From Disgraced Maid to Empress: My Revenge

Drama Central

She thought she could steal my life, my reputation, and my future—but she underestimated my resolve. After being betrayed and left for dead, I’ve returned with one goal: total, calculated revenge. In the cutthroat world of the Imperial Palace, the higher you rise, the harder you fall. Watch as I systematically dismantle the schemes of those who wronged me, turning their own traps against them in the ultimate game of power.   Will the Empress’s favor save her, or will she be left with nothing but humiliation? Experience this gripping tale of rebirth, betrayal, and the sweet taste of vengeance.   ✨ What you'll see in this episode:  The shocking truth behind my downfall (0:02)  My calculated path to reclaiming the throne (15:04)  The ultimate retribution against those who betrayed me (1:16:39)   📌 Subscribe for more daily episodes of intense palace drama, romance, and unexpected twists! Hit the notification bell so you never miss a moment of the action.   #RebirthDrama #PalaceIntrigue #RevengeStory #C-Drama #HistoricalRomance #PowerStruggle #Betrayal #ShortDrama #EmpressRising #minidrama #EngDub #Complete

Transcript

00:00:02Chien, thanks to you, if you hadn't disguised as a maid to accompany me into the palace, I would have

00:00:06been really unsure.

00:00:08Don't say that, you'll definitely be the crown princess.

00:00:12His highness, the crown prince, arrives.

00:00:20I have chosen.

00:00:24Your highness, I only came to help my friend make a good impression.

00:00:28Mother, your son and this young lady have known each other since humble beginnings and shared deep affection.

00:00:35Enough, He Shutong.

00:00:36As the legitimate daughter of the grand tutor, you dared to bring a failed candidate to the selection disrespecting the

00:00:41imperial dignity issue.

00:00:43The decree, He Shutong, for losing virtue, is demoted to a laundry maid.

00:00:47She is to be punished today.

00:00:49Mei Shi Qian, since this is what the crown prince desires, I shall temporarily appoint her as secondary consort.

00:00:54She became the crown prince's secondary consort.

00:00:58Yet I was demoted to a palace maid and suffered greatly.

00:01:01Chien, save me.

00:01:04Just wait.

00:01:06I'll find a chance to save you.

00:01:08I waited until she became too close with the guards and only remembered me when she was thrown into prison.

00:01:14Tomorrow.

00:01:14You can leave the palace as you wished.

00:01:18Your lifelong matter, I have also arranged it for you.

00:01:22You must remember my kindness.

00:01:29I.

00:01:30I am back.

00:01:32Shutong.

00:01:33Look at what I picked for you this blue-yellow gown, wear it for tomorrow's selection, it'll make you look

00:01:38extraordinary.

00:01:39What you picked is naturally the best.

00:01:44Leah, take this bowl of snacks to miss Mei.

00:01:47You stayed up all night to help me choose clothes worked so hard.

00:01:50You need to replenish your energy.

00:01:52Sister, this breakfast laced with castor oil.

00:01:55You must enjoy it slowly.

00:01:57I originally thought that in this life I would never see Mei Shi Qian come to save me.

00:02:02Who is he, Shutong?

00:02:05Rise, the consort wants to see you.

00:02:08Until I, at 25, was about to be released from the palace her people finally came.

00:02:13After entering Mei Xiang Hall I realized something was wrong.

00:02:21Shutong, you finally made it.

00:02:24Your Majesty, Your Highness, this is Guard Han, the husband I picked out for Shutong.

00:02:28Your concubine and Shutong have been as close as sisters for years.

00:02:33Since she came to me, as her older sister, how could I not help?

00:02:36If Her Majesty the Empress slanders me over this.

00:02:39I truly won't know what to say.

00:02:41The Emperor has always favored her.

00:02:44Now that I've stepped in, this affair, which had no real evidence, collapses on its own.

00:02:50In that case, why doesn't Your Majesty take this opportunity to bestow a marriage upon Guard Han,

00:02:55consort Mei and this maid alike sisters?

00:02:57Why not let her depart in glory from Me Xiang Hall?

00:03:01After all, she is the legitimate daughter of the Grand Tutor's Mansion.

00:03:04On the day of my wedding, the Grand Tutor's Mansion cut off all ties with me.

00:03:09I ended up as the wife of a lowly guard I'd never met.

00:03:13You're quite lucky, you know.

00:03:15I've done what I promised you.

00:03:18Live well with him, and forget everything from the harem.

00:03:25I became a wooden puppet.

00:03:28Walking through the palace gate I'd longed for.

00:03:30But in all the world, there was no place for me.

00:03:48What is this thing?

00:03:51Your Majesty, this fabric seems to be exclusive to Mei Xiang Hall.

00:03:59Madam Han, he has arrived.

00:04:05Han Shengtai, is this the plum blossom sachet that fell from your clothes?

00:04:09Consort Mei, what else do you have to say?

00:04:11This fabric was originally given to you.

00:04:14How you use it is none of my concern, but this time, you were too careless to use palace goods

00:04:19on an outsider.

00:04:20And you've implicated me.

00:04:22Mei Shiqin, you're doing it again.

00:04:24Acting as if all of this were my fault.

00:04:31Your subject's wife wishes to expose Consort Mei's adultery, defiling the harem, a crime beyond forgiveness.

00:04:38How dare you?

00:04:40Consort Mei treated you with such sincerity, how could you betray her?

00:04:44How dare you spout nonsense before the Emperor?

00:04:47Can you swear that everything you said is true?

00:04:49I swear by the He and Han families.

00:04:52If one word is false, may both clans die without heirs.

00:04:58Your subject's wife is at a loss for words.

00:05:00I beg your Majesty to find the truth.

00:05:03No need for your Majesty to investigate.

00:05:06These pieces of evidence fill the gaps from three years ago.

00:05:09Not only physical items, but each one clearly states the time, place, and circumstances.

00:05:14Han Shengtai, to remain faithful to Consort Mei, has never touched me since our marriage.

00:05:18Your Majesty and Your Highness can send someone to verify.

00:05:29I still say the same.

00:05:31At a loss for words.

00:05:32The Emperor and I met when he was nothing.

00:05:35Years of bond.

00:05:37No way to defend yourself.

00:05:38I'd say there's no way to dispute it.

00:05:40Consort Mei's mouth may be tough, but your hands aren't.

00:05:43You still personally embroider sachets for guards.

00:05:46That's truly terrifying.

00:05:48Revealing royal secrets.

00:05:50Today, there's no way I'm walking out of the palace alive.

00:05:53So what, if this evidence can't prove that you two had an affair?

00:05:56Do you need to be caught in the act, completely lost in each other, for it to count?

00:06:02Take him away.

00:06:04Execute Han Shengtai by the harshest punishment.

00:06:06Consort Mei, confined to the cold palace.

00:06:20Ishii, hurry and go.

00:06:22After you see her, hit the road.

00:06:24To frame me.

00:06:25You killed Han Shengtai and even threw away your own life.

00:06:29In the end, all you did was get me into the cold palace.

00:06:32But the emperor and I met when he was nothing.

00:06:35We've been married for years.

00:06:37Sooner or later, he'll find out the truth and personally bring me out.

00:06:43You already married Han Shengtai.

00:06:46And what I longed for most, one husband, one wife, for a lifetime, he gave that to you.

00:06:51The peaceful life I dreamed of, why didn't you cherish it?

00:06:58What are you doing?

00:07:01To prevent future trouble.

00:07:03I'm personally sending you on your way.

00:07:09Heeshu Tong, you're insane, I have never wronged you.

00:07:13Why do you hate me so much?

00:07:17Why do I hate you?

00:07:18Mei Zixian, even at death's door, you're still faking it.

00:07:21Back in the selection, you specifically brought the token from your first meeting with the crown prince.

00:07:26But in front of everyone, you acted as if he fell for you at first sight.

00:07:30You were proud of that, weren't you?

00:07:32I was the empress dowager's chosen crown princess.

00:07:35But because I brought you, a rejected candidate, into the palace,

00:07:39I was implicated and demoted to a maidservant.

00:07:42He chose me.

00:07:44I did plead for you.

00:07:45Plead, huh?

00:07:46I suffered for seven years in the laundry bureau,

00:07:49bullied by others, my hands covered in sores.

00:07:51Where were you, Mei Zixian?

00:07:53In Mei Xiang Hall, living in luxury.

00:07:55I barely made it to 25.

00:07:57Then with a few words, you made me your scapegoat.

00:08:00You knew Han Shengtai admired you, yet you kept leading him on.

00:08:03You really thought I specifically asked you to help me find a husband,

00:08:07that's why he married me.

00:08:08He was cold and harsh to me, insulting me at every turn.

00:08:12Mei Zixian.

00:08:13Did you feel a special sense of accomplishment?

00:08:15You climbed high by stepping on my flesh and blood.

00:08:19Then you turn around and play the hypocrite with me.

00:08:23Mei Zixian, you can fool the other ladies, but don't fool yourself.

00:08:40Miss Mei.

00:08:42These are all the clothes the young lady needs to wear for the selection.

00:08:45If you mess them up and get them dirty like this, how can she wear them later?

00:08:51Your young lady hasn't spoken yet.

00:08:53What gives you, a mere servant, the right to interrupt?

00:08:57Look at you, so protective.

00:08:59Have you been around the young lady so long that you think these clothes are yours?

00:09:03In my past life, after I was demoted to a maid, my family saw me as a disgrace.

00:09:08Only Liya was the one who cared about me.

00:09:10Liya, to save me, bribed everyone she could.

00:09:13This is all I have.

00:09:14Take it or leave it.

00:09:15She even risked going to beg those eunuchs who skimmed the silver.

00:09:18Miss.

00:09:19The mansion won't send anything.

00:09:21I had to scrape together what I could through others.

00:09:24She's the one I should protect more than anyone in this life.

00:09:27Speak.

00:09:28Did you steal these palace items, or not?

00:09:31Sister Qian, please vouch for her.

00:09:32This is my personal maid.

00:09:34She serves the Grand Tutor's mansion.

00:09:36She didn't steal them.

00:09:37Though this maid lacks moral character and is arrogant, she is no thief at heart.

00:09:41Liya.

00:09:42Liya was taken away just like that.

00:09:43Liya.

00:09:44Never to be heard from again.

00:09:48Miss, look at her.

00:09:49She's about to stain your selection outfit.

00:09:51It's fine.

00:09:52Let Sister Qian look.

00:09:54After all, once I enter the Eastern Palace,

00:09:56I'll be wearing palace attire.

00:09:58These clothes won't be needed anymore.

00:10:03True.

00:10:04Though these are your old clothes,

00:10:06the fabric is excellent.

00:10:08If they just gather dust in the mansion,

00:10:11that would be a waste.

00:10:21Sister Qian is right.

00:10:24So, after I enter the palace,

00:10:27I will give these clothes to the maids in my courtyard.

00:10:31Well,

00:10:32then those maids are truly fortunate.

00:10:38Remember to wear the outfit I picked for you tomorrow.

00:10:41Shih Tung,

00:10:42I truly mean well for you.

00:10:44From my own experience with the selection,

00:10:47those candidates will all dress to the nines.

00:10:49If you dress like them,

00:10:51you'll just blend in.

00:10:54Only by dressing plainly can you stand out among all those gaudy peacocks.

00:10:58So the nobles will notice you at first glance.

00:11:01Thank you for your trouble,

00:11:03Sik Chien,

00:11:04such an ingenious plan I will keep it in mind.

00:11:07In my past life,

00:11:09she was just as enthusiastic then,

00:11:11she would come before dawn,

00:11:13keeping an eye on me to put on this old dress.

00:11:15And even painted for me with her own hands a very plain,

00:11:18unadorned makeup look.

00:11:20But on that day,

00:11:22she herself casually wore the brand new gown I had prepared for the selection.

00:11:26Her makeup was perfectly balanced,

00:11:28it was precisely because of that that the crown prince formed a first impression

00:11:32and thought she was also a candidate.

00:11:34While I became nothing but a foil for her.

00:11:37Shu Tung,

00:11:38remember to send someone to pick me up early tomorrow,

00:11:40I am your best friend,

00:11:42you know.

00:11:42I don't want to miss such an important moment in your life.

00:11:46Her words were considerate,

00:11:47but her feet refused to move an inch.

00:11:49This act of hers clearly shows she didn't get what she wanted,

00:11:52and she's not giving up.

00:11:53Take care,

00:11:54Sik Chien.

00:11:55Tomorrow is my big day entering the palace.

