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MkvDrama.net

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=The Road to Splendor=

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(Adapted from China Literature author
Zhizhi's novel of the same name)

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=Episode 21=

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Stop following me around.

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Cousin.

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People will get the wrong idea.

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Look.

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What's this?

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Why do you have my undergarment?

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Give it back!

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You'll never explain this.

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Either come with me,

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or

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I'll take this bodice

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straight to your aunt and ask
for your hand.

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How dare you smear my reputation?

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Give it back!

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No.

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Give it back!

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No!

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Stop!

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What are you doing?

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If you truly care for this young lady,

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then propose to her properly.

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Don't resort to such vile tricks.

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If you ever try to ruin
another woman's reputation,

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you'd better watch your life.

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Don't worry, miss.

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Nothing happened here.

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We won't tell anyone.

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Truly a match made in heaven.

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Greetings, Commander Zhao.

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I come from Anzhou.

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I've traveled all this way

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because of the salt reform.

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You're the Anzhou merchant?

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I am.

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I've brought a gift
on behalf of the Anzhou merchants.

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My niece

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is gentle and obedient.

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I hope you'll accept her,
Commander Zhao.

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As for the two merchant factions,

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the Yan merchants
and the Anzhou merchants,

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we'll see which side you favor

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by whether you take the girl.

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Exactly.

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The salt reform is no small matter.

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The rivalry between the northern
and southern merchants

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is already difficult enough to manage.

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He won't reject you to your face

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and openly humiliate
the Anzhou merchants.

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An opportunity like this is rare.

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Zhao Ling is overseeing the salt reform.

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If your niece

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marries into his family,

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he'll be able to help

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with the salt trade.

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Thank you for the advice, Madam.

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Mr. Zhao didn't say he'd accept her,

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but he didn't refuse her either.

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No wonder Miss Wu
bears some resemblance to you.

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So she was specially prepared

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as a gift for Commander Zhao.

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Miss Xie hasn't even married him yet,

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and he's already taking a concubine?

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Exactly.

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Young Madam,

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Young Master is here to pick you up.

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Jingxiu.

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Young Lord Yu even came
to pick her up himself.

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He really does adore her.

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Get in.

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Safe travels, Miss Xie.

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(Yu Residence)

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(Fu's Notes)

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You and Young Master

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have been married for five years,
and he's never taken a concubine.

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Those two aren't even married yet,

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and Zhao Ling

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is taking another woman in.

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Young Madam, you certainly
made the better match.

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What good

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is choosing a husband
for status and power alone?

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No matter how successful Zhao Ling is,

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without true love,

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he may still stray.

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You and Young Master married for love,

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so naturally your position is secure.

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This painting

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is truly priceless.

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Young Master will surely love it.

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Put it here...

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Or...

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Maybe there.

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I never knew

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he still had feelings like this.

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Please don't be angry, Madam.

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Perhaps a servant put it here
by mistake.

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There's no need to make excuses for him.

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At the first-birthday banquet,

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he insisted on adding
the sesame flatbread.

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I thought it was strange even then.

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This all goes back to what happened
in Huaying.

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It forced me

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to compete with two girls.

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And now look at this.

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After all he went through

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to marry his precious narcissus,

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he spends his days painting
magnolias and thinking of someone else.

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How did a family like ours

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raise such a hopeless romantic?

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Please don't be angry, Madam.

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Hurry.

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Take it away.

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(Rosy in the Evening Glow)

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Mother, you wanted to see me?

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I've set aside

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five hundred taels for you
from the household funds.

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Take it.

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You're too generous, Mother.

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I merely followed your instructions

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and had Miss Wu imitate her somewhat.

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Consider it

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a reward

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for handling the matter well.

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Buy yourself some cosmetics,

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or have a few new dresses made.

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Whatever you choose,

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just don't skimp on yourself.

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Thank you, Mother.

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Men spend their days away from home,

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working themselves weary.

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When they come home,

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they want comfort

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and peace.

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So where effort is needed,

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don't grow careless.

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Don't worry, Mother.

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I'll be sure

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to try even harder.

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Go on, then.

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Madam, you do care
about Young Madam after all.

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We're all women.

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When something like this happens
in a marriage,

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there's bound to be trouble at home.

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I only hope she understood what I meant.

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Young Madam, you handled the matter
very well.

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Madam Yu knows that.

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Mother has never cared
how I dress before.

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Could she think that after giving birth,

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I've let myself go?

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You're overthinking it, Young Madam.

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You handled this matter well.

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Madam Yu may not say it outright,

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but in her heart,

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she knows exactly what you've done.

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(Xie Residence)

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Honestly, Mr. Zhao...

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he didn't even

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reject Miss Wu to her face.

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He has his reasons.

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The merchant dispute

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is tied to the salt reform.

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He probably couldn't reject her
outright.

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He still should've done something
to reassure you.

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It's been a whole night,

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and he hasn't even come to apologize.

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If you keep letting this slide,

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who knows what kind
of trouble it'll cause.

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What kind of trouble?

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A new pastry shop opened
at the end of the alley.

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I heard from a colleague

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that their chestnut cakes
are quite good.

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Try one.

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See if you like it.

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(Chestnut Pastries)

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Mr. Zhao, you came all this way

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just to bring me chestnut cakes?

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Of course I'm here about Miss Wu.

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There's no way

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I'm taking her in.

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That's enough.

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He does care about you after all.

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Besides, Miss Wu

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comes from the Anzhou merchants.

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If I just take her in,

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then in the future,

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if someone wanted to plant someone

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by my side to scheme against me,

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who knows what could happen?

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So that's why you

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won't take Miss Wu in?

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It's difficult for me
to handle this personally.

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The salt reform is
under intense scrutiny.

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Anything I do

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will be read as a political signal.

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And I don't want to offend
the Anzhou merchants.

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So could you

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help me settle the matter?

201
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So you came here to put me to work.

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You want to use me as your shield?

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Life together is like rowing a boat.

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Two rowers will always beat one.

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Besides, with your abilities,

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even ten Miss Wus

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wouldn't be a match for you.

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And if I weren't so capable?

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Would you simply take her in?

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How could you not be?

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As far as I'm concerned,

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there's nothing to settle.

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Why don't you just take Miss Wu in

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so the salt reform can proceed?

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Miss Wu

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isn't just connected
to the Anzhou merchants.

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She also has ties to the Yu family.

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The Yu family

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is taking advantage of the fact

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that I can't openly refuse,

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trying to plant someone by my side.

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That's why

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I absolutely cannot take her in.

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Why not?

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What...?

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She didn't mean that... right?

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(Five years apart.)

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00:13:02,399 --> 00:13:03,720
(Every time Mr. Zhao comes,
it's about work.)

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00:13:03,720 --> 00:13:05,200
(Instead of getting married,
you've become colleagues.)

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00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:05,679
(Xie Jewelry Shop)
Let's go.

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00:13:05,679 --> 00:13:06,360
- Sis.
- Over there.

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00:13:06,360 --> 00:13:06,960
Miss Xie,

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there's a customer

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who's impossible to please.

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00:13:09,600 --> 00:13:10,919
We've shown her

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all our hair accessories.

