Original subtitles

Guard,

I want to see Dou Shi Shu.

I want to see my grandfather!

Mr. Wu has been innocent all his life.

But he lost his integrity in old age.

He won't come here to get insulted.

Since it was ordered by the Fifth Master,

Seventh Master, please be quick then.

Don't make it difficult for me.

That's for sure.

Seventh Master, this time,

what did Dou Shi Shu tell you to do again?

Mr. Wu.

It's me.

Young Lady Zhao.

Have a good chat.

I'll treat those officers to some wine.

Slowly!

We meet again.

This is the sixth time.

Mr. Wu.

Do you know that this is a trap?

I thought about it too.

But what if it's not a trap?

Even if it's a one-in-a-million chance,

I can't gamble with your life.

I have no regrets about saving you.

But I am ashamed to see my grandfather.

Hadn't you met me,

you would still be

living your peaceful life as usual.

I'm sorry.

I got you into this.

No.

I'm lucky to have met you.

If I hadn't met you,

my life would be nothing but mediocre.

There's no need to feel sorry for me.

The most unpredictable thing in the world

is the human heart and plotting.

If this happens again,

I'm afraid I still won't stay out of it.

Old Mr. Wu,

even the prince who breaks the law

has the same sin as the common people.

The Office of State Affairs will decide on this matter.

Mr. Wu is a good man!

That's right!

What crime did Mr. Wu commit?

Good people don't get rewarded!

I hope Lord Song can make it in time.

I'm not asking for mercy.

I came to plead guilty for myself.

This is my resignation letter.

I...

I am old and dim!

I should have retired a long time ago.

Today, Yan Tang shed light on the war situation in Liaodong

and that enlightened me!

We can't fight this battle!

If I'm no longer around,

who will protect you?

Who will protect the Wu family?

I should work hard and strive for my best

and overcome difficulties with you.

I sincerely ask Your Majesty to listen to what I have to say!

I will then have no regrets!

(Blossom)

(Episode 14)

The time has come.

Wu Shan, the sinner.

Do you have any last words?

The Wu family has these ancestral instructions.

"Go above and serve the emperor,

and to love and to give."

"To have a sense of shame to avoid humiliation."

"Make a name for yourself."

My grandfather was diligent and loyal throughout his life.

Heaven and earth can be the witness.

I would rather die than admit

this false accusation!

You're at this juncture

yet you're talking about these.

Guard,

execute.

Behead!

The emperor's decree!

Mr. Wu, you're invited to seek audience with His Majesty.

Old Mr. Wu, please.

The oral decree from His Majesty.

"Private meetings are not breaking the laws,

nor it betrays the families."

"It is not a major crime."

"Wu Shan is demoted to become the vice director of the Ministry of Works

and to supervise the renovation of Yuanyou Palace

at Jingmen for three years."

"This case is closed!"

Yes, Your Majesty.

De Zhen!

Stop!

This is the seventh time!

Mr. Wu!

May you be safe and happy in the future!

Young Lady Zhao!

I'm lucky to meet you!

In this world,

there will definitely be someone who will be with the same mind as you!

Freedom can be fought for!

Do what you want to do!

Love whom you want to love!

De Zhen is demoted to supervise the renovation of Yuanyou Palace.

At least he can do his favorite carpentry works.

He's not a caged bird controlled by the family anymore.

Don't be so sad.

I am not feeling sad for Wu Shan only.

I lament how difficult this world is.

Each of us is a caged bird.

This world is the biggest cage.

We can't see clearly and break through it.

He wrote this in prison

because he thought he would never see you again.

He told me to burn it.

But I think I should show it to you.

"I'm just sharing this."

"One should seek for the love in his heart."

"Only fools will show his sincerity."

I thought having great strategies are good enough.

But in the face of power,

only then did I realize how small I was.

The world has turned the truth upside down.

And the truth

is in the hands of someone like my fifth uncle.

To say that he's alone,

we might as well say he's compromising.

There's another thing.

Dou Shi Shu has set off to Lizhen.

Lizhen's troops have arrived at Zhenbei.

Dou Shi Shu, the Minister of Rites, you will advocate peace

as you're proficient in foreign languages

and adaptable to circumstances.

Did His Majesty order you

to go to Liaodong in person to make peace with Lizhen?

Could it be that you recommended it to His Majesty?

Well, you're an unappreciated talent.

For such a good opportunity,

I should keep it for you.

You're indeed well-versed in the art of war.

