Music
What did you say?
Oboi took away Yihuan?
Exactly.
He's known as the Bravest Warrior.
He also took several superb bodyguards
with him.
We didn't dare to help her rashly.
Young Master, what should we do now?
Don't do anything rashly
before we get news from our agents in the restaurant.
Do not alert our enemies.
Yes.
Bro. Zhu.
Who told you to curse me before I left?
What should I do now?
Oh, you're a girl.
Madam Liu.
Yes.
Is she the girl
who left Spring Brothel
with Lord Mutai?
Yes, My Lord.
Stop staring at me.
You make me quiver.
Cool down. I must cool down.
How dare you, bitch!
Where did you take the magistrate?
Tell the truth.
If you dare to lie, I'll...
Madam.
Madam, help me. Help me.
As long as you tell us
where the magistrate is
I'll intercede for you with the grand secretary.
Tell me.
For real?
Come on. Spit it out.
Fine. I'll tell you then.
That day, the magistrate said
he would take me to a fun place.
I was so happy
and thought I would attach myself to him
and then live a carefree life.
Unexpectedly
he took me
to a very isolated spot.
I thought that
maybe he wanted to take me as his concubine
because his wife was too strict.
But when the carriage reached a wood
he got off alone
and asked me to wait for him on it.
When I pulled back
the curtain stealthily
I saw him
talking with
a gang of men in black.
Men in black?
What did they talk about?
What did they say?
About what valley?
Duke?
Alliance?
Something like that.
Were they talking about
Pearl Valley
and Duke Jin?
Yes. Yes.
That's what they said.
Pearl Valley
used to be a secret base against the royal court.
Duke Jin should refer to
Li Dingguo, who was titled
by Emperor Yongli of Southern Ming.
Later
Emperor Yongli was killed by Wu Sangui.
Li Dingguo faked his death and fled.
He gathered a rebel party
wishing to fight against the royal court.
Was...
was the magistrate missing
because of them?
What else did they say?
They kind of said
it couldn't be exposed
and there wasn't a turning back.
Or they would die if exposed. Something like that.
Is the
magistrate...
I suspected that
some of those generals who had surrendered
were disloyal to us.
Mutai
whose real name as Sun Fu
was a trusted subordinate
of Li Dingguo's second son, Li Sixing.
Li Dingguo must be behind him.
He pretended to pay allegiance to us
but colluded with those dregs of Southern Ming.
Girl.
What else did they say?
Come on.
Think about it carefully.
I heard only a word or two.
I didn't get it clearly.
However
I heard a name.
Every time they mentioned the name
their voice rose
angrily.
They even cursed.
Who were they cursing?
They were saying
asshole Oboi...
Or loser...
How dared he call himself the Bravest Warrior?
They would batter him someday.
Hey, girl.
Don't be scared.
Continue.
And then?
And then...
I understood them.
It seemed the magistrate wanted to
take me to
Pearl Valley, as we just mentioned.
But those men in black refused.
They asked him to kill me.
I was really scared.
Just then
his captain of guards
pulled out his sword.
Stop.
Don't let him run away.
You! Drive the carriage.
I'll deal with them.
No, I can't.
I can't drive a carriage.
Hurry if you don't want to die.
Pull the rein.
Hurry.
And then?
And then
I pulled the rein
and kept going forward.
I heard clash behind me.
Louder and louder.
I kept going in the carriage.
Later the horse stopped because it was tired.
I was afraid they would catch up and kill me.
So I ran away.
The captain of guards
is a spy I arranged for Sun Fu.
Maybe Sun Fu killed him
because he found that Sun Fu colluded with the rebel party.
Girl.
It was a serious accident.
Why didn't you tell the local government?
I was too scared.
One was the magistrate.
And the other were ruffians.
I was afraid I would be killed
if I told the local government.
Tell me.
Why did you come to the capital then?
I didn't dare to stay in Yuanzhou
in case they might hunt me down.
