Original subtitles

♪The spring breeze blows through the world♪

♪Blowing across the willow bank and the peach blossoms are brilliant♪

♪The legend spreads♪

♪There is always an amazing heartbeat♪

♪Who picks up the pen and writes that it's not too late to meet♪

♪Looking back to see someone smiling happily♪

♪Adding a touch of intensity to the depth of love♪

♪Being with you in the world of mortals♪

♪Whether it is a hustle or plain life♪

♪There will be no regrets in my life♪

♪See you in the next hundred years♪

♪Don't forget the current youth♪

♪I wish to stay and live up to the passing years♪

♪Every morning and every night we are together♪

♪It turned out we've known each other since the beginning♪

♪A thought at a certain moment♪

♪He sent me a thousand words♪

♪She left a story♪

♪The sound of guqin is like water and the shadow of the light is like a dream♪

♪Everything is tactful♪

♪Looking at the scenery and mountains with you♪

♪The rest of my life will last in perfection♪

♪Wait until the spring breeze blows♪

♪That's when I know your deepest love, and I'll miss♪

(Imperial College)

=A Female Student Arrives at the Imperial College=

=Episode 19=

Qi.

I've wanted to marry you,

but there is something important I haven't told you.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

Hear me out.

I was exiled to the frontier fortress as a child.

Only you treated me like your friend.

We wrote to each other after our parting.

When I was all alone in Bianjing,

you were my only friend.

I made up my mind

the moment I first met you.

I've always been in love with you.

Zhuo Wen Yuan...

I just realized

I'm not telling this for your sake,

but for mine.

I know.

I know that clearly.

You and Yan Yun Zhi

are in love with each other.

However...

However, falling for you

was my own choice.

Even the best hunter

can't get any reward

if there is no game around to hunt.

We're adults now.

This may be a great bow for me when I was little,

but it doesn't do well for me now.

You can have it back.

Zhuo Wen Yuan.

I'll say this one last time.

My heart only has a place for Yan Yun Zhi alone.

You should stop wasting your time on me.

Only then

can we still be friends.

See you around.

If it weren't for our childhood,

things could have been different for us.

Sang Qi.

You left me with no other choice.

You're back.

Did you go out with Zhuo Wen Yuan?

How do you know?

Should I not know?

Don't take it wrongly.

Since you were away for so long,

should I know what you talked about?

Yes, you should know.

As if I cared.

What's so funny about it?

I'm serious.

Don't you want to know what we talked about?

Of course.

But I shouldn't know.

Who cares?

It's the good manner.

I shouldn't know

what you talked about,

but I am concerned about it.

That doesn't mean

you needn't make it up to me.

Are you still mad at me?

Was that enough?

You're still upset?

Come on.

I'm not mad at you.

When we get married,

where should we hold the wedding?

Married?

Isn't it a little too soon to discuss that?

But there should be a proposal before that, right?

Yes.

That is the proper procedure.

But the proposal

is usually handled by our parents.

They are in charge of the family visit.

But the wedding is different.

We can decide

what we want for the wedding.

You only get this chance once.

I want it to be memorable for you.

Let's have it in the Imperial College.

We met and fell in love here.

I'm sure it'd be meaningful for Yu as well.

Fair enough. We'll have it in the Imperial College.

However,

I want to hold a banquet with my maiden family at the frontier fortress.

Sure. As you wish.

Well,

what about the names of our kids?

Tell me.

How should we name them?

This is too sudden.

♪The quiet streets in spring♪

♪With the shadow of the flowers dancing♪

♪Standing at the edge of the city at sunset♪

♪Your dress fluttering in the wind♪

♪That I can't help but to come and see♪

♪The clouds are curling over the wind♪

♪The sounds of pattering rain and rustling leaves♪

♪If the sky grows old someday♪

♪You and I will surely♪

♪Complete the unfinished love ballad♪

♪Together in the world of mortals♪

Brother,

I have great news for you.

He...

He actually said he wanted to marry me.

I didn't expect he would

be so thoughtful and attentive.

He knows the Imperial College holds a special place in my heart.

