Original subtitles

I will confess! I will!

It's Second Young Master.

He's been sending someone to hunt me down

because...

Because of Mr. Anping.

That day, at Drunken Bordello...

Han.

Han, look. Someone beat me.

Call a few men to go with me and avenge me.

Let's go.

You...

Why?

- Take care of it. - Yes.

I've failed you, Your Highness.

I've failed Mr. Anping.

I was terrified of being hunted by him,

so I had to hide among the refugees.

You're frightening me.

Where were you

tonight?

I...

Do you know

where I went

and what I saw tonight?

How am I supposed to know?

I searched through the entire capital

to find this necklace.

Today is your first birthday

after our wedding.

I didn't know today

was my birthday.

When I saw this necklace,

I thought it was perfect for you.

Do you like it?

I do.

What's wrong?

Did I

do anything wrong again?

No.

It's because

only Zhao celebrated my birthday back then.

From now on,

I'll celebrate your birthday with you

every year,

all right?

Sure.

Muyu,

is there anything

you're hiding from me?

I've done many things wrong

and I've hurt you.

If you could mend your ways,

would you do it for me?

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

=Episode 33=

(Natural Grace and Talent)

Your Majesty, you just regained your consciousness.

Please take this pill.

Where's Official Lu?

Official Lu failed his duty and has requested to return to his hometown.

The Taoist I invited

was recommended by him.

Besides, Wang Yuan waits on you day and night.

You will recover soon.

This is strange.

Official Lu always advised me

to quit taking pills and cultivation.

Why would he recommend a Taoist?

If Wang Yuan has been waiting on me,

who's overseeing the Directorate of the Credentials then?

Was it Wang Ge?

Your Majesty,

please don't trouble yourself with such trivial matters.

Your health is important.

Your smile reminds me

of when you first entered the palace.

Back then,

we often stayed up all night discussing state affairs.

Sometimes, I would grow tired,

but you were still all smiles.

As bright as the morning sun.

I was ignorant back then.

I entrusted Youting to the late Empress

and sent him over to his fief early.

That's unfair to you.

Speak freely

if you have any resentment.

Your Majesty,

maybe you should rest for tonight.

It's already midnight.

His Majesty has been feeling unwell recently.

If I slack off and delay the operations of the Six Departments,

problems might arise.

Has His Majesty retired for the night?

Not yet.

His Majesty is coughing severely.

(Natural Grace and Talent)

(Yuxi Palace)

After my passing,

this will be the last decree.

The Empress is to be buried with me

to prevent the harem's involvement in politics.

Before I entered the palace,

I once disguised myself as a man

to attend the imperial exam.

My parents caught me

and punished me.

They said women should never interfere in state affairs.

But you never criticized me.

Instead, you praised my talent,

taught me how to manage state affairs,

and rewarded me with countless honors.

If someone has to be blamed,

blame me for my greed for power and overstepping my bounds.

How could I ever do that?

Over the years,

I've been fortunate to have you.

I'm truly grateful to you.

I can't handle all the internal and external affairs

by myself.

For the nation,

please take this pill

and recover soon.

This is absurd.

Father has just woken up.

As his son, can't I even visit him?

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty,

I couldn't stop the Crown Prince and Official Liang.

I accept any punishment.

I may be your subject,

but above all, I'm your son.

You've finally awakened

after so long.

For any reason,

I should stay with my own father.

If you wish to punish me,

I accept it.

But if this ever happens again,

I'd do the same.

Youcheng,

you've finally behaved like an heir.

Official Liang,

you risked your life to come here.

State your urgent matter.

What I wish to propose concerns

about this year's ancestral worship ceremony

prepared by the Ministry of Rites.

Given your frail condition,

such a long journey is inadvisable.

I'm deeply concerned.

However, the ancestral worship ceremony is of national significance.

Therefore, I venture to request your permission

for the Crown Prince to attend in your place.

The rain appears

as a godsend.

Granted.

Father,

I should remain by your side

to take care of you.

The Crown Prince is indeed considerate.

Perhaps the ceremony

could be postponed.

I have Official Liang and the rest with me.

No need to worry so much.

This is a decree,

not a negotiation.

I accept your decree, Father.

Wise decision, Your Majesty.

Let Gu Yu tag along.

He was just promoted to Senior Commandant-in-Chief of Cavalry.

He can lead some men

to escort the Crown Prince.

Consider it

a small favor for my family

and a convenience for him to rise in rank later.

