Also, don't involve me
and make me lose face in Wangye's banquet.
It will give people laughs.
No, no.
If that's the case, I would need your Majesty to help me.
As long as your Majesty agrees
who would dare to laugh at me?
If it's not good, the first person that will be punished is you.
If it's not good, the first person to scold is definitely Minmin.
It's all because of her, she likes to make a scene.
Look quickly. Look quickly!
What a big eagle!
Eagle striking the sky.
You should all have such magnificent aspiration in this wide domain
to truly test your talent.
Yes.
Imperial Father.
This eagle is Crown Prince's new pet.
Crown Prince, you know how to train eagles?
Yes, I'm like Imperial Father,
My greatest appreciation for eagles is their bravery and calmness,
especially when they are on the hunt.
Their royal aura of fast, accurate and fierce.
I truly believe in this world
of royal people with the exception of Imperial Father,
I have the ability to train them.
Good. Well spoken.
Well spoken.
Crown Prince. Today, I would like to see how you conquer and become the king of the sky.
Yes.
Set them free.
Your Majesty! Imperial Father!
Imperial Father!
Your Majesty, are you alright?
Imperial Father!
I'm ok, I'm ok.
Your majesty, it's Zuoying.
He is Prince Zuoying?
I caused Imperial Father to be frightened.
Please punish me.
This should not be entirely your fault.
Animals by nature are wild and hard to tame.
But you need to remember this lesson well.
-Rise. -Yes.
I remember.
Your subject, Yiergenjueluo - Zuoying
has arrived late and caused your Majesty to be frightened.
I hope your Majesty can forgive me.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Zuoying, your eagle training skills is getting better and better.
This time, you have saved me.
What reward do you want?
I'm only doing what I should do.
I don't deserve a reward.
There was a big snow storm in the winter of last year.
It killed many cows and sheep.
This time, I am as a person who has committed a crime.
That is just natural disaster.
You should not be the one to take the blame.
This year, is anything done to prevent disaster?
Yes, your Majesty. I amassed enough food
and found an empty place in advance in case there are climate changes.
Good.
Wangye's eye for suitors is very good.
This Prince Zuoying is comparable to 13th and
14th Prince in age and ability,
and he doesn't seem to be greedy.
The only thing that's not known
is whether he and Minmin are fated.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Ruoxi, you've worked hard for two months.
Today, I'm looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labor.
In that case, I will give the order for the performance to start.
Good.
Please, come.
Fragrance of plum flowers?
How can plum flowers be found in this kind of place?
4th brother, the prelude to the performance is really quite a sight.
Ruoxi, you have made Minmin the Grassland's newest star.
Thank you, 14th Prince.
But Minmin is already a star.
I only removed the dark cloth that has been covering this star,
and revealing what's within.
But this "Star" didn't even look at the moon the entire night.
In less than two months time,
she will no longer be the same innocent little girl.
She will no longer look at the "Moon".
Perhaps it was due to the "Sun" coming out.
Hope that's the case.
From now on, when you see white snow and red blossoms, you will think of Minmin.
Good! Excellent!
So beautiful.
It is.
Not bad.
Ruoxi, come here.
Calling for Ruoxi!
Your Highness.
It was a wonderful performance.
It has captivated my attention.
If I had known you have this skill,
I would let you handle all the performances in the palace.
Your servant only has these little talents.
It was only some lowly skills that have already exhausted my limited abilities.
Therefore, Your Majesty. Please don't make things difficult for your servant.
Tonight's dance performance was so lovely all because of Minmin.
Princess Minmin.
Your Majesty.
I was just watching your long sleeve weaving, ribbon floating and dancing.
Your body blends in the wind, similar to a willow tree.
It remind me of a lotus flower rising above the green water.
I thought a goddess has descended from heaven.
Your Majesty is exaggerating.
Reward her with Jade Ruyi.
Yes.
Thank you, Emperor.
I'd like to award something to Ruoxi.
Hurry up and say thank you.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Minmin has the exact same jade pendant as well.
Originally, Minmin had an older twin sister.
After the two were born, I could hardly contain my joy.
At the same time, I got a beautiful piece of jade
and ordered two pieces of jade pendants to be made
I never imagined that before the pendant was finished, her sister would passed away.
