I wish to make a bet with you, Your Majesty
When the Prince of Wu is given an influential post
and he doesn't promote the likes of Fang Yi'ai or Chai Lingwu,
I won't bring up the topic of his rebellion again.
Within the manpower and transport divisions of the Ministry of Defence,
several key posts are still vacant.
I hope you can
help me pick someone suitable.
Next I need to fill some posts at manpower and transport divisions.
But I've been away from the Court for so long,
I don't know of anyone suitable.
Don't worry! You're in charge of the appointment,
use this opportunity to promote
Fang Yi'ai and Chai Lingwu.
You should not have beaten up my child, Consort Dowager.
I have nothing to say, Your Majesty!
You're banished to Chengqing Hall for a month
to study Buddhist sutras and repent.
When I was summoned to Xianling Palace,
I smelled stasis relief balm on His Highness.
If there were no wounds,
and you apply the balm directly to the skin,
bruises that look like the result of a beating would appear.
My darling sujie, do you know
since Wu Meiniang came to the Palace,
His Majesty hasn't visited me.
Perhaps those rumours are not entirely groundless.
All these years, in His Majesty's eyes,
I'm nothing but someone else's shadow.
I don't have backing like Empress Wang.
You couldn't be the Crown Prince when you were born.
Though His Majesty dotes on you,
you're still just the Prince of Yong.
But I assure you,
I won't let anyone bully you again.
Wang De!
Your Majesty?
Bring me some vintage wine.
I only want to drink. No memorials tonight.
Aye! But...
Consort Xiao is still kneeling outside, waiting to see you.
Tell her I'm busy tonight.
Tell her to leave!
But...
You...
Greetings, Your Majesty!
How dare you! You know very well
you're not allowed in here without being summoned.
Isn't it true you used to love
the daring and presumptuous Consort Xiao
kneeling in front of you right now?
I'm busy with state affairs. You should leave.
I came in plain clothes,
just like that first time you saw
the innocent Liangdi Xiao.
I'm hoping that on account of your love in the past,
you'll have justice served.
Fine! What is it?
I think you're being partial to Consort Dowager Wu.
sujie obviously...
Don't be angry, Your Majesty!
Get up!
Raise your head!
Look me in the eyes.
Tell me you have never lied to me.
I have never lied to you.
Or else I'm willing to endure any pain and torture.
You'd better go!
Your Majesty!
I don't know when you started to doubt me.
If I have done or said anything,
you could just punish me.
I cannot stand being snubbed by you.
Take good care of sujie. I'm warning you,
don't threaten me with the child.
If anything happens to sujie,
I'm holding you personally responsible.
Is that clear?
Get out!
I have one last question...
You were fond of me
because I bear a certain resemblance to Wu Meiniang?
I was once in love with the old Liangdi Xiao.
she was not deceitful or pretentious.
Though she was capricious, she was forthright and sincere.
But today's Consort Xiao, is like a stranger to me.
The old Liangdi Xiao?
I see...
Milady, His Majesty visited Chengqing Hall late last night,
and spent two hours talking to Consort Dowager Wu.
They seemed rather intimate.
I was planning on asking her
how to win over His Majesty.
Looks like she's really good at it.
Might as well...
Wu Meiniang broke the spell
of His Majesty's favour of Consort Xiao.
she's carrying the late Emperor's child,
yet His Majesty can't help himself already.
Can't imagine what would happen
if she were to stay in the Palace for good.
You have every reason to worry.
I've heard a rumour about Consort Dowager Wu's child.
This is what's been circulating?
If it's true,
she's much more dangerous than Consort Xiao.
If you allow her to stay,
she'll be nothing but trouble.
Last night Consort Xiao requested an audience with His Majesty.
Judging from her looks,
she didn't get what she wanted.
What brings you here to visit me?
You're so good with jokes.
We haven't visited each other for some time,
I thought I'd take a stroll with you in the Imperial Garden.
Go ahead if you wish to make fun of me,
don't bother to beat around the bush.
