Original subtitles

[Episode 17]

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.

I think the manager recognized me.

Why do you say that?

If he didn't know I'm the owner of Shende House,

why would he be so attentive?

He took me to a private room and offered to show me the fine goods.

I think he wants to use the best treasure to shock me.

Don't worry, Princess Ding.

Everything is ready. Please, have a look.

If you don't like them, there are more in inventory.

It's okay.

Is there anything you like?

I'll ask them to wrap it up.

Don't worry about money.

This shop is mine.

What?

The shop owner you mentioned just now is me.

His Highness is indeed the owner of Jinbao House.

And I've worked for Prince Ding's family for a long time.

My family does have some businesses.

Then why didn't you tell me before?

Feng Zhi Yao has been taking care of it.

I didn't pay much attention to it.

If you are interested,

I'll let you take care of the shop.

I am interested! I'm very interested indeed.

Congratulations.

I'll look forward to your guidance.

I think you're very different today.

Marquis Muyang.

Gongshu Yang tracked to my former guard.

What's going on?

Before Gongshu Yang arrived at Huaixi, he conducted an incognito visit.

He made the major clans report each other anonymously, causing widespread panic.

Everyone thought their secrets had been revealed.

After some finger-pointing, they used Guard Qiu as a scapegoat.

But don't worry, Marquis Muyang.

Now that he has been abandoned by all, they certainly won't let him live long.

Gongshu Yang won't get anything out of him.

Marquis Muyang. I...

I was supposed to take office today as the Vice Commander of Zhechong Garrison.

Why is there no sign yet?

Something went wrong with that.

I forgot to tell you.

That position has been filled by someone else.

It's just as well.

The work of the Vice Commander is all about killing.

It's not exactly a good post.

If you still want to pursue an official career,

I will find you another position.

Thank you, Marquis Muyang.

You've been in the Capital for a while. Are you adjusting well?

Yes.

If you have any difficulties, feel free to come to me.

Guard Qin.

Young Lord.

Do you have time to go to Xiangqi House with me for a drink?

I have work to do.

It is not appropriate for me to drink.

I'll leave.

What are you so happy about?

Nothing.

Don't you have work to do?

Go ahead and do your job.

I lost my post.

Was it your doing?

I thought you were busy,

so I helped to reduce your work.

Childish.

That woman, Qin Zheng, is nothing like your coward father.

The decree thing concerns her very life.

It's almost impossible to get her to talk.

Of course, we can't ask her directly.

Do you have a plan?

Back when Consort Dowager Qin was in the palace,

she was very close to a person.

Zhou Xian Kun?

The official from the Bureau of Astronomy?

Exactly.

From what I know, Zhou Xian Kun was exceptionally talented

and had extraordinary insight.

He mastered the five elements and astronomy.

Aside from the Empress Dowager,

he was the one Consort Dowager Qin respected most.

So, you plan to start with him?

- Yes. - But he has been dead for years.

He is dead, but his disciple is not.

He might know something.

Careful!

Careful.

Alright, take everything away. Don't leave a single one behind.

Careful.

There, there. Careful.

- Your Highness. - What is going on here?

Don't you know, Your Highness?

Master said he won't stay here anymore.

He told me to send all his things back.

Your Highness, forgive my rudeness.

He has only stayed for a few days, but he left so many things.

Now he suddenly leaves without even telling you.

[Changsheng Shop]

I told you my master is unwell.

Your Highness, please do not disturb him.

What is wrong with him?

He suffers from the summer heat. Stagnated heat blocks his meridians.

He has no appetite for food or drinks, and he can't sleep well.

Anyway, he feels unwell and will not see any visitors.

Is the "visitor" your master mentioned only referring to me?

I bet you know it very well, Your Highness.

My master simply does not want to see you.

That is why he told me to come here and stop you.

But to be honest, you two are blood relatives.

If you really want to talk to him, why don't you do it at your family's mansion?

Why do you have to make things difficult for me here?

Don't worry.

I won't make things difficult for you.

Then please go back, Your Highness.

I won't see you off.

A Ding!

What are you doing? Let go of me!

Third Uncle.

I know you don't want to see me,

but today, I have a reason why I must see you.

Before you open the door,

I will wait here.

[Madam Ye's Tablet]

Third Uncle, you moved all your stuff out.

Are you not going to return to Prince Ding's Mansion?

