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 8=

Happy Lantern Festival! This is for you.

It’s pretty!

How beautiful this is!

Incredible!

♪Like the bright remote place♪

♪Like the white frost♪

♪Sway in the morning mist♪

♪Yearn for the warm place in my dream♪

Your Grace.

Um?

What a nice surprise!

I didn’t see you

when I dropped by your mansion.

You went there for me?

Yes.

I have something for you.

Meet me out east tomorrow at 8:00 AM.

♪Forgive me for being young and frivolous♪

♪I didn’t know what lovesickness is♪

Li Qian.

♪It took me years to appreciate it♪

♪The time we spent together♪

♪Even the fate closes every window♪

Things have settled between the Emperor and Empress Dowager.

This leverage is no longer useful.

And it’s not safe to keep it.

I’m burning it in front of you.

Sure.

♪Like it never bloomed♪

From this moment on,

your cooperation with the Jiang Family

never happened.

Hey,

now that you take orders from Empress Dowager Cao,

have you found The Book of Supreme Weapons?

According to Her Highness,

that book

is stored in the Treasure House at Longevity Hill.

Treasure House?

From what I’m told,

that place is filled with traps and secret doors.

I’ll see if I can get more details.

Appreciated.

That aside,

there’s one more thing.

I’m going to teach you to ride

as I promised.

♪Feelings are growing♪

Hold the reins!

♪What’s most difficult to forget♪

♪Is the one you love♪

Be careful!

♪Forgive me for being young and frivolous♪

♪I didn’t know what lovesickness is♪

Wait.

I can give you a hand.

No, thanks.

Fine.

Can’t you read between the lines?

♪Even the fate closes every window♪

♪You are still a beam of light♪

I’m out for too long. I should go back.

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

Don’t give me a ride. We can’t be seen together.

Fine.

Goodbye.

♪Even the fate tries to stop us♪

♪I’ll still be here♪

I’m not sure

when we’ll meet again.

Do take care, Your Grace.

♪I’ll still comb your hair♪

You, sweep the ground over there.

You, cover that area.

Cao Xuan.

Come here.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Is this how you do your job

as Deputy Chamberlain?

Don’t you know the time?

It’s too late for sweeping!

I’m sorry, Your Majesty.

You said no night sweeping yesterday,

so I moved it to this morning.

Are you talking back to me?

Do you mean I made a mistake?

I wouldn’t dare, Your Majesty.

Kneel somewhere else.

Get out of my way.

Do it over there!

Look,

Lord Cao

looks pale and weak!

I feel sorry for him.

He’s been kneeling there for hours

without anything to drink.

Ever since Empress Dowager

and the First Prince moved to Longevity Hill,

he’s no longer privileged.

His Majesty is bossing him around

with all sorts of chores

by appointing him Chamberlain,

and he can’t eat or sleep well.

He’s merely a doormat.

Lord Cao.

Township Mistress Qinghui.

It’s too kind of you

to bring me water,

but I...

I can’t...

Lord Cao,

I don’t think

His Majesty will punish me for a bowl of water.

Just drink!

You never know.

I cannot cause you trouble.

Can you think about yourself first?

I insist

that you drink it!

I said no...

Lord Cao fainted!

- Somebody help! - Be quiet!

He’ll suffer more

if His Majesty loses his temper again.

Go get more water.

Yes, my lady.

Lord Cao!

Lord Cao!

My lady.

Lord Cao.

Thank you, my lady.

You shouldn’t

be here with me.

Please go back.

Lord Cao,

this torture

must stop now!

I can plead with His Majesty to...

That won’t be necessary.

Even if I lost my legs or my life here,

that’d be my business.

Please stay out of it.

(Qinzheng Hall)

Were those his exact words

said to Grandmother that day?

I checked with the eunuch serving them liquor

and they should be accurate.

I need to see him.

Now?

Yes, now.

I’m on my way.

My respects to you, Your Majesty.

