Beauty at War Season 1

Season 1

Air date: 2013-04-22

Episodes: 30

Episodes

E1: Episode 1

During the reign of Emperor JIAQING, the decline of the Qing Empire occurs after the continuation of an era of prosperity in the reigns of Emperors KANGXI, YONGZHENG and QIANLONG. Soon after Emperor JIAQING brings along his Empress RUI away to his summer resort in Rehe, an undercurrent of tension starts lurking in the imperial harem. NIOHURU YUE-YUET, who gave birth to Prince MIN-YU, has won the Emperor's favor, however, she is also targeted by the rumors. Based on the hearsay, she is a wicked woman, which is not only a hot topic during those after dinner chats but also draws attention of bigwigs in the palace. BUYAMUCI BA-CHA, who makes a living by collecting evidence against the rumors in exchange for money from others, tries to probe into it for profit.… ...

Air date: 2013-04-22

E2: Episode 2

LAU-FEI refuses to attend the banquet arranged by Master KIU – the son of a businessman, instead he indulges in gambling, and even pays the gambling debt for a man called LUK PING. LAU-FEI once got into trouble during his performance in the KIU's Residence while trying to seduce a songstress, YUEN-CHING there. As a result his boss, KUK-SANG, has no choice but to bring his son-in-law WAN TSAU-YIN, who is also LAU-FEI's partner, to attend the banquet in his stead. CHUN-LAM, under the influence of the flute music echoing in the Forbidden City nightly, embroiders clothing for the imperial guard – her unrequited love-object, but she gets a strong telling-off from SEUNG-LING. TSAU-YIN does not mind to socialize or even clean up problems for LAU-FEI, however, his wife YING-KAM is entangled into a dilemma due to LAU-FEI's love affair. What's more, she has been unwillingly receiving the letters from YUEN-CHING on behalf of LAU-FEI.… ...

Air date: 2013-04-23

E3: Episode 3

SEUNG-LING knows that Prince MIN-YU has made good progress in playing Go, which is a great comfort to her. CHUN-LAM reports that TUNG-SHING has caught the flautist and the palace maid. She suspects the two were meeting on the sly at the gate tower. The flautist turns out to be the demoted fortune-teller TUNG KAT-HOI, also MUK-DO-YEE was caught in that spot. TUNG-SHING dares not to do anything to MUK-DO-YEE for fear of her position, so he has to give KAT-HOI a thrashing to vent his anger. KAT-HOI is advised by the former Imperial Astronomer TUNG HUNG-NGAI that MUK-DO-YEE is his Lady Luck, so he takes every opportunity to entangle her. Lady YUEN-SAU's handmaiden YEUK-KWAI is approaching 25 and ready to leave the palace, so she is eager to find her successor. However, in view of the slow-witted little maid YAU-HEUNG, Lady YUEN-SAU is advised to find a more quick-witted replacement for serving her.… ...

Air date: 2013-04-24

E4: Episode 4

With NAM-MUNG reporting that the whole troupe has been reserved by the beggars, who are hired by Master KIU, the troupe members are scheming to sever their ties with the Cheung Wo Troupe. LAU-FEI goes to relax at a Manchu young man HA-TO's residence, where he gets to know Eunuch MA SUN-MUN from the palace. TSAU-YIN returns to the troupe, unexpectedly, seeing SUN-MUN alone there in the reserved theatre. Ahead of that, SUN-MUN has already taught Master KIU a lesson. SEUNG-LING plays Go with Prince MIN-XIN, who is so happy that he also reveals to SEUNG-LING that he is worrying about his fifth brother's condition. CHI-HEEN reports to Lady YUE-YUET that Prince MIN-YU's skin rash has been soothed, though he is still running a fever. Prince MIN-YU's gums suddenly start bleeding and it just won't stop, therefore, CHI-HEEN performs acupuncture to stop the gums from bleeding in spite of violating the prohibition.… ...

