1
00:00:02,043 --> 00:00:04,796
WRITTEN BY HYUGA NATSU

2
00:01:32,884 --> 00:01:33,718
Here it is.

3
00:01:33,802 --> 00:01:34,636
THIS STORY IS A FICTION AND ALL NAMES OF
FIGURES AND ORGANIZATIONS ARE FICTITIOUS.

4
00:01:34,719 --> 00:01:35,595
MOREOVER, THE STORY HAS NO RELATION
TO REAL-LIFE INCIDENTS AND EVENTS.

5
00:01:35,678 --> 00:01:38,556
Do you not wear a hairpin?

6
00:01:39,140 --> 00:01:40,934
Go wear that then.

7
00:01:41,559 --> 00:01:42,936
I promised him,

8
00:01:43,019 --> 00:01:44,562
so I guess I have no choice.

9
00:01:45,980 --> 00:01:47,023
MAOMAO

10
00:01:47,106 --> 00:01:48,900
Take a look, Mr. Luomen.

11
00:01:49,484 --> 00:01:50,777
This kitty is smart.

12
00:01:50,860 --> 00:01:53,738
When she eats fish,
she leaves the head, tail and innards.

13
00:01:53,822 --> 00:01:57,450
I personally enjoy
the bitter taste of those parts.

14
00:01:58,034 --> 00:02:00,537
I was taught never to waste food,

15
00:02:00,620 --> 00:02:02,914
but I can't believe
he would eat the leftovers of a cat.

16
00:02:04,624 --> 00:02:06,709
He hears one thing and understands ten.

17
00:02:06,793 --> 00:02:09,671
I believe he is
the most skilled doctor in this county.

18
00:02:09,754 --> 00:02:12,799
The reason he is living a poor life
in the Pleasure District is because

19
00:02:12,882 --> 00:02:15,677
he has no greed or ambition.

20
00:02:16,261 --> 00:02:19,305
Miss, what are you making over there?

21
00:02:19,389 --> 00:02:21,975
I'm preparing mugwort for
Lady Gyokuyou's moxibustion treatment.

22
00:02:22,058 --> 00:02:23,476
Maomao,

23
00:02:23,560 --> 00:02:26,729
ask Mr. Guen for his permission first.

24
00:02:26,813 --> 00:02:27,856
Okay…

25
00:02:30,233 --> 00:02:31,860
Are you going to be writing today?

26
00:02:32,443 --> 00:02:35,530
Yes, since I have no duties at the moment.

27
00:02:36,197 --> 00:02:38,491
The reason my old man was not assigned
to the Jade Pavilion,

28
00:02:38,575 --> 00:02:40,034
but to the medical office,

29
00:02:40,827 --> 00:02:43,037
was likely
through Lord Jinshi's consideration.

30
00:02:43,663 --> 00:02:46,374
Currently in the rear palace,

31
00:02:46,457 --> 00:02:48,543
there is one more lady who
is carrying the Emperor's child.

32
00:02:49,419 --> 00:02:50,587
It's Lady Lihua.

33
00:02:51,588 --> 00:02:54,132
I hope the next child grows up healthy.

34
00:02:54,883 --> 00:02:57,635
For that to happen,
a safe delivery must take place.

35
00:02:58,428 --> 00:03:00,388
If my old man can assist both consorts,

36
00:03:00,471 --> 00:03:01,806
it would be a relief.

37
00:03:02,390 --> 00:03:04,934
By the way, I heard some new maids

38
00:03:05,018 --> 00:03:06,769
have entered the Crystal Pavilion.

39
00:03:06,853 --> 00:03:10,356
You know, since the head
lady-in-waiting we met before resigned.

40
00:03:11,524 --> 00:03:13,192
I heard most of the new maids are older,

41
00:03:13,276 --> 00:03:15,987
and the atmosphere in the palace
has calmed down all of a sudden.

42
00:03:16,070 --> 00:03:19,741
It's good to have more experienced maids.

43
00:03:20,366 --> 00:03:22,911
The rear palace is full of
young palace women,

44
00:03:22,994 --> 00:03:25,121
but there are hardly any older ones.

45
00:03:25,914 --> 00:03:29,417
The rear palace is a place to give birth
to the Emperor's children and raise them.

46
00:03:29,500 --> 00:03:31,544
But it's currently not doing that.

47
00:03:32,253 --> 00:03:33,796
If you think about how many children

48
00:03:33,880 --> 00:03:36,299
the current emperor has,
it's clear that there's a problem.