Prince Ding's Mansion is too distinguished for me to reach.

Third Uncle, you are blaming me.

My first brother was stripped of his job

because he knowingly broke the law and brought it upon himself.

I don't blame you for that.

My second brother has lost his mind.

It's because he wronged your mother.

This is his retribution.

I don't blame you for that either.

Because of the death of your mother,

you harbor hatred for the entire Ye family.

You have turned the Ye family into a complete mess.

But I still don't blame you.

But my mother...

What did she do wrong?

Perhaps back then,

you shouldn't have left the mountain.

Third Uncle, you said I should have stayed at Li Mountain.

But actually, you believed that I should have died just like my mother.

I didn't say that.

But that's what you want.

But I can understand.

People always view things from their own perspective.

Even their family breaks the law,

people still side with their family.

But Third Uncle, I am your family, too.

You tolerate their evil deeds and turn a blind eye to their crimes,

yet you blame me for self-defense?

I should be asking you,

what exactly did I do wrong?

I also want to know what you did that night.

If you have nothing else to say, please leave.

I need to recite sutras for my mother.

Third Uncle. Have some tea.

I bet you know what happened to General Xiu Wen back then.

To whom did you give that decree recalling the Heiyun Cavalry to the Capital?

Consort Dowager Qin.

I never intended to harm Grandmother.

She was the one who came at me with a knife.

She wanted to get rid of me.

Just like how she killed my mother, she wanted to kill me, too.

Was I supposed to just stand there and let her take my life?

You probably don't know this,

but the tree that injured Grandmother was planted by my mother.

She killed Mother,

and then she died because of Mother's tree.

She brought it upon herself.

In this Changsheng Shop,

you always say that good is rewarded, and evil is punished.

You recite the sutras every day.

Can't you understand?

Good is rewarded, and evil is punished.

Li Er.

You are very clever.

You're way smarter than your father.

I will take that as a compliment from you, Third Uncle.

During these days,

I cannot fall asleep.

I've been thinking about you.

Thinking about me?

Thinking about everything you did after you left the mountain.

You taught Wang a lesson and reclaimed your dowry.

You did a great job managing Shende House.

You married Prince Ding and won Prince Ding's favor.

And now, at Ye's Mansion,

you have cleared the grievances and avenged your mother.

These are what I know.

But what about those that I don't know?

You are so meticulous and cold-hearted.

You can easily make anyone your pawn.

I am sure you did not come here today just to tell me these things.

I heard I am no longer in charge of Jinbao House.

And you gave that manor in the west of the city to your dear princess as well.

Do you know how much the shops in the West Market earn in a month?

They bring in a fortune every day!

Let alone a normal family,

that is more than enough to support hundreds of guards.

They are so important.

But you just gave them to someone else so easily.

She is my princess, not someone else.

"She is my princess, not someone else."

You were the one who told me back then

that many in court are watching you.

Your sister-in-law wasn't good at business,

so you wouldn't feel at ease unless you handed them over to me.

Now, just to make your wife happy, you gave them to her without hesitation.

Why aren't you worried that people are watching now?

Things have changed.

I've even taken office at Jingzhao Prefecture.

People won't care about who I gave these shops to.

You're hopeless.

Mo Xiu Yao, you're totally hopeless.

You're no different from a tyrant who ruins his kingdom for his concubine.

You gave all your wealth and power to your woman.

This is a sign of your downfall!

Do you still need this?

What is this?

What?

Didn't you ask me to keep investigating your princess? I found something.

But seeing how blind you are in love now,

I guess my investigation was a waste of time.

You won't even take a look?

If she wants to tell me, she will come to me.

Mo Xiu Yao?

Is there something wrong with my eyes, or with my brain?

You're standing up?

I'm cured, so I can stand up now.

It hurts. Your legs can feel pain now, huh?

So your legs have sensation!

Let me help you walk.

Here we go. Slow down.

One. Two.

Take a few steps.

Great! You're finally standing up.

Luck finally came your way!

Tonight, I'll hold a banquet at Qingfeng Mingyue Tower.

We'll drink till we drop!

Keep your voice down.

Don't tell anyone that my legs are cured.

I'm the first to know!

Your princess is quite something.

She actually cured your legs.

No wonder.

No wonder you gave her everything.

She is more than your lover now.

She gives you a second life!

I admit I was being petty before.