This jade pendant represents Your Highness's feelings for your daughter.
I won't dare to accept.
Since I gave it to you, there will be no talking of "dare" or "not dare".
Then you should accept it.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Alright, get up. Get up.
Wangye, I'm tired.
Why don't we return to rest?
Please.
Crown Prince, I'll leave you in charge.
Yes.
Walk well, Your Majesty.
Come, serve the wine.
To send off Heshu and Zuoying,
why don't we brothers drink with them?
Thank you, Crown Prince.
Here, I'll toast you two.
Tonight, none of us will return home sober.
Here, cheers.
Jie'jie, what are you thinking about?
So the bright purple an passion pink has bloomed in profusion. (The Peony Pavilion)
Yet...
Such splendor has been abandoned to crumbling... Well, faded walls.
But in this glorious season...
Where are the sounds of joy in this garden?
What are you talking about?
It's nothing, I'm just sad.
Tomorrow, you will have to leave.
Happy times are always too short.
I don't know when we will be able to meet again.
I have a parting gift to give you.
I promised you before.
What?
Crown Prince, I want to play a song for everyone.
Why not?
We all know that you're good with playing the flute.
Today, let us have the fortune to listen to your flute.
I don't know why.
I suddenly want to go far, far away.
I want peace.
Others say music gradually fades and sound disappears.
Feeling too much is more troublesome than not feeling.
If people didn't have emotions,
then they can truly leave troubles behind.
After happy gathering, I always felt more deserted.
Do you think Minmin and Zuoying
have a possibility of being together?
4th Prince's meaning is...?
Last night, I saw that you kept gazing at them.
I truly wish for them to be together.
What does 4th Prince think?
This Prince Zuoying has great ability.
But because he was born from a commoner,
he isn't valued by His Highness, Yiergenjueluo.
Seeing Imperial Father this time was not a particularly important task.
So that's why he had the chance.
But...
I thought this was a fortune from misfortune.
I'm afraid that in the future,
he will cause trouble for his father and brother.
Then is Minmin marrying Zuoying the best choice?
This is none of your business.
You're just being a matchmaker.
Are you willing to be by yourself your entire life?
Don't say any nonsense like being filial.
I'm too tired.
These years in the palace are full of rules and schemes.
Actions have to thought upon three times,
and then pondered three more times.
But I am not that type of person.
I just want to go far away.
Laugh when I want to and cry when I want to.
At this moment, marrying
is trading the big cage of the Forbidden City for a smaller cage.
I would be more well-regarded in the forbidden city than after marriage.
Why should I marry?
Thinking of the fighting between wives after marriage...
I think shaving my head and becoming a nun would be better.
With your current status,
it is impossible for you to make that decision yourself.
The more Imperial Father values you,
the less you can control your marriage
Take for example, Wangye giving you the jade pendant.
Wangye implied that he thought of you as a daughter.
Minmin and her brother treat you better than the Crown Prince.
Although we don't know what Wangye's motives are,
but when Imperial Father arranges your marriage,
it will have to thought over very seriously.
If you wish to be like the other palace maids
and be released from the palace when time is up,
then let me advise you to stop having those thoughts as fast as you can.
Why don't you think about how to let Imperial Father
arrange a marriage that will make you satisfied.
If I don't want to marry, no one can force me.
Then you should prepare three three meters of white cloth,
You also have to harden your heart.
You must not care that your death would trouble your father and clan.
The palace is the worst place to dream.
I advise you to wake up as soon as you can
and think about your next step.
When the matter finally comes, you won't be able to do anything.
Is not marrying really not a possibility?
I will not hurt anyone by not marrying.
So why do I still have to marry?
Is it that you don't understand what I said
or you don't want to understand?
The decision is made by Imperial Father.
You can only be obedient.
Is there really no one in your heart that you want to marry?
No one that can make you feel free?
I saw a document that would anger anyone.
I sent money for the natural disaster victims of Fujian.
But in reality, the money was taken by my officials.
So many people died of hunger.
If there was no backing, how would the officials
dare to do such an action?
I love my people like my children.
But my servants see the people's money and food as their own.
I ordered 4th Prince to investigate the matter.
He found that the officials of Ministry of Revenue were also involved.