00:11:57The entire household is bustling with activity,

00:12:00too busy to rest.

00:12:01I'm afraid I can't spare any servants or carriages to pick you up and see you off.

00:12:05Shu Tung,

00:12:06what do you mean by this?

00:12:07Your place to mine is not exactly close.

00:12:09Your home is on a busy street,

00:12:11it takes a whole hour by carriage.

00:12:12We're shorthanded at the mansion now,

00:12:14so please understand.

00:12:15If you have to walk,

00:12:16it'll probably take more than two hours.

00:12:19Mei Shi Tien,

00:12:20take your time walking.

00:12:24He's Shu Tung,

00:12:25you.

00:12:25How dare you treat me like this?

00:12:29Just wait and see.

00:12:31Sooner or later,

00:12:32you will be trampled under my feet.

00:12:38Luya.

00:12:39Go to the kitchen and prepare a box of pea cakes.

00:12:42Take the carriage and deliver it to Miss Mei.

00:12:46Miss.

00:12:46With that nasty look of hers,

00:12:48she clearly means trouble.

00:12:50Why are you still thinking of sending her snacks?

00:12:59Luya will go do it now.

00:13:01I'll make sure Miss Mei enjoys it thoroughly.

00:13:03She even wants to replace me to accompany you into the palace.

00:13:06Such a big appetite deserves a dose of laxative to wake her up.

00:13:09Mei Shi Tien,

00:13:10in your past life,

00:13:11to avoid the old emperor,

00:13:13you didn't hesitate to pass gas in front of the palace,

00:13:15causing the Mei family to fall into decline ever since.

00:13:18Now your family is tightening its belt

00:13:20and can't even afford a decent meal.

00:13:22This bowl of fine pea cake,

00:13:24would you really refuse it?

00:13:26Miss.

00:13:28We're all dressed and ready to go.

00:13:30Miss Mei hasn't made a move yet.

00:13:32Looks like those pea cakes really did the trick.

00:13:38Miss.

00:13:39Miss Mei is blocking the road.

00:13:41She refuses to move.

00:13:43She insists on seeing you.

00:13:45Should we stop the carriage?

00:13:47Today's selection is crucial.

00:13:49We can't be late for the palace.

00:13:51Ignore her.

00:13:52But Miss Mei is blocking the road

00:13:53and absolutely won't get out of the way.

00:13:56Mei Shi Tien.

00:13:57Do you dare to bet me,

00:13:58then speed up and run her over?

00:14:06Mei Shi Tien.

00:14:08Besides your life,

00:14:09what do you have to play with me?

00:14:12Miss Tien.

00:14:13On such an important day of this election,

00:14:15how can you be so careless?

00:14:17You even forgot your own maidservant,

00:14:19on the way.

00:14:22Luckily,

00:14:23you met me on the way to the palace.

00:14:24I kindly brought her for you.

00:14:26Miss he.

00:14:28You don't have to thank me.

00:14:29Really?

00:14:30So pathetically stupid.

00:14:32Of course,

00:14:33I should thank you.

00:14:34Where is she?

00:14:37You wanted to throw me off balance.

00:14:39Too bad.

00:14:40I disappointed you.

00:14:43Then I really must thank Miss Liu

00:14:45for this kind gesture.

00:14:48I thought she was at least a worthy opponent.

00:14:50Now that we've actually faced off,

00:14:52she's nothing special.

00:14:53Her vision is shallower than a pond turtle.

00:14:56In my past life,

00:14:57I let such a fool steal the prize.

00:14:59She tormented me so terribly.

00:15:01How can I accept that?

00:15:03Fortunately,

00:15:04I was reborn.

00:15:05Liu Huayun.

00:15:06When I become the crown princess,

00:15:08I'll slowly cook you.

00:15:10Miss Liu is truly beautiful and kind-hearted.

00:15:13But let me kindly remind you,

00:15:15this woman is a demon in disguise.

00:15:19What do you mean?

00:15:20Anyone near her will be haunted.

00:15:22You'd better be careful,

00:15:24or you'll bring trouble on yourself.

00:15:29The selection sedan is ready.

00:15:32Those who enter and leave the palace gates,

00:15:34what do they look like?

00:15:35What features do they have?

00:15:37No matter how much silver you bribe with,

00:15:39it will be recorded.

00:15:41I wasted eight years in the palace.

00:15:44These overt and covert rules,

00:15:46I've long memorized them.

00:15:47Liu Huayun.

00:15:48From the moment you brought Mei Sixian into the palace,

00:15:51no matter what trouble she causes,

00:15:54the one who bears the imperial wrath will be you.

00:16:02I thank you,

00:16:03mother,

00:16:03for your grace.

00:16:06Don't worry,

00:16:07mother.

00:16:07I will surely treat Shutong with respect and harmony.

00:16:11Thank you,

00:16:12your highness,

00:16:13for your consideration.

00:16:16Look at that.

00:16:17The prince isn't even married yet,

00:16:19and he's already doting on his wife.

00:16:21A truly perfect match,

00:16:22united forever.

00:16:23This pair of perfect people standing together brightens up the entire hall.

00:16:27How could this happen?

00:16:29In the end,

00:16:30am I still too late?

00:16:37Today is a joyful day.

00:16:38Where did this crazy woman come from,

00:16:40talking nonsense?

00:16:41Sister Qian.

00:16:42Why are you here?

00:16:44In my past life,

00:16:46she wore my new dress

00:16:47and then faked a heartache in the palace,

00:16:49making me take care of her and look a mess,

00:16:51while she shone brightly,

00:16:52even her wild behavior was blamed on me.

00:16:55So when the eunuch announced my name,

00:16:57the crown prince,

00:16:58without a second thought,

00:17:00handed the jade token to her.

00:17:05Mei Sixian.

00:17:06In this life,

00:17:08it's your turn.

00:17:13Your highness.

00:17:15It's me,

00:17:16Channer.

00:17:19What is she wearing?

00:17:21That style of fabric went out of fashion two years ago.

00:17:26Oh,

00:17:26I remember now.

00:17:28Isn't this the candidate from two years ago

00:17:29when his majesty held this election?

00:17:35Such a failed candidate,

00:17:36how come she's being sent again

00:17:38for the prince to choose?

00:17:39This must be against the rules,

00:17:41isn't it?

00:17:49Young mistress,

00:17:50how do you remember it so clearly?

00:17:52I've long forgotten things from two years ago.

00:17:54I don't remember others,

00:17:56but nowhere in the land

00:17:57has there ever been a candidate

00:17:58who farted in front of his majesty before.

00:18:00She's the first.

00:18:02Mei Xie Chin.

00:18:04Can't take this already.

00:18:06In your past life,

00:18:07when you stepped on me to rise,

00:18:09you didn't seem to care about face.

00:18:22Your highness.

00:18:24Do you remember this?

00:18:27When you were living in a temple in distress,

00:18:29unable to take care of yourself,

00:18:31you gave me this necklace and said.

00:18:34Today I'm down and out,

00:18:35so I can only give you the stone instead of jade.

00:18:40I wonder if now,

00:18:42that promise still holds true?

00:18:45The prince really gives her a lot of junk.

00:18:47That wooden hairpin from her past life in the end,

00:18:49I personally threw it into the incense burner

00:18:51and burned it to ashes.

00:18:53Now she takes out a cheap stone necklace

00:18:55and exposes his wounds in public.

00:18:57That is the ultimate sign of humiliation turning into rage.

00:19:02Mei Xie Kian,

00:19:03oh Mei Xie Kian.

00:19:05So from beginning to end,

00:19:06you've always been this terrible.

00:19:13What did she just say?

00:19:14A nunnery.

00:19:16His highness the crown prince,

00:19:17noble and precious,

00:19:18how could he have anything to do with a place like that?

00:19:21Quiet.

00:19:22Do you want to die?

00:19:23Mei Xie Kian.

00:19:24It seems all your schemes in this life

00:19:26are used to plot against me.

00:19:27When it comes to others,

00:19:28you're completely out of tricks.

00:19:30Miss Mei,

00:19:30what is going on,

00:19:31his highness?

00:19:32If his majesty didn't have so few heirs

00:19:35and hadn't accidentally discovered

00:19:37during a prayer ceremony this hidden gem,

00:19:39how would consort Qin have taken infertility potion herself

00:19:42and offered her son to the empress

00:19:43in exchange for the peace they have now?

00:19:47Consort Qin was a lay Buddhist nun.

00:19:49The crown prince grew up in a nunnery as a child.

00:19:52Later, the abbess kicked him out

00:19:54and he almost became a beggar.

00:19:56This is the most shameful and darkest part of his life.

00:19:59This is also something I learned after leaving the palace,

00:20:02when I met a mute nun who came to the Han residence for alms.

00:20:05It was from her that I learned about this.

00:20:07Lu Ya,

00:20:07take 50 tails of silver

00:20:08and also a few bolts of thick fabric

00:20:10and give them to this reverend nun.

00:20:13When I was still at home,

00:20:15I often donated incense money to that nunnery.

00:20:17I can't bear to see them suffer.

00:20:29Miss,

00:20:29that is.

00:20:30She's afraid that Han Shengtai,

00:20:32serving in the imperial court,

00:20:33might accidentally step on a landmine,

00:20:35but I can't wait for him to die sooner.

00:20:37Did you hear that?

00:20:39Abandoned in a nunnery?

00:20:40This Miss Mei is really playing the crown prince for a fool,

00:20:42does she really not know or is she pretending?

00:20:45His highness hates it when people bring up his background.

00:20:47And she,

00:20:48takes all these unspeakable matters and spreads them all over the city.

00:20:51In her past life,

00:20:52she was just as reckless.

00:20:54She repeatedly proposed to make that nunnery an imperial temple.

00:20:57What she thought was a place of love,

00:20:59was actually a shameful memory the crown prince wished he could erase by devouring the flesh.

00:21:04In the end,

00:21:05that nunnery was reduced to ashes in a fire.

00:21:10Looking at it this way,

00:21:11the crown prince's feelings for Mei Shikian are indeed genuine and deep.

00:21:15She's been jabbed at so many times,

00:21:17and yet he hasn't touched her immediately.

00:21:24Your highness,

00:21:25if it weren't that Shinner was a step late today for some reason,

00:21:28this jade token symbolizing the status of a lawful wife,

00:21:32would probably not have fallen into someone else's hands.

00:21:35In her past life,

00:21:37Liu Huayun was defeated by this tactic of hers,

00:21:39the logic that true love trumps everything.

00:21:41Since you want to play this melodramatic love scene,

00:21:44then I'll give you a push.

00:21:50If your highness's heart belongs to another,

00:21:53I, your subject,

00:21:54disdain to be a petty person who snatches love by force.

00:22:00This young lady of the He family is truly fierce and unyielding.

00:22:04She's been pushed to this point.

00:22:06If the engagement is truly called off,

00:22:08where will the He family's face be put?

00:22:10I, your subject,

00:22:11voluntarily request to enter Ganlu Temple and become a nun,

00:22:14with shaved head,

00:22:15to pray for the country,

00:22:17for the rest of my life.

00:22:19I will not set foot in the capital even half a step.

00:22:23Look, your highness,

00:22:25I, too,

00:22:26am sincere and true to you.

00:22:28You grew up in a nunnery since childhood,

00:22:30and you know best what the women there endure on a daily basis.

00:22:34That is your deepest,

00:22:35filthiest nightmare.

00:22:37The marriage itself is impossible to break off.

00:22:40The legitimate daughter of the grandtutor's mansion became a nun for you.

00:22:44The spittle of the whole world could drown you.

00:22:48From the moment I accepted the jade token of the crown princess,

00:22:51I am no longer just myself.

00:22:53I am the bond between the civil officials of the court

00:22:55and the future sovereign through marriage.

00:22:58As long as you dare to nod,

00:22:59you'll be drowned by the spittle of those literati.

00:23:02Your position as crown prince,

00:23:03can you still keep it?

00:23:09What kind of talk is that?

00:23:13As long as I am in power for one more day,

00:23:16no matter how many tricks others pull,

00:23:18they cannot surpass you.

00:23:19If the crown prince does something foolish,

00:23:21since you have already been betrothed to him,

00:23:23you are one as husband and wife,

00:23:25you should have fulfilled your duty to admonish him.

00:23:28How can you just stand by and watch him make a mistake?

00:23:31Your highness,

00:23:32in these eyes of yours,

00:23:34are you looking at me,

00:23:35or at that consort Qin who,

00:23:37to save your life,

00:23:38drank the sterility potion herself?