Air date: 2013-04-25

E5: Episode 5

Air date: 2013-04-26

E6: Episode 6

All the theatrical restaurants in Beijing City refuse to let the Cheung Wo Troupe perform for fear of MA SUN-MUN's power. In order to make a living, KUK-SANG agrees to train the eunuchs of the Forbidden City in response to the invitation of the Theatrical Office, but LAU-FEI does not agree with it. All the senior members of the Cheung Wo Troupe envy another red-hot troupe, Kam Hing Troupe, for their ostentatious extravagance, plus their leading actor Master CHU demonstrates a more skillful performance than LAU-FEI does. SUN-MUN uses the excuse of handing back the embroidery to see SEUNG-LING, who instead sneers at him. SEUNG-LING, on behalf of YEE-HO, returns the Sutra to SU-LAN, persuading her to help Lady YUE-YUET, but SU-LAN adopts a strong attitude towards the matter, refusing to do so. While providing tactics to Lady YUE-YUET, SEUNG-LING states that CHI-HEEN is the key point to alleviate the rumor.… ...

Air date: 2013-04-29

E7: Episode 7

Although SUN-MUN tries every possible means to make things difficult for LAU-FEI, LAU-FEI puts up with them one by one. During the night, when LAU-FEI accompanies SUN-MUN to have a drink, SUN-MUN sends a teenage prostitute TSZ-KUEN to serve LAU-FEI, who then hears about the most shocking experience of SUN-MUN. CHI-HEEN returns to the palace to serve as an Imperial Physician, he even promises to work for Lady YUE-YUET for the sake of Prince MIN-YU's health. Lady WAN gives birth to the sixth prince successfully. SU-LAN verifies that three newly recruited people are not SUN-MUN's errand-men. When Lady YUEN-SAU practices paper-cutting to kill time, YEUK-KWAI warns her not to make any romantic patterns, otherwise, she will be lectured by Lady YUNG. As such, Lady YUEN-SAU cuts the paper into pieces, which happen to be blown into KAT-HOI's hands.… ...

Air date: 2013-04-30

E8: Episode 8

Air date: 2013-05-01

E9: Episode 9

Lady YUE-YUET takes a rare opportunity to visit Prince MIN-YU, but she leaves empty-handed as Prince MIN-YU is indulged in scrolls. SUN-MUN receives a lot of gratuity in reward for having successfully arranged the performance, so he sends some to MUK-DO-YEE, who sees through him as he makes use of the outside troupe to cover up their incompetency. FUKE introduces BA-CHA to LAU-FEI, who learns that the Cheung Wo Troupe becomes very popular among the imperial palace. KAT-HOI discovers a Hexagram symbol of happiness. TUNG TAI opposes his idea to continue the investigation fearing that he might get into real trouble. Having brought about a reconciliation, Lady YUE-YUET and Lady YUEN-SAU get along with each other very well. As Lady YUE-YUET intends to bring her younger sister to visit Prince MIN-YU, YEE-HO is afraid that it might breach the imperial rules.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-02

E10: Episode 10

While taking care of his father, KAT-HOI finds out there is some paper in the cake box, from which he extrapolates that his real Lady Luck is the imperial consort he met in the Chang Yin Pavilion. SUN-MUN fails to arrange the Theatrical Office to rehearse "Peony Pavilion", so he treats LAU-FEI with tea to please him, promising to work with him shoulder to shoulder. The performance of "Peony Pavilion" commences as scheduled. When Lady YUE-YUET tips them, TSAU-YIN takes the opportunity, presenting the script of "Peony Pavilion" he transcribed as well as his own notes to her. CHIN-YUI notices that Lady YUE-YUET seems very upset, and actually she is concerned that the plot might impact the imperial harem negatively. Lady YUEN-SAU suddenly leaves her palace and is nowhere to be found, so all are motivated to search for her. Lady YUEN-SAU turns out to be hiding in the Chang Yin Pavilion and KAT-HOI covers up for her.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-03

E11: Episode 11

SO GOONG GOONG goes to the Attending Office, asking them a favor for young eunuch LUK-HEI, who wants to assist LAU-FEI during his training. He is taunted by SUN-MUN instead, as such the two have a falling-out. Being in the grip of the rumors that he has connections with remnants of HE SHEN camp, SO GOONG GOONG gets down on his knees and pleads with SU-LAN for clarification of the rumors. On a rainy day, while LAU-FEI cannot enter the palace to teach, TSAU-YIN takes the opportunity to carry out stage property maintenance. However the two start bickering with one another. After treating Prince MIN-YU, CHI-HEEN makes a report to Lady YUE-YUET. Lady YUE-YUET then leaks out a story regarding sisterly love via CHI-HEEN, and the story touches all saving Lady YUEN-SAU, who is apathetic. Having heard a rumor, SEUNG-LING worries about her family members so she exchanges messages with SU-LAN.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-06