He proposed we should hold our wedding

at the Imperial College.

I told him

I'd like to have a banquet with my maiden family at the frontier fortress.

He agreed without any hesitation.

He even told me

one of our kids could take my surname.

The other kid can take his surname.

In that case,

we will have two kids...

No, he said there would be more than two kids.

We could have a bunch of children.

I feel so shy.

Two children...

If we have four children,

two will take his surname,

the other two will take mine.

(The daughter of Sang family has grown up.)

(So, the day has finally come for me.)

Yu.

(Cenotaph of the beloved son, Sang Yu) I have great news for you.

Qi lived up to your expectation.

She is ranked 18th place of the Second Class Degree.

As promised,

we'll announce our relationship

after the imperial examination.

Not only that,

I stayed up all night to prepare the bridewealth.

I'll propose to her today at your residence.

Yu, I won't let you down.

I'll do whatever I can

to take great care of Qi.

Impressive.

It seems your destiny is intertwined with our Sang family.

Grand Commandant Sang.

I've heard you were close with Yu.

You never stop visiting his grave even after so many years.

It was my greatest honor

to be his friend.

But Yu and Qi are not the same.

I'll get straight to the point.

I'm against your marriage with Qi.

Does something concern you, Grand Commandant Sang?

Whatever you demand,

I'll do my best to meet the requirement.

I'll be frank.

I had hoped for someone else to marry her.

I'm grateful that you helped my daughter finish the imperial examination.

But she is my only daughter.

I won't let her feel aggrieved.

I must find her

a husband who can keep her safe.

Grand Commandant Sang.

I understand your concern.

But I will propose nonetheless.

I'll keep trying until you agree.

I will prove my resolve.

Suit yourself.

Let's see how long you can keep it up.

Leave.

Yu, I'll leave for now.

(Cenotaph of the beloved son, Sang Yu)

(Grand Preceptor's Residence)

You are back.

Greetings, Mother.

I have an announcement for you.

Did you get into

some sort of trouble again?

I only came to tell you that

because I've graduated.

I'm in love with someone.

I hope to get your blessing.

Allow me to propose to her.

Sure.

I've been worried

about your marriage.

The bridewealth is ready.

Whose daughter is it?

The Sang family.

Grand Commandant Sang?

I heard the rumors.

But I'm surprised you want to marry her.

You already know?

I was worried...

I know what worries you.

Those from the Sang family

are usually very expressive.

That's why people gossip about them.

Were you worried I might disagree

with your plan?

I don't care about the gossips.

I've been in love with her for so long.

She is energetic and cheerful, thoughtful and gentle.

She forms her own opinions,

unlike average young ladies.

I understand.

She sounds like a nice person.

I was told she grew up at the frontier.

So, she must be strong.

Our Yan family will have plenty of grandchildren.

But she does take great care

of her family.

Her cooking is outstanding too.

A virtuous lady indeed.

I can see why Grand Commandant Sang is so fond of her.

He treats her well.

She must be at the right age for marriage now.

But since Grand Commandant Sang is so fond of her,

what are your chances?

I haven't talked to Grand Commandant Sang formally

about this matter.

It's all right.

With my help,

everything will work out just fine.

Let's not wait any longer.

Today is a good day.

We must go there right now.

Mother, take the bridewealth with you.

It's an important day,

I need someone important with me.

Try to calm down a little!

Check the inventory,

make sure we have everything.

Yes, Madam.

Lian Pian.

Lian Pian?

Where is she?

Master, what's the matter?

It's a serious matter,

so why didn't you inform me?

Young Master Yan and I are not in love.

We didn't do anything inappropriate.

You?

You and Yan Xiao Lang?

How silly of me.

I forgot you were about the same age as Qi.

It's time you get married as well.

You've served the Sang family for years.

I never paid you too much attention.

I didn't notice

you had special feelings for Yan Xiao Lang.

I'm just a servant.

The Yan family is beyond my league.

If he can decide for his own marriage,

I don't mind at all.

You can marry him as my goddaughter.

