Legend of Zhen Huan recap episode 14 甄嬛传 甄環傳 第14集
"Your concubine does not have any grievances. It's just that Wan Guiren's Jinghong Dance made me emotional, that's why I lost my composure."
YZ asked, "When Empress Chunyuan danced Jinghong, you were not in my residence yet. How would it make you emotional?"
Huafei said with a pitiful and teary face, "Your concubine has been browsing poetry of late. I read Tang Xuanzong and Meifei's poetry. The Jinghong Dance was danced by Meifei when she was favored. The poetry talks about how Meifei misses Xuanzong after she lost favor. Your concubine is saddened beyond measure." http://baike.baidu.com/view/1789107.htm
YZ remarks "You have never had much interest in poetry. Nowadays you have cultivated an interest?"
Huafei "I am just a silly woman. I have heard that reading cultivates the character. I know I have no talent or virtue. If I don't improve my character, I would have no face to serve your majesty."
"Your concubine does not have any grievances. It's just that Wan Guiren's Jinghong Dance made me emotional, that's why I lost my composure."
YZ asked, "When Empress Chunyuan danced Jinghong, you were not in my residence yet. How would it make you emotional?"
Huafei said with a pitiful and teary face, "Your concubine has been browsing poetry of late. I read Tang Xuanzong and Meifei's poetry. The Jinghong Dance was danced by Meifei when she was favored. The poetry talks about how Meifei misses Xuanzong after she lost favor. Your concubine is saddened beyond measure." http://baike.baidu.com/view/1789107.htm
YZ remarks "You have never had much interest in poetry. Nowadays you have cultivated an interest?"
Huafei "I am just a silly woman. I have heard that reading cultivates the character. I know I have no talent or virtue. If I don't improve my character, I would have no face to serve your majesty."
Huafei then recites a section of the poem which talks about how Meifei is hurt, resentful and misses Xuanzong after being cast aside for Yang Guifei. Qifei is also saddened at how she has also lost favor. Huafei is bringing all these up to hint at YZ not to cast her aside like how Xuanzong cast away Meifei for a new love.
10th Prince Dun took this chance to say, "Your majesty, all these are your inner palace personal family issues, subject brother do not dare to comment. It's just that Huafei had served your majesty for so many years and had not commited any major wrongs. If she has not pleased you, please do take into account of her many years of service and forgive her."
All along, YZ is listening to this speech with complicated expressions. He is annoyed and trying to reign himself in and be patient. In the end we see that he mastered himself and put on a gracious face. Zhen and the empress are doing a poker face while stealing glances at YZ. All these while Huafei is putting on a pitiful face.
"Huafei, it has been hard on you during this period. The place you are staying is quite remote. I'll visit you when I am free."
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The banquet ends and Zhen walks together with Cao Guiren. She confronts her smilingly, "Meimei wants to ask sister. The slip to dance the Jinghong dance has been hidden in jiejie's sleeve all along right? So my dance today has been planned for by jiejie. You are meticulous indeed."
Cao Guiren smiles, "Meimei what are you talking about? I don't understand."
Zhen continues sweetly, "Jiejie is intelligent. Without Jinghong dance, there would be no Tang Poetry. Meifei did not manage to capture Xuanzong's affections again with her poetry, but Huafei managed to do what Meifei can't. I think if Meifei's spirit manages to know of the happenings today, she will appreciate jiejie's efforts indeed."
Cao Guiren, "Meimei, whatever you say, so be it. I'm not eloquent, I can't express myself anyway. But meimei, if you are free, do look after Hui Guiren's pregnancy. That is where YZ is really concerned about."
Zhen "Of course."
They curtsy and go their seperate ways. It's a great scene where both of them are fighting with words but still maintaining a genteel smile on their face. All the bullets are fired by Zhen without heat and Cao Guiren is defending well without being flustered. Claiming ignorance and acting dumb is the best defence sometimes whether the other party believes you or not.
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Shen is livid. "We spent so much efforts to pull her down. Now we must see her rise again! How can I not begrudge it?"
Zhen counsels her, "Actually Jiejie knows very well, her rise is expected. It's only whether the timing is sooner or later."
Shen frustratedly says, "I'm afraid she's going to make our lives difficult again!"
Zhen smiles and says, "With the little person inside Jiejie's stomach, we don't need to be afraid of anything. Don't make yourself angry and your priority is to take care of the pregnancy. The baby may it be a boy or girl, will be both our loves. Actually what happened today should concern the Empress the most. If she isn't flustered, why should we be?"
Shen relaxes, "You are right. Today's happenings made me so worried. I know that you are a good dancer, but I didn't know that whether you choose to dance or not to dance are both dangerous choices!"
Zhen "Today I got by with luck. But we must be careful of Cao Guiren. She is deep and extremely crafty."
Shen, "No matter how she tried to get you, it still can't do much harm if YZ likes you enough to shield you. But you should have displayed your dancing talents earlier. Then she can't use this to plan a trap for you!"
Zhen, "It's fortunate that they do not know my talents. Otherwise won't it be easier to use their knowledge to trap me?" Shen can only agree with her logic.
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Xiaoxiazi comes to invite (read: summon) Zhen to accompany YZ to admire some poetry. Zhen waits outside the study where YZ is still discussing some affairs with his officials. She overhears them talking about Huafei. Some officials opined that with a war going on in Northwestern territory and the main commander being Nian Gengyao, treating Huafei with more favor will increase the soldiers' morale in the battlefield.
