Original subtitles

I have committed a crime!

Song Mo is innocent!

(Xianqing Gate) I will testify in person!

Please clear Song Mo's name!

Stop it, Shiying!

- What are you doing? - Get out of my way!

Have you lost your senses?

Has your son-in-law,

that rascal bewitched you?

Come to your senses!

You deceived your own brother

and framed your niece and nephew-in-law.

You should come to your senses!

You jerk!

I'll slap myself on your behalf.

For so many years,

how many people have been sacrificed,

how many mistakes have been made

just because I'm your younger brother?

I won't make any more mistakes!

You're using Dou Zhao and Song Mo as sacrifices,

and sacrificing people's lives

for your ambition.

I won't allow it!

An elder brother is like a father.

As long as you bear the Dou name,

you'll do as I say.

Just now

was the last time I'll ever call you brother.

I will repay you for raising me

with my blood.

What are you doing?

You...

Three strikes of the sword would sever all ties.

After you strike me three times,

we'll go separate ways.

You and I will no longer be related!

You think I won't do it?

Fine.

I'll grant your wish today.

I've truly misjudged you.

From now on, you and I are nothing to each other.

(Xianqing Gate)

The two Dou brothers

have fallen to such an extent.

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

=Episode 32=

Don't think you'll get away with ruining Lord Qing's plans.

If His Highness finds out you saved his enemy,

he'll kill you too.

When did His Highness order you to target the Duchess?

Song Mo hasn't been convicted yet.

And you couldn't wait to make your move.

Do you think His Highness won't see through your schemes?

Search!

It's just my beloved puppy.

I didn't think the Tengxiang Guards would care so much.

By the way,

your childhood nickname must have been

Little Dog, right?

No wonder you grew up biting

anyone you see.

His Highness has spoken.

Since you like to play with fire,

it's only fitting I greet you with flames.

If you admit to forging the contract

and framing Lord Qing,

wouldn't it be better to suffer less?

Eunuch Wang,

I've seen every trick in the book.

If I write a confession,

I'm as good as dead.

What other ruthless tricks do you have?

Just bring it on.

His Majesty hasn't approved torture.

If you were found out

of using coercion,

it would be improper.

Don't think you can play both sides.

So, what do you think I should do?

I wouldn't dare to suggest anything.

I know

you're a stubborn fellow.

But it won't help here.

This thing can melt

a stubborn heart.

The Emperor's whims are justice.

Aren't you afraid of death?

What about the 237 members

of your family, young and old?

Aren't they afraid of death?

- Yantang... - Uncle.

- Uncle. - It was you.

It wasn't me.

- Help me. - Uncle.

Help.

Save me.

What did your parents and brother

do wrong?

Can your conscience rest easy

knowing they'll be executed because of you?

Is one person's innocence worth

the lives of your loved ones?

Yantang,

what are you doing?

I don't need to know anything else.

I only need to stir your emotions.

Compared to a thousand cuts,

this incense will heighten your emotions.

Combined with the poison of hatred,

it will make you wish for death.

Enjoy the slow agony of the poison, Your Grace.

Yantang...

Yantang...

Yantang.

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

♪The army halts at your command♪

♪Bending down for a single kiss♪

Yantang?

Ms. Longevity...

♪In this life, oh♪

♪Without you♪

Are you here to fetch me?

You're here to pick me up.

♪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♪

♪The splendor of the world is but fleeting sorrow♪

Madam!

Madam, are you all right? Madam!

Madam, don't scare me!

Madam!

♪I want to hold you in my arms♪

♪Leaving the world behind♪

Yantang!

Yantang!

♪The dazzling spring moon over the city♪

Yantang.

♪Is no match for your beauty♪

Yantang!

♪I'll embrace the world for you with my heart wide open♪

♪No judgment will change me♪

♪Only for you, I shall paint with bold strokes and vibrant colors♪

♪And for all else♪

♪Let it remain pale and void♪

Ms. Longevity, you're finally awake.

Grandmother!

Ms. Longevity is awake!

Don't rush.

- Ms. Longevity. - Be careful.

Grandmother.

Zhangru.

How did I get here?

Jianming sent you here.

He has made the necessary arrangements.

He said this place is the safest.

Yantang.

Don't worry.

Yantang is a blessed child.

