1
00:00:13,320 --> 00:00:15,030
Prince Ning, Xiao Changmin,

2
00:00:15,590 --> 00:00:17,390
has long coveted the throne.

3
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He instructed a foreign lady in his
manor to keep a rare foreign poison.

4
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I discovered Prince Ning's
treasonous intentions,

5
00:00:25,160 --> 00:00:26,640
and urged him to turn back.

6
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But he tried to murder me to silence me.

7
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I barely managed to escape,

8
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but the child in my womb lost its life.

9
00:00:35,790 --> 00:00:38,150
Prince Ning,
fearing his crimes would be exposed,

10
00:00:38,880 --> 00:00:40,920
drank poison and killed himself
in his manor.

11
00:00:42,000 --> 00:00:43,880
I beg Your Majesty for justice,

12
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and allow me and Prince Ning

13
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to sever all ties.

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=Blossoms of Power=

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(Adapted from the novel, After My
Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

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=Episode 27=

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00:02:17,870 --> 00:02:18,840
Changmin

18
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committed suicide out of fear
of punishment?

19
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The Imperial Guard found some things
in Prince Ning's Manor.

20
00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:29,680
But it is not my place to say more.

21
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The Empress Dowager
and His Majesty invite you

22
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to Yong'an Hall for a talk,
Your Highness.

23
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Greetings, Father, Grandmother.

24
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You may rise.

25
00:02:44,400 --> 00:02:45,030
Father,

26
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why did Changmin
take poison and kill himself?

27
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Do not call him Changmin.

28
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For so many years,

29
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all of us

30
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have been kept in the dark.

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The rare poison in the palace back then

32
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came from the hands
of the foreign lady in his manor.

33
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This woman

34
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is skilled in using rare poisons,

35
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and has been hiding
in Prince Ning's Manor

36
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for over ten years.

37
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She has confessed

38
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that she was instructed by Changmin.

39
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(Confession of the Guilty Slave, Yi Sha)

40
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(Prince Ning ordered me to make a rare poison,
a trace amount can make one wish for death.)

41
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(Signature: Yi Sha)

42
00:03:31,190 --> 00:03:32,750
The cherry cheese from back then

43
00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:37,080
was poisoned by Changmin?

44
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He coveted the position of Crown Prince

45
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and harbored resentment.

46
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Knowing you liked to eat cherry cheese,

47
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he made this vicious move.

48
00:03:51,560 --> 00:03:54,190
Afterwards,
he even showed concern for you.

49
00:03:54,710 --> 00:03:56,080
Thinking about it now,

50
00:03:56,430 --> 00:03:58,430
it truly makes one shudder.

51
00:03:58,960 --> 00:04:01,710
To think the murderer
was my second prince,

52
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he was actually so ruthless!

53
00:04:05,430 --> 00:04:07,150
It truly chills my heart.

54
00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:11,000
Did that foreign lady
confess it herself?

55
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(Clarity and Serenity)

56
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Your Highness.

57
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Your Highness.

58
00:04:47,630 --> 00:04:49,000
Do you feel

59
00:04:49,168 --> 00:04:50,992
that Prince Ning
is not the real culprit?

60
00:04:56,240 --> 00:04:57,830
Changmin's so-called suicide

61
00:04:58,128 --> 00:05:00,144
doesn't seem like the act
of the real culprit.

62
00:05:00,560 --> 00:05:02,480
He seems more like
a pawn being manipulated.

63
00:05:09,000 --> 00:05:10,560
The real mastermind behind the scenes

64
00:05:11,630 --> 00:05:13,560
is still within these four palace walls.

65
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(Prince Xin's Manor)

66
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Brother-in-law, you're back.

67
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I asked the kitchen
to stew some ginseng soup.

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It will be brought over shortly.

69
00:05:29,920 --> 00:05:31,070
What are you doing here?

70
00:05:34,032 --> 00:05:35,552
I have absolutely nothing to do

71
00:05:35,920 --> 00:05:37,070
with Prince Ning anymore.

72
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I feel like

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a wandering ghost.

74
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Actually,

75
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I've always considered your place
as my own home.

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You were once my second sister-in-law.

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00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:50,680
For you to come here

78
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is against propriety.

79
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I have absolutely
no improper thoughts now.

80
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I just want to be your sister,

81
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and beg for a little pity
and protection from you.

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You no longer have

83
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any connection with this place.

84
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Go back.

85
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The doctor said

86
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I lost too much blood
from the miscarriage,

87
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and my body hasn't fully recovered yet.

88
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I still have matters to attend to.

89
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I'll have someone escort you back later.

90
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Brother-in-law.

91
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Thank you for granting
my brother's marriage, Your Majesty.

92
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You may rise.

93
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Xihe,

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I know very well

95
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that your father

96
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had always been considering
the future of you and your brother.

97
00:07:01,120 --> 00:07:02,120
I just wanted

98
00:07:02,360 --> 00:07:04,800
to fulfill this wish for your father.

99
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The Xue family has been
a literary family for generations,

100
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and they are also very happy
with this marriage.

