Original subtitles

I am guilty!

Song Mo is innocent!

I will testify in person.

Please grant justice to Song Mo!

Stop it, Shi Ying!

-This is embarrassing! -Get out of my way!

Have you lost your mind?

Did that scoundrel son-in-law of yours bewitch you?

Get a grip!

You deceived your own brother

and framed your niece and nephew-in-law.

You're the one who needs to wake up!

You fool!

Brother, I've slapped myself twice for you.

All these years,

just because I'm your younger brother,

how many lives have been sacrificed,

how many mistakes have been made?

this has to stop!

You're using Dou Zhao and Song Mo as sacrificial pawns,

using the lives of countless citizens as bargaining chips

for wealth and power,

I will never allow it!

An elder brother is like a father.

As long as you bear the Dou name,

you will obey me.

That was

the last time I'll ever call you my brother.

Your kindness in raising me,

I now repay with blood.

What are you trying to do?

You...

In ancient times, they spoke of three stabs to sever ties.

Stab me three times.

After that, we will go our separate ways

and have nothing more to do with each other.

You think I won't do it?

Fine,

I'll grant your wish today!

I expected too much from you.

From now on, we have nothing to do with each other.

The brothers of the Dou family have fallen out.

(Blossom)

(Episode 32)

If you ruin Prince Qing's plans, His Highness won't let you off.

If His Highness finds out you've rescued his enemy,

he'll kill you.

When did His Highness ever instruct you to lay hands on the Duchess of Ying?

Song Mo hasn't been convicted yet,

and you're already making your move.

You think His Highness won't see through your selfish agenda?

Search!

It's just my puppy.

Thank you for caring so much about my dog.

Oh, by the way,

Lord Song, was your childhood nickname 'doggie'?

No wonder you've grown up

wanting to bite everyone you meet.

His Highness said

that since you enjoy starting fires,

it's only fitting to host you this way.

As long as you confess to fabricating the contracts

and framing Prince Qing,

you will spare yourself some suffering. Isn't that better?

Eunuch Wang,

I've seen every trick in the book.

If I write a confession,

I'm as good as dead.

Whatever cruel methods you have,

bring them on.

His Majesty has not authorized torture.

You might be accused of

forcing a confession under duress

by doing this.

Don't try to play both sides.

So, what do you suggest I do instead?

I dare not say.

I know

you're a tough one,

but being tough is useless here.

This place can turn even the hardest heart of a Duke

into water.

Justice and fairness are whatever pleases the Emperor's will.

Are you not afraid of death?

What about the 237 family members of the Duke of Ding,

the young and old,

are they also not afraid of death?

-Yan Tang... -Uncle...

-Uncle! -It's your fault.

-No... -Help...

Help me.

Help me.

What about your parents and younger brother?

If they're implicated because of you,

will you be able to live with it?

Is your innocence

worth sacrificing the lives of your closest kin?

Yan Tang, what are you doing?

I don't need to know anything else,

I only need to know how to manipulate your emotions.

Compared to being cut to pieces,

this incense enhances feelings and,

paired with the effect of the Grudgebane,

will make your suffering unbearable.

Savor the agony as the poison takes effect.

Yan Tang...

Yan Tang...

Yan Tang...

Yan Tang...

Shou Gu...

Are you here to get me?

You've come to get me.

Your Grace? Are you alright, Your Grace?

Your Grace? Please don't scare me. Your Grace!

Your Grace!

Yan Tang?

Yan Tang?

Yan Tang?

Yan Tang!

Shou Gu, you're finally awake!

Grandmother, Shou Gu is awake!

Easy, easy.

Shou Gu, easy.

Grandmother.

Zhang Ru.

How did I get here?

Jian Ming brought you here.

He's taken care of everything.

He said this is the safest place for you.

Yan Tang...

Don't worry.

Yan Tang is a blessed child. He will be fine.

His Majesty isn't a foolish ruler.

He'll make a wise decision.

Over a hundred civil officials from Cui family are speaking up

You have an entire family backing you up.

Just stay here with worries.

Focus on recovering.

My baby...

The baby is fine,

but the doctor said

your current condition is due to extreme stress

and emotional upheaval.

You are very weak.

You need careful nurturing.

You mustn't let this leave a lasting impact.

