All language subtitles for 【锦衣夜行】第47集 _ 张翰、朴敏英搅动明朝帝王风云 _ Braveness Of The Ming EP47 _ Starring_ Zhang Han, Park Min Young _ ENG_English

♫ I spur my horse, a whip in hand, to claim the land ♫

♫ Little did I know, my boldness couldn’t
overcome the sorrow of parting ♫

♫ I shed my armor and wear the brocade ♫

♫ The man in the yellow light sighs alone ♫

♫ But no grand ambition can fill this lonely night ♫

♫ With all my courage, I'd hold a paper umbrella high ♫

♫ To shield you from every storm in the sky ♫

♫ On the lakeside of the mortal world ♫

♫ I look back, a thousand ships have sailed by ♫

♫ We drank to our joys and griefs in the endless sand ♫

♫ But let slip the perfect life we had planned ♫

♫ I owe you a lifetime I cannot repay ♫

♫ Only in the next life can this debt be paid ♫

♫ We drank to our joys and griefs in the desert vast ♫

♫ But in love and hate, we stumbled till the last ♫

♫ Though I might walk through history's proud song ♫

♫ My heart still falters where love belongs ♫

♫ I’d have no regrets at all,
if only you had asked me to stay ♫

Braveness of the Ming

Episode 47

Why do you have to torture yourself like this?

He doesn't cherish you.

There will naturally be someone
who cares for you, loves you, and protects you.

He will marry Princess Ming'er sooner or later.

Why must you wrong yourself
by sharing a husband with another?

You might as well come to my side.

I've said that I will only
love you in this lifetime.

Let go of me.

Xia Xun, take me home.

Take me home, Xia Xun.

Xia Xun.

Don't go, Xia Xun.

[Baoju Jewelry]

Lord, they say it has been set up.

Go ahead.

Yes.

Xie, won't you give me even a little chance?

Why can none of us ultimately escape "love"?

Ji,

I can only use this method to reject you.

Because once certain words are spoken,

we won't even be able to remain friends.

Lord,

they keep sending people to urge us.

With just one word from you, we can cast the net.

Pass on my order. Proceed as planned.

Yes.

The chessboard is set.

It's time to checkmate.

Why are you in such a hurry to see me?
What's the matter?

Princess,

I must trouble you to relay a message to Xia Xun.

Last night, I was with Xie Yufei.

Last night, she went to find you?

You two were together?

Last night, Xie was drunk.

I happened to go find her.

After that,

we drank, laughed, and confided in each other.

I understand.

Rest assured.

I will relay this to Xia Xun exactly as you said.

Prepare the sedan chair.
Let's go to Bulwark Duke's Mansion.

Xia Xun,

someone really saw them

together in a room late at night, being intimate.

Listen to me.

Princess, if you truly have nothing better to do,

you'd be better off
reading more books or painting

than running to my residence.

Xia Xun.

I know my word alone

is not enough for you to believe.

I can call a witness to testify.

He saw with his own eyes
Ji Gang holding Xie Yufei.

Princess!

Enough!

This is my family matter.

There's no need for you
to trouble yourself over it.

I still have official duties to attend to.

I have to leave now.

Ji Gang.

Your scheme of sowing discord
is indeed well executed.

My Lord.

Last night, Madam was with Ji Gang.

It seems to be true.

I followed Madam last night.

Madam went to a tavern and drank heavily.

Later, Lord Ji suddenly appeared.

They drank and chatted together in the shop.

But not long after, Lord Ji left alone.

Why did you hide this from me?

I dare not.

I was just afraid that this matter might

cause a rift between Madam and you.

In that case,

continue to keep a close eye on Ji Gang.

Could it be that you suspect...

I suspect Ji Gang of plotting something.

Yes.

You're finally back.

Thinking of me coming back to serve you,

or are you and the Little Princess
waiting to see my joke?

Our matters should not involve others.

But now, our affairs

have long become the talk of others.

How can you ask me not to involve others?

I don't care what you think of me,

but I must remind you of something.

It's best to stay away from Ji Gang.

Could it be...

Are you suspecting me and Ji Gang?

No.

I'm worried about you.

Stop making excuses for yourself.

