The Empress of China Episode 64
Your Majesty, if time is available,
ai::bowo-subs
you may take a look at the evidence.
No, go ahead
and destroy the evidence.
That'd be fine.
But I'd rather be safe than sorry.
After Prince of Wu returns to Anzhou.
appoint a capable official
as his right-hand man.
The Prince of Wu is impetuous.
The crafty people around him
might use him
to stir up trouble.
What do you think. Your Majesty
Thanks for your concern, Uncle.
I need some time to think about it.
Then I shall take my leave.
(Bamboo Mansion)
My Lady.
My Lady, my name is Lufu.
If you need anything.
Please let me know.
Lufu
Thank you. You may go now.
Yes.
Mei Niang.
Gaoyang.
You’re still very weak,
don't move around.
I heard you were back
and rushed here immediately.
Life at Ganye Temple is austere,
not to mention you're pregnant.
You must have suffered a great deal.
I’m so glad
you're back.
My ninth elder brother will assign
the best physicians to you.
It's really not
necessary.
I'm sorry
about your hair.
Do as I say
After His late Majesty's death.
Concubines were either buried alive
or sent to the temple
Such a system should be abolished.
Gaoyang,
how could you say
something so outrageous
Why not?
Women are human too.
No one should
take away their freedom
or even their lives.
Even His Majesty the Emperor
has no right to do that.
I must submit a memorial and convince
my ninth elder brother
to abolish this system.
Think about it. If the concubines
can go home
and start again
a new life of their own.
they may be able
to find true love.
I entered Ganye Temple
at my own will.
Nobody forced me.
Day and night I was hoping
I could chant and pray for His late Majesty.
Let's change the subject.
You can see this
Look what
I've prepared for you.
I always thought
you’d be back one day in the Palace,
and you'd definitely need this.
Gaoyang you
The Harem is inhabited by
a bunch of common fat vulgar powders
struggling to stand out from the crowd.
But it's different
with you here.
With a little makeup,
Those women,
you can easily beat it
When they see you,
they will feel ashamed
of themselves after a period of time
But after
the child is born safe,
I'll have to go.
I'm afraid I'll only
disappoint you.
Whoever are in the Palace
and whatever they think of me,
I don't really care.
You have to go after all?
Does my ninth elder brother know?
Mei Niang, do you know
what my brother did to bring you back in the Palace?
Over the wind and rain
how can't you tell him
So so
In that case, you must listen to me.
If you want to leave without a trace
it's important
to keep a low profile.
You know,
a shaved woman
can catch a lot of attention in the Palace.
You ah...
I'm always amazed how thoughtful you are.
Gaoyang I know what you mean.
You do have a point.
Fortunately, In this harem
you’re here to give me your advice.
Gaoyang, thank you.
You don't have to thank me.
Take things as they come.
Anyway, my ninth elder brother and I
will be here for you.
You don't have to worry about anything.
I'll let you rest.
I'll go first
Wei minister pay visit to his Majesty
Third brother
Looks like
your meeting with Zhangsun Daren
didn't go so well.
Third brother, from Ganye Temple
back to the Palace,
when we were riding alongside
Since I ascended the throne.
It was the best time
I promised once, after we came back.
I'd give you an important post
Now
I'm afraid I'll have to break my promise.
I understand your difficulties.
But
I can't help wondering
what Zhangsun Prime Minister’s reason is
for not letting you promote me.
As you know, uncle
has spent half his life in the officialdom.
If he wants you to go,
he can easily hurl false
accusations at you.
I understand that.
Don’t worry about it. Your Majesty.
I came for you.
I certainly can leave for you.
I’ll just return to Anzhou.
Absolutely not, Third elder brother.
Now, the imperial court
As you can see,
the court is being dominated by Uncle.
I asked you
to come back
so that you could assist me.
If we join hands,
we can stand up to Uncle.
In your way back to Chang'an,
unfortunately there are many obstacles
At this point, it’s hard for me
to give you an important post.
So, I want you to be the princes tutor
and remain in Chang'an
Every day into the Palace.
You can teach the princes swordsmanship
How about that
I'm more than willing
to accept your arrangement.
Your Majesty
Notice his Majesty
Jiaozhou commanding, Li Xuansheng has requested an audience.
Your Majesty has the government affairs
I'm unsuitable to stay for a long time
May I leave
Third elder brother, please
Wait a minute His Majesty
I haven't returned to the Palace for a long time
This my chance to see around the Palace now
May I
Certainly
Third elder brother has return
This is your house
Every place in the Palace
are all accessible
Many thanks your Majesty
I've been here before
Was Grandma Peng's residence
Reply to My Lady
I really don't know, who is Grandma Peng
I only know
This place is called the Bamboo Mansion
His Majesty was
specially prepared for My Lady
Come this way.
Be careful. Put it here.
Be careful.
Rui'an.
Rui'an pay visit to Wu sister
Come on, get up.
Sister, you're finally back!
Silly you.
Aren't you happy to see me?
Why are you crying?
You're right, Sister.
Rui'an, about these things
where did all these gifts come from?
Sister, the news about your return
spread so quickly.
