Original subtitles

(Peace)

(Peace)

According to our father's decree,

now that you've reclaimed Yunzhou City,

you are the Crown Prince of Daxing.

Congratulations, Qian.

(Prince Qian) (Young Emperor Youning)

Reclaiming our ancestral land

is the duty of us Xiao descendants.

It was also won with the lives of our soldiers.

The credit is not mine alone.

From now on, in the imperial court,

to govern the state and ensure its peace,

we brothers will still need to work together.

Qian,

my...

My birth mother was of low status,

and she passed away too soon.

I was fortunate to receive the Empress's affection,

and she raised me herself.

How could I ever dare,

and I have never coveted the throne.

Since you were four and came to my side,

I've never treated you as an outsider.

This is a sachet Mother prayed for at Fahua Temple.

I've put mugwort leaf,

angelica, borneol, and Chinese gall inside.

Keep it.

Qian,

I can't accept this.

Wearing it will keep you safe.

If you ever get injured,

you can also use it for emergencies.

Take it.

=Blossoms of Power=

(Adapted from the novel, After My Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

=Episode 16=

Regarding today's events,

I thank Your Highness

and Commandery Princess.

Yunhuai,

there's no need for such formalities.

You did it all for us,

going to the Duke of Xie's Manor alone.

It gave us the chance to coordinate from the inside and out

to find the secret room and capture the Duke of Ying.

We have you to thank for everything.

Physician Xie,

I'll escort you back to your private estate in the suburbs.

The carriage is already waiting outside the city gate.

Please.

When we work together,

with just a single glance,

we understand each other completely.

Without a word,

we can anticipate each other's next move.

We're perfectly in sync.

A match made in heaven.

Perhaps it's just that we're both skilled at precise calculations.

It has nothing to do with anything else.

For a companion you know and love,

isn't understanding and chemistry what one seeks?

You took the Duke of Ying away.

When will we interrogate him?

He has indeed been afflicted with a strange poison.

He also had a bit of a scare.

He needs a day or two to recuperate.

When the time comes,

I will personally go to Duke of Wei's Manor

to pick you up so we can go together.

(Liquor)

You like the rain.

Let's watch it a little longer then.

♪In the warm days, a gentle breeze blows open the blossoms on a tree♪

♪How else would I think of someone?♪

♪A faint taste of longing on my lips♪

♪Like a thousand twists and turns♪

♪Gone forever, yet I savor the memory again and again♪

(Duke of Wei's Manor)

Your Highness, what's wrong?

After getting caught in the rain that day,

not only did I catch a cold,

but I also developed a fever.

If you don't believe me,

feel for yourself, Commandery Princess.

Thank you for your concern, Commandery Princess.

Did you imprison the Duke of Ying

in the capital's suburbs?

Of course.

I couldn't possibly

bring a living person into the East Palace.

Forget one living person,

even if it were ten living people,

if you wanted to,

you could do it.

I never thought that in your heart,

I am so incredibly capable.

The road ahead is uneven. Be careful.

Don't worry.

My riding skills are one of a kind in the palace.

One of a kind, really?

Do you even know how? Let me do it.

I've always been frail.

I can't endure such a bumpy ride.

You all wait here.

(Gazing at the Mountain From Afar)

I hope you find the real culprit today

and solve this long-standing mystery.

All the evidence points to the Duke of Ying.

This is indeed, in all these years,

the closest I've ever been to the truth.

Thank you

for joining me in this.

Your Highness,

you are truly formidable.

No one ever took you seriously.

And so you

hid your true abilities,

secretly controlled everything,

and decided matters of life and death.

I've invited you here

to ask you

if you recognize this person.

Stop beating around the bush.

I bought

this poison myself.

But as for poisoning a child,

I would never do such a thing.

So, you mean to say

you weren't trying to harm me?

That's right.

This poison

was meant for Xiao Juechong.

You've always resented my father.

