If I'm right, the date Kangxi strips Crown Prince's title is about to come.
Looks like 18th Prince really passed away.
All of you leave.
Yes.
You're all dismissed.
Although His Majesty has dismissed us,
but someone still needs to be here tonight.
Tonight, I'll stand by with Yutan outside the door.
The rest of you can go back and rest.
Come back in the early morning for your orders.
-Yes. -Yes.
You can leave.
Ruoxi Jie'jie.
What about all the princes?
They cannot possibly stand here all night.
If they damage their health,
even ten deaths wouldn't make up for my crime.
I'm afraid it's not a good idea to go in and announce them now.
How about we tell them to leave first.
Get people to summon them if anything crops up?
But tell the eunuchs on duty to give them news on the sly,
so that they will be more alert tonight,
in case the Emperor wants to see them.
Yutan, stand by here for awhile.
I'll prepare some tea to calm the nerves.
Yes.
Your Highnesses, the Emperor is resting.
Why don't you return first
and I'll let you know if anything happens?
You're right.
4th Brother, why don't we return first?
Tomorrow, Imperial Father will still need someone to be there.
Greetings, 4th Prince.
Excused.
Do you have any instructions, 4th Prince?
Ruoxi.
Please comfort Imperial Father on my behalf.
Going through the death of a son will cause break even an iron ruler's heart.
He's said that you were like a daughter to him.
It'll be best if you could comfort him.
I understand.
Your Majesty, this is a nerve-calming tea.
Please have some.
I don't want to drink.
Your Majesty, 18th Prince has always been intelligent, obedient and filial.
He was a very good child.
That's why Heaven wanted him back.
Amongst my many children,
the 18th Prince was the most intelligent.
He was as handsome as the Crown Prince.
He was my closest son.
He often writes and paints to cheer me up.
He brought me endless comfort.
To have received the Emperor's love,
18th Prince wouldn't have any regrets in this life.
Amongst my many children,
there were not many who was as close to me as he was.
They're all my children.
I brought the Crown Prince up myself.
When he was four, he could recite the Four Books and Five Classics.
When he was 11, he could fluently speak Manchurian, Mandarin and Mongolian.
He was as close to me as my own blood.
Very close.
Unfortunately, as he grew up,
he became more and more...
The Crown Prince's mother unfortunately passed away after his birth.
Thus making the Crown Prince motherless.
The only thing I could do was dote on him more.
It was the only way I could do something for the late Empress.
Your servant greets the Crown Prince.
I am here to serve Imperial Father.
Crown Prince.
The Emperor is resting.
Where is Li Dequan?
My master serving His Majesty.
I'm afraid he's not available.
Since he is already resting,
ask your master to come out to speak with me. Is that so difficult?
Crown Prince.
Your servant did not mean it that way.
I'm afraid that you will alarm the Emperor.
-Crown Prince. -Move!
-Crown Prince. -Scram!
Open the door!
Preposterous!
The Crown Prince is unrepentant.
He has no respect for the law or propriety.
I've let him have his ways for over 20 years.
But not only was he unrepentant,
he is getting worser by the day.
It would be difficult for him to take on the mantle of our forefathers.
Please reconsider, Your Majesty.
The Crown Prince is unqualified.
He does not listen to my teachings and acts out repeatedly.
He holds no esteem for anyone.
In my 29th year of reign, when I was forging ties with Geerdan,
I fell ill and longed for the Crown Prince.
Therefore, I summoned him to my side.
At that time, I already saw that the Crown Prince
had no kindness and love for his father.
And since the 18th Prince has passed away,
due to my advanced age, everyone was worried for me.
But you, only you...
Only you, his kin brother,
showed no signs of love and compassion.
You have caused me great grief and distress.
The Crown Prince recklessly took from the state treasury
and interfered with state affairs.
His transgressions are countless.
I had hoped that he would turn over a new leaf.
Which is why I bore it till today.
But the Crown Prince remains unrepentant.
He does not have me in his eyes.
If such a person was to take on the mantle of a ruler,
he would only ruin our country.
Ruin the people.
