Music
Junior Long is late again.
See how I'll teach you later.
Big brother.
You're late again. Again.
What did you get last night?
I lived up to your expectation.
I...
got back
all that I had lost.
The half for you.
Awesome.
Luckily you give it to me.
I'm just in urgent need of money.
Big brother.
Where do you need money
in the palace?
You don't know, do you?
You know what?
In the palace
money helps everywhere.
If I hadn't bought Eunuch Li yesterday
I would have been screwed.
What happened yesterday?
I...
His Majesty fell asleep early, didn't he?
He is very lecherous.
How would he sleep early?
Luckily
my brother gave me a silk scarf
soaked in sleeping drug.
I brought it to the palace secretly
and got him knocked him out.
Or how could he easily fall sleep?
You got His Majesty knocked out?
If His Majesty knows it
you, your brother
Eunuch Li
and the other two eunuchs will be dead.
Hush.
Only you, my brother
and I know it.
No one else does.
Don't tell anyone else.
You shouldn't have told me
to embarrass me.
If I tell His Majesty
I'll be disloyal to you.
But if I don't
I'll be disloyal to His Majesty.
I was not going to hurt His Majesty.
I was just to protect myself.
Don't sell me out for your master.
If you do that
I'll break with you.
Big brother, I'm not complaining
but you really are too reckless.
If I didn't put in a good word for you
you would have been killed many times.
Fine. Fine.
I'm doing the same.
If it weren't for you
how would I listen to Oboi
and come here?
I'm not so skilled in martial arts.
But I'm okay with the flying skill.
I could have fled, right?
I just came for you, didn't I?
Okay.
For the sake of your loyalty
I will protect you
in the Forbidden City, whatever happens.
But let's make a deal.
You mustn't do anything evil
especial to His Majesty.
Otherwise
I can't help you.
Got it?
Don't worry.
I'm afraid of death.
Besides
how could I get my Junior Long involved?
You really care for me.
Your head looks exactly like an egg.
Big brother.
After getting along with His Majesty these two nights
what do you think of him?
The emperor?
He's romantic
and even a little lecherous.
But he's nice.
And tolerant with me.
Most importantly
he behaves well in drinking and gambling.
You know what?
If someone behaves well
in both drinking and gambling
he won't be too bad.
No one has ever assessed His Majesty in this way.
If he knows
he must find it interesting.
This is a private conversation.
Do not tell anyone else!
I know.
It's our little secret.
Yeah.
Senior Sister.
In the action
I'll deal with Shi Qinghong and his men.
Wu Yingqi doesn't seem to do marital arts.
I'll leave him to you.
To me?
Yes.
Destroy the leader, then gang will collapse.
As long as we take down Wu Yingqi
and force him to give us the remains of Emperor Yongli
we will find the first gold key.
And then?
Kill him.
Why must we kill him?
He's the son of Wu Sangui.
But he's also a kind gentleman.
Wu Yingqi must be killed.
When he's dead
and the first key is lost
Wu Sangui and the emperor
will suspect each other.
But...
if we do so
won't we be too unscrupulous?
Senior Sister.
Don't forget our business.
To make it
we mustn't be unnecessarily kind.
Where are my dress and silk scarf?
Miss Yihuan, it's getting late.
Time to go to the resting palace of His Majesty.
Wait a second, Eunuch Li.
Where are my dress and silk scarf?
Miss Yihuan.
You don't need them.
I have them washed.
Don't.
I need that silk scarf.
Eunuch Li.
You know it.
Miss Yihuan.
What are you talking about?
I don't understand.
However
before you came in
your father should have taught you
to talk less and behave yourself
after you come here.
You should understand.
Eunuch Li.
Did you take away my silk scarf
on purpose?
No one can take anything for the night.
This is an imperial rule
that everyone must abide by.
Screwed.
I'm screwed.
Spirit up and be cautious.
Do you hear me?
Yes.
Be careful.
Who?
Senior Sister.
Some accident.
Besides us
some others are also taking secret action.
They're fighting with the guards
in the backyard.
Who are they?
No idea.
But they have a different target.
It seems they just want to rob the money.
In Wu Yingqi's fleet
there are many gifts and special products from Yunnan
for influential officials in the capital
in addition to the remains of Emperor Yongli.
They're valuable.
I think they're normal bandits.
If they only want the treasure
we don't need to interfere.
But what if they also take away the remains of Emperor Yongli
by mistake?
Yeah.
