People may believe you will turn over a new leaf,
but they won't believe he's not your lover.
You must do something astonishing.
Chengxin must die.
Does Chengxin have to die?
To sacrifice himself for your future is his good fortune.
That's all for today.
Why isn't the Crown Prince here?
Your Majesty, as I've heard, he has taken an interest in hunting.
Perhaps he didn't make it back in time from his hunting trip.
You sounded like you saw him yourself!
How dare you slander him with your wild guesses!
What is your motive?
I wouldn't dare!
That's an overstatement, Chancellor Wei.
If His Highness did not go hunting,
why did he miss the meeting?
As his tutor,
you must know a thing or two.
Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is outside.
send him in!
Aye!
You may go!
We take our leave...
Greetings, Father!
Please forgive me for being late.
Why are you late?
I wanted to bring you a present
and I was delayed.
What present?
I consorted with the wrong crowd,
and went astray.
Because you didn't give up on me and Wei Zheng shifu's teaching,
I'm willing to put a stop
to my absurd behaviour.
This is Chengxin's head.
I came to present it to you.
Chengqian, you did the right thing.
You're finally behaving like a Crown Prince
who deserves to inherit the throne.
I won't let you down, Father!
Milady...no wonder I didn't see Chengxin today
He's dead!
He went hunting with His Highness last night.
Why is he dead suddenly?
His Highness killed him.
He presented Chengxin's head at Ganlu Hall
and promised to keep only good company and stay away from minions.
His Majesty was very pleased.
The courtiers were very impressed when they heard that.
Congratulations, Milady!
Good riddance!
The Eastern Palace is finally at peace!
You should celebrate such a joyous occasion.
Definitely! This summer's first batch of lychees
has just been sent here from Lingnan.
Hurry up and fetch me some.
Yes, Milady!
General Li, we have never met.
Because of me,
you're banished from homel
and lost your life and your family.
I'm truly sorry!
If there were such a thing as reincarnation,
I would be willing to swap places with you.
I wouldn't complain if you take your revenge
I hope this lamp
is the only one I'd ever put on the altar my whole life.
You must be careful!
These are Her Highness' favourite.
No matter how pretty they are,
you can't see them inside the dark chamber.
You're right, Milady.
We must keep the windows shut,
or else the crying and screaming from Yeting
would certainly disturb you.
Come to think of it,
since Qiang'er got pregnant,
I've been sleeping like a baby.
The racket from those old hags in Yeting seems to have disappeared.
We keep the windows shut
only because of Qiang'er and her baby.
Congratulations, Milady!
You can take a load off your mind.
When Jieyu Xiao gives birth,
I'm sure you'll be happier still.
Yes, I can finally...
...have my own child.
What do you mean, Milady?
What do you think?
What if Qiang'er dies of uterine bleeding after she gives birth?
Who in the harem would be most suitable
to be this pitiful baby's mother?
Hello, darling!
I see! What a perfect plan!
You're Jieyu Xiao's Aunt,
and have looked after her.
I'm sure His Majesty will agree to let you adopt this baby.
How ingenious, Milady!
Milady!
since Jieyu Xiao moved into Qianxiang Palace,
no one has seen her.
Even when other concubines came to visit her,
I turned them away.
Rumours have started to circulate
about Jieyu Xiao not actually pregnant.
some even say she has miscarried.
If these rumours are not stopped,
it may spoil your plan.
I wanted people to speculate.
I'm looking for a chance
to let Qiang'er flaunt her condition.
Then no one would suspect
she's actually under house arrest inside Qiangxiang Palace.
Aye!
Milady!
The Crown Princess is hosting a party at Que Building today at 1 o'clock.
she'd like you to stop by the Eastern Palace
and taste fresh lychees and wine.
Here's the invitation and the guest list.
Milady, you must have empathy with the Crown Princess.
This is the perfect chance.
We can bring Jieyu Xiao with us.
But concubines who befriended Jieyu Xiao
such as Cairen Feng and Meiren Chen will also attend.
