Original subtitles

Recently, You Ting has been sending local specialties as gifts

to noble families and officials

in the capital for the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Even Minister Dou has accepted lavish gifts from him.

Their interactions have grown frequent.

What's your take on this?

I would not criticize a senior minister lightly.

Besides, with the northern Lichen clan

petitioning for additional grain supplies,

only Minister Dou,

fluent in their language,

can navigate such delicate diplomacy.

If we dismiss him based on mere associations,

it would unsettle the people of Liaodong.

You don't suspect that Prince Qing's friendship with Dou Shi Shu

might be a ploy to undermine your standing as the Crown Prince?

Your health is already fragile.

If we fight among themselves now, it would be the height of filial impiety

and would only amplify the court's atmosphere

of suspicion and division,

disappointing both officials and the people.

You've grown wiser,

but remember,

one hand alone cannot clap, and a single tree cannot support a forest.

Leadership requires unity and collaboration.

You should learn from your brother how to win the hearts of the capable.

I may lack finesse,

but I focus on diligence, self-discipline,

loyalty, and serving the people.

I've spent years giving my all

to live up to the responsibility of being Crown Prince

and honoring

the legacy of our ancestors.

You may go.

What do you think of the Crown Prince?

This concerns the successor of the throne.

I wouldn't dare to speak out of turn.

You watched him grow up.

He appears proud and reserved,

but he actually has a kind heart.

Every year on my birthday,

others try to curry favor

with auspicious gifts or mystical advisors,

but he consistently

sends locust samples, seedlings,

and raw silk from across the empire.

He doesn't even know how to put on a show,

let alone build factions.

I don't know whether to blame Liang Ji Fang

for teaching him too well

or too naively.

Your Majesty, your efforts have borne fruit.

The Crown Prince's integrity and uprightness

will naturally inspire loyalty from worthy officials.

You Sheng is not just the Crown Prince of the empire,

he's also my son.

Yan Tang is a sword sharp enough to be of use.

It's time the Crown Prince learns how to wield it.

(Blossom)

(Episode 27)

So the Crown Prince's moves

were meant to monitor and warn you,

not to draw you to his side.

The Crown Prince's focus

is on securing the empire.

He already sees the throne as his.

He isn't the mastermind behind this.

If the Crown Prince's influence weakens

and Prince Qing really wants to seize the throne,

what would his first move be?

First, he'd target military power.

Many of the noble families who command troops

already favor Prince Qing.

With the horse market in Liaodong

and control of the border trade,

he could sustain any army size.

Dou Shi Shu oversees the Ministry of War

and manages all troop deployments,

If he sided with Prince Qing,

they could quietly amass forces and march straight into the capital.

Second, before initiating a rebellion,

Prince Qing would need to silence key officials to block any warnings.

If he succeeded, he would then require the support of the civil officials

to stabilize governance.

If that's the case,

other than Uncle Shi Shu,

there must be many within the Six Ministries, the Nine Court Ministers,

and even the palace who secretly support Prince Qing.

I've heard from Mr. Chen

that Mu Chuan's promotion to Minister of Works

was thanks to Empress Wan.

Beyond military power and the outer court,

the key lies within the palace and the capital's defenses,

especially the Imperial Guards.

From Wei Lue's coup at Gaoping Tomb

to the Xuanwu Gate Incident in Tang dynasty,

the critical blow in each case

came from the support of the Imperial Guards.

No matter which direction they launch their rebellion from,

they can't bypass you.

Which is why, after the chaos of the bandits entering the capital,

they replaced the city's defenses with their own men.

When the time comes, they could either open the gates wide

or directly confine His Majesty.

It would all be over in one move.

Among the eunuchs, aside from the two Eunuch Wang,

there are six or seven others who wield great power.

If we investigate each one individually, we risk alarming them.

The Crown Prince has always carried himself as if he has no ambitions.

It's hard to discern his true intentions.

But if he's aware of what Prince Qing is trying to do,

would he panic and react rashly,

or would he quietly maneuver behind the scenes?

