or not, it's up to me. Please look upon this for my sake. Who are you? I am Qin State royal grandson. My mother is like you, also coming from Han State. Qin State. Oh, I see. Mrs. Xia is from same clan as my mother. She can be considered as my Aunt. In that case, I am being disrespectful. I haven’t paid respects to elder cousin. Yiren dares not. Hope consort will forgive them for my sake. It's not easy to meet own kin in a foreign land. I will temporarily let them go for your sake. Thanks to consort. Consort, I've already let go of one. The other one I can't do ask you asked. Even if you let me go, I won't escape! I'll stay right here and wait until the day you come to beg me. Okay, I'll also wait for that day. Sister Haolan, bear with it. Sister Haolan, Han consort is such a bully. How could she just randomly whip someone? This is the palace. The consort is the master, I am but a maid, why would she not dare? But no one else... I worked for the Queen, hitting me is like hitting the Queen's face. But she… Ah Yue, don't you understand. Han consort isn't afraid of anyone. Situ Yue, it's your turn for guard duty. Hurry up. Yes, I'm coming. Sister Hao, I need to go. Should I ask someone else to help you? No. I don't want to see anyone. You should go. Haolan. Qin Royal Descendant. Qin Royal Descendant, why are you here? I came to see your injury. I am very grateful for your saving me today. I don't dare to trouble you to visit me. Why do you allow them to hit you? I made a mistake, naturally needs to admit to the charges. You are lying. You are actually a very smart person. But, sometimes you become foolish. When it comes to romantic affections, you become obstinate. You didn't avoid it, because you want to force the other person to come out. Is that right? Qin Royal Descendant. You would rather suffer the physical wound in order to test his feelings for you. Haolan, you are stubborn than anyone else. Lay down. Royal Descendant. Lay down. I can do it myself. You aren't afraid of death, would you care about gender impropriety? Are you really at ease in the heart now or not at ease? Let go of your hand. Royal Descendant. Now you know the pain after the injury. But he doesn't know about your pain. So it is in vain. Royal Descendant. Your body is from your parents. Even if you don't care for it, there are others who do care. I thought I can force him out when I got punished. But I didn't expect that the person here is actually you. When I got hurt during childhood, my mom used to do this. Is it better now? It’s good now you know about being embarrassed. Next time if this happens again, I probably won't be able to save you. Rest up. I'm leaving. Why are you here Your Highness? I came to seek justice from the King. What's wrong now? The Han princess just arrived to our palace. First she imprisoned the doctor. She's whipped Haolan this time. May I ask for what reason? Haolan's been whipped? I'll go visit her. She's already been whipped. I'm afraid it won't make a difference even if you go. Why not ask your beloved consort first? Why did she do such vicious act? This... Ready the sedan. Let's go to Magical Dew Palace. Yes. Beloved consort. Beloved consort. What is this? What...what is this? Didn't your Highness see it? I am playing pitch-pot game. These…These… These are all rare treasures I gifted you. You are ruining in such fashion. Your Majesty does your heart hurt? Don't! Stand there and don't move! Don't move! Oh no, it's bleeding. It's bleeding. You, oh you. Let me see. Quick, go bring some medicine. Yes, Your Majesty. What were you thinking? It's just some bleeding. No fuss. In the future, no matter what frustrations you have, vent it all out on me. As you abuse yourself, I am the one feeling the pain in the end. Everyone outside says I am bewitching consort. Nonsense. Your Majesty, aren't you afraid? What is there to be afraid of? Your Majesty, how can you not be afraid at all that I may mess up your kingdom. and your heart. Beloved consort is my heart. and my country. What you said does sound nice to the ears. But you did came here to make a charge. What charge? I was only curious Why did you whipped Haolan for no reason? You just said you cared most about me. Now you are questioning me over a Lady in waiting. You are... really too affectionate. If your majesty want to criticize me, then you’d better send me back to Han State. Why do you… That Haolan had saved me before. I just want to ask some questions. Your highness really made good plans. First you imprisoned me inside this golden cage. Now you want to add another one in. Don't you think this cage is too crowded? No, no, no. Who told you? Of course I think it is too crowded. Everyone in palace knows that Haolan will become consort soon. Nonsense! Nonsense! That's all nonsense. All my