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[The King's Woman]
[Episode 1]
[Daliang City, Capital of Wei State]
Your order is here.
Thank you.
- Thank you. - Enjoy.
Mentor, there's one matter that puzzles me.
Warrior Ge Nie is from Qin State. [Jing Ke of Wey State]
Why would he leave his country?
[Commander-in-Chief of Wey State, Gongsun Yu]
Qin State is as good as an insane beast now.
Ever since Su Qin failed to persuade the six major states to form
an alliance decades ago they turned against him.
The powerful Qin State now sets its eyes on the other states.
Lu Bu Wei, who has come to power in Qin State
is one very cunning and crafty man.
He made King Zhuangxiang of Qin drive a wedge between
Lord Xinling of Wei and King Anxi of Wei
just to undermine the power of the Wei State.
Then he had King Zhuangxiang of Qin appoint Consort Zhao's son
Ying Zheng as the crown prince
in order to win the support of imperial officials
so he could expand his political influence and authority.
I think Warrior Ge refused to remain
in the same country as the likes of those villains
so he willingly left Qin State.
Grandfather, I remember you once said
[Gongsun Li of Wey State] that in order to go against the alliance
we collaborated with Qin State but were unexpectedly defeated by Wei State
and ended up as their vassal state.
Ever since then, our king was forced to
relocate to Yewang Fief by the King of Qin.
He has been exiled from Qin State.
The past is still so vivid.
I can't help but sigh.
Now that Lu Bu Wei has set his mind on the annexation of all the states
there are endless battles everywhere, putting the people in peril.
If the six states still refuse to form an alliance
I'm afraid our states and homes will be destroyed.
Li, you're as outstanding as any man.
Your political insight is like no other.
Of course.
If I wasn't born a woman
I'd surely serve the imperial court just like Grandfather did.
Let's eat up, we have to hurry on with our journey tomorrow.
Yes.
Here.
[Hunting grounds, Western Hills, Qin State]
Your Grace.
Take it away!
- Guards! - Hold on!
[King of Qin, Ying Zheng]
Your Grace, you must not do so!
His Grace doesn't like to be disturbed
when he's hunting. What is it? [Commandant of Guards, Li Zhong]
[Lao Ai's confidant, Assistant Archery Officer]
The laws of the Western Hills state
all hunted prey must be turned over to Marquis Changxin.
How absurd!
This wild deer was shot down by His Grace!
Is Marquis Changxin superior to His Grace?
A mere assistant archery officer dares to offend His Grace?
Apologize!
I'm only acting according to law.
I don't mean to offend my superior.
The rules of the hunting grounds are set by Empress Dowager Zhao.
Your Grace can decide what to do.
I'm interested in hunting.
However, I might not be so keen on keeping the prey.
Since the Western Hills have such a rule
I'll turn this deer over to Marquis Changxin as a gift.
- Li Zhong! - Your Grace.
Let's return to the palace.
Mother!
Hold on!
[Swordsman, Ge Nie]
Ge Nie?
Mother, I'm scared!
Are you waiting to be killed?
- Run! - Run!
Sir, you are...
You must be Warrior Ge Nie?
I am Gongsun Li.
My grandfather, Gongsun Yu is Commander-in-Chief of Puyang City.
He has brought us over hundreds of miles
just to look for you.
Warrior, I read one of your letters in the manor of Wei State's chancellor.
I learned you recently left Qin State so I rushed all the way here
to express our hopes to recruit your service for the six states.
Mister Gongsun, you are too kind.
I am but a mediocre and unambitious man.
I'm incapable of offering any service to the six states.
No amount of serving the six states could be too small.
The tyranny of Qin State affects all, regardless of nationality.
We all know that although you are from Qin State
you refuse to serve under it.
Your martial arts skills are unparalleled.
You're known to be the best swordsman.
Should you join us in fighting against Qin State
it would surely boost the morale of our people greatly.
The title of Best Swordsman is but a rumor in the world of fighting.
It's not worth mentioning.
Mister Gongsun.
Since we have now met in Yuanyong City
if you can stop me from leaving, I'll be at your disposal.
If not, please head back.
[Changyang Palace, Qin State]
Here.
