Original subtitles

Dou Ming's nanny was there to care for her.

She should've known

whether she was pregnant.

They didn't say anything at all.

What were they trying to do?

All this while,

Ming has been busy managing the residence's expenditure

while seeking a decent position for me.

Besides, she just got married.

She hasn't learned much yet.

Why would she risk her own child's life?

She even stole her own sister's husband!

What else is she not capable of?

If only you married Dou Zhao instead.

She'd make sure our residence

would prosper for three generations!

Enough! Stop that.

In the end, all you care about is money.

Anyway, I hope that you'll stop interfering

in the residence's matters.

That wretched lass

must have bewitched you

that you don't even listen to me.

You...

Mind yourself, Your Ladyship.

What did you call me?

They say an elder sister is like a mother.

All these years,

I've been managing the household for you.

Now that you have a wife,

you've totally forgotten

everything I've done for you!

Stop claiming that you're doing this for me!

I can see

that you've been unhappy over the years

in the Duke of Jing's Residence.

I feel for you.

If you could,

please put yourself in Ming's shoes.

From now on,

stop worrying about the affairs here.

(Duke of Jining's Residence)

If I were as capable as my sister,

I wouldn't have been in this state.

Ming, it's not like that.

You know

what kind of person I am, don't you?

I thought I knew you.

But, your sister said...

I know.

In the end, all my sister and your mother wanted

was just money and material comforts.

Since that's the case, I'll just work hard and earn them

so that we can enjoy some peace and quiet.

You have an idea?

Many people are eager to buy my artwork,

but they were all lowly and crude commoners,

so I refused to have anything to do with them.

You are an excellent artist.

If you're willing to sell to the public,

people would flock over to buy your artwork.

If you make a name in the art industry,

your artwork will be immortalized.

That's your dream too, right?

Things will get better for us.

For you, Ming.

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

=Episode 22=

Madam, you've gone through so much trouble

to secure a job for the Duke,

yet he refused to accept it.

He'd rather sell his artwork to the lowly commoners.

How could our young mistress

marry such a useless man?

Mind your tongue.

Even so,

he's my son-in-law.

No matter what,

I'll eke out a path for Ming

and make sure she doesn't repeat my past.

What's going on?

Madam.

Long time no see.

(Jieyi Hall)

Your father has been waging war against us bandits.

Why didn't you send us a letter?

We've been earning money for you over the years.

Are you trying to get rid of us?

Of course not.

We've just had two marriages in the residence lately,

so I was too busy to talk to my father about this.

Madam.

Are you trying to fool us?

If you keep this foolery up,

you'd have a taste of my blade!

Come on.

Slaughter me!

I hope that makes you and I happy.

Madam.

- What are you saying? - Shut up!

You can

end my life now.

Let's see if my father,

the Minister of War,

will let you guys off.

Otherwise,

you'd better untie me,

so we can sit and talk.

Guys!

Yes, sir!

Untie her.

(Jieyi Hall)

Madam.

Pardon me.

As you know, all of us

are just trying to make a living.

If you have the money to support your daughter,

then what about the debt you owe us?

At this rate,

my brothers might get hungry

and rob the Duke of Jining's residence

for a change.

All the Duke of Jining has now

are just debt and pawn tickets.

If you don't believe me, go ahead and rob them.

If you ask me,

if you really want to go all out,

there's another residence you can rob.

(Jieyi Hall)

Come here.

What is it?

Stand here.

Close your eyes.

Close your eyes.

What's going on?

Don't peek.

What are you doing?

Don't move.

Almost there.

Isn't it more appropriate to do this at night instead?

Why can't we do it in the day?

In fact, it's better since you can see clearer

when there's ample lighting.

Are you feeling hot?

Why are you sweating?

No.

I don't feel hot.

And it's done.

It's done?

Surprised?

Surprised.

You made this for me?

I just wanted to measure this on you.

It fits you.

I thought...

I was thinking too much.

When I bathed you that day,

I noticed a lot of wounds on your body

created by the friction caused by ill-fitted armor.

Now that you're guarding the imperial palace,

you could use a golden armored vest.

This will defend you from attacks

without scraping your skin.

It can keep you safe.

What's wrong? You don't like it?

I love it.

You've been sighing at the vest

for an hour, Your Lordship.

Is there anything wrong with it?

I saw how my uncle, the Duke of Ding, and his wife

remained affectionate even though they were at the battlefield.

They have always been a loving couple.

What do you think of me and Dou Zhao?

Do we seem different?

Her Ladyship is brave and witty.

She's been managing the household efficiently.

Ever since she married into the residence,

even the Duke is cautious around her,

and he's stopped picking any fights with you.

