1
00:00:15,000 --> 00:00:16,280
The Crown Prince

2
00:00:16,550 --> 00:00:17,760
sent me an ink stick?

3
00:00:17,870 --> 00:00:18,390
Yes.

4
00:00:21,696 --> 00:00:24,420
This is an ink stick blended with
old mountain sandalwood from Tianzhu.

5
00:00:24,832 --> 00:00:26,120
Your Highness is truly an expert.

6
00:00:26,120 --> 00:00:28,550
It's a top-grade old mountain
incense, a tribute from Xuancheng.

7
00:00:28,560 --> 00:00:29,640
The craftsmanship is complex.

8
00:00:29,640 --> 00:00:30,980
Only one stick can be made per year.

9
00:00:30,992 --> 00:00:32,510
Second Prince is skilled
in painting.

10
00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:34,304
Before, His Majesty
only ever gifted it to him.

11
00:00:34,320 --> 00:00:36,512
Crown Prince specifically
requested this from His Majesty

12
00:00:36,560 --> 00:00:37,776
to give to you, Your Highness.

13
00:00:40,112 --> 00:00:42,200
Then I must thank the Crown Prince
for his generosity.

14
00:00:42,790 --> 00:00:43,280
Yes.

15
00:00:48,960 --> 00:00:50,200
Such a precious ink stick.

16
00:00:50,320 --> 00:00:52,110
I must store it carefully
for Your Highness.

17
00:00:54,320 --> 00:00:55,000
Zhen Zhu.

18
00:00:55,750 --> 00:00:57,750
Take this ink stick
and give it to Second Prince.

19
00:00:58,670 --> 00:00:59,710
But why?

20
00:00:59,710 --> 00:01:00,960
He gave me the Incense Record.

21
00:01:01,024 --> 00:01:02,768
I cannot accept a reward
I haven't earned.

22
00:01:02,800 --> 00:01:04,128
It's proper to return a favor.

23
00:01:05,696 --> 00:01:07,400
Are you sure you want to give it away?

24
00:01:07,950 --> 00:01:09,150
Since it's something he loves,

25
00:01:09,400 --> 00:01:10,560
why should I compete for it?

26
00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:14,920
All of Crown Prince's efforts
were for nothing.

27
00:01:15,200 --> 00:01:16,760
Don't look so glum.

28
00:01:17,400 --> 00:01:18,950
The Moon Festival is in a few days.

29
00:01:19,150 --> 00:01:20,384
I'll take you and Mo Yu

30
00:01:20,400 --> 00:01:22,510
out to see the lanterns
and admire the moon.

31
00:02:41,780 --> 00:02:42,608
=Blossoms of Power=

32
00:02:42,608 --> 00:02:45,380
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

33
00:02:45,460 --> 00:02:48,420
=Episode 5=

34
00:03:03,360 --> 00:03:04,120
Your Highness.

35
00:03:04,520 --> 00:03:06,590
From here, you can look up
to see the full moon

36
00:03:06,840 --> 00:03:08,680
and look down to see the city streets.

37
00:03:08,680 --> 00:03:10,590
It's the best spot
in this entire restaurant.

38
00:03:15,280 --> 00:03:16,080
Your Highness,

39
00:03:16,310 --> 00:03:18,280
the Crown Prince proposed to you
in public.

40
00:03:18,560 --> 00:03:20,630
Prince Lie is deeply devoted.

41
00:03:21,360 --> 00:03:22,520
I can tell

42
00:03:22,520 --> 00:03:23,750
his eyes are full of sincerity.

43
00:03:24,120 --> 00:03:25,560
And then there's Prince Ning.

44
00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:28,470
He seems to be a rare
and upright gentleman.

45
00:03:29,030 --> 00:03:31,190
I want to help you figure it out,

46
00:03:31,430 --> 00:03:32,870
but I don't know where to start.

47
00:03:34,710 --> 00:03:36,080
Everyone wears a mask.

48
00:03:36,368 --> 00:03:37,960
How can one see through them so easily?

49
00:03:39,152 --> 00:03:40,590
It's a rare chance for us to be out.

50
00:03:40,720 --> 00:03:42,120
Let's not think about other things.

51
00:04:12,240 --> 00:04:12,910
Look.

52
00:04:13,776 --> 00:04:15,560
According to the portrait
Mo Yuan gave us,

53
00:04:16,480 --> 00:04:18,510
that man is clearly the real Hua Fuhai.

54
00:04:21,360 --> 00:04:23,480
And the handsome man beside him

55
00:04:23,800 --> 00:04:24,920
is the serious-looking one.

56
00:04:24,944 --> 00:04:27,440
That's Cui Jinbai, Vice Minister
of the Court of Judicial Review.

57
00:04:28,600 --> 00:04:29,830
This third person

58
00:04:29,830 --> 00:04:31,950
has broad shoulders,
and a steady posture,

59
00:04:32,048 --> 00:04:33,900
yet his steps are as light
as if walking on snow.

60
00:04:33,950 --> 00:04:35,390
He must be a martial arts expert.

61
00:04:35,830 --> 00:04:38,120
He's with Hua Fuhai and Cui Jinbai.

62
00:04:39,510 --> 00:04:40,510
It's highly likely

63
00:04:41,070 --> 00:04:42,720
that he's the real Embroidered Envoy.

64
00:04:56,040 --> 00:04:57,630
They both answer to him.

65
00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:00,270
Maybe

66
00:05:00,870 --> 00:05:02,270
he's the Tagara Incense.

67
00:05:06,224 --> 00:05:07,456
Reporting to Your Highness.

68
00:05:08,112 --> 00:05:10,360
The fugitive officials involved
in the rouge case...

69
00:05:10,430 --> 00:05:12,560
Vice Minister Cui and I,
following your instructions,

70
00:05:12,608 --> 00:05:14,000
(Zhao Zhenghao, Embroidered Envoy)
have assigned

71
00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:15,780
low-born yet talented scholars
to capture them.

72
00:05:15,800 --> 00:05:17,360
(Hua Fuhai, Richest Hua Family's Eldest Son)
They've performed with great distinction.

73
00:05:17,376 --> 00:05:18,368
They've all been promoted.

74
00:05:19,430 --> 00:05:20,720
You've handled this matter well.

75
00:05:21,056 --> 00:05:23,380
(Cui Jinbai, Vice Minister
of the Court of Judicial Review)

76
00:05:24,600 --> 00:05:26,680
The four talented young men
Your Highness selected

77
00:05:26,720 --> 00:05:29,280
have entered the Ministry of Revenue
and the Ministry of Personnel.

78
00:05:29,290 --> 00:05:31,300
They have trained for many years
in the countryside.

79
00:05:31,360 --> 00:05:32,220
Fit for great tasks.

80
00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:33,830
You ordered us to continue investigating

81
00:05:33,830 --> 00:05:35,408
the leads on the sale
of the rare poison.

82
00:05:35,630 --> 00:05:36,750
I have already established

83
00:05:36,750 --> 00:05:38,944
all the trade routes from Shunan
to the Western Regions.

84
00:05:38,976 --> 00:05:41,120
And I've planted my own informants
at every post station.

85
00:05:41,184 --> 00:05:42,464
Thank you for your hard work.

86
00:05:59,430 --> 00:05:59,920
Awesome.

87
00:06:01,920 --> 00:06:02,800
Wait for me here.

88
00:06:03,000 --> 00:06:03,920
I'll be right back.

89
00:06:26,680 --> 00:06:28,270
The show is about to begin.

90
00:06:28,800 --> 00:06:30,120
- Come on, hurry!
- Come on!

91
00:06:53,472 --> 00:06:55,200
There are paintings on the lanterns.

92
00:06:56,120 --> 00:06:57,240
What are they of?

