1
00:00:13,220 --> 00:00:19,180
(Chinese New Year's Eve,
19th Year of Youning)

2
00:00:19,980 --> 00:00:25,940
(Gu Residence)

3
00:00:39,390 --> 00:00:40,790
(In the 19th Year of Youning,)

4
00:00:41,040 --> 00:00:43,744
(the Gu and Fan families had
been locked in a bitter feud for years.)

5
00:00:43,808 --> 00:00:45,280
(At last, the outcome was decided.)

6
00:00:46,670 --> 00:00:47,750
(The Gu family fell,)

7
00:00:48,240 --> 00:00:49,952
(and their entire clan was executed.)

8
00:01:04,096 --> 00:01:06,640
(Prince Xin, Xiao Changqing,
personally oversaw the execution.)

9
00:01:07,100 --> 00:01:09,120
(Xiao Changqing, Fifth Prince, Prince Xin)
(Thus securing the imperial decree)

10
00:01:09,640 --> 00:01:11,350
(Gu Qingzhi, Prince Xin's Consort)
(to preserve my title as Prince Xin's Consort.)

11
00:01:11,350 --> 00:01:13,872
(Eldest Daughter of the Gu Family)
(I became the only survivor.)

12
00:01:16,590 --> 00:01:17,560
(But how)

13
00:01:18,590 --> 00:01:20,760
(could I go on living
alone in this world?)

14
00:01:29,230 --> 00:01:30,350
(This cup of poisoned liquor)

15
00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:33,150
(is the ending I prepared for myself,)

16
00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:35,590
(and my final move.)

17
00:01:37,430 --> 00:01:39,280
(The Fan family
poisoned Prince Xin's Consort,)

18
00:01:39,480 --> 00:01:40,680
(and cannot escape punishment.)

19
00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:42,920
(I offered my life as bait)

20
00:01:43,200 --> 00:01:45,840
(to make the Fan family
pay for the Gu family's deaths.)

21
00:01:45,840 --> 00:01:46,350
Qingqing.

22
00:01:47,280 --> 00:01:48,040
Qingqing!

23
00:01:48,400 --> 00:01:49,790
Send for the Imperial Physician!

24
00:01:50,920 --> 00:01:52,120
Qingqing!

25
00:02:07,950 --> 00:02:09,240
(Where am I?)

26
00:02:11,150 --> 00:02:12,430
(What is this place?)

27
00:02:12,800 --> 00:02:13,710
(Is it a dream,)

28
00:02:14,590 --> 00:02:15,560
(or an illusion?)

29
00:02:43,140 --> 00:02:48,620
(Shen Xihe,
Commandery Princess Zhaoning)

30
00:02:50,280 --> 00:02:51,400
(I never expected)

31
00:02:51,710 --> 00:02:53,310
(that after only three days,)

32
00:02:53,960 --> 00:02:56,030
(I would no longer
see the northwestern landscape.)

33
00:03:10,630 --> 00:03:12,520
Are you homesick, Your Highness?

34
00:03:17,190 --> 00:03:18,080
Ling Long.

35
00:03:18,288 --> 00:03:20,400
I really don't want to go
to the imperial capital.

36
00:03:21,800 --> 00:03:23,120
I want to spend my whole life

37
00:03:23,190 --> 00:03:24,280
in the northwest,

38
00:03:24,910 --> 00:03:26,190
by my father and brothers' side.

39
00:03:26,400 --> 00:03:27,840
Don't say that, Your Highness.

40
00:03:27,984 --> 00:03:30,496
The Duke commands 100,000
frontier cavalry in the northwest.

41
00:03:30,500 --> 00:03:32,112
His military achievements
are illustrious.

42
00:03:32,120 --> 00:03:33,220
His Majesty bestowed upon you

43
00:03:33,230 --> 00:03:35,000
a title of Commandery Princess Zhaoning
with a fief of 3,000 households.

44
00:03:35,000 --> 00:03:37,450
This summons to the palace for
Empress Dowager's birthday banquet

45
00:03:37,460 --> 00:03:38,680
is to arrange your marriage.

46
00:03:38,870 --> 00:03:41,240
I've heard the princes
who are of marriageable age

47
00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:42,360
are all both accomplished

48
00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:43,430
and exceptionally handsome.

49
00:03:43,630 --> 00:03:44,680
You little rascal.

50
00:03:44,944 --> 00:03:47,344
I've spoiled you far too much.
You've become quite unruly.

51
00:03:53,520 --> 00:03:54,630
You should head back first.

52
00:03:55,630 --> 00:03:56,750
I'll stay a little longer.

53
00:03:59,376 --> 00:04:00,304
Yes, Your Highness.

54
00:06:33,780 --> 00:06:34,784
=Blossoms of Power=

55
00:06:34,790 --> 00:06:37,530
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

56
00:06:37,540 --> 00:06:40,500
=Episode 1=

57
00:06:46,240 --> 00:06:46,830
Fatty!

58
00:06:47,240 --> 00:06:48,480
Give us back the Immortal Vine!

59
00:06:48,920 --> 00:06:49,920
Yours?

60
00:06:50,430 --> 00:06:52,750
These hills for miles
around belong to us.

61
00:06:52,870 --> 00:06:54,480
Since the Immortal Vine grows here,

62
00:06:54,480 --> 00:06:55,600
it belongs to us.

63
00:06:55,720 --> 00:06:57,630
- That's right!
- Yes!

64
00:06:57,630 --> 00:06:59,290
The Immortal Vine
grows on a sheer cliff.

65
00:06:59,344 --> 00:07:00,510
You couldn't get it yourself,

66
00:07:00,510 --> 00:07:01,584
(Tian Yuan, Attendant to Crown Prince)
so we picked it first.

67
00:07:01,600 --> 00:07:03,168
Now you're jealous and stole it from us.

68
00:07:03,190 --> 00:07:04,688
So what are you going to do about it?

69
00:07:04,950 --> 00:07:07,310
Not to mention you can't take on
all of us by yourself.

