1
00:00:18,600 --> 00:00:19,960
My son.

2
00:00:21,399 --> 00:00:24,719
My son, my dear son.

3
00:00:26,839 --> 00:00:28,679
You've left me behind like this.

4
00:00:31,199 --> 00:00:33,640
You've abandoned me and gone.

5
00:00:35,039 --> 00:00:36,039
Heavens.

6
00:00:36,920 --> 00:00:38,520
How could this be so unjust?

7
00:00:39,679 --> 00:00:42,000
How could this be so unjust?

8
00:00:42,439 --> 00:00:43,240
Mother.

9
00:00:45,760 --> 00:00:47,110
Please don't grieve too deeply.

10
00:00:48,200 --> 00:00:49,920
Brother died heroically for our nation.

11
00:00:49,930 --> 00:00:51,550
He gave his life
in service to the realm.

12
00:00:51,560 --> 00:00:52,920
His sacrifice was an honor.

13
00:00:54,399 --> 00:00:55,560
It was me...

14
00:00:57,520 --> 00:00:58,280
I...

15
00:00:59,640 --> 00:01:02,320
who failed to keep my brother safe.

16
00:01:05,560 --> 00:01:06,439
I...

17
00:01:08,920 --> 00:01:10,680
am guilty.

18
00:01:26,280 --> 00:01:27,239
Mother.

19
00:01:31,000 --> 00:01:33,760
Though I was not born of you,

20
00:01:34,480 --> 00:01:35,959
you raised me with boundless care.

21
00:01:36,640 --> 00:01:38,040
Your kindness gave me a second life.

22
00:01:38,840 --> 00:01:39,640
Now,

23
00:01:40,359 --> 00:01:42,000
with my brother taken from us,

24
00:01:42,560 --> 00:01:43,319
I will

25
00:01:45,239 --> 00:01:47,359
carry on his legacy.

26
00:01:48,840 --> 00:01:50,879
I will protect this realm.

27
00:01:51,719 --> 00:01:53,200
And I will care for you, Mother.

28
00:01:53,719 --> 00:01:55,200
I will never let you

29
00:01:55,959 --> 00:01:57,879
suffer another grievance.

30
00:02:18,159 --> 00:02:20,479
I watched you grow up.

31
00:02:21,240 --> 00:02:22,879
I know

32
00:02:25,039 --> 00:02:26,439
your character well.

33
00:02:27,199 --> 00:02:29,280
Your brother had great hopes for you.

34
00:02:30,224 --> 00:02:32,624
He always said you excelled
in both letters and arms.

35
00:02:33,159 --> 00:02:36,000
That one day, you would
become a pillar of the nation.

36
00:02:36,639 --> 00:02:37,479
Now,

37
00:02:37,719 --> 00:02:39,240
only you

38
00:02:39,240 --> 00:02:41,919
can finish what he left undone.

39
00:02:42,000 --> 00:02:45,560
I will never fail the trust
you've placed in me, Mother.

40
00:02:47,639 --> 00:02:49,080
Nor will I fail

41
00:02:50,000 --> 00:02:51,560
my brother's spirit in heaven.

42
00:03:06,120 --> 00:03:06,960
Mother.

43
00:03:09,479 --> 00:03:10,919
There is one more matter

44
00:03:13,960 --> 00:03:15,360
I must report to you.

45
00:03:15,599 --> 00:03:16,520
What is it?

46
00:03:17,520 --> 00:03:18,240
Guards.

47
00:03:34,800 --> 00:03:35,560
Mother.

48
00:03:36,159 --> 00:03:37,000
This child

49
00:03:37,759 --> 00:03:39,159
was born to my consort.

50
00:03:39,376 --> 00:03:41,360
She endured countless hardships
amid the war

51
00:03:41,376 --> 00:03:43,104
in the northwest
and narrowly escaped death

52
00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:44,599
to bring him into this world.

53
00:03:45,240 --> 00:03:46,039
This child

54
00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:48,639
was born amid relentless gunfire.

55
00:03:48,879 --> 00:03:49,879
I believe

56
00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:51,919
he is destined for greatness.

57
00:03:52,199 --> 00:03:54,240
After I ascend the throne,

58
00:03:55,439 --> 00:03:56,759
I intend to name him

59
00:03:59,039 --> 00:04:00,080
Crown Prince.

60
00:04:03,280 --> 00:04:04,479
What did you say?

61
00:04:06,800 --> 00:04:08,319
You want to make him Crown Prince?

62
00:04:09,759 --> 00:04:10,840
Don't you think

63
00:04:12,000 --> 00:04:13,719
you're rushing things a bit?

64
00:04:16,360 --> 00:04:17,199
I...

65
00:04:19,079 --> 00:04:20,920
have made up my mind.

66
00:04:27,399 --> 00:04:28,680
He will be

67
00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:31,720
the child I cherish most.

68
00:05:51,480 --> 00:05:52,240
=Blossoms of Power=

69
00:05:52,250 --> 00:05:55,060
(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

70
00:05:55,060 --> 00:05:57,860
=Episode 36=

71
00:06:01,040 --> 00:06:02,160
How could this happen?

72
00:06:03,759 --> 00:06:05,199
You're a dying man.

73
00:06:06,319 --> 00:06:07,759
Are you still trying to deceive me?

74
00:06:08,120 --> 00:06:09,680
I never lied to you.

75
00:06:10,279 --> 00:06:12,519
It's precisely because I'm dying

76
00:06:12,759 --> 00:06:13,639
that I have to

77
00:06:14,680 --> 00:06:16,560
tell you

78
00:06:16,639 --> 00:06:18,560
the whole truth.

79
00:06:19,040 --> 00:06:20,000
Why?

80
00:06:20,959 --> 00:06:23,319
Why did you claim back then

81
00:06:23,319 --> 00:06:25,160
that this child
was your own flesh and blood?

