1 00:00:01,626 --> 00:00:04,879 ORIGINAL STORY BY NATSU HYUUGA 2 00:01:32,133 --> 00:01:33,301 THIS STORY IS A FICION, AND ALL NAMES OF FIGURES ND ORGANIZATIONS ARE FICTITIOUS. 3 00:01:33,384 --> 00:01:34,886 MOREOVER, THE STORY HAS NO RELATION TO REAL-LIFE INCIDENTS AND EVENTS. 4 00:01:35,720 --> 00:01:37,639 She has no understanding of chastity. 5 00:01:38,973 --> 00:01:40,809 She's a picky eater too! 6 00:01:42,727 --> 00:01:44,646 It's not like she'd die. 7 00:01:49,150 --> 00:01:52,570 -So cold! -The warming stones help a little, but… 8 00:01:52,654 --> 00:01:57,575 To have nothing to do in this cold is torture. 9 00:01:57,659 --> 00:02:00,370 The wind is so chilly! 10 00:02:01,204 --> 00:02:05,583 At least have some sort of tent… 11 00:02:43,496 --> 00:02:46,791 This seating is made to foster hostility among the four concubines. 12 00:02:52,297 --> 00:02:55,550 Look. That lady is the Empress Dowager. 13 00:02:55,633 --> 00:02:58,052 She's very youthful. 14 00:02:58,136 --> 00:02:59,637 She's quite young, actually. 15 00:03:00,221 --> 00:03:03,099 Because she gave birth to the Lord at… 16 00:03:04,559 --> 00:03:06,728 She must've worked hard to give birth to him! 17 00:03:06,811 --> 00:03:10,899 The Empress Dowager has two children, 18 00:03:10,982 --> 00:03:13,234 the Lord and his younger brother. 19 00:03:13,318 --> 00:03:14,736 But it's rumored that 20 00:03:14,819 --> 00:03:19,365 the brother is very ill and can't leave the house often. 21 00:03:19,449 --> 00:03:22,869 It seems like he was here until recently, but… 22 00:03:22,952 --> 00:03:23,912 I see. 23 00:03:23,995 --> 00:03:26,456 What? You call this plain? 24 00:03:27,081 --> 00:03:29,334 An attendant is to serve her master. 25 00:03:29,417 --> 00:03:31,252 What's the point of dressing up? 26 00:03:32,754 --> 00:03:34,631 Did you hear that? 27 00:03:34,714 --> 00:03:36,716 It's the master who suffers 28 00:03:36,799 --> 00:03:39,427 when her attendant looks poor. 29 00:03:39,510 --> 00:03:41,221 I'm so pissed! 30 00:03:42,555 --> 00:03:45,767 Those attendants are Lady Lihua's… 31 00:03:45,850 --> 00:03:50,813 Oh no, Yinghua's at it. They started a battle by proxy. 32 00:03:50,897 --> 00:03:52,440 Let's go, Maomao. 33 00:03:52,523 --> 00:03:56,736 She even hired that ugly duckling, that's to be expected. 34 00:03:56,819 --> 00:03:59,697 Ugly duckling? Is she talking about me? 35 00:03:59,781 --> 00:04:02,242 That is so embarrassing! 36 00:04:02,325 --> 00:04:05,203 What did you say? 37 00:04:05,286 --> 00:04:08,289 -Yinghua! -Calm down! 38 00:04:08,873 --> 00:04:10,750 They haven't realized? 39 00:04:10,833 --> 00:04:14,045 We were so close at the Crystal Pavilion! 40 00:04:14,754 --> 00:04:18,341 If you get too carried away, I'll tell Father! 41 00:04:22,595 --> 00:04:26,057 Then I'll make sure you physically can't tell on anyone. 42 00:04:30,895 --> 00:04:32,063 Huh? 43 00:04:32,897 --> 00:04:35,858 It was just a courtesan joke… 44 00:04:38,403 --> 00:04:42,031 Apologize to Maomao! 45 00:04:51,582 --> 00:04:53,584 Why are you suddenly all quiet? 46 00:04:53,668 --> 00:04:56,713 I'll leave you alone for now! 47 00:04:56,796 --> 00:04:58,047 -Huh? -You… 48 00:04:58,131 --> 00:05:00,675 You better be grateful! 