Ruoxi, so you've learned quite a lot after coming into the palace.
I thought this was only an excuse to meet,
but you paint so wonderfully.
Does Jie'jie like it?
Then I will also paint some for you.
Lotus, Lotus flower suits you best.
Okay.
Jie'jie.
So the days when I lived in the 8th Prince's estate were the happiest times I've had.
Opera shows, fighting,
quarreling with 10th Prince,
being teased by 14th Prince,
kicking the shuttlecock with servants...
Are you not happy right now?
I can't say that's the case
Actually...
The emperor treats me very well.
You have served the emperor so many years now.
Do you have any plans for the future?
Do you love anyone?
A few years ago, Jie'jie told me not to fall in love with anyone.
That was because after you entered the palace,
I didn't know whether the Emperor would choose you or not.
Neither did I know whether he would marry you off to someone.
But now you are grown-up
and you're also someone who's well-liked by the Emperor.
You can always speak for yourself.
Women should also plan for themselves.
You can't be a palace maid for the rest of your life.
You're still wearing this.
If you truly like the 13th Prince,
then ask the Emperor for the permission to marry him.
Jie'jie, you've misunderstood.
13th Prince and I are just good friends.
What about 10th Prince?
He still thinks of you.
Why don't you and him...
But the 10th Prince's wife is too...
Although looking it from another point of view,
given your personality, how could you let her bully you?
Right?
Fighting with another woman my entire life over a man...
That's not what I want at all.
What about 14th Prince?
My good sister.
If I want to get married,
I'll marry someone that I love.
And he must only love me.
Jie'jie.
You still cannot forget about the general, right?
Even if I wanted to forget him, I couldn't.
Then, do you hate 8th Prince?
I don't hate him.
But, I would never forgive him.
If not for his spies inquiring about him,
some things would never have happened.
But he didn't mean to...
Jie'jie.
How have you been these past few years?
Just as before.
Mistress asks if the paintings are finished?
They're done.
This is a pear blossom.
But very few people embroider it on a hankerchief.
This is especially for Lady Liang, it is Chuji's famous Pear flowers poem, Wu Su Lian.
Full of spirit, Comforting yet regarded highly and elegantly.
Noble and brave, outstanding and an immortal talent.
I can't take these compliments.
They are all drawn very nicely.
Ruoxi, you really are a clever person.
Thank you for your compliments.
That bracelet...
Doesn't that belong to the 8th Prince?
Cai Qin, take those paintings and find someone to embroider it.
Yes.
I will take my leave now.
Ruolan, I will be taking a rest now.
Yes, Mother.
I can't control my feet.
Why do I always have to follow him?
8th Prince.
Even if I wanted to love him, I couldn't...
But to not love him, I can't forget him either.
What should I do?
14th Prince.
Where did you go?
Have you been waiting long? Did something happen?
I'll just tell you then.
Just now at my mother's place,
I saw both 4th brother and 13th brother there.
So I didn't want to stay.
14th Prince, let Ruoxi make cup of tea for you.
All right.
14th Prince please drink the tea.
It tastes very bitter.
It is Dahongpao.
You usually drink green tea, which isn't as strong.
Are you still mad about 4th prince not helping 8th prince last time?
I am not mad, just bitterly disappointed.
At the time when Father wanted to kill me,
the first person who tried to hold Father down was 5th brother.
Although 5th brother and 9th brother have the same mother,
but he usually doesn't hang out with us.
But when at the crucial moment of danger,
your kin brother could just watch from the side.
But I've heard that he also knelt to beg for forgiveness.
Which prince didn't kneel at the end?
Although I grew up with 8th brother,
and wasn't very close to 4th brother. But he...
Back then, he was titled Bei'le along with 8th brother.
But now he is Qin Wang.
Always approaching all that benefits him and avoiding all that harms him.
No one does it better than 4th brother.
You two brother's personalities...
One is easy and cool,
the other one is gloomy and unpredictable.
You two didn't grow up together either.
No wonder.
Yesterday, I met Jie'jie.
Thanks to you and 8th Prince.
Using tea instead of wine, I offer you a toast.
I should toast you, the birthday girl instead.
Ruoxi.
What exactly are you thinking about?
Didn't 8th Prince do enough these past two years?
He has become a love sick fool.
Don't you know?
8th Prince wanted me to ask my mother for help
to remove you from the concubine selection.
So you could become a servant for mother.
Because of 8th brothers mother, Concubine Liang's position,
she wasn't able to do it in front of everyone.
But she must have done a lot behind the scenes.
But I don't want to take credit for this situation.
4th brother also asked mother's help on 13th brother's account.
