Original subtitles

[Episode 16]

Right above us, the gods are watching.

May Grandmother rest in peace and reach the Pure Land soon.

Li Er.

Li Er, wait.

Sister-in-law, get in the carriage first.

Just say what you want to say.

I want to know why didn't you expose me?

Because you helped me too.

You played the ghost to scare Father, and I kept your secret.

It was a fair exchange. We are even now.

Don't you hate me?

Why would I hate you?

For trying to steal my dowry and my mother's shops?

But I've already taken all of those back.

Also, I made you lose face in front of everyone.

I married your father, which caused your mother...

That had nothing to do with you.

Even without you, they still would've driven my mother out.

If Father hadn't married you, he would've married someone else.

If I must hate someone, I should hate him, not you.

Ye Wen Hua is heartless, cowardly, and weak.

He is not a man to be relied upon.

Marrying him might not be a blessing.

How you live is your own business. I shouldn't interfere.

But Ye Rong is a good child, and you are his closest kin.

Also, there is Ye Ying.

She'll need your care in the future too.

Whatever you do, please think of their well-being.

I understand.

Thank you.

I'm leaving. Take care.

Li Er.

Will you ever come back?

[Ye's Mansion]

Li.

What are you doing?

I'm hungry.

Weren't you hungry?

Eat up.

You know how to cook?

It's just a bowl of Botuo. It's easy.

If you're hungry, just find A Ding.

He'll cook for you no matter how late it is.

Stop eating only sugar.

I like sugar.

But after I went to Li Mountain, there was no sugar anymore.

Wasn't there honey?

It's not the same.

Year after year, I craved sugar more and more.

I thought that once I left the mountain,

I'd only eat sugar for all three meals a day.

All right, all right. No more.

Li.

Are you all right?

I mean since you returned from the Ye's Mansion, have you been doing okay?

Of course.

I'm doing well.

Does it still taste good?

It's delicious.

Try some.

It's good, right?

I'm so full.

Can you still sleep?

Sure.

Some people like to take a walk after eating too much.

Others just want to sleep it off.

My grandfather called it "food drunk."

It's just like when people get drunk and feel sleepy.

Wait.

Close your eyes.

Open them.

Qing Yu brought this back from the Ye's Mansion.

She said it meant a lot to you.

I saw it was broken, so I had it repaired.

Qing Shuang.

My Lady.

Where are you going, Your Highness?

To the Jingzhao Office for duty.

Doesn't the office open at the Mao Hour?

It's still early.

- Is something the matter? - Yes.

Can you take a walk with me?

A walk?

I'm a cripple.

Then I'll push you.

All right.

What did His Highness just call himself?

A cripple.

Are you crazy? Not so loud!

Didn't you ask me?

Impressive.

Her Highness is truly impressive.

Send this to the office.

Slow down.

When my mother left Li Mountain,

she was only nineteen years old.

As soon as she arrived in the Capital, she met my father.

At that time,

the Ye family was just a small household on the outskirts.

They were destitute, clinging to the empty shell of a scholarly family.

Mother fell in love with my father's looks at first sight.

She wanted to marry him.

Did Master Xu agree to the marriage?

Of course not.

But he had no choice.

In the end, he let my mother have her way.

Your mother getting married was the talk of the Capital then.

I heard the late Emperor bestowed the estate upon the Ye family

and graced their main hall with his calligraphy "Family of Goodness".

Red carpets paved the way. Imperial guards carried the palanquin.

Eighty dowry chests filled with gold and jade.

Even the dowry maids wore finer clothes than noble ladies.

It sounds like you saw it yourself.

Her glory was unmatched. Everyone knew of it.

Her father often said, her early life was too smooth.

Even the heavens grew envious,

so she was punished by marrying into the Ye family.

Grandmother disliked her.

My eldest uncle was overbearing.

Father was weak.

At first, they feared Li Mountain,

so my mother's life was relatively peaceful.

But once it was sealed off, they showed their true colors.

They abused and humiliated her.

They even tried to drive her to her death.

