13 The Firmament of the Pleiades - 蒼穹の昴 (2010) - Episode 13 - Outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War (English Subtitles)
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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
00:08For the Empress Dowager, to cerebrate her birthday
00:14was the most important event.
00:18Since she is turning 60 years old,
00:21the court was preparing a special event for her.
00:25However, they are in the situation that armed conflict between the Qing and Japan
00:30cannot be avoided this time.
00:36The Firmament of the PleiadesEpisode 13 - Outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War
00:53Please, Your Highness.
00:58The cerebration event for your 60th birthday,
01:03I drew out the plan for you.
01:05Please take a look.
01:11Yes... according to the plan,
01:15The street from the Gate of Western Flower all the way to Summer Palace,
01:20we'd like to set up 60 colorful stages,
01:25and build towers and gates.
01:31I've already arranged the all the construction preparations.
01:36If you are displeased, I'll have them revise the plan.
01:49That won't be necessary.
01:51I'm sure people will say this is a waste of tax money.
01:56But, Your Highness.
01:58This year's birthday is very special.
02:04You are turning 60. It's Kanreki. (special celebration based on the Chinese zodiac)
02:09Most of the people celebrate 60th birthday grandly.
02:13Is there any reason not to celebrate?
02:17You are the peerless Empress Dowager.
02:21I guess I'm not in the mood for that.
02:25Are you worried about Japan invited the Joseon (Korea)?
02:30I'm sure we can settle this matter by negotiating them.
02:35If Japan proposes unreasonable proposals,
02:38we have no choice, but to go in a war.
02:41We've been preparing 2 years for your 60th birthday.
02:47Let's make this cerebration greater than the Emperor Qian Long's 60th birthday.
02:54The war is out of question.
02:59We should settle this matter by negotiating.
03:06I pray the Goddess of Marcy everyday for this country's peace
03:13and the success of your birthday celebration.
03:22Timing and Subtitles brought to you byThe Pleiades Team@Viki
03:33I don't know what is he writing, but he won't come out.
03:37He must be studying.
03:39I guess. He was always like this.
03:42When he focus on study or work, he forgets to eat or drink.
03:46I wonder what is he absorbed in this time.
03:49Ling Ling!
03:50Hello, Mr. Shun Gui.
03:52Hi. Oh, Qing Yun.
03:56Hello, Shun Gui.
03:57Hi. Ling Ling, where is Wen Xiu?
04:00It's good that you came, he's been locked himself in the study.
04:03I don't know what is he doing there. He doesn't even answer me.
04:06I know what is he doing.
04:09Wen Xiu? Have you finished writing a report to the throne?
04:14Yes. Can you read it and find mistakes?
04:17What? Since you've been locked yourself in the room,
04:20we were so worried about you.
04:23I'm terribly sorry.
04:25Oh, right. Can you bring liquor?
04:27I'll have a drink with Shun Gui later.
04:29- Okay. - Can you?
04:30Okay.
04:40Looks good. This is amazing!
04:43If we refuse to fight, it's same as admitting the defeat.
04:49If we let Japan think that
04:51they can win without a fight,
04:53they might think of themselves highly because of their arrogance,
04:57and proceed their troops to move forward.
05:01This is a brilliant suggestion.
05:04This is well written.
05:06But don't you think this is too extreme?
05:09No, extreme is what I want.
05:12We have to do to this extent,
05:15to make a non-combatant side to realize the fact.
05:18That's right. The combatant side is inferiority in strength, because our suggestion is not convincing enough.
05:22Your description is clearly understood.
05:25If we are not fighting, as well as admit the defeat.
05:30What do you think?
05:32I wrote it without thinking,
05:35it may not be a skilled writings.
05:39Right, let's do this. Why don't you rewrite it?
05:46How can I? You wrote it without thinking, but still this is your writings.
05:51There is nothing to fix.
05:55I sense... murderous impulse in your writings.
06:05But, don't mind what I said.
06:09Please, excuse me. I'll prepare snacks for your drinks.
06:21Wen Xiu, I have a favor to ask.
06:25What is it? We are friends, just tell me.
06:28Okay... you shouldn't submit this letter to the court.
06:34Why not? I wrote it whole-heartedly.
06:37Are you worrying about what Qing Yun said?
06:39That's not it. I'm not asking you to submit it.
06:43Let me submit it for you.
06:46You?
06:49I thought we share the same thought.
06:52It doesn't matter who submits it.
