Subtitles by DramaFever
[The Female Assassins in the Palace]
[Episode 32]
Why don't I get my flute and play for you
to relieve your stress?
My concubine, Hui Yu
told me that she had a flute.
She said that the music played by the flute could put people to sleep.
But that flute was still kept in Chengde Villa.
I wanted to send my men to retrieve it
but Hui Yu said that she'd hidden the flute away in a discreet place.
Only she knew where it was.
Hence, I decided to accompany her to Chengde Villa to retrieve it.
It was already very late at night.
Therefore, I instructed the servants not to alert Grand Imperial Noble Consort.
If what His Highness said is true
how did you run into Mo Yun?
Could it be that you and Mo Yun had already agreed to meet up
and you used this excuse as a cover?
Of course not!
That night, Housekeeper Wang and I were standing outside Hui Yu's chamber
while she retrieved her flute.
We were suddenly attacked by hidden secret weapons.
Housekeeper Wang and I saw a human figure dash by
so we ran after it.
Go after her!
Stop investigating the hairpin killers!
Otherwise, you'll be dead!
May I be so bold as to ask, if that is true
why haven't we heard about your injury?
Chief Tie, it's unknown to you
that His Highness kept his injury a secret for fear of alarming everyone.
His Highness's arm is still bandaged with medication.
Your Highness, Mo Yun's secret weapons are all very unique.
One glance at the wound
and I'll be able to tell if you're telling the truth.
Tie Cheng Gang, don't you believe me?
Your Highness, I wouldn't dare.
However, officials and generals died one after another.
I really dare not treat this lightly.
Your Majesty, please allow me to examine His Highness's wound.
Yin Qiang, let Chief Tie take a look.
If you claim to be telling the truth, what have you got to fear?
You should remove any doubt that the officials have of you.
Won't that be better?
Your Majesty, the wound is swollen red with a hint of bruising.
He was indeed attacked by Mo Yun's unique secret weapon.
Just as His Highness has said
this was just a misunderstanding.
Please forgive us, Your Majesty and Your Highness.
My name is finally cleared now?
Whoever dares to wrongly accuse me again
will not be let off so easily!
Your Majesty, I'm wondering
if His Highness injured himself with the weapon
so as to clear himself of suspicion?
Father, hasn't it already been proven that this was a misunderstanding?
What should we do if we angered His Highness by saying so?
Clear myself of suspicion?
If I had known that I'd be accused today
how would I have allowed you to interrogate me?
If I'd been prepared for this
how could you stir up such a huge mess so easily?
Answer me!
Don't say another word...
Your Ladyship.
His Majesty is asking to see you.
Xin Er.
This way, please.
Your Majesty, Fifth Concubine is here.
Step aside.
This is all my fault.
If I hadn't insisted on retrieving my flute from Chengde Villa that night
His Highness wouldn't have been ambushed by Mo Yun.
He wouldn't have gotten hurt
or accused of conspiring with Mo Yun.
Please punish me, Your Majesty.
This isn't your fault.
You had good intentions.
Since Arch Prince has already proven his innocence
you mustn't blame yourself.
Get up now.
Thank you, Your Highness.
But it's really strange. Why would Mo Yun choose to appear that day?
It's too much of a coincidence.
How is that a coincidence?
As far as I could tell
Mo Yun must have sent someone to stalk me
so she deliberately appeared at the same time as I did.
Her purpose is to drive a wedge between me and everyone
to ruin our friendship.
You're foolish enough to fall for her tricks and you're unaware of that!
We were too foolish. Please forgive us, Your Highness!
After all, Cheng Gang works for me.
They were too careless and fell for Mo Yun's trick.
Everyone knows that I'm a very reasonable and sensible person.
Mo Yun is very cunning.
It's not surprising that you fell for her tricks.
Most importantly, you must learn from this lesson.
You have to stay united.
Everyone should remain in harmony. That's all.
You may all rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
Arch Prince sent me over to express his gratitude to you for bestowing
Hui Yu to him as a concubine.
He will visit you in person to thank you another day.
