1
00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:32,700
=The Road to Splendor=

2
00:01:32,700 --> 00:01:34,760
(Adapted from China Literature author
Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

3
00:01:35,200 --> 00:01:37,286
=Episode 12=

4
00:01:38,540 --> 00:01:39,499
Could it be

5
00:01:39,980 --> 00:01:42,299
that Madam intends to make me
a bedchamber maid?

6
00:01:48,540 --> 00:01:49,139
Mozhan,

7
00:01:50,139 --> 00:01:51,139
what are you doing here?

8
00:01:51,699 --> 00:01:52,460
Young Madam.

9
00:01:52,980 --> 00:01:53,620
Oh, right.

10
00:01:53,859 --> 00:01:55,579
Just keep doing what you did before.

11
00:01:55,579 --> 00:01:57,419
Make two orchid-pattern pouches for me.

12
00:01:57,540 --> 00:01:59,020
I'll give them
to the Young Master later.

13
00:01:59,059 --> 00:01:59,740
Understood.

14
00:02:02,020 --> 00:02:04,139
These handkerchiefs
were bought at the market.

15
00:02:04,540 --> 00:02:05,779
Do you recognize the stitching?

16
00:02:06,540 --> 00:02:08,739
These are indeed the handkerchiefs
we embroidered at the academy.

17
00:02:08,940 --> 00:02:09,980
Good gracious,

18
00:02:10,380 --> 00:02:11,940
that wretched instructor Zuo

19
00:02:12,299 --> 00:02:13,660
used teaching as an excuse

20
00:02:13,899 --> 00:02:15,859
to make my sister
work like a seamstress.

21
00:02:16,260 --> 00:02:18,500
Then she sold the finished handkerchiefs
at the market.

22
00:02:18,739 --> 00:02:19,459
Sister,

23
00:02:19,820 --> 00:02:21,459
we made these handkerchiefs.

24
00:02:22,220 --> 00:02:23,820
But the instructor treats us very well.

25
00:02:24,220 --> 00:02:25,660
She would never do such a thing.

26
00:02:26,859 --> 00:02:28,060
Morning lessons are about to start.

27
00:02:28,220 --> 00:02:29,619
If I wait any longer, I'll be late.

28
00:02:30,100 --> 00:02:31,220
What are morning lessons?

29
00:02:31,299 --> 00:02:32,859
Every day, we must stand
in the courtyard

30
00:02:32,980 --> 00:02:34,380
and embroider half a passage
of the Admonitions for Women.

31
00:02:34,780 --> 00:02:36,540
Only then are we allowed inside
to listen to the lecture.

32
00:02:45,540 --> 00:02:47,179
My poor sister is too simple.

33
00:02:47,260 --> 00:02:48,739
She won't listen to anyone.

34
00:02:49,699 --> 00:02:50,419
Don't worry.

35
00:02:50,699 --> 00:02:52,660
I will make sure what Zuo has done

36
00:02:52,940 --> 00:02:53,940
spreads to every household.

37
00:02:54,139 --> 00:02:55,859
She will never dare do this again.

38
00:03:01,340 --> 00:03:03,739
The Fu family's embroidery
is truly exquisite.

39
00:03:03,739 --> 00:03:05,299
Why do these girls

40
00:03:05,780 --> 00:03:08,619
seem to have been bewitched?

41
00:03:13,260 --> 00:03:15,459
Zuo lost the Fu family's support,

42
00:03:15,739 --> 00:03:18,220
yet she still rules unchallenged
in Ganlin Town.

43
00:03:19,060 --> 00:03:20,220
I bet she's got

44
00:03:20,699 --> 00:03:21,980
someone backing her up.

45
00:03:22,430 --> 00:03:24,950
(Admonitions for Women Hall)

46
00:03:40,940 --> 00:03:41,500
Sister?

47
00:03:41,899 --> 00:03:42,579
Get out here.

48
00:03:44,220 --> 00:03:45,299
What is it?

49
00:03:47,419 --> 00:03:48,859
Why are you hitting me again?

50
00:03:48,859 --> 00:03:50,500
Did you sell those handkerchiefs?

51
00:03:52,780 --> 00:03:53,500
No.

52
00:03:54,060 --> 00:03:54,859
I just thought

53
00:03:55,019 --> 00:03:56,220
I'd sell a few of them

54
00:03:56,459 --> 00:03:57,579
to buy myself some wine.

55
00:03:57,660 --> 00:03:59,579
You worthless fool.

56
00:04:00,380 --> 00:04:01,820
You call yourself a scholar?

57
00:04:02,019 --> 00:04:02,980
Don't you know

58
00:04:02,980 --> 00:04:05,299
these are all unmarried young ladies?

59
00:04:05,380 --> 00:04:06,299
If this gets out,

60
00:04:06,340 --> 00:04:08,060
- what happens to them?
- I...

61
00:04:08,060 --> 00:04:10,419
I risked my life
to get you out of prison

62
00:04:10,419 --> 00:04:11,579
and hide you here.

63
00:04:11,780 --> 00:04:13,459
If you still can't get it together,

64
00:04:13,459 --> 00:04:14,419
you'll spend your whole life

65
00:04:15,380 --> 00:04:17,660
as nothing but vermin!

66
00:04:23,660 --> 00:04:25,020
A vermin. That's what I am.

67
00:04:27,700 --> 00:04:28,179
Yes.

68
00:04:28,780 --> 00:04:30,780
A vermin hiding in dark corners,

69
00:04:31,340 --> 00:04:32,859
hiding
in the Admonitions for Women Hall,

70
00:04:33,340 --> 00:04:35,419
under this table.

71
00:04:37,020 --> 00:04:38,220
I can't see the light.

72
00:04:38,619 --> 00:04:39,819
I can't see anyone.

73
00:04:40,619 --> 00:04:42,259
Same people, different fates.

74
00:04:43,540 --> 00:04:44,900
Our fates today

75
00:04:46,259 --> 00:04:47,900
are all because of Fu Tingyun.

76
00:04:48,220 --> 00:04:48,739
If you've got the spine,

77
00:04:48,780 --> 00:04:50,340
go after Fu Tingyun!

78
00:04:50,340 --> 00:04:51,179
If not for her,

79
00:04:51,259 --> 00:04:52,499
would you and I

80
00:04:52,499 --> 00:04:53,939
have ended up like this?

81
00:04:58,700 --> 00:05:00,020
I've made peace with it.

82
00:05:06,220 --> 00:05:07,220
So should you.

83
00:05:13,619 --> 00:05:14,220
Get out.

84
00:05:15,859 --> 00:05:16,460
Get out!

85
00:05:33,379 --> 00:05:34,739
The mountain pass is hard to cross.

86
00:05:36,179 --> 00:05:38,220
Who will pity the one
who has lost his way?

87
00:05:59,379 --> 00:06:00,100
Go.

88
00:06:01,780 --> 00:06:04,100
Bring Concubine Lu to me.

89
00:06:06,299 --> 00:06:08,020
I have my ways

90
00:06:09,540 --> 00:06:11,499
to make Fu Tingyun suffer
the same fate as me

91
00:06:12,700 --> 00:06:14,540
and spend her life
mourning a dead fiance.

92
00:06:38,540 --> 00:06:39,419
Lin.

93
00:06:39,660 --> 00:06:40,619
What does

94
00:06:40,619 --> 00:06:41,700
this bugle call mean?

95
00:06:43,619 --> 00:06:45,059
The enemy is raiding the border again.

96
00:06:45,739 --> 00:06:47,419
Our troops will go out
to drive them off.

97
00:06:48,059 --> 00:06:49,379
That's when the bugle sounds.