In this case
we have to help them first.
Okay.
You go first.
I'll try to wake up Wu Yingqi
and ask him which carriage
the remains of Emperor Yongli lie in.
Okay.
Miss Qianying.
Why are you here?
Childe Wu.
A gang of bandits are robbing you.
My brother has gone to help Chief Shi.
I didn't hear any sound in your room.
I rushed to check on you
in case you may get in danger.
There are so many bandits.
I'm afraid we can't protect all your goods.
I wonder
which of them should be especially protected.
One carriage of goods
must be strictly protected.
My head hurts.
Childe Wu, they not only robbed you of money
but will also fire the inn.
Let me walk you out first.
Okay.
Come on.
Stop.
Everybody
you want nothing but money.
Why must you kill us?
In these carriages
there are all treasures.
You can take them all.
What in the last carriage
isn't valuable.
But to me
it's of special significance.
You can take away all the other treasures
except this box.
What do you think?
Deal.
Childe Yingqi.
Let them go.
Money is mere worldly possessions.
Why must we kill?
Are you alright?
I'm fine.
Miss.
What should I do?
I don't have the silk scarf tonight.
Eunuch Li must have
realized there's sleeping drug in the silk scarf
and fear to take responsibility.
Your Majesty, stay away from me.
Girl.
If you hadn't schemed at me
I would have spared you.
But you betrayed me first.
Don't blame me for being rude.
Wait.
Wait a second.
How do you know
I schemed at you last night?
Did Long San tell you?
Damn Long San.
He told you everything.
I'll speak nothing to him.
Stop blaming Long San.
If it weren't for him
why would I allow you to mess around?
Stop.
What?
You want to compete with me in marital arts?
Fine.
I'll satisfy you.
And I promise you.
I won't ask my guards for help.
Wait a second, Your Majesty.
Do you know
why I don't want to sleep with you?
You told me that
a lover valued more than treasure.
You have a lover?
Exactly.
I have one.
And...
you know him, too.
He's Long San.
Long San?
Isn't he your junior?
Yes, but...
we're of different genders anyway.
How will I only
take him as my buddy?
I fell in love with him very early.
Your Majesty.
If you insist on
grabbing me
I have to suicide
to protect my chastity for Long San.
You will die for him?
Exactly.
Your Majesty.
Long San is a trusted subordinate of yours.
Since ancient times
a wise emperor
never grabs of a girl
of his subordinate.
Instead, he'll help them.
Besides
you have a lot of consorts.
Why do you bother to hurt Long San's heart
just for me?
How do you know Long San loves you, too?
I don't know
if he likes me.
But I'm sure
I play a very important part
in his heart.
Miss Ye.
Miss Ye, wait.
Childe Wu.
Stop running after me.
It's in the middle of night.
We're not safe
in the deserted place.
I'm not afraid.
I'm worried about you.
Miss.
You're a girl with a strong sense of justice.
You're skilled in martial arts
brave and kind.
Bur your heart
shouldn't have been so fragile.
Besides, a girl gets old
however beautiful she is.
We should chase what pleases us
instead of getting depressed
because of a little flaw on the face.
If you feel okay
use my handkerchief to cover it up.
Thank you.
Miss.
You know what?
there's only a little scar
on one side of your face.
But your face and outline
look so beautiful.
You don't need to mind it.
Thank you for comforting me.
But you don't understand.
The scar on my face
isn't what I care most.
But...
Oh, I see.
The true scar
comes from your heart.
Miss, if you trust me
why don't you tell me the truth?
I'd like to share it with you.
I got the scar
when I was nine.
That day
my sister urged me
to take her to the mountain for fun.
Run.
I can understand you.
In that dangerous moment
you father saved your little sister,
instead of you.
It means in his heart
he loves your little sister more.
That's not fair.
Most importantly
she's not my biological sister.
But adopted by my father.
Then I can further understand you.
You were just nine.
But you didn't run away alone
in danger.
Instead, you went back to save your little sister.
You were very brave.
And you loved her a lot
even if she was adopted.
You wasn't caring for
the scar on your face.
But it was just then
that you realized
your father valued your adopted sister
more than he did to you.
That really hurt a lot.
Thank you for your understanding.
And allowing me
to tell my story.
In fact
I don't dare to think about it.
Whenever I think of it, I hate myself.
Why would I be jealous of my sister?
Shouldn't I be happy
when my sister has been saved?
Why am I so narrow-minded?