Since you've said so,

I'll grant my permission.

I shall thank you on Gu Yu's behalf.

His Majesty and Liang Jifang put on quite a display

to have the Crown Prince lead the ancestral ceremony.

It's obvious that they intend for him to inherit the throne.

I assign you to lead a troop to the ceremony

is to give you a chance to earn the first merit under the new Emperor.

Yu,

I've treated you well all these years.

It's time to grow up.

I understand what you mean, Aunt.

Aunt,

could you please spare Yantang?

If you accomplish this task successfully,

the new reign will be stable,

and Song Mo won't have to die.

Not just that,

you can marry any woman you like

and ask for any title you want.

I will grant you all.

Understood.

Besides, for the sake of the nation,

don't allow Youting to enter the capital for the funeral.

If Liaodong shows a sign of unusual movement,

secretly instruct the Duke of Ding

to quell the chaos under the name of suppressing rebellion.

Your Majesty.

From the very beginning,

you all have been forcing me.

Your archery skills are no longer inferior to Song Mo's.

On the fifteenth day,

you will command all the troops from Chengtian Gate to Zhiyang Gate.

Once the time comes,

open the Daming Gate.

A coup?

My head could roll.

I need to get what I deserve.

I'm not done yet.

Your Princess Anyu

grew up together with Dou Zhao.

To achieve great things,

you have to be ruthless,

especially when you've sought my refugee.

Learn from your father's mistake.

Among twenty-six units in the capital,

apart from the Imperial Guard,

for the rest who are in power

to stay out of it on that day,

just how much effort and money it will take.

Can you afford that, Your Highness?

Without the Miao family,

I can't do anything.

It's fine if you don't want to kill her.

I really disapprove

of your tone.

Whether you like it or not,

I don't care.

If you want the entire Soaring Steed Guard

to act according to your plan,

you need to understand

that it's not me seeking refuge with you,

it's you who needs me instead.

I can kill you if I want.

A dead man can't work with you.

I need to obtain what I deserve.

Very well.

You have guts and spirits.

My plan will definitely succeed.

Come.

(Map)

Pick any land you want.

You'll be the first non-royal lord of the new reign.

You're wise, Your Highness.

I'll send her out of the capital immediately

so that you can rest assured.

This hairpin fits you beautifully.

Muyu, there's something I want to discuss with you.

What's it?

Father and Mother have been upset.

They want to take my brother's memorial tablet back to our hometown

and enshrine it at a temple for praying.

I'd like to accompany them to Futing.

As long as you're back after Lantern Festival.

That's when every family gathers together.

I don't want you to be alone.

If we're deeply in love,

being apart for a few days is nothing.

I don't want you to get tired

from the journey.

All right.

As you say.

Yantang.

Yantang.

Su Xin, Su Lan.

Madam.

Madam.

Where's Yantang?

Master loses all his senses when the poison flares up

and might accidentally hurt you.

You can give him the medicine when he's sober.

His pulse shows a worsening sign.

If he doesn't take the medicine,

the poison could be beyond control.

Uh...

Tell me where he is now.

Master locked himself in the bathhouse.

He won't answer the door.

Madam.

Madam.

- Madam. - Madam.

Yantang.

Yantang.

Yantang.

Madam.

Master has been inside for long.

Leave us for now.

- Yes, Madam. - Yes, Madam.

Yantang.

Ms. Longevity,

don't come in.

I'm all right now.

I just

don't want you to see me now.

You are my husband.

Even if your hair turns all white, I won't fear you either.

Even so,

I wish to leave a perfect image

to you.

Yantang,

I've concocted a new remedy.

It will slow down the poison inside you.

Open the door now.

The previous remedy took effect.

Now I feel...

Yantang.

Yantang.

Yantang.

Here. Take the medicine.

Yantang.

I'm Ms. Longevity.

Yantang.

Yantang.

Yantang.

Yantang, wake up.

Hurry and take the medicine.

Ms. Longevity.

I can't control myself right now.

I might hurt you.

(Rest in the Flow, Clarity in the Stones)

Yantang,

we've long been bound as one.

Ansu,

read this on the way.

(Shantong, Hanzhou, Yuzhou, Heguan, Kangnan, Futing)

Pick a place you like the most.

Tell me later.

What's this for?

It wouldn't be a surprise if I tell.

I'll write to you.

Together with my good news.

(Yongding Gate)

(Rest in the Flow, Clarity in the Stones)

Do you remember

the rainy night when we first met?

