1 00:00:01,626 --> 00:00:04,921 ORIGINAL STORY BY NATSU HYUUGA 2 00:01:32,675 --> 00:01:33,927 {\an8}THIS STORY IS A FICION, AND ALL NAMES OF FIGURES ND ORGANIZATIONS ARE FICTITIOUS. 3 00:01:34,010 --> 00:01:35,386 {\an8}MOREOVER, THE STORY HAS NO RELATION TO REAL-LIFE INCIDENTS AND EVENTS. 4 00:02:19,514 --> 00:02:21,057 I accept my loss. 5 00:02:24,686 --> 00:02:27,522 - You've improved, Basen. - No. 6 00:02:28,565 --> 00:02:30,984 I merely push through with force. 7 00:02:31,067 --> 00:02:33,069 I'm still no match for you, Sir Jinshi. 8 00:02:33,153 --> 00:02:35,822 But that is a great force you have. 9 00:02:35,905 --> 00:02:37,782 As expected from the Ma clan. 10 00:02:41,828 --> 00:02:43,204 So how is she, Gaoshun? 11 00:02:43,288 --> 00:02:44,581 The apothecary, I mean. 12 00:02:45,290 --> 00:02:47,292 How do you mean? 13 00:02:48,001 --> 00:02:49,836 Has she gained a little weight? 14 00:02:49,919 --> 00:02:51,838 She's slowly gaining it back. 15 00:02:53,006 --> 00:02:55,216 I see. However... 16 00:02:55,967 --> 00:02:58,803 Do you even know why this was forbidden? 17 00:02:58,887 --> 00:03:00,388 I'm saying it's poison, damn it! 18 00:03:01,014 --> 00:03:03,725 I never imagined she had such a side to her. 19 00:03:04,809 --> 00:03:06,185 Are you all right? 20 00:03:07,020 --> 00:03:10,023 - What? Why? - You worry about her quite a lot. 21 00:03:14,319 --> 00:03:17,030 No, it's nothing. 22 00:03:26,706 --> 00:03:27,707 I knew it was here! 23 00:03:29,709 --> 00:03:31,669 All right! 24 00:03:33,588 --> 00:03:34,631 Another one! 25 00:03:34,714 --> 00:03:36,132 Here too? 26 00:03:37,759 --> 00:03:40,178 Where should I eat this? In the kitchen? 27 00:03:40,261 --> 00:03:43,139 But it'd be troublesome if they ask where I got this... 28 00:03:43,223 --> 00:03:45,099 Oh, before that... 29 00:03:46,392 --> 00:03:48,478 Wow, it looks so good! 30 00:03:48,561 --> 00:03:51,314 Thanks for doing this again, Maomao! 31 00:03:51,397 --> 00:03:54,484 The other attendants are so kind to share dim sum 32 00:03:54,567 --> 00:03:57,445 each time we have tea together! 33 00:03:58,363 --> 00:03:59,906 Eat more! 34 00:03:59,989 --> 00:04:01,741 You need to get more fat. 35 00:04:01,824 --> 00:04:03,618 Don't be shy! 36 00:04:06,037 --> 00:04:09,082 - Oh, did you hear? - Huh? 37 00:04:09,165 --> 00:04:10,625 An Imperial Court palace woman 38 00:04:10,708 --> 00:04:14,545 succeeded in seducing a eunuch who's famous for hating women! 39 00:04:14,629 --> 00:04:16,047 I see. 40 00:04:16,130 --> 00:04:18,841 - How do you think she did it? - I have no idea. 41 00:04:18,925 --> 00:04:21,135 She used a stimulant potion! 42 00:04:22,178 --> 00:04:23,137 Stimulant potion? 43 00:04:28,142 --> 00:04:28,977 It's that one. 44 00:04:29,060 --> 00:04:30,853 What's wrong, Maomao? 45 00:04:30,937 --> 00:04:32,522 Oh, it's nothing. 46 00:04:32,605 --> 00:04:34,691 It's probably unrelated. I think... 47 00:04:38,027 --> 00:04:39,237 Good morning. 48 00:04:39,904 --> 00:04:43,157 Hey, miss! What do you need today? 49 00:04:43,241 --> 00:04:46,035 I have something to ask you in confidence. 50 00:04:46,119 --> 00:04:47,287 What is it? 51 00:04:47,954 --> 00:04:49,747 - It's this. - Wow! 52 00:04:49,831 --> 00:04:52,125 It's the first matsutake mushroom of the year! 53 00:04:52,875 --> 00:04:54,669 I'm glad you seem to like these. 