Should Your Highness wish to hear Lady Hui Yu play her zither
you need only to send someone to the manor.
I understand.
It's getting late.
I'm already tired.
Assist me back home to get some rest.
Yes.
I'll take my leave.
I already told you but you wouldn't listen.
It did turn out to be a misunderstanding.
Fortunately, my father is a very sensible man.
Otherwise, should he have punish everyone
both of you would have been implicated as well.
This really was a mistake.
I thought that we found the evidence.
Who knew that Mo Yu had tricked us?
Stop sighing.
We thought that we had finally found some clues
but now it's come to a dead end again.
Who knew that Mo Yun would be more difficult to deal with than we thought?
This is really frustrating.
We shouldn't stay here.
Let's head back to our manor.
We can't come up with any good ideas here so we might as well head home.
Princess Duan Min, I'll head home with Caidie now.
You're leaving already, Batu?
I wonder how your injury is.
- Should I take a look at it? - No, it's fine.
My wound is almost healed.
Stop drinking.
- I... - Let's go.
- I'll visit you another day.
Your Highness, what is this about?
Your Highness, His Majesty didn't make things difficult for you?
It's all right.
It was just a misunderstanding.
How could it be all right?
How could those servants be so bold?
How dare they do something so outrageous?
They reported such false charges against you to His Majesty.
I think that they should all be executed!
What does a woman have to say?
Your Highness, is it another relapse of your headache?
Imperial Physician told me that your headache is caused
by the accumulation of frustrations that aren't vented.
We couldn't share your burden.
However, if Your Highness is willing to vent your frustrations
it will help to ease your headaches.
Never did I expect Tie Cheng Gang to suspect me as well.
Could it be that I have been too harsh on them?
Your Highness, you mustn't think that.
Your Highness was entrusted by His Majesty with great responsibility
to manage such an important area.
If Your Highness isn't strict enough
your subordinates will surely slack off.
I think that Your Highness should be even more strict with rules and punishments
so that those unfaithful officials won't dare to try anything.
Another one.
What do women know?
I...
All in all, this is entirely my fault.
If I weren't so willful
those mean people wouldn't have had a chance to accuse you.
Please punish me, Your Highness!
Didn't Grand Imperial Noble Consort
already say that it isn't your fault?
Why are you still upset about it?
- Get up now. - That's right, Hui Yu.
It was nothing but a scare.
Stop blaming yourself.
But I got Your Highness into trouble...
How did you get me into trouble?
Look, am I not all right?
Hui Yu, if you still feel guilty about it
you must serve His Highness even better
to make up for it. Won't that be enough?
Yes.
Zi Hui is right.
Don't think too much about it.
Zi Hui and Hui Yu are both vixens.
Look at how well they echoed one another.
They talk even better than they sing.
Hong Hao, how is that medication of yours coming along?
It's almost ready.
We just need to put out and relight the brewing cylinder three times each.
How long will that take?
Your father's headaches are getting more and more serious.
- I'm really worried that... - Mother.
Don't worry, Mother. I promise that within three days
the medication will be ready.
Can't you speed it up?
Since Mother is so anxious, I'll ask the pharmacy again.
- It's so dirty and you didn't clean it? - Yes.
Where are your eyes?
Greetings to Chief Tie.
Housekeeper Zhang, please notify His Lordship for me.
Please tell Arch Lord Batu that I wish to see him.
Yes.
Chief Tie, is this news accurate?
Don't worry, Your Lordship.
I confirmed it again and again before I informed you of it.
Please rest assured, Your Lordship and Your Highness.
I hope that you can both offer me great assistance.
We won't miss out on this.
We'll follow your orders.
Thank you, Your Highness.
I have no time to waste. I still have to escort Vice Prince Bao Hong to Jingling.
I'll take my leave.
Offering wine and silk for the first ritual!
At times of offering, much sorrow is deepened.
Such times are when offerings should be made.
Offerings are made at three in the afternoon.
Offspring of the family are here to make the offering. May you taste it!
Kneel!
First kowtow!
Second kowtow!
When we bring the paper money over for burning
we'll go past Vice Prince Bao Hong.
