03 The Firmament of the Pleiades - 蒼穹の昴 (2010) - Episode 3 - Apprenticeship (English Subtitles)
Turn on English subs.
The story of the famous Empress Ci Xi who reigned during the late Qing Dynasty. Two young men, Wen Xiu and Chun Er, go to the Forbidden City to find work. Chun Er becomes a eunuch for Empress Ci Xi. These two men become involved with the political conflicts of the empress. (Source: https://mydramalist.com/12040-the-firmament-of-the-pleiades)
This is the NHK (Japan) version of the series, with 25 episodes overall (includes Korean sub).
Subtitles by The Pleiades Team at Viki.
Download the whole series here:
Part 1-12: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JpLHabz-yw6fQbdUbCI6K0LA_CfUGG_O
Part 13-25: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1retZCNxnWxpvAULaxw-KeqbxaIoYst3E
Subs: https://drive.google.com/open?id=18vDFFdjbONi1M8yr08oaGZROKJJnh-62
The story of the famous Empress Ci Xi who reigned during the late Qing Dynasty. Two young men, Wen Xiu and Chun Er, go to the Forbidden City to find work. Chun Er becomes a eunuch for Empress Ci Xi. These two men become involved with the political conflicts of the empress. (Source: https://mydramalist.com/12040-the-firmament-of-the-pleiades)
This is the NHK (Japan) version of the series, with 25 episodes overall (includes Korean sub).
Subtitles by The Pleiades Team at Viki.
Download the whole series here:
Part 1-12: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1JpLHabz-yw6fQbdUbCI6K0LA_CfUGG_O
Part 13-25: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1retZCNxnWxpvAULaxw-KeqbxaIoYst3E
Subs: https://drive.google.com/open?id=18vDFFdjbONi1M8yr08oaGZROKJJnh-62
Transcript
00:06In China, the Civil Service Imperial Examination System, also known as the Imperial Exams were held for over 1,000 years.
00:12Imperial Exams were extremely difficult. Among tens of thousands of candidates,
00:16only 200 to 300 scholars were selected.
00:19After passing the "local exams", "metropolitan exams" at Beijing and "palace exams",
00:24they became the highest degree holders, "Jinshi", and they had a promising future.
00:27Especially, a scholar who achieved the highest score,
00:29received the title of Zhuangyuan and the highest honor.
00:36The Firmament of the Pleiades Episode 3 - Apprenticeship
00:41Timing and Subtitles brought to you byThe Pleiades Team@Viki
00:58Long live the Emperor!
01:10You may rise.
01:11Yes, Your Highness.
01:28The Hall of Preserving Harmony in the Forbidden City,
01:31for the scholars to take "palace exams" in the presence of the Emperor,
01:35is the biggest moment and goal of their lives.
01:39But for me, this is the beginning of my dream.
01:42To serve this country,
01:44was my mother's dream.
01:48Mother, for your dream and mine, I'll work hard.
02:19Continue carrying the water.
02:40Are you giving up already?
02:42It's been only 2 hours.
02:48Walk properly, Chun Er. Take small steps.
02:52Come on.
02:54Don't forget, never look at Her Highness' eyes directly.
02:59Do you understand?
03:02You are the one who can find the "Dragon Jadel".
03:07Li Chun Yun, you hold a secret key.
03:11I've been waiting for you to appear.
03:16I'm glad you are finally here after 20 years.
03:23Wen Xiu!
03:26Wen Xiu, Wen Xiu!
03:29What's the matter?
03:30They are all coming to celebrate.
03:32Hey,
03:32Shun Gui!
03:34Come.
03:35- Hey, where are you going?- Shun Gui!
03:37Shun Gui, what's going on?
03:40Wen Xiu, you are the Zhuangyuan.
03:45Zhuangyuan?
03:46Yes, you have the highest score.
03:51I... I am the Zhuangyuan?
03:53That's right. You are.
03:57I'm a Zhuangyuan?
03:59Yeah.
04:01How about you?
04:02I scored second.
04:05That's great. Congratulations.
04:06You are the greatest, since you are the superb Zhuangyuan.
04:12- I came to tell you that. See ya.- Wait!
04:15Soon you'll receive the notification, and then we'll be able to meet the Emperor.
04:19See you then.