I will not tolerate an unfilial person with no benevolence to become Emperor.
I declare to the world and to the heavens
to strip the Crown Prince of his title.
Imperial Father!
Your Majesty! Are you all right?
-Send for the Imperial Physician. Hurry! -Imperial Father!
Your Majesty, you've been overwhelmed with anxiety.
That's why your qi wasn't able to flow smoothly.
I will get you some calming medicine later.
After taking the medication, Your Majesty should rest well.
With rest, you will get better naturally.
But your emotions of anger and frustrations will negatively affect your health.
I am an unbefitting son.
I couldn't even share your burdens!
Even when the Crown Prince did something to disgrace our country.
-I deserve to die. -4th Prince.
I am here.
Find someone to watch the Crown Prince.
As for other things, do as you see fit.
Yes, I will follow your order.
4th Brother.
What are you planning to do about the situation with the crown prince?
This isn't an easy task.
The Crown Prince asked for it.
Are you still going to defend him?
13th brother.
I'm just telling the truth.
The Crown Prince's arrogant nature is usually covered up by you and father. You're always helping him in every possible way.
However, he still hasn't changed.
Still acting so recklessly and rashly.
This time, he did something that put down our country and humiliated our Imperial Father.
Even Imperial Father is going to punish him severely.
So 4th brother... Do you still insist on defending him?
The matter of deposition might be the result of Imperial Father's anger.
But no one will know what changes will take place in the future.
We should just do what we're told
and follow Imperial Father's orders.
Don't meddle in other matters.
Just now, I heard the ministers discussing
about the disposal of Crown Prince outside the Qianqing Palace.
Even the usually calm Internal Minister Wang
was busy listening out for the latest news.
He didn't even watch where he's going and even bumped into Minister Feng!
His Minister hat almost fell off!
It was so funny!
Really?
Minister Wang would be so careless?
Minister Wang has always been so calm and serious.
But this time, he'll be the one panicking.
That is natural.
Now that is definitely a laughing stock.
We think it is funny, but the Ministers certainly don't think so.
Is it just because of the disposal of the Crown Prince?
This disposal matter isn't small at all!
The Crown Prince position is now empty.
The Ministers all have their own thinkings about which prince they should follow.
This is a once in-a-lifetime stake.
They cannot make a mistake.
I'm sure they are confused.
But I'm sure we still need a Crown Prince.
Jie'jie, who do you think will have the highest chance?
I think its the 8th Prince.
His Majesty just send him to supervise the state affair.
All the ministers praised him for his wisdom.
They even said that he will make a good Emperor.
I don't agree.
14th Prince is handsome.
He's also brave in wars.
I think 14th Prince is the best bet.
You are wrong. If you're talking about bravery,
13th Prince is just as brave as 14th Prince.
Actually, the First Prince is still the first son.
If you talk about seniority, he may also be the choice.
Which prince is your choice?
The Emperor must already know in his heart who should be the Crown Prince.
It's not something we can discuss.
Just keep to our post an do our own duties.
It doesn't matter who becomes the Master,
just make sure we take good care of him.
Talk less and do more work.
Don't be a busybody.
That's a nice way to put it.
-Eunuch Li. Master. -Eunuch Li.
All of you should learn from Ruoxi.
Thanks for your praise, Eunuch Li.
I just want to have some peaceful days.
There are still many things that require Eunuch Li's help.
You already know how to protect yourself.
What else could I possibly advise you with?
In this palace, one cannot predict their own future.
I still need Eunuch Li's help in many areas.
Alright, all of you get on with your work.
Yes.
Ruoxi.
Greetings, 14th Prince. -Excused.
8th brother may be busy but he insisted that...
I pass this letter to you.
He wanted me to hand it to you personally.
Ensure that you take it.
In my opinion, you are just as important as state affairs in 8th brother's heart.
This love letter is a poem by Song Dynasty Poet: Qin Guan. Title: Fairy On The Magpie Bridge.
Among the beautiful clouds and shooting stars.
Over the heavenly river they cross to meet.