YZ is having a headache and Zhen helps to rub his temples. They talk about what is troubling him. The kingdom is troubling him, and the harem is part of the kingdom too. Zhen knows that he is not happy about having to forgive Huafei. She encourages him to do so since she knows it is inevitable. She says she will not think of it as a greviance and YZ promises to shield her if there is any trouble.
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At Huafei's room, she is doing some makeup. Guizhi is puzzled why 10th Prince Dun helped Huafei to speak up today. Huafei says Dun's background is not small.
1) His mother was Wenxi Guifei, who was the sister of Empress XiaoZhaoRen. (both Kangxi's wives.)
2) Even the current dowager, YZ's mother, was Empress XiaoZhaoRen's maid!
3) During the fight of the 9 princes, the 8th prince gang whose members consist of 8th, 9th, 10th and 14th princes were all pulled down. Nothing happened to 10th Prince thou, and he was still able to retain the rank of QinWang.
With his gang on the losing end, how would he be able to swallow his anger at YZ getting the throne in the end.
Guizhi, "Why would he help niangniang then?"
Huafei laughs, "How is he helping me? He is just pushing the boat along the current, no effort involved. He just wants to do brother a favor. His status is very high. When Kangxi was still alive, he did some work together with brother and 14th Prince in Qinghai. They are considered to have some relationships."
Huafei then proceed to change to her red nightgown as YZ likes her to wear red. This means he will visit her tonight after some term of cold storage.
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In Empress Yixiu's room, Jianqiu is giving her a massage. She is tired and her facial muscles are sore from smiling too much. "As empress, I can never say that I'm irritated or tired of something. As soon as others discover that I am not up to the job, those people who keep their eyes on the Empress position will eat me up alive."
Jianqiu, "Niangniang is right. Seeing Huafei's xiao ren de zhi's face, really makes one annoyed." (a villian's smug look when everything goes well for her.)
Yixiu sighs, "Whether she is on the rise or not is up to YZ. It's just that when I see Wenyi, makes me think of Honghui when he was at his 1 year birthday celebration. If Honghui is still alive, he will definitely be taller than 3rd A-ge, and more handsome."
Jianqiu, "He'll definitely be smarter than 3rd A-ge."
Yixiu smiles, "Yes. Honghui knew how to recognise characters when he was only 2 years old. 3rd A-ge is inferior to him."
Jianqiu, "Niangniang is still in your prime. You'll still be able to get another child."
Empress, "Hai. I am near 40. My body is long not suitable for pregnancy. After sister died, YZ has never been as nice to me as before. I know my own body's condition. I'm afraid I will not be able to anymore."
Jianqiu, "Even thou YZ do not mention it, but in his heart he respects Niangniang very much."
Yixiu gets teary, "A woman who can't have her husband's love. What is the use of having his respect? You were my maid from long ago. YZ's affections towards me, how does it compare to him with sister?"
Jianqiu, "Niangniang, before Empress Chunyuan entered the residence, YZ treated niangniang extremely well."
Yixiu is saddened. "No matter how well he treated me, it is also not as good as how he treated sister. Same for the Empress Dowager. Basically because I am born of a concubine, I'm not as good as sister from the legitimate main line. If Honghui were still around, he will be YZ's eldest son, and be his legitimate main son. How honored will his position be."
Thunder roars.
Yixiu broke down while reliving her sad memories, "When Honghui died, the weather was like this too." She develops a migrane.
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Shen is getting her health check by her physician. She is puzzled why her pregnancy symptoms have changed. She does not feel nauesous but her stomach has aches and feels cold. The physician assures her that everything is normal. She asks if it is time to start getting symptoms like morning sickness but the physician says she is very healthy so she will not. Also he buffers her up by saying she'll definitely have a boy. Shen is happy at the flattery and doesn't ask more.
She offers him some hawthorn snacks.
Liu Ben remarks, "I can tell from a glance this snack must be made from Qi snack house."
Shen says, "Didn't Qi snack house stop operating the year before last? Physician Liu only came for half a year, how would you not know?"
Liu has an awkward expression, "Err when I miss home, I would always think of Qi snack house's snacks. So I always felt that the establishment is still around. I misspoke, please forgive me."
Shen dismisses it as him missing home too much. Maid Fulin is asked to send him out. Liu and Fulin exchange a glance.
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An is sewing a baby garment for Shen's baby. It's an auspicious dragon motif. An seems very experienced in child rearing. She's embarassed when Baojuan teases her.
An quietly says "At home, I always see mother sewing various items for my step-brothers and step-sisters. So I have some knowledge."
Baojuan is perceptive of her master's mood and apologises. "Please forgive me for mis-speaking and dragging up xiaozhu's sad memories."
An is accepting. "What do I blame you for? It's just that I don't know how mother is doing now."
"Xiaozhu has entered the palace. Madam definitely has a lot of prestige from it."
"I'm just a Daying rank who hasn't served the emperor yet. YZ doesn't even remember who I am."
She holds up the dragon that she is sewing and hints at her ambitions. "If it isn't time for the dragon to fly yet, it should quietly stay where it is."
An is interrupted by a maid who rushes in to inform her that her father is in trouble.
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An rushes to seek help from Zhen and Shen. While crying desperately, she revealed her father is in jail now. An offcial called Jiang was in charge of escorting military supplies to camp in Xibei. Her father was one of the entourage responsible for it too. The supplies got snatched by the enemies on the road to camp. Official Jiang ran away with lots of govt money. YZ is extremely angry and caught Jiang, and An's father is imprisioned with him.