06:55It does. The battle between the combatant and non-combatant is
06:59the different name for a battle between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager.
07:04Since they continue to have enmity for another, this time is no different, they will oppose each other.
07:10Only Teach Yang can mediate between them.
07:15You are his daughter's husband.
07:17If you act recklessly, it'll make hard for Teacher.
07:27You are right. I didn't think about that.
07:30I'll ask you to submit it for me.
07:33However,
07:34the during the discussion, you might have to answer the questions.
07:41No problem. I like to argue anyway.
07:49If we refuse to fight, it's same as admitting the defeat.
07:55What are you thinking?
07:57How dare you to submit this kind of letter to the court. You are such a fool.
08:04Your Highness, I might be a fool, but I have to tell you...
08:09We shouldn't refuse to fight, since it's against the military laws.
08:14If we give in with a fight, it's like
08:18abounding our territories.
08:21A non-combatant is nothing but a traitor to the country.
08:26What do you do, if I support the non-combatant?
08:31If I my side of Ministers support the non-combatant,
08:35is that make me a traitor, too?
08:42If you have something to say, go ahead.
08:49Allow me to say this.
08:51I think you shouldn't turn yourself to the non-combatant.
08:56Why not?
08:57If you state that you support non-combatant to surrender, it'll ruin your reputation.
09:03If we don't fight, it's easy for Princes and Ministers,
09:08but you shouldn't be deceived by them.
09:15You may rise.
09:16Yes, Your Highness.
09:23Shun Gui.
09:26I understand your hardships and royalty.
09:34The honor and dignity that you speak of, not only for me...
09:40is a moral of Qing Dynasty,
09:43and an honor and dignity
09:46for all the People.
09:49There is no way, I'll support the non-combatant.
09:56My mind has been set.
09:58If Japan wants to attack us, I'll definitely fight back.
10:05Yes, Your Highness!
10:22What's wrong?
10:28She got mad the way a maid combed her hair.
10:35Hey,
10:36don't even think about interceding.
10:38I know. A war may break out anytime, so...
10:41she is agitated.
10:43She didn't like the fragrance of tea.
10:46She also said the dim sum tastes bad.
10:51She doesn't like anything we do.
10:53I'm nervous thinking what might upsets her next time.
10:56I'll be leaving.
10:58Yes.
11:24Your Highness, please take a look.
11:29I'm sure these beautiful items will lift your mood.
11:36Every year on my birthday,
11:41I haven't felt at ease.
11:44Makes my heart ache just thinking about it.
11:48On my 40th birthday, the year of Koujutsu(47th of the Oriental zodiac)
11:51Japan invaded Taiwan,
11:54we ended up paying large sun of compensation money.
11:57On my 50th birthday, the year of...
12:02It's the year of Koshin.(57th of the Oriental zodiac)
12:04Right... we fought against French at Vietnam.
12:12Right before my birthday, I received a report that Beiyang Fleet was annihilated.
12:18So I was hoping to have my 60th birthday peacefully.
12:23But conflict with Japan again.
12:27I'm sure they consider your feelings,
12:30they will conclude an agreement with Japan before your birthday.
12:35That won't happen.
12:36Is there someone who has backbone in this court?
12:49Your Highness, I've learned another play.
12:54It's the story about Yang Gui Fei of the Tang Dynasty.
12:57Please hear me out. I'd like your guidance.
13:01Oh, that's a great idea.
13:04Why don't we listen to Chun Er?
13:07Your Highness, what do you think?
13:18Timing and Subtitles brought to you byThe Pleiades Team@Viki
16:30- What do we do if Japan attacks us?- We must prepare for the peace negotiation imminently.
16:35- But we don't know they are intending to attack us.- I'm sure they are.
16:37We might provoke them if we make a first move.
16:39Enough already!!
16:51Please enjoy.
16:55Big Brother, a war cannot be avoided?
16:59We have no choice but to fight.
17:01What do you mean?
17:03A war is like a fight between the countries.
17:08If we hesitate, you'll get punched.
17:10If you get punched, you must punch them back.
17:13Or you can tolerate the pain.
17:16Compere to them, we are like a 8ft-tall man
17:19but Japan is a 5ft man.
17:22Are they serious about starting a war?
17:24They may be small,(size of troops)
17:27but he has a strong fist and brave.
17:32We are hesitating to fight,
17:36and being coward.
