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
00:01:35,160 --> 00:01:38,000
=Episode 22=

4
00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:56,159
Sanniang,

5
00:01:56,680 --> 00:01:58,359
get a new set of clothes for Mr. Zhao.

6
00:01:59,079 --> 00:01:59,640
Sure.

7
00:02:05,680 --> 00:02:06,159
Let's go.

8
00:02:07,480 --> 00:02:07,920
Come on.

9
00:02:20,840 --> 00:02:21,840
Your father

10
00:02:22,759 --> 00:02:24,000
not only made me kneel,

11
00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:25,919
but also said I had no manners,

12
00:02:26,879 --> 00:02:28,039
and wasn't properly raised.

13
00:02:32,120 --> 00:02:32,960
You deserved it.

14
00:02:33,759 --> 00:02:34,919
Who told you to kneel?

15
00:02:35,479 --> 00:02:37,080
I am Xie Tingyun.

16
00:02:37,199 --> 00:02:38,039
I have nothing

17
00:02:38,039 --> 00:02:39,199
to do with the Fu family anymore.

18
00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:40,840
Why insist on claiming him
as your father-in-law?

19
00:02:40,840 --> 00:02:41,159
I...

20
00:02:49,280 --> 00:02:50,400
Stop pretending.

21
00:03:13,680 --> 00:03:14,639
I was wrong.

22
00:03:24,639 --> 00:03:26,280
I thought I was doing the right thing,

23
00:03:29,400 --> 00:03:30,719
but I upset you.

24
00:03:36,120 --> 00:03:37,159
The medicine is about to burn.

25
00:04:21,240 --> 00:04:22,160
I was wrong.

26
00:04:35,360 --> 00:04:37,240
You must tell me everything

27
00:04:38,959 --> 00:04:40,279
from now on.

28
00:04:46,600 --> 00:04:48,079
I don't want to grow distant from you.

29
00:04:48,279 --> 00:04:50,000
Neither do I.

30
00:04:54,079 --> 00:04:56,319
Actually, I don't want
to return to Ganlin alone.

31
00:04:59,199 --> 00:05:00,480
I want to take you

32
00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:02,240
with me.

33
00:05:04,800 --> 00:05:05,879
All this time

34
00:05:07,399 --> 00:05:08,639
in the capital,

35
00:05:09,319 --> 00:05:10,480
we've gained power

36
00:05:11,519 --> 00:05:12,839
and wealth.

37
00:05:13,759 --> 00:05:16,079
But you can barely have a peaceful meal.

38
00:05:17,720 --> 00:05:19,680
I just want you to live
a little lighter.

39
00:05:30,680 --> 00:05:31,879
Everyone says

40
00:05:32,879 --> 00:05:34,160
you are exceptionally brave,

41
00:05:34,879 --> 00:05:36,120
and that you have the power

42
00:05:36,240 --> 00:05:37,800
to stir up storms in the capital.

43
00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:38,920
But you

44
00:05:41,519 --> 00:05:43,040
don't want me caught in those storms.

45
00:05:54,920 --> 00:05:56,480
Once the salt reform begins,

46
00:05:57,959 --> 00:05:59,279
the political turmoil at court

47
00:05:59,680 --> 00:06:00,720
will only grow worse.

48
00:06:02,959 --> 00:06:04,160
But no matter how hard it gets,

49
00:06:04,879 --> 00:06:06,000
I will face it

50
00:06:07,199 --> 00:06:08,279
with you.

51
00:06:12,759 --> 00:06:13,879
I will help you.

52
00:06:44,040 --> 00:06:44,879
I know.

53
00:06:54,240 --> 00:06:55,040
Father.

54
00:06:55,120 --> 00:06:56,759
This empty plate is...

55
00:07:04,680 --> 00:07:06,439
This is an offering, Father.

56
00:07:07,000 --> 00:07:07,759
Besides,

57
00:07:07,759 --> 00:07:08,680
it has been rained on.

58
00:07:09,040 --> 00:07:10,800
Are you really going to eat that?

59
00:07:12,240 --> 00:07:13,120
What do you know?

60
00:07:13,600 --> 00:07:15,000
This is an offering
bestowed by the Emperor.

61
00:07:15,000 --> 00:07:16,240
Who are you to turn your nose up at it?

62
00:07:16,839 --> 00:07:17,600
Then

63
00:07:18,040 --> 00:07:19,959
I will go and prepare it with care.

64
00:07:45,439 --> 00:07:46,720
Someone!

65
00:07:46,920 --> 00:07:48,199
Fetch a healer!

66
00:07:49,040 --> 00:07:50,959
(Yu Residence)
I heard Commander Zhao

67
00:07:51,240 --> 00:07:52,759
stirred up quite a storm
at the Fu household.

68
00:07:54,040 --> 00:07:55,600
(Yu Residence)
You've arranged everything well.

69
00:07:56,160 --> 00:07:58,360
The Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor

70
00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,040
may only oversee one region for now.

71
00:08:02,000 --> 00:08:03,519
Once the pilot is completed,

72
00:08:05,319 --> 00:08:07,480
it will become a model
for the entire realm.

73
00:08:08,160 --> 00:08:09,519
When he returns to the capital

74
00:08:09,639 --> 00:08:11,040
to report his results,

75
00:08:11,639 --> 00:08:14,480
he will be the key figure
in overseeing the salt reform.

76
00:08:17,839 --> 00:08:19,680
Such a critical position

77
00:08:21,399 --> 00:08:23,160
must naturally be held
by one of our own.

78
00:08:24,279 --> 00:08:26,639
Jingxiu has been at the Hanlin Academy
for years.

79
00:08:26,839 --> 00:08:28,920
It is time for him
to take the next step.

80
00:08:30,040 --> 00:08:31,879
It can only be him.

81
00:08:33,080 --> 00:08:34,480
Tell him to get prepared.

82
00:08:34,480 --> 00:08:36,879
This opportunity must not be squandered.

83
00:08:38,879 --> 00:08:40,080
At court,

84
00:08:40,080 --> 00:08:42,399
I can put in a good word for him.

85
00:08:43,000 --> 00:08:45,279
But for matters beyond the court,

86
00:08:45,480 --> 00:08:47,279
I will rely entirely on you.

87
00:08:48,519 --> 00:08:49,440
Rest assured.

88
00:08:50,960 --> 00:08:52,840
Madam, your calligraphy
grows ever more refined.

89
00:08:56,960 --> 00:08:57,720
Mother.

90
00:08:58,399 --> 00:08:59,399
Is there something you need?

91
00:09:00,840 --> 00:09:02,200
I heard

92
00:09:03,480 --> 00:09:05,200
that the family intends
to have my husband

93
00:09:05,559 --> 00:09:07,679
compete for the post
of Imperial Salt Censor.

94
00:09:15,200 --> 00:09:17,000
You are well-informed.

95
00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:19,519
Madam Wei is close to me.

96
00:09:19,519 --> 00:09:21,399
Her husband is the Left Vice Minister
of the Ministry of Personnel.

97
00:09:21,480 --> 00:09:22,440
He can bypass Zhao Ling

98
00:09:22,440 --> 00:09:23,799
and submit the list directly upward.

99
00:09:24,039 --> 00:09:25,559
If you permit it, Mother,

100
00:09:25,759 --> 00:09:27,240
I would be willing to put in a word

101
00:09:27,879 --> 00:09:29,679
and ensure my husband's name is added.

102
00:09:35,080 --> 00:09:36,240
I know I am not the sharpest,

103
00:09:37,200 --> 00:09:38,279
but I only wish

104
00:09:38,879 --> 00:09:40,679
to do what little I can for the family.

105
00:09:40,799 --> 00:09:41,720
From now on,

106
00:09:42,519 --> 00:09:44,360
I hope you'll continue
to guide me, Mother.

