Original subtitles

I looked into the matter.

Chiyun Rou's illness was caused by poison.

Poison?

How did Chiyun Rou get poisoned?

Could it be that,

when she coughed up blood to frame me,

it was because of the poison?

I learned some medical skills from my father.

If I remember correctly,

Chiyun Rou's symptoms

are a lot like what one gets when they ingest shady horsetail.

Shady horsetail?

But when Father had Royal Physician Shen take her pulse,

he didn't notice anything.

She bribed Royal Physician Shen.

I'll go capture Royal Physician Shen.

We can force him to tell the truth.

Don't be rash.

Chiyun Rou is very cautious.

If she bribed Royal Physician Shen,

it means she is sure that he would never tell the truth.

Even if we capture him now, it won't help.

It would even cause us trouble.

What should we do, then?

Young Lady.

Young Lady.

I finished your dancing clothes for the banquet.

Take a look.

They're so beautiful.

Bai Zhi, good work.

I haven't seen you dance for so long.

Jun Tao,

you've seen Young Lady dance?

When was that?

I've never seen her dance.

When I saved Jun Tao's life in the countryside,

I just did a little dance, nothing special.

I can't believe she remembered that.

Yes, that's right.

I really want to see Young Lady dance too.

I hate dancing.

If it weren't for the banquet and if we didn't have to perform,

I would never do it.

You're too humble.

Your dancing skills are amazing.

Really?

I'm looking forward to it.

Who are you?

Your Highness.

I've been looking for you for many years.

I've finally found you, Your Highness.

Please return with me.

The Khan

is waiting for you.

"Your Highness"? "The Khan"?

You must have the wrong person.

Your Highness,

the Khan I'm talking about

is Rouran's greatest Tuhezhen Khan.

And Your Highness,

you are the most precious crown prince of Rouran.

I am not mistaken.

The jade flute is proof.

"Rouran"? "Crown prince"?

You're ridiculous.

Your Highness.

If you keep following me, I'm not going to be nice anymore.

Return with me.

Why aren't you fighting back?

Your Highness.

Why would I dare touch you?

I told you, I'm not your crown prince.

You're not my servant either.

The jade flute is proof.

I am not mistaken.

This old thing?

If you like it, it's yours.

Don't follow me.

Your Highness.

Was he telling the truth?

Minde.

Minde.

-Mother. -What are you thinking about?

You're entranced.

Nothing.

Just trivial matters.

My son is all grown up.

He has his own things to worry about now.

Now that I think of it, you're not a child anymore.

It's time for me to find you a good wife.

My son is both smart and strong.

He is also very handsome.

I will definitely find a good wife for you.

Mother.

I don't want a wife.

You have to get married.

Are you being shy?

Could it be

that you have someone you like?

I...

So you do have someone in mind.

Tell me.

Who is this lucky girl?

No matter who it is, I'll get her to marry you.

It's impossible.

She is impossible.

She is the only one who is impossible.

Young Master.

Young Master.

Someone brought this jade flute for you.

Isn't this the flute that you've always had since childhood?

Young Master, when did you lose it?

You talk too much. Get out.

Yes, Young Master.

When your family brought you to me,

you were holding this flute so tightly in your hands.

It's funny.

You were only two years old.

But it was like you knew it.

You knew that this flute was yours.

You held it so tightly and wouldn't let anyone take it.

Mother.

Do you remember what the people who brought me to you looked like?

What did they say?

The person was one of my distant relatives.

He said that he found you on a snowy day,

separated from your family.

He waited for a long time.

Nobody came for you.

So he gave you to me.

It was this jade flute

that you were holding in your hands.

I think

it must have something to do with your parents.

Minde.

If you want to know about your family,

I can help you.

Mother.

I don't want to know about my family.

I only know

that you've raised me.

You've cared for me and educated me.

I have you as my mother,

and that's enough.

Minde.

Yes?

No matter what you want to do,

I'll always support you.

Because in my heart,

your happiness means more than anything.

Do you understand?

Thank you, Mother.

This is my first time

to go to the palace for the Empress' banquet.

I'm so nervous.

This is your first time too, right?

You don't look nervous at all.

Actually, I feel very nervous.

I can feel my heart beating inside me.

By the way, Weiyoung,

let me show you my dancing clothes.

I made it especially for this banquet.

So beautiful.

Are you going to dance?

Yes.

I learned dancing from a teacher before,

but I never had the chance to perform.

This is a good opportunity.

I hope that I'll do well

and that everyone will remember me.

Then

I promise you.

I'll help you fulfill your wish this time.

By the way,

what talent are you going to show?

Me?

Let me keep it a secret for now.

You'll see when the time comes.

Your Highness.

-What is it? -I...

Your Highness.

I came here because I wanted to apologize.

I underestimated you.

But you took action this time and proved your worth.

