Original subtitles

This is Uncle's keepsake,

and also an old item belonging to Your Majesty.

Until his death,

he held it tightly in his hand.

If there's any suspicion surrounding his death,

I ask Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly.

Meisun, I remember the Grand Mentor was strict with me

(Young Emperor. Young Duke of Ding) when we were studying back then.

(Young Emperor. Young Duke of Ding) And you had all the freedom you wanted.

I even remember that one time

I asked you to sneak me out of the palace.

Father was furious

and locked you up for days.

You were always protecting me at the time.

It was your idea

but I was the one getting punished.

Time passes so quickly.

Now, you're the emperor

and it's my duty to serve the country and the throne.

Meisun,

I'm lucky

to have you around.

See there?

Once we've reclaimed the lost lands in the north,

we'll go there to watch the sunrise.

We haven't dealt with the pirates in the southeast yet.

How can we focus on the north?

Even if we could reclaim the north in the future,

or you're not afraid of my achievements overshadowing the throne,

I still fear you would accuse me of deceiving and betraying the emperor.

Don't get started with that.

Back in the Eastern Palace,

the Grand Mentor taught me how to rule with this ruler.

Now that the Grand Mentor has passed away,

I would still need you to set me straight with this ruler

if I start making foolish decisions in the future.

Jiang Meisun.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'm granting you a special status.

You can enter the palace fully armed, need not bow before me,

and no hierarchy between us.

Let alone the question of deceiving and betraying the emperor.

If Your Majesty makes a mistake in the future, I won't hold back.

Uncle always said

his biggest wish in life

was to pacify the pirates

and return to the capital

to have a proper chat with Your Majesty.

He's been saying that for fifteen years.

His feelings remained the same.

But when did

Your Majesty's heart start to change?

Or is it that the heart

of an emperor can't trust anyone?

Insolence!

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Find out

who tortured

and killed Meisun.

Your Majesty.

Do not spare any one of them!

Your Majesty! Your Majesty!

- Your Majesty! Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

- Hurry! Your Majesty! - Your Majesty!

Send Official Lu here quickly!

Your Majesty.

Take this rebellious brat away

from here!

- Yes, Your Majesty. - Yes, Your Majesty.

=Blossom= (Adapted from the novel "Blossom" by Zhi Zhi)

=Episode 8=

Mother.

Bring it over.

How is she?

All of you can leave now.

Go.

Go.

I've talked to everyone in the capital

who has any say in this.

Luckily, His Majesty regained consciousness in time.

Otherwise, the entire Song Clan

would likely be doomed.

What about the officials' memorials?

Especially the Grand Secretariat's stance.

I can take it.

All right.

Don't get agitated.

There are still some people

who defend the Duke of Ding and Yantang.

But some say

that though the Duke of Ding is dead,

his army still remains.

Now, Yantang has become the heart of the Ding Army.

He's even barged into the palace

and rebuked His Majesty.

What if he ever rises up in rebellion to seek revenge?

If we don't deal with it properly now,

the consequences will be disastrous.

His Majesty may have regained consciousness.

But he hasn't said a word about Yantang's sentencing.

We can only gamble on His Majesty's decision for now.

Preserved fruits.

Give me one.

Slowly.

Why hasn't the new prescription shown

any improvement?

Someone!

Make sure the lady's medicine is brewed

with a stronger dose.

Those in Futing have heard

about the Marshal's death.

If anything happens to Lord Song,

the army's morale will collapse.

Dou Shishu and his students have been impeaching him nonstop.

If something happens to Lord Song,

I'll have the entire Dou Family wiped out!

General Yan,

don't stay at this manor anymore

and follow me to the capital.

With our brothers from the Ding Army,

it might still be possible

to save Lord Song if we try to break him out.

Lord Song has yet to be convicted.

If you do this,

it will be treason for real.

Even if the prison break succeeds,

what about the lives of hundreds of people

from the Jiang and Song Clan?

Lord Song is in this situation

because you tricked him with your words!

If you dare to interfere again...

Rebelling against the emperor and damaging the ruler's dignity.

According to the law, that's punishable by death.

His Majesty hasn't dealt with it yet.

