"Episode 39"
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Rise.
Previously, you could tell His Majesty's health condition,
solely by looking at his face.
Take a look at the Prime Minister.
Tell us the Prime Minister's health condition.
Say it.
Two years ago, the Prime Minister,
suffered from malaria.
It took two months for him to fully recover.
You actually knew about this?
Last year, when it turned from spring to summer,
you got a headache every night and recovered by the evening.
You could only fall asleep around 9 to 11 at night.
This year's March, you had the same problem again.
You must think it was caused by the illness from when you were young.
It’s actually caused by your diabetes.
He actually got everything right.
That's really amazing.
Your Majesty, do you need me to continue?
Take a look at the commander of imperial guards and other officers.
Your Majesty.
I'm a physician and all I want is to save lives,
not to perform face reading in the court.
Are you disobeying His Majesty's order?
Let's ask His Majesty.
Does Your Majesty feel better,
after taking the medicine that I prescribed,
and getting my help in nursing your health?
Your Majesty, don't be fooled by him.
We must make things clear today.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, a report from the front line.
General Chen was attacked by the enemy during the march.
He's badly injured now.
What?
Prime Minister and officers, do you have any countermeasures?
Your Majesty, I'll summon the officers at once,
to discuss this matter.
Your Majesty, about Lang Kun...
I can't be bothered by it now.
Talk about it later.
I shall take my leave.
Your Majesty.
Lang Kun, hesitate no more.
Quickly leave the palace.
Otherwise, Ban Ling Er will find the information to use against you.
The situation changed for the worse.
The Princess Royal will attack Yandu very soon.
We need to stay alive.
Only then we can save Liang.
Your Majesty.
How was the war?
It's fine at the moment.
Lang Kun wanted to escape from the palace.
Fortunately, the imperial guards stopped him.
We don't know where he's hiding at now.
But I'm certain that something is wrong with Lang Kun.
I feel really annoyed now.
I couldn't be bothered with Lang Kun.
There's no news yet from General Tang,
whom I sent to replace Chen Wan.
Your Majesty, the battle is important.
But capturing Lang Kun is equally important.
We can't let him get away.
Just do as you wish then. I couldn't be bothered with it.
The war is a pain in the neck.
Your Majesty.
Consort Lu from the Cold Palace sent you a lute.
Your Majesty, where are you going?
Lang Kun went to the Cold Palace.
He asked someone to secretly send me a letter and said,
he's hiding at the morgue in the Cold Palace.
Your Majesty.
You can't go. The palace is full of soldiers.
You'll be exposed as soon as you get there.
Ban Ling Er conveyed His Majesty's order and has locked down the palace.
She even transferred 3,000 soldiers from the south eastern battalion,
to capture Mr. Lang.
Those soldiers were supposed to be sent to the front line.
I'm afraid Ban Ling Er's action,
will ruin the battle.
What should we do?
We have to stay calm.
Otherwise, Mr. Lang will get in more trouble.
Wei Guang, is there any other ways?
Quickly tell us.
Since the palace is locked down in tight security,
don't leave then.
Let them arrest him.
Lang Kun.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
Long story short.
I want you to write a letter.
Just do as I say.
Write down every single word.
Your Majesty, I've lied to His Majesty.
I'm now being hunted.
I'm afraid it's hard for me to escape.
Before I die, I want to tell you a secret.
Twenty years ago,
when I first met Your Majesty, I've fallen in love with you.
But I know there's no future for us.
Your Majesty.
I know all my thoughts and intentions are inappropriate.
But since I've accompanied Your Majesty for such a long time,
can you promise me one thing?
Lang Kun.
This is the map.
You have to remember these spots in red circles.
Tell me the truth.
How did you know about my health condition for the past few years?
Did Jiang Hong Xue...
give you my medical records?
Your Majesty, I've been falsely accused.
Your Majesty's medical records are confidential. How could I see it?
I'm not related to Jiang Hong Xue.
I haven't seen him lately as well.
A few months ago,
the divine physician, Jiang Hong Xue suddenly went missing.
Actually, he was taken by Yan Kuan.
He was supposed to be sent to Beidian,
and serve those two traitors as a physician.
But he was saved by you.
You took His Majesty's medical records,
from Jiang Hong Xue at that time.
Is this true?
Lang Kun.
Stand up.
I have something to ask you.
Tell me the truth.
I have no serious illness at all.
I won't have a sudden death in three months' time. Right?