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00:13:12,159 --> 00:13:13,080
If it's expensive,

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00:13:13,080 --> 00:13:14,720
she says the design is tacky.

239
00:13:14,960 --> 00:13:16,200
If the design is good,

240
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she complains

241
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about the materials.

242
00:13:18,519 --> 00:13:19,519
And when the materials are good,

243
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she says it's too expensive.

244
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Don't worry about her.

245
00:13:23,399 --> 00:13:24,679
She's here for me.

246
00:13:42,919 --> 00:13:43,879
Miss Xie.

247
00:13:44,519 --> 00:13:46,720
This hairpin is meant as a gift for you.

248
00:13:47,919 --> 00:13:49,519
That's why I was being so particular.

249
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I had no idea

250
00:13:51,679 --> 00:13:53,399
this shop belonged to you.

251
00:13:53,639 --> 00:13:54,639
Please forgive me.

252
00:13:56,039 --> 00:13:57,360
We're open for business.

253
00:13:57,360 --> 00:13:58,519
Anyone who walks in is a customer.

254
00:13:58,919 --> 00:14:00,600
But this gift of yours, Miss Wu,

255
00:14:00,919 --> 00:14:02,080
is far too generous.

256
00:14:02,440 --> 00:14:03,960
How could I possibly accept it?

257
00:14:03,960 --> 00:14:05,200
Of course you can.

258
00:14:06,559 --> 00:14:07,799
I've long heard

259
00:14:07,799 --> 00:14:08,879
that you, Miss Xie,

260
00:14:08,879 --> 00:14:10,000
having made the county gazetteer
three times.

261
00:14:10,279 --> 00:14:11,559
and are quite an extraordinary woman.

262
00:14:12,120 --> 00:14:13,679
You have both wisdom

263
00:14:13,799 --> 00:14:15,320
and good fortune in abundance.

264
00:14:15,919 --> 00:14:16,960
If in the future

265
00:14:17,039 --> 00:14:18,960
we are to live under the same roof,

266
00:14:19,399 --> 00:14:21,000
I will respect you

267
00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:22,279
and defer to you in all things.

268
00:14:23,679 --> 00:14:25,159
What do you mean by that?

269
00:14:25,440 --> 00:14:27,360
Who says you're going to live with us?

270
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A woman's reputation

271
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can be a matter of life and death.

272
00:14:31,879 --> 00:14:33,200
At the Willow-Shooting Gathering
that day,

273
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didn't he already...?

274
00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:36,039
Could it be

275
00:14:36,639 --> 00:14:38,120
that I misunderstood?

276
00:14:38,120 --> 00:14:39,279
Yes, you did.

277
00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:46,080
You're a sharp woman, Miss Wu.

278
00:14:47,240 --> 00:14:49,159
You're determined to marry
into the Zhao family

279
00:14:49,399 --> 00:14:50,639
because you know

280
00:14:50,720 --> 00:14:52,200
there are no parents-in-law
to answer to,

281
00:14:52,200 --> 00:14:53,480
and no sisters-in-law
to make your life difficult.

282
00:14:53,919 --> 00:14:55,759
Once you bear him a child,

283
00:14:55,840 --> 00:14:57,159
you'll have secured your place.

284
00:14:57,879 --> 00:14:59,519
But for all your careful planning,

285
00:14:59,519 --> 00:15:00,480
you forgot one thing.

286
00:15:00,799 --> 00:15:01,840
What if I'm jealous

287
00:15:01,840 --> 00:15:02,960
and make your life miserable every day?

288
00:15:02,960 --> 00:15:03,840
How could that be?

289
00:15:04,879 --> 00:15:06,919
You're known for being broad-minded,
Miss Xie,

290
00:15:07,240 --> 00:15:08,759
a model for other women.

291
00:15:09,200 --> 00:15:10,799
How could you possibly mistreat me?

292
00:15:14,559 --> 00:15:16,440
I can be broad-minded
about other things.

293
00:15:17,039 --> 00:15:18,919
But when it comes to love and marriage,

294
00:15:19,200 --> 00:15:21,720
I won't share even a fraction
of his love with another woman.

295
00:15:24,679 --> 00:15:26,519
Since you know my past,

296
00:15:26,519 --> 00:15:27,600
you should know

297
00:15:27,840 --> 00:15:28,919
what I'm capable of.

298
00:15:29,879 --> 00:15:31,279
Do you truly wish

299
00:15:31,279 --> 00:15:32,399
to contend with me?

300
00:15:40,919 --> 00:15:42,159
I won't make things difficult for you.

301
00:15:42,360 --> 00:15:43,720
I know this isn't your decision to make.

302
00:15:44,399 --> 00:15:45,559
Have your aunt

303
00:15:45,559 --> 00:15:46,440
come speak to me.

304
00:15:46,559 --> 00:15:48,919
But how could you possibly
persuade my aunt?

305
00:15:49,279 --> 00:15:50,600
Everyone wants different things.

306
00:15:51,399 --> 00:15:52,600
Everyone has their own desires.

307
00:15:53,960 --> 00:15:55,360
That's why conflict never ends

308
00:15:55,360 --> 00:15:56,720
and schemes never cease.

309
00:15:57,440 --> 00:15:58,480
But even the cleverest scheme

310
00:15:58,480 --> 00:15:59,399
has flaws.

311
00:15:59,639 --> 00:16:00,799
An open strategy is different.

312
00:16:01,240 --> 00:16:02,480
Give each side what it wants,

313
00:16:02,919 --> 00:16:04,080
and both sides can benefit.

314
00:16:05,843 --> 00:16:08,630
(Xie Residence)

315
00:16:14,120 --> 00:16:15,240
Greetings, Miss Xie.

316
00:16:15,360 --> 00:16:16,279
We meet again.

317
00:16:37,200 --> 00:16:39,600
When Madam Yu persuaded you
to offer up your niece,

318
00:16:40,440 --> 00:16:41,799
did she mention that Commander Zhao

319
00:16:42,000 --> 00:16:43,440
was overseeing the salt reform?

320
00:16:45,480 --> 00:16:46,639
Though I suspect

321
00:16:47,799 --> 00:16:49,279
she only told you half the story

322
00:16:49,600 --> 00:16:50,639
and kept the rest to herself.

323
00:16:51,399 --> 00:16:52,279
Otherwise,

324
00:16:52,519 --> 00:16:54,200
a shrewd businesswoman like you

325
00:16:54,320 --> 00:16:56,000
would never agree to a losing deal.

326
00:16:58,960 --> 00:17:00,559
Miss Xie, you give me too much credit.

327
00:17:01,039 --> 00:17:02,480
I'm only a merchant's wife.

328
00:17:02,480 --> 00:17:04,880
All the twists and turns
of official politics

329
00:17:04,880 --> 00:17:06,079
are quite beyond me.

330
00:17:06,920 --> 00:17:09,000
It's true that Commander Zhao
is overseeing the salt reform,

331
00:17:10,079 --> 00:17:11,680
but it's only a temporary assignment.

332
00:17:12,480 --> 00:17:13,759
Once things settle down,

333
00:17:14,319 --> 00:17:15,920
his duties may have nothing
to do with salt at all.

