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 21=

Who is this?

Drunk like this in broad daylight,

blocking the road?

Do you know who's in the carriage?

Sir,

I drank too much.

I didn't notice you.

Miss, it's Young Master Lu.

Xuechen,

why did you drink so much?

(Isn't it the carriage of Minister Chen?)

(Why is Miss Chen here?)

Don't let him drink more.

The lady whom I love will marry...

someone else.

Why can't I drink?

Xuechen,

let me send you back first.

If you are seen drinking in the street,

it will do harm to your career.

I'm not going.

I'm not going home.

I don't want to see her.

I don't want to see her.

Fine, we don't go home.

We don't.

Help him get on the carriage.

Okay.

Be careful.

(Prince Hengyang's Mansion)

You have been reviewing for a while now.

Is there any error in the register?

(Register)

Winter is approaching soon.

Are the soldiers' winter clothes ready?

Your Highness,

it's only just early autumn.

(I wonder how Miss Luo is doing over there.)

Your Highness,

there's an error in the accounts book.

Two accounts don't reconcile properly.

I'll take a look.

It's just a minor issue.

Let someone else handle it.

This concerns the northern soldiers.

Several bookkeepers are also waiting.

We shouldn't delay them.

Then I'll go with you.

You have military matters to attend to.

I'll handle this task for you.

Qiuyue, we first stop by at Qianxiang Shop

to buy the pastries my father loves.

Alright, Miss.

Xuechen,

why do you look like this today?

Did something happen?

I'm asking you,

if someone you care about made a mistake,

what would you do?

Is the lady you care about Miss Luo?

The emperor's order can't be disobeyed.

Even if Miss Luo is powerless,

she ultimately can't oppose His Majesty.

Why insist, Xuechen?

The emperor's order can't be disobeyed.

Did she ever once

desire to defy the order?

Once some people make a decision,

even close ones

can't change it.

(She seems to know something)

(about what Minister Chen has done.)

You're right.

If someone insists stubbornly,

while others try hard to pull them out,

it just leads to exhaustion

and ends up with nothing.

Xuechen...

(Zheng Hongye, Yang Zhaowei, Lu Zhan)

(No signs of anyone moving it.)

(Could it be that I overthink it?)

Someone.

Here.

Go find where Miss Luo is.

Yes, My Lord.

(Records of Personages)

So exquisite.

Indeed, and delicious.

I personally cooked this.

I see.

Full of color, aroma, and flavor, right?

Your Highness.

You came back just in time.

Miss Luo made the pastries by hand.

Have a taste.

Why do you come so late, Mr. Kong?

I personally cooked this for His Highness,

but he said he does not like pastries.

Please have a taste

to let him know what delicacy he missed.

So,

was you just preparing pastries?

I acted recklessly before

and nearly damaged our relationship.

I must make amends to His Highness.

I was just joking with you.

I will surely eat

the pastries you made.

By the way,

you just went to check the account book.

Is there any issue?

Just a minor mistake.

Do not worry.

Look, they are almost done with the pastries.

Mr. Kong, please have a taste.

Thank you.

Your Highness, let's sit and eat.

Delicious.

(Lu Mansion)

Qiuyue, go inform them

that Young Master Lu has arrived

and ask them to pick him up.

Yes, Miss.

Xuechen, it's the Lu Mansion.

Don't drink so much in the future.

It's not worth it.

Since it's not worth it,

why do you help me?

You said that exhausting all energy

will end up with nothing.

But to me, important people or things,

I can't bear to see them suffer

and pretend not to notice.

So, regarding your father,

do you feel the same?

Even if he aims

to harm the entire Nanyue?

I surely...

You aren't drunk.

I am not drunk.

I thought it's Minister Chen in the carriage.

This is how I inadvertently deceive you.

Sorry.

Since you decide to deceive me,

why tell me right now?

And the things about my father.

Aren't you afraid I tell others about it?

The year we first met,

I have told you,

if one day you decide to leave,

come find me.

Today, I'll send you back first.

If you truly wish to leave later,

then find me.

I know it's hard for you to decide now,

but I want to tell you,

even after all these years,

my promise remains unchanged.