His Majesty is not a foolish ruler.

He'll make a wise decision.

The Cui Clan has over a hundred officials.

You have a lot of people backing you.

Just focus

on recovering here.

How's my child?

Your child is safe.

The physician said

you're now overwhelmed by your emotions and energy,

overly worried and anxious,

and your body is very weak.

You need to rest and recuperate

to avoid leaving any lasting effects from this illness.

Come, lie down,

and get proper rest.

Grandmother.

Slowly.

(Xianqing Gate)

Stop it!

You can't just randomly strike the Dengwen Drum!

It was set up by the founding emperor

to allow open speech

and ensure fairness.

The Ministry of Imperial Ceremony has no right to stop me from pleading.

Song Mo set fires and hurt people.

So many witnessed it.

How can you call it unjust, Official Dou?

You're publicly defaming the court.

Take him away!

- Give Song Mo a fair trial! - Stop!

Facts lie in the hearts of the people.

The truth isn't for you to decide.

It was I

who allowed Official Dou to strike the drum.

Eunuch Wang, do you intend

to take me away too?

I dare not.

Why are you still here?

Yes, Your Highness.

Let's go!

Official Dou.

Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I acted on my own.

I dare not implicate Your Highness.

Song Mo is loyal and brave.

Official Dou, you're a pure-hearted minister.

I should protect people like you for the court's sake.

It's a blessing to the people

to have a Crown Prince like you.

I hope Your Highness will convey to His Majesty

not to wrong

the loyal and virtuous.

(Harmony of Moral and Nourishing) Rumors are spreading in the capital

that Yunfei Silverhouse is engaging in corrupt activities.

The Dengwen Drum shouldn't be sounded without a just cause.

It has been discovered

that Lu's Dental Clinic

is owned

by Lord Qing.

It is lavishly decorated and extremely extravagant.

The silver stored there equals half a year's taxes from Northern Zhili.

Brother claims to live simply and frugally.

So,

where did all this silver come from?

The shop attendants also identified

those entering the secret chamber.

Grand Secretary Dou and Grand Secretary Mu were both seen.

Such distortion of truth and slander

against the royal family and court officials.

I ask that this must be thoroughly investigated

to uphold justice.

Losing the people's trust means losing the country.

Grand Secretary Dou,

do you still not understand the situation?

The people are very agitated right now.

I advise you not to go against the public will.

This petition is full of signatures.

This is the voice of the people!

The people's petition demands

a thorough investigation of Yunfei Silverhouse's alliances,

corruption, and bribery cases

to uncover the truth for the public.

The guilty should be punished and the innocent freed.

Whether they are royals or high-ranking officials,

everyone should be treated equally without leniency.

Grand Secretaries Dou and Mu,

what do you say?

Dou Shiying slandered the prince

and manipulated public opinion

to save his son-in-law.

Such interference in state affairs

deserves severe punishment.

If he succeeds,

what becomes of the royal family's dignity?

Interfering with state affairs?

Are you talking about yourself or someone else?

If only royals can handle royal matters,

perhaps you should step aside

and let me assist Brother with his decrees

and reviews.

You've never cared about state affairs

and enjoyed a carefree life.

So,

why have you come to the Yuxi Palace to joke around today?

I'm here out of concern for Youting.

Youting has been slandered so badly

that the royal family's dignity and honor are already tarnished.

Of course,

we must investigate thoroughly

to restore the royal family's reputation.

The Grand Princess makes a valid point.

The Censorate suggests delaying

the conviction of Song Mo

since the faction list circulating

among the people is unreliable.

But the bribery accounts presented by Song Mo

are verifiable.

To calm the public,

I propose using these accounts as a starting point

to audit the Six Ministries,

focusing on the Diannan Bureau under the Ministry of Revenue

and the Auditing Office under the Ministry of Works.

Liang Jifang, the Ministry of Justice, and the Censorate

have been working tirelessly for days.

If they keep investigating,

Youting's involvement in bribery will be concrete

and Song Mo's arson will seem justified.

The couple in Yizhi Hall

has truly played their cards well.

Your Majesty,

given the current situation,

there's no way to back out unscathed.

For the greater good,

His Highness must be kept out of this.

You mean

we should offer Liang Jifang a new scapegoat?

