The Empress of China Episode 65
ai::bowo-subs
Mei Niang
When you were staying with Gaoyang
at Fang's mansion of that time,
My father always
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!
if Your Majesty
nothing else matters.
I have to go now
Mei Niang
Ninth brother, I don't understand.
You were the one who arranged the fireworks
at Ganye Temple that night.
Father never watched
the shadow puppet play.
Why did you
lie to Mei Niang
If the feelings between them
are like a dream to Mei Niang,
I'll do anything to protect it
so that she can keep on dreaming.
(Chengqing Hall)
One thread can't make a cord. One hand can’t clap.
Without the sword dance help
How would Prince Lanling be
Your Majesty,
when I was lighting the lamps
here every night,
I only had one thought.
I was hoping you'd appear in front of me
before all 72 lamps
were being lit.
In front of me
Nothing in Chengqing Hall has changed
except the people.
I dare not think about
Now
all those crazy things anymore.
Mei Niang, it's really you.
Your Majesty.
Let’s go.
What were those people doing here
Never mind them, Prince
Just some fence-sitters.
They thought your return
could help them climb the political ladder.
This morning they brought nice gift
and requested
a meeting with Prince,
but once they heard Zhangsun Wuji
disapproved of you,
they left immediately.
A bunch of snobs.
Court officials have to adapt themselves
to any circumstances there
or they can't survive.
Don't let that bother you.
Prince
Greetings from Fang Yi’ai, Xue Wanche,
and Chai Lingwu,
See his Royal Highness Prince
Brothers, drop the formality.
What brings you all here
When we heard you were back.
We were so happy
Oh, Yes
We brought fine Western wine
to have a drink with you.
Gentlemen, please leave.
Don't let Li Ke
throw away your career
Prince, let me explain.
We are good at nothing
Only understands the fool who marches to go to war
We used to be very close to Prince of Wei.
Now everyone wants to push us out.
We can only idle
our time away
with meaningless tasks.
Just like you,
we've been abandoned by Zhangsun Daren.
Yes, we're a bunch of idlers
who lost our career
a long time ago.
Let's have a drink together.
Good.
If you gentlemen don't mind,
let's all get drunk tonight
Don't leave without getting drunk
Let's go!
The drinking game
No one should play any tricks tonight
Right
Especially you, Wanche
Mei Niang, it's all my fault.
I acted per my own wish
and made you recall some sad memories.
It’s not that serious, Your Majesty.
Mei Niang poor manners.
I hope your Majesty can forgive
In the Palace that many places
you have not go there
Why did you come to Chengqing Hall
Perhaps I came
to recollect old memories.
What about you, Your Majesty
Why did you come to Chengqing Hall
The reason is simple.
Shortly after my ascending to the throne
will unavoidably into bump
I felt annoyed all the time.
One night I was wandering
around the Palace in a bad mood
and before I realised it,
I'd arrived at Chengqing Hall.
Suddenly I remembered
you used to come here every night
to light all
the lamps here.
So I walked into the Hall
and did the same.
For some reason.
as the lamps were
being lit
one by one,
I gradually found peace in my heart.
It became my habit after that.
What about tonight
What's bothering you tonight
Nothing.
Is it because Zhangsun Daren
forbids
Prince of Wu to stay in Chang'an
Rui'an has told me.
Actually
I already have a counter plan,
but it's going to take some time.
Really
What a coincidence.
I also have a good idea.
I wonder if we're thinking
the same thing.
Humble literati,
Right. Most of the high-ranking officials
are aristocrats from Guanlong.
They dare not disobey my uncle.
Those men are loyal
to their own families
and surnames,
not the Li family of Tang.
Right,
those humble literati
will be the aristocrats from Guanlong.
look down on
Unless they turn to his Majesty.
They'll have no way out
if they can draw strength
Your Majesty can solve the dilemma of
having no one to trust in the court.
Academician of Chongxian Hail as Li Yifu.
Such as Li Yifu,
Aristocrats from Guanlong think
he's a minion,
talented but wicked.
He will do anything
to climb the career ladder.
He's been oppressed
due to his background,
if his Majesty give him
a chance to climb up,
even if there's a sea of fire ahead,
This person
will jump with no hesitation.
About my brother,
Let me try to convince my uncle again tomorrow.
Zhangsun Daren.
There is no way to convince him
Stop wasting your time,
Allow me to be honest.
His Majesty consider Zhangsun Daren your elder,
Follow the old way
Treat him with courtesy
and respect.
which is admirable,
but I don’t think
you're getting the results you want.
In your opinion,
how should I treat my uncle
Do it as an emperor should do,
His Majesty, you may wish to think about
how did the late Emperor, your father
getting along with the Minister
Besides brotherly affection,
were there any other ways
Now I remember.
Before Father passed away,
he used an excuse
to send Li Ji into exile.
The purpose was to
let me promote him
so as to earn his loyalty
and appreciation.
Right. If you want
the Prince of Wu to stay in Chang'an,
I believe this will work.
Mei Niang, you seem to have
put some serious thought into this.
It didn't just come to your mind.
