Original subtitles

♪First sight with suspicion♪

♪A test for two young hearts♪

♪The road is rocky♪

♪The world becomes silent when you are by my side♪

♪Have two pots of tea together♪

♪The game of go is hard to settle♪

♪Play the zither and hear the song♪

♪Who is as beautiful as a painting♪

♪Why look at the flowers outside the window alone♪

♪Have a peaceful life and another summer passed away♪

♪Hope we can stay together forever♪

♪Appreciate the elegance together♪

♪It was misty and rainy that day♪

♪Hold the jade cup to you♪

♪Let’s have a drink and play the game of go♪

♪But the wind blows outside the window♪

♪It disturbs my dream♪

♪It’s just a flash in the pan♪

♪The flowers smother the window♪

♪The leaves fly into the sky with the cloud♪

♪We will meet in the end in the cloister♪

♪We hold hands with tears in eyes♪

♪You whisper to me under the moonlight♪

♪We never have to part again♪

=Rebirth For You=

=Episode 3=

Bai Su.

Baoning.

Qingke, Wendie, give us some space.

(Warm Breeze and Pleasant View) Baoning and I need to talk.

(Warm Breeze and Pleasant View) Yes, my lady.

Why are you in disguise, Baoning?

Where were you?

Something fun was going on outside,

so I sneaked out.

You’d always let me know.

Why not this time?

And you’ve been sneaky lately.

What exactly did you do?

Nothing special.

Baoning,

since we first met at eight,

we’ve been like sisters.

I know you all too well.

You can’t fool me.

Fine, just keep it to yourself.

I won’t come here

and be a bother again.

Wait.

It’s better that you’re out of the loop.

If you still think of me as your sister,

then tell me

what you’re working on.

I can be of help,

you know?

(Funing Hall Prescription Record)

Funing Hall Prescription Record?

Where did you get it?

I sneaked into the Imperial Hospital and made a copy.

(Eunuch Chazhan) Zhao Yi said

(Maid Xiao Rongniang) Fang Yiru, a maid at the Funing Hall died,

but I swear I saw her alive

outside the palace just a few days ago.

That didn’t make sense,

so I visited the Imperial Hospital to dig out her prescription

but found nothing

except that...

Xiao Rongniang’s record.

She got the finest abortion prevention medicine.

Abortion prevention medicine?

I was wondering

who that medicine was really for.

When I saw Xiao Rongniang,

she showed no sign of pregnancy.

And she left the palace six months ago.

All that could only mean one thing,

that is, His Majesty asked Fang Yiru

to pretend to be her to get that medicine.

And then

he faked Fang Yiru’s death

to get her out secretly for the baby.

But

I wouldn’t know that for sure until I saw her.

Baoning,

even if His Majesty manages to keep this baby,

Empress Dowager Cao’s attitude aside,

Court of the Imperial Clan would never put

a mysterious baby’s name in the royal genealogy

for the sake of the imperial bloodline.

Even when you become the Empress,

that child

won’t pose a threat to you.

I’m not marrying Zhao Yi!

You two are childhood sweethearts.

The court and the harem

have both agreed that you, the lineal daughter of the Jiang’s,

are the best candidate for the position.

We grew up together.

That’s why I cannot marry him.

He gave me all these things

whether I liked them or not.

I feel I’m already imprisoned

before anything happens.

And the marriage

will only make things worse.

But Grand Empress Dowager

has always been in favor of this marriage.

Grandmother believed Zhao Yi

truly loved me.

But if she found out

he already had a love child with a maid,

she’d never marry me to him.

Baoning,

I couldn’t do much about my life,

but

I’ll do anything in my power

to ensure your happiness.

Listen, you have to burn

this copy

in case it falls into the wrong hands.

Keep everything in your mind.

I will.

Check over there.

Yes.

Have you seen

an opal bead about this big?

Sorry, Young Master.

I don’t recall seeing one.

Is everything alright?

Mr. Zhang!

I’m surprised to see you in the palace.

Mr. Zhao,

I meant to ask you that.

My father is Marquis Jinghai, Commandant of Nanmin.

I was invited to attend Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration.

Just now, when I was about to pay respects to Her Highness,

an opal bead of mine went missing.

So, Mr. Zhang,

you must be a palace guard.

Long story.

I’m Commandant of Bingzhou, Li Changqing’s son,

Li Qian.

“Zhang Qian” was my pseudonym

for the Machinist Contest

to avoid identity controversy.

Later, when I went at my father’s order

to offer Empress Dowager birthday congratulations,

Her Highness was kind enough

to appoint me third-level armed guard.

So your real name is Li Qian.

