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[Sound of the Desert]

Episode 12

Your Highness, Miss Xin Yue is here.

- Greetings to Your Highness. - Get up.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Have a seat.

- You are all dismissed. - Yes.

Xin Yue, I heard that General Li made a mess at Fair Maiden's House.

Your Highness is well-informed.

If I couldn't even get such information

I wouldn't have been Madame Xiang.

You have a point.

Master Li is furious that I deceived him

and made him miss out on a perfect marriage with someone.

Therefore, I have calculated all my losses to ask that someone for compensation.

Don't worry. That someone will definitely compensate all your losses.

I'll thank that someone in advance then.

Who knew that the valiant General Li who've killed numerous enemies

is defeated by love?

Everyone has their weaknesses.

You won't let him off, would you?

Xin Yue, it is only after I entered the harem that I realize

Empress Wan is in full control.

Outside the palace, there are Great General Wan and General Sima.

And now, there is Wei Wu Ji.

I may be in favor now

but how long can I stay the favorite of the Emperor?

Everyone in the palace cares only for their own interests.

Senior Princess Zhaoyang became arrogant as she is in favor.

Empress Wan seems to be mild-tempered on the surface

and acts as if she competes for nothing.

That's because those close to her have already done everything they can.

She is happy to play the good person.

- Actually... - Your Highness.

- You may go. - Yes.

Are you unwell, Your Highness?

You should know that I've always been frail.

I have to nurse my health, in order to conceive and give birth to a prince.

I heard that after women become mothers

they would think differently because of their children.

I will fulfill my mother's wish.

So will my child.

Let's not talk about me anymore. How about you?

You're not that young anymore. Have you found someone suitable?

Even if I wish to marry, I'll need someone to marry me.

As long as you're willing who wouldn't marry you?

I will only marry the man I like.

The man you like?

What does that mean?

What does it mean not to like?

I no longer know.

Xin Yue, I'm actually quite similar to you.

If I don't have so many burdens

perhaps...

[Shi's Shipping]

- Grandpa, have a seat. - Sure.

I wish Grandpa great health.

Look how sweet her words are.

I also wish Miss Xiao Yue the best in everything you do.

Then I wish Xin Yue great prosperity in business!

Have a seat, Xin Yue.

We reunited on this day last year

and it happens to be the first day of the lunar year.

So I decided on my own to make this day your birthday.

He was the one who made the first day of Lunar New Year my birthday.

Why has he forgotten about it?

Is it Xiao Yue?

Come inside.

How is your New Year?

Are you angry?

You're not angry then?

How is your New Year?

Yesterday, Jin Yan and Shen Xing had New Year's Eve dinner with me.

They made quite an effort to make a few interesting dishes.

The dishes are called 'Peace to Young and Old' (Mashed tofu and meat)

and 'Family Reunion.' (Hotpot)

We sang songs while having dinner.

We sang songs like 'Hey Ho, New Year is here.'

I can't remember the other songs that we sang after that.

I am angry!

Can't you tell?

You should ask with great concern

'Why are you angry?'

'Have I done something wrong?'

Why are you angry?

Have I done something wrong?

Why is he so unromantic?

Why have I fallen for you?

You have such a weird temper.

You seem gentle and kind but you actually shun everyone out.

Although you're knowledgeable

I don't want to marry a book.

Your identity is also bizarre.

You appear to be of Nan Dynasty's descent

but you're doing a lot that is related to the desert.

You have so many faults.

I've already asked you.

But you're not answering me.

What else should I do?

There is no sincerity at all. You might as well not ask me.

Keep telling me about the interesting events on your New Year's Day.

Come and take a look.

Is this a gift of sincerity?

Gold is like the sands

and jade is like water.

It is a small Crescent Fountains in the desert.

The earring is a moon (Yue) which is also your name.

We first met in the sands of the desert.

We became friends after a fight before the waters of the fountains.

This is so small

and yet so exquisite.

The craftsmanship is truly masterful.

This is just all right.

Since you're so generous

I won't stay angry at you anymore.

Let's go for a stroll.

My Lord, it is all prepared.

You didn't ask me over today, so I thought that you'd forgotten about it.

How could I forget about it?

I'd make you happy on this day every year.

It is all up to you if I am happy or not.

What did you say?

I saw you making a flute from bamboo just now.

