Original subtitles

♫ In the stormy night ♫

♫ The dark hair of a charming woman is reflected in the flame of a candle ♫

♫ Shrouded by year after year of memories ♫

♫ I can do nothing but feign indifference ♫

♫ Outlining your cheeks ♫

♫ Together and apart, just like quicksand ♫

♫ I'm meant to make peace with myself ♫

♫ Rebuild or crumble ♫

♫ Drift away in the clouds ♫

♫ Driving away ♫

♫ Your dashing pretense ♫

♫ A drunken dream ♫

♫ A person I miss ♫

♫ Of course I know if it's real ♫

♫ Even if you're just by my side ♫

♫ I want to hold on to you but I can only play dumb ♫

[In Blossom]

[Episode 28]

Master has agreed to see you.

A carriage will pick you up in front of Liu's Pawnshop three days later.

Vendors in the capital really know how to do business.

If you buy a fresh chicken, they'll cut it up and clean it for you.

I stewed this chicken for two hours. Have a taste, see if it's good.

Does it taste nice?

It's delicious.

That's good.

They say one wins a man's heart by feeding him well, so I'm sure I can get you.

You smiled.

It's the first time I've seen you smile in days. How nice.

Xiaosheng.

Why do you like me?

Because you're handsome.

When I first met you, you were such a nuisance.

The only good thing about you is that you have a nice smile.

After we got to know each other, you looked more attractive, and I liked you more and more.

They say Mr. Pan is the most good-looking man in the world.

I don't think so. I think you're handsome.

You're better than anyone else in my heart.

Maybe it's just because I like you.

What's wrong? Are you shy?

Are you shy?

Don't you find me adorable?

Xiaosheng.

Apart from doing laundry and cooking,

don't you have any place you want to go since you're here in the capital?

No, I just want to be with you.

I'm free today. I'll go out with you for a walk.

You and me?

A whole day?

Really?

Well, wait for me. I'm going to get changed.

Here, take a look at these.

Steamed buns.

Good!

- Amazing! - Great! One more!

Awesome!

Good!

- Nice one! - Brilliant!

Yeah.

- One more time! - Again!

Do you think she'll score this time?

It's in.

Nice one!

- It's in again. - Yeah.

Another one.

Brilliant.

- He's really good at it. - Indeed.

- Nice one. - Good. He's amazing.

- Don't miss it. - Let's go and take a look.

It's a fine Hetian jade.

- I've met a peer. - Come on, take a look at these.

- It's truly a fine jade. - Of course.

- Have a look. - Which one do you like? I'll buy it for you.

They say if a man gives a woman a gift, it means he likes her.

Do you like me?

What's with all the nonsense? Do you want it or not?

- Yes. - Take a look.

How much is this?

Miss, you have such good taste.

It's a genuine Diwang jade. It's 50 taels.

How much?

Fifty taels.

It's too expensive. Are you selling it for 30 taels?

Put it down, then. Miss, you get what you pay for.

Fifty taels is a very reasonable price.

It's too expensive. I don't want it.

Miss.

I thought you liked it. Why do you suddenly not want it?

I do like it, but I'm not a fool. Fifty taels is so expensive. Why would I get it?

I also do business. That's why I know exactly what my peers are thinking.

He's just starting out, and he's still in high spirits.

If you wait until he's about to close the stall, he'll surely sell it for 30 taels.

We'll have to pass by the stall on our way home, we'll buy it, then.

Excuse me. What is this? A marriage tree?

Yes. Just write your names on a marriage tag, hang it on the tree and pray faithfully,

then the God of Marriage will bless you to be together forever.

[Matched in marriage]

Let's make a wish.

God of Marriage, I know Jiang's heart isn't completely open to me,

and I know there's something very important, and dangerous he has to do.

Thus, I dare not ask for the happiness of a lifetime that others pray for.

I have only one small wish. [Bai Xiaosheng, Zhuo Lanjiang]

I hope that I can be by his side

in all the ups and downs that he has to go through in the future.

[Bai Xiaosheng, Zhuo Lanjiang]

♫ In the name of love, I question ♫

♫ The cruelty of fate ♫

♫ Reason with fate about love, and drowned in pain ♫

♫ Anticipating the future ahead alone, with no way out of it ♫

♫ As you struggle with your fate, and get forever entangled ♫

Liar. He said he'd stay with me all day.