49
00:03:36,799 --> 00:03:37,800
I'm sure my old man

50
00:03:37,884 --> 00:03:40,428
has already realized it by now.

51
00:03:41,471 --> 00:03:43,097
I think I'm done.

52
00:03:43,181 --> 00:03:44,140
What is it?

53
00:03:44,807 --> 00:03:48,394
It's a list of concerns I have
regarding the rear palace.

54
00:03:48,978 --> 00:03:50,355
Let me see.

55
00:03:50,855 --> 00:03:52,857
Mr. Luomen,
you have beautiful handwriting.

56
00:03:53,733 --> 00:03:54,567
That's what caught your attention?

57
00:03:54,651 --> 00:03:57,654
But these sentences sound a bit childish.

58
00:03:57,737 --> 00:04:00,031
Don't you think your sentences
could use more weight?

59
00:04:00,114 --> 00:04:01,532
It's fine as it is.

60
00:04:01,616 --> 00:04:04,035
There are still those here
who can only understand

61
00:04:04,118 --> 00:04:05,703
simple words and sentences.

62
00:04:06,537 --> 00:04:10,166
I see. He wants the attendants and maids
to be able to read this.

63
00:04:10,250 --> 00:04:13,419
Do you think I missed anything?

64
00:04:13,503 --> 00:04:14,963
It seems good.

65
00:04:15,755 --> 00:04:16,839
Mr. Guen,

66
00:04:16,923 --> 00:04:20,426
does your family home have paper
about this size?

67
00:04:21,094 --> 00:04:22,470
That size would be considered scrap,

68
00:04:22,553 --> 00:04:25,348
so we would turn it into pulp
and make new paper instead.

69
00:04:26,140 --> 00:04:30,103
If that's the case, could you sell those
to me at a lower price?

70
00:04:30,728 --> 00:04:31,854
I think I can.

71
00:04:32,689 --> 00:04:36,359
Maomao, I heard that the institute of
practical studies was opened recently.

72
00:04:36,442 --> 00:04:38,778
Then, could you ask them
if they can use this

73
00:04:38,861 --> 00:04:41,864
to practice writing?

74
00:04:43,032 --> 00:04:46,786
So, he wants to mass-produce these
with the students' help?

75
00:04:46,869 --> 00:04:48,371
I'll try to ask.

76
00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:50,373
Thank you.

77
00:04:50,957 --> 00:04:53,042
He doesn't waste people or resources.

78
00:04:53,126 --> 00:04:55,378
He uses everything he can,
just like a merchant.

79
00:04:56,379 --> 00:05:00,341
Yet, why does he not use that ability to
enhance his own life?

80
00:05:01,968 --> 00:05:04,554
I've finished preparing the mugwort,
so I will be leaving.

81
00:05:05,388 --> 00:05:08,641
Could I take some alcohol to
the Jade Pavilion for disinfecting?

82
00:05:09,142 --> 00:05:10,476
Go ahead.

83
00:05:11,352 --> 00:05:14,772
Also, is there anything
for relieving fatigue?

84
00:05:15,815 --> 00:05:19,485
Lady Gyokuyou has been saying
she gets tired easily.

85
00:05:21,946 --> 00:05:23,865
Hey, my clothes will rip.

86
00:05:23,948 --> 00:05:26,367
What's wrong, Maomao? Why are you crying?

87
00:05:27,118 --> 00:05:28,369
Is it this?

88
00:05:30,121 --> 00:05:32,332
This is not for you.

89
00:05:33,583 --> 00:05:36,711
All right, what should I do first?

90
00:05:36,794 --> 00:05:38,838
Should I go to the institute
of practical studies?

91
00:05:39,714 --> 00:05:41,758
If I have it go through Lord Jinshi,

92
00:05:41,841 --> 00:05:43,718
it'll probably take time.

93
00:05:46,512 --> 00:05:48,890
I have this with me just in case…

94
00:05:49,640 --> 00:05:51,142
But the last time I wore this…

95
00:05:52,310 --> 00:05:56,022
Isn't that the hairpin you got
from Lord Jinshi at the garden party?

96
00:05:56,105 --> 00:05:57,648
Why are you wearing it all of a sudden?

97
00:05:59,108 --> 00:06:00,068
I'll wear it later.

98
00:06:02,653 --> 00:06:06,157
This is… Luomen's handwriting.

99
00:06:06,240 --> 00:06:07,867
You can tell?

100
00:06:08,367 --> 00:06:10,578
Back when we were doing
our civil service examination,

101
00:06:10,661 --> 00:06:12,163
people said that you would pass

102
00:06:12,246 --> 00:06:14,082
if you wrote like him.