Come, lie down.

Get some rest.

Grandmother,

easy.

Stop!

The Drum of Appeal is not to be struck recklessly!

The Drum of Appeal was established by the founding emperor

to ensure fairness

and allow grievances to be heard.

What authority does the Directorate of Ceremonial

have to stop me from seeking justice?

Song Mo set fires and injured people.

There are countless witnesses.

And yet, Minister Dou, you still claim this is an injustice?

This is outright slander against the court. Take him away!

-I demand justice for Song Mo! -Stop!

Justice lies in the hearts of the people.

It's not up to you to decide.

I was the one who ordered Minister Dou to strike the Drum of Appeal.

Eunuch Wang, are you going to take me away as well?

I wouldn't dare.

Then scram.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let's go.

-Minister Dou. -Your Highness.

Thank you, Your Highness.

My actions were personal.

I wouldn't dare implicate you.

Song Mo is loyal and brave,

and you are a honorable official.

It is my duty to ensure justice is preserved for the court.

Your Highness, your sense of justice

is a blessing to the realm.

Please convey to His Majesty

not to wrong

those who are loyal and true.

Rumors have been spreading across the capital

about Yunfei Jewelry Pavilion being used for factionalism and corruption,

and claims that the Drum of Appeal has been unanswered.

Investigations have revealed

that the Luji Denture Shop

is secretly

owned by Prince Qing.

It is lavishly outfitted, with extravagant expenditures,

and conceals enough silver to cover half a year

of taxes for the northern Zhili province.

My brother claims to live a modest and frugal life, so tell me,

where did all this money come from?

Furthermore, shop attendants have identified

those who frequented the hidden chambers,

including Minister Dou and Minister Mu.

This is a complete distortion of facts,

slandering a prince and senior ministers.

I implore a thorough investigation to uncover

the true instigator and restore justice!

Those who lose the people's trust lose the throne.

Minister Dou, it seems you still don't understand the situation.

The public outrage is palpable.

I advise you refrain from opposing the will of the people

This scroll is filled with the signatures of the people.

It represents the voice of the masses.

This petition demands

a full investigation into the secret contracts,

factionalism, embezzlement, and bribery.

The people want the truth.

Those guilty must be punished, and the innocent released.

Royal family members or high-ranking officials,

all will be treated equally without exception.

Minister Dou, Minister Mu,

what do you think?

To save his son-in-law, Dou Shi Ying has slandered

a prince

and manipulated public opinion.

Such interference in court affairs

is treacherous.

If his plan succeeds,

the royal family's dignity and authority will be utterly lost.

Interfering in court affairs?

Your Majesty, are you referring to others or yourself?

If royal matters are solely for royal hands to handle,

why don't you step aside and let me take your place?

I could try drafting some imperial edicts

and reviewing the memorials too.

You've always stayed away from politics,

living a carefree life.

Why brought you here to Yuxi Palace and made such jokes?

I'm here because I'm concerned about You Ting.

He's been so viciously slandered

that the royal family's dignity has already been trampled.

Investigate it! A full and thorough investigation is the only way

to restore the royal family's honor.

Her Highness makes a valid point.

The Censorate suggests

postponing the conviction of Song Mo for now.

After all, the alleged faction list circulating among the public

is unreliable.

However, the bribery ledgers presented by Song Mo are verifiable.

To pacify the people,

I propose using the ledgers as a basis to conduct a thorough investigation

of the Six Ministries,

focusing specifically on the Revenue Office

of the Ministry of Revenue in Diannan

and the Qingli Department of the Ministry of Works.

Liang Ji Fang, along with the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate,

has been investigating for days.

If they keep digging,

You Ting's factional bribery at the jewelry shop will become undeniable,

and Song Mo's arson will appear justified.

That couple from Yizhi Hall

really played their cards well.

Your Majesty,

at this point,

there's no way to walk away unscathed.

For the sake of the bigger picture,

this matter must not implicate His Highness.

Are you suggesting

we offer Liang Ji Fang a new scapegoat?

Those brokering deals and forging alliances at the jewelry shop

were led by Dou Shi Shu.

The horse market trade

was also handled by him.

I recall you had a falling out

with Dou Shi Shu over your son.

This is a grave matter, and I would never dare seek personal revenge.