17:38If we continue to be like this, we will be defeated for sure.
17:44Then... I guess we must fight.
17:52It's not much but It was difficult to collect this information.
17:57Based on Japanese troops movement,
18:01it is clear that Japan is going to start a war.
18:05Li Hong Zhang is negotiating with them now.
18:09But if they are not willing, they won't except our proposal.
18:12If they are going to attack us,
18:16it is dangerous to assume to think
18:21we can settle this matter peacefully.
18:24They may take advantage of us.
18:35The day before yesterday, Japanese troops occupied the Royal Palace in Korea,
18:39and captured the Korean king.
18:42They are replacing the existing government with the pro-Japanese faction.
18:45How dare to reform the internal affairs of Korea.
18:50I'll be sure to make them pay for this.
18:54What is the situation past two days?
18:58Yesterday, at the coast of Pungdo
19:00our cargo ship "Gaosheng-hao"
19:04was sunk by a Japanese battleship.
19:07What happened to the soldiers on board? Were there any causalities?
19:10More than 1,000 soldiers were on board.
19:13And more than 900 were killed.
19:18Was there any damage to Japanese?
19:22Gaosheng-hao is only a cargo ship,
19:26so there was no cannon amounted on the ship.
19:37Then, we were utterly defeated?
19:41What happened to Navy? The Beiyang Fleet?
19:44Why were we defeated so easy by Japan?
19:47We didn't predict that Japan would strike us without a warning,
19:51so Li Hong Zhang prohibited the Beiyang Fleet to sally.
19:55Why!?
19:58The Beiyang Fleet's ships and cannons are outdated,
20:02so they won't stand a chance
20:04against the Japanese military.
20:07That's absurd!
20:09The Beiyang Fleet had the most effective cannons in the world.
20:14Are you saying those cannons cannot defeat against the small country like Japan?
20:18Li Hong Zhang is willing to settle with Japan peacefully.
20:21He asked England, America and Russia to be the mediators.
20:27Geez, peace negotiation? Japan attacked right front of our nose,
20:32but do we still want to have peace negotiation?
20:34Shun Gui was right. Li Hong Zhang is a traitor.
20:37Prince Li, go tell the Li Hong Zhang and Beiyang Fleet to prepare for an attack.
20:42Yes, Your Highness.
20:46Mother.
20:47Li Hong Zhang has a high hope for the peace negotiation,
20:52and not preparing for the war.
20:55According to the report I received this morning,
20:58Japanese troops is getting ready to attack our troops at Yashan City,
21:04we have no choice but to fight.
21:13Emperor.
21:16Come here.
21:30A war...
21:33I had no idea, Mother. You already made up your mind.
21:42I'll carry out your order to go on a war.
21:47Hmm...
22:16[ Life ]
22:53Sir Rong Lu! Sir Rong Lu!
22:55Is it going to be a war?
23:00Don't be hasty! We don't need to rush.
23:05The Empress Dowager is looking forward
23:09to celebrate her 60th birthday.
23:11I'm sure Li Hong Zhang is aware of that.
23:16Ultimately, we all want peace.
23:20He'll settle this matter peacefully by negotiation.
23:23Then, the ceremony would be held as plan?
23:27Would it be?
23:28Rest assured!
23:30There is no way of canceling the ceremony. Proceed the preparations.
23:34Oh... that's good to hear.
23:39I'm so relieved.
23:42Your Majesty.
23:47It's a report about Korea past few days.
23:51Hurry, let me see.
23:59The commander of the front-line was killed in action?
24:05The commander...
24:07According to the report, he is a Fengtian's General,
24:10Zuo Bao Gui.
24:19In this court, among the all the Generals,
24:26only Zuo Bao Gui agreed with me to fight the Japanese.
24:33But Li Hong Zhang insisted
24:38to focus on defending the country.
24:40Your Majesty.
24:41As he charged to the enemy,
24:44Zuo Bao Gui was wearning
24:46the yellow gown that he relieved from you.
24:49He directed his troops from top of the castle,
24:51as he charged himself into an enemy with a bomb.
24:57I see.
25:01He was willing to die on this battle.
25:06I will...
25:09personally pray for his soul.
25:13Yes, Your Majesty.
25:15What's the situation now?
25:17Still unknown.
25:19But the army started to retreat.
25:22I don't know the reason why.
25:24Conform it. I'll be punish whoever flinch against Japanese.
25:29- How about navy?- They are engaging in combat right now.
