A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES
ADAPTED FROM TIANXIA GUIYUAN'S NOVEL HUANG QUAN
EPISODE 36
My ladyship, please spare me.
I just placed the brocade here.
I didn't damage it on purpose.
My ladyship.
Damaging royal gifts is a grave crime.
I wouldn't dare do that.
My ladyship.
Stand up.
Stop crying.
You've been with me since I was in that cold palace.
I believe you.
It's not your fault.
It's my fault.
I'll admit my fault to Noble Consort Chang.
Golden box.
Regardless of whose name is inside of you,
you're still precious to him, right?
But you ended up here with me.
I'm afraid you'll need to be kept somewhere.
Where will you keep it?
Take it.
Put it in your room.
Have the guards in Qingming Academy guard my room at all times.
I will.
Starting today, I, Wei Zhi,
will sleep with this golden box.
No, it'll be dangerous for you.
This is the one in danger.
It's safe as long as I'm here.
Nanyi.
Listen to me.
I can only be safe if the golden box is kept well.
Nanyi, just listen to Director Wei.
He trusts you.
Don't worry.
I'll send more people to protect him.
I, Minister of Rites, Xu Qirui,
have been waiting for Prince Helian for a while.
What is it?
On His Majesty's orders and also as an etiquette,
I personally brought this invitation to you.
Etiquette?
Yes.
Who dared to anger Prince Helian?
-The Ministry of Rites can-- -I'm not in a good mood today.
The Ministry of Rites can't do anything to the person who angered me.
Take the invitation.
I'll look at it when I have the time.
Please go for now.
I'll take my leave, Your Highness.
Bad news.
Your Highness.
You've offended the Emperor of Tiansheng.
The invitation said
that His Majesty's birthday is coming up.
He's inviting you to a banquet.
But you asked the Minister of Rites to leave.
What should we do?
Feng Zhiwei, you're good.
You embarrassed me at Qingming Academy.
Just wait for my turn to strike back.
Let's go.
Come with me to see the Emperor.
Your Highness.
It's His Majesty's birthday.
He is sending jade hair ornaments,
some nutritious loquat,
deep sea pearls, and fine fabric to every palace.
Please ask Lady Wang to come and receive it.
Official Chen.
Lady Wang went to visit Noble Consort Chang.
I still need to go to the other consorts' palaces.
Place them inside Lady Wang's palace.
Yes.
This was carefully prepared by Noble Consort Chang.
You have to take good care of it.
No mistakes shall be made.
Please ask Noble Consort Chang not to worry.
I know what to do.
Your Highness.
This was delivered by Court Affairs Department.
It's the imperial order Consort Yan used to release Zhanbi back then.
IMPERIAL SEAL
This is really Mother's handwriting.
Your Highness.
There's something I want to report.
I heard that after what happened back then,
His Majesty ordered for everyone in Yilan Palace to be killed.
There was a eunuch
who made a mistake a couple of days before that
and was transferred to the Royal Food Department
to handle the firewood.
So he was able to live.
I was able to find him a few days ago.
According to what he remembers,
before he left the palace,
nobody from Noble Consort Chang's palace went to Yilan Palace.
But he did remember
that Lady Wang came to look for Consort Yan
and they talked in secret for a long time.
That night, Consort Yan said she was sick and refused to sleep with His Majesty.
And she requested His Majesty to visit Lady Wang's palace.
Who?
Lady Wang.
Prince of Wei, Ning Qi's mother.
Turns out it's her.
Your Highness.
Since we have proof that Lady Wang was the one
who framed Consort Yan back then,
Consort Yan's injustice
can finally be cleared.
Lady Wang
lives in the Imperial Harem.
Noble Consort Chang can cover up the truth there.
Now, Lady Wang is in danger.
Your father's birthday banquet is coming up.
Making him happy is what a filial daughter should do.
These accessories are my treasured items.