Dou Shishu has been the one managing

Silverhouse's bribery, alliances, and secret deals.

He even managed

the horse market trade.

I remember you had a fallout

with Dou Shishu over your son.

This is a grave matter.

I wouldn't dare use it for personal revenge.

What I say is true.

No one but Grand Secretary Dou

can bear the weight of this matter.

Everything that I do

is for His Highness and Your Majesty's sake.

Dou Shishu was recommended by Shude.

Let her accompany him

to the end,

so he won't be lonely.

It's been a long time

since I've seen you dress up so meticulously.

Who are you meeting today, Master?

In one's lifetime,

one should arrive with dignity

and depart with dignity.

You don't have to come with me.

(Soaring to Great Heights)

May heaven bless the Dou Clan of the North Tower

with high-ranking officials

and prosperity for generations,

illuminating all corners of the land,

where the old year ends and the new one begins.

You've built yourself a Wenyuan Pavilion

just to secure the position of Chief Grand Secretary.

You're completely obsessed.

I thought you said you quit.

Whenever I face difficulties,

I like to sit here and remind myself

to exercise restraint

and patience.

Only by truly sitting in this chair

can I relax.

Now,

I'm just one step away.

You must already knew you can't cross that step.

Mu Chuan deliberately exposed flaws,

claiming I used Lord Qing's name for corruption.

The Empress is sacrificing me

to save herself.

You've always been cautious.

Did you never consider

you might be used as a scapegoat after all these years?

I find that hard to believe.

When the three Zhuge brothers joined Wei, Han, and Wu, respectively,

how could I push Shiying

in the opposite direction

without being a scapegoat?

I submitted the evidence against me

to the Grand Secretariat

under Shiying's name.

He will be praised for his loyalty to the throne

and rewarded for exposing me.

The Crown Prince will admire and trust him.

In the next reign, his name will surely

be among the ministers.

The Dou Family's future generation

will secure their place in that chair.

By the Empress's decree!

Arrest the traitor Dou Shishu immediately!

I helped you back then

because your talent shouldn't be buried.

If you renounce your ways now,

I'll plead for your life before the Emperor

and have you exiled to a quiet place,

so you can write your books in peace.

This time,

Your Highness can't help me.

But

I can do

one last thing

for Your Highness.

Put down your weapons

and tell Dou Shiying to come here.

Brother, drop the dagger.

They're framing you.

I'll go with you to the Censorate and clear your name.

Don't pretend to care!

Dou Shiying,

I was blind to trust you.

I didn't expect that you had been collecting evidence against me,

waiting to betray me

for wealth and power.

I supported and looked after you.

But you turned out

to be a venomous snake!

Brother, you...

Shut up!

The day you drew the sword on me in public,

our brotherhood was severed!

Dou Shishu is holding a royal hostage.

Kill him on the spot!

Release the arrows!

No, don't!

Brother!

Yizhen,

stop opposing the Empress.

Return to your fief.

When the crape myrtle trees bear fruit,

eat some for me.

Yuanji.

Yuanji!

Yuanji...

Yuanji...

(Notice)

The traitor Dou Shishu abused his power

and embezzled the people's wealth.

His crimes were unforgivable,

and he has been executed.

The stolen funds have been returned to the treasury

as a warning to others!

- Good! - Well done!

He's better off dead!

- Nice work! - That's right!

He caused chaos all his life,

and in the end,

he's just decorating this room.

(Weigh gains against losses,)

(success against failure.) That quote from Zhuge Liang

(Dou Shishu)

was prepared for you to take a different path.

Shishu wanted

to push me toward the Crown Prince

to ensure the future glory of the Dou Family.

If I had taken on this burden earlier

to fight for the Dou Family,

Shishu wouldn't have made

so many mistakes.

Shiying,

we need to look forward.

Whether you take up the post in Chanxi

or resign from the court,

just make a decision.

Shishu is gone.

Lord Qing and the Empress

won't let the Dou family off easily.

I cannot hide.

I must protect everyone in this household.

The Crown Prince promised to protect us.

All the more reason

we can't let the Crown Prince

be accused of favoritism in this turbulent time.

Good.

Use my disaster relief commendation

and join with the students and officials of the Cui Clan of Ji'an

to submit a petition.

That's right.

