Who are you impeaching?
Taiwei Zhangsun Wuji!
Guards, execute Lu shining now!
Anyone who questions his loyalty again shall suffer the same fate as Lu shining!
I'll forgive you if you let me punish you!
Otherwise I'll tell my mother you bullied me! Kneel down!
No!
stop! You shouldn't bully other kids!
How dare you! Come here! Lie prone! I'll spank you!
Let go of me!
How dare you! Do you know who I am?
No matter how honourable your title is, you shouldn't bully people!
You'd better watch out!
Eat whatever you want.
Don't let anyone bully you because of a few bites of food.
Is it good?
Your Majesty, you executed Lu shining without the least hesitation.
Your faith in me moved me to tears. Your Majesty.
Regardless of my title as the son of Heaven,
I still remember when I was crying over my mother's coffin,
it was you who comforted me.
When my father died, it was also you who reminded me not to wallow in my grief
and forget my duties as the son of Heaven.
If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have come this far.
I trust you with all my heart.
Your Majesty.
I trust you, and I hope you can trust my judgment.
My Brother Ke may have a little complaint about the present circumstances,
but he'll never revolt against me.
My eldest brother has been severely ill. Brother Tai even died abroad.
I only have a few family members left in this world.
Uncle, let Li Ke stay in Chang'an.
Your Majesty, as you wish.
Your Highness.
General Li Ji still wouldn't see me?
Exhausted from the journey, Master fell ill after he returned home.
He's not receiving visitors now. sorry about that, Your Highness.
Please tell General Li Ji I have something important to discuss with him.
Master has a message for you.
Please go ahead.
Master said, "Chang'an is a troubled place. Why must you stay here?
The earlier you leave, the earlier you'll be safe."
He wants me to leave Chang'an?
Your Majesty, if you let the Prince of Wu stay in Chang'an
it's necessary to prepare a strategic plan to enforce obedience.
I don't understand. Why do you have such deep-rooted prejudice against him?
Because he's a descendant of the previous dynasty?
Your Majesty, do you think the Prince of Wu will form a clique out of self-interest?
Of course not.
I don't think so either,
but after Li Ji arrived at Chang'an, the Prince of Wu went to see him immediately
The Prince of shunyang's former subordinates
such as Fang Yi'ai and Chai Lingwu, are his close associates.
There are quite a few suspicious points.
Your Majesty, you don't even have the slightest doubt?
Uncle, you think he's harbouring ill intent, but I think if he had a disloyal attitude,
he would avoid arousing suspicion and keep his distance from those people.
At the same time, he would be secretly keeping in touch with them
and use his power to put them in useful positions.
However, he hasn't done that.
Your Majesty, don't entrust your safety to someone else's conscience.
Your Majesty, please remember conscience means nothing in the Palace.
Defeat or victory is all that matters.
Why don't we make a bet, Your Majesty?
If Prince of Wu is given an important post,
and he doesn't promote Fang Yi'ai and Chai Lingwu,
I'll never accuse him of treason again.
But if he does, please beware of him, Your Majesty.
Fine, let's make a bet.
You can eat as much as you want.
Your Highness, can I bring some home to my mother?
Of course.
so, you tolerated the insult
because you wanted to bring those snacks home to your mother?
Yes, these snacks are only available in Xianling Palace.
My mother's birthday is coming up in a few days.
I'd like her to try some of these.
Based on your outfit, you should be a prince too.
Yes, but there's a difference.
My mother doesn't have a title.
Her Highness Princess Gaoyang approaches!
Meiniang!
Meiniang.
Why are you here?
Aunt Gaoyang. Excuse me, Aunt Gaoyang.
Gaoyang, who is that kid?
His name is Li Zhong. He is my ninth brother's eldest son.
You failed to protect His Highness from injury!
Useless people like you deserve to be beaten to death!
You'd better keep that in mind! Hit them!
Wu Meiniang is so ruthless!
How could she do this to you? It's outrageous!
Lianzhi, that woman called me a bully. Was it wrong to treat Li Zhong like that?
You had a fair sword fight with Li Zhong.
He's a few years older than you, but you beat him.
It only made you a warrior, definitely not a bully.
No, I told him not to fight back
or I'd ask Mother to put his mother in Yeting Palace.
Your Highness, do you want to punish Wu Meiniang?
Then you've made a mistake.
Li Zhong provoked you. You fought back and defeated him.
But regardless, Wu Meiniang battered and bruised you.
Anyone will cry upon seeing this.
But...
Your Highness, let me help you apply the balm.
