Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.
Watching the person in the mirror's countenance pale and grow haggard,
Examining love together with regret, both new and old.
Keeping watch still by a lantern though it is daybreak, drenched with tears,
Watching others meet as promised, as twilight falls.
Story of Yanxi Palace Episode 3
Drag her out and cane her thirty times.
I just entered the palace and didn't know about the spirit cypress tree
- but I had a reason for doing that. - Shut her mouth.
Let her speak.
I absolutely didn't know this was a spirit cypress tree
but a tree appeared
in my dream last night. It said it has been a long time since
it felt itchy and wanted me to come to the garden
to scratch it.
Yes, I was scratching it just now.
What kind of impudent remarks are you making?
A tree could even appear in your dream?
Since there's a spirit in the cypress tree, naturally, it could appear in my dream.
Your Majesty, I'm telling the truth.
I'm not lying.
Forget it. Let's go.
Consider that you are lucky today.
What are you doing, brat?
Momo.
It hurts.
You also know what pain feels like?
You had the gift of the gab just now. You even dared to contradict His Majesty.
Are you tired of living?
Momo.
About this tree,
what kind of tree is this? Why is it so precious?
When His Majesty traveled incognito for an inspection, it was an extremely hot summer.
The ministers were perspiring.
His Majesty was the only one who didn't perspire
Everyone felt it was strange.
His Majesty would always think about it.
It seems like an unseen giant tree
which accompanied him from the Forbidden City to give him shade.
Everyone said this is a spirit tree.
When it knows that His Majesty is about to travel, it would be here immediately
to protect His Majesty on his journey.
By saying this, His Majesty wants everyone to know that he's really the Dragon Emperor
and different from everyone. What's this about the spirit cypress tree giving him shad?
- I think he must be dreaming. - Stop talking about this blindly.
It's just a tree
and we can't scold or hit it. In this Forbidden City,
a person is not even as good as a tree.
You are right.
In the Forbidden City, a tree which is favored by His Majesty
is even better than a woman who has lost his favors.
Look at Noble Lady Yu. If she can brag about having a royal son,
she will still have the chance to turn around her opportunities.
But as for Imperial Concubine Yi, she doesn't even has any fate.
Momo, let's leave now.
What's up with you again?
His Majesty was confused by me.
If he reacts later, I will be in big trouble.
- Let's leave. - Do you think he can't find you?
He won't be able to. Palace maids dress alike.
Furthermore, I didn't raise my head just now. Hurry up.
Greetings, Royal Mother.
Come here now. Let me take a look at you.
You don't look good. Have you been working too hard on government affairs and over-exhausted?
Royal Mother, thank you for your concerns. There were too many trivial matter recently. It's nothing to worry about.
In the past, when you woke up,
you would drink a bowl of cold sweetened bird nest porridge.
You would have your wine and meals in the evening
but lately, you didn't eat anything at all.
I can see you don't have an appetite. You must be exhausted from the governmental matters.
Just let others handle certain matters.
If not, everything will be pushed to you.
What's the use of using them then?
Royal Mother, you are right. Just blame those around me for being useless.
I will control them strictly.
Noble Lady Shu sent this Biluochun tea from Dongting.
You usually love to drink tea.
Take all these back with you later.
A tree appeared in my dream last night. It said
it has been a long time since it felt itchy and told me to go the garden to scratch it.
Yes, I was scratching the tree just now.
Emperor.
Talking about the Biluochun tea, there's still another story.
When you went on a southern tour, I heard there's an unique fragrance in a tea.
The natives called it "Frightening People".
Emperor Kangxi felt it wasn't a nice name and changed it to Biluochun.
It was supposed to be an annual tribute but when it reached Emperor Ama,
it was felt to be too disturbing to the people and it was cancelled.
Since you like it now, I will reinstate the decree.
Stop interrupting me.
You know what I'm talking about.
Don't you know Noble Lady Shu?
Your Majesty, she's the noble lady who was just selected to enter the palace.
You even conferred a title on her.
Go over now. You keep praising the Empress.
She's the rightful wife and also gave birth to the eldest son.
If you insist on loving her, I can't say anything
but her health is not good now.