Prince Qian

was the Empress Dowager's eldest legitimate son.

That Xiao Juechong

is merely an adopted son raised under the Empress Dowager's name.

The Empress Dowager treated him as her own.

And Prince Qian

cared for him deeply and taught him with great care.

But he took advantage of the chaos of war

(Yunzhou City) and was treacherous and ungrateful.

(Young Duke of Ying)

All soldiers, hear my command!

- Yes! - Yes!

March out!

- Yes! - Yes!

What's the situation?

We've sent out several more groups of scouts.

Prince Qian is blessed by the heavens.

He'll surely return victorious.

(Yunzhou City)

It's the signal.

Assemble the troops and open the city gates!

Reinforce Prince Qian!

- Yes! - Yes!

Quickly!

Wait!

All soldiers of the army,

defend the city to the death.

What are you talking about?

- Duke of Ying. - Don't be rash.

- Prince Qian is surrounded! - Duke of Ying.

Are we just going to stand by and watch him die?

- Archers, nock your arrows. - Are you going to watch Prince Qian

die on the battlefield?

The city gates...

He is your older brother!

Your older brother!

Must not

be opened!

What are you doing?

Qian!

Qian!

Qian!

He refused to send reinforcements.

With vicious ambition,

he caused Prince Qian's death,

then claimed the throne himself!

How dare you!

My imperial uncle died on the battlefield.

How can you misplace your anger on my father?

That Xiao Juechong

had long coveted the throne.

It's just that Prince Qian

was too kind and benevolent.

He never once suspected his younger brother.

As for me,

I was Prince Qian's second-in-command.

My only goal was to avenge him.

But I never expected

that this poison

would be used by someone else to do their dirty work.

What do you mean?

As for who wanted to poison you,

I didn't see it with my own eyes.

I cannot say for sure.

I can only offer you one piece of advice.

Do not place too much trust

in your father.

In his heart, there is only the throne.

There is no

brotherhood...

let alone

the bond between father and son...

Your Highness,

how do you plan to handle this next?

Duke of Ying

was a renowned general, as famous as

the Duke of Wei and the Marquis of Shunan.

He committed a crime

and has paid for it with his life.

His remains

should be buried in his ancestral tomb.

Your Highness, you seem to regret this.

Yes.

This time,

I thought the Duke of Ying was the real poisoner.

I didn't expect

it would all be for nothing.

What the Duke of Ying said

implicated His Majesty.

It was because that bowl of cherries in sweet cream

was personally fed to me by my father.

This isn't the first time

I've heard these rumors.

But I remember clearly.

When I was five,

I was in danger during the spring hunt.

I was attacked by a wild wolf.

My father risked his life to save me.

He was covered in blood.

When I was little, I'd cry all night.

To lull me to sleep,

my father would gently pat my back

and stay up all night.

One day,

I caught a cold.

To take better care of me,

he reviewed his memorials

at my bedside.

In my heart,

he is the best father there is.

Well then, today,

at least we've ruled out the Duke of Ying.

We're one step closer to the truth.

Are you trying to comfort me?

We're investigating this case together.

We'll face it all, thick and thin.

Even if we find nothing,

I don't want to see you so disheartened.

For more than ten years, I've been investigating this case.

The loneliness I've felt,

the loss,

the confusion,

and even the despair,

no one has ever known.

Since I was nine,

I had forgotten what joy felt like.

But now,

I know.

♪Frost that melts at a single smile♪

♪How can you be this wonderful♪

♪Every answer I gave♪

♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes when I hurt you♪

♪How hard it truly was?♪

♪The wounds that healed with just a little comfort♪

♪Never knowing I was lost♪

Can you not take it off?

♪Why don't you take me away?♪

I know you're feeling down,

so I won't hold it against you.

♪You'll never♪

Thank you for your compassion.

Your kindness to me today

is something I'll remember for the rest of my life.