93
00:06:58,870 --> 00:07:00,680
That one is
"Seeing a Gentleman Off to War."

94
00:07:00,720 --> 00:07:02,512
This one is "A Couple's Mutual Respect."

95
00:07:04,040 --> 00:07:05,000
So beautiful.

96
00:07:05,000 --> 00:07:08,000
♪Flowers wilt and bloom again♪

97
00:07:08,130 --> 00:07:10,120
♪In an endless cycle♪

98
00:07:14,510 --> 00:07:15,630
A happy union.

99
00:07:16,190 --> 00:07:18,310
Isn't this about being
a couple for a lifetime?

100
00:07:19,870 --> 00:07:21,120
Which young master is this?

101
00:07:21,310 --> 00:07:23,360
Going to such lengths for his beloved.

102
00:07:23,480 --> 00:07:24,390
Indeed.

103
00:07:24,480 --> 00:07:26,000
It's truly enviable.

104
00:07:29,120 --> 00:07:31,390
Awesome.

105
00:07:32,990 --> 00:07:35,700
♪Alone for several autumns♪

106
00:07:37,090 --> 00:07:39,540
♪How to choose the one♪

107
00:07:39,920 --> 00:07:43,480
♪To be with forever?♪

108
00:07:44,560 --> 00:07:47,850
♪When I gaze upon you♪

109
00:07:48,480 --> 00:07:51,820
♪Flower petals twirl gently in my heart♪

110
00:07:52,420 --> 00:07:53,880
♪Gracefully♪

111
00:07:54,590 --> 00:07:59,650
♪For all eternity♪

112
00:08:00,090 --> 00:08:02,740
♪The timeless wind and moon♪

113
00:08:03,320 --> 00:08:06,930
♪Quietly reflect in your sparkling eyes♪

114
00:08:08,100 --> 00:08:10,840
♪Scattered red petals fall like rain♪

115
00:08:11,300 --> 00:08:15,140
♪It's a wonderful time in the world♪

116
00:08:16,080 --> 00:08:18,920
♪Bits of worries and sorrows♪

117
00:08:19,320 --> 00:08:22,930
♪Are gently gathered
into your elegant sleeves♪

118
00:08:24,040 --> 00:08:26,800
♪Gradually, on the misty path♪

119
00:08:27,300 --> 00:08:31,100
♪Not a trace of sorrow can be found♪

120
00:09:06,180 --> 00:09:09,940
(Lanxuan Incense and Ink Shop)

121
00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:11,000
Young Lady Shen.

122
00:09:11,296 --> 00:09:12,896
My young master requests your presence.

123
00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:24,960
Greetings, Your Highness.

124
00:09:25,630 --> 00:09:26,910
You're being so distant.

125
00:09:27,550 --> 00:09:29,080
Are you still angry with me, Ruo?

126
00:09:29,390 --> 00:09:30,480
Your Highness,

127
00:09:30,656 --> 00:09:32,112
I don't understand what you mean.

128
00:09:37,390 --> 00:09:38,790
When your mother passed away,

129
00:09:39,320 --> 00:09:40,510
I knew you were heartbroken.

130
00:09:41,270 --> 00:09:43,000
I wanted to pay my respects.

131
00:09:43,000 --> 00:09:44,510
My mother was a concubine.

132
00:09:44,800 --> 00:09:46,352
She could not have a memorial hall.

133
00:09:46,360 --> 00:09:47,150
Nor could she

134
00:09:48,000 --> 00:09:49,120
have outsiders pay respects.

135
00:09:56,840 --> 00:09:58,390
In your eyes,

136
00:09:59,080 --> 00:10:00,390
am I also an outsider?

137
00:10:00,390 --> 00:10:01,950
Men and women should
keep their distance.

138
00:10:01,960 --> 00:10:03,760
Please do not be so forward,
Your Highness.

139
00:10:05,024 --> 00:10:06,240
I'll take my leave.

140
00:10:10,600 --> 00:10:12,080
What if I don't allow it?

141
00:10:20,360 --> 00:10:21,750
Your Highness, your actions

142
00:10:22,910 --> 00:10:24,120
are truly improper.

143
00:10:24,240 --> 00:10:25,480
Then tell me,

144
00:10:27,510 --> 00:10:29,150
what is the real reason

145
00:10:31,510 --> 00:10:34,030
you're so determined
to cut ties with me?

146
00:10:39,408 --> 00:10:41,360
At six, I entered the palace
by imperial decree

147
00:10:41,360 --> 00:10:43,088
to be Princess Pingling's
study companion.

148
00:10:43,150 --> 00:10:44,270
I was young and homesick.

149
00:10:45,630 --> 00:10:46,960
Then I met you, Your Highness.

150
00:10:47,480 --> 00:10:48,840
When I was sad,

151
00:10:49,200 --> 00:10:51,360
you let me cry on your shoulder.

152
00:10:52,360 --> 00:10:53,670
Later on,

153
00:10:54,144 --> 00:10:55,840
after your wife passed away,

154
00:10:56,750 --> 00:10:58,670
you said you wouldn't remarry

155
00:10:59,232 --> 00:11:01,072
and that you would wait for me
to grow up.

156
00:11:01,510 --> 00:11:02,790
I have never lied to you.

157
00:11:07,550 --> 00:11:09,000
But when my mother was imprisoned,

158
00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:11,150
I begged you to take me to see her,

159
00:11:11,150 --> 00:11:12,390
and you flatly refused.

160
00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:14,150
That's when I knew

161
00:11:14,910 --> 00:11:16,200
that in your heart,

162
00:11:16,960 --> 00:11:17,750
fame,

163
00:11:18,510 --> 00:11:19,440
and power

164
00:11:19,520 --> 00:11:20,992
are all more important than me.

165
00:11:22,784 --> 00:11:23,808
And just as I thought,

166
00:11:24,840 --> 00:11:26,670
you publicly proposed
to my older sister.

167
00:11:27,360 --> 00:11:29,120
Even if I marry your sister,

168
00:11:30,360 --> 00:11:32,120
there are still many ways

169
00:11:32,750 --> 00:11:33,750
for us to be together.

170
00:11:33,750 --> 00:11:34,630
Your Highness,

171
00:11:35,360 --> 00:11:37,480
don't destroy the image I have of you
in my heart.

172
00:11:38,550 --> 00:11:39,720
And don't forget,

173
00:11:40,510 --> 00:11:41,630
my surname is also Shen.

174
00:11:42,910 --> 00:11:44,360
My sister and I are not close,

175
00:11:44,600 --> 00:11:45,840
but the happiness I want

176
00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:47,550
is not built upon her misfortune.

177
00:11:47,720 --> 00:11:49,480
But in Shen Xihe's eyes,

178
00:11:49,750 --> 00:11:51,670
she has never truly considered you

179
00:11:51,670 --> 00:11:53,200
a member of the Shen family.

180
00:11:53,200 --> 00:11:54,080
That's not important.

181
00:11:56,150 --> 00:11:58,200
As long as I act like a Shen,
that's enough.

182
00:12:19,550 --> 00:12:21,000
I will always remember

183
00:12:22,360 --> 00:12:25,320
that the one who was
my scholarly companion

184
00:12:28,120 --> 00:12:28,870
was you.

185
00:12:55,910 --> 00:12:56,670
Nanny.

186
00:12:57,200 --> 00:12:58,030
Your Ladyship,

187
00:12:58,480 --> 00:12:59,550
don't be sad.

188
00:13:03,216 --> 00:13:04,960
My mother resented me
for not being a boy.

189
00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:06,630
She would either beat or scold me.

190
00:13:06,790 --> 00:13:07,630
In all those years,

191
00:13:09,510 --> 00:13:11,510
he was the only one
who showed me any warmth.

192
00:13:13,030 --> 00:13:13,910
Nanny.

