sheng'er, how is His Highness?
He's awake now, Your Highness.
Master Chengxin is with him.
What master?
He's nothing but a sweet talking minion!
Without his instigation
His Highness would not have gone hunting and ended up with this injury.
The doctor said his leg needs time to heal.
Greetings, Your Highness!
That's why, Your Highness...
Your Highness!
You're here!
Greetings, Crown Princess!
You may all go! Yes!
You too!
Wait! Why does he have to go?
I'm just not used to having a servant around when we talk.
Chengxin is an attendant, not your servant.
Only I can order him to leave me inside the Eastern Palace.
Understand?
He's just a minion you bought from the street for 10 taels.
I don't understand why you always defend him.
Chengxin, take off your clothes!
Your Highness!
Take them off!
Aye!
3 years ago,
when I was hunting in Lishan.
A black bear knocked me off my horse.
If he hadn't risked his life to save mine,
who knows what would have happened!
That's why he doesn't have to leave.
Understand?
I understand!
Why do you want to see me?
To make sure you're well.
As you can see, I'm fine!
You may go now.
You shouldn't have done that to her.
It's not worth it.
You're a friend to me,
she shouldn't have offended you if she knew any better.
Chengxin, you know
when I fell off the horse
and the moment the horse stepped on me
I smelled death!
someone in Chang'an wants me dead!
It's probably one of my brothers.
If Chang'an is not safe,
neither is the Eastern Palace.
I'm afraid if I fall asleep
I'll never wake up to see the sun again.
I'm right here, Your Highness.
Go get some rest.
Good!
I still remember
you were such a loving couple when you first got married.
Back then
His Highness didn't even care about his favourite horse,
he took you everywhere he went.
But starting 3 years ago when he took Chengxin in,
everything began to change.
For most of his time,
His Highness and Chengxin are inseparable.
Rumours have been circulating in the Palace.
Milady...
You suppose His Highness is fond of men?
That's enough!
I beg your pardon!
I was only trying to help!
Get up!
Aye!
We have 3 children.
He's nothing of the sort.
He's grateful to Chengxin for saving his life.
He treasures his friendship.
Did you just say
there're rumours in the Palace?
What should we do if His Majesty got wind of them?
What you just said gave me an idea, Milady.
Perhaps...
if you have another child,
that would stop the rumours.
Excuse yourselves!
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Why did you lie at the Attending Office?
I was telling the truth.
You have one chance, if you give it up,
you'd better not regret it.
I won't regret it!
Your Majesty, today I finally realised
even the Emperor will find himself in a dilemma.
The Grand Court has decided
there are unanswered questions surrounding Zheng Wanyan's murder.
There's no evidence to prove your guilt
or your innocence either.
Indeed. I can't prove my innocence.
What will you do to me?
The Vice Chancellor's daughter is dead,
and someone must be held accountable.
I can spare your life, but I must punish you
I'm sending you to Yeting starting tomorrow to repent.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
You have any unfulfilled wish?
I hope to have a full investigation.
Catch the killer and avenge Wanyan.
If I were you,
I wouldn't want to know the truth.
Why? Wanyan and I were like sisters, besides...
Like sisters?
Do you know who she wanted to kill?
Have a drink!
Think about what happened that day!
Did she act differently?
It doesn't matter now.
Because you won't be telling anyone.
I'm surprised, given your smarts,
you never suspected anything.
I feel blessed to have met you
but I'm sorry I had to do this to you.
Why, Wanyan? Why?
such is life!
We'd kill for money, for food.
so what if you were like sisters?
Even blood brothers would pull a knife on each other
until someone is dead.
Your Majesty!
Please preserve Wanyan's reputation.
she's already dead.
Let her die in peace.
If you repay evil with kindness, how can you repay kindness?
Fine! As you wish!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Another child?
Why would you think that way?
I'm doing this for you.
Do you know rumours have started to circulate?
Another child can stop them?
You're too naive!
Whenever we had a child,
His Majesty would be very pleased.
If I'm pregnant again,
we can shut people up.
I can take the children to see His Majesty tomorrow,
so he can see their calligraphy.
I forbid it!
I'll solve my own problems.
Leave the children out of it.
It's bad enough they're born into royalty.
They should not become their father's tool to fight for attention.
I'm touched that you have my best interests in mind,
but you still don't understand me.
You're right!
I really don't know what you're thinking.
Because you won't tell me anything.
I don't remember
when we last talked to each other and bared our souls.
If you'd only open up to me,
you'll realise I'm more suitable
to be your soulmate than Chengxin.
A so-called soulmate
means someone with natural affinity.
If I have to explain so that you'll understand,
what's the point?
I keep things from you for your own good.
I still have work to do.
I'll be in the study.
Your Highness!
Let's go!
The Eastern Palace is boring, let's go to Yinfeng Pavilion.
Aye!
Zheng Wanyan came from an illustrious family
Her life was short but brilliant.
she will henceforth be known as Jieyu Deren.
Vice Chancellor Zheng Renxi groomed his daughter well.
In recognition of his achievements,
he is hereby given a 2,000 household fief,
and an actual conferment of 700 households.
