A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
ADAPTED FROM TIANXIA GUIYUAN'S NOVEL HUANG QUAN
EPISODE 43
Move!
Your Highness.
His Majesty is playing Go with Prince of Wei.
I'm afraid he can't see you now.
Please leave, Your Highness.
I need to see His Majesty regarding urgent matters.
Your Highness, please be patient.
No matter how urgent it is,
you have to wait until His Majesty is available.
Your Majesty.
I, Helian Zheng, want to plead on behalf of Feng Zhiwei.
Please forgive her, Your Majesty.
Let her live.
Your Highness, His Majesty has already given orders
that no one can plead for Feng Zhiwei.
I hope you won't make a scene here and disturb His Majesty.
Your Majesty,
I'm willing to marry Feng Zhiwei and take her to Jinshi
so that Your Majesty can banish her from the palace.
Your Highness, why are you so persistent?
There are many great women in Tiansheng.
Wouldn't it be better to ask His Majesty to bless you with another marriage?
Feng Zhiwei is the one I want.
All the women in Tiansheng aren't even half as good as she is.
I want to marry Feng Zhiwei.
Your Majesty, please me give your permission.
A woman can make
Prince of Chu plead for her.
Now, even Prince of Jinshi is making such a fuss.
I have underestimated Feng Zhiwei.
Go and tell Helian Zheng.
I've already decided to execute Feng Zhiwei after seven days.
-Yes, Father. -Your Majesty.
Take Helian Zheng away.
I don't have time for him.
Your Highness, please stand.
Your Highness, Prince Helian.
Where is His Majesty?
I want to see His Majesty.
Making a fuss in front of Fengyun Palace
is a grave crime.
My father refuses to see you because he doesn't want to embarrass you
or hold you responsible for this crime.
I hope Your Highness can understand my father's good intentions.
But I still need to plead for Feng Zhiwei!
Your Highness!
His Majesty won't go against the law
just because of Your Highness.
Your Highness needs to stop making a fuss.
Otherwise, His Majesty will be more infuriated.
If that happens,
not only will Your Highness not be able to plead for Feng Zhiwei,
you might not even be able
to collect her body afterward.
Your Highness.
Please return for now.
You two.
Escort Prince Helian out of the palace.
Yes, Your Highness.
How dare you touch me! Let go of me!
-Please, Your Highness. -How dare you!
I want to see His Majesty!
Let go!
Father.
I have asked the guards to take Helian Zheng away.
I haven't asked for your opinion regarding this matter.
I believe
even though Feng Zhiwei was so bold to commit such a grave crime,
her talent is still extraordinary.
I know that you treasure talents.
It would be understandable to forgive her.
But Tiansheng's laws are the foundation of the empire.
If we easily amend it for someone,
then I'm afraid people won't be afraid of the consequences
of violating the law.
You once told me
that you wanted to enter the government
and change your destiny.
Now, look what happened.
I wanted to change my destiny.
Isn't that what happened?
But dying isn't the change I wanted.
I came here today
to ask you this.
Is there anyone among your peers
who can help you get out of this?
Tell me.
I'll plead with him.
Mother.
This is the first time you're willing to plead with someone for me.
You're a good kid.
Eat something.
Feng Hao asked me
to bring you this wine.
Drink slowly.
It's so strong.
Eat more.
Mother.
Can you hug me?
Like how you used to do when I was younger.
I'm sorry.
If I can't save you,
how will I face
your late father?
Mother.
When I see Father,
I'll tell him that you were good to me.
I'll tell him I was naughty and acted on my own accord,
and that's why I got in such big trouble.
I'll tell him that you loved me very much.
I regret it so much.
I shouldn't have
brought you to the capital back then.
And I...
I shouldn't have had those delusions.
What are you talking about?
I mean,
if I weren't deluded
that you could bring honor to our family,
I would have insisted that you resign from the position,
even if I had to scold or hit you.
You've long forgiven me.
Right?
How can a mother hold a grudge against her daughter?
Zhiwei.
I have to get you out of here.
I'm afraid no one can save me
from the Emperor's wrath.
Mother, I'm exhausted.
Just hold me like this.
All right?
It's about time.
You have to leave now.
Mother.
Once you return home,
forget about me.
CHANG RESIDENCE
Noble Consort.
I am to blame for what happened to you and Ning Sheng.
You died so unjustly, my dear sister.
Father.
Move!
How can you say you're to blame?