193
00:13:18,260 --> 00:13:22,100
(Duke of Wei's Manor)

194
00:13:27,440 --> 00:13:28,080
Xihe.

195
00:13:30,592 --> 00:13:32,270
(Old Mountain Sandalwood from Tianzhu?)

196
00:13:33,550 --> 00:13:34,270
Yingruo.

197
00:13:36,790 --> 00:13:38,030
We two sisters

198
00:13:38,030 --> 00:13:39,630
have never sat down for a proper chat.

199
00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:41,510
Since we have time today,

200
00:13:41,720 --> 00:13:43,750
may I trouble you for a moment
in your room?

201
00:13:44,200 --> 00:13:45,000
Please, Xihe.

202
00:13:54,270 --> 00:13:55,480
Please have some tea, Xihe.

203
00:13:59,960 --> 00:14:02,000
Have you known the Second Prince
for a long time?

204
00:14:03,750 --> 00:14:04,270
No.

205
00:14:04,630 --> 00:14:05,390
I don't know him.

206
00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:07,860
You entered the palace as
a study companion when you were young.

207
00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:10,270
The palace holds
festive banquets every year,

208
00:14:10,750 --> 00:14:11,960
as well as outings and hunts.

209
00:14:12,550 --> 00:14:14,360
The princes and noble ladies
have all met.

210
00:14:15,104 --> 00:14:16,720
It would be normal for you to know him.

211
00:14:17,320 --> 00:14:18,600
Why would you say you don't?

212
00:14:19,600 --> 00:14:21,390
I have seen him at banquets before,

213
00:14:21,550 --> 00:14:22,960
but we only exchanged nods.

214
00:14:23,104 --> 00:14:24,432
We are not well-acquainted.

215
00:14:24,550 --> 00:14:25,670
Some time ago,

216
00:14:26,032 --> 00:14:28,720
I sent an ink stick mixed with
Old Mountain Sandalwood from Tianzhu

217
00:14:28,720 --> 00:14:29,550
to the Second Prince.

218
00:14:30,670 --> 00:14:31,790
This incense is rare

219
00:14:31,870 --> 00:14:32,790
and long-lasting.

220
00:14:33,910 --> 00:14:35,510
When he was using this ink,

221
00:14:35,870 --> 00:14:37,200
you were by his side.

222
00:14:37,750 --> 00:14:39,960
Were you perhaps his scholarly muse,

223
00:14:40,016 --> 00:14:41,936
lending your fragrance
to his brush and ink?

224
00:14:42,150 --> 00:14:43,600
I... I didn't.

225
00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:44,960
Still denying it?

226
00:14:45,670 --> 00:14:47,840
You might as well smell
the fragrance on yourself.

227
00:14:49,120 --> 00:14:50,150
In my opinion,

228
00:14:50,600 --> 00:14:52,120
your relationship with him

229
00:14:52,360 --> 00:14:54,390
can be described as quite intimate.

230
00:14:55,670 --> 00:14:56,960
You disregarded propriety

231
00:14:57,200 --> 00:14:58,550
to have a secret affair with him.

232
00:14:58,840 --> 00:15:01,150
And yet, he asked His Majesty
for my hand in marriage.

233
00:15:01,376 --> 00:15:02,870
Could it be that you were thinking

234
00:15:02,960 --> 00:15:04,240
that we two sisters

235
00:15:04,240 --> 00:15:06,270
would marry
into Second Prince's Manor together?

236
00:15:08,120 --> 00:15:08,670
No.

237
00:15:09,270 --> 00:15:10,870
I never thought of competing with you.

238
00:15:11,550 --> 00:15:12,270
It's just that...

239
00:15:12,480 --> 00:15:13,720
You just can't forget

240
00:15:13,960 --> 00:15:15,870
those empty promises he made to you?

241
00:15:16,096 --> 00:15:18,510
Or are you unwilling to part
with these scrolls in your room,

242
00:15:18,510 --> 00:15:20,624
which carry the scent
of Old Mountain Sandalwood?

243
00:15:30,030 --> 00:15:31,630
Xihe, your wisdom is unparalleled.

244
00:15:31,696 --> 00:15:33,030
You see things with perfect clarity.

245
00:15:33,440 --> 00:15:34,790
I am far behind you.

246
00:15:35,360 --> 00:15:36,510
Over all these years,

247
00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:38,910
I did indeed turn my gratitude
and respect for His Highness

248
00:15:38,910 --> 00:15:39,840
into affection.

249
00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:42,750
But if you marry him,

250
00:15:42,800 --> 00:15:44,390
I will have no resentment in my heart.

251
00:15:45,270 --> 00:15:46,390
As for these scrolls,

252
00:15:47,030 --> 00:15:48,840
I'm just keeping them as a memento.

253
00:15:49,120 --> 00:15:50,840
So you plan
to just look at these scrolls

254
00:15:50,840 --> 00:15:51,952
for the rest of your life?

255
00:15:52,510 --> 00:15:54,320
Because of this worthless affection,

256
00:15:54,550 --> 00:15:56,080
you'll throw away your own future?

257
00:15:57,720 --> 00:15:58,080
I...

258
00:15:59,000 --> 00:15:59,670
I...

259
00:16:03,550 --> 00:16:05,120
Let me make things clear today.

260
00:16:05,856 --> 00:16:08,030
I will not choose the Second Prince
as my husband.

261
00:16:08,840 --> 00:16:10,360
But I won't let you marry him either.

262
00:16:11,200 --> 00:16:13,150
Sweet nothings and vows of eternal love

263
00:16:13,440 --> 00:16:14,510
are tactics that require

264
00:16:14,510 --> 00:16:15,750
no cost at all.

265
00:16:16,030 --> 00:16:17,440
Of course he says them so easily.

266
00:16:18,000 --> 00:16:19,080
By asking to marry me,

267
00:16:19,630 --> 00:16:20,670
he has betrayed you.

268
00:16:21,150 --> 00:16:22,670
How can you be so blind?

269
00:16:24,000 --> 00:16:26,080
My mother died because of Xiao.

270
00:16:26,176 --> 00:16:27,840
It's true that you and I are not fated

271
00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:29,630
to be as close as other sisters.

272
00:16:30,390 --> 00:16:31,550
But that doesn't prevent

273
00:16:31,630 --> 00:16:33,232
each of us from living a wonderful life.

274
00:16:34,750 --> 00:16:36,790
Xihe, you want me
to live a wonderful life?

275
00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:38,080
Why not?

276
00:16:38,384 --> 00:16:40,528
I don't like you,
but I don't dislike you either.

277
00:16:41,120 --> 00:16:43,200
The grudge between your mother and me

278
00:16:43,270 --> 00:16:44,480
has nothing to do with you.

279
00:16:44,750 --> 00:16:46,030
I won't involve the innocent.

280
00:16:46,550 --> 00:16:47,600
But the Second Prince

281
00:16:47,720 --> 00:16:49,670
is truly not someone
you can entrust your life to.

282
00:16:50,336 --> 00:16:52,336
I can't bear
to see you sink into this mire.

283
00:16:52,670 --> 00:16:53,480
Shen Yingruo,

284
00:16:54,208 --> 00:16:56,030
you are also a daughter
of the Duke of Wei.

285
00:16:56,720 --> 00:16:58,320
I advise you not
to look down on yourself.

286
00:16:59,510 --> 00:17:00,790
You need to stand taller

287
00:17:00,910 --> 00:17:02,240
and look further ahead.

288
00:17:03,320 --> 00:17:04,400
Only then will you discover

289
00:17:04,432 --> 00:17:05,720
that there are many other things

290
00:17:06,030 --> 00:17:07,790
worthy of dedicating your life to.

