Original subtitles

Zhao,

I'm glad

that you're home safe and sound.

(Picturesque Scenery)

You truly have a way with things.

As the Matron of the household,

of course, I'll take care

of the eldest daughter's marriage.

I'll be sure to repay this favor.

Ms. Longevity!

- Zhangru. - You're finally home.

It was her...

All right, Zhangru.

Let's go and check on Grandmother first.

I've prepared some herbal packs for Grandmother's usual ailments.

When I'm not here,

just brew them as needed.

All right.

The weather is cold.

Make sure Grandmother's blankets are extra warm.

Also, burning mugwort is good for improving circulation too.

Do it regularly during the day.

I'll do that.

By the way, Seventh Uncle brought

a special herbal tonic from the town.

It's said to be excellent for migraines.

Father is thoughtful.

Grandmother.

Grandmother!

Grandmother, you're awake.

Ms. Longevity?

I'm back.

I'm glad that you're home.

I'm so sorry

for making you worry.

Thankfully, it's not serious.

Otherwise, I'd never forgive myself.

Here, slowly.

Don't blame yourself.

That scheming woman exaggerated everything,

knowing I'd get flustered.

I was muddled by my migraine

and worried something might happened to you in Futing.

That wretched Wang Yingxue

secretly signed the marriage contract

while Zhao was away in Futing.

Is it with the Wei Family?

Those scoundrels.

I'll go find those two defiant sons to break off the engagement.

Grandmother,

I've grown up now.

Let me handle

this matter myself.

I'll head to the Capital tomorrow and settle it.

You just got back, and now you're leaving again?

Since it can't be avoided,

I'd rather face it head-on.

I can not only solve this returning to the Capital,

but also

broaden my mind

just as you've always wanted for me.

It'll widen my view there.

Ms. Longevity,

it's my failing health

that I failed to protect you.

Grandmother, don't say that.

Like you've taught me,

we can't always live under the other's protection.

This time,

let me protect you.

With your wit,

I'm sure you'll handle everything well in the Capital.

But remember,

be cautious and know your limit.

Old Madam,

look.

Grandmother,

remember when Ms. Longevity and I tried

to make lotus root dumplings

for you when we were kids?

The moment you two put them into a pot,

the fillings fell apart.

This time,

we made them for you again.

Please have a taste.

How's the taste?

Try it.

Give one to me.

They didn't break apart this time, right?

Is it good?

Yes, it is.

Fourth Young Lady,

these are clothes preferred by the Capital's noble ladies.

Fifth Master insists you change into them.

I'll take my leave.

He just doesn't want you showing up in plain clothes

and embarrassing him in the Capital.

Your birthday is coming up.

In previous years, we've always listened

to "Plum Blossoms at Ge Creek" together.

But it seems we won't get to celebrate together this year.

Why is there music?

Maybe it's a passing musician playing

for their own pleasure.

Let this tune

be our celebration for my birthday.

This song reminds us not to waste our youth.

You've said

that you've been confined here the whole life.

You never get to see the great world outside.

Once I've taken care of things in the Capital,

we'll make the wish come true.

We'll row a boat, pick flowers, and travel across the rivers and mountains together.

Take me too.

You cannot leave me out.

Here.

Grandmother, Zhangru.

Promise

to wait for my return.

- Promise. - I will.

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

=Episode 12=

(Serene Horizons)

Aren't you going to show yourself?

A man broke into the courtyard on a quiet night.

Why aren't you afraid?

I wasn't afraid because I knew it was you.

Thank you for the song you played

and the protection you provided along the way.

I only intended to stay hidden,

not disturb you.

It's rare for you to listen to me.

So it was quite unexpected.

It is also rare to meet a woman

who understands the situation as clearly as you do.

You're the most insightful woman

I've ever met.

I'm not as insightful as you think.

The troubles at home weigh on me.

Yet I lack the courage to deal with them decisively.

At best, I'm someone

who can help others but not myself.

That's why

I've decided to learn from your decisiveness

and return to the Capital to handle my family affairs.

Instead of being controlled by others,

I should take the initiative.

Good.

Then I wish you success in overcoming all obstacles.