103
00:06:14,165 --> 00:06:16,042
So we all copied his handwriting.

104
00:06:16,709 --> 00:06:19,128
He had the skills
to become a great civil servant,

105
00:06:19,212 --> 00:06:20,880
but feeling sorry and wanting to help

106
00:06:20,963 --> 00:06:23,299
the sick homeless children,

107
00:06:23,382 --> 00:06:25,134
he chose to become a physician.

108
00:06:25,218 --> 00:06:28,971
Actually, right now,
he's back in the rear palace.

109
00:06:29,055 --> 00:06:31,641
Oh. I didn't know that.

110
00:06:32,558 --> 00:06:35,019
Is Xiolan not with you today?

111
00:06:35,645 --> 00:06:38,189
Recently, she's been preoccupied with work

112
00:06:38,272 --> 00:06:40,399
and the rumors of the new eunuch.

113
00:06:40,483 --> 00:06:41,984
She doesn't have extra time.

114
00:06:42,068 --> 00:06:44,487
A young eunuch, huh?

115
00:06:45,238 --> 00:06:47,031
I know there's
not much excitement around here,

116
00:06:47,115 --> 00:06:50,451
but making a fuss over them
is a bit excessive.

117
00:06:50,952 --> 00:06:51,994
What do you mean by that?

118
00:06:52,620 --> 00:06:54,372
At first, the eunuchs

119
00:06:54,455 --> 00:06:56,457
were placed in the southern area.

120
00:06:56,541 --> 00:06:59,710
But the palace women
began to neglect their duties.

121
00:06:59,794 --> 00:07:02,255
That's why some eunuchs were sent
to the northern area.

122
00:07:02,338 --> 00:07:04,090
The palace women at the clinic

123
00:07:04,173 --> 00:07:07,343
are saying that
the eunuchs are quite helpful.

124
00:07:07,426 --> 00:07:08,803
The clinic, huh?

125
00:07:10,096 --> 00:07:13,891
I bet Shenlü is making good use of
the young eunuchs.

126
00:07:13,975 --> 00:07:16,185
Anyways, what can I do for you today?

127
00:07:16,269 --> 00:07:17,103
Oh, yes.

128
00:07:17,812 --> 00:07:20,106
I was wondering
if you could ask the students

129
00:07:20,189 --> 00:07:23,317
to use this letter that my old man wrote
to practice writing?

130
00:07:23,901 --> 00:07:25,236
We will provide the paper.

131
00:07:26,737 --> 00:07:28,406
I see. You want them to write copies.

132
00:07:28,489 --> 00:07:30,825
-So you can distribute them, right?
-Yes.

133
00:07:32,034 --> 00:07:35,663
A long time ago,
I wrote something similar.

134
00:07:35,746 --> 00:07:38,499
At first, Luomen was writing by himself,

135
00:07:38,583 --> 00:07:40,877
so I felt I had to help him.

136
00:07:41,711 --> 00:07:43,588
We wrote papers together

137
00:07:43,671 --> 00:07:45,381
to post all over the rear palace.

138
00:07:46,382 --> 00:07:48,176
He's grown older now,

139
00:07:48,259 --> 00:07:51,679
so he's finally learned
how to make use of people.

140
00:07:53,055 --> 00:07:56,267
Have you written and posted
something similar to this before?

141
00:07:57,643 --> 00:08:00,229
Yes, when Luomen was a physician.

142
00:08:00,313 --> 00:08:02,148
So I believe it was over 20 years ago.

143
00:08:03,191 --> 00:08:05,902
I remember we posted it
all over the rear palace.

144
00:08:06,861 --> 00:08:09,530
"Don't use face powder that contains lead.

145
00:08:09,614 --> 00:08:11,616
Avoid strong perfumes.

146
00:08:11,699 --> 00:08:14,785
Don't pick palace plants
without permission."

147
00:08:15,661 --> 00:08:18,372
What's written is pretty much
the same from back then.

148
00:08:19,540 --> 00:08:21,459
He posted something similar to this?

149
00:08:21,542 --> 00:08:23,377
What is this bad feeling I have?

150
00:08:24,295 --> 00:08:26,088
I will bring you the paper later.

151
00:08:29,258 --> 00:08:32,470
My old man must have posted it
out of concern for the women.

152
00:08:33,471 --> 00:08:35,890
But such notices also risked
giving malicious people

153
00:08:35,973 --> 00:08:38,643
bad ideas.

