Episode 9
Here's the lye.
The palace maids who checked the gifts for His Majesty...
are all here.
Thank you, Eunuch Xue.
Dear all, please...
dip your hands into the lye one by one.
A clear conscience is a soft pillow.
I'll go first.
Dear all, please show us your hands.
The truth is, the water in this jar...
can't reveal the poison.
This isn't lye, but walnut water.
Whoever dips his or her hands into this walnut water...
will have dirty hands.
The person with clean hands...
must have deliberately avoided the water.
If you're not guilty,
what were you afraid of?
Am I right, Qu Pan Er?
Your Majesty! Please spare me!
I know nothing about the poison!
I was just jealous of Qu Tan Er.
So, I was blinded by jealousy.
Today, when the Gift Department was examining this painting,
I noticed that Qu Tan Er is in charge of the birthday gift.
As such,
I put this drug onto the painting.
I just wanted to destroy the painting,
so that Your Majesty would punish Qu Tan Er.
I didn't expect it to...
put Your Majesty in danger!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, please spare me!
I'm telling the truth!
How could this happen?
How dare you, Qu Pan Er!
On top of not treasuring our sisterhood,
you used a dirty trick like this to frame me!
Luckily, Mr. Liu Shang exposed you in time.
You really got yourself into deep trouble.
Your Majesty.
This bottle contains the eggs of the Demonic Blood Spirit...
that cannot be seen with the naked eyes.
It would take some time for the eggs of the spirit...
to hatch in the scroll painting.
When Qu Pan Er took her chance...
to destroy the painting at the Gift Department,
it's possible that she was unaware of the consequence.
Yes, that's right!
Your Majesty, Mr. Liu Shang is right.
I dare not harm Your Majesty!
However, this poison is extremely rare.
You're just an ordinary palace maid.
You wouldn't be able to obtain this so easily.
If you want to prove your innocence,
expose the mastermind who instructed you to do this.
General Wei, your favourite subordinate...
actually attempted to silence the witness on the spot.
You really trained your soldiers well.
This has nothing to do with General Wei.
Prince Lian Cheng, I wonder if you still remember.
My name is Shi Jue.
Three years ago,
you humiliated my older brother, Shi Yang, in the military camp.
My brother could not bear the humiliation.
He killed myself right before me.
I just wanted to avenge my brother!
Shi Yang...
killed himself in fear of punishment. He brought it upon himself.
General Wei.
I didn't know that I would get you into trouble.
I shall make up for it with my death.
I'm at fault for failing to lead well.
Tan Er, are you alright?
But, Shi Jue committed this treacherous act...
for personal revenge.
I am responsible for this.
I can only make up for my failure with my death.
General Wei!
Since the culprit has killed himself in fear of punishment,
today is His Majesty's birthday...
and it's not a good idea to have more bloodshed.
It'll attract bad luck.
You're right, my dear.
Wei Zong Heng shall be spared from execution,
but not punishment.
From today onwards,
you are stripped of your lordship...
and demoted 3 ranks...
for further observation.
Thank you for being merciful, Your Majesty.
Cheng Er.
Huai Er.
-Yes, father. -Yes, father.
Today is my birthday.
Even though something so frightening happened,
my two princes protected me.
Especially Cheng Er who has the assistance of Mr. Liu Shang.
I'm very glad.
I reward Mo Yi Huai with 10,000 taels of gold.
Thank you, father.
I reward Mo Lian Cheng with...
the Emperor's Token granted by the late emperor.
The Emperor's Token?
Cheng Er, I hope you don't disappoint me.
I hope you can be my loyal subject as promised...
and protect Eastern Yue.
Thank you, father.
That Emperor's Token isn't even as valuable as 10,000 taels of gold.
Compared to Mo Yi Huai,
Prince Lian Cheng got the short end of the stick.
Right?
I think...
you've a point.
You're so right.
There's one thing I can't figure out yet.
The Demonic Blood Spirit is so rare.
