"Episode 38"
They'll cause a chaos soon.
But the key to winning this war is not them.
It's in Xia Sheng and State of Qiuye.
But these are just two small countries.
These two countries are located at the strategic points for Liang.
How confident are you if you lead the army to fight this war?
No more than 30 percent.
Is it that critical already?
Wei Guang.
You must think of a way.
We've suffered so much,
just to protect Liang.
Mr. Lang, take a trip to Xia Sheng, and keep an eye on their movements.
You have to tell me if there's an army transfer.
I'll go to State of Qiuye to scout out the enemy.
I have something to tell you.
There's a good chance that Ban Ling Er has colluded with Yan Kuan.
The empress dowager's spy reported to me.
Ever since Mr. Zhou's case failed to be redressed,
I've sent people to keep an eye on Ban Ling Er.
Consort Min is relying on His Majesty.
She wouldn't help the Princess Royal to deal with His Majesty.
Yan Kuan pretended to be a Taoist priest.
I think Ban Ling Er doesn't know Yan Kuan's true identity.
Wei Guang.
Go on.
I'll keep an eye on Ban Ling Er.
Lang Kun.
Your Majesty.
This is a long journey.
Can you come back in one piece?
Every time something happened to you,
I would have an episode of heart palpitations.
Can you not make me worry this time?
For the sake of your cooking,
I'll surely come back even if it means risking my life.
Your Highness.
I have a box for you.
Just take a look and you'll know what it is.
Is that so?
I shall take my leave.
I was observing the stars at night.
The Purple Star looks bleak.
It means that someone has laid a finger on the emperor's woman.
And this person is Lang Kun who serves the empress.
He's Huo Yang Hong, who died 18 years ago.
Back then, he was obsessed with the empress and was exposed by others.
But he was saved.
And he changed his look, disguises Lang Kun and has been...
by the empress's side.
Lang Kun is Huo Yang Hong?
Does that priest have the evidence?
Lang Kun went to Beihuai for disaster relief half a month ago.
A lot of people have seen it.
They can prove that Lang Kun is proficient in medicine.
A month ago, Lang Kun killed a traitor in a farmhouse,
and left a bloody handprint.
Eighteen years ago, he owed the gambling house,
and signed the acknowledgement of debt.
Both handprints are the same.
But that doesn't prove that Lang Kun is Huo Yang Hong.
The acknowledgement of apprenticeship in the box,
was signed by Huo Yang Hong when he was 14 years old.
All three handprints are the same.
That can prove that...
Lang Kun and Huo Yang Hong...
are the same person.
Lang Kun...
is Huo Yang Hong?
For the past 18 years...
he's been hiding by the empress's side.
Calm down, Your Majesty.
It's decided then.
Here.
Wish us a victory and success.
People!
-Hurry! -Protect His Highness.
Xiao Yu.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
All of you are dismissed.
Yes.
-What is it? -Your Majesty.
His Majesty found out that Mr. Lang is Huo Yang Hong.
How did he know?
It was Ban Ling Er.
Yan Kuan disguised as a Taoist priest,
and gave a letter to Ban Ling Er.
When the spy reported to me, Ban Ling Er has went to His Majesty.
I couldn't get to stop her.
Ban Ling Er again?
His Majesty believes in Ban Ling Er.
His Majesty will surely come and ask you about it.
The spy merely watched from afar.
He doesn't know the evidence that Ban Ling Er brought back.
So, we must think of a way to deal with it.
But we can't think of any ways given such a short time.
How about this?
Pretend to be sick when His Majesty's men are here.
Say that you need my companionship.
Then, I can watch your back.
Consort Min is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
His Majesty is waiting for you in the Royal Study.
Doesn't His Majesty only go to your palace?
Why does His Majesty suddenly want to see me now?
I'm not free to chat with Your Majesty right now.
Your Majesty.
Please.
I feel a headache all of a sudden.
Noble Consort Ning, come with me.
Yes.
Is that true?
