"Episode 1"
In 1627,
Pang Tong was made the fifth emperor, Emperor Liang Hao of Liang Dynasty.
Although Pang Tong had a gentle temperament,
he encouraged freedom of expression.
He even made an exception,
and allowed a female commoner into the imperial court,
which led to her legendary life.
Lang Kun.
Have you done what I asked you to?
Your Majesty.
Here are all the famous circus troupes in Liang dynasty.
There's Feng Xiang Ming circus troupe from Han City.
Xuan Gong from Ning Province.
Li Fang from Yongdu.
Feng Xiang Ming?
That's a good name. I like it.
It looks interesting too.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Wei Guang.
You've been with me for some time.
As the Chief of the Imperial Household,
it's your duty to do your work.
Convey my decree.
Summon them into the palace.
Yes.
Everyone.
Next, the star performer from our circus troupe,
will perform chair acrobatics for everyone.
Great.
"Ye Ning Zhi"
Great.
Great!
Great.
Great!
Be careful.
Great!
Thank you.
Thank you for your help.
I said thank you.
Shouldn't you say something?
Good skills.
-But it's a little hasty. -Thank you.
-What did you say? -Thank you.
-Coming. Thanks. -Calligraphy and painting?
It's the first time someone rewarded me with this.
Take a closer look.
I don't see anything.
This is a token from the empress. Take this as the pledge.
You can perform at empress dowager’s birthday party.
When it's done, you'll also get 500 taels of silver as a reward.
Do you understand?
Five hundred taels.
Five hundred taels?
"Decree from Empress."
Quickly go and collect the money.
Brother.
Five hundred taels?
Here. The food is here.
-The food is served! -Come on. Take a seat.
Have a seat.
Let me say something.
I thought the circus troupe wouldn't last.
Who knows that things have taken a new turn?
-Thank God. -Just the God?
Thanks to the young lady.
-That's right. -Fortunately, she's quick-witted.
-She seized a big opportunity. -That's right.
Also, thanks to that young master on the street.
Didn't you call him a good lad? Why called him young master now?
No. I was panic back then, right?
Most importantly,
-we need to thank my mum. -That's right.
My mum worked hard to run the circus troupe.
She even taught us the circus skills. Here.
-To my mum. -Here.
-A toast to you.
Mum.
Are you unhappy?
Silly girl.
Don't you know you're in big trouble?
What kind of place is the imperial palace?
If you're not careful,
you would die without even knowing the reason.
This is great now. You're taking the whole group into the palace.
Mum, I promise you.
I'll come back safely. All right?
All right?
All right.
I know.
You're doing this for our family.
Here.
This is the new clothes that I made for you.
After entering the palace, you must be more careful.
Come on. Let's toast to the leader. Come on.
-Cheers. -Cheers.
There's another one. Did you see that?
Did you notice there are many young and pretty girls going to the city?
We bumped into many of them.
They failed to be chosen in the imperial concubine selection.
They're passing through this place.
This is...
It's boring.
It's so boring.
His Majesty actually likes blockhead belles.
If I were the Emperor, I'll choose the two of you.
Interesting ones.
-Then, he can enjoy in the palace. -A girl like you, huh?
Me? I'm not going.
Everyone knows that there are strict rules in the palace.
Like what my mum said.
Given my temperament,
I'll surely not last more than three months in there.
-That makes sense. -Let's go.
-This is more relaxing. -That's right.
Look over there.
Come on.
Let's go.
Let's go there.
-This way. Keep up. -That girl at the front.
She's Ye Ning Zhi, who plays the lead role in the circus troupe.
This girl is quite pretty.
But it's a shame.
She doesn't know.
This is actually the final beautiful moment of her life.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
What kind of performance have you prepared...
for empress dowager's birthday?
Your Highness.
First, we'll perform the opera.
Then, six fairies will descend from above,
to wish empress dowager a happy birthday.
Each of us has a congratulatory message.
A congratulatory message?
Let's hear it.
There are blessings from both the Earth and Heaven.
This is the prosperous moment of all.
It's a cliché.
The empress dowager won't like it.
Is it?
We can't come up with a good one in such a short period of time.
Come forward.
Do you remember it?
Yes, I remember. But...
Will the empress dowager like it if we say that?
The empress dowager is my mother.
Will I not know what she likes?
She likes the sense of novelty. It's best if you can be more lively.
Rehearse it in these two days.
-Just perform using this message. -All right.
Come on.
Reward them with the gifts for Concubine Qi and Concubine Chen.
A pair of jade earrings.
One ceramic glaze cup.
