Wu Meiniang? The one brought back to the Palace by His Majesty?
Now that she's back, it's much easier to meet with her.
I heard His Majesty favours me because I bear a resemblance to her.
Don't underestimate that woman.
Prepare a nice gift. I'll pay her a visit myself.
Consort Xiao is on a visit to Wu Meiniang with a generous gift.
It's time for me to visit Wu Meiniang and remind her...
Your Imperial Highness.
Please rise.
...who is in charge of the Harem in Taiji Palace.
You're carrying His late Majesty's child, which gives you an exclusive position.
Your every word and action represents His late Majesty.
Please keep that in mind. Don't forget your identity as Consort Dowager.
You're absolutely right, Your Majesty.
I actually think it's superfluous to say that.
Consort Dowager Wu hasn't been officially bestowed the title yet,
but having spent many years in Taiji Palace,
she knows the rules of etiquette in the Harem better than any of us.
I think we should take the opportunity to learn from Consort Dowager Wu.
Consort Xiao, I'm afraid I can't agree with you.
As the one in charge, Her Majesty has absolute power to manage the Harem.
Your Highness' guidance for me today is in accordance with etiquette.
As long as I remain in Taiji Palace,
I should consider you my role model and conform to the rules of etiquette.
Imperial edict!
His Majesty has summoned Consort Dowager Wu to Ganlu Hall.
I accept the honour.
It was a pleasure to visit, Consort Dowager. I'll be leaving now.
Thank you, Your Highness.
In that case, I'm leaving too.
Consort Dowager Wu.
Wang Gong-Gong, how have you been? It's been a while. Is everything fine?
Thanks for asking, Consort Dowager Wu. I've been good.
It's just that I still think of His late Majesty from time to time.
Well, His Majesty is waiting. Please, Consort Dowager Wu.
After you.
Please have a look, Consort Dowager Wu.
I heard the Tang state has many wise people.
Could you help the people of Mongolia pick the most beautiful chrysanthemum?
Let me do it.
Just to pick a flower? How hard can it be?
Ruyi, do you trust me?
I do, but the horse may go too fast, and the stem may not be strong enough!
Don't be afraid! Keep going!
The Tang state has a well-earned reputation. May I know this woman's name?
Charmingly delicate expressions.
strikingly alluring words.
This is a woman of the great Tang, Wu Meiniang!
Meiniang.
When you were staying with Gaoyang at Fang's mansion,
Father would tell me stories about your past and ask me to put on a play every day.
Now you're back.
I remember he was looking for a chance to watch the shadow puppet play with you.
so, Gaoyang and I...
Your Majesty! Please stop! Don't say it!
Your Majesty, if you will excuse me, I have to go now!
Meiniang!
Brother, I don't understand.
You were the one who arranged the fireworks at Ganye Temple that night.
Father never watched the shadow puppet play.
Why did you lie to Meiniang?
If the feelings between them are like a dream to Meiniang,
I'll do anything to protect it so that she can keep on dreaming.
One thread can't make a cord. One hand can't clap.
What would Prince Lanling be without the sword dance?
Your Majesty, when I was lighting the lamps here every night, I only had one thought.
I was hoping you'd appear in front of me before all 72 lamps were lit.
Nothing in Chengqing Hall has changed except the people.
I dare not think about all those crazy things anymore.
Meiniang, it's really you.
Your Majesty.
Let's go.
What were those people doing here?
Never mind them, Your Highness. Just some fence-sitters.
They thought your return could help them climb the political ladder.
This morning they brought nice gifts and requested a meeting with you,
but once they heard Zhangsun Wuji disapproved of you, they left immediately.
A bunch of snobs.
Court officials have to adapt themselves to circumstances, or they can't survive.
Don't let that bother you.
Your Highness!
Greetings from Fang Yi'ai, Xue Wanche, and Chai Lingwu, Your Highness...
Brothers, drop the formality.
What brings you all here?
We were so happy when we heard you were back.
We brought fine Western wine to have a drink with you.
Gentlemen, please leave. Don't throw away your career because of me.
Your Highness, let me explain. We are good at nothing except war.
We used to be very close to Prince of Wei. Now everyone wants to push us out.
We can only idle our time away with meaningless tasks.
Just like you, we've been abandoned by Honourable Zhangsun.
Yes, we're a bunch of idlers who lost our career a long time ago.
