♫ The far and long roads, the man I miss is at a distant place ♫
♫ Seeking the truth in heaven and on earth, opening up the words deep in my heart, not looking back ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful woman, if one's heart could be fragrant ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful woman, desolate like the moon ♫
♫ I worry, when can I appreciate the grasses and flowers with a beautiful woman ♫
♫ The ancient people didn't have time to leave some Yimoxiang (a type of plant) ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful lady, heart becoming fragrant on its own ♫
♫ Thinking of a beautiful lady, fragrant dreams ♫
♫ The whole world is drunk, one's whole life just follows the blue water ♫
♫ I'll drive and go away for an adventure, flying as I want to in the nine skies ♫
Song of Phoenix
Episode 34
The sun and moon overlaps, never stopping; new spring and golden autumn replaces each other, never ending. - Li Sao (Grievances)
"Chu Hall"
Miss Mo Chou why are you still here?
I'm about to leave.
Miss are you just wearing that?
Is something wrong?
Never mind, we're late.
Never mind.
What are you all playing?
It is my birthday celebrations yet I have no spirits anymore.
Who are you?
I...
Your Highness, she is the new Master Musician, Miss Mo Chou
Did you hear what the musicians were player earlier?
Your Highness,
I have never before heard the tune they were playing earlier.
However I can still discern between the good and bad.
The was it good or bad?
The way of music is the way of nature.
Harmony is most important.
Hence bell and drum players can express their emotions and
the qin* and zither players can liven the heart.T/N: qin - 7 string zither, zither has 25 strings.
If we equate the bell and drum to the heaven and earth
then the pipes and flutes are like the sun moon and stars.
While the sun moon and stars are indeed dazzling,
without the heavens and earth, where would they exist.
The musicians removed the sound of bell chimes, so the music wavered and fluttered with no fix tone.
Pretty words are no use in regards to music,
the important things is being able to perform as such.
If that's the case, why don't you perform a piece for us.
♫ Orange, your wonderful trees in this world, were born to be suitable for the lands here. ♫
♫ Since you received the order to not move, you lived forever in this southern state.♫
♫ Deeply-rooted and hard to be moved,that is because of your undivided will. ♫
♫ Your aspirations since young, have always been different to others. ♫Qu Yuan's poems, honor beauty, celebrate beauty, eulogize beauty.
His aspirations of beauty are known to all.
But people only see his aspirations,
how many would know of the sorrow within the beauty,
the heart ache within the feelings conveyed.
♫ Since you received the order to not move, ♫ The one I think of in my heart, the one I miss, is only you.
♫ you lived forever in this southern state. ♫I could not hear it properly.
♫ Deeply-rooted and hard to be moved, ♫The one I like is,
♫ that is because of your undivided will. ♫ Miss Bixia
♫ Your aspirations since young, ♫What did you say? That's not what you said before.
♫ have always been different to others. ♫Really? Then what did I say before?
You said, the only person that I think about,
the one I miss, is you.
I know.
Ohh, you Qu Ling Jun!
Don't leave, don't run, come over here!
♫ Abiding with morality, having no ulterior motive, really comparable to heaven and earth. ♫
♫ In this season where all life has withered, I'm willing to be your eternal friend. ♫
Good, Good.
Sir Qu's poem and Miss Mo Chou music,
it is indeed a perfect match.
The song is indeed alright.
The singing was okay.
But today is the Queen Dowager's Birthday. On a celebratory day,
why is this musician dressed in mourning cloths.
What is the meaning behind it?
Mo Yi, the musician Mo Chou is new and doesn't understand the rules.
Do you not know them either? Why didn't you advise her?
I-
Your Majesty, The State of Chu just lost to Qin.
Musician Mo Chou's mourning cloths must be because of the national mourning.
Yes, yes. Official Qu's words are correct.
Oh, it's because of Qin.
Yin sister, then this matter has to do with you too?
I-
What do you want to say?
When I look at you, I'm reminded of the Qin dogs killing my Chu soldiers.
-Your Majesty- -Hurry and leave.
You cannot leave.
