Do you still want the snuff bottle?
If you have the nerve, then keep it.
Just do not regret it in the future.
Give it to her. I'm afraid that the item was from someone powerful.
Quick, just return it to her.
You can have it back.
I did not wish for things to have gotten as far they did today.
In the future, we still have to spend a long time together.
I want to let you know clearly.
As they say, a phoenix without feathers is worse than a chicken.
But there is also the saying -- A centipede with thousand legs dies but never falls down.
You have been in the palace for many years,
being promoted and demoted...
You should have seen this many times.
You should leave a leeway for yourselves in everything.
I know.
Eunuch Zhang normally gives me special treatment.
You guys suffered a lot.
That's my fault.
From today onwards, we should all understand each other more.
Try and make less mistakes,
so events like this would not happen again.
If something like this do happen in the future,
I will ask everyone to please excuse me now.
Those who treats me badly...
I will forget about it quickly.
However, anyone who treats me well...
I will remember and repay the kindness.
To tell you the truth, I have already planned on giving gifts to sisters.
It's just that in a short amount of time, I didn't know about your preferences yet.
So I haven't casually given gifts.
Meimei (younger sister). Please accept it for my sake.
If you don't mind, then I will take one.
And so you should.
We are all sisters. Please don't be too polite.
Thank you.
Alright, alright.
Eat melon seeds, eat melon seeds.
Today's seeds are extra tasty. Delicious and crunchy!
Come, come, come. Let's eat together.
Eat, eat.
Greetings, Miss Ruoxi.
Eunuch Cao.
Please do not be like this. I do not deserve that.
Seeing Miss was not an easy task.
Wangye sent this to you.
Inside, there are bank notes with small amounts.
Keep those on you so it's convenient to give and you don't need to worry about losing them.
The medicine you wanted has been sent to your room.
Thank you very much, Eunuch Cao.
If you have anything you need, you can come find me.
I will take my leave now.
Eunuch Zhang.
Can you...
That's easy.
Then I will take my leave
Ruoxi.
Eunuch Zhang.
Follow me.
Yes.
10th Prince, 14th Prince.
Greetings, Princes.
What are you doing here?
Why are you like this?
Didn't you say everything has been arranged well?
Certain types of work must have certain appearances.
How is Zhang Qianying treating you?
Eunuch Zhang has been taking good care of me.
If he dares to treat you in any bad manner, I will have his head fall to the floor.
I know.
Ok, let's sit and talk.
Is there anything wrong?
Is it my sister?
Your sister is well.
Even though her body is weak,
but you already know that she's always been like this throughout the years.
Then what's wrong?
To have caused both Princes to come personally looking for me.
After the dead eagle event,
8th Prince suffered a big blow and was very sick.
Though his sickness has gone, he is still feeling very bad.
8th brother has not been very healthy. With the pressure from inside and outside, he's become sick again.
This time, the illness is serious.
The Imperial Physician said...
Imperial father spoke four words to the Imperial Physician.
Do your best to treat it.
Ruoxi, we came to look for you.
If you have anything to say or urge,
please tell us and we will pass it on.
A letter is okay too.
Did 8th Prince send you two here?
It was my idea.
8th Prince has been unconscious.
Ruoxi, what happened between you and 8th Brother?
How is everything in 8th Prince's estate?
How is 8th Fujin and my sister?
8th sister-in-law is really a hero amongst the women.
I admire her wholeheartedly.
Think about it. After 13th brother got into trouble,
his estate became a total mess.
Even petty things like theft occurred.
13th Fujin had to dismiss all unnecessary servants.
However, 8th sister-in-law
did not allow any trouble to happen in her place.
As regarding to your sister...
Because of you and 8th brother,
she worried day and night. She kneels in front of Buddha, chanting and praying.
I heard from Qiaohui
she would cry several times a day.
Please wait.
Happiness causes worry and suffering.
Happiness causes fear.
There will be no worry and suffering without happiness.
Fear wouldn't be found anywhere.
Love creates worry, causing suffering to grow.
Love creates fear.
Without love, there will be no worry and suffering.
Fear wouldn't be found anywhere.
Therefore, one should not love.
Love and separation creates suffering.
If there is no love or hate,
you will be free without burden.
Bei'le's ability is enough to fix the whole world.
Bei'le's love is like flowers in the mirror and moon reflected on water.
