Episode 36
Yan Kuan and Yan Zheng...
are fleeing to Beidian.
They must pass through...
these three counties in order to get to Beidian.
Send more men and check strictly.
Turn the three counties into impregnable fortresses.
Yes!
Take note of this.
They are masters in the Art of Disguise.
They are extremely skillful and deceptive.
However, there is one flaw.
If you find someone suspicious,
just arrest this person...
and put a candle near his face.
Then his mask will melt.
Yes, sir!
Go.
Yes!
Brother Lang.
Let's head to the three counties tomorrow morning.
We must capture the Yan brothers this time.
We must not let them return to serve the Princess Royal.
We both know that once they get back,
they'll surely make the princess plot another coup.
The country is still recovering from the natural disasters.
The folks are impoverished and the lands are barren.
We can't afford another war.
You're right.
Chief Commander Wei.
On our way back from Mount Beixiu,
we ran into Yan Zheng.
We went forth to fight,
but instead of fighting back,
he ran away.
As our horses were injured,
we couldn't catch up.
But, I saw...
Noble Consort Ning on his horse.
They must have showed that intentionally.
I don't think so.
We originally planned to come from Mount Nanxiu.
But then, we changed our plan halfway through.
They wouldn't have known.
Yan Kuan and Yan Zheng have always been tricky.
If Ning Zhi is missing,
His Majesty has no reason to keep it a secret.
Even if he keeps it a secret,
the spies the empress dowager left behind for Ning Zhi...
will inform me of it.
You're right.
Her Majesty is aware that I'm here.
If that's the case,
she would have immediately sent someone to inform me.
It's the Yan brothers' usual trick.
That Ning Zhi in the palace is very likely an impersonator.
Brother Lang.
I need you to make a trip back the palace...
to check for me.
Alright.
I'll return to the palace at once.
Kang Er is getting better at calligraphy.
Yes.
Kang Er is indeed the most hardworking prince.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Lang Kun.
I thought you went with Wei Guang...
to seize Yan Kuan and Yan Zheng.
Why are you back?
Save that question for later.
Did anything strange...
happen in the palace over the past few days?
No.
Then did you...
meet Her Highness very often?
What's the matter?
Is there anything unusual...
or suspicious about her?
No.
His Majesty has arrived!
Kang Er.
Have you missed me?
I came to visit you.
Greetings, father.
You wrote well today.
Did you see Ning Zhi?
Yes.
She looked normal.
Her Majesty saw her frequently...
and didn't notice anything unusual.
Don't worry.
The one with Yan Zheng is fake.
Noble Consort Ning is still in the palace.
Report!
Speak.
Chief Commander Wei.
We saw Yan Zheng taking Noble Consort Ning...
to a barn in the middle of a hill.
They are roughly 15-16 of them.
Her Highness was being tortured.
They whipped her as they travelled.
When she fainted, they splashed cold water onto her to wake her up...
and forced her to walk on.
Brother Lang.
Our army is at the foothill.
Tell the soldiers to surround the two hills.
But, don't take any actions.
Maybe Ning Zhi...
is really in their hands.
I'll look for Ning Zhi.
Wei Guang, leave this matter to me!
If you see Noble Consort Ning,
you'll panic and make bad decisions!
I know what to do.
Mr. Yan, Wei Guang's men have gathered at the foothill.
In fact, they've surrounded the two hills.
We did not see Wei Guang or Lang Kun.
I believe Wei Guang is on his way here.
Proceed to trap him as planned.
Once he steps into the area,
shoot him.
-Go. -Yes!
What's wrong with you?
Nothing. I'm just here to make you pay.
We've been enemies for so long...
that I've started to value our relationship.
Come. Drink this.
We can fight...
after the toast.
Put down your weapons...
or I'll cut his throat.
Listen!
I'll count to three!
If he doesn't free me,
kill Noble Consort Ning!
Wei Guang! Forget about me!
Just kill that scoundrel!
