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
00:01:35,320 --> 00:01:38,000
=Episode 19=

4
00:01:38,000 --> 00:01:38,719
(Commander,)

5
00:01:38,719 --> 00:01:39,599
(Li Mao has taken poison.)

6
00:01:39,599 --> 00:01:39,920
Commander.

7
00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:40,280
Commander.

8
00:01:41,799 --> 00:01:42,120
Commander.

9
00:01:42,120 --> 00:01:42,519
Commander.

10
00:01:53,599 --> 00:01:54,640
Who else did he see?

11
00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:13,319
The secrets of the capital

12
00:02:14,639 --> 00:02:18,439
aren't yours to uncover.

13
00:02:19,319 --> 00:02:21,199
Didn't you want to know

14
00:02:21,199 --> 00:02:23,919
who's really behind me?

15
00:02:26,560 --> 00:02:27,599
Now that

16
00:02:27,599 --> 00:02:29,039
I'm dying,

17
00:02:30,039 --> 00:02:31,919
you're done for, too.

18
00:02:33,479 --> 00:02:35,360
Investigating beyond your authority,

19
00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:37,840
driving an official to his death...

20
00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:40,240
Just wait.

21
00:02:41,400 --> 00:02:42,759
You'll be

22
00:02:43,120 --> 00:02:44,960
joining me soon enough.

23
00:02:57,319 --> 00:02:58,520
Do you really think

24
00:02:59,560 --> 00:03:00,680
a confession

25
00:03:07,159 --> 00:03:09,719
would've helped me more than your death?

26
00:03:50,160 --> 00:03:52,080
(Xie Residence)

27
00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:52,960
(Virtue Blesses the Hometown)

28
00:03:52,960 --> 00:03:53,759
Miss Xie.

29
00:03:54,319 --> 00:03:55,879
Congratulations, Miss Xie.

30
00:03:55,960 --> 00:03:56,879
I came

31
00:03:56,879 --> 00:03:58,360
especially to congratulate you.

32
00:04:02,560 --> 00:04:04,120
I'm almost embarrassed to say it.

33
00:04:04,240 --> 00:04:05,000
That house next door

34
00:04:05,000 --> 00:04:06,719
I showed you before

35
00:04:06,719 --> 00:04:08,360
turned out to belong
to a corrupt official.

36
00:04:08,560 --> 00:04:10,520
The authorities seized it today.

37
00:04:10,840 --> 00:04:12,479
Good thing fortune was on your side.

38
00:04:12,680 --> 00:04:14,719
Just look at the house
you bought instead.

39
00:04:14,840 --> 00:04:15,719
It's far more

40
00:04:15,879 --> 00:04:17,079
impressive than the one next door.

41
00:05:00,639 --> 00:05:01,600
Miss, look.

42
00:05:01,839 --> 00:05:03,519
Assistant Commander Zhao

43
00:05:03,519 --> 00:05:05,199
is leading men to raid the house
next door.

44
00:05:14,480 --> 00:05:16,000
When it comes to choosing a house,

45
00:05:16,079 --> 00:05:17,439
you need a good eye.

46
00:05:17,959 --> 00:05:19,759
And you've certainly got one, Miss Xie.

47
00:05:20,240 --> 00:05:21,199
Good thing

48
00:05:21,199 --> 00:05:22,720
you didn't choose the place next door.

49
00:05:22,920 --> 00:05:24,199
If you had,

50
00:05:24,199 --> 00:05:25,600
we'd be in real trouble now.

51
00:05:25,600 --> 00:05:26,480
Right, Miss Xie?

52
00:05:59,879 --> 00:06:00,560
They won't let us watch?

53
00:06:00,560 --> 00:06:01,639
This must be serious.

54
00:06:04,199 --> 00:06:05,600
What on earth did they do?

55
00:06:05,600 --> 00:06:06,120
Miss Xie,

56
00:06:06,399 --> 00:06:07,199
let's go back.

57
00:06:07,199 --> 00:06:09,120
We still have guests waiting inside.

58
00:06:40,360 --> 00:06:41,079
Miss Xie,

59
00:06:41,079 --> 00:06:41,879
it's getting chilly.

60
00:06:41,879 --> 00:06:42,839
Let's go inside.

61
00:06:47,360 --> 00:06:48,959
The storm brewing in the capital

62
00:06:50,720 --> 00:06:51,920
is finally coming.

63
00:07:01,360 --> 00:07:02,680
I'm innocent!

64
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Move!

65
00:07:03,079 --> 00:07:03,879
Commander Zhao!

66
00:07:03,879 --> 00:07:04,839
Please, spare us!

67
00:07:04,839 --> 00:07:05,319
Move!

68
00:07:05,399 --> 00:07:06,720
(Xu Residence)
I'm innocent!

69
00:07:06,720 --> 00:07:07,439
Master!

70
00:07:07,439 --> 00:07:07,920
Kneel!

71
00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:09,079
Kneel!

72
00:07:09,079 --> 00:07:10,199
Master!

73
00:07:10,199 --> 00:07:11,160
Commander Zhao!

74
00:07:11,439 --> 00:07:13,519
I'm innocent!

75
00:07:15,360 --> 00:07:17,360
I didn't do it!

76
00:07:17,800 --> 00:07:19,120
Commander Zhao!

77
00:07:19,720 --> 00:07:20,680
Commander Zhao!

78
00:07:20,759 --> 00:07:21,959
Commander Zhao!

79
00:07:22,079 --> 00:07:24,480
Please spare us, Commander Zhao!

80
00:07:24,759 --> 00:07:25,600
Commander Zhao!

81
00:07:25,959 --> 00:07:27,959
Please spare me!

82
00:07:28,199 --> 00:07:29,160
Master!

83
00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:31,399
Please spare me, Commander Zhao!

84
00:07:32,519 --> 00:07:33,680
Commander Zhao!

85
00:07:43,760 --> 00:07:47,480
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

86
00:07:51,520 --> 00:07:55,280
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

87
00:07:57,720 --> 00:08:02,040
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

88
00:08:02,560 --> 00:08:04,840
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

89
00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:11,000
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

90
00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:21,120
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye
will fill my eyes with tears♪

91
00:08:22,640 --> 00:08:28,720
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

92
00:08:29,360 --> 00:08:32,640
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

93
00:08:33,600 --> 00:08:37,360
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

94
00:08:38,080 --> 00:08:43,480
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

95
00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:58,960
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

96
00:09:03,120 --> 00:09:06,920
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

97
00:09:09,360 --> 00:09:13,640
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

98
00:09:14,040 --> 00:09:16,480
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

99
00:09:18,799 --> 00:09:20,679
(My fate is uncertain now.)

100
00:09:21,480 --> 00:09:22,960
(If I give in and see her,)

101
00:09:24,039 --> 00:09:26,679
(I'll only put her in harm's way.)

102
00:09:27,400 --> 00:09:30,919
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

103
00:09:30,919 --> 00:09:31,720
Commander Zhao!

104
00:09:50,320 --> 00:09:51,960
Master!

105
00:09:57,160 --> 00:10:04,080
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

106
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Go that way.

107
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Take the long way around.

108
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♪Still makes us want to believe♪

109
00:10:13,440 --> 00:10:18,120
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

110
00:10:23,080 --> 00:10:23,519
Move.

111
00:10:23,840 --> 00:10:24,320
Move.

112
00:10:27,720 --> 00:10:28,360
Move.