We caused a scene at Shiluo Garden. Those people are not going to let it slide.

I've arranged for you to leave the capital first.

Mr. Pan, did you get anything out of this trip?

We met Zuo Jingfei, the owner of Shiluo Garden.

He's a man in his early forties with a yellowish pupil in his right eye.

Do you know this man?

It's him.

It's him.

He was the one who went after and killed Yunchang in Heyang nine years ago.

Did you catch him?

However, we now know what Zuo Jingfei looks like,

and we have found out that the Ripple is actually the ram horn pattern.

If we keep looking into this, we're sure to find out who's behind all this.

Mr. Pan, Miss Shangguan, I'm sure you'll be able to avenge my best friend's death.

I'll wait for your good news.

What do we do next? Do you have any idea?

I'm going to ask Ze to look into the deeds to Shiluo Garden. Let's see what he can find out.

What's wrong?

Since I started doing the Dancing Among the Clouds,

my ankles hurt a little when I walk for a long time.

- Don't worry. - Caiwei.

Xiaosheng?

- Mr. Pan. - You're here in the capital.

Have you found Jiang?

Let's go.

Isn't that Miss Shangguan?

Who's that guy next to her?

Pan Yue?

I didn't expect you and Jiang to come to the capital.

Did he leave any clues when he left without telling you?

Nothing. He just left.

He must have come to the capital to avenge his father's death.

He must have distanced himself because he didn't want to implicate you.

Caiwei, I'm really worried that he's in danger.

Don't worry, we'll definitely locate him.

What about you? What's your plan after this?

I'll stay here.

I wouldn't want him to return without me around.

He'll come back anyway, right?

It's better to regret doing something than to regret missing it.

That's what you said.

Stay for dinner, okay?

- Sure. - I'll head out to buy some food and wine.

What's the matter?

Why does this smell exactly like the incense that the mastermind used during the ritual?

Xiaosheng, it's a rare incense. Where did you get it?

It's poplar incense from the Jiang clan.

I've found that the nobles in the capital aren't into jade bracelets.

Instead, they prefer incense.

That's why I got a Jiang woman to get the stock. What's the matter?

Well, forget about dinner. Take me to that person first.

Caiwei.

This is the Jiang shopkeeper who sold me the poplar incense.

I've talked to her. If you have any questions, just ask her.

We'd like to ask you if there was a man in his forties

with a yellowish right eye who came to you to buy poplar incense.

I can't remember.

Is there any other incense shop in the capital that sells poplar incense apart from yours?

No. Poplar incense is a unique incense of the Jiang clan.

As far as I know, mine is the only one in the capital that sells it.

Can you see if this pattern has anything to do with the Jiang clan?

- Ram horn and cloud pattern. - Ram horn and cloud pattern?

Yes. This pattern is the totem of the Daohan tribe of the Jiang clan.

The Jiang clan worships rams.

Due to years of war between the court and the Jiang clan,

many Jiang people from the Daohan tribe crossed the border and settled in Luoxi.

And they became the Jiang clan in Luoxi.

Later, they integrated into the local community and started farming,

and they are no longer different from the Han people.

But there are still a few who like to carry totems around

to remind themselves of their Jiang lineage.

So It all ties together.

The court was at war with the Jiang clan for years.

Many Jiang people have immigrated to Luoxi.

The mastermind must be one of them.

They use the ram horn and cloud pattern as their emblem

to build up their forces in Heyang.

They also collude with the Jiang clan, and use the docks in Heyang

to smuggle halite into the Central Plains for huge profits.

They've been in business for over a decade.

And they own a steady stream of wealth to run what they do.

These people should be in high office.

Should we look into the top Luoxi officials in order to figure out his identity?

Jiang people who moved to Luoxi were registered in the army.

They were brave and good fighters, so the court used them in wars.

But the court feared that spies might be among them.

So they came up with an unwritten rule. No official of Luoxi origin could be promoted.

It seems likely that the mastermind has secretly changed his nationality.

It's most likely possible.

According to Miss Yunchang's whistleblower letter,

this official was probably transferred to the capital ten years ago. And he is very powerful.

It can be deduced that he was called up between the 10th and 20th year of Jingchang.

I'll ask Ze to check with the Ministry of War. After that, we will make our next move.

