The danger of the battlefield up north could not keep us apart.
I can't believe now that we're back in the Palace...
I have decided to reduce Cairen Wu to a lady-in-waiting.
she'll accompany Gaoyang who's marrying into the Fang's.
she's not allowed inside the Palace anymore.
But this is just a makeshift plan!
Zhangsun Wuji! You're so used to having no one to report to but me.
Do not push your luck any further.
How did Fuji find out you were in Liaodong?
After you returned to the Palace, have you told anyone where you'd been?
I wasn't the only one in the Palace who knew you were up north with the army.
I tried very hard to get a copy.
Yes, it does look like Rui'an's handwriting.
But there was something I forgot to tell you.
I never told Rui'an about this.
He knew nothing.
You're the only person who thought Rui'an knew.
Why the sudden interest in the standard script?
You can't teach yourself. You need proper coaching.
You should adjust your use of the wrist...
Regulate your breathing. You should...
They make fun of me and accuse me.
I'm probably a hopeless case.
Tang has other princesses.
They don't need me.
But there's only one Bianji.
Being in love with you
makes my life distinguished.
Even if I'm eternally doomed, I have no regrets.
Nice shot!
Good job, Ke!
Great skills! Nice aiming!
With good wine and nice music,
your party among the apricot blossoms should have been enjoyable.
But you invited a monk.
What a spoiler!
I promise you'll have enough to drink.
As long as you drink enough and you're having fun,
you won't know the difference if he's a monk or not.
That's right! Drink up!
Cheers! Good wine!
Good! Here...
We're out! Get some more!
Cheers!
Meiniang, get me some more!
sure!
They're out of wine. Give them some more.
sure!
Fill this up as well.
sure!
sis Wu!
Zhinu?
You must be in a good mood
or you wouldn't be here.
Long time no see. How are you?
I hope you don't mind me inviting myself.
This is the only way I can see you.
I have been to the Fang's Residence,
but they wouldn't let me in.
Luckily Gaoyang helped me out,
and I got this chance to see you.
Gaoyang is far too unruly.
she shouldn't have invited Bianji, or invited you either.
It's been a year.
Father is still hard-hearted.
He probably doesn't love you anymore.
How I hate Yuan Tiangang!
He has never even met you.
Yet he flung at you the charge of wrecking the state and ruining its people.
The courtiers went along with it perhaps because they didn't know you.
But Father...
How could he be swayed so easily by those dawdling old fools?
Zhinu, I'm not a Cairen anymore.
standing in front of you
is an ordinary lady-in-waiting.
If you want what's best for me,
stop feeling indignant for me
and don't sneak out to see me anymore.
His Majesty cut off my ties to the Palace.
Now that I'm still alive,
I can keep Her Highness company,
drink and enjoy myself.
If you truly want what's best for me,
you should help me
maintain this carefree life.
Your Highness, take good care of yourself and His Majesty. I should go back!
Cheers, Your Highness!
Meiniang, sit with me.
Don't drink anymore, Your Highness.
Life is short. One should eat, drink and be merry.
Let's have a drink!
Did you see Zhinu?
I'm sorry, Your Highness! I didn't mean it.
It's alright...come help me change.
sure!
A toast...
A toast to the Prince of Wu!
Here's another one...
Would you care for a drink?
Let's have a drink! Come on...
We'll have a drink...
Your Highness!
Do you realise the way you carry on with Gaoyang
is a crime punishable by death?
Your Highness, today you and I are both guests of Princess Gaoyang.
What capital crime have I committed?
No wonder you're considered a sage.
You play dumb at a time like this.
As Master sanzang has told me, I have yet to face my predestined fate.
This is a good way to end it.
Close your eyes if you're scared.
Your Highness, if you kill him
the Princess will hate you forever.
Even so,
I can't let him live and start more trouble.
Your Highness...
stop!
Bianji, you're well aware of Gaoyang's position.
I know she's spoiled and unruly and is embroiled with you.
But as her friend,
I don't want to see her go astray.
Don't see her anymore.
I've made myself very clear.
You should understand. Now leave.
Your Highness!
Go!
Pardon me, Your Highness!
Over the years, we win some, we lose some in chess.
But I have never lost a game
so completely like this one.
You seem to be focusing, but your mind is elsewhere
while I gave the game my full attention.
Just on our different mindsets alone,
you already lost when you sat down.
Unlike you, I'm not optimistic.
