Original subtitles

Spears are different from swords or blades.

The shaft is eight feet long.

If you grip the end, you won't have enough power.

Hold it in the middle.

Give it a try.

Ever since Cangbei Gang entered the city,

Zhangru's been eager to learn self-defense.

But she only let Chen Jia teach her.

I believe Chen Jia

wouldn't harm Zhangru.

Are you all right?

Again.

I have to teach you how to properly handle it.

Don't hurt yourself.

There

are three basic moves,

block, grab, and thrust.

Since you trust Chen Jia so much,

why don't we make a bet?

Let's see who's better at judging people.

How about six months?

We'll see if you can win.

Deal.

Hold it in the middle.

Further back.

Lower your wrist.

Block, grab, thrust.

Block, grab, thrust.

You're the slowest learner I've ever taught.

So, how many clever young ladies have you taught before?

I've never taught any young ladies before.

This move is called threshing wheat!

That one's for cutting pig feed!

And this is hanging laundry!

These moves aren't half bad.

So?

I have plenty of moves.

Who else have you taught?

- No one! - Who are they?

Tell me!

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

=Episode 26=

(Baifu Restaurant)

Miss Miao.

Song Han?

What a coincidence.

Wipe your sweat.

You've given me a handkerchief for the second time now.

Why are you still here this late?

Is this your shop?

Yes.

I'm about to check my nursery.

Would you like to join me?

Follow me.

Here we are.

Did you grow

all these yourself?

Yes.

I planted some new crops under the night dew.

Ah, yes.

This one here is a bean from the West.

It flowers on the ground,

and after the petals fall, the branches dip into the soil

and bear fruit.

When you eat it, it leaves a pleasant aftertaste.

I've heard of it.

In the south, it's called groundnut because the flowers fall to the ground.

You've been to the South?

There was a music teacher I once knew

who was from the coastal south.

But he's no longer around.

I'll give you

my first batch of peanuts.

I…

Just like these peanuts,

they will eventually bloom

and bear fruit

even though they grow in the dark.

Thank you.

My dear,

time to eat.

You go ahead.

I still need to balance the ledger.

Did you cook all these?

Why did you cook so many dishes?

You've worked hard these days.

So this is a treat for you.

I can't eat all of this by myself.

Wouldn't it be a waste?

If you enjoy it, it's not a waste.

If you can't eat much,

I can make smaller portions next time.

Even a bite from each dish is fine.

I can make plenty of different dishes.

I want you to try them all.

What's the rush?

We have all the time in the world.

I can try them slowly.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

By the way, look at these.

Several shops in the capital.

Across thirteen provinces,

there are iron mines in the north, kilns in the south,

salt fields in the west, and tea plantations in the east.

There are several ships

in remote places like Penghu.

I didn't know you were this rich.

Did you think

you married

an impractical poor husband?

My grandfather and mother

were worried about me being away from home.

So they set up

these businesses for me.

You live simply,

don't spend much on drinks,

and have just a few outfits.

I grew up in the military

and don't have extravagant habits.

My shops have been idle.

So it's better if I transfer them to you.

They are suitable for the Zhaowen Bookstore's use.

Transfer everything to me?

I'll ask our head manager

to help you run them.

This way,

you can be hands-off like me

and not have to worry.

Yantang,

why are you suddenly transferring all this property to me?

Did anything happen?

You're the lady of the house.

You should be managing these.

I've wanted to hand them over for a while.

Plus, I could use a break.

If we had two or three kids

around with us,

it'd be even better.

I agree...

How about we have a daughter?

Sure.

As long as you're happy.

His Lordship wants us to stay in the residence.

So don't cause any trouble.

No way.

Even if the Marshal tried to persuade me,

I'm telling Madam everything.

All right, then.

Go ahead.

Also, decide if you prefer quarrying in Liaodong

or fishing in Futing.

Do you have a place to go after His Lordship kicks you out?

Go.

What should I do then?

He either goes out alone

or travels miles for a case.

Are we just letting him run wild?

With his current state,

he might collapse outside one day

- and won't be found. - Stop talking nonsense.

- Who can't be found? - Who...

- Madam. - Madam.

I've seen Official Lu's prescription

and checked Yantang's pulse.

His pulse is strange.

It's hard to say what the problem is,

but something's definitely wrong.