Do you really have no feelings
for the Little Princess at all?

Or is it that in your heart, Xia Xun,

the weight of the Little Princess

has completely replaced me, hasn't it?

There is really nothing
between me and the Princess.

Enough, Xia Xun.

I don't want to hear
any more explanations from you.

Why have we become like this?

You know very well in your heart.

At this point,

I think we both need to calm down a bit.

This is good for both of us.

During this time,
I will stay at Peng's house.

But it's not appropriate for you
to change residences.

If you don't want to see me,

I'll sleep in the study.

The continuous heavy rain has turned
Suzhou and Songjiang into a vast flooded area.

Most places are severely affected.

Therefore, I believe

the court's disaster relief efforts

should also involve self-rescue
in the affected areas.

The grain reserves in the
government warehouses of each region

should all be taken first for disaster relief.

At the same time,

the grain reserves of
wealthy households in each city

can also be borrowed for immediate use.

In that case, the shortfall
should not be too great.

The grain transported from various regions
that is convenient

to send to Suzhou and Songjiang
can be shipped there directly.

Submit accounts to
the Ministry of Revenue with receipts.

Then, from nearby unaffected areas,

borrow some local reserve grain
for disaster relief.

Next year, the forced labor
from the grain-producing regions

will be provided by the disaster-stricken areas,
repaying the grain with labor.

Your Majesty,

Suzhou and Songjiang region
is originally a water town.

People of the water town
are all proficient in water skills.

The court can also organize
and allocate a batch of boats,

forming fleets with the able-bodied young men
among the disaster victims.

On one hand, they can rescue people
trapped in the floods,

and on the other hand,
they can catch fish, shrimp,

lotus roots, and other edible items,

which can also be used to stave off hunger.

With all my ministers working together,
although the disaster is great,

I believe

this time we can certainly minimize the losses!

Whenever there is a major disaster,

there are always corrupt officials who,

defying the law,
seize the opportunity to embezzle.

They always exist.

In the disaster-stricken areas,

many government offices have been completely
washed away by the flood.

Due to the urgency of relief efforts,

many officials have to take on multiple roles.

Therefore,

[Censor of Jindu, Yu Shiji.]

the usual rules and regulations
cannot be strictly followed.

If some among them engage in embezzlement,

I worry that with insufficient manpower,

we cannot thoroughly investigate every detail.

I understand.

The life-saving grain for the people

is often targeted
by black-hearted officials and thieves

who deduct from it layer by layer.

Even if the relief grain amounts
to tens of millions of dan,

what finally reaches the mouths of the people

is often less than one-tenth.
Such situations have occurred before.

Even with the blade of the law hanging high,

there are still those blinded by greed,
daring to risk death.

This situation has been
the same throughout history.

Therefore,

regarding the matter of supervision...

Xia Xun.

Your servant is here.

I grant you the Imperial Mandate Insignia,

giving you overall authority
over all matters in the disaster area.

For officials of the third rank and below,

if they violate the law,
you may execute them first and report later.

This is a job that will make you enemies.

Others cannot do it. I entrust it to you.

Your servant accepts the decree.

Suzhou and Songjiang region

is originally the most affluent area
of our Great Ming.

Affluent regions are more prone to
breeding corrupt practices.

Those who can serve as officials
in the Suzhou and Songjiang region

mostly have complex backgrounds

and intricate networks of connections.

Their backers are all very powerful.

Xia Xun.

You remember this for me.

If you can't control the situation there,

just use the authority I've given you

and execute all those corrupt officials
who exploit the poor.

I obey your command.

As for those who embezzle relief grain,

falsely claim relief, or hoard for speculation,

once they fall into my hands, Xia Xun,

I will definitely not let them off lightly.

Good. Very good.

With your word, I am reassured.

Time is pressing.

Xia Xun, take a few men from the Censorate

and set off immediately.

Yes.

I have received the imperial decree.

I will set off for the disaster area tomorrow.

You must take good care of yourself.

If anything happens,

go find Ximen and Miss Peng.

Are you doing this to avoid me?

We are husband and wife,

destined to spend our lives together.

Why would I avoid you?

I know.

You simply want to use this as an excuse

to leave this place,

to leave me, so you can be alone
and have some peace, right?