Also, Ms. Longevity's potato cultivation to combat famine

and Song Mo's achievements in quelling the pirates

will all be brought up,

and let all the officials see

how much the Dou Family has done for the court.

I will draft the petition now.

By the Empress's decree!

Song Mo is guilty of negligence,

resulting in the incident on Changle Street.

However, considering his merits in quelling the pirates,

he shall be released from prison

and immediately confined to Yizhi Hall,

awaiting further decisions!

Fifth Uncle is dead.

Grand Princess Shude returned

to her fief without a word.

Once His Majesty wakes up,

the court will surely change.

Fifth Uncle was supposed to have the right connections,

a position of great power.

Though we couldn't expose those behind him,

at least we've fought against fate.

As for when His Majesty will wake

and if he can help you,

I dare not make a guess.

I had hoped

we could see

the magnolias bloom together at least once more.

But with all this snow,

I wonder

if the branches will survive.

If you feel like it,

I'll ask them to bring two cloaks,

and we can go see.

It's no use.

I've been stripped of my title

and confined to my residence.

Lu Ming and General Yan are also imprisoned.

The place is surrounded by Shadow Guards.

It's good that the Shadow Guard is keeping watch.

The guards may restrict us. But they also protect us.

At least, Yizhi Hall is safe.

After all these years of planning,

we've reached this point.

We've done everything we could.

Now, we can just wait

for the flowers to bloom

and enjoy some peace.

Give me your hand.

The court is in the midst of selecting the head of the Imperial Guard.

It's a time of great unrest,

and if we are to move troops,

now is the best opportunity.

The forces in Liaodong aren't fully prepared yet.

Wouldn't it be too soon to act now?

During the Xuanwu Gate incident,

Emperor Taizong used only eight hundred soldiers.

It's not about the size of the army,

but

about the right timing.

What do you think, Commander Song?

As long as Song Mo lives,

he remains a threat.

This is also my concern.

Song Mo is heavily poisoned,

and his strength is greatly weakened.

His allies are imprisoned.

He can't stir up much trouble.

Song Mo and Dou Zhao seem calm now.

But it's all an act.

They surely have something else up their sleeves.

I've sent people to keep a close watch on them,

waiting for the right moment to strike.

Then I shall wait for your good news.

All we need now

is a good chance.

You seem to have

some hostility toward Song Han.

Is it because of Dou Zhao?

Dou Zhao and I share a close friendship.

Your Highness should understand this.

As for Song Han,

he's blinded by personal vendettas and lacks foresight.

He doesn't think about the future.

Whatever he says to Your Highness

is of no concern to me.

Such grace from you, Teacher.

But aren't you worried?

The Duke of Ying is confined,

but he hasn't been convicted.

Chief Grand Secretary Liang Jifang is also the Crown Prince's tutor.

They praise good deeds publicly

and correct mistakes privately.

Either Song Han mistreats his brother and sister-in-law,

causing Song Mo to die from poison,

or Song Mo kills his brother in a rage to protect his wife.

No matter how much blood is spilled,

it's a family affair of the Duke of Ying's household

and has nothing to do with Your Highness.

The Shadow Guards are keeping a strict watch.

So they can't escape this cage.

Rather than worrying about Song Mo and his wife,

Your Highness should think about His Majesty's health.

If His Majesty wakes up

and issues a decree,

that would truly be detrimental to Your Highness.

There's enough for everyone.

So please be patient.

Be patient. Everyone will have theirs.

- Thank you, Your Highness. - Here you go.

Princess,

why do you have to serve the congee yourself?

You can leave

this task to the servant.

- Be careful. - Thank you.

I used to do this often when I was a merchant.

Now that I'm a princess,

I should do more.

That's the only way to live up to the title His Majesty gave me.

- Here. - You're so kind to the people.

It's truly a blessing for all.

(Besides, doing this helps atone)

(for Muyu's bloodshed.)

(Only by doing so,)

(can I find some peace.)

Next.

Here you go.

- Thank you. - Don't drop it.

- Thank you. - You're welcome.

Thank you. Thank...

Wait!

Princess, what's the matter?

You don't look too well.

Are you not feeling well?

I'm fine.

He's just a mere unarmed carriage driver.

After dispatching so many people

and such a long time,

you still haven't found him.