They all came from prestigious sources.
Aunt, you're the best. You're willing to give me anything.
Thank you.
Don't thank me yet.
You and I are family who can be direct with each other.
I have a favor to ask of you regarding this banquet.
Aunt, what is it?
What else?
What I worry about daily is our Chang family.
If the golden box has Ning Yi's name in it,
will we even have the leisurely time to dress up in the future?
Aides are eliminated when they have outlived their usefulness.
This is very important.
I have an idea.
You have to execute this idea.
Aunt.
Wei Zhi is protecting the golden box.
How can I help you?
Your father's birthday banquet is coming up.
Invite Wei Zhi to greet His Majesty.
Then someone will go to Qingming Academy
to look inside that golden box.
If your brother's name is in it,
that's good.
If not, we have to think of something.
Aunt, we can't do that.
If the golden box is opened, Wei Zhi will be in big trouble.
Every time I made a mistake,
even though Wei Zhi knew about it, he never revealed it to anyone.
That's why I've been safe.
Aunt.
I don't want to lie to Wei Zhi.
Such a child.
You really don't know the seriousness of this matter.
If the golden box has Ning Yi's name in it,
you and I are both going to die
and we'll go to meet your mother and your brother, Ning Chuan.
Don't forget how Ning Chuan died.
Furthermore,
I already have a plan.
Once Ning Sheng has looked inside the box,
it will be sealed with wax.
Nobody will know.
All right.
I'll do it.
What's the matter?
-Did someone come? -Director Wei.
-Yes. -Is it Prince Helian?
Yes.
Director Wei, I have something to discuss with you.
Tell him I'm not here.
Nanyi.
He is Prince of Jinshi.
You can't beat him up.
His Majesty would punish me.
Director Wei. I have something to discuss with you.
-I have something to discuss with him. -He's not here.
Gu Nanyi.
I have something important to discuss with Wei Zhi in person.
Can you ask him to come out?
He's not here.
Then I will go in and wait for him.
He's not here.
Gu Nanyi.
Let me be honest with you.
His Majesty asked me to look for Wei Zhi.
If you don't let me in and His Majesty finds out,
he will punish Wei Zhi.
Director Wei.
The Princess' imperial chariot is already at the gate.
Goodness.
What day is it today?
Huaishi.
Think of a way to delay the Princess.
I'll meet Prince Helian first.
Maybe I can use him to deal with the Princess.
I'll do my best.
-But the Princess' temper-- -You can do it.
I can...
Excuse me.
Director Wei.
You're back.
I didn't know you were coming, so I wasn't able to welcome you.
Please forgive me.
I came here today
because I wanted to tell you great news.
What is it?
I apologize for making Your Highness come personally to inform me.
I went to see His Majesty at the palace today
and received this news.
His Majesty has already given his orders.
Somebody will go to Qiu Residence tomorrow to announce it.
His Majesty must appreciate
Colonel Qiu's efforts
and has rewarded him with something.
Director Wei, you're really smart.
Your Majesty will give Colonel Qiu a big reward.
He's asking Feng Zhiwei to attend his royal banquet.
What do you think?
Why you...
The Princess has arrived.
Nanyi.
Entertain Prince Helian well for me.
Wei Zhi.
I pay respect to Your Highness.
Wei Zhi, I have some good news to tell you.
Let's talk in your room.
Your Highness, please stop.
His Majesty let me protect the golden box.
I should do my best to protect it and not slack off.
Because of that, as long as the golden box is in my room,
it's off limits to all.
Your Highness, we can talk over there.
All right.
Since it's His Majesty's orders, I won't give you a hard time.
You may all go.
Let's go.
May I ask why Your Highness came to Qingming Academy?
Wei Zhi, I asked Father to allow you to come to the palace.
Isn't that good news?
Your Highness.
I'm from a poor family.
To tell you the truth,
the dining table in my house
is missing a leg.