It has been more than two weeks since you visited the harem.
In the past, you said you were tired of the old faces
but there are many new ladies in the palace now.
Why aren't you taking a look?
You are right. I understand.
- What do you understand? - It's very fragrant.
You are interrupting again.
You are already an adult.
Stop making me worry.
Royal Mother, I still have a stack of memorials to read at the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
I'm taking my leave now.
Emperor! Emperor!
What are you laughing at?
I find His Majesty interesting.
He said he understood.
I can tell he doesn't understand at all.
Whatever kind of women who comes to the palace,
they eventually become the same.
No matter how smart or beautiful they are,
or precious,
in the end, they would still cry from being alone
and disappear just like everyone.
Your Majesty, what are you looking for?
Where is that palace maid who was here just now?
Why are you looking for her?
I just thought about her. Who is she?
Who gives the right for this spirit tree to appear in her dream?
Blame this girl for being too fast with her brain and mouth,
I was thinking about the imperial court matters and didn't turn around at that moment.
I didn't know how to interrogate her and simply released her.
Yes, that girl's mouth was full of lies.
Furthermore, what followed were all lies.
When we capture her, she will be killed.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, whatever offence that servant did, just find anyone and beat her.
Don't let that low-life ass dirty your dragon foot.
Turn around.
You are really brave.
You reported everything about me to the Empress Dowager.
I know my mistake now.
Your Majesty. Aunt Liu came this morning to check.
She said the Empress Dowager was concerned about your health.
That's why I couldn't hide anything from her.
I know my mistake now.
In the future, you are not allowed to alarm the Empress Dowager regarding anything about me
and cause her to worry.
Yes, I will abide.
Find that palace maid for me.
Your Highness.
Why must you close the gates on Noble Lady Yu?
I know that by doing that, Your Highness will surely be mad at me.
But I still did it. This is for your sake.
Tell me then, how is it for my sake?
I know that you are kind and will help Noble Lady Yu.
But there are so many problems here in the palace. Can you care for all of them?
It is clear that those two from Yonghe Palace are not favored by His Majesty.
Noble Lady Yu is pregnant, but His Majesty never showed any special treatment.
What do you desire to get by getting involved in this muddled water?
What do I desire to get?
Just because I am the mother of the nation, the model of the six palaces, I then must handle this matter.
What about your own health?
Do you not care about it?
Moreover, Noble Consort Gao is currently at her peak.
- You completely cannot control her. - Mingyue!
- Your Highness! - Shut up!
Your Highness, calm down.
Your Highness, I am just concerned about you.
With so many problems, you cannot care for all of them.
If this incident will topple Noble Consort Gao, then we can put special attention to it. But clearly, there is no chance of winning.
We must not get involved.
What matter can Empress not get involved in?
Greetings, Your Majesty.
All of you, rise.
What were you all talking about earlier?
People here in the palace are getting more and more laxed.
They did not even inform me that you are here.
I asked them to not inform you.
I want to see what you are doing.
Noble Lady Yu is pregnant.
This is a big joyous news here in the palace.
I plan to set up a a porridge kitchen by the Gate of Divine Might as a way to pray for blessings.
But who knew that this two palace maids would say that I am not feeling well.
That I should not over exert myself.
They urge me not to do it.
Is it like that?
Yes.
Other than these, do you still have other words
to tell me?
Your Majesty has too many state affairs to attend to every day.
You should take care of your precious health.
Yes.
- Your Highness. - There are indeed a lot of affairs lately.
I will go attend to them now. Please rest well.
Respectfully sending off Your Majesty.
Your Highness.
Why did you not say it earlier?
What's the use of saying it now?
Imperial Concubine Yi is gone.
If we further investigate now if there is any problem with the loquat,
it will not make up for anything.
Currently, my greatest hope is
Noble Lady Yu can pull herself together
and safely deliver her child.
Greetings, Your Highness Noble Consort.
What? His Majesty asks you to deliver me a gift?
Don't.
May Your Highness personally open it.
What is it?
Diamond Sutra?
Why does His Majesty mean in sending me this?