How about we catch up over drinks

when you’re off-duty later?

The second house on Sanli Lane

is my residence in the capital.

We have to take a rain check,

but my door is always open to you.

I’ll treat you to good food and drinks.

Deal.

I’ll visit you some other day.

Please excuse me.

Am I having more gray hair?

I’m not getting any younger, am I?

You’re always young, Your Highness.

It’s just that you’re burdened

with state affairs.

Lately, court officials

keep chanting that the flood in Zhejiang

and the drought in Sichuan

are heaven’s alerts

because the Emperor

has yet to take over the reins of power or have any successors.

It’s time for him to take responsibility for the state.

Aren’t they blatantly

asking me to hand over the throne?

Your Highness,

she’s here.

I, Song Xianyi, pay respects to you, Your Highness.

Are you aware

why you’re summoned here?

I am, Your Highness.

I’m too weak and humble

to give birth to His Majesty’s children,

but you’re kind enough to keep me.

I’ll attend to His Majesty’s every need.

We see

tons of smart or pretty girls

come and go in here,

but those who know the limits

are very few.

I swear my loyalty to you, Your Highness.

Min Zhou,

take her to the Funing Hall.

Yes, Your Highness.

Where did it go?

Look here.

Yes.

What are you looking for?

Young Master Zhao?

What are you doing here?

I should ask you that.

Wait.

You don’t

look like a maid.

You’re sharp.

The truth is

I’m Commandery Princess Jia’nan.

I sneaked out

for the Machinist Contest

and couldn’t risk exposing my identity.

I knew something was off about you

but I never expected

to run into Commandery Princess Jia’nan.

Don’t. Please rise.

So,

what are you looking for?

I lost the opal bead on my jade pendant.

The bead itself isn’t too valuable,

but it belonged to my late mother.

What does your bead look like?

It’s shiny and dazzling.

A dazzling bead?

I...

think I know where it is.

Follow me.

Let’s go.

Young Master Zhao, carry me up.

Are you sure? It’s too high.

Come on! Hurry!

But how did my bead

end up in a crow’s nest?

Be careful.

Careful, Your Grace.

Slowly.

Be careful.

Is it up there?

Young Master.

Are you alright, Your Grace?

I’m fine.

Young Master Zhao.

Li Qian,

thank you for your timely help.

Look at us.

We first met each other

at the Machinist Contest

and here we are in the palace.

What a small world!

Is this your bead?

You really found it!

That crow loves shiny objects.

It once snatched away

Bai Su’s earrings,

and must’ve done the same

to your bead.

Thank you so much, Your Grace.

You’re welcome.

You also helped me a lot out there.

Your Grace!

Your Grace.

There you are.

His Majesty is in the Shoukang Palace.

Grand Empress Dowager asks to see you.

I see.

I should go.

Your Grace,

am I going to see you again?

Whenever you’re in the palace,

come to Three Abodes of the East in the Shoukang Palace.

I will.

Put the nest back.

Yes, Your Grace.

Who’d know

Miss Jiang

would turn out to be a princess?

I know. Me neither.

She’s fun

regardless of her identity.

- Grandmother. - I promise.

Baoning! Sit with us.

I’m exhausted.

Is she your new maid, Grandmother?

No.

Empress Dowager assigned her to the Funing Hall.

Song Xianyi, wait outside.

You aren’t needed here.

Yes, Your Majesty.

What is Empress Dowager up to?

Mother stuffed that woman

into my hall as a lady-in-waiting,

but Baoning is the only girl I love.

As for that maid,

she can stay and clean the yard.

I know you’re loyal to Baoning, Yi.

Your mother handpicked

that girl for you.

You should go and thank her.

Did you check on her

after that attempted assassination?

I did.

The assassin was killed on the spot

and Mother remained safe.

Baoning,

they’ve sent me some Luban Locks.

Would you like to take a look?

Not interested.

Aren’t those locks your favorites?

Grand Mentor Xiong has given me too much homework.

I have no time.

She’s still a child.

Commandery Princess Jia’nan!

Your Grace,

I wonder if you could do me a favor.

Like what?

I borrowed a peacock feather gold thread cape

from someone

but tore it by accident.

I’m thinking

maybe you know of some embroidery shop in town

where it can be fixed.

How could we have knowledge

of such a place outside the palace?

Tailoring Service

is to mend all our outfits.

I’m afraid we don’t...

I know one.

Do you have the cape with you?

I didn’t bring it

because I’m on duty today.

Alright.

Get it ready

tomorrow at 2:00 PM.

I’ll have my stewardess

pick it up from you.

Thank you, Your Grace.