04:21Hey, Shun Gui!
04:54I'm Wang Yi who ranked 3rd on the exam.
04:57I'm Shun Gui, who ranked 2nd on the exam.
05:00I am Liang Wen Xiu, who scored first on the exam.
05:03The Empress Dowager and the Emperor,
05:06how do you do?
05:18You may rise.
05:19Thank you for your gracious words.
05:26The top three scholars for this year are very young.
05:33Yes. This is a great sign for the great Qing Empire's prosperity,
05:37just like a rising sun.
05:40Right. Well said.
05:49You are role models for people.
05:54Refrain yourself from careless action, and serve the imperial court,
05:58and don't dishonor your reputations.
06:01We'll keep that in mind, Your Highness.
06:11Do you know why?
06:12No, not at all.
06:14You don't? Then I'll hit you until you do.
06:22Do you get it now?
06:23Yes, I do.
06:25Because I ate Fulai dish?
06:29So you do know... then why did you eat it?
06:32You! Stupid boy!
06:34I'll beat you death.
06:38Good brief. You have some nerve.
06:41I told you not to eat it, but you did anyway.
06:44When did you become friends with him?
06:47I only ate it once.
06:50Are you sure?
06:51- Once?- Yes.
06:53Was it delicious?
06:54No, it was gross.
06:56What? Why are you lying? His dishes are always delicious.
07:00Bastard.
07:03Even the Emperor and the Empress Dowager praised his cooking. Is your mouth better than theirs?
07:08Are you sure it was bad?
07:10Well, no! It's the first time I've ever eaten such delicious food before.
07:13You bastard! Here, take this!
07:18Was it delicious?
07:21I served in the imperial court for a long time, but I've never tasted his dish.
07:26How dare you eat such delicious food!
07:29As your penalty, you can't go to sleep tonight.
07:32Stay awake thinking of that delicious food. Understand?
07:50Ling Ling? Ling Ling?
07:53Yes?
07:54Did you clean Chun Er's room?
07:57Yes, we are putting back the furniture now.
08:00I see. That's great.
08:03Chun Er will need them when he visits home.
08:06Big brother, how about your room?
08:10Don't mind my room.
08:12- Oh, right, Jin.- Yes.
08:14When you finish cleaning, can you bring all the books?
08:16Yes.
08:21Hello, Mrs. Zhang.
08:24Thank you for everything. With your help, everything is clean.
08:29That wall looks empty.
08:32I have a good idea. Why don't you draw a landscape painting?
08:39I don't think I can.
08:44Unlike with writing words, I'm not good at drawing.
08:49Oh? I didn't know there is something you can't do.
08:56Is that a compliment, or contempt?
09:01Then, what we going to do with this wall?
09:05- Yan Zi,- Yes.
09:06- Bring me a hanging scroll. - Yes.
09:20There is a saying, "beauty of silence" but...
09:23I guess you can call this, "beauty of blankness".
09:28We are going to draw now. Prepare the ink.
09:32Yes.
09:51Watch carefully.
10:15Why don't you try it.
10:16- Okay.- Ready?
10:53- Yan Zi.- Yes.
10:54Bring my brush.
10:55Yes.
11:15I wish to get to know you more.
11:24I confine my deepest desire into these petals.
11:43How is it? Do you like it?
11:45Amazing. I didn't know you are so talented.
11:50This is my own way of painting.
11:52I used to...
11:56when I was alone, this is how I spend my time.
11:59Squint your eyes and look again.
12:02- Squint my eyes?- Yes.
12:03Now you can see the unique charm and beauty.
12:08Well, it's beautiful, isn't it?
12:15Beautiful...
12:19Not me, look at the painting.
12:35Fu Lai, did you fix the water pot?
12:38Yeah, I did.
12:40If you want to drink water, drink somewhere else. I'm training him with that.
12:46What are you saying? Someday, you'll be punished by heaven.
12:51Punishment? What kind of punishment?
12:53For instance, I won't have any descendants?
12:57Or I'll break my leg, or perhaps lose my head?
13:01You may not mind it, but I do.
13:04Let me tell you something, he's my disciple.
13:08So, I'll train him however I please.
13:12Don't spoil him.
13:15Geez. It's not good for him, if you treat him kindly.
13:21You are well aware of the fact that once he enters the imperial court,
13:25no one will help him.