You retreat to advance first

and attack using the strength of another.

It was so superb

that I actually fell into your trap.

You were busy keeping an eye at the Wu family.

You didn't have time for me.

That was a good fight.

Great.

When I return,

I must ask you for a glass of congratulatory wine!

The previous envoy who went to Lizhen,

the grass at his grave is already three feet high.

No wonder he stayed up all night

and left early this morning.

Be it freedom or justice,

we can fight for it.

Who said that a cage can definitely contain a bird?

The world is not worth our sorrow.

It's just that we are still fighting for our cause

and haven't seen the good.

Do you want to stop here

or continue walking up the mountain?

Let's continue walking.

I'll keep you company!

(Three Months Later) (Training Ground)

(Dong Qi) Go!

-Good! Good shot! -Good shot!

He even used the Baodiao bow bestowed by the late emperor.

Looks like Lord Dong is full of vigor

and wants to win the first prize.

Well, kids from the aristocratic families are always full of vigor.

They're just showing off.

Am I right, Yan Tang?

Count of Haichang,

about the hunting competition,

(Mu You Ming) (Count of Haichang) who do you think has the greatest chance of winning?

That goes without saying.

Of course, it's Dong Qi. Look.

He's riding on a Wusun horse.

It is said that the horse can travel a thousand miles in a day!

Song Mo was beaten hard by his father.

I guess he won't be a threat.

Count of Haichang.

Even if Lord Song has only half his life,

he's still capable of making you crippled.

What a bunch of clowns.

How about I get you a Baodiao bow too?

The Jiang family was reduced in power.

If I do well in civil and military and be praised by others,

I'm afraid His Majesty will be troubled about it.

But if I don't make any advance,

His Majesty will think I'm a coward.

Moderation

is the most difficult thing in the world.

Tell me honestly.

Did that female teacher of yours

give you some wise moves again?

Who did Young Lady Zhao guess?

Who did Young Lady Zhao guess?

Ask her yourself.

The noblewoman test is to select a role model for a noblewoman.

The first test is cooking.

Just like humans who have outer and inner appearances,

the examiners will select

the food with best looking and taste.

The second is to test your elegance

on the painting decorations, flower arrangement,

burning incense and brewing tea.

Delicate and charming, cultivate one's moral character.

You must know of this.

Congratulations, Madam.

You're finally here!

I heard that Eunuch Wang announced a decree to reward the Dou family.

The Fifth Master made a great achievement.

His Majesty even allowed the Dou families to attend the ceremony.

That's right.

Well, we were honored by the emperor's kindness.

I made a special trip today

to check on my two daughters

lest they embarrass themselves in front of the royal family.

Madam, you're too modest.

You taught Ming how to cook

and handed money to Mrs. Wei secretly.

I'm sure we will win.

In the past, Dou Zhao lived on the farm.

She has never learned any proper cooking skills.

Besides, Madam Wei is the examiner of the noblewoman test.

She will be dissatisfied with her.

Shi Shu is gaining power now.

Wei Ting Zhen might have already planned this.

What is she dissatisfied with?

It's just that Ming met Wu Shan before.

It has slightly ruined her reputation.

If she can win the competition,

she'll get a good husband.

The most important thing is to make Ming stand out.

The arrival of Princess Shude.

Princess Shude is here!

(Princess Shude)

They're the Dou sisters

who made Mr. Wu demoted and moved from the capital, right?

That's right. They did such a thing.

Yet they still participated in the competition

without feeling ashamed.

You...

I'm sorry.

Fifth Young Lady Dou is eliminated.

Everyone else is preparing meat.

But you're preparing vegetarian food.

How can such an ordinary food

capture the eyes of the royalties?

The weather is dry today.

It's not suitable for meat.

So I prepared sweet mashed potato cake.

Mashed potato cake?

This is just an ordinary pastry.

It's nothing special.

This potato is imported from the West.

You're short-sighted.

That's why you don't know about this.

You...

My goose...

Sixth Young Lady Liang is eliminated.

There's a bottle, plate, jar,

bowl, basket, and tube, six types of containers

on the table.

The flower arranging skills and its artistic concept are different

for each type of container.

Ladies, please choose your container.

His Majesty's first hunt

was a black bear.

Gentlemen, please join the hunt.

We will obey His Majesty's order!

Horsie!

Horsie!

Pei Jin!

Pei Jin!

You're a marquis!

There is no need to compete with those who don't have noble ranks!