His Majesty was the cruel one.
He's right.
Father, don't be sad anymore.
Maybe that's Prince of Yan's fate.
You have to take care of your health.
He's right.
It's all because Prince of Yan wasn't bright enough
and fell into His Majesty's trap.
Shut up!
Are you trying to infuriate me?
As the eldest son, can't you see
that His Majesty did that to the Chang family on purpose?
The Chang family is in danger.
Father, the Chang family has deep roots in Minhai.
His Majesty can't easily touch us even if he wanted to.
Father, why are you so afraid?
When I went to the capital,
I could already tell
that His Majesty was suppressing the Chang family deliberately.
But I thought
as long as Prince of Yan
can coordinate with us here in Minhai,
His Majesty can't do anything to the Chang family.
But clearly,
I was wrong.
Father, I might be not that bright.
But according to what Minister Peng said in the letter,
within a few months after Prince of Wei, Ning Qi, returned to the capital,
he was able to get His Majesty's affections.
We should be wary of him.
He must have his eye on the crown too.
Even though we don't have Prince of Yan anymore,
as long as you and the Chang army are still here,
we can find another prince to work with us.
That shouldn't be hard, right?
That's right.
Prince of Wei doesn't have a solid background.
If he wants the throne, he definitely needs our support.
How did I raise
such stupid sons like you?
Father.
If we work with Prince of Wei,
we'll only be his assassins.
No way!
I'll appeal to His Majesty
that I'll no longer be Lord of Minhai
so that I can plead with His Majesty to pardon Prince of Yan.
Father, you must stay in power.
Father, please be discerning.
Minhai is a vital border of Tiansheng.
If you're no longer in power,
they will send people to divide the region for sure.
The Chang family will really be in danger then.
Your Highness.
Feng Zhiwei is going to be executed tomorrow.
I'm extremely anxious just thinking about it.
Why are you not worried?
Why should I be?
Those who are meant to live...
will be reincarnated after drinking Meng Po's soup.
No afterlives will be granted by the King of Hell for those who are meant to die.
This is a misfortune for her.
This is also a misfortune for you
and me.
What does it have to do with you?
Your Highness.
Is there any other woman who can argue with you daily?
I'm happy just seeing you two argue.
If she's really gone,
you won't smile anymore,
and I can't fight with Gu Nanyi anymore.
Life will be so dull.
On the other hand, Headmaster Xin kept sending reports,
but His Majesty rejected all of them.
If you still can't see her tomorrow,
does that mean there's really no other way?
Kneel.
Kneel and never get up.
-Yes, Your Highness. -Shut up.
This is the order of His Majesty.
"Feng Zhiwei lied to the Emperor and disrespected the law,
which is unforgivable.
She must be executed in public.
One hundred Royal Guards will go with her to West City for her execution there."
"The mayfly's wings
are like splendid robes.
The transience of its life fills me with grief.
What will be the fate of my own?
The mayfly's wings
are like glorious robes.
My heart is grieved,
but they come and rest with me."
The prison's security is very tight.
We can't get her out from there.
We can only act while she's on her way to the execution venue.
Please take a look.
This is the map of the execution venue.
I know you want to save Zhiwei,
but there must be many guards watching over a person on death row.
If Bloody Pagoda works together,
we might be able to fight against the guards
and take her away with an ambush.
But what are you going to do next?
How will you retreat?
How will you move to another place?
How will you avoid harming the innocent?
Madam Mingying.
With Zhiwei's life on the line, there's no time to think about everything.
If I can stand in for her, even if it means immediate death,
I'd be willing to do so.
Madam Mingying, you must not endanger yourself.
If something happens to you, what would Feng Hao do?
Then he can only blame his poor fate
for having a mother like me who cannot protect her children.
Bloody Pagoda appreciates your kind consideration.
Let us handle this matter.
You don't have to worry.
I'm afraid
you might not survive this.
Perhaps there's still a chance if we fight with everything we have.
I'm afraid we need your help regarding that.
Wei Zhi, tell me.
Scholar Wei.
There are many scholars from Qingming Academy.
Do you know why I kept you with me?
Your Majesty.
It's because I don't have any comrades.
I'm your official alone.
Go for now.
Your Majesty,
forgive me for being bold.
If you're reluctant about letting Scholar Wei go,
it's fine if you forgive her.
Did she ask for forgiveness?
I suppose
she thinks what she has done is unforgivable
and doesn't dare appeal her case because she's afraid to trouble you.