Perhaps we should first test the Crown Prince's influence.

Prince Qing seems to have the stronger odds.

But if I side with Prince Qing,

even if he succeeds,

he'll forever be branded as a thief of the throne, a traitor to the dynasty.

Whether he succeeds or fails,

the outcome won't end well for his supporters.

Prince Qing hasn't even taken the throne yet,

and he's already setting out to eliminate his allies.

Don't worry.

I know where to draw the line.

I won't let blind loyalty cause you any suffering

Uncle Shi Shu has aligned himself with Prince Qing.

conspiring to undermine imperial authority.

If uncovered, it would be a grave offense.

My grandmother, father, and even I

would be implicated.

When Empress Wan pushed for our marriage,

it must have been part of the scheme,

to make you hesitate in your actions.

As the art of war teaches,

to overthrow armies and kill generals,

you must exploit their five vulnerabilities.

The cruelest among them is leveraging their compassion,

forcing a general to exhaust himself in rescue missions,

or worse, using his loved ones as shields

on the battlefield to break his resolve

without a fight.

In ruthlessness,

I am no match for Dou Shi Shu.

But I refuse to be anyone's shield.

I am a person,

not a tool for coercion.

I won't repeat Mother's fate or the path of the Duke of Ding.

What they couldn't fight for,

we will.

Agreed.

From now on,

I'll dye your hair every month,

so you won't turn into an old man with white hair.

It's a deal.

Your Grace, you've always been so creative.

This new design is beautiful.

Your Grace!

We got a problem, Your Grace!

Princess Shude just sent a message,

saying she's in urgent need of help!

What's going on?

They're missing one for mahjong.

(Palace of Tranquil Longevity)

Dou Zhao,

if Her Majesty hadn't reminded me,

I would've almost forgotten my best mahjong partner.

This is the Empress,

and this is the Crown Princess.

Greetings, Your Majesty,

Your Highness.

I've heard much about your talents for wealth.

Truly, you are a role model for women.

You flatter me, Your Majesty.

You've arrived just in time.

We were short one player.

Let's get started.

Bring it in.

I must ask Your Majesty

and Your Highnesses

to forgive me if I appear clumsy at this.

Nine.

I wonder how my luck will hold today.

Luck? There's no such thing in mahjong.

Skill matters more than luck.

A good game

depends on the player.

If you want to win,

it depends on who you're playing with, and how you play.

You're right, Mother.

Every game

has its winners and losers.

Sometimes, though, the outcome isn't clear right away.

Three bamboos.

Mahjong!

Seven-dot wait.

I don't believe this.

Let's play eight more rounds.

I have to see if your luck holds up.

It's just a lucky streak.

When it comes to real skill,

no one beats Mother.

Eight rounds?

With a princess,

an empress,

and a crown princess?

This isn't mahjong,

it's my funeral.

Mahjong!

That was exhilarating!

But Dou Zhao, your luck doesn't seem to be with you today.

You've lost to three of us.

Lady Dou,

you're not letting us win, are you?

I've only just learned to play.

Please forgive me for not being good at this.

I heard that when the Duke of Ying went to Liaodong

to help resettle the Jiang family,

he and Prince Qing bonded instantly,

finding much in common.

Yan Tang did approach His Highness for assistance

to ensure that the elderly and ailing in the family could receive medical care,

and that leaky homes could be repaired.

Perfectly understandable.

Loyalty and filial piety go hand in hand.

Without filial piety, where does loyalty come from?

Prince Qing grew up under my care until he was twelve,

then was sent to a barren fiefdom

without the benefit of scholarly guidance.

Yet, he has still earned the respect of court officials,

thanks to his reputation

for loyalty and courage in serving the country.

Five dots. Mahjong!

Lady Dou, you are indeed clever.

Your game is most impressive.

Your Grace, wasn't it just a game of mahjong?

Why do you look so exhausted?

We've been playing since the afternoon.

I never imagined people could have such stamina for a game.

That wasn't just any game, it was a battlefield.