If the Yan family doesn't buy it,

it's not like

the Sang family is too concerned with rites and traditions.

I can include your name in our genealogy book.

Father.

You're the best father in the whole Bianjing!

No! You're the best father in the entire world!

Lian Pian, I'm your sister now.

Sis... Young Lady!

You...

Sister.

Come.

What's wrong?

I'm fine.

Po.

Close all the gates.

Make sure no one comes in.

Father, why are we closing all the gates?

Lian Pian.

Don't you find my father odd?

His mood is unpredictable.

Not at all.

I think he is nice.

Say "Sister."

Sister.

My younger sister.

(Secretariat Chancellery)

Deputy Chief.

Come now, follow me to the Grand Commandant's Residence.

The Grand Commandant's Residence?

For what?

I must propose to Lian Pian today.

Hold on.

It'll be double the delight

and joy.

See?

(Secretariat Chancellery)

Let's go, get on the carriage.

You...

(Grand Commandant's Residence)

Sorry.

We do not accept any visits today.

Please come some other day.

You must let me in.

It concerns

the future of the Sang family.

We from the Yan family don't enjoy being kept at the doorstep.

Madam Yan.

I apologize.

Please come in.

I'll inform my Master.

Madam, please.

The girl has keen eyes.

Madam Yan.

I didn't expect you to visit so soon.

Grand Commandant Sang.

I guess you know why I'm here.

Since it's about marriage,

let's get down to business.

If you're willing to accept it,

I'll be glad for sure.

This is the children's decision.

I'm here for the sake of rite.

Welcome.

Yan Yan mentioned it yesterday,

and now he brought so many gifts for the proposal.

Yan Yan must have got his strong-willed personality

from his parents.

Both he and his mother are quick to take action.

I underestimated him.

Let's go.

I didn't get a close look.

But now I can see how lovely she is.

Lovely.

- Grand Commandant. - Grand Commandant Sang.

- Mother. - Madam Yan.

Mother, you made my wish come true.

All right, everyone is here.

Let's not waste any more time.

Grand Commandant Sang.

(Letter of Eight Characters)

Sang Qi.

You will soon be my daughter-in-law.

What?

- No! - You got it all wrong.

Madam Yan.

You misunderstood.

Yan Yan isn't marrying me.

I'm not marrying Yan Yan either.

Look at you.

Calm down, don't be so nervous.

Your tongue is twisted.

I'm serious.

Madam Yan.

Sang Qi is marrying me.

Is this a misunderstanding?

Yes.

Why didn't you tell me beforehand?

I told you yesterday.

I'm a man of my word.

I'm serious about marrying you.

Madam, for your information,

people already know

about my relationship with Sang Qi.

I'm visiting

to inform Grand Commandant Sang of our relationship.

Then, I'll propose to Sang Qi formally.

Grand Commandant Sang, this is the letter containing my Eight Characters.

Not now.

Deputy Chief Yan, first comes, first served.

A proposal is no child's play.

Your parents must be present for the matter.

Why are you here all by yourself?

Do not try to take away the Yan family's bride.

Madam Yan.

It's best that you ask Yan Yan who he's here to

propose to.

Yes.

The Sang family only has one daughter.

Do you expect my son to marry the servant?

Yan?

Outrageous!

Your father is the Grand Perceptor!

How can you marry a servant?

Madam Yan.

That was a little inappropriate.

Lian Pian and I grew up together.

I treat her as my equal.

We do chores together

and eat at the same table.

Right, Father?

Our family has never looked down on Lian Pian.

Right, Father?

Madam Yan.

I couldn't introduce her to you because of the sudden visit.

I basically raise Lian Pian myself.

I see her as my daughter.

Yes!

I'm planning to include her name

in our genealogy book.

That will officially make her the Third Young Lady of the Sang family.

Grand Commandant Sang, we are both reputable families.

How could you agree to this nonsense?

A servant

can never marry into my family!

Even as a concubine

or a nameless mistress,

I still won't allow it!

Sang Qi is the only one

who deserves to be married to the Yan family!

Mother, I'm not marrying Sang Qi.