Xie.

Alright, now it's already quite late.

I need to rest. You may leave.

I wish you a smooth journey and safe arrival.

Take good care of yourself.

Wait for me to return.

I'm leaving early tomorrow.
Let Madam sleep a little longer.

Don't wake her up.

You won't even say goodbye to me in person?

I want a drink too!

Then another kiss!

My Lord.

My Lord.

You two step down first.

My Lord, I have already found out.

Who's appointed to inspect the disaster area
is Bulwark Duke.

[Huzhou Magistrate, Chang Yinglin.]

Adviser, no need to panic.

That large sum of disaster relief silver
has already been sent up.

But I am still worried.

I've heard Bulwark Duke
is impartial and incorruptible.

We have already taken care of things
at the higher level.

When the time comes, naturally someone will

protect our positions.

Bulwark Duke is carrying the Emperor's

Imperial Mandate Insignia.

I wonder who the higher-up you mentioned is?

The Commander of Imperial Guards, Ji Gang.

Is that name prestigious enough?

Yes.

Not to mention my close
personal connection with him,

I hardly took any of
this disaster relief silver for myself.

Most of it went into his own pocket.

He taught me how to

extract profits from the disaster victims
under the guise of taxation.

If something happens to me,

he won't be able to escape responsibility.

Do you think he'll protect us
when the time comes?

You're so wise.

[Huzhou]

Sir, be careful.

Alright.

You must be tired from the journey.

Perhaps you should rest for a while.

It seems

the disaster situation in Huzhou is not severe,

and you can wait for us to rest.

Sir,

the disaster situation
in our prefecture is much lighter

compared to the Su-Song region.

After the flood broke out,

I immediately organized
the gentry and commoners of Huzhou

to carry out self-rescue.

I can say with certainty that

after the flood,

at least the refugees who fled to Huzhou

have all been properly settled.

So far, not a single commoner
has starved to death.

Yes, he is absolutely correct.

Huzhou is the final stop for disaster relief.

Seeing that the local self-rescue
measures are so effective,

we are relieved.

Thank you, Sir.

Accommodations have already
been prepared at the yamen.

Bulwark Duke and Lord Yu
have traveled far and must be weary.

Please first go to the yamen to bathe,
change clothes, and rest for a while.

After that,

the officials, gentry, and commoners of Huzhou
have prepared a banquet

specifically to express gratitude
to Bulwark Duke and Lord Yu

for your efforts in rushing about
for disaster relief.

We sincerely request Bulwark Duke
and Lord Yu to attend the banquet.

Lord Chang,

I'm afraid this is not quite appropriate.

We came to Huzhou
to provide disaster relief and aid the people.

Now...

Sir, please look.

Our disaster relief efforts in Huzhou
are orderly and well-organized.

Now the disaster victims
have been properly settled.

We are only waiting for
the floodwaters to recede.

Since it's the final stop
of your disaster relief mission,

you two have already achieved great merit.

This is not only to thank you
on behalf of the people of Huzhou,

but also on behalf of the people of various
disaster-stricken prefectures in Zhejiang

to thank you two.

How could you possibly
disappoint the hearts of us,

the people of Huzhou?

Sir, please look.

Sir, it's already late now.

Bulwark Duke and Lord Yu must be exhausted.

It's not suitable to
handle official business further today.

How about this?

Tomorrow morning,

I will naturally report to
Bulwark Duke and Lord Yu

on the disaster situation in Huzhou.

If Bulwark Duke wishes
to visit the severely affected areas

to take a look around,

I'm willing to accompany you.

Bulwark Duke.

Let's go.

Yes.

I always feel that this place

is not as simple as it appears.

On the surface, it seems very peaceful,

but from the eyes of the disaster victims,

I see unease and anger.

Could there be something hidden within?

Alright, help me investigate this secretly.

I hope my intuition is wrong.

Bulwark Duke.

The banquet is ready. Please proceed.

Alright.

Please.

Bulwark Duke, you must be tired from the journey.

Come on, esteemed officials.

Let us raise our glasses together
to toast Bulwark Duke.

- Bulwark Duke, cheer.
- Cheer.

Bulwark Duke.

Huzhou is the last stop of your inspection tour.