This isn't quite right.
When Consort Dowager Wu first returned
you seemed to be quite friendly towards her.
Bad luck may turn to good,
tackling her may be a good thing after all.
The Empress has such bad luck.
she was already snubbed because of Consort Xiao.
Now that Consort Dowager Wu is back
she'll never turn things around.
Yes! I heard
when Consort Dowager Wu was still the late Emperor's Cairen,
she already had his head spinning.
The Empress spends her days alone in tears inside her chamber.
Imagine she wants to bear a child...
Greetings, Your Highnesses...
Your Majesty!
Greetings, Your Majesty!
At ease...
Military Governor Qu of Anxi
submitted an exquisitely crafted phoenix hairpin today.
It's perfect for you.
I was just going to send it over to Lizheng Hall.
Why don't you escort me to go take a look?
Aye!
You're all dismissed!
Aye!
Your Majesty!
Why are you doing this?
You're my Empress.
It's my duty to uphold your dignity.
Your Majesty!
Chancellor Zhangsun has been waiting.
I'm busy. I must leave you now.
I'll send the phoenix hairpin to Lizheng Hall.
I'll see you when I have time.
His Majesty is on his way...
Your Majesty!
Leave that for tomorrow, I want to go to Chengqing Hall.
But you specifically instructed me to report to you right away
recommendations made by the Prince of Wu for the Ministry of Defence
Xue Wanche and Chai Lingwu...
I'd like to make a bet with you, Your Majesty.
When the Prince of Wu is given an influential post
and he doesn't promote the likes of Fang Yi'ai or Chai Lingwu,
I won't bring up the topic of his rebellion again.
But if he does,
you must guard against him.
Very well! You're on!
Uncle, I lost the bet.
Your Majesty, may I ask...
Did His Highness recommend someone not suitable?
Wrong. They're very suitable.
Be patient, Rui Gong-Gong.
Consort Dowager Wu should be coming out soon.
Lufu, have you heard the rumour
about Consort Dowager Wu and her child?
I haven't.
What rumour is that about Consort Dowager Wu's child?
Never mind. It's nothing.
I must think of a way
to stop the rumour from reaching sis Wu.
Rui'an!
Greetings, sis Wu!
After spending a month in Chengqing Hall,
your complexion looks good.
Enough of your sweet talk.
Where's Gaoyang?
she's supposed to meet me.
Her Highness sent word
she's hunting with Master Fang in Lishan.
They're having such a good time,
they won't be back for another 10 days.
In other words,
Gaoyang is gradually letting go of Bianji.
Meiren Yang...
They're rude and ignorant.
Don't stoop to their level.
Let's go back to the Bamboo Mansion.
Let's go!
Lizheng Hall
Milady,
Consort Dowager Wu is back in the Bamboo Mansion after she left Chengqing Hall.
Lianzhi from Xianling Palace is here.
she said after reading this note,
you'd agree to see her.
Bring her in. Don't let anyone see her.
Aye!
You work for my Father?
I work for you, Milady.
Your kindheartedness
put you in a disadvantaged position in the harem.
Minister Wang is merely taking precautions.
How thoughtful of him!
Why are you here?
You can say anything in front of Xiuzhu.
I'm here to offer you a chance
to put away Consort Xiao for good.
I was afraid Consort Xiao would collaborate with Consort Dowager Wu
and conspire against you,
so I used sujie to sow dissention between them.
But His Majesty is being partial towards Consort Dowager Wu.
Consort Xiao has never suffered such indignity.
she was so angry that
she ordered the maid Lufu to resort to poison.
Consort Xiao wanted her to lose the baby.
Without the baby,
Consort Dowager Wu will have no excuse to stay in the Palace.
I have the evidence and the witness.
If you report this to His Majesty,
Consort Xiao will be doomed for good.
My Father has taught me
to mind my own business and stay out of trouble.
That's how I have always conducted myself.
I refuse to get caught up in someone else's fight.
Are you finished?
You may go.
