What do you want?
You and your sister are the same.
Both of you are wenches that don't know the rules.
Where did you hear this from?
It's not important who I heard this from.
Say it again.
You are all wenches and vicious women.
You hit me?
How dare you hit me. I'll hit you.
Cheap wenches! Cheap wenches!
I told you to hit me, you cheap wench.
I'll hit you. I'll hit.
-I'll hit you! -Stop!
You venomous bitch!
You cheap wench!
Stop fighting! Stop!
Hold it! Hold it!
Stop!
Quick, stop them!
-Ruoxi! -Ruoxi.
Princess! What happened?
Quickly, save them!
-Quickly, save them! -Help!
-Quick! Bring them back up. -Ruoxi!
Quick! Save them!
Come! Be careful! Ruoxi!
Quick!
Ruoxi!
What happened?
Ruoxi, are you alright?
Are you alright?
Princess, are you all right?
Are you alright? Slowly, Princess.
Mingyu, are you alright?
Leave!
Ruolan, are you alright?
-Ruoxi -Jie'jie.
-Brother-in-law! -Leave.
Look at her!
Mingyu!
Shut up!
Still crying?
I never thought that our Death Seeking 13th Prince would have a sister here.
All right! Nothing happened here.
Let's go back and continue singing and drinking.
Let's go.
Help 13th and 14th Prince change.
Yes.
Send Princess back.
Yes.
Come, Princess.
Jie'jie.
Second Miss.
Second Miss, let's go back.
Second Miss, the ginger soup is ready. Warm up.
Did Jie'jie come visit me?
Did she say anything?
Was I... Was I very scary this afternoon?
Jie'jie must be angry.
I think that once she calms down,
everything will be all right.
What do you think?
Greetings, Second Miss.
Jie'jie.
Greetings, Second Miss.
Morning, Jie'jie.
Jie'jie, today's weather is pretty good.
Want to go outside?
I'll accompany you.
You want to offer incense? Offering incense is good.
Dongyu, give me a cup of tea.
-Yes, Madam. -There's no need.
I'll do it.
Stay here.
Dongyu, come walk with me outside.
Jie'jie. Jie'jie.
Jie'jie, don't be mad.
Talk to me.
Don't ignore me.
Thanks.
-Today's weather is really good. -Yes.
Ruoxi?
10th Prince, 14th Prince, you're here.
Why are you like this?
A broken picture.
I always thought you were fierce to me,
but it seems like you were pretty good to me.
When I first saw her,
I thought she was a mesmerizing beauty.
What a pity.
What do you mean?
Did you know you got famous from this one battle?
You're saying what happened on the birthday celebration has already spread out?
I guessed.
Good news don't leave the house,
but bad news will spread for thousands of miles.
You've implicated 13th brother recently.
He's been very busy.
Me? What does it have to do with me?
Currently, as soon as the other princes see 13th brother, they'll ask
how did you get an extra sister?
All the young masters and princes in the Forbidden City are talking about you --
Death seeking 13th sister.
Heavens!
No way!
Yeah.
Second Miss, Second Miss!
I've finally found you!
Greetings, 10th Prince and 14th Prince.
Greetings, Second Miss.
Rise.
Second Miss.
Bei'le wants to see you, he's waiting in the study room.
8th Prince wants to see me?
You may take your leave.
Yes
What is it? Scared now?
10th brother, don't tease her.
Ruoxi, I was just kidding.
I'm not afraid of being punished by 8th Prince.
But regarding this matter, some fault lies with me.
I'm just worried it'll implicate my sister.
Don't be scared.
We'll both help you beg for forgiveness.
Good friends!
What is your opinion regarding this morning's discussion, in which Vice Minister Chang
was accused of offering amnesty to and recruiting the Guangdong pirate, A'Baowei?
What did you think?
What opinion can we have?
How could we be soft on those pirates who terrorize the seas?
Unless we kill one as a warning example to the hundred.
I'm afraid the rest of them will only become even more savage and rampant.
Fourteenth brother, what do you think?
Even though Imperial Father hasn't made any announcements yet,
but I assume Imperial Father has most likely made his decision already.
I'm afraid Imperial Father agrees with
Vice Minister Chang's idea.
Is that so?
Among these two hundred and thirty-seven pirates,
every one of them are courageously fierce fighters.
They are extremely familiar with the surrounding waters.
Every one of them are true soldiers.