Bei'le, you have high ambition.
Even though you put your heart into the state,
you are not an emotionless person.
If there is no love or hate, you will be free without burden.
The letter Ruoxi wrote me...
She advises me that one should guard themselves against worry and fear.
I think she has found her peace of mind in Laundry Department.
So Bei'le, you should not worry.
You can even imitate her.
I have never thought that she would have such a strong will.
There are times even I was defeated...
But she wouldn't be.
Previously, I worried about her everyday.
I don't know when -- the most troublesome girl suddenly grew up.
Now the roles have reversed.
We have to learn from her how to let go.
She taught me what it really means to truly let everything go.
In the past, I could not break away from hate because of love.
But Ruoxi said, since everything has been let go,
there would no longer be pain or suffering.
Once, I had hated Bei'le.
But after I read the letter,
I know the person who was making me unhappy all this time was not someone else.
It was myself.
As the proverb say --
Life passes by in a hurry, and suddenly it's been ten years.
Why should I burden myself for an entire lifetime with something that I cannot take with me?
Making myself suffocate...
I just received an express letter.
In the end, Sele and Elun Tejun were heavily surrounded.
The whole army was completely annihilated.
Do you two have any opinions?
Replying to your majesty, I think that Zunge'er had just won recently.
Their morale is high.
Our army should avoid their vanguard and ask for armistice.
When should the armistice end?
That... That needs to be carefully considered for long term results.
Replying to your majesty.
I also agree to ask for armistice now.
The roads to Tibet are often rugged and dangerous.
Impedimenta and transportation would become a problem.
If rations and fodder become insufficient because of an ambush,
what would happen to our army?
Was that your first time fighting over there?
You were scared to death by the enemies and are unwilling to fight?
Ten thousand deaths will not stop me from protecting the realm.
Your Majesty. You haven't slept for several nights.
You must take care of your health.
The northwest area all belongs to Cewangalabutan now.
How can I sleep well?
I really underestimated the enemy.
The northwest area were occupied.
The officials in the Imperial Court does not support the Emperor to send an army.
Under the urgent situation from outside and inside,
The Emperor moved the date up and appointed the 14th Prince as Fuyuan General.
He took command and lead the army to the frontier.
Let's set off!
14th brother is extremely clever.
He is capable and is a refined character.
Our brothers cannot not compare to him.
9th Brother.
8th brother. The wind here is strong.
You just recovered from a major illness and should not stand for long time.
I should accompany you back.
Compare to 14th brother,
standing a while is just a small matter.
As long as the General could save the common people from predicament
and not disappoint Imperial Father,
that would fulfill my wish.
His Majesty gave 14th Prince such an important duty.
It seems that he will be the Crown Prince.
That's right. His Majesty even said 14th Prince was the most similar to him.
Among all the princes, 14th Prince has become the first one amongst the brothers.
No one could touch him.
Yes.
Master. 4th Prince asks to see His Majesty.
Leave.
Your Majesty.
4th Prince is outside and asks to see you.
Let him in.
Yes.
Allow 4th Prince in.
Greeting, Imperial Father.
Rise.
Thank you, Imperial Father.
4th Prince, why are you looking for me?
I heard that Imperial Father did not sleep or rest because of the northwest war.
I specifically asked the Imperial Physicians to make a tonic.
Take those.
Yes.
When I've seen Imperial Father recently,
you've become thinner and more pallid each time.
I dare to ask Imperial Father to take care of yourself.
The country still needs Imperial Father.
I will.
You may leave.
Thank you Imperial Father. I will take my leave now.
Please wait, Your Highness.
Your Majesty.
The problems that we could not solve before,
why don't we ask for His Highness's opinion?
I had the same thought.
Okay.
Your Highness.
Before we were talking with His Majesty
regarding the northeast war.
However, we felt that it would be best to transfer troops from Mongolia.
What do you think?
I think it is a good idea.
Know yourself, know your enemy and one will come unscathed through a hundred battles -- (Art of War)
Nian Gengyao.
Yes.
That is the way to do it.
Yes.
Your Majesty, I have a suggestion.
Speak.
Now, the times are filled with troubles.
The Imperial Court really needs capable people.
Since His Highness is talented,
I think he should step out and serve the Imperial Court.
Firstly, Your Majesty could be more at ease,
and secondly, the country would benefit from this too.
Alright!