I'm only speaking the truth.

Aside from Minister Dou, no one else can take the fall for this.

Everything I've done is for His Highness and you, Your Majesty.

Dou Shi Shu was elevated by Princess Shude.

Since his end is near,

let her accompany him.

So he won't be lonely.

Master, it's been a while since I've seen you dress up so nicely.

Are you meeting someone important today?

In life,

one should come

and go with dignity.

Don't follow me.

May the heavens bless the Dou family of Beilou

with high rank and noble titles,

and generations of prosperity.

May our light shine across the land and all directions,

and may it last through countless ages to come.

You've built yourself a personal Wenyuan Pavilion.

You're so obsessed with the Grand Secretary's seat

that it's driven you mad.

Didn't you say you quit it?

Whenever I've found myself struggling,

I've always come here to sit,

to remind myself to exercise restraint

and endure.

Only when I sit in that chair

will I finally relax.

Now,

I'm just one step away.

I suppose you've realized you won't make it.

Mu Chuan intentionally left a trail,

accusing me of forming factions under Prince Qing's name.

The Empress is cutting me loose like dead weight.

She wants me to take the fall.

You've always been careful, calculated.

After being their tool for so long,

did you really think you'd never be discarded?

I don't buy it.

Back then, the three Zhuge brothers each chose to serve Wei, Han, and Wu.

If I hadn't positioned myself as the sacrificial pawn,

how could I have pushed Shi Ying to the opposite side?

I'm the one who submitted

the evidence pointing at me to the court

under his name.

He will appear as someone who upheld righteousness over familial bonds.

With that act,

he'll win the Crown Prince's trust and respect.

When the next regime rises,

he will undoubtedly be among the key officials.

The future generations of Dou family

will claim that seat.

By order of Her Majesty,

arrest the traitor Dou Shi Shu immediately!

Back then, I helped you

because your talent deserved recognition.

If you abandon this path and turn back now,

I'll plead with His Majesty to spare your life.

I'll tell him to exile you to a quiet place.

You could focus on writing and leave all this behind.

There's nothing

you can do to save me now, Your Highness.

But

I can still do

one last thing for you,

Your Highness.

Put your swords down.

I want to see Dou Shi Ying.

Shi Shu, put the dagger down.

They're making you the scapegoat.

I'll go with you to the Censorate and explain everything.

Stop pretending!

Dou Shi Ying,

I must have been blind to trust you.

I never imagined you were the one gathering evidence against me all along

You've been waiting to betray me in exchange for wealth and power.

After all I've done to support and look out for you,

I never thought you'd turn out to be an ungrateful snake!

-Shi Shu, what... -Shut up!

Our brotherhood ended

when I stabbed you that day.

Dou Shi Shu is taking a royal hostage.

Execute him on the spot.

Archers, fire!

No! Don't shoot!

Shi Shu!

Yi Zhen,

stop fighting the Empress.

Go back to your fief.

When the Furong plums ripen,

enjoy them for me.

Yuan Ji!

Yuan Ji!

Yuan Ji...

Yuan Ji...

The traitor Dou Shi Shu abused his power

and embezzled the people's wealth.

His crimes were unforgivable.

He has been executed.

The stolen funds have been confiscated into the national treasury

as a warning to others.

Yes! Yes! Well done!

-He deserved it! -Yes!

He spent his entire life clawing and fighting.

In the end,

all he left was this room.

This quote from Zhuge Liang,

it showed that he had paved another path for you from the very start.

Shi Shu wanted to push me

toward the Crown Prince

to secure our family's future.

If I had stepped up sooner

and shouldered the burden,

maybe he wouldn't have taken every wrong step

until there was no turning back.

Shi Ying,

you have to move on.

Whether it's taking up the post in Chanxi

or resigning to leave the court altogether,

you have to make a decision.

Shi Shu is gone.

Prince Qing and the Empress

won't let our family go so easily.

I can't run.

I have to protect the dozens of lives in this household.

The Crown Prince has promised to protect us.

Precisely because of that,

I can't allow him to be accused

of favoritism at this critical time.

Good.

Take my commendation for disaster relief efforts,

along with the support of the Ji'an Cui clan's students and retainers.

We will submit a petition to the court.

