1
00:00:07,780 --> 00:00:09,820
Your Highness, everything you instructed

2
00:00:09,820 --> 00:00:11,539
has been taken care of.

3
00:00:11,539 --> 00:00:12,859
Huo Xiangjiu

4
00:00:12,859 --> 00:00:14,279
will soon

5
00:00:14,279 --> 00:00:16,820
find her father.

6
00:00:16,820 --> 00:00:18,980
She's getting the easy way out—

7
00:00:18,980 --> 00:00:20,859
she deserved to die anyway.

8
00:00:20,859 --> 00:00:23,019
Saves us the trouble, I suppose.

9
00:00:23,019 --> 00:00:25,059
Someone who deserves death

10
00:00:25,059 --> 00:00:26,500
will die without fail.

11
00:00:27,039 --> 00:00:28,739
But weren't Your Highness

12
00:00:29,100 --> 00:00:30,579
worried before

13
00:00:30,579 --> 00:00:31,820
that killing her

14
00:00:31,820 --> 00:00:33,140
might provoke His Grace…

15
00:00:33,140 --> 00:00:36,340
A dutiful daughter,
upon learning of her father's death,

16
00:00:37,320 --> 00:00:38,799
is overwhelmed with grief

17
00:00:39,479 --> 00:00:41,759
and takes her own life
to follow him in death.

18
00:00:41,759 --> 00:00:42,679
Such is

19
00:00:43,079 --> 00:00:45,039
the very model of filial piety.

20
00:00:56,280 --> 00:00:57,140
Your Highness!

21
00:01:01,240 --> 00:01:01,960
Your Highness,

22
00:01:01,960 --> 00:01:03,359
what are you doing here?

23
00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:13,099
Your Highness,

24
00:01:13,099 --> 00:01:14,340
why are you here?

25
00:01:15,659 --> 00:01:17,579
I brought some ginseng soup

26
00:01:17,579 --> 00:01:18,579
for His Highness.

27
00:01:25,420 --> 00:01:26,140
Honey,

28
00:01:26,539 --> 00:01:28,400
have you been standing here long?

29
00:01:29,500 --> 00:01:31,379
Your Highness, you once reminded me

30
00:01:31,379 --> 00:01:32,659
not to disturb you

31
00:01:32,939 --> 00:01:34,870
while you're discussing matters.

32
00:01:35,978 --> 00:01:37,709
Honey, you are truly obedient.

33
00:01:40,299 --> 00:01:42,430
The weather has turned chilly lately.

34
00:01:42,459 --> 00:01:43,180
Honey,

35
00:01:43,379 --> 00:01:44,620
to avoid falling ill,

36
00:01:46,599 --> 00:01:48,079
you should stay in your room for now

37
00:01:48,079 --> 00:01:49,478
and not venture outside.

38
00:01:49,840 --> 00:01:50,560
Yuan Xiang,

39
00:01:52,959 --> 00:01:55,519
accompany the Princess Consort
at all times.

40
00:04:09,120 --> 00:04:09,919
Get some rest.

41
00:04:10,639 --> 00:04:11,439
Your health

42
00:04:11,900 --> 00:04:14,139
has only just begun
to improve these past few days—

43
00:04:14,139 --> 00:04:16,338
you can't afford to let your guard down.

44
00:04:23,839 --> 00:04:24,639
Y-

45
00:04:25,379 --> 00:04:26,579
You clumsy guard!

46
00:04:26,579 --> 00:04:27,500
Don't you know

47
00:04:27,500 --> 00:04:30,959
that being badly frightened
can seriously harm one's health?

48
00:04:33,279 --> 00:04:34,139
Miss Xiangjiu,

49
00:04:34,839 --> 00:04:35,639
please stay.

50
00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:39,360
I am

51
00:04:39,839 --> 00:04:41,040
Gongsun Hao.

52
00:04:42,240 --> 00:04:45,019
I've heard that the long-standing conflict
between Princess Ningshuang

53
00:04:45,019 --> 00:04:46,300
and the Old Madam was finally resolved,

54
00:04:46,300 --> 00:04:48,158
all thanks to your intervention.

55
00:04:49,939 --> 00:04:50,899
Oh, that matter—

56
00:04:51,980 --> 00:04:54,509
it was nothing more
than a misunderstanding.

57
00:04:58,658 --> 00:04:59,658
There is also something

58
00:04:59,658 --> 00:05:00,740
I'd like

59
00:05:01,300 --> 00:05:02,620
to ask you to help with.

60
00:05:04,259 --> 00:05:05,300
It is urgent—

61
00:05:05,459 --> 00:05:08,319
a matter of life and death
for the Princess Consort.

62
00:05:12,540 --> 00:05:15,339
Do you know what Gongsun Hao said to me?

63
00:05:15,699 --> 00:05:17,540
Whatever it is, it can wait…

64
00:05:21,759 --> 00:05:24,160
It's about the Princess Consort, isn't it?

65
00:05:25,360 --> 00:05:26,639
How did you know?

66
00:05:27,540 --> 00:05:27,980
You...

67
00:05:28,680 --> 00:05:30,319
have you already found out everything?

68
00:05:30,319 --> 00:05:31,120
Go to sleep.

69
00:05:32,980 --> 00:05:34,899
You have nothing to say?

70
00:05:39,240 --> 00:05:40,040
I do.

71
00:05:41,620 --> 00:05:42,519
Go to sleep.

72
00:05:45,459 --> 00:05:47,379
How can you be so indifferent?

73
00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:48,699
Go to sleep.

74
00:05:50,079 --> 00:05:52,600
Push me again and see what happens.

75
00:06:02,379 --> 00:06:04,040
So… we're sleeping like this?

76
00:06:05,139 --> 00:06:06,300
Yes, just like this.

77
00:06:19,500 --> 00:06:20,300
Xiangjiu,

78
00:06:20,459 --> 00:06:22,259
there's news about your father.

79
00:06:22,819 --> 00:06:25,939
Last night, the Eastern Palace arrested
a palace servant for theft.