49 00:05:01,634 --> 00:05:03,636 What's up with them? 50 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:06,139 Hey, are you okay, Maomao? 51 00:05:06,222 --> 00:05:09,350 They don't know you're really this cute. 52 00:05:09,434 --> 00:05:11,060 It doesn't bother me. 53 00:05:11,144 --> 00:05:13,771 Do you want to switch warming stones? 54 00:05:15,523 --> 00:05:17,275 Not only did she suffer misfortune, 55 00:05:17,358 --> 00:05:20,778 she even mistrusts men so much that she dirties her face… 56 00:05:21,487 --> 00:05:23,740 She desperately suffered horrible bullying 57 00:05:23,823 --> 00:05:26,659 at the Crystal Pavilion for two months… 58 00:05:26,743 --> 00:05:28,578 She didn't complain once, 59 00:05:28,661 --> 00:05:31,289 and she doesn't want to worry us… 60 00:05:31,831 --> 00:05:36,502 It makes sense that the kind-hearted Sir Jinshi watches out for her! 61 00:05:37,295 --> 00:05:39,964 They're making up stories again. 62 00:05:44,510 --> 00:05:46,471 Doesn't she even know her position? 63 00:05:46,554 --> 00:05:48,431 Look at that red clothing! 64 00:05:49,057 --> 00:05:51,225 Another battle by proxy. 65 00:05:51,309 --> 00:05:53,186 It's the Virtuous versus the Pure. 66 00:05:53,269 --> 00:05:56,397 Those two groups don't get along well, either. 67 00:05:56,981 --> 00:05:59,734 The Virtuous Concubine is very young at 14, 68 00:05:59,817 --> 00:06:02,779 while the Pure Concubine is a veteran at 35. 69 00:06:02,862 --> 00:06:04,739 Of course they don't get along! 70 00:06:04,822 --> 00:06:07,408 And, they were formerly mother and daughter-in-law. 71 00:06:08,034 --> 00:06:09,410 Mother and daughter-in-law? 72 00:06:09,494 --> 00:06:12,497 So… This is a bit complicated, 73 00:06:13,081 --> 00:06:15,875 but the two Ladies were originally the former Emperor's concubine 74 00:06:15,958 --> 00:06:19,253 and the current Lord's concubine. 75 00:06:19,337 --> 00:06:22,548 But then, the former Emperor passed away. 76 00:06:22,632 --> 00:06:25,384 The former Emperor's concubine became a monk, 77 00:06:25,468 --> 00:06:29,180 then came back as the current Emperor's concubine. 78 00:06:29,263 --> 00:06:31,891 The former Emperor passed away five years ago. 79 00:06:31,974 --> 00:06:35,645 Concubine Ah-Duo, who was a Lady at the time, was 30-years-old. 80 00:06:35,728 --> 00:06:38,981 The Virtuous Concubine, Lishu, was nine at the time. 81 00:06:39,065 --> 00:06:42,235 I know it's politics, but to be married at nine… 82 00:06:42,318 --> 00:06:46,781 Can you believe it? A nine-year-old mother-in-law. 83 00:06:46,864 --> 00:06:49,617 A nine-year-old mother-in-law… 84 00:06:50,493 --> 00:06:52,829 A mother-in-law? 85 00:06:53,996 --> 00:06:55,665 So… 86 00:06:55,748 --> 00:06:57,917 The one who was concubine to the former Emperor was… 87 00:06:58,668 --> 00:07:00,128 Lady Lishu? 88 00:07:17,812 --> 00:07:19,772 So that is the young mother-in-law? 89 00:07:20,481 --> 00:07:22,525 I think you've noticed, 90 00:07:22,608 --> 00:07:26,154 but the Virtuous Concubine, Lady Lishu, is still quite young. 91 00:07:26,237 --> 00:07:27,530 It seems like it. 92 00:07:28,239 --> 00:07:31,951 Traditionally, the Virtuous Concubine should be wearing white. 