Your Majesty!
Your Highness! Your Highness!
You look anxious, my dear. What happened?
Your Majesty, I'm a sinful woman! I'm here to ask you to punish me,
abolish my title, and demote me to commoner status!
Why do you call yourself a sinful woman? What did you do?
I came here for the conspiracy case.
I've been blessed with your love over ten years of my life in the Palace.
But despite my privileged position,
I've failed in my duty to give birth to a prince.
I was inflated with pride and blinded by small matters.
A while ago I wrongly blamed Consort Yang for Consort Liu's miscarriage,
and falsely accused Cairen Wu of causing Jieyu Zheng's death!
I know I have lost your favour!
Just recently Consort Yin was engaged in a conspiracy to seize the throne!
I failed to bring the truth out and share your worries!
I don't deserve my title!
Please bestow punishment on me!
But I hope you can have mercy on Consort Yin!
Your Majesty,
Honourable Zhangsun wanted to request an audience,
but upon realising that Their Highnesses were here,
he asked me to tell you he would come back another time.
It's bustling in here today.
I believe Fuji also came to talk about Consort Yin.
Bring him in. Why bother finding another time?
Tell Fuji to come in.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Honourable Zhangsun has been granted an audience with His Majesty!
Please rise, my dear. Be seated.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
Please rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Highnesses.
Fuji.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Are you here because of Consort Yin?
Yes.
Coincidentally, my beloved consorts came here for the same reason.
You may want to hear what they think about this matter.
Your Majesty, the case of Consort Yin and Yin Hongzhi is a state affair.
I think it's better if the Harem stays out of this.
Your Majesty, we're talking about Consort Yin here.
Anything related to her is directly related to the Harem.
Cairen Wu, His Majesty and I are discussing a state affair.
I think Cairen Wu has a point.
The conspiracy case is directly related to the Harem.
Your Majesty, Consort Yang and I are 1st ranked Imperial Consorts.
We should have a say in the case of Consort Yin.
Fuji, what you said made a lot of sense.
The conspiracy case of Yin Hongzhi is a state affair,
but since Consort Yin was involved in it, it's also a family affair.
Your Majesty, since you said so, I shall obey your decree.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Consort Yin and the two of us
have served as Imperial Consorts over the past decades.
some people might not understand her, but we knew her well enough.
Prince of Qi was separated from her when he was little.
Who could understand her pain and suffering as a mother?
Her only hope had always been for Prince of Qi to return to Chang'an
so that he could serve her and take care of her.
Zhang Gong-Gong and Honourable Yin deserve to die a thousand deaths,
but whatever Consort Yin did, please think of her
as a heartbroken mother fallen into the wrong path.
For all the years of marriage,
please make an exception and grant Consort Yin a good ending!
sis!
Have mercy, Your Majesty!
Please rise, my dears.
This sisterhood didn't come easy.
I spent 20 years with Consort Yin. I'm not a merciless man.
If I hadn't sent Prince of Qi away and kept them apart for 10 years,
Consort Yin wouldn't have been used by her brother and left with no choice.
After all, I let Consort Yin down first.
Fuji.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I have decided not to reveal this matter and give Consort Yin a dignified ceremony.
As you wish, Your Majesty.
You beat me to it today.
You gave a beautiful speech. How did I beat you to it?
If I were you, I would be careful with Wu Meiniang.
You saw how she argued with Honourable Zhangsun.
Either she is stupid and ill-mannered or politically savvy.
You seem to be helping her grow, but she may turn against you one day.
Even if we join hands then, we may still lose to her.
sis, you're simply thinking too much.
she was only doing it out of love.
Your Highness, please wait!
Your Highness, I have a message from His Majesty.
His Majesty said it wasn't easy for you to manage the Harem well all these years.
Occasional mistakes were inevitable, so you should stop blaming yourself.
His Majesty also said he would see you in Qianxiang Palace in a few days.
