From the moment we met at Yeting till now,
all these years of affection and reluctance to let go
will be dealt away with this tea.
Goodbye, sis Wu.
Meiniang!
sis! Meiniang!
Meiniang, are you alright?
sis, are you alright?
My child!
It must be His Majesty! His Majesty took my child away!
Meiniang! sis!
Meiniang! Meiniang...
Meiniang! My child!
Give me back my child!
The imperial physicians are divided into two factions.
Most of them think the cause is that
a while ago Lufu used red musk to draw Wu Meiniang's eyebrows every day.
But those led by Physician Zhou think
that period of time was too short for enough musk to accumulate in her body.
And since Lufu's plan failed,
Wu Meiniang had taken antidotes for days to neutralise the toxicity.
It couldn't have caused her miscarriage.
But Physician Zhou also thinks everyone responds differently,
so it's possible that it was an accident.
Accident?
Do you think accidents happen all the time?
I know very well about Lufu's green moth.
It couldn't have had any effects in just a few months.
However, every time I think of someone here
who made her lose her child without a trace despite all the security measures,
it terrifies me deeply.
I'm curious to know who did that.
Your Highness, could it be Her Imperial Highness?
Wang Yuyan? That's impossible.
Every time we confront each other, she's in a disadvantageous position.
Why would she be so meticulous and cruel when she deals with Wu Meiniang?
You're absolutely right, Your Highness.
However, she has Honourable Wang and Honourable Zhangsun to back her up.
It's not entirely impossible that they arranged all this.
I heard during His late Majesty's reign,
Zhangsun Wuji had wanted to get rid of Wu Meiniang because of a prophecy.
Anyhow, since Wu Meiniang has lost His late Majesty's child,
she's not qualified to stay in the Palace.
Don't let that woman bother you anymore.
What did you say?
I said Wu Meiniang would be leaving soon after she lost His late Majesty's child.
Your Highness, didn't you say that before?
I was wrong.
Because she lost her child, she might never leave the Palace.
I have to go to Lizheng Hall tomorrow.
To see Her Imperial Highness?
Perhaps everything is fated?
Dai Qing, what have you found?
Your Majesty... No need for formalities.
What have you found?
Your Majesty, I've had someone examine the food and beverage served at the banquet,
as well as Consort Dowager Wu's carriage, clothing, cosmetics,
and everything touched by Consort Dowager Wu during her stay in Zhongnan Mountains,
but nothing has been found so far.
The tea Meiniang drank at the end was specially ordered by Empress Wang?
Yes, but it's been checked repeatedly.
The tea contained white dahlia root and liquorice.
Their anti-abortifacient nature is beneficial for pregnant women.
The tea couldn't have caused a miscarriage.
Based on what you said,
Lufu indeed caused the miscarriage by using green moth to draw Meiniang's eyebrows?
I don't think that's possible.
I've discussed with other physicians. Physician Zhou speculated that
the toxic effect was most likely created by a combination of two substances,
but in that case, the range of suspects is even wider.
The investigation may take some time.
Excuse me, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Consort Dowager Wu is awake.
Wu Meiniang is awake?
Yes.
Then it's time for her to go.
Ask Censor Liu Xun, Imperial Chronicler Han Qing,
and Advisory Official Chen Xiaozong to submit a memorial tomorrow,
saying since Wu Meiniang had a miscarriage.
According to the Tang Code,
she shall be sent back to Ganye Temple instead of staying in the Palace.
I'm afraid just three memorials might not be enough.
Of course, I'll request an audience with His Majesty tomorrow.
His Majesty's only excuse will be Wu Meiniang is still recovering.
Once His Majesty sets a deadline for that woman to leave,
it won't hurt to let her stay a couple more days.
Your Highness, it's time to take your medicine.
His Majesty hasn't summoned me to his bed in seven days.
At this rate, no matter how effective the medicine is,
it'll only be wishful thinking to expect a child.
Your Highness, His Majesty is probably busy.