The Grand Secretariat has been debating the punishment for days with no result.

Why do you think that happens, General Yan?

His Majesty knows the Marshal died unjustly

and is trying to test the court's loyalty

by questioning Lord Song's case.

That's the first reason.

As long as the emperor feels guilty,

the power struggles in the court

will be handled by Grand Secretary Wu and Wang Xingyi.

What about the second reason?

No matter how much His Majesty values the Duke of Ding,

no one can resurrect a dead man.

Song Mo, the living one, is the variable.

If you break him out of prison,

it will turn

His Majesty's loyal and filial Young General

into a hateful rebel.

His Majesty has already sent the Ministry of Imperial Ceremony

to Futing to investigate the Duke of Ding's death.

Even the Earl of Yunyang couldn't obtain any information

from the Ministry of Imperial Ceremony.

How did you know about it?

General Yan, you have been staying at my residence for several days.

You should know

I do not only have business in Futing.

I have long-standing clients among high officials in the capital.

There are plenty of ways

to gather information.

Of course, I hope

that you're on our side.

If so,

here's the deal,

you'll follow us to the capital and rescue Lord Song.

Once he's safely out of prison,

you can have Mr. Chen back.

Otherwise, Mr. Chen and I will die together.

I won't be alone too.

No.

This is too dangerous.

It's precisely because it's dangerous.

I know you value loyalty

and wouldn't let Mr. Chen die

with us, right?

We're allies.

It's our obligation to save Lord Song.

But you threatened me in such a manner.

So that changes things.

I'm only a soldier.

So my actions and words are far from elegant.

Fourth Young Lady, as an ally,

please save Lord Song.

Please come with us and save Lord Song.

I will accept

your request.

(Zhaowen Bookstore)

Young Lady,

threatening us with Mr. Chen is not the act of a gentleman.

Besides, this is a risky mission.

I don't want Lord Song to die either.

(Zhao Liangbi) Young Lady.

(Zhaowen Bookstore Manager) Mr. Zhao.

I came here unexpectedly.

We've prepared everything needed.

For some news, we'll have to wait for another one or two days.

It's just a few small paper shops.

They're acting like they have spies everywhere.

General Yan,

this is about Lord Song's life.

This way, General Yan.

These goods are for the Ministry of Imperial Ceremony.

The profit margin may be small. But the quantity is large.

The real money comes

from this scrap paper.

Young Lady's idea was to collect scrap paper from all the residences in the capital.

After pulping and grinding it down,

we make it into toilet paper and sell it to various residents.

The better-quality paper, mixed with lime and scented oil,

goes to the palace's Paper Office.

This way,

all the news from the palace, the ministries, the ministers,

and various shops

are all connected.

You're actually supplying

nearly all the paper used in the capital.

But that's not the point here.

General Yan, please follow me.

Wisteria paper?

It's only regular paper.

But in this world,

only the emperor and Grand Secretariat use wisteria paper

to write memorials and petitions.

Your business even reached the emperor.

In business,

the most important thing is honesty.

Once you know someone's ability, you'll know if they are trustworthy.

The physicians who have been treating His Majesty

returned home last night.

His Majesty's health is stable.

The officials and the Grand Secretariat have been at a standstill for days.

But His Majesty still hasn't issued a verdict.

Things would be much easier

if we could just get a hint of His Majesty's intentions.

Does that mean we just wait

and let Lord Song's fate in prison remain uncertain?

You've been with Lord Song for over ten years.

He's not someone who just sits back

and waits to die.

Before he barged into the palace,

he must have already figured out a way to break through.

If you ask me,

since His Majesty fell ill and started recovering,

he still hasn't sentenced Song Mo.

This shows His Majesty doesn't want to kill him.

We should hear something from the palace within three days.

So let's all wait a little longer.

That's the Imperial Prison.

Those who killed the Marshal

will do everything they can to make sure Lord Song dies in there.

I've already come up with a plan

and sent Su Lan to handle it.

Just be patient a bit longer.

That's enough.

What you did is a capital offense.

To the court officials,

it looks like you and your uncle are in this together,

and it's hard to avoid suspicion of treason.

If you write a confession,

give in, and admit your mistake to His Majesty,

you might have a chance to plead for mercy.