Thank you, Gong-Gong. Please pass my gratitude to His Majesty.
I will be waiting for His Majesty in Qianxiang Palace.
I will certainly pass on the message. Your Highnesses, please excuse me.
It's normal that His Majesty is fascinated by new things sometimes,
but true love is like flowing water that never goes stale.
Fuji, do you know on the night of the assassin
Hao Gong-Gong from Chenxi Palace went to the Eastern Palace alone.
He had a long talk with the Prince before he tried to attack him.
Yes, Your Majesty. I also know the Prince didn't let us down.
Has You'er been found yet?
Not at the moment.
I decree and command that,
whoever finds You'er shall not hurt him in any way.
I hope he is safe.
Yes, Your Majesty.
sire, Cairen Wu requests an audience.
I said I didn't want to see anyone tonight.
Yes, that's what I told Cairen Wu,
but she said she would be waiting outside until you were willing to see her.
Never mind. send her in.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
You may rise.
Why must you see me tonight?
Your Majesty, could I ask you to grant me a wish?
since when did you start talking to me formally?
Go ahead and tell me your wish.
I'm begging you to spare the life of Prince of Qi!
You heard what Honourable Zhangsun said today.
The Harem should stay out of state affairs.
Attempt to usurp the throne is felony. Most would avoid it like the plague.
What gives you the courage to plead for him?
I know I'm being rash! I shouldn't be pleading for Prince of Qi!
However, I couldn't bear the thought...
I couldn't turn down a dying request from a mother!
Your Majesty, please!
I can't grant your wish.
Why?
I was just informed that today at 11 a.m.
the rebel army in Qizhou was exterminated before Tong Pass.
You'er was killed by Yin Hongzhi.
What?
Come on! Li You's head is right here! Come and take it if you can!
Prince of Qi, please drop your weapon and go back to Chang'an with us!
I'm going to die either way! What's the difference?
His Majesty has issued a decree
that your life will be spared if you return to Chang'an!
It's a lie!
Here's the pardon decree! Please read it!
Yin Hongzhi!
I'm a dying man! I certainly wouldn't mind dying earlier!
You...
Tell Li shimin although I couldn't kill him, I killed his son! I killed his son!
How dare you!
Li shimin, you didn't beat me! You didn't beat me!
You'er grew up in Qizhou. I rarely saw him.
I didn't know how tall he was, whether he was thin or fat.
I don't even remember his face.
I'm sure he couldn't forgive me even when he died.
I remember when I was a kid,
my father would take me ice fishing on those cold nights.
We would walk on the glacier.
One night, it was extremely cold. I was chilled to the bone.
I couldn't stop crying, but my father kept walking in front of me.
No matter how hard I cried, he didn't turn to look at me.
I thought to myself,
"Does my father hate me? Otherwise, why would he be so cruel?"
But later on when I ran into danger,
I realised my father was training me to be strong and resolute.
He never spoiled me like my mother did,
but he taught me to stay strong and perseverant as I grew older.
I can't be compared to your father.
I was much crueler to You'er.
I banished him to Qizhou and forced him down the path to ruin.
Your Majesty, who was Yin Hongzhi?
Why did Prince of Qi leave the Palace and go to Qizhou?
In the previous dynasty, there was a general named Yin shishi.
In 617, I led an army to attack Chang'an.
He ordered a halt, killed my little brother, and dug up our ancestral graves.
How could he be so cold-hearted?
Chang'an was taken. Yan shishi died, leaving his son and daughter behind.
Zhangsun Wuji and others supported executing his children,
but I stood my ground against them and married Yin's daughter,
which was Consort Yin. One year later, she gave birth to my son, You'er.
Yin Hongzhi was Consort Yin's older brother and Yin shishi's only son left in the world.
The birth of You'er was an accident.
I kept him away from Chang'an and the throne to ensure his safety.
I thought I had everything under control,
but I was the one who caused the tragedy, putting my son on the path to ruin.
