Original subtitles

By the Emperor's command, it is hereby decreed

that the Minister of War, Wang Xingyi, failed in his duties and caused harm.

His position as Grand Secretary of the Wen Yuan Pavilion is revoked.

He is demoted to Police Chief

of the Shengtian Prefecture Police Office.

His daughter, Wang Yingxue, is guilty of murder.

(Fangfei Pavilion) She should've been executed immediately.

But considering she has fallen ill with madness,

she is permitted to take her own life within her household.

This is the emperor's will.

We thank His Majesty for his great mercy.

(Fangfei Pavilion)

Ming.

Ming, look at me.

Ming...

Ming, you're a good girl.

Madam, there are so many men in the Dou's household.

Why should you be the one to do this?

The imperial decree has been issued.

So let me be the bad person here.

Ming,

look who's here.

You...

Are you here to laugh at me?

You cursed your mother to death,

then your sister.

You bring nothing but bad luck.

So many people wish you were dead,

why don't you just grant their wish?

Give me back my daughter.

Bring Ming back to me.

In a few days,

it's my mother's birthday.

Since the day your mother hanged herself,

I knew you wouldn't spare me.

But I've already let you go.

It's you who can't let yourself be free.

Your hatred toward me runs so deep

because every time you see me,

you're reminded

of how you drove your best friend to suicide,

how you took what was hers

and ruined her happiness.

You're evil.

But you're still human,

and your conscience haunts you.

You fear the retribution that will come.

Again and again,

you've tried

to kill me.

But all you want is to escape

the torment of your guilty heart.

It's not true!

It's natural for men to marry

and take concubines.

Your mother couldn't accept it!

She chose to end her life!

It has nothing to do with me!

This is a grudge

between you and my mother.

Now let's

settle this.

Zhao Guqiu,

I'm not afraid of you.

I'm living well here!

(What's done is done.)

(Taking your life won't change anything.)

(These flower petals)

(won't take your life.)

(I hope this lesson)

(makes you truly understand)

(the pain that killed my mother)

(and brings her peace.)

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

=Episode 24=

(Dou's Residence)

Ms. Longevity.

Yes, Father.

My marriage to Yingxue was a mistake.

First, I failed you and your mother,

Later, I failed her and Ming.

Ming had a kind heart.

She shouldn't have such an ending.

She suffered from our broken marriage,

which led her to fall blindly into love.

I often wonder

where I went wrong.

Maybe I shouldn't have entered the official world,

or maybe I should never have left the capital.

If I hadn't,

I'd be happily admiring

the magnolia flowers blooming now.

What's done is done.

But unfortunately,

I'm forever stuck in the past.

The fact that you came to see me,

I feel much better now.

But after everything that happened,

I want to tell you something.

Seize the opportunity while it's still available.

Cherish your loved ones,

so you don't regret it

like I do.

When did you arrive?

I was already here

when you entered Wang Yingxue's room.

This is a grudge

between you and my mother.

Now let's settle this.

It's such a pity for Ming.

The more meaningful something is,

the more strength is needed to protect it.

Ms. Longevity,

I will protect you

and keep you safe.

I know you will.

Let's go home.

Yes, let's go home.

(Duke of Jining's Residence)

The Duke of Jining's Residence has been confiscated,

and he's been demoted to a commoner.

Do you want it?

Sir!

Sir!

- Catch! - Give it to me.

Sir, return the portrait to me.

Get off me!

With so many valuables, why would you want this painting?

Why? Is this a treasure map?

Do you want it?

If you do,

kowtow three times on your knees, and call me "Boss".

Come on! Kneel!

Do it.

Come in.

Boss.

- What? I can't hear you. - I can't hear you.

Louder!

Boss!

Boss, return the portrait to me.

Boss.

Get out of here!

- Leave. - Go.

(Qianqing Palace)

(Revere Heaven and Ancestral Wisdom)

Losing a token has caused such chaos.

Shengtian Prefecture's transfer order

has already reached the Military Command.

What are those useless officials doing?

Your Majesty, I failed to manage my household properly

and caused this disaster.

