1 00:00:01,668 --> 00:00:04,671 ORIGINAL STORY BY NATSU HYUUGA 2 00:01:32,008 --> 00:01:33,676 {\an8}You mean to make Lady Lihua 3 00:01:33,760 --> 00:01:35,720 {\an8}eat such low-class food? 4 00:01:35,804 --> 00:01:37,680 {\an8}It needs to be more luxurious. 5 00:01:37,764 --> 00:01:40,141 {\an8}Otherwise, it won't suit Lady Lihua's taste. 6 00:01:40,225 --> 00:01:43,853 {\an8}It'd be a disgrace to even show Lady Lihua this food! 7 00:01:43,937 --> 00:01:46,773 {\an8}Does she really think Lady Lihua would approve of this? 8 00:01:46,856 --> 00:01:48,650 Oh, god. 9 00:01:49,359 --> 00:01:50,568 So annoying. 10 00:01:50,652 --> 00:01:54,697 I didn't want to come to the Crystal Pavilion if I could help it... 11 00:01:56,324 --> 00:02:00,787 It was the night that the Emperor visited the Jade Pavilion... 12 00:02:24,394 --> 00:02:25,770 There is no poison. 13 00:02:27,939 --> 00:02:30,567 I'll be taking my leave. 14 00:02:32,110 --> 00:02:33,027 Wait. 15 00:02:34,320 --> 00:02:37,282 The Emperor spoke to me for the first time. 16 00:02:37,824 --> 00:02:40,660 We would like to request something from the rumored apothecary. 17 00:02:41,369 --> 00:02:44,330 "Rumored?" I have a bad feeling about this. 18 00:02:44,414 --> 00:02:45,248 Yes, my lord. 19 00:02:45,915 --> 00:02:47,750 Concubine Lihua's condition is not good. 20 00:02:47,834 --> 00:02:49,919 Can you look after her for a while? 21 00:02:50,503 --> 00:02:54,465 By "look after," He means "heal her." 22 00:02:55,508 --> 00:02:58,678 The Emperor's words are words from heaven. 23 00:02:58,761 --> 00:03:01,097 If I refuse, I could be beheaded. 24 00:03:01,723 --> 00:03:02,640 Yes, my lord. 25 00:03:04,225 --> 00:03:06,019 Even so, 26 00:03:06,102 --> 00:03:09,355 he doesn't need to say this in front of another concubine. 27 00:03:09,439 --> 00:03:11,274 It's a reminder that the Emperor 28 00:03:11,357 --> 00:03:14,402 is a whole different being than us. 29 00:03:14,485 --> 00:03:15,737 Even so, 30 00:03:15,820 --> 00:03:19,282 to treat someone who arrived here by the Emperor's orders this poorly... 31 00:03:19,365 --> 00:03:21,200 I guess that Lady Lihua's attendants 32 00:03:21,284 --> 00:03:23,703 hate me for working for Lady Gyokuyou 33 00:03:23,786 --> 00:03:25,830 that much. 34 00:03:26,664 --> 00:03:29,167 If you're done cleaning, hurry up and get out! 35 00:03:29,792 --> 00:03:31,753 Boing! 36 00:03:32,462 --> 00:03:35,548 Whatever. I'll remake it again. 37 00:03:37,634 --> 00:03:40,261 Maomao, you're at the Crystal Pavilion? 38 00:03:40,345 --> 00:03:42,889 Yes. I'm looking after Lady Lihua. 39 00:03:42,972 --> 00:03:44,015 I see. 40 00:03:44,098 --> 00:03:47,018 She's still not getting any better, huh? 41 00:03:47,602 --> 00:03:50,813 The poison from the face powder is probably still in her system. 42 00:03:50,897 --> 00:03:52,982 The poisonous powder, right? 43 00:03:53,066 --> 00:03:55,526 That powder is now forbidden. 44 00:03:56,194 --> 00:03:57,904 All the remaining powder 45 00:03:57,987 --> 00:04:01,032 in the rear palace was removed by the eunuchs. 46 00:04:01,115 --> 00:04:02,992 I see. That's good. 47 00:04:03,743 --> 00:04:08,081 But a direct request from the Emperor! You're so amazing, Maomao! 48 00:04:08,164 --> 00:04:09,540 I was really surprised! 49 00:04:10,458 --> 00:04:12,585 Requesting something from a girl like me... 50 00:04:12,669 --> 00:04:15,546 The palace physician must be that incompetent. 51 00:04:16,798 --> 00:04:19,968 - You're going to the kitchen, right? - Yeah. 52 00:04:20,051 --> 00:04:23,054 - Good luck on your cooking! - Thanks. 