Thank you.

Surely

you didn't come all this way

just to flatter me?

I came to say goodbye.

I'm leaving for Liaodong tonight

and won't return for some time.

Before I set out,

I want to return this to you.

♪Riding across the desolate battlefield in the wind♪

♪The turbulence unfolding one after another♪

♪The lingering uncertainty has yet been resolved♪

If you need help,

send someone to find me.

♪The world is vast and turbulent♪

I appreciate the thought.

But I want to handle these myself.

♪When the time comes, all pride will be laid down♪

What is this flower?

You seem to cherish it a lot.

It's called purple crape myrtle,

a type of wildflower.

You need not worry.

These flowers can endure countless storms

and grow strong on their own.

I believe they can.

But I also believe

a little help can make it grow faster.

(Duke of Ying's Residence)

So this is how chess is played?

Thank you for the lesson, sir.

- Look at this. - Then this move is...

Why are there suddenly

so many unfamiliar servants around?

There's been a lot of work these days,

so they hired new servants.

Where's Lu Zheng?

It seems the Duke has assigned him a task.

I haven't seen him for a while.

Put these away.

- Put it away. - Yes.

Madam is seriously ill, so she has no appetite.

Why bring these greasy foods that make her vomit blood?

Are you trying to get her killed?

I was only assigned to Madam's room today.

I didn't know her dietary restrictions.

How is she doing now?

Madam doesn't like the new bitter medicine.

The kitchen is preparing her favorite preserved fruits right now.

This girl willingly admits her mistakes and returns to the Capital.

I'm sure she has many schemes lined up.

Madam, you must be careful.

Why didn't you inform me

that you were coming back?

Then we could've been better prepared.

I thought you and your mother had planned this in advance.

The wedding is approaching.

So I need to come back to prepare.

It was you

who found me such a good match, after all.

This is also Fifth Uncle's wish.

We're family, to begin with.

You should have come back long ago.

I'm glad you've come to terms with it.

That's right.

After all, we are family.

You've been living away from home for so long.

It might take you some time to adjust.

She'll get used to it.

It doesn't matter.

Don't just stand around.

Hurry inside the house.

- Gao Sheng. - Yes, Master.

Tell them to get ready for dinner.

Yes, Master.

Move the things inside.

You're kind and gentle.

If you see me

as a burden,

then I truly have no way out.

Now that you're back,

you'll follow the rules of this household.

You need to hold in the wild behavior you developed

while living on the manor.

I was mischievous before.

But now I've realized my mistakes.

From now on, I'll follow your teachings while I'm in the Capital.

In that case,

you can start by copying scriptures.

Wang Yingxue is truely a wicked woman.

You're just back.

But you have to copy scriptures every day.

And you have to copy it ten times.

Our life was so carefree at the manor in Zhending.

Why come to the Capital to suffer?

Fourth Young Lady doesn't even say a word.

Yet, you're complaining non-stop.

Since you love staying at the manor,

I'll send you back to the manor

to serve Old Madam.

Please don't send me back.

I'll just stop complaining.

Who is it?

Fourth Young Lady, Manager Zhao from the calligraphy shop asked me to deliver

some new Xuan paper and an inkstone for you.

He also said

some matters among the items require your attention.

(The Duchess of Ying is seriously ill.)

(The servants were changed.) This is from Mr. Chen.

(The heir's close attendants have gone missing.)

(Most of the servants have served the family for generations.)

(Why would they suddenly replace so many of them)

(while the Matron of the house is ill? )

(Song Mo, Star of Doom) (A strike cuts through the heaven.)

(Discarded after the purpose is served.)

(Blood is spilled and what remains is resentment.)

(Injustice and hatred fester within and are hard to erase.)

(Song Mo will kill his father and brother this year.)

(The upheaval in the Duke of Ying's Residence is unusual.)

(Could there be another hidden reason behind his drastic change)

(other than Duke of Ding's injustice?)

(I must have Mr. Chen look deeper into this.)

Who's there?

Zhao, it's me.

This is steamed bass

and here's the ham and fresh bamboo shoot soup.

I saw you had a second helping at the family dinner.

