1
00:00:19,020 --> 00:00:21,860
(Listening to the Stream)

2
00:00:23,070 --> 00:00:24,760
Don't cry, okay?

3
00:00:24,830 --> 00:00:26,890
I will play the rattle drum for you,
how about that?

4
00:00:31,640 --> 00:00:32,520
Time for sleep.

5
00:00:37,350 --> 00:00:37,840
Be good.

6
00:00:41,430 --> 00:00:42,240
He's asleep?

7
00:00:42,560 --> 00:00:42,920
Here.

8
00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:55,040
Soothing these two little ones

9
00:00:55,104 --> 00:00:57,680
is harder than deploying troops
and drawing up battle formations.

10
00:00:58,448 --> 00:00:59,790
You've worked so hard, darling.

11
00:01:00,320 --> 00:01:00,920
Hubby,

12
00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:03,710
I've had an idea recently.

13
00:01:03,880 --> 00:01:04,430
Tell me.

14
00:01:05,510 --> 00:01:07,560
I want our two children...

15
00:01:08,510 --> 00:01:10,840
one to be a scholar,
and the other a warrior.

16
00:01:10,880 --> 00:01:12,070
They'll complement each other.

17
00:01:12,510 --> 00:01:13,430
What do you think?

18
00:01:14,352 --> 00:01:15,870
You've thought this through carefully.

19
00:01:16,230 --> 00:01:17,150
I'll do as you say.

20
00:01:21,870 --> 00:01:22,760
Then,

21
00:01:23,590 --> 00:01:24,280
what about us?

22
00:01:34,992 --> 00:01:37,590
Since Shen Shijiu has already
married Xiao Wenxi in my place,

23
00:01:37,950 --> 00:01:38,790
I've decided

24
00:01:38,848 --> 00:01:41,680
to assume the identity of the long-lost
sister of the Marquis of Shunan

25
00:01:41,840 --> 00:01:42,480
and marry you.

26
00:01:43,280 --> 00:01:45,070
That way, we can be
a real husband and wife.

27
00:01:50,350 --> 00:01:51,590
For a lifetime,

28
00:01:52,710 --> 00:01:53,790
my heart will never change.

29
00:02:09,750 --> 00:02:10,310
Listen.

30
00:02:14,800 --> 00:02:15,400
What is it?

31
00:02:16,280 --> 00:02:18,470
That bird's call sounds like Baisui.

32
00:02:20,912 --> 00:02:22,770
We've been living
in seclusion in this paradise

33
00:02:22,784 --> 00:02:24,030
for almost a year now.

34
00:02:24,048 --> 00:02:26,288
We haven't had any news
from the imperial capital.

35
00:02:27,030 --> 00:02:29,150
I wonder how Xihe is doing,

36
00:02:29,470 --> 00:02:31,430
and how the Crown Prince's health is.

37
00:02:31,552 --> 00:02:32,960
If you're worried and concerned,

38
00:02:33,590 --> 00:02:34,240
tomorrow,

39
00:02:34,784 --> 00:02:36,470
I'll find a way
to contact Zhao Zhenghao.

40
00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:40,800
Be good.

41
00:02:40,800 --> 00:02:41,870
Don't cry.

42
00:02:42,240 --> 00:02:42,870
Don't cry.

43
00:02:42,870 --> 00:02:44,432
- There, there. Don't cry.
- Don't cry.

44
00:02:45,310 --> 00:02:45,680
Here.

45
00:02:45,680 --> 00:02:46,400
Such good boys.

46
00:02:46,400 --> 00:02:48,096
I will play with the rattle drum
with you.

47
00:02:48,430 --> 00:02:49,240
Be good.

48
00:04:14,912 --> 00:04:15,720
=Blossoms of Power=

49
00:04:15,728 --> 00:04:18,620
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

50
00:04:18,700 --> 00:04:21,660
=Episode 34=

51
00:04:21,860 --> 00:04:26,260
(Sixian Hall)

52
00:04:36,544 --> 00:04:37,950
- What are you doing?
- Don't move.

53
00:04:38,016 --> 00:04:38,850
- Don't move.
- Go.

54
00:04:38,920 --> 00:04:39,920
- Go.
- Let go of me!

55
00:04:40,000 --> 00:04:41,120
- Let go of me!
- Behave!

56
00:04:41,952 --> 00:04:43,040
What are you all doing?

57
00:04:43,800 --> 00:04:44,480
Let go of me!

58
00:04:44,480 --> 00:04:45,190
(Sixian Hall)
Don't move.

59
00:04:45,190 --> 00:04:45,720
Don't move.

60
00:04:47,270 --> 00:04:48,120
Let go of me!

61
00:04:58,190 --> 00:04:59,480
Prince Xin, on what grounds

62
00:04:59,536 --> 00:05:00,992
have you had my men seized?

63
00:05:06,120 --> 00:05:08,000
Now that Father is bedridden,

64
00:05:08,096 --> 00:05:09,936
a new rule has been issued
in the palace.

65
00:05:10,160 --> 00:05:11,270
The guards on duty

66
00:05:12,120 --> 00:05:13,920
are to be rotated every three months.

67
00:05:15,360 --> 00:05:16,240
Tian Yuan,

68
00:05:17,120 --> 00:05:18,480
the guards of the East Palace

69
00:05:18,832 --> 00:05:20,928
haven't been rotated in a long time,
have they?

70
00:05:30,270 --> 00:05:31,240
From this day forward,

71
00:05:31,600 --> 00:05:33,648
they will be on duty
with the Imperial Guard.

72
00:05:33,664 --> 00:05:36,064
They are forbidden from setting foot
in the palace again.

73
00:05:37,920 --> 00:05:38,800
Do you think

74
00:05:39,750 --> 00:05:40,830
that by replacing my men,

75
00:05:41,360 --> 00:05:42,750
you've cut off my arms and legs?

76
00:05:43,830 --> 00:05:46,160
When it comes to you,
of course I have to be thorough.

77
00:05:54,272 --> 00:05:55,750
If it's just a rotation of guards,

78
00:05:56,920 --> 00:05:58,800
there's no reason to tie them up.

