Subtitles by DramaFever
[The Female Assassins in the Palace]
[Episode 20]
Your Highness, this seems to be a very tricky matter.
You'll have to deal with this very cautiously.
Otherwise, this will affect your good reputation.
I'll decide what to do.
I need to speak to them.
You must be tired today.
Go and get some rest.
Yes, I'll take my leave.
Don't wear yourself out
or your head will hurt again.
What exactly happened?
Tell me about it.
Father, I can swear on my life
that it would be impossible for Batu to defy you and plan a rebellion!
This must be a misunderstanding.
Yes, Father.
I also think that His Lordship is innocent.
Please investigate this.
Hold on. This is very confusing.
Cheng Gang, what exactly happened?
Why have you locked up Dana and Batu?
Well done, Chief Tie!
My father doesn't even know about this matter!
You lied to me that you were acting on his orders.
You... You're a liar!
You're a hypocrite! How should you be punished?
Please be a fair judge of this, Your Highness.
I never meant to offend my superiors.
Before Your Highness departed on your trip
you ordered me to investigate the case.
You allowed me to take actions before asking for permission.
I was just carrying out your orders.
Please don't be angry, Your Highness.
Now that you mention it I do remember that.
Before I went to the temple yesterday with Zi Hui to pray
I did give you such orders.
I don't blame you.
- You may get up. - Thank you, Your Highness.
Father...
Cheng Gang, I understand that you were just doing your duty.
You were just afraid to miss any suspects.
However, Batu did save my life once when the assassination took place
on Grand Imperial Noble Consort's birthday.
I believe that he has nothing to do with this case.
Release Batu and Dana.
Otherwise, should Vice Prince Shalu learn of this matter
it wouldn't be ideal.
Did you hear that?
Free them! You'd better do that now!
Your Highness, Arch Lord Batu may be released
but Young Mistress Dana mustn't be released.
Why not?
Your Highness, there are still questionable points
in this case that should be answered.
Moreover, as for Vice Prince Zhang's rebellion
I have a key witness
in addition to the evidence we found in the vice prince's manor.
This witness will render Vice Prince Zhang speechless
and make him admit his crime!
Your Highness, Vice Prince Zhang's concubine, Qin Er
has already confessed.
She admitted that she is indeed one of Mo Yun's hairpin killers.
It's also true that Vice Prince Zhang intends to overtake the throne.
This is her confession.
Please have a look, Your Highness.
Have a look at it.
Your Highness, may I ask Qin Er some questions?
Go ahead.
Qin Er, if the confession is true
and Vice Prince Zhang intends to use the hairpin killers to take the throne
what do the three characters "Bright", "Moon", and "Cool"
on the hairpins mean?
Cool breeze and light rain can't blow on me.
Bright moon continues to shine on man.
Can a few elegant verses of a poem
wipe out the sins of taking innocent lives?
These verses must be the secret code of the hairpin killers?
Every female assassin identifies with the character on their hairpin.
Is that so?
One hairpin killer can drive everyone into panic.
Mo Yun is indeed cunning and skeptical.
Cool breeze and light rain can't blow on me.
Bright moon continues to shine on man.
Isn't that a twist on the rebel in the previous dynasty Lu Liu Liang's poem
"The light breeze, however delicate does not blow on me."
"The bright moon has never stopped casting its light on folks."
Isn't that so, Father?
Yes...
The previous emperor once tried to win over some officials in late Ming.
Lu Liu Liang was one of them.
Unfortunately, he refused to attend the examinations again and again.
Then he became a monk.
He went around as a scholar
to give speeches on overthrowing Qing dynasty.
Zeng Jing and Zhang Xi took in the words of Lu
and humiliated the Imperial Court.
His Majesty was very angry about this matter.
Two years ago, he had Lu's coffin opened and defiled his corpse.
Then the Lu family was sent away in exile to the tower of Ning Gu
to serve as slaves to the Pijia tribe.
Your Highness, this means that Vice Prince Zhang
used Lu Liu Liang's poem as a symbol for the hairpin killers.
His ambition is now known to all.
Qin Er, if you are a hairpin killer
how did you manage to poison the family of Master E-Gutai?
