Original subtitles

His Highness still hasn't come out?

It has been four or five days.

His Highness has been reading and writing in the study room every day.

He won't allow the servants to disturb him.

His food is also placed outside the door.

He gets it himself.

All right. I got it.

Your Highness.

Your Highness. It's me, Cheng De.

Come in.

Your Highness.

You came at a good time.

After thinking about it for a few days,

I came up with some measures in electing officials.

Send this to Lord Zhang at the Ministry of Personnel.

Ask for his advice.

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

You should eat something first.

You haven't left the manor for days.

I'll go for a walk with you later.

I still have many things to do.

Head out and return soon.

I also wrote something on guarding the frontier.

You need to go to the Ministry of War too.

Your Highness.

Don't work too hard.

Continue your work tomorrow.

Tomorrow, I have other tasks to do.

I've neglected a lot of my duties previously.

I need to make up for it.

Why are you still here?

Your Highness.

Since you met up with Lady Anping last time,

-you've kept yourself in-- -Cheng De.

A man of character is diligent in his duties.

He puts his country first.

Don't mention affairs of the heart again.

You may go now.

Yes.

GUARDING THE FRONTIER, WEIYOUNG

Guarding the frontier...

Guarding the frontier...

PRIME MINISTER'S MANOR

Han.

Yu.

What brings you here?

Didn't you mention that

Father dismissed corrupt officials due to the disaster relief?

Prime Minister Li now has the power to appoint new officials.

I was sent here to visit.

Han.

What brings you here?

You're here to see Prime Minister Li.

I'm here to see Lady Changle.

Greetings, Your Highnesses.

I'll announce your arrival.

Don't bother.

Yes.

Yu.

Don't engage in official duties today.

There's plenty of time for that later.

Just come quietly with me today to meet Lady Changle.

Don't tell anyone.

Your Highnesses, this way.

-Greetings, Your Highnesses. -Get up. Drop the formalities.

Lady Changle, it has been a while.

You've lost so much weight.

Your Highnesses, please have a seat.

Your Highness, please.

We have a witch in the family.

It has caused Changle so much suffering.

We are all very troubled as well.

This is truly distressing.

Is the witch you mentioned Lady Anping?

This isn't Weiyoung's fault.

I'm not skilled in flattery.

I can't please Grandmother.

Even my disaster relief plan isn't as good as hers.

How can you blame yourself?

It's clearly the subordinate's incompetence.

They failed to execute such a great strategy.

Lady Changle, rest assured.

I'll put in a good word for you in front of Father.

You won't be affected by this matter.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Royal Guard Li!

Prince Dongping, that's him.

He always helps Weiyoung bully Changle.

I'll teach him a lesson for Lady Changle.

Han, don't you remember him?

When we had an archery match, you complimented him then.

You appointed him as a royal guard.

That's him?

He's indebted to me, then.

He should obey my every word.

Greetings, Your Highnesses.

That's a gift for you.

Li Minde.

Prince Dongping gave you this peach.

Do you dare refuse to eat it?

Anyone!

Eat it.

Eat it up!

You dare refuse to eat it?

Eat it!

Eat it!

Stop it!

What are you doing in broad daylight?

How is this any of your business?

Grandmother summoned Minde over.

We'll excuse ourselves.

Stop right there.

Weiyoung.

Although you're now a lady of a county,

you can't disregard both princes, can you?

You're going to take him away just because you said so?

How dare a mere Lady Anping behave so insolently before me?

I'm very content with His Majesty's reward.

Whatever the rank might be,

it is a title conferred by His Majesty.

Is it not so?

Lady Weiyoung.

Don't take it too seriously.

It's just a joke.

Since both princes already had their fun,

we must not keep our grandmother waiting as we've been summoned.

We will leave now.

Please don't mind us, Your Highnesses.

Li Minde.

This peach is bestowed by Prince Dongping.

You haven't finished it yet.

How can Minde have this delicious peach all to himself?

Keep it for yourself.

You... Li Weiyoung!

You're a peasant girl without manners.

Changxi.

His Majesty praised me for my etiquette and elegance.

Are you questioning His Majesty's opinion?

You still dare to say so before both princes.

Are you challenging the royal family's dignity?

Changxi, that Octajewel Hairpin was bestowed by His Majesty.

You just threw it into the pond.

You dare to damage a bestowed item.

I wonder if His Majesty will let you off lightly?

Even if His Majesty is forgiving,

I wonder if Father will let the both of you off?

Did His Majesty really bestow that upon you?

These...

-Changle. -And these.

They were bestowed by His Majesty.

Are you crazy?

How dare you walk around wearing the bestowed gifts?

