How did it go?
Who would say no?
Everyone wants wealth and glory
All I'm asking is to swap
Lee Hin's potion with ordinary tea
Her Majesty will not be harmed
But if she's not getting any better
he'II get blamed for it
He won't win her favor that easily
If Her Majesty is ill
she can't handle state affairs
She'II need help
I can step in and arrogate authority
We must get rid of Yee-mui
Other than money
she asked for my hairpin "Delight"
She's insatiable
You never liked that hairpin
You only wore it to please Her Majesty
Yes, but what if Her Majesty asks about it?
I wouldn't know what to say
You'll think of something
If not for the throne
I wouldn't have bothered
Don't you want to be Queen?
Didn't you already have a reign title?
How are you feeling?
How's everything?
After the heavy rain
the plague has completely subsided
No more new cases in the city
Luoyang is bustling again
Thanks to your good fortune
the worst is over
My good fortune?
Why doesn't Heaven bless me?
You're the Queen
Unlike the peasants
You make your own fortune
Who would dare bless you?
Only you can make me smile
When I left the other day
You were feeling much better
How do you feel after taking Prince Lo Ling's potion?
I was fine the first few days
but lately, there's no improvement
They say it takes time to recover
You must take it easy
I know that
but I have things to do
I can't go on like this
Allow me
You're not afraid I'II pass you the plague?
No, let me help you
Come on...
Get another pot!
You're incredible
You can stand the bitter taste
Yuen-yee, you think Her Majesty...
Don't make wild guesses
The walls have ears
I'm asking because I'm concerned
You handle everything within the Palace
and you make your rounds for her
to inspect the condition of the people
I'm worried you'll get sick
I get paid to do my job
In name only
You have no power
Her Majesty is very considerate
Considerate?
Why did she make you feed her the potion?
You can contract the disease
She stopped me
but I wanted to do it
Look at you!
You care more about her than your own mother
Don't be like this
You should worry about the flowers
Don't give anyone any excuses
Don't change the subject
Will you care about me like you care about Her Majesty?
I care about her because of you
Why did I wait upon Her Majesty?
Why must you do strenuous work?
Because Grandpa and Father plotted against the state
We're guilty by association
If Her Majesty doesn't dote on me
Not only will you be in trouble
the rest of the Sheung Koon family will be dead
Madam Sung! How nice to see you!
Sorry I didn't look after you
You offer the best food at cheap prices
It'II be my loss if I don't come
Look! I cleaned out almost every dish!
Please get me the bill
I'II come again next time
No need for that
This one is on me
I can't do that!
I insist
Captain Sung has done so much for us
It's not often I run into you
Let me buy you this meal
as a token of my gratitude
At least he's not a disgrace to me
Looks like the Flying Moth
can still fly around some more
We'II take your offer! Thanks
Thank you
You're welcome!
Stop! You must pay up!
Hey! Who says we're not paying
The boss wanted to pay for it
it'd be rude if we refuse
You can't do that
You must pay your own bill
Why?
You'll ruin your son's reputation
That's a serious charge
I know we should pay
but the owner wants to treat us because of my son
I can't possibly refuse
You can't do that
because I said so
Because you said so?
Who do you think you are?
Don't start any trouble
I'm not afraid of you
Watch it!
Move aside!
Hey! I...
I fell, you brat!
Help me up!
Stop picking a fight
Auntie, are you alright?
I'm fine, but my knees hurt
What are you doing here?
Why did you get in a fight with my Mother?
A fight? She brought me here
to show me her flying darts
You have become friends?
So?
We ate at a restaurant
The owner wanted to pay for us
I didn't want him to
but he begged me so I agreed
But Lieutenant Tik saw us
and insisted that I pay my way
I don't want people to gossip
and say your Mother had free meals
because her son is a captain
You know I'm keen on face-saving
I can't do as I'm told
But Lieutenant Tik is considerate enough
and paid off the owner
When the other customers realized I didn't take advantage of the owner
they complimented you
for your good upbringing
and for being incorruptible
I was so embarrassed
Did they really?
Yes!