291
00:17:09,640 --> 00:17:10,440
Xihe,

292
00:17:10,510 --> 00:17:11,720
I was wrong.

293
00:17:12,240 --> 00:17:13,880
I'll go burn the scrolls in a moment.

294
00:17:36,200 --> 00:17:36,750
Your Highness,

295
00:17:37,000 --> 00:17:37,720
it's done.

296
00:17:38,300 --> 00:17:40,870
Commandery Princess, through
that Old Mountain Sandalwood ink stick,

297
00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:42,070
has discovered Second Prince's

298
00:17:42,070 --> 00:17:43,400
affair with her sister, Yingruo.

299
00:17:48,540 --> 00:17:52,820
(Prince Ning, Xiao Changmin)

300
00:18:04,350 --> 00:18:06,110
So soon you have a favor to ask of me?

301
00:18:06,960 --> 00:18:08,110
Your Highness, you don't know

302
00:18:08,310 --> 00:18:09,790
that the rouge case has concluded.

303
00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:12,160
To celebrate the victory,
His Majesty had Noble Consort Rong

304
00:18:12,170 --> 00:18:14,200
host a flower-viewing banquet
in the Hibiscus Garden.

305
00:18:14,224 --> 00:18:16,096
Many ladies from noble families
were invited.

306
00:18:16,920 --> 00:18:18,030
This is a good thing.

307
00:18:18,350 --> 00:18:19,640
Why the long face?

308
00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:20,880
It's called flower-viewing,

309
00:18:20,880 --> 00:18:22,368
but it's really a matchmaking event.

310
00:18:22,790 --> 00:18:24,350
And I've received reliable information

311
00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:25,720
that Princess Anling

312
00:18:26,064 --> 00:18:27,808
wants to take me as her prince consort.

313
00:18:27,904 --> 00:18:29,936
Your Highness,
do you have a way to save me?

314
00:18:30,752 --> 00:18:32,680
You are the only son
of the Marquis of Shunan.

315
00:18:32,704 --> 00:18:34,580
Of course you're expected
to marry a princess.

316
00:18:35,270 --> 00:18:37,160
Only you know my true identity.

317
00:18:37,160 --> 00:18:40,208
As a lady, how am I supposed to
go through with the wedding night?

318
00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:41,830
Have you forgotten my rule?

319
00:18:48,720 --> 00:18:50,030
No personal feelings,

320
00:18:50,200 --> 00:18:51,240
only business?

321
00:18:57,664 --> 00:19:00,144
I'll give the northwestern army
3,000 sets of fine armor.

322
00:19:00,816 --> 00:19:02,500
Then at tomorrow's
flower-viewing banquet,

323
00:19:02,640 --> 00:19:03,510
we'll go together.

324
00:19:59,310 --> 00:20:00,640
Well, she is indeed beautiful.

325
00:20:00,750 --> 00:20:01,350
Yes.

326
00:20:14,750 --> 00:20:15,960
Greetings, Noble Consort Rong.

327
00:20:16,830 --> 00:20:17,880
Your Highness, please rise.

328
00:20:20,960 --> 00:20:22,480
This is Princess Anling.

329
00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:23,480
(Princess Anling)

330
00:20:23,480 --> 00:20:24,790
You two are of similar age.

331
00:20:25,008 --> 00:20:26,608
You can keep each other company.

332
00:20:28,750 --> 00:20:29,920
I'm a year younger than you.

333
00:20:30,000 --> 00:20:31,550
Then I'll call you Sister Zhaoning.

334
00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:37,790
This is the Taiji Hall.

335
00:20:37,872 --> 00:20:39,240
And this is the Imperial Garden.

336
00:20:42,480 --> 00:20:43,510
Your Highness, did you know

337
00:20:43,520 --> 00:20:45,550
(Princess Pingling)
that in northwest, they often eat cats?

338
00:20:45,550 --> 00:20:46,590
Of course I know.

339
00:20:46,590 --> 00:20:48,400
Pingling, what are you talking about?

340
00:20:50,030 --> 00:20:51,590
We were talking about our pet cats.

341
00:20:52,920 --> 00:20:55,070
Commandery Princess Zhaoning
is from northwest.

342
00:20:55,070 --> 00:20:56,920
I've heard northwest is barren,

343
00:20:57,008 --> 00:20:58,928
and the barbarians there
will eat anything.

344
00:20:59,070 --> 00:21:00,830
They often stew and eat cats.

345
00:21:00,920 --> 00:21:02,590
- They even eat cats?
- Really?

346
00:21:02,590 --> 00:21:03,960
During the late emperor's reign,

347
00:21:04,304 --> 00:21:06,912
the Le clan invaded our borders
more than ten times a year.

348
00:21:07,000 --> 00:21:09,260
The men and women of northwest
fought bravely to defend us.

349
00:21:09,270 --> 00:21:10,270
To survive,

350
00:21:10,550 --> 00:21:12,750
they dug for rats and drank snake blood.

351
00:21:12,848 --> 00:21:14,510
It is because of them that you can now

352
00:21:14,880 --> 00:21:16,070
live peacefully in the capital

353
00:21:16,310 --> 00:21:17,440
and play with your pet cats.

354
00:21:18,000 --> 00:21:19,790
What right do you
have to insult northwest?

355
00:21:21,590 --> 00:21:23,680
If not for the ferocity
of the people of northwest,

356
00:21:24,070 --> 00:21:25,000
you might right now

357
00:21:25,070 --> 00:21:27,200
be lying in the tent of a Le Clan King,

358
00:21:27,440 --> 00:21:28,510
barely clothed.

359
00:21:28,640 --> 00:21:29,110
You...

360
00:21:31,270 --> 00:21:32,550
Your Highness seems to imply

361
00:21:32,960 --> 00:21:34,400
that the peace of this realm

362
00:21:34,510 --> 00:21:35,790
is all thanks to northwest.

363
00:21:35,800 --> 00:21:37,820
The young lady of the Chen family
insulted northwest,

364
00:21:37,830 --> 00:21:39,160
so I spoke to her about northwest.

365
00:21:39,880 --> 00:21:41,070
Young lady of the Wang family,

366
00:21:41,152 --> 00:21:43,160
you insist on bringing up
the peace of the realm.

367
00:21:43,264 --> 00:21:44,016
I would like to know

368
00:21:44,064 --> 00:21:46,210
what contribution the Wang family
has made to this peace

369
00:21:46,224 --> 00:21:47,160
that gives you the right

370
00:21:47,270 --> 00:21:49,160
to disregard all etiquette

371
00:21:49,350 --> 00:21:50,880
and rashly interrupt others.

372
00:21:52,960 --> 00:21:54,750
My upbringing is different from yours.

373
00:21:54,784 --> 00:21:56,760
There's no need to force ourselves
to get along.

374
00:22:02,540 --> 00:22:04,500
(Hu Yingrao)

375
00:22:14,590 --> 00:22:16,200
Sister Xihe, I finally found you.

376
00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:17,160
Have you thought

377
00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:18,976
of a way to help me get rid
of Princess Anling?

378
00:22:19,008 --> 00:22:21,590
Even if I help you put an end
to Princess Anling's intentions today,

379
00:22:22,310 --> 00:22:23,640
there are still Princess Pingling

380
00:22:23,640 --> 00:22:24,640
and Princess Changling.

381
00:22:25,510 --> 00:22:27,720
His Majesty will eventually
choose a princess for you.

382
00:22:29,450 --> 00:22:31,840
If you're worried about your identity
as a lady being exposed,

383
00:22:31,960 --> 00:22:33,550
we have to solve the problem
at its root.

384
00:22:33,920 --> 00:22:34,880
Then what should I do?

385
00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:37,400
I've found an excellent candidate
for you.

386
00:22:37,750 --> 00:22:39,030
Go and befriend him.