Even the imperial physician never saw it before.
How come you know?
This is fate.
Many years ago, I travelled in the southwest.
So, I know their culture and products very well.
Do you miss the rice custard and sour soup in the southwest?
I have a plain palate.
I'm not very concerned about food.
Sir.
I've a very complicated past.
I've had extraordinary experiences.
It might be unimaginable to you now,
but in the future,
you will surely understand.
I wish to reward you.
What do you wish to have?
Qu Tan Er.
First and foremost, I'd like to move into the Snow Court.
Secondly, I'd like to have Tan Er take care of me.
Sir, could it be that you want to go back on your word...
because you're reluctant to approve my request?
Since this is your request,
of course I should approve it.
Goodbye, sir.
Sisters.
You have no idea.
Mr. Liu Shang was so amazing at that time.
He was like this.
He held the candle with one hand...
and grabbed His Majesty who was in great danger with his other hand.
His Majesty was attacked by the Demonic Blood Spirit.
So, of course he was frightened. He wanted to break free.
Mr. Liu Shang was very brave.
No. He was unbelievably brave.
We were in the palace.
Yet, none of the royal guards dared to move forward.
The handsome and graceful Mr. Liu Shang...
was so focused.
He would suddenly scan with his eyes...
with a detached expression.
When his internal power circulated in his body,
even his plain long robe...
couldn't conceal...
his tough muscles.
When he transferred his power into His Majesty's body,
that sight...
was so incredible.
It was so incredible.
-What happened? -Carry on!
-And? -What happened after that?
After that...
It's my turn to sweep the courtyard.
To know what happened, come back for the next session.
No! I'll sweep the courtyard for you!
Don't leave the story about Mr. Liu Shang hanging!
But, I'm tired.
Only money can restore my energy.
-Here you go! -Take my money!
I'll owe you first!
I'm like Eastern Yue's live stream.
I'm impressed by myself.
Who is the No. 1 female streamer in Eastern Yue?
It's me, Qu Xiao Tan.
Since I've accepted their gifts,
I shall reveal something shocking...
to benefit the society and reward my fans.
Since you all are so supportive,
I'll tell you more.
I guarantee you that it's worth every penny.
Come closer.
When Mr. Liu Shang was channelling his inner power,
his fair skin flushed red.
From his neck to his arms, his veins were raised.
He looked as sexy as you can imagine.
He is strong and handsome at the same time.
This is what they call "charming and skillful".
Honestly,
compared to Prince Lian Cheng, Mr. Liu Shang is...
so much better.
Qu Xiao Tan! Shut up!
-Hurry! -Run!
Is Liu Shang...
really better than me to you?
Sir.
That's not the case at all.
I was trying to say that...
no matter how outstanding Mr. Liu Shang is,
he can't be compared with you at all.
There are many talented people.
But, not many know how to appreciate them.
Mr. Liu Shang might be outstanding,
but it's because you recognized his talent.
As a prince,
you're clever and strong at the same time.
As a boss,
you're generous and magnanimous.
Moreover,
you created Eastern Yue's best record in beauty.
To me,
your position of the No. 1 handsome man in Eastern Yue...
is unchallenged.
No one can beat you.
How shallow.
I'm being honest.
Both you and Mr. Liu Shang saved me yesterday.
I want to reward you.
Here's your first option.
I can betroth you to Mr. Liu Shang.
Then, you may leave and follow him for the rest of your life.
Your second option is...
1,000 taels of gold.
But, you'll have to stay in my household.
No treasure in this world can be more precious than true love.
You can only choose one between the two.
Do I even need to choose?
Of course I'll take the gold.
Are you sure you won't regret it?
I won't regret it.
Sir, there's something you don't know.
Ever since I came back last night,
I haven't been able to sleep.
I feel so bad for you.
You saved His Majesty's life.
Yet, you only gained the Emperor's Token.
Compared to Prince Yi Huai who gained 1,000 taels of gold,
you really got the short end of the stick.