13:27If he suffers now, he wouldn't think that life in the court is so hard.
13:32I'm sure you are aware of that. He doesn't have hope if he gives up so easily.
13:37You jerk, how can you ignore my intention?
13:40I'll beat you up.
13:42- Stop it! - No, I won't.
13:44- Stop! - How dare you!
13:46Teacher!
13:49Please hit me instead of Fu Lai.
13:53What did you say?
13:54Teacher, I heard what you said.
13:58But, Fu Lai only thought of me.
14:01Please don't hit him for my sake.
14:03What?? I'm also thinking of you.
14:09How dare you!
14:11Hey, stand up.
14:14Were you eavesdropping?
14:17You want me to hit you instead?
14:19Then, I'll beat you to death. You don't understand unless I hit you.
14:25You!
14:26Okay, okay. That's enough.
14:30Geez, are you going to beat him to death?
14:35As a punishment, you can't sleep tonight. Understand?
14:45Timing and Subtitles brought to you byThe Pleiades Team@Viki
15:10What are you doing?
15:11Teacher.
15:13Who's there?
15:14Who cares, you ghost!
15:20It's you, doddering old man.
15:23- Who is that child?- None of your business.
15:26Let's go.
15:42Can you come here?
15:44Yea? You are not going in?
15:46How come you left me alone in here?
15:50Ah, I'm sorry. I was overly excited.
15:59Let me tell you this. Don't bother Chun Er,
16:02since he's learning the etiquette of the Imperial court.
16:06Please.
16:10My goodness! Welcome, Mrs. Zhang and Mr. Zhuangyuan.
16:16Thank you for looking after my little brother.
16:17Oh no, not at all.
16:20Zhuangyuan, sir.
16:21Please don't lower your head.
16:24I'm sorry to tell you, but you can't see Chun Er today.
16:29Eh? Why not?
16:32Well, please calm down and listen to me.
16:40Chun Er, What are you doing here?
16:45Your brother is here.
16:47Yeah.
16:49Why don't you go see him?
16:52He doesn't let you see him?
16:57Zhuangyuan, please understand.
16:59It's not that I'm not letting you see him.
17:05It's not my decision, but Chun Er's.
17:07Is he saying he doesn't want to see us?
17:09Yes. Of course, that's not a lie.
17:12Why would I lie to you?
17:16Then... can you tell Chun Er,
17:20that we will come back again to see him.
17:21Okay.
17:30An De Hai, please take good care of Chun Er.
17:34Please do not worry.
17:42It must've been hard for you.
17:43Teacher.
17:44To be an eunuch, you must sever your sentiment toward your family. Remember that, okay?
17:54Poor boy.
17:57Fu Lai, Fu Lai.
17:59Who is the man practicing the act in the middle of the night?
18:04- Did you see him?- Yes.
18:06He was amazing.
18:08Yeah well, that's because he is a superb actor in many ways.
18:12Fu Lai, wait a minute. I want to talk to you a bit.
18:17Who is that man?
18:19It's my first time seeing him.
18:21He's not a human, a ghost.
18:24Stop joking around, just tell me. Who is he?
18:27His name is Hei Mu Dan.
18:29He used to be a main actor at the Imperial theater.
18:33The Empress Dowager favored him a lot.
18:36Hmm...
18:38But, why is such a person here?
18:40Someone who envied his fame,
18:43cruelly mixed poison into his face powder.
18:51Don't go near him, okay?
18:55Okay.
19:05Teacher, I have a favor.
19:08No way!
19:11Can you at least listen to me?
19:13I'm sure it's rubbish.
19:16It's a great thing.
19:19Teacher.
19:22Teacher, I want to learn something.
19:26What?
19:29Isn't this training hard enough for you?
19:32You want to learn something else? You are awfully confident.
19:35I really want to try it.
19:37I want to be Hei Mu Dan's disciple.
19:39Hei Mu Dan?
19:40Yes. The man practices the act at night.
19:49Hei Mu Dan's disciple?
19:52Yes. Please.
19:54That's ridiculous.
19:57Why is that?
19:59Hei Mu Dan was indeed a main actor at the theater.
20:04The Empress Dowager dearly trusted him.
20:07Under her support, he was once...
