00:02:38,810 --> 00:02:40,170
Stop looking at everything!
00:02:40,170 --> 00:02:42,110
- This is the Forbidden City.
- So big!
00:02:42,110 --> 00:02:44,840
天底下头一份 尊贵的地方
In this world, this is the most honorable and respected place. [ Wei Yingluo ]
00:02:44,840 --> 00:02:47,510
岂容得你们乱看
How can you be allowed to randomly view it!
00:02:51,080 --> 00:02:54,100
Sister Uya, you look very pretty today! (T/N "sister" and "brother" are used generally as courteous address)
00:02:54,100 --> 00:02:57,110
你的簪子真好看
Sister Uya, your hairpin is really nice.
00:02:57,110 --> 00:02:59,180
This hairpin is also very nice.
00:02:59,180 --> 00:03:01,720
Everyone, look! Look over there!
00:03:02,970 --> 00:03:04,090
Who are they? [ Jixiang ]
00:03:04,090 --> 00:03:06,670
她们呀 都是过了复选
They are the ones who have passed through [ Linglong ]
00:03:06,670 --> 00:03:08,290
to the final round of the selection in the palace hall, they are "xiunv". (T/N Noble concubine candidates)
00:03:08,290 --> 00:03:10,960
They are wearing such beautiful clothing!
00:03:10,960 --> 00:03:14,700
- If I could put on beautiful clothing like that, I would be very pretty!
- How pretty!
00:03:14,700 --> 00:03:18,840
Those..all are precious daughters of prestigious families, entering the emperor's palace as masters.
[ Jinxiu ]
00:03:18,840 --> 00:03:20,640
None of us come from that sort of family background.
00:03:20,640 --> 00:03:24,840
Even if we were selected as talented individuals and trained, we would still have no choice but to be palace maids.
00:03:24,840 --> 00:03:27,070
It's just wishful thinking.
00:03:30,960 --> 00:03:32,850
Despicable, low-class maid!
00:03:32,850 --> 00:03:35,590
This gambiered silk I'm wearing was especially purchased from Jiangnan,
00:03:35,590 --> 00:03:37,870
precisely so as to prepare for today's selection at the palace hall!
[ Uya Qingdai ] (T/N English convention for the tribe "Wuya")
00:03:37,870 --> 00:03:40,720
You got it dirty, so what am I supposed to wear in His Majesty's attendance?
00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:42,340
It's all your servant's fault.
00:03:42,340 --> 00:03:44,870
Your servant will wipe it clean for you.
00:03:44,870 --> 00:03:46,490
Go away.
00:03:46,490 --> 00:03:49,480
Young Mistress, please spare my life! Young Mistress, please spare my life!
00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:52,340
Tell me, should I spare her?
00:03:52,340 --> 00:03:55,780
Sister Uya, she did not do it intentionally.
[ Lu Wanwan (left); Nalan Chunxue ]
00:03:55,780 --> 00:03:56,790
You should just forgive her.
00:03:56,790 --> 00:03:58,790
I didn't ask you.
00:04:01,210 --> 00:04:05,370
Young Mistress Uya, these servant girls all have just entered the palace as a palace maids.
[ Gugu Fang ] (T/N Gugu is a senior maidservant, also "momo")
00:04:05,370 --> 00:04:06,910
They are dumb like pigs.
00:04:06,910 --> 00:04:09,370
You can beat them or scold them all you want.
00:04:09,370 --> 00:04:12,410
But please don't allow your anger to harm your health here.
00:04:12,410 --> 00:04:15,270
Since you got my clothes dirty,
00:04:15,270 --> 00:04:18,510
then we'll have you repay with your hand.
00:04:20,240 --> 00:04:22,010
Hurts.
00:04:22,010 --> 00:04:23,510
No.
00:04:23,510 --> 00:04:25,810
No.
00:04:32,520 --> 00:04:34,380
May Young Mistress Uya lift her precious foot.
00:04:34,380 --> 00:04:37,790
A petty palace maid like you, you dare to delude yourself for my mercy?
00:04:37,790 --> 00:04:41,700
Humble words from your lowly servant hold no qualification.
00:04:41,700 --> 00:04:45,560
But today you will attend the selection and it's a grand honor of yours.
00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:49,970
It's best not to let blood taint your auspicious mood and fortune.
00:04:49,970 --> 00:04:52,610
You sure talk well.
00:04:52,610 --> 00:04:55,840
But now my shoes are dirty too.
00:04:55,840 --> 00:04:57,910
And I'm not happy.
00:05:01,720 --> 00:05:04,150
You are ingenious, Young Mistress.
00:05:04,150 --> 00:05:07,310
You have a lotus flower carved on your sole.
00:05:07,310 --> 00:05:12,690
But something is still lacking, and I dare to offer my assistance.
00:05:12,690 --> 00:05:14,630
How will you assist me?
00:05:25,620 --> 00:05:28,830
Linglong, give me your scented sachet.
00:05:28,830 --> 00:05:29,980
I --
00:05:29,980 --> 00:05:31,770
Hurry and give it to me.
00:05:51,950 --> 00:05:54,710
May Young Mistress lift her precious foot.
00:06:01,320 --> 00:06:04,810
This palace maid looks beautiful.
00:06:04,810 --> 00:06:09,120
So what if she's beautiful? She's still a baoyi by birth, born to be a servant. (T/N family of a middle-class man given higher responsibilities by the nobility, hereditary servitude)
00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:12,610
Destined to hold up Sister Uya's shoe.
00:06:16,060 --> 00:06:19,320
May Young Mistress try and take a couple of steps.
00:06:33,760 --> 00:06:38,160
Sister Uya, you're stamping lotus flowers on the ground. So beautiful.
00:06:38,160 --> 00:06:40,350
So special.
00:06:41,860 --> 00:06:43,510
I have not read much,
00:06:43,510 --> 00:06:46,060
but I listened when the book master told me this.
00:06:46,060 --> 00:06:52,690
Noble Consort Pan of Southern Qi Dynasty would imprint golden lotus on the ground. Between her steps, lotus flowers would bloom.
