Episode 21
I have no sons or daughters
all thanks to you.
How could you blame your own failures
on me?
If you didn't call me
Big Sister,
an infertile woman like you
I could ask the Emperor
to isolate you in the cold palace.
You should be grateful for my kindness
Yet you find excuses to frame me
You...
Emperor, please immediately issue a decree
giving Pan Yu the title of Xiao Lun Princess.
Otherwise your majesty,
you will not be saving me any face.
Your majesty, you can't issue the decree
The Empress is treacherous and cunning
Her insistence on Pan Yu becoming princess
must have ulterior motives.
Han Zhao Yi!
I thinking for the Emperor,
why fear you?
Enough!
Why are you two in such a hurry?
I will give Pan Yu a title sooner or later
Thanks your majesty
Don't be so quick to thank me
As for the title...
just wait for my imperial decree.
What did you say?
Mother wants Father
to grant Yu Er the title of Princess?
Yes, but Zhao Yi Niang Niang
seems opposed to it.
Before the Emperor,
she started arguing with the Empress.
Oh no, Mother must know
Father has other intentions towards Yu Er
to make this move.
You're saying...
First Prince you're saying...
The Emperor and Maiden Yu...
but the Emperor's so old.
No matter what
he's still the Emperor.
Whoever he wants
he just needs to say the word.
First Prince
I just saw Zhao Gong Gong
leading a group of imperial guards
towards the maidens' quarters.
If you want to talk to sisters,
go by yourself.
Why drag me along?
I want you to come with me
Let Su Yao and them see
and regret always laughing at me.
Ai ya
The Emperor's imperial decree is here
Unconcerned people step aside
Miss
Zhao Gong Gong
is heading towards Sister Yu's room.
This charming slut must know sorcery
She splashed urine all over
the Emperor's face and head.
Not only does he not blame her,
he completely stupefied by her.
Who knows
what she asked the Emperor for this time.
Sister Yu saved the Emperor's life
Even rewarding her with a gold or silver mountain
is well-deserved.
Exactly, Sister Yu saved his life
She should be heavily rewarded
What reward do you wish for her?
I'm telling you
Although I'm your concubine now,
but if anyone dares
fight with me for Royal Consort,
I will not tolerate it!
Have you seen Zhao Gong Gong?
He went to Sister Yu's room with the decree
The Emperor must be rewarding her
That's not right...Zhao Gong Gong carried the imperial decree
followed by 10 imperial guards
And
he had no gifts with him
as if to capture someone
I said so
This slut insulted the Emperor with urine
How could she be fine?
This is called you get what you deserve
Stop gloating over others' troubles
I believe Father
is offering a reward to Sister Yu
Big Brother, what do you think?
The Minister of Rites is also here
Father is making such grand gestures
for this.
Maiden Pan Yu, accept decree
Kneel to accept decree
Accept the mandate of Heaven; presenting the imperial order from the Emperor
Maiden Pan Yu has credit in saving the Emperor's life
The Emperor is overjoyed
because of Pan Yu's morality and virtuosity.
Pan Yu is granted the title of Virtuous Concubine
to be immediately betrothed to the Emperor.
Issued by the Emperor.
Quickly accept the decree
No, I won't accept the decree
How dare you! The Emperor has made you concubine
That is a rare honor
How could you refuse and disobey?
Come!
Here!
How is this granting a title?
More like snatching people
Hua Gong Gong
First Prince, this decree is unacceptable
Imperial orders cannot be violated
The consequence is death
How dare you!
I am Virtuous Concubine
Who dares touch me?
Sister Yu...you
Your Highness crown prince
I'm the crown prince. You dare restrain me?
The Emperor has orders
Whoever dares block Virtuous Concubine's way
will be executed by law.
Yu Er
Ye Ye, don't worry
I'll ask the emperor for an explanation
It would be best if he takes back the decree
If he doesn't, I have countermeasures
I also want to find imperial Father
to ask for an explanation.
You don't want to live anymore?
I don't want to be a widow
What's already been settled...
We can't get our hands tied in this
we won't be able to make a clean break later on.
Go back with me. Go!
I...
Hua Gong Gong!
Hua Gong Gong! Don't be impulsive
Scoundrel
Fine if you can't save Yu Er
But you're helping your father snatch her
I've been blind...