Tell me.
What's your intention?
You could have escaped. Why didn't you leave?
You're the spy sent by Yan Kuan.
For the past 18 years,
you've been hiding in Yong De Palace.
Could you possibly...
have an affair with the empress?
Her Majesty is here!
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Empress, rise.
Your Majesty, this person deserves to die.
I never would have thought,
that there's such an outrageous person in the world.
I found this letter in my dressing box.
It was written by him.
I'm very interested with the content of the letter.
Your Majesty.
I've lied to His Majesty.
I'm now being hunted.
I'm afraid it's hard for me to escape.
Before I die, I want to tell you a secret.
Your Majesty, don't read it anymore.
Twenty years ago,
when I first met Your Majesty,
I've fallen in love with you.
But I know there's no future for us.
-Your Majesty, stop reading it. -I know...
I know.
I know all my thoughts and intentions are inappropriate.
But since I've accompanied Your Majesty for such a long time,
can you promise me one thing?
Continue reading it.
Eighteen years ago,
I was taken to Mount Lang.
There were wolves all over the place.
They were attacking me from all directions.
It was as though they were going to tear me into pieces.
I dream of it every night.
That scene keeps haunting me.
Your Majesty.
God fooled me.
He makes me fall for someone that I shouldn't have.
I fell so deeply in love that I yearn for her every day.
Am I at fault?
Your Majesty.
If I fall into His Majesty's hands,
please grant me with a cup of poison wine or the white silk.
Don't send me to Mount Lang.
I don't want to see those wolves ever again.
Please grant me my wish.
Send Lang Kun to Mount Lang and be eaten by the wolves!
Yes.
Please let me die.
Your Majesty, please let me die!
Hurry up!
Let's go.
Don't leave me behind.
Don't leave me here! Come back!
Come back! Save me!
Come back!
There are beasts deep in the mountains.
Those guards surely wouldn't dare to take the risks to venture into it.
So, Wei Guang believes that they will leave you at the foot of the mountain.
There's a forest here.
There are fewer wolves.
Wei Guang and Noble Consort Ning have arranged the keys to the cuffs,
at the eight spots nearby the area.
Each spot is marked with a bamboo.
Your Majesty!
Your Majesty, I have received the news.
There was an explosion on Mount Lang.
So, Mr. Lang has a chance to escape?
You have to get through this.
You must live on.
Lang Kun.
I wonder how you are doing now.
If you've managed to escape...
please don't ever come back.
If...
you didn't get through this...
Eighteen years ago,
you were sent to Mount Lang.
I went to Mount Lang,
and read a ritual text for you.
Who would have thought that...
I need to read it for you once again.
Lang Kun.
You've left.
Don't ever come back.
There's nothing here that's worth clinging on to.
Be it Huo Yang Hong.
Or Lang Kun.
You're a man with noble character and unquestionable integrity.
This harem with no boundaries is not worthy of you.
You have done enough...
for me...
and the people.
In this lifetime...
you've given me your life.
If humans can really be born again...
I'll use nine lifetimes...
to repay you.
Your Majesty.
The battle in Si Zhou County is very important.
Why don't we use Wei Guang?
He's the only one who can turn things around.
Your Majesty.
I think...
Your Majesty can consider Zhou Yin.
Zhou Yin?
The one with a dignified look and a great manner of speech?
He's a good candidate.
But he's too young.
He's not even 40 years old. Can he be put to good use?
How old was Wei Guang when Your Majesty...
sent him to fight Wuci?
But Zhou Yin has never served with distinction.
Your Majesty, before Wei Guang fought Wuci,
not only did he not render a meritorious service,
he had never fought a single battle.
Why was Your Majesty able to have a peace of mind,
to let him go into battle back then?
Indeed.
Wei Guang's father was a general.
But Zhou Yin is from a military family.
His father was a famous general of the previous dynasty.
Same goes for his uncles too.
All of them are famous generals.
Eighteen of Zhou's family members died for the country.
They are full of loyalty.
Let's not mention about others.
Someone from such a family background,
must be an upright and loyal person.
Your Majesty.
There are many talented people in the court.
But Your Majesty will only be at ease,
to be using the service of the loyal ones.
You're right.
The talent of statecraft is praiseworthy.
But the loyalty is hard to come by.
Greetings, Noble Consort Ning.
Please rise.
Thanks, Noble Consort Ning.
How old are you?
I'm 19.
I'm 20.