00:06:52,690 --> 00:06:56,910
So exquisite beyond words, and thus she won the emperor's favor.
00:06:56,910 --> 00:07:02,910
Today, I have offered a simple trick to embed rose powder into your sole.
00:07:02,910 --> 00:07:07,460
I offer my wish for Young Mistress to rise with each step and reach your goal.
00:07:09,170 --> 00:07:10,860
Alright.
00:07:10,860 --> 00:07:15,310
On your plight of looking like a pug, I will spare her life.
00:07:30,840 --> 00:07:34,910
Jixiang, how are you so foolish?
00:07:34,910 --> 00:07:37,200
You almost got us in huge peril.
00:07:37,200 --> 00:07:39,220
And you are unashamed to say it?
00:07:39,220 --> 00:07:42,620
If it weren't for you earlier, I wouldn't have made a mistake.
00:07:42,620 --> 00:07:44,640
Look.
00:07:44,640 --> 00:07:50,520
Alright. Palace maids are only retained after passing the sweeping and embroidery tests.
00:07:50,520 --> 00:07:54,450
Blabbering skills alone won't work. You need real skills.
00:07:54,450 --> 00:07:55,850
You all go.
00:07:55,850 --> 00:07:57,500
Hurry.
00:08:03,590 --> 00:08:07,160
Yingluo. That Uya Clan girl is so mean.
00:08:07,160 --> 00:08:10,230
Why did you help her to win the selection?
00:08:10,230 --> 00:08:13,880
I often heard that matters of the palace always come in pairs of blessing and misfortune.
00:08:13,880 --> 00:08:16,450
Whether that is truly a blessing or a misfortune,
00:08:16,450 --> 00:08:19,040
that is not yet set.
00:08:24,930 --> 00:08:27,250
Your Highness, the hall selection is about to commence.
[ Qing'er, Palace Maid ]
00:08:27,250 --> 00:08:30,100
You should hurry and get ready.
[ Empress Fuca ]
00:08:34,050 --> 00:08:35,980
Your Highness?
00:08:46,360 --> 00:08:48,860
[ Mingyu ]
00:08:50,940 --> 00:08:56,030
Today is for the selection candidates to fight for beauty. What is there for me to prepare?
00:08:56,030 --> 00:08:58,950
It'd be better to stay here and mend the flowers.
00:08:58,950 --> 00:09:02,600
给储秀宫那位机会
If Your Highness doesn't go, you will be giving that one in Chuxiu Palace an opportunity.
00:09:02,600 --> 00:09:04,350
Mingyu.
00:09:06,970 --> 00:09:09,920
Your Highness, hall selection is a grand event.
00:09:09,920 --> 00:09:13,110
You should at least go have a look, or else --
00:09:13,110 --> 00:09:15,530
Empress Dowager will cast blame on you again for ignoring your palace duty.
00:09:15,530 --> 00:09:19,450
You're so young but you all nag so much.
00:09:19,450 --> 00:09:22,010
Alright. Let's go then.
00:09:22,010 --> 00:09:26,060
Good then. I will dress and accessorize you right away.
00:09:40,970 --> 00:09:45,750
[ Noble Consort Gao ] (T/N Noble Consort is the third rank, with Empress being at the top)
00:10:07,870 --> 00:10:10,850
Greetings to Your Highness the Empress.
00:10:10,850 --> 00:10:12,690
You're spared further formality.
00:10:23,240 --> 00:10:31,890
Empress, this session of selection girls are extraordinary in quality. A few are just so beautiful.
00:10:31,890 --> 00:10:37,720
Our Great Qing's selection of maidens differs from the previous dynasty.
00:10:37,720 --> 00:10:40,260
We ought to pick ones from houses of honor.
00:10:40,260 --> 00:10:44,590
Girls with excellent character and conduct to serve by His Majesty.
00:10:44,590 --> 00:10:47,300
This is unrelated to their appearance.
00:10:47,300 --> 00:10:50,430
But we still can't choose some crooked melons or broken jujubes.
00:10:50,430 --> 00:10:54,160
It would stifle His Majesty on sight.
00:10:54,160 --> 00:10:57,460
And it would affect the appearance of the royal heirs too.
00:10:57,460 --> 00:11:04,890
No matter how beautiful the selection candidates are, they can't compare to the Noble Consort's glamour that is above all.
00:11:04,890 --> 00:11:09,240
I don't dare to accept your gracious compliment.
00:11:09,240 --> 00:11:15,880
However the peony is most beautiful and fragrant, king of all flowers.
00:11:15,880 --> 00:11:19,380
Surely it's not something anyone can serve as.
00:11:19,380 --> 00:11:23,170
皇上驾到
The Emperor has arrived!
00:11:27,300 --> 00:11:30,510
臣妾恭请皇上圣安
I respectfully greet Your Majesty and wish you good health.
00:11:32,370 --> 00:11:34,160
不必多礼
No need for formality.
00:11:41,140 --> 00:11:43,880
[ Qianlong, the Sixth Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Fourth to rule over China ]
00:11:52,570 --> 00:11:55,510
选秀开始
The Xiunv selection begins!
00:11:55,510 --> 00:11:57,820
[ List of Xiunv ]
00:12:13,380 --> 00:12:17,880
Minister of Justice, Suochuoluo Daojin's daughter.
00:12:17,880 --> 00:12:23,560
Suochuoluo Yuli. Age fifteen.
00:12:25,520 --> 00:12:27,470
The wind is very strong today.
00:12:27,470 --> 00:12:30,310
It must be strenuous for her to stand there.
00:12:31,010 --> 00:12:32,910
Your Majesty.
00:12:34,780 --> 00:12:39,600
Your Highness, she is too skinny.
00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:42,800
It seems like she will be blown away by a gust of the wind.
00:12:42,800 --> 00:12:47,390
Take down her tag. Grant her a flower.
00:12:51,870 --> 00:12:56,780
Minister of Imperial Stables, Gan Tanlin's daughter, Gan Ruyu.
00:12:56,780 --> 00:13:00,100
Age sixteen.
00:13:06,430 --> 00:13:09,570
Does she need to have five meals in a day?
