The Tang Dynasty was a glorious period,
a golden age of a world-class dynasty.
surrounding conquered states not only paid tribute to,
but were also engaged in frequent cultural and commercial exchange with Tang.
With abundant resources and an open society,
it came to be regarded as the most glamourous time in Chinese hostory.
Its capital Chang'an
being the first city with a population of 1 million,
was the biggest and most prosperous cosmopolitan city.
Emperor Taizong was solely responsible for this golden age.
Within the Imperial Court,
the Emperor set up a comprehensive legal and administrative system.
The Emperor's harem
was the epitome of glamour and scale
that housed 40,000 women;
with over 120 concubines
who belonged to the Emperor.
These women made every attempt to win the Emperor's affection,
to become the Empress and run the Emperor's harem.
In the year 636,
the young Wu Ruyi came to the Palace.
As a novice vying for the Emperor's affection,
she had to outwit other candidates
like Xiao Qiang, Zheng Wanyan and Xu Hui;
contend with those in charge of the harem
and get caught up in the scheming of
Noble Consort, Pure Consort, Virtuous Consort and Able Consort.
Despite all the calculating, scheming, viciousness
and non-stop bloodshed,
she managed to become Empress.
The harem was where treacherous women roost
while the Court was where men who wished to usurp the throne
engage in a power struggle.
she faced opposition from other men,
including famous Tang courtiers like
Zhangsun Wuji, Wei Zheng, Fan Xuanling and Chu suiliang.
In the end, the men were those who got conquered.
The fate of China's only female emperor
began at the age of 14.
stop!
Kneel!
Why are you still standing?
You wish to die?
There was no one inside that carriage.
seeing the carriage is like seeing His Majesty.
You must kneel down even if it's empty.
Kneel down!
Yes.
Emperor Taizong Li shimin
ascended the throne by killing his brothers at Xuanwu Gate
and created the golden age of Tang.
His 3 sons, Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince,
Li Ke, Prince of Wu and Li Tai, Prince of Wei
appear to get along
but in fact they each have their own schemes in mind.
For the future throne,
they are to unfold scenes of bloodbath,
plunging the Li family under the curse of Xuanwu Gate
and paving the way for Wu Zetian's rise to power.
You're both such outstanding swordsmen,
I'm no match for you, brothers.
Let's have a go...
Try me!
Whoever beats me
will get my horse.
Come together...
Father!
Long live His Majesty...
Did I hit too hard?
I'm fine!
Father!
Your swordsmanship is out of this world!
Even when we fought together,
you still defeated us.
such flattery!
Qingque, you're a swordsman, not an assassin.
stop trying to attack from the back!
A clever person looks for shortcuts,
but cleverness will... ...Overreach itself!
Ke, you're the best swordsman among all the princes.
But you worry too much.
What's there to worry about?
I was trying to teach a fish to swim,
how stupid of me!
Chengqian!
Valour is a virtue, but you must know
when to attack and when to retreat.
Guess what disappoints me most today?
The fact that we lost?
No, you win some, you lose some.
What bothers me is that
you had a chance to beat me,
but you failed to work together.
You were a sheet of loose sand.
If you behave as such in a duel,
imagine when you face foreign aggression!
Is this how you intend to fight?
If you go on like this, when I'm dead,
it'd be a miracle if you could defend Tang.
I'm sorry, Father...
I can tell
you're 5th ranked Cairens
or at least 8th ranked Cainus.
You must resent such treatment from minions like us.
Regardless of how you feel,
we have rules in the Palace.
After we take your body measurements,
you can set foot inside the Palace.
Zhang Gong-Gong, we're Imperial wives,
why must we share a chamber with so many others?
What about the eunuchs and maids who wait on us?
Where are they?
This is a rule laid down by
Noble Consort Wei, the head of the 4 Consorts.
Next, you will study "Examples for Women",
and learn other classics and rituals.
Familiarise yourselves with dance steps,
be trained for graceful postures
and a heart like the warmth of spring
before you can wait on His Majesty.
In the meantime,
you'll be treated no differently from an ordinary maid.
This will be part of your training
and is for your own good.
Greetings, Gong-Gong! I'm Xiao Xiang, daughter of Xiao Yiquan.
The Palace Writer's daughter
and the Noble Consort's niece.
How do you do?
Cairen Xiao is a natural beauty,
you're exempted from the measuring!
Naughty!
What a snob! That's not fair!
Don't say that!
You're with child, my dear.
You're barely 12 weeks pregnant.
This is a critical period.
Didn't the doctor prescribe
bed rest and no running around?
Why are you here?
If you're careless like before, then...
The doctor did tell me
not to leave Jinle Palace.
But I've been bored,
and we're having such a nice gathering.
I had to come.
The doctor also said
you're not feeling well again, Consort Yang.
You need rest too.
Though it's already autumn,
the weather is stifling hot today.
Over exertion is bad for your health.
Thank you for your concern.
I've always been sickly and thought about missing this.
But today we're picking Imperial wives,
who are to wait on His Majesty.
