1 00:00:24,190 --> 00:00:25,600 Your Highness, we've arrived. 2 00:00:32,980 --> 00:00:37,220 (Duke of Wei's Manor) 3 00:00:43,600 --> 00:00:44,912 - Welcome home, - Welcome home, 4 00:00:44,944 --> 00:00:47,504 - Commandery Princess Zhaoning. - Commandery Princess Zhaoning. 5 00:00:50,280 --> 00:00:51,240 I... 6 00:00:51,710 --> 00:00:53,390 greet Your Highness. 7 00:00:55,110 --> 00:00:56,150 Please rise, Uncle Qing. 8 00:00:57,110 --> 00:00:58,030 Your Highness. 9 00:00:58,032 --> 00:00:59,570 It's been many years since we last met, 10 00:00:59,584 --> 00:01:01,490 and you're still as healthy and strong as ever. 11 00:01:01,880 --> 00:01:03,710 I've always been worried about 12 00:01:03,710 --> 00:01:05,590 the Duke, the Heir, and Your Highness 13 00:01:05,590 --> 00:01:07,480 so far away in the northwest. 14 00:01:08,150 --> 00:01:09,640 Greetings, Xihe. 15 00:01:10,940 --> 00:01:15,700 (Shen Yingruo, the Duke of Wei's second daughter) 16 00:01:17,150 --> 00:01:17,840 Rise. 17 00:01:19,040 --> 00:01:20,790 This way, Your Highness. 18 00:01:27,420 --> 00:01:31,060 (Duke of Wei's Manor) 19 00:02:56,980 --> 00:02:57,824 =Blossoms of Power= 20 00:02:57,830 --> 00:03:00,580 (Adapted from the novel, After My Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang) 21 00:03:00,660 --> 00:03:03,620 =Episode 3= 22 00:03:04,750 --> 00:03:06,150 Jing was careless. 23 00:03:06,240 --> 00:03:07,190 Someone exposed him. 24 00:03:07,630 --> 00:03:10,432 (Xiao, the Duke of Wei's Concubine) Shen Xihe is bound to suspect me. 25 00:03:10,960 --> 00:03:12,150 What should I do? 26 00:03:12,800 --> 00:03:13,840 She didn't die. 27 00:03:13,888 --> 00:03:15,600 What can she possibly do to you? 28 00:03:16,150 --> 00:03:17,470 Don't panic. 29 00:03:17,470 --> 00:03:19,300 (Fragrant Snow and Auspicious Clouds) 30 00:03:45,168 --> 00:03:47,040 Your Highness, you've had a long journey. 31 00:03:47,250 --> 00:03:48,710 Why not return to your room and rest? 32 00:03:48,710 --> 00:03:49,360 Mo Yu, 33 00:03:50,190 --> 00:03:51,360 throw Xiao out. 34 00:03:51,840 --> 00:03:52,680 How dare you! 35 00:03:53,150 --> 00:03:54,400 Madam! 36 00:03:54,520 --> 00:03:56,000 How dare you lay a hand on me! 37 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,016 Believe it or not, I'll have your hand cut off! 38 00:03:58,750 --> 00:03:59,630 Shen Xihe, 39 00:03:59,960 --> 00:04:00,960 have you lost your mind? 40 00:04:00,960 --> 00:04:02,240 How dare you treat me like this! 41 00:04:03,710 --> 00:04:05,000 The eastern courtyard 42 00:04:05,190 --> 00:04:06,960 is reserved for the lady of the house. 43 00:04:07,430 --> 00:04:09,030 If you knew your place, 44 00:04:09,470 --> 00:04:11,310 you wouldn't be humiliating yourself today. 45 00:04:13,280 --> 00:04:14,080 Uncle Qing, 46 00:04:14,710 --> 00:04:16,160 throw these servants 47 00:04:16,270 --> 00:04:17,270 and maids out as well. 48 00:04:17,870 --> 00:04:18,390 Yes. 49 00:04:18,950 --> 00:04:19,560 Men! 50 00:04:19,560 --> 00:04:20,510 Throw them all out. 51 00:04:21,190 --> 00:04:22,160 Let go of me! 52 00:04:23,070 --> 00:04:24,040 Let go! 53 00:04:24,050 --> 00:04:25,190 Please calm your anger, Xihe. 54 00:04:25,360 --> 00:04:26,480 Please leave Mother some... 55 00:04:28,000 --> 00:04:29,390 Who is your mother? 56 00:04:33,720 --> 00:04:35,310 Please spare the Concubine's dignity. 57 00:04:35,520 --> 00:04:37,760 I'll persuade the Concubine to move out today. 58 00:04:39,830 --> 00:04:40,830 Don't beg her. 59 00:04:43,360 --> 00:04:45,370 Shen Xihe, you have no respect for your elders 60 00:04:45,380 --> 00:04:46,360 and no regard for rank! 61 00:04:47,830 --> 00:04:48,630 My elders? 62 00:04:49,008 --> 00:04:51,690 I am Commandery Princess Zhaoning, personally invested by His Majesty. 63 00:04:51,824 --> 00:04:53,750 You are nothing more than my father's concubine. 64 00:04:53,780 --> 00:04:55,720 You didn't even bow before me, yet I let it pass. 65 00:04:56,000 --> 00:04:57,430 And you dare lecture me about rank? 66 00:04:57,830 --> 00:04:59,270 I am Prince Kang's sister. 67 00:04:59,360 --> 00:05:01,488 The Marquis of Xuanping is my maternal grandfather. 68 00:05:01,872 --> 00:05:04,336 Yingruo was also invested as a County Princess by His Majesty. 69 00:05:04,360 --> 00:05:06,304 What gives you the right to look down on us? 70 00:05:06,320 --> 00:05:07,570 Back then, my father was summoned 71 00:05:07,580 --> 00:05:09,270 to the imperial capital to be rewarded by His Majesty. 72 00:05:09,280 --> 00:05:10,480 You bribed a palace attendant 73 00:05:10,870 --> 00:05:13,000 to drug the liquor bestowed by His Majesty 74 00:05:13,800 --> 00:05:15,160 and got into his bed. 75 00:05:15,232 --> 00:05:17,104 My father refused to take you as his concubine, 76 00:05:17,104 --> 00:05:19,536 so you had Prince Kang's Manor secretly spread the rumor 77 00:05:19,552 --> 00:05:21,430 that he would take you as his equal wife. 78 00:05:21,430 --> 00:05:22,640 The news reached the northwest. 79 00:05:23,800 --> 00:05:25,040 My mother was so distressed 80 00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:27,360 that she went into labor at eight months. 81 00:05:27,510 --> 00:05:29,390 She died after giving birth to me. 82 00:05:30,190 --> 00:05:31,750 My father was devastated. 83 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:33,430 He swore never to remarry. 84 00:05:34,360 --> 00:05:35,920 If you hadn't been carrying his child, 85 00:05:36,000 --> 00:05:38,432 you wouldn't even have been worthy of becoming his concubine. 86 00:05:38,512 --> 00:05:39,720 You... 87 00:05:39,720 --> 00:05:40,310 Xihe, 88 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:41,870 please calm your anger. 89 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:45,510 Why are you kneeling to her? 90 00:05:49,750 --> 00:05:50,750 Shen Xihe, 91 00:05:52,360 --> 00:05:54,000 you humiliated me today. 92 00:05:54,288 --> 00:05:57,184 Do you think you'll have an easy life in the imperial capital from now on? 93 00:05:59,720 --> 00:06:01,160 You've made an enemy of me today. 94 00:06:01,680 --> 00:06:04,390 Prince Kang's Manor will make you repay this a thousandfold! 95 00:06:05,870 --> 00:06:07,190 An enemy? 96 00:06:07,630 --> 00:06:08,750 Not just today. 97 00:06:10,630 --> 00:06:11,830 Ling Long, the maid, 98 00:06:12,070 --> 00:06:13,000 works for you. 99 00:06:16,630 --> 00:06:17,920 Ling... Ling Long? 100 00:06:18,096 --> 00:06:19,920 I... I don't know who you're talking about. 101 00:06:20,040 --> 00:06:22,160 She was the vile servant who pushed me into the river 102 00:06:22,630 --> 00:06:24,950 under orders from you and Prince Kang's Manor. 103 00:06:25,720 --> 00:06:27,750 How dare you falsely accuse me! 104 00:06:29,510 --> 00:06:30,680 If I had died, 105 00:06:31,100 --> 00:06:33,600 your daughter would've become the Duke of Wei's only daughter. 106 00:06:33,984 --> 00:06:36,240 Then you could've risen in status through your daughter. 107 00:06:36,870 --> 00:06:38,630 It was your only chance to shed your status 108 00:06:38,630 --> 00:06:39,480 as a concubine. 