These gift are gestures of friendship.
Even Her Majesty the Empress
has sent you snow ginseng.
This brings back
memories.
Notice My Lady
This is from Chongxian Hall's Li Yifu.
He specially
requested you
to open it.
Sister
Li Yifu has vulgar taste.
I'm surprised a literate man like him
has sent
such a shiny golden bowl.
Li Yifu so persistent
I have to say I really admire
Rui'an, put it away.
Yes.
Sister,
is Li Daren trying to say
working for you
is like holding a golden bowl?
This isn't a gift,
but a confession.
But he has approached the wrong person.
My return in the Palace
was merely an accident.
Also I'm not
planning to stay in the Palace
Sister, you want to leave?
Take a walk with me.
I’d love to know
what's going on
in the Harem.
I see a lot of
new faces in the Palace.
Despite the new faces
on and off the stage
the stories haven't
changed much.
The Empress is from
an aristocratic lineage of Guanlong.
Backed by all the aristocrats
led by Zhangsun Daren.
Entire Guanlong family,
she is much respectable and revered,
but His Majesty
isn't very fond of her.
After all these years,
as the Empress is still childless
she is quite troubled
Empress Wang and His Majesty
are about the same age.
She's desperate
for a child at a young age.
I suppose it's because
someone is competing
with her.
Is it Consort Xiao?
Yes.
Consort Xiao is young and beautiful,
good at singing and dancing.
Especially to his Majesty
She gave birth to Prince of Yong, Sujie.
His Majesty is very fond of him.
People have been saying that
without Zhangsun Daren's
support in the back
it's hard to say whether the surname of
the Empress should be Wang or Xiao.
Really still do not know
One of them has a strong background,
while the other has a privileged status.
They each have an advantage over the other.
It can't be very quiet in the Harem.
Oh, Yes
their struggle began
after His Majesty entered the Eastern Palace
It seems to me
the Empress
can't put aside her pride
and fight back.
She's always at a disadvantage.
Wu sister, after you came back
you have to little bit careful
Empress Wang is a good person,
but Consort Xiao is different.
She's unruly and impudent.
She shows no respect even to the Empress
But I don't know why
His Majesty likes her a lot.
Even when she bullies Empress Wang,
His Majesty will speak in favour of her
and say she's young and ignorant.
Often favors to her
Young and ignorant
She's already a mother,
but she hasn't changed a bit.
Sister, Consort Xiao hasn't
sent a gift
Don't worry. Rui'an.
I’ll be careful
not to get in trouble.
By the way, Rui'an,
how have you been?
Me
I've been
sewing His Majesty closely.
Life has never been better.
Scenery much more moist
Sister. I see with my own eyes
His Majesty is having a very hard time.
Ever since he ascended the throne,
I've never seen him
laugh heartily.
It's not until you came back
that I finally saw
a smile on his face.
Sister, don't go,
stay here.
ai::bowo-subs
You come here now
In the Empress Palace
is something happening
When His Majesty was attending
the memorial ceremony at Ganye Temple,
someone saw the Empress
went to the Ganye Temples Eastern Garden secretly.
She probably went there, want to meet His late Majesty's Cairen,
Wu Mei Niang.
Wu Mei Niang?
You mean the woman found to be
carrying His late Majesty's child
and thus brought back to the Palace?
Yes.
Is it Consort Dowager Wu as mentioned
by Princess Gaoyang, when his Majesty called away
the other day
Why would Empress Wang go to meet her
I only heard
after Wu Mei Niang came back.
The Empress sent
snow ginseng as a gift.
My Lady, His late Majesty
was very fond of Wu Mei Niang.
Perhaps the Empress went to ask her
how she could win His Majesty's favour.
Rest assured, My Lady
If Wu Mei Niang had known a certain skill,
she couldn't have just been a Cairen,
and sent to Ganye Temple
after the death of His late Majesty.
The Empress wasn't thinking straight
when
she asked that woman for help.
Is there anything else?
No
Well done. You may go now.
Keep me informed
of any news.
Yes.
Lianzhi,
put a few reliable people
in the Bamboo Mansion.
Keep me well informed
about the Empress.
My Lady, why bother with
His late Majesty's Consort Dowager?
She can't...
You fool!
My Lady
Don't underestimate that woman.
Because of her,
His Majesty left his beloved Sujie
behind.
At the gate of Xianming Palace,
he turned around and left.
You don't understand,
but I know very well
she is no ordinary woman.
Even Consort Xu was
no match for her.
As I’ve heard, His Majesty favours me
because I bear
a resemblance to her.
Hurry up and prepare a nice gift.
I'll pay her a visit personally.
Yes. Excuse me, My Lady
I got carried away with practising sword play
and almost hurt you.
If I have offended you,
please forgive me
There's no need for formalities here.
I'm not a
weak woman,
and you're not
a punctilious man.
We even went
to war in the North.
From a man's point of view,
we've been through life and death together.
Prince, let's just drop the formalities.
To be honest with you,
I'm more comfortable calling you Mei Niang.