Replying to Your Highness Noble Consort,
His Majesty said that Your Highness lately is too full of heat.
He is especially giving you this sutra.
He said that if you copy it once, your internal heat will surely dissipate.
It is beneficial for your health.
A copy of this is 5,000 words.
Your Highness, the brush, ink, and papers
were already prepared for you.
Just leave it. I will copy it when I have the time.
Your Highness, forgive me.
His Majesty said that I must stay here and wait.
I must personally see you copy the sutra.
And then, take them back to report on my duty.
What?! His Majesty asked you to monitor me?
Your Highness Noble Consort, don't say it that way.
This is His Majesty's love for you.
Don't be like that. Your Highness Noble Consort, that...is an imperial gift.
You must not throw it.
Okay. Okay.
I will go copy it now.
Open your eyes big and watch me!
Yes.
Jixiang, look.
What is good in looking at guards?
Idiot. You think the guards here in the Forbidden City are ordinary people?
The red walls of Forbidden City is the dividing line among the guards.
What do you mean? I don't understand.
You are really dumb.
The defending army outside the red walls
are from the lower 5 banners,
while the guards inside the red wall
are all royal relatives from the upper three banners.
Nobility also become guards?
Of course. Don't forget.
People who are always by His Majesty side will surely have a promising career.
Hence, when it's time to compete for the guard list for the Forbidden City every year,
it's not enough that you are born from a nobility class.
You must be exceptionally outstanding.
Or else, how could you be picked out?
I heard that the younger brother of Empress, Lord Fuheng is among them. Which one is he?
I don't know. I have never seen him too.
Momo said that we must hurry in delivering the clothes to the different palaces.
Don't waste time. Let's hurry and go.
Qingxi, what are you looking at?
- Watch this place for me. I have some important matter. - Hey!
You can't casually leave! Jingxi!
Yingluo, what's wrong?
I seemed to have dropped my handkerchief. I'll go back and search for it.
You go in first.
- Come back soon. - Okay.
Come with me.
Gugu Feng, earlier, there was a guard that suddenly came to see Yingluo.
He hastily dragged her away.
Yingluo has just entered the palace and doesn't know much people.
Could something bad happen?
Really good. She just entered the palace and already causing me trouble by having an affair with a guard.
See if I don't skin her.
Just talk.
Yingluo, when Uncle Wei said that you're in the palace,
I didn't believe him. But you actually are indeed here.
Whether I'm here or not, it's none of your business.
I also feel sad about Yingning's death.
But this is the Forbidden City, don't make trouble.
Who are you? What right do you have to meddle with my affairs?
Just based on the fact that your sister and I were once lovers, hence, I have the right to control you.
What are you laughing at?
You and my sister were lovers once.
Why then did you abandon here at the time that she needed you the most?
Being a clan member of the Imperial Household Department Booi, she will enter the palace sooner or later.
Do you want me to wait for her until she's 25 years old?
No, it is not that you can't wait for her.
It's because we all are from the low class.
Even if my sister is beautiful, intelligent, and virtuous,
a highly noble young master like you will never marry a woman from a low class.
Yingluo.
What?
I guessed what you're thinking correctly, am I right?
Your surname is Qijia. You are from the Qing nobility of Manchuria.
Although my sister didn't come from a noble family,
she has a backbone.
Since you two have severed ties, then you two are not related by any way.
But I treated your sister well.
When my sister was in the palace, did you ever show her any care?
I...am a guard.
I can't have any interaction with a palace maid.
Very good.
Since we're strangers,
I won't blame you for treating my sister's death as if you didn't see it.
Just pretend to have never seen me here in the Forbidden City too.
Yingluo.
I'm on duty every 5 days.
If you encounter any problem, you can look for me in the Guards Office.
No need!
I'm a palace maid of the Inner Palace. Aren't you afraid people will see you pulling me,
and lose your job because of it?
Good thing my sister broke up with you.
You're not worthy to be my brother-in-law.
Just a good-for-nothing.
You shameless bitch. I finally caught you red-handed!
You dare to date inside the palace?
Did you eat some bear's heart or leopard gall? (too daring)
Come out! You disobedient maidservant!
