"Episode 31"
The things the empress dowager said in the court,
has spread rapidly throughout the world.
I heard several forces of the rebels have changed their minds.
They've have withdrawn and returned to their own lands.
Your Majesty, I've told you before.
This war is us fighting to win the hearts of the people.
Now, the chances of the people,
turning into annihilating these traitors have increased greatly.
But at times like this,
Your Majesty's situation is even more dangerous.
Once a false countercharge is made, it will hurt more than before.
Sister.
I really don't get why Imperial Mother did that.
Xiao Yu.
Don't be upset.
Perhaps, that incapable ruler forced Imperial Mother to say that,
in order to frame his own brother.
In a few days' time,
Yan Kuan will find a lot of evidence,
to prove that the empress dowager was lying.
That it was Your Majesty who forced Her Highness.
We have to find out all the people involved in this matter.
Those who are favourable to us,
we have to win them over,
at all costs.
Those who are unfavourable to us must be killed.
There are no smokes in this war.
But it's more dangerous than the battlefield.
Yan Kuan is good at appealing to emotions and prejudices.
He will use this to make an issue out of it.
I want everyone to know how ruthless this incapable ruler is.
He didn't even spare his own mother.
In your opinion...
will Imperial Mother tell lies for the sake of stopping this war...
or for my sake?
I dare not speculate.
Perhaps, only the empress dowager knows the answer.
Ning Zhi.
Yes.
-Your Highness. -Promise me.
Protect Liang.
Your Highness.
Her Highness has passed away.
Your Majesty.
Why aren't you eating?
I have no appetite.
Enjoy yourselves.
Imperial Mother wouldn't be dead.
Imperial Mother, don't you still have a lot to tell me?
Did that incapable ruler force you to do such a thing?
Tell me.
It was really that unfilial son,
who forced you to frame your own son...
in the public.
Imperial Mother, you must be in pain.
Why would you have such an unfilial son?
Your Highness.
I'll protect Liang for you.
The empress dowager has passed away.
Imperial Mother has passed away for more than a month,
and has been laid to rest.
I don't want to kill you.
I'll keep you alive for now.
Get lost from Yandu.
Your Majesty.
We haven't gotten to the bottom of things,
and you're rushing to expel us.
Brother.
The things that Imperial Mother said in the court was but a show.
Every single word she said was forced on her by someone else.
A bunch of nonsense.
There were so many people that day.
Who would think that Imperial Mother was lying?
The people of the world regarded Imperial Mother as a saint.
It's exactly because of that...
Her Highness was used by the others.
I'm afraid before the empress dowager died...
Her Highness was filled with discontent.
Your Majesty.
I'm Liu Kun, the top scholar.
Back then, I drafted the edict for the late emperor.
The late emperor ordered me to draft the edict to confer the Crown Prince.
But the Imperial Physician,
diagnosed that Prince Guang Ding had terminal illness.
The imperial edict wasn't copied and affixed the seal.
Heir selection is such a big deal.
Why didn't the other officials know about it?
It was concealed from them in order to prevent the Crown Prince from,
being controlled before he could establish stability.
This is the late emperor's wisdom.
Since the draft was not announced,
there should be a record in the archive in Lan Tai Hall.
We can't find such an important evidence.
I'm afraid that doesn't make sense.
Your Majesty.
I was a physician in Prince Chang Ping's manor.
When Prince Chang Ping passed away,
Princess Consort Chang Ping was pregnant.
But the medical record,
showed Her Highness gave birth to a baby girl.
Sir.
Did Prince Chang Ping have only one child and one princess consort?
Chief Commander Wei.
If that's the case,
let's have a debate then.
What's the matter?
Haven't you had enough on the battlefield?
We'll both use ten days to find evidence.
Ten days later.
Whether or not Prince Guang Ding is the legitimate heir,
it's determined based on the outcome of the debate.
We'll accompany you no matter how you wish to debate it.
But there's one thing.
I hope both of us can make a gentleman's agreement.
The debate can't be made known to the public.
Find the world's most famous, Mr. Hong Ru to enter the palace,
to be the judge.