E12: Episode 12

SEUNG-LING applies to leave the palace to visit her children, so YEE-HO informs SU-LAN to relay Lady YUE-YUET’s approval, yet SU-LAN fails to do so. Upon SEUNG-LING’s return, SU-LAN spots that there is a letter in her hand. SEUNG-LING, with CHI-HEEN’s help, goes to meet BA-CHA in the Imperial Pharmacy, where she scolds him right away as he almost makes her court disaster. Regretting that he has spread rumors for Lady SHUN, TUNG TAI attempts to commit suicide but in vain, so he begs CHI-HEEN to provide him some poison. Although CHI-HEEN refuses to do so, TUNG TAI insists that only through his own death can KAT-HOI come to his senses. KAT-HOI follows his late father's body to Shen Wu Gate. While SUN-MUN tries to forestall him, MUK-DO-YEE asks a favor from him for KAT-HOI. TSAU-YIN becomes a trainer of the Theatrical Office, unfortunately, the eunuchs there show no interest in learning.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-07

E13: Episode 13

The gift that the Cheung Wo Troupe sends to SEUNG-LING in return is the portrait of DU LINIANG of "Peony Pavilion" shown at the Chang Yin Pavilion. Having come round to everything, Lady YUEN-SAU believes that she can be set free as long as she puts up with the elderly until they pass away. Upon his return to Beijing City, BA-CHA attends FUKE's banquet, indicating that he has got rid of the rumor with help of a man of erudition, but will stop socializing with LAU-FEI. SO GOONG GOONG is drinking alone and feeling depressed owing to his diminished influence, during which TSAU-YIN suggests paying him money in exchange of the chance to perform with Prince MIN-XIN on stage. YEE-HO tells CHI-HEEN that someone in the palace has eye-witnessed YEUK-KWAI appearing several times, and suggests increasing the drug dosage to make YEUK-KWAI unconscious to prevent her from going out.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-08

E14: Episode 14

The issue of YEUK-KWAI going insane and walking around in the palace has come to a boil, so Lady YUE-YUET plans to send her out of the palace early, but is forestalled by Lady YUNG. All of a sudden, Prince MIN-YU has a high fever with symptoms of an underlying infectious disease. Lady YUNG summons CHI-HEEN, questioning whether Lady YUE-YUET often pays a visit to her own child, therefore CHI-HEEN dares not conceal anything from her. LAU-FEI attends FUKE's banquet and is surprised to see that TSAU-YIN has become their guest of honour. On the other hand, with SU-LAN's plot being unmasked, she frankly admits that she refuses to lag behind SEUNG-LING. SEUNG-LING then has no alternative but to reveal the fact that Prince MIN-YU is ill with an underlying disease. LAU GOONG GOONG delivers the message that Prince MIN-XIN will not practise opera anymore, forcing TSAU-YIN back to his original role.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-09

E15: Episode 15

Lady YUEN-SAU dresses up nicely and makes an appearance, but she is accused by Lady SHUK and Lady KUNG of offending the standard of propriety. Unexpectedly, Lady YUEN-SAU fights back arrogantly, indicating that the imperial harem is now under NIOHURU's control. CHI-HEEN leaves the palace to visit YEUK-KWAI in Ji An Chamber, where he finds out that YEUK-KWAI was raped after being drugged. Having learned that the Emperor decides to stay in Rehe and summons all the members of the Theatrical Office to perform operas to relieve anxiety, FUKE urges LAU-FEI to seize the opportunity to demonstrate his talent to the Emperor. Knowing that it's a rare opportunity, TSAU-YIN actively tries to pump SUN-MUN for information. However, SUN-MUN raises something in turn..... Lady YUEN-SAU knows that CHI-HEEN intends to tender his resignation, so she reassures him that she will strengthen his status in the palace.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-10