25:33What? In combat?
25:36Is there a chance for us to win?
25:37Their battleships and cannons are outmatching ours.
25:42I am not certain of the outcome.
25:51No, our Beiyang Fleet won't be defeated.
26:09Even if we retreat from Yulu River, this region is difficult to break through geographically.
26:12So we'll be able to defend Liaodong peninsula.
26:15If they attack from the sea, we can stop them at Lushun Port and Weihaiwei.
26:22My Beiyang Fleet will not lose.
26:25Yes, Your Majesty!
26:29Are you eating dinner at home?
26:30I'll eat with you when I return.
26:33Can you come home early today?
26:35I am only going to submit a revision proposal letter to His Majesty.
26:38That's good to hear.
26:41- Ling Ling.- Yes?
26:42Can you cook extra dishes today? Shun Gui is coming.
26:45Mr. Shun Gui?
26:46Okay.
26:48Also...
26:50Don't tell Shun Gui
26:53that I'm went to submit the letter.
26:56Why are you hiding it from him?
26:59Shun Gui is having hard time right now.
27:05The other day, instead of me...
27:07he went to suggest starting a war against Japan.
27:13So a lot of people resent him for that.
27:16I'm sure this letter will provoke many people as well.
27:19Since I'm suggesting to cancel the Empress Dowager's birthday celebration.
27:25That's why I have to go myself.
27:28Oh my, you have constant troubles on your hands.
27:32Understand? You can't tell him.
27:34Sure.
27:37I'm leaving then.
27:46Wen Xiu, what am I suppose to do with this letter?
27:51To have a major ceremony in the capital in the middle of the war,
27:56what do you know the soldiers will feel about this?
27:59I know that.
28:01I know we should cancel her 60th birthday.
28:04I'm sure it's not easy for you to confront her.
28:08This is why I wrote this revision proposal letter.
28:11Her anger won't turn against you,
28:14but me.
28:19I hate to see you be hated by her.
28:22Please do not worry.
28:26If I tell you not to submit this, you wouldn't listen to me, would you?
28:31Please deliberate this matter.
28:34But before the deliberation,
28:37Mother will take a look at this letter. So it doesn't matter.
28:42Is there any way
28:44not to hurt my Mother?
28:50Your Majesty.
28:53Please hold onto this letter for a while.
29:00If I do that, Mother won't see this letter.
29:04I'll induce her to look at this letter.
29:09How?
29:10Please leave it to me.
29:13If you happen to find out how I induced her,
29:17since you didn't know, so you don't have to lie to her.
29:28Hurry.
29:28- I looked here many times, but I can't find it.- Not here.
29:31There is nowhere to be found. We are in a big trouble.
29:34Not here.
29:35We should look more carefully.
29:37But, I don't see it anywhere.
29:38What are you doing?
29:41Your Highness.
29:44I've heard 36 revision proposal letters were submitted yesterday, but...
29:49no matter how many times I counted, there are only 35 letters here.
29:52I must have lost it. Please forgive me.
29:55One missing?
29:58I'm sure someone took the letter on the way from the Hall of Yang Xin.
30:02Do you mean the Emperor has it?
30:07Qing Xue.
30:08Yes, Your Highness?
30:09Go see the Emperor.
30:12Yes.
30:13Hurry.
30:23Your Majesty.
30:27Where is Mother?
30:28She is at the alter room.
30:42Mother, I brought the revision proposal letter you asked.
30:59Help me stand up.
31:07Timing and Subtitles brought to you bythe Pleiades Team @ Viki
31:21Mother.
31:41Liang Wen Xiu asked to cancel the celebration ceremony?
31:49Yes.
31:52Why did you refrain this letter to show me?
31:54Because I don't agree to Liang Wen Xiu's proposal.
31:59How can we cancel your 60th birthday celebration?
32:04But I couldn't think of the way to make Liang Wen Xiu change his mind,
32:11so I held this letter until I can explain to him.
32:15Did you think I would be up-set?
32:19But... we can't reject the proposal swiftly, can we?
32:23We can.
32:25I will explain to him well, so he'll withdraw the letter.
32:30I will keep this letter. You may go back.
32:35Please, Mother. Don't be up-set.
32:39Do you think I'll be up-set?
32:44Go on.
32:47Then, please excuse me.
33:10Greetings, Your Highness.
33:23To prepare my birthday celebration,
33:26past two years...
33:29I have burdened you greatly.