93 00:07:32,034 --> 00:07:33,953 But that dark pink color… 94 00:07:34,036 --> 00:07:36,998 It clearly overlaps with Lady Gyokuyou, The Precious Concubine. 95 00:07:37,707 --> 00:07:40,084 Maybe she doesn't notice things like that. 96 00:07:43,254 --> 00:07:46,799 The warming stones were a big help. Please make them again. 97 00:07:46,883 --> 00:07:48,134 Yes, ma'am. 98 00:07:50,678 --> 00:07:51,888 So cold… 99 00:07:58,102 --> 00:08:00,021 If you're cold, you should have these. 100 00:08:04,609 --> 00:08:05,693 Here. 101 00:08:06,486 --> 00:08:07,445 Here. 102 00:08:15,870 --> 00:08:17,079 You're too nice. 103 00:08:17,163 --> 00:08:21,125 Asking whether you can share with the attendants in the Crystal Pavilion. 104 00:08:21,209 --> 00:08:24,212 You even asked for permission from Lady Gyokuyou. 105 00:08:24,295 --> 00:08:25,463 It's nothing. 106 00:08:28,799 --> 00:08:30,218 A hair clip? 107 00:08:30,301 --> 00:08:35,306 That's how they recruit talented people hidden in the flower garden. 108 00:08:35,389 --> 00:08:36,515 I see. 109 00:08:36,599 --> 00:08:39,185 It can have other meanings though. 110 00:08:39,936 --> 00:08:41,437 I see. 111 00:08:41,520 --> 00:08:43,356 I said, it can have other meanings! 112 00:08:46,067 --> 00:08:47,944 Meanings, huh? 113 00:08:54,325 --> 00:08:56,410 This is for you, miss. 114 00:09:02,166 --> 00:09:04,252 I guess he's giving them out to everyone 115 00:09:04,335 --> 00:09:06,420 so that no attendants are embarrassed. 116 00:09:09,507 --> 00:09:10,466 Thanks. 117 00:09:10,550 --> 00:09:13,261 I'm Lihaku. 118 00:09:13,344 --> 00:09:14,679 Nice to meet you! 119 00:09:16,514 --> 00:09:17,932 He's like a big dog. 120 00:09:18,015 --> 00:09:19,225 Woof, woof! 121 00:09:19,308 --> 00:09:21,227 You got that? Show me. 122 00:09:21,936 --> 00:09:23,604 It's a participation prize. 123 00:09:24,313 --> 00:09:26,190 That's not enough, don't you think? 124 00:09:31,195 --> 00:09:32,321 Long time no see. 125 00:09:32,405 --> 00:09:34,323 Long time no see, My Lady. 126 00:09:41,414 --> 00:09:43,207 That's all for now. 127 00:09:43,291 --> 00:09:44,792 Lady Lihua? 128 00:09:45,751 --> 00:09:48,671 Let's go. Goodbye, all. 129 00:09:52,383 --> 00:09:54,260 Lady Gyokuyou… 130 00:09:55,344 --> 00:09:57,346 Might get a little more than upset. 131 00:09:58,764 --> 00:10:00,558 What are you going to do? 132 00:10:13,279 --> 00:10:14,155 Wow. 133 00:10:16,407 --> 00:10:18,868 This is quite impressive. 134 00:10:20,369 --> 00:10:23,080 He must be more higher-up than I imagined. 135 00:10:23,164 --> 00:10:25,958 He fits right in with all the soldiers. 136 00:10:27,710 --> 00:10:30,171 That soldier from before is there too. 137 00:10:30,254 --> 00:10:33,716 He's in the last seat. He's young, so he might have been promoted. 138 00:10:35,259 --> 00:10:38,387 That glittery eunuch isn't here. 139 00:10:38,471 --> 00:10:40,056 But that doesn't matter. 140 00:10:46,145 --> 00:10:47,813 Now, time for poison testing! 141 00:10:51,317 --> 00:10:53,569 No cloudiness to the contact areas. 142 00:10:56,072 --> 00:10:57,698 No strange scents, either. 