Greetings, Mother.
[Lord Chang’an, Cheng Jiao] Greetings, Empress Dowager.
[Empress Dowager, Consort Zhao] Guards.
Why wasn't I informed of the king's arrival?
I didn't let them do so.
My head has been aching today.
I told Lao Ai to massage the main meridians.
[Marquis Changxin, Lao Ai] Indeed, Your Grace.
What brings Your Grace here today?
Mother.
My coming-of-age ceremony is all set and arranged.
I shall set out to Yong City soon.
Cheng Jiao will accompany me.
That is great.
Your Grace has been looking forward to your coming-of-age ceremony.
I'm really happy for you.
Your younger brother can be present at such a joyous occasion.
The deceased king would have been so relieved.
Seeing Marquis Changxin reminded me of a matter.
This morning, I was out hunting on the Western Hills.
I shot a deer.
It was then that I learned
it isn't just the halls and horses that are managed by Marquis Changxin
but also the game of hunting.
Marquis Changxin acts fittingly and thoughtfully.
Your Grace is usually occupied with state affairs.
I assigned him these trivial tasks
in hopes of sharing some of your many burdens.
Should Your Grace be fond of that deer
I'll have it returned to you immediately.
Don't bother.
The deer was very beautiful.
Mother isn't often in Changyang Palace and since this is such a rare visit
I'll gift the deer to Mother.
I thank Your Grace for the gift.
- Mentor! - Grandfather!
Mentor!
Grandfather!
Mentor.
The best swordsman indeed.
I, Gongsun Yu, humbly accept my defeat.
I never meddle in political affairs.
However, since we met today
there is a matter of which I can inform you.
Upon my departure from Qin State
I saw Great General Meng Wu leading the army out of the city.
Wey State has long been the vassal state of Great Wei
so if Qin State is out to expand its territory to the east
the King of Wei might give up Wey State's Puyang City for the sake of peace.
We are fortunate to have met today. We shall meet again.
Puyang City is in danger.
They act so lewdly with no shame!
I can't find more lowly words to describe those two!
Zheng!
Why would you get so worked up over a mere eunuch?
He was originally a lowly man from South Market.
Now that he's greatly favored, it's not surprising that
he's become arrogant and lewd.
Everyone says that Lao Ai wasn't really castrated.
That he is no eunuch.
And he's actually attending to Mother in bed.
That he has been having intercourse with her.
Do you believe that rumor?
What if it is true?
If you are to convict Lao Ai of his sins
wouldn't that only cause more harm to Empress Dowager Zhao's reputation?
When has my mother ever cared about her reputation?
Zheng, what you need to focus on right now is tackling the chancellor.
Why bother worrying about the harem?
My mother and the chancellor keep each other in check.
If he were to clean up the so-called treacherous officials around me
he is sure to start from the harem.
Greetings, Your Grace.
Your Grace, the deer you hunted on the Western Hills
has been handled as you instructed.
Very good.
[Han Shen of Wey State] Mentor. Juniors.
I've been waiting here for quite some time
but still couldn't find you.
I was worried you might have run into Qin State's army.
Senior, how is Puyang City right now?
Come on, let's talk inside.
Sure.
Please enjoy your food.
According to my investigation
Qin State's army has pitched camp about ten miles from Puyang City.
I estimate that they'll deploy the army halfway through tonight.
Qin State hasn't invaded Wei State for a decade.
This time, their army is deployed along the border.
They must have prepared.
They are going to take down Puyang City in one battle.
As for me...
I must lead our army to safeguard and defend the city till the end.
Shen, Jing.
You are to defend the east and west gates to the city.
Be sure to evacuate the civilians safely.
Let no innocent lives be harmed.
- Yes. - Yes.
Grandfather, what should I do?
Jing, the city will surely be in great chaos tomorrow.
You must protect Li.
Yes, Mentor.
This is so unfair, Grandfather.
Why do you all get to defend the city while I stand by doing nothing?
Grandfather, I might be a woman.
But I too have the heart and will to protect my people and country.
Senior Shen and Senior Jing both get to evacuate our people.
I could do the same as well!
Li, I would never doubt that you have the capacity and will
to assist the weak.