00:13:11,490 --> 00:13:15,600
Take down her tag. Grant her a flower.
00:13:16,730 --> 00:13:20,560
Magistrate of Shuntian Prefecture, Janggiya Sixian's daughter.
00:13:20,560 --> 00:13:25,790
Janggiya Ruhong. Age sixteen.
00:13:27,480 --> 00:13:31,080
Does she apply soy sauce and bask in the sun every day?
00:13:31,970 --> 00:13:35,050
His Majesty is saying that you are too tanned.
00:13:35,680 --> 00:13:39,310
Why does she have so many spots on her face?
00:13:39,310 --> 00:13:43,570
Take down her tag. Grant her a flower.
00:13:45,740 --> 00:13:50,320
Minister of Imperial Sacrifices, Uya Xiongshan's daughter.
00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:52,230
Uya Qingdai.
00:13:52,230 --> 00:13:55,600
Age seventeen.
00:13:58,570 --> 00:14:01,010
What is that on the ground?
00:14:07,290 --> 00:14:09,250
What's wrong with your feet?
00:14:09,250 --> 00:14:13,250
To reply Your Majesty, these is known as "lotus steps".
00:14:16,170 --> 00:14:18,070
Remove her shoes and let me take a look.
00:14:18,070 --> 00:14:19,840
Yes.
00:14:32,970 --> 00:14:37,140
So the shoes have carvings of lotus flowers on the soles.
00:14:37,140 --> 00:14:40,770
The soles of the shoes are even stained with powder.
00:14:40,770 --> 00:14:44,280
She even put a lot of thought into it.
00:14:44,280 --> 00:14:46,500
Drag her out.
00:14:46,500 --> 00:14:50,930
Your Majesty, Your Majesty. I was...I was merely...
00:14:50,930 --> 00:14:54,330
I was just forging the lotus step only to stand out.
00:14:54,330 --> 00:14:56,610
May Your Majesty please pardon my offense.
00:14:58,950 --> 00:15:03,330
Your Highness, please save me. Please save me!
00:15:05,710 --> 00:15:11,930
Your Majesty, there's nothing wrong with a Xiunv trying to take the lead.
00:15:11,930 --> 00:15:15,300
If you dislike it, just grant her a flower and that's that.
00:15:15,300 --> 00:15:17,260
If you expel her from the palace in this manner,
00:15:17,260 --> 00:15:20,940
how will she face others in the future?
00:15:20,940 --> 00:15:23,290
I entered the palace for the selection.
00:15:23,290 --> 00:15:25,340
If I'm expelled in this manner,
00:15:25,340 --> 00:15:29,210
not only will I bring shame to my family, how would I live in the future?
00:15:29,210 --> 00:15:31,690
I have already given the decree
00:15:31,690 --> 00:15:34,660
to ban foot-binding among the Xiunvs.
00:15:34,660 --> 00:15:39,630
But in today's draft selection, there's more than just one or two with bound feet.
00:15:39,630 --> 00:15:42,100
Not just the Han banners.(T/N Prior to the Qing Dynasty, foot binding and breaking to reduce foot size was usual)
00:15:42,100 --> 00:15:46,910
Even the Uya clan is learning such an abolished, decaying practice?
00:15:47,640 --> 00:15:51,090
Pan Yunu was a bewitching Noble Consort. (T/N Southern Qi Dynasty, end of 4th century CE)
00:15:51,800 --> 00:15:54,500
Xiao Baojuan was an incompetent king. (T/N Southern Qi Emperor, overthrown after a violent reign)
00:15:54,500 --> 00:15:58,870
Are you learning this from her to create disorder?
00:16:01,190 --> 00:16:03,670
If such a woman is chosen to enter the palace,
00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:06,410
she will definitely cause troubles.
00:16:06,410 --> 00:16:10,160
Not only will I expel her from the palace, I will also get her father
00:16:10,160 --> 00:16:13,590
made an example with punishment to war the others!
00:16:13,590 --> 00:16:17,410
- Let's go!
- Your Majesty! Your Majesty, I know my mistake!
00:16:17,410 --> 00:16:19,280
It was that lousy female slave who harmed me!
00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:23,130
Your Majesty! Your Majesty, it was that lousy female slave who harmed me!
00:16:23,130 --> 00:16:25,360
Your Majesty! Your Majesty, spare my life!
00:16:25,360 --> 00:16:30,350
Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Your Majesty, spare my life. Your Majesty..!
00:16:30,350 --> 00:16:31,710
好可怕
It's so scary.
00:16:31,710 --> 00:16:33,590
皇上 臣妾知错了
I know my mistake.
00:16:33,590 --> 00:16:36,160
都是那个贱婢害臣女的 (T/N 贱 lowly, 婢 servant girl, 害 evil)
dōu shì nàgè jiàn bì hài chén nǚ de
Your Majesty, it was that lousy female slave!
00:16:36,160 --> 00:16:37,570
她到底做错了什么
What did she do wrong?
00:16:37,570 --> 00:16:41,350
皇上 皇上 饶命啊
Your Majesty! Your Majesty, spare my life.
00:16:56,760 --> 00:16:59,510
Chief Steward Wu, you are here.
00:16:59,510 --> 00:17:02,470
I'm here to take a look at the new palace maids.
00:17:22,920 --> 00:17:27,040
Chief Steward Wu, there's still another half of the lit incense stick before time's up.
00:17:27,040 --> 00:17:29,020
Why don't you have some tea first?
00:17:29,020 --> 00:17:30,460
Take me to the storehouse to have a look.
00:17:30,460 --> 00:17:33,120
Fine. This way, please.
00:17:56,160 --> 00:17:57,750
A palace maid
00:17:57,750 --> 00:18:01,090
needs to be clever and quick-witted. Look at how stupid you are.
00:18:01,090 --> 00:18:04,070
Even if you enter the palace, you will be kicked out soon.
00:18:04,070 --> 00:18:07,920
If you want me to say it, just don't waste your energy.
00:18:14,050 --> 00:18:16,250
What a pity.
00:18:18,230 --> 00:18:21,890
Linglong, we grew up together.