334
00:17:16,039 --> 00:17:17,000
By then,

335
00:17:17,400 --> 00:17:19,000
even if he wanted to intervene,

336
00:17:19,279 --> 00:17:21,079
he might have no power to do so.

337
00:17:26,319 --> 00:17:27,599
Is that true?

338
00:17:27,759 --> 00:17:29,880
You've been in business for years,
Madam Wu.

339
00:17:30,119 --> 00:17:31,240
You can judge for yourself.

340
00:17:32,799 --> 00:17:34,160
Think about it.

341
00:17:34,759 --> 00:17:36,839
Commander Zhao's power base
is in the northwest.

342
00:17:38,000 --> 00:17:39,279
It relies on the grain-for-salt system,

343
00:17:39,279 --> 00:17:39,880
grain transport,

344
00:17:39,880 --> 00:17:40,720
and frontier defense.

345
00:17:41,680 --> 00:17:42,960
If one day

346
00:17:43,680 --> 00:17:46,079
his own position forces him
to avoid a conflict of interest

347
00:17:46,079 --> 00:17:47,319
and step away from the salt reform,

348
00:17:47,839 --> 00:17:49,119
then, Madam Wu,

349
00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:50,640
what will you do?

350
00:17:57,599 --> 00:17:59,160
That Madam Yu.

351
00:17:59,480 --> 00:18:01,119
She fooled me with half the truth.

352
00:18:01,920 --> 00:18:03,440
Once she had me convinced,

353
00:18:03,440 --> 00:18:04,640
she conveniently left out that Zhao Ling

354
00:18:04,640 --> 00:18:06,000
was only serving in a temporary post.

355
00:18:06,440 --> 00:18:08,079
I nearly fell right into her trap

356
00:18:08,519 --> 00:18:09,519
and made

357
00:18:09,519 --> 00:18:11,200
a disastrous deal.

358
00:18:11,200 --> 00:18:12,319
Good thing it's not too late.

359
00:18:17,039 --> 00:18:18,160
Miss Xie

360
00:18:18,160 --> 00:18:19,599
really is something.

361
00:18:19,759 --> 00:18:21,720
Even someone as calculating as your aunt

362
00:18:21,720 --> 00:18:22,680
was no match for her.

363
00:18:29,759 --> 00:18:30,720
All these years,

364
00:18:31,160 --> 00:18:32,640
I've felt stuck in the mire,

365
00:18:34,279 --> 00:18:35,440
pushed around

366
00:18:35,519 --> 00:18:36,799
and worn down by Aunt,

367
00:18:38,240 --> 00:18:40,240
with no one to turn to,

368
00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:42,160
always living in fear.

369
00:18:43,160 --> 00:18:45,079
If I hadn't met Miss Xie,

370
00:18:45,799 --> 00:18:48,039
I'd still think it was simply
my bad luck

371
00:18:48,400 --> 00:18:49,839
that I hadn't found

372
00:18:49,960 --> 00:18:52,119
a husband good enough to satisfy Aunt.

373
00:18:52,400 --> 00:18:53,359
Isn't

374
00:18:53,640 --> 00:18:54,680
that true?

375
00:19:01,880 --> 00:19:02,759
Cairong,

376
00:19:03,559 --> 00:19:04,920
I think I've found my answer.

377
00:19:06,799 --> 00:19:08,400
If I want a place of my own
in this world,

378
00:19:08,920 --> 00:19:10,119
I can't rely on

379
00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:12,079
what kind of husband I marry.

380
00:19:12,839 --> 00:19:14,240
I have to rely on myself

381
00:19:14,799 --> 00:19:16,519
and build a life of my own.

382
00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:24,000
Look at Miss Xie.

383
00:19:25,039 --> 00:19:26,240
She never seems

384
00:19:26,960 --> 00:19:28,440
to lose her composure.

385
00:19:29,319 --> 00:19:30,960
The worst thing a woman can do

386
00:19:31,279 --> 00:19:33,079
is let herself be trapped
by matters of love.

387
00:19:33,519 --> 00:19:35,759
Ninth Young Lady knows exactly
where to strike.

388
00:19:36,640 --> 00:19:38,200
She never fixated
on household rivalries,

389
00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:39,720
yet she settled them all the same.

390
00:19:41,240 --> 00:19:42,799
She reminds me of myself back then.

391
00:19:42,799 --> 00:19:44,839
I used to act just as decisively.

392
00:19:47,160 --> 00:19:48,519
Madam Wu

393
00:19:48,599 --> 00:19:50,279
is a merchant after all.

394
00:19:50,440 --> 00:19:51,440
All she sees

395
00:19:51,680 --> 00:19:52,839
is profit.

396
00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:55,759
Never mind.

397
00:19:56,960 --> 00:19:58,359
In a marriage,

398
00:19:58,680 --> 00:20:01,279
nothing is worse than growing apart
while living together.

399
00:20:01,519 --> 00:20:03,079
Ninth Young Lady may be able

400
00:20:03,079 --> 00:20:04,799
to handle the bigger picture,

401
00:20:04,799 --> 00:20:07,079
but can she handle what lies
in her own heart?

402
00:20:09,559 --> 00:20:10,799
Has she really

403
00:20:11,000 --> 00:20:12,200
let go?

404
00:20:15,160 --> 00:20:17,079
Huchen, you kept your head
under pressure this time

405
00:20:17,079 --> 00:20:18,559
and handled the merchants well.

406
00:20:19,400 --> 00:20:21,039
I wouldn't dare take the credit.

407
00:20:21,799 --> 00:20:22,680
I owe much of it

408
00:20:23,559 --> 00:20:24,839
to Grand Secretary Tian's guidance.

409
00:20:28,200 --> 00:20:29,160
Minister Tian,

410
00:20:29,759 --> 00:20:31,000
could you perhaps postpone

411
00:20:31,000 --> 00:20:32,400
your medical leave?

412
00:20:32,759 --> 00:20:34,640
If I let a pillar of the court
like you go,

413
00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:36,720
it'd be like losing my right hand.

414
00:20:38,960 --> 00:20:39,880
Your Majesty,

415
00:20:41,039 --> 00:20:42,599
you flatter this old servant.

416
00:20:43,279 --> 00:20:46,319
I was only examined by the Imperial
Medical Bureau last month.

417
00:20:47,359 --> 00:20:48,480
Never mind, then.

418
00:20:48,599 --> 00:20:49,599
Your health comes first.

419
00:20:49,839 --> 00:20:51,240
Have some aged wild renshen sent over

420
00:20:51,240 --> 00:20:52,720
for Grand Secretary Tian's medicine.

421
00:20:52,720 --> 00:20:53,240
Yes, Your Majesty.

422
00:20:57,417 --> 00:20:59,577
(Virtue Blesses the Hometown)

423
00:21:14,079 --> 00:21:15,279
What are you doing?

424
00:21:15,440 --> 00:21:16,640
I'm going back to Ganlin.

425
00:21:16,839 --> 00:21:17,519
Mr. Zhao,

426
00:21:17,519 --> 00:21:18,319
take care of yourself.