E16: Episode 16

Ever since Prince MIN-YU and Lady YUNG died, there have been rumors about a ghost haunting in the palace. Following the death of Lady YUNG, Lady YUEN-SAU gets off the hook from any obligations and is free to meet up with Lady YUE-YUET anytime. SU-LAN fears that she might hardly gain a foothold in the palace after knowing that Lady YUE-YUET enjoys listening to the personal anecdotes of the late Prince MIN-YU shared by SEUNG-LING. It might seem as if Lady YUEN-SAU is the master of the Shou Kang Palace. She punishes LAU GOONG GOONG over trifles, making Lady SHUK and Lady KUNG cast sidelong glances at her. Rumor has it again that the haunting spirit of the late Lady YUNG is wandering about at the Chang Yin Pavilion and just won't leave. As Lady SHUK fears it is a manifestation of the late Lady YUNG, Lady YUEN-SAU suggests summoning the actors back to the palace to perform.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-13

E17: Episode 17

As SEUNG-LING is leaving the palace soon, HA-TO casts doubts upon BA-CHA’s capability of gathering intelligence. In response to this, BA-CHA says there is still MUK-DO-YEE. Lady YUE-YUET tells SEUNG-LING frankly that she no longer believes worshiping Buddha can keep one safe, so SEUNG-LING tries all her best to comfort her. Knowing perfectly well that SU-LAN is very ambitious, Lady YUE-YUET attempts to use her to prevent Lady YUEN-SAU from being continuously depraved. TUNG-SHING once again uses some excuses to beat up KAT-HOI. MUK-DO-YEE tries to stop TUNG-SHING, who defies her instead. When LAU-FEI is delayed from leaving the palace due to rain, TUNG-SHING leads his subordinates to arrest him on the allegation of having an affair with a lady in the palace. SU-LAN reveals to Lady YUE-YUET in private that there must be something fishy between LAU-FEI and SEUNG-LING.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-14

E18: Episode 18

Ever since he returned from Rehe, TSAU-YIN has had a meteoric rise as he found favor with the Emperor. SUN-MUN proposes dealing with LAU-FEI on behalf of TSAU-YIN, so that TSAU-YIN can devote all his effort to the opera composition for the Emperor. During cleaning up, KAT-HOI picks up Lady YUEN-SAU's pearl hairpin and hides it secretly, gaining Lady YUEN-SAU's confidence. As SEUNG-LING is about to leave the palace, MUK-DO-YEE gives her some silk cloths as well as money. While indicating that BA-CHA's effort over the years will soon go in vain, SUN-MUN grasps the chance to propose pairing up with MUK-DO-YEE, which is more convenient than forcefully keeping SEUNG-LING in the palace. BA-CHA reveals to Lady YUE-YUET privately that he and SEUNG-LING's three children died young half a year ago. Knowing this, Lady YUE-YUET urges BA-CHA to keep it a secret.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-15

E19: Episode 19

Having been preordained by the Emperor to manage the troupe in the imperial harem, TSAU-YIN takes the chance to taunt LAU-FEI. Lady YUE-YUET asks BA-CHA to call upon her in the palace, confronting him with SEUNG-LING face-to-face. Without compunction, BA-CHA instead warns SEUNG-LING not to yell at him, which is such a major blow to SEUNG-LING that she lays ill in bed. Lady YUE-YUET offers a large amount of gratuity to SU-LAN and SEUNG-LING, asking them to leave the palace on the same day, and SU-LAN also buries her old grudges against SEUNG-LING out of pity. During her visit, Lady YUE-YUET tells SEUNG-LING that only one who reveals the truth of her hometown catastrophe is genuinely concerned about her. Once again, Lady YUEN-SAU commands LAU-FEI to enter the palace for story-telling, during which LAU-FEI behaves cautiously. Lady YUEN-SAU hints that he should beware of Lady YUE-YUET.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-16