33:33Your Highness, it's not a burden at all.
33:40But I received a revision proposal letter
33:44from Liang Wen Xiu to cancel the celebration ceremony.
33:49How dare he?
33:52But I think Liang Wen Xiu is right about this.
33:59Our soldiers are suffering at the battle field.
34:03How can we be sing and dance merry?
34:07I don't think it's appropriate.
34:11I don't want to hinder our troops.
34:13To be honest, I am not in the mood for the celebration.
34:18So why don't we cancel it as Liang Wen Xiu suggested.
34:23But... canceling is too much.
34:29I suppose we must celebrate my birthday somewhat.
34:35We can celebrate simply,
34:38hold a small celebration within the court.
34:43Certainly, Your Highness.
34:54I had all the construction plans laid out.
34:57But now, everything is ruined.
34:58Our effort was a complete waste.
35:00Who suggested to cancel the ceremony?
35:08Liang Wen Xiu wasn't it? The Yang Xi Zhen's son-in-law.
35:11Isn't it Liang Wen Xiu the Emperor's favorite?
35:12What should we do, Sir Rong Lu?
35:14Shut up! Get out!
35:16Hurry, everyone!!
35:26Yang Xi Zhen's son-in-law, huh?
35:30Remember this, Yang Xi Zhen, someday...
35:36I'll make you make for this.
35:53Your Highness, you might wear yourself out,
35:56so please take a look at it during the day time tomorrow.
36:01If I do that, people might laugh at me,
36:05thinking that I'm gloating over a drawing of my birthday celebration which was canceled.
36:11I would never think that.
36:16Then what do you think?
36:19I know this is hard for you.
36:23If you were me, wouldn't be hard for you?
36:29Hmm, I don't think so.
36:31Long ago, my mother taught me...
36:35About what?
36:37Do you know...?
36:41This God.
36:42The God of Longevity has a lump on his forehead.
36:46Do you know why?
36:47I don't.
36:49To live a long happy life.
36:55Your luck will be wasted if you have everything you need in life.
37:01Since the God of Longevity has a lump on his forehead, he can live a long life.
37:11Chun Er,
37:14bring this drawing and follow me.
37:17Yes.
37:22Timing and Subtitles brought to you bythe Pleiades Team @ Viki
37:36Now, I can forget.
37:39Just like it never happened.
37:44That's great, Your Highness.
37:48I shouldn't have everything in life.
37:51You are absolutely right.
37:55The lump
38:00will bring happiness.
38:03if the lump w is greater
38:05the greater the happiness may come.
38:30I was really surprised.
38:31The Qing let a small country like Japan to invade Joseon so easily.
38:36The Qing has large amount of troops, and yet
38:39not only they couldn't repel the Japanese military, but stood and watched.
38:43Oh, Oka!
38:45- Do you have any news?- Did you hear anything?
38:46I hate to say this, but...
38:48looks like a all-out war cannot be avoided.
38:51Where did you hear that?
38:52The Qing's military situation is desperate. I couldn't believe it.
38:56Japan is such a small country, so if the Qing gather all the strength...
39:00According to Mr. Oka, the Qing is at a disadvantage.
39:05The imperial court is too busy with a power struggle.
39:07That's that cased the Qing to be weakened
39:10and not able to defeat against island countries.
39:12Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
39:16Your Majesty! Your Majesty!
39:19I have an urgent report from the troops.
39:23There is a report from the troops.
39:25What's going on?
39:26Your Majesty!
39:28Oh, Your Majesty, this is from the troops.
39:32What's wrong? What it is?
39:34An urgent report has arrived from the troops.
39:39Give me a light. Hurry!
39:40Yes, right away.
39:42Here it is.
39:48Beiyang Fleet...
39:52Your Highness, what's wrong?
39:56At Weihai City, our troops battled with Japanese...
40:01And then?
40:03Our...
40:04Yes?
40:05Beiyang Fleet was
40:09annihilated.
40:11What?
40:47At this rate,
40:52we must conclude peace.
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". ♫
41:42♫ The thing that will never change, ♫
41:47♫ is this feeling in my heart, keep growing fonder ♫
41:53♫ The things that will never be wavered, ♫
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!" ♫
42:39Next on the Pleiades.
42:44There are many people sincerely want to save this country.
42:48I won't be afraid.
42:50I will never be afraid.
42:52Episode 14, the waves of revolution.
42:56Don't miss it.