70
00:07:07,430 --> 00:07:08,600
Just look at your master.

71
00:07:08,600 --> 00:07:10,510
He's so frail.

72
00:07:20,360 --> 00:07:22,600
So you great heroes
think you can bully me

73
00:07:23,950 --> 00:07:25,360
because I look weak?

74
00:07:25,360 --> 00:07:27,510
We're bullying you sickly weakling!

75
00:07:27,830 --> 00:07:28,750
Brothers!

76
00:07:28,750 --> 00:07:29,630
- Here!
- Yes!

77
00:07:30,160 --> 00:07:31,000
Get him!

78
00:07:41,824 --> 00:07:43,160
A little exercise will do me good.

79
00:07:44,608 --> 00:07:46,304
Once we return to the imperial capital,

80
00:07:46,870 --> 00:07:49,310
I won't have many chances
to have this much fun again.

81
00:07:49,310 --> 00:07:52,700
(Xiao Huayong, Crown Prince,
Seventh Prince)

82
00:08:10,190 --> 00:08:10,800
Where is he?

83
00:08:15,270 --> 00:08:16,040
Up there!

84
00:08:16,040 --> 00:08:17,270
Get him down!

85
00:08:17,270 --> 00:08:18,160
There he is!

86
00:08:40,120 --> 00:08:40,670
Oh, no!

87
00:08:40,672 --> 00:08:42,320
The Immortal Vine fell into the water!

88
00:09:51,240 --> 00:09:52,600
(Commandery Princess Zhaoning?)

89
00:09:54,150 --> 00:09:55,320
Help me...

90
00:10:03,150 --> 00:10:04,120
Your Highness!

91
00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:05,790
Your Highness!

92
00:10:08,600 --> 00:10:10,150
Keep the Immortal Vine for me.

93
00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:11,670
It saved your life.

94
00:10:11,920 --> 00:10:13,240
And I'll come back for it someday.

95
00:10:24,200 --> 00:10:25,120
Your Highness.

96
00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:29,390
Your Highness.
Please wake up, Your Highness.

97
00:10:35,510 --> 00:10:36,510
Her Highness is awake.

98
00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:42,960
Your Highness's pulse is steady.

99
00:10:43,030 --> 00:10:44,016
She's out of danger now.

100
00:10:54,240 --> 00:10:55,240
Your Highness...

101
00:10:55,670 --> 00:10:56,656
(Commandery princess?)

102
00:10:57,030 --> 00:10:58,030
(Who are they?)

103
00:10:58,064 --> 00:10:59,824
(Why are they calling me
"Your Highness"?)

104
00:10:59,840 --> 00:11:00,840
Bring me a mirror.

105
00:11:18,080 --> 00:11:18,870
Your Highness.

106
00:11:18,870 --> 00:11:20,080
This is all my fault.

107
00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:21,600
I failed to take proper care of you.

108
00:11:24,270 --> 00:11:25,030
Your Highness.

109
00:11:26,030 --> 00:11:27,720
This is my younger daughter, Zhen Zhu.

110
00:11:28,000 --> 00:11:29,000
Once she's grown,

111
00:11:29,080 --> 00:11:30,720
she will serve Your Highness.

112
00:11:32,790 --> 00:11:33,670
Zhen Zhu?

113
00:11:33,820 --> 00:11:36,020
(Zhen Zhu, Personal Maid
to the Commandery Princess)

114
00:11:38,520 --> 00:11:40,430
(Mo Yu, Personal Maid
to the Commandery Princess)

115
00:11:40,448 --> 00:11:41,150
Your Highness.

116
00:11:41,150 --> 00:11:42,120
This is Mo Yu.

117
00:11:42,250 --> 00:11:45,030
She has practiced martial arts since
childhood and knows about medicine.

118
00:11:45,040 --> 00:11:47,150
From now on,
she will serve as your personal guard.

119
00:11:47,360 --> 00:11:48,240
Mo Yu?

120
00:11:48,790 --> 00:11:50,150
I'm here, Your Highness.

121
00:11:51,870 --> 00:11:52,870
Where is this place?

122
00:11:56,030 --> 00:11:57,030
Your Highness,

123
00:11:57,152 --> 00:11:58,910
this is
the Lingxiang County Post Station.

124
00:11:59,360 --> 00:12:00,480
Why am I here?

125
00:12:01,080 --> 00:12:02,510
You came to the imperial capital

126
00:12:02,510 --> 00:12:04,600
to attend the Grand Empress Dowager's
birthday banquet

127
00:12:04,600 --> 00:12:06,190
and be matched
in marriage with a prince.

128
00:12:06,240 --> 00:12:07,600
Fortunately, you're safe.

129
00:12:07,840 --> 00:12:09,344
Otherwise, the Duke of Wei's Manor

130
00:12:09,376 --> 00:12:11,320
would have no way
to answer to the court.

131
00:12:11,910 --> 00:12:13,200
The Duke of Wei's Manor?

132
00:12:14,240 --> 00:12:16,910
Is Gu Zhao still the Grand Chancellor?

133
00:12:19,920 --> 00:12:21,210
Back then, the Gu and Fan families

134
00:12:21,220 --> 00:12:22,890
became embroiled
in a political struggle.

135
00:12:22,960 --> 00:12:24,480
The Gu family was wiped out.

136
00:12:24,840 --> 00:12:26,832
But later, the Fan family
also met the same fate

137
00:12:26,848 --> 00:12:29,200
for plotting
to murder Prince Xin's Consort.

138
00:12:29,968 --> 00:12:31,216
(Prince Xin finally understood)

139
00:12:31,248 --> 00:12:33,280
(the true purpose
of that cup of poisoned liquor.)

140
00:12:33,550 --> 00:12:34,630
Who else came with us?

141
00:12:34,870 --> 00:12:36,030
Mo Yuan.

142
00:12:36,040 --> 00:12:37,360
Also, Huang Zhongsi, the fifth-rank

143
00:12:37,360 --> 00:12:40,080
palace attendant sent
by His Majesty to escort Your Highness.

