Episode 11
Your Majesty.
I came to inform you that...
Noble Consort Fu has been executed alongside her brother.
This time, you suffered a crushing defeat.
Defeat?
As long as I'm alive,
this battle...
will not end.
Yan Kuan.
It's different now.
The odds have changed.
My only worthy opponent...
is Ye Ning Zhi.
Ning Zhi?
She will be both a success and a failure.
She will save as many people...
as she will kill.
Is this again your prophecy?
When I was stargazing last night,
I found out that within a month from now,
every household in Yandu...
will be hanging white sashes...
and mourning.
Why?
Could it be the death of the most powerful man in the country?
Would it be His Majesty...
or Your Majesty?
Move!
How dare you!
I'm a rank 3 supervisor!
How dare you disrespect me!
You're a supervisor?
You're just a prisoner now!
Move!
What are you looking at?
Move!
What's the matter?
Why are you staring at me?
That day, you told me that we must not kill Lang Kun.
Is there a special reason?
I just have a feeling that...
Lang Kun is more than meets the eye.
I don't think he's just the empress' lapdog.
Dog? Dogs are way cuter!
He's just a despicable man...
and a big crook!
What did he do again?
Ever since he rose to power,
everyone has been putting up with his bossiness and arrogance.
Are we...
being deceived by Lang Kun?
What can we do?
Her Majesty trusts Lang Kun completely.
Because of the little prince,
I angered Her Majesty.
You're the only one that can persuade her now.
Her Majesty might not take my advice either.
I believe she's aware that...
people are dissatisfied with her ways.
Yet, she still chose to indulge Lang Kun.
Ning Zhi, we're so glad to see you here.
What's the matter?
Lang Kun just came with his men...
and arrested Junior Supervisor Rong, Zi Ling and Meng Ting.
He accused them of...
misbehaving and violating the palace rules.
He said he's going to interrogate them.
Where is his evidence?
Lang Kun doesn't need evidence to arrest someone.
I'll go to Her Majesty immediately.
Zi Ling and the others will be fine.
Ning Zhi.
Your Majesty, Mr. Lang arrested Junior Supervisor Rong...
and two other maids from the Pear Blossom Academy.
He falsely accused them of misbehaving.
They are being interrogated now.
You may all retire.
Yes!
Lang Kun has always been a careful person.
Since he arrested them,
I'm sure he's just trying to find out...
if they've misbehaved.
Don't worry.
If they are innocent,
Lang Kun will definitely release them immediately.
Your Majesty.
I was trained in the Pear Blossom Academy myself.
No one knows the people inside better than me.
They are definitely not unruly people.
Didn't you promise me that...
you won't let Lang Kun give them a hard time?
It's their fault for misbehaving.
Your Majesty.
This must be a misunderstanding.
You need to be the judge.
Everything happens for a reason.
Lang Kun must have arrested these palace maids...
because they did something improper.
Don't worry.
Lang Kun will get to the bottom of it.
You don't have to worry.
I get it now.
Your know that they are innocent.
Yet, you allow Lang Kun to give them a hard time...
and torture them.
You want conflicts in the royal harem.
Do you see me as...
a crazy woman who is ignorant and unfair?
Ye Ning Zhi.
You'd better watch your word.
One careless mistake...
and you might lose your life.
Your Majesty.
You just want to...
make them panic and feel helpless.
You just want them to...
kneel before Yong De Palace and beg for your mercy.
The more fearful they are, the happier you feel.
Am I wrong?
Go on.
There's one more reason of course.
You want everyone to be submissive to you...
like Lang Kun...
and be your lapdogs.
You want absolute obedience.
Ye Ning Zhi.
In the past,
you wouldn't talk to me like this.
So, who taught you to say that?
Was it Wei Guang?
This is how everyone feels.
It's just that no one dared to say it out.
Who's "everyone"?
Tell them to come.
Your Majesty.
Only those who care for you are harsh on you.
I respect you.
That's why I hope that...
you can gain genuine respect and support...
from all members of the royal harem.
Listen carefully.
Do you think...
your genuine care for others...
will surely be reciprocated?
Let me tell you this.
In this palace,
hypocrites are everywhere.
I don't need genuine loyalty.
I only need obedience.
Your Majesty.
You are too young.
You're protected by me and Wei Guang.
So, you've no idea how treacherous people can be in the royal harem...
and how cold it is in the palace.
Yes, I don't know.
I only know that...
my sisters in the Pear Blossom Academy are true to me.
And I will return the favor.
Fine.
Then we shall see.
We'll see...
who the ultimate loser is.
I shall excuse myself.
Please take care.
Come.
Ms. Ning Zhi, what's the matter?
Why did you hide yourself in the blanket?
Did something happen?
I haven't been sleeping well.
Let me get some proper sleep today.
No. It's time to serve Her Majesty tea and snacks.
