The people I sent to investigate alerted your father.
In order to avoid them, your father sent him to the frontline.
And then...
Don't remove it.
This was for Jie'jie.
It's for the person I like.
Promise me.
That you will never remove it.
Don't be scared.
I'll think of something.
There has to be a way to let Imperial Father gift you to me.
I don't want that.
Do you prefer to be Imperial Father's woman?
I won't force you.
It'll be up to you.
Go back.
After you enter the palace, don't dress yourself up the way you did on 10th brother's birthday.
If you don't want to attract Imperial Father's attention,
the plainer you are, the better.
I don't want that.
I don't want any of that.
I just want to find someone who truly loves and treasures me.
Not someone a man plays with in his free time.
I'm a person, not a thing.
I don't want to be given around.
This shop is well known in the city.
It'd be best if we could buy everything in one go.
This way, we won't have to go to a second shop.
Jie'jie, you said that for every shop we visited. This is already the 4th shop.
We are preparing for your palace entry.
I'm still energetic but you're tired already?
Furthermore, the palace is not like home.
You should be more prepared in case you need these things.
I'm coming.
Look at these intricate accessories.
These are the top-grade items in my shop.
What kind of top-grade items?
Greetings, Di'fujin.
Greetings, 10th Fujin.
This pair of earrings... Jie'jie, look.
What do you think?
They are indeed top-grade.
Jie'jie, you are always good in selecting jewelery. I trust your taste.
Boss, I want this pair of earrings.
If you don't want to arouse Imperial Father's attentions,
the plainer you are, the better.
This pair of earrings suits you, Fujin.
Jie'jie, the accessories here are too extravagant. Let's look elsewhere.
What are you laughing at?
Whatever Madam is happy about is what I'm smiling at.
My Ruoxi is growing up.
In the palace, bullies like them are aplenty.
I must learn to be tolerant.
It's best that you think that way.
Don't worry, Jie'jie. I will look after myself in the palace.
I won't give trouble to you or father.
There are few more shops over there. Why don't we go take a look?
Jie'jie!
Don't tell me you want to buy the entire Capital for me to bring to the palace?
All right. We'll go home.
What is wrong with Ruoxi today?
She didn't even fight over the accessories with me.
She isn't like her fearless 13th sister self.
I wonder if she's plotting something again.
She has an adorable face just like her sister.
Why would she care about mere accessories?
Jie'jie.
You are a person with pride.
But when we're faced with these sisters, you seems to be helpless.
I'm complimenting her. She's intelligent and knows how to pick her battles.
She has self-control.
That's most endearing.
If she was selected by Imperial Father,
her status will receive a huge boost.
Even her sister, Ruolan...
Will be elevated in status and stands on par with me.
Jie'jie.
We'll both still be in the Capital.
It's not like we're on the opposite end of the world.
Even though we are only separated by the palace walls,
it's not like we can meet whenever we want to.
Jie'jie.
A few days ago, 8th Prince told me some things.
All of them pertained to you.
Actually, he saw you before you got married.
He was attracted by your horse riding skills.
During my stay, though everyone says Jie'jie wasn't being favored,
but I never saw Bei'le treat you badly.
As for daily life... I've never seen Jie'jie...
Don't say anymore.
We may have the affinity to be married,
but we don't have the affectionate feelings that married couples have.
Madam, Bei'le is here.
Greetings, Bei'le.
Rise, both of you.
Don't worry too much, Madam.
I'll do my best to fulfill what I had promised.
Thank you, Bei'le.
I have instructed Li Fu to send Ruoxi to the palace.
It's time to leave.
Go.
Second Miss.
Don't be scared.
I'll take care of everything for you.
I definitely won't let you be mistreated.
Ladies.
Your servant, Li Dequan is the Eunuch who must take overall responsibility for the Emperor.
Greetings, Eunuch Li
All you who are palace maids-in-training.
Whether you'll be fortunate to become a concubine one day or stay a palace maid,
you are all serving our most esteemed Emperor.
Just abide strictly to these four words during your time in the palace.
Careful words, meticulous actions.
I repeat these words every three years.
But there are very few who really understand them.
I hope that you will not disappoint me.
Yes.
From now on, you will have to learn and assist with all palace affairs.
Those who weren't selected as concubines must still as palace maids until they are 20 to 24.
Only with the Emperor's permission,
can you leave the palace in arranged marriage.
From now on, the Head Officer will guide you in the rules and affairs of this palace.
