Many years ago, she once wrote a letter to me.
I, Luwu was born in Zhejiang, Wucheng.
I was born into a well-to-do family.
My family and living condition were just like normal people.
I was raised as a lady.
My ancestors have been rich - had tall and many buildings and used gold and jade to decorate the buildings.
Green willow trees surrounded the courtyard and red lotus covered the pond.
However, life changes without our control.
One day, trouble came and my family was destroyed.
In Zhejiang Wucheng,
during the early days when the former Emperor had just ascended to the throne,
there was a big judicial case that stirred the whole country.
Because during Zhuang clan's revising records of the Ming Dynasty,
they continued to use Ming Dynasty's old terms and country name.
Their crime was the most severe and could not be pardoned.
Everyone who helped the Zhuang clan's history record of Ming,
including anyone who did editing, correction, and writing preface were arrested, including all of their relatives.
Whenever one was arrested,
his whole family, old or young, male or female would be detained in jail.
At that time, 72 were killed.
During the 72, the death of thousand cuts was used on 18 of them.
More than one hundred were banished to distant army.
More than 2000 were placed in jail.
There were uncountable people whose families were destroyed, with family members separated.
She stayed with you in the difficult place together for ten years.
That was her love to you.
Now, it was because of her filial piety that she left by herself.
If you really love her sincerely,
then please do not compel her again.
Let her live peacefully in Jiangnan.
This Letter is for you.
I am destined to be separated from this love.
Note: Poem by Yanrui about longing for her freedom. She was also a high rank prostitute.
But where and how should I go?
If I live freely and allow wild flowers on my head,
don't ask me where I will return to.
Fujin. You do not need to send me off.
That is just to show my gratitude.
These years, you have suffered greatly.
Thank you for taking care of us for those years.
Compared to 13th prince and Miss Luwu, I was living in a good life.
I was just worried.
Is that Cheng Huan?
Yes.
Just got her back from the Emperor.
She just became more familiar with her father and mother,
and now Luwu is gone.
Her father is always alone drinking wine in his room.
So she became like this.
Cheng Huan.
Can Gu'gu (aunt) bring you into the palace?
In the Palace, there is 4th Uncle and other brothers (cousin).
You smell of alcohol too.
Cheng Huan.
When did Imperial Uncle and brothers started living in the Palace?
Don't lie to me.
I'll be a little dog if I lie.
Let's Go.
If I don't see them,
I can tell Imperial Uncle to hit you.
Cheng Huan, where are you going?
Fujin.
I have something I need to talk to Ce'fujin about.
I Understand.
Cheng Huan, let's go.
I don't know what we need to talk in private about.
What exactly did you say to to Luwu?
Everyday, I talked to her about many things. I'm not sure which conversation you're referring to.
Miss Ruoxi!
If you didn't have a child,
you would've lost your life a long time ago!
Imperial Uncle! Imperial Uncle!
Cheng Huan.
Uncle! Father is always in his room drinking wine.
He ignores me.
This Jie'jie is also drunk and almost got into a fight!
Uncle understands.
Cheng Huan, good girl.
Gao Wuyong.
Your servant is here.
Bring Cheng Huan over to the Empress's palace.
Yes.
Princess.
How did you go with the persuading?
13th prince should have given up searching for Luwu now.
He'll be okay in a little while.
How did you convince him?
I made up a huge lie.
I hinted to 13th prince
that Luwu is the descendant of the family who were destroyed by the History Records of the Ming case,
How did you get him to believe you?
Firstly, I have never lied to 13th prince.
He would never think that I would lie about such a big matter.
Secondly. That year, Luwu asked me to help her.
She wrote me a letter.
She mentioned that she was originally from Zhejiang Wucheng.
Her family is either rich or noble.
I had long forgotten about this.
I brought the letter because
I originally wanted to leave 13th prince with a memory.
On my way to Yi Qinwang's estate, I read the letter more carefully.
I remembered that several days ago,
I saw the records of that case.
This thought suddenly came to me.
I thought that since I was already lying to him,
it did not matter if I made the lie bigger.
Could it be?
When 13th prince came out...
He presented request asking me to confer Luwu.
Based on tradition,
I've already checked her past.
Your prediction was correct.
Because of this problem, I did not confer her a title for a long time.
If this problem was known
to 9th brothers and others, they would use this to blackmail
and make a big deal out of it.
