Original subtitles

♪Bright moonlight, with lanterns still burning♪

♪Deep night's hue, your face softly blurring♪

♪In a fleeting thought, my heart's line is stirring♪

♪Fate entwines, a knot forever binding♪

♪This love's riddle, your heart cold as steel♪

♪Yet your bright smile, how it steals♪

♪Like the fireworks in the night sky♪

♪A brilliance that no words can yield♪

♪La~ la~♪

♪In this life, meeting you is fate's best hand♪

♪La~ la~♪

♪Our love story, I'll slowly pen♪

♪In this life, I wish for your words♪

♪From black hair to white, we'll brave time's trend♪

♪In this life, may our love forever blend♪

♪Let's make a pact with the changing seas♪

♪In this life, may our love stand like mountains♪

♪Through seasons' change, our whispers weave♪

♪In this life, may our love never fades away♪

♪Outshining all the world's glories, come what may♪

=Les Belles=

=Episode 19=

Therefore,

I must proceed with caution this time,

to avoid alerting the enemy.

Then you'll start with the North Army.

I'll ask Prince Changyi for two lists

of the key figures of the Battle of Jingyang,

and those who can command the North Army,

besides Prince Hengyang.

The ones who appear on both lists

are the spies.

Yes.

Times have changed.

Even Minister Lu wouldn't want to investigate

the suspicious events of that year,

do you still want to investigate?

Yes.

The investigation is difficult.

You risked your life every time.

Do you still want to investigate?

I must investigate.

Alright.

Then let's investigate further.

You support me?

Why wouldn't I support you?

If we dig deeper,

it might involve many people.

Even my uncle

doesn't want me entangled in this matter.

Should the truth never see the light of day?

Now I realize

we're quite similar.

Standing in the torrent,

yet daring to go against it;

unyielding until we hit a wall,

not crying until reality strikes.

I can understand you.

I also hope

you pursue what you believe is right.

Indeed.

I am also a straightforward person.

But I have some things I dare not say.

I'm afraid she wouldn't want to listen.

Do you think

she would be willing to listen?

♪Bright moonlight, with lanterns still burning♪

♪Deep night's hue, your face softly blurring♪

♪In a fleeting thought, my heart's line is stirring♪

♪Fate entwines, a knot forever binding♪

♪This love's riddle, your heart cold as steel♪

♪Yet your bright smile, how it steals♪

♪Like the fireworks in the night sky♪

♪A brilliance that no words can yield♪

♪La~ la~♪

Just now,

what is it that you want to say

but dared not?

I

can help convey it to that person.

♪In this life, I wish for your words♪

I want to say,

I've never met someone so unrestrained,

so fearless and bold.

Nothing seems to stop her.

Even in the toughest situations,

she always finds a way out.

I know she doesn't rely on anyone.

But I always want to help her.

I also want to ask her something

that if she could

not marry anyone else.

Do you think she'll agree?

I guess,

she will break off the engagement.

Right,

you are to bring a husband home.

How could you be willing to marry out?

I want to end the engagement,

not because of this,

but because

I have someone I like.

Someone you like?

Who is he?

Well,

he's quite stubborn,

proud and aloof.

He looks like a noble man with grace.

Yet he's full of cunning schemes.

He blocked my escape from marriage

and played tricks on me like a ghost.

He knew who I was,

yet he still hid it from me,

and used me.

If you dislike him so much,

why do you still like him?

It's true I dislike him.

But he took me away from the Sutra Hall,

shared a midnight meal on the street,

gave me the Glazed Armlet,

and went to Huayi House with an eye injury.

I'm here.

Every single event is true.

He also has a passionate heart,

yet pretends to be indifferent.

Others don't understand,

but I do.

I believe

he understands my feelings too.

Right, Xuechen?

♪What if I grow old all alone♪

♪Tears will be shed forever♪

♪The pain of parting drifts with the wind♪

♪Picking up a brush, I just want to♪

♪Draw the fleeting time and capture youth♪

♪At the end of time♪

♪In this world, I suddenly look back♪

Today

is the last day of the Imperial Examinations.

