Original subtitles

Someone.

I want to see Dou Shishu.

I want to see Grandfather.

Official Wu had a good reputation all his life.

Because of you, his reputation is ruined.

He's too embarrassed to show himself here.

Since this is Fifth Master's order,

Seventh Master, please be quick.

Please don't put me on the spot.

Sure.

Seventh Master,

what orders did Dou Shishu give you this time?

Mr. Wu,

it's me.

Fourth Young Lady?

You guys can have a chat.

I'll feed the guards some soup.

Be careful!

We meet again.

This is the sixth time.

Mr. Wu,

did you know that it was a trap?

That possibility occurred to me once.

But what if it wasn't a trap?

Even if there's only a sliver of chance,

I'll grab it to save your life.

I don't regret saving you.

It's just that I've let Grandfather down.

You would've led a peaceful life

like usual

if you hadn't encountered me.

I'm sorry.

You were implicated because of me.

That's not true.

I'm very lucky to encounter you.

If I didn't encounter you,

I'm afraid I would've led a boring and simple life.

Fourth Young Lady, don't be upset about my sentence.

In this world, human nature and their schemes

are the most unpredictable.

Even if I have a second chance,

I'm afraid I still can't stand idly by.

(Natural Grace and Talent)

Official Wu,

if a prince commits a crime,

he's subject to the same punishment as commoners.

Shengtian Prefecture will handle this case appropriately.

Mr. Wu is a good guy!

That's right!

What crime has he committed?

Why are good guys being punished instead?

I hope that His Highness can make it in time.

I'm not here to make a plea for my grandson.

I'm here to seek forgiveness.

This is my letter of resignation.

I am

old and muddle-headed now!

I should've retired and returned to my hometown long ago!

I only came to my senses after Yantang resolved

the war issue in Liaodong!

We mustn't start a war!

Who can protect you

when I'm not around?

Who can protect the Wu Family?

Grandfather, I shall strive to improve myself

and overcome our trials together with you.

Your Majesty, please heed my advice!

If so, I shall die with no regrets!

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

=Episode 14=

(Execute)

Time is up!

Wu Shan, the criminal,

do you have any last words?

As per the Wu Family's rules,

serve the ruler above,

show kindness and generosity below,

know shame and disgrace,

and establish a reputation to behold.

Father has been hardworking and loyal to the ruler all his life.

Both Heaven and Earth can testify for him.

I would rather die than validate

the rumors fabricated for the purpose of slander!

Even at this moment,

you're still being stubborn, huh?

Someone!

Proceed with the punishment!

Execute him!

(Loyalty)

(Execute)

Imperial decree!

(Imperial Bestowment)

Official Wu, please come to the hall.

Official Wu,

please.

As per His Majesty's oral edict,

the private meeting has not broken any rules

or constitute the betrayal of one's kin.

It is not a serious crime.

Wu Shan shall be demoted to the Vice Director of the Minister of Works.

He shall be sent to Jingmen

to oversee the restoration of Yuanyou Palace for three years.

(Imperial Bestowment) The case shall be closed.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Dezhen!

Stop the carriage.

This is our seventh encounter.

Mr. Wu,

I wish you peace and happiness.

Fourth Young Lady,

I'm lucky to encounter you.

I'm sure someone in this world

will surely dedicate their heart to you.

Freedom is something that can be fought for.

Go and do the things you like

and love the person you love!

He was demoted to Yuanyou Palace to create statues.

Now, at least Dezhen can pursue his beloved craft of woodworking.

He's no longer a bird trapped in a cage known as his family.

You don't need to be disheartened.

I'm not just disheartened by Wu Shan's plight.

I'm just lamenting how difficult it is to live in this world.

All of us are birds trapped in a cage.

The way of the world is the largest cage of them all.

No one can grasp it or break free of it.

He wrote this in the cell when he thought

that he wasn't able to see you again.

He told me to burn it.

But I think I should show it to you.

To share a heartfelt connection,

and to seek a destiny of mutual companionship.

Sincerity can be proven those with a pure and honest heart.

I believed that I could still win the battle 1,000 li away

even though I was in the tent.

But in front of absolute power,

I realized how insignificant I was.