427
00:21:19,119 --> 00:21:19,759
What's wrong?

428
00:21:21,319 --> 00:21:21,759
Wait.

429
00:21:22,440 --> 00:21:22,960
No, wait.

430
00:21:23,720 --> 00:21:24,640
Why?

431
00:21:25,000 --> 00:21:25,880
Isn't everything

432
00:21:26,839 --> 00:21:28,319
going well here in the capital?

433
00:21:37,519 --> 00:21:38,519
Keep these three thousand taels

434
00:21:38,799 --> 00:21:40,279
for your own use.

435
00:21:42,720 --> 00:21:44,240
The salt reform has only just
gotten underway.

436
00:21:44,759 --> 00:21:45,559
From now on,

437
00:21:45,799 --> 00:21:47,759
you'll have plenty of expenses
and people to deal with.

438
00:21:49,279 --> 00:21:49,839
And one more thing.

439
00:21:51,000 --> 00:21:52,440
Don't let a lack of money
tie your hands,

440
00:21:52,880 --> 00:21:54,519
or tempt you into taking
anyone's bribes,

441
00:21:55,000 --> 00:21:55,799
only to

442
00:21:56,599 --> 00:21:57,519
lose far more than you gain.

443
00:21:59,079 --> 00:22:00,680
Is this because of

444
00:22:01,440 --> 00:22:02,920
what happened with Miss Wu?

445
00:22:06,400 --> 00:22:07,480
I swear

446
00:22:07,880 --> 00:22:09,680
I never intended to take her in.

447
00:22:09,680 --> 00:22:10,680
Honestly,

448
00:22:11,440 --> 00:22:13,359
it really was all for the salt reform.

449
00:22:16,200 --> 00:22:18,079
Mr. Zhao, you always have a reason
for everything.

450
00:22:19,119 --> 00:22:20,160
I'm the one who overreacted.

451
00:22:21,039 --> 00:22:21,759
I'm just jealous.

452
00:22:25,200 --> 00:22:27,160
Has someone been gossiping about us?

453
00:22:27,680 --> 00:22:29,359
I'll have their tongue cut out.

454
00:22:29,599 --> 00:22:30,279
Chuan!

455
00:22:30,720 --> 00:22:31,319
Biao!

456
00:22:32,680 --> 00:22:33,440
Mr. Zhao,

457
00:22:34,440 --> 00:22:35,519
do you really not understand,

458
00:22:35,759 --> 00:22:36,759
or are you pretending not to?

459
00:22:41,799 --> 00:22:42,440
- Mr. Zhao.
- Mr. Zhao.

460
00:22:42,559 --> 00:22:43,240
- Who?
- Who?

461
00:22:45,680 --> 00:22:46,279
Miss Xie,

462
00:22:46,759 --> 00:22:47,599
are you moving away?

463
00:22:47,960 --> 00:22:48,839
We'll help.

464
00:22:49,400 --> 00:22:50,000
Okay.

465
00:22:50,119 --> 00:22:50,680
Come on, then.

466
00:22:55,839 --> 00:22:57,039
Miss Xie, where are you going?

467
00:22:57,640 --> 00:22:58,559
Back to Ganlin.

468
00:22:59,000 --> 00:23:00,000
Back to Ganlin?

469
00:23:08,160 --> 00:23:09,039
This is all your fault.

470
00:23:21,319 --> 00:23:22,920
All I want now

471
00:23:24,200 --> 00:23:25,759
is a peaceful life.

472
00:23:27,240 --> 00:23:28,920
There's nothing wrong with you trying
to rise in the world,

473
00:23:29,119 --> 00:23:30,119
and I don't blame you for it.

474
00:23:30,880 --> 00:23:32,359
But being caught up in all of this

475
00:23:33,119 --> 00:23:34,400
has worn me out.

476
00:23:48,119 --> 00:23:49,079
Mr. Zhao,

477
00:23:49,359 --> 00:23:51,640
do you really not understand
why she's angry?

478
00:23:54,039 --> 00:23:55,000
I just think...

479
00:23:58,160 --> 00:23:59,240
she's gotten quite a temper.

480
00:23:59,799 --> 00:24:00,960
It's been five years.

481
00:24:01,119 --> 00:24:02,480
What's wrong with her having
a little temper?

482
00:24:02,720 --> 00:24:05,000
A woman wants to be reassured.

483
00:24:05,519 --> 00:24:07,480
She's waited five years for you.

484
00:24:07,680 --> 00:24:08,920
And the moment you're reunited,

485
00:24:08,920 --> 00:24:10,720
along comes some Miss Wu.

486
00:24:10,720 --> 00:24:12,480
Who wouldn't be upset?

487
00:24:13,599 --> 00:24:14,720
I swear...

488
00:24:36,960 --> 00:24:38,759
Are you really just going
to let her leave?

489
00:24:39,400 --> 00:24:40,640
She's always cautious.

490
00:24:40,960 --> 00:24:41,720
She won't actually leave.

491
00:24:47,000 --> 00:24:47,680
Mr. Zhao,

492
00:24:47,960 --> 00:24:49,039
that's an awful lot of luggage.

493
00:24:49,039 --> 00:24:50,200
This doesn't look like a bluff.

494
00:24:57,839 --> 00:24:59,359
Seriously?

495
00:25:03,279 --> 00:25:03,839
Fine.

496
00:25:05,440 --> 00:25:06,640
Go to Xie's shop at once

497
00:25:07,240 --> 00:25:09,160
and have someone ask Fifth Madam
to come over.

498
00:25:10,720 --> 00:25:11,359
I...

499
00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:12,319
I...

500
00:25:12,519 --> 00:25:13,839
What am I supposed to tell her?

501
00:25:15,359 --> 00:25:16,440
Just tell her

502
00:25:18,319 --> 00:25:19,680
Miss Xie is upset

503
00:25:20,519 --> 00:25:21,759
and ask her to come talk some sense
into her.

504
00:25:23,480 --> 00:25:24,200
Zhao Ling!

505
00:25:25,920 --> 00:25:27,400
If you dare disturb my mother,

506
00:25:27,400 --> 00:25:28,119
just try.

507
00:25:29,200 --> 00:25:29,839
I...

508
00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:36,319
What a blockhead.

509
00:25:36,559 --> 00:25:37,759
I made it that obvious,

510
00:25:37,759 --> 00:25:38,759
and he still didn't understand.

511
00:25:39,240 --> 00:25:40,799
He should understand now.

512
00:25:40,799 --> 00:25:41,839
Don't be upset, Miss Xie.

513
00:25:41,839 --> 00:25:42,519
It's fine.

514
00:25:43,000 --> 00:25:43,720
I...

515
00:25:46,279 --> 00:25:47,759
I was pretty convincing, wasn't I?

516
00:25:49,240 --> 00:25:49,960
Very convincing.

517
00:25:56,743 --> 00:25:59,283
(Virtue Blesses the Hometown)

518
00:26:27,119 --> 00:26:28,559
We've come such a long way

519
00:26:29,680 --> 00:26:30,920
to finally make it to the capital.