98
00:06:50,220 --> 00:06:51,540
Will there be any danger?

99
00:06:51,819 --> 00:06:52,900
Don't worry.

100
00:06:52,900 --> 00:06:54,340
General Mo
is leading the troops himself.

101
00:06:54,340 --> 00:06:55,220
Those barbarians

102
00:06:55,220 --> 00:06:56,819
always make a lot of noise
but do little.

103
00:06:56,900 --> 00:06:58,580
They run at the sight of our banners.

104
00:06:59,780 --> 00:07:00,340
Then

105
00:07:01,739 --> 00:07:03,140
will Mr. Zhao be going too?

106
00:07:03,179 --> 00:07:05,020
All banner commanders and below will go.

107
00:07:07,739 --> 00:07:08,739
But

108
00:07:09,259 --> 00:07:11,299
Banner Commander Zhao,
due to his last absence without leave,

109
00:07:11,299 --> 00:07:12,340
can't go out this time.

110
00:07:13,220 --> 00:07:14,020
It's alright.

111
00:07:14,540 --> 00:07:16,340
There'll be plenty of chances
to earn merit later.

112
00:07:19,379 --> 00:07:21,179
Take less salt if you take more grain.

113
00:07:21,460 --> 00:07:23,419
- Take less grain if you take more salt.
- Mr. Zhao.

114
00:07:23,419 --> 00:07:24,660
Lu Dahu used his position

115
00:07:24,980 --> 00:07:26,020
to withhold grain from us.

116
00:07:26,020 --> 00:07:26,419
Next.

117
00:07:27,299 --> 00:07:29,179
Especially those without battle merits.

118
00:07:29,540 --> 00:07:30,540
Do you deserve salt?

119
00:07:31,259 --> 00:07:32,619
If you have any shame,

120
00:07:32,619 --> 00:07:33,660
take fewer supplies

121
00:07:34,179 --> 00:07:35,819
for the heroes on the battlefield.

122
00:07:37,100 --> 00:07:37,619
Next.

123
00:07:39,859 --> 00:07:40,299
Mr. Zhao.

124
00:07:40,499 --> 00:07:41,220
Mr. Zhao.

125
00:07:42,700 --> 00:07:43,900
We can go without salt

126
00:07:44,140 --> 00:07:45,179
and take more grain

127
00:07:45,379 --> 00:07:46,340
to fill our bellies.

128
00:07:46,780 --> 00:07:47,340
Next.

129
00:07:52,379 --> 00:07:53,140
Commander Lu.

130
00:07:53,700 --> 00:07:54,819
Grain is negotiable.

131
00:07:55,499 --> 00:07:56,939
But at least give us some salt.

132
00:07:57,980 --> 00:07:58,859
We

133
00:07:59,499 --> 00:08:00,619
can go hungry for a few meals.

134
00:08:00,980 --> 00:08:01,939
But with no salt, we have no strength.

135
00:08:01,939 --> 00:08:02,900
How can we train?

136
00:08:06,739 --> 00:08:07,580
- Yucheng.
- Hey.

137
00:08:08,100 --> 00:08:09,980
Buddy, don't fall!

138
00:08:09,980 --> 00:08:10,580
- Biao.
- Buddy!

139
00:08:10,580 --> 00:08:11,419
- You alright?
- What happened?

140
00:08:11,419 --> 00:08:11,780
You okay?

141
00:08:11,780 --> 00:08:12,540
Bear with it.

142
00:08:12,900 --> 00:08:13,819
I'll scrape some soot

143
00:08:13,980 --> 00:08:15,100
from the bottom of a pot

144
00:08:15,140 --> 00:08:16,140
to mix with your rice

145
00:08:16,379 --> 00:08:17,939
so you get some salt.

146
00:08:18,259 --> 00:08:19,179
No matter what,

147
00:08:19,220 --> 00:08:20,980
the training can't be delayed, right?

148
00:08:21,859 --> 00:08:23,059
What do you say, Commander Lu?

149
00:08:24,340 --> 00:08:24,780
Come on.

150
00:08:25,460 --> 00:08:26,299
Commander Lu,

151
00:08:27,819 --> 00:08:28,859
tell me the truth.

152
00:08:29,859 --> 00:08:30,739
Are we

153
00:08:31,259 --> 00:08:32,259
short on salt?

154
00:08:36,379 --> 00:08:36,859
Here.

155
00:08:37,859 --> 00:08:38,820
We have grain.

156
00:08:39,619 --> 00:08:40,580
But salt...

157
00:08:42,100 --> 00:08:43,460
we truly have none.

158
00:08:44,300 --> 00:08:45,539
Unless...

159
00:08:50,060 --> 00:08:50,940
Unless what?

160
00:08:51,899 --> 00:08:52,940
Give me three-tenths

161
00:08:53,139 --> 00:08:53,980
of your pay.

162
00:08:54,580 --> 00:08:55,499
Then I'll give you salt.

163
00:08:56,100 --> 00:08:56,940
Sorry,

164
00:08:58,019 --> 00:08:59,259
but I have a family too.

165
00:09:00,659 --> 00:09:01,700
Three-tenths is too much.

166
00:09:01,899 --> 00:09:03,539
I have so many brothers here today.

167
00:09:04,300 --> 00:09:05,940
I only ask for a handful of salt.

168
00:09:14,340 --> 00:09:15,739
No money? Then get out.

169
00:09:16,100 --> 00:09:17,539
Cut out the nonsense.

170
00:09:29,139 --> 00:09:30,420
How can I eat this?

171
00:09:30,659 --> 00:09:32,060
No taste at all.

172
00:09:33,460 --> 00:09:34,940
What are you mixing in there?

173
00:09:35,259 --> 00:09:36,460
Soot from the pot, Commander Wang.

174
00:09:38,460 --> 00:09:39,460
Salt is scarce.

175
00:09:39,659 --> 00:09:41,539
The men came up with mixing soot
into the rice.

176
00:09:41,619 --> 00:09:42,379
This idea...

177
00:09:43,139 --> 00:09:44,259
It's really hard to swallow.

178
00:09:45,899 --> 00:09:46,940
How can I eat this?

179
00:09:46,940 --> 00:09:48,220
Today's tofu

180
00:09:48,220 --> 00:09:49,139
is really fresh.

181
00:09:49,340 --> 00:09:49,820
Yeah.

182
00:09:58,259 --> 00:09:58,899
I can't eat this.

183
00:10:02,859 --> 00:10:03,460
Add some more soot.

184
00:10:04,779 --> 00:10:05,619
What's going on?

185
00:10:06,100 --> 00:10:07,820
Didn't they say we're short on salt?

186
00:10:17,539 --> 00:10:18,859
Is salt free for you or what?

187
00:10:20,820 --> 00:10:21,379
Commander Wang.

188
00:10:22,100 --> 00:10:23,019
A few of the brothers

189
00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:24,180
came from salt-making families.

190
00:10:24,499 --> 00:10:26,420
They can refine cliff salt
for their own use.

191
00:10:26,940 --> 00:10:27,820
Cliff salt?

192
00:10:29,499 --> 00:10:30,379
For their own use?

193
00:10:36,420 --> 00:10:37,539
If we have enough hands

194
00:10:37,539 --> 00:10:38,499
and enough time,

195
00:10:39,820 --> 00:10:41,460
we can produce enough salt

196
00:10:43,220 --> 00:10:44,340
for around a hundred men.

197
00:10:46,379 --> 00:10:47,539
Then we won't worry about salt.

198
00:10:48,019 --> 00:10:48,700
Really?