The world has been turned upside down alongside principles.

However, people like Fifth Uncle

are the ones who dictate the principles of the world.

People say that it's a case of focusing on oneself selfishly.

But they're just compromising for the sake of the greater good.

There's one more thing.

Dou Shishu will depart for Lizhen immediately.

(Natural Grace and Talent)

The troops of Lizhen have arrived at Zhenbei Pass.

Dou Shishu, the Minister of Rites, is strongly advocating for peace.

He's skilled in foreign languages and highly adaptable.

Lord Dou, is His Majesty

sending you to Liaodong to make peace with Lizhen?

Your Lordship, could it be that you recommended me to His Majesty?

Lord Dou, your abilities have gone unrecognized for a long time.

This is an excellent opportunity.

Of course, I have to reserve it for you.

Your Lordship, you're well-versed in the art of war indeed.

First, you retreated in order to advance.

After that, you used me as a tool.

It was a brilliant move.

To think that I actually fell for it.

Lord Dou, you were so focused on the Wu Family.

You didn't have time to pay attention to me.

(Yangxin Hall)

Lord Dou, thank you.

Fine.

When I'm back,

I'll surely ask you for a cup of celebratory liquor, Your Lordship.

The last envoy who was sent to Lizhen

was dead many years ago.

It's no wonder he couldn't sleep at all.

He left the residence early in the morning.

No matter if it's freedom or justice,

they're meant to be fought for.

Who said birds must be trapped in cages?

Those who say that life isn't worth living

just haven't walked out of the mountain gorge

and haven't seen the sunrise from the mountaintop.

Do you wish to stop here?

Or do you wish to continue hiking?

I'll continue my journey.

I'll keep you company.

(Three Months Later, Training Ground)

(Dong Qi)

Go!

- Excellent shot. - Excellent shot.

Excellent shot.

He's using the ornate bow granted

by the late emperor.

Lord Dong is giving it his all

to win this time.

All these noblemen

always tried their best every time.

They're just showing off in front of the experts.

Yantang, am I right?

Hai Cangbo,

for the group hunt,

(Mu Youming, Hai Cangbo) who do you think

(Mu Youming, Hai Cangbo) has the highest chance of winning?

Isn't it obvious?

Of course, it's Dong Qi.

Look.

His steed is a Wusun horse.

Rumor has it that it can travel 1,000 li per day.

Song Mo's father gave him a sound beating.

I don't think he's competitive this time.

Hai Cangbo,

even if His Lordship is not at his best,

he can still beat you up easily.

They're just petty clowns.

Why don't I get you an ornate bow as well?

The Jiang Family has just been demoted.

If I show off my abilities and receive the court's praises,

I'm afraid His Majesty won't be able to sleep or eat in peace.

However, if I don't rise to challenges,

His Majesty might think that I'm a coward.

Taking the mean path

is the hardest thing to achieve in the world.

Be honest with me.

Has that female mentor of yours taught you another excellent strategy?

Who did Fourth Young Lady Dou bet on?

Who did Fourth Young Lady Dou bet on?

You can ask her yourself.

The Ladies' Etiquette Contest is meant

to select the model of a woman's conduct.

This is a cooking contest.

One's cooking resembles them.

Its color and taste are examined.

The examiners will choose the best dish.

Next up is an exam of elegance and refinement.

Hanging paintings, arranging flowers,

burning incense, and brewing tea, also known as the Four Elegances.

They serve to cultivate one's character.

You all have to know about them.

- Congratulations, Madam Wang. - Madam Wang.

You're finally here.

I heard that Eunuch Wang was here to announce the decree

and give out rewards.

Fifth Master Dou has rendered great merit this time around.

His Majesty even granted the Dou family seats to witness the ceremony.

That's right.

Thanks to His Majesty's fondness,

I came here today

to keep my two daughters in check

so that they won't misbehave in front of the imperial family.

Madam, you're too modest.

Madam, you taught Ming how to cook well.

And, you bribed Madam Wei in secret.

I suppose we will win the contest.

Dou Zhao never learned how to cook properly

when she was living in the manor.

Madam Wei is the judge of the Ladies' Etiquette Contest.