E-Gutai dared to investigate us.
We had to take him out first.
The Commander Manor might be heavily guarded
but it was not difficult for the hairpin killers.
Who knew that women in their prime
would stoop so low
and act as Mo Yun's weapons?
We were all orphans.
Madame brought us up.
Madame's enemies are our enemies.
Not only E-Gutai
but also Dailang and Boerji.
They were also killed by the hairpin killers.
The hairpin killers might not be biological sisters...
but we stick together through thick and thin.
Besides each other
we have no other family.
I don't understand. If the hairpin killers are as close as sisters
why would you carry out the tasks alone?
What's the reason for identifying each other only with the hairpin?
Madame Mo never trusts anyone.
How could she possibly trust anyone?
She forbade us to gather in groups
even when it's in private.
We never kept in touch with one another.
You mean to say that you don't know who the other hairpin killers are?
If the assassin don't know each other
we won't get any answers even if we interrogate her.
There's no need for further investigation.
The truth is out.
- Anyone? - Your Highness.
Vice Prince Zhang, Hong Jun
formed a rebellious gang
and is proven guilty of treason.
His sin is not to be pardoned.
Along with his concubine, Qin Er
and Young Mistress Dana
all three will be sentenced
according to the law. Execution on the spot!
Your Highness!
Batu, there's no room for discussion.
I'll report this to His Majesty tomorrow
when I seek an audience.
Your Highness, please investigate further.
Dana can't be a hairpin killer!
Please investigate this!
I really don't know about this!
Young Mistress Dana, stop making excuses.
Take a look at this.
Why is there another hairpin?
It has the character "Ren" (person) on it.
This is the golden hairpin that you just found?
Exactly.
When we arrested Arch Lord Batu yesterday
and Young Mistress Dana...
You're framing me for this!
Your Highness, don't listen to him!
Shut up!
You won't admit it until death is staring you in the face?
You didn't expect us to suspect your true identity
since you framed Princess Caidie and Wei Tang
by pushing them into the well.
Who knew that you are so cunning?
You managed to talk your way out of this many times
so we couldn't pin you to this case.
Not that we have concrete proof
how can you still deny it?
Chief Tie!
Dana grew up with me.
She was raised with koumiss (fermented milk) of the Karchins.
She is of Mongolian blood! How could she be a hairpin killer?
Your Highness, please look into this!
Please look into this, Your Highness.
As the niece of Vice Prince Saketu
Dana might be your cousin
but you grew up in Zasake
and were later adopted as the foster son of Vice Prince Duoluo Zabu.
Am I right?
Yes.
If that is so
I have a question for you.
How often did you get to see Dana every year?
Moreover, Elintai often meets up with Saketu.
If he brought Dana to Mo Yun in private
and had her trained as one of the female assassins
how would you be aware of that?
This...
Your Highness, I really am innocent!
I don't know anything about the hairpin killers!
I don't know Mo Yun either!
I'm really not one of the hairpin killers!
I'm really not!
Your Highness, the hairpin killers come and go like shadows.
It would be easy for them to tamper with Dana's room.
I can swear upon my character
that given some time, I'll prove that
Dana is definitely not a hairpin killer.
Please investigate this!
Now that we have concrete proof
I'll make my own decision.
Stay out of this.
Batu, if you wish to help Dana
you should persuade her
to confess as soon as possible
instead of trying to exonerate her.
Dana, you have one day.
If you tell us the secret hideout of Mo Yun and the female assassins
I might give you a lighter sentence.
If you still refuse to give in...
both you and Qin Er will be executed at noon at Wu Gate.
- I don't believe... - Father...
that your fellow sisters will stand by without helping.
Your Highness, I can swear on my life
- that Dana isn't a hairpin killer! - Shut up!
Wei Tang, take him away!
Keep him away from the killers until noon tomorrow
to avoid unnecessary trouble.
Your Highness!
- I'm sorry. - Your Highness!
- Move!
- Father... - Batu!
Your Highness!
Your Lordship, please show some respect!
Imperial Guard Tie, Dana is a righteous person.
You mustn't kill an innocent person.
