Previously...
You came
I heard you were looking for me
Sister
You've harmed me and Qi You
Our sisterly bond
was broken long ago.
If I wanted to harm you,
I could have done that
when I first discovered your identity.
Why would I wait until now?
Princess Fu Ya
What did you call me?
Don't be flustered
Not only do I know
you're the princess of the perished Chu Kingdom,
I also know that your mother
is living in the Shu royal palace,
and under someone's control.
Since you already know,
then why...
Why hide this secret for you?
Whether you believe it or not,
I really consider you a good sister.
I consider you
my only relative
in this icy cold palace.
Then why did you harm me?
Why did you harm Qi You?
I never wanted
to harm you.
I wanted to support
you and Qi You's relationship,
that's why I notified Northern Han to send troops.
I thought that if Meng Zhi Xiang
left for battle,
he would put the marriage aside.
I never thought
that things would
turn out this way.
You're saying
Lian Cheng sent troops for me?
Yes, completely for Sister
But I never,
never thought Qi You
would fall into their hands.
Everytime I see you
overwhelmed with sorrow for Qi You,
I am filled with regret.
So I sent letters by pigeon
to contact my father.
I hoped they would find a way
to save Qi You and you.
I didn't think...didn't think...
Didn't think that in order to save me,
you exposed yourself.
I'm not your biological sister
Why are you
so good to me?
You're going to
lose your own life
you know?
How could you be so foolish?
I don't know why.
I came to overthrow Shu Kingdom,
but in the end...
perhaps this is all meant to be.
I came here alone to the enemy kingdom
Only Sister cares for me sincerely
If I don't protect Sister,
who should I protect?
It was I who harmed you
Don't say that
When I left Northern Han,
I never expected to return alive.
Although I didn't accomplish my task,
I gained a sister
so it was worthwhile.
I won't let you die
I will think of a way
to save you.
My life is not important
but
only one person in the world can save Qi You.
Who?
You
Me?
All these years, crown prince Lian Cheng
never forgot about you.
This time he also came specifically for you
So, only you can save
Qi You
and Shu Kingdom.
Then what should I do?
That depends on whether you
think your love's more important,
or First Prince's life is more important.
You want me to...
I am not a good spy
but Sister is extremely intelligent.
You can penetrate the Han borders
and save your lover.
I beg nothing of Sister
I just hope
you can deliver
this unsent letter home
to my father personally.
Empress dowager, these two girls
Could they be up to something?
They're still not done talking
Don't worry. For You er,
Pan Yu would not dare act recklessly.
It's already been hours.
They should be done talking by now
Why the hurry?
Pan Yu is the only one
who can find out the planted spy in the palace.
Is this the only way?
You've chatted for so long
You should be done by now?
Since you won't help me,
our sisterly friendship is over.
Now leave!
Scram!
Princess, don't think about it anymore
Although Maiden Su is the enemy spy,
she was genuinely good to Princess.
Only...
Only I never, ever thought
she would have such an outcome.
All in order to save me,
Sister died in this foreign land.
Ye Ye, give me the pigeon
What are you going to do?
Sister Yao's greatest wish in life
was to fly freely
and return home to reunite with family.
Perhaps this pigeon
can help her fulfill this wish.
Release it
Ya Ya
We cannot release this pigeon
Why?
Whether the Han troops will retreat
and whether First Prince can be saved
all rely on this pigeon.
That's a good idea
I can mimic
Sister Yao's handwriting.
Dear Father,
Lately daughter has discovered their military situation
Shu Kingdom actually has a strong army
They only lost and retreated from battle
with the intent of luring our Han army deeper into Shu territories.
Scheming to ambush us in one sweep.
Meng Qi You
The Shu empress dowager was never fond of him.
Him falling into our army's hands
is just bait
for us to let our guard down.
Do not think victory has already been won.
Act with safety in mind first and retreat our own troops.
Xiao An Zi, I am sending you as a special envoy
to Shu Kingdom with a decree.
