Original subtitles

What's this?

These are kuanxin noodles,

traditionally prepared by a mother-in-law

for her daughter-in-law

to establish a harmonious relationship.

My mother is no longer alive,

so I'm cooking for you.

Why are there four bowls?

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun)

As per tradition,

I should bring my bride to pray in the ancestral hall,

but my father was a sinner,

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun) so he wasn't admitted into the hall.

These two bowls

are for my parents.

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun)

Father.

Mother.

I'm married now.

This is my wife.

We're doing great.

You can rest in peace in heaven.

Why don't you put the tablet in the ancestral hall?

We'll just pray quietly without startling anyone.

I'll come with you.

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun)

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

=Episode 29=

Ever since the horse market in Liaodong was founded,

our kingdom signed a treaty with the Lizhen tribe

and promised not to attack each other.

However, the Lizhen tribesmen have been invading our borders lately,

stealing our livestock and feed.

Meanwhile, Lord Qing

is using this opportunity to expand his troops

to raise his own elite soldiers.

His intentions are well known to all.

Today, Lord Qing is known to be good at recruiting talents,

but in fact, he does so

through promises of status and wealth, and sometimes threats.

Do you think they'd really

worship him as their master?

They won't.

"Lecture not during chaotic times."

"Abandon not during peaceful times."

"Do help during miserable times."

That's the only way to gain one's loyalty.

Your Lordship, Your Ladyship.

Official Chen is here.

Show him in.

Yes.

Your Lordship, Your Ladyship.

Our scouts in Liaodong has sent us some news.

The royal court has determined

that ten shi of horse feed should be sold for seven taels,

but Lord Qing has been secretly raising prices

all the way to 20 taels, and has only submitted 30% of the revenue to the palace.

He claimed that it was the palace's orders.

That's why the Lizhen tribesmen became furious

and turned rogue,

creating chaos in Liaodong.

Lord Qing is abusing power

for his own wealth.

This is a serious matter.

We need to formulate a solution.

If we act impulsively without a backup plan,

Lord Qing may learn to cover his tracks

and accuse us instead.

(Meritorious Service)

How dare you secretly worship a sinner?

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun) Give me the tablet!

It's only human to mourn for one's parents.

I hope you can pardon us this time.

It was the Emperor himself who declared Song Yichun a sinner.

He's already kind enough to let this family

retain their dukeship status.

If word of this spreads,

you'd be seen as opposing the Emperor's orders!

Director Song, Princess.

I'm sure

you'd understand that.

Who are you

to shove my master?

Your master?

That illicit love child

and that dead man

tried to kill the Duchess several times.

How is he a master?

Su Lan, that's enough!

Yes.

You're a princess now.

Of course, you'd protect him.

I can't say no to that.

Su Lan.

Whatever the reason may be,

anyone who offends someone of a higher rank has to be punished.

Men.

Punish her.

You haughty maid.

You dare to defy the Princess?

Do you have any respect for the royal family?

If you won't heed the Princess orders,

I'll have to ask the Empress to interfere

and make sure everyone in the Duke's residence

know their place.

Men.

Slap her face 20 times.

It was the Prince Consort who prayed to a sinner.

Please understand this, Princess.

(He just wanted)

(to pray to his parents.)

Why are you still standing there?

Didn't you hear what I said?

Slap her face 20 times!

Stop that!

- Get up. - Out of the way!

Your Ladyship.

- Your maid has been very brazen. - Are you fine?

First, she insulted Second Young Master,

then rebutted the Princess.

Are all your servants

so disrespectful?

What do you know about respect?

Is this how you talk to me?

Zhao, I punished her because...

Sister-in-law.

It's not the Princess's fault.

Su Lan...

She kept calling me an illicit...

Forget it.

This row started because of me.

Don't blame her.

I know you've been gossiping behind our backs.

But they are still newly married.

What will the Princess think?

I just warned you,

and you still dare to talk back?

Sister-in-law, if you think I'm wrong,

then I'm wrong.

Please don't put the Princess in a difficult position

and hurt your friendship.

It was my idea to pray to his father here.

If the Emperor has to punish someone,

I'll take the full blame.