20:12more snobbish than me. Didn't you see?
20:15He doesn't look at me or talk to me.
20:20Snobbish? More like, he's rather sad.
20:25Anyway, he doesn't get along with anyone.
20:29Don't even think about getting close to him.
20:31Teacher, please, can you ask him?
20:35You are so persistent.
20:38What would you do if I get killed, when I go ask him?
20:42- But...- Shut up! Get out!
20:48What an absurd man, he wants to learn to act?
20:56Huh? Where is the towel?
20:59Teacher. Here, Teacher.
21:02Oh.
21:04Acting? Don't make me laugh.
21:07Ling Ling.
21:14What's wrong? Why are you crying?
21:17I want to come with you.
21:25You should stay here this time.
21:28Mr. Zhuangyuan?
21:29Hi, Mrs. Zhang!
21:31Mrs. Zhang!
21:33Oh my. Is it hard for you to be separated from your brother?
21:37No.
21:40What is this?
21:41You haven't prepared anything, have you?
21:44Prepared for what?
21:45Souvenirs for your relatives and friends, and food for your journey.
21:50And medicine for headaches and injuries.
21:54That won't be necessary. A change of clothes is enough.
21:59I knew that's what you are going to say. That's why I prepared these.
22:02- Jin.- Yes?
22:04Can you load this to Zhuangyuan's carriage.
22:06I'll do it.
22:08Thank you for your consideration.
22:11You are visiting your hometown.
22:13You must dress properly among other things.
22:17- Other things?- Yes.
22:21What's that?
22:22It's a hair ornament.
22:24Ornament?
22:26Look at yours.
22:30Is this strange?
22:31You don't see?
22:33Well...
22:35It's normal. This is enough.
22:39Not enough. Come.
23:42Hand me the ornament.
23:46Hand me the ornament.
23:48What? Oh...
24:03Oh my, welcome Mrs. Zhang.
24:06Please rise.
24:07Thank you.
24:09You are coming to visit often.
24:12Oh, I can't?
24:14Not at all.
24:15But you must've been tired.
24:18For that boy, you're visiting here so many times.
24:20I came here because I wanted to.
24:21Of course.
24:25Why didn't you let Wen Xiu see Chun Er?
24:29I didn't let him? That's a misunderstanding.
24:32Chun Er insisted not to see his brother.
24:35But it was good that they didn't see each other.
24:40In the Great Qing Empire, it's prohibited to have a close relationship between a government official and an eunuch.
24:47It's their fate to be separated eventually.
24:52So it's good to keep their distance from now on. Am I wrong?
24:58I guess you are right.
25:01By the way, does Chun Er have experience in Chinese opera?
25:05He learned a little when he was younger. Why do you ask?
25:11Well, after he watched Hei Mu Dan's practice,
25:14He became obsessed and asks me everyday
25:17wanting to become his disciple.
25:21I don't know what to do with him.
25:23Did you scold him?
25:24Well... yes, I had to.
25:26But I hope you understand.
25:30It was for his sake.
25:35Actually, I wanted to ask you something, but I better not.
25:40What is it? Go ahead and ask.
25:42I don't understand something.
25:44Why do you care so much for Zhuangyuan Liang Wen Xiu?
25:49He is a mere Zhuangyuan.
25:51He is not the type of person you should be flattered by.
25:56You... do you want to die?
25:59Are you interfering with my business?
26:02I was being a bit nice to you, and you start getting a big head.
26:06If you want to die, just tell me. I can kill you at once.
26:10I'm terribly sorry!
26:12I should've minded my own position.
26:15That's enough.
26:16Stop playing innocent.
26:18I have a favor to ask.
26:19Please ask me anything.
26:21- Ask Hei Mu Dan to teach Chun Er how to act.- What?
26:25I am the one who's going to ask him?
26:28Are you telling me to ask him?
26:30Well...
26:31What it is?
26:32I mean... no problem. Please don't worry.
26:38Please leave everything to me.
26:40I'll go ask him right away.
26:41I'll see you next time.
26:43Are you leaving already? You should stay little longer.
26:45You should stay and enjoy yourself.
26:51Timing and Subtitles brought you to byThe Pleiades Team@Viki
27:17Princess Shou An has arrived.
27:19Hurry, escort her in.
27:22Yes.