154
00:08:39,310 --> 00:08:41,103
The palace staff turns over

155
00:08:41,187 --> 00:08:43,147
almost entirely every two years.

156
00:08:43,231 --> 00:08:46,400
Even the consorts were replaced
after the late emperor's death.

157
00:08:47,026 --> 00:08:50,029
Who would still remember
the old notice from back then?

158
00:08:50,112 --> 00:08:51,113
That is…

159
00:08:51,822 --> 00:08:52,657
Excuse me.

160
00:08:53,908 --> 00:08:55,034
Oh.

161
00:08:56,035 --> 00:08:57,578
You're from the Jade Pavilion.

162
00:08:57,662 --> 00:08:59,455
Ms. Shenlü.

163
00:08:59,956 --> 00:09:02,458
-Are you sick?
-Um… no.

164
00:09:03,042 --> 00:09:06,420
How should I bring it up?

165
00:09:08,714 --> 00:09:10,967
Oh, I brought you some alcohol.

166
00:09:11,050 --> 00:09:12,552
It's distilled and stronger,

167
00:09:12,635 --> 00:09:14,554
so I think it will be a good disinfectant.

168
00:09:14,637 --> 00:09:16,847
I can really have this?

169
00:09:16,931 --> 00:09:19,725
Yes, I made extra.

170
00:09:19,809 --> 00:09:22,853
Thank you. Let me prepare some tea.

171
00:09:27,108 --> 00:09:29,694
By the way, everyone working here is

172
00:09:29,777 --> 00:09:31,654
quite competent, aren't they?

173
00:09:31,737 --> 00:09:32,780
What do you mean by that?

174
00:09:33,364 --> 00:09:36,325
The typical work duration for palace women
in the rear palace is about two years,

175
00:09:36,409 --> 00:09:38,703
but most of the people here
have worked longer than that.

176
00:09:39,453 --> 00:09:41,414
Well, we're a bunch of old women.

177
00:09:42,290 --> 00:09:46,210
If they entered in their teens or
twenties, they've been here over 20 years.

178
00:09:46,294 --> 00:09:49,338
Is there a reason
they cannot leave the rear palace?

179
00:09:51,132 --> 00:09:53,175
We were young when we first entered.

180
00:09:54,010 --> 00:09:56,512
I entered the rear palace
when I was ten years old.

181
00:09:57,430 --> 00:10:01,309
The other women were around that age too.

182
00:10:02,476 --> 00:10:03,728
In the current rear palace,

183
00:10:03,811 --> 00:10:06,647
such a young girl is not allowed
to work in the palace.

184
00:10:07,148 --> 00:10:09,317
But in the previous emperor's era…

185
00:10:09,984 --> 00:10:12,486
The late emperor would choose young girls,

186
00:10:12,570 --> 00:10:15,406
not yet of age, and steal their innocence.

187
00:10:15,489 --> 00:10:17,408
The ones he defiled

188
00:10:17,491 --> 00:10:20,036
weren't even allowed to leave.

189
00:10:20,119 --> 00:10:22,371
Once they've slept with the emperor,

190
00:10:22,455 --> 00:10:25,249
they cannot leave the rear palace,
even if they're ordinary palace women.

191
00:10:26,208 --> 00:10:29,545
Nobody took us in.

192
00:10:29,629 --> 00:10:33,257
Not now, not ever.

193
00:10:34,050 --> 00:10:36,510
Oh, now I see.

194
00:10:37,845 --> 00:10:40,348
Towards the rear palace, the emperor,

195
00:10:40,431 --> 00:10:44,018
and the consorts who were
favored by the emperor…

196
00:10:44,685 --> 00:10:47,355
This is where their malice festered.

197
00:10:49,190 --> 00:10:50,399
Previously Shenlü

198
00:10:50,483 --> 00:10:53,694
asked me to check on a maid who had
fallen ill at the Crystal Pavilion,

199
00:10:53,778 --> 00:10:55,946
as she was deeply worried about her.

200
00:10:56,030 --> 00:10:59,367
At that time, I thought
she was an attentive person.

201
00:10:59,450 --> 00:11:00,284
But perhaps…

202
00:11:00,951 --> 00:11:03,621
Maybe it was Shenlü who taught Lady Shin,

203
00:11:03,704 --> 00:11:05,956
the head lady-in-waiting
of the Crystal Pavilion,

204
00:11:06,040 --> 00:11:07,291
how to make the abortion medicine.

205
00:11:08,292 --> 00:11:09,794
Although not directly,

206
00:11:09,877 --> 00:11:13,172
what if she used that bedridden maid
to do so?