00:18:21,890 --> 00:18:25,990
Help me to think of a solution immediately. Okay?
00:18:25,990 --> 00:18:28,550
What solution would I have?
00:18:28,550 --> 00:18:30,810
I haven't finished my embroidery either.
00:19:01,520 --> 00:19:05,970
Wipe off your tears. Don't let Momo Zhang see it.
00:19:07,870 --> 00:19:09,520
Are you crazy?
00:19:09,520 --> 00:19:12,790
The request is for a golden carp. This part is stained with blood.
00:19:12,790 --> 00:19:15,560
No matter what you do, it's too late for you to salvage it.
00:19:16,340 --> 00:19:18,100
We only have time left of half the incense stick before it's burned out.
00:19:18,100 --> 00:19:21,590
You don't have enough time to redo the embroidery.
00:19:21,590 --> 00:19:25,590
There are only two stitches left for the peony flower. Help me to finish it.
00:19:27,650 --> 00:19:29,960
Blindly flaunting her superiority.
00:19:34,930 --> 00:19:38,990
No, I can't implicate you. Let's switch it back.
00:19:45,130 --> 00:19:54,450
Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.
00:20:22,120 --> 00:20:24,340
Okay, time's up.
00:20:24,340 --> 00:20:26,520
Put down your needles.
00:20:41,030 --> 00:20:43,140
Chief Steward Wu.
00:20:46,570 --> 00:20:49,720
The embroidery skill is delicate. Not bad.
00:20:55,330 --> 00:20:56,890
This is...
00:20:56,890 --> 00:20:59,900
Reporting, Chief Steward Wu. This is double-sided embroidery.
00:21:01,770 --> 00:21:04,850
Great. Excellent.
00:21:09,630 --> 00:21:11,450
Not bad.
00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:18,290
What a mess. What did you embroider?
00:21:39,300 --> 00:21:43,160
This peony flower is vivid, life-like, has good form and charming.
00:21:43,160 --> 00:21:46,600
The embroidery skill is uncommon. It's the best.
00:21:46,600 --> 00:21:48,310
That's right.
00:21:50,140 --> 00:21:53,630
Chief Steward Wu, why don't you take a look at Wei Yingluo's embroidery piece?
00:21:53,630 --> 00:21:57,780
She took the longest time to complete it. It should be done well.
00:22:00,260 --> 00:22:02,420
Let me take a look.
00:22:08,110 --> 00:22:10,100
Momo Zhang.
00:22:12,790 --> 00:22:14,220
Very skillfully thought out.
00:22:14,220 --> 00:22:16,380
The needlework is not bad too.
00:22:16,380 --> 00:22:22,100
Chief Steward Wu, this palace maid is very talented.
00:22:22,100 --> 00:22:25,300
Chief Steward Wu, Yingluo cheated for someone.
00:22:25,300 --> 00:22:27,000
What?
00:22:28,970 --> 00:22:34,420
Deputy minister Nalan Yongshou's daughter, Nalan Chunxue.
00:22:34,420 --> 00:22:37,620
Age sixteen.
00:22:45,350 --> 00:22:47,040
What happened to your ears.
00:22:47,040 --> 00:22:50,040
Replying to Your Majesty, my father told me that
00:22:50,040 --> 00:22:53,190
women wearing three earrings and elevated shoes
00:22:53,190 --> 00:22:55,620
are traditions passed down from our ancestors.
00:22:55,620 --> 00:22:59,920
If we were to abandon our traditions and mimic the Han women,
00:22:59,920 --> 00:23:02,590
then it would mean that we have forgotten about our ancestry.
00:23:07,690 --> 00:23:09,450
Well said.
00:23:09,450 --> 00:23:15,280
The Qing Dynasty has entered the mainland for a while now, the Manchurian traditions are slowly being forgotten.
00:23:16,090 --> 00:23:20,190
I ordered them to study the Han language and learn their etiquette.
00:23:20,190 --> 00:23:24,010
I didn't order them to forget who they are.
00:23:25,610 --> 00:23:28,770
Keep the name tag.
00:23:29,730 --> 00:23:31,680
Thank you, Your Majesty.
00:23:35,000 --> 00:23:40,920
Guanglu Temple's Deputy Head Lu Shilong's daughter, Lu Wanwan.
00:23:40,920 --> 00:23:44,320
Age sixteen.
00:23:45,350 --> 00:23:47,780
I still have reports to review, I have to leave.
00:23:47,780 --> 00:23:50,480
Your Majesty, then what about this?
00:23:50,480 --> 00:23:55,670
Empress, please handle this accordingly, I trust your decisions.
00:24:08,400 --> 00:24:12,500
If His Majesty left, it means that there is not much left to see.
00:24:12,500 --> 00:24:15,680
I'm leaving as well.
00:24:22,870 --> 00:24:26,020
I saw with my own eyes that Jixiang's piece has been stained with blood.
00:24:26,020 --> 00:24:28,860
Wei Yingluo exchanged hers with Jixiang and completed it instead.
00:24:28,860 --> 00:24:32,040
Rules are very clear within the palace,
00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:35,020
if one person is cheating, both of them should be expelled from the palace.
00:24:36,180 --> 00:24:38,560
Is this what happened?
00:24:38,560 --> 00:24:40,320
I...
00:24:41,580 --> 00:24:43,080
I...
00:24:44,360 --> 00:24:48,270
What do you mean, "I", Chief Steward Wu is asking you a question!
00:24:48,270 --> 00:24:50,210
Hurry up and answer it.
00:24:50,210 --> 00:24:52,890
Momo Zhang, it's all my fault.
00:24:52,890 --> 00:24:55,520
Who said that we cheated?
00:24:59,740 --> 00:25:02,010
If you don't believe me, just take a look.
00:25:05,080 --> 00:25:06,750
Look.
00:25:08,390 --> 00:25:11,520
They are intended as one piece, "peony and pheasant" embroidery.
00:25:11,520 --> 00:25:15,910
Because it takes a long time to complete, Jixiang and I thus collaborated in order to complete it.
00:25:15,910 --> 00:25:18,850
- But you!