520
00:26:31,799 --> 00:26:32,680
I don't want to see

521
00:26:32,680 --> 00:26:34,000
you and your mother separated again.

522
00:26:39,480 --> 00:26:41,279
I know you're still angry with me.

523
00:26:42,920 --> 00:26:43,599
How about this?

524
00:26:44,880 --> 00:26:45,799
Don't leave.

525
00:26:47,160 --> 00:26:48,279
I'll stay away

526
00:26:50,599 --> 00:26:51,680
for a while.

527
00:27:12,904 --> 00:27:15,484
(Yunshe Hut)

528
00:27:16,759 --> 00:27:17,759
Good child.

529
00:27:17,759 --> 00:27:18,519
Mother.

530
00:27:18,799 --> 00:27:19,799
What are you doing here?

531
00:27:20,440 --> 00:27:21,359
Leave these chores

532
00:27:21,359 --> 00:27:22,359
to me.

533
00:27:22,680 --> 00:27:23,559
Really,

534
00:27:23,680 --> 00:27:25,400
you don't have to come every day.

535
00:27:25,640 --> 00:27:27,519
(Madam Shen, Fu Tingzhuo's Wife)
Tingzhuo is away studying

536
00:27:27,799 --> 00:27:29,039
and can't tend to the family,

537
00:27:29,480 --> 00:27:31,759
so you've had to shoulder
all this yourself.

538
00:27:31,960 --> 00:27:32,880
Father

539
00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:34,279
was only meant to mourn for three years,

540
00:27:34,640 --> 00:27:35,599
yet now

541
00:27:35,599 --> 00:27:36,759
he's lived here in mourning for seven.

542
00:27:37,240 --> 00:27:39,039
Not even the bitterest winters
have stopped him.

543
00:27:40,079 --> 00:27:41,279
Such devotion to his parents

544
00:27:41,359 --> 00:27:42,880
is something we younger generations

545
00:27:43,000 --> 00:27:44,000
ought to follow.

546
00:27:45,279 --> 00:27:46,720
From the city to here

547
00:27:47,559 --> 00:27:49,480
takes two hours even by sedan chair.

548
00:27:49,960 --> 00:27:50,880
A round trip

549
00:27:51,680 --> 00:27:53,079
takes four hours.

550
00:27:53,680 --> 00:27:55,559
It's one thing for old people like us

551
00:27:55,759 --> 00:27:57,480
to spend our days here.

552
00:27:57,486 --> 00:27:58,066
(Fifth Master Fu)

553
00:27:58,079 --> 00:27:59,359
But you're still young.

554
00:27:59,799 --> 00:28:01,759
You're giving up half your day

555
00:28:02,640 --> 00:28:03,880
every time you come.

556
00:28:03,960 --> 00:28:04,839
Mother,

557
00:28:06,119 --> 00:28:07,799
it's the least I should do.

558
00:28:08,079 --> 00:28:08,640
Allow me.

559
00:28:20,319 --> 00:28:21,079
Father.

560
00:28:26,440 --> 00:28:27,160
Mother,

561
00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:28,200
let me get you another one.

562
00:28:28,200 --> 00:28:29,119
There's an opening here.

563
00:28:30,880 --> 00:28:31,400
Wait.

564
00:28:32,599 --> 00:28:33,359
An opening?

565
00:28:33,920 --> 00:28:34,720
What opening?

566
00:28:35,920 --> 00:28:36,720
At the Ministry of Personnel?

567
00:28:36,720 --> 00:28:37,440
The Ministry of Revenue?

568
00:28:37,440 --> 00:28:38,880
Even the Ministry of Rites would do.

569
00:28:38,880 --> 00:28:39,480
Did you

570
00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:40,799
hear about an opening
for my reinstatement?

571
00:28:41,799 --> 00:28:42,799
I meant

572
00:28:42,799 --> 00:28:44,160
there's an opening in the rim.

573
00:28:46,440 --> 00:28:48,759
An opening in the cup's rim.

574
00:28:52,079 --> 00:28:52,640
Never mind.

575
00:28:53,559 --> 00:28:54,920
An opening is good.

576
00:28:55,440 --> 00:28:56,759
An opening is good.

577
00:28:57,559 --> 00:28:59,759
Give Madam the cup without an opening.

578
00:29:00,480 --> 00:29:02,319
I'm feeling a little unwell.

579
00:29:02,839 --> 00:29:03,880
I'll excuse myself.

580
00:29:12,240 --> 00:29:13,319
An opening...

581
00:29:13,640 --> 00:29:15,640
It's a sign from heaven!

582
00:29:17,240 --> 00:29:18,200
Your Majesty,

583
00:29:18,799 --> 00:29:20,680
all preparations for the salt reform
are complete.

584
00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:22,640
The salt merchants in every region
have been appeased

585
00:29:23,160 --> 00:29:24,400
and are willing to cooperate
with the new policy.

586
00:29:24,920 --> 00:29:25,839
I recommend

587
00:29:26,240 --> 00:29:27,680
piloting it first in Anzhou

588
00:29:28,400 --> 00:29:29,359
to see how effective it is.

589
00:29:33,359 --> 00:29:34,480
I submit it all

590
00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:36,440
for Your Majesty's review and decision.

591
00:29:40,480 --> 00:29:41,799
You've handled this matter well.

592
00:29:42,319 --> 00:29:44,559
The northwest has just
sent some fine sheep as tribute.

593
00:29:44,640 --> 00:29:45,640
I'll grant you one.

594
00:29:46,160 --> 00:29:48,839
As for the Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor,

595
00:29:51,480 --> 00:29:52,000
I

596
00:29:52,319 --> 00:29:54,519
want to see results from the salt reform
as soon as possible.

597
00:29:54,759 --> 00:29:55,400
So

598
00:29:55,559 --> 00:29:57,319
I need someone decisive.

599
00:29:57,880 --> 00:29:58,880
This is a matter of great importance.

600
00:29:59,319 --> 00:30:01,559
Besides the candidates proposed
by the Ministry of Personnel,

601
00:30:01,759 --> 00:30:02,559
I need you

602
00:30:02,960 --> 00:30:04,200
to help me

603
00:30:04,319 --> 00:30:05,960
find another suitable match.

604
00:30:06,079 --> 00:30:06,720
Yes,

605
00:30:07,720 --> 00:30:08,480
Your Majesty.

606
00:30:24,400 --> 00:30:25,920
How festive.

607
00:30:37,200 --> 00:30:38,640
Is today's meal

608
00:30:39,119 --> 00:30:40,759
not to your liking, Father?

609
00:30:41,519 --> 00:30:43,160
Something's missing.

610
00:30:43,559 --> 00:30:44,440
What's missing?

611
00:30:44,799 --> 00:30:46,319
A sheep.

612
00:30:46,400 --> 00:30:47,119
Father,

613
00:30:47,319 --> 00:30:48,400
you've been in mourning for seven years

614
00:30:48,400 --> 00:30:49,440
and abstaining from meat.

615
00:30:49,440 --> 00:30:50,240
Mutton...

616
00:30:50,240 --> 00:30:51,319
You fool.

617
00:30:52,279 --> 00:30:53,880
Who said I wanted to eat it?