107
00:09:49,279 --> 00:09:50,360
Very well.

108
00:09:50,720 --> 00:09:51,960
You may proceed.

109
00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:56,840
If you need silver, ask for silver.

110
00:09:57,000 --> 00:09:58,600
If you need to pull strings, tell me.

111
00:09:58,759 --> 00:09:59,600
But remember,

112
00:10:00,759 --> 00:10:01,799
this position

113
00:10:02,399 --> 00:10:03,720
is one I am determined to secure.

114
00:10:04,600 --> 00:10:05,679
I understand, Mother.

115
00:10:07,159 --> 00:10:07,799
Go.

116
00:10:15,960 --> 00:10:17,639
The Young Madam is still young.

117
00:10:17,639 --> 00:10:18,799
She was too eager

118
00:10:18,919 --> 00:10:20,120
and overstepped her bounds.

119
00:10:20,120 --> 00:10:21,320
When I was young,

120
00:10:22,759 --> 00:10:24,720
I never had to go to such lengths.

121
00:10:25,320 --> 00:10:26,600
Now,

122
00:10:27,039 --> 00:10:28,720
I must teach my son to strive,

123
00:10:29,080 --> 00:10:30,679
and my daughter-in-law to prove herself.

124
00:10:31,879 --> 00:10:33,240
I wonder which one of them

125
00:10:33,240 --> 00:10:34,399
will fail me.

126
00:10:36,279 --> 00:10:37,480
Call Jingxiu in.

127
00:10:38,039 --> 00:10:38,679
Yes.

128
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Madam,

129
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the Young Master is here.

130
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Mother.

131
00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:03,399
Your father has told you

132
00:11:03,399 --> 00:11:04,639
about the salt reform.

133
00:11:04,639 --> 00:11:06,399
Now is a critical time.

134
00:11:07,440 --> 00:11:09,279
The position of Imperial Salt Censor
is vacant.

135
00:11:09,600 --> 00:11:10,840
I have also asked Fan

136
00:11:10,840 --> 00:11:12,120
to make arrangements on your behalf.

137
00:11:15,000 --> 00:11:15,879
And you

138
00:11:20,080 --> 00:11:21,759
must turn your attention back.

139
00:11:23,440 --> 00:11:24,919
For a family like ours,

140
00:11:25,720 --> 00:11:26,799
the worst thing is to have

141
00:11:26,799 --> 00:11:28,120
scandal in the inner quarters.

142
00:11:37,519 --> 00:11:38,320
I understand, Mother.

143
00:11:39,279 --> 00:11:41,120
You have not returned to your room
to rest in days.

144
00:11:41,519 --> 00:11:43,720
Fan gave you a son.

145
00:11:45,159 --> 00:11:46,159
Do you know the pain

146
00:11:46,159 --> 00:11:47,559
a woman endures in childbirth?

147
00:11:47,960 --> 00:11:49,360
She gave everything

148
00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:51,960
for Ji.

149
00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:56,720
Rest assured, Mother.

150
00:11:58,120 --> 00:11:59,200
I will

151
00:12:00,399 --> 00:12:01,559
remember your kindness.

152
00:12:06,600 --> 00:12:07,279
You may go.

153
00:12:10,279 --> 00:12:11,039
I take my leave, Mother.

154
00:12:31,360 --> 00:12:32,000
Chengxin!

155
00:12:34,559 --> 00:12:35,799
Where are the magnolia paintings I did?

156
00:12:40,120 --> 00:12:40,879
In the past few days,

157
00:12:42,399 --> 00:12:44,000
has anyone come to my study?

158
00:12:44,919 --> 00:12:45,720
Madam

159
00:12:46,120 --> 00:12:47,759
and Ms. Shu did stop by.

160
00:12:48,159 --> 00:12:49,440
But they only stayed for a moment

161
00:12:49,639 --> 00:12:50,320
and left.

162
00:12:53,200 --> 00:12:55,159
Just as I thought.

163
00:12:58,279 --> 00:12:59,480
In this household,

164
00:13:00,080 --> 00:13:02,320
I'm nothing more than a clay Buddha
on a shrine.

165
00:13:03,200 --> 00:13:04,960
I have no seat in the front hall
when matters are discussed.

166
00:13:05,600 --> 00:13:07,399
They don't ask my opinion
on matters in the inner quarters either.

167
00:13:07,919 --> 00:13:09,000
Even my husband...

168
00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:11,960
I don't know how long it's been

169
00:13:11,960 --> 00:13:13,519
since he last set foot in my room.

170
00:13:15,720 --> 00:13:17,679
Since I volunteered for this assignment,

171
00:13:19,279 --> 00:13:20,480
I have to see it through.

172
00:13:21,600 --> 00:13:23,720
Otherwise, what place do I have
in this family?

173
00:13:32,440 --> 00:13:34,799
As much as I dislike Tian Wanyi,

174
00:13:41,279 --> 00:13:43,039
I still have to pay her a visit.

175
00:13:45,160 --> 00:13:47,360
(Wang Residence)

176
00:13:50,440 --> 00:13:51,320
Look at Sen.

177
00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:56,399
Sen,

178
00:13:56,799 --> 00:13:58,120
this robe you're wearing

179
00:13:58,120 --> 00:13:59,200
is new.

180
00:14:00,440 --> 00:14:02,320
And your hair tie is new too.

181
00:14:03,080 --> 00:14:04,799
If we wait much longer,

182
00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:05,919
you'll probably

183
00:14:06,240 --> 00:14:08,600
end up sworn brothers
with that stone lion.

184
00:14:10,039 --> 00:14:11,080
Sanniang.

185
00:14:20,120 --> 00:14:21,000
We're here.

186
00:14:21,320 --> 00:14:22,480
Finally.

187
00:14:22,759 --> 00:14:23,519
Long time no see.

188
00:14:23,519 --> 00:14:24,080
Easy.

189
00:14:25,639 --> 00:14:26,960
- Miss Xie.
- Miss Xie.

190
00:14:26,960 --> 00:14:27,759
Greetings, ladies.

191
00:14:28,080 --> 00:14:29,080
I don't deserve such courtesy.

192
00:14:29,279 --> 00:14:30,320
I said I didn't want to come,

193
00:14:30,320 --> 00:14:31,960
but they feared I'd be lonely
in the northwest

194
00:14:31,960 --> 00:14:32,879
and insisted I join.

195
00:14:34,039 --> 00:14:35,039
Where is Madam Mo?

196
00:14:35,039 --> 00:14:35,759
She?

197
00:14:35,759 --> 00:14:37,000
She's worried about General Mo.

198
00:14:37,000 --> 00:14:39,159
She insisted on traveling with the men.

199
00:14:41,080 --> 00:14:42,000
Here they come.

200
00:14:42,000 --> 00:14:42,720
Here they come.

201
00:14:46,840 --> 00:14:47,440
Here they come.

202
00:14:48,000 --> 00:14:49,039
Here they come.

203
00:14:53,240 --> 00:14:56,360
(Second Young Lady Wang)

204
00:15:08,000 --> 00:15:08,799
Sister.

205
00:15:09,679 --> 00:15:10,799
It's been so long.

206
00:15:11,000 --> 00:15:12,000
I trust you've been well.

207
00:15:28,759 --> 00:15:30,200
I brought some things from Ganlin,

208
00:15:30,200 --> 00:15:31,360
goji berries and red astragalus.

209
00:15:31,440 --> 00:15:33,159
They all grew in your soil.

210
00:15:33,759 --> 00:15:35,240
How have you been?

211
00:15:35,759 --> 00:15:36,399
Good.

212
00:15:38,000 --> 00:15:38,720
Tingyun,

213
00:15:39,399 --> 00:15:40,759
I have something to ask you.

214
00:15:41,639 --> 00:15:43,320
Please go ahead.