144
00:12:40,390 --> 00:12:41,320
And Ling Long.

145
00:12:41,680 --> 00:12:43,240
After Your Highness fell into the water,

146
00:12:43,240 --> 00:12:44,720
Ling Long jumped in to save you.

147
00:12:44,870 --> 00:12:46,000
She still hasn't been found.

148
00:12:48,390 --> 00:12:49,670
What a loyal maid.

149
00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:52,200
She's the one
who pushed me into the water.

150
00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:53,632
Anyone who didn't know the truth

151
00:12:53,780 --> 00:12:55,510
would think
she risked her life to save me.

152
00:12:57,088 --> 00:12:58,390
Report it to the authorities.

153
00:12:59,240 --> 00:13:00,840
Capture the runaway maid.

154
00:13:01,320 --> 00:13:02,270
Alive if possible.

155
00:13:02,750 --> 00:13:04,000
Dead is acceptable, too.

156
00:13:06,150 --> 00:13:07,920
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Yes, Your Highness.

157
00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:22,910
Your Highness,

158
00:13:23,360 --> 00:13:24,480
it's time for your medicine.

159
00:13:34,360 --> 00:13:34,960
Your Highness,

160
00:13:35,270 --> 00:13:36,270
Physician Xie said

161
00:13:36,360 --> 00:13:38,670
this medicine can suppress
the strange poison in your body,

162
00:13:38,736 --> 00:13:40,272
but it also harms your liver and spleen.

163
00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:42,670
Although the Immortal Vine
can't completely cure the poison,

164
00:13:42,688 --> 00:13:44,240
it can strengthen your vital organs.

165
00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:47,120
You risked your life to pick it.

166
00:13:47,600 --> 00:13:49,030
Why did you give it away so easily?

167
00:14:56,360 --> 00:14:57,630
left for others to pluck.

168
00:15:06,790 --> 00:15:07,600
Your Highness,

169
00:15:07,600 --> 00:15:09,200
Huang Zhongsi has caused trouble again.

170
00:15:09,480 --> 00:15:10,550
What happened?

171
00:15:11,240 --> 00:15:13,390
That eunuch abducted
a respectable young lady.

172
00:15:24,976 --> 00:15:26,368
(Huang Zhongsi,)
Greetings,

173
00:15:26,368 --> 00:15:28,360
(Palace Attendant to the Emperor)
Your Highness.

174
00:15:28,510 --> 00:15:30,030
If Your Highness had any orders,

175
00:15:30,360 --> 00:15:32,150
you only had to send for me.

176
00:15:32,510 --> 00:15:34,100
I shouldn't have troubled Your Highness.

177
00:15:35,750 --> 00:15:37,000
I deserve punishment.

178
00:15:38,600 --> 00:15:39,240
Mo Yu.

179
00:15:43,600 --> 00:15:44,200
It's all right.

180
00:15:44,440 --> 00:15:44,840
Come here.

181
00:16:00,000 --> 00:16:00,720
Zhen Zhu.

182
00:16:01,030 --> 00:16:03,270
Give this sachet to Huang Zhongsi.

183
00:16:03,344 --> 00:16:04,448
Yes, Your Highness.

184
00:16:09,480 --> 00:16:11,720
You were ordered to escort me
to the imperial capital,

185
00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:14,120
yet you've committed
such a vile act at the post station.

186
00:16:14,630 --> 00:16:16,150
You violated an innocent young lady.

187
00:16:16,176 --> 00:16:17,550
What punishment do you deserve?

188
00:16:17,550 --> 00:16:19,960
That young lady is a local embroiderer.

189
00:16:20,120 --> 00:16:21,750
She ruined my official robe.

190
00:16:22,080 --> 00:16:23,910
I lost my temper

191
00:16:24,030 --> 00:16:25,320
and slapped her a few times.

192
00:16:25,790 --> 00:16:28,840
She just kept crying and making a scene.

193
00:16:29,150 --> 00:16:30,000
Noisy.

194
00:16:30,100 --> 00:16:32,300
(Mo Yuan, Personal Attendant
to the Commandery Princess)

195
00:16:37,080 --> 00:16:39,240
I serve His Majesty.

196
00:16:39,480 --> 00:16:42,550
Even if I were at fault,

197
00:16:43,630 --> 00:16:46,720
I would answer to His Majesty myself.

198
00:16:46,960 --> 00:16:49,600
Your Highness has no right
to punish me at will.

199
00:16:49,790 --> 00:16:50,550
Otherwise,

200
00:16:50,670 --> 00:16:52,840
you would be disrespecting
the imperial authority.

201
00:16:56,360 --> 00:16:57,080
Your Highness.

202
00:16:58,080 --> 00:16:58,630
I...

203
00:16:59,150 --> 00:17:00,080
I am guilty.

204
00:17:00,200 --> 00:17:01,080
I am guilty.

205
00:17:01,320 --> 00:17:01,750
But...

206
00:17:02,670 --> 00:17:04,720
I don't deserve to die.

207
00:17:04,720 --> 00:17:05,680
Don't worry.

208
00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:08,160
This fall won't kill you.

209
00:17:09,240 --> 00:17:10,160
Today,

210
00:17:10,510 --> 00:17:11,880
you'll get a taste

211
00:17:12,000 --> 00:17:13,424
of what it feels like to be forced.

212
00:17:13,640 --> 00:17:14,790
Will you jump,

213
00:17:15,790 --> 00:17:17,640
or should I have someone help you?

214
00:17:58,750 --> 00:18:00,070
Huang... Huang Zhongsi...

215
00:18:00,070 --> 00:18:02,240
He... He was eaten by a wild beast!

216
00:18:02,310 --> 00:18:06,200
The sachet Your Highness
gave Huang Zhongsi...

217
00:18:06,200 --> 00:18:07,216
The Beast Luring Incense.

218
00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:12,720
How did Huang Zhongsi die?

