Original subtitles

♪The spring breeze outside the window moves the stream♪

♪Who is disturbed by the williow catkins?♪

♪You're there when I look back, toying with my heart♪

♪Everything has become an ornament♪

♪A pair of lovebirds are flying under the roof in the drizzling rain♪

♪Whose secrets have drifted to the chamber?♪

♪The night when the moon shines, I'll have a drink with you♪

♪Let's keep each other company for the rest of our lifes♪

♪The mountain and water carry me through my lifetime relationship♪

♪Oh, wind and rain, you're as romantic as spring♪

♪Like the star and the moon, I wish you all well♪

♪Don't think about him, I'm right by your side♪

♪Oh, my dream keeps changing because of you♪

♪I'm still waiting for you to look at me♪

♪It's hard to let go once one falls in love♪

♪My life is not wasted while being with you♪

=Choice Husband=

=Episode 12=

(Shen's Residence)

How's Miao doing?

How's the baby doing?

Don't worry. Both the mother and the baby are safe.

But they're still weak.

They need to take a good rest.

Congratulations, Young Master.

You're now a father.

What's wrong?

- What's wrong? - What's wrong?

What's wrong?

What about you?

Whose side do you take?

I'm just an outsider. You can go ahead without me.

Old Master Shen.

Can I talk to you in private?

Is it true

that Miao is doing all right?

Thanks to the medication you gave her,

she managed to cheat death.

The physician said

after going through this difficult labor,

Miao shouldn't get pregnant again in the coming five years.

Miao's getting poisoned is a major issue.

Let's not tell anyone else about this yet.

We don't want to alert our enemy.

That's exactly what I thought.

Miao has always been impulsive.

We should never let her find out what happened.

Official Pei, you might appear to be a good guy now.

But at the end of the day,

you're the reason

His Majesty and Her Highness were here.

If you're really worried

about Miaomiao and the baby,

why would you have acted so servilely

in front of everyone?

I will protect

my own child.

Master Song, you must be kidding me.

The baby might not be one of the Pei family,

but we know for sure the baby is not part of Song family.

Pei Yanzhen.

Pei Yanzhen.

Do you dare repeat what you said in front of Miaomiao?

(None of the flowers worth my glance, partly due to ascetic practice, partly because of you.)

It was my fault.

I did this to Miao and our child.

Yes. Not only did you put them in danger,

but you also dragged me into this.

If it wasn't for you,

why would the Princess...

Forget it.

But why are you so sure

that you're the father of Shen Miao's baby?

(No one knows how long Miao has been pregnant.)

(There is a heated argument going on.)

It's not something that can be solved with a diagnosis.

Can you please lie and tell everyone that she's three-month pregnant?

You might have to go into hiding temporarily.

Thanks for the help, Official Pei.

You will be a father

in the coming summer.

Why did you keep it until now?

The lesser people know about this,

the better it is.

Then, why are you telling me this now?

Zhan Yue.

(None of the flowers worth my glance, partly due to ascetic practice, partly because of you.)

(Partly due to ascetic practice, partly because of you.) If one day,

I'm forced to leave Shen Miao and her baby behind,

can you look after them

on my behalf?

Shen Miao and the baby are both in Lingzhou.

I don't think you'll ever leave them.

(If I stay,)

(the Empress Dowager will never leave Miao and her baby alone.)

To watch us playing chess?

Pei Yanzhen was clearly trying to trick Jiu

as he stole the antidote.

Pei Yanzhen and the Shen family.

Do you think

that's all I can do?

Bring Song Xiyuan here.

Yes.

(Ninth Princess's Residence) Your Highness.

Get up.

Since you've been so considerate,

I'll of course reward you with what you deserve.

I heard Shen Miao gave birth to a baby for the Song family last night.

Yet, Pei Yanzhen continued standing in your way.

I want to help you

to bring the baby into your family.

What do you think?

Official Pei is backed by His Majesty.

He's doing whatever he wants,

and even trying to steal my wife and my baby from me.

If Your Highness can bring

the baby back to my family,

I will be forever indebted to you.

I'll do everything to repay Your Highness's kindness.

Miaomiao, you're awake.

Are you all right, Miaomiao?

How are you feeling?

Be careful.

Be careful.

Cover yourself.

Do you know

that you were in a coma for two days?

You must be thirsty, right?

Have some soup.

Aunt.

Where's my baby?

Dear.

Coming. You're awake.

Come and take a look at your baby.

Here.

He has a small face, a small pair of eyes, a small nose,

and a small mouth.

He looks

like a little rice ball.

He's only two-day-old.

You're responsible for this.