Fortunately, Huzhou is not
heavily affected by the disaster.

The people are still living in peace,

and there is no need for Bulwark Duke
and officials to worry or exert effort.

In my opinion,

if you are not in a hurry
to return to the capital,

you may stay in Huzhou for a few more days.

Thank you for your kind offer, Prefect.

Throughout this inspection
and disaster relief journey,

based on the current situation,

Huzhou has performed the most effectively.

I will definitely report this to the Emperor.

Thank you, Sir.

My lord.

I'm a cousin

of the Commander of Imperial Guards, Ji Gang.

From my cousin,

I've long admired your great reputation,

but never had the chance to meet.

Today, it is a rare opportunity to meet.

I'm truly honored.

This small token of my respect,

please, my lord, you must accept it graciously.

It's fine.

We are all family.

My lord.

This is Miss Xi Si, the top courtesan of Huzhou.

Her singing voice is exquisite.

Miss Xi Si, please hold your song for a moment.

Come here.

Miss Xi Si.

This is Bulwark Duke of our court.

He has traveled tirelessly, covered in dust,

representing the Son of Heaven
to relieve the people.

You must represent the people of Huzhou

and offer a toast to Bulwark Duke.

Fill the cups.

The wine you drink is the blood of the people.

The food you eat is the flesh of the people.

The countless wronged souls
who drowned themselves in the river

are weeping within your wine cups.

Bulwark Duke,

does this wine

taste fragrant to you?

You... How dare you!

How bold, Xi Si!

How dare you speak nonsense,
slander the imperial officials,

and splash wine on Bulwark Duke?

Defying your superiors, do you not know the law?

Guards, drag her out!

Why are you in such a hurry?

My lord,

stopping the mouths of the people
is more dangerous than damming a river.

If we do not let her pour out
her heartfelt feelings,

others might think

that Huzhou Prefecture
has committed some heinous deeds.

If this spreads, it would be most unseemly.

Yes, my lord.

I am Censor Yu Shiji of the Censorate.

I've been dispatched by imperial decree
to inspect disaster areas

and investigate injustices.

Miss Xi Si,

if you have grievances, you may state them to me.

But let me be clear from the start.

For a commoner to accuse an official,
if the accusation is false,

the punishment will be even more severe.

Accuse an official?

I am not accusing an official.

I, a humble woman, am neither a victim
nor have I suffered any injustice.

During the great flood in Huzhou,
countless families were ruined.

Yet Xi Si still wears fine silks
and eats delicacies,

moving among wealthy households,

amidst music and revelry,
lost in dreams and drunkenness.

What grievances could I possibly have?

Xi Si speaks only because of
what I have seen and heard,

because of the righteous indignation in my heart.

I cannot remain silent and be at peace.

Good.

Well said, 'injustice provokes outcry'.

I believe for Censor Yu,

this is far more pleasing to hear
than light songs and graceful dances.

11 years ago,

there was also a great flood here.

Because of that flood,

my home was gone.

That year, I was only seven years old.

I was sold into a brothel by my father,
his eyes brimming with tears.

This corrupt official, to protect his own career,

first concealed the disaster
and did not report it,

then imposed exorbitant taxes and levies.

My parents and family

though they survived
the great calamity of the flood,

could not survive the man-made disaster.

In the end, they still...

I hate this heaven,

but I hate you even more.

You sealed the city gates,

watching coldly as the people
had nowhere to plead for help,

forced to leave their homes.

You stood by and watched
countless widows and orphans,

with nowhere to turn,
drown themselves in the river.

You colluded with those unscrupulous merchants

who have lost all conscience,

exploiting this natural disaster

to force how many children
to sell themselves cheaply,

becoming your household slaves?

And how many daughters from decent families

did you force to endure shame and humiliation,
becoming your playthings?

You officials are nothing but man-eaters!

Is what this young lady says true?

Bulwark Duke,

you must not listen to her nonsense.

Someone must have instigated this lowly maid

to take this opportunity to falsely accuse me.

In governing this region,
I have not feared the powerful,

and indeed have offended many people.

This must be a treacherous scheme
by those individuals.

Dear Bulwark Duke,

if you do not believe me,

you can ask the gathered gentry
and officials present.