A night of rendezvous across the autumn sky
Surpasses all the joy on earth.
Moments of tender love are akin
To a beautiful dream.
They endure the parting on the magpie bridge.
But if there's true love between them,
they don't have to be together everyday.
Your Majesty, the tea is getting cold.
I will replace some fresh hot tea for you.
Your Majesty.
Don't pick them up.
Your Majesty.
These petitions are requesting me to
rescind my order to dispose the Crown Prince.
I may as well not even read them.
Reporting to Your Majesty.
3rd Prince is requesting to see you.
Let him in.
Yes.
Ruoxi, serve tea.
Yes.
3rd Prince is requesting to see His Majesty.
What could the reason be?
You say the reason why Crown Prince has been behaving outrageously and not being himself these days
was all because of the 1st Prince's carefully planned strategy?
That's right.
Do you have any evidence?
I heard this from the Eunuch in 1st brother's quarters.
1st brother and a few other Lamas have been meeting in secret.
And he has been using Lama witchcraft to hurt Second Brother.
It has caused Second Brother to lose his mind.
If you knew about that,
why didn't you say it earlier?
It's because I'm foolish.
I thought that I shouldn't have such spiritual beliefs.
Also, I didn't expect big brother to be eying for the Crown Prince position.
That's why I didn't think much about it when
big brother and the Lamas were on close terms.
until Second Brother lost his mind.
I got this information from a Eunuch in big brother's residence.
Only then do I dare report the matter to you.
If what you said isn't true,
I won't spare you.
If I lied, I'm willing for Imperial Father to punish me.
Send out my orders to search the 1st Prince's Residence.
Yes.
What are you doing? Give way.
Split up and search.
Yes.
Your Highness, bad news.
1st Prince, please.
What are you guys doing?
What is going on?
Don't be afraid. I am here.
Hurry and go. Hurry up.
Hurry... Hurry and search.
Stand properly.
Say it! What is this?
This grass doll was found in your residence.
The Crown Prince's birth date is written on the straw doll.
What do you have to say for yourself?
Imperial Father.
I was overwhelmed with greed for power.
That's why I did this unforgivable act.
I was wrong.
Please forgive me, Imperial Father.
You are the oldest brother.
You should set a good example.
But for power and the throne,
you have become evil and heartless.
You used despicable methods to harm your own brother.
If I let you off easily,
I will not be fulfilling my responsibilities as head of this family and as a ruler of this country.
Send out my orders.
He is to be stripped of all his titles
and removed from all his responsibilities.
He will be demoted as a commoner.
Imprisoned forever in Zhong Ren Fu.
Imperial Father.
Take him out!
Spare your son!
Spare me, Imperial Father.
Imperial Father, your son knows he is wrong.
Imperial Father!
Imperial Father
As for Second Prince's mistake, we know the truth.
He did those things because of the 1st Prince.
I plead Imperial Father to pardon Second Prince.
I'm tired. Go back.
Your sons bid you farewell.
Li Dequan.
Your Majesty.
Send for Li Guangdi.
Yes.
The Emperor has orders.
Send for Li Guangdi to see him.
Jie'jie.
Did you know that His Majesty found out that Crown Prince did all those things because 1st Prince cast a spell on him?
This matter has been the talk of the Palace.
How could I not know?
I didn't know that spells can make a person mad.
It's really scary.
I don't think His Majesty would be so muddled and believe in these superstitious beliefs.
In my opinion,
His Majesty just wants to find an excuse to forgive the Crown Prince.
So that he could reinstate the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince will be reinstated?
I'm just making conjectures.
Don't take it to heart.
Try this new tea.
You do make sense.
His Majesty asked to see Minister Li Guangdi.
He did that?
I overheard their discussion about electing a new Crown Prince.
I heard Minister Li recommend the 8th Prince to be the next Crown Prince.
Jie'jie.
How's the taste?
It's very fragrant.
His Majesty still loves Crown Prince..
But Li Guangdi proposed that 8th Prince should take over as Crown Prince.
That will make His Majesty suspect 8th Prince.
That's not good news for 8th Prince.
