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

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

3
00:01:35,187 --> 00:01:37,953
=Episode 23=

4
00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:39,913
(Xie Residence)

5
00:01:39,960 --> 00:01:41,561
You again?

6
00:01:41,880 --> 00:01:43,240
If you're really that sincere,

7
00:01:43,360 --> 00:01:45,281
go pray to a real Buddha at the temple.

8
00:01:45,440 --> 00:01:46,880
Instead, every few days

9
00:01:46,880 --> 00:01:48,360
you come throwing yourself at Miss Xie.

10
00:01:48,360 --> 00:01:49,600
What do you think you're doing?

11
00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:50,281
Sanniang.

12
00:01:51,080 --> 00:01:51,960
Miss Xie,

13
00:01:52,281 --> 00:01:53,401
I came here today

14
00:01:53,600 --> 00:01:54,761
because I want an answer.

15
00:01:55,960 --> 00:01:58,240
I don't want to be some caged bird
kept for a man's amusement,

16
00:01:58,520 --> 00:01:59,921
trapped on a lacquered perch,

17
00:02:00,880 --> 00:02:02,440
expected only to bear children
and repay his favor.

18
00:02:03,761 --> 00:02:05,080
If you were in my place,

19
00:02:05,201 --> 00:02:06,160
what would you do?

20
00:02:06,960 --> 00:02:07,761
I know

21
00:02:08,160 --> 00:02:09,801
I could never compare to you.

22
00:02:10,401 --> 00:02:12,160
I've lived at the mercy of others
since I was a child.

23
00:02:13,320 --> 00:02:14,361
But now,

24
00:02:15,401 --> 00:02:16,561
I don't want to endure it anymore.

25
00:02:19,401 --> 00:02:20,361
Miss Xie,

26
00:02:20,600 --> 00:02:22,281
please show me a way out.

27
00:02:54,401 --> 00:02:55,401
For five years,

28
00:02:56,920 --> 00:02:58,801
I haven't eaten a single grain of rice.

29
00:03:01,040 --> 00:03:02,401
Even with vegetables,

30
00:03:03,640 --> 00:03:05,640
I'm allowed no more
than three bites per meal.

31
00:03:06,760 --> 00:03:08,121
Aunt always says

32
00:03:08,521 --> 00:03:09,720
a woman's marriage

33
00:03:09,720 --> 00:03:11,081
is impossible to predict.

34
00:03:12,561 --> 00:03:14,401
Who knows whether my future husband

35
00:03:15,160 --> 00:03:16,920
will prefer a fuller figure

36
00:03:17,961 --> 00:03:19,521
or a slender one?

37
00:03:20,160 --> 00:03:21,760
If I'm kept thin now,

38
00:03:22,320 --> 00:03:23,760
I can always put on weight later.

39
00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:24,961
That's easy enough.

40
00:03:26,040 --> 00:03:28,361
But if I'm allowed to grow plump,

41
00:03:29,880 --> 00:03:31,521
losing the weight later

42
00:03:32,001 --> 00:03:33,401
would be much harder.

43
00:03:33,920 --> 00:03:34,880
Miss Xie,

44
00:03:35,401 --> 00:03:36,281
do you know

45
00:03:36,281 --> 00:03:38,320
how I've survived all these years?

46
00:03:38,760 --> 00:03:40,640
Every day, I prayed to heaven

47
00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:42,640
to give me a husband

48
00:03:42,640 --> 00:03:44,361
who likes fuller women.

49
00:03:45,521 --> 00:03:46,200
Then maybe

50
00:03:46,401 --> 00:03:48,160
I could finally eat my fill.

51
00:04:17,440 --> 00:04:19,041
My mother once told me,

52
00:04:20,161 --> 00:04:22,320
a woman may be better off going
through life unaware.

53
00:04:23,080 --> 00:04:24,440
At least then, she can live in peace.

54
00:04:24,801 --> 00:04:26,041
Once she sees the world for what it is,

55
00:04:26,960 --> 00:04:29,080
there will be no end to her troubles.

56
00:04:30,481 --> 00:04:31,640
Do you truly want to know?

57
00:04:40,041 --> 00:04:41,681
I too was once treated like a prize
to be bargained over.

58
00:04:42,760 --> 00:04:43,880
Back then,

59
00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:45,561
every step felt like walking
on thin ice.

60
00:04:49,280 --> 00:04:51,121
Every time I was weighed and judged,

61
00:04:51,880 --> 00:04:53,041
I had to keep my eyes open

62
00:04:53,440 --> 00:04:54,561
and be extremely careful,

63
00:04:55,041 --> 00:04:55,760
or risk

64
00:04:56,041 --> 00:04:57,241
being trapped for good.

65
00:04:57,561 --> 00:04:59,721
Then how did you become
who you are today?

66
00:05:00,921 --> 00:05:01,960
Along the way,

67
00:05:02,960 --> 00:05:05,200
I was fortunate to have
Commander Zhao by my side.

68
00:05:07,760 --> 00:05:09,200
But it wasn't until I broke free

69
00:05:09,440 --> 00:05:11,200
from the walls of the inner household

70
00:05:12,681 --> 00:05:14,241
that I saw how vast the world truly was

71
00:05:15,041 --> 00:05:16,921
and understood what I truly wanted.

72
00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:19,440
Marriage may change your circumstances,

73
00:05:20,080 --> 00:05:21,041
but true freedom

74
00:05:21,481 --> 00:05:23,121
is something you must
find within yourself.

75
00:05:27,320 --> 00:05:28,400
Go home.

76
00:05:28,960 --> 00:05:29,760
This time,

77
00:05:30,001 --> 00:05:31,960
I'll find a way to protect you
from this.

78
00:05:34,320 --> 00:05:35,481
Thank you, Miss Xie.

79
00:05:38,907 --> 00:05:39,867
(Wanfang Garden)

80
00:05:39,921 --> 00:05:41,320
You rarely come to visit me.

81
00:05:41,440 --> 00:05:43,121
You must stay for a few rounds
of cards before you leave.

82
00:05:43,200 --> 00:05:44,520
Go find us a few more players.

83
00:05:45,041 --> 00:05:45,640
Yes.

84
00:05:46,520 --> 00:05:48,921
You wear those cat's-eye earrings

85
00:05:48,921 --> 00:05:49,921
quite often.

86
00:05:50,241 --> 00:05:51,241
I've noticed

87
00:05:51,241 --> 00:05:52,760
you have
so many beautiful hairpieces and jewelry

88
00:05:52,760 --> 00:05:54,320
and wear a different one every day.

89
00:05:54,561 --> 00:05:56,200
Why are you so attached to this pair?

90
00:05:56,400 --> 00:05:57,481
Nothing gets past you.

91
00:05:58,080 --> 00:05:59,400
My husband found these for me

92
00:05:59,400 --> 00:06:00,481
when he came to serve in the capital.

93
00:06:00,481 --> 00:06:02,280
They're a Western trinket
he specially sought out.

94
00:06:02,880 --> 00:06:04,280
He even said these earrings

95
00:06:04,400 --> 00:06:06,520
would go perfectly with my favorite
pomegranate-red dress

96
00:06:06,960 --> 00:06:08,121
and flatter my complexion.

97
00:06:11,080 --> 00:06:12,280
Something's on your mind?

98
00:06:14,880 --> 00:06:16,320
Just now at the jewelry shop,

99
00:06:16,520 --> 00:06:17,880
I saw the shopkeeper

100
00:06:17,880 --> 00:06:19,601
wrapping up an identical pair.

101
00:06:19,880 --> 00:06:21,801
He said Madam Wu had ordered
them some time ago

102
00:06:21,801 --> 00:06:23,041
and specifically requested

103
00:06:23,041 --> 00:06:24,801
a pomegranate-red brocade box.

104
00:06:34,334 --> 00:06:36,273
(Double Happiness)

105
00:06:39,001 --> 00:06:40,121
What did you learn

106
00:06:40,361 --> 00:06:41,400
at home?

107
00:06:42,041 --> 00:06:43,280
I can read a little.

108
00:06:43,760 --> 00:06:45,121
I've only studied women's texts

109
00:06:45,280 --> 00:06:46,320
and learned a little painting.

110
00:06:46,561 --> 00:06:47,601
No wonder.

111
00:06:48,440 --> 00:06:49,640
Women who paint

112
00:06:49,921 --> 00:06:52,001
do tend to have such delicate hands.

113
00:07:22,685 --> 00:07:24,491
(Double Happiness)

114
00:07:26,041 --> 00:07:26,801
Madam,

115
00:07:26,801 --> 00:07:27,320
that's

116
00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:28,561
Master's carriage.

117
00:07:38,880 --> 00:07:39,880
Come closer.

118
00:07:57,280 --> 00:07:57,760
Move!

119
00:07:57,880 --> 00:07:58,320
Where is he?

120
00:07:58,320 --> 00:07:58,960
Madam Wei!

121
00:07:59,200 --> 00:07:59,801
Madam Wei!

122
00:08:00,161 --> 00:08:00,921
Madam Wei!

123
00:08:00,921 --> 00:08:01,481
Move!

124
00:08:01,481 --> 00:08:02,241
Wei Donglin!

125
00:08:04,080 --> 00:08:05,121
Wei Donglin!

126
00:08:05,121 --> 00:08:05,640
Wei Donglin!

127
00:08:05,640 --> 00:08:06,801
What are you doing here?

128
00:08:06,801 --> 00:08:08,041
You scumbag!

129
00:08:08,280 --> 00:08:09,601
Were you raised with no manners at all?