Tell the Shu emperor and subjects
that if they want Meng Qi You to return safely to Shu,
they must exchange Princess Fu Ya for him.
Servant obeys
Xiao An Zi will not fail
your majesty's great trust.
Bad news, your majesty
Look at you!
You're a General for goodness sake.
Why are you in such a panic?
Reporting to the emperor, Meng Qi You is gone!
What?
I heard the prison guard say
that last night,
Princess took him away.
Liu Lian Si!
What?
That Su Yao is really the spy from Northern Han?
There's no mistake
I didn't only uncover her identity,
I also know
who's collaborating with her from the outside,
giving Han Cheng Emperor's military position map
to the enemy troops.
Then did empress dowager find out who?
Why are you so anxious?
Could it be a guilty conscience?
I'm a member of the Shu Kingdom
so of course I'm worried.
Besides,
Su Yao couldn't have possibly named me.
Because, based on Sister's personal grudge against me,
if you really had substantial evidence at hand
you wouldn't be so tolerant of me.
This Su Yao
normally seems so gentle and quiet.
Who thought she'd harbor evil intent
This woman has already plead guilty and been executed
Our immediate priority now
is to send someone
to negotiate at the enemy camp
and arrange for Han Cheng Emperor's rescue.
Will negotiating work?
What if
they make outrageous demands
for us to forfeit sovereignty under humiliating terms?
Then what?
If we don't send anyone,
we won't even have the opportunity
to hear their lion roar.
Fine
Anyone who feels he's up to the task can go
But anyone who dares damage
a shred of my great Shu's dignity,
don't think of coming back alive!
Which brave and loyal subject will carry this heavy responsibility?
Official Liang
Emperor
You go?
Uh
Grand Tutor Yang
You never had any regard for me
but you're fiercely loyal to Han Cheng Emperor.
Why don't you volunteer to go?
Uh
Mother
It's not that I don't want to save big brother
But none of them will dare go
I'll go
Servant doesn't understand
why Princess wants to save him.
I'm not doing it for him
I'm thinking for the good of Northern Han
I can't stand by and watch
imperial brother ruin Northern Han
for a woman.
Are these really
words from Princess's heart?
From the heart or not,
what does it have to do with you?
You're a servant
Just listen to orders and do your job
Princess
Taking a prison of war is punishable by death
Are you afraid of being implicated?
This princess thinks you're irritating!
Princess!
If you dare reveal my whereabouts,
just watch how I punish you!
You really don't have any regrets?
Pan Yu is willing to
marry into Northern Han
as a member of the Shu royal clan.
I've already made up my mind
to save Han Cheng Emperor.
You've thought through this clearly?
If you go this time,
you will spend the rest of your life
in Northern Han.
Aren't you afraid of You er blaming you?
As long as it will save Han Cheng Emperor,
Pan Yu's sacrifices
are all worth it.
Have you decided
who will go with you?
I'm going to a dangerous place
Why involve anyone else?
You are using the identity of Shu Kingdom Princess
to marry into Northern Han.
How could you not
have anyone to serve you and keep you company?
Let Wu Hua and Wu Guo go with you
Wu Hua, Wu Guo
Summon Wu Hua and Wu Guo
Greetings empress dowager
Starting today you will serve Maiden Pan
Follow her orders, understand?
Yes
Pan Yu bids empress dowager farewell
Wait
Does empress dowager have other orders?
Bring those two
silver mink fur garments of mine.
Yes
Child
You've always been smart and clever,
understanding the principles of right and wrong.
I don't have much
to instruct you on.
But Northern country is cold,
with thick fog and heavy snow.
You should take care
Thanks empress dowager
These two fur garments
are a warm precious gift from Shu.
I am
giving them to you.
Empress dowager
Pan Yu only needs one
The other one
Empress dowager can keep to reward someone else.
The other one is for You er
Empress dowager
Shu Kingdom has spring weather all year round
I don't need this fur
You should take it with you
Don't ask anymore
Heavens
Could this be wrong?
