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[The King's Woman]
[Episode 5]
By the mandate of Heaven, the king hereby decrees
the criminal Lao Ai aimed to sabotage and rise in rebellion against a royal.
He committed the most heinous of crimes.
He is sentenced to lingering dismemberment over 100 days.
By the king himself!
- Yes, Your Grace! - Yes, Your Grace!
- Li Zhong. - Present.
Have you carried out the task that I entrusted to you?
Your Grace, it's done. We can take action at your command.
Announce it!
Yes!
Officials, obey the king's command!
From today, a female commoner of Wey State is wanted by Great Qin!
Gongsun Li!
What about this one?
This bangle is also very pretty.
It's so pretty.
What's going on?
What happened?
Let's go take a look.
Let's take a look.
[Wanted: Gongsun Li of Wey]
[King of Qin orders the arrest of Gongsun Li]
[Anyone who reports her whereabouts shall be rewarded handsomely.]
[Wanted: Gongsun Li]
Junior Li?
Greetings, Your Grace.
Li Zhong, how is the task I've entrusted to you going?
Your Grace, from Xianyang all the way to Great Wei
and all territories of Qin State
on every street, alley, city, and suburb
we have posted the portrait of Gongsun Li.
Your Grace is looking for one woman.
It's a simple matter that will be done in the blink of an eye.
What about the matter I especially entrusted to you?
I've handed the special decree to Yao Jia.
Master Yao promised me that he would accomplish the task.
Convey my orders to Yao Jia.
Should he make any blunders
I'll have him dead, with his corpse in pieces.
Yes, Your Grace.
Sister Li.
Do you really have to go?
Lan, don't worry.
Senior and I are just going into hiding for a few days.
We'll come back to you soon.
It's a deal then. You must return safely.
Of course!
There's still have so much I wish to do with you.
Li, Jing.
You must be more cautious on the way.
Be sure to keep Li safe.
Do you know why Qin State is only going after Li?
I don't know either.
Although we're against Qin State
they have never taken such aggressive action to hunt us down.
Now that Qin State has sent out their soldiers to capture Li
there must be a reason for it.
Maybe it's because Sister Li and Brother Jing fought valiantly
against Qin State's army in the battle of Puyang City
so they are now a thorn in Qin State's side.
My father once said that it's easy to make enemies in the battle field.
If you're not hunted by anyone, you can't call yourself a warrior.
I really admire Lan's optimism and cheerfulness.
If you run into any obstacles on your journey to the north
take this letter to an old friend of mine.
He is Tian Guang of Yan State.
Mister Tian is a very knowledgeable man.
He is also quite a close friend of mine.
He will surely be of assistance to you.
Uncle Lu, I shall always remember your kindness.
Don't say so.
I wasn't of any use to you.
I knew that I wouldn't be able to save you from harm
so now you have no choice but to escape from here.
Uncle Lu, please don't say that.
It's a good opportunity for me to travel with my senior.
We can get a work out from tackling some Qin State soldiers.
Uncle Lu, Lan...
We bid you farewell now.
- Farewell. - All right.
Brother Jing and Sister Li, take care!
Take care!
[Chancellor’s Manor]
Your subject, Li Si, greets Your Grace!
Where's Lu Bu Wei?
[Chancellor's disciple, Li Si]
Your Grace, the chancellor happens to be down with a cold.
He's been running a high fever these days, tossing and turning in bed.
It's been hard for him to get out of bed.
Lu Bu Wei never heads out without his mink or fox fur coat.
He has ganoderma and ginseng every day.
Yet he still caught a cold?
This must be unheard of.
It's might be the chancellor's constant worries about state affairs...
that made him fall ill from exhaustion.
He's worried about state affairs?
I suppose he's constantly worried about losing his power and influence?
I do not know the chancellor's thoughts.
I wouldn't dare make assumptions.
What is it?
Are you worried you won't be in his favor if you speak out of turn?
My mentor once said
"Should one be influential, then all is within one’s capability."
"Should one base one's influence on others"
"then it is fruitless to worry."
Should one not have the influence, what should one do?
All matters of the world are as ever-changing as running water.