Let alone some shops,

even if you'd give her my Qingfeng Mingyue Tower,

I would be more than willing.

Don't you have any real reason for being here today?

Is there still no news from Huaixi?

It will ruin the mood to talk about Huaixi now.

I'll use tea instead of wine to toast you.

Can we talk about work now?

Huaixi.

As soon as Gongshu Yang arrived in Huaixi,

he turned the place into a total mess.

The clans pointed fingers at each other.

In the end, they used a Guard Qiu as the scapegoat.

He was once a guard for the Zhou family and a trusted aide of Marquis Muyang.

But now, he has become an abandoned pawn.

For someone like him, they won't let him live or say anything.

The Zhou family are all-powerful in Huaixi.

- They won't let him find their secrets. - Exactly.

He's tried every method, gentle and rough, overt and covert.

Gongshu Yang still has a long way to go.

But I think it's only a matter of time that he gets the evidence of the case.

After all, he is backed by His Majesty and Her Majesty.

No one would actually dare to hurt him.

Besides, Gongshu Yang is an upright man.

He won't stop until he gets what he wants.

Yao, although our goal is to take down Marquis Muyang,

more importantly, we must find evidence.

It's for you, for your family, and for the wronged Heiyun Cavalry.

What? You want to...

You want to reinvestigate the case for Prince Ding's family?

Even first-rank officials wouldn't dare to do that, but you want to have a try?

Have you lost your mind?

Seriously, what for? Just for Mo Xiu Yao?

Is that what you think of me, Third Uncle?

Does it have to be for a man?

Can't I just do it for the 30,000 soldiers who were wronged?

Or for people's peace and safety?

Or for the dignity of His Majesty?

Or for justice and righteousness in this world?

Fine.

I am doing it for Mother.

After General Xiu Wen learned that my grandfather had left the mountain,

he planned to work with the ministers to clear Grandfather's name in court.

He followed my mother's advice and told her where the decree was.

But after my mother obtained the decree,

my father and uncle took it away.

Mo Xiu Wen died because of that.

His entire family was also implicated.

So were the 30,000 wrongly accused Heiyun Cavalry.

It's what Mother and Li Mountain Academy owed them.

I must repay it.

I see.

You left the mountain for two reasons.

One is to take revenge.

The other is to repay the debt.

You certainly know what you are doing.

So, why did you come to me?

If what Grandfather said is correct,

that decree should be with Consort Dowager Qin now.

Consort Dowager Qin and your master, Master Xian Kun, were very close.

I want to know how much you know about Consort Dowager Qin.

What should I do to make Consort Dowager Qin give me that deadly decree.

My master was an astrologer at the Bureau of Astronomy.

When Consort Dowager Qin was selected to enter the palace,

my master went to Nanyi as a marriage envoy to pick her up.

Since then, they got to know each other.

The famous story of Master Xian Kun painting a dragon in Nanyi

also happened back when he picked her up?

Back then, Nanyi had suffered a drought for over three years.

The riverbeds were cracked, and the land was parched for miles.

My master saw the bodies of the starved and the hardship people suffered.

He felt so heartbroken.

So, on the day of the bride-receiving ceremony, he drew a painting.

It's said his brush moved like a dragon and a snake crossing the paper.

In an instant, a vivid, giant dragon sprang to life on the paper.

With the final stroke to the eye, the dragon actually tore through the paper

and vanished into thin air.

Suddenly, thunder roared across the sky, dark clouds rolled in,

and the rain began to pour.

Was it really that miraculous as you said?

My master definitely had some real skills.

Consort Dowager Qin believed that without a doubt.

What happened after that?

From Nanyi to the Capital, they traveled together for several months.

Under my master's influence,

she became increasingly obsessed with the art of divination.

The two of them always talked about the laws of heaven and destiny.

After she entered the palace, whenever she couldn't make up her mind,

she would consult my master.

However, things soon changed.

The late emperor died, and a fire broke out in the Eastern Palace.

My master was implicated in the case of the Eastern Palace.

He was sentenced to execution.

Master. Concubine Qin...

Concubine Qin is here to see you.

How did you get involved with those of the Eastern Palace?

I found a way and saw the testimonies.

Those of the Eastern Palace were just making wild accusations.

But don't worry.

I will find a way.

Alright.

I won't be worried.

You are truly a fool.

However, time passes and cannot be reclaimed.

The world turns in cycles.

This is what I should bear.