130
00:08:09,921 --> 00:08:11,400
Weren't you supposed to be dining
with your colleagues?

131
00:08:11,561 --> 00:08:13,241
How did you end up
in this seductress's bed?

132
00:08:13,241 --> 00:08:14,041
I...

133
00:08:14,041 --> 00:08:15,161
I haven't even gotten into bed.

134
00:08:15,161 --> 00:08:16,520
Nothing's happened yet.

135
00:08:16,520 --> 00:08:17,121
You...

136
00:08:21,041 --> 00:08:21,640
Stop right there!

137
00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:26,960
Dressed up awfully festive, aren't you?

138
00:08:27,320 --> 00:08:29,121
Strip that shameless woman!

139
00:08:29,121 --> 00:08:29,601
Madam!

140
00:08:30,400 --> 00:08:31,121
Take it off!

141
00:08:31,121 --> 00:08:31,760
You can't do this.

142
00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:32,760
Please, don't!

143
00:08:32,961 --> 00:08:33,601
My Lady!

144
00:08:34,001 --> 00:08:34,800
My Lady!

145
00:08:35,680 --> 00:08:36,441
My Lady!

146
00:08:37,321 --> 00:08:38,640
You shameless wretch!

147
00:08:39,321 --> 00:08:41,481
Do you even know your place?

148
00:08:41,481 --> 00:08:42,721
Look at where you come from.

149
00:08:43,160 --> 00:08:45,160
You truly are a born wretch.

150
00:08:46,400 --> 00:08:47,520
You dare to laugh?

151
00:08:52,560 --> 00:08:54,920
Then I'll give you something
to laugh about!

152
00:08:59,400 --> 00:09:00,721
I'd like to see,

153
00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:03,640
without this pretty face of yours,

154
00:09:04,001 --> 00:09:06,280
how you'll manage to seduce
another woman's husband.

155
00:09:06,441 --> 00:09:07,081
Madam Wei!

156
00:09:07,280 --> 00:09:08,400
Please, don't!

157
00:09:08,601 --> 00:09:09,321
Madam Wei.

158
00:09:09,400 --> 00:09:10,441
If this gets out of hand,

159
00:09:10,441 --> 00:09:11,520
it won't look good for you either.

160
00:09:11,520 --> 00:09:12,400
Let go of me!

161
00:09:12,481 --> 00:09:13,400
Lord Wei,

162
00:09:13,400 --> 00:09:14,800
do you still want this woman or not?

163
00:09:14,800 --> 00:09:15,441
Enough!

164
00:09:16,321 --> 00:09:17,441
Who are you telling "enough"?

165
00:09:17,920 --> 00:09:19,280
You raised your voice at me?

166
00:09:19,280 --> 00:09:20,160
I didn't.

167
00:09:20,160 --> 00:09:21,321
Since we got married,

168
00:09:21,520 --> 00:09:23,241
you've never once shouted at me.

169
00:09:23,241 --> 00:09:23,920
I...

170
00:09:24,121 --> 00:09:25,640
And today, for some cheap woman,

171
00:09:25,640 --> 00:09:26,560
you shouted at me!

172
00:09:26,560 --> 00:09:27,241
My dear!

173
00:09:27,241 --> 00:09:29,201
I... I didn't!

174
00:09:29,280 --> 00:09:30,081
Fine!

175
00:09:30,201 --> 00:09:32,081
Looks like you've made up your mind
to be with her.

176
00:09:32,081 --> 00:09:33,441
- No!
- Then I'll give you both what you want!

177
00:09:33,520 --> 00:09:34,721
I'll end our marriage!

178
00:09:34,880 --> 00:09:35,800
No, you won't!

179
00:09:35,800 --> 00:09:37,280
Let's see which of us can live
without the other.

180
00:09:37,280 --> 00:09:38,241
I can't live without you!

181
00:09:38,241 --> 00:09:39,321
I can't live without you.

182
00:09:39,321 --> 00:09:40,441
What great household

183
00:09:40,441 --> 00:09:41,961
doesn't have a mistress or two
on the side?

184
00:09:41,961 --> 00:09:42,920
I'm lowborn,

185
00:09:42,920 --> 00:09:43,920
and yes, I have no shame.

186
00:09:44,400 --> 00:09:45,680
But you're different, Madam Wei.

187
00:09:46,001 --> 00:09:47,121
You're a lady of standing.

188
00:09:47,361 --> 00:09:48,441
If this scandal gets out,

189
00:09:48,920 --> 00:09:50,040
you're the one who'll lose face.

190
00:09:50,040 --> 00:09:51,680
How dare you talk back to me!

191
00:09:51,680 --> 00:09:53,121
You've got some nerve!

192
00:09:54,400 --> 00:09:55,040
My Lady!

193
00:09:55,160 --> 00:09:56,520
This is no place for you to speak.

194
00:09:56,520 --> 00:09:57,920
Apologize to Madam Wei at once.

195
00:09:58,361 --> 00:09:59,441
I was wrong.

196
00:10:00,321 --> 00:10:01,361
But this whole mess

197
00:10:01,441 --> 00:10:02,680
isn't mine alone to answer for.

198
00:10:02,680 --> 00:10:03,680
It's all because of your dear friend.

199
00:10:03,680 --> 00:10:04,880
Young Madam Yu taught me everything.

200
00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:05,400
Shut up!

201
00:10:05,800 --> 00:10:07,241
Young Madam Yu is a lady of standing.

202
00:10:07,241 --> 00:10:08,280
How dare you slander her!

203
00:10:08,441 --> 00:10:10,121
You must have a death wish.

204
00:10:10,760 --> 00:10:11,520
Madam Wei,

205
00:10:11,601 --> 00:10:12,441
Lord Wei,

206
00:10:12,680 --> 00:10:14,160
she's talking nonsense.

207
00:10:14,241 --> 00:10:15,241
Just you wait.

208
00:10:16,040 --> 00:10:17,040
When the time comes,

209
00:10:17,280 --> 00:10:19,081
I'll settle accounts with both you
and your niece.

210
00:10:20,481 --> 00:10:21,361
We're going home.

211
00:10:22,441 --> 00:10:22,961
Let's go.

212
00:10:32,001 --> 00:10:32,601
Was she

213
00:10:33,321 --> 00:10:34,520
the one you brought here?

214
00:10:40,321 --> 00:10:41,121
Aunt,

215
00:10:41,441 --> 00:10:42,400
how would I dare?

216
00:10:42,400 --> 00:10:43,680
I only said those things

217
00:10:43,961 --> 00:10:45,520
for Madam Wei to hear,

218
00:10:45,520 --> 00:10:46,721
just to get her to leave.

219
00:10:46,800 --> 00:10:48,481
That's why I spoke so recklessly.

220
00:10:50,680 --> 00:10:51,520
Does it hurt?

221
00:10:54,481 --> 00:10:56,001
In a city as dangerous as the capital,

222
00:10:56,001 --> 00:10:57,400
without me,

223
00:10:57,760 --> 00:10:59,680
you'd be dead already.

224
00:11:01,040 --> 00:11:01,680
Cairong.

225
00:11:01,961 --> 00:11:03,241
See that she gets some rest.

226
00:11:03,241 --> 00:11:04,241
Without my permission,

227
00:11:04,880 --> 00:11:06,361
she is not to leave this room.

228
00:11:06,361 --> 00:11:07,121
Yes.

229
00:11:15,280 --> 00:11:16,040
Young Madam!

230
00:11:16,361 --> 00:11:17,121
Young Madam!

231
00:11:17,121 --> 00:11:17,760
Young Madam!

232
00:11:18,121 --> 00:11:19,121
What's the rush?

233
00:11:19,121 --> 00:11:20,441
Madam Wei forced her way in.

234
00:11:20,441 --> 00:11:21,441
I couldn't stop her.

235
00:11:26,201 --> 00:11:26,920
Wanyi.

236
00:11:27,361 --> 00:11:29,081
What brings you here today?

237
00:11:34,081 --> 00:11:34,721
Young Madam.

238
00:11:38,201 --> 00:11:40,241
(Wei Family Accounts)
What I paid for writing supplies

239
00:11:40,721 --> 00:11:42,201
3 months ago, your share
of expenses for the literary gatherings,

240
00:11:42,481 --> 00:11:43,721
and the travel money

241
00:11:43,721 --> 00:11:45,160
I set aside for your father.

242
00:11:45,601 --> 00:11:46,481
It's all here.

243
00:11:47,520 --> 00:11:48,280
Today,

244
00:11:48,560 --> 00:11:50,081
we settle everything between us.

245
00:11:54,441 --> 00:11:55,241
Wanyi,

246
00:11:56,160 --> 00:11:57,601
why are you saying this?

247
00:11:58,201 --> 00:12:00,361
I was a little short
with you the other day

248
00:12:00,361 --> 00:12:01,441
because of the official post.

249
00:12:01,520 --> 00:12:02,081
But

250
00:12:02,601 --> 00:12:04,361
it's only because I see you
as my dearest friend

251
00:12:04,601 --> 00:12:06,321
that I speak so openly with you.

252
00:12:09,441 --> 00:12:10,640
"My dearest friend"?

253
00:12:12,040 --> 00:12:14,241
Then tell me, what kind of dear friend

254
00:12:15,081 --> 00:12:16,920
plants a mistress in her friend's
husband's bed?

255
00:12:19,121 --> 00:12:20,121
Wanyi,

256
00:12:20,721 --> 00:12:22,081
don't wrong me.

257
00:12:24,081 --> 00:12:25,241
There's nothing false about it.

258
00:12:26,400 --> 00:12:28,280
You came from humble origins.