Should the waters flow in another direction
one should make every effort to cut off the waters and dig a new source
to take a hold of all matters.
Interesting.
What is your name?
My surname is Li, my given name is Si.
I'm a servant staying under the chancellor's roof.
I was once the disciple of Xun Kuang, the official of Lanling in Chu State.
Xun Kuang? (Renowned Confucian philosopher)
You're the grand disciple of Mencius?
I am.
In Lu Bu Wei's “Spring and Autumn Annals”
he wrote mostly of Confucius and Mencius.
I am not fond of Confucian philosophy.
Confucian philosophy emphasizes
the importance of ritual norms and the law of Heaven.
As for those who governed nations according to Confucianism...
Your Grace can refer to Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin
in the Spring and Autumn period.
Both of them abided by ancient ritual norms and supported the King of Zhou.
Yet, that only gave them the power to reign over one state.
In my opinion, Your Grace has great aspirations.
You would not be content with reigning over just one state.
Tell me then.
What would be my aspirations?
Your Grace's aspirations...
It would be to annex the six states and unite the world as one!
Good!
Unite the world as one indeed.
Answer me.
If I were to leave it to you to annex the six states
how would you go about it?
Your Grace.
The six states are now weak and declining, like the setting sun.
They are not to be feared.
Should Your Grace wish to unite the world as one empire
you will have to first stabilize Qin State.
Since ancient times
if subjects were in power, the ruler would lose dominance.
If the ruler dominates, the subjects have little influence.
Your Grace...
Indecisiveness...
would only bring endless trouble.
I'm terribly sorry, Your Grace!
Please wait for a moment.
The chancellor will soon be here once he is dressed.
Don't bother!
I have already learned much.
There's no need to meet the chancellor.
Your Grace!
This way.
Stop right there!
What is your name? Where are you from?
I'm Zhao Si from Puyang City.
Where are you going?
My brother and I are going to Handan City to attend a distant relative's wedding.
Please let us through.
You're going to Handan City?
Officer, please go easy on us.
Get going then.
Thank you.
- Let's go. - Hold on!
Where are you going?
General, I've just told the young officer that
we're attending a distant relative's wedding in Handan City.
Please let us through.
You! Lift your head up!
Are you a man or a woman?
This is my brother.
I'm definitely a man.
A man?
Why do you resemble the wanted person on this poster?
You must be mistaken?
I can figure out if you're a man or woman right away!
Li, run!
General!
- Quickly! Go after them! - Are you all right?
Go after them!
Quickly!
Your Grace.
Your Grace has brought Empress Dowager back to Xianyang.
Do you know what was said about it among the people?
Tell me about it.
It is rumored among the people that
Your Grace personally went there, leading thousands of carriages and horses
to welcome Empress Dowager Zhao back to Xianyang.
A banquet was held in Ganquan Palace.
People on the street swarmed to the parade.
Everyone praised Your Grace for your filial piety.
I, too, congratulate Your Grace for reinstating Empress Dowager.
I've never lost my authority.
What is there to reinstate?
Recently, Great Qin has had many disturbances and the palace is unsettled.
I've heard that people know only of Chancellor Lu and Marquis Changxin
but not of our king.
Your Grace.
You have been very much aggrieved.
Empress Dowager!
You are aware that rebellion is a grave crime.
You should have been considerate of His Grace
been considerate of his perspective since you're the mother of Great Qin!
Grand Empress Dowager, I--
I...
Your Grace.
For the sake of Great Qin's peace and prosperity
do whatever you must do!
Grand Empress Dowager!
Guards!
Take these treacherous children away!
Your Grace, don't!
- Don't! - Mother!
- Your Grace, please! Don't!
Your Grace, however ruthless you may be, they are your brothers after all!
They are my children, Your Grace!
Chang!
Chang! Chang...
Your Grace!
I'm begging you!
I'm begging you, Your Grace!
Your Grace!
Your Grace, please!
If they were born of a common family and I was not the king of Great Qin
they might have been pardoned.
But know this clearly.
They might address you as Mother, but they are not my siblings!
