1
00:00:17,058 --> 00:00:18,059
Are you serious?
2
00:00:19,185 --> 00:00:21,438
So, what will you do?
3
00:00:21,521 --> 00:00:25,525
You are a gardener that maintains
our flower garden, are you not?
4
00:00:29,320 --> 00:00:30,947
What a shrewd man he is.
5
00:00:36,327 --> 00:00:37,704
How ironic.
6
00:00:39,289 --> 00:00:41,291
No matter how hard I worked
7
00:00:41,374 --> 00:00:45,128
with the pen or the sword,
I only became better than average.
8
00:00:45,795 --> 00:00:49,466
But my appearance surpassed
that of anyone else.
9
00:00:52,385 --> 00:00:54,888
The things you really want...
10
00:00:54,971 --> 00:00:56,473
will rarely be yours.
11
00:00:59,726 --> 00:01:02,437
I struggled with this back in the day,
12
00:01:02,520 --> 00:01:04,147
but now, I understand my role.
13
00:01:05,148 --> 00:01:07,817
A sweet gaze, a sweet voice...
14
00:01:08,485 --> 00:01:11,905
I'll use whatever tools I have
to my advantage.
15
00:01:14,157 --> 00:01:15,575
I know that
16
00:01:15,658 --> 00:01:18,703
I'm just a child flailing
in the palms of the Emperor.
17
00:01:21,331 --> 00:01:23,166
As you will, My Lord.
18
00:01:23,958 --> 00:01:27,086
I'll manage the rear palace.
I'll do anything.
19
00:01:28,880 --> 00:01:33,218
This is the only way
to choose my own path.
20
00:01:35,345 --> 00:01:38,556
ORIGINAL STORY BY: NATSU HYUUGA
21
00:03:03,975 --> 00:03:04,934
{\an8}VERDIGRIS HOUSE
22
00:03:05,018 --> 00:03:05,894
{\an8}THIS STORY IS A FICION, AND ALL NAMES OF
FIGURES ND ORGANIZATIONS ARE FICTITIOUS.
23
00:03:05,977 --> 00:03:07,103
{\an8}MOREOVER, THE STORY HAS NO RELATION
TO REAL-LIFE INCIDENTS AND EVENTS.
24
00:03:07,186 --> 00:03:09,355
{\an8}I don't need this much, Big Sis.
25
00:03:09,439 --> 00:03:11,691
{\an8}Sure, sure. Take this, and that.
26
00:03:11,774 --> 00:03:14,152
{\an8}Oh, take this too.
27
00:03:14,736 --> 00:03:16,237
I won't be using lipstick.
28
00:03:16,821 --> 00:03:20,116
Don't be ridiculous!
You should make yourself look presentable.
29
00:03:20,199 --> 00:03:24,287
Only courtesans dress up
to go to work, you know...
30
00:03:26,581 --> 00:03:29,542
I want to mix my medicine herbs... Ouch!
31
00:03:29,626 --> 00:03:34,422
Hey, you got a good job in the court.
32
00:03:34,505 --> 00:03:38,051
Don't you want to become
a person worthy of that position?
33
00:03:38,134 --> 00:03:40,762
You have to be grateful for
what you're given in life.
34
00:03:40,845 --> 00:03:44,057
Otherwise, even the best customers
will run away!
35
00:03:44,140 --> 00:03:47,852
Big Sis Meimei's words are persuasive.
36
00:03:47,936 --> 00:03:50,772
She's old enough to
consider retiring as a courtesan,
37
00:03:50,855 --> 00:03:52,941
but she remains popular because
38
00:03:53,566 --> 00:03:55,235
she has the intellect to
39
00:03:55,318 --> 00:03:57,946
entertain her guests with song,
chess, and go.
40
00:03:58,029 --> 00:03:59,322
Maomao.
41
00:04:00,406 --> 00:04:01,783
You packed heavy!
42
00:04:01,866 --> 00:04:04,994
Big Sis Pairin, Big Sis Joka.
43
00:04:11,084 --> 00:04:13,836
I'm glad you got a nice job.
44
00:04:13,920 --> 00:04:15,838
Go earn a lot, you hear?
45
00:04:16,714 --> 00:04:17,757
Okay.