109 00:06:40,240 --> 00:06:41,480 You and Prince Kang's Manor 110 00:06:41,600 --> 00:06:44,070 have always been plotting to get rid of me. 111 00:06:46,950 --> 00:06:47,750 But 112 00:06:48,270 --> 00:06:49,360 you're not worthy 113 00:06:49,920 --> 00:06:50,870 of being my enemy. 114 00:06:51,680 --> 00:06:52,920 You wretch! 115 00:06:54,190 --> 00:06:55,270 Wretch! 116 00:06:55,408 --> 00:06:57,600 You looked so innocent and fragile when you were little. 117 00:06:57,600 --> 00:06:59,070 It was all an act! 118 00:06:59,480 --> 00:07:01,240 You're incredibly scheming. 119 00:07:01,500 --> 00:07:03,040 You're even more venomous than a viper. 120 00:07:03,072 --> 00:07:04,830 As long as Prince Kang's Manor still stands, 121 00:07:04,830 --> 00:07:06,500 I'll make sure you die a miserable death. 122 00:07:06,510 --> 00:07:07,720 Enough! 123 00:07:08,160 --> 00:07:08,870 Take her away. 124 00:07:08,950 --> 00:07:09,920 Drive her out! 125 00:07:12,270 --> 00:07:13,040 Throw her out. 126 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:14,384 - Take them all away. - Move! 127 00:07:18,510 --> 00:07:19,190 Xihe, 128 00:07:19,560 --> 00:07:21,480 please spare the Concubine this once. 129 00:07:21,720 --> 00:07:22,870 Did you know 130 00:07:23,560 --> 00:07:24,560 about Ling Long? 131 00:07:25,600 --> 00:07:26,510 What do you mean? 132 00:07:30,390 --> 00:07:32,070 It seems you really knew nothing. 133 00:07:32,750 --> 00:07:33,830 Think carefully. 134 00:07:34,430 --> 00:07:35,680 Are you a Shen, 135 00:07:36,190 --> 00:07:37,190 or a Xiao? 136 00:07:46,912 --> 00:07:48,784 Your Highness, by dealing with Xiao like this, 137 00:07:48,816 --> 00:07:50,270 I'm afraid you'll only make enemies. 138 00:07:50,270 --> 00:07:52,304 Have you ever seen wolves keep company with dogs, 139 00:07:52,336 --> 00:07:53,408 or tigers walk with foxes? 140 00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:55,680 They're beneath me. 141 00:07:55,750 --> 00:07:57,248 There's no point wasting time on them. 142 00:08:04,390 --> 00:08:04,830 Let's go. 143 00:08:04,830 --> 00:08:05,240 Go. 144 00:08:07,220 --> 00:08:10,100 (Duke of Wei's Manor) 145 00:08:10,310 --> 00:08:11,720 She was really thrown out. 146 00:08:12,600 --> 00:08:13,680 Have you heard? 147 00:08:13,750 --> 00:08:14,830 All these years, 148 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:17,270 everyone thought she was the Duke's wife. 149 00:08:17,630 --> 00:08:19,190 Turns out she was only a concubine. 150 00:08:19,190 --> 00:08:20,040 Goodness. 151 00:08:20,040 --> 00:08:21,310 She was really thrown out. 152 00:08:21,310 --> 00:08:22,560 How humiliating. 153 00:08:24,750 --> 00:08:26,830 How can anyone be so bold? 154 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:29,510 Xiao is still a favored concubine. 155 00:08:29,936 --> 00:08:32,120 How could they throw her out of the manor like this? 156 00:08:34,680 --> 00:08:35,424 I rather admire 157 00:08:35,430 --> 00:08:37,790 Commandery Princess Zhaoning's spirit of settling every score 158 00:08:37,790 --> 00:08:39,520 and refusing to be taken advantage of. 159 00:08:41,910 --> 00:08:43,440 Compared with those meek 160 00:08:43,488 --> 00:08:44,896 and long-suffering young ladies, 161 00:08:44,976 --> 00:08:46,224 the commandery princess 162 00:08:46,670 --> 00:08:48,510 is rare for her strength and courage. 163 00:08:49,270 --> 00:08:50,910 This is clearly ruthless 164 00:08:51,000 --> 00:08:51,910 and merciless. 165 00:08:52,390 --> 00:08:54,480 How did it become strength and courage to you? 166 00:08:56,390 --> 00:08:57,320 Speaking of which, 167 00:08:57,440 --> 00:08:59,480 the commandery princess will soon meet the princes. 168 00:08:59,910 --> 00:09:00,840 Who do you think 169 00:09:01,030 --> 00:09:02,510 she'll give the Rouge Ledger to? 170 00:09:08,240 --> 00:09:09,720 She will surely give it to me. 171 00:09:11,540 --> 00:09:14,820 (Chenning Hall) 172 00:09:16,320 --> 00:09:17,080 Your Majesty. 173 00:09:18,120 --> 00:09:20,120 (Xiao Juechong, Emperor Youning) By all rights, 174 00:09:20,256 --> 00:09:23,152 the Crown Prince should come to the palace to pay his respects. 175 00:09:23,790 --> 00:09:26,720 Yet Your Majesty is personally visiting the Eastern Palace. 176 00:09:28,360 --> 00:09:30,510 Huayong has been frail since childhood. 177 00:09:30,800 --> 00:09:33,120 This journey back to the palace must have been exhausting. 178 00:09:33,390 --> 00:09:33,960 I... 179 00:09:35,270 --> 00:09:37,750 truly don't want him to be too tired. 180 00:09:39,000 --> 00:09:40,790 I'll go prepare at once 181 00:09:40,790 --> 00:09:42,190 for the visit to the Eastern Palace. 182 00:09:50,000 --> 00:09:52,150 His Majesty has arrived. 183 00:09:54,510 --> 00:09:56,480 Father. 184 00:09:56,480 --> 00:09:58,000 My Huayong has returned. 185 00:09:59,480 --> 00:10:00,030 I already 186 00:10:00,960 --> 00:10:02,790 exempted you from these formalities, didn't I? 187 00:10:11,790 --> 00:10:12,320 Come. 188 00:10:21,120 --> 00:10:21,910 Huayong, 189 00:10:22,224 --> 00:10:23,670 now that you're back in the palace, 190 00:10:23,670 --> 00:10:24,550 if anything happens, 191 00:10:24,670 --> 00:10:26,550 send someone to inform me at once. 192 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:28,000 Father, 193 00:10:29,480 --> 00:10:30,910 ever since Mother passed away, 194 00:10:31,840 --> 00:10:33,150 you issued a decree 195 00:10:33,184 --> 00:10:35,152 never to appoint another Empress in this lifetime. 196 00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:36,720 I understand 197 00:10:37,550 --> 00:10:38,320 that you did it so 198 00:10:38,320 --> 00:10:40,928 no one could shake my position as Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. 199 00:10:40,960 --> 00:10:42,720 You also made all the princes' names 200 00:10:43,376 --> 00:10:44,870 avoid "Hua" and change to "Chang," 201 00:10:45,150 --> 00:10:46,630 so they would not conflict with mine. 202 00:10:47,630 --> 00:10:49,480 My daily provisions are also 203 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:50,720 arranged to match Father's. 204 00:10:51,480 --> 00:10:52,240 But I 205 00:10:53,440 --> 00:10:55,080 sometimes truly do not understand. 206 00:10:55,616 --> 00:10:57,000 Why would someone as frail as I am 207 00:10:57,440 --> 00:11:00,000 receive such generous care and protection from Father? 208 00:11:01,120 --> 00:11:02,270 Huayong. 209 00:11:02,960 --> 00:11:03,870 I... 210 00:11:05,270 --> 00:11:06,670 still remember 211 00:11:08,320 --> 00:11:10,910 you with your hair in two buns. 212 00:11:11,440 --> 00:11:13,080 So innocent and carefree. 213 00:11:15,630 --> 00:11:18,360 You were exceptionally gifted from a young age. 214 00:11:19,630 --> 00:11:21,390 Whatever you learned, 215 00:11:21,720 --> 00:11:22,910 you never forgot it 216 00:11:23,080 --> 00:11:24,270 and mastered it with ease. 217 00:11:25,200 --> 00:11:28,150 You were hailed as an unparalleled prodigy. 