199
00:10:51,340 --> 00:10:52,100
Alright.

200
00:10:53,980 --> 00:10:55,779
If you can really deliver on that,

201
00:10:56,420 --> 00:10:58,060
I'll promote you to company commander.

202
00:11:05,499 --> 00:11:06,180
Mr. Zhao.

203
00:11:06,180 --> 00:11:07,499
If you really make it
to company commander,

204
00:11:07,940 --> 00:11:09,739
then we're one step closer
to returning to the capital.

205
00:11:10,340 --> 00:11:10,980
Yeah.

206
00:11:11,659 --> 00:11:13,859
Always with these clever tricks.

207
00:11:14,259 --> 00:11:15,700
I'll be watching

208
00:11:16,420 --> 00:11:18,539
to see if you even live
to take that post.

209
00:11:41,739 --> 00:11:42,739
Chuan, here.

210
00:11:43,539 --> 00:11:44,019
I'm coming.

211
00:11:59,779 --> 00:12:00,379
Mr. Tuo.

212
00:12:00,980 --> 00:12:02,739
That new Banner Commander Zhao

213
00:12:02,859 --> 00:12:04,019
can refine cliff salt.

214
00:12:04,019 --> 00:12:04,980
He'll steal our business
sooner or later.

215
00:12:05,859 --> 00:12:07,619
You've got that skill, huh?

216
00:12:08,019 --> 00:12:09,340
Then we'll take you alive.

217
00:12:09,779 --> 00:12:10,420
Guys,

218
00:12:11,060 --> 00:12:11,980
- get him!
- (Yes!)

219
00:12:11,980 --> 00:12:13,379
Chuan, go warn the folks down the hill.

220
00:12:13,379 --> 00:12:13,899
Got it.

221
00:12:14,139 --> 00:12:14,580
Let's go!

222
00:12:14,580 --> 00:12:15,220
Stop running!

223
00:12:15,220 --> 00:12:16,019
Catch them!

224
00:12:22,859 --> 00:12:23,859
Stop!

225
00:12:24,259 --> 00:12:24,820
Hold it!

226
00:12:24,820 --> 00:12:25,539
Get them!

227
00:12:35,259 --> 00:12:36,060
Help!

228
00:12:37,980 --> 00:12:38,859
Quick, save him!

229
00:12:39,940 --> 00:12:40,779
Commander Lu,

230
00:12:40,820 --> 00:12:41,659
please save him.

231
00:12:41,859 --> 00:12:42,779
A group of bandits

232
00:12:42,940 --> 00:12:44,100
took Mr. Zhao up the mountain.

233
00:12:44,859 --> 00:12:46,340
The bandits came so suddenly.

234
00:12:46,940 --> 00:12:48,859
Who knows how many more are up there?

235
00:12:49,379 --> 00:12:51,580
Rushing in blind is not wise.

236
00:12:52,899 --> 00:12:54,700
Let's wait for Commander Wang
to return to camp.

237
00:13:06,019 --> 00:13:07,859
Does he really think
he'll make it back alive?

238
00:13:09,220 --> 00:13:10,739
But what if he actually escapes?

239
00:13:14,060 --> 00:13:15,619
Missing from camp for seven days

240
00:13:15,739 --> 00:13:16,700
will be reported.

241
00:13:17,980 --> 00:13:19,300
Declared dead after half a month.

242
00:13:19,739 --> 00:13:21,659
If he does come back,

243
00:13:22,940 --> 00:13:24,259
it's too late.

244
00:13:29,220 --> 00:13:29,859
He's back.

245
00:13:31,580 --> 00:13:32,420
What's the news?

246
00:13:32,739 --> 00:13:33,899
Any word on Mr. Zhao?

247
00:13:35,259 --> 00:13:35,940
No.

248
00:13:36,580 --> 00:13:37,379
Don't worry, Miss Xie.

249
00:13:37,820 --> 00:13:38,539
Mr. Zhao

250
00:13:38,539 --> 00:13:39,499
is favored by fate.

251
00:13:39,739 --> 00:13:40,539
He'll be fine.

252
00:13:46,859 --> 00:13:47,580
Feed the horse.

253
00:13:48,180 --> 00:13:48,739
Sure thing.

254
00:13:50,899 --> 00:13:51,580
Cheers.

255
00:13:51,580 --> 00:13:52,300
Drink up!

256
00:13:55,659 --> 00:13:56,659
Fill the cup!

257
00:13:57,180 --> 00:13:58,539
Alright.

258
00:14:02,220 --> 00:14:03,100
These men's arrival

259
00:14:04,100 --> 00:14:05,259
is suspicious.

260
00:14:06,619 --> 00:14:07,899
They don't seem like bandits.

261
00:14:08,340 --> 00:14:09,220
Come, lend a hand.

262
00:14:09,340 --> 00:14:10,180
Come on.

263
00:14:10,739 --> 00:14:11,820
They seem more like

264
00:14:11,820 --> 00:14:12,859
salt smugglers.

265
00:14:13,340 --> 00:14:14,060
Unload the cart.

266
00:14:14,460 --> 00:14:15,019
Got it.

267
00:14:17,220 --> 00:14:19,100
How would salt smugglers get warhorses?

268
00:14:20,539 --> 00:14:22,259
Wu, come here.

269
00:14:22,259 --> 00:14:22,700
Coming.

270
00:14:22,700 --> 00:14:23,460
Bottoms up.

271
00:14:24,820 --> 00:14:25,619
Keep a close watch.

272
00:14:28,580 --> 00:14:29,460
Are you hurt?

273
00:14:30,100 --> 00:14:30,739
I'm fine.

274
00:14:31,859 --> 00:14:33,060
Let's stand up first.

275
00:14:33,739 --> 00:14:35,779
We can plan once we get these ropes off.

276
00:14:51,300 --> 00:14:52,580
Why are you standing here?

277
00:14:56,259 --> 00:14:57,859
You two are out of luck.

278
00:14:57,859 --> 00:14:58,820
You ran into us.

279
00:14:59,100 --> 00:15:00,460
My brothers haven't had meat

280
00:15:00,460 --> 00:15:01,539
in weeks.

281
00:15:02,300 --> 00:15:03,139
How can we drink

282
00:15:04,580 --> 00:15:05,580
without meat?

283
00:15:07,899 --> 00:15:08,820
Kill you two,

284
00:15:09,739 --> 00:15:10,779
then we'll have our meat.

285
00:15:11,460 --> 00:15:12,460
But without salt, how will that work?

286
00:15:15,139 --> 00:15:16,180
You are professional.

287
00:15:17,340 --> 00:15:17,739
Come.

288
00:15:18,100 --> 00:15:18,619
Tell me.

289
00:15:18,940 --> 00:15:19,659
What is the situation?

290
00:15:24,539 --> 00:15:25,899
Before I joined the army,

291
00:15:27,060 --> 00:15:28,619
I used to be a salt smuggler too.

292
00:15:29,499 --> 00:15:30,340
Just like you.

293
00:15:31,700 --> 00:15:32,700
Me too.

294
00:15:33,060 --> 00:15:34,619
You two really have some skill.

295
00:15:36,259 --> 00:15:38,460
We're looking to bring
more men into our ranks.

296
00:15:39,460 --> 00:15:40,940
Looks like fate has brought us together.

297
00:15:41,980 --> 00:15:43,060
Why not join us?

298
00:15:46,220 --> 00:15:47,180
But between the two of you,

299
00:15:47,539 --> 00:15:48,659
I can only keep one.

300
00:15:49,899 --> 00:15:50,739
Whoever survives

301
00:15:51,980 --> 00:15:52,700
gets to stay.

