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♪Flowers falling by the river again♪

2
00:00:36,580 --> 00:00:38,840
♪Turning the clear waves red♪

3
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♪Sparrows singing in celebration♪

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♪Calm years pass by the silent bustling city♪

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♪Sitting at home♪

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♪No one knows love's outline like I do♪

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♪If one day the river breeze blows again♪

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♪I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror♪

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♪Dreams can shatter; Memories remain♪

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♪Rich fragrance aids; Light ink writes♪

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00:01:21,230 --> 00:01:28,090
♪In the deep red windows lies mundane dust♪

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00:01:33,260 --> 00:01:40,980
=Are You The One=

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=Episode 34=

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00:02:04,730 --> 00:02:05,570
Consort Dowager.

15
00:02:08,820 --> 00:02:11,400
I've always loved dressing up.

16
00:02:12,450 --> 00:02:15,310
Before Fu was married,

17
00:02:15,730 --> 00:02:16,890
she was renowned

18
00:02:16,890 --> 00:02:19,280
for her grace and noble bearing.

19
00:02:19,940 --> 00:02:21,100
All these fine clothes

20
00:02:21,100 --> 00:02:22,590
were crafted by my hands.

21
00:02:24,770 --> 00:02:25,770
Later,

22
00:02:25,770 --> 00:02:27,280
after she married far away in the capital,

23
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Binglan came along.

24
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I often prepared outfits for her as well.

25
00:02:33,450 --> 00:02:34,380
It's a shame

26
00:02:34,380 --> 00:02:36,560
she doesn't resemble me.

27
00:02:37,820 --> 00:02:39,560
Though her features are delicate,

28
00:02:40,170 --> 00:02:42,400
she's still somewhat a small-town beauty.

29
00:02:43,450 --> 00:02:44,750
None of these hairpins

30
00:02:45,140 --> 00:02:46,400
suit her.

31
00:02:49,860 --> 00:02:51,000
I never expected

32
00:02:52,380 --> 00:02:53,240
to end up

33
00:02:53,610 --> 00:02:55,400
with a daughter-in-law like you.

34
00:02:56,570 --> 00:02:58,280
Whether in light or heavy makeup,

35
00:02:58,940 --> 00:03:00,240
you carry it all.

36
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Dress well,

37
00:03:03,170 --> 00:03:05,910
and you'll truly look like a noble lady.

38
00:03:07,660 --> 00:03:10,190
No wonder Xingzhou, with all his pickiness,

39
00:03:10,540 --> 00:03:13,190
is so deeply taken with you.

40
00:03:15,220 --> 00:03:17,540
Xingzhou has been gone
for over ten days now.

41
00:03:18,390 --> 00:03:19,980
You must miss him dearly,
Consort Dowager.

42
00:03:23,820 --> 00:03:25,020
As women

43
00:03:25,020 --> 00:03:27,030
married into military families,

44
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we've spent

45
00:03:28,540 --> 00:03:30,680
half our lives waiting.

46
00:03:31,290 --> 00:03:32,630
There's no room left

47
00:03:32,980 --> 00:03:34,400
for the word "longing."

48
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I've lived like this,

49
00:03:37,660 --> 00:03:38,500
and I believe

50
00:03:38,860 --> 00:03:40,240
so will you.

51
00:03:42,050 --> 00:03:44,520
For Xingzhou to be so enlightened,

52
00:03:44,730 --> 00:03:46,680
he must take after you.

53
00:03:48,220 --> 00:03:49,060
Is he?

54
00:03:51,820 --> 00:03:52,710
I suppose.

55
00:03:53,330 --> 00:03:54,960
He certainly takes after me.

56
00:03:57,010 --> 00:03:59,800
A gentleman is slow to speak but swift to act.

57
00:04:00,260 --> 00:04:02,260
Xingzhou's deep affection for you

58
00:04:02,260 --> 00:04:04,240
must have been ingrained in him
from a young age.

59
00:04:04,700 --> 00:04:07,280
No matter where he is,

60
00:04:07,700 --> 00:04:10,630
his heart is always tethered to you,

61
00:04:10,820 --> 00:04:12,560
to this home.

62
00:04:14,610 --> 00:04:15,960
Nothing is more comforting

63
00:04:16,220 --> 00:04:17,680
than hearing

64
00:04:18,220 --> 00:04:19,750
that he is safe and sound.

65
00:04:23,420 --> 00:04:24,870
You wouldn't believe it,

66
00:04:25,290 --> 00:04:27,240
but Xingzhou has never

67
00:04:27,370 --> 00:04:29,020
written home to say

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00:04:29,020 --> 00:04:31,430
he's safe since he joined the army.

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00:04:32,050 --> 00:04:33,190
Never?

70
00:04:34,370 --> 00:04:35,680
Has he written to you?

71
00:04:37,460 --> 00:04:38,480
No.

72
00:04:40,730 --> 00:04:42,240
Then don't expect it.

73
00:04:42,900 --> 00:04:43,750
I'm sure you will

74
00:04:44,050 --> 00:04:45,190
get used to it eventually.

75
00:04:50,130 --> 00:04:51,390
None of these

76
00:04:51,690 --> 00:04:54,040
match the hairpin.

77
00:04:55,250 --> 00:04:57,680
Do you have any other hair accessories?

78
00:04:59,250 --> 00:05:01,430
There may not be any that are quite suitable.

79
00:05:02,020 --> 00:05:02,920
It doesn't matter.

80
00:05:03,250 --> 00:05:05,160
Bring them out, and I'll take a look.

81
00:05:06,220 --> 00:05:07,430
There truly aren't any more.

82
00:05:09,460 --> 00:05:11,390
Isn't your trousseau right here?

83
00:05:12,160 --> 00:05:14,040
(To my beloved wife)

84
00:05:15,610 --> 00:05:17,270
This is Xingzhou's handwriting.

85
00:05:21,170 --> 00:05:22,930
To my beloved wife.

86
00:05:22,930 --> 00:05:25,750
One day seems longer than months three.

87
00:05:26,690 --> 00:05:28,430
This is the calligraphy sample he left me.

88
00:05:30,250 --> 00:05:31,120
A calligraphy sample?

89
00:05:32,980 --> 00:05:34,560
He left it before he went to battle.

90
00:05:34,900 --> 00:05:36,190
He never wrote home.

91
00:05:44,780 --> 00:05:46,680
It rains heavily in Dongzhou today.

92
00:05:46,810 --> 00:05:50,070
I was reminded of your wrist pain,

93
00:05:50,290 --> 00:05:51,920
and my heart longed to return.

94
00:05:58,130 --> 00:05:59,040
Consort Dowager,

95
00:05:59,780 --> 00:06:02,540
Xingzhou must miss you deeply too.

96
00:06:02,540 --> 00:06:03,430
All right.

97
00:06:03,540 --> 00:06:05,040
Knowing that you've been in touch

98
00:06:05,250 --> 00:06:06,600
puts my mind at ease.

99
00:06:07,810 --> 00:06:08,830
I just

100
00:06:08,980 --> 00:06:11,070
didn't know about the pain in your wrist.

101
00:06:11,860 --> 00:06:13,950
Make sure to have someone
take good care of you.

102
00:06:16,490 --> 00:06:17,580
After all,

103
00:06:17,580 --> 00:06:19,480
replying to so many letters

104
00:06:19,860 --> 00:06:21,240
can be quite exhausting.

105
00:06:22,370 --> 00:06:23,480
It's nothing serious.

106
00:06:24,930 --> 00:06:26,240
The day grows late.

107
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I shall leave you be.

108
00:06:29,370 --> 00:06:30,270
Consort Dowager,

109
00:06:30,690 --> 00:06:32,310
please stay for dinner.

110
00:06:32,490 --> 00:06:34,480
The chef prepared your favorite delicacies.

111
00:06:35,050 --> 00:06:36,750
Moyao, we shall proceed.

112
00:06:38,050 --> 00:06:38,950
Consort Dowager.

113
00:07:32,460 --> 00:07:33,390
Ten days later,

114
00:07:33,610 --> 00:07:34,830
the official selection ceremony

115
00:07:35,130 --> 00:07:36,800
will be held at the Zhenzhou Prefecture.

116
00:07:37,130 --> 00:07:37,970
As usual,

117
00:07:38,420 --> 00:07:40,070
each family must send a representative

118
00:07:40,420 --> 00:07:41,680
to present their porcelain.

119
00:07:43,730 --> 00:07:44,920
Mr. He,

120
00:07:45,420 --> 00:07:46,580
none of us have been able

121
00:07:46,580 --> 00:07:48,270
to produce black-bodied celadon.

122
00:07:49,220 --> 00:07:50,120
If we go,

123
00:07:50,490 --> 00:07:52,070
it might be in vain.

124
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Indeed.

125
00:07:54,060 --> 00:07:55,480
To go empty-handed...