However, Su Lan

has insulted the Prince Consort

several times in public.

I hope you can give me an explanation.

Miao Ansu!

Have you forgotten our friendship just because you got married?

Exactly!

Even a dog is better than you!

Su Lan!

Well said.

At least Su Lan has exposed

the truth behind our so-called friendship.

Zhao.

What do you take me for?

How could you ask me that?

Now, I don't know

whether you're good to me

because you saw me as a friend,

or because you pitied me.

If we're truly friends,

now that my husband and I are insulted,

can't I even defend ourselves?

Had I not come,

you would've killed Dou Zhao here, wouldn't you?

What happened to her?

Summon Official Lu now.

Zhao must have been too angry.

It's impossible to reinstate your father's tablet in the hall now.

I heard that Sister-in-law

has been working too hard,

so she probably passed out from exhaustion.

Don't overthink it.

It's just that it's obvious

that a maid is closer to her than you are.

It was Su Lan who insulted us first,

yet she only blamed you for punishing her.

She misunderstood you before.

Has my relationship with her turned sour

since we got married?

But why?

Some things change for the worse,

but some change for the better.

(Melody of Bamboo and Pines)

Perhaps it's normal for one to give up on certain things

when they find the love of their life.

It's my fault.

I'm sorry.

Well?

Her kidneys are acting up

because of exhaustion,

and her uterus is rather cold,

which makes pregnancy hard.

What should we do?

So,

you are very lucky that Her Ladyship

could get pregnant this time.

She's pregnant?

Yes.

Ms. Longevity.

We have a child now.

Is the child healthy?

Your child is fine,

but your body is weak,

and the first three months are the riskiest.

You have to be much more careful.

Thank you, Official Lu.

Thank you, Official Lu.

I take my leave.

Su Lan, walk him out.

But...

Ms. Longevity.

Giving birth is risky,

and I'm meant to die soon.

Just tell me if you don't want this child.

I want it.

I want my child to be born

healthily and safely.

I've even thought of names.

If it's a boy, we'll name him Zhiyi.

If it's a girl, then she'll be Lianjun.

"You know my mind

and feel my compassion.

It is a love that needs no questions.

As paddy turns to rice

and candle becomes tears,

our love will bloom."

Those are nice names.

(Iridescent Colors)

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun)

Second Young Master.

I thought you wanted to pray to the late Duke this morning?

Why are you...

Did you really think

I wanted to pray to my useless father?

He has no right to enter the ancestral hall.

(Memorial Tablet of Song Yichun)

(Passing Days)

Today will be the last time Ji Yong

performs acupuncture on Qi Xia.

It's been quite a while.

I wonder how Qi Xia is doing now.

Madam, you should be resting

instead of coming out.

Lord Buddha.

I, Miao Ansu, will worship you for the rest of my life.

May I receive your blessings.

First, I hope my family can enjoy peace and longevity.

Second, I hope that my dear friend Dou Zhao

will be free from calamity and lead a good life.

Third, I hope that Dou Zhao and I

can resolve our differences and reconcile.

Zhao.

You can leave first.

I'd like to talk to Zhao alone.

Yes, Princess.

I heard that praying to the Buddha in Wanfo Temple does work.

I guess my third wish has been granted.

Zhao, you're not angry at me anymore?

No matter how much misunderstanding we may have,

you're still my best friend.

I wouldn't hold a grudge against you.

Ansu.

Whether it's our friends or husbands,

we chose them to become part of our family.

I hope you won't regret.

I know you care for me,

but Song Han is not a bad person.

As the youngest son of a duke,

he had never experienced suffering.

Now that his parents have passed away,

he got too overwhelmed.

That's why he's changed drastically.

I guess there are some things that you should know.

Ansu!

Your body is weak.

It's windy and smoky here.

You might collapse.

Since Sister-in-law stays nearby,

you can save your conversation for next time.

Zhao.

I'm going home now. Let's catch up sometime.

- Sure. - Men.

Escort the Princess back home.

This way, Princess.

I know your tricks.

I've been tolerating you

because Ansu had a turbulent past,

and she truly loves you,

so I didn't want to ruin the man she's relying on.

