Episode 12
Thank you commander Han for your trouble, helping me to find my way.
It's my duty.
Miss, you don't need to thank me.
Last time commander Han came to my rescue
I still haven't expressed my gratitude.
I just didn't want to owe you a favor.
So you don't need to keep it in the heart.
There's no such thing as favors in this Palace.
Some things are best forgotten,
as they won't necessarily do you any good.
Commander Han just said you don't want to "owe me any favors"
and also "there's no such thing as favors in this Palace".
Aren't these statements contradictory?
Miss you're certainly eloquently spoken.
No wonder everything goes your way.
You're most worthy of becoming the future Royal consort.
Within this eerie Palace
Commander Han occupies a high place.
Presumably just like myself
for the sake of self-protection,
you can't not make things go your way.
Miss, you have a special identity.
I can't escort you further.
Up ahead turn when you see the Hall,
then you'll see the maiden's courts.
Please.
Commander Han.
Commander Han,
I didn't intend any satrical meaning just now.
It's just that commander Han has come to my rescue yet again,
so I can't thank you enough.
I've long since considered you a friend.
If my words were in anyway offensive,
then please forgive me.
Farewell.
Second Prince,every year's poetry and literature gathering
no one has ever correctly guessed your riddle.
How about this year, you make a simpler poem?
Rumour has it that this years maidens
are highly able and insightful.
I still think I should use this one.
Perhaps someone will figure it out.
This path..what exactly is this place?
A lovely poem.
The cheek, trespassing the Palace of Eternal Youth!
Don't you know that this is the second Prince's property?!
Xiao He, you musn't be rude to the lady.
Miss, you even said that this is a lovely poem.
Could you recite this poem aloud?
I'm going to look silly though.
The "moon" character is slanted, the "pillow" character is upside-down,
the "door" character is missing one half.
This reads as "A slanted moon; one's head rests on a pillow the; door is half-open".
And in a similar fashion:
the "night" character is lengthened, the "hourglass" character is shortened,
the "come" character is missing a "person" radical.
"A long night; the hourglass runs shorter; no person comes".
The "hope" character is broken in the middle,
the "liver" character is lengthened,
the "trust" character is lacking a dot.
"Hope is broken; gut feelings are lacking in trust"
Then what about the last line?
The last line:
there are three "geng" characters overlapping,
this character looks like it's written backwards,
the "golden" radical of the "hairpin" character is broken.
This reads as "the third night watch period; one looks back on the broken golden hairpin".
"A slanted moon; one's head rests on a pillow the; door is half-open;
a long night; the hourglass runs shorter; no person comes;
hope is broken; gut feelings are lacking in trust;
the third night watch period; one looks back on the broken golden hairpin".
It's a lovely, desolate, 7-character lined piece about womanly complaints.
Miss was so quick
to figure out my riddle.
Truly a show of extraordinary ability and insight.
Very good.
You... mother?
Mother..mother..
Mother.. is it really you? Mother?
Have you come to see me?
Second Prince, you have mistook me for someone else.
Second Prince, I am Maiden Pan Yu.
No, I did not mistake you as someone else.
You are my mother, you are?
Second Prince.
You really have the wrong person.
You aren't her..
You aren't her.. You aren't her . . .
Miss,
I was recklessly disrespectful just now.
Miss please rise.
Thank you second prince.
Miss, Imperial father previously decreed
whoever could follow my poem
would be heavily rewarded by my Imperial father.
So tomorrow
I will bring you to meet him, if it's alright?
What did you say?
Qi Yun wants to bring Pan Yu
to go see Father?
Yes.
Early this morning
the news spread through the Palace,
Saying that this years poetry and literature
gathering is not going to be held.
Because the second Prince's riddle
has already been solved by Lady Yu.
How could Pan Yu have met Qi Yun?
Who led her towards the Palace of Eternal Youth?
Prince
what should we do about the matter at hand?
Think of a rut
to stop her.
What is it?
Nothing.
Is there something on my face?
Its nothing.
When Father sees you
He will definitely be ten times happier.
From the first time I entered the palace
all the people who see me
reacted weirdly to me.
The Empress did,
concubine Han also did.
And now even you Second Prince react weirdly
Could it be that my appearance
has some unusual feature?
Kang Zi pays respects to the second Prince.