- I ask you this:
00:25:18,850 --> 00:25:21,260
when I handed this to Jixiang,
00:25:21,260 --> 00:25:24,750
was the peony not a work in progress still?
00:25:24,750 --> 00:25:30,880
Same goes for the pheasant, when Jixiang handed it to me, it was only partly-embroidered.
00:25:30,880 --> 00:25:32,720
Was it not so?
00:25:34,420 --> 00:25:40,440
If they were both unfinished pieces, how is this cheating?
00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:43,610
This is an unprecedented case in the palace.
00:25:43,610 --> 00:25:46,680
Chief Steward Wu, what do you think?
00:26:00,390 --> 00:26:02,480
Well done.
00:26:02,480 --> 00:26:04,910
Well considered.
00:26:06,350 --> 00:26:08,780
You all remember this,
00:26:11,170 --> 00:26:16,640
when serving inside the palace, you have to talk less and work more.
00:26:16,640 --> 00:26:20,820
Your masters dislike scandals the most.
00:26:20,820 --> 00:26:22,480
Take her out.
00:26:22,480 --> 00:26:24,380
Remove her name!
00:26:24,380 --> 00:26:26,980
Chief Steward Wu, I was wrong, I won't do it any more!
00:26:26,980 --> 00:26:29,100
Chief Steward Wu, please spare me!
00:26:29,100 --> 00:26:31,270
Spare me! Chief Steward Wu!
00:26:31,270 --> 00:26:35,010
Please spare me, I was wrong!
00:26:36,620 --> 00:26:39,180
Jixiang, hurry and stand up.
00:26:43,280 --> 00:26:45,860
These girls all have extraordinary embroidery skills.
00:26:45,860 --> 00:26:48,260
From now on, they are to remain in the embroidery workshop.
00:26:48,260 --> 00:26:49,990
Yes.
00:26:54,460 --> 00:26:57,080
[ Changchun Palace ]
00:27:10,580 --> 00:27:13,680
Your Highness the Empress is are too kind!
00:27:13,680 --> 00:27:16,720
Look at that Noble Consort Gao talking about peonies.
00:27:16,720 --> 00:27:19,280
What's all that about surpassing all other flowers, extraordinary beauty and heavenly scented...
00:27:19,280 --> 00:27:23,390
She's clearing speaking out of her rank, why aren't you upset? (T/N peony would be appropriate to the Empress)
00:27:23,390 --> 00:27:26,010
How many years have you spent inside the palace?
00:27:26,010 --> 00:27:29,940
Don't you already know what kind of person she is?
00:27:29,940 --> 00:27:32,020
Today is the selection day,
00:27:32,020 --> 00:27:35,960
we can't let something small upset us both.
00:27:35,960 --> 00:27:37,460
Something small?
00:27:37,460 --> 00:27:41,070
I just can't stand her arrogance!
00:27:41,070 --> 00:27:43,720
You are the Empress, you have a mother's love to care for all people.
00:27:43,720 --> 00:27:45,590
Who does she think she is?
00:27:45,590 --> 00:27:47,490
Treading on Changchun Palace every step along the way.
00:27:47,490 --> 00:27:49,380
Mingyu...
00:27:50,630 --> 00:27:55,100
Your Highness, I'm only stating the injustice done to you.
00:27:55,100 --> 00:27:58,780
Take a step backwards and see the broader horizon.
00:27:58,780 --> 00:28:02,160
With a little forbearance, you will find calm and peace.
00:28:02,160 --> 00:28:08,860
Inside this palace, if you mind every little thing, will your life be easier?
00:28:08,860 --> 00:28:12,660
But the most important person in His Majesty's heart is clearly you!
00:28:12,660 --> 00:28:15,250
The grace bestowed upon you is the foremost in comparison.
00:28:15,250 --> 00:28:17,650
- Why the forbearance?
- Mingyu!
00:28:18,490 --> 00:28:20,490
Her Highness is tired.
00:28:27,580 --> 00:28:29,280
Your Highness the Empress.
00:28:29,280 --> 00:28:32,800
His Majesty had someone bring this plaque over which states "Meditate Within",
00:28:32,800 --> 00:28:35,090
and also the drawing of "Tai Si teaching her son".
00:28:35,090 --> 00:28:37,930
Does Your Highness wish to look at it now?
00:28:40,650 --> 00:28:43,410
Okay. Take it with you and store it for now.
00:28:43,410 --> 00:28:46,480
The plaque and the drawing..?
00:28:48,420 --> 00:28:51,300
Hang up the plaque.
00:28:51,300 --> 00:28:53,060
As for
00:28:53,750 --> 00:28:56,270
the drawing...
00:28:56,270 --> 00:28:58,360
pick a fitting date, hang it up as well.
00:28:59,060 --> 00:29:00,190
Go and arrange it.
00:29:00,190 --> 00:29:01,950
Yes.
00:29:06,150 --> 00:29:08,160
You can all leave now.
00:29:08,160 --> 00:29:11,250
I want to rest a little by myself.
00:29:12,970 --> 00:29:24,060
Subtitles brought to you by The Gentle Empress Team @ Viki.
00:29:26,280 --> 00:29:28,530
- What are you doing?
- Shhh...
00:29:30,120 --> 00:29:33,730
娘娘心情不好吗 还㭌在那儿做什么
Can't you see that Her Highness is in a bad mood, you mustn't stick around.
00:29:33,730 --> 00:29:37,040
娘娘为何心情不佳？
It's only a drawing from His Majesty, why is Her Highness in a bad mood?
00:29:37,040 --> 00:29:41,130
Do you know what "Tai Si teaching her son" is?
00:29:42,160 --> 00:29:47,100
Tai Si was the official wife to Emperor Wen of Zhou, Emperor Wu's biological mother. (T/N Yuwen Tai)
00:29:47,100 --> 00:29:49,800
She was smart and virtuous, benevolent yet fair-minded.
00:29:49,800 --> 00:29:52,310
She was loved by the emperor and the people.
00:29:52,310 --> 00:29:53,890
Isn't it a good thing?