It couldn't be better
Prince honestly,
I'm so happy you came back
and reunited with His Majesty
It is worthy of celebration
Even though I'm back,
this is not the palace
we used to know with
the Imperial Palace
I still don't know
whether I’d stay or go.
Because of Zhangsun Daren?
As I remember, you were a friend
and a mentor to Pheasant Slave.
If I
leave Chang’an for good
Pheasant Slave will be all alone
in the Palace.
When that happens,
please look after him for me.
Li Ke will be much appreciated.
You're just going to accept fate?
As the saying goes, success depends
on your effort.
Who knows? Maybe you'll make it happen.
I certainly hope
your words will come true.
It's getting late.
I should go.
The Prince of Wu and the former Crown Prince
had a sword fight here.
In that flowing green shirt,
how smart he looked
Rui'an still remember
All the faces have changed, now
After Zhangsun Daren sends him away
and sister leave the Palace,
In this Palace
His Majesty will be left alone here.
Empress, I know it tastes awful.
You don't have to finish it.
If I'm taking this longxian tea
can help me get pregnant,
no matter how bad it tastes,
it's worth it.
Has Wu Mei Niang woken up yet?
Notice Empress, Consort Dowager Wu
woke up at around Shenshi (3:00 pm).
Should I arrange
a meeting with her
Now that she’s back,
I want to meet with her.
it's much easier
These two days, she's been
the centre of attention
I'd rather wait till later.
Did Xianming Palace
send her any gifts
Empress, Consort Xiao
personally paid a visit
to Wu Mei Niang with a gift.
Consort Xiao
thinks so hiqhly of herself.
Why would she care about Wu Mei Niang
took her seriously,
I'm not surprised though.
His Majesty treats her
differently from the others
not to mention her special identity
who is in charge of the Harem can be forgiven
It's time for me
to visit Wu Mei Niang,
I shall remind her
in Taiji Palace now.
Who is the host of the Harem
Really? That's what happened?
Her Imperial Highness, the Empress is here!
Greetings, Empress
Please rise.
Sister, you’re here?
Consort Dowager and I were
having a great talk.
She knows many things
from His Majesty’s past.
Really?
Although it’s not official yet,
you're carrying
His late Majesty's child.
So, no need for formalities.
Rui'an
Consort Dowager, how's your life here?
I think this place is too rough.
There are not enough servants.
Consort Dowager is having a child.
I'm afraid it's not very convenient here.
I’m talking to Consort Dowager.
Nobody was seeking your opinion.
Before His Majesty issues an edict,
I shall not arrange
anything for you.
After all, rules in the Palace
must be obeyed strictly.
Also look at to you to forgive
In future if there's anything you need
Informs this palace to be able promptly
In fact here
Everything is very good
Your Imperial Highness Empress
Consort Xiao, thanks for your kindness.
Since you're back, there's some words
I need to remind you.
Please go ahead, Empress
You're carrying His late Majesty's child,
which gives you a superior status.
Every your word and action represent His late Majesty.
Please keep that in mind.
Don't forget in the future
your identity as Consort Dowager.
You’re absolutely right, Empress
I actually think
it's superfluous to say that.
Consort Dowager Wu hasn't been
officially bestowed the title yet,
but having spent
many years in Taiji Palace,
she knows better than any of us
in the Harem
About the rules of etiquette
I think
should we take the opportunity
to learn from Consort Dowager Wu.
shouldn't we
Consort Xiao,
I'm afraid I can’t agree with you.
As the one in charge, is the Empress
has absolute power to manage the Harem.
Today
Empress guidance for Mei Niang is in accordance
with etiquette.
As long as Mei Niang
remain in Taiji Palace,
I should consider you my role model
and conform to the rules of etiquette.
Imperial edict!
His Majesty has summoned
Consort Dowager Wu to Ganlu Hall.
Mei Niang accept the honour.
It was a pleasure to visit, Consort Dowager.
I'll be leaving now.
Thank you, Empress.
In that case,
I'm leaving too.
Consort Dowager Wu.
Wang Gong-Gong,
how have you been? It's been a while.
Is everything fine?
Thanks for asking, Consort Dowager Wu.
I've been good.
It's just that I still think of His late Majesty from time to time.
Well, His Majesty is waiting.
Consort Dowager Wu, Please
After you.
Please have a look, Consort Dowager Wu.
I heard the Tang state has many wise people.
Could you help the people of Mongolia
pick the most beautiful chrysanthemum?
Let me do it.
Just to pick a flower?
How hard can it be?
Ruyi, do you trust me?
I do,
the stem may not be strong enough
but the horse may go too fast,
Don’t be afraid! Keep going!
The Tang state has a well-earned reputation.
May I know this woman's name?
Charmingly delicate expressions.
Strikingly alluring words.
This is my woman of Tang dynasty
ai::bowo-subs
Wu Mei Niang
Wu Mei Niang, Wu Mei Niang
Mei Niang
When you were staying with Gaoyang
at Fang's mansion of that time,
My father always
THANK YOU
tell me stories
about your past
and ask me to put on
a play every day.
Now you're back.
I still remember
he was looking for a chance
to watch the shadow puppet play with you.
So, I told Gaoyang...
Your Majesty!
Please stop! Please stop!