1
00:00:31,664 --> 00:00:33,600
This medicine's pain
cuts deep into the bones.

2
00:00:34,624 --> 00:00:36,730
Your Highness,
you must endure it a little longer.

3
00:01:32,620 --> 00:01:35,024
Your Highness, you still need
to stay in the medicinal bath

4
00:01:35,050 --> 00:01:36,150
and soak for another hour.

5
00:01:39,424 --> 00:01:41,136
Thank you for your trouble, Yunhuai.

6
00:01:47,000 --> 00:01:48,070
You seem

7
00:01:48,560 --> 00:01:49,680
to be different from before.

8
00:01:55,310 --> 00:01:56,230
How so?

9
00:01:58,304 --> 00:02:00,920
You have been afflicted
by a strange poison since childhood.

10
00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:02,390
It has been incurable for a long time.

11
00:02:02,560 --> 00:02:04,480
Although you sought medical treatment,

12
00:02:05,200 --> 00:02:08,190
you had a carefree attitude, as if
you were indifferent to life and death.

13
00:02:09,190 --> 00:02:10,030
You often said

14
00:02:10,590 --> 00:02:12,080
that the remaining five or six years

15
00:02:12,384 --> 00:02:14,352
were enough to find the person
who poisoned you.

16
00:02:14,630 --> 00:02:15,310
After that,

17
00:02:15,910 --> 00:02:17,190
you would travel the world

18
00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:18,448
with no set date of return.

19
00:02:18,910 --> 00:02:20,030
But today,

20
00:02:20,430 --> 00:02:21,590
you are so eager to be cured.

21
00:02:23,120 --> 00:02:25,056
This is the first time
I've seen you like this.

22
00:02:26,120 --> 00:02:28,280
If not for your skilled treatment
back then,

23
00:02:29,808 --> 00:02:31,710
I certainly wouldn't have lived
to this day.

24
00:02:32,750 --> 00:02:33,840
Every treatment

25
00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:36,640
feels like my bones are being scraped
and my flesh is being cut.

26
00:02:37,280 --> 00:02:39,310
You always praise me for my strong will,

27
00:02:39,910 --> 00:02:41,030
but every time,

28
00:02:43,000 --> 00:02:44,840
the pain is so unbearable

29
00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:48,030
that I want to end my own life.

30
00:02:48,280 --> 00:02:48,840
Your Highness,

31
00:02:49,470 --> 00:02:50,680
you must not think that way.

32
00:02:52,030 --> 00:02:53,030
But now,

33
00:02:55,190 --> 00:02:57,190
I truly want to live a little longer.

34
00:03:00,280 --> 00:03:01,080
I've discovered

35
00:03:03,056 --> 00:03:05,400
that there are indeed some things
I haven't experienced

36
00:03:07,910 --> 00:03:09,560
that I yearn for.

37
00:04:33,220 --> 00:04:34,048
=Blossoms of Power=

38
00:04:34,048 --> 00:04:36,820
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

39
00:04:36,900 --> 00:04:39,860
=Episode 6=

40
00:05:06,390 --> 00:05:07,000
Your Highness.

41
00:05:07,270 --> 00:05:08,430
While on patrol,

42
00:05:08,560 --> 00:05:09,750
I intercepted a secret letter.

43
00:05:32,920 --> 00:05:33,720
Your Highness,

44
00:05:34,160 --> 00:05:35,430
after you and the Crown Prince

45
00:05:35,430 --> 00:05:37,190
finished viewing
the Starvine Moss together,

46
00:05:37,190 --> 00:05:40,040
you can still read a book here
so calmly.

47
00:05:40,528 --> 00:05:43,120
Did you get to know the Crown Prince
a little better this time?

48
00:05:46,240 --> 00:05:47,070
He's very good.

49
00:05:48,120 --> 00:05:49,040
So good

50
00:05:49,488 --> 00:05:51,232
that it makes me even more guarded.

51
00:05:55,310 --> 00:05:56,600
How did you get so soaked?

52
00:05:56,688 --> 00:05:58,240
They say kittens are afraid of water,

53
00:05:58,368 --> 00:05:59,430
but this one is different.

54
00:05:59,488 --> 00:06:01,240
The harder it rains,
the more it runs outside.

55
00:06:01,480 --> 00:06:02,750
Find a cloth to dry it off.

56
00:06:04,160 --> 00:06:04,800
I'll go get one.

57
00:06:08,120 --> 00:06:08,600
Come.

58
00:06:16,870 --> 00:06:17,560
Your Highness,

59
00:06:17,920 --> 00:06:19,270
Prince Lie is here to see you.

60
00:06:19,648 --> 00:06:20,608
I won't see him.

61
00:06:21,560 --> 00:06:22,240
He said

62
00:06:22,240 --> 00:06:24,448
you will definitely change your mind
after seeing this.

63
00:06:31,460 --> 00:06:33,420
(Military Seal)

64
00:06:34,040 --> 00:06:35,190
The Anxi defense map?

65
00:06:35,216 --> 00:06:36,560
This map is a core military secret

66
00:06:36,560 --> 00:06:38,630
that the Duke of Wei's Manor
has guarded for generations.

67
00:06:38,640 --> 00:06:41,350
It marks the strengths and weaknesses
of the seven defense lines in northwest,

68
00:06:41,360 --> 00:06:43,070
the troop deployments
in sixteen fortresses,

69
00:06:43,430 --> 00:06:45,190
as well as hidden granaries
and water sources.

70
00:06:48,000 --> 00:06:49,800
If this map were to fall
into enemy hands,

71
00:06:50,832 --> 00:06:53,800
it would be like completely exposing
the vital points of northwest frontier.

72
00:06:53,800 --> 00:06:55,070
You are right.

73
00:06:55,232 --> 00:06:57,070
Even if this map doesn't fall
into enemy hands,

74
00:06:57,120 --> 00:06:58,672
the crime of losing it alone is severe.

75
00:06:58,704 --> 00:06:59,880
For losing a national treasure,

76
00:06:59,888 --> 00:07:01,510
the responsible official
will be executed by waist-chopping,

77
00:07:01,510 --> 00:07:03,136
and three generations of their family
will be exiled 1,500 km.

78
00:07:03,160 --> 00:07:05,056
If this matter were
to reach the imperial court,

79
00:07:05,104 --> 00:07:05,750
I'm afraid

80
00:07:06,480 --> 00:07:08,040
it would be a devastating disaster

81
00:07:08,920 --> 00:07:10,160
for our Duke of Wei's Manor.

82
00:07:11,950 --> 00:07:12,864
(A defense map)

83
00:07:12,880 --> 00:07:14,630
(is enough to stir up turmoil
in the court.)

84
00:07:14,640 --> 00:07:16,768
(It could bring eternal damnation
upon the Shen family.)

85
00:07:16,800 --> 00:07:18,240
(I must protect northwest)

86
00:07:18,510 --> 00:07:19,680
(in order to protect myself.)

87
00:07:19,680 --> 00:07:21,360
Will you see Prince Lie, Your Highness?

88
00:07:21,480 --> 00:07:22,040
No.

89
00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:22,830
Your Highness.

90
00:07:23,680 --> 00:07:26,336
Prince Lie doesn't know
if this map is real or fake right now.

91
00:07:26,430 --> 00:07:27,360
If I see him,

92
00:07:27,560 --> 00:07:29,070
it will confirm that the map is real.

93
00:07:30,464 --> 00:07:31,480
Return it to Prince Lie.

94
00:07:32,830 --> 00:07:33,390
Yes.

95
00:07:34,360 --> 00:07:35,560
I'll write a letter to Father.

96
00:07:35,728 --> 00:07:37,920
In a moment, you will take
this letter to Hua Fuhai.

97
00:07:38,240 --> 00:07:39,390
Have him deliver it

98
00:07:39,390 --> 00:07:40,670
to Father as quickly as possible.

99
00:07:40,688 --> 00:07:41,720
Once Father knows,

100
00:07:41,830 --> 00:07:43,168
the defense layout will be changed.

101
00:07:43,480 --> 00:07:45,310
This real map will become a fake one.

102
00:07:49,120 --> 00:07:49,720
Your Highness.