Your Highness, this time you were put into an important position by His Majesty.
That is a very good and happy news.
Congratulations, Master!
Master, do you have any other opinions?
No.
How was it?
Good news have finally arrived from 13th Prince.
A baby girl was born.
Ruoxi.
Come here.
Eunuch Zhang.
Is there anything the matter?
Ruoxi.
This baby is...?
This baby is 13th Brother and Luwu's.
Really?
Why is it here?
Life in Yangfeng Jiadao is not fit for normal people.
It may be alright for adults to bear it,
but infants would not be able to survive.
Therefore, I asked Imperial Father to allow me to raise her.
Imperial Father agreed.
She still doesn't have a name yet.
The person who carried her to my estate said
that 13th brother and Luwu would like you to choose a name for her.
They want me to choose a name?
Originally, Imperial Father had already thought of a name.
But after he heard about this, he agreed to let you name her.
Then, we will present the name to him.
and Imperial Father will name her that.
Ruoxi.
Imperial Father really misses you.
Choose a name...?
What should I choose?
This child was separated from her parents since birth.
How about Cheng Huan?
Note: To please someone by doing or saying what that person likes to see or hear; especially to please one's parents this way.
Cater to her parents on her knees.
Okay, let's use this name.
Xiao Shun Zi.
Your servant is here.
Come.
Hold her well.
Yes.
How's your health recently?
Does your knee still hurt?
The herbal plaster you asked Xiao Shun Zi to send is very useful.
Here, you need to avoid dwelling on unpleasant things more.
Don't worry too much.
Everyday I will write the sentence you gave to me several times.
Follow the road to the end of water,
sit down and watch the clouds form.
I can only use this method to let you know that I am always here.
Do you regret?
Suffering here, waiting for me?
I do not regret.
I will definitely wait.
It's getting late.
I have to leave.
It seems that he is carrying thousand pounds of heavy burden,
just because to him, the Imperial Throne
is not just the Imperial Throne itself.
It's also the future of 13th Prince and my future.
All these heavy pressures are laid on his shoulders.
My waist is sore and my back hurts.
Yeah.
There are so many clothes to wash.
Here is one more barrel.
Please pass me this.
Did you know?
14th Prince won another battle in northwest.
Really?
We are under the blessing of 14th Prince!
The whole country can be safe.
Right. Correct!
As long as we have 14th Prince, the whole country will be safe and other countries will send in tributes and submit themselves to the Emperor's ruling.
-That is wonderful. -Yes.
I head that 14th Prince was very impressive.
Tall and strong.
He had many victories.
He looked very awe-inspiring.
The legendary stories from the war gradually arrived.
A lot of tribes started supporting 14th Prince.
14th Prince's name was spread far and wide.
He was the hero General in everyone's heart.
There were many changes in the Laundry Department.
Chun Tao and Yan Ping were released from the Palace.
With Chun Tao and Yan Ping gone, two new young girls came.
Qianqian and Lingdang.
14th Prince is really amazing.
He fought so many battles and won them all!
Of course.
14th Prince is the General well versed in polite letters and martial arts.
He is lively and elegant.
How do you know? Have you met 14th Prince?
No, I have not.
Ruoxi Jie'jie, have you met 14th Prince?
The 14th Prince I know doesn't seem like that.
Then what is he like? Tell us.
Tell us.
Please tell us.
Please tell us, Ruoxi Jie'jie.
More time has passed.
Finally, news arrived that 14th Prince will return to the Capital.
All the palace maids wishes to see the elegant demeanor of him.
14th Prince has returned to the palace.
I guess that we will soon see the General's grateful bearing.
We'll see whether we are fortunate enough for that.
It is always good to have some hope.
Yes.
14th Prince, this way.
14th Prince, please.
I'd like to speak to Ruoxi.
Have everyone leave.
Yes.
Hurry and greet 14th Prince before you leave.
Greetings, 14th Prince.
Hurry up, leave.
Yes. Yes.
14th Prince, your servant will take his leave.
Greeting, 14th Prince.
You're the hero in many maiden's heart right now.
It has been so many years.
I asked Imperial father two times for marriage.
Imperial Father never promised me.
Even though I asked Imperial Father for the marriage,
and I asked him to forgive you because you have served him so many years.
All these years of hard labor should be more than enough to make up for your mistake, no matter how big it was.
Can you guess how Imperial Father responded?