Everyone's treatment towards concubine Yin does not seem appropriate.
What did you say?
Though Mo Chou is a peasant girl,
But I know that protecting the country is the responsibility of men.
And today's loss is due to the men.
But why do you blame the loss on a woman?
Is this the kind of bearing and magnanimity we Chu have?
Impudence!
A plebeian girl like you dare to defy one's superiors.
Attendants!
Drag both her and concubine Yin out and listen for orders.
Yes.
Hold on.
Mother, today is your birthday.
Don't ruin your mood over a trivial musician.
It won't be too late to punish them in the future.
Queen Nan. You are the ruler of the palace.
This wild girl needs to be taught.
Yes.
If Your Majesty didn't advise the Queen Dowager,
she would have punished concubine Yin and Mo Chou.
Mo Chou has an attitude, and even dares to speak against mother.
Even I have to watch myself.
The way your servant sees it, with Mo Chou's personality she shouldn't stay long in the palace.
With such boldness, there will be trouble eventually.
With me here, what can happen?
Your Majesty, forgive your servant for being blunt.
You spoke for a small musician in front of everyone.
I'm afraid the concubines will gossip.
They can say whatever they want.
If I need to be careful about trivial matters how can I be a king?
Where did such a wild girl come from?
How long has it been since she's entered the palace and she has King enchanted to this degree.
Consort, be careful!
Stupid servant.
Why aren't you getting lost?
Yes.
Come back.
Right now, go and see
what that wild girl's background is.
Yes.
Mo Chou musician, you're getting ready to rest?
Today, we saw it all.
His Majesty likely has intentions towards you.
How is that possible?
Musician Mo Chou,
when you become a concubine, don't forget about us!
Yes, don't forget us.
It seems that this place of our is really quite auspicious. A Grand Shaman came from here and
now, there's going to be a concubine.
We are a room of good sisters.
when the time comes don't forget to help raise us as well.
Don't forget us.
-Where is His Majesty? -He should be almost here.
What do you think of this set?
Consort is very beautiful.
But, today, that musician Mo Chou was not simple.
Beauty aside, it's rare to gain his Majesty's favor so soon after entering the Palace.
She's just a musician, what's to worry about?
That's not always the case.
As long as His Majesty likes, a musician an also become a concubine.
According to you, then everyone in the palace
I need to be careful of?
Not just anyone. She's not simple.
I heard,
during war, I heard she saved general Qu.
As such, her accomplishments to the Stat of Chu are not trivial.
If she can't be someone we use, she'll be the cause of future problems.
Madame, we should make plans early
for how we'll handle her.
Your Highness, are you still thinking about that Musician Mo Chou?
Lan Xin,
previously have you seen that musician before?
No.
Then why do I feel as if
I've seen her before?
Jiang Li Palace
Princess, I know you don't like it,
but I'm old and I won't have much opportunity to say it anymore.
Today, is it my fault as well?
This time it's lucky that Miss Mo Chou is there to help you,
but how many times can she help you.
Then tell me what should I do.
Now that Chu has lost t Qin,
people both inside and outside the Palace are all hostile to Qin people.
I'm afraid the days in the Palace will be even harder than before to endure.
I think we need to talk less and lie low.
And what had I said today?
You cannot escape the things that will come.
Why is that person in the Palace.
Who took her there? Was it you?
It was his Majesty.
His Majesty?
Why would his Majesty arrange for her to be a musician?
How would I know?
Just a musician?
At least at the moment it still is.
His Majesty know nothing about her identity.
But his Majesty's obsession with this girls is so very obvious.
If she still holds onto her grievances and has any designs on his Majesty then it will not be good.
- Mo Chou would not do that.- How would you know!
If there is any mishap, then it would a great calamity for Chu.
No, I must go report this to his Majesty.
You are condemning her to death!
Moreover, previously you promise me,
that as long as she releases her anger and hate, you would not trouble her.
She has no desire for such things and it also wasn't her wish to enter the Palace.
Are you really going to go back on your words?
Never mind then.
But you best tell her,
if she dares to do anything to harm his Majesty,
do not blame if I forget the past and turn against her.