I’ll be waiting for her tomorrow

at Qingshi Lane.

Baoning!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Are you new?

I don’t remember seeing you before.

Your Majesty,

I’m Li Qian,

the son of Commandant of Bingzhou.

Empress Dowager recently promoted me

to third-level armed Imperial Guard.

Baoning, do you know him?

How could I cross paths with a humble guard?

He’s a new face,

so I stopped and asked him.

Turns out, he was the one who saved Empress Dowager.

Your Majesty, Your Grace,

I have to continue the patrol.

Good day.

Baoning,

they’ve set the table at the Imperial Garden.

Would you care to dine with me?

Here we go.

Your Majesty,

it’s a lovely day.

Do you mind if I join you two?

(Efficient and Harmonious)

Your Grace.

I was expecting to see your stewardess.

What brings you here?

You knew I’d come.

Let’s go.

Is it funny?

You figured I’d be here

but you didn’t even bring a stool.

Get on it.

You saw it through

that mending my cape was only an excuse.

Why did you still come?

Weren’t you afraid it’d be a trap?

You had leverage on me

but kept it to yourself

and came straight to me.

Clearly, you want something from me.

Why should I be afraid?

You’re indeed insightful.

So, what do you want?

I want The Book of Supreme Weapons.

Too bad,

that one

from the Machinist Contest is fake.

But if anyone had access to the real copy,

that’d be me.

Do you mean it’s in the palace?

Let’s cut a deal.

I have a task for you.

Get it done

and the real book is yours.

Sounds fair.

What’s the task?

Find a person for me,

a former maid at the Funing Hall,

Fang Yiru.

I need to know if she’s alive.

If she is,

give me her whereabouts.

I’ll have my people get into it

and let you know

if anything turns up.

(East Warmth Chamber)

The reigning Emperor

is obsessed with Baoning.

His two predecessors were also loyal to their love.

They’re a rarity!

I’ll take that.

I won!

She’s in luck

and on a winning streak.

Good.

Stewardess Meng,

that’s yours.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Baoning,

what did you bring us this time?

It’s a hand-cranking fan I made.

Do you have the ice cubes?

Yes, Your Grace.

I’ll put them in.

You’re into such machines

just like the late emperor.

Grandmother,

I heard he had

The Book of Supreme Weapons. Do you know anything about it?

The Book of...

Yes, I remember it.

Back then, Empress Dowager Cao

learned that he wanted that book

and managed to get it for him.

As a result, she won his heart over

and secured her position in the harem.

I see.

Let’s play.

Your turn. Come on.

(Efficient and Harmonious) Take a look!

Fresh flowers!

Flowers!

Cheap and fresh!

Bai Su.

(Bai Su’s Mother) You grew up with Princess in the palace

and you’ve turned 18 this year.

It’s time for you to get married.

Marquis Jin’an’s son, Cai Yuan,

is a nice and well-educated young man.

Would you like

your father to set you two up?

I’m asking you.

Why bother?

My marriage

is up to you anyway.

Take it slow.

You don’t act like a princess at all.

Are you sure she’s there?

Locating a maid

is child’s play.

Use this.

I meant to give you my handkerchief,

but that’d be too intimate.

Sir.

She’s one of us.

Have a seat.

Sir, Miss,

the one in that house

is good-looking

and she’s showing,

probably in her second trimester.

She’s showing already?

Is she there alone?

She’s with two maids

and four guards.

The four of them

are watching the walls and the yard all day

in case of any infiltration.

I have to see for myself.

What’s inside?

I bet this place is Fang Yiru’s hideout.

I’m going in!

Why did you stop me?

Your Grace,

a maid from the Funing Hall

is pregnant

and staying in a guarded residence.

What’s the explanation for that?

You’ve connected the dots?

His Majesty is having a secret love child.

Why are you sticking your nose into it?

He and I are childhood sweethearts.

He promised he’d only love me forever.

Besides, Grandmother already

betrothed me to him a few days ago.

All we need is Empress Dowager’s edict to make it official.

But now,

a maid could be bearing his child.

I wouldn’t believe that

until I see it with my own eyes.

But we’re dealing with

a highly sensitive matter

involving His Majesty.

If I help you,

our whole family might be at risk.

You’re worrying too much!

I am the Empress-to-be, remember?

That woman is merely a humble maid.

Should anything happen, I would take full responsibility.

Come on! Don’t you want that book?

Your wish is my command.

So, do you have any ideas to get me in?

That place is guarded.

We need a thorough plan

to get inside.

We can say she’s having an affair

and drag her out.

There’re only a handful of people there.

