Original subtitles

♪Pink hands so fine♪

♪Gold-branded wine♪

♪Spring paints green willows palace walls cannot confine♪

♪East wind unfair♪

♪Happy times rare♪

♪In my heart sad thoughts throng♪

♪We've severed for years long♪

♪Wrong, wrong, wrong♪

[Si Jin]

[Adapted from Si Jin, by Dong Tian De Liu Ye]

[Episode 29]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

You're going

to tell the truth now!

Confess everything right now!

Or do we really have to take this to court?

You hit me?

Why shouldn't I?

If not for you,

how could I have made one mistake

after another?

So, you really did poison her?

Ke had no enmity with you.

Why would you do something so cruel to her?

Did you think

I was born a scheming individual?

Did you all think

that I was born devious?

This is all your fault!

It's all due to you!

You are to blame for this!

You forced me to do it!

You are the true culprits

behind Su Ke's death!

That year,

during the Spring Banquet at Liu Garden,

you held my hand

and said that we had an affinity with each other.

You told me to marry into your family as Countess.

But you?

You fell for a merchant's daughter.

You insisted on annulling our marriage.

Everyone in my family

treated me as a laughing stock.

Old Madam,

you hypocritically claimed

that you would come up with a scheme

so that I could marry your second son instead.

Fine. I granted your wish.

I got married to Anmou!

I merely wanted to fulfill my duty

and lead a peaceful life!

But you?

You didn't like Su Ke's background.

You pushed me to compete with her!

You even blamed me for being a fool

when I lost to her!

Su Ke is dead!

Wasn't that what you wished for?

Mother isn't someone like that!

You're not allowed to insult her!

Shut up!

You're just a hypocrite

who pretends to be virtuous.

You were jealous of your brother for inheriting the title

and envious of the main branch's harmonious relationship.

You vented your frustrations on me

and compared me to Su Ke in every aspect!

When have you ever

respected me as your official wife

like how your brother respected Su Ke?

I gave birth and raised our children.

I managed the household on your behalf.

But have you ever truly treated me with respect before?

Has anyone in the family

treated me with respect before?

Who am I?

Do I even have my own name?

I'm just a pawn to you all!

I can only depend on myself!

I alone must strive

to secure my place

in the family!

Isn't this great?

Su Ke is dead.

The main branch is done for.

Now, I'm the female head

of the family.

Don't you think you have to praise me

for being a virtuous wife?

Even now, you're still deceiving yourself.

You poisoned her yourself!

My mother was very young

when she passed away!

My father spent half of his life

in despair because of you.

My siblings and I had lost our mother

and suffered since young

all because of you.

You have your own children too.

You're a mother yourself.

Do you even have an ounce of sympathy in you?

Return my mother to me!

You cursed murderer!

Stop!

Although I hated you and your mother,

I didn't mean to kill her!

I was deceived as well!

Su Ke was pregnant back then.

As the acting female head of the family,

I merely wanted to find a prescription

that could make her recover slower from her birth.

This way,

I could continue

being the female head of the family.

Do you have a prescription

that can make a pregnant woman

recover slower after giving birth?

Madam,

you found the right person.

You can't obtain

such shady medicine

in normal stores.

I can make it

according to your request.

As for the price...

Money isn't an issue.

What's in the prescription?

It won't kill her, right?

This medicine will only cause the birthing mother

to suffer deficiency in qi and blood.

It'll take her three to five years

for her to recover.

However, it's safe for use.

I put the medicine into Su Ke's bath

as per the traveling physician's

instructions.

But I never expected

Su Ke to die of a strange illness

right after giving birth to Miss Si.

Years passed

by peacefully.

I thought everything was over.

Until

a few days ago...

Who are you?

Why did you take me here?

We need you

to do something for us.

You said someone deceived you.

Tell me, then.

Who ordered you

to kill my mother?

Although that lady

was dressed like a merchant,

I saw Langzhong silk

from her inner garment.

That's a fabric

unique to the imperial family.

I can't believe it.

That means she's from the imperial family?

What did she look like?

Who was your mastermind?

Enough!

Who said the imperial family

caused your mother's death?

It's purely her.

No one else was the mastermind.

This matter shall be put to rest.

Anmou,

Xiao Shi is your wife.

She murdered her sister-in-law and harmed her niece.

You shall decide

how to deal with her.

Those who kill

shall pay with their lives.

She shall end her own life

to appease the spirit of my late sister-in-law.

Father!

Father!

Father!

Look at him.

Your father

only picks on the weak as well.