If I were a man,

I would surely be writing furiously.

Your Highness, what brings you here?

Sit down.

The exam is held today.

I made a copy of the test papers

and brought it here.

(Yuezhou Examination Questions)

(Yuezhou Examination Questions)

- Your Highness, you... - I already know

you are not Zhou Zibo,

but actually

Zhou

Zi

tao.

Your Highness,

why didn't you expose me?

Your talent and writings

won't change because you are a woman.

I appreciate you

for who you are.

Your Highness,

I didn't mean to deceive you.

It's just that as a woman,

I can't succeed through the exam,

so I dressed like a man

to become your advisor

and get a chance to serve society.

I...

apologize to you.

Stand up.

It's not your fault.

It is the fault of society.

You've studied diligently for years.

If you could enter the exam as a woman,

and gain titles and ranks,

why go through this trouble?

I've invited Mr. Li here,

who's the examiner from the last session.

Mr. Li.

Your Highness.

Mr. Li and I will oversee your exam.

Treat today as a real imperial exam.

How about that?

Mr. Li is known for being resolute,

impartial and just.

No one objects to Mr. Li overseeing.

Greetings, Mr. Li.

First, verify your family document.

No worries.

Mr. Li also knows about your situation.

I...

Sorry I can't provide the family document.

Without the family document,

you can't take the exam.

Mr. Li, she must have a reason.

Can you make an exception?

Your Highness, you know my principles.

You invited me to oversee the exam,

waiting in the rain for a long time.

I appreciate your dedication to talent.

That's why I came.

But

judging by this lady's behavior,

do not let your love for talent go to waste.

Mr. Li, please wait.

You have already done so much for me.

I will definitely do

this most critical step well.

I won't disappoint you.

(If he knew I was Zhou Yangling,)

(I don't know how he would react.)

Mr. Li.

You're from Wuzhou.

Zhou Yangling.

Father: Zhou Tan.

That's me.

Identity verified.

Let's begin the exam.

Your Highness, I take the paper for review.

Your Highness.

I apologize.

I've hidden it from you for so long.

I should be the one apologizing.

I mentioned the engagement to my father.

But I never asked for your wishes.

If you don't like it,

we can tell him later.

You've been writing since morning.

You must be tired.

Take a good rest.

I'm leaving.

I...

Really?

Miss Luo wants to see me?

Absolutely.

Did she say anything else,

like where she wants to go

or what she wants to do?

She had something to tell you in person.

In person?

Your Highness,

Miss Luo has repeatedly refused you.

Could it be that she...

I want to talk about our marriage.

Since she wants to meet me,

I must present my best self to her.

Fetch the black patterned cloud sleeve robe.

Alright.

Wait a moment.

Send someone to find these items.

Hurry up!

Alright.

(Lu Mansion)

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

I've said many times

there's no need for formality between us.

I have always been this way.

Today is no exception.

Weren't we set to meet at your mansion?

Why did you come in person?

I wanted to see you sooner,

so I came here.

Your Highness,

about us...

Do you still remember

the first time we met

at the Lu Mansion?

That day I came to the Lu Mansion

while you were personally brewing tea

outside the Qing Courtyard pavilion.

The tea from that day

was the best I've ever had.

Your Highness,

I invited you today

because I have something to say to you.

I also have something to tell you.

Shall we take a walk?

Sure.

Please.

(Zichen Palace)

Even selecting a censor takes half a month.

Your Majesty, Lu Yun seeks an audience.

Young Master Lu?

That's quite rare.

Let him in.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Best of three.

I've already won two rounds against you.

As agreed, you should listen to me.

How about

best of five?

Your Highness, please go first.

Five, five, six, 16 points.

I should have won this game.

Six, six, six, 18 points.

Shall you continue?

Even if we play a hundred times,

I will always win.

Why are you so certain?

Because I have a trick.

You cannot defeat me.