Yes, the Prefect loves the people
as his own children.

In disaster relief and comforting the people,

he has exhausted his mind and energy,

sparing no effort.

Such a just and upright official
is hard to find even with a lantern.

- Right.
- Indeed.

He loves the people as his own children?

What a fine 'loving the people
as his own children'!

Are you all blind, or have you lost your minds?

Miss Xi Si

has publicly accused the Prefect of Huzhou
of corruption and bending the law,

embezzling public grain.

Facing the Huzhou flood,
as the local parent-official,

he refused to open the city gates,

and also refused to provide relief,

forcing countless refugees
to either flee elsewhere

or drown themselves in the river.

Any single one of the accusations she has made,

if proven true,

would be a capital offense.

Bulwark Duke, this...

However, on my journey here,

I've observed that the disaster relief
is orderly and well-organized.

Disaster victims outside the city have shelter,

clothes to wear, and food to eat.

This is what I have seen with my own eyes.

It is vastly different from

what Miss Xi has described.

Bulwark Duke is wise indeed!

This must be a scheme instigated by villains,

slander and defamation.

We implore Your Lordship to investigate clearly!

Xi Si never expected that these words alone

could redress the grievances
of the people of Huzhou.

All you lords are toasting merrily,
in high spirits.

I will now

add a bit more excitement for you lords!

No!

You think you can die just like that?

It's not that easy.

If we allow you to die like this,
where would the dignity of the court be?

Censor Yu!

Here.

This matter now falls upon you.

Regarding everything Miss Xi just said,

each point must be investigated
to verify its truth.

To clear the Prefect's name and restore justice.

Thank you, Bulwark Duke.

Bulwark Duke speaks rightly.

Guards, come here!

Here!

Miss Xi Si is a key witness and suspect.

Take her back to the brothel.

Place her alone under strict guard.

Wait until I investigate the truth
before deciding her fate.

As you command.

Move!

My lord.

Xia Xun and his group
have already arrived in Huzhou.

Chang Yinglin of Huzhou thinks that
by putting on a superficial show

and spending some silver,
he can establish ties with me.

A fool's dream.

What does my lord mean?

Within a day, Xia Xun is sure
to discover the discrepancies.

Does the subordinate
need to remind Chang Yinglin?

No.

Such a person is not worth keeping.

Before Xia Xun finds related evidence,

make sure he is silenced.

This subordinate understands.

I have taught you

the best way to silence someone is...

to make them unable to speak forever!

Yes, my lord.

Prefect Chang is also well-read in classics,

nurtured by sage teachings since childhood.

How could he commit such heinous acts?

If a person's conscience turns black,

what does it matter
whether they've read books or not?

I have another matter to entrust to you.

I'm unworthy. Please give your orders, my lord.

I have already sent people
to investigate this matter secretly.

Once solid evidence is obtained,

by that time,

we will need to stay in Huzhou
for a while longer.

Executing corrupt officials is one thing.

Additionally,

we must recall the disaster victims

who have scattered in all directions.

We must provide relief and resettle them,
and no longer let them

suffer the hardships of displacement.

Only in this way

can we regain the people's trust.

You must remember, since you are an official,

you must serve the people.

As you command.

What Xi Si knows is only what was said tonight.

If my lord wishes to verify,

you should investigate Chang Yinglin's accounts

and question those displaced disaster victims.

What more do you need to ask me?

It's not like that.

You know far more than that, miss.

I must investigate the situation.

For the moment, I don't know
who can be trusted here.

It would be best to seek your advice.

These are the officials, gentry,
and unscrupulous merchants

that the Duke has found
colluding with the Prefect.

Please see if there are any
who have slipped through the net.

I'll obey your command.

[Chang Yinglin, Gao Shiwen, Zhang Ning...]

Bulwark Duke,

the evidence of the crime is unclear,
you cannot detain me.

Chang Yinglin!

Your government granaries are completely empty.
Not a single grain remains.

This does not match

the recorded accounts of
600,000 dan of stored grain

that were supposedly received.

The Granary Superintendent was also present
and was captured on the spot by me.

According to his confession,

the grain was long ago divided up and sold off

by you in collusion with
those unscrupulous merchants.