103
00:07:49,904 --> 00:07:51,390
The Commandery Princess asked Hua Fuhai

104
00:07:51,390 --> 00:07:53,648
to deliver this letter to northwest
as quickly as possible.

105
00:07:54,120 --> 00:07:55,680
Ask Hua Fuhai to use a gyrfalcon

106
00:07:55,712 --> 00:07:57,392
to get it to northwest
as soon as possible.

107
00:07:57,424 --> 00:07:58,630
Aren't you going to take a look?

108
00:07:59,040 --> 00:07:59,680
Your Highness,

109
00:07:59,680 --> 00:08:00,630
this is a serious matter.

110
00:08:00,720 --> 00:08:01,800
About this Hua Fuhai...

111
00:08:01,920 --> 00:08:02,600
It's fine.

112
00:08:03,180 --> 00:08:06,048
In this letter, I used the secret code I
share with my father and brother.

113
00:08:06,070 --> 00:08:07,296
Even if he reads this letter,

114
00:08:07,300 --> 00:08:08,700
he won't be able to understand it.

115
00:08:08,720 --> 00:08:11,040
If she gave the letter to Hua Fuhai,

116
00:08:11,088 --> 00:08:13,424
she must be certain
that no one else can understand it.

117
00:08:15,830 --> 00:08:17,190
Something major must have happened.

118
00:08:17,216 --> 00:08:18,120
Find out what it is.

119
00:08:18,720 --> 00:08:19,240
Yes.

120
00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:29,190
Your Highness, please leave.

121
00:08:30,832 --> 00:08:32,832
The Commandery Princess
didn't say anything?

122
00:08:33,000 --> 00:08:34,510
Her Highness just said three words.

123
00:08:34,848 --> 00:08:35,904
"Not seeing you."

124
00:08:45,670 --> 00:08:47,150
(Why won't she see me?)

125
00:08:48,150 --> 00:08:49,670
(Could the map be a fake?)

126
00:08:55,720 --> 00:08:56,320
That's enough.

127
00:08:57,390 --> 00:08:57,870
Yes.

128
00:08:59,750 --> 00:09:00,960
I'll only ask you once.

129
00:09:04,270 --> 00:09:05,240
Where did

130
00:09:05,870 --> 00:09:07,080
this map come from?

131
00:09:11,840 --> 00:09:13,030
You're a tough one indeed.

132
00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:51,080
What brings you here, Your Highness?

133
00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:54,030
I thought about it all night.

134
00:09:55,550 --> 00:09:57,360
Your move of creating something
from nothing,

135
00:09:57,550 --> 00:09:58,790
a secret feint,

136
00:09:59,030 --> 00:09:59,960
was truly brilliant.

137
00:10:04,800 --> 00:10:06,480
If I were to give this
to my father today,

138
00:10:07,232 --> 00:10:08,976
what do you think
the consequences would be?

139
00:10:10,440 --> 00:10:12,270
You've gone to such great lengths.

140
00:10:12,790 --> 00:10:14,390
Can we get down to business now?

141
00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:16,630
Let's speak in private.

142
00:10:18,200 --> 00:10:18,910
Don't worry.

143
00:10:19,360 --> 00:10:20,360
I'm not going to eat you.

144
00:10:29,660 --> 00:10:34,260
(Crystal Clear as Water)

145
00:10:37,270 --> 00:10:38,000
Are you hungry?

146
00:10:38,670 --> 00:10:40,240
We didn't come here to eat.

147
00:10:40,896 --> 00:10:42,704
There's no need to beat around the bush.

148
00:10:42,864 --> 00:10:44,320
What is it that you really want?

149
00:10:47,510 --> 00:10:48,720
On the day of the hunt,

150
00:10:49,480 --> 00:10:50,390
I told you,

151
00:10:51,320 --> 00:10:52,150
if you marry me,

152
00:10:52,960 --> 00:10:54,864
I will only marry you in this lifetime.

153
00:10:55,320 --> 00:10:56,030
Do you remember?

154
00:10:58,270 --> 00:10:59,270
So,

155
00:11:00,080 --> 00:11:01,870
you're using that map to threaten me

156
00:11:02,510 --> 00:11:03,790
into agreeing to marry you?

157
00:11:03,960 --> 00:11:05,670
I know the map I have is real.

158
00:11:06,440 --> 00:11:07,630
Yesterday, you bluffed

159
00:11:07,630 --> 00:11:09,008
and bought yourself some time.

160
00:11:09,790 --> 00:11:10,630
It's a pity

161
00:11:11,120 --> 00:11:13,040
that northwest
is thousands of miles away.

162
00:11:15,408 --> 00:11:17,240
Are you trying
to use my father and brother,

163
00:11:17,360 --> 00:11:19,488
and the entire northwest army
to blackmail me?

164
00:11:20,496 --> 00:11:22,320
Then I can give you my answer right now.

165
00:11:22,720 --> 00:11:23,630
Impossible.

166
00:11:29,870 --> 00:11:30,510
Move.

167
00:11:33,960 --> 00:11:36,288
Your Highness, please conduct yourself
with dignity.

168
00:11:36,336 --> 00:11:37,088
Dignity?

169
00:11:39,270 --> 00:11:41,360
Didn't you know
before you even came to the capital

170
00:11:41,856 --> 00:11:44,120
that I have a fiery temper,
and I'm perverse and ruthless?

171
00:11:44,630 --> 00:11:46,240
I've never been a gentleman.

172
00:11:47,440 --> 00:11:50,000
I know the Duke has his heart
set on me as his ideal son-in-law.

173
00:11:51,200 --> 00:11:52,270
I'll ask you one more time.

174
00:11:53,584 --> 00:11:54,360
Will you marry me?

175
00:11:54,670 --> 00:11:55,440
I will not.

176
00:12:00,750 --> 00:12:01,790
Shen Xihe, stop right there!

177
00:12:07,030 --> 00:12:07,840
Could all of this

178
00:12:08,128 --> 00:12:10,550
be a play you've written
and directed yourself, Your Highness?

179
00:12:12,120 --> 00:12:12,910
What do you mean?

180
00:12:13,510 --> 00:12:15,840
How could the Anxi defense map,
from thousands of miles away,

181
00:12:16,440 --> 00:12:18,750
be intercepted by the Imperial Guard
in the imperial capital

182
00:12:18,910 --> 00:12:20,030
and end up in your hands?

183
00:12:24,910 --> 00:12:26,600
It seems you're unaware of this matter.

184
00:12:27,150 --> 00:12:28,510
Then it must be the work of that

185
00:12:28,910 --> 00:12:30,870
resourceful and decisive brother
of yours.

186
00:12:32,144 --> 00:12:34,240
You use such tactics
to seek my hand in marriage.

187
00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:36,550
If my father found out,

188
00:12:36,550 --> 00:12:38,180
would he still see you
as his ideal choice?

189
00:12:38,360 --> 00:12:39,080
Today,

190
00:12:39,296 --> 00:12:40,960
whatever you choose to do with this map,

191
00:12:41,120 --> 00:12:42,270
do as you please.

192
00:12:48,700 --> 00:12:51,940
(Prince Xin's Manor)

193
00:13:00,910 --> 00:13:01,480
Changqing,

194
00:13:02,600 --> 00:13:04,600
did you send someone
to steal the Anxi defense map

195
00:13:04,848 --> 00:13:06,000
and then put it in my hands?

196
00:13:06,790 --> 00:13:09,080
The Anxi defense map
concerns the safety of our borders.

197
00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:11,550
Although I didn't steal the map,

198
00:13:12,600 --> 00:13:14,080
I did arrange for someone

199
00:13:14,270 --> 00:13:15,320
to deliver it to you.

200
00:13:15,790 --> 00:13:16,360
Why?

201
00:13:17,000 --> 00:13:18,000
Do you know

202
00:13:18,480 --> 00:13:20,120
the Commander-in-Chief of Hexi,

203
00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:20,870
Ye Qi?

204
00:13:21,270 --> 00:13:22,832
Isn't he just Consort Liang's cousin?

205
00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:25,790
Ye Qi covets the title of Duke of Wei.