Do you know what's going on?

- I don't know. - I don't know.

Madam,

since Official Lu said it was nothing serious,

then it should be fine.

Isn't that so, Lu Ming?

Yes.

What's the surprise? Why so mysterious?

We're almost there. Be careful.

All right.

(Diecui Pavilion)

We're here.

Can I open my eyes now?

Yes.

What's this?

Have a seat.

This is the "Life of Luo Shan" we watched together when we first met.

In the play, Xu Jizu loses his mother, seeks revenge on his father,

and is severed from his family.

It is truly unfortunate.

So

I wrote a happy ending for him.

How about you watch it?

But this misfortune follows him throughout his life,

leaving his soul restless.

The first half of the play is a tragedy destined by fate.

Can it really be undone?

There's always a way.

Go back to the past and start all over again?

Though the destruction of his family can't be repaired,

life isn't just about the first half,

and a person doesn't have only one family.

That's why I added

a loved one for Xu Jizu.

They built a new home,

a home that keeps

all storms and suffering out.

A home that's priceless and unbreakable.

Yantang,

let's create such a home for each other too.

Those who've experienced hardship know better how to cherish it.

Two broken souls can piece together

a complete whole.

Shall we begin the play, my dear audience?

What's going on?

Ms. Longevity,

you dream of a peaceful life,

enjoying the simple pleasures.

I once thought

I could protect you and keep you safe.

But now

I can't.

All I have left

are battles and revenge.

I've offended half the court,

turning everything upside down.

I know that.

I'll stay with you

through life and death with no regrets.

This turmoil will end someday.

When it's over,

we'll find

a quiet place

and set up a school.

I'll teach literature, and you'll teach martial arts.

In spring, we'll enjoy the flowers and go boating.

In autumn,

you can hunt for extra food.

Our children

won't suffer as we did.

We'll have a big family and grow old together.

Ms. Longevity,

I know

your biggest wish is to live well in this life.

So don't worry.

I'll clear all obstacles for you.

With or without me,

you can have a good life.

How can I live a good life

without you?

I'm not feeling well.

I should go.

Are you hiding something from me?

I want you to tell me yourself.

Ms. Longevity,

just trust me.

I can give you my life.

But your life is still yours to live...

As long as we're together,

your life

is mine too.

Why make a distinction between us?

Ms. Longevity,

trust me.

Has the play started?

Don't tell me it's over.

Zhao.

Ms. Longevity?

Good lad,

it feels powerful even with a wooden blade.

Next year, use a real one.

But make sure to hold it steady

and swing down.

Keep practicing.

Mo,

I save you a piece of peach blossom pastry.

Hidden in the light, admired for its ink.

How about calling him Song Mo?

That sounds great.

Hey, Mo.

("The Life of Luo Shan")

(Exquisite Melodies) - Good!

The play is excellent.

Too bad it is a tragedy.

Well, not necessarily.

People love to watch plays because the plays always end up

with a reunion

no matter how deep the grudges.

Life, on the other hand, is harder than that.

It's a drumstick.

Correct!

I'm surprised you know about historical weapons.

Could you be a man dressing as a woman?

Well, women can be as capable as men.

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

I wonder if I am right.

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

I wonder if I am right.

Three years...

One year.

After one year,

my life will end.

What was completed

will be broken.

I gained and then lost.

Do you think hiding it from me isn't breaking

or losing?

If

you only have a year left to live,

let's spend this year fully as a married couple.

If you really die

in a year,

my heart will still break

whether we're together or apart now.

So I can't let go.

Every moment of this year,

let's live a day like it's a year.

A year

will be our lifetime.

I won't let my husband

face life and death

all by himself.

♪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♪

I was haunted by nightmares.

There was always a woman with a lantern who guided me.

I later realized that the woman was you.

You're the one

I'd risk my life to protect,

always.

(Rest in the Flow, Clarity in the Stones)

♪See the future♪

The Star of Love

still shines.

We've been waiting and why are you only here now?

Didn't you say you want to watch the play with us?

The play is already half over.

I used to call you all fools at the manor.

But it seems

I'm the biggest fool here.

You eat it.

All right.

Is friendship less

than romantic love?

What's wrong?

I've never seen you like this.

What love? What friendship?

Do you have feelings for Ms. Longevity?