However, I now see

that you're taking advantage of Ansu's love

and the last shred of brotherhood you share with your brother

to commit unlawful things.

If you don't stop soon,

you will face the consequences,

and I won't let you off.

Sister-in-law, you're still acting

like you're holier than all of us.

Who do you think you are?

A judge?

A king?

Or a god?

I'm just fighting for what should be mine.

How is that wrong?

In fact, Sister-in-law,

you've been meddling too much.

One day, you'll bear the brunt of your actions,

and you might hurt yourself.

I take my leave.

How stubborn.

I thought Miss Miao had changed after she became a princess,

but she still had the heart to pray for Madam.

I guess childhood friendships

don't change easily.

Your Ladyship!

Your Ladyship.

My wife has recovered.

Qi Xia has recovered!

Bring me to her now.

She's recovered from epilepsy,

but her nerves have been damaged,

so her cognition is not fully restored yet.

She needs more rest,

so don't exhaust her.

Qi Xia.

Do you recognize me?

Of course I do.

You're my husband.

This is wonderful.

Thank you, Your Ladyship!

Thank you, Master Ji!

Since Qi Xia has recovered,

why don't you work in Yizhi Hall

to take care of her?

Come on, Qi Xia.

Come on, let's kowtow to Her Ladyship!

Please get up.

Su Xin, Su Lan.

Take them back.

- Yes, Your Ladyship. - Yes, Your Ladyship.

Come on.

Thank you for your help again.

She was destined to recover.

If you're not in a rush,

stay with me a while more.

What is it?

I'd like to teach you the 13 Acupuncture Spots of the Demons.

The 13 Acupuncture Spots of the Demons?

There's a meridian spot under the tongue.

When you perform acupuncture there, we call it "sealing the demon".

It's a very unusual method that is hard to master.

However, it works miracles on patients who are in a coma

or in critical condition.

They say physicians shine during troubled times.

I wish the world is free of illness, and that physicians are not needed.

Other than acupuncture,

is there anything else you want to tell me?

You've been my medical student,

and this is probably your last lesson.

Injuries are common among Lord Qing's troops.

Even ten physicians cannot compare to you.

For that,

if I were Lord Qing,

I'd do all I can to make you stay in Liaodong.

Moreover, you're also a brilliant strategist.

You flatter me.

You didn't come back to the capital to rest.

It was Lord Qing who ordered you to return

to do something else.

And you approached me right away

because it's part of Lord Qing's plan, right?

I don't want to hide anything from you,

and I know I can't.

Forget it.

Before we proceed to the boring talk,

come with me.

Little Zhuang Zhou.

Do you remember this place?

Of course.

The cracks on the mirror are still there.

You're finally awake.

Have you gone crazy from reading?

You knocked your head on the mirror.

I still remember the alignment of the stars that day.

There is hope hidden in the darkness,

and they're bound by karma.

I thought I was your karma,

but I was wrong.

The final result was a turbulent world.

I didn't expect

that my most trusted friend

would become the cause of it.

Is this what your ambition is?

What I want is to lead the cabinet and restore the kingdom's glory.

I want the person who trusts me the most to become the Emperor.

Even if war breaks out in Liaodong, causing pain and suffering?

As long as Lord Qing follows my instructions,

he won't have to resort to violence.

Is this why you chose to serve a traitor?

Since ancient times, the only way

to determine a traitor or pioneer

depends on whether they win.

So, when you were helping the Miao family back in Futing,

you've already planned this?

Getting close to Lord Qing through Mu Chuan

was just the first step.

When the bandits invaded the capital,

the Crown Prince lost almost all of his troops.

Were you part of it too?

Years ago, when Song Yichun released Li Yaoniang from the Music Office,

he had to go through the Ministry of Justice.

Since then,

he was already secretly

affiliated to Lord Qing.

I'm asking about you.

Yes.

It was my idea to suppress Song Mo by manipulating Song Yichun

and the Dou family.

He was the root cause of the issue, and that was the only solution.

Like playing a game of chess, I have to play by my strategies.

If the bandits killed me that night,

would you still act so nonchalant?

So, everyone else are just your pawns,

and they must belong to either side?