So, who won the most?

Judging by the results, it was undoubtedly Her Majesty.

Lady Dou.

Her Majesty has requested your presence.

Please proceed to Kunning Palace.

It's an honor to be summoned by Her Majesty. Please lead the way.

Please come.

Your Majesty, the Duchess of Ying is here.

-Your Majesty. -Ah, finally, someone to give me advice.

Come, take a look at these papers.

His Majesty is enforcing a frugality campaign

cutting back on everything from clothing allowances to paper usage.

Give me some advice.

The palace uses over nine million sheets of paper annually,

half of which is used for bookmaking and recordkeeping.

While bamboo and hemp paper are cheaper,

they're prone to pest damage and don't last long.

I recommend switching to straw paper.

If it's produced locally near the capital with simplified methods,

costs can be reduced by 40%.

Additionally, recycling used paper could save even more.

You really know your craft.

You've saved me a lot of trouble.

You flatter me, Your Majesty.

You're a woman of exceptional intellect and business acumen,

and your husband is a brave and stalwart pillar of the nation.

If he were to train troops in Liaodong,

he could secure peace and protect the nation.

Though his health is a concern.

Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.

The rare Snow Mushroom from Liaodong,

said to grow only once every 300 years,

is believed to heal wounds and revive the gravely ill.

This Snow Essence Pill contains a fraction of its essence.

With your knowledge of medicine,

perhaps you could try it and see if its claims are truly miraculous.

Lord Shi once tried gifting this very remedy to the Duke,

but the Duke didn't even glance at it.

He threw Lord Shi out on the spot.

A husband and wife may share one mind,

but are you really willing

to put his life at risk, Your Grace?

Your niece is a clever and capable woman.

I'd like to help her if I could.

She's certainly capable,

so capable that she dragged someone who never meddled in court affairs

into these murky waters.

You're the one who dragged me into it.

The entire court knows it was my recommendation that elevated you.

By aiding Prince Qing,

you've made it appear to my brother and the court

that I, too, support his ambitions to seize the throne.

I'm a member of the royal family,

and you should know where my boundaries lie.

Whatever you've done,

stop it now.

-It's too late to stop. -You're even disobeying me now?

-Please calm down, Your Highness. -I didn't tell you to kneel! Get up!

As your subject, I have no reason not to kneel.

Life is like swimming against a fierce current.

You must abandon all that's unnecessary

to fight your way upstream.

You taught me that all those years ago.

When did I ever teach you that?

Back when I was serving as a county assistant in Dengzhou,

my origins were humble,

and I had no prestigious mentors to back me.

For years,

I lived like a shadow of a man,

nothing more than a stepping stone in the eyes of others.

The accomplishments I worked tirelessly for

became their promotions to magistrate,

to positions in the capital.

And I remained that stepping stone.

So,

I thought of resigning to retake the imperial exams,

but even that was denied.

At that time, I had just lost my elderly husband.

I secluded myself in the temple, performing rites and praying.

You wrote me a piece of ceremonial prose,

and I repaid you with a ladder to ascend.

Now you're the Secondary Grand Secretary.

Isn't that enough?

The ceremonial prose you wrote for me was excellent.

I should do something in return for you.

I just wish to resign and retake the imperial exams,

so I can earn a higher rank

and be assigned to a place where I can really make a difference.

There's no such place.

I've written you a letter of recommendation

to the Ministry of Personnel.

You'll be the magistrate of Haiyan County next month.

But I want to achieve this on my own.

Taking a shortcut is nothing to be ashamed of.

Dignity and ideals,

they're luxuries you can't afford right now.

I've abandoned so much,

endured people calling me a sycophant, shamelessly climbing my way up.

But I don't care.

I just want to see how high the shortcuts I took,

sacrificing my dignity and ideals,

can carry me.

How high I'm meant to go!

Our Dou family

might have started as peddlers,

but through me,

we'll stand tall as an unshakable noble house.

Shi Shu,

I traded my happiness in marriage

to secure wealth and freedom,

but I've never harmed anyone in the process.

