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A'heng.

What is Mianwan so busy with recently?

She's always absent.

I don't know either.

Maybe she's tired of

embroidering ducks

in the room.

So she went out

for a stroll.

Ducks?

These are the ducks she embroidered.

You are ridiculous.

These are lovebirds.

The embroidery is not well done,

but they look lovely.

The envoy of Yong State just left,

and the envoy of Ji State is coming.

We can't afford any incidents.

Go find Mianwan.

Don't let her run about.

Yes.

General Li.

Here.

A toast to you.

Thank you for your warm hospitality.

Zhaozhou is prosperous,

and even your wine tastes more fragrant.

I wish our states an ever-continuing happiness

and harmony.

You have it right, General Li.

I've long followed the ideals of Daoism

and adhered to virtue and kindness

for the welfare of the world.

When you return to your state,

please pass my words on to your king

that I hope our two states will remain

in harmony,

and our people can live in peace.

To enable me

to fully devote myself to Daoism.

It'd be an honor.

You've displayed your sincerity.

I'll surely convey it to my king.

But I have a favor to ask of you, Sire.

General Li,

please speak your mind.

Years ago,

by chance I met a beautiful girl

who deeply impressed me,

and I have never forgotten her.

My time then was short,

so I failed to ask her name.

I have missed her ever since,

and I still regret it.

Even heroes are not immune to beauty.

You fell for a beauty,

because you are a true hero.

Am I to guess,

you're telling me this

because the beauty hails from Zhaozhou?

I guess it's predestined.

Yesterday on my way to your palace,

I encountered the beauty again.

I saw her

enter the imperial palace.

Well, that is simple.

As long as you can

explain her features to me,

I will locate your beauty,

and hold a grand wedding for you

to fulfill your dreams.

Feng Mianwan!

General Li, perhaps you are mistaken.

Feng Mianwan is my maid.

She has never left Zhaozhou,

so she can't have met you before.

So she is your maid, Lord Jing.

Please try to understand my sincere love,

and gift Mianwan to me.

I will hold a grand wedding,

and make her my lawful wife.

That's a real blessing for Mianwan.

But Mianwan is spoiled.

You are from a noble family,

and Ji State is too far away.

You two

are not a good match.

Mianwan and Jing Ci

grew up together back in the day.

Even though she's a maid,

Jing Ci treats her as his own sister.

That's why he's reluctant.

But since General Li loves her so much,

I will fulfill your wish regardless.

Thank you, Sire.

Put them down here.

Steward Wei,

what are these?

Miss Feng,

congratulations.

Congratulations for what?

Li Yuan, the General of Ji State

wants to take you as his wife.

His Majesty has decreed,

he will adopt you as his daughter,

and marry you to General Li in Ji State.

What?

My lord.

My lord.

I don't want to marry Li Yuan.

Leave it to me.

How will you arrange it?

Is it your intention to

marry me to him?

Just to get me out of your sight,

so you can form an alliance

between Zhaozhou and Ji State?

No.

Jing Ci.

I know you are unwilling

to marry Feng Mianwan to Li Yuan.

But Li Yuan

is an eminent figure.

He is of one of Ji State's imperial clans,

as well as a general with military power.

This time

all he requires is a maid to take as his wife.

How could I justify refusing him?

If I refused him,

it may harm the relationship between the states.

I understand.

But not long ago,

the envoy of Yong State paid a visit,

and we promised to submit to them.

If we are related to Ji State by marriage,

Yong State will suspect us.

It will...

Jing Ci.

If I married Zesheng to Li Yuan,

it will cause Yong State's suspicion.

But Feng Mianwan

is just a humble maid.

Even if Yong State knows about it,

what will they care?

What father said

was right.

Mianwan looked terribly sad.

None of these gifts

were opened.

She watched for a while and ran away.

Should I go find her?

Never mind.

Leave her alone for a while.

What should we...

Go find out everything you can about Li Yuan

and let me know.

The scroll painting Li Yuan showed us

has yellowed.

It's at least from two or three years ago.