A friend brought me that bamboo from Jiuyi Mountain.

It's grown in the shades for ten years

and its texture is very dense.

Therefore, when it is made into a flute

its tone wouldn't be affected by the weather.

The bamboo also has a beautiful name.

It's called 'Concubine Xiang.'

Its tone is also lighter and clearer than flutes made from other bamboo.

Isn't that the famous bamboo named after Lady E-Huang and Nu Ying?

You are right.

The spots on the bamboo are like tear stains.

They look very pretty.

I have many flutes.

This time round, the ingredient is truly hard to come by.

I was afraid that it would go to waste

so I couldn't help but craft it into a flute.

If you like it, I'll give it to you when I finish making it.

I wouldn't turn down something good.

We will have to tell the Ninth Lord about this matter.

I wish both Mister Shi great health and success in the new year.

Yes, it is Lunar New Year.

We also wish Miss Xin Yue great success in everything you do.

And prosperity in your business.

Thank you very much.

I got it.

It turns out that the Ninth Lord has been busy recently over your present

for the new year.

Why would you say so?

The Ninth Lord...

Although the Ninth Lord learned to craft jade wares when he was little

he hasn't practiced for quite a while.

Moreover, he had to craft such a small and exquisite item this time.

Therefore, he hired a craftsman, and learned from him for quite some time.

The Ninth Lord is extremely gifted in handicrafts.

Be it huge or tiny items, he could master it right away.

This time, judging by how much effort he spent on those earrings

we realized that the most difficult item to craft is women's jewelry.

The Ninth Lord made these himself?

I don't know how old I really am this year.

Now that I am here, I must grasp onto my own happiness and bliss.

I am the smart, sharp, pretty, and adorable Xin Yue.

So even if you are like a drifting cloud

I will hold on to you.

You like me, don't you?

If you wish to be a roc

I'm willing to be the wind

to take you soaring to the skies.

If you only wish to be a muddleheaded butterfly

I could also be a silly butterfly.

If you wish to be a black ox passing through Hangu Pass

and leaving without a trace

then we could buy a few horses

and run faster than Lao Tzu did when he went through Hangu Pass.

We could disappear without leaving any traces behind.

I am supposed to be encouraging myself

but why do I seem to get less and less confident?

He does like me.

He does like me.

He does like me.

Ding Ling, go out with us to have some fun.

It's all right. Why don't you go head without me?

Mister Qin, let's go.

- Sure. - We're going out now.

Xin Yue.

I'm going out with Master Wu for a while.

Smells good.

You're so lonely.

Are you left here alone?

I happen to be alone as well.

Why don't two lonely people go out to have a look around the streets?

How does that sound?

Coming? Or not?

Why not?

What does the first part of the rhyming couplet mean?

It says that you will meet the right man this year.

What about the latter half?

It says that person is right by your side.

Young lady, the first half of the couplet says that someone in

your family might have a mishap.

What should I do?

Don't be worried, young lady.

As long as you come here to light some incense

your sincere prayers will help you through this crisis.

Thank you, Mister. Thank you.

You're welcome.

The silver galaxy seeks for the romance of two stars.

The desert buries its sadness in the sands alone.

- What is it that you asked? - I won't tell you about it.

I'd know even if I don't ask you about it.

You either asked about business or relationship.

As for business, it is all within your control.

Judging by your personality, you wouldn't ask about that.

So you must have asked about relationships.

I did not.

Why didn't you get your rhyming couplet deciphered?

I'm not going to ask about it.

Wouldn't I be deceived by someone who doesn't even know his fate?

He can tell that you are well-dressed

so he might come up with an explanation to have you reward him heavily.

Why doesn't he get his own fortune told to see if he could do this business?

You are really clear-headed.

You weren't too blinded by romance.

I went in to have some fun because I find it interesting.

If you say so.

I believe that one has his own fate in his hands.

Go on.

Let's get going.

It smells great! What flowers are these?

These are sophora flowers.

This is the season for sophora blossoms.

It smells so good that it cheers people up.

It makes one happy.

I have business to attend to. I've got to go!

You're not allowed to go.

I'll visit you another day. I'll make it up to you then.

Xiao Yue!

- Shi Feng! - Xin Yue.

Is the Ninth Lord in the carriage?

- Ninth Lord. - What are you doing here?

Aren't you here as well?

Since we ran into each other, why don't you join me?

