Original subtitles

Miao Ansu spoke up for you,

saying earlier this year

that sea trade had already peaked

and it was time to pull Futing's business out.

It‘s like

you knew my uncle would die.

Of course not.

In business,

it's natural to buy low and sell high.

After the big victory at Boat Island, the trading routes opened up.

Everyone jumped into businesses.

So I had to look for new opportunities.

Dou Zhao,

your heart is racing right now.

I can tell

you're hiding something, and it has to do with me.

Why won't you tell me?

Tell me!

I...

If I survive through this,

I promise to explain everything.

I will trust you one more time.

I'm Ji Yong, the Secretary of the Bureau of the Waterways.

The Miao raised funds to build ships but hasn't repaid the debt.

I was sent by the Futing Provincial Administration Commission

to interrogate Dou Zhao and Miao Ansu

for the Miao family's shipping case.

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

=Episode 10=

Young Lady!

He's on our side.

If we're going to act, do it right.

Miss Dou,

you're quite capable.

You've got people everywhere risking their lives for you.

But too bad, you're in my hands now.

No one can save you now!

That's wrong.

You overstep your authority and question her in private.

You're the one who has fallen into my hands.

You, a seven-rank Secretary of the Ministry of Works are investigating

the Provincial Judicial Office and Maritime Trade Bureau's case.

Who's really overstepping here?

The Provincial Administration Commission governs the entire province.

I'm acting under official orders.

By reason and by law, I can be here.

But you?

You're caught red-handed for coercing confessions.

You think you can stop me

with that?

I haven't even started.

Watch and learn.

Ji Yong!

Official Ji!

Sir, someone's been stabbed.

You attacked a court official.

You'll face charges for this!

Young Lady, watch out!

Come on, make it big.

It would be best if someone died.

I won't be blamed anyway.

Song Mo, stop it!

Young Lady, be careful not to hurt yourself.

Enough watching. Let's go.

Let her go!

Help me walk.

Yes, sir.

Good thing we prepared

to confuse Ding Wei.

You knew we were putting on a show?

The prison guard told me that Lord Song wanted to interrogate you himself.

So I'm betting he's smart enough

to see through Ding Wei's setup.

I'm not like you,

who'd die

for beauty wherever you go.

He's still here. Scold me.

Shameless rogue.

What's the problem, you troublemaker mantis?

Go ahead, kill me if you dare.

Looks like they're doing this for real.

Notify the rest

not to rush in.

Go in when they've had enough.

Yes, sir. I'll notify them.

Kill me if you dare!

- You think I don't dare? - Kill me, then!

They're gone.

All right. It's over.

They're already gone.

Thank you for your help.

Sulan,

go and check on Su.

Stay alert.

- Let us know if someone's coming. - Yes, Young Lady.

It will leave a scar if you don't get it treated soon.

Have you applied the medicine?

The military-grade stuff

only stops the bleeding.

I've got a real remedy here.

People say you're sharp

but cold-hearted.

Seeing

you risked your life for Fourth Young Lady,

you sure are head over heels for her.

I've known her

since we were kids.

She's my confidante, my soulmate.

She's naturally different from everyone else.

You wouldn't understand.

Here.

Something feels off.

We shouldn't have let Ji Yong in.

What if he clashes with Deputy Marshal?

The Deputy Marshal told us

to watch Ding Wei closely

and avoid causing trouble.

I'm only worried about Deputy Marshal.

As soon as we arrived in Futing

and found out Fourth Young Lady was being interrogated,

he couldn't wait but rushed into the prison to rescue her.

Zheng,

can't you see?

The Deputy Marshal is falling for Fourth Young Lady.

You...

Do you think he's as foolish as you?

That was interesting.

Sir, this way.

The night Uncle died,

someone saw Ding Wei leaving his residence late at night.

But that's not solid proof.

However, Ding Wei falsely accusing the Miao family of colluding with enemies is

just a case of the thief crying thief.

It exposes his own crime instead.

If we can force a confession,

we can take this to the emperor and convict him.

Ding Wei found

those bandit's blades on the Miao family's ship.

The Ministry of Imperial Ceremony is investigating this.

So Ding Wei is rushing to find a scapegoat.

I've looked into him.

He's been selling the relief food for money

and exploiting the people.