Lang Kun is Huo Yang Hong?
Do you have evidence?
This is Huo Yang Hong's confession from 18 years ago.
At that time, he admitted that he committed a treason,
and been lusting after the empress.
This handprint...
is exactly the same as Lang Kun's.
Your Majesty.
Where did this confession come from?
Back then, things were in a complete mess for Her Majesty,
because of Huo Yang Hong.
His Majesty took pity on Her Majesty for being sick.
His Majesty didn't want to enrage Her Majesty.
So, His Majesty hid this from you.
This testimony...
was hidden in the Supreme Court.
Your Majesty.
Unless Lang Kun comes back and press his handprint,
and prove to be the same as the handprint on this confession.
Otherwise, we can't prove that,
Lang Kun is Huo Yang Hong.
Lang Kun is on his way back to the palace.
Let's just wait and see.
There are still some time before Lang Kun gets back.
Lang Kun has been captured by the Winged Tiger Army.
He's seriously injured.
He's being sent back now.
That's great.
I can take this opportunity to get to the bottom of things.
At that time, I'll hear the case myself.
Your Majesty.
Her Majesty has an episode of heart palpitations. I'll send her back.
Huo Yang Hong probably has entered the palace.
Your Majesty.
Both of you have been married for so long.
Her Majesty is suffering badly. Can't you let her rest for a while?
Send the empress back.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.
After him!
Your Majesty.
Search the place.
After him!
Yes.
Your Majesty.
Take a rest first.
Quickly look for Lang Kun.
Your Majesty.
-Lang Kun. -Mr. Lang.
-Are you all right? -I'm fine.
Close the door.
What key is this?
Let me do it.
Burn it.
All right.
Your Majesty.
May I come in and take a look?
I'm changing.
Wait outside.
Your Highness, please open the door.
I suspect there's a traitor hiding in your chamber.
If you don't open the door,
please forgive me for being rude.
How audacious of you?
How dare of you to break into my chamber?
-Open the door, Your Majesty. -Quickly run.
Your Majesty, please open the door.
Your Majesty, please forgive me.
Please forgive me.
How dare of you?
I'm changing.
You dare to break in?
Please forgive me, Your Majesty.
-Get lost! -Yes.
A bunch of losers.
There are so many imperial guards but they can't catch a man.
Close the city gate and be on guard.
Even if you have to tear this place apart,
you must catch Lang Kun.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, I have something to tell you.
Say it.
I'm at your mercy now.
Your Majesty, are you still worried?
I merely just want to say a few things.
If Your Majesty missed out on it...
I'm afraid Your Majesty will regret it for the rest of your life.
Go on.
Your Majesty dispatched so many people...
and caused quite a commotion.
Your Majesty just wants to know...
if I'm Huo Yang Hong from 18 years ago.
Your Majesty could have summoned me.
I would have told you the truth.
That's right. I'm Huo Yang Hong.
You're really Huo Yang Hong.
How dare of you?
There are so many women in this world.
And you had to lust after my wife!
It's not enough to die 18 years ago.
You still dare to hide by the empress's side?
How bold of you?
The things that happened back then...
were a miscarriage of justice.
The imperial concubine slandered me,
and took the opportunity to bring down the empress.
As for my return to the palace,
it was the empress dowager's order.
Right from the start,
the heavens can bear witness,
to my feelings for Her Majesty. I harbour no other intention.
I'm the emperor.
If I said there is...
there is.
Since Your Majesty wouldn't believe me...
just kill me then.
I'll die to prove my innocence.
Three months later,
I shall reunite with Your Majesty...
in the underworld.
What did you say?
It's a piece of cake for Your Majesty to kill me.
But Your Majesty needs to know.
Killing me is tantamount to committing suicide.
Catch him.
Wait.
Don't move.
What do you mean by that?
Your Majesty has an incurable disease.
Three months later,
Your Majesty will die a sudden death.
I'm the only one who can save Your Majesty.