You didn't watch your diet when you were pregnant,

and were always wandering around.

You didn't take good care of yourself.

That's why the baby came early.

You should stay here as you complete your confinement.

Why do I feel like it was the fish soup that made me sick?

The fish soup is cooling

and you've always been weak.

That's why it made you sick.

Has anyone visited

when I was in labor?

Both the Pei and Song families were here.

But I sent them away before they managed to see you.

Miao, did you see anyone?

Did you manage to recall anything?

I guess it was just a dream.

Since you're conscious now,

I have something to tell you.

I was just thinking

about the baby's name.

Look how fair and chubby this baby is.

He looks just like a glutinous rice ball.

Shen Tangyuan.

No, that's not a good name.

Shen Tang? That doesn't sound good too.

Why don't we name him Shen Yuan?

Why don't we...

Shen...

No way!

I haven't said anything yet.

Why not?

Keep your voice down.

Why not?

Father, look.

The rice ball

is also called Yuanxiao.

Maybe...

Maybe we can name him Shen Xiao.

Shen Xiao?

Shen Xiao.

Father, look.

You gave him a good name.

Our family has more men

than women.

Hence my name, Shen Miao,

where Miao stands for fewer women.

When you were giving birth to Shen Zai,

Father was there by your side.

Hence his name is Shen Zai.

Father.

Your skill at giving names is still as good

as 20 years ago.

Shen Xiao.

Yes.

Xiao.

Xiao.

Shen Xiao.

Shen Xiao.

That's a good name.

(Shen's Residence)

(The tenth day)

Miss, hurry up.

Take a seat.

Take a seat.

I...

(The 15th day)

(The 15th day) What are you staring at?

Get back in.

Hurry up and close the window.

(The 25th day) Lvying.

(The 25th day)

(The 25th day) Lvying!

(The 25th day)

Miss.

Miss?

Miss!

Shen Miao.

Your Highness. It's you again.

What are you doing at my place?

You know what?

You were bleeding profusely during labor.

And I was kind enough

to find you the hemostatic medication.

Because of that, I was grounded by Mother.

I'm worried about you,

so I sneaked out to check on you.

How are you going to repay me?

You sent me the medication?

The preterm labor put you at death's door.

It was me and Pei Yanzhen who got you the medication.

Pei Yanzhen too?

That's what happened.

Pei Yanzhen indeed

cares for you a lot.

But

I've spent a month

at home.

Why hasn't he dropped by to pay me a visit yet?

Come on. We were rivals.

Do you really think I'll analyze it for you?

You're right.

Do you think you can buy me off with the food?

I will never waste my time

being unhappy.

I hereby announce that I'm giving up on Pei Yanzhen.

But if you want me to give you my blessing,

you need to do me a favor.

How well do you know the guard who works for Pei Yanzhen?

Are you talking about Zhan Yue?

He...

Although he's unpredictable and secretive,

he is a very kind and caring man.

He doesn't covet fame or wealth too.

It's hard to come by a good man like him.

But...

He's very different

from the pervert who disturbed you the other night.

It's either he put on a perfect disguise,

or your eyes are just not as sharp as mine.

You're right. Whoever dares upset Your Highness

will be my sworn enemy.

You know what?

This one...

Don't these tassels look good?

Yes, they do.

Zhan Yue!

Stop there, Zhan Yue!

You...

It's been a while.

Yes.

I've recovered.

Do you know

that my baby is fair and chubby?

He's really cute.

My dad even wanted to name him Shen Yuan.

Luckily I was witty enough.

I named him Shen Xiao.

Isn't that a good name?

Do you know why I'm named Shen Miao?

Because my family has more male members

than female.

Miao means fewer women.

- That's why... - Miss Shen.

I have work to do.

I've got to go.

Miss Shen?

Pei Yanzhen.

I want to tell you.

When I had a brush with death,

many things came to light.

Do you know

when I was at death's door,

the only thing on my mind...

Miss!

Something happened.

The physicians from both Team Two-Month and Team Four-Month

are surrounding the Shen's Residence.

They say they want to lodge a complaint

and seek justice for themselves.

- Two months! - Two months!

- It was obviously two months! - It was obviously two months!

- Four months! - Four months!

- It was no doubt four months! - It was no doubt four months!

- Two months! - Two months!

- It was obviously two months! - It was obviously two months!

Madam's pulse was smooth and gentle.

Sometimes, it was there, and sometimes, it wasn't.

I'm sure she was two-month pregnant.

Madam's pulse was vigorous and strong.

She looked healthy and well-fed.

She was definitely four months into the pregnancy.

How dare you call yourself a physician

when you're lying so blatantly?

