Princess Yang Kwei-fei (1955) - full transcript

Daiei Productions Presents

YOKIHI

Produced by Masaichi Nagata,

Run Run Shaw

Screenplay by Matsutaro Kawaguchi,

Yoshikata Yoda, Masashige Narusawa

Cinematography by Kohei Sugiyama

Sound by Kunio Hashimoto

Art Direction by Hiroshi Mizutani

Historical Research by Lu Shi-hou

Music by Fumio Hayasaka

Cast

Yang Yu-huan/Kuei-fei - Machiko Kyo

Emperor Hs?an-tsung - Masayuki Mori

An Lu-shan - So Yamamura

Kao Li-hsi - Eitaro Shindo

Yang Chao/Kuo-chung - Sakae Ozawa

Princess Yen-chun - Haruko Sugimura

Hung-tao - Yoko Minamida

Chen Hsuan-li - Bontaro Miyake

Premier Li Lin-fu - Tatsuya Ishiguro

Yang Hsien - Isao Yamagata

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi

- We have come to take you away, sire

- Please make yourself ready

Where are you taking me?

- To the Palace of the West, sire

- What?

The Palace of the West?

You're going to confine me there?

- Yes, sire

- No!

I refuse to leave here

I shall remain here

Here, at least I can listen

to the sounds of the city...

...and there are many distractions

to console me in my solitude

Go tell the Emperor that

Tell my son...

...not to cause his old father

any further suffering

But it is the Emperor's order

We must carry out his imperial order

to the letter

Please, make yourself ready to leave

You insult me!

Get out!

Out!

Out!

Kuei-fei...

Kuei-fei...

Where are you, my love?

Are you watching over me

from somewhere beyond the grave?

Alas, I am too old now...

... for any pleasures

this world may offer me

I wish only to see you again

Any place without your presence...

... is unbearable to me

Kuei-fei...

... where are you?

Well done.

You all played very well

I wasn't too sure of the piece at first...

...but I very much enjoyed your rendition

I think it is one of Your Majesty's

masterpieces

However, there is a certain

underlying sadness to it, sire

How can you expect me to compose

anything joyous, the way I feel?

Majesty, you are the most

fortunate person in the Empire

Look at me, do I really

seem that fortunate?

Fortune is not a mere corollary

of one's social status

If I were truly fortunate...

...then I would be able to compose

more joyous pieces of music

This piece was composed

in honour of my late wife

Well... let us play the next movement

Your Majesty...

...Premier Li wishes

for an audience with you...

...to discuss pressing affairs of state

And as your schedule

must be strictly observed...

...I must ask you kindly

to finish now for today

Thank you, everybody

Wait

I just want to try this last piece

Premier Li, you can wait a little longer

I fear I cannot, Majesty

Besides myself, you are to address

several foreign ambassadors, sire

We also have to plan

your journey details

Affairs of state must always

take precedence, sire

You constantly interfere

with my pleasures...

...and bind me to ridiculous

schedules and ceremonies!

You distract His Majesty

from his duties of governance

Get out!

- Majesty...

- What is it?

Please look at this statue

of the Bodhisattva...

...that came in tribute

from the Silla Kingdom of Korea

She is truly a work of great beauty

And who is this?

You honour me

by giving her recognition, Majesty

I have taken the liberty of selecting

this highly capable lady...

...to take care of all your needs, sire

It's unnecessary

Nobody can take the place

of the late Empress

Just forget about it

I heard that His Majesty

turned her down

Did he refuse you?

It wasn't your fault

We may be the most beautiful

women in the capital...

...but we're just not beautiful enough

for His Imperial Majesty, that's all!

You just have to accept your fate

with good grace

Oh, welcome, sire!

General An Lu-shan has arrived!

Welcome

Oh, welcome, sire

What a shame. I really thought

your daughter would be accepted

She failed, despite all your intercessions

on our behalf

What a shame

That's put an end

to all our plans, General

Not so. All is not lost yet

Her acceptance would have

hastened things along, that's all

All our hopes are dashed

She's the third sister to be rejected

I'll end up working here

and never getting on in life

General, please take me with you

to your fortress

- And what would you do there?

- But I've no future here in the capital

I'd rather be an official under you,

General...

...then I could take bribes

and get rich quick!