387
00:22:39,960 --> 00:22:42,030
Stick to him day in and day out,
be inseparable.

388
00:22:42,270 --> 00:22:43,270
As long as he's around,

389
00:22:43,480 --> 00:22:45,550
those young ladies
won't dare come near you.

390
00:22:45,550 --> 00:22:47,350
Who is it? Someone
with such a magical effect?

391
00:22:47,360 --> 00:22:49,590
Vice Minister of the Court
of Judicial Review, Cui Jinbai.

392
00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:50,550
Cui Jinbai?

393
00:22:51,350 --> 00:22:52,920
That clueless blockhead, Stone Cui?

394
00:22:52,920 --> 00:22:54,110
Why him of all people?

395
00:22:54,510 --> 00:22:56,070
In the current imperial court,

396
00:22:56,270 --> 00:22:58,200
he is the most upright
and talented young man.

397
00:22:58,310 --> 00:23:00,400
He avoids all romantic dalliances

398
00:23:00,464 --> 00:23:01,440
and flirtatious women.

399
00:23:02,110 --> 00:23:04,240
He's also a trusted minister
of His Majesty

400
00:23:04,550 --> 00:23:06,240
and is being groomed
as a future chancellor.

401
00:23:06,920 --> 00:23:08,680
If you're with him every day,

402
00:23:08,830 --> 00:23:10,000
how would those princesses

403
00:23:10,200 --> 00:23:11,550
dare to pester you?

404
00:23:14,310 --> 00:23:15,240
That makes sense.

405
00:23:23,030 --> 00:23:23,880
Vice Minister Cui.

406
00:23:28,160 --> 00:23:29,920
Why are you sitting here
all by yourself?

407
00:23:30,224 --> 00:23:31,696
I've been looking all over for you.

408
00:23:43,120 --> 00:23:45,152
Captain Bu, what business
do you have with me?

409
00:23:46,680 --> 00:23:49,000
You're in charge of trials
at the Court of Judicial Review.

410
00:23:49,040 --> 00:23:50,310
As a member of the Imperial Guard,

411
00:23:50,310 --> 00:23:52,880
I'm responsible for patrolling
the capital and enforcing the curfew.

412
00:23:52,890 --> 00:23:54,288
Logically speaking, we're colleagues.

413
00:23:54,400 --> 00:23:54,960
So,

414
00:23:55,590 --> 00:23:58,350
I wanted to take this opportunity
at the Noble Consort's banquet

415
00:23:59,920 --> 00:24:01,240
to befriend you.

416
00:24:03,920 --> 00:24:04,400
Unnecessary.

417
00:24:08,070 --> 00:24:09,830
Why did you reject me so bluntly?

418
00:24:10,960 --> 00:24:12,240
Have I offended you in some way?

419
00:24:12,688 --> 00:24:14,310
His Majesty values
the Marquis of Shunan,

420
00:24:14,352 --> 00:24:16,370
which is why he allowed you
into the Imperial Guard.

421
00:24:16,440 --> 00:24:18,256
The position he granted you
is not a low one.

422
00:24:18,270 --> 00:24:19,190
But what have you done?

423
00:24:19,310 --> 00:24:20,750
You frequent taverns and music halls,

424
00:24:20,750 --> 00:24:21,640
partying every night.

425
00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:23,312
You spend all day carousing
with courtesans.

426
00:24:23,320 --> 00:24:24,960
Whenever you report
on the capital's situation,

427
00:24:24,976 --> 00:24:26,688
you stammer
and can't give a straight answer.

428
00:24:26,752 --> 00:24:29,310
Yet you can recite the names
of courtesans without a second thought.

429
00:24:29,328 --> 00:24:30,270
I have no interest

430
00:24:30,512 --> 00:24:32,256
in being friends with someone like you.

431
00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:41,350
Jinbai,

432
00:24:41,350 --> 00:24:43,616
it seems you have quite
a misunderstanding about me.

433
00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:44,790
Come, come.

434
00:24:44,920 --> 00:24:46,720
Let me have a good chat with you

435
00:24:49,550 --> 00:24:51,350
and clear this up.

436
00:25:27,720 --> 00:25:28,960
You lecher.

437
00:26:13,790 --> 00:26:14,880
Someone fell in the water!

438
00:26:14,880 --> 00:26:15,640
Someone fell in!

439
00:26:15,640 --> 00:26:16,480
Someone, help!

440
00:26:17,000 --> 00:26:17,720
Help!

441
00:26:17,720 --> 00:26:19,310
Help! I can't swim!

442
00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:21,000
Help!

443
00:26:21,000 --> 00:26:21,400
Here.

444
00:26:23,480 --> 00:26:25,350
Help! Help!

445
00:26:26,920 --> 00:26:28,310
I can't swim!

446
00:26:28,590 --> 00:26:29,480
Help!

447
00:26:29,830 --> 00:26:31,550
Help! I can't swim!

448
00:26:31,640 --> 00:26:32,440
Help!

449
00:26:33,720 --> 00:26:34,440
Help!

450
00:26:37,160 --> 00:26:38,160
Are you insane?

451
00:26:38,240 --> 00:26:39,590
Someone could die because of this!

452
00:26:39,590 --> 00:26:40,510
Stop it now!

453
00:26:40,680 --> 00:26:42,880
So you do know that someone could die.

454
00:26:43,880 --> 00:26:45,270
I thought you didn't.

455
00:26:45,440 --> 00:26:46,310
If you kill someone,

456
00:26:46,310 --> 00:26:47,400
you'll pay with your life.

457
00:26:48,320 --> 00:26:50,432
Of course you pay with your life
for killing someone.

458
00:26:52,110 --> 00:26:53,240
But I'm saving someone.

459
00:26:54,640 --> 00:26:56,200
Help!

460
00:26:56,272 --> 00:26:57,340
- It's just that...
- Help!

461
00:26:57,350 --> 00:26:58,790
my aim was off.

462
00:27:00,110 --> 00:27:01,000
What's going on?

463
00:27:01,024 --> 00:27:02,784
- I hope nothing bad happens.
- Look at this.

464
00:27:03,000 --> 00:27:04,070
Grab the pole!

465
00:27:04,070 --> 00:27:04,550
Quick!

466
00:27:17,030 --> 00:27:18,680
What is all this commotion?

467
00:27:20,240 --> 00:27:20,920
Your Majesty,

468
00:27:21,024 --> 00:27:22,160
Commandery Princess Zhaoning

469
00:27:22,550 --> 00:27:24,070
pushed me into the lake.

470
00:27:24,304 --> 00:27:25,750
She even hit me with a bamboo pole

471
00:27:25,960 --> 00:27:27,030
and wouldn't let me get out.

472
00:27:27,270 --> 00:27:29,110
She was trying to drown me!

473
00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:31,590
Your Majesty,

474
00:27:32,510 --> 00:27:34,790
Young Lady Hu deliberately tried
to push me into the lake.

475
00:27:34,790 --> 00:27:36,200
Luckily, I dodged in time.

476
00:27:36,750 --> 00:27:39,240
Otherwise, I would've been
the one in the lake.

477
00:27:40,160 --> 00:27:42,200
It all started
when Young Lady Chen kept insisting

478
00:27:42,200 --> 00:27:44,000
that the people
of northwest are barbarians.

479
00:27:44,032 --> 00:27:45,150
I argued with her for a bit.

480
00:27:45,160 --> 00:27:47,728
The young lady of the Wang family
accused me of elevating northwest.

481
00:27:47,960 --> 00:27:50,310
Seeing that I was on bad terms
with the two young ladies,

482
00:27:50,480 --> 00:27:52,110
Young Lady Hu wanted
to stand up for them.

