Original subtitles

Candidates who passed the written exam may now enter!

(Echoes of Strength and Discipline)

In the written exam,

Second Young Master Song did better than the rest.

As for Mr. Mu, he succeeded through unclear advantages.

I wonder what tricks Official Mu pulled

to get him through.

The imperial examinations are the only chance

for commoners to rise.

If such fairness is lost,

won't it dishearten the people?

Pay your respects!

- Greetings, Your Majesty. - Greetings, Your Majesty.

Rise!

The martial arts exam begins!

- Impressive! - Incredible!

Having such talent on our side

is like having an unbeatable chess piece.

It's helpful in achieving success.

My son has some skills in martial arts as well.

How about we see

how his skills measure up?

Quickly, take him away.

Yes, sir.

The martial exams focus on restraint.

Such eagerness reveals

one's intentions.

Who would have thought the Song Family produced

Song Yantang, who won first prize in hunting for consecutive years

and another talent who excels in literature and martial arts.

Top scores for every subject

and even his discourse in strategy is insightful.

Song Han, as the top scorer, is there anything you desire?

Your Majesty,

all my martial skills were taught

by my elder brother.

But compared to him,

I still have much to learn.

Today, I humbly request an additional match

to test myself against my brother.

I hope Your Majesty will grant this.

Your Majesty,

Song Han is too audacious.

The martial exam is already over.

Even if he is the top scorer,

he shouldn't make such a personal request to Your Majesty.

This isn't the Song Family's backyard!

Your Majesty, please.

Madam wants me to remind you that your current state

does not permit such exertion.

That's right.

You should refuse this match.

I agree with him.

I know my limits.

So don't worry.

Your Majesty,

Song Han is young and impulsive.

I hope Your Majesty can forgive

his impertinence.

No matter.

Since he's the top scorer,

I want to see his skills too.

You shall personally test him.

I shall obey, Your Majesty.

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

=Episode 28=

Whoever captures the flag

within half an hour wins!

Mo, let's use the blades.

Sure.

If you can't beat me today,

all of Official Dou's efforts

will be in vain, right?

I seek fame and success through my own merits.

If you want to get in my way,

why not just kill me

in front of His Majesty?

You've taught me

the adaptive technique many times.

Did I

finally get it right?

It seems you've learned more

than just blade work.

To turn the tide against Yantang

is rare indeed.

Announce the decree.

Song Han has shown exceptional bravery and strategy,

earning first place in the martial exam.

I shall appoint him as a Tengxiang Guard

and grant him the Songhe sword.

Your Majesty, if I may request

another favor.

Speak.

My parents have passed away.

In a time of distress and desolation,

I am left entirely alone.

I dare to ask

for Your Majesty's grace to grant me a marriage

with the princess

to live in harmony and happiness.

I'll consider your marriage carefully.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Hold still.

It doesn't hurt.

If this wound were any deeper, it would leave a scar.

It's just a minor wound.

Besides,

I have you as my physician.

No injuries scare me.

Yes, this injury is nothing major.

But Song Han injured the others

just to win.

You must be careful with him.

With Song Han's impressive performance

and Lord Qing's emerging ambitions,

could Song Han have pledged his allegiance to him?

Song Han has always been diligent in his studies

and skilled in archery and horseback riding.

Given the state of our family,

it's understandable he wants

to secure his future.

But he shouldn't have aligned with Lord Qing.

(Lord Qing couldn't use Yantang.)

(So he has turned to Song Han.)

But you don't have to worry.

Once Song Han is engaged

and establishes his own residence,

we can take the opportunity to distance ourselves from him.

By the way,

I heard Song Han asked His Majesty for a marriage proposal.

Jingyu is the only princess.

She's been spoiled since childhood

and might not agree to the marriage.

(Drunken Bordello)

You're favoring your son-in-law's family,

allowing Song Han to rise and compete against my son,

leaving him crippled.

Official Mu, that's not right to say.

If I truly had that intention,

why use such underhanded tactics?

If your son's leg is broken,

blame the Songs,

not me.

Everyone knows

you climbed the ladder

by buttering the Grand Princess

and driving Wang Xingyi away.

Now that the big plan isn't complete,

you're already targeting me.

I didn't know you love gossip.

Are you looking for a reason

to take my Deputy Chief position?

Let's see

what tricks you have up your sleeve.

Fine.

If that's how you feel,

let's see what happens next.

Han, come here.

Quite grand, isn't it?

What a rare sight.

Congratulations. It's truly something to celebrate.

Today, let's enjoy the night with Han.

Yes, make sure Han enjoys his night.

I did say it during the hunt.

He claimed first place in the exams,

earned His Majesty's treasured sword,

and is about to become the Prince Consort.