I never thought you would get amazing results in just a couple of days.

That's very admirable.

Do you mean it?

Okay.

Since you apologized, I'll forgive you.

But in the future, you can't hide from me anymore.

I need you to teach me archery.

Your Highness.

I know that you're a nice person.

But we have different statuses.

Please don't bother me for other things.

You play the flute too?

A little.

Play for me, then.

I'm not skilled enough.

I don't want to hurt your ears.

By the way,

I have to stand guard at the banquet today.

Please excuse me.

I'm going to get you to play for me.

I love events.

And I love being at these events with you all.

Please make yourselves at home.

Since the Empress has said so,

please don't be shy.

Whatever talents you have, please show them.

The princes are all here today.

What a wonderful day.

Mother, why isn't Lady Changle here?

How could it be an event without her song and dance?

I didn't invite her.

It's not like only Li Changle knows how to sing and dance.

No.

The ladies here today are all very talented.

I'm sure that they won't disappoint us.

Mother, this is Lady Anping

who saved the people with her disaster relief plan.

She is smart and witty.

I'm sure that her talent will be very eye-opening.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

What would you like to perform, Lady Anping?

How about you show everyone your talent?

I'm not skilled enough.

I worry that I'll disappoint you and the princes, Your Majesty.

How about I recommend someone?

Who is it?

Your Majesty.

It's my younger cousin, Li Changru.

My cousin's dancing skills are exceptional.

I'm sure that you'll like her performance.

Changru.

Your Majesty, my name is Li Changru.

Since Lady Anping recommended you,

let's have you perform for everyone.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do a good job.

Yes, sir.

What's wrong?

What happened?

Your Majesty,

I'm suddenly not feeling well. I can't play anymore.

Please forgive me, Your Majesty.

We have dancing, but no music.

How terrible.

I guess we won't be able to see her continue the dance today.

You may leave.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Could I play the music for Changru?

Grandmother,

I'm willing to play together with Lady Anping to make you happy.

Very well.

I haven't heard my grandson play in so long.

I'll allow it.

Mother.

Di.

What is it?

It would be too boring with just the guzheng performance.

Wouldn't it be better to have the flute performance too?

Li Minde.

Royal Guard Li Minde pays his respects to Your Majesty.

You may rise.

So this is the great flute player

you were talking about?

You don't believe me?

Li Minde, play for the Empress.

Yes, Your Majesty.

See? I told you.

You'll never win.

So annoying.

Wonderful.

-Great dancing. -She is very good.

The music was wonderful.

Great dancing, great guzheng performance,

and great flute performance.

Reward them.

Reward them all.

-Thank you, Your Majesty. -Thank you, Grandmother.

Changru, you are full of surprises.

You not only tell good stories,

but you are good at dancing as well.

It makes me happier than anything else

to hear Your Highness compliment me.

Really?

Even happier than being complimented by the Empress?

I heard that you made your dancing clothes yourself.

Yes, Your Highness.

The material is light

and floats very gracefully.

It suits you well.

You are very talented.

Thank you for your help at the banquet today, Weiyoung.

No need to thank me, Changru.

I'm not just thanking you for the music.

I know that you're probably very good at dancing as well.

If you had danced,

you would have received even more praise.

But you gave me the opportunity instead.

You have the talent, Changru.

That's why you got the opportunity.

As long as your wish is fulfilled, that's all that matters.

Thank you, Weiyoung.

Did you hear?

Lady Changru danced at the banquet

and received lots of rewards from the Empress.

-Really? -Yes.

I heard that she did very well.

What kind of dance was it?

It was a water sleeve dance.

A water sleeve dance?

What about Lady Changle?

-Tan Xiang. -Hurry.

What's going on?

Lady Changru was invited to the Empress' banquet.

She performed a water sleeve dance

and received compliments from the Empress.

The Empress held a banquet?

Why didn't I know?

When did this happen?

Changxi.

These are gifts from the Empress.

They're very valuable. Be careful.

I know.

Changru.

This time,

my daughter was in the limelight.

Why didn't you bring me along?

If I sang a song in front of the Empress,

maybe I would also become famous.

Do you think you can go to the Empress' banquet as you like?

Silly girl.

Changru.

Are these the dancing clothes you wore to the banquet?

Since you don't need them anymore,

how about you give them to me?

No.

I can give you anything else.

But you can't have this.

I heard that you made your dancing clothes yourself.

The material is light

and floats very gracefully.

It suits you well.

Having fun here?

Lady Changle.

Why did you bring so many people here?

I came here to congratulate Changru.

Why didn't I know about the Empress' banquet?

The Empress didn't invite you.

That's why you didn't know, Lady Changle.

I was the only one who didn't know.

Even the maids in the manor knew about it.

You must have hidden it from me alone.

My mother was worried that if you were mad about it,

my sister wouldn't be able to go anymore.

