Run!
Chengxin!
I'll kill you!
stop!
since Wu Meiniang has teamed up with my good-for-nothing brother,
we ought to get rid of them both.
But I wonder if our scheme can really put them to death.
she always managed to pull through and turn peril into safety.
What's more, His Majesty is very fond of her
But don't forget my father is a wise emperor.
He will never let personal sentiment prevail over reason.
With solid proof of Wu Meiniang's wicked deeds,
there's nothing my father can do to save her.
And do you think the case about, "the woman ruler named Wu" is over?
My father didn't forget. My uncle didn't forget.
Wu Meiniang didn't forget either.
It's just like this fire. Looks like it's about to go out,
but just a few dried leaves and a few pieces of paper
can turn it into a disastrous wildfire.
Will there ever be an end to all the cheating and deception?
Do you still remember what I said?
Of course. You said you lost your mother and I was childless.
That's why the Wei royal family and your family are a perfect match.
Once I overthrow Chengqian, ascend to the crown and take the throne,
the Harem will be all yours.
That day is coming soon.
That day? Is it really coming soon?
Meiniang, nothing is stirring in the Palace. His Highness should be fine.
It's hard to say.
Cairen Wu, are you there?
Wang Gong-Gong?
Jieyu Xu, you're here too?
Good evening, Jieyu Xu, Cairen Wu.
Wang Gong-Gong, what brings you here?
Cairen Wu, His Majesty has commanded you to meet him in Ganlu Hall.
As commanded.
Your Majesty.
Here, this one is yours.
Your Majesty, I've never seen you drowning your sorrows in wine before.
Me?
Your Majesty, what's bothering you?
Nothing, just someone died. It's a good thing for Great Tang.
I did a good thing to refine the Crown Prince's morals
and stabilise the state.
I'm not sad at all.
Are you sure?
But you look like you have something on your mind.
Otherwise you wouldn't have summoned me at this late hour
and lighted a new lantern here.
The Imperial Court is vast and the Harem is broad,
but except you, there's no one I can talk to over a drink.
Then let me stay here with you tonight, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, do you want to tell me what happened?
At this point, the only thing that gives me comfort is that
although this lantern was lighted for Chengqian, he was not the one who died.
Your Majesty, what happened? Who died?
A young man called Chengxin. I just cut off his head.
After I took his head, Chengqian tried to kill me.
He told me they became friends because Chengxin looked like his cousin Chengxun.
Chengxun?
Li Jiancheng's son?
That's why the moment I saw Chengxin, I found him familiar.
And I've been thinking why something doesn't feel right about killing Chengxin.
It seems to me he didn't deserve to die like that.
Your Majesty, do you plan to spend all night here tonight?
This place has my enemies, friends, and memories.
I feel comfortable staying here.
But I've never liked this place since the first time I came here.
This place is well-lighted and bright, but I feel chilled to the bone.
It's like there's nothing here except spirits and loneliness.
You'll get used to it after a while.
I don't want to get used to it.
Your Majesty, you're done drinking wine, lighting the lantern, and mourning.
This place only makes you sad.
Come on, let me take you somewhere nice.
Come on, let's go.
Come on!
Your Majesty, look at the magnificent sky and landscape.
This is where you belong.
Promise me you will never go back to that dark and stressful room, OK?
Chengqian.
Zhinu, you're the kindest.
I'm now down and out, but you still came to visit me.
You! Come here!
Yes, Your Highness?
Now that I'm under your charge,
does that mean I need your approval for anything I need?
That's overstated, Your Highness. Eastern Palace is still your palace.
His Majesty only commanded you not to leave here without permission.
Whatever you desire to do, I dare not stop you.
Good. I want to have a drink with Zhinu. Bring us some wine.
Also, ask all court ladies to come here and keep us company.
Chengqian, this is no time for drinking and chatting!
They say you deceived Father, but I know it must be a false accusation!
Chengqian, tell me how to explain to Father and plead with him!
There's nothing to explain.
Go get some wine.
Your Highness, Prince of Jin is right. Drinking wine is not a good idea.
Go get some wine!
Yes.
Let's drink all night long until we're drunk.
I heard there was a disturbance in the Eastern Palace last night.
Not in the Eastern Palace, but Mount Mang.
"Venus ascending, Emperor star descending" is not a groundless rumour then.
The Prince of Wei will probably take over.
But the Prince of Wei is taking a leave of absence this morning.
Let's not make assumptions.
We shall discuss it after the morning assembly.
