[Dimsum.My Ver] E02 Princess Silver -♥ Hafiz Adam ♥- http://twitter.com/hafizadam
Episode 2
I am Princess Rong Le of Western Qi.
It's my honour to meet Your Majesty.
At ease, Princess.
Rise.
Much obliged, Your Majesty.
-Xiao Sha. -Yes, Princess.
Present the gift to His Majesty.
Yes, Princess.
Bring it in.
Your Majesty, in order to thank you for your generous gift,
my brother has prepared this returning gift.
Please accept it.
White jade glaze cup.
Word is, this white jade glaze cup has been here for hundreds of years.
There is only a pair of these in this world and it's priceless.
If you use them to drink tea, the tea will be fragrant and refreshing.
If you use them to drink water in summer,
they can cool you off, quench your thirst and you'll feel invigorated.
And your body will be revived. These cups are really intriguing.
The Emperor of Qi has given me such a treasure.
Minister Yang, write a letter for me.
I want to express my thanks towards Emperor of Western Qi.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty,
before our princess departs to come here,
my emperor has ordered me to pass on his words to you.
What is it that Emperor of Qi has to say?
He said that...
the white jade glaze cups are indeed rare treasures.
But they are incomparable to Princess Rong Le...
who took a high place in his heart.
He hopes that your country can treat our princess well.
By doing so, the hundred-year-deal between us two will be secured.
Of course.
Princess Rong Le is the peace ambassador between us two countries.
She is undoubtedly the honoured guest of our country.
And she will be marrying my son.
We will give her the best treatment.
Your Majesty, Prince Li...
What is wrong with him?
I have already summoned him for more than two hours. Where is he?
Servants in Prince Li's Manor said that Prince Li is resting.
So, he cannot attend the court.
-Wu Yu. -Yes, father.
Go to Prince Li's Manor to summon him.
Bring him to the court no matter what you have to do.
Yes, father.
Wu You, come out!
Wu You, I beg you. Let's attend the court, alright?
" Simple and Unadorned "
Wu You.
If you don't come out, I'll be sent to the royal tomb.
Your Highness.
We can't continue like this. His Majesty is still waiting for us.
Don't blame me then.
Father, Wu You is here.
Arrival of Prince Li.
Insolent! How dare he comes here in this manner?
Father.
Just now, you told me to use any way I can...
to bring Wu You to the court, right?
Shut up!
Scoundrel, get up now!
Wu You, don't be rude.
The princess is the peace ambassador between us two countries.
I already prepared your wedding suit for you. Change into it quickly.
We'll seal this engagement...
in the great hall today and you'll get married as soon as possible.
When did I agree to getting married?
Your marriage is already set.
Whether you agree or not, this marriage will go on.
Guards!
-Change the clothes for Prince Li. -Yes, Your Majesty!
Your Majesty.
Do you really want to use force?
If you really don't want to do it,
I can find another person to get married in your stead.
Wu Yu.
Father.
Since you can find a stand-in for my marriage,
how about letting him consummate the marriage too?
Scoundrel, how dare you say that.
I won't marry her.
If you really want to forge alliance with Western Qi through marriage,
please choose another person.
I'm not sure about other things...
but in this Northern Realm,
we have a lot of princes.
You are chosen by Emperor of Qi.
The marriage is already set. How can you just change it?
Your Majesty.
Please allow me to speak my mind.
Please do, Princess.
When I was coming to the Northern Realm, I was thinking...
about how will my future husband be like.
I was thinking that even though he might not be perfect,
at least he would not behave like this.
The Northern Realm's marriage proposal...
has described so highly of Prince Li.
It said that he is courteous,
brave, intelligent and extremely resourceful.
But the Prince Li that I saw...
is not courteous.
He is arrogant and rude.
He is not brave and intelligent. Just fallacious reasoning.
He is not resourceful. Instead, he is wilful and wild.
Just like a kid that will never grow up.
He acted like a spoiled child in public.
I understand.
Mutual consent is needed in a marriage.
I too, want to marry a husband of my choice.
And I want to have a happy and beautiful life.
I don't want to move so far away from my country to get married.
But for the benefit of my country,
I came to this country out of duty.
I as a woman can do that...
while a manly prince like you keeps on rejecting it.
Can't you take this righteous cause for your country?
So all in all, you are set on me.
That might not be true.
I just hope that you can give us a chance to know each other.
But if you still haven't change your mind after half a year,
I'll do as you say.
I'll marry to another without complaint.
You sounded so righteous.
But in my opinion,
a strong country does not rely on alliance through marriage.