Mother saw that both of us wanted the same, which was rare.
It was easy to persuade her.
But why did Master Hui also want me in the end?
According to my guess,
it was the ideas of 8th Prince and 8th Prince's wives.
But I didn't expect.
Because of this, you became Father's servant.
When 8th Prince heard this,
he was very mad and nervous.
He didn't see 8th Fujin for well over half a year.
So later, when he saw that Imperial Father wasn't interested in you that way,
and that you were also very careful,
he slowly became better.
Later, Master Hui didn't make things difficult for me either.
Is that because of 8th Prince?
8th Prince had lived with Concubine Hui before.
It wasn't hard for him to ask her for help.
Ruoxi.
Do you really love 8th brother?
I don't know.
You still don't know?
For so many years, 8th Prince has been suffering for you.
Working behind the scenes to help you. Do you even know this?
You really think life in the Palace is so easy like this?
Ruoxi, just think about it.
All these years 8th Prince has only married
Di'fujin and your sister, Ce'fujin.
His two servants have been with him since they were young.
Just which other prince is like him?
Now, all the men in the Forbidden City say in private
that 8th brother is afraid of his wife, so he dares not marry anymore.
Do you think 8th brother is that kind of person?
How can us brothers follow a man who's afraid of women?
Maertai Ruoxi, what exactly do you want?
4th Prince and 13th Prince are here.
No wonder you don't know.
Greetings, 4th and 13th Prince.
Rise.
We're here to get a cup of tea from the birthday girl.
The famous tea from Mt Wuyi?
It certainly lives up to its name.
No wonder 14th brother even wants to come here and ask you for tea.
Father sure treats her well.
Even the tea he gives her is top grade.
Maertai Ruoxi.
What do you really want?
I want a present.
You drank my tea, so where's the present?
She's asking for a present! I don't have one.
Don't have it? Yet you still dare to drink my tea?
Is there anything I don't dare to do?
All right, I will still thank you.
There are a lot of things you have to thank me for.
Which one are you thanking me for today?
Thank you for speaking for me in front of Concubine De.
I wasn't the one who spoke.
If you want to thank someone, then thank 4th brother.
Thank you, 4th Prince.
Rise.
4th Prince is helping me because of you.
So I also have to thank you.
How can I not help you?
With that temper of yours, that prefers death over dishonor.
Who knows what kind of trouble you would make?
I can't simply watch you without helping.
I am satisfied to have been able to meet a friend like you.
Greetings, 4th and 13th Prince.
Rise.
You can go inside.
Yes.
Ruoxi, since we're done drinking tea, we should leave now.
This is something 4th brother had Li Wei bring back
from a business trip to the northwest.
I have seen nothing is better than this.
So I'll be cheap and not get you one.
Count me in for this gift.
Eat more.
Thank you.
You should eat more too.
Jie'jie why were the princes here today?
It's my birthday.
13th Prince came to give me a small gift.
The both of us are actually fated.
Our birthdays are the same.
But I am not as lucky as Jie'jie.
Yutan, don't say that.
Come with me.
A late birthday present. Hope you aren't mad.
I can not accept such a valuable gift.
Since you call me Jie'jie, how can you say no to my present?
But I haven't given you anything for your birthday.
I don't know how to embroider.
I'll draw up some designs.
All you have to do is put in all your effects and sew them on the hankerchief.
All right. As you wish.
Let's go for a walk.
Yutan, what are you thinking about?
I miss my mother, brothers and sisters.
No wonder you're so mature.
You're the eldest child.
When we first met, I saw that you were
more efficient and careful than the others, and you don't talk too much.
You don't gossip with the other maids.
That's why I've always kept you by my side.
Jie'jie praise me too much.
It's only a revelation from an ordinary people.
I just have more experience than others.
To be honest, I also miss my parents a lot.
Since we came into the Palace, it's hard for anyone to see their family.
Jie'jie is much better than us.
Bei'le is Jie'jie's brother-in-law.
The princes also treat Jie'jie very well.
They even remember your birthday.
In the palace, everyone else is a master.
Who would remember a servant's birthday?
We are under the same moon as our parents.
Will they see the same moon as we do?
Jie'jie.
I want to kowtow to the moon,
as though I was kowtowing to my parents.
Rise.
I wanted peace and quiet tonight.
Therefore, I didn't ask someone to clear the road.
I won't blame you for alarming me.
Who were you two praying to?
Your Majesty.
We were just thinking of our parents.
We thought that since we're under the same moon as them,
we could pray in the direction of the moon,
as if we're praying in front of our parents.
Yutan.
Old people usually have a son or a grandchild to walk with.