206
00:13:26,030 --> 00:13:28,360
He bribed a protector-general
under Shen Yueshan

207
00:13:28,870 --> 00:13:29,910
and stole the defense map.

208
00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:32,870
But our men intercepted it.

209
00:13:33,200 --> 00:13:34,670
Since you already intercepted the map,

210
00:13:34,688 --> 00:13:36,416
you should have sent it
back to northwest.

211
00:13:36,432 --> 00:13:38,490
Why did you let it circulate
in the imperial capital?

212
00:13:47,390 --> 00:13:48,840
Naturally, I wanted to help you

213
00:13:48,840 --> 00:13:49,960
win the one you love.

214
00:13:50,670 --> 00:13:52,480
I've said it before.
I don't need your help.

215
00:13:52,600 --> 00:13:54,480
I will pursue the one I love myself.

216
00:13:54,688 --> 00:13:56,000
Relying on schemes and tricks

217
00:13:56,032 --> 00:13:57,168
is not what I call sincerity.

218
00:13:57,390 --> 00:13:58,670
What can be seen

219
00:13:59,600 --> 00:14:01,080
is called sincerity.

220
00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:03,150
What cannot be seen

221
00:14:03,840 --> 00:14:04,910
is called unrequited love.

222
00:14:06,390 --> 00:14:06,910
By the way,

223
00:14:07,630 --> 00:14:09,550
with your straightforward personality,

224
00:14:11,200 --> 00:14:13,080
how did you figure out I was behind it?

225
00:14:15,952 --> 00:14:17,744
I met with Commandery Princess Zhaoning.

226
00:14:18,510 --> 00:14:19,600
She was the one who guessed

227
00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:21,630
that you were behind all of this.

228
00:14:26,030 --> 00:14:27,750
I've never met her before.

229
00:14:29,840 --> 00:14:32,360
How does she understand
my thoughts so well?

230
00:14:33,120 --> 00:14:34,910
Last time,
my plan to retrieve the Rouge Ledger

231
00:14:34,910 --> 00:14:36,270
was completely seen through by her.

232
00:14:36,630 --> 00:14:38,030
It's the same this time.

233
00:14:58,320 --> 00:14:59,670
She easily...

234
00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:03,630
saw right through me.

235
00:15:08,750 --> 00:15:09,750
(Taiji Hall)
Recently,

236
00:15:09,750 --> 00:15:11,600
rumors have been spreading
throughout the court,

237
00:15:11,720 --> 00:15:12,960
saying that Shen Yueshan

238
00:15:13,360 --> 00:15:15,270
has lost the Anxi defense map.

239
00:15:15,600 --> 00:15:16,630
My dear ministers,

240
00:15:18,270 --> 00:15:19,870
have you heard of this?

241
00:15:26,510 --> 00:15:28,480
I have heard something of it.

242
00:15:28,840 --> 00:15:29,510
Your Majesty,

243
00:15:29,870 --> 00:15:32,360
the defense map is of vital importance
to the state.

244
00:15:33,120 --> 00:15:34,440
This is a serious matter.

245
00:15:35,120 --> 00:15:37,390
Although the rumors are hard to verify,

246
00:15:37,480 --> 00:15:38,960
there's no smoke without fire.

247
00:15:39,240 --> 00:15:40,240
I believe

248
00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:42,670
we should immediately summon
Shen Yueshan to the capital

249
00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:44,240
to give an explanation.

250
00:15:48,750 --> 00:15:50,870
I believe that is absolutely
out of the question.

251
00:15:52,150 --> 00:15:54,270
If someone is intentionally
creating a diversion

252
00:15:54,630 --> 00:15:56,000
to lure the tiger from the mountain,

253
00:15:56,080 --> 00:15:58,150
and northwest is attacked

254
00:15:58,480 --> 00:16:00,080
with no one there to command,

255
00:16:00,390 --> 00:16:02,910
what shall we do then?

256
00:16:02,910 --> 00:16:03,790
Indeed.

257
00:16:03,790 --> 00:16:05,630
Northwest cannot be left unguarded.

258
00:16:06,120 --> 00:16:08,120
But the Duke of Wei is indeed a suspect.

259
00:16:08,240 --> 00:16:10,510
What should be done in this situation?

260
00:16:13,630 --> 00:16:15,540
(Dong Biquan, Minister of Revenue)
Your Majesty,

261
00:16:15,550 --> 00:16:17,510
I have received reliable information

262
00:16:17,720 --> 00:16:19,120
that the Anxi defense map

263
00:16:19,120 --> 00:16:21,030
is in the hands of Prince Lie.

264
00:16:23,480 --> 00:16:24,480
Changying,

265
00:16:26,510 --> 00:16:27,840
is this true?

266
00:16:33,440 --> 00:16:34,480
Reporting to Your Majesty,

267
00:16:34,928 --> 00:16:36,200
I do not know where Minister Dong

268
00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:38,150
heard such a ridiculous rumor.

269
00:16:38,720 --> 00:16:40,440
If the defense map were
in my possession,

270
00:16:40,670 --> 00:16:42,480
I would have presented it
to you immediately.

271
00:16:44,550 --> 00:16:46,840
The Imperial Guard
has never intercepted any spy,

272
00:16:47,240 --> 00:16:48,750
nor has Prince Lie

273
00:16:48,750 --> 00:16:50,270
tortured anyone in prison.

274
00:16:50,480 --> 00:16:51,910
Since you are so certain,

275
00:16:52,416 --> 00:16:53,720
why not present your evidence?

276
00:16:53,840 --> 00:16:55,080
I am willing to face him.

277
00:16:58,080 --> 00:16:59,000
Changying,

278
00:16:59,390 --> 00:17:00,670
I ask you again.

279
00:17:01,270 --> 00:17:03,670
Did you really not intercept
the defense map?

280
00:17:04,176 --> 00:17:05,984
Reporting to Your Majesty,

281
00:17:06,240 --> 00:17:06,790
I did not.

282
00:17:06,960 --> 00:17:07,550
Good.

283
00:17:08,200 --> 00:17:09,590
Prince Lie said he did not.

284
00:17:09,830 --> 00:17:11,110
Then he did not.

285
00:17:11,550 --> 00:17:14,200
My ministers,
there is no need to chase shadows.

286
00:17:14,928 --> 00:17:16,160
Dispatch someone immediately

287
00:17:16,160 --> 00:17:17,240
to northwest

288
00:17:17,350 --> 00:17:18,830
to investigate this matter thoroughly.

289
00:17:18,830 --> 00:17:19,590
I trust

290
00:17:20,000 --> 00:17:22,350
there will be a conclusion soon.

291
00:17:24,580 --> 00:17:30,900
(Duke of Wei's Manor)

292
00:17:35,550 --> 00:17:36,110
Your Highness,

293
00:17:36,192 --> 00:17:37,480
news has arrived from northwest.

294
00:17:37,600 --> 00:17:39,968
The defense map has been safely returned
to Shen Yueshan.

295
00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:03,350
Prince Lie not only
stopped pressuring you,

296
00:18:03,424 --> 00:18:06,192
but also protected northwest
at the risk of deceiving His Majesty.

297
00:18:06,270 --> 00:18:08,480
His feelings for you are truly deep.

298
00:18:08,790 --> 00:18:09,880
Although he is unruly,

299
00:18:11,510 --> 00:18:13,160
he is ultimately good-natured.

300
00:18:15,750 --> 00:18:17,510
But as long as
the map thief isn't caught,

301
00:18:18,030 --> 00:18:19,160
the crisis in northwest

302
00:18:19,680 --> 00:18:21,070
will not end.

303
00:18:24,310 --> 00:18:24,920
Your Highness,

304
00:18:25,480 --> 00:18:26,720
Hua Fuhai sent a secret letter.

305
00:18:29,240 --> 00:18:29,880
He says

306
00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:31,960
he is greatly honored to have your trust

307
00:18:32,400 --> 00:18:34,200
and is willing to serve you loyally.

308
00:18:36,350 --> 00:18:38,310
Commander-in-Chief of Hexi?

309
00:18:39,070 --> 00:18:41,070
Ye Qi, Commander-in-Chief of Hexi.

