Tell me, if she's dead,
what would His Majesty say?
she's only a Cairen,
how much trouble can she cause?
As long as the Wei clan remains loyal to Tang,
His Majesty won't have much to say.
Milady!
Don't panic! Where are your manners?
Tell Her Highness properly.
What is it?
Milady!
His Majesty learnt about Jieyu Zheng.
He's on his way over.
His Majesty the Emperor.
Already? That's quick!
Chun Ying, come with me to greet him!
Yes!
Remove the books!
Chen Gong-Gong, take care of the rest.
Aye!
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Get up!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
You caught the suspect who killed Zheng Wanyan?
I want to see her.
News travels fast.
I'm interrogating her right now.
Please wait in the Attending Office.
We'll know soon.
I said it. I want to see her now.
sire!
I can explain...
Your Majesty!
You're kind and virtuous
and she's just a Cairen.
There's no need to resort to torture.
What do you mean?
she's weak by nature.
I barely asked her a few questions
and she fainted.
I would never torture her!
You...
If you don't believe me,
please examine her body for injuries.
You're simply...
Of course, I believe you!
Thank you for your trust.
How long do you think this will take?
A few hours maybe.
Actually, I'm not that confident!
I have faith in your ability.
But I don't want you to trouble yourself.
I'll put Dai Qing of the Grand Court in charge.
Let him share your burden.
Milady, looks to me
His Majesty doesn't care if Wu Ruyi lives or dies.
Why don't we kill her now
before she becomes a bigger trouble?
Don't you understand?
His Majesty seemed to go along with me
when in fact he's making a concession in order to advance
to keep Wu Ruyi alive.
You mean...
Let her go after you interrogate her further
Aye!
Milady, Consort Yang wishes to see you.
What does she want?
I thought she was sick!
Her maid Qingxuan ordered for Zheng Wanyan's chamber to be sealed off
to protect the evidence.
so she tipped off His Majesty!
In that case, I must see her.
she's known to be obliging.
Now let's see what she's capable of!
Greetings, Consort Wei!
At ease!
Thank you!
You seldom leave your chamber because of your poor health.
What brings you here all of a sudden?
If it wasn't for something important,
I wouldn't have bothered you!
Let's get to the point! What is it?
I'll be forthright with you then.
With regards to Zheng Wanyan's murder,
I've heard Wu Ruyi has been arrested as the suspect
and is being interrogated under torture.
Yes, I ordered for her arrest and interrogation,
but she is not under torture.
Why? You disagree with the way I was handling the situation?
That's not the case, of course!
Zheng Wanyan is the daughter of a 2nd ranked Vice Chancellor,
we can't let her die under questionable circumstances.
But Wu Ruyi's father was also a meritorious courtier,
and was named Duke of Ying by His Majesty.
We're all from prominent families,
so she should not be tortured into confessing.
since this is murder,
the Grand Court should be involved.
It's not a good idea for the harem to settle it.
I told you she was not tortured.
If you don't believe me,
you can check her body for injuries.
Daughter of the Duke of Ying?
As I've heard, her mother's last name is Yang.
You're eager to intercede on her behalf.
Is it possible you're related?
You're quite mistaken to say that.
I'm not remotely related to Wu Ruyi,
but we have spent over 10 years with each other inside the harem.
Don't you think I know who's closer to me?
Just think, all these years,
have I fought you for His Majesty's affection?
You may not want to fight,
but those around you might.
What about your son Li Ke?
What makes you so sure Wu Ruyi is innocent?
You have interrogated her long enough.
Do you have any proof?
A Princess will always be a Princess.
You seldom speak up,
but when you do, every word is a gem.
Yes, I have no proof,
but if I continue to interrogate her,
I might get her to confess.
If you won't listen to reason,
I'll excuse myself.
Quit your act!
I know who tipped off His Majesty.
I will let her go,
but only on His Majesty's account.
It has nothing to do with you.
And I wondered how capable you were!
Thank you!
Don't mention it!
It was entirely Consort Yang's doing.
Look what they have done to you!
I don't care what they do to me,
but I didn't expect
His Majesty wouldn't care if I lived!
Maybe he had ineffable reasons.
Like what?
He simply doesn't care!
Where are you going?
Chengqing Hall?
Don't copy any more books.
You should get some rest!
I need time by myself.
There are too many things
I need to sort out.
Ruyi!
