1 00:00:09,040 --> 00:00:10,760 Zhao Si, this is our household. 2 00:00:11,440 --> 00:00:12,520 I am the patriarch 3 00:00:12,600 --> 00:00:13,840 and Shi Ying's elder brother. 4 00:00:14,920 --> 00:00:17,200 You're welcome to attend the wedding if you want to, 5 00:00:17,350 --> 00:00:19,830 (Fifth Master, Dou Shi Shu) and if not, you're free to leave. 6 00:00:21,640 --> 00:00:22,640 (Zhao Si) Leave? 7 00:00:26,240 --> 00:00:27,240 My foolish sister, 8 00:00:27,840 --> 00:00:29,000 did you hear him clearly? 9 00:00:29,960 --> 00:00:32,600 When your husband was studying in Chanxi, 10 00:00:33,210 --> 00:00:36,130 he was being well taken care of by your so-called best friend. 11 00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:38,800 And now she wants to marry into the Dou family. 12 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:41,360 And now they're having a wedding. 13 00:00:42,440 --> 00:00:43,440 (Wang Ying Xue) Gu Qiu, 14 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:47,080 you know how difficult it was for me to survive alone in Chanxi, 15 00:00:47,440 --> 00:00:48,840 enduring all kinds of ridicule. 16 00:00:49,000 --> 00:00:51,360 Now that my father has been reinstated and promoted, 17 00:00:51,760 --> 00:00:53,280 I could easily marry well. 18 00:00:54,160 --> 00:00:57,240 But I admire Shi Ying's honesty and kindness, 19 00:00:57,880 --> 00:01:00,670 (Seventh Master, Dou Shi Ying) and I cherish the close bond we share. 20 00:01:00,920 --> 00:01:03,150 That's why I decided to marry him as his concubine. 21 00:01:03,400 --> 00:01:06,520 It's common for officials to have multiple wives. 22 00:01:07,800 --> 00:01:08,960 Better a friend 23 00:01:09,520 --> 00:01:12,039 than some woman you don't know, don't you think? 24 00:01:14,520 --> 00:01:15,520 A friend? 25 00:01:18,690 --> 00:01:20,970 Is this how you repay my trust as a friend? 26 00:01:27,560 --> 00:01:29,570 You knew she is my best friend, 27 00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:33,120 and you knew he is my husband. 28 00:01:36,600 --> 00:01:38,759 -How could you... -Why couldn't they? 29 00:01:39,400 --> 00:01:42,160 Scholars of Shi Ying's age already have multiple children. 30 00:01:42,759 --> 00:01:44,470 You've been married for nearly ten years, 31 00:01:44,600 --> 00:01:46,320 and yet you've only given him one daughter. 32 00:01:46,400 --> 00:01:47,600 If he doesn't marry a concubine, 33 00:01:47,680 --> 00:01:50,759 are you trying to let our branch of the family die out? 34 00:01:51,039 --> 00:01:53,320 Shi Shu, please stop. 35 00:01:53,470 --> 00:01:55,190 It's stated clearly in our law. 36 00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:57,360 Taking a concubine requires the consent of the legitimate wife. 37 00:01:57,440 --> 00:01:58,960 My sister has every right to refuse. 38 00:01:59,240 --> 00:02:01,040 Young Lady Wang's father, Wang Xing Yi, 39 00:02:01,560 --> 00:02:04,400 is a protégé of the Grand Secretary, Wu Yi Fen. 40 00:02:05,160 --> 00:02:07,440 Upon his reinstatement, he's now a fourth-rank official. 41 00:02:07,520 --> 00:02:08,720 Marrying into the Wang family 42 00:02:09,639 --> 00:02:11,880 would be a tremendous boost to Shi Ying's career 43 00:02:12,320 --> 00:02:13,320 How could she refuse? 44 00:02:13,460 --> 00:02:16,170 So you think my family is too insignificant and powerless to be 45 00:02:17,400 --> 00:02:19,400 -of any help to you now? -Gu Qiu. 46 00:02:20,200 --> 00:02:21,440 I would never think that. 47 00:02:21,520 --> 00:02:24,200 The husband rules over the wife. It's the natural order of things. 48 00:02:24,280 --> 00:02:26,730 Our family needs this marriage alliance. 49 00:02:27,440 --> 00:02:28,440 Rubbish! 50 00:02:28,720 --> 00:02:30,920 Over the years, how much gold and silver has my family 51 00:02:31,000 --> 00:02:32,800 provided for your political connections 52 00:02:32,960 --> 00:02:34,760 and for Shi Ying's education? 53 00:02:34,920 --> 00:02:37,920 How much of it wouldn't stand up to scrutiny? 54 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:39,800 Is that your so-called natural order? 55 00:02:40,360 --> 00:02:42,240 If you keep pressuring my sister, 56 00:02:42,480 --> 00:02:46,040 I'll submit a memorial to the court exposing everything. 57 00:02:47,200 --> 00:02:49,040 Zhao Si, hold your tongue! 58 00:02:49,960 --> 00:02:51,829 Are you really going to ruin both our families 59 00:02:52,090 --> 00:02:53,420 just for your sisters? 60 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:54,800 Try me. 61 00:02:56,280 --> 00:02:57,730 Things aren't what they used to be. 62 00:02:58,560 --> 00:02:59,560 If it comes to that, 63 00:03:01,000 --> 00:03:03,040 we'll see whose future gets cut short. 64 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:12,120 I told you, didn't I? 65 00:03:12,560 --> 00:03:13,560 Don't worry, Shou Gu. 66 00:03:14,000 --> 00:03:15,270 My father will take care of it. 67 00:03:16,520 --> 00:03:18,120 This concerns the future of Dou family. 68 00:03:18,480 --> 00:03:20,160 Uncle Shi Shu won't give up so easily. 69 00:03:20,960 --> 00:03:22,400 We must resolve this quickly, 70 00:03:23,040 --> 00:03:25,430 or things will become much harder once Wang Xing Yi comes. 71 00:03:27,440 --> 00:03:29,120 I only wanted someone to rely on. 72 00:03:29,600 --> 00:03:31,440 I never meant to hurt you 73 00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:33,610 or put Shi Ying in a difficult spot. 74 00:03:34,440 --> 00:03:37,079 Gu Qiu, if you really can't forgive me, 75 00:03:38,240 --> 00:03:40,450 grant me a white silk ribbon so I can hang myself. 76 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:45,120 Spare me the act. 77 00:03:46,240 --> 00:03:47,450 If you really want to die... 78 00:03:50,760 --> 00:03:51,760 Here. 79 00:03:52,680 --> 00:03:55,670 Gu Qiu, since when have you become so cold-hearted? 80 00:04:02,520 --> 00:04:03,520 Ying Xue! 81 00:04:03,920 --> 00:04:04,920 Let go! 82 00:04:05,120 --> 00:04:06,840 -Ying Xue! -Let me die! 83 00:04:07,320 --> 00:04:08,320 Shi Ying! 84 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:11,360 Let me die! 85 00:04:13,410 --> 00:04:14,500 Father. 86 00:04:18,209 --> 00:04:19,209 Shou Gu? 87 00:04:25,520 --> 00:04:27,010 I missed you so much. 88 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:30,720 Who is this lady on the floor? 