215
00:15:43,960 --> 00:15:44,919
Do you know

216
00:15:44,919 --> 00:15:46,399
if the candidate
for Imperial Salt Censor

217
00:15:46,399 --> 00:15:47,559
has been decided?

218
00:15:49,200 --> 00:15:50,879
I'm not sure about that.

219
00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:53,320
The post of Imperial Salt Censor

220
00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:54,360
carries great weight.

221
00:15:55,440 --> 00:15:57,360
We both know the impact
of the new salt law

222
00:15:57,559 --> 00:15:58,960
on the northwest.

223
00:15:59,840 --> 00:16:00,759
But the court

224
00:16:00,960 --> 00:16:02,399
has already decided to implement it.

225
00:16:02,519 --> 00:16:03,679
So be it.

226
00:16:04,360 --> 00:16:05,840
But if the right person is chosen,

227
00:16:06,279 --> 00:16:07,720
they could share Zhao Ling's burden

228
00:16:08,159 --> 00:16:09,879
and leave a lifeline for the northwest.

229
00:16:10,159 --> 00:16:10,919
For you,

230
00:16:10,919 --> 00:16:11,840
for Zhao Ling,

231
00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:12,639
for the northwest,

232
00:16:12,799 --> 00:16:13,919
it would be for the best.

233
00:16:16,759 --> 00:16:18,120
Do you have someone

234
00:16:18,120 --> 00:16:19,559
in mind?

235
00:16:19,799 --> 00:16:21,679
I do have a suitable candidate

236
00:16:22,279 --> 00:16:23,360
named Shen Congsi.

237
00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:25,759
I've learned through my inquiries

238
00:16:25,879 --> 00:16:27,919
that he is your sister-in-law's
elder brother.

239
00:16:28,320 --> 00:16:29,559
He has no factional ties

240
00:16:29,559 --> 00:16:30,480
and conducts himself fairly.

241
00:16:30,759 --> 00:16:31,919
Most importantly,

242
00:16:34,600 --> 00:16:36,639
his Memorial on Salt and Grain
for the Nine Border Garrisons

243
00:16:36,840 --> 00:16:38,200
is remarkably thorough.

244
00:16:38,960 --> 00:16:40,159
The grain-for-salt system

245
00:16:40,159 --> 00:16:41,480
has been in place for over a century.

246
00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:43,440
Merchants transport grain
to the frontier

247
00:16:43,759 --> 00:16:44,919
in exchange for salt permits.

248
00:16:45,279 --> 00:16:46,960
Border granaries
have thus been well stocked.

249
00:16:47,320 --> 00:16:48,759
If we abruptly switch
to silver payments,

250
00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:51,200
allowing merchants to pay in silver
instead of grain,

251
00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:53,039
then the grain transport
to the northwest

252
00:16:53,039 --> 00:16:54,240
will inevitably decline.

253
00:16:54,519 --> 00:16:56,159
If the border is ever in crisis,

254
00:16:56,159 --> 00:16:57,440
and the granaries are empty,

255
00:16:57,639 --> 00:16:59,480
we may regret it too late.

256
00:17:04,319 --> 00:17:05,880
(Submitted by Record Keeper Shen Congsi)
He understands border affairs.

257
00:17:06,359 --> 00:17:07,640
He is a moderate.

258
00:17:08,079 --> 00:17:09,480
He is the best choice.

259
00:17:18,039 --> 00:17:18,920
I understand.

260
00:17:20,560 --> 00:17:23,880
(Memorial on Salt and Grain
for the Nine Border Garrisons)

261
00:17:26,079 --> 00:17:27,480
It's not resentment.

262
00:17:27,960 --> 00:17:28,720
It's just that

263
00:17:28,839 --> 00:17:30,240
after Yucheng passed,

264
00:17:30,720 --> 00:17:31,559
I haven't had a proper talk

265
00:17:31,559 --> 00:17:32,839
with Mr. Zhao.

266
00:17:34,200 --> 00:17:35,000
Honestly,

267
00:17:35,440 --> 00:17:37,279
I got over that anger a long time ago.

268
00:17:38,079 --> 00:17:39,559
I just feel

269
00:17:39,880 --> 00:17:40,960
I miss him

270
00:17:41,240 --> 00:17:42,279
and I'm a little scared of him.

271
00:17:45,480 --> 00:17:46,480
It's like

272
00:17:46,759 --> 00:17:47,839
when I look at my father.

273
00:17:48,359 --> 00:17:49,839
I want to act all sweet with him,

274
00:17:50,079 --> 00:17:51,480
but he's always busy,

275
00:17:51,720 --> 00:17:52,880
and he's always scolding me.

276
00:17:53,200 --> 00:17:54,720
So I don't want to talk to him.

277
00:17:55,640 --> 00:17:56,880
I don't act sweet.

278
00:17:57,759 --> 00:17:58,680
I'm too old

279
00:17:58,680 --> 00:17:59,480
for that.

280
00:18:01,200 --> 00:18:02,839
You may have grown taller,

281
00:18:03,279 --> 00:18:04,160
but your personality

282
00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:05,960
is still the same
as when you were little.

283
00:18:13,119 --> 00:18:13,680
Oh, right.

284
00:18:13,680 --> 00:18:14,079
I...

285
00:18:14,079 --> 00:18:14,960
What is it?

286
00:18:20,839 --> 00:18:22,720
I spent three whole nights making this.

287
00:18:23,000 --> 00:18:24,359
The bowstring is soaked roe deer sinew.

288
00:18:24,359 --> 00:18:25,240
It won't break.

289
00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:27,359
It may not look very pretty,

290
00:18:27,359 --> 00:18:27,799
but

291
00:18:28,119 --> 00:18:29,559
it's definitely better
than what the armory gives you.

292
00:18:34,599 --> 00:18:35,039
I...

293
00:18:35,039 --> 00:18:35,960
I'll get going.

294
00:18:47,160 --> 00:18:47,880
Idiot.

295
00:18:49,920 --> 00:18:51,480
How could you give this to a girl?

296
00:19:00,359 --> 00:19:01,119
Sanniang.

297
00:19:02,319 --> 00:19:03,720
Please run an errand for me.

298
00:19:03,799 --> 00:19:05,200
Tell my sister-in-law

299
00:19:06,640 --> 00:19:07,839
to meet me at the Xie's shop

300
00:19:08,599 --> 00:19:09,880
at nine tomorrow morning.

301
00:19:09,880 --> 00:19:10,519
Alright.

302
00:19:10,519 --> 00:19:11,200
Got it.

303
00:19:17,200 --> 00:19:18,160
Ninth Young Lady.

304
00:19:18,680 --> 00:19:20,240
In the Fu family's household matters,

305
00:19:20,720 --> 00:19:22,200
as a daughter-in-law,

306
00:19:22,759 --> 00:19:24,599
I truly cannot overrule the elders.

307
00:19:26,559 --> 00:19:27,720
Rest assured.

308
00:19:28,759 --> 00:19:30,000
Today's invitation

309
00:19:30,160 --> 00:19:31,519
is for public matters, not private ones.

310
00:19:35,400 --> 00:19:36,880
I heard that your elder brother

311
00:19:37,920 --> 00:19:40,079
is interested
in the Anzhou Imperial Salt Censor post.

312
00:19:44,839 --> 00:19:46,319
His Majesty is pushing forward
with the salt reform.

313
00:19:46,480 --> 00:19:47,519
This position

314
00:19:47,519 --> 00:19:48,480
is of critical importance.

315
00:19:49,599 --> 00:19:51,000
We have searched for a long time

316
00:19:51,319 --> 00:19:52,759
and found your brother

317
00:19:52,759 --> 00:19:53,680
to be the most suitable.

318
00:19:53,759 --> 00:19:54,799
We intend to recommend him.