126
00:07:56,220 --> 00:07:58,040
The porcelain merchants of Lingquan

127
00:07:59,540 --> 00:08:01,360
are in this together.

128
00:08:02,290 --> 00:08:03,560
If one of us is selected,

129
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it means we all are.

130
00:08:06,250 --> 00:08:07,580
It was so in the past,

131
00:08:07,580 --> 00:08:09,600
and it will be the same in the future.

132
00:08:10,660 --> 00:08:13,160
The He family will share

133
00:08:13,340 --> 00:08:14,560
our techniques and raw materials

134
00:08:14,730 --> 00:08:16,430
with you all.

135
00:08:17,780 --> 00:08:19,510
Wonderful.

136
00:08:19,930 --> 00:08:20,830
This time,

137
00:08:21,100 --> 00:08:23,040
I won't show up myself.

138
00:08:23,220 --> 00:08:25,340
You will represent the He family

139
00:08:25,340 --> 00:08:26,390
at the prefecture.

140
00:08:27,580 --> 00:08:28,600
Starting next year,

141
00:08:29,130 --> 00:08:31,510
you will take charge.

142
00:08:32,300 --> 00:08:33,480
Thank you, Father.

143
00:08:36,300 --> 00:08:37,240
Jia,

144
00:08:38,940 --> 00:08:40,440
you're getting on in years as well.

145
00:08:40,730 --> 00:08:42,100
It's time for your son

146
00:08:42,100 --> 00:08:43,630
to gain some experience.

147
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Otherwise, Lord Jiang might

148
00:08:46,860 --> 00:08:48,000
not even recognize him.

149
00:08:49,370 --> 00:08:50,840
Mr. He is right.

150
00:08:51,130 --> 00:08:52,410
I'll have my son go out

151
00:08:52,410 --> 00:08:53,670
and meet the challenges as well.

152
00:08:55,100 --> 00:08:55,940
Everyone,

153
00:08:56,890 --> 00:08:58,270
when did I ever say

154
00:08:58,700 --> 00:09:00,390
this was the He family's work?

155
00:09:02,360 --> 00:09:04,170
- What?
- What does that mean?

156
00:09:04,370 --> 00:09:05,210
Zhen,

157
00:09:05,410 --> 00:09:06,460
what do you mean?

158
00:09:06,460 --> 00:09:08,670
The black-bodied celadon
was my creation in Beizhou.

159
00:09:09,060 --> 00:09:10,240
It belongs to my Zhen's.

160
00:09:10,860 --> 00:09:12,030
If it's to be presented,

161
00:09:12,340 --> 00:09:14,510
it should be under the name
of Zhen's of Beizhou.

162
00:09:14,770 --> 00:09:15,630
Ridiculous.

163
00:09:16,410 --> 00:09:18,100
Zhen's?

164
00:09:18,100 --> 00:09:19,140
That was a name

165
00:09:19,140 --> 00:09:20,840
Father gave you.

166
00:09:21,130 --> 00:09:21,970
Zhen's is merely

167
00:09:22,060 --> 00:09:24,080
a branch of our He family.

168
00:09:25,410 --> 00:09:26,250
Zhen,

169
00:09:26,730 --> 00:09:28,320
we are all one family.

170
00:09:28,730 --> 00:09:30,240
How could you

171
00:09:30,370 --> 00:09:32,010
say something so disheartening?

172
00:09:32,010 --> 00:09:33,510
Not only do I say it,

173
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but I also refuse to share

174
00:09:35,820 --> 00:09:36,660
the firing techniques

175
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and raw materials.

176
00:09:38,700 --> 00:09:39,600
You dare defy us?

177
00:09:41,460 --> 00:09:42,770
Ingrate!

178
00:09:42,770 --> 00:09:43,630
How dare you?

179
00:09:44,100 --> 00:09:45,200
And why wouldn't she dare?

180
00:09:48,460 --> 00:09:49,300
Princess.

181
00:09:50,060 --> 00:09:51,630
- Princess.
- Princess.

182
00:10:00,770 --> 00:10:02,030
Please sit.

183
00:10:04,180 --> 00:10:06,730
Today, I am just the shopkeeper
of Yushao Porcelain Shop.

184
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There's no need to be troubled.

185
00:10:08,580 --> 00:10:09,510
Princess,

186
00:10:09,820 --> 00:10:11,120
you must have heard

187
00:10:11,650 --> 00:10:15,550
that the selection of Lingquan porcelain
as imperial tribute

188
00:10:16,250 --> 00:10:17,440
is crucial

189
00:10:17,890 --> 00:10:21,320
to the tax revenue
of the entire Zhenzhou County.

190
00:10:21,530 --> 00:10:23,670
But my daughter insists on her own way,

191
00:10:24,650 --> 00:10:26,060
and it could ruin

192
00:10:26,060 --> 00:10:27,410
the hundred-year legacy

193
00:10:27,410 --> 00:10:28,840
of Lingquan porcelain

194
00:10:28,850 --> 00:10:32,980
and the financial stability of Zhenzhou.

195
00:10:32,980 --> 00:10:34,100
Indeed.

196
00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:35,910
That's right, Princess.

197
00:10:36,490 --> 00:10:38,730
Zhen keeps speaking

198
00:10:38,730 --> 00:10:40,750
of her Zhen's in Beizhou,

199
00:10:41,010 --> 00:10:42,460
implying that her work

200
00:10:42,460 --> 00:10:44,820
has no connection

201
00:10:44,820 --> 00:10:45,960
to Lingquan of Zhenzhou.

202
00:10:46,990 --> 00:10:47,860
You will

203
00:10:47,860 --> 00:10:49,820
be the future Princess of Zhenzhou,

204
00:10:49,820 --> 00:10:50,740
right?

205
00:10:50,740 --> 00:10:53,130
Could you persuade her?

206
00:10:53,130 --> 00:10:55,390
Yes. Please persuade her.

207
00:10:55,390 --> 00:10:56,670
Persuasion usually requires

208
00:10:56,820 --> 00:10:58,720
an exchange of conditions, does it not?

209
00:10:59,580 --> 00:11:00,910
The imperial tribute is so important,

210
00:11:01,610 --> 00:11:02,980
and He Zhen's black-bodied celadon

211
00:11:02,980 --> 00:11:04,200
is the only choice.

212
00:11:04,730 --> 00:11:06,010
Perhaps she should

213
00:11:06,010 --> 00:11:07,360
be the one in charge from now on.

214
00:11:08,290 --> 00:11:09,910
What? A woman in charge?

215
00:11:10,890 --> 00:11:12,000
Why should she?

216
00:11:13,130 --> 00:11:13,970
Mr. He,

217
00:11:14,980 --> 00:11:16,460
do you know what He Zhen truly desires

218
00:11:16,460 --> 00:11:17,870
upon her return?

219
00:11:19,250 --> 00:11:20,630
Didn't you already say it?

220
00:11:20,940 --> 00:11:22,440
She wants to take charge,

221
00:11:22,820 --> 00:11:24,790
using the selection to bargain.

222
00:11:25,700 --> 00:11:26,540
Princess,

223
00:11:27,060 --> 00:11:27,900
this must

224
00:11:28,320 --> 00:11:29,890
be an idea

225
00:11:29,890 --> 00:11:31,270
you gave my sister.

226
00:11:33,250 --> 00:11:34,360
What she wants

227
00:11:35,010 --> 00:11:36,200
is not merely to take charge.

228
00:11:36,860 --> 00:11:37,870
She wants the respect

229
00:11:38,100 --> 00:11:39,240
of the He family,

230
00:11:39,460 --> 00:11:40,620
the trade guild,

231
00:11:40,620 --> 00:11:41,720
and all of Lingquan.

232
00:11:42,130 --> 00:11:43,670
Taking charge isn't what matters.

233
00:11:44,180 --> 00:11:45,020
The imperial tribute

234
00:11:45,610 --> 00:11:46,480
isn't what matters either.

235
00:11:46,700 --> 00:11:48,750
How can that not matter?

236
00:11:49,180 --> 00:11:51,120
The Lingquan porcelain industry is complacent

237
00:11:51,300 --> 00:11:52,460
and short-sighted,

238
00:11:52,460 --> 00:11:53,730
selling only

239
00:11:53,730 --> 00:11:55,220
to the imperial family

240
00:11:55,220 --> 00:11:56,240
and the nobility.

241
00:11:56,540 --> 00:11:58,300
Though this has been our century-old tradition,

242
00:11:58,300 --> 00:12:00,000
it is not sustainable.

243
00:12:00,730 --> 00:12:02,390
Losing half of the imperial tribute would mean

244
00:12:02,610 --> 00:12:04,910
a loss of seventy to eighty percent
of our income.

245
00:12:05,370 --> 00:12:06,790
But Lingquan's fine porcelain and celadon

246
00:12:06,980 --> 00:12:09,150
are not the only porcelain in the world,

247
00:12:09,460 --> 00:12:11,720
nor are Beizhou's black-bodied celadon.