Marquis of Jining, you look imposing while riding on the horse!

You know that Pei Jin is not good at riding and shooting.

Why did you provoke him?

I really believe that the Marquis has a hidden talent

who will make achievements.

Don't you think so, madam?

You...

Start the competition!

Who's she?

The fourth young lady of the Dou family from the West.

Her name is Dou Zhao.

So she is Dou Zhao.

Mo, we're hunting.

Why did they blow the horn?

Doesn't this make the animals hide?

This is my first time at the hunting ground.

Don't laugh at me.

This is how the imperial family tells the world.

Since ancient times,

all those who disobeyed imperial orders and hid

were all gone.

Lord Song.

This hunting session has started for some time.

Why are you still empty-handed?

Are you about to admit defeat?

Since your body is weak,

you should join the noblewoman test instead.

Why be stubborn and take the riding and archery test?

Lord Dong Qi, you've lost to my brother for so many years

yet you still take part in this every year.

I wonder who's being stubborn.

Well, your brother relied on the Duke of Ding.

The Jiang family has fallen to this state now.

Yet you're acting proud.

You...

Han, don't argue with them.

That's right though. Let's not delay Lord Song.

Otherwise, he may not catch even a hare.

Let's see what you catch and how you lose.

Mo, I've been practicing hard on riding and shooting lately.

I'm going to hunt something and make you proud.

Madam!

(Winner: Dou Zhao) (Runner-up: Mu Ming)

The winner of the noblewoman test is

Dou Zhao, the fourth young lady of the Dou residence.

Madam.

The royalties and noblemen are hunting,

but you actually placed a bet on it.

The Precepts for Women indicates that

a woman should be humble, respectful, and cautious.

You acted lowly and disgraced yourself.

You humiliated your parents and your future husband's family.

Placing bets for the hunting has been going on for years.

It's just to bring good luck.

Why can't I participate?

Betting is what a man would do.

You're a woman. You cannot place a bet. You...

If men can do it, women can definitely do it too.

Alright.

Very good.

Since you have an improper conduct,

I shall refute your winning in the noblewoman test.

Which rule says that

those who place bets cannot win the noblewoman test?

As long as she's the best,

she will win the test.

This is the rule set by His Majesty.

Don't you agree?

I dare not.

It's just that since ancient times,

we learned that there are differences between men and women.

Shooting and hunting are for the men,

while the noblewoman test is for the women.

Dou Zhao tops the list,

so I should be cautious

lest she become a disgrace among the female officials.

When I was at Dou Zhao's age,

I rode on horses

and drew the bows to shoot prey.

Were I stopped at that?

I also placed bets for the hunting.

Did I humiliate you?

My apologies.

Your Highness, please calm down.

Don't look at me like that.

Do not think that I won't shoot you

just because you're cute.

You're just too cute.

I really can't do it.

That's right.

It's because it's cute.

It seems like its leg is injured.

I... It's not that I didn't shoot it

because I'm bad at riding and shooting.

It's because I think it's so cute.

Bunny.

-Bunny. -It's really cute.

There is a fierceness in your temperament.

It's quite to my liking.

I have never been accustomed to the behavior of those ministries' wives.

The more things you know,

the more they hate you.

Your Highness, I'm sorry to have embarrassed myself.

Being elegant, behave honorably,

good in cooking, flower arranging,

burning incense and tea etiquette,

these are all good.

I appreciate it but I'm also worried about it.

Especially when these become the only criterion for judging women.

I think that women in this world

shouldn't have one way to live.

They should also have different choices

where they can live their lives well too.

Well said.

The Dou family is indeed different.

The hunting session is over.

Everyone, please return to your tents.

Guess who has the best hunting results?

Dong Qi.

I still remember

when Yan Tang participated in hunting for the first time.

He was the youngest among all the contestants.

He was also the one

achieved the best results among the noblemen for decades.

It's a pity now.

Your Highness.

I was guessing the ranking.

The one with the best results may not necessarily win the game.

Lord Song understands this,

that's why he's holding back.

I watched Yan Tang grow up.

He's stubborn.

I didn't think anyone could contain him.

Indeed, everyone does have a weakness.

Your Majesty, I didn't disappoint you.

I got a white-striped tiger.

I've handed it to the officer of Animal Park.

Good.

Why are you so arrogant?

The eyeballs of the tiger hunted by Yan Tang could crush you to death.

Yan Tang.

What did you get?