Only the weak will cower behind the skirts of a lady...
to hide his own weaknesses.
Of course,
your self-sacrificing spirit today is very touching.
But I, Zong Zheng Wu You,
will not exchange my marriage...
for some benefits.
I'm not interested at all...
in your half-a-year deal.
Do you have no interest or do you have no confidence?
You gave excuses and wanted to escape.
Are you afraid that you'll lose to me?
A taunt.
You said that you are strong.
Are you afraid to take on this bet?
Looks like the famous Prince Li...
is not that impressive after all.
We'll do as the princess has said. Half a year it is.
This court is adjourned.
Wu You, I think your plan will fail this time.
Princess Rong Le is not an easy opponent.
What if she still forces you to marry her after half a year?
Nobody can force me against my will.
Although it's rumoured that she is ugly, she has a nice voice.
She has a sharp tongue too. It'll be fun to bicker with her.
Wu You, how about just marrying her?
If you admire her so much,
you can marry her.
No. She is too capable. I can't handle her.
Greetings, Your Highness.
His Majesty has summoned Prince Li.
I don't have time for him.
If you don't have time to come to me, how about I come to you?
Father.
Father, I'll take my leave first.
Let's go.
I know.
You still bear grudge towards me for the things that happened in the past.
All these years, you paid no attention to the country's affairs...
and you didn't attend court.
You don't even want to see me.
And I let you.
But today's matter holds great importance for our country.
You can't act recklessly about it.
During the war against Wei last time,
crown prince had directed the armies with ill ease.
In the end, they lost and fled from the war until they were...
forced by Wei army to strip off their armours. Such disgrace.
I have to bring back the honour of our country.
So, I have to declare war against Wei again.
And having an alliance with Western Qi...
can strengthen our hold.
It is of vital importance for our country.
Crown prince is the one who made the mistake in the war with Wei.
What has it got to do with me?
I already made an exception by helping out with the issue in south.
What else do you want?
I was very glad when you lent a helping hand...
with the issue in the south.
It shows that in your heart,
you still care for the country.
Wu You, if you can forget the past...
and let go of the prejudice and resentment towards me,
with your brilliance, you'll pioneer a great undertaking in the future.
You want me to forget the past? Impossible.
And it's impossible that I'll marry...
that princess from Western Qi after half a year.
Your Majesty.
You are the one bent on using woman to consolidate your power.
As for what I want,
I'll get it honourably with my own capability.
Wu You.
Recently, my body is not as strong as before.
I'm already past my prime.
This country...
needs a capable and reliable heir.
You are still in the prime of manhood.
You have so many women and sons.
Your heir is the crown prince.
Nothing to do with me.
This princess is as spoilt and wilful as the rumours said.
Never thought that this arrogant Prince Li will suffer too.
He always looked down on me because His Majesty dotes on him.
This princess...
has helped me to vent out my grievance towards him.
I think that this arranged marriage between Prince Li and the princess...
will be very unfavourable to you.
If Prince Li really marries the princess of Western Qi,
his might will be redoubled.
And sooner or later, he will threaten your position.
Minister Yu, you worry too much.
Before my father regains his lands back then,
as the eldest, I had gone into war by his side far and wide.
I'm so much more popular than Wu You...
who paid no attention to the country's affairs.
Even though I lost in the war with Wei,
my father has never tried to demote me.
As for this Prince Li,
do you think they will really get married...
based on today's situation?
How wise of you. You outmatch you opponent.
Your Majesty, Princess Rong Le has reached the Northern Realm safely.
And she had entered the palace to meet the emperor of Northern Realm.
Have you released the Kite to search for highly-skilled doctor...
as I had ordered?
We had sent a team....
to Winter Mountain and other places the doctor went to search for him.
Arrival of Her Majesty!
-Step out first. -Yes, Your Majesty.
Greetings, mother.
-Rise. -Thank you, mother.
I had reminded you time after time.
Those who seek to be successful...
have to be ruthless and incisive.
Rather bear brief, sharp pains than lasting ones.
Thank you for your teachings.
Have you investigate the assassination done to you by Chen...
when you went out from the palace?
Don't you know that...
those people had already been silenced by death?
Greetings, my princess.
We have reached the Princess Manor. Please get off from the carriage.
" Princess Manor "
His Majesty had decreed.
Princess Rong Le is an honoured guest of this Northern Realm.
Make sure to serve her well. Give her the best treatment.
We'll do as his command.
This way please, Princess.
You are our honoured guest.
We should be the one responsible for your safety.
Your entourage is new here. They are not familiar with this place.
They need to get used to it slowly.