00:29:53,890 --> 00:29:58,050
It means that His Majesty hopes that Her Highness will follow Tai Si as her example and become a virtuous Empress.
00:29:58,050 --> 00:29:59,360
You...
00:29:59,360 --> 00:30:01,530
The Second Prince passed away three years ago. (T/N Yonglian, Crown Prince Duanhui posthumously, died November 23, 1738.)
00:30:01,530 --> 00:30:03,490
Ever since then, Her Highness has been melancholic.
00:30:03,490 --> 00:30:06,230
She can't focus on anything.
00:30:06,230 --> 00:30:10,150
His Majesty wants to remind Her Highness through today's act
00:30:10,150 --> 00:30:12,260
to not forget about the duties of an Empress.
00:30:12,260 --> 00:30:13,760
That's not it!
00:30:13,760 --> 00:30:16,060
His Majesty wanted to let Her Highness know
00:30:16,060 --> 00:30:20,330
that whatever happens, she is the master of the inner palace.
00:30:20,330 --> 00:30:24,940
Don't forget about the fact that His Majesty is always most concerned about Changchun Palace.
00:30:24,940 --> 00:30:30,140
Her Highness distanced herself from His Majesty because of what happened to the Second Prince.
00:30:35,330 --> 00:30:38,660
"Xi Lingshi breeding silkworms"! What's the meaning of this! (T/N Leizu, Yellow Emperor's wife, discovered silk)
00:30:38,660 --> 00:30:42,460
Why is Your Highness so angry all of the sudden?
00:30:42,460 --> 00:30:44,250
His Majesty wants to remind me that
00:30:44,250 --> 00:30:46,880
I have to be a diligent concubine!
00:30:46,880 --> 00:30:48,620
Your Highness the Noble Consort.
00:30:48,620 --> 00:30:55,690
Ever since we entered the palace, she became the Empress of the Qing dynasty.
00:30:55,690 --> 00:30:58,930
Her yearly allowance is one thousand ounces.
00:30:58,930 --> 00:31:01,630
I have to settle for four hundred ounces less.
00:31:01,630 --> 00:31:04,500
Changchun Palace uses gold.
00:31:04,500 --> 00:31:07,970
Chuxiu Palace can only use silver.
00:31:07,970 --> 00:31:12,520
Her honor guard surpasses mine.
00:31:12,520 --> 00:31:17,880
When there are festivities or celebrations, I receive a lot fewer rewards than she does.
00:31:17,880 --> 00:31:20,550
I can tolerate all this.
00:31:20,550 --> 00:31:22,500
What about His Majesty.
00:31:22,500 --> 00:31:25,570
I was a living person standing there.
00:31:25,570 --> 00:31:28,430
His Majesty didn't even look at me,
00:31:28,430 --> 00:31:31,890
he had only eyes for her!
00:31:31,890 --> 00:31:34,460
这叫人怎么忍？
How can one tolerate this!
00:31:34,460 --> 00:31:37,260
The stupid drawing he granted me,
00:31:37,260 --> 00:31:40,340
就是在说本宫僭越 (T/N 僭越 overstep one's authority)
jiùshì zài shuō běn gōng jiànyuè
he wants to let me know that I overstepped.
00:31:40,340 --> 00:31:44,360
欺负了他心爱的皇后 (T/N 欺负 bully)
Qīfùle tā xīn'ài de huánghòu
That I bullied his beloved Empress.
00:31:45,830 --> 00:31:49,060
您怎么扯出这么大一堆
Your Highness, you are rambling.
00:31:49,060 --> 00:31:51,170
您误会了
You misunderstood.
00:31:55,500 --> 00:31:57,000
误会?
Misunderstood?
00:31:57,000 --> 00:31:58,330
误会什么?
What have I misunderstood?
00:31:58,330 --> 00:32:03,160
Your Highness, His Majesty gave all six palaces plaques.
00:32:03,160 --> 00:32:10,090
His Majesty commissioned to have twelve instructional drawings made based on the ancient stories.
00:32:10,090 --> 00:32:13,700
For Zhongcui Palace, it's a painting of "Empress Xu serving (rice) cake."
00:32:13,700 --> 00:32:16,670
For Qixiang Palace, it's painting of "Empress Jiang taking off her hairpin."
00:32:16,670 --> 00:32:23,720
Allow me to speak over my place, but does His Majesty intend to raise both consorts to empresses?
00:32:24,630 --> 00:32:28,980
What I mean is, His Majesty was just caught up in the mood
00:32:28,980 --> 00:32:33,610
and wants everyone to model themselves after the sage empresses and consorts of the old days.
00:32:33,610 --> 00:32:37,770
Then you have no need to stay angry, Your Highness.
00:32:38,790 --> 00:32:42,530
You sure were born with a skillful mouth.
00:32:42,530 --> 00:32:44,430
Sit.
00:32:49,230 --> 00:32:52,400
I am not talented, but I wish to assist you.
00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:58,020
Then tell me, what does His Majesty mean?
00:32:58,020 --> 00:33:02,780
I am speculating that the twelve paintings combined
00:33:02,780 --> 00:33:07,330
represent the ideal empress His Majesty pictures in his mind.
00:33:07,330 --> 00:33:09,850
For example, "Consort Xu's direct admonishment."
00:33:09,850 --> 00:33:12,830
He wants everyone to be like Consort Xu Hui. (T/N Tang poet of about 1000 poems, of which 5 survive)
00:33:12,830 --> 00:33:17,690
When Tang's Emperor Taizong committed a mistake, she spoke up bravely directly against him.
00:33:19,630 --> 00:33:24,770
Then "Empress Cao farming." He's saying for the harem to work the fields?
393
00:33:24,770 --> 00:33:26,580
Your Highness.
00:33:26,580 --> 00:33:31,000
His Majesty wishes for the harem to be like Empress Cao of Song's Emperor Renzong.
00:33:31,000 --> 00:33:34,420
Frugal and simple, valuing agriculture.
00:33:34,420 --> 00:33:39,100
"Jieyu blocking the bear." He hopes that when he's in danger,
00:33:39,100 --> 00:33:44,890
someone can be like Feng Jieyu protecting Han's Emperor Yuan, so brave and putting her life on the line to protect him.