89 00:04:31,360 --> 00:04:33,050 Why don't you tell Shou Gu yourself 90 00:04:34,560 --> 00:04:35,680 who she is? 91 00:04:37,760 --> 00:04:38,760 She... 92 00:04:42,320 --> 00:04:44,340 She's a guest here to offer her congratulations. 93 00:04:45,640 --> 00:04:46,640 Shi Ying... 94 00:04:47,040 --> 00:04:50,880 Why are you and Mother fighting over a guest? 95 00:04:53,530 --> 00:04:54,530 We're not. 96 00:04:59,080 --> 00:05:01,240 Father, Mother. 97 00:05:03,480 --> 00:05:04,480 Tuo Niang, 98 00:05:04,920 --> 00:05:06,680 please escort this lady out. 99 00:05:07,200 --> 00:05:08,840 I want to talk to my parents alone. 100 00:05:09,920 --> 00:05:10,920 Yes, that's right. 101 00:05:11,120 --> 00:05:13,160 Since she's just a guest, let's send her out first. 102 00:05:13,270 --> 00:05:16,230 We will let her know our decision later once we've talked over it. 103 00:05:16,400 --> 00:05:17,840 -I'm not leaving. -Get up. 104 00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:19,840 Let go of me. I'm not leaving! 105 00:05:22,800 --> 00:05:23,960 -She... -Ying Xue! 106 00:05:28,280 --> 00:05:29,280 Ying Xue! 107 00:05:29,960 --> 00:05:33,040 -I can't breathe. -It's all right. I'm right here. 108 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:35,590 You're having an asthma attack. 109 00:05:37,800 --> 00:05:40,360 When I had a cold, Ying Xue took care of me so closely 110 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:42,870 that she ended up developing asthma herself. 111 00:05:43,880 --> 00:05:44,880 Gu Qiu. 112 00:05:46,000 --> 00:05:47,250 I can't leave her like this. 113 00:07:19,400 --> 00:07:22,500 (Blossom) 114 00:07:23,280 --> 00:07:25,280 (Episode 2) 115 00:07:27,920 --> 00:07:29,370 Madam, it is the legitimate wife's duty 116 00:07:29,450 --> 00:07:31,150 to organize the ceremonies for taking a concubine. 117 00:07:31,240 --> 00:07:32,790 Fifth Master asked me to deliver these for you. 118 00:07:32,870 --> 00:07:34,350 Please make the preparations soon. 119 00:07:35,920 --> 00:07:37,400 Aunt hasn't even agreed to accept her! 120 00:07:37,480 --> 00:07:38,480 What ceremonies? 121 00:07:39,040 --> 00:07:40,400 Get out! 122 00:07:41,600 --> 00:07:42,600 Mother, 123 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:44,080 as long as you don't agree, 124 00:07:44,720 --> 00:07:46,530 given Young Lady Wang's family background, 125 00:07:46,720 --> 00:07:49,200 they won't allow her to remain an unacknowledged mistress. 126 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:50,930 Even if she's fine with it, 127 00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:53,880 her father, Wang Xing Yi, would never agree. 128 00:07:54,400 --> 00:07:55,590 If we stall long enough, 129 00:07:55,670 --> 00:07:57,290 the matter might quietly resolve itself. 130 00:08:00,200 --> 00:08:01,200 Shou Gu, 131 00:08:01,880 --> 00:08:03,790 how did you become so wise at such a young age? 132 00:08:05,560 --> 00:08:07,600 My father says Uncle is a terrible man. 133 00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:09,730 It's better for you to divorce him 134 00:08:09,810 --> 00:08:11,010 and avoid all this suffering. 135 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:15,400 Divorce has always been seen 136 00:08:15,560 --> 00:08:17,320 as a trivial matter for a man, 137 00:08:18,920 --> 00:08:20,280 but for me and Shou Gu, 138 00:08:21,320 --> 00:08:23,920 it would mean being judged and shamed for the rest of our lives. 139 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:26,960 I can't ruin Shou Gu's future. 140 00:08:29,280 --> 00:08:31,560 Besides, after a divorce, 141 00:08:32,159 --> 00:08:34,200 the children always stay with the husband's family. 142 00:08:35,159 --> 00:08:36,400 How could I bear to leave her? 143 00:08:37,320 --> 00:08:38,880 I'm not afraid of anything, 144 00:08:39,400 --> 00:08:40,679 except seeing you suffer. 145 00:08:41,280 --> 00:08:42,440 If you want to leave Father, 146 00:08:42,799 --> 00:08:44,120 I'll go with you. 147 00:08:44,440 --> 00:08:45,680 Uncle understands the law. 148 00:08:46,120 --> 00:08:47,450 He'll surely find a way to help. 149 00:08:47,640 --> 00:08:48,760 I'll go ask him. 150 00:08:49,920 --> 00:08:50,920 I'm coming with you. 151 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:55,520 Have the kitchen prepare tea to clear the lungs, 152 00:08:56,000 --> 00:08:57,960 and send someone to dust everything in the room. 153 00:08:58,280 --> 00:09:00,320 -There mustn't be any trace of dust. -Yes, Master. 154 00:09:01,040 --> 00:09:02,040 It's all right, Shi Ying. 155 00:09:02,960 --> 00:09:07,640 My sachet has ephedra to soothe my lungs. 156 00:09:07,880 --> 00:09:09,110 Just smelling it will help. 157 00:09:10,880 --> 00:09:14,600 It's just that the magnolias in the courtyard 158 00:09:15,160 --> 00:09:16,320 are in full bloom. 159 00:09:18,680 --> 00:09:19,680 Ah, right, 160 00:09:20,440 --> 00:09:21,640 you can't be around pollen. 161 00:10:02,920 --> 00:10:05,200 Stop it! Please stop! 162 00:10:05,400 --> 00:10:07,200 Why are you hitting the flowers? 163 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:09,920 Please just stop! Stop! 164 00:10:10,000 --> 00:10:12,720 -Ignore her. Don't stop. -Stop! Stop! 165 00:10:14,520 --> 00:10:15,520 Seventh Madam. 166 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:20,040 Who told you to hit the flowers? 167 00:10:20,600 --> 00:10:21,600 It was me. 168 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:28,320 Gu Qiu, 169 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:31,200 this is all just a temporary measure. 170 00:10:32,640 --> 00:10:34,570 Is taking a concubine a temporary measure too? 171 00:10:34,800 --> 00:10:35,800 Or is all this talk 172 00:10:36,680 --> 00:10:38,480 about heirs and your career just an excuse? 173 00:10:40,400 --> 00:10:41,920 You really love her, 174 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:44,000 don't you? 175 00:10:46,690 --> 00:10:47,690 Gu Qiu, 176 00:10:47,880 --> 00:10:48,880 Ying Xue has asthma. 177 00:10:49,320 --> 00:10:50,570 These flowers have to go. 178 00:10:53,320 --> 00:10:54,320 They have to go... 179 00:10:57,000 --> 00:10:58,000 All these years, 180 00:11:01,000 --> 00:11:03,960 I thought I was the only one who could make you smile, 181 00:11:05,840 --> 00:11:08,440 the only one who could weigh on your heart. 