248
00:12:12,060 --> 00:12:13,770
What we need to do

249
00:12:13,770 --> 00:12:15,150
is to open up trade routes,

250
00:12:15,490 --> 00:12:16,580
making Lingquan

251
00:12:16,580 --> 00:12:18,840
the capital of porcelain trade of the world.

252
00:12:19,060 --> 00:12:20,150
As the saying goes,

253
00:12:20,300 --> 00:12:21,870
porcelain flows throughout the world.

254
00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:27,320
(He Mansion)

255
00:12:45,370 --> 00:12:46,440
Haven't you

256
00:12:47,410 --> 00:12:49,240
(He)
always wanted the He family?

257
00:13:01,410 --> 00:13:02,250
You...

258
00:13:03,650 --> 00:13:04,550
What is this about?

259
00:13:05,220 --> 00:13:06,630
Father, only when you hold me in your heart

260
00:13:06,890 --> 00:13:08,200
can I truly have the He family.

261
00:13:08,940 --> 00:13:10,200
Inheriting the family business

262
00:13:10,650 --> 00:13:12,390
is not important

263
00:13:13,340 --> 00:13:14,480
for me.

264
00:13:18,500 --> 00:13:20,290
(Black-Bodied Celadon)
This is the firing technique

265
00:13:20,290 --> 00:13:22,510
and raw material formula
for black-bodied celadon.

266
00:13:23,580 --> 00:13:25,000
I'm handing them over to you, Father.

267
00:13:26,220 --> 00:13:27,610
I've also asked Ms. Liu

268
00:13:27,610 --> 00:13:29,030
for Beizhou's deep brown clay.

269
00:13:29,580 --> 00:13:30,580
She promised me

270
00:13:30,580 --> 00:13:31,770
that in ten days,

271
00:13:31,770 --> 00:13:33,250
she would have her escort agency

272
00:13:33,250 --> 00:13:34,890
(Black-Bodied Celadon)
deliver a thousand dan.

273
00:13:36,890 --> 00:13:37,840
Actually,

274
00:13:38,730 --> 00:13:40,750
I've heard from the elders

275
00:13:41,410 --> 00:13:42,750
that you praised my porcelain work

276
00:13:42,890 --> 00:13:44,200
in front of them.

277
00:13:45,890 --> 00:13:48,200
I may not have heard it myself,

278
00:13:49,130 --> 00:13:50,200
but it made me

279
00:13:53,130 --> 00:13:54,200
very happy.

280
00:14:05,340 --> 00:14:06,360
Hard to say goodbye?

281
00:14:06,360 --> 00:14:07,460
(He Mansion)

282
00:14:07,460 --> 00:14:08,670
No need to be.

283
00:14:09,130 --> 00:14:10,820
When your brothers get married,

284
00:14:10,820 --> 00:14:12,060
we'll have to come back.

285
00:14:12,060 --> 00:14:12,900
Isn't that right?

286
00:14:19,060 --> 00:14:20,320
Don't be upset.

287
00:14:20,650 --> 00:14:21,910
Let me take you somewhere.

288
00:14:22,700 --> 00:14:23,550
Where?

289
00:14:26,460 --> 00:14:27,600
Do you remember

290
00:14:27,940 --> 00:14:29,270
when your brother

291
00:14:29,860 --> 00:14:31,840
tricked us

292
00:14:32,180 --> 00:14:33,240
into that restaurant

293
00:14:33,650 --> 00:14:35,720
and drugged us?

294
00:14:36,730 --> 00:14:37,940
When I held you

295
00:14:37,940 --> 00:14:39,480
and put you on the bed,

296
00:14:39,610 --> 00:14:40,600
I really wanted

297
00:14:41,340 --> 00:14:42,180
to kiss you.

298
00:14:42,730 --> 00:14:43,570
Why don't we

299
00:14:43,580 --> 00:14:44,440
make up

300
00:14:44,770 --> 00:14:46,390
for it now?

301
00:14:48,890 --> 00:14:50,150
What are you talking about?

302
00:14:50,940 --> 00:14:51,780
Look.

303
00:14:52,220 --> 00:14:53,510
Being with me,

304
00:14:53,650 --> 00:14:55,960
you'll be laughing so hard every day
that your stomach will hurt.

305
00:14:57,340 --> 00:14:58,390
Physician Zhao,

306
00:14:58,610 --> 00:15:00,600
I might need you to treat my stomach!

307
00:15:06,580 --> 00:15:07,960
Why are you upset again?

308
00:15:10,890 --> 00:15:11,730
Zhao Quan.

309
00:15:13,250 --> 00:15:15,200
Are you sure you won't regret

310
00:15:15,900 --> 00:15:17,630
going to the mountains
to make porcelain with me?

311
00:15:26,940 --> 00:15:28,030
I've thought it over.

312
00:15:30,370 --> 00:15:32,120
I can give up everything,

313
00:15:33,650 --> 00:15:35,720
but I just want to be with you forever.

314
00:15:38,180 --> 00:15:39,840
If you succeed in making porcelain,

315
00:15:40,370 --> 00:15:41,870
I'll smile with you.

316
00:15:43,180 --> 00:15:44,360
If you fail,

317
00:15:44,700 --> 00:15:45,720
I'll cheer you up.

318
00:15:46,890 --> 00:15:48,240
As long as you're willing,

319
00:15:49,220 --> 00:15:50,910
I'll always assist you.

320
00:15:51,340 --> 00:15:52,720
No matter where we go,

321
00:15:55,860 --> 00:15:57,000
I'll stay with you forever.

322
00:16:52,220 --> 00:16:54,080
Your Highness, practicing calligraphy?

323
00:17:01,700 --> 00:17:03,080
Did you write this?

324
00:17:07,020 --> 00:17:08,550
Do you like this piece?

325
00:17:09,060 --> 00:17:10,580
I've seen many calligraphy works,

326
00:17:10,580 --> 00:17:11,890
but I like yours the best.

327
00:17:11,890 --> 00:17:14,340
(Kun)
This piece shows strength in the strokes.

328
00:17:14,340 --> 00:17:16,340
It just so happens
that I don't have any decor at my place

329
00:17:16,340 --> 00:17:17,960
that would be ideal for displaying calligraphy.

330
00:17:18,690 --> 00:17:19,590
Miss Shi,

331
00:17:20,170 --> 00:17:22,310
the character "Kun" is used by the Empress.

332
00:17:23,300 --> 00:17:25,340
I may like it,

333
00:17:25,340 --> 00:17:26,680
but in terms of status,

334
00:17:26,890 --> 00:17:28,590
in front of others,

335
00:17:29,100 --> 00:17:30,920
I absolutely wouldn't dare
to disrespect the Empress.

336
00:17:31,370 --> 00:17:32,790
However,

337
00:17:33,020 --> 00:17:34,750
as your elder sister,

338
00:17:35,170 --> 00:17:36,440
it would be improper
for me to defer to you.

339
00:17:38,100 --> 00:17:39,370
Do you remember

340
00:17:39,370 --> 00:17:41,350
the jade pendant I always wear?

341
00:17:42,610 --> 00:17:44,610
Why not add a stroke

342
00:17:44,610 --> 00:17:45,720
to the character "Kun"

343
00:17:45,890 --> 00:17:47,550
and make it "Shen"?

344
00:17:48,650 --> 00:17:50,020
It signifies a beautiful jade,

345
00:17:50,020 --> 00:17:51,540
and jade is a stone.

346
00:17:51,540 --> 00:17:53,880
It suits us sisters perfectly.

347
00:17:54,450 --> 00:17:55,540
But it would outshine

348
00:17:55,540 --> 00:17:58,030
the Empress's "Kun" character.

349
00:18:01,890 --> 00:18:03,680
Sister, if you want my calligraphy,

350
00:18:03,970 --> 00:18:05,310
I shall not refuse.

351
00:18:06,020 --> 00:18:06,960
But,

352
00:18:07,370 --> 00:18:09,830
"Shen" is the ninth in the earthly branches,

353
00:18:10,130 --> 00:18:10,970
and nine

354
00:18:11,060 --> 00:18:12,550
is the number of the Emperor.

355
00:18:12,890 --> 00:18:14,740
So in the calligraphy I give you,

356
00:18:14,740 --> 00:18:16,650
I can't include the character "Shen,"

357
00:18:16,650 --> 00:18:18,750
nor can I leave just the character "Wang."
[*Wang: Emperor]

358
00:18:20,340 --> 00:18:21,310
Therefore...

359
00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:27,960
(Tu)
[*Tu: Earth]

360
00:18:31,410 --> 00:18:33,170
I'll give you

361
00:18:33,170 --> 00:18:35,260
the character "Tu,"

362
00:18:35,260 --> 00:18:36,200
signifying

363
00:18:36,500 --> 00:18:38,650
that one should be down to earth.

364
00:18:38,650 --> 00:18:39,510
What do you think?