Even if you fought with your life
would you be able to get her back from the imperial guards?
Even if I can't save her, I have to try!
Worst case I lose a life
Even if you get her back,
can you escape from this royal palace?
Hua Gong Gong
we can't escalate this matter.
It would be unfavorable to Fu Ya
and her mother.
They will both be in danger
The Empress of Chu is still alive, and in the Shu palace?
Look, I've lost my senses
I forgot about Niang Niang's safety
First Prince...this...
I overreacted...and over-exerted myself
Did I hurt you?
I'm ok
Right now our priority
is to think of a countermeasure.
Countermeasure?
But we're overpowered
Who can fight against the emperor?
It seems that
perhaps one person
can help us.
Where's the Emperor?
Is Virtuous Concubine impatient?
to immediate serve the emperor
and quickly receive his favor?
How dare you!
Since you know I'm Virtuous Concubine,
how dare you make such careless comments?
Servant deserves to die
Niang Niang please forgive me
Yu Er, what a dignified manner
Servant greets the Emperor
Leave now
Yes
The imposing manner with which
you reprimanded that servant,
one would have thought
you were my empress.
Pan Yu is only an insignifcant maiden
I wouldn't dare compare to the empress
You are my Yi Fei
only one title below the empress.
What is it?
You're not happy being my concubine?
The Emperor's tender care
Pan Yu would not dare accept.
Please take back your order
You don't want to marry me?
Pan Yu has always regarded the emperor
as a respected elder.
Moreover, the Emperor's profound love for Mei Fei Niang Niang
Pan Yu sincerely admires.
To suddenly take Pan Yu as concubine,
Pan Yu disrespectfully asks the Emperor --
is this
fair to Mei Fei Niang Niang?
to the deep love between you?
Yun Er once said to me
that Mei Fei,
to comfort his memory of her,
specially sent you to meet him.
I also believe
that you are the gift Mei Fei sent me.
Otherwise
on the day of Mei Fei's remembrance,
how could I meet you?
I was intoxicated by someone and brought to the plum blossom forest
Someone must be harboring ill intentions
using Pan Yu to endanger the emperor.
Please reconsider
Don't let those villains succeed in their plans.
I have ruled for so many years
How could a weak female harm me?
I know someone wants to harm you
so I granted you a title by decree.
Don't worry
Under my wings,
they won't act recklessly.
If your majesty really cherishes Pan Yu,
please take back the title
to prevent Pan Yu from becoming a public enemy
and a dishonest, unfilial, and immoral person.
Does marrying me
make you dishonest, unfilial, and immoral?
Pan Yu and Second Prince are peers
If I marry the Emperor as concubine,
others will say
I purposely got close to Second Prince
to intentionally boost my status with the emperor.
Is that not immoral?
The Empress and Zhao Yi Niang Niang
have treated Pan Yu well.
To compete for your favor, is that not dishonest?
Pan Yu's parents died in vain
Before passing they wished I would leave the royal palace
and live as a commoner.
If I agreed to the Emperor,
would I not be unfilial?
To bear the weight of being dishonest, unfilial, and immoral
Pan Yu will not have the face to live.
This means
you're not willing to marry me?
Pan Yu has already decided
Emperor please show mercy
How can a ruler's words be so easily changed?
Like man cannot forcibly change their own ambitions,
I cannot change my heart.
Do you know
the consequences of disobeying an imperial decree?
Pan Yu would rather die
than bear this stigma
and shame my dead parents.
Woman, have you no grasp of real perspective?
I treat you sincerely
and you consider it a stigma!
Your majesty sincerely cares for Mei Fei Niang Niang
Only Pan Yu's appearance
deceives you
Don't worry your majesty, Pan Yu has a way
to no longer deceive you.
How could your appearance
be carelessly ruined?
Your majesty treasures this face
because Pan Yu resembles Mei Fei Niang Niang.
But Pan Yu is not Mei Fei Niang Niang
If your majesty keeps insisting,
Pan Yu only has death.
I treasure your appearance
but I'm not a shallow person.
I truly care for you
I hope you will
replace Mei Fei by my side.
Your majesty
I have ruled and expanded territory for so many years
I refuse to believe
that I can't make your heart surrender.