218 00:11:29,510 --> 00:11:30,670 You are my 219 00:11:32,000 --> 00:11:33,670 most beloved son. 220 00:11:35,720 --> 00:11:36,510 Huayong, 221 00:11:37,510 --> 00:11:39,120 don't overthink it. 222 00:11:40,360 --> 00:11:41,150 Just... 223 00:11:41,670 --> 00:11:43,720 focus on recovering. 224 00:11:44,320 --> 00:11:44,960 Only then 225 00:11:46,270 --> 00:11:48,750 can I entrust the realm 226 00:11:48,870 --> 00:11:50,120 to you. 227 00:11:56,630 --> 00:11:57,790 Thank you, Father. 228 00:11:59,180 --> 00:12:02,940 (Auspicious Radiance) 229 00:12:09,320 --> 00:12:10,120 Tian Yuan, 230 00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:14,240 what really happened back then? 231 00:12:14,670 --> 00:12:15,270 Your Highness, 232 00:12:15,584 --> 00:12:17,320 when the case was thoroughly investigated, 233 00:12:17,504 --> 00:12:19,984 after Steward Zhao of the Palace Food Bureau confessed, 234 00:12:20,000 --> 00:12:21,390 she suddenly died in prison. 235 00:12:22,200 --> 00:12:23,510 The case became unsolved, 236 00:12:23,792 --> 00:12:25,030 with no evidence left behind. 237 00:12:30,030 --> 00:12:32,670 This poison was made from more than a dozen exotic toxins. 238 00:12:34,200 --> 00:12:35,600 It wouldn't kill at once, 239 00:12:36,670 --> 00:12:38,670 but would make its victim suffer 240 00:12:39,080 --> 00:12:41,000 excruciating pain day after day. 241 00:12:42,270 --> 00:12:43,750 I must find out 242 00:12:44,080 --> 00:12:45,630 who this person really is, 243 00:12:46,390 --> 00:12:48,150 and why they poisoned me. 244 00:12:49,000 --> 00:12:50,270 So close to Father, 245 00:12:51,390 --> 00:12:52,670 yet hidden within the court. 246 00:12:53,150 --> 00:12:54,840 It must be someone of great power 247 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:56,480 to have stayed hidden for so long. 248 00:12:57,500 --> 00:12:58,790 If I don't uncover this person, 249 00:12:59,270 --> 00:13:00,510 they'll remain a grave threat 250 00:13:00,790 --> 00:13:02,750 to Father and the realm. 251 00:13:03,910 --> 00:13:04,910 They must be eliminated. 252 00:13:22,120 --> 00:13:23,630 Greetings, Your Majesty. 253 00:13:23,696 --> 00:13:25,088 Greetings, Grand Empress Dowager. 254 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:26,500 May Your Majesty be blessed with good health. 255 00:13:26,510 --> 00:13:27,740 May Grand Empress Dowager be blessed with good health. 256 00:13:27,750 --> 00:13:29,824 No need for formalities, Commandery Princess Zhaoning. 257 00:13:29,870 --> 00:13:30,720 Rise. 258 00:13:30,768 --> 00:13:33,488 (Grand Empress Dowager Meng) Thank you, Your Majesty, and Grand Empress Dowager. 259 00:13:34,510 --> 00:13:36,910 Your father has sent you to the imperial capital. 260 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:40,240 I will take good care of you. 261 00:13:40,550 --> 00:13:41,670 From today onward, 262 00:13:41,728 --> 00:13:43,340 your food, clothing, and daily provisions 263 00:13:43,390 --> 00:13:45,024 shall follow the rank of a princess. 264 00:13:46,080 --> 00:13:47,312 Thank you, Your Majesty. 265 00:13:51,540 --> 00:13:53,740 (Consort Liang) 266 00:13:54,020 --> 00:13:55,820 (Noble Consort Rong) 267 00:14:26,320 --> 00:14:28,120 Prince Yu has arrived. 268 00:14:41,720 --> 00:14:44,630 I wish Father and Grandmother 269 00:14:44,650 --> 00:14:45,750 good health and a long life. 270 00:14:46,048 --> 00:14:47,472 May you enjoy eight thousand springs, 271 00:14:47,670 --> 00:14:48,870 and eight thousand autumns. 272 00:14:50,150 --> 00:14:51,030 Changyu, 273 00:14:51,550 --> 00:14:53,390 you're always late. 274 00:14:53,720 --> 00:14:54,510 Take a seat. 275 00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:10,220 Your Highness has traveled all the way from the northwest. 276 00:15:10,240 --> 00:15:11,150 You must be exhausted. 277 00:15:11,270 --> 00:15:12,480 Allow me to offer you a toast. 278 00:15:13,750 --> 00:15:14,960 Thank you, Prince Yu. 279 00:15:22,270 --> 00:15:22,960 Your Highness, 280 00:15:23,870 --> 00:15:24,870 the imperial capital 281 00:15:25,150 --> 00:15:26,510 has many delightful places. 282 00:15:27,000 --> 00:15:28,480 If Your Highness has the time, 283 00:15:28,960 --> 00:15:30,320 allow me to be your guide. 284 00:15:30,510 --> 00:15:32,270 May I show Your Highness around the capital? 285 00:15:32,510 --> 00:15:34,550 I wouldn't dare trouble Prince Yu. 286 00:15:34,630 --> 00:15:35,910 It would be 287 00:15:36,630 --> 00:15:38,000 my honor. 288 00:15:39,510 --> 00:15:40,790 Your Majesty, look. 289 00:15:40,800 --> 00:15:43,120 Changyu and the commandery princess seem to have hit it off. 290 00:15:43,136 --> 00:15:45,136 They just met, and they're already getting along. 291 00:15:45,670 --> 00:15:48,360 I've long heard Commandery Princess Zhaoning is a peerless beauty. 292 00:15:48,720 --> 00:15:49,840 Now that I've seen her, 293 00:15:50,030 --> 00:15:51,600 I can't take my eyes off her. 294 00:15:52,270 --> 00:15:53,750 She's a delight to behold. 295 00:15:56,200 --> 00:15:56,960 Your Majesty, 296 00:15:58,000 --> 00:15:58,910 just look. 297 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:00,750 They're all speaking with hidden motives. 298 00:16:01,150 --> 00:16:02,480 They all want Zhaoning 299 00:16:02,630 --> 00:16:04,670 as their daughter-in-law. 300 00:16:13,790 --> 00:16:15,150 I have a request. 301 00:16:15,150 --> 00:16:16,380 I ask Your Majesty to grant it. 302 00:16:16,440 --> 00:16:17,600 Speak freely. 303 00:16:18,150 --> 00:16:19,320 The husband I marry 304 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:21,550 must be the one I love. 305 00:16:22,200 --> 00:16:27,200 So you intend to choose your own husband? 306 00:16:27,440 --> 00:16:29,600 I wish to marry a man 307 00:16:29,600 --> 00:16:31,120 who knows and cherishes me, 308 00:16:31,320 --> 00:16:32,750 so we may share a happy marriage. 309 00:16:33,390 --> 00:16:34,670 If husband and wife are at odds, 310 00:16:34,750 --> 00:16:37,030 the household will know no peace. 311 00:16:37,360 --> 00:16:40,200 At worst, it will drive a wedge between the two families. 312 00:16:40,720 --> 00:16:42,000 The Shen family has been honored 313 00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:43,690 with a marriage into the imperial family. 314 00:16:43,800 --> 00:16:45,808 Such a matter must be considered with great care. 315 00:16:46,120 --> 00:16:47,510 My only wish is to marry for love. 316 00:16:47,856 --> 00:16:49,872 I ask Your Majesty to grant my request. 317 00:16:51,150 --> 00:16:52,030 Zhaoning, 318 00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:54,150 let me ask you this. 319 00:16:54,150 --> 00:16:56,000 What if the man you love 320 00:16:56,000 --> 00:16:57,550 doesn't love you back? 321 00:16:57,720 --> 00:16:59,080 What would you do? 322 00:16:59,240 --> 00:17:01,240 I would respect the prince's wishes. 323 00:17:01,600 --> 00:17:02,360 Zhaoning, 324 00:17:02,910 --> 00:17:04,200 after saying that, 325 00:17:04,480 --> 00:17:07,720 aren't you afraid you'll become the laughingstock of the entire palace? 