Remember -- more learning and doing, less listening and speaking.
I'll leave this to you now.
Please don't worry, Eunuch Li.
Which family are you from?
I have no idea how long we will be here for.
I don't want to be serving tea forever.
Alright.
We just talked about being careful with your words.
Did you forget immediately?
Rest well today.
Tomorrow I will assign you tasks.
After today, all of you are servants.
Remember to be extra extra careful.
Yes.
Leave now.
The palace is not like the outside world.
There are people watching from every corner.
Just be careful with everything.
I'll take good care of you.
Thank you for your advice.
Ruoxi, you must do your best not to disappoint 8th Prince and all the care he's given you.
In the future, I can only depend on myself in this palace.
Farewell.
8th Prince, 14th Prince, please watch your steps.
-Farewell. -Farewell.
8th Brother.
Is there something you want to say?
Yes.
There's one matter I need your help with.
Why are you being so polite with me?
Whatever you need me to help you with, just ask.
Then I won't beat around the bush.
I hope you can talk to your mother, Concubine De about the Maiden selection,
plead the Empress to take Ruoxi out of the first round of names being selected.
You know it too.
My mother's status is not high enough.
Even if she wants to help, she doesn't have the power.
Since you've already asked me,
as your younger brother, I naturally won't refuse.
But I want to know whether you're doing this for Ruoxi
or for my future sister-in-law?
You have to make this clear.
I do want to marry her.
But she has to be willing first.
That means it's for my future sister-in-law. I will definitely do my best.
Ruoxi is still considered a concubine-to-be.
Don't make it too obvious.
I understand, don't worry.
Mother.
Master.
You are dismissed.
It's been so long since you last visited me.
Here, come and sit.
Mother, I came here today
because there's something I want you to help me with.
You have something to ask from me too?
What a coincidence.
What is it? Tell me.
8th Brother's sister-in-law, Ruoxi.
It's to do with the Maiden Selection.
Oh my. You two brothers are pleading for the same person.
Is she the one your Imperial Father praised at the last family feast?
How strange. You two brothers are always so distant.
Mother has always been upset about that.
But today, you two are pleading for the same person.
How rare.
What's so extraordinary about this Ruoxi
that you both would plead for her?
There's nothing really special.
It's just that we usually meet up with each other.
Ruoxi is a straightforward girl.
She doesn't want to be chosen as a concubine.
I think that's a good thing.
At least she won't face Imperial Father every day and risk lose her head over doing something wrong.
Which is why I'm here to plead with you.
to take her out of the first round of names.
That's not difficult.
What is rare is that you two brothers
wanted the same thing for the first time.
I'll help you with this favor.
You dote on me the most.
Look at how happy you are.
Don't tell me you've fallen for Ruoxi?
No way, Mother.
4th brother is still here.
Mother. If we're helping her, why don't we go all the way?
Have Ruoxi transferred here to serve you.
Right, right.
What 4th brother said makes sense.
Alright.
Whatever you say.
I happen to need a caring and meticulous servant girl here at my palace.
As long as you brothers become closer and more unified from now on,
I will be happy.
-Yes, Mother. -Understood.
4th brother, did you come here because 13th brother asked you?
Since he asked, this is a simple favor to grant.
What about you?
Whose behalf are you here for?
I'm good friends with Ruoxi.
Whether she's willing to or not, I will still help her.
Mother, how was it?
Ruoxi has been taken off the list of selected concubines.
Here.
That's great.
If that's the case, why did you still sigh, Mother?
I just never thought that
Concubine Hui and De would both be fighting over her.
The Empress didn't want to reject both sides.
So she assigned Ruoxi as a personal tea-maid for the Emperor.
Imperial Father's side?
Why would Concubine Hui insist on wanting Ruoxi?
I tried asking about it too. Apparently...
Apparently, Ming Hui went to look for Concubine Hui.
Greetings, 8th Prince.
Rise.
Your name has been removed from the selection list.
You won't have the chance to be selected as a concubine.
Is something wrong?
Concubine Hui and De requested for you at the same time.
In order not to offend either of them, the Empress
arranged for you to be sent to Imperial Father's side as the tea-serving maid.
Ruoxi.
Once you serve by Imperial Father's side,
it'll be even harder to leave the palace.
I'm sorry.
This is the best outcome.
Don't blame yourself.
Even though I'm not exceptionally talented,
a simple job like serving tea shouldn't be hard to learn.
In the future, it will be even harder if I want to see you.