82
00:06:25,839 --> 00:06:26,839
Because

83
00:06:27,519 --> 00:06:29,279
I knew better than anyone

84
00:06:29,839 --> 00:06:32,279
that if I brought this child
back to the imperial capital,

85
00:06:33,079 --> 00:06:34,639
you, as the Grand Empress Dowager,

86
00:06:34,720 --> 00:06:38,279
would make Prince Qian's
posthumous son the heir to the throne.

87
00:06:38,680 --> 00:06:39,720
And I

88
00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:43,439
would never ascend the throne.

89
00:06:45,079 --> 00:06:47,279
My brother and I were of one heart.

90
00:06:47,584 --> 00:06:49,360
We fought side by side
on the battlefield.

91
00:06:49,600 --> 00:06:51,720
We entrusted our lives to one another.

92
00:06:52,000 --> 00:06:55,000
But the throne of Daxing

93
00:06:56,920 --> 00:06:58,560
was within my reach.

94
00:07:00,120 --> 00:07:01,879
It was there for the taking.

95
00:07:02,680 --> 00:07:03,279
I...

96
00:07:04,560 --> 00:07:05,680
So, Your Majesty,

97
00:07:06,600 --> 00:07:07,759
after ascending the throne,

98
00:07:08,279 --> 00:07:09,680
you were burdened with guilt.

99
00:07:10,319 --> 00:07:12,519
You named the Crown Prince
while he was still an infant

100
00:07:13,720 --> 00:07:15,079
and lavished him with every favor.

101
00:07:15,839 --> 00:07:16,879
Precisely because of that,

102
00:07:17,712 --> 00:07:19,750
the Grand Empress Dowager
poured all her hatred

103
00:07:20,439 --> 00:07:22,000
onto the Crown Prince.

104
00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:23,040
Yes.

105
00:07:25,079 --> 00:07:26,759
I carried that guilt.

106
00:07:27,480 --> 00:07:28,399
So...

107
00:07:29,800 --> 00:07:30,839
I...

108
00:07:30,864 --> 00:07:32,944
I did everything
I could to make it up to him.

109
00:07:33,560 --> 00:07:35,639
I treated Huayong as my own son.

110
00:07:36,480 --> 00:07:37,879
The love I gave him

111
00:07:38,000 --> 00:07:41,000
surpassed that for all my own children.

112
00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:43,720
But I never imagined

113
00:07:45,319 --> 00:07:46,839
that my favoritism toward him

114
00:07:47,399 --> 00:07:51,040
would bring about his death.

115
00:07:55,040 --> 00:07:56,480
Mother.

116
00:07:59,199 --> 00:07:59,959
Huayong.

117
00:08:01,839 --> 00:08:03,199
My grandson.

118
00:08:06,040 --> 00:08:08,399
He was my own grandson.

119
00:08:11,399 --> 00:08:11,899
I...

120
00:08:13,120 --> 00:08:15,800
I killed my own grandson.

121
00:08:16,160 --> 00:08:18,199
I was the one who caused your death.

122
00:08:21,560 --> 00:08:22,600
Huayong.

123
00:08:23,600 --> 00:08:25,480
I caused your death.

124
00:08:26,000 --> 00:08:28,079
I wronged you...

125
00:08:28,519 --> 00:08:29,279
Huayong.

126
00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:30,519
Huayong.

127
00:08:30,879 --> 00:08:32,240
My Huayong.

128
00:08:34,720 --> 00:08:36,120
Xihe...

129
00:08:37,360 --> 00:08:39,039
Leave us.

130
00:08:53,140 --> 00:08:53,780
(Book of Wei)

131
00:09:00,360 --> 00:09:01,000
Brother.

132
00:09:01,879 --> 00:09:03,039
How far have you gotten

133
00:09:03,320 --> 00:09:04,440
in the Book of Wei?

134
00:09:04,672 --> 00:09:06,160
Have you gained any insights?

135
00:09:07,679 --> 00:09:08,440
Brother,

136
00:09:09,320 --> 00:09:10,399
I have read

137
00:09:10,432 --> 00:09:12,210
"The people
are the foundation of a nation,

138
00:09:12,220 --> 00:09:13,840
and food is the foundation
of the people.

139
00:09:13,904 --> 00:09:16,030
When those under Heaven
are free from hunger and cold,

140
00:09:16,048 --> 00:09:18,320
the people will have no desire
to abandon their homeland."

141
00:09:18,480 --> 00:09:19,399
I believe

142
00:09:19,759 --> 00:09:21,639
this is how a ruler should govern.

143
00:09:23,960 --> 00:09:24,879
Well said.

144
00:09:25,799 --> 00:09:27,000
As a prince,

145
00:09:27,000 --> 00:09:29,600
you should indeed learn the principles
of governing the realm

146
00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:31,872
from the classics, histories,
philosophy, and literature.

147
00:09:32,399 --> 00:09:34,639
But in the end,
all those teachings come down

148
00:09:37,200 --> 00:09:38,840
to one thing. The hearts of the people.

149
00:09:42,440 --> 00:09:45,000
Only by caring for the people
and understanding their hardships

150
00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:47,799
can a nation stand strong.

151
00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:50,399
I will remember your teachings.

152
00:09:51,960 --> 00:09:52,679
Come with me.

153
00:09:56,288 --> 00:09:58,840
This is a newly crafted Dushan jade
inkstone and a wolf-hair brush

154
00:09:58,840 --> 00:09:59,990
made by the Imperial Workshop.

155
00:10:00,440 --> 00:10:01,960
I had a set prepared for you as well.

156
00:10:06,144 --> 00:10:07,910
Brother, you are
the eldest legitimate son.

157
00:10:08,480 --> 00:10:10,720
Fine food, splendid robes,
books, and classics

158
00:10:10,960 --> 00:10:12,320
have always been yours by right.

159
00:10:13,240 --> 00:10:14,039
Yet you

160
00:10:14,279 --> 00:10:15,960
have always shared them with me.

161
00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:17,639
Even our monthly stipends

162
00:10:17,640 --> 00:10:19,072
have always been exactly the same.

163
00:10:19,399 --> 00:10:20,080
I have

164
00:10:21,080 --> 00:10:22,679
truly overstepped my place.