Open the door! Quickly open the door!
You scoundrel! You scoundrel!
Who told you peek?! Shamelessly
peeking! How dare you!
Who told you to peek?!
Scoundrel! Who told you to peek?!
Stop! Stop hitting!
It's Gugu Fang!
Scoundrel...!
How dare you?! You dare to hit Gugu?!
Gugu Fang, how come it's you?
You stinky brat! You dare...
Gugu, didn't you say that you're here...
Wei Yingluo, where's your lover?
Lover?
This...there is only me here.
Let me ask you, what are you doing in the storage room alone?
I dropped my handkerchief. I came to look for it.
Who knew that midway, I suddenly had the urge to pee.
There is no lavatory here in the Forbidden City and I couldn't hold it anymore.
I suddenly notice someone stalking me.
You dare to spout so many lies. See how I'll tear up your mouth.
Gugu! Did you accidentally twist your waist?
Quickly go lie down!
Fine.
I will slowly settle score with you.
Be careful. Take it slow, Aunt Fang.
Take it slow.
Yingluo, are you okay?
You scared me to death.
Aren't I fine?
But Aunt was furious just now. What if she decides to pursue this matter?
What will we do then?
Based on the beatings which I just gave her,
she will take about ten to two weeks to recover.
When she has recovered, she can pursue it.
You did this on purpose?
You are imagining too much.
It's so pretty.
Yingluo. Yingluo?
What's wrong with you?
Did Aunt lose that knot just now?
I will return it to her later.
Aunt.
Are you going to scald me to death?
Redo this.
Yes.
Sister Bingqing.
What are you doing here? If Aunt sees you, she will be furious.
Once she sees you, she will grind her teeth. Be careful she doesn't settle score with you.
Aunt dropped this knot.
I specially brought it here.
So, you picked it up. Aunt told Yujie to look for it.
This string knot is exquisitely made.
The method of knotting is also very unique.
After looking at it for a long time, I couldn't imitate it.
Do you know who made that?
It's the Embroidery Workshop palace maid that I told you not to mention, A'Man.
A'Man?
Her name is A'Man?
I entered the palace late. I only know that people call her that. Why?
Where is she now?
I told you to not mention her. Gugu doesn't allow it.
Sister, just tell me. I will not tell anyone.
Later, I'll make you a beautiful pouch.
I know that you like 'Golden Swallow Chasing the Moon' the most.
She seems to have committed a crime and got driven out of the palace.
Gugu doesn't allow anyone to mention it. Whoever does, gets punished.
Then it means that only Gugu Fang knows the details.
- Yes. - Bingqing!
- Gugu is calling me now. I have to quickly go. I'm going. - Bingqing, where did you go?
I told you to get me a tea. Where did you go?
Gugu, it's all my fault.
I saw someone by the door and chatted a bit.
Who did you see?
It's Yingluo.
She picked up your string knot accessory and especially delivered it.
She's checking if I'm crippled or not.
That cursed mischievous girl. What else did she say?
She asked who made this knot.
She even asked about A'Man.
A'Man?
Gugu, it's really not my fault. I didn't say anything.
Yingluo must just be curious.
Wei Yingluo...
How come this name is so familiar?
Where did I hear it?
Go and call Linglong.
Take it! Show it to His Majesty!
Tell him, that all those were personally written by me.
I didn't let anyone write it for me.
Tell him that my hand is about break!
Yes. I will take my leave.
Your Highness Noble Consort, since you've finished copying the sutra,
stop being mad at His Majesty.
Being mad at His Majesty?
It was clearly him who is mad at me!
I heard that His Majesty went to Changchun Palace this morning.
So, it's her.
I was wondering who's playing the devil behind my back.
Your Highness, what then must we do next?
I forced that bitch to kill herself.
His Majesty didn't reprimand me at all.
Yes.
For people that His Majesty doesn't pay attention to, he will naturally not care.
He's the emperor. The ruler of Qing dynasty.
How could he have time to get involved in harem matters all day
and discern right and wrong for his imperial consorts?
Isn't that a big joke?
If the emperor meddles, what's the use of an empress?