The road you're taking is far too dangerous.

You'll ruin yourself,

and me along with you.

Your Highness,

I will help you.

One day,

everything you desire,

I will make sure it's yours.

You're back.

Where did this Snow Essence Pill come from?

I took it from the Empress.

She thinks this so-called cure will coax me into bowing to her will,

but you know full well I'd never compromise

my integrity for the sake of survival.

I know

you want justice and vengeance,

but Mr. Chen has searched far and wide for Snow Mushroom without success.

Now that this pill is right here in front of us,

shouldn't we at least try it?

The Empress and Prince Qing are counting on this.

If this pill actually works and gives me hope for a longer life,

you won't bear to lose me, and I won't want to leave you.

By then, we'd crave a second pill, a third pill.

Whatever she demands, we'd have no choice but to obey.

We'll deal with the future when it comes.

As long as there's even the slightest hope,

I want you to live.

Then we'll be playing right into the Empress's hands.

This is her way of pulling us into Prince Qing's camp.

I know the Empress has ulterior motives,

but don't worry,

I stole this pill.

You stole it?

I found out

that Prince Qing was sending a shipment of treasures to the Empress today,

including the Snow Essence Pill.

Beat them up!

Take all the treasures with us!

Come on, let's go!

I have no intention of siding with Prince Qing,

but I want my husband to stay alive.

I'm sorry, Shou Gu.

I misunderstood you.

In the past, I was consumed by seeking truth and revenge

that I'd risk everything.

But now that you've given me a home,

I'm no longer just living for myself.

I promise you, even if I face impossible choices in the future,

my priority will be protecting our home.

I'll take the pill now.

He had already sided with Prince Qing by then.

He must've taken the pill then,

yet he still had white hair and signs of poisoning.

Wait.

Su Lan.

-Yes, Your Grace. -Bring me a bowl of warm water

and fetch my medicine box.

Yes, Your Grace.

You think

there's something wrong with this pill?

Poisoned blood turns purple-black.

If this really is an antidote,

there should be some reaction.

Look!

It's changing color.

That means it works.

Shou Gu!

Zhang Ru!

Shou Gu!

You're back?

Weren't you in Diannan visiting Uncle?

What brings you back so soon?

Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up. I rushed back to celebrate.

Looks like you've been so busy you forgot.

You've never been this enthusiastic about any festival before.

Is there someone special

to celebrate with this year?

No one.

The lantern festival is about to start. Why are you still here?

I'm going to check it out first.

Come on.

Let's go check it out.

The bandits

dared to rob imperial stuff?

This is ridiculous.

They appear to be remnants of the Cangbei Gang.

The Cangbei Gang was wiped out.

Besides, how could it be a coincidence

that the Snow Essence Pill was among the stolen items?

Could it be Dou Zhao?

It doesn't make sense.

She rejected it so determinedly before.

If she wouldn't take it when offered,

why go to such lengths to steal it now?

Looks like these people were simply after wealth.

It can't be that simple.

Dou Zhao is meticulous and cunning.

She must be behind this.

Since she won't accept kindness, she'll respond to force.

Shall I have Dou Zhao brought in?

No.

Without evidence,

we can't touch her.

Since she won't join us as an ally,

she is an enemy then.

Lantern riddles!

Come try your luck, lady. Two coins a turn.

Guess right, and you win a lantern.

At the year's end, fish and rice abound.

I recognize the words,

but putting them together...

The answer is "scale".

Scale?

Let me see.

You got it right!

Not only are you skilled in martial arts,

but you're also really clever.

Here's your lantern.

It's so cute!

It's a little rabbit.

Adorable.

Look at it.

Do you like this lantern?

Yes.

Shou Gu...

What's wrong?

I feel like someone's following us.

Who?

Maybe I was just being paranoid.

Let's go then.

Why did you stop me?

No cheating.

We had a bet, remember?

If you interrupt them now, it counts as breaking the rules.

I wasn't planning to interrupt.

I just don't want to lose them.