Don't you agree?

There are 720 pressure points in the human body

and 78 joints.

He doesn't even know where it hurts the most.

Eunuch Wang,

do you need my help to teach your subordinate?

I see.

It seems there's no point in saying more.

It's time for things to get serious now.

Is this really necessary to be jailed

for such a petty crime?

Eunuch Wang,

are you using torture?

Sorry to disturb you.

You can continue.

I'll just watch from here. Go on.

Earl of Yunyang,

why are you...

Look what I have here.

The official paper the Court of Judicial Review issued.

There's nothing I can do

if the Court of Judicial Review wants to imprison me.

Song Mo's treason is clear

and death is inevitable.

Are you going

to die along with him?

What's wrong with me wanting to?

You won't let me into prison.

Are there no laws anymore?

Let's go to my aunt's place and reason this out.

As long as you want this.

Open the door.

These servants dared to go this far.

Luckily, I brought the medicine.

Where's the medicine box? Bring it in!

How is

His Majesty?

He woke up two days ago.

But he still needs to rest.

I tried to see him.

But my aunt sent me away.

Mr. Wu and the others didn't get to see him.

Even the Crown Prince was scolded

when he went to tend to him.

How did you manage to get in?

Easy.

I picked on someone I didn't like

and beat him up.

Who hit me?

Me.

You're too caught up in the situation.

Even your female teacher sees things more clearly than you do.

Female teacher?

You mean Fourth Young Lady Dou?

She sent you here?

Yes.

Or else I would not have come here.

I've been running around Qianqing Palace like a headless chicken.

Aunt keeps avoiding and refusing to see me.

Aunt. Song Mo didn't mean to disrespect the emperor.

He did it out of loyalty and filial piety. Please spare him this time.

- Send him away. - Aunt!

He won't do it again!

Aunt!

All thanks to a eunuch from the Paper Office

who delivered me this embroidered pouch.

He said a lady from a bookstore gave it.

I can tell the only one who could come up with this idea

is that female teacher of yours.

(Stay in prison after request papers from the Court of Judicial Review.) She told you to remain in prison

after requesting for official paper from the Court of Judicial Review?

Yes.

As long as I'm here,

no one would dare to harm you.

Do you really think

she would dare send this out

with her "exceptional" embroidery skills?

This embroidery

is quite unique.

Tell me

what this is.

She's mocking me.

At a time when half the court wants you dead,

she had the eunuch from the Paper Office deliver things.

That's a task that puts lives at risk.

Anyone who helps you like this

is truly a person of chivalry.

(Zhaowen Bookstore)

Sir.

This is...

Keep it safe.

I cannot help with matters like the embroidered pouch again.

Over the last couple of days, His Majesty has only met with Mr. Wu

and some officials from the Grand Secretariat.

Most of the time, he either writes his official decrees

or stares blankly at that broken ruler.

Beyond that,

I'm afraid I can't say more.

Thank you, sir.

All right.

Young Lady.

The enemy is in the dark, but we are in the light.

We can't afford to wait any longer!

I've already had my men set up an ambush

around the Northern Pacification Bureau.

Fireworks will signal the time, and we'll act at midnight.

General Yan,

please wait one more day.

We've waited for three days.

Do we still have to wait?

Are you planning

to delay us on purpose?

The situation has already turned around.

His life is hanging by the thread.

We cannot wait anymore.

We must save Lord Song.

You will only send Lord Song to his death. A bunch of fools.

What did you say?

She said, your foolishness is beyond saved.

You!

Enough.

Since you want to save Lord Song.

I'll show you something.

Stay still!

Dou Zhao,

what's the meaning of this?

I'm tired. I don't want to waste time explaining.

Lock them in the coal shed.

You!

Dou Zhao!

My apologies, gentlemen.

Move it!

Quickly now!

Move!

As the head of the Ministry of Rites,

you should have entered the Grand Secretariat by now.

But Official Wu feels

you're still too inexperienced.

Since he's the one in charge of the Grand Secretariat.

You must understand that.

I really have no accomplishments

to convince them.

Official Wu is experienced and wise.

I completely agree with him.