This is the pigeon daughter raised since childhood
It's also her handwriting
Daughter is cautious by nature
and never lies.
How could it be wrong?
Shu Kingdom is
leading my army into a trap?
to weaken our military?
Leading us into their territory?
How...
How can the emperor
not see this?
Uh
Humble subject
doesn't know why the emperor would suddenly...
Xiang Yun, you're hiding something from me
Humble servant wouldn't dare
Speak
Empress dowager calm down
The emperor ordered me
to not publicize this, otherwise...
Otherwise...the emperor will kill you?
You don't think I would
take your head?
Empress dowager please calm down
I'm only reporting what I know.
The Emperor began this military campaign
just because of
the exiled Priness of Chu Kingdom, Ma Fu Ya.
What did you say?
The emperor went to war for love
and might fall into the enemy's trap!
Announce my imperial decree
Immediately order the emperor to return to palace!
Quickly return to palace!
Yes
If there's any delay, I want your head!
Yes
Empress dowager!
Officer! Save me! Officer!
Princess insisted on taking the prisoner
I didn't dare stand in Princess's way!
Officer!
You were also here that day, officer!
Emperor
None of the soldiers on guard confessed
Servant has already
executed them on the spot.
Outrageous
General pays respects to emperor
Did you find the princess?
Replying to emperor,
within a 100 mile circumference
we didn't find any trace of the princess.
You didn't find her, but have the face to return?
Emperor, subject had to return
because the empress dowager is critically ill
and ordered a decree
for emperor to return immediately after victory.
What did you say?
Yu er is leaving tomorrow for Northern Han alone?
I didn't think Qi Xing
would be so cruel and heartless,
going so far as to order Yu er
to negotiate peace and form a marriage union
with Northern Han as Princess Di Lian.
but without a single soldier or horse to go with her
Not to mention how far Northern Han is,
even if she safely arrives there,
but enters the Han palace without a single relative or trusted servant from Shu,
how will Liu Lian Cheng and the Northern Han subjects believe her?
Exactly
That damn emperor clearly wants to kill sister
and that damn Du Wan
said Brother Yi and I are servants of this palace.
If we leave the palace, we'll be punished for treason.
Sister also played dumb, not fighting or struggling
She's not even bringing Hua Ye Ye
Yun Zhu
Going to Northern Han is extremely dangerous
Princess is afraid of involving us
Second Prince
Yi Bing sincerely asks you to plea before the emperor
By any means, send some troops to escort princess
General need not be so polite
Qi Xing ignores even his mother's words
I would be wasting my breath on him
That means no one will help Sister?
Not necessarily
No matter what, I am a son of the late emperor
and brother of the current emperor.
Xiao He!
Here
Go to the Palace of Eternal Youth,
gather all of my guards delegated by the late Emperor
and have them mobilised outside of the city.
Tomorrow, myself included,
we escort "Princess Di Lian" to Northern Han.
Fate. . .
Could this have been the act of fate?
The Imperial harem consists of three thousand beauties.
So, why are you putting yourself through this ordeal?
In my eyes, the Imperial harem
are just ordinary women with cosmetics.
This South-bound military campaign was not easy.
With the objective of capturing Shu Kingdom
and rescuing Fu Ya.
But I never anticipated that
at this time would deliberately. . .
That old witch really
knows when to rear its head.
I know that you hate my Imperial mother
but you can't be so outspoken.
She's suddenly gravely ill at this time,
don't you find it a bit coincidental?
Indeed, it had crossed my mind.
However, based on my understanding of my mother,
she's unlikely to have taken
a matter like her own health this far.
Whether she's really sick or faking it,
I really couldn't care less about her well-being.
But if I were you
I would return home.
I heard that
the same night, Meng Qi You
was taken away by Liu Lian Si.
That girl has always lived a pampered life.
I think in the end she'll return
to Northern Han with Meng Qi You in tow.