Your guard will be staying temporarily in a post-house.
No need to worry about them.
I don't mind with the others.
But my personal bodyguard, Xiao Sha, is sent by my brother.
Before I left, my brother specially reminds me that...
I can't let this guard leave my side.
If even he has to stay in a post-house,
I would not know how to explain to my brother.
Alright.
Let him through.
This way please, Princess.
This manor is specially made for you, Princess.
The design in this place is made according to your likings.
We hope that you'll find this a home away from home.
His Majesty is deeply apologetic for the things that happened yesterday.
He has specially prepared some gifts as a way of expressing that.
Thank you for His Majesty's kindness.
Madam Qiu Yi.
She is the housekeeper of this manor, Qiu Yi.
You can go to her if you need anything.
Greetings, Princess.
Be at ease.
I won't keep you from resting then, Princess.
You may leave too.
-Anything else? -You are still an unmarried lady.
Although Captain Xiao is with you,
he is still a man.
According to the rules, he can only stay in the outer courtyard.
I am the princess of Western Qi.
As long as I'm still unmarried, I'll still be a Western Qi's citizen.
This is none of your concern. You may leave.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
Please don't make it difficult for me.
I'm entrusted by His Majesty to take care of Princess Manor.
-I'm just following the rules. -What are the rules?
Since His Majesty has given me a manor with Western Qi design,
here, my words are the rules.
Leave.
Looks like you are not willing to obey my order as well.
If that's the case, I won't be staying in this Princess Manor.
Let's go.
Princess.
Please calm down, Princess. I don't mean to disobey you.
I'm just doing it for your own good.
Xiao Sha.
Captain Xiao. What are you doing?
I should be the one asking you.
How dare you block the princess's path.
What are you trying to do?
I want to ask His Majesty.
Are you treating me as an honoured guest...
or are you trying to cage me.
You have overstated things.
I can do nothing when Prince Li rejected the marriage.
But if the servants in my manor dare to disobey me...
I think Prince Li wouldn't blame her...
for killing one or two of her servants to vent out her anger.
Please spare my life. I've learnt my mistake.
You are the mistress in this manor.
If you insist that Captain Xiao should stay here,
I won't dare to stop you.
But if you want to leave the manor,
even if you kill me,
I'll have to send some guards from the manor to go with you...
in order to protect you.
If something dangerous happens to you, even my death...
wouldn't be enough for me to atone for my sins.
Prince Li of the Northern Realm, Zong Zheng Wu You,
is a very talented man,
the sole disciple of Qin Yong, ex-chief Minister of Northern Realm.
So, it's very possible that he has...
'The Book of Mountains and Rivers' written by Qin Yong.
-The Book of Mountains and Rivers? -That's right.
The Book of Mountains and Rivers...
has recorded the rise and dip of the mountains,
the cities, the pools and strategic places from all over the world.
It has detailed information about astronomy, geography, meteorology...
and the fastest way to win a war.
So,
there is a rumour that...
those who possessed the book will possess the world.
If I can get my hands on this book within half a year,
I can go back to Western Qi and stay by my brother's side.
-Princess. -Do you have the information?
Yes. It's in Moon Embrace Teahouse.
Alright. I have to go out a while.
You want to go out alone?
This Princess Manor is heavily guarded.
We need to find a way if I want to go out.
Alright, Princess.
Madam.
Madam, such beautiful flowers.
You just plucked it for the princess, right?
How kind of you, Madam.
Miss Ling Yue.
The princess is our mistress.
It's only right to serve her.
But you are not our mistress.
This pot of flowers is very expensive.
What if you break it?
Madam, let me bring it in for you.
Have you no regards for the rules?
Ever since the princess lives here,
as the housekeeper, I don't even have the chance to meet her.
It's all because of you and Lian Xin.
Princess gave the order to not let you in.
How dare you threaten me with princess.
Captain Xiao.
This is just a misunderstanding.
It's just that I haven't been serving the princess lately.
Those who know...
will know that those two have served the princess well.
Those who don't will think that the princess is being petty...
and is still mad at me for the incident last time.
Madam, you think too much.
Our princess is very magnanimous.
She just complimented you just now.
She said that you are very meticulous.
And you ensured that everything in the manor runs smoothly.
By the way, the princess is going to award you.
She had asked you to gather everybody in the garden.
She wants to award everybody at once.
I'll leave this to you then, Miss Lian Xin.
Thank you, Captain Xiao.
Please give these out to everybody.
Please ask the kitchen to prepare more food for tonight.
Tonight, there will be a feast for everybody.
Thank you, Princess.
There are enough for everybody.