I'll see you in ten days.
Do you think Prince Guang Ding will keep his promise?
Yan Kuan will surely spread the rumours in private.
Why did you make a gentleman's agreement with them?
Of course I have my reasons to do that.
It doesn't matter if the things empress dowager said is good or bad,
Your Majesty can't use it as a cause.
As for Yan Kuan, I'll take care of him.
Do you have confidence...
with the debate after ten days?
I have 80 percent of confidence.
What about the other 20 percent?
I can't lose.
I am the emperor.
If I lose...
I'll be condemned by the people,
and be totally humiliated.
For the empress dowager, I'll do whatever it takes.
I'll turn this 80 percent into a 100 percent.
That's what I want to hear from you.
Ten days pass by very quickly.
Quickly get to it.
Wei Guang.
Noble Consort Ning, are you here to see me off?
His Majesty has ordered half the imperial guards to protect you.
There are 8,000 imperial guards in the palace.
That means there are more than 4,000 people who will follow me every day.
His Majesty also said...
all the officers must obey you no matter their ranking.
You can use whoever you want.
That means you're second highest in command.
His Majesty is really anxious now.
That's why...
you can't lose.
What if I lose?
Ask His Majesty to have peace talks.
At that time, you can still be Noble Consort Ning.
Why are you still teasing me?
I'm not worried about His Majesty.
I'm afraid you'll be in danger.
Actually, I feel empty in my heart now.
I don't know how to face this.
You've proved that you're better than Yan Kuan on the battlefield.
This war is us fighting to win the hearts of the people.
I'm leaving the palace,
to find a quiet place...
to investigate this thoroughly.
You've leaving?
How are you going to answer to His Majesty?
But only by finding myself a quiet place and calm down,
can I figure out the ins and outs of everything.
Perhaps, I'll get an idea.
Wei Guang.
Don't carry the burden of the whole world on your shoulders.
I'm still here.
I'm just like you. I care about Liang.
If you have any problems, you must tell me.
I will.
This place.
Take a look at the book.
And this.
It's written here.
Chief Commander.
Yan Kuan is playing tricks and spreading rumours,
that someone saw the empress dowager's spirit.
He said the empress dowager's spirit was lamenting every night,
that His Majesty forced her to lie.
I knew he would do something like this.
Did you ask the people,
if they believe the things the empress dowager said?
A lot of people believed it,
and think His Majesty forced the empress dowager to do so.
But some people think Prince Guang Ding isn't the royal bloodline.
Where's Noble Consort Ning?
Her Highness followed Your Majesty's order,
and went to send the file to Chief Commander Wei.
It's so late.
She's not back yet?
When she gets back,
tell her to come and see me right away.
Your Majesty.
These few days, the people in the palace are feeling jittery.
We don't know the outcome of the debate that will take place soon.
But this debate will affect the fate of Liang.
What's there to worry about?
Prince Guang Ding isn't the late emperor's bloodline.
This is the truth.
Your Majesty.
Have you not been sleeping well these few days?
Do I look...
haggard?
Wei Guang is really outrageous.
I let him have things his way.
Something so serious has happened, and he went hiding outside the palace.
I wonder how things are progressing.
How could I have a good sleep?
Ning Zhi, why aren't you back to the palace yet?
I cooked for you.
Who were you praying to?
Your father?
I'm was praying to the empress dowager to tell me,
what I should do now.
You used to be telling others what to do.
But now, things are going the other way round.
Looks like it really got to you this time.
This is a calming incense.
With my forehead on the floor,
it makes me more sober.
I thought you were at your wits' end.
This time...
I think I might lose.
I checked through all the files.
We don't have any strong evidence.
There are only six days left.
At this moment...
I still couldn't find a solution.
There are another six days left, isn't it?
You'll surely find a way...
although you haven't found it.
The wind is blowing.
It's windy in the valley.
Go back earlier.
Don't come tomorrow.
You're still concerned about me.
Pull yourself together.
Why don't we go and have some fun?
What's so fun in the mountains?
Didn't you just say?
