1
00:00:25,710 --> 00:00:26,230
Let me.

2
00:00:27,230 --> 00:00:28,120
I can do it myself.

3
00:00:31,510 --> 00:00:33,280
Once you see what I can do,

4
00:00:33,840 --> 00:00:34,840
I'm afraid you'll never

5
00:00:35,390 --> 00:00:36,390
be able to do without me.

6
00:00:36,520 --> 00:00:38,640
When will you stop boasting like this?

7
00:00:39,960 --> 00:00:40,520
Don't move.

8
00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:54,640
Your Highness,

9
00:00:54,640 --> 00:00:56,208
Prince Xin and Prince Lie are here.

10
00:00:57,520 --> 00:00:58,560
Let them in.

11
00:00:58,704 --> 00:00:59,712
Yes, Your Highness.

12
00:00:59,920 --> 00:01:00,640
The two brothers

13
00:01:00,640 --> 00:01:02,560
must be here about their mother,
Consort Rong.

14
00:01:02,790 --> 00:01:03,840
You should go see them.

15
00:01:04,230 --> 00:01:05,150
There's no rush.

16
00:01:07,280 --> 00:01:08,480
My wife's beauty

17
00:01:08,840 --> 00:01:09,840
cannot be rushed.

18
00:01:21,040 --> 00:01:21,640
Don't move.

19
00:02:45,712 --> 00:02:46,570
=Blossoms of Power=

20
00:02:46,576 --> 00:02:49,580
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

21
00:02:49,660 --> 00:02:52,620
=Episode 23=

22
00:02:53,750 --> 00:02:54,240
All done.

23
00:03:00,688 --> 00:03:02,870
Zhen Zhu and I will head
to the Imperial Garden first.

24
00:03:02,870 --> 00:03:03,630
You can talk.

25
00:03:16,560 --> 00:03:17,520
Changqing, Changying,

26
00:03:18,030 --> 00:03:18,590
have a seat.

27
00:03:18,910 --> 00:03:20,240
My mother was outsmarted.

28
00:03:20,864 --> 00:03:22,224
The power over the inner palace

29
00:03:22,870 --> 00:03:24,560
rightfully belongs
to the Crown Princess.

30
00:03:24,784 --> 00:03:26,520
For our mother to relinquish her power

31
00:03:26,530 --> 00:03:27,990
and enjoy her twilight years in peace

32
00:03:28,030 --> 00:03:29,800
is also what Changying and I wish for.

33
00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:31,560
You and the Crown Princess

34
00:03:31,800 --> 00:03:32,710
can rest assured.

35
00:03:33,280 --> 00:03:34,080
Changqing,

36
00:03:35,710 --> 00:03:37,430
on the day of the blessing ceremony,

37
00:03:38,120 --> 00:03:39,630
Consort Rong had a meticulous plan

38
00:03:39,870 --> 00:03:41,680
and set a deadly trap for Xihe.

39
00:03:41,850 --> 00:03:44,390
Anyone else would have found it
impossible to escape unscathed.

40
00:03:44,400 --> 00:03:46,150
But she never dreamed that

41
00:03:46,310 --> 00:03:47,840
in just one confrontation with Xihe,

42
00:03:47,840 --> 00:03:49,170
she would suffer a crushing defeat.

43
00:03:49,190 --> 00:03:51,190
In order to frame the Crown Princess,
Consort Rong

44
00:03:51,190 --> 00:03:53,136
didn't hesitate
to damage the Emperor's prestige.

45
00:03:53,150 --> 00:03:55,750
If I were to report the full truth
to our father,

46
00:03:56,630 --> 00:03:57,680
her fate

47
00:03:57,744 --> 00:03:59,520
would be far worse
than just being grounded.

48
00:03:59,590 --> 00:04:00,840
Then why didn't you?

49
00:04:12,280 --> 00:04:12,960
Exactly.

50
00:04:14,590 --> 00:04:15,590
If it were me,

51
00:04:16,320 --> 00:04:18,310
I would never let her off so easily.

52
00:04:18,928 --> 00:04:21,744
It was the Crown Princess
who intentionally spared Consort Rong.

53
00:04:21,824 --> 00:04:24,240
The Crown Princess feels
that the inner palace struggles

54
00:04:24,510 --> 00:04:25,830
have already claimed two lives.

55
00:04:26,270 --> 00:04:28,270
She has no desire
to drive anyone to their death.

56
00:04:28,480 --> 00:04:29,480
Since that's the case,

57
00:04:30,240 --> 00:04:31,430
we will let this matter rest.

58
00:04:33,040 --> 00:04:34,920
You two brothers are both smart men.

59
00:04:35,800 --> 00:04:37,310
Consort Rong losing her power

60
00:04:37,310 --> 00:04:38,360
is actually a good thing

61
00:04:38,750 --> 00:04:40,000
for the two of you.

62
00:04:40,208 --> 00:04:41,800
Otherwise, with her in a high position

63
00:04:41,800 --> 00:04:43,480
and so obsessed with power,

64
00:04:43,560 --> 00:04:44,630
who knows

65
00:04:44,630 --> 00:04:46,720
how much trouble she would cause
in the future?

66
00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:54,950
We are grateful
for the Crown Princess's mercy.

67
00:04:56,270 --> 00:04:57,630
I wonder how the two of us

68
00:04:58,240 --> 00:04:59,920
can be of service to the Crown Princess.

69
00:04:59,920 --> 00:05:01,390
The Crown Princess has me by her side.

70
00:05:01,800 --> 00:05:03,240
She doesn't need your service.

71
00:05:04,310 --> 00:05:05,920
Just remember this favor,

72
00:05:05,984 --> 00:05:07,408
and that will be enough.

73
00:05:08,270 --> 00:05:09,720
Changying and I

74
00:05:10,070 --> 00:05:10,950
will certainly

75
00:05:11,136 --> 00:05:13,344
keep this favor
from the Crown Princess in mind.

76
00:05:17,870 --> 00:05:18,870
Your Highness,

77
00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:20,560
take care of yourself.

78
00:05:20,560 --> 00:05:21,560
We will take our leave.

79
00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:23,190
Farewell.

80
00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:35,720
Your Highness,

81
00:05:36,390 --> 00:05:37,870
why did you make the two of them

82
00:05:37,870 --> 00:05:39,472
remember the Crown Princess's kindness?

83
00:05:39,520 --> 00:05:41,856
The fact that these two brothers
admire the Crown Princess

84
00:05:41,872 --> 00:05:43,536
is known to the entire imperial capital.

85
00:05:43,750 --> 00:05:45,184
If they continue to pine for her now,

86
00:05:45,232 --> 00:05:47,070
wouldn't it be even more troublesome?

87
00:05:47,070 --> 00:05:48,680
Unrequited love breeds hatred.

88
00:05:49,630 --> 00:05:51,560
I want to turn their admiration for Xihe

89
00:05:51,560 --> 00:05:52,480
into gratitude.

90
00:05:53,720 --> 00:05:54,720
With gratitude,

91
00:05:55,190 --> 00:05:56,750
their relationship with Xihe

92
00:05:57,070 --> 00:05:58,430
can be long-lasting and stable.

93
00:05:58,480 --> 00:06:00,752
If their relationship with Crown
Princess is long-lasting and stable,

94
00:06:00,896 --> 00:06:01,632
what about you?

95
00:06:01,920 --> 00:06:02,870
Aren't you jealous?

96
00:06:06,080 --> 00:06:07,008
These two brothers,

97
00:06:07,040 --> 00:06:09,170
one excels in literature
and the other in martial arts,

98
00:06:09,190 --> 00:06:10,390
are exceptionally talented.

99
00:06:10,560 --> 00:06:11,950
They are highly regarded by my father

100
00:06:11,950 --> 00:06:13,328
and respected by all the officials.

