Ke!
Your Highness!
Zhinu!
Don't hurt her!
I thought sis Wu didn't want to come!
she's probably still hung up on His Majesty.
That's enough, all of you!
Father?
His Majesty the Emperor!
Long live His Majesty!
I came right after the morning assembly.
And what did I see?
A contest should be conducted properly.
Definitely not how you behaved!
You don't act like brothers at all!
If it hadn't been for Zhinu and Cairen Wu,
Ke, you would have injured Chengqian.
Your Majesty!
His Highness the Prince of Wu was taken by surprise.
He stopped as soon as he saw me.
He's benevolent towards a total stranger,
he would not hurt his own brother.
Father, it was my fault for not stopping them in time,
or else none of this would have happened.
This does not concern you two.
Ke, do you realise your mistake?
Yes, Father!
And you, Chengqian?
I'm sorry!
We already have a winner,
you may all get up.
By order of His Majesty,
Princes, concubines and courtiers
may all rise.
Thank you, Father!
Chengqian!
How is your leg, Chengqian?
The same. It won't get any better.
Don't be disheartened.
Take medication that promotes circulation and granulation,
and exercise properly.
You will get well.
skipping the polo match can prevent you from getting hurt again.
Thank you for your concern, Father.
At the Grand Assembly,
there are other ways to prove yourself.
As the Crown Prince,
losing a match should not leave you dejected.
Or you'll become the laughing stock
and set a bad example for your brothers.
I won't let you down, Father!
Ke, since you won the match,
you should be well prepared
for the polo match in a month.
You must beat the Mongols.
I want the ambassadors to see that
the best war horses and cavalry are all here at Tang.
Yes, Father!
You must all practise hard
and work well with your brothers.
Don't let me down!
Yes, Father!
Back to Ganlu Hall!
His Majesty returns to Ganlu Hall!
Let's go, Rui'on.
Aye!
Why don't you get some rest?
You're obviously exhausted.
Why must you draw her?
You draw her every month, celebrate her birthday every year.
What's the point?
Why do you sound so irritated?
The match is over,
did you let the Crown Prince win?
No, I won.
What? But you promised me!
I'd already yielded on every occasion,
but he provoked me repeatedly.
Inside the harem,
the same show repeats itself every year.
I've already told you
if he wants to show off, let him.
If he wants to be a bully, let him.
As long as you don't fight him,
there won't be any conflicts.
I have put up with him long enough.
But he insulted you today.
I cannot look the other way.
Mother, I've never coveted his position.
But in recent years, whenever I took a step back,
He'd take 2 steps forward.
Until he pushes me down a bottomless abyss,
I don't think he'll let up.
I know it's unfair...sit down!
It was my fault. I'm only a concubine.
With a grandfather like yours, you're destined to be a prince only.
But my son, such is life! You can't always get what you want!
I'm sorry, Mother!
Don't worry! From now on,
whatever I do, you'll always come first.
I'll put up with any insult
as long as you have peace of mind.
I'll be sensible.
What happened today will not happen again.
I'm glad you've realised that.
I know it's tough for you.
Don't feel bad, Mother!
There's a Cairen Wu in the harem.
Have you heard of her?
How did you know about her?
I saw her today.
I think this Cairen is not like the rest of them.
Listen to me, stay away from her.
Understand?
Get some rest, Mother! I'll take my leave.
Run along!
Wine!
It's empty. Useless thing!
Please don't be upset!
You were counting on the Prince of Wei's literary talents.
If the Prince of Wu wins the polo match,
with their literary and martial skills,
they may threaten your position.
Li Ke has never shown me any respect
or treated me like the Crown Prince.
Even if he must salute me,
I can see the indignation in his eyes.
I've long suspected
he's behind the case of the scared horse.
Qingque and I have the same Mother.
Though he's not as close to me as Zhinu,
he's still my brother.
I trust him.
About naming the Empress,
the decision is just postponed, not made.
In my opinion,
you should meet with Chancellor Zhangsun.
What you should do at the Grand Assembly,
you can also get his advice.
I'm not his only nephew.
If he supports me,
when Wei Yuancheng made the proposal,
he wouldn't have hidden at home.
Looks like the only one I can count on is...
General Hou Junji?
I see.
There you are!
Your Majesty!
At ease! Just sit!