182 00:11:10,120 --> 00:11:11,120 I didn't realize 183 00:11:15,440 --> 00:11:17,120 someone else could too. 184 00:11:18,920 --> 00:11:19,920 I'm begging you. 185 00:11:20,720 --> 00:11:22,080 Please, just this once. 186 00:11:40,560 --> 00:11:41,560 Go ahead. 187 00:11:43,440 --> 00:11:44,640 Have the flowers removed. 188 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:48,880 I knew you'd understand me, Gu Qiu. 189 00:11:53,440 --> 00:11:54,680 Thank you, Gu Qiu. 190 00:11:57,920 --> 00:11:59,680 Quickly! Remove the flowers! 191 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:01,160 -Yes, Master! -Get rid of them all! 192 00:12:02,720 --> 00:12:03,720 Remove them. 193 00:12:04,600 --> 00:12:05,600 Over there too. 194 00:12:07,520 --> 00:12:08,520 There. 195 00:12:09,680 --> 00:12:10,760 There, and there. 196 00:12:19,880 --> 00:12:22,480 The magnolia blooms without leaves. 197 00:12:22,680 --> 00:12:24,360 When it has leaves, there are no flowers. 198 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:26,840 It's a symbol of purity and loyalty, 199 00:12:27,640 --> 00:12:28,640 just like us. 200 00:12:29,720 --> 00:12:30,720 For the rest of my life, 201 00:12:31,640 --> 00:12:33,400 I will love only you. 202 00:12:36,360 --> 00:12:38,840 Be gentle, don't damage the branches. 203 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:41,160 They'll bloom again next year. 204 00:12:43,680 --> 00:12:47,040 The hibiscus blooms in the morning and falls by dusk. 205 00:12:47,800 --> 00:12:51,000 How am I any different from the flowers? 206 00:13:04,280 --> 00:13:06,800 -Have some. -I have no appetite, Zhang Ru. 207 00:13:08,680 --> 00:13:11,640 You must have some. Dad told me to take good care of you. 208 00:13:21,520 --> 00:13:22,970 Bad man! We don't want you to push! 209 00:13:29,600 --> 00:13:32,520 Shou Gu, do you think I'm a bad person too? 210 00:13:34,120 --> 00:13:35,420 I don't know. 211 00:13:36,040 --> 00:13:38,760 You made this swing for Mother. 212 00:13:38,920 --> 00:13:41,000 Does it belong to Young Lady Wang now? 213 00:13:43,720 --> 00:13:44,720 Never. 214 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:45,920 This swing 215 00:13:46,520 --> 00:13:48,240 will always belong to you and Gu Qiu. 216 00:13:48,880 --> 00:13:50,090 It won't be for anyone else. 217 00:13:50,840 --> 00:13:52,160 Zhang Ru and and I are small, 218 00:13:52,240 --> 00:13:54,000 yet even we find it crowded sitting together. 219 00:13:54,090 --> 00:13:56,650 How could Mother and Young Lady Wang 220 00:13:57,030 --> 00:13:58,630 sit on it together and keep it steady? 221 00:14:02,000 --> 00:14:03,080 I know 222 00:14:03,600 --> 00:14:05,360 your heart has a place for Mother, 223 00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:08,120 but it also has a place for Young Lady Wang. 224 00:14:08,920 --> 00:14:10,680 Have you ever asked yourself 225 00:14:11,160 --> 00:14:12,840 which weighs more? 226 00:14:16,400 --> 00:14:18,880 You and your mother 227 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:21,440 mean more to me, of course. 228 00:14:22,560 --> 00:14:26,120 Then why would you rather hurt Mother to keep her? 229 00:14:26,520 --> 00:14:29,520 Is... Is taking her as a concubine really the only solution? 230 00:14:31,440 --> 00:14:32,440 Bad man! 231 00:14:33,640 --> 00:14:34,640 Shou Gu... 232 00:14:39,560 --> 00:14:40,560 So, you regret it now, 233 00:14:40,880 --> 00:14:42,530 and you want to settle this with money? 234 00:14:43,480 --> 00:14:44,880 If I must choose, 235 00:14:46,400 --> 00:14:49,720 I'd rather not hurt Gu Qiu and Shou Gu. 236 00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:52,760 It's too late for that. 237 00:14:53,880 --> 00:14:54,880 Zou Er, tell him. 238 00:14:55,120 --> 00:14:56,120 Yes, Master. 239 00:14:56,840 --> 00:15:00,280 Master Shi Ying, the doctor treating Young Lady Wang 240 00:15:00,760 --> 00:15:02,880 said her fainting wasn't just due to her asthma, 241 00:15:03,200 --> 00:15:05,640 she's over a month pregnant. 242 00:15:12,240 --> 00:15:13,740 I've let Gu Qiu down. 243 00:15:14,880 --> 00:15:16,160 And I've let Ying Xue down too. 244 00:15:16,400 --> 00:15:17,690 If you don't take her in, 245 00:15:17,920 --> 00:15:19,840 you'll be dishonoring our father's memory. 246 00:15:20,680 --> 00:15:21,840 Do you remember the oath 247 00:15:22,210 --> 00:15:23,730 he forced us to make before he passed? 248 00:15:25,040 --> 00:15:26,280 To carry on the family line 249 00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:28,960 and restore the family's honor. 250 00:15:29,480 --> 00:15:30,810 At least you haven't forgotten. 251 00:15:31,560 --> 00:15:33,180 I've lost two wives. 252 00:15:33,960 --> 00:15:36,840 If I wanted to remarry, there aren't any suitable matches left, 253 00:15:37,360 --> 00:15:38,760 so I've placed my hopes in you. 254 00:15:39,480 --> 00:15:40,760 I will treat your children 255 00:15:40,840 --> 00:15:43,250 like my own, and I'll personally see to their upbringing. 256 00:15:43,720 --> 00:15:44,720 Shi Ying, 257 00:15:45,320 --> 00:15:46,560 marry her as your concubine. 258 00:15:46,920 --> 00:15:50,200 This will secure your career and the continuation of our family line. 259 00:15:53,720 --> 00:15:54,870 Something bad has happened! 260 00:15:56,000 --> 00:15:57,000 Why are they shouting? 261 00:15:59,880 --> 00:16:01,200 Fifth Master, Seventh Master, 262 00:16:01,800 --> 00:16:02,800 Seventh Madam is... 263 00:16:15,760 --> 00:16:16,760 Madam... 264 00:16:17,680 --> 00:16:20,240 Why, Mother? 265 00:16:22,520 --> 00:16:23,520 Madam... 266 00:16:35,000 --> 00:16:36,000 Pass my order. 267 00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:37,400 Guard the main gate tightly. 268 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:38,880 Not a word of this can get out. 269 00:16:39,040 --> 00:16:40,040 Yes, Master. 270 00:16:41,640 --> 00:16:43,220 Master. 271 00:16:49,040 --> 00:16:50,520 (The pure magnolia blossoms) 272 00:16:51,400 --> 00:16:53,010 (remain untouched by dust or filth.) 