00:23:43You are my wife,

00:23:44my only legitimate consort.

00:23:46Do you think my decisions can be easily shaken by a string of stones?

00:23:50Are they so easily shaken?

00:23:52That was just

00:23:53a temporary expedient during times of displacement.

00:23:56How can it be taken seriously?

00:23:59Your highness,

00:24:00you say it was a temporary expedient.

00:24:07Shutong,

00:24:08we could clearly be husband and wife for a lifetime.

00:24:11Why dwell on a brief moment and only increase regret?

00:24:14Your highness,

00:24:15we are not yet married in front of everyone.

00:24:17How can you do this?

00:24:18Still so shy and timid in the entire capital,

00:24:21you're the only one who dares to play coy in front of his highness.

00:24:24Miss he must be shy your majesty,

00:24:26look her face is as red as the March crabapple blossoms.

00:24:29She'll mature after marriage,

00:24:30I should report to his majesty soon to move up the wedding date,

00:24:34to avoid certain people causing trouble trying to ruin this perfect match.

00:24:38Your majesty is wise,

00:24:39the crown prince and miss he are truly a match made in heaven.

00:24:43Look at that one,

00:24:44clutching her necklace so tightly.

00:24:46Does she really expect his highness

00:24:48to trade Jade for that pile of rocks?

00:24:50What kind of bitter wife act is she putting on?

00:24:55Your highness,

00:24:56I see that sister May is also deeply devoted,

00:24:59if you truly like her.

00:25:01Taking her into the eastern palace would be fine,

00:25:03I'm just wondering what rank you'd give her

00:25:05so I can think ahead how to get along with all the sisters.

00:25:18The princess consort is already decided.

00:25:20As for the secondary consort,

00:25:23Liu Huayun,

00:25:25granted the position of Liangdi.

00:25:28There are only two Liangdi positions.

00:25:30Liu Huayun comes from a military family

00:25:32if May Shikian is made her equal,

00:25:34the Liu family will certainly object.

00:25:40Wait.

00:25:41If I remember correctly,

00:25:43this one was a candidate chosen for your father two years ago

00:25:46dismissed for improper conduct at court

00:25:48and banned from ever participating in selection again.

00:25:51So how does she appear today among the crown princes?

00:25:54Candidates?

00:25:55Crown prince?

00:25:56You better explain to me.

00:25:58A disgraced lady forever barred from the palace

00:26:01How is it that today dressed in old clothes from two years ago

00:26:04she swaggers in among your candidates?

00:26:09Your majesty.

00:26:11I heard that this Miss May

00:26:16This Miss May is Miss He's sworn sister.

00:26:19Miss He must be worried about loneliness in the palace.

00:26:22So she brought Miss May along

00:26:24to help her vet the situation.

00:26:26Who knows?

00:26:27I just wonder if Miss He is aware

00:26:29that your sworn sister and his highness

00:26:31share a bond from humble beginnings.

00:26:34Or perhaps

00:26:34the two of you

00:26:36had already planned at home

00:26:37to emulate the ancient queens

00:26:39sharing one husband.

00:26:41Buy one get one free.

00:26:44Liu Huayun's guess was malicious

00:26:45but in the empress's eyes

00:26:46this was forming a clique,

00:26:48a contempt for imperial authority.

00:26:50The empress cares most about

00:26:51the crown prince's private dealings

00:26:53with civil officials meeting in private.

00:26:55Now she must think that

00:26:56Mai He family is playing both sides

00:26:57trying to completely control the eastern palace.

00:27:01What a fine Yihuan and Nuiying.

00:27:03What a fine grand tutor's mansion.

00:27:06What does it think this palace is?

00:27:10In my past life,

00:27:11it was just like this.

00:27:13Originally,

00:27:13out of respect for the grand tutor's mansion

00:27:15I wouldn't have ended up

00:27:16staying in the palace as a maid.

00:27:18But May Sikian,

00:27:19after the crown prince gave her the jade token,

00:27:21still wasn't satisfied

00:27:22and kept twisting the knife.

00:27:24What are you doing to me?

00:27:25I just came to show my sister around.

00:27:28What a fine grand tutor's mansion.

00:27:29The legitimate son of the imperial family

00:27:32the rightful heir

00:27:32are you worthy of picking and choosing here?

00:27:34The He girl shows no respect for rank.

00:27:37Demote her to a palace maid.

00:27:39Send a letter to the grand tutor

00:27:40and tell Lord He to come pick her up himself.

00:27:43I want to see what kind of nerve

00:27:44the daughters of the He family

00:27:45are taught to have.

00:27:46That treasonous sentence

00:27:48pushed me into the abyss.

00:27:52Unfortunately,

00:27:52I am no longer the naive girl on the surface.

00:27:55I've seen all kinds of vicious schemes

00:27:57and underhanded plots in the palace.

00:27:59Your majesty,

00:28:00please see clearly.

00:28:01I have indeed known Miss May for many years.

00:28:04Your majesty,

00:28:05the selection roster

00:28:06does not include this Miss May.

00:28:08If not for Miss He,

00:28:09daring to bring someone in without permission,

00:28:11how else would this girl

00:28:12have flown in?

00:28:13Exactly.

00:28:14The grand tutor's mansion

00:28:15is a bit too ambitious.

00:28:16If Liu Huayun wants to slander me

00:28:18and take the position of crown princess,

00:28:20this is a good way to do it.

00:28:23Miss May did mention a few days ago

00:28:25that she wished to accompany me into the palace,

00:28:27but even if I had the guts of a tiger,

00:28:29I wouldn't dare act on my own

00:28:30and bring an outsider into the palace.

00:28:34Shu Tong,

00:28:35you.

00:28:36Your highness.

00:28:37I only came to show my sister around.

00:28:40If your majesty doesn't believe me,

00:28:41you may investigate.

00:28:43This morning when I entered the palace,

00:28:45I only brought my personal maid,

00:28:46Luya.

00:28:47The rest were eunuchs from the palace.

00:28:50I truly have no idea

00:28:51how Miss May ended up here.

00:28:53Yesterday,

00:28:54I dared to use the excuse

00:28:55of offering a bright pearl

00:28:56to request an audience with you.

00:28:57That was because I know I am dull-witted

00:28:59and feared I would not win

00:29:00his highness's favor,

00:29:02even more afraid of making a misstep

00:29:03and disgracing your majesty.

00:29:05Yesterday,

00:29:06he she did come.

00:29:08You didn't expect that,

00:29:10Liu Huayun.

00:29:11All around me are people

00:29:12sent by the empress,

00:29:13servants monitoring me.

00:29:15You thought you could frame me,

00:29:16but you didn't know

00:29:17that every move I make

00:29:18is under the empress's watchful eye.

00:29:20Miss Liu just kept saying

00:29:21that I brought outsiders

00:29:22into the palace,

00:29:23which is utter nonsense.

00:29:24He shut on,

00:29:25stop quibbling here.

00:29:26Besides you,

00:29:27who else would bring in

00:29:28a rejected candidate?

00:29:30Shu Tong,

00:29:31we are sisters,

00:29:32after all,

00:29:32please save me.

00:29:33Put away that hypocritical

00:29:35look of yours.

00:29:36If your majesty

00:29:37punishes Lady May,

00:29:38I will have no complaints,

00:29:39even though we are sworn sisters.

00:29:41In the face of imperial authority,

00:29:43right and wrong

00:29:43will be judged fairly.

00:29:45I will never exonerate her

00:29:46or defend her.

00:29:48Sacrificing those close to you

00:29:50to prove your innocence.

00:29:51This is you,

00:29:52Mei Shi Qian,

00:29:53your favorite trick

00:29:53from your past life.

00:29:55Your majesty,

00:29:56we've found something.

00:29:57Speak.

00:29:57The guards at the palace gate

00:29:59confessed that the general's

00:30:00attendants gave them

00:30:01generous gifts.

00:30:02I have inspected them.

00:30:04These silver ingots

00:30:05are all freshly minted this year.

00:30:07Apart from the rewards

00:30:08just given to the general's mansion,

00:30:10no one else could have

00:30:11so many ingots

00:30:12of consistent quality.

00:30:13Liu Huayun,

00:30:15how dare you?

00:30:15You bribed the imperial guards

00:30:17and secretly brought

00:30:18a disgraced candidate

00:30:19into the palace

00:30:20and you dared to publicly frame

00:30:21the future crown princess.

00:30:23Your majesty,

00:30:24spare my life,

00:30:25I was just momentarily confused.

00:30:26I

00:30:26Confiscate Liu's consort Jade token.

00:30:28Issue my decree,

00:30:30Liu Huayun's conduct is flawed.

00:30:31She will remain in the palace

00:30:33to copy the palace rules

00:30:34a hundred times.

00:30:35She is not to leave

00:30:36without my order.

00:30:37This woman trespassed

00:30:38into the palace

00:30:38and sullied the reputation

00:30:40of the eastern palace.

00:30:41According to law,

00:30:42she should be beaten to death

00:30:43to serve as a warning.

00:30:44Mother Empress,

00:30:45calm your anger.

00:30:46Lady May is guilty,

00:30:47but after all,

00:30:48if we beat her to death today,

00:30:49it might harm

00:30:50the imperial reputation.

00:30:51I beg Mother Empress

00:30:52to spare her life.

00:30:53Since the crown prince

00:30:54pleads for mercy,

00:30:55the death penalty

00:30:56can be waived,

00:30:57but palace rules

00:30:58cannot be broken.

00:30:59From today,

00:31:00Lady May will be reduced

00:31:01to a bondservant

00:31:02with a death contract

00:31:03and sent to the

00:31:04household department.

00:31:06Mother Empress,

00:31:08do not be angered

00:31:08by such a shameless person,

00:31:10lest it harm your health.

00:31:12Your son worries.

00:31:13Mother Empress,

00:31:14the household department

00:31:16is harsh.

00:31:17Lady May,

00:31:18she...

00:31:24what is that sound?

00:31:26This smell,

00:31:27this smell.

00:31:31Simply bad luck.

00:31:33Such a thing happening

00:31:34at this election,

00:31:35I've never seen in my life.

00:31:36Such a disgusting scene.

00:31:38Mother,

00:31:39I'll escort you back

00:31:40to the palace to rest.

00:31:42You go too.

00:31:43Find a side hall

00:31:44to bathe and change.

00:31:46Burn the strongest

00:31:46agarwood incense.

00:31:48For the rest of my life,

00:31:49I never want to recall

00:31:50this scene.

00:31:56Forgive me,

00:31:57miss,

00:31:58I didn't expect

00:31:58the palace to keep me

00:31:59so long today,

00:32:00the mounting stool

00:32:01is behind,

00:32:01I'll go get it.

00:32:10My humble name is Yoon,

00:32:12I respectfully wish you,

00:32:13noble one,

00:32:14to soar straight

00:32:15to the blue clouds.

00:32:22I kowtow in gratitude

00:32:23for your grace,

00:32:24noble one.

00:32:25Take this golden fruit,

00:32:27from now on,

00:32:28eat more.

00:32:39Miss,

00:32:40look at what happened today.

00:32:42I've long suspected

00:32:43that Mei harbored

00:32:44ill intentions.

00:32:45But I never imagined

00:32:47she could be this wicked.

00:32:49What?

00:32:50Scared by her?

00:32:52I feel it's unfair for you.

00:32:54She kept swearing

00:32:55sisterhood with you,

00:32:56but in the end,

00:32:57she and the crown prince

00:32:58had already secretly

00:32:58pledged themselves

00:32:59to each other.

00:33:00And never told you.

00:33:02Yes,

00:33:02even Luya understands.

00:33:04Mei Shikian,

00:33:05how can you play

00:33:06innocence so complacently?

00:33:08Didn't you see

00:33:09just now in the main hall,

00:33:10when that stench came out,

00:33:12the servants' faces turned green.

00:33:13They just stood there,

00:33:15not knowing what to do.

00:33:16It was the crown prince,

00:33:18grim-faced,

00:33:19who ordered the eunuchs

00:33:20to hurriedly help

00:33:20that shameless person away

00:33:22and clean up.

00:33:23Miss,

00:33:24I feel uneasy.

00:33:25Look,

00:33:26how nervous

00:33:27the crown prince was today.

00:33:28He clearly cares

00:33:29for her deeply.

00:33:30What if,

00:33:31what if that Mei speaks

00:33:32ill of you to the crown prince,

00:33:33what will we do then?