Since this is a gamble,

it should be fair and just.

How can you play tricks?

Your Highness, you are born a prince.

You made a bet with His Majesty

to decide my entire future.

I am just an ordinary girl.

I can do nothing but being your wager.

Is this not another form of deceit?

Miss Luo,

I didn't intend to pressure you.

Because of what happened between us,

I thought you had feelings for me too,

so I asked my father for a reward.

I didn't expect

it would confine you.

You ride across mountains and rivers,

bold and resourceful,

truly a young hero.

As for the matter of Fan Qingchen,

you are impartial.

I admire you.

During the Flower Goddess Contest,

you generously helped me.

I am grateful.

You are sincere and honest.

I only see you as a dear friend

and have no romantic feelings for you.

Your Highness,

watch out.

Since the day I saw you,

I have been unable to forget you.

The Fiery Dance at the Zhongshan Banquet...

Always remain prosperous!

The stunning dance at the Contest...

Luo Lingyu, the Flower Goddess,

is truly a match for Prince Hengyang.

Every time I see you,

you always give me different surprises.

I originally focused only on the warfare.

But after meeting you,

I discovered that daily life

is also exceptionally lovely.

No matter what,

I still want to strive for it one more time.

But Your Highness,

love is different from warfare.

It doesn't mean one can conquer everything

just by charging forward.

If we had met at the Northern Border,

would the outcome be different today?

Perhaps love or not

has nothing to do with timing.

Alright.

Our marriage began with a bet,

now it ends with another bet.

It has a beginning and an end,

giving both you and me an explanation.

In any case,

I am grateful to you

for everything you've done for me.

I'm going.

Miss Luo!

What beautiful fireworks!

They're truly amazing.

So beautiful.

Absolutely stunning.

Truly wonderful.

It's so beautiful.

The fireworks are amazing!

- Are they beautiful? - Yes, they are.

Do you like it?

I do.

It's really stunning, isn't it?

Look, there are fireworks over there.

I see them. They're so pretty.

Let's move over there.

- Alright, let's go. - Get closer.

Hurry, hurry, hurry.

So beautiful.

There's more over there.

(Official Petition by Lu Yun)

Your Majesty,

this is my official petition.

You want to be an official?

That's quite surprising.

You used to avoid discussing it.

Why bring it up now?

Your Majesty,

I shamelessly request

to dedicate my life to serve,

in exchange for revoking the decree

and calling off the engagement of Miss Luo.

You want me

to cancel Miss Luo's engagement?

It's such an absurd request.

How can you even say it?

Your Majesty, please forgive me.

I understand

since ancient times, the words of emperors

are like golden rules,

which can't be questioned

and changed.

But I believe that with your wisdom,

you should know forced marriage

will lead to mutual disdain.

Xuechen,

I cherish you,

but you can't just flaunt your talent.

Tell me then

if I agree to your request,

what can you accomplish?

Your Majesty,

currently within Nanyue,

Beichu's spies run rampant,

even infiltrating the North Army

and colluding with officials.

Over these years,

I have been secretly investigating it.

Now, there are some leads.

I ask you to review this.

(Memorial by Lu Yun)

(Memorial to the throne)

You should understand,

this evidence

is not enough to overthrow these officials.

If I insist on convicting them,

the memorials they present by then

will definitely break my desk.

Your Majesty,

I have been planning this for years.

I will definitely uncover the truth.

Please rest assured, Your Majesty.

You must think it carefully.

Once you become an official,

you'll have to bid farewell

to your carefree days.

Are you saying all this today

just to call off the engagement?

I hope you will grant it.

Regarding this matter,

I can't just listen to you.

Eunuch Gao,

summon Miss Luo to the palace.

I want to ask her personally

how she thinks about this matter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Miss Luo.

His Majesty summons you to the palace.

To the palace?

Your Majesty, Miss Luo has arrived.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Today, Xuechen entered the palace

to call off your engagement with Hengyang.

I want to hear it

from you personally.