Of course he's busy. He's been skipping meals and sleep
to find out if Wu Meiniang's miscarriage was an accident or anyone's fault.
How is she?
Wu Meiniang woke up two hours ago.
Congratulations, Your Highness.
Consort Xiao has lost His Majesty's favour. Wu Meiniang is no longer a threat.
The Harem will eventually be yours.
Help me pick some nourishing medicinal herbs and go to visit her with me.
Your Highness, everyone knows Wu Meiniang returned with evil intents.
she even attempted to seduce His Majesty. You shouldn't pity someone like her.
Anyhow, Wu Meiniang has lost her child.
The person who worries me most won't be staying here for long.
she's no longer a threat.
After all she'll have to leave the Palace, and I still haven't had a son.
We're both having a sad night in the Palace tonight.
I guess you can call it sympathy.
Why did I have a miscarriage?
Because of the cup of tea I drank at the end of Gaoyang's birthday banquet?
sis, according to the physicians, a while ago Lufu used green moth on you,
and the musk accumulated in your body was what caused the tragedy.
No.
No! After I drank that cup of tea, I had a sharp stabbing pain in my stomach!
It must be the tea!
There was something wrong with the tea, Rui'an!
Did anyone touch that cup of tea before it was served?
I don't know if anyone has touched it,
but I heard Her Highness Empress Wang ordered someone to brew it.
Empress Wang? Empress Wang...
Consort Xiao.
No, it couldn't be him.
Meiniang, I can enhance security measures! Please don't go!
It couldn't be him! He's the father!
Your Highness, His Majesty has come to see you.
Meiniang.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Please stand up.
I heard you're getting better, so I came to see you.
I know you've been investigating my miscarriage over the past two days.
Have you found anything yet?
The Grand Court is conducting a thorough investigation.
I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.
I heard the tea we drank at the end of Gaoyang's birthday banquet
was ordered by Her Highness Empress Wang. Is it true?
Yes, but I've had someone look into it. There was nothing wrong with the tea.
Your Majesty, despite your busy schedule, you came to visit me right after I woke up.
I really appreciate it.
As you can see, I'm fine. Please leave, Your Majesty.
Meiniang!
I understand if you're blaming me right now.
I don't blame you.
I don't know who's to blame.
Unless I could protect the child inside me,
I shouldn't have returned to this dangerous palace.
It's my fault.
Please leave, Your Majesty.
Did you check everywhere? Don't leave any sharp objects behind.
Yes, Rui Gong-Gong...
You all may go.
Wait.
Yes, sis?
Everybody get out. Rui'an, you stay.
Yes...
Where are my scissors? Give them back to me.
sis, what do you need scissors for?
I know you're worried about me. Honestly, I'm devastated.
But I won't do anything stupid. You don't have to worry.
There's a wooden box next to my bed. Go and get it.
Yes.
sis, you made this outfit for the child?
I started making this outfit when I was staying at Ganye Temple.
I really hoped its very first outfit would be made by me.
I returned to the Palace right before it was almost done.
Just let me finish it tonight.
Your Majesty.
Let's go.
Yes.
Wang De.
Yes?
summon Physician Zhou.
Yes, Your Majesty.
If one day I could make His Majesty lose his mind like that,
how nice would it be?
Your Highness, are we going to visit Consort Dowager Wu?
You look like you have something to say. What is it?
sis, I don't mean to be rude, but do you still blame His Majesty?
He brought me back to the Palace for my benefit.
We choose our own path. I don't blame him.
Then why didn't you tell His Majesty you sensed something was wrong with the tea?
What's the point?
I hate to make things difficult for him. some things can only be kept in the heart.
Rui'an, remember to ask Princess Gaoyang to come over tomorrow morning.
Yes.
Chen Xiaozong, Han Qing, and Liu Xun. Three of them.
Why are you sighing, Your Majesty?
I'm tired of reading these memorials.
For all kinds of state affairs, almost everyone's opinions are one-sided.
Hundreds of civil and military officials all speak with but one voice.
More than half of the court officials are from the Zhenguan era.
This wasn't how they advised my father during his reign.
