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 8
His Majesty has issued a decree
to cane you eighty times,
exile you to Ningguta,
and never allow you back into the capital.
I swear that if I ever have any evil thoughts again,
the heavens will punish me to have a tragic death.
I...Wei Yingluo, I admit my mistake. I was wrong.
Save me. I beg you to help me. Save me!
It's too late.
- Save me...- Everything is too late.
Linglong,
the way to Ningguta
is very far and long.
Take care of yourself.
No...
Yingluo, if you really get transferred to Changchun Palace,
with your attitude, you surely will get into trouble.
Momo...
thank you for taking care of me.
As for other things, I will weigh them properly.
Tell me the truth then. Why are you going to Changchun Palace?
To get near Fuheng
and ask about the truth.
What if he was indeed the perpetrator?
No matter who harmed my older sister,
I will make him pay.
I really don't understand what Her Highness the Empress sees in you.
A little embroidery servant
could actually be able to reach the heavens in a single bound and come to our Changchun Palace?
Don't think that by entering here you'll become an attendant of Her Highness the Empress.
You don't know anything yet. It's still too early for that.
From now on, you must be careful with your speech and actions.
Open your eyes wide and look at how others are doing their jobs.
Don't show off while outside using the name of our mistress.
And most importantly, don't invite trouble to our mistress.
If I discover that you have, I will severely punish you!
Yes.
What do I need to do now?
Sweep the courtyard.
Oh, right. Don't touch the jasmine flowers in the front courtyard.
They are the favorite of Her Highness.
I usually have to carefully care for them.
Don't you go destroying them with your clumsy hands!
Sister Mingyu, don't worry.
I won't casually touch them.
What is she doing?
What are you all doing there? Go back to work!
Here! Here!
Imperial Guard Fuca, you're here.
I will go inform Mistress now.
Imperial Guard Fuca!
Mistress asks that you go inside.
Imperial Guard Fuca, what is it?
Nothing. Let's go.
Imperial Guard Fuca.
What a coincidence.
It's not a coincidence. I especially came to see you.
Do you need anything?
That jade pendant you dropped earlier is mine. I lost it before.
This one?
Sorry. May I ask...
for a precious jade pendant like this...
how did you lose it?
Everyone has a moment of carelessness. I accidentally lost it.
- When?- I can't remember anymore.
Where did you lose it?
Maybe in...the Imperial Garden.
You should give it back to me now.
I still can't be sure
that this jade pendant belongs to you.
On that jade pendant, other than a carving of my Fuca surname,
there is a small chipped-off portion in its lower right-hand part.
I accidentally caused that before. Look at it clearly.
The item is now back with its rightful owner, Young Master.
What did you call me?
Her Highness the Empress is my mistress.
You are her younger brother.
You are naturally my Young Master then.
Don't smile like that to men. It's very disrespectful.
Fuca Fuheng, are you the one who caused my older sister's death?
Do you have any shame!
In broad daylight, you dare seduce Imperial Guard Fuca?
You also know that it's broad daylight
with so many eyes watching.
I only said a few words with Imperial Guard Fuca.
How could that count as seducing?
You even dare to talk back!
Sister Mingyu, if I really did anything wrong,
you can punish me.
But if it's for no reason at all, forgive me for not accepting your lecture.
Really good, a low-life palace maid like you
actually dares to keep contradicting me!
I have belittled you.
Don't you want to work? Then stop being idle.
Sweep the whole main hall!
I will check your work later.
If there's one bit of dirt, I'll skin you!
Clean it again.
Yes.
Do you know from what family did Imperial Guard Fuca come from?
His ancestors have impressive military feats
and were posthumously conferred the title "Duke Chengen of the First Rank".
His uncle has served three emperors and is a top-ranked official.
His father is the supervisor of Chahar.
His older sister is the current Empress who was personally chosen by the late Emperor.
The Fuca Clan has always been given Imperial graces and flooded with good fortune that fills the heavens.
He personally is His Majesty's reading partner,
and a future high official of the court.
How could a person like you even dream of socializing with him?
- I never thought of making connections with him.- Then don't talk to him.
- What are you laughing about?- Nothing.
What really are you laughing about? Explain yourself!
If just chatting a few words with Imperial Guard Fuca is deliberately seducing him,
what about you then?