-Three! -Wei Guang!
Let me tell you one last thing!
His Majesty is not a good man.
I don't love him at all!
Two!
You are the only man I love!
I will find you in my next life!
Shoot!
Go!
She's the Princess Royal's personal attendant.
You're so sly.
You made use of the trap Yan Zheng set up to kill you.
Yan Zheng thought that his Art of Disguise was flawless.
But the voice exposed him.
He was hoping that I would be distracted by Ning Zhi.
So I did as he wished.
To be honest,
I was worried about you...
sparing him because of that impersonator of Noble Consort Ning.
I resent Yan Zheng so much....
for what he did to me back then.
I wish I could kill him myself.
It was such a good opportunity.
But you stole the show.
However,
I'd have to say...
thank you.
Mr. Zhou.
You haven't eaten anything for 2 days.
I prepared all these...
delicious dishes for you.
Consort Min.
If you want me to sign...
and bear all the responsibility for you all,
I advise you to give up.
I'll give you one more day to consider.
After today,
I'll have to be mean.
You don't have to wait.
You can torture me now.
If you don't want to,
I'll go back to the prison now.
You...
Your Majesty.
We've bad news from Consort Min's end.
What happened?
Her Highness...
ran into mountain bandits while delivering the rice to Beihuai.
The soldiers transporting the rice were all killed...
and all the rice got robbed.
Tell me.
Is Consort Min alright?
Fortunately, Her Highness is fine.
What happened?
It went well previously.
Yes.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Are you feeling better now?
I'm fine now.
I just heard from the prime minister.
Now that we've lost the rice,
what will happen to the disaster victims?
Ban Ling Er.
Your Highness.
Bow.
Have you recovered?
I'm so sorry.
I was so busy with the disaster relief...
that I couldn't come and greet you.
I should congratulate you on your promotion.
You've always wanted this, right?
Your Highness.
Are you angry with me?
This is His Majesty's idea.
I had no choice.
People like us...
are not in control of our own lives.
You're fated to become an imperial consort.
You don't have to explain to me.
I came to ask you a question.
How did the rice for the disaster victims...
get robbed by mountain bandits?
Firstly, plundering is rampant in times of natural disasters.
The Ministry of Revenue usually opts for the safer route.
Secondly,
there were soldiers protecting the rice.
How did it get robbed so easily?
Answer me honestly.
Actually,
I already transported the rice to the granary.
I was trying to...
think of a way...
to deliver the rice to Beihuai as soon as possible.
But Mr. Zhou...
abused his authority...
and in order to steal the credit,
he acted on his own and sent the rice to Beihuai.
Then the mountain bandits attacked...
and all soldiers were killed.
I'm so sad.
So many people died.
His Majesty has arrived!
Ban Ling Er.
Your Majesty.
It's alright now.
I know what happened.
I'm glad you're back.
The prime minister has informed me.
It wasn't your fault.
Zhou Guan Zhong was too impatient and ambitious.
He's unforgivable.
Your Majesty, if I had found out a few hours earlier,
this wouldn't have happened.
Don't blame yourself.
You must be tired from the journey.
Let's go back and get some rest.
I shall excuse myself, Your Highness.
Consort Min.
It's been hard on you.
Why are you still awake at this hour?
You look so unhappy.
Is it because of the rice that got robbed?
Well,
the Grand Marshal will dispatch more rice latest by tomorrow...
to be delivered to the disaster victims.
But, thousands of people will still starve to death.
Then tell me.
Did you summon the rain that caused the disaster?
No.
Did you tell Zhou Guan Zhong to do something so foolish?
Of course I did not.
That's enough then.
Why do you need to blame yourself?
Zhou Guan Zhong was a clever one.
He hung himself after the incident.
Otherwise, I would have ordered to have him slashed to death.
Your Majesty.
There's something...
I don't know if I should say.
Go ahead and tell me.
Upon my return,
I noticed that Noble Consort Ning's attitude towards me...
has changed.