What's the use of having guards like you?

That carriage driver is as slippery as an eel.

He might've fled outside the capital by now.

Should we expand the search

beyond the capital?

(Striving with Grace) Are you teaching me what to do?

I dare not. Forgive me.

Princess.

Why did you come without announcing yourself?

Your hand is so cold,

and you look pale too.

Come here.

I shall take my leave.

Did anything happen today?

Princess almost fainted when she was serving congee

- at the alms booth. - Directress Su,

please leave us.

Yes.

Directress Su exaggerated.

Maybe I almost fainted

because I stood too long and got too tired.

My mother

was like that too.

Many illnesses don't show symptoms at first.

This won't do.

I'm fetching the imperial physician.

It's all right.

I'm fine.

I know my own body well.

All right.

Anything you say.

(Yizhi Hall) Thank you for working hard, officers.

This is wine brewed in the Duke of Ying's Residence,

as a token of appreciation for both of you.

It's such a fine wine!

Thank the Commander on our behalf.

Many thanks.

(To be read by Commander Song) We couldn't eliminate them before.

With the Shadow Guards protecting them,

it's almost impossible.

I noticed you haven't eaten all day.

So I made you some dessert.

Didn't the Empress ask you

to keep Song Mo alive?

The Empress is probably worried about Song Mo's old followers.

Such unnecessary compassion.

The Tengxiang Guard is under my control now.

Why fear a bunch of defeated soldiers?

As long as we build solid connections with the noble families in the capital,

even Lord Qing

won't dare challenge me easily.

Of course.

Socializing with nobles is costly.

Zhao holds a 70% stake

in Miao family's shop.

If she's willing to loosen her grip,

we'd be much better off financially.

Ansu,

I know what you're planning.

You want to use that money

to stop me from harming Dou Zhao.

Am I right?

Dou Zhao is cunning and full of schemes.

If I don't do anything,

she will harm us.

Zhao isn't like that.

Back in Futing, she helped me a lot.

When the Miao Family had nothing,

she stood by my side.

Honestly, I'm starting to feel a bit jealous of her

for making you worry about her this much.

Muyu,

promise me not to harm Zhao.

I'll talk to her about the profit adjustment.

I'll make her understand the situation

and stop defying you.

(Yizhi Hall)

I need to go inside to discuss some family matters.

(Contract. Miao Ansu) Dou Zhao has goods with the Miao.

I need to sign this contract

with Dou Zhao today

and discuss the profit adjustment.

If you don't let me pass,

the business will suffer,

and I won't be able to explain it.

But...

Well...

I had this arranged with the Commander of the Tengxiang Guard

to make Dou Zhao agree to the profit adjustment.

If you don't believe me,

you can ask the Commander himself.

But if someone is to be blamed for this,

don't say I didn't warn you.

(Yizhi Hall)

Let her through!

Your Highness, come this way.

Please come in.

I didn't expect Song Han to trust you so much now.

A courtyard where he won't even let a fly get in,

he lets you in.

Zhao,

when the Miao family's ship was seized back in Futing,

you paid to calm the angry crowd

and even covered the initial costs.

That's how we have the Miao family's shop now.

You've always had a clear perspective.

But recently,

I've faced some situations

that I can't figure out.

My mind is a mess.

I need your guidance

on what to do.

Ansu,

I know you genuinely love Song Han.

But you need to see him for who he is.

What Song Han is doing

is treason.

This won't end well.

I know what you're trying to say.

But as a princess now,

every word and action of mine is under scrutiny.

I have no freedom.

If you need help, seek out Chen Jia.

He knows what to do.

Chen Jia?

Weren't they just discussing profit adjustments?

Why hasn't the Princess returned

at this hour?

Don't be afraid.

I didn't bring you here to harm you.

I only want to know

why did you run away the moment you saw me?

Still not talking, huh?

Don't blame me for being ruthless.

All right, I'll talk.

Master sent

someone to come after my life

because...

Because of Young Master Anping.

Once the poison takes effect, he won't recognize anyone.

Master has locked himself in the bathhouse

and won't answer the door to anyone.

Yantang,

it's me. I'm Ms. Longevity.

♪I lean in and gaze at you as calm as serene waves♪

♪I'm aware of the vast and turbulent world♪

♪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 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)