Original subtitles

Zi Yan.

Zi Yan!

Zi Yan.

Lady Weiyoung.

You've only been at Minfeng's place for a few days.

How did you turn out this way?

I only have myself to blame

for all of this.

My maid overheard Minfeng's servants conversing in private.

They said

Minfeng often beats and scolds Zi Yan lately.

Zi Yan spoke in your defense.

In a fit of anger, Minfeng...

-It's such a sin. -Zi Yan.

When I found Zi Yan,

she was injured all over.

She was almost dead and left in a mass grave.

I noticed that she was still breathing.

Moreover, she was once your maid.

That's why I brought her back secretly.

Zi Yan!

Did you send for a doctor?

I did.

The doctor said...

Zi Yan.

How could you betray Lady Weiyoung for him?

You're so foolish!

Yes.

This is my retribution.

Young Lady.

I really regret it.

Madam cannot tolerate...

my unborn child.

Young Master's affection for me was no more than a charade.

I have only realized it now,

in this world,

only Young Lady

and Bai Zhi...

Only the two of you are truly kind to me.

But it's already too late now.

Young Lady.

In my next life,

even if I have to work my fingers to the bone,

I will repay your kindness.

I wish to be with you again.

Young Lady,

will you forgive me?

I don't blame you.

You should get better first.

Yes.

Zi Yan!

Zi Yan.

Father, you asked to see me?

The two of you, step out.

-Yes. -Yes.

-Father, what is this about? -Shut up.

You are no son of mine.

What did I do?

Don't you know?

Everyone is now keeping an eye on you and our family.

Who knew that you would get another person killed again?

She is just a lowly servant. What's the fuss?

Also, she assisted Li Weiyoung to take me down!

I fell for Li Weiyoung's trick because of her.

She is a traitor.

Why should I keep her? She deserves to die.

But she was pregnant

with your child!

Who knows if it's mine?

You vile spawn!

Father.

You really don't have to inquire after such matters.

Mother has already taken care of it.

Your mother's actions might not do you any good.

She'll get you in trouble someday.

Listen.

If anything like this happens again,

you have to leave the Li family!

You cannot be my son.

Father!

Get out.

Scram!

Vile spawn...

Look at the fish in the water.

Are you still upset over Zi Yan?

In my opinion, she betrayed her lady and came to such an end.

She brought it upon herself.

She went through a lot with me.

It makes me sad

that she came to such a tragic end.

Don't be too sad.

Minfeng.

Minfeng.

How can you talk to your father like that?

Apologize to your father immediately.

Apologize? What have I done wrong?

Did you want that lowly maid to give birth to my child?

She sabotaged my plans.

She deserved to die for it.

There are so many other methods.

You shouldn't have taken it into your own hands.

Seeing that wench reminded me of how I lost to that bitch, Li Weiyoung.

I regret not killing her sooner.

Mother.

Did you take care of it already?

I have it all taken care of.

Don't act so recklessly from now on.

Have I not worried enough about you?

Mother, rest assured,

I'm Father's only son.

How could he possibly forsake me?

Just wait and see. It won't take long.

I'll be reinstated to my post soon.

I'm still the impressive young master of the Li family.

All right, Mother. Don't be angry.

I'll walk you back to get some rest.

Did you hear that?

Even a vicious tiger doesn't eat its cub.

Who knew that Li Minfeng would actually murder his own flesh and blood?

He is truly worse than scum.

However, what he said is true.

He is Uncle Xiaoran's only son.

The Chiyun family also has his back.

It's only a matter of time before he makes a comeback.

I'm afraid it won't take long.

He will be the impressive young master of the Li family again.

"Impressive"?

He will be impressive someday.

However...

he'll be impressively defamed and ruined.

-Madam. -Madam.

Get up.

Don't be a sore loser.

Don't behave like this.

But now...

everyone in Ping City praises her.

They laugh at me instead.

I'm too ashamed to see anyone.

Is this all you've got?

Why do I have such a useless daughter?

Mother.

Since you took one wrong step, don't take another one.

Countless officials and nobles will attend the banquet tonight.

It is to congratulate Li Weiyoung on becoming Lady Anping.

