WEBVTT 00:06.000 --> 00:08.160 I'll talk! I'll talk! 00:08.160 --> 00:11.440 It's Lord Song Han. He's hunting me. 00:11.440 --> 00:15.400 It's because... Because of Young Master Anping! 00:16.880 --> 00:19.440 That day at the Zuixian Tower... 00:19.440 --> 00:23.280 Song Han! Look at me, someone beat me up! 00:23.280 --> 00:26.840 Get some men and get even for me! Come on. 00:35.000 --> 00:39.760 You... Why? Why? 00:57.920 --> 01:00.080 - Get rid of any evidence. - Yes, sir! 01:04.160 --> 01:08.360 I'm sorry, Your Highness! And I've let Young Master Anping down! 01:08.360 --> 01:10.760 I was terrified of being hunted down by Lord Song Han, 01:10.760 --> 01:15.040 so I had no choice but to hide among the refugees. 02:18.040 --> 02:20.200 You startled me. 02:20.920 --> 02:25.240 Where were you tonight? 02:27.840 --> 02:29.240 I... 02:29.240 --> 02:34.640 Do you know where I went or what I saw? 02:38.480 --> 02:40.960 How would I know? 03:02.160 --> 03:06.960 I searched the entire capital to find this necklace. 03:07.760 --> 03:13.800 Today is your first birthday since we got married. 03:15.560 --> 03:21.520 Oh, today's my birthday? 03:30.880 --> 03:34.280 The moment I saw this necklace, I knew it would look great on you. 03:34.280 --> 03:36.080 Do you like it? 03:42.480 --> 03:44.480 Yes. 03:50.320 --> 03:52.120 What's wrong? 03:53.960 --> 03:57.960 Did I do something wrong again? 04:00.440 --> 04:02.320 No. 04:04.200 --> 04:06.200 It's just... 04:08.880 --> 04:12.560 It's just that in the past, only Sister Zhao celebrated my birthday with me. 04:16.360 --> 04:18.760 From now on, 04:18.760 --> 04:23.400 I'll celebrate your every birthday with you. 04:23.400 --> 04:25.120 All right? 04:28.760 --> 04:30.480 All right. 04:37.160 --> 04:44.600 Muyu, is there anything you're keeping from me? 04:50.840 --> 04:53.240 I've made many mistakes. 04:57.720 --> 05:00.400 And I've done things that have let you down. 05:01.240 --> 05:03.880 If you had the chance to make things right, 05:06.560 --> 05:09.520 would you do it for me? 06:13.600 --> 06:18.360 [A Good Environment Produces Excellent People] 06:25.520 --> 06:27.480 Your Majesty, you've just woken up. 06:27.480 --> 06:30.320 Take this elixir to steady your nerves. 06:32.600 --> 06:34.760 Where is Imperial Physician Lu? 06:34.760 --> 06:38.080 He claimed his treatments were ineffective, and requested to return to his hometown. 06:38.080 --> 06:41.960 The alchemist I've found was recommended by him. 06:41.960 --> 06:46.600 With Wang Yuan attending to you day and night, you'll surely recover soon. 06:46.600 --> 06:49.200 That's odd. 06:49.200 --> 06:52.440 Imperial Physician Lu has always advised me 06:52.440 --> 06:56.400 to stop taking elixirs and abandon alchemy. 06:56.400 --> 06:59.400 Why would he recommend an alchemist? 07:00.080 --> 07:04.640 Since Wang Yuan has been by my side, 07:04.640 --> 07:08.200 who's in charge of the Directorate of Ceremonies now? 07:08.200 --> 07:12.840 Could it be Wang Ge? 07:13.640 --> 07:17.280 Your Majesty, don't worry about these trivial matters. 07:17.280 --> 07:19.960 Focus on your health above all else. 07:24.480 --> 07:29.000 When you smiled just now, 07:29.680 --> 07:34.000 it reminded me of the time you first entered the palace. 07:34.000 --> 07:40.720 Back then, we would stay up all night discussing state affairs. 07:40.720 --> 07:47.480 Even when I grew tired, your face would still light up with a smile, 07:48.520 --> 07:53.360 so full of life, like the morning sun. 07:56.520 --> 07:59.200 I was so naive back then. 07:59.960 --> 08:04.680 I entrusted Youting to the late empress's care 08:04.680 --> 08:08.120 and sent him to his fief when he was so little. 08:08.120 --> 08:10.880 It must have been hard on you. 08:10.880 --> 08:13.440 If you've felt wronged, 08:15.680 --> 08:18.960 you can be honest with me. 08:29.640 --> 08:32.920 Your Majesty, why don't you rest for tonight? 