Wait... sounds like they're praising you
Yes! I have Lieutenant Tik to thank for this
If it hadn't been for her
I would never hear the compliment
Father always tells me
Never give people an excuse to call us bullies
I'm always careful with that
True! So I invited her over
and show her my darts
But you messed it all up
Look at you!
You're fat and clumsy
How can you teach her anything?
You made a fool of yourself
She's agile enough
you're the one who got in the way
I was worried she'll hurt you
I'm too smart for that
She got hurt because you interfered
You barged in and threw a dagger at us
You distracted me
That's why I fell
Normally, I would have dodged
I'm glad you're fine
Or I would feel guilty
You'll feel guilty?
That's why you're rubbing so hard
to show your filial duty?
That's enough, help me to my room
Ching-luen, make yourself at home
I will
I was worried she'll hurt you
Captain Sung was so worried
He acted as if I killed his mother
He thought I would hurt her
His mother got hurt because of you
You don't seem to care
or feel guilty about it
I'm fine
I admire how they're always bickering
but they really care about each other
It's so sweet
It's the same with you and your Father
You're always at each other's throat
You gave me such a scare
Now I know better so I let you
No, they're different
Father is a minister
so he pulls rank on me
but Captain Sung and his mother really get along
Madam Sung loves her son
All parents love their children
But your parents...
Never mind that
Father put the bracelet on for me
When you get married, I'll do the same
I'm not getting married
I'II look after you and Grandma
If you're not
why do you keep staring at the dart and dagger
instead of returning them
You look as happy
as if you have been betrothed
You're in love with him!
Don't say that!
We don't even get along
That was before
It's different now
Do you need my help?
You want to play matchmaker like Grandma?
Having one in the family is enough trouble
Grandma gave up on you already
Now it's my turn
Let me ask you
Have you fallen for Captain Sung?
He saved your life
Who told you?
Has he been bragging?
I saved him too
Your Father told me
If you risked your life...
It's impossible
He's out of his mind
I'd soon marry a pig than him
Then relax!
You know the answer deep down
Greetings, Your Majesty
I wish you good health
At ease
Thank you
You're here for something important?
No, you seem a bit dejected
Perhaps I can teach you kung fu
Look at me
You think I can learn?
There's internal and external kung fu
External kung fu is about wielding weapons
Internal kung fu is about breathing
Combining them is good for your health
They say the proper form yields proper breathing
Proper breathing yields tranquility
You should try it
If you think so
I'II give it a try
It's time for your potion
Wait a while before you start
Doing both can be more effective
Good! Ching-luen, take a seat
Yes, Your Majesty
Your Majesty
Prince Lo Ling is here with Lady Wai and Lady Chor
Send them in
Yes! Send them in
Greetings, Mother Greetings, Your Majesty
At ease!
Thank you, Mother Thank you, Your Majesty
How do you feel after taking the potion?
I'm still tired
The potion is bitter
I'd rather not take it
I urge you not to stop
It's good for your circulation
and helps with your sickness
It's bitter and it stinks
I feel like throwing up
3 times a day
ruins my appetite
I'II consult the doctors
cut down on the coptis rhizome
and add more malt
Alright!
Your Majesty gave us permission
to pray at the Pure Land Temple for the Prince's safety
and he returned safely
I wish to go there again
and pray for your good health
Good! But I want Hin to stay with me
You may go with Lady Wai
Yes, Your Majesty
Hold on!
What is it?
The potion seems darker
and it smells different
How long did you boil this?
I followed your instructions
I didn't change anything
I think the dosage is not enough
I'II decoct another potion
Do as the Prince tells you
Yes!
People who are not sincere
even the Gods reject you
Sincerity is for the Gods to see
Those with ill intentions are evident to all
Then you should come on your on
instead of waiting to be told
You're no different from a dog
I offer incense day and night in the Palace
I don't do it for people to see
I don't put up monkey shows
You...
Her Majesty is sick
We're all worried
Go burn more joss sticks
I will
The God of posterity next door is efficacious
Pray over there
so one of you can give the Prince a son
Thank you, Lady Ngan I will, Lady Ngan
How did it go?