You sound desperate,

and I don't hire such desperate men

I'll worry about it later.

General, let's have a drink

- Good

- Come right this way

- Let's drink

- You go on ahead...

What's up with you? Look lively!

Master Kao will be arriving soon.

Let's go

Even on the branches of the willows

Throughout the town...

Hey, the guests have arrived!

Stop that singing!

- Who is she?

- She's my youngest cousin

Same family as the others?

She's their half-sister. A country girl,

just arrived from the mountains

- General?

- Wait...

So, you're a daughter

of the Yang family?

I'm more like their servant

Hey!

Show me your face

Please leave me alone,

I have work to do

Hey!

What are you doing?

What are you doing to me?

What...?

You're quite a beauty

Let go of me!

You're wasted here in the kitchen

General! What are you doing

in this place?

- I've just found a real treasure

- What?

This one, here!

That was a real shame

your daughter was rejected

No, not at all, one can't expect

the daughter of a mere restaurateur...

...to attract the attention of His Majesty

It was our fault for thinking

above our station

What do you mean, brother,

that it was our fault?

You want to run this restaurant

for the rest of your life?

Well, I don't! I want to be someone

and get on in life!

I just think differently from you

You want to use your daughters

to further your own ambitions

What's wrong with that? I'm doing it

for the honour of the Yang Family

For the prosperity of the whole family

I'm only doing the right thing

No, your motives are evil...

Stop

- Let me see how you look in these

- No!

Don't answer back! Put them on quickly!

If I put those on,

everyone will just laugh at me!

What a child! Come here

I'm just a country peasant

Since my mother died, I've been forced

to work as a maid in the kitchens

You treat me worse than a dog!

Everyone has to start somewhere

Take me for instance, my father

was a foreigner in this country

I suffered enormous prejudice

and was maltreated as a child

But human beings have a destiny...

...and if you don't grasp at good fortune

then you'll regret it for life

Don't you see, you have been presented

with a wonderful opportunity?

Right then, try these robes on

And then what?

We're going to see

where your destiny lies

You've never realised

how beautiful you are?

No, not at all

Well, it's up to me

to convince you otherwise

But you must be aware of your beauty,

before you can convince others to see it

Yes?

Get dressed quickly

Follow the General's kind advice

and put this robe on

Others may envy us...

...but our low birth stops us

from progressing further

Is it only the Li family

that can gain advancement?

There's nothing we can do

about it for the present

No one can stand in the way

of Premier Li Lin-fu

It's unfortunate the Emperor

wasn't attracted to your daughter

He can't forget the late Empress

Wu-hui, can he?

She was a wonderful Empress

There could be no other like her

in this world

Yes, there could be, Master Kao!

There could be another Wu-hui!

You're not the only one who wishes

to see Empress Wu-hui reincarnated

Those who support the Emperor

wish it, too

- Another Empress Wu-hui, you say?

- Yes, another. See for yourself

It's Yu-huan, isn't it?

She's beautiful

You're such fools!

How could you hide such a jewel

in your kitchens?

Who is this?

My youngest cousin, Yu-huan

From here, we're heading

for the convent on Mount Li

I will ask the Mother Abbess

to present you to His Majesty's court

She is a relative of the Emperor

and he trusts her implicitly

Master Kao is already there

waiting for us

At last, our luck is going to change

I have no doubt that you will attract

the Emperor's attention

As a reward for finding you...

...I will be called back to the capital

in triumph and made a minister

And as the highest ranking concubine,

you shall enjoy a most glorious life

You must take full advantage

of the fact that you were born beautiful

What's wrong?

Why are you so quiet?

Don't you understand,

if you become an imperial concubine...

...great status and honour

will be bestowed upon all your family?

And I will simply become a tool

for the family to use...

...just as I was when I was forced

to work in their kitchens

Not at all!

This is for your own happiness

Our rewards will be

a mere fraction of yours

You must understand that

Everything will turn out just fine...

Just fine

So, from this point onwards...

...everything about your past

will be extinguished

What do you think of her,

Mother Abbess?

A lovely girl

- Everything is prepared, madam

- This girl is your servant

She will obey your every whim

Please allow me

to show you to your room

Do you think she will be

to the Emperor's liking?

Mother Abbess...

Just as you recommended Wu-hui

as a wife for the Emperor...