101
00:07:12,040 --> 00:07:12,750
I am

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able to fulfill this beautiful union,

103
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which brings me great comfort.

104
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I requested an audience today

105
00:07:20,480 --> 00:07:21,920
to implore you

106
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to allow me to return to northwest

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to attend my brother's wedding,
Your Majesty.

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Granted.

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It is only natural for siblings

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to share a deep bond.

111
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However, it is a long
and arduous journey.

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Xihe,

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I will send an elite squad
to escort you.

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Return to the East Palace
and plan carefully.

115
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Choose an auspicious day to depart.

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Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.

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(Cultivate Virtue
and Practice Righteousness)

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(Imperial Capital)

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From the imperial capital to northwest,

120
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first to Shanzhou, then to Lanzhou,

121
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and finally to Yaozhou.

122
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The route follows the official road

123
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with post stations at every stop.

124
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The official road is the safest.

125
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Are you also going to northwest?

126
00:08:19,430 --> 00:08:20,750
Father said I am frail

127
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and cannot endure a long journey.

128
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Father is right.

129
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Just stay in the capital
and wait for my return.

130
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Father has sent guards to escort me,

131
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and I have Mo Yu and Mo Yuan with me.

132
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You don't need to worry too much.

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Your Highness,

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His Majesty has approved
Crown Princess's return to northwest

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to attend her brother's wedding.

136
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She will depart tomorrow.

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(Taoran Inn)

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Madam,

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this is your premium room.

140
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If you need anything,

141
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just call for me anytime.

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Your Highness.

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Greetings, Crown Princess.

144
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Why are you here?

145
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I am on official duty
to inspect Shanzhou.

146
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Perhaps...

147
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Perhaps it is the will of Heaven

148
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that we happen
to be traveling the same way.

149
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It truly is destiny.

150
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Whether by the will of Heaven
or by reason,

151
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there is no destiny between us.

152
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Since you are here on official duty,

153
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let's pretend we never met.

154
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We will go our separate ways
and not interfere with each other.

155
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Farewell.

156
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Zhen Zhu,

157
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help me comb my hair.

158
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My princess, are you satisfied?

159
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Your Highness!

160
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What are you doing here?

161
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I haven't seen my wife for days.

162
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I couldn't help myself,

163
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so I sneaked out of the palace.

164
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If you are angry,

165
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you may punish me.

166
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Leave.

167
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You wouldn't let me come with you,

168
00:13:05,904 --> 00:13:07,910
yet you had Changqing
protect you all the way.

169
00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:11,480
Prince Xin is on official duty.

170
00:13:11,632 --> 00:13:13,180
We just happen to be going the same way.

171
00:13:13,440 --> 00:13:15,000
Why are you so petty?

172
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Official duty?

173
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Do you really believe that?

174
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Is he really on official duty?

175
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Who is it?

176
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It's been a tiring journey.

177
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I've prepared some pastries for you.

178
00:13:29,328 --> 00:13:30,790
Please have a taste, Crown Princess.

179
00:13:33,550 --> 00:13:34,910
Thank you for your kindness.

180
00:13:35,360 --> 00:13:36,784
But I have already gone to bed.

181
00:13:39,120 --> 00:13:40,080
This is

182
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perilla and smoked plum cake.

183
00:13:43,670 --> 00:13:45,320
It was my late consort's
favorite pastry.

184
00:13:46,128 --> 00:13:47,776
She has been gone for four years.

185
00:13:48,064 --> 00:13:50,030
I've kept Nanny Li in the manor
all this time.

186
00:13:50,848 --> 00:13:52,030
Every year on her birthday,

187
00:13:52,840 --> 00:13:54,080
I have Nanny Li

188
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make this pastry for her.

189
00:13:56,032 --> 00:13:57,750
That was your late consort's preference,

190
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not mine.

191
00:13:59,152 --> 00:14:01,480
I've disliked the taste of perilla
since I was a child.

192
00:14:05,440 --> 00:14:06,270
You, get out.

193
00:14:10,128 --> 00:14:12,560
I was just afraid
that being away for so long,

194
00:14:12,960 --> 00:14:14,360
you would miss this taste.

195
00:14:14,750 --> 00:14:15,790
Get out.

196
00:14:17,240 --> 00:14:18,550
Hurry.

197
00:14:21,150 --> 00:14:21,960
I'm not leaving.

198
00:14:22,910 --> 00:14:24,910
Get out.

199
00:14:26,750 --> 00:14:27,440
Are you alright?

200
00:14:28,270 --> 00:14:29,120
I'm fine.

201
00:14:29,550 --> 00:14:30,120
I just...

202
00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:53,712
The Crown Princess has already changed
and gone to bed.

203
00:14:53,790 --> 00:14:55,360
Please head back for now, Your Highness.

204
00:14:57,000 --> 00:14:59,670
Then please give these pastries

205
00:15:00,000 --> 00:15:01,360
to the Crown Princess for me.

206
00:15:02,320 --> 00:15:03,630
Thank you, Your Highness.

207
00:15:08,200 --> 00:15:09,080
Prince Xin!