113
00:10:38,400 --> 00:10:41,440
(Yu Residence)

114
00:10:45,559 --> 00:10:46,320
Madam,

115
00:10:46,519 --> 00:10:47,960
I've confirmed it.

116
00:10:48,440 --> 00:10:49,440
The one who bought the house

117
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was indeed Ninth Young Lady Fu.

118
00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:54,960
Her?

119
00:10:57,519 --> 00:10:59,799
She's put down roots in the northwest
these past few years,

120
00:11:00,440 --> 00:11:02,240
and she's gotten much more capable.

121
00:11:02,840 --> 00:11:05,600
She knows exactly where to strike
to do the most damage.

122
00:11:06,519 --> 00:11:08,279
With her helping Zhao Ling,

123
00:11:10,480 --> 00:11:12,279
no wonder he gets things done
so quickly.

124
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I think

125
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it's better to mend old grudges

126
00:11:15,559 --> 00:11:16,399
than deepen them.

127
00:11:16,480 --> 00:11:19,320
Why not use Young Master Ji's
first-birthday banquet

128
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as an occasion to send an invitation

129
00:11:20,200 --> 00:11:22,080
and ask the Ninth Young Lady
to come talk?

130
00:11:23,519 --> 00:11:25,039
The Ninth Young Lady...

131
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Here.

132
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Young Madam.

133
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I heard Miss Xie moved
into her new home today

134
00:11:35,200 --> 00:11:36,679
and held quite
a housewarming celebration.

135
00:11:38,600 --> 00:11:39,840
Where did she settle?

136
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Shijia Hutong.

137
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The very house you had your eye on.

138
00:12:01,200 --> 00:12:02,720
She has no one to rely on,

139
00:12:04,440 --> 00:12:05,840
and only just arrived in the capital,

140
00:12:06,519 --> 00:12:08,919
yet she can already afford a house
beside the Imperial Academy.

141
00:12:09,600 --> 00:12:10,879
She can afford it,

142
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but I can't?

143
00:12:13,720 --> 00:12:14,679
But now,

144
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you're the Young Madam of the Yu family.

145
00:12:16,639 --> 00:12:17,639
In birth,

146
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education,

147
00:12:19,039 --> 00:12:19,799
and marriage,

148
00:12:20,279 --> 00:12:21,799
how could she possibly compare to you?

149
00:12:22,519 --> 00:12:23,519
She's nothing more than

150
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a woman who ran away with a man

151
00:12:25,320 --> 00:12:27,159
only to be abandoned by him.

152
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That mouth of yours...

153
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Young Madam.

154
00:12:36,200 --> 00:12:38,600
A visiting card came from the wife
of an Anzhou merchant.

155
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They say she's from Madam Yu's hometown.

156
00:12:40,240 --> 00:12:42,120
She sent me to let you know.

157
00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:43,799
She'd like you to receive them.

158
00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:52,320
I am Sun of the Wu family,
and this is my niece.

159
00:12:52,440 --> 00:12:53,879
Greetings, Young Madam Yu.

160
00:12:56,440 --> 00:12:59,039
I've long heard that you excel
at both poetry and painting.

161
00:12:59,200 --> 00:13:00,840
(Madam Wu, Salt Merchant from Anzhou)
After arriving in the capital,

162
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I realized that all the young ladies
in the city

163
00:13:02,799 --> 00:13:04,360
couldn't stop praising

164
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the literary gatherings you host.

165
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Madam Yu

166
00:13:06,919 --> 00:13:08,639
certainly gained
a wonderful daughter-in-law.

167
00:13:10,000 --> 00:13:11,200
You flatter me, Madam Wu.

168
00:13:11,679 --> 00:13:12,840
Our family business is modest.

169
00:13:12,960 --> 00:13:14,360
Besides salt,

170
00:13:14,360 --> 00:13:15,960
we also trade in medicinal herbs.

171
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By good fortune,

172
00:13:17,399 --> 00:13:19,360
we recently acquired these two
rare purple lingzhi mushrooms.

173
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They're for Madam Yu's health.

174
00:13:21,799 --> 00:13:23,279
I hope you'll accept them.

175
00:13:24,120 --> 00:13:25,320
That's very kind of you, Madam Wu.

176
00:13:25,840 --> 00:13:27,320
Mother told me to see

177
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that you were well received.

178
00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:31,960
And this is for you, Young Madam.

179
00:13:39,159 --> 00:13:40,120
What is it?

180
00:13:40,279 --> 00:13:41,519
Anzhou's waters

181
00:13:41,519 --> 00:13:43,320
produce some especially fine dried fish.

182
00:13:43,559 --> 00:13:44,600
Before I came,

183
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I had ten catties prepared

184
00:13:45,919 --> 00:13:47,519
for you to enjoy.

185
00:13:50,360 --> 00:13:51,080
Young Madam,

186
00:13:51,360 --> 00:13:52,799
this dried fish from Anzhou

187
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sells

188
00:13:54,000 --> 00:13:56,200
for dozens of taels per catty here
in the capital.

189
00:13:57,559 --> 00:13:59,440
You'll finish it
in just a couple of meals.

190
00:13:59,919 --> 00:14:01,039
No need to put it in storage.

191
00:14:06,480 --> 00:14:08,200
You certainly know how
to choose an unusual gift, Madam Wu.

192
00:14:09,039 --> 00:14:10,039
I hear

193
00:14:10,039 --> 00:14:10,919
other residences

194
00:14:10,919 --> 00:14:11,960
are a bit larger.

195
00:14:12,360 --> 00:14:13,840
But you've come a long way
to the capital.

196
00:14:14,080 --> 00:14:15,639
Why not stay here with us?

197
00:14:16,320 --> 00:14:17,679
Thank you, Young Madam.

198
00:14:17,840 --> 00:14:18,559
Mozhan.

199
00:14:19,159 --> 00:14:20,799
Have the maids prepare
everything properly.

200
00:14:21,440 --> 00:14:22,480
See that our guests are
well looked after.

201
00:14:22,639 --> 00:14:23,240
Yes.

202
00:14:40,320 --> 00:14:41,600
Are you wearing the orchid fragrance?

203
00:14:44,159 --> 00:14:45,200
Take off your veil.

204
00:14:46,120 --> 00:14:47,360
Lift your head. Let me see you.

205
00:14:54,039 --> 00:14:55,080
Young Madam told you to remove it.

206
00:14:55,080 --> 00:14:55,840
Do it now.

207
00:15:06,240 --> 00:15:11,240
(Miss Wu)

208
00:15:30,120 --> 00:15:31,799
Please wait here a moment.

209
00:15:31,799 --> 00:15:33,000
I'll have the carriage brought around

210
00:15:33,320 --> 00:15:35,480
to take you both to our residence
in the west of the city.

211
00:15:37,559 --> 00:15:38,440
Thank you.

212
00:15:45,919 --> 00:15:47,399
You were far too careless.

213
00:16:07,919 --> 00:16:09,159
Young Master loves orchids,

214
00:16:09,519 --> 00:16:10,759
and she just happens
to wear orchid fragrance.

215
00:16:11,240 --> 00:16:13,000
Clearly she was trying to seduce him.

216
00:16:14,159 --> 00:16:16,080
Good thing nothing escapes your eye,
Young Madam.

217
00:16:16,440 --> 00:16:17,080
Otherwise,

218
00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:18,759
she might actually have gotten away
with it.