I was wondering
if I should go back to the capital
and look for my brother missing for years.
But this is a big city.
I can't find him.
All I can do is to make a living
by some petty pilfering.
My Lord
do you think
we can trust her?
Many complicated backgrounds and secrets
are involved.
An ordinary thief
wouldn't know that.
She confessed fluently.
And it didn't sound like an improvised lie.
My Lord.
I'll never steal again.
I swear, My Lord.
Madam.
Please plead for me!
I stole these before.
Take them!
And please plead for me!
Don't let him kill me, Madam!
My Lord.
What do you think
we should do with her?
Hush up.
Well
take her back to my house first.
Thank you, My Lord.
Master, emergency! Something wrong.
What's wrong?
I went to Charity Pharmacy to pass on the message.
But the shopkeeper told me that
Childe Li was lost.
Yihuan was lost?
The shopkeeper said
his brother was as restless as ants on a hot pan.
He sent men to look for him.
Here you are.
Seriously?
Two steamed buns?
What else do you expect?
Do you think
you're still an honored guest in the Best Restaurant?
Madam.
Sorry I was rude to you in the restaurant.
But don't forget.
I gave you two gold ingots.
Yeah.
So I gave you the steamed buns.
I'm principled
and affectionate.
Two gold ingots in exchange for two steamed buns.
They're the most expensive steamed buns that ever lived.
Well, better than nothing.
I won't be starved at least.
I'll eat them.
If some roast duck is put in them
the oil will
run through my mouth.
Look what a situation you're in!
And you're still thinking about eating?
Aren't you afraid this will be your last dinner?
Yes, but so what?
I have to eat anyway.
I can't just wait to die and do nothing.
Madam.
In fact, I've stolen many rich men
in this city.
I've hidden some money
in the room where I live.
How about I go halves
with you?
No way.
How about 60%?
You'll have 60%, all right?
No way.
Even if you give it all to me
I don't dare to release you.
However much money I have
it won't help
if I die.
Madam.
I'm begging you.
Killing me is easy.
But I can help if you keep me alive.
There are so many rich men in this city.
I'll go and steal them for you.
You'll have all the money I get.
What do you think? Let go of me.
Well, you little girl.
You sound interesting.
I've trained so many girls.
All of them were
picked out by the grand secretary.
But none of them
can be as beautiful as you.
Nor can they be as clever as you.
So you mean?
You can release me?
How dare I!
But I am...
principled and affectionate.
I can't just take your money but do nothing.
I come
to offer you a way out.
Please enlighten me.
Miss Yi told the lie
so skillfully
without any flaw
that even the crafty Oboi
was deceived.
She was heaven-daring
just because she was smart.
Oboi was deceived
but he also took her back.
It's hard to tell
how he'll deal with her.
We had
some planted agents in Oboi's mansion.
But he doesn't trust them.
They can only work in the outer place.
But I've told them
to try every possible means to
get more information.
Oboi is born brutal.
Yihuan is very dangerous with him.
We must think of a way
to get her out.
Young Master
Childe Long San sent someone to ask
if we managed to save Yihuan
and if we needed any help.
Tell him
we haven't found Yihuan yet.
But we'll handle it
and will not bother him.
We're grateful for his kindness.
Yes.
Madam, you made a perfect choice.
Look at me.
Almond-shaped eyes.
Double-edged eyelids.
What a beautiful girl!
And I have a perfect figure.
I'm cute and gorgeous.
You've made a perfect choice.
I'm a beautiful girl, one of a kind.
Is that a yes?
What? No?
The grand secretary doesn't need money.
All he needs are beautiful girls.
This is your last chance.
Well...
Can I have some roast duck
and osmanthus wine?
I can't think before I'm full.
Xiaohu
tell the planted agent that
I'll be waiting
for his message
near Oboi's mansion.
Ask him to send a signal
once Oboi wants to kill Yihuan.