Grand Princess Shude once said

you are a versatile talent.

I will definitely use you.

For example,

Song Mo is awaiting trial in prison right now.

The six ministries and nine ministers,

including your students,

are all sending petitions for his death sentence.

What do you think of this?

Song Mo is a renowned general,

known for his victories.

No one among the younger generation can match him.

If we kill such a pillar of the court,

it will certainly demoralize the Three Armies.

But the Ding Army has been stationed

in Futing for too long

and is beyond the court's control.

They've become reckless,

even leaving the camp without decree

and coming to the capital.

I mean,

even if Song Mo has been disrespectful,

he is likely being provoked by his subordinates.

So we have to deal with the trouble at its source.

I'll let you handle this matter.

I shall comply, Your Majesty.

By the will of Heaven, the Emperor decrees,

the auspicious signs are here.

The era name is changed to "Fengming."

Today, a special pardon

is granted to Song Mo, the legitimate son of Duke of Ying,

and Gu Yu, the Earl of Yunyang.

Song Mo is removed from his military duties

and expected to reflect on your actions.

This is the emperor's will.

Eunuch Wang,

why a special pardon?

Do you not know?

Today, His Majesty held a grand ceremony

to announce the change in era

and grant amnesty to all.

Thus, a special pardon.

But what about Duke of Ding's injustice?

What about the Jiang Clan's fate?

The Jiang Family is spared from death

but demoted to commoners.

The men will be exiled to Tieling,

and the women and children will be sent back to their homeland.

His Majesty has been very merciful.

Lord Song,

go home and recuperate.

Since you've been pardoned,

I'm sure your parents will come to pick you up.

Your Lordship.

(Lyu Zheng, Butler in Duke of Ying's Residence)

The Duke can't come in person.

Please return quickly.

Tell my parents

that I'll return on my own.

Yes, Your Lordship.

I've become a disgrace to the Duke of Ying's family.

I should keep a low profile.

This is General Yan's signal.

This very signal almost cost you, your life.

Once the fireworks are set off,

it will be an appropriate time for action.

Where is she?

Lord Song,

come this way.

How did you know I would be pardoned and released from prison?

Information from the Paper Office.

His Majesty has been writing official decrees day and night,

burning incense, and paying respects.

He places that broken ruler on the desk.

It shows that his remorse for Duke of Ding's death

is greater than his suspicions.

That's why he won't kill you.

Why wait until today, though?

Because today marks the seventh day of Uncle's death.

Dou Shishu and his followers

have been impeaching me every day.

You used an embroidered pouch to have Gu Yu protect me.

What exactly are you trying to achieve here?

This is a business deal between me and General Yan.

Since you are safe now,

I hope we can settle our affairs soon.

I've already instructed my men

to release General Yan and his men.

I ask that you keep your promise

and return Mr. Chen to me.

You went

against your uncle only for this reason?

Even fireworks come in different colors.

My uncle and I are different.

Thank you.

What did you say?

I didn't hear that clearly.

I said,

thank you.

The fireworks are too loud.

I still can't hear it clearly.

Can you repeat that, Lord Song?

I heard it loud and clear.

He said he likes you.

Shut up.

He didn't hear it clearly.

Ah, yes. I misheard it.

He said he wants to marry you!

Shut up.

Stop spouting nonsense.

I'll wait for your good news at home.

No words can express how thankful I am.

I'm hosting a banquet at Guanghe Tower the following night.

I hope you will grace us with your presence.

I'll also return Mr. Chen to you at that time.

Your Lordship.

Your Lordship.

- Your Lordship. - Your Lordship.

You're...

What happened?

The boys were worried about your safety

and wanted to break into the prison.

But Fourth Young Lady managed to talk them out of it.

She talked us out of it?

Quiet.

Entering the prison was a form of self-sacrifice.

I was betting His Majesty feels guilty about Duke of Ding's death.

So he would show mercy to the Jiang Family.

She figured it out.

But you didn't see it?

I admit

we were reckless.

I'll go and receive twenty lashes as punishment.

I'll go too.

Me too.

It happened because you were worried. So forget about the punishment.

No, thanks. I'll go and receive my punishment now.

Go after you wash your face.