I walk and sit straight. Of course, I'm different from you. (T/N conscience is clear)
Yes, you and I are different.
- You...- Mingyu!
Erqing, look at her.
She just arrived not long ago, but she keeps answering back! She's driving me mad!
I heard everything.
You should report it to Her Highness the Empress so that she can
return to where she came from!
Imperial Guard Fuca frequently comes to visit Her Highness the Empress.
If he actively approached Yingluo to talk with her,
must she pretend to be deaf and mute?
You are going overboard.
Erqing.
Enough.
Yingluo.
It's okay now, Yingluo. This place has already been cleaned very well. Go back and rest.
Thank you, Sister Erqing.
Erqing, why did you defend her?
How am I defending her?
I'm defending you.
What do you mean?
That servant has a upright temperament and she's not afraid to speak her mind.
If you two really get into a quarrel and Her Highness the Empress is disturbed, you tell me what would happen.
But I feel that servant doesn't have pure intentions. There would be trouble sooner or later.
Changchun Palace is a place of troubles to begin with.
If you want to make a foothold here, you should at least be capable.
- Zhenzhu, do you need my help?- No need...
- Hupo.- No need. Quickly go away.
Feicui.
Hupo, we're really not minding her?
Sister Mingyu gave instructions that no one must talk with her.
Whoever disobeys it will be punished with her.
But if we all don't talk to her, she surely will get so bored.
Who told her to offend Sister Mingyu upon coming here?
Sister,
if that jade pendant was just picked up by you,
based on your personality,
you surely will not claim it as your own.
There is only one possibility.
Fuheng
is that person who raped my sister.
Am I right?
Who told you to touch this?
The palace maids in Changchun Palace have shifts.
I happen to be the one on duty today.
You have just been here for a few days. It's not yet your turn to attend to our mistress.
Just go and stay over there. If you let me see you touch the personal items of Mistress again,
I'll cut off the hand that touched it!
Mingyu!
Why are you calling me?
Last night, there was a lunar halo. This morning, there were dark clouds in the east.
I fear that there might be rain today. Those flowers in the inner courtyard—
I didn't see any lunar halo last night.
Today, the sky is clear and blue. How can there be any rain? You're dreaming.
Mingyu, why are you doing things like that now?
Today is Yingluo's shift, right? Why did she not come in?
Who knew where she went to idle around?
If not because I went ahead and asked, Mistress wouldn't even have any water to wash your face with.
Is she really that lazy?
It might be because she's just new here and still not used to the system.
Erqing, you are being too nice.
You put in good words for everyone, but they might not appreciate it.
That Wei Yingluo isn't good in anything other than talking.
Last time, I just lectured her a little
and she already dared to show me attitude.
Your Highness, how could we let a person like that stay here in Changchun Palace?
Mingyu!
Mingyu, look.
There's now wind blowing.
If it really rains tonight, what about these flowers?
Wind?
Where's the wind?
Be reasonable. Can't you feel the wind?
Hupo!
Sister Mingyu, you call me?
Yingluo said that there's wind blowing. Do you feel any wind?
Just a mild wind. What's there to be nervous about?
You hear that?
I think you're just too free and have nothing to do.
Don't even think about it.
Even if you continue to say it, I will not let you go inside to attend to our mistress.
Hupo, I have something to instruct you.
Yes.
Your Highness, that Wei Yingluo
is not doing any work and just keeps loitering around.
I'm at my wits end already. Since I entered the palace,
- I've never seen a servant who's as disobedient as she is.- Is that true?
It is indeed. Every day I waste so much time talking to her,
but a rotten piece of mud like her can't really be assisted to go up the wall anymore. (T/N hopelessly incompetent)
If that's really the case, Mingyu,
just let her return to the Embroidery House tomorrow.
Erqing! Erqing!
Your Highness, I am here.
- Your Highness, don't be afraid. There's just thunder outside.- My flowers!
Your Highness!
Don't you all have ears? It's raining so hard! You all are sleeping more soundly than pigs!
Quickly! Get some oilcloth!
What are you all still standing there for? Quickly help her!
Yes!
Your Highness.
Cover that part too.
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Quickly cover it!
The lazy person you speak of braved the rain to cover the flowers of Her Highness.
- What were you doing?- I...
You... Don't explain anymore.
Her Highness understands everything. She can see it.
You should stop speaking evil of others.