Is it a bit weird?

No! It isn't!

It's... Hasn't anyone told you about the image that you project to others?

- It's... - Let's go inside.

Why does the water here give off smoke?

Ninth Lord, why is this place called the Qing Garden?

My grandmother's surname is Shi and her first name is Qing.

My grandfather built this garden for her when he was young.

The late Master was so deeply in love.

Years ago, I was quite baffled.

Your last name is Mo

but the business is called 'Shi's Shipping.'

And all the orphans that were adopted are all given Shi as their last name.

It is actually your grandmother's surname.

There are many hot springs in this area.

That is why the garden was built here.

Have you come over here for the hot springs?

The hot springs here are always at the same temperature.

It helps with blood circulation and relieves illnesses.

What are you thinking about?

Nothing.

I am thinking about your grandmother.

I'm envious of her.

Young Master, you went out with Miss Xin Yue on an outing

so... why are you home early?

Why do you smell of sophora flowers?

Don't bring it up. Uncle Chen.

She ran into someone that she wanted to see.

Miss Xin Yue abandoned you?

That's because Miss Xin Yue doesn't know

about the huge efforts that you made for her.

Why won't you tell her?

It's my fault that I wasn't being honest with her in the first place.

That's why I missed the opportunity.

Exactly. Young Master waited for her at The Villa for days.

It's a pity that no matter how long I waited for her

I didn't find her when she was in need of help.

Mo Xun beat me to it.

It seems that I will need to use twice as much effort and sincerity

to win Xin Yue back.

Isn't this a hardship for our young master?

Young Master, since Miss Xin Yue has her eyes set on someone else

is all this waiting worth it?

It is worth it! It definitely is.

You don't plan to give up?

Uncle Chen, I missed her once, but I shouldn't miss out on her for life.

You are right.

When there is a will, there is a way.

Hence, I'll use my utmost sincerity to win her over.

Fate brings lovers together.

No matter what, I'll make her realize

that only I, Wei Wu Ji, am the suitable man for her.

You really are over here.

Needless to say, you'd invite your most beloved Ninth Lord over

to admire the flowers with you when they bloom.

Am I right?

Poor Master Wei.

His love isn't reciprocated.

He is so affectionate to you.

But you don't seem to be touched at all.

We are best friends.

Don't let your thoughts run wild.

I wasn't imagining things.

And I'm not going to bother debating with you about what he might think.

I only know that the lady here get to choose for herself.

I won't talk such nonsense with you. I'm heading out.

- Where are you off to? - I won't tell you.

Didn't your expression already reveal the answer to me?

Where's the Ninth Lord?

Has he gone out?

The Ninth Lord went to visit Xiao Feng's grandfather at Orchid House.

He will return home shortly.

Only one of the Ninth Lord's legs is too weak to walk.

The other leg is still strong.

Although he can't walk too far with his crutches

it's still better for his health to move around than to sit in the wheelchair.

Then... What was he like when he was little?

Please have a seat, Miss Xin Yue.

When the Ninth Lord was little

he liked to move around a lot, even though his legs weren't strong.

He liked to play with us.

But at that time, we were too immature.

We always felt inconvenient to bring him along with us.

Although we didn't dare to disobey him

we kept thinking of ways to leave him behind.

The Ninth Lord figured that out

and became quieter and quieter.

He spent all his time studying.

Perhaps, he thought that only those silent friends wouldn't reject him.

He had a lonely childhood.

We often reproach ourselves for it.

But then something happened, and made us all very upset.

What was it?

Once, he went out alone with his crutches

without the late Master's permission.

When he got home, it was already very late.

Do you know what happened? His clothes were all torn.

He had bruises all over his face and arms.

There were wounds that were bleeding.

I asked him what happened

but he only told me that he wasn't cautious enough.

He was beaten up by others and insulted.

Because of this matter...

I've always felt very guilty.

I didn't protect him.

After that, I beat up all the hooligans in Jian-An City

before I finally got an answer.

What was it?

It was because Ninth Lord read Mozi's books

and was very interested in the making of weapons described in the books.

He just wanted to watch how the blacksmiths work with metals.

However, he ran into a group of naughty children like us.

Those children insulted him

and made up a song about him.

'A cripple with three legs.'

'Twist and wriggle.'

'One step for others, but ten for him.'

'Lucky for him if he gets a wife.'

