Subtitles by DramaFever
[The King's Woman]
[Episode 23]
Qing, you're dismissed.
Yes.
Your Grace, get a good rest.
You're not to leave.
Sleep here with me.
What are you doing here?
You... I should be the one to ask that!
If you still refuse to eat...
I'll feed you like this, one by one.
You're my concubine.
I won't allow anyone to mistreat you.
Not even to lay a finger on a strand of your hair.
I was really angry just now.
Why don't you believe me?
You're my concubine.
If anyone dares to harm you, there's no way I'd let them off easily.
I won't allow you to leave.
If you dare take another step away
I won't let you off easily.
Have some water.
Here.
Your Grace, I think Han State is weak and dejected.
It's but a simple task for Qin's army to wipe them out.
Why don't we take Han State first to boost our army's morale?
This can further boost our military's morale.
It will be benefit us when we conquer other states.
What do you think, Han Fei?
Your... Your Grace.
I... I think that... Han State is too weak... to pose any threat.
Instead of taking Han State first, it's better to wipe out Zhao.
Since Zhao State is powerful.
Should we succeed in conquering Zhao
the awe-inspiring reputation... of Great Qin...
will intimidate... the other five states.
Then... Your Grace can naturally achieve your goal without much effort.
Han Fei, you once submitted a report saying that
an envoy should be sent to Chu State to bribe significant officials.
Chu should lead Han to attack Zhao.
Then there would be no need to fear, even if Zhao and Qi conspire together.
But in my opinion
that would be going to great lengths for what lies close at hand.
How ridiculous.
Every... Everyone knows that Zhao and Qi are powerful.
If... If we can conquer the two states
their alliance will surely break.
Han Fei.
Are you really suggesting that for the sake of Great Qin's goal
to unite all the states?
You obviously know that Han State only feigns devotion to Great Qin
but in fact, they hate Great Qin to the core!
Since the beginning of the Warring States period
the six states have formed an alliance against Qin.
Yet Han has always joined them.
As an aristocrat of Han State, do you truly wish to serve Qin State?
You...
No... Master Li...
You... You've misunderstood... me.
I didn't.
This...
This is a long article you wrote.
First, you said that Han State is like a prefecture in Qin State.
Then you said that Zhao State is a huge threat to Qin State.
It's best to eliminate it first.
But who doesn't know that Han State is on the brink of destruction?
There's no need to worry about it.
As for Zhao State, it's still very powerful.
Yet you would have Great Qin take on such a tough battle?
We could be defeated.
You've created a diversion to mislead His Grace.
I think...
it's just to cover up your motive to keep Han State intact.
Keep Han intact?
Your Grace!
So Your Grace was worried about that matter?
Madam, what do you think of Mister Han Fei's character?
Mister Han Fei is not eloquent.
But he's a man of integrity.
He's not good at trickery and improvisation.
At times like the Warring State period...
When all men vie for power and fame he is indeed a rare and dignified talent.
I had thought that as well.
Now that Qin State's intention to annex all six states
has been made known to everyone...
if someone could actually overlook the safety of his own motherland
I'd call that hypocrisy.
I think that since Mister Han Fei came to Qin to help Your Grace unify the world
and yet he frankly expressed his opinion on keeping Han safe
knowing Your Grace might be displeased with him...
He is being genuine.
You make a good point.
How do you think I should handle this matter?
You side with neither Han nor Zhao.
I just wish to hear your opinion.
You can be honest with me.
As an important official and strategist
who wouldn't wish for his strategies to be used by the king?
However, everyone has their own interests at heart.
Be it for fame or riches, or even just for friendship
it all comes down to the king's decision in the end.
Your Grace, you can admire a strategist.
But you mustn't be manipulated by one.
It's just like me.
Whatever I may say, this world still belongs to Your Grace.
So in the end, you're still the one in control.
Your Grace, it's your turn.
Li!
I finally found you.
Empress Dowager?
I finished all the red dates you gave me.
- I want more. - Empress Dowager.
- Is there more? - Mother?
Red dates?
I don't have any left right now.
But I do have Yunmeng oranges from Chu State.
Would you like to try some?
- Qing, bring some here. - Yes.
Chu State?
That old wench, Hua Yang, gave them to you, didn't she?