208
00:15:22,080 --> 00:15:24,270
How could you barge
into my room without permission?

209
00:15:25,750 --> 00:15:27,200
I just heard a strange noise.

210
00:15:27,790 --> 00:15:28,600
It's late.

211
00:15:28,600 --> 00:15:29,480
I need to rest.

212
00:15:30,240 --> 00:15:31,240
To avoid any suspicion

213
00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:32,870
and protect both our reputations,

214
00:15:33,550 --> 00:15:35,120
please leave immediately.

215
00:15:55,200 --> 00:15:56,720
You didn't tell him I was here.

216
00:15:58,120 --> 00:15:59,320
Were you worried about me,

217
00:16:00,270 --> 00:16:01,320
or him?

218
00:16:03,240 --> 00:16:04,720
I was worried about myself.

219
00:16:10,590 --> 00:16:13,260
♪Amidst the flickering lights♪

220
00:16:14,620 --> 00:16:17,330
♪Alone for several autumns♪

221
00:16:18,720 --> 00:16:21,170
♪How to choose the one♪

222
00:16:21,550 --> 00:16:25,110
♪To be with forever?♪

223
00:16:26,190 --> 00:16:29,480
♪When I gaze upon you♪

224
00:16:30,110 --> 00:16:33,450
♪Flower petals twirl gently in my heart♪

225
00:16:34,050 --> 00:16:35,510
♪Gracefully♪

226
00:16:36,220 --> 00:16:41,280
♪For all eternity♪

227
00:16:41,720 --> 00:16:44,370
♪The timeless wind and moon♪

228
00:16:44,950 --> 00:16:48,560
♪Quietly reflect in your sparkling eyes♪

229
00:16:49,730 --> 00:16:52,470
♪Scattered red petals fall like rain♪

230
00:16:52,930 --> 00:16:56,770
♪It's a wonderful time in the world♪

231
00:16:57,710 --> 00:17:00,550
♪Bits of worries and sorrows♪

232
00:17:00,950 --> 00:17:04,560
♪Are gently gathered
into your elegant sleeves♪

233
00:17:05,670 --> 00:17:08,430
♪Gradually, on the misty path♪

234
00:17:08,800 --> 00:17:12,730
♪Not a trace of sorrow can be found♪

235
00:17:28,070 --> 00:17:29,200
Your Highness,

236
00:17:29,936 --> 00:17:31,440
you always like to show up uninvited.

237
00:17:31,680 --> 00:17:33,920
Some people are always so stubborn,

238
00:17:34,680 --> 00:17:35,680
so distracted.

239
00:17:36,960 --> 00:17:38,070
But I'm different from you.

240
00:17:38,240 --> 00:17:39,510
You went through all the trouble

241
00:17:40,160 --> 00:17:42,310
to escort your sister-in-law
from far away.

242
00:17:42,880 --> 00:17:44,240
As her husband,

243
00:17:44,440 --> 00:17:45,440
I am deeply grateful.

244
00:17:46,000 --> 00:17:46,720
What?

245
00:17:48,240 --> 00:17:49,200
Are you upset?

246
00:17:50,350 --> 00:17:51,270
Why would I be?

247
00:17:52,590 --> 00:17:54,920
Watching my rival get harshly rejected
by my beloved wife,

248
00:17:55,160 --> 00:17:56,240
I couldn't be happier.

249
00:18:02,240 --> 00:18:03,440
I have plenty of time

250
00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:05,480
to stay by her side,

251
00:18:06,070 --> 00:18:06,960
protect her,

252
00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:10,350
and wait for her to change her mind.

253
00:18:10,680 --> 00:18:11,680
But you, Crown Prince,

254
00:18:13,880 --> 00:18:14,920
your days are numbered.

255
00:18:19,070 --> 00:18:19,830
It's getting late.

256
00:18:21,070 --> 00:18:22,790
Xihe is still waiting
for me to go to bed.

257
00:18:23,270 --> 00:18:24,110
Take care, Changqing.

258
00:19:01,960 --> 00:19:02,880
It's been a bumpy ride.

259
00:19:02,944 --> 00:19:03,990
You should get some rest.

260
00:19:15,440 --> 00:19:16,640
You look exhausted.

261
00:19:17,030 --> 00:19:17,960
If you refuse to sleep,

262
00:19:18,208 --> 00:19:20,320
I'll have the carriage turn back
to the posthouse,

263
00:19:20,330 --> 00:19:22,480
and wait for you to catch up on sleep
before we leave.

264
00:19:31,830 --> 00:19:32,400
Your Highness,

265
00:19:32,790 --> 00:19:34,640
Prince Xin has been following us
on horseback.

266
00:19:35,070 --> 00:19:35,830
Should we stop him?

267
00:19:38,240 --> 00:19:38,790
No need.

268
00:20:02,340 --> 00:20:07,220
(A Feast Under the Sky)

269
00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:12,750
Come on,
let's drink to our hearts' content!

270
00:20:12,750 --> 00:20:13,200
- Yeah!