...I would like to propose her suitability

as an imperial consort

Do you think the Emperor trusts you

more than he does me?

I'm not saying that at all. I mean...

Master Kao...

...do you have any idea how much

the Emperor trusts my judgement?

- Of course I do, but...

- Then be silent!

Yes, madam

It was I who instructed

the Empress Wu-hui

And I will mould this girl

in the same way

You will see, I will make her

worthy of the Emperor

Yes, madam

His Majesty has arrived

He's walking in the Plum Tree Garden

I've been told to fetch you,

it's time for you to meet him

Do you think I'll be all right

dressed like this?

You look very beautiful

If I am not to the Emperor's liking...

...I'll end up being confined

to his harem...

...to live out the rest of my days

You mustn't concern yourself

with such things

I think the Emperor will be amazed

when he sees how beautiful you are

What kind of a man is the Emperor?

What kind of things does he like?

How did Wu-hui manage

to capture his heart?

Please tell me

The Emperor is a very

kind-hearted person

And he greatly appreciates

people who show sincerity

The more you listen to his music,

the more you will understand him

I see...

It is time for you to take some tea,

Majesty

I'm enjoying looking at the plum

blossoms, I don't want any tea

But your physician has given

strict instructions, Majesty

Why do you all constantly

try to impede me?

You don't even allow me

to enjoy my leisure as I wish

Please do not chastise me, Majesty...

...I am simply following

the strict rules of court etiquette

Please, if you would kindly make

your way to the tea house...

Your Majesty...

Even in the distance,

the plum blossoms look so beautiful

It's not only the plum blossom

that is beautiful...

...there is also a beautiful girl

in full blossom, Majesty

I would like to express the colour and

scent of the plum blossoms in music

I would like to be left alone

this evening, please

Thank you. You may go now

You are dismissed

Master Kao, why are you still here?

Your Majesty, I understand your grief

at the loss of Empress Wu-hui...

...but to continue mourning her

like this...

I'm in no mood to listen

to your sermons this evening

I asked you to leave me alone

this evening. Understand?

Yes, sire

I would like to be left alone

to reminisce about my late Empress

Who are you?

Who allowed you

into my private chambers?

I know...

This must be Kao's doing

Because I talk so much of my late wife...

...he has taken it upon himself

to bring me a woman who looks like her

Your resemblance to Wu-hui is uncanny

However, it is not her body

that I yearn for, but her spirit

Majesty...

No one can replace Wu-hui

Please don't destroy my memories

I wish you to go now

Isn't that the piece I composed

in the Plum Tree Garden?

You play very well

Very well indeed

Did you learn to play that piece

to impress me?

Or did you play it simply

to show me how clever you are?

Not at all, Your Majesty

Why did you play it, then?

I merely wanted to soothe and comfort

your poor heart, Majesty...

...if only for a short moment

My poor heart?

Majesty...

...I did not enter your court

of my own free will

Others will be delighted

if my presence here pleases you

It has nothing to do with me...

...it is the will of those

that brought me here

I am like their puppet

and they pull my strings

I thought I'd have to spend

the rest of my life here...

...like some ornament

at Your Majesty's side

There was nothing I could do but

accept the inevitability of my destiny

But then...

...when I realised how much love

Your Majesty still felt for Wu-hui...

...I felt ashamed of myself

Empress Wu-hui was

a very fortunate person indeed

I never imagined...

...that a woman

could be so loved by a man

I envy Wu-hui

If only I could meet a man who was

as gentle and kind as Your Majesty...

...then I would be happy

I shall take my leave of you, sire

Wait a moment

Up until now, I believed only Wu-hui

could bring happiness into my life

But you...

...of your own accord,

played my composition...

...and gave me great comfort

Moreover,

you have asked for no reward

Above all...

...you spoke to me with honesty,

as you would address any other person

Not even Wu-hui

was ever able to do that

Tell me what your name is

I am Yu-huan of the Yang family,

Your Majesty

Yu-huan, from now on

I wish you to remain close at my side...

...as a friend

Only if you wish, of course

Yes, sire

I would like that very much

That settles it.

You agree to stay at my side?

I take that as a promise

Tomorrow morning...

...I want you to prepare the hot spring

in the Lotus Pool for Yu-huan

Lady Yu-huan...

...since Empress Wu-hui passed away...