483
00:27:53,510 --> 00:27:54,110
Your Majesty,

484
00:27:54,368 --> 00:27:56,070
to call the people
of northwest barbarians

485
00:27:56,096 --> 00:27:57,870
is to harbor intentions
of dividing the nation.

486
00:27:57,880 --> 00:27:59,424
Such intentions are punishable by death.

487
00:28:13,720 --> 00:28:14,400
Your Majesty,

488
00:28:14,720 --> 00:28:15,640
I believe

489
00:28:16,160 --> 00:28:17,640
there must be a misunderstanding.

490
00:28:17,650 --> 00:28:20,190
These young ladies have been raised
in seclusion their whole lives.

491
00:28:20,200 --> 00:28:22,272
They learn flower arranging
and practice needlework.

492
00:28:22,280 --> 00:28:24,990
They read nothing more than Admonitions
for Ladies and Rules for Ladies.

493
00:28:25,080 --> 00:28:26,224
How could they be so reckless

494
00:28:26,240 --> 00:28:28,160
as to carelessly discuss
matters of state?

495
00:28:29,952 --> 00:28:31,344
Your Majesty, please see the truth.

496
00:28:31,440 --> 00:28:32,160
These words

497
00:28:32,750 --> 00:28:35,440
could not have truly come
from these young ladies.

498
00:28:35,680 --> 00:28:37,240
They have never been to northwest.

499
00:28:37,510 --> 00:28:39,030
How could they possibly look down on it?

500
00:28:39,744 --> 00:28:41,960
They must have simply heard
some reckless talk somewhere

501
00:28:42,110 --> 00:28:43,240
and are merely repeating it.

502
00:28:43,350 --> 00:28:44,790
The Crown Prince is wise and just.

503
00:28:44,920 --> 00:28:47,648
The young ladies of our families
have been spared a false accusation.

504
00:28:47,650 --> 00:28:49,070
Thank you, Your Highness.

505
00:28:49,310 --> 00:28:50,680
Thank you, Your Highness.

506
00:28:51,030 --> 00:28:52,590
A child's words and actions

507
00:28:53,070 --> 00:28:55,200
are taught by their parents.

508
00:28:55,550 --> 00:28:57,640
This young lady was raised in seclusion.

509
00:28:57,750 --> 00:29:00,550
If she hadn't heard nonsense
from her elders,

510
00:29:00,550 --> 00:29:03,110
how would she know to sow discord
among court officials?

511
00:29:03,472 --> 00:29:05,510
I ask Your Majesty
to investigate this thoroughly.

512
00:29:05,510 --> 00:29:06,352
Do not tolerate such

513
00:29:06,400 --> 00:29:08,830
wicked people who have no regard
for the court, their sovereign,

514
00:29:08,830 --> 00:29:11,200
or the common folk.

515
00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:14,480
Your Majesty, if I may.

516
00:29:14,790 --> 00:29:16,680
The heavens are always watching.

517
00:29:16,880 --> 00:29:18,880
My loyalty to you is as clear as day.

518
00:29:18,944 --> 00:29:20,640
My disobedient daughter's reckless words

519
00:29:20,790 --> 00:29:22,750
were certainly not taught by me.

520
00:29:23,310 --> 00:29:23,920
Your Majesty,

521
00:29:24,200 --> 00:29:25,240
I also do not know

522
00:29:25,240 --> 00:29:27,960
where my unfilial daughter
heard such arrogant words.

523
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:29,400
I have failed in raising my daughter.

524
00:29:29,456 --> 00:29:30,920
I am willing to accept punishment.

525
00:29:31,000 --> 00:29:31,640
Your Majesty,

526
00:29:31,824 --> 00:29:33,790
my daughter is young
and knows nothing of politics.

527
00:29:34,070 --> 00:29:35,720
It is I who raised her to be ignorant.

528
00:29:35,830 --> 00:29:37,510
That is why she is so reckless.

529
00:29:37,830 --> 00:29:39,750
Please punish me, Your Majesty.

530
00:29:41,792 --> 00:29:43,136
Rest assured, Commandery Princess.

531
00:29:43,140 --> 00:29:45,470
The great families have
been strict in raising their kids.

532
00:29:45,480 --> 00:29:46,832
When they mention punishment,

533
00:29:46,920 --> 00:29:48,160
it is not just empty words.

534
00:29:53,200 --> 00:29:54,110
Attendant Wang.

535
00:29:54,750 --> 00:29:55,640
Vice Minister Hu.

536
00:29:56,030 --> 00:29:57,030
Marquis of Xuanping.

537
00:29:57,488 --> 00:30:00,000
The three of you, for your failure
to discipline your families,

538
00:30:00,016 --> 00:30:01,344
will be fined one year's salary.

539
00:30:01,350 --> 00:30:03,290
You will reflect on your wrongdoings
for ten days

540
00:30:03,300 --> 00:30:04,620
and submit a letter of repentance.

541
00:30:04,672 --> 00:30:07,568
- Thank Your Majesty for your grace.
- Thank Your Majesty for your grace.

542
00:30:35,790 --> 00:30:36,350
Changqing,

543
00:30:37,520 --> 00:30:38,400
what's wrong with you?

544
00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:42,830
It's nothing.

545
00:30:58,256 --> 00:31:00,400
Thank you for what you did just now,
Your Highness.

546
00:31:00,510 --> 00:31:02,720
Those young ladies were the ones
who bullied you first.

547
00:31:02,864 --> 00:31:04,032
They deserved to be punished.

548
00:31:05,070 --> 00:31:06,200
You've had a long day.

549
00:31:06,352 --> 00:31:07,552
You should get some rest.

550
00:31:16,440 --> 00:31:18,830
A thousand lights
on a spring night's path.

551
00:31:19,240 --> 00:31:22,030
Ten miles of silk under a moonlit sky.

552
00:31:31,744 --> 00:31:32,720
Commandery Princess,

553
00:31:33,350 --> 00:31:35,590
tonight will be a fine night.

554
00:32:09,790 --> 00:32:12,550
This street has always been dark
and difficult to walk on.

555
00:32:12,550 --> 00:32:14,510
Why are there suddenly so many lanterns?

556
00:32:16,160 --> 00:32:16,920
Tonight

557
00:32:18,920 --> 00:32:20,160
is indeed a fine night.

558
00:32:31,920 --> 00:32:32,480
Your Highness,

559
00:32:32,500 --> 00:32:34,864
this is the cold-warding incense
sent by Commandery Princess.

560
00:32:40,400 --> 00:32:43,280
She must have seen that I was sensitive
to the cold at the hunting grounds.

561
00:32:43,776 --> 00:32:44,920
Go find an incense burner.

562
00:33:22,832 --> 00:33:23,830
Commandery Princess said

563
00:33:23,952 --> 00:33:25,640
that she personally
improved this formula.

564
00:33:26,480 --> 00:33:27,790
Not only does it retain its warmth,

565
00:33:28,030 --> 00:33:29,790
but it also has a calming effect.

566
00:33:30,400 --> 00:33:31,310
Indeed.

567
00:33:31,360 --> 00:33:33,030
Commandery Princess
has exceptional taste.

568
00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:35,030
The incense she blends

569
00:33:35,720 --> 00:33:36,590
is naturally excellent.

570
00:33:39,400 --> 00:33:40,590
Then I must tell you

571
00:33:40,590 --> 00:33:41,640
something harsh.

572
00:33:42,030 --> 00:33:42,880
What do you mean?

573
00:33:42,992 --> 00:33:44,352
Commandery Princess has sent people

574
00:33:44,400 --> 00:33:45,880
to inquire about your medical records.

575
00:33:49,110 --> 00:33:50,030
Is that so?

576
00:33:57,790 --> 00:33:58,590
Commandery Princess

577
00:33:59,920 --> 00:34:01,310
is concerned about my health.