Your Highness, let's have a drink together.
Good. If you gentlemen don't mind, let's all get drunk tonight!
Don't leave without getting drunk!
Let's go! Let's go...
No one should play any tricks tonight!
Right! Especially you, Wanche!
Meiniang, it's all my fault.
I acted per my own wish and made you recall some sad memories.
It's not that serious, Your Majesty. I hope you can forgive my poor manners.
Why did you come to Chengqing Hall but not anywhere else?
Perhaps I came to recollect old memories.
What about you, Your Majesty? Why did you come to Chengqing Hall?
The reason is simple.
shortly after my ascending to the throne, I felt annoyed all the time.
One night I was wandering around the Palace in a bad mood
and before I realised it, I'd arrived at Chengqing Hall.
suddenly I remembered you used to come here to light all the lamps here every night.
so I walked into the Hall and did the same. For some reason,
as the lamps were being lit one by one, I gradually found peace in my heart.
It became my habit after that.
What about tonight? What's bothering you tonight?
Nothing.
Is it because Honourable Zhangsun forbids Prince of Wu to stay in Chang'an?
Rui'an has told me.
Actually I already have a counterplan, but it's going to take some time.
Really? What a coincidence.
I also have a good idea. I wonder if we're thinking the same thing.
Humble literati. Humble literati.
Right. Most of the high-ranking officials are aristocrats from Guanlong.
They dare not disobey my uncle.
Those men are loyal to their own families and surnames,
not the Li family of Tang.
Right, those humble literati are despised by the aristocrats from Guanlong.
They'll have no way out unless they turn to you.
If you rope them in and give them power,
you can solve the dilemma of having no one to trust in the court.
such as Li Yifu, academician of Chongxian Hall.
Aristocrats from Guanlong think he's a minion, talented but wicked.
He will do anything to climb the career ladder.
He's been oppressed due to his background. If you give him a chance to climb up,
even if there's a sea of fire ahead, he will jump with no hesitation.
About my brother, let me try to convince my uncle again tomorrow.
You can't convince Honourable Zhangsun. stop wasting your time,
Allow me to be honest.
You consider Honourable Zhangsun your elder, treat him with courtesy and respect,
which is admirable, but I don't think you're getting the results you want.
In your opinion, how should I treat my uncle?
Do it as an emperor should do, and the way a ruler treats his ministers.
Your Majesty, think about how your father treated them.
Besides brotherly affection, were there any other ways?
Now I remember. Before Father passed away, he used an excuse to send Li Ji into exile.
The purpose was to let me promote him so as to earn his loyalty and appreciation.
Right. If you want the Prince of Wu to stay in Chang'an, I believe this will work.
Meiniang, you seem to have put some serious thought into this.
It didn't just come to your mind. Why would you ponder over this?
Do you remember the first time we met?
I'll never forget the little kid at Yeting
He was holding a puppet, with a face full of grievances.
I won't be staying here for long.
shouldn't I do something for you before I go?
Is this a promise?
Promises often become lies. I hate to let you down.
I can only say I'll try my best.
Or you can stay and keep telling me what to do.
Remember the days at the Imperial Library?
If you hadn't taught me well, I couldn't have come up with this plan.
Now the only thing on my mind is to give birth to this child.
I just want us to be safe and stay away from trouble.
I'll come up with an actual plan to help you keep the Prince of Wu in Chang'an.
It's absurd to say Tang will be destroyed by a woman ruler named Wu,
but don't let the matter drift.
After I die,
if Wu Meiniang is pregnant with my child, boy or girl, get rid of it.
Meiniang!
It won't be necessary.
You have guided me to the right direction. That's quite enough.
I'm not a little kid anymore. I need to deal with my own problems.
It's late, you should go to bed.
Your Majesty, it's almost 11 pm, time to go to bed.
summon Xu Jingzong and Li Yifu to the Palace.
Yes, Your Majesty.
No more wine. Let's empty our bowls! Cheers!
Cheers, Your Highness!
Cheers!
Yi'ai, how are you and Gaoyang?
Listen to me, Your Highness! Yi'ai is fully devoted to Princess Gaoyang!
Let me say it!
Go ahead!
Princess Gaoyang lets me stay in her room for half an incense stick's time!
Barely enough for going to the toilet!
Your Highness.
Qingxuan, go and get the fine wine I brought back from Anzhou for my brothers!