I must marry Lian Pian!

Silence!

Madam Yan, calm down.

I'm afraid today

is not the best time for a proposal.

Lian Pian, don't worry.

Deputy Chief Yan.

You should come at another time.

Madam Yan,

you should discuss it with your son.

I may be a martial artist,

but when it comes to my children's marriage,

I won't make any reckless decisions.

Well said, Grand Commandant Sang.

We shall leave now.

Yan Yan!

(Grand Commandant's Residence)

I'm happy that you came to propose.

But I didn't know

it'd turn out this way.

A lot has happened today.

My mood is all ruined.

Whether Yan Yan deserves to marry Lian Pian

depends on what he does after this.

I couldn't propose because

of Madam Yan's tantrum,

are you disappointed?

Are you getting restless?

Me?

Not at all.

You brought your letter of Eight Characters

to my residence,

you're not going anywhere.

Indeed.

You father said

I should come at another time.

I'll come again very soon.

Father.

Grand Commandant Sang.

When did you come here?

I think I should come here more often.

Grand Commandant Sang, I shall go now.

(Grand Commandant's Residence) Stay safe.

(Grand Commandant's Residence)

Father.

Do you have something to tell me?

What was that all about?

Both men who came today

were disappointing.

I know.

You think Madam Yan is too strong-willed

and worried Lian Pian might get bullied after marrying Yan Yan.

I understand your concern.

But what about the Deputy Chief?

First of all, they both came to propose.

He handed me the letter as soon as they arrived.

Does he have no respect for me at all?

Secondly, Yan Yun Zhi is the son of Chancellor Yan's concubine.

Chancellor Yan never cares too much

about his own son,

it'll be worse for you.

He came without even informing his father.

Thirdly, he has a weird personality. He does things his own way.

He's obnoxious.

He's obnoxious?

Father, don't forget,

you're an obnoxious old man.

I'm an obnoxious young lady.

We both have weird personalities.

So why do you look down on him?

In that regard,

Zhuo Wen Yuan can do much better than him.

Why do you bring him up?

Can you not poke at my sore spot?

This has nothing to do with him.

You...

Father!

(Agarwood)

Lian Pian.

Don't get upset

over what Madam Yan said just now.

Don't worry, Young Lady.

I was ready for it anyway.

It was a lot better than I had imagined.

Madam Yan's reaction

had me frightened as well.

But don't worry, Lian Pian.

Both my father and I support you.

We're making you part of the family.

Your name will be in our genealogy book.

It's not to please the Yan family.

We do so because I already

see you as my sister.

I appreciate the thought.

But

I feel conflicted to call you my sister

after so long.

You should help Deputy Chief Yan too.

Judging by Master's temper,

he won't be easy to please.

(Erudite)

Such an outrageous mistake.

You've embarrassed the Yan family!

I didn't say I was marrying Sang Qi.

It was you who misunderstood.

The order will be given to us soon.

Until then,

stay inside the house.

You're not going anywhere.

Mother!

I'll handpick a wife for you as soon as I can

so you can get married.

Don't even try to consider

the lowly women out there.

Lian Pian is not a lowly woman.

She is a daughter of a reputable family.

She is just a servant.

She has no place in our family.

(Erudite)

I'm going out anyway.

(Erudite)

Noble Consort, Young Master Zhuo requests an audience with you.

Let him in.

Aunt, you're in a good mood today.

Did something great happen?

I got a little closer to His Majesty.

His Majesty rewarded me tonight.

Sit.

Everything is going well for the Zhuo family.

You must make progress with the daughter of the Sang family.

Everyone in the Imperial College knows Sang Qi and Yan Yun Zhi

are madly in love.

Fighting for a chance at her

is basically pointless.

Does it matter?

Do not mind the trivial matters.

Without their parents' consent and a proper procedure,

there are chances they might not get married.

With your wits,

you can employ some tricks to alienate them.

(Qingfeng Restaurant)

You are spending the night alone too, Miss Su.

I was bored of staying at home.

I came to check out the streets.

I have this sudden feeling

that you and I are in the same boat.