You told me before that your mother was gravely ill and was cast out.

Then she died at Zhengyi Temple.

I lied to you.

My mother's death was suspicious.

I had always suspected it,

but I only confirmed it on that birthday banquet.

Grandmother killed her.

Back then, Mother was gravely ill.

I went to find Father and begged him to see her one last time.

That enraged Grandmother.

While I was away looking for a physician,

she murdered my mother.

So you returned to the Ye's Mansion for revenge?

They stole something important from my mother.

I planned carefully.

I hired someone to put on an act as a Taoist Master

and found Madam Wang's weakness, getting her to frighten Father.

- Stay back! - Father felt guilty toward my mother.

A little scare made him lose his mind.

So, have you found it now?

I have some leads.

Do you still hate them?

Mo Xiu Yao.

Tell me, will the sun burn out?

The sun rises and sets, repeating its cycle.

Tomorrow... is a new day.

Look, my pinwheel spins faster than yours!

Wait here.

Don't blow on it!

That's cheating!

I'm going to blow anyway!

Take a look.

How much is this pinwheel?

Three wen.

Here.

Your Highnesses, you're back.

I'm leaving.

Are you going home?

Escort her back.

No need.

I'd like to walk by myself.

Then, see you tonight.

See you tonight.

Wait.

Come and take a look!

Five wen a skewer.

Would you like one?

- How much? - This one?

Five wen. Would you like one?

[Xiangqi House]

How did it go? Did you find that imperial decree?

Tell me, who has it?

Consort Dowager Qin Zheng.

I thought it was Marquis Muyang who pressured the Ye family.

I didn't expect Qin Zheng to have taken the decree.

You're awake.

You keep running over here all the time.

Aren't you afraid your father finds out?

So what if he knows?

I just like you, Lady Qin.

The Empress Dowager dotes on you anyway.

That's all you care about.

Tell me, what is it?

Look at this.

What happened?

From riding and archery. They're calluses.

What does that have to do with me?

I stay home all day with nothing to do.

I'm bored. So bored.

Lady Qin, help me find a post.

I won't be bored if I have a job.

Serving in the Zhechong Garrison requires mastery of archery and riding.

I've made some progress by training these days.

I should be able to get by.

I can find you a post, but not at the Zhechong Garrison.

That's a place of real combat.

If anything happens to you,

how would I answer to Marquis Muyang?

Then why can Qin Cang do it?

He's served in the Huaixi army for years. Have you?

Why compare yourself to him?

I don't care. You have to help me.

Qin Cang just returned, right?

You're brothers. Is this necessary?

Who's his brother?

His surname is Qin, and mine is Zhou.

You're both your father's sons, just different surnames.

Blood ties cannot be erased.

You revere your father so much,

yet you won't acknowledge your brother?

Fine. If you can't do it, I won't let him do it either.

Happy now?

Qin Zheng is cautious with an extraordinary background,

and is ruthless in her actions.

But there's one thing.

For some reason, back then,

she firmly believed the Empress Dowager was her destiny.

So she stayed close to her since entering the palace.

No matter what the Empress Dowager did, she supported fully.

Now, I suspect whether that imperial decree is really in her hands.

Why?

That decree concerns the Heiyun Cavalry and the Empress Dowager's reputation.

Would she keep something with high stakes?

Whether it was against Li Mountain or Prince Ding's Mansion,

it was Marquis Muyang who struck.

He is the Empress Dowager's blade.

But why was it Consort Dowager Qin who took the decree from the Ye's Mansion?

If she has her own agenda, she would certainly keep the decree herself.

Guard Qin.

Young Lord.

Heading out for an errand?

Yes.

You just returned from Linjiao Villa?

I chatted with the Consort Dowager and was rewarded with a fine horse.

A stallion from Cangbei.

But I'm not fond of riding or archery.

I heard that you've been skilled in both since childhood.

How about I give this horse to you?

What do you say?

No need.

Are you interested in this?

Let me tell you, the Consort Dowager has insight into the movements of the sun and moon.