(Duke of Wei's Manor)

Your Highnesses, what brings you here?

My brother and I have come...

First, to thank you,

and second,

to bid you farewell.

Farewell?

Regarding my uncle's matter,

I know it was you

and Crown Prince who mediated,

allowing my uncle to be buried in the ancestral tomb.

The Valiant Army wasn't implicated either.

Although the Duke of Ying made a mistake,

it doesn't erase

all of his past merits.

He deserves to be respected.

With my uncle gone,

the Valiant Army will inevitably face turmoil.

I have requested a decree from my father.

I'm going to take my uncle's place guarding Anlan.

My father has already approved it.

I will lead my troops out tomorrow.

You've made up your mind?

I've lived under the protection of my uncle and my older brother.

Now,

my uncle has passed away,

and my mother has been demoted.

I can't let my brother manage everything alone.

I'll go guard Anlan,

while Changping stays in the capital

to handle the aftermath of the secret prison.

The Duke of Ying's Valiant Army,

which struck fear into the hearts of our enemies, is now in your hands.

The Duke of Ying's spirit in heaven

will be gratified.

After this parting, we'll be far apart.

I don't know when we'll meet again.

I hope that you

will take good care of yourself

and stay safe.

You too, Your Highness.

Then I wish you success in the wider world ahead,

and may you achieve great things.

I don't know what's going on.

My dad suddenly wants to send me to the Court of Judicial Review.

What terrible thing did you do? Did your father

turn you in for the greater good?

(Wang Jue, Marquis of Zhenbei's Son) I don't know.

He found out there was an opening at the Court of Judicial Review.

Why don't you pretend to be sick and get out of it?

The Court of Judicial Review has issued the order.

I've been officially accepted.

Aren't you close with Vice Minister Cui?

Can you put in a good word for me?

Anyone can do an easy job like that.

Can you ask him to let me off the hook?

Best Young Master in the whole world,

please save me.

Seeing how sincerely you're begging me,

I'll help you out.

Although Vice Minister Cui is stubborn,

he'll still listen

to what I have to say.

You're a true friend.

No.

Wang Jue is useless at both books and brawls.

He'll cause trouble for you later.

He's happier being a playboy.

Please reconsider.

I said no, and I mean it.

Come on, we've been through thick and thin together.

I thought you'd forgotten.

Come.

Go!

Stop.

Beat him!

Don't be so unreasonable.

Organizing case files doesn't require literary or martial skill.

He just needs to be literate.

Why is there a sudden opening at the Court of Judicial Review?

Do you think that the day after you mentioned Wang Jue to me,

he got transferred to the Court of Judicial Review,

so he can no longer fool around with you,

is quite a coincidence?

Young Master,

aren't you flattering yourself?

This opening has always been there.

It's perfect for someone

who is physically weak,

can't speak well,

and isn't very bright.

Are you mocking me?

Cui Jinbai,

have you forgotten

what it's like to be under me?

It seems you have fully recovered.

If you're so loyal to your friend,

why don't you switch places with Wang Jue?

Organizing case files isn't hard at all.

You just need to number the files as you organize them.

One.

♪The moonlight is sewn together by the dusk♪

Two.

No, no.

My chest hurts, my hand hurts, too.

It looks like I won't be better

for at least half a month.

I won't disturb you any longer.

Why are you blushing?

My condition is getting worse. I have shortness of breath.

I must go back and lie down.

I won't disturb you while you're on duty.

Did you hear?

Duke of Wei has returned.

(Mingde Gate) The Duke of Wei is so impressive.

Here he comes!

Quick, look!

That's the Duke of Wei.

Youyou!

(Shen Yueshan, Duke of Wei)

Father.

Now that you're in the imperial capital,

you've become so mature.

You're no longer the same

boisterous little girl you used to be.

But,

who told you to wait at the city gate?

The wind is so strong.

What if you catch a cold?

The imperial capital is thousands of miles from northwest.