219
00:18:14,270 --> 00:18:15,640
Your... Your Highness,

220
00:18:15,720 --> 00:18:17,480
the eunuch... The eunuch

221
00:18:17,720 --> 00:18:19,550
was escorting Your Highness back

222
00:18:19,632 --> 00:18:21,376
when he fell from his horse
into a ravine.

223
00:18:21,550 --> 00:18:23,030
He was then killed by a wild beast.

224
00:18:24,400 --> 00:18:25,270
Very good.

225
00:18:26,110 --> 00:18:27,240
You're a smart one.

226
00:18:27,240 --> 00:18:28,110
Take him away.

227
00:18:28,120 --> 00:18:29,110
- Thank you, Your Highness.
- Yes.

228
00:18:29,110 --> 00:18:31,320
- Thank you, Your Highness.
- Thank you, Your Highness.

229
00:18:35,720 --> 00:18:36,440
Your Highness,

230
00:18:36,656 --> 00:18:39,240
once they're back in the imperial
capital, they'll spread rumors.

231
00:18:39,510 --> 00:18:41,350
The more widely they spread, the better.

232
00:18:41,920 --> 00:18:43,270
What does that mean?

233
00:18:43,440 --> 00:18:45,312
Instead of guarding
against them in secret,

234
00:18:45,488 --> 00:18:47,984
I'd rather let them know
I'm not someone to be trifled with.

235
00:18:48,240 --> 00:18:50,160
That way, they won't dare act rashly.

236
00:18:50,256 --> 00:18:52,128
When someone wants
to make you their enemy,

237
00:18:52,200 --> 00:18:53,830
you can't hide forever.

238
00:18:54,350 --> 00:18:57,070
Fear only makes you easy to bully.

239
00:18:57,830 --> 00:18:58,750
Mo Yu.

240
00:18:59,480 --> 00:19:01,880
The former Commandery Princess
was innocent and pure.

241
00:19:02,310 --> 00:19:05,400
She was like a delicate peach blossom
untouched by wind and sand.

242
00:19:06,160 --> 00:19:07,750
But ever since she fell into the water,

243
00:19:08,070 --> 00:19:11,270
she has become
like a flower queen above all others.

244
00:19:12,510 --> 00:19:14,160
If she didn't look exactly the same,

245
00:19:14,590 --> 00:19:16,270
I'd really think she was someone else.

246
00:19:22,310 --> 00:19:25,110
They say Commandery Princess Zhaoning
is gentle and quiet,

247
00:19:25,150 --> 00:19:26,440
frail as a willow in the breeze.

248
00:19:28,160 --> 00:19:30,030
Yet she dared
kill His Majesty's attendant.

249
00:19:30,680 --> 00:19:32,000
How bold of her.

250
00:19:32,350 --> 00:19:33,480
More than bold.

251
00:19:33,830 --> 00:19:34,880
She is ruthless.

252
00:19:34,960 --> 00:19:36,928
Why did you save her
with the Immortal Vine?

253
00:19:38,400 --> 00:19:39,590
At the time,

254
00:19:39,712 --> 00:19:40,920
if I had not given it to her,

255
00:19:41,000 --> 00:19:42,110
she would have died.

256
00:19:42,176 --> 00:19:43,184
You should find a way

257
00:19:43,232 --> 00:19:45,408
to get the Immortal Vine
back as soon as possible.

258
00:19:45,830 --> 00:19:47,160
I already have a plan.

259
00:19:51,030 --> 00:19:52,110
Tagara Incense.

260
00:19:52,400 --> 00:19:53,110
Whose voice

261
00:19:53,350 --> 00:19:54,880
will you take on this time?

262
00:20:11,510 --> 00:20:12,160
Your Highness,

263
00:20:12,170 --> 00:20:14,640
Hua Fuhai, son of Jiangnan's
richest man, requests an audience.

264
00:20:14,640 --> 00:20:16,432
He says he wants the Immortal Vine back.

265
00:20:21,310 --> 00:20:22,270
Hua Fuhai?

266
00:20:33,000 --> 00:20:34,270
I am Hua Fuhai.

267
00:20:34,750 --> 00:20:35,750
I have come today

268
00:20:35,920 --> 00:20:37,920
to ask Your Highness to return

269
00:20:38,160 --> 00:20:39,110
the Immortal Vine.

270
00:20:45,920 --> 00:20:47,550
(That scent is Tagara Incense.)

271
00:20:48,280 --> 00:20:50,110
(I never expected
this man to be a merchant,)

272
00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:53,070
(yet use such deep and noble incense.)

273
00:20:54,880 --> 00:20:56,480
You say the Immortal Vine is yours?

274
00:20:57,110 --> 00:20:57,790
That is right.

275
00:20:57,936 --> 00:20:59,790
The Immortal Vine
is rarely seen in a century.

276
00:20:59,790 --> 00:21:00,816
It was stolen by accident.

277
00:21:01,030 --> 00:21:02,070
After searching everywhere,

278
00:21:02,096 --> 00:21:04,032
I learned it was
in Your Highness' possession.

279
00:21:04,200 --> 00:21:05,310
To be honest,

280
00:21:05,400 --> 00:21:07,200
I accidentally
fell into the river that day.

281
00:21:07,790 --> 00:21:09,030
A righteous man

282
00:21:09,030 --> 00:21:10,830
gave me the Immortal Vine
to save my life.

283
00:21:11,070 --> 00:21:13,070
I cannot hand over
my benefactor's possession

284
00:21:13,240 --> 00:21:14,920
to you based on your word alone.

285
00:21:15,640 --> 00:21:17,550
The Immortal Vine is a rare treasure.

286
00:21:17,790 --> 00:21:19,270
Each plant has a different form.

287
00:21:19,350 --> 00:21:20,920
This one is emerald green throughout

288
00:21:21,070 --> 00:21:22,350
and shaped like a lover's knot.

289
00:21:22,350 --> 00:21:24,350
Have I described it incorrectly?

290
00:21:29,640 --> 00:21:30,480
How about this?