They are sons you bore from your affair with Lao Ai!
Guards!
Take the empress dowager away!
I feel deeply for Your Grace's sorrow.
What do you mean?
I am originally from Zhao State.
Since the time you were held hostage in Zhao State
I have known of Your Grace.
Back then, Your Grace suffered so much humiliation
and spent so much time fearing how others may see you.
Mao Jiao might have been reasonable in asking Your Grace to act benevolently.
Yet he does not understand Your Grace's grief and sorrow.
Everyone asks Your Grace to be thoughtful of Empress Dowager Zhao
but I'm afraid no one considers your feelings.
It's said that without Marquis Wenxin
Your Grace and the deceased king would not have been able
to return to your motherland in Qin.
However, as the leading official of all imperial officials
Chancellor Lu has been manipulating the political powers.
He wished to go against Your Grace but he didn't raise his own rebellion.
First, he made use of Lao Ai and then Lord of Chang'an.
He even spread rumors of Your Grace's parentage
to stir unrest amongst the people!
His each and every move shouldn't be condoned!
Even if Your Grace has brought Empress Dowager back to the palace
how can Your Grace treat her with any respect?
This palace belongs to Your Grace.
Great Qin, too, belongs to Your Grace.
Be it rewards or punishments...
It is all down to Your Grace's command.
Should Your Grace wish to unite the world as one empire
you will have to first stabilize Qin State.
Your Grace.
Indecisiveness...
will only bring endless trouble.
Li, it seems the soldiers haven't caught up to us.
We have run quite far.
We finally shook off those jerks.
Li, it looks like there's a small hut ahead.
Why don't we get some rest first and then make plans?
Sure, let's go.
- Are you cold? - I'm all right.
- Search! - Yes!
Quickly!
Over here! Quickly!
Take a look over there!
Search thoroughly!
Yes!
Search!
Quickly! Over here!
- You guys go over there! - Yes!
It's a pity about my cloak.
Good thing you think fast.
If the fire had caught the soldiers' attention
we would be in trouble again.
Let's stay up tonight.
These soldiers from Qin are so persistent.
They keep coming after us, we can't even shake them off.
If we barge out right now, we'd be outnumbered.
All we can do now is wait.
Put this on.
It's all right, Senior. I'm not cold.
Don't catch a cold.
I wonder if Qin State is coming after you for the sword manual?
I don't think that's it.
Xia Hou Yang, who's after the sword manual is from Zhao State.
He shouldn't have much to do with Qin State.
Qin State's army has always been cruel and unreasonable.
How could we possibly know what they have in mind?
It's all because of my incompetence.
I have yet to decipher the meaning in Mentor's manual.
If I could master the stances
you wouldn't have to suffer through being chased.
Senior, don't keep blaming yourself.
The sword manual was left behind by my grandfather.
Why should you bear sole responsibility for it?
Actually... I don't know the sword manual's meaning either.
Honestly, be it Qin State or Xia Hou Yang...
Neither matters to me.
I just wish to find a blessed land with you
and get away from all of this trouble.
We could just be an ordinary couple.
Li...
Before I avenge our nation and loved ones
I could never selfishly pursue my own happiness.
I'm afraid that if I do, Mentor would be disappointed in me.
If I were so lucky
how could I not wish to lead an ordinary life with you?
Before the mulberry sheds its leaves
how green and fresh they are!
Ah, turtle dove...
Do not eat the mulberries!
Ah, girls...
Do not take your pleasure with men!
A man can take pleasure and get away with it.
But a girl can never be pardoned.
The mulberry sheds its leaves
Yellow and withered...
Shut up! Stop singing!
What is it?
This song from the Odes of Wey describes a woman's marriage to the wrong man.
Do the lyrics nip at your heart, Second Father?
I just think that the songs of Zheng and Wey
are not considered to be refined by nobility.
It's not fit for the halls.
It's inappropriate to have it performed at a royal banquet.
You're dismissed.
- Yes! - Yes!
I'm weary from traveling.
I feel a bit unwell.
I'd like to get some rest back in my quarters.
Sure!
Should I call for a pretty boy to attend to you in bed, Mother?