259
00:12:28,481 --> 00:12:29,601
Everything you have today

260
00:12:30,560 --> 00:12:32,961
came through shady means.

261
00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:35,001
Same methods,

262
00:12:35,441 --> 00:12:36,961
same kind of woman.

263
00:12:48,601 --> 00:12:49,441
Madam Wei,

264
00:12:50,361 --> 00:12:51,601
don't look down on me.

265
00:12:52,201 --> 00:12:54,520
Your mother-in-law prays
in the shrine every day,

266
00:12:54,961 --> 00:12:56,680
hoping for another grandson.

267
00:12:57,280 --> 00:12:58,760
You can't give her a son,

268
00:12:59,121 --> 00:13:00,361
yet you insist on making a scene.

269
00:13:00,800 --> 00:13:02,441
Whose reputation
do you think that hurts?

270
00:13:06,961 --> 00:13:08,800
So you've finally dropped the act?

271
00:13:09,601 --> 00:13:11,201
You call yourself my friend

272
00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:13,441
while waiting to see me humiliated.

273
00:13:14,481 --> 00:13:16,081
I can weather a scandal.

274
00:13:16,160 --> 00:13:17,121
Can you?

275
00:13:18,081 --> 00:13:19,560
The Yu family took you in once.

276
00:13:19,721 --> 00:13:21,880
They can take in another woman
just as easily.

277
00:13:23,201 --> 00:13:23,680
I...

278
00:13:25,241 --> 00:13:25,880
Oh, and one more thing.

279
00:13:27,481 --> 00:13:28,961
I host literary gatherings

280
00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:30,441
because I enjoy them.

281
00:13:31,001 --> 00:13:33,081
You spend twenty taels every month.

282
00:13:33,560 --> 00:13:34,481
Is it all just

283
00:13:34,481 --> 00:13:36,441
so people will call you a talented lady?

284
00:13:38,441 --> 00:13:39,241
If I were you,

285
00:13:39,680 --> 00:13:42,001
I'd focus on holding on to your son.

286
00:13:42,920 --> 00:13:44,520
After all, without his protection,

287
00:13:46,441 --> 00:13:47,920
you're nothing.

288
00:13:56,137 --> 00:13:56,656
(Wei Family Accounts)

289
00:14:28,201 --> 00:14:29,361
Biao told me

290
00:14:30,001 --> 00:14:31,121
Sen has been

291
00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:33,040
planning to take
the military examination.

292
00:14:35,001 --> 00:14:36,321
Those who excel
in the written strategy exam

293
00:14:36,481 --> 00:14:37,760
can receive better appointments

294
00:14:38,560 --> 00:14:39,520
even if their martial skills
are only average.

295
00:14:40,280 --> 00:14:40,880
But he

296
00:14:42,121 --> 00:14:43,201
keeps skipping lessons.

297
00:14:44,121 --> 00:14:44,961
He won't listen to me.

298
00:14:45,441 --> 00:14:46,321
When you have time,

299
00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:48,601
talk some sense into him for me.

300
00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:53,040
Don't worry, Mr. Zhao.

301
00:14:53,441 --> 00:14:54,760
He's eighteen now.

302
00:14:55,321 --> 00:14:56,160
He's grown up.

303
00:15:00,994 --> 00:15:03,741
(To Zhang, Minister of Personnel)

304
00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:05,920
What's this?

305
00:15:07,280 --> 00:15:08,481
I passed by the Ministry of Personnel
the other day

306
00:15:08,880 --> 00:15:09,880
and happened to see it.

307
00:15:10,481 --> 00:15:11,481
So I brought it along.

308
00:15:14,337 --> 00:15:15,396
(Shen Congsi is well versed
in practical affairs.)

309
00:15:15,396 --> 00:15:17,023
(I beseech Your Majesty to appoint
him Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor.)

310
00:15:18,920 --> 00:15:19,760
Mr. Zhao, I...

311
00:15:19,760 --> 00:15:20,640
As for Sen,

312
00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:22,280
if you don't want to get involved,

313
00:15:25,961 --> 00:15:27,280
just tell me.

314
00:15:34,760 --> 00:15:35,560
I understand.

315
00:15:40,583 --> 00:15:43,257
(Shen Congsi is well versed
in practical affairs.)

316
00:15:55,680 --> 00:15:57,601
What did Mr. Zhao

317
00:15:58,241 --> 00:15:59,800
mean by that just now?

318
00:16:00,160 --> 00:16:01,441
So with Sen,

319
00:16:01,961 --> 00:16:03,201
are you going to help him

320
00:16:03,560 --> 00:16:04,880
or not?

321
00:16:06,361 --> 00:16:08,040
He wasn't trying to control Sen.

322
00:16:08,481 --> 00:16:10,640
He was warning me about Shen Congsi.

323
00:16:13,001 --> 00:16:14,201
It seems Mr. Zhao

324
00:16:14,961 --> 00:16:16,361
doesn't want to go
against His Majesty's wishes

325
00:16:16,880 --> 00:16:18,081
and intends to side with the reformists.

326
00:16:19,640 --> 00:16:21,321
But the northwest's fate hangs on this.

327
00:16:22,961 --> 00:16:23,920
We can't

328
00:16:24,920 --> 00:16:26,121
just let this go.

329
00:16:28,640 --> 00:16:30,361
We need to find a way
to break the deadlock.

330
00:16:31,640 --> 00:16:32,280
Miss Xie,

331
00:16:33,241 --> 00:16:34,201
Madam Wei is here.

332
00:16:35,601 --> 00:16:37,880
I threw away those cat's-eye earrings

333
00:16:37,880 --> 00:16:38,920
from last time.

334
00:16:39,321 --> 00:16:40,441
They really did

335
00:16:40,441 --> 00:16:42,081
taint my jewelry box.

336
00:16:43,880 --> 00:16:44,560
Tingyun,

337
00:16:45,201 --> 00:16:47,001
if you ever need anything from me,

338
00:16:47,241 --> 00:16:48,800
just say the word.

339
00:16:49,241 --> 00:16:50,760
I'm grateful you don't think
me meddlesome, Madam.

340
00:16:50,760 --> 00:16:51,760
That's more than enough.

341
00:16:52,001 --> 00:16:53,241
I didn't help you expecting anything
in return.

342
00:16:54,961 --> 00:16:56,241
A favor from me

343
00:16:56,241 --> 00:16:57,760
is worth more than gold.

344
00:16:57,880 --> 00:16:59,280
Are you sure you don't want it?

345
00:17:00,121 --> 00:17:01,400
To be honest, that day,

346
00:17:01,800 --> 00:17:03,280
when I tipped you off,

347
00:17:03,560 --> 00:17:05,201
I wasn't plotting anything.

348
00:17:05,800 --> 00:17:07,320
I simply felt sorry

349
00:17:07,520 --> 00:17:08,800
for Miss Wu

350
00:17:09,280 --> 00:17:10,441
and wanted to help her.

351
00:17:11,360 --> 00:17:12,441
I didn't expect

352
00:17:12,600 --> 00:17:14,520
you to be so refreshingly
straightforward.

353
00:17:15,360 --> 00:17:17,401
Then I won't hide anything
from you either.

354
00:17:17,760 --> 00:17:18,721
This time,

355
00:17:18,800 --> 00:17:20,600
owing you a favor is the least of it.

356
00:17:21,280 --> 00:17:22,441
Thanks to you,

357
00:17:22,800 --> 00:17:23,961
I finally saw

358
00:17:23,961 --> 00:17:25,921
just how ruthless Young Madam Yu can be.

359
00:17:27,241 --> 00:17:28,401
It's just a pity

360
00:17:28,800 --> 00:17:30,641
she can't see beyond what's right
in front of her.

361
00:17:31,080 --> 00:17:33,161
She tried to ruin me out of spite,

362
00:17:33,481 --> 00:17:34,600
but if I ruin her,

363
00:17:34,760 --> 00:17:36,681
I can bring down the entire
Yu family's foundation.

364
00:17:37,520 --> 00:17:38,241
By the way,

365
00:17:39,120 --> 00:17:40,520
aren't you trying to secure

366
00:17:40,520 --> 00:17:43,080
the post of Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor?

367
00:17:43,560 --> 00:17:44,760
I can help you

368
00:17:44,881 --> 00:17:45,961
get Yu Jingxiu

369
00:17:45,961 --> 00:17:47,001
taken out of the running.

370
00:17:54,560 --> 00:17:55,681
In that case,

371
00:17:56,921 --> 00:17:58,360
could I trouble you

372
00:17:58,520 --> 00:18:00,481
to put this man's name forward instead?

373
00:18:04,258 --> 00:18:05,732
(Shen is good in practical affairs.
I beseech to appoint him Salt Censor.)

374
00:18:05,760 --> 00:18:07,161
Shen Congsi?

375
00:18:09,040 --> 00:18:11,441
Isn't Commander Zhao
overseeing the salt reform?

376
00:18:12,080 --> 00:18:14,080
Why ask me to recommend someone
instead of him?

377
00:18:15,481 --> 00:18:16,520
I see.

378
00:18:16,520 --> 00:18:18,921
Commander Zhao must not agree with you.

379
00:18:22,520 --> 00:18:23,721
What he thinks

380
00:18:24,241 --> 00:18:25,201
certainly matters,

381
00:18:25,881 --> 00:18:27,401
but I can't give up

382
00:18:27,401 --> 00:18:28,441
what I believe in.

383
00:18:30,800 --> 00:18:32,001
I didn't realize

384
00:18:32,001 --> 00:18:32,921
you had

385
00:18:32,921 --> 00:18:34,481
such a mind of your own.