291
00:21:31,088 --> 00:21:32,720
I will set up an unfinished chess game.

292
00:21:33,070 --> 00:21:34,790
If you can solve it,

293
00:21:34,790 --> 00:21:35,680
you win.

294
00:21:36,110 --> 00:21:38,160
Then I will return
the Immortal Vine to you.

295
00:21:38,310 --> 00:21:39,000
What do you say?

296
00:21:39,510 --> 00:21:41,070
One move decides the outcome.

297
00:21:42,310 --> 00:21:42,920
Very well.

298
00:21:47,000 --> 00:21:48,350
Young Master Hua, please solve it.

299
00:21:57,920 --> 00:22:00,790
Your Highness has arranged
such an ingenious puzzle.

300
00:22:01,270 --> 00:22:02,350
Does it have a name?

301
00:22:02,880 --> 00:22:03,960
It is called Moon Palace,

302
00:22:04,210 --> 00:22:06,000
meaning something hazy
and hard to discern.

303
00:22:06,070 --> 00:22:07,200
A fine name.

304
00:22:16,030 --> 00:22:17,400
The puzzle is solved.

305
00:22:18,790 --> 00:22:19,510
Wait.

306
00:22:21,110 --> 00:22:23,160
Young Master Hua, why not look
at the pieces again?

307
00:22:31,640 --> 00:22:32,720
Now,

308
00:22:33,000 --> 00:22:34,070
have you lost?

309
00:22:42,310 --> 00:22:43,590
Interesting.

310
00:22:45,240 --> 00:22:48,310
How did Your Highness
turn the white pieces black?

311
00:22:48,864 --> 00:22:50,416
There is a kind of scented powder

312
00:22:50,520 --> 00:22:51,880
that can color things for a while.

313
00:22:52,270 --> 00:22:53,310
Black can be white,

314
00:22:53,510 --> 00:22:54,550
and white can be black.

315
00:22:55,350 --> 00:22:57,070
Your Highness,
this is clearly deception.

316
00:22:57,270 --> 00:22:59,240
Hardly an honorable victory.

317
00:23:00,920 --> 00:23:01,960
All is fair in war.

318
00:23:02,592 --> 00:23:04,320
In this world,
it is not only a chess piece

319
00:23:04,368 --> 00:23:06,160
whose black and white
are hard to tell apart.

320
00:23:06,790 --> 00:23:08,310
Is that not true?

321
00:23:09,590 --> 00:23:10,440
Well said.

322
00:23:11,440 --> 00:23:13,440
Chess is like a battle.

323
00:23:13,640 --> 00:23:15,750
In the end, all that matters is victory.

324
00:23:16,350 --> 00:23:17,880
I was careless and underestimated you.

325
00:23:17,880 --> 00:23:20,480
I have learned my lesson today.
I accept my loss.

326
00:23:20,720 --> 00:23:21,830
For passing messages,

327
00:23:21,830 --> 00:23:23,030
I still have some means.

328
00:23:23,160 --> 00:23:24,830
They are several times
faster than horses.

329
00:23:25,030 --> 00:23:27,160
I am willing to serve Your Highness.

330
00:23:29,030 --> 00:23:30,200
Thank you, Young Master Hua.

331
00:23:44,920 --> 00:23:45,510
Your Highness,

332
00:23:46,160 --> 00:23:47,280
I think you deliberately left

333
00:23:47,290 --> 00:23:49,150
the Immortal Vine
with the Commandery Princess,

334
00:23:49,160 --> 00:23:50,870
so you would have
a reason to see her again.

335
00:23:50,880 --> 00:23:51,480
Am I right?

336
00:23:52,750 --> 00:23:53,400
Too much talk.

337
00:23:54,680 --> 00:23:55,640
Do not forget.

338
00:23:56,270 --> 00:23:57,510
We came all this way

339
00:23:58,070 --> 00:23:59,590
to wait for Prince Lie.

340
00:24:26,620 --> 00:24:29,540
(Xiao Changying,
Prince Lie, Ninth Prince)

341
00:25:07,590 --> 00:25:08,160
Your Highness.

342
00:25:08,192 --> 00:25:09,760
Prince Lie possesses the Rouge Ledger.

343
00:25:09,830 --> 00:25:11,720
As expected, he's
being hunted by every faction.

344
00:25:11,720 --> 00:25:12,920
The Rouge Ledger

345
00:25:13,110 --> 00:25:14,830
records which officials

346
00:25:15,270 --> 00:25:17,110
committed what crimes,

347
00:25:17,110 --> 00:25:18,510
when and where.

348
00:25:18,720 --> 00:25:20,310
If it falls into someone else's hands,

349
00:25:20,590 --> 00:25:22,480
whether for self-preservation,
to gain favor,

350
00:25:23,030 --> 00:25:24,550
or as leverage,

351
00:25:25,110 --> 00:25:26,790
it could shake the court.

352
00:25:26,832 --> 00:25:28,550
If Your Highness
obtains the Rouge Ledger,

353
00:25:28,750 --> 00:25:30,590
you'll surely find
the clue to the poisoner.

354
00:25:31,240 --> 00:25:34,110
But Prince Lie is risking
his life to protect it.

355
00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:36,000
Along the way,

356
00:25:36,000 --> 00:25:37,550
all his men have been killed.

357
00:25:37,550 --> 00:25:39,000
He's all alone now,

358
00:25:39,110 --> 00:25:40,160
with no chance of winning.

359
00:25:40,816 --> 00:25:42,480
We'll seize the chance to save Changying

360
00:25:42,528 --> 00:25:44,192
and learn where the Rouge Ledger is.

361
00:26:03,720 --> 00:26:04,790
(Prince Lie?)

362
00:26:05,550 --> 00:26:07,590
(Prince Xin's
younger brother, Xiao Changying.)

363
00:26:08,270 --> 00:26:09,400
(Why is he here?)

364
00:26:10,270 --> 00:26:11,350
Without my order,

365
00:26:11,424 --> 00:26:12,750
no one is to make a move.