618
00:30:55,880 --> 00:30:57,160
The word for sheep

619
00:30:57,799 --> 00:30:58,880
signifies good fortune.

620
00:30:59,480 --> 00:31:01,160
It is an honor bestowed
upon high ministers.

621
00:31:02,079 --> 00:31:03,240
As a mark of imperial favor,

622
00:31:03,400 --> 00:31:05,279
His Majesty often grants

623
00:31:05,279 --> 00:31:06,759
a live sheep to his most
trusted ministers.

624
00:31:07,240 --> 00:31:08,599
One of the Fu ancestors

625
00:31:08,599 --> 00:31:10,599
received the honor when he was appointed
Grand Guardian of the Crown Prince.

626
00:31:10,599 --> 00:31:11,559
He was once granted one too.

627
00:31:11,799 --> 00:31:13,519
Sadly, in my generation,

628
00:31:14,039 --> 00:31:16,519
we've never seen such glory again.

629
00:31:17,359 --> 00:31:19,319
Young people know nothing
of these customs.

630
00:31:20,000 --> 00:31:21,119
He receives an imperial gift,

631
00:31:21,960 --> 00:31:23,279
yet doesn't know to honor his elders
with it.

632
00:31:23,680 --> 00:31:25,559
Commander Zhao surely doesn't know
the tradition.

633
00:31:25,559 --> 00:31:26,440
If he did,

634
00:31:26,440 --> 00:31:27,319
he would surely send it over.

635
00:31:28,680 --> 00:31:29,559
He doesn't know any better,

636
00:31:29,559 --> 00:31:30,599
but surely you do!

637
00:31:36,200 --> 00:31:37,720
I was foolish.

638
00:31:37,920 --> 00:31:38,920
I'll send someone at once

639
00:31:38,920 --> 00:31:40,359
to Commander Zhao's office

640
00:31:40,440 --> 00:31:42,160
and say the elders of the family

641
00:31:42,359 --> 00:31:44,200
would like to see
His Majesty's imperial gift.

642
00:31:56,999 --> 00:31:57,899
(To Shichang:
Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor is open.)

643
00:31:57,899 --> 00:31:58,768
(The time is ripe. Act now.)

644
00:31:58,799 --> 00:32:00,480
It won't be long

645
00:32:00,680 --> 00:32:03,880
before I can wear you openly.

646
00:32:07,680 --> 00:32:09,599
This is the opening.

647
00:32:22,720 --> 00:32:23,319
Miss Xie,

648
00:32:23,519 --> 00:32:24,559
Mr. Zhao sent this over.

649
00:32:24,720 --> 00:32:25,640
It's a tribute sheep

650
00:32:25,640 --> 00:32:26,519
bestowed by His Majesty.

651
00:32:26,519 --> 00:32:27,319
He especially wanted you

652
00:32:27,319 --> 00:32:27,920
to have a taste.

653
00:32:32,079 --> 00:32:32,640
Then...

654
00:32:34,839 --> 00:32:36,799
is he coming back for dinner today?

655
00:32:36,799 --> 00:32:37,599
Mr. Zhao said

656
00:32:37,599 --> 00:32:38,799
he's been very busy
with official matters

657
00:32:38,799 --> 00:32:39,519
and can't get away,

658
00:32:39,519 --> 00:32:40,359
so he won't be coming back.

659
00:33:00,160 --> 00:33:01,559
On the ninth of every month,

660
00:33:01,559 --> 00:33:03,680
Mr. Zhao always brings
the lamp oil himself.

661
00:33:03,920 --> 00:33:05,039
These past few days,

662
00:33:05,160 --> 00:33:06,440
perhaps his official duties

663
00:33:06,440 --> 00:33:07,519
have been especially demanding.

664
00:33:09,119 --> 00:33:10,319
Is he really busy,

665
00:33:11,200 --> 00:33:12,319
or does he just not want to come?

666
00:33:14,559 --> 00:33:15,759
Take the sheep back!

667
00:33:16,000 --> 00:33:17,319
We're out of lamp oil!

668
00:33:17,319 --> 00:33:18,359
How are we supposed to enjoy it?

669
00:33:18,519 --> 00:33:19,599
Send it back exactly as it came!

670
00:33:27,200 --> 00:33:27,960
Sanniang,

671
00:33:28,079 --> 00:33:28,880
does this mutton

672
00:33:29,079 --> 00:33:31,039
need lamp oil to roast it or something?

673
00:33:31,279 --> 00:33:32,759
What am I supposed to tell Mr. Zhao?

674
00:33:33,759 --> 00:33:34,960
You fool.

675
00:33:35,160 --> 00:33:36,640
Tell him exactly

676
00:33:36,640 --> 00:33:37,799
what Miss Xie said.

677
00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:39,039
Don't change

678
00:33:39,119 --> 00:33:40,440
a single word.

679
00:33:44,246 --> 00:33:45,206
Miss Xie said,

680
00:33:45,319 --> 00:33:46,799
"We're out of lamp oil.

681
00:33:46,799 --> 00:33:47,799
How are we supposed to enjoy it?

682
00:33:48,039 --> 00:33:49,039
Take the sheep back."

683
00:33:51,640 --> 00:33:52,880
That's exactly what she said?

684
00:33:57,799 --> 00:33:59,200
"We're out of lamp oil!

685
00:33:59,200 --> 00:34:00,039
How are we supposed to enjoy it?

686
00:34:00,039 --> 00:34:00,920
Take the sheep back!"

687
00:34:00,920 --> 00:34:01,400
I...

688
00:34:02,440 --> 00:34:03,839
That's exactly what she said.

689
00:34:04,720 --> 00:34:06,599
What on earth is she mad about?

690
00:34:08,000 --> 00:34:09,079
Do we roast mutton

691
00:34:09,079 --> 00:34:10,440
with lamp oil?

692
00:34:11,280 --> 00:34:12,400
I didn't bring it to her.

693
00:34:15,360 --> 00:34:16,599
She didn't come get it either.

694
00:34:19,000 --> 00:34:19,599
Mr. Zhao.

695
00:34:20,960 --> 00:34:21,480
Mr. Zhao.

696
00:34:22,599 --> 00:34:23,960
(To Commander Zhao)
A letter came from the Fu family.

697
00:34:25,039 --> 00:34:25,920
Which Fu family?

698
00:34:26,000 --> 00:34:27,280
Which one do you think?

699
00:34:27,800 --> 00:34:29,800
Miss Xie's own father,

700
00:34:31,239 --> 00:34:32,320
Fifth Master Fu, of course.

701
00:34:33,559 --> 00:34:34,920
Back then, Fifth Master Fu

702
00:34:34,920 --> 00:34:36,360
was implicated in the Huaying salt case

703
00:34:36,719 --> 00:34:38,119
and nearly lost his post.

704
00:34:42,559 --> 00:34:45,400
Old Madam Fu died around that time.

705
00:34:48,760 --> 00:34:50,199
He used his mourning leave

706
00:34:51,280 --> 00:34:52,639
to preserve his official standing
for the time being,

707
00:34:53,239 --> 00:34:54,719
then built a mourning hut
at Phoenix Ridge

708
00:34:54,719 --> 00:34:55,840
outside the capital.