302
00:16:00,859 --> 00:16:01,859
Here are the weapons.

303
00:16:02,139 --> 00:16:03,259
Take your pick.

304
00:16:04,060 --> 00:16:06,220
A petty official like that
means nothing.

305
00:16:07,300 --> 00:16:08,180
As I said,

306
00:16:08,659 --> 00:16:09,220
today,

307
00:16:09,739 --> 00:16:11,220
whoever walks out of here alive

308
00:16:11,859 --> 00:16:13,300
will be second-in-command

309
00:16:13,300 --> 00:16:14,379
here.

310
00:16:14,820 --> 00:16:15,739
Silvers, women,

311
00:16:16,100 --> 00:16:17,060
meats and wine.

312
00:16:17,499 --> 00:16:18,180
Whatever you want,

313
00:16:18,619 --> 00:16:19,659
I'll give it to you.

314
00:16:20,180 --> 00:16:26,019
Good!

315
00:16:32,499 --> 00:16:33,220
I'll take this one.

316
00:16:33,940 --> 00:16:35,619
Mr. Zhao, forgive me.

317
00:16:49,019 --> 00:16:50,139
Very well.

318
00:16:50,619 --> 00:16:51,940
Since you didn't treat me
like a brother,

319
00:16:53,580 --> 00:16:55,379
then I don't need
to be polite with you either.

320
00:17:00,619 --> 00:17:03,420
Excellent!

321
00:17:03,739 --> 00:17:04,460
He's got some strength.

322
00:17:04,499 --> 00:17:05,900
Kill him!

323
00:17:06,620 --> 00:17:07,140
Good!

324
00:17:09,180 --> 00:17:09,819
Good!

325
00:17:10,900 --> 00:17:11,380
Go get him!

326
00:17:12,220 --> 00:17:12,700
Good!

327
00:17:13,539 --> 00:17:14,099
Go!

328
00:17:14,620 --> 00:17:15,380
Fighting like dogs.

329
00:17:15,380 --> 00:17:16,019
How satisfying!

330
00:17:16,579 --> 00:17:17,900
Mr. Tuo, you really know
how to have fun.

331
00:17:20,105 --> 00:17:25,832
♪The wind sweeps the yellow sands
as a long song rises♪

332
00:17:26,138 --> 00:17:30,339
♪A lone rider heads
for the distant frontier♪

333
00:17:32,212 --> 00:17:37,712
♪The road stretches on,
swallowed by wind and sand♪

334
00:17:39,059 --> 00:17:41,099
Excellent!

335
00:17:41,099 --> 00:17:43,099
Kill him!

336
00:17:43,099 --> 00:17:47,840
Good!

337
00:17:47,840 --> 00:17:53,460
♪Let the yellow sands bury the bones
of who I was♪

338
00:17:53,460 --> 00:17:59,040
♪Still, my resolve has never wavered♪

339
00:17:59,859 --> 00:18:03,859
♪I lift a cup of humble wine
to the passing breeze♪

340
00:18:03,900 --> 00:18:04,940
There's a fire!

341
00:18:05,299 --> 00:18:05,940
Yucheng!

342
00:18:07,860 --> 00:18:09,579
Quick, stop them!

343
00:18:15,499 --> 00:18:16,339
Miss Xie.

344
00:18:16,660 --> 00:18:17,940
- Miss Xie.
- Come on, Miss Xie!

345
00:18:17,940 --> 00:18:19,700
I brought
your favorite sesame flatbread.

346
00:18:20,579 --> 00:18:21,900
Freshly dried sweet apricots.

347
00:18:21,900 --> 00:18:22,420
Try some.

348
00:18:24,779 --> 00:18:26,339
Why are your eyes red?

349
00:18:27,819 --> 00:18:29,980
Must be worrying about
Banner Commander Zhao.

350
00:18:29,980 --> 00:18:30,620
Miss Xie.

351
00:18:31,420 --> 00:18:32,099
Miss Xie.

352
00:18:33,860 --> 00:18:34,940
Lord Li

353
00:18:35,339 --> 00:18:36,499
has come to our house.

354
00:18:51,180 --> 00:18:53,819
Banner Commander Zhao has been held
by bandits for seven days.

355
00:18:54,180 --> 00:18:55,259
No ransom request,

356
00:18:55,499 --> 00:18:56,739
or a word at all.

357
00:18:57,140 --> 00:18:58,059
By custom,

358
00:18:59,019 --> 00:19:00,420
he is to be declared dead in the line
of duty.

359
00:19:05,140 --> 00:19:05,539
Let's leave.

360
00:19:05,539 --> 00:19:06,900
You have no body,

361
00:19:07,779 --> 00:19:08,819
no certificate

362
00:19:08,980 --> 00:19:10,539
from the authorities
confirming his death.

363
00:19:11,660 --> 00:19:12,739
And Zhao Ling

364
00:19:12,739 --> 00:19:13,980
hasn't even been missing
for half a month.

365
00:19:14,980 --> 00:19:16,339
How can you be so sure

366
00:19:16,499 --> 00:19:17,539
that Zhao Ling is dead?

367
00:19:17,860 --> 00:19:19,019
This is settled.

368
00:19:19,380 --> 00:19:20,499
No more argument.

369
00:19:21,099 --> 00:19:22,860
The Admonitions for Women Hall
has prepared

370
00:19:22,860 --> 00:19:24,220
(Admonitions for Women)
a fine quarter for you.

371
00:19:24,700 --> 00:19:25,499
Ms. Zuo

372
00:19:26,099 --> 00:19:27,819
will guide you properly.

373
00:19:27,819 --> 00:19:28,339
No way.

374
00:19:29,299 --> 00:19:30,739
You want to use our young lady

375
00:19:31,180 --> 00:19:32,339
to earn a chastity memorial arch

376
00:19:32,620 --> 00:19:33,779
and report it to the capital

377
00:19:33,779 --> 00:19:34,980
for your own merit.

378
00:19:38,819 --> 00:19:39,900
Today, you decide

379
00:19:40,019 --> 00:19:41,420
whether Zhao Ling lives or dies.

380
00:19:42,180 --> 00:19:42,860
Some day,

381
00:19:43,380 --> 00:19:45,380
when someone decides your future,

382
00:19:46,220 --> 00:19:47,180
I hope you

383
00:19:47,620 --> 00:19:48,860
will be just as decisive.

384
00:19:56,140 --> 00:19:57,059
What do we do now?

385
00:19:57,059 --> 00:19:57,700
Don't panic.

386
00:19:57,940 --> 00:19:59,380
I've gone to beg Madam Wang
to intervene.

387
00:19:59,819 --> 00:20:00,499
Maybe

388
00:20:00,860 --> 00:20:02,140
there's still room to turn this around.

389
00:20:12,019 --> 00:20:13,059
Ninth Young Lady.

390
00:20:13,660 --> 00:20:14,900
Does this room

391
00:20:14,900 --> 00:20:16,299
look familiar to you?

392
00:20:18,420 --> 00:20:20,499
Doesn't it remind you
of the Fu family in Huaying?

393
00:20:27,140 --> 00:20:28,019
Go ahead. Touch it.

394
00:20:28,579 --> 00:20:30,059
Feel the grain of these bricks.

395
00:20:31,339 --> 00:20:33,180
The innermost room of the west wing.

396
00:20:33,980 --> 00:20:35,299
Laid crosswise and lengthwise,

397
00:20:35,940 --> 00:20:37,380
one hundred and eight bricks in total.

398
00:20:38,900 --> 00:20:40,739
On those sleepless nights,

399
00:20:41,299 --> 00:20:42,900
I used to count them over and over.