Please punish me, Your Majesty.

Stop taking all the blame.

It was the negligence of the capital's defense.

Your family's issues

wouldn't stir up any trouble.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I will immediately coordinate with the Six Ministries

and Censorate officials

to thoroughly investigate this

and report the details to the Grand Secretariat

for Your Majesty's decision.

Approved.

The Duke of Ying has kept

the southern city safe.

The Song Family

hasn't disappointed me.

Yantang,

you still need to help

with the aftermath.

The Duke of Ying guarded the southern city

and still had his personal guards assist my family in fighting the enemies.

His attention to detail is admirable.

I should learn from him.

Handling the current disaster is a pressing matter.

Eradicating the bandits is a long-term plan.

I am willing to relieve Your Majesty's worries

by leading troops to eliminate this threat.

Your Majesty,

the bandits are desperate but cunning.

The Duke of Ying hasn't fought in a while.

I suggest

letting Lord Song lead the troops,

and I'll support him

with strategy.

Very well.

Song Yichun will temporarily command the Military Command of the Five Wards

and handle the capital's aftermath.

Yantang will lead the Imperial Guard and three thousand elite soldiers.

You will depart in three days.

Shishu will act as the Minister of War

and coordinate reinforcements.

The bandits must be eradicated

before you return to the capital.

We shall obey your command, Your Majesty.

(Lu's Dental Clinic)

These bandits have burned half of the northern city.

As long as Song Mo investigates by following the bandits' trail,

he will find something suspicious.

Why not let him go after the bandits

and I'll support from behind.

Even if there's news,

it won't reach the emperor.

You truly have

a great foresight.

No matter how he investigates,

we have nothing to fear.

(Peace and Prosperity)

Sir,

will Madam come to see you off?

It's not even my first campaign.

There's no need for that.

Then we should set out quickly.

The auspicious time is not here yet.

Of course.

Yantang!

Didn't you say yesterday

you wouldn't see me off?

I'm here to see the army off.

You're lying again.

Then why did you come from outside the city?

Be honest now.

I went to Wanfo Temple

to obtain divination sticks for you.

The bandits are ruthless.

So you must return unharmed

and victorious.

Did you leave the city so early

just to get these divination sticks for me?

Aren't you afraid I might draw a bad reading?

You can draw without worries.

I already picked out

all the bad sticks one by one,

leaving only the best ones.

I didn't know such a domineering worshiper existed.

(May our love endure and stay united for a lifetime.)

Heaven watches over us

and Bodhisattva truly understands my heart.

May our love endure and stay united for a lifetime.

Not this one.

You must draw for peace and a smooth journey.

- Draw another one. - What's wrong with this one?

I'm not drawing another one. I want this one.

My dear,

do you think this fortune will come true?

Let's talk about it when you return.

I don't want to wait that long.

If you don't answer me, I'll feel restless

and overthink.

If I'm distracted like this on the battlefield,

I might lose an arm or a leg.

What if one day I lose my head?

Don't say such things!

You're about to march to battle.

Don't you know it's a taboo to say that?

So it's a promise, then?

Bodhisattva is watching.

So no backing out.

You must return unharmed.

I will wait for you.

Sir!

Sir,

Official Dou has ordered us to break camp and move out.

Fall in!

Fall in!

Imperial Guards.

Here!

Today, we march to battle!

We swear not to return until the bandits are defeated!

Wipe out the bandits!

Wipe them out!

Wipe them out!

March!

(Yongding Gate)

♪The glitter of the beautiful terrace is just a fleeting splendor♪

♪The army halts at your command♪

♪Bending down for a single kiss♪

♪Forsaking words of farewell♪

♪The golden fiery steed rides across the vast horizon♪

♪In this life, oh♪

♪What is there to envy without you?♪

♪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♪

May our love endure

and stay united for a lifetime.

♪Should the flames of war arise♪

♪I shall hold your hand and walk through the dust♪

♪I want to hold you in my arms♪

(Drunken Bordello)

Isn't this the Duke?

Are you here for a drink today?

No, thank you.