Why would you ponder over this
It didn’t just come to your mind.
Do you remember
the first time we met
In my heart
I'll never forget
the little kid at Yeting
He was holding a puppet,
with a face full of grievances.
In the Palace,
I won’t be staying here for long.
Before I go
Shouldn't I
do something for you
Is this a promise
Promises often become lies,
I hate to let you down.
I can only say I’ll try my best.
Or you can stay
and keep telling me
what to do, in future
Remember the days at the Imperial Library
If you hadn’t taught me well,
Today, I couldn't have
come up with this plan.
Now the only thing
on my mind
is to give birth to this child.
I just want us to be safe
and stay away from trouble.
I'll come up with
an actual plan to help
His Majesty
to keep the Prince of Wu in Chang’an.
It's absurd to say Tang will be destroyed
by a woman ruler named Wu,
but don't let the matter drift.
After I die.
if Wu Mei Niang is pregnant with my child,
boy or girl,
get rid of it.
Mei Niang
It won't be necessary.
You have guided me to the right direction.
That's quite enough.
I’m not a little kid anymore.
I need to deal with my own problems.
It's late, you should go to bed.
Your Majesty,
it’s almost 11 pm, time to go to bed.
Summon
Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu to the Palace.
Yes, Your Majesty
No more wine.
Let's empty our bowls
Cheers
Cheers, Your Highness
Cheers!
Xue Wanche
Why don't you drink with us
I really
could not drink
Drink it quick
I could not drink
Drink it
Well leave hobby
Yi’ai,
how are you and Gaoyang
Listen to me, Prince
Now Yi’ai
is fully devoted to Princess Gaoyang
Let me say it
Go ahead
Princess Gaoyang now
lets me stay in her room
for half an incense stick’s time
Hear it
half an incense stick’s time
Barely enough for going to the toilet
Prince.
Qingxuan, go
and get the fine wine I brought back from Anzhou
for my brothers
Hurry up
Prince,
please stop drinking.
Just go
Father Daren,
just as you thought,
Fang Yi'ai and Xue Wanche
ai::bowo-subs
went to Prince of Wu's Residence.
ai::bowo-subs
Keep an eye on them.
Yes.
It's late, Father.
Why are you still up
I can't sleep.
I've been feeling uneasy these few days.
Because Li Ji is coming back soon
or because of the Prince of Wu
I don't suppose it's because Wu Mei Niang
has returned to the Palace
Father, you still can’t forget the prophecy
about "the woman ruler named Wu"
Father Daren
It was really Wu Mei Niang
It has nothing to do with the prophecy,
but I can't help worrying.
If Wu Mei Niang stays in the Palace for good,
it'll be a problem.
What else can be a problem
except the prophecy
The problem is His Majesty might
commit incest.
Yanzu, do you know that
after you left,
Taiji Hall no longer had any old ministers
from the Eastern Palace 4th ranked or above
I'm sorry I let you down, Your Majesty
I deserve ten thousand deaths
Stand up.
I dare not
If you acknowledge a mistake,
it’s not incorrigible.
I’m offering you a chance.
If you can do it,
once things cool down,
you may be able to return to Chang'an.
Your Majesty, I shall give you my life
to repay your kindness
For Your Majesty,
what can I do for you
I
I need a head.
This is Li Yifu pay visit to Your Majesty.
Why aren't you smiling
Your Majesty, pardon me...
It says here
you always keep a smile on your face.
Capable of killing softly, you're known as Li the Cat.
Why aren't you smiling today
Notice Your Majesty,
Because
I’ve never been so close to the Son of Heaven before.
I was so nervous I forgot to smile.
Good!
Knowing when to tell the truth
is what makes you smart
I like smart people
However, I've heard so many
negative comments about you.
People call you a minion.
Your Majesty, I'm indeed a minion,
but I think
his Majesty need
a loyal minion
than an untamable gentleman.
more useful
With words only.
You can't prove your loyalty
Your Majesty, due to my lowly origins,
In the eyes of those aristocratic clans
like a pig and dog.
But my ambitious heart
is unwilling to accept fate.
I'd risk my life for you
to climb the political ladder.
Also, before His late Majesty passed away,
I overestimated myself
and offended Zhangsun Daren.
I have no other way out.
I can only devote my life to your Majesty.
Faithful
Good, stand up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I’ll give you one chance.
I need you within half a month.
to gather evidence against a significant minister
The evidence must be
concrete
and irrefutable.
At the morning assembly.
Present it in public
And who is that significant minister
Li Yifu,
he has always been an upright and honest minister.
Can you get it done
Rest assured, Your Majesty.
He has spent
half his life in the officialdom.
Even if he hasn't been influenced,
he can't be completely clean.
I will find
evidence of his guilt.
Great.
I look forward to hearing the good news.
May I be excused, Your Majesty.
Remember, half a month.
Yes.
The art of being an emperor.
The art of being an emperor
Wang De.
Yes, what can I do, Your Majesty
Starting tomorrow, in the Royal Library
send Mei Niang a copy
of all viewed memorials
Yes, Your Majesty
Your Majesty, are you alright
Help Hurry up!