...you are the first to have been

allowed to use the Lotus Pool

His Majesty says that spring

has returned to the court!

I can't stay long.

I have to leave tomorrow

It's unfortunate that I have to return

to my old life as a provincial governor...

...without seeing how

Yu-huan is getting along

Does my presence here

embarrass you?

Please, General...

...a governorship is an honourable post

What use is a provincial governorship?

I want a position in the capital

If Li Lin-fu falls from power,

who will be the next premier?

Do you have your sights

set on being premier, General?

One must be ambitious and aim high,

for the premiership...

...or even the imperial throne!

The throne?

You just watch, your little kitchen help

may one day become Empress

You're right...

Anything is possible

I will never abandon my ambitions

If Yu-huan becomes influential,

you won't remain here much longer

General, it seems she's already

been accepted as his mistress

Being one of his harem means nothing

The important thing is for Yu-huan

to rise above the other women in status

The future of the Yang family

depends on it

Don't forget that, Chao!

In accordance with the law, sire,

it is dictated that Lady Cheng must die

I have no recollection

of issuing such an order

You are the servants of a prisoner!

How dare you presume to speak

in front of His Imperial Majesty!

Get out!

Out!

It is strictly forbidden by imperial

decree for any lady in your harem...

...to involve herself

in matters of governance

Therefore the penalty

for such a crime is death

But Lady Cheng only involved herself

in politics...

...because she wanted to secure

a government post for her relative

I am only observing a law that

you yourself decreed, Your Majesty

But laws should be made to safeguard

the well-being of the people

Why can't you use the law

for the benefit of the people?

If Your Majesty should care

to make such laws...

...then I will faithfully carry them out

However, I must insist that if a law...

Enough!

I have no wish to listen to you

Your Majesty...

I thought that you had the power

to do anything that you wished

For years, I was able to do

as I pleased in all matters

But the laws and codes of practice

that I myself made now constrain me...

...and the result

is a curtailment of my powers

Sometimes it is important to relax

and forget all your troubles

Forget all my troubles?

Let me accompany you, Your Majesty

- Where to?

- Into the city

This evening there is an annual festival,

and the whole city will be celebrating

Festival of Lanterns

Hold on to me tightly

so I don't lose you, sire

There are servants from the court

approaching

This way

That was a narrow escape

Is it all right to remove my hood?

It's so uncomfortable

I'm sure we'll be fine here

- How kind of you, sire

- These are for me?

Many thanks. Please, accept these

Won't you try one?

Try it

Tonight, you must do

exactly as I tell you

It's delicious, isn't it?

I'm not sure

Everybody is so kind

This is the first time in a long time

that I've felt so free

Aren't you glad you ventured out?

These sweets are very tasty

Now you see!

We can't allow a pair of lovers

to pass through

- Why not?

- You have to drink before you can pass

- I don't want to trouble you

- You're not troubling us! Have a drink!

Please forgive their impertinence

Let's celebrate your wedding!

- One more!

- One more!

First we drink, then we dance!

Your dancing was wonderful

Why did you never

dance for me before?

Well, it was the beautiful sound of

your lute that made me want to dance

Your movements kept perfect timing

Only because Your Majesty

matched my tempo

I've had a marvellous evening

I feel so refreshed

that my blood is tingling

It makes me so happy

to hear you say that

This evening, I don't feel

like an emperor...

...I feel like a man of the people,

you can call me Li San-lan!

Me, too. I'm Yu-huan,

just a simple peasant girl

Majesty...

May we have some tea, please?

Careful, it's hot

Here

You know...

...it feels like I've lived here

with you for years and years!

As our governor-generals, it is your

responsibility to defend our borders...

...against the invading barbarians

For a long time they have been

troublesome and war seems inevitable

But it is important to win them over

not by force but by diplomacy

It will all depend on your abilities

His Majesty is relying on you

completely, generals...

...and each of you is expected

to fulfil his duty

I hope you enjoy this gathering...

...that His Majesty has arranged

in your honour

Well, if it isn't General An Lu-shan...

Welcome to the capital

Well, Chao...

You must call me by the new name

and title that His Majesty gave me

So, you're Minister Yang Kuo-chung

now, are you?

Close to the throne.

A lofty position indeed

Damn these upstart women!