I believe, not after long,
you will be like Mei Fei
and willingly marry me.
That old man has finally taken Ma Fu Ya as concubine
Niang Niang
Then your plans have succeeded
Now is time for the final step
Afterwards our work will be done.
Du Fei Hong, you fight with me
and you will die at my hands!
At whose hands the deer will die, no one knows yet!
Who wins and loses,
sister don't judge too early.
I was wondering which celestial being that was
It was you Sister
Quickly, sit
What matter
does Sister condescend herself
and visit my Feng Yi palace for?
If there's anything,
just summon me to visit you.
Didn't you say I already lost the battle?
To beg forgiveness,
I would naturally condescend myself.
Sister stop mocking me
I was just joking to myself
Please don't take it seriously
Although Sister is only joking,
I am not.
Dare I ask, in this chess game
where did I fail?
Make an error?
Please advise
Would Sister really like to know?
You rarely have the opportunity
to gloat before me.
Why not seize the opportunity?
Then excuse me for any offenses
Sister appears astute and capable,
but I think you're confused.
How am I confused?
I understand your personality well
You are incorruptible by wealth,
unshaken by poverty,
and unyielding to force.
Your personality
is more suitable for a dignified man.
But Sister
is unfortunately a female.
You also like to fight with men
What man
would like a woman of your kind?
Your personality refuses to lose
First you lost to Mei Fei
Then you lost to me
Now you've lost to Pan Yu
You've lost three times in a row
How could you not understand
the reason for this?
Sister has lost
Why laugh so happily?
I haven't been this happy
in a long time.
I want to thank Sister
for removing my doubts,
for letting me know
I've never lost.
How do you explain that?
Sister you're so shallow
I don't need to overestimate you
In your eyes,
this is the distinction between victory and defeat?
Then it seems
I never lost.
I'm still winning
Sister has lost the Emperor's favor for a long time
How could you still dream
of winning?
You said I lost to Mei Ying?
But she can only
watch her reflection and lament in the afterlife.
She has no part
in this world.
And you?
You are only a lowly Zhao Yi
But I am
the prominent Empress!
One day
when my son becomes Emperor,
I will become Empress Dowager
Even the Emperor of Shu
will abide by me
Even if Mei Fei and I give way to you...
Pan Yu is different
Now she's already
received the Emperor's favor.
You prominent Empress
What can you do?
I need to guard against everyone
except this girl.
I don't need to guard against her at all
I'm already this age
and head of the six palaces.
You think I would, for some small romance,
fight with her over jealousy?
Even if the Emperor favors her head over heels,
the one defeated
will be you, not me.
I think you're pathetic
letting Pan Yu
steal your rightful favor.
Are you sure
Pan Yu is working for you?
Will she listen to you?
Even if she doesn't,
she certainly won't work for you.
You're so confused
Are you sure you understand her personality?
She is also unyielding to force, unshaken by poverty,
incorruptible by wealth
The exact same as me
You think she would side
with you depraved witch
or with me?
Sister, you've read so much
flaunting yourself as a talented scholar.
You should use history as an example
Didn't Wu Zetian
bring the wolf into his own house
and bring himself calamity?
Really sorry
I came to listen to Sister's criticisms,
how did I end up criticizing you?
Sister, don't be angry
Niang Niang,
the Empress is only putting on a front.
She's very afraid inside
Du Fei Hong analyzed correctly
She has long lost
the Emperor's favor.
Pan Yu receiving favor
is irrelevant to her.
But the person we're against
is not the Empress,
it's the Emperor.
She was right
Ma Fu Ya is not ours yet
But...
the Empress of Chu is in our hands.
She wouldn't dare
Exactly because the Empress of Chu's
life is in my hands,
she views me as an enemy.
I have to be careful
Maybe one day
she'll come back to deal with me.
Then what should we do?
Use both gentle methods and force.Have a common enemy.
That way she'll become mine
and work for me.
That slut is too calculating
She doesn't control Pan Yu yet
So, she pushes her towards the Emperor.
She's made a careless mistake.
Although Pan Yu is not hers,
she's not ours either.
Just now,
I only defeated her verbally.
Actually,
I'm not sure whether I can win this battle.
Reporting to Niang Niang,
First Prince went to your palace
saying he had important things to discuss.