578
00:34:03,792 --> 00:34:05,888
In previous years,
when those ministers and princes

579
00:34:05,920 --> 00:34:07,270
inquired about your medical records,

580
00:34:07,312 --> 00:34:08,920
you always said
they had ulterior motives.

581
00:34:09,000 --> 00:34:10,380
How is it that when it comes to her,

582
00:34:10,416 --> 00:34:11,800
it's a sign of her concern for you?

583
00:34:11,824 --> 00:34:14,624
My second and sixth brothers
have disappointed her one after another.

584
00:34:14,704 --> 00:34:16,704
For her to inquire
about my medical records now

585
00:34:17,400 --> 00:34:19,630
means she must be considering me
as a potential husband.

586
00:34:19,760 --> 00:34:21,680
That's why she wants
to know about my lifespan.

587
00:34:22,550 --> 00:34:23,110
Never mind.

588
00:34:23,400 --> 00:34:24,510
A three-part self-hypnosis.

589
00:34:24,624 --> 00:34:27,100
How could Commandery Princess
possibly have any bad intentions?

590
00:34:27,136 --> 00:34:30,256
How could she not be kind?
How could she have ulterior motives?

591
00:34:34,192 --> 00:34:36,672
Have the Imperial Medical Office
send her my records.

592
00:34:36,736 --> 00:34:37,890
Don't hide anything from her.

593
00:34:38,030 --> 00:34:39,030
Didn't you say

594
00:34:39,488 --> 00:34:41,320
you had no real intention
of proposing marriage?

595
00:34:41,440 --> 00:34:42,630
After my coming-of-age ceremony,

596
00:34:42,656 --> 00:34:44,470
my father, the Emperor,
and the Empress Dowager

597
00:34:44,480 --> 00:34:45,984
will choose a crown princess for me.

598
00:34:46,960 --> 00:34:48,150
I just think that

599
00:34:48,992 --> 00:34:50,992
if it were Commandery Princess Zhaoning,

600
00:34:51,440 --> 00:34:52,550
life in the East Palace

601
00:34:53,136 --> 00:34:54,960
would certainly be interesting.

602
00:34:55,664 --> 00:34:57,728
Whatever you say is right,
Your Highness.

603
00:35:00,576 --> 00:35:02,896
The Starvine Moss has been growing
exceptionally well lately.

604
00:35:02,944 --> 00:35:03,616
Tomorrow,

605
00:35:04,096 --> 00:35:05,968
invite Commandery Princess
to admire it with me.

606
00:35:06,070 --> 00:35:07,110
Yes.

607
00:35:14,190 --> 00:35:15,320
Tian Yuan said

608
00:35:15,320 --> 00:35:17,190
that this rare Starvine Moss

609
00:35:17,190 --> 00:35:19,312
was specially cultivated
by the Crown Prince for you.

610
00:35:19,510 --> 00:35:21,280
He cares for it day and night.

611
00:35:21,920 --> 00:35:23,030
How thoughtful.

612
00:35:24,000 --> 00:35:26,150
You said you weren't
considering the Crown Prince,

613
00:35:26,192 --> 00:35:28,480
so why did you have someone
send him cold-warding incense?

614
00:35:28,480 --> 00:35:30,310
And you even had Mo Yuan go
to the Imperial Medical Office

615
00:35:30,320 --> 00:35:31,712
to check his medical records.

616
00:35:31,800 --> 00:35:33,312
This has nothing to do with affection.

617
00:35:33,400 --> 00:35:34,880
You saw the records. What did they say?

618
00:35:35,320 --> 00:35:37,190
Judging from the medical records alone,

619
00:35:37,550 --> 00:35:38,630
he is undoubtedly frail.

620
00:35:39,150 --> 00:35:40,510
As for his lifespan,

621
00:35:40,640 --> 00:35:42,000
it's impossible to determine.

622
00:35:43,400 --> 00:35:44,840
I have never met anyone

623
00:35:44,840 --> 00:35:46,070
like Xiao Huayong.

624
00:35:47,400 --> 00:35:48,590
He's gentle and modest,

625
00:35:49,230 --> 00:35:50,320
perfectly so.

626
00:35:51,070 --> 00:35:52,670
It's impossible to discern his motives.

627
00:35:53,440 --> 00:35:55,360
If he truly doesn't have long to live,

628
00:35:55,360 --> 00:35:56,910
then there's no need for him to pretend.

629
00:35:57,280 --> 00:35:59,360
It would mean he is
a truly pure and kind person.

630
00:35:59,880 --> 00:36:00,920
But if the opposite is true,

631
00:36:01,264 --> 00:36:03,568
then he is biding his time
and hiding his true strength.

632
00:36:03,630 --> 00:36:04,710
He is incredibly shrewd.

633
00:36:05,150 --> 00:36:06,550
Compared to the other princes,

634
00:36:07,000 --> 00:36:08,590
I still can't see through him.

635
00:36:09,320 --> 00:36:11,030
So, are we still going
to the East Palace?

636
00:36:11,400 --> 00:36:12,280
Of course, we are.

637
00:36:13,320 --> 00:36:14,590
Given the current situation,

638
00:36:15,110 --> 00:36:16,760
he is one of my choices for a husband.

639
00:36:18,190 --> 00:36:19,400
I must see clearly

640
00:36:19,960 --> 00:36:21,400
what kind of person he truly is.

641
00:36:22,820 --> 00:36:26,380
(East Palace)

642
00:36:27,840 --> 00:36:29,070
It will be a little later

643
00:36:29,088 --> 00:36:31,150
before it's the best time
to view the Starvine Moss.

644
00:36:31,584 --> 00:36:33,890
Please have some tea
and snacks first, Commandery Princess.

645
00:36:39,376 --> 00:36:42,480
This Mijin is a flower cake that every
household in the imperial capital eats.

646
00:36:42,624 --> 00:36:44,150
During the Double Ninth Festival,

647
00:36:44,368 --> 00:36:45,792
the capital is at its liveliest.

648
00:36:46,760 --> 00:36:48,710
Drinking chrysanthemum liquor,
eating flower cakes,

649
00:36:48,840 --> 00:36:50,752
wearing dogwood sprigs
and chrysanthemum hairpins,

650
00:36:50,752 --> 00:36:53,264
and climbing to a high place
are all essential traditions.

651
00:36:55,480 --> 00:36:58,590
With my health, drinking chrysanthemum
liquor and climbing to a high place

652
00:36:58,590 --> 00:36:59,952
are out of the question for me.

653
00:37:00,112 --> 00:37:02,360
Climbing to a high place doesn't have
to mean climbing a tall mountain.

654
00:37:02,360 --> 00:37:03,328
It could be a high tower.

655
00:37:03,392 --> 00:37:05,120
In the past,
on every Double Ninth Festival,

656
00:37:05,190 --> 00:37:06,550
my father and brother

657
00:37:06,550 --> 00:37:09,030
would accompany me to the top
of the city tower at Northwest Pass

658
00:37:09,520 --> 00:37:11,990
to watch the city lit up
like a tree of fire and silver flowers.

659
00:37:12,070 --> 00:37:13,184
It was a magnificent sight.

660
00:37:15,552 --> 00:37:17,030
From the imperial capital's city tower,

661
00:37:17,296 --> 00:37:19,280
you can also take in
the whole splendid view.

662
00:37:19,776 --> 00:37:21,360
If, during the Double Ninth Festival,

663
00:37:21,550 --> 00:37:22,800
my health is holding up,

664
00:37:22,960 --> 00:37:23,880
would you be willing

665
00:37:24,840 --> 00:37:25,960
to ascend the tower with me?

666
00:37:29,190 --> 00:37:29,710
Yes.

667
00:37:34,190 --> 00:37:35,590
These few books

668
00:37:35,590 --> 00:37:36,670
are all quite obscure.