310
00:18:42,528 --> 00:18:44,608
He has been in charge of Liangzhou
for over a decade

311
00:18:44,832 --> 00:18:46,590
and knows northwest
like the back of his hand.

312
00:18:47,310 --> 00:18:48,550
With the defense map lost,

313
00:18:49,070 --> 00:18:50,830
if His Majesty holds
the Duke accountable,

314
00:18:51,008 --> 00:18:53,584
he is the most likely person
to take over the northwest Army.

315
00:18:53,790 --> 00:18:54,790
I see.

316
00:18:56,680 --> 00:18:58,240
Hua Fuhai is trying to tell me

317
00:18:59,392 --> 00:19:01,200
that the map thief
is one of Ye Qi's men.

318
00:19:02,000 --> 00:19:04,200
Mo Yuan, send a message
to Father immediately.

319
00:19:04,210 --> 00:19:05,570
He must investigate this thoroughly.

320
00:19:05,584 --> 00:19:05,960
Yes.

321
00:19:08,272 --> 00:19:09,830
The court discussed it this morning,

322
00:19:10,440 --> 00:19:12,070
and we only heard the news at lunch.

323
00:19:13,270 --> 00:19:15,200
Yet Hua Fuhai
has already sent us the answer.

324
00:19:21,030 --> 00:19:22,680
It must be that Tagara Incense

325
00:19:22,790 --> 00:19:24,310
that made Hua Fuhai act this way.

326
00:19:24,830 --> 00:19:26,510
It seems he has everything
under control.

327
00:19:30,000 --> 00:19:30,680
Your Highness,

328
00:19:30,960 --> 00:19:31,920
don't you think

329
00:19:31,920 --> 00:19:33,680
we're always
at a disadvantage like this?

330
00:19:35,310 --> 00:19:35,960
Go on.

331
00:19:36,680 --> 00:19:37,550
Regarding Ye Qi,

332
00:19:37,584 --> 00:19:39,760
you leaked the
information to the Commandery Princess.

333
00:19:40,270 --> 00:19:41,310
But on the surface,

334
00:19:41,550 --> 00:19:43,480
it looks like Prince Lie saved her

335
00:19:43,480 --> 00:19:44,510
and protected northwest.

336
00:19:44,750 --> 00:19:45,510
This way,

337
00:19:45,640 --> 00:19:47,590
she will surely be more moved,

338
00:19:47,680 --> 00:19:49,640
and the Duke will favor him even more.

339
00:19:51,510 --> 00:19:52,880
Changying has no chance.

340
00:19:55,720 --> 00:19:57,270
Your Highness, why are you so certain?

341
00:19:58,680 --> 00:20:00,640
Changqing and Changying
share a deep bond.

342
00:20:01,400 --> 00:20:03,720
The Duke thinks
Changqing is exceptionally talented

343
00:20:03,808 --> 00:20:05,360
and most likely to inherit the throne.

344
00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:08,790
Then, Changying would be second
only to one and above all others.

345
00:20:08,848 --> 00:20:11,568
The Commandery Princess would also
avoid the conflicts of the harem.

346
00:20:11,640 --> 00:20:12,680
The Duke

347
00:20:12,680 --> 00:20:14,240
has chosen the best path

348
00:20:14,480 --> 00:20:16,030
for his precious daughter.

349
00:20:19,240 --> 00:20:20,440
It's just a pity

350
00:20:21,110 --> 00:20:22,550
that to achieve his goal,

351
00:20:22,896 --> 00:20:25,424
Changqing would actually use
the defense map to threaten her.

352
00:20:25,680 --> 00:20:26,270
Tian Yuan,

353
00:20:26,720 --> 00:20:27,480
give the order.

354
00:20:27,880 --> 00:20:29,400
Find a way to let the Duke know

355
00:20:29,400 --> 00:20:31,270
that the Commandery Princess
was threatened.

356
00:20:32,070 --> 00:20:32,480
Yes.

357
00:20:32,592 --> 00:20:33,952
You are wise, Your Highness.

358
00:20:36,720 --> 00:20:37,240
By the way,

359
00:20:38,830 --> 00:20:40,110
didn't Zhao Zhenghao say

360
00:20:40,510 --> 00:20:42,720
he already had a lead
on the source of the strange poison?

361
00:20:42,720 --> 00:20:43,880
What's the progress now?

362
00:20:43,890 --> 00:20:46,880
Recently, a foreign merchant from the
Western Regions did come to the capital.

363
00:20:46,900 --> 00:20:48,430
He specializes in selling illicit drugs,

364
00:20:48,440 --> 00:20:50,510
including many strange poisons.

365
00:20:51,510 --> 00:20:52,350
However,

366
00:20:52,510 --> 00:20:53,920
this person is cunning

367
00:20:54,200 --> 00:20:55,160
and difficult to find.

368
00:20:55,504 --> 00:20:57,856
Vice Minister Cui is already
investigating in secret.

369
00:21:18,640 --> 00:21:19,790
Right under the Emperor's nose,

370
00:21:19,790 --> 00:21:22,070
someone dares to openly smuggle drugs!

371
00:21:22,680 --> 00:21:23,480
Investigate it!

372
00:21:23,880 --> 00:21:24,510
- Yes.
- Yes.

373
00:21:27,720 --> 00:21:28,720
The Imperial Guard?

374
00:21:29,310 --> 00:21:30,310
What are you doing here?

375
00:21:30,720 --> 00:21:33,070
It seems we are quite fated.

376
00:21:35,520 --> 00:21:37,872
We even run into each other
while investigating a case.

377
00:21:39,888 --> 00:21:41,270
What case are you investigating?

378
00:21:41,312 --> 00:21:43,030
A foreign merchant
from the Western Regions

379
00:21:43,030 --> 00:21:44,790
who has two lives on his hands
from robbery and murder.

380
00:21:44,800 --> 00:21:45,850
And you, Vice Minister Cui?

381
00:21:45,936 --> 00:21:46,960
It's none of your business.

382
00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:50,350
This foreign merchant is truly cunning

383
00:21:50,350 --> 00:21:51,640
and meticulous in his actions.

384
00:21:51,720 --> 00:21:54,160
But he can't escape
his weakness for ladies.

385
00:21:54,680 --> 00:21:56,270
My informant told me

386
00:21:56,590 --> 00:21:58,550
he's going to a tavern by the river
for some fun.

387
00:21:59,640 --> 00:22:01,070
If you're willing, Vice Minister Cui,

388
00:22:02,830 --> 00:22:04,160
you can join me in capturing him.

389
00:22:13,000 --> 00:22:14,240
Long time no see.

390
00:22:14,550 --> 00:22:15,350
Indeed.

391
00:22:15,750 --> 00:22:16,960
Come, come, have a seat inside.

392
00:22:16,960 --> 00:22:18,224
Let me accompany you inside.

393
00:22:51,000 --> 00:22:52,200
Why are you staring at me?

394
00:22:52,464 --> 00:22:54,624
I'm looking at the four big words
on your forehead,

395
00:22:54,720 --> 00:22:56,270
"I am an officer."

396
00:23:01,000 --> 00:23:02,830
You don't look like a patron at all.

397
00:23:02,920 --> 00:23:05,790
No songstress or drinking. You might
as well just announce to the world

398
00:23:05,790 --> 00:23:07,110
that we're here to arrest someone.

399
00:23:07,110 --> 00:23:08,200
You were the one who told me

400
00:23:08,200 --> 00:23:09,030
that after staking this place out
for days,

401
00:23:09,030 --> 00:23:10,400
the foreign merchant
would definitely show up today.

402
00:23:10,420 --> 00:23:11,872
Otherwise, why would I be with you...

403
00:23:13,200 --> 00:23:14,200
in a place like this?

404
00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:19,640
You say that
as if it's your first time here.

405
00:23:24,000 --> 00:23:25,270
It really is your first time?

406
00:23:28,880 --> 00:23:31,000
The only pure and innocent man
in the world.

407
00:23:31,072 --> 00:23:32,030
What's so hard about it?

408
00:23:32,030 --> 00:23:32,920
I'll just teach you.