If you don't attend,

you'll have to watch her gloat from now on.

Can you live with that?

Changle.

If you accept defeat,

you'll have to swallow your pride and grief.

Come here.

Changle.

Get dressed quickly.

I want you to show up dazzling at today's banquet.

It is at times like these

that you should look even more stunning.

Ladies, please make yourselves at home.

Have some tea.

-Sure. -This is high-quality tea.

You're so blessed.

I've long heard that Lady Changru is gentle and virtuous.

She is also very elegant.

Seeing her today, it is indeed so.

Lady Changru spoke up boldly for Lady Weiyoung

in front of the Crown Princess and the princes.

She stood on her ground.

Such breadth of mind and courage aren't found in most girls.

Ladies, you're too kind.

-Changru did what she should do. -Lady Changle, Madam.

So that's Lady Changle of the Li family.

Seeing her today, she truly is a beauty like no other.

The most beautiful woman in Ping City indeed.

Look at that small face.

It's so dewy.

What a stunner.

-Hey. -Let's have a look.

Lady Changle, we haven't seen you for days and you're even more beautiful.

Exactly.

You're like a beauty from a painting.

We can't believe our eyes.

Indeed.

Yes, who in Ping City can outshine Lady Changle's beauty?

Exactly.

As expected, Lady Changle has won everyone with her beauty.

Right now,

who still cares about Lady Anping?

A woman's best weapon is not wit,

but beauty.

As for my daughter, Changle,

she deserves the best of everything in the world.

Madam, you've raised your daughter well.

Exactly.

We've inherited the fine pedigree of the Chiyun family.

I heard that Lady Changle is excellent in playing the guzheng.

-Is that so? -Indeed.

-Li Changle stole the limelight. -Surely.

Changle studied music as a child.

Mother, I'll look for Weiyoung.

She is talented and beautiful.

-The most talented lady. -Indeed.

Indeed.

My ladyship.

I saved Your Highness' life.

We're even.

"The peach tree is budding and tender, vivid and bright are its flowers."

It's said Your Highness is busy every day.

I didn't expect you to have the time to tease me.

It's a blessing for ladies to be smart.

However, if a lady is overly sharp-tongued,

she won't be adorable anymore.

Your Highness, you don't need to worry.

Lady Weiyoung is truly fearless.

It was brusque of me.

Please don't take it to heart.

Your apology is too much for me to bear.

The banquet is about to start.

Why don't I show you to the banquet hall, Your Highness?

Are you that eager to shake me off?

What is it?

I humbled myself to get close to you.

Shouldn't you be delighted?

Your Highness is too hard to read.

You must find it boring to talk to me.

I'll take my leave now.

I don't find you boring.

On the contrary,

I find you really...

interesting.

Weiyoung, what are you doing here?

Everyone is looking for you.

Greetings, Your Highness.

It's Royal Guard Li.

How are you getting used to your new post?

I just carry out my duties with dedication as I should.

Right, the guests have arrived.

Your Highness, if there are no other matters,

I'll take Weiyoung with me.

-Slow down, Minde. -Are you close with Prince Nan'an?

Why were you chatting so happily?

When did you see me chatting happily with him?

When did I--

Fortunately, you showed up in time.

I was worried about how to shake him off.

Weiyoung.

Listen carefully to what I'm about to say.

Those princes are all very cunning.

Human lives mean nothing to them.

You'll have to be more cautious.

Why are you looking at me?

I find it really strange.

You keep calling me "Weiyoung."

It just rolls off your tongue.

Have you forgotten that I'm your older cousin?

That's right. Since I returned to the manor,

you really haven't addressed me as your cousin.

What do you mean by that?

Do you think so little of me?

That's right.

You make others worry all the time.

Is that how an older cousin should be?

Hey!

It's this way to the main hall.

I'm not going. You can go alone.

I heard that Lady Weiyoung was raised in the countryside.

She has no manners.

A peasant girl isn't trained in any form of art and music.

She knows nothing about etiquette either.

If I were Prime Minister Li, I would hide the illegitimate daughter.

Otherwise, she might embarrass me in front of others.

Be that as it may,

she is now Lady Anping.