I'm afraid...
Of what?
Qiang'er doesn't know about my plan.
Knowing that girl!
she'll just show off in front of the others.
I don't care about their pretentious sisterly love.
Just put someone on her tail.
Yes, Milady!
Banquet at Que Building? I can go?
My Aunt agreed?
You've been staying indoors.
I'm sure you're quite bored.
Her Highness thinks you need a distraction.
I have screened the guest list.
Imperial wives and concubines who arrived with you
will be attending it as well.
I haven't seen them for a long time...
like Wanyi Li and Cainu Liu.
Wanyi Li will go, but Cainu Liu cannot due to her low ranking.
What about Cairen Feng and Meiren Chen?
They're on the list.
Come to think of it,
I haven't appeared on such a grand occasion for a while,
fetch my ceremonial dress and head ornaments
Aye!
Can you hear me, baby?
Heaven will always leave a door open.
This is our only chance.
Cairen Feng and Meiren Chen
have been my best friends since I came to the Palace,
if I ask them to report to His Majesty,
we'll be safe.
I must get rid of these people watching me.
How do I look?
You shouldn't do that, Jieyu!
Help me pick them up!
It's a gift from my Aunt. Hurry!
Let's go over there!
The thought of humbling myself in front of that hussy
makes me want to throw up.
What can we do?
All because she's lucky!
I thought she must have miscarried
that's why she's hiding in Qianxiang Palace.
If she's coming to Que Building.
That means she's fine.
It's easy to lie to her.
We'll just have to put on a show
and act like we missed her.
Maybe we can con her into mentioning us in front of His Majesty.
I tend to think
today is the best time to curry favour with Consort Wei.
That hussy got pregnant
because Consort Wei arranged everything.
We had no one to rely on when we first arrived.
We had no choice but rely on that wench.
Even when she scoffed and yelled at us,
we had to smile at her.
Now that we're finally a Cairen and a Meiren
we still have to succumb to her.
I can't believe it!
I've been thinking,
stillbirths happen all the time in the harem
often killing the mother as well.
Wouldn't it be great if she's one of them?
Let's tell her to eat more lychees.
Lychees are bad for expecting mothers.
I can't believe
you could say something so vicious.
Look who's here...It's Cairen Wu!
If I'm vicious, you're a hypocrite.
Everyone knows about the feud between you and Jieyu Xiao.
You, of all people would curse her baby.
Whatever is between me and her, the baby is innocent.
Besides, it's His Majesty's child after all.
What happened between Meiniang and Jieyu Xiao,
was because they were young and insensible then.
It was just a misunderstanding.
There was never any deep hatred.
Meiniang has nothing but blessings for the baby,
but you two
seem to hate her to the core.
You have no proof!
We're Jieyu Xiao's best friends.
Who would believe a word you said?
You can fool others,
but not yourselves.
I think you should eat all
the lychees served at the banquet.
You...
They have no shame!
The Palace is full of back-stabbers like them.
Let's go, Meiniang!
What should I do?
Jieyu Xiao!
Long time no see. We missed you!
That's inadvisable. Jieyu Xiao is with child!
It's alright!
she's like a sister to me.
Yes, I've been her best friend since she came to the Palace.
That's right,
we've been praying to the gods for you, and your safe delivery.
Having sisters like you
has made my life so meaningful.
Why you are crying?
That's right! Don't cry!
since I got pregnant,
I'd laugh and cry all the time.
Maybe because I haven't seen you for so long,
I got emotional.
When I think of when we first arrived
and how far we have come.
Time flies but our friendship will not change.
What's up?
sis Wu...
We must visit you more often.
I hope you can look out for us.
Hello!
Nice head ornament!
Cairen Wu!
Greetings, Crown Princess!
Thanks for keeping me company and talking to me earlier on.
How have you been?
And how is the Crown Prince?
He's fine.
Thanks for asking.
Jieyu Xiao!
Jieyu Xu!
You seem preoccupied.