How can I go to such a big event?
I'm afraid I would embarrass His Majesty there.
How come?
Who's so bold as to laugh at someone I admire?
Director Wei.
There's a thief.
-Please protect Her Highness. -I will.
-I'll go and take a look. -All right.
-I want to go too. -No, Your Highness.
Feng Zhiwei.
Your Highness.
If you dare lure the Princess here,
I'll let Nanyi throw you over the wall again.
Your Highness.
Director Wei is doing this for your own good.
Let me protect you
in order to prevent people from hurting you.
If you go out just like this and Director Wei finds out,
then I will...
lose my job.
Your Highness.
Can we compromise?
The Princess has already asked His Majesty to issue an order
to let Wei Zhi be in the palace.
If Your Highness can have His Majesty rescind his order,
then I'll welcome you anytime to study here in Qingming Academy.
What do you think?
Don't even think about it.
If you don't go to the palace with me,
I'll tell His Majesty that Wei Zhi is Feng Zhiwei.
All right.
I'll go with you.
Please wait a moment, Your Highness.
Let me tell the Princess I'm not going.
Does Your Highness really want me there?
Yes.
-Don't you want to reconsider? -There's no need.
All right.
Since Your Highness wants to embarrass me,
I'll go along with it.
It's set, then.
I'll go ahead.
Be careful, Your Highness.
RESIDENCE OF PRINCE OF CHU
Your Highness, I have something to report.
Speak.
I just came back from the palace.
I heard from Princess Shaoning's servant
that the Princess agreed with Noble Consort Chang
to invite Wei Zhi to His Majesty's birthday banquet
to be in the palace.
I heard that His Majesty has agreed.
That's not right.
I heard from Sansun
that Prince Helian invited Feng Zhiwei to His Majesty's birthday banquet.
It's not strange for Shaoning to invite Wei Zhi,
but why did Prince Helian invite Feng Zhiwei?
It must be because Prince Helian wants to get the girl.
Your Highness.
If she appeared as Feng Zhiwei,
there are so many eyes in the palace.
Who doesn't know Wei Zhi's face?
And don't forget.
People from the Qiu household will also be there.
Even if she can get past the others,
she won't get past the Qiu household.
Your Highness.
Your little raccoon will become a dead raccoon.
Aren't you worried?
Prince Helian should be the one worried that his living charm
will become a dead charm.
I'm just curious.
I'm absolutely curious.
I want to see how she gets out of this.
I can't wait to watch it.
Wei Zhi.
Aren't you going to pay me courtesy?
I pay respect to Prince of Chu.
-There's no need. -Is there anything you want me to do?
Nothing at all.
I'm just here to watch.
Ning Yi.
Have you been possessed by a black-hearted demon lately?
Or is the Wumei Poison left in your body by the former Crown Prince
changing your personality?
If not, why are you always against me?
You noticed.
I really have a very big, black heart.
How else could I have lived until now?
Can you attend to two things at the same time?
Maybe I can think of a way to help you get out of it.
Your Highness, you don't need to worry.
I have my ways.
Your Highness.
You should worry more about yourself.
You might hurt yourself while trying to hurt others.
What's this? Where is it from?
It's from Nanyi. It can make me vomit blood.
Why should I tell you? Let go.
It's gone.
I told you before.
Don't stand out.
Understand?
Your Highness really likes to speak irresponsibly.
Didn't I end up this way because of you?
I'm here to help.
Now, you have a valid reason to stay in Qingming Academy.
Ning Yi.
Why are you bullying Wei Zhi?
Because I like to.
Your Highness.
Please forgive my impudence.
-I can't stand up. -Wei Zhi, are you okay?
-Get the imperial doctor. -Yes, Your Highness.
I'm afraid my old wound is acting up.
I might not be able to go to the Emperor's royal banquet tomorrow.
Don't move. The imperial doctor will be here soon.