Am I that detestable to you?
That you'd rather stay here and wash clothes for the Eunuchs
than marry me, right?
Today, it won't be okay if you don't explain or change the subject.
I have enough patience to wait for your answer.
It's not your fault.
You are good, really good.
It is my problem.
Then, I'm going to ask you.
As long as you respond, it's fine.
In your heart, do you have someone else?
Fine.
You've already given me an answer.
Is it 8th Brother or 4th Brother?
What is the meaning of asking these?
Looks like its 4th Brother.
He is staying at his estate to be a wealthy and unconcerned man.
Yet you are here enduring hardships.
Is it worthy of you to give him your whole heart?
Is it worthy of you treating me this way?
That time when you risked your life in a horse race because of me...
Since then, I have been determined to treat you the same way as 13th Prince does.
To see you as a friend and treat you with sincerity.
I try my best to be your friend.
I have achieved that.
At least I have a clear conscience.
You really do not need to be like this.
I did it for myself that day too.
You do not owe me anything.
If it wasn't for me, you would not have fallen to your current position.
If you were really doing it for yourself,
you could have easily pushed all the responsibility onto me.
And you wouldn't have to risk your life in that horse race.
You look much thinner and paler.
You've become more charming and handsome.
You still aren't willing to marry me.
Is that right?
Whatever.
If you don't want to stay here, you can look for me anytime.
Thank you.
Don't forget what Physician Li told you before.
Think less and avoid worries.
I remembered.
It's not alright just because you remembered.
The most important is to be able to let go.
I have plans for our problems.
You do not have to worry.
The most important thing right now is to take care of yourself. Understand?
Your Majesty.
The wind is cold are strong. How about we go back early and rest?
No need.
Riding the horses today, I feel that my physical strength is much worse than before.
My ability is falling short of my wish.
The elegant manner of Your Majesty on a horse is the same as before.
It's not less than before in the slightest.
It is only because you have been exposed to the wind and cold,
that you feel this way.
Your Majesty, please do not worry too much.
Let's go back to the palace.
Okay.
His Majesty's health had became a bit better.
It's just the qi and blood is still lacking.
Besides taking medicine,
You need to get the additional nourishments from food
to make your qi stronger.
My appetite has been bad lately.
I can't seem to be interested in
any of the food that the Imperial Kitchen prepares.
Count it as forcefully eating.
I eat but do not know the taste of the food.
Whatever you body lack is what you need the most.
Your Majesty, please start and give up some food based on what you want.
That way, your appetite will improve.
Pastry.
It's been so long since I've eaten pastries.
It has been a long time.
Eunuch Wang.
Jie'jie. I've been waiting.
Jie'jie, come with me onto the carriage.
Eunuch Wang.
What's the reason you're looking for Ruoxi today?
His Majesty wants to eat some spongy foods.
The Imperial Kitchen exhausted their ideas, they want to come up with a plan but they just couldn't.
My Master guessed that
His Majesty thought of you and the great pastries you made.
It's probably too late to call someone in to make some.
That's why he asked you to go to the palace.
Is His Majesty's health alright?
Much better, he just gets tired easily.
If I did not remember wrong,
this will be the year when the Emperor will pass away.
November of Kangxi's 61st year.
Everything will not be far away.
I'll leave now.
Jie'jie, you have finally returned!
Must have been hard on you these few years.
Let's go inside.
Jie'jie, do you want to go to my room to rest a bit?
There's no need.
Bring me straight to the kitchens will be fine.
This should be the last time I'll get to make pastries for His Majesty.
Toward His Majesty, I have respect,
Admiration, fears, hate and compassion towards him.
All that now has changed into not willing to part.
I am waiting for that moment to come.
This was not made by Yutan.
Tell her to come and see me.
One taste, and I knew this pastry was made by you.
This light and non-greasy sweet pastry
has really whetted my usual poor appetite.
I am willing to make pastries for Your Majesty anytime,
as long as it can help benefit your health.
Good
Raise your head.
Let me see you properly.
Your face is so pale.
Have you been sick?
Replying His Majesty, I have been well.
Then why is your complexion not looking so good?
Replying Your Majesty.
I've only had some small pains.
That is nothing to be mentioned.
There's no need for Your Majesty to worry.
One's body, skin and hair are all from their parents.
You better take better care of your health.
I will listen to Your Majesty's words.