08:32.920 --> 08:34.840 It's past midnight. 08:36.680 --> 08:39.160 His Majesty has been unwell these past few days. 08:39.160 --> 08:40.840 If I slack off, 08:40.840 --> 08:44.160 the operations of the Six Ministries will slow down, and issues will arise. 08:45.280 --> 08:48.160 - Has His Majesty gone to bed? - Not yet. 08:48.160 --> 08:50.760 His Majesty has been coughing terribly. 08:55.480 --> 08:57.760 [A Good Environment Produces Excellent People] 09:01.080 --> 09:03.000 [Wangxi Palace] 09:05.320 --> 09:07.200 When I pass, 09:07.200 --> 09:11.680 ensure this decree is carried out, order the empress to accompany me in burial. 09:11.680 --> 09:14.720 This will prevent her from seizing power like Wuzetian. 09:22.360 --> 09:24.040 Before I married into the palace, 09:24.040 --> 09:28.400 I once disguised myself as a man to take the imperial examination. 09:28.400 --> 09:30.640 My parents caught me and brought me home. 09:30.640 --> 09:32.920 They punished me severely. 09:33.680 --> 09:36.760 They said it was improper for a woman to do such things. 09:37.920 --> 09:40.520 But you were never like that, Your Majesty. 09:40.520 --> 09:45.880 Instead, you praised my abilities, taught me how to handle state affairs, 09:45.880 --> 09:48.640 and granted me countless honors. 09:48.640 --> 09:54.200 If anyone has grievances, it should be you, for my ambition and bold words. 09:58.520 --> 10:00.520 How could I? 10:01.640 --> 10:03.520 Over the years, 10:05.400 --> 10:07.880 I've only had you to rely on. 10:08.800 --> 10:12.000 I'm endlessly grateful to you. 10:12.000 --> 10:17.360 But dealing with all internal and external affairs alone has been overwhelming. 10:17.360 --> 10:22.240 For the sake of the empire, please take the elixir and recover soon. 10:22.240 --> 10:24.280 This is ridiculous! Father has just woken from a serious illness. 10:24.280 --> 10:27.040 As his son, am I not even allowed to see him? 10:29.960 --> 10:32.360 Apologies, Your Majesties, 10:32.360 --> 10:35.160 I couldn't stop His Highness and Grand Secretary Liang. 10:35.160 --> 10:37.480 I will accept any punishment. 10:37.480 --> 10:40.840 I am your subject and your son, but being your son comes first. 10:40.840 --> 10:42.880 Father, you've been unconscious for so long, 10:42.880 --> 10:47.760 and now that you're awake, it's only right that I stay by your side. 10:47.760 --> 10:52.400 If you wish to blame me, I'll accept it. 10:52.400 --> 10:54.320 But if I had to do it again, 10:55.560 --> 10:57.880 I'd make the same choice. 11:03.160 --> 11:04.960 Yousheng'er, 11:07.240 --> 11:10.640 at last, you're starting to act like a crown prince. 11:17.680 --> 11:21.880 Grand Secretary Liang, you've come at great personal risk. 11:21.880 --> 11:23.920 Speak only of the most urgent matters. 11:23.920 --> 11:27.120 Your Majesty, my petition 11:27.120 --> 11:31.920 concerns the Ministry of Rites' preparations for this year's southern ancestral worship. 11:31.920 --> 11:35.840 Given your current health, it would not be advisable for you to travel. 11:35.840 --> 11:37.760 This has caused me great concern. 11:37.760 --> 11:41.160 However, as ancestral worship is a matter of state importance, 11:41.160 --> 11:45.080 I humbly request your approval... 11:46.280 --> 11:48.600 for the crown prince to go on your behalf. 11:52.040 --> 11:54.560 Unexpected clouds... 11:55.680 --> 11:58.360 bring timely rain. 12:02.040 --> 12:03.280 Approved. 12:03.280 --> 12:07.360 Father, I should remain by your side, attending to you. 12:07.360 --> 12:09.000 The crown prince is a filial son. 12:09.000 --> 12:11.120 Perhaps the ancestral worship can be postponed? 12:11.120 --> 12:13.520 I have Grand Secretary Liang and others by my side. 12:13.520 --> 12:15.880 Stop fretting over things that don't concern you. 12:15.880 --> 12:19.800 Representing me at the ancestral worship is an imperial order, 12:20.760 --> 12:22.680 not a suggestion. 