But the one in front of us is only accompanied by a eunuch.
The throne of the Emperor
is like the jade hairpin of the Queen Mother.
With just a light scratch, the Emperor and his twenty sons have become separated.
Jie'jie has said it correctly.
Your majesty.
I have written the report on recent events
regarding the controversy surrounding the crown prince.
Everything has been listed on the memorial form.
Your Majesty, please review it.
Step down.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Li Dequan.
Your Majesty.
Make the arrangements of the next expedition for me.
This time, I will be accompanied by the Crown Prince and the 8th Prince.
All the court matters will be handled by the 4th Prince in the Capital.
The 9th and 10th Princes, as well as the 14th Prince will assist him.
Matters of court shall be reported to me each day through a messenger.
All other communication is forbidden.
The formation of factions is forbidden.
Yes.
His Majesty is starting to become suspicious about 8th Prince's political intentions.
Regarding the political aspirations of the 8th Prince,
this sovereign who considers and decides everything
cannot tolerate his actions.
He doesn't feel safe leaving him in the capital.
On the other hand,
ever since the 2nd Prince was reinstated as the Crown Prince,
his power and influence has weakened.
He has been asking for the official's help on his side.
He's started to actively solicit for support from the other officials in the court.
And they often meet in his residence for discussions.
This has also caused His Majesty to be unsettled.
No wonder he arranged them to come on this expedition.
Ruoxi.
I have missed your iced fruit juice from the last expedition.
My cup was a Chrysanthemum.
The Crown Prince's cup was a peony.
That's right.
The cup that I used had a peony design.
Your son remembers it well too.
It looked exquisite and the drink dispelled the heat.
Since Your Majesty misses it,
I'll prepare it tomorrow.
Great.
8th Brother, this iced fruit juice is really refreshing.
After drinking it, your body feels good.
You'll get to enjoy it tomorrow.
Yes, Ruoxi.
I remember you requested permission to learn horse riding.
How have your lessons gone?
With some difficulty, I have learnt a little.
I'm allowing you to continue learning.
You must learn it well.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Jie'jie has the imperial edict but hasn't gone riding.
Don't you really like riding?
Why aren't you going to learn?
Those soldiers who teach me will all probably be like Ni Man.
They're not there to teach me horseback riding.
They're only concerned that nothing should happen to me.
It's as good as not learning.
But with His Majesty's permission, giving up would be a pity.
I've been tired recently.
I'll learn after we've rested.
4th Prince was concentrated when he was teaching me.
Why is it so clear in my mind?
His every move and action,
every word and movement
are etched in detail in my mind.
We parted ways hastily the last time.
This time, we must enjoy ourselves.
With your words, us brothers from the grasslands
will definitely do our best.
We'll drink till you're satisfied.
Guest and host will be happy to the greatest extent.
Good. I'm very happy.
I'll be honored to play the drinking game.
Crown Prince.
When Mongols drink and make merry,
we make sure that we find the right companions.
When drinking with friends, 1,000 cups is not enough.
It's not necessary for us to say an words.
Your Highness is magnanimous.
You won't mind petty mistakes.
With wine, we will forget past grievances
and get drunk to everyone's satisfaction.
Bei'le is good with words.
Since everyone is extremely happy,
we shall forget the past.
Good. My sentiments exactly.
Let me propose three toasts to you.
Good, good, good.
Here.
Ruoxi!
I recognize you.
Greetings, Princess Minmin.
Your servant is Ruoxi.
You can stand.
Do you have time to accompany me on a walk?
Okay.
Princess, why haven't you gone horseback riding?
We can ride everyday.
Unlike those staying in the Forbidden City,
who need to look for an opportunity to go riding.
Are you good?
You're asking the wrong person.
I can't be considered good.
In fact, I may not even be considered to know how to ride.
I thought only Han women didn't know how to ride.
Why don't you know?
I don't really know how to ride but I want to learn.
Then, I'll teach you.
Even though, I have never taught anyone horse riding,
but I will definitely teach you well.
-All right. -Let's go.
Don't be scared.
Everyone who learns how to ride will fall.
I fell often when I was younger.
Sit tight!
Ruoxi! Ruoxi!
Hang on, Ruoxi!
Ruoxi! Ruoxi!
Give your hand to me.
Are you all right?
Ruoxi, are you all right?
Why did you let go of the reins?
Luckily, Bei'lei was there.
If he wasn't, then Minmin will be in deep trouble.
Come, let me send you back.
Give your hand to me.
Don't trouble yourself, Princess.
Anyway, since I'll be returning to the camp,
let me send Ruoxi back.
Thank you for doing that, Bei'le.
I will visit you when I am free.