[Follow the Tao And Promote Righteousness]

In today's situation,

I have no choice but to make that sacrifice.

If Xiao Shi doesn't atone for her sin by ending her life,

I'll have no way to face Mother

and Ancheng again.

If she doesn't die,

the Capital Administration Office

will continue the investigation.

By then,

I'm afraid the entire family

will be implicated.

Shu.

You can understand why I did so, right?

Anmou, I know you've given it some deep thoughts.

You've suffered all these years.

Once Xiao Shi is gone,

every affair in the mansion

will be left to your care.

I shall do as you say.

All right.

Should I visit

Yaxin Garden

and see her for one last time?

Anmou, you have to go.

Madam Ruan,

Father has made you the head of the family.

Why don't you look happy

about it at all?

Madam Xiao had picked on us

all these years.

Of course I'm happy that I'm in charge now.

But all these years,

she managed the household and raised her children well

to pave a path for Anmou.

In the end,

she has to end her own life.

If Anmou is doing this

to his official wife,

who knows how he will treat me in the future?

♪Life is like a wilting flower, blooming and withering with the seasons♪

♪The wind leaves its trace, swaying, yet holding firm♪

I, Xiao Shi, the wife of the second branch

of the Count of Dongping's Mansion,

was instigated

to poison the Countess

and harm Jiang Si, her second daughter.

I've committed an unpardonable sin.

I shall end my life to atone for my sin.

Please don't blame my daughter, Jiang Qian, for my mistake.

May she lead

a peaceful life

in the future.

♪Looking back, I dare not gaze too long at the road I've traveled♪

♪As the day fades, the wise redeem themselves♪

♪I only wish to awaken one day♪

♪If I enter the game, what fear is there if the whole board is lost?♪

♪Sighing in despair. Is it too late?♪

♪My feelings are numb. Is it too much to bear?♪

♪How many regrets are left unfulfilled?♪

♪A chance to mend, to make it whole♪

♪An inch of longing, a lifetime untold♪

♪Is the resting shore too shallow to stand?♪

♪Is the yearning heart too distant to span?♪

♪Though splendor fills the land♪

♪I remain trapped♪

♪Gone is the fateful encounter, and my life is dulled for good♪

[25th day of the 9th month, the 23rd year of the Jingming era,]

[Xiao Shi]

Ke,

after all these years,

I finally found out

how you passed away.

Please don't blame me for this.

I've let you down.

I knew who the mastermind was,

yet I couldn't uphold justice for you.

I'm useless.

Xiao,

I'm here to see you off.

Mr. Anmou!

Madam is gone.

What?

Has she passed away?

That's not it. She ran away.

She ran away?

Ancheng!

We're in trouble!

Xiao Shi has been rescued by Prince Yan!

[Prince Yan's Mansion]

Your mother and I loved each other deeply.

How could I not be heartbroken?

However, there's more to this matter

than meets the eye.

A life for a life.

That's reasonable.

I'm not willing to press any charges

for the sake of the family.

I've never requested anything from you.

But now,

treat it as if this is a plea.

Please don't act recklessly!

Father, I don't understand what you're worried about.

But to me,

Mother is my priority.

And, I believe

that justice exists in the world.

Even if we're dealing with the imperial family,

I still believe that justice will prevail.

Si...

- Mr. Jiang. - Your Highness.

Please persuade Si for me.

I understand that you don't want your family to be in danger.

But I'll surely support her

if she intends to do something.

Forget it.

If so, please protect Si.

Do not let her get hurt.

Don't worry.

I'll do my best.

Come and catch me.

Over here!

You can't catch me!

Hurry!

Come on.

Run.

Mother, why are you crying?

It's nothing.

I just miss

my mother.

Father.

Father?

You're drunk again.

Zhan.

Do you think I'm a coward?

Did you have a dream?

I dreamt that Mother was blaming us.

For not

upholding justice for her

sooner.

Dreams aren't real.

You mustn't take them seriously.

But I truly don't get it.

I don't understand

why Father is doing this.

Could it be that his feelings for my mother

were all fake?

It's obvious that he knows.

He knows who the culprit is.

But why did he choose to sweep things

under the rug?

He's not timid.

He just has a weak spot.

You and your siblings

are his weak spot.

Are you using this as an excuse

to persuade me to drop the case too?

That's not it.

I just wanted to tell you this.

No matter if it's dangerous or not,

as long as you wish to do it,

I'll always be there for you.

Thank you.

[Princess Royal's Mansion]

Mother.