We all here in Changchun Palace should unite and help each other out in taking care of Her Highness.
Let me give you a piece of advice, if you talk too much, you surely will make a mistake.
Hurry.
Okay. Okay already.
Yingluo, why are you here?
This is ginger soup that I just cooked.
Quicly drink it while it's hot.
When did you cook it?
Earlier, there wasn't enough oilcloth.
I went to the stockroom to get some.
When I returned to the tea room, I suddenly remembered it.
Drink the ginger soup while it's hot.
Drive the cold away, so you won't get sick.
I'll go back now.
Actually, I feel that Yingluo is a nice girl.
Yes. We indeed we're a bit harsh on her.
Just some little favor, she already hoped to win people's hearts?
You all are too stupid.
Hupo, just drink this ginger soup.
Or else, you'll be sick tomorrow.
Come here.
Are you deaf? Her Highness the Noble Consort is calling you!
Are you waiting for a more grand invitation?
I greet Your Highness the Noble Consort and Imperial Concubine Jia.
I hear it was you that presented the deer tail thread to Empress.
You're not dumb at all.
It looks like you deceived me on purpose last time.
I wouldn't dare.
The hunter is chasing the sparrow all day but ends up having his eyes pecked out by the sparrow instead.
Good. Very good.
Everyone in the palace says you have a clever mouth.
You can even flatter the Empress.
Attendants, bind her.
Cut out her tongue, and we'll see how she can flatter more.
Your Highness the Noble Consort! May Your Highness listen to me.
I despise seeing you. I don't want to waste words with you. Start.
If you make a move in Changchun Palace,
you are dishonoring Her Highness the Empress! Do you all want to die?
- Let go of me. - If any issues, I will take charge.
Cut out her tongue!
Who dares?
Yingluo.
Your Highness the Empress.
Noble Consort Gao.
This is Changchun Palace and not Chuxiu Palace.
When did it become your turn to bark out orders here?
This servant disobeyed her superior, so she deserves death.
Your Highness the Empress. The Noble Consort came in
and without a second word, she wanted to cut out my tongue.
I still don't understand what I did exactly,
to anger Her Highness the Noble Consort like this.
May Your Highness the Empress investigate!
Imperial Concubine Jia, you say it.
Empress.
This servant acted like she was dumb and crazed at Chuxiu Palace before.
She deceived Noble Consort on purpose.
This servant dares to ask Imperial Concubine Jia.
That day, at Chuxiu Palace, did I actually say I was dumb?
You didn't say that, but your actions did.
Then, that's not really
me deceiving her, Your Highness.
It's Her Highness finding my appearance to be dumb.
But that's not something I can help.
Maybe I was just born looking dumb.
And the ladies are unhappy and pestered in their sight by me.
But . . .
I look dumb
but that's not my fault.
Your Highness the Empress. I am wronged unfairly.
Just a petty servant and I am just bothered by the sight of her. I can't even punish her?
- Erqing. - I'm here. - You speak.
In response to Your Highness the Empress,
there are rules installed.
Any palace maiden who commits a wrong,
must be reported to the palace mistress first for handling.
Wei Yingluo belongs to Changchun Palace.
No matter what wrong she did, you have to report to Empress first.
No one else can claim authority on their own.
Naturally, the Empress Dowager and His Majesty are exceptions.
If Noble Consort Gao has received a royal decree,
even if you wish to kill Wei Yingluo today,
Changchun Palace will not say another word.
Noble Consort Gao.
Did you hear that clearly?
If you insist on sheltering your own servant,
naturally I can't do anything.
But there's a saying I'd like to remind you of.
When you want to keep a dog, you have to keep your eyes clear.
You must know the difference between a dog and a wolf.
Don't make a mistake and invite a wolf into your home instead and get yourself bitten by the wolf.
That's not worth the trouble now.
Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Noble Consort Gao.
Changchun Palace matters. I will arrange them.
Noble Consort Gao, is your trip here today just to punish a palace maid?
I heard Your Highness' health wasn't well so I came to check on you.
I am very well.
Very healthy. I don't need to trouble you with concern.
If there's nothing else, please go back first.
I take my leave.
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- Rise. - Yes.
Yingluo, Noble Consort Gao's personality is domineering.
But I've never seen her so wild in Changchun Palace.
How did you anger her?
Empress, Noble Consort Gao gifted loquat ointment to Noble Lady Yu.