You're begging me
to help you save Pan Yu?
Yes
Why don't you get Han Zhao Yi to help?
or Tutor Yang?
You're very close with them
However close they are, they can't compare to you
Your are my Imperial Mother.
My own mother
You are begging me?
Yes, today your child has hardship
In this palace,
Mother is the best at scheming
and the same flesh and blood as me.
To save Pan Yu,
I am willing to pay all costs.
Please guide me through the maze
You're really willing to lose everything?
Yes
I didn't think
you were so in love with that girl.
As long as it can save Pan Yu,
I would rather die.
If I were in mortal danger,
would you also be willing to sacrifice your life for me?
Never mind
These words
are an invitation for insult.
Mother...
Let's talk business
You're really willing
to die without hesitation for Pan Yu?
Then let's gamble
see if your father has any shred of a father's heart.
Pan Yu defied orders but it was useless
Now you must defy orders
I thank Mother for advising me
I know what to do
Go
You Er
Niang Niang, why are you helping him?
Didn't you say
he would be
disadvantageous to you and the Crown Prince?
He's right
We are the same flesh and blood
It's the first time
You Er has ever begged me.
The first time I felt
he's also my child.
It's a pity
he only begged me for another woman.
My You Er...
What should I do?
What should we do?
Who are you thinking of again?
Your majesty
Don't be afraid
I said, I wouldn't force you
Come, get me wine
I want to
drink and have an intimate talk with Yi Fei Niang Niang
Yes
Sit down, have a drink with me
Pan Yu does not drink
Your majesty, please forgive me
This world belongs to me
My subjects and the people also belong to me
but I feel
so alone.
Your majesty, you have an unsteady heartbeat
The spider poison in your body is not yet completely eliminated
Such heavy drinking is inadvisable.
I've imprisoned you, coerced you
You should be hoping for my early death
Why do you still care so much about me?
I'm a doctor
I treasure every patient's life
Your face
has attracted how many men to be fascinated with you?
Please let go
I'm giving you great wealth and position
Why aren't you willing to be my concubine?
In the Emperor's heart, great wealth and position
may be the most valuable.
But to Pan Yu,
they have no meaning.
Since ancient times beauties love heroes.
I'm a hero
Why don't you like me?
You think I'm too old?
Or are you in love with one of my sons?
Do you think that by seducing Yun Er,
you will change my mind?
Your majesty
Pan Yu and Second Prince
have no love affair.
Then who is it?
I am the son of heaven
Whatever I want, you must give
Emperor, please conduct yourself with dignity!
Emperor, the emperor's actions are not taken lightly
This is our Meng family's
heirloom treasure.
Your mother and I are different
Only you stand on my side
This jade pendant,
give it to your future consort.
So it's because of him?
I heard you're refusing food and water today
Why?
This is for Father, even more for Mother
for Pan Yu, even more for myself
I only took a concubine
Yet you are so disgruntled
I thought
Father would love Mother for life.
But I didn't think Father would cease to be faithful
for someone who looks similar in appearance.
Father loves Mother
only for her outward appearance?
I feel sad for Mother
Father's love for your mother
has never changed.
If Pan Yu didn't resemble your mother,
I wouldn't even bother to look at her.
But Pan Yu is innocent in this
Because of her similar appearance,
must she become her shadow?
And you? What's wrong with you?
Father. Father. I...
Do you like her?
Imperial Father
Yu Er has a gentle nature
does not dispute with others
I earnestly ask Father to take back the order
Don't let Yu Er end up like Mother
Falling victim to the jealousy of others
and being denied a happy ending.
You are blaming me
for not having protected your mother back then?
I wouldn't dare
I just don't want Yu Er to drown
in this pervasive
internal palace conflict
over time.
You're so thoughtful of her
Yu Er's personality agrees with mine
So what?
It doesn't mean this girl
is in love with you.
Besides she told me
she only sees you as a friend
not a potential lover.
Regardless of her feelings towards me,
Pan Yu sees Father as an elder.
Father cannot, for your own amusement,
drag her through this dirty place.
Nonsense! This is my back palace!
I've only taken a concubine
I don't care what others say
But you're my favorite son
You also criticize me?
I am not accusing Father
but the endless dangers in this back palace
are real!