219
00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:21,679
When I first married Young Master,

220
00:16:22,720 --> 00:16:24,159
I was about her age too.

221
00:16:25,159 --> 00:16:26,480
Sixteen or seventeen,

222
00:16:27,360 --> 00:16:28,559
young and pretty.

223
00:16:29,360 --> 00:16:30,960
What man wouldn't like that?

224
00:16:32,960 --> 00:16:34,519
Where did Madam Wu come from again?

225
00:16:35,279 --> 00:16:36,000
Anzhou.

226
00:16:37,320 --> 00:16:38,240
Anzhou...

227
00:16:39,360 --> 00:16:41,000
I've heard the salt merchants there

228
00:16:41,559 --> 00:16:43,279
buy young girls
from entertainment houses

229
00:16:44,120 --> 00:16:45,600
and train them specifically
to please men.

230
00:16:46,279 --> 00:16:47,399
They call them "trained courtesans."

231
00:16:49,320 --> 00:16:50,360
Tell me,

232
00:16:53,000 --> 00:16:54,039
why would she parade a girl like that

233
00:16:54,039 --> 00:16:55,519
right in front of Mother?

234
00:16:55,799 --> 00:16:57,600
And she dares call herself a young lady?

235
00:16:58,039 --> 00:16:59,480
What kind of "young lady" is she?

236
00:17:00,679 --> 00:17:02,679
Now even common merchants

237
00:17:03,200 --> 00:17:04,920
dare scheme against me.

238
00:17:05,839 --> 00:17:07,799
All because my birth family
has little influence

239
00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:08,960
and no powerful connections.

240
00:17:14,440 --> 00:17:15,319
Fine.

241
00:17:16,599 --> 00:17:18,000
For Ji's birthday banquet,

242
00:17:18,440 --> 00:17:19,799
I'm going to make it a grand affair.

243
00:17:21,079 --> 00:17:23,160
I want everyone to see

244
00:17:25,759 --> 00:17:28,279
if I'm the real Young Madam Yu.

245
00:17:34,840 --> 00:17:38,000
(Virtue Blesses the Hometown)

246
00:17:45,319 --> 00:17:46,000
Miss Xie.

247
00:17:46,319 --> 00:17:47,559
Someone from the Yu family brought this.

248
00:17:47,960 --> 00:17:48,759
They said it's

249
00:17:48,759 --> 00:17:50,359
an invitation to Young Master Ji's
first-birthday banquet.

250
00:17:51,079 --> 00:17:53,000
You just snatched that house out
from under Young Madam Yu,

251
00:17:53,480 --> 00:17:55,039
on top of all your old grudges.

252
00:17:55,720 --> 00:17:57,200
This is obviously a trap.

253
00:17:59,960 --> 00:18:00,840
(Invitation)

254
00:18:08,359 --> 00:18:10,839
The only way to find out how treacherous
the capital's social circles are

255
00:18:11,920 --> 00:18:14,200
and what the Yu family
is planning with this banquet

256
00:18:14,599 --> 00:18:16,599
is to go see for myself.

257
00:18:21,880 --> 00:18:25,120
(Invitation from the Yu Residence)

258
00:18:34,200 --> 00:18:36,240
Young Madam Yu is famously possessive.

259
00:18:36,400 --> 00:18:38,359
Even Mozhan, who was merely
somewhat pretty,

260
00:18:38,359 --> 00:18:40,079
was married off early.

261
00:18:40,079 --> 00:18:41,039
And you...

262
00:18:41,160 --> 00:18:42,759
you went and hit her right
where she's most sensitive.

263
00:18:43,720 --> 00:18:44,400
Madam,

264
00:18:44,480 --> 00:18:45,880
her waist has grown by half a cun.

265
00:18:52,119 --> 00:18:53,839
No dinner

266
00:18:53,839 --> 00:18:54,599
for the next two weeks.

267
00:18:56,680 --> 00:18:57,480
Yes.

268
00:18:58,319 --> 00:18:58,920
Madam,

269
00:18:59,039 --> 00:19:00,440
the Yu family sent an invitation

270
00:19:00,440 --> 00:19:01,880
(Invitation)
to Young Master Ji's birthday banquet.

271
00:19:08,839 --> 00:19:10,240
The Yu family's banquet

272
00:19:10,240 --> 00:19:11,440
will be full of powerful guests.

273
00:19:11,440 --> 00:19:12,759
You know exactly

274
00:19:12,759 --> 00:19:13,799
what's at stake.

275
00:19:14,079 --> 00:19:15,640
If you make another mistake,

276
00:19:16,279 --> 00:19:18,799
don't blame me for being harsh with you.

277
00:19:20,279 --> 00:19:20,960
I understand.

278
00:19:22,720 --> 00:19:24,799
Prepare two fine outfits for Miss Wu.

279
00:19:25,839 --> 00:19:26,440
Yes.

280
00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:27,519
Tomorrow,

281
00:19:27,799 --> 00:19:29,559
I'll find you a good household
to marry into.

282
00:19:32,160 --> 00:19:32,640
Let's go.

283
00:19:41,519 --> 00:19:42,880
Madam spends every day

284
00:19:42,880 --> 00:19:44,400
sending gifts to rich
and powerful families,

285
00:19:44,920 --> 00:19:46,759
yet she won't even let you eat properly

286
00:19:47,359 --> 00:19:49,160
or give you decent clothes.

287
00:19:50,319 --> 00:19:52,519
You've come here only to suffer.

288
00:19:55,599 --> 00:19:57,839
But she's right about one thing.

289
00:19:59,839 --> 00:20:01,839
If I can marry a good man,

290
00:20:03,319 --> 00:20:04,680
I can finally escape her.

291
00:20:05,480 --> 00:20:06,680
(Yu Residence)
Congratulations!

292
00:20:06,759 --> 00:20:07,559
Thank you, Madam.

293
00:20:07,559 --> 00:20:08,160
Please, come inside.

294
00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:09,039
Careful with that.

295
00:20:09,599 --> 00:20:10,000
Of course.

296
00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:11,480
Here. Put this away.

297
00:20:11,480 --> 00:20:12,039
This way, Madam.

298
00:20:13,039 --> 00:20:13,680
Please.

299
00:20:18,119 --> 00:20:18,960
This way, please.

300
00:20:19,200 --> 00:20:19,799
Okay.

301
00:20:21,640 --> 00:20:22,400
Sister.

302
00:20:23,000 --> 00:20:24,559
I could hear the firecrackers

303
00:20:24,559 --> 00:20:26,880
from two streets away.

304
00:20:27,200 --> 00:20:29,400
You've certainly made Ji's celebration

305
00:20:29,400 --> 00:20:31,240
both grand and auspicious.

306
00:20:31,359 --> 00:20:32,480
You flatter me.

307
00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:35,480
It's been quite some time.

308
00:20:35,799 --> 00:20:37,359
How have you been lately, Old Madam?

309
00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:39,000
I've been very well.

310
00:20:39,000 --> 00:20:40,119
(Old Madam Wei)

311
00:20:40,119 --> 00:20:42,000
My daughter-in-law often speaks of you.

312
00:20:42,079 --> 00:20:43,839
She says you handle everything

313
00:20:43,839 --> 00:20:45,400
with great care and elegance.

314
00:20:45,640 --> 00:20:47,640
Seeing this banquet today,

315
00:20:47,640 --> 00:20:49,480
I can see she was absolutely right.