Go on!
Ruyi!
Down in your heart...what am I?
What happened in Chengqing Hall,
was it just a dream?
Xu Hui?
What happened?
Your Majesty!
Anyone?
Can't see any!
Let's go!
Guards! search the premises!
Arrest anyone you see! Aye!
Are you tired, sire?
Yongcheng!
Yes?
Go fetch the doctor!
Aye!
sire, it's time for your meeting!
You're due at the Administration Hall.
Look at the ligature marks on her neck!
someone wanted to kill her!
In my opinion,
this is related to Jieyu Zheng's murder.
Put Dai Qing of the Grand Court in charge.
Yes, sire!
Anything else?
Find someone from the Cairen Palace to look after her!
Aye!
something happened last night in the Palace.
You must know about it even if other's don't
Yes, I have heard.
I think
Vice Chancellor Zheng should not have sent his daughter to the Palace.
What's your view on this?
Chengtian Gate should be the boundary of the Palace.
Whatever happens beyond it, is a state matter, within it, is family.
Differentiate the Court from the harem.
As a Chancellor,
I'll do my best for the state,
but what happens in the harem is your personal matter.
I wouldn't dare step out of line.
There has been gossip
saying my arms are reaching out too far already.
Why do you worry about that?
We grew up together.
We led the uprising and fought together.
When I became the Emperor, your sister became my Empress.
You're not only my Chancellor, you're family
What's this nonsense about state or family matters?
I trust you.
I'll execute whoever tries to come between us.
Your Majesty!
I can't repay you
for your kindness.
For the sake of Tang,
I'll do my best even if it kills me.
Get up!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Tell me, what's going on?
I have heard about this.
Please give me a few days,
I'll get to the bottom of it
and give you a full report.
If you don't want to comment,
I won't force you.
But remember
I'd rather your hands grow longer
than for you to sit on them on the sideline.
I'll remember that!
sire!
Vice Chancellor Zheng Renxi requests an audience.
send him in!
Aye!
Your Majesty!
My daughter died a violent death!
You must help me!
Rest assured...
Dai Qing of the Grand Court is in charge now.
I'll give you a full account.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Look at this!
Please take a look, sir!
A very lethal poison!
There's something wrong with the jug.
Your Majesty!
Jieyu Zheng was killed by a poison called "qing",
usually found in Mongolia. Death is instantaneous.
I've confirmed that the murder weapon was the wine jug used that night.
Please take a look!
It's a double-channel jug.
One channel contains the poison.
It's like any ordinary wine jug,
but if you turn the pearl,
the poison will come out from a second channel,
making it the murder weapon.
This jug was found in Jieyu Zheng's chamber?
sire!
The maid has confirmed
a few days ago the jug showed up in the chamber.
What you're saying is
it appears Zheng Wanyan was planning to kill Ruyi?
It's the most logical explanation.
But the odd thing is
the mechanism is reversed.
The poison comes from the normal channel.
When you turn the pearl,
ordinary wine is poured out from the second channel.
Either Zheng Wanyan had extremely bad luck and bought a faulty jug, or else...
Things like this usually can't go wrong!
It's more likely...
The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind.
someone had tampered with the switch.
Who are you?
Wanyan?
Or Empress Zhangsun?
Wanyan...
Don't go!
You're finally awake, Ruyi!
sis Hui!
Where am I?
Ganlu Hall, His Majesty's chamber.
This is my first visit here.
Relax! Your case...
His Majesty has turned it over to the Grand Court.
No one can hurt you anymore.
sis Hui!
I really thought I wouldn't see you again!
If you hadn't run around for me,
I should have been dead by now!
Don't talk nonsense, silly girl!
I'm sorry! Did I hurt you?
I forgot you're injured.
These people are vicious!
They tortured you but left no trace.
Maybe Consort Wei does it all the time.
That's why they're so good at it.
Or else someone would have reported them.
If you ask me,
Consort Yang seems very nice.
Maybe we can count on her to help.
Consort Yang?
Her Highness Consort Yang!
Hurry!
Greetings, Your Highness!
At ease!
Ruyi!
Looks like you had a narrow escape.
I'm pleased to know that.
Your Highness, inside the harem,
I'm as lowly as dirt,
yet you interceded on my behalf
and might have offended Consort Wei in doing so.
Just overlook the civility now.
Are you up to it physically?