Hence, this matter is not under his jurisdiction.
If he does, it's like announcing to the whole Forbidden City
that the empress is incompetent and unable to manage the imperial harem.
Then this sutra...
Isn't there still one pregnant person in Yonghe Palace?
His Majesty is reminding me
to cultivate my moral character.
I am scratching the spiritual tree's itch.
Gugu Feng, that day, I really saw Wei Yingluo with a guard.
I didn't deliberately fool you.
Okay already. I believe you. Get up.
But, that Wei Yingluo is hiding something. You must watch her for me.
Gugu Fang, I don't understand.
You don't need to understand. You just need to remember it.
Just report to me immediately
anything about her, even just a mere rustle of grass in the wind.
If you don't agree,
I'll tell her that it was you who told on her that day.
She dared to hit even me.
What about you then?
Yes, Gugu.
Who's in-charge here?
Greetings, Mistresses.
- You know me? - I measured you for clothes when you just entered the palace.
Noble Lady is naturally beautiful and unforgettable.
I also remember First Class Attendant Qing.
Then, are you done sewing our new clothes?
It's done. I was just about to have someone deliver them to you.
No need. Aren't I here now?
Noble Lady, this way please.
You?
Greetings, Noble Lady.
I remember you. Aren't you that one last time...
First Class Attendant, you have good memory.
You have left a deep impression on us.
I will never forget how Sister Wuya
got driven out of the palace that time.
Young Mistress Wuya got driven out of the palace?
How is that possible?
You...don't know?
I'm only a measly palace maid of the Embroidery Workshop. How could I know about the matters of my masters?
It really has nothing to do with you?
It's connected with me?
Sister Nalan, looks like she doesn't really know.
Hope that I'm just overthinking,
and not that you did too much.
Noble Lady, I really couldn't understand what you're saying.
I'm not as stupid as Sister Wuya.
You also should stop being presumptuous.
Be careful of making a mistake and falling into my hand.
Didn't you say you're showing us the new clothes? Are we still not leaving?
This way please.
I am scratching the spiritual tree's itch...
Chief Steward Li, you most likely have seen most of the palace maids.
You still couldn't find that person you're looking for?
That darn servant maid. If I find her,
I surely will skin her to death!
Just these? Are all the palace maids here?!
I've already thought of ways to move the palace maids of the different palaces here for you to see.
Unless, she's a major palace maid serving by the side of the imperial consorts. We are unable to move them.
It's impossible that she's of higher position.
I remember her voice very clearly. I've never heard of it.
Then, there's only the palace maids in the different divisions of the Palace Workshops.
For example, the Leather Workshop, Embroidery Workshop, Filigree Workshop, Ruyi Workshop.
Investigate. Investigate each and every one of them.
His Majesty has given a decree, so we must find her.
Lower down this part more.
Look. Here.
Should I make a knot?
And here.
Everyone get out. Form a line. I'm going to check you one by one.
Chief Steward Li. What's going on?
Momo Zhang, call out all your working maids.
I'm going to check them one by one.
Chief Steward Li, we're currently rushing the production of the spring dresses of the different mistresses.
If I call them all now, it's too time consuming.
How about this? If you need anything, you can just tell me.
Of course, it's different.
I know that this place is under the jurisdiction of the Imperial Household Department which is headed by Eunuch Wu.
You kept calling me Chief Steward Li in such intimate manner,
but could it be you're not putting any importance to me at all?
Look at what you're saying. How could I dare?
Chief Steward Li, what kind of person are you really looking for?
A little palace maid with such clever mouth and a stomach full of mischief!
If I catch her, I surely will skin her!
Okay. Wait a minute then.
Momo, the different palaces are rushing us. How can we make such a delay?
We mustn't offend Chief Steward Li.
Chief Steward Li, I still have to assist the two mistresses in trying on their dresses.
I won't accompany you anymore.
Move back.
Come. Fall in line and each one must say,
"I am scratching the spiritual tree's itch."
I am scratching the spiritual tree's itch.
Why are you laughing?!
I'm exactly talking to you!
Learning to play the flute at 80 years old. Such a stupid face.