386
00:18:35,080 --> 00:18:36,001
But

387
00:18:36,001 --> 00:18:38,280
a woman should stand her ground.

388
00:18:38,760 --> 00:18:40,360
Otherwise, one day

389
00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:42,001
Commander Zhao

390
00:18:42,320 --> 00:18:44,040
might just have a pair

391
00:18:44,201 --> 00:18:46,040
of cat's-eye earrings made for you too.

392
00:18:48,161 --> 00:18:49,961
No tea today.

393
00:18:50,241 --> 00:18:51,441
Bring us some wine.

394
00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:52,881
Allow me, Wanyi.

395
00:18:54,320 --> 00:18:55,001
Sanniang,

396
00:18:55,280 --> 00:18:56,881
bring out the best wine

397
00:18:56,881 --> 00:18:57,600
we have in the house.

398
00:18:58,201 --> 00:18:59,080
Today,

399
00:18:59,241 --> 00:19:00,280
Wanyi and I

400
00:19:00,280 --> 00:19:01,201
are drinking to our hearts' content.

401
00:19:06,320 --> 00:19:08,401
For the post
of Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor,

402
00:19:08,721 --> 00:19:10,600
the Ministry of Personnel
and the Censorate

403
00:19:10,600 --> 00:19:11,280
have submitted candidates

404
00:19:11,280 --> 00:19:12,080
and reviewed them.

405
00:19:12,241 --> 00:19:13,280
We now have our selections.

406
00:19:13,303 --> 00:19:14,223
(I respectfully add Yu Jingxiu
to the list.)

407
00:19:14,241 --> 00:19:16,080
In addition to Commander Zhao's list,

408
00:19:16,083 --> 00:19:16,670
(Shen Congsi)

409
00:19:16,681 --> 00:19:17,520
I have

410
00:19:17,600 --> 00:19:18,881
two more candidates.

411
00:19:19,401 --> 00:19:20,401
They are

412
00:19:20,401 --> 00:19:22,040
Yu Jingxiu, the top scholar

413
00:19:22,161 --> 00:19:23,080
of the First Class,

414
00:19:23,360 --> 00:19:24,721
and Shen Congsi,

415
00:19:24,881 --> 00:19:26,080
a Third-Class scholar.

416
00:19:29,441 --> 00:19:31,597
Shen Congsi?

417
00:19:35,401 --> 00:19:36,800
Why have I heard

418
00:19:37,360 --> 00:19:38,760
that his reputation is rather poor?

419
00:19:39,120 --> 00:19:40,401
Some say

420
00:19:40,401 --> 00:19:41,800
his talent has made him arrogant
and unruly.

421
00:19:42,320 --> 00:19:43,641
Others say

422
00:19:43,641 --> 00:19:45,201
he has no respect for rules.

423
00:19:52,241 --> 00:19:52,760
Your Majesty,

424
00:19:53,001 --> 00:19:53,961
Master Zhao is here.

425
00:19:56,441 --> 00:19:57,641
Master Zhao.

426
00:19:58,120 --> 00:19:59,760
It's been a long time since he came
to the palace.

427
00:20:00,441 --> 00:20:01,120
That will be

428
00:20:01,120 --> 00:20:02,120
all for today.

429
00:20:03,201 --> 00:20:05,001
Court is dismissed!

430
00:20:05,001 --> 00:20:06,641
Farewell, Your Majesty.

431
00:20:12,280 --> 00:20:14,600
Shen Congsi is bold and forthright,

432
00:20:14,881 --> 00:20:16,320
but above all, he is upright
and incorruptible.

433
00:20:17,241 --> 00:20:18,681
He gave others grounds for criticism

434
00:20:18,881 --> 00:20:20,320
because of this essay.

435
00:20:21,080 --> 00:20:22,961
His writing was admittedly
rather provocative,

436
00:20:22,961 --> 00:20:23,760
but in truth,

437
00:20:24,320 --> 00:20:26,881
he was speaking up for scholars
from humble families.

438
00:20:27,800 --> 00:20:29,320
Prejudice can indeed blind people.

439
00:20:29,760 --> 00:20:32,241
Your Majesty nearly overlooked
a capable man.

440
00:20:33,800 --> 00:20:35,161
You rarely come to the palace, Master.

441
00:20:35,320 --> 00:20:36,681
Did you come merely to recommend a man?

442
00:20:38,441 --> 00:20:39,520
Your Majesty chose

443
00:20:39,641 --> 00:20:40,721
to reform the salt system

444
00:20:40,921 --> 00:20:42,280
because the treasury is depleted

445
00:20:42,280 --> 00:20:43,241
and urgently needs revenue.

446
00:20:43,721 --> 00:20:45,481
You chose Zhao Ling to lead the charge,

447
00:20:46,441 --> 00:20:49,120
no doubt because of his swift
and forceful methods.

448
00:20:49,320 --> 00:20:50,040
But

449
00:20:50,161 --> 00:20:51,520
a sudden downpour
can flatten young crops.

450
00:20:51,800 --> 00:20:52,881
Such force can easily go too far.

451
00:20:54,201 --> 00:20:55,441
I would advise

452
00:20:55,721 --> 00:20:57,441
placing someone more moderate

453
00:20:57,441 --> 00:20:59,001
at Zhao Ling's side.

454
00:20:59,721 --> 00:21:01,040
If the two balance each other well,

455
00:21:01,360 --> 00:21:02,441
Your Majesty can then

456
00:21:02,560 --> 00:21:03,921
remain firmly in control.

457
00:21:05,080 --> 00:21:05,961
Interesting.

458
00:21:06,401 --> 00:21:07,560
Then I shall see

459
00:21:07,560 --> 00:21:08,721
whether Shen Congsi

460
00:21:08,721 --> 00:21:09,881
can truly

461
00:21:09,881 --> 00:21:11,120
practice what he preaches.

462
00:21:17,040 --> 00:21:17,760
Master Zhao.

463
00:21:25,600 --> 00:21:27,161
If His Majesty asks you to choose later,

464
00:21:27,241 --> 00:21:28,201
don't actually choose.

465
00:21:29,241 --> 00:21:30,800
Don't let personal preferences

466
00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:31,881
or grudges sway you.

467
00:21:32,520 --> 00:21:33,641
Don't let emotion cloud your judgment.

468
00:21:37,800 --> 00:21:38,800
Thank you, Master Zhao.

469
00:21:46,618 --> 00:21:48,280
(Zhang Bo'an; Yu Jingxiu; Shen Congsi)

470
00:21:48,286 --> 00:21:49,077
(Candidates for the Vacant Post
of Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor)

471
00:21:50,120 --> 00:21:51,560
Look over these names.

472
00:21:51,560 --> 00:21:52,441
Tell me

473
00:21:52,441 --> 00:21:53,961
whom you'd prefer to work with.

474
00:21:54,401 --> 00:21:55,600
I believe

475
00:22:00,881 --> 00:22:02,401
the decision is entirely Your Majesty's.

476
00:22:04,201 --> 00:22:05,921
I was too eager for quick results before

477
00:22:06,040 --> 00:22:07,560
and nearly overlooked a capable man.

478
00:22:08,441 --> 00:22:09,560
I'd like to see

479
00:22:09,560 --> 00:22:10,721
whether Shen Congsi

480
00:22:10,721 --> 00:22:12,201
truly has what it takes.

481
00:22:12,881 --> 00:22:14,080
We'll go with Shen Congsi.

482
00:22:14,320 --> 00:22:15,401
You've handled your assignment well.

483
00:22:16,080 --> 00:22:17,001
Thank you, Your Majesty.

484
00:23:10,360 --> 00:23:11,280
This tea...

485
00:23:13,241 --> 00:23:14,401
who sent it again?

486
00:23:17,360 --> 00:23:18,161
I bought it.

487
00:23:24,201 --> 00:23:25,961
I thought your sister-in-law sent it.

488
00:23:34,520 --> 00:23:35,800
Mr. Zhao,

489
00:23:36,280 --> 00:23:38,681
are you still upset
about the appointment?

490
00:23:43,441 --> 00:23:45,681
His Majesty didn't think much
of Shen Congsi

491
00:23:46,120 --> 00:23:47,600
because of all the rumors around him

492
00:23:47,600 --> 00:23:48,681
and formed a prejudice against him.

493
00:23:50,161 --> 00:23:51,600
I simply found a way

494
00:23:51,800 --> 00:23:53,320
to clear up the misunderstanding.

495
00:23:54,560 --> 00:23:55,600
And you, Mr. Zhao,

496
00:23:55,760 --> 00:23:57,120
were rewarded as well.

497
00:23:58,201 --> 00:23:59,641
You weren't doing it for me.

498
00:24:00,360 --> 00:24:01,520
You sided with an outsider

499
00:24:02,001 --> 00:24:04,001
and made it look as though you
and I were divided.

500
00:24:05,641 --> 00:24:06,800
Who's the outsider?

501
00:24:11,441 --> 00:24:13,800
I'm serving His Majesty now.

502
00:24:15,161 --> 00:24:16,401
At least officially,

503
00:24:17,441 --> 00:24:19,241
I'm no longer a man
of the northwest garrisons.

504
00:24:21,201 --> 00:24:22,120
I know

505
00:24:22,641 --> 00:24:24,080
you backed Shen Congsi

506
00:24:24,560 --> 00:24:25,881
because you wanted the northwest

507
00:24:26,001 --> 00:24:27,441
to have someone with no faction
behind him,

508
00:24:28,401 --> 00:24:29,441
so the salt reform

509
00:24:29,441 --> 00:24:31,120
wouldn't fall under
the civil officials' control

510
00:24:31,881 --> 00:24:33,360
and threaten supplies and pay
at the frontier.

