Original subtitles

[Grass Cottage]

Come.

Winter is around the corner.

I wonder if during the New Year,

we'll be able to see Changyu.

You old woman.

You're so short-sighted.

Changyu is out there doing big things.

How could she think about coming home for the New Year?

You old man.

You just went out to fight a war.

How much broader is your vision than mine?

You'd be surprised.

I saw more horses on this trip

than the steamed buns you've eaten.

My horizons have truly broadened.

Weren't you just a groom?

Of course you saw horses.

-What else could you see? -Who is it?

[Grass Cottage]

Changning!

Hurry up!

-Hurry! -Go inside.

-Hurry! -Come in! Let's go!

Hurry!

Hurry! This way!

Hide!

Qi?

Qi?

Mr. Zhao, Mrs. Zhao.

It's safe outside now.

Really?

Where is Manager Yu?

Manager Yu?

Manager Yu!

Bao'er!

Bao'er!

[Pursuit of Jade]

[Episode 35]

You said she held a knife to her neck,

threatening you to release Yu Bao'er?

Yes.

Cut off the arm

he used to slash her with.

If Her Ladyship doesn't wake up,

you will be buried with her.

Thank you for your grace, Master.

You're awake?

You two doctors, come here.

Save her immediately.

If anything happens to her,

none of you will live.

She suffered a knife wound.

The wound reopened, causing a persistent high fever.

Then find a solution!

Yes, yes.

Right away. We'll find a way.

Don't kill innocent people.

If you kill them,

I won't live either.

You can't die.

As long as you're alive,

I will promise you anything.

Qianqian.

Qianqian?

Find all the doctors within 100 li

and bring them here!

You!

Next one!

Get in!

Next!

Spare me!

You!

-Please spare me! -Get in!

And you!

Sh-she's awake.

She's awake.

Qianqian.

You're finally awake.

Didn't you promise me you wouldn't kill anyone?

How could you...

Guards.

Yes.

Wake them up.

Yes!

Get up!

Get up!

Get up!

Forgive us, My Lady.

We are fine.

Sorry for startling you.

Look.

It's fake.

I only knocked them out

to scare them.

It's just that in this backwater,

if I hadn't threatened them with their lives,

how could these quack doctors

have saved you with all their hearts?

I remember every word

you said.

Take them back.

Get up!

Get up!

Get up!

Go!

Hurry up!

Move!

Hurry!

This stab wound

nearly cost you your life.

Why did you shield that little brat?

Mother!

-Useless! I told you to kill the small one! -Mother!

But you slashed the big one!

Don't move!

Run!

Go find Uncle Xie Qi!

Go!

Mother!

Run!

If you dare release those arrows,

I will kill myself!

Let's see how you explain that to that madman!

Even a vicious tiger won't eat its own cubs.

You'd even kill your own son.

I really don't know why they're loyal to you.

Aren't they afraid that one day,

you'll kill them too?

After all,

you're just angry that I wanted to kill Yu Bao'er.

You're smart.

You must know

that Xie Zheng could use him to command the vassals.

This child came at a bad time.

Take care of yourself.

Once I ascend the throne

and rule over all the land,

we can have as many children

as you wish.

Oh, right.

I have a surprise for you.

Come in.

My Lady.

Zisu?

You're alive?

Thank goodness.

You're finally awake.

Look.

I found the maid

who serves you best back.

With her here,

you're sure to recover quickly.

Changyu.

Are you getting used to living

in the General's Mansion?

I am.

There just aren't many people.

It's not lively enough.

I've never lived in such a big house.

Even my voice echoes.

To be honest,

I'm scared to call for anyone at night.

It's quite spooky.

Beholden... no.

Your Highness.

Why so formal?

I still prefer you calling me Miss Beholden.

By the way,

I have something for you.

Here, open it.

I chose all these clothes

especially for you.

And some jewelry, too.

Keep them.

Wear them when you're off duty.

Even though you're a great general now,

you should still be a pretty young lady.

But this is too much.

And they're too expensive.

Between us,

there's no need for such formalities.

Try this on.

The one I'm wearing is fine.

-Try it on. It's beautiful. -This one is not bad, really.

Let's not do this now.

Come on, just try it!

I'm not changing. Really!

Changyu!

-Try it. You will look pretty! -I'm not used to wearing this kind of clothes.

Listen to me!

So beautiful.

Let me see.

Our Flower-Crowned General

is so beautiful.

Marquis of Wu'an is really blessed.

Your Highness. General.

The officials of the Ministry of Rites will come

to teach you the palace etiquette in 2 days.