80
00:06:25,939 --> 00:06:26,959
Under intense interrogation,

81
00:06:26,959 --> 00:06:28,040
it was discovered that 2 years ago,

82
00:06:28,040 --> 00:06:29,779
after being caught stealing,

83
00:06:29,860 --> 00:06:32,420
he beat an elderly palace servant
to death inside the palace.

84
00:06:32,420 --> 00:06:34,819
However, as the victim
had secretly entered the palace

85
00:06:34,819 --> 00:06:36,019
and had no official identity,

86
00:06:36,019 --> 00:06:38,220
the death had gone unnoticed until now.

87
00:06:42,120 --> 00:06:43,879
Heaven-Mandated

88
00:06:43,879 --> 00:06:45,879
Celestial Lord

89
00:06:45,879 --> 00:06:47,439
of Supreme Purity

90
00:06:47,439 --> 00:06:50,100
and Ultimate Divinity

91
00:06:50,100 --> 00:06:52,759
and the Mentor of Virtue,
Compassion, Benevolence, Rectitude,

92
00:06:52,759 --> 00:06:54,519
Harmony, Wellness, Nurturance, Felicity,

93
00:06:54,519 --> 00:06:56,360
Illumination, Preparedness,
Solemnity, Humanity,

94
00:06:56,360 --> 00:06:57,319
Hmm.

95
00:06:57,319 --> 00:06:59,639
Reverence, Admiration, Dedication,
and Nobility

96
00:06:59,639 --> 00:07:01,420
are here.

97
00:07:01,420 --> 00:07:03,139
Stop looking.

98
00:07:03,139 --> 00:07:06,670
For the next few days,
stay put in your room and behave yourself.

99
00:07:07,939 --> 00:07:09,339
Has His Grace arrived?

100
00:07:09,540 --> 00:07:10,870
So what if His Grace has?

101
00:07:13,319 --> 00:07:15,120
The last time I met the Mentor,

102
00:07:15,360 --> 00:07:16,889
we talked about ornaments.

103
00:07:17,560 --> 00:07:18,360
She said

104
00:07:18,600 --> 00:07:21,259
she was very fond of items
made from combed silk.

105
00:07:21,319 --> 00:07:23,319
I mentioned that I happened
to have a combed silk hairpin

106
00:07:23,319 --> 00:07:24,980
and promised to give it to her.

107
00:07:25,740 --> 00:07:26,819
Since she's here now,

108
00:07:26,819 --> 00:07:28,220
I'd like to give it to her—

109
00:07:28,220 --> 00:07:29,149
so she won't have

110
00:07:29,480 --> 00:07:30,759
to ask me for it later.

111
00:07:32,139 --> 00:07:34,339
Your Highness, you're truly generous—

112
00:07:36,319 --> 00:07:39,180
such a fine hairpin,
and you're just giving it away?

113
00:07:39,579 --> 00:07:41,100
I've served you for so long

114
00:07:41,100 --> 00:07:43,360
and never received any treasure myself.

115
00:07:53,040 --> 00:07:54,079
These earrings

116
00:07:54,519 --> 00:07:56,720
were a gift from His Highness back then.

117
00:07:57,519 --> 00:07:59,040
The craftsmanship is exquisite—

118
00:07:59,040 --> 00:08:01,370
far superior to that combed silk hairpin.

119
00:08:02,720 --> 00:08:03,759
If you like them,

120
00:08:04,079 --> 00:08:05,279
I'll give them to you.

121
00:08:06,720 --> 00:08:07,620
All right then.

122
00:08:07,920 --> 00:08:09,240
I'll deliver the combed silk hairpin

123
00:08:09,240 --> 00:08:10,439
to her on your behalf.

124
00:08:25,500 --> 00:08:26,519
What brings

125
00:08:27,540 --> 00:08:29,620
Your Grace to the Eastern Palace?

126
00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:31,639
Is he

127
00:08:31,639 --> 00:08:33,740
the thief the Eastern Palace
apprehended last night?

128
00:08:33,740 --> 00:08:34,668
That's correct.

129
00:08:36,158 --> 00:08:38,200
His name is Zhang Jia.

130
00:08:38,200 --> 00:08:39,200
His Highness

131
00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:41,360
intended to hand him over
to the Ministry of Justice.

132
00:08:41,360 --> 00:08:44,860
This matter hardly
warrants troubling His Grace—

133
00:08:44,860 --> 00:08:45,779
unless

134
00:08:45,779 --> 00:08:48,799
he also stole something
from the Fucang Palace?

135
00:08:48,799 --> 00:08:50,539
Two years ago,

136
00:08:50,539 --> 00:08:53,059
did he beat a palace servant to death?

137
00:08:54,200 --> 00:08:55,779
After we caught him last night,

138
00:08:55,779 --> 00:08:56,879
his skills suggested

139
00:08:56,879 --> 00:08:58,480
he was a habitual offender,

140
00:08:58,480 --> 00:09:01,009
so we subjected him
to severe interrogation.

141
00:09:01,059 --> 00:09:01,820
Turned out

142
00:09:01,820 --> 00:09:03,440
he was spineless—

143
00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:04,919
after just a few blows,

144
00:09:04,919 --> 00:09:07,200
he confessed to many crimes,

145
00:09:07,200 --> 00:09:10,779
including the killing
of the palace servant.

146
00:09:12,259 --> 00:09:13,990
I will interrogate him myself.

147
00:09:19,620 --> 00:09:21,620
Since His Grace is questioning you,

148
00:09:22,440 --> 00:09:24,200
answer truthfully—

149
00:09:25,399 --> 00:09:27,720
so you won't have to suffer
further corporal punishment.

150
00:09:27,720 --> 00:09:29,159
As long as I'm not beaten again,

151
00:09:29,159 --> 00:09:30,100
I'll tell the truth,

152
00:09:30,100 --> 00:09:30,960
I swear.

153
00:09:31,360 --> 00:09:32,759
Let me ask you.

154
00:09:35,879 --> 00:09:36,919
Answer me—

155
00:09:37,480 --> 00:09:38,519
are you

156
00:09:39,159 --> 00:09:40,919
adept at lying?

157
00:09:42,480 --> 00:09:43,840
I am not good at lying.