319
00:19:55,240 --> 00:19:56,039
Today,

320
00:19:56,039 --> 00:19:57,759
I came to share this with you.

321
00:20:04,279 --> 00:20:06,079
Your brother is deeply learned.

322
00:20:06,599 --> 00:20:07,599
What is even rarer

323
00:20:07,599 --> 00:20:08,920
is that he understands
practical affairs,

324
00:20:09,119 --> 00:20:10,359
knows the way of governing,

325
00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:12,000
and understands the people's hardships.

326
00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:17,880
To be honest, I know

327
00:20:19,160 --> 00:20:20,480
that the one who truly understands

328
00:20:20,920 --> 00:20:22,200
practical affairs,

329
00:20:22,640 --> 00:20:23,720
besides your brother, is you.

330
00:20:25,279 --> 00:20:26,319
If you are willing,

331
00:20:26,640 --> 00:20:28,119
I can put the shops in the capital

332
00:20:28,119 --> 00:20:29,440
under your management

333
00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:31,720
to help support the household.

334
00:20:32,480 --> 00:20:33,839
You don't have to do this.

335
00:20:39,480 --> 00:20:40,599
Thank you

336
00:20:41,079 --> 00:20:42,279
for managing the Fu household

337
00:20:42,279 --> 00:20:43,400
and caring for Mother

338
00:20:43,920 --> 00:20:44,920
all these years.

339
00:20:46,960 --> 00:20:47,839
Please rise.

340
00:20:50,359 --> 00:20:51,160
You truly put me

341
00:20:51,839 --> 00:20:53,160
in a difficult position.

342
00:20:56,160 --> 00:20:57,680
I only wish to do a little more

343
00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:01,839
for Mother.

344
00:21:08,119 --> 00:21:09,960
When I was pushed
to the brink back then,

345
00:21:11,079 --> 00:21:13,160
Mr. Zhao reached out
and pulled me through.

346
00:21:13,440 --> 00:21:15,880
Our bond was born out of hardship.

347
00:21:17,519 --> 00:21:19,720
He is no shallow man who chases beauty,

348
00:21:20,079 --> 00:21:22,240
and I am no woman
who abandoned her family.

349
00:21:24,240 --> 00:21:25,880
If there is any fault,

350
00:21:27,000 --> 00:21:29,240
it's that two wounded souls

351
00:21:30,400 --> 00:21:32,240
awkwardly clung
to each other for comfort.

352
00:21:40,519 --> 00:21:41,079
Alright.

353
00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:43,440
I agree.

354
00:21:43,720 --> 00:21:44,480
Have a seat.

355
00:21:53,119 --> 00:21:53,920
Don't worry.

356
00:21:54,680 --> 00:21:55,480
I will write

357
00:21:55,480 --> 00:21:56,839
to your brother right away

358
00:21:56,839 --> 00:21:58,119
and ask him to return to the capital.

359
00:21:58,680 --> 00:22:00,000
When you reunite,

360
00:22:00,480 --> 00:22:01,400
things

361
00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:02,960
will be better

362
00:22:03,359 --> 00:22:04,480
for you and Mother.

363
00:22:05,480 --> 00:22:06,559
Thank you.

364
00:22:15,079 --> 00:22:15,759
Father.

365
00:22:17,000 --> 00:22:18,440
About the Imperial Salt Censor post,

366
00:22:18,440 --> 00:22:19,480
what do they intend to do?

367
00:22:20,839 --> 00:22:22,799
Tingyun

368
00:22:23,000 --> 00:22:24,839
to recommend talent,
regardless of family ties.

369
00:22:25,240 --> 00:22:25,839
She...

370
00:22:25,920 --> 00:22:26,400
Good.

371
00:22:26,839 --> 00:22:27,240
Father...

372
00:22:27,240 --> 00:22:28,119
Excellent.

373
00:22:28,119 --> 00:22:28,559
No.

374
00:22:28,839 --> 00:22:30,319
Tingyun means for me to...

375
00:22:30,319 --> 00:22:31,759
Look how sharp that Zhao Ling is.

376
00:22:31,759 --> 00:22:34,440
A little guidance and he knows
how to show such respect.

377
00:22:34,799 --> 00:22:36,319
Now that is a worthy son-in-law.

378
00:22:36,480 --> 00:22:37,359
For this vacancy,

379
00:22:37,359 --> 00:22:38,880
I have waited seven years.

380
00:22:39,559 --> 00:22:41,440
His devotion is truly moving!

381
00:22:42,519 --> 00:22:44,880
So many people seeking favors,
you've been entertaining nonstop.

382
00:22:45,079 --> 00:22:46,240
Mr. Zhao, have some tea

383
00:22:46,240 --> 00:22:47,039
to sober up.

384
00:22:51,559 --> 00:22:53,960
The other day,
Madam Wang mentioned to me

385
00:22:54,440 --> 00:22:56,119
the candidate for Imperial Salt Censor.

386
00:23:10,359 --> 00:23:11,480
Who did she recommend?

387
00:23:12,519 --> 00:23:13,920
It's Shen Congsi,

388
00:23:15,559 --> 00:23:17,079
my sister-in-law's elder brother.

389
00:23:18,160 --> 00:23:19,759
He has no factional ties,

390
00:23:20,039 --> 00:23:21,119
and is the fairest in his judgments.

391
00:23:21,200 --> 00:23:22,440
He also understands

392
00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:24,480
the vital importance
of balancing salt and grain.

393
00:23:25,240 --> 00:23:26,640
He even wrote

394
00:23:26,839 --> 00:23:28,279
the Memorial on Salt and Grain
for the Nine Border Garrisons.

395
00:23:28,720 --> 00:23:30,640
each word striking at the core
of the salt reform.

396
00:23:36,200 --> 00:23:37,599
Recommending talent
without avoiding family ties

397
00:23:39,000 --> 00:23:41,200
is not a problem, given your relation.

398
00:23:42,400 --> 00:23:43,599
But this man,

399
00:23:44,039 --> 00:23:45,680
during the metropolitan exam that year,

400
00:23:46,519 --> 00:23:47,559
was the top scholar.

401
00:23:48,960 --> 00:23:50,359
Yet in the palace exam,

402
00:23:50,480 --> 00:23:51,839
he offended the Emperor

403
00:23:53,119 --> 00:23:54,920
and only placed in the third tier.

404
00:23:55,799 --> 00:23:56,960
He finished as a same-rank scholar.

405
00:24:04,319 --> 00:24:05,720
I made some inquiries.

406
00:24:06,640 --> 00:24:08,279
It was because of this editorial

407
00:24:09,079 --> 00:24:10,279
that he drew criticism.

408
00:24:21,720 --> 00:24:24,240
(Juheng News Agency)
Those who leave their mark in history

409
00:24:24,480 --> 00:24:26,440
either rely on noble birth,

410
00:24:26,799 --> 00:24:28,519
or striking appearance,

411
00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:30,799
or exceptional talent,

412
00:24:31,960 --> 00:24:34,400
or extraordinary fortune.

413
00:24:35,279 --> 00:24:37,599
Heaven grants countless paths to men.

414
00:24:38,200 --> 00:24:39,519
Wealthy and noble households,

415
00:24:39,599 --> 00:24:40,960
splendid halls and golden horses,

416
00:24:40,960 --> 00:24:42,279
all are open roads.

417
00:24:42,640 --> 00:24:43,319
Yet

418
00:24:43,319 --> 00:24:45,559
having received such favor from heaven
and gained these shortcuts,

419
00:24:45,880 --> 00:24:47,839
if one still cannot open new frontiers

420
00:24:47,839 --> 00:24:49,200
and build lasting achievements,

421
00:24:49,599 --> 00:24:51,119
what face does one have

422
00:24:52,160 --> 00:24:54,039
to speak of fairness?

423
00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:56,160
Such arrogance.