thoughts are on the beloved consort. I don't have the mind for getting another consort. If Haolan cannot get titled to be consort, people are going to say it is my fault. Then I become the devil one. No, I am the one who decided. I wouldn't title her. I won’t blame that on my beloved consort. Be happy, ok? Today it's all my fault. Alright. From now on, you can do whatever you wish. Just listen. Beloved consort. Beloved consort. This... Come! men. Beloved consort. What exactly is the matter? Your highness, consort's pulse is erratic with rapid breathing. Did these symptoms occur previously? Consort is very healthy. She doesn't have any previous illness. Can you heal her or not? This… Say it. We have never seen such kind of symptoms before. I do not know how to start the treatment. Useless thing. Your majesty, the highest skilled doctor in the palace is Yin Xiaochun, Her skills are the best. She can cure all. Then bring her here immediately. Your highness, you forgot consort imprisoned doctor Yin in the punishment hall. I will forgive her charges. Go get her right away. Yes. Doctor Yin, our consort is sick. Please go check on her. Your consort is too precious, my medical skills are limited. I cannot treat her. You... It was our fault before. Doctor Yin, you are big hearted person. Please forgive us this time. I already said before, if you want me to walk out of this door. She must invite me in person. But our consort is sick, she can't get off the bed. Then I can't help you. You... don't recognize a favor. What? She wants Qionghua invite her in person? That's what she said. Send someone to tie her up. Your Majesty you can't do that. Why can't I? Forgive my daring words, you can bind Yin Xiaochun but you can't bind doctor Yin. If she doesn't have the heart to treat consort, then you might actually harm her. But I've heard that, Lady in waiting Li is close to Yin Xiaochun. Maybe... Then ask her to invite doctor Yin. If she refused, punish her. I shall go right away. No need to persuade me. I am not going. What if I came to ask you? Haolan? Are you all right. You just got hit. What did you come here? Come. Are you here to help out that wrench? I am not her to persuade you, I am here to accompany you. Why do I need your company for? Go back and get rest. Stay away from me, now. Xiaochun, have you ever thought of what consequence you will get if you refuse to go? Beheaded by his majesty at most! In that case, his beloved consort will join me on the trip. You, didn't figure out her scheme? What do you mean? You were so confident that Qionghua will come to beg you. She already guessed that you didn't try your best to treat her. Or else why would I be here? She used you to threaten me? It's her warning to you, if anything happens to her. We both go join the netherworld. This monstrous consort, went too far. Let's go. Go where? To go look at a patient. You're awake. Beloved Consort, you’re awake. It seems we must need doctor Yin. Doctor Yin, what illness does beloved consort have? It can’t be the acclimation problem again? Why would she vomit blood from acclimation issue? Han consort travelled far. She was seriously sick before. At that time I gave a prescription. For her to recuperate slowly. Consort's been using that prescription. even until now. Could it be... a problem with the prescription? This prescription is based on indications. Based on indications? Then why is the consort still not awakened? When I got imprisoned, how did you prepare the medicine? I checked with other doctors, and combined the first and second brew. Take one dose each morning and evening. Sometimes to concentrate the effect, her highness will take doses at once. That makes sense then. The wrong usage for correct medicine will also cause damage. The prescription I gave uses Chinese medicinal raw yam that's mixed with Chinese figwort herbs. It can nourish the body's yin, alleviate the fever and dissipate the emotional frustrations. Normally, the combined use of first and second brew will do to strengthen the effectiveness. But consort had delicate body. Combining both is too strong. If I had come later, forget about vomiting blood. She might even lose her life. Why didn't you say so earlier? That maid was very skinny and under nourished. Therefore I let her drink the second and third brew that consort can't use. That was just right to clean and purge the yin of the spleen, tame excessive gas and support the stomach. That was originally two good deeds by one act. But you think yourself clever. Who can you blame for that? Doctor Yin is really high skilled. I am in such admiration. Consort, don't be so courteous. But please don't consider yourself clever in the future. I shall firmly remember that. Set it down. Oh, it's Lady-in-waiting Li. Greetings, Consort Han. Earlier, I