Naturally, she's upset with her.

Shishu is gaining influence now.

Maybe Wei Tingzhen has some tricks up her sleeves already.

She has nothing to be upset about.

It's just that Ming and Wu Shan had met before.

It might damage Ming's reputation.

If Ming is able to win the contest,

she'll be able to choose a great husband.

Our priority is to make Ming stand out from the rest.

Grand Princess has arrived.

Grand Princess, what are you doing here?

(Grand Princess Shude)

Those two must be the Dou Sisters,

who caused Mr. Wu to be demoted to a faraway place, right?

Indeed.

So, they could still participate in the contest

without feeling embarrassed

even after what they did, huh?

You!

Sorry about this.

Fifth Young Lady Dou is disqualified.

Everyone is making meat dishes

while you alone are making vegetarian dishes.

How could the noble examiners

like something like this?

The weather today is dry and hot.

It's not a good day to have meat.

Therefore, I've prepared some sweet mashed potato cake.

Sweet mashed potato cake?

This is just an ordinary snack.

Everyone has heard of it.

This is a potato.

It's a Western produce.

You two have limited knowledge.

Naturally, you guys don't know what it is.

You!

My dish!

Sixth Young Lady Liang is disqualified.

On the table, there's a bottle, a plate, a vat,

a bowl, a basket, and a tube.

There are six types of containers.

Different containers require different skills.

They represent different ideas.

Ladies, please make your choice.

His Majesty has already gotten himself a black bear with his first shot.

All participants, please head inside and begin the hunt.

Yes, Your Majesty!

Horsie!

Horsie!

Tingyu!

Tingyu!

You're already a marquis.

There's no need to compete against these boys.

Duke, you look exceptional when you ride the horse!

You knew that Tingyu is bad at horseback archery.

Why did you provoke him?

I truly believe that the marquis might have a hidden talent.

He might make a name for himself.

Madam, don't you think so?

You!

Let the match begin!

Which family is that lady from?

That's Fourth Young Lady of the Western Dou Family.

Her name is Dou Zhao.

So, she's Dou Zhao, huh?

Mo,

this is obviously a hunt.

Why did they sound the horn?

Doesn't that alert the animals to hide from us?

This is my first time visiting the hunting ground.

Don't mock me.

The imperial family did this to make an announcement.

Since ancient times,

all those who disobeyed the imperial order and hid from them

were eradicated.

Lord Song.

The hunt has been going on for some time.

Why are you still empty-handed?

Don't tell me you're going to surrender?

If you're that weak, you should join the Ladies' Etiquette Contest instead.

There's no need to put on a front and join us here.

Lord Dong Qi, you've lost to my brother year after year,

yet you're still not giving up.

I wonder who's the one putting on a front here.

Your brother got to where he is all thanks to Duke of Ying.

Now, the Jiang Family is in shambles.

How is he still arrogant?

You!

Han, there's no need to argue with them.

Indeed.

Let's not bother Lord Song.

If not, he won't even get a wild hare.

I'll see how you'll suffer defeat this year.

Brother, I've been practicing horseback archery lately.

I'll go and make you proud.

Madam.

(First Place, Dou Zhao, Second Place, Mu Ming)

This is the result of the Ladies' Etiquette Contest.

First place,

Fourth Young Lady Dou Zhao from the Dou Family.

Madam!

The imperial family held a group hunt.

How dare you place a bet?

You were taught to practice humility

and obedience, respect and caution, and maintaining one's virtue.

You acted of your accord and damaged your reputation.

You've also brought shame to your parents and husband-to-be!

Many people place bets during the group hunt each year.

It's just a sign of good luck.

Why can't I participate in it?

Only men can place bets.

You're a noble lady. How can you do so?

- You! - If a man can do it,

I'm sure a woman can do it too!

Fine.

Very good.

Since you didn't mind your conduct,

I'll rescind your ranking as the top participant.

Which rule states

that the winner of the contest cannot place bets?

One shall be the top of the contest as long as she has the highest score.

That's the rule set by His Majesty.

Madam, do you have any objections?

I dare not.

Men and women were distinguished by etiquette since ancient times.