Your Majesty, I can feel your pain. Please let me stay here with you.
Aunt, why did you ask to see me?
sit down.
Consort Yin is gone.
This is our best chance.
Be careful with your diet and daily routine.
You want to look your best when you see His Majesty.
After all that's happened, can I still get a chance to see His Majesty?
Now I even have to bow to Wu Meiniang when I see her!
so, you're just going to give up
and bow to Wu Meiniang for the rest of your life?
No way! Aunt, do you really think I can win His Majesty back?
Of course. Even I can't resist your beauty, not to mention a man.
His Majesty will see you sooner or later. Let me give you a treasure.
Come on.
What's this?
Phoenix and unicorn pill. It works like a miracle.
Take one before you serve His Majesty. It can help you get pregnant fast.
But how can I get a chance to serve His Majesty?
In the harem, people are either cold or indifferent.
They praise the winners and rarely lend a hand to those in trouble.
Only a few of them can understand His Majesty.
For the sake of your future, I wouldn't mind doing you a favour.
Jieyu Xu.
Lin Gong-Gong.
Lin Gong-Gong, this is...
You're interested in Wang Youjun's calligraphy, right?
I brought you all the genuine works of Wang Youjun inside Imperial Library,
including His Majesty's favourite "Lanting Xu".
Lin Gong-Gong, but didn't you say
no one could see any of the genuine works without His Majesty's permission?
That's just a way to brush off pretentious concubines.
I wouldn't compare you to those women.
Jieyu Xu, if you wish to see any genuine works inside Imperial Library,
just let me know.
Thank you, Lin Gong-Gong.
If there's anything you need in the future, I'll try my best to help.
such a pleasure talking to you! I'll gladly accept your offer!
I would appreciate it if you could put in a good word for me with His Majesty.
Lin Gong-Gong, why would you say that?
His Majesty hasn't summoned me for months.
I can only spend every day studying and idle away my time here.
I can't even see His Majesty. How can I possibly help you?
That was then, this is now.
Wu Meiniang is like a sister to you, right? she's doing really well these days.
When someone is enlightened, his pets also ascend to Paradise.
Pets?
I didn't mean to be rude! Please forgive me, Jieyu Xu!
Master, you lead a reclusive life near the mountains and waters.
This kind of satisfaction can't be achieved in the Palace.
I eat simple food and barely have enough to wear.
satisfaction? Not really, but at least I can be myself.
since you know how I feel, why don't you stop bothering me with imperial affairs?
I don't practise Taoism to keep myself safe or attain immortality.
It's for the benefits of our country and people's wellbeing.
Over more than 20 years of practice,
you should have learned what it means to go against Heaven's plan.
When the rain must fall, the wind must blow, what can we do?
I can't tell you too much
as I just don't want you to go against Heaven's will or cause more bloodshed.
It will only benefit our country and our people! Please, Master!
You're a good man.
What I don't like is you always act like a great Taoist putting his country first.
The use of astronomy only gives us a sneak peek into Heaven's plan.
If you attempt to change anything, even the smallest mistake
can take thousands of lives away.
Assisting a great statesman with what I learn is the right thing to do.
It's been over 10 years since I entered Astronomy Bureau in the reign of Zhenguan.
status, wealth, and personal safety have never been my interests.
Goodbye, Master.
My stubborn pupil is yet to be enlightened.
Venus?
The Tang Dynasty is flourishing. Why would it appear in daylight?
What a strange coincidence!
This is the first time His Majesty has missed the morning assembly.
Honourable Wei, what do you think about this phenomenon?
Based on historical records, Venus in daylight
is an ominous sign representing a change of dynasty or regime.
However, Confucius did not speak of the strange and supernatural.
I've never believed in signs and wonders my entire life.
Did you see it?
I've never seen such a strange thing before.
Don't wake Cairen Wu up.
What are you talking about?
sorry we woke you up, Cairen Wu! Please bestow punishment on us!