Stop it.

Aunt Yi, since you started managing the Li household,

not only did you gain more power,

I think you also gained more guts as well.

I wonder who is really

in charge of the Li family.

-Servants. -Yes, Lady Changle.

Wreck the place.

Stop.

These are gifts from the Empress.

Are you still going to wreck them?

Of course, I wouldn't touch the gifts from the Empress.

Wreck the place now!

-Yes, Lady Changle. -Yes, Lady Changle.

-These must be -Mother.

the dancing clothes you wore.

-Give them back. -Tan Xiang.

Yes, Lady Changle.

No!

No.

Young Lady.

Changru.

Changru.

What happened?

Changle brought people here and wrecked the whole place.

She even cut up Changru's dancing clothes.

What use is it being the manager of the house?

Because of her background,

she does whatever she wants.

As for us,

we can only be bullied.

Changru.

Don't be sad.

I'll make you another set.

Weiyoung.

I'm so mad.

How could she do this to me?

Must we be bullied by her for our whole lives?

No, we won't.

Li Changle will get what she deserves

for bullying everyone like that.

Aunt Yi.

Would you be willing to work with me?

Weiyoung.

What do you mean?

SONGTAO RESIDENCE

Mother, I don't want this one.

Putting it on takes too long.

No, you have to bring it.

Why do I have to bring so much stuff?

Mother.

I don't need all these clothes.

I'm only leaving for a few months.

You're taking care of things on behalf of your uncle.

The Emperor approved of it.

Of course, you have to dress up well.

I prepared a lot of clothes

so that you can switch it up.

Then nobody will look down on you.

Fine.

I won't be able to go through all of them.

Minde.

Your uncle really trusts you now.

I don't know if I should be happy for you.

Aunt Xuemei.

Haven't you always hoped for Minde to be successful?

Now he has a position in the palace

and earned Father's trust.

He even helps Father deal with affairs at the manor sometimes.

You should be very proud.

-Yes. -That's true,

but Minde has to leave every few days now.

He just came back from Zhending

and now he is leaving again.

Aunt Xuemei, is this because you'll miss Minde?

That's one of the reasons.

But most importantly,

it's dangerous out there right now.

I'm worried something will happen to Minde.

That won't happen.

Mother.

Don't worry about me.

I can take care of myself.

Normal people can't hurt me at all.

Ping An.

-Yes, Lady Zhou. -Take care of him.

If anything happens to him,

-I... -Lady Zhou,

you can hold me responsible.

Mother.

Don't worry.

When I'm not at home, take care of yourself.

I won't go out.

What will happen here at home?

Mother.

I'm going to make you and everyone proud.

I won't let you down.

Good boy.

Minde.

It's a long road.

Be careful, okay?

You too.

By the way, I need to ask you a favor.

Don't worry,

I'll take care of Aunt Xuemei for you.

All right, Mother.

I'll get going then.

I'll walk you out.

Let's go.

Go.

What's wrong, Young Lady?

I don't know why.

I suddenly feel worried.

I might be overthinking.

Li Minde!

Stop!

Your Highness.

What's with the expression?

I didn't do anything to you.

Why are you wearing your own clothes?

I have errands

that will take me away for a while.

I came here today to pass on my responsibilities.

You're going away?

Where are you going?

I need to run some errands for my uncle.

It's a long road. It might be dangerous.

Please, Your Highness,

just let me be.

I didn't say I was going to do something.

If it's dangerous,

you have to be careful.

Your Highness mustn't worry about me.

How can that be?

I treat you as a friend.

Is it wrong to care about a friend?

Don't worry.

I'll take care of your family for you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Majesty.

Hey! Li Minde!

JUNLAN COURT

HISTORY OF QIN AND HAN DYNASTY

I've arranged everything.

Aunt Yi, we'll leave it to you now.

Lady Changle.

Where is that maid from?

Young Lady,

she is from Lady Changxi's room.

Have some more.

You have to drink it all.

It's not yet time for lunch or dinner.

What is Changxi eating?

Changle, why are you here?

This is my house.

I can go anywhere I want.

What?

You're not happy to see me?

-No. -No.

Why would you say that?

We are very happy that you came to visit us.

What was that?

Why are you being secretive?

Lady Changle.

It's a soup made from an assortment of flowers.

I looked everywhere for the recipe.

It's supposed to heal scars and make your skin glow.

We healed the scar on her face with it.

But it's nothing of value.

Lady Changle, don't worry about it.

Aunt Yi, don't worry.

I was just curious.

Sit down, Changxi.

I want to chat with you.

Aunt Yi, you can go now.

I want to talk to Changxi alone.

Mother, do you need something?

You used to have a scar on your face.

Why is it gone now?

It's all because my mother found...

Why are you here again, Changle?

Why are you hiding things from me?

I saw everything

in that bowl of yours.

