The Virtuous Queen of Han (衛子夫)

It's been years and I've never had a child.

Now that Lady Wei is finally pregnant

how could I not investigate if someone intentionally plotted to kill her?

I said that you are not to investigate any further!

- Greetings to Grandmother and Mother. - Greetings to Grandmother and Mother.

Hasn't this matter been cleared up?

Why would you bother yourself with such trifles?

Grandmother has always placed much emphasis on kinship.

Why would you stop me from investigating the culprit

behind the attempted murder of the imperial heir?

You have made it sound too serious.

As far as I know, Lady Wei was gripped by anxiety when Wei Qing was captured.

Who would dare to harm the imperial heir?

The culprit wanted Lady Wei to be gripped by anxiety

and hoped that she would suffer a miscarriage.

If we are to look into this matter, we should blame Wei Qing for it.

He stirred up trouble in land expropriation and

got into a fight with unruly civilians.

They captured him out of revenge, didn't they?

Grandmother, the issue with land expropriation has long been resolved.

I wonder who told Grandmother about that matter.

The culprit could be the one who tried to confuse Grandmother.

You are truly affectionate siblings.

You echo one another.

You care about your siblings, but you've forgotten about your grandmother!

I said that this case is closed.

Do you refuse to listen to me?

It won't do anyone any good if you get to the bottom of this!

I find it really difficult to understand what Grandmother means.

Why wouldn't it do anyone good to seek out the culprit who

stirred up trouble in the harem and attempted murder?

If you end up finding that it was Lady Wei and Wei Qing's

conspiracy to gain authority and power, what would you do?

Grand Empress Dowager, how could you slander someone without evidence?

What evidence do you have to say that someone attempted to harm Lady Wei?

I thought the clues now came to a dead end.

I wouldn't let whoever created a chaos in the harem go free.

You claim that someone is stirring up trouble for personal gains.

Aren't you implying that it is the Empress?

Grand Empress Dowager's words have indeed echoed my thoughts.

If the culprit truly is the Empress what do you plan to do?

Depose the Empress?

If that is so, how could we have such a cruel person in the harem

who attempted to murder the imperial heir?

Then the Emperor will have to be thought of as ruthless and unforgiving.

Which lords and dukes do not know

that your aunt went all-out to convince your father to make you Crown Prince?

Don't you dare forget that there are numerous officials

who share the same bloodline with your aunt and uncle!

Moreover, could you depose the Empress just because you want to?

Empress Dowager, what say you?

I'm the culprit behind Wei Qing's abduction.

If Che Er insists on investigating, just treat me as the culprit then!

My grandson, take a look for yourself!

You've even put your mother in a difficult position.

How is she to face the harem?

Is this the truth that you wish to investigate?

If villains are not removed and justice not upheld

can we face the harem by having partiality?

Great... Great!

Well said!

My grandson has preached me today on all these principles!

Grandmother, I wouldn't dare to do so.

There should still be sentiments within all the principles!

That would then make it whole.

The harem wouldn't be peaceful with a sword added to it.

If you put down that sword, you will gain something in return.

Che Er, perhaps you might find me biased

but what I'm doing today is for the good of Great Han!

Do you understand me?

This case is now closed.

All right?

All right?

Empress arrives with the consorts!

Jiao Er, His Majesty won't investigate any further.

We are a family after all.

Your grandmother would take your side.

The family gathering tonight is to patch things up between you and the Emperor.

It will also restore your dignity before all the consorts.

Warm blessings to Grand Empress Dowager.

Happiness and peace to Empress Dowager.

Great blessings to Your Majesty.

Where is Lady Wei?

Present.

Lady Wei is carrying the imperial heir.

She should not stand for too long. Give her a seat!

Thank you for your kindness, Grand Empress Dowager.

You may all get up now.

Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Jiao Er, come over here to serve your grandmother.

Yes.

It is our ancestors' blessings that Lady Wei is pregnant.

This should be celebrated.

Therefore, I've asked everyone over for this gathering.

I've also invited two guests.

Summon Lady Wei's two brothers!

Warm blessings to Grand Empress Dowager.

Happiness and peace to Empress Dowager.

Great blessings to Your Majesty.