165
00:10:23,000 --> 00:10:23,679
Juechong.

166
00:10:25,519 --> 00:10:26,799
You are my brother.

167
00:10:27,799 --> 00:10:28,759
Between brothers,

168
00:10:29,376 --> 00:10:30,480
there is no yours or mine.

169
00:10:47,940 --> 00:10:55,020
(Months Later)

170
00:10:55,240 --> 00:10:59,360
(I have received Heaven's Mandate
and inherited the throne,)

171
00:11:00,000 --> 00:11:03,720
(to restore order to the troubled realm
and bring peace under Heaven.)

172
00:11:04,639 --> 00:11:08,679
(Now that my years
are drawing to an end,)

173
00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:13,440
(I hereby issue this edict
to appoint the new Emperor.)

174
00:11:14,440 --> 00:11:16,519
(Imperial Grandson Xiao Junshu,)

175
00:11:16,960 --> 00:11:21,039
(long blessed with auspicious omens
and marked for greatness,)

176
00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:26,159
(I hereby pass the throne
to Imperial Grandson Junshu.)

177
00:11:27,240 --> 00:11:29,360
(Crown Princess Shen Xihe,)

178
00:11:29,799 --> 00:11:33,759
(foremost among the Six Palaces
and mother of the realm,)

179
00:11:34,879 --> 00:11:37,799
(the new Emperor shall honor her
with the utmost filial piety.)

180
00:11:38,480 --> 00:11:41,088
(In keeping with tradition,
the new Emperor)

181
00:11:41,088 --> 00:11:43,600
(shall honor his mother
as Grand Empress Dowager.)

182
00:11:45,120 --> 00:11:46,720
(My choice)

183
00:11:47,159 --> 00:11:48,879
(is worthy
before Heaven and the spirits.)

184
00:11:49,840 --> 00:11:51,440
(All princes and officials,)

185
00:11:51,919 --> 00:11:54,360
(all regional governors
and local magistrates,)

186
00:11:54,720 --> 00:11:56,360
(and all scholars and commoners,)

187
00:11:56,639 --> 00:11:58,200
(shall faithfully obey this decree)

188
00:11:58,639 --> 00:12:00,519
(to fulfill my will.)

189
00:12:01,600 --> 00:12:06,480
(Let this be proclaimed throughout
the realm so all may know.)

190
00:12:27,440 --> 00:12:32,039
- Long live Your Majesty!
- Long live Your Majesty!

191
00:12:32,679 --> 00:12:37,440
- Long live the Grand Empress Dowager!
- Long live the Grand Empress Dowager!

192
00:12:41,279 --> 00:12:44,799
Now that the realm is at peace
and harmony has been restored,

193
00:12:45,000 --> 00:12:46,879
it is fitting to proclaim
a new reign era.

194
00:12:47,039 --> 00:12:52,000
Drawing upon the ideals
of harmony throughout the realm,

195
00:12:52,440 --> 00:12:55,600
the reign title shall be Yonghe.

196
00:12:55,648 --> 00:12:56,960
(Spirit Tablet of Prince Xin,
Xiao Changqing)

197
00:12:56,960 --> 00:12:58,400
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Lady Gu)

198
00:13:30,940 --> 00:13:40,200
(Favorable Weather
and Abundant Harvests)

199
00:13:40,200 --> 00:13:41,488
Greetings, Grand Empress Dowager.

200
00:13:42,679 --> 00:13:43,279
Rise.

201
00:13:46,919 --> 00:13:47,960
Leave us.

202
00:14:00,080 --> 00:14:00,960
My brother

203
00:14:02,320 --> 00:14:04,720
was branded a traitor
who sought to seize the throne.

204
00:14:05,480 --> 00:14:06,679
Under the laws of Daxing,

205
00:14:07,799 --> 00:14:10,519
his name should have been struck
from the Xiao family register

206
00:14:10,608 --> 00:14:12,864
and he would never be interred
in the Imperial Mausoleum.

207
00:14:13,024 --> 00:14:15,180
Fortunately, when the new Emperor
ascended the throne,

208
00:14:15,320 --> 00:14:16,440
he granted a general amnesty.

209
00:14:17,344 --> 00:14:19,280
Thanks to
the Grand Empress Dowager's mercy,

210
00:14:19,376 --> 00:14:21,460
he was allowed to keep
his place in the Xiao family,

211
00:14:21,720 --> 00:14:22,992
his name preserved for posterity.

212
00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:25,320
He was spared the fate

213
00:14:25,320 --> 00:14:27,540
of becoming a wandering soul
with neither roots nor kin.

214
00:14:27,550 --> 00:14:28,992
Your Majesty's great kindness

215
00:14:30,399 --> 00:14:31,759
is beyond my power to repay.

216
00:14:32,799 --> 00:14:33,960
The truth is, your brother

217
00:14:35,039 --> 00:14:37,120
never truly intended
to seize the throne.

218
00:14:37,840 --> 00:14:38,960
The day he wounded you,

219
00:14:40,600 --> 00:14:41,600
he did it on purpose.

220
00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:43,320
He wanted to sever your ties with him

221
00:14:43,919 --> 00:14:45,159
so you would not be implicated.

222
00:14:54,360 --> 00:14:55,080
I know.

223
00:14:57,200 --> 00:14:58,399
No matter what he did,

224
00:15:00,200 --> 00:15:01,559
he would never truly hurt me.

225
00:15:06,320 --> 00:15:07,799
He always put me first,

226
00:15:09,720 --> 00:15:11,440
shielding me from every storm.

227
00:15:14,688 --> 00:15:16,550
He was the best brother
I could ever have.

228
00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:33,120
Your Majesty,

229
00:15:34,360 --> 00:15:35,279
I wish to ask

230
00:15:35,639 --> 00:15:36,759
for an edict from you.

231
00:15:37,519 --> 00:15:38,399
What is it

232
00:15:38,639 --> 00:15:39,440
that you seek?

233
00:15:40,799 --> 00:15:41,879
Please grant me permission

234
00:15:42,399 --> 00:15:43,679
to go to the frontier

235
00:15:44,032 --> 00:15:45,420
and lead the troops in its defense.