Now he's anxiously trying to frame the Miao family.

The deeper we dig,

the more dirty secrets we'll uncover.

If I can board that ship,

I'll find the answers we need.

I have to go.

It's not only about clearing the Duke of Ding's name,

but also the Miao family's.

I'm going too.

What?

Are you both planning to board the ship together?

Let's do it this way.

I'll pretend to lick Ding Wei's boot

and steal his official badge over drinks.

Let's hope Mantis Song doesn't drag us down.

(The Maritime Trade Bureau Badge) I've talked to Eunuch Ding.

Since this is about retrieving jewelry from the ship,

please wait here.

What do you mean?

You dare to stop me?

Please calm down, Your Lordship.

Eunuch Ding explicitly ordered

that no one was to board the ship.

Sir,

it's all clearly written on this document.

The ship was detained

when I had a shipment

of jewelry from the West.

They're worth a fortune.

If I don't get them back this time,

Madams will never let me off easy.

Comfort me.

There.

It's all right. Don't cry.

My precious little sunshine,

don't cry.

Did you hear that?

We only want to collect some jewelry on the ship.

Why are you still in my way?

Calm down, Your Lordship.

But the ship is still sealed.

Perhaps I can send some men

to escort the young lady and you to search for the jewelry.

Sir,

do you take me for a criminal?

Exactly!

With so many people following us, it's no fun at all.

Can't you be more tactful?

No offense, none at all.

It's just that we can't make that call.

How about now?

Then...

How about this?

I'll only let him

guide you to the cargo hold to find the jewelry.

One and a half hours

should be enough.

Fine.

Let's go.

What "Young General"?

More like a lovesick fool to me.

Your Lordship, over here.

Are you done with your little act of charm?

Even real couples

don't cling to each other every second of the day.

You're usually calm and composed.

But when it comes to acting out

love and romance,

you look like an amateur.

Real married couples are respectful and polite.

But lovers are different.

They're all always clinging to each other.

They won't take their eyes off each other even for a moment.

♪I want to hide like the moon, like a butterfly drawn to flowers♪

Is this enough?

You're a quick learner.

♪Like ink drops fading into my heart that turns to longing♪

♪No battle tires me, for I return to you with every thought♪

Working the night shift is already hard enough.

Now, you're making a single guy like me watch this.

At least you two can hug to keep warm.

What about me?

This ship has a draft of five meters.

The route back to the capital is shallow.

Unbelievable.

This ship will surely run aground.

This ship is so unstable.

It's obvious someone removed the ballast to destabilize it.

Ding Wei tried to cover it up. It's solid evidence.

It's not enough.

Not enough?

Your Lordship,

one-quarter of the hour has passed.

Isn't stargazing and moon-watching enough by now?

You should start looking for those jewelry.

Lead us to the cargo hold.

Your Lordship, hurry up and find them.

So I can report back.

If someone comes later,

I'll distract them while you sneak off the ship.

All right.

These fruits are covered in mold.

So is this bronze stove.

Yet the blades we saw that day only had bloodstains.

There were no signs of corrosion.

It doesn't matter. None of it matters.

Good evening, sir.

Who's up there?

His Lordship and a courtesan.

They went to retrieve their jewelry in the cargo hold.

Why did you give them the permission?

They had Eunuch Ding's official document and badge.

Useless fools.

You guys, come with me.

- Yes, sir. - Yes, sir.

These tea leaves are moldy too.

It proves the bandit's blades weren't on the ship at all.

They were planted later.

This could all be used as evidence.

Song Mo.

Women can be as capable as men.

In books, there are beauties like Yan Ruyu.

(It's him.)

Someone's coming.

Prepare yourselves.

Kill anyone who comes out

of that exit.

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

But that's a Duke's son.

I said kill anyone who comes out.

You there.

Get down there.

They're over there!

Take them down!

Bring the bows!

Jump!

Sir,

Song Mo and a woman boarded the ship

and went straight to the helm.

They were clearly investigating the case.

Sir,

the blades were planted too hastily.

I'm afraid they'll find something.

Have they found a clue?

(What if I can get Dou Zhao to confess)

(that Miao Ansu is behind the collusion?)

(Then)

(I'll report it to His Majesty)

(and secure your credit for it.)