207
00:11:15,674 --> 00:11:18,219
I can't stop coughing.

208
00:11:18,302 --> 00:11:19,512
Let me take a look.

209
00:11:20,179 --> 00:11:22,973
Is it contagious?

210
00:11:23,057 --> 00:11:24,725
Is there something concerning?

211
00:11:24,809 --> 00:11:27,686
I don't want to get Lady Lihua sick.

212
00:11:28,479 --> 00:11:32,441
She may be pregnant.

213
00:11:32,525 --> 00:11:33,359
Oh…

214
00:11:33,943 --> 00:11:36,695
Give this to Shin,
the head lady-in-waiting.

215
00:11:36,779 --> 00:11:38,030
What is it?

216
00:11:38,114 --> 00:11:40,574
A list of things to avoid
during a pregnancy.

217
00:11:40,658 --> 00:11:43,536
If you combine some of those things,
it can become an abortion medicine.

218
00:11:44,537 --> 00:11:46,914
I'm sure it will be useful for Lady Lihua.

219
00:11:48,457 --> 00:11:49,959
The things to avoid also teach

220
00:11:50,042 --> 00:11:54,422
what poison is
to those with ill intentions.

221
00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,508
That's when the caravan came,

222
00:11:57,591 --> 00:11:59,969
and the ingredients on the list
happened to be sold.

223
00:12:01,095 --> 00:12:03,097
There's no way
she would miss this opportunity.

224
00:12:04,181 --> 00:12:06,100
Why were such ingredients being sold?

225
00:12:06,183 --> 00:12:07,852
Maybe some palace women at the clinic

226
00:12:07,935 --> 00:12:11,605
were telling the sellers that
they wanted a certain perfume.

227
00:12:12,356 --> 00:12:15,943
We can't say for sure that the clinic
was involved with all the incidents.

228
00:12:16,026 --> 00:12:18,279
But this slow, creeping malice,

229
00:12:18,362 --> 00:12:20,990
short of outright murder, must have
been eating away at the rear palace

230
00:12:21,073 --> 00:12:22,741
for some time now.

231
00:12:25,661 --> 00:12:27,538
Should I press her further?

232
00:12:28,456 --> 00:12:29,915
Is something the matter?

233
00:12:30,416 --> 00:12:32,084
It's nothing.

234
00:12:32,168 --> 00:12:34,295
Oh, okay then.

235
00:12:35,421 --> 00:12:37,506
I'll stop for now.

236
00:12:37,590 --> 00:12:39,383
I don't have any proof or any witnesses.

237
00:12:39,467 --> 00:12:41,594
I don't want to make vague accusations.

238
00:12:41,677 --> 00:12:44,472
This is the only place
where the sick palace women

239
00:12:44,555 --> 00:12:47,308
can feel safe.
I don't want to take that away from them.

240
00:12:48,058 --> 00:12:51,270
The only thing I can do is

241
00:12:51,353 --> 00:12:54,231
prevent this malice from spreading.

242
00:12:54,315 --> 00:12:55,441
Um…

243
00:12:55,941 --> 00:12:58,360
Thank you. I will be taking my leave.

244
00:13:00,613 --> 00:13:03,616
If there are any books you'd like
to borrow, please go ahead.

245
00:13:03,699 --> 00:13:05,451
But just don't forget to return them.

246
00:13:06,285 --> 00:13:07,953
There are so many books.

247
00:13:08,496 --> 00:13:11,999
For some reason, the number of books
on that shelf seems to be increasing.

248
00:13:12,583 --> 00:13:14,502
It would be fine if they just return it.

249
00:13:15,377 --> 00:13:18,047
This is quite
an impressive insect encyclopedia.

250
00:13:18,797 --> 00:13:21,008
Someone left that on the bookshelf too.

251
00:13:21,717 --> 00:13:23,761
Maybe a month ago.

252
00:13:27,556 --> 00:13:28,891
This is…

253
00:13:28,974 --> 00:13:32,478
If it was one month ago, that would've
been after the envoy's banquet.

254
00:13:33,103 --> 00:13:34,313
Come to think of it…

255
00:13:34,396 --> 00:13:36,565
This place is amazing!

256
00:13:36,649 --> 00:13:39,235
It's full of insects
from the encyclopedia!

257
00:13:39,818 --> 00:13:42,988
Did Shisui leave this encyclopedia here?

258
00:13:43,572 --> 00:13:47,493
But could a mere maid own
such an impressive book?

259
00:13:49,203 --> 00:13:51,622
Thinking back,
when Shisui was drawing insects,

260
00:13:51,705 --> 00:13:54,083
she was using a paper notebook.