143 00:10:59,325 --> 00:11:03,412 But a poison tester's job isn't over until she swallows… 144 00:11:06,791 --> 00:11:09,251 Now rinse my mouth with fresh water… 145 00:11:21,472 --> 00:11:25,393 A poison tester's life is expendable. 146 00:11:26,143 --> 00:11:29,188 I'm the only one who tastes poison for fun. 147 00:11:29,271 --> 00:11:31,690 If possible, I'd love some puffer fish! 148 00:11:31,774 --> 00:11:34,443 Sneaking its organs into soup…. 149 00:11:35,236 --> 00:11:39,156 The way it tingles my tongue is irresistible! 150 00:11:44,620 --> 00:11:45,871 Concentrate! 151 00:11:45,955 --> 00:11:49,125 Raw fish and vegetables. The Emperor's favorite. 152 00:11:49,708 --> 00:11:51,710 It was served at the rear palace sometimes. 153 00:11:51,794 --> 00:11:54,630 It usually contains blue fish, 154 00:11:55,297 --> 00:11:56,632 but today it's jellyfish. 155 00:11:56,715 --> 00:11:59,552 The Food Service in charge of the Emperor's meals 156 00:11:59,635 --> 00:12:02,138 would never mistake his favorite ingredient. 157 00:12:02,888 --> 00:12:05,724 Lady Gyokuyou doesn't have any foods she can't eat. 158 00:12:06,517 --> 00:12:09,145 They must've messed up the food distribution. 159 00:12:25,744 --> 00:12:28,247 She doesn't like fish? 160 00:12:28,956 --> 00:12:32,668 I guess she can't leave anything uneaten in front of the Emperor. 161 00:12:39,467 --> 00:12:41,135 I wish I hadn't seen that. 162 00:12:43,971 --> 00:12:45,681 Did you see, Lihaku? 163 00:12:45,764 --> 00:12:48,350 That poison tester looks determined. 164 00:12:48,434 --> 00:12:50,895 What's so fun about watching people eat 165 00:12:50,978 --> 00:12:53,230 while fearing for their lives? 166 00:12:53,314 --> 00:12:55,274 Just look! 167 00:12:57,651 --> 00:12:58,652 That poison tester… 168 00:12:59,528 --> 00:13:00,946 It's the girl from before. 169 00:13:24,970 --> 00:13:27,014 How delicious is it? 170 00:13:36,190 --> 00:13:38,692 This is poison. 171 00:13:44,198 --> 00:13:48,035 -Poison in the Precious Concubine's soup? -Is it really poisonous? 172 00:13:48,118 --> 00:13:50,287 The poison tester drank it! 173 00:13:50,371 --> 00:13:52,665 Minister! What are you…? 174 00:13:52,748 --> 00:13:55,668 Formal wear is so uncomfortable… 175 00:13:57,336 --> 00:14:00,422 The Minister drank the soup and collapsed! 176 00:14:04,885 --> 00:14:06,095 Apothecary… 177 00:14:11,559 --> 00:14:12,518 Apothecary! 178 00:14:13,519 --> 00:14:15,896 How do you do, Sir Jinshi? 179 00:14:16,397 --> 00:14:18,232 You're in a great mood. 180 00:14:19,233 --> 00:14:22,903 Oh no, I was excited by the poison. It's like I smiled at him! 181 00:14:26,949 --> 00:14:28,284 Where are you taking me? 182 00:14:28,367 --> 00:14:29,451 To the medical room. 183 00:14:30,411 --> 00:14:34,206 I spit out the poison. There's nothing wrong with my body. 184 00:14:35,416 --> 00:14:38,919 I actually wanted to swallow it right there. 185 00:14:39,003 --> 00:14:42,965 If I had, the poison would be circulating all around me… 186 00:14:43,048 --> 00:14:45,467 Sir Jinshi, um… 187 00:14:46,093 --> 00:14:46,969 What is it? 188 00:14:47,052 --> 00:14:49,471 Please give me the leftover soup! 189 00:14:51,265 --> 00:14:53,183 You're stupid, aren't you? 190 00:14:53,267 --> 00:14:56,061 I'm ambitious, you mean. 191 00:14:57,688 --> 00:14:59,648 After you left, 192 00:14:59,732 --> 00:15:03,027 someone doubted that it was poison, drank it, and collapsed. 