Based on 13th brother's personality,
he would not allow Luwu to suffer for any reason.
I am afraid that if that day come,
the matter will be impossible to resolve.
13th brother didn't love her wrongly.
However, the way she handled this situation was too unyielding.
She did not set up a way to back out.
8th Brother.
I already found out why 13th brother
did not come to the Imperial Court for the past several days.
Turns out the "mistress" of 13th brother - Luwu has disappeared.
What "mistress"?
13th brother has given Luwu a status.
Do you know the whereabout of Luwu?
Don't know.
13th brother searched any and all possible locations.
Looks like there's not much hope.
Looks like 13th brother must have been really sad.
Sad? Were we not sad after 4th brother and him made us suffer?
I heard a rumor that Luwu
was the descendant of the huge History Record of the Ming case,
and she worked in a brothel previously.
If we used her to create a big problem for 13th brother at that time,
then today's Emperor could have been 8th brother.
Now that I think about it,
we were just missing that step.
Why pour salt on his wound?
8th brother. You want to be a good man.
A person with a noble character will take things in the right way.
The problems between men should not involve women.
What 8th brother said is right.
13th brother was house arrested for 10 years.
During those time, only Miss Luwu stayed with him.
One can imagine how important Luwu is to 13th brother.
Now that they can finally end the suffering and live a happy life,
the person who followed him in life or death
has now left him and went to a far away place.
How do you think 13th brother would endure that?
If he was not born in the Imperial Family,
everything would have turned out wonderfully.
Too bad.
As soon as we were born,
we were stranded into a big cage.
What are you laughing about?
When the Emperor see this, he'll definitely be extremely happy.
It's just a snack. What's so great about it?
But is hand made by Jie'jie.
This isn't the first time.
Correct!
Jie'jie puts the Emperor's needs as her first priority.
This is what makes the Emperor the happiest.
The Emperor is tired.
Remember to clean well.
I know.
Jie'jie, the wind is strong outside.
Your Majesty,
please turn the nameplate to indicate which Concubine will be with you tonight.
Jie'jie.
The weather is very cold, yet you did not wear a cloak. Hurry up and put this on.
Let's go back.
I won't go back.
I'm still living in that courtyard.
Come to my place and relax a little.
Okay.
Eunuch Gao sent a hot water bag and said that it should be placed on Jie'jie's kneecap.
I don't want it.
These few days are cold.
If you don't protect yourself, the person who will suffer is you.
Even if you are angry, please do not be angry with your own body.
Who?
Plate.
Concubine Nian.
His heart and mind is here.
You can't let the cold wind come in anymore.
I'm going to close the door.
You've come?
I came to return some things.
I'm very happy.
Of course you're happy.
I'm happy because you're jealous.
Are you okay?
I'm okay.
Don't make life difficult for yourself.
I'll promise you whatever you want.
Turn around.
You must promise never to let anyone touch your plait.
Only I can.
Only would you dare to.
I want the hand bag.
Your Majesty.
Excused.
What are you embroidering?
Its almost the New Year.
This is a celebration gift for Concubine De.
When my mother sees the intention you've put in,
I'm sure she must be very happy.
Not to mention that you're skills in embroidery
are praised by everyone in the palace.
Your Majesty, you are too kind.
Actually, there's one other present that she'll like for sure.
What does Concubine De wish for?
She wants you to become the Emperor's wife and give her a grandchild.
What's wrong? Don't want to give this present?
I've already finished embroidering.
Fine then.
I'll help you give it to her later.
She will be very happy.
Why don't I go with you?
No need.
I invited 14th to go and wish our mother a Happy New Year together.
How about this?
A couple of days later, I'll go with you to wish my mother a Happy New Year.
That time, you can present the gift personally to her.
What do you think?
Okay.
Then you should stay here and wait for my return.
If I don't see you when I return,
I will be angry.
Okay, okay.
I can do it myself.
-Here, this one is for you. -His Majesty arrives!
Eat it.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Excused.
There must be proper etiquettes between the Emperor and his ministers.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Thank You, Your Majesty.
Your son greets Imperial Mother.
You can all leave.
Yes.
What were you guys talking about so animatedly?
You didn't see?
We were talking about everyday life.
Mother.
Regarding conferring Empress Dowager on you...