424
00:24:57,400 --> 00:24:58,839
Now I understand

425
00:24:59,160 --> 00:25:00,799
that he didn't offend the Emperor,

426
00:25:01,599 --> 00:25:02,720
but someone else.

427
00:25:04,079 --> 00:25:05,599
You cannot overlook the northwest

428
00:25:07,480 --> 00:25:08,680
and rush ahead blindly.

429
00:25:19,079 --> 00:25:20,799
The salt reform is a monumental task.

430
00:25:21,839 --> 00:25:23,400
Every move I make

431
00:25:24,440 --> 00:25:26,200
will be interpreted in many ways.

432
00:25:41,599 --> 00:25:43,000
Let me be frank with you.

433
00:25:46,000 --> 00:25:47,160
His Majesty's wish

434
00:25:48,039 --> 00:25:49,640
is to place a radical

435
00:25:51,720 --> 00:25:53,319
in this position.

436
00:25:56,480 --> 00:25:57,880
I've already put

437
00:25:58,799 --> 00:26:00,240
my candidate on the list.

438
00:26:03,039 --> 00:26:03,920
As for you,

439
00:26:06,640 --> 00:26:07,960
stop worrying about this.

440
00:26:09,160 --> 00:26:10,480
That would be best for both of us.

441
00:26:38,640 --> 00:26:40,400
It seems we can't go through

442
00:26:41,599 --> 00:26:43,039
Mr. Zhao.

443
00:26:43,799 --> 00:26:45,119
What he said

444
00:26:46,799 --> 00:26:48,000
is not without reason.

445
00:26:50,200 --> 00:26:51,640
But Shen Congsi

446
00:26:51,920 --> 00:26:53,880
is truly the most suitable candidate.

447
00:26:55,839 --> 00:26:57,599
He sees the consequences
of the salt reform

448
00:26:58,079 --> 00:26:59,400
and knows how to act with restraint.

449
00:26:59,799 --> 00:27:00,960
It would also serve as a buffer

450
00:27:01,039 --> 00:27:02,359
for Commander Wang.

451
00:27:03,599 --> 00:27:04,720
In any case,

452
00:27:05,240 --> 00:27:07,039
the northwest is Mr. Zhao's foundation.

453
00:27:07,519 --> 00:27:08,880
But just now,

454
00:27:09,880 --> 00:27:11,400
he already turned you down.

455
00:27:12,599 --> 00:27:14,160
I will find another way.

456
00:27:16,799 --> 00:27:18,160
With the salt reform imminent,

457
00:27:19,920 --> 00:27:21,160
someone must

458
00:27:21,559 --> 00:27:23,519
speak for the northwest garrisons.

459
00:27:25,279 --> 00:27:26,559
Go! Quick, run!

460
00:27:26,559 --> 00:27:27,920
Quick, overtake it!

461
00:27:28,240 --> 00:27:29,160
Run!

462
00:27:29,160 --> 00:27:29,920
Look!

463
00:27:30,359 --> 00:27:31,400
Look at that one!

464
00:27:31,640 --> 00:27:32,960
It's so fast!

465
00:27:33,039 --> 00:27:34,240
Run!

466
00:27:34,720 --> 00:27:35,880
Wanyi, look at that one!

467
00:27:36,400 --> 00:27:37,599
So cute.

468
00:27:37,839 --> 00:27:39,680
Ladies, please add some prizes

469
00:27:39,680 --> 00:27:40,559
to make it more fun.

470
00:27:40,960 --> 00:27:42,960
Faster!

471
00:27:43,319 --> 00:27:44,319
Run!

472
00:27:52,960 --> 00:27:53,720
Mozhan.

473
00:28:00,960 --> 00:28:01,680
Young Madam Yu,

474
00:28:01,680 --> 00:28:03,920
you're even willing to part
with such a large gilded item.

475
00:28:04,559 --> 00:28:05,680
It's no use just sitting around.

476
00:28:06,000 --> 00:28:07,359
Better to add it as a prize

477
00:28:07,799 --> 00:28:08,880
so that everyone

478
00:28:08,960 --> 00:28:10,359
can enjoy themselves more.

479
00:28:11,240 --> 00:28:13,039
Ladies, please draw your lots.

480
00:28:14,519 --> 00:28:16,599
Then I'll take the red one
for good luck.

481
00:28:16,599 --> 00:28:17,680
A good omen.

482
00:28:32,599 --> 00:28:33,240
Ready!

483
00:28:33,599 --> 00:28:35,119
Go!

484
00:28:35,240 --> 00:28:36,640
Go, run!

485
00:28:36,759 --> 00:28:38,000
Yellow, run!

486
00:28:38,000 --> 00:28:39,279
Faster!

487
00:28:39,279 --> 00:28:39,920
- Run!
- Come on!

488
00:28:39,920 --> 00:28:40,680
Red!

489
00:28:40,880 --> 00:28:41,839
Go!

490
00:28:41,839 --> 00:28:42,400
Run!

491
00:28:43,000 --> 00:28:43,960
This way.

492
00:28:43,960 --> 00:28:44,720
Your rabbit!

493
00:28:45,680 --> 00:28:47,079
Red is so fast!

494
00:28:47,079 --> 00:28:48,440
Faster!

495
00:28:48,640 --> 00:28:49,400
Go!

496
00:28:49,400 --> 00:28:50,400
Go forward!

497
00:28:50,640 --> 00:28:51,920
Go forward!

498
00:28:52,039 --> 00:28:53,079
Go!

499
00:28:54,200 --> 00:28:54,839
Quick!

500
00:28:54,839 --> 00:28:55,240
Go!

501
00:28:55,240 --> 00:28:56,200
Hurry!

502
00:28:56,960 --> 00:28:58,240
Yes, just like that!

503
00:28:58,640 --> 00:29:00,680
Go, faster!

504
00:29:01,119 --> 00:29:02,079
Hurry!

505
00:29:02,079 --> 00:29:03,160
Don't stop!

506
00:29:03,160 --> 00:29:04,000
What's going on?

507
00:29:04,000 --> 00:29:04,799
Why isn't it running?

508
00:29:04,799 --> 00:29:05,880
Come on, Red!

509
00:29:05,880 --> 00:29:07,680
Madam Wei, your rabbit is too fast!

510
00:29:07,680 --> 00:29:08,279
Mine!

511
00:29:08,279 --> 00:29:09,440
Almost there!

512
00:29:09,920 --> 00:29:10,440
Almost there!

513
00:29:10,440 --> 00:29:11,319
Your rabbit!

514
00:29:11,319 --> 00:29:12,400
Your rabbit!

515
00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:14,200
I win!

516
00:29:14,200 --> 00:29:15,559
I win!

517
00:29:16,559 --> 00:29:17,359
I win!

518
00:29:18,160 --> 00:29:18,960
I told you!

519
00:29:18,960 --> 00:29:19,920
Red is a lucky color!

520
00:29:19,920 --> 00:29:20,240
Yes!

521
00:29:20,240 --> 00:29:22,200
Congratulations, Madam Wei,
on taking the lead!

522
00:29:22,200 --> 00:29:23,400
Your rabbit

523
00:29:23,400 --> 00:29:24,759
runs faster than a horse.

524
00:29:24,759 --> 00:29:25,839
Indeed.

525
00:29:25,839 --> 00:29:26,519
Wanyi,

526
00:29:26,519 --> 00:29:28,000
next time you must host us

527
00:29:28,000 --> 00:29:28,960
so we can all

528
00:29:28,960 --> 00:29:30,319
share in your good fortune.

529
00:29:30,440 --> 00:29:31,359
Don't worry,

530
00:29:31,359 --> 00:29:33,279
you're all invited to my place

531
00:29:33,279 --> 00:29:33,839
for drinks.