How could you slack off? Do you have a death wish?
-Go back to Yong De Palace. -Right.
I'm not going back!
I'll never go back to Yong De Palace!
Ye Ning Zhi.
I brought an order from Her Majesty.
From now on, you don't have to go to Yong De Palace anymore.
You're transferred to Cheng Xiang Palace.
I want to see Her Majesty.
Her Majesty knew you'll be reluctant.
If you still wish to speak for the maids of the Pear Blossom Academy,
you should just forget about it.
Her Majesty is not interested to hear you out.
Mr. Wei.
Isn't it inappropriate to come to the palace maids' quarters at night?
Senior Supervisor Hua did me a favor...
and allowed me to wait for you here.
So, you've learnt that...
Her Majesty transferred me away?
But, I didn't expect you...
to argue with Her Majesty.
Lang Kun...
arrested my sisters in the Pear Blossom Academy.
How can I turn a blind eye to that?
I didn't want to argue with Her Majesty.
I just couldn't help it because I was too angry.
That's the way you are.
I know. I'm boyish.
You're kind-hearted.
This is my favorite thing about you.
But kindness can't solve all problems.
Lang Kun arrested the maids of the Pear Blossom Academy,
claiming that they are spies sent by Noble Consort Fu.
This is just his excuse.
After a while, it won't be an important matter anymore.
Lang Kun won't make a big deal out of this.
Serving the empress dowager...
isn't a bad thing at all.
So, don't worry too much.
From now on,
try to refrain from being rash.
Whenever you get mad,
just think of me.
Think of me.
What's so funny?
I'm so glad to have you by my side.
Alright.
It's getting late.
It's time I head back.
Rest well.
Don't worry too much.
Let me watch you leave.
Ning Zhi.
What is this you drew?
It looks so funny.
Exactly.
Her Highness is obviously confused.
My handwriting might be ugly,
but the deity writes beautifully.
Hear my summon!
Deities of the world, assist me at once!
I'm not going to believe this.
You don't believe me?
The first word the deity will write is "boundless".
He's going to wish Her Highness "boundless longevity".
Go ahead without me.
I'm tired.
I need to get some rest.
It's too early to go to bed!
It's me!
This is unbelievable.
I've had this parrot for years and it never talked.
Why is it talking now?
-Bad mood! -Look.
Even a parrot can tell that I'm not in good mood.
It's true that parrots are interesting.
But, they can be rude at times.
You're asking for a beating.
Enough.
I see your effort.
Your Highness, what are you talking about?
Stop pretending.
You must have put in a lot of effort...
to make my parrot talk.
Your Highness is so observant.
My little tricks...
can't escape your eyes.
You're indeed an extraordinary girl.
No wonder the empress adores you so much.
She doesn't adore me at all.
She just ordered me to leave Yong De Palace.
You don't understand.
Of all places, why did she send you to my place?
It's because you're mischievous.
If she makes you serve some other consort,
you might get into trouble and lose your life in less than 3 days.
But,
your animal taming method...
is quite interesting indeed.
My mother runs a circus.
I started performing at the age of 3.
You started working at such a young age?
It must have been tough.
It was tough indeed.
But, all 20 members of our troupe were like one family.
We helped each other all the time.
I think I was really happy back then.
Like one family?
The country belongs to the royal family.
Everything in this country belongs to Pang family.
Yet, unlike the folks,
there is little love and unity in our family.
Here in the royal family,
family is no family.
Your Highness.
I passed by the Imperial Garden that day...
and saw 4 parrots that came from somewhere...
and they are way better than this stupid parrot here.
Do you want to go with me and have a look?
Just come with me and have a look.
I'll trust you this once.
If this is a prank,
I won't be forgiving.
Alright.
Mind your step, Your Highness.
It's alright. You don't have to hold my hand.
Where are the parrots?
They are...
-Over there. -Where?
That way.
This is so unusual.
The parrots were here for days.
Why are they gone?
Your Highness, why don't we...
have some tea here while we wait for them to appear?
I bet you lied about the 4 parrots...
to make me come out for a walk.
Your Highness is so clever.
Nothing escapes your eyes.
The truth is,
Her Majesty is worried about Your Highness' health.
That's why she sent me...
to relieve your boredom.
Look.
The Imperial Garden is full of beautiful flowers...
and the air is fresh.
Spending some time will make you feel better.
I still can't stop worrying.
The royal family...
is responsible for the well-being of the folks.
I dare not be negligent.
Did you meet the empress recently?
Actually, I haven't seen Her Majesty...
for close to 10 days.
Actually,
the empress does adore you.
You don't have to worry.
She mentions you a lot.
She said you're a kind girl.
Really?
Right.
The way you talk now...
reminds me of the empress.
Are you kidding me, Your Highness?
But, it's a fact that I'm very familiar with...