It was a total of 120 officials.
120 officials!
You tell me. How should I handle these 120 officials?
8th Prince, what are your views?
Yes, Imperial Father.
Corrupt officials are indeed abominable and should not be tolerated.
However, this time there are other considerations.
The number of officials are too great.
One decision may set into motion a chain reaction of events,
causing people to become anxious, thus starting a political turmoil in the court.
May I boldly suggest Imperial Father to consider the bigger picture.
Take action after taking the circumstances into consideration.
Order the officials to return the laundered money.
Be lenient to those who acknowledge the error of their ways.
4th Prince.
What do you think?
Yes, Imperial Father.
I think that such indulgent actions will only breed more corrupt officials.
If they are punished leniently just because the number of officials were too great,
these corrupt grasping officials will become undisciplined.
I'm afraid the behavior of these officials may worsen in the coming days.
The sanctity of the office is compromised and they will show no concern for the common people.
Taking advantage of their strength in numbers to commit evil deeds.
Even the Emperor's authority cannot overcome this.
In the future, Imperial Father will have a hard time governing the court.
Imperial Father.
In troubled times, severe punishment should be employed to control the situation.
I also think when faced with corrupt people who abuses of the law,
there should be no tolerance.
Crown Prince, what do you think?
I think that using severe punishment will induce panic in the people
and result in turmoil in the court.
The consequences would be dire.
At the least, there will be uncertainties swirling around.
At the most serious, some people may take drastic actions.
Political unrest will be unavoidable.
This won't benefit the common people.
I feel that any actions should take into consideration the circumstances.
The punishment should be lenient.
What you have said is reasonable and fair.
Fine, the matter shall be dealt in accordance with your opinion.
Imperial Father, please rescind your command.
This matter has wide spread implications.
If it's not investigated thoroughly and severe punishments are not meted out,
corrupt officials who abuse the law would become worse and worse.
I have made my decision already.
Imperial Father, the last case involving corrupt officials...
Only the people, Xu Ganxue and Gao Shiqi who took the most money
were dismissed from their government positions.
It has already resulted in the lost of the people's confidence.
Now there are folk songs being spread amongst the common people.
All the taxes around China went to the East Sea.
All the tributes from other countries offered to Tai Ren
Imperial Father shouldn't tolerate such behavior anymore.
Didn't I say that I've made my decision?
The common people don't understand my intentions, that is excusable.
I don't blame them.
As my son, yet you and the ignorant common people share the same banal thinking.
Also, you want to relentlessly chase after the officials and give severe punishments.
You don't have the least bit of a gentleman's benevolence?
All the time spent reading the teachings of the sages have been in vain.
Imperial Father.
Every word that 4th brother has spoken came from the bottom of his heart.
He... All of you are dismissed.
Yes.
I'm fine, you can go back first.
I want to be alone for awhile.
Eunuch Wang. 4th Prince is nowhere to be found.
-Keep looking. -Yes.
13th Prince, 4th Prince hasn't be found.
-Keep looking. -Yes.
Keep looking.
13th Prince, we didn't find him either.
-Continue searching. -Yes.
Ruoxi, did you see 4th brother?
I didn't, did something happen?
Imperial Father has summoned for him
I have searched everywhere but still can't find him.
How can 4th Prince disappear without a trace?
At today's court session, everyone was discussing
how to handle the Ministry of Revenue's corruption case.
4th brother views differed from Imperial Father's
and he was reprimanded in front of everyone.
4th Prince has always been cautious.
Why did he have a direct confrontation with the Emperor?
This matter can't be explained clearly in a few words.
The crucial thing now is that Imperial Father wants to see him,
but there's no trace of him.
I may know where 4th Prince is.
Come along with me to look.
Are you going or not?
Wait a moment!
4th brother!
-4th brother! -4th Prince!
Look, he's there.
4th brother! 4th brother!
I've finally found you.
Imperial Father wants to see you urgently.
Greetings, 4th Prince.
Then let's go back.
This really goes by the saying "The Emperor isn't worried, but the Eunuchs are worried to death".
Did you bear that in mind already?
Greetings, Imperial Father.
-Rise. -Thank you, Imperial Father.
Crown prince, you explain it to them.
Yes.