Don't fight for it.
Take it. This is for you.
Wu You.
No need to strike out at father every time you see him.
Actually, he cares for you the most.
Alright. I won't talk about it anymore.
Wu You, look.
Look at what I've brought you.
Take a look.
-This is a good tea. -Of course it is.
This tea set is not a normal tea set as well.
I got this treasure from the Rare Item Chest in Moon Embrace Teahouse.
I heard that this Rare Item Chest contains...
luxurious clothes and rare treasures from all over the world.
I have to plead the shopkeeper...
to sell me the tea and the tea set.
Wu You, I know that you love tea.
If only we can go for tea tasting in the Moon Embrace Teahouse...
and take a look at their Rare Item Chest...
Moon Embrace Teahouse, right?
That's right. Come along with me.
This is indeed a good tea.
But I think it doesn't taste very pure.
It's not pure? Impossible.
I can't possibly lie to you, Wu You.
Do you think you can lie to me?
-No. -Fine.
On behalf of this tea,
I'll go with you this time.
" Moon Embrace Teahouse "
How rude. How can you just go away after running into me?
Mistress, you are here.
We have been waiting for you.
Although it's far, I have arrived safely.
This teahouse is brimming with customers.
Looks like it's doing well.
Good soil to plant the tea tree in.
And the best water to steep the tea leaves in.
Our master has high aspiration. Of course we'll have good business.
You might be doing well.
But I heard that you are already carried away with your success.
Just like the kite that flies high above.
We are no longer of importance to you.
That is not true, Mistress.
No matter how high the kite flies, the master still holds the string.
Since you are already here personally,
from now on, you'll be the decision-maker...
for every matters regarding this teahouse.
Looks like you are the shopkeeper of Moon Embrace Teahouse.
Yes, I am. Greetings, Mistress.
This way please, Mistress.
Greetings, Princess.
Be at ease.
From now on, when I'm here, I won't be a princess.
You just need to address me as mistress.
Yes, Mistress.
Before this,
there were rumours about the princess of Western Qi being ugly.
Is that the work of Moon Embrace Teahouse and the Kite?
You are indeed brilliant.
His Majesty knows that you didn't do it willingly.
So, he wants to buy you as much time as he can.
I understand the troubles he took.
We'll come back to this matter after half a year.
I think you know the purpose of me coming here.
We are still searching for The Book of Mountains and Rivers.
Can you tell me more about The Book of Mountains and Rivers?
Have a seat.
Sixteen years ago,
there were a few major incidents in the Northern Realm.
For example, Fu Yuan passed away in a fire.
Fu Yuan?
Fu Yuan is the youngest daughter of the previous Emperor of Chen.
Before Northern Realm reclaims their lands, they align with Chen.
Fu Yuan was set for marriage.
In the end, Fu Yuan had to leave her home town...
to marry the Emperor of Northern Realm.
After the emperor reclaimed his lands, he appointed her as Queen.
But after that, they turned against each other for reasons we don't know.
Fu Yuan was sent to the Cold Harem.
And she passed away in an accidental fire.
So, this fire is related to The Book of Mountains and Rivers.
We are yet to be sure about the relations.
But there are a few other incidents that happened on the same year.
Emperor of Northern Realm's most favourite concubine passed away too.
These two women were eyesores for each other.
But they died one after another in accidents.
Not long after, ex-chief minister, Qin Yong and his family were killed.
Word is, he was related to Lady Yun's death.
From then on, the Emperor of Northern Realm has imposed a ban.
Everything regarding Qin Yong, including the book became taboos.
Nobody dares to mention about it after that.
There is no word about it at all?
Although Qin Yong is dead, many of his former subordinates still live.
I started my investigation from here.
And I did find a person.
Princess.
The night feast is ready.
Please inform the princess, Miss Lian Xin.
When are we going to start the feast?
The princess hasn't been sleeping well lately.
She is still napping.
When she wakes, I'll inform her.
I'll take my leave then.
-Ling Yue. -She's gone?
Why is the princess still not here?
I'll go and bring back the princess. Both of you stay here.
Wu You, we are here.
If you want to drink tea in Zhongshan,
everybody will come to Moon Embrace Teahouse.
But if they want to listen to music and drink wine,
they will go to House of Fragrance.
The Flower Queen of the House of Fragrance, Miss Chen Yu...
is indeed a beauty that put the moon and flowers to shame.
But nobody knows her true identity.
So, Miss Chen Yu has news about The Book of Mountains and Rivers.
I'm still not sure if she has...
any usable information.
But I'm sure that...
her father who was punished is the former subordinate of Qin Yong.