Sir!
Can I claim my 1,000 taels of gold now?
Is it cash?
Eunuch Xue has arrived!
Greetings, Your Highness.
Thank you for coming.
-Prepare tea immediately. -Yes.
No thanks.
That's unnecessary.
I came on behalf of His Majesty.
Is His Majesty feeling better?
His Majesty is the supreme ruler.
God will bless His Majesty with good health.
Your Highness need not worry.
Then, what did His Majesty say about me?
-I sent... -Bring them over.
His Majesty is returning everything I sent over.
Eunuch Xue, what is the meaning of this?
The Imperial Kitchen will be fully in charge of His Majesty's diet.
Your Highness need not worry about that.
From now on, you may stop sending things over.
I thank His Majesty for the concern.
Mi Xue.
Eunuch Xue.
I really couldn't stop missing His Majesty.
So, I stayed up to copy the "One Hundred Blessings"...
to pray for His Majesty's good fortune and longevity.
I really can't help Your Highness.
I shall excuse myself.
Since the day I entered the palace,
I've never once suffered such humiliation.
Your Highness.
I can afford to fall out of favour.
But now, my many years of effort...
and my wish to restore my country...
will all come to naught.
Your Highness, I have a suggestion.
Do you still remember...
Imperial Physician Gao who used to come very often?
It's time he repays Your Highness.
I approve.
I'll get it done right away.
Really?
Thank you, sir.
I earned my first bucket of gold in Eastern Yue so easily.
Sir.
You've lived in Eastern Yue for so long.
Do you know what kind of real estate property...
I can buy with these gems?
What are the better locations?
It's most ideal if it has room for appreciation in value.
Tan Er, you are in such a hurry to purchase a home.
Have you found a man to settle down with?
No. Sir, you're overthinking.
Women don't necessarily...
make money to settle down with men.
Not all women...
have lives revolved around their husbands and children.
As an independent woman,
as long as I work hard with perseverance,
I can have my own properties...
and a career I love.
If one has enough determination,
one can even have...
children that belong only to herself.
And for all of these,
a woman does not need to rely on a man at all.
The first step in becoming an independent woman...
is to make enough money.
And this first bucket of gold is...
the money I'll use to invest in properties in Eastern Yue.
You've such a great ambition.
It's quite interesting.
I've an important mission for you.
If you succeed,
your reward will be a few times more than that.
A few times more than that?
Sir, what mission is it?
Mr. Liu Shang requested for you personally.
He wants you to go to the Snow Court...
to serve him.
Even if you give me 10 times the money,
I won't serve someone else.
Moreover,
that advisor made such a strange request.
Sir.
You won't approve his request, right?
You're the only one I obey.
I've approved his request.
This is such an irony.
I just boasted about...
making the first bucket of gold and becoming an independent woman.
Yet, I'm now going to make money...
from being sold as slave to the Snow Court.
Shut up!
Qu Tan Er, you are a servant in this household...
and you belong to me.
How can I sell you?
Sending you to serve Mr. Liu Shang...
is just a normal thing.
If you don't want the money,
just return it to me.
No. That's not what I meant.
Sir, you should have said so earlier.
I was worried for nothing.
After all, no matter where I am,
I make money with my own hands and hard work.
A true woman earns money the honest way.
I order you to...
secretly observe Mr. Liu Shang.
Observe every single action and word.
If there is anything special,
report to me in time.
Now, I'll have no time to...
meet up with my buddy, Mo Yi Huai...
to talk about how to go home.
If he goes back without me...
Sir, I've always been your faithful servant.
By right, I shouldn't say no.
But, he's a man and I'm a woman.
It's really not a good idea.
Since I approved his request, I am not without confidence.
This is the...
"Three Orders and Three Stops" I prepared.
The first order,
keep our secret.
The second order,
never leave him.
The third order,
be thorough.
That doesn't sound difficult.
But, what are the Three Stops?