It was me who told Noble Lady Yu that young leaves of loquat are poisonous.
Noble Consort Gao became furious upon finding out.
So she dragged me to Chuxiu Palace.
So you acted like you were crazy and dumb to fool her?
Yes.
You even dare to fool her.
No wonder she was so angry today.
That means my transferring you to Changchun Palace
actually saved your life.
For Your Highness the Empress' gracious mercy, I am forever grateful.
Rise.
Yes.
Yingluo. You are a clever girl.
But Noble Consort Gao is tyrant. Today she ran into a wall here.
But she will not stop easily.
You must be extra careful.
Yes.
Your Highness.- Your Highness.
You suffered a chill yesterday. Let's return to rest now.
How audacious of a dog, to dare to fool me!
Noble Consort, no need to be angry over a servant.
Don't let it harm your heath.
A servant?
I've never met such a pompous servant.
Now she's got the Empress on her back and she has no fear of me.
Your Highness.
The way I see it, that Wei Yingluo is just a minor character.
To kill her would only relieve your anger for the moment.
So if Empress likes her, let her keep her.
Just a servant.
She won't be any major obstacle to Your Highness.
This is a small matter? Then what is a large matter?
Noble Consort.
Noble Lady Yu hasn't left her palace in a long time.
She's so scared, just like a mouse. No need to mention her.
She got so scared
that she won't even dare to leave Yonghe Palace's gate.
As the wise saying goes, it's best to remove the root to be rid of weed.
Or it will leave future disasters.
Just a mousy thing. Why fear that?
You are so right, Your Highness. Noble Lady Yu needs no mention.
But don't forget, Your Highness.
Noble Lady Yu has a precious heir in her belly.
It's not yet born, and who knows if it's a girl or boy.
But it's the "just in case" that we are wary of.
Third Prince and Second Prince left in a row.
Now, His Majesty only has First Prince and Fourth Prince left.
Empress Dowager is wishing dearly all day for one.
If Noble Lady Yu really bears a prince, she will have a new life completely.
Imperial Concubine Jia. You are rushing me to knock off Noble Lady Yu all the time.
Are you really thinking for my sake,
or for your own son?
Noble Consort, I am the mother of Fourth Prince.
As the mother, of course I need to think of my child.
But what I said was more out of concern for Your Highness.
Please regard this. What was Noble Lady Yu and Imperial Concubine Yi's relationship?
They were like sisters and loyal to each other.
How did Imperial Concubine Yi die?
I just fear she will never forget it.
When she's raised to a new height, wouldn't she come seek you for trouble?
Then, you suggest..?
This Imperial Concubine Yi is dead.
Noble Lady Yu is so upset.
She might follow suit, and that's natural.
Do you agree, Your Ladyship?
Your Majesty. Consort Xian made these shoes for you herself.
Look at how delicate the workmanship.
We have an embroidery house in the palace.
She's not a seamstress, so she needn't do this anymore.
Summon Zhang Tingyu and Ortai.
Yes.
Supervisor Li! Does His Majesty like those shoes?
His Majesty said there's an embroidery house in the palace, so Her Highness Consort Xian needn't bother anymore,
so she doesn't harm her sight. I have matters to tend to. I've got to go!
Supervisor Li. Supvervisor Li!
Zhang Tingyu, do you know your offense?
Your Majesty. I was not involved in Oshan's acceptance of a bribe.
That is a false report.
A false report?
You and Oshan are very close and everyone knows that.
If not for that, why would you be the first to be implicated when Oshan's crime is discovered?
Zhang Tingyu, Zhang Tingyu.
I had thought you were righteous and brave.
But now you're colluding for power garnering.
You forgot all about your prudence before.
How pompous are you!
Your Majesty, I don't dare.
I never joined any clique,
and I never would dare to.
You don't dare to?
I don't dare. I would never dare!
Ortai, have you any offense?
Your Majesty, Zhong Yongtan wants to impeach Oshan.
And he said he is with offense, then the first to be punished should be Oshan who took a bribe.
I never had any acquaintance with him and we are in no clique together whatsoever.
Where is my crime?
You did indeed have no acquaintance with the criminal Oshan.
But Zhong Yongtan who reported the incident is your student.
You taught Zhang Yongtan to impeach Oshan and drag Zhang Tingyu down alongside.