His son Zheng Zhongyan
is to receive a rose gold fan carrying His Majesty's own handwriting,
and be promoted by a rank.
I thank His Majesty!
Thank you, Gong-Gong!
I'll report back to His Majesty!
Watch your step!
Thank you!
Vice Chancellor!
Did you see the look on your face?
You may all go!
Vice Chancellor!
Jieyu Zheng's valuables are inside.
Open it and see if anything is missing.
What difference does it make?
My daughter is dead. Who's responsible for that?
Who'll pay for her life? No one!
Even the Cairen Wu Ruyi is still alive!
You know very well
Wu Ruyi is just the scapegoat.
Who cares if she lives or dies?
Even if you kill her,
the real killer is still on the loose.
Your daughter died
in exchange for land and tenant farmers
and the conferment of Jieyu.
Do you think it's fair?
Is it worth it?
You castrated minion! I'll kill you!
I'll kill you!
Vice Chancellor, your daughter's killer
is hiding in the Palace, get off your high horse!
Too bad I have no children.
If I had a daughter,
I'd avenge her at all cost.
I won't be a coward like you.
I want revenge too, but His Majesty...
Forget about him!
Master Yin asked me to relay a message.
If you wish to avenge your daughter,
he can help you.
But...he's away from Chang'an,
how can he help me?
He's not an official in the capital
and spends most of his time in Qizhou
helping the Prince of Qi.
But his absence is only temporary.
You can use me to contact him in writing.
If you've made up your mind
to find the killer and get even, listen to me...
By order of His Majesty the Emperor,
with regards to the murder of Jieyu Zheng,
upon a thorough investigation,
there is no evidence to identify the killer.
The suspect Wu Ruyi will remain in custody at Yeting,
pending the Grand Court's final report.
You wanted something?
Your Majesty, I think
it's inappropriate to make Wei Zheng the Grand Tutor.
He's wise, honest and stubborn.
He's the perfect tutor for Chengqian. What's wrong with him?
Did you know
how he spends his 4th day of June each year?
He goes to Xuanwu Gate.
You had him followed?
He did the exact same thing
and monitor every move I make.
The next 2 years are crucial to the Crown Prince.
Because it has an implication on the Tang Dynasty.
To make Wei Zheng the Grand Tutor?
I don't trust him.
Years have gone by.
Why won't you trust him?
I just don't.
I will never forget
he plotted to kill you back then.
To each his own, you can't blame him.
With your reasoning,
half of my courtiers
tried to kill me once, what should I do?
Execute them all?
Wei Zheng will be the Grand Tutor. My mind is made up.
say no more.
This is from Consort Wei.
she's too kind.
I've stayed in Yeting all these years
so that I can repay
the kindness she has shown me,
so Qianxiang Palace has someone trustworthy in here.
Relax! When have I let her down?
she wants me to kill Wu Ruyi?
No, just disfigure her.
Make it look like an ordinary fight.
That's her idea?
Killing someone in Yeting is no big deal.
Many have died in here.
That was never a problem.
Why does Her Highness have such misgivings?
Let me remind you,
if you pick a fight in Yeting,
that's your business.
You have nothing to do with Her Highness.
Watch your big mouth
and do as you're told.
You're absolutely right!
I'll watch my big fat mouth!
Count on me to give Wu Ruyi a scar or two.
Greetings, your Majesty!
You're Xu Hui?
Yes!
Not a bad move!
Now I'm safe over here.
Pardon my reckless behaviour.
You play chess?
Yes!
Who taught you?
Take it seriously! You're very lucky.
Working in the laundry room
is already the easiest job.
Collect clothes from the Palace, sort them out,
do the washing for 16 hours.
Just move faster!
It's not as dreadful as you think.
Just do your job!
Keep your nose clean
or I can make your life miserable.
Yes!
Another one?
The late Emperor slept with me 9 times.
Last year you said 6.
How come it's 9 now?
Maybe in another 2 years,
you'll become
the Noble Consort who waited on him every night.
so?
Dream on!
Look!
Are you alright, Granny?
Let's do it!
Granny! My medicine!
Where? My medicine!
Move your foot!
Rats are everywhere!
What did you say?
Are you alright, General Luo?
My nose!
You wench! My nose...
Here, Granny!
My nose...
scar her face!
Get up!
Wench!
Another word out of you,
I'll knock out your teeth!
You dare? Get lost!
Get lost... Let's go!
By order of His Majesty, Cairen Xu Hui
is studious, learned with the classics,
refined, cultured and sensible.
she's hereby awarded 100 taels of silver,
3 bolts of brocade,
gilded silverware
including a silver lotus, a silver armlet,
a silver-capped jewellery box. she is promoted to a 3rd ranked Jieyu,
and will reside in Qingning Palace.
I thank His Majesty!
Please get up, Jieyu Xu.
Congratulations! Among the Imperial Wives,
you are...
The second! Wanyan was first.
It's all the same.
You're on your way up.
Is there a Palace maid you're fond of?
You can pick one to wait on you.
I can make the necessary arrangements.
Wenniang, come here!
Greetings, Jieyu Xu!