Let's go.

Are you alright?

Yes.

Let me carry you.

This is so embarrassing.

Careful.

I'm going to fall off.

Let me guide you.

Let's see who's faster, you or my little rabbit lantern?

How did they disappear

-in the blink of an eye? -Let's look around.

Oh no, oh no, she definitely saw me!

It's so dark, she couldn't have seen you.

-Don't worry. -She definitely saw me!

We locked eyes just now.

It was just a short moment,

she probably didn't see us, right?

What's wrong?

Commander Chen?

Wait, no, we're not going that way.

We should turn around. We're going the wrong way.

No, this is the way.

Your Graces,

Young Lady Zhao twisted her ankle.

I'll make sure she gets back to the residence safely.

Please don't worry.

Zhang Ru,

just take care.

Shou Gu...

Regardless of anything,

Chen Jia had the courage to step forward and explain himself.

That shows some responsibility.

So, are we done following them now?

Yes.

Then, can we

finally enjoy the lantern festival together?

Young Master Han.

Young Lady Miao.

I brought you this lantern from the festival.

It's Mid-Autumn Festival today,

but I didn't see you out there.

Mid-Autumn?

Who do I even have left

in the world to celebrate with?

This is freshly made Dingsheng cakes,

with a bit of peanut filling.

I saved some especially for you.

Eating these during Mid-Autumn symbolizes progress and peace.

It's a lucky tradition.

Thank you, Young Lady Miao.

But

the things you're talking about,

none of that is possible for me anymore.

Young Master,

one's path in life is forged step by step.

Back when my family faced hard times,

we gritted our teeth and bore through it together.

Even the toughest days eventually passed.

Things will get better, little by little.

Here, try one.

You're right.

The worst is behind me now.

Thank you, Young Lady Miao.

You always find a way to comfort me when I'm at my lowest,

and I don't know how to repay you.

When you handed me the cake,

your hands were so cold.

Here.

If a few casual words can make you feel better,

that makes me happy too.

It may seem like just a few kind words to you,

but to me,

they're like warmth in the snow.

I can't keep hiding like this.

It's time I walk out of this house,

stand tall,

and carve my own path.

Look,

in this silence,

the moon seems even more beautiful.

It does.

I remember there's a poem

about the moon and bamboo.

What was it again?

What night has no moon?

What place has no bamboo and cypress?

But few are as carefree as the two of us.

Is that it?

Yes.

Shou Gu?

Shou Gu, why are you crying?

This antidote

only suppresses the poison temporarily.

It doesn't cure it,

just buys you some time.

It's alright.

Look at me. I'm fine, aren't I?

Besides, maybe the poison will never flare up again.

We'll figure something out.

Don't cry anymore, alright?

(Liaodong)

Your Highness, your arrows never miss their mark,

each shot is flawless.

Your skill with the bow is unmatched.

You brothers are quite the pair.

One goes out of his way to reject my goodwill,

while the other travels miles

just to flatter me,

My brother and father may have let you down,

but I'm not like them.

I have no use for incompetents,

nor do I care for

disloyal men.

I didn't have a choice in the past,

but now

I want to make one for myself.

I refuse to spend my life beneath others.

All I need is one opportunity,

and the loyalty I repay you with will rival anything

my brother could offer.

I'm listening.

Just now, you released your arrow

before the target even fully emerged.

It's clear you've practiced extensively with that particular target

and know its trajectory inside out.

But on the battlefield,

things are unpredictable.

If you had a sparring partner

to simulate such unpredictability,

you could truly achieve unfailing precision.

And if I were to miss,

the gossip would not be flattering.

If your arrow is aimed at Song Mo,

with me by your side, you won't miss.

Compared to a mere servant,

you need someone with status

to navigate the circles of young nobles and officials on your behalf.

Someone who understands military strategy

to uncover schemes in the court and adapt to shifting dynamics.

And someone skilled in combat

to ensure that the capital's defenses

don't fall entirely into Song Mo's hands.