You mean
you'll rush in to save Yihuan
when Oboi wants to kill her?
His mansion is heavily guarded.
You're out of the ordinary.
You mustn't rush.
I won't risk myself
unless I really have to.
If Oboi is going to kill Yihuan
I have to disregard everything else.
You really
love her.
Unfortunately, she is too ignorant
to cherish your love.
Instead, she always makes trouble for you.
She doesn't mean that.
I don't blame her.
Hurry to get more information.
I'll gather my men
and get prepared to save her at any time.
Yes, Young Master.
Something must be wrong with Yihuan.
His brother doesn't want to tell the truth.
Yeah, Master.
But you don't need to worry.
People like them always have a way
to solve their problems.
Besides
it's not convenient for us to help them.
Well
send some guys to guard outside the Charity Pharmacy.
Let me know when you get anything.
Yes.
Master.
It's getting late.
Why don't we get back home?
Otherwise
your grandma will blame me
if she knows.
Let's go.
Okay.
After you.
Haven't you made up your mind
after eating the whole duck?
I have.
Get me washed and dressed.
I'm going to see the grand secretary.
I know you're a clever girl.
Madam Liu.
Do you really think
she's fit for the job?
My Lord.
There are many beautiful girls in the palace.
But most of them are timid.
Few of them can be
as lovely and clever as Yihuan.
The empress is young.
I think
a girl like Yihuan will easily attract him.
She's born brave
and wild.
I'm afraid
it'll be hard to control her after she is in the palace.
She has many weaknesses.
She's greedy for fortune and food.
As well as high position and great wealth.
She's afraid of suffering and being killed.
We can easily control her.
Besides
we can
feed her the tonifying pills.
We don't need to worry if she'll disobey us.
We've sent many girls to the emperor.
But only one of them was favored by him.
Unfortunately
the new Consort Li took her place.
We don't have a better choice now.
This time
we'll bet on it.
But...
I'm worried
if she will be suspected
in the palace
because of her martial arts.
It's okay.
Manchu girls grow up on the horse
with their father and brothers.
It's normal
when they can ride a horse or shoot.
Well...
I'll fake her identity
as the daughter of a military officer.
In this way
it explains why she has simple martial arts.
Doesn't it?
Yes. Yes. Yes.
Master.
Miss Yi has been freshened up
and is waiting outside.
Get her in.
Yes.
Greetings, My Lord.
Good. Good.
Thank you for sparing my life.
Yihuan.
Do you really want to work for me?
I pledge to work for you, My Lord.
What's this?
It smells so good.
It's a tonifying pill.
Take it
and you'll always have fair skin and be forever young.
For real?
Sure.
It really helps to invigorate you
and keep your beautiful.
But once you take it
you need one every month.
Otherwise
you'll die a horrible death
with putrescent organs.
What do you think?
If you really want to be loyal to me
take this pill.
As long as you're obedient
I will give you one pill
every month.
My Lord
if I don't take it
will you kill me?
You failed to report
the magistrate's collusion with the rebel party.
Then you stole things in the capital.
You should have been killed
for either crime.
What tonifying pills?
It's just the heartbroken poison.
I could make it and detoxify it
when I was only ten.
I pretend to be scared and hesitant
just to deceive you
you fool!
Girl.
You're clever.
Take this pill
and you'll enjoy endless wealth.
But if you don't
you'll say goodbye to your head.
Hurry.
It's so sweat
just like candy.
Do you have more?
You really take it as candy
and enjoy it as your meals?
Look at you.
You wanted to kill me when I didn't eat it.
And you grudge to give me more now.
What a funny girl!
Madam Liu.
You have only seven days
before the new candidate girls go into the palace.
Hurry up and teach her.
You mustn't let her give herself away.
Yes, My Lord.
What?
Oboi didn't kill Yihuan.
Instead, he got her somewhere to live
with two maids?
We don't know what Miss Yihuan has done.
Things went beyond our expectation.