316
00:20:49,480 --> 00:20:50,799
Thank you for your kind words,
Old Madam.

317
00:20:50,880 --> 00:20:51,880
Please, this way.

318
00:20:53,200 --> 00:20:54,160
Please.

319
00:21:02,279 --> 00:21:03,279
(Yu Residence)
How grand.

320
00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:06,039
It really is magnificent.

321
00:21:07,160 --> 00:21:08,160
Why is she here?

322
00:21:08,640 --> 00:21:09,599
Young Madam,

323
00:21:09,839 --> 00:21:11,759
Ms. Shu personally went to Shijia Hutong

324
00:21:11,759 --> 00:21:12,960
to deliver the invitation.

325
00:21:15,039 --> 00:21:16,440
This is my son's first-birthday banquet.

326
00:21:17,119 --> 00:21:18,400
Why invite her?

327
00:21:22,599 --> 00:21:24,119
Are Madam Wu

328
00:21:24,119 --> 00:21:25,079
and Miss Wu

329
00:21:25,079 --> 00:21:25,920
from Anzhou

330
00:21:26,519 --> 00:21:27,839
coming too?

331
00:21:28,240 --> 00:21:28,920
Yes.

332
00:21:39,759 --> 00:21:40,920
Of all days, the palace banquet

333
00:21:40,920 --> 00:21:42,799
falls on the Young Master Ji's
first birthday.

334
00:21:42,799 --> 00:21:44,000
And we can't very well ask
to be excused.

335
00:21:48,920 --> 00:21:49,759
This way, please.

336
00:22:05,559 --> 00:22:06,400
She's here.

337
00:22:14,559 --> 00:22:16,759
Who's in charge of the cooking today?

338
00:22:17,359 --> 00:22:18,440
From Cuixi House.

339
00:22:20,160 --> 00:22:21,119
Add a dish of sesame flatbread.

340
00:22:23,079 --> 00:22:23,599
Yes.

341
00:22:37,640 --> 00:22:38,720
What's this?

342
00:22:38,839 --> 00:22:40,200
Young Master arranged it.

343
00:22:43,720 --> 00:22:44,720
Ladies,

344
00:22:45,359 --> 00:22:47,440
my husband once went
on an inspection tour in the northwest.

345
00:22:47,559 --> 00:22:48,559
When he returned to the capital,

346
00:22:48,559 --> 00:22:49,799
he brought back some local specialties

347
00:22:49,799 --> 00:22:50,720
for me to try.

348
00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:53,640
I especially liked
this sesame flatbread.

349
00:22:54,039 --> 00:22:55,319
He's always been thoughtful,

350
00:22:55,880 --> 00:22:56,960
so he remembered.

351
00:22:58,079 --> 00:23:00,000
Young Lord Yu is so considerate.

352
00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:02,119
How enviable.

353
00:23:02,279 --> 00:23:03,559
Then let's have a taste.

354
00:23:03,559 --> 00:23:04,240
Yes.

355
00:23:11,920 --> 00:23:13,920
I hear Commander Zhao has been back
in the capital for some time

356
00:23:14,240 --> 00:23:15,599
and hasn't even come to see you.

357
00:23:15,799 --> 00:23:17,000
Could it be that

358
00:23:17,000 --> 00:23:18,240
now that he's risen in rank,

359
00:23:18,720 --> 00:23:21,000
he's forgotten the woman
who stood by him through hardship?

360
00:23:22,640 --> 00:23:24,200
We have
many distinguished ladies here today,

361
00:23:24,400 --> 00:23:26,359
all from prominent households.

362
00:23:26,759 --> 00:23:28,200
Shall I make some introductions

363
00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:29,599
and help you find a husband,

364
00:23:30,079 --> 00:23:31,480
so you don't waste your youth?

365
00:23:31,920 --> 00:23:32,839
Watch

366
00:23:32,839 --> 00:23:34,279
your mouth! I...

367
00:23:39,599 --> 00:23:40,880
Have you noticed

368
00:23:41,160 --> 00:23:42,240
that right now,

369
00:23:42,440 --> 00:23:43,160
you sound remarkably like

370
00:23:43,160 --> 00:23:44,759
someone we both know?

371
00:23:52,039 --> 00:23:53,799
If you were truly happy with your life,

372
00:23:54,720 --> 00:23:56,319
why come flaunting it in front of me

373
00:23:56,319 --> 00:23:57,960
like some proud rooster?

374
00:24:02,440 --> 00:24:03,799
I wouldn't call it flaunting.

375
00:24:04,400 --> 00:24:05,960
I'm simply living an ordinary life.

376
00:24:05,960 --> 00:24:07,480
I didn't realize that, in your eyes,

377
00:24:07,799 --> 00:24:09,119
even that counted as showing off.

378
00:24:12,079 --> 00:24:14,119
If you're genuinely happy,

379
00:24:14,400 --> 00:24:16,160
after all our years as close friends,

380
00:24:16,720 --> 00:24:18,319
of course I'd be happy for you.

381
00:24:19,079 --> 00:24:20,839
But sometimes, when I think of the past,

382
00:24:21,200 --> 00:24:23,119
I can't help feeling it's a shame.

383
00:24:23,880 --> 00:24:25,759
You, Fan Yake,

384
00:24:27,000 --> 00:24:29,039
once became famous throughout Huaying

385
00:24:29,039 --> 00:24:31,400
with a single painting
of narcissus flowers.

386
00:24:38,279 --> 00:24:40,680
But now, on your teacup...

387
00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:44,119
are those still narcissus flowers?

388
00:24:48,240 --> 00:24:48,839
Change them.

389
00:24:49,119 --> 00:24:50,880
Madam Yu specifically ordered it.

390
00:24:51,440 --> 00:24:52,240
You may go.

391
00:24:53,880 --> 00:24:54,599
Young Madam,

392
00:24:55,039 --> 00:24:56,480
everyone in the capital knows

393
00:24:56,640 --> 00:24:58,359
Young Master loves orchids most.

394
00:24:58,720 --> 00:25:00,039
Madam Yu arranged this

395
00:25:00,319 --> 00:25:01,400
because she cares for you.

396
00:25:05,839 --> 00:25:07,400
Go fetch Madam Wu.

397
00:25:08,519 --> 00:25:10,119
The real show is about to begin.

398
00:25:10,880 --> 00:25:11,519
Yes.

399
00:25:15,559 --> 00:25:17,680
This young lady comes
from my mother-in-law's hometown.

400
00:25:18,160 --> 00:25:19,000
Her surname is Wu.

401
00:25:20,839 --> 00:25:23,279
That Huzhou silk dress is lovely.

402
00:25:23,279 --> 00:25:25,440
It reminds me of something
from years ago.

403
00:25:26,039 --> 00:25:26,759
Back then,

404
00:25:26,759 --> 00:25:28,240
when we were in Yongning,

405
00:25:28,759 --> 00:25:30,480
Miss Xie's fiance

406
00:25:30,480 --> 00:25:31,640
didn't want anyone else

407
00:25:31,640 --> 00:25:33,200
wearing the same fabric as her,

408
00:25:33,799 --> 00:25:35,440
so he bought up

409
00:25:35,440 --> 00:25:37,079
every bolt of Huzhou silk in the city.

410
00:25:37,279 --> 00:25:38,559
He spared no expense.

411
00:25:38,680 --> 00:25:40,960
He cherished her above all else.