326 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:08,920 Grand Empress Dowager, 327 00:17:09,920 --> 00:17:11,960 to care about what others say and think 328 00:17:12,070 --> 00:17:13,110 is to imprison myself. 329 00:17:13,110 --> 00:17:14,310 That's not who I am. 330 00:17:15,200 --> 00:17:16,790 I seek mutual love. 331 00:17:16,880 --> 00:17:18,480 The princes should have the same wish. 332 00:17:19,110 --> 00:17:20,200 I'm certain 333 00:17:20,200 --> 00:17:21,750 I'll find the right man. 334 00:17:22,830 --> 00:17:23,510 Father, 335 00:17:24,848 --> 00:17:26,270 the commandery princess has vision, 336 00:17:26,270 --> 00:17:27,030 courage, 337 00:17:27,240 --> 00:17:28,030 and magnanimity. 338 00:17:28,590 --> 00:17:30,510 She truly proves women are no less than men. 339 00:17:31,070 --> 00:17:33,030 I'd like to ask Father to grant 340 00:17:33,510 --> 00:17:34,890 the commandery princess's request. 341 00:17:39,480 --> 00:17:40,720 I grant it. 342 00:17:41,960 --> 00:17:44,550 Once you've chosen 343 00:17:44,720 --> 00:17:47,510 the right husband from among the princes, 344 00:17:48,880 --> 00:17:51,510 I will arrange the marriage. 345 00:17:51,510 --> 00:17:53,030 The whole realm will know of it. 346 00:17:53,750 --> 00:17:55,030 Thank you, Your Majesty. 347 00:18:11,590 --> 00:18:12,680 Your remarks 348 00:18:12,790 --> 00:18:14,110 in the hall just now 349 00:18:14,240 --> 00:18:15,510 truly impressed me. 350 00:18:16,600 --> 00:18:17,790 You flatter me, Your Highness. 351 00:18:17,888 --> 00:18:19,590 Since you wish to choose your own husband, 352 00:18:19,880 --> 00:18:22,030 how much do you know about my brothers? 353 00:18:22,976 --> 00:18:24,880 I've only just arrived in the imperial capital. 354 00:18:25,310 --> 00:18:26,510 I don't know much about them. 355 00:18:29,070 --> 00:18:30,070 In that case, 356 00:18:30,790 --> 00:18:32,720 let me tell you a little about them. 357 00:18:32,720 --> 00:18:33,504 What do you say? 358 00:18:33,640 --> 00:18:34,590 I'd be glad to hear. 359 00:18:37,232 --> 00:18:39,350 There are currently five princes of marriageable age. 360 00:18:39,376 --> 00:18:40,920 My second brother is Xiao Changmin. 361 00:18:41,440 --> 00:18:42,720 His wife, Lady Yu, 362 00:18:42,720 --> 00:18:43,960 passed away a few years ago. 363 00:18:44,400 --> 00:18:45,640 He has never remarried. 364 00:18:46,000 --> 00:18:48,000 The Yu family still treats him like a son-in-law. 365 00:18:48,070 --> 00:18:49,510 The two families remain close. 366 00:18:49,568 --> 00:18:51,110 My fifth brother is Xiao Changqing, 367 00:18:51,110 --> 00:18:52,630 and my ninth brother is Xiao Changying. 368 00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:54,400 Their mother is Noble Consort Rong. 369 00:18:54,520 --> 00:18:56,270 Their uncle, the Duke of Ying, guards Anlan. 370 00:18:56,350 --> 00:18:58,016 He commands a hundred thousand cavalry. 371 00:18:58,070 --> 00:18:59,376 My sixth brother is Xiao Changyu, 372 00:18:59,408 --> 00:19:00,544 a man of immortal grace. 373 00:19:01,070 --> 00:19:03,500 His mother, Consort Liang, is unmatched in the inner palace. 374 00:19:03,640 --> 00:19:05,270 Ye Qi, Commander-in-Chief of Hexi, 375 00:19:05,640 --> 00:19:06,790 is Consort Liang's cousin. 376 00:19:07,350 --> 00:19:10,030 (These princes are backed either by powerful families) 377 00:19:10,030 --> 00:19:11,400 (or wield military power.) 378 00:19:11,880 --> 00:19:13,960 (That means too many people rely on them.) 379 00:19:14,720 --> 00:19:16,590 (Entrusting the Rouge Ledger to any of them) 380 00:19:16,790 --> 00:19:17,880 (wouldn't be prudent.) 381 00:19:23,424 --> 00:19:24,790 Your Highness is truly fortunate. 382 00:19:26,160 --> 00:19:27,960 Whoever you marry 383 00:19:28,048 --> 00:19:29,270 will make a wonderful match. 384 00:19:31,070 --> 00:19:33,030 Why don't you introduce yourself, Your Highness? 385 00:19:36,110 --> 00:19:37,440 I'm different. 386 00:19:38,920 --> 00:19:40,480 I've been away from court for years. 387 00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:41,550 All alone. 388 00:19:41,960 --> 00:19:43,350 Just a frail, 389 00:19:43,510 --> 00:19:44,680 overlooked, 390 00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:46,200 idle Crown Prince. 391 00:19:47,000 --> 00:19:48,960 Your Highness holds the position of Crown Prince. 392 00:19:49,072 --> 00:19:50,550 You enjoy His Majesty's favor. 393 00:19:50,960 --> 00:19:51,960 You're far too modest. 394 00:19:54,768 --> 00:19:56,160 Thank you for your kind words. 395 00:19:58,400 --> 00:19:59,960 Do you still remember our agreement? 396 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:02,260 Let's meet at the Eastern Palace another day. 397 00:20:03,270 --> 00:20:04,550 I'll be there. 398 00:20:20,350 --> 00:20:22,110 Why didn't Prince Lie send a calling card? 399 00:20:22,110 --> 00:20:22,680 Answer me. 400 00:20:23,750 --> 00:20:25,000 Where is the Rouge Ledger now? 401 00:20:25,590 --> 00:20:26,750 Prince Lie needn't ask. 402 00:20:27,200 --> 00:20:28,720 I'll give it to the right person. 403 00:20:29,110 --> 00:20:29,750 Who is it? 404 00:20:30,750 --> 00:20:32,070 Which prince has won your favor? 405 00:20:32,100 --> 00:20:33,200 That's none of your concern. 406 00:20:34,510 --> 00:20:35,720 May I ask, Prince Lie, 407 00:20:35,790 --> 00:20:36,830 if the Rouge Ledger 408 00:20:36,830 --> 00:20:38,720 contains members of Noble Consort Rong's family, 409 00:20:38,880 --> 00:20:40,680 could you truly set personal feelings aside 410 00:20:40,830 --> 00:20:41,880 and uphold justice? 411 00:20:42,000 --> 00:20:43,030 Just answer me. 412 00:20:43,400 --> 00:20:44,920 Which prince has won your favor? 413 00:20:45,160 --> 00:20:46,030 Is it Changyu? 414 00:20:46,784 --> 00:20:47,590 See the guest out. 415 00:20:48,030 --> 00:20:48,510 Wait. 416 00:20:54,480 --> 00:20:56,750 This was your favorite 417 00:20:56,960 --> 00:20:58,920 when you came to the imperial capital 418 00:20:59,110 --> 00:21:00,480 with your father as a child. 419 00:21:01,070 --> 00:21:01,720 Give it a try. 420 00:21:01,720 --> 00:21:02,980 (Tao Zhuanxian, Shen Xihe's Maternal Grandfather, Censor) 421 00:21:05,020 --> 00:21:06,260 (Tao Yuan, Shen Xihe's Uncle) 422 00:21:06,340 --> 00:21:07,580 (Madam Zhang, Shen Xihe's Aunt) 423 00:21:10,720 --> 00:21:11,720 Isn't it good? 424 00:21:15,960 --> 00:21:18,110 You drove Xiao out of the manor? 425 00:21:20,350 --> 00:21:21,510 She's now 426 00:21:21,720 --> 00:21:24,160 back at Prince Kang's Manor. 427 00:21:24,880 --> 00:21:27,070 If she gives you any more trouble, 428 00:21:27,070 --> 00:21:29,110 you must tell me. 429 00:21:30,830 --> 00:21:32,880 Aren't you afraid of offending Prince Kang's Manor? 430 00:21:33,000 --> 00:21:33,880 Afraid? 431 00:21:34,640 --> 00:21:35,750 Afraid of what? 432 00:21:36,110 --> 00:21:38,920 Ever since Xiao caused my daughter to die, 433 00:21:38,920 --> 00:21:40,720 I'm afraid of nothing. 434 00:21:41,720 --> 00:21:42,960 All these years, 435 00:21:42,960 --> 00:21:44,830 I've stood against Prince Kang. 436 00:21:44,830 --> 00:21:46,880 I've never forgotten to seek justice 437 00:21:46,880 --> 00:21:48,830 for my daughter. 