You are just making something up.

You're the worst physicians ever.

- Two months! - Four months!

(Shen's Residence)

(Shen's Residence) A decree from the Empress Dowager.

All members of the Shen family shall go to the yamen right away.

We'll do a blood test to identify the father of the baby.

(Lingzhou Government Office)

This is too tricky.

I'm glad that Her Highness can seek justice for us

and keep the bloodline

of the Song family intact.

It's too early to cry now.

If you drain your tear now,

how are you going to cry later?

You...

Stop fighting.

His Majesty has arrived.

Get up.

A few months ago,

all physicians in Lingzhou

suffered from many accusations,

trying to determine how old Shen Miao's fetus was.

The county magistrate failed to address the issue fairly,

and Magistrate Pei couldn't handle it as there was a conflict of interest.

The news

reached me.

I feel so sorry

for these physicians.

Besides, I know that Official Pei and Song Xiyuan

are important to our nation.

In order to resolve this issue,

His Majesty and I have decided

to run a blood test to identify the father of the baby.

I am beyond grateful

that Your Majesty is willing to seek justice for me.

A blood test?

What if they find out

that the baby's father is Pei Yanzhen?

Then, I can take the opportunity to sentence him to death.

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

We have collected the blood sample.

Someone has to go first.

Pei Yanzhen.

I think

we should start with you.

I think the one who came later should go first.

Official Pei is never blessed with good health.

We shouldn't terrify him with this.

I think Song Xiyuan should go first.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Thanks for the concern, Your Majesty and Your Highness.

I will go first.

What's the matter?

Do I have no say in this matter?

Imperial Physician.

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

The blood mixed together.

Official Pei is the father of the baby.

That's great.

Congratulations, Official Pei.

You're now a father.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Fate brought your son to me.

Why don't we...

Wait a minute.

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

The baby's blood mixed with Song Xiyuan's too.

This...

This is absurd.

How can it blend with both of them?

Is there something wrong with the solution?

Jingde, try it.

Yes.

Your Highness.

Your Majesty. Your Highness.

I have been a businessman for many years.

And I have done many things that let my family down.

My late wife passed away at a young age

and I'm just a weak man.

Since destiny has brought us here,

I hope that Your Majesty can allow Miao

to continue living with the Shen family.

I wish to make it up to her.

All members of the Shen family will do our best

to serve the nation

in order to repay the kindness we received from Your Majesty.

Just like what you said.

It's all destined.

You have my permission.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

This...

It turns out

they came well-prepared.

Who's there?

Pei Yanzhen.

I was right. You knew martial arts.

What else are you hiding from us?

What was your agenda when you approached Miaomiao?

Third Master, I don't have time to deal with you.

Are you going to save Miao

and the baby in her belly?

Of course, I am.

But I can do it myself.

I don't need help from others.

You won't be able to do it alone.

Of course, I can. I...

Do you know why the royal family tried to interfere with my marriage

when I'm just a county magistrate?

Do you know why the baby's presence

puts our lives at stake?

If we get to the bottom of it,

the Empress Dowager's target

has always been me.

I'm the Sixth Prince the Empress Dowager has been after.

That was when

you formed an alliance, right?

What happened during the blood test?

If you are curious,

deliver this letter to the palace.

I'm not going there.

There's an annoying narcissist there.

You can go there by yourself.

Fine. I'll go.

What?

The Empress Dowager wants to run a blood test?

Yes. Official Pei.

You come from a noble background.

If she finds out

that you are the father,

it will put

Miaomiao and the baby's lives at stake.

What other ideas do you have?

Now,

we must figure something out.

I got it.

The Empress Dowager has always wanted me to take her side.

If you turn her down for the test

and confirm that the baby is a descendant of the Song family,

you'll do both of us a favor.

You can resolve this tricky situation as well.

I guess that's what you've been longing for, right?

How could you say that?

I only do that because we have no other options.

Although we can't use the blood test

to destroy your hope once and for all.

in hindsight,

I have no choice

but to take up the responsibility

for Miaomiao's sake.

Master Song, you're a wealthy man indeed.

This is such an elegant move.

You're making it hard for me to turn you down.

Can I take that as a yes?

In your dreams.

What's the matter, Official Pei?

Why are you in such a hurry?

How did you make sure

that the blood blends together?

When you add potassium alum to the solution,

all blood can blend together.

But Jingde's blood...

We applied the potassium alum on our hands.

I see.

If they find out that Xiao is my kid,

it'll put his life at risk.

If they determine that the baby's father is Song Xiyuan,

it'll disappoint my ancestors.