12:24.280 --> 12:26.760 Yes, Father. 12:26.760 --> 12:29.120 Wise decision, Your Majesty. 12:29.120 --> 12:31.920 Then let Gu Yu that brat accompany him. 12:31.920 --> 12:34.000 You just appointed him as Commander of the Cavalry. 12:34.000 --> 12:35.520 This would be a good opportunity for him to lead some troops 12:35.520 --> 12:37.520 and ensure the crown prince's safety. 12:37.520 --> 12:42.160 Consider it a little favoritism on my part, 12:42.160 --> 12:45.440 so I can justify recommending him for promotion in the future. 12:46.160 --> 12:52.160 Since you have asked, approved. 12:52.160 --> 12:56.240 Allow me to thank you on Gu Yu's behalf. 12:56.240 --> 12:59.160 His Majesty and Liang Jifang worked in tandem today 12:59.160 --> 13:01.680 to have the crown prince perform the ancestral worship. 13:01.680 --> 13:05.640 It's a clear signal of his intent to pass the mantle of the imperial line. 13:05.640 --> 13:07.640 I arranged for you to accompany him 13:07.640 --> 13:11.080 so you could seize the chance to claim the first merit in the new regime. 13:13.200 --> 13:18.240 Yu'er, I've doted on you for so many years. 13:18.240 --> 13:20.520 It's time for you to grow up. 13:22.640 --> 13:25.120 I understand what you mean. 13:25.120 --> 13:29.440 Aunt, can't you spare Yantang? 13:41.880 --> 13:46.560 If you handle this well and ensure a stable transition, 13:46.560 --> 13:49.600 there'll be no need for Song Mo to die. 13:50.800 --> 13:53.200 Not only that, 13:53.200 --> 13:56.240 but whoever you wish to marry, 13:56.240 --> 14:00.880 whatever title you desire, I'll make it happen. 14:04.200 --> 14:06.080 I understand. 14:22.640 --> 14:28.080 Also, for the sake of the realm, Youting must not return to the capital for my funeral. 14:28.080 --> 14:31.400 If there's unrest in Liaodong, issue a secret decree to the Duke of Ding 14:31.400 --> 14:34.440 to suppress it under the name of quelling a rebellion. 14:35.760 --> 14:37.560 Your Majesty! 14:38.560 --> 14:43.320 It's been all of you forcing me into this! 14:51.800 --> 14:55.280 Your Highness, your archery skills now rival Song Mo's. 14:55.280 --> 15:01.040 On the fifteenth, you'll control all forces between Chengtian Gate and Zhengyang Gate. 15:01.040 --> 15:04.400 When the time comes, open Daming Gate. 15:04.400 --> 15:08.120 A coup is a life-or-death gamble. 15:08.120 --> 15:10.360 I have to get what I'm owed. 15:10.360 --> 15:12.000 I wasn't finished. 15:12.000 --> 15:17.080 Your Princess Anyu, she grew up with Dou Zhao. 15:17.080 --> 15:19.280 To achieve great things, 15:19.280 --> 15:23.960 you need unwavering ruthlessness, especially since you've chosen to stand with me. 15:23.960 --> 15:27.360 Don't repeat your father's mistakes. 15:27.360 --> 15:31.800 The capital's 26 Guards, except for the Imperial Guard, which you don't control. 15:31.800 --> 15:35.640 Convincing the key commanders to stay out of the way on the same day 15:35.640 --> 15:39.440 will take a tremendous amount of effort and money. 15:39.440 --> 15:41.240 Can you afford that right now, Your Highness? 15:41.240 --> 15:46.040 Without the Miao family, I'm powerless to make this happen. 15:46.040 --> 15:47.960 If you don't want to kill her, fine. 15:47.960 --> 15:53.640 But I don't like the way you're talking to me. 15:53.640 --> 15:57.160 Whether you like it or not, I don't care. 16:00.760 --> 16:05.440 If you want the Tengxiang Guard to follow your orders, you should understand this, 16:05.440 --> 16:08.360 I'm not the one seeking refuge under you. 16:08.360 --> 16:12.720 You're the one who needs my support. 16:15.440 --> 16:17.440 I could kill you! 16:28.960 --> 16:32.680 A dead man can't work with you, Your Highness. 