That servant was so clever. She surely isn't you. Leave.
Those who are done with the check, don't just idle around.
Come with me to deliver the dresses for the two mistresses.
Chief Steward Li!
Jixiang.
Who are you looking for that you have to involve so many people?
Do you need us to help you?
For measly matters like this, no need to trouble Noble Lady's gracious presence.
I dare not accept the words 'gracious presence'.
I've repeatedly asked for you but you have refused it.
Noble Lady, you must be joking. You probably don't know His Majesty's temper yet since you're new here.
If His Majesty learns that you called me,
he might think that you're inquiring information about him.
How could that be? You're overthinking.
Then...I'll take my leave now.
Yingluo!
- You servant, where did you go? I couldn't find you anywhere. - Momo, I—
You, come over here!
I'm talking to you!
While there is a surprise check, you just happen to be not around?!
You are the most suspicious! Say,
"I am scratching the spiritual tree's itch."
I am scratching the spiritual tree's itch.
Go. Continue.
Sister Nalan, you're really trying to know the activities of His Majesty?
Why are you such a coward?
We've been inside the palace for a month, but still haven't seen His Majesty.
What then is the purpose of us passing
the Xiunv Selection?
Did we come to the palace to bask in the sun?
You shouldn't say it that way.
Slowly, we would get the chance.
But if we curry favors like this—
If you become a soldier, you should aim to be the supreme commander.
When you enter the palace, you should aim to be above everyone.
If everyone is like you,
just hiding and covering, shrinking one's head like a quail, what's the point?
Sister Nalan, lower down your voice.
What are you afraid of?
I entered the palace to be a favored consort, to float upon the clouds.
Why must I be secretive?
Don't look at them as being so pretentiously noble and clean.
If you're so capable, don't ever assist His Majesty in his chambers forever.
Sister Nalan, stop saying it.
The other sisters here in the palace are all quite prim and proper.
I think that you're stupid.
I just said a few honest words and you're already cowering like that.
Let me tell you, regardless of inside or outside the palace,
as long as it's a human with two legs, they're all the same.
Anyone who likes to flaunt, elevate their reputation, or brag,
don't hesitate. Ruthlessly spit on them.
Fake. So fake!
If you want to be a sacred person with a clean heart and limited desire,
then just...strangle yourself and go to heaven.
Sister Nalan, we still have to greet Her Highness Imperial Concubine Jia today. Let's go.
Wait.
Did you all hear it?
Deliver my clothes back to my palace.
Yes.
- Let's go. - Let's quickly go
Quickly look! It's Guard Fuca!
- Guard Fuca! - Jin--
- Guard Fuca! - Quickly look!
Guard Fuca! I saw him!
Guard Fuca?
Fuca Fuhe, the biological brother of the Empress.
A true talent in literary and fighting. An important imperial relative.
Oh, can we go deliver the clothes now?
Yingluo, wait. I need to pee. Just help me with this.
Thanks!
Jinxiu!
Wei Yingluo? What are you doing?
It should be me asking you what you're doing.
Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.
♫The Forbidden Palace's walls surround them, feeling like a good place to reside.♫
♫As the walls sever the setting sun's rays, they lose their past dreams as it grows cold.♫
♫Decaying leaves cover the neglected shuttered window, that remembers the cold winds of twenty harvests.♫
♫Knowing only how to go with the flow, and pass the years.♫
♫Unmarried and hopeful, the heavy, dark gates are locked, cultivated and proud, gem-like beauties, ♫
♫and yet somehow♫
♫Flowers who stay may endure breakage, causing them ask to change their karma; Can not an empty branch give them a carefree place♫
♫to rest upon?♫
♫Longing to be together with him, separated as the illumination in the western window declines,♫
♫At leisure to be melancholy, also perplexed and worried about it all.♫
♫Who will pity her, and record her lifetime full of misery?♫
♫A pretentious, showy vision on a stage.♫
♫Longing to be together with him, separated as the illumination in the western window declines,♫
♫At leisure to be melancholy, also perplexed and worried about it all.♫
♫Who will pity her, and record her lifetime full of misery?♫
♫A pretentious, showy vision on a stage.♫