I was worried about you.

I also wanted to see you sooner.

Don't be so willful again.

Father, let's go back to the manor.

That the Duke of Wei's daughter

is to ride in such a carriage,

isn't it a bit too delicate?

Youyou,

tell me, does your brother

hold a grudge against me from a past life?

All he does is anger me.

I already told him that of all the princes,

you must not choose that sickly Crown Prince.

But he told me

that the Crown Prince is the most suitable man for you.

Youyou,

you...

are not really going to marry him, are you?

His Majesty has already decreed the marriage.

Can you really call it off, Father?

For my precious daughter,

is there anything your father can't do?

Let's return to the manor.

I'll wash up and change my clothes first.

Then I'll go to the palace to pay my respects to His Majesty.

I want to see for myself

who this Crown Prince is.

(Taiji Hall)

Duke of Wei has arrived.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

May Your Majesty be in good health.

Yueshan,

dispense with the formalities.

You're still as robust as you were back then.

You entrusted northwest to me.

I could only do my utmost.

With you there,

northwest is safe.

Huayong,

Duke of Wei and I are sworn brothers.

Quickly, pay your respects to your honorary uncle.

Honorary Uncle, you've worked hard guarding the border.

When I reviewed northwest military reports at the Ministry of War,

I often came across your brilliant strategies. I have long admired you.

You flatter me.

Your Highness, you are of royal blood.

Your words do me too much honor.

Yueshan, you're too modest.

You deserve the praise.

From now on,

we will be in-laws.

Huayong will be like a son to you.

Xihe

grew up by my side.

Northwest is a harsh place,

so I couldn't help but dote on her.

That made her spoiled and headstrong.

When I wasn't around,

she willfully agreed to this marriage.

I am worried

that she might offend Crown Prince.

Honorary Uncle,

Xihe is exceptionally intelligent,

bold, and decisive.

As for our marriage, we both thought it through carefully.

We are certain about each other.

Your Highness,

forgive my bluntness,

but your face is fairer than a maiden's,

and your features are as fine as a painting. Your build

doesn't look very sturdy.

You are truly not my ideal choice for a son-in-law.

Any father who considers his daughter

the apple of his eye

would find fault

with the man who marries his precious treasure.

The fact that you love Xihe so dearly

makes me very happy.

I have always held my daughter in the palm of my hand,

guarding her carefully.

Of course, I must entrust her to someone...

who can protect her.

I have also mastered martial arts.

Some other day, I will seek your guidance.

You?

Fine.

Some other day, we will

have a friendly match.

Thank you.

Your Highness,

don't thank me too soon.

My daughter

isn't someone who can be married off so easily.

The Crown Prince is no exception.

Take care.

(Duke of Wei's Manor)

Youyou,

I'm back.

Greetings, Father.

Have you had your evening meal?

Xihe prepared dinner for me.

In that case,

it's getting late.

You should rest early.

If you need anything, just find Qing.

Then, Father, you should also rest early.

I...

will come pay my respects again tomorrow.

Youyou.

Father.

You're here.

I just saw Ruo was here.

Why did you let her go after just a few words?

Sit down first.

Because of Xiao,

I don't know how to face Ruo,

let alone how to dote on her.

Father,

since I came to the manor

and met Ruo,

she is indeed intelligent, gentle, and well-mannered.

Her mother's evil deeds have nothing to do with her.

You shouldn't take your anger out on her.

If you just spend more time with her,

you'll naturally figure out how to get along with her.

Xihe,

I...

really feel that you've changed.

But I find it very strange.

Why did you agree to marry the Crown Prince?

He's just as the rumors say,

like a willow in the wind, fragile and weak.

How could he become a son-in-law of the northwest?

What?

I say a few words about him,

and you're already displeased?

Of course not.

Then tell me,

did you fall for the Crown Prince just for his looks?

Yes,

he is

quite handsome.