What?

[Department of Rites]

You're just standing there like a log!

Such a nuisance.

Why are you so rude?

It was clearly you who bumped into him!

What does it have to do with you?

You...

Wu.

Forget it. Let's not make trouble.

Thank you for speaking up, Wu.

We've been stuck here doing chores

for almost a year.

Who knows when His Majesty will have use for us?

I've almost lost

track of time.

Yes.

I've almost forgotten what color

the sky in the Capital is.

Song, you are a scholar too.

Why must you endure their bullying?

My mother has passed away.

I have no kin left to support me.

The cost of living in the Capital

costs a fortune.

If I don't swallow my pride

and lose this hard-earned salary,

I will end up on the streets.

I'll just endure it a bit longer.

My day will come.

Back in Lin'an,

after I passed the provincial exam,

I was praised by everyone.

I thought I was one of a kind.

But now in the Capital,

I realize dignitaries are everywhere.

Throw a wine jar,

and you'll hit a few scholars like me,

whose talents go unrecognized.

It really confirms the saying,

"when the northern geese fly south..."

"When the northern geese fly south,

the phoenixes won't be able find a place to land."

Well said!

"When the northern geese fly south,

the phoenixes won't be able find a place to land."

Song, you are overflowing with talent.

You will surely achieve greatness.

Song.

Song!

Lord Liu, Chief Official of the Ministry of Rites,

has a note for you.

There's a newly appointed Flower-Crowned General in the Capital.

Lord Liu wants me to teach the General

court etiquette?

That Flower-Crowned General is a fourth-rank official.

Teaching etiquette to a high official

is a lucrative job.

I didn't expect Lord Liu

to appreciate you so much, Song.

But I heard this female general

used to be a peasant.

She is crude, unreasonable,

and unfit for high society.

Song's talent is unmatched in the Capital.

This assignment

is a waste of your talent.

You flatter me, Wu.

Confucius said, "In education there should be no class distinction."

If Flower-Crowned General sincerely wants to learn etiquette,

I am willing

to do my humble best.

Please have some tea, My Lords.

Please, Lord Liu.

Please.

Greetings, General.

General,

I'm Song Yan, clerk of the Ministry of Rites.

By imperial order,

I'm here to explain the essentials of court etiquette to you.

General.

Clerk Song is well-versed in etiquette.

He is surely up to...

How big an official is Clerk Song?

General,

junior ninth-rank.

However...

-Fan Changyu? -Song...

You are the Flower-Crowned General?

Audacious!

How dare you call the General by her name!

And you're from the Ministry of Rites.

Long time no see,

Song Yan.

So General and Scholar Song are old acquaintances.

That is wonderful.

I don't deserve the term "acquaintance."

Changyu...

General, I will never forget

your family's kindness.

Regarding what happened back then...

According to the law,

scholars

need not kneel to officials.

Help Scholar Song up.

Yes!

The money my father paid for the coffin and tuition,

you have already repaid.

We are even.

There is no such thing as

the "kindness" you mentioned.

Yes.

But congratulations anyway.

You got your wish.

Junior ninth-rank?

That counts as an official.

Your mother can rest in peace.

Alright.

You know I won't use you.

Go now.

We will take our leave.

Let's go. Hurry up.

Come here. Come here.

Between you and the General,

what exactly happened?

We used to...

It's a long story.

Then make it short.

Why didn't you tell me sooner

that you had such a history with the General?

You almost got me killed, you know that?

Isn't this Scholar Song?

[Where Clouds Roam and Snow Dances]

Guard Jin.

Scholar Song is such a big official now.

Where are you going, Scholar Song?

Let me see you off.

Guard Jin!

[Where Clouds Roam and Snow Dances]

Guard Jin!

I'll go by myself.

Guard Jin.

-You... You can't do this. -How dare you hit an official!

It's a misunderstanding.

I am a dignified seventh-rank Imperial Guard.

I was just kindly seeing you off.

How did this turn into beating an official?

Besides, your boss hasn't said anything yet.

Right, Lord Liu?

Yes, yes.

Guard Jin, you're right.

He... he fell by himself.

You are abusing your power for personal revenge!

Abusing our power for personal revenge?

So what?

Back in the village,

weren't you very arrogant?

You even bullied our sister.

-Now... -You...

You aren't even fit to serve her.

Exactly!

You!

I know the General is now of noble status,

and I know I'm not worthy to mention the past.

I just hope you remember

that my original intention and ambition

have never changed!

Let's go!

Do you want to get beaten again?

What kind of unforgivable sin did you commit?

You offended everyone in the General's Mansion?