Anything she gives you is poisoned. You mustn't eat it!
I won't have any and you shouldn't either.
This is poisoned! You mustn't eat it!
Empress Dowager?
This is poisoned! You mustn't eat it!
You mustn't eat it!
You mustn't eat it.
Don't eat it.
Sure, then we won't eat it.
We won't eat it.
My mother isn't in her right mind at times.
But sometimes, she's so clearheaded that she seems to know everything.
I gave it some thought.
It's actually good for her this way.
She can forget about the past this way.
Perhaps... She won't be in such agony then?
That's why there's nothing good about being a queen.
If Empress Dowager hadn't been put in that position
she wouldn't have ended up like this now.
Madam, are you complaining
that you may end up lonely, like Empress Dowager, if I die someday?
Do you also want a few kept men?
Why are you such a petty man?
As a king, you get to have so many women.
But you expect every woman in the harem to be faithful to you.
It's just that I find Empress Dowager really pitiful
so I want to treat her well.
What's wrong with that?
What on earth are you saying? Seriously--
So much for my utter devotion to you.
Forget it.
If you don't want to be my queen, I won't beg you either.
Why is he so unreasonable?
Madam, why don't you go have a word with His Grace?
No, I'm heading back to my quarters.
Lan! Lan--
Lan!
Lan?
What's the matter?
Lan?
Lan!
Lan...
Lan, wake up.
Lan?
Brother Jing...
Quickly, sit up.
What's wrong?
Brother Jing...
I'm sorry, Brother Jing...
I passed out and made you worry.
What's the matter?
Did you give me all the rations we had?
Why are you so silly?
Brother Jing...
There's something I wish to say to you...
I'm afraid if I don't say it now...
I'll never have the chance to.
I like you very much.
From the very first time I met you...
I had already fallen for you.
Nice skills.
You're not so bad yourself!
But I know Sister Li is the only one in your heart.
That's why...
You must master the swordsmanship and go rescue Sister Li.
I'll always watch over you.
I'll always watch over you...
Lan?
Lan!
Lan! Wake up!
Lan!
Lan...
Madam, are you still angry at His Grace?
An ill-tempered and mean tiger like him
I don't mind ignoring him.
Madam actually calls His Grace a mean tiger?
Even a tiger has a better temper.
He gets angry so easily all the time.
Sometimes, he's as childish as a kid
but sometimes he's as gentle as a grown man.
I'm being nice by calling him a mean tiger.
Qing, I'm telling you.
If he dares to throw a tantrum for no reason again
I'll slap him so hard that he won't be able to talk for days.
So you mean you're not scared that the tiger will eat you?
What are you doing here?
This is my harem.
Why can't I be here?
Then Qing--
That girl...
You're such a tigress.
Why are you so fierce?
If I really was your tiger
you'd have eaten me before I could even catch the prey.
If you find me ill-tempered, why do you still come here?
Let go of me!
Why are you so unreasonable?
You came to my quarters and dismissed my servants?
Let go of me!
You--
Let go--
Lan...
You finally woken up.
Brother Jing.
I'm still alive?
Am I dreaming?
Does it hurt?
We finally got out.
Really?
I knew that you could do it.
You're still too frail. Lie back down.
I'll pick some fruit for you.
Here.
"Strike unexpectedly to ensure victory."
"Not by force."
"Strike in one swift swoop."
"Never become a warrior."
So this is the true motto of Swan Swordsmanship?
Brother Jing!
Stop right there!
Bao Ye?
What are you doing here?
You didn't expect it, did you?
I've been waiting out here for a long time.
If we had never made it out of there
wouldn't you have starved to death out here?
You're indeed Xia Hou Yang's first disciple.
Enough said.
Hand over the Swan Swordsmanship manual you mastered in the cave.
Or else, I'll kill her!
Brother Jing, don't listen to him.
My life is worthless.
Shut up!
If you say another word, I'll kill you!
Brother Bao, don't do anything rash.
I'll tell you the motto of the swordsmanship.
Don't hurt Miss Lan.
This is the true motto of Swan Swordsmanship.
Did you see it clearly?
Great!
Swan Swordsmanship indeed!
Young Warrior Jing's skills have greatly improved so quickly.