I understand your frustration, Your Majesty.
But you came to the throne not long ago. Please try to be patient.
In just a few years, your kingdom will be much broader, then...
You mean wait until they all die of old age?
Your Majesty, your head hurts again?
Like I said, let the physicians have a look.
I'm fine.
Your Majesty, Honourable Zhangsun has requested an audience.
Well...
Uncle, what would you like to talk about?
Your Majesty, I came here today to talk about Consort Dowager Wu.
I'm very sorry about His late Majesty's child,
but under the Imperial Order,
Consort Dowager Wu has no reason to stay in the Palace after her miscarriage.
May I ask when you will send Consort Dowager Wu back to Ganye Temple?
Uncle, you've been sparing no effort to help me since my enthronement.
Don't drain yourself.
Let the ritual officials take care of a trifling matter like that.
You don't have to worry about it.
Your Majesty, ethical and moral principles form the basis of a dynasty.
Anything related to that is absolutely not a trifling matter.
I'm deeply concerned because I must live up to His late Majesty's expectations
and never let you down.
I suppose
you don't want my oversight to cause His late Majesty's disappointment either.
Of course,
but Consort Dowager Wu is still recovering.
she shall rest in the Palace before she returns to Ganye Temple.
As you wish, Your Majesty.
Consort Dowager Wu had a miscarriage. One month's rest should be enough.
shall we send Consort Dowager Wu back to Ganye Temple after a month?
I actually think one month is too short.
Your Majesty, Consort Dowager Wu is merely a guest in the Palace.
she'll have to go sooner or later.
Allow me to say something inappropriate.
You want to keep Consort Dowager Wu here because you have known her since childhood.
However, now that Consort Dowager Wu has lost her child.
This palace only brings back sad memories. Does she really want to stay here?
Fine. send Consort Dowager Wu back to Ganye Temple in a month's time.
You must have put a lot of effort into maintaining this garden.
Look at all these beautiful flowers.
What day is today? I didn't expect you to visit me in Lizheng Hall.
I suppose you have something else to say besides praising the flowers.
I'm here to talk to you about someone.
Who?
Wu Meiniang.
Meiniang.
Gaoyang, I need your help.
You want to leave the Palace, don't you?
Don't worry, I'll do whatever it takes to help you escape from this troubled place.
You don't have to worry about my brother either. He will let you go.
Meiniang, you're finally thinking about your future and letting people help you.
I'm relieved.
I know how much the child meant to you.
I understand the pain of losing it, but it's beyond my imagination.
After you woke up that day, I really thought you'd hurt yourself.
I won't kill myself.
And I won't go anywhere. I'll stay here.
What?
That child meant everything to me.
Lufu didn't kill it. someone else did.
That person took everything away from me.
I swear by my name I'll have my revenge.
Gaoyang, you're the only one I trust in this palace.
Will you help me?
Meiniang, you don't even trust my brother?
I do, but the person who killed my child
was either one of his ministers or one of those women in the Harem.
I don't want to make things hard for him, nor do I want to lose my freedom.
so we must keep it from His Majesty. Don't let him know.
Alright, I'll make sure you can stay here.
You're saying Wu Meiniang will become a major threat to us?
I think it's exaggerated.
That poor woman has lost her child.
she will soon be leaving the Palace and sent back to Ganye Temple.
How can someone like her become a threat?
Do you think Wu Meiniang poses no threat after her miscarriage?
Am I wrong?
Absolutely wrong.
At first I thought Wu Meiniang returned because she was pregnant.
Her position in the Palace would greatly depend on that child.
she must keep it safe.
But last night I suddenly realised something.
While that woman was trying to seduce His Majesty,
that child was the biggest obstacle between them.
You mean her miscarriage was her own...
Do you know what Wu Meiniang did in the Palace during the Zhenguan era?
Three Consorts among four, including Consort Yin, Consort Yang, Consort Wei,
all died because of Wu Meiniang.
Her rivals for His late Majesty's favour, such as Zheng Wanyan, Xiao Qiang, Xu Hui,
all had a tragic ending.