How about a stroll with me in the Imperial Garden?
sure!
Wu Ruyi was attacked
and almost died.
We had nothing to do with it.
You suppose that wench
would shoot off her mouth to His Majesty?
I'm not afraid. Don't be such a coward.
I only asked her a few questions
and then let her go.
Anyone in Qianxiang Palace can vouch for me.
What proof does she have?
I think Xianling Palace somehow has a hand in this.
We'll give her a taste of her own medicine.
I must have underestimated her.
Greetings, Consort Wei!
How is the investigation?
It's ongoing...I'll excuse myself!
Ruyi, what's your plan?
I hope the Grand Court can find Wanyan's killer,
and clear my name.
That's it?
Don't you want to go to His Majesty,
expose Consort Wei's evildoing
and see justice served?
No, I don't!
Why? You're afraid of her?
I'm not afraid of anyone or their power.
I noticed Consort Wei is domineering in the harem
and that didn't happen overnight.
Did she come from a family so powerful
even the Court must show her courtesy?
Yes, the Wei clan is so deep rooted
that there's a nursery rhyme in Chang'an about them.
"Wei Clan of Dongcheng is but 3 feet from Heaven."
she may be head of the 4 Consorts,
but it doesn't mean she's His Majesty's favourite.
But the loyalty of the Wei clan is crucial to Tang.
I see. The Court and the harem are intricately connected.
A mishandled conflict in the harem
may cause havoc in Court.
Besides, I don't have any solid proof.
If I press charges against Consort Wei,
I'm giving His Majesty a hard time, not her.
Based on my testimony alone,
His Majesty couldn't start an investigation against her, could he?
You put up with this for His Majesty's sake?
I've been inside the Palace for some time
and have come to realise
peace is more important than the truth.
I'm glad you think that way.
I came to see you today because I wanted to convince you to keep quiet.
It's best you forget about Zheng Wanyan.
Everything in the Palace is interrelated,
and is often left unsettled in the end.
When Consort Wei first came to the Palace,
she was just like you,
a wide-eyed innocent girl,
whose biggest wish was to bear children for His Majesty.
But she had miscarriages 3 years in a row for no reason.
Then she found out, someone had been putting powdered musk in her food.
A thorough investigation turned the Palace upside down,
but they came up empty handed.
she never got pregnant again
and became a different person ever since.
I see. There's something pitiful about someone detestable.
What I'm telling you
is not an order, or a request for a favour.
We both live in the harem,
as a veteran,
I'm simply offering some advice.
Not for Consort Wei, not for me,
but for His Majesty, our husband.
But I guess it wasn't necessary.
Take care of yourself!
Thank you, Your Highness!
Goodbye, Your Highness!
Cairen Wu!
His Majesty summons you to the Administration Office.
Yes!
Milady!
I don't understand, Milady!
If Wu Ruyi believed Consort Wei sent the assassins,
why wouldn't she report her to His Majesty?
she wasted a golden opportunity.
From the start, I wasn't hopeful
this was good enough to challenge Consort Wei's position.
It's just a declaration.
Consort Liu's death and what happened to Wu Ruyi
made me realise I could no longer just sit there,
Or else I'd end up like Consort Yan
and let Consort Wei bully me and run my life.
I sounded Wu Ruyi out just now.
If she would testify against Consort Wei
and make His Majesty disgusted with her, that would be great.
But this girl
is quite unpredictable.
Perhaps we should thank Heaven
she survived last night's attack.
You mean...
If I can rope her over
she can be a useful pawn.
I see.
Chancellor Zhangsun is waiting for you in the Eastern Palace,
to discuss something important.
What about?
I don't know!
I wonder what Uncle is up to.
Let's go!
Watch out, Your Highness!
Greetings, Your Majesty! Consort Wei!
At ease!
Wu Ruyi, early this morning,
why did you go to Chengqing Hall?
What were you doing there?
Do you know your assailants?
What happened last night?
You can tell me anything
as long as it's the truth.
Last night, I watched Wanyan die before my eyes.
Then I was taken into custody
and was interrogated by Consort Wei.
she was very civil.
she asked me what happened
and released me.
That's it?
That's it!
Why did you show up in Chengqing Hall?
I'm not sure!
I've been weak since I was a child
and I suffer from sleep walking.
Maybe witnessing Wanyan's death got me so distressed that I was sleep walking again
and I somehow ended up in Chengqing Hall.