46
00:04:18,383 --> 00:04:21,844
{\an8}It'd be helpful if you could bring
some high-paying guests.
47
00:04:21,928 --> 00:04:24,889
{\an8}Find a rich, good husband, okay?
48
00:04:24,973 --> 00:04:27,684
{\an8}Someone with a lot of vigor, okay?
49
00:04:33,398 --> 00:04:35,858
My new workplace, or rather,
50
00:04:35,942 --> 00:04:40,446
the workplace I'm returning to
is the rear palace inside the court.
51
00:04:41,864 --> 00:04:44,867
It's an all-women's world made to
bear the Emperor's children.
52
00:04:44,951 --> 00:04:47,328
{\an8}I was only supposed to be a lowly maid,
53
00:04:47,412 --> 00:04:51,374
{\an8}but I got noticed for solving the
serial deaths of the Emperor's children.
54
00:04:51,457 --> 00:04:53,960
I got promoted to become
Lady Gyokuyou's attendant,
55
00:04:54,043 --> 00:04:57,880
then got roped into all kinds of
tricky business as a food taster.
56
00:04:58,965 --> 00:05:02,093
{\an8}Many things happened
and I was dismissed from my position.
57
00:05:02,176 --> 00:05:04,595
{\an8}I didn't think I'd be
serving the court again.
58
00:05:07,682 --> 00:05:10,643
I got lured by the plant worms,
59
00:05:10,727 --> 00:05:13,187
but it might've been
a thoughtless decision.
60
00:05:13,938 --> 00:05:16,941
Of course, I'm extremely fortunate
compared to others.
61
00:05:17,692 --> 00:05:18,901
I'm a bit worried about
62
00:05:18,985 --> 00:05:21,821
leaving behind Old Man
to do live-in work again,
63
00:05:21,904 --> 00:05:24,449
but the rules will be less strict
than they used to be,
64
00:05:24,532 --> 00:05:26,576
so I won't be considered "missing"
like before.
65
00:05:27,493 --> 00:05:29,954
Old Man said, "Do as you like," but...
66
00:05:35,209 --> 00:05:37,879
What did he mean by that?
67
00:05:40,131 --> 00:05:41,049
I'm home.
68
00:05:45,303 --> 00:05:47,013
Wow, you got a lot of gifts.
69
00:05:47,096 --> 00:05:49,057
What should I do?
70
00:05:49,140 --> 00:05:53,478
I definitely need my bowls and mortars,
and I need my notebook.
71
00:05:53,561 --> 00:05:56,647
I can't bring even less underwear...
72
00:05:56,731 --> 00:05:58,024
Maomao.
73
00:05:58,107 --> 00:06:01,319
You probably shouldn't bring those things.
74
00:06:01,402 --> 00:06:04,822
If you bring those things
even though you're not a physician,
75
00:06:04,906 --> 00:06:08,659
they'll think you're plotting
a murder by poison.
76
00:06:10,620 --> 00:06:12,830
Don't look like that.
77
00:06:12,914 --> 00:06:14,707
You decided this yourself.
78
00:06:14,791 --> 00:06:17,376
It's too late for take-backs now.
79
00:06:17,460 --> 00:06:18,586
Really?
80
00:06:18,669 --> 00:06:22,965
If you get permission in small batches,
there are some things you can bring.
81
00:06:23,049 --> 00:06:24,967
Get ready and go to bed.
82
00:06:25,051 --> 00:06:27,220
Tomorrow's your first day.
83
00:06:27,303 --> 00:06:28,596
Okay...
84
00:06:41,442 --> 00:06:45,196
What is this? You haven't done this
in a long time.
85
00:06:45,279 --> 00:06:48,533
I thought you weren't a child anymore.
86
00:06:48,616 --> 00:06:50,451
Well, it's cold.
87
00:06:52,286 --> 00:06:55,039
I'll miss you, you know.
88
00:06:55,123 --> 00:06:58,709
It'll be okay. This time, I can come home
whenever I want.
89
00:07:02,839 --> 00:07:06,551
That's true. Come back anytime, okay?
90
00:07:08,469 --> 00:07:09,554
I don't have a mother.