Whether or not you attain your goal
and whether or not you see the person you wish to see,
is something which hinges on Meng Qi You.
Yes, of course I'm aware of that.
To me, Meng Qi You
plays a significant role.
That Liu Lian Si,
when I find her,
she's going to be sorry.
You've always been calm headed.
Yet now because of some woman
you've become so rash.
You're wrong.
Fu Ya is not some ordinary woman.
Otherwise,
I wouldn't have spent so many years
cherishing her in my memory.
You wouldn't understand this
feeling of mutual affection we have.
Wait until the day when you meet someone you like. . .
Not going to happen.
I also used to believe
that I wouldn't fall
for anyone.
Up until I met Fu Ya.
She is an
unusual and interesting girl.
Her optimism and free spirit
deeply fascinate me.
In my heart
there's no other person
who could replace her.
To have known her
is a blessing.
Brother,
you've had to suffer so many grievances over the years
I, as your big brother, wronged you.
You have done so much for me
I don't even know how to thank you enough.
I just hope that someday soon
you'll be able to attain
happiness in your own terms.
You're finally awake.
Looks like the Mongolian medicines
are very effective.
Wh-what is this place?
Here, this is Northern Han's prison.
Northern Han?
My brother
had originally intended to kill you as a trophy
but I saw how pitiable you were
so I took you away myself.
Otherwise,
you wouldn't even have your life.
Whatever.
How do you sleep at night?
It seems like you're a man of intelligence.
I should probably tell you
in accordance with Northern Han's customs
since I saved you,
you have to obey me from now on
as my slave.
What audacity, how dare you be rude to the Princess!
You're the audacious one!
This person from head to toe
is my possession.
Any killing or hurting
can only be done if I say so!
Who do you think you are?
How dare you touch him.
Yes, yes, your humble servant knows now.
Oi, Meng Qi You,
not accepting to be a slave at this time
is unfitting.
Take a good look at yourself.
From head to toe
you are dressed in our Northern Han's
servants' outfit.
You changed my clothing?
What's this about me changing your clothes?
Of course I had
ordered other people to do that!
What's wrong, lost your jade pendant?
Give it to me, return the jade pendant to me.
That can be done
but it all depends on you
and whether you're willing to obediently
do as I say.
Meng Qi You, Meng Qi You!
I'm still talking to you.
Oi! Meng Qi You!
Empress Dowager, your health is poor.
Why aren't you resting?
The Emperor makes his triumphant return today.
i must go and welcome his return.
Laying down for so many days,
if I don't appear better in front of the Emperor
then he will worry.
Empress Dowager is such a loving mother
to even think of this.
Yan Er, go to the Imperial kitchen
tell them to prepare a grand feast.
Cook the Emperor's favorite dishes.
I want to celebrate with the Emperor.
Servant has already done so,
Empress Dowager be rest assured.
Announcing the arrival of the Emperor.
Your Majesty.
Emperor.
Just speaking of you and you've come.
Why didn't you send someone to relay a message?
I see that Imperial mother's
health isn't too bad.
Fortunately no one said anything
or else would this little act of yours
have still worked?
What are you saying?
Why?
Why did you trick me into withdrawing the troops?
Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager. . .
Yes.
Yes, I tricked you into retreating from the battlefiled early.
Why?
Haven't you deceived me enough yet?
"Why" you ask?
Then I need to ask you "why"?
Because of a girl
you would risk life and limb, and waste money
to dispatch troops on an expedition.
Does Emperor believe that doing all this
is righteous towards the subjects of Northern Han?
If you don't want anyone to know,
you shouldn't have done it.
Well done.
You planted a spy to watch me.
You're still the same as you always were.
You treat me like your puppet.
What a good mother you are.
Empress Dowager.
This should be familiar to your palate.
I specially prepared this just for you.
Try it. Come, try it.
Try it.Not going to eat, right?
Fine.
If you don't want to eat,
then I'll break your jade pendant.
Let's go.
Wait. . . I'll eat.