The wind is blowing.
Do you still remember...
two of my biggest stunts?
Keep up.
I didn't expect this place to be so beautiful.
It was the night guard who told me,
that there will be light in the night.
So I brought you here.
I didn't expect it to be so beautiful.
Have you ever heard of a legend?
After a person dies...
one will turn into a bug...
and fly back to see the people he wants to see.
There are so many fireflies here.
Do you think that one of them is the empress dowager?
Wei Guang.
You don't sound like one who believes in legends.
If the legends can bring comfort to people,
why not?
Your Highness.
Your Highness, are you there?
-Your Highness. -It's coming.
Your Highness
Is that you?
Your Highness
Are you here to see us?
Do you know?
It's because of your words.
It caused such a big trouble.
It caused Wei Guang...
to lose his mind.
Ever since the empress dowager entered the palace,
her conduct was in accordance with the rules of the palace,
and didn't cross the line at all.
Her Highness was worried about Liang at all times.
If Her Highness really turned into a firefly,
I'm happy for her.
Her Highness can finally let go of all the restrictions...
and does what she wants.
It was Her Highness's wish to get what she wished for.
And now...
it becomes my wish too.
It's our common wish.
It doesn't matter if the empress dowager was telling the truth,
this time...
I'll leave everything behind...
to prove the things that Her Highness said...
was true.
You can do it.
Wei Guang.
You're here, Ning Zhi.
I think I should tell you about it.
Her Highness told me,
she wanted to reveal Prince Guang Ding's life in the court.
What was her attitude and what had she done?
This should help you.
There's a rainbow!
It's my first time seeing a rainbow.
It's rare to have such phenomenon after the rain.
I hope the outcome the debate...
will be a good one too.
I heard that you slept late last night.
Did you think of a solution?
I still can't find a solution.
I merely recalled something.
That day, I brought 100,000 soldiers to attack Wuci.
When I passed by a pavilion...
I saw an old man playing chess by himself.
I was curious so I went down my horse and played with him.
I easily won all three rounds.
What's so strange about that?
You have always been good at chess.
I passed by the pavilion again when we returned with victory.
I saw that old man again.
And I played with him.
It was the same.
For three consecutive rounds.
I lost all of them.
I had no strength to fight back.
It was a chess game at first.
I wasn't even qualified to carry his shoes for him.
Well, why were you able to defeat him in the previous three games?
He told me.
I was born with the gift of war.
And he was born to play chess.
In terms of playing chess,
I wouldn't be able to defeat him.
But I happened to be high-spirited that day,
and leading the army to battlefield.
No matter what...
he couldn't dampen my spirit.
This old man is very smart.
That's true.
What does this have to do with the empress dowager?
I can't tell you yet.
Right.
Have you heard from Lang Kun?
Not yet.
The people I sent out hasn't returned.
Lang Kun is a smart person.
He'll be back.
Your Majesty.
Ning Zhi, any news about Lang Kun?
Didn't you say that Lang Kun can survive the danger?
He'll be fine.
That's true.
Where's the Chief Commander? Why isn't he back?
I don't know.
It's been more than an hour.
Where's Chief Commander Wei?
An hour ago,
Chief Commander Wei left on a horse.
Did he say where he went?
Chief Commander left without saying a word.
-Your Highness. -How was it?
Could you catch up with him?
The soldiers urged on the horses but Chief Commander Wei didn't stop.
He rode the horse at full gallop instead.
Wei Guang has left?
Your Majesty, I believe...
there must be a reason for Mr. Wei's departure.
He must be looking for evidence.
He'll surely be back on the day of the debate.
Say no more.
Summon imperial censor and the historiographer.
I'm going to personally select the debater.
-Yes. -Wait.
Quickly go!
Yes.
Your Majesty, please listen to me.
Everyone.
I'm sure all of you are aware of the situation.
This determines the fate of Liang.
Who can help me win this debate?
I...
I'll confer him the title as Marquis,
choose his children to be the Three Excellencies.
Whoever has the capability...
do step forward.
Your Majesty.