00:33:35Ill of me.

00:33:36She's too busy

00:33:37dealing with her own mess.

00:33:38How could she have the mind

00:33:40to speak ill of others?

00:33:41If I had known,

00:33:42yesterday in those

00:33:43pea flour cakes,

00:33:44I should have put arsenic instead.

00:33:45Just end her once and for all.

00:33:48Clean and neat.

00:33:50Silly girl.

00:33:52If you kill her,

00:33:53she'll become the prince's

00:33:55one true love

00:33:55he can never have.

00:33:57To her,

00:33:58this croton

00:33:58is almost as deadly

00:34:00as arsenic.

00:34:02Can croton compare

00:34:03to arsenic?

00:34:04At most it'll make

00:34:05her legs weak from diarrhea.

00:34:08Have you ever heard

00:34:09the story of Emperor Wu

00:34:10of Han and Lady Li?

00:34:11Lady Li was gravely ill

00:34:13and dying.

00:34:14She refused to let

00:34:15Emperor Wu

00:34:15see her withered appearance,

00:34:17all so that he would

00:34:18always remember her

00:34:19at her most beautiful.

00:34:21Because,

00:34:21beauty fades

00:34:22and love wanes.

00:34:23When love wanes,

00:34:24favor ends.

00:34:27Now Mei Sikshin,

00:34:28in the Grand Hall,

00:34:29right under the prince's nose,

00:34:30made such a fool of herself,

00:34:32her childhood sweetheart image

00:34:33has completely crumbled.

00:34:35Once that halo is gone,

00:34:37guess,

00:34:38how far are they from

00:34:39parting ways

00:34:40after hardships?

00:34:50Your servant

00:34:51Yuan Ping

00:34:51pays respects

00:34:52to the crown princess.

00:34:53This humble woman

00:34:54pays respects

00:34:55to your highness.

00:34:56Pays respects

00:34:56to the crown princess.

00:35:00Your highness's status

00:35:02is truly different now.

00:35:03This master's dignity

00:35:04has indeed grown

00:35:05quite a bit.

00:35:11Where is Chiener?

00:35:13Why hasn't Chiener returned?

00:35:23Kneel.

00:35:28Mother,

00:35:29the jade token

00:35:30of the crown princess

00:35:31is still on the table.

00:35:32Are you sure you want

00:35:33the appointed crown princess

00:35:34to kneel to you?

00:35:35Don't use the crown princess

00:35:36to intimidate me.

00:35:37I ask you,

00:35:38where is Chiener?

00:35:39All those scandals

00:35:40spreading in the palace today,

00:35:42did you orchestrate them?

00:35:43Is this how I taught you

00:35:44to harm your sister?

00:35:45Mother really taught me well,

00:35:47taught me to give

00:35:47half my palace entry spot

00:35:48to her,

00:35:49taught me to give her

00:35:50my new clothes,

00:35:51even taught me to sacrifice

00:35:52my own future for her,

00:35:53to save her face.

00:35:54You ruined Chiener

00:35:55and the entire Mei family.

00:35:57If you have any conscience left,

00:35:59you should beg her highness

00:36:00to spare her.

00:36:01Mother.

00:36:02Sometimes I really can't tell.

00:36:04Who is your real daughter?

00:36:08Mei Shi Kien couldn't be

00:36:11your illegitimate daughter,

00:36:12could she?

00:36:17You wretch.

00:36:19How dare you slander

00:36:20your own mother?

00:36:21I'll beat you,

00:36:22you ungrateful thing.

00:36:24Normally,

00:36:25a daughter hitting her mother

00:36:26is against all ethics.

00:36:27It would be punished by heaven.

00:36:29Since you know that,

00:36:30let me go.

00:36:31I'll tear apart

00:36:32that lying mouth of yours.

00:36:34So,

00:36:34I'm not laying a hand on you.

00:36:39You.

00:36:40You wretched slave,

00:36:41how dare you?

00:36:43But if someone else does it,

00:36:45it doesn't count as me hitting you.

00:36:49Mother,

00:36:50don't get angry yet.

00:36:51Let me tell you a story.

00:36:52Once upon a time,

00:36:54a mediocre poor scholar

00:36:55seduced a rich man's daughter,

00:36:56but the scholar was hopeless,

00:36:58so the daughter had to marry

00:36:59a high official 20 years her senior

00:37:01for her family.

00:37:02But the daughter couldn't let go,

00:37:04found out the scholar

00:37:04became her husband's subordinate,

00:37:06and they started an affair.

00:37:07She bore a daughter,

00:37:08and the child looked just like

00:37:09the daughter in her youth.

00:37:11Shut up,

00:37:11don't you dare slander him.

00:37:13He was just born poor

00:37:14and never got promoted.

00:37:16His talent went unrecognized,

00:37:18how can you call him hopeless?

00:37:19See,

00:37:20you still can't let go of your lover.

00:37:22Don't be modest.

00:37:23Ruining the he family for such a thing,

00:37:25you're a piece of trash too.

00:37:26Mother,

00:37:28if Mei Ji Qian really isn't your daughter,

00:37:30then rest assured,

00:37:31whether she lives or dies in the palace,

00:37:34it's none of your business.

00:37:35But if she is your daughter,

00:37:37then start worrying about her now.

00:37:39And pray she never falls into my hands.

00:37:42Mother,

00:37:42does it hurt?

00:37:44Seeing this handprint,

00:37:46you should be grateful.

00:37:48This is the gods slapping you,

00:37:50punishing you for being blind and foolish,

00:37:53mistaking a fake for a pearl,

00:37:54from now on in this household,

00:37:56if you insist on ruining my plans

00:37:58for that worthless thing.

00:37:59Guess

00:38:00whether that old,

00:38:02crude story will reach father's ears.

00:38:04You,

00:38:05you wouldn't dare.

00:38:06Just wait and see.

00:38:09Miss He,

00:38:10my daughter Huayu Daun grew up rough in the military camp,

00:38:13was tricked by a scoundrel,

00:38:15and offended you in the hall.

00:38:16The general has apologized to his majesty.

00:38:19Hoping you can be lenient.

00:38:23You flatter me,

00:38:24madam.

00:38:25Since it was a misunderstanding,

00:38:26it's good to clear it up.

00:38:27Miss Liu is forthright.

00:38:29How could I hold a grudge?

00:38:30I will speak to the empress.

00:38:32Since Miss Liu has admitted her mistake,

00:38:34it's not right to leave the consort position vacant.

00:38:36Rather than letting some unknown demons and monsters take it,

00:38:39better to let Liu Huayun be the gatekeeper.

00:38:50Once in the palace,

00:38:51plan more for the family.

00:39:01Miss,

00:39:01the Liu family is grateful for your great kindness.

00:39:05They specially requested to stagger the wedding dates.

00:39:07Today in the capital,

00:39:09you are the only mistress of the Eastern Palace.

00:39:14Shutong,

00:39:15it's getting late.

00:39:16Mother has been waiting in the hall for a long time.

00:39:19Now that you are mistress of the Eastern Palace,

00:39:21by all rights,

00:39:22you should come with me to pay respects to my birth mother.

00:39:25Your highness,

00:39:25the empress has a migraine today.

00:39:27As for consort Qin,

00:39:28rules are paramount.

00:39:29I dare not breach etiquette and hierarchy.

00:39:33Shutong is sensible indeed.

00:39:35She knows who the true master of this palace is.

00:39:38Crown Prince,

00:39:39if you're in a hurry to see consort Qin,

00:39:41go ahead on your own.

00:39:46Last night,

00:39:47I thought I had found a beautiful and sensible lady.

00:39:50I thought you would understand the principle of husband guide's wife

00:39:53and take my side.

00:39:54Your highness,

00:39:55I have always stood on the side of propriety.

00:39:57I thought you were different from other women,

00:39:59but you're just as ordinary as the rest,

00:40:01always currying favor.

00:40:03It was I who misjudged you.

00:40:07Don't blame the crown princess.

00:40:08The empress said it was her grace's insistence that delayed her.

00:40:12She specially ordered me to escort you back to the Eastern Palace.

00:40:15Your highness,

00:40:16look.

00:40:17These are all bonus gifts for you.

00:40:19Who would dare say a bad word about you?

00:40:22Miss,

00:40:23it's been half a month now.

00:40:24Since his highness returned that day,

00:40:26he hasn't set foot in our courtyard.

00:40:28Can gossip fill your stomach?

00:40:29Or pay your bills?

00:40:31Those gossips outside.

00:40:33Your highness,

00:40:34the Imperial Household Department,

00:40:36because Aunt Qin personally delivered,

00:40:38sent 30% more provisions than usual.

00:40:40Keep a close watch on the storerooms.

00:40:42Since his highness doesn't come,

00:40:43I am happy for the peace and quiet.

00:40:45I will not miss a single courtesy.

00:40:48As for romantic feelings,

00:40:49I won't take any of them to heart.

00:40:51With this huge Eastern Palace,

00:40:53and all its affairs,

00:40:54when do I have time to cater to his tantrums?

00:40:57Your highness,

00:40:58something terrible happened.

00:41:00His highness just,

00:41:01in the study,

00:41:01smashed another Duan Inkstone,

00:41:03and kicked over the teacup.

00:41:04He said he said the tea in the Eastern Palace

00:41:06is too bitter to drink.

00:41:08Bitter.

00:41:09His highness just has too much fire in him.

00:41:11Tell the tea room starting tomorrow,

00:41:13give his highness Coptis root to cool his fire,

00:41:16and clear his mind.

00:41:17Miss.

00:41:18His highness isn't upset about the tea,

00:41:20he's been ignored by you for half a month,

00:41:23and he's fuming with anger.

00:41:25This little one.

00:41:26Is quite amusing when throwing a fit.

00:41:31You.

00:41:32Always teasing me.

00:41:34Not at all.

00:41:35I meant every word.

00:41:39Miss.

00:41:39Look.

00:41:40His highness accompanied her on the return visit,

00:41:42and now back in the palace,

00:41:44for lake tours,

00:41:45and banquets,

00:41:45he only brings her along.

00:41:47Those who don't know would think that Lady Lu

00:41:49is the true mistress of the Eastern Palace.

00:41:51He's been holding a grudge against me,

00:41:53and now that Liu Huion is here,

00:41:55he finally has an outlet.

00:41:59Consort Qin,

00:41:59this Siu embroidered headband,

00:42:01was embroidered by me personally.

00:42:03His highness said you love this pattern.

00:42:04Yuna is so thoughtful,

00:42:06knowing how to care for me.

00:42:07Your nameless mother-in-law,

00:42:08unlike some people who only have eyes for the high and mighty.

00:42:12Sister,

00:42:12don't take offense.

00:42:13His highness said,

00:42:14Consort Qin,

00:42:15has me,

00:42:15her devoted daughter-in-law,

00:42:16to serve her,

00:42:17and that's enough.

00:42:18That Lu girl knows how to pick a backer.

00:42:20Is she slapping me in the face?

00:42:23You're a good child,

00:42:24more sensible than the rest.

00:42:26Mother,

00:42:27I only seek peace in the harem,

00:42:28I dare not think of anything else.

00:42:30Tong Air,

00:42:31rest assured,

00:42:32as long as I am here,

00:42:33the rules of the eastern palace will not be broken.

00:42:39Tong Air,

00:42:40rest assured,

00:42:41even if the crown prince dotes on that Lu,

00:42:44I will never allow them to bully you.

00:42:46I am grateful for your kindness,

00:42:49mother,

00:42:49and humbly accept it.

00:42:50But as for Lady Lu,

00:42:52since she loves to serve Consort Qin so much,

00:42:55I will grant her wish,

00:42:56Matron Qin,

00:42:57send those Mahayana Sutras over,

00:42:59have Consort Lu copy them by hand a hundred times.

00:43:02Tell her it's to pray for Consort Qin,

00:43:04she can't leave until she's done.

00:43:06Yes,

00:43:07your majesty.

00:43:08Consort Lu,

00:43:09her majesty the empress said these are some ancient sutras just found.

00:43:11She wants you to copy these too.

00:43:14Sincere prayer works.

00:43:15I'm not copying anymore,

00:43:16I've been at it for three days and nights.

00:43:18I am a consort,

00:43:19not a copying slave.

00:43:20Careful,

00:43:21my lady,

00:43:21these sutras are for Consort Qin's hall.

00:43:23If you don't copy them,

00:43:24it would be unfilial to Consort Qin.

00:43:26Her majesty,

00:43:27the empress is waiting to catch you slipping up.