It's because they are bestowed by His Majesty

that I'm only at ease when they are on me.

I just didn't expect you to be so bold.

You even dare to damage His Majesty's gift.

It's such a shame.

I'm afraid you'll get Father into trouble this time.

Your Highnesses, please be my witnesses.

You...

Han.

We're visiting in private.

It's best not to make a scene.

Weiyoung.

Changxi is still immature.

I'll send someone to get the hairpin.

There's sediment in the pond.

I'm sure it's not broken.

Changle.

Changxi can only make up for her mistake if she gets it herself.

I'll do it.

Changle.

Remember to send it over when you find it.

Changle, help me.

Can anyone help me?

Changle!

That was so funny.

Weiyoung.

You acted too recklessly.

I know you were trying to help me.

But you shouldn't have taken such a risk for me.

Bestowed items shouldn't be carried around.

These accessories

and that hairpin,

they're not bestowed items.

I was just bluffing.

Really?

You even got me fooled.

Did you see their faces?

Especially when you made Li Changxi get the hairpin from the pond.

She didn't even hesitate.

She hopped right in.

That was so satisfying.

I just taught them a lesson today.

I want them to remember that my cousin shouldn't be bullied.

What cousin?

What?

Nothing.

Well done.

Your Ladyship had us fooled today.

How atrocious.

Didn't you say Old Madam was waiting for Young Master Minde?

Why is he still here?

Or should I say

you only said so to deceive us?

Grandmother is still waiting for you.

Be careful.

Go on.

Your Highness.

What would you like to say?

I admire you greatly.

I admire your intelligence

and candidness.

I wanted to talk to you.

But I never get the right chance.

Do tell, Your Highness.

You're witty and eloquent today.

It's indeed impressive.

I'm just being honest.

They go overboard sometimes.

You actually didn't have to do so.

Your Highness.

What do you mean?

Judging by how you handle matters,

you seem to be quite assertive.

For instance, just now,

you involved yourself without thinking.

Was that worthwhile?

In Your Highness' opinion,

what should I have done?

They trampled on your dignity.

But that's human nature.

You must stand in a position so high that they can never reach you.

They can only look up to you.

Since ancient times,

there have been numerous ways in which men can obtain power and influence.

However, women can only depend on men.

If Your Ladyship can rely on a man with power,

will they still be a hindrance to you?

Young Lady.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Young Lady.

Madam asked to see you.

Do excuse me.

Lady Weiyoung, you're smart.

You should understand what I mean.

Madam didn't ask for me, did she?

No.

I said that on purpose.

That man is the Emperor's son.

I felt uneasy that he was alone with you.

Besides, he seems cunning.

He isn't that simple.

You're right.

He is indeed not a simple man.

It's said that Tuoba Yu's mother is a sinned consort.

The Emperor of Wei sentenced her to death.

He was raised by Consort Lu.

He was the most powerless among the princes.

As of now, he depends on Tuoba Han.

He seems to keep a low profile.

However, he's actually the one contributing to Tuoba Han's merits.

He's very sharp and capable.

He's also meticulous.

Young Lady, it's best that you stay away from him.

Besides, Wei annihilated Liang.

The royal family is Northern Liang's enemy.

You should steer clear of them.

If your identity is exposed, the consequences are horrible.

What matters to me is that you're the last of Northern Liang's royal family.

-Your safety matters more than-- -All right.

I'll take your word for it.

Greetings, Prince Nan'an.

We meet again,

Lady Changru.

I bumped into Your Highness by accident.

Please forgive me.

Get up.

How long have you been here?

I just got here.

I was going to pick some flowers.

I didn't expect to run into Your Highness.

Didn't Prince Gaoyang come along?

Speaking of which,

since Prince Gaoyang saved Weiyoung and rumors have been spread,

he hasn't come to visit.

What did you say?

Prince Gaoyang rescued Lady Weiyoung?

What other rumor arose?

Your Highness, don't you know about it?

I should not have spoken about it.

Explain it to me.

PRIME MINISTER'S MANOR

Your Highness.

Lady Anping seems to be involved with Prince Gaoyang.

Your Highness might not be able to recruit her.

She's an illegitimate child.

Why does Your Highness think so highly of her?

I've met and seen a lot.

I can't be wrong.

Li Weiyoung is far more intelligent than most.

She's also in Father's good graces.

If she can truly offer me her allegiance,

she'll be of great assistance to me.

She's far better than those shallow aristocratic ladies.

Your Highness.

What about Lady Changru?

She's not that simple.

Go.

Go.

You were away for a year.

All you sent were a few letters.

Although your mother didn't say a word about it,

she always looked miserable in my presence.