She says everything in this world follows its own laws.

Fathers, sons, and brothers are bound by fate.

If you're interested, the next time I visit her, I'll take you along.

How about it?

That won't be necessary.

Governor.

Someone has reported that eight years ago, Ye Wen Ding

and a servant of the Ye's Mansion, Sun Fu, conspired to murder a maidservant.

The location of her remains is unknown.

Take men to the Ye's Mansion and arrest Sun Fu.

Make him give a confession and reveal where the body was buried.

Well... That Ye's Mansion?

Her Highness's maternal home?

Is there another Ye's Mansion in the Capital?

The maid's name was Yan Lu.

She lived in Tulin Alley, East District.

Her parents are still alive, and she has a younger brother.

After Sun Fu murdered her,

he lied to her family saying she had gone to Li Mountain with her masters.

If you find the remains and confirm the identity, return her to her family.

- Yes. - Yes.

How is the matter at Penglai Alley?

It's all here.

Everyone involved that day's operation is on this list.

Your Highness, why do you want to investigate them?

We mobilized the troops right after receiving the tip.

From Jingzhao Office to Penglai Alley,

there are only three districts away.

Upon arrival, we split into two groups to cover the four alley entrances.

No later than You Hour, quarter past.

Our layout was perfect and our timing was precise.

But just as we were about to catch Chi Hu,

someone rushed in and rescued him.

Do you suspect there's a leak among us?

They encountered us, which means they just got the information.

So this person was among our guards.

Go investigate and see who's not present during the arrest,

or who had left at some point during the operation.

On the list are all newcomers with no background in the Capital.

If someone betrayed us, it's most likely they were bribed.

Then check their recent expenses as well.

Find out who bought land and who is burdened by debt.

Investigate it all.

Since they can be bought for profit,

they must have spent money somewhere.

Yes.

Your Highness, be careful.

Don't burn yourself.

Your Highness, let me do it instead.

No need.

Your Highness, be careful.

Your Highness.

Is there any movement at the Jingzhao Office?

They are still investigating Yuan Fang.

Although Chi Hu was exposed, I've already sent him out of the city.

That lead is dead for them.

You can rest easy for now.

We can't just watch them run wild over us.

Prince Ding's Mansion is not our enemy.

Back then, Mo Xiu Wen died at the hands of Marquis Muyang and the Empress Dowager.

Mo Xiu Yao wants to seek justice for his brother and the Heiyun Cavalry.

He can be won over.

He has already sided with the young Emperor.

What does that matter?

His goal is to deal with Marquis Muyang,

who is the Empress Dowager's confidant.

The stronger Mo Xiu Yao becomes,

the more the young Emperor will fight with the Empress Dowager.

The court is complicated.

It might not go exactly as you wish.

Your Highness.

You clearly understand the situation.

Why insist on treating Mo Xiu Yao as an enemy?

Who let you in?

I... I knocked.

You're injured.

It's me.

I accidentally took a fall yesterday.

His Highness was helping me apply medicine.

I shall take my leave.

That day, I saw you go out.

You must have been mistaken.

I was dead drunk that day and was sleeping the whole time.

How could I have gone out?

How do you feel?

Does it hurt?

It doesn't.

Try it.

You're recovering well.

Standing again is only a matter of time.

Don't be so surprised.

I need to see how your legs are recovering to adjust your next prescription.

Now that you can stand, try taking a few steps.

Good. Just like that.

Don't rush.

- Your Highness! - Your Highness!

Do you feel any discomfort?

Your Highness.

Are you all right?

Li.

Thank you.

Your leg injury has been neglected for so many years.

I mentioned it several times, but you wouldn't let me try.

I had no choice but to push you into it.

You've truly gone to great lengths.

Yao.

I didn't mean to harm you.

So many pastries!

So much money!

So much food!

Quick! They're giving out money!

- Hurry, hurry! - They're giving out money!

Your Highness.

What is going on here?

They're giving out cash rewards.

Everyone, His Highness is in a good mood today.