He sure has a bright future ahead.

Official Song, something's happened.

(I, the Princess, will not marry you. Yours truly, Zhu Rongying)

(I, the Princess, will not marry you. Yours truly, Zhu Rongying)

That Song Han is a shameless

and deceitful scoundrel.

You cannot let Rongying marry him.

It's better than marrying her off to Lizhen, isn't it?

This isn't your concern anyway.

Why are you so anxious?

I'm being loyal.

You? Loyal?

Are you saying I'm indifferent to Rongying?

Rongying is my only daughter.

Do you think I'd push her into the fire?

At least Song Han is a martial arts champion.

What about you?

You're the one despised by everyone,

disgracing the royal family.

Calm down, Your Majesty.

Yu and Rongying

have been close since childhood.

They're always standing up for each other.

So, what do you think about this?

I'm already troubled.

Rongying refuses to marry,

and now he adds more to my trouble.

Since the founding of this dynasty,

it's been tradition

to grant the champion's request.

Song Han

has always had

a rebellious streak.

Besides, his background

isn't worthy of Rongying.

Why not grant another princess title and betroth him to her?

Grant another princess title?

I've heard

the Miao family of Futing is related to Consort Dowager Miao.

After the Consort Dowager's demise,

the Miao Family doesn't hold any position in court.

So they fell into decline and ventured into trading.

The eldest daughter,

Miao Ansu, has a good reputation

and is a sworn sister of the Duke of Ying's wife.

Let's make her a princess

and marry her to Song Han.

This way, it's still within the Duke of Ying's circle and closer.

That's a good idea.

If you say one more word...

Go announce the decree.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Song Han is asking for too much.

An illegitimate child dares to ask for a princess's hand in marriage.

He's dreaming of instant success.

But that Miao girl

is close to the Duke of Ying's wife.

- I fear... - Dou Zhao was a girl of humble origin.

Now, she's well-connected,

thanks to Miao Ansu who is working tirelessly

to make money and support her.

Directress Su.

Yes, Your Majesty.

The princess is newly married.

You will accompany her into the residence as an attendant

and keep an eye on those sisters.

Yes, Your Majesty.

By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor issues this decree.

Miao Ansu,

a woman of virtue and wisdom,

is hereby titled Princess Anyu.

She is granted a golden seal, an annual stipend of two thousand dan,

and is to marry Song Han of the Duke of Ying's household.

As decreed by the Emperor.

She's been made a princess.

This is wonderful, Su!

Xingshuang,

bring a dry cloth.

The snow's all over the cat.

He'll start sneezing again.

Yes, Young Master.

Xingshuang...

Greetings, Princess Anyu.

Get up.

I never wanted this.

We should go to the palace now

and beg His Majesty to rescind the decree.

- Leave us. - Yes, Young Master.

Defying an imperial decree is a capital offense.

Or

do you also look down on my background

and rather disobey?

That's not what I mean.

I've admired you for a long time.

But I know

the one you truly want to marry is Princess Jingyu.

For His Majesty to force me upon you,

it's unfair to both of us.

Do what you must as a princess.

Don't sacrifice your glory for my sake.

I've already written a petition

stating I've fallen gravely ill.

That way, the marriage can be annulled.

Then

how will you marry in the future?

My cat is spoiled.

It knows it has a home to return to.

When it gets lost, someone will always find it.

So it goes out often.

I'm not that lucky.

The people

who would come looking for me

and shelter me from the storms

are all gone.

I'll go to His Majesty and ask him to call off the marriage.

I'm willing.

(Baifu Restaurant)

Su.

Su, don't worry.

We won't let you walk into this trap.

How about this?

You can hide out in the countryside for a few days.

Ms. Longevity has experience in breaking off engagements.

We'll make sure to sabotage this marriage for you.

But I've already agreed to marry Song Han.

Great. Then we'll...

What!

Are you out of your mind or just being foolish?

Have you met him?

Song Han is good at pretending to be weak

and knows how to talk people...

I'm marrying him willingly.

With the honor of a royal marriage

and the title of princess,

this will be a huge boost to our business.

Plus, he's orphaned

and needs my help.

So he won't mistreat me.

Also, you hold power in the household.

So we'll live in harmony as sisters-in-laws.

This marriage is actually a good one.

You make a convincing argument.

But you're overlooking the most important thing.

You may have genuine feelings for him.

But what about his feelings for you?

Besides, he has questionable motives.

His situation was tough before.

So it's understandable that he put on a facade.

Zhao,

we would often find plants with poor roots

when we used to plant rice and flowers.

But with proper care,

they eventually grow.

Marriage is like transplanting a plant.

I believe I can change him.

Young Master,

you've been waiting for four hours.