236
00:15:48,192 --> 00:15:49,360
Have you thought this through?

237
00:15:56,080 --> 00:15:57,360
If this vast realm

238
00:15:58,919 --> 00:16:00,559
can enjoy lasting prosperity

239
00:16:01,679 --> 00:16:03,039
under Your Majesty's reign,

240
00:16:06,360 --> 00:16:08,759
it would surely be
what my brother always wished to see.

241
00:16:13,120 --> 00:16:14,120
I want to protect it

242
00:16:15,519 --> 00:16:16,519
in his place.

243
00:16:17,799 --> 00:16:18,360
Very well.

244
00:16:20,279 --> 00:16:21,720
I grant your request.

245
00:16:24,159 --> 00:16:25,440
Thank you, Your Majesty.

246
00:16:25,840 --> 00:16:26,639
Rise.

247
00:16:34,000 --> 00:16:35,240
There is one more thing.

248
00:16:37,720 --> 00:16:38,600
My mother...

249
00:16:38,840 --> 00:16:40,240
I will spare her life.

250
00:16:40,759 --> 00:16:41,519
You have my word.

251
00:16:45,088 --> 00:16:46,200
Thank you, Your Majesty.

252
00:16:59,879 --> 00:17:01,399
By decree of the Grand Empress Dowager:

253
00:17:01,728 --> 00:17:04,640
Bu Shuyao, younger sister of the
Young Master to the Marquis of Shunan.

254
00:17:04,640 --> 00:17:06,432
was separated from her family
for many years

255
00:17:06,480 --> 00:17:08,880
before finally being found
and reunited with them.

256
00:17:08,890 --> 00:17:10,400
It is hereby recognized that Bu Shuyao

257
00:17:10,400 --> 00:17:13,119
is of gentle character
and gracious bearing,

258
00:17:13,119 --> 00:17:15,680
blessed with virtue and dignity.

259
00:17:15,700 --> 00:17:17,500
The Grand Empress Dowager
is greatly pleased.

260
00:17:17,510 --> 00:17:19,616
Now that the period
of national mourning has ended,

261
00:17:19,620 --> 00:17:22,784
she is hereby betrothed to Cui Jinbai,
Minister of Court of Judicial Review.

262
00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:25,559
The wedding shall be held
on an auspicious date. So decreed.

263
00:17:25,680 --> 00:17:27,119
I accept the decree.

264
00:17:27,799 --> 00:17:31,319
- Long live the Grand Empress Dowager!
- Long live the Grand Empress Dowager!

265
00:17:40,464 --> 00:17:42,350
The Grand Empress Dowager
has another decree.

266
00:17:42,480 --> 00:17:44,240
She summons you to the palace today.

267
00:17:45,000 --> 00:17:46,240
Very well. I'll go shortly.

268
00:17:46,240 --> 00:17:47,360
Thank you, Chief Steward.

269
00:17:53,210 --> 00:17:54,976
"Of gentle character
and gracious bearing,

270
00:17:54,976 --> 00:17:56,350
blessed with virtue and dignity?"

271
00:17:56,839 --> 00:17:58,119
Is that really me?

272
00:17:59,000 --> 00:18:00,880
Xihe has always loved teasing people.

273
00:18:00,880 --> 00:18:02,160
She must have said it ironically.

274
00:18:02,960 --> 00:18:04,599
You really should break that habit.

275
00:18:04,816 --> 00:18:06,110
When you enter the palace later,

276
00:18:06,140 --> 00:18:08,512
you must not address Grand Empress
Dowager by her given name.

277
00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:14,920
At last, we can finally
be together openly.

278
00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:17,240
Everything in this world may change,

279
00:18:18,440 --> 00:18:19,519
but the love between us

280
00:18:20,240 --> 00:18:21,079
never will.

281
00:18:21,160 --> 00:18:22,200
How sappy.

282
00:18:57,079 --> 00:18:59,279
Greetings, Your Majesty.

283
00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:18,839
Rise.

284
00:19:19,880 --> 00:19:20,960
There's no one else here.

285
00:19:20,976 --> 00:19:22,112
Why are you acting so proper?

286
00:19:24,920 --> 00:19:25,420
Come.

287
00:19:34,288 --> 00:19:36,240
I've been keeping
my back perfectly straight

288
00:19:36,720 --> 00:19:38,759
the whole way just to
look like a proper lady.

289
00:19:38,759 --> 00:19:39,880
My back is killing me.

290
00:19:40,279 --> 00:19:41,240
Why pretend at all?

291
00:19:41,700 --> 00:19:44,200
The Grand Empress Dowager praised me
to the skies in the decree.

292
00:19:44,200 --> 00:19:45,279
I had to live up to it.

293
00:19:46,640 --> 00:19:48,400
I should have arranged
your marriage long ago.

294
00:19:48,460 --> 00:19:50,500
It was delayed because
of the period of national mourning.

295
00:19:50,519 --> 00:19:52,640
I never intended
to marry so soon anyway.

296
00:19:52,720 --> 00:19:53,400
Why not?

297
00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:56,240
Well...

298
00:19:57,079 --> 00:19:58,160
I hadn't had enough fun yet.

299
00:19:59,519 --> 00:20:00,920
Such a pity. Your martial skills

300
00:20:00,920 --> 00:20:01,880
deserve better.

301
00:20:05,359 --> 00:20:06,559
You may choose

302
00:20:06,592 --> 00:20:08,176
between Chief Clerk and Staff Officer.

303
00:20:09,000 --> 00:20:09,759
What?

304
00:20:09,839 --> 00:20:11,240
If Cui Jinbai refuses,

305
00:20:11,440 --> 00:20:12,640
I'll go reason with him myself.

306
00:20:13,200 --> 00:20:15,559
Just follow your heart
and make the choice

307
00:20:15,559 --> 00:20:16,279
you truly want.

308
00:20:18,640 --> 00:20:19,480
Do you mean it?