However, Qin State's army will soon be upon us.
Puyang City is in peril.
This is no trivial matter.
You're the only surviving heir of the Gongsun family.
I'm worried that you're only concerned about others
and have forgotten your own safety.
After my parents sacrificed themselves
you've kept me alive all this time.
Is sacrificing yourself to protect me
really the only way to protect our family's bloodline?
Our nation is in danger.
It's our duty to protect and defend our nation.
Does it meant that much to you to uphold a heroic reputation?
Our family is nothing but loyal to the nation.
If the whole family, except for me, is sacrificed for the nation
then what does that make me?
Li, that's enough.
Marquis Changxin acts upon Empress Dowager's official call to arms!
At the crow of the rooster
Yong City shall hold the coming-of-age ceremony
and the king shall be crowned!
However...
According to the information I received
His Grace has already been assassinated!
Those gathered in Yong City are rebels!
That king is an impostor!
Soldiers, obey my command!
I now have command of Qin State's Royal Military!
This is not a false claim!
By the decree of Empress Dowager
the army is to come with me to Yong City
to assassinate the impostor!
Avenge our king!
Kill!
[Yong City, Secondary Capital of Qin State]
The ancestral ritual has concluded!
May the coming-of-age ceremony commence!
[Marquis Wenxin, Chancellor Lu Bu Wei]
[Puyang City, Wey State] 241 BC
General Meng Wu of Qin State led the army straight into Puyang City.
Greetings to our king!
- Greetings to our king! - Greetings to our king!
Greetings to our king!
You may all rise!
Thank you, Your Grace!
Your Grace!
Your Grace, General Meng Wu has already broken into Puyang City.
It's a gift for your coronation.
Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain!
(Move as swift as the wind, stay as silent as the forest.)
(Attack as fiercely as fire, defend as strongly a mountain.)
Mentor, it's the four greatest warriors of Qin State.
Shen...
I will fend the four of them off.
You must protect our people and have them evacuated immediately!
- But, Mentor-- - Stop hesitating!
Evacuate them now!
Protect our people, evacuate!
Leave!
Leave no man alive!
Attack!
No!
Report!
We have orders to report!
[Great General Wang Jian]
Your Grace, a soldier passed on a command.
- I've verified it. - Speak!
Marquis Changxin claimed that the king in Yong City is an impostor
and the empress dowager has appointed a new crown prince in Xianyang.
He has deployed the army to Yong City.
He intends to kill the impostor to avenge the king.
How atrocious.
His Grace stands right before you and you dare to spread fallacies!
Where are the rebels now?
They reached Mei City at sunrise.
He even had the empress dowager's tally of military command.
How absurd!
Empress Dowager never interferes with military and political affairs!
How could she have a tally?
Anyone there?
Ling Qi.
Retrieve Empress Dowager's jade seal.
Return it to me!
You can't! You can't do this, Lao Ai!
Lao Ai, you can't do this to me!
Zheng is my child!
How could you go against him?
If I don't kill him...
He will have me killed.
In the past, Empress Dowager mostly resided in Yong City.
The old capital is located in a more secluded area.
Hence, for her protection, I left a military tally in her care.
I never thought the villain would use it!
The so-called villain...
Didn't you send him to the empress dowager yourself?
- Li Zhong. - Present!
Get my horse ready!
Yes!
Cheng Jiao shall follow Your Grace to kill the rebels!
I must kill Lao Ai personally.
His life is worthless!
Our king shall return in victory!
- Our king shall return in victory! - Our king shall return in victory!
[Wey State]
Run!
- Run! - Hurry up!
Quickly! Keep up!
Attack!
Senior.
Is this where my grandfather told us to meet him?
I wonder how he is doing now?
Has he made out of the city safely?
The battle of Puyang City...
As long as the city stands, I shall survive.
Should the city be annihilated, so should I.
Senior?
Answer me.
Mentor, he...
Mentor won't meet us here.
What did you say?
Mentor said he will defend Puyang City till the very end.
He doesn't want you to be sacrificed as well.
He told me to take you away.
Why did you lie to me?
Why did you gang up with Grandfather to deceive me?
Li! Don't do this.
Step aside.