Once we succeed, we'll slip out through that window.
Understand?
This money...
These are all gold ingots... Young Mistress.
What do you mean by this?
In a few days, Vice Prince Bao Hong will be going to Jingling
to perform the ritual for His Majesty and Arch Prince Chong.
You'll serve as attendants along the way.
Is that true?
Yes, it's true.
I'd like to ask you to carry out a task.
Once it is done
you just need to escape from there.
The task that you're asking us to perform... will it cost us our lives?
It's said, "Humans die in pursuit of wealth. Birds die in search of food."
I admit that it is indeed a risky job.
I can guarantee you that you'll be heavily rewarded
after the task is accomplished.
All these gold ingots will belong to you.
What do you say? Will you agree to this task?
Rise!
It's the auspicious hour!
The ritual ends!
The incense stick is burnt halfway through.
It's almost time.
You'd never expect me to take action today.
I've already taken the antidote that Madame gave me.
Once I release the intoxicating incense all of you will pass out.
Then, I, Mu Shu, will take your life, Hong Hao.
What is this?
There are assassins! Protect Vice Prince!
There are assassins!
- Assassins! - How dare they?
Third class guard of the Intelligence Unit, Peng Da Hai is here!
Your Highness, don't worry!
- This... - Guard Peng!
- It's not going as planned! Leave! - I won't go!
Leave now!
At least we caught one.
You're right. We have a lot to ask her.
Wei Tang, take her back with us.
Yes!
Take her away.
How is Vice Prince Bao Hong?
Your Lordship, he's fine.
I've already given him the antidote for the intoxicating incense.
He will wake up after a while.
Good to know.
Fortunately, Chief Tie had given us the antidote in advance.
Otherwise, we'd be unconscious like Vice Prince Bao Hong and Master Su.
But speaking of that, Chief Tie
how did you know that hairpin killers would attack
Vice Prince Bao Hong during the ritual?
Your Highness, all I did was to use a trick.
It's not exactly a premonition.
After all, I'm in charge of the entire Intelligence Unit.
If I don't have the ability to gather such information
how could I accomplish tasks given to me by His Majesty and Arch Prince?
Father, don't keep us hanging.
Tell us quickly.
Exactly.
Chief Tie, we did face Mo Yun head on a couple of times
but she always had the upper hand.
How did you get wind of Mo Yun's plans in advance? Tell us.
Your Lordship. Your Highness.
I'll be honest with you.
This is what happened.
A few days ago, I was getting ready to escort Vice Prince Bao Hong
to Jingling for the Grand Ritual.
Suddenly, it looked like someone dashed past the gate of the Intelligence Unit.
I followed the figure, and was surprised to discover that it was a woman.
After some questioning, she refused to admit where she was.
I thought that I was just being overly suspicious.
So I let her leave.
However, the more I thought about it the stranger it seemed.
Her words and actions were both highly suspicious.
Therefore, I approached her and tried out her skills.
She might be just a maid
but she was highly skilled in martial arts.
We had a tough fight and she was no match for me in the end.
I found a golden hairpin on her.
I told her to cooperate with me.
As long as we could arrest Mo Yun
I'd plead on her behalf to spare her life.
[Nan (Hard)]
Hairpin killer?
Your Madame Mo Yun was my junior in the sect.
I know the rules that she set up for you.
If you don't accomplish your task you will die when you return.
You'll still die even if you don't return.
How about this? You'll work for me from now on.
Work for the Imperial Court.
I can guarantee you wealth and luxury.
You must weigh your options carefully.
Chief Tie, you have a hairpin killer as your informant?
No wonder you have such accurate news.
What happened later?
Did you get a chance to capture Mo Yun?
Sadly, things didn't go as planned.
I managed to get information from that hairpin killer.
I took an army of soldiers with me to Mo Yun's residence.
But it seems that she found out that we were coming
because she had already left.
Sir, nothing was found!
I could only opt for the other plan.
I had this hairpin killer seek out the other ones hidden in the manor.
Unfortunately, none of them were allowed to keep in contact in private.
They don't know about each other's identity or appearance.