400
00:20:45,779 --> 00:20:47,180
Now these bricks

401
00:20:48,499 --> 00:20:50,380
will require you, Ninth Young Lady,

402
00:20:50,779 --> 00:20:52,140
to count them yourself.

403
00:20:55,900 --> 00:20:57,660
When the nights were hard to bear,

404
00:20:59,739 --> 00:21:01,779
I would take this copper coin

405
00:21:02,579 --> 00:21:03,900
and rub it against the brick

406
00:21:05,140 --> 00:21:06,980
over

407
00:21:07,380 --> 00:21:08,980
and over.

408
00:21:11,299 --> 00:21:11,940
Take a guess.

409
00:21:12,940 --> 00:21:14,099
How long does it take

410
00:21:17,019 --> 00:21:18,700
to wear one down smooth?

411
00:21:25,819 --> 00:21:26,380
Let me go.

412
00:21:27,259 --> 00:21:27,900
Let me go!

413
00:21:29,220 --> 00:21:29,940
Release me!

414
00:21:37,339 --> 00:21:38,620
On the first day of every month,

415
00:21:39,140 --> 00:21:41,499
I must drink a bowl of Chastity Tonic.

416
00:21:42,940 --> 00:21:44,940
Do you know what the Chastity Tonic is?

417
00:21:45,779 --> 00:21:47,700
It's a decoction brewed

418
00:21:48,059 --> 00:21:49,019
from gelsemium elegans,

419
00:21:49,299 --> 00:21:51,739
musk, and arsenic.

420
00:21:52,539 --> 00:21:53,539
Drink it,

421
00:21:54,299 --> 00:21:56,539
and your skin will decay,

422
00:21:57,299 --> 00:21:59,059
your hair will turn white,

423
00:22:00,180 --> 00:22:01,860
and you'll never bear children.

424
00:22:02,980 --> 00:22:04,620
This soup

425
00:22:05,099 --> 00:22:06,499
is bitter.

426
00:22:07,220 --> 00:22:08,579
But what's bitterest

427
00:22:09,700 --> 00:22:11,499
is the chipped rim of the bowl.

428
00:22:13,059 --> 00:22:16,099
Over time, it wears your lips raw.

429
00:22:17,539 --> 00:22:18,940
Ten years

430
00:22:18,940 --> 00:22:22,180
are enough to forge a mouth
no longer knows how to cry out in pain.

431
00:22:25,819 --> 00:22:26,900
I've endured

432
00:22:28,739 --> 00:22:30,220
all this suffering.

433
00:22:33,140 --> 00:22:34,059
Now,

434
00:22:34,779 --> 00:22:36,860
it's finally your turn.

435
00:22:37,620 --> 00:22:38,660
Drink it.

436
00:22:39,140 --> 00:22:40,259
Drink it now!

437
00:22:41,259 --> 00:22:41,900
Drink!

438
00:22:45,700 --> 00:22:46,700
The Fu family

439
00:22:46,700 --> 00:22:48,819
left me a widow for ten years.

440
00:22:49,779 --> 00:22:51,860
You should suffer as I did.

441
00:22:52,299 --> 00:22:54,460
Feel what I endured for ten years.

442
00:22:56,460 --> 00:22:57,380
You're mad.

443
00:22:58,819 --> 00:23:00,420
I was getting better.

444
00:23:02,660 --> 00:23:04,620
I had someone by my side at night.

445
00:23:05,739 --> 00:23:06,819
But then you came.

446
00:23:07,579 --> 00:23:08,779
And it all came back,

447
00:23:08,779 --> 00:23:11,579
those ten years I lived like a beast.

448
00:23:15,860 --> 00:23:18,660
We could have stayed
out of each other's way.

449
00:23:22,539 --> 00:23:25,220
Why must you keep coming after me?

450
00:23:27,380 --> 00:23:29,140
Why did you have to come to Ganlin?

451
00:23:31,660 --> 00:23:32,579
How about

452
00:23:33,980 --> 00:23:35,460
you live this life

453
00:23:39,860 --> 00:23:41,739
for me instead?

454
00:24:19,019 --> 00:24:19,900
I'm sorry I'm late.

455
00:24:24,220 --> 00:24:25,180
I knew it.

456
00:24:27,819 --> 00:24:29,579
I knew you wouldn't die.

457
00:24:34,940 --> 00:24:36,779
What's the point
of all that bluster now?

458
00:24:40,019 --> 00:24:40,980
Zhao Ling.

459
00:24:41,980 --> 00:24:43,860
Don't think that a little skill alone

460
00:24:43,980 --> 00:24:45,779
can take you straight to the top.

461
00:24:46,499 --> 00:24:47,460
The world

462
00:24:48,579 --> 00:24:50,620
isn't as simple as you think.

463
00:24:51,380 --> 00:24:52,620
I'm telling you,

464
00:24:52,779 --> 00:24:54,940
your career ends right here.

465
00:24:55,140 --> 00:24:55,860
From now on,

466
00:24:56,739 --> 00:24:58,380
you won't go any further.

467
00:25:17,940 --> 00:25:18,539
Let's go home.

468
00:25:26,900 --> 00:25:27,539
What?

469
00:25:29,660 --> 00:25:30,660
There are women inside.

470
00:25:33,391 --> 00:25:35,691
(Admonitions for Women Hall)

471
00:25:35,739 --> 00:25:36,620
Mr. Zhao.

472
00:25:37,460 --> 00:25:38,779
We can't just let this go.

473
00:25:39,539 --> 00:25:40,259
Let's go back.

474
00:25:42,860 --> 00:25:44,140
Are you just letting that viper off?

475
00:25:46,180 --> 00:25:46,700
Of course not.

476
00:25:48,860 --> 00:25:50,380
(Admonitions for Women Hall)
We'll settle the score, one by one.

477
00:25:52,980 --> 00:25:54,059
If I don't avenge this,

478
00:25:56,700 --> 00:25:58,140
how could I ever marry her?

479
00:26:35,099 --> 00:26:36,059
I'm fine.

480
00:26:38,980 --> 00:26:40,819
I'm just glad you came back safely.

481
00:26:43,739 --> 00:26:45,460
It's not being a widow that I fear.

482
00:26:51,620 --> 00:26:53,380
What I fear

483
00:26:58,700 --> 00:27:00,059
is a world without you in it.

484
00:27:28,310 --> 00:27:32,177
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

485
00:27:37,940 --> 00:27:38,700
What?

486
00:27:40,339 --> 00:27:41,460
I have few family ties.

487
00:27:42,660 --> 00:27:43,779
And I come from the army.

488
00:27:44,259 --> 00:27:45,339
So I don't care much for those taboos.

489
00:27:47,860 --> 00:27:48,940
I'm afraid
you'll have to make do with this.

490
00:27:51,136 --> 00:27:55,597
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

491
00:27:59,029 --> 00:28:05,763
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye
will fill my eyes with tears♪

492
00:28:07,217 --> 00:28:13,375
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

493
00:28:13,815 --> 00:28:17,328
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

494
00:28:17,850 --> 00:28:22,037
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

495
00:28:22,423 --> 00:28:28,050
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

496
00:28:46,460 --> 00:28:47,940
I was too impatient.

497
00:28:49,180 --> 00:28:51,140
All I could think of was refining
cliff salt to earn a promotion.

498
00:28:52,460 --> 00:28:53,900
Once I've made something of myself

499
00:28:55,860 --> 00:28:56,900
and earned the right to marry you...

500
00:28:56,930 --> 00:29:00,272
♪So light, yet my steps
still pause for you♪

501
00:29:01,220 --> 00:29:02,980
I will never let you suffer again.