I need to think of a way to apologize to His Majesty.
What should I do?
It's all Ning Yi's fault.
I'll tell Father.
-He won't get away with it. -No, Your Highness.
You can't do that.
Are you all right?
Your Majesty.
Sometimes, I think that Prince of Chu is still the same as when he was little.
He's still very naughty.
He is?
Maybe he's just thinking about someone.
Well...
I don't dare make a guess.
How about asking Wei Zhi to come another day?
There's no need.
Just let Wei Zhi guard the golden box for me.
We know how many people are thinking about that.
By the way,
do you know what Shaoning has been doing lately?
Your Majesty.
Princess Shaoning often goes to Noble Consort Chang's palace.
Sometimes, she also goes to Prince of Yan's residence.
They're cousins, after all.
That's what worries me.
The Chang family
likes to take advantage of relationships between relatives and friends.
Send people to watch Shaoning carefully.
Yes, Your Majesty.
I'll go and let Court Lady Chen know.
Your Majesty.
Rest early,
so that you'll have enough energy for tomorrow.
I'm afraid it won't be easy to handle.
May the merit of my work
adorn Buddha's pure lands,
repay the fourfold kindness from above,
and relieve the suffering of the three paths below.
May those who see and hear about this have the heart of Bodhi.
When this life is over,
let us be reborn in the Land of Ultimate Bliss.
THE HEART SUTRA
Wu Ying.
Yes, Your Highness.
Help me take this scripture...
to Qinglong Temple tomorrow and offer it in front of the Buddha.
Yes, Your Highness.
Your Highness.
You haven't eaten for a day to commemorate Consort Yan's death.
Be careful not to harm yourself.
Wu Ying.
I'm not filial.
Tomorrow is the anniversary of my mother's death.
I should fast from food and wine
in order to mourn her.
But tomorrow is Father's birthday.
The whole country will be celebrating.
There will surely be a big banquet at the palace.
I wish I could return to Zongzheng Temple,
so that I can commemorate my mother in peace.
I wouldn't need to force myself
to smile and do these things.
Your Highness is so sorrowful.
Consort Yan can see you from above.
If she saw you like this,
she wouldn't be at peace.
You may go.
Yes, Your Highness.
You should have this porridge.
All right.
Your Highness, the secret letter was delivered to Wei Residence.
Go and rest.
I want to copy the scripture with you.
Go back to your room...
Go back to your room to copy it.
Yes, Your Highness.
I heard that Director Wei's old wound is acting up.
That's why he can't attend the banquet with the Princess.
Looks like Feng Zhiwei has deep affections for you.
She's thinking of ways to be with you.
But why isn't she coming out?
Haven't we been waiting for a while?
You know girls.
She has to dress up carefully since she's attending the banquet with her love.
The longer it takes, the more she likes His Highness.
Look.
Is that her?
I pay respect to Prince Helian.
What's the matter?
Based on the look on your face, I guess you don't like the way I'm dressed.
Then I just won't go.
I won't give you a hard time.
I finally understand now.
You have deep affections for me.
You're not afraid of danger.
You'd rather look this way and be misunderstood
to attend the banquet with me.
I, Helian Zheng,
really am so lucky.
Therefore,
the way you look now
really is the most beautiful in the world.
Impressive.
Grand Secretary Yao's daughter, Yao Yangci, is here.
I pay respect to Noble Consort.
I wish you good fortune and good health.
You may rise.
You're Grand Secretary Yao's daughter, Yao Yangci?
Come closer so I can look at you.
You're a notably talented girl.
I'm not that good.
I don't dare accept Noble Consort's compliments.
Colonel Qiu Shangqi's daughter,
Qiu Yuluo, is here.
I pay respect to Noble Consort.
I wish you good fortune and good health.
You may rise.
Thank you, Noble Consort.
The daughter of Grand Master Xu Tianze,
Xu Rumeng, is here.
I pay respect to Lady Hua.