Rainy rain, estate.

You wanted to kill me

when we first met.

(Loyal)

You were composed

and calm.

I almost lost my composure,

but I pretended to stay calm

so that the guards wouldn't notice.

Really?

I was truly anxious inside,

but I kept pretending.

Your eyes were aggressive.

They could scare anyone away.

But I felt

as if we were friends for years.

Aside from fear,

your eyes showed anticipation.

If I told you

that I once dreamed

of us experiencing life and death together,

would you believe me?

I would.

And I hope

we can stay together

in many lives to come.

Don't be cheesy.

You're turning my words into a joke.

It's not a joke.

I'm grateful for that rainy night

for bringing you to me.

When the magnolia blooms,

let's travel to see famous rivers and seas

and admire spring bloom and autumn moon.

What do you say?

There's no need to wait.

You've already given me spring.

(Diecui Pavilion)

Madam, Master,

Her Majesty's court lady came with a decree.

By Her Majesty's decree,

you're invited to the palace banquet, Madam.

Your Highness.

Earl of Yunyang,

you're tight with Song Mo and his wife.

I thought you would choose the side of the greater cause.

After all, she's my aunt.

Blood is thicker than water.

Also, I need to leave myself a way out.

Your Highness, you have to stop here.

(Melody of Bamboo and Pines)

They actually fought?

The Duke of Ying's poison flared up.

They fought from the bathhouse all the way outside and smashed everything.

Their faces looked pale, their breathing was rapid and their hands were trembling.

But they don't seem to be injured.

It's more like sick.

Whether true or not,

I'll explain this to His Highness.

Keep a close watch on Yizhi Hall.

Report to me once anything happens.

Yes.

Father has barely been awake,

and everything has become complicated.

Father refuses to take the pill,

so Mother changes the incense

to put Father to sleep.

In case anything happens,

no external officials are allowed to enter Xihua Gate.

Her Majesty merely relies on a Taoist.

I'm afraid something could go wrong.

I'd like to trouble you by making a trip there, sir.

Before the Lantern Festival,

no mistakes can be afforded.

If the Crown Prince returns now,

he'll surely ascend to the throne.

Song Mo and his wife are scheming.

They pose a threat.

A big threat, indeed.

News from Shadow Guards reports

that Dou Zhao and he had a fight at Zhiyi Hall.

The entire yard was in a mess.

Song Mo is now too ill

to care about court affairs.

The coup is now or never.

(Xuanyue Palace)

What's the situation at Yuxi Palace?

Lord Qing is concerned about it.

He had Official Ji enter the palace

to check His Majesty's pulse and perform acupuncture.

Those from the Imperial Medical Bureau daren't disclose anything.

But I have to be frank with you.

If His Majesty's condition doesn't improve,

I'm afraid he won't last until the next spring.

All of them

are ready.

The Western craftmanship

are indeed unique.

Why hasn't the Duchess of Ying shown up yet?

A few concubines and I

found a new business

and are hoping to seek her advice.

Madam Mu,

you have to be cautious.

Two women from the Dou family

ruined my son

and brought great harm to the Duke of Ying's family.

She's such a jinx.

The Dou family is down and out now.

She's to blame.

I guess she's now riding a mule carriage here.

Madam Wei, don't look down on her.

Can you guess who sent these exotic gifts

to Her Majesty?

Don't tell me it's that jinxed woman.

Looks like the donkey carriage isn't that slow.

But the donkey in the stable

sure is loud.

I can hear it from outside.

Who are you calling a donkey?

- Who's the donkey yelling at? -The donkey is yelling at you.

- You! - Here comes Her Majesty.

Greetings, Her Majesty.

Greetings, Her Majesty.

Greetings, Her Majesty.

Tonight is a family banquet,

so please do away with formalities.

Please be seated.

These exotic gifts

intrigue me.

Speaking of which,

the Duchess of Ying is so thoughtful.

It's really the Duchess of Ying.

I heard she also

prepared a unique performance.

What a beautiful dance.

These ladies are dancing so excellently.

They are all talents.

Not really.

They just each have their own interest.

They acquired those skills to make a living

and not rely on their families

or men.

We've been awaiting you, Your Highness.

Take Qianqing Palace down as quickly as possible.

Once the sky brightens,

I'm going to hold the imperial seal and command the country.

Tonight,

we'll eradicate bad influences around the Emperor

and reestablish the court.

Bravo!