And you, you best stay away from her as well.
Your looks are quite fine,
except, your personality...
- Her Majesty is talking to you, are you mute?- I...
Yesterday, you were all full of presumptuous and wild claims,
if His Majesty hadn't been protecting you,
you'd be charged with insubordination, a death sentence.
Here it is different to the rural areas where you're from. Your every move and gesture,
embodies the proprieties and etiquette within the Palace.
His Majesty maybe able to protect you once,
but will he be able to protect you your whole life?
You need to reign it in a little. Understand?
I understand.
Your servant understands.
- Qiu Lu- Here.
Help her change her shoes.
Why is it so small?
This is Madam's gift to you.
You've just entered the Palace. There are many etiquette and protocols in the Palace
which you must learn from the beginning.
After all you are already a Royal Musician.
You cannot do as you so please like before.
Come, walk a few step and show me.
That is no good.
When a woman walks, she must be lithe and graceful, befitting to one's rank, like a peacock.
And thus demonstrate the noble character of the Royal clan.
With the way you're swaying to an fro
it's just like a duck. Walk again.
Still no good.
Never mind. I shall demonstrate.
How is it, do you understand now?
Again.
From now on, whenever you meet a Concubine in the Inner Palace
you must execute this greeting.
Who told you to move?
Madame, we have practiced for a long time today. It is time for dinner.
Your task today it to teach,
Musician Mo Chou the dances of the Royal Court.
What? Dancing as well?
Of course, it's a basic skill of any musician.
These dancers are some of the best in the Chu Palace.
Learn from them well.
Yes.
Okay lets start.
This musician Mo Chou is indeed not easy to deal with.
Today, she really gave Your Lady Highness so much trouble.
If not because Queen Dowager told me to train her, I really don't want to bother with her.
If she wants to do mischief, then just let her.
When she had enough, there will naturally be a chance to let her slip down.
Ms. Mo Chou, did you see it clearly already?
I already did.
It's just that...seeing you all dance like that, it really makes the audience feel sleepy.
But this is how we danced ever since we were little.
That is because you all never seen it before. Hey,
let me tell you. Outside the palace,
we have so many styles of dancing, especially in our Quan County.
Men, women, elders, and children surrounding the bonfire, that's what you called dancing.
- Dancing around the fire?- That's right.
Just dance how you want to dance.
Ms. Mo Chou, then teach us.
Okay.
You all also come over and dance.
That's right, remove all your shoes. Dancing without shoes is more fun.
Hurry and remove them!
What sound is that?
I also don't know.
What a scandal this is?!
How unruly! You all are being so unruly!
I told you to teach her to dance. What is this that you were teaching her?
This...
I was the one who taught them that.
What? It was you who taught them to dance that?
Okay. Really great.
Looks like, I really belittled you.
Queen Dowager, Your Majesty.
What is it?
That musician Mo Chou, I really cannot control her anymore.
What really happened?
Today, as ordered by Royal Mother,
I asked the the palace dancers to teach musician Mo Chou how to dance.
Who would have known that she will lead those people playing crazily while barefooted.
Totally so unruly.
Is that real?
I dare not lie.
She even dared to disobey the decree of the Queen.
I think that she wants to rebel already.
Lan Xi.
Teach her a lesson in my behalf.
- Yes.- Wait.
What? Do you still plan to ask for mercy for that wild girl?
I am just curious
on what manner did musician Mo Chou turned dancing into
that made Queen this angry.
How about I'll accompany Royal Mother to go there and take a look?
If she really danced in a vulgar way, it won't be late to punish her by then.
Your Majesty, as the head of the inner court,
would I make up false rumors about a musician?
A musician is a model of our country's etiquette. If we just casually punish her,
and this gets out, won't that make the inner court be a laughing stock?
Fine then. How about
let's call all the imperial concubines and consort
to come and watch her dance.
I really want to see what kind of dance she can come up to.
Respectfully greeting Your Majesty and Queen Dowager.
Mo Chou, I heard that you angered the Queen when you were in your dance training.