It must hurt a lot, right?
Just let me indulge this once.
Just this once.
Forget that he is the 8th prince.
Forget that he has wives.
Forget my reason.
You have me in your heart.
I really am in your heart?
Ruoxi.
Oh, by the way.
Why were you with Princess Minmin?
We met by chance.
She found out that I wanted to learn horse riding
and kindly offered to teach me.
But I really must thank you.
It was so fortunate that I encountered you.
I was just passing by.
When I saw you riding from a distance, I decided to come and have a look.
When you are learning to ride a horse the next time, let me teach you.
Yes.
Please allow me to be excused.
That's right, I indeed like him.
How would it be possible not to be moved by all the sacrifices he made through the years?
But what should I do about this relationship?
I have too many fears.
Too many considerations.
Moreover, he is too ambitious and have too many wives.
What should I do?
What should I do in the future?
Ruoxi, it's me.
It's me!
14th Prince?
What are you doing here?
Are you crazy?
How dare you disobey the Royal Decree?!
The Emperor ordered you to remain in the city.
But you dared to come all the way here.
Are you not scared of angering the Emperor?
Why did you not stay in the city?
I came to see 8th brother.
However, this place either has Imperial Father's men or the Crown Prince's men.
They are too familiar with me.
I'm afraid that if they see my figure from behind, they will be suspicious.
So I came to find you.
Is it because something happened in the Capital?
Nothing major.
It's just that I have something to discuss with 8th brother in person.
If I wrote a letter, someone else may have opened it.
What's more...
When you're exchanging letters back and forth,
it's hard not to miscommunicate, and thus wasting the effort.
I might as well come here in person.
Is it that simple?
Even if I explain the details to you, you won't understand.
So please don't ask anymore.
I am also doing this for your own good.
What are you doing?
Even if you won't allow me to tug, I will insist on tugging.
You want to tug?
But I refuse to let you tug.
All right. Since you want to tug it so badly, I will let you do that.
Good!
Let me think of a way to help you avoid unwanted attention,
so you can meet with the 8th Prince.
I just knew it!
You will definitely find a way.
What are you laughing about?
I came up with a good idea which will definitely not arouse suspicions.
Just from looking at you,
I can tell it must be an absurd idea.
Tell me.
Why don't you disguise yourself as a lady?
A lady?
This way, even if someone sees you with 8th Prince,
they won't be suspicious.
Moreover, who will even imagine
that the magnificent 14th Prince of the Qing dynasty
would disguise himself as a lady?
You dare to say such disrespectful things to me?
Today I must definitely discipline you!
I was wrong, I was wrong.
14 Prince, my hand hurts as soon as something touches them.
How did your hand get injured?
When I was riding the horse, I accidentally pulled the reins too hard.
8th brother must be hurting again.
Then, please let me off.
I originally thought that after staying in the palace for such a long time, you would become dull.
I didn't expect that you still remained the same.
You! Even if you have ten heads available to be executed, they won't be enough.
Same goes for you.
Actually, a brother like you
is the most valuable treasure 8th Prince could have.
Imperial Father scolds me.
However, he still love his sons.
Fine, Hero Liangshan.
You must be tired.
Let me make you something to eat.
After you eat, take a rest here.
Is it convenient for you?
Even if it is inconvenient, I have no choice.
Isn't that right?
Ruoxi.
Your servant, Baozhu, was sent here by Bei'le.
He asked me to give you the medicine.
Please use warm water to rinse before applying it on your wound.
Twice a day, in the morning and at night.
After a few days, the clotted blood will dissolve.
I got it.
Sorry for interrupting. I will take my leave now.
Hey, please wait a moment.
Yes.
14 prince, is this man trustworthy?
Yes.
If he wasn't, 8th brother would not have sent him to give you the medicine.
Even though it's not a matter of great importance,
8th brother is always meticulous about everything concerning you.
Even at this moment, you're still in the mood to crack jokes?
Hold this!
Even though the servant is trustworthy,
but I defied the Imperial Edict when I came here.
The less people who know about it, the better.
Otherwise, I wouldn't have came to find you.
What does Bei'le usually do at night?
I can't be sure of that.
Sometimes he reads, sometimes he plays chess by himself.
-Please go back first. -Yes.
Alright.
What do you plan to do?
Set up a way for you to meet 8th Prince.
The quicker, the better.
Relax.
Official Li.
Here.
Please read this.
This suggests that Minister Zhang Donglai changes to the governor in Shangxi.
Li Shanzhi deployed to Hunan as a governor.
Assistant minister of Ministry Personnel, Hu Chong
will be deployed as minister of public works.