Fortunately, this hairpin killer is very observant
so I had her keep an eye out for suspicious characters in the manor.
It's because of her
that I could get the information about this attack so accurately
and ask Your Lordship and Princess Caidie for help.
We then managed to capture the criminal
and successfully protect Vice Prince Bao Hong from harm.
Chief Tie actually went to so much trouble for this ambush.
Chief Tie, it's been hard on you.
I'm really curious about the hairpin killer who is now our informant.
Have I met her?
Your Highness, I promised the hairpin killer
that I wouldn't reveal her identity.
I really can't answer this question.
Chief Tie, we've been investigating this case with you for such a long time.
You still can't trust me?
Your Highness, you worry too much.
Not to say that Your Highness isn't aware of her identity
but even Wei Tang wasn't told.
Only then could I protect the hairpin killer from harm.
Otherwise, judging by how pervasive Mo Yun is
we can't be sure when she might seize the chance to murder that hairpin killer.
Chief Tie, you should know
Caidie won't rest until she gets an answer.
She's extremely curious.
Your Lordship, I'll be honest with you.
Hupo, the hairpin killer that you captured isn't a real assassin.
She was just bait to lure the other assassins out.
Your Lordship, please forgive me for deceiving you.
But you must have already seen through our plan?
Wait, you're saying that Hupo is just an impostor?
I already told you that.
You just weren't listening to me.
We got a confession from Hupo about the mastermind too easily.
Didn't you find it suspicious?
At that time, I thought that Hupo wasn't really a hairpin killer.
Chief Tie has now proven that my analysis was right.
Wei Tang, did you know about this?
Half of the plan was my idea.
I did know about it.
The three of you are telepathic?
You all fooled me. That is so mean!
Please don't be angry, Your Highness.
We had to trick you into believing it or it wouldn't have worked.
However, on a good note
even though one of them escaped
we did capture a real hairpin killer today.
You're right.
How is the interrogation of the hairpin killer going?
Have you found any clues?
According to our investigation her name is Mu Shu.
She appears to be working in the pharmacy in Arch Prince Chong's manor.
I think that if we interrogate the servants in the pharmacy
we'll be able to seek out the others who escaped.
Good! Well done!
This is great!
Fortunately, you were well prepared.
That saved Hong Hao from falling into Mo Yun's trap
and losing his life.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness, I've just searched the pharmacy.
I didn't discover anything suspicious.
As for the other hairpin killer
she appears to be missing at this critical moment.
I think that if we could arrest that hairpin killer as well
I could then repay Your Highness for your kindness
to make up for my previous mistake.
I understand your sentiments.
Mo Yun is very cunning and deceitful.
Even I was tricked.
I was previously framed by her
but it wasn't your fault.
That's all the past now. Don't bring it up again.
Thank you, Your Highness.
How do you plan to proceed with her?
Your Highness, Chief Tie and I have used some torture implements on her.
Everyone has their fatal weakness.
Once we figure it out, we can break her.
We're still trying to use Mu Shu to lure out the other hairpin killers.
That's all we can do for now.
We have already tried that.
How effective would it be if we used the same trick twice?
Father, you used an impostor last time.
Only Caidie was fooled.
This time, we caught a real assassin.
You're the one to say.
Didn't I tell you to stay out of this case? Why didn't you obey me?
But the hairpin killers have already been made known to His Majesty!
I wish to be of some help.
Father, don't you wish to solve the case sooner?
I'm concerned about your safety.
Have you forgotten that you were attacked by hairpin killers?
You almost lost your life.
Father, don't worry.
If the hairpin killers really wanted to kill me
I'd still get attacked even if I stayed in the manor.
No way.
Please, Father.
I'm begging you...
Quickly.
Speak up quickly.
Your Highness, Caidie just wishes to be filial to you.
Since she'd like to join in the investigation, I'll protect her.
The more you forbid her from doing it the more she'll resist.
It might just make us more worried.
All right then.
Since Batu will keep an eye on you
I'll have less to worry about.
Thank you, Father.
Since you've caught a real hairpin killer
you should release Hupo.