Grand Empress Dowager knows that Lady Wei values her family the most.

Wei Qing and his older brother happen to be in the palace to visit Lady Wei.

Therefore, we've specially invited them over to join the gathering.

Thank you for your kindness Grand Empress Dowager.

Thank you for your kindness Empress Dowager.

You may all get up.

Today, our family gathers here to feast and drink together.

Do not feel reserved.

Bestow seats and wine to them.

This is such a joyous day.

The air is cleared and we now wait in anticipation

for the birth of the imperial heir.

Have a drink with this old lady here!

- Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager. - Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Grandmother is right.

The air is indeed cleared now.

But there had been trouble with expropriating lands for

the expansion of Jianzhang Palace.

It had implicated Lady Wei's younger brother, Wei Qing, into much trouble.

Now that this has passed over and the criminals are severely punished

I have to reward those who have done well in this matter.

Wei Qing, step forward to receive your title!

Present!

I hereby appoint you as the supervisor of Jianzhang Palace!

You are to manage Jianzhang Palace.

- Thank you, Your... - Your Majesty!

What merit does Wei Qing have

to be worthy of the title of Supervisor of Jianzhang Palace?

In this recent accident

Wei Qing was brave and intelligent enough to emerge safely out of danger.

If he hadn't gotten out of danger in time

Lady Wei might have been so worried that she lost the child.

He's kept the imperial offspring safe. How is that not a merit?

But Wei Qing has only served in the palace for a short time.

Others might not be convinced.

Marquess of Pingyang!

Present.

Wei Qing has been assisting you in the construction of Jianzhang Palace.

You should know if he is suitable for this position.

What do you say, Princess?

Your Majesty, Wei Qing might still be inexperienced

but he is highly skilled in all sorts of martial arts.

His intelligence and courage surpass all those around him.

He fully deserves the position of Supervisor of Jianzhang Palace.

Wei Qing has really profited from this misfortune.

There are many in imperial court who have done deeds of valor

but none are as young and promising as Wei Qing.

He could supervise a palace so soon.

Like Auntie just said, he is young and promising.

We can all see that for ourselves.

I'll further award you the title of Palace Attendant!

He's moved up from being a horse slave at Pingyang Manor to a palace supervisor

and now he's being awarded the title of Palace Attendant?

It seems that Wei Qing isn't only skilled in martial arts

but also even more capable in getting promoted very quickly.

Lady Wei's older brother has merits in taking good care of Lady Wei for years.

I reward him with a thousand gold taels!

What are the both of you waiting for? Thank me for the rewards.

- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

Greetings to Your Majesty.

How is your injury?

I'm almost fully recovered.

I should be all right in a couple of days.

I can be at ease now.

I summoned you here because I have been very happy these days.

I have rewarded all those who should be rewarded.

You're the only one left.

You deserve the credit for rescuing Wei Qing.

I intend to award you as Commandant of Guards.

I was just carrying out my duties.

I cannot take any credit for it and do not dare to accept the title.

I was fortunate to be rescued by Gongsun Ao in the nick of time.

I ask that Your Majesty reward him.

Zi Fu is indeed very sharp.

She already knew that you would say so.

He is just as afraid of rewards as you are.

I rewarded Wei Qing to warn off the villains and affirm my authority.

Don't panic and worry about this matter anymore.

As for Duan Hong, don't worry.

Gongsun Ao will definitely be rewarded.

Since you do not want to be awarded a title

I have prepared three gifts for you.

The sachet in this jade pillow can help one to sleep well.

Please accept it.

Lady Wei worked through the night to make the sachet in the pillow.

Even I don't get to be treated so.

I am ashamed. I'm not worthy of it.

Take it. You saved her brother.

And that is as good as saving her unborn child.

If you won't accept it, she might not be able to eat or sleep well.

Thank you, Your Majesty. Thank you, Lady Wei.

As for the second gift...

Duan Hong, I once said that

if both you and my brother get back safely

we will reunite and stay up late talking around the warm fire.

I'm in the mood tonight to take over Wei Qing's spot

to drink and talk with the both of you.

Do you mind?

Thank you, Your Majesty.

As for the third gift...

Your Majesty should do the honors.