It dampened my good spirits.

I've been an unfilial son.

I also think that I should spend more time with my mother.

You keep going on trips.

What is it out there that attracts you so much?

Everything is great in the palace.

But I still prefer the freedom out there.

Your mother is right.

It's time to find you a princess consort.

Then you'll want to settle down.

Prime Minister Li's eldest daughter.

Li Changle.

How about her?

Lady Changle is wonderful in every way.

However, she isn't the lady of my affections.

What is it? She's not to your liking?

I don't like her.

Grandfather, please don't force her on me.

But your mother likes her.

She even brought her up to the Empress yesterday.

Mother cares greatly for me.

However, she has overlooked my feelings.

I don't ask for much in a wife.

All I hope is to marry someone I love.

All right.

If so, we won't discuss this matter yet.

Thank you, Grandfather.

Judging from what you just said,

do you already have someone in mind?

But I'm not the one she fancies.

There's actually a lady who would reject my grandson.

Tell me. Who is she? I'll help you.

Grandfather, thank you.

But I don't wish to force myself on her.

It seems that you truly love her.

Is she already betrothed?

No.

If so, it means you still stand a chance.

To win over someone you love,

you must first be determined and courageous to impress her.

Don't give up easily.

It's just like my lands.

If I didn't strive to claim and develop them,

how could I have united the north and attained such power?

I understand.

Thank you, Grandfather.

A young man, dashing, vigorous, and full of enthusiasm.

Now that's my grandson.

Pretty good skills.

What is it? Are you annoyed?

I should be the one to get mad.

It's all because you meddled and handed me to the local authorities.

I was punished by my father.

What have I done wrong?

If Your Highness was decreed to go on an inspection,

why would you be punished by His Majesty?

Or should I say

Your Highness actually snuck out of the palace to go on a trip?

You knew, didn't you?

You did it on purpose.

I don't have as much time as you do.

I'm not keen on playing games either.

I will leave now.

Why are you avoiding me?

Who is avoiding you?

Why do you leave when you see me?

Lower your voice.

I see.

You clearly look down on me.

It's because I don't shoot as well as you do.

I can't ride as well as you do.

I can't even fight as well as you do.

That's why you belittle me!

Lower your voice.

-Come with me. -What for?

It's an order.

-Come with me. -Let go.

-Let go of me. -Come.

Stand right here.

Look carefully.

Do you see the calluses on my hand?

I practiced day and night.

I just want to prove to you that I'm not weak at all.

Look carefully.

I'm not weak at all!

Weiyoung.

Minde, you look flushed. What's the good news?

I...

Lady Weiyoung, a famous theatrical troupe just arrived in Ping City.

It's hard to come by.

My young master is worried that you're too bored at home.

He's going to ask you along.

Young Lady, this was delivered.

Weiyoung.

-Who sent it? -Weiyoung.

Weiyoung.

This little guy can speak?

Who sent this cheeky little guy?

-He didn't leave a name. -Weiyoung.

But I think...

-he seems to serve Prince Gaoyang. -Weiyoung.

Weiyoung.

Weiyoung.

This is from him?

Weiyoung, are you well acquainted with Prince Gaoyang?

Not at all.

He saved my life, that's all.

If it weren't for him, I would have died.

I see.

Young Lady, this bird...

Weiyoung.

-Return it. -Weiyoung.

-The messenger said if you don't like it, -Weiyoung.

-you can just set it free. -Weiyoung.

Jun Tao, gently.

Set it free.

Weiyoung...

Do you really want a parrot?

They drove you out so soon?

You're such a loser.

But I won't give up so easily this time.

What are you looking at?

You bit me?

Whatever happens, I'll persist until the end.

Young Master, you've been practicing for four hours.

Get some rest.

You don't dare to declare your feelings.

All you do is mistreat yourself.

Young Master.

You gave me a fright.

I only get to live once.

Don't say another word.

Sure, I can keep quiet.

Can you not think about it?

Have some water.

I've served you as a child.

How can I not know about your troubles?

While we were on the trip, you prayed to ask for marriage.

I overheard you whisper Lady Weiyoung's name while praying.

You...

LOVE RUNS DEEP AS THE SEA BUT UNREACHABLE

I'm her cousin.

Even if I am adopted, I'm still her cousin in name.

Weiyoung.

Didn't I set you free?

-Why have you returned? -Weiyoung.

Leave now.

Don't ever come here again.

Thick grows the rush leaves.

Their white dew turned to frost.

Weiyoung, the lady on my mind.

She's somewhere on this stream.