Ever since we came to the Palace,
I have never seen you cry in public.
You're reading too much into it.
seeing my friends again
made me a bit excited.
Are they really your friends?
Why is it I get the feeling
you wanted to talk to Meiniang?
You can let your guard down towards me.
You're now with child,
it's time to start a new phase in your life.
You should let go of grudges from the past.
Besides, I was never your enemy.
If you're upset about anything,
you can talk to me.
Wait!
Greetings, Consort Wei!
I...
At ease! You're with child.
But you're behaving differently.
Why are you talking to Jieyu Xu?
You must know
Cairen Wu and I bear grudges against each other.
I haven't been nice to Jieyu Xu either.
All because I didn't know better.
I was too childish, come to think of it.
That's why I asked Jieyu Xu
if she had time,
to visit me at Qianxiang Palace;
with your approval, of course.
splendid!
You have a long way to go before you deliver,
I was worried you'd be bored.
If you have friends to visit you
that's a good thing.
Those who came to the Palace with you,
whether it's Cairen Wu or Jieyu Xu,
they're all welcome in Qianxiang Palace.
Thank you, Aunt!
It's getting late.
You need to head back and take your medication.
Jieyu Xiao, it's time for your medication.
Leave it, I'll drink it later.
You know Consort Wei's rules.
You're making life difficult for me.
You don't believe me?
I wouldn't dare!
Wait!
Go to Jieyu Xu's chamber.
I remember she once made some pastry for me.
Not that I want to eat it,
but my baby does.
You want me to tell my Aunt
you won't satisfy
such a simple request from my baby?
Do as you're told!
Greetings, Your Highness!
Aunt!
I'm too bored.
I need someone to talk to. You promised...
Of course I remember what I said.
But you should remember my words too.
You must be extra careful.
Don't get too close to anyone.
The most important thing right now,
is the baby you're carrying.
Whatever you said,
I won't forget.
Go! Invite Jieyu Xu over.
Right away, Your Highness!
Jieyu,
Qianxiang Palace wants to invite you over.
They said Jieyu Xiao liked a pastry you made for her.
But Jieyu,
when did we ever prepare any pastry for Jieyu Xiao?
I think their invitation is up to no good.
shall I turn them down for you?
No! since Xiao Qiang became pregnant,
I haven't visited with her.
That's rather rude.
This is something I can't avoid.
Jieyu Xiao, Jieyu Xu is here.
Let's go in.
sis Hui, this way...
I wanted to eat yokan,
why haven't they served it?
Go find out if it's ready!
Aye!
I didn't know which one you want to eat.
I've brought them all.
since I became pregnant,
I haven't been able to eat much.
somehow today,
I thought of the coloured cake you made me at the Cairen Hall...
I had such a craving, I had to invite you over.
Wenniang!
Yes?
sis!
You're working so hard,
this is from Jieyu Xu.
Do I have the honour
to savour them with you?
Thank you! Come on!
security is tight in Qianxiang Palace!
Please help me!
I have no right to ask for your help,
I wouldn't bother you if I had a choice.
Please get up, mind your condition.
Looks like I was right.
If someone wants to hurt you,
why didn't you tell Consort Wei?
Because the one who's after me,
is my Aunt who claims to care about me.
If I didn't hear her myself,
I would never believe the day my child is born
would be the day I'll die.
And naturally she can take my baby.
You obviously over-estimated me.
I'm just a Jieyu,
how can I go up against Consort Wei?
What happened today,
I'll pretend it didn't happen.
Please tell His Majesty my situation.
Ask him to take me from Qianxiang Palace.
You think he can help you fight Consort Wei?
Who else but His Majesty
can punish my powerful Aunt?
Your Aunt bullies her way throughout the harem
and has victimised many people.
All these years,
why do you suppose His Majesty
has turned a deaf ear and blind eye to her evildoing
and allowed her to rise to power in the harem?
Maybe he doesn't know.
He's the Emperor, he runs the state,
let alone the harem.
You mean...