If we are able to enlist them as our own soldiers,
not only will we be able to increase our naval strength,
it could also demonstrate the awesome, yet dignified manner of our great Qing.
8th brother, you should know
Imperial Father will definitely give any person
who is capable and willing to serve the country a chance.
Then let's submit a document
and beg mercy for Vice Minister Chang.
Come in.
Master, it's getting dark.
Do I need to prepare the food?
We were so focused on the discussion
that we forgot about the time.
It's already that late?
If you two leave now, it's going to be a hassle.
If there's nothing important, then eat here.
Okay.
Prepare the food.
Yes.
-Tenth brother. -Fourteenth brother.
Go ahead, I'll come right after.
8th brother, why don't we go together?
Go first.
Lift up your head.
Where did that recklessness from that day go?
Do you still want to stand?
Go back.
Send the Second Miss back to Madam's place.
This 8th Prince.
What is the meaning of this?
Is this the end of the matter?
Or has everything come to a halt for now?
Greetings, 10th Prince. Greetings, 14th Prince.
Ruoxi, how are you?
What's wrong?
I'll take you to find 8th brother.
Why are you guys laughing?
To think I actually wasted my time worrying about you!
Sorry, sorry.
I won't do it again.
Forgive me this once?
Enough, 10th brother.
I was also wrong. It was my fault.
You still have the cheek to say?
Who was the one that said he would beg forgiveness on my behalf?
Listen to me explain.
8th brother is famous for being a gentleman.
In all his interactions with others,
he is unfailingly graceful and kind.
If at the time you went in,
he treated you with politeness
and acted as if everything was normal,
then I'd have to think about how to beg forgiveness on your behalf.
But afterwards I saw that you stood for such a long time,
so I thought...
Done! I knew that we needn't intervene anymore.
True.
Then why didn't you warn me about this?
So we could watch the "show", of course!
You....
Fourteenth you!
I will remember this.
Alright, now that we've seen her,
and we're reassured, it's time to go eat.
Otherwise 8th brother might really get angered this time!
Alright, I'm hungry too.
We need to go eat. You should go too.
What is the reaction from the Guoluoluo House?
This matter should come to an end here and be left in the past.
You needn't worry about it anymore.
8th brother will handle all these matters.
You should also be going back now.
Have some maids help massage your leg as well.
Is your leg alright?
-Is it severe? -Lets go!
14th brother, what are you doing?
Alright! This --
Jie'jie. I'm back.
Second Miss.
Qiaohui.
Instruct the kitchen staff to heat the dishes
and send them over for Second Miss.
Yes, Madam.
Greetings Fujin.
What's the matter?
I was instructed by Bei'lei
to send food for Second Miss.
Your servant will take his leave.
Madam, do we still need to heat our dinner?
Since there's food already prepared,
you don't have to heat those.
Yes.
After the meal, help her have a bath and rest early.
Jie'jie.
Looks like Jie'jie is still angry.
Second Miss, eat your food while it is hot.
You are so timid.
You all are here.
8th brother.
Have a seat.
Okay...!
Greetings, 8th Prince.
You should take a seat too.
8th Prince.
I'll be very short. I just wanted to say a few words and I'll leave.
Standing here is fine.
My words are also not long.
I can't help you with your situation.
Only the person who tied the knot can undo it.
Do you still have something to say?
No.
Then Ruoxi will take her leave now.
Go now.
Sit.
Since I was not able to get helpers.
I'll just have to depend on myself then.
Jie'jie.
Second Miss.
Jie'jie!
Coaxing her doesn't work.
Perhaps I should use true feelings to move her?
Jie'jie.
I was just born when Mother passed away.
Ever since I was little, I only remember
that Father called me a trouble maker.
Aunt also disliked my mischievousness.
As for our other step-siblings,
although I got along with some of them,
but after all, they weren't from the same mother.
Only you were from the same womb as I was.
Only Jie'jie has never stopped caring or given up on me.
Ever since I fell from the stairs,
I could truly feel all of Jie'jie's care, love and endurance towards me.
If I have done something wrong,
Jie'jie can beat me or scold me.
I would listen.
But if Jie'jie were to ignore me,
I....
Jie'jie is the only family member I have.
Ruoxi.
Jie'jie, don't be angry at me anymore.
I only have you.
I know I'm wrong. It's my fault.
I've learnt my lesson already.
Madam.
Second Miss knows she's wrong.
You should forgive her.
Ruoxi, Jie'jie was at fault too.
I was angry at you for so long
and caused you pain and suffering.