Your Lordship...
Batu, calm down.
We still have some time left.
We might think of a plan to save Dana.
Exactly! Batu, we might be able to find new evidence.
Then Dana might be saved.
Dana is going to be executed tomorrow.
When will I have the time to look for evidence?
No... I have to save Dana.
Batu!
Batu, there are regulations.
As the princess consort, how can I meddle in state affairs?
How can I possibly meddle in affairs
that His Highness has already decided?
Your Highness, I've known Dana for so many years.
You know that she wears her heart on her sleeve.
How could she be one of the mysterious hairpin killers?
How would I know what Dana is like?
But she really got herself into huge trouble this time.
How can I possibly save her?
I know that this is too much to ask of Your Highness
but... if Dana is executed tomorrow
what use is it to clear her name later?
A life lost can't be saved.
For the sake of my sibling affection...
please beg His Highness to show some mercy.
All right, I understand. Get up now.
Batu, I promise you
that I'll beg His Highness tonight to show her some mercy.
But you also have to make the best of this time
to seek out evidence that will work in Dana's favor.
I'll order Chief Tie and Imperial Guard Tie to treat Dana well.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Since we finally came to the capital
we should take a look around.
Who knows what unique treasures there are in this huge villa?
Don't behave like this. We might be misunderstood.
I just want to take a look around with you.
It's a rare opportunity to be in Great Qing but I didn't get to see much.
Dana, if you want to have fun
we have all the time in the world for that.
But now that Boerji is injured
and we're staying in the vice prince's manor
I don't wish to trouble anyone else, so you have to stay behind
to take care of Boerji. Understand?
Batu, this is just a minor injury.
Besides, I took your advice and I didn't go anywhere.
I'm following doctor's orders so I don't need to be looked after.
Since Dana wants to go out, just take her with you.
Boerji, why do you always spoil her?
What if she kicks up a fuss and gets herself into trouble?
Dana, listen to me.
You have to look after Boerji. Do you hear me?
I understand.
I'll obey your orders.
That's my good Dana.
If I had known that she was going to get into this kind of trouble
I never would have brought her here in the first place.
Don't worry.
No matter what happens, I'll rescue you.
But... How should I do it?
Bang Chui, where are you going?
Why are you up so early?
Am I too slow? I'll prepare breakfast for you right away!
Get back here.
Isn't that my breakfast?
Your Highness, this was for the prince consort.
It's still warm. Didn't he even have some?
No... He's been in Young Mistress Dana's room since last night.
He didn't have dinner either.
I brought him breakfast early this morning
but the prince consort said that he has no appetite.
So I brought it back here untouched.
Batu, you've been trying to come up with a plan in Dana's room all night.
Can you come up with a good plan by starving yourself?
Listen. An empty sack cannot stand upright.
If you keep starving yourself your brain won't work well.
How can you think up a plan to rescue Dana?
I don't think that you can.
Here, put the breakfast down for His Lordship.
Sit down.
You're in for a treat.
I've never served anyone. Ever.
Even my parents didn't get such a privilege.
It's your blessing that you get to be fed by me.
You have to eat it. Even if it's just to please me.
Have a bite.
You'll only eat when I feed you?
- Here. - All right...
I really don't have an appetite.
When I think of how Dana's life is now hanging by a thread
and yet I can't think of a plan to save her, I...
Listen.
I think that you don't have to worry about this matter.
What my godfather wants is to seek out the mastermind behind the assassins.
Perhaps he is only using the execution as a trap
to lure out Mo Yun.
Dana will be fine.
What if he really means it?
Then...
Your Highness!
Bad news!
Why are you in such a panic?
My mistress told me to inform Princess Caidie and Arch Lord Batu
that Arch Prince Chong went to visit Vice Prince Zhang this morning.
However, Vice Prince Zhang insulted His Highness and infuriated him.
Vice Prince knew that he wouldn't be spared so...
So?
Tell me!
He bashed his head into the wall and died.
This is bad.
Now that Vice Prince Zhang is dead, we lost a witness.
Dana won't be able to clear her name now.
This won't do... I have to save her.
Batu!