misunderstood Doctor Yin, and also implicated Haolan and caused you to be wronged. How should I compensate you? Consort, it wasn't that serious. I didn't feel wronged. If I were to reward you with gold and silver pieces, it would taint you. I'll let you manage the banquet coming up in ten days’ time. Consort, only the higher ranked Lady-in-waiting in the palace is able to handle well. I Lady-in-waiting Li, you don't need to be modest. If you managed to handle it well, I will request His Majesty to confer on you the rank of a Palace Minor Official. I do not have the good fortune or the ability, so I dare not accept it. It's too late. His Majesty has already agreed to it. Haolan, you must remember to set up this banquet as one that's grand and dignified. You are being unreasonable in your demands. What impudence! How dare you! Let go of her. Let her go. You vile servant girl! Why don't you learn some manners from Lady-in-waiting Li? Lady-in-waiting Li, since the Consort has asked you to make preparations for this banquet, you should do your very best. Or else, get out of the palace. You! Yue! It seems that Lady-in-waiting Li is even more interesting than Doctor Yin. Let's go. Up. Respectfully seeing consort out. Haolan, everyone within the palace knows because of the war, we all have to tighten our belts. The Royal Treasury is out of money, and we cannot afford a banquet. What an impossible task they are giving you! I know. So why would you accept this assignment? Since the Emperor asks for the banquet, we have no power to say no. But... There's nothing more to say. We have to follow the Emperor's wishes. Steward Liang. I am here to pick up the fund for banquet. You must be Lady-in-waiting Li. How unfortunate! We are out of money already, so you won't receive any. But the banquet is going to be in ten days! We have to start all the preparations. One can't make bricks without straw If you don't give us money, how are we going to prepare? Everything needs to done according to regulations. Since this is inventory audit, there are no exceptions. It's not holiday time, why are you conducting an audit? I think you are deliberately creating difficulty. How does this maid speak? You don't want your tongue? I... Yue. Did you see that? Lady-in-Waiting Li is the reasonable one. The two of you should go think of any way. Did the people in the treasury eat bear heart and leopard galls to be so bold? You dare to delay such matter as the palace banquet! Treasurer Lyu, you are here. It's not that I am trying to make things difficult for her. It's Han Consort. Han consort is much favored and has unrivaled popularity. But the master of the inner palace is the boss of the Rising Sun Palace. Lady-in-Waiting Li came as commanded. You are deliberately uncooperative. Are you disliking the location of your head and would like to relocate it? Please calm your anger, treasurer. I was acting as commanded. I don't dare to offend anyone. I don't want to hear this nonsense from you. Either you bring the money out or go to Rising Sun Palace for further debating. The Queen will make the judgement. Men. This is one thousand gold pieces. One thousand gold pieces. How can this do? We need at least five thousand gold pieces for a palace banquet. Even though the provisions in the treasury are reserved for the war. But it can’t be just one thousand. This amount was drawn up by the King. I can't help you there. But the requirement for the palace banquet was not lowered. This mere one thousand is not good enough for anything. I’ve already done all I can do. If you are still not satisfied, just take my head then. Yue. Thank you. Farewell. Wait. Do you know how high the specifications for the palace banquet is? Relying on this one thousand gold pieces. Utterly inadequate. I know. Yet you still agreed. As commanded by the King, I have no choice but to consent. Treasurer Lu has the time to worry about me, why don't you take care of your own tasks? I can help you. You and I have no relations, why would you help me? Cannot you use that kind of tone to speak with me? In what way do Treasurer Lyu want me to speak? Regardless I would try to figure out a way to help you. It is not necessary. Since Han consort wants to see me in difficulties, we won’t allow anyone to meddle in. I can resolve this matter on my own. No need to implicate you. You are here. How do you know it’s me? You are an expert dancer, your footsteps are lighter than ordinary people. No one ever said that about me. Qin Royal Descendant is the first one. Why did you come to me so suddenly? It's nothing. Just want to seek you for some chatting. Still worry about the gathering funds? Didn't expect the news to come to you. There are no secrets in this palace. It’s not difficult to solve this issue. Look at this leaf, what is