Your Highness, these are expensive gifts.
We can't accept them.
Thank you, Your Highness.
So long as it makes empress dowager happy,
the circus troupe will have great times ahead.
-Thank you, Your Highness. -All right. Rehearse.
The officer who invited us into the palace didn't come to meet us.
We just entered the palace.
We don't know what the empress dowager likes.
Will the empress dowager really be pleased to hear this message?
You must be Ms. Ye's mum.
The leader of Feng Ming Xiang circus troupe, right?
Greetings, Mr. Wei.
I didn't get to thank you yet,
for recommending my daughter into the palace.
Don't mention it.
By counting the days,
Ms. Ye has entered the palace for some time.
She'll return in a few days' time.
I believe the empress dowager will be pleased with it.
I'm counting on that.
I shall not disturb you then.
I shall take my leave.
Leader.
Here you are.
Boss, bill please.
-Five taels of silver. -Where's Ning Zhi?
Aren't you with her in the palace?
Don't be nervous. The circus troupe is fine.
But my mum is seriously ill.
Ning Zhi told me to return to look after her.
How is Ning Zhi? She didn't get into trouble, right?
Everything's fine. Ning Zhi is smart.
That's why she earns the favour from Princess Royal.
Princess Royal is very pleased and even bestow Ning Zhi generously.
Is that so?
Not only that.
Princess Royal personally taught Ning Zhi the congratulatory message,
to please the empress dowager.
Really?
Quickly take a seat.
Tell me more.
Mr. Wei.
Return to the palace at once.
But aren't you going to Ping Province?
Someone's life is at stake.
"Emperor Liang Hao, Pang Tong"
"Prince Guang Ding, Pang Yu"
The empress dowager is not a human.
-Instead... -What did you say?
What did you just say?
Who did you say isn't a human?
Who's not a human?
Your Highness.
Calm down, Your Highness.
I'm not done yet.
Go on.
The empress dowager is not a human.
Instead, Her Highness is the Old Man of the South Pole.
All the descendants are thieves.
Stop talking.
People.
Arrest them.
The descendant?
Isn't that referring to His Majesty?
All are thieves.
You mean...
His Majesty is a thief?
-Your Highness, I... -Your Majesty.
I heard these phrases while I was leading the troops back from Jiangnan.
It's obvious someone told them to say that.
Especially the third phrase.
All the descendants are thieves.
Isn't that insinuating that Your Majesty's throne...
is stolen from others?
We...
How does a circus troupe have the nerves...
to come out with a spate of nonsense in the palace?
Your Majesty.
We must investigate this thoroughly.
Your Majesty.
I think this is a serious matter.
How would a few villagers come up with phrases with hidden motives?
I'm the one who invited this troupe for empress dowager's birthday.
Why don't I investigate this matter?
Empress.
I'm afraid it's hard to convince the people if you investigate it.
So, I think it's better for empress to stay away from this.
Your Majesty, to protect my innocence,
why don't you appoint someone to investigate this matter?
Prince Guang Ding, Princess Royal.
Both of you are in charge to investigate this matter.
Take them down.
Yes.
Princess Royal, what is this? You're the one who made us...
Keep quiet. Don't you get it? Princess Royal has set us up.
Shut up if you want to live.
Where are the other members of the circus troupe?
Don't worry.
Princess Royal wouldn't put them in bad spot.
Look how well Princess Royal is treating you.
You're served with good food.
Why don't you quickly confess?
That's right. Tell us if there's anything.
Her Highness knows that,
someone must have made you say those four phrases.
Is it Her Majesty?
Say no more.
I don't believe empress would do that.
But the truth lies before us.
These four phrases came from Shanxi.
Everyone knows that,
Prince Tai Yuan from Shanxi is Her Majesty's trusted aide.
This doesn't make any sense.
-Why would empress do that? -Report!
Your Majesty.
We found these two items in Ye Ning Zhi's room.
Present them.
Why would a circus performer,
own such expensive things?
I did bestow empress with these two items.
These are the officers instructed,
by Princess Royal to impeach Your Majesty.
There are actually so many offences listed on it.
We have to keep this list.
We'll settle the scores with them in the future.
That's how things are in the world.
One would only gild the lily, but not provide timely help.
These people gained so much of benefits from me.
When there's a decline of power for me...
all of them took the side of Princess Royal.
Don't worry.
I'll keep all your names in mind.
Your Majesty.
But right now, I think Ye Ning Zhi is the key.
We entered the palace under empress's decree for empress dowager's birthday.
Everything was well at first.