How treacherous.
The imperial physicians treat me every day.
No one ever said that.
Ever since I enter the palace,
all the members of royal family,
are cured by me.
Her Majesty's heart palpitations.
The empress dowager's thyroid disease.
The imperial physicians were helpless.
Only with Huo Yang Hong coming back to life.
If Your Majesty still have doubts,
you may give it a try.
I have nothing but a humble life.
But should anything goes wrong with Your Majesty...
Nonsense.
Your Majesty, don't believe him.
I need not feel Your Majesty's pulse.
Your Majesty's condition is written all over your face.
I can report all Your Majesty's illnesses in the past few years.
Quickly say it.
On the first of last month,
it was the day before Noble Consort Ning was poisoned.
When Your Majesty woke up,
your left leg was numb and you couldn't stand.
It got back to normal after ten minutes.
On the sixth of August,
Your Majesty suddenly had a terrible tinnitus before going to bed.
It's been bothering Your Majesty for three days.
On the fourth day,
Your Majesty recovered when you got out from bed.
Last June, Your Majesty coughed for a month.
Last December, Your Majesty had an abscess on your back.
It recovered half a month later, but there was a residual poison,
and there was abscess on the back of the hand.
-Take him. -Hold on.
Go on.
Quickly say it.
During this year's rain season,
Your Majesty was suffering from headaches.
It is the cold disease that really threatens Your Majesty's life.
During March, May and July of this year,
Your Majesty had a relapse of cold disease.
The next relapse will take place in three months.
Your Majesty's cold disease,
will quickly deteriorate into Three Yin Intersection.
Your pulse will turn into a slow pulse.
At that time, Your Majesty will feel chilled to the bone,
and died of the illness.
I'm a physician.
I merely wanted to save Her Majesty. Just like now.
-I want to save Your Majesty. -Say no more.
I won't believe your nonsense.
Actually, there's one more thing that can prove my innocence.
When the empress dowager ordered me to return to the palace,
Her Highness made me do something.
I'm not a real man anymore.
I'm no different with the eunuch in the palace.
Take him down.
Check his body.
No one should know about this.
I can promise you.
But...
you have to promise me one thing.
Your Highness, do tell.
It's inappropriate to enter the palace like this.
Only the eunuchs...
can stay by the empress's side.
Mr. Lang, these are the medical records...
of the treatment for His Majesty over the past few years.
You can keep it.
His Majesty has episodes of cold disease.
You're skilled in medicine.
You can treat His Majesty when it's appropriate to do so.
Didn't you say that Lang Kun is fine now?
Why haven't I seen him yet?
Mr. Lang was injured by the arrow.
He needs time to recuperate.
Mr. Lang is here.
Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highness.
You look good in the Imperial Physician's uniform.
It's a blessing in disguise.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty.
From now on, I won't be able to accompany you at all times.
-You have to be more careful. -Why?
His Majesty ordered me stay by his side and be the personal physician.
I'll need His Majesty's permission to come to Yong De Palace.
He's overly suspicious.
But I'm used to it.
Your Majesty, don't worry.
I know your illness well.
I'll continue to prescribe medicine for Your Majesty.
Lang Kun.
You said His Majesty will die in three months' time.
Is it true?
It's a shame that it's not true.
Thanks to Noble Consort Ning for your help.
Mr. Lang, don't mention it.
I need to ask Physician Huo for a favour,
to tell His Majesty.
If His Majesty wants to recover,
His Majesty can't have sexual intercourse for a year.
The four cities are the strategic location for attack and defence.
We must send a heavy army to guard it.
The Prime Minister wants to seek an audience.
Send him in.
Your Majesty.
Wuci has formed an alliance with the Princess Royal,
and Prince Guang Ding,
and sent the written war challenge,
to attack Liang.
Your Majesty, their army has assembled,
and ready to attack Ba Lun County.
"War challenge"
Prince Ping Yuan is a shameless man.
He went back on his words and acted in bad faith.