Have you finished considering it?
I will not consider it.
I do not understand why you're refusing this title.
Do you really want to know?
Yes.
You took over the Imperial Throne.
Who let you take the Imperial Throne?
It was Imperial Father.
Did Imperial Father want to give the throne to you?
Or give it to your younger brother?
It was me.
Good, if it was you.
Faking the decree and taking over the throne was just a rumor?
When Imperial Father passed away, I was not there as well.
How could I fake the decree and forcefully take over the throne?
You have great foresight.
You've already placed this chess piece a long time ago.
Mother, these lies and rumors
were made up by people with intentions.
Mother, don't be angry.
Look.
Even at this time, your blood brother is still on your side.
Where has your conscious gone?
Am I not your son too?
Yes, you're my blood-tied son.
Your brother is also my blood-tied son.
Your Imperial Father told me himself.
He wanted to give the throne to your brother.
Could all of these be lies?
Whether it's the truth or a lie...
What's done is done.
As long as brother is a good Emperor,
bringing wealth to his people...
It doesn't matter who's the Emperor.
Yes.
Why does it matter?
What's done is already done.
Mother cannot face our ancestors.
Let alone face the position of Empress Dowager!
You all may leave.
Yes.
Have some food.
It's been like this for years.
Why make things difficult for yourself?
My mother just has 14th brother in her heart.
No matter what I do, I could never compare to him.
You are already the Emperor.
Do you think I will be a good Emperor?
As long as you want to, you are.
Do you know how hard it is to be a good Emperor?
Everyday, I have to face those corrupt officials.
Face the bickering within the palace.
I'm tired.
Although I am the Emperor,
but there are so many things I can't do on a whim.
In order to make contributions,
sometimes I am more strict with myself than anyone else.
But I am also just human.
I also have my weak moments.
In this enormous Forbidden City, there are many things
I can never tell anyone in my entire life.
I wish you could understand.
You've woken up?
13th brother always said your alcohol capacity was good.
I didn't believe it.
But you actually got me drunk.
Your alcohol capacity is just low.
Where are my clothes?
It's over there.
Are you looking for this?
Did you look at it yet?
No.
Then open it and see.
Before, I asked you why you didn't wear the hairpin.
You said you accidentally broke it.
Yes.
At the time, you just smiled.
How is it?
Does it look like the old one?
It's about the same.
Here.
Like it?
I can't see it.
I think it looks good.
Wash your face.
Today is the first day of the New Year.
According to the rules, I should go back the Empress today.
Ruoxi.
I've tried my best.
Unless you want me to send you away with a smile too?
Greetings, Empress.
Hurry and stand up.
It is inconvenient for your legs.
You don't have to kneel next time.
I don't dare.
Sit.
You sit too.
You've lost so much weight compared to last time.
You must pay attention to your health on a regular basis.
Do you still remember that year,
when Imperial Father came to 4th Prince's estate?
Ten years.
That was the second time I got to closely observe you.
You don't wonder why?
During the 51st year of Kangxi,
the story of your kneeling punishment was spread far and wide.
Everyone tried to guess what the reason was.
And then it started pouring,
The current Emperor hurriedly entered the palace.
When he came back, he was completely wet.
He stood by the window and watched the rain.
But then, he walked outside into the rain and stood for a whole night.
I begged him to come back inside.
He just calmly told someone to take me away.
Did the Emperor tell you to say this?
He just said you weren't very happy.
He told me to chat with you and tell you not to think too much.
This words has been in my heart for many years.
Today, I have finally said it.
Back then, I wanted to understand.
I didn't know if the Emperor did it for you or for 13th prince,
or did he have some other reason?
Later, on New Years Eve.
I saw that the Emperor was purposefully not looking at you.
I finally understood a little.
That time, 13th brother was imprisoned and you were punished to kneel.
Yet, he didn't have the power to protect the people he loved.
Maybe, only the cold rain could numb the pain in his heart.
I said these in hopes that you'll be a little happier,
so the Emperor could worry less as well.
I know you don't want to see me.
I'm going back now.
Your Highness.
I don't want to fight you for anything.
Nor am I purposely throwing a temper to see your reactions.
Its just that some things...
I'm very conflicted.
I understand.
I've known you for so many years.
I know your personality.
Or else I wouldn't have said so many things today.