412
00:25:41,359 --> 00:25:42,680
There's no comparison.

413
00:25:42,960 --> 00:25:44,480
Miss Xie's fiance

414
00:25:44,480 --> 00:25:46,319
is the renowned Commander Zhao.

415
00:25:46,519 --> 00:25:47,759
Their social standing

416
00:25:48,039 --> 00:25:49,400
is worlds apart.

417
00:25:50,160 --> 00:25:52,000
Commander Zhao, the one
who drove Li Mao to his death?

418
00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:53,160
I thought

419
00:25:53,240 --> 00:25:54,759
he wasn't engaged.

420
00:25:55,200 --> 00:25:56,400
I heard

421
00:25:56,400 --> 00:25:58,160
that Miss Xie's so-called fiance

422
00:25:58,160 --> 00:26:00,200
no longer acknowledges their engagement.

423
00:26:00,519 --> 00:26:02,240
Miss Xie may be highborn,

424
00:26:02,559 --> 00:26:04,160
but Miss Wu here

425
00:26:04,279 --> 00:26:06,759
was graciously given a chance
by Young Madam to display her talent

426
00:26:06,759 --> 00:26:08,519
by painting at today's banquet

427
00:26:08,640 --> 00:26:10,319
and capturing the celebration.

428
00:26:12,359 --> 00:26:13,759
But in this painting,

429
00:26:14,920 --> 00:26:16,400
why don't I see Miss Xie?

430
00:26:23,079 --> 00:26:23,839
How dare you.

431
00:26:25,359 --> 00:26:26,559
Madam,

432
00:26:26,960 --> 00:26:28,200
the paper is limited in size.

433
00:26:28,400 --> 00:26:30,079
To capture the elegance

434
00:26:30,079 --> 00:26:31,119
of all the distinguished ladies here,

435
00:26:31,440 --> 00:26:32,240
I had no choice

436
00:26:34,599 --> 00:26:36,079
but to leave a few people out.

437
00:26:37,880 --> 00:26:39,119
In that case,

438
00:26:40,599 --> 00:26:42,000
use a larger sheet

439
00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:43,079
and paint it again.

440
00:26:45,519 --> 00:26:46,759
Young Madam, please understand.

441
00:26:47,240 --> 00:26:48,720
For today's painting

442
00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:50,960
to be worthy of the ladies
gathered here,

443
00:26:51,319 --> 00:26:53,000
I specifically chose the rarest

444
00:26:53,000 --> 00:26:54,079
Bailu Xuan paper.

445
00:26:55,079 --> 00:26:56,240
This paper is extremely valuable,

446
00:26:56,480 --> 00:26:58,039
and this is already
the largest sheet available.

447
00:26:58,039 --> 00:26:58,920
Any other sheet

448
00:26:58,920 --> 00:27:00,319
would only be smaller.

449
00:27:01,119 --> 00:27:03,160
Unfortunately, Miss Wu's skill
is still lacking,

450
00:27:03,400 --> 00:27:04,559
so today's painting

451
00:27:05,079 --> 00:27:06,680
will simply have to leave
a few people out.

452
00:27:09,160 --> 00:27:10,039
Everyone here

453
00:27:10,039 --> 00:27:11,440
is an honored guest of the Yu family.

454
00:27:11,839 --> 00:27:12,960
How could our neighboring ladies

455
00:27:13,079 --> 00:27:14,279
possibly be left out?

456
00:27:14,799 --> 00:27:16,480
Ladies holding imperial titles

457
00:27:16,839 --> 00:27:18,079
and the mistresses
of the great households

458
00:27:18,240 --> 00:27:19,039
must, of course,

459
00:27:19,039 --> 00:27:20,160
all be included.

460
00:27:21,440 --> 00:27:22,680
With Li Mao dead,

461
00:27:23,319 --> 00:27:25,000
Commander Zhao
will be in danger himself.

462
00:27:26,559 --> 00:27:27,599
In this picture,

463
00:27:29,079 --> 00:27:30,279
there is no place for you.

464
00:27:33,160 --> 00:27:34,759
I hope you'll forgive us, Miss Xie.

465
00:27:34,839 --> 00:27:37,480
We can have Miss Wu
paint your portrait another day.

466
00:27:38,160 --> 00:27:39,559
A painting depends on

467
00:27:39,559 --> 00:27:41,000
placement and emphasis.

468
00:27:41,519 --> 00:27:43,640
Adding or removing a figure
is hardly difficult.

469
00:27:44,599 --> 00:27:45,839
With your skill,

470
00:27:45,839 --> 00:27:46,799
surely you know that.

471
00:27:47,200 --> 00:27:48,519
If you know it,
yet claim you can't do it,

472
00:27:48,519 --> 00:27:49,480
then I imagine

473
00:27:49,480 --> 00:27:50,759
there's another reason.

474
00:27:52,119 --> 00:27:54,319
The Yu family invited me here today,

475
00:27:54,880 --> 00:27:56,519
which makes me your guest.

476
00:27:57,359 --> 00:27:58,920
Yet now you coerce others

477
00:27:59,119 --> 00:28:00,799
to humiliate a guest in public.

478
00:28:01,559 --> 00:28:02,640
Young Madam Yu,

479
00:28:02,920 --> 00:28:04,559
is this how your family
treats its guests?

480
00:28:11,160 --> 00:28:12,640
Poor painting skills are one thing,

481
00:28:13,200 --> 00:28:14,759
but ranking people by status

482
00:28:14,759 --> 00:28:16,039
and comparing their husbands' offices?

483
00:28:16,519 --> 00:28:17,480
How improper.

484
00:28:17,759 --> 00:28:19,440
I was thoughtless.

485
00:28:19,519 --> 00:28:20,640
Please forgive me, Young Madam.

486
00:28:22,160 --> 00:28:23,960
I'll redo the composition

487
00:28:24,880 --> 00:28:26,119
and include

488
00:28:26,440 --> 00:28:27,359
all the ladies present.

489
00:28:29,079 --> 00:28:29,880
Go on, then.

490
00:28:32,079 --> 00:28:32,839
Zhao Ling

491
00:28:32,839 --> 00:28:33,960
exceeded his authority

492
00:28:33,960 --> 00:28:34,880
and overstepped the court's laws.

493
00:28:35,000 --> 00:28:36,200
Under the law,

494
00:28:36,200 --> 00:28:37,480
he should be dismissed and investigated.

495
00:28:40,160 --> 00:28:41,079
Summon Zhao Ling.

496
00:28:41,319 --> 00:28:43,400
Summon Zhao Ling!

497
00:28:51,960 --> 00:28:52,920
Your Majesty,

498
00:28:53,759 --> 00:28:55,200
I resorted to extraordinary measures

499
00:28:55,400 --> 00:28:56,480
and used torture
to extract a confession.

500
00:28:57,039 --> 00:28:58,079
I know I overstepped my authority.

501
00:29:00,880 --> 00:29:02,440
(Grand Secretary Tian,
Grand Academician of Wenhua Hall)

502
00:29:04,640 --> 00:29:05,319
However,

503
00:29:05,960 --> 00:29:07,119
the convicted official Li Mao

504
00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:08,599
repented on his deathbed

505
00:29:10,880 --> 00:29:12,039
and confessed to his crimes.

506
00:29:12,559 --> 00:29:15,079
(Memorial: Gandu Military Embezzlement)
He also wrote down his co-conspirators.

507
00:29:16,480 --> 00:29:18,119
I await Your Majesty's judgment.