16:32.680 --> 16:34.800 I need to get what I'm owed. 16:34.800 --> 16:39.200 Fine! Bold and decisive, I like that. 16:39.200 --> 16:41.720 My plan will definitely succeed. 16:42.920 --> 16:44.720 Come. 16:47.920 --> 16:50.960 Choose your fief. 16:52.360 --> 16:55.560 You'll be the first non-royal prince of the new dynasty. 16:57.720 --> 16:59.480 Very wise, Your Highness. 16:59.480 --> 17:04.280 I'll arrange for her to leave the city immediately, so you can put your mind at ease. 17:23.320 --> 17:26.040 This hairpin suits you perfectly. 17:30.240 --> 17:33.240 Muyu, there's something I'd like to discuss with you. 17:33.240 --> 17:35.080 What is it? 17:35.080 --> 17:37.520 My parents have been grieving. 17:37.520 --> 17:39.640 They want to take my brother's memorial tablet back to our hometown in Futing 17:39.640 --> 17:41.800 and place it in a temple for blessings. 17:41.800 --> 17:44.920 I'd like to accompany them on this trip. 17:47.440 --> 17:49.360 Just come back to me after the Lantern Festival. 17:49.360 --> 17:51.640 But the Lantern Festival is for family reunions. 17:51.640 --> 17:53.440 I don't want you to feel lonely. 17:53.440 --> 17:57.800 If our love is true, it doesn't matter if we're apart for a while. 17:57.800 --> 18:01.400 I'm more worried about you tiring yourself out from the journey. 18:01.400 --> 18:04.640 All right, I'll do as you say. 18:10.440 --> 18:12.240 Yantang? 18:13.400 --> 18:15.000 Yantang? 18:17.080 --> 18:18.960 Su Xin. Su Lan. 18:20.120 --> 18:21.680 - Madam. - Madam. 18:21.680 --> 18:23.680 Where is Yantang? 18:25.080 --> 18:27.320 When the poison takes hold, His Lordship can't recognize anyone. 18:27.320 --> 18:29.680 He might even hurt you. 18:29.680 --> 18:31.520 Let's wait until he's more lucid before giving him the medicine. 18:31.520 --> 18:32.960 His pulse shows the poison has deeply set in. 18:32.960 --> 18:36.160 If he doesn't take the medicine soon, the poison will become uncontrollable. 18:36.160 --> 18:38.920 - But... - Tell me where he is now. 18:38.920 --> 18:41.400 His Lordship has locked himself in the bathhouse. 18:41.400 --> 18:43.640 He won't open the door for anyone. 18:43.640 --> 18:45.440 Madam! 18:48.560 --> 18:51.040 - Madam. - Madam. 18:57.080 --> 18:58.800 Yantang! 18:58.800 --> 19:00.600 Yantang! 19:02.880 --> 19:04.480 Yantang! 19:05.320 --> 19:08.640 Madam, His Lordship has been inside for quite some time now. 19:11.520 --> 19:13.160 Leave us. 19:13.160 --> 19:14.720 - Yes, Madam. - Yes, Madam. 19:14.720 --> 19:16.560 Yantang! 19:16.560 --> 19:19.400 Shougu, don't come in. 19:19.400 --> 19:20.880 I'm fine. 19:20.880 --> 19:25.200 I just don't want you to see me like this. 19:25.200 --> 19:26.880 I'm your wife. 19:26.880 --> 19:30.280 Even if your hair turned completely white, I wouldn't be afraid. 19:32.400 --> 19:34.000 Even though you're my wife, 19:34.000 --> 19:38.720 I want the image you have of me to remain just a little more perfect. 19:38.720 --> 19:42.160 Yantang, I've made a new formula. 19:42.160 --> 19:43.640 It will slow the poison's effects. 19:43.640 --> 19:44.720 Please open the door. 19:44.720 --> 19:47.720 The last medicine already worked. 19:47.720 --> 19:49.520 I'm feeling much... 19:50.880 --> 19:52.400 Yantang! 19:57.000 --> 19:58.680 Yantang! 20:01.200 --> 20:03.800 Yantang... 20:03.800 --> 20:06.080 Here, drink the medicine. 20:21.000 --> 20:26.200 Yantang, it's me, Shougu. 20:32.400 --> 20:34.680 Yantang! 20:34.680 --> 20:36.080 Yantang... 20:36.080 --> 20:38.840 Yantang, wake up. 20:38.840 --> 20:40.920 Drink the medicine. 20:40.920 --> 20:44.560 Shougu, I can't control myself. 20:44.560 --> 20:46.800 I'll end up hurting you. 21:11.200 --> 21:15.880 Yantang, our lives have long been one and the same. 21:25.400 --> 21:29.080 Ansu, take your time to go through it. 21:32.000 --> 21:36.880 Pick a place you like the most and let me know later. 