532
00:29:33,839 --> 00:29:34,519
Great!

533
00:29:35,039 --> 00:29:36,079
Let's go take a look.

534
00:29:36,079 --> 00:29:36,599
Let's go.

535
00:29:37,480 --> 00:29:39,079
Good rabbit!

536
00:29:47,079 --> 00:29:48,480
You really went out of your way.

537
00:29:48,759 --> 00:29:50,039
I remember how you usually

538
00:29:50,119 --> 00:29:51,920
can't stand these

539
00:29:52,039 --> 00:29:53,400
cats and rabbits.

540
00:29:54,000 --> 00:29:55,000
But today,

541
00:29:55,000 --> 00:29:56,720
you went to all this trouble

542
00:29:56,720 --> 00:29:57,759
just to cheer me up.

543
00:29:58,079 --> 00:29:59,960
Is there something you want from me?

544
00:30:00,759 --> 00:30:01,920
I wouldn't call it asking,

545
00:30:02,160 --> 00:30:03,680
but adding a name
to the recommendation list

546
00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:05,279
should be easy

547
00:30:05,279 --> 00:30:06,400
for you.

548
00:30:07,359 --> 00:30:09,079
And it has nothing to do
with the prize just now.

549
00:30:10,039 --> 00:30:11,680
You sure know how to talk.

550
00:30:12,640 --> 00:30:13,640
Thank you, Wanyi.

551
00:30:17,720 --> 00:30:20,720
(Tanshui Temple)

552
00:30:38,640 --> 00:30:39,400
You're here.

553
00:30:40,720 --> 00:30:41,759
I arrived in the capital days ago.

554
00:30:41,759 --> 00:30:42,759
I should have come to see you sooner.

555
00:30:42,759 --> 00:30:44,880
Please forgive my late visit.

556
00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:46,400
Please sit.

557
00:30:49,799 --> 00:30:52,160
I was just worried
I had no one to play weiqi with.

558
00:30:52,240 --> 00:30:52,680
Come.

559
00:30:52,799 --> 00:30:53,599
Let's have a game.

560
00:30:59,200 --> 00:31:00,759
It's been years.

561
00:31:01,039 --> 00:31:03,200
Your playing has grown
much more composed.

562
00:31:03,599 --> 00:31:05,119
How could I dare

563
00:31:05,200 --> 00:31:06,240
to be rash before you?

564
00:31:07,640 --> 00:31:08,880
Seeing you now,

565
00:31:08,880 --> 00:31:10,279
so detached and beyond worldly concerns,

566
00:31:10,400 --> 00:31:11,680
I feel that all things

567
00:31:11,680 --> 00:31:12,960
can be met with calm.

568
00:31:19,079 --> 00:31:20,880
The world is like a board.

569
00:31:21,599 --> 00:31:23,480
You may speak freely, Miss Xie.

570
00:31:27,279 --> 00:31:29,359
Master, when you resigned
and retreated to the mountains,

571
00:31:29,599 --> 00:31:31,079
was it truly
only to withdraw from the world?

572
00:31:37,000 --> 00:31:38,920
The incense at Tanshui Temple

573
00:31:39,920 --> 00:31:41,440
is hardly more peaceful

574
00:31:41,440 --> 00:31:42,440
than the Six Ministries.

575
00:31:47,880 --> 00:31:49,160
You're really perceptive.

576
00:31:49,160 --> 00:31:51,279
Every day, many people come before me,

577
00:31:51,279 --> 00:31:52,559
begging me to save the masses.

578
00:31:53,480 --> 00:31:54,640
I just never expected

579
00:31:54,759 --> 00:31:56,160
that you would come today as well.

580
00:31:58,799 --> 00:31:59,960
Tell me.

581
00:32:00,039 --> 00:32:01,960
What brings you here today?

582
00:32:05,920 --> 00:32:07,440
(Yu Residence)

583
00:32:07,440 --> 00:32:09,400
Do you know who's on the list

584
00:32:10,200 --> 00:32:11,519
submitted by the Ministry of Personnel?

585
00:32:11,880 --> 00:32:13,079
Isn't my husband's name

586
00:32:13,200 --> 00:32:14,319
on it?

587
00:32:14,319 --> 00:32:15,480
Jingxiu is on it.

588
00:32:16,680 --> 00:32:18,000
But so is Shen Congsi.

589
00:32:18,440 --> 00:32:20,799
He is the elder brother
of Fu Tingyun's sister-in-law.

590
00:32:21,240 --> 00:32:23,240
What I want
is not just Jingxiu's name on the list,

591
00:32:23,599 --> 00:32:25,079
but only Jingxiu's name.

592
00:32:25,440 --> 00:32:26,680
I heard that Fu Tingyun

593
00:32:26,680 --> 00:32:28,440
has sought out Master Zhao
of Tanshui Temple.

594
00:32:29,119 --> 00:32:30,960
He was the Emperor's former tutor.

595
00:32:32,640 --> 00:32:33,319
And you?

596
00:32:37,279 --> 00:32:39,319
Shen Congsi is talented,

597
00:32:40,000 --> 00:32:41,799
but his foundation is shallow.

598
00:32:42,119 --> 00:32:43,480
With Jingxiu's qualifications,

599
00:32:43,480 --> 00:32:44,720
he may not necessarily lose.

600
00:32:46,640 --> 00:32:48,079
If you want to stand firm,

601
00:32:48,359 --> 00:32:50,359
mere friendships among women
are not enough.

602
00:32:51,839 --> 00:32:54,079
There is still much for you to learn.

603
00:32:54,480 --> 00:32:55,519
I understand, Mother.

604
00:32:59,839 --> 00:33:00,559
Go.

605
00:33:09,839 --> 00:33:11,359
Since you accepted the rabbit hutch,

606
00:33:11,599 --> 00:33:12,720
and gave me your word,

607
00:33:13,240 --> 00:33:15,160
how could you add someone else
to the list?

608
00:33:15,880 --> 00:33:17,200
Have you forgotten?

609
00:33:17,400 --> 00:33:18,559
That rabbit hutch

610
00:33:18,559 --> 00:33:21,000
was the prize I won from you
in the rabbit race.

611
00:33:21,440 --> 00:33:22,960
Everyone saw it.

612
00:33:23,599 --> 00:33:24,759
I am someone

613
00:33:24,759 --> 00:33:26,519
who speaks plainly.

614
00:33:26,519 --> 00:33:28,319
If you need me to do something,

615
00:33:28,319 --> 00:33:29,480
you should have

616
00:33:29,599 --> 00:33:31,079
spoken more directly.

617
00:33:32,200 --> 00:33:32,720
You...

618
00:33:34,039 --> 00:33:34,839
You cannot

619
00:33:34,839 --> 00:33:36,039
hold yourself so high

620
00:33:36,039 --> 00:33:37,519
and still expect me to protect you.

621
00:33:37,519 --> 00:33:39,359
Such a good deal
doesn't exist in this world.

622
00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:41,160
When you ask a favor,

623
00:33:41,160 --> 00:33:42,680
you should act like it.

624
00:33:46,839 --> 00:33:47,680
All these years,

625
00:33:48,559 --> 00:33:50,480
have you ever truly considered me
a friend?

626
00:33:52,839 --> 00:33:53,839
Friendships

627
00:33:53,839 --> 00:33:55,200
vary in depth.

628
00:33:55,759 --> 00:33:57,200
There are drinking companions,

629
00:33:57,279 --> 00:33:58,640
strategic allies,

630
00:33:58,640 --> 00:34:00,119
and life-or-death bonds.

631
00:34:00,440 --> 00:34:01,759
Tell me, Young Madam Yu,

632
00:34:02,039 --> 00:34:04,039
which kind do you want to be?