Your Majesty.

I got a white-flowered venomous snake.

You unworthy son.

I thought you hunted the Kunpeng bird or a dragon.

How dare you feel proud

by getting a useless hunt like a venomous snake?

Venomous snakes are not on the hunting list.

Why did you hunt for it?

Your Majesty got a black bear.

Its figure and ability are as strong as that of a tiger or a lion.

It can be called the king of beasts.

It is benevolent and rarely takes the first move.

It is quite like our kingdom.

A black bear is strong and brave,

but it is often troubled by a venomous snake's sneak attacks.

Your Majesty, I am willing to remove the unimportant threats

and use my life to calm the billows

to preserve the prosperous kingdom.

Look over there.

Once we get the northern land,

you and I will go there to watch the sunrise.

Jiang Mei Sun!

Yes, Your Majesty.

You're exempted from the death sentence.

You're allowed to bring a sword when you see me

and you do not have to bow to me when you see me.

We're not masters and servants,

so you're not going to deceive the emperor.

Your Majesty.

He is not good at riding and shooting, thus failed to live up to your grace.

Yet you have the nerve to argue.

Song Yi Chun.

Your Majesty.

For so many years,

have you ever fulfilled your duties as a husband

and father?

During the hunt more than 20 years ago,

I

bestowed your marriage to your wife, Jiang.

But Jiang passed away not long ago.

Do you really think that I have no idea about those ugly stuff

that happened in your household?

Is this how you repay my grace?

I was inconsiderate.

I'm ashamed, Your Majesty.

Yan Tang was outstanding in riding and shooting.

No one is his rival.

Hadn't you punished him heavily,

he wouldn't be so weak.

Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration.

The imperial court needs men.

Yan Tang.

Don't get caught up in the sadness.

What you hunt is just what I want.

I'm lifting your mourning period.

You're immediately appointed as the commander of the Imperial Guards.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

As for the second son of the Duke of Ying...

I got a deer and a leopard.

Not bad.

Like Dong Qi,

you'll be bestowed with the title of Cavalry Captain and a jade belt.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Your Majesty.

Mr. Dou...

Mr. Dou has returned.

He is at the side hall.

The Crown Prince is questioning him about

the opening of the horse market at Liaodong.

Yan Tang,

come with me.

-Yes, Your Majesty. -Shude, come along.

Farewell, Your Majesty.

Farewell, Your Majesty.

Dou Zhao will come with us.

Although Lizhen has withdrawn the troops,

it is inevitable that they will attack again

once we cut off its way of survival.

I think that having the market in Liaodong

which allows the various tribes of Lizhen

to exchange for cotton and grain with horses

is the long-term strategy to gain peace.

What if they launch an army after they've honed their strength?

It will be hard for the people at the border to survive!

There's a shortage of soldiers and generals at the border.

Even if there's the horse market, there'll be no long-term peace.

Now that the problem has been solved,

we should feign civility,

station the army in secret and prepare for war!

Mr. Wang, I can see that you only want a war.

Is disregarding people's lives

your way of leading an army?

Do you want to use this to control the Six Ministries?

The arrival of His Majesty.

I heard it outside.

The two of you are at loggerheads.

That's too serious.

Be it engaging in war or opening the market,

ultimately

it is about money, isn't it?

The Minister of Revenue is here today.

Mr. Dou Shi Ying, do the math.

This year, we provided disaster relief a few times.

Is it not enough for Liaodong?

You're the crown prince.

Tell me.

What's the best way to do business with Lizhen?

Your Majesty, I am slow-witted.

Unless money falls from the sky,

otherwise, we can't

take care of both at the same time.

Shude.

Tell me about it.

I want to hear your opinions today.

There's no need to be overcautious.

I don't know about the state affairs,

but when it comes to doing business,

Fourth Young Lady Dou, who topped the list of the noblewoman test this year,

is known to be a business wizard.

She's insightful.

Just now,

because of the betting in the hunting competition,

she got some luck.

Your Majesty, please forgive me!

Your Majesty, please forgive me!

Is there such a thing?

Get her here.

Dou Zhao, the winner of the noblewoman test,

is to have an audience with the emperor!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Tell me.

How did you win the betting?

Your Majesty, please calm down.

Your Majesty, I incited them

and made Lord Dong hit the big name.

The rest of the noblemen put their bets on Lord Dong.

while I was the only one who bet on Lord Song

to win the competition.

Shut up.

Your Majesty.