But, I won't let you die.

I won't let you risk your life for those pawns.

Yes.

I planned everything all along.

But, I've also given you

countless chances to escape.

Had you chosen to leave with me,

I would've given everything up and start again!

But you?

How could you be so stupid

to fall in love with Song Mo?

Dou Zhao.

My scheme is nowhere near completion.

If you want to keep yourself and Song Mo safe,

tell him to resign his position in the Imperial Guards.

I'll make sure that the both of you stay safe.

The snow ganoderma lucidum does exist.

I didn't lie to you.

Ji Jianming.

Disappointment is the worst feeling of all.

You were my most trusted friend.

But I know very well

that you'd never turn back.

Why should I turn back?

This is the quickest way.

In just two years,

the kingdom will rise from the ashes.

Then, tell me.

Other than Dou Shishu, Song Yichun, and Mu Chuan,

who else besides me is working for Lord Qing?

You shouldn't ask things

that I'm not supposed to say.

Our friendship ends today.

The next time we meet,

we will be enemies.

Must you side with the Crown Prince?

This has nothing to do with you.

I knew you'd come.

Of course.

You've laid out an ambush here.

You wanted to kill us, right?

Halt!

Let them go.

Song Mo.

One day, you will

understand my intentions today.

But, no matter what,

before you die,

please leave Dou Zhao

and don't get her involved.

Cuizhu.

Are there any maids serving the Prince Consort now?

The Prince Consort said

he doesn't wish to be bothered

when he's resting.

Get me a thick blanket.

Yes, Your Highness.

Didn't I tell you not to get near me when I'm sleeping?

I didn't want you to catch a cold,

so I got you a blanket.

Sorry, I...

I'm sorry.

Someone!

Summon a physician.

- Right away. - Wait.

I'm fine, Muyu.

No need to summon a physician.

You may leave now.

- Yes, Your Highness. - Yes, Your Highness.

I...

I didn't mean to do that.

Let me go outside to calm down.

Muyu.

Don't be nervous.

I'm really fine.

Come with me.

Come on.

Here.

Ansu, I...

Sit down.

Lie down.

No, Ansu.

I might hurt you again.

You won't hurt me again.

Lie down.

You have to lie down to sleep.

Listen to me.

Put your legs up and sleep.

Everything will get better.

It'll be fine.

Mother.

Mother.

♪I rise on tiptoes♪

♪To kiss your brow♪

♪From now on, my heart needs no disguise♪

♪Wrapped in frost and snow♪

♪Standing side by side with you♪

♪Looking at this kaleidoscopic world♪

♪I hold onto this love for the world to see♪

♪Accumulated in this life, now fulfilled♪

♪Not heeding the people's advice♪

♪Our love is as clear as the moon, no false words in sight♪

♪I close our distance without rest♪

♪I devote my life and world to your wishes♪

♪Not afraid of our encounter♪

♪Time bends and breaks♪

♪Thankfully, I can make it up to you for the rest of my life♪

♪I pluck the stars and the moon to illuminate your night♪

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

♪Fully aware of the fleeting moments in the world♪

♪Most love problems are hard to resolve♪

♪For you, I rise again in this life♪

♪I close our distance without rest♪

♪I devote my life and world to your wishes♪

♪Not afraid of our encounter♪

♪Time bends and breaks♪

♪Thankfully, I can make it up to you for the rest of my life♪

♪I pluck the stars and the moon to illuminate your night♪

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

♪Fully aware of the fleeting moments in the world♪

♪For you, I rise again in this life♪

♪Without regret♪

Sister.

I just want 3,000 taels.

It's urgent.

That's a lot of money.

Why do you need it?

What else?

I lost my money in business.

I told you that business seemed fishy.

And your friends

doesn't look like decent people.

"I told you."

What is there to tell me now?

Just give me the money.

Anping.

You've been spending

more than you can afford.

What do you mean?

I haven't been spending much.

That's enough. Stop fighting.

Ansu.

Listen.

Even though you're the elder sister,

but you're still a woman.

You've been managing

the family's business well,

but you have to know

that everything belongs to your brother.

Exactly.

Don't interfere in this.