409
00:23:34,000 --> 00:23:34,750
Don't touch me.

410
00:23:35,030 --> 00:23:36,070
Don't be ungrateful.

411
00:23:36,176 --> 00:23:37,872
I'm teaching you
how to get into character.

412
00:23:38,030 --> 00:23:39,310
You can just tell me.

413
00:23:42,590 --> 00:23:43,480
Loosen your clothes.

414
00:23:49,680 --> 00:23:51,240
A grown man being so indecisive.

415
00:23:51,240 --> 00:23:52,400
Keep your hands to yourself.

416
00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:54,070
I know him.

417
00:23:54,070 --> 00:23:55,350
Young Master Cui.

418
00:23:55,350 --> 00:23:56,240
Yes, that's him.

419
00:23:56,240 --> 00:23:57,680
It's him. It's definitely him.

420
00:23:58,144 --> 00:23:58,752
Let's go.

421
00:23:58,760 --> 00:24:00,960
If someone recognizes you,
your reputation will be ruined.

422
00:24:00,960 --> 00:24:02,544
Where do we go?
They've blocked the door.

423
00:24:02,550 --> 00:24:03,160
Go that way.

424
00:24:03,160 --> 00:24:03,920
Get up.

425
00:24:04,160 --> 00:24:04,790
Hurry, let's go.

426
00:24:05,152 --> 00:24:06,690
- Young Master Cui!
- Young Master Cui!

427
00:24:06,880 --> 00:24:08,030
You have the wrong person.

428
00:24:10,000 --> 00:24:11,400
They jumped into the river?

429
00:24:16,510 --> 00:24:17,590
Good thing we ran fast.

430
00:24:17,680 --> 00:24:19,160
It's okay. We're fine now. Here.

431
00:24:23,110 --> 00:24:23,640
Wait.

432
00:24:23,830 --> 00:24:24,640
Don't worry.

433
00:24:26,310 --> 00:24:27,510
Next time I set a trap,

434
00:24:27,584 --> 00:24:29,510
we'll definitely catch
that foreign merchant.

435
00:24:33,790 --> 00:24:34,310
Hold on.

436
00:24:38,400 --> 00:24:40,624
Why are you just taking
someone else's things?

437
00:24:41,184 --> 00:24:42,590
An official is investigating a case.

438
00:24:42,600 --> 00:24:44,230
I'm just commandeering
a piece of clothing.

439
00:24:44,240 --> 00:24:45,550
Why make such a big deal out of it?

440
00:24:45,550 --> 00:24:47,000
Do not commit an evil act,
no matter how small.

441
00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:48,640
As a court official,
you knowingly broke the law

442
00:24:48,640 --> 00:24:49,550
and you show no remorse.

443
00:24:49,904 --> 00:24:51,070
This is truly unreasonable.

444
00:24:51,680 --> 00:24:52,440
I'll take my leave.

445
00:25:03,480 --> 00:25:04,920
I was afraid you'd catch a cold.

446
00:25:04,920 --> 00:25:05,550
Put it on.

447
00:25:12,736 --> 00:25:13,808
Then you should also...

448
00:25:20,000 --> 00:25:20,720
Farewell.

449
00:25:50,500 --> 00:25:53,340
(Xu Qing, Abbot of Fahua Temple)

450
00:25:54,440 --> 00:25:57,750
Your Highness, the Jati flower incense
blended by you

451
00:25:57,750 --> 00:26:00,750
is pure, rich, and elegant.
It's truly extraordinary.

452
00:26:01,030 --> 00:26:05,270
We have been trying to create a superior
Buddhist incense without success.

453
00:26:07,000 --> 00:26:09,510
Thank you, Your Highness,
for lending your aid.

454
00:26:10,200 --> 00:26:11,200
You flatter me, Master.

455
00:26:11,790 --> 00:26:13,480
I am willing to do my part.

456
00:27:14,240 --> 00:27:16,920
Greetings, Your Highness.

457
00:27:17,240 --> 00:27:18,240
Master, may I ask,

458
00:27:19,120 --> 00:27:21,088
did Commandery Princess Zhaoning
come here today

459
00:27:21,520 --> 00:27:23,584
to specifically blend
the Jati flower incense

460
00:27:24,110 --> 00:27:25,550
for the Buddha statue?

461
00:27:28,070 --> 00:27:31,270
The last time the Empress Dowager
brought Her Highness to offer incense,

462
00:27:32,030 --> 00:27:34,640
it coincided with our temple's attempt
to blend this incense.

463
00:27:35,270 --> 00:27:37,350
However, we could not
get the method right.

464
00:27:38,160 --> 00:27:40,200
We asked Her Highness for some guidance.

465
00:27:40,480 --> 00:27:42,480
The fragrance turned out to be superior.

466
00:27:43,310 --> 00:27:44,400
Therefore, today,

467
00:27:44,590 --> 00:27:46,510
we invited Her Highness again.

468
00:27:47,000 --> 00:27:48,160
So you're saying

469
00:27:49,240 --> 00:27:50,350
Commandery Princess Zhaoning

470
00:27:51,110 --> 00:27:52,440
is an expert in incense making?

471
00:27:52,640 --> 00:27:54,880
Right now,
not just in the entire imperial capital,

472
00:27:56,000 --> 00:27:59,070
but even throughout all of Daxing,
it would be hard to find her equal.

473
00:27:59,720 --> 00:28:02,750
There are extraordinary people
in this world, uniquely gifted.

474
00:28:03,640 --> 00:28:05,880
Incense making requires
a certain spiritual gift.

475
00:28:07,310 --> 00:28:09,550
A natural talent like Her Highness's...

476
00:28:10,240 --> 00:28:13,720
I have only ever seen it
in one other person in my entire life.

477
00:28:14,680 --> 00:28:15,920
Are you referring to

478
00:28:17,830 --> 00:28:18,920
my princess consort?

479
00:28:20,440 --> 00:28:22,200
Precisely, it's your princess consort.

480
00:28:23,440 --> 00:28:25,070
It's strange, now that you mention it.

481
00:28:25,640 --> 00:28:28,790
Commandery Princess Zhaoning
has come a long way from northwest,

482
00:28:29,270 --> 00:28:31,240
but her incense-blending technique

483
00:28:31,510 --> 00:28:34,790
is identical to that
of the Prince Xin's Consort.

484
00:28:35,000 --> 00:28:36,590
There's not the slightest difference.

485
00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:18,070
Your Highness,
what do you think of this piece?

486
00:29:51,030 --> 00:29:52,000
Qingqing.

487
00:29:53,720 --> 00:29:54,920
Someone like you,

488
00:29:57,030 --> 00:29:58,830
a proper and elegant lady,

489
00:29:59,550 --> 00:30:01,000
could never do something

490
00:30:05,030 --> 00:30:06,790
so free-spirited and unrestrained.

491
00:30:12,350 --> 00:30:13,550
She is not you.

492
00:30:35,880 --> 00:30:36,480
Over there.

493
00:30:38,496 --> 00:30:40,320
Greetings, Commandery Princess Zhaoning.

494
00:30:48,160 --> 00:30:50,304
- Greetings, Your Highness.
- Greetings, Your Highness.

495
00:30:51,104 --> 00:30:53,350
I was at the temple today
to pay respects to my late wife.

496
00:30:53,728 --> 00:30:54,920
I happened to run into you.

497
00:30:55,440 --> 00:30:56,880
May I have a word with you in private?

498
00:30:58,160 --> 00:31:00,240
What is it you wish to discuss,
Your Highness?

499
00:31:00,400 --> 00:31:01,550
You can speak freely here.

500
00:31:02,510 --> 00:31:03,590
A few days ago,

501
00:31:04,510 --> 00:31:07,000
His Majesty gathered all the princes
at the hunting grounds

502
00:31:07,350 --> 00:31:08,920
to profess their feelings for you.

503
00:31:09,480 --> 00:31:11,240
At the time, you did not make a choice.

504
00:31:11,880 --> 00:31:12,680
Changying

505
00:31:12,960 --> 00:31:14,510
is my only full brother.