Yes.

And include Shou Gu's success in cultivating potatoes to combat famine,

and Song Mo's achievements in quelling the pirates.

Let the officials see clearly

how much our family has contributed to the court.

I'll draft the petition now.

By order of Her Majesty,

Song Mo is guilty of negligence and dereliction of duty,

leading to the incident on Changle Street.

However, in consideration of his past merits in suppressing bandits,

he is spared the torture in the imperial prison.

He is to be confined in Yizhi Hall immediately,

and await further punishment.

Your uncle is dead.

And Princess Shude has quietly

returned to her fief.

When His Majesty wakes,

the political landscape will undergo major changes.

If Uncle had chosen the right alliance,

he could've reached the pinnacle of power.

Even though we couldn't expose the forces behind him,

we've at least fought against fate.

As for when His Majesty will wake,

or whether he'll still care about you when he does,

I don't dare to risk it.

I'd hoped to time things right,

that at the very least,

I could still sit with you and watch the magnolias bloom.

But with all the heavy snow this year,

who knows

if the branches of the branches have been broken under its weight?

If you're in the mood,

I'll have them bring out our cloaks,

and we can go see for ourselves.

Forget it.

I've been stripped of my title

and am now confined to the estate.

Lu Ming and General Yan have also been detained.

The entire area is surrounded by the Jiying Guard.

Having the Jiying Guards around isn't all bad.

It's restrictive, yes, but it's also a form of protection.

At least Yizhi Hall is safe.

After so many years of planning,

we've reached this point.

We've done everything we could.

From here on out,

let's just wait for the flowers to bloom

and enjoy some quiet days together.

Your hand.

The court is in turmoil over selecting a new commander

for the Imperial Guard.

It's the perfect time to strike

while everyone is distracted.

My troops in Liaodong are not ready for it.

Wouldn't moving now be premature?

During the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Emperor Taizong used only 800 men.

Victory isn't about numbers;

it's about

timing.

Commander Song, what do you think?

As long as Song Mo remains alive,

he will always be a threat.

That has been my concern as well.

The poison has seeped into Song Mo's bones.

His body is gravely weakened.

His allies are imprisoned.

He's in no position to stage any significant resistance.

Song Mo and Dou Zhao may seem subdued now,

but it's all a facade.

They must have something else planned.

I've assigned people to watch them closely.

I'll will find another opportunity to deal with them.

I'll wait for your good news.

To launch the uprising,

all we need now is a favorable wind.

Teacher, you seem

hostile toward Song Han.

Is it because of Dou Zhao?

Dou Zhao and I are soul mates.

Your Highness, I trust you can see that clearly.

As for Song Han,

he's short-sighted and driven by personal grudges.

He's incapable of seeing the bigger picture.

Whatever he's told you,

I don't care.

You're magnanimous.

But aren't you worried?

The Duke of Ying may be under house arrest,

but he hasn't been convicted.

And Grand Secretary Liang Ji Fang is the Crown Prince's mentor.

Praise virtues in public,

correct faults in private.

Either Song Han mistreats his brother and sister-in-law,

causing Song Mo to die from the poison,

or Song Mo kills his brother in a fit of rage while defending his wife.

Let the blood spill as it may,

it will remain a private affair of the Duke of Ying's household

and won't implicate Your Highness.

The Jiying Guards are keeping a tight watch.

They won't escape.

Instead of worrying about Song Mo and Dou Zhao,

you should focus on His Majesty's condition.

If His Majesty wakes

and issues a new decree or a final edict,

that would pose a real threat to your plans.

Everyone will get their share.

Don't worry.

-There's enough for everyone. -Thank you, Your Highness.

Your Highness, you didn't have to serve them porridge yourself.

You should've left these chores

to the servants.

-Easy. -Thank you, Your Highness.

I often did these things myself when I was a merchant.

Now that I'm a princess, it's all the more my duty to do so.

It's the least I can do to live up to the title His Majesty has given me.

-Here. -Your love for the people

is a blessing for the realm.

Especially since doing this

feels like atonement for Mu Yu's bloodshed.

Only by helping others

can I find a little peace of mind.

Next. Here.

-Thank you, Your Highness. -Careful.

-Thank you, Your Highness. -You're welcome.

Thank you, Your...