79
00:06:03,180 --> 00:06:06,260
(Sixian Hall)

80
00:06:11,820 --> 00:06:15,180
(Sixian Hall)

81
00:06:15,232 --> 00:06:16,768
The importance of the East Palace

82
00:06:17,392 --> 00:06:18,950
lies in upholding rules and etiquette.

83
00:06:20,000 --> 00:06:20,680
Tian Yuan,

84
00:06:21,600 --> 00:06:23,160
all of you will go for three months.

85
00:06:23,830 --> 00:06:24,800
When the time is up,

86
00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:27,630
you must all return safe and sound.

87
00:06:29,536 --> 00:06:30,448
Yes, Your Highness.

88
00:06:32,750 --> 00:06:33,360
Let's go!

89
00:06:45,600 --> 00:06:46,950
What is it you truly want?

90
00:06:51,540 --> 00:06:54,940
(Sixian Hall)

91
00:06:59,216 --> 00:07:01,310
I want to be the father
of the child in your womb.

92
00:07:03,750 --> 00:07:05,070
You're truly insane.

93
00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:08,480
Now that I can even
obtain the entire world,

94
00:07:09,830 --> 00:07:11,240
is there anything I cannot have?

95
00:07:11,390 --> 00:07:13,430
I never imagined your grand ambition

96
00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:16,190
was to be recorded by historians
as a treacherous rebel.

97
00:07:20,680 --> 00:07:22,800
You have more courage than a man.

98
00:07:23,680 --> 00:07:25,480
You're not one to fear rumors.

99
00:07:26,190 --> 00:07:27,240
Besides,

100
00:07:27,616 --> 00:07:29,568
it is up to me to decide
how history books

101
00:07:30,680 --> 00:07:32,040
should be written from now on.

102
00:07:33,510 --> 00:07:34,870
You obtained the imperial seal

103
00:07:36,040 --> 00:07:38,360
just to satisfy
your own twisted ambitions.

104
00:07:40,160 --> 00:07:42,430
I'm just putting everything back
in its rightful place.

105
00:07:43,160 --> 00:07:44,240
You left me before

106
00:07:44,240 --> 00:07:45,750
because I couldn't protect you.

107
00:07:46,190 --> 00:07:47,800
Later, you married Xiao Huayong

108
00:07:47,800 --> 00:07:49,870
because of his status
as the legitimate heir.

109
00:07:51,360 --> 00:07:52,920
Now, I have everything.

110
00:07:52,960 --> 00:07:54,320
For you to come back to my side

111
00:07:54,384 --> 00:07:55,408
is only natural.

112
00:07:55,950 --> 00:07:56,600
Isn't it?

113
00:07:58,430 --> 00:07:59,000
By the way,

114
00:07:59,104 --> 00:08:01,890
I've instructed the Ministry of
Rites and the Imperial Wardrobe Service

115
00:08:01,904 --> 00:08:04,048
to prepare for the wedding ceremony
and your gown.

116
00:08:04,352 --> 00:08:06,120
You don't need to worry
about the formalities

117
00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:07,190
of betrothal and inquiries.

118
00:08:07,190 --> 00:08:08,800
Leave everything to me.

119
00:08:22,000 --> 00:08:22,720
Changqing,

120
00:08:23,392 --> 00:08:24,830
what in the world are you doing?

121
00:08:27,390 --> 00:08:29,040
I'm going to marry Shen Xihe.

122
00:08:29,870 --> 00:08:30,950
After the ceremony is over,

123
00:08:31,800 --> 00:08:33,080
I will of course let you out.

124
00:08:33,870 --> 00:08:35,270
She is the Crown Princess.

125
00:08:35,344 --> 00:08:37,344
This is a flagrant disregard
for morality!

126
00:08:41,390 --> 00:08:43,360
She has always been my wife.

127
00:08:44,390 --> 00:08:45,150
Rest assured,

128
00:08:45,936 --> 00:08:48,448
I will give her the very best
of everything in this world.

129
00:08:54,240 --> 00:08:55,000
Watch him closely.

130
00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:55,750
- Yes.
- Yes.

131
00:08:55,750 --> 00:08:56,390
Changqing!

132
00:08:56,510 --> 00:08:57,270
Changqing!

133
00:08:58,390 --> 00:08:59,440
Xiao Changqing!

134
00:08:59,670 --> 00:09:00,790
Xiao Changqing!

135
00:09:00,880 --> 00:09:02,790
(Life Flourishes in Splendor)
You can't do this!

136
00:09:03,270 --> 00:09:04,360
Changqing!

137
00:09:10,540 --> 00:09:12,980
(Clarity and Serenity)

138
00:09:39,030 --> 00:09:39,960
Your Highness,

139
00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:42,320
none of the guards inside
and outside the East Palace now

140
00:09:42,320 --> 00:09:43,750
are our people.

141
00:09:43,856 --> 00:09:45,056
The palace maids and eunuchs

142
00:09:45,060 --> 00:09:46,990
are interrogated every time
they enter or leave.

143
00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:48,550
Where they're going, what they're doing,

144
00:09:48,550 --> 00:09:49,750
what they're carrying,

145
00:09:49,750 --> 00:09:50,870
everything is inspected.

146
00:09:51,000 --> 00:09:52,720
Not even Mo Yu and I are exempt.

147
00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:55,270
This is no better than being in prison.

148
00:10:06,870 --> 00:10:08,390
Youyou, you are exceptionally clever.

149
00:10:08,510 --> 00:10:09,120
This time,

150
00:10:09,232 --> 00:10:10,670
I must inspect the pieces carefully,

151
00:10:10,840 --> 00:10:12,910
lest you tamper with them again.

152
00:10:13,600 --> 00:10:15,360
You must inspect them thoroughly.

153
00:10:16,630 --> 00:10:18,240
Don't be a sore loser.

154
00:10:29,344 --> 00:10:32,080
Youyou, you truly live up
to your name as a general's daughter.

155
00:10:32,224 --> 00:10:33,600
A game of Go is like a battlefield.

156
00:10:34,150 --> 00:10:37,200
You fully grasp the principle of
encircling with 10, attacking with five.

157
00:10:38,030 --> 00:10:39,270
I'm truly in a bind.