An cries, "I don't know if he will live or not. I'm afraid that his majesty while still angry will really sentence father to death."
Zhen, "Are you sure that your father is not involved?"
An, "I'm sure. Father has always been cowardly, he will want to save himself always, he will not dare to participate in such affairs!"
Zhen tries to comfort An, "Dry your tears for now, the sentence is not out yet. Your family has gotten into such trouble, we definitely want to help speak on your behalf. It's just that this is about military affairs, we may be prohibited from talking about it to the emperor."
An "I only need Mei jiejie's help. This incident happened in Ji Zhou(some province in China), and the investigating officer in charge is Mei jiejie's father."
An kneels down, "Mei jiejie, please save my father! A letter from you to your father will suffice."
Shen promises to do her best. She will see the emperor first to check out the situation. Outside the emperor's study, Su Peisheng receives her. Longkodo and Zhang Tingyu are inside. Su reveals that YZ had already sentenced Official Jiang to death by beheading. He has no information on other prisoners thou. Su asks if Shen is here for An Daying's father. Shen says yes, she can't just standby and do nothing.
Su, "No no no. From my view, you should not interfere with this business. His majesty has always disliked the harem to interfere with politics. Especially since this is about military affairs. This concerns the war in Xibei with Nian Gengyao heading it. Once you speak up, isn't it equivilant to you opposing Huafei?"
Shen, "This isn't about opposing Huafei. This concerns a life. I can't just watch from afar."
Su Peisheng, "For this issue you can only watch. You think, whether his majesty knows your involvement or not, once your letter gets to your father, he will naturally be lenient on his sentencing. But once others know and catch you, they will use this to make it a big issue. Once this matter gets to his majesty's attention, you tell me, does your father still want to keep hishis career?"
Shen, "But if An Daying's father is really innocent in this..."
Su, "If An Daying's father is innocent, there will naturally be people who will investigate. You didn't see how angry his majesty was just now. You do not need to gamble using your favor and take the risk. Also, you are pregnant with a dragon child now, and soon you will be given authority to manage the harem. You don't need to soil your reputation with such business. Besides, once Huafei knows you are involved, An Daying's father will surely die."
A sound of smashing cultery is heard.
Shen, "Then... Gonggong please do not tell his majesty I was here."
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An cries pitifully with Zhen comforting her. She is in despair that Shen is not able to help. There are no other people that can help her.
"Mei jiejie speaks with reason. Once she opens her mouth, Huafei will definitely make sure your father dies. Let's go plead with the empress."
An and Zhen rushes to seek and audience with the empress. Jianqiu informs them that the empress has already gone to see the emperor. She invites them inside to wait for her to come back.
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Huafei is having tea with Cao Guiren. She got to know of the empress going to plead for An's father.
Cao Guiren, "Niangniang's brother is suffering fighting in the frontline. Yet the backend logistics can't even manage to do such a simple thing. It's no wonder that his majesty is very angry. It's just that... the empress is going to court to do a favor for someone. Does niangniang want to make a trip too?"
Huafei, "Is An Daying is very close to Wan Guiren and Shen Guiren?"
Cao, "As close as sisters."
Huafei says with contempt, "Where is there such a thing as "close as sisters" in the harem? It's only the weak depending on the strong, the stupid taking instructions from the clever."
Cao Guiren nods awkwardly. From what Huafei revealed of her mentality, she is aware that Huafei only sees her too as "weak" and "stupid" even thou Huafei was talking about Zhen, Shen and An.
Huafei continues, "Today they are sisters, tomorrow they are enemies. They smile while facing each other, but wield a knife at their backs. Do you think for managing this harem, should we use the soft or hard method for these people?"
Cao hastily replies, "I am truely stupid, I do not know."
Huafei has a moment of exposition, "Whenever there are lots of women, there will be lots of conflicts. Plotting and crying, hypocritical relationships and gossiping. On the surface it is as calm as stillwater, but beneath lies strong currents. If I am managing the harem, I will use the hardest methods, iron fist and the most ruthless heart to do so. Under heavy punishment, who would dare to ignore the rules?"
Cao quickly agrees with whatever Huafei said, "Niangniang is absolutely right."
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The empress is back. She informs Zhen and An that she has tried her best. YZ dismissed her by saying it's about court affairs and do not allow her to comment. Now they can only see if An's father is lucky and if YZ will listen to pleads after his anger dissipates.
An is grateful to the empress for helping. She kneels and thank her.
Empress, "Rise. Everyone will have times of trouble. Sigh, I am the head of the harem, also we are sisters-in-kind serving the emperor. If I have the chance to help, naturally I will help."
Zhen, "Whether this issue is successful or not, with empress niangniang's words, we are very grateful."
An, "When I entered the inner palace, I have often seen Huafei's coldness and haughtiness. Empress is the mother of the nation and takes good care of everyone in the harem, I, I, ... " she breaks down.
Empress, "Wan Guiren, you have always been sensible. You must comfort An Daying well."
Zhen replies, "Niangniang is so caring, I am very touched. How could we repay niangniang's kindness?"
Empress exchanges a glance with Jianqiu, "Hai~. The harem is turbulent and my health is bad, in actual fact, I am tired of fighting against the waves. Wan Guiren is perceptive, if you know what is in my heart, naturally you will be able to share and solve my worries."
Jianqiu picks up an incense burner.