Your Highness, your words are like gold. Whatever you say is the truth.
sujie, what happened?
Good boy, sujie, don't move.
What happened? Who did this?
Your Highness, according to His Highness, he was beaten by Wu Meiniang.
Wu Meiniang? How could she be so heartless?
I befriended her! Why did she do this to sujie?
Mother!
Good boy, sujie, lie down and rest.
Wu Meiniang, you terrible woman!
My child has never been beaten by anyone. How dare she...
son, I won't go easy on that woman!
Zhong'er is the oldest son,
but his mother Liu was merely a palace maid of lowly origin.
Empress Wang and Consort Xiao have been oppressing her on purpose or not.
Till now, she still doesn't have a title.
Her son can't make her more respected. she's even a burden to her son.
No wonder the little boy looked so fearful.
The Palace is a snobbish place.
I bet most maids and eunuchs don't treat him like a real prince.
Right, they often embezzle or skimp on their allowance.
Otherwise he wouldn't have taken the insult to get those snacks.
sujie is different. As Consort Xiao's son, he's spoilt rotten.
If Empress Wang remains childless, it's very likely he'll be the Crown Prince.
Meiniang, I don't know if I should be happy or worried.
I'm happy because you're finally back and well taken care of.
I'm worried because you punished sujie and messed with Consort Xiao.
Consort Xiao is never a friendly person.
You'd better be careful not to get in trouble again.
I understand. The most important thing is to keep this child safe.
sis, Her Highness Empress Wang sent you an invitation
to a chrysanthemum banquet at Taiji Palace's side tower tonight.
Empress Wang?
Father, here's a record of Wu Meiniang's recent activities.
It was sent here from the Palace.
By the way, Honourable Li Ji really knows his place.
Ever since he came back, he's been taking sick absence
and showing no intents to compete with you.
Maogong understands his situation. He never fights for power and wealth.
Chong'er, do you notice something strange is going on?
Chu suiliang got banished. Lu shining falsely accused me of treason.
His Majesty demonstrated complete trust.
I had no choice but to approve the return of the Prince of Wu
It's all so strange.
Take a look first.
A copy of every viewed memorial in the Imperial study
is made and sent to Wu Meiniang every day.
When His Majesty and Li Tai were fighting over the crown,
Wu Meiniang provided guidance for His Majesty.
seemingly there's nothing going on between them,
but in fact they're getting closer to each other. History is repeating itself.
Whether or not Wu Meiniang will be Consort Dowager,
her existence in the Palace will definitely be a calamity.
I'll never let anything hurt His late Majesty.
Father, I actually think you don't have to do anything.
someone in the Harem already wants to push Wu Meiniang out.
I don't understand. Why won't General Li Ji see you?
Is he scared of Zhangsun Wuji?
If I remain in the Palace as the Princes' swordplay tutor,
sooner or later we'll have to go back.
But...
His Majesty approaches!
Brother!
Your Majesty, please forgive me for not greeting you upon your arrival!
Please rise, Brother.
I was eager to see you, so I came without notice.
It's not your fault.
Is there something urgent you need to tell me?
Do I... Do I have to go back to Anzhou?
Brother, I have convinced Honourable Zhangsun.
starting today, you'll be Minister of Works, the Princes' tutor, Co-Minister of Defence.
You'll be able to stay with me in Chang'an.
Come, sit down.
s u re.
Please.
By the way, I heard this morning you banished Chu suiliang to Tongzhou.
Is it linked to the reason why I can stay in Chang'an?
Don't worry about it, Brother.
I banished Chu suiliang to Tongzhou because he deserved it.
It also serves as a warning to those aristocrats from Guanlong.
But anyhow, Chu suiliang was one of the pillars.
It's a shame he had to leave like that.
It's only temporary. In a few years, I will summon Xu Jingzong back to Chang'an.
Uncle will definitely object to it.
Then Chu suiliang in Tongzhou can be of great help.
I see. You let Chu suiliang go in exchange for Xu Jingzong's return.
That's really smart!
But anyhow, I know you planned all this because of me.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Brother, you should thank Meiniang instead.
she came up with this idea to convince Uncle.
Is this your sword, Brother?
Yes.
such a nice sword is covered in dust. What a shame.
Brother, you came back because of me.
I won't let you down.
By the way, did you know, General Li Ji is back in Chang'an?
No, I don't.
But I suppose General Li Ji's return will be helpful to you.
Unfortunately, he fell ill after he returned to Chang'an.
I just went to visit him.
Military Affairs is unlike warfare. It involves many trifling matters.