Her Majesty's demeanor and facial expressions.
Really?
Then I'd like to see you imitate her.
Alright.
Do you see me as...
a crazy woman who is ignorant and unfair?
Ye Ning Zhi, you'd better watch your word.
Else, you might lose your life.
My son, you came so quietly.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Mother.
I'm so glad to see you laughing.
I heard you've been moody lately...
and I was really worried.
I came to greet you...
and to my surprise, I ran into you here.
It's all because of this mischievous girl.
Rise at once.
Mischievous?
You're full of surprises indeed.
Why are you so quiet?
Don't you have anything to report to me?
I do.
I heard that...
the empress dowager is quite fond of Ye Ning Zhi.
Today, someone saw...
Ye Ning Zhi going to the Imperial Garden with Her Highness.
Ye Ning Zhi was audacious.
She imitated you...
and made the empress dowager laugh.
Your Majesty.
That was really rude of Ye Ning Zhi.
Enough.
She's just a palace maid.
Do you expect me to punish her for that?
Anything else?
One more thing.
A few days ago, I heard that...
in the city...
Your Majesty.
What did I do wrong?
Why did you punish me like that?
You should know the reason behind this.
Ning Zhi.
I ran into Mr. Wei in the Imperial Garden earlier.
He asked me to inform you that...
he's leaving the palace to do some work for Her Majesty.
Is it urgent?
Is he leaving tonight or tomorrow morning?
Mr. Wei didn't tell me.
Then I'll ask him.
Thank you.
Who are you?
Don't run! I've no bad intention!
Come. Drink with me.
-Right. -Sir.
I can't drink any more.
-Why? Come on. -Right.
-Come. -Just drink.
Fill the cups.
Hurry.
-Come. Drink. -You must drink.
Come.
Really.
Enjoy.
Zi Ling.
What are you all doing here?
Come. Go back with me.
The rest of you too!
Ye Ning Zhi!
Who do you think you are?
Do you have the authority to take them away?
Don't get too carried away.
Her Majesty gave me permission!
The gentlemen here work hard every day.
I merely summoned the maids of the Pear Blossom Academy...
to serve them.
What's so unreasonable about this?
-Yes. -Come. Sit down.
Come.
Zi Ling, come with me.
Let go, Ning Zhi!
Leave!
Ning Zhi.
You know that I'm theirs.
Don't get yourself into trouble because of me.
-Alright. -Right.
That's right.
Take your stuffs and leave!
An assassin has entered the palace. He will take action at 7 am tomorrow.
Be wary of the people around you.
Mr. Qi.
I received important information.
His Majesty is still hunting in the outskirts.
I'll send someone to inform him at once.
This is a serious matter.
Please keep it to yourself.
-Understand? -I know what to do.
Good. Go back.
Yes.
What are you waiting for?
Goodbye.
Your Majesty.
What's the matter?
Did Yan Kuan say something to you?
Mr. Wei told you...
to stop visiting Yan Kuan.
Yan Kuan told me that...
a month from now,
the entire capital will be mourning.
Nonsense.
Why would everyone mourn at the same time?
According to the rites of Liang,
if the emperor or empress passes away,
all citizens must mourn.
But, he looked at me as though...
I'm the one...
that's going to die.
He must be lying.
He was just trying to scare you.
Mr. Yan.
It's 5.45 am.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Ms. Ning Zhi, what brought you over?
I've something very important to tell Her Majesty.
Please inform Her Majesty.
But Her Majesty doesn't want to see you.
It's really urgent.
Please do me a favor.
Then wait a moment.
Wait.
-Mr. Lang. -Mr. Lang.
Are you in such a hurry to see Her Majesty...
because of the incident last night?
This is none of your business.
Move!
Let me tell you this.
Her Majesty doesn't wish to see her.
If she enters Yong De Palace,
the two of you will be punished!
Lang Kun.
This concerns the safety of Her Majesty.
Whoever goes against my order...
will be flogged 50 times.
Even if you survive, you'll be disabled.
Can you afford to bear the consequence...
if anything bad happens to Her Majesty?
If this woman comes to Yong De Palace again,
drag her away and beat her up!
-Understand? -Yes!
You...
Ms. Ye, please return.
Last night,
I did as Your Majesty instructed...
and tried to educate the maids of the Pear Blossom Academy.
I even invited Mr. Wang and the others to guide them personally.
But Ye Ning Zhi barged in all of a sudden...
and accused us of harassing the maids.
She even threatened to tell His Majesty.
Lang Kun.
I already told you that...
from now on,
never bring up Ye Ning Zhi again.
Yes.
Mr. Yan, it's 7 am sharp.
It's 7 am.
This is a good time.
It's 7 am.
Could it be that Her Majesty...
isn't the assassin's target?
Protect His Majesty!
Ning Zhi.