101
00:06:13,360 --> 00:06:14,240
If they are friends,

102
00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:16,000
we would be even more powerful.

103
00:06:16,430 --> 00:06:17,430
If they are enemies...

104
00:06:22,630 --> 00:06:24,070
I'm afraid that if I'm gone one day,

105
00:06:24,270 --> 00:06:25,560
Xihe will be all alone.

106
00:06:26,270 --> 00:06:27,630
Don't always think like that.

107
00:06:32,000 --> 00:06:33,870
I know my survival is uncertain,

108
00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:36,950
yet I can't bear to let her go.

109
00:06:40,070 --> 00:06:41,950
Every time I see her,

110
00:06:43,560 --> 00:06:44,750
besides feeling joyful,

111
00:06:45,600 --> 00:06:46,920
I can't help but wonder,

112
00:06:49,480 --> 00:06:51,190
if I'm really gone one day,

113
00:06:51,680 --> 00:06:53,000
what else can I do for her?

114
00:06:53,720 --> 00:06:54,680
How can I

115
00:06:55,630 --> 00:06:57,190
fulfill her wishes?

116
00:06:58,510 --> 00:06:59,160
Your Highness,

117
00:06:59,510 --> 00:07:00,950
you will surely live a long life.

118
00:07:01,480 --> 00:07:02,360
Physician Xie said

119
00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:04,160
he will do everything he can
to find a way.

120
00:07:07,630 --> 00:07:08,510
Don't worry.

121
00:07:09,680 --> 00:07:11,240
Now that I have someone I deeply love,

122
00:07:11,950 --> 00:07:13,240
this broken body of mine

123
00:07:13,240 --> 00:07:14,800
no longer belongs to me alone.

124
00:07:15,630 --> 00:07:17,070
How could I bear to leave her?

125
00:07:26,992 --> 00:07:28,832
When His Highness takes his medicine
at night,

126
00:07:29,000 --> 00:07:30,360
in his decoction,

127
00:07:30,528 --> 00:07:32,240
add a spoonful of Slender-Leaf Qionghua.

128
00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:33,190
Understood.

129
00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:39,390
You've put so much thought into this,

130
00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:41,480
why not tell His Highness?

131
00:07:42,160 --> 00:07:43,720
He would definitely be overjoyed.

132
00:08:42,912 --> 00:08:44,528
What's wrong, Your Highness?

133
00:08:45,630 --> 00:08:47,080
After drinking the medicine today,

134
00:08:47,550 --> 00:08:49,120
my lungs feel much more refreshed.

135
00:08:50,080 --> 00:08:51,550
Did Yunhuai change the prescription?

136
00:08:51,550 --> 00:08:52,240
No.

137
00:08:52,440 --> 00:08:53,630
It's the same as usual.

138
00:09:03,568 --> 00:09:05,760
It indeed feels much more comfortable
than before.

139
00:09:18,510 --> 00:09:19,080
All right.

140
00:09:49,664 --> 00:09:52,032
Xihe, drink a bowl of ginseng soup
before you sleep.

141
00:10:08,000 --> 00:10:09,104
I'll drink it myself.

142
00:10:10,030 --> 00:10:11,390
I just took the medicine,

143
00:10:12,550 --> 00:10:15,200
and the burning sensation
in my lungs is gone.

144
00:10:15,750 --> 00:10:16,840
I finally realize

145
00:10:16,848 --> 00:10:18,672
that being free from illness and pain

146
00:10:19,030 --> 00:10:20,320
is so pleasant.

147
00:10:29,150 --> 00:10:31,320
I've never liked owing people favors.

148
00:10:32,120 --> 00:10:33,510
We agreed on mutual benefit,

149
00:10:33,670 --> 00:10:34,550
and I keep my word.

150
00:10:38,240 --> 00:10:40,480
♪A wall that collapses at a single push♪

151
00:10:41,810 --> 00:10:44,060
♪Frost that melts at a single smile♪

152
00:10:45,380 --> 00:10:50,660
♪How can you be this wonderful♪

153
00:10:52,590 --> 00:10:55,530
♪I've hidden so many words♪

154
00:10:56,150 --> 00:10:58,950
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

155
00:10:59,910 --> 00:11:01,480
If you keep looking at me like that,

156
00:11:03,870 --> 00:11:06,840
I might not be able
to restrain myself much longer.

157
00:11:06,980 --> 00:11:09,340
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

158
00:11:10,470 --> 00:11:13,200
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

159
00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:19,500
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

160
00:11:21,260 --> 00:11:24,080
♪Every answer I gave♪

161
00:11:24,880 --> 00:11:27,730
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

162
00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:31,890
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

163
00:11:32,150 --> 00:11:35,460
♪How hard it truly was?♪

164
00:11:38,430 --> 00:11:41,870
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

165
00:11:42,860 --> 00:11:45,190
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

166
00:11:48,870 --> 00:11:50,240
Looking at me like this,

167
00:11:51,390 --> 00:11:52,870
do you think I

168
00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:55,270
am a feast for the eyes?

169
00:11:57,670 --> 00:11:58,750
I see you as someone

170
00:11:59,150 --> 00:12:01,120
I can weather any storm with.

171
00:12:02,960 --> 00:12:04,670
I don't want to weather storms with you.

172
00:12:05,390 --> 00:12:06,600
I'd rather

173
00:12:07,720 --> 00:12:08,790
share your bed.

174
00:12:10,320 --> 00:12:12,360
Why are you always so frivolous?

175
00:12:18,750 --> 00:12:19,670
What is this?

176
00:12:19,870 --> 00:12:20,670
The line.

177
00:13:11,120 --> 00:13:12,000
Your Highness,

178
00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:16,150
I hope you keep your promise
and follow the rules.

179
00:13:16,440 --> 00:13:17,840
You are bullying me again.

180
00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:20,750
The bell didn't ring.

181
00:13:44,840 --> 00:13:45,790
What are you doing?

182
00:13:47,390 --> 00:13:48,600
Ever since I was a child,

183
00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:50,270
I've been terrified of thunder.

184
00:13:52,150 --> 00:13:53,600
If I hadn't seen with my own eyes

185
00:13:53,670 --> 00:13:55,510
that you take three lives
all by yourself,

186
00:13:55,536 --> 00:13:56,840
I almost would have believed you.

187
00:14:00,790 --> 00:14:01,750
I'm really scared.

188
00:14:01,750 --> 00:14:03,200
Go away. Move over.

189
00:14:07,630 --> 00:14:09,030
But with the bell ringing like this,

190
00:14:09,360 --> 00:14:10,480
I can't sleep either.

191
00:14:10,528 --> 00:14:11,630
As long as you don't move,

192
00:14:12,000 --> 00:14:13,200
the bell won't ring.

193
00:14:26,620 --> 00:14:33,140
(Clarity and Serenity)

194
00:14:38,700 --> 00:14:43,420
(As Exquisite As Snow)

195
00:14:44,030 --> 00:14:44,870
Tian Yuan,

196
00:14:45,200 --> 00:14:46,750
do you have any siblings?

197
00:14:47,088 --> 00:14:48,390
I have a younger brother.

198
00:14:59,750 --> 00:15:02,120
Your brother isn't named Di Fang, is he?

199
00:15:03,200 --> 00:15:03,720
Yes.

200
00:15:04,480 --> 00:15:05,440
His name is Di Fang.

201
00:15:15,180 --> 00:15:16,940
(Clarity and Serenity)

202
00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:31,510
Today, I'm going to Sixian Hall.

203
00:15:31,536 --> 00:15:33,540
It's my first time meeting
those female officials.

204
00:15:33,550 --> 00:15:35,510
What are your plans after court?