21:36.880 --> 21:38.920 What are you trying to do? 21:48.600 --> 21:51.200 If I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise. 21:51.200 --> 21:55.880 I'll write to you, and share some good news along with it. 22:11.240 --> 22:14.000 [Yongding Gate] (Front gate of the outer section of Beijing's old city wall, torn down in the 1950s and reconstructed in 2005) 22:17.920 --> 22:22.800 Do you remember that rainy night when we first met? 22:24.080 --> 22:27.280 The rainy night at the country estate. 22:27.280 --> 22:32.200 When we first met, you even wanted to kill me. 22:33.400 --> 22:37.600 You were so calm and composed, dealing with me with ease. 22:37.600 --> 22:39.680 I almost lost my footing. 22:39.680 --> 22:42.080 To keep my soldiers from noticing, 22:42.080 --> 22:45.080 I had to pretend I was in complete control. 22:45.080 --> 22:46.800 Really? 22:48.000 --> 22:53.600 I was terrified inside. I was just putting on a brave face. 22:53.600 --> 22:59.120 Your eyes were filled with such killing intent, that anyone would have been scared. 22:59.120 --> 23:01.280 But what I felt was something else. 23:01.280 --> 23:05.080 It was as if we were old friends who hadn't seen each other in years. 23:05.960 --> 23:08.200 Beneath the panic in your eyes, 23:10.120 --> 23:12.480 I saw a glimmer of expectation. 23:13.480 --> 23:19.840 If I told you I once dreamed 23:19.840 --> 23:24.160 of us going through life and death together, 23:24.800 --> 23:26.600 would you believe me? 23:26.600 --> 23:28.360 I believe you. 23:28.360 --> 23:30.600 I even look forward to the next life, 23:30.600 --> 23:34.480 and the one after that, where we'll still be together. 23:34.480 --> 23:40.200 Why are you being so smooth-tongued, turning this into a joke? 23:40.200 --> 23:42.120 I'm serious. 23:42.800 --> 23:46.000 I'm grateful for that rainy night. 23:46.000 --> 23:47.800 It brought me to you. 23:49.200 --> 23:50.880 When the magnolias bloom, 23:50.880 --> 23:54.400 let's travel to see famous mountains, rivers, spring blossoms, and autumn moons. 23:54.400 --> 23:56.200 What do you say? 23:58.200 --> 23:59.640 There's no need to wait. 23:59.640 --> 24:03.000 You brought spring to me a long time ago. 24:25.600 --> 24:28.000 My Lord. Madam. 24:28.000 --> 24:31.000 Her Majesty's maid has arrived with a message. 24:32.960 --> 24:37.520 By order of Her Majesty, Lady Dou, you're invited to attend a palace banquet. 25:51.240 --> 25:53.040 Your Highness. 25:54.640 --> 25:59.160 Count of Yunyang, you're a close friend of Song Mo and his wife. 25:59.160 --> 26:03.600 I thought you'd stand on the side of justice. 26:03.600 --> 26:05.280 The other side is my aunt, after all. 26:05.280 --> 26:07.600 She's family. 26:07.600 --> 26:10.400 I have to leave myself a way out, too. 26:10.400 --> 26:13.280 This is where your journey ends, Your Highness. 26:16.760 --> 26:19.560 [The Beautiful Sounds of Bamboo and Pine] 26:19.560 --> 26:21.800 They actually fought? 26:24.200 --> 26:25.600 The Duke of Ying's poison acted up. 26:25.600 --> 26:27.200 They fought from the bathhouse all the way outside, 26:27.200 --> 26:28.600 smashing everything in their path. 26:28.600 --> 26:30.000 Both of them looked unwell. 26:30.000 --> 26:31.800 They were breathing heavily and trembling. 26:31.800 --> 26:35.280 It looked like they were either injured or sick. 26:37.840 --> 26:41.760 Whether it's true or not, I'll explain it to His Highness myself. 26:42.640 --> 26:47.280 Make sure Yizhi Hall is tightly guarded, and report back immediately if anything happens. 26:48.200 --> 26:49.800 - Yes, sir! - Yes, sir! 26:53.400 --> 26:56.680 Father has only been awake for a few days, 26:56.680 --> 26:59.720 and already things have become complicated. 27:13.080 --> 27:15.280 He refuses to take the elixirs, 27:15.280 --> 27:20.000 so Mother changed the incense formula, putting him back into unconsciousness. 