Imperial Father has already decided
to thoroughly investigate Fujian's case of corruption and fraud.
To see whether there are any other people involved in the matter besides those 120 officials.
4th Prince.
You and 13th Prince will assist the Crown prince in the investigations.
Yes.
Are you puzzled about why I rejected your suggestions before
but now I want you to thoroughly investigate?
Indeed I don't understand.
You don't understand...
Because you don't know when to be strict and when to relax.
Just like a basin of water that is no longer clean.
Although it can't be used for drinking,
but it still can't be used to water flowers and grow plants.
It doesn't need to be thrown away.
Do you understand?
Yes I do.
Governing a large nation is like cooking a small delicacy.
Effective governance sometimes requires a light hand.
I have governed the country for many years.
All my sincere words of advice...
You must all firmly bear them in mind.
I will remember Imperial Father's teachings.
It's not like Crown Prince doesn't have his own men.
Why did Imperial Father order the two of us to aid in his investigations?
You think Imperial Father is completely unaware of Crown Prince's doings?
What you're saying is...
Imperial Father fears the Crown Prince's men are involved,
so the Crown Prince won't be impartial.
That's correct.
Imperial Father is also aware that among all the princes,
the Crown Prince trusts you the most.
At least by making you the inspector,
the Crown Prince won't mind it as much.
This is a highly dangerous position.
If I don't do this right, besides offending the Crown Prince,
I may also be punished for not doing the task well.
4th brother, you don't need to worry too much.
Just get on a small boat, take a quick nap and admire the lotus flowers.
Then, you will naturally think of a solution.
You have always been a straight talker.
How did you learn to talk with hidden meanings?
Isn't 4th brother treating us the same? Before you would say everything without reserve.
Since when does a girl from another family knows about a secret,
while his own brothers are kept in the dark?
It's nothing special.
What's there to tell?
It was just a fated chance that Ruoxi so happened to find out.
"Fated chance."
Those words are skillfully worded by 4th Brother.
Stop messing with me.
Quickly, help me think to see
if there's a way for me to survive in this dangerous position.
4th Brother, aren't you being too dramatic here?
Even if Crown Prince doesn't respect the monk,
he has to respect Buddha.
At least, he will order his people to restrain themselves.
The current problem isn't about Crown Prince.
It's 9th brother.
This is all 9th brother's doing in these few years?
Although I know some government officials
will often give 9th brother benefits,
I just didn't think the money he took from the corrupted officers this time
was a lot more than what I imagined.
Then we...
How will we handle this account book?
I need to trouble you to run an errand this time.
Bei'le. Before we return home,
Why don't we burn some incense?
What is the special day today?
Nothing.
Suddenly, I just feel like going to the temple to pray.
Was it because of what Imperial Father is investigating --
the event that relief fund to Fujian was not properly used?
I know that I shouldn't give my opinions regarding the events in Imperial Court,
But 9th brother...
I'm afraid he will bring trouble for Bei'le.
Don't worry too much.
Bei'le.
Those people...
Why do they team up with 9th brother?
You know about the reasons not because the 9th brother's actions,
but because of the relationship between you and him.
However, 9th brother used your influence
and accepted bribery everywhere.
If I'm not mistaken, this book was given to us by 4th Brother.
I don't understand.
The details inside are all related to 9th Brother's dealings.
Why didn't 4th brother give it to Imperial Father?
For one, he can get credit
Secondly, he can strike a blow against us.
Why did 4th brother act contrary to logic?
But this book in 4th brother's hands is a hot potato.
How should I put it?
Indeed, 4th brother could have given 9th brother's accounts to Imperial Father, to put punishment on him.
But at the same time, he must risk once again,
being reprimanded by Imperial Father for not caring about brotherly ties.
Your words sound reasonable.
But this time 4th brother has been ordered to assist the Crown Prince
in investigating the Fujian officials' fraud case.
If he doesn't report what he knows,
his reputation could be affected.
Is 4th brother not scared that people may say that he is covering up?
That's right.
So passing this hot potato back to 9th brother
is the more appropriate thing for him to do.
At the same time,
if 9th brother's men have been restrained,
the Crown Prince faction would not be able to continue gaining benefits.
This way, the Crown Prince won't be able to continue protecting his men without any scruples.