If there's nothing else,
I'd better take my leave!
There is something...
When I was young, I read a book called Classic of the Great Wilderness: West.
I liked it very much.
But I spilled ink on it.
Wang De said it was here.
Help me look for it.
Aye!
You used to be very talkative, right?
Why are you so quiet now?
I'm afraid if I open my mouth,
I'd offend you
and you'd leave in a huff.
Then I'll never see you again.
sensible!
Looks like Yeting is a good training ground.
Remember when you first arrived,
you went on and on
about the Empress being pitiful,
lonely, worked too hard and was always by herself.
I tried to stop you but you wouldn't shut up
Now you overcompensate for it and won't say a word.
Go ahead, I won't punish you today.
Can I really?
This Imperial Library...
the princes would come here to study?
Back then, they were studious.
But such is life.
As the children grow older,
they often let their parents down.
What about Zhinu? He's still young.
Did he let you down too?
Did I say something wrong again?
No, but you reminded me
I haven't seen Zhinu in a while.
How are the preparations for the Banquet?
For the Banquet,
the concubines' clothes,
accessories, makeup and tableware are all ready.
They say at the Banquet gifted people from different states
would challenge the Tang Court using the 4 Arts.
I think this is very interesting,
I'd like to be part of it.
4 Grand Assemblies were held in the past.
The contests at the Glass Banquet
were usually won by us.
I hope this year will be no different.
But it's only a game,
why is winning such a big deal?
At the games at the Banquet the states play against each other.
Through music, chess, calligraphy and painting,
the competition between the contestants
can fully reflect the strength of their respective states.
Without any bloodshed,
we can make the states of the Western Region pledge their allegiance.
That is something we welcome.
You're being vigilant in peacetime,
and wants to conquer without going to war.
Yes!
I was too naive.
For a girl like you
to catch on so quickly is not easy at all.
If you were a man, you could be my advisor,
stay by my side and give me counsel.
Only your courtiers
can be by your side all the time?
I'm too busy,
I can't find time for my concubines.
I've been looking
I don't see the Classic of the Great Dessert: West.
I said Classic of the Great Wilderness: West.
Really? It's not here either.
Wang De must have been mistaken.
Maybe it's not in here at all.
Master Li!
Zhang Gong-Gong!
What brings you here?
For the past month, Consort Yin saw stars shooting across the sky twice.
I remember you mentioning the meteor, the shooting star and the falling star.
Her Highness sent me here
to ask you to explain those in details.
Meteors have a trail.
shooting stars don't; falling stars will hit the ground.
Whatever kind they are, they're unlucky.
Which kind did Her Highness see?
The shooting star.
The Imperial Bureau of Astronomy recorded the last time a shooting star was seen.
That's the year 626.
I haven't noticed anything unusual in the sky lately.
The year 626? Was it that year?
The Imperial Bureau of Astronomy gave Emperor Gaozu 10 words.
Master Li! Venus...
Master Li...
Are you alright?
Zhang Gong-Gong, I'm busy, I must go...
Master Li...
A letter from Zhang Gong-Gong in Chang'an.
Everything is set in the Court.
shooting stars have been spotted.
Venus rises when the Emperor star falls. The time is right.
Excellent!
With infinite graciousness
His Majesty the Emperor of Tang
has summoned ambassadors of various states for an audience at Taiji Hall.
Mutu is becoming increasingly rude.
He's late for his audience with Father.
Prince Mutu came from afar.
The great distance must have worn you out
and made you late.
My horse was hungry and couldn't go any faster.
I can't believe you don't have any decent horses in Mongolia.
Our best horses are reserved for the battlefield.
To come here,
any horse will do.
By law, anyone entering Taiji Hall must leave their weapons behind.
Please remove your scimitar
and you can follow me inside to see Tian Kehan.
You don't understand, Your Highness.
This scimitar belonged to my Grandfather.
To all the tribes in Mongolia,
this scimitar is a symbol of the Khan.
Bringing it into Taiji Hall
is not only appropriate, but also can show my respect for Tian Kehan.
Your behaviour is inappropriate for a guest.
Tang is not much of a host either.
Harmony overrides everything else.
I heard your scimitar is very sharp
and is decorated with gems.
Being able to see it
is my utmost honour.
Rest assured I do not covet your scimitar.
It'll be returned to you after the audience.