But three years ago,

he'd never come to Zhaozhou.

Even if he came here in secret,

Mianwan seldom went out.

There's little chance of her meeting him.

Then,

how come he has a painting of Mianwan?

Maybe

if we can learn what happened three years ago,

we will find a clue.

My lord,

this is everything we can find

about Li Yuan.

Ok.

My lord,

you've been working for a long time

without eating.

Have some dessert first.

Miss Feng,

we're finally reunited.

Why are you doing this, General Li?

To follow my heart.

There's nothing wrong in that.

But

marriage is not a game.

I'm pleading with you

to rescind your offer.

What if I genuinely love you?

We are strangers.

How can it be true love?

I'm just a humble maid

in the imperial palace.

If you take me as your wife,

your reputation will be damaged

and there will be gossip.

Is being my wife

a disgrace for you?

Are you reluctant

because you are in love with someone else?

Is it Jing Ci?

It's none of your business.

I just,

I just don't want to leave my homeland.

Jing Ci is talented,

and handsome too.

You've been serving him for years.

It's understandable that you would love him.

But when I made my proposal today,

he tried to prevent it,

but that is all.

He doesn't intend to marry you,

or take care of you.

I expected nothing of that kind.

If that's the case,

why can't you leave him?

Honestly,

I was in love with someone.

Unfortunately,

for some reasons,

we couldn't be together.

That's a bitter regret for me.

When I met you by chance the other day,

I noticed that you are identical

to my lover.

I guess it's God's blessing.

That's why I made the proposal.

I'm serious about it.

Come to Ji State with me.

Give up all your daydreams now,

or you will regret it in the future.

I will never marry you.

Zhixia,

I've told you many times,

I grew up with Princess Zesheng,

and I see her as my own sister.

Lord,

you have to change your mind.

I believe you clearly see

Zesheng has a crush on you.

His Majesty treats you as his own son,

partly because

he grew up with your mother,

and also because

he sees you and princess as a couple.

I'll never forget

his fatherly love.

But I don't need to repay him

by marrying Zesheng.

But that's what His Majesty hopes for.

How will you repay him

except for fulfilling his wish?

Zhixia,

our military is weak.

It's just gambling between Yong and Ji States.

I will help father

to search for an opportunity in the chaos,

and expand Zhaozhou's power.

Stop making excuses.

Just tell me,

you are only reluctant to marry the princess

because of Feng Mianwan, right?

Zhixia,

I don't want to marry Zesheng.

It has nothing to do with Mianwan.

Do you think I'm blind, Lord?

Even if you don't love her,

Feng Mianwan dreams

of staying with you every minute.

It's obvious to everyone.

She grew up by my side,

that's why she's attached to me.

It's because you let her be so.

I need to remind you, Lord,

don't forget how your mother died.

Song Hao and I

were clear about our enemy,

but we could do nothing about her,

that's why we stole her child

to offer a sacrifice to your mother.

But you were soft-hearted

and saved her life,

even treasured her,

and raised her for 18 years.

But never forget this, my lord,

where the mother goes

so goes the daughter.

Feng Mianwan is your arch enemy.

It's predestined.

Lord,

you have to trust me.

Feng Mianwan is a curse.

She will bring you trouble someday.

Zhixia.

I understand.

It's fine if you want to protect her

and not allow me to punish her,

but you must not fall for her.

Song Hao.

Miss Feng.

Steward Wei.

What are you searching for?

Nothing.

Lord Jing sent me to find some materials.

Actually,

it's nothing important.

Do you mean

Jing Ci's maid was looking for details of that incident?

Yes.

I'm not sure if it was Lord Jing's order.

It has been for so many years.

It's not possible for Lord Jing

to yearn for memories of the Yong State.

Or maybe

he's unwilling to stay in Zhaozhou.

I asked him many times,

but he has no intention of marrying Zesheng.

Sire,

young men

are often fickle.

They frequently change their minds.

I raised him wholeheartedly,

invited famous scholars to teach him

both the pen and the sword,

all due to my relationship with his mother,

and also because

he's talented.