158
00:10:40,630 --> 00:10:42,600
If I'm inferior to you in every way,

159
00:10:42,600 --> 00:10:43,600
one day,

160
00:10:43,720 --> 00:10:45,240
you might grow tired of me.

161
00:10:45,440 --> 00:10:46,630
What would I do then?

162
00:10:54,030 --> 00:10:58,360
Your tactic of creating a diversion
to conceal your true goal

163
00:10:58,360 --> 00:10:59,390
is just as impressive.

164
00:11:00,910 --> 00:11:01,630
I've lost.

165
00:11:03,720 --> 00:11:04,910
Then I'll punish you

166
00:11:05,200 --> 00:11:06,240
by having you make

167
00:11:06,510 --> 00:11:07,720
another bowl of wontons for me.

168
00:11:09,320 --> 00:11:12,200
I'm turning
into the East Palace's personal cook.

169
00:11:22,270 --> 00:11:23,630
Create a diversion

170
00:11:24,440 --> 00:11:25,750
and conceal the true goal.

171
00:11:28,600 --> 00:11:29,630
We, as husband and wife,

172
00:11:31,240 --> 00:11:32,240
were always of one mind.

173
00:11:36,670 --> 00:11:37,360
Mo Yu,

174
00:11:38,080 --> 00:11:39,440
find someone and tell Prince Xin

175
00:11:40,120 --> 00:11:40,790
that tomorrow,

176
00:11:41,120 --> 00:11:42,440
I am going to Fahua Temple.

177
00:11:44,550 --> 00:11:45,030
Yes.

178
00:11:56,510 --> 00:11:57,840
Why the sudden urge

179
00:11:58,750 --> 00:11:59,840
to go to Fahua Temple?

180
00:12:17,750 --> 00:12:18,840
These past few days,

181
00:12:19,120 --> 00:12:20,150
I've been restless.

182
00:12:21,088 --> 00:12:22,600
I keep dreaming of the Crown Prince.

183
00:12:22,768 --> 00:12:25,088
When the deceased appears frequently
in one's dreams,

184
00:12:25,104 --> 00:12:26,992
it may be that their soul
is not at peace.

185
00:12:27,080 --> 00:12:28,496
I want to go and pay my respects.

186
00:12:30,150 --> 00:12:31,440
If you're not sleeping well,

187
00:12:31,888 --> 00:12:33,390
I can have
the imperial physician prescribe

188
00:12:33,390 --> 00:12:35,380
some medicine to calm your nerves
and help you sleep.

189
00:12:35,390 --> 00:12:37,430
The imperial physician
said I'm grieving too much,

190
00:12:37,440 --> 00:12:38,768
and my heart is heavy with sorrow.

191
00:12:39,550 --> 00:12:40,630
If this continues,

192
00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:43,790
it will be detrimental to me
and the child

193
00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:44,840
in my womb.

194
00:12:45,790 --> 00:12:47,360
Fahua Temple is far away.

195
00:12:47,920 --> 00:12:50,080
I'm afraid the journey
will be exhausting for you.

196
00:12:50,480 --> 00:12:51,870
As the months go by,

197
00:12:52,360 --> 00:12:53,910
my energy will only wane.

198
00:12:54,448 --> 00:12:55,840
While I'm still in the early stages,

199
00:12:56,120 --> 00:12:57,870
I want to bring our child to him.

200
00:12:59,150 --> 00:13:00,080
You know,

201
00:13:01,480 --> 00:13:02,630
I don't want to hear this.

202
00:13:05,240 --> 00:13:08,120
This is a family matter
for my husband, my child, and me.

203
00:13:08,840 --> 00:13:10,600
You manage state affairs.

204
00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:13,136
Must you meddle
in my family matters as well?

205
00:13:16,480 --> 00:13:17,030
All right.

206
00:13:19,390 --> 00:13:20,630
If you're feeling uneasy,

207
00:13:21,670 --> 00:13:22,870
then go and offer some incense.

208
00:13:24,080 --> 00:13:24,790
I'll go with you.

209
00:13:26,080 --> 00:13:27,480
I can take care of myself.

210
00:13:27,960 --> 00:13:28,840
Don't worry.

211
00:13:29,630 --> 00:13:30,790
If I don't go with you,

212
00:13:32,360 --> 00:13:33,630
I won't be at ease either.

213
00:13:38,720 --> 00:13:41,150
If you are truly so suspicious,

214
00:13:41,320 --> 00:13:42,670
all the arrangements for the trip

215
00:13:43,080 --> 00:13:44,200
can be made by you.

216
00:13:51,150 --> 00:13:52,200
Excellent.

217
00:13:54,140 --> 00:13:59,020
(Shijia Pagoda)

218
00:14:32,550 --> 00:14:33,510
Holy Buddha,

219
00:14:33,776 --> 00:14:36,080
please convey a few words
on my behalf to my husband.

220
00:14:36,440 --> 00:14:37,270
Winter has come.

221
00:14:38,200 --> 00:14:41,200
The persimmon tree we planted
has borne fruit.

222
00:14:41,750 --> 00:14:43,240
Zhen Zhu, Mo Yu, and I

223
00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,150
dried the persimmons into cakes.

224
00:14:45,510 --> 00:14:46,670
They are very sweet.

225
00:14:48,270 --> 00:14:50,480
I brought some for you to try.

226
00:14:52,080 --> 00:14:54,440
The leaves
of the ginkgo tree have fallen.

227
00:14:55,670 --> 00:14:57,320
I found the best leaves

228
00:14:58,080 --> 00:14:59,750
and made a new pillow for you.

229
00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:03,550
Also, your favorite Wuyang tea.

230
00:15:04,240 --> 00:15:05,550
I brewed it in advance.

231
00:15:05,960 --> 00:15:08,870
Its fragrance still lingers.

232
00:15:10,840 --> 00:15:11,840
Your affection

233
00:15:13,240 --> 00:15:14,510
will surely reach Huayong.

234
00:15:16,960 --> 00:15:18,240
I once came here

235
00:15:20,320 --> 00:15:21,870
and prayed countless times

236
00:15:23,000 --> 00:15:24,840
to see my wife again

237
00:15:25,600 --> 00:15:26,840
and to be reunited with her.