It went well
but Prince Lo Ling was there last time
He caught on after smelling the potion
But I managed to cover it up
I heard they're changing the potion
With a different prescription
I may not be able to help you
Just get me the prescription
You'll be rewarded
I'm scared when I swap the potion
even if I'm rewarded
I need something to calm my nerves
What do you want now?
You know how hard it is to leave the Palace
I want to go for a walk
Please find me an excuse
so I can step away
Make sure you're back when we eat
I will
What is it?
The Ladies are praying at Pure Land Temple
Yee-mui is on the roster
What is she doing here?
Madam Tik, did you make these?
How lucky I am!
I made a good deal
People fight to get their hands on
the jewelry Mother made
Who would sell them?
This is a design I reserved for royalty
How did they get outside the Palace?
Must be someone in dire straits
Need you ask?
Who could that be?
Miss Tik, whoever pawned this
didn't want anyone to know
You should leave it alone
I bet they're stolen! Tell me!
I can't tell you
I'II charge you for accepting stolen goods
Master Tik is the governor
Miss Tik is a lieutenant
You know who they are
We only want to know
We won't tell anyone
You can tell us
A maid from the Palace brought them
She's in need of cash
She didn't even bargain
She took the money and left
You happen to pass by
so I invited you in to help me appraise these
That's all I know
Mother said the pieces belong to Lady Ngan
Why does Yee-mui have them?
Maybe Lady Ngan doesn't like them
and gave them to the maid
Yee-mui of all people?
She used to work for Prince Ngai
and makes the best tea
Lady Ngan recommended her
for a position with the imperial kitchen
Imperial kitchen?
Yee-mui decocts the potion for Her Majesty
and she's affiliated with Prince Ngai
All of a sudden she pawned the jewelry
Perhaps...
Go on!
Her Majesty has been ill for so long
Prince Ngai has a hand in it!
Why do you say that?
Lady Ngan bribed Yee-mui
to lace the potion with poison
Watch what you're saying
There are others in the imperial kitchen
All the food are being tested
How can she add poison?
Even if it's not poison
if she changed the ingredients
Her Majesty will not get well
That'll benefit Prince Ngai
You need evidence
Don't speculate!
Think about this
Those 2 pieces of jewelry
Her Majesty asked Mother to make them for Lady Ngan
even if she doesn't like them
she can put them away
Why give them to a maid
who has the nerve to sell them?
Something is fishy
Last time I visited with Her Majesty
Yee-mui brought the potion
When Prince Lo Ling questioned her
She turned pale
and her eyes were shifty
I suspected something then...
It's only your imagination
You can't press charges without evidence
Your badge allows you access in the Palace
Look out for any traces and clues
You must deliberate
don't jump to any conclusions
and don't tell anyone
The prescription is different from before
What have you changed?
Just a few things
You must also decoct it differently
Just follow the instructions
This is a new potion
I'II go with you when you bring it to Her Majesty
Whatever you say
Ching-luen, the exercises really work
I'm not as tired
and I sleep well at night
With perseverance
you'll improve your circulation
Your Majesty, mind your health
You need rest after your exercises
You don't understand, Yuen-yee
You're an expert with books and poems
but you're an amateur with kung fu
Breathing exercise is a way to rehabilitate
Look at me
I feel much more energetic
Show me the reports
Yes!
In that case, I'll take my leave
Ching-luen, stay with me
When Minister Tik arrives
you can go home with him
Very well!
Madam Shuk
Yes?
Serve tea for Lieutenant Tik
Yes, Your Majesty
Your Majesty, Prince Ngai is here
Send him in
Yes!
I ask after your health
Haven't seen you for a few days
I meant to send for you
What can I do for you?
I heard bandits are rampant in Guanzhong
Find out for me
if the revolt is due to oppression
Report back immediately
Yes, Your Majesty
You must mind your health
Don't over exert yourself
Shall I do this for you?
Focus on Guanzhong
I'm counting on you all to help me
I will
Your Majesty, Prince Lo Ling is here
Send him in
Yes!
Greetings, Mother
I told you no more bitter potion
What is this?
The doctors and I came up with a new prescription
This potion is bitter with a sweet after taste
Please drink this
It's still bitter then
This is so trivial
You're not much of a doctor
I won't drink it
Mother...