- Bravo! - Bravo!

I've prepared

a century-old floral brew for you.

Allow me to make a wish.

From this day forward,

this land

will usher in new changes.

What does this mean?

There are rebels emerging in the palace tonight.

Lord Qing is currently eliminating them.

For your safety,

Xuanyue Hall has to be sealed.

Dou Zhao,

stop waiting.

No one is coming to your aid.

Of course.

So you've known all along

that I'd take action against the ladies tonight.

You used the harem to control the Imperial Medical Bureau

and to keep His Majesty bedridden

so that he's unable to govern.

All you've been waiting for

is to join hands with Lord Qing tonight.

And Eunuch Wang can falsely accuse anyone

of being a rebel,

for instance,

Wang Yuan, the godfather he has served for years.

Hence, Lord Qing's men

have a rightful reason to eliminate other officials.

You've confined us womenfolk

in Xuanyue Hall.

Naturally, the external court officials will be restrained.

Not only can Lord Qing enter the palace unopposed,

but he will also earn praise

for quelling treason and protecting the Emperor tomorrow.

By then, whether His Majesty lives or dies,

the throne

will fall into Lord Qing's hands.

What should we do now?

Are they committing treason?

Dou Zhao,

you're insane.

Aren't you afraid of being killed?

Don't panic, madams.

Her Majesty only holds us as hostages.

She won't harm our lives.

If something were to happen to us,

the officials wouldn't let Lord Qing rest easy,

not even if he ascended to the throne.

I don't mind killing one or two.

Dou Zhao,

I'll start with you.

Don't move.

Su Yan, you...

Madams, run now.

Now!

Stay still.

Whoever defies me, their families will be executed.

Protect Her Majesty. Hurry!

Stay still.

If you come any close, I'll kill her.

You prepared those lanterns.

Your hands have even reached the Ministry of Work.

When you summoned me to the palace to hold me hostage,

did it never occur to you

that I might fight back?

Don't come near.

Move.

Quick.

Stay back.

Surrender.

It's pointless for you to do this.

Without Song Mo,

what change can you make?

Song Mo?

Su Yan.

Dou Zhao, run!

Now!

Protect my mother and brother.

Go now!

Surrender peacefully.

You won't escape.

Madam!

- Madam! - You're here.

Madam, Lord Qing led a large troop

and breached the Shuntian Gate.

You came all the way to meet your death.

Very well.

Today,

I'll send you all to meet Jiang Meisun.

- Guards! - Yes.

Execute impertinent assassins

immediately.

Chen Jia, are you rebelling?

I've wanted to kill him for a long time.

Kill me if you want credits.

You!

Who's rebelling tonight?

Haven't you figured it out yet?

Wang Ge colluded with Lord Qing to usurp the throne.

To whom do the Shadow Guards pledge their loyalty,

the Emperor or the traitor?

This is impossible.

Don't listen to this madwoman.

Men,

the people see us as eunuch's lackeys,

and those dignitaries treat us

as killing tools and scapegoats.

Haven't you had enough?

I've had enough of all this!

- Officer Chen. - Officer Chen.

- We'll follow you. - We'll follow you.

You all could tell right from wrong and stand up for justice.

His Majesty will reward you.

If the evil really gains power tonight,

I, Dou Zhao,

will take all the blame.

Chen Jia,

Zhao Liangbi and you will take the remaining Shadow Guards

and those from Zhaowen Bookstore

to guard the Chengtian Gate

to stop Lord Qing and Song Han.

Yes.

Yes.

To repay the ruler's grace and favor,

I'm willing to wield my sword to defend the Emperor to death!

To defend the Emperor to death!

He's here.

Bring the token of the Ding Army along.

Before the Lantern Festival,

secretly command all Ding Army to enter the capital by boat.

Song Mo?

Isn't he poisoned?

This mere Ding Army

is trying to turn the table?

In your dreams!

Ding Army, hear my command!

At your service!

Avenge

the Marshal!

Kill!

Kill!

Release.

- Formations. - Yes.

Master,

we've arrived.

Wang Ge can't be trusted anymore.

Mother...

- Guards! - Yes.

Deploy all the reserve troops!

Yes.

They outnumber us,

but don't panic.

We'll fight and retreat slowly.

Kill!

A fish in a barrel.

His Majesty

is sinking fast.

Quell the rebels and protect the nation!

It's now or never.

Charge!

♪The lingering uncertainty has yet been resolved♪

♪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 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)