She had been lying to me all along.
It was a lie.
All of it was!
Even you are pleading for her now.
Forgive me, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Headmaster Xin is here to see you.
-Zhao Yuan. -Yes, Your Majesty.
Go and take a look.
If he's here to plead for Feng Zhiwei,
-I won't see him. -Yes, Your Majesty.
You are the Ultimate Scholar I chose myself.
Who wouldn't listen to you?
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Servants.
Remove that table.
-Don't move that! -Headmaster Xin.
-You can't move this table! -Headmaster Xin.
-Your Majesty. -Headmaster Xin.
You can't move this table.
Zhao Yuan.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Didn't I tell you? Nobody can plead for her.
-Headmaster Xin-- -Your Majesty.
I have quite an unreasonable request.
Please consider it.
Every time I come to Fengyun Palace, I either stand or kneel.
There's nowhere to sit.
Since we already have this table here and it's so near to the royal table,
can Your Majesty give me the honor to sit here for my comfort?
Are you sure you want to sit there?
This table was not for you.
If you want to sit there, you'll be demoted by six levels
and be my writing servant.
What do you say?
Great. Demote me if you must, Your Majesty.
Based on my wisdom and talent, if I stay by Your Majesty's side daily,
it won't be long before I get promoted.
All right.
I always knew you were a smooth talker,
but I still allowed you to stay with me.
-Zhao Yuan. -Yes, Your Majesty.
-Get Headmaster Xin some tea. -Yes, Your Majesty.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Good tea.
Yes, good tea.
Your Majesty, has your back gotten
any better recently?
Headmaster Xin.
-This is a good tea. -Thank you.
Tell me. Why are you here?
No reason.
It's so hot.
It's just that I've revisited Stratagems of the Warring States recently.
One of the chapters
made me think of how we met.
I felt quite sentimental about it.
Which chapter is that?
In "Strategies of Eastern Zhou,"
Du He wants the Duke to use his wealth to help those with a bright future.
The last sentence reads,
"Be charitable toward the poor, and not people of status."
Back then,
when Your Majesty first met me,
I was just a poor scholar.
But Your Majesty was full of wisdom and didn't limit your criteria.
That's how I became the person I am today.
How can I not be sentimental about it?
That's also because you had ambition even back then.
That's why I worked under Your Majesty
and helped you accomplish your goals.
So I believe if we want Tiansheng to be strong,
Your Majesty must emulate Duke of Eastern Zhou
and be charitable toward the poor scholars
so that Your Majesty can accomplish your goals.
If that poor scholar
wasn't sincere toward me,
what can you say about that?
Your Majesty is the Emperor.
Your Majesty grants an opportunity for everyone to shine.
Your Majesty tolerates their shortcomings to show your benevolence.
That is impressive indeed.
The heart is made of flesh.
As time goes by, won't he show his sincerity toward you?
What if that poor scholar committed a grave crime?
To err is human.
It is good virtue to correct his mistakes.
Regarding the crime,
we have to see if it was unintentionally or intentionally committed.
If it was unintentional,
-what would you say about it? -If so, why should you bother with it?
It would be difficult to meet as an emperor and an official.
If you pardon him and use his talents, he would be truly grateful
and make up for his crimes.
This is such a good tea.
Zhao Yuan.
Take away Headmaster Xin's tea.
-Move! -Move!
Move!
Ziyan, how did it go?
How did it go?
Tell me.
It's still half an hour until the execution.
This time, I'm afraid...
Take this.
His Majesty permitted it.
Go.
Hurry.
So much about not thinking of her, I see.
-Move! -Move!
Officials.
Mother.
"Mother"?
You disrespected the law of the empire and committed a grave crime.
You embarrassed me in front of everyone.
How dare you call me your mother?
Mother, what's wrong with you?
What's the matter?
You wench!
You are a woman,
but you became an official and interfered with government matters.
You lied to the Emperor and angered him.
You disgraced our ancestors' name.
You even dragged our family down.
How dare you ask me what's the matter?
Feng Zhiwei, let me tell you.
Mother.
I came here today
to cut off all ties with you!
You can scold me. I know I was wrong.
I dragged you into this.
You weren't wrong.
It was I, Qiu Mingying, who was wrong by giving birth to a wench like you!
Listen to me.
From now on,
you're no longer my daughter!
How dare you?
Guards, take her away.
-Yes! -Yes!