They won’t be too big a problem

except for those guards.

They must be so highly skilled

that His Majesty entrusts that maid to them.

Your plan

would only spook them

and escalate the situation.

We can set the place on fire.

We can’t do that!

If the fire started to spread,

Offices of the Five Wards

would all arrive immediately.

I think I got something...

What are you doing?

Fire!

Fire!

- Let’s go! - Fire!

Fire!

Fire! It’s on fire!

Fire!

- Go, go, go! - Put out the fire!

Put it out!

Hurry!

Go, go, go!

That’s Fang Yiru.

Get water here! Now!

Come here! Over here!

- Yes! - More water! Come on!

Got it.

If it comes to Grandmother’s ears

that Zhao Yi has a secret child,

she’ll definitely cancel our marriage.

But I can’t simply

lay the facts in front of her.

Your Grace.

Your Grace!

Don’t you think

that’s a reckless move?

- Come on! - Coming!

It’s working, isn’t it?

You said it yourself

that place is guarded

by trained soldiers.

They’d fight the fire right away.

It’s a small yard.

No one will get hurt.

She’s really something.

She’s special.

We’ve arrived, sir.

Your Grace...

Thanks for everything.

Are you leaving already?

Oh, that book, right?

I’ll give it to you.

You have my word.

Grandmother told me

Empress Dowager had given it to the late emperor.

She must’ve taken it back

after his death.

It won’t be easy to track it down

but I’ll find a way

to get to her

to obtain that book for you.

Thank you, Your Grace.

Don’t mention it.

You’re right, Grandmother.

Grandmother!

Baoning.

What’s the rush, Grandmother?

There’s good news of course.

You’ll find out in a minute.

My respects, Mother.

Have a seat.

Thank you, Mother.

My respects, Your Highness.

Greetings, Mother.

I’m here

to discuss Yi’s marriage with you.

I understand.

Mother,

the Emperor still hasn’t recovered

from the previous drowning accident.

I thought we should wait

until he made a full recovery.

Also, I’m too busy with state affairs

to spare time for his marriage.

In that case,

I’ll make the decision

for you

by marrying Baoning to Yi.

Mother,

the Emperor’s marriage

concerns the entire state.

We better not

make a hasty decision.

Thorough consideration is preferred.

He’s old enough to marry.

Actually, his marriage

is long overdue.

By postponing it again,

the public might speculate

if you have ulterior motives.

I wouldn’t dare, Mother.

You’re mistaking it.

Baoning is perfect for Yi

and Yi loves her dearly.

They make a wonderful couple.

I certainly

have no objections to their marriage.

Meanwhile,

my birthday is coming in ten days.

We can get into the details after that.

Enough is enough.

How much longer should we wait?

Mother,

Baoning’s birthday is in three days.

Can we announce the betrothal edict then

and make good things come in pairs?

Mother,

isn’t it correct

that Princess Yong’an died the same day?

Wouldn’t the announcement be disrespectful to her?

Yong’an is Baoning’s mother.

She’d want

nothing more

than a good husband for her daughter.

You’re right, Mother.

Your Grace,

it’s going to rain for a while.

Let me go back to fetch the umbrella

for you.

Alright.

As much as we’re engaged,

the wedding can wait.

But Zhao Yi insists on rushing it.

Now that Empress Dowager has signed off on it,

what else could I do?

You almost scared me to death!

I could punish you for that.

Why are you here alone, Your Grace?

Can’t I?

It’s safe.

If so,

why did you add enchanting incense

to this perfume ball?

That’s for bad men outside.

Give it back.

Try and grab it.

You haven’t changed a bit.

You even put on the flexible chain and the thorn.

Now, it looks like

a real weapon, don’t you think?

Baoning.

Your maids are here, Your Grace.

I should go.

Good night.

Baoning.

Good evening, Bai Su.

(Gao Miaorong)

(Li’s Mansion)

You’re back, Qian!

Miaorong!

What are you doing in the capital?

I was waiting for you in Bingzhou,

and then I heard you saved Empress Dowager Cao

and you were given a post in the capital,

so I asked for your father’s approval

to come here.

(Learning to be Good is Difficult)

Sir, Miss Gao.

Every room in the mansion

has been scented by mugworts

as you asked.

Good. Thank you.

Qian,

the mansion remains in good condition,

but it was empty for too long

and it smelled damp.

I had them

use mugworts to dry the rooms.

I figured

busy men like you two

wouldn’t have time for chores.

That’s so thoughtful of you.

Thank you.

No problem.

By the way,

I also made lotus seed soup.

You should have some.

It’s good for your health.