[Where Clouds Roam and Snow Dances]

-See if I can scare you to death. -Tell me!

What did you do?

Tell me.

The matrilocal husband?

Fan Changyu didn't abandon you, her matrilocal husband?

Instead, she made you climb up the ladder and enjoy a luxurious life!

-What exactly do I lack compared to... -What are you talking about?

Your Lordship! Your Lordship!

Please don't lower yourself to his level.

Your Lordship. Your Lordship.

Wh-why are you here?

You saw me returning to the Capital

without an imperial edict.

If you report this to His Majesty,

you could trade it for a lifetime of wealth and glory.

Your Lordship,

I wouldn't dare!

I didn't see anything!

I saw nothing, Your Lordship.

What are you standing there for?

Hurry up and pay your respects to the Marquis of Wu'an!

Your Lordship, he didn't see anything either.

Neither of us saw anything!

The Marquis of Wu'an?

Look up.

"When the northern geese fly south,

the phoenixes won't be able find a place to land."

Well, Your Lordship...

Who is this?

He's so frail.

A petty clerk from the Ministry of Rites.

He hasn't seen much of the world.

Maybe just now,

he was scared into fainting by your presence.

Your Lordship, please don't take offense.

His Lordship asked you

to spread the word about him being in the Capital.

Did you understand?

I... I wouldn't dare.

I... I swear on my life.

His Lordship can rest assured.

If there's even a whisper of gossip

floating above the Capital,

-you can hold me responsible. -You really didn't understand.

You can hold me responsible.

Really.

I swear on my life.

Why are you crying?

I should be the one crying!

Get up!

What kind of bad luck from eight lifetimes have I had

[Where Clouds Roam and Snow Dances]

to bring a jinx like you here?

Let's go!

It's so embarrassing!

You came out with me just like this?

Aren't you afraid of being seen?

I promised to show you the beauty of the Capital.

How could I break my word?

What?

Did seeing Song Yan

put you in a bad mood?

So you do remember him.

I thought you'd forgotten.

It's not that I don't remember him.

I just never took him seriously.

Are you jealous?

Your expression changed.

Ridiculous.

That would be the best.

Otherwise, you'd be lowering yourself.

I remember back in Lin'an,

I said

that when you become a high official

and meet Song Yan again,

you should teach him a lesson for me as revenge.

Sure.

It's not too late to do that now.

Stop the carriage.

No.

That's not what I meant.

Does a mere Song Yan

really need the Marquis of Wu'an to teach him a lesson?

The Capital is so beautiful.

In the past,

I envied Song Yan so much for coming here.

What a pity.

With people like Prime Minister Wei and Grand Tutor Li here,

the Capital is nothing special.

Don't worry.

One day,

all these treacherous and corrupt officials

will be rooted out,

and peace will be restored to the world.

Fireworks!

This way, we can stay in the carriage

and watch from a distance.

Why watch from a distance?

Let's go.

Stop the carriage.

Why are we getting out?

Where are we going?

Follow me.

Waiter.

A private table for two.

Alright. Come on, this way please.

Look.

You entered the Capital without permission.

It's a serious crime if you're caught.

So what?

Who dares to impeach me?

Even if someone dares,

would that little Emperor dare to listen?

You kept telling me

you wanted to tour the Capital at night.

How can we just stay in the carriage?

♪ The moon is as quiet as me ♪

♪ The light shines ♪

♪ It illuminates the turbulence in my heart ♪

♪ It seems to be the fire of love ♪

♪ Just a few sparks ♪

♪ Let me hide in your heart ♪

Actually,

I'm especially grateful to Song Yan for one thing.

Song Yan? What is it?

♪ I pray that our love ♪

♪ Will never end ♪

I thank Song Yan

for not appreciating Fan Changyu.

♪ It's worth my foolishly waiting ♪

♪ For a lifetime ♪

♪ Clear and quiet as me ♪

♪ So what if we encounter difficulties? ♪

You once said

that I, an uncovered jade,

♪ I pray that our love ♪

don't belong to you even if your name is carved on me.

♪ Will not be like sand slipping into the sea ♪

But now I know...

♪ I'd rather use this life ♪

♪ To guard our love forever ♪

you are the jade.

♪ Clear and quiet as me ♪

♪ Why do we need to seek cause and effect ♪

Your Highness, you've had a long journey back to the Capital.

This is the Li family's private residence.

You can stay here with peace of mind.

I have sent men

to closely monitor Fan Changyu's residence.

We will follow the clues

to convict Xie Zheng

of treason for returning to the Capital without an edict.