As soon as Jiang Si dies,

you'll request a marriage for me, won't you?

No wonder you were willing

to wake up early and take a walk with me.

It's because you want me to agree to your request.

That's not it.

I just want to take a walk with you.

Your intentions are written

on your face, you know?

Bringing up requests yourself

is never the best choice.

It's best if we can make my brother

bring up the notion himself.

Mother, you're wise indeed.

I think it's the best

as long as His Majesty grants me the marriage.

Nanny Xu, that's your nephew, right?

Your Highness, please pardon me.

I've already warned him many times.

I told him not to come here unless it was necessary.

I think my niece-in-law

will give birth soon.

That's why...

Say no more.

He's your only kin.

You should look after him.

Go now.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Let's go.

What are you doing here?

Aunt, we're in trouble.

Are you sure about that?

Yes.

Should we notify Her Highness?

That's inappropriate.

Her Highness only cares about the results,

not the process.

All these years, many people

have tried everything to get close to her.

Her Highness no longer

trusts me as much either.

We can't afford

to fail this task.

Yes, Aunt.

Why did you take me here?

Why are we using the back door?

Aunt, we've arrived.

Where are we?

Look at this place.

You...

You're finally here.

What exactly is going on?

The same poison

took Su Ke's life easily.

How did things go wrong

when it came to her daughter?

Who could've known?

Prince Yan encountered such poison

when he was in Nanwu.

He gave Jiang Si

the antidote.

Jiang Si will regain consciousness soon.

Could it be that the poison could be neutralized?

What did you say?

Nothing.

Prince Yan also said

that Jiang Si

was very lucky.

If the dosage of the poison

was just a little higher,

she would've been dead.

That's why

I had him bring you here.

You have to come up with a solution for me.

If news of this gets out,

I'll be done for.

Why are you panicking?

If so,

we can increase the dosage of the poison.

Nanny Xu, we meet again.

Your Highness?

You're alive?

Nanny Xu,

I'm afraid things won't proceed as you wish.

You!

You!

How dare you betray me?

This is Eternal Slumber,

a plant unique to Nanwu.

It releases poison when in contact with water.

It can cause vomiting and drowsiness,

leading to exhaustion and death.

This is called Eternal Slumber.

It's unique to Nanwu.

Seems like Princess Royal

was colluding with Nanwu long ago.

But Nanny Xu

has served her for many years.

She's deeply influenced by her.

I'm sure it's difficult

to make her talk.

Don't worry. I have an idea.

Long Dan!

How cruel.

You're resourceful indeed.

What?

I said you were resourceful.

Sauce full?

I said, you were resourceful!

Useless fool!

Your Highness, please pardon me!

Mother, are you okay?

I'm fine.

What's with Nanny Xu?

She sleeps all the time.

It's one thing for you to indulge her on ordinary days.

She knew that the old ailment on your arm

would act up during rainy days.

She forgot

that only her massage

could provide relief to your pain.

She's getting ahead of herself here.

Enough already.

You're making my head hurt.

Her niece-in-law is the one giving birth.

Why is she over there?

Shijiu!

Yes, Your Highness.

Bring Nanny Xu back.

Why are you still standing there?

Go now.

Yes, Your Highness.

How was it?

Do you want to confess now?

I wanted to confess long ago.

But you stuffed my mouth.

How could I speak?

Princess Royal first used this flower

to poison my mother to death.

Now, she attempted to poison me as well.

Let me ask you this.

What feud does the Princess Royal have

toward my family?

The one who offended Her Highness

was your mother, Su Ke.

Your Highness, Nanny Xu is in trouble.

What?

Who told her

to be so alluring?

Not only did your father annul his marriage for her,

but the Prince Consort, Mr. Cui,

also resisted the imperial decree and rejected his marriage

because of her.

To Her Highness,

that was utter humiliation!

My mother and Mr. Cui?

I thought you two

were the children of Miss Su

and Mr. Cui.

Miss Fei, by Mr. Cui,

do you mean Cui Mingyue's father?

My parents

were devoted to each other.

Since she has chosen

to get married to Father,

why would she get involved

with Mr. Cui?

Your father was devoted to her.

He gave up on his future because of her.

For her sake,

Mr. Cui grew distant from Her Highness,

and they eventually became a resentful couple.

But Su Ke?

She stole someone's beloved, and she was fickle and unfaithful.

She toyed with men...

Shut up!

You're not allowed to insult my mother!

Nanny Xu.

Tell us

how the plant

ended up in Princess Royal's hands.