What can I do for you, Your Majesty?

All that I, Zhao Xiao, have

is for Baoning to trash.

Zhao Xiao,

when did you become such a good liar

without my notice?

Every word was from the bottom of my heart.

As much as I adore Her Grace,

I know where the line is

and I’ve never crossed it.

Which one will you choose,

your life

or Baoning?

With a heart so dear,

until death do us part.

What are you doing?

Your Majesty,

I truly love Her Grace.

Please give us your blessings.

You...

Stop!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, you...

How could you do this to him?

Guards! Guards! Come in!

Have him treated in my palace immediately.

- Yes. - Yes.

Grandmother,

he’s coveting my woman!

Your woman?

Your Majesty,

you already have a wife

and a son.

Baoning is no longer yours.

She deserves to have a home

and live her own life.

I will not allow anyone

to stand in the way of her happiness,

including the Emperor!

Let’s go.

(Shoukang Palace)

Lie back down!

Or your wound will open up again.

Your Highness.

You’re brave.

You almost got killed for Baoning.

Do you regret that?

I’ll die a hundred times for Her Grace if I have to.

Good.

Did you know

His Majesty’s attitude towards Baoning?

Yes.

Let me ask you something.

If she becomes your wife,

how are you going to protect her?

I’ll do my best

and go back to Nanmin

to carry on my father’s legacy

and battle against pirates.

Mhmm.

Stop my family’s power from expanding

and never set foot again in the capital.

I see.

You’re wise

to know when to let go.

Here’s another question.

If Baoning is married into your family,

how are you going to treat her?

I’ll cherish her

as if she’s my life.

Are you waiting up for me, Grandmother?

We need to talk.

About what?

I’ve thought long and hard

and realized that the Emperor wouldn’t let you go

no matter who you’d marry.

On that note, your future husband

must be brave and capable enough

to stand against him.

What do you think of Zhao Xiao?

Grandmother,

I had a long day.

Can we talk about it later?

We can’t! There’s no time!

When the Emperor asked him what he felt about you earlier,

he said,

“With a heart so dear, until death do us part”.

That infuriated the Emperor

and he almost killed Zhao Xiao.

He has a strong background

as Marquis Jinghai’s son.

His talent and personality

are both laudable.

His love for you

is unwavering even in face of death.

Most importantly,

he’s not afraid of power.

Baoning,

he certainly is the best for you.

But...

But Nanmin is so far away.

I want to be with you.

Silly!

If you’re happy,

I’m happy.

Don’t worry about me.

Just tell me

if you want to marry him.

If you do,

I’ll betroth you to him.

It’s for your wound.

Fine.

I’ll do what you say.

Good.

I’m relieved.

We need to get things ready

before going to Longevity Hill.

Are we going there?

Yes.

Empress Dowager remains

the head of the harem as I promised

despite the power shift.

She needs to know about your betrothal

and sign off on it.

Bring me with you

and you’ll feel less bored on the way.

Zhao Xiao should go with us, too,

and pay respects to her.

If you insist.

(Marquis Dingbei’s Mansion)

My lady,

Lord Cao is rude.

He keeps avoiding you

when you pay him visits.

His position has been undermined.

Better keep a distance from him.

He refuses to see me

for my sake.

I can’t do much for him,

but I won’t be those who run away

when he’s down.

His Majesty doesn’t need him anymore

since Empress Dowager handed over the throne.

I’d help him in any way if I could.

You’re a saint, my lady.

Even when he keeps ignoring you,

you’re still worried about him.

Su.

There you are.

Someone came earlier

to propose marriage to you.

His name is Han Qizong.

His father and I

have vetted him.

He’s as handsome as they said.

I’m not marrying him, Mother!

You aren’t?

Well...

He’s from an established family of scholars.

I said I won’t marry him!

Talk to her!

Go!

Su,

is there

someone else in your mind?

As long as he’s a good match,

we can propose the marriage

to his family.