Don't go to see the Empress again.

It is useless.

Master, you can't give up.

- The Empress-- - Shen Er.

- You may leave first. - Master...

I am fine.

Give us some time for a few more words.

You said the Empress and I share a destiny, and our fortunes are linked.

I will beg her again. She will help...

It is useless.

Linked to Her Majesty's fortune?

Master foresaw that Her Majesty's destiny star shone on Consort Dowager Qin's destiny.

She was Consort Dowager Qin's destined savior.

However...

Her Majesty didn't manage to clear my master's name in the end.

I don't know why Consort Dowager Qin did that,

or why she didn't show the decree.

But now, she definitely won't show it easily.

It will certainly require some effort.

Do you have a plan?

I need Master Xian Kun's help.

My master's help?

Wait for the right moment.

God will help us.

[Marquis Muyang's Mansion]

You can't even hold out for such a short time?

Has Guard Qin ever given you any training?

Higher.

Right ahead.

Guard Qin.

- Young Lord. - Long time no see.

Have you been busy, Guard Qin?

Young Lord, Marquis Muyang sent me on an errand.

I just returned.

Thanks for your hard work.

My father thinks highly of you, Guard Qin.

The capable always take more work. Unlike me, a mere playboy.

I have nothing to do all day.

I can only drink and have fun here.

It is quite boring.

You are being modest, Young Lord.

You're here at just the right time.

I have some fresh mutton here.

Why don't you sit down and have a drink with me, Guard Qin?

- What do you say? - I have important work to do.

I shall not disturb your fun, Young Lord.

I'm leaving.

Guard Qin, you make me so embarrassed.

That's not very good.

Pork is greasy.

Mutton is fresh and tender.

And beef is quite chewy.

Each has its merits, making it hard to choose.

But I've heard that humans are the pinnacle of creation.

And human flesh combines the best qualities of all creatures.

It must be incredibly delicious when grilled.

The meat isn't fully cooked yet.

Guard Qin, how can you leave?

Young Lord! Young Lord!

I've been looking everywhere for you.

Registrar Tan is back.

He brought a letter from your mother.

He also brought various delicacies from Lingnan.

Fine food and wine, everything you want.

Young Lord. Come with me to take a look, okay?

Oh, right.

Marquis Muyang is back, too.

He's waiting for you in the hall.

You're so boring.

Let's go.

Young Lord. Lingnan is thousands of miles away.

How did Registrar Tan bring all these things back?

You have to ask him for me later.

Okay.

You're looking at the fish?

They are so free.

Let's go back.

On my way here, why did I barely see any servants?

Where is everyone?

I sent them all to Qiongying House today.

From now on, apart from Jin and A Ding,

only your maids, Qing Yu, Tao Er, and Xing Er are allowed to enter this room.

No one else is permitted.

Why?

For now, no one else shall find out that my legs are cured.

No wonder you wouldn't let me remove the iron rings in your room.

You also kept the wheelchair.

So you want to play the fool to catch the king?

Then I'll have Qing Yu buy a costume in the market tomorrow

for you to play on your show.

As you say, Princess Ding.

Where did you go today?

Changsheng Shop.

Did you make up with your third uncle?

Not exactly.

After all, Grandmother died because of me.

As her son, it's impossible for him to have no grudges.

But Third Uncle is a good man.

He's insightful and reasonable.

I think he will understand me.

You did nothing wrong in that.

You don't need to feel guilty toward him.

I don't feel guilty at all.

I was even quite assertive and left him speechless.

I won't get myself mistreated.

You don't need to comfort me, Your Highness.

By the way, you said that only Qing Yu, Tao Er, and Xing Er can enter this yard.

Why can't Qing Shuang enter here?

Qing Shuang?

Yes.

Back on Li Mountain, Qing Shuang endured years of hardship with me.

Now, she has left the mountain and moved in here with me.

She is my closest maid.

Qing Yu and the others can enter Tuisui House as they want.

But why isn't Qing Shuang allowed to enter?

Don't worry.

She won't tell anyone that you're still faking your leg injury.

Right, Qing Shuang?

Let's eat.

Let's eat.

Your Highness. Haven't you already asked once?

We don't have a maid named Qing Shuang here.

Qing Shuang has been her maid since childhood.

She went to Li Mountain with Princess Ding back then,

left the mountain upon receiving the decree, and came here after Princess Ding got married.