You still haven't settled the debt from your tab at our tavern.

I'll pay the tab after I have money

from selling my paintings.

So you don't have any money?

Someone!

Search him for money.

Wait.

I have some here.

Here.

Here's the money.

Is this all you have?

Get lost, then!

Leave!

His Lordship?

Hurry, follow him.

Fancy seeing you here, Your Lordship.

How did you end up in such a miserable state?

Mr. Zhou.

That painting in your hand could be worth several taels.

How about selling it to me?

Take it as a favor from me.

Give it to me.

Mr. Zhou,

this painting is not for sale.

Do you think it is still up to you whether to sell it or not?

- Give it to me. - Mr. Zhou.

Help me!

Mr. Zhou, don't take it.

Mr. Zhou!

Let me go! Give it back to me!

Let me go!

Ah, it's the late Marchioness.

She died because of you.

What's the point of keeping her painting?

How about this? I'll do you a favor

and burn this painting for her in heaven.

No.

Mr. Zhou.

Don't burn it, Mr. Zhou.

Don't burn the painting.

You can't burn the painting!

Please!

Mr. Zhou!

Don't take offense at my previous mistakes.

I'll bow as an apology.

I'll bow to you.

- Don't burn the painting. - Why did you do it

- Please don't burn it! - if you knew the consequences?

No!

No, Mr. Zhou!

Mr. Zhou, I beg you.

Don't burn it, Mr. Zhou!

Don't burn that painting, Mr. Zhou!

No!

Let me go!

Darn you!

Beat him!

Let's go.

Ming, don't be sacred. It's all right.

Show it to me.

I want to see it.

My Lord, please.

I won't let you see it.

Ming,

I miss you so much.

I knocked Zhao out and took her place in the bridal sedan.

Tomorrow, the world will surely mock me for degrading myself

and going against tradition.

Will you come and visit me in my dreams?

Is this the painting you did last time?

Do you like it?

I do.

Ming...

Ming.

My Lord,

time for your medicine.

The physician already said your cold isn't fully recovered.

Yet here you are, insisting on painting.

Ming,

is it really you?

Am I dreaming?

How could you...

What are you talking about?

I only left

for a while.

What's the matter with you?

Did you have a nightmare?

Ming...

Ming.

I don't want to be apart anymore.

I don't want to leave you again.

Why would we be apart?

I won't leave you.

Ming,

I'm so glad.

It was only a nightmare.

We won't be apart anymore.

Here you go.

After the imperial decree was issued,

a mad sorcerer came to the household,

claiming he could cure her illness.

He said she only needs to bow her way up the mountain every day.

One bow after three steps and one kowtow after nine steps

while chanting scriptures a hundred times.

Only then, could Ming be spared from the torments of hell.

After she heard that, she actually stopped acting mad

and begged to come here.

It seems

that Mother has forgiven her.

Thanks to your plea for imperial mercy,

she's been allowed to spend the rest of her days here.

Consider it her way of atoning for her sins.

From the foot of the mountain to the summit,

there are over a thousand steps.

Even walking up would take hours,

let alone bowing every three steps and prostrating every nine steps.

How could a woman

possibly complete such a task over 999 days

while enduring rain, snow, and wind?

It'll be hard in her lifetime.

That's the point.

There's a saying in Buddhism

about Avici Hell.

It's the worst of the eight hell.

Those who committed the gravest sins

will be cast there

and will never

have the hope of release.

When the bandits attacked the residence,

I thought you only suffered physical injuries.

I didn't realize it was psychological.

You're restless,

sleepless, and troubled by dreams. Am I right?

There's something else.

My friend's husband is away,

and she keeps having nightmares.

She dreamt her husband

was ambushed in a forest.

She came to me to interpret the dream,

asking if her husband was safe.

But I don't know these things.

Could it be

that the forest is near Jinxi?

It's over.

It's all over.

What's wrong?

It's over.

Your friend's husband

has fallen prey to an enemy, with omens of blood and death.

He won't live much longer.

My friend also dreamt

that someone was cursing her husband.

He ended up with his mouth, stomach, and heart rotting.