special about it? This is just a regular leaf. Nothing special. Yes, this is just a plain leaf. But because it grew in the palace. Still seems like it is not that normal. But I still don't understand. A plant seedling costs one spade coin. But when chosen for the palace it costs two spade coins. Similarly a servant's market value is thirty spade coins. But a palace servant costs one full hundred spade coins. The same items once been tied to the precious palace. Its value will immediately rise up. Do you understand now what I am saying? I understand. Mother, I instructed people to wait at lake side at 2 am To catch the most fresh fish and prepared right away. It's delivered here on a slow fire. It’s then at most flavorful upon reaching here. Hurry and taste it. Ya'er is very considerate. I am satisfied once mother is happy. Haolan, how are the preparations for the palace banquet? I am still preparing. Royal father gave you one thousand gold pieces for a five thousand gold piece banquet. Really dazed by the bewitching consort. What do you plan to do? I have thought of a way. But I need the permission of your highness. Please allow me to leave the palace during the period before banquet. Mother, you should allow it. Originally, this matter is not allowed by regulations. But I think you have your own reasons. Therefore go and prepare for the banquet. Yes. What happened today? Why always helping her? Mother, you didn't see how savage that bewitching consort is. If you have seen it, you will want to partake in this drama. Lady-in-waiting Li, this is mine. Two fans, one wooden box. Two -Wooden boxes. -Write it down, Yue. Yes. Lady-in-Waiting Li, look at mine. Also mine. Two bamboo slips. What is Lady-in-Waiting Li doing? Since early morning, she is collecting these useless cloth scraps. Also uniforms, ink stones. They can be exchange for money. Really? Yes. Go prepare some. Let's go. Let's go. One silk blanket. This is good. Yue, jot it down. Lady-in-Waiting Li, look at mine. One at a time. Don't rush. Two fans. Two cushions. Lady-in-Waiting Li. Another pillow. -Yue, keep an account. -I have else to bring. Wait here. Why are you here? I heard you got a hard task from that witch. So I came here to help. Watch your words! What is Lady-in-Waiting doing picking up garbage? Not only this trash, but also leftover palace meals. Lady-in-waiting Li, Lady-in-waiting Li, Hurry, we have leftovers here. This way. Put it on the desk. One two three four. That is it? There's more. We will bring them immediately. Hurry. Hurry. How do you plan to fill the four thousand gap? Depending on them. Lady-in-waiting Li, Lady-in-waiting Li, Also my hankerchief. Scarves! Don't move. Yue, one handkerchief. One at a time. One at a time. Lady-in-waiting Li, mine. Two boxes. -Also mine. -Give to me. Three cushions. One lantern. Xiaochun, help me take it. Also my box. Box. This is good. Everyone these treasures are special today. Everyone, take a look. What is this? A few strands of vegetables and chicken bones are considered rare treasures? What do you know? This is a meal that Princess Qionghua used. Princess Qionghua, the number one beauty in the land. She is Zhao King's consort. Currently hidden in deepest part of the palace. Have you seen her? This is Princess Qionghua's lipstick. With her lip print on it. Let's start the bidding, everyone. One hundred gold pieces for me. Haolan, -Isn't this what we did… -Hush. Speak quietly. -Anyone over one hundred gold pieces? -Yes. All right. Sold. Haolan, you have nimble hands. You make the leftover into a landscape painting? But will that really work? What is this? Keep watching. This Princess Qionghua's pillow. It's got her scent. Who is bidding? How much? Two hundred gold pieces. Sold. It's mine. What is happening? Qin Royal Descendant explained to me. Anything or person related to the palace will have a sudden rise in social status. For those merchants, the only thing they lack is position and fame. Least lacking is money. Being superficial is one of the worst human weakness. To being treated equally with royalty is what they ultimately chase after. Therefore I thought of those brushes and ink stones that the King used before. The blanket that the consort used before. Handkerchief, pillow, comb. Definitely can get good prices. I understand. This is the royalty effect. But those were only regular court lady's used objects. But this is just between us. They don't know. You are so sneaky. Too bad. Terrible shame. Shame for what? Pity that evil consort's undergarments are not obtained. We surely will sell them for a good price. Regardless I've raised enough money for the palace banquet. Royal Descendant, you've caught the cold. You should rest well. I personally brew this ginger date soup. It’s really effective against colds. Thanks to