Empress points at the burner, "The weather is so hot. The ashes in the burner inexplicably are able to reignite again. What should we do?" she looks at Zhen expectedly. (She is alluding to Huafei rising up in prestige again.)
Zhen after thinking for a while, pours her tea into the burner, putting out the smoke, to signify dampening Huafei.
"We concubines are deep in the palace. We depend on the empress's kindness and care. To be able to help with empress's worries are our responsibilities. We lowly concubines can only help by providing all efforts to repay the empress."
An is still clueless.
Empress is pleased, "Good. You do not disappoint me indeed."
Zhen, "We have been flying without a good place to call home. Now we have a big tree to depend on."
Empress, "Actually in this harem, there has really only been one tree. It's only that there are too many flowers, they may distort peoples' visions. As long as you are able to tell which is the tree, and which are flowers, then you will be well."
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Zhen and Jinxi walk in the gardens. They are speculating what Huafei is doing. "There is no one else who is more concerned with what the empress do. Presumably, Huafei will do what she can to oppose the empress."
Zhen visits YZ. He is napping and she tidies up his documents. She picks up a fan. YZ wakes.
YZ, "When did you come in? I didn't even realise. I've been going through these the whole day. These old farts keep writing memorials to bother me. They nag all the time, so irritating."
Zhen, "They are officials, it's their responsibility. Si lang don't need to be too tough on them. Also, a beautiful lady was here to keep Si lang company. The company of a beautiful lady is so pleasent, how would it be irritating time to pass the day? I guess it must be full of pleasent scents and beautiful scenes."
YZ laughs and is tickled at this subtle display of jealousy, "Your tongue is getting sharp and petty. I must have indulged you too much!"
Zhen says in mock pettiness, "Huan huan is not as good as Huafei niangniang at making husband happy. I only know how to make Si lang angry."
YZ is feeling quite amused and pleased at Zhen's slight jealousy, "How do you know that Huafei niangniang was here?"
"The scent on this fan is rare and expensive. Not many concubines would be able to use it. Empress niangniang do not like scents. And Huafei must have dolled up very carefully when she accompanies you. Even her fan will be scented. Si lang, am I right?"
"Seems no one can hide anything from you. The empress just left and Huafei followed right after. Both came for the same person. What about you?"
"Let Huanhuan guess. The empress is kind, she must have pleaded for An Daying's father. Huafei niangniang is strict, she must have wanted your majesty to go by the rules and ignore personal relationships."
"And what about you?"
"The harem should not interfere with politics. Huanhuan has always remembered this rule. Huanhuan is just puzzled that both empress and Huafei came about the same person. I don't know if it's because they have opposing views or if it really means that there is more to the case that should be investigated."
When I read history, I noticed that the great founding emperors of all balance mercy with justice, hence the population feel they are worthy of respect and grateful for the kindness. Your majesty have always looked to the founding emperors of Song and Tang dynasty as role models. You are also a good emperor. Your concubine is silly. I think we fight wars externally and have jails and punishments internally, when both are light, then the reign is bright."
"I only knew that you liked poetry, but did not know that you are proficient in political history as well. Each word that you say is claimed not to comment on court affairs, but in fact each word does allude to it. With someone like you by my side, it is akin to having a treasure. An Bihuai's affair will be re-investigated. No innocent should be punished."
"I am just a woman, and have overstepped in front of your majesty. Do pardon me."
"The harem cannot interfere with politics. But when I am alone with you, I am your husband. Nothing wrong with a wife talking about history and politics with her husband."
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In the morning, Jianqiu rushes to An's residence. She informs that the emperor has commanded Official Shen to reinvestigate the case. An is estatic.
Jianqiu quickly claims credit for the empress, "With Empress pleading, of course YZ will naturally give her some face."
She adds, "I heard that Wan Guiren and Hui Guiren has also helped. You 3 are as close as sisters."
An, "Zhen jiejie is true to me. But Mei jiejie..."
Jianqiu, "Shen Guiren wrote a letter to her father to take care of this matter."
An, "Pushing the boat with the current, who does not know how to do that?"
Jianqiu, "Actually with the empress to speak on your behalf, YZ will definitely pardon Official An Bihuai. If Shen Guiren was willing to write to Official Shen earlier, xiaozhu would not have been so worried."
An does not know how to reply to that and Jianqiu quickly leaves after accomplishing her purpose of claiming credit for the empress and sowing some discord. Jianqiu knows some of her words got through to An. It is clear at this point that the empress is moving to gain An's gratefulness and then take An under her wing.
An is very happy with the hope that her father has a good hope to live. She wants to send more jewellery home as she expects they would have expended a lot of money for bribes. Without some assistance, her mother would not be able to live comfortably and be bullied by her father's concubines. Baojuan says it's a good thing that Zhen usually gifts An some good jewellery.
An quickly accessed her situation, "What is the use of having such material goods? Now I finally know. Only the empress has the final word on everything and only her words carry weight."
Baojuan, "Of course. Except for the Empress Dowager, the Empress is the biggest in the palace."
An says half angrily, "After experiencing this crisis, I finally know that everything is unreliable. Mei jiejie usually address me as sister, but as soon as I need help, she avoids me like the plague."
Baojuan, "Nubi feels that Wan Guiren is true to xiaozhu."
An finally is happier, "Whoever is good to me, I know in my heart."
Baojuan, "Nubi feels that relying on others is not as good as relying on yourself. Xiaozhu wants to bring glory to your family, why don't you gain favor yourself, won't that be more hearty?"