27:30Welcome Princess Shou An.
27:33You may rise.
27:34Thank you for your gracious words.
27:37How do you do, Your Highness?
27:42I'm glad you are here.
27:44Thank you, Your Highness.
27:48I missed you.
27:50Me, too.
27:57Eat this, my daughter.
28:01I'm honored.
28:03Also this.
28:05Thank you very much.
28:15How is it?
28:19It's delicious.
28:26What do foreigners think of this country's situation lately?
28:33They've learned that the Emperor is going to rule the country.
28:38Most of the countries seem to be pleased.
28:43The Emperor is still young and inexperienced.
28:50Foolish foreigners,
28:51if they think they can benefit from the Emperor's sovereignty, that's a big mistake.
28:57They seem very interested in the Emperor's wedding.
29:01It has been 20 years since the last wedding of Emperor Tong Zhi.
29:06This is a rare occasion.
29:10Actually, I am concerned about that.
29:14There are five candidates for the Empress.
29:16A noble's daughters and my older sister's two daughters.
29:21Also my niece, Ki Zi.
29:26Do you know what I'm thinking of?
29:30What do you think?
29:36I know Ki Zi isn't the greatest looking of all.
29:41But, what's needed isn't beauty.
29:46Also Ki Zi is my niece after all.
29:49I prefer to choose a family member to be the Emperor's wife.
29:57I think you are right.
29:59But, what about the Emperor's feelings?
30:05That's true. I'll think it over carefully for that matter.
30:11By the way, I have a favor to ask.
30:17What kind of wonderful thing are you giving me this time?
30:22If you think I'll give you something delicious to eat, you're wrong.
30:33Lian Ying obtained the foreign newspaper.
30:36I supposed there is an article about me.
30:39The translator doesn't tell me the truth.
30:46I can only trust you.
30:48So tell me. What does it say?
31:06Look. When you arrange these,
31:08you have to think of the colors.
31:10Yes.
31:10Her Highness loves to see the various colors. The fragrance isn't the only important thing.
31:16What should we do? When Her Highness comes out, and
31:19if we are not ready yet.
31:23Don't worry. Princess Shu An is here, so she will be busy talking for at least half a day.
31:28This is my first time meeting Princess Shu An.
31:32Princess Shu An was adopted by Her Highness when she was little.
31:37Her Highness adores her as her own daughter.
31:41So who did Princess Shu An marry?
31:44To a general's son.
31:46But he passed away.
31:49How did he pass away?
31:51He died after falling off a horse.
31:54Then, she should live here with Her Highness.
31:59She can lift Her Highness spirits, so that I won't get scolded often.
32:04What are you saying?
32:07Between the Empress Dowager Cixi and General Rong Lu,
32:11there is a child...
32:12I killed the Emperor Xian Feng and his family, even the Empress Dowager Cian?
32:16How rude of them.
32:19On top of that, I had a child with Rong Lu?
32:23In this court, I've been watched like a hawk.
32:26How could I possibly make a child?
32:28This is a ridiculous nonsense. They don't know anything.
32:33Please, calm down.
32:38Foreigners don't know anything. They just write articles
32:43based on rumors.
32:46But that doesn't make it okay to publish lies and spread them to the whole world.
32:52I'll chase every single foreigner out of this country!
32:57Your Highness,
32:58foreigners have a different perspective for the things between men and women.
33:04This kind of article is common, so there is no reason to fuss.
33:09It's true.
33:13For example, the British King and the French King
33:17are able to marry only one person as their Queen.
33:21And they are allow to have concubines.
33:23However, they have lovers.
33:28They are afraid to show it.
33:31But you are talking about men.
33:38In foreign countries, ladies are the same.
33:41After they are married, they enjoy their love life.
33:44When a man feels affection for her,
33:47they send her flowers and poems.
33:50Ladies seem to enjoy that.
33:52Sometimes their husbands brag about it, too.
33:55-Are you telling the truth?-Yes.
33:58But when it becomes a love quarrel, men fight over a woman to determine the winner.
34:03The man who lost has to give up on her.
34:06Some men lose their lives.
34:11I don't understand what foreigners are thinking.
34:17The other day, I went to a dance party that was held by an American nobleman.
34:22If you saw it, I'm sure you'd be in shock.