273 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:55,040 (Shi Ying,) 274 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:57,300 (as flowers bloom,) 275 00:16:57,720 --> 00:16:59,020 (they must also wither in time.) 276 00:16:59,730 --> 00:17:01,170 (Our love has run its course,) 277 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:03,520 (and I do not blame you.) 278 00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:07,880 (But the one person I'm worried about, the one person I feel guilty toward,) 279 00:17:09,119 --> 00:17:10,240 (is Shou Gu.) 280 00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:14,520 (I want you to protect her for the rest of her life) 281 00:17:15,319 --> 00:17:16,680 (and never let her be wronged.) 282 00:17:18,000 --> 00:17:19,359 (You must promise me this.) 283 00:17:22,400 --> 00:17:24,680 Mother used that to hang herself. 284 00:17:24,960 --> 00:17:27,599 This was the surprise she prepared for you. 285 00:17:28,160 --> 00:17:30,030 It's the wine she buried on your wedding day, 286 00:17:30,110 --> 00:17:32,590 praying for your success in the imperial exams. 287 00:17:33,040 --> 00:17:36,440 She made your dream her own! 288 00:17:37,560 --> 00:17:39,280 It's my fault! 289 00:17:39,720 --> 00:17:41,320 I'm the one to blame! 290 00:17:41,440 --> 00:17:43,280 I found out that Wang Ying Xue was pregnant, 291 00:17:43,720 --> 00:17:46,640 and in a moment of anger, I told Madam. 292 00:17:46,950 --> 00:17:48,950 -I deserve to die! -Silence! 293 00:17:49,120 --> 00:17:50,120 Utter nonsense! 294 00:17:50,280 --> 00:17:51,720 She killed herself because she was consumed by jealousy. 295 00:17:51,800 --> 00:17:53,080 It's a sin of resentment and envy. 296 00:17:53,160 --> 00:17:55,560 Even in death, she wants to tarnish our family's reputation. 297 00:17:55,840 --> 00:17:56,840 Listen well, all of you, 298 00:17:57,120 --> 00:17:58,400 Zhao Gu Qiu died of illness. 299 00:17:59,120 --> 00:18:01,790 Anyone who dares to spread rumors will be flogged to death! 300 00:18:02,800 --> 00:18:05,490 You committed adultery and drove your legitimate wife to her death! 301 00:18:06,920 --> 00:18:08,840 Master Zhao, please calm down... 302 00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:11,640 Go ahead, celebrate your heir, the security of your powerful ties, 303 00:18:12,080 --> 00:18:14,040 and marry into prestige atop her corpse! 304 00:18:16,360 --> 00:18:19,440 I swear I will risk my life, my honor, and everything I have 305 00:18:19,520 --> 00:18:22,160 to drag you down with me! 306 00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:25,160 The flowers have fallen. 307 00:18:26,280 --> 00:18:27,280 Mother, 308 00:18:27,880 --> 00:18:30,760 I thought you were killed by someone. 309 00:18:31,680 --> 00:18:34,880 I never expected you would end your own life 310 00:18:35,960 --> 00:18:37,640 because you couldn't tolerate betrayal. 311 00:18:39,200 --> 00:18:41,920 (Dou's Residence) 312 00:19:31,360 --> 00:19:32,360 My condolences. 313 00:19:32,510 --> 00:19:35,270 Thank you for honoring us with your presence, Lord Li, Lord Liu. 314 00:19:36,840 --> 00:19:38,590 It's an unfortunate tragedy for our family. 315 00:19:38,760 --> 00:19:40,840 Madam Zhao was always frail. 316 00:19:41,480 --> 00:19:43,280 We thought it was just a minor cold, 317 00:19:43,360 --> 00:19:44,550 but who could have imagined 318 00:19:44,680 --> 00:19:47,600 it would take her life? 319 00:19:47,960 --> 00:19:48,960 Mother, 320 00:19:49,640 --> 00:19:52,680 your flowers will never fall again. 321 00:20:08,550 --> 00:20:09,990 This place is for close family. 322 00:20:10,200 --> 00:20:11,360 Are you Zhao or Dou? 323 00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:13,070 What right do you have to be here? 324 00:20:24,480 --> 00:20:25,480 Shou Gu, don't cry. 325 00:20:28,120 --> 00:20:29,360 Your mother has passed, 326 00:20:29,800 --> 00:20:31,840 but I'll take her place in caring for you. 327 00:20:32,280 --> 00:20:34,200 I'll treat you as if you were my own. 328 00:20:40,120 --> 00:20:41,120 Ying Xue! 329 00:20:41,960 --> 00:20:42,960 Father. 330 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:46,640 Now that his wife has died, 331 00:20:46,880 --> 00:20:48,830 Dou Shi Ying drowns himself in alcohol, 332 00:20:48,920 --> 00:20:50,920 wallowing in despair and avoiding responsibility. 333 00:20:51,090 --> 00:20:54,010 (Wang Xing Yi) All the criticism and blame have fallen on you. 334 00:20:54,480 --> 00:20:56,920 Rather than being belittled in the future, 335 00:20:57,920 --> 00:20:59,680 you should come home with me. 336 00:21:00,080 --> 00:21:03,000 A daughter of mine would rather remain unmarried her whole life 337 00:21:03,960 --> 00:21:05,070 than become a concubine. 338 00:21:05,150 --> 00:21:06,670 Xing Yi, you misunderstood. 339 00:21:06,840 --> 00:21:09,450 We've told everyone that Madam Zhao passed away from illness. 340 00:21:09,760 --> 00:21:11,930 So your daughter would naturally marry in as the legitimate wife. 341 00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:13,240 We'll observe all the formalities 342 00:21:13,320 --> 00:21:15,800 and host a grand wedding banquet to ensure her dignity is upheld. 343 00:21:15,880 --> 00:21:18,440 The child she carries will be the legitimate heir of this family, 344 00:21:18,760 --> 00:21:21,080 cherished and respected by all. 345 00:21:21,760 --> 00:21:23,410 This is our family's treasury token, 346 00:21:23,640 --> 00:21:25,830 which has always been held by the household's matron. 347 00:21:26,040 --> 00:21:27,410 I now hand it to your daughter. 348 00:21:27,560 --> 00:21:29,880 She may use it as she wishes for the dowry and wedding preparations. 349 00:21:29,970 --> 00:21:32,000 Madam Zhao's dowry and personal belongings 350 00:21:32,160 --> 00:21:33,520 will also be at her disposal. 351 00:21:37,040 --> 00:21:39,240 Send the inventory list to my room later. 352 00:21:39,520 --> 00:21:41,440 From now on, I'll review all the gifts 353 00:21:41,760 --> 00:21:43,850 before they're put into treasury. 354 00:21:44,220 --> 00:21:45,220 Yes, Madam. 355 00:22:04,040 --> 00:22:05,070 Master Zhao, 356 00:22:05,310 --> 00:22:07,270 why didn't you let me know you were coming? 357 00:22:07,680 --> 00:22:09,680 Perfect timing, I just made some pastries. 358 00:22:09,870 --> 00:22:11,710 Let Dou Zhao and Zhang Ru have some. 359 00:22:12,360 --> 00:22:13,870 This was part of Gu Qiu's dowry. 360 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:22,170 Aunt always wore that bracelet before she passed. 