Your Majesty, despite your busy affairs,

you still summon me to the palace

and take time to listen to me.

With such a benevolent ruler,

it is truly a blessing for Nanyue.

Since you understand this is rare,

you must express your thoughts clearly.

You discern even the smallest details.

I dare not lie.

Since I've been granted the chance,

before presenting my case,

may I ask you a question?

Go ahead.

When I arrived at Yuezhou,

I heard

the Contest is the grant event

held by the Emperor.

I participated in the Contest

and was fortunate to be the Flower Goddess.

I wonder why you holds the Contest.

It's to let all women showcase their talents

and beauty.

The chosen Flower Goddess

can serve as a role model for women.

So to speak,

winning the Flower Goddess title

can be granted a wish

and a special favor

like a royal marriage.

It's truly a great honor.

Absolutely.

Becoming the Flower Goddess

is a great honor.

But why don't you

make the Flower Goddess Contest grander

and forced all eligible women to join?

Not every woman

wants to perform in public.

For instance, Tang dislikes it.

The Contest is good,

but I can't force every woman to join.

Your Majesty, you're right.

If good deeds are forced,

they become burdens.

Whether it's holding the Contest

or granting a marriage,

it's all because you care for the people,

seek blessings for the ladies

and find a good match for Prince Hengyang.

Your Majesty, you should know

a lady's beauty comes from herself,

not relying on others.

She is not a flower needing shade.

I have no feelings for Prince Hengyang.

Forced feelings won't be sweet.

It may be hard to last forever.

If you want me to revoke the decree...

What if

I take the reward back too?

If you want to take the reward back,

I may feel regretful,

but I don't regret it.

Apart from the Flower Goddess Contest,

there will be other ways in the future

to reclaim the family property.

Marriage is a significant matter.

I don't want to use it as an exchange.

I understand that you acted in haste

and granted the marriage out of concern.

Your true intention is

that you care about my feelings

and those of everyone of your subjects.

Are you trying to flatter me

and then threaten me, aren't you?

I do not dare.

Prince Hengyang requests an audience.

Father.

I want to call off the engagement.

Well...

Well...

Why do you do that?

Didn't you say

that Miss Luo is your true love?

I granted you this marriage.

But now

you're regretting it.

Tell me what's going on.

I've earned military merits over the years,

and never asked you for anything.

Today, I wish to exchange this

to get you to retract the decree.

Please grant me this favor.

You...

The decree has been issued.

Once spilled, water can't be gathered.

How can it be changed so easily?

Your Majesty, if that's the case,

my request to be an official is unreasonable.

Wait.

(Official Petition from Lu Yun)

(Zichen Palace)

I said no.

Everyone, leave here.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

No need for formalities.

Uncle.

Mr. Lu.

Hurry and go home.

Lords, His Majesty summons you.

The wedding is on schedule.

Now it seems your wish has come true.

- You... - What His Majesty said

carry weight.

We are fated to be apart.

Why blame Prince Hengyang?

Fine.

It's my fault now.

Seems being a princess is more tempting.

Lu Xuechen, you...

Lu Xuechen, the situation is settled.

Your words are so sharp.

Don't you find it ridiculous?

You are resorting to trickery and plunder.

Isn't that even more ridiculous?

I know you're full of complaints now,

but don't worry.

On the day I marry Miss Luo,

I'll surely send you an invitation.

Good.

Do not argue here.

Do you know where you are?

(Lu Mansion)

(Why isn't he here yet?)

Let us

meet.

In your courtyard.

My courtyard?

Sister.

What's wrong?

What are you doing?

I am admiring the lotus.

Why don't you go to bed?

Let's go.

- Alright. - Off to bed.

In my courtyard?

Isn't it too obvious?

How is it?

Our plan went smoothly today, right?

Your acting is superb.

How could it not be smooth?

Tomorrow, I will enter the palace

to report the findings to His Majesty.

Regarding your marriage to Prince Hengyang,

I will do my best to resolve it.