It's very late. How about you go back inside first?

Mo,

I hunted this wild deer for you.

The antlers are perfect for your health.

How is Mother's condition?

Father is taking care of her.

You don't want to get involved.

But don't forget, I'm also a Jiang.

I'm not looking down on you.

Yantang is lucky

to survive.

Now, many eyes are on this matter.

So you would put the Jiang Family's safety

above the Song Family's?

Mo.

Do you want me to sever ties with the Jiang Family?

Let me send it.

That's not my intention.

It's just that the situation is still unstable.

So we must be cautious with our words and actions.

Come in.

Father. Mother.

I've acted recklessly

and made you worry.

You really need to change

your arrogant and reckless nature.

Look at what you've done to your mother.

She hasn't had a full night's rest in days.

Mother.

Mo.

You look so worn out.

Your...

This...

Let me see.

The Shadow Guard's methods

are lethal.

It's just for show.

No one would truly dare to make things hard for me.

Forgive me for making you worried.

But seeing what happened to Uncle.

I can only do this.

Mother.

I know you just reached home

and it's not the right time to talk about this.

But I think

it's time for you to settle down.

Do you have

someone you like?

- Marvelous! - Good!

Eat one, Mother.

Be honest with me.

Is she

Fourth Young Lady Dou?

Young Lady, you're so kind to Mr. Chen.

She risked so much just to bring him back.

It's not just for Mr. Chen.

For Song Mo and the Duke of Ding,

this is a true injustice.

If I hadn't known, I would have been better off.

But knowing about this is hard to ignore.

Where are you getting these ideas from?

It must be Lu Zheng and Lu Ming

who have been exaggerating

and stirring up trouble here.

They're right, though.

Fourth Young Lady Dou is willing to help you.

So she must be a wise and principled young woman.

It's just a pity she was born into the Dou Family.

We can't be sure she won't be used by her Fifth Uncle.

Fifth Uncle has yet entered the Grand Secretariat?

Official Wu is still the Grand Secretary?

(According to the Records of the Enlightened Age,)

(Mr. Wu clearly took a leave of absence)

(Virtuous Minister) (to return home this year.)

(Fifth Uncle entered the Grand Secretariat)

(and gradually took control.)

(Dou Shishu)

(The change of the era name to Fengming by His Majesty)

(wasn't mentioned in the records too.)

(Could my advice)

(really have changed)

(the course of events?)

(Won't the future be even harder)

(to predict after this?)

There's also the matter of Mr. Wu Shan.

What happened to the Wu Family?

Official Wu cut ties with the Dou Family

to strengthen his own position.

He plans to match make between Dezhen and the Sixth Young Lady Liang.

(Dezhen is truly in love this time.)

(He has set his sights on Fourth Young Lady Dou,)

(refusing to give up.)

Even if I'm never destined to be with Fourth Young Lady Dou in this life,

my feelings for her remain unshakable and will never change.

I can't marry anyone else just to please others.

If I don't prune and tend it,

it'll just grow out of shape.

Will the sky not fall

just because you refuse?

If I refuse,

can Meisun come back to life?

Everything else can be negotiated,

but not this.

This is not something you can decide by will alone.

Dezhen's father passed away early,

and he's always been filial to his grandfather.

How could this happen?

It looks like he truly loves her.

The Dou Family seeks power and profit.

How could their marriage be based on love?

Dezhen caught a cold in the rain and has been burning with a fever,

refusing to seek medical help.

If anything happens to him,

Wu can't bear it.

This situation is what Dou Shishu wishes for.

Both Dezhen and Wu are stubborn.

I'll figure out a way to smooth things over.

Mother, time for your medicine.

Father, I'm sorry.

You should learn from Official Dou.

Understand the emperor's will, and avoid harm for personal gain.

That's the true skill.

I will.

Do you really think forcing Song Mo to confess

will help you rise to power?

Have you thought about the emperor

and the Grand Secretariat's intentions?

Can we servants decide

who is guilty or innocent?

I understand that now.

The Shadow Guard has already arrived in Futing to investigate.

I should head there as well.

Until we find the leads

in the Duke of Ding's case,

do not act rashly.

Yes.