53 00:04:27,225 --> 00:04:28,059 All right! 54 00:04:29,352 --> 00:04:31,646 After studying Lady Lihua's condition, 55 00:04:31,729 --> 00:04:34,023 I decided to improve upon her diet first. 56 00:04:34,107 --> 00:04:37,318 First, we must remove the remaining poison in her system. 57 00:04:37,402 --> 00:04:40,196 To do that, we need porridge with plenty of fiber, 58 00:04:40,280 --> 00:04:42,699 and tea with a diuretic effect. 59 00:04:42,782 --> 00:04:45,034 Not this. Nor this. 60 00:04:45,118 --> 00:04:48,746 This one, this one, and this. 61 00:04:48,830 --> 00:04:49,831 Not that one, either. 62 00:04:52,667 --> 00:04:54,294 Cut it out, all right? 63 00:04:54,377 --> 00:04:57,422 This isn't a place where low-class people can just come and go. 64 00:04:58,256 --> 00:04:59,924 Boing! 65 00:05:00,550 --> 00:05:02,051 This will take a while. 66 00:05:03,803 --> 00:05:05,305 All right, next up... 67 00:05:05,388 --> 00:05:07,140 This one, this one, that and this... 68 00:05:12,395 --> 00:05:13,688 Didn't I tell you? 69 00:05:13,771 --> 00:05:16,566 First, we have to give her something easy to digest. 70 00:05:16,649 --> 00:05:18,276 She doesn't need peasant food. 71 00:05:18,359 --> 00:05:22,405 A patient needs plenty of nutrients to recover. 72 00:05:23,239 --> 00:05:25,533 So that's what she's always eating? 73 00:05:26,117 --> 00:05:28,161 Yes, it's rich in nutrients, 74 00:05:28,786 --> 00:05:31,539 but it's too heavy for a patient with a weak stomach. 75 00:05:31,622 --> 00:05:34,167 If they used their head even a little, they would know. 76 00:05:34,250 --> 00:05:36,169 No one's stopping them? 77 00:05:37,670 --> 00:05:40,590 Lady Lihua, we have your food. 78 00:05:41,257 --> 00:05:43,760 These are all your favorite foods. 79 00:05:43,843 --> 00:05:45,970 Please have even a little bit. 80 00:05:51,267 --> 00:05:53,811 - Lady Lihua? - What should we do? 81 00:05:53,895 --> 00:05:55,146 Water, quickly! 82 00:05:55,229 --> 00:05:56,606 Are you all right, Lady Lihua? 83 00:05:56,689 --> 00:05:59,734 Lady Lihua, here's some water. Please drink this. 84 00:06:01,694 --> 00:06:02,862 Huh? 85 00:06:03,529 --> 00:06:06,032 Because a low-class person like you is in the room... 86 00:06:06,115 --> 00:06:08,701 - The room has bad air! - Get out! 87 00:06:10,953 --> 00:06:12,288 Boing... 88 00:06:14,165 --> 00:06:16,793 I can't even get close to her like this. 89 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:20,379 All right, what should I do? 90 00:06:25,676 --> 00:06:27,428 Could I at least examine her? 91 00:06:27,512 --> 00:06:28,888 No need. 92 00:06:28,971 --> 00:06:32,391 What if you worsen her condition? 93 00:06:34,185 --> 00:06:37,355 In this state, she'll definitely get weaker and die. 94 00:06:37,438 --> 00:06:39,732 Humans have to eat to live. 95 00:06:41,275 --> 00:06:45,363 She probably lost the will to live after losing her son. 96 00:06:51,244 --> 00:06:53,496 How long until my neck says goodbye to my body 97 00:06:54,080 --> 00:06:57,792 for going against the Emperor's divine orders? 98 00:06:58,918 --> 00:07:00,670 You look like you need help. 99 00:07:02,964 --> 00:07:05,091 Do I look like I need help? 100 00:07:05,174 --> 00:07:06,759 You do, indeed. 101 00:07:08,052 --> 00:07:09,345 Sir Jinshi? 102 00:07:10,763 --> 00:07:12,515 What's up with that woman? 103 00:07:12,598 --> 00:07:13,891 Why her and Sir Jinshi... 104 00:07:13,975 --> 00:07:16,018 Now they've got the wrong idea! 105 00:07:20,189 --> 00:07:21,691 Let's go inside, shall we? 106 00:07:23,693 --> 00:07:25,194 Sir Jinshi! 