Madam. Second Miss.
Don't cry.
Ruoxi.
From now on, you need to change that fierce temper of yours.
Otherwise, you might easily get yourself killed.
Do you think Princess Mingyu of the Guoluoluo family is easy to pick on?
If Bei'le had not taken this responsibility onto himself,
Di'fujin and those of the E'fu Manor
wouldn't have let you off so easily.
Jie'jie, I was rash and reckless.
I didn't know my place.
I know I was wrong.
I really know I was wrong.
Second Miss, be careful.
Second Miss.
Be careful. Don't go up there.
Second Miss, it's very dangerous up there.
Be careful.
Yes, Second Miss. Do it slowly.
It's dangerous, Second Miss.
Please be careful, Second Miss.
Quick, come back down, Second Miss.
Stop the noise.
You'll have to be more careful, Second Miss.
Second Miss, slow down a bit.
Be careful.
Second Miss. Be careful. Second Miss.
Second Miss!
Somebody help.
-Second Miss! -Ruoxi!
Second Miss!
Be careful, Second Miss. Hurry and come down. Don't hang it anymore.
Come down quickly, Second Miss.
Ruoxi.
Get down here for me immediately.
Second Miss. Slowly. Slowly.
Be careful.
Jie'jie.
You were just pretending to be mature
and now you're acting like a monkey.
Are you rebelling?
Look at you.
How can I not worry when you enter the palace?
Is the concubine selection event happening now? That early?
There is going to be a selection. Are you qualified enough?
Not yet.
The Emperor has decided to hold the banquet for the Mid-Autumn festival in the palace.
The princes will be bringing their families with them.
The Emperor said you have to go too.
Me? The Emperor knows me?
I really did gain myself a reputation with a single battle.
Can I not go?
It's an imperial edict.
It's not up to you to decide.
Walk without looking back.
Smile without showing teeth.
Walk evenly.
Not allowed to look around.
Not allowed to look left and right.
Speak, smile and behave with grace.
Jie'jie.
I can't do it.
I really can't do it anymore.
If you're tired already, then take a rest.
The palace rules about where to change and where to sit.
Where to pay respects and where to start the banquet.
Where to leave the banquet.
Have you remembered them all?
Yes, I have!
This way? Right?
It's the other side.
Get up.
Which ever works.
The Emperor has arrived!
Rise.
The Mid-Autumn Festival is a time for celebrations.
Dispense with the formalities.
Yes.
You.
Go.
Your servant, Maertai Ruoxi, pays respects Your Majesty.
You're the one they call "Death-Seeking 13th sister",
Maertai Ruoxi?
Yes, Your Majesty. I am.
Rise to answer.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Are you nervous meeting me?
Yes.
Why?
This is my first time seeing your royal self.
Your majestic grandeur is intimidating.
That's why I'm nervous.
You think I'm intimidating? You're scared of me?
Only a tyrant would want everyone to fear him.
Since ancient times, all the great Emperors wanted respect and love of the people.
No! Your Majesty is a wise ruler, why would I be scared?
It's just this is my first time in the palace.
It has a very grand atmosphere.
That's why I'm nervous.
A wise ruler?
Look at me.
Why do you think I'm a wise ruler?
Answer me!
He ascended the throne when he was eight and defeated Aobai.
He quelled rebellions and uprisings.
No, I can't say these.
These are his own evaluations of himself in the later years.
But if I don't speak about politics, what can I say?
Emperor Qin and Han Wu were lacking literary grace.
Tang Tai-tsung and Sung Tai-tsu had little poetry in their souls.
And Genghis Khan, proud Son of Heaven,
knew only about shooting eagles, bow outstretched.
All are past and gone! For truly great men,
look to this age alone.
Is this your answer?
This "Death-Seeking 13th sister" is not what they say her to be.
13th Prince,
the way I see it, this 13th sister is no match for you.
It's only a false reputation.
Replying to Imperial Father,
Ruoxi is stubborn and willful
and she's also intelligent and obedient.
If I had such a sister,
I thought I wouldn't lose face.
But in the face of Your Majesty
she can't even stand up.
It is impolite.
Look like I have to revoke her from her nickname, "Death-Seeking 13th sister".
I'm used to hearing people tell me only the good things.
Ruoxi's words, on the other hand, are rather fresh.
It looks like not only are you
death-defying, you're also well-read.
Reward her.
Yes.
Tonight is the Mid-Autumn Festival.