27:20.000 --> 27:22.000 To ensure nothing goes wrong, 27:22.720 --> 27:25.800 no outside officials are allowed past Xihua Gate. 27:25.800 --> 27:28.520 Her Majesty is relying on alchemists, 27:28.520 --> 27:31.680 but there's always a risk of things going awry. 27:31.680 --> 27:34.000 I'll need to trouble you to make a visit. 27:34.000 --> 27:38.880 Nothing can go wrong before the Lantern Festival. 27:41.800 --> 27:45.160 If the crown prince returns, he'll surely ascend the throne. 27:45.200 --> 27:50.600 As for Song Mo and Dou Zhao, they are cunning which makes them a constant threat. 27:50.600 --> 27:53.200 A serious threat indeed. 27:55.840 --> 28:00.920 The Shadow Guard have reported that Song Mo and Dou Zhao had a violent fight in Yizhi Hall. 28:00.920 --> 28:02.400 The courtyard was a complete mess. 28:02.400 --> 28:06.840 Song Mo is gravely ill. He is incapable of interfering in court matters. 28:07.840 --> 28:10.680 There is no better time than now. 28:13.800 --> 28:17.560 [Xuanyue Hall] 28:29.840 --> 28:32.560 What's the situation over at Yuxi Palace? 28:32.560 --> 28:35.320 Prince Qing is a little concerned, 28:35.320 --> 28:38.880 so he had Secretary Ji enter the palace to check His Majesty's pulse 28:38.880 --> 28:41.000 and administer acupuncture. 28:41.000 --> 28:45.480 The imperial physicians wouldn't dare say it, but if you'll pardon my bluntness, 28:46.120 --> 28:50.800 at this rate, His Majesty won't make it to spring. 28:58.600 --> 29:02.600 Reports from all forces have come in, everything is in place. 29:17.840 --> 29:22.800 Western goods are so interesting. 29:23.520 --> 29:26.040 But where's the Duchess of Ying? 29:26.040 --> 29:29.200 The concubines in my family and I just found a new business venture. 29:29.200 --> 29:31.920 I was hoping to get her advice. 29:31.920 --> 29:35.160 Madam Mu, you'd better be careful. 29:35.160 --> 29:38.520 Those women from the Dou family, one ruined my Peijin, 29:38.520 --> 29:42.600 and the other brought down the Duke of Ying's entire family. They're bad luck. 29:43.200 --> 29:47.400 The Dou family's current misfortunes are all thanks to her. 29:47.400 --> 29:51.200 She's probably riding a donkey cart to the palace as we speak. 29:51.200 --> 29:53.640 Lady Wei, you shouldn't underestimate her. 29:53.640 --> 29:57.400 Why don't you guess who sent these fancy items to Her Majesty? 29:57.400 --> 30:01.320 Surely not that troublemaker? 30:01.320 --> 30:03.840 Looks like my donkey cart wasn't too slow after all. 30:03.840 --> 30:06.400 Though, the braying from a donkey here sure is loud. 30:06.400 --> 30:07.640 I could hear it from outside. 30:07.640 --> 30:08.920 Who are you calling a donkey? 30:08.920 --> 30:11.480 - Whoever the donkey is braying at. - The donkey's braying at you! 30:13.720 --> 30:17.480 - You... - Her Majesty has arrived! 30:20.200 --> 30:23.320 - Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty. 30:24.840 --> 30:26.600 Greetings, Your Majesty. 30:26.600 --> 30:28.960 - Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty. 30:29.640 --> 30:33.000 Tonight is a family banquet. There's no need for formalities. 30:33.000 --> 30:35.160 Please be seated. 30:36.440 --> 30:38.720 [Xuanyue Hall] 30:47.600 --> 30:51.560 These new and unusual items really are fascinating. 30:51.560 --> 30:55.360 I must say, thanks to the Duchess of Ying for showing them to us. 30:55.360 --> 30:57.600 So, these really were prepared by the Duchess of Ying! 30:57.600 --> 31:01.440 I've also heard she has prepared some novel entertainment for us. 31:26.600 --> 31:28.480 Such a beautiful dance. 31:47.680 --> 31:49.920 These young ladies dance beautifully. 31:49.920 --> 31:51.600 Such talent. 31:51.600 --> 31:52.960 Talent might be an overstatement. 31:52.960 --> 31:54.800 They simply follow their interests. 31:54.800 --> 31:56.600 Once they master their craft, they can earn a livelihood. 