361 00:22:23,880 --> 00:22:24,880 Is that so? 362 00:22:29,680 --> 00:22:31,460 -You... -Listen now, Zhao Si, 363 00:22:31,760 --> 00:22:33,240 now that Gu Qiu is gone, 364 00:22:33,320 --> 00:22:35,760 the bond between your family and the Dou family is severed. 365 00:22:36,640 --> 00:22:39,720 I am now the rightful and legitimate wife. 366 00:22:40,560 --> 00:22:42,260 You may throw your weight around for now, 367 00:22:42,520 --> 00:22:44,160 but can you stay here forever? 368 00:22:45,320 --> 00:22:48,280 Aren't you worried that once you're gone, 369 00:22:48,680 --> 00:22:50,400 I'll take out all this anger 370 00:22:51,090 --> 00:22:52,690 on Dou Zhao? 371 00:22:54,640 --> 00:22:55,640 This is so delicious! 372 00:23:02,040 --> 00:23:03,960 Have some more if you like them. 373 00:23:04,800 --> 00:23:07,560 Just tell me what you love to eat, and I'll make it for you. 374 00:23:07,640 --> 00:23:10,560 Shou Gu is still young and naive, after all. 375 00:23:11,280 --> 00:23:14,320 Give her a snack, and she forgets everything. 376 00:23:19,400 --> 00:23:21,880 Young Lady Wang, my stomach hurts so much! 377 00:23:23,840 --> 00:23:24,840 What's wrong? 378 00:23:29,320 --> 00:23:30,320 Shou Gu! 379 00:23:30,400 --> 00:23:32,920 You wicked woman, what did you put in there? 380 00:23:33,040 --> 00:23:35,240 -Call a doctor! -Go! Go! 381 00:23:35,320 --> 00:23:36,720 Shou Gu, throw it up. 382 00:23:38,960 --> 00:23:39,960 Come on. 383 00:23:47,720 --> 00:23:49,000 Poor girl. 384 00:23:50,280 --> 00:23:52,190 (Old Madam of Dou family, Madam Cui) You're finally awake. 385 00:23:52,560 --> 00:23:53,560 Shou Gu, 386 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:55,280 this is Grandmother Cui. 387 00:23:55,720 --> 00:23:56,960 She's your grandmother. 388 00:23:59,640 --> 00:24:00,840 Grandmother. 389 00:24:02,560 --> 00:24:03,560 Give me a hand. 390 00:24:05,710 --> 00:24:07,590 It's no wonder Shou Gu doesn't recognize me. 391 00:24:08,150 --> 00:24:11,070 I've been estranged from those two ungrateful sons for a long time. 392 00:24:12,040 --> 00:24:14,760 If not for Gu Qiu writing to me before she hanged herself, 393 00:24:15,040 --> 00:24:16,300 asking me to look after you, 394 00:24:16,680 --> 00:24:20,160 who knows how many lives they'd destroy before they would stop? 395 00:24:21,600 --> 00:24:22,600 Shou Gu, 396 00:24:22,760 --> 00:24:24,760 what happened today? 397 00:24:25,520 --> 00:24:28,000 Young Lady Wang broke Mother's dowry. 398 00:24:29,120 --> 00:24:31,760 She said if I behaved, I could have more pastries. 399 00:24:32,300 --> 00:24:33,300 The doctor said 400 00:24:33,720 --> 00:24:35,610 Shou Gu was poisoned with ephedra. 401 00:24:36,320 --> 00:24:37,720 Ephedra is a powerful drug. 402 00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:40,400 For Wang Ying Xue, who suffers from asthma, 403 00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:42,430 ephedra is an essential medicine. 404 00:24:42,560 --> 00:24:45,240 But for a child, it's a deadly poison. 405 00:24:45,840 --> 00:24:47,480 She's trying to wipe out all opposition 406 00:24:47,840 --> 00:24:49,560 and seize the family fortune. 407 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:51,000 You wicked woman! 408 00:24:51,320 --> 00:24:52,960 The evidence and witnesses are all here, 409 00:24:53,050 --> 00:24:54,170 and you still deny it? 410 00:24:54,560 --> 00:24:57,200 My daughter would never stoop to such despicable acts. 411 00:24:57,640 --> 00:24:59,680 Let's sit down and sort out this misunderstanding. 412 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:02,600 The law clearly states 413 00:25:03,320 --> 00:25:05,630 that poisoning with the intent to kill warrants execution. 414 00:25:05,710 --> 00:25:06,990 Even if the victim survives, 415 00:25:07,160 --> 00:25:09,680 the perpetrator is to receive 100 lashes and three years of labor. 416 00:25:09,760 --> 00:25:11,960 All three of our families are officials. 417 00:25:12,470 --> 00:25:14,310 If this matter reaches His Majesty's ears, 418 00:25:15,210 --> 00:25:17,780 could it really be dismissed as a mere misunderstanding? 419 00:25:18,560 --> 00:25:19,600 I didn't poison her! 420 00:25:20,160 --> 00:25:22,160 I don't know how she ingested ephedra. 421 00:25:22,720 --> 00:25:24,830 Mother, you've lived on the family estate for so long. 422 00:25:24,920 --> 00:25:28,120 How can you believe one-sided accusations and condemn me? 423 00:25:28,360 --> 00:25:29,360 I refuse to accept it. 424 00:25:29,440 --> 00:25:32,040 Since you address Old Madam as your mother-in-law, 425 00:25:32,200 --> 00:25:33,720 you shouldn't defy her authority. 426 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:37,080 Old Madam is the only daughter of the Cui family of Ji'an. 427 00:25:37,160 --> 00:25:38,840 Her ancestors were founding contributors to the dynasty, 428 00:25:38,920 --> 00:25:40,120 honored in the imperial ancestral temple. 429 00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:41,800 The Cui family has been a lineage of officials for generations. 430 00:25:41,880 --> 00:25:43,080 Half the court officials today 431 00:25:43,170 --> 00:25:45,530 were students of the Cui family academy. 432 00:25:45,760 --> 00:25:47,310 Considering her status and reasoning, 433 00:25:47,640 --> 00:25:49,000 how could you not accept her judgment? 434 00:25:49,080 --> 00:25:50,520 Old Madam Dou, you're actually... 435 00:25:50,600 --> 00:25:51,760 My surname is Cui. 436 00:25:52,120 --> 00:25:53,540 I do not take my husband's surname. 437 00:25:53,720 --> 00:25:54,720 Please sit. 438 00:25:55,110 --> 00:25:56,550 If this matter reaches the court, 439 00:25:57,160 --> 00:25:58,760 we all know how it will turn out. 440 00:25:59,120 --> 00:26:00,120 Lord Wang, 441 00:26:00,320 --> 00:26:01,920 you once risked demotion 442 00:26:02,440 --> 00:26:05,060 to speak out against the horse market ban, 443 00:26:05,320 --> 00:26:07,040 earning a reputation for integrity. 444 00:26:07,290 --> 00:26:09,100 But now, fresh from reinstatement, 445 00:26:09,480 --> 00:26:11,400 you allow your daughter to commit such crimes. 446 00:26:11,480 --> 00:26:13,440 What do you think His Majesty will make of this? 447 00:26:13,520 --> 00:26:14,880 Forcing a marriage, 448 00:26:14,960 --> 00:26:16,710 driving the legitimate wife to hang herself, 449 00:26:16,790 --> 00:26:19,750 poisoning the legitimate daughter, and seizing the family fortune, 450 00:26:20,480 --> 00:26:23,920 how do you propose we settle these three charges? 