It's a night of reunion.
The sages have said that one's country comes before family.
But to me, there can be no country without family.
Much less the entire world.
If the Imperial Family isn't at peace
it heralds unrest for the country.
So all of you must remember my words well.
Carve it in your minds --
The link between the duties of a ruler, and the relationship amongst the brothers.
Come, accompany me.
Let us drink a round of reunion wine.
Come.
Come, come.
Take your seats and relax.
Dispense with formalities for tonight.
Why have you broken out in cold sweat?
His Majesty praised and rewarded you.
And he did it in front of everyone.
You've passed this hurdle.
I know that I have crossed this hurdle.
But there's such a thin line between life and death.
I still feel scared if I think about it.
The selection for handmaidens is coming.
You will have to enter the palace sooner or later.
Imperial Father, your son offers his congratulations.
Wishing you a prosperous country and a home full of children and grandchildren.
Not bad, not bad. Great.
Drink up.
You sure know how to talk.
Imperial Father, my brothers have already said all the auspicious words.
So I'll just wish you a long and healthy life.
Look at this.
He cannot remember poetry and literature
so he speaks common words.
Though they are common words, they are sincere.
He's at the marriageable age, isn't he?
Yes, Your Majesty.
The 9th Prince married his first wife at this age.
It's time to pick a wife for the 10th Prince.
He's at that age.
Princess Jing recently mentioned to me about her daughter, Mingyu.
She wanted my help in finding her daughter a suitable groom.
In my opinion, they are rather compatible.
Compatible, indeed.
Imperial Father, I'm still young.
Still young?
You're as tall as a horse, how can you still be young?
4th and 8th brothers both married a Ce'fujin (second wife) first.
Why not grant me a Ce'fujin first?
Nonsense.
Is making Princess Mingyu your Di'fujin embarrassing for you?
I deserve death.
What I meant was... I was only...
I meant that...
I was thinking...
It's just...
Imperial Father.
In my opinion, 10th brother is just finding this abrupt.
Which is why he can't come up with a response.
When he's sober, he'll probably be over the moon.
10th brother, hurry and thank Imperial Father.
Your son thanks Imperial Father.
Mingyu. Hurry, come and thank His Majesty.
Guoluoluo Mingyu thanks Your Majesty.
Please rise.
-Thank you, Your Majesty. -Thank you, Imperial Father.
Your Majesty, look at how compatible they are.
Congratulations, 10th brother.
-Congratulations. -Thank you.
Congratulations, 10th brother.
Thank you, thank you everyone.
Thank you, everyone.
Congratulations.
-Congratulations. -Thank you.
Congratulations.
Why?
Isn't he a prince?
Doesn't he have a high status?
Why is it that someone with such a status
has lost something that's the most precious to him?
Freedom...
Is this the fate of everyone in the Forbidden City?
Who will I be married to?
A prince? A general? Or...?
Second Miss.
Ruoxi.
What's wrong?
Bring her back to her room for now.
Ruoxi is not your average weak lady.
You don't have to worry too much.
Give her some more time.
I'll leave first.
Goodbye, Bei'le.
Why is it that our fates can be decided by a single word from the Emperor?
Why have I been brought here?
If I was born in the Qing Dynasty,
I may resign myself to this fate.
But I've lived in a modern society for 25 years.
The education I have received,
taught me that my destiny is in my own hands.
Now I'm suddenly told
that everything is left up to fate.
Resign myself to fate? I will never accept that.
Ruoxi.
The autumn breeze causes leaves to fall.
They are all weeping and in pain.
They don't wish to fall to the ground.
But in the end they cannot escape their fate.
Are you bemoaning the short-lives of flowers?
And hating the songs of birds?
In a few days, when you feel better,
you won't feel this way
and be hurt by every little thing.
Ruoxi.
You really like 10th brother, is that right?
That's right. I really like him.
He is silly and straightforward, genuine and carefree.
He carries no burdens of propriety.
He made me happy.
The most important thing is he was sincere towards me.
But, the kind of "like" I have towards him
is not what you guys think.
He is just my very good friend.
Then, why do you feel so sad about 10th brother's marriage?
Everyone is saying --
Thirteenth sister has gone crazy from depression because of 10th brother's marriage.
I am sad not because of his marriage.
But because his marriage
was forced on him by another person.
It was something he did not want.
You are not allowed to say such words of treason in the future.
You hear me?
Do you hear what I said?
8th brother!
Do you hear?!
Are you crazy?