Thank you for your guidance, Eunuch Wang.

Official Song,

please be seated.

This used to be the late Duke of Ying's seat.

(Secret Letter) Now, it's yours, Second Young Master.

(Duke of Ying's Residence)

Anping,

stop opening up the gifts.

The families of nobles care about face.

My sister is a princess.

Even coming to his house without a formal princess's residence is already a great honor.

Keep it down.

Don't let your brother-in-law hear this.

You might cause trouble for your older sister.

Enough nagging.

Most of these gifts are from our business friends.

He's not the firstborn or a legitimate son.

What can he say about this?

Exactly.

What's so special about these gifts?

Gosh, stop opening them.

My apologies, Son-in-law.

Anping had a bit too much to drink.

He's just excited.

Please don't take offense.

No matter.

These gifts and money are meant for Princess Anyu.

Anping, are you the princess's younger brother?

Yes.

Mother. Father.

Since my brother-in-law has spoken, as the only male in the family,

shouldn't my sister's gift money and betrothal gifts all go to me?

Insolence!

Who's this?

Who are you?

You dare hit me?

Do you know how I am?

My sister is a princess granted by the emperor,

and I'm her only younger brother!

This is the Empress's jade token.

Seeing this token is like seeing the Empress herself.

You, a mere commoner,

dare to openly take the Princess's gifts.

Such disrespect toward the royal family.

Guards, take him out

and give him twenty lashes.

Father! Mother!

Move it!

- Madam. - Forgive us.

Please, have mercy.

- Forgive us, Your Majesty. - Forgive us.

It's my fault for not teaching my son manners.

Directress Su.

The Princess requests your presence.

Out of respect for the Princess,

we will let this go.

If you dare to insult the royal dignity again,

it won't be just lashes.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

My poor son!

Anping, are you all right?

Mother, my face is all swollen from being hit.

My poor son.

(Noble Integrity)

The auspicious time has arrived.

The newlyweds shall perform their bows.

First bow.

Second bow.

An illegitimate son marries

a merchant's daughter who turns into a princess.

No wonder only a lady official is presiding.

Even the Duke and Duchess didn't show up.

That's right.

The Duke and Duchess of Ying have arrived

to congratulate the martial champion and Princess Anyu!

Greetings, Your Grace.

Greetings, Your Grace.

Zhao,

I knew you would come.

Of course, I would come.

Here, cover it properly.

Look at all this.

So much gold, silver, and jewels.

- Look. - There are all kinds of jewels.

Today is the Princess's wedding.

Let's all celebrate.

Thank you all for coming.

According to tradition,

a wedding officiant should be someone who has experienced full blessings.

My parents have passed away.

I once thought

I would never know warmth.

Fortunately,

someone came

into my life.

Now,

I treasure the beauty of a good marriage

and the value of a good partner

more than anyone.

So,

Song Han,

I wish you all the same happiness.

A harmonious couple and deeply affectionate.

I believe

this is Song Yichun's greatest wish too.

I will remember.

Ceremony complete!

- Good! - Good!

- Congratulations! - Wishing them a happy life together!

Congratulations!

(Diecui Pavilion)

Since you're here to congratulate Ansu,

why didn't you attend Ansu's wedding ceremony?

A bunch of ordinary people making so much noise.

What's the point?

But you all

acted out a great show of brotherly love.

Why are you looking for me?

I taught you acupuncture to save lives.

But today I'll teach you something

to save yourself.

What do you mean?

Leave Mantis Song.

He's now a target.

For your sake, and for the Dou Family,

you can't follow him into danger.

I just want to break free from this game

to gain my freedom.

Do you know who controls the pieces?

Even the Emperor

could be a pawn.

We don't know yet who will win.

Even if that day comes,

I'll accept my fate.

Indeed,

love makes

even the wisest foolish.

Don't say I didn't warn you.

If Mantis Song faces a great misfortune again,

the freedom you see

will be in jeopardy.

Congratulations, Second Young Master.

Thank you.

Congratulations, Second Young Master.

We wish you a long and happy life.

Look at him.

Greetings, Second Young Master.

Congratulations on your marriage

and wishing you many children.

He's relying on his new wife now after his father died.

Exactly.

Congratulations, Second Young Master.

Let's go.

For an illegitimate child to achieve this level

is already incredible.

What more could he want?

He relied on his father when he was alive.

Then on his brother when his father died.

Now, he's relying on his new wife.

I can't help but envy.

(Double Happiness)

Best wishes on your marriage, Prince Consort.

Thank you, Prince Consort.

Thank you, Prince Consort.

You can leave now.

Best wishes on your marriage, Prince Consort.

Directress Su,

get some rest now.