She's suffered a lot.
Your Highness, please rest assured.
I've already sent Hupo home.
All right, we'll need to come up with a new strategy.
We have to capture Mo Yun!
Yes!
Nothing goes as planned. It was all for nothing.
Didn't my plan go down the drain?
Young Mistress, this nearly cost me my life.
Should you come up with a task like that again
please spare me from it.
All right, you suffered a lot this time.
I won't let you suffer again.
You can nurse your wounds for a few days.
Thank you, Young Mistress.
Your Lordship. Princess Caidie.
I've told all of Arch Prince's maids to take turns watching the torture.
I believe that by watching such torment
the hairpin killers will surely give themselves away somehow.
Wei Tang, bear this in mind.
You must make all the maids come to watch us torture her.
If any of them refuses to come here
I believe you know what to do.
If any of them refuses to come
I'll have them arrested.
Don't even think about it, jerk!
My sisters won't fall for your trick!
You had better kill me now
or else I will escape
and make you pay for this with twice the pain!
Good.
I look forward to it.
Not only did the mission fail terribly
but Shu Zi also got caught.
If we don't rescue Shu Zi soon, it will be too late!
My good sisters, I'm begging you.
Let's charge into the water dungeon to save Shu Zi!
But we can't take any action without Madame Mo's orders!
Xiao Yang, calm down.
I believe that Madame Mo won't just stand by without helping her.
We should await her orders.
Await her orders?
By the time we get Madame Mo's orders
Shu Zi will be dead!
All right, you won't help us?
I'll go on my own!
- Xiao Yang! - Xiao Yang!
The three of you!
Did he see us when we exchanged blows?
We'll have to take action now.
We have to kill him.
What are the three of you doing here?
Commander-in-chief ordered all maids to watch
the interrogation in the water dungeon.
Haven't you been notified?
Sire, we were out running errands for our mistresses.
We weren't told about the event.
I'm telling you about it now.
Come with me.
Yes.
You...
I recognize you.
You're the maid from Vice Prince He Qin's manor.
What are you doing here?
Sire, I was ordered by Vice Prince He Qin's concubine
to pick up medication for her.
Since you're here, come with me to watch the interrogation.
Yes.
Hurry up!
Whoever lags behind will be reported to Chief Tie.
You'll have to suffer for it. Quickly!
Walk faster!
Be careful!
You...
You're not hurt?
I'm all right.
Be quiet!
Watch carefully!
She is a hairpin killer!
You might know who she is.
Her name is Mu Shu.
She concealed her true identity.
She works in the pharmacy.
Now that she's in my hands
only one ending awaits her.
Don't be scared. I'll protect you.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
Batu, this is too cruel.
She's very pitiful. This is too much torment for a woman.
After all, she was just carrying out orders.
Look at all the maids. Aren't they all reacting the same way?
How can we possibly tell who are the hairpin killers?
Tell Chief Tie to stop whipping her.
Yes, this method is really too cruel.
Chief Tie!
Arch Lord Batu, what are your orders?
You said that torturing Mu Shu would draw out the other hairpin killers.
Now she's on the verge of death
but no one seems to have given herself away.
If this continues Mu Shu might not make it.
Why don't we change our method?
Your Lordship, you're not aware of this.
Hairpin killers are no ordinary woman.
Their demeanor is very different.
They remain hidden in the manor for years.
If we don't take extreme measures
how can we force them to show themselves?
Your Lordship and Princess Caidie mustn't take pity on them.
Batu, I really can't keep watching this.
Let's go out.
You're going to throw up?
I'm fine. I saw how badly Mu Shu was tortured. She's really pitiful.
Isn't Chief Tie too cruel?
You usually seem to be quite bold
but you can't stand it when it gets tough?
Walk quickly.
Your Lordship. Princess Caidie.
Greetings to Your Lordship and Princess Caidie.
Don't stand on ceremony.
Are you all right? Should I send for the imperial physician?
She's fine.
I'll tend to Caidie so she'll be fine.
Take them inside.
Yes.
Move along.
Yes.
Do you feel better?
No.