511
00:24:34,481 --> 00:24:35,721
But at court,

512
00:24:36,681 --> 00:24:37,760
alliances can shift overnight.

513
00:24:39,441 --> 00:24:40,080
If one day

514
00:24:41,721 --> 00:24:43,681
the northwest and I find ourselves
on opposite sides,

515
00:24:44,921 --> 00:24:45,760
who will you side with?

516
00:24:49,520 --> 00:24:50,641
I know.

517
00:24:51,360 --> 00:24:52,360
But right now,

518
00:24:52,481 --> 00:24:53,760
I'm doing everything I can to mediate

519
00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:55,721
precisely so you never end up
on opposite sides.

520
00:24:56,721 --> 00:24:57,441
Mr. Zhao,

521
00:24:57,641 --> 00:24:59,120
you've met Master Zhao.

522
00:25:00,201 --> 00:25:01,921
Even a wise man like him

523
00:25:02,001 --> 00:25:03,241
knew when to walk away

524
00:25:03,241 --> 00:25:04,520
and become a monk at Tanshui Temple.

525
00:25:05,401 --> 00:25:07,441
Being a powerful minister
is no easy thing.

526
00:25:10,001 --> 00:25:11,881
Serving an emperor
is like walking on thin ice.

527
00:25:12,600 --> 00:25:13,520
Right now,

528
00:25:13,600 --> 00:25:14,641
you're His Majesty's favorite,

529
00:25:15,040 --> 00:25:17,040
and he keeps making exceptions
to promote you.

530
00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:18,401
But the northwest

531
00:25:18,721 --> 00:25:20,120
is still your true power base.

532
00:25:20,481 --> 00:25:22,241
No one tears out their own roots,

533
00:25:24,080 --> 00:25:24,881
unless

534
00:25:25,320 --> 00:25:26,961
you mean to stand alone at court.

535
00:25:27,441 --> 00:25:28,721
But throughout history,

536
00:25:30,001 --> 00:25:32,120
how many men who stood alone
ever met a good end?

537
00:25:39,721 --> 00:25:40,481
Don't worry.

538
00:25:43,760 --> 00:25:45,201
If that day ever comes,

539
00:25:50,441 --> 00:25:51,481
I won't drag you down with me.

540
00:26:05,001 --> 00:26:05,481
Here.

541
00:26:09,161 --> 00:26:11,441
I wonder if you'll be able
to stay tonight.

542
00:26:12,961 --> 00:26:14,921
It's been a long time
since you had my eggplant.

543
00:26:17,441 --> 00:26:18,560
It's only going to be this busy
for a while.

544
00:26:19,481 --> 00:26:20,641
Give it another couple of months.

545
00:26:21,241 --> 00:26:22,360
Once the salt reforms

546
00:26:22,360 --> 00:26:23,401
are settled, things will be easier.

547
00:26:27,681 --> 00:26:29,641
Once Miss Xie and Mr. Zhao are married,

548
00:26:30,441 --> 00:26:31,641
we'll all live together,

549
00:26:32,120 --> 00:26:32,800
and everything will be easier.

550
00:26:37,760 --> 00:26:38,441
Zheng San.

551
00:26:39,641 --> 00:26:40,241
Ready the carriage.

552
00:26:40,600 --> 00:26:41,040
What?

553
00:26:41,280 --> 00:26:42,201
You're leaving already?

554
00:26:44,441 --> 00:26:45,161
Go on.

555
00:26:45,441 --> 00:26:46,080
I'm off, then.

556
00:26:51,458 --> 00:26:52,171
(Yu Residence)

557
00:26:52,201 --> 00:26:54,001
I failed in this matter, Mother.

558
00:26:54,441 --> 00:26:56,360
I couldn't secure the post
for my husband.

559
00:26:57,201 --> 00:26:58,681
Please punish me.

560
00:27:00,520 --> 00:27:01,760
No one blames you.

561
00:27:02,681 --> 00:27:04,161
The Emperor's mind is impossible
to predict.

562
00:27:04,401 --> 00:27:05,721
No one could have expected

563
00:27:06,120 --> 00:27:08,120
His Majesty to appoint Shen Congsi.

564
00:27:08,881 --> 00:27:10,280
Thank you for understanding, Mother.

565
00:27:12,320 --> 00:27:13,120
Mother!

566
00:27:14,120 --> 00:27:15,040
Don't stop me!

567
00:27:15,360 --> 00:27:15,961
Mother!

568
00:27:16,320 --> 00:27:16,800
Mother!

569
00:27:17,600 --> 00:27:18,241
Young Master!

570
00:27:24,760 --> 00:27:26,600
Drunk senseless in broad daylight?

571
00:27:27,201 --> 00:27:28,360
What kind of servant are you?

572
00:27:29,641 --> 00:27:30,481
Forgive me, Madam.

573
00:27:31,040 --> 00:27:32,320
Young Master lost the appointment

574
00:27:32,320 --> 00:27:33,280
and took it hard,

575
00:27:33,520 --> 00:27:34,600
so he had a few drinks.

576
00:27:35,481 --> 00:27:36,760
It's only one post.

577
00:27:36,760 --> 00:27:37,600
So you didn't get it.

578
00:27:38,080 --> 00:27:39,881
Your father can find another path
for you.

579
00:27:39,881 --> 00:27:40,800
There's no need for this.

580
00:27:42,441 --> 00:27:43,040
Mother.

581
00:27:47,481 --> 00:27:48,120
Mother,

582
00:27:49,161 --> 00:27:50,441
let me take a post outside the capital.

583
00:27:52,520 --> 00:27:53,881
At least I'd have some freedom.

584
00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:55,360
Please?

585
00:27:55,760 --> 00:27:56,721
He's had too much to drink.

586
00:27:57,161 --> 00:27:58,600
He's talking nonsense, Mother.

587
00:27:59,040 --> 00:28:00,401
Countless men study their entire lives

588
00:28:00,401 --> 00:28:01,921
and never make it to the imperial court.

589
00:28:02,161 --> 00:28:03,800
You can't fall behind.

590
00:28:04,360 --> 00:28:06,001
Are you that afraid I'll drag you down?

591
00:28:07,520 --> 00:28:09,641
You're already the daughter-in-law
of a Grand Secretary.

592
00:28:09,641 --> 00:28:11,241
What more could you possibly want?

593
00:28:11,921 --> 00:28:14,201
Mother only says these things
for your own good.

594
00:28:14,641 --> 00:28:15,961
If it's all for your own good,

595
00:28:15,961 --> 00:28:17,600
why can't you listen to her for once?

596
00:28:18,401 --> 00:28:20,161
Why take your anger out on me?

597
00:28:20,760 --> 00:28:22,560
Just because it's for my own good,
I have to obey?

598
00:28:25,681 --> 00:28:26,961
By that logic,

599
00:28:27,040 --> 00:28:28,881
I should've listened to her years ago!

600
00:28:30,441 --> 00:28:32,080
But I married you anyway.

601
00:28:35,641 --> 00:28:36,441
Yu Jingxiu.

602
00:28:37,441 --> 00:28:38,681
A few drinks

603
00:28:38,760 --> 00:28:40,161
and you've completely lost your head!

604
00:28:40,241 --> 00:28:40,600
Quick!

605
00:28:40,721 --> 00:28:41,641
Take him back to his room.

606
00:28:43,921 --> 00:28:44,481
Young Master.

607
00:28:46,560 --> 00:28:47,681
It was a mistake...

608
00:28:49,641 --> 00:28:50,721
and a missed chance.

609
00:28:52,921 --> 00:28:53,481
Wait.

610
00:28:56,441 --> 00:28:57,520
Who are you talking about?

611
00:28:58,560 --> 00:28:59,721
What mistake?

612
00:29:00,520 --> 00:29:01,641
What missed chance?

613
00:29:02,001 --> 00:29:03,241
Who did you miss your chance with?

614
00:29:11,241 --> 00:29:12,921
Ever since you came back
from the northwest,

615
00:29:14,320 --> 00:29:15,721
you've been a different man.

616
00:29:18,161 --> 00:29:20,360
You know I've never been able
to tolerate spices.

617
00:29:21,320 --> 00:29:22,441
Yet at the first-birthday banquet,

618
00:29:22,441 --> 00:29:24,241
you brought flatbread seasoned
with them.

619
00:29:26,441 --> 00:29:27,681
I was a fool.

620
00:29:29,520 --> 00:29:31,040
How could I not have realized

621
00:29:31,040 --> 00:29:33,441
someone else had also returned
from the northwest?

622
00:29:36,401 --> 00:29:37,401
That flatbread...

623
00:29:40,481 --> 00:29:41,921
was her favorite?

624
00:29:47,401 --> 00:29:48,760
Take Young Master back to his room.

625
00:29:49,520 --> 00:29:50,201
Young Master.

626
00:30:10,481 --> 00:30:12,201
That's all in the past.

627
00:30:12,681 --> 00:30:14,560
What good will it do him to cling to it?

628
00:30:15,441 --> 00:30:17,641
You're the Young Madam
of the Yu family now.

629
00:30:19,881 --> 00:30:21,441
You knew all along?

630
00:30:23,441 --> 00:30:25,001
Even without Jingxiu,

631
00:30:25,001 --> 00:30:26,241
in this family,

632
00:30:26,600 --> 00:30:27,641
you still have me.