You are excused.
Miss Yu
I have an urgent matter to report to you.
What's wrong?
Eunuch Hua, of Lady Yu's house,
after consuming some food
is suddenly vomiting blood, he's dying.
How has this happened?
If you ask me, I don't know the answer.
Just,
please follow me Miss Yu
to go save him.
Second Prince
I'll meet the Emperor another day,
Pan Yu must take her leave now.
Humble servant must take my leave.
Ye ye. Ye ye.
What's wrong my girl?
Who bullied you?
You can tell Ye ye.
What is the matter,
why are you crying like this?
What is the matter here?
Your not dead yet?
Why did you put a white cloth on your face?
I was taking an afternoon nap
and this fiesty mosquito kept
pestering me.
I'm using this handkerchief to cover
my face, to prevent it from biting me.
You didn't cough up blood?
I coughed blood . . .
Which little imbecile
cursed me so?
Kang Zi!
Why did you trick me?
Why did you trick Miss Yu?
I... It was... It was the First Prince.
Why did you trick me?
Haven't I been jesting with you all along,
how are you not used to it by now?
You're scared I'll go see the Emperor
and say something wrong, right?
You think you can meet the Emperor?
Of course. I solved the riddle.
The second Prince said that he'd bring me to meet His Majesty.
Moreover, I would be handsomely rewarded.
How shallow and naive.
You really believe you'll get to meet
the Emperor?
I'm telling you
the person you're meeting is King of Hell.
How can you say that about your own father?
Could it be that he's like your Imperial mother...
Be quiet!
Have you forgotten your promise to me?
If you remain at this Imperial Palace
you must be careful of what you say and how you act.
Yes. First Prince
And I thought you were so powerful,
as it turns out you get scared too.
I'm telling you this now.
If you really
go and see the Emperor later.
Not only me, but you
Hua Gong Gong, Yun Zhu
we'll all end up six feet under
because of your ignorance.
After I entered the palace
when the Empress took a look at me
her reaction and expression was really weird.
One moment
she wants nothing else but to kill me,
one moment she's treating me nicely.
Then there's Han Niang Niang
Once she saw me
She was so shocked her asthma started acting up
and she kept saying
that I looked like an old friend.
And then
the second prince saw me
he said 'So similar, so similar'.
Who am I similar to?
Who ever sees me, acts like I'm a ghost.
Oh no! Oh no!
What if
there's a ghost which looks like you,
all cute and beautiful,
then everyone will want to become a ghost!
Oh look at me. I'm so cute and so beautiful...
Elder, stop being silly.
I'm about to die of stress here
and your joking around.
What Ye ye thinks
is that for this matter,
if you want to find the exact answer
you can only go to the First Prince.
An enigma like him,
when does he ever give straight answers when asked?
Then you need to understand,
in this palace,
there is no real person you can really trust.
What do you mean there's no one?
Ok fine. I'll go look for him.
What are you doing? Going to look for him now?
Its night time now
perchance you'll be caught by someone.
Wait until tomorrow morning.
No
if I don't get an answer today
I won't be able to sleep.
You really must go?
She's so heavy!
Be good.
Go.
Niang Niang
the matter of Pan Yu entering the Palace
was really the first Prince's
single-handed doing?
This Pan Yu
looks like that slut Mei
but so what?
The First Prince really is naive.
He wants to use this little bitch
to create a big ripple effect.
The First prince, I think, is not naive at all.
On the contrary, he still has a grasp
of his Imperial father's mentality.
Because even though slut Mei is already dead,
she's still the Emperor's most beloved.
But I didn't think
this son of mine's ideas
would turn out to be so elaborate.
What a good way to kill two birds with one stone.
That Pan Yu always spends free time with frivolities
and furthermore her appearance is
born identical to that slut Mei.
How could Xing'er even be able to escape
her timely flattering words?
Marrying her as Royal consort
will happen sooner or later.
You're right
the first Prince indeed wants to use this chess move
to pry on your every activity.
Then Pan Yu's function
is just that of a spy?
If a spy then that would be easy to handle.
This unfilial son,
is relying on this chess move to make his comeback
and once again seize his high seat.
The darkest point of this chess move
is that Xing'er will be affected.
Pan Yu's scheme has been ruined since I've already seen through it.