508
00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:19,279
Li Mao confessed?

509
00:29:19,599 --> 00:29:21,160
If he did, why would he kill himself?

510
00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:22,279
Exactly.

511
00:29:46,599 --> 00:29:48,240
There is something you don't know.

512
00:29:49,279 --> 00:29:50,240
Zhao Ling

513
00:29:52,279 --> 00:29:53,880
received a secret edict from me.

514
00:29:54,319 --> 00:29:55,839
That is why he came to the capital.

515
00:29:56,880 --> 00:29:58,920
As for the charge that he investigated
beyond his authority,

516
00:29:59,720 --> 00:30:00,880
you have

517
00:30:02,119 --> 00:30:03,039
wrongly accused him.

518
00:30:08,519 --> 00:30:10,319
I know you were eager to solve the case

519
00:30:10,599 --> 00:30:12,119
and acted before reporting
to the Ministry of Justice.

520
00:30:13,519 --> 00:30:15,400
But the court has laws and procedures.

521
00:30:15,599 --> 00:30:17,279
If I hadn't protected you today,

522
00:30:17,279 --> 00:30:18,720
what would you have done?

523
00:30:23,920 --> 00:30:24,720
I deserve death.

524
00:30:25,200 --> 00:30:26,480
Your Majesty protected me today,

525
00:30:27,759 --> 00:30:28,960
just as you did in Yongning

526
00:30:29,920 --> 00:30:31,720
when you forgave me
for concealing my identity.

527
00:30:32,279 --> 00:30:32,880
I am

528
00:30:33,680 --> 00:30:34,680
deeply grateful
for Your Majesty's mercy.

529
00:30:36,599 --> 00:30:38,079
You've changed greatly

530
00:30:38,079 --> 00:30:39,240
from the man you were a few years ago.

531
00:30:40,559 --> 00:30:43,160
I intend to thoroughly investigate
corruption in the salt administration.

532
00:30:43,160 --> 00:30:44,759
If Li Mao's confession

533
00:30:44,759 --> 00:30:46,039
can serve as a warning,

534
00:30:46,160 --> 00:30:47,480
perhaps those corrupt officials

535
00:30:47,480 --> 00:30:48,759
will learn to rein themselves in.

536
00:30:49,480 --> 00:30:50,240
However,

537
00:30:50,440 --> 00:30:51,559
this assignment

538
00:30:51,880 --> 00:30:52,880
will make you enemies.

539
00:30:53,200 --> 00:30:53,920
If you fail,

540
00:30:54,119 --> 00:30:55,480
it could cost you your head.

541
00:30:55,920 --> 00:30:56,640
Will you take it?

542
00:30:58,839 --> 00:31:00,400
I will give it everything I have

543
00:31:00,640 --> 00:31:01,680
and not fail Your Majesty's trust.

544
00:31:02,279 --> 00:31:02,799
Good.

545
00:31:03,359 --> 00:31:04,240
Then remember this.

546
00:31:04,559 --> 00:31:06,119
You returned to the capital
by imperial command

547
00:31:06,319 --> 00:31:07,599
with special authority to make arrests.

548
00:31:12,799 --> 00:31:13,839
Thank you, Your Majesty.

549
00:31:15,520 --> 00:31:16,960
(Yu Residence)

550
00:31:16,960 --> 00:31:18,000
The auspicious hour has arrived.

551
00:31:18,279 --> 00:31:19,799
Let the first-birthday
choosing ceremony begin.

552
00:31:25,880 --> 00:31:27,400
In other families,

553
00:31:27,400 --> 00:31:28,759
the child's mother usually holds him
for the ceremony.

554
00:31:29,200 --> 00:31:30,160
So why, in the Yu family,

555
00:31:30,160 --> 00:31:31,640
is Madam Yu presiding?

556
00:31:32,119 --> 00:31:33,759
You think Young Madam Yu
doesn't want to?

557
00:31:33,960 --> 00:31:34,880
In this family,

558
00:31:34,880 --> 00:31:36,400
Madam Yu is still the one in charge.

559
00:31:36,480 --> 00:31:38,359
She could bear ten children
and it wouldn't matter.

560
00:31:38,440 --> 00:31:39,319
There can only be

561
00:31:39,319 --> 00:31:40,480
one true matriarch of the house.

562
00:31:41,160 --> 00:31:43,359
Today is my grandson Ji's
first birthday.

563
00:31:43,680 --> 00:31:46,279
Thank you all for joining us
to celebrate.

564
00:31:46,559 --> 00:31:48,240
If anything has been lacking
in our hospitality,

565
00:31:48,599 --> 00:31:49,839
I hope you'll forgive us.

566
00:31:50,960 --> 00:31:52,599
Just look at the boy.

567
00:31:52,720 --> 00:31:54,519
That high nose, those big eyes...

568
00:31:54,519 --> 00:31:55,440
he looks

569
00:31:55,440 --> 00:31:57,319
just like Madam Yu.

570
00:31:57,400 --> 00:31:58,440
No wonder they say

571
00:31:58,440 --> 00:31:59,759
grandparents and grandchildren
share a special bond.

572
00:32:00,000 --> 00:32:02,079
The young master
takes after his grandmother,

573
00:32:02,279 --> 00:32:02,920
so one day

574
00:32:02,920 --> 00:32:04,400
he'll surely be especially devoted
to her.

575
00:32:05,119 --> 00:32:06,640
Indeed.

576
00:32:07,680 --> 00:32:08,799
How adorable.

577
00:32:09,240 --> 00:32:10,359
Now let's see

578
00:32:10,359 --> 00:32:12,200
what future little Ji chooses
for himself.

579
00:32:13,319 --> 00:32:14,920
First, the longevity lock.

580
00:32:14,920 --> 00:32:15,759
Good health,

581
00:32:15,759 --> 00:32:16,559
long life,

582
00:32:16,559 --> 00:32:17,720
and lasting blessings.

583
00:32:22,920 --> 00:32:24,680
Second, the golden spoon.

584
00:32:25,079 --> 00:32:27,519
A lifetime of wealth and honor.

585
00:32:31,279 --> 00:32:32,880
Third, the calligraphy brush.

586
00:32:32,880 --> 00:32:34,319
Intelligence and a love of learning,

587
00:32:34,319 --> 00:32:35,519
with a bright future ahead.

588
00:32:35,759 --> 00:32:38,000
Congratulations, Madam Yu.

589
00:32:38,000 --> 00:32:39,440
Congratulations to the Yu family.

590
00:32:39,440 --> 00:32:42,039
That boy is clearly destined
to carry on the family legacy.

591
00:32:42,039 --> 00:32:43,559
He'll surely make something of himself.

592
00:32:46,160 --> 00:32:46,880
Reward them.

593
00:32:51,319 --> 00:32:52,880
(Jiuxiao Banquet Hall)
When I was still Crown Prince,

594
00:32:53,200 --> 00:32:55,240
you enlisted with my letter
of introduction.

595
00:32:56,000 --> 00:32:57,079
Over the past five years,

596
00:32:57,240 --> 00:32:58,839
you've led your troops
to victory time and again

597
00:32:59,400 --> 00:33:00,400
and handled

598
00:33:00,720 --> 00:33:02,160
this case exceptionally well.

599
00:33:02,640 --> 00:33:03,519
It seems

600
00:33:04,279 --> 00:33:05,799
I was right about you.