Shoot, I fell for his trick.

Also, Eunuch Wang has arrived at the Provincial Judicial Office.

He's summoned you to report immediately.

You can leave now.

Yes, sir.

I can't. How can I go?

All right.

Hurry home and pack up the valuables.

We need to leave.

Just go and do as I say.

All right.

Oh, no. I'm done for this time.

You're heavily injured.

It is only a scratch.

The arrow didn't go deep.

Let me help you bandage it.

No need.

I've always done it myself.

That won't do.

Just trust me.

Come here.

Are you shy?

Shy? Me? Don't be ridiculous.

Please bear with the pain a little.

If you can't, just scream.

"The Life of Luo Shan."

Miss Dou,

have you watched that play?

- Marvelous! - Nice!

♪A lone eagle lands on the eaves, the moonlight shining on the steps♪

(He shielded me from the arrow again.)

(But this time, neither of us died.)

No, I haven't.

♪Does the pain bind us tighter?♪

You didn't come aboard to find evidence.

You must already knew that Ding Wei falsified everything.

Why did you put up an act with me

instead of arresting him outright?

Someone like Ding Wei

doesn't have the power to kill Duke of Ding.

Did you notice the archers on the ship today?

They were highly trained

and far from ordinary soldiers.

The mastermind behind this must still be hiding.

Ding Wei is just a pawn.

You're using this move to lure them out.

Ding Wei knows of his crimes and will definitely flee.

We must hurry back now.

Don't worry.

That's what I wanted.

Sir, I packed whatever I could.

No one noticed.

All right.

Sir.

Sir, which direction are we heading?

Any direction.

Just go.

Come on, let's go.

Sir...

Why are we stopping?

Turn around now!

Hurry!

I'm trapped.

Why do they look the same?

Su!

Fourth Young Lady instructed me to get you out of here

if she didn't return by morning.

Let's go.

Get up slowly.

How dare you

break a prisoner out?

Stop!

Ding Wei falsified evidence

and is now fleeing with stolen goods.

This case will now be handled by the Northern Pacification Bureau.

But, sir.

This woman has already signed a confession.

We can't release her.

You're impressively stupid.

If she signed a confession,

there's bound to be a letter retracting it.

If you don't release her,

are you planning to share Ding Wei's crimes?

Release her now!

Are you all right?

Let me see.

I'm fine.

Thankfully, your fingers are unharmed.

Zhao,

I didn't betray you.

I know.

The charges against the Miao family have been cleared.

You don't need to take the blame anymore.

I'll take you home.

Come.

- Stay where you are! - Young Lady!

Or I'll end her life with one strike.

The Duke's case is a massive affair.

From the Maritime Trade Bureau

to the Provincial Judicial Office, and the Grand Coordinator Office yamen.

Who isn't under pressure?

Everyone wants this case closed.

Where are your men now?

They were flaunting their power here that day.

Why haven't they come to rescue you?

Don't they care about your life?

I was too anxious

and got deceived by their lies!

But the Miao family members are already in custody.

If they're released now,

how will the authorities face anyone?

Should the people of Futing revolt or not?

Eunuch Ding,

you're truly a slippery eel in the officialdom.

Even in a stagnant pond,

you can still find a way to wriggle out and escape.

But my life is ultimately

in the hands of His Majesty and Eunuch Wang.

Lord Song, your thirst for revenge

has clouded your judgment.

Eunuch Wang will see to it that justice is served.

At this point,

continuing your act

is pointless, don't you think?

Tell me.

Who is the mastermind behind all this?

This matter has nothing to do with me!

What mastermind are you talking about?

Have you heard

about my skills using the blade?

General Song,

Duke of Ding is already dead.

Are you really willing

to risk

your career and life for this?

The human body has over a hundred pressure points

and dozens of joints.

Do you know

which ones hurt the most?

This is just the first cut.

Fine! I'll tell.

I'll tell you.

I'm castrated.

My nephew is the only one left to carry the bloodline.

A few years ago, he was foolish to smuggle salt

and was caught by the Duke of Ding.

I begged and pleaded with the Duke to spare his life.

I was also fine even if he was exiled as punishment.

But he showed no mercy.

My family line ended because of him.

So

when he was being escorted to the capital,

I seized the chance for revenge.