193 00:15:03,110 --> 00:15:05,571 What idiot did such a thing? 194 00:15:05,654 --> 00:15:09,033 The Minister. Now, people are panicking even more. 195 00:15:10,951 --> 00:15:13,120 In that case, use this. 196 00:15:13,704 --> 00:15:18,125 It's an antiemetic drug. You can vomit so much that your stomach turns around. 197 00:15:18,208 --> 00:15:19,543 That's a poison on its own. 198 00:15:20,628 --> 00:15:21,670 Hey! 199 00:15:28,427 --> 00:15:30,304 A new hair clip? 200 00:15:31,138 --> 00:15:33,515 So eunuchs get hair clips too? 201 00:15:34,183 --> 00:15:36,935 Now that I think about it, his collar is disheveled. 202 00:15:37,019 --> 00:15:39,730 He's not as glittery as usual. 203 00:15:40,689 --> 00:15:44,234 Is this why I didn't see him at the banquet? 204 00:15:45,277 --> 00:15:48,739 But now, he looks like any young man his age… 205 00:15:50,074 --> 00:15:53,327 Actually, he looks quite young. 206 00:15:55,871 --> 00:15:58,082 He looks better this way. 207 00:16:04,380 --> 00:16:08,634 It works! As expected of medicine from the court doctor! 208 00:16:10,094 --> 00:16:11,178 Are you all right? 209 00:16:13,931 --> 00:16:16,016 Yes. I'm all finished. 210 00:16:18,268 --> 00:16:20,896 Now, tell me what happened. 211 00:16:21,397 --> 00:16:24,441 Who put poison in Concubine Gyokuyou's food? 212 00:16:24,525 --> 00:16:27,361 I have someone I want you to bring about that. 213 00:16:28,404 --> 00:16:29,863 Who is it? 214 00:16:29,947 --> 00:16:34,034 Will you call Lady Lishu for me? 215 00:16:35,160 --> 00:16:38,455 Sir Jinshi. What did you need from me? 216 00:16:39,164 --> 00:16:41,917 I apologize for calling you to such an unrefined place. 217 00:16:42,001 --> 00:16:45,587 Who we really wanted was that attendant there. 218 00:16:50,175 --> 00:16:51,552 The attendant? 219 00:16:54,096 --> 00:16:55,431 Excuse me. 220 00:16:59,601 --> 00:17:00,936 I knew it. 221 00:17:02,354 --> 00:17:03,981 Is it seafood you can't eat? 222 00:17:07,735 --> 00:17:09,111 What is this about? 223 00:17:09,194 --> 00:17:12,906 There are some who can't eat particular foods. 224 00:17:12,990 --> 00:17:16,326 For me, it's soba noodles. 225 00:17:16,410 --> 00:17:18,662 Even though you eat poison happily? 226 00:17:18,746 --> 00:17:20,456 Leave me alone. 227 00:17:20,539 --> 00:17:22,708 I've tried hard to eat them. 228 00:17:23,375 --> 00:17:27,921 But my throat closes up, and I can't breathe. 229 00:17:28,797 --> 00:17:31,008 Even a little bit gives me a rash. 230 00:17:31,091 --> 00:17:34,803 It's hard to adjust the amount, and recovery is slow. 231 00:17:35,596 --> 00:17:37,931 That's what "not being able to eat" means. 232 00:17:38,515 --> 00:17:41,810 Lady Lishu. Is your stomach all right? 233 00:17:42,436 --> 00:17:44,104 I can offer you a laxative. 234 00:17:48,484 --> 00:17:49,777 How did you know? 235 00:17:49,860 --> 00:17:52,029 The meal at the garden party was clearly 236 00:17:52,112 --> 00:17:55,157 prepared by the rear palace. 