709
00:34:57,519 --> 00:34:58,599
He abstains from women,

710
00:34:58,599 --> 00:34:59,639
eats no meat,

711
00:34:59,639 --> 00:35:01,159
and wears only coarse mourning clothes.

712
00:35:01,440 --> 00:35:03,400
But I hear Old Madam Fu's grave

713
00:35:04,760 --> 00:35:06,639
still stands outside his hut

714
00:35:09,280 --> 00:35:11,039
instead of in the Fu ancestral cemetery.

715
00:35:12,119 --> 00:35:13,880
He's practically buried himself there
with her.

716
00:35:14,199 --> 00:35:15,840
Mourning only requires three years,

717
00:35:16,079 --> 00:35:18,438
yet he's kept this up
outside the capital for seven.

718
00:35:18,440 --> 00:35:19,035
(May you win imperial favor.)

719
00:35:19,039 --> 00:35:20,979
He's probably trying to build himself
a reputation as a devoted son

720
00:35:21,440 --> 00:35:23,320
while waiting for a chance to return
to the office.

721
00:35:23,440 --> 00:35:24,880
The men of the Fu family

722
00:35:24,880 --> 00:35:26,719
have finally learned
to guard their own arches.

723
00:35:26,880 --> 00:35:28,400
I suppose that's some improvement.

724
00:35:29,920 --> 00:35:30,960
Have the horses ready tomorrow.

725
00:35:32,119 --> 00:35:33,679
I'm going to Phoenix Ridge.

726
00:35:34,103 --> 00:35:34,870
(To Commander Zhao,
Jinwu Vanguard Office)

727
00:35:34,880 --> 00:35:37,320
He hasn't asked about his daughter once
in five years.

728
00:35:38,119 --> 00:35:39,480
And now he sent a letter?

729
00:35:40,480 --> 00:35:41,960
Fifth Master Fu

730
00:35:43,559 --> 00:35:45,840
must be getting impatient to return
to the office.

731
00:35:55,000 --> 00:35:56,320
Why haven't you come in?

732
00:35:56,599 --> 00:35:57,800
I wouldn't dare enter

733
00:35:58,360 --> 00:35:59,519
without your invitation.

734
00:36:03,639 --> 00:36:04,320
Come in.

735
00:36:11,320 --> 00:36:12,320
I've been tied up

736
00:36:12,519 --> 00:36:13,559
with official duties lately

737
00:36:13,880 --> 00:36:14,960
and couldn't come pay
my respects sooner.

738
00:36:15,559 --> 00:36:16,639
Please forgive me.

739
00:36:17,800 --> 00:36:18,760
But you've always been

740
00:36:19,159 --> 00:36:20,360
on my mind.

741
00:36:20,840 --> 00:36:22,679
If you know you should be ashamed,
Commander Zhao,

742
00:36:22,800 --> 00:36:23,599
then why

743
00:36:23,599 --> 00:36:24,679
did you wait until today?

744
00:36:24,800 --> 00:36:26,119
Without your letter,

745
00:36:26,800 --> 00:36:27,960
I wouldn't have dared
call on you uninvited.

746
00:36:29,079 --> 00:36:30,480
I was afraid of disturbing your peace.

747
00:36:31,320 --> 00:36:32,800
Commander Zhao, have you come this time

748
00:36:32,800 --> 00:36:33,960
to have

749
00:36:34,519 --> 00:36:36,119
Tingyun return to the Fu family?

750
00:36:37,480 --> 00:36:38,480
With parents' approval,

751
00:36:38,960 --> 00:36:39,880
and a proper matchmaker,

752
00:36:40,320 --> 00:36:41,480
I hope

753
00:36:42,159 --> 00:36:44,119
to marry Tingyun properly and honorably.

754
00:36:45,360 --> 00:36:46,400
I also hope

755
00:36:47,559 --> 00:36:49,000
to have her parents' blessing.

756
00:36:51,280 --> 00:36:51,840
Good.

757
00:36:53,239 --> 00:36:53,800
Good.

758
00:36:55,440 --> 00:36:56,280
Commander Zhao,

759
00:36:56,400 --> 00:36:57,800
the Fu family

760
00:36:59,000 --> 00:37:00,639
places great importance on filial piety.

761
00:37:01,199 --> 00:37:03,199
Filial piety comes
before all other virtues.

762
00:37:04,599 --> 00:37:06,679
Shouldn't you show us

763
00:37:06,920 --> 00:37:08,719
some real proof of that?

764
00:37:25,199 --> 00:37:26,119
Is this

765
00:37:27,679 --> 00:37:29,320
meant for the family

766
00:37:30,840 --> 00:37:32,519
or for outsiders to see?

767
00:37:49,760 --> 00:37:50,280
No need.

768
00:38:39,280 --> 00:38:40,360
Why hasn't the lamp oil

769
00:38:41,000 --> 00:38:42,559
arrived yet?

770
00:38:44,000 --> 00:38:45,159
Mr. Zhao...

771
00:38:46,920 --> 00:38:48,519
Maybe the rain is too heavy

772
00:38:49,159 --> 00:38:50,519
and something delayed him.

773
00:38:50,599 --> 00:38:51,280
Miss Xie,

774
00:38:51,280 --> 00:38:52,000
let's wait a little longer.

775
00:38:56,679 --> 00:38:57,599
Wait for what?

776
00:39:01,480 --> 00:39:02,360
Does he really expect me

777
00:39:02,760 --> 00:39:04,440
to keep begging him to come?

778
00:39:05,159 --> 00:39:06,719
Why am I the one who has
to humor him now?

779
00:39:06,840 --> 00:39:07,440
Miss Xie,

780
00:39:09,000 --> 00:39:10,519
Fifth Master Fu sent Mr. Zhao a letter.

781
00:39:10,679 --> 00:39:11,559
Mr. Zhao went there

782
00:39:11,679 --> 00:39:12,960
and is kneeling outside the gate
right now.

783
00:39:14,400 --> 00:39:15,280
How long has he been kneeling?

784
00:39:15,920 --> 00:39:17,159
A full four hours.

785
00:39:22,639 --> 00:39:24,239
The rain is pouring down.

786
00:39:24,239 --> 00:39:25,039
And from what I saw,

787
00:39:25,119 --> 00:39:26,440
Mr. Zhao's face was flushed

788
00:39:26,519 --> 00:39:27,440
and his forehead was burning.

789
00:39:27,440 --> 00:39:28,639
I'm afraid he's fallen ill.

790
00:39:30,480 --> 00:39:31,599
The roads are slippery in this rain.

791
00:39:32,159 --> 00:39:32,880
Get the carriage ready.

792
00:39:32,960 --> 00:39:33,639
Now!

793
00:40:00,400 --> 00:40:01,280
Commander Zhao,

794
00:40:02,320 --> 00:40:05,280
your devotion is truly moving.

795
00:40:05,280 --> 00:40:06,800
Your sincerity is beyond doubt.

796
00:40:07,519 --> 00:40:10,320
I hear the post
of the Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor

797
00:40:10,320 --> 00:40:11,760
is still open.