Princess. Let's set aside, I will drink it later. Are you afraid of the spicy taste? Don't worry, it's not spicy, I added a bit of cream. It will taste creamy. Thanks, Princess. Haolan. Why are you here? Just arriving. But I didn't dare to disturb. Princess, if there's nothing else, you should go home first. Haolan and I have something important to discuss. What is the secret? You can't tell me? Please don't misunderstand, Princess. Haolan is here to ask Royal Descendant on the method of making dry flower drink for the royal banquet. What is dry flower drink? It's only a small trick. Don't dare to show to Princess. May as well, I will go back first. Royal Descendant, don't forget to drink the ginger soup. Hope you will get well sooner. If you are still not better tomorrow, ask the doctor to check you. All right, take care, Princess. So painful. What is it? I felt Princess' glare, like a sharp sword. Almost pierce open my chest. What drivel are you saying? Qin Royal Descendant use me as a shield every time. My heart hurts, body hurts. It hurts everywhere. Aren't you here to learn to make dry flower drinks? I didn't know you’re sick. I will wait… It's all right. Let's start now. How Qin Royal Descendant thought of using dry flowers to make flower drinks? My mother said once, back then when Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs. And discovered tea's use as medicine. Later as food product. Since tea can be brewed, I figure flower can work as well. Many flowers can be dried when they are in bloom. So many flowers. Are there any differences? For example this yellow chrysanthemum clarifies and reduces heat. This orchid relaxes and nourishes the skin. Each has its own purpose. Wanna try? Come here. Use a bit of this. Royal Descendant. Gongsun, would you like something tasty to drink? Yes, where? Thank you Royal Descendant. Use less of this one. Princess, look. Dry flower drink should use this flower as the base. So we use more of this flower. This much. Not enough, a bit more. For the rest, use two blooms of each. Treasurer Lyu, you... Perplexing, one after the other. Gongsun. Royal Descendant. What happened? Lyu Buwei was just here and left without saying anything. Strange. Haolan. What do you want? You are finally back. I've been waiting for you. Treasurer Lyu is still looking for me now. Is it because I still have some useful value? I want to discuss about the banquet with you. I am palace treasurer. You cannot avoid me and take the sole responsibility. You need my help. No need. I can handle it on my own. Do you think that's possible? How can you survive in the palace without me? I shall prove to you. I will live better without Lyu Buwei. We have lived through so many storms. You are like the other me in this world. Now you will abandon me to live independently? The person who abandoned first was you. What qualifications do you have to question me here? This is not questioning. It is caring. Then put your caring. Fully into your great ambition. I cannot handle the burden of it. Master, who are you waiting for? This is the guest list that has been reconfirmed by Haolan, so there shouldn't be any error. I have been serving you for many years, but this is the first time I have seen you so worried. What nonsense! Now Sister Haolan is angry with you. She is not taking any notice of you. Why do you still persist to put oneself in humiliation by going there? This is so unlike you. Haolan might appear cold and aloof, but she is actually quite soft-hearted. Others use offense to her, she will not back down. She appears tough for fear that the enemy can see this. If I don’t keep an eye on her, what will happen to her? From what I see, Sister Haolan lives well without you. Whereas you have trouble sleeping and eating. Not sure who needs the other more. What did you say? Situ Yue. Do you need a beating? If she really cared about her, you should make more effort to keep her. Otherwise you will definitely regret it. You You will definitely regret it. Haolan. What are you doing here? You hate me this much? I don't hate people unrelated to me. I am sorry. That day when I failed to show up. It's because I... I actually never blamed you. Lyu Buwei. What made me angry is not your failure to show up. It's because you never explained yourself. You don't have to go with me. But you cannot look down on me. Especially cannot lie to me. What I want is... Complete honesty, without reservation. Not the righteous kindness considered by you nor your protection from high up. Haolan. You are a smart person who clearly knows what you need. You love power, love position. You love to put yourself high above the masses and have your name known for eternity. Will use all means to achieve your goal. That is you, Lyu Buwei. You will never change. Saving Qin Royal