I'm going to wipe out his capital.
Your Majesty, don't be angry.
Hasn't Your Majesty been worried,
as to how to deal with the Princess Royal?
Right now, she colluded with Prince Ping Yuan.
Your Majesty can get rid of these people once and for all.
In that way,
Your Majesty will have nothing to worry about anymore.
Not to mention.
They were defeated by Your Majesty.
Even if they make a comeback,
it's just to repeat the same mistake again.
Your Majesty, the most important thing,
is to choose a commander to lead the army to war.
Your Majesty, besides Wei Guang, the ones who can assume,
this heavy responsibility are General Yang Ming and General Chen Wan.
I know.
Why don't you discuss this first?
Your Majesty, it's time for acupuncture.
Wei Guang.
Who do you think His Majesty will send to fight this war?
His Majesty didn't have much choice.
I'm afraid that incapable ruler will choose Chen Wan.
Chen Wan?
Isn't he the general with outstanding military service?
All of his merits came at the expense of his subordinates.
He's not good at fighting.
As soon as he gets on the battlefield, he'll show his true colours.
Liang will be in danger then.
What about Yang Ming?
General Yang Ming is famous for his loyalty.
I just hope that General Yang Ming can hold on for some time,
for that incapable ruler to come to his senses.
Your Majesty.
After discussing it,
we think Wei Guang is the best candidate.
We can't appoint Wei Guang.
Your Majesty, in terms of military service,
no one in Liang can be of match with Chief Commander Wei.
He has an outstanding military service,
and defeated Wuci.
The reason he won the battle with Wuci,
was because of the strategy that His Majesty set up beforehand.
No matter who the commander was,
the results would be the same.
He also defeated Princess Royal and Prince Guang Ding's rebel army.
When we were fighting that war,
His Majesty had the support of the people.
Wei Guang was just doing something in the lights of general trend.
Moreover, Prince Ping Yuan admires Wei Guang.
We don't know if they colluded.
Wei Guang cannot be trusted.
Consort Min, the things on the battlefield change rapidly.
I'm afraid Your Highness doesn't understand it.
Moreover, the harem shouldn't interfere with political matters.
It will give rise to criticism.
She's only accompanying me.
She merely says things that she heard of.
Although she is a woman,
her talent could be seen when she was a female officer.
I would like to hear her opinion.
But Wei Guang is the most suitable candidate.
Don't we have Yang Ming and Chen Wan?
Your Majesty.
In terms of military successes, General Chen Wan can be considered.
Moreover, he has experience in war.
Chen Wan looks pale.
I'm afraid he'll get sick soon.
Of course.
This is just my opinion. It might not be accurate.
I'm afraid Yang Ming lacks experience.
Wei Guang has never become the commander-in-chief.
But His Majesty has a discerning eye and chose him.
Now, His Majesty can appoint Yang Ming too.
With the strategy that Your Majesty personally devises,
as long as Yang Ming isn't a good-for-nothing,
we can surely win this battle.
You have a point.
All of you are dismissed.
Yes.
Let's drink.
General Yang didn't ask me here simply for a drink, right?
Of course.
Actually, this official seal should be yours.
You should be the one to lead these 300,000 soldiers.
The people will have a peace of mind only if you lead the battle.
Since you've the official seal, Liang's fate and the lives,
of the people are in your hands.
You shouldn't say such demoralizing things.
This is the sword my father left for me.
It accompanies me on the battlefield,
and experienced countless ups and downs.
I will give it to you now.
I hope that you'll return with victory.
Thank you, Chief Commander Wei.
After you solve the political affairs,
I shall return the official seal and the sword to you.
Here.
Let's give toast to you returning with victory.
All right.
"Battle report"
Your Majesty.
How's the war on the front line? Is there any news?
The war went on for a few days, and it remains locked in stalemate.
Your Majesty.
Is Yang Ming, Wei Guang's subordinate?
Yes.
Yang Ming was with Wei Guang and defeated Wuci.