506
00:31:14,544 --> 00:31:15,960
I would like to, on his behalf,

507
00:31:16,512 --> 00:31:18,400
ask for your hand in marriage once more.

508
00:31:18,680 --> 00:31:19,830
Ask on his behalf?

509
00:31:20,192 --> 00:31:22,480
Although Changying can be
a bit impatient and arrogant,

510
00:31:22,480 --> 00:31:25,070
he is a sincere person
with a resolute heart.

511
00:31:25,790 --> 00:31:27,400
His feelings for you are genuine.

512
00:31:27,440 --> 00:31:29,056
That is why I have the audacity to ask.

513
00:31:29,550 --> 00:31:30,720
If you agree,

514
00:31:30,768 --> 00:31:32,320
Changying will,
for the rest of his life,

515
00:31:32,480 --> 00:31:33,480
never love another.

516
00:31:34,000 --> 00:31:36,110
If we can unite our families
through marriage,

517
00:31:36,208 --> 00:31:38,200
then regarding the future situation
in northwest,

518
00:31:38,550 --> 00:31:40,310
whatever you and Duke Wei desire,

519
00:31:40,550 --> 00:31:41,920
I, Changqing, will also

520
00:31:42,032 --> 00:31:43,712
do my utmost to ensure it happens.

521
00:31:51,312 --> 00:31:53,504
- Greetings, Your Highness.
- Greetings, Your Highness.

522
00:31:54,960 --> 00:31:55,550
At ease.

523
00:31:56,270 --> 00:31:57,550
Your Highness,

524
00:31:58,550 --> 00:31:59,790
why are you at Fahua Temple?

525
00:32:01,920 --> 00:32:04,270
I heard the ginkgo trees
at Fahua Temple are quite lovely.

526
00:32:04,550 --> 00:32:05,350
I came specially

527
00:32:05,720 --> 00:32:06,400
to see for myself.

528
00:32:11,504 --> 00:32:13,960
Why are you collecting ginkgo leaves,
Commandery Princess?

529
00:32:14,440 --> 00:32:15,270
What are they for?

530
00:32:15,360 --> 00:32:16,550
To make a medicinal pillow

531
00:32:16,880 --> 00:32:17,790
to help with sleep.

532
00:32:19,480 --> 00:32:20,070
Really?

533
00:32:20,736 --> 00:32:22,480
I often have trouble sleeping at night.

534
00:32:22,590 --> 00:32:23,480
I wonder if you

535
00:32:23,480 --> 00:32:24,920
could share the method with me.

536
00:32:25,880 --> 00:32:27,680
In that case, I will make one for you.

537
00:32:29,070 --> 00:32:29,880
Thank you.

538
00:32:33,880 --> 00:32:34,550
What?

539
00:32:35,920 --> 00:32:37,160
Do you want one, too?

540
00:32:37,960 --> 00:32:39,750
After I get the method from her,

541
00:32:39,880 --> 00:32:41,830
I'll make one for you with my own hands.

542
00:32:44,680 --> 00:32:46,550
You are frail.
I wouldn't dare trouble you.

543
00:32:46,920 --> 00:32:47,960
You should rest well.

544
00:32:48,360 --> 00:32:49,440
You're very considerate.

545
00:32:49,550 --> 00:32:51,480
But this is something I can manage.

546
00:32:52,400 --> 00:32:54,070
Please, take your time, Your Highnesses.

547
00:32:54,310 --> 00:32:55,310
It's getting late.

548
00:32:55,920 --> 00:32:57,160
I should be returning home.

549
00:33:06,384 --> 00:33:08,576
Enjoy your stroll in the garden,
Your Highness.

550
00:33:08,790 --> 00:33:09,920
I shall take my leave as well.

551
00:33:22,070 --> 00:33:22,720
Tian Yuan.

552
00:33:23,632 --> 00:33:25,200
Have someone sort through these leaves,

553
00:33:25,750 --> 00:33:26,790
pick out the best ones,

554
00:33:26,864 --> 00:33:28,544
and give them
to the Commandery Princess.

555
00:33:29,110 --> 00:33:29,550
Yes.

556
00:33:49,160 --> 00:33:49,920
Guards.

557
00:33:49,920 --> 00:33:53,140
(Boundless Compassion, Pure Inaction)

558
00:33:53,750 --> 00:33:54,680
Your Highness.

559
00:33:54,992 --> 00:33:57,184
Investigate
Commandery Princess Zhaoning thoroughly.

560
00:33:57,680 --> 00:33:59,270
Everything related to her,

561
00:34:00,720 --> 00:34:02,310
every single detail,

562
00:34:02,784 --> 00:34:04,544
no matter how minor,
must not be overlooked.

563
00:34:05,200 --> 00:34:05,590
Yes.

564
00:34:12,740 --> 00:34:16,580
(East Palace)

565
00:34:17,920 --> 00:34:18,480
Your Highness,

566
00:34:18,528 --> 00:34:19,880
the Commandery Princess was so quick

567
00:34:19,880 --> 00:34:20,880
to send the pillow over.

568
00:34:20,880 --> 00:34:22,360
And she made it herself.

569
00:34:22,710 --> 00:34:23,320
Tian Yuan,

570
00:34:23,760 --> 00:34:24,760
don't you think

571
00:34:25,110 --> 00:34:26,320
that she has been

572
00:34:27,440 --> 00:34:28,480
a bit closer to me lately?

573
00:34:28,840 --> 00:34:30,550
More than just a bit closer.

574
00:34:30,760 --> 00:34:32,030
It's a huge step forward.

575
00:34:32,670 --> 00:34:35,312
The way she looks at you, there's
a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

576
00:34:35,376 --> 00:34:36,960
This is unprecedented.

577
00:34:37,110 --> 00:34:38,670
It's a look she reserves only for you.

578
00:34:43,880 --> 00:34:44,440
Your Highness,

579
00:34:44,976 --> 00:34:46,832
regarding the case
of the Anxi defense map,

580
00:34:47,000 --> 00:34:48,784
Duke Wei started his investigation
with Ye Qi

581
00:34:48,816 --> 00:34:51,260
and has clarified many suspicious points
and gathered evidence.

582
00:34:51,296 --> 00:34:53,344
He sent men to report each finding
to His Majesty.

583
00:34:53,392 --> 00:34:54,630
His Majesty was very displeased.

584
00:34:54,720 --> 00:34:55,760
During the court session,

585
00:34:55,872 --> 00:34:57,800
in front of all the civil
and military officials,

586
00:34:57,840 --> 00:35:00,000
he reprimanded Ye Qi
for his malicious intentions.

587
00:35:00,440 --> 00:35:01,630
To show his loyalty,

588
00:35:01,696 --> 00:35:02,800
Ye Qi kowtowed on the floor

589
00:35:02,800 --> 00:35:04,000
until his head was bleeding,

590
00:35:04,440 --> 00:35:05,670
solemnly vowing

591
00:35:06,110 --> 00:35:07,920
that the matter had nothing
to do with him.

592
00:35:08,360 --> 00:35:09,840
How did Father deal with him?

593
00:35:10,000 --> 00:35:11,024
His Majesty sentenced Ye Qi

594
00:35:11,056 --> 00:35:13,020
to exile in Tongzhou.
He's to be a slave for life.

595
00:35:13,632 --> 00:35:15,920
He's forbidden
from entering the capital forever.

596
00:35:15,920 --> 00:35:16,960
He brought it upon himself.

597
00:35:17,710 --> 00:35:18,710
With Ye Qi's downfall,

598
00:35:19,000 --> 00:35:21,710
the lucrative position
of Commander-in-Chief of Hexi is vacant.

599
00:35:22,070 --> 00:35:23,280
At court tomorrow,

600
00:35:23,440 --> 00:35:25,110
there will surely be an endless argument

601
00:35:25,480 --> 00:35:26,800
over who will replace him.

602
00:35:27,920 --> 00:35:29,712
Your Highness, what are your plans?

603
00:35:35,590 --> 00:35:37,400
Let Xiao Changqing's man take it.

604
00:35:37,800 --> 00:35:39,230
The Commander-in-Chief of Hexi

605
00:35:39,230 --> 00:35:40,480
controls the northwest corridor.