Good.
She is an important lead.
You have to investigate more about her.
By the way, is there anyone looking out for her?
Miss Chen Yu is a beauty of her own.
Of course she has a lot of admirers.
A lot of aristocrats from the capital want to get close to her.
Recently, I heard that Prince Chen has frequented that place.
Alright, understood.
From today onwards, you are the mistress here,
your name is Man Yao.
Before this, you roamed the world doing business with your father.
And you came back recently to take over this teahouse.
On the surface, Moon Embrace Teahouse is opened to all.
And we have the best silks and satin in the Rare Item Chest.
But actually, we are using it as a cover to gather information...
and as a cover up for the Kite's activities.
So, this is the rendezvous point for the Kite.
Using a shop as a cover. That is quite smart.
Mistress, we had prepared the papers that'll prove this identity of yours.
Everything is flawless.
" Rare Item Chest "
Help!
Sir Zhao!
Are you alright, Mistress?
Go.
Sir Zhao!
Sir Zhao is dead.
So,
this is the real reason you brought me here.
Wu You, I don't mean to lie to you.
But this man holds the evidence against higher-ups in court...
that worked with local officers to sell posts and titles.
He doesn't trust anybody. He trusts only you.
He said that he'll only hand over the evidence when he sees you.
Wu You. I know that you rarely meddle with this kind of things.
So, I rarely trouble you with these.
But look at him.
Sir Zhao is just a minor local officers.
He risks his life to keep this piece of evidence...
so that one day, he'll have the chance to clean up the officialdom...
and give a glimmer of hope to those with real talents.
Wu You. I just want to help him. I don't know that it'll be like this.
So what if he's a good officer?
He has aspiration but he overreached himself.
They dare to murder him under our scrutiny.
This is outrageous. I have to avenge Sir Zhao for his death.
Wu Yu. Selling official posts and titles are grave crimes until...
they dare to kill someone during daylight in heavily-guarded capital.
Do you still think that the power behind this...
is something that you can take care of with ease?
What do you mean then?
Even if you report this case to the authorities,
you won't get any results.
Unless you have an irrefutable evidence.
Give this man a proper burial.
Take care of his family.
Your Highness. All of the assassins had ended their own lives.
We found only this.
No need to look.
Someone must have taken the things inside.
Father.
-What's the situation? -Luckily we took precautions.
We managed to murder Sir Zhao before he meets the two princes.
Just that none of my men came back.
And the paper is gone.
We can't let Prince Li get his hand on this paper.
It seems that those princes have ended up empty-handed as well.
Maybe the assassins had taken care of that paper before they die.
We can't lower our guards.
Most of the money from selling posts goes to the crown prince.
But our family is the middle-man.
If this matter is exposed,
our family will be standing at the line of fire.
And we'll be in big trouble.
The crown prince never thought of Prince Li as a threat.
If he doesn't meddle with official affairs, why would he meet Sir Zhao?
Prince Li is a beast that lurks in the dark waiting for his chance.
Crown prince has underestimated his opponent.
Keep a close eye on Prince Li and Prince Chen.
Report to me if something is amiss.
Yes, father.
Are you alright, Mistress?
Prince Li has two major taboos.
One is alcohol and another one is touching women.
Just now was a close call.
No wonder.
I just never thought that...
they'll be here.
Prince Li loves tea.
That's why they hide their identities and come here.
You have to be careful. There must be no flaw.
Understood.
Come here, both of you.
Let me ask you, why is Sir Zhao murdered?
And, why did they try to kill both of you?
Is Sir Zhao your friend?
That's right.
Let's be clear. Are you asking me or am I asking you the questions?
Pardon me.
Your friend is the cause of the incident today.
Moon Embrace Teahouse has suffered great loss.
Normally, we will have to ask for compensation from both of you.
But since that both of you had saved us just now,
I won't be asking you for the compensation.
Let's just say that you had repaid it by saving our lives.
Who are you?
-This is... -I'm not asking you.
My name is Man Yao.
I'm the mistress of this teahouse.
Mistress?
Why I never know that the Moon Embrace Teahouse has a mistress?
And you are a woman.
Although I'm a woman, I have the aspiration of a man.
Since young, I roamed the world doing business with my elder.
I never thought that I'll encounter this incident...
right after I reach here.
Is that so?
You haven't answered me. Why did they chase after you?
Did you see anything?
I really don't know.
When I came out just now, they were already fighting.
Luckily both of you managed to save my life in time.
Have you seen this before?
Think carefully. This is the possession of the deceased.
We found it here. But the things inside are gone.
I really don't know.