(Lu Mansion)

Your Highness, it's the Lu Mansion.

Miss, I have informed them.

Alright. Coming.

Xuechen.

Be careful.

Be careful.

Xuechen,

you're drunk.

Let me help you.

(Didn't he go to find Minister Chen?)

(Why are they together?)

No need.

Wait, Xuechen.

Everyone saw

you drunkenly crashed into my carriage.

And everyone knows your conflict

with Miss Luo and Prince Hengyang.

Why don't we complete this play together,

to avoid revealing any flaws?

(I'll have to explain to Lingyu later.)

Be careful.

(He's going too far. They're so close.)

Young Master Lu, you're so carefree.

You get drunk in a lady's carriage.

(He knows it's just acting,)

(but he actually holds Lingyu's hand.)

(Turns out you're not so affectionate.)

Seeing you are still as close as ever,

I feel relieved.

(How dare he say this?)

No need to care about me.

Your Highness, please escort me inside.

Alright.

Sir.

Sir, how did you drink so much?

- Let's go. - Okay.

Whenever you're ready to talk,

I'm here to listen.

(Lu Mansion)

Thank you for the water.

I see your hands steady and stable.

Are you sober now?

Why is it so sour?

Sourness can make you sober up.

We agreed to act drunk

and then collide with Mr. Chen's carriage.

Why is Miss Chen

who sent you back?

Today's matter is unexpected.

I've already sung halfway through the play.

Unexpectedly, it was Miss Chen.

Then I can only finish the performance.

Besides,

I think you and Prince Hengyang

talked happily.

From his mansion to Lu Mansion,

you are still holding hands.

Did you have to talk while holding hands?

That can't compare to you and Miss Chen.

Hiding secretly in the carriage.

Who knows if she has given you sober-up soup?

I feel like you are more sour than grapes.

Be serious.

I have something to tell you.

Look at this.

(New Imperial Scholars) What's this?

Today, Prince Hengyang covered for me.

I went to Mr. Kong's room

and found this list.

I wrote it down when I came back.

He didn't suspect you, did he?

He did suspect something,

but fortunately,

Prince Hengyang and I

cooperated well,

and didn't alert anyone.

He's truly the commander of the North Army.

I've noticed your opinion of him lately

is getting higher.

Do you regret calling off the engagement?

You better not make me regret it.

What's really on this?

Newly Imperial Scholars.

He has been undercover for decades.

How could he be so careless?

Since this list can be easily found,

it shows the person behind it

probably thinks

there's nothing crucial on it.

We can only

start by examining their connections.

These names look somewhat familiar.

The Ministry of Personnel drafted

a list of newly appointed officials,

and it includes these people.

They seem to be the Imperial Censors.

Imperial Censors?

Imperial Censors oversee all officials.

The spies of Beichu planted in the court

can't escape the investigation

if they take any action.

So they want to place these individuals

in the position of Imperial Censor.

That seems to be the case.

I'll find a way to investigate

the information on these people

and see if I can trace back to find anything.

I just don't know who are

Chen Hao's henchmen on this list.

Aman,

could you bring this year's exam papers?

Yangling,

do you have a plan?

If they want to insert these people,

they must ensure they excel in the exam

and get His Majesty's favor.

If there's any tampering,

we might find clues in the essays.

That's a good idea.

Let's handle this together.

Alright.

These are the exam papers of all candidates.

(Wang Yichang)

Look at this one.

This year's exam topic

is about the Heart of the Emperor,

and the Governance of the Emperor.

Most candidates focus on benevolence,

righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trust.

But this one takes a different approach.

He discusses true heart and true governance.

Implement governance with true heart,

thus true governance achieves great merits.

These terms were introduced by my father.

It seems this person is guided by someone.

I think I just saw this phrase too.

Those must have a true heart.

For officials, they have laws to follow.

For people, they have laws to govern by.

Look at this sentence.

(For officials, they have laws to follow.)

And this one.

Only these three mentioned this.

But His Majesty never mentioned it outside.

At least,

I've never seen it in other essays.

These three have consistent views.

It's quite a coincidence.

They are likely Minister Chen's informants.

To ensures their smooth success in exams,

Minister Chen informed them in advance.