205
00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:38,440
Are you trying

206
00:15:39,200 --> 00:15:40,750
to make me report my whereabouts?

207
00:15:43,360 --> 00:15:45,840
You sound just like a new bride
questioning her husband.

208
00:15:55,270 --> 00:15:55,870
Wear this.

209
00:16:12,912 --> 00:16:16,016
- Greetings, Your Highness.
- Greetings, Your Highness.

210
00:16:16,464 --> 00:16:18,992
Today, I take on the heavy
responsibilities of the East Palace,

211
00:16:19,480 --> 00:16:20,600
and manage the inner palace.

212
00:16:21,008 --> 00:16:23,120
Holding my first morning assembly
at Sixian Hall,

213
00:16:23,140 --> 00:16:24,900
you all must fulfill
your respective duties,

214
00:16:24,912 --> 00:16:26,480
and not disappoint His Majesty.

215
00:16:26,870 --> 00:16:29,790
- We will keep that in mind.
- We will keep that in mind.

216
00:16:29,790 --> 00:16:31,120
I reviewed some accounts today.

217
00:16:32,192 --> 00:16:34,640
The General Palace Service's
monthly allowance from last month

218
00:16:34,790 --> 00:16:36,270
was overspent by 300 bolts of silk.

219
00:16:36,790 --> 00:16:38,870
It was claimed to be
for the repair of Hanliang Hall.

220
00:16:39,120 --> 00:16:40,320
But as far as I know,

221
00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:41,320
this expense

222
00:16:41,488 --> 00:16:44,192
should have been covered
by the Palace Domestic Service.

223
00:16:52,670 --> 00:16:53,480
Record Officer Liu,

224
00:16:53,490 --> 00:16:54,960
bring out the General Palace Service's

225
00:16:55,008 --> 00:16:56,992
tally records
with the Palace Domestic Service.

226
00:16:58,600 --> 00:16:59,670
I deserve to die.

227
00:17:00,240 --> 00:17:01,480
For the repair of Hanliang Hall,

228
00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:03,080
300 glazed tiles were just replaced,

229
00:17:03,090 --> 00:17:04,990
and five pillars of golden-thread
Zhennan were added.

230
00:17:05,008 --> 00:17:06,820
Your Highness,
you summoned us so suddenly,

231
00:17:06,880 --> 00:17:08,630
I haven't had the time to record it
in the ledger yet.

232
00:17:08,640 --> 00:17:11,030
But every expense is clearly traceable.

233
00:17:11,310 --> 00:17:11,960
Is that so?

234
00:17:13,790 --> 00:17:14,960
To answer Your Highness,

235
00:17:14,960 --> 00:17:18,030
by rule, accounts are only tallied
and recorded at the end of the month.

236
00:17:18,550 --> 00:17:19,510
Record Officer Liu

237
00:17:20,030 --> 00:17:21,200
has done nothing wrong.

238
00:17:23,070 --> 00:17:23,830
Kneel.

239
00:17:28,432 --> 00:17:31,248
The Palace Domestic Service
allocated funds for repairs last month.

240
00:17:31,440 --> 00:17:32,510
The tally number is

241
00:17:33,000 --> 00:17:34,160
Bingxu 79.

242
00:17:37,110 --> 00:17:39,510
Yet the General Palace Service
used inferior materials,

243
00:17:39,880 --> 00:17:42,000
replacing them with old tiles
and golden camphor,

244
00:17:42,512 --> 00:17:43,680
and reported false accounts.

245
00:17:44,080 --> 00:17:46,310
Whose pockets did the money
from both sides go into?

246
00:17:51,200 --> 00:17:52,200
Wardrobe Mistress Jiang,

247
00:17:53,216 --> 00:17:55,264
during the Dragon Boat Festival
three years ago,

248
00:17:55,360 --> 00:17:57,160
did you withdraw a batch
of cloud brocade

249
00:17:57,160 --> 00:17:58,590
from the storehouse?

250
00:17:58,590 --> 00:17:59,440
Yes.

251
00:18:00,368 --> 00:18:02,950
(Signed by Wardrobe Mistress Jiang)
Why is the ink of this record

252
00:18:03,000 --> 00:18:03,856
darker than the rest?

253
00:18:05,350 --> 00:18:06,720
Using old ledger paper

254
00:18:07,000 --> 00:18:08,440
to copy with new ink.

255
00:18:09,296 --> 00:18:10,720
It must have been hard for you.

256
00:18:10,768 --> 00:18:13,648
You even managed to find the
green vine paper used three years ago.

257
00:18:13,920 --> 00:18:15,030
I deserve to die.

258
00:18:15,200 --> 00:18:17,350
I beg you for forgiveness,
Your Highness.

259
00:18:18,790 --> 00:18:20,720
You are all veterans in the palace.

260
00:18:21,216 --> 00:18:23,920
Have you become so accustomed
to a life of leisure and luxury

261
00:18:24,030 --> 00:18:26,030
that you focus all your thoughts
on embezzlement?

262
00:18:29,830 --> 00:18:30,750
Matron Cui,

263
00:18:32,030 --> 00:18:33,510
how should this matter be handled?

264
00:18:37,240 --> 00:18:38,480
To answer Your Highness,

265
00:18:38,592 --> 00:18:39,760
according to the law,

266
00:18:39,968 --> 00:18:42,110
those who embezzle more
than ten strings of coins

267
00:18:42,288 --> 00:18:44,790
will receive twenty lashes
and forfeit three months' salary.

268
00:18:44,832 --> 00:18:46,390
Those who embezzle more
than fifty strings of coins

269
00:18:46,400 --> 00:18:48,640
will receive eighty blows
and be demoted to menial labor.

270
00:18:50,032 --> 00:18:51,780
For more than
one hundred strings of coins,

271
00:18:51,824 --> 00:18:53,200
exile for 3,000 km,

272
00:18:53,640 --> 00:18:54,880
and confiscation of property.

273
00:18:59,510 --> 00:19:00,830
There's no need to recover

274
00:19:00,880 --> 00:19:02,496
the overspent money this time.

275
00:19:06,064 --> 00:19:08,512
Since you two record officers
love repairing palaces,

276
00:19:09,030 --> 00:19:10,350
I will grant your wish.

277
00:19:11,030 --> 00:19:13,440
Two halls and three pavilions
in the Six Palaces caught fire.

278
00:19:13,504 --> 00:19:15,500
The Ministry of Works said
it requires 900 strings of coins.

279
00:19:15,510 --> 00:19:16,550
I will only give you 600.

280
00:19:17,160 --> 00:19:19,440
The remaining deficit,
you'll make up for it yourselves.

281
00:19:19,450 --> 00:19:20,990
Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness.

282
00:19:21,100 --> 00:19:22,680
Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness.

283
00:19:23,240 --> 00:19:24,200
Wardrobe Mistress Jiang,

284
00:19:25,070 --> 00:19:27,776
what you should do
with these shady old accounts,

285
00:19:27,808 --> 00:19:29,480
I shouldn't have to teach you, right?

286
00:19:29,480 --> 00:19:31,110
Thank you for your mercy, Your Highness.

287
00:19:31,270 --> 00:19:32,160
From this day forward,

288
00:19:32,790 --> 00:19:35,000
all services must clear their backlogs,

289
00:19:35,344 --> 00:19:36,590
reorganize their accounts,

290
00:19:36,608 --> 00:19:38,030
and thoroughly inspect the gates.

291
00:19:38,720 --> 00:19:40,030
If there are any more mistakes,

292
00:19:40,590 --> 00:19:41,830
I will definitely not spare you.

293
00:19:42,448 --> 00:19:44,144
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Yes, Your Highness.