It's said that His Majesty is impressed by her.

Lady Anping?

Without any fief and rite of dedication, what kind of lady can she be?

His Majesty is just appeasing her for the sake of Prime Minister Li.

She is just a foolish lass.

She has the right to be absent from such an event.

She can save herself from embarrassment.

Young Lady, they are too mean.

-Indeed. -Exactly.

Lady Anping arrives!

Is this Lady Anping?

Why doesn't she look like a peasant girl?

Could we have gotten it wrong?

She looks like a proper noble lady.

Greetings, Father.

Drop the formalities.

This is my daughter, Weiyoung.

Weiyoung, greet the two officials here.

Greetings, gentlemen.

Prince Nan'an arrives!

Drop the formalities.

-Greetings, Prince Nan'an. -Greetings, Prince Nan'an.

Prince Dongping arrives! Prince Gaoyang arrives!

Greetings, Your Highnesses.

What brings you both here?

Prime Minister Li is holding a banquet for Li Weiyoung.

How can I not attend such a huge event?

What about you?

How can we come without bearing gifts on such a joyous occasion?

Thank you, Prince Gaoyang.

This is a gift from the Crown Princess.

I hope Lady Anping likes it.

I thank the Crown Princess for it.

Why isn't there any performance for this joyous event?

This...

It's my idea.

Many victims of the flood are still homeless.

I'm really not in the mood to arrange any performance.

Your Highnesses, I hope you'll understand.

I've also taken the liberty to prepare lotus lanterns.

After the banquet, we'll light them as prayers.

I hope to make use of this opportunity to pray for the victims.

I wonder if everyone is willing to do so?

-Sure. -Lady Anping is caring.

-Her idea is so unique. -How comforting.

That is a great idea.

Instead of the usual boring performances,

this is such a refined and meaningful idea.

Sure.

Lady Anping is exceptionally thoughtful.

Here.

Your Highness.

Did I disappoint you?

Disappoint me?

Are you referring to the relief plan?

I'm sorry, Your Highness.

I really didn't do it on purpose.

Lady Changle, you don't need to apologize.

Besides, I've never been disappointed.

What's there to be disappointed about when there were no expectations?

May all the innocent victims of the flood find peace and joy in another world.

Young Lady, look.

Your and Prince Gaoyang's lanterns are stuck together.

They are floating far away.

Let's take a look.

-Let's go. -Look at the riverside.

Prince Nan'an.

Has Your Highness found a lantern to your liking?

I wonder if you fancy the one I have in my hands?

Lady Changru.

Your Highness, you remember me.

You spoke boldly in defense of Weiyoung in front of the Crown Princess.

It left quite an impression.

So he remembers me because of that.

What's wrong, Lady Changru?

Your Highness, this lantern...

I thank you for the kind gesture.

But I don't believe in prayers.

I won't dampen your spirits.

Your Highness,

don't you remember me from the past?

What is that?

That is...

-What is it? -Exactly.

-What's going on? -What is that?

This is...

What's wrong?

-How did this happen? -Who is that?

Young Lady.

-Is it a person? -You're right.

What is it? What's the matter?

-What is it? -What's going on?

-This is... -Zi Yan!

It's Zi Yan!

What is Zi Yan doing here?

Who is Zi Yan?

That's impossible.

How can she be here?

Minfeng, why did Zi Yan take her own life?

It's just a maid who killed herself.

What has it got to do with Minfeng?

Why did this happen?

Servants. Haul her up quickly.

-Yes. -Yes.

Zi Yan was just fine.

How did she end up dead?

Minfeng, Zi Yan was your concubine.

She killed herself.

Do you really have nothing to do with it?

He has a concubine before marrying a legal wife?

The son of Prime Minister Li is really too foolish.

Exactly.

Weiyoung, you must be confused.

Zi Yan was a maid. How could she be a concubine?

But she was pregnant with Minfeng's child.

He is not even married yet.

He already impregnated a maid?

That's really shameful.

Who knew he behaved so shamelessly?

This was a nice event.

It's now wrecked by an uncivilized lass.

Shouldn't you drag her away?

Yes.

Look. Her arms are covered in scars.