Your Majesty, look,
you're having a headache again
Listen to the old slave
and let the physicians have a look. Your Majesty
Shi Ning, here's to you.
Thank you, Daren
The morning assembly will soon begin.
I came here to say goodbye.
Shi Ning,
I‘m leaving it all to you.
It's my pleasure, Daren
I've always hoped
I could do something for Daren.
I'm very grateful for the opportunity today.
Shi Ning is the blessing
Daren, goodbye.
Shi Ning.
Stop.
Pass
You.
Go.
Stop
Your pass please
Who's in the carriage
Get off for an inspection
General, welcome
back to Chang'an
Inform His Majesty that
General Li Ji is back.
Yes.
Sister, take a break,
it's time to take your medicine.
Li Yifu Daren
sent a note
saying he would like to meet you
and thank you for recommending him.
Tell him
I won't meet him.
Just focus on serving His Majesty.
Also, remind him
to stop trying to
cling to the Harem.
Yes.
Sister, the physician has mentioned
your lack of energy and blood.
You need more rest.
If you continue to drain yourself,
even with the help of anti-abortifacient.
it will affect
the baby
Also, these memorials
have been read by His Majesty.
Why bother
reading them all over again
I need to get a better idea of
what's going on in the Court
in order to help His Majesty
before I go.
Reading memorials is an easy task.
I'm not tired at all. You can go.
Yes
Notice the Prince
General Li Ji is back.
He arrived an hour ago.
His Majesty said
he'd greet him personally at the city gate.
How come
no one knew he was coming back
Is the information reliable
Absolutely reliable
Fang Yi'ai Daren
He has a friend in the army on the frontier.
He sent the information over.
Perhaps General Li
didn't want a high-profile return.
Prince, it's time for the morning assembly.
No one knows except us.
General Li is back
Get my horse
Yes
Beg to report, Your Majesty, yesterday in the Hedong region
there was a strong earthquake
It was most serious in Jinzhou
with over 200 deaths
and 1,000 injuries.
Have my orders sent.
To the disaster victims of being homeless
Opens the official's residence cabin
to make it live
and feed them.
Give three bolts of silk to every victim's family.
Jinzhou may exempt
from taxation and labor for a year.
There will also be board
send three supervisor to Hedong
to inspect the affected areas.
Any official
convicted of taking bribes in the context of disaster relief
shall be executed
On behalf of the people of Hedong.
Allow me to express my gratitude
Present your memorials now or His Majesty will dismiss the assembly
Your Majesty, I'd like to submit a memorial
This is Li Yifu academician of Chongxian Hail
Please
Li, speak as you wish.
Your Majesty, I dare
impeach a high-ranking
official in the court
Regardless of his clean reputation.
he used his position to force land prices
below market value 60%
and buy in the western suburbs of Chang'an
almost 100 hectares of land
Your Majesty, you have forbidden officials
to snatch the commoners hereditary land
This person annexed land
and disrespected the law
Depending on the laws of waste paper
He should be severely punished
Li Qing
Who the hell are you impeached
Director of the Secretariat,
Chu Suiliang
Your Majesty, I deserve ten thousand deaths
Li Yifu has no idea what he's getting into.
It's hard to say.
Why would Li the Cat want
a bad bargain
Chu Qing
This time I am really disappointed with you
Your Majesty
Chu Daren has always been an honest official
I dare not jump to conclusions
Chu, did Li Yifu tell the truth
This
I have nothing to say
Chu, how about Li Yifu referred to
But the fact was...
I'm speechless
Please punish me, Your Majesty
Since you have acknowledged your fault,
considering your accomplishments,
I shall remove your title as
Director of the Secretariat
and make you
Inspector of Tongzhou
Your Majesty, thank you for your mercy
Li Yifu, despite your low position,
you had the courage to speak up.
I'm very pleased.
I hereby appoint you Secretariat Drafter
and scholar of Hongwen Pavilion.
Thank you, Your Majesty
I don't know your family
Gentlemen, any other memorials
Allow me, Your Majesty
This is Lu Shining, Dianyi of the Examination Bureau,
impeaching
another high-ranking official.
Lu Shining,
who are you impeaching
The Head of the Three Dukes,
Taiwei Zhangsun Wuji
Entrusted by His late Majesty
to assist you,
he is harboring ill intent
ai::bowo-subs
to turn your Majesty into a mere figurehead
and seize control of the Court
Seemingly he is assisting you, but in fact plotting to overthrow you
Lu Shining, you mean
Zhangsun Daren
is guilty of treason
Yes! I have proof
Guard!
Officials, execute Lu Shining now
Your Majesty, everything I say is true
Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
I'm innocent, Your Majesty!
Zhangsun Wuji must be killed
or the Tang state will be in danger
Your Majesty! I'm innocent, Your Majesty!
THANK YOU
If Zhangsun Daren hadn't devoted his life
to help us,
Today, Tang state wouldn't have existed
If anyone still
dare to question his loyalty again
and attempts to foment discord,
he shall suffer the same fate as Lu Shining
That's all for today
Dismissed!
Long live, Your Majesty, long live, long live