E20: Episode 20

When Lady YUEN-SAU travels around in the imperial garden with Lady YUE-YUET, she mentions about a rumor from a palace maid that someone is scheming something. Knowing that Lady YUEN-SAU is targeting her, Lady YUE-YUET refuses to talk about it anymore. KAT-HOI fixes the house for Lady YUEN-SAU in spite of the rain, and Lady YUEN-SAU is surprised to see him doing minion's work as she knows he was once an court official. On inquiry, Lady YUE-YUET finds SEUNG-LING did not return to her residence after leaving the palace. In fact, SEUNG-LING is in a trance, walking to the edge of bridge to commit suicide, when LAU-FEI shows up unexpectedly. LAU-FEI asks for Lady YUEN-SAU's permission as he just wants to train the young eunuchs of the Theatrical Office. Having sensed that he and TSAU-YIN are not getting along with each other, Lady YUEN-SAU decides to deal with it for him.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-17

E21: Episode 21

SEUNG-LING returns to the palace with regard to MUK-DO-YEE's marriage, and the two finally mend fences between them, developing a genuine mother-daughter relationship. Lady YUE-YUET meets SEUNG-LING, shirking all the responsibility of arranging MUK-DO-YEE's marriage to BA-CHA. In addition, she is concerned about SEUNG-LING's experience during her disappearance after leaving the palace. As such, SEUNG-LING discloses everything to Lady YUE-YUET. After seeing a snuff bottle, Lady YUE-YUET verifies it with YEE-HO and confirms it belongs to LAU-FEI, so she comes up with another plan to evict LAU-FEI. Noticing that Lady YUE-YUET puts aside his marriage proposal of pairing up with MUK-DO-YEE since SEUNG-LING's return, SUN-MUN becomes fully conscious that BA-CHA is very unreliable. In view of this, SUN-MUN urges TSAUN-YIN to pay a visit to Rehe. LAU-FEI makes a performance on purpose so as to let LUK-HEI learn from it.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-20

E22: Episode 22

SUN-MUN pesters all eunuchs of the Attending Office to drink with him, and becomes so deadly drunk. On his way back to his bedroom, he runs into KAT-HOI, intending to vent his anger on him. On the contrary, KAT-HOI not only gives him a good thrashing, but also tries to seize the chance to kill him. Ever since he became very popular in the palace, TSAU-YIN is increasingly getting addicted to tobacco. In one morning after he wakes up, he finds out that YING-KAM has already left to visit her father. LAU-FEI talks with YING-KAM when she pays a visit. Their conversation is overheard by TSAU-YIN upon his arrival, so TSAU-YIN misconceives that the two were having an affair. Lady YUE-YUET learns from SEUNG-LING that she and LAU-FEI have been implicitly delivering their amorous feelings towards each other via umbrellas.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-21

E23: Episode 23

Air date: 2013-05-22

E24: Episode 24

LAU-FEI invites SEUNG-LING to gather at the Shu Fang Study after performing in the Double Seventh Festival, however, his invitation letter is modified by Lady YUE-YUET. During the night of the Double Seventh Festival, Lady YUE-YUET suddenly changes her mind, wanting to withdraw the original plan, but YEE-HO insists LUK-HEI to continue it. On the other hand, SUN-MUN is also ready to act after seeing that LAU-FEI is in a hurry to leave during a break in his performance. By appointment, SEUNG-LING waits at the Shu Fang Study but to her surprise the one shows up is TSAU-YIN instead of LAU-FEI. Knowing that FUKE has returned to Beijing City, LAU-FEI goes to meet his good friend at Yin Hung Court. All of a sudden, a wooden Buddha statue carved with Lady YUEN-SAU’s name on it is dug out from the Feng Xian Hall.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-23

E25: Episode 25

LUK-HEI urges LAU-FEI to write back to SEUNG-LING so as not to make her worry. At last LAU-FEI issues a letter himself. NAM-MUNG suddenly sees YING-KAM smoking tobacco despite being pregnant, so he cannot refrain from persuading her to stop. TSAU-YIN defends NAM-MUNG, and in a moment of desperation, he even hurts YING-KAM inadvertently, making her lapse into a coma with a lot of blood gushing out from her lower abdomen. SEUNG-LING complains to Lady YUE-YUET about the letter received from LAU-FEI. According to the letter, LAU-FEI wants to sever his relationship with SEUNG-LING. Lady YUE-YUET gives YEE-HO a severe reprimand for not being obedient, whereas YEE-HO keens on protecting her master, stating that she has already burnt the silk handkerchief, on which SEUNG-LING embroidered the lyric poetry of "This Song of Divination".… ...