They live in luxury,

all paid for with our taxes

They're just taking advantage

of His Majesty's love for Kuei-fei

They're jumped-up servants who think

they're better than the rest of us

Make way for Her Ladyship! Move!

Move!

Move, you bastard!

What do you think you're doing?

What are you doing?

The Yang family has corrupted

the whole court!

Death to the Yangs!

Don't just stand there!

Quickly, to the palace!

Kill them!

- Death to the Yangs!

- Kill them all!

- Down with the Yangs!

- Kill them!

Kill the Yangs!

- What's happened?

- What's happened, madam?

On the way here,

we were attacked by a mob...

...and they were shouting,

"Death to the Yang family!"

How frightening for you

How dare they treat friends

of His Majesty this way!

They're ruffians!

Were they arrested?

Our guards just stood by

and watched them abuse us!

You were all useless! Someone must

take responsibility for this!

I apologise, madam.

What were the guards doing?

Are you all right, madam?

What about Kuei-fei?

What happened?

Kuei-fei...

Are you hurt?

You were right when you said

one should be ambitious and aim high

And you have been made

governor of three provinces

You must be pleased

with your progress

That's nothing compared

to your promotion, Minister

And to whom do you attribute

your success?

I attribute it to my own prowess

It certainly hasn't been easy, though

Don't talk nonsense!

It's all due to Kuei-fei

And Kuei-fei, in turn,

owes all she has to me!

Listen, Chao...

Promote me to a central government

post and make me a minister

Only the Emperor has the authority

to do that, not me

So arrange for Kuei-fei

to make a request to His Majesty

It is forbidden for women

to have any involvement in politics

Listen to me, Chao...

...I have now consolidated

my power base in the north

You'd be wise to retain my friendship

if you wish to remain in power

- Minister?

- What is it?

Would you ask His Majesty what music

he'd like the musicians to play next?

I will consider what

you have just said, General

Does Your Majesty have any

particular music you'd like to hear next?

Let me see...

I know...

...in honour of my new governors...

...I shall play for them myself

It has been a long time, madam

Congratulations on your new post,

General

I don't see it as any cause

for celebration

I still nurture my ambition

for a government post in the capital

Yu-huan...

Listen to me...

You have become

a very influential concubine at court

I want to be a government minister...

...and I have the right to expect

your help on this matter

General, please... not here

What?

So, you won't even deign

to listen to what I have to say?

Are you too selfish

to think of anyone but yourself?

Look how your three sisters

have risen through the ranks

Even Chao has been rewarded

with a ministerial post

Why, then, must I languish

in the provinces?

Please don't raise your voice

- Excuse me

- Wait!

You really are exquisitely beautiful

I never thought

you could look this radiant

If only I had taken you for my own

that day we first met...

...both our destinies

would be very different now

Yu-huan...

What are you doing?

I belong to the Emperor now

What do you mean,

"belong to the Emperor"?

You mustn't forget, Yu-huan...

...it was I who took you away

from the drudgery of life in the kitchen

And has His Majesty not generously

rewarded you for your efforts?

Some reward, indeed!

Yu-huan...

Surely you've heard that the people

are cursing the Yang family?

Do you not see how the nation suffers

under a heavy taxation system...

...while Chao abuses his position

and lines his own pockets?

And your three sisters lead a life

of ostentatious decadence

The people may revolt

at any moment...

...and when they do,

it'll be the Yang family they'll be after

If it goes on like this, even

the Emperor's life may be in danger

Even the Emperor was once

nothing more than a provincial warlord

Fortune favours the mighty...

...and any mighty feudal lord

can make himself Emperor!

Listen, Yu-huan...

My future is as boundless as an ocean

Why don't you accompany me

to my fortress?

This is the only way

you can save yourself now

Kuei-fei!

Kuei-fei, His Majesty

has finished his recital now

But why are you telling me this

all of a sudden? Tell me the reason

The whole nation seems to be burning

with rage at the Yang family

Please let me return

to my former life as Yu-huan...

...and discharge my cousin Kuo-chung

and my three sisters from the court

Your three sisters

are of no consequence

And as for promoting Kuo-chung

to a ministerial position...

...I have my own ulterior motive

for doing that

I would never be foolish enough

to allow my feelings for you...

...to jeopardise the governance

of the country

I'm not thinking of just

Your Majesty's safety...