Goodbye, Milady!
Pardon me for asking, Milady.
Are you worried this is Consort Xiao's ploy to sow dissension?
The note is in my Father's writing.
Consort Xiao is conceited because of His Majesty's grace,
but she's just a paper tiger.
Consort Dowager Wu is the one I'm more worried about.
I always stay out of trouble.
But pushing things along is something I won't turn down.
You mean to wait till Consort Dowager Wu loses her baby
before you turn in Consort Xiao?
Have some tea, Milady.
It's been a tough journey. Get some rest.
Rui'an!
sis?
since I came out of Chengqing Hall,
I ran into 4 concubines along the way.
Each one of them showed me such contempt and disgust.
What happened in the Palace during this time?
I don't know.
Don't lie to me! Tell me!
I can always find out from someone else if you won't tell me.
sis,
while you were in Chengqing Hall,
a rumour somehow started to circulate inside the Palace,
saying...
saying what?
that the child you're carrying... is not by the late Emperor,
but by His Majesty.
What? How can... sis...
Milady!
That's odd! The baby is unsteady...
Dr Zhou!
Meiniang!
Greetings, Your Highnesses!
Please lie down!
What happened?
I heard you fell ill as soon as you left Chengqing Hall.
I just feel weak.
It was nothing.
I'm sorry you had to worry about me.
You've said it before. Don't insist on civility.
You fainted! That's very serious!
Rui'an!
Dr Zhou!
Your Highnesses,
may I have a word?
Please get some rest.
I'll check on your medication.
Lufu, let Rui'an do it.
My head is killing me.
stay and help me comb my hair.
Aye!
Milady!
Well, doctor?
Why did Consort Dowager Wu pass out suddenly?
Your Highnesses,
Consort Dowager Wu is deficient in energy and circulation,
but I just checked her pulse,
she showed signs of miscarriage.
It's very odd.
It appears someone has poisoned her.
That's impossible! she is well looked after by someone special.
Any ordinary dim sum is first tested before it is served.
To poison her
is close to impossible.
That's what I don't understand.
The poison may not be taken orally.
Clothing, rouge...
or anything that comes into contact with the skin.
Are you saying
someone close to Consort Dowager Wu has poisoned her?
Gaoyang, what did the doctor say?
Tell me! Hurry!
He said someone close to you poisoned you to hurt your baby. How vicious!
Why do you look so scared?
It's you!
No!
Why did you do it?
It's not me.
Why do you want to hurt my baby?
I didn't mean it...
I didn't want to hurt your baby.
It wasn't my fault, Milady...
Don't blame me! I didn't mean it!
Tell me! Milady...
Who put you to this?
I will spare your life if you tell me.
I didn't want to hurt you!
speak up!
Lufu!
she's dead!
There's poison in her teeth!
Death is instantaneous after she bit on it.
Why? Another life is taken!
Find out where she used to work,
and who has she waited on.
I'm sure we'll find something.
But if you ask me,
who else would want your child dead?
Must be either the Empress or Consort Xiao!
Meiniang, what do you plan to do?
I want to stay as far away from trouble as possible.
I want to see His Majesty!
since Lufu came to the Palace,
she has only worked in Xianling Palace.
Did you do this?
No, Your Majesty!
No doubt Lufu worked for me,
but only for 6 months.
Besides, she worked in the kitchen,
I barely recognise her face.
Why would I ask her to do something like this?
If I wanted to hurt anyone,
why pick someone who can be traced back to me
and set myself on fire?
Your Majesty, there's a mastermind behind this ploy
to frame me.
As for adding musk to eyebrow paint to cause a miscarriage
is something I have never even heard of!
I'm willing to confront Lufu to prove my innocence.
How? she's already committed suicide.
I had an ongoing feud with Consort Dowager Wu,
there's nothing I can say in my defence.
I only wish you'd understand,
if you really think I did it,
I'm willing to go to the Cold Palace and be tortured until I die.
If you still won't believe me,
I'm prepared to kill myself to clear my name.