366
00:26:14,528 --> 00:26:15,488
Yes, Your Highness.

367
00:26:31,510 --> 00:26:32,200
Let's go.

368
00:26:36,740 --> 00:26:38,700
(Ying)

369
00:26:39,088 --> 00:26:40,496
Your Highness, that's Prince Lie.

370
00:26:40,512 --> 00:26:42,830
If we knowingly
leave a prince to be hunted down,

371
00:26:42,830 --> 00:26:44,704
it'll be a crime
that dooms our entire clan.

372
00:27:00,310 --> 00:27:00,960
Save him.

373
00:27:02,496 --> 00:27:03,440
Your Highness.

374
00:27:03,500 --> 00:27:04,400
It looks like Prince Lie

375
00:27:04,410 --> 00:27:06,030
will be rescued
by Commandery Princess.

376
00:27:06,030 --> 00:27:06,960
No "looks like."

377
00:27:07,550 --> 00:27:08,680
I have eyes.

378
00:27:10,070 --> 00:27:10,880
Then,

379
00:27:11,110 --> 00:27:12,680
I'll bring him back later?

380
00:27:14,224 --> 00:27:16,240
Commandery Princess Zhaoning's
marriage alliance

381
00:27:16,240 --> 00:27:17,520
is a matter of great importance.

382
00:27:17,552 --> 00:27:18,896
We must not make a big move.

383
00:27:20,680 --> 00:27:21,350
Tian Yuan.

384
00:27:22,200 --> 00:27:23,310
We leave at once.

385
00:27:23,510 --> 00:27:25,200
Follow Prince Lie's trail

386
00:27:25,440 --> 00:27:26,350
and search for clues.

387
00:27:26,928 --> 00:27:27,696
Yes, Your Highness.

388
00:27:35,110 --> 00:27:37,400
You finally decided to help me.

389
00:27:40,480 --> 00:27:42,200
I failed to recognize Your Highness.

390
00:27:42,210 --> 00:27:43,910
Fortunately,
Your Highness is still alive.

391
00:27:43,920 --> 00:27:45,350
Still alive?

392
00:27:46,680 --> 00:27:49,160
Were you waiting for me to die first?

393
00:27:49,160 --> 00:27:50,048
I've long heard

394
00:27:50,064 --> 00:27:52,240
that Prince Lie's
martial arts are unmatched.

395
00:27:53,270 --> 00:27:55,200
If I hadn't thrown that jade pendant,

396
00:27:56,400 --> 00:27:58,680
would you have stood by
and done nothing?

397
00:28:00,810 --> 00:28:02,110
Please forgive me, Your Highness.

398
00:28:02,640 --> 00:28:04,240
I didn't know the full story.

399
00:28:04,480 --> 00:28:05,680
I couldn't interfere lightly.

400
00:28:06,550 --> 00:28:07,240
After all,

401
00:28:07,590 --> 00:28:10,720
the pursuers aren't always villains.

402
00:28:10,920 --> 00:28:12,240
They may have had no choice.

403
00:28:12,400 --> 00:28:13,640
Nor is the one being hunted

404
00:28:13,920 --> 00:28:16,200
necessarily innocent.

405
00:28:16,350 --> 00:28:18,200
Perhaps he brought it upon himself.

406
00:28:20,030 --> 00:28:22,400
I've never met a lady like you.

407
00:28:24,200 --> 00:28:25,270
What a

408
00:28:26,160 --> 00:28:27,480
beautiful face...

409
00:28:29,830 --> 00:28:32,000
but a venomous heart...

410
00:29:13,310 --> 00:29:14,000
Your Highness.

411
00:29:14,000 --> 00:29:15,550
Prince Lie isn't wearing any clothes.

412
00:29:15,550 --> 00:29:16,720
At a time like this,

413
00:29:16,720 --> 00:29:18,272
you're still worried about propriety?

414
00:29:21,830 --> 00:29:23,030
This is Mandrake Incense.

415
00:29:23,450 --> 00:29:24,960
It will temporarily put him to sleep.

416
00:29:27,880 --> 00:29:28,510
Let's begin.

417
00:29:50,720 --> 00:29:52,736
Your Highness. His Highness
seems to be waking up.

418
00:29:52,752 --> 00:29:54,560
The Mandrake Incense
won't last much longer.

419
00:29:54,576 --> 00:29:55,456
We have to hurry.

420
00:30:00,350 --> 00:30:01,510
Hold down his legs.

421
00:30:08,590 --> 00:30:09,310
Keep going.

422
00:31:01,550 --> 00:31:03,440
Why is Prince Lie holding so hard?

423
00:31:14,310 --> 00:31:16,200
Why are you looking at me like that?

424
00:31:17,020 --> 00:31:19,060
You arranged
for me to cross paths with Prince Lie.

425
00:31:19,070 --> 00:31:20,448
I had no intention of saving him.

426
00:31:21,590 --> 00:31:23,480
Yet you kept urging me to do it.

427
00:31:24,200 --> 00:31:25,000
What do you mean?

428
00:31:28,944 --> 00:31:31,536
Father had long wanted Prince Lie
as his son-in-law, hadn't he?

429
00:31:33,880 --> 00:31:34,830
Speak.

430
00:31:36,350 --> 00:31:38,350
Prince Lie and Prince Xin
are full brothers.

431
00:31:38,350 --> 00:31:40,480
Ever since Prince Xin cut ties
with the Gu family,

432
00:31:40,480 --> 00:31:41,500
he has earned great favor

433
00:31:41,510 --> 00:31:43,590
and become one
of the most prominent princes.

434
00:31:43,960 --> 00:31:45,590
If Your Highness marries Prince Lie,

435
00:31:45,720 --> 00:31:47,000
you'll never again be drawn into

436
00:31:47,000 --> 00:31:48,270
the schemes of the inner palace.

437
00:31:48,350 --> 00:31:49,960
Under Prince Xin's protection,

438
00:31:49,960 --> 00:31:51,000
you'll live a life of peace.