Father insists on taking her as concubine
That's the same as making her the enemy,
putting her through danger,
and killing her!
The imperial decree has been declared
Even if she dies, she is still my concubine!
This is her fate
Father!
Don't say anymore!
I've already decided
She must marry me
If it weren't
for the sake of your mother,
for what you just said
I could punish you with 100 death penalties!
If my 100 deaths
can give Pan Yu freedom,
it's worth it.
Father won't let you die
You're my most beloved son
When I marry Pan Yu,
it'll be as if your mother were still alive.
We as a family
will be reunited.
Sad melodies are like weeping
Gazing afar is like returning
No one wishes to go home
No boat wishes to cross the river
Thoughts cannot be expressed
In the intestines wheels turn
Miss! Miss!
Miss, Miss
What is it?
Northern Han replied to our letter
Miss, what are you looking for?
Just now, when I was thinking of home,
I copied a sad song verse.
How could it be gone?
If a bystander picks it up,
it will draw suspicion.
Even if someone picks it up,
it's only a poem, not a letter.
Who could be so smart
to guess that Miss is homesick?
Tidy up everything
Let's go back
Look at these flowers blooming so beautifully
When crown prince takes the throne,
you will enjoy life in comfort and happiness.
I haven't walked in the imperial garden
for a long time.
These flowers are so beautiful
I want your life!
Stop it!
You crazy girl
are you done?
Princess!
No fun!
I pose as an assassin
and Mother recognizes me right away.
Preposterous
You just returned from studying martial arts with General Huang
I thought you would be better behaved
But you pose as an assassin to scare me!
What is this?
Isn't it all
Sister Yan's fault?
Normally when we fight,
you always yield to me on purpose.
If I don't dress like this,
would she show her true abilities?
Before she could show her true abilities
you already gave yourself away.
Imperial Mother
How did you see through me?
The assassins I've seen
When they fail
they either run away or commit suicide
I've never seen one like you
biting others when you lose.
Nobody else in the world
would do this
I'm telling you
that's my assassin weapon
Go, count the Buddha rice
Again?
What?
Don't want to count? Then be punished
Niang Niang's illness came suddenly
and because of her old age.
Humble servant is only reporting the truth
For Niang Niang to fall ill
immediately upon rising in the morning
it's really a thorny situation.
Shut up! You common doctor
You're full of nonsense
How dare you curse my mother?
Kill him!
Your Highness please spare my life
My illness
I am well aware of
Don't take your anger out on the imperial doctor
Do more good deeds and be merciful for Mother
Thank you Niang Niang for your mercy in sparing my life
Prepare the best medicine. Go
Yes
Yun Er
Your body hasn't recovered yet
but you come to visit me.
So filial
Imperial Mother, you must take care
Xiang Yun
only has you
to cherish as elder.
Cheng Er, help Mother up
Cheng Er
When the sun was rising,
I had a dream
I dreamed of your Imperial Father
furious
Your Imperial Father scolded me
"You vile woman,
why haven't you given the throne
to Cheng Er yet?"
Mother said
"Cheng Er hasn't married and established himself yet.
The royal bloodline has not been passed on yet."
Your Father then scolded
"That's because you didn't
choose a good Royal Consort for him.
He's unhappy."
Mother had nothing to say in reply
Cheng Er
In this world you blame mother
In the afterlife your Imperial Father also scolds me
Both this world and the afterlife are intolerant of me
Do you know how unjust this feels?
I lived a lifetime for nothing
Xiao An Zi
Servant is here
Summon the minister of rites
Official Zong Zheng
Obeying Niang Niang's orders
Mother
Why are you summoning them?
Mother wants to pass the throne onto you, let you officially register
Mother doesn't want to leave a posthumous edict
and miss your coronation ceremony.
I want to let you officially
take your position on the throne.
Imperial Mother! Imperial Mother!
Imperial Mother!
If I just leave like this,
Nothern Han will be in chaos.
How will I rest peacefully?
Imperial Mother,
don't blame yourself.
I know what to do
Cheng Er
You still don't know what to do
So
Mother is very concerned.
After you Northern Han
won't have an heir.
In the afterlife,
your Imperial Father will still blame me.
So,
for Mother,
light incense before your Father's grave.
Yun Er, take care of Cheng Er for Mother