271
00:20:13,310 --> 00:20:14,110
Men,

272
00:20:14,350 --> 00:20:14,790
come on.

273
00:20:15,030 --> 00:20:18,000
Eat and drink well tonight!

274
00:20:18,010 --> 00:20:18,790
- Cheers!
- Come on!

275
00:20:18,790 --> 00:20:19,680
Drink up! Cheers!

276
00:20:19,680 --> 00:20:20,240
Come on.

277
00:20:20,240 --> 00:20:20,960
- Yeah!
- Yeah!

278
00:20:20,960 --> 00:20:21,350
Let's toast!

279
00:20:21,350 --> 00:20:21,720
Cheers!

280
00:20:21,830 --> 00:20:22,480
Bottoms up!

281
00:20:22,480 --> 00:20:22,980
- Cheers!
- Let's toast!

282
00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:24,640
- Cheers!
- Cheers!

283
00:20:26,960 --> 00:20:28,224
Let me propose a toast as well.

284
00:20:28,460 --> 00:20:29,550
(Geng Liangcheng,
Deputy General of Northwest Army)

285
00:20:29,550 --> 00:20:30,550
In just three days,

286
00:20:30,576 --> 00:20:32,200
it will be Young Master Shen's wedding.

287
00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:34,680
This is a joyous occasion
for the entire northwest!

288
00:20:35,000 --> 00:20:36,880
Today, my brothers and I

289
00:20:37,240 --> 00:20:39,830
want to properly celebrate
for the Young Master!

290
00:20:40,240 --> 00:20:43,104
We won't leave until we're drunk!

291
00:20:43,184 --> 00:20:44,416
We won't leave until we're drunk!

292
00:20:44,432 --> 00:20:46,110
- Congratulations, Duke!
- Congratulations, Duke!

293
00:20:46,110 --> 00:20:48,230
- Congratulations, Young Master!
- Congratulations, Young Master!

294
00:20:49,088 --> 00:20:50,990
Thank you for your warm hospitality,
Uncle Geng.

295
00:20:51,030 --> 00:20:52,440
And thank you, Generals.

296
00:20:52,640 --> 00:20:53,160
Bottoms up!

297
00:20:53,240 --> 00:20:54,110
- Cheers!
- Cheers!

298
00:20:54,110 --> 00:20:55,232
- Bottoms up!
- Cheers!

299
00:20:57,510 --> 00:20:58,160
Another round.

300
00:20:58,160 --> 00:21:00,096
You must have a few more drinks,
Young Master.

301
00:21:00,400 --> 00:21:00,960
Come.

302
00:21:01,392 --> 00:21:02,790
Have a drink with the Young Master.

303
00:21:02,790 --> 00:21:03,540
Come, Young Master.

304
00:21:03,550 --> 00:21:04,030
Come.

305
00:21:04,040 --> 00:21:05,030
- Cheers.
- Congratulations!

306
00:21:05,030 --> 00:21:05,880
Congratulations!

307
00:21:06,200 --> 00:21:06,640
Come.

308
00:21:06,768 --> 00:21:08,440
- We are all brothers.
- Come, cheers.

309
00:21:08,440 --> 00:21:09,480
- Come on.
- Come.

310
00:21:12,000 --> 00:21:12,640
Duke,

311
00:21:12,720 --> 00:21:13,632
let me fill your cup.

312
00:21:14,030 --> 00:21:14,640
Duke.

313
00:21:14,640 --> 00:21:15,720
Fill it up.

314
00:21:16,070 --> 00:21:16,880
Come, bottom's up.

315
00:21:16,880 --> 00:21:18,270
- We won't leave until we're drunk.
- Let's drink.

316
00:21:18,270 --> 00:21:19,030
- Cheers.
- Great.

317
00:21:20,790 --> 00:21:21,270
Cheers.

318
00:21:22,736 --> 00:21:24,350
- Fill them up.
- Everyone, drink up.

319
00:21:26,740 --> 00:21:28,590
- We won't leave until we're drunk.
- Come on.

320
00:21:28,624 --> 00:21:29,240
Fill it up.

321
00:21:31,070 --> 00:21:31,830
Cheers.

322
00:21:31,830 --> 00:21:32,830
All right.

323
00:21:33,680 --> 00:21:34,720
Assassins!

324
00:22:11,350 --> 00:22:11,880
Hurry!

325
00:22:13,310 --> 00:22:14,350
Hurry! Go!

326
00:22:14,350 --> 00:22:15,240
- Hurry!
- There are guards at the city gate.

327
00:22:15,240 --> 00:22:16,288
Engage the enemy at once!

328
00:22:21,790 --> 00:22:22,350
Keep up!

329
00:22:30,720 --> 00:22:32,590
- Guards!
- Guards!

330
00:22:33,790 --> 00:22:34,750
Where is everyone?

331
00:22:34,750 --> 00:22:35,900
(Tingxi City)

332
00:22:37,472 --> 00:22:38,750
Where are the city guards?

333
00:22:38,960 --> 00:22:39,680
Where did they go?

334
00:22:55,400 --> 00:23:00,830
- Kill them!
- Kill them!