238
00:15:28,790 --> 00:15:30,000
The Buddha here

239
00:15:31,510 --> 00:15:32,910
really answers prayers.

240
00:15:42,704 --> 00:15:44,080
Your hands are red from the cold.

241
00:15:46,550 --> 00:15:48,120
Your Highness, you needn't worry.

242
00:15:57,750 --> 00:15:59,390
From now on, whatever you do,

243
00:16:01,320 --> 00:16:02,960
I can go along with your wishes.

244
00:16:05,550 --> 00:16:06,670
But there is one thing

245
00:16:09,240 --> 00:16:10,480
you cannot refuse me.

246
00:16:11,120 --> 00:16:12,240
Do you really think

247
00:16:12,624 --> 00:16:14,360
that threats will get you what you want?

248
00:16:19,030 --> 00:16:20,440
I will ask the Buddha

249
00:16:22,150 --> 00:16:23,720
to bless our family of three.

250
00:16:25,080 --> 00:16:26,120
Your child

251
00:16:26,750 --> 00:16:28,030
is my child.

252
00:16:31,030 --> 00:16:32,320
I will treat the child as my own.

253
00:16:35,240 --> 00:16:37,870
For you to say such things
in this holy Buddhist place,

254
00:16:38,550 --> 00:16:40,870
how can the Buddha possibly bless you?

255
00:16:42,630 --> 00:16:43,630
Without you,

256
00:16:46,240 --> 00:16:47,840
I am the one forsaken by the gods

257
00:16:48,032 --> 00:16:49,550
and my future is bleak and uncertain.

258
00:17:30,960 --> 00:17:32,000
Your Highness,

259
00:17:32,350 --> 00:17:33,590
are you all right?

260
00:17:34,590 --> 00:17:35,350
I'm fine.

261
00:17:36,160 --> 00:17:38,750
Youyou and Luming,

262
00:17:38,880 --> 00:17:41,680
you are perfectly matched.

263
00:18:02,350 --> 00:18:03,590
Although this is a risky gambit,

264
00:18:04,750 --> 00:18:06,030
you believe I can win.

265
00:18:07,960 --> 00:18:08,550
Right?

266
00:18:19,640 --> 00:18:20,550
Today,

267
00:18:20,704 --> 00:18:23,024
I have invited all of you, my ministers,
to my residence

268
00:18:23,680 --> 00:18:24,880
to announce

269
00:18:25,400 --> 00:18:27,480
my marriage to the daughter
of the Duke of Wei.

270
00:18:29,872 --> 00:18:30,992
The wedding invitations

271
00:18:31,040 --> 00:18:33,510
will be delivered to your residences
in the coming days.

272
00:18:33,750 --> 00:18:34,920
Your Highness,

273
00:18:38,030 --> 00:18:39,510
allow us to say something.

274
00:18:40,550 --> 00:18:42,440
The Crown Prince died
while saving His Majesty.

275
00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:45,790
But the Duke of Wei's daughter
is still the Crown Princess.

276
00:18:46,030 --> 00:18:47,480
And she is with child.

277
00:18:47,750 --> 00:18:49,200
For you to marry her

278
00:18:49,400 --> 00:18:51,750
goes against the rites
and ethics of our dynasty.

279
00:19:00,400 --> 00:19:01,830
Your Highness, what are you doing?

280
00:19:02,208 --> 00:19:04,830
For so many years, we have risked
our lives for the Rong family.

281
00:19:05,240 --> 00:19:06,510
Do you

282
00:19:07,000 --> 00:19:08,640
resort to killing us?

283
00:19:16,512 --> 00:19:18,830
The eldest son of Minister Ren
of the Ministry of Personnel

284
00:19:18,864 --> 00:19:21,190
colluded with salt smugglers
from the two river regions.

285
00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:22,550
Using twelve official ships,

286
00:19:22,680 --> 00:19:24,480
he smuggled 30,000 jin of illicit salt.

287
00:19:24,830 --> 00:19:27,720
In our dynasty, salt and iron are
managed by Salt Administration.

288
00:19:27,880 --> 00:19:30,680
Illegally opening salt wells
and smuggling salt

289
00:19:31,088 --> 00:19:33,344
are punishable by execution
according to the law.

290
00:19:33,920 --> 00:19:36,200
The nephew of Minister Liang
of the Ministry of Revenue,

291
00:19:36,200 --> 00:19:38,240
under the pretext
of surveying farmlands,

292
00:19:38,240 --> 00:19:40,920
forcibly seized over 700 qing
of fertile land in Heyang County.

293
00:19:40,920 --> 00:19:42,848
The commoners Lv Zheng,
Dong Qi, and Miao Anping

294
00:19:42,864 --> 00:19:45,000
jointly filed a complaint
at the prefectural office,

295
00:19:45,088 --> 00:19:47,350
but were intercepted
and beaten to death with clubs.

296
00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:49,270
Minister Chen of the Palace Secretariat,

297
00:19:49,270 --> 00:19:50,740
who is in charge of the palace guards,

298
00:19:50,750 --> 00:19:53,030
has been privately selling positions
in the Imperial Guard.

299
00:19:53,056 --> 00:19:55,000
He has already accepted 25 kg of gold.

300
00:19:55,510 --> 00:19:56,590
My dear ministers,

301
00:19:57,264 --> 00:19:59,472
you've all followed the Rong family
for years,

302
00:19:59,830 --> 00:20:00,750
and are also

303
00:20:00,830 --> 00:20:02,200
people of honor and propriety.

304
00:20:02,680 --> 00:20:03,750
If you have any advice,

305
00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:05,880
I am always open to it.

306
00:20:06,480 --> 00:20:07,270
However,

307
00:20:08,830 --> 00:20:10,440
if anyone has,

308
00:20:11,880 --> 00:20:13,920
regarding my marriage
to the Duke of Wei's daughter,

309
00:20:15,240 --> 00:20:16,550
any further objections,

310
00:20:19,920 --> 00:20:22,110
I will make sure they die
without a grave.

311
00:20:36,030 --> 00:20:36,790
Qingqing,

312
00:20:38,592 --> 00:20:40,590
this is the betrothal gift
I prepared for you.