Your Highness...
Your Highness! Your Highness...
Your Highness!
Your Highness, although I've spent the past few years under a false identity
my love for you is real.
I should have known that it would eventually come to this...
Your Highness, look.
They all seem to be starving.
Here, have some more.
They are so pretty!
Your Highness... What are you laughing at?
I'm laughing at how kind you are.
You came over to feed the peacocks because you know that they are hungry.
You even praised them.
But you have no idea that you're the one who is truly pretty to me.
Your Highness, are you teasing me?
I meant every word.
Qin Er, don't worry.
Although I can't make you my concubine yet
please believe that one day I'll marry you properly.
Your Highness...
Your Highness, I'm grateful for your love and concern.
But I have to remain faithful to Madame Mo.
I dragged you into this.
Whatever I owe you in this life
I won't be able to repay you.
I hope that we can be husband and wife in our next life.
I thought that he'd come here to see you.
That's why I hurried over.
Where has he gone?
Don't panic.
Think carefully.
Did Batu say what he was going to do before he left?
No!
He only said that he was going to rescue Dana.
I was worried that he might break into the jail
but I didn't see him in the prison cell.
I almost flipped the entire arch prince's manor inside out!
I'm worried sick!
Vice Prince Zhang insulted Father before he died.
Everyone in the manor is now very nervous and cautious.
If Batu attempts anything foolish now
I'm sure that Father won't spare him.
Exactly! That's why we have to find him as soon as possible!
Where could he be?
Your Highnesses, Young Mistress Dana and the others
have already been taken to the execution grounds.
- They will be executed at noon sharp. - What?
Bang Chui, have you seen Batu?
No, there's no sign of the prince consort.
What should we do? Where's Batu?
Dana is going to be executed. Where has he gone?
Sir, it is noon.
It is noon!
Carry out the execution!
I don't want to die!
No...
I was framed!
What should we do, Your Highness?
Young Mistress Dana is going to be executed!
No! I don't want to die!
This is exactly what I expected.
We managed to lure the other hairpin killers out.
- Guards! - Present!
Capture them alive!
Your Highness! We should leave this place quickly!
- Let's leave quickly! - No, I have to save her!
Your Highness!
Don't worry. We'll fight our way out of here.
- No! Your Highness! - Let go of me!
No! Your Highness!
Quickly! Round them up!
You mustn't let anyone escape!
Master Su! Bad news!
- The manor is on fire! - What?
His Highness asks you to bring your men to help.
Why does it have to be now?
Please hurry! The roof of the manor is about to collapse!
All right! Head back
and I'll follow shortly!
Yes!
Chief Tie, the arch prince's manor is on fire.
His Highness ordered me to put out the fire right away.
Why is that such a coincidence?
Forget it. Since His Highness gave orders
Master Su should head back now to help out.
- Yes! Let's go! - Yes!
Guards! Capture them alive!
Don't let them get away!
- Bang Chui... - I won't let go of you!
Be careful! The gas is poisonous!
Let go!
How are the hairpin killers gone in the blink of the eye?
This is all your fault!
These female assassins are not easy to deal with.
Please let me go.
This has nothing to do with me.
I'll never reveal your whereabouts. Please let me go!
You want to leave? It's not that easy.
You're of no use to us anymore.
Die!
What are you doing?
Now that Vice Prince Zhang is dead because of us
didn't Madame tell us to get rid of Dana as well?
Why would you save her?
Could it be that there are new commands?
We always identify ourselves with our golden hairpins.
Where is your hairpin? Show it to me!
I understand now...
You're not one of us!
I might still spare you if you surrender now.
Greetings to Your Highness.
Qin Er, you were really bold.
How dare you frame another for a crime
and force Vice Prince Zhang to his death?
What punishment do you deserve?
Since you've captured me
you can do whatever you wish to me.
Batu, our plan finally succeeded.
What's going on?
This is what happened...
I went to seek an audience with Arch Prince Chong this morning.
I hoped that he could withdraw his orders
and spare Dana's life.
But His Highness said that he couldn't take back his orders
without any new evidence.
He wanted me to stay out of this case.
I know what Dana is like.