It's better

we keep beating around the bush.

I pity those who have to deal

with a cunning man like you.

But right now,

I pity myself the most.

Lingzhou has been in turmoil.

And the imperial examination is just around the corner.

I don't think we can stay here for long.

We have received all the money contributed by the people.

Mother has profited quite a bit

from this trip.

The city is now in turmoil.

I thought Mother would've weeded out the entire city.

The baby is innocent.

Shen Miao is innocent.

How dare you?

I'm only doing this for your own good.

You said that it was for my own good,

but you ordered Jingde to poison the food

and used me as the scapegoat.

Your Majesty. I...

Someone.

Bring him out.

Your Highness.

Help, Your Highness.

Your Highness!

Help me!

I let the Shen family down.

Why don't we issue the tea-selling license to...

We can't trust the Shen family anymore.

But among the remaining families,

other than the Song family who has been doing a decent job,

none of them are reliable.

Then, we'll issue it to the Song family.

(Shen's Residence)

Why does the Empress Dowager have so much interest in Xiao?

Is it really because she's a busybody?

I was feeling suspicious too.

We saw what happened to the Lu family.

Hence, we should always have a backup plan.

I've got an idea.

But

before I share my proposal with you,

there's something I need to do.

I need to figure this out first.

Official Pei?

Don't overthink it. I don't...

We're not fools.

Thanks to Pei Yanzhen,

I managed to survive the labor.

I'm only doing this to thank him on the Shen family's behalf.

If you really mean your gratitude,

you need one more thing.

Go out first.

It's fine. Leave me alone.

Go out now.

Hurry up!

Hurry up!

Lvying.

Close the door.

Sure.

I'll start first.

All right.

Lvying, bring me the water.

Miss, it's on fire!

Sir.

According to the law,

any official who receives bribery

shall be exiled.

Are you setting up a trap for me?

Step aside.

I'm the one who's trying to bribe you.

You can arrest me.

Forget it.

If you're upset because of my baby,

I don't think I can explain it to you yet.

But you should tell me directly

if I have made any mistakes.

Please don't give me the cold shoulder.

You didn't do anything wrong.

Pei Yanzhen.

I made this...

Miss Shen.

I'm getting promoted and will be joining the Ministry of Revenue.

I'll leave Lingzhou together with the royal cavalry tomorrow,

and start my duty in the capital.

Mother is determined to bring the Shen family down.

You share a close relationship with the Shen family.

Leaving her

will be the best

for both of you.

Why are you crying?

(Peace and Prosperity) It's all right.

(Peace and Prosperity)

(Peace and Prosperity) You...

(Peace and Prosperity)

♪The long river runs shallow Separating the two's worlds♪

Good boy.

Miaomiao.

Miaomiao.

You're finally home.

Look how cute Xiao is.

He looks just like me.

Mrs. Shen told me

that you were quick-witted enough

to stop Xiao from being named Yuanyuan.

You don't like the name, huh?

You don't want to be called Yuanyuan?

You'll be mocked by other kids if your name is Yuanyuan.

Your father is really good at giving names.

Fewer women, hence Miao.

Then, we have Yuanyuan.

Do you like the name Yuanyuan?

You don't, right?

All right. You're not Yuanyuan.

You're not Yuanyuan.

(Peace and Prosperity) You are Xiao.

(Peace and Prosperity)

(Peace and Prosperity) Are you sleepy?

Let me put you to sleep, all right?

Let's hit the sack.

You don't want to sleep yet, huh?

You don't want to sleep yet.

Fine. You don't want to sleep yet.

All right. I get it. You're not sleeping yet.

Baby.

You're such a good boy.

Look at this. Do you like it?

Do you like it?

You don't, huh?

Then, we'll stop playing with it.

All right.

Xiao has stopped crying.

Xiao is not crying anymore.

Good boy. You've stopped crying.

♪A long-lasting love is to be envious of♪

♪Only love can burn you up And get your heart pumping♪

♪I heard the cuckoo again Just like the time I first saw you♪

♪I long for you again When I sit on a swing under the moon♪

(Three years later)

As the saying goes,

once bitten, twice shy.

Didn't you learn anything from your interaction with Shen Miao?

Why are you trying to marry another woman from Jiangnan?

Women in Jiangnan

are gentle and knowledgeable.

I will not give up on a good chance like this

because of Shen Miao.

Let's check out the Matchmaking House.

How dare you spend my money at a brothel?

I'll beat you to death.

I dare you to do it again.

Did you have fun?

Let's get a divorce.

- See? - Dear.

See?

This is the consequence.

I understand, dear.

I saw it.