Descendant is your own promise. and will also help to realize your ambition. You planned it for so long. If you were to abandon it, you will also regret it in the future. Also what I love and admire is precisely the spectacular you, standing above all others. If you were to give up everything for me. Will you still be you? Haolan. We are so similar. Losing you is like losing my eyes, and one of my hand, losing living pleasures. How can people do that to themselves? No, not possible. Therefore. Please forgive me. From now on, I will not hide anything from you again. Will tell you everything. Lyu Buwei. Loosing you. I am not interested in doing anything anymore. Can you come back to me please? Maybe you are not the person I need. But you are what I need. Sister Haolan. I have found what you need. Sorry, sorry. I didn't see anything. Both of you continue. Continue. I need to prepare the banquet. If there's nothing else, you should go back now. What is it? Come look for me at Shuxing Hall tomorrow. I have a present for you. Father. It's only banishment, not beheading. Not necessary to be so upset. Your son feel shame, unable to help father. When I was thirteen years old, I rushed about everywhere with your paternal grandfather. We braved the wind and the dew, and suffered hardship of living in the wilderness. We originally thought that if our family were to be very wealthy, we would be able to live our later years in contentment. Unexpectedly, we slipped into such a piteous situation. A merchant. A merchant? That's just bullcrap! Father. Do you know how your paternal grandfather died? Paternal grandfather. He offended the prime minister of the state of Wei, was viciously beaten up till he vomited blood and died. Why was he beaten up? He was unwilling to offer his personal additional home as a tribute! He was beaten up till he threw up big mouthfuls of blood. He was panting as he gasped for air. Just like a fish that hopped ashore. When he died, his eyes were not closed. He died without closing his eyes. He died without closing his eyes...! He died without closing his eyes...! Back then, you told me your personal aspiration. Did you know how happy I was? That meant that our Lyu family would have a future outstanding and capable talent. All right. Now, you can make a vow to heaven. Vow that you would never violate your promise because of this woman. Father. Make a vow to heaven! Father. I love her. Father. Father, please be rest assured. I have already taken care of everything. You will not suffer any hardship on the road. In a few days, I will definitely bring you back to Handan gloriously. Father. You can leave now. Father. Get lost. Please watch over my father well. Be rest assured. Prime Minister has already given us prior instruction. There's someone who slit his throat! Come, quick! Hurry, men! Father! Father. Just over there! Father. Father... Father. I know. I know. I will make a vow... I will make a vow... I will definitely not violate my promise to father because of love. If I were to violate that promise, I will be shot in the heart by a great number of arrows, and die a horrible death. Father. Father. Father! Lyu Buwei, listen up! From now on, in this house, you can only have me or she. Just one of us. Unfilial son. I will let you leave. I will let you leave! Before you leave, bid your old father a final farewell first! I will make a vow. I will definitely not violate my promise to father because of love. Lyu Buwei. Don't ever abandon me. Come on, Treasurer Lyu. All right... Bring me the wine. Have another cup of wine. Get lost! Lady-in-waiting Li. Why are you throwing a fit? This is the surprise you want to give to me? This is the gift you want to give to me? You aren't satisfied with this surprise. Right? I should have made you stay on. We can all have fun together. Do you know what you are doing? Haolan. I've deceived you once, twice, three times. Yet you are still hoping for love. Aren't you foolish? From the outset, we agreed to just be partners who collaborate for work. Yet you have forgotten your initial intent. Instead, you are pursuing purely imaginary love. What can love bring you? A warm and tender husband; a bunch of energetic and lively children; and a warm and comfortable house? You and I are nobody in this world. Our lives are controlled by others. So, how could we be qualified to talk about love? Stand right there. Hear me out. Without power and status, you are nothing. I don't even want to take another look at you. I wasted my time on you only because you have a not-too-bad-looking face. And also a considerably not-too-stupid head. But that doesn't mean I want to play a game of love with you! I want you to brace up. Instead of dreaming all day. Lyu Buwei. Thank you for your guidance. I will remember what you said