So...
Your Grace didn't welcome me back to the palace...
out of filial piety...
You simply wish to humiliate me?
Should Your Grace still hold a grudge because of Lao Ai
you can just direct it at me!
I was the one who brought Lao Ai into the palace.
I entrusted Empress Dowager with the military tally.
This is all because of me.
Second Father...
Fine.
Since you wish to take the blame for it...
I will clear some matters up for you.
Since I took the throne at just 15 years of age
you called yourself my Second Father.
Before I came of age
you had your underlings write the “Spring and Autumn Annals of Lu”
to make a high-profile statement to all.
Who doesn't know that “Spring and Autumn Annals”
is the book that educates crown princes in every state?
Everything you did was to make sure everyone knew
that I am your son!
But I am not your son.
I am the legitimate first son of the late king.
The legitimate, royal blood of the Ying family flows through my veins.
You used your place as Second Father
to threaten me and spread the rumors.
You even drove Lord Chang'an away.
You wanted power to usurp my throne just for your personal gain
so how should you be punished?
Rumors can mislead you from what's right and wrong.
You must distinguish right from wrong!
Chancellor has never once thought of usurping the throne.
He...
All... All he ever cared about was you, Your Grace!
Your Grace!
Chancellor assisted the deceased king to the throne
and contributed much to the nation!
The rumors are groundless!
Please show him mercy, Your Grace!
Do not have him convicted of the same crime as Lao Ai!
Fine.
I will spare Lu Bu Wei's life.
However, he is stripped of his position as chancellor.
I will instead create posts for left and right prime ministers.
From this day forth...
I alone shall wield military command!
The decree is to be announced now!
Zheng!
Empress Dowager harbored the rebels.
She will be relocated to South Palace.
No one is to enter without my permission!
Your undeserving subject is grateful to Your Grace for such mercy.
Fan Li, who renamed himself Tao Zhu Gong
retired to the countryside after assisting Yue State to victory.
I've dedicated half my life to Great Qin.
It's about time I retire to the countryside
forget about obtaining power, distance myself from worldly affairs
and learn to comprehend the simplicity of life.
The once mighty merchant, Lu Bu Wei...
Can you let go of all this?
Everyone encounters obstacles in life.
However, I am now but a rotten peach that has sunk to the bottom of Pu River.
I cannot turn things around.
Be careful.
Hold on!
What is it, Senior?
It's too quiet. It doesn't seem right.
You are that vigilant?
You're indeed Gongsun Yu's prized disciple.
You're not to mention my grandfather's name!
What is it that you want?
Not much.
We'd just like to invite Miss Gongsun back to the palace of Xianyang
to meet our king.
Who would want to meet your king?
Young lady, you don't have a say in this.
Junior!
You must bear in mind that Miss Gongsun is not to be injured.
As for Young Warrior Jing...
Do as you wish!
Just as I thought!
Li!
Senior!
Li!
Senior!
Don't come any closer!
If you dare to take a step closer
let's see if you'd like to drag my corpse back to the King of Qin.
Miss Gongsun, put your sword down.
You have to let us leave now.
You're not to follow us.
Neither are the soldiers of Qin State!
In your dreams!
Fine.
You can think it over.
My life is in my own hands.
While yours are at the mercy of your king.
You...
You may leave.
Senior?
Senior.
Quickly.
Senior, you let them go so easily.
In a few days, Gongsun Li will show up in Xianyang
even if we don't make her.
Your Grace, General Meng Wu seeks an audience with you.
Send him in.
Summon Meng Wu into the hall!
Greetings to Your Grace.
Rise.
What of the task I entrusted to you?
Your Grace, it is all set.
Jing Ke was wounded by the fighters Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain.
He's been injected with Yao Jia's deadly poison.
If he's not cured with the antidote within seven days
he will die from the poison.
Good! Well done.
Senior!
Senior, just bear with it for a little while.
Senior!
Senior, how are you feeling?
Senior, are you all right? Senior!
Senior, open your eyes and look at me!
I'm all right.
Don't panic.
Are you hurt?
No, I'm all right!
Senior...