669
00:37:37,584 --> 00:37:40,230
They are travelogues by folk scholars
who journeyed far and wide,

670
00:37:40,230 --> 00:37:41,710
seeking out wonders and scenic spots.

671
00:37:42,320 --> 00:37:43,760
I cannot travel the world,

672
00:37:44,280 --> 00:37:45,360
but my heart yearns for it.

673
00:37:45,670 --> 00:37:47,230
My only hobby is reading.

674
00:37:47,670 --> 00:37:48,670
When I read,

675
00:37:48,760 --> 00:37:50,360
I feel like I'm right there
in the story.

676
00:37:50,480 --> 00:37:51,230
Me too.

677
00:37:53,190 --> 00:37:55,030
Why don't we each
write down a favorite line

678
00:37:55,190 --> 00:37:56,070
and exchange them?

679
00:37:56,400 --> 00:37:57,070
Excellent idea.

680
00:38:17,344 --> 00:38:19,744
(A strong army conquers others.
Strong people conquer fate.)

681
00:38:19,750 --> 00:38:22,050
(A strong army conquers others.
Strong people conquer fate.)

682
00:38:25,000 --> 00:38:25,960
It seems you and I

683
00:38:26,030 --> 00:38:27,110
are kindred spirits.

684
00:38:28,070 --> 00:38:29,400
I am deeply honored.

685
00:38:45,680 --> 00:38:46,784
Commandery Princess,

686
00:38:47,248 --> 00:38:48,416
come with me to the pond.

687
00:38:55,632 --> 00:38:58,032
This is the Starvine Moss,
a tribute from the Western Regions.

688
00:38:58,112 --> 00:39:00,230
You've always liked rare flowers
and exotic plants.

689
00:39:00,320 --> 00:39:01,296
I'm sure you'll like it.

690
00:39:14,280 --> 00:39:15,440
Such a wondrous sight.

691
00:39:16,064 --> 00:39:17,680
This is my first time seeing it as well.

692
00:39:18,000 --> 00:39:20,510
♪Pushing the sea of stars
to flow across♪

693
00:39:21,840 --> 00:39:23,150
This moss comes alive in water,

694
00:39:23,360 --> 00:39:24,280
shimmering dazzlingly.

695
00:39:24,352 --> 00:39:26,064
It's also called Night-Luminescent Moss.

696
00:39:26,064 --> 00:39:27,250
♪In an endless cycle♪

697
00:39:29,960 --> 00:39:32,630
♪Amidst the flickering lights♪

698
00:39:33,990 --> 00:39:36,700
♪Alone for several autumns♪

699
00:39:37,760 --> 00:39:39,216
Don't be afraid, Commandery Princess.

700
00:39:39,320 --> 00:39:40,590
The moss follows the current

701
00:39:40,590 --> 00:39:41,920
and clings to the nearest fabric.

702
00:39:45,490 --> 00:39:48,850
♪When I gaze upon you♪

703
00:39:49,480 --> 00:39:52,830
♪Flower petals twirl gently in my heart♪

704
00:39:53,000 --> 00:39:55,620
♪Life and death are mottled♪

705
00:39:56,240 --> 00:40:00,640
♪Only the threads of love are exquisite♪

706
00:40:01,000 --> 00:40:04,030
♪Hidden in the depths of your eyes♪

707
00:40:04,290 --> 00:40:08,840
♪An autumn lake reflects you and I♪

708
00:40:09,440 --> 00:40:11,550
♪As the years go by♪

709
00:40:11,840 --> 00:40:12,400
Don't worry.

710
00:40:12,864 --> 00:40:14,832
The Starvine Moss withers
once it's out of water.

711
00:40:17,490 --> 00:40:19,780
♪A pool of you♪

712
00:40:25,510 --> 00:40:28,300
♪And a pool of me♪

713
00:40:28,320 --> 00:40:29,400
Do you know

714
00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:31,510
why it withers out of water?

715
00:40:34,710 --> 00:40:35,800
Because it was born

716
00:40:36,880 --> 00:40:38,590
immersed in the gaze of a lover.

717
00:40:46,110 --> 00:40:48,190
Although I find Commandery Princess
quite scheming,

718
00:40:49,030 --> 00:40:50,710
I still prefer His Highness like this,

719
00:40:51,150 --> 00:40:52,360
when he's trying to woo a lady,

720
00:40:52,590 --> 00:40:54,070
he's so full of life and vigor.

721
00:40:59,050 --> 00:41:00,768
(Cultivate virtue
and practice righteousness)

722
00:41:00,800 --> 00:41:01,440
Your Highness.

723
00:41:01,840 --> 00:41:02,920
Physician Xie said

724
00:41:03,110 --> 00:41:05,150
he found a rare prescription
among the common folk.

725
00:41:05,670 --> 00:41:07,590
This medicine can regulate
the internal organs

726
00:41:07,670 --> 00:41:08,656
and suppress the poison.

727
00:41:09,190 --> 00:41:11,840
However, this medicine is
extremely potent with yang energy.

728
00:41:12,360 --> 00:41:13,880
Your constitution is cold and weak.

729
00:41:13,960 --> 00:41:15,890
He's afraid that each time
you undergo treatment,

730
00:41:15,920 --> 00:41:18,432
you'll endure pain
akin to scraping bone and cutting flesh.

731
00:41:23,510 --> 00:41:24,550
How long will the pain last?

732
00:41:24,550 --> 00:41:25,440
Two hours.

733
00:41:36,550 --> 00:41:37,110
I'll try it.

734
00:41:51,550 --> 00:41:53,960
I know the Duke has his heart
set on me as his ideal son-in-law.

735
00:41:54,070 --> 00:41:55,150
I'll ask you one more time.

736
00:41:55,150 --> 00:41:55,900
Will you marry me?

737
00:41:55,920 --> 00:41:56,590
I will not.

738
00:41:57,360 --> 00:41:58,510
Shen Xihe, stop right there!

739
00:41:58,880 --> 00:42:01,800
Commandery Princess Zhaoning
has come a long way from northwest,

740
00:42:01,880 --> 00:42:03,630
but her incense-blending technique

741
00:42:03,630 --> 00:42:06,840
is identical to that
of the Prince Xin's Consort.

742
00:42:06,840 --> 00:42:08,360
There's not the slightest difference.

743
00:42:13,990 --> 00:42:16,930
♪I've hidden so many words♪

744
00:42:17,550 --> 00:42:20,350
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

745
00:42:21,220 --> 00:42:28,190
♪So never uncover♪

746
00:42:28,380 --> 00:42:30,740
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

747
00:42:31,870 --> 00:42:34,600
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

748
00:42:35,560 --> 00:42:40,900
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

749
00:42:42,660 --> 00:42:45,480
♪Every answer I gave♪

750
00:42:46,280 --> 00:42:49,130
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

751
00:42:49,920 --> 00:42:53,290
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

752
00:42:53,550 --> 00:42:56,860
♪How hard it truly was?♪

753
00:42:59,830 --> 00:43:03,270
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

754
00:43:04,260 --> 00:43:06,590
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

755
00:43:07,860 --> 00:43:13,620
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

756
00:43:15,030 --> 00:43:18,160
♪It's a shame I never could♪

757
00:43:18,610 --> 00:43:21,620
♪Give you a moon in return♪

758
00:43:21,730 --> 00:43:28,370
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

759
00:43:28,370 --> 00:43:32,040
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

760
00:43:32,910 --> 00:43:35,670
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

761
00:43:36,110 --> 00:43:39,240
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

762
00:43:39,680 --> 00:43:45,630
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

763
00:43:47,030 --> 00:43:50,580
♪You'll never♪

764
00:43:50,860 --> 00:44:00,330
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