Step aside!
Grandfather...
Grandfather!
Mentor!
- Grandfather! - Mentor!
Grandfather!
Mentor...
Li, why are you still here?
Grandfather...
I've let you down.
I couldn't do anything for you.
Jing...
You have kept Li safe, that is already enough for me.
Grandfather, you must hang in there.
I'll find you a skilled doctor!
Don't bother...
I won't make it.
Li, you've witnessed it.
All of them are fighting and killing each other for power...
Keep my words in mind.
Don't sacrifice your life for others...
Live only for yourself!
Grandfather!
Mentor!
Protect Li...
Grandfather!
Mentor...
Grandfather!
Mentor!
- Don't leave me, Grandfather! - Mentor...
Ying Zheng and Cheng Jiao led the army personally
and defeated Lao Ai's rebel army with an ambush.
Lao Ai managed to escape narrowly.
Lao Ai's rebel army has been annihilated!
Whoever hands over Lao Ai shall be spared!
Attack!
- Attack! - Attack!
Convey my orders.
Lao Ai is to be hunted down in full force!
Mother...
Zheng...
I was also deceived by Marquis Changxin...
I never meant to give him the military tally.
You must believe in me.
You've given the rank of the nobility, authority
and even your own body to him.
Yet as the king of Great Qin State
I was hobbled by a mere eunuch.
I was mocked by my own people.
Were you also deceived by Lao Ai into doing all of that?
Zheng...
You don't understand.
I am but a woman.
The war or politics, I... I really don't care for it!
So you do as you wish just because you couldn't care less?
You know nothing of the bitterness and agony in my heart...
You don't understand just how lonely I am!
Your Grace!
- Your Grace! - Bu Wei...
Bu Wei!
Your Grace, even though Empress Dowager was wrong
to have indulged Marquis Changxin
she is still the mother who birthed and raised you!
Although she has committed sins
you're still indebted to her as she raised you.
May Your Grace be lenient.
Chancellor Lu!
I address you like you're my second father.
That treacherous eunuch, Lao Ai claims to be my step-father.
Then there was also the deceased king.
If I am to repay the kindness of my parents...
Don't I have too many fathers to repay?
Zheng, you mustn't kill the chancellor. He...
He is your--
Shut up!
Empress Dowager deployed the army in rebellion.
She is no longer fit to be the mother of the nation.
She is to be banished to Yong City.
She shall be grounded and guarded by soldiers.
Zheng...
Don't treat me so, Zheng...
Zheng!
Bu Wei, save me!
I might be alive...
but I'm all alone.
The world is burning in ceaseless battles.
A frail and incompetent woman like me...
What could I do for the people?
[The tomb of Gongsun Yu]
Quickly! Pull me up there!
All right!
Senior, pull harder!
Quickly! Pull me up!
Don't let go!
Try harder!
You're hurt!
[Young Gongsun Li]
[Young Ying Zheng]
The three of us are fortunate to have met under the Blue Moon.
May we all stay safe and healthy.
May our friendship last forever.
May the world be at peace.
May there be no war.
[Young Jing Ke] May I learn martial arts sooner
and become skilled in swordsmanship so I can help the weak
and rid the people of harm, just like my mentor!
May I become someone that everyone fears.
If so, I can then protect anyone I wish to protect!
Your Grace, the officials are already in the hall.
Please head over to the imperial court.
Let's go!
Qin State's King is too much of a tyrant.
Isn't it great to have all six states in harmony?
They had to start a war and drive everyone to worry.
Young Master Zhao.
This is the best time for all six states to unite against Qin State.
Come, let's not talk about that.
It's a rare opportunity to have come across two like-minded friends.
Tonight, we'll drink till we drop.
We'll drink till we drop.
I've finally caught you...
You're not to go anywhere.
Not even a day less.
What are you doing here?
You... I was going to ask what you are doing here?
This is my room.
This is your room?
Exactly!
It seems that I, the royal, have drank too much
and gone into the wrong room.
The royal?
Your subject, Lu Bu Wei greets Your Grace.
Chancellor, you've worked hard.
You even rushed all the way here from Xianyang.
However, the performance today is marvelous.
I had such a good time watching it.
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