309
00:20:21,279 --> 00:20:23,960
You trained in martial arts
alongside the soldiers since childhood.

310
00:20:23,960 --> 00:20:26,000
You've endured
far more hardships than most.

311
00:20:26,559 --> 00:20:28,279
I know you love Cui Jinbai,

312
00:20:28,640 --> 00:20:30,000
but I also know you're worried

313
00:20:30,200 --> 00:20:31,559
that once you're married,

314
00:20:31,560 --> 00:20:33,232
you'll be confined
to the inner quarters.

315
00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:38,039
I wish

316
00:20:38,816 --> 00:20:40,310
to serve as a Staff Officer.

317
00:20:40,464 --> 00:20:41,824
Have you made up your mind?

318
00:20:42,400 --> 00:20:43,279
I have.

319
00:20:43,640 --> 00:20:44,140
Very well.

320
00:21:14,112 --> 00:21:15,720
(Four years later)
Everyone, hurry up.

321
00:21:15,840 --> 00:21:17,056
(Four years later)
Yes.

322
00:21:17,312 --> 00:21:19,088
There are still some leaves over there.

323
00:21:19,279 --> 00:21:20,000
- Yes.
- Yes.

324
00:21:20,620 --> 00:21:24,620
(Clear and Serene)

325
00:21:24,640 --> 00:21:26,039
Make sure it's spotless.

326
00:21:26,240 --> 00:21:26,759
Yes.

327
00:21:36,640 --> 00:21:37,400
Mo Yu.

328
00:21:37,559 --> 00:21:38,759
It's blooming again.

329
00:21:50,359 --> 00:21:51,200
Junshu.

330
00:21:52,400 --> 00:21:54,759
This is Chief Justice, Cui Jinbai.

331
00:21:55,480 --> 00:21:57,599
This is Chief Envoy,

332
00:21:57,880 --> 00:21:58,759
Zhao Zhenghao.

333
00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:01,279
From now on,

334
00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:02,880
they will be your Masters.

335
00:22:05,600 --> 00:22:07,780
- Greetings, Your Majesty.
- Greetings, Your Majesty.

336
00:22:07,799 --> 00:22:09,039
Rise.

337
00:22:11,079 --> 00:22:12,519
Why don't you greet your Masters?

338
00:22:17,160 --> 00:22:18,200
Greetings,

339
00:22:18,759 --> 00:22:20,839
Masters.

340
00:22:22,832 --> 00:22:24,690
Now that yesterday's
birthday banquet is over,

341
00:22:24,960 --> 00:22:26,160
you have turned four.

342
00:22:26,359 --> 00:22:28,079
It is time to begin
your formal education.

343
00:22:28,279 --> 00:22:30,839
You will study the Thousand
Character Classic and other primers,

344
00:22:30,920 --> 00:22:32,400
along with court etiquette.

345
00:22:32,400 --> 00:22:34,000
Yes, Mother.

346
00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:36,720
These two Masters are highly learned,

347
00:22:36,768 --> 00:22:38,360
each responsible for different subjects.

348
00:22:38,380 --> 00:22:40,279
Besides the classics,
histories, and statecraft,

349
00:22:40,352 --> 00:22:41,550
calligraphy, painting, chess,

350
00:22:42,319 --> 00:22:44,440
martial arts, and foreign languages,

351
00:22:44,496 --> 00:22:46,736
they will also teach you
the art of governing the realm.

352
00:22:46,759 --> 00:22:47,519
Yes.

353
00:22:49,240 --> 00:22:50,319
From now on,

354
00:22:50,440 --> 00:22:52,710
you are to attend lectures
at the Shangshu Hall every day.

355
00:22:52,720 --> 00:22:53,839
You are to arrive at dawn
and leave at dusk.

356
00:22:54,000 --> 00:22:55,744
You will have
one day off every ten days.

357
00:22:55,830 --> 00:22:58,672
There will be monthly examinations
in the fifth and ninth months.

358
00:22:58,848 --> 00:23:01,360
At the end of the year,
you will take the annual examination.

359
00:23:01,440 --> 00:23:03,880
If you wish to advance
to the next level,

360
00:23:04,079 --> 00:23:06,160
you must pass the promotion examination.

361
00:23:06,400 --> 00:23:08,440
I understand.

362
00:23:10,359 --> 00:23:12,240
I'll be relying on you both from now on.

363
00:23:14,359 --> 00:23:16,160
- We are honored by the Grand Empress Dowager's trust.
- We are honored by the Grand Empress Dowager's trust.

364
00:23:16,599 --> 00:23:19,000
- We'll devote ourselves and
- We'll devote ourselves and

365
00:23:19,160 --> 00:23:20,519
- impart our knowledge to His Majesty.
- impart our knowledge to His Majesty.

366
00:23:27,820 --> 00:23:32,680
(Sixian Hall)

367
00:23:32,680 --> 00:23:34,839
Wait here for now.

368
00:23:34,839 --> 00:23:36,559
After I pay my respects to Mother,

369
00:23:36,559 --> 00:23:37,759
I'll return to the study hall.

370
00:23:38,279 --> 00:23:39,000
Yes.

371
00:23:53,480 --> 00:23:55,319
Greetings, Mother.

372
00:23:57,480 --> 00:23:58,160
Come here.

373
00:24:00,240 --> 00:24:00,740
Come.

374
00:24:03,519 --> 00:24:04,400
School is over?

375
00:24:05,440 --> 00:24:07,880
I still have to return
to the study hall to review.

376
00:24:07,880 --> 00:24:10,440
Grand Tutor will set
an examination tomorrow.

377
00:24:11,160 --> 00:24:11,920
What a good boy.

378
00:24:14,319 --> 00:24:15,599
I prepared

379
00:24:15,599 --> 00:24:17,480
your favorite osmanthus rice cakes.

380
00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:27,440
Mother,

381
00:24:27,599 --> 00:24:29,720
what kind of man was Father?

382
00:24:29,824 --> 00:24:31,310
Why do you ask that all of a sudden?

383
00:24:31,599 --> 00:24:35,160
You're always lost in thought
before Father's portrait.