158
00:09:45,879 --> 00:09:47,120
Not good at lying?

159
00:09:47,919 --> 00:09:49,179
That statement itself

160
00:09:50,360 --> 00:09:51,639
is a lie.

161
00:09:53,399 --> 00:09:55,240
You've stolen within the palace for years

162
00:09:55,240 --> 00:09:56,120
without

163
00:09:56,120 --> 00:09:57,360
being discovered—

164
00:09:57,639 --> 00:10:00,240
even after killing someone
and covering it up.

165
00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:02,320
That speaks to a meticulous mind.

166
00:10:02,799 --> 00:10:03,799
By that logic,

167
00:10:04,080 --> 00:10:05,480
your claim

168
00:10:05,799 --> 00:10:07,399
that you're not good at lying

169
00:10:08,120 --> 00:10:09,879
is itself a lie.

170
00:10:10,559 --> 00:10:11,559
Please spare my life, Your Grace.

171
00:10:11,559 --> 00:10:12,960
Spare my life, Your Grace

172
00:10:13,120 --> 00:10:14,980
Please spare my life, Your Grace.

173
00:10:15,580 --> 00:10:16,379
Since

174
00:10:17,379 --> 00:10:18,980
you may lie again,

175
00:10:19,820 --> 00:10:21,679
I will make an agreement with you.

176
00:10:23,039 --> 00:10:24,370
What kind of agreement?

177
00:10:24,620 --> 00:10:26,340
For every lie you tell,

178
00:10:26,539 --> 00:10:27,500
I will

179
00:10:27,779 --> 00:10:29,460
sever one of your limbs.

180
00:10:38,159 --> 00:10:39,200
You have 5…

181
00:10:39,779 --> 00:10:40,740
no—

182
00:10:41,500 --> 00:10:43,340
4 chances to lie.

183
00:10:43,700 --> 00:10:45,100
Cherish them carefully.

184
00:10:46,700 --> 00:10:48,059
What are you staring at?

185
00:10:48,379 --> 00:10:49,779
Whatever His Grace asks,

186
00:10:49,899 --> 00:10:52,000
just answer truthfully.

187
00:10:59,279 --> 00:10:59,960
Your Grace,

188
00:11:03,659 --> 00:11:05,190
this is the Eastern Palace.

189
00:11:06,139 --> 00:11:08,259
Splattering blood
all over the Eastern Palace...

190
00:11:08,259 --> 00:11:09,960
wouldn't that be rather inappropriate?

191
00:11:09,960 --> 00:11:11,000
If he doesn't lie,

192
00:11:11,399 --> 00:11:12,860
won't everything be fine?

193
00:11:12,919 --> 00:11:14,919
And if what he says is true,

194
00:11:15,279 --> 00:11:16,809
yet you mistake it for a lie—

195
00:11:17,879 --> 00:11:19,159
what is to be done then?

196
00:11:19,320 --> 00:11:20,480
Misfortune

197
00:11:21,639 --> 00:11:22,840
happens every day,

198
00:11:24,240 --> 00:11:25,039
doesn't it?

199
00:11:28,700 --> 00:11:29,740
Answer me—

200
00:11:30,019 --> 00:11:30,940
2 years ago,

201
00:11:31,039 --> 00:11:33,169
did you beat a palace servant to death?

202
00:11:41,840 --> 00:11:43,769
His Grace is asking you a question.

203
00:11:43,799 --> 00:11:45,519
Tell the truth now,

204
00:11:45,519 --> 00:11:46,600
exactly as you did

205
00:11:46,600 --> 00:11:48,659
during last night's interrogation.

206
00:11:53,919 --> 00:11:54,850
Yes, your Grace.

207
00:11:55,820 --> 00:11:57,220
Where did you kill him?

208
00:11:59,960 --> 00:12:00,759
That night

209
00:12:01,419 --> 00:12:03,279
I went to Ganquan Palace to steal.

210
00:12:03,740 --> 00:12:05,200
I happened to run into him.

211
00:12:06,299 --> 00:12:07,559
He looked unfamiliar—

212
00:12:07,820 --> 00:12:09,480
didn't seem to belong to Ganquan Palace—

213
00:12:09,480 --> 00:12:10,799
so I hardened my heart

214
00:12:11,019 --> 00:12:12,100
and killed him.

215
00:12:14,200 --> 00:12:15,500
What did he look like?

216
00:12:16,159 --> 00:12:18,080
He was a little over six feet tall,

217
00:12:18,879 --> 00:12:20,399
thin in build,

218
00:12:21,039 --> 00:12:22,440
and about 50 years old.

219
00:12:41,039 --> 00:12:41,879
Come here.

220
00:13:02,799 --> 00:13:03,639
What for?

221
00:13:03,759 --> 00:13:04,980
The Princess Consort said

222
00:13:04,980 --> 00:13:06,340
she previously promised
to give Huo Xiangjiu

223
00:13:06,340 --> 00:13:07,799
this combed silk hairpin.

224
00:13:07,860 --> 00:13:08,620
Take a look—

225
00:13:08,620 --> 00:13:10,419
do you see anything suspicious?

226
00:13:11,159 --> 00:13:13,759
It's just an ordinary
combed silk hairpin.

227
00:13:13,759 --> 00:13:15,120
Nothing suspicious.

228
00:13:18,259 --> 00:13:21,220
Then deliver it to Huo Xiangjiu
on the Princess Consort's behalf.

229
00:13:21,220 --> 00:13:22,019
Come back—

230
00:13:26,720 --> 00:13:29,279
how about keeping me company tonight?

231
00:13:30,039 --> 00:13:31,000
His Highness is right inside.

232
00:13:31,000 --> 00:13:32,279
Aren't you afraid he'll hear?

233
00:13:32,279 --> 00:13:34,740
He hardly has time for me right now.

234
00:13:38,419 --> 00:13:41,340
If His Highness
doesn't summon me tonight,

235
00:13:41,940 --> 00:13:43,220
I'll come to you.

236
00:13:44,860 --> 00:13:47,139
I'll be waiting.

237
00:13:51,039 --> 00:13:52,559
Where was the body hidden?