502
00:29:02,991 --> 00:29:07,080
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

503
00:29:07,231 --> 00:29:09,900
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

504
00:29:11,058 --> 00:29:15,760
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

505
00:29:19,149 --> 00:29:25,863
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

506
00:29:27,183 --> 00:29:33,383
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

507
00:29:34,043 --> 00:29:37,343
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

508
00:29:38,150 --> 00:29:42,290
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

509
00:29:42,940 --> 00:29:43,940
This is a peachwood hairpin.

510
00:29:43,940 --> 00:29:44,700
Though

511
00:29:44,700 --> 00:29:45,299
it's not valuable,

512
00:29:45,660 --> 00:29:46,620
my mother said

513
00:29:47,420 --> 00:29:48,140
it wards off evil.

514
00:29:51,019 --> 00:29:51,660
Just take it.

515
00:29:52,819 --> 00:29:53,460
I...

516
00:29:53,460 --> 00:29:56,339
I spent all my money on sweet cakes
the day before yesterday.

517
00:29:57,339 --> 00:30:00,180
So I just pulled some foxtails
from the wall and wove this.

518
00:30:00,779 --> 00:30:01,339
From now on,

519
00:30:01,620 --> 00:30:02,819
I'll be more careful with my money.

520
00:30:08,339 --> 00:30:09,499
And I have something too, Miss Xie.

521
00:30:09,579 --> 00:30:10,339
This is a hair ribbon.

522
00:30:10,579 --> 00:30:11,099
Miss Xie,

523
00:30:11,099 --> 00:30:11,739
this is a comb.

524
00:30:21,819 --> 00:30:22,819
Thank you all.

525
00:30:30,840 --> 00:30:32,760
(Yu Residence)

526
00:30:42,299 --> 00:30:42,940
Young Master.

527
00:30:44,059 --> 00:30:45,059
Open it and have a look.

528
00:30:45,700 --> 00:30:46,339
Thank you.

529
00:30:47,220 --> 00:30:48,019
Just leave it there.

530
00:30:49,940 --> 00:30:51,180
Do open it and see.

531
00:30:56,299 --> 00:30:58,499
I sewed it with pale cream thread,

532
00:30:58,860 --> 00:31:00,579
with stitches as delicate
as the color of narcissus.

533
00:31:06,059 --> 00:31:07,140
But this is the color of ink.

534
00:31:11,420 --> 00:31:12,539
None of you should waste your thoughts

535
00:31:12,539 --> 00:31:13,739
on such matters.

536
00:31:15,499 --> 00:31:16,140
Yake,

537
00:31:16,739 --> 00:31:18,019
attend to Mother,

538
00:31:18,499 --> 00:31:19,499
manage the household,

539
00:31:20,620 --> 00:31:21,779
and I will not be unkind to you.

540
00:31:39,819 --> 00:31:40,420
Mother.

541
00:31:41,940 --> 00:31:43,579
It's so late. Why aren't you resting?

542
00:31:44,779 --> 00:31:46,460
You even came to pay your respects.

543
00:31:47,620 --> 00:31:48,819
I came

544
00:31:50,220 --> 00:31:51,499
to speak to you about Yake.

545
00:31:55,380 --> 00:31:55,980
Mother.

546
00:31:57,180 --> 00:31:59,140
It hasn't been easy for her,
marrying from Huaying to the capital.

547
00:32:01,099 --> 00:32:02,499
I beg you to show her compassion.

548
00:32:02,900 --> 00:32:03,779
Leave her someone

549
00:32:04,739 --> 00:32:05,980
to talk to by her side.

550
00:32:11,620 --> 00:32:12,539
I beg you,

551
00:32:14,019 --> 00:32:14,819
Mother,

552
00:32:15,739 --> 00:32:16,940
to relent.

553
00:32:22,940 --> 00:32:24,739
My son sees things clearly.

554
00:32:26,940 --> 00:32:28,420
But a mother

555
00:32:29,819 --> 00:32:31,019
who acts for her son

556
00:32:31,539 --> 00:32:32,620
can have no ill intent.

557
00:32:39,539 --> 00:32:40,420
Rest assured.

558
00:32:42,259 --> 00:32:43,819
As for matters within your chambers,

559
00:32:44,819 --> 00:32:46,180
I will not interfere.

560
00:32:47,579 --> 00:32:48,460
Thank you, Mother.

561
00:32:50,380 --> 00:32:50,940
Then

562
00:32:52,099 --> 00:32:53,140
I will take my leave.

563
00:33:00,620 --> 00:33:02,460
Once trust between hearts

564
00:33:03,819 --> 00:33:05,220
is cracked,

565
00:33:05,900 --> 00:33:07,620
it will shatter more completely.

566
00:33:08,299 --> 00:33:09,499
When she has no one

567
00:33:09,499 --> 00:33:11,259
to speak to in this house,

568
00:33:13,059 --> 00:33:15,299
let's see if she still dares
to act so high and mighty with me.

569
00:33:27,259 --> 00:33:29,579
You were taken up the mountain
by bandits,

570
00:33:30,420 --> 00:33:32,980
and yet you came back in one piece.

571
00:33:35,420 --> 00:33:37,579
You've got some skill.

572
00:33:41,860 --> 00:33:42,779
You are too kind, My Lord.

573
00:33:43,940 --> 00:33:45,019
I was just

574
00:33:45,460 --> 00:33:46,220
lucky.

575
00:33:47,180 --> 00:33:48,620
I waited until they were drunk,

576
00:33:48,940 --> 00:33:50,420
then slipped my ropes and ran back.

577
00:33:53,099 --> 00:33:53,779
My Lord,

578
00:33:55,620 --> 00:33:57,380
now that we've found the salt mine,

579
00:33:59,980 --> 00:34:01,299
what about what you promised me?

580
00:34:01,299 --> 00:34:03,059
I did indeed make a promise.

581
00:34:04,220 --> 00:34:05,980
But this time,
I'm afraid I'll have to break it.

582
00:34:07,059 --> 00:34:08,699
We'll find another chance

583
00:34:08,860 --> 00:34:10,380
to reward you for your merits.

584
00:34:11,019 --> 00:34:11,659
Why?

585
00:34:13,900 --> 00:34:15,699
I made a promise to my brothers.

586
00:34:16,340 --> 00:34:17,780
I said I'd lead them to a better future.

587
00:34:18,940 --> 00:34:20,380
And now...

588
00:34:22,340 --> 00:34:23,900
How am I supposed to face them?

589
00:34:23,900 --> 00:34:26,059
Then you should think carefully

590
00:34:26,780 --> 00:34:27,539
about

591
00:34:28,659 --> 00:34:30,820
whether you've offended anyone lately.

592
00:34:35,099 --> 00:34:37,300
(Your career ends right here.)

593
00:34:37,460 --> 00:34:38,219
(From now on,)

594
00:34:38,619 --> 00:34:40,219
(you won't go any further.)

595
00:34:46,219 --> 00:34:48,059
The promised merit, gone just like that.

596
00:34:48,619 --> 00:34:49,740
This lousy job.

597
00:34:49,980 --> 00:34:51,420
It's not even as good
as when we smuggled salt.

598
00:34:51,420 --> 00:34:52,139
That was more satisfying.

599
00:34:52,499 --> 00:34:53,659
This lousy token.

600
00:34:53,659 --> 00:34:54,539
Whoever wants it can have it.

601
00:34:54,539 --> 00:34:55,179
Right.

602
00:34:55,179 --> 00:34:56,340
Who cares about this thing anyway?