It comforts me so.
Xia Hou Yang?
My disciple might be incompetent, but he left a trail behind him.
He made it easy for me to find my way here.
If Young Warrior Jing would be generous enough to teach me
I'd like to feast my eyes on that swordsmanship.
I'm not a warrior.
I never will be.
Lan?
Let's go!
You're awake?
Am I that ugly?
You won't even look at me.
If you still won't look at me...
I'll kiss you till you do.
All right, I admit defeat.
Your eyes are so beautiful.
I'm not dreaming, am I?
I'm scared that once I let you out of my arms...
You'll ignore me.
It's all right if you don't want to be my queen.
Just stay by my side, always.
I want to hold you in my arms like this forever.
Once I'm done with state affairs...
I'll come to see you.
Brother Jing.
- How do you feel? - Thank you for the herbs.
I've applied them on the wound.
That's good.
Lan...
You're so severely wounded.
Are you just putting on a strong front so that I won't worry?
This is all my fault.
You finally figured out the true motto of Swan Swordsmanship.
It's all because I was injured... that you couldn't practice more.
Don't say that.
You took that knife for me.
I'll feel bad if you say that.
It's too dangerous to stay here.
I'll get a horse carriage from the city tomorrow.
Let's go to Mister Tian Guang's.
You can recuperate for a few days.
[Fan Wu Ji] Your Grace!
All our troops are present!
Please convey your orders!
Good!
Obey my command!
Today, Great Qin will attack Zhao State with full force!
Until Zhao State is conquered, don't return to Great Qin!
Fan Wu Ji, obey my command!
Present!
I command you to lead our army to attack Zhao State!
Don't let me down!
Yes, Your Grace!
General Fan... will represent me in this battle!
- We shall see him as Your Grace! - We shall see him as Your Grace!
General Fan, the victory or defeat of Qin State's army is down to this battle.
I await your return in victory.
I will not let Your Grace down!
It's Madam Li.
Greetings, Madam Li.
Lady Jing, it's been a while. How are you doing?
Thank you for asking, Madam.
I'm doing all right.
I was unwell a few days ago, so I only came out for a walk now.
Lady Jing, you seem so pale.
Did you summon the imperial physician to take a look at you?
Your Ladyship, don't get upset again.
If you're still so upset
what will we do if it affects your health?
What exactly happened?
Madam Li has arrived!
What is she doing here?
Madam Chu.
What a rare guest.
What brings Madam Li to my quarters today?
I haven't seen Madam Chu for quite some time.
I've missed you.
I feel so flattered.
Why didn't you send someone over to inform me in advance?
I didn't have anything prepared.
Shang Yi.
- Prepare some tea and snacks. - Yes.
Sister Chu, don't bother.
I don't have much to say really.
I just wanted to take a look at you.
Take a look at me?
I'm actually here for another reason.
To be honest with you
although I was born to a military family of Wey State
my grandfather was an imperial official.
So I spent some time with the ladies of the royal family.
Hence, I learned a trick or two in witchcraft.
Witchcraft?
Why would Madam Li bring up such a topic today?
I heard that Lady Jing has had a miscarriage recently.
She couldn't sleep or eat well.
She cried so much that she almost went blind.
I'm concerned that her unborn child's spirit
might still be wandering in the palace?
What "child spirit"?
Sister Chu, you've never heard of it?
There's a tale among the people.
Once an unborn child has taken human form in its mother's womb
it then has a soul.
When a child is miscarried
its spirit will remain close to its mother
if it hasn't been properly settled somewhere.
If the child was killed
its spirit is likely to possess the person who killed it.
It will pester its killer forever.
It will refuse to leave.
Lady Jing is the one who miscarried, so what are you doing here?
Didn't I just tell you?
I know a bit about witchcraft.
I'm just going around the palace to see if the child's spirit is still here
running around like a mischievous child?
If I get to see this child spirit
I can still talk to it so it moves on and reincarnates.
Then Lady Jing won't be so upset.
So... Did you see anything?
Let me take a look...
Is the child's spirit hiding under this table?
Or standing behind Madam Chu?
There's nothing standing behind me.
Don't try to scare me.
Take a look around quickly to see if there's anything in here.
Madam Chu, why are you so worried?