365
00:18:41,540 --> 00:18:42,380
I don't want it.

366
00:18:44,860 --> 00:18:45,700
Sister,

367
00:18:46,100 --> 00:18:47,310
the Empress wants you to have it.

368
00:18:47,780 --> 00:18:48,720
So you must accept it.

369
00:18:50,370 --> 00:18:51,310
Xueji,

370
00:18:51,890 --> 00:18:53,960
don't forget Father's instructions.

371
00:18:55,500 --> 00:18:57,110
Greetings, Your Highness.

372
00:18:58,300 --> 00:18:59,140
Enter.

373
00:19:03,060 --> 00:19:03,900
Your Highness,

374
00:19:04,210 --> 00:19:06,240
I'm here to deliver the Emperor's decree.

375
00:19:07,500 --> 00:19:08,480
His Majesty said

376
00:19:08,650 --> 00:19:09,750
that as the weather turns colder,

377
00:19:09,890 --> 00:19:12,030
the atmosphere in the palace
should change accordingly.

378
00:19:12,030 --> 00:19:13,890
Warm clothing must be of the finest quality

379
00:19:13,890 --> 00:19:15,130
but not wasteful.

380
00:19:15,130 --> 00:19:16,550
We must practice thrift

381
00:19:16,900 --> 00:19:18,100
and reduce the number of idle people

382
00:19:18,100 --> 00:19:20,000
in the palace.

383
00:19:21,100 --> 00:19:22,110
What does that mean?

384
00:19:22,610 --> 00:19:24,160
I am not an idle person.

385
00:19:25,610 --> 00:19:26,790
Of course not.

386
00:19:27,820 --> 00:19:29,880
His Majesty cares for you, Miss Shi.

387
00:19:30,410 --> 00:19:31,260
He said

388
00:19:31,260 --> 00:19:32,690
that once you've visited

389
00:19:32,690 --> 00:19:33,830
all the gardens in the palace,

390
00:19:34,300 --> 00:19:35,750
you should be safely escorted out.

391
00:19:41,970 --> 00:19:44,270
(Securing the Nation)
Your fourth daughter is talented and beautiful,

392
00:19:45,020 --> 00:19:46,270
truly winning hearts.

393
00:19:47,450 --> 00:19:50,110
She merely read some books

394
00:19:50,500 --> 00:19:52,410
and learned a few minor skills,

395
00:19:52,410 --> 00:19:54,070
nothing profound.

396
00:19:54,210 --> 00:19:55,250
It's one thing for you

397
00:19:55,250 --> 00:19:56,440
to be humble in front of me,

398
00:19:56,970 --> 00:19:58,400
but you mustn't say that

399
00:19:58,650 --> 00:19:59,880
at the betrothal discussion.

400
00:20:01,690 --> 00:20:02,720
Betrothal discussion?

401
00:20:03,130 --> 00:20:03,970
Yes.

402
00:20:04,860 --> 00:20:05,970
With such a fine daughter

403
00:20:05,970 --> 00:20:07,200
of marriageable age,

404
00:20:07,450 --> 00:20:08,410
how can you not be anxious

405
00:20:08,410 --> 00:20:09,920
to find her a good match?

406
00:20:13,340 --> 00:20:15,110
Why do you look worried?

407
00:20:16,210 --> 00:20:18,000
Is it because you haven't
found her a suitable match?

408
00:20:20,020 --> 00:20:21,440
How about I take charge

409
00:20:21,740 --> 00:20:22,820
and find a nobleman

410
00:20:22,820 --> 00:20:24,830
for your fourth daughter to marry?

411
00:20:25,650 --> 00:20:27,680
But she must also take this seriously.

412
00:20:28,260 --> 00:20:30,640
If she always hangs out
with her sister in the palace,

413
00:20:31,170 --> 00:20:32,640
she might miss out.

414
00:20:38,100 --> 00:20:40,960
I am grateful for Your Majesty's concern.

415
00:20:42,580 --> 00:20:43,750
No need.

416
00:20:44,780 --> 00:20:46,510
This is also a matter of the royal family.

417
00:20:49,650 --> 00:20:50,490
Yes.

418
00:20:51,580 --> 00:20:52,880
However,

419
00:20:53,060 --> 00:20:54,720
is this

420
00:20:55,450 --> 00:20:57,110
Your Majesty's idea,

421
00:20:57,300 --> 00:20:59,350
or did the Empress suggest it?

422
00:21:01,690 --> 00:21:03,400
Pardon my directness,

423
00:21:04,190 --> 00:21:05,750
(Virtuous and Disciplined)
but the Empress

424
00:21:06,340 --> 00:21:08,440
lost her mother early

425
00:21:08,650 --> 00:21:10,640
and was not properly guided,

426
00:21:10,640 --> 00:21:15,170
so she retains some small-mindedness
from her lowly birth.

427
00:21:15,450 --> 00:21:17,310
- I…
- The Empress

428
00:21:18,340 --> 00:21:20,590
is the most virtuous and kind-hearted woman
I have ever known.

429
00:21:24,890 --> 00:21:26,310
This is my own decision.

430
00:21:27,400 --> 00:21:29,560
(Mansion of Lord Zhennan)

431
00:21:29,580 --> 00:21:31,920
This year's flowers
are blooming better than ever.

432
00:21:33,170 --> 00:21:34,340
Every year,

433
00:21:34,340 --> 00:21:35,740
the flowers in your mansion

434
00:21:35,740 --> 00:21:37,030
bloom the brightest.

435
00:21:37,340 --> 00:21:38,640
Not at all.

436
00:21:38,820 --> 00:21:40,590
It's the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang

437
00:21:40,740 --> 00:21:42,920
that looks stunning.

438
00:21:45,410 --> 00:21:46,500
Look over there.

439
00:21:46,500 --> 00:21:48,540
There are even some new varieties.

440
00:21:48,540 --> 00:21:49,740
Let's go over and take a look.

441
00:21:49,740 --> 00:21:51,310
What kind is this?

442
00:21:51,930 --> 00:21:54,240
It's called "Spring Day Mountain Bloom."

443
00:21:54,780 --> 00:21:56,110
I apologize for being late.

444
00:21:57,930 --> 00:21:58,920
Princess.

445
00:22:04,890 --> 00:22:06,780
I wish you a joyous
and prosperous birthday, Madam.

446
00:22:06,780 --> 00:22:08,240
I'm late today.

447
00:22:08,500 --> 00:22:10,110
Please don't be upset.

448
00:22:10,650 --> 00:22:11,740
You stand upon ceremony too much.

449
00:22:11,740 --> 00:22:13,270
I am so delighted

450
00:22:13,540 --> 00:22:15,350
that you could come today, Princess.

451
00:22:16,610 --> 00:22:18,070
Greetings, Consort Dowager.

452
00:22:18,860 --> 00:22:20,030
Greetings, Mrs. Lian,

453
00:22:20,260 --> 00:22:21,110
Miss Lian.

454
00:22:24,780 --> 00:22:26,610
The hairpin on your head

455
00:22:26,610 --> 00:22:28,100
doesn't seem to be jade

456
00:22:28,100 --> 00:22:29,780
or emerald.

457
00:22:29,780 --> 00:22:31,480
Is it...

458
00:22:32,130 --> 00:22:33,480
It's a night-glowing pearl.

459
00:22:33,650 --> 00:22:34,830
A night-glowing pearl?

460
00:22:35,450 --> 00:22:37,070
It's as big as a golden pill.

461
00:22:38,100 --> 00:22:38,700
I've heard

462
00:22:38,700 --> 00:22:41,100
that the Cui family has a legendary hairpin
with a night-glowing pearl.

463
00:22:41,100 --> 00:22:42,590
Is this the one?

464
00:22:43,170 --> 00:22:45,410
It's no longer in style

465
00:22:45,410 --> 00:22:46,830
and isn't really a treasure.

466
00:22:48,210 --> 00:22:49,820
It's been sitting at home

467
00:22:49,820 --> 00:22:51,000
for so long.

468
00:22:51,210 --> 00:22:53,160
Miantang looks good wearing it,

469
00:22:53,300 --> 00:22:55,240
so I let her wear it.

470
00:22:56,060 --> 00:22:58,510
But we'll have to wait until it gets dark

471
00:22:58,890 --> 00:23:01,070
to see its glow.

472
00:23:02,580 --> 00:23:03,490
There's still some time

473
00:23:03,490 --> 00:23:05,270
before it gets dark.

474
00:23:05,410 --> 00:23:07,020
I can't wait

475
00:23:07,020 --> 00:23:09,000
to see the pearl's light.

476
00:23:09,890 --> 00:23:11,640
Yes, Madam.

477
00:23:11,820 --> 00:23:13,960
Before the banquet, let us have a look.

478
00:23:14,260 --> 00:23:15,920
That's right.