That’s right.

I...

I just want to stay with you.

We love you,

but you can’t be with us forever,

right?

You can tell us

if you’re in love with another man.

But if you aren’t,

we suggest you consider Han Qizong.

Father, Mother,

I’m tired.

I’m going back to my room.

Su,

- listen... - Enough.

Go ahead.

That’s a sudden change of attitude.

Is she seeing someone?

My lady,

may I light the lamps?

Or are you in bed?

Get the carriage. We’re going to Lord Cao’s Mansion.

My lady,

not again, please!

No...

My lady!

(Lord Cao’s Mansion)

My lady. This way, please.

I see that you’ve compromised

and let me in.

Now, it’s too late

to turn your back on me.

I haven’t had a chance

to thank you for all your help before.

Now that you’re sick,

I hope my medicine can make you feel better.

I hate to ask this,

but could you do me a favor?

I’m unable to protect myself

at this point.

That said,

I’ll do anything within my power

to help you.

Lord Cao,

will you marry me?

I know that’s too big

and abrupt a request,

but

I’m indeed desperate.

You should go.

My parents are eager

to marry me to Empress Han’s relative,

but I can’t be with a stranger.

I understand you refuse to drag me down,

but given your situation,

you need my family’s power, don’t you?

I’m doing alright!

Whatever happens to me is my problem!

I don’t need anyone’s sympathy!

Lord Cao!

Lord Cao!

Leave!

I apologize if I offended you.

Su.

Yes?

Your head isn’t even in the game.

So, what happened?

Nothing.

Look,

we aren’t related by blood,

but we’re like sisters.

Is there anyone else

who you’d rather share your secret with?

Baoning,

I don’t know what to do.

Your Grace, to what do I owe this pleasure?

You seem laid-back, Lord Cao.

Only to please myself amidst the pain.

That’s still better

than someone

who’s unable to even do that.

What are you insinuating, Your Grace?

You must be aware of Han Qizong.

What’s your point, Your Grace?

That man

is related to Empress Han.

He’s good-looking

and quite capable.

But he’s already lost two wives

at the age of 25,

and they both died mysteriously.

Their families tried to file a case

but got suppressed by him.

According to my source,

that man

is an abusive husband.

He beats his wives and servants

whenever he’s stoned.

Why did you bring him up, Your Grace?

He’s asked Marquis Dingbei

to marry Su to him as his third wife.

The Han Family is nothing

without Empress Han.

Or how would a humble widower like him

dare to propose to Marquis Dingbei’s daughter?

You can do the drawing over

if it’s ruined

but there’s no do-over

if someone’s life is ruined.

My lady!

My lady!

My lady!

Lord Cao is here to propose!

What?

You mean you wish to marry Su, Lord Cao?

I am sincere

and I hope you’ll approve it.

Su is our only child.

We can’t make the decision

before checking with her.

I’ll leave you to it

and I hope to hear back from you soon.

Sure.

Wait!

Su!

(Marquis Dingbei’s Mansion)

You don’t need to come out.

Lord Cao,

what changed your mind all of a sudden?

Life is too short

to have any regrets.

(Ciyuan Hall)

Is it true that Grand Empress Dowager

had them hang the lanterns earlier?

Yes.

Eunuch Liu from the Shoukang Palace

gave us specific instructions.

In that case,

Her Highness must’ve accepted me.

Grand Empress Dowager is going to Longevity Hill.

Are you sure?

Our men in her palace

didn’t hear the word,

but she had arranged

a visit to Longevity Hill

with Princess Jia’nan in two days.

What could that visit be for

other than Her Grace’s marriage?

Are there

any candidates yet?

Marquis Jinghai’s son and Lord Cao

were invited to the Shoukang Palace days ago.

That explains it.

No wonder His Majesty stabbed Marquis Jinghai’s son!

Grand Empress Dowager

marring Jiang Baoning to him

must’ve provoked His Majesty.