An, "I don't have the ability nor the chance to do so."
Baojuan, "If Xiaozhu has the heart to do it, then it is good. As long as you want it to happen, then we will have the oppourtunity."
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At Zhen's residence, Liuzhu is trying to chase some cicadas away from their courtyard. Huanbi comes in with some lotus. Liuzhu does not want to disturb YZ and Zhen's quality time. As soon as Huanbi got to know that YZ is in the room with Zhen, she lights up and goes in anyway.
Upon seeing YZ, she rushes in and pretends to apologise that she does not know that YZ is here. Zhen is irked and gets an inkling of what Huanbi is trying to do. YZ exchanges some words with Huanbi and dismisses her.
Huanbi is happy that he remembers her name and gives a practiced sweet smile. Huanbi doesn't leave and takes out a bowl and puts the lotus in water with lots of actions. YZ praises her for being handsome and having attention to details. Huanbi is happy and goes out.
After Huanbi goes out, YZ remarks "You trained a good underling."
End of episode 14
10th Prince Dun took this chance to say, "Your majesty, all these are your inner palace personal family issues, subject brother do not dare to comment. It's just that Huafei had served your majesty for so many years and had not commited any major wrongs. If she has not pleased you, please do take into account of her many years of service and forgive her."
All along, YZ is listening to this speech with complicated expressions. He is annoyed and trying to reign himself in and be patient. In the end we see that he mastered himself and put on a gracious face. Zhen and the empress are doing a poker face while stealing glances at YZ. All these while Huafei is putting on a pitiful face.
"Huafei, it has been hard on you during this period. The place you are staying is quite remote. I'll visit you when I am free."
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The banquet ends and Zhen walks together with Cao Guiren. She confronts her smilingly, "Meimei wants to ask sister. The slip to dance the Jinghong dance has been hidden in jiejie's sleeve all along right? So my dance today has been planned for by jiejie. You are meticulous indeed."
Cao Guiren smiles, "Meimei what are you talking about? I don't understand."
Zhen continues sweetly, "Jiejie is intelligent. Without Jinghong dance, there would be no Tang Poetry. Meifei did not manage to capture Xuanzong's affections again with her poetry, but Huafei managed to do what Meifei can't. I think if Meifei's spirit manages to know of the happenings today, she will appreciate jiejie's efforts indeed."
Cao Guiren, "Meimei, whatever you say, so be it. I'm not eloquent, I can't express myself anyway. But meimei, if you are free, do look after Hui Guiren's pregnancy. That is where YZ is really concerned about."
Zhen "Of course."
They curtsy and go their seperate ways. It's a great scene where both of them are fighting with words but still maintaining a genteel smile on their face. All the bullets are fired by Zhen without heat and Cao Guiren is defending well without being flustered. Claiming ignorance and acting dumb is the best defence sometimes whether the other party believes you or not.
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Shen is livid. "We spent so much efforts to pull her down. Now we must see her rise again! How can I not begrudge it?"
Zhen counsels her, "Actually Jiejie knows very well, her rise is expected. It's only whether the timing is sooner or later."
Shen frustratedly says, "I'm afraid she's going to make our lives difficult again!"
Zhen smiles and says, "With the little person inside Jiejie's stomach, we don't need to be afraid of anything. Don't make yourself angry and your priority is to take care of the pregnancy. The baby may it be a boy or girl, will be both our loves. Actually what happened today should concern the Empress the most. If she isn't flustered, why should we be?"
Shen relaxes, "You are right. Today's happenings made me so worried. I know that you are a good dancer, but I didn't know that whether you choose to dance or not to dance are both dangerous choices!"
Zhen "Today I got by with luck. But we must be careful of Cao Guiren. She is deep and extremely crafty."
Shen, "No matter how she tried to get you, it still can't do much harm if YZ likes you enough to shield you. But you should have displayed your dancing talents earlier. Then she can't use this to plan a trap for you!"
Zhen, "It's fortunate that they do not know my talents. Otherwise won't it be easier to use their knowledge to trap me?" Shen can only agree with her logic.
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Xiaoxiazi comes to invite (read: summon) Zhen to accompany YZ to admire some poetry. Zhen waits outside the study where YZ is still discussing some affairs with his officials. She overhears them talking about Huafei. Some officials opined that with a war going on in Northwestern territory and the main commander being Nian Gengyao, treating Huafei with more favor will increase the soldiers' morale in the battlefield.
YZ is having a headache and Zhen helps to rub his temples. They talk about what is troubling him. The kingdom is troubling him, and the harem is part of the kingdom too. Zhen knows that he is not happy about having to forgive Huafei. She encourages him to do so since she knows it is inevitable. She says she will not think of it as a greviance and YZ promises to shield her if there is any trouble.
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At Huafei's room, she is doing some makeup. Guizhi is puzzled why 10th Prince Dun helped Huafei to speak up today. Huafei says Dun's background is not small.
1) His mother was Wenxi Guifei, who was the sister of Empress XiaoZhaoRen. (both Kangxi's wives.)
2) Even the current dowager, YZ's mother, was Empress XiaoZhaoRen's maid!
3) During the fight of the 9 princes, the 8th prince gang whose members consist of 8th, 9th, 10th and 14th princes were all pulled down. Nothing happened to 10th Prince thou, and he was still able to retain the rank of QinWang.
With his gang on the losing end, how would he be able to swallow his anger at YZ getting the throne in the end.