238
00:13:55,440 --> 00:13:56,279
It was thrown

239
00:13:56,399 --> 00:13:57,519
into the

240
00:13:57,639 --> 00:13:58,440
w-well

241
00:13:58,639 --> 00:13:59,970
in the Imperial Garden.

242
00:14:04,340 --> 00:14:05,559
Miss Xiangjiu,
this is

243
00:14:05,559 --> 00:14:09,159
the combed silk hairpin
that the Princess Consort promised you.

244
00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:17,519
Your Grace,

245
00:14:19,379 --> 00:14:21,509
what's the matter with Miss Xiangjiu?

246
00:14:27,500 --> 00:14:29,139
Old Fox, what are you trying to do?

247
00:14:29,139 --> 00:14:31,539
I've already sent Mao Jin
and Le Ning there.

248
00:14:32,179 --> 00:14:32,620
No.

249
00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:34,759
I'm going to the Imperial Garden myself.

250
00:14:34,759 --> 00:14:35,460
Even if you go now,

251
00:14:35,460 --> 00:14:36,860
you won't find anything.

252
00:14:38,360 --> 00:14:39,679
Why are you so certain?

253
00:14:40,860 --> 00:14:42,590
Concern clouds your judgment.

254
00:14:42,879 --> 00:14:43,799
Don't you think

255
00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:44,860
the Crown Prince was worried

256
00:14:44,860 --> 00:14:47,120
that Zhang Jia might say the wrong thing?

257
00:14:47,559 --> 00:14:48,360
Yes.

258
00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:51,200
The 2 missing pages
from the Ganquan Register

259
00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:53,129
should have nothing to do with him.

260
00:14:57,399 --> 00:14:58,519
Are you saying

261
00:14:58,720 --> 00:15:00,220
all of this

262
00:15:00,779 --> 00:15:02,509
was arranged by Prince Fuying?

263
00:15:03,679 --> 00:15:05,320
Did they believe it?

264
00:15:09,500 --> 00:15:10,740
So you really

265
00:15:11,700 --> 00:15:14,259
did hear everything last night,
in the reception hall.

266
00:15:14,259 --> 00:15:16,419
I may not agree with what you're doing,

267
00:15:17,179 --> 00:15:19,059
but since you insist,

268
00:15:19,460 --> 00:15:20,860
as your wife,

269
00:15:21,179 --> 00:15:23,419
I will support your decision.

270
00:15:32,399 --> 00:15:33,730
Aren't you even curious

271
00:15:35,460 --> 00:15:37,179
why I did this?

272
00:15:37,759 --> 00:15:39,000
It doesn't matter

273
00:15:39,919 --> 00:15:41,000
whether I know.

274
00:15:41,820 --> 00:15:43,820
Was this arranged by Prince Fuying?

275
00:15:44,620 --> 00:15:46,220
Why would he do all this?

276
00:15:46,740 --> 00:15:48,470
There's only one possibility:

277
00:15:48,919 --> 00:15:50,679
he knows who your father is,

278
00:15:51,039 --> 00:15:53,639
and he doesn't want you
to keep investigating.

279
00:15:56,480 --> 00:15:57,639
What matters is

280
00:15:59,379 --> 00:16:02,440
that from the moment you tried
to mislead Huo Xiangjiu,

281
00:16:02,899 --> 00:16:04,559
you were already telling her…

282
00:16:06,159 --> 00:16:08,620
He was involved

283
00:16:08,620 --> 00:16:10,639
in my father's death.

284
00:16:12,679 --> 00:16:13,480
Master,

285
00:16:14,059 --> 00:16:15,960
we checked that well
in the Imperial Garden.

286
00:16:15,960 --> 00:16:17,659
It leads to the moat.

287
00:16:17,659 --> 00:16:19,159
The moat connects to the river—

288
00:16:19,159 --> 00:16:20,960
how are we supposed to find anything now?

289
00:16:20,960 --> 00:16:23,419
If this has nothing to do
with Prince Fuying,

290
00:16:24,100 --> 00:16:25,000
I really can't understand

291
00:16:25,000 --> 00:16:26,129
why he would do this.

292
00:16:27,320 --> 00:16:28,980
I'll confront Prince Fuying.

293
00:16:30,679 --> 00:16:32,009
With no evidence at all,

294
00:16:32,200 --> 00:16:33,659
why would he ever admit it?

295
00:16:40,399 --> 00:16:41,580
This combed silk hairpin

296
00:16:41,580 --> 00:16:44,580
was sent to me
by the Princess Consort through Gao Wei.

297
00:16:44,679 --> 00:16:47,500
She said she'd promised it to me earlier.

298
00:16:48,419 --> 00:16:49,860
But we

299
00:16:50,600 --> 00:16:52,519
never talked about this at all.

300
00:16:53,360 --> 00:16:54,820
What a beautiful hairpin!

301
00:16:55,399 --> 00:16:57,279
Maybe she gave it to you

302
00:16:57,480 --> 00:16:58,799
simply because she thought it was lovely?

303
00:16:58,799 --> 00:17:00,759
If that were the case,

304
00:17:01,639 --> 00:17:03,559
she could have given it to me herself.

305
00:17:03,559 --> 00:17:05,289
Why send someone else instead?

306
00:17:09,680 --> 00:17:10,480
True.

307
00:17:11,279 --> 00:17:12,440
We were at the Eastern Palace.

308
00:17:12,440 --> 00:17:14,200
Logically speaking,
if Xiangjiu is acquainted with her,

309
00:17:14,200 --> 00:17:16,200
she should have come out to greet us.

310
00:17:17,000 --> 00:17:19,200
She was probably not able
to move about.

311
00:17:19,759 --> 00:17:21,358
She can't even move about...

312
00:17:22,598 --> 00:17:25,000
but she still sent someone
to bring it to me?

313
00:17:25,440 --> 00:17:26,440
Could it be

314
00:17:27,640 --> 00:17:30,569
that she wants you to do something
with this hairpin?

315
00:17:30,799 --> 00:17:31,599
A hairpin is

316
00:17:31,680 --> 00:17:33,119
for pinning up your hair.

317
00:17:33,319 --> 00:17:34,799
What else would it be for?