Do you think that the Ninth Lord could put up with this insult?

Miss Xin Yue, I think that you have quite a personality.

You're someone who makes your own judgment and doesn't care about

what other might say.

Aren't you?

As long as I am well, and as long as the ones I care about are well

I wouldn't hurt others without any reason.

Is this wrong?

Not at all.

Miss Xin Yue, please don't misunderstand what I just said.

We're actually more than grateful to you.

- Grateful to me? - Of course.

After the Ninth Lord's trip to Qing Garden

he no longer minds walking around with his crutches anymore.

Do you know that my second brother is usually calm?

But when he saw the Ninth Lord walking with crutches before us again

his eyes welled with tears.

Shouldn't we be grateful to you for this?

Moreover, this has been an issue for the Ninth Lord all these years.

This heaviness in our hearts was alleviated by you.

You don't think that we should thank you for that?

How is that my credit to take?

Shi Feng is quite a good child.

He told us about some matters.

Shi Feng!

His tongue is so loose.

There is something that I have to tell you.

Not only did he tell us about it

but also acted the scenario out.

If you...

If you saw how he imitated the way...

the way you gazed at the Ninth Lord longingly...

You would think that...

it is such a waste not to have him perform in your house.

My second brother... my second...

He laughed so hard that he couldn't control himself...

that he cracked a table with his hand.

What? Where's Shi Feng?

I'll have him say it again!

What needs to be said again?

Shi Feng is one nasty little thing! You must punish him.

Or you could hand him over to me.

I'll teach him a lesson.

How did Shi Feng offend you?

There is no reason for it.

He has offended me anyway.

Then I'll get Shi Feng to drive you around for a month.

You could do whatever you wish.

- Brother. - Yes, My Lord.

You seem to be too relaxed recently.

We need someone to watch the jade mine in Lantian County.

Who do you think we should send over?

I think that... I should go.

I had planned to go over all the books and business in Jian-An recently.

On top of that, I have to keep tutoring Xiao Feng and Xiao Yu as well.

It doesn't sound as if you had nothing else to do.

My Lord, we're actually not relaxed at all with the chores.

We just very, very... very rarely get together

to chat and have tea. We listened to the boy about a story he told us.

We'd never do that again.

I promise to devote all our time on the business in the future.

Then we would be too busy to talk.

- I promise. - My Lord!

I have to talk to the Ninth Lord about business...

By the way, did we just imported some spices yesterday?

We need to check on them. Let's hurry up!

- Let's leave now! Hurry! - This...

The Ninth Lord does know what they have been up to.

The flute is done.

The patterns on it are natural and exquisite

so it would seem a waste to have it further crafted.

That's why I thought I'd be lazy this time.

Do you like it?

I don't know about flutes

so if you says that this is better, then it must be so.

Don't you have the world famous Qin Yun Qi in your dance house?

So many wanted to hire him as their tutor, but couldn't.

Shouldn't you ask him for a lesson or two?

What is it?

I thought of Qin Yuan Qi's younger brother, Qin Yuan Chao.

I can only say that a dragon has nine sons and each of them are different.

You worry too much.

You could always drive him out if he bothers you.

It isn't that simple.

He is, after all, Madame Xiang's older brother.

I heard that you've been expanding your business rapidly.

My men told me that you have even purchased whore houses.

That is just what it seems on the surface.

You are also running some other businesses in the dark.

I'd like to know what you have in mind.

If you wish to make more money, there are better businesses to run.

Are you being too anxious now?

No one knows about this, but I still couldn't keep it from him.

Unless... Unless he has been keeping a close eye on me all this time?

I have my own plans and ideas.

Do you know why I avoided using my crutches in public?

Why?

I am always seen in my wheelchair

so everyone assume that I am extremely frail.

Even Jin Yan and the others thought that I couldn't walk far.

I do have disability in my leg

and I am indeed frail.

But my condition isn't as severe as it seems.

What is this for?

You're deliberately putting on an act for others?

I'm putting on this act for His Majesty.

My mother is the grandniece of Empress Dowager Bi.

She grew up in the palace with His Majesty.

When Empress Dowager Bi was alive

Shi's Shipping had been on close terms with the imperial court.

When Bi family declined

His Majesty became very wary of the power of Shi's Shipping.