384
00:24:35,319 --> 00:24:37,680
Whenever Baisui sings
"Youyou and Luming",

385
00:24:37,680 --> 00:24:38,960
you always smile

386
00:24:38,960 --> 00:24:41,319
so gently and beautifully.

387
00:24:41,400 --> 00:24:43,160
I am truly curious.

388
00:24:43,240 --> 00:24:46,039
What kind of man was Father?

389
00:24:49,400 --> 00:24:50,759
Your father,

390
00:24:51,039 --> 00:24:52,519
in my heart,

391
00:24:53,440 --> 00:24:54,359
was a perfect man.

392
00:24:54,559 --> 00:24:57,000
No gold is pure, and no man is perfect.

393
00:24:57,200 --> 00:24:59,960
Yet Father was perfect in your eyes.

394
00:25:00,640 --> 00:25:02,960
I really wish I could meet Father.

395
00:25:17,460 --> 00:25:20,540
(Clarity and Serenity)

396
00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:26,640
Mother,

397
00:25:26,640 --> 00:25:28,400
my name is on it.

398
00:25:28,640 --> 00:25:30,680
Did Father leave this for me?

399
00:25:30,680 --> 00:25:32,119
What does it mean?

400
00:25:39,160 --> 00:25:40,160
(To my son, Junshu,)

401
00:25:40,560 --> 00:25:42,070
(if you are reading this letter,)

402
00:25:42,192 --> 00:25:44,208
(then you have already
begun your studies.)

403
00:25:44,480 --> 00:25:46,240
(Reading cultivates wisdom and virtue,)

404
00:25:46,288 --> 00:25:48,080
(and is the foundation
of one's character.)

405
00:25:48,090 --> 00:25:49,990
(Now that you have entered
the world of learning,)

406
00:25:50,000 --> 00:25:52,470
(you must uphold filial piety,
brotherly respect, propriety, and righteousness,)

407
00:25:52,480 --> 00:25:54,656
(and as a ruler,
temper benevolence with authority.)

408
00:25:55,119 --> 00:25:56,160
(The finer principles)

409
00:25:56,599 --> 00:25:58,920
(your mother and the Grand Tutor
will surely teach you.)

410
00:25:59,984 --> 00:26:02,110
(Though I cannot remain
by your side as your father,)

411
00:26:02,440 --> 00:26:04,160
(I know you will become a wise ruler.)

412
00:26:04,384 --> 00:26:06,200
(All that I have learned
and contemplated)

413
00:26:06,240 --> 00:26:07,680
(I leave to these written pages.)

414
00:26:09,200 --> 00:26:11,400
(May you surpass your father,)

415
00:26:11,584 --> 00:26:13,680
(and never fail the hopes
your parents place in you.)

416
00:26:14,560 --> 00:26:16,480
(Above all, honor and care
for your mother.)

417
00:26:19,400 --> 00:26:20,240
(Remember this well.)

418
00:26:20,240 --> 00:26:22,700
(Your father, Huayong.)

419
00:26:23,839 --> 00:26:26,000
Mother, what did Father say?

420
00:26:31,400 --> 00:26:32,599
Your father said

421
00:26:33,400 --> 00:26:34,799
he is proud of you.

422
00:26:35,359 --> 00:26:36,400
He also said

423
00:26:36,480 --> 00:26:37,640
Little Goldfish

424
00:26:37,759 --> 00:26:40,039
will become a truly great Emperor.

425
00:26:40,200 --> 00:26:42,039
As great as Father?

426
00:26:42,160 --> 00:26:43,759
Then in your heart,

427
00:26:43,759 --> 00:26:45,640
am I a perfect man, too?

428
00:26:46,240 --> 00:26:47,359
Compared with your father,

429
00:26:47,472 --> 00:26:48,790
you're still just a little short.

430
00:26:49,680 --> 00:26:50,640
You must keep trying.

431
00:26:51,400 --> 00:26:53,720
I will become just as great as Father.

432
00:26:53,720 --> 00:26:56,160
No, I'll become
even greater than Father.

433
00:26:58,039 --> 00:26:58,539
Come.

434
00:26:58,960 --> 00:27:00,119
Let's read it together.

435
00:27:02,192 --> 00:27:05,310
- Heaven was dark and Earth was yellow.
- Heaven was dark and Earth was yellow.

436
00:27:05,320 --> 00:27:07,936
- The cosmos was vast and primordial.
- The cosmos was vast and primordial.

437
00:27:08,000 --> 00:27:10,944
- The sun and moon wax and wane.
- The sun and moon wax and wane.

438
00:27:10,950 --> 00:27:14,290
- The stars are arrayed across the heavens.
- The stars are arrayed across the heavens.

439
00:27:22,160 --> 00:27:23,279
What happened?

440
00:27:29,119 --> 00:27:30,319
How did he

441
00:27:30,400 --> 00:27:32,224
suddenly collapse
at the training grounds?

442
00:27:41,440 --> 00:27:42,480
Summon Zhao Zhenghao.

443
00:27:43,079 --> 00:27:44,039
I'll ask him

444
00:27:44,119 --> 00:27:45,400
what exactly happened.

445
00:27:45,960 --> 00:27:47,279
No need to summon Zhao Zhenghao.

446
00:27:48,000 --> 00:27:50,910
It's only natural to feel exhausted
after training at the martial grounds.

447
00:27:50,928 --> 00:27:52,432
We should summon the Imperial Physician

448
00:27:52,559 --> 00:27:54,440
to see if there's
anything else to worry about.

449
00:28:01,599 --> 00:28:03,960
Mother, I'm all right.

450
00:28:03,960 --> 00:28:05,920
I'll be fine after a few days' rest.

451
00:28:06,599 --> 00:28:07,799
Little Goldfish,

452
00:28:07,840 --> 00:28:10,096
you shouldn't refuse
to see the Imperial Physician.

453
00:28:10,119 --> 00:28:12,119
We should have
the Imperial Physician examine you.