294
00:19:50,110 --> 00:19:52,030
The state classics
of the Hongwen Pavilion,

295
00:19:52,310 --> 00:19:54,070
the mathematics
of the Chongwen Pavilion,

296
00:19:55,350 --> 00:19:56,960
annotations in indigo ink,

297
00:19:57,232 --> 00:19:58,720
and promotions in official ranks,

298
00:19:58,960 --> 00:20:00,720
I can grant them all to you one by one.

299
00:20:00,848 --> 00:20:03,440
Whether you are an embroiderer
from the Palace Workshop Service,

300
00:20:03,510 --> 00:20:05,200
a cook from the Imperial Food Service,

301
00:20:05,750 --> 00:20:07,720
or even a maid
from the Palace Laundry Service,

302
00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:09,000
merit will be rewarded,

303
00:20:09,088 --> 00:20:10,592
and the capable will be promoted.

304
00:20:11,312 --> 00:20:12,992
The palace is a vast and complex world.

305
00:20:13,008 --> 00:20:14,630
But I will not let
your talents be buried.

306
00:20:14,640 --> 00:20:16,680
The abacus skills you practiced
by the window,

307
00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:18,510
the texts you memorized by lamplight,

308
00:20:18,944 --> 00:20:21,160
the embroidery patterns
hidden by your pillows...

309
00:20:22,270 --> 00:20:23,400
From this day forward,

310
00:20:24,200 --> 00:20:25,400
talent shall be your vessel,

311
00:20:25,830 --> 00:20:27,030
and ability your oar.

312
00:20:27,750 --> 00:20:28,880
In my hands,

313
00:20:29,110 --> 00:20:30,720
this seal
for managing the Six Palaces

314
00:20:31,680 --> 00:20:33,480
can support a woman's soaring ambitions

315
00:20:33,632 --> 00:20:35,232
and her strategies to secure the nation.

316
00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:36,350
I will allow you all

317
00:20:36,560 --> 00:20:38,480
to earn your positions
through your talents.

318
00:20:42,144 --> 00:20:44,896
- Thank you, Your Highness.
- Thank you, Your Highness.

319
00:20:52,830 --> 00:20:53,480
Tired?

320
00:20:54,310 --> 00:20:55,160
Come have a seat.

321
00:21:06,000 --> 00:21:07,590
You've worked hard all day.

322
00:21:08,160 --> 00:21:09,510
You should relax.

323
00:21:21,030 --> 00:21:22,350
By tomorrow, the entire palace

324
00:21:22,368 --> 00:21:23,920
will surely be calling me ferocious.

325
00:21:24,816 --> 00:21:26,416
What's wrong with being ferocious?

326
00:21:26,790 --> 00:21:28,030
I happen to like ferocious.

327
00:21:32,480 --> 00:21:34,480
When you're out there,
you're a force of nature,

328
00:21:34,550 --> 00:21:35,680
decisive and commanding.

329
00:21:36,110 --> 00:21:37,240
And I'm at home,

330
00:21:37,240 --> 00:21:38,740
obediently waiting for you to return.

331
00:21:38,800 --> 00:21:39,744
This feeling

332
00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:41,160
is incredibly reassuring.

333
00:21:48,736 --> 00:21:50,270
Your favorite plum blossom candy.

334
00:21:55,550 --> 00:21:56,960
I suppose I can be considered

335
00:21:57,160 --> 00:21:58,830
a competent, supportive husband.

336
00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:02,030
Your words

337
00:22:02,096 --> 00:22:03,968
make me feel
I've truly overstepped my bounds.

338
00:22:06,790 --> 00:22:07,880
You don't have to be gentle.

339
00:22:08,304 --> 00:22:10,048
And you don't have to be virtuous.

340
00:22:10,272 --> 00:22:12,384
I'm willing
to be your supportive husband.

341
00:22:12,750 --> 00:22:14,830
I will always support your ambitions.

342
00:22:16,640 --> 00:22:17,550
My wife

343
00:22:18,440 --> 00:22:19,960
will be my lifelong glory.

344
00:22:25,900 --> 00:22:29,380
(Qianli Horse Shop)

345
00:22:29,400 --> 00:22:30,440
Come and take a look.

346
00:22:32,030 --> 00:22:33,160
Come again soon.

347
00:22:33,160 --> 00:22:34,340
(Yuheng Gate)

348
00:22:35,240 --> 00:22:36,240
I want a hot one.

349
00:22:38,480 --> 00:22:40,110
The quality of this saddle is excellent.

350
00:22:40,110 --> 00:22:41,070
Sturdy and durable.

351
00:22:42,000 --> 00:22:42,720
Yes.

352
00:22:42,790 --> 00:22:45,310
This tassel is very beautiful. Look.

353
00:22:58,128 --> 00:22:59,920
Young Lady,
if you wish to buy riding gear,

354
00:22:59,920 --> 00:23:01,360
you only need to tell the butler.

355
00:23:01,550 --> 00:23:03,110
This is not a place you should be.

356
00:23:03,440 --> 00:23:04,640
If we're here today

357
00:23:05,000 --> 00:23:06,590
and run into someone we know,

358
00:23:07,070 --> 00:23:08,790
your reputation will be...

359
00:23:09,160 --> 00:23:11,070
The riding gear I want is custom-made.

360
00:23:11,240 --> 00:23:12,680
Uncle Qing can't read blueprints.

361
00:23:12,750 --> 00:23:14,140
It would be useless for him to come.

362
00:23:14,790 --> 00:23:15,920
Don't worry, nanny.

363
00:23:16,350 --> 00:23:18,550
Those well-bred young ladies
from noble families

364
00:23:18,720 --> 00:23:20,240
would never come to a place like this.

365
00:23:24,830 --> 00:23:26,400
What kind of horse do you want?

366
00:23:27,440 --> 00:23:29,160
Not enough money. Where's your money?

367
00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:29,680
Here.

368
00:23:29,680 --> 00:23:30,680
Pay him before he gives it to you.

369
00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:31,792
Is that what this means?

370
00:23:31,830 --> 00:23:34,270
This is already the cheapest.

371
00:23:34,440 --> 00:23:35,400
Add a little more money.

372
00:23:35,880 --> 00:23:37,110
Nanny, wait for me here.

373
00:23:37,110 --> 00:23:37,880
I'll be right back.

374
00:23:39,270 --> 00:23:40,160
Where are you going?

375
00:23:40,160 --> 00:23:41,480
This one is fast.

376
00:23:41,480 --> 00:23:42,656
This one has great stamina.

377
00:23:43,030 --> 00:23:44,200
They're all fine horses.

378
00:23:44,200 --> 00:23:45,240
What does this mean?

379
00:23:45,240 --> 00:23:45,880
It's a purebred.

380
00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:46,480
I don't know.

381
00:23:46,920 --> 00:23:47,880
Your Highness.

382
00:23:49,590 --> 00:23:50,270
What's wrong?

383
00:23:50,350 --> 00:23:51,440
What happened?

384
00:23:51,440 --> 00:23:52,400
We want five horses.

385
00:23:52,400 --> 00:23:53,240
But for some reason,

386
00:23:53,240 --> 00:23:55,240
the owner is very agitated.

387
00:23:56,880 --> 00:23:57,550
Hello,

388
00:23:57,550 --> 00:23:59,510
these men are my friends.

389
00:23:59,510 --> 00:24:00,590
They mean no harm.

390
00:24:00,784 --> 00:24:03,152
They're just not familiar
with the Suta language.

391
00:24:03,510 --> 00:24:05,350
Was there some misunderstanding?

392
00:24:07,110 --> 00:24:08,350
They want to buy several horses,

393
00:24:08,350 --> 00:24:09,920
but they think the price is too high.

394
00:24:09,920 --> 00:24:12,550
But this really is my lowest price.