313
00:20:41,776 --> 00:20:43,880
It's exactly the same
as the one from back then.

314
00:20:45,720 --> 00:20:46,960
Your Highness,

315
00:20:47,680 --> 00:20:50,000
how long will you
keep deceiving yourself?

316
00:20:58,640 --> 00:20:59,920
I've been thinking

317
00:21:01,310 --> 00:21:02,920
about what exactly I need to do

318
00:21:05,350 --> 00:21:07,200
for us to be together again.

319
00:21:09,640 --> 00:21:10,400
So,

320
00:21:11,440 --> 00:21:12,680
I'm using our

321
00:21:12,830 --> 00:21:14,070
original way

322
00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:16,200
to marry you once more.

323
00:21:22,550 --> 00:21:23,550
Your Highness,

324
00:21:23,720 --> 00:21:25,984
His Majesty summons the Crown Princess
to the palace.

325
00:21:51,110 --> 00:21:51,790
Your Majesty,

326
00:21:51,936 --> 00:21:53,520
the Crown Princess has arrived.

327
00:21:54,030 --> 00:21:55,070
Send her in.

328
00:22:05,790 --> 00:22:06,960
Greetings, Your Majesty.

329
00:22:08,000 --> 00:22:09,920
Come closer.

330
00:22:10,656 --> 00:22:11,664
Yes, Your Majesty.

331
00:22:25,072 --> 00:22:27,216
Father, you have been ill
for a long time.

332
00:22:27,590 --> 00:22:29,000
You should be resting well.

333
00:22:30,200 --> 00:22:31,790
I wonder what is the matter today

334
00:22:32,030 --> 00:22:33,270
that you summoned me.

335
00:22:36,000 --> 00:22:37,000
I know

336
00:22:38,000 --> 00:22:40,920
my own body better than anyone.

337
00:22:42,750 --> 00:22:44,880
It is beyond cure.

338
00:22:46,070 --> 00:22:47,240
It's just

339
00:22:47,920 --> 00:22:49,590
that I still have one

340
00:22:50,200 --> 00:22:52,350
unfulfilled wish.

341
00:22:55,480 --> 00:22:57,000
It's Huayong.

342
00:22:58,110 --> 00:22:59,830
When he was dying,

343
00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:02,350
the only thing he begged of me

344
00:23:03,000 --> 00:23:07,750
was to bestow a name
upon the child in your womb.

345
00:23:10,030 --> 00:23:11,400
I know

346
00:23:12,110 --> 00:23:14,880
the only thing
Huayong couldn't let go of

347
00:23:15,510 --> 00:23:17,880
was you and your child.

348
00:23:18,830 --> 00:23:20,790
His greatest wish

349
00:23:21,240 --> 00:23:25,160
was for you both to be safe and sound.

350
00:23:28,110 --> 00:23:28,790
Your Majesty.

351
00:23:28,880 --> 00:23:30,340
Hurry, summon the imperial physician!

352
00:23:30,350 --> 00:23:31,510
There's no need.

353
00:23:33,200 --> 00:23:34,400
There's no need.

354
00:23:35,880 --> 00:23:37,240
Huayong.

355
00:23:38,590 --> 00:23:40,310
My Huayong

356
00:23:43,160 --> 00:23:45,590
is the Daxing Dynasty's

357
00:23:47,200 --> 00:23:49,680
legitimate bloodline,

358
00:23:52,310 --> 00:23:54,110
the Crown Prince of the East Palace.

359
00:24:00,480 --> 00:24:01,440
Xihe,

360
00:24:02,830 --> 00:24:04,640
the child in your womb

361
00:24:05,550 --> 00:24:08,070
is his only bloodline,

362
00:24:09,030 --> 00:24:11,790
and my own imperial grandson.

363
00:24:13,310 --> 00:24:14,790
I summoned you today

364
00:24:15,750 --> 00:24:16,510
because I

365
00:24:17,750 --> 00:24:19,030
just want

366
00:24:19,750 --> 00:24:21,510
to fulfill his wish

367
00:24:22,680 --> 00:24:25,510
and issue an edict
to name my imperial grandson.

368
00:24:26,160 --> 00:24:27,880
The child in your womb,

369
00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:30,070
I bestow the name

370
00:24:31,720 --> 00:24:32,920
Junshu.

371
00:24:35,904 --> 00:24:37,400
I've also thought of a formal name.

372
00:24:38,920 --> 00:24:39,790
Xiao Junshu.

373
00:24:40,270 --> 00:24:41,960
The name Junshu

374
00:24:41,960 --> 00:24:43,480
implies one who governs the state.

375
00:24:44,110 --> 00:24:45,480
That carries too much weight.

376
00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:47,070
Will Father agree to it?

377
00:24:47,160 --> 00:24:47,830
Trust me,

378
00:24:48,680 --> 00:24:49,590
he will agree.

379
00:25:03,740 --> 00:25:07,020
(Imperial Edict)

380
00:25:12,030 --> 00:25:13,240
Pass on the decree.

381
00:25:14,160 --> 00:25:15,880
Order the Directorate of Astronomy

382
00:25:18,110 --> 00:25:20,240
to choose an auspicious day.

383
00:25:21,110 --> 00:25:25,550
The Minister of Rites,
assisted by the Chief Minister

384
00:25:26,310 --> 00:25:30,960
will preside over the grand ceremony
to invest the Imperial Grandson.

385
00:25:32,400 --> 00:25:34,510
- I receive the decree.
- I receive the decree.

386
00:25:37,296 --> 00:25:39,216
Thank you for your profound grace,
Your Majesty.

387
00:25:46,860 --> 00:25:49,104
(Special Edict: The child born to
Crown Princess, regardless of gender,)

388
00:25:49,104 --> 00:25:51,660
(is named Junshu and established as
Imperial Grandson to succeed the throne.)

389
00:26:40,310 --> 00:26:41,960
I heard His Majesty issued an edict.

390
00:26:42,240 --> 00:26:43,440
Where is the edict?