107 00:07:26,112 --> 00:07:28,781 Going against the Emperor's wishes 108 00:07:28,865 --> 00:07:31,534 goes against intelligent, beautiful women like you. 109 00:07:33,327 --> 00:07:35,621 Oh my! We weren't doing anything of the sort... 110 00:07:35,705 --> 00:07:38,082 Exactly. We weren't doing such things... 111 00:07:39,250 --> 00:07:41,586 Women are terrifying. 112 00:07:49,594 --> 00:07:50,845 Now, go. 113 00:08:21,334 --> 00:08:23,211 She has the will to eat. 114 00:08:24,337 --> 00:08:27,673 But she's weaker than I thought. 115 00:08:27,757 --> 00:08:29,300 Maybe rice gruel will work... 116 00:08:33,554 --> 00:08:35,556 Excuse me. 117 00:08:37,225 --> 00:08:39,060 Her skin is the same color as before... 118 00:08:58,538 --> 00:09:01,541 Are you the one applying makeup to Concubine Lihua? 119 00:09:01,624 --> 00:09:03,543 Yes, I am. 120 00:09:03,626 --> 00:09:06,254 I want her to stay beautiful. 121 00:09:06,921 --> 00:09:09,090 That's the duty of a lady-in-waiting. 122 00:09:09,924 --> 00:09:11,717 It's all for Lady Lihua. 123 00:09:11,801 --> 00:09:13,803 - It's to be expected. - I see. 124 00:09:15,763 --> 00:09:16,931 What are you doing? 125 00:09:17,515 --> 00:09:19,809 Huh? I'm just chastising an idiot. 126 00:09:21,435 --> 00:09:24,105 Ouch! Stop it! It hurts! 127 00:09:32,905 --> 00:09:35,575 The poison will go through your whole body soon. 128 00:09:35,658 --> 00:09:37,076 Good for you. 129 00:09:37,159 --> 00:09:39,328 Now, you can be just as beautiful. 130 00:09:39,912 --> 00:09:42,748 Just like the Lady Lihua you admire so much. 131 00:09:42,832 --> 00:09:46,919 Her blood-drained skin, her sunken eyes, 132 00:09:47,003 --> 00:09:49,505 and a body that can't even eat... 133 00:09:50,172 --> 00:09:52,550 Do you even know why this was forbidden? 134 00:09:52,633 --> 00:09:53,551 Do you? 135 00:10:02,393 --> 00:10:04,437 But, I thought... 136 00:10:04,979 --> 00:10:07,565 Lady Lihua would appreciate it... 137 00:10:07,648 --> 00:10:09,775 I'm saying it's poison, damn it! 138 00:10:09,859 --> 00:10:11,611 You don't think at all. 139 00:10:11,694 --> 00:10:14,238 You always think you know best, do you? 140 00:10:15,072 --> 00:10:18,034 Who would appreciate poison that killed their own brat, huh? 141 00:10:30,921 --> 00:10:33,924 Rinse your mouth and wash your face! 142 00:10:34,925 --> 00:10:38,596 You! This is no environment for the ill! 143 00:10:38,679 --> 00:10:41,807 - Hurry up and clean the floor! - Yes, ma'am! 144 00:10:44,602 --> 00:10:45,436 Wow. 145 00:10:46,103 --> 00:10:48,773 Women really are terrifying, huh? 146 00:10:53,527 --> 00:10:55,946 Did I... really do that? 147 00:10:56,030 --> 00:10:57,531 Let's go. 148 00:11:00,201 --> 00:11:03,871 Lady Lihua's state was worse than imagined. 149 00:11:04,497 --> 00:11:07,124 First, remake the multigrain porridge into a gruel, 150 00:11:07,208 --> 00:11:09,502 force her mouth open and pour it in. 151 00:11:09,585 --> 00:11:11,837 Let her swallow slowly, then repeat. 152 00:11:13,255 --> 00:11:16,842 Now's not the time to think about manners or class. 153 00:11:18,260 --> 00:11:20,721 Ventilating the room dissipated the scent of incense, 154 00:11:20,805 --> 00:11:23,099 and the room started smelling of illness. 155 00:11:23,182 --> 00:11:26,936 Those useless attendants can't even wipe down their lady properly? 156 00:11:27,019 --> 00:11:29,146 And they call themselves attendants? 157 00:11:29,230 --> 00:11:33,109 If they have time to burn incense, there are other things to prioritize! 158 00:11:35,986 --> 00:11:38,864 Hey. Bring a tub of hot water and cloth. 