395
00:24:13,830 --> 00:24:15,750
The owner thinks
you're haggling over the price.

396
00:24:16,310 --> 00:24:17,200
No.

397
00:24:17,350 --> 00:24:18,750
We want more fine horses.

398
00:24:18,750 --> 00:24:19,790
Money is not an issue.

399
00:24:19,790 --> 00:24:20,240
Yes.

400
00:24:20,790 --> 00:24:24,750
They want five good horses.

401
00:24:24,750 --> 00:24:26,440
Price is not an issue.

402
00:24:27,104 --> 00:24:28,288
Let's go pick the horses.

403
00:24:28,336 --> 00:24:29,160
You can take them.

404
00:24:29,160 --> 00:24:29,550
Let's go.

405
00:24:29,550 --> 00:24:30,224
Give it to me.

406
00:24:30,510 --> 00:24:31,070
Follow me.

407
00:24:33,248 --> 00:24:35,552
Thank you for helping me out,
County Princess Huaiyang.

408
00:24:35,720 --> 00:24:38,070
I didn't expect you to be fluent
in Suta.

409
00:24:38,160 --> 00:24:40,110
I used to be Princess Pingling's
study companion.

410
00:24:40,440 --> 00:24:42,070
I learned a little Suta with her.

411
00:24:42,640 --> 00:24:43,680
I only know the basics.

412
00:24:43,680 --> 00:24:45,552
It's just enough to get by
when shopping.

413
00:24:51,248 --> 00:24:52,350
Careful, County Princess.

414
00:24:52,368 --> 00:24:53,872
This horse hasn't been tamed yet.

415
00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:00,440
Come.

416
00:25:07,070 --> 00:25:08,480
You have a good eye, Your Highness.

417
00:25:08,560 --> 00:25:10,400
This is a famous horse
from the Western Regions.

418
00:25:10,410 --> 00:25:11,568
It can travel 1,000 km a day.

419
00:25:11,616 --> 00:25:14,290
It crosses rivers and climbs mountains
as if walking on flat ground.

420
00:25:14,310 --> 00:25:17,160
The King of Ningyuan in the Western
Regions once presented two to us.

421
00:25:17,184 --> 00:25:19,248
They were deeply loved
by the late Emperor.

422
00:25:19,830 --> 00:25:20,920
I didn't expect you

423
00:25:20,976 --> 00:25:23,200
to be so knowledgeable
about horses as well.

424
00:25:23,750 --> 00:25:24,920
I love riding horses.

425
00:25:24,920 --> 00:25:25,790
I know a thing or two.

426
00:25:26,270 --> 00:25:27,750
You flatter me, Your Highness.

427
00:25:30,960 --> 00:25:32,400
Greetings, Your Highness.

428
00:25:33,440 --> 00:25:35,200
Young Lady, it's getting late.

429
00:25:35,270 --> 00:25:36,350
We should head back.

430
00:25:36,680 --> 00:25:37,270
Okay.

431
00:25:38,270 --> 00:25:39,830
I will take my leave now.

432
00:25:39,830 --> 00:25:41,100
Please excuse me, Your Highness.

433
00:25:42,310 --> 00:25:43,510
Thank you again for your help.

434
00:25:44,700 --> 00:25:46,950
It's just that warhorses are hard
to come by in the army.

435
00:25:46,960 --> 00:25:50,160
I want to ask these people about how
to raise horses and prevent diseases.

436
00:25:50,480 --> 00:25:52,920
I wonder if you could spare some time
these next few days...

437
00:25:52,960 --> 00:25:54,680
To be able to help the soldiers
in the army

438
00:25:54,680 --> 00:25:55,790
would be my honor.

439
00:25:56,270 --> 00:25:58,070
Your Highness, if you need anything,

440
00:25:58,070 --> 00:25:59,488
you can come find me anytime.

441
00:26:02,460 --> 00:26:04,860
(Yong'an Palace)

442
00:26:04,880 --> 00:26:08,310
I heard you've been getting close
to Prince Lie lately.

443
00:26:11,750 --> 00:26:13,030
If you're interested in him,

444
00:26:13,400 --> 00:26:15,160
just tell me.

445
00:26:16,030 --> 00:26:18,640
I deeply thank you for worrying
about my marriage, Your Highness.

446
00:26:19,270 --> 00:26:20,240
However,

447
00:26:21,070 --> 00:26:23,440
I'm afraid I must
decline your kind offer.

448
00:26:24,440 --> 00:26:25,720
What do you mean?

449
00:26:28,160 --> 00:26:29,590
I have made up my mind

450
00:26:29,880 --> 00:26:30,880
to never marry.

451
00:26:30,928 --> 00:26:32,440
Please forgive me, Your Highness.

452
00:26:32,440 --> 00:26:33,680
Women in this world,

453
00:26:35,030 --> 00:26:37,880
other than nuns
who have entered the convent,

454
00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:39,640
have no reason not to marry.

455
00:26:40,030 --> 00:26:42,000
You are the daughter of the Duke of Wei.

456
00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:43,350
You have a noble status.

457
00:26:43,440 --> 00:26:46,480
You have excellent looks and character.

458
00:26:46,550 --> 00:26:48,030
Why wouldn't you marry?

459
00:26:48,350 --> 00:26:49,590
I believe

460
00:26:50,960 --> 00:26:53,480
if I am lucky enough
to meet someone I truly love,

461
00:26:54,000 --> 00:26:56,000
marriage would naturally be a blessing.

462
00:26:56,310 --> 00:26:58,440
Just like my sister
and the Crown Prince.

463
00:26:58,512 --> 00:27:00,440
That's a love
that even immortals would envy.

464
00:27:03,480 --> 00:27:04,510
But,

465
00:27:05,160 --> 00:27:07,510
if I am not destined
to meet someone I love,

466
00:27:07,960 --> 00:27:08,750
not marrying

467
00:27:09,000 --> 00:27:11,110
is also a perfectly fine choice.

468
00:27:11,110 --> 00:27:12,750
You are still young.

469
00:27:12,750 --> 00:27:16,270
People will say your standards
are too high and you refuse to settle.

470
00:27:17,240 --> 00:27:19,920
If you grow older
and still can't get married,

471
00:27:20,030 --> 00:27:22,240
you will be criticized by others.

472
00:27:22,240 --> 00:27:23,350
I am not afraid of that.

473
00:27:23,550 --> 00:27:24,590
My mind is made up.

474
00:27:24,590 --> 00:27:25,310
Nonsense.

475
00:27:30,830 --> 00:27:34,270
Do your father, brother,
and sister know about this?

476
00:27:34,590 --> 00:27:36,200
This is my own business.

477
00:27:36,550 --> 00:27:39,240
Even they cannot change my mind.

478
00:27:39,640 --> 00:27:40,830
Since ancient times,

479
00:27:41,110 --> 00:27:44,160
children's marriages have always
been decided by their parents.

480
00:27:44,640 --> 00:27:46,070
Go back and tell your sister

481
00:27:46,200 --> 00:27:47,920
to teach you some sense.

482
00:27:50,270 --> 00:27:50,920
Yes.

483
00:27:51,550 --> 00:27:52,550
I will do as you say.

484
00:28:00,350 --> 00:28:01,440
I've prepared your bathwater

485
00:28:01,510 --> 00:28:03,110
in the side room for you.

486
00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:04,680
Have a good soak and relax.

487
00:28:05,310 --> 00:28:06,000
All right.

488
00:28:07,024 --> 00:28:08,800
You're getting more and more perceptive.

489
00:28:08,830 --> 00:28:09,790
You may leave.

490
00:28:24,510 --> 00:28:25,030
Who's there?

491
00:28:25,510 --> 00:28:26,070
Come out!

492
00:28:31,240 --> 00:28:32,160
It's me.