In the same boat?

Is this supposed to be a joke?

Not at all, Miss Su.

I was making fun of myself.

Very well, Mr. Zhuo.

Why trouble yourself with worries on this pleasant night?

It's only a waste of time.

(Qingfeng Restaurant) Why not go home and enjoy some wine?

With some drinks,

anyone can enjoy the night alone.

(Qingfeng Restaurant)

It's pointless to drink alone.

Our meeting is part of fate's plan for us.

Miss Su.

Since we're already at the Qingfeng Restaurant,

why don't we go inside

and have a little chat?

I don't mean to pry,

but something still baffles me.

Is it about me?

Enlighten me.

Yan Yun Zhi keeps his distance from you.

And now he announced his relationship with Sang Qi.

Why are you still obsessed with him?

That's because

you don't know him like I do.

How so?

I remember

when I was eight,

my elder brother and I were playing hide-and-seek in the garden.

I was searching for him blindfolded

for quite some time.

I was getting impatient and walked quickly.

I started grabbing anything I could,

and I grabbed someone.

I was so happy.

What happened next?

Then, I realized I grabbed his hand instead.

Yun Zhi held my hand, and we walked for some distance.

He only raised his head when we reached the eaves.

He asked my brother to come down.

Later on,

my brother made fun of him over this matter.

He asked Yun Zhi why he didn't say anything,

and whether he was trying to take advantage of me.

Yun Zhi answered with a stiff expression.

Back then,

I walked into a flower bed

with Chinese Roses.

The plants were full of thorns.

If I fell into the bushes,

I'd be badly hurt.

Yan Yun Zhi did what anyone should.

If I were the one who held your hand,

would you fall in love with me instead?

Miss Su.

You knew all along

that Yan Yun Zhi

doesn't love you.

At this point,

I should take my leave.

See you.

Miss Su, wait.

I know you are a gentle person.

But you wouldn't give up easily.

Do you believe in destiny

or will you decide the future yourself?

As you said,

Yan Yun Zhi doesn't love me.

I have no place in his heart.

Should I force him into loving me?

If you can't have his heart,

you can first get close to him.

When a bond is formed between two people,

as they eat at the same table

and share the same bed,

it's only a matter of time

before you can win his love.

Miss Su, I want to have Sang Qi for myself.

But do you

want to have Yan Yun Zhi's love?

(Qiqiao Festival) Great!

Miss, the shop is closed.

We cannot serve you.

It's your honor to have me

(Wang's Dumplings) as your customer.

Who do you think you are?

How dare you chase me away?

I'll get the Grand Tutor's men

to trash your shop.

Don't be so full of yourself.

You?

The daughter of the Grand Tutor

is drinking all by herself on this festive night?

You...

Just you wait.

Stand aside.

Leave.

No one dares to bullies a woman when I'm around.

(Wang's Dumplings)

Now go away.

Let's go.

So it's you.

You could at least thank me.

It's what a man should have done.

Miss Song.

You look gorgeous in the dress.

I bet you went to the Magpie Bridge tonight. [*Usually with one's lover]

I'm not as debauched as you, Zhuo Wen Yuan.

Only Yan Yun Zhi

can walk the Magpie Bridge with me.

I can be certain

that you'll be alone tonight.

You...

Speak about yourself.

You should try winning Sang Qi back

instead of mocking me.

I'm lonely?

What about you? You failed to win her heart

with the displays of affection.

You even embarrassed yourself.

Miss Song, getting upset at me won't do you any good.

I won't fall for it.

I won't waste any time cheering you up.

Cheering me up?

I wouldn't need you

even if all men went extinct.

Jing Mu.

Yes.

Please escort Miss Song back to her home.

It's too dangerous for her to be out here alone at night.

Yes.

Zhuo Wen Yuan!

Go back to your master.

I don't need his help!

Hold still.

Stay still.

Qi Lang.

San Lang. What is it?

Qi Lang.

After you were ambushed at the border of Jingzhou

and the assassination towards Official Wei,

I've been investigating

for leads the Wei family might have left.

Have you learned who the mastermind is?