601
00:33:07,440 --> 00:33:08,359
Zhao Ling,

602
00:33:09,160 --> 00:33:09,880
you deserve a reward.

603
00:33:10,279 --> 00:33:12,960
Senior fourth-rank Assistant Commander
of the Capital Guard.

604
00:33:13,720 --> 00:33:14,519
Do you like it?

605
00:33:16,160 --> 00:33:17,079
Thank you, Your Majesty.

606
00:33:17,960 --> 00:33:18,720
Rise.

607
00:33:19,160 --> 00:33:20,640
He's been promoted to fourth-rank?

608
00:33:20,640 --> 00:33:22,000
Yes. That was fast.

609
00:33:22,279 --> 00:33:23,359
Zhao,

610
00:33:24,119 --> 00:33:25,160
do you have a courtesy name?

611
00:33:26,079 --> 00:33:26,880
Your Majesty,

612
00:33:27,119 --> 00:33:28,279
my parents died when I was young,

613
00:33:28,400 --> 00:33:29,279
so I was never given one.

614
00:33:33,920 --> 00:33:35,519
I have little learning,

615
00:33:36,240 --> 00:33:37,519
so I ask Your Majesty
to bestow one upon me.

616
00:33:38,559 --> 00:33:41,440
You certainly know how
to seize an opportunity.

617
00:33:46,559 --> 00:33:48,000
Huchen.

618
00:33:53,000 --> 00:33:54,039
How do you like

619
00:33:54,839 --> 00:33:55,720
that courtesy name?

620
00:33:56,079 --> 00:33:56,920
Thank you, Your Majesty.

621
00:34:00,039 --> 00:34:01,480
So when do we get to celebrate

622
00:34:01,480 --> 00:34:03,079
your marriage to Miss Xie?

623
00:34:05,400 --> 00:34:06,240
She is

624
00:34:07,480 --> 00:34:09,519
at a banquet at the Yu Residence
right now.

625
00:34:12,079 --> 00:34:14,039
Then go with Minister Yu

626
00:34:14,199 --> 00:34:15,800
and bring your sweetheart home.

627
00:34:17,719 --> 00:34:18,239
Yes.

628
00:34:26,719 --> 00:34:28,079
Come, sit. Please.

629
00:34:28,840 --> 00:34:30,800
It's been so long
since we've all been together.

630
00:34:30,800 --> 00:34:31,440
Sit here.

631
00:34:31,440 --> 00:34:32,360
Forgive my poor hospitality.

632
00:34:32,679 --> 00:34:33,880
Please make yourselves at home.

633
00:34:34,039 --> 00:34:35,239
I'll sit right beside you.

634
00:34:35,840 --> 00:34:37,280
We can finally catch up properly today.

635
00:34:37,280 --> 00:34:38,239
Exactly.

636
00:34:38,239 --> 00:34:39,440
Then let me offer a few toasts first.

637
00:34:39,559 --> 00:34:40,119
Here.

638
00:34:42,320 --> 00:34:43,679
No need to be so formal with me.

639
00:34:43,679 --> 00:34:44,880
So graceful and elegant.

640
00:34:46,840 --> 00:34:48,519
A true lady of good breeding.

641
00:34:48,519 --> 00:34:50,000
What were you thinking?

642
00:34:50,000 --> 00:34:51,880
Miss Xie is an honored guest
I personally invited.

643
00:34:51,880 --> 00:34:53,199
Why was she seated at the last table?

644
00:34:53,960 --> 00:34:55,039
Mother,

645
00:34:55,280 --> 00:34:57,440
Mozhan arranged the seating
according to precedent.

646
00:34:58,039 --> 00:34:59,559
I should have thought it
through more carefully.

647
00:34:59,559 --> 00:35:00,400
Ridiculous.

648
00:35:07,480 --> 00:35:08,440
Miss Xie.

649
00:35:10,079 --> 00:35:10,559
Come.

650
00:35:10,840 --> 00:35:12,199
Sit beside me.

651
00:35:14,480 --> 00:35:15,880
We haven't seen each other in years.

652
00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:17,760
We have so much to catch up on.

653
00:35:18,239 --> 00:35:18,760
Come.

654
00:35:26,599 --> 00:35:27,239
Madam Yu,

655
00:35:27,719 --> 00:35:29,280
I'm afraid such an honor is more
than I deserve.

656
00:35:29,920 --> 00:35:30,679
Have a seat.

657
00:35:42,199 --> 00:35:44,079
Miss Xie, perhaps you haven't heard.

658
00:35:44,480 --> 00:35:46,119
At the palace banquet just now,

659
00:35:46,119 --> 00:35:48,639
His Majesty bestowed the courtesy name
Huchen upon Commander Zhao

660
00:35:48,639 --> 00:35:49,639
and granted him special permission

661
00:35:49,639 --> 00:35:50,840
to remain in the capital as an official.

662
00:35:51,000 --> 00:35:52,679
From a regional post to the capital,

663
00:35:52,679 --> 00:35:54,280
he's certainly risen fast.

664
00:35:54,639 --> 00:35:55,440
From now on,

665
00:35:55,440 --> 00:35:57,119
you'll both be staying in the capital.

666
00:35:57,239 --> 00:35:59,760
His Majesty even mentioned
your marriage just now.

667
00:36:00,320 --> 00:36:01,880
Come sit closer

668
00:36:01,880 --> 00:36:03,119
and tell me all about it.

669
00:36:03,519 --> 00:36:04,800
Thank you for telling me, Madam.

670
00:36:05,079 --> 00:36:06,280
I'm deeply grateful
for His Majesty's favor.

671
00:36:07,039 --> 00:36:09,039
Then congratulations
are certainly in order.

672
00:36:09,119 --> 00:36:11,480
Looks like you backed the right man.

673
00:36:11,760 --> 00:36:13,320
Miss Xie and Commander Zhao

674
00:36:13,320 --> 00:36:14,760
truly are devoted to each other.

675
00:36:15,519 --> 00:36:15,960
Here.

676
00:36:16,320 --> 00:36:17,800
A toast to Miss Xie.

677
00:36:17,960 --> 00:36:19,199
Congratulations!

678
00:36:19,199 --> 00:36:20,079
Congratulations!

679
00:36:41,159 --> 00:36:42,239
Who would've thought

680
00:36:42,920 --> 00:36:44,239
things would turn around so suddenly?

681
00:36:44,519 --> 00:36:45,840
Miss Xie

682
00:36:46,199 --> 00:36:47,440
is clearly no ordinary woman.

683
00:36:59,719 --> 00:37:00,719
Five years ago,

684
00:37:01,039 --> 00:37:01,960
you told me

685
00:37:02,639 --> 00:37:04,199
I could spend ten years,

686
00:37:05,280 --> 00:37:06,760
even decades,

687
00:37:07,719 --> 00:37:10,039
to reach your father's level.

688
00:37:11,599 --> 00:37:13,639
So how far have I climbed now?

689
00:37:16,880 --> 00:37:18,239
Am I high enough

690
00:37:19,000 --> 00:37:20,159
to sit

691
00:37:20,280 --> 00:37:21,760
at the same table as your father?

692
00:37:23,960 --> 00:37:25,360
I'd rather know

693
00:37:26,719 --> 00:37:29,360
whether she likes the man you've become.

694
00:37:31,760 --> 00:37:32,760
Have the two of you

695
00:37:33,679 --> 00:37:35,039
set a wedding date yet?