493
00:28:32,350 --> 00:28:33,550
Cui Jinbai?

494
00:28:35,550 --> 00:28:37,880
You snuck into my bathroom...

495
00:28:37,880 --> 00:28:38,944
What... What do you want?

496
00:28:39,240 --> 00:28:39,640
I...

497
00:28:40,030 --> 00:28:41,200
I didn't do it on purpose.

498
00:28:41,590 --> 00:28:42,960
I just wanted to talk to you,

499
00:28:43,110 --> 00:28:44,200
so I waited for you inside.

500
00:28:44,240 --> 00:28:46,440
I didn't know Jin Shan
would come in to draw a bath.

501
00:28:46,480 --> 00:28:47,920
He left right after pouring the water,

502
00:28:47,920 --> 00:28:49,550
and closed the door
to stand guard outside.

503
00:28:49,550 --> 00:28:50,440
I... I couldn't get out.

504
00:28:50,440 --> 00:28:51,440
A likely story.

505
00:28:52,200 --> 00:28:54,110
You... You sneaked into my room.

506
00:28:54,110 --> 00:28:55,248
You're just being insolent

507
00:28:55,310 --> 00:28:57,750
and acting like a total lecher.

508
00:28:59,920 --> 00:29:01,440
Me, a lecher?

509
00:29:02,440 --> 00:29:04,200
Why don't you think
about what you've done?

510
00:29:05,070 --> 00:29:06,070
When we first met,

511
00:29:06,270 --> 00:29:07,310
you pestered me every day.

512
00:29:11,440 --> 00:29:12,368
Perfect timing.

513
00:29:12,384 --> 00:29:14,680
Is the water warm enough?
Let me add some more.

514
00:29:14,680 --> 00:29:15,640
Who let you in?

515
00:29:16,030 --> 00:29:16,720
Lecher!

516
00:29:16,920 --> 00:29:17,480
Get out!

517
00:29:29,030 --> 00:29:29,790
What are you doing?

518
00:29:30,680 --> 00:29:32,030
It's still early.

519
00:29:32,030 --> 00:29:33,216
And you're already in bed?

520
00:29:34,590 --> 00:29:35,070
Come here.

521
00:29:36,200 --> 00:29:37,400
I have a question for you.

522
00:29:40,880 --> 00:29:41,720
Did you just buy it?

523
00:29:41,920 --> 00:29:42,510
It's so new.

524
00:29:54,240 --> 00:29:56,550
I've never had feelings
for anyone else in my life,

525
00:29:56,680 --> 00:29:57,750
so I don't know

526
00:29:58,030 --> 00:29:59,550
how to make the person I like happy.

527
00:30:00,550 --> 00:30:01,720
I had to copy your example.

528
00:30:01,840 --> 00:30:03,510
It's really hard to learn good things,

529
00:30:03,510 --> 00:30:04,928
but so easy to pick up bad habits.

530
00:30:05,030 --> 00:30:06,000
Don't copy me.

531
00:30:06,590 --> 00:30:07,920
For my absurd behavior back then,

532
00:30:07,920 --> 00:30:09,888
how many times have I apologized to you?

533
00:30:09,920 --> 00:30:11,000
What do you mean by that?

534
00:30:15,510 --> 00:30:16,350
Do you regret it?

535
00:30:19,240 --> 00:30:20,110
Of course I regret it.

536
00:30:20,110 --> 00:30:21,880
I regret it more than anything.

537
00:30:28,680 --> 00:30:30,830
Cui Jinbai knows your true identity.

538
00:30:30,928 --> 00:30:32,800
Risking the charge
of deceiving the Emperor,

539
00:30:32,864 --> 00:30:34,270
he is still deeply in love with you.

540
00:30:34,960 --> 00:30:36,000
That's truly rare.

541
00:30:38,550 --> 00:30:39,070
No.

542
00:30:39,920 --> 00:30:41,480
I need to go see Madam Liu.

543
00:30:41,830 --> 00:30:42,830
Why see her?

544
00:30:43,070 --> 00:30:44,680
To have her arrange a marriage for me.

545
00:30:44,680 --> 00:30:45,750
Arrange a marriage for you?

546
00:30:46,030 --> 00:30:47,590
Not a real one.

547
00:30:47,590 --> 00:30:48,920
I just want to use this marriage

548
00:30:49,550 --> 00:30:50,750
to fend off Cui Jinbai.

549
00:30:53,400 --> 00:30:55,000
You're just digging a bigger hole

550
00:30:55,400 --> 00:30:57,310
to fill a smaller one.

551
00:31:06,270 --> 00:31:07,750
Young Lady Meng, after you.

552
00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:10,000
Thank you, Young Master.

553
00:31:12,750 --> 00:31:14,440
I heard from Madam Liu

554
00:31:14,550 --> 00:31:15,790
that in the Imperial Guard,

555
00:31:15,790 --> 00:31:16,864
you are highly respected.

556
00:31:16,928 --> 00:31:18,400
You've solved cases
and earned merit,

557
00:31:18,400 --> 00:31:19,968
and are deeply trusted by His Majesty.

558
00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:22,070
You are also straightforward
and upright,

559
00:31:22,070 --> 00:31:23,440
often standing up for justice

560
00:31:23,440 --> 00:31:24,350
and helping the weak.

561
00:31:24,790 --> 00:31:26,720
Truly a role model for young talents.

562
00:31:27,160 --> 00:31:28,400
You flatter me, Young Lady Meng.

563
00:31:28,750 --> 00:31:30,240
It's not my credit alone.

564
00:31:30,320 --> 00:31:32,000
Without the cooperation
of my subordinates,

565
00:31:32,000 --> 00:31:33,240
with just my own strength,

566
00:31:33,280 --> 00:31:34,590
I would never have succeeded.

567
00:31:35,070 --> 00:31:36,030
Young Master Bu,

568
00:31:36,200 --> 00:31:38,070
you truly don't take all the credit.

569
00:31:38,400 --> 00:31:39,590
You are so humble and modest.

570
00:31:40,160 --> 00:31:41,680
Truly a man of noble character.

571
00:31:45,160 --> 00:31:46,030
I wonder,

572
00:31:46,830 --> 00:31:47,750
what kind

573
00:31:48,070 --> 00:31:49,720
of ladies do you like?

574
00:31:52,160 --> 00:31:53,000
I think...

575
00:31:55,680 --> 00:31:56,720
What are you doing here?

576
00:31:58,288 --> 00:32:00,480
Coming to a teahouse,
naturally, is to drink tea.

577
00:32:00,512 --> 00:32:01,990
I heard you were on a blind date here,

578
00:32:02,016 --> 00:32:03,008
so I came to take a look.

579
00:32:03,550 --> 00:32:04,510
Greetings, Young Lady.

580
00:32:05,270 --> 00:32:06,200
Are you done looking?

581
00:32:06,200 --> 00:32:07,792
If you're done, hurry up and leave.

582
00:32:08,400 --> 00:32:10,400
You ordered so many
of my favorite pastries.

583
00:32:10,790 --> 00:32:12,200
Did you know I was coming?

584
00:32:12,200 --> 00:32:13,110
Your favorites?

585
00:32:13,110 --> 00:32:14,200
I just ordered randomly.

586
00:32:14,680 --> 00:32:16,920
You ordered randomly,
yet they suit my taste perfectly.

587
00:32:17,056 --> 00:32:18,590
Young Master, it seems you and I

588
00:32:19,160 --> 00:32:20,960
are truly on the same wavelength.

589
00:32:24,560 --> 00:32:25,792
I already took a bite.

590
00:32:26,110 --> 00:32:26,550
Want some?

591
00:32:28,200 --> 00:32:29,110
Shut up.