I truly hope

he won't be too clever by half.

Although Lord Jing

is generally aloof,

he always shows you great respect.

I think

he's a man with a grateful heart.

I hope so.

I get it.

Lord!

Lord! Lord! Lord!

Lord!

Lord Jing, you were born with a disease.

You should take care of yourself.

How can you stay up all night

and work so hard?

A stressful mind is the hardest to ease.

I will write a prescription to ease your stress.

Instead of writing a prescription, Doctor Zuo,

it's better

to give me psychological treatment.

What do you mean, Lord Jing?

I fail to understand you.

Drop the pretense.

Last time when you and Zhao Yan met in the tavern,

I saw you.

I treated Mr. Zhao before.

We happened to meet on the street,

so we had a couple of drinks.

Since I saw you with Zhao Yan,

I sent my men to investigate you.

Should I call you the son of Prince of He,

or Officer Zuo of the Shadow Guardians?

Zuo Yanxi, a Shadow Guardian of Yong State

at your service, Lord Jing.

Shadow Guardians are the secret guardians of Emperor Yong,

and only take the emperor's orders.

So,

did he send you here?

Yes.

You've discovered the truth.

When His Majesty heard the news,

he was so worried about you.

I intended to

find a chance to reveal my identity

and take you back to Yong State.

I have no intention of going back.

But I want to ask you something

about the Western Capital of Yong State.

Please go ahead.

I have a maid

named Feng Mianwan.

You've met her right?

I have.

Is there a noble lady in the Western Capital

who looks identical to Feng Mianwan?

Yes, there is someone.

Xiaofeng,

I'm very sorry.

I know

you want to protect Mianwan too.

Zhixia is hostile to Mianwan.

They don't like Mianwan.

In fact, Mianwan

has a free soul.

For many years, she has been oppressed.

Rather than let her live like this,

I'd risk an all-out fight

to let her get her own soul back,

and become herself again.

Jing Ci left the palace?

Yes, Sire.

I wonder what Doctor Ji Bo's pupil

told Lord Jing, that made him

leave during the night.

Zuo Yanxi.

He's not an ordinary doctor.

My guess is, Lord Jing

knows nothing about Lord Zuo.

He is not easily fooled,

or he wouldn't be Jing Ci.

Send someone after him

to see if he's gone to Yong State.

Yes, Sire.

Sachets.

Candied haws.

Miss Yuan, this way, please.

Who is she? She's so beautiful.

That is the renowned Miss Yuan,

Yuan Qingli.

Yuan Qingli. No wonder.

Qingli,

I've found an authentic work

of the famous artist

you mentioned last time.

Great.

Mr. Jia,

please send it to my home.

Qingli,

I composed a new melody,

would you like to play it with me?

When I'm available,

I will invite you to my home to play it.

I'd like to invite all of you to my home for a party.

Zuo Yanxi told me,

you wanted to meet me,

because your maid,

who is my doppelganger,

is going to be married in Ji State.

Miss Yuan,

that's not the point.

Lord Jing, you are so handsome,

I'd believe anything you tell me.

I wonder how Li Yuan would feel

if he found out

how casually you flirt with other men

even after hearing

he will soon be married.

Li Yuan?

What do you know?

Not much.

Two years ago,

when Li Yuan served as an envoy to Yong State,

there was an incident.

So when he returned home,

he sent away all the concubines,

and no lady could touch him.

Meanwhile Miss Yuan

also changed completely.

A little smile from you

would charm every man in Yong State.

Even after you and Prince of He's son

Mu Beiyan were engaged,

you didn't change your ways.

Every young lord in the capital is charmed,

and each man is proud to be your guest.

But I don't believe that

you are satisfied with such a life.

Why should I feel unsatisfied?

Just a little bit unhappy sometimes.

So, if Feng Mianwan marries your true love

and apparently shares your face,

that must make you quite unhappy.

Your love and my love will be married.

I guess you are similarly unhappy.

Since we both have a chance to be happy,

why not take that chance?