54 00:04:54,752 --> 00:04:56,629 We need coal! 55 00:04:56,713 --> 00:04:59,299 I'll also bring some soy paste and salt! 56 00:04:59,382 --> 00:05:00,550 All in all, 57 00:05:00,633 --> 00:05:04,679 I've built a good relationship with the quack doctor. 58 00:05:09,309 --> 00:05:10,810 This is the stuff! 59 00:05:10,893 --> 00:05:12,437 It looks ready now. 60 00:05:12,520 --> 00:05:15,940 Drizzle some soy paste, add a little salt... 61 00:05:17,483 --> 00:05:18,484 Here you are. 62 00:05:22,196 --> 00:05:23,489 It's so good! 63 00:05:24,073 --> 00:05:25,742 Now, we're partners in crime. 64 00:05:26,576 --> 00:05:29,370 So delicious! 65 00:05:29,954 --> 00:05:31,122 Doctor! 66 00:05:32,540 --> 00:05:34,167 Could you...? 67 00:05:34,751 --> 00:05:37,420 Make something to cure my curse? 68 00:05:37,503 --> 00:05:38,421 A curse? 69 00:05:39,464 --> 00:05:41,215 - What is this about? - It's this. 70 00:05:45,053 --> 00:05:47,263 That's a pretty bad rash. 71 00:05:47,346 --> 00:05:49,265 Maybe some ointment first? 72 00:05:49,348 --> 00:05:51,309 Will you make me some? 73 00:05:51,392 --> 00:05:52,393 Sure. 74 00:05:53,603 --> 00:05:56,022 So, what is this curse? 75 00:05:56,647 --> 00:06:00,068 This happened in the evening two nights ago. 76 00:06:00,985 --> 00:06:02,904 The trash produced 77 00:06:02,987 --> 00:06:05,323 in the rear palace is burned in the fire on the west. 78 00:06:05,406 --> 00:06:08,076 I was working that night like always, then... 79 00:06:10,453 --> 00:06:11,746 What is it? 80 00:06:14,582 --> 00:06:18,127 A woman's clothing? The sleeves are burnt. 81 00:06:18,711 --> 00:06:20,213 And is this a wood tablet? 82 00:06:20,713 --> 00:06:23,007 It bothered me a little, 83 00:06:23,091 --> 00:06:26,135 but I threw them in the fire as is. But then... 84 00:06:40,900 --> 00:06:43,736 It's a curse! That's why my hands are like this... 85 00:06:45,947 --> 00:06:49,158 Was the flame you saw this color? 86 00:06:52,453 --> 00:06:54,330 If not this, then this. 87 00:06:56,666 --> 00:06:58,251 I can make this one too. 88 00:06:59,919 --> 00:07:02,463 Miss, what is this? 89 00:07:02,547 --> 00:07:04,715 It works the same way as fireworks. 90 00:07:04,799 --> 00:07:07,802 Some things can change the color of the flame when it burns. 91 00:07:07,885 --> 00:07:09,971 So what about this hand? 92 00:07:10,805 --> 00:07:13,808 My guess is something was attached to the wood tablet. 93 00:07:14,934 --> 00:07:17,478 The rash came from coming into contact with that. 94 00:07:17,562 --> 00:07:20,815 Apply this ointment and see if it works. 95 00:07:21,691 --> 00:07:22,775 Thank you very much. 96 00:07:22,859 --> 00:07:25,194 Her medicine always works well! 97 00:07:25,278 --> 00:07:26,612 You'll get better in no time! 98 00:07:28,156 --> 00:07:30,825 Wonderful. As expected of the apothecary. 99 00:07:31,617 --> 00:07:33,077 Sir Jinshi! 100 00:07:34,162 --> 00:07:36,789 I'll prepare some tea right away. 101 00:07:38,833 --> 00:07:41,169 How do you do, Sir Jinshi? 102 00:07:41,252 --> 00:07:42,420 Did you need something? 103 00:07:43,129 --> 00:07:46,382 Are you saying I can't talk to you if I don't need something? 104 00:07:46,466 --> 00:07:48,759 No, not at all. 105 00:07:50,887 --> 00:07:52,138 Come with me. 106 00:07:53,723 --> 00:07:55,391 Here you are, Sir Jinshi... 