So I thought you might like it.

I made these myself.

The soup is delicious.

Let's eat together.

Your mother punishes me with scriptures copying, grounds me,

and does not allow visitors.

Aren't you afraid of being punished for coming here?

It's my fault for being incompetent and making her upset about everything.

That's why she's keeping a close eye on you

and worried Father might be partial toward you.

I've copied some of the "Lessons for Women" for you.

I also brought some books,

(Annotated Collection of Du Fu's Poems) stories, and plays

for you to pass the time.

You're new to the Capital.

I know where

all the most popular rouge shops, fabric stores,

and calligraphy shops are.

We can even rent a boat

to tour the lake

and listen to music while we're at it.

That's something from before I was born.

But I've heard the elders mention it.

How could I know all of that?

After you're no longer grounded,

I'll go with you.

Do you not like touring the lake and listening to music?

It's not like that.

It's just you're so different

from how you used to be.

How I used to be?

Someone's coming.

Hurry.

Let's stop copying for today.

I'm tired and need to rest.

He left.

He already left.

Then I'll take my leave first.

I won't disturb you anymore.

It's strange.

How did they know you have to copy scriptures?

This one's from Ming.

It looks like she thinks the same as the rest.

She is quite thoughtful.

Ming's small script is neat.

Wang Yingxue will definitely recognize it.

We shouldn't implicate her.

But I appreciate her help.

This one is Mr. Wu's writing.

Can we use this?

(Lessons for Women)

(Fulfill one's duties in family and society.)

His handwriting is delicate and proper.

The reverse strokes are elegant.

But it looks like a man's handwriting, doesn't it?

You can tell.

But Wang Yingxue probably won't notice.

Who would check so carefully?

Why is Mr. Ji's handwriting

all crooked?

(Lessons for Women)

(Fulfill one's duties in family and society.)

Jianming knows I hide the sharp edge when I write.

I've been writing letters

with my left hand instead of the right one.

He can almost imitate my handwriting now.

Does it mean we can use this?

There's also one from Lord Song.

It's crooked, too.

(I owe my wisdom to my mother and female mentors.)

Wait, he wrote this wrongly.

Look at the "Spring and Autumn Annals."

The "Autumn" character is missing a stroke.

(Autumn)

Young Lady,

is there something wrong?

This is almost exactly the same as when I write with my left hand.

I leave out that little stroke in the "Autumn" character

to avoid using my late mother's name.

(Autumn) He really knows how to read people.

So, do you think we can use both?

There's no conclusion after all this deliberation.

In my opinion, both should be kept.

(Perpetual Bloom)

(Liaodong)

The Jiang Clan is brave and admirable.

I've always respected them.

But the imperial decree has just been issued.

If we give them special treatment now, we might attract criticism.

(Zhu Youting, Lord Qing)

What do you think, Mr. Ji?

Lord Song is a brave and capable man.

Your Highness values talent.

If Your Lordship could help His Highness,

it would be a win for both sides,

don't you think?

Lizhen has been causing trouble.

His Highness has been busy preparing for war.

Lord Song, with his reputation as a young general,

must be excellent in training.

People of Lizhen grew up on horseback.

So it will undoubtedly be cavalry battles.

They're not like

these lifeless stationary targets.

Distance is twenty zhang.

Impressive.

The sky is filled with auspicious clouds,

which is a good omen.

It seems the stars are watching over us,

ensuring the border's safety.

Your great reputation

is truly well-deserved.

Shi Chuan.

Yes, Your Highness.

Send someone to repair the Jiang Clan's houses.

Take a doctor with you.

Yes, Your Highness.

Yantang, why not stay here

to help train the army for me?

It will also be easier to take care of the Jiang Clan.

I can ask Father for permission.

Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness.

But I just received an urgent report from the Capital

that my mother's condition has worsened.

I'm afraid...

Report!

Your Highness,

Lizhen has attacked again.

The forces are ten times stronger than usual.

This isn't just a raid this time.

Issue orders to all the divisions to assemble the troops

and prepare for battle.

Send the military reports to the court immediately.

Yes, Your Highness.