Wishing that everything happens as you desire, 8th Brother.
Wishing that everything is well, 8th Brother.
I also wish you forever happiness.
Thank you, thank you. Please sit. Please sit.
-Li Fu...! -Yes!
Who is setting off firecrackers?
It's little master.
I said before, nobody is allowed to set off firecrackers today.
Go stop him now.
Yes.
8th Brother, I say...
There's no need for you to be this anxious.
Who would know that we're setting off firecrackers within our own household?
9th Brother, you shouldn't say that.
No walls are safe enough to keep secrets from the outside.
So what if they get to know about it?
Since Imperial Father did not even consider our father-son relationship before he died...
9th Brother...
I am going to say it!
As the saying goes: No matter how vile a tiger is, he will not eat his own cub.
Think about it, how did Imperial Father treat you before he died?
Did he even see you as his own son?
Don't say it anymore.
9th Brother...
Besides filial piety,
it's also to avoid 4th Brother going back on his own words.
I'm afraid he might attain another opportunity to deal with us again.
I still have some other things to tell you all.
Say it then.
Let's talk about it in the study.
Lady De is indeed an understanding and smart person,
to be able to deal with 4th Brother before you, completely disregarding his feelings.
At least, that can be considered as avenging you.
What a pity, that I wasn't around when it all happened.
And failed to see 4th Brother's disheveled and disorientated look on his face!
9th and 10th Brothers, stop laughing.
Why can't we laugh?
8th Brother, this is the first piece of good news that I've received this year.
All of us should be happy!
Yeah!
4th has already used five horses to dismember Eling'e.
That means he's already guessed who's been spreading the rumors.
8th brother is right.
4th brother hasn't made his move...
But that doesn't mean he's going to let go of those who were spreading the rumor.
We have to be more careful in the future.
So what if he knows...?
If he could deal with us in the first place...
He would have already done so!
Do you really think he would give us a chance?
He is deep in his thinkings and plots
and never leave a trace after executing his plan.
Maybe he's already planning something, and is executing it in the dark.
8th Brother, what shall we do then?
What else can we do?
Since he knew we were the ones who set the trap years ago,
and yet he has not dealt with us yet...
There are only two possibilities.
One, there could still be some goodness and conscience in him.
Stop dreaming.
Another possibility would be...
Our force and prowess is still around,
which is why he dare not confront us directly.
8th Brother, since everyone thinks so highly of us,
why are you giving up on all these, instead?
9th Brother.
8th Brother knows what to do in his heart.
4th... Just like what she had predicted, is truly my nemesis.
Gu'gu.
Cheng Huan, slow down.
Thank you, Gu'gu. Gu'gu is the best!
Gu'gu, His Majesty wants to see you.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Wangye.
It's better if you tell her personally.
Ruolan wants to see you.
Second Miss.
Qiaohui.
Second Miss.
Don't cry anymore.
Ruolan is only worried about you now.
Don't make her worried.
Jie'jie.
Am I dreaming?
No, you're not.
Just now, I dreamt of Mother.
What did mother say?
Mother only smiled. She smiled very beautifully.
When she was alive...
She frequently smiled like that.
Yes, very beautiful.
You're beginning to spout nonsense again.
When mother died...
You haven't been born for long.
How could you possibly remember how she looked...?
Mother isn't biased.
Whatever you can dream about...
I am naturally able to as well.
Come over here, and lay by my side... Will you?
I have a lot of things to tell you.
I know.
I'll be able to see mother really soon.
Jie'jie.
Do you still remember the Gobi Desert from the Northwest?
I do. How could I possibly forget?
I never liked Beijing.
Never liked it one bit.
But whenever I closed my eyes...
I'd be able to see able to see the boundless Gobi Desert of the Northwest.
Under the sunlight...
Its icy mountains seem to give off a silvery glow.
And the tall red willows...
The camel thorn that often tears our skirts.
And the bad tasting but irresistible silverberries.
Yes...
Once you've smelled that delicious scent,
you can't help but take a bite.
But you regret the moment you taste it.
There's no flavor at all when it's in the mouth.
I also miss their grapes.
Can the grapes in Beijing still be considered as grapes?
They're thick skinned, and not very sweet.
That's right.
Our grapes...
Once you put it in your mouth and take a soft bite,
your whole mouth is filled with sweetness.
The skin has already melted.