Only a real man like your father

and brothers will do.

It's my fault.

It's my fault for losing my mind

and sending you to the imperial capital.

But have you seen the Crown Prince's legs and arms?

They're too skinny.

With those skinny legs and arms, one push and he'd fall over.

When I was talking to him,

I was worried my voice was too loud

and that I might scare him into fainting.

Father,

you're strong and powerful.

Of course, you'd think everyone

You're...

You're defending him.

That's not what I mean.

I'm just being fair.

Besides, I didn't fall for his looks.

I've already explained all the reasons to my brother.

I'm sure he's already told you.

It's not that I don't trust you.

I don't trust that future son-in-law of mine.

All right, all right.

You should go back and rest for now.

Tomorrow,

I'll take you to see your maternal grandfather.

Then I'll find a chance to size him up for you again.

(Tao Residence)

Xihe.

Father-in-law.

Grandfather.

It seems you're doing well.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, why are you here?

His Highness often comes to visit me.

Early this morning,

he also sent over a meal meticulously prepared by the East Palace.

I told him Xihe would be back today.

We're all family.

Minister Tao, Duke of Wei,

you can just call me Huayong.

My esteemed Father-in-law,

I have come to pay my respects.

You're only here for a short three-day stay.

You didn't need to make a special trip.

You could have just had Xihe relay a message.

Now that I'm in the imperial capital,

it would be improper not to pay a formal visit.

I may be a crude man,

but I still know basic etiquette.

Xihe, come on.

Let's go inside.

I see

you've lost so much weight.

I have lost a little weight recently.

It seems you are already used to

being scorned by your father-in-law.

But don't worry.

Before long,

you'll be able to act like a father-in-law yourself.

This rascal.

He's cunning from head to toe.

He's not to be underestimated.

He's just like a northwestern wolf.

Grandfather.

Where are Uncle, Aunt, and Xun?

Your uncle's father-in-law is celebrating his birthday,

so he went with your aunt and Xun

to her family's home.

See?

For decades, he's been the same.

Attentive and doting on his wife.

That's a truly great son-in-law.

He is.

Unlike some people

who are so thoughtless.

I call it being meticulous beneath a rough exterior.

Lacking composure.

I call it being bold and unrestrained.

You're over a hundred years old combined.

Why are you still bickering like children?

Father, coming to Grandfather's house

has made you quite eloquent and argumentative.

Please excuse us, Your Highness.

Minister Tao, you and Duke of Wei

don't treat me like a stranger.

This lively atmosphere

is what makes it feel like a family.

It's truly heartwarming.

As long as you are willing,

the Tao family will always welcome you.

Thank you, Minister Tao.

Since returning to the imperial capital,

I've received so much care from you and Xihe.

I've been using the aromatic bath Xihe prepared for me

every day. My knees don't even hurt anymore.

The scented charcoal Xihe sent me

is especially fragrant

and long-lasting.

Much better than what we have in the palace.

I've always been sensitive to the cold,

so this winter has been much more comfortable.

Besides,

the sachet Xihe gave me is very refreshing.

I smell it every day,

and it keeps my spirits high.

I've been much sharper and more efficient in handling my duties.

Father, Grandfather,

I suddenly feel like making a few dishes to go with our drinks.

- Absolutely not. - Absolutely not.

There's an outsider here.

Why should we let him get a free meal?

In a few days,

when a certain someone is long gone,

you can make fewer dishes.

You don't have to work so hard.

The wontons Xihe made for me

were exquisite.

I learned by watching her

and have been practicing diligently at the East Palace.

How about

you try my handiwork today?

Then we'll have to trouble you, Your Highness.

Our elders still have things to discuss.

Let's go to the kitchen and make wontons.

Northwestern wolf.

Northwestern wolf.

I thought when the Duke of Wei arrived,

you'd send him directly to see my father.

Don't read too much into it.

