Original subtitles

♪So this is what love is♪

♪I want to transform into a butterfly and pretend to meet you by accident♪

♪Gentle yet playful♪

♪You are as sweet as honey and as beautiful as springtime blooms♪

♪Yes♪

♪I have secretly fallen in love♪

♪My eyes filled with longing. I can't help but care deeply about you♪

♪In this lifetime, I'll practice hard♪

♪To master your enchanting worldly charm♪

♪You are like a love story, a poem, a dream, and a stunning view♪

♪The unparalleled and everlasting love in this world, all that touches my heart♪

♪Your dress brushes past the copper bell♪

♪Laughing foolishly, feeling fortunate to have met you♪

♪Cherry blossoms fall into my heart♪

♪You are like a mood, sometimes happy, sometimes mad, and sometimes sunny♪

♪I'm the happiest when I think of you and I want to pick the stars for you♪

♪I'll be gentle with you for the rest of my life♪

♪You make me want to be close to you♪

♪Let's travel together to the ends of the earth♪

♪There's a girl, playful and unique♪

♪A smile of hers can make the whole street bloom♪

♪How could the world ever let down a pair like us, unmatched in the world?♪

♪The world is no longer fun. I don't want to explore it without you♪

♪There's a girl, mesmerized by the spring breeze♪

♪Like falling petals meeting flowing water, hoping for eternity♪

♪I shall confess my love for you♪

♪There is someone♪

♪I really like♪

♪You are like a love story, a poem, a dream, and a stunning view♪

♪The unparalleled and everlasting love in this world, all that touches my heart♪

♪Your dress brushes past the copper bell♪

♪Laughing foolishly, feeling fortunate to have met you♪

♪Cherry blossoms fall into my heart♪

♪You are like a mood, sometimes happy, sometimes mad, and sometimes sunny♪

♪I'm the happiest when I think of you and I want to pick the stars for you♪

♪I'll be gentle with you for the rest of my life♪

♪You make me want to be close to you♪

♪Let's travel together to the ends of the earth♪

[Practice Daughter]

[Adapted from An Yimo's original novel, The Charming Thief Princess]

[Episode 8]

[Xiyuan Field]

Be ready to...

Hurry up.

Everyone started running.

Wait for me.

Hurry up.

Running so fast. She must be a cannon fodder.

Wait for me.

I'm just going to give way to her.

Go, go.

I thought you said to slow down.

Why are you running so fast?

I already slowed down.

You, on the other hand,

ran so fast at the beginning.

You'll run out of energy later.

Eighth Prince, wait for me.

If I wait for you,

I'll be the last one.

I'm not waiting for you.

Here, My Lady.

So hot.

Here.

Okay.

Be careful.

I don't need it.

What kind of unique skill is that?

It's like your feet never touch the ground.

As a thief,

running fast is my life-saving skill.

[Palace's Mala Race]

I won.

- Good job. - I won.

Amazing.

The spicy dish.

Amazing.

Wonderful.

Come on.

Give her applause.

Come on.

Good job.

I don't care if it tastes good.

Anyway, I'm not the last one.

You mean I'm the last one?

I arrived before you did.

You're the last one.

Eighth Prince, Miss Su,

you don't need to argue with each other.

No matter who is the last one,

you'll both get a prize.

You two, run 100 more laps.

- A hundred laps? - What?

Yes, a hundred laps.

Don't we just need to arrange flowers and learn manners in etiquette classes?

Why are we standing here?

It's tiring.

Miss Su, it's just been a few days.

You seemed to have gained some weight.

If I don't arrange some exercise for you,

It'll be even worse.

What are you two laughing at?

You guys aren't better.

- Better than you, at least. - Better than you, at least.

You should see your face in the mirror.

Your double chin...

Quiet.

This lesson is to train your standing posture.

Stand steadily.

When I tell you to lift one of your feet,

you just lift it.

If I don't ask you to put it down,

you can't put it down.

Step forward.

Face me.

Lift your right foot.

This is pretty good.

You, lower.

Take it back.

A little higher.