335
00:23:46,070 --> 00:23:46,830
Father!

336
00:23:47,510 --> 00:23:48,070
Father!

337
00:23:48,070 --> 00:23:48,590
Duke!

338
00:23:49,030 --> 00:23:49,750
Duke!

339
00:24:00,590 --> 00:24:01,510
Uncle Geng?

340
00:24:02,880 --> 00:24:03,750
Geng Liangcheng!

341
00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:06,240
You shameless traitor,
colluding with the Le tribe!

342
00:24:06,240 --> 00:24:07,270
Despicable scoundrel!

343
00:24:07,350 --> 00:24:08,960
How dare you plot against the Duke?

344
00:24:08,960 --> 00:24:10,750
We won't let you off even as ghosts!

345
00:24:10,750 --> 00:24:11,550
Shen Yueshan.

346
00:24:12,200 --> 00:24:14,110
Do you remember my son, Zhongji?

347
00:24:16,920 --> 00:24:20,000
You personally ordered
his beheading back then.

348
00:24:20,550 --> 00:24:22,680
Today, I will kill all of you

349
00:24:23,000 --> 00:24:24,590
to be buried with my son!

350
00:24:24,720 --> 00:24:25,480
Yun'an,

351
00:24:26,000 --> 00:24:26,880
leave me.

352
00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:28,160
Take everyone and go!

353
00:24:28,160 --> 00:24:28,750
Father,

354
00:24:29,200 --> 00:24:30,440
I won't leave you behind.

355
00:24:31,590 --> 00:24:32,680
Soldiers!

356
00:24:32,680 --> 00:24:33,440
- Here!
- Here!

357
00:24:33,440 --> 00:24:35,270
Defend the Duke to the death!

358
00:24:35,270 --> 00:24:37,872
- Defend the Duke to the death!
- Defend the Duke to the death!

359
00:24:38,830 --> 00:24:40,440
Fire!

360
00:24:43,440 --> 00:24:44,440
Father!

361
00:24:51,000 --> 00:24:53,270
How are my father and brother doing now?

362
00:24:53,790 --> 00:24:54,680
At the critical moment,

363
00:24:54,690 --> 00:24:56,880
fortunately, General Yan,
who was stationed outside the city,

364
00:24:56,890 --> 00:24:57,510
arrived in time.

365
00:24:57,520 --> 00:24:58,670
He broke through the city gates

366
00:24:58,680 --> 00:25:00,310
and saved the Duke and the Young Master.

367
00:25:02,256 --> 00:25:03,920
The Young Master was shot by an arrow,

368
00:25:04,000 --> 00:25:05,160
but his life is not in danger.

369
00:25:05,830 --> 00:25:08,270
The Duke suffered internal injuries
and lost a lot of blood.

370
00:25:08,920 --> 00:25:10,070
He is still unconscious.

371
00:25:13,790 --> 00:25:14,480
Mo Yuan,

372
00:25:14,640 --> 00:25:15,720
take my token.

373
00:25:16,110 --> 00:25:18,440
Immediately send men
to the prefectures around Tingxi City

374
00:25:18,560 --> 00:25:19,920
to gather all renowned physicians

375
00:25:20,240 --> 00:25:21,400
to treat the Duke.

376
00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:22,440
Understood.

377
00:25:23,936 --> 00:25:24,960
Set off immediately.

378
00:25:24,992 --> 00:25:26,110
We must arrive by tomorrow.

379
00:25:26,200 --> 00:25:26,752
Understood.

380
00:25:43,660 --> 00:25:48,860
(Duke of Wei's Manor)

381
00:26:01,160 --> 00:26:03,000
How is my father's condition now?

382
00:26:03,960 --> 00:26:05,550
The Duke's injuries are too severe.

383
00:26:05,640 --> 00:26:07,720
Although his life is saved for now,

384
00:26:08,310 --> 00:26:10,510
he remains in a coma.

385
00:26:15,240 --> 00:26:16,350
My father's health

386
00:26:16,960 --> 00:26:18,200
will be in your hands.

387
00:26:18,640 --> 00:26:20,750
I will do my utmost.

388
00:26:23,240 --> 00:26:24,550
I want to go see my brother.

389
00:26:27,480 --> 00:26:28,960
You should go rest for a while.

390
00:26:30,960 --> 00:26:31,720
I'm not tired.

391
00:26:33,830 --> 00:26:34,550
Yun'an,

392
00:26:35,640 --> 00:26:36,680
Father needs you.

393
00:26:37,480 --> 00:26:38,590
Northwest needs you, too.

394
00:26:39,510 --> 00:26:40,830
You must recover well.

395
00:26:42,960 --> 00:26:43,880
Don't worry, Xihe.

396
00:26:44,736 --> 00:26:46,790
The Le tribe soldiers
who infiltrated the city

397
00:26:46,880 --> 00:26:48,550
have all been wiped out by General Yan.

398
00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:50,270
The city defenses have been redeployed.

399
00:26:50,550 --> 00:26:53,000
The various units of Northwest Army
have been assembled,

400
00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:54,368
standing by in full readiness.