438 00:21:48,830 --> 00:21:50,070 They may have forgotten 439 00:21:50,070 --> 00:21:51,110 my sister's life, 440 00:21:52,030 --> 00:21:53,270 but the Tao family 441 00:21:53,510 --> 00:21:54,270 never has. 442 00:21:58,160 --> 00:21:59,880 Thank you, Grandfather and Uncle. 443 00:22:00,030 --> 00:22:01,270 I've grown up. 444 00:22:01,728 --> 00:22:03,550 The blood debt owed by Prince Kang's Manor, 445 00:22:04,160 --> 00:22:05,680 I should be the one to make them pay. 446 00:22:06,200 --> 00:22:08,510 Xihe, you've only just arrived in the imperial capital. 447 00:22:08,720 --> 00:22:10,240 Countless eyes are on you. 448 00:22:10,640 --> 00:22:12,510 You mustn't act rashly. 449 00:22:13,350 --> 00:22:15,920 As long as my father and brother remain in the northwest, 450 00:22:16,400 --> 00:22:17,750 no matter how unhappy they are, 451 00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:18,880 they'll have to endure it. 452 00:22:19,030 --> 00:22:20,240 Don't forget, 453 00:22:20,750 --> 00:22:23,480 you still have the Tao family behind you. 454 00:22:24,110 --> 00:22:24,830 That's right. 455 00:22:27,400 --> 00:22:28,160 Your Highness, 456 00:22:28,192 --> 00:22:29,510 Prince Yu requests an audience. 457 00:22:31,640 --> 00:22:32,510 Xihe, 458 00:22:32,920 --> 00:22:34,960 are you acquainted with Prince Yu? 459 00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:37,880 I only met him once at today's banquet. 460 00:22:37,880 --> 00:22:38,720 Then... 461 00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:41,310 why would he come all the way here? 462 00:22:41,960 --> 00:22:42,880 I don't know either. 463 00:22:44,440 --> 00:22:46,160 Please invite Prince Yu inside. 464 00:22:46,550 --> 00:22:47,070 Yes. 465 00:22:48,032 --> 00:22:49,880 - Greetings, Prince Yu. - Greetings, Prince Yu. 466 00:22:49,880 --> 00:22:50,640 You may all rise. 467 00:22:52,310 --> 00:22:53,200 Your Highness as well. 468 00:22:54,576 --> 00:22:56,110 Your Highness has traveled a long way. 469 00:22:56,110 --> 00:22:57,950 I'm afraid you may not have brought everything you need. 470 00:22:57,968 --> 00:22:59,760 I'd like to offer a small token of my regard. 471 00:22:59,770 --> 00:23:01,650 I didn't expect Master Tao to be here as well. 472 00:23:01,664 --> 00:23:02,912 I hope Master Tao doesn't mind. 473 00:23:02,960 --> 00:23:04,270 Of course not. 474 00:23:06,960 --> 00:23:09,640 Prince Yu presents Commandery Princess Zhaoning 475 00:23:09,790 --> 00:23:12,510 with a glazed incense burner set with milk-nail pattern. 476 00:23:12,510 --> 00:23:14,656 (Imperial Apothecary) One box of the finest incense. 477 00:23:16,200 --> 00:23:18,880 This is an access token to the Imperial Apothecary. 478 00:23:18,912 --> 00:23:20,980 From now on, whatever incense Your Highness requires, 479 00:23:20,992 --> 00:23:22,480 just have your servants fetch it. 480 00:23:26,680 --> 00:23:27,790 Thank you, Prince Yu. 481 00:23:29,920 --> 00:23:32,830 Prince Yu also presents Commandery Princess Zhaoning 482 00:23:32,830 --> 00:23:34,640 with ten bolts of Mingxia Brocade. 483 00:23:34,640 --> 00:23:35,590 This Mingxia Brocade 484 00:23:35,830 --> 00:23:37,590 was offered as tribute by the Nvman Kingdom. 485 00:23:37,600 --> 00:23:40,000 Its radiant luster and rich fragrance are truly exceptional. 486 00:23:40,200 --> 00:23:42,830 I had it specially prepared for Your Highness in advance. 487 00:23:43,160 --> 00:23:45,880 Prince Yu also presents Commandery Princess Zhaoning 488 00:23:45,880 --> 00:23:47,830 with ten pomegranate lip rouges, 489 00:23:47,830 --> 00:23:49,830 ten boxes of rose face powder, 490 00:23:49,830 --> 00:23:51,110 and a string of northern pearls 491 00:23:51,110 --> 00:23:53,550 for Your Highness's toilette. 492 00:23:53,550 --> 00:23:55,030 Prince Yu is so generous. 493 00:23:55,270 --> 00:23:56,550 How could I ever repay you? 494 00:23:56,608 --> 00:23:57,960 Your Highness needn't be so polite. 495 00:23:58,350 --> 00:23:59,200 These things 496 00:23:59,328 --> 00:24:00,880 are just a small token of my regard. 497 00:24:02,720 --> 00:24:04,070 Thank you, Prince Yu. 498 00:24:06,440 --> 00:24:07,750 It's getting late today. 499 00:24:08,110 --> 00:24:09,590 Perhaps we should meet another day. 500 00:24:14,112 --> 00:24:15,680 You are quite right, Your Highness. 501 00:24:15,750 --> 00:24:18,336 Master Tao and Your Highness have just reunited after so long. 502 00:24:19,168 --> 00:24:20,550 Then I won't disturb you. 503 00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:21,952 I'll take my leave. 504 00:24:29,550 --> 00:24:31,160 I heard His Majesty 505 00:24:31,270 --> 00:24:32,720 intends to choose a husband for you. 506 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:36,590 Prince Yu was so attentive today. 507 00:24:36,590 --> 00:24:37,440 Does he 508 00:24:37,680 --> 00:24:39,030 intend to marry you? 509 00:24:39,280 --> 00:24:41,216 I've only just arrived in the imperial capital. 510 00:24:41,310 --> 00:24:43,880 I don't know much about the princes yet. 511 00:24:44,030 --> 00:24:45,000 I cannot decide. 512 00:24:45,920 --> 00:24:47,160 The sons of the imperial family 513 00:24:48,160 --> 00:24:49,400 are all far from simple. 514 00:24:50,000 --> 00:24:51,270 Choosing a husband 515 00:24:51,440 --> 00:24:52,640 must be done with great care. 516 00:24:55,500 --> 00:24:57,700 (Prince Xin's Manor) 517 00:25:16,510 --> 00:25:17,160 Changqing, 518 00:25:18,500 --> 00:25:20,110 your wife has been gone for three years. 519 00:25:20,960 --> 00:25:22,030 Why do this to yourself? 520 00:25:23,880 --> 00:25:25,310 What it feels like to love someone, 521 00:25:26,830 --> 00:25:27,960 you didn't understand before. 522 00:25:31,200 --> 00:25:32,720 But soon you will. 523 00:25:34,070 --> 00:25:35,270 You want to get close 524 00:25:35,712 --> 00:25:37,552 to Commandery Princess Zhaoning, 525 00:25:37,720 --> 00:25:38,830 yet you don't dare. 526 00:25:39,400 --> 00:25:40,640 You want to show her kindness, 527 00:25:41,200 --> 00:25:42,510 yet you don't know how. 528 00:25:44,640 --> 00:25:45,750 The day she saved me, 529 00:25:47,270 --> 00:25:48,350 I remembered her. 530 00:25:50,070 --> 00:25:51,310 When she stole the Rouge Ledger, 531 00:25:51,640 --> 00:25:52,590 I was angry, 532 00:25:53,110 --> 00:25:54,440 but I never truly blamed her. 533 00:25:56,400 --> 00:25:57,680 When I went to see her today, 534 00:25:57,960 --> 00:25:59,440 it confirmed what I had suspected. 535 00:25:59,450 --> 00:26:01,232 The commandery princess took the Rouge Ledger 536 00:26:01,248 --> 00:26:03,296 to give it to someone who would uphold justice. 537 00:26:03,830 --> 00:26:04,480 Changqing, 538 00:26:04,830 --> 00:26:06,070 you needn't pave the way for me. 539 00:26:06,912 --> 00:26:08,752 What the commandery princess is doing 540 00:26:09,310 --> 00:26:10,720 is also what I wish to do. 541 00:26:20,480 --> 00:26:21,920 You've truly fallen for her. 542 00:26:24,030 --> 00:26:25,070 I will help you. 543 00:26:25,480 --> 00:26:26,790 I don't need your help. 544 00:26:27,270 --> 00:26:28,880 The one you love is hard to come by. 545 00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:32,510 Don't follow in my footsteps. 