Thank you, Prince Consort.

Your Highness.

I'm not used to people waiting on me.

So I poured the nuptial wine myself.

Is that improper?

Your Highness, you worry too much.

It's not a problem.

I don't like having people in my room too.

So I've dismissed the servants.

You should call me Ansu,

like before.

It's too formal to call me like that.

A Princess is a Princess.

I dare not overstep.

According to tradition,

shall we have our nuptial wine first?

Muyu,

I have a wedding gift for you.

Could you turn around?

Muyu!

Your face...

This

is the handkerchief I gave you when we first met.

Did you keep it all this time?

Your Highness,

I'm sorry.

This handkerchief symbolizes our beginning.

I planned to return it today,

marking the outcome of our relationship.

I'm not used to being served closely

because

I often can't control myself.

I don't know

why I've become like this.

Your Highness,

forgive me.

I'll stay away tonight.

Rest well.

(Duke of Ying's Residence)

Princess Anyu has arrived!

Did you sleep well last night?

Thank you for your concern.

I feel much better.

- I... - Princess.

Given your noble status,

everyone should greet and serve you tea.

That's right.

We are all subjects

and the Princess should be the head.

We must respect the hierarchy.

That's right.

The Princess's marriage is a favor granted by the Emperor.

Why not let the Princess manage the household

to show unity?

Sister-in-law is the head of the household.

So I should serve tea.

Princess,

this doesn't comply with royal etiquette.

The lady of the house should serve tea to the Princess.

The royal dignity cannot be compromised.

The Directress is right.

It was my oversight.

Bring the tea here.

The lady of the house should kneel and serve tea to Princess Anyu.

Zhao,

- let me serve you. - Princess,

this is not following royal etiquette.

If this is not appropriate,

then please inform the Empress

and request another princess.

There's no need for that.

Let's support each other

in the days to come as always.

(Mo's True Emotion)

(Melody of Bamboo and Pines)

Princess, you're of a higher status.

You shouldn't be doing such menial tasks.

And that servant maid, Su Lan,

how can she order you around?

Where are her manners?

We're friends who grew up together.

There's no hierarchy between us.

That was in the past.

Now you're a princess.

Your every word and action reflects on the royal family.

Princess.

Prince Consort.

This is the most popular snack in the capital right now.

I had someone lined up to buy it.

Try it.

How is it?

Delicious.

Yes, it's delicious.

I'll take some to Zhao.

I'll go with you.

Zhao, you're slacking off again.

Didn't I tell you the opera book hasn't been found yet?

Why don't you ask Ansu?

She used to organize all the books and items

for the autumn festival.

She knows

where everything is.

But now she's a princess.

When I went to Xixiang Place to assign tasks,

the lady official scolded me.

I wanted to reason it out with Ansu.

But Song Han stopped me.

Acting high and mighty.

One day,

they might beat us to set an example.

If it weren't for Madam's care,

she wouldn't be where she is today.

Don't say things like that.

They've been under the sun all day.

But the paintings aren't dry yet.

It's getting windy. Put all these away quickly.

Ansu,

we'll deliver the snacks later.

Let's go back first.

I have a gift for you.

I wanted to give it to you during the autumn festival.

But I'm not sure if you'll like it.

Let's go and take a look.

This is the room

I prepared for you.

You can grind ink, balance the ledgers,

or anything you want here.

Have you been sleeping here alone these days?

Yes.

I was afraid I might hurt you

if my illness acted up.

I took you away from Yizhi Hall earlier

because I didn't want you to be sad.

Sometimes people just say things in the heat of the moment.

You don't need to take it to heart.

They weren't wrong.

When the Miao Family fell into decline,

if it weren't for Zhao treating me like a sister

and guiding me,

I wouldn't be any different from the servants.

Sister-in-law didn't mean any harm.

She's just used to ordering you around

and can't change it overnight.

If there's only one person

who values you

in this world,

it's already enough.

(Yizhi Hall)

Your Graces,

our spies in Liaodong have reported.

According to the court's decree,

the grain price at the horse market should be seven taels for every ten dan.

However, Lord Qing has secretly inflated the price

to twenty taels each month.

He only submits thirty percent to the court.

This has thrown Liaodong into chaos.

Lord Qing is using his power

to accumulate private wealth.

This is a serious matter

and needs careful planning.

If we act rashly without a backup plan,

Lord Qing might cover it up

and retaliate.

Sister-in-law, I'm sorry.

Please don't make things difficult for the Princess and ruin your friendship.

You talk about friendship.

We've been called animals,

don't we deserve an explanation?

If I hadn't come,

were you planning to flay Dou Zhao alive?

Today, we sever our ties.

If we meet again,

we shall be enemies.

♪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)