91
00:07:10,680 --> 00:07:14,517
But I have a kind father,
a nosy grandmother,
92
00:07:14,600 --> 00:07:16,853
and many lively older sisters.
93
00:07:19,313 --> 00:07:21,691
I can come home anytime I want.
94
00:07:28,239 --> 00:07:29,949
I'm sorry for the wait, Sir Jinshi.
95
00:07:41,461 --> 00:07:44,088
Please take care of our girl.
96
00:07:45,131 --> 00:07:47,675
We made sure she's all moisturized
and supple.
97
00:07:47,758 --> 00:07:50,178
Don't forget, Maomao.
98
00:07:50,261 --> 00:07:53,055
I know. High-paying customers, right?
99
00:07:53,931 --> 00:07:55,224
All right, off you go!
100
00:07:55,308 --> 00:07:58,478
What a stressful morning.
101
00:07:59,645 --> 00:08:00,855
All right, let's go.
102
00:08:02,940 --> 00:08:03,983
Sure.
103
00:08:04,066 --> 00:08:04,901
Be careful.
104
00:08:06,277 --> 00:08:07,403
I'm off.
105
00:08:08,488 --> 00:08:09,739
She's beautiful!
106
00:08:09,822 --> 00:08:12,366
I've never seen her
at the Verdigris House.
107
00:08:16,454 --> 00:08:18,498
It's your fault, Sir Jinshi.
108
00:08:19,749 --> 00:08:22,877
- They're all looking at us.
- That's because you're...
109
00:08:29,133 --> 00:08:31,719
- What is it?
- Nothing.
110
00:08:50,238 --> 00:08:52,990
Good work, all. Can we go now?
111
00:08:53,074 --> 00:08:54,283
Yes, sir!
112
00:08:56,619 --> 00:09:00,289
Apothecary. Put your regular
freckled face on while you're here.
113
00:09:00,373 --> 00:09:01,290
Huh?
114
00:09:02,583 --> 00:09:03,918
All right, sir.
115
00:09:15,096 --> 00:09:17,181
Hey, did you hear? A rear palace manager
116
00:09:17,265 --> 00:09:19,976
bought out a courtesan
from the Verdigris House!
117
00:09:20,059 --> 00:09:21,435
The Verdigris House?
118
00:09:21,519 --> 00:09:23,896
That's where the Three Princesses are,
right?
119
00:09:23,980 --> 00:09:25,856
The Verdigris House...?
120
00:09:30,820 --> 00:09:32,780
What is he doing?
121
00:09:35,408 --> 00:09:37,159
Where are we?
122
00:09:38,077 --> 00:09:40,997
- This is my house.
- Why...?
123
00:09:41,080 --> 00:09:44,125
This is your new workplace.
124
00:09:45,084 --> 00:09:46,419
Sir Gaoshun.
125
00:09:46,502 --> 00:09:50,131
I had assumed that I would be
returning to the rear palace...
126
00:09:50,214 --> 00:09:52,300
You've already quit once.
127
00:09:52,383 --> 00:09:55,052
It would be hard for you to return.
128
00:09:55,136 --> 00:09:57,513
You will be working
at the outer court this time.
129
00:09:57,597 --> 00:09:59,181
The outer court...
130
00:09:59,265 --> 00:10:00,391
Yes.
131
00:10:00,474 --> 00:10:02,810
The rear palace, where you were,
is the inner court.
132
00:10:02,893 --> 00:10:05,021
The outer court is just outside of that.
133
00:10:05,771 --> 00:10:09,525
It's home to many government offices.
I'll show you around later.
134
00:10:10,818 --> 00:10:13,779
Welcome home. You must be freezing.
135
00:10:20,911 --> 00:10:23,331
I'm the attendant, Suiren.
136
00:10:23,414 --> 00:10:25,041
You must be Xiaomao.
137
00:10:25,625 --> 00:10:27,001
Yes, ma'am.
138
00:10:28,294 --> 00:10:29,462
Xiaomao?
139
00:10:34,508 --> 00:10:39,138
There are separate buildings
for the office and living quarters.
140
00:10:39,764 --> 00:10:42,642
Beyond this point is Young Master's room...
141
00:10:43,225 --> 00:10:44,352
Young Master?
142
00:10:45,394 --> 00:10:47,730
You're probably fine.