Put it down.

Lift your left foot.

It's not hard at all.

It's just lifting legs.

Up, down.

A bit higher.

It's not fun.

It's exhausting.

Down.

You will be grounded and reflect on your mistakes.

Lift your right foot.

Let me see if anyone is still doing this wrong.

Higher.

Isn't this Eunuch Zhang in charge of the Imperial Garden?

Why is she gone?

It is you, Madam Liu.

Why are you in such a hurry? Any important business?

Yeah.

Very important.

What is it?

Some precious flowers...

- Why is she gone? - were delivered to the palace.

I'm about to move them with my men.

Are the peonies

in the greenhouse blooming well?

This woman...

What's wrong with her?

Are the peonies blooming well?

Can't she go and see herself?

I'll go and have a look.

Sure thing.

Welcome.

You've been busy taking care of so many things lately.

You must be very tired.

It's fine.

It's part of my job.

These days, besides peonies,

there are many other flowers in bloom.

That sounds amazing.

With flowers in the room to look at every day,

my mood is even getting better.

I'll ask someone to pick some for you tomorrow

to decorate the room.

That'll be nice.

Please get me more peonies.

You teach the ladies and princes etiquette every day.

- You've been working hard. - No way.

That's what I should do.

I'm going to...

It's...

Yao, why did you kick me?

Mr. Bai.

So?

What's new at Chongwen Academy?

Chongwen Academy?

You suddenly ask about Chongwen Academy...

Is there someone you care about there?

Who am I supposed to care about?

I mean except the Crown Prince, whoever would I care about?

By the way,

I heard tomorrow, at Chongwen Academy,

there'll be a challenge match.

The Crown Prince will be there.

Why don't we go and take a look?

Challenge match?

Yes.

Challenge match...

Mr. Bai!

Today, we will hold the challenge match.

After the training of these days,

you've all made a lot of progress.

I hope you all take this match seriously.

Here are the rules.

We will have two people in a pair.

one will do the archery.

After hitting the tenth ring,

the other sets out and crosses the bridge.

Then run around the field.

Then turn around three times.

Finally, jump on the rope net.

The team

that rings the bell at the top of the net first wins.

Now let's practice.

Your Highness.

This bow is too heavy for me.

Your Highness, could you please

teach me how to use it?

If you have no strength, then don't push yourself too much.

Go to the Imperial Physician

and get some pills to increase your strength later.

Exactly, you need to take some pills.

Oh no.

Xing is going to pick on me.

I am sorry. I am really sorry.

Xing, you are handsome and kind.

I'm sure you won't blame me, will you?

You're such a bad archer.

I'll punish you for learning how to shoot with the Crown Prince.

Why?

Exactly.

We're all bad at it.

Why do you ask the Crown Prince to teach her, but not us?

No specific reasons.

You didn't shoot me though.

I...

I'm just doing it for my own safety.

I don't want to die this young.

Again.

Aim at the target with your left hand.

I don't believe it.

Look.

Keep your feet shoulder-width apart.

There.

- A bit to the left. - Put your core evenly

between your legs.

You see?

Whatever I aim at, I miss it.

So should I

aim at something else to get it right?

For example,

if I want to shoot the Eighth Prince...

One more.

I should aim at the eunuch next to him.

If my target is Su Ruomei's maid,

I should aim at Huang Yuanyuan's maid.

So if I try to hit the tenth ring,

I have to aim at Xing.

Little Master, what do you think?

Nonsense.

I found that you're pretty good at talking nonsense.

Come on.

No one can do it.

I'll teach you.

That's not true.

I'll show you in the next round.

Relax your shoulders.

Aim at the target.

Hold your breath.

Little Master,

do we shoot now?

If our team wins later,

what reward do I get?

If I win, you win as well.

Shoot.

Shoot.

Okay, I'll shoot.

So close.

Good job.

You've made a progress.

I told you

a bit higher.

What's wrong?

Look at her.

She's just like the most annoying glue,

always staying by the side of the Crown Prince.

Exactly.

She is better at pretending than I do.