107 00:08:02,273 --> 00:08:04,108 How many colors are there? 108 00:08:04,609 --> 00:08:06,777 I don't know the exact number. 109 00:08:06,861 --> 00:08:10,406 How do you apply the color, then? 110 00:08:10,490 --> 00:08:13,826 With salt, you can apply color by dissolving it in water. 111 00:08:13,910 --> 00:08:15,369 I know there are certain dyes 112 00:08:15,453 --> 00:08:18,206 that dissolve with things like oil, not water. 113 00:08:18,289 --> 00:08:21,292 But this isn't my area of expertise, so I don't know. 114 00:08:21,375 --> 00:08:22,251 I see. 115 00:08:23,252 --> 00:08:25,588 If we're finished here, I'll be off. 116 00:08:26,255 --> 00:08:27,340 Wait. 117 00:08:29,008 --> 00:08:30,009 What is it? 118 00:08:30,927 --> 00:08:31,886 I love mushrooms too. 119 00:08:35,473 --> 00:08:37,558 I'm expecting good work, Apothecary. 120 00:08:38,184 --> 00:08:39,644 So he knew... 121 00:08:40,478 --> 00:08:44,023 I'll go out tomorrow... To look for them... 122 00:08:51,531 --> 00:08:54,825 Search for those who've suffered a burn to their arm recently. 123 00:08:55,660 --> 00:08:56,577 Understood, sir. 124 00:08:58,037 --> 00:09:01,207 A colored wood tablet is probably a code... 125 00:09:02,124 --> 00:09:04,418 Do they go through the trouble of making a code 126 00:09:04,502 --> 00:09:06,754 because the information can't be made public? 127 00:09:06,837 --> 00:09:08,339 But what could that be...? 128 00:09:10,883 --> 00:09:12,677 It's not my business, really. 129 00:09:12,760 --> 00:09:15,346 It's nothing a poison tester should meddle in. 130 00:09:18,349 --> 00:09:19,642 Thank you. 131 00:09:20,351 --> 00:09:22,728 That one goes there. 132 00:09:23,437 --> 00:09:24,689 I'm back. 133 00:09:25,398 --> 00:09:26,941 Welcome home... 134 00:09:27,525 --> 00:09:29,318 Maomao! Perfect timing. 135 00:09:30,361 --> 00:09:32,280 Can you put this on? 136 00:09:33,155 --> 00:09:34,323 I have a bad feeling... 137 00:09:38,452 --> 00:09:39,704 What is this? 138 00:09:40,454 --> 00:09:43,791 The costume for the garden party, obviously! 139 00:09:43,874 --> 00:09:45,167 The garden party? 140 00:09:45,251 --> 00:09:47,712 Twice a year, the Emperor and the higher-ups gather 141 00:09:47,795 --> 00:09:49,964 at the court garden to enjoy 142 00:09:50,047 --> 00:09:51,882 performances and a meal. 143 00:09:52,550 --> 00:09:55,177 The Emperor isn't married yet, 144 00:09:55,261 --> 00:09:56,846 so he has no consort. 145 00:09:58,014 --> 00:09:58,973 In that case, 146 00:09:59,056 --> 00:10:02,393 He is to take the highest status concubines. 147 00:10:02,476 --> 00:10:04,729 Highest status concubine... 148 00:10:04,812 --> 00:10:09,233 The most likely candidates for the next consort, the high-ranking concubines. 149 00:10:09,317 --> 00:10:11,360 The highest ranking concubines... 150 00:10:11,444 --> 00:10:13,779 The four high-ranking concubines. 151 00:10:13,863 --> 00:10:16,032 The Precious Concubine, Concubine Gyokuyou. 152 00:10:16,115 --> 00:10:18,159 The Wise Concubine, Concubine Lihua. 153 00:10:18,242 --> 00:10:20,328 The Virtuous Concubine, Concubine Lishu. 154 00:10:20,411 --> 00:10:22,121 The Pure Concubine, Concubine Ah-Duo. 155 00:10:23,205 --> 00:10:25,374 At the last party, Ladies Gyokuyou and Lihua 156 00:10:25,458 --> 00:10:27,793 were absent because they were heavily pregnant. 