318
00:17:35,380 --> 00:17:36,680
It could also be used to kill someone.

319
00:17:36,680 --> 00:17:37,240
Look,

320
00:17:37,500 --> 00:17:39,640
how sharp it is.

321
00:17:41,059 --> 00:17:43,940
The Princess Consort wants Xiangjiu
to kill someone with it?

322
00:17:43,940 --> 00:17:45,779
You really have quite an imagination.

323
00:17:45,779 --> 00:17:46,579
Then what—

324
00:17:46,779 --> 00:17:47,759
suicide?

325
00:17:48,720 --> 00:17:50,220
Commit suicide?

326
00:17:53,740 --> 00:17:55,180
Combed silk...

327
00:17:55,619 --> 00:17:56,700
Commit suicide...

328
00:17:58,119 --> 00:17:59,450
She's trying to warn you

329
00:17:59,559 --> 00:18:02,089
that someone may force you
to commit suicide.

330
00:18:06,160 --> 00:18:07,319
I need to see Song Lian.

331
00:18:07,319 --> 00:18:08,720
She must know something.

332
00:18:08,859 --> 00:18:10,259
If she really did know something,

333
00:18:10,259 --> 00:18:12,140
it would be very hard
for you to see her now.

334
00:18:12,140 --> 00:18:14,720
Prince Fuying would
have her under tight watch.

335
00:18:14,720 --> 00:18:16,200
I've thought of an intermediary.

336
00:18:16,200 --> 00:18:17,460
She's the best choice.

337
00:18:24,680 --> 00:18:25,599
You're saying…

338
00:18:26,160 --> 00:18:28,480
your father's disappearance
is connected to Prince Fuying.

339
00:18:28,480 --> 00:18:30,220
Otherwise, there's no way to explain

340
00:18:30,220 --> 00:18:31,759
why he did all those things.

341
00:18:32,160 --> 00:18:34,359
Song Lian should know some of the truth.

342
00:18:35,819 --> 00:18:37,059
Who is Song Lian?

343
00:18:38,000 --> 00:18:39,259
The Princess Consort.

344
00:18:39,500 --> 00:18:40,700
She's your sister-in-law—

345
00:18:40,700 --> 00:18:42,700
how could you not even know her name?

346
00:18:42,740 --> 00:18:43,980
After she entered the palace,

347
00:18:43,980 --> 00:18:45,680
everyone just called her
Princess Consort.

348
00:18:45,680 --> 00:18:47,809
How am I supposed to remember all that?

349
00:18:48,140 --> 00:18:49,740
But she's the Princess Consort—

350
00:18:49,740 --> 00:18:51,069
can she really help you?

351
00:18:51,140 --> 00:18:53,140
She's not the same as Prince Fuying.

352
00:18:53,740 --> 00:18:54,460
And

353
00:18:55,259 --> 00:18:56,740
I only just learned

354
00:18:57,819 --> 00:19:00,019
that she was forced
to marry Prince Fuying.

355
00:19:00,019 --> 00:19:01,259
Bastard!

356
00:19:02,180 --> 00:19:03,019
Do you know

357
00:19:03,660 --> 00:19:05,779
which royal line she comes from?

358
00:19:06,660 --> 00:19:08,880
Why didn't her family help her at all?

359
00:19:11,539 --> 00:19:14,579
She's just a girl
from an ordinary farming family.

360
00:19:15,299 --> 00:19:16,019
Years ago,

361
00:19:16,180 --> 00:19:17,579
Father went hunting

362
00:19:17,859 --> 00:19:20,119
and chased his prey
to the edge of a cliff.

363
00:19:20,259 --> 00:19:20,900
He slipped

364
00:19:21,019 --> 00:19:21,779
and fell,

365
00:19:22,160 --> 00:19:23,559
and she saved him.

366
00:19:24,079 --> 00:19:25,799
She took care of Father day and night,

367
00:19:25,799 --> 00:19:26,880
and Father came

368
00:19:26,880 --> 00:19:28,279
to value her greatly.

369
00:19:28,440 --> 00:19:29,359
Presumably,

370
00:19:29,799 --> 00:19:32,759
Prince Fuying forced the marriage

371
00:19:32,759 --> 00:19:34,019
to win Father's favor.

372
00:19:34,880 --> 00:19:37,920
No wonder His Majesty treated her so well—

373
00:19:38,680 --> 00:19:41,039
so that's how it all began.

374
00:19:41,180 --> 00:19:42,460
The Princess Consort

375
00:19:42,460 --> 00:19:43,819
has had a cruel fate.

376
00:19:44,759 --> 00:19:46,279
Not long after she married,

377
00:19:46,279 --> 00:19:47,210
she miscarried.

378
00:19:47,539 --> 00:19:47,900
Song—

379
00:19:50,599 --> 00:19:51,880
She was pregnant?

380
00:19:52,380 --> 00:19:54,940
It must have been connected
to Prince Fuying.

381
00:19:58,980 --> 00:19:59,710
Ningshuang,

382
00:20:00,180 --> 00:20:01,710
I need to see her right away.

383
00:20:04,220 --> 00:20:04,740
Fine.

384
00:20:05,779 --> 00:20:07,910
Then have Bai Yu come and plead with me.

385
00:20:08,059 --> 00:20:08,859
Why?

386
00:20:09,079 --> 00:20:10,160
A few days ago,

387
00:20:10,279 --> 00:20:11,480
when you were ill,

388
00:20:11,680 --> 00:20:13,400
Bai Yu humiliated me.

389
00:20:14,160 --> 00:20:15,240
This time,

390
00:20:15,680 --> 00:20:16,680
I want him

391
00:20:16,880 --> 00:20:17,839
to pay it back.

392
00:20:21,660 --> 00:20:22,519
Your Highness,

393
00:20:23,299 --> 00:20:24,900
would you like to hear a joke?

394
00:20:25,099 --> 00:20:25,859
I've prepared

395
00:20:25,859 --> 00:20:28,460
quite a few over the past few days,
just for you.