Guizhi, "Why would he help niangniang then?"
Huafei laughs, "How is he helping me? He is just pushing the boat along the current, no effort involved. He just wants to do brother a favor. His status is very high. When Kangxi was still alive, he did some work together with brother and 14th Prince in Qinghai. They are considered to have some relationships."
Huafei then proceed to change to her red nightgown as YZ likes her to wear red. This means he will visit her tonight after some term of cold storage.
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In Empress Yixiu's room, Jianqiu is giving her a massage. She is tired and her facial muscles are sore from smiling too much. "As empress, I can never say that I'm irritated or tired of something. As soon as others discover that I am not up to the job, those people who keep their eyes on the Empress position will eat me up alive."
Jianqiu, "Niangniang is right. Seeing Huafei's xiao ren de zhi's face, really makes one annoyed." (a villian's smug look when everything goes well for her.)
Yixiu sighs, "Whether she is on the rise or not is up to YZ. It's just that when I see Wenyi, makes me think of Honghui when he was at his 1 year birthday celebration. If Honghui is still alive, he will definitely be taller than 3rd A-ge, and more handsome."
Jianqiu, "He'll definitely be smarter than 3rd A-ge."
Yixiu smiles, "Yes. Honghui knew how to recognise characters when he was only 2 years old. 3rd A-ge is inferior to him."
Jianqiu, "Niangniang is still in your prime. You'll still be able to get another child."
Empress, "Hai. I am near 40. My body is long not suitable for pregnancy. After sister died, YZ has never been as nice to me as before. I know my own body's condition. I'm afraid I will not be able to anymore."
Jianqiu, "Even thou YZ do not mention it, but in his heart he respects Niangniang very much."
Yixiu gets teary, "A woman who can't have her husband's love. What is the use of having his respect? You were my maid from long ago. YZ's affections towards me, how does it compare to him with sister?"
Jianqiu, "Niangniang, before Empress Chunyuan entered the residence, YZ treated niangniang extremely well."
Yixiu is saddened. "No matter how well he treated me, it is also not as good as how he treated sister. Same for the Empress Dowager. Basically because I am born of a concubine, I'm not as good as sister from the legitimate main line. If Honghui were still around, he will be YZ's eldest son, and be his legitimate main son. How honored will his position be."
Thunder roars.
Yixiu broke down while reliving her sad memories, "When Honghui died, the weather was like this too." She develops a migrane.
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Shen is getting her health check by her physician. She is puzzled why her pregnancy symptoms have changed. She does not feel nauesous but her stomach has aches and feels cold. The physician assures her that everything is normal. She asks if it is time to start getting symptoms like morning sickness but the physician says she is very healthy so she will not. Also he buffers her up by saying she'll definitely have a boy. Shen is happy at the flattery and doesn't ask more.
She offers him some hawthorn snacks.
Liu Ben remarks, "I can tell from a glance this snack must be made from Qi snack house."
Shen says, "Didn't Qi snack house stop operating the year before last? Physician Liu only came for half a year, how would you not know?"
Liu has an awkward expression, "Err when I miss home, I would always think of Qi snack house's snacks. So I always felt that the establishment is still around. I misspoke, please forgive me."
Shen dismisses it as him missing home too much. Maid Fulin is asked to send him out. Liu and Fulin exchange a glance.
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An is sewing a baby garment for Shen's baby. It's an auspicious dragon motif. An seems very experienced in child rearing. She's embarassed when Baojuan teases her.
An quietly says "At home, I always see mother sewing various items for my step-brothers and step-sisters. So I have some knowledge."
Baojuan is perceptive of her master's mood and apologises. "Please forgive me for mis-speaking and dragging up xiaozhu's sad memories."
An is accepting. "What do I blame you for? It's just that I don't know how mother is doing now."
"Xiaozhu has entered the palace. Madam definitely has a lot of prestige from it."
"I'm just a Daying rank who hasn't served the emperor yet. YZ doesn't even remember who I am."
She holds up the dragon that she is sewing and hints at her ambitions. "If it isn't time for the dragon to fly yet, it should quietly stay where it is."
An is interrupted by a maid who rushes in to inform her that her father is in trouble.
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An rushes to seek help from Zhen and Shen. While crying desperately, she revealed her father is in jail now. An offcial called Jiang was in charge of escorting military supplies to camp in Xibei. Her father was one of the entourage responsible for it too. The supplies got snatched by the enemies on the road to camp. Official Jiang ran away with lots of govt money. YZ is extremely angry and caught Jiang, and An's father is imprisioned with him.
An cries, "I don't know if he will live or not. I'm afraid that his majesty while still angry will really sentence father to death."
Zhen, "Are you sure that your father is not involved?"
An, "I'm sure. Father has always been cowardly, he will want to save himself always, he will not dare to participate in such affairs!"
Zhen tries to comfort An, "Dry your tears for now, the sentence is not out yet. Your family has gotten into such trouble, we definitely want to help speak on your behalf. It's just that this is about military affairs, we may be prohibited from talking about it to the emperor."
An "I only need Mei jiejie's help. This incident happened in Ji Zhou(some province in China), and the investigating officer in charge is Mei jiejie's father."
An kneels down, "Mei jiejie, please save my father! A letter from you to your father will suffice."
Shen promises to do her best. She will see the emperor first to check out the situation. Outside the emperor's study, Su Peisheng receives her. Longkodo and Zhang Tingyu are inside. Su reveals that YZ had already sentenced Official Jiang to death by beheading. He has no information on other prisoners thou. Su asks if Shen is here for An Daying's father. Shen says yes, she can't just standby and do nothing.