She is the perfect wife for you.

I have a feeling that she

doesn't love me.

Your Lordship.

She's done so much for you

and even made this vest herself.

How could you say that she doesn't love you?

Exactly.

No.

That's not the kind of love I meant.

As I told Dou Zhao,

we'd face every challenge together.

The way she treats me

is like a strategist advising a general,

just like how you're treating me.

That's not love.

Your Lordship.

I love you.

I love you too.

No, no!

That's not what I meant.

The love Dou Zhao has for me

is not romantic love.

Do you understand?

I am unmarried,

so I don't really understand.

Don't you like the way Her Ladyship treats you?

Not exactly.

I'd say she's oblivious.

You're getting close. Continue.

Your Lordship.

I'm just 17 years old,

and I'm not in a romantic relationship,

so I don't know what else to say.

What do you kids know about love?

I don't know about love?

You're already this old and still unmarried.

How dare you tease me?

So what?

That's because my life is dedicated to His Lordship.

Yantang.

Are you sure you don't want to visit Drunken Bordello?

I heard

that they've hired a bunch of pretty musicians.

You can dine and wine while listening to music.

My treat.

Come on.

I also heard that they've also hired

some handsome singers.

Are you trying to emulate the Eldest Princess?

You're so petty.

I got it.

You're jealous.

You're drunk.

I'm not.

Why choose such a song?

Don't you know?

This is what we call romance.

What do you expect them to do, recite classical texts?

It seems to be working, though.

What a beautiful night.

Nice singing!

That doesn't look very gentlemanly.

You deserve to remain single forever.

What's wrong with being single?

I like it.

You two seem to be plotting something.

Spill the beans.

What kind of trick did you pull on Her Ladyship?

It's not just your room.

This place is filled with stars too.

See?

I used to loathe your eyes,

but now...

What now?

There's a cluster of stars

inside your eyes,

twinkling and shining.

How beautiful.

Look.

The reflection on the water

looks so ethereal and pretty.

You can see it, but you can't touch it.

It's prettier this way.

Do you like it?

I love it.

I love it.

I love you too.

Look.

The lights are so beautiful,

just like your eyes.

Your Lordship!

Your Lordship.

Shh.

Go back first

and prepare some warm soup and ginger tea for her.

- I'll be back soon. - Your Lordship.

There are so many people out here.

If you carry Her Ladyship back...

If you don't prepare everything I asked,

I'll make you run ten li with weights tomorrow.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Come on.

That lamp

is so pretty.

I'll get it for you.

I'll get you whatever you want.

My dad said you have no shame.

I'm so sorry.

- Don't blabber. - As long as my wife is happy,

I don't mind.

♪Wrapped in frost and snow♪

♪Standing side by side with you♪

♪Looking at this kaleidoscopic world♪

Yantang.

Yantang.

♪Ignoring everyone's worldly advice♪

♪My love is clear as the moon, without a hint of lie♪

♪Every step I tirelessly take gets me closer to you♪

♪I devote my life and world to your wishes♪

I shouldn't take advantage of you when you're drunk.

♪Time bends and breaks♪

I'll let you off tonight.

Yantang.

Actually, I'm not drunk.

♪My heart has room only for one, filled to the brim♪

♪I know that relationships♪

♪Can be hard to decipher♪

(Natural Grace and Talent)

♪Without regret♪

You're awake, Your Ladyship.

Don't worry.

I changed your clothes.

As for your hangover soup,

it was His Lordship who made it for you.

You were absolutely intoxicated last night.

I do seem to have a memory lapse.

I only remember that last night,

we went to enjoy some performances,

and...

And what happened?

You'll have to ask His Lordship.

You were hugging him the whole night.

When he left the room this morning,

his neck was purplish from the constant gripping.

That's why you'll have to ask him.

You're awake.

I thought you'd sleep in.

Last night...

Yantang.

Last night,

I got greedy and drank too much.

Other than that,

I didn't do anything inappropriate, did I?

Other than what?

What are they saying?

I guess it's nothing.

I mean,

I didn't get rowdy after drinking, did I?

You've always been calm and composed.

Of course, you didn't.

All you did was tugging me

to watch the lights and stars together.

Then, you pointed at random things and asked me to buy them.

You also hugged me the entire night and babbled a bunch of stuff.

Don't take my words seriously

when I'm drunk.

So, you didn't mean it when you said my eyes

were gentle and pretty?

You said you love...

Yantang.

You should go to work now.

- It's getting late, go. - Sure.

By the way,

I put the lamp at the front yard.

This lamp...