Changle,

please don't tell anyone.

Or I won't get to drink it anymore.

What is it, then?

It's...

It's called Ba Zhen soup.

Ba Zhen?

What's that?

We got the recipe from a brothel.

Women can drink it.

Men can even drink it to become stronger.

This...

This soup...

You...

Changle, don't tell anyone.

I had no choice.

It was the only way.

Look. My scar has healed.

If I have three more bowls, my skin will get better.

Please, Changle.

Don't tell anyone.

Get up now.

Changle, please forgive me.

Get up. Hurry.

Changle, let me tell you something.

If you drink this regularly,

your skin will look amazing

and you'll look youthful all the time.

I heard that

the concubines in the palace

all use it to stay beautiful.

Stop that nonsense.

Think about it, Changle.

If you start drinking it,

you'll be even more beautiful.

If that happens, what man wouldn't fall for you?

Stop that nonsense.

I would never touch anything like that.

Also, don't ever bring this up again.

Changxi.

Did she find out?

This is all your fault, Mother.

I usually drink it at nighttime.

But you had me drink it in the afternoon today.

She saw everything.

I had to spend a lot of effort trying to cover for myself.

We want her to know about it.

What do you mean, Mother?

Your cousin loves being beautiful.

It's as important as her life.

I think she'll be back soon.

Aunt Xuemei.

Weiyoung.

Aunt Xuemei, where are you going?

I'm going to pray at the abbey

for Minde's safety on the journey.

Jun Tao.

Follow Aunt Xuemei and protect her.

No need.

We have a lot of servants.

Aunt Xuemei, just accept my offer.

With Jun Tao by your side,

I'll feel even more assured.

Thank you, Weiyoung.

I'll get going now.

Okay.

Be careful too, Young Lady.

What's wrong?

What is it?

-My stomach... -Your husband is so cruel.

How could he let you come out by yourself?

-Does it hurt? -It does.

Stop.

Help me.

-Are you okay? -Madam, help me.

Help the child inside me.

Jun Tao.

Help her in the carriage.

My child.

Please.

Help my child.

Jun Tao.

Hurry up. She is going to die.

You have to hold on.

Yes, miss.

Please.

Hold on.

-It hurts. -They came to save you.

-Here. -They are here.

Slowly.

-Yes. -Watch out.

Slow down.

Here.

-Thank you, Madam. -Get in now.

Be careful.

Slowly.

Madam, you are so kind.

Stay strong. We'll be there soon.

Hurry up.

You have a kind heart, Lady Zhou.

It hurts.

-Be strong. -I will.

Young Lady.

Did anything happen with Aunt Xuemei today?

It went smoothly.

Don't worry, Young Lady.

But she is too kind.

A woman fainted by the road.

She was pregnant, so Lady Zhou let her in the carriage,

despite that woman being a peasant.

Aunt Xuemei has always been kind.

You disguised as a pregnant lady and asked Zhou Xuemei for help.

Of course, she decided to help you.

To repay her,

I put a handkerchief used by a plague victim by her side.

Lady Zhou is weak.

I am sure that she will fall ill just like you planned, Madam.

Young Lady.

How is it?

I asked a couple of physicians and confirmed it with them.

Ba Zhen Soup really can make women beautiful.

And it makes you healthier as well.

I think what Lady Changxi said is true.

HEXIANG COURT

What's wrong?

I have a headache. I can't fall asleep.

Should we get a physician?

It's late now.

We shouldn't trouble everyone.

It's nothing serious.

Fine. Let's go to bed.

Hurry.

Are you having it again?

Changle, why are you here?

It does smell pretty good.

Can it really make you beautiful and healthy?

Changle, to tell you the truth,

it's even more effective than ginseng or snow lotus.

Then...

if you drink it,

will there be any bad effects?

Why would there be bad effects?

If there were, why would so many people drink it?

You must know

that you can't find this everywhere.

It's really hard to get.

This soup is as valuable as gold.

Changle.

Would you like to take some with you?

Ping An.

Do you think Mother would like this gift?

Young Master, be it rare scriptures

or a blade of straw,

I believe that your mother will like anything you give her.

Who is this for?

It seems a bit too flashy.

It does not suit Lady Zhou.

That's not for Mother.

Who is it for, then?

Why are you asking so much?

Do you have a death wish?

Young Master, I know.

It must be for Lady Weiyoung.

Young Master.

What's wrong, Lady Zhou? You're bleeding.

Why isn't Minde home yet?

Did something happen to him?

Lady Zhou, don't think too much.

Young Master has good fortune.

I'm sure he'll return safely.

He has good fortune.

Yes.

My Minde has good fortune.

He'll be fine.

-Here, Lady Zhou, have some water. -Okay.

Lady Zhou.

Lady Zhou!

Help!

Help!

Subtitle translation by Sophie Chang