Curse Of The Royal Harem

Within these four red walls reside the ruling power of every dynasty

And power is like a curse

such that those in power are actually in power's grip

They are propelled onto the same path and towards the same fate

Of the thirteen reigns of the Qing Dynasty

Tens of thousands of maidens were sent into the palace to be selected as consorts

Only 28 made it to empress

Among these lucky few

how many could overcome the curse to hold their fate in their own hands?

Lady Sun, greetings

Please rise Thank you

Sisters, you are too kind

The empress coronation ceremony is to held on the 9th day of next month

Is it not too early to bring me gifts?

The closer the coronation the busier you will be

Hence we bring your gifts early

This pair of dragon and phoenix engraved jade bangles

symbolize celestial harmony for Sire and you

Very auspicious indeed

Lady Wan, you are meticulous

Allow me to present you a green china pillow, for refreshing sleeps

Kuan Yin is bestower of children

I wish you thriving progeny

These butterfly earrings are a wish for Sire and you to always be a pair

The two pairs of mandarin duck engraved silver chopsticks will bring you an heir

It's very thoughtful of you all I really am happy

To show my gratitude

I had hairpins specially made for you

The pattern is called shining stars

It means you are all bright and shine like stars

Thank you, Lady Sun

Come and have a look

How very exquisite

Oh, the flowers are in bloom

It's a gift from Lady Yee-lan

She just picked a potted plant as gift? How very thoughtful of her

It took her three months to grow it It's the effort that counts

Emperor Wu of Han compares roses to beauties

It's beautiful but it has thorns

It has to be appreciated with caution

Is Lady Yee-lan is aware of the allegory?

Lady Wan, you are mistaken

Lady Yee-lan said it's not some ordinary rose

But a rare variety green rose

symbolizing happiness and auspiciousness

It's the empress of flowers

The royal harem is filled with joy

Especially the Palace of Excellence, it's brightly decorated

But your court looks deserted

Granny, you know I prefer quiet

It's succulent, you can tell it's sweet

It lives up to the name of empress of the fruit

She sent you empress of the fruit at such a time

On the pretense of sharing it with you

I say it's to flaunt it in your face

You should have been empress

I gave Lady Sun empress of the flowers

So she gave me empress of the fruit To reciprocate, it means nothing

We shouldn't see her through tainted glass

As the Diamond Sutra says

Like a tiny drop of dew or a bubble Like a flash of lightning in a summer cloud

Or an illusion, a phantom, or a dream Thus all conditioned existence is to be seen

You have copied the Diamond Sutra over a hundred times

When will you stop?

When he comes back to me

The empress coronation feast will follow the custom of inviting 33 envoys

with 66 tables and 99 dishes

The imperial kitchen has prepared part of the dishes for tasting

Phoenix amid flowers means harmony and peace to the country

This mandarin duck and phoenix dried scallop means happy union

This galaxy of delights means happy matrimony

This bumper harvest means fertility and family reunion

Whenever I think of your brother still out on expedition

with no news of him for two years

and whether he be alive or dead an unknown My heart...

Royal Mother, I've ordered for his search

Once there's news of him You'll be notified at once

I know you are a loving son

Let's not talk about unhappy things

Boy Wai, this dish

My fault, it will be removed

No, it's auspicious, it has to be included

for thriving progeny for Sire and Empress and the Qing line

Royal Mother misses brother

She has been praying for him every night for two years

But I've failed to alleviate her worries I've failed as her son

Prince Muk fell down a cliff during a battle

His life or death is still an unknown

We shouldn't hinge too much hope on it

Empress Dowager also understands

Yun-yuen, don't mention it in front of Royal Mother, it will break her heart

If she's not happy, I am not happy

I said too much, please forgive me

You are doing very well

Royal Mother likes you

I know you have spent a lot of effort on the ceremony

I wish nothing goes wrong on the day

Royal Mother and you can have a memorable day

What is going on?

How come it's suddenly so windy?

Sire, weather is fickle

It seems a thunderstorm is coming

Please turn back at once

Heaven above, please give me a sign

Is my son Min-yee alive or dead? Where is he now?

Highness, it's a hailstorm

What is it? Whitey, just a thunderstorm

Sire and Highness, take shelter in the pavilion in front

Sire, how come there's a hailstorm?

Boy Kwai, Choi-yin, see Highness back

Yes

Sire, where are you going?

To check on Royal Mother

Sire, be careful

Milady, beware of the hailstones

Don't worry about me

The plantain lily has to be protected

You're fine, then I'm relieved

Palace of Longevity

Hailstorm in hot weather, it's rare indeed

An ominous sign?

Sire, Highness, nothing to worry about

The coming coronation is celebrated all over the country

It has the timely counteraction effect

Royal Mother, you have nothing to worry about

I just am worried it's heaven's hint to me

Hinting what?

That your brother Min-yee is dead

Boy Choi Yes

Go see if Lady Yee needs help

Yes

Palace of Longevity

Lady Yee

Lady Sun, greetings

Please rise Thank you

Lady Yee, you are here to pay Empress Dowager obeisance?

Yes, but Her Highness still has no time for me

Announce me

Lady Sun and Princess Muk are here to pay their obeisance

Yes

Highness, greetings

Please rise Thank you

There was a hailstorm yesterday

I'm worried Your Highness was given a fright

I am here to present you wild ginseng for your reinvigoration and rejuvenation

You are very caring indeed, please sit

Thank you, Highness

I have prepared Your Highness Suzhou sweetmeats and green tea

You used to live in Suzhou

The Suzhou delicacy must remind you of home

You were asked to stay in the palace for the past two years

It must be hard on you

Not at all

That I am allowed to stay in the palace to serve Your Highness for my husband

I am grateful to Your Highness

I dreamt of Min-yee last night

Your Highness misses him too much

When he was born, bright clouds appeared over the capital

It was a rare auspicious sign

He's the eldest and very smart

He excelled in studies and martial arts

Late Sire loved him very much

He meant to pass the throne to him

But he met his misfortune just three months after his wedding

I don't know which of you is not blessed

When he set out on the expedition

he promised me he would come back safe and sound

I am sure he'll keep his word

Highness has been praying for Prince Muk

Heaven will be touched

I am thinking of a lantern celebration for Qing blessing

Highness, please grant me my wish

If Sire approves, it's fine with me

Thank you, Highness

Thanks to you, Lady Sun Empress Dowager gave me an audience

And I am allowed to take part in the lantern celebration

to pray for my husband

I know the past two years have been hard for you

Not to say other people's look

Living alone by yourself

And praying day and night for your husband's return

You have my admiration

I am just a nobody, that's all I can do

I pray that heaven will grant me Prince Muk's safe return

Allow me to congratulate you in person

You are the epitome of modesty and femininity

You are a role model for the ladies in the royal harem

Thank you

Allow me to be frank

If Prince Muk had not met his misfortune

you would have been empress

I spend my time copying sutras and I have no ambition or desires

All I know is that

like a tiny drop of dew or a bubble

like a flash of lightning in a summer cloud

I leave everything to destiny and ask for nothing

Not everyone is so easily contented

Office of Military and Political Affairs Minister Shu, congratulations

Lady Sun will soon be made Empress

You can bask in her limelight