Not that he doesn't know, he doesn't want to know.
You know better than I do
the influence of the Wei clan on the court.
If you expose Consort Wei without solid evidence,
whose side would His Majesty and the Wei clan take?
A small potato Jieyu like you,
or the head of the 4 Consorts
who controls the harem like her?
No way...
His Majesty will believe me.
I'm carrying his child.
We're talking about the baby.
The baby?
You told me Consort Wei's plan,
but haven't you noticed
you're caught in a bind?
You cannot leave Qianxiang Palace
or break away from Consort Wei's control.
If this keeps up,
you'll only die in enormous pain and injustice
and nobody would care.
Your child won't know who you are
and your murderer will be his mother.
How can you live with that?
No...there must be a way out!
she won't get what she wants.
Of course there's a way,
but you must make a decision,
whether you want to save yourself
or save your baby.
What do you mean?
Consort Wei's plan is to kill the mother and take the baby.
If there's no baby,
her plan won't work.
It's probably your only chance of survival
or maybe you can even fight back.
You want me to...
Over the years,
countless babies have perished in her hands,
and this won't be your only child.
The key is
for you to stay alive.
You must also live longer and better.
You want me to kill my own child.
Then frame her for it?
If you're willing to take this gamble,
what seems like a hopeless battle
might just be the answer to survival.
If you're not willing to take the chance,
your only alternative is to die.
I'm trying to help you.
You don't need to decide right now.
Things you may need
I'll send them to Qianxiang Palace in a scented sachet.
Think it over!
Jieyu Xu is inside?
Yes!
That's outrageous!
You're back to your duties in Yeting!
The Jieyus are having a chat inside.
Maids like us should not disturb them.
This is Qianxiang Palace.
worthless outsiders like you
have no business standing in my way!
I don't need our concern.
I thought we could be friends,
but looks like you're jealous of me.
I brought pastry because I thought an expecting mother
would tone down her sauciness.
But you're still as rude and unreasonable as ever.
Let's go, Wenniang!
I don't care for your so-called kindness.
You're jealous of my pregnancy.
Why don't you try to get pregnant?
Qiangxiang Palace is not a place
for you to be presumptuous.
Please don't get upset, Jieyu,
or you may hurt the baby.
serve the yokan!
Aye!
It was in between shifts when security was slackened.
Those useless minions
have been sent to Yeting.
What did Xiao Qiang and Xu Hui discuss?
They were arguing when I arrived.
You know Jieyu Xiao well enough.
I bet she was showing off and mocking Xu Hui
That's why she left in a huff.
she thought she had friends in the harem.
I let the others see her
because I wanted to avoid any speculation.
I wanted everyone to see how well she was doing in my chamber.
I also wanted Xiao Qiang to know
she had nowhere to go except here.
You're absolutely right!
You must be vigilant
and keep a close watch on things.
You can let people in,
but don't let them leave anything behind,
especially food.
Xiao Qiang has never been popular,
people may be aiming for her baby.
You can't be too careful about these things.
Rest assured, Milady,
I've already thrown away Xu Hui's pasty.
You can't be too careful!
I met with Father in Taiji Palace
and I feel closer to him than ever.
That's because you've been working hard
and everything you do is beyond reproach.
You're right! I finally understand
Father loves me very much.
The person stopping myself from ascending the throne
is me.
Eastern Palace is quite far from the Palace gate.
You're not feeling well.
Please take my sedan chair.
Good.
When General Hou returns from Qara-hoja
everything will be settled.
I seem to be living in a trance lately.
I didn't expect everything would proceed without a hitch.
I heard
you're going to Mount Mang today.
There's a Liuyun Temple on Mount Mang.
I was told it's rather efficacious.
Father is about to led an expedition.
I want to go there for a few days
and pray for Buddha's blessings for Father.
Go! I won't be a nag.
As long as you know what you're doing.
After you, shifu!
Before General Hou returns,
I will be extra careful
not to give anyone cause to gossip.
Don't worry, shifu!