Su, "No no no. From my view, you should not interfere with this business. His majesty has always disliked the harem to interfere with politics. Especially since this is about military affairs. This concerns the war in Xibei with Nian Gengyao heading it. Once you speak up, isn't it equivilant to you opposing Huafei?"
Shen, "This isn't about opposing Huafei. This concerns a life. I can't just watch from afar."
Su Peisheng, "For this issue you can only watch. You think, whether his majesty knows your involvement or not, once your letter gets to your father, he will naturally be lenient on his sentencing. But once others know and catch you, they will use this to make it a big issue. Once this matter gets to his majesty's attention, you tell me, does your father still want to keep hishis career?"
Shen, "But if An Daying's father is really innocent in this..."
Su, "If An Daying's father is innocent, there will naturally be people who will investigate. You didn't see how angry his majesty was just now. You do not need to gamble using your favor and take the risk. Also, you are pregnant with a dragon child now, and soon you will be given authority to manage the harem. You don't need to soil your reputation with such business. Besides, once Huafei knows you are involved, An Daying's father will surely die."
A sound of smashing cultery is heard.
Shen, "Then... Gonggong please do not tell his majesty I was here."
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An cries pitifully with Zhen comforting her. She is in despair that Shen is not able to help. There are no other people that can help her.
"Mei jiejie speaks with reason. Once she opens her mouth, Huafei will definitely make sure your father dies. Let's go plead with the empress."
An and Zhen rushes to seek and audience with the empress. Jianqiu informs them that the empress has already gone to see the emperor. She invites them inside to wait for her to come back.
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Huafei is having tea with Cao Guiren. She got to know of the empress going to plead for An's father.
Cao Guiren, "Niangniang's brother is suffering fighting in the frontline. Yet the backend logistics can't even manage to do such a simple thing. It's no wonder that his majesty is very angry. It's just that... the empress is going to court to do a favor for someone. Does niangniang want to make a trip too?"
Huafei, "Is An Daying is very close to Wan Guiren and Shen Guiren?"
Cao, "As close as sisters."
Huafei says with contempt, "Where is there such a thing as "close as sisters" in the harem? It's only the weak depending on the strong, the stupid taking instructions from the clever."
Cao Guiren nods awkwardly. From what Huafei revealed of her mentality, she is aware that Huafei only sees her too as "weak" and "stupid" even thou Huafei was talking about Zhen, Shen and An.
Huafei continues, "Today they are sisters, tomorrow they are enemies. They smile while facing each other, but wield a knife at their backs. Do you think for managing this harem, should we use the soft or hard method for these people?"
Cao hastily replies, "I am truely stupid, I do not know."
Huafei has a moment of exposition, "Whenever there are lots of women, there will be lots of conflicts. Plotting and crying, hypocritical relationships and gossiping. On the surface it is as calm as stillwater, but beneath lies strong currents. If I am managing the harem, I will use the hardest methods, iron fist and the most ruthless heart to do so. Under heavy punishment, who would dare to ignore the rules?"
Cao quickly agrees with whatever Huafei said, "Niangniang is absolutely right."
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The empress is back. She informs Zhen and An that she has tried her best. YZ dismissed her by saying it's about court affairs and do not allow her to comment. Now they can only see if An's father is lucky and if YZ will listen to pleads after his anger dissipates.
An is grateful to the empress for helping. She kneels and thank her.
Empress, "Rise. Everyone will have times of trouble. Sigh, I am the head of the harem, also we are sisters-in-kind serving the emperor. If I have the chance to help, naturally I will help."
Zhen, "Whether this issue is successful or not, with empress niangniang's words, we are very grateful."
An, "When I entered the inner palace, I have often seen Huafei's coldness and haughtiness. Empress is the mother of the nation and takes good care of everyone in the harem, I, I, ... " she breaks down.
Empress, "Wan Guiren, you have always been sensible. You must comfort An Daying well."
Zhen replies, "Niangniang is so caring, I am very touched. How could we repay niangniang's kindness?"
Empress exchanges a glance with Jianqiu, "Hai~. The harem is turbulent and my health is bad, in actual fact, I am tired of fighting against the waves. Wan Guiren is perceptive, if you know what is in my heart, naturally you will be able to share and solve my worries."
Jianqiu picks up an incense burner.
Empress points at the burner, "The weather is so hot. The ashes in the burner inexplicably are able to reignite again. What should we do?" she looks at Zhen expectedly. (She is alluding to Huafei rising up in prestige again.)
Zhen after thinking for a while, pours her tea into the burner, putting out the smoke, to signify dampening Huafei.
"We concubines are deep in the palace. We depend on the empress's kindness and care. To be able to help with empress's worries are our responsibilities. We lowly concubines can only help by providing all efforts to repay the empress."
An is still clueless.
Empress is pleased, "Good. You do not disappoint me indeed."
Zhen, "We have been flying without a good place to call home. Now we have a big tree to depend on."
Empress, "Actually in this harem, there has really only been one tree. It's only that there are too many flowers, they may distort peoples' visions. As long as you are able to tell which is the tree, and which are flowers, then you will be well."
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Zhen and Jinxi walk in the gardens. They are speculating what Huafei is doing. "There is no one else who is more concerned with what the empress do. Presumably, Huafei will do what she can to oppose the empress."