Hurry up!
Your Highness, please stop drinking.
Just go!
Father, just as you thought,
Fang Yi'ai and Xue Wanche went to Prince of Wu's Residence.
Keep an eye on them.
Yes.
It's late, Father. Why are you still up?
I can't sleep. I've been feeling uneasy these few days.
Because Li Ji is coming back soon or because of the Prince of Wu?
I don't suppose it's because Wu Meiniang has returned.
Father, you still can't forget the prophecy about "the woman ruler named Wu"?
It has nothing to do with the prophecy, but I can't help worrying.
If Wu Meiniang stays here for good, it'll be a problem.
What else can be a problem except the prophecy?
The problem is His Majesty might commit incest.
Yanzu, do you know that after you left,
Taiji Hall no longer had any old ministers from the Eastern Palace 4th ranked or above!
I'm sorry I let you down, Your Majesty! I deserve ten thousand deaths!
stand up.
I dare not!
If you acknowledge a mistake, it's not incorrigible.
I'm offering you a chance.
If you can do it, once things cool down, you may be able to return to Chang'an.
Your Majesty, I shall give you my life to repay your kindness!
Your Majesty, what can I do for you?
I...
I need a head.
This is Li Yifu. Greetings, Your Majesty.
Why aren't you smiling?
Your Majesty, pardon me...
It says here you always keep a smile on your face.
Capable of killing softly, you're known as Li the Cat.
Why aren't you smiling today?
Your Majesty, I've never been so close to the son of Heaven before.
I was so nervous I forgot to smile.
Good! Knowing when to tell the truth is what makes you smart!
I like smart people!
However, I've heard so many negative comments about you.
People call you a minion.
Your Majesty, I'm indeed a minion,
but I think you need a loyal minion more than an untamable gentleman.
You can't prove your loyalty with words only.
Your Majesty, due to my lowly origins, those aristocrats treat me like dirt.
But my ambitious heart is unwilling to accept fate.
I'd risk my life for you to climb the political ladder.
Also, before His late Majesty passed away,
I overestimated myself and offended Honourable Zhangsun.
Your Majesty, I have no other way out. I can only devote my life to you.
Good, stand up.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I'll give you one chance.
I need you to gather evidence against a significant minister within half a month.
The evidence must be concrete and irrefutable.
Present it at the morning assembly.
And who is that significant minister?
Li Yifu, he has always been an upright and honest minister.
Can you get it done?
Rest assured, Your Majesty. He has spent half his life in the officialdom.
Even if he hasn't been influenced, he can't be completely clean.
I will find evidence of his guilt.
Great. I look forward to hearing the good news.
May I be excused, Your Majesty.
Remember, half a month.
Yes.
The art of being an emperor.
The art of being an emperor!
Wang De.
Yes, Your Majesty?
starting tomorrow, send Meiniang a copy of all viewed memorials in the Imperial study.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, are you alright?
Help! Hurry up!
Your Majesty, look, you're having a headache again!
Listen to me and let the physicians have a look!
Your Majesty!
shining, here's to you.
Thank you, Your Honour.
The morning assembly will soon begin. I came here to say goodbye.
shining, I'm leaving it all to you.
It's my pleasure. I've always hoped I could do something for you.
I'm very grateful for the opportunity today.
Your Honour, goodbye.
shining.
stop.
You.
Go.
stop!
Your pass please! Who's in the carriage? Get off for an inspection!
General, welcome back to Chang'an!
Inform His Majesty that General Li Ji is back.
Yes.
sis, take a break. It's time to take your medicine.
Honourable Li Yifu sent a note
saying he would like to meet you and thank you for recommending him.
Tell him I won't meet him. Just focus on serving His Majesty.
Also, remind him to stop trying to cling to the Harem.
Yes.
sis, the physician has mentioned your lack of energy and blood.
You need more rest. If you continue to drain yourself,
it will affect the baby even with the help of anti-abortifacient.
Also, these memorials have been read by His Majesty.
Why bother reading them all over again?
I need to get a better idea of what's going on in the Court
in order to help His Majesty before I go.
Reading memorials is an easy task. I'm not tired at all. You can go.
These snacks were specially made for me by the Imperial Kitchen.
If you want them, practise swordplay with me.
How dare you fight back!
I didn't!
Give me your sword!
stand right there! I'll forgive you if you let me punish you!