You're not narrow-minded.
This is human nature.
I believe
everyone else would feel sad
in your position, expect the saints.
So would I.
Thank you for understanding.
What you said
made me feel much better.
In fact
my father is a very famous doctor.
He has a secret formula
to make some skincare cream
to cure the scar on my face.
Unfortunately
some medicinal materials are too precious to be found.
That's why we haven't made it yet.
What do you need?
Could you tell me?
Maybe I can help.
You can find those precious materials
To be honest
I'm the second son of Duke Pingxi.
The medicine storage room of my home
is very nearly the same
as the one in the imperial palace.
Oh...
You're the son of Duke Pingxi?
You're from a noble family.
I'm just...
a humble girl travelling with my brother.
There's a disparity in our positions.
But I want to be your friend.
That's really flattering myself.
What are you talking about?
Don't you remember?
We helped the delivery woman in the rain
and shared the experience
fighting against the bandits tonight
What a great experience we had!
If you still care for ranks
isn't that too tawdry?
Unexpectedly
Your Highness, you're also a modest person.
Miss Qianying.
If you really take me as your friend
stop calling me Your Highness.
Besides, my mother is also a concubine.
I'm not qualified to inherit my father's rank.
Why don't we
call each other by name?
Well...
I'll call you...
Childe Yingqi.
Hurry.
Chief Shi.
Childe Yingqi.
Finally, you're back.
My leg was hurt.
And I couldn't catch up with you.
Childe Ye was also looking for you.
I'm fine.
I just took a walk
with Miss Qianying.
Thank you for helping us today.
Otherwise, my goods would have been all robbed.
You're welcome.
Since we can travel together
we're friends.
Wes should help each other.
I wonder what is in that carriage
and it can be more precious than money.
Why do you ask?
Curiosity.
It's okay
if you don't feel like answering.
Not really.
It's the remains of Emperor Yongli
I escorted under the command of His Majesty.
Childe Yingqi.
Chief Shi.
In this case
if we still cover it up
we'll not real friends.
According to the original plan
my father
would send two hundred picked soldiers with me.
But I'm afraid civilians along the way may be disturbed.
So I keep a low profile and get disguised as armed escorts.
But we still met bandits.
Under such circumstances
I don't dare to rush forward.
We're arriving in Shanxi soon.
I have to inform Commander Shu Jian of Shanxi
and ask him for some soldiers as company.
I really appreciate it
when you care for the civilians.
But even we had an accident tonight
those bandits
wanted the treasure only.
This is the last you have now.
For normal people
it seems to be much safer.
Why do you bother to disturb the government?
You make some sense.
Don't, Childe Yingqi.
This is not valuable.
But His Majesty has asked for it.
He must have a special purpose.
If something goes wrong again
not only will I be killed
even you and your father
will be involved.
So we mustn't be careless.
We'd better inform Commander Shu asap
for more escorts.
Fine. Do it your way.
Those bandits
are strong in martial arts.
They don't look like a motley crew
but more like specially trained
just like us.
Though I was hurt
when practicing
I shouldn't have felt it so hard
to fight serval bandits.
Their identities remained odd.
They want the money only.
They know nothing about
the remains of Emperor Yongli.
Shi Qinghong has sent someone
to Commander Shu Jian of Shanxi over the night.
I'm afraid
a lot of escorts will come.
At that time
I'm afraid
it'll be hard for us to take action.
You mean...
We'll do it now.
It's still dark.
And Shi Qinghong is wounded.
We'll kill Wu Yingqi
and get the gold key.
In this way
we can arise the conflict between the emperor and Wu Sangui.
But...
Junior Ye.
You haven't recovered yet.
And...
I don't want to kill innocent people.
Why don't we find another way?
What idea do you have then?
Wu Yingqi is a weak scholar
without any experience.
Tonight, we helped him to fight back the bandits.
He has already taken us as his friend.
I'd like to get closer to him
get the news of the gold key
and take it away secretly.
Fine then.
As long as we take the first gold key
the emperor will think
Wu Sangui refuses to hand it in.
If the emperor can keep Wu Yingqi in the capital
and even kill him
that will be better than
our execution.
Apparently
Wu Yingqi seems weak.
But I'm still afraid if it'll be hard to deal with him.
Are you sure to get information from him?
I...
Let me try.
When you ran away
Wu Yingqi ran after you
regardless of everything else.
It seemed he cared for you.
Junior Brother Ye, don't guess around.