Men will compete in horseback archery during the hunt

while women will join the Ladies' Etiquette Contest.

I'm being cautious precisely because Dou Zhao came in first place.

I don't want her to be an embarrassment to us.

When I was the same age as Dou Zhao,

I could travel ten li on a horse

and shoot down a deer with my arrow.

How is there a distinction between men and women?

I did join the group hunt and place bets as well.

So, am I an embarrassment to you all?

Of course not, Grand Princess!

Please spare us!

Don't stare at me like that.

Don't think that I can't bear

to shoot you just because you're cute.

It's too cute.

I can't bear to do it.

Yeah.

It's too cute for you to shoot it.

I think its leg is injured.

It's not that I didn't shoot it

because of my poor archery skills.

I just think that it's too cute.

Bunny.

- Bunny? - It's really cute.

You have a stubborn drive.

I like that.

I've always hated the demeanor of all those noble ladies.

The more things you know,

the more jealous they are of you.

Your Highness, sorry for the embarrassment.

Graceful postures, elegant demeanor,

the art of cooking, planting,

the art of burning incense and brewing tea,

all of these are great.

I admire them. But at the same time, I'm worried.

I'm especially worried

when people use them as their only criteria for measuring women.

In my opinion, women shouldn't just

stick to one way of living.

They should be able to make different choices

and lead good lives as well.

Excellent words.

The Dou Family is different indeed.

The hunt is over.

All families, please return to your seats.

Guess who has the best result?

Dong Qi.

I remember

that when Yantang first participated in the group hunt,

he was the youngest participant.

He also achieved the best result

among noblemen over the past few decades.

But now? What a shame.

Grand Princess,

I was guessing the ranking.

The one with the best hunting result might not win the contest.

I'm sure Lord Song knows that too.

That's why he's reserving his strength.

I have watched over Yantang since young.

He has a stubborn personality.

I never expected anyone to keep him in check.

I guess no one is invincible, huh?

Your Majesty, I've not let you down.

I've managed to hunt a white tiger.

I've already handed it to the zoo's director.

Excellent.

Why is he so snobbish?

Yantang can drown you

with the eyeballs of all the tigers he hunted.

Yantang,

what have you hunted?

Your Majesty,

I've managed to hunt a white venomous snake.

Filial son.

I almost thought you had hunted a mystical beast like a drake.

A venomous snake? Are you kidding me?

How dare you put on airs here?

Venomous snakes aren't included in the list of games.

Why did you hunt it?

Your Majesty, you hunted a black bear.

Its size and power are equal to tigers and lions.

It can be considered the king of beasts.

And, it has a benevolent heart.

It rarely attacks people.

It exhibits the style of our court.

Although black bears are strong and ferocious,

they're often troubled by sneaky venomous snakes.

Your Majesty, my only wish is to remove such ailments for you

and calm the tides by staking my life

in order to preserve the empire's legacy.

Look over there.

Once we regain the lost territories in the north,

you and I shall catch the sunrise there.

Jiang Meisun.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I shall grant you this pass of absolute authority.

You're allowed to bring your sword to court and not bow to me.

You and I aren't a ruler and his subject.

There's no deceit toward the ruler or anything of the sort.

Your Majesty,

he has neglected his archery skills and let you down.

How dare you still make excuses?

Song Yichun.

Your Majesty.

It's been so many years.

Have you ever fulfilled your duties as a husband

and a father?

During the group hunt over two decades ago,

I granted you

and your wife, Jiang, a marriage.

She only passed away recently.

Do you really think

I don't know about the dirty affairs

your family had done?

Is this how you're repaying my grace?

I was inconsiderate!

Your Majesty, I've let you down!

Yantang was outstanding in the field of horseback archery.

No one was a match for him.

He wouldn't be this weak

had you not punished him that severely at home.

Your Majesty, thank you for understanding.

Now, the court needs all the talents we have.

Yantang,

do not dwell on your emotional pain again.

I liked what you hunted.

I shall pardon you from your period of filial duty.

You shall be the commander of the Imperial Guard.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

What about Second Young Master Song?

I've hunted a deer and a leopard.

Not bad.

He shall receive the same reward as Dong Qi.