Otherwise I'll tell my mother you bullied me
and have your mother locked up in Yeting Palace!
No...
Kneel down!
No!
Kneel down!
No!
stop!
Kneel down!
No!
stop!
Consort Dowager...
You shouldn't bully other kids!
Who are you? How dare you stop me!
Whoever you are, bullying is intolerable!
Give me back my sword! Give me back my sword!
Give it back! Let go!
How dare you! Come here! Lay down! I'll spank you!
How dare you!
I'll spank you hard! How dare you!
Your mother didn't teach you? Let me teach you some manners!
I'll keep spanking you until you're sorry!
How dare you! Do you know who I am?
Come here!
You're wearing the Prince's outfit! Of course I know who you are!
Today I spanked you to let you know no matter how honourable your title is,
you shouldn't bully people! Understand?
You'd better watch out!
so, are you hurt?
Your Highness.
Qingxuan.
Your Highness, General Li Ji is back. He arrived an hour ago.
His Majesty said he'd greet him personally at the city gate.
How come no one knew he was coming back? Is the information reliable?
Absolutely.
Honourable Fang Yi'ai has a friend in the army on the frontier.
He sent the information over.
Perhaps General Li didn't want a high-profile return.
Your Highness, it's time for the morning assembly.
No one knows General Li is back except us.
Get my horse!
Yes!
Your Majesty, there was a strong earthquake in the Hedong region yesterday.
It was most serious in Jinzhou with over 200 deaths and 1,000 injuries.
Have my orders sent: Open state properties and granaries for the homeless victims.
House them and feed them.
Give three bolts of silk to every victim's family.
Jinzhou is exempt from taxation and labour for a year.
Also, send three censors to Hedong to inspect the affected areas.
Any official convicted of taking bribes in the context of disaster relief...
shall be executed!
Allow me to express my gratitude on behalf of the people of Hedong.
Present your memorials now or His Majesty will dismiss the assembly!
Your Majesty, I'd like to submit a memorial!
This is Li Yifu, academician of Chongxian Hall!
Li, speak as you wish.
Your Majesty, I dare impeach a high-ranking official in the court!
Regardless of his clean reputation,
he used his position to force land prices down by 60%
and buy almost 100 hectares of land in the western suburbs of Chang'an!
Your Majesty, you have forbidden officials to snatch the commoners' hereditary land!
This person annexed land and disrespected the law!
He should be severely punished!
Li, who is this person?
Director of the secretariat, Chu suiliang!
Your Majesty, I deserve ten thousand deaths!
Li Yifu has no idea what he's getting into.
It's hard to say. Why would Li the Cat want a bad bargain?
Chu, I'm so disappointed in you!
Your Majesty!
Honourable Chu has always been an honest official!
Duke of Wei, you mean Li Yifu has made a false allegation?
I dare not jump to conclusions!
Chu, did Li Yifu tell the truth?
I have nothing to say! Please punish me, Your Majesty!
since you have acknowledged your fault, considering your accomplishments,
I shall remove your title as Director of the secretariat
and make you Inspector of Tongzhou!
Your Majesty, thank you for your mercy!
Li Yifu, despite your low position, you had the courage to speak up.
I'm very pleased.
I hereby appoint you secretariat Drafter and scholar of Hongwen Paviliion.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Gentlemen, any other memorials?
Allow me, Your Majesty!
This is Lu shining, Dianyi of the Examination Bureau,
impeaching another high-ranking official.
Lu shining, who are you impeaching?
The Head of the Three Dukes, Taiwei Zhangsun Wuji!
Entrusted by His late Majesty to assist you, he is harbouring ill intent
to turn you into a mere figurehead and seize control of the Court!
seemingly he is assisting you, but in fact plotting to overthrow you!
Lu shining, you mean Honourable Zhangsun is guilty of treason?
Yes! I have proof!
Officials, execute Lu shining now!
Your Majesty, everything I say is true!
Your Majesty! Your Majesty! I'm innocent, Your Majesty!
Zhangsun Wuji must be killed or the Tang state will be in danger!
Your Majesty! I'm innocent, Your Majesty!
If Honourable Zhangsun hadn't devoted his life to help us,
today's Tang state wouldn't have existed!
If anyone questions his loyalty again and attempts to foment discord,
he shall suffer the same fate as Lu shining!
That's all for today! Dismissed!
Long live, Your Majesty...