The Queen was willing to spare you and just let you perform for us live.
If you are able to gain the admiration of everyone, then you can be spared from your punishment. Understand?
I understand.
Why aren't there any musicians that will do the accompaniments?
I don't need any musicians to play accompaniments. I only need this drum.
Okay. Then it's all up to you.
Enough!
As a musician, you were wearing like this
and danced this kind of dance! What a scandal!
Royal Mother, I think the dances inside the palace
have been the same for so many years.
It is indeed time to have some novelty.
Royal Son, you are not contradicting me
just because of a little musician, right?
This musician is insensible. Could it be that you also don't know the rules?
I dare not.
Mo Chou.
Here.
From now on, you are not allowed to dance these ordinary citizen dances.
The ordinary citizens and the palace have difference in terms of status.
As a royal musician, you should learn the palace music
and dances. Understand?
Understand.
Your Majesty, these matters
will just be settled like that?
Of course, other than learning dances, you must also learn poems.
As they say, knowing poems makes one know proper etiquette.
I will choose an outstanding teacher for you
to personally teach you.
Aren't you still going to thank Your Majesty's grace?
Thank you, Your Majesty.
Really never thought that today,
my eyes were opened by that wild girl.
That's right. This Ms. Mo Chou
is obviously someone who has studied dancing since she was little. Her foundation is very strong.
You cannot really compare her with those dancers inside the palace.
I don't think that way.
She can't compare to little sister's dance on lily leaves in the past.
It was very stunning and really made Your Majesty very happy.
That may not be really the case.
We are all already old imperial concubines. No matter how well we dance,
we already are have-been, isn't it?
Respectfully greeting Your Majesty.
No need for formalities. Have you been well lately?
Minister of War and your mother have just passed away. You are currently bereaving.
I shouldn't have obtruded.
It's just that I have encountered a bit of a problem lately.
Only a talented individual like Ling Jun can help unburden me.
Your Majesty, just give your order.
Subject Qu is outstanding in terms of poetic talent. Don't know if you know that "300 Poems" well.
I indeed have read it when I was little.
That's good then.
Do you still remember that Ms. Mo Chou?
What's wrong with her?
Since the day she entered, the inner palace has never become silent.
Royal Mother insists that she doesn't follow proper etiquette and wants her to learn poems to understand the right moral principles.
That's why, I can only come and look for you.
Your Majesty, for this matter, I'm afraid...
I won't be able to bear such heavy task.
Ling Jun doesn't need to be humble. If you can't, who can?
Your Majesty...
You think I like those "300 Poems"?
If not because Royal Mother is pressuring me to let Mo Chou learn it,
I won't really be doing this.
I am willing to give it a try.
♫ Thinking of a beauty, distant floating clouds deliver me.♫
♫ Yet, the passing wild geese do not understand me. ♫
♫ Returning birds ride the winds and fly far, while I remain in the same place with a broken wing. ♫
It's right in front of us. Please, sir.
♫ Watching my longings score across the sky to the horizons. ♫
♫ A man's aspirations, heartache through all ages, overflows within the heart. ♫
♫ Toss it into the waters of the east flowing river. ♫
♫ Smile not a smile, worries still be worries. Who in the mortal world can understand?♫
♫ Flick the sleeves and walk alone, not looking back. ♫
♫ Ethereal orchids of peculiar fragrance, caressed by the breeze, even shadows are redolent.♫
♫ I ask thee, can you discern the traces she leaves. ♫
♫ While the years have yet to pass, pick a lotus so as to share.♫
Mo Chou
♫ Do not let regrets dwell in your heart. ♫
Lady Mo Chou, today we will learn the meaning of "the people" of the "three hundred poems".
The Zhou emperors emphasized rites.
The rites uphold the heavenly law above, and unite the people's feelings below.
Mr. Qu, being defiant of convention, how can you be fond of the "three hundred poems"?
The "Three hundred poems" are the established standard for poems.
The poet, whether upon writing poetry, or upon performing conduct,
must always act within the standard.
"Do not to do to others as you would not wish done to yourself"
Sir you clearly do no like "Three Hundred Poems", yet you still make me study it.