143
00:10:49,273 --> 00:10:52,985
This is about the same size room
that I was using in the Jade Pavilion.
144
00:10:53,069 --> 00:10:56,197
Now if this had a stove and a well nearby...
145
00:10:56,280 --> 00:10:57,573
Seems like
146
00:10:57,657 --> 00:11:00,826
this room is too fancy
for a live-in maidservant.
147
00:11:00,910 --> 00:11:03,371
- Xiaomao?
- Yes, ma'am!
148
00:11:04,121 --> 00:11:07,249
I don't intend on you
being a servant here.
149
00:11:07,333 --> 00:11:08,376
What?
150
00:11:09,085 --> 00:11:11,504
I said you'd be working
at the outer court, no?
151
00:11:19,845 --> 00:11:21,847
You'll be taking the court lady exam.
152
00:11:22,681 --> 00:11:25,351
The court lady exam?
153
00:11:40,116 --> 00:11:42,535
Clothes made out of cotton?
154
00:11:42,618 --> 00:11:44,412
What special treatment I'm getting.
155
00:11:54,505 --> 00:11:56,882
Good morning, Ms. Suiren.
156
00:11:56,966 --> 00:11:59,135
Good morning, Xiaomao.
157
00:11:59,218 --> 00:12:00,928
You're up early. Good on you.
158
00:12:01,429 --> 00:12:02,263
I'm here to help.
159
00:12:02,346 --> 00:12:05,015
No, I'm almost done here.
160
00:12:05,558 --> 00:12:07,351
Can you just help carry these?
161
00:12:07,435 --> 00:12:08,936
Yes, ma'am.
162
00:12:09,019 --> 00:12:12,189
- What about the other attendants?
- We have none.
163
00:12:13,691 --> 00:12:15,901
The office is fine,
but we can't have people
164
00:12:15,985 --> 00:12:18,279
for his private rooms,
165
00:12:19,113 --> 00:12:21,782
let alone his meals.
166
00:12:21,866 --> 00:12:25,286
So you do everything on your own?
167
00:12:25,369 --> 00:12:29,039
We've had new girls in the past,
168
00:12:29,123 --> 00:12:31,792
but there's been incidents,
and we have to let them go.
169
00:12:32,543 --> 00:12:36,130
Was he drugged with an aphrodisiac?
Or theft?
170
00:12:36,213 --> 00:12:38,132
{\an8}No one would enjoy
171
00:12:38,215 --> 00:12:41,844
{\an8}finding underwear they've never seen
in their wardrobe.
172
00:12:41,927 --> 00:12:43,095
{\an8}What?
173
00:12:43,179 --> 00:12:47,183
{\an8}And instead of using thread,
it was woven with hair!
174
00:12:48,184 --> 00:12:49,643
He has it rough, doesn't he?
175
00:12:49,727 --> 00:12:51,604
He sure does.
176
00:12:53,022 --> 00:12:54,857
Wake up, Young Master.
177
00:12:54,940 --> 00:12:57,067
It's time for breakfast.
178
00:13:04,867 --> 00:13:07,495
He's being seductive for no reason...
179
00:13:07,578 --> 00:13:12,249
Now I get why only Sir Gaoshun
and Ms. Suiren can enter this room.
180
00:13:12,333 --> 00:13:15,794
A woman will get hot and steamy
from his sex appeal,
181
00:13:15,878 --> 00:13:18,797
and a man might try and do something.
182
00:13:18,881 --> 00:13:22,718
How unfortunate that he attracts
all these sinful thoughts.
183
00:13:22,801 --> 00:13:24,929
He's like an insect in heat.
184
00:13:26,055 --> 00:13:29,767
If I collect this eunuch's smell
and make a love potion, it might sell!
185
00:13:31,560 --> 00:13:34,980
If you're fine with it,
I'll make them prepare a new room for you.
186
00:13:36,106 --> 00:13:37,775
What is he talking about?
187
00:13:37,858 --> 00:13:41,070
I'm confused, but maybe it's a chance
to get a stove and a well?
188
00:13:44,490 --> 00:13:47,993
If you want to say something, just say it!
189
00:13:48,077 --> 00:13:51,247
I can probably find access to a stove...