Baihe,

we’re going to Longevity Hill tomorrow

to beat Grand Empress Dowager

and Jiang Baoning to it before they arrive.

Um.

Grand Empress Dowager only cares about her granddaughter.

Get those lanterns

out of my sight!

(Ciyuan Hall)

(Qinzheng Hall)

How is it possible

to manage such a vast land?

Your Majesty, Commandery Princess Jia’nan is here.

Send her in!

Baoning,

finally, you’ve come to see me

since we came back from Longevity Hill.

I’m a true emperor now.

Give me some time,

and I’ll make you my empress.

It’s just that

lately, there are rumors

about Grandmother marrying you to someone else.

My mind is a mess.

I don’t want to think about it

and I could really use a trip to Longevity Hill with Grandmother.

No problem

as long as you’re still with me.

You can go

wherever you like.

I heard

the Treasure House at Longevity Hill

keeps all kinds of delicate gadgets.

As you know, I’m into such things,

so,

may I have the layout of that place?

I’d like to take a look.

Of course!

Du Sheng,

fetch that layout

for her.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Thanks.

(Gate of Divine Might)

(All is at Peace)

Stop!

No weapons are allowed inside!

Hand me your weapons.

Let them in.

(Wu Man)

(First Prince of Yongqing, Qing Tai) Qing Tai pays respects to you, Your Majesty.

Please rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

What your long journey to Mu’an

is for?

Mu’an and Yongqing are neighbors.

Friendly exchanges are necessary.

We’ve already missed

Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration

and we shall at least come

and congratulate you on your assumption of power.

We hope you like

the gold, silver and jewelry

from our state.

That’s very kind of you.

Mother is enjoying her retirement

at Longevity Hill after her birthday

and can’t receive you in person.

I’m going to hold a welcome banquet

for you tonight instead.

Your Majesty’s hospitality is much appreciated.

After the banquet,

I’d like to go to the Longevity Hill

to pay a courtesy visit

to Empress Dowager.

Your Majesty,

news came from the Ciyuan Hall

that the Empress had left

for Longevity Hill early this morning.

Why did she go there?

Grandmother and Baoning

were going for relaxation.

Her presence

would only ruin Baoning’s mood.

She was concerned

that Empress Dowager

would feel lonely there,

so she’d like to keep her company.

Hadn’t Mother tricked me

at the banquet that day,

I would’ve never married Han Tongxin!

What have you found

on Song Xianyi?

It’s confirmed

that she went to see

Empress Dowager there secretly.

No wonder

she was promoted so quickly.

She must’ve tipped off Grandmother, too.

Pass my order.

Confine Song Xianyi

to the Cold Palace, effective immediately!

Yes, Your Majesty.

My respects to you, Your Highness.

Mother.

What brings you here?

I came urgently

because I have big news.

What is it?

Mother,

Grand Empress Dowager

is on her way here with Jiang Baoning

and Marquis Jinghai’s son.

They’re coming

to discuss their marriage

with you.

That’s it?

How is that big news?

Mother.

The Archduke’s Mansion is in charge of the army for generations.

Marquis Jinghai’s son is guarding Nanmin for decades.

If those two sides

with strong forces become allies,

chaos will rise for sure!

I’ve already retired.

State affairs

are now the Emperor’s concerns.

Besides,

Marquis Jinghai guarded Nanmin

for so long.

He was dedicated.

We can count

on his son’s loyalty.

But, Mother...

Stop. I’ve heard enough.

I don’t get to decide

or interfere in

who Baoning will marry.

Grand Empress Dowager is only coming

to ask me to issue a standard edict

as a formality.

Jiang Baoning, you want a happy marriage

after driving a wedge between me and the Emperor?

In your dreams!

Young Master.

Li Qian!

Good to see you.

What happened to you?

I’m fine. Nothing serious.

That wound is totally worth it

because Grand Empress Dowager

is marrying Commandery Princess Jia’nan to me!