546 00:26:37,160 --> 00:26:39,030 I don't want to see you become who you are now. 547 00:26:39,240 --> 00:26:40,880 My brother was once my greatest pride. 548 00:26:40,960 --> 00:26:42,256 He was the man I admired most. 549 00:26:42,260 --> 00:26:44,250 He was full of ambition, always in complete command. 550 00:26:44,260 --> 00:26:46,390 Yet now, his eyes are filled with the weariness of life. 551 00:26:46,400 --> 00:26:48,260 He appears to have found peace and contentment. 552 00:26:48,680 --> 00:26:49,510 But in truth, 553 00:26:50,336 --> 00:26:52,032 he has simply grown tired of living. 554 00:26:56,000 --> 00:26:56,960 I once wondered, 555 00:26:57,408 --> 00:26:59,790 (The Late Lady Gu) why I could never warm Qingzhi's heart. 556 00:27:00,440 --> 00:27:01,480 I felt wronged, 557 00:27:02,200 --> 00:27:03,110 lost, 558 00:27:04,110 --> 00:27:05,030 and tormented. 559 00:27:06,480 --> 00:27:07,960 It wasn't until she passed away 560 00:27:10,920 --> 00:27:12,270 that I finally understood. 561 00:27:14,790 --> 00:27:16,240 Everything I gave 562 00:27:19,720 --> 00:27:21,310 was nothing more than unrequited love. 563 00:27:23,550 --> 00:27:25,200 What right did I have 564 00:27:28,944 --> 00:27:30,752 to expect her to return my feelings? 565 00:27:34,270 --> 00:27:35,030 Changqing, 566 00:27:38,400 --> 00:27:39,480 let her go. 567 00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:50,310 I can't. 568 00:27:53,830 --> 00:27:54,720 Changying, 569 00:27:55,790 --> 00:27:57,270 I'm telling you this 570 00:27:59,590 --> 00:28:01,110 because I hope you'll discover 571 00:28:02,160 --> 00:28:04,440 what Commandery Princess Zhaoning truly wants. 572 00:28:06,200 --> 00:28:07,240 Don't let it slip away, 573 00:28:07,424 --> 00:28:08,880 and don't make the wrong choice. 574 00:28:10,640 --> 00:28:12,310 I hope you'll find 575 00:28:16,030 --> 00:28:17,750 the happiness I never had. 576 00:28:40,272 --> 00:28:40,920 Your Highness, 577 00:28:41,104 --> 00:28:42,608 the commandery princess has arrived. 578 00:28:46,590 --> 00:28:47,310 You're here. 579 00:28:48,030 --> 00:28:49,200 I thought you weren't coming. 580 00:28:50,880 --> 00:28:52,640 Your Highness. 581 00:28:53,408 --> 00:28:54,510 No need for formalities. 582 00:28:54,560 --> 00:28:55,880 The wind is strong out here. 583 00:28:56,070 --> 00:28:57,200 Let's talk inside. 584 00:28:57,270 --> 00:28:57,720 Please. 585 00:29:09,830 --> 00:29:11,790 The Crown Prince truly has a gentle disposition. 586 00:29:11,860 --> 00:29:14,030 He carries the grace and refinement of a royal prince, 587 00:29:14,040 --> 00:29:16,870 yet none of the arrogance so often found among those born to the throne. 588 00:29:18,600 --> 00:29:19,720 Your Highness, what's wrong? 589 00:29:21,000 --> 00:29:22,160 I'm not afraid of bad people. 590 00:29:22,320 --> 00:29:24,240 I'm especially good at fighting evil with evil. 591 00:29:25,000 --> 00:29:26,480 But when it comes to good people, 592 00:29:26,880 --> 00:29:28,160 I never quite know what to do. 593 00:29:30,704 --> 00:29:32,750 Commandery princess, this way, please. 594 00:29:43,300 --> 00:29:45,312 Every flower and plant in Your Highness's residence 595 00:29:45,440 --> 00:29:46,720 is a rare and precious treasure. 596 00:29:47,510 --> 00:29:49,070 You even diverted hot spring water here. 597 00:29:49,120 --> 00:29:50,590 The flowers bloom in splendid beauty 598 00:29:50,590 --> 00:29:51,990 through every season without fading. 599 00:29:54,790 --> 00:29:56,350 You clearly know your flowers. 600 00:29:56,360 --> 00:29:57,960 When did you develop such refined tastes? 601 00:29:58,270 --> 00:29:59,590 You're too kind, Your Highness. 602 00:30:00,200 --> 00:30:01,590 I've loved flowers and plants 603 00:30:01,590 --> 00:30:02,750 ever since I was a child. 604 00:30:03,400 --> 00:30:04,270 What a coincidence. 605 00:30:05,440 --> 00:30:08,384 I've loved growing flowers and tending plants since childhood as well. 606 00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:10,470 From now on, you are always welcome at the East Palace 607 00:30:10,480 --> 00:30:11,712 to admire the beauty of flowers 608 00:30:11,728 --> 00:30:13,568 and appreciate the charm of nature together. 609 00:30:14,680 --> 00:30:15,880 (Commandery princess,) 610 00:30:16,160 --> 00:30:18,640 (do you know how this garden came to be?) 611 00:30:33,590 --> 00:30:35,590 (I've put so much into it.) 612 00:31:16,070 --> 00:31:17,350 Commandery princess, please. 613 00:31:27,110 --> 00:31:29,440 The tea glows with a bright apricot hue, 614 00:31:30,440 --> 00:31:32,270 and its fragrance is light and refreshing. 615 00:31:33,270 --> 00:31:34,550 Preparing tea, burning incense, 616 00:31:34,560 --> 00:31:36,330 arranging flowers, and displaying paintings. 617 00:31:36,384 --> 00:31:38,110 Tea is what I do best. 618 00:31:40,000 --> 00:31:40,590 Your Highness, 619 00:31:41,030 --> 00:31:41,750 this tea 620 00:31:42,030 --> 00:31:44,350 is Wuyang tea personally grown by Crown Prince. 621 00:31:44,920 --> 00:31:46,720 Your Highness grows tea yourself? 622 00:31:49,310 --> 00:31:50,310 When I was young, 623 00:31:51,790 --> 00:31:53,070 I fell gravely ill. 624 00:31:54,464 --> 00:31:57,184 I could neither excel in academics nor martial arts like my brothers. 625 00:31:57,270 --> 00:31:58,480 My father pitied me, 626 00:31:58,830 --> 00:32:00,350 so he entrusted state affairs to them 627 00:32:00,368 --> 00:32:02,064 and allowed me to focus on recovering. 628 00:32:02,350 --> 00:32:04,270 Naturally, I came to appreciate 629 00:32:04,320 --> 00:32:05,760 these seemingly useless pursuits. 630 00:32:05,920 --> 00:32:06,590 Your Highness, 631 00:32:06,672 --> 00:32:08,160 the knowledge and skills one acquires 632 00:32:08,160 --> 00:32:09,270 are meant to serve the realm. 633 00:32:09,590 --> 00:32:10,830 You need not belittle yourself. 634 00:32:11,872 --> 00:32:13,310 If Heaven has denied me something, 635 00:32:13,320 --> 00:32:14,880 then I'll cherish what I have before me. 636 00:32:15,240 --> 00:32:17,200 Enjoy today's happiness while it lasts. 637 00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:25,750 I have something 638 00:32:25,936 --> 00:32:27,680 I'd like to present to Your Highness. 639 00:32:28,030 --> 00:32:28,680 What is it? 640 00:32:41,860 --> 00:32:44,740 (Rouge Ledger) 641 00:32:51,152 --> 00:32:53,200 This ledger records the crimes of corrupt officials. 642 00:32:53,952 --> 00:32:55,240 Its contents are truly shocking. 643 00:32:56,480 --> 00:32:57,790 Where did you obtain it? 644 00:32:57,920 --> 00:32:59,160 By a fortunate turn of fate. 645 00:33:00,030 --> 00:33:01,400 I'm entrusting it to Your Highness 646 00:33:01,720 --> 00:33:03,110 because I believe 647 00:33:03,200 --> 00:33:04,680 that once you have the Rouge Ledger, 648 00:33:04,736 --> 00:33:07,136 you will sweep away corruption with decisive resolve. 