159 00:11:38,948 --> 00:11:40,074 Yes, ma'am. 160 00:11:42,868 --> 00:11:44,995 - You help too. - Yes, ma'am! 161 00:11:51,377 --> 00:11:53,629 Any chance I got, I made her drink tea. 162 00:11:53,712 --> 00:11:55,339 This increased her urination and 163 00:11:55,965 --> 00:11:57,716 got rid of the poison in her body. 164 00:11:57,800 --> 00:12:01,387 I think Lady Lihua doesn't want to... 165 00:12:01,470 --> 00:12:03,097 No. She has to drink. 166 00:12:04,515 --> 00:12:06,517 Once she could eat more in one sitting, 167 00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:09,103 I slowly increased the amount of rice grains. 168 00:12:09,186 --> 00:12:11,272 Once she could swallow that, 169 00:12:11,355 --> 00:12:13,941 I added soup and grated fruits to her diet. 170 00:12:15,901 --> 00:12:17,445 I heard later that 171 00:12:17,528 --> 00:12:19,572 the attendant was placed under house arrest. 172 00:12:20,739 --> 00:12:22,533 The face powder was 173 00:12:22,616 --> 00:12:24,702 something she hid and kept for Lady Lihua. 174 00:12:26,287 --> 00:12:28,372 The eunuch who failed to collect the powder 175 00:12:28,456 --> 00:12:30,499 was punished by whipping. 176 00:12:48,017 --> 00:12:49,477 You look tired. 177 00:12:50,436 --> 00:12:53,439 Yes. Unlike some people, I'm very busy. 178 00:12:54,231 --> 00:12:55,483 These are for you. 179 00:12:58,068 --> 00:13:00,654 Thank you very much. 180 00:13:03,824 --> 00:13:05,743 He's observant, as always! 181 00:13:05,826 --> 00:13:09,121 People like that will make a good husband. 182 00:13:09,205 --> 00:13:10,498 Even though he's a eunuch. 183 00:13:12,541 --> 00:13:13,918 Compared to him... 184 00:13:18,797 --> 00:13:21,050 Do you need help with anything? 185 00:13:24,345 --> 00:13:26,722 What is it? Tell me anything! 186 00:13:28,557 --> 00:13:32,228 We need more people over there. Can we get someone? 187 00:13:32,311 --> 00:13:34,522 Please complete this as quickly as possible! 188 00:13:34,605 --> 00:13:35,689 Yes, sir! 189 00:13:37,191 --> 00:13:38,734 A steam bath? 190 00:13:38,817 --> 00:13:41,028 She says it's important to get her to sweat. 191 00:13:41,111 --> 00:13:42,821 Will it work? 192 00:13:43,364 --> 00:13:44,406 I'm sure it will. 193 00:13:45,324 --> 00:13:48,285 We have to use what we can, right? 194 00:14:02,967 --> 00:14:04,260 What is it, ma'am? 195 00:14:05,678 --> 00:14:09,306 Why didn't you... 196 00:14:10,641 --> 00:14:14,061 just let me die like that...? 197 00:14:15,771 --> 00:14:19,024 If that's what you want, you don't have to eat. 198 00:14:20,234 --> 00:14:23,904 You ate the porridge because you don't want to die. 199 00:14:43,257 --> 00:14:44,842 I see... 200 00:14:59,940 --> 00:15:01,150 You're right... 201 00:15:49,239 --> 00:15:50,532 You are... 202 00:15:51,492 --> 00:15:52,952 My suspension was lifted. 203 00:15:53,035 --> 00:15:57,122 I was permitted to serve under Lady Lihua once again. 204 00:15:58,916 --> 00:16:02,544 I'll never make the same mistakes I made last time. 205 00:16:03,963 --> 00:16:05,631 I'll take over for now. 206 00:16:05,714 --> 00:16:07,549 Please rest for a while. 207 00:16:09,093 --> 00:16:10,260 I see. 208 00:16:17,518 --> 00:16:18,477 Lady Lihua. 209 00:16:23,107 --> 00:16:24,316 Lady Lihua. 210 00:16:34,535 --> 00:16:38,163 Will you fetch me some water? 211 00:16:42,710 --> 00:16:43,585 Yes, my lady. 212 00:16:48,132 --> 00:16:49,091 Yes! 213 00:16:54,972 --> 00:16:56,348 After about two months, 214 00:16:57,099 --> 00:17:00,561 Lady Lihua recovered enough that she could walk on her own. 215 00:17:03,814 --> 00:17:07,276 She is proud, but not conceited. Because of the incidents with 216 00:17:07,359 --> 00:17:11,238 the Eastern Palace, I had thought that she was a spoiled princess, 217 00:17:12,364 --> 00:17:16,326 but she possessed the qualifying traits of a concubine. 