Witnesses and material evidence are all here.

What part of this do you not understand?

I can explain it to you in detail.

Bulwark Duke,

my cousin is Lord Ji Gang!

Not for my own sake,
but out of consideration for him!

My lord, Yu Shiji captured
the traitor for the state.

Now, witnesses, material evidence,

and the confessions
of all the criminals are present.

There is no room for his sophistry.

All the evidence is available
for your lordship to examine at any time.

Bulwark Duke,

Lord Ji is the Commander of Imperial Guards!

You will inevitably meet again in the future.

This is to avoid damaging harmony.

I'd like to see whether Ji Gang is bigger,

or my Imperial Mandate Insignia is bigger.

Spare me, Bulwark Duke! Spare me!

On the day Bulwark Duke left the capital,

His Majesty personally bestowed
the Imperial Mandate Insignia upon him,

granting him discretionary power.
Officials of the third rank and below

who violate the royal law
can be executed first and reported later.

Now, Chang Yinglin and his band
of treacherous partisans

have deceived the Son of Heaven above
and harmed the common people below.

Heaven is enraged and the people resentful!
Their crimes are heinous and monstrous!

I request Your Lordship
to comply with the people's will,

present the Imperial Mandate Insignia,
and execute these guys!

Present

the Imperial Mandate Insignia!

Spare me, Bulwark Duke! Spare me!

Miss, please wait a moment.
I'm going to fetch some water.

Alright.

Ma!

Ma!

Ma!

Ma!

Ma!

It's the fate of those
who offend our Imperial Guards!

He's been gone for so long.
He should be back by now.

Madam!

Xiaolin, has the master returned?

No.

One of your jewelry stores has been sealed.

You should go and take a look.

Let me in! This is my store!

Let her in.

I wonder what brings the Second Prince
to my jewelry store?

What can I do for you?

It turns out to be the shop
of the Bulwark Duchess.

I truly have eyes but fail to see.

However,

this matter is quite difficult to handle.

What do you mean by that, Second Prince?

Does Madam recognize this item?

This is my possession.

Madam is so forthright.

Have you expected that one day

someone would dare to accuse you?

I received a message

that someone has accused Bulwark Duke, Xia Xun,

of accepting bribes
and selling official positions.

Impossible!

I also think it's impossible.

But Madam,

you just admitted

that this night pearl is yours.

And the testimony of
the accuser clearly mentions

that this night pearl was used as a bribe.

This night pearl

was only given to me
by a merchant to repay a debt.

It has nothing to do with Bulwark Duke at all!

Yes, I hope so too.

Then,

please provide evidence or account books, Madam,

to prove that this item
was obtained legitimately.

I came here this time

to discuss with Shopkeeper Xie

about the shop's financial difficulties.

Shopkeeper Xie,
this is my family heirloom night pearl.

How much can it offset?

Is it not here, or does it simply not exist?

If you want to condemn someone,
you can always find a pretext.

The Second Prince clearly knows
I cannot produce any evidence.

In that case, the matter becomes serious.

Both testimony and evidence point to Xia Xun.

I'm afraid I must report to the Emperor

before making any further decisions.

Therefore,

I must trouble Madam to return
to the Bulwark Duke's Mansion

and stay there properly.

Guards!

Here!

Confine the Bulwark Duchess to the residence.

No one is allowed to visit
without an imperial decree.

Yes. Madam, please.

This trap is set quite elaborately.

Have you investigated all of these?

Exactly.

I followed the clues provided by the accusers.

They all gave consistent statements, saying

they had no direct contact with Bulwark Duke,

but all bribed through the Bulwark Duchess

to seek personal gain.

Investigate!

Investigate for me!

I want to see

exactly how many people
have profited and by how much!

I receive the decree.

Well? Did you see him?

How many times is this now?
He still won't let you see him.

It seems this time, the Second Prince

truly wants Xia's life.

I'll have Zuo Dan send a message
to Xia Xun later.

This time, the Second Prince
probably won't let this go easily.

Okay.

We can't let Xie keep hiding this
from Xia Xun any longer.

If something really happens,

it'll be too late for regrets.

You just got back. Where are you going now?