391
00:26:46,000 --> 00:26:47,160
Noble Consort Rong,

392
00:26:47,310 --> 00:26:49,350
His Majesty has issued
an imperial decree

393
00:26:49,350 --> 00:26:52,510
bestowing the name Junshu upon
the unborn child of the Crown Princess.

394
00:26:52,750 --> 00:26:54,000
If a boy is born,

395
00:26:54,010 --> 00:26:56,430
he shall be invested as the
Imperial Grandson and primary heir

396
00:26:56,440 --> 00:26:57,720
to succeed the throne.

397
00:26:58,310 --> 00:27:01,000
The edict is with Her Highness,
the Crown Princess...

398
00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:01,510
Insolent!

399
00:27:04,830 --> 00:27:05,960
I am here.

400
00:27:06,310 --> 00:27:07,720
How dare you speak out of turn?

401
00:27:08,240 --> 00:27:10,000
The imperial edict
has not yet been read.

402
00:27:10,270 --> 00:27:11,680
I have not seen it myself.

403
00:27:12,672 --> 00:27:13,960
How can it be considered valid?

404
00:27:14,672 --> 00:27:16,000
Calm yourself, Your Highness.

405
00:27:16,550 --> 00:27:19,000
The Minister of Rites,
the Directorate of Astronomy

406
00:27:19,100 --> 00:27:21,350
and the ministers
of the Court of Imperial Clan Affairs

407
00:27:21,350 --> 00:27:23,184
were all personally appointed
by His Majesty.

408
00:27:23,240 --> 00:27:26,200
They are the regents meant
to assist the Imperial Grandson.

409
00:27:27,640 --> 00:27:29,640
As for the edict
His Majesty issued today,

410
00:27:29,640 --> 00:27:31,200
we can all bear witness to it.

411
00:27:31,520 --> 00:27:33,680
- We can all bear witness.
- We can all bear witness.

412
00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:34,960
Guards!

413
00:27:35,070 --> 00:27:35,640
- Yes!
- Yes!

414
00:27:37,440 --> 00:27:39,400
Escort these officials out.

415
00:27:39,830 --> 00:27:41,920
Keep them with the other ministers.

416
00:27:42,240 --> 00:27:42,790
- Yes.
- Yes.

417
00:27:46,440 --> 00:27:46,960
Go.

418
00:27:47,590 --> 00:27:48,070
Go.

419
00:27:53,776 --> 00:27:56,080
Noble Consort Rong,
are you trying to stage a coup?

420
00:28:01,400 --> 00:28:03,440
His Majesty's health
was already improving.

421
00:28:04,830 --> 00:28:05,960
Shen Xihe.

422
00:28:07,400 --> 00:28:09,640
But you held His Majesty hostage

423
00:28:10,350 --> 00:28:11,790
and forged the imperial edict.

424
00:28:13,000 --> 00:28:14,310
Since you have doubts,

425
00:28:14,544 --> 00:28:16,864
you should follow
the ancestral customs all the more.

426
00:28:17,184 --> 00:28:18,880
Wait for all the ministers to assemble

427
00:28:19,310 --> 00:28:21,000
and read the edict publicly.

428
00:28:24,080 --> 00:28:24,830
Your Highness,

429
00:28:25,088 --> 00:28:26,510
our men have surrounded the palace.

430
00:28:28,270 --> 00:28:29,830
So you knew all along

431
00:28:30,790 --> 00:28:32,350
that His Majesty summoned me today

432
00:28:32,480 --> 00:28:34,000
to name an heir.

433
00:28:34,400 --> 00:28:35,880
You've been preparing for this.

434
00:28:46,590 --> 00:28:47,960
The Crown Prince has passed away.

435
00:28:48,464 --> 00:28:50,240
The foundation of the state is unstable.

436
00:28:50,550 --> 00:28:51,440
I,

437
00:28:51,440 --> 00:28:52,680
as a Noble Consort,

438
00:28:52,680 --> 00:28:54,720
for the sake of the Daxing Empire,

439
00:28:54,830 --> 00:28:56,784
must naturally be thorough
in my considerations.

440
00:28:57,550 --> 00:28:59,000
The position of Crown Prince

441
00:28:59,000 --> 00:29:00,416
is tied to the fate of the nation.

442
00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:01,880
How can it be entrusted

443
00:29:02,160 --> 00:29:05,550
to an unborn child?

444
00:29:16,020 --> 00:29:20,940
(Chenning Hall)

445
00:29:37,660 --> 00:29:44,300
(Taiji Hall)

446
00:29:48,790 --> 00:29:50,920
By order of Prince Xin,

447
00:29:51,240 --> 00:29:53,440
His Majesty is unwell.

448
00:29:53,680 --> 00:29:56,350
All ministers are ordered
to enter the palace

449
00:29:56,510 --> 00:29:59,880
to pray for His Majesty's well-being.

450
00:30:40,400 --> 00:30:41,880
Who sent you?

451
00:30:42,110 --> 00:30:44,270
How dare you draw your blades
on court officials?

452
00:30:59,350 --> 00:31:00,200
Everyone,

453
00:31:01,000 --> 00:31:02,240
remain calm,

454
00:31:02,510 --> 00:31:04,270
and your lives will be spared.

455
00:31:04,830 --> 00:31:05,920
Otherwise,

456
00:31:06,680 --> 00:31:08,200
you will be killed without mercy.

457
00:31:22,640 --> 00:31:23,680
Now,

458
00:31:23,680 --> 00:31:24,950
the key ministers of the court

459
00:31:24,960 --> 00:31:26,960
have all been invited by me
to the side hall.

460
00:31:27,640 --> 00:31:28,680
Shen Xihe,

461
00:31:29,110 --> 00:31:30,400
you've already lost.

462
00:31:31,110 --> 00:31:32,680
If you hand over the edict,

463
00:31:32,750 --> 00:31:34,640
I will grant you a white silk sash

464
00:31:34,640 --> 00:31:35,680
to preserve your dignity.

465
00:31:36,560 --> 00:31:38,240
Your maternal grandfather's Tao family

466
00:31:38,240 --> 00:31:39,550
and the Duke of Wei's manor

467
00:31:40,070 --> 00:31:41,880
may be spared.

