It's Not Easy Being King (King is Not Easy / Da Wang Bu Rong Yi / 大王不容易)

- Isn't the Princess doing well? - Yes.

But this is a labor camp. Can the Princess be pardoned?

If she stays too long, she might not last.

It is not time yet.

Not until she develops feelings for you.

How long will that be?

- Da Xi. - You're doing well.

This is for you.

I'll need you to watch over the Princess for a bit longer.

No problem. Don't worry, I'll take good care of her.

What are you planning to do?

Relax, relax!

This needs to be planned out appropriately.

Give me some time to think.

Think? What do you need to think about?

Haven't you already come up with a plan?

You're so longwinded! You think this is like a trip to the market?

It's not as simple as exchanging money for goods.

Do you want to the Princess to change or not?

I do.

Then stop talking and listen to me.

Don't be like that. Let me in on your plans.

- Tell me what to expect. I can help! - I know!

Tell me.

Tell me!

You have a plan already, don't you? Tell me something!

- Stop annoying me. - I'm worried about Wu Shuang. Please!

Who knew that after I sent Wu Shuang away

their relationship would progress so much!

- I'm so happy! - Oh my goodness. The King is possessed.

When did the palace become so cursed?

Shaman... Shaman, please hurry and come!

- Thank you, thank you! - For what?

You're so brilliant, so amazing!

I'll do anything you ask!

Shao Yong! I saw it all!

You were holding hands and all... You really...

What do you want me to do for you? I'll do anything!

- That? Don't worry, I've got your back. - I know!

How should I repay you?

Repay? I feel like eating a hearty meal right now

and getting a good night's sleep. The last few days have been exhausting.

Okay, okay! I'll cook for you right now. Wait here.

Have a taste.

Is it good?

- Yes, yes! - Really?

- Your skills have gotten better. - Well, of course!

You try too.

Delicious.

Empress Dowager. I have brought all four consorts.

Greetings, Your Highness. Many blessings to you.

We are all one family. There is no need for such politeness.

You may rise.

Consort Jin, does His Majesty still need to sleep with candlelight

every time he visits your chambers?

Yes, Your Highness. His Majesty gets anxious if he cannot see my face.

Consort Yin. Does His Majesty order fish every time he dines with you?

Yes, Your Highness. He specifically asks me to prepare it for him.

Consort Tong, Consort Mu. Do you remember whether

His Majesty's birthmark is on the right or left of his derriere?

- Left. - Right.

How dare you conspire to deceive me like this?

Consort Jin, let me inform you.

The King never sleeps with candlelight.

He cannot fall asleep in the presence of light.

Consort Yin, the King does not eat fish. He gets hives if he does.

Consort Tong, Consort Mu. The King doesn't even have a birthmark.

- Forgive us, Your Highness. - Forgive us. Your Highness.

His Majesty has never visited me.

I didn't ask you here to hear your apologies.

Let me inform you. If you are incapable of gaining the King's heart...

I am going to send you all back where you came from.

Please spare us, Your Highness!

Your Highness, don't stress.

Perhaps His Majesty is just not used to them. It will get better.

I didn't expect that all these consorts would be so useless.

They didn't just hand chopsticks to each other...

they were feeding each other!

I have a friend in His Majesty's room and she says he treats Da Xi so well!

Gosh, is Da Xi about to become a consort?

No, maybe even the Queen!

Who knows? But I can't believe the King's fallen for a maid.

But doesn't that mean we have a chance too?

What are you talking about?

Forgive us, Your Highness.

Get up.

What is going on? Tell me everything.

I will not have mercy on you if you choose to lie.

Yes, Your Highness.

Da Xi. Citizen of Haojing City.

19 years old. Both parents are dead.

Prior to entering the palace, she was a successful restaurant owner.

Her restaurant was extremely popular.

What? She's an orphan? And a cook?

Her background is so mediocre. How can she match my son?

How bold of her!

Your Highness, don't be angry. Her background isn't too good...

but His Majesty likes her.

I heard that she was specifically selected by him to be his personal maid.

Weren't you afraid that His Majesty was into men? So, you see, this...

Never mind.

She is still a girl. Now that she has gained the King's favor...

she cannot be reckless.

She still has to familiarize herself with palace rules and etiquette.

Go and call Da Xi over here.

I'd like to interrogate her.

Yes.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Rise.

Da Xi, I originally would have looked down on someone of your upbringing.

But I am also aware that His Majesty favors you.

I am going to accept you for his sake.

However, you must learn palace etiquette

in order to prevent humiliating His Majesty in public.

So beginning tomorrow, at sunrise, I want you to come to my chambers

and study palace etiquette with Qiu Shui.

Until you satisfactorily pass my test.

Understood.

Punctuality is one of the most important rules of etiquette.

You are late. Show your hands.

Let us begin today's lesson.

You must watch your posture next to the King.

When you sit, make sure your legs are touching.

Place your hands over your upper thighs.

Slowly move your bottom back.

Make sure you don't lean your head back. Keep your body straight.

Here, you try.

Oh no. I forgot I have to meet someone.

What now?

Qiu Shui, keeping appointments is also an important rule of etiquette.

Please excuse me, I need to leave now.

You may not. The Empress Dowager has ordered

that you are not allowed to leave until you finish the day's lesson.

Fine. Just palace etiquette, right?

How hard is that? Watch me.

Walk. Stop.

Sit.

Bow.

How's that? Can I leave?

It's very accurate. You may go.

They want to teach me? Who do they think I am?

- Increase the patrols. - Yes.

- Sorry, I'm late. I was busy. - I thought you weren't coming.

Why wouldn't I? I always keep my word.

I wouldn't leave you hanging after promising to help you.

So... Have you thought of anything?

It's been so long. I don't know if... Wu Shuang is still hanging in there.

His Majesty is the one who sent her there...

so therefore, he is the only one who can let her out.

We need to come up with an idea to let His Majesty forgive her

and make her think you asked him to.

That way, she'll be grateful to you and we'll have succeeded.

That's right.

How do we do that though?

Official Shao Yong!

What's wrong?

Miss Da Xi, Official Shao Yong.

The Princess just got injured in the midst of her labor.

What?

Princess.

Are you all right?

What are you doing here?

- What happened? Does it hurt? - I'm fine.

I told her not to force herself but she wouldn't listen.

She insisted on climbing up to clean the beams

and accidentally fell off the ladder.

Her ankle is sprained. I don't know if she broke any bones.

- Stop talking, please go. - You...

Wu Shuang.

It's all my fault.

I'm sorry.

You should go. You don't belong here.

How can I leave when you're injured like this?

I don't need your help. Go!

- I can do it! - Wu Shuang!

What are you doing?

I know how terrible I was before, so I swore I'd become a better person.

I'm going to change so His Majesty and the Empress Dowager are proud of me.

- But-- - Official Shao.

I'm really sorry for everything I did to you before.

Don't worry, I get it now. Things taken by force aren't enjoyable.

I'll leave you alone in the future.

You won't have to keep hiding from me.

Thank you for dealing with my impudence.

You should go.

I beg you, please take care of Wu Shuang.

I will not forget your kindness.

No problem. As long as you pay me, anything goes.