157 00:10:27,877 --> 00:10:30,713 So this time, all four ladies are to gather! 158 00:10:30,796 --> 00:10:33,215 So what are we doing there? 159 00:10:33,299 --> 00:10:36,177 Nothing, really. 160 00:10:39,180 --> 00:10:41,766 We're the guests invited to this party, 161 00:10:41,849 --> 00:10:44,310 so we just have to stay with the Emperor. 162 00:10:45,102 --> 00:10:47,271 Sometimes, the officials come to greet us. 163 00:10:47,355 --> 00:10:49,774 So don't forget to smile. 164 00:10:53,027 --> 00:10:54,904 Is everyone to attend? 165 00:10:54,987 --> 00:10:56,781 Of course! 166 00:10:57,448 --> 00:10:59,575 The first showing of Princess Lingli, 167 00:10:59,659 --> 00:11:02,036 the four ladies gathering... This year is important! 168 00:11:02,662 --> 00:11:05,665 This is a war! We have to take this on! 169 00:11:06,290 --> 00:11:08,501 Let's do this! 170 00:11:10,127 --> 00:11:13,005 Lady Gyokuyou already has very few attendants. 171 00:11:13,089 --> 00:11:15,841 A newcomer can't be absent... 172 00:11:15,925 --> 00:11:20,096 And if there are meals, the poison tester needs to be there. 173 00:11:20,179 --> 00:11:23,724 We should stuff your chest area. 174 00:11:23,808 --> 00:11:26,685 I'll also add a bit to your hips. Is that okay? 175 00:11:26,769 --> 00:11:27,728 I'll let you decide. 176 00:11:29,563 --> 00:11:31,357 The makeup will be impeccable too! 177 00:11:33,067 --> 00:11:35,861 We have to hide those freckles sometimes. 178 00:11:38,030 --> 00:11:40,116 Watching performances outdoors 179 00:11:40,199 --> 00:11:42,993 where it's windy, eating meals, 180 00:11:43,077 --> 00:11:46,872 smiling at the officials who come our way... 181 00:11:46,956 --> 00:11:51,252 My bladder will need to be as strong as iron. 182 00:11:51,335 --> 00:11:52,503 In that case... 183 00:12:02,847 --> 00:12:04,807 This should work. 184 00:12:04,890 --> 00:12:06,559 It smells so good! 185 00:12:07,184 --> 00:12:09,103 What are you making? 186 00:12:09,186 --> 00:12:12,064 - I'm making ginger and orange candy. - Candy? 187 00:12:12,731 --> 00:12:15,359 Orange peels improve blood flow 188 00:12:15,443 --> 00:12:19,029 and ginger can warm the body. 189 00:12:19,113 --> 00:12:21,365 Is this for the garden party? 190 00:12:21,449 --> 00:12:25,244 Yes. I also made this. 191 00:12:26,036 --> 00:12:28,414 I sewed a pocket to my undershirt. 192 00:12:28,497 --> 00:12:31,750 If I place warming stones inside, I won't get as cold. 193 00:12:31,834 --> 00:12:33,836 - Maomao! - Huh? 194 00:12:33,919 --> 00:12:36,964 Please, will you make that for everyone? 195 00:12:37,923 --> 00:12:39,550 Yes, ma'am... 196 00:12:43,637 --> 00:12:45,264 Once you get used to customs, 197 00:12:45,347 --> 00:12:48,726 I guess you don't think about these small things. 198 00:12:49,518 --> 00:12:53,564 A little creativity can go a long way. 199 00:12:54,482 --> 00:12:57,651 - Come in. - Please make one for me too. 200 00:12:57,735 --> 00:13:00,571 - Me too... - Yes, sir. 201 00:13:01,489 --> 00:13:03,866 Can you show me how to make that? 202 00:13:03,949 --> 00:13:05,242 Please! 203 00:13:05,326 --> 00:13:08,829 The seamstress in charge of the Emperor's clothes and His chef... 204 00:13:38,108 --> 00:13:39,902 Wow, so cold! 205 00:13:53,791 --> 00:13:56,335 I'm finally finished! 