THICK GROWS THE RUSH LEAVES, THEIR WHITE DEW TURNED TO FROST

WEIYOUNG, THE LADY ON MY MIND, SHE'S SOMEWHERE ON THIS STREAM

Do you really not know the reason?

Because I'm worried about you. Because I like you.

But I don't like you at all.

I don't feel that way about you.

I treated you like that.

Why would you do this for me?

Weiyoung, the lady on my mind. She's somewhere on this stream.

Your Highness.

Get some rest.

Just...

Just wait a bit longer.

Wait?

Are we waiting for the parrot?

Are you really sure that it will return?

Then it must have lost its way.

But that shouldn't happen.

It has gone back and forth many times.

The brush flew really fast.

If it flies home again this time,

I...

Yes?

I'll have Grandfather banish you to the army.

What has it got to do with me?

It's back!

Weiyoung.

It's such a cute bird.

Do you like it?

Yes.

-I like it. -I saw it on the street.

It looks energetic, so I bought it.

If you like it, I'll give it to you.

I find it troublesome, anyway.

It can keep Xiaoying company.

Thank you, Minde.

Xiaoying?

This is Xiaoying.

Somehow, it flew back again and we can't make it leave.

Young Lady had to keep it.

Jun Tao.

Are you feeling unwell?

You had this strange look all morning.

Jun Tao.

It's just a bird.

It's not a big deal.

Exactly.

Jun Tao.

Wait up!

-Weiyoung. -What's wrong with you?

Weiyoung.

Weiyoung.

Weiyoung.

By the way,

Governess Luo sent over some new tea.

It looks quite good. I'll get you some.

Weiyoung.

Weiyoung.

You call her Weiyoung?

I dare you.

Go on. I dare you.

-Go on. I dare you. -Weiyoung.

-I dare you. -Weiyoung.

I dare you.

You won't stop? I dare you.

Go on.

-I dare you. -Minde.

Weiyoung.

How old are you? Why are you angry at a bird?

It's just a bird.

Why are you so worried?

Or is it that the person who sent it matters more?

You're at fault. Why are you angry?

He really is angry.

Wen Yi.

You've done well in managing the household these days.

Everyone in the manor has been won over.

I also took it to heart.

You've worked really hard.

I can't take the credit for it.

As long as you trust me,

I'll surely do my best to manage our household.

I definitely trust you.

When your sister-in-law was in charge, this was all she did.

Is that so?

If it weren't for all those incidents at Qingfeng Abbey,

Xiaoran wouldn't have left me in charge of the household.

Even now, I still can't understand why Rou picked on Weiyoung.

Even if she's illegitimate, she still addresses her as Mother.

I really can't figure it out.

Rou is seriously...

She claimed to be praying there.

Yet in the dark, she was carrying out her plans.

Rou really has no sense of propriety.

Right, I heard that she previously fell seriously ill.

She's been in poor health?

I've asked about it.

I heard Changle sent for a physician.

Judging from that, it could be quite serious.

You'll have to take care of more matters in this manor now.

Old Madam, you have so much trust in me.

I'll be sure not to disappoint you and Xiaoran.

Good.

-Here. -Yes.

RUYI RESIDENCE

Changru.

The day has finally come!

Congratulations, Mother. Your wish finally came true.

My maiden family isn't as prestigious as Chiyun Rou's.

I'm not as endearing as Zhou Xuemei.

One took hold of managing the household.

The other won Old Madam's heart.

I was the only one who stood alone.

Your father was stationed outside the capital.

His post is mediocre.

Before, decent servants in the manor would belittle me.

But now, look.

Wherever I go, they address me respectfully.

Those who used to think little of me are eager to fawn over me.

But I'm afraid such good days won't last long.

Once Chiyun Rou fully recovers,

I'll have to hand over the management of the household.

Mother, don't you worry.

Our good days won't end so soon.

My dear daughter,

I'm actually very content to have come so far.

I'm just worried about you and Changxi.

You're both very smart and kind.

You're no less pretty than Li Changle.

However, you don't have a family like the Chiyun's.

All these years, Li Changle outshone you.

Hence, people only heard of Prime Minister Li's daughter, Li Changle.

But no one knew of my two clever daughters.

After those incidents,

her reputation as Prime Minister Li's daughter was also ruined.

Indeed.

We finally waited until Li Changle failed.

Yet now, here comes Li Weiyoung to steal the limelight.

I heard Prince Gaoyang is interested in her.

My dear.

When will you both be able to make me proud for once?

Outshine Li Changle and Li Weiyoung.

Who do they think they are?

How are they better than my daughters?

Madam, Young Lady. The Empress has sent a messenger.

-The Empress? -The Empress?