454
00:28:13,799 --> 00:28:14,799
Youyou, do you know

455
00:28:15,559 --> 00:28:16,720
there is a remedy

456
00:28:16,832 --> 00:28:18,528
that can cure Little Goldfish's illness?

457
00:28:19,000 --> 00:28:19,920
What kind of medicine?

458
00:28:21,480 --> 00:28:22,960
It's quite difficult to obtain.

459
00:28:23,240 --> 00:28:24,400
It requires Youyou's approval.

460
00:28:25,119 --> 00:28:27,319
Just let the boy rest for three days

461
00:28:27,720 --> 00:28:29,400
and spare him Cui Jinbai's questioning.

462
00:28:31,279 --> 00:28:32,720
Father is the worst.

463
00:28:33,480 --> 00:28:35,680
Grand Tutor Cui is so strict.

464
00:28:35,824 --> 00:28:37,310
If you don't understand your lessons,

465
00:28:37,519 --> 00:28:38,960
just ask your father.

466
00:28:39,559 --> 00:28:41,000
How can a true gentleman

467
00:28:41,160 --> 00:28:43,440
deceive his mother like this?

468
00:28:47,119 --> 00:28:49,000
Pretending to be sick
to avoid his studies.

469
00:28:49,119 --> 00:28:50,720
He's exactly like you.

470
00:28:57,200 --> 00:28:58,720
But what Father teaches

471
00:28:58,720 --> 00:29:01,039
is different from
what Grand Tutor Cui teaches.

472
00:29:07,079 --> 00:29:08,240
What your father teaches you

473
00:29:08,559 --> 00:29:09,720
is the way of a ruler.

474
00:29:10,680 --> 00:29:11,920
What Grand Tutor Cui teaches you

475
00:29:11,920 --> 00:29:13,559
is the way of a minister.

476
00:29:14,960 --> 00:29:18,000
Then why do I have to learn
two different explanations?

477
00:29:18,759 --> 00:29:20,759
What your father teaches you

478
00:29:20,920 --> 00:29:23,000
is how to rule as an Emperor.

479
00:29:23,408 --> 00:29:24,920
What Grand Tutor Cui teaches you

480
00:29:24,920 --> 00:29:26,480
is how to serve as a minister,

481
00:29:26,880 --> 00:29:28,519
so that you will understand

482
00:29:28,519 --> 00:29:30,000
how to govern your officials.

483
00:29:30,576 --> 00:29:31,720
Do you understand now?

484
00:29:34,039 --> 00:29:35,559
If you earn the highest evaluation,

485
00:29:36,039 --> 00:29:37,160
your mother and I

486
00:29:37,248 --> 00:29:38,790
will take you outside the palace.

487
00:29:38,799 --> 00:29:39,880
That's wonderful!

488
00:29:39,880 --> 00:29:41,599
Father is the best!

489
00:29:41,599 --> 00:29:43,440
Mother is the best, too!

490
00:29:43,519 --> 00:29:46,119
We finally get to go out together!

491
00:29:57,039 --> 00:29:57,759
Your Majesty.

492
00:29:59,839 --> 00:30:00,480
Your Majesty.

493
00:30:01,799 --> 00:30:02,519
Your Majesty.

494
00:30:06,592 --> 00:30:08,340
It's already a quarter
into the Mao hour.

495
00:30:08,359 --> 00:30:09,519
If you don't get up now,

496
00:30:09,519 --> 00:30:11,240
you'll be late for morning court.

497
00:30:15,799 --> 00:30:17,960
It's been a long time
since you've slept so soundly.

498
00:30:18,319 --> 00:30:19,079
Your Majesty,

499
00:30:19,400 --> 00:30:20,759
you were smiling in your sleep.

500
00:30:20,960 --> 00:30:22,559
Were you having a pleasant dream?

501
00:30:25,160 --> 00:30:25,920
Yes.

502
00:30:28,720 --> 00:30:29,880
A rare and wonderful dream.

503
00:30:35,680 --> 00:30:38,240
The people are of greatest importance.
The state comes next.

504
00:30:38,240 --> 00:30:39,560
The ruler is the least important.

505
00:30:39,680 --> 00:30:42,880
Therefore, one who wins the hearts
of the people becomes the Son of Heaven.

506
00:30:42,944 --> 00:30:45,160
One who wins the favor of the Son
of Heaven becomes a feudal lord.

507
00:30:45,160 --> 00:30:47,240
One who wins the favor
of the feudal lords becomes a minister.

508
00:30:51,400 --> 00:30:52,160
Xihe,

509
00:30:53,400 --> 00:30:54,519
do you still remember

510
00:30:55,232 --> 00:30:57,536
the day the maple leaves
were at their reddest?

511
00:30:58,480 --> 00:30:59,640
After our afternoon nap,

512
00:31:00,519 --> 00:31:02,319
we quietly

513
00:31:03,040 --> 00:31:04,590
drank chilled plum juice together.

514
00:31:06,000 --> 00:31:07,000
The breeze

515
00:31:07,904 --> 00:31:09,400
drifted through the little window.

516
00:31:10,759 --> 00:31:12,359
That simple, ordinary life

517
00:31:13,400 --> 00:31:14,960
was life's finest moment.

518
00:31:23,279 --> 00:31:24,400
The autumn air is dry.

519
00:31:25,440 --> 00:31:26,440
Have a cup of plum juice

520
00:31:27,119 --> 00:31:28,000
to soothe your throat.

521
00:31:36,880 --> 00:31:38,400
Thank you, Mother.

522
00:31:41,640 --> 00:31:42,400
Mother,

523
00:31:42,400 --> 00:31:45,440
I received the highest evaluation
at my last assessment.

524
00:31:45,640 --> 00:31:47,440
Grand Tutor Cui and General Bu

525
00:31:47,519 --> 00:31:49,319
took me outside the palace.

526
00:31:49,319 --> 00:31:51,880
I saw this
exquisitely embroidered sachet.

527
00:31:51,880 --> 00:31:54,000
Knowing how much you love ginkgo leaves,

528
00:31:54,359 --> 00:31:56,519
I bought it for you.