Shu Zi...
Don't get agitated.
Tie Cheng Gang's men are out there.
- Da Hai! - Present!
- Wake her up. - Yes.
What are you looking at?
Who are you looking at?
None of you are allowed to move!
Wei Tang! Da Hai! If any of those maids dare to move
- arrest them! - Yes!
It's fine if you won't talk.
I'd rather kill a thousand maids than miss one hairpin killer!
- Lock them all up! - Yes!
Don't get anxious.
I don't believe that he can get anything out of her.
We mustn't expose our identities until the very end.
Why are you laughing?
Madame Mo has always said
that that jerk, Tie Cheng Gang
is always full of tricks.
She told us to be very careful when we come across you.
Who knew... Who knew that now when I'm totally defenseless
I could still fool the whole bunch of you with just a glance.
Tell me... How could I not be happy about that?
Don't even dream about it, scum!
My sisters won't fall for this!
You want to use me as bait to lure out my sisters?
Fat chance!
You want to take your own life?
It won't be that easy!
Da Hai!
Take them all away.
- Get me another batch! - Yes.
Move! Come with me!
Hurry up!
Quickly!
Hurry up!
Xiao Yang... my good sister...
We'll meet in our next life...
Shu Zi, wait for me.
I'll get you out of here.
Li Yan! Are you all right?
Caidie, are you all right?
I'm all right...
I keep thinking about how terrible Mu Shu looked
and that smell in the dungeon...
I admit defeat this time.
- I feel horrible. - Your Highness!
Prince Consort!
Vice Princess Consort sent someone over
to ask you to go to her manor.
All the maids and cooks have been to the water dungeon.
They witnessed how badly Mu Shu was tortured.
But we didn't manage to spot the other hairpin killers.
Could it be that such torment isn't cruel enough?
Is that why those hairpin killers are indifferent to it?
It's hard to tell.
The maids were either reduced to tears
or they were vomiting.
I believe that hairpin killers are so well trained by Mo Yun
that they would be able to control their emotions no matter how upset they are.
I'm afraid... They already figured out what we have in mind.
These hairpin killers aren't ordinary folk.
Judging from what you said, have we totally failed?
No.
I've already followed your orders to increase security outside the dungeon.
Once the hairpin killers try to break into the dungeon to save Mu Shu
we'll have them cornered.
Father, don't worry.
All right.
We should do something as well.
Let's read through the letters we found in Mu Shu's room again.
We'll see if we can find any clues in them.
This is lotus leaf and tuckahoe tea.
It can help calm one's nerves. You won't be nauseous after drinking it.
Thank you, Guard Peng.
Thank you for going to all this trouble.
Look at you. Why are you so polite considering how close we are?
How are you? Do you feel better now?
Chief Tie's tea works so well!
- Chief Tie... - Exactly! It's Chief Tie's tea.
Wait here. I'll get you more!
Chief Tie!
- Please spare me, Chief Tie! - Greetings to Chief Tie.
Peng Da Hai, this isn't your first day at work.
You should know that the Intelligence Unit
is a highly confidential and restricted place?
How could you bring a random person in here so freely?
I came in quietly on purpose.
I wanted to see what you were up to.
Who knew that you took my valuable tea
to make yourself look good?
Do you still have any regards for me, the Commander-in-chief?
Please spare me, Chief Tie!
- Chief Tie, I was wrong! - Chief Tie, I've done wrong.
Chief Tie, please have mercy on us!
Chief Tie, Yan Er was wrong.
I won't ever come into the Intelligence Unit again.
Please forgive me.
Please spare me and Guard Peng!
- Yes. - Father.
Please let them off for my sake.
Da Hai will learn from his mistake. He won't do it again.
All right! Since Wei Tang pleaded on your behalf
I'll let you off for his sake.
It won't be allowed again. Keep that in mind.
- Thank you, Chief Tie! - Thank you, Chief Tie!
You're still not leaving?
Get up!
Let's go! Quickly!
Good fellow.
You didn't tell me that you fell for someone.
So much for being my buddy.
We just got friendly.
We'll talk about it another day.
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