606
00:35:40,624 --> 00:35:43,000
Prince Xin has had his eye
on this position for a long time.

607
00:35:43,590 --> 00:35:44,280
In the future,

608
00:35:44,590 --> 00:35:47,070
he can also help Prince Lie
pursue the Commandery Princess.

609
00:35:51,150 --> 00:35:52,030
In this matter,

610
00:35:52,360 --> 00:35:54,070
Changqing and Changying
benefit the most.

611
00:35:54,112 --> 00:35:55,350
The Duke of Wei will surely think

612
00:35:55,360 --> 00:35:57,030
that they were the ones
pulling the strings.

613
00:35:59,920 --> 00:36:02,800
Changying is already deeply in love
with the Commandery Princess.

614
00:36:03,190 --> 00:36:05,150
And Changying,
even while mourning his late wife,

615
00:36:05,150 --> 00:36:06,590
didn't forget to propose marriage.

616
00:36:07,632 --> 00:36:09,920
Since they're so persistent
about the Commandery Princess,

617
00:36:10,360 --> 00:36:12,480
we might as well crush
their foolish hopes completely.

618
00:36:12,880 --> 00:36:14,400
(Taiji Hall)
By His Majesty's decree.

619
00:36:14,590 --> 00:36:16,670
The bandit infestation in Fengzhou
has been eradicated,

620
00:36:16,670 --> 00:36:18,688
and the people's livelihood
has been stabilized.

621
00:36:18,752 --> 00:36:21,968
General Rong Ce of Anbei
deserves the highest merit.

622
00:36:22,070 --> 00:36:26,000
Effective immediately, he is reassigned
as Commander-in-Chief of Hexi.

623
00:36:26,150 --> 00:36:27,800
Thus it is decreed.

624
00:36:30,760 --> 00:36:32,030
The one who was just promoted

625
00:36:32,030 --> 00:36:33,880
is your maternal uncle, isn't he?

626
00:36:34,230 --> 00:36:37,190
Noble Consort Rong's elder brother
was enfeoffed as the Duke of Ying.

627
00:36:37,360 --> 00:36:40,630
Now, her younger brother has been
promoted to Commander-in-Chief of Hexi.

628
00:36:40,630 --> 00:36:42,070
Truly two heroes from one family.

629
00:36:42,070 --> 00:36:43,280
This is cause for celebration.

630
00:36:44,190 --> 00:36:46,760
My humble congratulations
to you two princes.

631
00:36:47,072 --> 00:36:49,424
This bandit problem
that has been going on for half a year

632
00:36:49,480 --> 00:36:52,480
happened to coincide with the vacancy
of Commander-in-Chief of Hexi position.

633
00:36:52,490 --> 00:36:54,176
And it just so happened
to be resolved then.

634
00:36:54,224 --> 00:36:55,710
What timely news.

635
00:36:56,480 --> 00:36:57,440
Very timely.

636
00:36:57,920 --> 00:36:59,550
Perhaps a month ago,

637
00:36:59,550 --> 00:37:01,400
or even longer,
it was already taken care of.

638
00:37:02,000 --> 00:37:04,480
They were just waiting
for the right time to report it.

639
00:37:04,480 --> 00:37:05,320
Exactly.

640
00:37:08,110 --> 00:37:09,440
I shall take my leave.

641
00:37:10,280 --> 00:37:11,800
Minister Hu, wait for me.

642
00:37:19,200 --> 00:37:20,688
Regarding the bandit suppression,

643
00:37:20,736 --> 00:37:22,230
I did not dare to report it rashly.

644
00:37:22,880 --> 00:37:25,030
I intended to send a message
to Your Highness

645
00:37:25,030 --> 00:37:26,070
and await your decision.

646
00:37:26,080 --> 00:37:27,696
Who would have known
that the royal uncle

647
00:37:27,728 --> 00:37:29,216
would submit a memorial behind my back?

648
00:37:29,264 --> 00:37:31,100
It was my failure
to handle the matter properly.

649
00:37:31,110 --> 00:37:32,670
I ask for Your Highness's punishment.

650
00:37:34,400 --> 00:37:35,670
This has nothing to do with you.

651
00:37:36,760 --> 00:37:37,480
You may leave.

652
00:37:38,070 --> 00:37:38,550
Yes.

653
00:37:42,000 --> 00:37:42,550
Changqing.

654
00:37:43,000 --> 00:37:44,670
With our uncle now in the position

655
00:37:45,320 --> 00:37:47,190
of Commander-in-Chief of Hexi,

656
00:37:47,590 --> 00:37:49,670
we have made many enemies at court.

657
00:37:50,110 --> 00:37:51,960
Furthermore, Shen Yueshan will suspect

658
00:37:52,840 --> 00:37:54,190
that we were the masterminds.

659
00:37:54,720 --> 00:37:57,504
This will affect your marriage
to Commandery Princess Zhaoning.

660
00:37:58,000 --> 00:37:58,960
All of this

661
00:38:00,760 --> 00:38:02,030
seems like a coincidence,

662
00:38:03,880 --> 00:38:05,230
but it's actually very strange.

663
00:38:07,888 --> 00:38:09,510
There must be someone behind the scenes,

664
00:38:10,230 --> 00:38:11,440
secretly manipulating things.

665
00:38:13,440 --> 00:38:15,360
Given Xiao Changqing's
cunning and schemes,

666
00:38:15,550 --> 00:38:17,030
if he were behind this,

667
00:38:17,440 --> 00:38:19,230
he would have done it
without anyone noticing.

668
00:38:20,230 --> 00:38:22,280
Even if he wanted
to install his own man,

669
00:38:22,550 --> 00:38:23,840
it wouldn't be this one,

670
00:38:23,840 --> 00:38:25,510
an uncle
with such obvious nepotistic ties.

671
00:38:26,480 --> 00:38:27,800
Looking at the whole situation,

672
00:38:28,510 --> 00:38:30,360
not only did he not gain any advantage,

673
00:38:30,784 --> 00:38:33,120
but he has instead attracted a lot
of jealousy and resentment.

674
00:38:33,480 --> 00:38:35,230
He's become a clear target for everyone.

675
00:38:35,840 --> 00:38:36,880
Your Highness, you mean

676
00:38:37,230 --> 00:38:39,360
someone is secretly
targeting the two brothers?

677
00:38:42,960 --> 00:38:44,880
The General of Anbei position
vacated by Rong Ce,

678
00:38:45,000 --> 00:38:46,030
who filled it?

679
00:38:47,024 --> 00:38:50,000
Someone was transferred from
the Imperial Guard to fill the vacancy.

680
00:38:50,352 --> 00:38:52,624
Then the position that opened up
in the Imperial Guard,

681
00:38:52,656 --> 00:38:53,744
who filled that?

682
00:38:54,440 --> 00:38:55,360
The Embroidered Envoy.

683
00:39:01,670 --> 00:39:03,000
Could it be

684
00:39:03,280 --> 00:39:04,710
that Tagara Incense again?

685
00:39:07,800 --> 00:39:09,550
He can silently

686
00:39:10,030 --> 00:39:11,710
infiltrate the Emperor's most rigorous

687
00:39:11,880 --> 00:39:13,360
and tight-knit circle of power.

688
00:39:14,480 --> 00:39:16,670
And he's also an enemy
of the Xiao Changqing brothers.

689
00:39:17,670 --> 00:39:18,800
Could it be...

690
00:39:20,752 --> 00:39:22,360
He is a member of the royal family?

691
00:39:35,216 --> 00:39:36,480
Reporting to Young Master Bu.

692
00:39:36,510 --> 00:39:38,544
I've already notified
all the Shunan merchant guilds.

693
00:39:38,592 --> 00:39:40,760
Once that foreign merchant
selling illicit drugs appears,

694
00:39:40,760 --> 00:39:42,070
he will be watched closely.

695
00:39:42,070 --> 00:39:42,760
I guarantee

696
00:39:43,000 --> 00:39:44,070
he'll have nowhere to run.

697
00:39:44,710 --> 00:39:46,360
He entered from the Shunan border

698
00:39:46,370 --> 00:39:48,130
and is doing business
in the imperial capital.