439
00:31:51,000 --> 00:31:52,960
This was the Duke's careful plan.

440
00:31:55,880 --> 00:31:57,440
Father truly meant well.

441
00:31:58,310 --> 00:32:00,160
But do you know where you went wrong?

442
00:32:01,310 --> 00:32:02,240
I...

443
00:32:02,432 --> 00:32:04,680
You were wrong to think
you knew what was best for me.

444
00:32:05,310 --> 00:32:07,310
What I need
is someone obedient and sensible,

445
00:32:07,750 --> 00:32:09,680
someone I can trust with my life,

446
00:32:09,750 --> 00:32:12,310
not a servant who thinks
she's helping by acting on her own.

447
00:32:12,400 --> 00:32:13,700
Now that I've left the northwest,

448
00:32:13,750 --> 00:32:16,320
I'm no longer the little girl
who needed Father and my brothers

449
00:32:16,368 --> 00:32:17,720
to make every decision for me.

450
00:32:18,320 --> 00:32:19,920
I'm about to enter the imperial capital.

451
00:32:20,240 --> 00:32:21,400
I can no longer

452
00:32:21,400 --> 00:32:23,270
remain naive and sentimental.

453
00:32:23,640 --> 00:32:24,790
My affairs, are for no one

454
00:32:25,240 --> 00:32:26,830
but me to decide.

455
00:32:28,640 --> 00:32:29,550
Your Highness,

456
00:32:29,550 --> 00:32:30,750
I know I was wrong.

457
00:32:30,750 --> 00:32:32,160
Please punish me, Your Highness.

458
00:32:40,550 --> 00:32:41,510
The imperial capital

459
00:32:42,350 --> 00:32:43,750
is full of tangled schemes

460
00:32:44,310 --> 00:32:45,720
and hidden dangers.

461
00:32:46,750 --> 00:32:48,270
You and I must stand together

462
00:32:48,512 --> 00:32:49,880
if we're to accomplish anything.

463
00:32:51,750 --> 00:32:52,480
Your Highness,

464
00:32:53,680 --> 00:32:54,750
from this day on,

465
00:32:54,750 --> 00:32:57,480
I will never disobey you
or neglect my duty.

466
00:33:02,110 --> 00:33:02,680
Your Highness.

467
00:33:02,960 --> 00:33:05,440
I found a rare Jade Frost Flower
on Prince Lie's horse.

468
00:33:05,640 --> 00:33:06,480
It doesn't grow

469
00:33:06,480 --> 00:33:08,030
along Prince Lie's usual route.

470
00:33:16,350 --> 00:33:17,790
Just as Your Highness predicted,

471
00:33:18,030 --> 00:33:19,830
we found a patch of Jade Frost Flower.

472
00:33:20,070 --> 00:33:21,110
And this patch of soil

473
00:33:21,240 --> 00:33:22,440
was clearly dug up

474
00:33:22,440 --> 00:33:23,390
and covered over again.

475
00:33:24,550 --> 00:33:25,200
And then?

476
00:33:26,960 --> 00:33:28,030
Then...

477
00:33:28,300 --> 00:33:29,400
we were one step too late.

478
00:33:32,880 --> 00:33:34,070
Who was it

479
00:33:34,200 --> 00:33:35,440
that beat us to it?

480
00:33:48,440 --> 00:33:49,640
Commandery Princess Zhaoning.

481
00:33:53,550 --> 00:33:55,030
Just as Your Highness expected.

482
00:33:55,550 --> 00:33:57,550
I headed southwest

483
00:33:57,680 --> 00:33:59,110
and found the Jade Frost Flower.

484
00:33:59,440 --> 00:34:00,350
I also found this.

485
00:34:01,580 --> 00:34:02,790
(This is a Jade Frost Flower.)

486
00:34:02,816 --> 00:34:04,260
The former Vice Minister of Personnel

487
00:34:04,270 --> 00:34:05,960
had a favored concubine

488
00:34:05,960 --> 00:34:06,750
named Yan Zhi.

489
00:34:07,160 --> 00:34:08,880
She persuaded the Vice Minister

490
00:34:08,880 --> 00:34:10,320
to sell official posts.

491
00:34:11,070 --> 00:34:13,360
But Lady Yan Zhi had another scheme.

492
00:34:13,710 --> 00:34:14,710
More than a decade ago,

493
00:34:14,800 --> 00:34:16,190
she recruited beautiful ladies.

494
00:34:16,190 --> 00:34:17,800
(The Rouge Ledger)
They were married off as concubines into powerful households.

495
00:34:17,810 --> 00:34:20,290
They quietly influenced their husbands
and corrupted the court.

496
00:34:20,440 --> 00:34:21,400
This Rouge Ledger

497
00:34:21,536 --> 00:34:23,070
records the crimes of court officials.

498
00:34:23,630 --> 00:34:24,840
This scent

499
00:34:25,440 --> 00:34:27,400
isn't Prince Lie's fragrance.

500
00:34:28,320 --> 00:34:29,590
It's Jati Blossom Incense.

501
00:34:30,920 --> 00:34:32,230
Rich and refined,

502
00:34:32,670 --> 00:34:34,000
it's a premium Buddhist incense.

503
00:34:34,760 --> 00:34:35,630
Her again?

504
00:34:36,190 --> 00:34:38,030
She beat you to it again.

505
00:34:41,030 --> 00:34:43,110
That little fox with two faces

506
00:34:43,440 --> 00:34:45,030
is becoming more and more intriguing.

507
00:34:45,472 --> 00:34:46,624
No matter which prince

508
00:34:46,672 --> 00:34:48,280
His Majesty chooses for Your Highness,

509
00:34:48,550 --> 00:34:50,070
if you present this to him,

510
00:34:50,150 --> 00:34:52,230
it will be a tremendous help.

511
00:34:52,240 --> 00:34:54,048
He'll surely
be grateful to Your Highness.

512
00:34:54,150 --> 00:34:55,360
Except for the Crown Prince.

513
00:34:57,760 --> 00:34:58,480
Why?