I, Lin Jin, a scholar from the Rites and Ceremonies Academy.
am willing to help.
I would also like to help.
I'm willing to guarantee with my family's life,
that I'll surely defeat Yan Kuan,
and leave him dumbfounded.
Good.
Noble Consort Ning is here.
Noble Consort Ning.
Why are you here?
Quickly return.
I'm not here to stop Your Majesty.
I want to accompany Your Majesty,
to find the most suitable candidate.
I have my own plans with the political matters.
You are the imperial concubine.
You can't interfere in the political matters.
Perhaps, Your Majesty has forgotten.
I've fought with Yan Kuan many times.
Speaking of familiarity with Yan Kuan,
I believe no one can be better than me.
Can I pretend to be Yan Kuan,
to test the officers?
How do you plan to do that?
Why didn't Wei Guang come here?
Who are you people to debate with me?
I'll let you guys talk first.
Why do you think Prince Guang Ding is not a legitimate heir?
I've asked that two old maids.
They said.
Prince Chang Ping died for the late emperor.
So, the late emperor adopted his child.
It's reasonable.
How do you explain Princess Royal said she witnessed him born?
The Princess Royal is tarred with the same brush as Prince Guang Ding.
Of course they'll cover up for one another.
How do you explain the medical record,
of empress dowager pregnant with Prince Guang Ding?
I'd like to talk about the recent events.
Everyone in the palace can prove,
that this is true.
Since the empress dowager fell ill,
Her Highness was delirious, and had incoherent speech.
Last month, Her Highness said...
there was a white tiger in her chamber.
Is this true?
Her Highness also said the late emperor was riding the roc,
to take her away. Is that true?
Your Majesty.
Do you really think these ministers can replace Mr. Wei?
Wait.
I'll go up the mountains with you right now.
We'll wait for his return,
and I'll personally welcome him back to the palace.
From now on,
all of you look for Mr. Wei.
When you find him,
welcome him back to the palace with the grandest ceremony.
No one should be rude to him.
Also...
about Wei Guang disappearance.
Don't let the word gets out.
Yes.
Chief Commander Wei, you won again.
Elder.
When I first saw you...
you lost three games to me.
The second time we met, you won three games.
This time...
you lost three games to me.
Why is that?
Last time, you led the army to attack Wuci.
I didn't want to dampen your spirit.
You're going to war again in another two days.
How can I dampen your spirit?
If this war goes on,
my three grandchildren...
might have to be sent to the battlefield.
You must win this battle.
Elder.
Don't worry.
We'll win for sure.
Goodbye.
Wei Guang.
I couldn't find you if it hadn't been the guidance from your trusted aide.
I knew you'd be safe.
It's really great to be seeing you again.
How's your injury?
It's just a small injury. Not worth mentioning.
What is your plan?
You're even hiding from me?
How is Liang now?
The people are talking.
Although it's not clear as to the outcome of the debate,
His Majesty is feeling uneasy.
Noble Consort Ning is also worried about you.
You should go back earlier.
I'm not going back to Yandu.
What did you say?
What about the Imperial Court if you're not going back?
It's useless to go back.
How could you just leave like that?
Liang is going to fall.
If Yan Kuan gets the world, he will not spare His Majesty,
and also Noble Consort Ning.
This horse is for you.
Hurry back to the palace.
I can't win either even if I return and give it my all.
Because only one person can win this war.
-Who is it? -Noble Consort Ning.
Noble Consort Ning?
You're really not kidding me?
Go back and tell her.
Tell her not to bother whether the empress dowager was telling the truth.
Let her follow her heart,
to debate with Yan Kuan.
I'm sure she'll win.
Thanks for the horse.
Be careful.
Wei Guang.
Get things straight.
This is Wei Guang's strategy?
Let you fight on his behalf?
Prepare a secret decree.
Find Wei Guang even if it means to go to the ends of the earth!
Kill on sight.
Wei Guang has given us a strategy.
He didn't disappoint Your Majesty.
Since his strategy is me,
let me debate with Yan Kuan.
Nonsense.
You've been on the move for days.