468
00:31:42,830 --> 00:31:44,110
Today, I

469
00:31:44,550 --> 00:31:46,070
will announce to the world

470
00:31:46,720 --> 00:31:49,030
that my son, Prince Xin,
is virtuous and talented,

471
00:31:49,350 --> 00:31:50,640
and shall inherit the throne.

472
00:31:50,920 --> 00:31:52,480
You seem certain

473
00:31:52,760 --> 00:31:54,210
that victory is in your grasp.

474
00:31:56,240 --> 00:31:57,680
You are all alone.

475
00:31:57,680 --> 00:31:59,440
What do you have to fight me with?

476
00:32:00,070 --> 00:32:02,070
While I command a great army.

477
00:32:03,350 --> 00:32:04,960
Who wins and who loses,

478
00:32:05,030 --> 00:32:06,750
isn't it obvious at a glance?

479
00:32:13,024 --> 00:32:16,272
- We'll protect Crown Princess to death!
- We'll protect Crown Princess to death!

480
00:32:25,350 --> 00:32:27,400
And here I was wondering
who it could be.

481
00:32:27,640 --> 00:32:29,400
It's just this group

482
00:32:29,830 --> 00:32:32,640
of delicate, beautiful ladies
from the inner palace.

483
00:32:36,750 --> 00:32:37,480
Who dares?

484
00:32:39,310 --> 00:32:41,690
I am the Crown Princess
personally appointed by His Majesty.

485
00:32:42,400 --> 00:32:43,790
My father is the Duke of Wei.

486
00:32:43,888 --> 00:32:45,990
The tens of thousands
of soldiers on northwest border

487
00:32:46,030 --> 00:32:47,840
all take orders
from my father and brothers.

488
00:32:47,850 --> 00:32:49,580
My maternal family,
the Tao family of Wuxing,

489
00:32:49,590 --> 00:32:51,240
is a prominent clan
south of the Yangtze.

490
00:32:51,376 --> 00:32:54,190
Their students and former subordinates
are spread throughout the court.

491
00:32:54,310 --> 00:32:55,712
Before you make a move against me,

492
00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:57,510
have you considered the consequences?

493
00:33:00,480 --> 00:33:01,070
You,

494
00:33:01,880 --> 00:33:02,750
Captain Sun.

495
00:33:03,510 --> 00:33:04,750
Your father, Marshal Sun,

496
00:33:05,160 --> 00:33:07,110
once served under my father's command.

497
00:33:07,120 --> 00:33:08,790
It was my Shen family
who recommended him,

498
00:33:08,800 --> 00:33:10,540
allowing him to reach
his current position.

499
00:33:10,672 --> 00:33:13,104
Are you going to repay our kindness
with enmity?

500
00:33:14,640 --> 00:33:15,350
And you,

501
00:33:16,680 --> 00:33:17,440
Captain Li.

502
00:33:17,790 --> 00:33:19,240
Your esteemed brother, Commander Li,

503
00:33:19,480 --> 00:33:21,640
once served under my brother,
Shen Yun'an.

504
00:33:21,776 --> 00:33:23,424
If not for my brother's strong defense,

505
00:33:23,440 --> 00:33:25,470
he'd have been punished
for dereliction of duty.

506
00:33:25,480 --> 00:33:26,720
Has the Shen family

507
00:33:27,240 --> 00:33:28,750
ever treated you unfairly?

508
00:33:32,510 --> 00:33:33,720
Don't you forget,

509
00:33:34,310 --> 00:33:36,240
I am the Princess of Lanhai.

510
00:33:37,160 --> 00:33:38,550
Under my father, the king,

511
00:33:38,750 --> 00:33:40,720
are hundreds of thousands
of skilled archers.

512
00:33:41,200 --> 00:33:43,110
If I were to meet
an unfortunate end here today,

513
00:33:43,312 --> 00:33:46,000
the alliance between our two nations
would be immediately void.

514
00:33:46,200 --> 00:33:47,680
Once war breaks out on the border,

515
00:33:48,070 --> 00:33:49,030
can you afford

516
00:33:49,480 --> 00:33:50,720
to pay the price?

517
00:33:51,590 --> 00:33:53,550
For her own selfish desires,
Noble Consort Rong

518
00:33:54,000 --> 00:33:55,750
disregards the fate of our nation.

519
00:33:56,510 --> 00:33:57,440
If today,

520
00:33:57,440 --> 00:33:59,200
you heed her slanderous words

521
00:33:59,280 --> 00:34:01,440
and raise your swords
against the women of the palace,

522
00:34:01,510 --> 00:34:02,880
once word gets out,

523
00:34:02,960 --> 00:34:05,690
the northwestern tribes and the
foreign tribes of the southern desert,

524
00:34:05,720 --> 00:34:07,584
upon hearing of this great upheaval
in our court,

525
00:34:07,590 --> 00:34:09,790
will surely reignite the flames of war
on the frontiers.

526
00:34:09,880 --> 00:34:11,424
The cities and homes that those soldiers

527
00:34:11,440 --> 00:34:12,880
traded their blood to protect,

528
00:34:12,920 --> 00:34:15,590
the peaceful days the common people
have so desperately awaited,

529
00:34:15,960 --> 00:34:17,320
will all, because of you,

530
00:34:17,320 --> 00:34:18,400
be for nothing.

531
00:34:20,480 --> 00:34:23,190
The soldiers
who shed their blood alongside you,

532
00:34:23,960 --> 00:34:26,110
and the people you swore
to protect with your lives,

533
00:34:26,190 --> 00:34:27,230
how will they view

534
00:34:27,230 --> 00:34:28,760
your actions today?

535
00:34:28,768 --> 00:34:30,070
And how could you possibly face

536
00:34:30,070 --> 00:34:33,000
your ancestors and fallen comrades
in the afterlife?

537
00:34:34,560 --> 00:34:36,000
What are you standing there for?

538
00:34:37,000 --> 00:34:38,510
Gag them for me!

539
00:34:40,320 --> 00:34:41,710
Your Highness, please forgive us!

540
00:34:41,710 --> 00:34:43,830
- Your Highness, please forgive us!
- Your Highness, please forgive us!

541
00:34:43,840 --> 00:34:45,110
A bunch of useless fools.