There's a big chance he'll try to pass that girl towards the Emperor.
Just on the basis that this girl looks identical to that slut.
Then won't the Emperor become enamoured by this resurrected ghost?
When that time comes,
the Emperor will become enemies with Xing'er
and destroy Xing'er.
Then the new choice of Crown Prince
will definitely be his first-born son.
Then these vast lands of Shu Kingdom,
won't they be snatched up by the first Prince?
This outspoken,
blunt and straightforward son...
How did he turn out to be this
calculating
and incomprehensible?
Though if this son
was still so outspoken,
how could he have survived until this present day?
This is his fate
and sorrow of being born into the Imperial family.
But who can he blame?
But the first Prince,
even if he has numerous greviances
cannot treat you as an enemy.
Your Highness,
with our precautions with the first Prince
why not gain the upper hand by making a move first?
Your Highness,
your humble servant knows
you've always been merciful of mind.
But that first Prince
is a waste of resources.
If he wants to be hostile
he won't spare you a shred of leniency.
Your Highness,
if you don't wish to act personally,
your humble servant will on your behalf.
I will go tell him
in show of your earnest pondering
you'll grant him a happy demise
by his own hands;
death ends all one's troubles.
Who are you wishing will "end all one's troubles"
and seek "a happy demise"?
The first Prince, of course.
Then who's the first Prince the son of?
Well of course
he is the Emperor's son.
Your Highness have mercy!
Stupid fool! Who do you think you are?
In this world
aside from me, Du Fei Hong,
no one is allowed to do anything to him.
If anyone else dares to touch a hair on his body,
I will want them dead!
Today, I will settle on giving you
this very light punishment.
If in the future
you continue to
unrestrainedly spout rancid ideas...
Next time, I will be removing your head!
I admit my wrong,
your Highness don't be angry, don't be angry.
This move of yours was like inviting someone to their death,
it was very absolute.
Very well done.
I never anticipated
it would be so convenient, to see her
mistakenly wander to the Palace of Eternal Youth.
Perhaps this was God's plan.
Think of it this way
if she appears in the palace grounds
especially
appearing in front of the Emperor
what the results would be.
By then, we would not need to show our hands
for there would be a massive (scary) reaction.
Sister, didn't you hope that
the more lively the Palace is the better?
Yes,
if the Palace becomes more lively
I will become more happy.
Brother, you've made progress.
Tell me, which of these should I wear?
Sister naturally has
beauty that can drown fish and descend geese.
Further to that your illness is completely healed.
Unlike the Empress and fellow concubines
with a head packed full of adornments and garb.
As before, you stand out from the rest of the Imperial harem.
Brother you're humouring me again.
At present time in this Palace
everywhere is filled with
the Royal consort pageant's fair maidens.
Whereas I am a woman past my prime.
No, in my heart, sister will
always be as I first saw you,
an incomparable elegance.
Milady,
the Emperor is truly worthy of being a Kingdom ruler,
and is a Heavenly son after all.
Look at this literary skill.
This little gift is really make people feel pleasant.
Compared to the time
concubine Han sent us some rewards,
this is even more valuable.
Lady Yu,
your servant is very amusing.
Could it be that last time you
didn't meet the Emperor was because of him?
To Pan Yu, Elder Hua
is as close as family.
He has cared for me from childhood to adulthood.
So I forfeited His Majesty's grace
because I had felt deeply terrified.
No wonder.
The Emperor has been rather reclusive these last few years,
he has seldom grant audience to anyone,
You missed the opportunity this time,
don't know next time...
May I petition with Your Highness
for our mistress
to have another opportunity?
That time, my elderly self
wasn't dying...I...Elder!
I...I didn't die yet, I was brought back to life.
That must have been
all thanks to the noble Emperor's grace.
I wish the Emperor ten thousand years of boundless longevity;
eternal life as the sun and moon.
Miss Yu, I never thought that
your servant would be this insightful.
I'm convinced that
it's a result of heavy influence from you.
But I wonder whether or not Elder Hua
is also good at poetic versing?
Second Prince, why do you ask?
You're also aware that
I'm gifted at poetry and literature,
and I fluorish when putting ink to paper.
Just so happens that Miss, you're also superb at such things.
Why don't we start up
a poetry society here, at the Palace?
Further to that we invite Elder Hua
to do the poetry recitals.