His Lordship

got Mr. Yan to bring it back last night.

You even wanted to bring it back to your room and hug it to sleep.

That lamp is so pretty.

Sure.

I'll get you whatever you want.

Your Ladyship!

- No, Your Ladyship! - Push it in!

- Come on! - Stop it, please!

It was the Duke of Jing from the South Warden

who commissioned this lamp

for the old duchess's birthday.

It's 100 cun tall,

which symbolizes a long life.

Do you like it?

I do like it,

but I'm literally taking her long life...

No,

I mean, I'm taking her birthday gift.

That doesn't seem appropriate.

It's fine.

His Lordship has already commissioned a new lamp for her.

As long as you like it.

So, Your Ladyship.

Shall we hang the lamp?

This lamp looks too gaudy.

Hang it at the back gate.

Yes, Your Ladyship.

(Fleeting Time)

Maybe we should put it back in.

Nice.

Not many people in the capital

is capable of drawing cranes

in such a vivid manner.

It's spectacular.

I can offer 1,000 taels.

My husband has created

thousands of paintings,

and this is his best one.

Still, you need to make a few adjustments.

First, the background.

Instead of the mountains,

you should draw the fields instead.

The fields?

Cranes are noble creatures

that dwell in the mountains.

How could it exist in the fields?

I'm planning to gift this to Lord Chen.

He's crippled,

and seeing these mountains

would only upset him.

Cranes in the fields sound like a fun idea too.

The feathers look too simplistic.

They should look fuller

so that the painting looks valuable.

Also, the crane's head looks too faded.

It's not...

Since you don't understand art, I shall not sell it to you.

I'll only sell to those who can understand.

This…This is my first time seeing

someone who refuses to negotiate a deal!

I'm so sorry, Mr. Zhou.

Perhaps this deal is over, but there's still next time.

At least the duchess is sensible.

You're beautiful and courteous.

You lecher!

- Men! - Yes, Your Lordship!

Shoo this man away, now!

- Yes, Your Lordship! - Tingyu!

- Your Lordship! - Don't!

What did I do wrong?

- Tingyu! - Move it!

What's wrong with you?

- Move it! - Your Lordship!

Get out!

(Duke of Jining's Residence)

Unhand me!

- Run along! - Run along!

You all...

1,000 taels

is one year's worth of our food expenses.

He may be just an art dealer,

but many artists became famous because of him.

He might be able

to sell your artwork to collectors

and even the palace.

Ming.

Art is a spiritual pursuit

that expresses one's mind.

If I paint things that go against my principles

just to earn money,

it'd be an insult to my brushes.

If you don't want to insult your brushes,

then you might as well work in the Military Command.

Given your status as a duke,

you'll make a name for yourself and enjoy an illustrious career.

My identity as a duke

has made me a subject of ridicule among my peers.

Now, I even have to rely on my wife's family.

I don't care

about this position.

That's because you've just started.

It's normal to make mistakes.

Next time, we can treat your peers

to a meal at Drunken Bordello

to win their support.

They've been ridiculing me,

and you want me to treat those crude, uncivilized barbarians?

What an insult!

Fine.

Since you care about your dignity,

I'll do it for you.

I'll make some embroidery items and sell them,

then rent a stall and sell some snacks.

It doesn't matter

who the breadwinner is.

No way.

You are a duchess.

If you associate yourself with the public,

everyone in the Capital will laugh at me!

Don't you learn from your mother.

What's wrong with my mother?

She may have done many wrong things,

but she sold congee in the past

to support her entire family.

What's wrong with that?

Ming.

Ming.

I...

That's not what I meant.

Fine.

I'll do it.

I'll go back to work.

(Natural Grace and Talent)

Your Lordship.

An old servant from the main residence is requesting an audience.

Bring him in.

Your Lordship.

I'm Ma Qiang, a former stableman at the Duke of Ying's Residence.

I didn't see you when I was investigating

the mass resignation of servants back then.

Why have you come now?

I didn't dare to show myself

because I was scared.

Now, I'm here

for my wife, Qi Xia.

She...

She used to be the late Duchess's servant.

Where's my wife?

At the bookstore.

Call her back, now.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Most of the Duchess's servants are already gone.

Qi Xia used to be one of her personal maids.

After she went mad,

they assigned her to work in the kitchen instead.

That's how she escaped death.

I reckon you can't get

much information from her.

Eagle. Cockerel.

Miss, do you still remember the Duke of Ying's Residence?

Eagle. Cockerel.

Of course I do.

Eagle.

- Time to take your medicine. - Cockerel.

Eagle.

- Qi Xia. - Cockerel.

Qi Xia, come on.