(Wei's tea store) I swear I'll never do what he did.

That's a good boy.

Let's go shopping with me.

(Wei's tea store) Sure, dear.

(Wei's tea store) You've worked hard, dear.

Bear in mind.

All right.

Gentle and knowledgeable?

Get up.

Are you all right?

Thank you, Sir.

You're welcome.

But...

I visited Lingzhou three years ago.

Why are women more aggressive now?

It's all because of Shen Miao.

(In the past three years,)

(she worked hard on developing the rouge and silk businesses.)

(She opened workshops to teach them skills,)

(so they can use it to earn a living.)

(She even offered martial art classes for the ladies)

(and taught them self-defense skills.)

(She brainwashed all the ladies and did harm to the whole city.)

I'm glad I didn't marry Shen Miao.

Why didn't you marry her?

Thank God I didn't.

Lingzhou.

Goodbye.

(Shen's Residence)

Zai!

Why did you jump into the water

all of a sudden?

You are using only your little thumb, huh?

That's impressive.

I can't even beat you with both my hands.

You're quite strong.

Put it down.

Do you dare put it down?

All right.

This is war!

Give me the book.

And I'll buy you another candied fruit.

Father, you're always fooling around.

Are you really going to keep doing this?

We're learning how to wear a disguise and how to swim,

so that we can escape from danger.

How is this fooling around?

I got it.

You are traumatized by what happened to the Lu family.

But you can't ignore Zai

when he jumped into the water.

You're also trying to lure Xiao with candied fruit.

Most importantly,

you're not being professional enough.

I saw you there,

and decided not to go over.

If you weren't there,

I would definitely rush over.

Dear.

Don't you think

your fear is groundless?

Official Pei is currently serving the royal court.

He has been promoted to be the Minister of Revenue.

With his support,

the Shen family

will not get annihilated, right?

He has been gone for three years,

and hasn't even sent us a letter.

The Shen family will be finished

if we only depend on him.

It's Xiao's birthday in a few days.

I've asked my man to send him an invitation.

He won't turn down the invitation, right?

I don't care whether he shows up or not.

Xiao is turning three years old.

Yet, he's still so weak.

I wonder who does he take after.

And he's hiding behind books all the time.

Who do you think he takes after?

All this while, Xiao always manages

to resolve crisis with the help of some kind-hearted men.

It hasn't been easy for him to grow up healthily.

What's wrong

if he takes after Official Pei?

That can't happen!

Xiao.

Let's play in the mud and climb the trees, all right?

I don't want to do that.

I am halfway through my book.

I want to continue reading.

You want to keep reading, huh?

Grandfather.

Where did I stop just now?

I have no idea where you stopped.

How about this?

I'll make you a bookmark right away.

The next time you're reading,

you can just clip the bookmark in it and you'll not forget where you pause.

Father.

When other kids are at his age,

they're trying to demolish the house.

Yet, he still looks so indifferent

and spends all his time memorizing the books.

Lvying, where is the martial art teacher I hired?

In the past three years, other than the Ministry of War,

Ministry of Justice, and the Ministry of Personnel,

the other ministries are all on our side.

We have full support from

two out of the three cabinet ministers too.

You never disappoint me.

In the past three years,

we worked through the difficulties

to achieve what we have today.

But the Empress Dowager has been laying low for the past three years.

I'm sure she has something in store.

We should not let our guard down.

I got it.

Because of me, you upset many noble families.

You can't return home,

and can't see your own child.

I'm sorry you have to go through this.

By the way,

your guard is still based in Lingzhou,

protecting Shen Miao and her son, right?

Are you talking about Zhan Yue?

In recent years,

Jiu has been traveling

between Lingzhou and the capital very frequently.

She's doing that for your guard Zhan Yue.

I know that she's a grown-up and will get married soon.

If she has set her mind to it,

I'll tell Mother to decree the marriage.

Your Majesty.

General Qin and his squad have returned.

♪There are many devoted lovers in the mortal world♪

♪It's hard to understand love♪

♪If I have another chance, I won't be late again♪

♪All I wish is for you to be well♪

♪Don't ask me if this is worth it♪

♪However, love is♪

♪Turning into lovesickness when it deepens into your heart♪

♪Even life and death can't frighten me♪

♪I've been through the good times and bad times♪

♪But the person I've been waiting for is not aware of it♪

♪There's an unfinished story between you and me♪

♪How am I supposed to continue my life?♪

♪The moon rises and sets, a day has passed♪

♪I just want to protect you until old ages♪

♪And make a vow about you♪

♪I'm willing to be obsessed with you♪

♪I wish we could be together in our next lifes♪