His Majesty did not say if I had to go back?
Even though letting you stay was Eunuch Li's suggestion,
but the bigger half was His Majesty's idea.
Jie'jie. Don't worry about that.
Yutan, has His Majesty mentioned about you leaving the palace?
His Majesty doesn't know how old I am.
The kingdom has been at war.
The state treasury has tight budget,
and various disasters continually happened.
The Emperor's heart is completely set on that.
He does not have the energy left to consider us lower people.
Then how can Eunuch Li let that pass?
He also asked me twice for my opinion.
I didn't want to go outside the palace, so he didn't bring it up again.
Anyway, Eunuch Li would love for me to stay.
Whenever Eunuch Li wanted something to do done, he will ask me or Eunuch Wang to handle it.
In order to train a servant properly, three to five years is no where near enough.
That is true.
This time, is the Emperor's illness severe?
I think his illness is not that severe.
The Emperor took pity on you this time when you came back.
Maybe he'll let you continue serving him.
But your complexion does not look too good.
If Jie'jie really could come back here, I will need to nurse Jie'jie back to health.
Even his close servant does not think his sickness is too serious.
Therefore, the officials in the Imperial Court will all treat it lightly.
I don't know if the Emperor died of his current illness.
Later, people suspected why Kangxi suddenly died.
It can't be.
Jie'jie, what's wrong?
These few days, did 4th Prince come a lot?
He comes daily, morning and night.
Sometime even 3-4 times.
Even when the Emperor was in bad spirit and stopped seeing the princes.
But he will still see the 4th Prince.
Why do you ask?
Which prince do you think Emperor will pick?
It should be 14th Prince.
His Majesty has been pondering if he should call 14th Prince to return.
But he is almost home.
But isn't the Emperor good to the 4th Prince too?
Yes, among the brothers.
The ones he dotes on the most are 14th and 4th Prince.
Jie'jie.
Don't think too much.
I will get you some warm water.
Would 4th Prince do that?
No, he definitely wouldn't.
Imperial Father.
You didn't sleep well again?
Did the coughing interrupt your sleep?
I never thought the cold came strongly and quickly.
The Imperial Physicians said that as long as you take care and have medicine on time,
you will get better very fast.
Here.
Ruoxi.
Have you seen the Imperial Physician yet?
Not yet.
Don't forget.
Thank you for your concern.
4th brother, sit with me a while.
Thank you, Imperial Father.
Recently, the country's matters have been busy.
The war is still ongoing.
My health has gotten worse.
I really felt that the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Imperial Father, your body is under the influence of the cold.
But you're still concerned day and night for the country and people.
That is why you would have such thoughts.
I am getting old.
There are many things I want you to share the burdens with me.
For matters of the country, of course your son will.
Imperial Father just give me an order.
4th Prince. On the 15th day,
you will go to Tiantan on my behalf and fast respectfully.
to perform the ceremony of sacrificing to the Heaven.
I will do as ordered.
This matter had always been taken care of by the Crown Prince.
It seems that 4th brother is truly the Emperor's favorite.
Your Highness.
Is there anything wrong?
Imperial Father ordered you to host the ceremony of the sacrifice of Heaven.
Seems like the Eunuchs have almost finished preparing.
You can leave anytime to the temple.
Wait a little more.
Your Highness.
If you delay anymore, time will be tight.
I cannot leave at this time.
Are you worried about His Majesty's illness?
Relax, Your Highness.
Heaven will bless a good man like Imperial Father.
There definitely won't be a problem.
Thats enough.
I have my own decisions.
Just wait for a while.
Your Majesty.
Leave for now.
Okay.
4th Prince.
I would like to say something to you.
Your son is listening.
I've served the kingdom and the people.
I know 4th Prince...
I know you are like me, we are of one mind.
I have been listening to your advise since childhood.
Imperial Father has been my role model for everything.
You should know that...
The thing I do not wish to see the most
is that you and your brothers would plot against each other for the throne.
Resulting in brothers hurting each other.
I do not have many days left.
Imperial Father. You have the most fortune.
You will live on for hundred years.
I hope that you could strive the most for the Imperial Court and for my country of the Qing Dynasty.
I already ordered someone to write the decree.
Imperial Father.
4th Prince.
You...
You must promise me something.
Your son greets Imperial Mother.
Go back for now.
Ruoxi, I have something to say to you.