00:43:29Forgive me,

00:43:30your highness.

00:43:31Consort Qin is in seclusion praying to Buddha.

00:43:33She said to avoid disturbing the Buddha,

00:43:34she'll see no one these days.

00:43:36Sees no one?

00:43:37Not even her own son?

00:43:39Her ladyship said if you're sincere,

00:43:40you should go be filial to the empress instead.

00:43:45Ishutong,

00:43:46I used to think you were just a social climber,

00:43:48but I never imagined you'd be so malicious.

00:43:51You're mistaken,

00:43:52your highness.

00:43:52The sutras were granted by her majesty the empress,

00:43:55supposedly to pray for Consort Qin.

00:43:58Miss,

00:43:59his highness's temper is getting more violent.

00:44:01He used to just be cold to me,

00:44:03but now,

00:44:04we've grown tired of each other.

00:44:07Once he got married,

00:44:08he was eager to escape the empress's control.

00:44:10How could the empress tolerate raising a wolf?

00:44:15Aunt.

00:44:16My legs are completely numb.

00:44:19Those sly old foxes at court.

00:44:21I can't deal with directly,

00:44:23but the inner court of the eastern palace,

00:44:26I still have a say in.

00:44:28In my past life,

00:44:29Liu Huayun was often confined to the palace to learn etiquette.

00:44:33Every time she returned to the eastern palace,

00:44:35her legs were so swollen she couldn't stand.

00:44:37At such a young age,

00:44:39she developed rheumatism that ached terribly on rainy days.

00:44:44Well,

00:44:45well,

00:44:46if it isn't the crown prince's darling.

00:44:48Darling,

00:44:48huh,

00:44:49she's a jinx.

00:44:50Using old ties to seduce the heir,

00:44:51she's causing chaos in the eastern palace.

00:44:53Shut up.

00:44:54Mei Shi Qin,

00:44:55as the crown prince's favorite,

00:44:57also couldn't escape the empress's schemes.

00:44:59She was accused of seducing the heir

00:45:00and doting on a concubine over the wife.

00:45:02The entire eastern palace was in turmoil.

00:45:05Everyone was on edge.

00:45:06The emperor has passed away.

00:45:08But the crown prince has been married for years,

00:45:10yet none of his consorts have born children.

00:45:12The state is in danger.

00:45:14He may not be able to inherit the throne.

00:45:16The crown prince has no heir.

00:45:17The foundation of the state is unstable.

00:45:20We beg the prince of Jing to ascend the throne temporarily,

00:45:22to calm the people.

00:45:24We beg the prince of Jing to ascend the throne.

00:45:26You.

00:45:26This is a usurpation.

00:45:28When will the crown prince have a son?

00:45:29When will the prince of Jing abdicate?

00:45:31Consort Qin was deeply devoted to his majesty.

00:45:34She drank poisoned wine and died for love.

00:45:37You lost.

00:45:38I am the true master of the realm.

00:45:41The empress has fallen.

00:45:43She hanged herself and died.

00:45:45The crown prince hated her bitterly.

00:45:47He ordered her body to be hung from the palace beam,

00:45:49for all officials to see.

00:45:51It was three full days before she was allowed to be buried.

00:45:53In his previous life,

00:45:55he was suspected of being impotent for years,

00:45:57that was a lifelong shame for him.

00:45:58When he was crown prince,

00:46:00he couldn't do things legitimately.

00:46:02After becoming emperor,

00:46:04he still had to tolerate the allied aristocratic families at every turn.

00:46:07That violent madman is completely different from the current upright and bright crown prince.

00:46:18This struggle

00:46:19can at best be called a pyrrhic victory.

00:46:22Since I've been reborn,

00:46:24I'm not here to live a miserable life.

00:46:31Miss,

00:46:32these two pearls are the finest tribute from the western regions.

00:46:35Each one is worth 500 tales of gold.

00:46:43He's shut on.

00:46:44How dare you withhold my allowance?

00:46:46This month,

00:46:47why is there only 50 tales of silver?

00:46:50Consort Liu.

00:46:51The eastern palace has its own rules for expenses.

00:46:54This is the standard allowance for a secondary consort.

00:46:57But the pearls on your highness's shoes

00:46:59could buy 10 months allowance for our courtyard.

00:47:06I spend from the he family's private property.

00:47:09I use the dividends from my own shops.

00:47:12If consort Liu is dissatisfied,

00:47:14feel free to go cry to the crown prince.

00:47:16See if his highness can make up this silver

00:47:19or if he can keep his already strained private treasury.

00:47:30Your highness.

00:47:31I specially gathered a thick soup made from the finest tonics.

00:47:34It's excellent for strengthening the body.

00:47:36Please drink it while it's hot.

00:47:38Hishutong,

00:47:38I think you've lost your mind.

00:47:40First,

00:47:40you stuff these women into my study

00:47:41and now you send me this stuff every day.

00:47:43What exactly are you trying to do?

00:47:45As the crown princess,

00:47:46of course,

00:47:47I hope your highness has many airs.

00:47:48Please don't let my efforts go to waste.

00:47:50I think you're not doing this for airs.

00:47:53You're trying to drive me crazy on purpose.

00:47:55Luya.

00:47:56It's been so long.

00:47:58All those beautiful concubines have been favored.

00:48:00But there's no sign of anything in the Eastern Palace.

00:48:03Miss.

00:48:04Do you think maybe his highness

00:48:07actually has that hidden ailment?

00:48:09Nonsense.

00:48:10If we hadn't consummated the marriage,

00:48:12I know he is not a eunuch or impotent.

00:48:13I doubt his manhood,

00:48:14but it shouldn't be this way.

00:48:16In his past life,

00:48:17he had many children,

00:48:18but now that I'm the crown princess,

00:48:19he can't have any.

00:48:21Could it be?

00:48:22My problem,

00:48:22am I not as good as Liu Haiyan?

00:48:24Greetings to the crown princess and his highness.

00:48:28I pay respects to your highness.

00:48:30Greetings, crown princess.

00:48:32I've been feeling heavy these past few days.

00:48:34I've been waking up late.

00:48:36I hope your highness doesn't mind.

00:48:39You with child spare the formalities.

00:48:41Kept it secret for a full three months,

00:48:43waiting until the pregnancy was stable

00:48:45to show off in front of me.

00:48:47How gracious of her.

00:48:48Sister.

00:48:49You never originally wanted to tell you earlier,

00:48:51but his highness dotes on me.

00:48:52He said the first three months are most critical,

00:48:54afraid of jinxing it,

00:48:56and disturbing the baby.

00:48:57From today on,

00:48:58everything that comes in and out of

00:48:59consort Liu's quarters,

00:49:01food,

00:49:01and incense,

00:49:02and even every person who approaches

00:49:04consort Liu must be thoroughly screened by me.

00:49:13Quick.

00:49:14The medicine he shut on scent must be poisoned.

00:49:20Consort Liu.

00:49:21This medicine is bitter,

00:49:23I'll admit.

00:49:24But it's not so bad that you need to resist it like this.

00:49:36Finally,

00:49:36I found a flaw.

00:49:38He shut on.

00:49:39How dare you hit me?

00:49:40I'll tell his highness.

00:49:41You tried to poison the heir apparent's firstborn.

00:49:51Swallow it.

00:49:57Who are you putting on that pathetic act for?

00:49:59Liu who are you?

00:50:00Why don't you use that thick head of yours and think?

00:50:03You.

00:50:03You clearly hate that I'm pregnant.

00:50:05I hate you.

00:50:07Then why would I go to such great lengths to protect you?

00:50:12Now his majesty has been bedridden for long,

00:50:15the entire court is counting on this child to be born and bring good luck.

00:50:19A majesty the empress's eyes are everywhere looking for his highness's weakness.

00:50:22If I hadn't mediated and kept your pregnancy a secret,

00:50:25do you think that sloppy plan of yours could have fooled the outside world for three whole months?

00:50:30Remember this,

00:50:31inside your belly is now my precious treasure.

00:50:33So you better take good care of it.

00:50:35If I went through all this trouble to pave the way for you,

00:50:38and in the end you trip yourself up and fall into the pit,

00:50:41all my suffering will be repaid a hundredfold or a thousandfold.

00:50:49Liu Huayun.

00:50:50What's that expression supposed to mean?

00:50:56Yishu Tong.

00:50:57What are you doing?

00:51:22Can you really not stand this child?

00:51:26Do you want mother empress's favor so badly

00:51:28that you'd become a vicious viper?

00:51:42You are my crown princess.

00:51:44I grant you some face.

00:51:47Guards.

00:51:48Summon physician Zhang to the hall.

00:51:52Once I get to the bottom of this,

00:51:54I'll settle the matter.

00:52:11Your highness,

00:52:12these herbal dregs are not toxic.

00:52:14This is a top-notch fertility tonic.

00:52:16The ingredients are all mild, nourishing,

00:52:18government-supplied herbs.

00:52:19It's very beneficial for the fetus,

00:52:21there's almost no medicinal toxicity.

00:52:23Your highness.

00:52:24This time,

00:52:25we really misunderstood the crown princess.

00:52:46Miss.

00:52:47His highness has called in the guards.

00:52:50He's afraid you might actually make a move,

00:52:52and then he'd have to take you to the palace

00:52:53to accuse the empress.

00:52:55Crown prince,

00:52:56oh crown prince,

00:52:57your weariness of me just proves

00:52:58that every step I took after my rebirth

00:53:00was not wrong.

00:53:01The news of Liu Huayun's pregnancy

00:53:03probably can't be hidden anymore.

00:53:05I need to figure out how to use this fire

00:53:07to strike the empress.

00:53:09And also,

00:53:10it's time for this suspicious highness

00:53:12to owe me even more guilt.

00:53:14Quite the grand gesture tonight,

00:53:16your highness.

00:53:16If you really wanted to take me,

00:53:18you could have just brought a pair of assassins

00:53:20in plain clothes.

00:53:21Why make such a big fuss?

00:53:23I,

00:53:23I was just worried about Yuna.

00:53:25In your rush,

00:53:25do you know how many of the empress's spies

00:53:27are in the eastern palace?

00:53:28Now that you've made a scene,

00:53:30the whole palace knows.

00:53:32You'll alert the enemy.

00:53:33If the empress finds out about my sister's pregnancy,

00:53:35that's the real danger.

00:53:37Since the commotion is already out,

00:53:39please slap me in public,

00:53:40your highness,

00:53:41and punish me harshly for the crime of harming an heir.

00:53:43What did you say?

00:53:44Only if I'm severely punished

00:53:45can we claim to the outside

00:53:47that the secondary consort fell ill

00:53:48because she offended me,

00:53:50not because she's pregnant,

00:53:51not because she's pregnant.

00:53:53I was wrong to doubt you.

00:53:54How could I hurt you again?

00:53:55It's the only way to fool the empress

00:53:57and pull off this deception.

00:53:59Go.

00:53:59Miss,

00:54:00we're protecting her like this,

00:54:01but will Lady Lu appreciate it?

00:54:03Appreciate it.

00:54:04I'd sooner expect a pig to climb a tree.

00:54:07I'd sooner expect a pig to climb a tree.

00:54:09A mimi isn't enough to quell

00:54:11the empress's schemes against the crown prince.

00:54:12The empress keeps sending us gifts every few days.

00:54:16Everyone says you're in great favor,

00:54:17but in my heart,

00:54:18I feel this favor is too heavy to bear.

00:54:21Favor?

00:54:22That's the empress's death warrant for me,

00:54:24and a thorn in the crown prince's side,

00:54:26as long as I'm favored.

00:54:28The crown prince sees me as a thorn in his side.

00:54:31So annoying.

00:54:33Is this the trouble of having brains?

00:54:34If we're going to act,

00:54:36we have to act fully,

00:54:37since his highness won't strike,

00:54:38we'll find someone to do it for him.

00:54:40Go.

00:54:41Find a reliable eunuch.

00:54:42Yes.

00:54:45You.

00:54:46Are you Pan Yun?

00:54:48Your servant Pan Yun kowtows to you, m'lady.

00:54:51In his past life,

00:54:52this was a power-grabbing eunuch.

00:54:53He actually blackmailed palace concubines

00:54:56to support a prince,

00:54:57intending to interfere in politics,

00:54:59turning the court and harem upside down.

00:55:02If not for the upright ministers

00:55:03who later opposed him,

00:55:04and everyone rebelling against his oppression,

00:55:06turning against him,

00:55:08he might have actually succeeded.