190
00:13:53,249 --> 00:13:56,752
Then, perhaps a stable with a well nearby.
191
00:13:58,879 --> 00:14:01,966
- A stable?
- Yes, sir.
192
00:14:04,343 --> 00:14:05,678
No. I won't get you that.
193
00:14:11,559 --> 00:14:13,602
All right. Let's start the tour.
194
00:14:13,686 --> 00:14:15,604
Yes, thank you.
195
00:14:16,355 --> 00:14:19,400
Sir Jinshi had to stay home.
196
00:14:20,359 --> 00:14:23,904
He's always wasting time at the
rear palace, so I thought he had no work,
197
00:14:23,988 --> 00:14:26,198
but apparently, he's a very busy man.
198
00:14:26,740 --> 00:14:30,661
There are many soldiers on
the eastern side beyond this point.
199
00:14:30,744 --> 00:14:33,372
So avoid this area if you can.
200
00:14:34,498 --> 00:14:35,416
I understand.
201
00:14:36,750 --> 00:14:38,919
The palace I was shown around
was very large,
202
00:14:39,003 --> 00:14:40,838
with so many buildings
and departments that
203
00:14:40,921 --> 00:14:42,923
I couldn't count them
on my fingers and toes.
204
00:14:43,549 --> 00:14:45,843
Could I really memorize them all?
205
00:14:46,677 --> 00:14:50,848
I have terrible memory when it
concerns things I have no interest in.
206
00:14:54,518 --> 00:14:56,270
This is the Director of Waters.
207
00:14:56,353 --> 00:15:00,566
This office deals with all irrigation
businesses like rivers and embankments.
208
00:15:00,649 --> 00:15:01,483
I see...
209
00:15:03,569 --> 00:15:07,990
The rear palace had more ingredients
that I could make medicine with.
210
00:15:08,866 --> 00:15:11,994
My guess is that Old Man transported them
when he worked there.
211
00:15:12,077 --> 00:15:13,787
Xiaomao.
212
00:15:13,871 --> 00:15:16,957
If you become a court lady,
this will be your workplace.
213
00:15:17,041 --> 00:15:17,875
Yes, sir...
214
00:15:19,084 --> 00:15:20,669
A court lady, huh?
215
00:15:29,219 --> 00:15:31,931
Hello Xiaomao. Perfect timing.
216
00:15:32,014 --> 00:15:34,808
Can you carry the charcoal to the office?
217
00:15:34,892 --> 00:15:36,060
Yes, ma'am.
218
00:15:39,730 --> 00:15:41,023
Excuse me.
219
00:15:47,363 --> 00:15:51,033
So this is Sir Jinshi's office...
220
00:15:51,617 --> 00:15:54,286
It's not flashy, but everything is
high quality.
221
00:15:54,370 --> 00:15:57,539
Just how high-class is
that "Young Master"?
222
00:16:02,962 --> 00:16:05,339
Observing the newcomer, huh?
223
00:16:06,215 --> 00:16:07,424
Bad vibes.
224
00:16:10,761 --> 00:16:13,931
A court lady for the outer court
is basically a clerk.
225
00:16:14,848 --> 00:16:17,935
They have certifications,
a good family, and a good education.
226
00:16:18,560 --> 00:16:22,022
They're not like the palace women of
the rear palace with diverse backgrounds.
227
00:16:22,106 --> 00:16:24,441
With such position comes pride.
228
00:16:28,988 --> 00:16:30,155
That's why
229
00:16:30,239 --> 00:16:33,701
they don't need to clean.
It's not their job, after all.
230
00:16:36,829 --> 00:16:39,623
Just who do you think you are?
231
00:16:40,290 --> 00:16:42,418
They must be well-fed to grow this large.
232
00:16:44,336 --> 00:16:48,257
Hey, I'm talking to you! Why does someone
like you work directly for Sir Jinshi?
233
00:16:51,969 --> 00:16:56,056
I guess staying quiet would
upset them even more.
234
00:16:57,141 --> 00:17:00,728
Does this mean you are jealous
of my position?
235
00:17:02,438 --> 00:17:03,939
Cut it out, will you?
236
00:17:04,648 --> 00:17:06,608
I worded it wrong.