I'm 18.
I'm 15.
Everyone.
You'll be fighting for the country.
The war is imminent.
Let me do something for you on behalf of the government,
as a token of appreciation.
I have prepared something for everyone.
I hope it can keep everyone safe.
Here.
-Thanks, Your Highness. -Don't mention it.
Thanks, Your Highness.
Kill!
All of you are dismissed.
Your Majesty, you look tired.
Is there bad news from the front line?
We've lost Si Zhou County.
We won't be able to hold Peng Yuan County anymore.
All of them are useless.
Your Majesty.
I've lived a peaceful life under your wing.
How would I be able to experience Your Majesty's difficulties?
Your Majesty looks so worried.
So, I was merely overthinking.
Your Majesty, why don't we take advantage of the situation?
Since Wei Guang wants to be the general,
we'll grant him his wish,
and put him to use again.
Let him attack Yan Kuan first.
After Yan Kuan, let him attack Wuci.
After Wuci, attack Xia Sheng and the State of Qiuye.
If the hound is dead, it will usually die in the hunting place.
The generals who fight will inevitably die on the battlefield.
You're right.
Next time, confer him the title as the Lord Protector,
with a grand burial.
Be careful.
Slow down.
Here. Be careful.
-Thank you, Your Highness. -Eat over there.
It's you, Wei Guang.
When did you come?
Why didn't anyone tell me?
There are too many wounded soldiers here.
I changed my schedule at the last moment.
What were you thinking just now?
It's been half a month.
We didn't win a single battle.
Not even a small victory.
It won't be long...
where I'll have to put on the armour,
and fight with Yan Kuan again.
I was thinking about it too.
Her Majesty and I should prepare a farewell party for you.
That's not all.
You and Yan Kuan are considered old enemies.
This should not be all that you were thinking about.
I was wondering...
if I should I fight this war.
You shouldn't.
We shouldn't fight this battle.
-Greetings, Your Majesty. -Greetings, Your Majesty.
Forego the formalities. Rise.
Noble Consort Ning, have a seat.
I summoned you to the palace today.
You must be aware of the situation.
This is a troubled time for Liang.
This is when we need the talented people.
I would like you to serve for Liang.
Noble Consort Ning.
I once made you the female officer.
What was it called?
Your Majesty, you made me the Director of Integrity.
Someone reported that,
the reason we are losing grounds at the front line,
is because there are corrupt officers who embezzle the funds and provisions.
I'll restore your position and send you,
to the front line to investigate this matter.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Wei Guang.
You've been at home for a long time.
It's time for you to go on the battlefield and fight.
I'll confer you the title as the Lord Protector.
Go to the front line and replace Zhou Yin.
Send Yan Kuan back to Beidian.
I don't deserve Your Majesty's trust.
I dare not accept the order.
I'm worried that we'll lose the war.
How presumptuous.
What did you say?
Your Majesty, the fundamental of the country is shaken.
That's why Liang was defeated.
If things aren't put in order in time, even if I have millions of troops,
we'll still lose the battle.
-You... -All right.
Tell me how do we put things in order.
First, overturn the injustice.
Over the past year, faithful officers,
like Mr. Zhou Guan Zhong and General Yang Ming,
were framed, imprisoned, killed and forced to commit suicide.
There are dozens of them.
If Your Majesty redress the injustice...
Those things have been finalized.
Second, put the court in order.
In the past year,
Your Majesty appointed a group of officers who know only flattery.
They should be replaced immediately.
Noble Consort Ning.
Third, rid Your Majesty of the wickedness.
Arrest Ban Ling Er at once.
What are you doing?
-Are you threatening me? -Your Majesty.
Liang's troop strength is nowhere near Yan Kuan's.
If I accept the order,
I'm ready to sacrifice myself and die on the battlefield.
I'll serve the country.
I hope my death will be worthwhile.
I am the emperor.
You're the subject.
Who are you to negotiate with me?
If I want you dead, you can't refuse it.
Your Majesty, grant me with death then.
Your Majesty, grant me with death too.
Because I have the same thought as Chief Commander Wei.
You're my imperial concubine.
You've fought a few battles for me.
I'll spare you for now.
The power that Liang has over the years,
won't be destroyed in a day.
The hardship we face is only for the time being.
Open your eyes and watch me,
defeat those traitors.
You're dismissed.
Your Majesty.
If we continue to lose,
will Your Majesty accept their terms,
and send me to the Cold Palace?