You're just being paranoid...
because you've been too busy.
Maybe.
Alright.
Lang Kun came back yesterday and told me that...
Yan Zheng has been executed.
Now, Wei Guang is looking for Yan Kuan.
He has a reason to worry.
As long as Yan Kuan is alive, Liang will never have peace.
Your Majesty, do you remember Mr. Zhou Guan Zhong?
I don't remember.
Think again.
Because of the explosion at Yongdong Gate back then,
so many people became homeless.
Mr. Zhou Guan Zhong...
was in charge of transporting and distributing food.
When he saw those people,
he cried while distributing food to them.
I recalled.
I know him.
What about him?
He's a good official with a kind heart.
I don't get it.
Why would a good official like him...
attempt to transport the rice...
through Mount Yuehua just to achieve his ambition?
He was so experienced.
Did he not know that Mount Yuehua was dangerous?
He might have been kind and experienced,
but he could still make mistakes.
Your Majesty.
Don't you think it's suspicious?
Ning Zhi.
This is none of your concern.
Besides,
the case has been closed.
His Majesty will soon announce the news to the nation.
This has something to do with Ban Ling Er.
I'm reminded of the explosion at Yongdong Gate.
The ambitious one...
is Ban Ling Er and not Mr. Zhou.
I'll send the empress dowager's spies to investigate this incident.
Ning Zhi.
You're not safe yet.
You need to take good care of yourself first.
I've seen a lot of people like Ban Ling Er.
Sooner or later,
she will harm you as well.
There are things that can't be avoided.
Don't worry about me, Your Majesty.
But you...
You've been giving the other imperial consorts...
a hard time lately.
I know how to...
handle the things in the royal harem.
I heard you wanted to see me.
What's the matter?
Your Highness.
My old brother fell critically ill back home.
I need 20 taels to treat him.
I know I've to pay a price for this.
So...
I've a huge secret...
to tell Your Highness.
What's your brother suffering from?
Diabetes.
Diabetes?
That's quite a big deal.
I don't think 20 taels will be enough.
I'll give you 50 taels.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
The day Noble Consort Ning fainted,
when I was leaving to get the imperial physicians,
I saw a man standing behind the screen.
Get the imperial physicians!
Yes.
Did he see your face?
No.
He doesn't know that I saw him.
Good.
Be cautious and keep that to yourself.
When the time is right,
I'll need your help.
Yes.
These pomegranates are the local specialty of Guangbei.
I brought some for you.
This homemade blanket...
is what I received from the folks in the outskirts of Yandu.
I love it very much.
Sister.
I have a question.
What a coincidence.
I've something to tell you too.
You can go first.
Mr. Zhou stated in his testimony that...
he attempted to transport the rice...
through Mount Yuehua because he was overly ambitious.
As a result, the team ran into mountain bandits.
The rice got robbed and the officials were all killed.
Is this the truth?
Yes.
But, as the official of the highest rank in the team,
why didn't he transport the rice personally?
Sister.
Why are you asking a question like this?
I know Mr. Zhou...
and he was a good person.
That's why I want to get to the bottom of it.
You may retire.
Yes.
Do you doubt me?
Do I have a reason to doubt you?
Yes. It's true that you didn't spell it out.
But, it's written all over your face.
You think Mr. Zhou was a good person?
I beg to differ.
He intended to lead the team into the mountain.
Unfortunately, he fell ill all of a sudden.
What's so surprising about that?
Was Mr. Zhou down with a new illness or a chronic disease?
Looks like you don't trust me at all.
Actually, it's meaningless...
to talk about Mr. Zhou.
I'd like to talk about you instead.
After all, we're sisters.
If there's a rift between us because of suspicion,
it's not a good thing.
Tell me about it.
The day you fainted,
I was in your bedroom too.
But, as I was too worried about you,
I stumbled...
and by chance, I saw a pair of man's legs...
behind the screen in your room.
And then?