I'm on my way back to the Capital.

I'll take care of the official report.

I just hope we can have a proper talk

when this is all over.

I supposed Your Lordship has owed me a favor.

Official Ji, you used me to flatter His Highness.

Who's owing who here?

I don't think it's twenty zhang as you said.

Young Lady,

things are critical at Duke of Ying's Residence.

How can you still focus on copying scriptures?

Rushing won't help.

What we need most is a calm and steady mind.

Manager Zhao has sent word

that Lord Song left the palace after sending the official report.

But...

what if Manager Zhao can't stop him?

(If Zhao Liangbi can't stop Song Mo,)

(we'll have no choice but to go all in.)

Pull!

Your Lordship, please wait!

Are you Fourth Young Lady's man?

That's right. She told me to stop you no matter what.

She also said things won't end well

if Your Lordship returns home now.

My mother is critically ill at home.

As a son,

I must return.

Move aside.

Your Lordship!

Express my thanks to her.

Your Lordship!

(Funeral. Duke of Ying's Residence)

Young Master,

you've finally come home.

Madam passed away the night before

and we've just finished setting up the mourning hall.

Young...

Mo,

you've finally returned.

(Virtuous Wife, Madam Jiang's Memorial Tablet)

Before Mother passed,

she refused to take the medicine I gave her

and kept calling your name.

It's my fault.

I came back late.

(Mother,)

(I have returned.)

(I'm a bad son.)

I failed as your son.

Young Master,

the Duke has been heartbroken these past few days

and is desperate to see you.

Mother,

I will be right back.

(Virtuous Wife, Madam Jiang's Memorial Tablet)

Duke of Ying.

Father.

Every time I see this comb,

it feels like Huisun is still here.

She's just off to admire the flowers

and will return soon.

Father,

I've failed as a son.

I failed to be with Mother in her final moments.

Take a look at this.

Do you recognize it?

Yes, I do.

This is the mutton fat jade Grandfather had before he passed.

One for me,

and the other one for Han.

I haven't carry it with me,

so it's been long since I last saw it.

I'm glad you recognize it.

This jade piece

was found on Meirui.

Meirui?

The shoulder width is one and a half feet.

The maid who served my mother?

How did she get it?

How did she get it?

Why don't you ask her yourself?

Someone, carry her inside.

How did this happen?

Young Master, just admit it.

People have seen you sneaking around with Meirui.

This jade

must have been your token of love.

Father,

I didn't do it.

After Madam's death,

that girl took her own life.

We thought it was out of loyalty at first.

But the physician said

she was three months pregnant.

When she died, she was clutching

this very jade.

Three months ago, you returned to the Capital.

You disappeared every day.

I thought

you were busy handling your uncle's affairs.

I never imagined you'd do something disgraceful as this!

Father,

I didn't do it.

Lu Zheng has been here the whole time.

He can clear things up for me.

Also,

the maids and the caregivers who cared for Mother.

- I'm willing to face... - You good-for-nothing!

When your mother was gravely ill,

you dared to commit such disgraceful acts?

How can you even justify yourself?

Lu Zheng has been your trusted attendant for ten years.

Of course, he'll cover for you.

Let alone those servants!

If your mother knew of this from the afterlife,

how could she not be heartbroken?

Father.

You must believe me.

I didn't do this.

This is completely untrue.

I must teach you a lesson

for her sake!

Father.

Take this!

Master, stop.

Young Master,

the Duke is angry because he cares about you.

Stop arguing.

Let him vent first,

then explain yourself.

Enough talk!

Someone! Drag this defiant child out and punish him according to the family rule!

- So, how did it go? - He failed to stop him.

Failed...

So, is the gate at the Duke of Ying's Residence closed?

Yes.

If they were receiving condolences, why would they close it?

Something's definitely wrong.

You're still grounded.

If that's true,

do we still have to be involved?

We've already done our duty

by warning him.

No.

I want to save him.

Inform Mr. Chen

to make the final move.

(Please,)

(let me take the punishment in place of my father.)

(It violates no military law)

(and remains loyal and filial!)

The whole court knows

that I have to

rely on my good son.