Stop trying to fool me

with half-truths.

The Duke's ship was guarded by skilled Shadow Guards.

How could your useless lackeys

have succeeded?

I'll ask one more time.

Who is the mastermind?

Who lent you the assassins?

It was revenge for ending my family line.

No one ordered me.

Is it the Chief Military Commission or the Ministry of Imperial Ceremony?

Even if you say nothing,

as long as your heart is beating,

your muscles are moving,

and your face shows any expression,

I can guess most of it.

You received help from both

but they aren't the masterminds. Am I right?

Someone from the Grand Secretariat?

Or maybe a member of the imperial family?

You'd rather sever your tongue than talk.

Then let's trade your life for the truth.

Finally, you've shown up.

Drop your bow

or your precious woman will pay the price

for your recklessness.

They actually believed the act we've been playing.

I have nothing to do with this case

nor acquainted with him.

You've got the wrong person.

Stop pretending.

Song,

I know she's your woman.

What do you think

about trading her life for Ding Wei's life?

She's just a pawn to me.

Her death means nothing.

You're lying!

Do you want to bet?

She has a frail little body.

It's as easy to pierce as paper.

Miss Dou,

I'll play a song in memory

of you to show my respect every year

during Qingming Festival.

A forehand strike, then a downward slash from the upper right.

No wonder the wound is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom.

It was you who killed Uncle.

Getting involved with Song Yuantang always means trouble.

Do you think he'd care

about our Young Lady's life

when he risked everything for the Duke of Ding?

I care.

So I'll go and save her.

(Imperial Edict)

I wanted to use Ding Wei as bait to lure them out.

I didn't mean for you to get caught up in this.

I'm sorry.

You helped me and the Miao family get out of trouble.

Of course, they think we're on the same side.

This isn't your fault.

Why are your hands shaking?

I'm fine.

Getting aimed by arrows twice in two days

would scare any average person.

But

you're no average person.

When I was a child,

I had a dream about being shot by an arrow.

A dream?

Those men are stalling you.

Their real plan was to set the ship on fire

and silence everyone.

You didn't think I might be waiting for them to do just that?

Drop your weapons.

Then I'll spare your lives.

You had this planned all along?

It's hard to pry the truth out of one person.

But much easier with a group.

Next time we meet,

you'll have to tell me about your dream.

Are you all right?

I know you didn't plan on making it out alive.

But living

beats dying a slow, miserable death.

A thousand cuts

can't match the gratitude I owe my master.

Fine!

You're all brave, loyal men.

But are your parents, your wives, and your children

as unyielding as you?

If we can't find your master,

do you think

we can't find your family?

Our Deputy Marshal is fair and just.

The Duke of Ding's death

wasn't your fault as you were just following orders.

But now that you're captured alive,

think about what your master

will do to your family.

Give up the mastermind,

and I'll protect your loved ones.

A kindness this great,

I, Song Mo,

can afford to offer!

My daughter is only four...

I'll talk.

I'll tell you.

Tell us.

Dou Zhao!

Young Lady!

Eunuch Wang.

Are you hurt?

These men are the assassins who boarded the ship to kill.

They're about to speak.

After a thorough interrogation overnight, the truth will come out.

Lord Song, you're truly brilliant and resourceful.

Thank you for your efforts.

Fourth Young Lady Dou, I hope you weren't too shaken.

Official Ji,

please send her home first.

Come on.

Your Lordship,

come to the Provincial Judicial Office for an interrogation

and to officially record your testimony.

Of course.

Lu Ming.

Yes, sir.

Hand them over.

Sheathe your weapons!

Wang Yuan, how dare you!

What are you doing?

It has been determined

that Duke of Ding and his clan were involved in treasonous actions.

All male members are to be exiled,

and the women returned to their ancestral home.

Duke of Ding's death was solely Ding Wei's doing.

This case is now closed.

This is justice?

At least the Jiang family's lives were spared.

You're here to silence the witnesses.

Song Mo, heir to the Duke of Ying,

obstructed official duties.

You are hereby ordered to return to the capital immediately.

This is the imperial decree.

You...

Your every word and action represents His Majesty.

His Majesty knows there's a hidden truth behind Duke of Ding's death.

Why?

Why did you silence these witnesses?