542
00:34:46,280 --> 00:34:48,150
Just a few delicate women,

543
00:34:48,280 --> 00:34:49,670
and you're actually afraid of them?

544
00:35:00,320 --> 00:35:02,440
For you to be so calm,

545
00:35:02,768 --> 00:35:04,880
it seems you still have
another move to make.

546
00:35:08,760 --> 00:35:10,190
In less than an hour,

547
00:35:11,030 --> 00:35:12,190
this royal city

548
00:35:13,190 --> 00:35:14,360
will belong to us,

549
00:35:14,800 --> 00:35:15,960
the Rong family.

550
00:35:16,480 --> 00:35:18,150
It seems you'll have to use Xiao Wenxi.

551
00:35:21,400 --> 00:35:22,630
Shen Xihe,

552
00:35:25,000 --> 00:35:26,630
the final victory

553
00:35:27,550 --> 00:35:29,710
doesn't depend on
who has a flawless plan,

554
00:35:34,440 --> 00:35:36,670
but on who can control people's hearts.

555
00:35:37,840 --> 00:35:39,670
Xiao Wenxi remained unmarried for years,

556
00:35:40,360 --> 00:35:41,760
waiting for Xiao Huayong.

557
00:35:41,960 --> 00:35:43,760
She never stopped loving him.

558
00:35:43,760 --> 00:35:44,710
And you?

559
00:35:45,360 --> 00:35:47,110
You made her marry Bu Shulin.

560
00:35:47,400 --> 00:35:49,110
You stole the one she loved most.

561
00:35:49,400 --> 00:35:51,800
And you actually thought
she would be grateful

562
00:35:51,800 --> 00:35:53,150
and become your ally.

563
00:35:55,550 --> 00:35:57,280
But for all your scheming,

564
00:35:57,840 --> 00:35:59,840
you failed to account
for a woman's heart,

565
00:36:00,070 --> 00:36:01,360
which turns love to hate

566
00:36:01,590 --> 00:36:03,230
and is driven mad by jealousy.

567
00:36:08,150 --> 00:36:09,280
The real show

568
00:36:10,110 --> 00:36:11,630
is about to begin.

569
00:36:15,140 --> 00:36:18,900
(Residence of the Heir
of the Marquis of Shunan)

570
00:36:21,648 --> 00:36:23,470
The governor of Yingzhou
is asking for help.

571
00:36:23,480 --> 00:36:25,168
I must lead troops to reinforce them.

572
00:36:25,380 --> 00:36:26,180
(Bu)

573
00:36:26,190 --> 00:36:28,580
It's the Bu family's token
for mobilizing the household troops.

574
00:36:28,590 --> 00:36:30,280
I'm entrusting it to you now.

575
00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:32,280
You must come back alive.

576
00:36:33,760 --> 00:36:34,320
Take care.

577
00:36:40,380 --> 00:36:42,980
(Bu)

578
00:36:45,960 --> 00:36:46,760
The time has come.

579
00:36:46,800 --> 00:36:47,630
Is everything ready?

580
00:36:47,840 --> 00:36:49,230
Everything is ready.

581
00:36:49,400 --> 00:36:52,440
Young Master Bu is already
on his way to Yingzhou.

582
00:36:52,590 --> 00:36:53,880
I have the token.

583
00:36:54,400 --> 00:36:55,440
Are the men all here?

584
00:36:55,520 --> 00:36:57,790
Yes. They're all waiting for orders
outside the residence.

585
00:36:57,800 --> 00:37:00,380
(Cultivate Virtue and Pursue Studies)

586
00:37:00,780 --> 00:37:03,740
(Cultivate Virtue and Pursue Studies)

587
00:37:04,352 --> 00:37:05,880
(Bu)
Bu's Soldiers, hear my command!

588
00:37:06,030 --> 00:37:06,760
- Yes!
- Yes!

589
00:37:07,400 --> 00:37:08,190
Move out!

590
00:37:34,550 --> 00:37:36,000
I'm warning you one last time.

591
00:37:36,880 --> 00:37:38,320
Do not interfere in anything.

592
00:37:39,110 --> 00:37:39,880
Do you really think

593
00:37:40,670 --> 00:37:42,590
I would give the throne to a mere child?

594
00:37:43,070 --> 00:37:44,000
In today's struggle,

595
00:37:44,550 --> 00:37:45,440
I will not back down.

596
00:37:45,550 --> 00:37:46,190
Fine.

597
00:37:46,480 --> 00:37:47,440
Today, except for you,

598
00:37:47,840 --> 00:37:49,030
everyone else will die here.

599
00:37:49,030 --> 00:37:53,550
♪How can you be this wonderful♪

600
00:37:55,551 --> 00:37:58,491
♪I've hidden so many words♪

601
00:37:59,111 --> 00:38:01,911
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

602
00:38:02,781 --> 00:38:09,751
♪So never uncover♪

603
00:38:09,941 --> 00:38:12,301
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

604
00:38:13,431 --> 00:38:16,161
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

605
00:38:17,121 --> 00:38:22,461
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

606
00:38:24,221 --> 00:38:27,041
♪Every answer I gave♪

607
00:38:27,841 --> 00:38:30,691
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

608
00:38:31,481 --> 00:38:34,851
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

609
00:38:35,111 --> 00:38:38,421
♪How hard it truly was?♪

610
00:38:41,391 --> 00:38:44,831
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

611
00:38:45,821 --> 00:38:48,151
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

612
00:38:49,421 --> 00:38:55,181
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

613
00:38:56,591 --> 00:38:59,721
♪It's a shame I never could♪

614
00:39:00,171 --> 00:39:03,181
♪Give you a moon in return♪

615
00:39:03,291 --> 00:39:09,931
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

616
00:39:09,931 --> 00:39:13,601
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

617
00:39:14,471 --> 00:39:17,231
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

618
00:39:17,671 --> 00:39:20,801
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

619
00:39:21,241 --> 00:39:27,191
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

620
00:39:28,591 --> 00:39:32,141
♪You'll never♪

621
00:39:32,421 --> 00:39:41,891
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪

622
00:40:08,061 --> 00:40:11,541
(No animals were harmed
in the making of this film)