If everyone were virtuous like you,
there wouldn't be any problems.
But should anything go wrong,
and we picked a trouble maker,
we'd be guilty of inviting disaster.
Are you alright?
sister Wei!
They have been waiting long enough.
shall we get them out of the sun?
Imperial wives may come in for an audience!
Kneel!
Greetings, Your Highness!
Zhang Gong-Gong must have told you,
you must abide by the Palace rules.
Only those who behave and conduct themselves properly
are allowed to stay.
Entering the Palace is a gamble.
Losers will never meet His Majesty.
They're likely to just keep their rank
even when they grow old.
The lucky ones will serve His Majesty.
It's a long way from an 8th ranked Cainu,
to a 1st ranked consort.
How far you can go
and whether you can earn a seat in Fenglu Terrace
will depend on your ability and lot.
They are nothing but silly girls,
even with good looks
they're still far from what His Majesty thinks of you.
stop teasing me!
Inside the harem,
you're the one His Majesty relies on.
What's your name?
Wu Ruyi, Your Highness!
Your father is Wu shihuo?
I remember him.
You know him?
Have you heard of him, Consort Yang?
Military Governor of Jingzhou and Duke of Ying.
He's a timber merchant
with petty shrewdness.
During Emperor Gaozu's uprising,
he used 100 taels of silver
to buy a state appointment.
The so-called Duke of Ying
is nothing but a lowly peddler.
What are your talents?
Report to me one by one.
Wu Ruyi has unsurpassed beauty.
But I see stubbornness in her eyes.
she's not His Majesty's type.
He's partial to the feminine and gentle type
just like our Able Consort.
In another month,
it'll be the anniversary of the death of Empress Wende.
The entire state will pay their respects.
starting tomorrow, the Director of Music
will teach you the Mask Dance.
Learn it well and present it to His Majesty at the worshipping ceremony.
This is your first big assignment.
I hope you'll strive for the best.
That's all for today.
Yes, Your Highness!
May we be excused!
Must be tough on all of you.
since we're all here today,
let's go over to my Qianxiang Palace.
His Majesty has awarded me
tribute grape wine from the Western Regions.
I should not be drinking in my condition
but I haven't visited you in your chamber in a while,
I'm happy to oblige.
I'm really not feeling well today.
This has been too tiring for me.
I'll visit you some other time.
I won't force you.
It's time for your sutras, right?
You know me so well. I should head back.
Then forget it!
Milady!
My dear! What happened?
My dear! summon the Imperial doctor!
Yes, Milady!
summon the doctor! Yes!
Are you alright? Milady!
It hurts... Milady!
How did you fall?
My dear! Why did you push me?
How dare you!
Your Highness, Milady has nothing to do with this.
Though Consort Yang was walking behind Consort Liu,
they were several feet apart,
and didn't touch each other.
Consort Yin,
you were behind her, what did you see?
I...
I was helping Milady.
she was busy watching her own steps.
she didn't see what happened.
Right. I didn't see anything.
I did not push her!
Wake up, Milady! she's passed out!
Wake up, Milady!
What are you still doing here?
Get going!
Your Highness!
I saw what happened!
The Able Consort tripped
and fell down the stairs on her own.
Consort Yang did not push her!
Let's do it here!
Be careful!
They say we must light lotus lanterns on the first night in the Palace.
Make a wish and it will come true.
I wonder if the legend is true.
Will the lanterns reach His Majesty?
May our wish come true!
Let go...
Ruyi!
What you did today attracted too much attention.
You mean telling the truth at Fenglu Terrace?
My mother told me to watch what I say and do in the Palace.
It's best to keep my mouth shut and not invite undue jealousy.
What a coincidence! My mother said the same!
You disobeyed her!
I'd rather listen to my father.
He said I should do as I please as long as I have a clear conscience.
sire, Consort Liu's previous miscarriages
left her rather weak.
The current pregnancy was hard to come by.
Yet with this latest injury, I'm afraid...
What? Tell me!
I'm afraid it'll be impossible for her to bear a child again.
Noted.
You may go! Yes, sire!
It's entirely my fault, Your Majesty!
I failed to look after her,
and gave the evildoer a chance.
Please punish me.
You have done nothing wrong, my dear.
Get up!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! You need not explain!
I know you had nothing to do with this.
Get up!
Your Majesty, before Consort Liu passed out,
she accused Consort Yang of pushing her!
I heard a new Cairen testified that
she saw how Consort Liu tripped and fell on her own.
A new Cairen's word should not be taken seriously.
Precisely because she's new
and doesn't know anyone.
What she said should be fair and objective.
I believe her.
Your Majesty! My dear!
I know you care about Consort Liu.
That's why it blurred your judgment.
You should know Consort Yang by now.
she keeps to herself and is at peace with the world.
she's not capable of doing such a thing.
Consort Liu has miscarried before,
so she's particularly edgy.
I believe she accused Consort Yang out of fright.
You can't take her seriously!