237
00:17:07,484 --> 00:17:08,777
Can't be helped.
238
00:17:09,653 --> 00:17:12,614
You think I'm getting special treatment?
239
00:17:13,657 --> 00:17:16,577
Of course not, right?
240
00:17:16,660 --> 00:17:20,456
Why would a heavenly maiden like him
pay any attention
241
00:17:20,539 --> 00:17:21,915
to a plain girl like me?
242
00:17:23,250 --> 00:17:27,421
You think that the man you respect
so much has such bad taste?
243
00:17:28,213 --> 00:17:31,258
In a place with plenty of abalone
and boar meat,
244
00:17:31,341 --> 00:17:35,429
he would eat a scrawny piece of chicken?
245
00:17:36,013 --> 00:17:39,767
{\an8}That would mean he's got
a "unique preference" for girls.
246
00:17:39,850 --> 00:17:41,977
That's not for me to understand.
247
00:17:42,061 --> 00:17:45,105
So that's his taste, huh?
248
00:17:45,189 --> 00:17:46,648
I see, a "unique preference..."
249
00:17:46,732 --> 00:17:48,734
Of course not!
250
00:17:48,817 --> 00:17:49,651
Exactly!
251
00:17:49,735 --> 00:17:52,613
Then, why were you hired?
252
00:17:57,826 --> 00:17:58,994
This is the reason.
253
00:18:05,584 --> 00:18:08,337
{\an8}I experimented with burn medicine
the other day,
254
00:18:08,420 --> 00:18:10,464
{\an8}so my arm is in a pretty bad state.
255
00:18:10,547 --> 00:18:11,757
{\an8}It stings!
256
00:18:12,382 --> 00:18:14,635
The beautiful heavenly maiden
257
00:18:14,718 --> 00:18:17,179
also has the heart of one.
258
00:18:17,262 --> 00:18:21,225
He even provides someone like me
with a way to feed myself.
259
00:18:23,769 --> 00:18:24,978
Let's go.
260
00:18:33,737 --> 00:18:35,155
Finally.
261
00:18:35,739 --> 00:18:36,949
A "unique preference..."
262
00:18:38,909 --> 00:18:42,621
Are you always getting caught up
in fights like that?
263
00:18:42,704 --> 00:18:45,040
And what did you show on your left arm...
264
00:18:45,124 --> 00:18:47,751
All right, then.
I'll be off to clean the next place.
265
00:18:49,044 --> 00:18:50,671
And how's your studying going?
266
00:18:50,754 --> 00:18:52,381
Scatter, scatter...
267
00:18:52,464 --> 00:18:53,465
Hey!
268
00:18:53,549 --> 00:18:54,716
Scatter, scatter...
269
00:19:14,820 --> 00:19:16,446
Xiaomao...
270
00:19:17,322 --> 00:19:19,199
Quiet, all right?
271
00:19:27,082 --> 00:19:30,085
And finally, the day of the exams arrived...
272
00:19:33,213 --> 00:19:34,173
Why did you fail?
273
00:19:35,257 --> 00:19:37,092
Why did he think I'd pass?
274
00:19:38,385 --> 00:19:42,097
Maomao became Jinshi's
personal room maidservant.
275
00:19:43,891 --> 00:19:45,434
What shall we do?
276
00:19:45,517 --> 00:19:47,311
What shall we do, indeed?
277
00:20:21,595 --> 00:20:25,057
The area beyond this point is forbidden
for people like you.
278
00:20:25,641 --> 00:20:28,477
Can't she tell me before punching me?
279
00:20:29,895 --> 00:20:33,982
The scent of sandalwood
and a particular bitter aroma...
280
00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:46,662
The Board of Military, huh?
281
00:22:35,937 --> 00:22:37,355
PREVIEW OF NEXT EPISODE
282
00:22:37,439 --> 00:22:38,482
JADE PAVILION, PRECIOUS CONCUBINE, GYOKUYO
CRYSTAL PAVILION, WISE CONCUBINE, LIHUA
283
00:22:47,282 --> 00:22:49,951
{\an8}Next episode, "The New Pure Consort."
284
00:22:50,035 --> 00:22:50,869
{\an8}Subtitle translation by: Yukimi Ohashi