479
00:23:16,690 --> 00:23:17,970
In that case,

480
00:23:17,970 --> 00:23:19,100
ladies,

481
00:23:19,100 --> 00:23:20,410
since the other female guests

482
00:23:20,410 --> 00:23:21,680
have not yet arrived,

483
00:23:22,340 --> 00:23:24,720
please follow me to the tearoom.

484
00:23:40,540 --> 00:23:41,640
How can this be?

485
00:23:41,970 --> 00:23:43,620
The night-glowing pearl on this hairpin

486
00:23:43,620 --> 00:23:44,880
isn't glowing.

487
00:23:46,860 --> 00:23:48,270
What's going on?

488
00:23:49,540 --> 00:23:51,440
This doesn't look like a night-glowing pearl,

489
00:23:51,890 --> 00:23:54,790
more like an ordinary stone.

490
00:23:55,820 --> 00:23:57,200
Sister,

491
00:23:57,930 --> 00:24:00,110
could it be that you don't want
to give it to her?

492
00:24:00,340 --> 00:24:02,030
What nonsense!

493
00:24:02,690 --> 00:24:04,880
I am a Consort Dowager.

494
00:24:05,170 --> 00:24:06,920
If I didn't want to give it,

495
00:24:07,210 --> 00:24:08,920
even the Great Deities

496
00:24:09,100 --> 00:24:10,920
couldn't take it

497
00:24:11,130 --> 00:24:12,510
from me.

498
00:24:13,580 --> 00:24:14,720
If I wanted to give it,

499
00:24:15,100 --> 00:24:16,540
why would I use a fake

500
00:24:16,540 --> 00:24:17,440
to fool others?

501
00:24:18,410 --> 00:24:19,970
Aunt, please don't be angry.

502
00:24:19,970 --> 00:24:21,640
We all trust you.

503
00:24:21,930 --> 00:24:23,930
But the gem on this hairpin

504
00:24:23,930 --> 00:24:25,920
isn't the real night-glowing pearl.

505
00:24:26,280 --> 00:24:28,270
Something must be wrong.

506
00:24:32,500 --> 00:24:33,510
Let me ask you,

507
00:24:35,020 --> 00:24:37,590
the other day I gave you the real hairpin,

508
00:24:38,100 --> 00:24:39,790
did I not?

509
00:24:40,170 --> 00:24:41,110
Yes, you did.

510
00:24:41,340 --> 00:24:42,180
Good.

511
00:24:42,210 --> 00:24:43,160
If that's the case,

512
00:24:43,300 --> 00:24:44,720
then explain

513
00:24:45,130 --> 00:24:48,590
why this hairpin has become a fake.

514
00:24:49,690 --> 00:24:51,110
Did you switch it?

515
00:24:53,060 --> 00:24:53,900
Yes.

516
00:24:54,690 --> 00:24:55,790
Why?

517
00:25:01,690 --> 00:25:04,020
I switched it

518
00:25:04,020 --> 00:25:05,750
for the Consort Dowager's sake.

519
00:25:06,170 --> 00:25:07,310
What do you mean?

520
00:25:07,690 --> 00:25:10,270
The Consort Dowager has always

521
00:25:10,540 --> 00:25:12,160
honored our ancestors and respected traditions.

522
00:25:12,410 --> 00:25:13,410
According to ancestral rules,

523
00:25:13,410 --> 00:25:14,480
this hairpin

524
00:25:14,650 --> 00:25:15,860
should only be given to the new bride

525
00:25:15,860 --> 00:25:17,110
after completing the six rites.

526
00:25:18,100 --> 00:25:20,510
But the Consort Dowager,

527
00:25:20,930 --> 00:25:22,510
out of kindness and deep affection for me,

528
00:25:23,300 --> 00:25:24,920
feared that my humble origins

529
00:25:25,100 --> 00:25:26,310
might invite criticism,

530
00:25:26,890 --> 00:25:28,370
so she gave me

531
00:25:28,370 --> 00:25:29,690
this hairpin early

532
00:25:29,690 --> 00:25:31,200
to wear in public.

533
00:25:33,210 --> 00:25:35,550
I wanted to honor her intention

534
00:25:36,100 --> 00:25:37,890
but could not bear to let the Dowager

535
00:25:37,890 --> 00:25:39,440
break the rules for my sake.

536
00:25:40,410 --> 00:25:41,830
If I were to defy her,

537
00:25:42,500 --> 00:25:44,590
I would be unfilial.

538
00:25:45,130 --> 00:25:46,350
If I were to comply,

539
00:25:46,350 --> 00:25:48,830
the Consort Dowager would
be going against family tradition.

540
00:25:49,130 --> 00:25:51,000
I was truly in a difficult position,

541
00:25:51,860 --> 00:25:53,790
so I came up with a foolish idea:

542
00:25:54,690 --> 00:25:56,100
to wear an ordinary hairpin

543
00:25:56,100 --> 00:25:57,680
before completing the six rites,

544
00:25:58,100 --> 00:25:59,510
hoping to please both sides.

545
00:26:01,340 --> 00:26:02,640
But today,

546
00:26:02,860 --> 00:26:04,340
I have made a fool of myself

547
00:26:04,340 --> 00:26:05,440
in front of all the ladies.

548
00:26:06,370 --> 00:26:07,920
I am indeed guilty

549
00:26:08,130 --> 00:26:09,590
and ask for the Consort Dowager's punishment.

550
00:26:10,780 --> 00:26:12,200
So you're saying

551
00:26:13,210 --> 00:26:15,880
the real hairpin hasn't been lost?

552
00:26:16,210 --> 00:26:17,310
It hasn't.

553
00:26:21,890 --> 00:26:23,350
Princess, please rise.

554
00:26:24,170 --> 00:26:26,960
Your loyalty should be praised,

555
00:26:27,500 --> 00:26:28,960
not punished.

556
00:26:30,780 --> 00:26:33,070
Thank you for your kindness and mercy.

557
00:26:34,300 --> 00:26:36,060
Since the real hairpin isn't lost,

558
00:26:36,290 --> 00:26:37,860
why not bring it out?

559
00:26:38,650 --> 00:26:40,930
It could clear up the misunderstanding

560
00:26:40,930 --> 00:26:42,830
and prove the Princess's innocence.

561
00:26:43,690 --> 00:26:44,960
Also,

562
00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:48,110
we've all been curious

563
00:26:48,340 --> 00:26:49,930
about the night-glowing pearl all day

564
00:26:49,930 --> 00:26:51,720
and would love to see it.

565
00:26:51,890 --> 00:26:53,270
Yes.

566
00:26:54,100 --> 00:26:55,030
Well…

567
00:26:55,540 --> 00:26:56,860
Binglan,

568
00:26:56,860 --> 00:26:58,920
your manners.

569
00:26:59,450 --> 00:27:02,580
How can the hairpin be shown here?

570
00:27:02,580 --> 00:27:03,740
To see it,

571
00:27:03,740 --> 00:27:05,920
you'd have to visit the mansion,

572
00:27:06,500 --> 00:27:08,200
wouldn't you all agree?

573
00:27:08,540 --> 00:27:09,790
Yes.

574
00:27:12,580 --> 00:27:13,420
Consort Dowager.

575
00:27:18,100 --> 00:27:20,510
Princess, what do you think?

576
00:27:22,860 --> 00:27:24,200
You're all welcome to visit.

577
00:27:26,210 --> 00:27:27,740
This is the best time of year

578
00:27:27,740 --> 00:27:29,590
to see the flowers.

579
00:27:32,580 --> 00:27:33,820
Lord Lian has an urgent case,

580
00:27:33,820 --> 00:27:34,750
concerning the royal family.

581
00:27:36,300 --> 00:27:37,140
What happened?

582
00:27:38,300 --> 00:27:39,140
Sister,

583
00:27:39,740 --> 00:27:42,160
Hanshan is dealing with an urgent case

584
00:27:42,410 --> 00:27:43,720
involving the royal family.

585
00:28:14,410 --> 00:28:15,480
How is the situation at the front?

586
00:28:16,410 --> 00:28:17,250
My Lord.

587
00:28:20,340 --> 00:28:21,550
When will reinforcements arrive?

588
00:28:21,860 --> 00:28:22,880
We received word

589
00:28:22,880 --> 00:28:24,720
that the Ji and Lu armies
haven't sent reinforcements.

590
00:28:24,720 --> 00:28:26,550
They are holding their positions,
and it's unclear why.

591
00:28:26,740 --> 00:28:27,580
What's worse,

592
00:28:27,580 --> 00:28:30,000
the Left Wing of the Prince Lu's army,
originally heading for Dongling Pass,

593
00:28:30,000 --> 00:28:30,790
was not intercepted

594
00:28:30,970 --> 00:28:32,920
and is now turning back towards Tongyu.

595
00:28:33,060 --> 00:28:35,780
If they form a pincer movement
with the Right Wing army

596
00:28:35,780 --> 00:28:36,820
outside the valley,

597
00:28:36,820 --> 00:28:38,000
we stand no chance of victory.