How could I do nothing about it?
Therefore, I asked His Highness for an opportunity.
I made him a promise. If I failed to prove Dana innocent
I was willing to be sentenced to death as well.
His Highness approved of my plan.
So, I put on the mask and purple robe
that we found in Vice Prince's manor
and pretended to be a hairpin killer
to rescue you and Qin Er from the execution grounds.
This meticulous plan was devised so that Qin Er would believe
that I was one of the female assassins.
I see...
That's right.
In order to make this even more convincing
I didn't inform Tie Cheng Gang of this plan.
When they fought against you they went all out to get you.
Batu took a huge risk.
Your Highness is right.
It was too risky for Batu to do that!
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If I hadn't done it, I won't have been able to trick Qin Er into trusting me.
In addition, the lie about the fire at the manor
was a trick to send away Master Su's army.
- Master Su. - Master Su.
What are you doing here with so many soldiers?
What are you waiting for? Put out the fire!
Put out the fire?
The manor is just fine. What fire is there to put out?
What?
Master Su, I'm really sorry.
Allow me to explain.
There were too many soldiers at the execution ground.
If His Highness hadn't sent Master Su away in time
I wouldn't have had the chance to rescue both of you.
Qin Er only let her guard down because I saved her.
Exactly. I heard every word that you said.
You're malicious and despicable!
What grudge do the hairpin killers hold against me?
Why would all of you risk your lives to kill me for Mo Yun?
What exactly is the reason?
Your Highness, she's dead.
Your Highness...
Batu, what is it?
Your Highness, Qin Er confessed everything to us.
Although she was brainwashed into saying such treacherous words to you
she did prove the innocence of Dana and Vice Prince Zhang.
May I be so bold as to ask Your Highness to be a fair judge of this matter?
Greetings to Your Highness!
Don't stand on ceremony.
Your Highness, Arch Lord Batu is...
This... Cheng Gang, we'll explain this to you when we get home.
Let's return to my manor first.
Yes, Your Highness.
Batu... I know what to do.
Come with me to the manor.
I'll give you an answer soon.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Let's go.
That's what happened.
Cheng Gang... Wei Tang...
What else do you have to say?
I think that Arch Lord Batu's plan is full of flaws.
It was a huge risk to take.
But now that the plan has succeeded
I have nothing to say about it.
But if this were to happen again
I can't guarantee that nothing would go wrong.
Since it's confirmed that Qin Er framed both Young Mistress Dana
and Vice Prince Zhang
I think that we should clear the names of Young Mistress and Vice Prince.
You're right.
It's a pity that Vice Prince Zhang is already dead.
Cheng Gang, how can we make up for it?
Your Highness, I think that Wei Tang has a valid point.
We should release Young Mistress Dana
and Vice Prince Zhang's family right away.
Your Highness, I think that Vice Prince Zhang died too abruptly.
Should we grant his younger brother, Zhuoli
the title of Vice Prince in his stead?
Good. This would be a fair way to compensate Hong Jun.
I'll report this to His Majesty right away.
As for Dana and Hong Jun's family
release all of them right away.
Yes, Your Highness!
Thank you, Your Highness.
Don't be so polite.
This is it.
Batu, return to your manor.
As for Imperial Guard Tie, you should get to work as well.
Yes, I'll take my leave.
I'll take my leave.
Your Highness, I don't know if I should say this to you.
Go ahead.
Yes.
Although this case has been solved because of the prince consort's help
if he were to meddle in the investigation
of the hairpin killers again
it would cause us great inconvenience!
Haven't I already banned Batu and Caidie from investigating this case?
Your Highness, pardon me for saying so.
You did make an exception this time.
Now that an exception has been made, Arch Lord Batu will have no reservations
about meddling in this investigation in the future.
Of course, one more person means more help.
But it will also alert the enemies even more easily.
Therefore, I think that if you ban Arch Lord Batu
from investigating this case
it will be easier for our men.
We can come up with traps to lure Mo Yun in more easily.
I can finally get out of this terrible place.
It would surely have driven me crazy to stay in there any longer.
All right, that's enough.
Don't keep saying unlucky words.