Please!
Thank you for your help.
Or else this triennial Glass Banquet
would be more than I can handle alone.
We must show our hospitality
and be a gracious host.
This should have been a joyous occasion,
but troublemakers would always use the event as a provocation.
You have always been kind to me.
It's time I must pull my weight.
May I ask who are the troublemakers
who intend to challenge us?
Please refer to your silk log.
A musician from Qara-hoja who's an expert pipa player.
The chord on her pipa is twice as thick.
she's picked an ancient tune from the Western Region
to challenge our musicians.
Our Music Bureau are never short on pipa experts.
I'll make the necessary arrangements.
You can rest assured.
For tomorrow, Emperor Jomei of Japan has sent his top chess player Motsube Amamori.
Among their articles of tribute
is Japan's unique jade chess set.
Japanese Ambassador sekitani sakikan at your service, Your Majesty!
At ease!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Your fellow countryman Motsube Amamori...
Is he the top chess player in Japan?
Yes! I'm surprised you have heard of him!
In my country, no one can make 100 moves in a game against him.
He's undoubtedly the No. 1 chess player.
He came to offer a jade chess set
and wanted to challenge any Tang player.
He brought a 1,000 year old endgame.
which he sent over ahead of time.
I wonder if his wish can come true
and solve this unfinished game.
He didn't come to present a gift.
He came to challenge us.
Your Highness, inside the Hanlin Academy,
there are assistants who play chess with His Majesty.
They were carefully screened and evaluated.
That's right!
They are all gifted chess players,
probably the best in Tang.
We have nothing to fear from a Japanese player.
First of all, Motsube Amamori
is so coquettishly handsome
Empress Kogyoku is very fond of him.
That's why he's the only man
who is allowed to participate in the Glass Banquet.
secondly, if we let a man represent Tang,
it's fine if we win, but if we lose, it'll be a national disgrace.
That's why we must send a woman,
who must beat him
and make him submit willingly.
Wang De, I remember a Jieyu
who's an expert chess player.
I believe you mean Jieyu Xu, sire!
You said her superb skill
is comparable to the players from the Hanlin Academy.
Give her the jade chess set
and order her to take on Motsube Amamori
in this 1,000 year old endgame.
Hard to believe tiny Japan
has such a brilliant game.
Your Highness, Wang Gong-Gong is here.
Greetings, Consort Yang!
Consort Yin, Jieyu Xu and Cairen Wu!
At ease, Wang Gong-Gong!
What did His Majesty say?
I'm here on His Majesty's order
to present this jade chess set from Japan to Jieyu Xu.
Bring it.
Go on!
Thank you!
His Majesty wanted me to pass on a message to Jieyu Xu,
when you play against Motsube Amamori tomorrow
he will be there to watch
and root for you.
Thank you!
Please tell His Majesty
Jieyu Xu will do her best
and won't let him down.
Yes, Milady! I shall take my leave now!
Qingxuan, bring Jieyu Xu to the Hanlin Academy.
Aye!
His Majesty thinks so highly of you, you must do your best.
No, you must win.
Each Grand Assembly
is full of undercurrents despite its amicable appearance.
The 4 Arts each present a battle field.
Chess or music may seem like a game,
but Tang's and His Majesty's honour are on the line.
We must not take it lightly.
Losing is nothing
but if the challengers use it as an excuse to humiliate His Majesty,
everyone in the harem will be equally culpable.
since we have won in the past,
we can't afford to lose this year.
I will do my best and won't let you down, Milady.
There's also a spiritual advisor from India.
He has brought a relic,
allegedly left behind by an Indian saint.
It is incredibly hard.
This person has been showing off, bragging that even the hardest object in Chang'an
cannot possibly withstand a single blow.
He really doesn't know any better...
We must crush his so-called relic at the Glass Banquet tomorrow.
With regards to the 4 Arts,
we are well prepared for war.
You can rest assured.
But about this relic...
We can go to the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy
and seek Li Chenfeng's advice.
Li Chenfeng?
He's a brilliant astronomer, knowledgeable and experienced.
He's Yuan Tiangang's protege.
I'm sure he'll find a way to crack this relic.
Your Highness, let me do this.
Very well, thank you!
Ruyi, why don't you use the enamel fan?
Your Highness, the fan is too precious.