In the Ministry of Defence, with manpower and transport,
quite a few important posts are still vacant.
I hope you can help me find suitable people.
Brother, you deserve more than this.
All state affairs are equally important. I will do my best.
I believe you won't let me down.
Rest assured, Your Majesty.
I still have work to do. It's time for me to go.
s u re.
Please.
Please stay here, Brother.
Goodbye, Your Majesty.
His Majesty is leaving!
Congratulations, Your Highness.
Co-Minister of Defence is just below Minister.
The next thing is to fill the posts for manpower and transport.
I've been gone for a while now. How do I find suitable people?
Why bother? The decision is yours.
You should take the opportunity to promote Fang Yi'ai and Chai Lingwu.
Don't worry, Your Highness. They are simply your comrades.
There are no conflicts of interest. No one will accuse you of forming a clique.
You really need their help. Without any trustworthy subordinates,
how can you help His Majesty fight against Zhangsun Wuji and his factions?
Your Majesty, take a break and have some tea.
Very well.
Have my word sent, put a watch on Prince of Wu's Residence.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Meiniang, even a woman like me can't resist your beauty.
Nonsense.
Today those hopeless girls in the Harem will see what true beauty is.
Gaoyang, will Consort Xiao attend the banquet?
Yes, but don't worry. If she messes with you, I'll help you out.
Once we arrive at the side tower, I will apologise to Consort Xiao.
Just let her say and do whatever she wants. Don't step up for me.
For the sake of the child?
For the sake of the child.
Milady, everything is ready.
Consort Dowager Wu.
Your Highness.
Please rise.
His Majesty suddenly summoned you last night.
I didn't get a chance to share my thoughts with you.
Your demeanour left an impression on me last night,
but when I look at you again today, your beauty makes me feel ashamed.
You're too kind, Milady.
Come.
I wonder why Consort Xiao isn't here yet.
His Majesty approaches!
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Please be seated.
Meiniang, I thought it was a chrysanthemum banquet.
I don't see any chrysanthemums here.
Your Majesty.
I suppose someone has noticed that
there are no chrysanthemums anywhere at the side tower.
That's because the purpose of this banquet
is to welcome the return of someone who loves flowers.
Consort Dowager Wu, I heard chrysanthemum is your favourite flower.
At the General Assembly in the Zhenguan era,
you once galloped around the garden in Taiji Palace while holding a chrysanthemum.
Your heroic bearing amazed the Prince of Mongolia.
After I heard about your return,
I ordered for this chrysanthemum embroidery to be made with golden silk thread.
It's finally done today. I hope you like it, Consort Dowager.
Your Highness, I did nothing to deserve such hospitality.
Here's to you, Your Highness.
My dear, that's very thoughtful of you.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
I've heard great things about Consort Dowager.
Today I'd like to express my admiration.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Consort Xiao said she could not attend the banquet tonight.
His Highness, the Prince of Yong is unwell. she needs to take care of him.
sujie is sick? Is it serious?
I've asked about his condition, but the people at Xianling Palace
spoke evasively and refused to answer directly.
something happened to sujie. I need to see him.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
What's happening to sujie?
I'm not sure what to say, Your Majesty.
Who did this to sujie?
Your Majesty, can you promise me you will punish whoever did this to sujie?
I promise you I won't forgive whoever did this to him.
Tell me. Was it the Empress?
It was...
Hurry up and tell me!
Who was it?
It was...
Have you heard this proverb before?
What is it?
Whoever pleases you without a cause is either a villain or a thief.
Empress Wang is overly kind to you. she is sweet like honey.
she said she admired you and wanted to be your friend.
Only new girls in the Palace would believe that.
I'm sure she has a hidden intent. You have to be careful.
As the Empress, her biggest worry is that someone will jeopardise her position.
Her biggest hope is to give birth to a son to inherit the throne.
But I don't have anything to do with that.
That's true.
I see. she wants to team up with you against Consort Xiao.
It doesn't matter what her intent is.
It appears that Empress Wang doesn't consider me her enemy.
I don't intend to get involved in the fight. I'm afraid I'll only disappoint her.
Right, all you care about is this child.
stop sighing.
I heard you've been having a harmonious relationship with Honourable Fang Yi'ai.
so, shouldn't you be going? Don't make him worry.
Friends are forever, but men are temporary.
It's stupid to choose the temporary over what's forever.
You... Is Consort Dowager Wu there?
This is Dong shenghai from the Attending Office.
Greetings, Consort Dowager, Princess Gaoyang
What is this regarding?
Consort Dowager Wu, I was commanded to take you to the Attending Office.