I wonder how you feel about this?
Writing poems! That...
Thi-this...tha-that...
I don't know how to...
Verses can be emoted,
famous mountains can finally have their say.
This hum-and-song, elegant delivery,
would be this Palace's
most emotionally expressive affair.
Whenever second Prince starts up the society,
you can count Pan Yu as a member.
There's no time like the present.
Why not establish it today?
Lady, please.
Even the Emperor has bestowed a reward
of rare treasures to Pan Yu.
This Royal consort pageant show
has been seen by everyone now.
Reporting to your Highness,
your humble servant
has learnt not to make rash assertions ever again.
Those treasures were all of the highest quality.
We can see from this that
the Emperor
is favouring the Crown Prince highly.
Your finger had been broken,
have your brain been fried as well?
The matter of choosing the Prince Consort,
has not been officially tabled;
how would the Emperor know
Xing'er is thinking of Pan Yu as Consort?
He presented these gifts,
had nothing other than to do with Meng Qi Yun
and not Xing'er.
Even if it was because of second Prince
the Emperor has no obligation to
to give so generously.
That slut, Mei Ying...
She has already died for so long
but your dark spirit still lurks.
What a heartbreaker the Emperor is
giving her and her son
such great prestige.
Fine, I will no longer be courteous with you.
Your Highness, what do you plan on doing?
Immediately go and make ceremony preparations.
I want Xing'er and Pan Yu
to get married immediately.
Qi You,
did you really think that just because of this girl
you could knock me off my horse?
Imperial mother shall make that sly wench
to become my
usable chesspiece, forever!
Following the poetry and literature event,
the matter of who is to be Royal consort will need to be decided.
No doubt Pan Yu will be anything less than first choice.
Which is why we need to act quickly.
All we need to do is make the Emperor see Pan Yu,
then Du Fei Hong's plan
will fall through.
These recent years the Emperor has been reclusive
and rarely granting audience.
Last time I heard that Pan Yu was summoned to audience
but the meeting didn't happen in the end.
If we exert all of our efforts again
on this opportunity,
I fear that old geezer
will feel that we're being too deliberate.
We may actually end up outsmarting ourselves instead.
Though it's in that old geezer's nature to be paranoid
but when it comes to the people he loves most
he's never inclined to be defensive.
To make him see Pan Yu as soon as possible,
must appear to be through his favourite son's
arrangements.
Are you referring to the Crown Prince?
Who said that Qi Xing is the Emperor's most favored son?
You're talking about Qi Yun?
Well saying it's the Crown Prince is not technically wrong
but that would be after the dethroning of Qi Xing
and establishment of Qi Yun as heir apparent instead.
In that case,
Qi Yun has been quietly plotting his move
and has long since had the intention of seizing power of the East Palace?
Then we can only observe
who are his supporting powers from behind...
If I say that he has, then he has.
There are times when I feel that some matters
are also very ironic.
Numerous people have risked everything
in their ascent to the revered throne of Prince.
Yet there are some people
who don't even need to do a thing
and the position of Crown Prince
will just fall into their laps.
This world is far too unfair.
Fair...this world is actually very fair.
My silly brother,
let's put this in the context of Pan Yu:
from this day onwards,
no matter who is seated on the revered throne of Prince
she shall always be a Royal consort.
Clearly, this girl's former
hard work
will not at all go to waste.
The grain millet does not appeal to Lord He to eat.
Hopes for the loyal official asking for more peace
In the morning he goes to attack but only at night, not the evening, does he return.
Returning at night, not evening, it's wrong.
In what way is it wrong?
Maiden Su Yao bows in salute to the second Prince.
You are excused.
Sister Yu has a matter and so will be late.
I'm here on her behalf. Second Prince please forgive her
but it'll be just a moment.
Second Prince, if you feel that
my presence here is inappropriate,
I will take my leave.
Wait a minute, It was Yu-er who told you to come here.
Yu mei mei said
second Prince is compiling an anthology of works from preceeding dynasties.
Su Yao just happen to answer the poem verse
I have studied it somewhat
Which is why I came to see
whether or not I could lend a helping hand.
Women all prefer southern dynasty poetry anthology.
Those liking pieces from the Northern dynasties
are rarely seen.
The feeling from mournful poetry is the reason things and matter show emotion.