396
00:20:30,359 --> 00:20:31,440
Someone

397
00:20:31,559 --> 00:20:32,559
as pampered,

398
00:20:32,559 --> 00:20:33,720
indulged,

399
00:20:33,720 --> 00:20:35,119
and unreasonable as I am—

400
00:20:35,200 --> 00:20:38,130
how could I possibly
be worthy of hearing your jokes?

401
00:20:38,740 --> 00:20:39,599
Your Highness,

402
00:20:40,700 --> 00:20:42,099
I know I was wrong.

403
00:20:44,140 --> 00:20:45,359
And what were you wrong about?

404
00:20:45,359 --> 00:20:46,160
I was wrong

405
00:20:46,380 --> 00:20:48,309
to speak to Your Highness that way.

406
00:20:49,519 --> 00:20:50,440
Be specific.

407
00:20:50,819 --> 00:20:51,950
More specifically—

408
00:20:52,099 --> 00:20:53,579
being pampered

409
00:20:53,579 --> 00:20:54,539
and indulged

410
00:20:54,539 --> 00:20:56,680
doesn't mean one
lacks understanding or compassion.

411
00:20:56,680 --> 00:20:58,599
Your Highness is of noble birth

412
00:20:58,940 --> 00:21:00,519
and yet deeply considerate.

413
00:21:00,519 --> 00:21:01,680
When Xiangjiu fell ill,

414
00:21:01,680 --> 00:21:03,319
Your Highness not only sent tonics,

415
00:21:03,319 --> 00:21:04,839
but often kept her company.

416
00:21:04,839 --> 00:21:06,240
If Your Highness were truly unreasonable,

417
00:21:06,240 --> 00:21:07,970
how could you be so thoughtful?

418
00:21:09,359 --> 00:21:10,599
Being pampered

419
00:21:10,720 --> 00:21:12,160
is a matter of birth;

420
00:21:12,200 --> 00:21:13,680
being understanding

421
00:21:13,680 --> 00:21:15,009
is a matter of the heart.

422
00:21:15,039 --> 00:21:16,359
If you call me pampered,

423
00:21:16,359 --> 00:21:17,279
I won't deny it.

424
00:21:17,680 --> 00:21:19,519
But to say I lack understanding

425
00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:20,680
is to insult me

426
00:21:20,819 --> 00:21:22,339
by calling me heartless.

427
00:21:22,539 --> 00:21:23,420
Should I

428
00:21:23,660 --> 00:21:24,420
be angry with you?

429
00:21:24,420 --> 00:21:24,900
You should—

430
00:21:24,900 --> 00:21:25,960
without question.

431
00:21:26,079 --> 00:21:27,539
Take my humble origins, for example.

432
00:21:27,539 --> 00:21:29,099
If people say my family was poor,

433
00:21:29,099 --> 00:21:30,430
I cannot object to that.

434
00:21:30,599 --> 00:21:32,640
But if they say I'd become a thief
because of it,

435
00:21:32,640 --> 00:21:34,099
that insults my character.

436
00:21:34,099 --> 00:21:35,279
What does one's birth

437
00:21:35,279 --> 00:21:36,700
have to do with one's virtue?

438
00:21:36,700 --> 00:21:38,160
Isn't that a shallow view?

439
00:21:51,960 --> 00:21:53,359
That's deep.

440
00:21:59,480 --> 00:22:00,680
This time,

441
00:22:00,720 --> 00:22:02,319
I shall spare you.

442
00:22:02,859 --> 00:22:03,900
But what if

443
00:22:03,900 --> 00:22:05,180
there's a next time?

444
00:22:05,980 --> 00:22:07,259
This mistake alone

445
00:22:07,259 --> 00:22:08,500
has already made me reflect deeply

446
00:22:08,500 --> 00:22:09,700
and improve a great deal.

447
00:22:09,700 --> 00:22:10,859
If I make a few more,

448
00:22:11,140 --> 00:22:12,299
wouldn't I undergo a complete rebirth—

449
00:22:12,299 --> 00:22:13,259
and ascend to immortality?

450
00:22:13,259 --> 00:22:15,619
So you've been using me
as your path to immortality?

451
00:22:15,619 --> 00:22:17,180
If I were to ascend,

452
00:22:17,380 --> 00:22:18,710
wouldn't Your Highness

453
00:22:18,819 --> 00:22:20,819
be the one who benefits in the end?

454
00:22:21,140 --> 00:22:22,539
Throughout history,

455
00:22:22,700 --> 00:22:25,180
which princess has ever
had an immortal at her service?

456
00:22:25,180 --> 00:22:27,700
Only Your Highness could manage that.

457
00:22:40,059 --> 00:22:40,859
Bai Yu,

458
00:22:41,660 --> 00:22:43,190
have you been doing all this

459
00:22:43,539 --> 00:22:44,980
just for Xiangjiu?

460
00:22:56,299 --> 00:22:57,630
Okay, I understand now.

461
00:23:02,140 --> 00:23:04,059
Your Highness, where are you going?

462
00:23:04,059 --> 00:23:05,660
To see the Princess Consort.

463
00:23:05,940 --> 00:23:06,579
Oh, by the way—

464
00:23:06,579 --> 00:23:07,440
the wily fox...

465
00:23:07,740 --> 00:23:09,420
the wily fox told me to remind you:

466
00:23:09,420 --> 00:23:11,059
you never set foot in the Eastern Palace.

467
00:23:11,059 --> 00:23:12,460
If you go there suddenly,

468
00:23:12,539 --> 00:23:13,900
Prince Fuying may grow suspicious.

469
00:23:13,900 --> 00:23:14,740
Nonsense!

470
00:23:15,099 --> 00:23:16,700
Do you really think
I need you to tell me that?

471
00:23:16,700 --> 00:23:17,859
I'm not a fool.

472
00:23:25,339 --> 00:23:26,140
Bai Yu,

473
00:23:26,779 --> 00:23:28,039
would you ever like me?

474
00:23:41,839 --> 00:23:42,640
No.

475
00:23:47,339 --> 00:23:48,420
That's fine.

476
00:23:48,619 --> 00:23:49,880
I'll teach you slowly.