206 00:13:58,045 --> 00:13:59,922 Tomorrow's the big day. 207 00:14:02,841 --> 00:14:06,053 I'll make that just in case. 208 00:14:07,346 --> 00:14:10,057 About the search for those with burns on their arm... 209 00:14:11,141 --> 00:14:13,018 You haven't found them yet? 210 00:14:15,062 --> 00:14:16,564 I'm sorry. 211 00:14:16,647 --> 00:14:18,315 The garden party... 212 00:14:19,441 --> 00:14:21,569 I hope nothing happens there... 213 00:14:43,215 --> 00:14:45,175 You're so beautiful, Lady Gyokuyou! 214 00:14:45,259 --> 00:14:47,720 Red suits you so well! 215 00:14:47,803 --> 00:14:50,389 How beautiful she is... 216 00:14:50,472 --> 00:14:53,684 So it's true that she looks the best in red in this whole country. 217 00:14:53,767 --> 00:14:57,021 You're more beautiful than anyone. 218 00:14:58,230 --> 00:15:01,692 Thank you, everyone. And these are for you. 219 00:15:02,776 --> 00:15:05,029 I need to leave my mark 220 00:15:05,112 --> 00:15:07,364 so that no one unsavory targets you. 221 00:15:09,033 --> 00:15:10,117 Maomao. 222 00:15:11,327 --> 00:15:13,162 Listen, Maomao. 223 00:15:13,245 --> 00:15:15,706 You're my attendant, okay? 224 00:15:19,168 --> 00:15:21,712 Thank you so much, my lady. 225 00:15:22,296 --> 00:15:23,213 Got you! 226 00:15:25,341 --> 00:15:26,550 Um, well... 227 00:15:26,634 --> 00:15:28,636 Let's do your makeup! 228 00:15:29,345 --> 00:15:31,221 Go be your cutest self. 229 00:15:31,305 --> 00:15:33,682 I'll wipe your face and apply perfume oil. 230 00:15:33,766 --> 00:15:35,100 And those freckles of yours... 231 00:15:35,684 --> 00:15:36,727 Here we go! 232 00:15:39,939 --> 00:15:42,107 - Huh? - Maomao? 233 00:15:42,191 --> 00:15:44,401 - No way! - Why? 234 00:15:44,485 --> 00:15:45,861 Maomao, you... 235 00:15:47,321 --> 00:15:50,366 Dang. They know now. 236 00:15:52,034 --> 00:15:54,036 All right. Let's go. 237 00:16:13,430 --> 00:16:16,684 All right, then, Concubine Lishu. See you later. 238 00:16:17,267 --> 00:16:18,394 Yes! 239 00:16:19,436 --> 00:16:20,854 Sir Jinshi... 240 00:16:27,277 --> 00:16:30,906 Last up is the Precious Concubine, Concubine Gyokuyou. 241 00:16:33,325 --> 00:16:36,328 Is his commitment to Concubine Gyokuyou strong 242 00:16:36,412 --> 00:16:39,456 because he found a toy he likes? 243 00:16:40,708 --> 00:16:42,668 What can I do with him? 244 00:16:46,880 --> 00:16:49,591 Maomao, you helped us out a lot. 245 00:16:49,675 --> 00:16:51,719 I'm happy to be of use. 246 00:16:51,802 --> 00:16:54,013 How do you do, Concubine Gyokuyou? 247 00:16:54,096 --> 00:16:55,222 How do you do? 248 00:16:55,848 --> 00:16:58,684 You look beautiful in red as always, Concubine Gyokuyou. 249 00:16:59,810 --> 00:17:02,646 While decorative, you look somewhat mystical. 250 00:17:02,730 --> 00:17:06,275 It's probably due to your beautiful green eyes, Concubine Gyokuyou. 251 00:17:07,651 --> 00:17:08,485 Thank you. 252 00:17:13,574 --> 00:17:15,868 All right, so how is the princess doing? 253 00:17:25,627 --> 00:17:27,379 How do you do, Sir Jinshi? 254 00:17:31,216 --> 00:17:33,385 Oh, oh... It's you, Apothecary. 255 00:17:34,136 --> 00:17:35,262 You're wearing foundation? 256 00:17:35,345 --> 00:17:37,014 No, I'm not. 257 00:17:37,639 --> 00:17:38,932 But your freckles are gone. 258 00:17:39,558 --> 00:17:40,934 Because I got rid of them. 259 00:17:41,560 --> 00:17:42,895 With makeup, right? 