Zhen visits YZ. He is napping and she tidies up his documents. She picks up a fan. YZ wakes.
YZ, "When did you come in? I didn't even realise. I've been going through these the whole day. These old farts keep writing memorials to bother me. They nag all the time, so irritating."
Zhen, "They are officials, it's their responsibility. Si lang don't need to be too tough on them. Also, a beautiful lady was here to keep Si lang company. The company of a beautiful lady is so pleasent, how would it be irritating time to pass the day? I guess it must be full of pleasent scents and beautiful scenes."
YZ laughs and is tickled at this subtle display of jealousy, "Your tongue is getting sharp and petty. I must have indulged you too much!"
Zhen says in mock pettiness, "Huan huan is not as good as Huafei niangniang at making husband happy. I only know how to make Si lang angry."
YZ is feeling quite amused and pleased at Zhen's slight jealousy, "How do you know that Huafei niangniang was here?"
"The scent on this fan is rare and expensive. Not many concubines would be able to use it. Empress niangniang do not like scents. And Huafei must have dolled up very carefully when she accompanies you. Even her fan will be scented. Si lang, am I right?"
"Seems no one can hide anything from you. The empress just left and Huafei followed right after. Both came for the same person. What about you?"
"Let Huanhuan guess. The empress is kind, she must have pleaded for An Daying's father. Huafei niangniang is strict, she must have wanted your majesty to go by the rules and ignore personal relationships."
"And what about you?"
"The harem should not interfere with politics. Huanhuan has always remembered this rule. Huanhuan is just puzzled that both empress and Huafei came about the same person. I don't know if it's because they have opposing views or if it really means that there is more to the case that should be investigated."
When I read history, I noticed that the great founding emperors of all balance mercy with justice, hence the population feel they are worthy of respect and grateful for the kindness. Your majesty have always looked to the founding emperors of Song and Tang dynasty as role models. You are also a good emperor. Your concubine is silly. I think we fight wars externally and have jails and punishments internally, when both are light, then the reign is bright."
"I only knew that you liked poetry, but did not know that you are proficient in political history as well. Each word that you say is claimed not to comment on court affairs, but in fact each word does allude to it. With someone like you by my side, it is akin to having a treasure. An Bihuai's affair will be re-investigated. No innocent should be punished."
"I am just a woman, and have overstepped in front of your majesty. Do pardon me."
"The harem cannot interfere with politics. But when I am alone with you, I am your husband. Nothing wrong with a wife talking about history and politics with her husband."
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In the morning, Jianqiu rushes to An's residence. She informs that the emperor has commanded Official Shen to reinvestigate the case. An is estatic.
Jianqiu quickly claims credit for the empress, "With Empress pleading, of course YZ will naturally give her some face."
She adds, "I heard that Wan Guiren and Hui Guiren has also helped. You 3 are as close as sisters."
An, "Zhen jiejie is true to me. But Mei jiejie..."
Jianqiu, "Shen Guiren wrote a letter to her father to take care of this matter."
An, "Pushing the boat with the current, who does not know how to do that?"
Jianqiu, "Actually with the empress to speak on your behalf, YZ will definitely pardon Official An Bihuai. If Shen Guiren was willing to write to Official Shen earlier, xiaozhu would not have been so worried."
An does not know how to reply to that and Jianqiu quickly leaves after accomplishing her purpose of claiming credit for the empress and sowing some discord. Jianqiu knows some of her words got through to An. It is clear at this point that the empress is moving to gain An's gratefulness and then take An under her wing.
An is very happy with the hope that her father has a good hope to live. She wants to send more jewellery home as she expects they would have expended a lot of money for bribes. Without some assistance, her mother would not be able to live comfortably and be bullied by her father's concubines. Baojuan says it's a good thing that Zhen usually gifts An some good jewellery.
An quickly accessed her situation, "What is the use of having such material goods? Now I finally know. Only the empress has the final word on everything and only her words carry weight."
Baojuan, "Of course. Except for the Empress Dowager, the Empress is the biggest in the palace."
An says half angrily, "After experiencing this crisis, I finally know that everything is unreliable. Mei jiejie usually address me as sister, but as soon as I need help, she avoids me like the plague."
Baojuan, "Nubi feels that Wan Guiren is true to xiaozhu."
An finally is happier, "Whoever is good to me, I know in my heart."
Baojuan, "Nubi feels that relying on others is not as good as relying on yourself. Xiaozhu wants to bring glory to your family, why don't you gain favor yourself, won't that be more hearty?"
An, "I don't have the ability nor the chance to do so."
Baojuan, "If Xiaozhu has the heart to do it, then it is good. As long as you want it to happen, then we will have the oppourtunity."
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At Zhen's residence, Liuzhu is trying to chase some cicadas away from their courtyard. Huanbi comes in with some lotus. Liuzhu does not want to disturb YZ and Zhen's quality time. As soon as Huanbi got to know that YZ is in the room with Zhen, she lights up and goes in anyway.
Upon seeing YZ, she rushes in and pretends to apologise that she does not know that YZ is here. Zhen is irked and gets an inkling of what Huanbi is trying to do. YZ exchanges some words with Huanbi and dismisses her.
Huanbi is happy that he remembers her name and gives a practiced sweet smile. Huanbi doesn't leave and takes out a bowl and puts the lotus in water with lots of actions. YZ praises her for being handsome and having attention to details. Huanbi is happy and goes out.
After Huanbi goes out, YZ remarks "You trained a good underling."
End of episode 14