And then...
I saw from the bronze mirror that...
he was...
Chief Commander Wei.
But, you don't have to worry.
I don't plan to tell anyone.
I just hope that...
there is mutual trust between us.
Ban Ling Er.
I've done nothing wrong.
I'm not afraid of gossips and rumours.
As for you,
if you've nothing to feel guilty about,
why are you threatening me with a rumour like that?
It's because you want me to stop investigating...
Mr. Zhou's case, right?
Since you don't appreciate my trust,
that's all I've to say today.
I will keep your affair a secret.
It's just that the royal harem is a complicated place.
Some palace maids might have...
seen Chief Commander Wei too.
If this is made known,
His Majesty will feel embarrassed...
and your life will be at threat.
You don't need to worry about me.
Alright then.
It's getting late.
His Majesty is waiting to dine with me.
I shall excuse myself.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Ning Zhi, what brought you over?
Your Majesty.
I heard that the rice for the disaster victims got robbed.
Please allow me to leave the palace...
and go to Beihuai to help the disaster victims.
Sure.
The people love you.
I can count on you.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Be careful.
I shall excuse myself.
Your Majesty.
Are you sure you want to send her?
What's the problem?
You may be frank.
Your Majesty.
Have you heard that...
Her Majesty slapped two imperial consorts...
in the Imperial Garden yesterday?
I've heard.
I thought she has changed after spending some time...
in the Cold Palace. To my surprise,
she's back to her old self now.
If this goes on,
it's just a matter of time before I send her to the Cold Palace again.
You've misunderstood Her Majesty.
This time, she wasn't being unreasonable.
She did that for Noble Consort Ning.
If the two imperial consorts...
go around spreading Noble Consort Ning's secret,
Noble Consort Ning will get into trouble...
and Your Majesty's reputation will be damaged.
What secret?
Consort Min.
Are you hiding something from me?
Tell me at once.
I'm terribly sorry.
What exactly are you hiding from me?
The day Noble Consort Ning fainted,
I was in her bedroom.
I saw Chief Commander Wei hiding behind the screen in her room.
Why didn't you tell me at that time?
I was worried about you...
hurting Noble Consort Ning in a fit of anger.
I didn't mean to keep it from you.
You're such a letdown.
I'm terribly sorry!
I'm indebted to Noble Consort Ning.
I wanted to protect her reputation.
Ever since I learnt about it,
I've been very restless.
I felt as though I've betrayed Your Majesty.
I've been living in fear and anxiety.
Wei Guang.
This is intolerable!
I swear I will...
tear you into pieces.
Your Majesty, please do not be reckless.
No matter how angry you feel,
you must not let it affect your health.
I'm so scared.
Chief Commander Wei and Ye Ning Zhi...
are respected by the people.
I was the only one who saw him that day.
There's no evidence to prove it.
I know.
For the time being,
I should endure.
Before I obtain the evidence,
I must not make a move.
Once I obtain the evidence,
I will announce to the entire nation that...
Noble Consort Ning and Chief Commander Wei...
whom they've always respected...
are actually...
detestable people!
Thank you.
-A little more. -Thank you.
Come.
Have some porridge.
Thank you.
Wei Guang.
Thank you.
I'll leave it to you.
-Thank you. -Come.
You're here already?
-Next. It's your turn. -I thought you'd reach tomorrow.
They told me that...
the rain will only get heavier.
So, we hurried over.
I've never seen such heavy rain.
How long have you been here?
Three days.
I hurried over as soon as I received news from you.
Have you had your dinner?
Not yet.
Then join me.
Wei Guang.
What's the situation here?
Nearly a thousand people died of hunger.
Luckily, the prime minister delivered the rice in time.
Otherwise, the number of deaths would have increased by 3,000.
What's your opinion on Mr. Zhou's case?
I agree with you.
Something is fishy.
Have they buried Mr. Zhou?
The officials here...
buried him alongside a few victims who died of hunger...
in the mass grave.