The thought of that woman under your roof
makes me lose my sleep and my appetite.
she's likely to plunge Tang's future into great turmoil.
The very thought of that has disabled me from playing well.
It's been over a year.
You still want to kill Wu Meiniang?
You know me too well.
Your spies are just short of breaking into my house.
I've been thinking
the only person you take to heart can only be Wu Meiniang.
But don't forget,
you made a promise a year ago in Ganlu Hall.
As long as Wu Meiniang stays under my roof,
the prophecy of "the woman ruler named Wu" would come to an end.
But Chancellor,
you were on my side a year ago.
But it seems to me,
Wu Meiniang has already gained your trust.
I kept her under close watch over the past year.
If she had harboured one tiny shred of treachery,
I would not have let her live.
I hope so.
But she has incredible patience.
I'm sure she's waiting.
For what?
A chance to return to the Palace,
after old courtiers like us drop dead one by one.
she's young. she has time.
But we're old.
For the sake of Tang, Wu Meiniang must die.
With your help, Wu Meiniang's death will look like an accident.
You're just guessing.
As long as she doesn't return to the Palace to see His Majesty,
what more can she do?
I guarantee she'll die a lady-in-waiting under my roof.
Why don't you give it a rest?
since your mind is made up,
and I gave His Majesty my word,
I promise she can live out her life as a lady-in-waiting under your roof.
Then I can keep my promise to His Majesty.
But listen, for Tang
she's definitely a jinx.
Father, I just got word from our spy
Wu Meiniang met with the Crown Prince at the party among the apricot blossoms.
They had a long talk in the woods.
The Crown Prince complained about her banishment from the Palace.
For a year, he has been trying to set up such a meeting.
Must have been tough for him.
He only wishes to see this woman and engage her in small talk.
When will Zhinu finally grow up?
Maybe Wu Meiniang is trying very hard to seduce the Crown Prince.
By the way,
did Chancellor Fang say "yes"?
He doesn't want to kill Wu Meiniang anymore.
It looks like Chancellor Fang no longer sees eye to eye with you.
Is Xiao Yu ready?
I'll tell him to prepare the memorial right away.
Given how hard working His Majesty is,
we'll have the results at the morning assembly tomorrow.
Father, to submit a memorial like this
may not shake Chancellor Fang,
but will prove more dangerous to Xiao Yu.
I do not intend to hurt Chancellor Fang.
But over the past year,
His Majesty has paid no attention to Wu Meiniang.
I arranged for the impeachment
to test His Majesty on his attitude towards this woman,
and also to make Chancellor Fang think twice about his position.
Xiao Yu is well prepared for the worst.
Meiniang, thank you.
If you hadn't intervened,
Ke would have made a mess.
I think you did that all by yourself.
How could you be so unruly?
You even openly invited Bianji to accompany you?
Why did you ask the Crown Prince to...
Look, Meiniang! I've collected
the Commentary on the Dharani of six Gates, the sutra of the Questions of the Deva
and sutra of the Buddha-stage.
Bianji is helping Master Xuanzang
translate Buddhist sutras from the Western Regions.
These editions should be helpful.
First thing tomorrow morning, send these to Huichang Temple. All right?
Gaoyang, the city of Chang'an
is full of handsome warriors and charming scholars.
Why must you fall in love
with someone who became a monk when he was 15 years old?
Yes, there are others who are better,
but I don't care.
The first time I saw this monk,
my heart felt like it was hit by a rock.
I knew then, he was the one for me.
Fang Yi'ai and I had an understanding.
We won't interfere with each other.
Whether or not my Father is the Emperor,
I have the right to love anyone I want.
As a woman, I cannot make contributions to the state.
since I don't have any literary talent
if I can't follow my heart
and fall head over heels in love.
My life would have been wasted.
But he's a monk!
He can never be with you.
That's his business, not mine.
This is my romance. As long as I love him,
he can choose to turn me down,
but he can't stop me.
What? Did I scare you?
No, what you just said...
I believe I've said the same thing.
But that was a long time ago.
I knew you're my kindred spirit.
Why is it women like us
cannot fall head over heels in love?
Head over heels?
Cairen Wu!
To this day, you still fail to correct yourself.
standing in front of you
is no longer a Cairen from the Palace.
I'm an ordinary lady-in-waiting of the Fang's family.
Greetings, maid Wu.
I asked you to come here
so that you could tell me about the investigation on the aristocrats.
Has there been any progress?