When I tell you to eat you don't
but threatening to break that object
makes your heart hurt, right?
In that case I'm damn well not going
to let you have your way.
Stop it!
Imperial brother?
Emperor.
Liu Lian Si, look at what you've done.
Capturing this person
is partially accredited to me.
Right now, he's already my
slave.
To kill or to hit
is of course as I please.
You've violated military law!
What happens to him is also as I please.
You. . .
You listen up,
from now on
if you dare lay another hand on him
I won't let you off lightly. Now get out!
Imperial brother. . .
Get out!
Princess you should leave quick.
Best not anger the Emperor.
Then I'm going to inform Imperial mother
that you're bullying me again.
We welcome your visit to Northern Han,
Emperor of Shu Kingdom.
Liu Lian Cheng,
drop the nice guy act.
If you want to kill me or cut me,
just do it already.
I'm not trying to be nice to
but it's just that
I can't let you die.
A Nu,
take the Shu Emperor to Northern Han palace.
Yes, your Majesty.
Shu Emperor, let's go.
Emperor.
Why have you come here?
I noticed that it's cold outside
so I prepared a small furnace for you
to warm your hands, save you from cold.
Your Majesty shouldn't over work yourself.
Take care of your health.
Place it here.
Your Majesty,
the Empress Dowager
said to me just now. . .
I'm tired now, I need rest.
Yes.
Your subject greets the Empress.
Greetings to the Emperor.
What now?
This is Shu Kingdom's
letter addressed to you.
Letter from Shu, they wish to offer a beauty?
Summon the Shu Kindom envoy
and Princess Di Lian for audience.
Shu Kingdom diplomatic envoy, Meng Qi Yun,
together with Princess Di Lian
greet the Emperor of Northern Han.
Long live the Emperor.
Arise.
I thank your Majesty.
This here must be Princess Di Lian.
Since you've already entered the palace
why are you still hiding underneath a veil
making things deliberately mysterious?
I hope your Majesty understands that
the Princess came here
to join the Imperial harem
and is uncomfortable in a hall full of subjects
to unveil her appearance.
Since when did you people from Shu
develop such a sour attitude?
Here in Northern Han
we've never paid attention to
convoluted and over-elaborate etiquettes.
Remove the veil, let me see you.
In front of the Emperor
one should present themselves grandly.
Yet you're being secretive. What a scandal!
As commanded by your Majesty
we dare not disobey.
What? What? What's the meaning of this?
Audacious! How dare you mock me.
The lowly Shu kingdom
in our Northern Han palace
and dares to pull tricks and deceive the King.
You deserve to be punished!
My only fault is that
I am a member of the Shu Imperial clan.
I went to the trouble of travelling the distance here for matrimony.
Of those present in court
of course I would only allow the Emperor
to look upon my face.
As for others,
no one else is worthy.
Based on what you've said
only I alone
can see your true appearance?
Yes.
But if you wish not to accept me as a wife
then you've no need to see my face either.
Di Lian would hence return to Shu Kingdom.
Princess of a defeated Kingdom,
you're an offering of surrender.
Yet you dare to attempt a negotiation.
Meng Qi Yun,
You people of Shu count chickens before they're hatched
do you think you can hide things from me?
You have weaponry
as well as jade and silks.
Exceeding the resources of Shu Kingdom.
I travelled all the way here
with the sincere intent of uniting through marriage.
If Northern Han are not accomodating of this request
then I'd rather face you on the battlefield.
Well said,
let's bury the hatchet and work for peace.
I wonder what face
goes with a female like you.
Proposing to use a gorgeous face
to exchange for jade and silk,
and to stop war?
Perhaps you underestimate me a bit too much.
You must take me for a very lecherous monarch, yes?
Your Majesty,
I implore you to
reject Shu Kingdom's betrothal request.
Your subjects implore your Majesty,
reject Shu Kingdom's betrothal request.
Imperial brother save the persuasion.
This way of surrendering under humiliating terms
wasn't something I wanted to do in the first place.