Madam!

A letter from His Lordship.

Sharped-tongued but soft heart.

You should be quiet.

Prepare the horse!

You don't need treatment anymore?

The bandits broke through the siege.

His Lordship was ambushed in the woods.

What's the matter, my dear?

I'm right here.

Yantang.

Your concern makes you overthink.

Are you all right?

I'm all right.

Yan Chaoqing said you were ambushed in the forest.

I was the one who ambushed them.

If I needed you to save me from these bandits,

I might as well go home and do needlework.

Enough with the nonsense.

Get out of here!

Even so,

I did get hurt.

That archer was skilled.

Luckily, I had my golden silk armor.

Are your hands all right?

Did you get injured here?

Let's head back to the camp.

I'll take a look at your wounds.

Massaging around the wound helps

with blood circulation,

which can speed up the healing.

Let me see the wound.

No need.

It's almost healed.

You were just crying out in pain earlier.

Are you afraid I'd worry because the injury is serious?

Let me see.

No need, really.

Let me check.

What's wrong?

Your injury is serious.

Does it still hurt?

No.

It's only a minor injury.

At home, no one cared if I was hurt.

But seeing how you worry about me,

I realize even small injuries

can make you worry for a while.

Who says I'm worried about you?

Do you know what day it is today?

Today is...

Time stands still in the army.

Today is your birthday.

Here's some birthday noodles.

Happy birthday.

You remembered my birthday?

Of course, I do.

Thank you, my dear.

Have a taste.

Slowly.

Is it delicious?

Since you made it,

it's delicious.

Can you fulfill

my birthday wish today?

What is it?

Don't be angry.

All right.

General!

You better say something useful.

- Or else... - I know.

Running in laps.

So, what is it?

General.

The refugees we saved from the bandits have woken up.

They said they want to thank you.

All right.

Why are you still here?

Thank you for saving my son and I.

Please get up.

It was no trouble at all.

Where are you from?

My husband is a general.

He can ask someone to take you home.

Thank you, Madam.

Our village was burned down by bandits.

We have no home anymore.

We are on our way to the capital to find my sister.

Where does your sister live in the capital?

My eldest daughter lives there.

But we don't know where exactly.

The capital is so big

and we don't know how to find her.

Madam,

I have a place in the capital

that sells stationery.

If you don't mind,

you can stay there

for now

and look for your daughter from there.

Thank you so much, Madam.

Can, kneel and thank Madam.

- Get up. - Please get up.

Thank you very much.

Madam! Madam!

Madam, my mother wants you to have this hairpin.

Thank you.

I cannot accept this.

General!

What is it?

General, we have received a report from Guanghe Tower in the city.

What is it about?

In summary, we won.

But there are many rumors in court.

They say you are ambitious and don't follow the Ministry of War's orders.

They also say the bandits' raid

was because Madam flaunted her dowry,

which made the bandits envious

and caused trouble for the people.

Being wealthy brings trouble.

What did His Majesty say?

Official Dou Shishu defended you a bit.

His Majesty promoted him to a deputy

but didn't mention any rewards for you.

Giving backhanded remarks

is what my Fifth Uncle is good at.

He likely spread rumors

about you being ambitious

to make His Majesty wary of your independence.

The bandit chaos in the capital!

Two hundred thirty-nine bandits

were executed.

In the campaign to eliminate bandits,

seven major gangs from the three provinces,

totaling 8,000 bandits who had been terrorizing the outskirts of the capital,

have all been either killed or captured!

If anyone dares to cause more trouble in the capital

and harm the people in the future,

their bodies will be displayed on the city walls

for the birds

as a warning to others!

- Good! - Well said!

I have arranged for prayers at Wanfo Temple

for the suffering people.

From today,

all celebrations and feasts are suspended for a month

in honor of the dead.

For those affected,

Zhaowen Bookstore and Miao's Family Shop

have prepared food and medicine.

They will be given out for free for three days.

- Wonderful! - Great!

Song Mo is winning the hearts of people in the capital.

You should deprive him of his power

as a warning.