Grant them the title of Cavalry Officer and a jade belt each.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Lord Dou...

Official Dou has returned.

He's waiting in the side hall.

His Highness is currently questioning him

about the opening of Liaodong's horse market.

Yantang,

come here.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Shude, you too.

Farewell, His Majesty.

Farewell, His Majesty.

Dou Zhao shall follow us.

Lizhen has withdrawn their troops.

If we shut the pass to stop them from escaping,

they'll attack us again eventually.

We just need to open a market in Liaodong

and allow them to exchange their horses for supplies like cotton and grain.

Only then will peace be preserved.

What if they attack us again once their troops are well-rested?

The people living in the border areas will suffer again!

Now, we lack soldiers in the border areas.

Even if we do establish a horse market, peace won't last long.

Now that the urgent issue has been resolved,

we should attempt feigned diplomacy,

station our troops in secret, and prepare for war.

Minister Wang, you only intend to start a war.

So, is ignoring the people

your way of leading troops?

If so, Official Dou, do you intend to rule the Six Ministries with this?

His Majesty has arrived.

I heard you guys arguing fiercely

even when I was outside the camp.

You guys are exaggerating it.

No matter if we're going to war or opening a horse market, in the end,

it's all about money, right?

Members of the Ministry of Revenue are here as well.

Director Dou,

please do some calculations.

We've carried out disaster relief several times this year.

Do we still have enough to wage a war in Liaodong?

You're the heir.

Tell me.

How should we carry out our business with Lizhen?

Father, I'm ignorant.

It won't work unless money falls from the heavens.

Otherwise, there's no way to balance

the situation.

Shude,

tell me your opinion.

Today, I wish to hear your opinions.

There's no need to be too formal.

I know nothing about war.

But when it comes to business,

the winner of this year's Ladies' Etiquette Contest,

Fourth Young Lady Dou,

is a business prodigy who's been hiding under womanhood.

She has excellent insights.

Just now,

she made a lot of money from placing bets

on the group hunt.

Your Majesty, please spare us.

Your Majesty, please spare us.

Is that so?

Summon her.

Summon Dou Zhao, the first place winner of the Ladies' Etiquette Contest.

Greetings, Your Majesty. I'm Dou Zhao.

Tell me.

How did you win the bet?

Your Majesty, please spare us.

I've incited the masses to create momentum,

making Lord Song their preferred bet.

Most of the lords placed their bets on Lord Song.

I was the only one who placed a bet on Lord Song.

That's how I won.

Shut up!

Your Majesty,

I've failed to educate my daughter.

That's why she's misbehaving.

Dou Zhao, hurry and apologize to His Majesty!

Director Dou, you're overthinking it.

My predecessors established the empire through horseback archery.

It's common for people to place bets

on the imperial family's group hunt.

Besides,

the internal finances of all families

are handled by women.

How is this inappropriate?

Yes, Your Majesty.

I was too narrow-minded.

Mu Chuan, the Minister of Works, mentioned your name before.

You've contributed to the case relating to the cargo ships in Futing.

I assume you know about the current issue

we're facing.

Tell me if you have any ideas.

Your Majesty, please allow me to offer an item to you.

Permission granted.

Due to the maritime trade in Futing,

I found out about a rare potato-like produce from the west.

They call them potatoes.

It has a texture similar to pastries.

Two or three of them are enough.

They can grow anywhere

regardless of the weather or the type of land.

The Miao Family in Futing has planted 100 mu of them.

They've sold several hundred jin of them.

Does that mean

it can be planted in the northern and southern regions no matter

if there's a flood or a drought?

This produce can replace half of the disaster aid's expenses.

It can save up to 500,000 taels.

The disaster victims

may swap out half of their crops for potatoes.

They can be harvested twice per year.

It's best to plant them during April or May.

If you plant them during fall,

you may generate 300,000 yuan in tax revenue during spring.

The harvest will be 70,000 dan of potatoes.

If you intend to open a market in Liaodong,

we can sell these to the people of Lizhen.

We can exchange these for horses, huh?

Excellent.

This is a business idea supported by the heavens themselves.

I can see why she's the winner of the Ladies' Etiquette Contest.

Relay my order.