Sir,

Miss Gao is sweet and caring.

Miaorong is like my sister.

We grew up together

and we’re closer than others.

Let’s go.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Tongxin pays respects to you, Your Highness.

Rise.

(District Princess Qingyi Han Tongxin)

Thank you, Your Highness.

Do you like the palace, Tongxin?

I do.

I love

everything in here.

Would you like to move in

to keep the Emperor

and me company?

Tongxin,

Lord Jian and I need to talk.

Why don’t you

go and pay respects to the Emperor?

Yes, Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Commandery Princess Jia’nan being the Empress

is already a done deal,

which will bring the Jiang’s

and the Emperor even closer.

Then you’ll have to hand over the throne.

Under this circumstance,

I need to plant someone

close to the Emperor.

Your Highness, are you saying...?

I watched District Princess Qingyi grow up

and she’s your granddaughter.

If I appoint her Noble Consort,

Grand Empress Dowager

will have to accept her.

I appreciate your kind offer, Your Highness,

but Tongxin

is naughty and unruly

with little discipline at home.

A consort is way above her level.

She might not be the right person for you.

You’re being too modest, Lord Jian.

She’s good enough.

Besides,

I wouldn’t have been able to

rule the state

without your support, right?

And the marriage alliance

will further strengthen our bond.

Your Highness, it’s...

Why?

You don’t like the idea of it?

(Qinzheng Hall)

Your Majesty,

in order to have more

cultivable land in our state,

we’ve been building irrigation works

and opening up wasteland vigorously,

including terraced fields, wetland, sand and farmland.

Up to now,

our arable land has reached

over 3,125,200 hectares in total.

Is this the right way to Cousin Yi’s Qinzheng Hall?

I’ve asked around.

It’s right ahead.

Double-check now

and see if I look alright.

You look perfect, my lady.

I’m sure His Majesty will like you.

Let’s go.

Isn’t that District Princess Qingyi?

Are they going to see His Majesty, too?

They’ve never come before.

Whatever.

(Qinzheng Hall)

Tell His Majesty

that I’m here to see him.

And you’re...?

I’m District Princess Qingyi,

Lord Jian’s granddaughter

and His Majesty’s cousin.

My lady,

I’m afraid His Majesty is occupied.

Now isn’t a good time.

Empress Dowager is handling state affairs.

What’s left for His Majesty to work on?

My lady,

you cannot

barge into His Majesty’s office.

Don’t lecture me, you lowlife eunuch!

My lady,

His Majesty is too busy

to be disturbed.

I came all the way into the palace.

I demand to see him

one way or another!

You can’t go in, my lady!

Bad cricket!

Why isn’t he listening to you?

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Is this what he’s busy with?

Cricket fighting?

Like that’s important.

Du Sheng,

I said

not to send anyone in, no?

I’m sorry. I...

Your Majesty,

I’m Tongxin. Do you remember me?

I first met you

at the Imperial Hunting Ground at 10.

Yes, I guess.

Your Majesty,

Empress Dowager summoned me and my grandfather to the palace.

While they’re discussing state affairs,

I’m here to pay respects to you.

You...

Your Majesty,

she’s Lord Jian’s granddaughter,

District Princess Qingyi.

Baoning.

What brings you here?

Grandmother said you’re still having a cold

and asked her kitchen

to make ginseng chicken soup.

It’ll make you sweat and feel better.

You’re into cricket fighting, Your Majesty.

Who’s he?

A cricket fighting master

(Agriculture in Mu’an) I hired from the outside.

Is there a problem?

This book is for administration.

Why is it in Zhao Yi’s place?

Hey, you, show me how to play it.

My lady,

please don’t poke the cricket.

That girl is Lord Jian’s granddaughter,

so she’s on Empress Dowager’s side.

She can’t see this book.

That girl is as annoying as she could get.

A prank would be fun.

You’re doing good.

District Princess Qingyi,

is that a cricket

on your shoulder?

♪Like the bright remote place♪

♪Like the white frost♪

♪Sway in the morning mist♪

♪Yearn for the warm place in my dream♪

♪The joyful time♪

♪Becomes yellow now♪

♪Lost on the road♪

♪Forgot my direction♪

♪Forgive me for being young and frivolous♪

♪I didn’t know what lovesickness is♪

♪It took me years to appreciate it♪

♪The time we spent together♪

♪Even the fate closes every window♪

♪You are still a beam of light♪

♪I’m facing the light and hope is ahead♪

♪Like it never bloomed♪

♪Even the fate tries to stop us♪

♪I’ll still be here♪

♪Missing you until my hair turns white♪

♪I’ll still comb your hair♪