31:56.600 --> 31:59.920 They won't have to depend on their families or men to get by. 32:13.240 --> 32:15.760 Greetings, Your Highness. 32:15.760 --> 32:18.840 Seize control of Qianqing Place as quickly as possible. 32:18.840 --> 32:22.680 By dawn, I want to hold the imperial seal and proclaim our cause to the realm. 32:22.680 --> 32:28.800 Tonight, we purge the court of its corrupt influences, and restore order to the empire! 32:32.480 --> 32:36.200 - Bravo! - Yes, bravo! 32:49.120 --> 32:52.720 I've prepared century-old floral wine for everyone. 32:52.720 --> 32:54.800 I'll make a wish. 32:54.800 --> 33:00.520 I wish that after today, our world will be renewed and transformed! 33:16.760 --> 33:18.080 What's going on? 33:18.080 --> 33:20.600 There are traitors in the palace tonight. 33:20.600 --> 33:23.480 Prince Qing is conducting a purge. 33:23.480 --> 33:30.360 For the safety of all you ladies, Xuanyue Hall must remain sealed. 33:42.680 --> 33:46.440 Dou Zhao, don't bother waiting. 33:46.440 --> 33:48.760 No reinforcements are coming. 33:48.760 --> 33:50.960 As expected. 33:50.960 --> 33:54.840 You knew that I would hold the officials' wives hostage tonight, didn't you? 33:54.840 --> 33:58.240 You've been controlling the imperial physicians, 33:58.240 --> 34:01.360 keeping His Majesty bedridden and unable to govern, 34:01.360 --> 34:06.080 all to coordinate tonight's plans with Prince Qing, haven't you? 34:07.120 --> 34:10.680 Wang Ge only needed to pick someone, slap a "traitor" label on them; 34:10.680 --> 34:15.280 for example, his foster father Wang Yuan, who's served loyally for decades. 34:15.280 --> 34:19.080 And Prince Qing's men would have a legitimate reason to cleanse the court. 34:19.080 --> 34:22.600 By holding wives of officials hostage here in Xuanyue Hall, 34:22.600 --> 34:25.280 the court ministers are effectively restrained. 34:25.280 --> 34:27.920 Not only will Prince Qing's forces meet no resistance, 34:27.920 --> 34:32.680 but tomorrow they'll even be praised for purging traitors and protecting His Majesty. 34:32.680 --> 34:35.800 At that point, whether His Majesty lives or dies, 34:35.800 --> 34:40.400 the throne will already belong to Prince Qing. 34:42.440 --> 34:43.560 What... What do we do? 34:43.560 --> 34:46.080 Is this a coup? 34:49.760 --> 34:51.760 Dou Zhao, you're insane! 34:51.760 --> 34:54.000 Do you have a death wish? 34:54.000 --> 34:56.720 Ladies, there's no need to panic. 34:56.720 --> 34:59.680 Her Majesty is merely using us as hostages. 34:59.680 --> 35:01.760 She won't kill us. 35:01.760 --> 35:06.280 If anything happens to the officials' families, even if Prince Qing takes the throne, 35:06.280 --> 35:09.200 the court officials won't let him rule in peace. 35:12.480 --> 35:15.320 Killing one or two won't hurt. 35:15.320 --> 35:19.240 Dou Zhao, let's start with you. 35:25.720 --> 35:26.840 Don't move! 35:26.840 --> 35:28.520 Su Yan! 35:28.520 --> 35:30.520 Ladies, run! 35:30.520 --> 35:31.800 Go! Go! 35:31.800 --> 35:32.920 Stop right there! 35:32.920 --> 35:35.600 Your entire family will be executed if you defy me! 35:39.200 --> 35:41.480 Protect Her Majesty! 35:43.800 --> 35:45.680 Nobody move! 35:45.680 --> 35:47.840 If anyone comes closer, I'll kill her! 35:48.760 --> 35:50.840 Those lanterns were your doing. 35:50.840 --> 35:52.800 You even have someone inside the Ministry of Works. 35:52.800 --> 35:54.960 You summoned me here intending to take me hostage. 35:54.960 --> 35:57.720 Did it never occur to you that I might turn the tables on you? 35:57.720 --> 36:00.280 Don't you dare come closer! Walk! 36:03.760 --> 36:05.360 Faster! 36:08.280 --> 36:09.880 Stay back! 36:13.440 --> 36:17.040 Just surrender. This is pointless. 36:17.040 --> 36:20.600 Without Song Mo, what can you possibly change? 