That "person" you're referring to is the sovereign of the nation!
8th brother was doing that for your own good.
You guys will never understand.
In the society I lived in before,
the hard work being put in today
can determine tomorrow's outcome.
I definitely cannot accept
someone else deciding my fate for me.
I may be in the Qing Dynasty, but I still will not accept it.
Second Miss.
What's wrong?
Why are you so cold?
Pour a warm cup of tea for Second Miss.
Yes.
Go to the kitchen and prepare some ginger soup.
Yes.
Is it because I hit Mingyu?
That she has to marry 10th Prince?
Or is it because she is taking revenge on me,
so she is intentionally marrying him?
Whether you slapped her or not,
she would still have to marry 10th Prince.
We are all chess pieces that belong to the Emperor.
The Emperor looks as if he suddenly had the idea.
But in fact, it was Concubine Hui following his intentions.
She chose an appropriate time
and acted out a show with His Majesty.
Ruoxi, you must remember.
In the Forbidden City,
all the prestigious positions were given by the Emperor.
With His Majesty's one smile, he can bless a person.
But in a fit of temper, lives can be lost.
A man's entire clan can be exterminated.
It's just an arranged marriage.
But you must still follow the rules and etiquette.
Only then can you live in peace.
Understand?
Jie'jie, don't worry.
I know.
Second Miss is looking better every day.
That's right. She's not moping about falling leaves and fate anymore.
The two of you are growing bolder and bolder.
You even dare to mock me now?
When?
We're happy for you.
Ruoxi.
Greetings, 14th Prince.
Rise.
You may take your leave.
Your servants take their leave.
Is something the matter?
I would like you to go and console 10th brother.
Ever since the Mid-Autumn Festival,
10th Brother has not been to court.
He keeps saying he's not feeling well.
Father has asked after him many times.
If this goes on,
I am afraid Imperial father
will send an imperial physician to check him.
Then, what would you like me to do?
Go and see him.
Treat his heart woes.
Come. Ruoxi.
I won't go in, you go in, hurry.
I haven't thought of what I should say.
Just offer him some words of advice.
Go.
I...
Go!
I have already said not to disturb me.
Get out. Get lost!
You can hurt someone like that.
Do you intend to continue drinking like this?
Does being drunk change the fact that you have to marry Princess Mingyu?
My heart is troubled.
Over what?
You still don't know what I am frustrated about?
One, you don't like Princess Mingyu
but you have to marry her.
Two, you like me.
But you cannot marry me.
Are you willing to be my Ce'fujin?
Don't worry. I will treat you very well.
-I promise... -I am not willing.
I know.
You probably wouldn't even agree to be my Di'fujin.
But, I still held a thread of hope.
But right now, that's even more impossible.
Now that you understand everything,
you should make a clean decision.
Be a decisive person.
Don't worry your brothers
or anger the Emperor again.
I've already given in to my Imperial Father's wishes.
I can't even throw a small tantrum?
If you've given up on the larger picture,
why bother prolonging your misery on these small matters?
Ruoxi, have you ever liked me?
I did.
Actually, I'm still happy.
The truth is...
In these past couple of days, I've always wanted to ask you in person.
But I was afraid of hearing your answer,
that it would be something I didn't want to hear.
So I didn't dare to ask.
Growing up...
Everyone thinks I am stupid.
I don't study hard or improve.
But little to they know
that I have already tried my best.
No matter how hard I try,
I cannot be like 4th brother, 8th brother, or 14th Brother.
They remember everything at one glance.
But even when I read it thrice, I can't remember it.
They understand Imperial Father's words very quickly.
But, even when I cracked my skull, I still couldn't understand it.
I'm impatient, reckless and I often rush into things and create trouble.
Everyone is laughing at me behind my back.
Only 8th brother...
Only 8th brother looks after me.
He constantly advises me.
Ruoxi.
Am I very stupid?
Stupid.
If you weren't stupid, how could I have bullied you?
But, it's precisely because you're stupid
that I really like to play with you.
Because when you're happy, you're happy.
When you're unhappy, you're unhappy.
If you like something, you go all the way.
And the same if you don't like something.
Not like those people who beat around the bush.
Their heart is watchful, but their faces are smiling.
Which is why, in front of you,
I can laugh out loud when I'm happy,
and throw a tantrum when I'm unhappy.
Did you know? When I'm with you, I'm very, very happy.
I was also very happy.
Very happy.
Ruoxi takes her leave.