451 00:26:26,960 --> 00:26:28,720 How do you think 452 00:26:29,680 --> 00:26:31,220 we should settle it, Old Madam Cui? 453 00:26:34,070 --> 00:26:36,950 If ours and Wang families can settle this privately, 454 00:26:37,520 --> 00:26:40,400 it would provide Shou Gu with real security. 455 00:26:40,960 --> 00:26:42,280 I've instructed my son 456 00:26:42,360 --> 00:26:43,720 to transfer all of Gu Qiu's dowry 457 00:26:43,800 --> 00:26:46,080 to Dou Zhao, 458 00:26:46,280 --> 00:26:48,310 amounting to 3,000 taels. 459 00:26:48,560 --> 00:26:50,430 Your family should compensate the same amount. 460 00:26:50,520 --> 00:26:51,520 That's impossible. 461 00:26:51,960 --> 00:26:53,720 Your family was a family of merchants. 462 00:26:54,080 --> 00:26:55,560 You can afford 3,000 to 5,000 taels, 463 00:26:56,440 --> 00:26:58,130 but my father has just been reinstated. 464 00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:00,600 Where could he possibly find that kind of money? 465 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:02,240 Well, he can borrow from others. 466 00:27:02,440 --> 00:27:04,640 Over the years, my sister must have given you 467 00:27:04,720 --> 00:27:06,520 at least a hundred taels. 468 00:27:07,040 --> 00:27:09,600 With your father as a fourth-ranked official, 469 00:27:09,920 --> 00:27:12,000 borrowing a thousand taels shouldn't be hard. 470 00:27:12,600 --> 00:27:13,600 As for the rest, 471 00:27:14,510 --> 00:27:15,520 draft a promissory note. 472 00:27:15,600 --> 00:27:18,400 Whether it's five or ten years, you will pay it off one day. 473 00:27:18,680 --> 00:27:20,200 But Shou Gu is so young. 474 00:27:20,600 --> 00:27:22,200 How could she manage all this wealth? 475 00:27:22,440 --> 00:27:24,880 That's not your concern, Young Lady Wang. 476 00:27:26,000 --> 00:27:28,040 The victim here is Shou Gu. 477 00:27:28,480 --> 00:27:30,200 Our opinions don't count. 478 00:27:33,120 --> 00:27:34,440 Go and ask her 479 00:27:34,960 --> 00:27:36,160 what she thinks. 480 00:27:36,880 --> 00:27:37,880 Yes, Old Madam. 481 00:27:45,840 --> 00:27:47,920 The real victim here wasn't me, 482 00:27:48,680 --> 00:27:49,680 it was my mother. 483 00:27:51,240 --> 00:27:53,200 She died with a broken heart. 484 00:27:54,840 --> 00:27:56,820 If Young Lady Wang marries into our family 485 00:27:57,240 --> 00:27:58,680 and I'm forced to call her mother, 486 00:28:00,160 --> 00:28:02,050 how could my own mother ever rest in peace? 487 00:28:02,400 --> 00:28:03,760 Shou Gu wants Young Lady Wang 488 00:28:04,160 --> 00:28:08,120 to kneel in mourning for her mother for three years and not marry into 489 00:28:08,760 --> 00:28:10,920 -the Dou family during that time. -That won't do, Mother. 490 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:12,310 If we don't take her in officially, 491 00:28:12,390 --> 00:28:14,830 how can her child be considered legitimate? 492 00:28:14,960 --> 00:28:17,760 We can't allow our bloodline to be left outside. 493 00:28:17,880 --> 00:28:18,960 If it's about legitimacy, 494 00:28:19,640 --> 00:28:21,440 a formal remarriage document will suffice. 495 00:28:21,760 --> 00:28:23,400 But I'm carrying your family's child. 496 00:28:24,080 --> 00:28:25,440 What if kneeling harms the baby? 497 00:28:25,880 --> 00:28:27,650 After the new wife enters the household, 498 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:30,080 she will go to the Youmin Temple for three years 499 00:28:30,760 --> 00:28:31,920 of reflection and repentance. 500 00:28:32,110 --> 00:28:34,310 Let's ensure no bad karma falls on the child. 501 00:28:34,560 --> 00:28:35,680 Once the baby is born, 502 00:28:36,600 --> 00:28:39,520 they will be raised by a nanny with teaching experience. 503 00:28:41,920 --> 00:28:44,200 Shi Ying, say something! 504 00:28:45,040 --> 00:28:46,520 I've wronged Gu Qiu. 505 00:28:48,040 --> 00:28:49,760 I'm willing to observe mourning for her 506 00:28:50,080 --> 00:28:51,410 and separate from my new wife. 507 00:28:52,600 --> 00:28:54,680 Ying Xue will go to the Youmin Temple, 508 00:28:55,320 --> 00:28:57,120 and I will move into Gu Qiu's room, 509 00:28:57,840 --> 00:29:00,640 offering incense and reciting prayers for her day and night. 510 00:29:06,440 --> 00:29:07,520 I'm sorry. 511 00:29:08,040 --> 00:29:09,480 I've learned my lesson now. 512 00:29:10,040 --> 00:29:11,310 We'll pay the compensation. 513 00:29:11,760 --> 00:29:15,200 Please spare my child. 514 00:29:59,880 --> 00:30:01,200 I'm sorry, Shou Gu. 515 00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:04,000 I won't be able to watch you grow up. 516 00:30:05,680 --> 00:30:07,960 Mother, I don't blame you. 517 00:30:13,280 --> 00:30:14,880 I never wanted to be your burden 518 00:30:16,240 --> 00:30:17,880 or watch you suffer for life. 519 00:30:19,600 --> 00:30:20,600 Don't worry. 520 00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:23,880 I'll take care of myself. 521 00:30:44,600 --> 00:30:45,720 The magnolias have fallen. 522 00:30:46,880 --> 00:30:48,120 The swing is covered in dust. 523 00:30:49,680 --> 00:30:51,120 This is no longer your home, 524 00:30:52,520 --> 00:30:53,520 nor is it mine. 525 00:30:55,740 --> 00:30:56,740 Mother, 526 00:30:57,690 --> 00:30:59,160 if your spirit lingers, 527 00:31:00,600 --> 00:31:02,240 may you soar beyond these high walls, 528 00:31:03,040 --> 00:31:04,040 past this residence, 529 00:31:05,360 --> 00:31:06,580 and find freedom and peace. 530 00:31:17,000 --> 00:31:18,000 Madam. 531 00:31:18,400 --> 00:31:19,400 Good. 532 00:31:20,600 --> 00:31:22,280 (Zhending, Cui Family Estate) 533 00:31:22,360 --> 00:31:23,520 It's such a beautiful estate. 534 00:31:31,400 --> 00:31:32,480 Greetings, Old Madam. 535 00:31:32,560 --> 00:31:34,640 -An Su, greet Old Madam. -Greetings, Madam. 536 00:31:36,080 --> 00:31:37,800 This is Madam Miao and Mister Miao, 537 00:31:38,320 --> 00:31:39,360 neighbors from the estate. 538 00:31:42,360 --> 00:31:43,480 Entering a new home, 539 00:31:43,560 --> 00:31:45,000 we must first dust ourselves off. 540 00:31:45,840 --> 00:31:47,240 Sweeping away the past 541 00:31:47,480 --> 00:31:48,800 brings in blessings and fortune. 542 00:31:49,520 --> 00:31:50,560 This is yours. 543 00:31:51,520 --> 00:31:52,800 And this is yours. 