401
00:26:54,880 --> 00:26:56,160
So the traitor

402
00:26:56,920 --> 00:26:58,160
is really Geng Liangcheng?

403
00:27:03,960 --> 00:27:05,110
I saw it with my own eyes.

404
00:27:07,680 --> 00:27:08,590
I remember

405
00:27:09,110 --> 00:27:11,000
he used to brave life and death
with Father,

406
00:27:11,040 --> 00:27:12,496
sharing his trials and tribulations.

407
00:27:13,200 --> 00:27:15,088
He was also your first teacher
in martial arts

408
00:27:15,088 --> 00:27:16,400
and military strategy.

409
00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:19,790
Uncle Geng and his wife
have always cared for us deeply.

410
00:27:20,790 --> 00:27:22,310
I really can't understand

411
00:27:23,110 --> 00:27:24,480
how he could become a traitor.

412
00:27:25,720 --> 00:27:26,480
It's because of

413
00:27:27,640 --> 00:27:28,640
Geng Zhongji.

414
00:27:29,510 --> 00:27:30,790
Uncle Geng's only son?

415
00:27:32,640 --> 00:27:34,830
Geng Zhongji went missing
when he was young,

416
00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:36,680
and was only found two years ago.

417
00:27:37,310 --> 00:27:39,920
But he had already become a man
of corrupt morals,

418
00:27:40,096 --> 00:27:42,928
running roughshod over the town
and treating human life like dirt.

419
00:27:43,400 --> 00:27:46,270
Geng Liangcheng and his wife
felt guilty toward him,

420
00:27:46,680 --> 00:27:48,270
often using money to bail him out,

421
00:27:49,350 --> 00:27:50,920
which only fueled his evil deeds.

422
00:27:51,200 --> 00:27:52,680
Father enforced the law impartially

423
00:27:53,350 --> 00:27:55,480
and had Geng Zhongji beheaded in public.

424
00:27:57,070 --> 00:27:59,680
Geng Liangcheng and his wife
were devastated.

425
00:28:00,750 --> 00:28:02,350
But after a period of silence,

426
00:28:02,920 --> 00:28:05,030
they treated Father and me
the same as before.

427
00:28:06,070 --> 00:28:07,240
Thinking about it now,

428
00:28:07,830 --> 00:28:09,000
how could the two of them

429
00:28:09,160 --> 00:28:10,830
truly hold no grudges?

430
00:28:12,790 --> 00:28:14,030
I think this matter

431
00:28:14,128 --> 00:28:16,200
is not as simple as just
seeking personal revenge.

432
00:28:17,960 --> 00:28:19,110
You mean...

433
00:28:19,350 --> 00:28:20,790
If it were just for personal revenge,

434
00:28:20,816 --> 00:28:22,736
Father had his guard completely down
around him.

435
00:28:22,740 --> 00:28:24,016
If he assassinated him secretly,

436
00:28:24,048 --> 00:28:25,710
his chances of success
would be much higher.

437
00:28:25,720 --> 00:28:27,400
But instead,
he colluded with the Le tribe

438
00:28:27,410 --> 00:28:28,688
to slaughter northwest's soldiers,

439
00:28:28,690 --> 00:28:31,400
and even attempted to wipe out
the leaders of all units at once.

440
00:28:32,070 --> 00:28:33,590
This is a blatant seizure of power.

441
00:28:54,270 --> 00:28:55,510
You've stayed up too late.

442
00:28:56,350 --> 00:28:57,240
Get some sleep.

443
00:29:02,160 --> 00:29:04,070
Yun'an has his hands full right now,

444
00:29:04,310 --> 00:29:05,480
and he's heavily injured.

445
00:29:06,510 --> 00:29:07,960
I want to help him take care

446
00:29:08,070 --> 00:29:09,640
of the matters in the rear camp.

447
00:29:27,040 --> 00:29:28,350
If you collapse from exhaustion,

448
00:29:29,160 --> 00:29:30,440
how would Father and Yun'an

449
00:29:31,030 --> 00:29:32,070
feel about it?

450
00:29:34,200 --> 00:29:35,480
I'm being too impatient.

451
00:29:36,200 --> 00:29:37,350
You're right.

452
00:29:38,640 --> 00:29:39,960
I should get some rest.

453
00:29:41,552 --> 00:29:43,264
I'll go get you some soothing incense.

454
00:30:14,720 --> 00:30:15,720
Along the way,

455
00:30:16,400 --> 00:30:18,550
you haven't let your guard down
for a moment.

456
00:30:19,440 --> 00:30:20,680
Just listen to me now.

457
00:30:20,704 --> 00:30:22,576
Close your eyes and get some good rest.

458
00:30:23,640 --> 00:30:24,400
I'll stay with you.

459
00:31:22,400 --> 00:31:23,072
Who's there?

460
00:31:26,110 --> 00:31:27,070
General Geng,

461
00:31:27,920 --> 00:31:29,070
I hope you've been well.

462
00:31:32,510 --> 00:31:33,750
Your Highness.