I'm reluctant to play with it.
I've had it kept in a brocade case and carefully put away.
If you don't use it,
even the most precious object is useless.
I hope this fan can be of good use to you at the Glass Banquet.
It's impertinent of me to come by at this late hour.
Please announce me
and let Master Li know Cairen Wu came to see him.
shifu has been meditating for a few days. He won't see anyone yet.
I know this is impertinent, but...
but the Grand Assembly...
Cairen Wu!
Please let me see you!
Cairen Wu, please don't disturb shifu.
He's deeply engaged in meditation.
Please come back on another day.
What do you want to know, Cairen Wu?
Greetings, Master Li!
I'm sorry to disturb you at this hour.
Here's the case...
The spiritual advisor from India has brought a relic to Chang'an.
He said this relic was left behind a saint before he died.
It is so hard that nothing within Tang territory can match it.
I need to know if there is such a relic from India.
There is no such thing!
But there's something called carbite that is very hard.
This peddler is just trying to pass carbite off as a relic.
Can anything break it?
Antelope horn is its nemesis.
You'll know after you try it.
Antelope horn? Thank you, Mr Li!
sis Hui!
What are you doing here?
From the Imperial Bureau of Astronomy back to Qingning Palace,
you must pass through here.
I was worried you'd be cold, so I waited for you out here.
Hurry up and put this on!
Just for me? What about you?
I was in such a hurry I forgot!
What are you doing? Look at you!
Put this on...
see? This will work!
Let's go!
Qingfeng!
Yes?
What was the Cairen's name?
How old is she?
Her name is Wu Ruyi!
she's not quite 20.
Not quite 20.
When did she come to the Palace?
she looks new, must have just been here for a year or two.
Cairen Wu!
sis Hui, I...
I've brought you...
Here!
Amazing! I thought the game was set.
I didn't expect more changes.
Look, Ruyi!
This game is fascinating with endless options.
But it boils down to this final move.
It's a tie if I place it here.
It's a win if I put it here.
You've solved it?
Well? How do I look?
You look gorgeous!
You're dressed like the Luo River Goddess!
Have you seen her?
How do you know what she looks like?
I have never seen her.
But after today, I can say
it's no big deal, I saw her today.
Nonsense!
Am I right, Wenniang?
Yes!
What's this?
Look!
This is a gift from Consort Yang.
You've barely used it yourself, I can't...
This enamel fan
has a bluish shine that matches your robe,
and they complement each other.
No one but you is best suited to use it.
It will definitely set you apart!
Come on!
Try it!
so pretty!
Very pretty!
You're so sweet to me!
Not again!
Come on!
Use a different one.
This one? It's pretty!
What are you wearing?
You'll soon find out.
Take that!
What took you so long?
What kind of outfit is this?
Miss,
care to join me for a drink?
stop this nonsense!
How is the situation?
Everything under control!
Let's go!
Greetings, Consort Yang!
There you are...
Nice! True to your personalities,
one is simple and elegant, the other is unconventional.
I believe after today, the entire Chang'an
will dress up like you two.
Where is Consort Yin?
I sent her to the side chamber
to give final instructions to the musicians.
Let me check on her at the side chamber.
That's a good idea, run along!
she may need some help.
Jieyu Xu, sit here and have a drink with me.
sure!
Greetings, Consort Yin!
Please get up!
Thank you, Your Highness!
Cairen Wu, your outfit is truly outstanding,
just like you.
I came over here
to see if you need any help.
No, everything is ready.
We just need to make sure nothing goes wrong.
I'm glad you're here, sit down and have a chat with me.
sure!
Your Majesty!
An urgent message from Yizhou.
Your Highness! You're absolutely right!
It's time for the musicians to perform.
Yes, go fetch them!
Aye!
Let's sit back and enjoy!
sure!
It's time...
What is it?
What happened?
Your Highness!
Come!
Why are you so careless?
What is it?
How did that happen?
Milady, I was trying out the chord
and it cut my hand.
This chord is used to sharpen blades.
she's badly hurt!
I told you to check carefully.
How could you let this happen?
Milady,
I did tell them to check.
How could you be so careless?
I've already checked.
Look again!
Is this the one you checked?
It's a different one.
Please examine this piece.
Is this the pipa you normally use?
I was being negligent.
It's not, but it really looks like the one I use.