All your money is mine.

I'm just letting you keep it for me.

You won't even give me a few thousand taels now.

Just this month alone,

Anping has spent 1,000 taels

on drinking

and clothing.

Money doesn't fall from the sky.

We can't afford to spend it like it's unlimited.

As for your business venture,

we need to look into it and plan.

What now?

Now that you're a princess,

your brother can't use your money anymore?

Why did I give birth to such a bad daughter?

I...

- Mother! - My wife!

- Mother! - Go away!

I'm so mad now.

Look how you've angered Mother.

Are you still my sister?

You must be a traitor.

You must be using our family's money

to repay your husband's debts!

- I'm fine. - Mother, everything's fine.

Don't be mad.

- Why do I have a daughter like her? - I'm here, don't be mad.

- I'm so... - Hush now.

Entertain our guests, girls.

You're here, sir.

Here, this way.

Come on.

Fill my cup.

Anping.

You are the Princess's only brother

and the only son of your family.

It's only natural

that you should manage

all of your family's assets.

Of course.

You sure know how to talk.

Thanks to my sister,

you're now rich and promoted.

When you succeed in the future,

don't forget our family.

I will always remember

what the Princess has done for me.

Since you're here, Anping,

you should just

enjoy yourself.

Greetings, Lord Song. My name is Zishu.

Zishu.

Come here and greet Mr. Miao.

Greetings, Mr. Miao.

I didn't expect such a beauty to work here.

Allow me to fill your cup.

Fill my cup!

I'm Princess Anyu's only brother.

Are you all happy, good sirs?

Come on, dance!

Greetings, Lord Song.

Greetings, Mr. Miao.

This morning,

someone has already

requested Zishu to serve them today.

According to the rules,

I have to bring Zishu to...

Who?

Who's so bold

to steal my woman?

- Dear sir. - Zishu!

No, Mr. Miao!

Where's Zishu?

Mr. Miao!

- Mr. Miao! - Mr. Miao!

Calm down, Mr. Miao!

- Mr. Miao! - Mr. Miao!

Mr. Miao!

Mr. Miao, listen to me!

- Zishu! - Excuse me, sir.

- Zishu! - Calm down!

- Where's Zishu? - Mr. Miao!

Who's trying to steal Zishu from me?

- I think it's them. - Zishu.

Buzz off.

- Out of my way. - You're not needed here.

So, you're the one who's trying to steal Zishu from me?

Yeah.

Who are you?

Listen,

I'm the...

Who cares?

Mr. Miao!

Don't fight, please!

We can talk it out!

He missed!

Punch me here.

Damn you!

Mr. Miao!

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

Something...

What happened?

Anping.

Anping.

What happened to Anping?

Someone in Drunken Bordello

beat him to death.

Anping, don't scare me.

Wake up.

How could this happen?

Anping.

(Prudence and Caution)

Ansu.

You're awake.

I'm sorry, Ansu.

I couldn't reach there in time.

The killer

has been arrested.

Who's there?

- Song Han? - Take him away.

You...

What are you doing?

- Move it! - Who are you to arrest me?

Do you know who my father is?

Song Han, how dare you arrest me?

Anping...

How did he

get beaten to death?

The incident happened at Drunken Bordello.

That Miao kid is a weakling.

Yeah, and he's the Princess's brother?

- Back then, Anping and Dongqi... - Run along now.

They were fighting

over a courtesan.

Stay there if you dare!

Just you wait!

I'll be waiting for you.

Move it!

Shoo!

Soon after Anping walked out,

he began to vomit blood

and fainted.

When my men and I found him in an alleyway,

he was already...

How could this happen?

He's my only brother.

What about my parents?

I've already talked

to the elders in your family.

Your father had a stroke,

and the imperial physician is with him now.

Your mother

fainted a few times from sadness.

She's fine, though.

Don't be afraid.

Everything's fine.

From now on,

even if I'm the only one by your side,

I will take good care of you.

I think

the Crown Prince admires you.

You haven't met him many times, have you?

If you can become a good ruler,

I will help you establish your power and fight the evil forces.

If you won't accept that,

I don't mind having another enemy.

♪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.)