I believe that
yuefu poetry,
although lacking in the pure grace of Southern dynasties' poetry.
But simple, frank and sincere.
Not something carved
and are more relatable to ordinary hearts.
Ordinary heart.
Let things take their own course...no struggle...no desire for greed... be content with one's situation.
Gains and losses are according to fate, the heart does not change.
These things define an ordinary heart.
Yu Er mention about you before.
Says that you are her sister
and also praised your benevolent nature
and insightfulness.
That's sister Yu saying things to be kind.
Yu Er is talented
Her compliment
I don't think it is false.
Just now miss says that
this chengnan battle poem is wrong.
I would like to seek for your consult.
I don't dare consult.But I would like to share.
This poem
is for the officers and men who sacrificed their lives to die in battle.
To commemorate them.
Morning they go out to attack...nighttime, not evening, they return... is wrong.
Rather it be evening not night to return.
In the early morning they go out to war.
The evening night had already died in battle.
Can't return to the palace.
Morning born, evening die. Morning response to evening.
For the night's character is really not proper.
Perhaps the previous scholar made a mistake.
All it needs is an amendment.
Miss, your words are both pretty and meaningful.
Second Prince overpraises me.
I've heard over a long time ago,
that second Prince is gifted
and talented.
So to be able to discuss poetry with second prince
is Su Yao's good fortune.
Miss, you've compared me on a level on par with Cao Zhi.
Really it is appropriate
People like us
who have little power and influence.
It can be assumed that our life situation is identical.
You and I becoming friends
really isn't something fortunate.
A flower a world
As soon as wood float, comes to life
Su Yao can deal with others to only speak about the predestined
but to seek sincerity from the heart.
The unpredictable hearts of man,
how do we distinguish sincerity and hypocrisy.
If there were no sincerity
then how could you even discuss sincerity?
Miss, I was being overly sensitive,
please forgive me.
In a group of three, there is surely one who can teach me
Second Prince should not mind.
To sincerely make friends
is something sister Yu taught me.
Yourself and Yu'er are good sisters,
and I'm a friend of Yu'er.
Similar people tend to flock together like birds of a feather.
It looks like its true after all.
The second Prince is being too courteous.
My Feng Zhu (Pheonix Bamboo) poem
was only meant to
make fun of those self-proclaimed high-class people
who pretend to be well-read.
I didn't think
it would spread to the Emperor and be awarded.
Sister,
this pearl necklace is elegant and charming.
It really suits you.
Here.
I can't.
Such a big pearl necklace
it's a rarity on this earth.
No matter how rare it is,
it cannot compare with
the feelings of our strong sisterhood.
My little sister
such a valuable gift
your older sister cannot acceot this.
Just take it.
Older sister
it doesn't matter how expensive this necklace is
it will still be less than
a tiny fraction of my phoenix hairpin.
Yu'er rarely are you so giving
and generous to others.
Sister I,
should've gotten closer to you earlier
like true sisters.
These leftover things
Could you let me have some of them?
You greedy girl.
Get out of way
Yu mei mei
on the day you were composing poetry,
I was applauding
applauding the loudest of everyone there.
I understand all of your intentions.
But these things
are all from the Emperor.
If I don't properly keep them
then I would disappoint
his majesty's good intentions.
Yes, now if you don't mind
I will put these things
away now.
Put them away properly.
What's so great about her?
I'm not someone who wants garbage!
You ungenerous devil.
Next time
I won't let you think so highly of yourself.
Instead,
everytime I see you I'm going to step on you.
I'll definitely
get this arrogant woman
and stomp all over you.
Mei mei
Didn't you just purposely
offend them just now?
You gave me the present
but they got nothing.
So what if they get offended,
it does not bother me.
It may not bother you, but it does bother me.
You have already gone through so much trouble;
if because of this incident,
they bully you,
how are you going to last in this palace?
I'm going to intercede on your behalf.
Yao Jie jie . . .
I never thought
this Su Ya is so kindhearted.
However, all people will have their differences in opinion.
She wants to help intercede on your behalf,
it'll be as difficult as scaling the Heavens.
Ya Ya
your conduct today
was a little strange.
Strange? How so?
Your usual view on riches is
that they're mere worldly possessions.
Except today,
all the Emperor's gifts
you kept them all.