No, it's not your fault. Just get up.
His Majesty has already gone for the morning assembly?
His Majesty went to Taiji Hall at the sounding of the fifth watch.
Let me help you freshen up and change.
Cairen Wu, Venus usually appears at night, right?
Is this some kind of sign?
I'm not sure.
This kind of astronomical events are said to be related to the fate of our country.
since Tang is flourishing, I believe it's a good sign.
Fuji.
Yes, Your Majesty.
There has been a strange astronomical event. Fuji, have you noticed it?
Your Majesty, not just me, all the officials at the morning assembly
as well as the commoners in Chang'an are talking about this today.
I should have reported to you this morning,
but it might trigger a panic and unwanted thoughts, so...
What's that supposed to mean?
Your Majesty, "Venus ascending, Emperor star descending" is really rare.
The commoners in Chang'an are spreading negative rumours. They say...
What?
It represents an unstable country.
Your Majesty, it's time for the Bureau of Astronomy
to explain this astronomical event and clear up any misunderstanding.
Leave the matter to Li Chenfeng.
Once he has a conclusion, he may come and see me anytime.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Li Chenfeng has been in seclusion since he returned from Mount Zhongnan.
When will that end?
Tonight.
You said His Majesty would come see me!
You said that! Enough!
What's the point of crying?
Are you blaming me or blaming yourself for losing to Wu Meiniang's foxy charm?
I...
I can only blame myself!
Cairen Xiao, even I understand why
the most magnificent tree is most easily destroyed by the wind.
Chun Ying is right.
Qiang'er, stop crying over this matter. Take a step back and prepare yourself.
I believe Wu Meiniang's time will be over soon.
Goodbye, Aunt.
Wu Meiniang has been a pain in the neck since she came to the Palace!
I don't care if she's siding with Consort Yang!
Consort Yang is too weak! she can't give her anything!
But she has managed to win His Majesty over in her own way!
Now I finally see Consort Yang's hidden intent!
she knows her limits! she can only rely on a Cairen to oppress me!
I must find a way to get rid of Wu Meiniang!
Your Highness, rest assured.
We just need to wait for the perfect time to get rid of Wu Meiniang.
sire! sire!
Come in.
I came to report on something, sire.
What time is it? You don't need to sleep, but I do.
I know... Please forgive me, sire. I hate to bother you at such a late hour,
but Li Chenfeng said he must discuss with you something urgent tonight.
Li Chenfeng?
He ran all the way here barefooted.
Let's go.
No peeking.
I dare not disturb Cairen Wu.
I know. No need to explain.
Your Majesty. Warm up your feet first.
Yes.
No matter how urgent it is, you should be properly dressed.
Was it necessary to come barefooted? Put the shoes on.
His Majesty has given you these court boots.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Put them on.
Li Chenfeng, I haven't seen you in a month. You don't look so well.
Your Majesty, I know why Venus keeps appearing at odd times these days.
Thus, I'd like to make a request.
Tell me about it.
I urge you to execute all men and women with the surname "Wu" in the Palace!
What?
Please kill everyone with the surname Wu! Otherwise our country will be in chaos!
You mean "Venus ascending, Emperor star descending" is really happening?
It's really happening, Your Majesty!
What is your interpretation of this message from Heaven?
Tang, by the end of the third generation, taken over by the woman ruler named Wu!
The woman ruler named Wu? What does that mean?
someone with the surname Wu? Or whose title carries the word "Wu" in it?
I shouldn't kill innocent people based on a divinatory trigram.
You should, Your Majesty!
If you want to avoid massive killing, at least you should get rid of her!
Li Chenfeng, no one else shall know what happened tonight. Understand?
Yes, Your Majesty.
You're dismissed.
Yes.
Here you go.
This is Master's interpretation. His Majesty ordered him to keep it a secret.
Inform Prince of Wei.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Majesty.
Forgive me!