34:26The dresses that ladies wore exposed their chest and arms.
34:33Furthermore, men and women held hands together.
34:37Or put their hands around their partner's waist like this.
34:42Switch their partners one after another and dance.
34:45Oh, right. The men show their respect for a woman
34:50they're meeting for the first time by taking her hand and kissing it.
34:56Like this.
34:57Oh.
35:01How absurd. I can't believe it. Don't speak nonsense.
35:08No, this is all true.
35:10If I was lying, I'll be your pet dog.
35:20Good, I'm relieved.
35:24Mother, I was worried because you didn't smile.
35:30Mother, here is your tea.
35:33Hmm.
35:40Mother, please keep smiling.
35:43You are beautiful when you smile.
35:47Beautiful? I'm an old woman.
35:51No, you are still young. Don't say you're old.
35:57Every morning when I put make-up on, I look at myself in the mirror and think,
36:03Who am I appealing to by dressing up like this?
36:07To eunuchs or maids?
36:11Or perhaps, the roofing tiles.
36:14I don't even have a reason to put on make-up anymore.
36:20But mother, you told me before,
36:24if a woman loses her will to put on make-up,
36:30there is no reason for a woman to live.
36:45Your Highness, you are miracle to me.
36:50You are filled with strength and confidence.
36:54Also you are beautiful.
37:02My life is worthless.
37:04I'm all alone after Emperor Xian Feng passed away.
37:09I don't feel affection toward anybody and anything.
37:17Are you sure you don't feel that way about anybody?
37:23Hmm?
37:25Ah, Rong Lu will be disappointed.
37:33What are you saying?
37:37Stop making fun of me.
37:39I'm not.
37:43- Mother.- Yes?
37:46Your heart...
37:49I know it well.
37:54That's enough.
37:56It's enough for me that you, are the only one in this world who understands my heart.
38:03It is time for your walk.
38:07Right.
38:10Oh my, all we did was talk. Can you accompany me for a walk in the garden?
38:15Yes.
38:25Have you been seeing An De Hai?
38:28Yes. I met him by coincidence.
38:31He aged quite a bit. He looked like a grandfather.
38:37An De Hai is...?
38:41How is he living?
38:44Not luxuriously, but
38:46he seems enjoying his life.
38:48He was worried about you, Your Highness.
38:53Can you ask him, if he remembers
38:55what I told him before?
39:00What was it?
39:02The Dragon Jade.
39:04Dragon Jade? Is that a jewel?
39:08Just ask him, if he found out anything about the Dragon Jade.
39:16Yes, certainly.
39:23Is this where Hei Mu Dan staying? I thought this place was empty.
39:26Shh... Quiet.
39:28He doesn't leave this place, except for his practice at night.
39:33That's why he's called "a ghost".
39:43He's not here. He must be out. So let's go.
39:47Teacher, let's try it again.
39:50You said, he'll be here except for his practice.
39:53Well, I guess.
40:01Who's there?
40:04- It's me. - Leave!
40:06You heard him. He wants us to leave.
40:09We came all the way here for nothing. Let's go, Chun Er.
40:13My name is Chun Er. Please make me your disciple.
40:16Give it up. Let's go back. This is a waste of time.
40:36Where did you learn to sing?
40:39At the village, back home.
40:40No wonder. It's all rubbish. But you have a nice voice.
40:49Get lost!
40:53Monster!
41:17♫ When I woke up in the middle of a dream, ♫
41:23♫ I realized my eyelashes were wet with tears ♫
41:29♫ The phrase I remember was ♫
41:35♫ "Please, don't go" ♫
41:41♫ The thing that will never change, ♫
41:47♫ are the feelings in my heart that keep growing fonder ♫
41:53♫ The things that will never waver ♫
41:58♫ are respect and yearning for one another ♫
42:04♫ This evening, the sky that glows red at sunset ♫
42:10♫ Is gentle just like you ♫
42:16♫ This time, I am not dreaming ♫
42:21♫ so I shouted loudly, "Please, don't go!" ♫
42:38Next on the Pleiades.
42:41Emperor Qian Long?
42:43I'd like to perform in front of the Empress Dowager, and I want to hear her say
42:47"my Hei Mu Dan has returned".
42:50Episode 4, "Selection of the Empress"
42:55Don't miss it.