Didn't I make things clear just now?
I am the emperor.
I won't be threatened by them.
Don't worry.
Congratulations, Your Majesty.
Your Majesty is in good health.
How did you check my health condition?
I've been feeling dizzy lately.
But you said I'm fine?
-Get me the medicine for dizziness. -Yes.
Your Majesty, the medicine is ready.
It's quite fitting.
-Do you like it? -I like it.
Ning Zhi.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
Kang Er put on the new clothes?
Just made him new ones.
Looks like you're raising him like your own son.
He's so sensible. Of course I like him.
Kang Er, go and study.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Majesty, since you're here, come with me to see His Majesty.
Meet His Majesty? Why?
His Majesty wants to lead the troops into battle.
I've told Wei Guang and the Prime Minister. We're going to talk to him.
Don't worry.
That won't happen.
His Majesty is not a talented field commander.
If His Majesty meets Yan Kuan, he'll be throwing his life away.
Besides, he's the emperor.
If anything happens to him,
the country will be ruined.
I've been married to His Majesty for decades.
We used to be in love too.
I know his character.
I guess he's trying to find a way,
to give himself an out.
Your Majesty is invincible and will win every battle.
Wish Your Majesty a victorious war.
Your Majesty.
You can't do that.
Your Majesty.
You can't do that.
Your Majesty, you can't do that.
-Your Majesty. -You can't do that.
Your Majesty, are you alright?
I...
-Your Majesty. -Your Majesty.
-Quickly get the physician.
Noble Consort Ning, it's bad.
His Majesty suddenly fainted in the court.
How's His Majesty?
I don't know yet.
Go to Guang Xuan Palace.
Come here. I have a secret to tell you.
Come here.
-What is it? -What is it?
Imperial Physician Zhang.
Why do you look flustered?
His Majesty suddenly fainted in the court.
I'm going to check his condition.
His Majesty is awake.
What happened?
Where am I?
Your Majesty passed out just now.
Don't move, Your Majesty.
I...
I need to lead the troops into battle.
-I need to boost the soldiers' morale. -Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, you can't do that.
Your health is important.
Your Majesty.
Your Majesty, Your Highnesses and officers.
Why don't we step outside?
His Majesty is sick and needs to recuperate.
His Majesty mustn't overwork himself.
Otherwise, it will harm his health.
I shall take my leave.
I need to boost the soldiers' morale.
Where's Kang Er?
Dong Mei and Xia Qiu are taking care of His Highness.
Look for him.
Kang Er.
-Your Highness. -Kang Er.
Kang Er.
General, what happened?
Why sound the horn and put the palace on lock down?
Isn't His Majesty awake already?
The prince suddenly disappeared.
The maids who served His Highness were killed.
Is that so?
I'm taking my men to look for His Highness.
Come with me.
Ning Zhi, I heard that Kang Er is missing.
Your Majesty.
Dong Mei and Xia Qiu who took care of Kang Er were killed.
-Kang Er is missing. -Why would this happen?
Does Wei Guang know?
I went to see him but he's not in.
Don't worry. The palace is heavily guarded.
Kang Er must still be in the palace.
Does His Majesty know about this?
His Majesty doesn't know about it yet.
The imperial physician said His Majesty needs to rest.
I dare not disturb him.
Bring some men to find Kang Er. I'm going to look for Wei Guang.
All right.
Your Highness, Consort Min invites you to Chang Shi Palace.
Your Highness must go now. It's an emergency. No delay.
Let's go.
Why are you looking for me?
Nothing.
I heard that Kang Er is missing.
It was you.
Why are you so nervous?
I don't have the time for that.
But...
I heard some rumours in the palace by chance.
Ban Ling Er, do you know how serious it is to abduct a prince?
If you want Pang Kang to be safe,
you need to agree to three conditions.
It's like how you threatened His Majesty and I.
First.
Wei Guang must go to war at once.
Second.
The empress must admit to having an affair with Huo Yang Hong,
and step down.
Third.
From now on, you must pretend to be crazy.
From now on, you can't leave Wan Xiang Palace.
Ban Ling Er.
You're so naive.
To His Majesty, a woman is nothing but a plaything.
But Kang Er is different.
Kang Er is his son.
Kang Er is his favourite prince.
Say no more.
If you want to know about Pang Kang,
you must agree to these three conditions.
Are you going to tell me or not?
Come to me when you've made up your mind.