Gong-Gong, let her wait on me.
But she waited on Jieyu Zheng.
You're such a nostalgic person!
Very well! As you wish!
Thank you, Gong-Gong!
I'll excuse myself!
Thank you, Jieyu Xu!
since Jieyu Zheng died,
everyone has considered me a jinx and avoided me.
If you didn't take me in,
I'd end up doing odd jobs.
Thank you, Jieyu Xu!
I'll slave for you for the rest of my life!
Don't be silly!
You sound like I want you to die for me!
Get up!
Congratulations, Jieyu Xu!
My effort didn't go to waste!
since I came to the Palace,
you have taken such good care of me.
Zhang Gong-Gong, please help me give out these gifts.
Hear that? Jieyu Xu has a reward for you.
Hurry up and thank her!
Thank you, Jieyu!
Now go!
Wenniang, stick with me from now on.
I will, Jieyu!
We'll be like sisters.
You're just a Jieyu who was given some money.
stop acting like a consort!
Let's go!
I thought the first one to get a conferment
would be Wu Ruyi.
Who'd have expected it'd be Xu Hui?
Wu Ruyi is now the most pathetic one.
I think Jieyu Zheng was most pathetic.
There are mountains beyond mountains.
People always find scapegoats for their crime.
This wooden beauty is not easy to deal with either.
Others have been summoned before,
only she...whatever trick she used,
managed to win over His Majesty!
If Wu Ruyi saw this,
she'd want to kill herself with a piece of tofu.
How did Cairen Xu manage to win over His Majesty?
she only likes to read and practise calligraphy.
There are all sorts of books.
You think she reads classics?
I bet her favourite book is probably Kama sutra.
Let's go! Milady!
I'll kill you! Please spare me...
Trying to hurt me?
Please spare my life!
I'll kill you!
Hey! What are you doing?
Nothing!
Who are you?
Me? I live here. My name is Wu Ruyi.
What's your name?
Are you a maid? I don't make friends with maids.
You think I want to talk to you?
Hey!
Big sister, my name is Zhinu.
Listen to me, Zhinu.
This enormous Yeting
is not somewhere you can come and go as you please.
You'll be punished if you get caught.
I'm not afraid! My Father is a powerful courtier.
No one would punish me.
What kind of powerful courtier?
If he's really that powerful,
why are you so sad?
What's with the long face?
someone is after me.
Who? Who's after you?
I have a big family and many brothers.
When I'm with them,
someone would always push me from the back.
Last month, they pushed me into a lake.
What's so funny? Don't you have a heart?
Come back! I was just kidding!
I'm just curious.
If your father is a powerful courtier,
why didn't you ask him
to punish those people for you?
He's very busy.
He only handles big matters.
If I go to him about something so petty,
he'll be very disappointed in me.
I see...that's simple.
Whoever hits you, hit him back!
How? They always push me from behind.
I never knew who it was.
That's easy!
Next time they push you,
turn around and hit anyone you see.
That's not very nice!
Why not?
You'll hit the right person eventually.
If you hit back,
you'll be telling your brothers
Zhinu is not to be bullied.
Then nobody would dare do it again.
That's better than hiding in Yeting
and take it out on these puppets.
You'll be much happier.
I see! Thank you, Big sister!
I made these puppets myself!
I'll give one to you as a gift.
I'll be a cripple!
They can't fix my leg!
Don't worry, Your Highness!
The doctor said in the next few years
if you take your medication on time,
a full recovery is possible.
Please don't torture yourself.
Don't lie to me!
I punch my leg
and I feel nothing.
This leg is useless.
Did they catch the criminal?
Who from the Grand Court is in charge of the case?
I want to see the file.
Well...
What is it?
The criminal has been executed. Case closed.
What?
Closed? Who was he? What was his motive?
It was the merchant we arrested on the spot.
He said you let Zhang Wenliang get drunk and kill his father.
He was doing it out of revenge.
That's a malicious lie.
Zhang Wenliang insisted you gave him an implicit order.
That's why he killed the man.
soon after he went inside the Grand Court, he committed suicide.
A conspiracy
against me from the start.
The truth is
I deserved it because I brought it upon myself.
I must speak to Father
and let him rule on my behalf.
Your Highness!
You can't do that!
Killing the criminal and Zhang Wenliang's arrest
were both His Majesty's idea.
Prepare the carriage, I want to see my Uncle
When you were still in a coma,
Chancellor Zhangsun stopped by and left you a letter.
I see.
What does it mean, Your Highness?
My Uncle wants me to put a stop to this.
I should mind my position as Crown Prince
and not get entangled in this
or pester Father about it.
Greetings, Your Highness!
From now on, the Crown Prince of Tang
would waddle like a duck.
Isn't that funny?
You look nothing like a ruler!
I don't want to be Crown Prince anymore.
A useless Crown Prince like this...
I don't want it!
Get in line!
Move aside...
General Luo hasn't eaten!
Yes, come on!
This is not for you!
You...
This is for you!
Get in line!
"southeast Gate of Yeting, tonight at 9:00. Hui."
Eat it! What are you looking at?
Don't look at me!
I wouldn't poison you!