...but for the safety

of the whole country

Wait!

Kuei-fei...

...I am sure that you are aware

of the consequences...

...if a consort involves herself

in the affairs of the state

Of course I am aware, sire

Therefore, please punish me

as you see fit

Are you saying that you have

no compunction about leaving me?

Perhaps I have committed a crime...

...and I am no longer worthy

of the title of consort

Are you so willing to listen to what

others have to say rather than me?

The other evening...

...the whole court knew that

you were talking alone with An Lu-shan

Majesty, you must trust me, please

But you are still determined

to leave me?

Please forgive me!

Enough!

Master Kao!

Take Kuei-fei

to the harem immediately

But Your Majesty...

Do as I command!

Premier Li... what is it you want?

Majesty...

I heard that you have

dismissed Kuei-fei

I must say, Your Majesty, that I admire

your decision and congratulate you

Is that all you came to say?

Yes, sire

Kuo-chung, I hear you've been taking

advantage of my illness...

...and have been acting

as though you were the Premier

All with the blessing of His Majesty

Surely you should be

considering retirement

You're too infirm to deal

with the pressures of being Premier

I'll see that you receive notification

of discharge of your duties

I won't hear such insolence!

Silence!

Your Majesty, Kuei-fei refused

to enter the harem...

...but went to the house

of her cousin Yang Hsien

What?

It's unacceptable for such

a noble lady of the court...

...to stay in the house of a commoner

On your orders, I shall go and find her

We will bring her back immediately, sire

I'm so glad that

you have come back here

It's better for your sisters

and for Chao as well

You can remain here

as long as you wish

I will protect you with my life

But what are your plans for the future?

I wish to become Yu-huan once again

You rose too high too quickly...

...that was your misfortune

There are many and varied ways...

... to live a good life

The province where I was born...

... is where I yearn to return

As they hang on the frame

over the door...

... the grapes are ripening

The sun is high in the sky...

When did you arrive here

from the provinces?

- Last year

- Really?

- Do you like it here?

- Yes

Kuei-fei, what are you doing

in such a filthy place?

Master Kao and I have come

to take you back to the palace

I wish to see no one

But the Emperor himself has sent us

His Majesty ordered us

to bring you back immediately

Please get ready

as quickly as possible

Your palanquin is waiting

I will not go back

I prefer to stay here

This is all your fault, Hsien

You should be worried

about your own future!

The people of Chang'an

are after your blood!

It's impossible for a politician

to please everyone

Consider how you have lorded it

over the whole nation

You should resign from your post.

It is her wish also

What do you know about anything?

She is concerned for you!

Don't be so insolent!

- You damn upstart!

- What?

Someone help me!

What insolence!

We cannot just stand by idly

and watch our country fall!

We must destroy the Yang family

and save the empire!

By favouring the Yangs, His Majesty

must also share some of the blame!

It is time to usher in a new era!

The nation must have a new ruler!

Our objective is to take

the capital, Chang'an!

Onwards to the capital!

In an attempt to destroy the Tangs

and usurp the imperial throne...

... General An Lu-shan

heads a revolution

Giving himself the title

Emperor Taien...

... he advances with his army

toward the capital, Chang'an

Learning of the perils now threatening

the life of Emperor Hs?an-tsung...

... Kuei-fei decides

to return to him immediately...

... to be by his side

and face their fate together

Despite the many dangers,

she remains resolute and unafraid

Emperor Hs?an-tsung flees the capital,

and after an arduous journey...

... they rest in Mukuai,

a desolate village

Let me do this for you

You go and see to His Majesty

No, I'll prepare it

He looks exhausted.

Take this to him quickly

Yes, madam

Forgive me, I'm afraid this is all

we can serve you, Majesty

And what about my men?

Aren't they hungry, too?

They'll be fed soon

I see...

No!

What's happening?

Look, men!

We've killed the three Yang sisters!

We've killed each one of them!

The people demanded their execution!

Listen, why did we flee from the capital

without putting up a fight?

We Imperial Guards are a disgrace!

General An's forces are

growing in strength!

Everyone who's anti-government

is joining his ranks!

They're angry with the politicians

Kuo-chung and Kao!

We have no ill-feeling

towards His Imperial Majesty!

It was for His Majesty's sake that

we executed the three Yang sisters!

General An isn't our enemy,

it's the Yang family!