Minister of defense, Deng Tongwen
is temporarily employed as minister of justice,
acting as a temporary substitute for Cheng, who has returned home for a funeral.
What kind of transfer is this?
All these people have relations with 8th brother.
He obviously wants to seize the opportunity and get rid of 8th brother's allies while he's away in the Capital.
So despicable.
Exactly.
Does 9th brother have any opinions?
Of course.
Suddenly, there's such a big movement with the officials.
This would not only influence the government...
I also believe someone is taking advantage of the fact that Imperial Father is not in the Capital
and use this opportunity to get rid of any threads.
Using work to solve personal problems.
9th brother, who are you talking about?
As a man, say it frankly.
Don't talk in circles.
These changes are expressed by other ministers.
They represent Imperial Father's order.
I just do what I have to do, following Imperial Father's wishes.
I'm definitely not doing that personal gain.
That was Imperial Father's order?
Imperial father isn't here.
I think someone is trying to take advantage of it.
If you have suspicions, you can wait until Imperial Father comes home.
Then, you can ask him yourself.
I always consider myself fair.
I am loyal to Imperial Father.
If somebody accuses me of being deceptive, playing favorites,
and eradicating allies,
then I am just eradicating those who are against Imperial Father,
those corrupted officials who abuse power for personal gain.
I will remind all of you.
No matter what your status is,
what Imperial Father hates the most is if we patronage.
If Imperial Father discovers that,
he would certainly punish them severely.
I ask you all to please remember this.
That's right, where has 14th Brother gone?
Why didn't he come?
14th Brother is sick.
It's like this.
14th Brother went hunting a few days ago.
He suddenly saw a fox.
It was exploiting another's power. (The fox borrowing the awe of the tiger -- accuses 4th Prince of abusing his power)
However...
He couldn't kill this kind of a fox.
He was so angry that he made himself sick.
Then, please pass on to 14th Brother that we hope he rests well.
About those fox things, we won't let any one of them go.
13th Brother.
Where are you going?
4th Brother, I'm going to see 14th Brother.
I'm going to explain clearly to him that he needs to stop these shenanigans.
4th Brother.
You two are born from the same mother.
You're blood brothers.
If he continues to fight with you like this,
this brotherly affection will be destroyed.
You don't need to go.
Because we're brothers, that's all the more reason you must not go.
Why?
I'm afraid if you go to his estate and can't find him,
you will only stir up trouble.
4th Brother, you mean to say...?
This time, 14th Brother has gone to the north of the Great Wall to see 8th Brother?
This is in violation of an Imperial Edict.
A crime punishable by death.
This is precisely the reason why you cannot go looking for him.
If you can't find him, this matter will definitely spread.
I'm afraid that would put him in danger.
I was too caught up. Why didn't I even think of this?
I just hope no one discovers this and he can return safely.
4th Brother, don't worry.
14th is smart, nothing will happen.
It's getting late.
There are still people waiting for us.
Luwu greets 4th Prince and 13th Prince.
We're here in private today.
Miss Luwu, you don't be so formal.
Luwu.
Today is first time my 4th brother is here.
You need to sing a little song for my 4th brother.
4th brother, you must pay attention.
I am not planning to sing today.
The two princes are able to watch much better shows performed on the imperial court.
I dare not exert myself.
What an exquisite and clear heart you have.
13th brother, your bosom buddy is both beautiful and wise.
You're exaggerating, 4th Prince.
I am still ignorant.
I hope that both princes will give me some pointers.
Since you don't want to sing,
do you have other plans?
Living in the palace, you'd have everything you need.
You won't see much through your discerning eyes.
Luwu only has a pot of green tea to let you try.
The tea indeed smells good.
Miss Luwu is great with making tea.
A good friend of 13th Prince taught me that.
She learnt her tea making abilities from Ruoxi.
Ruoxi?
Miss Ruoxi is honest and direct.
It's an honor that I could be her friend.
Ruoxi could make friends with anyone.
Except for me, who is so dangerous and threatening.
Doesn't that tell us that she treats you different from other people?
In her heart, 4th brother is special from the others.
Miss Luwu. A man called Mr. Qiao wants to see you.
Let him come in.
Yes.
I am going to prepare some food and wine,
so you can eat and talk at the same time.
I, Nian Genyao, greets Master and 13th Prince.
Don't be so formal. Please get up.
Nian Genyao.
It's been a while. You've become thinner since the last time we saw you.
Is is because of you're working for 4th Prince?
It's my honor to work for Master.
It isn't hard work.
I will remember everything you have done.
I definitely won't mistreat you.
As soon as I get a chance,
I'll make sure you become the governor of Sichuan.