633
00:30:28,441 --> 00:30:29,800
As long as you do as I say,

634
00:30:31,320 --> 00:30:33,040
I'll make sure you're
well taken care of.

635
00:30:34,881 --> 00:30:35,641
Mother...

636
00:30:37,961 --> 00:30:38,881
Mother.

637
00:30:47,441 --> 00:30:49,441
Who exactly

638
00:30:49,441 --> 00:30:51,201
is backing Shen Congsi?

639
00:30:52,161 --> 00:30:53,681
The Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor

640
00:30:53,681 --> 00:30:55,360
is certainly an important post,

641
00:30:55,360 --> 00:30:56,641
but surely not important enough

642
00:30:56,961 --> 00:30:59,360
to bring Master Zhao out of seclusion.

643
00:30:59,800 --> 00:31:01,120
It's a woman.

644
00:31:02,201 --> 00:31:03,320
Fu Tingyun.

645
00:31:03,481 --> 00:31:05,320
Zhao Ling's fiancee.

646
00:31:08,360 --> 00:31:09,881
So it's her.

647
00:31:10,520 --> 00:31:12,120
But is she

648
00:31:13,560 --> 00:31:16,001
a Fu or a Xie?

649
00:31:17,401 --> 00:31:19,360
You've hit on the key point, Master.

650
00:31:19,760 --> 00:31:21,080
Her identity is unclear,

651
00:31:21,881 --> 00:31:23,001
and that's exactly

652
00:31:23,001 --> 00:31:24,681
the weakness we can exploit.

653
00:31:31,921 --> 00:31:32,481
Master,

654
00:31:32,560 --> 00:31:33,520
the Yu family steward is here.

655
00:31:39,161 --> 00:31:40,600
Madam Yu has an important matter

656
00:31:40,881 --> 00:31:42,080
and sent me specially
to deliver this letter.

657
00:31:42,681 --> 00:31:44,481
Fifth Master Fu, she knows
you wish to return to office.

658
00:31:44,961 --> 00:31:45,961
And now

659
00:31:45,961 --> 00:31:47,001
there is an excellent opportunity.

660
00:31:47,210 --> 00:31:48,896
(To Fu Shichang)

661
00:31:51,881 --> 00:31:53,881
Please tell her

662
00:31:54,280 --> 00:31:55,441
that as for my affairs,

663
00:31:55,961 --> 00:31:58,040
my son-in-law will handle them for me.

664
00:31:58,201 --> 00:31:59,760
There's no need for anyone else
to trouble themselves.

665
00:32:00,600 --> 00:32:02,001
Surely you haven't heard?

666
00:32:02,560 --> 00:32:04,040
The post of Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor

667
00:32:04,760 --> 00:32:06,481
has been given to Shen Congsi.

668
00:32:10,881 --> 00:32:12,600
He dared to deceive me.

669
00:32:17,120 --> 00:32:18,800
Please report this

670
00:32:18,800 --> 00:32:19,481
to Madam Yu.

671
00:32:19,681 --> 00:32:20,921
Tell her

672
00:32:21,961 --> 00:32:25,161
I will personally deal with
that disobedient daughter of mine.

673
00:32:25,760 --> 00:32:26,560
Young Madam.

674
00:32:26,881 --> 00:32:29,040
The local gifts you asked us
to send Ninth Young Lady

675
00:32:29,360 --> 00:32:30,641
have been delivered to Xie's shop.

676
00:32:30,760 --> 00:32:32,241
My brother got the post this time

677
00:32:32,320 --> 00:32:33,320
thanks in no small part to her.

678
00:32:37,201 --> 00:32:38,641
Fifth Madam! Young Madam!

679
00:32:38,721 --> 00:32:39,881
Look who's back!

680
00:32:44,320 --> 00:32:45,040
Tingzhuo.

681
00:32:45,320 --> 00:32:46,520
Tingzhuo, you are back.

682
00:32:48,360 --> 00:32:49,040
Mother.

683
00:32:58,040 --> 00:32:59,280
You look thinner.

684
00:32:59,441 --> 00:33:00,280
I've failed you, Mother.

685
00:33:01,280 --> 00:33:02,560
I failed to make the honors list

686
00:33:03,120 --> 00:33:04,120
and bring honor to our family.

687
00:33:05,320 --> 00:33:06,961
Nor was I here to care for you.

688
00:33:08,360 --> 00:33:09,481
Don't say that.

689
00:33:10,001 --> 00:33:11,560
I'm just glad you're home safe.

690
00:33:12,001 --> 00:33:12,641
As for the examinations,

691
00:33:12,881 --> 00:33:13,721
there's no need to rush.

692
00:33:17,641 --> 00:33:18,280
Let me.

693
00:33:24,520 --> 00:33:25,120
Mother.

694
00:33:25,641 --> 00:33:26,161
Take a seat.

695
00:33:26,533 --> 00:33:28,902
(Yu Residence)

696
00:33:28,961 --> 00:33:30,441
When Old Madam Fu was alive,

697
00:33:30,560 --> 00:33:32,441
her greatest wish was
to see you prosper in your career.

698
00:33:32,760 --> 00:33:34,600
Now your daughter and son-in-law
have risen to prominence,

699
00:33:34,600 --> 00:33:35,961
yet they refuse to help you

700
00:33:35,961 --> 00:33:37,520
even secure a single post.

701
00:33:38,441 --> 00:33:40,280
How could Old Madam

702
00:33:40,280 --> 00:33:41,921
possibly rest in peace?

703
00:33:42,241 --> 00:33:43,120
You...

704
00:33:43,441 --> 00:33:45,241
what exactly are you suggesting?

705
00:33:47,001 --> 00:33:48,441
Doesn't your mother have an old servant

706
00:33:48,441 --> 00:33:49,681
who's still alive?

707
00:33:51,721 --> 00:33:53,161
Make sure someone dies over this.

708
00:33:53,600 --> 00:33:56,001
Then we'll see if they still dare
disregard you.

709
00:33:56,823 --> 00:33:59,160
(Yunshe Hut)

710
00:33:59,246 --> 00:34:04,672
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Dowager
Lady Li of the Fu Family)

711
00:34:16,361 --> 00:34:18,080
I, Li, an old servant,

712
00:34:18,560 --> 00:34:20,720
hereby accuse Ninth Young Lady Fu,

713
00:34:21,080 --> 00:34:22,080
Fu Tingyun!

714
00:34:22,080 --> 00:34:23,040
The Fu family?

715
00:34:23,321 --> 00:34:26,321
And the Assistant Censor-in-Chief,
Zhao Ling...

716
00:34:26,441 --> 00:34:28,160
The two of them eloped,

717
00:34:28,441 --> 00:34:29,600
causing

718
00:34:30,321 --> 00:34:32,441
Old Madam Fu's death!

719
00:34:32,520 --> 00:34:33,481
Anyone who beats the Dengwen Drum

720
00:34:33,481 --> 00:34:34,680
has to endure a beating first.

721
00:34:34,680 --> 00:34:35,881
She's risking her life
to make this accusation.

722
00:34:35,881 --> 00:34:37,001
It must be true.

723
00:34:40,200 --> 00:34:41,361
I, Li,

724
00:34:41,881 --> 00:34:44,560
was Old Madam Fu's personal servant.

725
00:34:44,801 --> 00:34:45,680
I beg you, My Lord,

726
00:34:46,040 --> 00:34:47,361
to grant me justice.

727
00:34:49,080 --> 00:34:50,921
This court will not tolerate
reckless accusations.

728
00:34:51,321 --> 00:34:52,240
Without solid evidence,

729
00:34:53,001 --> 00:34:54,881
to accuse a high-ranking official
in the capital

730
00:34:55,120 --> 00:34:55,881
(Fu had an illicit affair with a man.)
constitutes

731
00:34:56,001 --> 00:34:57,120
(She abandoned her family and eloped.)
malicious slander and disturbance.

732
00:34:57,481 --> 00:34:58,881
(Old Madam Fu was devastated.)
You should be punished with the cane.

733
00:34:59,881 --> 00:35:01,120
My Lord, I beg you to judge fairly.

734
00:35:01,761 --> 00:35:02,560
I've served

735
00:35:02,921 --> 00:35:04,120
this household for fifty years.

736
00:35:04,441 --> 00:35:06,361
My fifty years of devotion
to Old Madam Fu

737
00:35:06,720 --> 00:35:08,040
is evidence enough!

738
00:35:08,040 --> 00:35:08,600
Ridiculous!

739
00:35:09,441 --> 00:35:10,040
Take her away.

740
00:35:10,401 --> 00:35:11,160
Twenty strokes.

741
00:35:11,177 --> 00:35:11,770
(Order)

742
00:35:11,801 --> 00:35:12,481
My Lord!

743
00:35:13,441 --> 00:35:15,321
Even if I'm beaten to death today,

744
00:35:15,441 --> 00:35:16,881
I will still seek justice

745
00:35:16,881 --> 00:35:17,961
for Old Madam Fu!

746
00:35:18,160 --> 00:35:19,600
My Lord, I beg you to judge fairly!

747
00:35:19,600 --> 00:35:21,040
Fifth Master Fu

748
00:35:21,040 --> 00:35:22,361
is such a devoted son.

749
00:35:22,481 --> 00:35:23,921
He's mourned for seven years.

750
00:35:23,921 --> 00:35:25,401
How could he have raised

751
00:35:25,441 --> 00:35:27,401
such a heartless daughter?

752
00:35:27,680 --> 00:35:28,680
Exactly.

753
00:35:28,680 --> 00:35:30,321
The two of them actually eloped.