As long as you won't take this out on sujie.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty is leaving...
Your Majesty, you wouldn't believe me...
Milady, His Majesty is gone! Please get up!
You useless moron!
How could you be so careless?
I'm sorry...
Milady, according to Lianzhi,
His Majesty went to Xianling Palace
and gave Consort Xiao a good scolding.
But for such a heinous crime,
His Majesty chose to forgive her!
This phoenix hairpin from His Majesty is truly exquisite.
Milady, shall we submit a memorial
to vent the grief you have taken from Consort Xiao all these years?
If His Majesty wishes to put this to rest,
why should I bring it up again?
Consort Xiao poses no threat anymore.
Just keep this cornered rabbit around
and see what she's capable of.
Your Majesty!
Greetings, Your Majesty!
Get up!
Thank you, Your Majesty!
You have decided to leave?
The Palace is no longer safe.
someone wants to kill my child
and I have no idea who it is.
Meiniang, I can strengthen security.
Please don't go... Your Majesty!
I promised you
as long as you return to the Palace,
you'd be well taken care of
and could give birth safely.
I have let you down
and failed to keep my promise.
If your mind is made up,
Gaoyang's birthday is coming up.
We'll have a party in the side tower.
At the end of the party, I'll arrange for someone
to take you away safely.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
Bianji...
Wait, Bianji...I'm right here!
Wait for me, Bianji...
Bianji
Bianji...
A few months ago when I was thinking about
celebrating my birthday with His Majesty alone,
I felt rather miserable.
But now, this is great!
Now I'm reunited with Ke and Meiniang.
This is such an enjoyable occasion.
Here, a toast to you all...
A toast to you, Consort Dowager!
Thank you for your kindness!
But I cannot drink in my condition,
I'll drink tea.
I beg your pardon.
No wine?
We all drank the same wine!
Are you afraid you'll be poisoned?
You must be joking, my dear!
Consort Dowager Wu is with child, she should not drink wine.
With child? so was I.
speaking of which,
I have the experience.
If you have any questions,
you're welcome to ask me.
I get muddle-headed after a few drinks.
Tell me,
sujie and Consort Dowager Wu's child,
how are they related?
Give me another drink!
Your Majesty, I'm in a very good mood.
I'm very happy.
That's why I had a few drinks too many.
Come on, Your Majesty...
Your Majesty, have a drink with me!
Your Majesty!
Consort Xiao is drunk.
Have someone escort her back to her chamber.
Take her back to her chamber!
I'm not drunk!
You're drunk, Milady! Let me help you...
Be careful, Milady!
Your Majesty, let's have another drink.
Wang De!
Yes, Your Majesty!
Prepare tea.
Aye!
serve tea!
Consort Dowager Wu is carrying the late Emperor's child.
This is great fortune for Tang.
I'd like to toast Consort Dowager Wu with tea.
Thank you, Your Majesty!
since we first met in Yeting,
all the affection and reluctance to part
will be dealt away with this cup of tea.
Goodbye, sis Wu!
We're having so much fun today.
Let's go for a walk in the Imperial Garden
and pray for your child.
Meiniang!
sis Wu... Meiniang!
sis, are you alright?
sis... Gaoyang!
send for the doctor! How are you?
send for the doctor! Right!
send for the doctor!
Hang in there, Meiniang!
Doctor!
Meiniang!
sis!
Where's my baby?
Meiniang!
Baby...where's my baby?
Where are you hiding my baby?
Milady...
Where's the baby?
Help me find the baby!
Meiniang!
Baby...my baby!
Must be His Majesty!
His Majesty took my baby!
sis... Meiniang!
Calm down, Meiniang! Listen to me!
Your baby is gone!
No...
Calm down, Meiniang! No...
Calm down!
Meiniang, listen to me!
After what has happened,
torturing yourself like this is completely futile.
I don't believe...the baby...
Go ahead and cry! You'll feel better!
Baby...I want my baby!
sis...
Meiniang!
sis...