How terrible. She must have been tortured.

-Poor thing. -Yes.

It really is.

-How pitiful. -This maid belonged to Young Master.

He should handle this matter.

However, his method seems a bit...

Minfeng, although she was your concubine, you shouldn't have treated her so.

How dare you--

I won't let you off lightly if you offend Lady Weiyoung.

It's quite a fuss in Prime Minister Li's manor.

Shouldn't you carry her away now?

Zi Yan's soul is here with us.

Do you dare to swear by these lotus lanterns

that you have nothing to do with Zi Yan's death?

A mere maid died.

How am I responsible for it?

Run!

-What was that? -What happened?

Goodness, it's more than meets the eye.

He must have something to do with that maid's death.

He really is a disgrace to Prime Minister Li.

Young Lady, everything is ready.

Saltpeter is placed in the candles.

When the candles melt, the lotus lanterns will be lit.

By then, the sparks from the lanterns will produce steam.

Zi Yan died so tragically.

I must reveal Li Minfeng's true colors in public.

Zi Yan must be avenged.

Li Minfeng, you have committed countless crimes.

I'll settle both old and recent scores all at once.

CROWN PRINCE'S MANOR

Why is it that I'm mad at you, but when I see someone bullying you,

I can't control myself from wanting to protect you?

How can one glance from you...

banish my gloominess?

Your Highness.

Your Highness, why are you still up at such a late hour?

Cheng De, are you in love with anyone?

Why would you ask this, Your Highness?

No, I'm not.

Have you ever liked anyone or been liked by someone?

No.

In regards to romance--

I have no experience.

How dare you tell me your wild guesses at a woman's thoughts?

You nearly ruined me!

I...

Who did I ruin?

He is so unreasonable.

OFFICIAL LIU YU'S REPORT

YOUR MAJESTY, PLEASE DECREE TO INVESTIGATE LI MINFENG

Prime Minister Li, some son you raised!

Your Majesty.

In public, he was over-ambitious, and he endangered flood victims.

In private, he is ruthless and cruel.

He even abused his pregnant concubine!

Everyone in Ping City knows about this.

I admit to my mistake.

I've failed to mentor my son.

Your Majesty, please punish me.

There's you as well. You recommended him.

How will you explain yourself?

Father, please calm down. I admit that I was wrong.

As of today, Li Minfeng is to be exiled.

Without my decree,

he is never to step foot in Ping City again.

I previously recommended Li Minfeng to Father

so as to do Prime Minister Li a favor.

It was also to recruit a right-hand man.

Who knew this would happen?

It's not a big deal to get a maid killed.

Unfortunately, it was exposed before so many people.

I don't understand.

Young Master Li isn't that careless.

How did he let this get out of hand?

Someone set him up.

Little did it cross his mind

that a woman could destroy him.

Your Highness, you mean...

Some women are like pearls coated with dust.

At first glance, she doesn't catch your eye.

But once you slowly observe and study her,

you'll realize she is actually...

remarkable and unique.

I'm getting more confused now.

What woman?

She was able to think of a solution that nobody else could.

She has won Father over.

She has struck down those who stand in her way.

Are you referring to Lady Anping?

Although Lady Anping is under the limelight recently,

she has no supporters.

Her title is only in name.

Compared to Prime Minister Li's legitimate daughter, Li Changle,

whom the Chiyun family supports, she is not worth mentioning.

How would Prime Minister Li marry Li Changle

to a powerless prince like me?

However, with Li Weiyoung,

things are different.

Young Master!

Young Master!

-Leave quickly, Young Master! -Get out.

Get lost! All of you!

Young Master...

-Arrest him. -What are you doing?

-Yes, sir! -Get lost.

-Get lost! -Move it!

-Get lost! -Hurry up!

-Seize him. -Move it.

-Minfeng! -Let go of me! Mother!

What are you doing?

By royal decree,

Li Minfeng is to be exiled immediately.

Without the Emperor's decree,

he is never to step foot in Ping City again.

-Mother, ask Father to beg His Majesty. -Seize him.

-Mother! -Minfeng!

-Ask Father to beg His Majesty! -Minfeng!