754
00:35:30,327 --> 00:35:31,046
What a disgrace to the family.

755
00:35:31,070 --> 00:35:32,283
(Fu Residence)

756
00:35:32,321 --> 00:35:34,281
Even the cruelest parent
wouldn't hurt their own child.

757
00:35:34,520 --> 00:35:36,801
How could you sink this low?

758
00:35:37,120 --> 00:35:38,640
You know better than I do

759
00:35:39,680 --> 00:35:41,240
how Mother really died.

760
00:35:42,120 --> 00:35:43,281
After she fell ill,

761
00:35:43,281 --> 00:35:44,881
she clearly wanted to return to Huaying.

762
00:35:45,080 --> 00:35:46,720
Why did she stay in the capital?

763
00:35:47,080 --> 00:35:48,001
Wasn't it

764
00:35:48,001 --> 00:35:50,001
to mourn here in the capital

765
00:35:50,001 --> 00:35:51,240
and secure your future?

766
00:35:51,240 --> 00:35:52,040
Shut your mouth!

767
00:35:53,441 --> 00:35:54,520
You vicious woman!

768
00:35:55,640 --> 00:35:59,560
I built a mourning hut and mourned
my mother for seven years.

769
00:35:59,560 --> 00:36:00,801
I won't let you defile my devotion!

770
00:36:01,240 --> 00:36:01,921
Fine.

771
00:36:03,080 --> 00:36:05,321
Then let's take this to court

772
00:36:06,240 --> 00:36:08,441
and see who's really lying.

773
00:36:08,720 --> 00:36:09,921
Stop!

774
00:36:14,321 --> 00:36:15,640
Listen to me.

775
00:36:15,640 --> 00:36:16,560
In the Fu family,

776
00:36:16,560 --> 00:36:19,240
you have no say in anything.

777
00:36:21,801 --> 00:36:22,600
Tingzhuo,

778
00:36:23,680 --> 00:36:25,560
take your mother back to her room.

779
00:36:25,720 --> 00:36:27,921
She's unwell and shouldn't be out.

780
00:36:27,921 --> 00:36:29,200
If she leaves her room,

781
00:36:29,200 --> 00:36:30,680
you'll answer to me.

782
00:36:30,921 --> 00:36:31,520
You...

783
00:36:52,883 --> 00:36:56,363
(Spirit Tablet of the Late Dowager
Lady Li of the Fu Family)

784
00:36:57,120 --> 00:36:58,881
I hear Miss Xie

785
00:36:58,881 --> 00:37:00,160
is actually a Fu.

786
00:37:00,481 --> 00:37:02,481
She's the Fu family's Ninth Young Lady.

787
00:37:02,640 --> 00:37:04,361
She and Commander Zhao

788
00:37:04,520 --> 00:37:05,441
were...

789
00:37:05,441 --> 00:37:06,441
you know.

790
00:37:07,321 --> 00:37:08,401
Old Madam Fu

791
00:37:08,401 --> 00:37:10,600
was supposedly driven to her death
by the two of them.

792
00:37:11,321 --> 00:37:12,881
Old Madam's personal attendant

793
00:37:13,160 --> 00:37:14,921
risked punishment for accusing
her masters

794
00:37:15,040 --> 00:37:16,640
and was beaten to death in court,

795
00:37:16,720 --> 00:37:18,401
all to bring her grievance
before the Chengqian Prefecture.

796
00:37:18,720 --> 00:37:19,881
Just imagine

797
00:37:19,881 --> 00:37:21,441
how outrageous their actions
must have been.

798
00:37:22,040 --> 00:37:24,441
Young Madam Yu, you're
from Huaying County, aren't you?

799
00:37:24,481 --> 00:37:26,240
Then you and Miss Xie

800
00:37:26,240 --> 00:37:27,640
must have known each other for years.

801
00:37:28,040 --> 00:37:29,321
Whether we know each other

802
00:37:29,481 --> 00:37:30,961
isn't for me alone to say.

803
00:37:31,520 --> 00:37:33,401
It also depends on whether she'd care
to admit it.

804
00:37:33,441 --> 00:37:35,001
The way you say that,

805
00:37:35,001 --> 00:37:37,481
you clearly know something we don't.

806
00:37:37,761 --> 00:37:38,720
Do tell us.

807
00:37:38,921 --> 00:37:40,001
Miss Xie is here.

808
00:37:40,720 --> 00:37:41,600
Miss Xie.

809
00:37:44,321 --> 00:37:46,361
Madam Zhou, you ordered something
from Xie's shop,

810
00:37:46,560 --> 00:37:47,720
so I brought it over myself.

811
00:37:47,881 --> 00:37:48,520
Right.

812
00:37:48,761 --> 00:37:49,761
In a few days,

813
00:37:49,761 --> 00:37:51,560
it will be
the Grand Empress Dowager's birthday.

814
00:37:51,881 --> 00:37:52,600
So I specially asked

815
00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:53,481
Miss Xie

816
00:37:53,481 --> 00:37:55,640
to procure a white-jade Guanyin
from the South Sea.

817
00:37:56,120 --> 00:37:58,001
I wonder what birthday gift

818
00:37:58,001 --> 00:37:59,441
your household has prepared, Miss Xie?

819
00:38:00,001 --> 00:38:02,361
Miss Xie is only a commoner now.

820
00:38:03,040 --> 00:38:04,600
And she and Commander Zhao
aren't even formally married yet.

821
00:38:05,321 --> 00:38:06,881
So this imperial birthday banquet...

822
00:38:07,801 --> 00:38:09,120
I suppose you won't be able to attend?

823
00:38:20,441 --> 00:38:22,080
How kind of you all to be so concerned.

824
00:38:22,921 --> 00:38:24,441
Having been recorded in the county
gazetteer three times,

825
00:38:24,441 --> 00:38:25,441
I was granted the honor
of entering the palace

826
00:38:25,680 --> 00:38:27,761
to celebrate the Grand Empress
Dowager's birthday.

827
00:38:28,120 --> 00:38:30,200
I've been helping the wife
of Gandu Circuit's Regional Commander

828
00:38:30,200 --> 00:38:31,361
prepare the birthday gifts.

829
00:38:32,720 --> 00:38:34,040
I happened to have some free time today,

830
00:38:34,040 --> 00:38:36,120
so I took the opportunity
to deliver this jade Guanyin

831
00:38:36,281 --> 00:38:37,720
and join you ladies for tea.

832
00:38:38,441 --> 00:38:40,761
No wonder you've traveled
so far and wide, Miss Xie.

833
00:38:41,040 --> 00:38:42,560
Women like us who stay
within the household

834
00:38:42,560 --> 00:38:44,281
may preserve our reputations,

835
00:38:44,640 --> 00:38:46,281
but we miss out on the wider world.

836
00:38:47,001 --> 00:38:47,761
Indeed.

837
00:38:49,031 --> 00:38:51,017
(Wanfang Garden)

838
00:38:51,520 --> 00:38:53,560
They were clearly trying
to humiliate you.

839
00:38:54,401 --> 00:38:55,961
What they said wasn't entirely wrong.

840
00:38:57,080 --> 00:38:58,321
I never expected

841
00:38:59,080 --> 00:39:00,361
that in just one day,

842
00:39:00,441 --> 00:39:01,720
the rumors would spread this far.

843
00:39:02,401 --> 00:39:03,600
Your father

844
00:39:03,680 --> 00:39:05,120
really went for the throat this time.

845
00:39:05,921 --> 00:39:07,401
What does he hope to gain from this?

846
00:39:08,921 --> 00:39:10,401
If this scandal really keeps me

847
00:39:10,401 --> 00:39:11,441
from attending the palace banquet,

848
00:39:12,281 --> 00:39:13,321
then from now on,

849
00:39:13,441 --> 00:39:15,401
no one in the capital may want anything
to do with me.

850
00:39:16,881 --> 00:39:18,001
But that doesn't matter.

851
00:39:18,921 --> 00:39:20,200
What worries me is that someone

852
00:39:20,200 --> 00:39:21,481
may use this scandal against us

853
00:39:21,680 --> 00:39:23,361
and get the Censorate
to impeach Mr. Zhao.

854
00:39:24,481 --> 00:39:26,160
The hearing is in three days.

855
00:39:27,481 --> 00:39:29,040
Then let's go talk to Mr. Zhao.

856
00:39:29,240 --> 00:39:31,080
My family caused all this.

857
00:39:31,560 --> 00:39:33,441
I'm afraid it may jeopardize his career.

858
00:39:35,160 --> 00:39:36,481
How am I supposed to face him?

859
00:39:39,120 --> 00:39:39,680
Mr. Zhao,

860
00:39:40,240 --> 00:39:41,600
someone from Chengqian Prefecture
came with a summons.

861
00:39:41,600 --> 00:39:42,441
They said someone from the Fu family

862
00:39:42,441 --> 00:39:43,321
has filed a complaint against you

863
00:39:43,321 --> 00:39:44,281
and you must appear in court

864
00:39:44,281 --> 00:39:45,040
for a hearing in three days.

865
00:39:46,560 --> 00:39:48,120
So I was the real target after all.

866
00:39:48,401 --> 00:39:49,881
They're merely using the Fu family

867
00:39:50,080 --> 00:39:51,441
as a means to get at me.

868
00:39:53,240 --> 00:39:53,921
What about Miss Xie?

869
00:39:54,321 --> 00:39:55,441
She had Zheng San

870
00:39:55,441 --> 00:39:56,321
bring you a packet of herbs.

871
00:40:03,321 --> 00:40:04,240
It's danggui, meaning return...