00:55:10Time's up.

00:55:11Execute.

00:55:13Death by a thousand cuts,

00:55:15three thousand six hundred cuts.

00:55:17It lasted three whole days.

00:55:19Screams echoed across half the capital.

00:55:23This eunuch rose through the ranks.

00:55:26It must have been by selling himself to an old eunuch.

00:55:29Selling yourself to an old eunuch,

00:55:31and you can gain power over half the court.

00:55:34Then why don't you?

00:55:35Is it because you don't want to?

00:55:40Miss.

00:55:41This young eunuch looks too sinister.

00:55:43I feel uneasy about him.

00:55:46This man is a poison dagger.

00:55:48I should kill him to avoid future trouble.

00:55:50But in my past life,

00:55:51which palace servant didn't receive his kindness?

00:55:54Under his management,

00:55:55the imperial household department didn't dare mistreat servants.

00:55:58Even I,

00:55:59who was specifically targeted by Liu Huyan's orders,

00:56:01never had my rations reduced.

00:56:03Otherwise,

00:56:04I'm afraid I would have died one winter.

00:56:06I'll spare his life for now.

00:56:09If used well,

00:56:11he can help me manage this devouring harem.

00:56:13If he ever shows disloyalty,

00:56:15I can kill him then.

00:56:18Pan Yun.

00:56:19Slap my face.

00:56:21Your highness,

00:56:23even if I had a hundred courage,

00:56:24I wouldn't dare offend you.

00:56:26That's a capital offense.

00:56:28Useless.

00:56:29You can't even hit someone.

00:56:31From now on,

00:56:32sit at the kids table.

00:56:33Please calm down,

00:56:34your highness.

00:56:35If you just need marks to show outsiders,

00:56:37I have a method.

00:56:38It'll look more real than real hits.

00:56:40Why didn't you say so earlier?

00:56:42Stop acting like a loyal official.

00:56:44You see through me,

00:56:44your highness.

00:56:45When I entered,

00:56:46you told me to do something treasonous.

00:56:48I was scared to death.

00:56:49How could I speak?

00:56:50So then it's my fault.

00:56:51It's my fault.

00:56:53I lack discernment.

00:57:03Your highness,

00:57:04I'm sorry.

00:57:08Miss.

00:57:09Your face.

00:57:15This is called making a fake scene real.

00:57:19Good technique.

00:57:21How long will this effect last?

00:57:23Long enough for you to go to the palace.

00:57:24As long as you don't meet an imperial physician,

00:57:26no one can tell it's fake.

00:57:28That's enough.

00:57:30Liya, prepare the carriage.

00:57:32I'm going to the palace with this handprint.

00:57:35To cry to the empress.

00:57:43What's all this commotion?

00:57:45Even I,

00:57:46in the depths of the palace,

00:57:48have heard about it.

00:57:49They say the eastern palace is in chaos.

00:57:52Your majesty.

00:57:53I'm so bitter,

00:57:54your majesty.

00:57:55That bitch Liu Huayun is pregnant.

00:57:57His highness kept it from me completely.

00:57:59If I hadn't accidentally found out today,

00:58:01I'd have to wait until the child is born to even know about it.

00:58:04He dared to hide it from you?

00:58:06And from me as well.

00:58:07I lost my temper.

00:58:08How could I allow her to give birth to the first son?

00:58:11Then in the eastern palace,

00:58:12there would be no place for me.

00:58:14It's just a concubine's son.

00:58:15If it's gone,

00:58:16it's gone.

00:58:17But his highness actually defended that bitch and hurt me.

00:58:19My dear.

00:58:20As a wife,

00:58:21defending your position is not wrong at all.

00:58:24I'm glad your majesty understands my concerns.

00:58:27Aunt Qin,

00:58:28go bring me that bejeweled lace hairpin

00:58:29and that white jade guanyan statue

00:58:31to calm Tonger's nerves.

00:58:33Also,

00:58:34issue my decree.

00:58:35The crown prince has acted immorally.

00:58:37He publicly struck his principal consort,

00:58:39issue an edict to reprimand him.

00:58:41Lady Liu's conduct is improper.

00:58:43She has seduced the heir apparent.

00:58:44Effective today,

00:58:45she is demoted to Liangyuan.

00:58:47Confined to her quarters for reflection.

00:58:49Your servant obeys.

00:58:56I thank your majesty for your great kindness.

00:58:59Go back and rest well.

00:59:01Don't let those lowlifes make you sick.

00:59:03I obey.

00:59:09Old witch.

00:59:11Just wait until I become empress.

00:59:13I'll take you down.

00:59:17Quick.

00:59:17While his majesty still has one breath left,

00:59:20take the child to him.

00:59:22Lady Liu.

00:59:22It's freezing out there.

00:59:24Do you want the imperial grandson

00:59:25to freeze to death on the road?

00:59:27He's shut on.

00:59:28This is my son.

00:59:29I can take him to the palace whenever I want,

00:59:31whenever I please.

00:59:32You have no say.

00:59:37This child is nominally my legitimate son.

00:59:39You want to take the credit?

00:59:41Not in this lifetime.

00:59:45Your majesty.

00:59:46I have brought the legitimate grandson

00:59:48who will inherit the throne to see you.

00:59:54Grandson.

00:59:56My grandson.

00:59:57The previous emperor died suddenly

00:59:59without even leaving an imperial edict

01:00:01giving the empress a chance to rebel.

01:00:02Now, this shock and joy

01:00:04has given him a brief rally.

01:00:06His majesty has decreed.

01:00:08Granting the legitimate imperial grandson

01:00:10the name Cheng Tang

01:00:10abdicate to the crown prince.

01:00:12He's shut on you think that

01:00:13by supporting the crown prince

01:00:15to ascend the throne you've won?

01:00:17Don't forget the lives of your

01:00:18Hefe family's hundred members

01:00:19are all in my hands.

01:00:21With just one order from me,

01:00:23the He family will be charged

01:00:24with treason and extermination.

01:00:26Oh.

01:00:27Your majesty wants to target the He family.

01:00:29That would be wonderful.

01:00:30For me, it's an added joy.

01:00:32You would sacrifice the entire He clan?

01:00:34Your majesty, please see clearly.

01:00:36If the He family is truly guilty

01:00:38as the empress,

01:00:39I will place righteousness

01:00:40above family loyalty

01:00:41to rid the country of evil.

01:00:42As long as your majesty is pleased,

01:00:44kill them as you wish.

01:00:45I won't stop you.

01:00:46Oh tag, you probably don't know.

01:00:48What I've wanted most in my life

01:00:50is to personally send them to their deaths.

01:00:52Fine, fine, fine.

01:00:53What a daughter raised by Grand Tutor He.

01:00:55I truly misjudged you.

01:00:56I thought I had raised an obedient wolf,

01:00:58but it turns out

01:00:59I also raised a cunning jackal.

01:01:01He Shutong,

01:01:02even if you and your husband

01:01:03collude together,

01:01:03so what?

01:01:04If he wants to be the rightful emperor,

01:01:06I am still the East Palace Dowager Empress

01:01:08of Great Zhou.

01:01:09As long as I sit on the throne

01:01:10of the Dowager Empress for one day,

01:01:12you both must bow and serve.

01:01:13Your majesty is right.

01:01:15Legitimacy is indeed important.

01:01:16Guards,

01:01:17summon the royal clan to the palace.

01:01:19But this title of East Palace Dowager Empress

01:01:21can be either bestowed in life

01:01:22or posthumously.

01:01:23Your majesty is so clever.

01:01:25You must know

01:01:25how big the difference is.

01:01:27Reporting to your majesty,

01:01:29the royal clan members,

01:01:30for colluding with rebels,

01:01:31have all been arrested

01:01:32on their way to the palace.

01:01:34You?

01:01:34You are the crown prince's personal guards?

01:01:37Who gave you the audacity

01:01:38to imprison the royal clan?

01:01:39I did.

01:01:39Ever since the Liu family incident,

01:01:41his highness felt guilty.

01:01:43So he handed over control

01:01:44of the personal guards to me.

01:01:45Today,

01:01:46escorting the imperial grandson

01:01:47into the palace.

01:01:48The guards changed shifts.

01:01:50It was merely to purge the court

01:01:51and stabilize the realm.

01:01:52Your majesty,

01:01:53the situation is lost.

01:01:54The outcome is settled.

01:02:07Shua.

01:02:09You hid it from me so well.

01:02:14The empress dowager,

01:02:15that old hag,

01:02:16until her death,

01:02:17she thought it was a conspiracy

01:02:18between you and me.

01:02:20Who knew that even I,

01:02:21her bedfellow,

01:02:22was merely an instrument

01:02:24in your scheme?

01:02:27Shua.

01:02:28Do you know?

01:02:32I am so happy.

01:02:38Don't call me your highness anymore.

01:02:42Here and now.

01:02:43Call me by my name.

01:02:47What was his name again?

01:02:50What's wrong?

01:02:51Becoming the future empress?

01:02:52Are you too shy

01:02:54to even say my name?

01:02:55Can't bring yourself

01:02:56to say it?

01:02:58Your highness.

01:02:59A name is so distant.

01:03:01That's what outsiders call you.

01:03:03Your highness.

01:03:04Do you have a childhood nickname?

01:03:09My mother once gave me

01:03:10the name Zhurong.

01:03:12Except for her.

01:03:14No one has ever called me that.

01:03:17Ronglang.

01:03:22Shua.

01:03:23Tomorrow,

01:03:24come with me to see my mother.

01:03:26She has been waiting

01:03:27in the depths of the cold palace

01:03:28for too long.

01:03:29She always wanted

01:03:30to meet the one

01:03:31who helped me ascend the throne.

01:03:41Congratulations,

01:03:42your majesty.

01:03:43Today,

01:03:44the coronation ceremony

01:03:45is complete.

01:03:46You are now the great shows.

01:03:48Rightful sovereign.

01:03:50How is the empress dowager?

01:03:53Reporting to your majesty,

01:03:54the empress dowager

01:03:55missed the late emperor.

01:03:57Fell gravely ill.

01:03:58Couldn't make it

01:03:59through this winter.

01:04:00She passed away last night.

01:04:02In truth,

01:04:02I changed her identity

01:04:03and sent her to the nunnery.

01:04:05I haven't forgotten.

01:04:06In my past life,

01:04:07because of her anger,

01:04:08I endured so many years

01:04:09of suffering.

01:04:10What are you dawdling for?

01:04:12Can't even carry

01:04:13this little water?

01:04:14You won't finish

01:04:15washing that pile

01:04:16of chamber pots today.

01:04:22I.

01:04:23I'm dizzy.

01:04:25Dizzy?

01:04:26Once you're in this place,

01:04:27even if you die,

01:04:28finish the work first.

01:04:30Look at your face.

01:04:31You resemble the late

01:04:31empress dowager

01:04:32of the eastern palace.

01:04:33Quite a bit.

01:04:34Actually,

01:04:35so what if I look like her?

01:04:36The more you resemble her,

01:04:38the more you deserve a beating.

01:04:39Keep an eye on her

01:04:40and don't let her stop.

01:04:47Your majesty.

01:04:48She's dead over there.

01:04:53The body's been examined.

01:04:54As you ordered.

01:04:56I personally supervised.

01:04:58We examined her

01:04:59three times thoroughly.

01:05:00It was back-breaking work.

01:05:02No chance of her coming back.

01:05:05Good,

01:05:05she's dead for good.

01:05:07She died in the matron's quarters.

01:05:08She got off too easy.

01:05:10That damn woman

01:05:11died such a glorious death.

01:05:13In her next life,

01:05:14she'll come back as a beast

01:05:16to pay off her debts

01:05:17as a beast of burden.

01:05:24Why is she here?

01:05:31Greetings,

01:05:32Empress Dowager.

01:05:36Tonger,

01:05:36you're here.

01:05:37Rise.

01:05:43Tonger,

01:05:44you know Tianer,

01:05:45don't you?

01:05:46She used to be

01:05:47a bit outspoken.

01:05:48She didn't study much.

01:05:49She's easily taken advantage of

01:05:51by those

01:05:51villains with ill intentions.

01:05:53That's why there were

01:05:54those unpleasant incidents.

01:05:56Mother,

01:05:57you make it sound as if

01:05:58as if I'm narrow-minded.

01:06:00After all,

01:06:01Tianer and Xiu Rong

01:06:02grew up together.

01:06:03They were already in love

01:06:04at the nunnery.