261
00:13:54,166 --> 00:13:55,876
Plus, she was able to read.

262
00:13:56,585 --> 00:13:58,504
Why is she working as a maid then?

263
00:14:00,548 --> 00:14:03,968
Shenlü, be careful of that girl.

264
00:14:04,051 --> 00:14:06,470
It's a high-pitched voice for a man.

265
00:14:06,554 --> 00:14:08,973
But a deep voice for a woman.

266
00:14:09,056 --> 00:14:11,475
He's short for a man.

267
00:14:12,351 --> 00:14:14,228
But tall for a woman.

268
00:14:15,020 --> 00:14:20,734
She's handsome enough to make
the ladies squeal…

269
00:14:22,820 --> 00:14:24,822
It's Suirei.

270
00:14:26,657 --> 00:14:29,159
Shenlü, she has managed to
see through what you have done

271
00:14:29,243 --> 00:14:30,911
from your conversation.

272
00:14:33,122 --> 00:14:34,915
She's sharp as usual.

273
00:14:35,499 --> 00:14:38,043
Because of her,
I couldn't become a dead body.

274
00:14:38,127 --> 00:14:40,129
Should I scream?

275
00:14:40,212 --> 00:14:42,840
Or should I throw a bottle of alcohol
at her and make a run for it?

276
00:14:42,923 --> 00:14:46,218
Don't think about doing anything stupid.
I'll hurt you if you move.

277
00:14:46,302 --> 00:14:50,097
If you kill me here,
you'll be caught right away.

278
00:14:50,723 --> 00:14:52,641
I'd like to settle this peacefully.

279
00:14:55,394 --> 00:14:57,563
Is it an aftereffect
of the revival medicine?

280
00:14:58,897 --> 00:15:00,983
After the assassination attempt
at the mid festival,

281
00:15:01,066 --> 00:15:03,694
you "died" by drinking poison.

282
00:15:03,777 --> 00:15:05,821
You made it look that way.

283
00:15:06,572 --> 00:15:09,742
The medicine only put you
in a temporary death-like state,

284
00:15:09,825 --> 00:15:11,493
but there are lingering effects.

285
00:15:12,202 --> 00:15:13,454
So, what?

286
00:15:13,537 --> 00:15:15,664
Let me tell you what I want.

287
00:15:16,248 --> 00:15:17,458
Do you think I will listen?

288
00:15:17,541 --> 00:15:18,667
You have no other choice.

289
00:15:21,170 --> 00:15:22,713
Shisui!

290
00:15:22,796 --> 00:15:25,466
So she was the owner
of that insect encyclopedia.

291
00:15:26,342 --> 00:15:27,843
Sorry, Maomao…

292
00:15:27,926 --> 00:15:30,471
Do you not care what happens to her?

293
00:15:31,430 --> 00:15:32,890
What do you want me to do?

294
00:15:32,973 --> 00:15:35,434
I want you to leave
the rear palace with me.

295
00:15:35,517 --> 00:15:38,479
Leave the rear palace?
That's not possible…

296
00:15:38,562 --> 00:15:40,731
It is. And…

297
00:15:40,814 --> 00:15:43,150
I know that you will come with me.

298
00:15:45,819 --> 00:15:47,488
Don't you want to know

299
00:15:48,155 --> 00:15:50,115
how to make the revival medicine?

300
00:15:53,702 --> 00:15:56,080
What is she saying?

301
00:15:57,164 --> 00:15:59,833
As I thought, Suirei is dangerous.

302
00:16:04,046 --> 00:16:07,841
There are two beasts in the palace.
One to the East and one to the West.

303
00:16:07,925 --> 00:16:11,261
The military resides in the East,
so one beast is a military officer.

304
00:16:11,971 --> 00:16:14,973
The West represents the civil officials,
so the other beast is one of them.

305
00:16:15,766 --> 00:16:17,643
In other words, the grand commandant.

306
00:16:17,726 --> 00:16:21,397
The high-ranking military officer Lakan
is the fox of the East.

307
00:16:21,480 --> 00:16:23,691
A prominent figure since the days
of the former leader

308
00:16:23,774 --> 00:16:25,901
is Shishou, who governs Shihoku-shu.

309
00:16:25,984 --> 00:16:27,987
He is the raccoon dog of the West.

310
00:16:28,654 --> 00:16:29,738
What has brought you here?

311
00:16:30,322 --> 00:16:31,865
Oh, nothing special.