If His late Majesty hadn't died suddenly,
that woman would have become Empress Dowager above us all.
Based on how she has conducted herself, it's possible that she sacrificed her child
in exchange for a chance to stay with His Majesty forever.
But according to the Imperial Code...
Rules and regulations are man-made.
Once she has won His Majesty's heart, there will be a way.
This is merely your speculation. Also, why are you telling me this?
It's true that I have no evidence. I'm just trying to warn you.
You've always been friendly to everyone.
Don't let your enemy use you to commit any vicious deeds.
I really appreciate your concern.
Xiuzhu, please show our guest out.
Anyway, that's all I have to say. I didn't come here for nothing.
Whether you believe me or not, it's your call.
While Wu Meiniang has a hidden intention, you also have a ruthless ambition.
Meiniang.
It's late, Your Majesty. Please go to sleep.
Meiniang! Meiniang!
That night was like a dream come true!
I keep telling myself to wake up, but I don't want to wake up!
I know your pain of losing that child,
but do you understand my pain?
I can give everything away for you! My life! My kingdom!
Your happiness is all that matters to me!
Despite my honourable title as Emperor,
I'm just a miserable man who's not allowed to love you!
Zhinu, please don't talk like that!
Meiniang, listen to me!
Ever since we met in Yeting Palace, you have been my everything!
It hasn't changed even now!
Meiniang, you can pretend you don't see my heart, but you can't deny it!
Even though it's nothing more than dust in your eyes!
Zhinu, you're not the Zhinu I used to know!
Your Majesty, you are Emperor of Tang!
I once did something very wrong,
but I can't let myself repeat the same mistake!
Meiniang, I don't want to lose you!
I don't want to lose you!
Brother, what were you thinking?
It wasn't easy for us to bring Meiniang back!
Why did you promise Uncle Zhangsun to send her back after a month? Brother!
Within today, three ministers have submitted a memorial,
saying it's inappropriate for Meiniang to remain in the Palace.
Uncle even had an audience with me in the Imperial study.
so what?
Back then they even knelt outside Ganlu Hall and begged Father to kill Meiniang!
What did Father do?
Brother, you are the son of Heaven! Why do you fear your ministers?
A while ago you banished Chu suiliang, killed Lu shining,
and convinced Uncle Zhangsun to let Brother Ke stay in Chang'an!
Where's your courage now?
I do not fear them!
I made an oath outside Ganye Temple
if Meiniang was willing to come back and all ministers disapproved of it,
I'd turn against the whole world and do anything to bring her back!
But to Meiniang, the Harem only brings back sad memories.
I can't force her to stay.
Brother, you're wrong!
Meiniang's biggest wish is to stay in the Palace!
That's impossible.
she's convinced that someone put something in the tea she drank.
she wants to stay here, find out who killed her child and seek revenge!
Revenge?
Right.
At least the desire for revenge is keeping Meiniang alive.
Anyway, there are two paths ahead of her.
she can either stay here, find out who killed her child and seek revenge,
or return to Ganye Temple.
Think about it. What would she do if she couldn't have her revenge?
Very well, I'll let her stay in the Palace, provide manpower and resources for her
to investigate this case, but this must be done in secret.
Also, don't let her know you have my approval.
I understand.
However, how are you going to help Meiniang
so that she won't have to return to Ganye Temple after a month?
Let me think about it.
Actually, I have an idea.
It's probably the only way.
Tell me.
Make Meiniang one of your concubines.
You... Jieyu, Zhaoyi, or even Empress.
Once she becomes yours, she certainly will remain in the Palace.
You're out of your mind!
That's totally absurd!
staying with Meiniang and making her yours has always been your biggest dream, right?
No! I've never thought of Meiniang like that!
Really?
Brother, this is a chance for Meiniang and a chance for you as well.
While you're saving her, you're also helping yourself.
Either you make her stay in the Palace forever,
or send her back to Ganye Temple and let her perish.
You...
The decision is yours, Brother.