01:06:05Now that you've taken

01:06:06the position that

01:06:07should have been hers,

01:06:08you should feel

01:06:09some indebtedness to her.

01:06:10I owe her.

01:06:11Owe her for killing me

01:06:12in my past life.

01:06:13Or owe her for not being able

01:06:14to drag her out

01:06:15and have it out.

01:06:17Empress Dowager,

01:06:18Tianer has already said

01:06:19the title of empress,

01:06:20the name of wife.

01:06:21After all,

01:06:22they are just empty titles.

01:06:23Tianer entered the palace,

01:06:25not seeking wealth or honor,

01:06:26nor any rank.

01:06:28Tianer only wishes

01:06:29to truly love his majesty,

01:06:30to be together day and night,

01:06:32even as a lowly maidservant.

01:06:34Tianer is willing

01:06:34to endure it gladly.

01:06:35Good child.

01:06:36Truly a person

01:06:38of deep emotion.

01:06:39Now I finally understand

01:06:40why the late empress back then,

01:06:42Parky could tolerate her.

01:06:43What can such a fool accomplish?

01:06:45If I had known

01:06:46this new empress dowager

01:06:47was this type,

01:06:48I would have paid more attention

01:06:49to the late empress

01:06:50and not let her die so early.

01:06:53In that case,

01:06:55then I'll grant her

01:06:56this perfect love.

01:07:00Tonger.

01:07:01Tianer is so sensible,

01:07:03I think.

01:07:04We can't let her suffer

01:07:05for nothing.

01:07:07How about

01:07:07Miss May,

01:07:08still as principled as ever.

01:07:11Since she seeks true love.

01:07:13Those damn titles.

01:07:15They really do wrong

01:07:16your noble integrity.

01:07:21Mother.

01:07:22Since Miss May doesn't care

01:07:24about wealth or status,

01:07:25and just wants to be together

01:07:26all the time,

01:07:27I have actually thought

01:07:28of a perfect place.

01:07:30Oh?

01:07:30Tonger,

01:07:31tell me quickly.

01:07:33In that case,

01:07:34let's send Miss May

01:07:35to serve as an imperial attendant.

01:07:36Mother,

01:07:37think about it.

01:07:38What's so great

01:07:39about being a consort?

01:07:40The harem is lonely and dull.

01:07:42When his majesty visits,

01:07:43you have to pick a name

01:07:44from the green head placards.

01:07:46Many people live

01:07:46their whole lives

01:07:47without seeing his face

01:07:48more than a few times.

01:07:49But being an imperial attendant

01:07:50is different.

01:07:51She can attend

01:07:52his majesty every day.

01:07:53His clothing,

01:07:54food,

01:07:54shelter,

01:07:55everything depends on her.

01:07:56She'll be serving day

01:07:57and night right

01:07:57by his majesty's side.

01:07:59When his majesty reads

01:08:00memorials,

01:08:01you grind ink.

01:08:02When his majesty dines,

01:08:03you serve the dishes,

01:08:04staying by his side

01:08:05day and night.

01:08:05How is that not being

01:08:06together all the time?

01:08:08Mother,

01:08:08please don't let down

01:08:09Miss May's sincere heart.

01:08:12Excellent.

01:08:13Tonger,

01:08:13this idea is truly brilliant.

01:08:15Chiener,

01:08:16what do you think?

01:08:18Thank you,

01:08:19your majesty the empress,

01:08:20for your permission.

01:08:21To be able to serve

01:08:22his majesty

01:08:23has always been

01:08:24Chiener's wish.

01:08:26Since Miss May is willing,

01:08:28then let's arrange

01:08:29it right away.

01:08:30Your servant obeys.

01:08:33Once you enter

01:08:34the imperial service,

01:08:35put aside all that

01:08:36arrogance you had before.

01:08:38You're serving

01:08:38his majesty here.

01:08:40One mistake

01:08:41could cost you your head.

01:08:42It's fine.

01:08:43As long as I can see

01:08:44his majesty every day,

01:08:46given our connection,

01:08:47becoming a favored consort

01:08:48is only a matter of time.

01:09:05The art of serving tea

01:09:07requires keen observation

01:09:08all around.

01:09:09The pastries must not only

01:09:10taste good,

01:09:11but also match

01:09:12his majesty's mood.

01:09:13Music,

01:09:14chess,

01:09:14calligraphy,

01:09:15painting.

01:09:15If you don't have

01:09:16some foundation,

01:09:17you can't even walk steadily

01:09:18in this floral pattern.

01:09:19Isn't that right?

01:09:20Everyone serving his majesty

01:09:22has some refined skill

01:09:23to show.

01:09:24If you only have

01:09:25crude tricks,

01:09:26that's just service,

01:09:27not imperial elegance.

01:09:28As long as sincerity

01:09:29is there,

01:09:30his majesty will

01:09:31naturally understand.

01:09:32All those fancy tricks

01:09:33are just empty facades.

01:09:35Sincerity?

01:09:36His majesty wants

01:09:37refined taste.

01:09:38Attendant May,

01:09:39look at what you've made.

01:09:40Not even a dog

01:09:41would look at it.

01:09:41How can you compete

01:09:42with others?

01:09:45Sister May,

01:09:46this makeup

01:09:47might be a

01:09:48bit too heavy.

01:09:51What do you know?

01:09:52His majesty

01:09:53is deep in thought.

01:09:55If I don't wear

01:09:56brighter makeup,

01:09:56how could he,

01:09:57among a thousand flowers,

01:09:58spot me at a glance?

01:09:59In her past life,

01:10:00with the help of clothes,

01:10:02her mediocre looks

01:10:03could be dressed up

01:10:03to show 70% beauty.

01:10:05Originally,

01:10:06she was considered

01:10:06a delicate beauty,

01:10:08but with this makeup,

01:10:09it's like an ugly duckling

01:10:10among swans.

01:10:14Your majesty,

01:10:15take a rest.

01:10:16There's no end

01:10:17to state affairs.

01:10:18Drink this ginseng soup first.

01:10:20Don't ruin your health.

01:10:22I am reviewing

01:10:23urgent border reports.

01:10:24Who allowed you

01:10:25to enter without permission?

01:10:27Get out.

01:10:28You used to say,

01:10:29I know your heart best.

01:10:30Now you work day and night.

01:10:32If your health is harmed,

01:10:33I,

01:10:34as your wife,

01:10:35how sad would I be?

01:10:36I have no time

01:10:37for your reminiscing now.

01:10:38I know.

01:10:38It's because the court officials

01:10:40pressure you

01:10:40that you're cold to me.

01:10:41It's okay.

01:10:42I will always stay by your side.

01:10:44Eunuch Mei,

01:10:44please leave.

01:10:45His majesty is annoyed right now.

01:10:49Mei,

01:10:50this plaque must be sent in

01:10:51for his majesty's inspection

01:10:52immediately.

01:10:53Please see.

01:10:55Go back.

01:10:56Tell your chief Eunuch,

01:10:57his majesty has favored

01:10:58that beauty Lynn

01:10:59for three days already.

01:11:01Now it's time

01:11:02to rest a while.

01:11:03But,

01:11:04this is a rule

01:11:05set by the Imperial

01:11:06Household Department.

01:11:07I dare not act

01:11:08on my own.

01:11:09Rules?

01:11:10His majesty's health

01:11:11is the greatest rule.

01:11:12If he ruins his health,

01:11:14can you bear

01:11:15the responsibility?

01:11:23Your highness,

01:11:25I peeled this

01:11:26specially for you.

01:11:29Who is it?

01:11:30How dare you be so rude

01:11:32in front of his majesty?

01:11:34His majesty is in high spirits.

01:11:36Where did this

01:11:37spoilsport come from?

01:11:38A beauty shouldn't

01:11:39indulge his majesty

01:11:40in pleasure seeking.

01:11:41There's the morning

01:11:42court tomorrow.

01:11:43If affairs of state

01:11:44are delayed

01:11:44because of this,

01:11:45can you bear

01:11:46the responsibility?

01:11:48Oh,

01:11:49I didn't know.

01:11:50When did his majesty

01:11:51acquire a head maid?

01:11:52Who even manages

01:11:53his majesty's

01:11:53bedroom affairs?

01:11:54You are immoral,

01:11:55or is your vision blurry?

01:11:57I see clearly

01:11:58and think straight.

01:11:59I only see one,

01:12:00an ignorant maid

01:12:01barking there.

01:12:02I grew up with his majesty

01:12:03as childhood sweethearts.

01:12:05Our bond is unmatched.

01:12:07My heart is sincere.

01:12:09How dare you,

01:12:11a newcomer,

01:12:11interfere?

01:12:13I said,

01:12:14take it away.

01:12:15I don't want to see you now.

01:12:17Get out.

01:12:18Your majesty.

01:12:19You used to listen

01:12:20to Chiena the most.

01:12:22This wine is bad

01:12:23for your liver.

01:12:23If you don't drink it,

01:12:25I'll kneel here forever.

01:12:28How dare you?

01:12:29Who gave you the nerve

01:12:30to be arrogant

01:12:31in front of me?

01:12:32Your majesty.

01:12:33You've changed.

01:12:35Have you forgotten,

01:12:36when we were young

01:12:36and wandering,

01:12:37you had nothing to eat

01:12:38and often went

01:12:39to that run-down tavern

01:12:40to steal fermented

01:12:41grain cakes

01:12:42to fill your stomach?

01:12:43You'd be reeking

01:12:43of alcohol,

01:12:44passed out drunk

01:12:45at the alley entrance,

01:12:46and I was the one

01:12:47who personally

01:12:48made you a bowl of soup.

01:12:49You held my hand

01:12:50and said,

01:12:51this broth warms

01:12:52both stomach and heart.

01:12:53Now that you're on top,

01:12:55this soup has become

01:12:55an eyesore,

01:12:56and you let it be

01:12:57knocked to the ground.

01:12:58Times have changed

01:12:59and so have we.

01:13:01I'd rather you weren't

01:13:02an emperor at all,

01:13:03so we could be

01:13:03just like before,

01:13:04an ordinary couple,

01:13:06growing old together

01:13:06in this bustling market.

01:13:08An ordinary couple?

01:13:09You think you deserve that?

01:13:11Mei Shi Qian,

01:13:12back then you brought me soup,

01:13:14but it was just

01:13:14leftover scraps

01:13:15you handed out.

01:13:16And now you use

01:13:17that little favor

01:13:18to threaten me?

01:13:19What I hate most

01:13:20are people like you

01:13:21who use old,

01:13:22worthless memories

01:13:23to manipulate the present.

01:13:24Your majesty.

01:13:25I have heard

01:13:26that this lady Mei,

01:13:27during her time

01:13:28in the palace laundry,

01:13:29was assigned

01:13:30the lowest task

01:13:31of cleaning chamber pots.

01:13:32She says she personally

01:13:34made soup for you

01:13:34and even wanted

01:13:35to wipe your sweat.

01:13:37Your majesty.

01:13:38How could such hands

01:13:39have made your soup?

01:13:43Get out.

01:13:44Get out.

01:13:45I washed my hands.

01:13:46I...

01:13:49Guards.

01:13:51Your majesty,

01:13:52call the imperial physician.

01:13:54His majesty has fainted.

01:13:55Your majesty,

01:13:56physician.

01:14:04Miss,

01:14:05you should have seen it.

01:14:06His majesty fainted

01:14:06right there yesterday.

01:14:08That lady Mei

01:14:09is now locked

01:14:09in the imperial study,

01:14:10wailing and crying.

01:14:11In their past life,

01:14:12they went through decades

01:14:13before reaching mutual weariness

01:14:15and yet being unable

01:14:16to let go.

01:14:17Now,

01:14:17without that rose-tinted view

01:14:19of shared hardships,

01:14:20it only took a few short months

01:14:21for the emperor

01:14:22to want to cut ties.

01:14:23Isn't that right?

01:14:24She doesn't think about

01:14:25all the suffering

01:14:26she endured

01:14:26in the palace laundry.

01:14:27How could she bring that up

01:14:28in front of his majesty?

01:14:30Once the illusion shatters,

01:14:32so does the affection.

01:14:33Next,

01:14:34it's time to clean up

01:14:35the harem properly.

01:14:38For the past half-month,

01:14:40every time I close my eyes,

01:14:41that smell haunts me.

01:14:42That Mei.

01:14:43I don't want to see her

01:14:45in the palace

01:14:45for a single moment.

01:14:47Rest assured,

01:14:48your majesty,

01:14:49but Lady Mei.