699
00:39:48,150 --> 00:39:50,180
He definitely can't avoid
the Shunan merchant guilds.

700
00:39:50,360 --> 00:39:51,960
You're an important figure
in the guilds.

701
00:39:52,030 --> 00:39:53,230
Don't let me down.

702
00:39:59,072 --> 00:40:00,550
- Young Master Bu.
- Young Master Bu.

703
00:40:00,576 --> 00:40:01,440
Young Master.

704
00:40:01,630 --> 00:40:02,590
Young Master.

705
00:40:03,110 --> 00:40:04,110
Young Master.

706
00:40:04,160 --> 00:40:05,824
It's been so long since your last visit.

707
00:40:05,872 --> 00:40:06,960
I thought

708
00:40:06,960 --> 00:40:08,550
you had forgotten about me.

709
00:40:11,360 --> 00:40:14,070
Your "Phoenix Tree Song" lingers
for three days.

710
00:40:14,176 --> 00:40:16,400
I won't find another like you
in the entire capital.

711
00:40:16,590 --> 00:40:17,960
Young Master.

712
00:40:18,510 --> 00:40:19,440
Did you guys hear?

713
00:40:19,760 --> 00:40:20,800
I heard

714
00:40:20,800 --> 00:40:23,710
that Cui Jinbai was having a secret
rendezvous at the riverside tavern.

715
00:40:23,840 --> 00:40:26,030
He was caught and fled in a panic.

716
00:40:26,080 --> 00:40:27,072
He jumped into the river.

717
00:40:27,190 --> 00:40:30,000
A secret meeting at a tavern
is no big deal.

718
00:40:30,081 --> 00:40:31,711
Why would he risk his life over it?

719
00:40:32,960 --> 00:40:34,960
That Cui Jinbai is such a phony.

720
00:40:35,070 --> 00:40:36,880
He acts so aloof and pure.

721
00:40:36,880 --> 00:40:39,070
I think people like him
are the most hypocritical.

722
00:40:39,320 --> 00:40:41,920
They're not as true to their nature
as you and I.

723
00:40:42,150 --> 00:40:44,070
He's all sanctimonious in public,

724
00:40:44,070 --> 00:40:44,960
but in reality,

725
00:40:44,960 --> 00:40:47,230
he's even wilder than we are.

726
00:40:48,440 --> 00:40:49,550
How interesting.

727
00:40:49,550 --> 00:40:51,230
Come, Hu, please.

728
00:40:51,230 --> 00:40:52,440
- Come on.
- Come on.

729
00:40:57,264 --> 00:40:58,150
What are you doing?

730
00:40:59,550 --> 00:41:00,630
You... What are you doing?

731
00:41:03,030 --> 00:41:04,710
You two were fighting in a tavern,

732
00:41:04,710 --> 00:41:05,630
disturbing the peace.

733
00:41:05,640 --> 00:41:07,110
According to the laws of our dynasty...

734
00:41:07,110 --> 00:41:07,920
What fight?

735
00:41:08,480 --> 00:41:11,280
With him? I was just
teaching him a lesson, one-sidedly.

736
00:41:11,280 --> 00:41:11,800
I...

737
00:41:11,800 --> 00:41:12,670
So you're admitting

738
00:41:12,768 --> 00:41:14,630
to relying on your
superior martial arts skills

739
00:41:14,630 --> 00:41:15,440
to bully others?

740
00:41:15,440 --> 00:41:16,320
He deserved it.

741
00:41:16,320 --> 00:41:17,230
Why did he deserve it?

742
00:41:21,360 --> 00:41:22,510
If you don't tell me,

743
00:41:22,510 --> 00:41:24,464
I can only handle this
according to the law.

744
00:41:25,480 --> 00:41:27,000
According to the laws of Daxing,

745
00:41:27,510 --> 00:41:29,400
those who provoke trouble
and engage in brawls

746
00:41:29,520 --> 00:41:31,230
shall receive 20 to 50 strikes
with the rod.

747
00:41:32,320 --> 00:41:32,880
Guards!

748
00:41:34,630 --> 00:41:36,230
Hu Yu, 20 strikes.

749
00:41:36,630 --> 00:41:37,400
Bu Shulin,

750
00:41:38,110 --> 00:41:39,190
50 strikes.

751
00:41:39,710 --> 00:41:40,360
- Wait.
- Yes.

752
00:41:42,800 --> 00:41:44,464
Why does he get 20 and I get 50?

753
00:41:44,496 --> 00:41:45,840
Because you are an imperial guard.

754
00:41:45,840 --> 00:41:47,968
Knowingly breaking the law
is a more severe crime.

755
00:41:52,256 --> 00:41:54,512
If I weren't helping you
investigate the foreign merchant,

756
00:41:54,592 --> 00:41:56,432
would I be hanging
around a place like that?

757
00:41:56,920 --> 00:41:58,030
I worked tirelessly,

758
00:41:58,030 --> 00:41:59,840
day and night, to find clues for you.

759
00:41:59,840 --> 00:42:01,824
And this is how you treat me,
Vice Minister Cui?

760
00:42:04,510 --> 00:42:05,230
Captain Bu,

761
00:42:05,712 --> 00:42:07,110
investigating a case is one thing,

762
00:42:07,880 --> 00:42:09,110
but you broke the law.

763
00:42:09,136 --> 00:42:10,550
These are two separate matters.

764
00:42:11,710 --> 00:42:12,630
Fine.

765
00:42:14,510 --> 00:42:15,710
I'll accept it.

766
00:42:16,320 --> 00:42:18,960
After all, I do admire
this impartiality of yours.

767
00:42:19,710 --> 00:42:21,440
Suffering a little for one of our own

768
00:42:21,590 --> 00:42:22,960
is worth it.

769
00:42:29,070 --> 00:42:29,800
Take them away!

770
00:42:32,480 --> 00:42:33,070
Let's go.

771
00:42:33,960 --> 00:42:34,510
Let go.

772
00:42:53,630 --> 00:42:55,600
You see that he's frail
and want to find a backup.

773
00:42:55,648 --> 00:42:56,840
You're playing both sides.

774
00:42:56,840 --> 00:42:58,000
Never mind playing both sides.

775
00:42:58,110 --> 00:43:00,710
What if I were to explore
a few more options?

776
00:43:00,710 --> 00:43:01,960
Among all the princes,

777
00:43:01,960 --> 00:43:04,070
Prince Lie is a rare military talent.

778
00:43:04,150 --> 00:43:06,384
I just saw that Xihe seems to admire

779
00:43:06,400 --> 00:43:07,510
Prince Lie quite a bit.

780
00:43:07,550 --> 00:43:08,760
You're from northwest.

781
00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:11,360
Could it be that you prefer
more masculine men?

782
00:43:16,150 --> 00:43:19,090
♪I've hidden so many words♪

783
00:43:19,710 --> 00:43:22,510
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

784
00:43:23,380 --> 00:43:30,350
♪So never uncover♪

785
00:43:30,540 --> 00:43:32,900
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

786
00:43:34,030 --> 00:43:36,760
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

787
00:43:37,720 --> 00:43:43,060
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

788
00:43:44,820 --> 00:43:47,640
♪Every answer I gave♪

789
00:43:48,440 --> 00:43:51,290
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

790
00:43:52,080 --> 00:43:55,450
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

791
00:43:55,710 --> 00:43:59,020
♪How hard it truly was?♪

792
00:44:01,990 --> 00:44:05,430
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

793
00:44:06,420 --> 00:44:08,750
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

794
00:44:10,020 --> 00:44:15,780
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

795
00:44:17,190 --> 00:44:20,320
♪It's a shame I never could♪

796
00:44:20,770 --> 00:44:23,780
♪Give you a moon in return♪

797
00:44:23,890 --> 00:44:30,530
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

798
00:44:30,530 --> 00:44:34,200
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

799
00:44:35,070 --> 00:44:37,830
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

800
00:44:38,270 --> 00:44:41,400
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

801
00:44:41,840 --> 00:44:47,790
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

802
00:44:49,190 --> 00:44:52,740
♪You'll never♪

803
00:44:53,020 --> 00:45:02,490
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