Why are you covering up the truth?

What kind

of truth is so unbearable to reveal?

I am deeply indebted to His Majesty.

My life was never mine to have.

If you must vent your anger,

you can take my life.

But if you wish to uncover the truth,

not only the Jiang family,

but the Song family,

and even these elites from the Ding Army who are defying orders,

will all pay the price.

The emperor shared decades of friendship with Duke of Ding.

Planting seeds of doubt in His Majesty's heart is nearly impossible.

Who could have commanded

someone like Ding Wei, a man under the inner palace's control?

Only someone of unparalleled status could mobilize such forces.

This person

isn't someone we can against.

Tell me why!

There is no why.

From the moment Ding Wei entered the palace at aged seven

and addressed me as his godfather,

he has attended to me for twenty years.

If there had been any way to save him,

do you think I would have let him die?

Lightning and rain alike are the emperor's grace.

If the ruler wants his subject to die, to refuse is disloyalty.

Your Lordship,

I had no choice.

But you still do.

Get up!

Marshal spent his life safeguarding the nation on the battlefield.

Why should he die in disgrace and bear such a stain on his name?

(The Ding Army fought to repel enemies and secure peace for the land.)

(They are the pillars of the court and the backbone of the nation.)

By imperial decree, I grant you this pair of twin blades

to honor your great victory.

- This is the imperial decree. - Your Majesty,

I still prefer using the one

you personally forged for me

before your ascension to the throne.

I fear I might not get used to these twin blades.

I came to reward the troops.

You reject my gift in front of everyone?

What about my imperial dignity?

You're right.

Then grant them to my successor.

Young Song Mo,

One saber for loyalty.

Take them.

The other, for filial piety.

Please rest assured, Your Majesty.

I will uphold the Ding Army's legacy,

carry on my uncle's mantle,

and serve the court with loyalty to repay imperial favor!

What loyalty is left

to give?

What country is there

to serve?

What purpose does it serve

to hold the borders and protect the people?

(A lone young swan)

(beneath a boundless sky.)

(No wonder he only wielded his spear)

(that night)

(instead of the twin blades.)

(So this was the day)

(everything changed.)

(The day he abandoned loyalty and filial piety)

(after his spirit was crushed,)

(clinging only to vengeance.)

This is an imperial gift.

Damaging it would be a crime of great disrespect.

An emperor's affection is fleeting. His justice is a facade.

Why should I remain loyal?

If Heaven wrongs me,

I shall defy Heaven.

If the path betrays me,

I shall renounce the path.

If loyal ministers and valiant generals can die unjustly,

then why not let me, Song Mo,

become a traitor too?

This is the pass required to retrieve the boat.

Take it and leave.

I won't drag you into this anymore.

All right.

Then let us never meet again.

My body is poisoned, and my days are numbered.

(I only regret that before my death, I failed to clear Duke of Ding's name,)

(and implicated you instead.)

(Staining your honor and risking your life.)

Do you understand the true essence of a blade

is not in the killing but in hiding?

From today on,

you are him.

I will pursue the truth to the end and find the real culprits.

No matter the danger, it will not stop me!

♪I lean in and gaze at you as calm as serene waves♪

♪I'm aware of the vast and turbulent world♪

♪Moving forward alone, the expectations of many are hard to bear♪

♪When the time comes, I will cast aside a lifetime of pride♪

♪To wear a flower stick for you♪

♪Or perhaps my heart yearns for the other side♪

♪Yet there's no place for me to go in the end♪

♪Your presence by my side is irreplaceable♪

♪Like a ship crossing the desolate river♪

♪That brings me through a chapter of my life♪

♪You are the light that saves me in the darkness♪

♪Having you is a blessing♪

♪My heart filled with warmth♪

♪By your side, I spend the rest of my life♪

♪Your presence by my side is irreplaceable♪

♪Where my heart yearns is where I will go♪

♪Breaking waves over the desolate river♪

♪The wind rises as my heart finds peace♪

♪You are the light that saves me in the darkness♪

♪Having you is a blessing♪

♪Only by being by your side♪

♪I can spend the rest of my life♪

♪Until the waves are all spread out♪

♪And the past sinks into the river♪

♪Always together, looking back♪

♪Only sighing at the commotion♪

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

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

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