529
00:32:03,240 --> 00:32:04,359
I like it.

530
00:32:05,839 --> 00:32:06,880
Thank you, Little Goldfish.

531
00:32:17,200 --> 00:32:17,720
My Lord,

532
00:32:17,776 --> 00:32:19,904
Official Zhao brought a package
from outside the palace.

533
00:32:19,984 --> 00:32:21,792
He insisted it be handed
to you in person.

534
00:33:38,480 --> 00:33:39,640
Tagara Incense?

535
00:34:32,260 --> 00:34:37,700
♪Let it all go,
give my tears to the flowers♪

536
00:34:38,900 --> 00:34:44,980
♪Beneath my feet, eternal doom
is more than wind and sand♪

537
00:34:46,100 --> 00:34:51,940
♪That perfectly plotted love
hides in the clamor♪

538
00:34:53,340 --> 00:34:59,180
♪Between us, it's both
treacherous and flawless♪

539
00:35:00,340 --> 00:35:05,660
♪I want destiny,
and also tender words of love♪

540
00:35:05,660 --> 00:35:13,780
♪As night stains my eyes,
I'll gaze once more at the rosy clouds♪

541
00:35:13,780 --> 00:35:17,620
♪I have a dream
of a long wind in my sleeves♪

542
00:35:17,620 --> 00:35:21,180
♪My heart rises and falls,
we embrace in a sea of clouds♪

543
00:35:21,180 --> 00:35:24,540
♪For how much joy
do we share this life together♪

544
00:35:24,540 --> 00:35:28,060
♪Withering and flourishing,
year after year♪

545
00:35:41,360 --> 00:35:42,239
I'm back.

546
00:35:45,920 --> 00:35:47,480
I feared this beautiful moment

547
00:35:50,320 --> 00:35:51,800
would find you with no companion.

548
00:35:54,000 --> 00:35:55,440
So I come back.

549
00:35:59,220 --> 00:36:01,920
♪Across countless miles
of treasured moments♪

550
00:36:01,920 --> 00:36:04,900
♪Every move is a game of truth and lies♪

551
00:36:05,039 --> 00:36:06,360
I've kept you waiting so long.

552
00:36:10,960 --> 00:36:11,679
I'm sorry.

553
00:36:13,500 --> 00:36:18,940
♪I want destiny,
and also tender words of love♪

554
00:36:19,380 --> 00:36:26,940
♪As night stains my eyes,
I'll gaze once more at the rosy clouds♪

555
00:36:26,940 --> 00:36:30,780
♪I have a dream
of a long wind in my sleeves♪

556
00:36:33,079 --> 00:36:34,599
Marrying you in this life,

557
00:36:35,719 --> 00:36:37,360
I will never regret it.

558
00:36:37,980 --> 00:36:41,420
♪Withering and flourishing,
year after year♪

559
00:36:44,580 --> 00:36:48,260
♪I have a dream
of a long wind in my sleeves♪

560
00:36:48,260 --> 00:36:51,780
♪My heart rises and falls,
we embrace in a sea of clouds♪

561
00:36:51,780 --> 00:36:55,220
♪In this eternity, you are a part of it♪

562
00:36:55,220 --> 00:36:58,780
♪My longing can level mountains
and cross countless rivers♪

563
00:36:58,780 --> 00:37:02,100
♪Drunk or sober, it's all like a dream♪

564
00:37:02,100 --> 00:37:05,700
♪Stars sink into my hair,
the moon slips through my fingers♪

565
00:37:05,700 --> 00:37:08,940
♪For how much joy
do we share this life together♪

566
00:37:08,940 --> 00:37:12,220
♪Withering and flourishing,
year after year♪

567
00:37:17,940 --> 00:37:20,060
♪May the sand and dirt in my sleeves♪

568
00:37:20,060 --> 00:37:22,860
♪Become the tears
in the corner of my eyes♪

569
00:37:24,060 --> 00:37:26,020
♪And blossom into a flower♪

570
00:37:51,740 --> 00:37:54,460
♪A wall that collapses at a single push♪

571
00:37:55,500 --> 00:37:57,980
♪Frost that melts at a single smile♪

572
00:37:59,100 --> 00:38:04,100
♪How can you be this wonderful♪

573
00:38:06,260 --> 00:38:08,860
♪I've hidden so many words♪

574
00:38:08,860 --> 00:38:12,380
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

575
00:38:13,500 --> 00:38:20,500
♪So never uncover♪

576
00:38:20,500 --> 00:38:23,300
♪Wind that misses the grasp♪

577
00:38:24,380 --> 00:38:26,660
♪Light that ignites at a single touch♪

578
00:38:27,460 --> 00:38:32,820
♪A person can find
strength time and again♪

579
00:38:34,820 --> 00:38:37,700
♪Our past♪

580
00:38:38,660 --> 00:38:40,980
♪Has been full of ups
and downs along the way♪

581
00:38:41,820 --> 00:38:45,660
♪Admitting my confusion
just like your regret♪

582
00:38:45,660 --> 00:38:49,020
♪How hard can it be?♪

583
00:38:51,860 --> 00:38:55,420
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

584
00:38:55,820 --> 00:38:59,300
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

585
00:38:59,660 --> 00:39:05,700
♪So brave as if
not afraid of disappointment♪

586
00:39:06,780 --> 00:39:09,700
♪You understand my pride♪

587
00:39:10,540 --> 00:39:13,620
♪It is actually just like yours♪

588
00:39:13,620 --> 00:39:20,100
♪So please try your best
to be open first♪

589
00:39:20,100 --> 00:39:24,300
♪The flustered mortal world♪

590
00:39:24,820 --> 00:39:27,940
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

591
00:39:27,940 --> 00:39:31,620
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

592
00:39:31,620 --> 00:39:38,100
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

593
00:39:38,980 --> 00:39:45,180
♪The flustered mortal world♪

594
00:39:46,380 --> 00:39:49,700
♪Your eyes remain clear and bright♪

595
00:39:49,700 --> 00:39:53,100
(No animals were harmed
during the filming of this production)