598
00:28:40,210 --> 00:28:41,050
My Lord,

599
00:28:41,740 --> 00:28:43,160
what should we do now?

600
00:28:45,500 --> 00:28:46,440
We're outnumbered

601
00:28:46,440 --> 00:28:48,110
and cannot afford a direct confrontation.

602
00:28:48,370 --> 00:28:50,200
Today, they will surely launch an attack.

603
00:28:51,020 --> 00:28:52,820
Mount Li's bare rocky walls

604
00:28:52,820 --> 00:28:54,140
and narrow path

605
00:28:54,140 --> 00:28:55,700
make it easy to defend and difficult to attack.

606
00:28:56,410 --> 00:28:58,140
For now, we can only retreat to Mount Li,

607
00:28:58,140 --> 00:28:59,350
use the terrain to hold them off,

608
00:28:59,580 --> 00:29:01,000
and then find a way to break through.

609
00:29:02,650 --> 00:29:03,540
Pass the order:

610
00:29:03,540 --> 00:29:05,310
the entire army is to retreat to Mount Li.

611
00:29:06,860 --> 00:29:07,700
As you command.

612
00:29:12,540 --> 00:29:13,880
Bring him in.

613
00:29:17,100 --> 00:29:18,240
Greetings, Consort Dowager.

614
00:29:18,740 --> 00:29:19,930
I'm Gu,

615
00:29:19,930 --> 00:29:22,240
the owner of Yongli Pawnshop.

616
00:29:22,450 --> 00:29:24,480
I've been running the business
in Zhenzhou for ten years.

617
00:29:24,650 --> 00:29:26,060
Repeat what you just said,

618
00:29:26,060 --> 00:29:27,680
word for word.

619
00:29:29,340 --> 00:29:31,720
Yesterday, a customer came to my shop.

620
00:29:31,970 --> 00:29:33,160
It was a maid servant.

621
00:29:33,610 --> 00:29:35,970
She wanted to pawn a hairpin.

622
00:29:35,970 --> 00:29:37,450
The moment I saw it,

623
00:29:37,450 --> 00:29:38,970
I knew it was no ordinary item.

624
00:29:38,970 --> 00:29:40,260
After asking further,

625
00:29:40,260 --> 00:29:42,440
she revealed that it belonged
to the Mansion of Lord Huaiyang.

626
00:29:42,970 --> 00:29:44,160
Ladies, please take a look.

627
00:29:59,340 --> 00:30:01,960
Could this be the real
night-glowing pearl hairpin?

628
00:30:04,060 --> 00:30:06,510
What did the maid say?

629
00:30:06,930 --> 00:30:09,650
After I questioned her repeatedly,

630
00:30:09,650 --> 00:30:10,970
she only said

631
00:30:10,970 --> 00:30:12,500
it belonged to her mistress,

632
00:30:12,500 --> 00:30:13,590
who was in a hurry to pawn it.

633
00:30:13,890 --> 00:30:14,790
I did not dare

634
00:30:15,020 --> 00:30:16,880
to ask further.

635
00:30:17,170 --> 00:30:19,030
Her mistress?

636
00:30:19,210 --> 00:30:21,830
Does that not mean the Princess?

637
00:30:26,370 --> 00:30:28,270
Bring Princess Huaisang here.

638
00:30:30,020 --> 00:30:31,260
The item is in the room.

639
00:30:31,260 --> 00:30:32,510
Wait here for a moment.

640
00:30:40,210 --> 00:30:41,790
I just couldn't understand.

641
00:30:42,100 --> 00:30:44,260
She's destined to become a princess consort.

642
00:30:44,260 --> 00:30:46,110
The hairpin would be hers eventually.

643
00:30:46,410 --> 00:30:48,500
Why pawn it?

644
00:30:48,500 --> 00:30:50,260
I heard she has businesses

645
00:30:50,260 --> 00:30:51,680
in Beizhou.

646
00:30:51,860 --> 00:30:53,000
That explains it.

647
00:30:53,130 --> 00:30:55,650
The rewards she gets stay in the royal family.

648
00:30:55,650 --> 00:30:56,900
It's always better

649
00:30:56,900 --> 00:30:58,720
to send money back home.

650
00:30:59,410 --> 00:31:01,640
This is the way of small households.

651
00:31:01,640 --> 00:31:03,070
If you wish to marry into the royal family,

652
00:31:03,260 --> 00:31:05,310
you must be of equal status.

653
00:31:05,820 --> 00:31:07,350
Enough, say no more.

654
00:31:12,780 --> 00:31:14,260
I've changed my attire.

655
00:31:14,260 --> 00:31:15,550
Sorry to keep you all waiting.

656
00:31:25,020 --> 00:31:27,110
I find the pearl the Princess is wearing

657
00:31:27,610 --> 00:31:28,830
seems even brighter.

658
00:31:29,820 --> 00:31:30,660
Indeed.

659
00:31:31,300 --> 00:31:33,350
How could there be two hairpins?

660
00:31:33,970 --> 00:31:35,400
How did the fake

661
00:31:36,020 --> 00:31:37,880
end up in the hands
of the Consort Dowager?

662
00:31:38,210 --> 00:31:39,480
The fake?

663
00:31:40,610 --> 00:31:41,680
It's fake?

664
00:31:42,930 --> 00:31:44,590
How do you know it's fake?

665
00:31:46,210 --> 00:31:47,550
Because I made it.

666
00:31:48,690 --> 00:31:50,340
I mixed jade powder and fluorite powder,

667
00:31:50,340 --> 00:31:52,240
melted them into a paste,

668
00:31:52,500 --> 00:31:54,350
and coated a porcelain bead with it.

669
00:31:54,780 --> 00:31:56,610
As long as it's exposed
to enough sunlight during the day,

670
00:31:56,610 --> 00:31:58,270
it will glow for several nights.

671
00:31:58,860 --> 00:32:00,490
The method is known to the craftsmen

672
00:32:00,490 --> 00:32:01,640
at the Lingquan's porcelain kilns.

673
00:32:01,930 --> 00:32:03,510
For a roll of silk, they can make one for you.

674
00:32:04,170 --> 00:32:05,690
The fake one will shatter if dropped.

675
00:32:05,690 --> 00:32:06,590
If you don't believe me,

676
00:32:06,890 --> 00:32:07,830
you can try.

677
00:32:40,340 --> 00:32:41,440
It's porcelain.

678
00:32:42,410 --> 00:32:43,510
Bring the person in.

679
00:32:48,300 --> 00:32:49,350
Madam Wang?

680
00:32:52,740 --> 00:32:53,970
This Madam Wang has

681
00:32:53,970 --> 00:32:56,110
been spying on my trousseau several times.

682
00:32:56,410 --> 00:32:57,640
I became wary

683
00:32:58,060 --> 00:32:59,410
and prepared a fake in advance

684
00:32:59,410 --> 00:33:00,350
to prevent any mishaps.

685
00:33:00,780 --> 00:33:01,620
Sure enough,

686
00:33:02,020 --> 00:33:03,300
she took the hairpin

687
00:33:03,300 --> 00:33:04,350
while I pretended to sleep.

688
00:33:05,890 --> 00:33:07,010
I had the Lord's shadow guards

689
00:33:07,010 --> 00:33:08,110
keep an eye on her.

690
00:33:08,580 --> 00:33:09,720
It's strange

691
00:33:09,930 --> 00:33:11,060
that this Madam Wang,

692
00:33:11,060 --> 00:33:12,070
who came from the palace,

693
00:33:12,450 --> 00:33:14,400
has visited not only the mansion
and her own house

694
00:33:15,020 --> 00:33:16,860
but also several other places.

695
00:33:16,860 --> 00:33:17,700
Be careful.

696
00:33:22,340 --> 00:33:23,200
For instance,

697
00:33:23,820 --> 00:33:24,660
the Lian Mansion.

698
00:33:25,300 --> 00:33:26,970
Don't you dare slander me.

699
00:33:26,970 --> 00:33:28,580
I merely had her come once

700
00:33:28,580 --> 00:33:30,170
to teach the young ladies proper etiquette.

701
00:33:30,170 --> 00:33:31,070
Once?

702
00:33:34,420 --> 00:33:35,260
Once,

703
00:33:35,540 --> 00:33:36,680
or twice at most.

704
00:33:37,650 --> 00:33:38,510
What's the problem?

705
00:33:38,860 --> 00:33:40,130
If you can invite her,

706
00:33:40,130 --> 00:33:41,690
why can't the Lians?

707
00:33:41,690 --> 00:33:43,300
Mrs. Lian, please calm down.

708
00:33:43,300 --> 00:33:44,550
I didn't say anything.

709
00:33:48,260 --> 00:33:51,140
Aunt, didn't you just think

710
00:33:51,150 --> 00:33:53,240
this fake hairpin was real?