01:14:50She was brought in

01:14:51from outside the palace

01:14:52after all.

01:14:53If she has no place to go,

01:14:54I'm afraid the outside

01:14:55will criticize your majesty

01:14:57for being heartless.

01:14:58Wasn't it she who kept saying

01:14:59she wanted to live

01:14:59as an ordinary couple,

01:15:00day and night?

01:15:01I recall her youth,

01:15:03that bit of laundry kindness.

01:15:04So I'll grant her wish.

01:15:06I recall someone,

01:15:07when Lady Mei was suffering

01:15:08in the cold palace,

01:15:09she was helped by a guard

01:15:11named Han Sheng Tai

01:15:12who looked after her there.

01:15:13Set a date for her

01:15:14to leave the palace and marry.

01:15:21Your Highness,

01:15:22there's a commotion over there.

01:15:24The marriage has been granted,

01:15:25what's there to make a fuss about?

01:15:27When Lady Mei received the decree,

01:15:29she suddenly went mad,

01:15:30her personality changed drastically,

01:15:32she cried and laughed,

01:15:33knocked over a servant's tray,

01:15:34and insisted on seeing your majesty.

01:15:36What did she say?

01:15:37She said she is not a maid,

01:15:38she is an imperial noble consort.

01:15:41Imperial noble consort.

01:15:45Even though in this life

01:15:46I have turned things around,

01:15:47and trampled all those

01:15:48who harmed me into the mud,

01:15:50deep in my heart

01:15:50there remains a place of discontent.

01:15:52Because the torments

01:15:53of my past life are real,

01:15:55not something rebirth can erase.

01:15:56Those villains,

01:15:57if they don't suffer

01:15:58with their memories,

01:15:59if they don't know

01:16:00what they have lost,

01:16:00then what's the point

01:16:01of my revenge?

01:16:02I could let others go,

01:16:03but Mei Shichun,

01:16:04why did she get to die so easily?

01:16:06In this life,

01:16:07I'll make her watch,

01:16:08clear-eyed,

01:16:08how she falls from the clouds

01:16:10into the cesspool,

01:16:10and in that mire,

01:16:11rot bit by bit for me,

01:16:13beating a helpless dog in the water,

01:16:14what pleasure is there in that?

01:16:16Now she has also returned,

01:16:17and upon returning,

01:16:18she faces a hellish start,

01:16:20only fitting for her rebirth.

01:16:22Since she wants to see,

01:16:23then let her see.

01:16:24If the bond isn't broken,

01:16:26how can the play go on?

01:16:27This servant understands.

01:16:29Get out.

01:16:29I don't want to see you

01:16:31drag this filthy thing out.

01:16:38It's you.

01:16:40You're behind all this,

01:16:42He Shutong.

01:16:44You stole my life.

01:16:46May you die a miserable death.

01:16:48Aren't you afraid of karma?

01:16:51Karma.

01:16:55Causes from past lives,

01:16:56effects in this one.

01:16:58The debt you owe me from your past life,

01:16:59in this life,

01:17:00my very existence is your retribution.

01:17:02The Han family may be small,

01:17:04but it's full of every vice.

01:17:06Are you ready?

01:17:07May Shi Qian,

01:17:08arsenic is just the starting point.

01:17:10Your real retribution has only just begun.

01:17:13Yes,

01:17:13your highness.

01:17:16You think

01:17:17I did all that by myself?

01:17:19Guess.

01:17:20Who pulled strings back then

01:17:22to get me into the palace?

01:17:23And who recognized me

01:17:24but deliberately misled the empress?

01:17:26I'm not the only one to blame.

01:17:28In everyone's plan,

01:17:30you,

01:17:30the grand tutor's legitimate daughter,

01:17:32were just a pawn to be discarded.

01:17:34Move.

01:17:34He Shutong,

01:17:35you're pathetic.

01:17:36Suffered so terribly in your past life,

01:17:38yet in this life you're still obsessed with this,

01:17:40this title of empress that's all but hollow.

01:17:46Send her off with a grand wedding.

01:17:49Lady.

01:17:50Just now,

01:17:51Mei Shi Qian,

01:17:51at death's door,

01:17:52still tried to sow discord,

01:17:54even said you were a discarded pawn.

01:17:55How could I not know?

01:17:57So,

01:17:58when Liu Huayun gave him the sterility poison,

01:18:00I pretended not to know.

01:18:02Your majesty.

01:18:03This poison has built up for five years.

01:18:06His majesty's body has been thoroughly damaged.

01:18:08Then on the throne,

01:18:09how much longer can he sit?

01:18:11Lady.

01:18:12His majesty,

01:18:13these years,

01:18:13has treated you with great respect and affection.

01:18:15Even if no great merit,

01:18:17he has labored.

01:18:18Are you not sad?

01:18:19Sad?

01:18:20Maybe a little.

01:18:22After all,

01:18:22the marital devotion was one-sided,

01:18:24but when I think of him dead,

01:18:25there will be no one left in this world to restrain me,

01:18:28and that makes me happy.

01:18:29His majesty has a long life.

01:18:31I'm afraid you'll have to wait two more years.

01:18:33Ah well,

01:18:34a few years more or less doesn't matter.

01:18:36I'll ask you one more time,

01:18:38can he be cured?

01:18:39Your majesty,

01:18:39the poison is insidious.

01:18:41It damages the very foundation of the body.

01:18:43I,

01:18:44I am powerless.

01:18:45Five years.

01:18:46Not a single woman in the harem has conceived.

01:18:49Those military officials of the Liu clan now,

01:18:51one by one,

01:18:52in court are demanding I make Cheng Tang the crown prince.

01:18:55The Liu family controls the army and is overbearing.

01:18:58The emperor has long wanted to take back military power.

01:19:01Although Cheng Tang is his son,

01:19:03the emperor will never allow a powerful maternal relative from a military background.

01:19:06Because of this,

01:19:07Liu Huayun had no choice but to use this poison,

01:19:10to make Cheng Tang his only option.

01:19:12The killing intent is getting thicker.

01:19:14Your highness.

01:19:15His majesty secretly summoned the personal guards today.

01:19:18It seems that before appointing the crown prince,

01:19:20he intends to eradicate the Liu family completely.

01:19:23Like dogs fighting,

01:19:24both get dirty.

01:19:25We need to protect ourselves too.

01:19:27Pass the order,

01:19:28have the foreign merchants keep a low profile.

01:19:30Let them fight among themselves.

01:19:31Don't let me get caught in the crossfire.

01:19:34Sure.

01:19:35Take this.

01:19:36This is what I had when I was in the eastern palace,

01:19:39the personal guards I've accumulated.

01:19:41And a team of loyal assassins who only answer to me.

01:19:44If the palace turns dangerous,

01:19:45you must leave immediately.

01:19:46Take the secret passage and go to Jiangnan to lay low.

01:19:49Your majesty, aren't you coming?

01:19:51I can't leave.

01:19:52We had planned to go to Jiangnan this year.

01:19:54But now it seems I'm afraid we won't make it.

01:19:57I've let you down in this life,

01:19:58and caused today's disaster.

01:19:59Now that disaster is imminent,

01:20:02I haven't even been able to leave you with a child to rely on.

01:20:05He's been losing a lot of weight lately.

01:20:07And has a sickly charm.

01:20:08After he dies,

01:20:09I'll follow this style and find 8 or 10 lovers in Jiangnan.

01:20:12I accept your command.

01:20:14Take the imperial decree bearing my name and his majesties.

01:20:18And immediately order all the imperial clansmen.

01:20:20Your highness,

01:20:21the royal clan has always been at odds with the imperial family.

01:20:24They might not be willing to come.

01:20:27Though they fight among themselves,

01:20:28if someone else tries to claim the throne,

01:20:30they unite more than anyone.

01:20:32Tell them,

01:20:33those who come to the king's aid will be in feyft as imperial princes,

01:20:36with hereditary titles.

01:20:38I obey.

01:20:40General Liu,

01:20:41something terrible has happened.

01:20:42The imperial clan's army has come back.

01:20:48What's going on?

01:20:49Why did my sword break?

01:20:55Heaven helps me.

01:20:57Kill.

01:21:05General Liu probably never imagined that the weapons he spent his fortune on

01:21:09who actually sold them to him.

01:21:11How was the quality of the goods from the foreign trading company?

01:21:14Your highness,

01:21:15they were top class junk.

01:21:17Truly a huge return for a small investment.

01:21:20A profitable deal that kills two birds with one stone.

01:21:30The imperial decree has just been issued.

01:21:32I haven't even made my move yet.

01:21:34But you know your place.

01:21:37He shut on.

01:21:39You win.

01:21:42I know you've always wanted my son.

01:21:45From now on,

01:21:46I entrust Cheng Tang to you.

01:21:48You'll protect him,

01:21:50right?

01:21:50Why must it come to this?

01:21:52Even so,

01:21:52her death is not a bad thing.

01:21:54My Cheng Tang is meant to be the crown prince.

01:21:56From now on,

01:21:57he will be under your name.

01:21:58Then he'll be the legitimate heir.

01:22:00He absolutely cannot have

01:22:02a mother who was executed for treason as the whole family.

01:22:05I have seen his majesty's situation back then.

01:22:07I saw how he had to live under the empress,

01:22:10and how he endured.

01:22:11How could I watch Cheng Tang

01:22:12follow his majesty's same path?

01:22:14As long as I'm dead,

01:22:16he will be a pure legitimate imperial son.

01:22:22Your highness,

01:22:23can you hold me?

01:22:25No,

01:22:25who knows if you might,

01:22:26before you die,

01:22:28suddenly strike at me.

01:22:29Compared to that kind of

01:22:31meaningless deathbed care,

01:22:33my life is more important.

01:22:35Pan Yun,

01:22:36go check on her.

01:22:38Yes.

01:22:41Your highness,

01:22:42it's still warm.

01:22:43Transmit my imperial decree.

01:22:44Although Lady Liu deserves death for her crimes,

01:22:47considering her merit in raising the imperial grandson,

01:22:49grant her an intact corpse.

01:22:51Bury her with full honors.

01:22:53Milady,

01:22:53she opposed you at every turn in life.

01:22:55And you still give her a grand burial?

01:22:57Send her back to the ancestral graves

01:22:59of the general's mansion.

01:23:00Place her in her mother's arms.

01:23:02Let them be buried together.

01:23:03Sure,

01:23:04this spring breeze from Jiangnan

01:23:06is indeed,

01:23:07as you said,

01:23:08warm.

01:23:09Heaven must be jealous of me,

01:23:10jealous that my life has been too perfect.

01:23:12That's why it's taking me so early.

01:23:14If there is a next life,

01:23:15may we again,

01:23:16across mountains and seas,

01:23:17pledge to be

01:23:18husband and wife.

01:23:19Would you be willing?

01:23:20Your majesty,

01:23:21don't talk nonsense.

01:23:22Thank you,

01:23:23but no thanks.

01:23:24I've had enough of these vows about mountains and seas.

01:23:26In this lifetime.

01:23:31Your highness,

01:23:32it's time to personally write the spirit tablet for the late emperor.

01:23:35The imperial observatory is waiting.

01:23:38What exactly was his full name?

01:23:40Ronglang,

01:23:41Xue Rong.

01:23:42Forget it,

01:23:42it's not important.

01:23:44Just have the Hanlin Academy come up with a posthumous title.

01:23:48The empress dowager is now ruling from behind the curtain.

01:23:52Long live her majesty.

01:23:54Long live.

01:23:56Rise,

01:23:57all ministers.

01:23:59Panion,

01:24:00the person I asked you to find.

01:24:02Have you found him?

01:24:03I'm looking.

01:24:05Your highness's requirements are very high,

01:24:07must be young,

01:24:07frail looking,

01:24:08and must bear some resemblance to the late emperor.

01:24:10As delicate as a willow in the wind,

01:24:12how would I dare to take it lightly?

01:24:14If your highness grows impatient,

01:24:16look at your servant.

01:24:17Could your servant offer himself to share your bed?

01:24:20Unfortunately,

01:24:21the most important point,

01:24:22you simply don't have.

01:24:23Your highness,

01:24:24don't be anxious.

01:24:25This is a piece of soft jade

01:24:27secretly attributed from the western regions.

01:24:28It warms up on touch.

01:24:30Your highness,

01:24:31look at this mechanism,

01:24:32how ingenious.

01:24:33I guarantee it'll be more fun.

01:24:34My good days

01:24:36are just beginning.

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