514
00:34:59,230 --> 00:35:01,670
The Crown Prince
has been frail since childhood.

515
00:35:01,920 --> 00:35:03,320
He was poisoned at the age of nine.

516
00:35:03,320 --> 00:35:05,730
At fifteen, he left the capital
for Luotian Temple to recover.

517
00:35:05,744 --> 00:35:07,440
He has no influence at court.

518
00:35:07,550 --> 00:35:09,150
He's a Crown Prince in name only.

519
00:35:09,480 --> 00:35:12,280
All the princes are waiting
for the Crown Prince to die

520
00:35:12,400 --> 00:35:13,920
so they can compete for the throne.

521
00:35:14,190 --> 00:35:15,880
Your Highness, I still think

522
00:35:15,880 --> 00:35:17,030
you should quickly take

523
00:35:17,030 --> 00:35:18,440
the Rouge Ledger back from her.

524
00:35:18,440 --> 00:35:20,320
The Rouge Ledger
will be mine sooner or later.

525
00:35:21,070 --> 00:35:23,550
Let's first see
how my brothers make their moves.

526
00:35:24,320 --> 00:35:25,150
A short life

527
00:36:04,440 --> 00:36:05,590
(and mutual support.)

528
00:36:08,100 --> 00:36:14,980
(Second. Fifth. Sixth.
Ninth. Crown Prince)

529
00:36:15,920 --> 00:36:17,030
Everyone!

530
00:36:17,480 --> 00:36:18,840
This round, bet on

531
00:36:18,840 --> 00:36:22,190
which prince
Commandery Princess Zhaoning will marry.

532
00:36:23,630 --> 00:36:25,190
The Second Prince, Prince Ning,

533
00:36:25,190 --> 00:36:27,400
devotes himself to law
and has a fine reputation.

534
00:36:27,920 --> 00:36:29,710
I bet on the Second Prince.

535
00:36:29,710 --> 00:36:31,580
(Xiao Changmin, Second Prince,
Prince Ning)

536
00:36:31,920 --> 00:36:34,440
But the Sixth Prince,
Prince Yu, is handsome and striking,

537
00:36:34,440 --> 00:36:35,360
with an exotic charm.

538
00:36:35,424 --> 00:36:36,710
I think the commandery princess

539
00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:39,100
will be charmed by
Daxing's most handsome man.

540
00:36:39,100 --> 00:36:40,590
(Xiao Changyu, Sixth Prince, Prince Yu)

541
00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:44,120
The Fifth Prince, Prince Xin,
kept mourning

542
00:36:44,130 --> 00:36:46,220
(Place of His Late Wife, Lady Gu)
for his late wife for three years.

543
00:36:46,220 --> 00:36:47,710
His Majesty feels sorry for his son,

544
00:36:47,710 --> 00:36:49,760
so he will naturally consider him first.

545
00:36:49,760 --> 00:36:50,710
That makes sense.

546
00:36:51,150 --> 00:36:52,670
Our Ninth Prince, Prince Lie,

547
00:36:52,670 --> 00:36:54,590
is a young general,
brave and battle-hardened.

548
00:36:54,656 --> 00:36:57,152
The commandery princess is the daughter
of the Northwest General.

549
00:36:57,184 --> 00:36:59,110
They would be a perfect match.

550
00:37:00,110 --> 00:37:01,150
I bet on the Second Prince.

551
00:37:01,150 --> 00:37:02,320
I bet on the Sixth Prince.

552
00:37:03,840 --> 00:37:04,880
I bet on the Fifth Prince.

553
00:37:05,190 --> 00:37:06,030
The Sixth Prince.

554
00:37:06,030 --> 00:37:07,000
Bet on the Sixth Prince.

555
00:37:07,510 --> 00:37:08,760
The Ninth Prince.

556
00:37:21,550 --> 00:37:24,000
Why is he betting on the Crown Prince?

557
00:37:45,880 --> 00:37:47,360
You made me owe you my life.

558
00:37:47,360 --> 00:37:49,760
Now you're putting on
an act of playing hard to get?

559
00:37:49,770 --> 00:37:51,890
I am Cui Jinbai, Vice Minister
of the Court of Judicial Review.

560
00:37:51,900 --> 00:37:52,860
Greetings, Your Highness.

561
00:37:52,880 --> 00:37:54,840
If someone impersonates
a court official,

562
00:37:54,960 --> 00:37:56,070
what crime should that be?

563
00:37:56,760 --> 00:37:57,920
This incense is poisonous.

564
00:38:02,150 --> 00:38:03,320
You're faking it.

565
00:38:07,950 --> 00:38:10,890
♪I've hidden so many words♪

566
00:38:11,510 --> 00:38:14,310
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

567
00:38:15,180 --> 00:38:22,150
♪So never uncover♪

568
00:38:22,340 --> 00:38:24,700
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

569
00:38:25,830 --> 00:38:28,560
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

570
00:38:29,520 --> 00:38:34,860
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

571
00:38:36,620 --> 00:38:39,440
♪Every answer I gave♪

572
00:38:40,240 --> 00:38:43,090
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

573
00:38:43,880 --> 00:38:47,250
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

574
00:38:47,510 --> 00:38:50,820
♪How hard it truly was?♪

575
00:38:53,790 --> 00:38:57,230
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

576
00:38:58,220 --> 00:39:00,550
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

577
00:39:01,820 --> 00:39:07,580
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

578
00:39:08,990 --> 00:39:12,120
♪It's a shame I never could♪

579
00:39:12,570 --> 00:39:15,580
♪Give you a moon in return♪

580
00:39:15,690 --> 00:39:22,330
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

581
00:39:22,330 --> 00:39:26,000
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

582
00:39:26,870 --> 00:39:29,630
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

583
00:39:30,070 --> 00:39:33,200
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

584
00:39:33,640 --> 00:39:39,590
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

585
00:39:40,990 --> 00:39:44,540
♪You'll never♪

586
00:39:44,820 --> 00:39:54,290
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