As for this matter,

I must resolve it myself.

We need to inform Prince Hengyang

about the presence of spies.

Lu Yun's eyes

were injured by someone from the North Army.

Your Highness,

I've heard before you returned to Yuezhou,

you faced several assassination attempts.

They knew your movements precisely

and tried to kill you so ruthlessly.

How many could do this?

So much has happened.

I believe you has suspicions.

I did have doubts before.

But there are many voices in the army.

If I investigation intensively,

I'm afraid it will disturb the troops.

So, I can only investigate secretly.

This matter is of great importance.

If you are willing,

please consider cooperating with us.

We can set a trap together

to catch the spies.

Miss Luo spoke earnestly just now.

Xuechen is willing to be official for this.

I am a reasonable person.

And I won't force anyone.

The decree for calling the engagement

shall be...

Your Majesty,

can you hold off on announcing it?

You wish to use the engagement

to better investigate spies?

Exactly.

Prince Hengyang is their target.

His every move is being watched.

I'm the best choice for the investigation.

If Xuechen and I

break ties over the engagement,

and it becomes known to everyone,

it will make the conspirators less wary

and slip up easily.

It's indeed a clever plan.

You've always avoided being an official.

But now you agree to this in exchange

for my withdrawal from the marriage.

If being an official

is not what you desire,

shall we change the plan?

I do this for you,

but not entirely for you.

When I investigated my father's case before,

being an official was a burden.

The truth involves high-ranking officials.

I can't remain a commoner

without power to fight against it.

Speaking of which,

you worked well with Prince Hengyang today.

You teased me together with him.

I did it for the overall situation.

How could Young Master Lu

be jealous over such a small matter?

What should we do then?

In the coming days,

I'm afraid I must spend every day...

I'm regretting it.

What should we do?

I dislike seeing you with him daily.

Let's find another way.

Be good.

We're at a critical point now.

What should we do next?

Although we know

there're spies around Prince Hengyang,

we need to narrow it down.

I have asked Aman to check the list

of high officials in the North Army.

He should have made some progress.

Tomorrow, I'll go find Aman.

I once accompanied Prince Hengyang

to the residence of the North Army.

There are many former members there.

I believe from their words,

we might be able to gather some clues.

♪Clouds dream of garments, flowers dream of grace♪

♪Love for power, beauty, but freedom takes the place♪

♪Pearls of the night or robes of gold♪

♪All I'd trade for a cup of wine, bold♪

♪With the strength to bind a chicken, none♪

♪Yet I can seize fate's throat, alone♪

♪Wanna be my rival, you say♪

♪Sorry, you're not there yet, today♪

♪Don't speak of forever♪

♪It's too much for me♪

♪Don't stand idle♪

♪Let love not be late♪

♪Step aside, step aside, make some space♪

♪I'll choose or reject, take my time, no haste♪

♪If you're just boring, I won't stay♪

♪Without you, I'll still live my way♪

♪Step aside, step aside, let me through♪

♪Take it slow, don't be tense, it's true♪

♪Love is love, hate is hate, no debate♪

♪Don't waste this life, make it great♪

♪Clouds dream of garments, flowers dream of grace♪

♪Love for power, beauty, but freedom takes the place♪

♪Pearls of the night or robes of gold♪

♪All I'd trade for a cup of wine, bold♪

♪With the strength to bind a chicken, none♪

♪Yet I can seize fate's throat, alone♪

♪Wanna be my rival, you say♪

♪Sorry, you're not there yet, today♪

♪Don't speak of forever♪

♪It's too much for me♪

♪Don't stand idle♪

♪Let love not be late♪

♪Step aside, step aside, make some space♪

♪I'll choose or reject, take my time, no haste♪

♪If you're just boring, I won't stay♪

♪Without you, I'll still live my way♪

♪Step aside, step aside, let me through♪

♪Take it slow, don't be tense, it's true♪

♪Love is love, hate is hate, no debate♪

♪Don't waste this life, make it great♪