Someone has committed fraud in the exam.

Let's search again

to avoid missing any other ones.

The position of Imperial Censor

is indeed significant.

- Minister Chen. - Minister Lu.

It has the power to oversee all officials

and directly advise the throne.

This position

can't be vacant for long, right?

Mr. Lu, do you know His Majesty's plan?

Minister Chen, it's best to wait patiently.

Prince Hengyang and Prince Changyi arrive.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

His Majesty has arrived.

Long may you reign, Your Majesty.

Rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Announce.

Summon the new Imperial Censor.

I am the new Imperial Censor Lu Yun.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Recently, an anonymous report surfaced,

claiming some officials are selling positions

and engaging in factional schemes.

You all are trusted by me.

There's chaos below, yet no one noticed.

Your Majesty, please calm down.

Xuechen.

Here.

As the new official in charge,

you conduct a thorough investigation into it

and ensure

that this group of vermin in the court

is exposed.

I accept the decree.

(Zichen Palace)

Young Master Lu.

Minister Chen.

You're too kind.

You can call me Xuechen from now on.

You are really something!

At the Zhongshan Banquet,

you were mischievous and playful.

Now you seem much more composed.

His Majesty appoints you

as the Imperial Censor.

He has high hopes for you.

Minister Chen,

I have just started my official career,

and was immediately assigned

such an important task.

I don't even know where to begin.

I'm afraid I can't handle things well

and will disappoint the Emperor's grace.

Come.

A new broom sweeps clean.

But the situation in the court is complex.

I'm afraid you can sweep clean,

but get you dirty.

It will be bad.

Thank you for your guidance.

Actually,

your talents surpass many of my students.

Now that you're in the court,

no wonder Xiu

has deep feelings for you these years

and has never changed her heart.

Mr. Chen,

I am just a playboy.

How can I be worthy of Miss Chen?

Please, don't joke about this.

How could it be a joke?

You're part of us now.

Your future career

will be supported by your uncle

and me.

Your future is limitless.

You've made great progress.

I'm willing

to marry my daughter to you.

- But I... - Xuechen.

Uncle.

He, a member of Lu Family,

holds an important positions in the court.

I will definitely support him.

No need for your advice.

Xuechen, let's go.

Yes.

Xuechen,

regarding what I told you earlier,

take a few days to consider it

and then give me your reply.

Understood.

(Chen Mansion)

Lu Xuechen is still young.

His foundation is not strong.

He is an Imperial Censor now.

From now on, our actions

will become increasingly difficult.

What do you find inappropriate?

Luo Lingyu visited Prince Hengyang's Mansion.

She and Prince Hengyang were cordial,

but not particularly close.

There seemed to be no conflict.

She asked to call off the engagement lately,

which caused quite a stir.

Something unusual about their marriage?

Whether it's deceit

or just a mistake,

as long as they marry,

we can seize this opportunity.

What do you mean by that?

After my probing,

Lu Xuechen has a deep hatred

for Prince Hengyang and Luo Lingyu.

I can take this opportunity

to betroth Xiu to him,

keeping him by my side.

In his role as Imperial Censor,

he will make every decision

under my control.

But that Lu Yun

is likely investigating

the mastermind behind the saltpeter case.

Isn't keeping him around the perfect way

to eliminate the problem completely?

If we can use his hand to complete our task

and place our people in the court,

even if it becomes exposed in the future,

it won't be connected to us.

It's truly a double win.

What did you say?

Want me to marry Xuechen?

Xuechen grew up with you.

Though he was a bit mischievous as a child,

he's matured now.

He looks quite good.

Besides, you've always admired him.

This fulfills your wish.

Although he is from Lu Family,

he's just a dependent nephew.

He's known for being charming.

His actions are quite unrestrained.

He might not be a suitable match.

Although he is new to the officialdom,

he has been appointed as Imperial Censor.

His future is very promising.

He's a young man.

He has indeed improved a lot.

Haven't you always wanted to marry him?

Your father understand your wishes.

You should thank your father.

When Xuechen had no official position,

you felt he wasn't worthy of our Family.

He is an official now.

Then you thought of my marriage.