This time, Wei Guang isn't made the commander,
but Yang Ming is made the commander.
Given their relationship, will they...
Will he purposely lose the battle to help Wei Guang gain the position?
It's possible.
That reminds me.
That's why Your Majesty should send a trusted spy,
to investigate the matter.
You're the only one...
who's being so considerate.
Besides Wuci,
Xia Sheng and State of Qiuye,
took sides with the traitors.
What are the countermeasures?
Your Majesty.
Although these two countries are small,
their locations are very dangerous.
Right now, the only way...
is to temporarily abandon Ba Lun County.
Let General Yang immediately lead the 300,000 army to the north,
to destroy the armies of these two countries first.
I agree.
I agree as well.
The spy couldn't find evidence of Yan Kuan and Ban Ling Er's dealings.
So, we can't lay a finger on her.
The spy from the front line sent a letter to His Majesty and said,
Yang Ming didn't follow the order to lead the army to the north.
Things are looking good for Yang Ming.
Wei Guang, this battle turns out this way.
What do you think?
His Majesty wants Yang Ming to advance. Is that feasible?
Although Yang Ming is not good in leading the army,
he's very firm.
He's very meticulous in considering the situation at war.
If he isn't willing to advance,
there must be some reasons related to the strategies.
Ban Ling Er doesn't care about these things.
She merely wants to please His Majesty.
I'm worried that,
Yan Kuan is pulling the strings.
If Yan Kuan has come into contact with Ban Ling Er,
it's possible that,
he's leading Ban Ling Er by the nose and controlling the war situation.
Report!
Your Majesty, this is bad. We've lost Sheng Mu County.
-No good news at all. -Consort Min is here.
Your Majesty, Yang Ming is being disloyal.
What?
I've sent someone to investigate it.
After Your Majesty gave an order to advance,
he's still stationed at the same place.
Is it possible that he's delaying the time,
so that Xia Sheng and State of Qiuye have more time to attack us?
Your Majesty.
General Yang probably just calls a halt.
It won't cause any trouble.
Why didn't Your Majesty verify it with General Yang?
It's an emergency.
This can't be tolerated.
I've decided to change the commander.
Replace Yang Ming with Chen Wan.
General.
Find Yang Ming and execute him on the spot.
Yes.
Your Majesty.
Physician Huo said that General Chen is not feeling well.
We can't change the commander now.
Let Chen Wan stabilize the soldiers morale.
I'll think of other candidates.
General, His Majesty really wants to execute me?
Didn't you hear it just now?
My life doesn't matter.
But changing the general is a big taboo in military.
Why did you disobey His Majesty and refused to strike camp?
There is a forest full of murky atmosphere in front of it.
I had to detour.
Moreover, it was getting late.
There'll surely be a mishap if we rush into it.
That's why...
His Majesty wants to kill me because of this?
His Majesty has issued the edict. The damage is done.
General Yang, there's nothing I can do.
-People! -Yes.
Things have come to this.
I'll do it myself.
Chief Commander Wei.
I'll leave first.
I'll look at His Majesty with my eyes wide open from the underworld,
on how he's bewitched by that witch,
and how he digs his own grave.
Your Majesty, Noble Consort Ning would like to seek an audience.
Tell her.
I'm going to rest.
We can talk tomorrow.
All of you are dismissed.
Yes.
Noble Consort Ning, is there any urgent matter,
for you to break into my chamber?
I heard that Your Majesty has executed General Yang Ming.
Did I pamper you too much,
that you think you can interfere with my political affairs?
I'm here...
not to talk about politics with Your Majesty.
I want to talk to Your Majesty,
about the past when I was conferred the title as an imperial concubine.
At that time...
I was in despair.
I felt like I was fooled by destiny.
When I first entered the palace,
I was used to seeing people in the palace with luxurious clothings.
But I didn't expect that one day...
I would become a member of the nobility.
When I was conferred the title as an imperial concubine,
I stood on the roof of Yong Ling Palace.