I wonder where she learned that.

Let go.

Shoot.

Watch this.

Mr. Bai, you were walking so fast.

Mr. Bai?

My hand shook.

Look in that direction.

Remember what I taught you.

Don't make our team lose.

Time's up.

Now the match begins.

Thanks, Your Highness.

Come on.

Oh, yes, Little Master.

I got it.

Mei Yushan cheated.

We all saw it.

The Crown Prince shot the arrow for her.

Right.

The Crown Prince shot the arrow.

So Miss Mei should ring the bell.

- Yes. - Yes.

- Ring the bell. - Ring the bell.

Ring the bell.

I'll ring the bell.

Now I announce,

Su Ruomei, Huang Yuanyuan and Mei Yushan

enter the second round.

Everyone else could shoot the target.

Why couldn't you?

I tried my best.

You saw what happened.

It was this close.

The match begins.

Come on.

- Hurry. - Come on.

- Almost there. - Come on.

Look at Miss Mei.

Go, Miss Mei.

Come on.

I'm not giving up.

Little Master,

we won.

I was scared.

Luckily, we have the Crown Prince.

When the rope was about to break,

he went for her without hesitation.

His Highness was born kind and helpful.

He and Douzi are classmates after all.

It's natural for him to help her.

The recruitment is all done.

Men went to the countryside to build barracks.

Women and children worked

at the Garment Workshop and the Spinning Hall.

I heard about it.

You did a good job.

I'm glad that I could help you.

You seem not to be in a good mood today.

What's wrong? Tell me

so I can help you.

I'm fine.

However, the Empress has mentioned

your future wife several times.

I wonder if there is anyone you favor now.

So tiring.

This place is full of ladies these days...

Come on.

Your Highness,

don't be spoilt for choice.

Stop it.

You know exactly

why I came back to Chongwen Academy.

No way.

It was so scary just now.

Yeah.

Little Master,

we won.

All women

should learn to behave yourselves first.

- The most important is... - Draw it.

to be loyal and chaste...

There.

Being loyal makes you decent.

Being chaste makes you honored...

Hurry.

Draw it on her.

Do not turn back when walking.

- Do not lift your lips when talking... - Draw a turtle.

Who knows? Look.

Come on, draw it.

Do not move your knees while sitting.

Do not shake dresses while standing.

Do not laugh while happy.

Do not raise your voice while angry.

Su Ruomei, what did you draw on my face?

Making such noise in the class. Where's your manner?

Grand Tutor,

she drew something on my face.

Do not laugh while happy.

Do not raise your voice while angry.

You're disrupting the class.

Copy the Analects For Women ten times.

I...

Grand Tutor,

I don't agree with what you just said

that ladies should not laugh while happy,

and should not raise your voice while angry.

Is she crazy?

Openly contradicting Grand Tutor in the classroom?

How could she...

Exactly.

There's nothing she wouldn't dare do.

Yeah.

Oh? What do you think then?

Tell me about it.

There are joys and sorrows in life.

We should laugh when we're happy.

Giving fake smiles sounds vicious.

Think about it.

If you're watching a show of juggling,

and no one is laughing.

How disappointed the actors would be?

That's nonsense.

That sounds fair.

Although it's nonsense,

it's kind of reasonable though.

Besides,

I have white teeth. Why can't I show them?

But I have one more question.

What if she has buck teeth?

Should she laugh or not?

So much being said.

So should women laugh or not?

Should we just laugh

or cover our mouths and smile?

Well,

we have to ask the Grand Tutor.

What Miss Mei said

does make some sense.

Mei Yushan,

thanks for helping me out in class.

I just said what I wanted to say.

Well, thank you all the same.

If it weren't for you,

I'd have copy books.

So next time someone draws

on your face,

you should push her away and draw something on her face too.

Otherwise, all your martial arts would be wasted.

But,

my mother always says I'm too rude.

What's wrong with being rude?

It's called an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.

Thank you.

It's just an apple.

You're not going to punish me again, are you?

I heard what you just said to the Grand Tutor

in the classroom.