463
00:31:37,960 --> 00:31:38,880
In this battle,

464
00:31:39,110 --> 00:31:40,200
you fought beautifully.

465
00:31:41,480 --> 00:31:43,160
Although Shen Yueshan didn't die,

466
00:31:43,720 --> 00:31:46,110
both father and son
are now severely injured.

467
00:31:46,750 --> 00:31:47,920
And the Le army

468
00:31:48,160 --> 00:31:49,880
will continue to arrive
in endless streams.

469
00:31:50,790 --> 00:31:51,680
The Shen family

470
00:31:52,160 --> 00:31:53,590
will fall sooner or later.

471
00:31:56,480 --> 00:31:59,510
Do you know the Crown Prince and Crown
Princess have arrived in Tingxi City?

472
00:32:00,920 --> 00:32:03,030
You haven't even figured out
your own situation,

473
00:32:03,480 --> 00:32:05,350
yet you're already scheming
on my behalf.

474
00:32:07,790 --> 00:32:09,240
They came at the perfect time.

475
00:32:10,880 --> 00:32:11,920
What I've been waiting for

476
00:32:14,240 --> 00:32:15,590
is this exact moment.

477
00:32:37,640 --> 00:32:39,070
You look displeased.

478
00:32:39,790 --> 00:32:40,830
What's the matter?

479
00:32:51,550 --> 00:32:52,590
The war in northwest

480
00:32:53,400 --> 00:32:55,240
was originally a sure victory for me.

481
00:32:55,590 --> 00:32:57,510
But the Crown Prince,
at this critical moment,

482
00:32:58,350 --> 00:32:59,550
rushed to Tingxi City.

483
00:33:03,376 --> 00:33:05,504
Just because you're facing
the Crown Prince,

484
00:33:06,310 --> 00:33:07,830
you feel you have no chance of winning?

485
00:33:17,960 --> 00:33:18,750
Changtai,

486
00:33:20,200 --> 00:33:22,400
how long do we have to live in fear?

487
00:33:23,480 --> 00:33:24,880
Can't you just let it go?

488
00:33:29,680 --> 00:33:32,160
The other princes are Father's sons.

489
00:33:33,590 --> 00:33:35,310
Some receive his favor,

490
00:33:36,070 --> 00:33:37,790
some are groomed by him,

491
00:33:37,790 --> 00:33:39,160
and one is his heir.

492
00:33:39,510 --> 00:33:40,750
Why am I the only one

493
00:33:40,830 --> 00:33:43,200
who is just a disposable pawn
in his chess game?

494
00:33:44,720 --> 00:33:46,310
I want to make him regret

495
00:33:46,960 --> 00:33:49,110
always looking down on me

496
00:33:49,550 --> 00:33:50,680
and using me!

497
00:33:56,128 --> 00:33:58,352
When my family was ruined
and I was left destitute,

498
00:33:59,310 --> 00:34:00,640
you agreed to marry me

499
00:34:01,880 --> 00:34:03,400
and treated me like a treasure.

500
00:34:04,880 --> 00:34:06,160
Such kindness,

501
00:34:07,264 --> 00:34:09,392
I will never forget until the day I die.

502
00:34:11,550 --> 00:34:12,800
But your desire for power

503
00:34:12,800 --> 00:34:14,400
has never ceased.

504
00:34:14,784 --> 00:34:16,670
Before,
I was willing to take the blame for you,

505
00:34:16,688 --> 00:34:18,000
hoping you would repent.

506
00:34:18,670 --> 00:34:20,320
But in front of His Majesty,

507
00:34:20,960 --> 00:34:22,630
you drank the so-called poisoned liquor,

508
00:34:23,590 --> 00:34:25,230
playing the part of a devoted husband

509
00:34:25,230 --> 00:34:26,630
to cover up your ambition.

510
00:34:28,960 --> 00:34:31,190
Now you're even colluding
with foreign enemies to rebel.

511
00:34:35,360 --> 00:34:36,190
Changtai,

512
00:34:37,590 --> 00:34:39,510
it's not too late for us to stop now.

513
00:34:40,800 --> 00:34:42,190
If we stop fighting for power,

514
00:34:42,360 --> 00:34:44,550
wouldn't it be nice
to live a peaceful life?

515
00:34:47,710 --> 00:34:49,110
But I can't accept that.

516
00:34:55,320 --> 00:34:57,150
This is our only chance.

517
00:34:58,400 --> 00:34:59,590
No matter what,

518
00:35:00,840 --> 00:35:02,760
I have to take this gamble.

519
00:35:18,510 --> 00:35:19,440
I understand.

520
00:35:21,710 --> 00:35:22,760
I shouldn't have

521
00:35:24,480 --> 00:35:26,440
expected anything from someone

522
00:35:27,880 --> 00:35:29,550
who is driven mad by power.

523
00:35:46,630 --> 00:35:48,000
Just be a good Princess Consort.

524
00:36:01,880 --> 00:36:04,630
Geng Liangcheng has colluded
with the Le tribe army to mutiny

525
00:36:04,630 --> 00:36:05,960
and attempt a rebellion.