You're most wise, Your Majesty!
Cairen Xiao is here to light the lantern.
Cairen Xiao is here...
Let's go together!
Let's go take a look!
Cairen Xiao...
Let me see you light your lantern!
Using such a trick to seduce His Majesty?
To think one can catch His Majesty's attention with a few lanterns
is laughable and pathetic.
With my talents, it's beneath me to socialise with you.
Of course! You're so outstanding
and is related to the Noble Consort.
You'll catch His Majesty's eyes in no time.
Right! Well said!
Don't forget us when you go up in the world.
Right!
Let's go over there!
Let's go! Come on...
Let's go!
I'll help you with that...
No, let me! Over here!
Let's drop the matter.
I'm sad that I've lost a child,
but not as sad as Consort Liu.
Don't tell her she can't bear a child again.
Focus on nursing her mental and physical health.
I need to attend to matters in Ganlu Hall,
I'll look in on her when she wakes up.
Yes! To...
To Ganlu Hall!
Goodbye, Your Majesty!
Yes? Wang De!
What did you find out?
sire, everyone in Jinle Palace has tight lips.
There has not been much progress.
But one thing is for sure,
Consort Liu's previous miscarriages were no accidents.
I have gone soft over the years
or else she wouldn't have dared to touch Consort Liu.
send over the best tonics to Jinle Palace.
Yes, sire!
The tributary luminous pearls from Bohai...
Give them to Consort Wei.
sire?
It's best we do nothing!
Yes, sire!
What's this?
These lotus lanterns are from the new Imperial wives.
That reminds me...
these lanterns carry their wishes.
They mean the world to them.
Yes.
They're also tokens of good luck.
shall I fetch a couple for you?
The wishes written on the lanterns
are always about the same,
praying for Your Majesty's attention.
As spring turns into summer,
birds have flown and flowers have withered.
Green leaves turn into a different shade,
in the hazy morning and setting sun.
It's your poem, nice calligraphy.
It's signed Cairen Xu Hui.
I wrote that when I was much younger.
This is quite interesting, sire!
What does it say? Nothing.
Nothing to wish for?
Wu Ruyi was the Cairen at Fenglu Terrace
who testified for Consort Yang?
Yes!
That lowly woman, Consort Yang!
she's but some leftover from the sui Dynasty.
How could His Majesty defend her?
Please don't be upset, Milady!
You had everything well planned,
who'd have expected some Wu Ruyi to speak up?
Wu Ruyi!
I have seen the likes of her!
Always trying to show off
so everyone knows about her.
she's just digging her own grave.
But that reminds me...
the influence of the Wei clan in Court no doubt is on the decline.
I no longer enjoy the prominent position in His Majesty's mind.
Milady, Consort Liu is awake.
so what?
Don't make a fuss!
Chun Ying!
Help me get ready!
I'm going over to Jinle Palace.
Milady, Consort Liu is awake.
Alright, you may go! Yes!
What a sin! Amitabha...
Milady, please take your medication.
Milady...
Take the medication, please!
You're all excused!
Yes, Milady!
Why won't you take the medication?
You must nurse yourself back to health
so that you can bear His Majesty's child again.
You got your wish!
I can never bear a child again!
You may not have a child,
but don't forget your father!
His life and future are in your hands.
Father...
The child would not be born,
either way it had to go.
We're making good use of its death,
so that it could be more meaningful.
You did this willingly.
stop complaining!
Willingly?
You repeatedly used my father's future to blackmail me.
Or else I wouldn't be in this pathetic state.
Oh, my dear! You're being ungrateful!
since you entered the Palace,
you managed to get ahead quickly
and become one of the 4 Consorts.
Your father was promoted from a 6th ranked Major of Zhongzhou
to a 4th ranked Aide to the Minister of Defence.
Whether in the harem or in the Court, me and my uncles
have been more than kind to you and your father.
That's why all these years
I let you run my life and did your bidding.
For you, I've been engaged in all sorts of evildoing.
Isn't that enough?
I'd be grateful if I were you.
Don't be so hung up on some unborn children.
You expect me to be grateful to you?
What happened to me...
I owe it to you.
I'll tell His Majesty everything tomorrow.
I will tell him
about the crimes you have committed over the years.
so you have nothing to live for?
Then what's the point of living?
Why don't you look up
Cainu Guo, Jeiyu Xue and Zhaorong Pei.
Did I kill them?
I killed them?
Yes!
In the dead of night,
don't you hear women crying?
"I want my life back"...
No, I didn't mean it!
It really wasn't me...It wasn't me...
I forgot to tell you...
The last two times you were pregnant,
the anti-abortifacient I sent you
all contained purslane.
No one can have what I don't have.
I can let you become one of the 4 Consorts,
but I won't let you give birth to a child.
Leave that for her!
Yes, Milady!
Consort Liu!
What happened?
Don't go outside!
It's safer in here!
Is that a ghost out there?
Nonsense! That was obviously a cat!
Consort Liu's Jinle Palace is closest to us.
But...