By your logic,

it sounds like I need you

more than you need me.

If you examine lineage,

martial skill, or strategy individually,

I might not be your best choice.

But I embody all three,

coupled with the resolve to fight my way out of any dead end.

Warfare thrives on deception,

and I was born to be the unpredictable piece Song Mo can never counter.

Only I can silently

stir the winds and reshape the tides

for you.

The officials are soon to petition my father

to open an imperial examination to recruit fresh talent.

If you can prove yourself in the imperial exams,

I will make good use of you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Teacher.

Song Han's every word and move

was just as you predicted.

Your foresight is unparalleled.

It's just a plan of setting a tiger against a wolf.

Song Han is at the edge of desperation.

If he cannot rise to become a fierce wolf,

his suspicious and calculating nature

will trap him in a constant state of fear and guilt.

At that point, he will find life unbearable.

Song Han's predicament mirrors my own.

No matter how capable he is,

Song Mo will never allow him to shine.

As an illegitimate son with neither title nor standing,

his only chance for legitimacy

lies in supporting my ascent to the throne.

Teacher, your vision is far-reaching.

A small token of appreciation.

Just watching them move all this over is exhausting.

What do I need all these treasures for?

Forget it.

Where are you going?

Back to the capital.

With Her Majesty's recognition

and your eagerness to learn,

I had intended to help you achieve great things.

But you?

Lavishing gold, flattering words,

and not a shred of honesty.

Why should I waste my time?

If you want to silence me,

feel free to send someone after me.

Teacher, wait!

My sincerity is evident for all to see.

Sincerity?

Yet you wouldn't tell me how the Duke of Ding met his end.

A paranoid master like you

will only wreck the carefully laid plans I've worked so hard to craft.

Your rebuke is right.

I promise I tell you the entire truth

of the Duke of Ding's demise.

When we achieve success,

you shall be my foremost Grand Secretary.

Let me guess,

you promised Dou Shi Shu the same thing, didn't you?

You and Dou Shi Shu

are both indispensable to me.

But Dou Shi Shu has offered the horse market as a gesture of loyalty,

even at the expense of his niece.

Yet you have yet

to help me bring Song Mo into my fold.

Song Mo?

He's His Majesty's trusted subject.

Recruiting him

would be openly opposing His Majesty.

Do you think any sovereign would tolerate that?

And what would you do then?

Launch a rebellion from distant Liaodong?

Are you really prepared for such a move?

But if we don't eliminate him,

he'll remain a constant threat.

The Imperial Guard is the palace's defense,

it cannot fall into his hands.

Precisely why

I advised you to recruit Song Han.

What cannot be dealt with on the court

can be resolved within the family.

For the sake of a title, he'll turn against his brother.

Then it simply becomes a Song family affair.

No matter how it plays out,

it works to your advantage.

Understood.

This ice cream is so good.

Song Han is an illegitimate love child,

how is he worthy of joining us?

Our master believes he's a rare asset.

If used well,

he might even alter the course of the game.

Lowly in status but ambitious to the core.

Such a person will gladly

serve as pawns for the promise of power.

I lost.

Minister Mu, I suppose you only let me win

because you have a favor to ask of me?

I'll be honest with you.

My son isn't cut out for the literary exams,

but when it comes to the martial exams,

my family could really use some help.

The court is desperate for capable generals.

His Majesty places great importance on this examination.

Our master asked me to oversee the exams,

which means he has a preferred candidate.

I'm afraid I'll have to let you down.

One should not overstep their station, of course.

But the way things proceed in the examination hall

hinges on your discretion,

does it not?

The literary portion of the exam can be adjusted,

but the martial examination

requires real skills.

Rest assured, sir.

He just needs to pass the literary portion.

My son may lack in other areas, but when it comes to martial arts,

he's pretty good at it.

I'm earning my place and title through my own efforts.

Why are you trying to stop me?

You might as well just kill me in front of His Majesty.

Mantis Song is now a target for everyone.

For your own sake and for the Dou family,

you can't take risks with him.

Leave him.