711
00:33:54,210 --> 00:33:56,410
The Consort Dowager cherishes the hairpin.

712
00:33:56,410 --> 00:33:57,690
She keeps it stored away

713
00:33:57,690 --> 00:33:58,880
and rarely takes it out.

714
00:33:59,100 --> 00:34:00,350
It's understandable

715
00:34:00,350 --> 00:34:01,710
that she couldn't tell at first glance.

716
00:34:02,210 --> 00:34:03,050
Indeed.

717
00:34:03,370 --> 00:34:05,680
I've only worn it a few times.

718
00:34:06,060 --> 00:34:07,580
It's always kept in my trousseau,

719
00:34:07,580 --> 00:34:09,030
too precious to use.

720
00:34:09,930 --> 00:34:11,230
The owner might not recognize it,

721
00:34:12,140 --> 00:34:13,230
but there's someone

722
00:34:14,050 --> 00:34:15,030
who surely can.

723
00:34:15,970 --> 00:34:16,840
Mr. Gu,

724
00:34:17,300 --> 00:34:19,070
you've been in the pawn business for decades.

725
00:34:19,340 --> 00:34:21,180
How could you not tell the difference

726
00:34:21,180 --> 00:34:22,780
between porcelain and a genuine pearl?

727
00:34:22,970 --> 00:34:24,150
I...

728
00:34:25,260 --> 00:34:26,760
I made a mistake.

729
00:34:26,970 --> 00:34:28,620
It happens.

730
00:34:28,620 --> 00:34:29,840
A mistake?

731
00:34:30,700 --> 00:34:32,870
Madam Wang stealing the hairpin
would've been bad enough,

732
00:34:32,970 --> 00:34:34,550
but it had to happen tonight,

733
00:34:34,660 --> 00:34:36,760
when all the noble ladies of Zhenzhou are here.

734
00:34:37,140 --> 00:34:38,090
Someone came forward

735
00:34:38,090 --> 00:34:39,530
to accuse the mansion of harboring a thief,

736
00:34:39,530 --> 00:34:41,510
tarnishing my reputation.

737
00:34:41,860 --> 00:34:43,620
Isn't this intentional framing?

738
00:34:43,620 --> 00:34:44,960
- General Fan.
- At your service.

739
00:34:45,860 --> 00:34:47,480
Interrogate Gu thoroughly for me.

740
00:34:48,570 --> 00:34:49,630
Right away.

741
00:34:50,780 --> 00:34:52,590
I'm innocent.

742
00:34:52,740 --> 00:34:54,710
- I'm innocent.
- I did it.

743
00:34:56,530 --> 00:34:58,300
That day,

744
00:34:58,300 --> 00:34:59,550
I took the hairpin

745
00:34:59,780 --> 00:35:01,030
to pawn it.

746
00:35:02,860 --> 00:35:04,660
That's her. I remember now.

747
00:35:04,660 --> 00:35:05,860
She was the one yesterday.

748
00:35:05,860 --> 00:35:06,760
No doubt about it.

749
00:35:07,530 --> 00:35:08,370
Madam Wang,

750
00:35:08,930 --> 00:35:10,760
you taught me the rules yourself.

751
00:35:11,300 --> 00:35:12,280
Over the years,

752
00:35:12,780 --> 00:35:15,070
I've paid you well.

753
00:35:15,820 --> 00:35:17,510
Why did you steal?

754
00:35:20,260 --> 00:35:21,190
Consort Dowager,

755
00:35:22,050 --> 00:35:25,670
it's all about the money.

756
00:35:28,800 --> 00:35:30,770
See?

757
00:35:31,530 --> 00:35:33,820
Now all the testimonies match up,

758
00:35:33,820 --> 00:35:35,400
and the truth is out.

759
00:35:35,620 --> 00:35:36,480
I apologize, everyone.

760
00:35:36,740 --> 00:35:38,260
Today is the Madam Zhao's birthday.

761
00:35:38,260 --> 00:35:39,920
It shouldn't have happened.

762
00:35:40,450 --> 00:35:41,320
Mrs. Lian.

763
00:35:42,930 --> 00:35:44,730
What is it now?

764
00:35:45,890 --> 00:35:47,010
Shall we leave this thief

765
00:35:47,010 --> 00:35:48,740
and this unobservant shopkeeper

766
00:35:49,050 --> 00:35:50,790
to Lord Lian for judgment?

767
00:35:52,510 --> 00:35:53,350
Good.

768
00:35:53,480 --> 00:35:54,350
That would be best.

769
00:36:04,260 --> 00:36:05,190
Princess,

770
00:36:05,370 --> 00:36:06,480
you've been wronged.

771
00:36:06,700 --> 00:36:07,710
Do you realize your mistake?

772
00:36:08,970 --> 00:36:10,180
Princess,

773
00:36:10,180 --> 00:36:11,760
what do you mean?

774
00:36:12,410 --> 00:36:13,740
Today, you were the first

775
00:36:13,740 --> 00:36:14,920
to doubt about the hairpin.

776
00:36:15,220 --> 00:36:17,000
Instead of questioning the servants,

777
00:36:17,260 --> 00:36:18,960
you pointed fingers at me,

778
00:36:19,140 --> 00:36:20,010
insisting

779
00:36:20,010 --> 00:36:21,760
there was something suspicious.

780
00:36:23,450 --> 00:36:25,140
Were you trying to make our family
a laughingstock

781
00:36:25,140 --> 00:36:26,340
in front of all these noble guests?

782
00:36:26,340 --> 00:36:27,220
No.

783
00:36:27,220 --> 00:36:29,150
I was just anxious.

784
00:36:29,530 --> 00:36:30,820
The Consort Dowager has always

785
00:36:30,820 --> 00:36:32,200
been careful with her words and actions,

786
00:36:32,370 --> 00:36:34,360
prioritizing the honor of the family.

787
00:36:34,820 --> 00:36:36,050
Even I, who only recently came here,

788
00:36:36,050 --> 00:36:37,190
have taken this to heart.

789
00:36:38,410 --> 00:36:40,260
You've been raised here,

790
00:36:40,260 --> 00:36:41,480
yet you don't remember?

791
00:36:43,370 --> 00:36:44,570
My apologies.

792
00:36:44,570 --> 00:36:45,780
I was just

793
00:36:45,780 --> 00:36:47,450
eager to find the real hairpin

794
00:36:47,450 --> 00:36:49,300
and got carried away.

795
00:36:49,300 --> 00:36:51,190
If you cannot speak properly, just be silent.

796
00:36:51,700 --> 00:36:53,400
We don't need your opinions here.

797
00:37:03,180 --> 00:37:04,280
Mrs. Lian.

798
00:37:10,490 --> 00:37:12,050
I have a few private words

799
00:37:12,050 --> 00:37:13,510
to say to Mrs. Lian.

800
00:37:13,740 --> 00:37:15,150
Please wait a moment.

801
00:37:15,410 --> 00:37:16,590
Just say it quickly.

802
00:37:26,930 --> 00:37:27,770
Madam.

803
00:37:28,890 --> 00:37:30,550
Since I've already confessed,

804
00:37:30,890 --> 00:37:33,230
I won't implicate anyone else.

805
00:37:34,220 --> 00:37:35,320
Thank you.

806
00:37:35,820 --> 00:37:38,090
I'll ensure that Hanshan shows leniency
in your punishment.

807
00:37:38,090 --> 00:37:40,480
Twenty years ago, when you asked me

808
00:37:40,780 --> 00:37:42,800
whether to marry Lord Cui,

809
00:37:43,570 --> 00:37:44,670
if I hadn't

810
00:37:44,890 --> 00:37:47,190
critiqued his flirtatious nature

811
00:37:48,490 --> 00:37:50,440
and hastily given you advice,

812
00:37:50,860 --> 00:37:51,740
you might not

813
00:37:51,740 --> 00:37:54,230
have exchanged the marriage certificate
with your sister's.

814
00:37:55,660 --> 00:37:57,230
Your life now might

815
00:37:58,410 --> 00:38:01,320
be of wealth and luxury,

816
00:38:01,780 --> 00:38:03,230
rather than struggling

817
00:38:03,490 --> 00:38:06,070
to maintain what you have.

818
00:38:07,300 --> 00:38:08,590
You're helping me

819
00:38:10,050 --> 00:38:12,000
out of guilt.

820
00:38:13,140 --> 00:38:14,800
What I owed you,

821
00:38:15,660 --> 00:38:16,710
I've already

822
00:38:17,220 --> 00:38:18,960
repaid in full.

823
00:38:22,300 --> 00:38:23,320
Farewell.

824
00:38:44,970 --> 00:38:46,480
This mansion

825
00:38:47,260 --> 00:38:49,230
was meant to be mine.

826
00:38:50,820 --> 00:38:52,760
And if not mine,

827
00:38:53,340 --> 00:38:55,030
then Binglan's.

828
00:38:57,300 --> 00:38:58,760
I won't accept this fate.