312
00:16:31,949 --> 00:16:35,786
It's been a month since the Emperor's
younger brother attended the court council

313
00:16:35,869 --> 00:16:38,414
so I was thinking
we could have tea after this.

314
00:16:39,039 --> 00:16:40,666
It's a great opportunity,

315
00:16:40,749 --> 00:16:43,502
so why not join me, Sir Shishou?

316
00:16:44,753 --> 00:16:45,921
Me?

317
00:16:46,714 --> 00:16:50,092
Although I don't have
any interesting stories to share.

318
00:16:52,594 --> 00:16:54,805
He says he will join.

319
00:16:54,888 --> 00:16:58,767
All right.
Let's head to the courtyard then.

320
00:17:00,352 --> 00:17:03,772
What beautiful autumn weather.

321
00:17:04,565 --> 00:17:06,316
I have them served in silver cups,

322
00:17:06,400 --> 00:17:09,028
so there is no need for a food taster.

323
00:17:16,994 --> 00:17:18,662
He says it tastes delicious.

324
00:17:20,622 --> 00:17:24,126
Lakan, is there something
you would like to discuss?

325
00:17:24,793 --> 00:17:26,962
The other day, there was
an attempted assassination

326
00:17:27,046 --> 00:17:29,757
of the Emperor's younger brother
in Shihoku-shu, wasn't there?

327
00:17:29,840 --> 00:17:34,094
During that investigation,
we got our hands on something interesting.

328
00:17:35,679 --> 00:17:38,348
A design for a feifa?!

329
00:17:39,099 --> 00:17:43,062
Do you have any idea what this is,
Lord Shishou?

330
00:17:44,521 --> 00:17:46,398
What is this?

331
00:17:46,982 --> 00:17:49,818
It's the weapon that
the culprits were carrying.

332
00:17:49,902 --> 00:17:51,111
Isn't that right?

333
00:17:53,363 --> 00:17:55,365
Excuse me, please continue.

334
00:17:55,991 --> 00:17:59,703
This is a diagram of the weapon.

335
00:17:59,787 --> 00:18:02,039
It seems to be the newest model
from the West.

336
00:18:02,122 --> 00:18:05,209
Here, instead of a matchlock,

337
00:18:05,292 --> 00:18:07,169
there's a flint attached here.

338
00:18:07,252 --> 00:18:11,381
Which means fewer misfires
and the build is rather simple.

339
00:18:11,465 --> 00:18:14,510
That is impressive.

340
00:18:14,593 --> 00:18:17,805
If we mass produce these,

341
00:18:17,888 --> 00:18:20,599
the way we fight will definitely change.

342
00:18:20,682 --> 00:18:23,811
We can fight in a tighter formation
and move more freely.

343
00:18:23,894 --> 00:18:25,604
I can't believe such weapons

344
00:18:25,687 --> 00:18:29,858
ended up in the hands of someone
targeting the emperor's brother…

345
00:18:29,942 --> 00:18:34,071
I wonder how they
got their hands on these?

346
00:18:37,825 --> 00:18:39,660
I wonder?

347
00:18:42,204 --> 00:18:45,624
Isn't it your job to investigate that?

348
00:18:45,707 --> 00:18:47,918
You can say that, but…

349
00:18:48,001 --> 00:18:50,045
Well, there's been a small problem.

350
00:18:50,838 --> 00:18:53,966
Someone in that department
got a little too rough with the culprits.

351
00:18:54,049 --> 00:18:56,260
So none of those captured
are able to speak now.

352
00:18:57,511 --> 00:19:00,931
There's no mercy for those
who plot against the royals,

353
00:19:01,014 --> 00:19:04,560
but botching the torture?
That's a costly mistake.

354
00:19:04,643 --> 00:19:06,103
So I was wondering

355
00:19:06,186 --> 00:19:09,439
if you have heard of anything about that,

356
00:19:09,523 --> 00:19:10,691
Lord Shishou?

357
00:19:11,358 --> 00:19:14,444
If I knew,
I would've reported it long ago.

358
00:19:15,445 --> 00:19:17,447
I see. What a shame.

359
00:19:18,282 --> 00:19:20,993
Let's get to the main discussion then.

360
00:19:21,952 --> 00:19:25,789
It's a diagram of the game of Go
my wife and I played yesterday.

361
00:19:26,623 --> 00:19:28,500
Wife…?

362
00:19:28,584 --> 00:19:32,838
Come to think of it, you recently
got married, didn't you, Lakan?

363
00:19:32,921 --> 00:19:33,964
Yes, I did.

364
00:19:34,548 --> 00:19:38,427
I heard the celebrations went on
for seven days and nights.