00:33:44,890 --> 00:33:48,020
As for "Empress Xu serving the cake," this needs no explanation.
00:33:48,020 --> 00:33:52,910
It's for us to be filial to the elder, Empress Dowager.
00:33:52,910 --> 00:33:59,740
You mean, His Majesty wants us to be virtuous and kind,
00:33:59,740 --> 00:34:04,770
but also beautiful above the crowd, as well as frugal and family-minded.
00:34:04,770 --> 00:34:08,340
With also the courage to move forward?
00:34:08,340 --> 00:34:10,860
Your Highness, you are correct.
00:34:10,860 --> 00:34:15,040
You are very smart and only needed to be pointed in the right direction.
00:34:15,040 --> 00:34:18,930
Does he want women or divinities?
00:34:21,210 --> 00:34:23,500
When the current Emperor was still Qinwang Bao, (T/N Hongli, Prince Bao of the First Rank)
00:34:23,500 --> 00:34:27,580
you and Fuca clan and Gao clan women all entered the prince's manor together.
00:34:27,580 --> 00:34:29,980
Fuca clan is a family of generations of high ministers.
[ Consort Xian, Hoifa-Nara Clan ]
00:34:29,980 --> 00:34:34,470
And she was favored by the late Emperor, so we can't compete.
00:34:34,470 --> 00:34:37,290
But that Gao clan's power is just mediocre.
00:34:37,290 --> 00:34:39,710
She got to be the second side wife back in the prince's manor. (T/N Cefujin, side wife, under Princess Consort)
00:34:39,710 --> 00:34:42,670
To be shoulder to shoulder with you there, but now in the Imperial palace,
[ Madam Hoifa-Nara ]
00:34:42,670 --> 00:34:46,180
she was promoted to Noble Consort and is pressing you down.
00:34:46,180 --> 00:34:47,820
Where's the justice?
00:34:47,820 --> 00:34:51,340
Mother, don't say anymore. I don't want to hear this.
00:34:51,340 --> 00:34:53,960
Don't want to hear it?
00:34:53,960 --> 00:34:56,720
If you don't want to hear this, what do you want to hear?
00:34:56,720 --> 00:35:01,220
You have been with His Majesty for many years and you are still Consort Xian.
00:35:01,220 --> 00:35:04,170
Chengqian Palace is such a big place. If His Majesty doesn't visit you,
00:35:04,170 --> 00:35:07,040
what's the difference between here and the Cold Palace?
00:35:07,040 --> 00:35:09,930
Gao clan's father and brother are moving up in the ranks.
00:35:09,930 --> 00:35:13,900
If you don't compete, you won't be able to compete for any benefits for the family.
00:35:13,900 --> 00:35:16,450
What's the use of sending you to enter the palace?
00:35:16,450 --> 00:35:18,870
Mother.
00:35:18,870 --> 00:35:22,230
Your pitiful father. He's worked so diligently all his life.
00:35:22,230 --> 00:35:27,200
He's already spent two whole decades as a banner commander.
00:35:27,200 --> 00:35:31,120
For your pitiful father, to put in a few favorable words for him before His Majesty
00:35:31,120 --> 00:35:33,150
so he can get a transfer too, can't you?
00:35:33,150 --> 00:35:37,430
Mother, this can't be done in the harem. I must not make it difficult for His Majesty.
00:35:37,430 --> 00:35:39,000
Zhen'er.
00:35:39,000 --> 00:35:41,250
Make it difficult for him? Alright.
00:35:41,250 --> 00:35:43,870
Fine. Just stay here and endure the pain then.
00:35:43,870 --> 00:35:49,230
I want to see whether His Majesty will take pity on you and look at you.
00:35:55,770 --> 00:36:00,410
H-How did I give birth to such an unremarkable daughter like you?
00:36:08,490 --> 00:36:14,640
Your Highness, why don't you say a few soft words to her? What do you really want?
00:36:27,160 --> 00:36:30,410
My first wish is for my man to live a long life.
00:36:30,410 --> 00:36:33,560
My second wish is to stay healthy.
00:36:34,870 --> 00:36:41,460
My third wish is for us to be like sparrows on the beam, together for a long time.
00:36:51,220 --> 00:36:56,190
Your Majesty, I would like to ask something.
00:36:56,190 --> 00:36:59,390
Those twelve devotion paintings together.
00:36:59,390 --> 00:37:02,870
Is that your aspirations for the harem consorts?
00:37:07,830 --> 00:37:11,210
Your Majesty, at least I am
00:37:11,210 --> 00:37:13,680
still half a man.
00:37:13,680 --> 00:37:17,140
I have seen many women in the Forbidden City.
00:37:17,140 --> 00:37:20,860
Now, women, they look so delicate and charming.
00:37:20,860 --> 00:37:27,160
With their elegant figures so alluring. Then they learn a few poems and songs and dances, flutes and zithers.
00:37:27,160 --> 00:37:30,410
That is already a rarity.
00:37:30,410 --> 00:37:33,500
To ask them to meld all the virtues into one body?
00:37:33,500 --> 00:37:37,050
That is...where do you find one?
00:37:38,540 --> 00:37:41,140
I just thought they were idling too much.
00:37:41,990 --> 00:37:43,100
You mean.
00:37:43,100 --> 00:37:46,330
Idleness creates trouble.
00:37:46,330 --> 00:37:49,450
I granted the devotion paintings to the harem.
00:37:49,450 --> 00:37:51,060
It should keep them busy for a while.
00:37:51,060 --> 00:37:54,590
Busy for a while?
00:37:54,590 --> 00:37:57,350
That's not all that useful though.
00:37:58,220 --> 00:38:00,380
Because they are.
00:38:01,530 --> 00:38:04,900
Because most of them are dumb like you.
00:38:04,900 --> 00:38:10,990
That they only think I'm reminding them to be virtuous and kind.
00:38:12,170 --> 00:38:17,860
In order to meet my aspiration and be that virtuous and merit-bound woman to win my fondness,
00:38:17,860 --> 00:38:20,060
they would have to keep quiet for a few days.