36:22.560 --> 36:24.360 Song Mo! 36:26.560 --> 36:28.920 Su Yan! 36:28.920 --> 36:30.440 Dou Zhao, run! 36:30.440 --> 36:31.560 Run! 36:31.560 --> 36:33.760 Protect my mother and brother. 36:33.760 --> 36:35.560 Go! 36:47.880 --> 36:49.200 Surrender. 36:49.200 --> 36:51.640 There's no place to run. 36:59.360 --> 37:01.400 Madam! 37:01.400 --> 37:03.400 - Madam! - You're here. 37:03.400 --> 37:07.520 Madam, Prince Qing's men have breached the Shuntian Gate! 37:16.680 --> 37:18.840 You've come all this way just to die? 37:18.840 --> 37:20.080 Very well. 37:20.080 --> 37:25.360 Today, I'll send you all to join Jiang Meisun. 37:25.360 --> 37:26.760 - Guards! - Yes, sir! 37:26.760 --> 37:32.720 Execute these lawless assassins on the spot! 37:45.280 --> 37:46.760 Chen Jia, are you rebelling? 37:46.760 --> 37:48.160 I've wanted to kill him long ago. 37:48.160 --> 37:50.280 If anyone wants to stop me for credit, come on then! 37:50.280 --> 37:51.440 You... 37:51.440 --> 37:55.560 Do you still not see who's committing treason tonight? 37:55.560 --> 37:58.240 Wang Ge has been colludingwith Prince Qing to usurp the throne. 37:58.240 --> 38:03.240 Are you Shadow Guards loyal to His Majesty or to the traitors? 38:03.240 --> 38:05.120 Nonsense! 38:05.120 --> 38:08.520 Don't listen to this madwoman's lies! 38:09.720 --> 38:15.040 Brothers, the people see us Shadow Guards as lackeys of the eunuchs, 38:15.040 --> 38:18.240 and the nobles treat us as disposable tools for murder and scapegoating. 38:18.240 --> 38:20.840 Haven't you had enough? 38:20.840 --> 38:23.120 I know I have! 38:29.000 --> 38:32.200 - Commander Chen, we'll follow your lead! - Commander Chen, we'll follow your lead! 38:34.280 --> 38:37.080 If you stand for justice and restore order, 38:37.080 --> 38:39.240 His Majesty will reward or punish accordingly. 38:39.240 --> 38:42.280 Should the worst happen tonight,and the world turns upside down, 38:42.280 --> 38:45.440 I, Dou Zhao, will take full responsibility for all accusations. 38:45.440 --> 38:49.360 Chen Jia, you and Zhao Liangbi will lead the remaining Shadow Guards 38:49.360 --> 38:52.200 and the men from Zhaowen Bookshop to defend Chengtian Gate. 38:52.200 --> 38:54.360 - Hold off Prince Qing and Song Han. - Yes, Madam! 38:54.360 --> 38:56.080 Yes, Madam! 38:56.760 --> 39:02.040 To repay His Majesty's merciful favor, we wield our blades and die in his service! 39:02.040 --> 39:04.560 - Die in his service! - Die in his service! 39:21.320 --> 39:23.200 He's here. 39:44.120 --> 39:46.760 Take the Duke of Ding's military orders and issue a covert command 39:46.760 --> 39:50.200 for the Duke of Ding's army from all over the country to enter the capital by ship before the Lantern Festival. 39:50.200 --> 39:53.320 Song Mo? Isn't he supposed to be dying from the poison? 39:53.320 --> 39:58.680 He thinks he can turn the tide with this mere Duke of Ding's army? Dream on! 39:58.680 --> 40:00.400 Duke of Ding's army, hear my command! 40:00.400 --> 40:02.600 - Yes, sir! - Yes, sir! 40:02.600 --> 40:06.240 Avenge the Grand General! 40:06.240 --> 40:08.600 - Kill! - Kill! 40:08.600 --> 40:12.440 Kill! 40:13.440 --> 40:18.840 Kill! 40:59.840 --> 41:01.520 Fire! 41:03.920 --> 41:06.560 - Defensive formation! - Yes, sir! 41:11.000 --> 41:13.840 My Lord, we're here. 41:15.640 --> 41:17.440 Wang Ge can't be relied upon anymore. 41:17.440 --> 41:19.520 That means Mother is... 41:19.520 --> 41:21.440 - Soldier! - Yes, Your Highness! 41:21.440 --> 41:24.600 - Deploy the reserve forces! - Yes, Your Highness! 41:24.600 --> 41:26.080 We're outnumbered. 41:26.080 --> 41:29.200 Stay steady. We will fight while retreating. 41:31.800 --> 41:34.400 - Kill! - Kill! 41:41.120 --> 41:43.640 They're trapped like turtles in a jar! 41:58.600 --> 42:02.120 His Majesty is dying. 42:02.120 --> 42:07.120 Now is the time to quell the rebellion and protect the nation! 42:07.120 --> 42:10.280 Kill!