Miss Mo Chou, what you've described is what I was like before.
Is it that you no longer write Chu poems?
Have you forgotten "The Ode to the Orange", forgotten "Mountain Spirit"?
Miss Mo Chou, those are all things of the past.
True, they're all things of the past.
Poems, arise from our feelings.
Since we are within the Palace,
everything would need to be bound by decorum.
The Queen dowager talks decorum with me, so does the Queen.
His Majesty talks about decorum with me
and now, you talk about decorum with me as well?
I did not come to this world to listen to such lectures.
This Palace has already locked down my body,
does it want to lock down my heart as well?
Mo Chou, do you really not understand why His Majesty made you enter the Palace?
He is interested in you.
So?
So you didn't come today to talk to me about poems?
You're here to speak on his behalf.
- Mo Chou...- Leave
- Mo Chou listen to me... can you please calm down.- I'm telling you to leave.
Leave!
Your Majesty, the meal has been prepared.
Why is it these again?
Where is Musician Mo Chou?
The musicians would be in the Music Hall.
What does His Majesty wish to see me for?
No matter what happens, Musician Mo Chou should maintain a smiling face.
If you keep a long face, His Majesty would be unhappy.
You're here.
Your servant greets Your Majesty.
It's better if you don't follow any etiquette.
Before me, you are not my servant,
you are just Mo Chou.
I dare not.
Why not?
Since I've entered the Palace, I have made many mistakes.
Now every step I take is like walking on thin ice,
I'm constantly cautious of the things I say for fear of causing further troubles.
I still like the way you were before. It's far more enticing.
Come here.
Sit beside me and have a few drinks with me.
What is it? Are you scared that I'd eat you?
Come.
Drink.
I do not drink.
Then learn.
Come, I'll teach you.
Your Majesty.
I'll drink it.
That's better.
How was today's lesson?
What is it? Do you not like this teacher either?
Then I shall teach him a lesson.
It's not that.
The teacher taught well.
Tell me then, what have you learnt.
He used a few poems to caution me on the need for
self-constraint and observance of rules within the Palace.
Was it hard to learn?
I am but a commoner girl,
so I do not like to listen to these grand principles.
How can the person I choose be an average girl.
Your Majesty.
♫ Day and night, summer and winter, nonstop changes ♫
♫ Herbs and trees, prosperity and decline, would still depend on a beautiful woman ♫
♫ Rumors brought by wind from all over; inciting ministers with different dreams ♫
♫ Asking Heaven if it can bear witness to one's loyalty ♫
♫ Muddy and clear, beautiful and ugly, overturning all living creatures ♫
♫ Angelica and magnolia, orchids and quan, have a hard time emitting their fragrance ♫
♫ Why must you proceed against the current? Why must a lonely flower admire herself? ♫
♫ No one knew that one's birthplace has become someone else's territory ♫
♫ Outstanding in a chaotic world, who can understand one's desire? ♫
♫ Going far to travel, yet one's heart is tied with one's home ♫
♫ Drinking one 'Li Sao', the pain of separation ♫
♫ Getting drunk for a lifetime of dedicating oneself for one's country ♫
♫ Coping with the long, long road; hard to beg the heaven and the earth ♫
♫ I lamented the numerous sorrows in the life of the citizens ♫
♫ Singing one 'Li Sao', pain of separation ♫
♫ Sighing how hard it is to keep a bosom friend ♫
♫ For the ideal that I hold dear to my heart, I’d not regret a thousand times to die. In the end, turning into ashes.
♫ If this dream is difficult, let's just leave it to the next generations to ponder ♫
♫ Outstanding in a chaotic world, who can understand one's desire? ♫
♫ Going far to travel, yet one's heart is tied with one's home ♫
♫ Drinking one 'Li Sao', the pain of separation ♫
♫ Sighing how hard it is to keep a bosom friend ♫
♫ For the ideal that I hold dear to my heart, I’d not regret a thousand times to die. In the end, turning into ashes.
♫ If this dream is difficult, let's just leave it to the next generations to ponder ♫