Wait for me.
I will find an opportunity to bring you out of the palace.
You have to be alert about everything in front of Imperial Father.
If you run into any problems,
I'll do my best to help you.
In any case, I'll make the best out of it.
Prepare some snacks.
When His Majesty is hungry, send it over immediately.
He has already pulled several all-nighters.
Your Majesty, it's time to rest.
You can continue working on the petitions tomorrow.
Please forgive me.
I thought I saw the 10th Princess.
Before she got married, she used to nag me about resting too.
Get up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Li Dequan.
Your Majesty.
Keep these and prepare my bedchamber.
Yes.
Looking at you this way...
You really do look like the "Death-Seeking 13th sister".
Careful words, meticulous action.
When will I be able to do that?
Miss Ruoxi.
Eunuch Li.
Regarding what happened last night, you've really earned my respect.
You are really a bringer of fortune.
You praise me too much, Eunuch Li.
I just got lucky last night.
Thinking about it, I could still break out in cold sweat.
It was really scary.
Don't be modest, Miss.
My Master doesn't compliment people.
Even I only get scolded all the time.
Actually, it's not only last night.
I've been observing you for a long time.
You're diligent and careful in your tasks.
You don't speak out much, plus you have that "fearless" bravery.
You're really suited to be a front lady.
Yutan, Yunxiang, you can both come in.
From now on, both of you will serve under Miss Ruoxi as her personal servants.
Learn well from her so I don't need to worry in the future.
Yes. Your servants bid well to Miss Ruoxi.
Alright. I should go back now.
Who is Yutan and who is Yunxiang?
I, your servant, is Yutan.
I, your servant, is Yunxiang.
Alright, alright. There are no others here, just the three of us.
There shall be no formalities or calling yourselves servants here.
Just address me directly by name.
Your servants do not dare.
In the future, I'll definitely find a way for you to change.
Miss Ruoxi.
Why don't you guys go and collect the dried tea leaves outside?
Yes.
Miss Ruoxi, 8th Prince told me to give this to you.
Your servant will now leave.
Ruoxi has been highly praised.
She's now serving the Emperor.
After a few years, when I find a chance,
I'll take her out of the palace.
Thank you Bei'le for all your care.
Greetings, Bei'le and Ce'fujin.
What's up?
Di'fujin asked for you to come over.
Tell her that I have been busy with work lately.
I don't have time now. Maybe some other day.
Your servant is leaving.
When Concubine De requested Ruoxi and didn't get her,
I was legitimately worried.
Who would have thought that she'd be so fortunate
to become the Head Tea-girl so fast.
She's really not someone you should underestimate.
If you have the time to meddle with such trivial matters,
I'd rather you think more about the Crown Prince.
He's been acting more and more out of line in these past two years.
I'm afraid that something big will happen sooner or later.
No matter how overboard I get,
all I do is get drunk once in awhile.
The Crown Prince sure did a great job.
Braved by our father's doting, he has really been out of control.
Especially recently. He pays no regard to the consequences of his actions.
People call me "Death-Seeing 13th",
but I think I lose out to him completely.
But 4th brother, all our worries are useless.
Let's just wait and see.
By the way, 4th brother.
What's your favorite tea?
Taiping Houkui tea.
Your favorite snack?
Yukou pastry.
Taiping Houkui tea, Yukou pastry.
Your favorite color?
Why are you asking me this?
It's nothing.
I figured despite knowing you for so long, I've never noticed what you liked.
Just thought I'd ask, since it came to mind.
From now on, serve the Emperor and the princes tea according to their taste.
The 4th Prince likes Taiping Houkui tea.
The 8th Prince prefers the Rizhu Xueya tea.
The 9th Prince favors the Yuqian Longjing tea.
Anything goes for the 10th Prince and 13th Prince.
Jie'jie! Jie'jie!
Jie'jie, the Emperor has left court.
And so he did. Why are you fretting about it?
If your Master caught you like this, he will scold you again.
This morning in court, someone complained about the Crown Prince.
What did you say?
Master told me to come and tell you to be mindful as you wait on the Emperor today.
Please thank your Master for me.
Did you guys understand?
Let's give it our 120% and be extra watchful as we attend to His Majesty today.
Yes.
Even though the Crown Prince is lacking in both character and abilities,
he was still raised and very much loved by Emperor Kangxi.
Having his favorite son turn out to be the worst...
In the end, the Emperor gets hurt the most.
What do you guys think about the complaint in court this morning?