Nonsense. Attending Office is where sinners are interrogated.
Why are you taking Meiniang there? Whose command is this?
Well, please calm down, Your Highness. This is His Majesty's command.
His Majesty summoned Consort Dowager Wu to the Attending Office
to ask her about the injury of His Highness sujie.
I shall do as commanded.
Your Majesty, Consort Dowager Wu is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty. Greetings, Your Majesty.
Greetings, Consort Xiao.
Please rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, what is this regarding?
Why did you summon Meiniang to the Attending Office at this late hour?
sujie was injured. I need to know what happened.
When sujie was practising swordplay with Zhong'er,
he accidently bumped into you, Consort Dowager.
It was his fault, but you shouldn't have hit him with such violence!
Nonsense! sujie used the sword fight as an excuse to bully Zhong'er!
Meiniang couldn't stand it
and stepped forward,
but sujie purposely bumped Meiniang's stomach!
such a ruthless kid deserved to be punished! There was no violence involved!
Princess Gaoyang, were you there? Did you see it with your own eyes?
I wasn't there.
so you only heard what happened from someone!
What about you? You only heard sujie's side of the story!
Children don't lie! Neither does his injury!
You're not being reasonable! Enough!
Children don't lie, right? There was another child there!
summon Zhong'er!
summon Prince of Chen, Li Zhong!
Your Majesty, I've brought my son, Li Zhong.
Greetings, Consort Xiao, Princess Gaoyang, Consort Dowager.
Liu, I know you have nothing to do with it. Please rise.
Zhong'er, it's alright. Come here.
Tell us what happened during the sword fight.
Today sujie and I went to the bamboo forest to play.
When we were having a wooden sword fight, Consort Dowager Wu passed by.
sujie suddenly stepped backwards and bumped into Consort Dowager by accident.
Consort Dowager Wu was very angry. she took sujie's wooden sword and hit him.
Then why were you with Meiniang when I arrived at the Bamboo Mansion?
Consort Dowager promised to give me snacks if I kept my mouth shut.
I was scared, so I said "yes".
You ungrateful little brat!
Princess Gaoyang, he only spoke the truth! Why are you so angry?
Consort Dowager Wu, do you have anything to say?
Your Majesty, I have nothing to say.
I was worried about the child inside me and out of my mind.
I hope Consort Xiao can forgive my stupid mistake.
Please punish me, Your Majesty.
Consort Dowager has admitted her mistake. That means I didn't wrong her.
Your Majesty, I shall let you decide how she is to be punished.
Here's my command.
Consort Dowager Wu Meiniang shall be severely punished for hurting the Prince.
However, she's carrying His late Majesty's child.
Physical torment will be inappropriate.
she shall be staying in Chengqing Hall for a month
to brood over her mistake through sutra chanting.
Yes, Your Majesty.
That's all.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
His Majesty was protecting her! Let's go!
Wang De.
Yes, Your Majesty?
Let Physician Zhou examine sujie tomorrow.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Physician Zhou, how's sujie?
Your Majesty, His Highness is in good condition.
He will recover after a few more doses.
I want to know if sujie's bruises were caused by physical abuse.
Well...Your Majesty, maybe so, maybe not.
What do you mean?
When I was at Xianling Palace,
I smelled stasis relief balm on His Highness's body.
stasis relief balm is used to treat external injuries and bruises.
However, in the absence of external injury,
if stasis relief balm is applied to children's delicate skin,
it will leave marks that resemble bruises.
The difference is just too subtle to be noticed.
Meiniang.
Your Majesty, what brings you to Chengqing Hall at this late hour?
Please get up.
You must have suffered a lot in the past few days.
From this moment on, you are exempt from all punishment.
You may leave Chengqing Hall anytime.
I appreciate your mercy, Your Majesty, but I should be punished for my mistake.
I will remain here. I won't go anywhere.
Meiniang, I know you didn't make a mistake.
Are you upset because I wronged you?
This matter has come to an end. Everyone is happy. It can't get any better.
Your Majesty, why complicate it?
I'm not complicating it! I just can't let anyone wrong you!
I remember a long time ago I told Consort Yang that
safety was much more important than the truth in the Palace.
That's exactly what I need right now.
I just want to keep my child safe.
I don't mind being wronged at all.
Your Majesty, you don't have to do anything for me.
It's late. You should leave, Your Majesty.
Ever since you came back,
you've been acting so cold and keeping me at arm's length!
You're just a woman! Don't put everything on your shoulders!
You're pregnant!
You need someone to rely on! someone to take care of you!
Let me be the one! Please!