Mother!

-Minfeng! -Mother!

Minfeng.

Young Lady.

Li Minfeng was arrested.

Zi Yan was killed so brutally.

He deserves it.

Even so,

the suffering Zi Yan endured

can never be undone.

Even if I have to work my fingers to the bone,

I will repay your kindness.

Will you forgive me?

I don't blame you.

You should get better first.

Zi Yan.

The man who killed you

got what he deserved.

Now, you can finally rest in peace.

We shall treat each other as sisters again in the next life.

Who is it?

How dare you intercept a government vehicle?

It's Li Minfeng that I want.

Attack!

Spare me, warrior!

I'll give you anything you want.

My father is the Prime Minister.

My mother is from the Chiyun family!

We are very wealthy!

Just name it and I'll give it to you.

Spare me, warrior! Let me off!

Li Minfeng.

You used despicable means to frame Northern Liang.

Today, I'll offer your blood

as a sacrifice to appease the souls of those from Northern Liang.

I didn't do it! I really didn't!

Chiyun Nan killed them. My mother poisoned them.

Kill them if you want.

It has nothing to do with me.

What?

Chiyun Rou is the one who doused the lanterns with poison?

The princess of Northern Liang?

Aren't you already dead?

Despicable scum.

You would even betray your own mother.

Today, I shall take justice into my hands and end your life!

Master.

Please plead with His Majesty again.

Minfeng was raised in luxury.

Sending him to exile

is as good as killing him!

He brought it upon himself!

Previously, he was just removed from his post.

He should have reflected on his mistakes.

Instead, he created such a mess again.

Everyone in the city knew.

Even His Majesty was informed.

That vile spawn.

I'm utterly embarrassed by him.

Father.

-Minfeng was just trying to-- -And you!

Do you think I'm not aware of what you did behind my back?

Master!

Minfeng is your only son!

Are you just going to let him die?

What can I do?

He is my only son.

Will I want him dead?

But the royal decree was announced.

Am I to defy the decree?

By then, it won't just be Minfeng,

but the entire Li family will be killed as well!

The Li family fears death, but not the Chiyun family.

I'm going to bring Minfeng back.

You!

Have you lost your mind?

It's you, Li Weiyoung.

It's you!

You destroyed my son's reputation.

You deliberately made His Majesty mad at him.

You had him sent into exile.

Give Minfeng back to me!

-Give him back! -Aunt Rou!

-Give me my son! -Aunt Rou!

-Aunt Rou! -Give me back my son!

-Master! -You--

Master, bad news!

Young Master...

-What about him? -What is it?

Young Master...

He was killed on the way.

What did you say?

He is dead?

He is dead?

Minfeng...

-Madam. -Mother.

Grandmother, Father.

Abiding by Northern Liang's customs,

I'm sending you my thoughts.

Li Minfeng, the culprit who killed you, has been brought to justice.

However, the death of our enemy...

brings me no joy.

It's because...

I really miss you terribly.

Father, I've missed you so much.

I missed you too.

Father, Grandmother.

Are you here to see me?

Li Minfeng was killed on the way to the location of his exile.

Who could have done it?

Weiyoung.

Was it you who exposed Zi Yan's death?

Yes.

He deserved it.

Zi Yan was tortured to death by Li Minfeng.

I wanted Zi Yan to avenge herself.

I also hope she can then rest in peace.

Aunt Rou will surely find out about this.

I'm afraid she is already suspecting you.

Aunt Rou is really ruthless. I'm afraid--

Right from the beginning, they wanted me dead.

When did they ever show me any mercy?

Don't worry, I'm here for you.

If anyone dares to hurt you, I won't let them off.

It feels great to be protected by my little cousin.

Oh, right.

This is for you.

It's a gift to congratulate you for becoming Lady Anping.

Did you make this?

You must think it's ugly.

I carved it according to your face.

Can't you say something nice?

You don't like it?

If you don't, give it back.

Who takes back a gift that has already been given?

But

I really haven't received any gifts for a very long time.

Thank you, Minde.

I like it very much.

It's good that you do.

PRIME MINISTER'S MANOR

Subtitle translation by Carole Chen