Air date: 2013-05-24

E26: Episode 26

Having learnt that LAU-FEI was attacked outside the palace, SEUNG-LING approaches MUK-DO-YEE to inquire about his injuries. The palace servants place the books in sunlight when the sky is clear and bright, during which the paper umbrella that SEUNG-LING used to deliver her affection is blown away in strong winds, making SEUNG-LING suffer a setback. SO GOONG GOONG reveals to SEUNG-LING that he helped SU-LAN to steal some paintings and pretend to be LAU-FEI, and he has already told Lady YUE-YUET about the issue. After much consideration, SEUNG-LING unveils everything to LAU-FEI, believing that Lady YUE-YUET is after him, but LAU-FEI disagrees. Although MUK-DO-YEE thinks KAT-HOI is a loony, she still gives KAT-HOI her birth date and time for divination as she worries about her marriage. SEUNG-LING pays a visit to Yong Shou Palace.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-27

E27: Episode 27

CHI-HEEN worries about KAT-HOI for knowing too many secrets of Lady YUEN-SAU. After hearing this, surprisingly, KAT-HOI dashes out of the house and picks up some charcoal to burn in his own hands. His act of self-mutilation touches Lady YUEN-SAU. SUN-MUN tells TSAU-YIN that he should at least try to curry favor with Lady YUEN-SAU even if he doesn't want to make an audience with the Emperor in Rehe. YEE-HO reports to Lady YUE-YUET that SEUNG-LING cannot go to Yong Shou Palace as a result of her illness, so Lady YUE-YUET goes to Xie Fang Hall in person and sees SEUNG-LING suffering a wrist injury. As she can no longer bear to see SEUNG-LING suffering injuries for LAU-FEI, Lady YUE-YUET even calls LAU-FEI back by taking advantage of the opera performance for Prince MIN-XIN's wedding, which however leads Lady YUEN-SAU to misunderstand her even more.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-28

E28: Episode 28

TSAU-YIN returns home and finds YING-KAM is missing. Thinking it was LAU-FEI who accosted his wife, TSAU-YIN dashes back to the troupe to question him. There he gets to know that YING-KAM is suffering from anxiety. LAU GOONG GOONG, who betrayed Lady YUEN-SAU before, approaches her again, revealing that KAT-HOI and MUK-DO-YEE are having an affair so as to gain her trust. TSAU-YIN asks LUK-HEI about LAU-FEI’s cough symptoms and learns that he is seriously ill, the rumor of which is spread out soon afterwards. In order to achieve her aim, SEUNG-LING makes a deal with BA-CHA, but BA-CHA raises a counter offer as a condition, which is to seek MUK-DO-YEE's consent to pair up with SUN-MUN. Lady YUEN-SAU summons KAT-HOI, not only asking him about the things between him and MUK-DO-YEE, but also telling him to sever all ties with her as well.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-29

E29: Episode 29

SEUNG-LING continues to show her gloomy face in front of Lady YUE-YUET so as to make her fall into trap. Apart from indicating that LAU-FEI begins shifting his feeling towards Lady YUE-YUET, SEUNG-LING also discloses to Lady YUE-YUET that LAU-FEI has suffered serious injuries, in an attempt to lure Lady YUE-YUET to send CHI-HEEN out of the palace in treating LAU-FEI. During her visit, Lady YUEN-SAU wants KAT-HOI to promise to stay by her side forever. LAU-FEI begs TSAU-YIN, hoping that he will let go of SEUNG-LING and set her free from these torments. MUK-DO-YEE insists that she will not marry SUN-MUN, so SUN-MUN vents all of his anger on KAT-HOI, intending to kill him. As Lady YUE-YUET and SEUNG-LING are both sighing, CHIN-YUI informs them the mob has broken into the palace, urging them to take shelter temporarily in Yong Shou Palace. This is known as Eight Trigrams Uprising in history.… ...

Air date: 2013-05-30

E30: Episode 30

Air date: 2013-05-31