Only words are sweet
But good medicine is bitter
Sweet potions don't exist
Alright! Bring it to me
Yes!
Where is he?
Yee-mui's father is pock-marked Tong
He owes money to a loan shark
The debt has accumulated to 240 taels
But according to loan shark Hung
He paid it off 2 days ago
Thanks, Uncle Kwai, you may go
I'II call you if I need anything else
I'm going
I almost forgot
Madam wants you home early
I will
That must be it
Prince Ngai bribed Yee-mui with the jewelry
to swap Her Majesty's potion
Yee-mui pawned them to pay off her father's debt
But like you said
She's affiliated with Prince Ngai
Is it possible Lady Ngan gave her the jewelry?
Why not just give her money directly?
Maybe Yee-mui stole the jewelry
Yee-mui works in the Palace
Even though Lady Ngan goes there daily
it's not easy to steal from her
let alone doing it twice
Maybe Lady Ngan doesn't like the design
and gave them to a former maid as a tip
Why must you knock down my theory?
Fine! Even if she wants to tip her
Her Majesty asked Mother
to make those pieces for Lady Ngan
What if she asks about them?
I'm giving you an opposing view
so you'll use different perspectives
You should thank me
Who do you think she's giving the residue to?
Hold it! Whoever puts Yee-mui up to this
will be worried
If they watch Yee-mui
They'll know you were onto her
Yee-mui is in great danger!
Lady Ngan, General Mo
Where is the jewelry?
You sold them for 250 taels
You were at the jewelry store
You can't hide it
You're too careless
You'll ruin my plan!
I didn't know I was being followed
I saw Tik Ching-luen following you
That's why I didn't come for the residue
Since they suspect me
I won't be able to help you
Let's not contact each other
so as not to get you in trouble
Fine, we'll settle this
How?
You have one choice
Go to Hell!
Kill yourself
and save us the trouble
I'II tell Her Majesty
and I'll bring you down
You have no proof
The jewelry...
After you sold them
I bought them back from the owner
We're in this together
even if I don't have proof
as long as word gets out
Her Majesty is so paranoid
You'll suffer just the same
How can you get word out?
If you make us kill you
you'll be reunited with your family in Hell
Throw yourself in the well
Your parents and your brother will live
Don't forget the suicide note
Just copy from this one
Make sure you let someone see you
I'm being very kind to you
I let my son watch you
At least someone will see you off
Don't worry!
Yee-mui...
Still up?
A maid threw herself in the well last night
Is it Yee-mui?
How did you know?
Can I see the body?
She didn't close her eyes!
They found a suicide note next to the well
Can I read it?
She stole and sold Lady Ngan's jewelry
to pay off her father's debt
She didn't want to implicate her family
so she killed herself
Such nonsense!
It's not true?
She was forced to kill herself
She sold the jewelry 2 days ago
How do you know?
My Mother and I saw Yee-mui coming out of the jewelry shop
The owner asked Mother to appraise the jewelry
Lady Ngan went praying at the Pure Land Temple
Yee-mui must have stolen them back then
It's unlikely Lady Ngan suspects Yee-mui
Why did she kill herself so soon?
You're in charge of matters of the Palace
Did Prince Ngai ask you to turn Yee-mui in?
Exactly! The news has not reached the Palace
and Yee-mui killed herself
Isn't that strange?
What are you saying?
Someone silenced her
Who would do that?
Let me start from the beginning
The other day
when Yee-mui brought the potion...
Prince Ngai paid Yee-mui
to swap Her Majesty's potion
I become suspicious because of the jewelry
They decided to strike first and killed her
This is a serious charge
We must not be reckless
We must get to the truth
and collect evidence
You must watch Her Majesty
Don't give anyone a chance
to harm Her Majesty
Evidence...
What are you looking for?
Don't mess up your Mother's things
I have to go, Father
What are you doing with my ring?
Yee-mui killed herself last night
Someone made her do it
I won't let her die a wrongful death
The one who took Prince Ngai's money?