He's a noble man.
How would he care for a girl like me?
Senior Sister.
I know.
You used to be self-abased.
So you're always quiet.
Nor do you want us to get close to us.
In fact, there's only a little scar on your face.
You're perfect in all the other aspects.
In our heart
you're a perfect girl.
I can see that
Wu Yingqi likes you.
Why don't you take the chance
and get the gold key with unstained swords?
Big brother.
Why don't you talk to me?
Why must I talk to you?
We made a deal that
you shouldn't tell our secret
to the emperor.
Why did you tell him?
Big brother, I'm wronged.
I did for your own good.
Do you think
His Majesty didn't suspect you
when knocked out by you the night before last?
If you did it again last night
you would have been dead when His Majesty found it.
That's why I asked Eunuch Li
to take your silk scarf away
and pleaded for you.
But you still complain about me!
You mistake me as a bad guy.
For real?
Sure.
We're sworn brothers.
Why would I lie to you?
You drank again last night?
No.
How could I
drink or gamble every day?
Last night
I drank alone in my room
and drank some wine
for pleasure.
What pleasure? Tell me.
After you left last night
His Majesty summoned me
and told me what you told him.
I fell in love with him very early.
Your Majesty.
If you insist on
grabbing me
I have to suicide
to protect my chastity for Long San.
So...
Big brother.
You were telling the truth, were you?
I'm afraid His Majesty may flirt with me
so...
I lied to him.
Junior Long, don't get the wrong idea.
You were just lying?
Yeah.
Think about it.
If I hadn't used you as my shield
His Majesty would have slept with me.
How do you feel for me?
For you...
We're good buddies.
You're my junior.
And I'm your Big brother.
What's wrong?
Are you angry?
Not really.
Maybe you're too young to understand love.
You can't understand even if I explain.
Maybe you're just playing dumb.
So you'll pretend not to understand
whatever I say.
Aren't we good?
We're buddies.
Isn't it good
when we get along like this?
That was the past
when I thought you were a boy.
But now...
You're a beautiful
and lovely girl.
How could I still treat you as a brother?
Junior Long.
I forgot to tell you that
I was betrothed when I was little.
So you love him a lot?
For him
you refused His Majesty.
And even spared no glance for me.
Not really.
I was betrothed when I was very little.
We grew up together.
He...
is very nice to me.
I like him.
But I'm not sure
if it's the love according to you.
I can see
you're telling the truth.
But whatever happens
or however you feel for him
you will eventually marry him.
My fianc
used to be rich
and powerful.
Then his family declined.
He wanted to get married and start his career.
Career before marriage.
So I must wait for him.
I can't marry someone else.
Fine.
I see.
But His Majesty believed you.
He told me that
he wouldn't summon you again
from now on
to care for my feelings.
Really?
How great you are!
Luckily, I have you.
Otherwise
no one will protect me in the palace.
So in your heart
you have a better impression of me
than His Majesty, don't you?
Sure.
We felt like old friends at the first meeting.
If His Majesty wants to be sworn brothers with me
I'll refuse him.
Why would he be sworn brothers with you?
He's the emperor.
He won't do that.
Nor would he share his fortunes with you.
You make some point.
His Majesty is poor.
You said he was poor?
Yeah.
I haven't heard of that before.
He's the emperor.
But...
no one will take him as a real friend.
Nor will any girl
like him with her true heart.
But you're different.
You're not the emperor
but...
you will have many true friends.
And many girls will like you.
Perhaps.
Miss Qianying.
How about
I ride with your brother
and you take the carriage?
Childe Wu.
I'll ride the horse and you take the carriage.
What are you talking about?
How could I let you ride the horse
while I take the carriage?
Sister.
It's generous of Childe Wu.
Don't refuse him.
Please.
Come on. Let me help.
His Majesty commanded that
Miss Yihuan would be titled as the junior consort
and live in Palace of Eternity.
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Get up.
Yihuan.
His Majesty summoned you for three nights.
We thought he loved you a lot.
Unexpectedly
you're nothing, but the junior consort.
It doesn't matter.
It's the same to me.
Miss Yihuan.
Don't feel upset.
Since His Majesty took back his power
you've been the first to be summoned for three successive days.
It's obviously that
His Majesty is different to you.
You're just a junior consort now.
I think you must have upset His Majesty
in some way.
His Majesty wants to punish you.
If you can learn from it
I think His Majesty will promote you soon.