The next to be executed will be

Yang Kuo-chung and Kao Li-hsi!

Commander, we must leave

as soon as the men have eaten

General An has crossed the river

and is advancing on Cheng-Tu

Understood, sir

What are you doing?

Prepare to move out!

What's going on?

It is Premier Yang Kuo-chung

who is to blame for all this

Unless he's punished,

the troops won't move an inch!

Silence! Who's the ringleader?

I want his head!

It's a unanimous decision

We decided to kill the three

Yang sisters as a blood sacrifice

You're powerless

to stand in our way now

- Seize him!

- No... no!

Back, you insolent fools!

Kill Kuo-chung!

Kuei-fei...

I regret having caused you

so much hardship

Being here alone with you...

...it reminds me of that night we spent

during the Festival of Lanterns

The memories are comforting to me

It heartens me

to see you so cheerful, Majesty

It takes a lot more than this

to cause me despair

What is it?

It's terrible

Kuo-chung and the three Yang sisters

were seized by the enemy...

- What?

...and they have been executed

Kuo-chung and the three sisters?

The situation is beyond my control,

Majesty

Please strip me of my title, sire

- What for?

- We are being besieged, sire

Why? Is this a revolt against me?

The army is not disloyal to you, sire

Majesty...

You see... Kuei-fei...

What about Kuei-fei?

Well...

Kuei-fei,

would you leave us a moment...?

Wait! Why can't Kuei-fei

remain here?

Your Majesty, please excuse me

Kuei-fei!

Master Kao, what is it you wish

to tell me without Kuei-fei present?

The executions of Kuo-chung

and the three sisters...

...have not appeased the people

Your Majesty, the soldiers are

demanding the life of Kuei-fei

- What? They want Kuei-fei?

- Yes, sire

Never! Never!

Women of the harem have

no responsibility for affairs of state

However, I have to say that

under the circumstances...

...she is considered a member

of the Yang family, sire

Kao... do you intend to betray us?

Was it not you who recommended

Kuei-fei to me?

And now you intend to kill her?

Majesty... your life is in danger!

We must make a decision

to save you and the nation

Silence! What do you mean,

to save me and the nation?

Have you ever considered

your country before now?

You're just trying to save your own skin!

No, Your Majesty, no!

The soldiers are baying for blood...

...they've lost all reason,

they're going berserk!

Majesty!

What are you doing?

The soldiers are demanding

your life first, Kao!

- What? No!

- You're a traitor and must die!

Forgive me, sire, for spilling blood

in your presence

I will pay the penalty, sire

Never mind about that

I must speak to the troops

Please wait!

- You must hand over Kuei-fei!

- We are loyal to you, sire!

Wait!

Calm yourselves down

Listen to what I have to say...

Kuei-fei!

...Kuei-fei is blameless

Majesty, Kuei-fei

is from the Yang family

Your life is in danger, sire.

It is for your own safety

You must make a decision quickly,

Majesty!

All of you have been

so attentive to me over the years

Pray for the quick restoration of peace

and the return of His Majesty to power

I am praying for the return

of a peaceful springtime...

...when the beautiful plum trees

will once again blossom...

...and people can celebrate

the Festival of Lanterns

I pray with all my heart

that those days arrive soon

Hung-tao...

Please give this to His Majesty from me

Tell him...

...that I shall always and forever

be by his side

- Will you tell him that?

- Yes, madam

- You must come with us

- Prepare yourself!

Let us proceed

Kuei-fei...

Kuei-fei...

Will peace now be restored

to my nation?

After you passed away...

... there was nothing left for me

in this world

General An Lu-shan

soon met his demise...

... but by then...

... my imperial throne

had been usurped...

... by my very own son,

the Crown Prince

He was no different

from An Lu-shan after all

There was never any love

lost between us

What a heartless world we live in

Kuei-fei...

Kuei-fei...

Majesty...

... I have come to take you

away with me

Oh, Kuei-fei?

I have been waiting

for this moment for many years

Finally, the day has come

Give me your hand, Majesty

Let me guide you

I have waited so long for this

We'll be together forever now.

I'll never let you leave my side

Majesty...

no one can ever

tear us asunder this time

Now we can be truly happy

Yes, truly happy

And our happiness shall know no end

I can see you smiling now, my dearest

The End