Your Majesty.
Get the imperial physician! Hurry!
-Get the imperial physician! -Yes!
His Majesty has arrived!
Greetings, Your Majesty.
It's been several hours.
Why is she still unconscious?
Your Majesty.
Ms. Ning Zhi's internal injury is not serious.
However, her hind-brain is injured from blunt trauma.
I'm not sure when she'll regain consciousness.
Mr. Wei.
Two assassins attacked His Majesty.
Luckily, Ms. Ning Zhi came in the nick of time...
and saved His Majesty.
His Majesty is unscathed.
But Ms. Ning Zhi is severely injured.
She's still unconscious.
Prepare the horses.
-Return to the palace immediately. -Yes.
How did it go?
Did the assassins come clean?
Your Majesty.
The assassin insisted that...
he attacked you because of personal grudge.
That can't be the reason.
There must be a mastermind.
In fact, the mastermind is no ordinary man.
Otherwise, they wouldn't be able to sneak into the palace.
Your Majesty, we've tortured him severely.
But the assassin wouldn't say a word.
He wouldn't reveal anything at all.
If we continue to torture him,
he might die.
By then, we'll lose our only clue.
Carry on with the investigation.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
There's one more thing.
Ms. Ning Zhi has regained consciousness.
When did she wake up?
Why didn't you inform me?
She woke up around an hour ago.
Your Majesty.
Ms. Ning Zhi shouldn't be...
in the Imperial Garden at the time of the assault.
Maybe she knew that something was going to happen.
Yes.
We might need to go to the Imperial Clinic...
to ask Ms. Ning Zhi.
There's no hurry. You can go tomorrow.
She just regained consciousness and needs rest.
Your Majesty.
We don't know if the assassins had other plans.
It's better to get to the bottom of it quickly.
She's sick.
What if she faints while you question her?
Just wait until tomorrow.
-Yes. -Yes.
Your Majesty, this is Ye Ning Zhi's statement.
Please have a look.
Your Majesty.
The assassin was severely tortured during interrogation.
He's in a terrible state now.
Yet, he still wouldn't tell us the identity of the mastermind.
His Majesty had ordered to...
extend the state of emergency from Yandu to Han City.
His Majesty also ordered the garrisons...
to head back to Yandu immediately.
Your Majesty.
I'd like to be alone.
Mr. Wei.
How's Ms. Ning Zhi?
How's her injury?
Mr. Wei, Ms. Ning Zhi is fine now.
She went out for a walk.
Ning Zhi!
Why are you back?
I thought you've some important work to do.
You're injured. What's more important than you?
Let me see.
Where's the injury?
I'm fine now.
Don't worry.
Promise me...
you won't bite more than you can chew.
You need to protect yourself.
Always tell me if you need help.
We'll make it through together.
Alright?
Alright. I promise.
What were you thinking about?
I was thinking about...
Yan Kuan who's imprisoned there...
and that mysterious four-legged eunuch.
I can't figure it out.
Yan Kuan predicted that...
the most powerful person in Liang will die.
Was he aware that His Majesty would be attacked?
I managed to save His Majesty...
because of a note from the four-legged eunuch.
I don't know the objective of the four-legged eunuch.
But Yan Kuan...
is a real villain.
He made use of Noble Consort Fu to restrain the empress...
and made use of the empress to restrain the Princess Royal.
Then he sowed discord between the Princess Royal and His Majesty.
He desires to...
manipulate people.
Chaos will benefit him.
Then why did so many of his prophecies come true?
People fear the unknown.
Yan Kuan says things that make people develop fear.
Then he makes use of this fear to manipulate people.
Many officials in the court have dealings with Yan Kuan.
They are being made use by him.
Even the guards in the prison...
take orders from him.
With so many sources of information, he became well-informed.
He can easily predict possible future events.
Is His Majesty unaware that...
he's a dangerous person?
Of course he's aware.
But, the late emperor stated in his will that...
Yan Kuan must not be executed regardless of his crime.
After all, his Seven Star Ritual...
prolonged the life of the late emperor by 8 years.
How did he do that?
The imperial physicians all claimed that the late emperor was hopeless.
Then Yan Kuan appeared...
and successfully prolonged the late emperor's life.
But I heard from my father that...
in that period,
the family members of those imperial physicians...
contracted a strange disease at the same time.
Maybe Yan Kuan threatened the imperial physicians...
and forced them to lie to the late emperor.
What do you think?
Yan Kuan is imprisoned now.
So everything is still under control.
Once he's released,
the country will plunge into chaos again.
Your Majesty, Ye Ning Zhi came.
Let her in.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Long live Your Majesty.
Rise at once.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
How do you feel?
Are you recovering?
I still feel a little sick.
But, the imperial physician said I'll recover very soon.
Good.
I was worried sick.
Your Majesty, did the assassin come clean?