I’m here

with Her Grace and Her Highness

to seek Empress Dowager’s approval.

Li Qian?

Are you alright?

Their carriage is right behind.

They’ll arrive shortly.

I should go

and pay respects to Empress Dowager.

See you.

Hey,

you must

attend our wedding!

Goodbye.

I will.

After coming such a long way,

I do need to freshen up.

Try this one.

It makes you glow.

Some tea will soothe you.

Greetings, Your Highness.

My respects to you, Mother.

All rise.

How are you doing here?

Thanks for asking.

I’m doing fine.

The weather here is always pleasant,

which makes it a perfect resort.

May I ask

what this visit is for, Mother?

Yi has already married.

It’s time to focus on

Baoning’s marriage

before she gets too old.

I can’t agree with you more, Mother.

It is time

to find the right man for her.

I heard

you brought Marquis Jinghai’s son along.

I wonder

if you’re in favor of him.

That’s right.

He stood out from tons of candidates.

You’re still the head of the harem.

I can’t bypass you to make the decision alone.

Thanks for your respect.

I trust your judgment

and your read of people.

Marquis Jinghai’s son is from a noble family.

His personality and looks

are impeccable.

Mother, I assure you

that I’ll have Bureau of Astronomy

select an auspicious date

to announce the betrothal.

Good.

Hey, you,

tell your Empress Dowager

that First Prince of Yongqing is here.

Please wait for a moment.

I’ll let Her Highness know.

Don’t drop it.

Empress Dowager likes that potted pine the most.

Yes.

How rude!

This is the First Prince of Yongqing.

How dare you get into his way!

I... I’m so very sorry, Your Highness.

Don’t do it again.

Your Highness,

Empress Dowager is ready for you.

Piss off!

This way, please.

Your Grace.

Nice to see you again.

I’m here with Grandmother to relax

and go into the Treasure House

for The Book of Supreme Weapons.

They say you’re marring Marquis Jinghai’s son.

Congratulations.

Do you also think

that I should marry him?

He’s an all-round talent

of noble birth.

I figure you’ll be happy with him.

You don’t know that.

I’m sorry for offending you.

So, are there new leads

to that book?

Is that thing all you care about?

I’ve located the secret door in the Treasure House.

I’ll get that book for you as promised.

Your Grace!

Wait for me, Your Grace!

Where are you going?

The Treasure House of course!

I can’t come all the way without going there.

Your Grace!

Your Grace!

Wait for me, Your Grace!

Don’t go!

If you want anything,

just tell Grand Empress Dowager and she’ll give it to you.

You don’t need to go there in person!

If I don’t go,

how am I supposed to know what I should ask for?

Right.

You have a point there.

Look, Your Grace!

They’re probably envoys

who haven’t left after Empress Dowager’s birthday.

Let go!

She’s the Commandery Princess!

- Let me go! - Back off!

Let go of Her Grace!

Are you the Commandery Princess of Mu’an?

Why did you attack me?

I didn’t! I don’t even know you!

I think she aimed at this snake.

Rumor has it that women of Mu’an

only stay indoors and do needlework.

Your pretty face

and attacking skills prove that wrong.

How chatty!

Let’s go.

Are you still going to the Treasure House, Your Grace?

Maybe tomorrow. I’m no longer in the mood.

(Treasure House)

Your Grace,

are we here too early?

There’s not even a guard.

The Guards of Li have just taken over Longevity Hill.

They haven’t assigned anyone here yet.

I see.

Alright.

You can stay here.

I’m going in.

Sure.

(Treasure House)

The layout says to turn one object

to get access to the treasures.

Where is it?

Found it. This must be it.

And turn these two.

The Book of Supreme Weapons!

Here it is!

Oh no!

How is this place on fire?

Qingke!

Qingke!

Help!

Fire!

Your Grace!

Your Grace!

Your Grace!

Your Grace!

Help!

Somebody help!

♪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♪