No way. I cannot watch him get into this trouble.
I must remind him not to make any move.
Although my letter could remind 8th Prince,
but history is still history.
No one can change history.
Reporting to Your Majesty, Second Prince is here. He's waiting outside for you.
-Summon him. -Yes.
My respect to Imperial Father.
All of you back down.
Ruoxi, wait outside.
Imperial Father.
Imperial Father, I know my mistake now.
Even as a wise Emperor, he's still a father.
I'm sure His Majesty will forgive Crown Prince sooner or later.
Your Majesty, you were busy for the entire day.
Ruoxi prepared some tea and snacks for you.
Alright.
Your Majesty.
This summer, you indicated that you liked lotus flowers.
I specially dried it and grind them into powder to make these snacks.
It contains the light and elegant fragrance of lotus flowers.
Try it, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
What did you add in this tea?
There is a bitter taste in the dry sweetness.
-I... -Your Majesty.
Ruoxi has asked me before if she could use ginkgo leaves for tea.
When I asked her, she told me
that lately, His Majesty has been coughing and a little feverish.
Since it's not serious, you may not have paid attention to it.
We decided to use some ginkgo leaves to make tea.
It's simple and effective.
Your humble servant consulted Imperial Physician Wang too. He said it's alright to do this.
That's why I approved her suggestion.
Ruoxi, you are really observant.
If you could be so concern about me,
I'm sure you treated your parents with more extra care.
With a daughter like you,
your parents are really blessed.
Ever since Imperial Father punished First 1st for casting a spell on 2nd Prince,
more Ministers petitioned...
Imperial Father to reinstate him as Crown Prince.
But Imperial Father did not respond to their request.
It means that Imperial Father don't have that intention.
Did Imperial Father said that?
This is my guess.
None of us know Imperial Father's mind.
If you make a wrong guess, you will make a wrong decision too.
8th Brother.
I just got some news.
A few days ago Imperial Father talked to 2nd brother alone.
What did Imperial Father say?
Will he reinstated the Crown Prince?
I don't know.
I only know that they met behind closed doors.
After that, Imperial Father ordered 2nd brother to back home.
Since then, there's been no news.
Maybe Imperial Father wanted to reinstate the Crown prince.
We should petition Imperial Father to stop him.
10th brother, don't be rash.
8th brother, this is urgent.
We will miss this good opportunity if we wait.
Yes, 8th brother.
If Imperial Father wanted to do that, he won't wait until now.
8th brother means...
That Imperial Father is still undecided?
Do you want us to sit around and give the Crown Prince position away?
That's right.
8th brother agreed that we should change Imperial Father's decision.
But it shouldn't come directly from us.
Go around the palace and gather more news.
Check and see which Minister is unhappy with 2nd brother.
We will give them a "push".
Let them write petitions and oppose 2nd Prince's reinstatement.
That will make Imperial Father reconsider.
That will give us more time.
-Bring me some wine. -Yes.
Based on the rate of how you're drinking, you will finish all the wine in my residence.
What should I do?
You won't allow me to go into the palace.
I cannot check for news updates.
What else can I do besides drinking?
I did this for your own good.
Everyone knows that Imperial Father met 2nd brother.
Everyone is speculating...
That the Crown prince will be reinstated soon.
There are rumors flying around.
I don't want you to get involved in them.
That's why I asked you to stay away.
The wise should steer clear from trouble.
I don't care if Second brother can be reinstated.
-I just... -I know you did this for me.
Don't worry.
Reporting to Master.
Internal Minister Wang Donghai would like to see you.
Tell Minister Wang that I've got the flu and is sick. I can't see him.
Yes.
4th brother.
Minister Wang are well known for his wide connections.
Now, he came suddenly.
I'm sure he has news.
Why didn't you see him?
Minister Wang could read anybody's mind.
But its useless since he can't read Imperial Father's mind.
If Imperial Father knows that I met him,
Imperial Father will think that we are forming a clique.
That will not be good.
We will just stay here and wait for our chance quietly.
This is too boring.
13th brother.