Many buildings nearby collapsed.
The disaster victims here...
all came from there.
Your Majesty.
Noble Consort Ning had arrived safely in Beihuai last night.
What's the situation over there?
The situation is still bad.
Also...
Speak.
Chief Commander Wei has also led his men over...
to help the disaster victims alongside Noble Consort Ning.
You may leave.
Yes.
This is a serious matter.
I don't dare to tell anyone.
So I came to inform Your Majesty.
You're the leader of the royal harem...
and Noble Consort Ning is like your sister.
I believe...
you can help Noble Consort Ning.
If the word gets out,
she'll get into trouble.
Your Majesty is the only one who can help her.
What can I do to help her?
If Noble Consort Ning is guilty of having an affair,
of course she must bear the consequence herself.
Did you see Lang Kun?
Your Majesty.
-I'm here. -Lang Kun.
You may retire.
Yes.
Lang Kun.
Head to Beihuai immediately.
Tell Ning Zhi and Wei Guang...
to work separately...
to avoid getting into trouble.
What's going on?
Ban Ling Er saw Wei Guang in Ning Zhi's room...
the day Ning Zhi fainted.
I bet she told His Majesty about that.
But, why isn't His Majesty taking any action?
I believe he's waiting for evidence.
So, you must inform them of this immediately.
I'll send someone to Beihuai right away.
No. You should go personally.
This is a serious matter.
Don't let others find out.
But recently,
Your Majesty's pulse has been unstable.
I need to stay and observe your condition.
We've no time for that.
Don't worry. I'll take my medicine.
I'll take care of myself. Just go.
Please remember to...
remain calm at all times.
Avoid mood swing.
I will be back soon.
Your Highness.
Chief Commander Wei.
This is...
Physician Zhang who treated Mr. Zhou.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Greetings, sir.
Don't mind the formalities since we're outside the palace. Rise.
Thank you, Your Highness.
Physician Zhang.
You treated Mr. Zhou back then.
How was his condition?
Mr. Zhou was suffering from an incurable disease in the first place.
He knew he wouldn't live long.
But, he was afraid of punishment.
So he...
Report!
Chief Commander Wei!
A landslide at Mount Danyang buried one whole village!
As we're all busy helping the disaster victims,
we don't have enough men to send to Mount Danyang.
Your Highness.
It looks like I'll need to head over personally.
I'll go with you.
Seize them.
Yes!
Chief Commander Wei!
Why?
Interrogate them separately.
Then compare their statements about Mr. Zhou 3 days before his death.
Yes.
Just interrogate them here.
Interrogate Physician Zhang as soon as possible.
But, don't give him a hard time.
Let him prescribe medicines for the disaster victims.
Yes.
Take them away!
-Move! -Your Highness!
-Chief Commander Wei! -Your Highness!
-Chief Commander Wei!
-Move! -Chief Commander Wei!
I'm innocent!
Brother Lang, what are you doing here?
Her Majesty sent me to tell the two of you...
to split up as quickly as possible.
Chief Commander Wei should return to Beidian...
and Your Highness should return to the palace quickly.
Brother Lang.
What's going on?
The day Her Highness fainted,
Ban Ling Er saw you in her room.
She already told Her Majesty about it.
His Majesty must have been informed too.
He won't let this matter slide.
I know.
Prior to this, she threatened me with that...
to make me stop investigating Mr. Zhou's death.
Then you should leave at once.
But I must find out...
the truth behind Mr. Zhou's death.
Chief Commander Wei has a good reason to stay here.
A landslide at Mount Danyang...
buried one whole village. Countless were injured and killed.
The local officials need support from the troops.
Chief Commander Wei has the authority to dispatch soldiers.
But, His Majesty might refuse to accept your explanation.
And Consort Min will make it worse.
His Majesty has always been suspicious of us.
That's how I got confined by Yan Kuan.
Mr. Zhou's death...
must have something to do with Ban Ling Er.