In my humble opinion, the Crown Prince treats his servants quite generously.
But there are folks who have no shame
and use the Crown Prince as a scapegoat for their own gain.
Even a meek servant who has the guts of Heaven
wouldn't dare taking gift for the Emperor,
unless someone has got his back.
4th brother, what a strange thing you just said.
Idiot! How dare you go against the future Emperor.
You're just looking for death.
But 2nd brother (Crown Prince) and 4th brother always seemed close.
Regarding this issue, perhaps 4th brother, you..
-You! -It's all my fault.
Your servant deserves to die.
10th Prince, are you alright?
No worries. No worries.
Nothing too serious.
What are you doing?
So clumsy! Leave now!
Yes.
Jie'jie, what's up with you today?
Is there anything wrong?
Don't worry. The Emperor is a wise ruler.
He's usually merciful towards the servants.
But even if I received some beatings, it would be worth it.
Eunuch Li.
Yutan, Yunxiang. Please leave.
Yes, sir.
You've always been a careful person.
Why were you so careless today?
Please punish me, Eunuch Li.
Your salary for next month will be taken.
Thank you, Eunuch Li.
The palace cannot house so many kind-hearted people.
If you're a busybody again,
you might lose your head instead.
Ruoxi.
Why do you look so pale?
What's wrong with you?
I haven't even scolded you for scalding me.
But you're showing me attitude?
I've had one month's salary deducted.
You're this upset over one month's worth of salary?
Why shouldn't I be upset?
You don't care about the salary
but I was looking forward to it.
Furthermore, I have never been punished before.
I'm the leading lady officer, how am I going to live this out?
Okay, okay.
Isn't it just one month's salary?
Later, I'll bring in whatever you want.
Just give me whatever you want.
I won't be angry with you anymore.
4th Brother.
It's quite fortunate that Ruoxi spilled the tea this time.
10th brother brought that onto himself
for having such a careless tongue.
His clumsiness almost dragged 4th brother down with him.
Since we're all brothers, we're supposed to watch out for each other anyways.
Especially since that person is the Crown Prince.
You're absolutely right.
The Crown Prince is so fortunate to have 4th brother watching out for him.
Don't forget Ruoxi the Lucky Star.
Let's go! What's there to talk about?
Coming! I'm gonna leave now.
What exactly are your intentions towards 8th brother?
I just saw with my own eyes.
You purposely poured the tea onto 10th brother.
Why are you helping 4th brother?
It's not what you think.
Whether your feelings are real or not,
8th brother's feelings for you are true.
You know it yourself.
If you have feelings for 8th brother as well, then don't disappoint him.
I just wanted to help the 10th Prince. I didn't expect to create such a misunderstanding.
Would he misunderstand me?
I never even talked to the 4th Prince since I've been in the palace.
He definitely won't misunderstand.
Why are you refusing to see me?
If it's because of what happened with Ruoxi,
l admit, I did speak to Concubine Hui.
I did it to beg her to to accept Ruoxi so the Emperor won't be pick her as his concubine.
I did that for Ruoxi's own happiness.
No. You were only afraid if Ruoxi becomes an imperial concubine,
her sister would share her honor, and your status as Di'fujin would be threatened.
If you weren't so selfish and acted out of your own will,
Ruoxi would be out of the palace by now,
and not serving the Emperor.
I don't want to quarrel with you.
From now on, don't come looking for me.
Ice-block Face?
Greetings, 4th Prince.
Taiping Houkui tea, Yukou pastry.
The sky after rain.
White china with flowers and butterflies.
I like dogs, hate cats. Hate chili and dislike drinking wine.
I figured 13th brother has told you all this already?
That 13th Prince. He can't even ask such questions without revealing me.
That really takes some talent.
In the future, if you have any questions,
just come and ask me directly.
Ask me now.
Since you're asking for it, I might as well.
Ah, what the heck.
What color do you hate most?
Black.
What incense do you hate most?
Gardenia
What's your favorite flower?
Water Magnolias.
What's your favorite fruit?
Grapes.
What weather makes you the happiest?
Light drizzle.
What weather do you hate the most?
Scorching hot days.
That's because you're an ice block.
What?
Do you like ice blocks?
Yes.
What book do you like?
The Diamond Sutra.
What are you most afraid of?
Crying women.
What do you like to do best?
Calligraphy.
What do you play?
I don't play.
What poem do you like?
Wang Wei's poems.
How about type of song?
Pass.