People might think our family

is trying to curry favor.

Watch your words!

What are you saying?

If you weren't so fond of that guy,

I wouldn't have brought it up.

Besides,

you brought him, who was drunk,

onto your carriage a few days ago.

Do you know how people say about you?

That day, Lu Yun was drunk.

He just rested briefly in my carriage.

I sent him back to the Lu Mansion

and left immediately.

I did nothing inappropriate with him.

You did something so disgraceful.

What more excuses do you have?

It's my first time wearing this uniform.

How do you think it looks?

I'm surrounded by royalty and nobility.

It's refreshing to see an inferior official.

A change is nice sometimes.

The position of Imperial Censor

has been eyed by Chen Hao for a long time.

Now that I've taken this position,

he will surely try to win me over.

However, by getting close to him,

I can uncover the truth from years ago.

Will Chen Hao trust you?

Chen Hao is cunning.

If I want him to see me as an ally,

I need Miss Chen to mediate.

Will Miss Chen

help you?

It's uncertain.

Xuechen,

marry me.

What do you think?

What?

Rather than being his daughter,

I'm more a citizen of Nanyue.

If what he does will endanger the people

of Nanyue and the hard-won stability,

I can't turn a blind eye to it.

But the marriage...

It was suggested by him.

He is eager to act

and wants to win over Xuechen.

It means they aim to do something

in the position of Imperial Censor.

If not resolved,

there will be future troubles.

Since he has this idea,

we might as well go along with it

and get married.

Then you

can naturally approach my father.

Miss Luo,

are you willing?

Not to mention if she's willing,

you should ask if I'm willing.

That is indeed a good plan.

But...

Yes, yes, but.

Hurry and tell her but what.

But,

in order to help us,

you use your own marriage.

It's unfair to you.

It's not to help you.

Duty surpasses personal feelings.

- Xuechen. - Young Master Yun.

- What do you think? - What do you think?

Does my opinion matter now?

Does it still matter?

Look at your gloomy face.

Push me away with words,

but you regret once she's gone.

Let me clarify it now.

There's still time.

Have a seat.

I was thinking

although I lost my parents at a young age,

I remember they loved and cared for me,

treating me and Hua like treasures.

But Miss Chen's situation is different.

I used to envy her

for having parents to rely on.

But now it seems

she has lived more cautiously

than I have all these years.

Even she's willing to marry you.

Willing to marry me?

When you first came to the Lu Mansion,

you didn't think this way.

Times have changed.

Times have changed.

You only care about her,

why don't you care about me?

It's not her alone getting married.

Who hasn't gotten married before?

Who hasn't worn wedding attire?

I've signed the letter of marriage twice.

Nowadays, I am still single,

enjoying the peace

and freedom.

Come here.

Single? Peace?

Peaceful ears.

Are you saying I talk too little?

♪Let love not be late♪

It's getting late now.

I'm leaving.

We both have our own engagements now.

To avoid gossip,

you should return half an hour later.

Lingyu.

Are you leaving just like this?

Do you really not want me anymore?

♪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♪

Minister Chen.

Mr. Lu.

Didn't we agree before

you can call me Xuechen?

I must call you like that.

There are many officials here.

If I don't call you that,

how do you establish your authority?

You consider so thoroughly for me.

I am truly grateful.

A few days ago, you mentioned the wish

for our two families to unite by marriage.

I pondered deeply upon return

and finally understood

your genuine care for me.

So what are your plans now?

I hold respect in my heart.

I wish to marry Miss Chen.

Great! That's wonderful news.

You're a promising young man.

If you truly feel this way,

then entrusting Xiu to you

will set my mind at ease.

Thank you, Minister Chen.

In that case, a good day is approaching,

perfect for marriages.

Let's set it as the engagement day.

Is it good?

Good.

That's good.

I'll prepare carefully

and conduct the ceremony personally.

Okay.

I'll be waiting for you.

Then I'll take my leave.

(He agreed so readily.)

((Has this guy really figured it out,)

(or is there a trick involved?)

(Lu Mansion)

You want to marry Chen Xiu?

Yes.

What are you up to?

Uncle, I have thought it through.

Don't try to fool me with these words.