I don't want to cause trouble for my father,

nor do I want His Majesty to be displeased with him.

But the Duke of Wei was very direct with me

about his disapproval.

but didn't mention

your concerns.

I suppose

you never told him

that you don't want to marry me.

For some troublesome people,

I clean up my own mess.

I don't pass the buck to my father.

The way you say one thing but mean another

is always so cute.

I've really never seen Youyou like this.

Standing next to that northwestern wolf,

they really look like a pair

of loving newlyweds.

What am I saying?

(Residence of the Heir of the Marquis of Shunan)

Young Master, it's time to eat.

I'm not hungry.

You see, now that the secret prison case is solved,

Commandery Princess Zhaoning found the time

to take care of you.

This was sent from Duke of Wei's Manor.

Did Xihe make it?

Not to eat something made by Xihe

would be such a shame. I'll eat.

The Duke of Wei has returned to the capital recently

and Xihe still has time to make porridge for me?

Delicious.

Young Master ate the whole bowl of porridge.

He even said it tasted good.

Then I'll bring more tomorrow.

Then I'll have to trouble you, Vice Minister Cui.

You traitorous backstabber!

You'll just pass along things from anyone, won't you?

Don't give Jin Shan a hard time.

I told him to hide it.

You're injured.

If you don't eat more, how will your wound heal quickly?

What does my recovery have to do with you?

What are you looking at?

You're the one sneaking into my residence,

and you think you're in the right?

You're right.

Why should I be sneaky?

I'll just go in openly.

You just wait. I'll settle the score with you.

- No... - Stone Cui.

Vice Minister Cui.

Vice Minister Cui!

Stone Cui.

You may leave.

Go.

Cui Jinbai.

Listen to me.

I was wrong before.

I shouldn't have, in order to avoid the princess,

used you as a shield.

Don't worry.

From now on,

I absolutely won't bother you anymore.

Is that all you have to say to me?

That's all.

Listen to me.

Bu Shulin,

I have feelings for you.

♪The story is sketched anew♪

♪The moonlight is sewn together by the dusk♪

♪The tide engulfs the lines on my palm♪

Are you okay?

♪Pushing me to converge with you♪

Have you gone mad?

We are both men.

Are you?

What do you mean?

Don't worry.

I will never tell anyone.

You have your concerns.

But I

just want you to understand my feelings.

Don't come any closer.

♪Reaching out to touch you♪

I don't care what you know.

But you'd better remember this.

I will always be the heir of the Marquis of Shunan.

Always.

I swear to the heavens I won't breathe a single word.

Didn't you hear me clearly?

I said I will always be the heir of the Marquis of Shunan.

I understand.

You can't let go of your duty to Shunan.

It's okay. I don't care.

♪Without a single word of goodbye♪

You've worked so hard to get to this position.

I am the sole heir of the Bu family.

We can't be like this.

Don't you forget.

I'm the Deputy Chief of Justice.

Judging character and cases is my duty.

I'm certain

this isn't just wishful thinking.

Get out.

Get out right now.

Remember to eat properly.

Duke of Wei,

I am here to escort you.

To win Xihe's heart,

you must rely on your own abilities.

I won't say another word.

Even if you do everything to please my father and brother,

it's useless.

♪I've hidden so many words♪

♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

♪So never uncover♪

♪The sand that slips away with one grasp♪

♪The flower that withers after one bloom♪

♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

♪Every answer I gave♪

♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes when I hurt you♪

♪How hard it truly was?♪

♪The wounds that healed with just a little comfort♪

♪The lies made whole with a single embrace♪

♪Pretending to be brave as if I'd never been hurt♪

♪It's a shame I never could♪

♪Give you a moon in return♪

♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

♪Never knowing I was lost♪

♪Why don't you take me away?♪

♪Lead me out of this endless game of hide-and-seek♪

♪You'll never♪

♪Know how much I long to, long to♪

(No animals were harmed in the making of this film)