829
00:38:59,160 --> 00:39:01,800
(One day seems longer than months three.
One day seems long as seasons three.)

830
00:39:15,140 --> 00:39:15,980
Madam,

831
00:39:16,410 --> 00:39:18,320
the Consort Dowager has been ill for days

832
00:39:18,530 --> 00:39:20,490
due to concerns
over Xingzhou's military matters.

833
00:39:20,490 --> 00:39:22,190
Yet, you seem so calm.

834
00:39:23,260 --> 00:39:24,860
Xingzhou is good at using surprise tactics

835
00:39:24,860 --> 00:39:26,640
and always finds a way
out of desperate situations.

836
00:39:26,640 --> 00:39:27,630
There's no need for me to worry.

837
00:39:31,220 --> 00:39:32,400
I mean

838
00:39:32,780 --> 00:39:34,920
you rarely attend to the Consort Dowager
at her sickbed.

839
00:39:35,140 --> 00:39:36,220
I'm afraid

840
00:39:36,220 --> 00:39:37,710
people will talk.

841
00:39:38,260 --> 00:39:39,670
Many visitors have come

842
00:39:40,220 --> 00:39:42,320
to see the ailing Consort Dowager.

843
00:39:42,970 --> 00:39:44,760
Mrs. Lian

844
00:39:45,410 --> 00:39:46,890
attends to her

845
00:39:46,890 --> 00:39:48,440
even more diligently than I do,

846
00:39:49,820 --> 00:39:52,110
fearing I might show my filial piety

847
00:39:52,340 --> 00:39:54,190
and steal their good reputation.

848
00:39:55,780 --> 00:39:57,190
So, I might as well

849
00:39:57,450 --> 00:39:59,280
give the Consort Dowager some peace.

850
00:40:07,370 --> 00:40:08,840
After practicing for so long,

851
00:40:09,050 --> 00:40:11,190
it finally has some grace as Xingzhou's.

852
00:40:14,180 --> 00:40:15,020
Princess,

853
00:40:15,700 --> 00:40:17,150
the Consort Dowager requests your presence.

854
00:40:27,450 --> 00:40:28,440
Mrs. Lian.

855
00:40:41,890 --> 00:40:43,800
The children's marriages

856
00:40:44,050 --> 00:40:46,630
are of utmost importance to me as well.

857
00:40:48,090 --> 00:40:49,400
You may all return now.

858
00:40:49,740 --> 00:40:52,630
I will ensure that everyone is satisfied.

859
00:40:53,180 --> 00:40:54,440
Thank you, Consort Dowager.

860
00:41:08,610 --> 00:41:09,810
Miantang, you're here.

861
00:41:14,620 --> 00:41:16,490
Consort Dowager, how are you feeling?

862
00:41:16,490 --> 00:41:17,550
Much better.

863
00:41:17,930 --> 00:41:19,280
I was just feeling bored

864
00:41:19,570 --> 00:41:21,110
and wanted someone to talk to.

865
00:41:22,050 --> 00:41:22,890
Please sit.

866
00:41:26,930 --> 00:41:28,480
I've been resting these past few days.

867
00:41:29,450 --> 00:41:30,740
From a quick glimpse of you

868
00:41:30,740 --> 00:41:32,150
in the crowd,

869
00:41:32,530 --> 00:41:34,320
I could tell

870
00:41:34,820 --> 00:41:35,970
you were the one

871
00:41:35,970 --> 00:41:37,170
most worried about Xingzhou

872
00:41:37,570 --> 00:41:38,630
besides me.

873
00:41:39,620 --> 00:41:40,960
It seems

874
00:41:41,090 --> 00:41:42,450
like we're the only ones in this house

875
00:41:42,450 --> 00:41:43,710
who truly trust him.

876
00:41:45,530 --> 00:41:47,440
Consort Dowager, please don't worry too much.

877
00:41:47,570 --> 00:41:49,010
Xingzhou is very capable.

878
00:41:49,010 --> 00:41:50,710
He'll surely land on my feet.

879
00:41:51,220 --> 00:41:52,060
Yes.

880
00:41:52,570 --> 00:41:54,280
I'm no longer worried.

881
00:41:54,620 --> 00:41:56,440
I just hope he returns soon.

882
00:41:58,180 --> 00:42:00,090
When the men are away,

883
00:42:00,090 --> 00:42:01,360
all that's left for the women

884
00:42:01,570 --> 00:42:02,840
is waiting.

885
00:42:05,340 --> 00:42:07,630
When Xingzhou's father took concubines,

886
00:42:08,090 --> 00:42:10,110
I wasn't exactly happy about it.

887
00:42:10,660 --> 00:42:12,140
After all,

888
00:42:12,140 --> 00:42:14,000
no woman wants to share her husband.

889
00:42:16,010 --> 00:42:18,030
But now that he is gone,

890
00:42:18,490 --> 00:42:20,890
I've come to appreciate the benefits of that.

891
00:42:20,890 --> 00:42:22,410
It left me

892
00:42:22,410 --> 00:42:24,050
with sisters to talk to,

893
00:42:24,050 --> 00:42:25,550
so I wouldn't be that lonely.

894
00:42:27,700 --> 00:42:29,590
It's easier when your husband is around,

895
00:42:30,180 --> 00:42:31,670
but once his affection fades

896
00:42:31,820 --> 00:42:33,150
and you're left as a widow,

897
00:42:33,570 --> 00:42:35,480
you must learn to stay low-key.

898
00:42:36,260 --> 00:42:37,670
The future of the children

899
00:42:38,010 --> 00:42:39,820
depends entirely

900
00:42:39,820 --> 00:42:41,280
on the head lady in the family.

901
00:42:43,340 --> 00:42:45,150
When you become the Princess one day,

902
00:42:45,410 --> 00:42:46,490
you'll understand

903
00:42:46,490 --> 00:42:48,280
the power that comes with it.

904
00:42:50,050 --> 00:42:51,510
A woman's beauty

905
00:42:51,620 --> 00:42:53,150
doesn't last long.

906
00:42:53,970 --> 00:42:55,530
Only virtue endures,

907
00:42:55,530 --> 00:42:57,110
commanding respect

908
00:42:57,410 --> 00:42:58,880
through the years.

909
00:42:59,180 --> 00:43:00,510
You're right, Consort Dowager.

910
00:43:00,930 --> 00:43:01,890
Thus,

911
00:43:01,890 --> 00:43:02,780
I've never

912
00:43:02,780 --> 00:43:04,320
pursued power.

913
00:43:04,760 --> 00:43:05,860
My heart isn't as broad as yours,

914
00:43:05,860 --> 00:43:07,800
Consort Dowager.

915
00:43:08,010 --> 00:43:09,110
I only wish

916
00:43:09,370 --> 00:43:11,510
for a lasting marriage with a man.

917
00:43:26,321 --> 00:43:32,551
♪The boat drifts,
bringing back the sunset♪

918
00:43:33,551 --> 00:43:39,671
♪When we reunite, we still joke
about the cause and effect♪

919
00:43:40,661 --> 00:43:46,911
♪Who passed by, the crabapple
falls with a turn♪

920
00:43:48,041 --> 00:43:51,281
♪Loving rightly but choosing wrong♪

921
00:43:51,621 --> 00:43:56,201
♪With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions♪

922
00:43:56,801 --> 00:44:03,461
♪Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow♪

923
00:44:04,211 --> 00:44:07,581
♪Always hard to stay, yet easy to part♪

924
00:44:07,871 --> 00:44:11,201
♪Crossing spring waters and autumn trials♪

925
00:44:11,381 --> 00:44:18,151
♪A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together♪

926
00:44:18,531 --> 00:44:25,301
♪Long hidden in the eyes,
flickering in and out♪

927
00:44:25,801 --> 00:44:32,211
♪Let go of the flowers blooming
in the yard last night♪

928
00:44:33,051 --> 00:44:39,461
♪Let go of the waves in the stream
in half a lifetime♪

929
00:44:40,041 --> 00:44:46,661
♪Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly♪

930
00:44:47,461 --> 00:44:50,881
♪In this lifetime, my wish is to the vast sky♪

931
00:44:50,881 --> 00:44:55,981
♪There are many more♪

932
00:44:56,361 --> 00:45:03,081
♪Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow♪

933
00:45:03,651 --> 00:45:07,281
♪Always hard to stay, yet easy to part♪

934
00:45:07,281 --> 00:45:10,681
♪Crossing spring waters and autumn trials♪

935
00:45:10,681 --> 00:45:17,591
♪A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together♪

936
00:45:17,881 --> 00:45:24,731
♪Time flows as we dream through four seasons♪

937
00:45:25,101 --> 00:45:28,681
♪I wish to journey with you forever♪

938
00:45:28,681 --> 00:45:31,791
♪Year after year♪

939
00:45:33,521 --> 00:45:37,821
♪For many years to come♪