forever. I will also remember this day forever. Forever. Prince, you are right. There is hostility between them. Only I know about What Haolan wants. Lyu Buwei. You are nobody, nobody! Haolan? What happened, Haolan? He deceived me. He deceived me. I deeply hate... I hate myself. Why did I hold out hope for him? Why? Why? Why? Because you love him. When you love someone, you will always stubbornly look for excuses for him. Since you are so sad and heartbroken, I can actually be at ease. You also have blood and flesh, and you can cry and hurt. I thought whatever happened to you, you would be calm. Master, Haolan has such a proud personality. If you keep humiliating her like this, you can’t win her back. No one else understands her more than me. Before I did this, I already knew the consequences. Yue does not understand, not even half of it. I am just a businessman of humble origins. Even if I took her away to live happily, so what? Just upon a saying from the powerful, my hard earned family wealth, carefully decorated home, even her. All of these, I cannot protect them. This is a businessman. A humble businessman. So, I personally dragged her out of the mud, and then coldly pushed her back down again. I want to let her know that without power, one cannot protect one's most precious items in the world. But... There are no buts. The banquet date approaches. You must stay by her side and help her properly. You may leave. I won't go. Situ Yue, just who is the master and who is the servant? I come from a lowly background, but I am wholly thinking for Master's wellbeing. When my brother and I were about to starve to death, it was you who brought us back to the Lyu family. Not only did you give us somewhere to live, you even taught us to read and write. You are our great benefactor. Because of this, I cannot just idly watch you repeatedly make mistakes. I want you to leave, can you not hear? Master! Leave! Haolan. Haolan. I have something to tell you. I think there is no need for this. If you don't listen, then I will wait here for you every day. Will you not be afraid of others' gossip? I will wait for you in Jiyue Palace. Your Highness, what do you want to do? I still remember when we first met. I ran into assassins, my life was in grave danger but you helped me bandage my wounds. Your eyes were lowered and you had such a gentle demeanour. I will never forget it for the rest of my life. The one who saved you that day was Xiuyu. It was she who lured the assassins away. But the first time I opened my eyes, the one I saw was you. From that day onward, whenever it's Double Third Festival, we would go out and tread on green. We would watch kites fly high and listen to rural young ladies sing. I was scared that if others found out, they would cause you danger. I would always ride on a horse by myself, and silently follow your carriage. Until I sent you back to the manor, I never revealed myself. But in my heart, I was so happy. Your Highness. Maybe I never loved you at all. Haolan. Don't say such words out of anger. I am speaking the truth. That time, my mother and I were bullied and I was anxious to escape. Your Highness was like a floating support in front of me. And also like a kind older brother, who took me out to play and let me have room to breathe. I thought that I had affections for you. But later, when Xiuyu stirred up trouble for me, my first thought was, "If I had known earlier, I should have let her have you instead." If you really love someone sincerely, even if you have to get hurt you won't have a change of heart. Because a person's heart is not controlled by logic. Is it still love when you yield so easily? No. I don't believe. I don't believe in whatever you said. Believe it or not, so be it. We have no reason to talk to each other again. Haolan... Haolan, Haolan… I know I have done many things that harmed you. Since we are at this stage now, there's only one option. What are you doing? Just kill me. As long as it can help you to forget your hatred and hostility, I'm willing to do anything. -Haolan. -Let me go! Just kill me. Aren't you filled with hatred for me? Stab it into my heart deeply. As long as you won't say you don't love me. I'm not willing to hear that! Let go of my hand! You think I am acting. Right? Then, I will prove it to you. Prince. Haolan. Prince! The doctor said it was fortunate that it missed the heart by a bit. Or else, no one would be able to save you. Prince. You are too reckless. As long as it would make you look at me again, I'm willing to do anything. It's getting late. I have to go back. Promise me you will come and see me again. Ya'er is here. Elder Brother. You really do have a good method. You were able to erase all the hurt in the past so easily. Now, you have restored your friendship with that beauty. If