544 00:31:53,440 --> 00:31:54,880 And one for you. 545 00:31:57,000 --> 00:31:59,160 Grandmother, what flower is this? 546 00:31:59,800 --> 00:32:00,800 Nine-Layered Purple, 547 00:32:01,600 --> 00:32:03,520 a humble wildflower. 548 00:32:04,040 --> 00:32:05,920 Peonies and orchids are delicate and beautiful, 549 00:32:06,000 --> 00:32:07,800 but they compete for nutrients, 550 00:32:08,280 --> 00:32:10,960 can't survive heavy rain and drought, 551 00:32:11,880 --> 00:32:13,480 and constantly need human care. 552 00:32:13,900 --> 00:32:15,500 Wildflowers are different. 553 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:17,680 They thrive without perfect conditions. 554 00:32:17,820 --> 00:32:21,340 Scatter their seeds, and they'll cover the mountains in bloom. 555 00:32:26,760 --> 00:32:29,880 That day, you took the poison yourself, didn't you? 556 00:32:31,120 --> 00:32:32,480 Ephedra is bitter. 557 00:32:32,600 --> 00:32:34,040 At a toxic dose, 558 00:32:34,810 --> 00:32:37,050 it's so bitter that it's nearly impossible to swallow. 559 00:32:39,400 --> 00:32:40,710 That child is so precocious. 560 00:32:41,600 --> 00:32:42,920 She must hate me to the core. 561 00:32:43,840 --> 00:32:45,750 She will always disobey me in the future. 562 00:32:46,200 --> 00:32:47,200 I must get rid of her. 563 00:32:47,600 --> 00:32:49,480 Young Lady, don't you have ephedra on you? 564 00:32:50,160 --> 00:32:52,040 That substance is harmless for adults, 565 00:32:52,160 --> 00:32:53,880 but children mustn't come into contact with it. 566 00:32:53,960 --> 00:32:55,800 Even in tiny doses, 567 00:32:55,880 --> 00:32:56,960 long-term use 568 00:32:57,280 --> 00:33:00,400 will lead to depleted vitality and weakened lungs. 569 00:33:01,560 --> 00:33:04,640 And I'll appear to be caring for her 570 00:33:04,880 --> 00:33:06,080 with utmost devotion. 571 00:33:06,880 --> 00:33:10,560 People will see me as a virtuous wife. 572 00:33:18,720 --> 00:33:20,710 Wang Ying Xue was trying to back me into a corner. 573 00:33:21,000 --> 00:33:22,820 Rather than waiting for her to make her move, 574 00:33:23,730 --> 00:33:25,530 I chose to take the poison first 575 00:33:26,040 --> 00:33:27,160 to protect myself. 576 00:33:30,400 --> 00:33:31,400 Grandmother, 577 00:33:31,600 --> 00:33:33,120 I am not an evil person. 578 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:35,290 To those who are kind to me, 579 00:33:35,560 --> 00:33:36,960 I would risk my life to repay them. 580 00:33:37,680 --> 00:33:38,880 But for grievances and wrongs, 581 00:33:38,960 --> 00:33:40,520 even if it costs me dearly, 582 00:33:40,960 --> 00:33:42,570 I will ensure they're repaid in full. 583 00:33:47,640 --> 00:33:48,640 Shou Gu, 584 00:33:50,240 --> 00:33:51,240 remember this, 585 00:33:53,360 --> 00:33:56,040 I forbid you to do such things again. 586 00:33:56,680 --> 00:33:58,160 I brought you out of the residence 587 00:33:58,480 --> 00:34:00,640 because I value your maturity and intelligence. 588 00:34:01,360 --> 00:34:03,280 If you limit yourself to petty family rivalries, 589 00:34:03,360 --> 00:34:04,960 you'll grow twisted and narrow-minded, 590 00:34:05,200 --> 00:34:07,720 confined to scheming over a mere patch of land. 591 00:34:07,800 --> 00:34:10,020 You will lose sight of the vastness of the world. 592 00:34:10,880 --> 00:34:14,239 I want your brilliance to reach beyond the household, 593 00:34:14,800 --> 00:34:16,440 to the mountains, rivers, and lakes, 594 00:34:16,760 --> 00:34:18,480 and even to the country and its people. 595 00:34:18,560 --> 00:34:21,440 That is where you will truly shine. 596 00:34:25,480 --> 00:34:27,080 This is my mother's bracelet. 597 00:34:27,360 --> 00:34:31,080 Even something broken can shine again. 598 00:34:31,840 --> 00:34:32,840 Grandmother, 599 00:34:33,400 --> 00:34:34,400 I understand. 600 00:34:35,280 --> 00:34:36,320 Coming to this estate, 601 00:34:36,600 --> 00:34:39,060 I've realized I don't want to be a delicate, sheltered flower, 602 00:34:39,480 --> 00:34:43,120 but to become as resilient as the Nine-Layered Purple, 603 00:34:43,360 --> 00:34:45,000 able to withstand wind and rain. 604 00:34:45,880 --> 00:34:47,040 From now on, 605 00:34:47,580 --> 00:34:50,020 I will live well for myself. 606 00:34:55,760 --> 00:34:57,280 I studied under learned masters 607 00:34:57,800 --> 00:34:59,710 (Chen Qu Shui) to gain knowledge of the world. 608 00:35:04,200 --> 00:35:05,200 Will you pay or not? 609 00:35:05,840 --> 00:35:06,840 Do you hear me? 610 00:35:08,400 --> 00:35:09,400 They deserve it! 611 00:35:23,000 --> 00:35:25,920 (Su Lan, Su Xin) I recruited skilled maidservants for protection. 612 00:35:31,960 --> 00:35:34,880 Finally, I established myself in the world of commerce, 613 00:35:35,360 --> 00:35:36,870 achieving success in every venture. 614 00:36:02,580 --> 00:36:05,890 (Futing, Duke of Ding's Army Camp) 615 00:36:11,360 --> 00:36:12,360 Run! 616 00:36:13,960 --> 00:36:14,960 Next! 617 00:36:18,600 --> 00:36:20,460 (Ding) 618 00:36:27,480 --> 00:36:28,480 Grand General, 619 00:36:28,610 --> 00:36:30,480 -a child has come to enlist. -Faster! 620 00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:32,080 We guard the border 621 00:36:32,200 --> 00:36:34,440 so that children can stay safe at home, 622 00:36:34,520 --> 00:36:35,520 far from disaster. 623 00:36:35,790 --> 00:36:37,870 I never take in children here. Send him away. 624 00:36:38,420 --> 00:36:39,520 (Yan Chao Qing) Grand General, 625 00:36:39,600 --> 00:36:41,280 please turn around and take a look first. 626 00:36:43,000 --> 00:36:44,480 (Duke of Ding, Jiang Mei Sun) 627 00:36:44,640 --> 00:36:45,640 Catch up! 628 00:36:45,880 --> 00:36:47,480 (Young Song Mo) Grand General! 629 00:36:57,440 --> 00:36:58,610 You've come to enlist, huh? 630 00:36:59,680 --> 00:37:00,960 Have you lost your mind, brat? 631 00:37:01,760 --> 00:37:03,320 Running away from home to join the army, huh? 632 00:37:03,400 --> 00:37:05,480 -Stop right there! -Calm down now, Uncle. 633 00:37:05,560 --> 00:37:06,720 I didn't run away from home. 634 00:37:06,800 --> 00:37:08,000 I'm here to enlist for real. 635 00:37:08,120 --> 00:37:09,840 You think enlisting is some kind of game? 636 00:37:10,010 --> 00:37:11,330 Stop right there, do you hear me? 637 00:37:11,680 --> 00:37:14,680 Kid, if your father finds out, he'll ground you for a year, 638 00:37:14,760 --> 00:37:16,080 and I won't speak up for you. 639 00:37:16,240 --> 00:37:17,360 You've got two choices now. 640 00:37:17,440 --> 00:37:20,200 Either leave on your own, or I'll have you escorted back. Your choice. 