Drink your medicine.

Eagle.

I know that place.

Yes, you do.

- Eagle. - Come on.

Cockerel.

Here you go.

Don't drink it!

Don't drink it!

Don't drink it!

- Why is she reacting strongly? - Don't drink it!

That's how it's been

ever since she went crazy.

Is it because the medicine is too bitter?

- It's poisonous! - Qi Xia!

- It's poisonous! - It's not!

- It's poisonous! - Qi Xia!

- It's poisonous! - It's not!

- Qi Xia! - It's poisonous!

- There, there. - It's poisonous!

- How is licorice poisonous? - Qi Xia!

It's poisonous!

- Has she always been averse to it? - It's poisonous!

No.

- This licorice is sweet. - It's poisonous!

- It's also good for health. - It's poisonous!

- She loved infusing licorice in water. - It's poisonous!

Can you recall

- when she started resisting licorice? - It's poisonous!

I think

since the late Duchess fell ill.

There, there, Qi Xia.

There, there.

- Only my mother's maids could access - It's poisonous!

my mother's food and medicine.

Could it be...

Meirui?

I've checked all the storerooms,

kitchens, and apothecaries in the residence.

There's no licorice left in stock.

I'm not an expert in medicine.

Do you have any physician friends?

It's only been a year since I returned.

I don't trust anyone.

There's one.

It's a good prescription.

Euphorbia is a key component

in curing urinary retention.

However, euphorbia and licorice are contradictory.

If taken together,

it may lead to death.

After my mother died,

I've checked the remnants of her medicine.

They follow the prescription perfectly, and no licorice is added.

However, these symptoms would only appear

when both herbs are taken together.

Perhaps licorice wasn't added to the medicine.

Does your mother have any special food likings?

My mother doesn't like bitter food,

so she'd always eat some candied fruit after taking medicine.

She gave me this before I left for Futing.

That's it.

This wasn't preserved in honey,

but boiled in a licorice solution

to infuse sweetness into it.

If eaten daily,

she'd die in a month.

Who gave her this?

Your Ladyship.

Over here.

She used to be the late Duchess's maid.

She's gone mad now, so we can't get any information from her.

Do you think you can cure her?

No.

No, no.

Bring her to me every seven days before afternoon.

I'll try acupuncture treatment on her.

The rest is up to the heavens.

What we see might not be the truth.

The licorice alone cannot prove everything.

Still, it's not a baseless observation.

As long as we find the source of the licorice,

the truth will be revealed.

If we act impulsively, we might alert our enemies.

The daily necessities have always been purchased

from regular shops.

For now, if we can obtain

the matching tokens,

we might find something from the account books.

Why don't we bring Qi Xia

back to Yizhi Hall?

That way, she can get treated,

and after all, she used to work for the late Duchess,

so she shouldn't be suffering out here.

Perhaps we might discover more.

Didn't you tell me

all those wretched maids are already dead?

We kept searching, but we couldn't find her.

Besides, she'd gone mad,

so I thought

her illness had already killed her.

Then, why has she appeared

in Yizhi Hall, alive?

You idiot!

Your Grace!

Get out!

(Lu's Dental Clinic)

If we allow them to investigate further,

they're bound to discover

our involvement as well.

Our spies have reported

that Wang Yingxue is colluding with the Cangbei Gang,

and they're planning to let the bandits enter the Capital

to rob Dou Zhao's dowry.

Why don't we distract Song Mo?

So we can...

Dou Zhao is a pawn to lure Song Mo into our trap.

Are you trying to ruin our plans, Your Grace?

If this is not a mere robbery,

but a catastrophic event that could terrorize the capital,

perhaps this is our chance to regain our military power

and reshuffle the Capital's guards.

His Majesty fell ill today,

and he's about to head to the Western Mountain Palace for recuperation.

As the commander of the Imperial Guards,

Song Mo will follow him.

The Imperial Guards' duty

is to protect the Emperor.

If he returns to rescue his wife, he would be betraying His Majesty.

But if he doesn't return,

his wife would be dead.

That's a splendid idea!

No matter what that defiant son decides,

it's a dead end for him.

You're about to destroy two important pawns in the game.

Don't you feel bad at all, Grand Secretary Dou?

Dou Zhao is already part of the Song family.

That's the Duke of Ying's business.

As for Wang Yingxue,

she's always been a pawn,

so it's time for her to make herself useful.

(Universal Compassion)

This is your reward.

Where's the thing?

(Military Command)

Madam.

(Wei Tingyu)

There's something I don't understand.

Since Cangbei Gang is already helping us

to get rid of Dou Zhao,

why do we need to involve the Duke of Jining in this?