I say it wasn't merely a method? But a faux act that turns into real affection. The love I have for Haolan was never a pretense. In this case, Elder Brother, you even make use of your own emotions? In order to achieve a goal, there's nothing in this world that cannot be made use of. Even if it's one's own life, let alone a woman. What function can Haolan really be good for? That you would take it to such great pains? As long as she would come closer to me, she would serve a good purpose someday. Be careful, all of you. Yes. You two, put it behind that over there. Yes. Be meticulous. Sister Haolan, have some water. Lady-in-waiting Li. It's already over there. Have some water first before going there. Master. You must be very busy recently. Indeed. So busy that I don't get to see her. Sister Haolan has not rested for two days consecutively. I kindly persuaded her to quietly get a little rest. But she was stubborn and refused to rest. Qin Royal Descendant Why are you here? I was just walking around. Accidentally found the main hall fully lit. Guessing that you might be here. So I’m here. Where is General Gongsun? He is drunk sleeping under the peach tree. The night is deep, let me take you back. I haven't completed my tasks yet. It's time to go back. Let's go. How is your wound on your back? Thanks for Qin Royal Descendant's caring. It's much better. Did you notice that what you said most to me. is the word thanks. Is it? Haolan. Why do you avoid me recently? Because I am good to you. So you are worried that I have ulterior motives towards you. Qin Royal Descendant, that's not my meaning. I like you. But I have already loved somebody else. I know. From the start I deliberately got close to you because of your identity. You've said that before. Is there anything else that needs to be accounted for? I... He is right behind us. Lyu… Don't turn around. He is looking at us right now. Haolan, I agreed to help you give him a beating. But never found a good opportunity. How about today? I will help you give him a beating. Okay? What? Did he leave? Don't turn around. He is still there. Did he leave? Still not. How about now? He left. Don't worry. I wasn't confessing to you. Also I will not confess to you. Qin Royal Descendant. A gentleman will not steal the love of another. We are good friends. Letting him win three times is nothing. But only three times. Let? Let's go. Add more of this. Royal Descendant, Prince Yu and Treasurer Lyu is here. I know it. I will get ready now. Elder brother is currently wantonly bribing other people. He not only won over big general Gao Meng, also many officials that father King depends on. The fight for throne is already like a raging fire. Prince Jiao already obtained the Queen's support. You need to forge harder as well. What is the meaning of that? Make plans to kill Prince Jiao as early as possible. No. Since Prince Jiao is unable to make a painful decision. Then your good head shall be on someone's platter sooner or later. Lyu Buwei shall not keep you company any further. Wait. Your highness changed mind? What do you want me to do? Tomorrow banquet is a great opportunity to start. Tomorrow, there will be a load of whitefish that will be tribute gift. I already bribed the whitefish chef. At that time. Who? Haolan. You are awake? My dry flower drink still didn't properly brew out. So I came to ask for your advice. But I fell asleep on the desk. I saw that you were very tired so I didn't disturb you. Prince. Why is everyone so nervous? Did something happen? We were merely talking about tomorrow's banquet. Wondering how the hall will be decorated. Curious. Only curious. In that case. Since both of you are here, I will come back for the advice another day. That's ok. Then you should go back to rest well. I shall take my leave first. What should we do? If she leak out any rumor our plans will be for naught. I trust her. Royal Descendant, there is no woman in this world who can keep a secret. Prince. She originally belongs to me. Please continue with the next plan. Why are you looking for me? I have something to say to you. Don't worry, I wouldn't reveal any secrets. I will keep my mouth shut but not for you, it's for Royal Descendant. You are misunderstanding. I have something that I need to give to you personally. This is Li family's object from forebears. When you pawned it, I found it back. Didn't have chance to return to you. Now, it's time to return to its owner. This jade pendant used to be my favorite. I used to think it represented my father's love and the family's value. But later I found that those are only moon in the water and flowers in the mirror, completely useless. If you like it, you should keep it yourself. Merchants hand already touched it. I do not want it anymore. Why? Because it's too dirty.