477
00:24:11,920 --> 00:24:13,220
Gongsun Hao,

478
00:24:13,220 --> 00:24:14,559
patrolling like this every day

479
00:24:14,559 --> 00:24:15,680
is dull as dirt.

480
00:24:17,160 --> 00:24:18,759
Why don't we go find some fun?

481
00:24:20,720 --> 00:24:23,450
You'd better not stir up trouble
for your sister.

482
00:24:23,460 --> 00:24:26,519
Do you have any idea how much
she's suffered under Prince Fuying

483
00:24:26,519 --> 00:24:28,319
just to secure this post for you?

484
00:24:29,380 --> 00:24:30,910
That's where you're wrong.

485
00:24:31,480 --> 00:24:33,539
Who gets married
without suffering?

486
00:24:34,079 --> 00:24:34,920
You really think

487
00:24:34,920 --> 00:24:37,759
marrying a commoner means an easy life?

488
00:24:38,480 --> 00:24:40,319
If hardship is inevitable no matter
whom you marry,

489
00:24:40,319 --> 00:24:42,680
why not marry someone
with power and influence?

490
00:24:42,680 --> 00:24:44,279
That way, even if you suffer,

491
00:24:44,599 --> 00:24:46,930
you at least get gold and silver
in return.

492
00:24:47,599 --> 00:24:49,299
You're nothing but a beast.

493
00:24:49,960 --> 00:24:51,460
I'm just being realistic.

494
00:24:51,880 --> 00:24:52,940
Didn't your father

495
00:24:52,960 --> 00:24:54,119
always want you

496
00:24:54,119 --> 00:24:55,960
to marry Princess Ningshuang anyway?

497
00:24:55,960 --> 00:24:58,220
I will never marry Princess Ningshuang.

498
00:24:58,440 --> 00:24:59,240
Nonsense!

499
00:24:59,440 --> 00:25:02,240
Do you really think Princess Ningshuang
would ever look at you?

500
00:25:02,240 --> 00:25:04,369
You're puncturing above your weight.

501
00:25:05,279 --> 00:25:07,339
It's "punching above one's weight."

502
00:25:08,559 --> 00:25:10,119
You even want to punch?

503
00:25:11,799 --> 00:25:12,839
Know your place—

504
00:25:12,839 --> 00:25:14,039
who do you think you are?

505
00:25:14,039 --> 00:25:15,640
If anyone's worthy of her, it's me.

506
00:25:15,640 --> 00:25:17,160
Princess Ningshuang and I—

507
00:25:17,160 --> 00:25:19,759
that's what you call
a match of equal standing.

508
00:25:26,480 --> 00:25:28,339
Look. It's Princess Ningshuang.

509
00:25:34,099 --> 00:25:37,940
Greetings, Princess Ningshuang.

510
00:25:40,200 --> 00:25:42,500
So you're Prince Fuying's brother-in-law?

511
00:25:42,500 --> 00:25:44,740
The princess remembers me—

512
00:25:44,859 --> 00:25:46,660
she must have taken an interest.

513
00:25:48,900 --> 00:25:50,460
You have an excellent memory,
Your Highness.

514
00:25:50,460 --> 00:25:52,859
I am indeed
the Crown Prince's brother-in-law,

515
00:25:52,859 --> 00:25:54,480
the Princess Consort's own brother—

516
00:25:54,480 --> 00:25:55,940
the future Imperial Uncle,

517
00:25:55,940 --> 00:25:57,059
Song Yicheng.

518
00:26:02,920 --> 00:26:05,250
Imperial Uncle, you are rather handsome.

519
00:26:08,160 --> 00:26:09,799
Thank you for the compliment,
Your Highness.

520
00:26:09,799 --> 00:26:12,519
Your Highness,
you are the true beauty of the realm.

521
00:26:12,519 --> 00:26:13,160
Indeed—

522
00:26:13,319 --> 00:26:13,960
as the saying goes,

523
00:26:13,960 --> 00:26:16,960
a single glance from your smile
could make flowers...

524
00:26:24,039 --> 00:26:24,970
Imperial Uncle,

525
00:26:25,440 --> 00:26:27,480
you're quite witty, too.

526
00:26:29,200 --> 00:26:30,920
Your Highness may not know—

527
00:26:31,119 --> 00:26:32,960
I'm not only witty,

528
00:26:32,980 --> 00:26:35,099
but also quite flirtatious.

529
00:26:39,900 --> 00:26:40,700
Oh?

530
00:26:41,579 --> 00:26:42,779
Then would the Imperial Uncle

531
00:26:42,779 --> 00:26:45,339
care to come up here and show me

532
00:26:45,579 --> 00:26:47,240
just how flirtatious you are?

533
00:26:47,519 --> 00:26:49,039
With so many people watching,

534
00:26:49,039 --> 00:26:51,519
she must enjoy excitement.

535
00:26:52,039 --> 00:26:52,720
Fine.

536
00:26:57,640 --> 00:26:59,059
I've got this.

537
00:27:00,440 --> 00:27:01,859
My darling,

538
00:27:01,960 --> 00:27:03,079
here I come.

539
00:27:03,400 --> 00:27:04,680
Guards!

540
00:27:04,680 --> 00:27:05,640
Help!

541
00:27:07,319 --> 00:27:09,119
How dare you!

542
00:27:14,160 --> 00:27:15,240
Your Highness,

543
00:27:16,039 --> 00:27:17,859
you intend to send Gongsun Hao

544
00:27:17,859 --> 00:27:19,390
to finish off Huo Xiangjiu?

545
00:27:20,259 --> 00:27:22,180
I'm afraid Gongsun Wugui

546
00:27:22,180 --> 00:27:23,759
wouldn't agree if he found out.

547
00:27:23,759 --> 00:27:25,099
Since when

548
00:27:26,160 --> 00:27:28,079
has my business required his approval?

549
00:27:28,079 --> 00:27:28,920
True enough.

550
00:27:29,740 --> 00:27:32,039
But with so many people available,

551
00:27:32,259 --> 00:27:34,440
why insist on sending Gongsun Hao,
Your Highness?

552
00:27:34,440 --> 00:27:35,859
He seems

553
00:27:35,859 --> 00:27:37,900
rather dull and rigid.