He's rewarding everyone. Snacks and money for you all!

- Everyone gets a share! - Here.

- Take it. - Come on.

Everyone gets a share. Don't rush.

It's mine!

Give me one.

I want one too.

This is tonic soup.

From today onwards, you don't have to take medicine.

Acupuncture changes to every other day, until you can walk normally.

This process will be longer than setting the bone.

And you must not be careless.

Drink two bowls of tonic soup daily.

Finish them before the Xu Hour.

Eat more at every meal and walk a little after eating.

It helps the muscles grow and restores your vitality.

Thank you, Li.

How many more times will you say it?

I am truly grateful to you.

I never thought I'd stand again.

You healed my legs, yet I was suspicious of you before.

I thought you had ulterior motives and I even lost my temper at you.

I promised to visit your family,

but in the end I didn't keep it.

I only just realized you never believed I could heal you.

If you didn't trust me,

why did you let me treat your legs?

With how stubborn you are, if I hadn't let you try,

who knows what you would have done?

Like that bandits incident.

Your Highness.

I heard you've been eating less recently and not sleeping well.

I've prepared some calming soup.

Please have some, Your Highness.

Why aren't you on duty today?

It's my day off.

You always seem to be on leave.

The Jingzhao Office handles every case in the Capital, big or small.

My subordinates and I often work all day, even burning the midnight oil.

You think I'm idle

only because other officials wine and dine after work, indulging in pleasure.

As for me, I don't attend banquets.

I return home as soon as I'm off duty.

It seems like I've wronged Your Highness.

By the way, you mentioned about your mother's maid, Yan Lu.

We found her remains and sent them back to her family.

This case is now under the Jingzhao Office.

How will Master Fu and Ye Wen Ding be sentenced?

A life for a life.

Those who covered it up will be dismissed.

I'm on leave today.

Is there anything you want to do?

I can accompany you.

I don't have anything in particular.

What about things you want?

As long as you can name it,

I'll find it for you.

Really?

Then I want a lot of things.

Delicious food, beautiful things,

fun things, jewelry and hairpins, houses and courtyards, antiques and paintings.

Then let's go.

Where are we going?

Jin, prepare the carriage.

Yes.

Why are we here?

To pick out some things.

No, I'm not going in.

This Jinbao House is a rival of my shop, Shende House.

I already get annoyed just watching how busy their shop is every day.

And you want me to buy things from them?

Then let's go to Shubao House.

No way.

It has the same owner as Jinbao House.

Also Qibao House, Huibao House, and Linbao House.

We can't go to any of those shops?

If we can't, there's only Shende House left.

I can't possibly take you there

and have you pick out things in your own shop.

Anyway, I won't support a rival's business.

They won't earn a single coin from me.

I'll pay today.

Pick whatever you like.

Well, all right then.

What would you like, ma'am?

In our shop, we specialize in gold, silver, jade, porcelain, and ritual ware.

This is the porcelain we just got in this morning.

Does anything catch your eye?

Nothing special.

Do you have anything better?

Is this your first time here?

You might not know, but our shop has a rule.

Well...

To see the premium goods, you must spend 10,000 coins first.

But I want to see the best today.

Is that not allowed?

Well...

Please wait a moment.

Honored guests, are you here to see our porcelain?

Please wait in the private chamber.

I'll have my staff prepare

and bring out all the finest porcelain in our shop.

Don't you have strict rules here?

New guests must spend 10,000 coins to see the good stuff.

It's my first time here, and you bring out the best?

Rules are rigid, but people are flexible.

It is our honor to have you visit our shop.

We wouldn't let rules get in the way.

This way, please.

[On the Next Episode]

On January 12th,

Ye Li held the imperial decree and left Li Mountain alone.

She left Li Mountain alone and traveled to the Capital by herself.

Why can't Qing Shuang do it?

Qing Shuang?

Isn't that right, Qing Shuang?

Would Her Highness be insane?

You want to clear the name of the Prince Ding's Mansion?

Wait for the right opportunity.

Heaven will help us.