Grand Tutor Li,

it would be better to have that foolish Emperor issue a decree,

openly summoning Xie Zheng

to bring his grand army back to court for rewards.

What do you mean?

Among the war prisoners from Chongzhou,

there are many of my trusted men.

They have now infiltrated the Yanzhou Army

that is returning to the Capital.

Lord Changxin

coveted the Capital of Great Yin all his life.

But he never expected

that I could use Xie Zheng

to bring the rebel troops

openly into the Capital.

Only with an army can one win.

Your Highness, you're indeed of royal blood.

Your wisdom and methods are superior.

I am willing to serve you faithfully

to achieve your great cause soon.

[Shaking Heaven and Earth]

Close the door.

I heard you're returning to the Capital on orders.

Yes.

They know I've returned,

so they had His Majesty summon me to the Capital.

Also, the falcon brought news.

Qi Min used all his Suicide Warriors

and captured Manager Yu.

Damn it.

I'll bring Qianqian back.

Wait.

Don't rush.

I've already sent men to rescue her.

For this matter,

we need to find another way.

Find what way?

That Qi is a mad dog.

When he goes mad, he even bites himself.

Qi Min looks vicious,

but he's actually devoted to Manager Yu.

He won't have the heart to kill her.

Sister.

Sister!

Bad news!

Rumor has it

the Emperor wants to make you his Noble Consort!

I've said before

that I'm already married.

Exactly.

Who would give up being a general

just to be someone's concubine?

Would you?

It's utter nonsense.

The Flower-Crowned General's fame has already spread throughout the Capital.

She has the people's support now.

His Majesty is doing this

to borrow the General's power

to counter the powerful ministers Wei and Li.

Yes.

They're here to sound you out.

Do you fancy it?

Bah!

To think I used to pity him.

If he dares to lay his pig trotters on me,

I'll slaughter him right there.

I'll show him

that I didn't earn the name Pig-Butchering General for nothing.

[Match]

Fan, come here.

I wrote these characters especially for you

to express my feelings.

See if you like them.

"A fair maiden is a gentleman's perfect match."

Beautiful handwriting.

It's a pity I can barely read.

[Maiden] [Man]

I only recognize these two words.

No matter.

I will explain it to you.

This is a famous line from the Book of Songs.

It praises your beauty.

[Act with Caution]

Even I am captivated.

In short,

you are the most beautiful woman

in Great Yin.

I have no beauty.

Just some brute strength.

Your Majesty, you may not know,

when I was in the countryside,

a scholar broke off our engagement.

I had to take a matrilocal husband

to save face

and the family butcher shop.

Your Majesty,

you must support women like me

who have no brothers

and change the Legal Code of Great Yin.

We women

shouldn't have to marry a man

to survive.

As long as we can support ourselves

and pay the land tax,

we should count as a household.

There's no need for a male in the house.

Don't you agree, Your Majesty?

Fan,

you've reached a high position now.

Don't dwell on the past.

As for amending the laws,

I promise you.

Because you are someone I truly cherish.

On behalf of all suffering women, I, Fan Changyu,

thank Your Majesty for your grace.

Please rise, F—

You have quite a grip.

What other hobbies do you have?

You can tell me about them.

Let's get to know each other.

Yes. I like butchering pigs.

Why don't you find a pig, Your Majesty?

I will be right here,

deboning and butchering it,

digging out its heart and lungs for you to see.

Enough, enough.

I'll be direct.

I intend to make you my Noble Consort.

From now on, you will stay in the palace

and enjoy endless wealth and glory.

What a pity.

I already have a husband.

I cannot marry you.

Didn't you say your husband went missing?

He is just a husband,

nothing more than a peasant or a small vendor.

How can he compare to me?

Besides,

is marrying you

[Act with Caution]

just for my own selfish desire?

No!

I'm doing it for the realm of Great Yin.

It is to stop those treacherous officials from controlling the court.

As for you,

although you are a butcher girl,

I do not dislike you.

Look,

I have sacrificed myself for you

and gone to great lengths.

Can't you think of the greater good?

Your Majesty, your sacrifice

is for the sake of the country?

Fine.

I will write a divorce letter to Xie Zheng right now.

I will divorce him.

Very well.

Wait.

Who did you say

you are writing the Divorce Agreement to?

Xie Zheng.

Xie Jiuheng.

The Marquis of Wu'an.

Are you familiar with him?

Yes.

[Act with Caution]

I know him all too well.

Then I shall go.

Don't!

Fan.

No, General Fan.

Why didn't you tell me this sooner?

You made me misunderstand things for so long.