The Minister of the Court of state Ceremonials
is one of Zhangsun Wuji's henchmen whom he personally promoted.
since 631
he has personally loaned out the money budgeted for the Court of state Ceremonials
to merchants of Chang'an for personal gain.
He has a lot of nerve!
I'll report to His Majesty in the morning assembly in a few days.
Zhangsun Wuji can't possibly absolve himself from the blame.
This is a start. The key is
to make good use of the investigation.
Follow the vine to the melon
and find evidence against Zhangsun Wuji
for factionalism and taking bribes.
What if he's incorruptible
and we find nothing on him?
Don't worry!
Zhangsun Wuji may not be on the take for personal gain.
But he wants to run Tang in a way he prefers.
He has secretly groomed his chosen crowd.
But his salary alone is not enough to feed so many mouths.
For the sake of Tang,
he had no choice but to take bribes.
Wise observation! I'm honoured to be working for you.
When you make an attempt to attack,
you must protect yourself.
Don't get eaten by the tiger you're trying to kill.
Rest assured. I'm submitting the impeachment
against the Minister of the Court of state Ceremonials.
should anything go wrong, no one else will be implicated.
This is the evidence against the Court of state Ceremonials.
I'll submit it to His Majesty at the morning assembly tomorrow.
An impeachment on the Court of state Ceremonials,
is like plucking Zhangsun Wuji's whiskers.
Are you confident you can use this as an excuse to conduct an investigation
and find incriminating evidence against Zhangsun Wuji?
There must be more than loyalty and honour
that holds the huge Guanlong clique together.
Without any perks, no one would work for you
If we dig deep enough, we'll find the dirt on Zhangsun Wuji.
Just that no one has done that before.
That's right, no one has.
But with him around, poor scholars like us
will always remain dirt under their feet.
Gentlemen,
do you wish to ingratiate yourselves and forever lead a mundane life?
If that's all we want,
why would we risk our lives and meet with you?
That's right...
If we work together,
are you sure we can topple Zhangsun Wuji?
It's impossible to topple him.
But if we dig deep enough and incur His Majesty's wrath,
he would banish Zhangsun Wuji from Chang'an for a while.
And she can return to the Palace.
We're risking everything we have
and declare war on Zhangsun Wuji
just to bring a woman back to the harem?
Is it worth it?
Of course it is! Don't forget
she's the one who gathered us here today.
Trust me,
helping her is the best bargain
you'll ever get involved with.
What she means to us
is like Yiren of Qin to Lu Buwei.
In that case,
I wish you every success tomorrow.
Gentlemen, if I fail and die,
I'm entrusting you with my family.
We won't let you down!
Xiao Yu! Where is Xiao Yu?
Right here!
Did you submit this memorial against Chancellor Fang
for factionalism bordering on treason?
Yes, Your Majesty!
When I was the Prince of Qin, Chancellor Fang has pledged his loyalty.
Last year, Princess Gaoyang married into the Fang's family.
That proves my reliance and trust in his family.
He is off sick for 3 days and you're stabbing him in the back.
What is your motive?
He has dominated the secretariat for 20 years
and filled the secretariat with his henchmen and proteges.
In recent years, because of his old age,
he's been off sick more than these last 3 days.
Why doesn't he retire and live out his life in leisure?
Why allow him to keep a position when he can no longer perform?
shut up!
Your Majesty has always welcomed honest advice.
I'm only speaking from the bottom of my heart.
Xiao Yu, you're almost 70.
You've followed me since the Wude days
and have served me for decades.
I once said "Only in the gust wind can the strong grass be known" about you.
But now you're even accusing Chancellor Fang for factionalism bordering on treason.
Have I been wrong about you
or have you become muddle-headed in your advance age?
I don't think you should stay in the Court.
Retire to your fief and live out your remaining days.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Thank you for letting me retire!
When Empress Zhangsun was on her death bed,
she wanted me to assure her
I'd never let Chancellor Fang leave my side.
Chancellor Fang has made enormous contributions to Tang.
Whoever plots against him again,
don't blame me for showing no regard.
Assembly adjourned if there's nothing else.
Your Majesty, I have something.
What is it, Fuji?
It's about the corrupted officials of the Court of state Ceremonials
and misappropriation of funds.
since 631,
they have embezzled public funds
and loaned out bribe money at extortionate rates
to merchants and craftsmen of Chang'an.