But she's safe at least.
Young Master, please leave.
Our planted agent will try to
get in touch with her.
I'll let you know in case of anything.
Okay.
Be careful.
My Lord.
Yihuan is really clever.
She's quick in learning.
But she doesn't learn anything by heart.
I tested her.
She can do a little
about
singing, dancing, painting and writing.
But not skilled in any of them.
My Lord.
I have less than five days
before she has to go to the palace.
Time is running out
however carefully I teach her.
Madam.
My Lord.
It's not my fault.
When I was twelve
my parents died.
And I lost
my only brother.
I barely grew up
with the help of nuns
from the nunnery.
How could I learn
any art skill?
But you don't do well in whatever a girl should do.
How can you attract the emperor
and make him love you?
If a girl must be talented in arts
to attract the emperor
the girls you've trained all failed
when they were very talented
didn't they?
Madam Liu is most experienced in
how to win a man's love.
Every girl she trained
can entrance all men.
Unfortunately, the emperor
is too young to understand.
Besides, there are too many beautiful girls.
They failed to attract the emperor
so that they couldn't show what they've got.
You made the point.
To attract the emperor
talent and skill don't help alone.
We need to use our mind.
Am I right, Madam?
Then tell me
how you can attract the emperor?
Well...
It's hard to tell.
I must adapt myself to circumstances in the palace.
My Lord.
Speaking of this
Yihuan is
much better than any other girl.
My Lord. Don't worry.
To live up to your expectation
and to have a great future
in the palace
I will try my best
to attract the emperor.
Fine.
It's hardest to guess what the emperor is thinking.
It all depends on you
to win his love.
What a pity that I don't have a daughter!
If only I could
have a daughter
as clever as you.
Godfather
I'm giving you a kowtow.
You...
That was a casual comment.
Why...
why are you calling me godfather directly?
You...
Well, you.
You really know how to cater to me.
Fine.
I'll have you as my goddaughter.
Get up.
Thank you, Godfather.
By the way
I must remind you something.
The relationship must be private between us.
After you're in the palace
you shall let no one know it.
If the emperor knows
you're with me
it does no good
to either you or me.
Godfather, don't worry.
I won't talk madness.
What a clever girl!
Fine.
Since you're now my goddaughter
I should give you some gift
as your godfather.
Here is
a gift for you.
This golden silk vest
is unique treasure.
It's thin and soft
but is invulnerable to weapons
fire or water.
Lord Oboi risked his life
and achieved great military exploits
before the decreased emperor finally awarded him with the vest.
Now
he has given it to you.
So you really are important to him.
You want me to be an undercover for you
you should draw me over for sure.
But if things don't go smooth
you will kill me without doubt.
Even if I wear the vest
I won't get away.
Madam
you helped a lot
when I managed to be the goddaughter of the grand secretary.
Rest assured.
if I manage to make a fortune
I'll be generous to you.
You're always honey-lipped.
Madam.
Let me have a look at the vest.
Look!
Is the vest
really that powerful?
Look! It's not pierced!
Madam, keep it for me.
Hurry. Hurry.
According to Bro. Zhu
we have planted agents
in the Best Restaurant and Oboi's mansion.
He must have known the situation where I'm in
and will ask the agent to get in touch with me.
Humph, the bitch
follows me closely.
How annoying!
Food for me?
Yes.
Miss Yi.
We ordered these dishes
from the Best Restaurant for you.
Especially the sauced duck heads.
The new cook Mr. Zhu
made this dish for you.
He said
if you wanted something better
after you have a try
he would meet your requirements as far as possible.
I see. Leave us.
Oh, bring me a pot of osmanthus wine.
Yes.
Madam, look.
So many dishes.
I should have shared them with you.
But you know
my greatest weakness
lies in gluttony.
Besides
you snatched a duck with me in the restaurant.
That was really an unpleasant experience for me.
So...
if you eat with me
I'll be very scared.