The Marquis of Wu'an is also loyal and patriotic.

Marrying him is also an act for the greater good, right?

It's just that...

please just pretend

that today's event never happened.

What do you say?

Yes,

Your Majesty.

My Lord, Grand Tutor Tao is here.

Master?

You returned with the army in triumph

upon the edict.

This serves as a legitimate reason

for you to appear in the Capital.

I presume

His Majesty is also part of your plan.

If it weren't for the concern that a disturbance in the court

might destabilize the state,

giving the Beijue people an opportunity to take advantage,

would that puppet really think

he could ascend to the throne?

The catastrophe 17 years ago

has left the current situation in the court

tangled and complicated,

with no easy solution.

The lesson from 17 years ago hasn't brought peace,

but has instead caused more turmoil to arise.

It seems we've truly returned to the past.

Jiuheng,

entering the Capital this time

means it is time for you to face Wei Yan.

In this reunion of nephew and uncle,

danger lurks everywhere.

Are you ready?

The day I enter the Capital

is the anniversary of my mother's death.

He and I

are bound to meet.

Greetings, Mother Consort.

What did you

ask me here for?

What have you been busy with lately?

Studying chess manuals.

In my spare time,

I also copied some Buddhist scriptures for you.

Is that all?

Why has Jianjia from your palace

been going to the Cold Palace so often?

Perhaps she is kind-hearted

and wants to give out some food.

Shu.

Mother Consort.

I accidentally discovered that

in the Cold Palace,

there might be a witness to the palace coup from 17 years ago.

Who else knows about this?

Only Jianjia and I.

No one else.

This must never be mentioned again.

Pretend it never happened.

The palace banquet is in 7 days.

You cannot waste your prime years.

You may go back.

I've had the dress sent to your palace.

Mother Consort.

If Wei Yan is truly this audacious,

we should uncover the truth from 17 years ago,

execute his entire clan,

and reclaim imperial power from him, shouldn't we?

Why are you and my brother

so afraid of him?

A life of luxury has made you so naive.

Do you think Wei Yan is that easy to defeat?

I survived these 17 years of suffering

because I've been cautious

and enduring humiliation.

If you care about me at all,

listen to me.

Stop meddling in this, alright?

Shu.

Yes.

I see.

I'll take my leave.

For some unknown reason,

I feel...

so uneasy.

Just like 17 years ago.

[Where Compassion and Grace Meet]

Your Majesty.

The Marquis of Wu'an has led his troops

to the outskirts of the Capital.

In three days,

he will enter the city as decreed.

That is earlier than I anticipated.

Could it be that he found out

I have designs on Fan Changyu,

so he came to the Capital early?

He really has wild ambitions!

Yes.

A mere butcher girl,

and the Marquis of Wu'an wants to fight me for her?

Yes, yes!

Tell me, why is my life

-so miserable? -Yes!

No, no, no! It's not miserable.

Prime Minister Wei is a powerful official,

and the Grand Tutor is as slippery as an eel.

An eel.

I finally found

a village woman I could easily manipulate.

But now she has become...

She has become a Marchioness!

If the Jizhou Army and the Yanzhou Army

were to unite,

wouldn't that create another Lord Changxin?

Well...

No, no.

I cannot let them join forces.

Also...

That damned grandson of the former Eastern Palace—

where is he now?

Your Majesty,

there is still no news about him.

And in recent days,

Prime Minister Wei has been acting as usual,

with no strange movements.

You!

This is all your fault!

Come back!

I cannot just sit here and wait for death.

Hurry up and summon Grand Tutor Li.

-Yes. -Summon Grand Tutor Li.

Yes. I will go right away.

Hurry up!

Servants! Summon Grand Tutor Li for an audience!

[Speak with Caution]

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Recently, the rumor about the grandson of the former Eastern Palace

has been spreading like wildfire.

Grand Tutor Li,

what is your opinion on this?

Your Majesty,

this rumor is difficult to verify.

But at such a critical moment,

for it to suddenly emerge...

In my opinion,

someone must be plotting behind the scenes,

adding fuel to the fire.

I was thinking the same.

Do you...

have any suspects in mind?

Your Majesty,

the Marquis of Wu'an holds heavy military power.

His army is openly camped outside the Capital.

His wild ambition is as clear as day.

I venture to suggest

that we act decisively

and uproot this hidden danger.

No.

No.

No.

If we do that,

won't we offend Prime Minister Wei?

Your Majesty, I have a plan

to help you accomplish this.

I heard there is news in the Cold Palace

about the late Consort Shu's personal maid.