The more she tries to influence His Majesty,
the more it shows that...
she might have been the real culprit.
We must expose her first.
I agree with Her Highness.
Alright then.
Brother Lang.
You're a physician.
Please come with us to rescue the victims.
Fine.
I'll go with you.
-Please bear with it. -Be careful.
Stay still.
It'll be over soon.
-Coming. -Come. Sit here.
-Alright. -Let me apply some medicine for you.
Hang in there. Be gentle.
Done.
Hang in there.
Pass me that.
Be careful.
Protect the wound.
Please bear with it.
Here you go.
Let him take the medicine immediately.
Alright.
I need to go.
Keep Her Majesty's advice in mind.
Be careful not to...
give them a chance to falsely accuse you.
Don't worry, Brother Lang.
We'll be careful.
Brother Lang, you can use my horse.
Alright. Thank you.
Brother Lang.
If Her Majesty is fine,
please come back quickly.
We're in need of physicians.
I'll be back.
Chief Commander Wei.
Let's go to the village at Mount Danyang again.
I've a feeling that there are still people trapped under the rocks.
Alright.
Let's check.
Your Majesty.
You're finally back.
You said you'd come back yesterday.
What took you so long?
A landslide just took place in Beihuai.
I stayed back to helped out...
and only departed at dusk last night.
You've been awake the whole night?
Wei Guang lent me his horse.
I returned to Yandu very quickly.
It's been hard on you.
When will these disasters come to an end?
Did you tell Ning Zhi about Ban Ling Er?
What do they plan to do?
I tried to convince them to work separately.
But they convinced me to help out.
Noble Consort Ning...
seemed prepared.
It's true that she's too busy for this.
Never mind.
The royal harem is all about competition,
lies and jealousy.
Let me be the bad guy.
Ning Zhi should just focus on saving the folks.
Your Majesty is saving people too.
You're just comforting me.
You're such a good physician.
Since they need help,
why don't you go back and help them?
Are you feeling alright?
I'm sure I'll be fine.
I took your advice...
and go out for a walk every day.
I take my medicine regularly too.
I believe I'm fine now.
Good.
I'll write a new prescription for you...
and go back to Beihuai.
Take care.
-Greetings, Your Majesty. -Greetings, Your Majesty.
When I saw a pair of man's legs behind the screen,
I was shocked.
I thought there was an intruder.
But, that man didn't seem to be worried at all.
He was very calm.
You saw him too?
Yes.
I saw from the bronze mirror that...
Chief Commander Wei was standing behind the screen.
I'm informed.
You may leave.
-Yes. -Yes.
This is our dirty linen.
By right, we should keep it a secret.
However, it involves...
the meritorious Chief Commander Wei.
It's true that Wei Guang fought bravely for the country.
But, if he's really guilty of this scandalous affair,
he's the most detestable official in Liang!
The court will not accept a treacherous man like him!
Your Majesty.
I understand your agony.
I will proceed as you ordered...
and tell the officials to keep quiet about this.
That's right.
Wei Guang and Ye Ning Zhi will both return tomorrow.
I will be heading a prayer with all court officials.
I want all of you...
to wait for my instructions.
Brother Lang.
You'll stay here.
We need to go.
Alright. I'll do my best.
Please be careful.
Dear all.
Over the recent 6 months,
the country has been plagued by natural disasters.
The folks are suffering.
Now, we're gradually recovering from these disasters.
I wish to pray in the Imperial Ancestral Temple...
and ask for god's mercy.
I shall pray for god to free us from all natural and man-made disasters.
Your Majesty.
If you wish to pray,
by right, you should be accompanied by me.
If I don't go,
the absence of the empress will leave a bad impression.
We'll be a laughing stock.
Isn't it disrespectful to the gods...
if we send the empress?
Well said.
The consort who accompanies the emperor has no rights to be there.
On top of that, she is an unforgivable murderer.
Won't we anger the gods...
if we send a person like her?