After so many years, you should know the real meaning behind this character.
Wait.
After His Majesty talked to Second Prince,
he was kept in house capture for a period of time.
Here comes New Year's Eve again.
I hope that this new year will be smooth and safe.
Jie'jie.
Jie'jie, the eunuchs from Imperial kitchen prepared some food and wine for us.
Do join us for New Year's Eve dinner.
No need, I'm on duty.
I'm here to replace you. I'm worried that you will be lonely.
Go on.
I know that you are nice to me.
But I'm really okay. Just have fun yourself.
Alright then. It's cold outside, you should go inside.
At this moment...
At this moment,
what are you doing?
What are you doing?
Among the beautiful clouds and shooting stars.
Over the heavenly river they cross to meet.
A night of rendezvous across the autumn sky.
Surpasses all the joy on earth.
Moments of tender love are akin to a beautiful dream.
They endure the parting on the magpie bridge.
But if there's true love between them,
they don't have to be together everyday.
But if there's true love between them,
they don't have to be together everyday.
Why didn't you send me any letter?
Or maybe...
You have forgotten about me?
Although I did expected this to happen,
but why do I still feel so sad?
You are?
I'm Xiao Shunzi. My respect to Miss Ruoxi.
Rise.
I seldom comes here, that's why you don't know me.
Do keep this well. I take my leave.
You didn't forget about me after all.
There's a fragrance too.
Magnolia flower.
This is from 4th Prince.
My respect to Miss.
Why are you so late today?
8th Prince specially ordered this.
Miss was on duty last night,
8th Prince asked me to come later to allow you to have more resting time.
8th Prince instructed me to hand this letter to you personally.
Poem in the letter is from a famous collection.
The night is coming, why aren't you going back?
If not because of me, you wouldn't be cold in the damp night.
The night is coming, why aren't you going back?
If not because of me, you won't be in a difficult position.
Can't go back?
Why?
Ruoxi, daydreaming again?
Ruoxi greets each Prince.
Rise.
What are you thinking about?
Ruoxi, it's good we ran into you. I have something to ask you.
Please ask, 9th Prince.
Imperial Father met 2nd Brother privately.
What did they talk about?
That day...
Ruoxi, you should go back first.
8th Brother, what's wrong with asking?
Only she and Minister Li knows about this. If we don't ask her, who else can we ask?
If the Emperor's personal servants reveal details of a private or secret meeting,
do you know what would happen to them if they are caught? Have you thought of this?
Ruoxi, whatever you need to do just go do it.
There's only so many people here.
If we don't say anything and she doesn't say anything, who would find out?
I was waiting outside the Hall while the Emperor and 2nd Prince were inside.
I couldn't hear them. I don't know what they talked about.
8th Brother, just look.
This is the person you waste your time and feelings on.
Even my dog...
9th Brother!
From now now, no one is to interrogate her about anything related to Imperial Father.
8th Prince.
10th Prince should leave first as well.
Why are you chasing me away?
It's for your own good.
Consider it a favor to me.
I don't want to hear it. You should go back first.
Even if I were to say anything, I wouldn't know what to say.
I really didn't hear anything.
This is good.
You don't have to get involved in these troubles.
The Emperor still dotes on the 2nd Prince.
No matter what decision you make, don't forget this.
I'm aware of these considerations. You need not worry.
Then I will take my leave now.
Jieje, you've returned?
Why do you look so tired?
I'm fine.
Fermented rice balls. Jie'jie's favorite. Come on!
It's sesame filled rice balls.
That Xiao An Zi!
I told him to make fermented rice balls
and he gave me sesame rice balls.
Unacceptable. I'm going to find him.
It's fine.
No, he always does whatever he wants to.
It inevitably get him in trouble.
But even if you remind him, he'll still continue to do what he wants.
Then your words will just be superfluous.
But, I still need to diligently remind him.
If he really does get in trouble, punished with kneeling, and kicked out of the palace...
I wouldn't bear it.
Jie'jie, I'll go quickly and come back.
Yes, history may still be history.
But if I don't do my best to stop it, I will live with regret.