Honourable Wei, you look awful. Perhaps you didn't sleep well last night?
There was a strong wind in Chang'an last night.
Did it disturb your sleep, Honourable Zhangsun?
The wind and the rain are natural events. I always let nature take its course.
Honourable Wei, you shouldn't let it bother you.
We're halfway through our life journey. There are many things we can't control.
Honourable Wei, your health should be a priority.
Your Highness.
More than half of the Crown Prince's hangers-on are gone overnight.
some of them have left Chang'an.
Others have come here to ask for a job in the Literary Hall.
Your Highness, do you...
What's the point of keeping those fence-sitters? Ask them to leave.
Yes.
Keep an eye on the Crown Prince. Report to me once every four hours.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness. You're finally back!
so, what happened in the morning assembly?
I heard His Majesty didn't mention anything about Chengxin in today's morning assembly.
How's that possible? Father didn't mention anything?
Fang Xuanling and Chu suiliang didn't say anything either?
Your Highness, please calm down. Before His Majesty left,
he summoned his most trusted advisors to an audience in the Prince's study.
What could be more important and urgent than deposing the Crown Prince?
I think His Majesty's reaction was expected by the Chancellors.
That's why no one proposed anything in the morning assembly.
That must be it. Relax... We must not get off on the wrong foot.
Father will dethrone the Crown Prince. Am I right?
Your Highness, calm down. You're right. Absolutely.
Your Majesty, it's outrageous that su Louhan killed his master for power.
This is a chance to send a punitive expedition against northern rebels
and establish a safe northern boundary.
Those rebels are borderland ethnic minorities.
They don't deserve benevolent treatment or regular discipline.
Honourable Chu, I suppose you know our strategy is to sow discord,
instigate Duan Ji to kill su Louhan, then send troops to the northern boundary.
But su Louhan has come into power.
He may not be a good ruler, but he's very good at war.
This is a very bad time to send troops.
The chance will soon be gone.
Once their internal situation is stabilised, we will have small chance of success.
Honourable Chu, this is an expedition to the cold lands of the north.
It'd be great if it succeeded.
If it failed, the prosperity of Zhenguan through decades could be ruined.
We have to be extra careful.
You gentlemen are discussing whether or not to send an expedition,
which is rather shortsighted. I have another concern.
Your Majesty, since you intend to personally lead the expedition,
who will be supervising us after you leave?
Wei, you've brought up an important point.
I suppose you all know what happened last night.
I summoned you all here to discuss how this matter is to be handled.
But before that, I'd like to sort something out.
Wei, Chengqian lied about killing Chengxin.
The head he showed me that day did not belong to Chengxin.
Wei, did you know it all along?
Your Majesty, I dare not deceive you!
Your Majesty, Honourable Wei has been coughing up blood.
I've told him to rest at home many times, but he insists on coming to the Court.
His condition is much worse than before.
He may not know everything that's happening at the Eastern Palace.
No, Honourable Zhangsun.
As His Imperial Highness's tutor, I must take the blame.
I deserve collective punishment for the disturbance at the Eastern Palace.
Your Majesty, please bestow on me.
Wei, please rise.
I was too anxious and completely forgot you were sick.
Well, it was the Crown Prince's fault, not yours.
His Highness is not hopeless.
It was my fault because I failed to bring out the best in him.
What happened last night serves as a warning to His Highness.
Your Majesty, please give him a chance to turn over a new leaf.
Turn over a new leaf? How many chances have I given him?
How many?
Your Majesty, please contain your anger! Your Majesty, please contain your anger!
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty...
sire!
Your Majesty...
stand up.
You shouldn't have run after me in such bad shape.
Come, sit down.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
All right, sit down.
I surrender. Go ahead. What do you have to say for Chengqian?
Don't give me that same old speech like he was lost or something like that.
I have a question.
Go ahead.
Your Majesty, if you don't pass the throne to His Highness,
who else can you pass it to?
Prince of Wu is valiant, but he's only good at war and ignorant of state affairs,
not to mention he is the grandson of Emperor Yang of sui.
Did any of the top officials not participate in seizing the Yang empire
and killing their descendants?
Just this alone makes Prince of Wu unsuited for the crown.
Will you pass it to the Prince of Wei?
Qingque was born to me and Empress Wende. He is well-suited for the throne.
Let's set aside the pecking order for now.
Prince of Wei and His Highness are brothers from the same mother,
but despite his amiable appearance, he has the mind of madness.