You have worked out a plan?

I'd love to hear it.

I heard that

you often visit Shuiyue Temple.

On the way,

you can prepare some treats

to make your attendants

lose the power of resistance.

With a careful plan,

you can sit back in the sedan chair

and enjoy the kidnapping performance.

We don't need to hurt anyone.

Everything will be controlled.

None of your attendants will be hurt.

My men will help you leave Yong State.

And then,

the inn where Feng Mianwan is staying

will be burnt down.

What happens next

depends on you, Miss Yuan.

Deal!

I heard

your maid Feng Mianwan

has barely left the imperial palace.

Her world is limited to you

and the people around you.

But I'm facing

a mother favored by the emperor,

a flirting fiancé,

and countless suitors.

Oh yes,

my wedding with Mu Beiyan is approaching.

Are you sure that your little girl

can handle all this?

Leave that

to the two of us.

Although General Li has left,

he left his betrothal presents behind.

So your wedding

is a certainty.

It's time to forget about

all the fantasies.

What's on your mind?

Nothing.

It's perfectly obvious.

You are thinking of that man again.

You are engaged,

yet you still think of other men.

You can think of any man,

but pining for Lord Jing,

is useless!

Luckily Lord Jing is smart enough

to see through your pretense,

and quickly removed himself.

Otherwise, in such desperation,

you would have seduced him.

Leave it to me.

How will you arrange it?

Is it your intention to

marry me to him?

Come on.

Hurry up.

Steward Wei,

Mianwan just left for a while.

She won't have gone far.

You take some men and go this way.

The others, follow me.

Yes, sir.

Miss Feng Mianwan,

come back with us.

Go back?

To go through with your wishes

and marry Li Yuan?

I won't do it.

But at such an hour,

where can you possibly go?

Look,

you're creating a scene here.

Just think about it.

Mianwan,

please, do it for our sakes.

A'heng,

be cautious there.

Don't let her run away again.

The wedding is settled.

If we lose her,

how can we explain it to Ji State?

Yes, sir.

Mianwan,

why are you waiting here?

Lord Jing is waiting for you in the pavilion.

Isn't he waiting for you?

Lord Jing is back?

Yes.

Brother Jing,

are you trying to say,

you didn't mean to protect Feng Mianwan?

Feng Mianwan is just a humble maid.

Lord Jing has never taken her seriously.

He's just using her.

If she marries General Li of Ji State,

as a pawn,

she'll be serving her duty for our state.

Lord, after Feng Mianwan's wedding,

it's time for you and the princess to get married.

Feng Mianwan left.

I hope she will give up this time!

Xiaofeng,

you know what?

I have no idea

who my parents are.

But I have to shoulder

the hatred they left behind,

and become a pawn

that is doomed to be sacrificed.

I can't change my fate,

but

I can give you freedom.

You can leave.

Go, be free!

Just go!

Fly away!

No one will take care of you from now on.

Take care of yourself.

Mianwan,

there will always be someone to take care of you.

Do you really

intend to send me to Ji State?

Let the wedding happen.

I'll accompany you as the wedding envoy.

I'll take care of

everything else.

Ok.

Lord,

you have planned everything for her.

Why don't you tell her about your plan?

It's serious.

If she learns the truth,

and slips up, there will be trouble.

There are many eyes on Mianwan

besides Zhixia and Princess Zesheng.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

You may rise.

Mianwan,

I know you are unwilling.

But

compared to the wars between states

and the numerous casualties,

the sacrifice of your happiness

is a mere trifle.

In fact, I fail to understand

why it has to be me.

But now

I no longer care.

Since everyone thinks I should marry him,

I will do as they want.

Alone you go into a strange country,

for decades peace will be secured.

If long-term peace of two states can be achieved,

everyone will be grateful to you.

The history books,

will contain lines about you.

I don't care about history,

but I won't let Your Majesty down.

After I get to Ji State,

I'll take Zhaozhou's interests as my priority,

and do everything I can for the welfare of my people.

Good.

I knew you're a good girl.