By the Empress' decree,

Lady Changru is invited to attend the Empress' banquet next month.

Shouldn't you express gratitude?

-Thank you, Your Highness. -Thank you, Your Highness.

Apart from the Empress, you should also thank Prince Gaoyang.

If His Highness hadn't mentioned you to the Empress,

I'm afraid Her Highness wouldn't have remembered you.

I thank Her Majesty, the Empress.

I thank Prince Gaoyang.

Not anyone gets to attend the Empress' banquet.

Young Lady, in our manor, only you and Lady Weiyoung are invited.

Lady Changle isn't.

Lady Changle's reputation is ruined because of the disaster relief sham.

The Emperor and Empress no longer trust her.

Don't ever say this out loud again.

If Changle overhears you, you'll be in trouble.

Young Lady, if you get to make an appearance at the banquet,

everyone in Ping City will surely notice you.

I believe that in no time, you'll surely be famous.

It's because I informed Prince Gaoyang in secret.

His Highness is repaying my kindness.

I really was right to use Weiyoung as a pawn.

Changxi.

Young Lady.

Be careful.

Changxi.

Quickly.

How will you take advantage of a confusing situation

if you don't muddle things up first?

Physician.

How is my mother?

There's still some residue of the poison, so it has affected Madam's health.

She should recover

by taking some detox medicine and getting some rest.

However...

Madam seems to be distressed.

There's pent up depression.

Hence, it causes the poison to remain stagnant.

Physician, will my mother be all right?

Rest assured, Young Lady.

I'll surely do my very best.

However, from today onward,

Madam must remain calm and at ease.

She must not be startled or angered.

I understand.

I will leave you now.

Chun Ming.

Sir, this way.

Mother.

You have to get well soon.

What will I do without you?

It's Li Weiyoung.

This is all her fault.

I'll make her pay for it.

Stop right there.

Mother.

Are you awake?

Don't act recklessly.

Mother.

You ended up like this because of her.

Are we going to just let her off?

What do you have in mind?

I'll reason with Father.

The voodoo incident didn't come to any conclusion

because Prince Gaoyang intervened.

But Father should at least speak up for you.

Your father...

He was more than happy that it came to an abrupt end.

Do you think he'll bring it up again?

What matters right now is not to act recklessly.

Otherwise, we'll fall for Li Weiyoung's tricks again.

Young Lady.

Lady Changru is here.

Don't say a word later.

Greetings, Aunt Rou.

I heard that you aren't feeling well.

I'm here to visit you.

Changle, you're here as well.

I didn't know that Aunt Rou was seriously ill.

She can't stand being infuriated anymore.

By the way,

I've sent a fragrant sachet over a few days ago.

Changle, did you like it?

A sachet?

What sachet is it?

I made it myself.

A few days ago, you said that you liked it.

Therefore, I made one for you.

It has been some time now.

Did you not know?

Rong'er.

I remember telling you to deliver it.

What happened?

I'm terribly sorry.

When I was on my way to deliver the sachet that night,

I happened to see the governesses who served the third lady in a panic.

They were carrying a linen bag the size of a human.

It was so dark then, and I didn't know what they were doing.

I had such a fright then.

I didn't dare to go any further.

I thought I would deliver the sachet to Lady Changle in the morning.

But then it was Lady Weiyoung's conferring ceremony the next day.

It was so busy then.

I ended up forgetting about it.

Much time has already passed, and you only remember it now.

Why should I keep you with me?

I'm terribly sorry.

Changle, I'm sorry.

My maid is too incompetent.

I'll bring over the--

Hold on.

Did you just say that you saw the third lady's maids

carry a human-sized linen bag

just the night before Lady Weiyoung's title conferring banquet?

Yes.

Yes.

Mother.

Mother.

Aunt Rou must be tired.

I'll visit you another day.

Mother, are you all right?

That incident...

It was Zhou Xuemei.

It was her.

She set your brother up.

Mother, do you mean to say

Aunt Xuemei got Minfeng into trouble?

Didn't you hear what they just said?

Your brother couldn't figure out how the corpse ended up at the banquet

since he already had it taken care of.

It must be Zhou Xuemei.

It must be her.

She helped Li Weiyoung kill your brother.

I've underestimated her.

She's always been submissive.

Yet she dared to set me up.

Aunt Xuemei?

Aunt Xuemei can't be that bold.

It's Li Minde.

Li Minde must have encouraged her to help Li Weiyoung frame Minfeng.

Zhou Xuemei, Li Minde.

I'll make you pay, an eye for an eye.

Mother.

Mother, you must not get worked up.

Mother.

Zhou Xuemei...

Subtitle translation by Carole Chen