Tell me more.

I don't have time for that.

The country

and the people needs me.

But if Mantis Song breaks

Dou Zhao's heart in the future,

I'll face any danger

to take her away.

This play is so boring.

How can you even watch it?

Strange as always.

Just let him be. Let's keep enjoying the play.

(Imperial Prison)

Greetings, Your Grace.

The lord has sent me to give you something.

Duke of Qijing would do anything to please his youngest son

like an ox being led by the nose.

Are you using this story

to threaten me with Han?

How dare you!

Your Grace, calm down.

Be careful not to hurt yourself.

The lord wants you

to keep your mouth shut forever.

All right.

I'll be the ox for you

this one time.

(Yizhi Hall)

My Lord, Madam.

We caught

this girl sneaking around the back door of Yizhi Hall.

Have mercy, Your Lordship.

I'm not a bad person.

After Madam passed,

the Duke of Ying let me go back to my village.

I came to ask for some travel money.

Madam?

You're Li Yaoniang's maidservant?

If you were Li Yaoniang's maidservant,

what were you doing when she died?

That night, the Second Young Master visited Madam.

I was told to leave

and wasn't in the courtyard.

So I don't know what they talked about.

The next morning,

Madam Li hanged herself.

Are you saying

Song Han visited Li Yaoniang

the night before she died?

How can you not keep an eye on a cat?

Where did it go?

I've sent all the servants

to look for it.

Find it now!

How am I supposed to eat without that creature?

Yes, Young Master.

The maids at Xixiang Place said

that Song Han has a habit

of feeding the cat before every meal.

It seems

this is more than just feeding the cat.

I'll take care of this.

Don't interfere.

Xingshuang, I told you...

Mo.

Your cat went to Yizhi Hall again.

Yes,

it's just mischievous.

I heard you haven't eaten all day.

Not many people would lose their appetite

over a cat.

When you've kept it for a long time,

you get attached.

Also, I don't have much of an appetite today.

Do you have anything to tell me

about my mother's death?

Mo,

what do you mean?

I don't know anything.

I'll give you one last chance.

Do you?

No.

Mo!

Mo!

I really don't know anything.

(Freedom from Worries)

I'll ask you one more time.

Do you have anything to tell me

about my mother's death?

I really don't know

who poisoned Mother.

I never said

Mother was poisoned to death.

I don't want to see a single lie

in your testimony.

This is your last chance

and also the last time I see you.

Mo, stop!

Mo.

If you don't believe me,

I'll prove my innocence with my death.

My Lord.

Mo.

Mo, it really has nothing to do with me.

It was Father.

Father asked me to deliver medicine to Mother that day.

I didn't suspect anything and gave it to her.

It was only after she died

that I found out the medicine I sent to her

was poison.

I was afraid Father would poison me.

So I used the cat to test for poison.

I didn't tell you

because I was afraid our family

would fall apart.

Take him back.

Yes, Your Lordship.

Yantang!

Yantang!

Yantang!

Your pulse is very erratic.

I'm not sure if the poison has affected your organs.

I'll send for Official Lu.

I'm all right.

There's no need to make a fuss.

It's only a rush of blood.

By the way,

I found some discrepancies

in Xixiang Place's ledger.

So I asked Mr. Chen to take my token

and inquire at the shops we frequent.

It turns out

that during your mother's illness,

the household purchased

large quantities of licorice several times.

This matches our suspicion

that Mother's illness was caused by licorice.

Qi Xia's current madness

must be related to her death.

Once Qi Xia regains her sanity,

we'll know what happened.

How do you plan to deal with Song Han?

Maybe I've misunderstood him.

He's just a frightened child.

Father,

how could you do such a thing?

She's my mother.

She's not your mother.

With Shuyao,

the three of us are a true family.

If it weren't for them,

I wouldn't be a child out of wedlock!

I am my mother's son.

I'm not Li Yaoniang's son!

Li Yaoniang was not qualified!

Han, but I am...

Madam Li, please mind your words.

You chose this path for me as the Second Young Master

of the Duke's household.

Mother, it's time for your medicine.

I could have been a dutiful and honorable son

and brother.

But now I live

in constant danger and unease.

Mother, don't eat it.

You can't eat it.

I don't know anything.

You doted on me the most.

No matter what I did wrong,

you would never blame me.