554
00:27:38,700 --> 00:27:40,539
Don't you think he's too clean?

555
00:27:42,119 --> 00:27:43,000
I want his hands

556
00:27:43,259 --> 00:27:45,180
stained with blood—

557
00:27:45,940 --> 00:27:46,740
otherwise,

558
00:27:47,319 --> 00:27:49,200
how am I supposed to control him?

559
00:27:52,099 --> 00:27:54,440
Your Highness is most wise.

560
00:27:57,119 --> 00:27:58,650
Greetings, Your Highness.

561
00:27:59,700 --> 00:28:01,160
Something's happened to Mr. Song.

562
00:28:01,160 --> 00:28:02,299
In full public view,

563
00:28:02,299 --> 00:28:04,160
he harassed Princess Ningshuang

564
00:28:04,660 --> 00:28:06,819
and was taken by Her Highness
to Ningshuang Palace.

565
00:28:06,819 --> 00:28:08,539
That Song Yicheng—

566
00:28:08,759 --> 00:28:09,880
short in stature,

567
00:28:10,099 --> 00:28:12,259
but his nerve keeps growing.

568
00:28:12,460 --> 00:28:14,140
Is he tired of living?

569
00:28:14,180 --> 00:28:16,619
Princess Ningshuang has quite the temper.

570
00:28:16,920 --> 00:28:19,099
He's courting death.

571
00:28:19,259 --> 00:28:20,839
Princess Ningshuang has made it clear:

572
00:28:20,839 --> 00:28:23,680
if Your Highness does not go
to Ningshuang Palace to offer an apology,

573
00:28:23,680 --> 00:28:25,240
she will first cripple Mr. Song,

574
00:28:25,240 --> 00:28:26,880
then present him
before His Majesty,

575
00:28:26,880 --> 00:28:28,319
and lodge an accusation
against the Eastern Palace

576
00:28:28,319 --> 00:28:29,450
for poor governance

577
00:28:29,920 --> 00:28:31,049
and lax discipline.

578
00:28:36,299 --> 00:28:38,160
Then let the Princess Consort go.

579
00:28:38,619 --> 00:28:40,140
It's her own brother—

580
00:28:40,500 --> 00:28:42,160
she can deal with him herself.

581
00:28:42,900 --> 00:28:43,900
Have Yuan Xiang

582
00:28:44,180 --> 00:28:45,900
stay with her at all times.

583
00:28:45,900 --> 00:28:47,029
Yes, Your Highness.

584
00:28:50,599 --> 00:28:51,200
Lian!

585
00:28:52,079 --> 00:28:52,759
Lian!

586
00:28:53,039 --> 00:28:54,180
Lian, you're finally here!

587
00:28:54,180 --> 00:28:54,900
Lian.

588
00:28:55,220 --> 00:28:56,339
Lian, save me.

589
00:28:56,519 --> 00:28:57,200
Lian!

590
00:28:57,720 --> 00:28:59,920
I'm the only heir of the Song family!

591
00:28:59,920 --> 00:29:00,640
Lian.

592
00:29:00,720 --> 00:29:01,519
They...

593
00:29:01,519 --> 00:29:03,200
t-they beat me—

594
00:29:03,200 --> 00:29:05,160
and even knocked out my gold tooth.

595
00:29:05,559 --> 00:29:06,279
Look—

596
00:29:06,279 --> 00:29:07,400
look!

597
00:29:08,559 --> 00:29:10,680
Princess Ningshuang
even said she'd castrate me.

598
00:29:10,680 --> 00:29:12,279
Lian, think of something—

599
00:29:12,279 --> 00:29:12,940
if it's too late,

600
00:29:12,940 --> 00:29:14,960
the Song family line will end!

601
00:29:14,960 --> 00:29:15,400
Lian!

602
00:29:15,799 --> 00:29:17,599
What a troublemaker.

603
00:29:18,359 --> 00:29:19,640
Mind your own business!

604
00:29:19,640 --> 00:29:20,440
Lian,

605
00:29:20,440 --> 00:29:21,960
think of something.

606
00:29:21,960 --> 00:29:23,839
I'm still a virgin—

607
00:29:24,160 --> 00:29:25,400
I can't be castrated!

608
00:29:25,519 --> 00:29:26,380
Lian.

609
00:29:26,480 --> 00:29:27,559
Please announce

610
00:29:27,559 --> 00:29:29,519
that the Princess Consort wishes
to see Her Highness.

611
00:29:29,519 --> 00:29:30,500
Princess Ningshuang is inside.

612
00:29:30,500 --> 00:29:31,829
Your Highness, please.

613
00:29:32,460 --> 00:29:33,990
Please try your best, Lian.

614
00:29:35,680 --> 00:29:37,119
Her Highness's private chambers—

615
00:29:37,119 --> 00:29:38,920
who do you think you are to enter?

616
00:29:39,180 --> 00:29:41,619
I'm the Princess Consort's personal maid.

617
00:29:41,619 --> 00:29:43,660
I go wherever the Princess Consort goes.

618
00:29:43,660 --> 00:29:45,259
Move aside, you lowly wench!

619
00:29:46,099 --> 00:29:47,619
This is Ningshuang Palace,

620
00:29:47,619 --> 00:29:48,950
not the Eastern Palace.

621
00:29:49,400 --> 00:29:50,839
Step out of line again,

622
00:29:50,839 --> 00:29:52,839
and I'll knock your front teeth out.

623
00:30:05,859 --> 00:30:07,140
Gongsun Hao,

624
00:30:08,980 --> 00:30:10,660
your hands are too clean.

625
00:30:11,400 --> 00:30:12,460
I...

626
00:30:12,960 --> 00:30:15,119
want you to stain them with blood.

627
00:30:30,400 --> 00:30:32,930
I know you don't want
to kill innocent people.

628
00:30:33,240 --> 00:30:34,160
but she...

629
00:30:34,559 --> 00:30:35,839
must die,

630
00:30:36,900 --> 00:30:37,700
It is because

631
00:30:37,960 --> 00:30:39,279
her father's death

632
00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:41,619
is tied to your own.