649 00:33:07,152 --> 00:33:09,744 With a heart as impartial as a scale and justice as steadfast as a mountain. 650 00:33:09,750 --> 00:33:12,500 However deeply rooted the corrupt officials and greedy eunuchs may be, 651 00:33:12,510 --> 00:33:13,790 you will show them no mercy 652 00:33:13,880 --> 00:33:15,120 and uproot them completely. 653 00:33:17,790 --> 00:33:19,240 We've only met twice, 654 00:33:19,550 --> 00:33:20,110 yet you 655 00:33:21,030 --> 00:33:22,200 trust me so completely? 656 00:33:22,400 --> 00:33:23,550 For me, 657 00:33:24,000 --> 00:33:24,880 one meeting is enough. 658 00:33:26,110 --> 00:33:28,160 Besides, I trust my own judgment. 659 00:33:28,256 --> 00:33:30,510 And I trust in Your Highness's integrity even more. 660 00:33:36,030 --> 00:33:36,960 You are the first 661 00:33:36,960 --> 00:33:38,720 to place hope in me, 662 00:33:39,030 --> 00:33:40,310 a Crown Prince in name only. 663 00:33:41,070 --> 00:33:42,350 I will do everything in my power 664 00:33:42,790 --> 00:33:44,070 to live up to the faith 665 00:33:44,550 --> 00:33:45,440 you have placed in me. 666 00:33:53,260 --> 00:33:55,776 The commandery princess has returned to the Duke of Wei's Manor. 667 00:33:56,992 --> 00:33:58,528 Your Highness expected this all along 668 00:33:58,830 --> 00:34:01,270 because you saw that she trusted your character. 669 00:34:05,440 --> 00:34:06,640 She was only putting on an act. 670 00:34:07,070 --> 00:34:08,110 The real reason 671 00:34:08,110 --> 00:34:10,760 is that she knows every other prince has powerful forces behind 672 00:34:10,770 --> 00:34:12,620 and would inevitably protect their own allies. 673 00:34:12,630 --> 00:34:14,360 Only someone like me, who left the palace at a young age, 674 00:34:14,360 --> 00:34:17,130 has no maternal family to rely on, and stands apart from every faction, 675 00:34:17,150 --> 00:34:18,280 can remain impartial, 676 00:34:18,280 --> 00:34:19,280 without selfish motives, 677 00:34:19,344 --> 00:34:22,320 and bring every corrupt official named in this ledger to justice. 678 00:34:22,480 --> 00:34:23,440 Along the way, 679 00:34:23,520 --> 00:34:25,984 I kept wondering how someone could be so cold and rational. 680 00:34:26,110 --> 00:34:26,880 But today, 681 00:34:27,072 --> 00:34:29,456 I truly admire her unwavering devotion to the greater good. 682 00:34:30,880 --> 00:34:31,480 Your Highness, 683 00:34:31,760 --> 00:34:34,670 Prince Yu followed the commandery princess to the Duke of Wei's Manor 684 00:34:35,110 --> 00:34:36,510 with a cart full of gifts. 685 00:34:36,630 --> 00:34:37,710 The commandery princess 686 00:34:37,710 --> 00:34:38,832 accepted every single one. 687 00:34:39,312 --> 00:34:40,736 If he wants to give them, let him. 688 00:34:42,240 --> 00:34:43,710 Since Changyu offered them willingly, 689 00:34:43,880 --> 00:34:46,030 accepting them is simply showing him courtesy. 690 00:34:46,360 --> 00:34:47,070 Exactly. 691 00:34:47,280 --> 00:34:48,070 In short, 692 00:34:48,144 --> 00:34:50,096 whatever the commandery princess does is right. 693 00:34:50,150 --> 00:34:52,030 I know exactly what my brothers 694 00:34:52,030 --> 00:34:53,110 are thinking. 695 00:34:53,800 --> 00:34:55,030 Whoever marries Shen Xihe 696 00:34:55,030 --> 00:34:56,760 will gain control of the northwestern army. 697 00:34:57,320 --> 00:34:58,890 Their intentions are far from honorable. 698 00:34:59,480 --> 00:35:01,150 How could I let them have their way? 699 00:35:03,230 --> 00:35:04,590 As for Changyu, 700 00:35:04,880 --> 00:35:06,710 it's time someone put him in his place. 701 00:35:09,140 --> 00:35:10,780 (Sixian Hall) 702 00:35:14,920 --> 00:35:15,690 After you, Changyu. 703 00:35:20,710 --> 00:35:22,150 The tea carries a subtle fragrance. 704 00:35:22,630 --> 00:35:23,440 I never expected 705 00:35:23,552 --> 00:35:25,552 Your Highness to be so skilled in the art of tea. 706 00:35:26,400 --> 00:35:27,920 Tea is said to cure all ailments. 707 00:35:28,230 --> 00:35:30,440 With my health, I can hardly do without it. 708 00:35:30,560 --> 00:35:32,832 The imperial capital is home to many renowned physicians. 709 00:35:32,880 --> 00:35:34,280 I'm sure the day will come 710 00:35:34,300 --> 00:35:35,960 when Your Highness makes a full recovery. 711 00:35:37,440 --> 00:35:39,296 Thank you for your kind words, Changyu. 712 00:35:47,030 --> 00:35:48,400 Speaking of the imperial capital, 713 00:35:48,816 --> 00:35:50,400 it truly is full of remarkable talents. 714 00:35:51,150 --> 00:35:51,920 Today, 715 00:35:52,440 --> 00:35:53,760 I met a musician 716 00:35:54,016 --> 00:35:55,936 who plays the vertical konghou exquisitely. 717 00:35:56,840 --> 00:35:58,550 I still remember that your mother 718 00:35:58,624 --> 00:36:00,416 was especially fond of the vertical konghou. 719 00:36:00,496 --> 00:36:03,590 So I invited you here today to enjoy the performance together. 720 00:36:05,264 --> 00:36:07,150 This musician's skill on the vertical konghou, 721 00:36:07,360 --> 00:36:08,800 though taught by you, 722 00:36:09,440 --> 00:36:11,480 falls far short of yours. 723 00:36:20,320 --> 00:36:23,280 Why does Your Highness say 724 00:36:23,710 --> 00:36:24,880 I taught this musician? 725 00:36:25,550 --> 00:36:27,190 What I have most is time. 726 00:36:27,280 --> 00:36:28,800 When it comes to the vertical konghou, 727 00:36:28,840 --> 00:36:30,000 I know a thing or two myself. 728 00:36:30,480 --> 00:36:31,880 The techniques at your fingertips 729 00:36:31,880 --> 00:36:32,710 are exactly the same. 730 00:36:33,360 --> 00:36:34,480 This musician 731 00:36:34,480 --> 00:36:35,920 is the qin instructor to 732 00:36:36,230 --> 00:36:37,590 Music Office dancer Bian Xianyi. 733 00:36:38,096 --> 00:36:40,480 Bian Xianyi's dancing is unrivaled in the imperial capital. 734 00:36:40,880 --> 00:36:42,096 She is only eighteen, 735 00:36:42,144 --> 00:36:44,550 yet no matter how many princes and noble heirs seek her hand, 736 00:36:44,630 --> 00:36:46,096 (Bian Xianyi, Dancer from Music Office) she refuses them all. 737 00:36:46,630 --> 00:36:49,230 Meanwhile, you have yet to take a principal wife 738 00:36:50,030 --> 00:36:52,590 and have twice declined Father's arrangements for your marriage. 739 00:36:52,840 --> 00:36:55,150 Could it be the two of you made a promise to each other? 740 00:36:56,400 --> 00:36:58,864 Why would Your Highness make such baseless assumptions? 741 00:36:59,360 --> 00:37:01,960 If you wanted to take Bian Xianyi as a concubine, 742 00:37:02,280 --> 00:37:03,360 it would be easy. 743 00:37:03,960 --> 00:37:05,070 Yet you chose not to. 744 00:37:05,360 --> 00:37:06,110 Could it be 745 00:37:06,208 --> 00:37:07,968 because you feared she would suffer? 746 00:37:09,440 --> 00:37:10,670 As a prince, 747 00:37:11,070 --> 00:37:12,550 you look beyond social rank. 748 00:37:13,150 --> 00:37:15,550 I truly admire that about you, Changyu. 749 00:37:16,110 --> 00:37:18,320 What exactly are you trying to imply? 