The Bureau of Agricultural Affairs will handle this.

The Ministry of Revenue will handle the accounts.

- Tell Liang Jifang to get to it now. - Yes, Your Majesty.

Instruct the Court of Imperial Entertainments,

the Court of Imperial Stud, and The Directorate of the Imperial Stables

to send some men to Liaodong to assist Youting in opening the market.

Recruit troops once we have enough horses.

We may wage a war

anytime we like.

- But... - His Majesty, but...

But what?

Get to it.

You guys should get up too.

- Thank you, Your Majesty. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

Dou Zhao, since you're the winner of the contest,

how should I reward you?

Both Dou Zhao and Song Mo came in first place.

Brother, you should reward them.

They look quite matching.

Your Majesty, thank you for not despising me.

I know how to do calculations

and how to plant potatoes.

I'm willing to serve our nation.

Your Majesty, please...

Your Majesty.

The Dou Family is small.

We don't have any sons.

My younger brother only has two wonderful daughters.

Now, Dou Zhao is already engaged to Duke Jining.

We can't just expect them to move to Liaodong

and plant potatoes together with us.

Duke Jining?

- You mean Wei Tingyu? - Indeed.

Where is he? How's the battle report for today?

Duke Jining hasn't returned yet.

He comes from a family of generals and warriors.

But he doesn't have the talent that his family possess.

It's time for the Imperial Guard to train themselves.

Yes, Your Majesty. I'll remember that.

Yantang,

it's indeed time for you to get married.

Princess Jingyu grew up together with you.

You do not fear her,

and you know how to deal with her.

Princess Jingyu has an eccentric temper.

Brother, you should think twice before saying that.

The princess might fall out with you.

I guess I've spoiled the child.

Yantang,

since I owe you a wish,

you can come to me

once you've made up your mind.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

After today's conversation,

I can see that your thoughts are no inferior to men.

Congratulations, Your Lordship.

You've been promoted to the commander of Imperial Guard.

Dou Shishu is using you as his chip.

Instead of dealing with it passively, why don't you take the initiative?

Make him fear him.

My marriage was arranged by my parents and the matchmaker.

It was arranged long ago.

If you're not willing to fall out with them,

I can cancel the engagement on your behalf.

Your Lordship,

I'll deal with this myself.

That's Duke Jining's signal flare.

Young Lady.

Ming is missing.

Madam has sent people to search everywhere.

It's been two hours, and they still haven't found her.

(She left when she wasn't selected.)

(She was never seen again.)

(Could they be together?)

The Imperial Guard is nearby.

- I'll get my men... - Your Lordship.

Duke Jining treasures his pride above all else.

Do not turn this into a commotion.

Why don't I join you?

Sister,

I never tried to seduce him.

I swear.

Burn this painting

if you want me to believe you.

If you're not willing to fall out with them,

I can cancel the engagement for you.

Your Lordship, the further you stay away from me,

the lighter my burden is.

It's for your sake.

It's for my sake too.

♪In this life, oh♪

♪Without you♪

♪What is there to envy?♪

♪Let me lay down my blade and leave the sea of battles♪

♪To adorn your hair with a jade hairpin♪

♪Let a thousand, ten thousand blossoms♪

♪Bloom in a single night for you♪

♪The splendor of the world is but fleeting sorrow♪

♪Should the flames of war arise♪

♪I shall hold your hand♪

♪And walk through the dust♪

♪I want to hold you in my arms♪

♪Leaving the world behind♪

♪From now on, all the vast wonders of the world♪

♪May be left as blank spaces♪

♪The dazzling spring moon over the city♪

♪Is no match for your beauty♪

♪Why ascend to high towers again?♪

♪I will lay down my blade and leave the sea of battles♪

♪Break my spear to crown you♪

♪With a golden-branch hairpin♪

♪Let a thousand, ten thousand blossoms♪

♪Bloom for you♪

♪No more guarding lonely towers♪

♪Spring is near, ripe for the taking♪

♪Holding your hand♪

♪Till we reach beyond the noise♪

♪Only for you, I shall paint♪

♪With bold strokes and vibrant colors♪

♪And for all else♪

♪Let it remain pale and void♪

(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)