I've been talking to you about marriage,

but you have rejected it countless times.

And you're also entangled

with Miss Luo.

You treat the marriage as if it were a game.

What are you planning?

Uncle, you're overthinking.

I met Miss Chen when we were young,

and our ten-year friendship

is even deeper than that with Lady Luo.

Do you think I'll believe you?

Regarding the blindness,

I've investigated the cause.

Uncle, if you don't believe me,

there's nothing I can do.

But Miss Luo taught me a lesson,

only simplicity can last long.

As they say, once bitten, twice shy.

I should cherish those around me.

Alright,

I'll take your word for it.

But now you are an imperial official,

be cautious in your words and actions.

Don't bring trouble to the Lu Family.

Yes, Uncle.

(Chen Mansion)

Place everything in Xiu's room.

- Yes, My Lord. - Yes, My Lord.

Spray the flowers with water.

Make sure they look vibrant.

- Yes, My Lord. - Yes, My Lord.

Father.

What's going on?

You look so pale.

Didn't you hang out with Xuechen today?

Did his lively nature

upset you again?

Xuechen is always carefree.

But he's always kind to me.

It's just that...

When you put it that way,

it must be your fault then.

I've told you many times.

Your temperament is just too dull

because of how your mother raised you.

Once you're married,

how will you get along with Xuechen?

You should know

I have never been one to curry favor.

Are you asking me to learn to curry favor?

Xuechen is now an Imperial Censor.

His status is different from before.

Xiu, you've grown up too.

You need to share more burdens for us.

Do you understand?

So, father,

you don't care if I'm happy or not,

whether I'm content or not.

Everything is for your own future.

- Is that so? - What are you saying?

Without my future,

how could you live such a luxurious life?

You are becoming more and more unreasonable.

I understand my mistake, father.

I hope you won't be angry.

Alright.

Tomorrow is the day of engagement.

Prepare well for it.

Make sure there's no mistake.

Don't disgrace the Chen Family.

I've told you

to water all those flowers

to make them look lively.

It's just putting on a show.

This silk brocade is really good,

perfect for making a wedding dress.

I should've saved a piece for myself.

You keep it.

It's enough already.

Seems we're missing a wild goose.

It's too important to be left out.

I'll go find one now.

Lingyu, I'm marrying Miss Chen.

Don't you care at all?

Care about what?

Could it be

you really plan to marry her?

Of course not.

Then what's the worry?

It's just for show.

Do I seem like a petty person?

Rest assured.

I'll arrange your wedding properly.

So you can go and propose with great fanfare.

Today's matter

is mere a play

to investigate Chen Hao.

Don't take it so seriously.

When you marry me someday,

it will be a thousand times better.

Everything you need will be prepared.

Who said I will marry you?

We both have our own engagements now.

It's almost gone.

When everything is settled,

you should consider marrying me.

Don't be overly sentimental.

This box is full.

Sort it yourself.

I like this silk brocade.

Don't give it to others.

I'm taking it.

I've already told you

to keep it.

(So impatient!)

The hairpins for the ceremonial box

should come in pairs.

It means good things come in pairs.

Why are you getting more enthusiastic?

It's truly beautiful.

♪It's hard to see through fate♪

♪I sat alone amid the downpour at night♪

♪The single string broke; half a bed's cold♪

♪A cup of wine, drifting and disappearing♪

♪The waning moon sways the candlelight♪

♪Memories penned in ink♪

♪The wind is cool, flowers wither♪

♪Thoughts like stars deeply etched in eyes♪

♪If white-haired, a solitary figure on the cold river♪

♪Tears fall for a thousand autumns♪

♪Drifting with the wind, unending sorrow of separation♪

♪Longing only to hold the brush♪

♪Painting the fleeting years, faces unchanged♪

♪At the end of time♪

♪Suddenly turning back in the mundane world♪

♪If we grow old together, solitary figure on the cold river♪

♪Tears fall for a thousand autumns♪

♪Drifting with the wind, unending sorrow of separation♪

♪Longing only to hold the brush♪

♪Painting the fleeting years, faces unchanged♪

♪At the end of time♪

♪Suddenly turning back in the mundane world♪