365
00:19:38,510 --> 00:19:41,722
You even know that?

366
00:19:41,805 --> 00:19:44,975
She's a sharp one, my wife.

367
00:19:45,058 --> 00:19:47,769
Every move she makes is
like a finely sharpened blade.

368
00:19:47,853 --> 00:19:50,939
I can't tell you how many times my heart
raced while we were playing.

369
00:19:51,023 --> 00:19:53,192
Look at this move! I would escape,

370
00:19:53,275 --> 00:19:55,611
but then she would get me
on the next move!

371
00:19:56,445 --> 00:19:59,031
How long do we have to
listen to this story?

372
00:19:59,114 --> 00:20:01,200
-And then--
-I apologize but…

373
00:20:01,283 --> 00:20:03,660
I have business to attend to.
I will take my leave.

374
00:20:03,744 --> 00:20:05,412
Thank you for the drink.

375
00:20:05,495 --> 00:20:07,122
What a shame.

376
00:20:07,873 --> 00:20:10,584
I'll make sure to send you a copy
of the diagram

377
00:20:10,667 --> 00:20:12,961
and my commentary notes along with it.

378
00:20:13,045 --> 00:20:14,755
No, there's no need to.

379
00:20:14,838 --> 00:20:17,591
No need to hesitate. Also,

380
00:20:17,674 --> 00:20:20,552
would you like a glass of grape juice?

381
00:20:21,303 --> 00:20:23,347
The red color really stands out

382
00:20:23,430 --> 00:20:25,557
in a glass cup.

383
00:20:27,893 --> 00:20:30,520
Indeed, it's beautiful.

384
00:20:31,813 --> 00:20:32,940
Right?

385
00:20:33,732 --> 00:20:35,817
I feel like you and I will get along well.

386
00:20:35,901 --> 00:20:38,695
I'd like to chat more
about my wife sometime.

387
00:20:38,779 --> 00:20:40,948
Maybe next time. Farewell.

388
00:20:45,035 --> 00:20:48,622
This juice has an unusual color,
doesn't it?

389
00:20:49,581 --> 00:20:50,958
There are even grapes out there

390
00:20:51,041 --> 00:20:53,335
with a ‘green' hue.

391
00:20:54,169 --> 00:20:56,880
That's clearly green, not red…

392
00:20:56,964 --> 00:20:59,716
Why didn't Lord Shishou say anything

393
00:20:59,800 --> 00:21:01,593
when he said it was red?

394
00:21:02,928 --> 00:21:04,888
Just as my uncle said…

395
00:21:09,977 --> 00:21:12,062
May I fix my hair?

396
00:21:12,688 --> 00:21:14,481
Go ahead.

397
00:21:14,564 --> 00:21:16,900
I'll keep watch to make sure no one comes.

398
00:21:17,526 --> 00:21:19,611
Finally, I can take off this mask.

399
00:21:26,702 --> 00:21:29,705
Wearing platform shoes
is quite exhausting.

400
00:21:30,205 --> 00:21:32,249
I'm sorry for asking you
for such a request.

401
00:21:32,833 --> 00:21:36,503
Standing in for the Crown Prince
isn't something you get to do every day.

402
00:21:36,586 --> 00:21:37,963
I quite enjoyed it.

403
00:21:38,922 --> 00:21:42,467
Looking at her, she's like
a beautiful civil servant.

404
00:21:42,551 --> 00:21:46,471
Who would guess this is Lady Ah-Duo,
the former high-ranking consort?

405
00:21:46,555 --> 00:21:50,350
The fox was so eccentric
that it made the raccoon dog seem normal.

406
00:21:50,434 --> 00:21:53,645
No one stands a chance
against the General.

407
00:21:53,729 --> 00:21:55,397
He seems to have a soft spot
for his wife though.

408
00:21:55,981 --> 00:21:57,899
Yes, and his daughter too.

409
00:21:57,983 --> 00:22:00,652
To think she's the General's daughter…

410
00:22:01,361 --> 00:22:04,573
But isn't he scrambling to deal with
the situation with that girl?

411
00:22:04,656 --> 00:22:06,450
The eunuch, Jinshi.

412
00:22:08,535 --> 00:22:11,955
To think she would go missing…

413
00:23:46,049 --> 00:23:49,094
NEXT EPISODE PREVIEW

414
00:23:57,477 --> 00:24:00,272
The next episode is
"The Village of Foxes."

415
00:24:00,355 --> 00:24:01,857
Subtitle translation by: Melissa Nishizaki