Hence, they have pocketed huge profits.
since 631,
the Court of state Ceremonials has been a mess.
I know nothing about the matter.
Fuji, the Minister of the Court of state Ceremonials
was highly recommended by you.
I'm willing to be punished for my mistake.
The fact that you reported the case
proves you were not involved.
Your honesty and integrity is Tang's good fortune.
I'll put you in charge of the investigation.
Aye!
Go home, gentlemen.
Father, your investigation has had everyone panic stricken.
They all want to know what you're thinking.
You won't see any of them?
No!
To beat Li Yifu and his lot,
there's no need to sever our own arms.
If the investigation proceeds,
I'm sure Chancellor Fang
must have some relatives or hanger-ons
who are involved in underhanded deals.
Because of this case,
our people will suffer heavy losses.
You have a point.
But I can't tell His Majesty.
How about this...
go tell the courtiers of the Guanlong clique
who are suffering heavier losses than others
With regard to their losses,
I will make it up to them.
We must appease them properly.
I will visit them one by one tomorrow.
By the way, I've put that creep Li Yifu under surveillance.
We'll soon know more.
Li Yifu doesn't matter.
But the person behind him does.
I need to know who it is.
Ke!
something bothering you, Zhinu?
Let's take a walk in the garden.
Come to think of it,
we haven't been like this in a while.
since I became the Crown Prince,
I've been busy helping Father.
We seldom get to visit with each other now.
What was bothering you just now?
You're still such a kid.
You're always so careless.
I'm not a child anymore.
You want it back? The old rule sticks!
Your reaction is not as fast as before.
Times have changed. For you to surpass me
is only a matter of time.
I can manage.
To me, you'll always be my kid brother.
This will never change.
Thank you.
Don't mention it.
If anyone should be thankful,
it should be your older brothers, including me.
We should thank you.
You must be joking.
Why should you thank me?
Because you became the Crown Prince,
our sibling rivalry
did not end in bloodshed.
Frankly, after you became the Crown Prince,
I finally got to feel relaxed and carefree again.
By the way, were you upset about a woman in the painting?
Love always spells trouble.
There are only two ways to resolve it.
You either persist or give up.
The former is an uphill battle,
the latter is heart-breaking.
The difference lies in your heart.
Are you giving up on her or on yourself?
I think I know what to do.
Thanks for your advice.
I'll be leaving Chang'an soon.
I don't even know
when I'll be back.
That's why before I go,
I wanted to give you some advice.
It'd make me feel better.
There's no one around. You can tell me.
What's going on?
Tell me...
over the past year,
if Meiniang hadn't kept me company,
I would have died of boredom.
she helped me out and took care of you.
Don't you think it's time to pay her back
and do her a huge favour?
And I thought it was something so important
you had to send a messenger first thing in the morning!
Whatever makes sis Wu happy,
I'm more than happy to oblige.
since she came here,
what's the one thing she wanted more than anything else?
I don't know.
she said nothing,
but I know she's been longing to see Father again.
You should know her better.
Talk to Father tonight when you go back to the Palace.
Let me think about it.
This is the most remote place in the whole Fang's Residence.
The view from here is nothing much to look at,
and few people come here. But I noticed
Meiniang likes to look out from here
until one day I did the same thing.
Guess what I found out?
This direction...
is where Father's chamber is.
The thing she's been craving for is to see Father again.
Greetings, Father!
At ease!
Father!
I'm fine!
The anti-aging drug, Your Majesty!
Good!
You never used to take any drugs produced by alchemists before.
I'm used to them now. If I don't take them
I feel tired and worn out
and my arrow wound makes me uncomfortable.
Don't worry. I know what I'm doing.
Zhinu!
Father!
You seem distracted.
Concentrate. I'm talking to you.
Yes, Father!
Go through these memorials,
I want your opinion on them.
It's been a year.
What?
It's been a year since Cairen Wu left the Palace.
Don't you ever want to bring her back?
Zhinu, that's a matter of the harem.
Don't bother yourself with it.
That's not fair, Father!
Why not? Had it been someone else,
she would have be beheaded.
But, Father
it's just an ambiguous prophecy.
she risked her life for you
and you've been through so much together.
The only thing you can do for her is to spare her life?
Even Uncle is only one of your courtiers.
When the high and mighty Emperor of Great Tang gives an order,
who would dare disobey?
You should go.
I'm tired.
Father!
Goodbye, Father!
Father!
Wang De! Get the doctor!