526
00:36:06,190 --> 00:36:09,280
The Duke of Wei and his son
are severely injured.

527
00:36:10,150 --> 00:36:12,030
Especially the Duke of Wei,

528
00:36:12,030 --> 00:36:14,030
who remains unconscious to this day.

529
00:36:14,630 --> 00:36:15,550
Minister Tao,

530
00:36:16,400 --> 00:36:18,000
where is the Crown Prince now?

531
00:36:18,510 --> 00:36:20,480
The Crown Prince and Crown Princess

532
00:36:20,800 --> 00:36:23,150
have arrived at Tingxi City.

533
00:36:23,150 --> 00:36:24,480
Reporting to Your Majesty,

534
00:36:24,710 --> 00:36:26,360
Prince Lie requests an audience.

535
00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:27,510
Send him in.

536
00:36:32,400 --> 00:36:35,440
Father, Changqing is handling
official business in Dianzhou.

537
00:36:35,450 --> 00:36:36,960
Upon learning
of Geng Liangcheng's mutiny,

538
00:36:37,000 --> 00:36:38,960
he sent a carrier pigeon asking me
to request an edict on his behalf.

539
00:36:39,030 --> 00:36:40,390
He implores you to issue an order,

540
00:36:40,400 --> 00:36:42,670
allowing him to dispatch
the troops stationed in Yaozhou

541
00:36:42,680 --> 00:36:44,528
to support northwest
and quell the rebellion.

542
00:36:45,400 --> 00:36:46,360
Your Majesty,

543
00:36:46,630 --> 00:36:49,070
among the garrisons
in the nearby prefectures,

544
00:36:49,360 --> 00:36:52,550
the one in Yaozhou is the most valiant
and battle-tested.

545
00:36:53,000 --> 00:36:54,960
If they march through the mountain pass,

546
00:36:55,150 --> 00:36:57,150
they can also arrive the fastest.

547
00:36:58,840 --> 00:36:59,440
Granted.

548
00:37:00,400 --> 00:37:01,150
Changying,

549
00:37:01,230 --> 00:37:02,710
deliver my edict immediately.

550
00:37:02,736 --> 00:37:04,440
Order him to do everything in his power

551
00:37:04,440 --> 00:37:06,550
to protect the Crown Prince
and Crown Princess,

552
00:37:06,880 --> 00:37:09,230
and ensure the safety
of the people in northwest.

553
00:37:09,670 --> 00:37:10,710
I obey your command.

554
00:37:24,670 --> 00:37:25,710
I'm truly tired.

555
00:37:26,840 --> 00:37:29,230
Making the wrong choice
leads to a path of no return.

556
00:37:29,230 --> 00:37:30,760
No!

557
00:37:32,760 --> 00:37:35,070
I once promised you
that if there ever came a day

558
00:37:35,120 --> 00:37:36,496
when I fell in love with you,

559
00:37:37,150 --> 00:37:38,480
I would tell you immediately.

560
00:37:39,070 --> 00:37:40,150
Xiao Huayong,

561
00:37:40,590 --> 00:37:41,952
I love you.

562
00:37:47,190 --> 00:37:50,130
♪I've hidden so many words♪

563
00:37:50,750 --> 00:37:53,550
♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

564
00:37:54,420 --> 00:38:01,390
♪So never uncover♪

565
00:38:01,580 --> 00:38:03,940
♪The sand that slips away
with one grasp♪

566
00:38:05,070 --> 00:38:07,800
♪The flower that withers
after one bloom♪

567
00:38:08,760 --> 00:38:14,100
♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

568
00:38:15,860 --> 00:38:18,680
♪Every answer I gave♪

569
00:38:19,480 --> 00:38:22,330
♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

570
00:38:23,120 --> 00:38:26,490
♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes
when I hurt you♪

571
00:38:26,750 --> 00:38:30,060
♪How hard it truly was?♪

572
00:38:33,030 --> 00:38:36,470
♪The wounds that healed
with just a little comfort♪

573
00:38:37,460 --> 00:38:39,790
♪The lies made whole
with a single embrace♪

574
00:38:41,060 --> 00:38:46,820
♪Pretending to be brave
as if I'd never been hurt♪

575
00:38:48,230 --> 00:38:51,360
♪It's a shame I never could♪

576
00:38:51,810 --> 00:38:54,820
♪Give you a moon in return♪

577
00:38:54,930 --> 00:39:01,570
♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

578
00:39:01,570 --> 00:39:05,240
♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

579
00:39:06,110 --> 00:39:08,870
♪Never knowing I was lost♪

580
00:39:09,310 --> 00:39:12,440
♪Why don't you take me away?♪

581
00:39:12,880 --> 00:39:18,830
♪Lead me out of this endless game
of hide-and-seek♪

582
00:39:20,230 --> 00:39:23,780
♪You'll never♪

583
00:39:24,060 --> 00:39:33,530
♪Know how much I long to, long to♪

584
00:39:59,700 --> 00:40:03,180
(No animals were harmed
in the making of this film)