Wait!

What's wrong, Your Highness?

You don't look well.

Are you feeling unwell?

I'm fine.

He's just a coachman who can't fight.

You've spent all this time

and manpower,

yet you still haven't found him.

What's the point of having you guards?

That coachman's as slippery as an eel.

He might've already escaped outside the city.

Should we expand the search

to the outskirts?

Are you teaching me how to do my job?

I'm sorry! Please punish me!

Your Highness.

You should've told me you were coming.

Your hands are freezing,

and you look pale.

Come.

I will take my leave.

Did something happen today?

Her Highness almost fainted when she was distributing porridge

-at the charity stall today. -Director Su.

You may leave us for now.

Yes, Your Highness.

Director Su exaggerated.

I might have stood for too long and gotten tired,

that's why I almost fainted.

My mother

used to be like that.

Many illnesses aren't obvious at first.

No, I'll call the imperial physician.

It's fine.

I really am fine.

I know my health.

Alright.

I trust you.

Sirs, you've worked hard.

This is wine from the Duke of Ying's Residence,

a small token of appreciation for you both.

Excellent wine! Please thank the commander for us.

Thank you.

We couldn't get rid of them before,

and now with the Jiying Guards keeping watch,

it's nearly impossible to touch them.

I noticed you haven't eaten all day,

so I made you some sweet soup.

Didn't Her Majesty ask you

to keep Song Mo alive?

Her Highness is probably worried about Song Mo's old allies.

A display of needless compassion.

The Tengxiang Guard is under my command now.

Why should I fear a few defeated stragglers?

Once I build strong ties with the influential nobles

and establish a solid foundation,

even Prince Qing

won't be able to control me easily.

Naturally.

Maintaining connections with the nobles is costly, though.

Zhao controls 70 percent of the profits from our family's businesses.

If she loosens her hold,

we'd have more funds.

An Su,

I know what you're trying to say.

You want to use that money

to convince me not to harm Dou Zhao,

don't you?

But Dou Zhao is cunning and resourceful.

If I don't move against her,

she'll come after us.

Zhao isn't like that.

Back in Futing, she helped me so much.

When my family had nothing,

she was the one who stood by my side.

I'm starting to feel jealous of her,

seeing how much you worry about her.

Mu Yu,

promise me you won't hurt Zhao.

I'll talk to her about adjusting the profits.

I'll make her see reason

and stop going against you.

I need to go inside to discuss some family matters.

My family shops sell goods provided by Dou Zhao.

I intend to finalize this contract with her

to negotiate a profit adjustment today.

If you refuse to let me through

and the business suffers as a result,

you'll have to answer for it.

I...

The Commander of Tengxiang Guard and I made a deal

to convince Dou Zhao on adjusting the profits.

If you don't believe me,

you're welcome to confirm it with the Commander.

But if you're held accountable for this,

don't say I didn't warn you.

Let her through!

Please come, Your Highness.

This way, please.

I never thought Song Han would trust you this much.

Even in a house so tightly guarded that not even a fly can enter,

he let you in.

Zhao,

back when my family's merchant ship was seized in Futing,

it was you who paid to calm the situation

and even covered the capital.

That's how my family business came to be what they are today.

You've always had a clear perspective on things,

but lately,

I've encountered some things that I just can't figure out.

My mind is in turmoil,

so I came to seek your advice,

what should I do?

An Su,

I know you really love Song Han,

but you need to see him for who he really is.

What he's doing is treason.

There will be no good end for him.

I understand what you're saying,

but now that I'm a princess,

every word and move of mine is being watched.

I don't have the freedom to act as I wish.

If you need help, go to Chen Jia.

He'll know what to do.

Chen Jia?

Didn't she say she was just going to discuss the profit adjustment?

Why hasn't Her Highness

returned at this hour?

Don't be afraid.

I didn't bring you here to harm you.

I just want to know

why you ran the moment you saw me.

Talk now,

or I will cut you.

I'll talk! I'll talk!

It's Lord Song Han.

He's hunting me.

It's because...

Because of Young Master An Ping!

When the poison takes effect, he doesn't recognize anyone.

His Grace has locked himself in the bathhouse.

He won't open the door for anyone.

Yan Tang,

it's me, Shou Gu.