It's also all thanks to Jiang Meisun's mercy!

(His Majesty even praised you,)

(saying you have Jiang Meisun's noble spirit!)

Whose son are you exactly?

(Righteous and Unyielding Spirit)

You gave me life.

If you want it, take it.

If you don't want to see me,

I'll never return to the Capital

or come home.

But at least tell me

why are you treating me like this?

Why?

Why?

Lock him up.

Song Mo's disgraceful conduct

cannot be tolerated.

Tomorrow, invite First Brother and Third Brother here.

I want to hold a family tribunal and remove him from the family register.

Then report to His Majesty

to strip Song Mo of his title as heir.

(If your family is still around,)

(why not compromise and give it a try?)

(Like doing something that brings joy to your parents.)

I see.

I understand it now.

Mother.

Go.

Your Lordship,

are you awake?

His Lordship is awake.

Everything is fine so long he's awake.

Then I'll deal with the other things.

Your Lordship.

Fourth Young Lady,

what is this place?

This is Zhaowen Bookstore.

Good thing you detained Mr. Chen last time.

Otherwise, I couldn't have saved you by myself.

Your master is already half-dead.

Tomorrow, the family tribunal will strip him of everything.

If you still can't see the situation clearly,

I'll write the confession for you.

All you need to do is sign with your fingerprint.

Can you even write,

you fool?

(Create diversion and rescue during the chaos.)

(Meet at the corner gate and escape to safety.)

Or do you want to go first?

Stop! Stop it!

The Duke wants to drive us to our deaths?

Then I'll take you all down with me!

Hurry.

This way. Hurry up.

Come on. Hurry.

Young Master has escaped!

This way!

Catch them!

Go now!

- Lu Ming, hurry! - Leave now!

Get out of here now!

Zheng!

Leave!

Lu Ming, leave now!

Zheng!

Protect His Lordship!

Zheng!

We must leave now!

(Create diversion and rescue during the chaos.)

(Meet at the corner gate and escape.)

Father and son sit side by side but do not understand each other.

Strangers risk their lives to save me.

You sneak out in the middle of the night to meet a man.

Do you know the consequences

if your stepmother and Fifth Uncle found out?

The situation was urgent.

Since I've already saved you,

I have my ways of handling it.

Besides, you saved me before.

Saved you?

I mean,

you saved me back in Futing.

Now that Mr. Chen has returned,

we no longer owe each other anything.

Your handwriting isn't as messy as it used to be.

It seems strangely familiar.

(Create diversion and rescue during the chaos.)

(Allow me to be bold enough to guess what's on your mind.)

You're avoiding my gaze.

Do you still remember

the incomplete play of "The Life of Luo Shan"

at Guanghe Tower during the Tiancang Festival Festival?

You've mistaken me for someone else.

I don't watch plays.

You're heavily injured.

Stop overthinking.

I'll apply some more medicine for you.

(Gray hair.)

(It's her.)

(It has always been her.)

(She risked her life to save me but refused to admit about it.)

(Why is she avoiding acknowledging me?)

(What kind of secret is she hiding?)

These bloodstains are turning purple.

They aimed to kill.

The injury affects the internal organs.

So the blood is naturally dark.

What is the hour now?

It's the Zi hour.

I've been unconscious for six hours.

I thought you would remain unconscious.

I must return.

How can you go back with such injuries?

If they proceed to expel me from the family registry,

the family rules take precedence.

His Majesty would also strip me of my title as the heir

and I would be in a hopeless situation.

It's better to push forward with determination

than to hesitate.

With such injuries,

you'll need at least a month to recover.

I can't afford to wait anymore.

The guard's life is hanging by a thread,

and my mother's just passed away.

What I need the most

is not to heal,

but to be able to hold my weapon.

(Duke of Ying's Residence)

Fourth Young Lady has been punished by Fifth Master Dou

for meeting a man at night.

That was me.

- Your Lordship. - Your Lordship.

Fourth Young Lady,

It was my reckless behavior

and my disgraceful actions.

Fourth Young Lady Dou had nothing to do with it.

So, Minister Dou,

you can punish me instead.

♪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 behavior 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♪