They say she killed herself for fear of punishment
and left a suicide note
The whole mess is suspicious
Lady Ngan is behind it
I will incriminate her
by putting this ring on Yee-mui
When Her Majesty sees the ring
she'II order an investigation
But this is a different ring
The jewelry shop closed down
and the owner has disappeared
Prince Ngai must have destroyed all the evidence
so I have no leads to follow
You remember the design
I made two of the same
Right! This will come in handy now
You know this is wrong
You're planting evidence
I don't care
I want to give them trouble
Definitely not!
What have I taught you?
You must have proof
Even if you want to make an arrest
you can't resort to underhanded means
Ching-luen, listen to your Father
You must have solid proof
I won't have to do it if I have proof
Father, you can't let those bastards get away
Give the ring back to your Mother
Do it now!
And stop your investigation
Why?
Yee-mui died inside the Palace
Murder or not, let Her Majesty handle it
the provincial office has no right to interfere
You must know your place
You've been doing this so long
Aren't you tired?
Still upset about Yee-mui?
There must be something we can do
You have no proof
even if you do
We have no right to try royalty
Remember Prince Leung's case?
Only Her Majesty can try them
Her own safety is at stake
She won't take their side
Because of the gravity of this case
we need solid proof
If they destroyed everything
they'II get away scot free
If the law can't punish them
we'II use the underworld way
How? Teach me
I thought you despise them
I never said that
You did! I'm spiteful
Don't bring that up, I'll apologize
You'll do anything for justice
Is that a compliment or a criticism?
A bit of both
Wait... I better not
If Your Honor finds out
He'll think I'm a bad influence
It may affect my future
Don't worry!
About what?
You're not a bad influence
I thought you're talking about my future
Let me think about this
How much time do you need?
Be patient!
Let's go to Ying Heung Lau
That's a brothel!
You're scared?
Of course not!
It'II be an eye-opener
So pretty...
My head hurts... I'm drunk
Must be rough...
This is so nice!
No wonder men like it here
They can forget their troubles
and have a good time
Master Sung tells us
you're good with both pen and sword
Play us a song...
Good!
Yes!
I don't normally praise people
Show them so they know I'm not lying
I'II play the drum
Good!
Bravo...
Let's all play!
Yes!
Her Majesty looks worse
I'm beginning to wonder
This is a new prescription
She's not getting any better
You bribe one, you can bribe another
How dare you!
Show some respect
I have no respect?
What about your respect for Her Majesty?
You used a maid to swap her potions
so she can't get well
You didn't come here to visit her
You're so brilliant
You can even read my mind
Do you have proof?
Of course!
Ching-luen, contain yourself!
Prince Ngai, Lady Ngan
I apologize for her impertinence
Please forgive her for offending you
Father!
Forgive or not
Let's see what proof she has
I can't wait!
Yee-mui stole the residue of the potion
intending to pass it to them
But nobody showed up
I picked it up after she threw it away
You call that proof?
Yee-mui decocts the potion
So what if she tossed the residue?
Minister Tik, you can foretell so much
and have such a discerning eye
But your daughter is nothing like you!
What a shame...
Why won't you let me question them?
When I took out the residue
did you see they turned pale?
Your proof is not enough
Now it's garbage
You're too reckless
You're impulsive and impatient
The worst offense in an investigation
Father, considering the gravity of the situation
We can't afford to lose any time
Haste makes waste
I told you hundreds of times
But you still don't remember
No wonder I had to take that insult
Save this for later
Let's go see Her Majesty
Your Majesty, Minister Tik is here with his wife
Send them in
Yes! Minister and Madam Tik
Greetings, Your Majesty I wish you good health
At ease
Thank you, Your Majesty
How are you feeling?
Prince Lo Ling's new prescription
was quite effective at first
But lately, it's still the same
I feel weak all the time
I made you a ring called "Splendid Flowers"
See if you like it
Are you implying Her Majesty's health
is splendid like the flowers?
Exactly!
Such excellent craftsmanship
Madam Tik is generous with her good wishes
you're pure-hearted and charming
You flatter me, Your Majesty
My fingers are fat from sleeping so much
Let me do it
It's my fault you're injured
I beg you to punish me
It was an accident
Minister Tik, please help her up
Yes, Your Majesty
Thank you, Your Majesty for your lenience
Your Majesty...
The blood is black!