Was I wrong?
Young Mistress Dana, you've had a rough few days.
You make it sound so nice.
Why don't you see how it is being locked up in there?
I'd rather be in prison...
What is the matter?
Haven't you noticed?
We still haven't managed to arrest the hairpin killers.
As days go by, Chief Tie's face just gets longer and longer.
It's as scary as it can get.
Don't forget to release Vice Prince Zhang's family as well.
Don't worry. Since His Highness already gave orders to do so
I'll get that done. You don't have to worry about it, Your Lordship.
Batu! Dana!
Your Highnesses.
I heard that Young Mistress Dana
and Vice Prince Zhang's family are to be released.
That's absolutely true.
Dana is standing right here already.
Young Mistress Dana, it's great to see you safe and sound.
Some friend you are.
Why didn't you tell me about this plan sooner?
I thought that a hairpin killer was really there at the execution grounds!
If Bang Chui hadn't held me back
I would have barged in to take on the hairpin killer!
That was very dangerous. Do you know that?
Yes, Prince Consort.
Her Highness was frantically looking everywhere for you.
Who knew that you were off to save the beauty?
I was worried that my plan would be leaked so I couldn't tell anyone.
Not even Chief Tie or Imperial Guard Tie knew about the plan.
What are you angry about?
You're right.
Anyway, I'm unhappy that you didn't tell me!
Your Highnesses and Your Lordship if there's nothing else
I'll take my leave.
Da Hai, let's go.
I'll take my leave.
Batu, I haven't really thanked you properly.
If it hadn't been for you I'd be dead by now.
- Thank you. - That's enough.
Why stand on ceremony with me? Just behave better
and that will do.
Exactly.
You have to remember not to stir up trouble everywhere
and get us into trouble.
Batu had to rescue you from this trouble that you got into.
If you get locked up again you won't be able to get out so easily.
Touch wood!
You and your foul mouth! You're always jinxing me!
What foul mouth? I was just reminding you.
You got into trouble and nearly dragged Batu down with you.
We were all so worried.
- Since when do you care about Batu? - Enough, Dana.
Hold your tongue.
What now?
Who are you to care?
Why can't I worry about my husband? Do I need to explain it to you?
All right!
Princess Duan Min is here.
Don't embarrass yourself.
It's all right.
Why is there so much food for dinner tonight?
Caidie asked Nanny Su to prepare these especially for you.
It's to help calm your nerves.
I'm not fortunate enough to enjoy such a meal.
I'm worried that I might upset my stomach.
Where are your manners?
Not fortunate enough?
You don't want it?
Then you're missing out on great food!
If it weren't for Batu
I wouldn't have prepared this. I couldn't be bothered.
It's best that you aren't.
I've never regarded you as my cousin-in-law.
Chew and swallow slowly! Don't choke on your food!
Dana!
Mind your words!
Caidie means well.
She is my wife and your cousin-in-law!
Can't you show her some respect?
Why do you always take her side?
You never consider my feelings.
- You don't know what I think! - So, what do you think?
I can't be bothered to tell you!
Dana!
Your Lordship, Housekeeper Wang seeks an audience with you.
Your Highness. Your Lordship.
Arch Prince has orders for you to pack your bags quickly
and return to Karchin within a few days.
As for Prince Boerji's murder and the hairpin killers
it will be handed over to the Intelligence Unit.
Why would His Highness suddenly send me back to Karchin?
Yes, why would he suddenly have us move back to Karchin?
Your Highness, I was just sent to convey the message.
I don't know the reason.
Your Highness, we have a lot to pack.
We have to start packing or there won't be enough time.
Stop right there.
Who told you to start packing?
Didn't Arch Prince say that...
Do you obey me or Arch Prince?
Definitely you...
I'm telling you not to pack.
I have no wish to leave yet.
You're right.
I won't leave the capital
until all the hairpin killers have been arrested
Otherwise, Boerji won't rest in peace.
I'll ask Arch Prince Chong for a reason right now.
It's already quite late. Please don't disturb His Highness.
Yes, why don't we seek an audience with Father tomorrow morning
to ask him to take back his orders?
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