Not yet.

When we arrived at the Wei Residence,

someone got ahead of us and went through the house.

But there were witnesses in the neighborhood.

Recently,

a man who sells the Wei family's furniture off

has been to the house.

He may seem like a merchant

who sells the furniture off,

but he's actually a spy from Xizhao.

If he has the order to search this place

and is in contact with his comrades,

he's likely to know who the mastermind is.

Now

there is hope to find out which official is commanding

and contacting Xizhao.

Yes.

This is their hideout.

Since Yu was involved,

you'd want to join the investigation.

That's why I notified you.

Come.

Qi Lang, some of the goods here

have been transported away.

Let's go inside.

Yes.

No sudden movement!

Unveil it.

This should be the plant Xizhao uses.

It has never been seen in Bianjing.

The powder that poisoned Sang Qi

must have been extracted from this plant.

Tell us,

who ordered you to transport the plants here?

I didn't bring the plants here.

I was hired to guard the smuggled salt.

Then I'll transport the salt

to other places based on the orders.

Probably someone was given the order to bring the plants here.

San Lang, come with me.

I suspect

someone in Bianjing sells the smuggled salt

to Xizhao.

They traded it

to have Xizhao's poisonous plants transported here.

Both the mastermind and Xizhao profit.

This place

should be one of the hideouts they use

for their illicit business.

They all have the pass.

They can travel freely.

Whoever is working in the dark

put great effort into securing

this transportation route.

The Wei family is incapable of pulling this off.

Don't you find the scent odd?

Now that you said it,

it smells pretty pleasant.

Pleasant?

Yes.

It's about the same fragrance

used by the ladies.

There is no way this is fragrance.

My nose hurt when I entered.

Qi Lang.

You don't look so good.

Your nose is swelling.

You should go home and rest.

Well...

Leave the rest to me.

It's the Prefecture Court's duty after all.

My men will seal off this warehouse

and secure evidence.

I'm counting on you.

It's part of my job.

(Qingfeng Restaurant, Shuiyue Shop)

Yan Yun Zhi and Yan San Lang

caught us off guard this time.

The warehouse has been raided.

The goods are now confiscated.

But fortunately,

they didn't find the ledger.

Be more cautious with the operation.

Yan San Lang has eyes and ears everywhere.

Remember,

do not operate near that warehouse.

Yes.

And reduce the number of deliveries.

They are waiting for us to make a mistake.

Madam Zhang.

Please proceed as Young Master Zhuo ordered.

Yes.

Young Master.

What news do you bear?

Yan Yun Zhi proposed,

but Grand Commandant Sang didn't give his consent.

Madam, Miss Su is here.

Come in.

Madam.

You are here, Lan.

You came at bad timing.

The orders for the imperial examination came in today.

Yun Zhi is currently away.

(If you can't have his heart,)

you can first get close to him.

When a bond is formed between two people,

as they eat at the same table

and share the same bed,

it's only a matter of time

before you can win his love.

I came to have a chat with you.

I know you'll be alone in the house,

so I prepared some snacks for you.

I appreciate it.

It's been so long since you last came here.

Please, have a seat.

I know I shouldn't visit

because of my past with him.

After all, Yun Zhi

went to the Grand Commandant's Residence to propose.

What was that?

Who went to the Grand Commandant's Residence to propose?

♪As our fate intertwined, which life should we pick?♪

♪I'm willing to this life for a chance to meet you in every life♪

♪Many woes and sorrows fill my existence♪

♪If persevering♪

♪Makes us fall in love with each other♪

♪That's how I come to this life♪

♪If not letting go of my past♪

♪Becomes my mistake♪

♪Then I shall not make that mistake♪

♪This beautiful story♪

♪Is like the way I look when I make up my mind♪

♪But my heart changed its mind♪

♪At the dawn♪

♪What an unexpected love♪

♪And so I wrote my words with joy♪

♪I have accepted this life I reincarnated in♪

♪May this budding romance♪

♪Develop into something unforgettable♪

♪May this budding romance♪

♪Develop into something unforgettable♪