218 00:17:51,236 --> 00:17:54,948 I'll be taking my leave early tomorrow morning. 219 00:17:55,699 --> 00:17:56,825 I see. 220 00:17:57,576 --> 00:17:59,036 I have informed 221 00:17:59,119 --> 00:18:02,456 the attendants of what to eat and what to watch out for. 222 00:18:05,042 --> 00:18:09,546 Hey. Do you think that I can no longer have children? 223 00:18:11,507 --> 00:18:12,591 I don't know. 224 00:18:13,217 --> 00:18:15,302 It would be good to try. 225 00:18:15,928 --> 00:18:18,597 Even if the Emperor no longer visits me? 226 00:18:19,723 --> 00:18:22,559 I came here on the orders of the Emperor. 227 00:18:23,352 --> 00:18:25,687 Once I return to the Jade Pavilion, 228 00:18:25,771 --> 00:18:29,191 I think that the Emperor will visit you. 229 00:18:30,567 --> 00:18:33,153 Will a woman who let her own child die 230 00:18:33,237 --> 00:18:37,699 without listening to the warnings win against Concubine Gyokuyou? 231 00:18:39,034 --> 00:18:41,745 It's not a matter of winning or losing. 232 00:18:43,413 --> 00:18:46,667 The world is filled with hundreds and thousands of flowers. 233 00:18:46,750 --> 00:18:49,586 It's not right to judge whether 234 00:18:49,670 --> 00:18:52,172 the peony or the balloon flower is more beautiful. 235 00:18:53,257 --> 00:18:57,261 I don't have those jade eyes or her pale-colored hair. 236 00:19:01,223 --> 00:19:03,809 You can make up for it with other things. 237 00:19:05,477 --> 00:19:08,063 It's not just the size that's impressive. 238 00:19:08,147 --> 00:19:10,357 The tension and the shape are exquisite. 239 00:19:10,941 --> 00:19:11,859 What? 240 00:19:12,860 --> 00:19:15,654 Will you lend me your ear? 241 00:19:15,737 --> 00:19:17,072 Of course. 242 00:19:31,461 --> 00:19:34,298 All right, then. I'll be off. 243 00:19:38,177 --> 00:19:40,387 The "gift" I left for Lady Lihua 244 00:19:40,470 --> 00:19:43,223 is a secret method that my Big Sisters taught me 245 00:19:43,307 --> 00:19:44,433 back at the brothel. 246 00:19:45,267 --> 00:19:48,437 You remember too, Maomao. It'll help you! 247 00:19:48,520 --> 00:19:49,438 Okay. 248 00:19:50,606 --> 00:19:51,648 Unfortunately, 249 00:19:51,732 --> 00:19:55,736 I don't have the double fruit required to pull off such a thing. 250 00:19:55,819 --> 00:19:58,280 But it's the perfect method for Lady Lihua. 251 00:20:00,824 --> 00:20:02,701 I hope it helps her. 252 00:20:09,082 --> 00:20:10,417 I've returned. 253 00:20:11,376 --> 00:20:12,753 Welcome back. 254 00:20:13,462 --> 00:20:15,255 Are you okay, Maomao? 255 00:20:15,881 --> 00:20:17,549 You've gotten so thin! 256 00:20:17,633 --> 00:20:19,718 It must've been hard work. 257 00:20:19,801 --> 00:20:22,679 Pulling off the Emperor's divine orders all on her own... 258 00:20:22,763 --> 00:20:24,264 She's impressive, that one. 259 00:20:27,601 --> 00:20:30,771 Later, there was a time when the frequency of the Emperor's visits 260 00:20:30,854 --> 00:20:33,774 to the Jade Pavilion dropped dramatically. 261 00:20:35,275 --> 00:20:39,404 Finally, I can get some sleep! 262 00:20:41,156 --> 00:20:45,827 It's not worth mentioning that Maomao's eyes glazed over. 263 00:21:02,010 --> 00:21:02,970 It's a curse! 264 00:22:36,063 --> 00:22:39,524 PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE 265 00:22:47,657 --> 00:22:49,534 {\an8}Next episode, "Covert Operations." 266 00:22:49,618 --> 00:22:50,994 {\an8}Subtitle translation by: Yukimi Ohashi