Did you investigate thoroughly?

That even makes less sense.

According to Her Majesty's decree,

only Her Highness was allowed to leave for her marriage.

The mountain guards strictly followed the decree.

Except for Her Highness, no one else left the mountain.

On January 12th, Ye Li brought the decree and left Li Mountain alone.

Li Mountain is a hundred miles from the Capital.

Having no money, Ye Li couldn't even set out.

- The mountain guards must have helped her - I'll come back to see you all again...

and raised money for her.

Only then could Ye Li take an ox cart to leave.

After several days of travel, she finally reached the Capital.

When the cart reached Changxing Gate,

- Lady. Where shall we go then? - She asked where your mansion was.

- Do you know where Prince Ding's Mansion is? - She rested at the west mansion tea stall.

- Thanks. - She ordered a few honey cakes,

and then talked with the owner about your mansion and you.

The stall owner can testify to this.

Have some too.

Until the sun set did Ye Li leave and return to Ye's Mansion.

The road was long and arduous.

Ye Li was but a weak woman, yet after many hardships,

she finally reached the Capital alone.

If you really care for her, you should cherish her devotion.

She left Li Mountain alone.

Then she arrived in the Capital alone.

Here. This is delicious.

You don't like this flavor?

Then I'll eat it.

- Your Highness, do you want some candy? - No, thanks.

Then wait for me. Let's go for a walk.

When you see a small ripple on the surface of the water,

the undercurrents deep below have already swirled a thousand times.

After I think back carefully,

I found she has been like this for a long time.

She is always talking to herself.

Qing Shuang. Come and feed it.

At first, I thought it was just a personal habit.

After all, she often thinks and acts differently.

Talking to herself doesn't seem like a big deal.

Eat this.

I don't want to eat that. I want this.

This shrimp is very fresh.

My Lady, you should eat more to stay healthy.

You too.

After we finish, I'll sing for you.

But now it seems she didn't talk to herself.

In her eyes,

- there has always been someone with her. - My Lady.

- What is this? - She eats with her.

She reads with her.

She spends the dull moments of her ordinary days with her.

It's often used to make medicine.

I'll let you try it later.

It's very effective.

From dawn till dusk, she is never alone.

Qing Shuang, look.

This one is big. Get this one.

I'll teach you.

Why do you think Princess Ding is acting like this?

Your Highness,

Her Highness perhaps is just too lonely.

Isn't this a symptom of a disease?

It could be considered one.

But the issue lies in the heart, not the body.

In my many years of practice,

I have heard that if a person suffers a sudden trauma,

such as the sudden loss of a close friend or relative,

and they cannot bear the grief, they may develop hallucinations.

They see and hear that person as if they were there, never leaving.

Doesn't that mean Her Highness is mad?

It's not necessarily madness.

As Your Highness said,

Her Highness went to the mountain young and was like a sister to her maid.

Now she has suddenly left the mountain and traveled miles to the Capital alone.

She had no one in her family to confide in.

She must have been sad.

Her Highness is still young.

It's not weird that she can't process her grief

and develops a delusion of her trusted maid.

In such cases, aside from having the delusion,

she still talks, behaves, and treats people just like a normal person.

To put it simply, she is just so heartbroken

that she is just trying to seek comfort.

Then how should she be treated?

Is there a way to cure her fast?

There is no quick cure for this.

Moreover, this is a knot in the heart, which cannot be cured with medicine.

It must be dealt with gradually.

For now, ensure she sleeps well,

eats healthily, and keeps her mind at ease.

Most importantly, she must have someone to rely on,

so she no longer feels lonely.

Her family should accompany her more.

In time, she may gradually recover.

Accompany her more...

You're here.

What did you bring?

I had the kitchen prepare the ginseng soup for you this morning.

What are you writing?

A letter. A letter home.

To Li Mountain?

Yes.

What are you doing? No peeking.

- Drink your soup first. - Go over there first.

You have to rewrite it now.

Leave it to me.

Luckily, the inside isn't wet.

Just sit down.

Stop making a mess.

Drink your soup first.

[On the Next Episode]

What's wrong with you?

You're acting strange today.

Li.

Now that you're here with me, do you still feel lonely?

Was it that night...

Send Princess Li away!

At midnight last night, a fire broke out at Prince Li's Mansion.

The fire spread rapidly, and they didn't put it out in time.

Prince Li has passed away.