641 00:37:20,280 --> 00:37:21,960 You'll have to catch me first. 642 00:37:22,160 --> 00:37:23,560 You're messing with me, aren't you? 643 00:37:23,640 --> 00:37:25,680 -Somebody, tie him up! -Yes, sir! 644 00:37:36,440 --> 00:37:39,040 Grand General, we might need more men to tie him down. 645 00:37:40,200 --> 00:37:42,040 I didn't think the brat could run this fast. 646 00:37:43,960 --> 00:37:46,000 What are you standing here for? Go help them! 647 00:37:46,120 --> 00:37:47,120 Yes, sir! 648 00:37:52,440 --> 00:37:53,440 Young Master. 649 00:37:55,280 --> 00:37:58,080 You're not even as tall as a pirate's blade, 650 00:37:58,400 --> 00:38:00,760 and you're already thinking about killing pirates? 651 00:38:01,800 --> 00:38:02,800 Isn't that a little... 652 00:38:04,000 --> 00:38:05,490 Now, am I good enough to kill them? 653 00:38:06,680 --> 00:38:08,720 Extraordinary! Truly extraordinary! 654 00:38:08,800 --> 00:38:09,800 Outrageous! 655 00:38:11,960 --> 00:38:12,960 Get down! 656 00:38:15,400 --> 00:38:16,400 Hand me the blade. 657 00:38:20,750 --> 00:38:22,170 Think you're so capable, do you? 658 00:38:22,560 --> 00:38:23,560 Take him back home. 659 00:38:24,040 --> 00:38:25,040 Uncle! 660 00:38:25,440 --> 00:38:26,840 If you turn me away too, 661 00:38:27,600 --> 00:38:29,240 I'll truly have nowhere to go. 662 00:38:37,520 --> 00:38:38,960 Got kicked out by your father again? 663 00:38:41,840 --> 00:38:43,240 Unbelievable. 664 00:38:44,280 --> 00:38:46,040 What kind of father is Song Yi Chun? 665 00:38:47,040 --> 00:38:50,840 Uncle... No, Grand General, please take me in. 666 00:38:51,640 --> 00:38:54,440 I'm ready to go through fire and water without hesitation! 667 00:38:56,440 --> 00:38:57,760 Go through fire and water? 668 00:38:58,360 --> 00:38:59,560 Do you even know how to start a fire and cook? 669 00:38:59,680 --> 00:39:00,680 A cook? 670 00:39:00,920 --> 00:39:02,360 -I want another role. -If you don't want it, go now. 671 00:39:02,440 --> 00:39:03,800 I'll do it! I'll do it! 672 00:39:04,080 --> 00:39:05,080 Get to work then. 673 00:39:05,960 --> 00:39:08,040 Jiang Mei Sun! Just you wait! 674 00:39:08,160 --> 00:39:10,400 One day, I'll rise from a cook 675 00:39:10,840 --> 00:39:12,520 to a Grand General who protects the nation! 676 00:39:48,480 --> 00:39:49,520 Give it to me! 677 00:39:54,560 --> 00:39:55,560 Come! 678 00:39:57,440 --> 00:39:58,440 Come on. 679 00:40:01,320 --> 00:40:02,320 Look! 680 00:40:17,480 --> 00:40:19,720 Zhao, you've sold off more than half of your cloth shops 681 00:40:19,800 --> 00:40:21,560 and rouge stores in Guandong, 682 00:40:21,840 --> 00:40:24,470 only to buy dozens of silk factories and tea estates in Futing. 683 00:40:24,550 --> 00:40:26,310 (Miao An Su) Although the prices were low, 684 00:40:26,480 --> 00:40:28,400 these are tough businesses with thin margins. 685 00:40:28,800 --> 00:40:31,440 On top of that, Futing has been plagued by pirates for years. 686 00:40:31,960 --> 00:40:33,760 Nine out of ten trade ships are looted. 687 00:40:34,160 --> 00:40:35,560 Isn't this too risky? 688 00:40:38,400 --> 00:40:40,560 We've reclaimed all the islands along the coast. 689 00:40:41,560 --> 00:40:42,560 Cherish this, 690 00:40:42,880 --> 00:40:44,530 there aren't many battles left to fight. 691 00:40:57,480 --> 00:40:59,600 The court assigned Duke of Ding, Jiang Mei Sun, 692 00:40:59,760 --> 00:41:01,120 to pacify the seas years ago. 693 00:41:01,600 --> 00:41:03,640 The pirate chaos will soon be quelled, and maritime trade will flourish. 694 00:41:04,120 --> 00:41:06,920 These seemingly insignificant silks and teas 695 00:41:07,080 --> 00:41:09,000 will one day be worth more than gold. 696 00:41:09,080 --> 00:41:11,240 That's why we must secure these businesses now. 697 00:41:11,520 --> 00:41:13,370 They'll bring exponential returns later. 698 00:41:27,880 --> 00:41:29,560 Is everything that happened in my dream 699 00:41:30,120 --> 00:41:31,360 destined to come true? 700 00:41:36,480 --> 00:41:37,480 Little one, 701 00:41:37,840 --> 00:41:38,960 why are you so upset? 702 00:41:39,520 --> 00:41:42,160 Someone actually believed a story I made up. 703 00:41:43,640 --> 00:41:45,920 So, how do you like my tale? 704 00:41:46,920 --> 00:41:47,920 You wrote it? 705 00:41:49,680 --> 00:41:50,960 I've tried my best, 706 00:41:51,400 --> 00:41:52,960 yet why couldn't I change the outcome? 707 00:41:53,480 --> 00:41:55,960 Throw a stone into the river. 708 00:41:58,080 --> 00:41:59,080 Throw a big one, 709 00:41:59,880 --> 00:42:01,560 so big you can't even lift it. 710 00:42:06,160 --> 00:42:07,160 See, 711 00:42:07,280 --> 00:42:08,920 no matter how big the stone, 712 00:42:09,160 --> 00:42:11,120 it only creates ripples for a moment. 713 00:42:11,800 --> 00:42:14,440 You can't change the river's course. 714 00:42:14,840 --> 00:42:18,920 Then how can I change the river's course? 715 00:42:19,000 --> 00:42:20,040 If one day, 716 00:42:20,400 --> 00:42:22,640 you possess the strength 717 00:42:22,720 --> 00:42:24,760 to collapse the towering mountains 718 00:42:25,200 --> 00:42:26,320 before you, 719 00:42:27,640 --> 00:42:31,440 then the river's course will change. 720 00:42:45,720 --> 00:42:46,720 Fate 721 00:42:47,120 --> 00:42:48,360 is not unchangeable, 722 00:42:49,080 --> 00:42:50,080 nor is it insurmountable. 723 00:42:51,320 --> 00:42:52,320 This time, 724 00:42:52,960 --> 00:42:55,320 I will gain the strength to topple mountains. 725 00:42:58,280 --> 00:42:59,280 I will take control 726 00:42:59,960 --> 00:43:01,120 of my destiny. 727 00:43:06,920 --> 00:43:08,080 (Dou Shi Shu) 728 00:43:08,400 --> 00:43:09,400 (Wang Ying Xue) 729 00:43:25,280 --> 00:43:27,480 (Song Mo) 730 00:43:42,040 --> 00:43:45,200 This family banquet is set up just to let Grand Secretary Wu's eldest grandson 731 00:43:45,280 --> 00:43:46,930 meet the Dou family daughters, isn't it? 732 00:43:47,520 --> 00:43:49,520 Song Yi Chun delayed critical military operations. 733 00:43:49,760 --> 00:43:51,000 Add 30 lashes. 734 00:43:51,080 --> 00:43:53,920 Grand General, please let me take the punishment in my father's place. 735 00:43:54,000 --> 00:43:55,800 An outstanding son with a useless father! 736 00:43:55,960 --> 00:43:56,960 How foolish!