Or...
Or you can have dinner first...
Don't worry.
I won't grab your food.
I'll have dinner in my own room.
But...
after dinner
I'll share the bed with you tonight.
Oh, forget it.
I've never shared a bed ever in my life.
Besides, look at your...
uh, your...
beautiful face
I won't fall sleep on the same bed.
No. I must share the bed with you tonight.
Because
tonight
I'm going to teach you
some sexual skills.
Hoodlum!
Only when you have such skills
can you fascinate the emperor
after he has sex with you.
You're shy now.
But after you get into the palace
and win the love of the emperor
you'll be grateful for what I teach you.
Fine. Fine.
Thank you, Madam.
Stop and leave.
Hurry. I'm dying of shame.
Hurry.
Get back to your dinner.
Duck?
A planted agent has been arranged to save you.
Come in.
Miss Yi, the wine you asked for.
Miss Yi said she would
turn the trick to her own use.
After she gets into the palace
she'll tell Oboi's plan to Childe Long San
to provoke a conflict between Oboi and the young emperor.
Yihuan proclaimed that
she didn't support our efforts to recover the Ming dynasty.
But whenever she has a chance
she'll help us, regardless of danger.
She also said
Oboi didn't trust her much.
He's looking for her missing brother throughout the city.
To make Oboi trust her
please get prepared
to put on the show of family connection
with her, Young Master.
Got it.
Melon seeds for sale.
What's going on?
Chief, we've checked all pharmacies on the street.
But haven't found the one we want.
Go check that way.
Yes.
We've got nothing, either.
Come with me.
Yes.
What's wrong?
No idea.
Shopkeeper.
What's up, lords?
What do you want?
Do you know someone name Li Jianqing?
A young doctor.
Yes, but...
he's seeing a patient.
Lord.
You're Li Jianqing?
Yes.
Done.
What?
Do you need medical service?
Are you from Sichuan?
Yes.
Lord, what are you doing?
Great, Mr. Li.
Finally, we found you!
Come with me.
My Lord.
Yihuan is really a clever girl.
She has thoroughly memorized
the background we gave her
and the other information she has to recite.
Besides
I taught her
important sexual skills last night.
Great.
You really are a good successor.
Yihuan
you have three days before going to the palace.
You must get well prepared.
After you're in the palace
I can't have anyone to take care of you
in case you may be suspected
as my subordinate.
Whether you can
get away from complicated schemes
and attract the emperor
to win his love
all depends on
yourself.
Godfather, don't worry.
I will live up to
your expectation on me.
Good.
I'm giving you another gift today.
I bet you'll be happy.
What is it?
Look who he is!
Brother!
You're my little sister?
- Brother. - Sister.
Brother.
Sorry.
It was all my fault.
I won't do that ever again.
I will be obedient to you.
Sister.
I didn't expect
to see you here.
I thought you were dead.
Do you know
I've been looking for you all these years.
I've been anxious
when I fail to find you.
I know.
I won't get lost ever again.
Sister.
Brother.
I'm glad you're fine.
Let go of
the past.
Come on.
Let me introduce you.
This is my godfather.
Kneel to him!
Greetings, My Lord.
Thank you for saving my sister.
And for bringing us be together.
You're welcome.
Get up.
Thank you, My Lord.
Sit.
He asked you to sit down.
Hurry.
Master.
Here's some news about Childe Li.
What? Is he fine?
He's safe.
But Oboi got him.
Oboi?
With all due respect, My Lord
but do you feel restless lately?
And do you have a nasty taste
for whatever you eat?
How do you know that?
A doctor
can detect all disease
by looking, listening, questioning and feeling the pulse.
You look
as if you're thinking too much.
This will
do harm to
your stomach and spirit.
Consequently, you have a nasty taste.
Is there a cure?
It's easy.
After I feel your pulse
and write out some prescriptions,
you'll get better.