Although I don't love riches
but money is required to make certain things possible.
Ye Ye, say it.
We've suffered so much
staying in the palace.
What was it for?
Reinstating our Kingdom!
That's right.
When the time comes, many things will need funding.
Raising an army and buying horses need money.
Feeding and paying the soldiers need money.
This needs money, that needs money.
Ya Ya
You've really thought this through completely.
But
one must be careful, the walls have ears.
I've put them all away now.
No one will be able to find them.
That's good. Please prepare some brush and ink,
I am meeting up with 2nd prince.
I need to get to the Hall of Prosperous Culture to compile anthologies.
Alright.
What do you think you're doing?
I have an appointment with the 2nd Prince
to compile anthologies at the Hall of Prosperous Culture.
Haven't I reminded you before,
don't get close to him!
The reason I'm close to him
is for your benefit...
is because of our big plans
What do you mean?
Ever since I'd been in the palace,
I have never
seen the Emperor.
A Kingdom's sovereign
yet leaves the Empress and Han Zhao Yi
to dominate the Imperial harem.
Isn't this very strange?
I hear that only the second Prince is
is allowed to directly meet with the Emperor.
Which is why I'm being close with him.
First,
I can get to know the real situation about the Emperor.
Secondly, with his help
we could weaken the empress's power
and can get back your crown prince position
its good for a lot.
Fool!
Even brothers born from the same mother
can't trust each other
nonetheless outsiders.
Yeah, but I'm also an outsider
and you still trust me
In this isolated palace, you've had little help.
Now there's another person to help you
it has to better than having enemies.
Qi Yun is...
Don't you mention him to me!
Qi Xing is only a child.
whatever he does, I believe him.
But with Qi Yun it's different.
Appearing to be courteous
and uncompetitive.
He's not pretending.
He really is courteous
and uncompetitive
How do you know?
You recite a few poems with him
and there's romance in the air
then you understand him?
You've become his best friend?
Stop being so suspicious
you're a fake gentleman with a sinister heart
Who's being suspicious?
Although they weren't born from the same mother
they're still brothers.
You know that brother Xing already likes you
and wants to choose you as his wife
so he tries harder and harder
to get close to you.
Who's being a gentleman?
Aren't you Qi Xing's big brother?
When have you ever treated him like a true brother?
You..
Wow, there smell of vinegar is so strong (jealousy)
Who says who's jealous?!
Whats wrong?
I'm just eating pickled vegetables.
Whats wrong?
What does me eating pickled vegetables
have to do with you two?
What does eating pickled vegetables,
and being jealous
have to do with you two?
What's the matter?
Here, have some...
Have a little bit...
Why are the both of you acting so weird today?
Who's acting weird?
It's your mistress who thinks herself to be
dumb like a pig.
You might as well teach her a lesson.
Hey, You are the P...
First prince, please be careful.
Honestly!
Why is your face so red?
This is vinegar and not wine,
are you drunk?
Issues...
The Emperor has laid down orders
no one is allowed into the Palace of Eternal Youth.
Do not be rude to Miss Pan.
Dismissed.
OK
I am here to see 2nd Prince over something.
He had mentioned before
I can at anytime
come look for him here.
Come this way Miss Yu.
Actually, my mother Mei Ying
was in actual fact, the Empress's maid servant.
Because of her warmth, virtuosity, elegance
and many talents
lead my father to love her
with all of his heart
and take her as his wife
but the Empress was jealous
and always tried to harm my mother.
And so,
Father could only give older brother
to my mother to raise
First,
with my mother's generous nature
She can properly raise my older brother.
Secondly,
to give the Empress a warning
and make her fear taking action.
But in the vast inner palace it is impossible to see everyone's ill intentions.
After my father and mother
gave birth to me
they grew more and more worried day and night
because this palace is dark and evil.
There wasn't a day when they weren't worried
and felt safe living.
Thats why, Father
in order to protect us, mother and son
he ordered people
to use my mother's favorite plum trees
even through the night
to complete this
garden of ten thousand plum trees
to be a refuge for my mother and I.
From then on
my mother and I
have never stepped out of this Plum tree garden.
Thats why
other than our last ancestors
very little people apart from my Father
And the Empress
As well as Zhao Yi Niang Niang
very little people
have seen my mother's face.