Your Majesty.

But Lord Song's wife said

that giving out medicine and food is Your Majesty's grace and the court's gesture.

Using kindness and authority

to eliminate the reputation of being brutal.

It also ends rumors and public anger

as well as giving me a face.

But

this is clearly just flattery and scheming.

If you could learn how to flatter and scheme like this,

I'd be at ease.

What about the feast for Lord Song?

It shouldn't have been held.

As mentioned earlier,

the civil and military officials lack vigilance.

Only Yantang was thoughtful.

Issue my decree.

Over a thousand people in the capital were killed or injured.

According to the mourning regulations,

from the palace to the officials,

all celebrations will be banned for a month.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Father,

why did you bring me here?

I have found

the best teacher in the world to teach you music and arts.

It's also to celebrate your birthday.

Follow me.

Come inside.

Come.

Shuyao.

Han.

A gift for you.

May it keep you safe.

Father.

Han.

All these years,

the birthday gifts I delivered to you

were personally made by her.

Do you understand her intention?

I don't understand anything.

Han.

Han!

Han.

Mo?

What happened to your eyes?

Were they irritated by the smoke?

I'm fine, Mo.

What brings you here?

Your cat ran to Yizhi Hall again.

I caught it for you.

It loves to run around.

What are you burning?

I needed a pendant for my belt.

So I had a maid to make one.

It didn't turn out well.

So I burned it.

Sir,

General Yan and Officer Chen are here.

They said it was urgent.

Let them wait in the front hall.

- Yes, sir. - Officer Chen?

He is an undercover agent

I planted in the Northern Pacification Bureau, named Chen Jia.

(Chen Jia?)

I'll make you pay!

Can I listen to your conversation?

- Greetings, My Lord. - Good evening, Your Lordship.

We've looked into the house in the northern part of the city.

The original owner registered under a false name.

The woman living there now is only known as Li.

She enjoys playing music.

I matched her appearance,

features, and preferences with the portrait.

I suspect she was a former official courtesan from the Music Office,

who was reported dead early on,

named Li Yaoniang.

Li Yaoniang?

How long has she been living there?

Twenty years.

Neighbors say a sedan often stops at the back door at night.

I've also matched the appearance with the portrait.

It's a sedan from the Duke of Ying's Residence.

Don't worry about it, continue.

I also found the old neighbors nearby

and verified it.

He never took concubines,

and I thought he was loyal to Mother.

It turns out he had secretly kept a mistress.

My Lord,

how could the Duke of Ying alone rescue

and hide a convicted woman

for twenty years

under the nose of the Duchess?

It's not easy.

Who does she usually associate with?

She rarely goes out.

She would only visit Wanfo Temple at the beginning and fifteenth

of each month to burn incense and listen to scriptures.

The abbot there is familiar with her.

Keep following this lead.

Yes, sir.

We'll split up to investigate.

I'll go to Wanfo Temple.

All right.

No matter what happens,

don't forget

that you still have me.

Why are you so foolish?

Licorice-preserved fruit clashes

with the euphorbia in Mother's prescription.

You caused her death!

Giving birth to you with her

was the greatest regret of my life!

Yantang!

♪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?♪

♪Where can this restless heart find peace?♪

♪Left alone in an empty hall♪

♪A lifetime chasing fate's lonely call♪

♪Watching seasons fade and storms rise♪

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

♪My heart is as empty as a quiet street♪

♪Who cares about the path I walk alone?♪

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

♪Life is fleeting, like morning frost♪

♪Even a moment feels endless with you♪

♪Like a stream flowing steady through time♪

♪A lone flower falls from the eaves, moonlight graces steps beneath♪

♪Can anyone ease the pain of goodbye?♪

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

♪If today brings hope, will it stay?♪

♪Will the pain just weave itself deeper?♪

♪In this chaotic world♪

♪Only love lasts♪

♪We'll get through every challenge together♪

♪No matter how cold or uncertain the road♪

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

♪My heart feels empty♪

♪But I can hear your voice♪

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

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

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

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

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

♪Together, we'll make every moment count♪