You are using corruption charges to strike out a dissident.
And you want to remove yourself from this crime I named?
Your Majesty. Your Majesty.
I deserve to die. May Your Majesty forgive me!
Correct.
You are a trusted subject of late Emperor.
But I could employ you in the past and forgive you today,
but does that mean I can't prosecute your crime in the future?
Oshan received heavy royal favor.
But he polluted the royal laws and his shamelessness pains me.
If there's any mercy, how can I guide the court?
Everyone involved in this case is to be dragged to the Office of Careful Punishment.
Order the punishment to wait for the local precincts and nine offices to review strictly.
- I shall follow your order. - I shall follow your order.
You two were heavily favored by the late Emperor.
Late Emperor bequeathed me the order to enshrine you in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.
How lofty is that trust and honor.
It's due to your lofty positions and high powers,
that even if you hold no thought of collusion with a clique,
many will try to flatter you with vain words.
Just a miss in prudence and you will become factionists.
To do harm to the nation for the sake of power fight.
I don't want to witness such an occurrence.
So I am giving you a reminder.
Cherish my trust.
Cherish your robes.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
You are dismissed.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
I am finished with my words.
I hope they were reminded not to slide into an abyss.
I believe the two ministers are smart and can see the point.
It's because they are smart that they err!
Is Grand Secretary Gao Bin a fool then?
He knew clearly I hate high ministers factionizing.
But he still became Ortai's factionist.
Your Majesty, you really will kill Oshan?
Kill them.
No one from this case will be spared.
I want everyone to see clearly...
what Imperial fury looks like.
Your Highness. You've toiled all day.
Let's stop.
It's getting hot now and His Majesty sweats easily.
I made light sole pads for him to put in his shoes.
It will be very cooling.
What's wrong?
Nothing.
Your Highness, stop making them.
No matter how you make them, no one cares.
You were fine before but what's wrong with you today?
His Majesty doesn't recognize your hard work!
He thought you were like others, just putting on a show.
Do you think I'm putting on a show too?
Of course not.
The four seasons of the year. You make His Majesty's inner clothes personally.
And you often say the work from the embroidery house lacks detail.
They only care about a showy appearance but ignore how comfortable it may be.
So you make them yourself. Each stitch, toiling along.
Not just me, but even your mother says you are foolish for not fighting for favor.
If this is called putting on a show, then what is sincerity?
Since you already know, why do you stop me?
I just feel you're too good.
So I can't stand His Majesty ignoring you.
Such a grand Forbidden City and no one is as devoted to him as you are!
And he doesn't even care about you.
Enough. Don't say anymore now.
I don't care what others say,
as long as I know what I'm doing.
Consort Xian, Madam came into the palace.
It's big trouble!
Big trouble, Daughter!
Hurry and save your brother. - What happened?
Consort Xian's Palace
You mean my brother was involved in the Oshan bribery case?
You know your brother is so immature.
He's always idling around.
Your father is only devoted to his work all his life and doesn't think of him.
So without any other means, he went and acquainted with Oshan.
This is getting acquainted?
He helped Meng Luzhan send ten thousand taels to Oshan and received a thousand taels himself.
This is bribery.
What bribery? It's just two families fighting for assets.
He asked him to ask Commander O about it.
It's not actually bribery.
Delivering money to officers is bribery.
Mother, you are too confused.
Alright. Your brother already knows his mistake.
Now he's already in the main prison.
Go plead the case with His Majesty.
Save your brother, please.
I vow to you I will never let him get involved again.
Mother. Oshan was promoted from provincial commander all the way to the chief commander of military bureau.
His Majesty trusted him and favored him so much, but he's also in the main prison now.
This is His Majesty warning everyone he is bent on tidying up the court.
If I go seek mercy from His Majesty now, that is asking too much.
Too much from His Majesty? That's better than your brother dying.
I won't go. - What did you say?
I can't go.
You. Even if you have to kneel and beg, you have to ask His Majesty to spare your brother!
No. I won't go.
Don't do that. - Go away!
Mother. What are you doing? Please get up.
You are His Majesty's consort.
Our house never benefited from that.
But we've instead behaved more prudent and careful so we do not implicate your honor.
You aren't willing to help your father's promotion and I am fine with it.
But you must save your brother.
He's my only son.
I can't bury my child.
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♫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.♫