592
00:32:31,504 --> 00:32:33,200
We were just talking about flying kites.

593
00:32:33,640 --> 00:32:35,960
How about we go fly kites together
tomorrow?

594
00:32:35,960 --> 00:32:36,480
Sure.

595
00:32:36,560 --> 00:32:37,648
Let's all go together.

596
00:32:40,240 --> 00:32:41,830
Young Master Bu and I are good friends.

597
00:32:42,510 --> 00:32:43,750
He's always been reckless,

598
00:32:43,750 --> 00:32:45,136
so I really can't help but worry.

599
00:32:45,200 --> 00:32:46,656
That's why, no matter what she does,

600
00:32:47,110 --> 00:32:48,030
I have to be with her.

601
00:32:55,350 --> 00:32:57,480
I heard that when you were in Shunan,

602
00:32:57,480 --> 00:32:58,680
my aunt took great care of you.

603
00:32:58,750 --> 00:33:00,070
Her birthday is coming up,

604
00:33:00,960 --> 00:33:02,270
so I've prepared a small gift.

605
00:33:02,960 --> 00:33:04,400
I'd like to ask you to pass it on.

606
00:33:04,480 --> 00:33:05,590
I hope she likes it.

607
00:33:14,960 --> 00:33:16,790
This is a Celestial Silk Brocade Quilt.

608
00:33:16,832 --> 00:33:18,200
It was a gift from Crown Prince.

609
00:33:18,200 --> 00:33:20,352
It's the only one of its kind
in the imperial capital.

610
00:33:21,104 --> 00:33:21,790
Young Master Bu,

611
00:33:22,110 --> 00:33:23,000
please

612
00:33:23,240 --> 00:33:24,310
give this to Aunt for me.

613
00:33:31,880 --> 00:33:32,480
Great tea.

614
00:33:36,300 --> 00:33:39,020
(East Palace)

615
00:33:40,030 --> 00:33:41,350
You must know by now.

616
00:33:41,520 --> 00:33:44,416
Empress Dowager wants to arrange
a marriage between you and Prince Lie.

617
00:33:44,550 --> 00:33:45,550
What are your thoughts?

618
00:33:46,160 --> 00:33:47,880
What do you and Father think?

619
00:33:48,200 --> 00:33:50,350
Do you also want me
to marry as soon as possible?

620
00:33:52,070 --> 00:33:53,310
You're overthinking this.

621
00:33:53,968 --> 00:33:55,680
You're the daughter of the Duke of Wei.

622
00:33:56,310 --> 00:33:57,480
Now that you've come of age,

623
00:33:57,568 --> 00:34:00,688
the Empress Dowager and His Majesty
will naturally look into your marriage.

624
00:34:01,480 --> 00:34:03,350
If you don't have feelings
for Prince Lie,

625
00:34:04,030 --> 00:34:05,790
it's fine if you have
someone else in mind.

626
00:34:16,880 --> 00:34:18,400
Among all the princes,

627
00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:21,000
Prince Lie is a man of good character.

628
00:34:21,216 --> 00:34:23,280
He's also a capable general
who expands our borders

629
00:34:23,360 --> 00:34:24,760
and defends our country.

630
00:34:25,110 --> 00:34:26,510
His Majesty values him highly.

631
00:34:26,520 --> 00:34:28,350
He's already the General
of the Gallant Cavalry,

632
00:34:28,360 --> 00:34:29,590
and his future is limitless.

633
00:34:30,280 --> 00:34:31,280
As your sister,

634
00:34:32,000 --> 00:34:33,670
I just want you to marry a good man.

635
00:34:38,920 --> 00:34:39,670
I...

636
00:34:40,710 --> 00:34:42,360
If I never get married,

637
00:34:42,920 --> 00:34:44,280
would you despise me?

638
00:34:45,184 --> 00:34:46,944
Why don't you want to get married?

639
00:34:47,760 --> 00:34:48,400
I...

640
00:34:49,680 --> 00:34:51,952
I don't want to be trapped
in the inner courtyard,

641
00:34:52,400 --> 00:34:54,070
and I hate the idea of being tied down.

642
00:34:54,760 --> 00:34:57,030
If I marry someone I don't truly love,

643
00:34:57,590 --> 00:34:59,550
I'd have no control over my own life.

644
00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:01,840
Whether I like it or not,

645
00:35:02,160 --> 00:35:04,360
I'd have to put my husband's family's
reputation first,

646
00:35:04,360 --> 00:35:05,360
and force a smile.

647
00:35:13,880 --> 00:35:14,550
Yingruo,

648
00:35:15,110 --> 00:35:16,190
rest assured.

649
00:35:16,670 --> 00:35:18,440
Even if you never marry,

650
00:35:18,760 --> 00:35:20,920
Father and I would
never ignore your wishes

651
00:35:20,920 --> 00:35:22,440
and force you into a marriage.

652
00:35:22,832 --> 00:35:24,944
As long as you're happy,
that's all that matters.

653
00:35:27,960 --> 00:35:29,360
Hearing you say that

654
00:35:30,000 --> 00:35:31,280
puts my mind at ease.

655
00:35:38,340 --> 00:35:40,260
(Hanzhang Hall)

656
00:35:44,030 --> 00:35:44,920
Your Highness,

657
00:35:45,030 --> 00:35:46,880
Matron Cui has followed
your instructions

658
00:35:46,880 --> 00:35:48,400
and submitted her resignation
to the Empress Dowager,

659
00:35:48,400 --> 00:35:49,510
claiming she wants
to retire to her hometown.

660
00:35:49,510 --> 00:35:51,136
The Empress Dowager has approved it.

661
00:35:55,440 --> 00:35:58,480
Shen Xihe punished
a few of her trusted aides,

662
00:35:59,312 --> 00:36:01,070
so she was already scared
out of her wits.

663
00:36:02,322 --> 00:36:03,440
You predicted it perfectly.

664
00:36:03,440 --> 00:36:06,144
She didn't want to fight a losing battle
and ruin her reputation.

665
00:36:07,230 --> 00:36:08,736
With Matron Cui gone,

666
00:36:08,740 --> 00:36:10,620
it's like pulling the rug out
from under her.

667
00:36:10,630 --> 00:36:12,400
She came all the way from northwest,

668
00:36:12,510 --> 00:36:14,480
so she has no trusted aides
in the palace.

669
00:36:15,000 --> 00:36:17,190
Finding someone to replace Matron Cui

670
00:36:17,190 --> 00:36:18,150
won't be easy.

671
00:36:19,230 --> 00:36:21,590
Without her own people
in the General Palace Service,

672
00:36:21,960 --> 00:36:23,070
how will Shen Xihe

673
00:36:23,440 --> 00:36:25,280
manage the Six Palaces?

674
00:36:40,688 --> 00:36:41,840
What are you thinking about?

675
00:36:41,936 --> 00:36:43,030
You're so lost in thought.

676
00:36:43,510 --> 00:36:45,480
I was thinking
about Matron Cui's resignation.

677
00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:49,320
The General Palace Service
can't go unmanaged for even a day,

678
00:36:49,824 --> 00:36:51,670
but I haven't been
in the palace for long,

679
00:36:52,230 --> 00:36:54,110
so I don't really have
anyone I can trust.

680
00:37:04,510 --> 00:37:06,190
Want to hear your husband's opinion?

681
00:37:08,280 --> 00:37:08,840
Yes.

682
00:37:10,550 --> 00:37:11,670
You do, huh?

683
00:37:12,710 --> 00:37:13,480
So cute.

684
00:37:14,550 --> 00:37:15,760
Be serious.

685
00:37:19,670 --> 00:37:22,110
I saw Shen Yingruo in the palace today.