I heard from Yihuan that
you travelled with your master
to give medical service since little
and learnt many great skills.
You can't bring people back to life
but managed to save many patients.
When I see you
I know she's not lying.
I'm old enough
to always feel unwell
do you want to stay in my house
and work for me?
Sly guy!!
He doesn't trust me
and wants to take Bro. Zhu as the hostage.
I've been a traveling doctor for years.
I've learnt many folk prescriptions
but I suffer a lot from travelling far.
I plan to settle down in the capital
and seek a fortune.
I can earn very little from the job at the Pharmacy.
I'll appreciate it
if I can work for you.
This is our special tonifying pill.
If you really want to work for me
take one
just as your sister did.
Every month
I'll give the pills
to both of you on time.
You're a doctor
and you must know how the pill functions.
If you refuse to take it
how dare I
trust you and promote you?
All I want is to protect my sister
and get a good job.
Therefore
I will be loyal
and absolutely obedient.
Godfather
May I ask for a favor?
Hope you'll agree.
Feel free to tell me.
I will help you
as long as it's within my ability.
Could you
get my brother a job in the palace, too?
In this way
we can take care of each other.
Besides, he can take my message
to you directly.
It'll be safe and convenient
when my brother delivers messages. What do you think?
Good idea.
We have a perfect chance.
In the Imperial Health Institute
one doctor retired of age this month
and another went back to his hometown in mourning for his parent.
They're short of hands now.
You're so skilled that
I can totally get you a job
in the Imperial Health Institute.
In this way
it'll be more convenient for you
to keep in touch.
- Thank you, Godfather. - Thank you, My Lord.
But there are many taboos in the palace.
After you're in the palace
you mustn't expose your relationship
to anyone else.
Got it.
I understood.
The emperor was unwell days ago.
He looked fatigued and absent-minded.
But he suddenly recovered out of no reason.
Mr. Li
after you work in the Imperial Health Institute
please pay more attention
to finding out which imperial doctor
was so skillful that
he managed to cure the emperor so easily.
Bad guy!
You want to figure it out
who detoxified the poison you fed the emperor, huh?
I see.
I'll keep my eye on that.
I'll let you know in case of anything.
Oboi forced Li Yihuan to take the tonifying pill
and said
he would send him to the palace
as a spy.
Tonifying pill?
Yes.
Li Jianqing said
it was the poison that Oboi made.
Once it's taken
it must be continued every month.
Otherwise
he'll die a horrible death.
Since Yihuan has taken the pill
will he be controlled by Oboi all his life?
Yeah, Master.
I think so
according to what has happened.
Li Jianqing also said
he wanted you
to tell the emperor secretly
about what Li Yihuan will do under threat.
Then you can take care of each other in the palace.
He also said
they would not
help Oboi
to do anything harmful to the emperor.
Master, don't get angry.
Oboi is getting
more and more reckless.
Well...
Go tell Li Jianqing that
I will tell the emperor asap
to take better care of Yihuan in the palace.
Okay.
And tell him that
the emperor will go to Oboi
to get the antidote asap.
Ask him to rest assured.
Yes.
Is the emperor getting better from the dizziness?
Yes, much better.
Days ago, I asked Oboi
to enjoy the spring flowers with me.
I warned him in a mild way.
He's smart.
He should understand me.
I think he'll restrain himself a little.
His Majesty is too young
and can't live without your support.
Have all candidate girls for this year
come into the palace?
The last batch arrived three days ago.
Has the emperor chosen anyone?
I urged him.
But he's too busy with political affairs
to pick out some.
Well, he isn't
like his grandpa or father at all.
He isn't a womanizing boy.
It has both advantage and disadvantage.
The advantage
lies in that
he makes vigorous efforts to build a strong country.
And the disadvantage lies in that
he hasn't had a baby yet.
I'm expecting a great-grandson soon.
Other consorts and I
will serve His Majesty with concentrated attention
and make your dream come true as early as possible.
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