He is too adept at scheming.
someone like him is probably a good advisor but not a good fit for the crown.
After the Crown Prince fell off the horse,
you really didn't have the slightest doubt about the Prince of Wei?
This is a serious matter. Let's not rush to conclusions.
I will issue a decree that Chengqian should remain at the Eastern Palace and repent.
In the meantime I will ponder over
whether or not to depose the Crown Prince after a month.
Your Highness, from what I know, you're full of vitality.
Why are you in such a gloomy mood today?
Have you been drinking? Drowning your sorrows in wine?
Last night I went to the Eastern Palace in an attempt to help Chengqian,
but he wouldn't tell me what happened. He only asked me to drink with him.
sis Wu, it must be a false accusation. He couldn't have lied to my father.
Am I right?
This matter concerns deposing the Crown Prince,
which is most critical to the Imperial Court.
Your father will make a final decision on your brother's issues.
Your Highness, you'd better stay out of this.
Actually your brother did that for your own good.
sis Wu, although I'm not interested in state affairs, I'm not that naive.
I know what I'm getting into, but Chengqian is my brother.
How can I be a bystander?
Also, if he faces heavy punishment, my father will be the saddest person.
sis Wu, you're a woman of wisdom.
Could you give me some advice on how I can help my brother?
Do you trust me?
Of course.
Then listen to me. stay out of this.
Don't plead your brother's innocence without knowing the whole truth.
Your brother is indeed guilty of deception.
Certainly your father wouldn't want other princes to be implicated.
Zhinu, give me some time to think about how your brother can be helped.
All right?
Greetings, Father.
Come here.
Yes.
I heard you came to look for me after the assembly. What is it?
Father, I...
Father, many things have happened lately, and they're all related to Chengqian.
I want to share your worries. I'm concerned about your health.
I know you're an honest and dutiful child.
I'm very happy you're here to see me and talk to me.
Father.
Zhinu, you have grown up so fast.
You're as tall as me now.
Don't keep your distance from me.
Come on, take a walk with me.
Yes, Father.
How is His Highness? Is he still upset?
His Highness has been quite well lately.
Quite well?
Listen! Be careful, Your Highness.
Let's get drunk today! Honourable Wei is here.
Your Highness...
I'm fine! Go away! Let's drink!
Wei Zheng, come! Let's drink!
Come on, let's drink! Your Highness, are you all right?
Get out, all of you!
Only those who save themselves can be saved by others.
Once he has given up on himself, even the best strategy can't help him.
What should I do?
Honourable Wei...
What? You're going to the Eastern Palace to visit Her Imperial Highness?
Lower your voice. someone might hear you.
Meiniang, absolutely not.
Nobody wants anything to do with anyone at the Eastern Palace.
Why do you still...
His Highness saved my life during the hunt in Lishan.
As for the prophecy, Honourable Wei found Li Junxian to clear me of suspicion.
Eastern Palace is in trouble. I can't look on without lifting a finger.
Meiniang, no one in the Harem shall ever get involved with the princes.
This is not your first time providing help to the Eastern Palace.
If it leaks out, someone might plot against you.
Meiniang, you just found a way out of the prophecy.
Don't let yourself wind up in jail again.
Don't worry, it's going to be fine. I know what I'm doing.
Being locked up in the Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince indulges himself in wine.
After Honourable Wei saw him today, he became indignant and coughed up blood.
He even collapsed at home. He's still unconscious.
Wei Zheng has always been in poor health.
He put a lot of effort into guiding the Crown Prince back on the right track,
but the sudden turn for the worse was too much for anyone to bear.
Father, His Majesty will decide whether to depose the Crown Prince in a month.
should we do something to help the Crown Prince prove his innocence?
Innocence? He has nothing to prove. He can only blame it on his weak mind.
A hopeless person can't be helped. Chong'er, remember not to do anything.
The Crown Prince is not worth our help now.
Also, if we offer help without good reason, it will only aggravate His Majesty.
I understand.
The dampness in the floors may give you a cold.
Why did the Imperial Guards leave?
By His Majesty's decree, the Eastern Palace will be back to normal from now on,
but within this month, instead of participating in state affairs,
you shall repent of your sins at the Eastern Palace.
What will happen after this month?
After this month, His Majesty will have a decision on whether...
Whether to depose me?
My father is so kind to me.
A month should be more than enough.
Why did you act in front of Honourable Wei? Those people who came here...
shut up! Don't tell anyone whatever you have seen or heard these days.