696
00:37:38,679 --> 00:37:40,920
That's none of your concern.

697
00:38:00,280 --> 00:38:02,280
I was occupied in the rear rooms
just now

698
00:38:03,199 --> 00:38:05,440
and didn't know my daughter-in-law
had offended you in the main hall.

699
00:38:06,519 --> 00:38:08,079
I failed to keep her in line.

700
00:38:08,400 --> 00:38:10,159
Please forgive us, Miss Xie.

701
00:38:10,599 --> 00:38:11,760
I hope this

702
00:38:12,119 --> 00:38:14,159
won't damage the bond
we've shared all these years.

703
00:38:14,480 --> 00:38:16,679
I took a liking to you back in Huaying,

704
00:38:17,320 --> 00:38:18,800
and it seems fate has brought us
together again.

705
00:38:19,119 --> 00:38:20,800
Why don't we put
our age difference aside

706
00:38:20,800 --> 00:38:22,000
and just be friends?

707
00:38:22,159 --> 00:38:24,039
You and Zhao Ling are new
to the capital.

708
00:38:24,519 --> 00:38:26,400
It would be good for us to look out
for one another.

709
00:38:32,400 --> 00:38:33,559
Surely you jest, Madam.

710
00:38:34,920 --> 00:38:35,960
Yake and I

711
00:38:35,960 --> 00:38:37,280
grew up together.

712
00:38:37,840 --> 00:38:39,920
If I were to treat her mother-in-law
as my peer,

713
00:38:40,760 --> 00:38:41,920
where would that

714
00:38:42,039 --> 00:38:43,239
leave Yake?

715
00:38:46,239 --> 00:38:47,960
It was my daughter-in-law

716
00:38:48,119 --> 00:38:49,760
who hurt you back then.

717
00:38:51,280 --> 00:38:52,840
Was Yake the only one who hurt me?

718
00:38:58,639 --> 00:39:00,079
When Young Lord Yu

719
00:39:00,079 --> 00:39:01,480
came to Ganlin on his inspection,

720
00:39:01,480 --> 00:39:03,239
the matter of those
four written confessions

721
00:39:03,679 --> 00:39:05,039
was settled once and for all.

722
00:39:08,960 --> 00:39:10,320
Four?

723
00:39:15,519 --> 00:39:16,840
Allow me one word of advice today

724
00:39:17,000 --> 00:39:18,960
to Commander Zhao.

725
00:39:19,039 --> 00:39:21,400
Be more careful from now on.

726
00:39:22,320 --> 00:39:23,920
There's more to the capital

727
00:39:24,360 --> 00:39:25,519
than meets the eye.

728
00:39:26,000 --> 00:39:27,760
Don't let one impulsive move

729
00:39:27,760 --> 00:39:29,199
cost you everything you've built.

730
00:39:31,079 --> 00:39:31,760
Please.

731
00:39:34,960 --> 00:39:35,960
(May Virtue and Grace Endure)

732
00:39:35,960 --> 00:39:36,519
Let's go.

733
00:39:38,440 --> 00:39:39,519
Good thing we brought umbrellas.

734
00:39:40,079 --> 00:39:41,920
Look how hard it's raining.

735
00:39:44,360 --> 00:39:45,760
Look. Who's that over there?

736
00:39:47,159 --> 00:39:47,880
Who?

737
00:40:08,320 --> 00:40:13,760
♪Once a bird among the clouds,
now fallen into the mortal world♪

738
00:40:13,760 --> 00:40:20,640
♪Inviting frost to my temples,
veiling the face of bygone days♪

739
00:40:20,640 --> 00:40:26,720
♪With a feather in my beak, I brave
the storm away every false accusation♪

740
00:40:26,720 --> 00:40:33,560
♪May all common folk share one roof,
every lantern rest in peace♪

741
00:40:33,560 --> 00:40:35,960
♪Let this humble name carry me♪

742
00:40:35,960 --> 00:40:37,000
It's Commander Zhao.

743
00:40:38,840 --> 00:40:45,841
♪With wit and strategy,
I enter this game without regret♪

744
00:40:45,880 --> 00:40:48,440
♪Let the past remain beyond recall♪

745
00:40:48,440 --> 00:40:51,000
♪In exchange for boundless skies♪

746
00:40:52,120 --> 00:40:54,640
(Next Episode)

747
00:40:55,519 --> 00:40:56,920
(The struggle for power at court)

748
00:40:57,400 --> 00:40:58,880
(is like rowing against the current.)

749
00:40:59,519 --> 00:41:00,719
(If you don't move forward,
you fall behind.)

750
00:41:01,480 --> 00:41:03,000
(There's a staircase before me.)

751
00:41:03,760 --> 00:41:05,519
(I have no choice but to keep climbing,)

752
00:41:06,280 --> 00:41:07,360
(all the way to the top.)

753
00:41:07,920 --> 00:41:09,440
Only by standing high enough

754
00:41:09,719 --> 00:41:11,840
can I truly protect us

755
00:41:12,599 --> 00:41:14,719
from the storm of arrows aimed our way.

756
00:41:15,320 --> 00:41:17,039
Since it's come to this,

757
00:41:17,159 --> 00:41:18,559
from now on, our two families

758
00:41:19,239 --> 00:41:21,119
will fight until one of us falls.

759
00:41:21,320 --> 00:41:22,639
I've set the stage for you.

760
00:41:23,239 --> 00:41:24,960
From here on out, you'll have

761
00:41:25,639 --> 00:41:26,760
plenty of people willing
to do the dirty work.

762
00:41:39,480 --> 00:41:43,800
♪The past brushes by
like a falling leaf♪

763
00:41:47,400 --> 00:41:51,760
♪So light, yet my steps still pause
for you♪

764
00:41:53,880 --> 00:41:58,520
♪Through every rise and fall,
our memories remain without regret♪

765
00:41:58,760 --> 00:42:01,560
♪Carved into the rings of time♪

766
00:42:02,720 --> 00:42:07,360
♪How I wish I could stay
a little longer, but I can't♪

767
00:42:10,560 --> 00:42:17,400
♪I turn away, afraid goodbye will fill
my eyes with tears♪

768
00:42:18,280 --> 00:42:24,800
♪Etched deep within my heart,
yet buried without a word♪

769
00:42:25,760 --> 00:42:29,200
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

770
00:42:29,720 --> 00:42:33,920
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

771
00:42:34,200 --> 00:42:39,880
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪

772
00:42:52,000 --> 00:42:55,880
♪For one fleeting moment, I found you
in the crowd♪

773
00:42:59,800 --> 00:43:03,800
♪Without a word, you lit up
half my life♪

774
00:43:05,520 --> 00:43:10,200
♪In silence, a love too deep for words♪

775
00:43:10,520 --> 00:43:13,200
♪Kept close within my heart♪

776
00:43:14,280 --> 00:43:19,120
♪From now on, no one else
is worth waiting for♪

777
00:43:22,640 --> 00:43:29,560
♪I turn away, afraid no one
will ever come home to me again♪

778
00:43:30,440 --> 00:43:36,920
♪If we can build our future together,
no storm can chill my heart♪

779
00:43:37,800 --> 00:43:41,320
♪The warmth of your hand in mine♪

780
00:43:41,760 --> 00:43:46,120
♪Still makes us want to believe♪

781
00:43:46,320 --> 00:43:52,040
♪One promise for a lifetime,
echoing long after we part♪