If it wasn't for the congratulatory message taught by Princess Royal,
things wouldn't turn out this way.
What should I do next,
to protect the safety of everyone in the circus troupe?
What are you doing?
Come with us.
-Where are we going? -None of your concern.
His name is Wei Guang.
He's my strategist.
He rushed back here to help you redress an injustice.
So, you're Mr. Wei?
Quickly greet Her Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Stand up to talk.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Do you know why I had you brought here?
I don't know.
Don't worry.
This is Yong De Palace.
It's my place.
No one would dare to bully you.
I know you are tight with your friends.
So, you surely wouldn't abandon your friends.
I've asked people to scout out the situation over there.
The members of circus troupe are being interrogated by the Supreme Court.
Do you want to see them?
Yes.
All right.
All you have to do is to tell me.
Did someone teach you to say those four phrases?
Do you know the Palace Discipline Service?
Anyone who committed a crime will be held in there.
I'm afraid you'll soon be held in there too.
I really don't wish to see an innocent girl like you,
idle away your time.
So long as you tell the truth,
I'll keep you safe.
Your Majesty, General Zheng led a large army of imperial guards here.
He suspects that Ye Ning Zhi is hiding in here.
He said he wants to search for the fugitive to protect Your Majesty.
What a joke.
Protect me?
Get out there and tell them.
He can't barge into Yong De Palace as he pleases.
Yes.
Ning Zhi.
You're a good kid.
You won't sit by and watch Princess Royal throw her weight around.
Just tell me the truth.
I swear.
I will do my best,
to protect you and the members of the circus troupe.
Your Majesty.
It was indeed Princess Royal who taught me to say those four phrases.
All right.
I'll take you to Guang Xuan Palace,
to make things clear with His Majesty.
Your Majesty.
At that time, I'll say things that I should.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
What are you doing here?
I'm carrying out my duty. I dare not slack off.
I seek for Your Majesty's understanding.
The imperial guards act under His Majesty's order,
to protect Her Majesty.
We must arrest this fugitive.
His Majesty ordered for the arrest of this criminal.
You want to arrest her?
Very well.
Who dares to bypass me?
Bring it on and catch her then.
Your Majesty.
Come with me.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Empress.
How could you do something so ridiculous?
Ye Ning Zhi is a rebel.
How could you take her to Yong De Palace?
Princess Royal carried out interrogation for a few days,
but there was no progress.
I'm feeling anxious.
So, I had to personally get to the bottom of things.
Perhaps, there is divine justice after all.
I managed to find out something very interesting.
I wonder if Your Majesty would like to hear it.
Do tell.
Ye Ning Zhi.
You can speak your mind before His Majesty.
Those four phrases...
Someone did taught me that.
Someone taught you?
Who was it?
It was...
It was Buddha who taught me that.
How presumptuous!
Ye Ning Zhi!
How dare of you to talk nonsense before His Majesty?
If you talk nonsense again...
I won't be able to protect you either.
Ye Ning Zhi.
Things have come to this.
Are you still going to make a mystery out of things?
It was indeed Buddha's instruction.
These four phrases...
are the oracle that Buddha gave me.
When I knew I was going to perform for empress dowager's birthday,
I was very happy and nervous.
I was worried I couldn't do the honour for empress dowager's birthday.
So, I went to draw lots before entering the palace.
I hope I could get the guidance from the above.
Coincidentally,
after I made my wish,
I found this lot by Buddha's feet.
These are the words written on it.
I thought...
this is God's will.
Your Majesty.
Is this the outcome of your interrogation?
It's just make-believe.
That's indeed interesting.
Your Majesty.
Empress secretly detained the prisoner,
and disregarded the law.
She has her nose high up in the air.
We should remove her from her position.
Your Majesty.
I think this is a godsend opportunity.
How so?
If I may be so bold to ask,
if Your Majesty finds these four phrases as an insult?
All the descendants are thieves.
In my opinion, these phrases have nothing to do with Your Majesty.
Your Majesty inherited the throne from the late emperor with,
the divine right of kings.
Her Majesty was trying to prove that these phrases are unrelated to you,
and prevent the rumours from spreading and be criticised by the people.
It's because I'm not usually in the imperial court.
That's why I'm familiar with these four phrases.
It's nothing new to bring it up in the palace,
because it has been circulating among the people.
These are the messages used to amuse the mothers.
Liang dynasty propagates the teaching on filial piety.
If the commoners from the circus troupe,
sing these messages during empress dowager's birthday,
it doesn't only let people see Your Majesty's filial piety,
it reflects the fun between the imperial family and the people.
This will go down in history.