260 00:17:42,978 --> 00:17:45,355 They went away because I removed my makeup. 261 00:17:47,441 --> 00:17:50,402 You're not making any sense. 262 00:17:50,486 --> 00:17:51,904 You're contradicting yourself. 263 00:17:51,987 --> 00:17:53,655 Oh, this is a pain. 264 00:17:53,739 --> 00:17:56,200 I should've just said yes. 265 00:17:56,283 --> 00:17:57,785 I was applying makeup daily, 266 00:17:57,868 --> 00:18:01,371 using dried clay to draw the freckles on. 267 00:18:01,455 --> 00:18:05,501 What you've been seeing every day is my face with makeup. 268 00:18:06,085 --> 00:18:09,213 Makeup isn't simply for making someone beautiful. 269 00:18:10,214 --> 00:18:11,757 Why do such a thing? 270 00:18:13,634 --> 00:18:15,260 You really want to know? 271 00:18:16,553 --> 00:18:19,306 It's so that I'm not dragged away to a back alley. 272 00:18:21,391 --> 00:18:25,145 Even in the pleasure district, there are men starving for women. 273 00:18:25,229 --> 00:18:28,398 Broke men, violent men, and men with venereal diseases. 274 00:18:29,566 --> 00:18:34,154 A small, scraggy and ugly woman would rarely be a target. 275 00:18:35,280 --> 00:18:36,615 Has that happened to you? 276 00:18:36,698 --> 00:18:38,117 It was just an attempt. 277 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:40,911 I was carried off by kidnappers instead. 278 00:18:44,373 --> 00:18:46,750 My makeup was falling off. 279 00:18:46,834 --> 00:18:50,420 They thought that maybe I could be sold. 280 00:18:50,504 --> 00:18:51,922 I see... 281 00:18:53,215 --> 00:18:56,426 I apologize for my poor management. 282 00:18:56,510 --> 00:18:58,971 It doesn't matter. 283 00:18:59,054 --> 00:19:02,599 Whether it's illegal kidnapping, or legally selling off children, 284 00:19:02,683 --> 00:19:05,018 it's all the same to those who buy. 285 00:19:06,603 --> 00:19:08,272 This doesn't infuriate you? 286 00:19:08,355 --> 00:19:11,024 Of course it does. 287 00:19:11,108 --> 00:19:14,111 But it's not your fault, Sir Jinshi. 288 00:19:17,990 --> 00:19:19,533 I'm sorry... 289 00:19:21,660 --> 00:19:23,704 He's being meek. That's rare. 290 00:19:31,295 --> 00:19:32,129 That hurts. 291 00:19:33,422 --> 00:19:35,883 I see. It's for you. 292 00:19:38,093 --> 00:19:40,387 I'll see you at the party. 293 00:19:47,728 --> 00:19:48,770 Huh? 294 00:19:51,982 --> 00:19:54,318 A man's hair clip? 295 00:19:54,401 --> 00:19:55,903 But why...? 296 00:19:57,487 --> 00:19:59,489 - So cool! - I'm so jealous! 297 00:19:59,573 --> 00:20:01,575 I want one too! 298 00:20:01,658 --> 00:20:04,286 I don't mind giving it, but how can I share it? 299 00:20:04,369 --> 00:20:07,581 You already broke my promise? 300 00:20:07,664 --> 00:20:08,540 Huh? 301 00:20:11,585 --> 00:20:14,755 You're not just my attendant anymore. 302 00:20:17,716 --> 00:20:20,427 What does that mean...? 303 00:20:22,221 --> 00:20:23,472 It's time. 304 00:20:50,415 --> 00:20:53,001 The garden party is about to start. 305 00:22:36,063 --> 00:22:39,149 PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE 306 00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:49,743 {\an8}Next episode, "The Garden Party." 307 00:22:49,826 --> 00:22:51,703 {\an8}Subtitle translation by: Yukimi Ohashi