872
00:40:04,881 --> 00:40:05,481
Mr. Zhao,

873
00:40:05,921 --> 00:40:07,040
are we going back or not?

874
00:40:08,961 --> 00:40:10,361
Something this serious happens,

875
00:40:11,481 --> 00:40:12,640
and she still won't just say
what she means.

876
00:40:14,441 --> 00:40:15,761
Go to the herbalist's for me.

877
00:40:16,801 --> 00:40:17,640
Buy a packet

878
00:40:19,040 --> 00:40:20,441
of kushen, the bitterness,
and send it back.

879
00:40:21,103 --> 00:40:21,763
Huh?

880
00:40:24,120 --> 00:40:25,881
And if she sends back a packet
of red beans, meaning she misses you,

881
00:40:26,080 --> 00:40:27,441
what will you send her then?

882
00:40:28,361 --> 00:40:29,761
Why not just buy some gelsemium elegan?

883
00:40:31,441 --> 00:40:32,720
Are you an idiot?

884
00:40:32,720 --> 00:40:33,120
I...

885
00:40:34,120 --> 00:40:35,520
Mr. Zhao just wants her
to know he's hurt.

886
00:40:35,520 --> 00:40:37,040
He doesn't actually want
to break things off with her.

887
00:40:37,040 --> 00:40:37,600
Honestly, you...

888
00:40:40,560 --> 00:40:41,680
We'll go buy the herbs now.

889
00:40:42,120 --> 00:40:42,560
Let's go.

890
00:40:55,600 --> 00:40:56,401
Your Majesty,

891
00:40:56,560 --> 00:40:58,080
I have a memorial to present.

892
00:40:58,401 --> 00:41:00,560
Zhao Ling, Assistant Commander
of the Capital Guard,

893
00:41:00,720 --> 00:41:01,761
seven years ago,

894
00:41:01,761 --> 00:41:03,481
lured a daughter of the Fu family
into eloping with him,

895
00:41:03,720 --> 00:41:05,321
causing Old Madam Fu

896
00:41:05,321 --> 00:41:06,560
to die from the shock.

897
00:41:06,961 --> 00:41:08,361
The Fu family's servant, Li,

898
00:41:08,361 --> 00:41:10,441
risked her life to beat
the Dengwen Drum and seek justice.

899
00:41:10,961 --> 00:41:11,680
Such conduct,

900
00:41:11,881 --> 00:41:13,441
which violates the most basic
moral order,

901
00:41:14,200 --> 00:41:15,961
must be severely punished.

902
00:41:16,441 --> 00:41:18,080
I beg Your Majesty to judge wisely.

903
00:41:18,720 --> 00:41:19,720
Is this matter

904
00:41:20,441 --> 00:41:21,481
true?

905
00:41:22,001 --> 00:41:23,080
Which Fu family?

906
00:41:23,921 --> 00:41:25,120
Could there be some misunderstanding?

907
00:41:26,481 --> 00:41:27,600
Your Majesty,
I've been wrongfully accused.

908
00:41:28,401 --> 00:41:29,160
Zhao Ling,

909
00:41:29,441 --> 00:41:31,961
I recall your marriage to Miss Xie

910
00:41:32,080 --> 00:41:33,720
was arranged by your elders.

911
00:41:34,520 --> 00:41:35,720
When Miss Xie fell into trouble,

912
00:41:36,441 --> 00:41:37,961
her mother entrusted her to my care.

913
00:41:40,801 --> 00:41:42,080
I have the token to prove it.

914
00:41:42,761 --> 00:41:44,321
If the marriage had the elders' approval

915
00:41:44,441 --> 00:41:45,761
and there is a token to prove it,

916
00:41:45,921 --> 00:41:47,361
how can this be called abduction?

917
00:41:50,001 --> 00:41:50,640
Your Majesty,

918
00:41:51,240 --> 00:41:52,560
the difficulty with this case is that

919
00:41:52,720 --> 00:41:53,560
the servant

920
00:41:53,680 --> 00:41:55,001
is already dead.

921
00:41:55,321 --> 00:41:56,401
A life has been lost,

922
00:41:56,801 --> 00:41:57,921
so the truth of what happened

923
00:41:58,001 --> 00:41:59,321
must still be properly established.

924
00:42:02,321 --> 00:42:03,001
Your Majesty,

925
00:42:03,001 --> 00:42:03,761
I believe

926
00:42:03,881 --> 00:42:05,921
this concerns the moral order
of the court.

927
00:42:06,881 --> 00:42:09,160
Though Commander Zhao
is Your Majesty's favorite,

928
00:42:09,441 --> 00:42:10,881
if these charges prove true,

929
00:42:10,881 --> 00:42:12,281
he should be severely punished
according to law

930
00:42:12,281 --> 00:42:13,841
to uphold the standards of the court.

931
00:42:15,881 --> 00:42:16,961
Commander Zhao,

932
00:42:17,361 --> 00:42:19,961
you can't even manage
your own household affairs.

933
00:42:19,961 --> 00:42:21,200
What qualifies you

934
00:42:21,200 --> 00:42:23,080
to serve as Assistant Censor-in-Chief?

935
00:42:24,001 --> 00:42:26,001
The salt administration is vital
to the state.

936
00:42:26,001 --> 00:42:28,040
I beg Your Majesty to reconsider

937
00:42:28,640 --> 00:42:29,961
and appoint a more worthy candidate

938
00:42:29,961 --> 00:42:31,281
to oversee the reforms.

939
00:42:37,761 --> 00:42:38,441
Grand Secretary Tian?

940
00:42:41,921 --> 00:42:42,881
I

941
00:42:43,160 --> 00:42:45,040
have disgraced the court.

942
00:42:45,720 --> 00:42:48,240
Age has weakened me,

943
00:42:48,361 --> 00:42:49,801
and I can no longer stand for long.

944
00:42:50,001 --> 00:42:51,001
For me

945
00:42:51,001 --> 00:42:52,680
to grow so feeble-minded...

946
00:42:53,080 --> 00:42:54,560
I truly

947
00:42:54,560 --> 00:42:57,761
have no face to remain at court.

948
00:42:57,761 --> 00:42:59,801
Look at this mess.

949
00:43:00,080 --> 00:43:01,441
See to Grand Secretary Tian first.

950
00:43:01,560 --> 00:43:02,761
Set this matter aside for now.

951
00:43:03,001 --> 00:43:04,001
We'll discuss it later.

952
00:43:04,921 --> 00:43:06,841
Court is dismissed.

953
00:43:08,520 --> 00:43:10,761
Farewell, Your Majesty.

954
00:43:18,720 --> 00:43:19,160
My Lord.

955
00:43:21,160 --> 00:43:22,160
Thank you, My Lord,

956
00:43:22,841 --> 00:43:23,720
for helping me out back there.

957
00:43:25,961 --> 00:43:27,640
Wasn't I

958
00:43:28,160 --> 00:43:29,640
asleep just now?

959
00:43:31,881 --> 00:43:33,520
How did I help you?

960
00:43:36,921 --> 00:43:38,761
You were all making such a commotion.

961
00:43:39,040 --> 00:43:40,441
What were you arguing about?

962
00:43:48,303 --> 00:43:50,970
(Next Episode)

963
00:43:51,640 --> 00:43:53,481
You two ungrateful, unfilial wretches.

964
00:43:53,801 --> 00:43:55,001
You drove your grandmother to her death,

965
00:43:55,281 --> 00:43:56,240
defied your elders,

966
00:43:56,520 --> 00:43:57,361
one a eloped woman,

967
00:43:57,401 --> 00:43:58,361
the other a libertine.

968
00:43:58,361 --> 00:43:59,520
He is no libertine.

969
00:43:59,520 --> 00:44:00,881
Nor is she a eloped woman.

970
00:44:01,640 --> 00:44:03,520
On the children's
Eight-Character Marriage Slip,

971
00:44:03,921 --> 00:44:06,321
the most important thing
is the parents' blessing.

972
00:44:06,600 --> 00:44:08,680
What does "a parent's command"
truly mean?

973
00:44:09,640 --> 00:44:11,761
It means I bless my children
and wish them happiness,

974
00:44:12,080 --> 00:44:14,961
not that their happiness requires
my permission.

975
00:44:15,361 --> 00:44:16,401
You want the Eight-Character Slip?

976
00:44:16,921 --> 00:44:19,481
Not unless the ancestral hall's plaque
crashes down.

977
00:44:33,800 --> 00:44:38,120
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

978
00:44:41,720 --> 00:44:46,080
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

979
00:44:48,200 --> 00:44:52,840
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

980
00:44:53,080 --> 00:44:55,880
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

981
00:44:57,040 --> 00:45:01,680
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

982
00:45:04,880 --> 00:45:11,720
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

983
00:45:12,600 --> 00:45:19,120
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

984
00:45:20,080 --> 00:45:23,520
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

985
00:45:24,040 --> 00:45:28,240
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

986
00:45:28,520 --> 00:45:34,200
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

987
00:45:46,320 --> 00:45:50,200
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

988
00:45:54,120 --> 00:45:58,120
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

989
00:45:59,840 --> 00:46:04,520
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

990
00:46:04,840 --> 00:46:07,520
♪Kept close within my heart♪

991
00:46:08,600 --> 00:46:13,440
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

992
00:46:16,960 --> 00:46:23,880
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

993
00:46:24,760 --> 00:46:31,240
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

994
00:46:32,120 --> 00:46:35,640
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

995
00:46:36,080 --> 00:46:40,440
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

996
00:46:40,640 --> 00:46:46,360
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