603
00:35:13,219 --> 00:35:13,659
Right.

604
00:35:13,685 --> 00:35:14,379
(Yan Guard)

605
00:35:14,420 --> 00:35:15,460
You two are right.

606
00:35:17,499 --> 00:35:18,619
But my mother always said,

607
00:35:19,380 --> 00:35:20,219
one should always walk

608
00:35:21,579 --> 00:35:22,579
the righteous path.

609
00:35:26,059 --> 00:35:26,539
Come on.

610
00:35:34,380 --> 00:35:34,980
Chuan.

611
00:35:41,820 --> 00:35:43,499
From now on, don't ever say such things.

612
00:35:44,139 --> 00:35:45,460
Deep down, Mr. Zhao

613
00:35:45,460 --> 00:35:46,420
has it harder than any of us.

614
00:35:50,860 --> 00:35:51,380
Mr...

615
00:35:55,099 --> 00:35:56,260
What's wrong, Mr. Zhao?

616
00:35:58,420 --> 00:35:59,260
Commander Wang

617
00:35:59,659 --> 00:36:00,420
went back on his word.

618
00:36:01,940 --> 00:36:03,059
My promotion

619
00:36:04,579 --> 00:36:05,780
may not happen anytime soon.

620
00:36:07,219 --> 00:36:08,740
The question is, who has Zuo

621
00:36:09,099 --> 00:36:10,260
managed to attach herself to,

622
00:36:10,820 --> 00:36:12,019
that even Commander Wang is wary of?

623
00:36:18,139 --> 00:36:19,340
Mr. Zhao, do you remember

624
00:36:20,219 --> 00:36:21,099
this piece of brocade?

625
00:36:23,019 --> 00:36:24,099
This cloud-geese pattern

626
00:36:24,300 --> 00:36:26,619
can only be worn by civil officials
of the junior fourth rank or above.

627
00:36:27,340 --> 00:36:28,900
This is an unfinished

628
00:36:28,900 --> 00:36:29,980
man's garment.

629
00:36:40,860 --> 00:36:41,780
Advisor Li?

630
00:36:45,340 --> 00:36:46,699
No wonder he insisted

631
00:36:47,780 --> 00:36:49,699
on forcing me
to the Admonitions for Women Hall.

632
00:36:50,699 --> 00:36:51,579
I had thought

633
00:36:52,019 --> 00:36:53,860
it was just for a chastity memorial arch

634
00:36:54,460 --> 00:36:55,699
to earn some political merit.

635
00:36:56,260 --> 00:36:57,099
I never expected

636
00:36:57,980 --> 00:36:59,460
it was all for Zuo.

637
00:37:04,260 --> 00:37:05,659
Now that we know who our opponent is,

638
00:37:05,980 --> 00:37:06,980
it'll be easier to deal with.

639
00:37:09,337 --> 00:37:11,897
(Admonitions for Women Hall)

640
00:37:21,460 --> 00:37:23,539
Why are you so clumsy?

641
00:37:23,740 --> 00:37:25,420
You can't even put my shoes on properly.

642
00:37:29,579 --> 00:37:30,860
Don't be scared.

643
00:37:32,940 --> 00:37:34,900
They've all been through it.

644
00:37:36,820 --> 00:37:37,699
Fawning over him, are you?

645
00:37:38,260 --> 00:37:39,420
You little tart.

646
00:37:40,300 --> 00:37:41,980
Dare to show off in front of me?

647
00:37:42,380 --> 00:37:43,219
You little jealous thing.

648
00:37:43,740 --> 00:37:45,139
She's just a girl.

649
00:37:45,539 --> 00:37:46,579
Not worth getting angry over.

650
00:37:54,659 --> 00:37:56,740
What's so fun

651
00:37:57,260 --> 00:37:58,659
about that little runt, Hanyan?

652
00:37:59,499 --> 00:38:01,059
Next time you come,

653
00:38:05,380 --> 00:38:07,179
I'll give you something even better.

654
00:38:12,219 --> 00:38:14,699
You really know
how to make people happy.

655
00:38:24,499 --> 00:38:25,460
Remember,

656
00:38:25,460 --> 00:38:26,820
use the side door at the back.

657
00:38:27,219 --> 00:38:28,820
Don't let anyone see you.

658
00:38:35,900 --> 00:38:36,740
From now on,

659
00:38:38,340 --> 00:38:39,980
you don't need to serve here anymore.

660
00:38:50,579 --> 00:38:52,019
Those ten years with the Fu family,

661
00:38:55,980 --> 00:38:58,099
only you and I had each other.

662
00:39:02,219 --> 00:39:03,619
These men,

663
00:39:04,699 --> 00:39:06,699
they see a woman and want to demean her.

664
00:39:07,699 --> 00:39:08,659
In this house,

665
00:39:14,380 --> 00:39:16,619
it's enough that one of us
has to live in the shadows.

666
00:39:19,833 --> 00:39:21,666
(Virtuous, Serene and Proper)

667
00:39:27,980 --> 00:39:29,219
Look at this embroidery.

668
00:39:29,219 --> 00:39:29,900
Do you like it?

669
00:39:31,619 --> 00:39:32,619
It's beautiful.

670
00:39:33,099 --> 00:39:34,059
This one is beautiful too.

671
00:39:39,260 --> 00:39:40,420
Where is my shoe?

672
00:39:40,780 --> 00:39:42,179
Why is there only one left?

673
00:39:45,019 --> 00:39:46,820
This is the third time this month.

674
00:39:47,219 --> 00:39:48,539
Last time it was a handkerchief.

675
00:39:48,940 --> 00:39:50,380
Before that, a bracelet.

676
00:39:50,539 --> 00:39:51,659
And now today,

677
00:39:51,900 --> 00:39:53,019
even the shoe went missing.

678
00:39:55,340 --> 00:39:56,539
Could it be

679
00:39:57,059 --> 00:39:58,139
haunted?

680
00:39:59,420 --> 00:40:00,980
Have you heard, Miss Xie?

681
00:40:01,380 --> 00:40:02,699
Strange things have been happening

682
00:40:02,699 --> 00:40:03,579
at the Admonitions for Women Hall.

683
00:40:04,219 --> 00:40:06,099
The embroidered shoes of Miss Wang

684
00:40:06,099 --> 00:40:07,619
disappeared

685
00:40:07,619 --> 00:40:09,099
in plain sight.

686
00:40:10,539 --> 00:40:12,860
My little sister is learning
at the Admonitions for Women Hall too.

687
00:40:12,860 --> 00:40:14,340
Oh, what should we do?

688
00:40:17,099 --> 00:40:18,219
In this world,

689
00:40:18,219 --> 00:40:19,059
there are no ghosts or spirits.

690
00:40:20,019 --> 00:40:22,300
Someone is just playing tricks
behind it all.

691
00:40:24,219 --> 00:40:25,619
Please don't worry.

692
00:40:25,780 --> 00:40:26,659
I will get to the bottom

693
00:40:26,659 --> 00:40:28,499
of this matter.

694
00:40:29,059 --> 00:40:29,820
- Alright.
- Alright.

695
00:40:30,659 --> 00:40:31,820
Sister, let's leave.

696
00:40:32,499 --> 00:40:33,539
Be careful on the way.

697
00:40:33,539 --> 00:40:34,219
- Okay.
- Okay.

698
00:40:34,780 --> 00:40:35,340
Let's go.

699
00:40:35,740 --> 00:40:36,179
Let's go.

700
00:40:37,260 --> 00:40:38,980
Is what you said true?

701
00:40:38,980 --> 00:40:39,980
Of course it's true.