If I hadn't pretended to be so sickly when I took over Shi's Shipping

and have our business decline gradually

we would never have survived a complete wipe-out.

Xiao Yue, the current emperor is deep, calculative

vicious and decisive in his actions.

When necessary, he will kill anyone.

Therefore, you must never go against the imperial family.

If you'd like to compete with the other business owners in Jian-An

I would totally...

All in all, you must be cautious.

The Ninth Lord carries too much on his shoulders.

He is also responsible for the lives of so many people in Shi's Shipping.

He has to outwit His majesty as well.

He told me about his family's relationship with the imperial court.

What about the desert?

What responsibilities does he undertake over there?

How much burden does he carry?

I must share his heavy burdens with him.

I happened to be a bit hungry.

Dig in.

What is this smell?

These dishes are made with sophora flowers.

I had the cooks make them.

It smells so good.

I'm not having any.

These are fine.

Poor sophora flowers.

How have you offended her?

She dislikes you so much.

You... What are you doing here?

You broke your promise.

You said that you would come to visit me some other day

so why haven't you gone to see me yet?

Look! This flower has bloomed!

This is the first flower of this year!

Who knew that I'd be the first one to see them bloom?

It smells great! Can you smell it?

I happened to miss out on them when I was away in the desert last year.

But they are quite thoughtful this year.

The first one bloomed for me.

You're so full of yourself.

Even flowers bloom for you?

This is just a coincidence.

It is rare to make it in time by coincidence.

Many things would have been different if I'd been a step ahead.

What are you doing?

Are you going to count all the flower buds?

I'm happy that there are too many to count.

It shows that they are striving to bloom.

Why is the honeysuckle called the flower of silver and gold?

I get why it is silver because I could see the white petals.

What about the gold bit?

I won't tell you the answer yet.

I'll keep it a secret first.

You'll figure it out when you come over to look at the flowers some time later.

All right. I'll treat this as an invitation.

I'll definitely keep my date with the beauty.

You are so...

One... two... three...

Would you like to come with me to an interesting place?

[Jianzhang Palace]

There are thirty-six palaces in the Imperial Park

so which one are we going to?

We're going to the Deities Tower.

Deities Tower is the tallest building in the entire Imperial Park.

You can see half of Jian-An City from the top of the tower.

I can promise you that gazing at stars from up there

is just as great as in the desert.

First of all, there is no one up there.

Second, there are no treasures.

Third, there are no guards apart from the ones on patrol at the bottom.

It is quite frightening to look at stars from inside the palace.

But a panoramic view sounds very attractive.

Let's go.

You're not frightened at all?

You're quite bold.

Marquess of Jianxi is here with me.

I won't die alone.

You're right.

Is this considered sticking through life and death together?

- Are you going or not? - Of course!

- Didn't you say that no one comes here? - How would I know? Which bastard is it?

You're not the only one allowed up here.

Since someone is there, we'll head home.

Wait a minute. Wait here for me.

I'll take a look to see which bastard it is. I'll drive him away.

You're back so quickly?

Who is it?

His Majesty.

So it is that bastard, the Emperor?

His Majesty is having an intimate session over there. Let's leave now.

Let's have a peek.

Don't do that. I can't save you if you get caught.

It's a rare opportunity to eavesdrop on His Majesty.

I'm going to give it a try.

It's so pretty.

- Over there. - That one is even brighter.

They are so beautiful.

My dear, what is that big star in the sky?

That is the Big Dipper.

I'll take you to the front hall of Beauty Place some day.

It is even taller than this tower.

I'll show you the view of the entire Jian-An City.

But that is the place where all imperial officials greet you, my dear.

I can't be there.

Qin Xiang and His Majesty are just like ordinary couples in private.

She addresses him as 'my dear' instead of 'Your Majesty'.

She isn't a concubine, but his wife.

If I said that you can go then you can.

I'm already very happy that you could take me here to gaze at the stars.

What matters most is that there are just the two of us here.

You are my husband and I am your wife.

I'm already happy and content.

As for the front hall of Beauty Palace

should anyone see me there, they might remonstrate you again.

I don't wish you to be unhappy.

It's just like how you wish that I would smile more often.

We feel the same for each other.

Qin Xiang... an act or your true feelings...

you have to be sure about it.

Are you fighting this battle with caution

or are you slowly falling for him?

Is hatred really that important?

Stop while you still can.

Who is it?

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