Cure her itch.

Is it itchy?

I'll confess!

The woman from Nanwu

tricked Her Highness!

Your Highness, this item

will resolve your issues.

I've heard that Nanwu is highly skilled in poisoning arts.

I once read from the books

that a woman from Nanwu

planted a love curse on her husband.

After that, her husband only had eyes for her.

Is this the legendary item?

That was

just a myth.

If Nanwu had a way

to control one's heart and mind,

our realm

would've been different by now.

What is this, then?

It's something that can help you get rid of

the person you hate.

What a joke.

I'm the Princess Royal of Zhou.

I merely need to lift my finger for someone to vanish.

Of course.

Your Highness, you hold a prestigious position.

You don't need to dirty your hands

just to get rid of someone.

I'm willing to be your sword.

This item

can make someone die without a trace.

No one

will be able to figure it out.

Xiao Shi and Su Ke never got along with each other.

We found out that Xiao Shi

was trying to drug Su Ke.

[Renxin Jishi Hall] That's why we bribed

the traveling physician

and swapped out the medicine for Eternal Slumber.

We murdered Su Ke through Xiao Shi.

Su Ke was dead.

But Her Highness

didn't get what she wished for.

Mr. Cui grew even more distant from her.

But the woman from Nanwu

gained more and more

of Her Highness's trust.

Where is she right now?

She's very mysterious.

She always shows up with a veil.

How would I know where she is?

Nanny Xu,

you know that this plant is considered evidence.

If we do investigate the case,

the Princess Royal

can completely absolve herself of any responsibilities.

But not you.

You don't want to rat out your lady.

That's why you made up a story

about a woman from Nanwu

so that we couldn't investigate the case.

Long Dan, continue.

No!

Don't do it!

I'll try to recall it!

All right. Please go ahead.

I remember now.

After that, the woman from Nanwu

made Her Highness help her enter the palace.

I remember it was Changning Palace.

Changning Palace?

It's the palace where the empress resides.

If Her Highness

found out that I've told you

about all of these,

I'm afraid

all three of us

will be in danger.

I have an idea.

Just treat it as if you have never seen me before.

I was never here.

The encounter never happened,

am I right?

That's right.

What a joke.

Do you think I'll let my mother

die in vain?

Don't tell me

you wish to deal with Her Highness?

An imperial family member who breaks the law

will be punished just like a commoner!

Such naivety.

Her Highness

is His Majesty's dearest sister.

She's second to none other than His Majesty himself.

Forget about your mother.

The victims of the arson case at the Jinshui River

were members of the imperial family.

Even so, His Majesty

merely stripped Princess Mingyue of her title.

Do you think

he'll punish his own sister

for the daughter of a merchant?

Colluding with Nanwu is treason!

His dearest sister?

Do you think His Majesty will bend the law?

It's Her Highness we're talking about...

This is bad! Prince Yan! My Lady!

A lot of people showed up out there!

Your Highness, you intruded upon my residence.

What is your motive?

Prince Yan, why are you playing the victim here?

You abducted Nanny Xu, who is my servant.

How dare you ask me what my motive is?

Shijiu, why are you still standing there?

Search the place.

Your Highness!

Your Highness! Please save me!

They lured me here!

I didn't say anything!

I don't know anything!

- Shut up! - I don't know...

Let's go.

Do not hurt Her Highness!

Jiang Si, what are you up to?

Do you intend to kill me?

Come on, then. Kill me!

Do it!

Jiang Si from the Count of Dongping's Mansion

deceived others and tried to harm the Princess Royal.

Take her down!

Yu Jin, you arranged for this.

It's been your plan, huh?

Do you intend to rebel?

Don't you believe

that I'll kill all of you right now?

His Majesty's decree has arrived.

Rong Yang.

What are you doing here?

You're quite well-informed, aren't you?

You rushed all the way here

just to save her daughter.

Prince Yan, accept the decree.

As per His Majesty's decree,

Prince Yan, Yu Jin,

is to enter the palace and see His Majesty immediately.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Mr. Cui, I'm afraid you have to

report to His Majesty

that Her Highness doesn't intend

to let me see him.

Why would Her Highness put her nephew

on the spot?

Let's go.

Not Nanny Xu.

I've already dropped my charges.

You're getting ahead of yourself.

Nanny Xu already confessed

that she poisoned my mother to death.

If you leave with Her Highness now,

she'll only silence you.

Wait.

What poison?

Who harmed your mother?

Didn't Su Ke pass away due to an illness?