I saw the city of Yandu ablaze with lights.
Every lamp represents a family.
What are they doing?
At that time, I swore...
since I've become the Noble Consort,
I have to protect every family.
I don't know if Your Majesty notices it.
Ever since the war...
the lights in Yandu...
went out one by one.
Is this my fault?
Although I'm not feeling well,
I'm still concerned about my people.
Does Your Majesty not know your own mistake by now?
During the disaster relief,
Mr. Zhou Guan Zhong worked his heart out and was constantly on the go.
But he was framed to death.
During the war,
General Yang Ming was being patriotic, and led the charge of troops.
But he died before going to war.
Any of the officers who dares to speak of the truth,
is either arrested or killed.
Your Majesty, take a look. Who else are left?
There's no one but Ban Ling Er and her henchmen.
All they know is to put up good words.
They say things that Your Majesty loves to hear.
Zhou Guan Chong caused the disaster victims to starve to death.
Yang Ming was being disloyal.
I punished them.
This is a matter of course.
These are Consort Min's one-sided stories, isn't it?
Haven't you ever thought about it?
Mr. Zhou never acted rashly.
Why was it after Consort Min came,
he was suddenly eager to achieve a quick success,
and lost the food relief?
Same goes for General Yang Ming.
He was stationed there for another day.
The reason is still unknown.
Ban Ling Er was so quick to make a slanderous report.
Your Majesty has never doubted it.
All of this happened,
because Ban Ling Er was never concerned about Liang,
and the people's lives.
She didn't care if we win the war.
All she cares about,
is how to please Your Majesty,
and win Your Majesty's favour.
Her arrogance caused Mr. Zhou's death.
Her schemes caused General Yang Ming's death.
Your Majesty.
If this goes on...
our country will be ruined.
Who else will be faithful to serve Your Majesty?
Do you think I'm an incapable ruler who's manipulated by a woman?
Ever since I inherited the throne, Liang has been at peace.
These commotions only took place in recent years.
I have a clear conscience to the late emperor,
and my ancestors.
I don't need you to criticise me or give me orders.
Empress dowager.
It's a really heavy burden that Your Highness entrusted me with.
I don't know how long more can I hang on to it.
Your Highnesses.
I've caught Physician Jiang Hong Xue.
Physician Jiang.
You secretly ran away the other day.
I've been looking for you for so long.
It was a moment of folly.
Today, I'll surely,
serve Your Highnesses with all my heart.
Physician Jiang.
Prince Guang Ding is injured now.
If you can cure him, I'll have handsome rewards for you.
Let me take a look at His Highness's injury.
Your Highness.
I found this in Physician Jiang's bag.
It looks like it's for Lang Kun.
Give it to me.
It's the prescription for Lang Kun to treat the emperor and empress.
No wonder Lang Kun suddenly becomes a divine physician,
and serve by that incapable ruler's side.
Turns out it's because of this.
Physician Lang is a skilled physician.
Even without my advice,
he can still practice medicine skilfully and easily.
How can we not let the emperor know about this?
Your Majesty.
Is Lang Kun here?
Did Your Majesty take his medicine?
What now?
I just received a secret letter from the priest.
Turns out Lang Kun knows about Your Majesty's health condition,
because he has seen Jiang Hong Xue's medical records.
This traitor.
How dare of him to fool me?
Lang Kun committed a crime.
Your Majesty, how should he be punished?
It's about my health. Don't act recklessly.
Find out the reason first.
We can talk at length later.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
-Done with your work? -Yes.
Please inform Wei Guang and Noble Consort Ning,
to go to Yong Lun Palace.
I've heard of some military situation.
Mr. Lang.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
His Majesty summoned for Mr. Lang.
I just performed acupuncture for His Majesty just now.
His Majesty wants to see me in such a hurry.
Do you know what is it about?
I don't know.
It's His Majesty's order. We can't delay it.
Mr. Lang, please.