Wei Guang.
Don't think because you're empress's people,
you can talk drivel here!
His Majesty hasn't said anything.
Why does it seem like you couldn't hold it back?
Let's hear what Wei Guang has to say.
It's the empress dowager's birthday.
It's inappropriate to fight now.
Empress dowager is a benevolent person and wouldn't want to see bloodshed.
Why don't we let this be an amusing anecdote?
You made it sound so easy.
Wei Guang.
Even if you have the gift of the gab,
we can't deny the fact that this troupe made the rebellious speech.
Let the empress dowager be the judge.
If it could make empress dowager laugh,
why not?
The empress dowager has been ill for the past few days.
I don't know if she could attend the banquet three days later.
I dare to bet that Her Highness will surely attend the banquet.
Also, she'll surely be very happy.
Not only Her Highness.
All the officials will enjoy too.
Really?
Not only that.
Her Highness will stop taking the medicine,
and have a walk in the imperial garden.
If any of the above four conditions isn't met,
that means I've lost.
Lost?
That's easy for you to say.
What would you lose?
If you lose...
you would be lying to His Majesty.
Is the outcome of it something that you can bear?
If I lose,
I would commit the same crime Ye Ning Zhi did,
and we shall die together.
All right.
It's a deal.
In another two days, it'll be my birthday banquet.
How's the preparation coming along?
Imperial Mother.
The physician said that you've not fully recovered.
I think you shouldn't go to the birthday banquet.
There are many people there.
What if you catch a cold again?
Yes, she's right.
For the sake of your health, it's better if you don't go.
I'm not that delicate.
It's boring to stay in the palace.
I would like to join in the fun.
Imperial Mother, you aren't aware.
The circus troupe that empress invited,
committed treason and spoke rudely.
We're afraid that you'll get angry if you go.
You worry too much.
I'm the empress dowager.
Who dares to act presumptuously in front of me?
Do they have a death wish?
It's fine.
Imperial Mother, take the medicine.
The empress dowager is not a human.
Instead, Her Highness is the Old Man of the South Pole.
If you continue to be like this,
stop practising then.
Mr. Wei.
You're here.
I've tried my best.
Right now, we're the helpless victims.
We're at the mercy of others.
How do we have the mood to practice wholeheartedly?
Indeed. You're the helpless victims, and are a drag on me.
I'm dragged into it too.
I'm sorry.
Mr. Wei.
I appreciate you sticking up for me before His Majesty.
You risked your life for me.
But if...
If tomorrow...
If we're beheaded tomorrow...
I...
I'll do my utmost to keep you safe.
I'll beg His Majesty to spare your life.
This has nothing to do with you. Just kill me will do.
You do have some sense of camaraderie.
That's right. That's her only strong point since she was a kid.
Ms. Ning Zhi.
Look at these people around you.
If you don't make use of the time to practice properly,
should anything go wrong tomorrow...
your head alone wouldn't suffice.
Mr. Wei.
I recall your performance at the streets.
It was just some simple human pyramid.
But you were full of pride and confidence.
You didn't slack off.
Your imposing manner and earnestness aren't easy to come by.
The empress dowager likes people who are devoted.
Her Highness will surely be able to see your effort and will like it.
That's why you were summoned into the palace.
In the end, you can't even do the simplest stage performance.
But those four phrases have wrecked havoc.
Perhaps, Her Highness has heard of it.
Would those four phrases that have been heard of,
bring surprise to Her Highness?
It's never the simple phrases that move people's hearts.
It's your real performance.
Your sincerity in doing the performance.
If you still couldn't rehearse,
think about your mum.
She's still waiting for you at home.
As for your buddies...
their families are waiting at home for their return too.
Ms. Ning Zhi.
To you, it's not a performance.
It's an epic battle that concerns your life and death.
The success or failure.
Or I should say life or death.
It depends on whether you have the courage to fight for your life.
You're right.
I can't go on like this.
The courage to fight for our lives!
-Are we lousy? -No!
-Are we short of money? -Yes!
Quickly practice.
Practice well.
If Imperial Mother has even a faint feeling of displeasure tomorrow,
find an excuse to help Imperial Mother vent her spleen.
Kill Ye Ning Zhi to silence her.
I have spoken to the Commander of the imperial guards.
I got it.
Your Highness, long may you live.
May you enjoy longevity just like the pine and the crane,
with many happy returns.
May you have the blessings from above.
The empress dowager is not a human.
Instead, Her Highness is the Old Man of the South Pole.
All the descendants are thieves.
They stole the peaches of immortality to pay respect to Your Highness.