What orders do you have for us?

Announce the imperial decree.

These past few days,

first, Grand Secretary Wu

rejected the emperor's decree

to appoint Fifth Master Dou as Grand Secretary.

Then Mr. Wu Shan refused to marry.

The whole capital knows

that the Wu Family and the Dou Family are at odds.

Lung abscess is due to infection.

He got soaked in the rain and refused treatment or medicine.

By the way,

has Imperial Physician Li returned to the capital?

He is already on his way.

He should be arriving tonight.

Good.

Have you prepared the gift list I asked for?

Yes.

Chen Qushui has been staying at Yizhi Hall for a long time.

He probably knows

almost everything about this household.

It doesn't seem right

to let him go like this.

We're not just allies.

She also saved me.

Since I promised her,

I can't go back on my word.

Keeping promises is important.

But Fourth Young Lady and Dou Shishu

seem to be working together.

Just when the good things pass,

trouble follows.

I fear this gentlemen's agreement

can't protect us from treachery.

Grandfather, no need to persuade me anymore.

A pine tree grows naturally

in the way of life.

But to make it look better,

you would twist its branches with wire,

forcing it into shape.

Grandfather,

is that how you see me too, a plant you can reshape?

I let you go when you wanted to be sent out to gain experience.

You are secretly fond of fine woodcraft.

I pretended not to know about it.

When the family was stable, I could still protect you

when you acted willfully.

But times have changed.

The court is full of new officials, and predators are everywhere.

If something...

If something happens to me,

who will protect you?

Who will safeguard the Wu Family?

You're giving me no way out!

If you're not fond of Sixth Young Lady Liang,

I've already shortlisted a few other noble daughters.

Take your pick,

except the daughters of the Dou Family?

Even if you threaten to end your life,

I won't agree.

This is Physician Li.

He's here to check on Mr. Wu Shan.

Please, follow me.

This way, please.

My apologies for this offense.

Please wait for a moment.

The one in charge will return soon.

The floor is cold.

Grandfather,

do you think

I stopped seeing any physicians and taking medicine

just to force you into asking for Fourth Young Lady Dou's hand for me?

She doesn't even have feelings for me.

I just don't want to settle

and use marriage as a way to secure the family's position.

That would be lying to myself

and hurting someone else!

I only want to break free from this cage

and live true to myself.

Is that really too much to ask?

Do you think of me, your grandfather,

as a cage?

You can't see

how I've been protecting you from harm every single day.

Do you think fiddling with these things

will make everything go your way?

Fourth Young Lady,

will we ever meet

a fifth time?

Even if your feelings remain the same, seeing you would still make me happy.

You took advantage of my trust

and tipped off your Fifth Uncle.

Shouldn't I be suspicious of you?

♪The pain of goodbye?♪

♪If dreams are shattered, can they be whole again?♪

♪If today brings hope, will it stay?♪

♪Will the pain just weave itself deeper?♪

♪Where can this restless heart find peace?♪

♪Left alone in an empty hall♪

♪A lifetime chasing fate's lonely call♪

♪Watching seasons fade and storms rise♪

♪It hurts but it's not all for nothing♪

♪My heart is as empty as a quiet street♪

♪Who cares about the path I walk alone?♪

♪Would you take away the weight of the past?♪

♪Life is fleeting, like morning frost♪

♪Even a moment feels endless with you♪

♪Like a stream flowing steady through time♪

♪A lone flower falls from the eaves Moonlight graces steps beneath♪

♪Can anyone ease the pain of goodbye?♪

♪If dreams are shattered, can they be whole again?♪

♪If today brings hope, will it stay?♪

♪Will the pain just weave itself deeper?♪

♪In this chaotic world♪

♪Only love lasts♪

♪We'll get through every challenge together♪

♪No matter how cold or uncertain the road♪

♪There's nothing to fear when I'm with you♪

♪My heart feels empty♪

♪But I can hear your voice♪

♪In this life, under moonlight and across the oceans♪

♪We'll find our way back to each other♪

(No animals were harmed in the making of this drama)

(Every medical behaviour involved and medicine used in the drama)

(is required by the story. Please don't try this at home)

♪Together, we'll make every moment count♪