702
00:40:39,980 --> 00:40:40,900
How terrifying.

703
00:40:52,420 --> 00:40:53,539
There is indeed something wrong.

704
00:40:55,940 --> 00:40:57,860
Could it be that Advisor Li

705
00:40:58,179 --> 00:40:59,780
hides under the cabinet to peek

706
00:41:00,539 --> 00:41:02,820
and steals
the girls' personal belongings?

707
00:41:05,699 --> 00:41:07,300
What a beast.

708
00:41:07,900 --> 00:41:09,260
We need a plan

709
00:41:10,219 --> 00:41:11,940
to draw this snake out.

710
00:41:13,139 --> 00:41:14,340
That way, we get rid of the menace

711
00:41:15,420 --> 00:41:17,539
and keep the students
from being harmed by Zuo.

712
00:41:19,060 --> 00:41:21,060
(Advisory Hall)

713
00:41:21,099 --> 00:41:21,860
My Lord.

714
00:41:21,860 --> 00:41:23,699
Are you heading
to the ancestral hall again?

715
00:41:24,019 --> 00:41:25,260
Isn't it almost time to knock off?

716
00:41:25,380 --> 00:41:26,420
It's getting late.

717
00:41:26,659 --> 00:41:27,699
I'm going to the ancestral hall

718
00:41:27,699 --> 00:41:28,900
to burn incense for my late mother.

719
00:41:29,579 --> 00:41:30,579
As a son,

720
00:41:30,820 --> 00:41:32,659
one should never forget

721
00:41:32,659 --> 00:41:34,059
the kindness of one's parents.

722
00:41:34,059 --> 00:41:36,860
No wonder you're famous
far and wide as a filial son.

723
00:41:38,019 --> 00:41:39,499
This is the way
to the Admonitions for Women Hall.

724
00:41:39,780 --> 00:41:40,860
His ancestral graves

725
00:41:41,019 --> 00:41:42,059
are at the Admonitions for Women Hall?

726
00:41:44,659 --> 00:41:45,380
Third Brother,

727
00:41:46,059 --> 00:41:47,019
when are we

728
00:41:47,019 --> 00:41:48,139
going to make our move?

729
00:41:48,860 --> 00:41:49,499
Not yet.

730
00:41:49,699 --> 00:41:50,860
Let's go tell Miss Xie first.

731
00:41:55,179 --> 00:41:56,940
I came to let you know I'm safe.

732
00:41:57,340 --> 00:41:58,699
I heard that a few days ago,

733
00:41:58,699 --> 00:41:59,740
you went to great lengths for me.

734
00:42:00,420 --> 00:42:01,980
But because of the rules,

735
00:42:01,980 --> 00:42:02,860
you couldn't break them.

736
00:42:03,499 --> 00:42:04,699
Still, I will remember

737
00:42:04,820 --> 00:42:05,900
this kindness.

738
00:42:08,380 --> 00:42:10,139
You look to be in one piece.

739
00:42:10,179 --> 00:42:11,579
They didn't wear you down at all.

740
00:42:13,340 --> 00:42:15,019
Thank you for your concern, Madam.

741
00:42:15,420 --> 00:42:16,380
I will always remember it.

742
00:42:16,940 --> 00:42:18,659
Thankfully,
Zhao Ling is quick on his feet.

743
00:42:19,340 --> 00:42:20,619
It was a close call, but no harm done.

744
00:42:21,019 --> 00:42:21,659
Don't stand.

745
00:42:21,659 --> 00:42:22,059
Have a seat.

746
00:42:26,380 --> 00:42:27,619
Madam, have you heard

747
00:42:27,619 --> 00:42:29,179
from Miss Mo

748
00:42:29,300 --> 00:42:31,619
about the strange happenings
at the Admonitions for Women Hall?

749
00:42:33,179 --> 00:42:33,860
Strange happenings?

750
00:42:38,460 --> 00:42:40,499
Miss Wang's embroidered shoe

751
00:42:40,499 --> 00:42:41,619
vanished into thin air.

752
00:42:42,139 --> 00:42:43,780
Miss Qian's handkerchief

753
00:42:43,780 --> 00:42:45,139
also went missing for no reason.

754
00:42:45,619 --> 00:42:47,699
I suspect Zuo is hiding a man in there,

755
00:42:47,699 --> 00:42:49,460
damaging the young ladies' reputations.

756
00:42:49,740 --> 00:42:51,420
Now I need your help, Madam.

757
00:42:51,900 --> 00:42:53,219
This kind of filth

758
00:42:53,420 --> 00:42:55,420
needs someone like you
to put a stop to it.

759
00:43:00,300 --> 00:43:01,260
Fine.

760
00:43:01,499 --> 00:43:04,019
Let me see which filthy scoundrel

761
00:43:04,219 --> 00:43:06,579
dares to play tricks
right under my nose.

762
00:43:21,103 --> 00:43:24,800
(Admonitions for Women Hall)

763
00:43:27,744 --> 00:43:29,544
(Admonitions for Women Hall)

764
00:43:31,833 --> 00:43:33,730
(Admonitions for Women Hall)

765
00:43:35,619 --> 00:43:36,380
Open the door!

766
00:43:36,860 --> 00:43:37,619
Open the door!

767
00:43:38,260 --> 00:43:39,059
Open the door now!

768
00:43:39,059 --> 00:43:39,740
Open the door!

769
00:43:46,036 --> 00:43:48,561
(Next Episode)

770
00:43:49,380 --> 00:43:50,460
I just received my orders.

771
00:43:50,900 --> 00:43:52,619
I'm escorting supplies
to Shaqiong Town tomorrow.

772
00:43:53,300 --> 00:43:54,659
Take care while you're in Ganlin Town.

773
00:43:56,539 --> 00:43:58,860
Do you think I got where I am today

774
00:43:59,619 --> 00:44:02,460
because of my brother-in-law?

775
00:44:03,659 --> 00:44:04,499
It's because

776
00:44:04,699 --> 00:44:06,860
I am better

777
00:44:07,260 --> 00:44:08,820
than all you useless scum.

778
00:44:10,579 --> 00:44:12,340
Just one rank above you,

779
00:44:13,619 --> 00:44:14,940
and I can crush you.

780
00:44:18,659 --> 00:44:20,460
Zhao Ling attacked a superior officer.

781
00:44:20,740 --> 00:44:22,139
He defied military orders.

782
00:44:22,900 --> 00:44:24,499
Kill him on sight!

783
00:44:36,800 --> 00:44:41,120
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

784
00:44:44,720 --> 00:44:49,080
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

785
00:44:51,200 --> 00:44:55,840
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

786
00:44:56,080 --> 00:44:58,880
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

787
00:45:00,040 --> 00:45:04,680
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

788
00:45:07,880 --> 00:45:14,720
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

789
00:45:15,600 --> 00:45:22,120
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

790
00:45:23,080 --> 00:45:26,520
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

791
00:45:27,040 --> 00:45:31,240
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

792
00:45:31,520 --> 00:45:37,200
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

793
00:45:49,320 --> 00:45:53,200
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

794
00:45:57,120 --> 00:46:01,120
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

795
00:46:02,840 --> 00:46:07,520
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

796
00:46:07,840 --> 00:46:10,520
♪Kept close within my heart♪

797
00:46:11,600 --> 00:46:16,440
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

798
00:46:19,960 --> 00:46:26,880
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

799
00:46:27,760 --> 00:46:34,240
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

800
00:46:35,120 --> 00:46:38,640
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

801
00:46:39,080 --> 00:46:43,440
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

802
00:46:43,640 --> 00:46:49,360
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