00:38:20,060 --> 00:38:23,640
Then I can have a few days of peace and quiet.
00:38:23,640 --> 00:38:30,190
Your Majesty, all this trouble and you're messing with them?
00:38:32,870 --> 00:38:37,330
The tributes are complete!
00:38:37,330 --> 00:38:40,480
The gates are being locked!
00:38:40,480 --> 00:38:41,710
Beware of lantern and fire.
00:38:41,710 --> 00:38:46,600
The tributes are complete.
00:38:46,600 --> 00:38:50,430
The gates are being locked!
00:38:50,430 --> 00:38:53,880
灯火小心
Beware of lantern and fire.
00:38:57,160 --> 00:38:59,360
快行礼 快行礼
Hurry and pay respects!
00:39:06,630 --> 00:39:09,180
看什么 不要命了
What are you looking at? You want to die?
00:39:14,610 --> 00:39:17,320
那就是妃嫔仪驾呀?
That's the consort's yijia? (T/N carriage, or carried chair)
00:39:18,850 --> 00:39:22,030
没见识的东西
What an ignorant thing.
00:39:22,030 --> 00:39:24,920
只有皇后用的才叫仪驾
Only the empress's carriage is called the yijia.
00:39:24,920 --> 00:39:29,110
刚才过去的是高贵妃. 那叫仪仗
That was Noble Consort Gao that passed by. That's called "yizhang".
00:39:29,110 --> 00:39:31,730
那其他嫔妃呢?
Then, what about other consorts?
00:39:31,730 --> 00:39:33,990
那叫采仗
Those are called "caizhang".
00:39:33,990 --> 00:39:37,460
不过 只有一宫主位才能用
But only a mistress of a palace can use it.
00:39:37,460 --> 00:39:41,080
璎珞，你都不好奇吗？
Yingluo, aren't you curious?
00:39:44,300 --> 00:39:49,090
姑姑，那高贵妃 她是要去哪儿啊？
Gugu, where is Noble Consort Gao going then?
00:39:49,090 --> 00:39:52,520
主子去哪儿 你就甭惦记了 (T/N 甭 need not, 惦记 to keep thinking about)
zhǔzi qù nǎ'er nǐ jiù béng diàn jì le
You don't need to worry about where the mistress is going.
00:39:52,520 --> 00:39:54,920
把眼睛从眼眶里
Your eyes are popping out of your eye sockets.
00:39:54,920 --> 00:39:57,150
看出来呀 你们都没那个命
You aren't that lucky.
00:39:57,150 --> 00:39:59,460
走吧 别看了
Let's go. Stop looking.
00:40:08,670 --> 00:40:10,430
皇上
Your Majesty.
00:40:22,080 --> 00:40:25,230
今儿倒是都来全了
So everyone's gathered here today.
00:40:26,080 --> 00:40:30,400
娘娘, 纯妃受了风寒 还未好全呢
Your Highness, Consort Chun is down with the chills and hasn't recovered fully.
00:40:31,790 --> 00:40:36,790
这一年三百六十五天呢, 有一半的日子都在病着
Of the three hundred sixty-five days a year, she's sick half of them.
00:40:36,790 --> 00:40:40,530
What a sickly one.
00:40:40,530 --> 00:40:42,180
You are right, Your Highness.
00:40:42,180 --> 00:40:47,160
Sister Chun is sick every other day, and her bones and body are indeed quite weak.
[ Noble Lady Ying (Guiren, 6th rank below Empress) ]
00:40:47,160 --> 00:40:52,320
Yesterday we were discussing of visiting her in the sickbed.
00:40:52,320 --> 00:40:56,470
Consort Chun is sick, but she's got the Empress caring after her.
00:40:56,470 --> 00:40:59,340
We don't need you few to worry now, do we?
00:40:59,340 --> 00:41:01,250
Yes.
00:41:08,580 --> 00:41:11,750
You're always in a pair.
[ Zhilan, Palace Maid ]
00:41:11,750 --> 00:41:15,490
How is it you're alone today?
[ Imperial Concubine Yi (Pin, 5th rank below Empress) ]
00:41:17,120 --> 00:41:20,370
Imperial Concubine Yi, Noble Consort is asking you a question.
00:41:20,370 --> 00:41:22,720
Where is Noble Lady Yu?
00:41:25,730 --> 00:41:30,800
Replying to Noble Consort, Noble Lady Yu is unwell so she reported she will be absent.
00:41:32,120 --> 00:41:35,500
Another sick one?
00:41:40,120 --> 00:41:44,460
I don't know what malevolent breeze is coming through this Forbidden City.
00:41:44,460 --> 00:41:46,900
Everyone's falling down ill.
00:41:46,900 --> 00:41:52,020
I guess it's time for the royal physician to have a good look.
00:41:52,020 --> 00:41:54,810
I said the same to her.
00:41:54,810 --> 00:41:58,090
Just that Ayan is always scared of taking medicine.
00:41:58,090 --> 00:42:03,750
And she's only coughing lightly, so I believe it's nothing serious.
00:42:03,750 --> 00:42:06,990
She really doesn't need to be seen by the royal physician?
00:42:06,990 --> 00:42:10,450
She'll be recovered in a couple of days.
00:42:10,450 --> 00:42:12,660
She's troubled your concern.
00:42:12,660 --> 00:42:16,020
But this really doesn't need attention given to it.
00:42:16,850 --> 00:42:21,390
Everyone, today's hall selection has ended.
00:42:21,390 --> 00:42:25,230
The newly-selected concubines will be entering the palace soon.
00:42:25,230 --> 00:42:28,690
If anyone is sick, get yourselves recovered quickly.
00:42:28,690 --> 00:42:31,600
And the ones who aren't sick, get your spirits alert.
00:42:31,600 --> 00:42:36,260
Don't let the newcomers press you down.
00:42:36,260 --> 00:42:37,340
Yes.
00:42:37,340 --> 00:42:39,310
Yes.
00:42:44,000 --> 00:42:46,400
Disperse.
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