When serving him,
stop at a distance of an arm's length.
With the folding screen as border,
stop outside of his inner bedchamber.
If Mr. Liu Shang gets too close to you,
say my name and stop immediately.
Understand?
Sir.
I understand.
But, this sounds like...
a very tough mission.
For each suspicious thing you discover,
apart from the cash reward,
I will grant you a wish.
Any wish at all?
Including the wish to go out?
I'm a man of my word.
If it's really so rewarding,
why should I be hesitant?
No.
I can't forget that he's schizophrenic.
While he's in good mood,
I must make him sign an agreement.
Otherwise, when his schizophrenia acts up again,
he'll go back on his word.
If he doesn't keep his promise, I'll make a huge loss.
What is the meaning of this?
Sir.
Can you add one more sentence behind...
the "Three Orders and Three Stops"...
about your promise to grant me my wish?
Do you not trust me?
It's not that I don't trust you. You don't understand.
Based on my previous...
No.
Based on my experience from a very long time ago,
for two parties to come to an agreement,
it's best to write down the demands of both parties...
and have both parties sign the agreement.
To put it in simple words,
once we have an agreement,
I won't dare to run away.
Although Prince Lian Cheng and that scoundrel, Mo Lian Cheng,
are not the same person,
why is it that even their writing posture is exactly the same?
Sign.
My handwriting is ugly.
Please sign on behalf of me.
Just write...
"Private Detective - Qu Tan Er".
Private detective?
Let's follow Eastern Yue's term then.
"Royal agent".
This is ridiculous.
Sir.
I... I've always been a good and honest person with the right values.
I depend on my own hands and head to make money.
Besides,
since you want me to take care of Mr. Liu Shang,
shouldn't you at least give me...
a proper position?
So, apart from money,
you want a promotion?
Female manager?
Sir, what level is this?
One level higher than Housekeeper Zhou.
You report to me directly.
Really? Thank you, sir.
That means,
from now on, in this household,
you're the boss...
and I'm the second most powerful.
What else do you want? Say it now.
Right.
I'd love some extra benefits.
I want a few sets of new clothes...
and some delicious foods.
Then, I want a room with a big bed at the north that faces the south.
I want Jing Xin to live with me.
Happiness should be shared.
Sir.
I've to abide by the "Three Orders and Three Stops"...
and complete the mission you assigned me.
But, I don't demand for Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
I'm not considered greedy at all.
What do...
Mercedes-Benz, BMW...
and those right values you mentioned mean?
The right values I mentioned...
refer to one's world view, outlook on life and outlook on values.
These three complement one another. Yet, they are also independent.
They are in a dialectical unification.
Sir.
As for Mercedes-Benz and BMW, you'll surely be interested.
They are distant relatives of the Ferghana horses.
As long as they have a full tank...
No.
As long as they are well-fed,
they can travel 10,000 miles a day...
without taking a break.
But, as they are too popular,
they became difficult to obtain.
As such,
to purchase one, you must get a number first...
before you can buy it.
If a horse like this exists,
I'll surely get hold of it.
For now, it's still a legend.
Sir.
You may rest assured.
I'll surely accomplish the mission.
Please sign.
-Grind the ink. -Yes.
Your Highness, your pulse is stable. There's nothing unusual.
Imperial Physician Gao.
Her Highness is an important royal consort.
Please check again carefully.
But, Her Highness is indeed...
You are a brilliant physician.
How can you fail to identify my pregnancy?
Your Highness, you're not pregnant.
That depends on what you say.
I'll never forget Your Highness' past support.
But, the matter of pregnancy...
cannot be taken lightly.
What is the punishment for...
peeping at a noble consort according to Eastern Yue's laws?
Execution.
Your Highness.
Your Highness, please spare me!
I'm incompetent.
I almost misinterpreted Your Highness' signs of pregnancy.
Imperial Physician Gao has done a good job.
Reward him.
Thank you, Your Highness!