Who wants to fawn on that emperor?
I don't care for the ranks.
Sis. Xue lives in the Palace of Eternity.
His Majesty puts me there
by accident.
That's even better than being the empress.
Miss Yihuan.
Your room in the Palace of Eternity has been cleaned up.
Please come with me.
Thank you, Eunuch Li.
I didn't expect
His Majesty to put you here.
Now we can stay
and take care of each other.
Yeah.
I used to hate him.
But because of this
I don't hate him now.
You're getting self-willed again.
Master Xueyi.
We're here alone.
Come and sit.
How can our master stand
while we sit?
Huan'er.
We're not in the Forbidden City
instead of the Pearl Valley.
There's no such thing as master.
In this place
there is only Consort Li
Junior Consort Huan and Lady Xue.
Remember this
and you will not expose yourself.
Remember.
You must get adapted to the palace life asap
and do everything cautiously.
Our priority is to complete our mission.
Yes, Master.
See? You still call me master.
If someone else hears it
or knows it
you'll make big trouble.
Don't worry, Lady.
She just
hasn't adapted to her new identity.
I'll teach her.
Thank you, Your Grace.
To be serious
according to rules
only a consort ranking above the third level
could rule a whole palace
and live in the main hall.
Now I'm a mere consort of the seventh level.
I can only live in the side hall.
However
luckily, I live here alone.
I don't need to bother
to get along with other consorts.
It's kind of a preferential treatment to us.
But Sis. Xue
it's said that kings and bears often worry their keepers.
Do you feel very hard
to keep the emperor company in the palace?
To recover the Ming dynasty
no hardness
is worthy of mentioning.
Eunuch Li.
Greetings, Eunuch Li.
You must be the new doctor Dr. Li?
Yes.
I'm from Yulin, Shaanxi.
I'm new here.
Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you, too.
You said you were from Yulin, Shaanxi?
Exactly.
You sound like
you're from Shaanxi, too?
I'm from Yulin, Shaanxi, too.
I've been in the palace over decades.
Unexpectedly I met a fellow townsman here.
It seems we meet by fate.
We not only have the same family name
but also from the same place.
Where do you live in Yulin?
I live in Zaojiao Village.
What a coincidence!
I'm from Zaojiao Village, Yulin, too.
Who do you have in your family?
Maybe I know them.
Impossible.
Impossible. Impossible. Impossible.
It's been over thirty years since I came here.
There was a war in my hometown.
My families
were killed by subordinates of Zhang Xianzhong.
I'm sorry to bring up
your bad memories.
It's okay. It's okay.
Dr. Li.
You're the first fellow townsman
I've met in the palace.
We even have the same family name.
Speaking of this
our ancestors might be families.
Don't worry.
I'll take care of you.
Thank you.
A girl gets old
however beautiful she is.
We should chase what pleases us
instead of getting depressed
because of a little flaw on the face.
Miss.
You know what?
There's only a little scar
on one side of your face.
But your face and outline
look so beautiful.
Who?
It's me. Wu Yingqi.
Miss Qianying.
It's late.
Am I disturbing you?
Come in and have a look.
No, thanks.
In case your reputation will be ruined
if someone sees us.
Oh...
I saw your luggage burnt by the bandits.
I prepared some clothes for you.
I wonder if you like them.
Thank you.
It's getting late.
See you then.
Wait a second.
Childe.
What's wrong with your leg?
Well, I'm too ashamed to explain.
I haven't ridden a horse for long.
And my leg was excoriated a little.
It doesn't matter.
Well...
You shall take the carriage tomorrow.
No, how could I?
Your skin must be
tenderer than mine.
How could I let you ride a horse?
Let's...
let's take the carriage together.
You can take the ride
after your leg is recovered.
I'm...
I'm afraid it's not convenient.
Why is it?
Didn't you say that
we were friends
and it would be too tawdry
if we cared for the ranks?
It goes the same here.
As long as we have no evil thought
why would we care for
different genders
or gossip?
It's generous of you.
Sorry I was too stick to discipline rites.
Fine then. See you.
Dr. Li.
Come with me to the Palace of Eternity with your medical kit.
Consort Li was assassinated in the imperial garden.
What?
Luckily here vitals are fine.
I dealt with her wound.
But she's still in a coma
because of excessive loss of blood.
Who was so audacious
to assassinate a consort in the imperial garden?
Tonight
His Majesty asked Consort Li to play chess
and didn't let go of her until midnight.
Music