The Cangbei Gang threatened us

because we couldn't pay our debts.

Everything is caused

by that greedy woman, Wei Tingzhen.

Moreover,

she's also involved in the money-lending business.

The Duke of Jing is the Empress's family.

Even if their dealings are exposed,

they wouldn't sit by and watch.

Madam, you've planned everything so well.

Dou Zhao.

No one can save you this time.

Madam, it's a lucky sign!

(No. 24, very lucky)

Thank you for your blessing, Bodhisattva.

(No. 45, very unlucky)

(Duke of Ying's Residence)

Just stay here to practice calligraphy tonight.

Don't leave this room.

Father.

What are you up to?

You...

Are you trying to do something to my brother?

He's my brother!

You fool!

He's a curse

that's been suppressing you!

Now that he's left the capital,

you don't have to worry about him.

Anyway,

no matter what happens tonight,

it's for your future.

Remember.

Keep calm and composed.

Practice well.

Keep an eye on him,

or else you'd be dead too!

Yes, Your Grace.

I've asked around the Capital,

but all of them said they couldn't fix this.

Mr. Chen.

You said you could fix anything, right?

It's not that I don't want to fix it.

Look how broken it is.

The cracks are too irregular,

and it's made from a rare material.

I really can't

make it done.

Mr. Chen, you know

that I can pay for this.

Help me.

I am a craftsman, not a businessman.

I can't do anything

that might tarnish my reputation.

Mr. Chen.

Take a look around!

Mr. Chen, please try.

Try fixing it, Mr. Chen!

You...

Mr. Chen!

Sit down.

You...

Fu,

where's my office token?

I thought

you carry it with you all the time.

Try searching again.

It's not here. Where is it?

Go back home and search.

Wait.

Forget it, I'll go back and search myself.

It's the Duke!

Youming.

Are you going to sell your paintings?

Oh, no.

I'm heading to the Military Command.

I'm on duty today.

Why don't you join us for a drink?

A drink? But I...

No more buts.

Everyone knows that your mother-in-law

got you a boring, useless job.

I invited a few senior officials from the Military Command to join us.

They can help your career progression, see?

- This way. - Come on.

Let's go.

This way.

Come on.

(Yizhi Hall Account Book)

There's a fire over there!

Fire!

Near the gates!

Su Xin.

What's with the commotion outside?

There's a fire outside the residence.

I've already checked it out.

A fire?

(Natural Grace and Talent)

Your Ladyship,

there's a fire at the North Gate.

The fire is getting serious,

so we've already sent a request

to the Military Command.

Someone should be here soon to extinguish the flames.

That looks serious.

I don't think we can wait

till they arrive.

General Yan, take some men with you to put the fire out.

His Lordship has ordered me

to stay here and protect you.

Don't worry.

If His Lordship were here,

he would've asked you to do the same.

Besides, I still have Mr. Chen,

Su Xin, and Su Lan with me.

Go and help them.

If that's what you wish.

You guys stay here and protect Her Ladyship.

As for the others, follow me!

- Yes, General! - Yes, General!

What's your business here?

Sir.

I have been ordered to clear the road for the imperial carriage.

(Military Command)

Open the gates!

- You may enter. - Thank you, sir.

Let's go.

Hold it!

What's on the wagon?

That's very treacherous of you.

That woman named Dou Zhao

has tens of thousands of gold taels.

Are you trying to keep

all the bounty to yourself?

Even the imperial treasury doesn't have that much money.

Who told you that?

That's none of your concern.

You can take Yizhi Hall,

but I'm taking all the shops and food warehouses

at the North Gates!

Move it!

Boss, this is...

Make this a quick battle.

Go!

Your Majesty.

Lord Song, what is it?

I have something urgent to report.

Please pass my message.

His Majesty has just taken his medicine,

and he's finally getting some rest.

Anything can wait till morning.

I noticed that the Capital seemed to be lit up in flames.

Something terrible must have happened.

- I don't think we can wait. - Lord Song.

As the Emperor's servant, you should be sharing His Majesty's burden.

Right now, our priority is to help His Majesty recuperate.

Moreover,

the Military Command will protect the capital.

Your sole responsibility is to protect His Majesty.

(Jieyi Hall)

Someone opened the West Gate!

The bandits are rushing in!

If those bandits dare to come here,

I'll make sure they'll never leave here again.

Hey, lady.

Let's see where you can go.

You wretch!

♪The lingering uncertainty has yet been resolved♪

♪I gaze at you, and all is calm♪

♪The world is vast and turbulent♪

♪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 behaviour involved and medicine used in the drama)

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