4th brother is providing assistance on the surface.
But his actual role is keeping the Crown Prince in check.
His job has been made so much easier and still stands to gain.
This drastic maneuver of 4th brother is really a masterstroke.
I have to really hand it him.
However, I, on the other hand
admires your thought process more.
Your thinking is more incisive than what I have imagined.
You know 4th brother's every movement like the back of your hand.
You're all intelligent people.
Both of you are really intelligent but are of opposing sides.
Too bad we're born in the royal family.
Otherwise, if the two of you joined forces in anything,
I believe that success will be guaranteed.
8th brother.
Can you promise me one thing.
If one day you are the ruler of the court,
can you let 4th brother retire quietly
to lead a life of leisure away from all courtly affairs?
If you ask 4th brother the same question,
what do you think his answer will be?
9th Prince, we hit the jackpot this month.
The money everyone else is scared to accept has come to us now.
Come on, everyone.
Let's toast to 9th Prince for this.
Here, 9th, here.
Cheers.
You guys listen to me carefully now.
Starting from today,
you must reject all bribes and offers the officials make.
9th Prince.
How about we just be more careful about it?
-That's right, that's right. -The Crown Prince's men are accepting them too.
If we end up getting caught,
won't they...
Won't they get in trouble too?
-That's true. -Right?
Even if it's death, it won't be us.
That's correct?
Then what I'm saying is not correct?
That's not it, 9th Prince.
What I'm saying is -- boldly tread this world
rather than carefully inching along.
Am I'm right, everybody?
Right, right, right, you got that right.
The Crown Prince's men are living in houses that are bigger and better. What about us?!
We...
When we see the Crown Prince's men,
-we won't even dare to life our heads up high. -That's right.
9th Prince, a skinny dog is an embarrassment to it's owner.
That's right, 9th Prince.
Are you done talking?
-9th Prince, we... -All of you, get out!
Get out!
Let's go, go, go.
Wretched slaves!
Do you think that one accounts book can stop me?
If it wasn't for 8th Prince,
I wouldn't let you guys look down on me.
Buns for sale.
Hot steaming buns.
Buns for sale.
Fresh from the oven.
Buns for sale.
Fresh from the oven.
Boss, come and buy a couple of buns.
Ok.
4th Brother, 13th Brother.
No need to see me out.
Please take care, Crown Prince.
9th brother, since Imperial Father didn't say anything,
that is to say that 4th brother didn't report everything he found out.
So should I kowtow to him in gratitude?
You guys are afraid. I'm not!
9th.
8th brother will handle the matter.
Please don't create more trouble.
4th Prince, it's done.
13th, come and look at 9th's account.
He still doesn't know to cover up.
What should we do?
Arrange a meeting with 8th brother.
4th brother.
8th brother.
I'm returning these account books to you.
Although 9th brother may sometimes do the wrong thing,
but he will learn his lesson in the end.
He won't let you down.
I have always thought 9th brother was the most obedient towards you.
But I realized that I was wrong.
9th brother is obstinate and self-opinionated.
He has an unbending nature.
He doesn't think about the consequences in whatever he does.
If he has offended you in any way,
please allow me to act on his behalf and apologize to you.
Before yesterday, I wanted to let bygones be bygones.
But now I've encountered an even trickier problem.
I hope to get some suggestions from you.
If 4th Brother can't deal with this difficult problem,
I think I'll be of no help to you.
Bring the accounts over.
Yes.
These are the difficult problems that 4th brother was referring to?
In regards to taking charge, I can't compare to 4th brother.
May I ask you something?
4th Brother, you've only investigated 9th brother's muddled accounts?
8th Brother, you're the kind that understands.
I've done everything I could.
Imperial Father has ordered a thorough investigation.
Everyone in court has exercised restraint,
including the Crown Prince.
Only 9th brother hasn't.
4th brother is handling the matters according to the Imperial Edict.
Handle it however you need to.
I refuse to believe 4th can do anything to me!
Don't think just because he's got the Crown Prince supporting him,
he can do whatever he wants and disregard everyone else.
Are you all mute?
8th Brother, what should I do?
Tell me what to do.
If you want me to get rid of 4th brother,
I will go right now with a knife.
8th Brother, say something.