You've become beautiful.
Yuluo.
Come and pay respect to Her Highness.
I pay respect to Your Highness.
I've heard about your exquisite beauty.
Seeing you today, I'm really blown away.
Are you Colonel Qiu's daughter?
Then do you know someone named Wei Zhi?
I don't know that person.
May I ask Your Highness
-who-- -It's fine.
I have nothing to say to you then. You can go there.
You may rise.
Thank you, Noble Consort.
Colonel Qiu Shangqi's niece, Feng Zhiwei, is here.
I pay respect to Noble Consort.
I wish you good fortune and good health.
You're Colonel Qiu's niece?
The way you look
is really peculiar.
Noble Consort is too kind.
Not only do I look peculiar,
my face can even stop children from crying.
What an interesting girl.
Court Lady Chen.
Give her a small ingot of gold.
Yes, Your Highness.
You may rise.
Thank you, Noble Consort.
Minister Zhou Shichang's daughter,
Zhou Dongling, is here.
You're Colonel Qiu's niece.
Then do you know someone named Wei Zhi?
Wei Zhi. Do you know him?
Your Highness.
That Wei Zhi is my cousin.
-Really? -Yes.
Then tell me what kind of a person your cousin is.
Tell me.
"If you don't want anyone to know about it, don't do it.
The ghost of the one who died unjustly 18 years ago still remains."
Mother.
What's the meaning of this?
Mother.
I'm an adult now.
Whatever it is that happened, you must tell me.
I will find a way to protect you.
"Consort Yan"?
"If you don't want anyone to know about it,
don't do it."
But heaven and earth know.
And I also know about it.
It was my fault
that she died 18 years ago.
THE DECEASED CONSORT YAN, YALE'S MEMORIAL TABLET
Mother.
Stand up, Mother.
Mother.
You're pure and kind.
You must have been used by Noble Consort back then.
But now...
Now, you're not thinking straight.
If someone sees this memorial tablet, won't it cause big trouble?
Now, Ning Yi wants to reinvestigate that old case.
It will alarm Noble Consort Chang.
That's why I called you here so early today.
Mother, what's this?
Remove that brocade and see for yourself.
GOLDEN BOX
"Golden box."
This was the original gift I prepared yesterday.
I wanted to give it to His Majesty at the banquet.
But this morning,
Ziyin wanted to use the box Noble Consort Chang gave as a gift.
I thought it was strange.
Then I discovered
this golden box in my residence.
Noble Consort Chang
wants to have you and me killed.
If she's bent on killing you,
I'll confess to His Majesty now.
Mother.
Don't panic, Mother.
If we go see His Majesty now,
we have no proof that Noble Consort Chang framed you.
And we won't be able to stop her from doing it again.
You'll only bring harm to yourself.
Then what should we do?
Just ignore it.
Pretend we don't know.
Hi, Duoer.
You're too kind.
I don't dare receive such courtesy.
Duoer.
You're with Noble Consort Chang.
Your status is higher than ours.
Duoer.
What may I do for you?
I just want to know where Prince of Chu, Ning Yi,
will sit during the banquet tonight.
Don't worry.
I'll look for a chance to tell Noble Consort
so that your seat will be close to Prince of Chu.
Then let me thank you now.
How impetuous.
It's you.
You look hideous.
How did you think of such an idea?
Don't you feel humiliated?
I'm starting to become curious.
I'm curious as to how Helian Zheng reacted
when he saw you.
What's in your mouth?
Who told him to keep bothering me?
Nobody in the palace knows Feng Zhiwei anyway.
Helian Zheng should be the one humiliated.
You said I sought revenge for small grievances.
You're no different.
He's the great Prince of Jinshi.
He admires you, and this is how you treat him?
Who would want to be admired by someone who looks like him?
How shall one look like
to deserve
this beauty I see in your face?
Subtitle translation by Coleen Chua