I just remembered,

I was also there
when the night pearl was received.

I'll go for a walk on the street.

Maybe I'll run into that person.

Worry clouds judgment.

Don't you think?

The Second Prince meticulously set up this trap.

Would he let you find his man so easily?

Maybe that person

has already taken the money and fled far away,

or is no longer in this world.

You'd better save your energy
and think of another way.

[Account Book]

Congratulations, Your Highness.

It was still your well-placed chess move.

I didn't expect

the Bulwark Duchess
to truly live up to her reputation.

Her business acumen is absolutely unmatched.

But she's also of a fiery temper.

No matter how I threaten or entice her,

she refuses to relent and confess.

Your Highness,

the fish hasn't entered the net yet.

You mustn't lose the bait.

Don't worry.

I still need to keep her

to let Xia Xun feel the pain
of losing someone close.

By the way, has the person been dealt with?

Yes.

Good.

Then we'll just wait for the big fish
to enter the net.

Customer, have some water.

Thank you.

Look, the sun is almost setting.

Why not rest here for the night before leaving?

No, thank you for your kindness.

Farewell.

Take care.

Farewell.

Be careful on the road.

Princess.

Well? What did the Empress say?

The Empress said she needs to rest
and recuperate in peace,

and asks the Princess not to disturb her.

Sister must know that I came for Xia Xun's matter

to seek her help in pleading for mercy.

That's why she came up with this trick
to avoid seeing me.

What should I do?

If I let the Second Prince act recklessly

and Xia Xun's charges are truly confirmed,

even if the charges are cleared
and his life is spared,

his reputation will surely suffer greatly.

Princess.

I have a plan to protect the Bulwark Duke.

Tell me.

If you can truly save the Bulwark Duke
from this crisis,

I will surely reward you handsomely.

Is this... really feasible?

By doing this,

not only can we save the Bulwark Duke
from his predicament,

but it can also help the Princess
vent her pent-up resentment.

Do you know why I summoned you?

Nephew does not know.

I have a plan to resolve the worries
in your heart.

What does Aunt mean?

The Second Prince is already
eyeing the Crown Prince's position covetously,

and Xia Xun, as a crucial figure
in counterbalancing

the Second Prince,

his position in the court must not be shaken.

But now that this has happened,
can you not be anxious?

Aunt is truly bold and courageous.

I have a method to protect Xia Xun.

Please, Aunt, explain clearly.

Since we want to protect Xia Xun,

why not shift all the blame

onto Xie Yufei?

Rumors are already spreading everywhere,

saying it has nothing to do
with the Bulwark Duke,

but was secretly planned
by the Bulwark Duchess.

This way, Xia Xun can escape danger.

No!

How can we let the Bulwark Duchess, a mere woman,

suffer an unjust accusation?

As the saying goes, the ruler guides the subject,

the father guides the son, and the husband guides the wife.

Now that the state is in crisis
and the husband is in trouble,

shouldn't the wife step forward at this time

to share her husband's burdens?

Since they are deeply in love
like mandarin ducks,

when great disaster strikes,

she should sacrifice herself

to accomplish her husband's great cause.

Will the Bulwark Duchess agree?

I naturally have a way to make her agree.

♫ Evening lanterns glow, frost upon the moon ♫

♫ Candlelight flickers red where only few stars gleam ♫

♫ In her tower she sings, dreaming of home ♫

♫ Through wind and night rain,
her gaze begins to roam ♫

♫ Sorrow under moonlight, endless are the nights ♫

♫ Dreaming of moments lost from sight ♫

♫ A rising sandstorm veils your face from view ♫

♫ Now worlds apart, with no path back to you ♫

♫ Love and hate, awake then gone like sand ♫

♫ We meet, forget, through lifetimes' shifting strand ♫

♫ Right or wrong, the song ends, but feelings stay ♫

♫ Two worlds apart, too far to see the way ♫

♫ Who knows her silent love, who knows her tears? ♫

♫ Who knows her heart, and whom it truly fears? ♫

♫ Who knows her tender thoughts,
her hidden grief? ♫

♫ A beauty's fleeting dream
for whom does life seem brief? ♫

♫ I'd give my all, through all the joy and pain,
and never complain ♫