I failed to teach her, thus she was out of the line.

Dou Zhao, seek for forgiveness from His Majesty!

Mr. Dou Shi Ying, you worry too much.

Both Taizu and Taizong built the kingdom through horses.

The royal family and nobles ride around and hunt,

and betting is allowed.

Besides,

for most households,

women take care of the finances.

She wasn't out of the line.

Yes, Your Majesty.

I'm narrow-minded.

Mu Chuan, the Minister of the Works told me that

you contributed in the case of the merchant ships at Futing.

I believe you know

the current predicament of the imperial court.

Tell me if you have any good ideas.

Your Majesty, please allow me to show you something.

Your request is granted.

Because of the maritime trade at Futing,

I got to know about a starchy vegetable from the West.

Its name is potato.

It feels like pastries

where one feels full after having two or three.

It can grow in cold or hot weather,

and regardless of soil.

The Miao family at Futing has tried planting over 100 acres

and sold hundreds of catties.

Do you mean that

whether it's the northern with drought or the southern with floods,

it is suitable to plant it, right?

Replacing half of the provisions in various locations with potatoes

will save about 500,000 taels.

The affected farmers

can convert half of their field to plant potatoes.

It produces crops twice a year,

with April and May as the best months.

If it's planted in autumn,

in spring, it can be taxed for 300,000 taels

and we'll get 70,000 dan of potatoes.

If we're opening a market in Liaodong...

Well, Lizhen didn't specifically say that they only want rice and flour.

Exchanging levied potatoes for horses...

Good.

Isn't this a business where money falls from the sky?

You're indeed the winner of the noblewoman test.

Pass down my order.

Tell the Farming Bureau to do this

and get the money from the Ministry of Revenue.

-Tell Liang Ji Fang to draft a plan. -Yes.

Tell the Court of the Imperial Banquets, the Court of the Imperial Stud

and the Imperial Stud Office to send people to Liaodong

and assist You Ting with the horse market.

If we have horses, we can recruit troops.

If we want a fight,

we can fight at any time.

-But... -Your Majesty...

But what?

Let's do this.

You should get up too.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Dou Zhao.

Since you win the first prize,

how should I reward you?

Dou Zhao and Song Mo each won the first prize.

Of course, you should reward them, Brother.

The two of them look good together though.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

I'm quite good at calculation

and I know how to grow potatoes.

I'm willing to serve the kingdom.

Your Majesty, I...

Your Majesty.

The Dou family isn't family.

We have no male children.

We only have my younger brother's two daughters.

Dou Zhao has a marriage engagement with the Marquis of Jining.

We can't have the Marquis of Jining

to move to Liaodong and grow potatoes, right?

Marquis of Jining?

-Wei Ting Yu? -Yes.

Where's he? How was his performance during the hunting session?

The Marquis of Jining has not returned yet.

The Wei family is a family of generals.

But Wei Ting Yu has poor fighting skills.

He should train with the Imperial Guards.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Yan Tang.

It's time for you to get married.

Princess Jingyu grew up with you.

You're not afraid of her

and you know the ways to restrain her.

Princess Jingyu has an unusual temper.

Brother, please think it over before deciding this.

Lest the princess fall out with you.

I've spoiled her.

Yan Tang,

I have made a promise to you.

Come to me

when you're ready.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Good job on voicing your opinion just now.

You're as knowledgeable as a man.

Congratulations, Lord Song,

for being promoted to the commander of the Imperial Guards.

Dou Shi Shu uses you as a bargaining chip.

You should take the initiative

instead of being passive.

Make him afraid of you.

Children's marriage are arranged by their parents.

This was decided earlier.

If you don't want to fall out with them,

I can break off the engagement for you.

Lord Song.

I will handle this matter myself.

That's the signal flare from the Marquis of Jining.

Young Lady Zhao!

Young Lady Ming is missing.

Madam Song has sent her servants to search everywhere.

It's been two hours and they still haven't been found.

Dou Ming left when she was eliminated.

No one saw her again.

Are they two together?

The Imperial Guard is nearby.

-I'll get the troops. -Lord Song.

The Marquis of Jining cares about his reputation the most.

This matter should not be made public.

Why don't I go with you?

Zhao, I didn't seduce him.

I swear!

If you want me to believe your words,

burn this painting.

If you don't want to fall apart with them,

I can break off the engagement for you.

Stay away from me

and I'll have a lesser burden.

It's for you

and for my good.