Her Highness was jealous of her back then.

She instructed Nanny Xu to poison my mother to death

using a mysterious poison.

Is she telling the truth?

Is she?

Answer me!

Nanny Xu, tell us the truth.

Both Prince Yan and Mr. Cui are here.

The Princess Royal can't

just do whatever she wants in Zhou.

Your Highness, I deserve to die!

I don't know

what they had fed me.

I lost my senses momentarily.

Mr. Cui,

you mustn't trust them!

If so,

it'll make you grow distant

from Her Highness!

You're devious and cunning indeed.

You heard what Nanny Xu said.

Do you trust my maid?

Or do you trust her daughter?

Let's go.

Miss Jiang,

how exactly did

your mother die?

Mr. Cui!

Mr. Cui!

Mr. Cui! No!

Stop!

It's been so long

since we sat down and had a proper meal together.

Mr. Cui, you were busy with military affairs.

You had to travel to various camps.

You were too busy to visit me

and have a meal with me.

Rong Yang,

why do you have to speak

with a sarcastic tone?

I'm the Princess Royal of Zhou.

All men in the world

except for my brother have to kneel

when they speak to me.

Remember this.

It's impossible for me

to act like that lowly merchant's daughter.

I would never

try to please you with my words.

It's been years

since Su Ke's passing.

Even so, you still insult her and call her

a lowly wretch.

Listen up.

In my heart,

she was

the best

and noblest woman in the world.

That's why I killed her.

This way, she'll never grow old

or change.

She can live in your heart forever

as the noblest and prettiest lady in the world.

You loved Su Ke,

yet she died because of you.

If you wish to seek revenge,

you shouldn't just seek me out.

In the end,

it's all your fault.

Enough!

I was already married to you!

Why couldn't you let her off?

Why?

She was the one who didn't give up on you!

She was already married.

Why did she meet up with you in private

at Qingyin Temple?

Your Highness,

Mr. Cui left the city on horseback this morning.

He was headed toward Qingyin Temple.

He doesn't believe in deities or Buddha.

What is he doing there?

Our men who were keeping an eye on the Count of Dongping's Mansion

had a message for us.

They said Su Ke went there

in a carriage.

What?

Your Highness,

should we head inside?

Let's return to the palace.

How many times have I told you?

That day, I visited Qingyin Temple

alone!

There was nothing between Su Ke and I!

We never met again after getting married!

I don't believe you!

She didn't sever her ties with you.

You two deserve it!

Rong Yang!

You never believed me.

Never!

I went to Qingyin Temple that day

to put an end to my past.

Do you truly...

Do you truly think

that Su Ke was the reason

our marriage

ended up like this?

Isn't that so?

You think so, huh?

Never mind.

Forget it.

Come on.

Sit down. Let's have a drink.

Take a seat!

Once we finish the drink,

we should let

bygones be bygones.

Do you intend to divorce me?

Do you know how old we are now?

What's the point

of getting a divorce?

Once we finish this drink,

our ties as husband and wife shall end.

From now on, we shall go our separate ways.

Rong Yang,

cease this torment upon me.

And spare yourself the suffering too.

I told you before.

I, Rong Yang,

will never lower myself

to seek a man's favor.

All these years,

you could come and go as you wish.

Since when have I stopped you?

Since that's the case,

once we finish this drink,

our ties shall be severed.

Don't drink it!

Father, Mother.

Were you trying to kill me?

So you tried to kill me.

You intend to take your life as well.

You were going to take both of our lives

to make up for that wretch's death, huh?

Mingyue,

from today onward,

you have no father.

Mother, Father was...

Shut up!

If you want to call him Father,

do not call me Mother again.

But Mother...

Father!

Someone!

Your Highness.

From today onward,

Cui Xu

is not allowed to step foot into this mansion.

Mr. Cui, please.

[The End of Episode 29]

♪Through endless twists♪

♪In the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows♪

♪The heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun♪

♪If the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers♪

♪Our love story writes itself♪

♪We lock eyes and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges, we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls♪

♪Can weather all storms♪

♪We cross paths and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us♪

♪To the sea of stars♪

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We cross paths and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us to what we desire♪

♪We lock eyes and promise to stay together forever♪

♪Through frost-kissed trails, and starry space♪

♪Moon-silvered dreams♪

♪On love's embrace♪

♪Hearts bound as one, through time's soft grace♪

♪Love's tide guides, beyond our mortal space♪

♪A moment kept with your embrace♪

♪Where blooms have found their place♪