That could explain the marks on my neck.
Are you telling me the truth?
Every word of it.
Your Majesty!
The Crown Prince is injured!
Injured? How? Where is he now?
He's back in the Eastern Palace.
The doctor is attending to him.
Take Wu Ruyi back to a secret chamber in the Attending Office.
Yes, sire!
What do you mean "difficulty with walking for life"?
You can't cure him?
Please mind your health, sire!
Please don't be upset, Your Majesty!
Please let the doctor explain.
Pardon me, Your Majesty!
Dr Zhang, Dr Wu and I
have examined His Highness' condition.
We've dressed the wound and set the bones,
but his injuries were quite critical.
The horse stepped on his patella
and left over dozens of crushed bones.
Keep talking!
Though the muscle and skin will heal
and we reset the bones,
the injury will leave him handicapped.
The Crown Prince of Tang can get hurt or even die.
But he will not be a cripple.
Your Majesty, in my opinion,
regarding the Crown Prince's accident,
only one person should be punished.
Tell me, who is it?
The Crown Prince himself.
He fell off the horse on his own?
The Grand Court has already looked into it.
The conspirator is a merchant.
7 days ago, His Highness got drunk in the western market.
He allowed his follower Zhang Wenliang
to kick the merchant's father to death.
His Highness covered up for his follower
and marched off after throwing some taels of silver at the scene.
The merchant tried to file a complaint but to no avail
and finally resorted to revenge.
The Crown Prince can't be that overbearing!
He would never indulge his followers to do such a thing!
It's true, Your Majesty!
Fuji, what do you think of the Crown Prince?
He was smart as a child and became the Crown Prince when he was 8.
When you left the capital to observe mourning,
you named him regent which proved how much you trusted him.
He's decisive, prudent and takes the big picture into consideration.
He may have the qualities of a ruler,
but he lacks the virtues to rule.
No doubt he's a master of pen and sword,
but he's becoming arrogant and overbearing.
He's a learned scholar, but remains wasteful
He has the ability to rule but lacks benevolence.
Why else would he have repeated his mistakes
and brought this upon himself?
I think he's almost solely responsible for his own injury.
I urge you to punish him
by relieving him of all duties and make him repent.
Wei Zheng, what do you think?
Wei Zheng!
Yes, Your Majesty?
I'm talking to you!
What's your view on this?
I have something to report, sire!
Go ahead!
Please remove the parrot!
I'm asking you about the Crown Prince,
why bring up the parrot?
This is where you discuss state matters with courtiers.
It's inappropriate to bring a parrot in here
Not only is it unsightly,
but also if the princes see it,
it'll set a bad example of sapping their will with playthings.
Please give the bird to someone in the harem
and restore peace to the Administration Office.
Are you saying the Crown Prince's accident
is something I should be blamed for?
I wouldn't dare!
How dare you, Wei Zheng!
For a tree to grow, the roots must be strong
If I'm only concerned about his injuries
I'm neglecting the fact that the cause of the accident lies in his nature
his disposition and virtues.
Minister Wei was right about the Crown Prince
and Wei Zheng reminded me
the nature of the Crown Prince
depends on the Emperor, his father
and his tutor to coach and guide him.
I have been caught up with state matters and have neglected my duties to teach him.
His injuries call for treatment by a good doctor,
and he himself needs a good tutor.
Effective immediately, I appoint Wei Zheng as his Grand Tutor,
to help him with his studies,
in running the state, and understanding the ways.
I'm putting Chengqian into your hands.
Why? You think he's beyond hope
and you won't teach him?
Please, Your Majesty!
As the Grand Tutor,
I'll do my best to assist the Crown Prince until I'm dead.
I'm afraid you can't bear to see that.
You underestimate me!
I know strict teachers produce outstanding students.
I'll give you a free hand with the Crown Prince.
I trust you and won't regret it.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Wang De!
sire?
Take the parrot away!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Anything else, gentlemen?
Then you may excuse yourselves.
We take our leave...
Dr Xie, Dr Zhou, you may go too.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
You have something else?
Yes, Your Majesty!
Go ahead!
The Crown Prince's accident was not coincidental.
What do you mean?
The merchant involved is a civilian.
How would he know the whereabouts of the Crown Prince?
Go on...
One name came to mind.
What name?
Xuanwu Gate.