750 00:37:19,070 --> 00:37:20,510 I recently heard a story. 751 00:37:22,096 --> 00:37:24,360 A man first marries a noble lady as his principal wife. 752 00:37:24,360 --> 00:37:26,150 If she dies young, 753 00:37:26,280 --> 00:37:28,280 or loses her life in some tragic accident, 754 00:37:28,336 --> 00:37:30,784 he can then marry the woman he truly loves as his second wife, 755 00:37:30,800 --> 00:37:32,272 instead of making her a concubine. 756 00:37:32,510 --> 00:37:33,440 What a fanciful tale. 757 00:37:34,656 --> 00:37:36,480 Even if my principal wife were to pass away, 758 00:37:36,720 --> 00:37:37,960 a woman from the Music Office 759 00:37:38,160 --> 00:37:39,872 could never become my second wife. 760 00:37:40,510 --> 00:37:43,280 You must have already thought that through. 761 00:37:43,480 --> 00:37:44,960 If you married Shen Xihe 762 00:37:44,960 --> 00:37:46,630 and secured the northwestern army, 763 00:37:46,720 --> 00:37:48,480 with such a pillar of the nation behind you, 764 00:37:48,528 --> 00:37:49,280 Father 765 00:37:50,320 --> 00:37:51,550 might very well approve. 766 00:37:51,648 --> 00:37:54,070 That's nothing but groundless speculation. None of it is true. 767 00:37:55,230 --> 00:37:57,984 Besides, my feelings for the commandery princess are sincere. 768 00:37:58,020 --> 00:37:59,140 She is the only one I love. 769 00:37:59,150 --> 00:38:00,960 Please don't question my sincerity. 770 00:38:01,150 --> 00:38:01,952 I'll take my leave. 771 00:38:02,070 --> 00:38:03,320 Then why 772 00:38:03,320 --> 00:38:05,550 are you wearing Bian Xianyi's token of love? 773 00:38:05,584 --> 00:38:06,416 If I'm not mistaken, 774 00:38:06,420 --> 00:38:08,840 the embroidered pattern on that sachet is an entwining lotus, 775 00:38:08,840 --> 00:38:11,380 the very same design as the forehead adornment Bian Xianyi wears. 776 00:38:20,760 --> 00:38:21,920 You set me up? 777 00:38:22,840 --> 00:38:25,590 So you've been gathering leverage against me all along? 778 00:38:29,360 --> 00:38:30,000 Changyu, 779 00:38:31,120 --> 00:38:33,090 I've spent years away from the palace recovering. 780 00:38:33,630 --> 00:38:35,510 My brothers have never been close to me. 781 00:38:36,110 --> 00:38:37,360 The lonelier I felt, 782 00:38:37,660 --> 00:38:39,360 the more I cherished the bond between us. 783 00:38:39,510 --> 00:38:41,100 I've always wanted what's best for you. 784 00:38:41,110 --> 00:38:42,360 Is that truly how you see me? 785 00:38:44,230 --> 00:38:45,480 It saddens me deeply. 786 00:38:47,320 --> 00:38:48,280 Go on. 787 00:38:48,550 --> 00:38:49,480 Keep acting. 788 00:38:50,400 --> 00:38:51,760 I may have wronged my wife, 789 00:38:51,856 --> 00:38:53,230 but I have never betrayed Xianyi. 790 00:38:53,480 --> 00:38:55,230 Nor have I betrayed the woman I truly love. 791 00:38:56,800 --> 00:38:57,760 What's wrong with that? 792 00:38:58,400 --> 00:38:59,840 I'm the one who's gravely ill. 793 00:39:00,840 --> 00:39:02,880 Yet it seems your condition is even worse. 794 00:39:04,030 --> 00:39:05,760 Such a thing, devoid of all humanity, 795 00:39:06,150 --> 00:39:06,920 must never be done. 796 00:39:07,480 --> 00:39:08,480 Then I simply 797 00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:09,880 won't admit to any of it. 798 00:39:12,000 --> 00:39:13,440 What can you possibly do to me? 799 00:39:24,110 --> 00:39:25,550 You think there's nothing I can do? 800 00:39:29,792 --> 00:39:31,180 Tea is best enjoyed for its flavor. 801 00:39:31,190 --> 00:39:32,544 A play is best enjoyed from beginning to end. 802 00:39:32,560 --> 00:39:33,190 Your Highness. 803 00:39:34,000 --> 00:39:34,760 Your Highness. 804 00:39:34,760 --> 00:39:35,590 Your Highness! 805 00:39:35,800 --> 00:39:36,360 Your Highness! 806 00:39:36,510 --> 00:39:37,080 Your Highness! 807 00:39:37,760 --> 00:39:38,920 Your Highness, what's wrong? 808 00:39:42,360 --> 00:39:43,590 Your Highness! 809 00:39:43,800 --> 00:39:45,230 Prince Yu, what have you done? 810 00:39:45,232 --> 00:39:47,424 You've angered him so badly that he coughed up blood! 811 00:39:47,440 --> 00:39:48,400 Someone! 812 00:39:48,590 --> 00:39:50,800 Prince Yu has made the Crown Prince cough up blood! 813 00:39:50,880 --> 00:39:52,070 - He's coughing up blood! - Your Highness! 814 00:39:52,070 --> 00:39:53,670 - Summon the Imperial Physician! - Your Highness! 815 00:39:53,670 --> 00:39:54,800 The Crown Prince has coughed up blood! 816 00:39:54,800 --> 00:39:55,630 - Summon the Imperial Physician! - Your Highness! 817 00:39:55,630 --> 00:39:57,110 - Quick, summon the Imperial Physician! - Your Highness, wake up! 818 00:39:57,110 --> 00:39:57,880 - Your Highness! - Summon the Imperial Physician! 819 00:39:57,880 --> 00:39:59,440 - Your Highness! - His Highness has coughed up blood! 820 00:39:59,440 --> 00:40:00,960 Your Highness! 821 00:40:14,400 --> 00:40:17,424 Princes, if any of you admire Commandery Princess Zhaoning, 822 00:40:17,488 --> 00:40:20,280 today is the perfect opportunity to declare your feelings. 823 00:40:20,320 --> 00:40:22,710 This Incense Record is the finest of its kind. 824 00:40:22,760 --> 00:40:24,880 I hope you will accept it. 825 00:40:24,960 --> 00:40:26,110 If I should win your favor, 826 00:40:26,440 --> 00:40:28,110 I swear to spend my life 827 00:40:28,128 --> 00:40:29,136 with only one wife. 828 00:40:29,190 --> 00:40:30,000 And... 829 00:40:30,000 --> 00:40:32,280 I, too, wish to ask for your hand in marriage. 830 00:40:36,950 --> 00:40:39,890 ♪I've hidden so many words♪ 831 00:40:40,510 --> 00:40:43,310 ♪Too reluctant to tell you♪ 832 00:40:44,180 --> 00:40:51,150 ♪So never uncover♪ 833 00:40:51,340 --> 00:40:53,700 ♪The sand that slips away with one grasp♪ 834 00:40:54,830 --> 00:40:57,560 ♪The flower that withers after one bloom♪ 835 00:40:58,520 --> 00:41:03,860 ♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪ 836 00:41:05,620 --> 00:41:08,440 ♪Every answer I gave♪ 837 00:41:09,240 --> 00:41:12,090 ♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪ 838 00:41:12,880 --> 00:41:16,250 ♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes when I hurt you♪ 839 00:41:16,510 --> 00:41:19,820 ♪How hard it truly was?♪ 840 00:41:22,790 --> 00:41:26,230 ♪The wounds that healed with just a little comfort♪ 841 00:41:27,220 --> 00:41:29,550 ♪The lies made whole with a single embrace♪ 842 00:41:30,820 --> 00:41:36,580 ♪Pretending to be brave as if I'd never been hurt♪ 843 00:41:37,990 --> 00:41:41,120 ♪It's a shame I never could♪ 844 00:41:41,570 --> 00:41:44,580 ♪Give you a moon in return♪ 845 00:41:44,690 --> 00:41:51,330 ♪With the same open heart you loved me♪ 846 00:41:51,330 --> 00:41:55,000 ♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪ 847 00:41:55,870 --> 00:41:58,630 ♪Never knowing I was lost♪ 848 00:41:59,070 --> 00:42:02,200 ♪Why don't you take me away?♪ 849 00:42:02,640 --> 00:42:08,590 ♪Lead me out of this endless game of hide-and-seek♪ 850 00:42:09,990 --> 00:42:13,540 ♪You'll never♪ 851 00:42:13,820 --> 00:42:23,290 ♪Know how much I long to, long to♪