237 00:17:55,240 --> 00:17:58,994 The fish and vegetable dish had different ingredients than usual. 238 00:17:59,078 --> 00:18:00,996 I think there was an error 239 00:18:01,080 --> 00:18:05,125 and Lady Gyokuyou and Lady Lishu's meals got mixed up. 240 00:18:05,209 --> 00:18:06,794 I see… 241 00:18:06,877 --> 00:18:09,296 Is it mackerel you can't eat? 242 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:19,264 This has nothing to do with being a picky eater. 243 00:18:19,932 --> 00:18:22,142 This time, hives were the only symptom, 244 00:18:22,893 --> 00:18:25,646 but it could cause difficulty breathing. 245 00:18:26,772 --> 00:18:28,816 If you knew this and served it… 246 00:18:29,817 --> 00:18:32,653 It's the same as poisoning someone. 247 00:18:39,785 --> 00:18:43,288 You. You're the poison tester, right? 248 00:18:44,832 --> 00:18:46,166 Yes. 249 00:18:46,250 --> 00:18:48,377 I've gathered things to look out for 250 00:18:48,460 --> 00:18:51,088 in case of emergencies. 251 00:18:52,589 --> 00:18:56,009 Of course, the best bet is to not eat it at all. 252 00:18:58,887 --> 00:19:00,139 Please look over this. 253 00:19:03,225 --> 00:19:05,310 There's nothing hard about it. 254 00:19:05,894 --> 00:19:08,438 But if you mess up once, 255 00:19:08,522 --> 00:19:11,024 even a physician can't resolve the issue. 256 00:19:12,609 --> 00:19:15,529 This is a life-or-death problem. 257 00:19:16,738 --> 00:19:20,742 Please don't forget that. 258 00:19:24,121 --> 00:19:25,789 That's enough blackmailing. 259 00:19:34,631 --> 00:19:36,675 What is this about? 260 00:19:37,843 --> 00:19:42,139 I'm of low class. Please refrain from touching me. 261 00:19:42,222 --> 00:19:45,017 You're the only one who says such things to me. 262 00:19:45,100 --> 00:19:47,561 They just don't want you to feel hurt, that's all. 263 00:19:49,396 --> 00:19:53,192 Now, I must report to Lady Gyokuyou… 264 00:19:54,276 --> 00:19:58,030 Wait. Why did you have the poison tester be present for that? 265 00:20:00,532 --> 00:20:01,867 What do you mean? 266 00:20:01,950 --> 00:20:04,411 Don't play dumb. You said to call her. 267 00:20:04,494 --> 00:20:07,331 Just so I could inform her of everything. 268 00:20:07,414 --> 00:20:10,834 So you're saying that the servers simply made a mistake? 269 00:20:12,836 --> 00:20:15,255 That's not for a mere attendant to know. 270 00:20:18,967 --> 00:20:20,928 At least tell me this, all right? 271 00:20:22,179 --> 00:20:26,391 The target was the Virtuous Concubine, Concubine Lishu, right? 272 00:20:27,684 --> 00:20:30,229 If there was no poison in any other plate. 273 00:20:30,938 --> 00:20:32,022 I see… 274 00:20:49,289 --> 00:20:50,582 I'm so tired. 275 00:20:51,792 --> 00:20:57,047 Does this have something to do with the wood tablet incident? 276 00:20:57,130 --> 00:21:00,968 There were no burns on that attendant just now. 277 00:21:02,844 --> 00:21:05,305 Who could it be…? 278 00:22:36,063 --> 00:22:38,440 PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE 279 00:22:47,616 --> 00:22:49,910 Next episode, "Homecoming." 280 00:22:49,993 --> 00:22:50,994 Subtitle translation by: Yukimi Ohashi ust now.