798
00:40:11,840 --> 00:40:12,679
Perhaps...

799
00:40:42,280 --> 00:40:43,280
Tingyun...

800
00:40:45,239 --> 00:40:46,599
you're all grown up,

801
00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:48,159
and only now you come
to see your father?

802
00:40:49,039 --> 00:40:50,480
I've been away from home
all these years,

803
00:40:51,280 --> 00:40:52,519
yet I never once saw you

804
00:40:52,519 --> 00:40:53,840
send me a single letter.

805
00:40:55,119 --> 00:40:57,480
That's no way to speak to your father.

806
00:40:58,079 --> 00:41:00,719
Commander Zhao and I just
made everything perfectly clear.

807
00:41:00,719 --> 00:41:01,639
Ruler and minister,

808
00:41:01,639 --> 00:41:02,480
father and son, each in their place.

809
00:41:02,480 --> 00:41:03,400
No matter what you say,

810
00:41:03,679 --> 00:41:05,719
you are still my own daughter.

811
00:41:07,280 --> 00:41:08,960
Am I really still your daughter?

812
00:41:11,000 --> 00:41:13,119
Am I a Fu or a Xie?

813
00:41:16,719 --> 00:41:18,719
You never wanted to acknowledge me.

814
00:41:19,719 --> 00:41:20,800
You're only doing this now

815
00:41:21,159 --> 00:41:22,079
because

816
00:41:22,079 --> 00:41:23,440
I can help you regain an official post

817
00:41:23,440 --> 00:41:24,519
and power.

818
00:41:25,000 --> 00:41:26,159
And even then,

819
00:41:26,679 --> 00:41:28,480
you still can't let go of your pride

820
00:41:28,920 --> 00:41:30,119
or bring yourself to bend.

821
00:41:31,800 --> 00:41:33,199
You made Zhao Ling kneel here

822
00:41:33,480 --> 00:41:35,079
just so everyone could see it,

823
00:41:35,239 --> 00:41:36,159
so they'd know

824
00:41:36,159 --> 00:41:37,880
Fifth Master Fu still commands respect.

825
00:41:37,880 --> 00:41:39,880
If that's how you're going
to speak to me,

826
00:41:40,800 --> 00:41:42,679
you don't have to come see me anymore.

827
00:41:42,679 --> 00:41:44,840
There is no way the two of you
will ever get married.

828
00:41:45,400 --> 00:41:47,920
I won't let you see your mother either.

829
00:41:48,559 --> 00:41:49,559
You have my word.

830
00:41:54,960 --> 00:41:57,280
I don't care whether you approve
of our marriage.

831
00:41:57,800 --> 00:41:59,280
Whatever you do,

832
00:41:59,679 --> 00:42:02,039
I will not let Zhao Ling kneel
at your door.

833
00:42:03,280 --> 00:42:04,719
We've done nothing wrong.

834
00:42:05,480 --> 00:42:06,280
We've been neither heartless

835
00:42:06,280 --> 00:42:07,320
nor dishonorable.

836
00:42:08,119 --> 00:42:10,280
So you have no right
to make him kneel before you.

837
00:42:27,079 --> 00:42:28,199
Commander Zhao,

838
00:42:29,599 --> 00:42:31,559
remember what we agreed on

839
00:42:32,159 --> 00:42:33,360
just now.

840
00:42:35,009 --> 00:42:40,340
♪Once a bird in a cage,
longing for the boundless sky♪

841
00:42:41,499 --> 00:42:47,120
♪To break through a thousand barriers
and cast off a life of illusion♪

842
00:42:47,767 --> 00:42:50,173
♪Bearing wings through stormy tides♪

843
00:42:51,119 --> 00:42:52,039
Let's go home first.

844
00:42:52,920 --> 00:42:54,000
In a couple of days,

845
00:42:55,360 --> 00:42:57,000
I'll bring you back to see your mother.

846
00:42:57,537 --> 00:43:00,344
♪Every lantern rest in peace♪

847
00:43:00,670 --> 00:43:06,020
♪Let this humble name carry me
through a life adrift♪

848
00:43:07,077 --> 00:43:12,600
♪With wit and strategy,
I enter this game without regret♪

849
00:43:13,024 --> 00:43:15,877
♪Let the past remain beyond recall♪

850
00:43:15,917 --> 00:43:20,197
♪Trade it for boundless blue skies
to fly free and far♪

851
00:43:21,630 --> 00:43:24,317
(Next Episode)

852
00:43:25,119 --> 00:43:27,079
The Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor

853
00:43:27,079 --> 00:43:28,280
will be

854
00:43:28,559 --> 00:43:30,960
a key figure in carrying
out the salt reform.

855
00:43:31,199 --> 00:43:32,719
But if we choose the right man,

856
00:43:33,039 --> 00:43:34,559
(Respectfully submitted by Shen Congsi)
he can share Zhao Ling's burden

857
00:43:34,920 --> 00:43:36,719
and leave the northwest some room
to survive.

858
00:43:37,159 --> 00:43:38,719
His Majesty is pushing
through the salt reform.

859
00:43:38,800 --> 00:43:40,760
This post is crucial.

860
00:43:40,760 --> 00:43:42,400
Adding a name to the recommendation list

861
00:43:42,800 --> 00:43:43,920
should be easy

862
00:43:43,920 --> 00:43:45,199
for you.

863
00:43:45,480 --> 00:43:46,840
This position

864
00:43:46,960 --> 00:43:48,599
is one I am determined to secure.

865
00:43:48,840 --> 00:43:50,920
(Since I volunteered
for this assignment,)

866
00:43:51,280 --> 00:43:52,679
(I have to see it through.)

867
00:43:52,840 --> 00:43:54,159
(With the salt reform about to begin,)

868
00:43:54,559 --> 00:43:55,960
(someone has to)

869
00:43:56,239 --> 00:43:58,239
(speak for the northwest garrisons.)

870
00:44:11,401 --> 00:44:15,721
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

871
00:44:19,321 --> 00:44:23,681
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

872
00:44:25,801 --> 00:44:30,441
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

873
00:44:30,681 --> 00:44:33,481
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

874
00:44:34,641 --> 00:44:39,281
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

875
00:44:42,481 --> 00:44:49,321
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

876
00:44:50,201 --> 00:44:56,721
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

877
00:44:57,681 --> 00:45:01,121
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

878
00:45:01,641 --> 00:45:05,841
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

879
00:45:06,121 --> 00:45:11,801
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

880
00:45:23,921 --> 00:45:27,801
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

881
00:45:31,721 --> 00:45:35,721
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

882
00:45:37,441 --> 00:45:42,121
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

883
00:45:42,441 --> 00:45:45,121
♪Kept close within my heart♪

884
00:45:46,201 --> 00:45:51,041
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

885
00:45:54,561 --> 00:46:01,481
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

886
00:46:02,361 --> 00:46:08,841
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

887
00:46:09,721 --> 00:46:13,241
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

888
00:46:13,681 --> 00:46:18,041
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

889
00:46:18,241 --> 00:46:23,961
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

890
00:46:23,961 --> 00:46:24,961
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