What?

You're going to criticize me again?

I was always educated

to hide my joy and anger.

People praise me for being well-behaved

as the daughter of the Grand Chancellor.

But I don't want that.

I also wish I could live as I want to.

Mei Daidai,

you make me feel like

that you are not the same as you used to be.

I...

I don't eat food that has been touched.

Eat it.

Let's go.

[Guixiu Pavilion]

Have you heard?

We're going hunting the day after tomorrow.

Sounds so exciting.

Are we going

to shoot the wolves and tigers?

Maybe

the Crown Prince will face some danger

and I can protect him.

Someone like you

can only shoot wolves and tigers.

Are we shooting the different things?

Of course, it's different.

My arrow

is going to land on someone's heart.

His Highness will favor me.

Don't get too excited just yet.

Don't forget

that Mei Yushan is also coming that day.

The Crown Prince has been treating her differently lately.

It's still daytime.

Who's dreaming about me?

No one dreams about you.

We are talking about the hunting.

Hunting?

Hunting what?

Animals, of course.

Either sheep or deer.

We won't

hunt down the pastries in your hand for sure.

Wait, when did the deer and sheep

ever offend you?

They are just living their lives.

Why will you hunt them?

Exactly.

Let me tell you something.

Hunting is a traditional sport.

All we have to do is stick to it.

What kind of tradition is that?

So savage.

What do you know?

Hunting is an advanced hobby.

Besides,

those animals will die either way.

Nonsense.

You will die as well.

How dare you offend me?

I might report this to Eunuch Song.

Teach her a lesson.

Do you think Eunuch Song is as boring as you are?

He doesn't have time for your nonsense.

What are you still doing here?

Go find Eunuch Song.

What now?

Mei Daidai,

did you hear them talking about hunting today?

Hunting is an annual event in the palace.

For entertainment.

Not just Chongwen Academy.

Other princes and nobles

will be there as well.

I guess they just want to take you to practice this time.

But nothing new.

For as long as I can remember,

the winner has always been the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince?

You want to attend it?

I would love to go there.

But I don't want to see

those poor animals being shot to death.

Douzi,

do you think

that you've been acting weirdly lately?

How?

When we first entered the palace,

you talked about the Moon Spirit Pearl every day.

You haven't talked about it much lately.

Instead, you're concerned about the Academy.

No way.

In my mind,

I'm always thinking about the Moon Spirit Pearl.

Well...

Although I see Little Master every day,

he's just too alert.

And the Eastern Palace is so heavily guarded.

I can't get the pearl that easily.

I see you having fun

at school every day.

Calling him Little Master all the time.

So?

You don't want us to switch back?

Mei Daidai,

when did you ever see me having fun?

Well,

I have to let him trust me first.

Otherwise, how am I supposed to get the pearl?

I just hope you know what you're doing.

What is this?

Mr. Bai sent this to you.

Protect your hands while hunting.

Mr. Bai cares a lot about you.

Gloves.

If only

these gloves are not for hunting.

I'm sure I'd love them.

Really nice.

Hold these for me.

Where are you going?

If your friend gives you a gift,

won't you pay your gratitude?

You know no rules of people out there.

Douzi?

What are you doing here?

There are so many stars in the sky tonight.

I guessed someone must be watching.

Yeah.

I grew up in this palace.

The only thing

that can comfort me is the stars in the sky.

Little Diviner,

you don't want to be trapped here, either?

I thought in this whole palace,

I'm the only one who wants to get out.

In fact...

What happened to your leg?

Nothing.

I bumped into something.

Ling Xiao.

Mr. Bai.

Miss Mei.

Make some tea and get some pastries.

Yes.

Please.

It's all your favorite food.

Mr. Bai looks forward to your arrival every day.

Pastries are prepared every day.

If you don't come soon,

they'll all get moldy.

Don't listen to him. Enjoy.

Little Diviner,

thanks for the gloves.

I just tried them.

They are perfect.

I've always lived a rough life.

No one has ever cared so much about me.