633
00:34:05,200 --> 00:34:07,359
If you wish to be my confidant,

634
00:34:07,519 --> 00:34:09,880
what happened to the last person

635
00:34:10,000 --> 00:34:11,639
who trusted you with their heart?

636
00:34:11,800 --> 00:34:12,880
And besides,

637
00:34:13,320 --> 00:34:14,719
the future

638
00:34:14,719 --> 00:34:16,000
is never clear.

639
00:34:16,360 --> 00:34:18,480
For now, it may be a fair contest,

640
00:34:18,480 --> 00:34:19,599
but in the end,

641
00:34:19,599 --> 00:34:21,000
your husband might just be the winner.

642
00:34:33,159 --> 00:34:35,679
I acquired a fine piece
of malachite a few days ago.

643
00:34:36,039 --> 00:34:37,800
I ground it into pigment.

644
00:34:38,039 --> 00:34:39,199
Remembering your niece's painting

645
00:34:39,199 --> 00:34:41,079
at the first-year banquet,

646
00:34:41,480 --> 00:34:42,960
I thought this color

647
00:34:43,119 --> 00:34:44,239
might add

648
00:34:44,239 --> 00:34:45,360
a touch of grace to her work.

649
00:34:45,679 --> 00:34:47,280
She has done nothing
to deserve such a gift.

650
00:34:47,480 --> 00:34:49,000
Your kindness, Young Madam,

651
00:34:49,159 --> 00:34:50,519
is far too generous.

652
00:34:54,239 --> 00:34:55,039
You are

653
00:34:55,039 --> 00:34:56,199
blessed.

654
00:34:56,599 --> 00:34:58,079
It is only right
that others think highly of you.

655
00:34:58,159 --> 00:34:59,280
In the past few days,

656
00:34:59,280 --> 00:35:00,599
I have taken it upon myself to look

657
00:35:00,960 --> 00:35:03,039
and found an excellent match for her.

658
00:35:05,719 --> 00:35:06,639
The Wei family.

659
00:35:09,440 --> 00:35:11,280
Surely you are joking, Young Madam.

660
00:35:11,559 --> 00:35:13,039
Though
I have not been in the capital long,

661
00:35:13,199 --> 00:35:14,880
I do know that the Wei family

662
00:35:15,239 --> 00:35:16,400
answers to the Tian family.

663
00:35:24,840 --> 00:35:26,280
Look at you, so startled.

664
00:35:27,639 --> 00:35:29,800
Of course, she can't be the wife.

665
00:35:30,159 --> 00:35:31,320
However,

666
00:35:31,760 --> 00:35:32,639
taking her

667
00:35:33,280 --> 00:35:34,400
as a concubine

668
00:35:34,920 --> 00:35:36,480
would save you a lot of trouble.

669
00:35:36,800 --> 00:35:37,960
A concubine?

670
00:35:40,519 --> 00:35:42,760
By rights, since you have spoken,

671
00:35:43,000 --> 00:35:44,320
I should agree.

672
00:35:44,760 --> 00:35:46,320
But my niece,

673
00:35:46,599 --> 00:35:48,400
since childhood, has mastered

674
00:35:48,400 --> 00:35:49,639
the arts of a gentlewoman.

675
00:35:50,159 --> 00:35:52,119
I have cherished her like a treasure.

676
00:35:52,480 --> 00:35:55,159
I cannot bear to see her
become a concubine

677
00:35:56,639 --> 00:35:58,159
with no standing.

678
00:36:00,239 --> 00:36:01,760
Lord Wei Donglin

679
00:36:02,079 --> 00:36:03,599
is the Left Vice Minister
of the Ministry of Personnel.

680
00:36:04,119 --> 00:36:05,880
He is in charge of recommending talent.

681
00:36:06,760 --> 00:36:07,840
No matter who

682
00:36:07,840 --> 00:36:10,039
ends up with the post
of Imperial Salt Censor,

683
00:36:10,039 --> 00:36:12,039
they will be grateful
for his recommendation.

684
00:36:13,039 --> 00:36:14,119
If you want

685
00:36:14,119 --> 00:36:15,760
to have a voice in the future,

686
00:36:16,320 --> 00:36:17,599
you must be willing to give.

687
00:36:20,800 --> 00:36:21,599
But

688
00:36:22,079 --> 00:36:23,239
why would such a good thing

689
00:36:23,239 --> 00:36:24,920
fall on our family?

690
00:36:25,960 --> 00:36:28,280
You high-born families
have all the news.

691
00:36:28,559 --> 00:36:30,119
But what reaches our ears

692
00:36:30,599 --> 00:36:31,960
may not be the full story.

693
00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:35,599
Could it be, Young Madam,

694
00:36:36,239 --> 00:36:38,000
that you are telling us
only half the truth

695
00:36:38,119 --> 00:36:39,880
and using us as your pawns?

696
00:36:48,480 --> 00:36:50,719
I do not have
my mother-in-law's scheming mind.

697
00:36:51,400 --> 00:36:52,400
Rest assured.

698
00:36:52,920 --> 00:36:53,719
This time,

699
00:36:53,920 --> 00:36:55,119
what you can find out

700
00:36:55,320 --> 00:36:56,440
and what you cannot,

701
00:36:57,079 --> 00:36:58,599
I will lay it all out for you.

702
00:37:08,119 --> 00:37:09,639
If you do this, Young Madam,

703
00:37:09,880 --> 00:37:11,599
are you not afraid
of offending Madam Wei?

704
00:37:13,400 --> 00:37:15,000
When she went back on her word,

705
00:37:15,159 --> 00:37:16,440
did she consider peace?

706
00:37:18,760 --> 00:37:20,719
What matters
is Jingxiu's official position.

707
00:37:21,880 --> 00:37:24,239
As long as Miss Wu
can whisper in his ear,

708
00:37:25,360 --> 00:37:27,480
Wei Donglin will be under our control.

709
00:37:30,199 --> 00:37:32,199
It all depends on the skills
of the aunt and niece.

710
00:37:33,599 --> 00:37:34,840
Let us hope they are up to it.

711
00:37:35,200 --> 00:37:36,519
(Tanshui Temple)

712
00:37:36,519 --> 00:37:37,800
Old Madam Wei, please wait.

713
00:37:38,920 --> 00:37:40,119
Who are you?

714
00:37:40,199 --> 00:37:41,840
Madam Wu of Anzhou.

715
00:37:43,039 --> 00:37:44,280
Madam Wu.

716
00:37:44,440 --> 00:37:46,400
I have long wished to pay you a visit,

717
00:37:46,480 --> 00:37:48,519
but I never found the right occasion.

718
00:37:48,800 --> 00:37:49,840
I never expected

719
00:37:49,840 --> 00:37:51,199
that by coming here to pray,

720
00:37:51,280 --> 00:37:53,360
I would be fortunate enough to meet you.

721
00:37:55,320 --> 00:37:56,400
May I ask, Madam Wu,

722
00:37:56,400 --> 00:37:57,679
what brings you to me?

723
00:37:57,679 --> 00:37:58,840
To be honest,

724
00:37:58,960 --> 00:38:01,119
it's about my dear niece.

725
00:38:06,599 --> 00:38:08,880
A woman's marriage
is of the utmost importance.

726
00:38:09,199 --> 00:38:10,679
But my niece and I

727
00:38:10,679 --> 00:38:12,039
are new to the capital.

728
00:38:12,159 --> 00:38:13,519
We have no footing here.

729
00:38:14,239 --> 00:38:14,960
I humbly ask you

730
00:38:15,280 --> 00:38:17,320
to make the decision for her.

731
00:38:20,119 --> 00:38:20,880
Madam,

732
00:38:21,079 --> 00:38:22,519
women of Anzhou

733
00:38:22,679 --> 00:38:24,239
are known to bring good fortune
to their families.