This is more than enough.
-You can go back and rest. -Your Majesty.
Let me go to the debate.
You are the imperial concubine.
How can you interfere with the political matters?
What matters in playing chess is to catch one off guard.
Perhaps, I'm the one to catch them off guard.
Did Wei Guang put a magic spell on you?
You only listen to Wei Guang and not me!
I'll personally go to the debate tomorrow,
to face Yan Kuan.
Your Majesty.
Yan Kuan is so tricky.
He's not easy to deal with.
I know.
He's full of evil thoughts.
But I am the emperor.
I'm the only one,
who can subdue him.
Your Majesty, if others lose, things can still be salvaged.
-But if you lose, then... -Say no more.
I knew Wei Guang will escape.
No one can help me.
I'll help myself.
My fate is in my hands.
What you need to do now...
is to fulfil her wish.
Her wish is to stop the war.
We need to do our best to help her,
get what she wished for.
Get what she wished for.
It was Her Highness's wish to get what she wished for.
And now, it becomes my wish too.
It's our common wish.
It doesn't matter if the empress dowager was telling the truth,
this time...
I'll leave everything behind,
to prove the things that Her Highness said...
was true.
He told me.
I was born with the gift of war.
And he was born to play chess.
In terms of playing chess, I wouldn't be able to defeat him.
But I happened to be high-spirited that day,
and leading the army to battlefield.
No matter what...
he couldn't dampen my spirit.
Can't dampen his spirit.
Why are you following me?
Are you really the empress dowager?
If that's the case,
tell me.
Will Ning Zhi win tomorrow?
I'll count to three.
If you're still on my finger...
that means that Ning Zhi will win.
One.
Two.
Three.
Ning Zhi.
You going to win tomorrow.
I'm sure you will win.
Trust me.
Because I believe in you too.
Wei Guang.
What is your next move?
Brother.
What do you think?
I can't figure it out either.
Noble Consort Ning.
Where are you going?
Tell His Majesty.
I'll move to the Cold Palace.
The Cold Palace?
Noble Consort Ning.
Where are you going?
Your Majesty.
Noble Consort Ning said...
She's moving to the Cold Palace.
What are you doing?
Are you threatening me?
Your Majesty.
This is the only way I can think of.
Please let me go to the debate tomorrow. Otherwise...
I'll move to the Cold Palace.
You are my most beloved concubine.
I've deposed the empress.
And you want to go to the Cold Palace?
What will the world think of me?
Do you think...
I've not been humiliated enough?
Your Majesty, please take back your order.
I can only blame myself...
for understanding this way too late.
I was never...
in your heart.
A word from Wei Guang worth so much more than everything that I say.
Since you're going to the Cold Palace...
you can stay there for the rest of your life.
Don't ever think about leaving there anymore.
Your Majesty.
Tomorrow afternoon will be the time when there's a regime change.
From now on, there's no more Liang.
Later Liang's flags will be raised in all parts of the world.
Congratulations, Your Majesty.
Long live Your Majesty.
Chief Commander Yan.
Are you sure about this?
I got news.
That incapable ruler will go to the debate tomorrow.
Let's split into three flanks.
I'll go to the palace with you to debate with that incapable ruler.
My brother has infiltrated the palace now.
Then, he'll go to the Cold Palace and kill the empress.
Then, kill Noble Consort Ning in Wan Xiang Palace.
The names of the people on this list,
are those who are in our ways.
My brother will eliminate them one by one.
The empress has been sent to the Cold Palace.
What's the point of killing her?
Although the empress is in the Cold Palace,
she still has external power.
Once we enter the palace...
the Zheng clan...
is still a problem to us.
Chief Commander, that's very well thought out.
Is Lang Kun...
in this list?
Of course.
Our army has secretly advanced to the suburbs of Han City.
At the end of the debate tomorrow,
it will be full of public wrath.
Our army will take the opportunity,
to attack Han City,
take over Yandu,
and go all the way to the palace.
We'll take the law into our own hands.
Good.
I've been waiting for this moment for 20 years.
Finally, this day has come.