Otherwise you would likely lose your Crown Princess title. Understand?
Rest assured, Your Highness.
The Crown Prince can't possibly make a comeback within a month.
Chengqian is a worthless piece of crap, but my father still gives him a month!
A whole month! This is favouritism at its worst!
Rest assured, Your Highness. You will defeat the Crown Prince in the end.
A whole month! Many things can happen!
Don't forget there's a key figure backing him up!
Hou Junji is making a triumphant return!
Hou Junji alone can withstand ten civil officials.
It might be a problem if he's still supporting the Crown Prince.
so what do we do now?
I remember when the Crown Prince proposed Hou Junji as the commander-in-chief,
His Majesty purposely told Hou Junji
he was commended by Honourable Zhangsun but not the Crown Prince.
It meant a lot. Hou Junji was warned to keep his distance from the Crown Prince.
There has hardly been any commander at war who can keep his nose clean.
Hou Junji is treacherous and ruthless, but his soldiers are loyal and devoted.
There must be a story behind it.
Good! Well said! Let's target Hou Junji!
Gather evidence against him!
Once he's back, we can present a memorial to my father!
I'll make arrangements immediately.
Come back!
I just can't stand this stagnant situation!
send someone to tomorrow's morning assembly! I'm going to throw a stone into the water!
Impeaching that wicked Crown Prince should at least make a ripple!
Yes, Your Highness.
What? Honourable Wei is sick?
The Imperial Physician just came back from his residence.
He said Honourable Wei might remain unconscious for a couple more days.
Are there any Imperial Guards outside the Eastern Palace?
His Majesty has authorised them to leave,
and said the Eastern Palace would be back to normal starting today.
I see. Thank you, Rui'an.
I'll take my leave!
Your Highness, Wu Meiniang is here.
What? Where is she now?
I was worried someone might see her, so I took her to the woods.
stay alert and don't let anyone get close. Understand?
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
Cairen Wu, why are you here at this hour? You'll get in trouble if anyone sees you.
Why will I get in trouble for visiting a friend in need?
Tonight you're not the Crown Princess, and I'm not Cairen Wu.
so, are you still hanging in there? How is His Highness?
He just dug a grave and buried Chengxin's clothing!
I don't get it! Chengxin ruined his life! Why did he do that for him?
sis Wu, there's something bothering me, but I'm not sure if I should tell you.
If you trust me, go ahead.
Of course I trust you. It's related to His Highness.
He's been on a drinking spree ever since he was grounded,
but the people he hangs out with are a bunch of strangers.
They don't look like his usual hangers-on.
One more thing. He only puts water in his wine sack.
What?
He pretends to be drunk every day. Honourable Wei left in anger the other day.
I just can't understand what he's been thinking and doing all along.
I don't suppose His Highness...
You're so clever, Cairen Wu. I can't seem to hide anything from you.
Your Highness.
My dear.
Did you inform against Chengxin?
I...
You should know how much I hate betrayal!
No one knows better than you how Her Highness feels about you.
Why must you hurt her like this?
Chengxin's whereabouts were leaked by accident.
Her Highness didn't plan for that.
Wei Zheng once said you and I were in the same boat.
Now this boat is about to sink. May I ask what you can do to help me?
His Majesty will decide whether to depose you after a month.
Nothing is certain in the meantime. Anything is possible.
Your Highness, my advice to you is think about
how to swim against the current instead of digging your own grave.
Very well. Go ahead and tell me how I can swim against the current.
Ask those casual visitors to leave the Palace immediately.
show His Majesty you know you were wrong and you will correct your mistakes.
How wrong was I?
Ever since I moved into the Eastern Palace, I've never harmed anyone!
But look at this crippled leg! Listen to all the dirty rumours about me!
Who should I apologise to? How come no one is apologising to me?
Your Highness...
I can understand your grievances, but allow me to be frank.
You will be the emperor of the state of Tang
Before you can take on those responsibilities,
you must learn to accept grievances first!
All the plots and harmful means against you only serve to
destroy your relationship with your father and take the throne from you!
Look at yourself, Your Highness!
This is exactly what your enemy wants to see!
I used to care a lot about my future as the Crown Prince.
I tried so hard to please my father.
I'm sick and tired of it. I give up.
I don't want to hide my true thoughts anymore.
True thoughts? Your Highness, what are your true thoughts?
I have already lost the fight for the crown,
but the fight for the kingdom has just begun.
You want to revolt?