734
00:38:28,719 --> 00:38:29,880
My niece here

735
00:38:29,880 --> 00:38:31,480
may appear delicate,

736
00:38:32,079 --> 00:38:33,920
but she has

737
00:38:33,920 --> 00:38:35,519
a fine figure for bearing children.

738
00:38:40,559 --> 00:38:41,679
Truly,

739
00:38:41,679 --> 00:38:43,440
she's an excellent choice.

740
00:38:43,440 --> 00:38:44,519
Of course.

741
00:38:46,000 --> 00:38:48,079
Look at you, you useless son.

742
00:38:49,119 --> 00:38:50,760
(Wei Donglin, Left Vice Minister)
What's wrong with wanting a grandson?

743
00:38:51,039 --> 00:38:53,239
Which woman in her prime

744
00:38:53,239 --> 00:38:54,840
would stop having children

745
00:38:54,840 --> 00:38:56,480
after just one daughter?

746
00:38:56,559 --> 00:38:57,440
Mother,

747
00:38:57,440 --> 00:38:58,119
keep your voice down.

748
00:38:58,119 --> 00:38:59,280
Don't let Wanyi hear.

749
00:38:59,280 --> 00:39:00,519
Wanyi, huh?

750
00:39:00,519 --> 00:39:01,960
You only ever look to Wanyi.

751
00:39:01,960 --> 00:39:03,400
Am I even your mother?

752
00:39:04,599 --> 00:39:05,360
Tell me,

753
00:39:05,679 --> 00:39:07,880
it's one thing
that you used to be afraid of her.

754
00:39:08,280 --> 00:39:10,960
But now Grand Secretary Tian
is about to retire.

755
00:39:11,119 --> 00:39:12,920
You're a third-rank official,

756
00:39:13,199 --> 00:39:14,519
and you're still afraid of her?

757
00:39:18,920 --> 00:39:19,880
My son,

758
00:39:20,440 --> 00:39:22,360
you have served others for years.

759
00:39:22,360 --> 00:39:23,440
Now

760
00:39:23,599 --> 00:39:25,000
it's time for others

761
00:39:25,000 --> 00:39:27,159
to serve you.

762
00:39:32,360 --> 00:39:33,679
It's so hot today,

763
00:39:33,880 --> 00:39:36,000
and you still have to wear this.

764
00:39:36,320 --> 00:39:37,199
Hurry up.

765
00:39:37,519 --> 00:39:39,159
If we keep Old Madam Wei
waiting too long,

766
00:39:39,239 --> 00:39:40,920
my aunt will surely punish us.

767
00:39:43,079 --> 00:39:44,079
A concubine?

768
00:39:45,559 --> 00:39:46,679
My niece here,

769
00:39:46,800 --> 00:39:48,639
I raised her with care
since she was little

770
00:39:48,639 --> 00:39:50,119
and treasured her dearly.

771
00:39:52,159 --> 00:39:52,880
It's

772
00:39:52,880 --> 00:39:54,280
only temporary.

773
00:39:54,280 --> 00:39:56,360
Once she bears a son,

774
00:39:56,639 --> 00:39:58,440
she must be taken into the Wei family.

775
00:39:58,840 --> 00:40:00,280
Then your niece,

776
00:40:00,280 --> 00:40:01,400
with a son to her name,

777
00:40:02,000 --> 00:40:03,280
will have nothing to regret.

778
00:40:03,440 --> 00:40:04,960
That may be so,

779
00:40:04,960 --> 00:40:06,000
but word gets around.

780
00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:07,400
It won't look good.

781
00:40:10,719 --> 00:40:11,800
Madam Wu,

782
00:40:11,800 --> 00:40:13,480
are you joking with me?

783
00:40:13,880 --> 00:40:15,679
You managed to get through

784
00:40:15,679 --> 00:40:16,840
the willow-shooting gathering.

785
00:40:17,360 --> 00:40:18,519
Surely you're not going

786
00:40:18,760 --> 00:40:20,320
to fuss over this?

787
00:40:20,840 --> 00:40:23,159
If my niece truly bears a son,

788
00:40:23,440 --> 00:40:25,039
she must be taken into the Wei family.

789
00:40:27,079 --> 00:40:29,599
Since we've come this far in our talk,

790
00:40:29,599 --> 00:40:30,760
there's no time to waste.

791
00:40:31,159 --> 00:40:32,840
Tomorrow, after my son leaves court,

792
00:40:33,000 --> 00:40:34,360
I will have him come over.

793
00:40:34,960 --> 00:40:35,960
Leave this matter

794
00:40:35,960 --> 00:40:37,159
to me.

795
00:40:37,519 --> 00:40:39,320
I will see it through.

796
00:40:41,239 --> 00:40:43,079
They only see me as a vessel

797
00:40:43,800 --> 00:40:45,320
for bearing children.

798
00:40:46,760 --> 00:40:48,159
My Lady, you are delicate.

799
00:40:48,639 --> 00:40:50,840
How could you endure such mistreatment?

800
00:40:52,119 --> 00:40:53,679
If this were the past,

801
00:40:54,480 --> 00:40:55,480
I would have accepted it.

802
00:40:57,719 --> 00:40:58,760
But now,

803
00:40:59,960 --> 00:41:01,599
I must find a way out.

804
00:41:05,800 --> 00:41:08,200
(Next Episode)

805
00:41:08,800 --> 00:41:10,159
I'd like to see,

806
00:41:10,280 --> 00:41:11,880
without this pretty face of yours,

807
00:41:12,039 --> 00:41:14,239
how you'll manage to seduce
another woman's husband.

808
00:41:14,559 --> 00:41:16,360
You truly are a born wretch.

809
00:41:16,760 --> 00:41:18,519
You came from humble origins.

810
00:41:18,800 --> 00:41:19,840
Everything you have today

811
00:41:20,000 --> 00:41:22,239
came through shady means.

812
00:41:22,599 --> 00:41:24,039
(Plaintiff: Li)
I, Li, an old servant,

813
00:41:24,039 --> 00:41:26,280
hereby accuse Ninth Young Lady Fu.

814
00:41:26,480 --> 00:41:27,840
The two of them eloped,

815
00:41:27,840 --> 00:41:31,039
causing Old Madam Fu's death!

816
00:41:31,320 --> 00:41:33,679
You can't even manage
your own household affairs.

817
00:41:33,679 --> 00:41:35,039
What qualifies you

818
00:41:35,039 --> 00:41:36,840
to serve as Assistant Censor-in-Chief?

819
00:41:37,000 --> 00:41:39,039
I beg Your Majesty to reconsider

820
00:41:39,360 --> 00:41:40,599
and appoint a more worthy candidate

821
00:41:40,599 --> 00:41:41,920
to oversee the reforms.

822
00:41:55,200 --> 00:41:59,520
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

823
00:42:03,120 --> 00:42:07,480
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

824
00:42:09,600 --> 00:42:14,240
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

825
00:42:14,480 --> 00:42:17,280
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

826
00:42:18,440 --> 00:42:23,080
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

827
00:42:26,280 --> 00:42:33,120
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

828
00:42:34,000 --> 00:42:40,520
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

829
00:42:41,480 --> 00:42:44,920
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

830
00:42:45,440 --> 00:42:49,640
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

831
00:42:49,920 --> 00:42:55,600
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

832
00:43:07,720 --> 00:43:11,600
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

833
00:43:15,520 --> 00:43:19,520
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

834
00:43:21,240 --> 00:43:25,920
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

835
00:43:26,240 --> 00:43:28,920
♪Kept close within my heart♪

836
00:43:30,000 --> 00:43:34,840
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

837
00:43:38,360 --> 00:43:45,280
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

838
00:43:46,160 --> 00:43:52,640
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

839
00:43:53,520 --> 00:43:57,040
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

840
00:43:57,480 --> 00:44:01,840
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

841
00:44:02,040 --> 00:44:07,760
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