Senior!
I'm really all right.
I can still keep you company.
Stop talking, Senior!
Let me stop the bleeding first!
Does it hurt?
Senior...
Senior!
Senior, don't scare me!
Don't scare me! What should I do?
Senior...
What should I do?
You mustn't die, Senior!
Senior, bear with it for just a while.
We'll get there soon.
Who are you?
[Tian Guang, Yan State] I planned to meet a friend this morning
but he happened to be out.
Then I ran into you. I see that you're having difficulty.
I can't help but ask.
What are you going to do?
This warrior is wounded quite badly.
In my opinion, if his wound is not treated immediately
I'm afraid his life will be at risk.
What is it you want?
Young lady, you must be getting hunted by enemies.
You're too vigilant and wary of everyone.
So what if I am? How does this concern you?
We're both warriors.
It's only natural we're wary of others.
I only stopped you in your tracks
as I could tell that you could use some help.
You're just saying that.
Why should I believe you?
The wounded man is my senior.
If you dare to hurt him, I'll risk my life to take you down!
I am from Yan State.
My name is Tian Guang.
Since I dare to make my identity known to you
you can be at ease now, young lady.
You're Mister Tian Guang?
Indeed.
You've heard of my name?
I behaved so rudely!
Please forgive me, Mister Tian Guang.
My name is Gongsun Li.
Uncle Lu Gou Jian told me to go to you should my senior or I encounter trouble.
You know Warrior Lu?
Mister Tian.
This is the letter Uncle Lu gave to me and my senior.
He said that if we encounter an obstacle
we could go to Anyi and seek your help.
You're actually the descendant of Warrior Gongsun Yu?
Gongsun Yu is my grandfather and my senior's mentor.
Warrior Gongsun is now--
My grandfather...
He was already sacrificed in the battle of Puyang City.
Qin State indeed...
Miss Gongsun.
Come with me!
Mister Tian, how is Senior's injury?
Miss Gongsun, although he is severely wounded
his internal organs are still unaffected.
He should be fine for now.
However, the weapon that injured him was coated with deadly poison.
The poison has already seeped into his veins.
Without the antidote...
I'm afraid...
Young Warrior Jing won't survive seven days.
What?
Miss Gongsun, don't despair yet.
Tell me who the attackers were.
The notorious four of Xianyang.
Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain.
Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain?
It is just as I thought.
Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain serve under Qin State's sorcerer, Yao Jia.
Yao Jia?
He is the confidant of the king.
He is in charge of all sorts of despicable and unmentionable acts.
If Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain were sent on this task
then it means the king of Qin really wishes to capture you.
He regards your arrest as his top priority.
But... I am no more than an ordinary woman.
Why would King of Qin insist on capturing me?
Miss Gongsun, you're smart and vigilant.
You should understand.
How would most men look at you?
You should also understand
that a beauty like yours, which even the gods would covet
couldn't possibly escape the Qin State king's notice.
Many others would also offer you as a priceless treasure
to the most powerful King of Qin.
It was actually because of me...
I got Senior into this predicament.
Mister Tian...
I have a plan.
Please lend me a swift horse.
What are you going to do?
Please look after Senior for me.
I shall always remember your kindness!
Miss Gongsun!
Here you are.
This is my palace.
Why haven't you bowed to me?
Commoner, Gongsun Li , greets Your Grace!
You seem to have gotten thinner.
Your Grace has met me?
Mister Tian, you must keep this secret for me.
My senior is not to know that I've been to Xianyang.
You should now understand that I won't take your life.
It is you I want.
You brought this antidote?
Or did Mister Tian find the prescription for it?
I slipped in and out of consciousness.
I don't remember much.
But I remember I was poisoned with deadly poison from Qin State's sorcerer.
Who could possibly cure me of such a deadly poison?
Fine.
Give me the antidote.
How long do you need?
Three months.
Step aside!
- Over here! - Step aside! Out of the way!
What is it?
There are guards there.
They might have seen the wanted poster.
Let's find a place to hide, come!
There's no need, Senior.
Haven't you noticed my portrait isn't posted up anymore?
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