Hunting is the biggest event at Chongwen Academy every year.

All the students will attend it.

You have to protect yourself.

Don't get hurt.

You can rest assured.

I'm not going to get hurt.

People who are obsessed with killing poor animals

should be careful.

Have some tea.

[Tianji Mansion]

You don't have to walk me out.

Your leg is hurt.

You need to rest.

But it's too late. I'll worry about you.

Then ask Ling Xiao to walk me back.

Ling Xiao.

Mr. Bai.

Walk Miss Mei back.

Sure thing.

I'll get Miss Mei home safely.

Let's go, Miss Mei.

It turns out Miss Mei wanted me to walk her home

so that I can get the medicine for you.

She also said

she got this folk medicine from her father.

It may look bad.

But once you apply this cream

on your wounded leg,

just in a day or two, you'll be better.

Feels a bit cold.

It's comfortable.

But I wonder,

since Miss Mei grew up in the Grand Chancellor's Residence,

never having to worry about food or anything,

why she would even know that.

Yeah, I also think

that she does not have

any smugness of a young lady.

Instead, she is casual, free

and clever.

So adorable.

Looks like Mr. Bai really likes

Miss Mei.

You know what?

With this medicine on,

it really doesn't hurt as much.

[17 years ago]

[17 years ago]

Your Majesty, military report.

General Wei led the troops west

successfully.

There was a massive reduction in Shengdong's military strength.

They started running off.

Good.

I knew it.

Jixi will destroy Shengdong.

Let's go destroy the remnants of Shengdong's army.

Yes.

Who is this little boy?

Your Majesty,

he is also a Spiritual Friar who came with me this time.

His name is Bai Ye.

For being too young,

he was kept in the camp to serve.

We set out.

Get horses ready.

Your Majesty, you mustn't go.

Why not?

If Your Majesty chooses to go,

you will...

You will be killed by Shengdong General Xuan Bing.

How dare you!

You little kid deceive people with evil words.

Jixi is winning the war.

We do not fear Shengdong's defeated remnants.

Your Majesty, you really can't go.

Your Majesty, please.

Your majesty.

- Bai Ye. - Your Majesty.

- Stop. - Believe me, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

This must be the prophet.

Poor thing. He is still a little kid.

It seems like this mansion is awarded to him.

But with such high walls around,

it'll be just like house arrest.

By the order of the Emperor,

Spiritual Friar,

Bai Ye is gifted and resourceful with spiritual powers.

You're invited to the palace to assist with military affairs.

That's all.

[Tianji Mansion]

[Cup]

[Medicine]

[Pastry]

Miss Mei loves the pastries?

I love it.

I've never had such good pastries.

[Jixi Hunting Field] Yao, I can't stay on my feet.

Hunting is

a traditional royal event

to glorify the royal warriors and boost morale.

But we are all bored by the old way

that we just hunt wolves and tigers.

Yao, just cut to the chase.

What exactly is the goal of this year's hunting?

Just tell us.

A bunch of grown men shoot a little rabbit?

What kind of hero is that?

Rabbits are not as fierce as wolves.

But the smaller the target is,

the more it shows the virtuosity of archery.

Set the rabbit free.

I didn't expect Little Master to be so cold-blooded.

Let's go.

I didn't know

that Miss Mei was this competitive.

Let's go.

♪It's your mesmerizing glance♪

♪Freezing the gentle breeze of the mundane world♪

♪Your gentle call awakens me from my unfinished dreams♪

♪It's hard to convey my love for you when fighting for the homeland♪

♪Our destined encounter♪

♪I am meant to accompany you on this journey♪

♪Wishing for a bit more♪

♪So love feels even more real♪

♪You and I, each completing the other, year after year♪

♪Accompany me to explore the world♪

♪We walk together on bustling streets♪

♪My heart leans towards your warm embrace♪

♪We're both kites reclaimed from the edge of the sky♪

♪If it's an unfathomable fate, let me do it again♪

♪We're both misunderstood, yet we accept it willingly♪

♪Step forth boldly and join me without asking where we're heading♪