Mother! Don't touch my mother!
It's almost time for her execution.
Kill anyone who stands in our way.
Mother!
Official, accept your orders! Make away immediately!
His Majesty sent his orders!
Feng Zhiwei.
His Majesty sent his orders.
You are asked to follow me and meet His Majesty in the palace.
I shall obey His Majesty's orders.
Please...
Please tell His Majesty that I'm here to fulfill his orders.
Your Highness.
His Majesty verbally ordered,
"The criminal, Feng Zhiwei,
will not be executed, but will still be punished.
Prince of Chu, Ning Yi, should think of the punishment right away
in order to settle the Royal Court
and provide some comfort to me."
I shall obey His Majesty.
If you kneel for a long time,
your knees will hurt.
Nobody's going to help you up now.
Wait.
Help me up now.
Zhiwei thanks you, Official Zhao.
Zhiwei?
I'm not used to hearing that name.
I'm afraid His Majesty would also not be used to it.
Zhiwei. Wei Zhi.
Though the words are different,
the heart is the same.
His Majesty is the Emperor in the High Imperial Court.
How can His Majesty see through everyone's hearts clearly?
Not to mention that you lied to His Majesty first.
Is this the punishment you came up with?
She lied to me,
but you dare request a title for her?
Father, seeing you so angry today
made me think of the time when I was little.
Every time I made you angry,
you'd have that exaggerated expression on your face.
How can she compare to my royal children?
Your Majesty.
The criminal, Feng Zhiwei, is here
to ask for Your Majesty's punishment.
Father.
Let the criminal, Feng Zhiwei, in.
The criminal, Feng Zhiwei, pays respect to Your Majesty.
Raise your head.
Zhao Yuan.
Unlock this.
You asked me to punish you.
Tell me. How should I punish you?
Your Majesty.
I'm Zhiwei, who disguised as Wei Zhi.
I'm well aware of my crime.
If Your Majesty's benevolence
is as high as the Imperial Court
and the mist and clouds in the twilight,
I'm willing to go to great lengths
to execute the law
and be at Your Majesty's disposal.
Ning Yi has an idea. Are you willing to do it?
"You'll be given a prominent position
at a desolate land.
If you don't succeed,
it will add to your crime."
I am willing
to die for the empire!
Feng Zhiwei, accept my orders.
I give you the title of Royal Inspector of Minhai.
Choose a day
to leave for Minhai
with Ning Yi.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I thank Your Majesty and will obey your orders.
Ning Yi.
Thank you.
You truly are my savior.
It's just that
we can't avoid running into each other anymore.
You truly are my savior.
Prince of Chu.
From now on, let's not run into each other.
Mr. Tailor.
My name is Feng Zhiwei.
I'm still Feng Zhiwei.
I was the one who sent Feng Zhiwei away back then.
Now,
I'm just bringing Feng Zhiwei back.
Do you have a plan?
Of course, I have a plan.
But the thing is,
you must disappear.
Will you be able to do that?
I will comply with Your Highness' order
as long as you can save my mother and brother.
All right, then.
Your Highness.
Why are you so nice to me
and why do you keep saving my life at your expense?
Because you're my pawn.
Is that the only reason?
If it weren't for you,
I would still be under Ning Chuan's control.
Is that the only reason?
You should know better than anyone the score between Chang Yuan and me.
Our chances of survival are bleak for our journey to Minhai.
I just want to use you to accomplish
something worthy for me before you die.
That's all.
I'm afraid there's no one as difficult to deal with as you in this world.
Your Highness.
Since our chances of survival are bleak,
can you fulfill my wish before we leave?
Sure.
Your Highness, my wish has been fulfilled.
When we arrive at Minhai,
I shall think of a way to repay you for saving my life.
There's no need for courtesy.
Your Highness.
Chief Gu is here.
I pay respect to Your Highness.
I wonder what I can do for you,
Your Highness.
Come closer.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, you...
Since Tiansheng was established,
countless officials
and even royal sons died
because of Bloody Pagoda.
Chief Gu, you and I have witnessed it all the while.
I won't mention the truth or lie behind it.
I asked you to come today to ask you one thing.
Does Qiu Mingying, your brother Gu Heng's widow,
still have some members of Bloody Pagoda around her
who vow their loyalty to Dacheng?
Subtitle translation by Coleen Chua
Subtitles downloaded with "Netflix subtitle downloader" UserScript by Tithen-Firion.