686
00:37:22,670 --> 00:37:23,510
I heard she

687
00:37:23,920 --> 00:37:25,030
plans to never marry.

688
00:37:28,110 --> 00:37:30,190
Yingruo's extraordinary
insight and courage

689
00:37:30,480 --> 00:37:31,710
truly surprised me.

690
00:37:32,510 --> 00:37:33,800
In terms of both character

691
00:37:34,190 --> 00:37:35,320
and intellect,

692
00:37:36,070 --> 00:37:38,550
she's open-minded and upright.

693
00:37:39,510 --> 00:37:41,000
Father is far away in northwest,

694
00:37:41,070 --> 00:37:42,440
and hasn't cared much for her,

695
00:37:43,480 --> 00:37:45,190
but she holds no resentment.

696
00:37:45,840 --> 00:37:47,480
Even towards me, her eldest sister,

697
00:37:47,760 --> 00:37:49,030
she shows no hostility at all.

698
00:37:49,670 --> 00:37:50,710
It is indeed rare.

699
00:37:50,920 --> 00:37:52,070
Don't you find it strange?

700
00:37:53,230 --> 00:37:55,550
Shen Yingruo has a crazy
and vicious biological mother,

701
00:37:56,000 --> 00:37:57,840
yet she didn't grow up to be

702
00:37:57,840 --> 00:38:00,320
a dark, paranoid, and scheming woman.

703
00:38:00,590 --> 00:38:01,670
What are you trying to say?

704
00:38:04,630 --> 00:38:06,280
Her nanny, Madam Tan,

705
00:38:06,800 --> 00:38:07,960
was loyal to your mother.

706
00:38:08,630 --> 00:38:10,710
Your mother once saved Madam Tan's life.

707
00:38:11,550 --> 00:38:12,760
Before your mother passed away,

708
00:38:12,880 --> 00:38:14,840
she arranged for her
to be Shen Yingruo's nanny.

709
00:38:15,264 --> 00:38:16,510
"Whether it's a boy or a girl,

710
00:38:16,710 --> 00:38:18,760
there's no need to harm or ruin them.

711
00:38:19,510 --> 00:38:20,920
Just raise them to be

712
00:38:20,920 --> 00:38:22,592
able to distinguish right from wrong."

713
00:38:23,312 --> 00:38:25,264
Mothers and daughters
are natural allies.

714
00:38:25,760 --> 00:38:27,070
You are just like your mother.

715
00:38:27,550 --> 00:38:28,630
Resourceful and strategic,

716
00:38:28,752 --> 00:38:30,720
but never with the intention
to harm others.

717
00:38:30,800 --> 00:38:31,760
Open and upright.

718
00:38:36,710 --> 00:38:38,440
How did you know all this?

719
00:38:40,400 --> 00:38:41,510
After Xiao died,

720
00:38:41,888 --> 00:38:44,160
I was worried Shen Yingruo
might plot against you,

721
00:38:44,710 --> 00:38:46,320
so I had someone investigate.

722
00:38:46,670 --> 00:38:48,030
I learned the whole story,

723
00:38:48,030 --> 00:38:49,710
and only then did I feel at ease
about her.

724
00:38:49,720 --> 00:38:52,130
Madam Tan was once the head
of the Imperial Ceremonial Service.

725
00:38:52,150 --> 00:38:53,790
She served in the palace
for twenty years,

726
00:38:53,800 --> 00:38:54,960
and served as Lady of Ceremonies
for eight years.

727
00:38:55,030 --> 00:38:55,920
Eight years?

728
00:38:56,820 --> 00:38:59,776
To have held the position of Lady of
Ceremonies securely for so many years,

729
00:39:00,230 --> 00:39:01,550
she must have a keen eye.

730
00:39:02,510 --> 00:39:03,760
Who is useful,

731
00:39:03,760 --> 00:39:04,880
who is suspicious,

732
00:39:05,400 --> 00:39:06,510
who is innocent,

733
00:39:06,630 --> 00:39:07,710
and who is smart,

734
00:39:07,880 --> 00:39:09,030
she must know them all.

735
00:39:09,190 --> 00:39:10,576
We are thinking the same thing.

736
00:39:10,880 --> 00:39:11,590
Madam Tan

737
00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:13,920
is the best successor to Matron Cui.

738
00:39:20,710 --> 00:39:22,670
You have already done so much for me.

739
00:39:23,630 --> 00:39:25,230
Even where I can't see,

740
00:39:25,600 --> 00:39:27,904
you are still worrying
and paving the way for me.

741
00:39:32,448 --> 00:39:33,590
You were the one who said it.

742
00:39:34,920 --> 00:39:35,960
Support each other,

743
00:39:36,544 --> 00:39:38,064
and help each other succeed.

744
00:39:45,030 --> 00:39:46,190
If one day,

745
00:39:47,590 --> 00:39:48,760
I am suddenly gone,

746
00:39:50,736 --> 00:39:52,480
you can still overcome any obstacles,

747
00:39:53,920 --> 00:39:55,510
stand at the heights
you want to reach,

748
00:39:55,888 --> 00:39:57,440
and live the life you want to live.

749
00:40:01,510 --> 00:40:02,550
I just hope

750
00:40:03,440 --> 00:40:04,880
you can live a little more freely.

751
00:40:12,256 --> 00:40:13,840
I'll go get some more tea and snacks.

752
00:40:30,620 --> 00:40:37,620
(Cultivate Virtue
and Practice Righteousness)

753
00:41:30,150 --> 00:41:33,550
I admire the Crown Prince's
majestic bearing,

754
00:41:33,696 --> 00:41:35,632
and I am willing to marry
into the East Palace

755
00:41:35,800 --> 00:41:36,840
as a secondary consort.

756
00:41:36,880 --> 00:41:39,250
Has Crown Princess not
asked even once about Princess Yaoxi?

757
00:41:39,280 --> 00:41:39,880
No, she hasn't.

758
00:41:39,960 --> 00:41:42,480
Princess Yaoxi and the Crown Prince
had a great conversation,

759
00:41:42,480 --> 00:41:44,448
and sat in the front courtyard
for a long time.

760
00:41:44,670 --> 00:41:46,400
This can't go on like this.

761
00:41:46,480 --> 00:41:48,816
If she doesn't come looking
for me, I won't go back.

762
00:41:52,631 --> 00:41:55,571
♪I've hidden so many words♪

763
00:41:56,191 --> 00:41:58,991
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

764
00:41:59,861 --> 00:42:06,831
♪So never uncover♪

765
00:42:07,021 --> 00:42:09,381
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

766
00:42:10,511 --> 00:42:13,241
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

767
00:42:14,201 --> 00:42:19,541
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

768
00:42:21,301 --> 00:42:24,121
♪Every answer I gave♪

769
00:42:24,921 --> 00:42:27,771
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

770
00:42:28,561 --> 00:42:31,931
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

771
00:42:32,191 --> 00:42:35,501
♪How hard it truly was?♪

772
00:42:38,471 --> 00:42:41,911
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

773
00:42:42,901 --> 00:42:45,231
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

774
00:42:46,501 --> 00:42:52,261
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

775
00:42:53,671 --> 00:42:56,801
♪It's a shame I never could♪

776
00:42:57,251 --> 00:43:00,261
♪Give you a moon in return♪

777
00:43:00,371 --> 00:43:07,011
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

778
00:43:07,011 --> 00:43:10,681
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

779
00:43:11,551 --> 00:43:14,311
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

780
00:43:14,751 --> 00:43:17,881
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

781
00:43:18,321 --> 00:43:24,271
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

782
00:43:25,671 --> 00:43:29,221
♪You'll never♪

783
00:43:29,501 --> 00:43:38,971
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪

784
00:44:05,141 --> 00:44:08,621
(No animals were harmed
in the making of this film)