It's the same this time,

right?

You're right, Second Young Master.

I didn't consider it carefully enough.

I wasn't born out of wedlock.

I'm the Second Young Master

of the Duke of Ying's household.

Miss Miao,

Second Young Master hasn't eaten for days.

He still throws the medicine and drives people away.

Miss Miao, maybe you should leave.

Get out.

This is a snowflake pastry.

It's made with top-quality flour, steamed,

and soaked in butter.

It's soft and sweet.

This is pepper and salt cake.

It's made with two jin of flour,

half a jin of sesame oil,

and two liang of salt.

It's crispy and fragrant,

spicy and delicious.

This is taro pastry.

It's made with raw taro and glutinous rice flour.

When it's filled with red bean paste, it's absolutely heaven.

If you don't like these,

I have other varieties.

I have chive cakes, white pastry cakes, and sugar oil cakes.

I'm sure there's something you'll like.

Take a look.

Eat slowly or you'll choke.

This medicine is too bitter.

I won't taste it for you.

(Natural Grace and Talent)

By the mandate of heaven, His Majesty decrees

that Song Mo has done well in solving the case.

His Majesty is pleased.

(Song's Ancestral Hall) Song Mo shall be promoted to Commander,

granted the right to enter the palace with a sword,

and exempt from kneeling.

(Peaceful Family, Thriving Life) Thus decreed by the Emperor.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

The emperor has another decree.

You can read it yourself, Your Lordship.

Sir, come this way.

What's the matter?

Song Yichun submitted a memorial,

confessing to abusing power and harming the innocent.

He died of illness

in prison.

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun)

Han is still young.

Losing both parents in a short time

is truly hard to bear.

Han isn't the only one

to lose both parents.

My last meeting with Song Yichun ended

our father-son relationship.

From now on,

I only have a deceased mother,

no deceased father.

Once the funeral is over,

this matter will be settled.

What do you plan to do about Han?

Song Yichun wronged my mother.

Han is an innocent victim.

Let him continue living at Xixiang Place.

Moments of happiness are short-lived.

The days gone by are filled with so much sorrow.

(The past fades into mystery, its wisdom lost.)

(Yet the east wind stirs, and rain brings a new dawn.)

Han,

I can't stay with you much longer.

From now on,

you must walk this path on your own.

My advice to you

is to stay away from the court

and live a simple life.

If being a commoner is so good,

why did you insist on becoming a Duke?

It's fine if you ruin your own life.

But why take away my chance to climb higher?

I did it all

for your best interests.

How is this my best interests?

If you hadn't insisted on revealing my lineage,

our family wouldn't have been destroyed.

I ended up in this miserable state

because of you!

You...

Father... Father.

What's the matter, Father?

- Father. - My medicine.

My medicine...

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun) (Father,)

(you had average achievements all your life,)

(but you died with honor.)

(I'll carry on)

(your unfinished business.)

(Song's Ancestral Hall)

By the emperor's decree,

former Duke Song Yichun was stripped of his title

(Meritorious Service) for his crimes.

His demise has cleared his offenses.

His eldest son, Song Mo, known for his virtue and loyalty,

and assist the nation with propriety,

shall inherit the title of Duke of Ying.

His wife, Dou Zhao, is conferred the title Duchess of Ying.

Your Graces.

Your Graces.

Yantang,

the whole household

will be relying on you now.

You're being overly courteous.

We watched them grow up.

How can they not be filial to us?

First Aunt,

I don't recall us being this close before.

Zhao,

I made new clothes for you.

See if you like them.

The ceremony is over.

The Duchess has other duties to attend to.

Excuse us.

Third Aunt,

I apologize on behalf of Sister-in-law.

Brother has just been appointed Duke

and surely has much to handle.

Who does Dou Zhao think she is?

Acting so high and mighty.

Does she not know how she became Duchess?

It was because Song Mo forced

his father to death in prison!

Enough, you should stop talking.

With this couple around,

we will have a hard time from now on.

If we don't get rid of Song Mo,

he will always be a threat.

If we can't make a move against him on the court,

we'll strike from his household.

The Snow Ganoderma of Liaodong blooms only once every 300 years.

It can bring people back from the brink of death.

You are wise and astute.

If you won't be my ally,

you can only be an enemy.

♪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♪