Do you have anything to do with her miscarriage?
What have I got to do with it?
Madam Chu must have a guilty conscience?
If you hadn't forced Lady Jing to drink the tea you gave her
she wouldn't have miscarried, would she?
You even frightened her so much that she didn't dare tell the truth.
Madam Chu had everything so well planned out.
That's nonsense!
What evidence do you have to prove that I did it?
Consort Li, listen up!
Stop meddling around!
Don't blame me if I don't let you off either.
I'm not scared of Madam Chu wanting to deal with me.
It's best that Madam Chu watches out for the revenge of the child's spirit.
Shut up.
Shut up!
I've said all there is to say.
Madam Chu, I'll leave you to see if there's a child spirit in here.
Madam--
Why would you scare me?
234 BC, Fan Wu Ji attacked Pingyang City and Wu City of Zhao State.
It was a sweeping victory.
He killed Zhao State's general, Hu Zhe, and eliminated 100,000 soldiers.
Zhao State suffered great casualties.
Well done!
Your Grace, forgive me for my poor performance.
Please have a seat.
Yes.
Yan Dan, come and join me for practice.
Sure.
Come.
Whoever loses has to drink a cup of wine.
Sure.
Your Grace is still better than me.
I'll help myself to the wine then?
I think you just want to drink, so you purposely lost to me.
Your Grace.
I'd like to compete with you.
You?
Crown Prince, could I borrow your bow?
- Here you go. - Thank you.
You're such a playful tigress.
If you lose to me, you have to drink two cups of wine.
Sure, the winner calls the shots.
You used two arrows?
That's cheating!
You didn't say that I could only shoot one arrow.
Sure, I'll punish myself to two cups of wine.
Here.
- Yan Dan. - Your Grace.
You haven't had yours yet.
I never knew that Your Grace is so skilled in archery.
I'm very impressed.
You're too kind, Han Fei.
My archery skills can't be compared to the depth of your knowledge.
Your Grace, you're too kind.
I've heard that Madam Li was from
the family of Puyang City's Commander-in-Chief.
Now that I've met you, I see you truly are a heroine.
Be it academically or physically, you're a fair match for any man.
Crown Prince, you're too kind.
I only happen to have grown up wielding some weapons.
They're no more than a few tricks that aren't worth mentioning.
However, Crown Prince is the one with great combat skills.
You've just concealed it very well.
Madam, what do you mean?
Crown Prince, you could have easily hit the bulls-eye
but you deliberately lost to His Grace.
You might be able to fool the others, but not me.
It seems that my techniques in deception are quite poor.
I couldn't even fool Madam Li.
Why did you do it?
You wish to win, but you can't really do so.
You miss home, but you can't go home.
You hate them for killing your countrymen but you can't even get angry.
He regards you as a friend
but you know deep down that you're no more than a slave.
This... is what it means to be a hostage prince.
For some reason, lately, I keep remembering the days
I was held hostage with Zhao Jia, here in Qin State.
I had just taken the throne.
We were really young then.
I've always remembered one matter very clearly.
I wonder if Your Grace still remembers it?
Tell me about it.
It was extremely cold in Xianyang that winter.
Even though I grew up in Northern Yan
I couldn't stand the cold either.
Zhao Jia and I had fur coats on all day.
We even had fur hats on and heaters next to us to feel warmer.
Yet Your Grace was only dressed in thin cotton clothes.
You cared not for the cold and focused on your studies.
That's what you meant?
I remember it.
Your Grace said that if you couldn't understand the misery of a commoner
how could you understand theories for governing the world?
I was too young and arrogant then, I even thought you a fool.
You had fur coats and yet you'd rather freeze in the cold.
As I grow older, I then realized that Zhao Jia and I were the fools.
[Preview]
I just want to know...
What did you do and what did you like before you came to my palace?
Everything about you...
I want to know all about it.
May I?
Greetings, Your Grace.
When Palace Woman Han was tidying Han Fei's desk
she stumbled upon a letter.
There are secret letters from Han Fei to the King of Han.
Your... Your Grace!
I... I'd never conspire behind your back!
Palace Woman Han...
Why would you do this to me?
I'd like to see who would dare be so bold
as to steal my concubine.
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