[Liu Yuan, Grand Commandant's wife]

Mrs. Jia.

Look at these flowers.

They were recently grown by the gardeners. Do you like them?

Graceful and elegant, bright but not common. It's perfect for Jing.

Order a batch for me, to be delivered on the 15th of next month.

Yes.

Mrs. Jia, are you preparing it for the princess' wedding?

Silk flowers are too ordinary.

I'd like to decorate the wedding hall with fresh flowers.

Okay, I'll make the arrangements.

Shangguan Zhi, if you're so shameless, I'll publicize your scandal.

Mrs. Jia, what a coincidence.

- You're here to buy flowers too? - Miss Sima.

I'm sorry to disturb you, Mrs. Jia.

I just want to ask if the princess is doing well.

What could go wrong with the princess?

Didn't the princess tell you?

That day in Fengya Garden,

the princess quarreled with a young lady named Shangguan Zhi because of Mr. Pan.

She even took Shangguan Zhi away in public.

I thought the matter was settled.

I didn't expect to see Mr. Pan and Shangguan Zhi on the street, acting so intimate together.

That's why I'm really worried about the princess.

I've heard that there's the daughter of a rich merchant

who's been infatuated with Pan Yue for years.

It's this Shangguan Zhi?

Yes, it's her.

She has chased Mr. Pan from the capital to Heyang, and from Heyang to the capital.

She has done everything she can.

Mrs. Jia, I'm really worried

that the marriage between the princess and Mr. Pan will be affected by her.

Miss Sima, don't gossip about others behind their backs.

Pan Yue is my future brother-in-law.

I trust Jing's judgment.

Their marriage can't be influenced by a mere merchant's daughter.

Don't ever say anything like that again.

Yes.

- Shan, let's head back. - Yes.

Master, he's arrived.

Greetings, Master.

Raise your head.

Your father was your age when I first met him.

You look exactly like him back then.

Stand up.

Back then, we were both nobodies, but we shared the same great ambitions.

We became sworn brothers and promised to work together, and share the wealth and prosperity.

All these years, I'd been in the court while he'd been out there.

We helped and supported each other.

My power has made the Silver Rain Terrace the greatest power in Heyang.

His money supported me to climb up to this high position.

And when we were almost there, your father...

Life is unpredictable.

That's why I'm here.

I don't want my father to die with regrets.

Do you know that wealth and power come with great danger?

Your father didn't want you to get involved in these things

as an attempt to keep you out of trouble.

He even pretended to be dead for three years.

Why do you go against his last wish?

I'm not interested in fame or wealth.

Pan Yue forced my father to death. I must avenge my father's death.

If you want to deal with Pan Yue, I'm willing to be the sword in your hand.

Is that so?

But how come I heard that you and Pan Yue were quite close in Heyang?

I did all this for a woman.

Pan Yue not only took advantage of my relationship with that woman,

but he also stole her from me.

I'm sure you've found out what happened.

If you don't believe me, just kill me with one blow.

Why are you testing me with this nonsense?

Mind your language.

Daring and bold, youthful and ambitious.

Good.

You're a lot like your father.

Since you hate Pan Yue so much, I'll give you a chance

to let you personally avenge your father's death, and the stealing of your beloved woman.

Young Master.

Here's the letter on the door.

- What's the matter? - Mrs. Jia invited me to a banquet.

Mrs. Jia?

The elder sister of Princess Changle.

The wife of Grand Commandant, Jia Quan.

That's strange.

If it's about the wedding, my father should have been invited as well.

But why did she invite me alone, and specify that it would be a family banquet?

[Grand Commandant's Residence]

Greetings, Grand Commandant.

Greetings, Mrs. Jia.

It's a small token of goodwill. Please accept it.

Ze.

Mr. Pan, we'll be family soon.

Just spare the formality.

I've heard that you're a talented man with a remarkable appearance.

Now that I see you, I'm sure your reputation is well-deserved.

No wonder Jing is so fond of you.

You flatter me, Mrs. Jia. It's my honor to be favored by the princess.

Master, Madam, the feast is ready.

Mr. Pan, please.

Darling, please.

Why did your sister invite me over?

It happened suddenly. I only found out this morning. Just play it by ear.

Please.

There are no outsiders here today.

It's just an ordinary family meal.

Mr. Pan, just help yourself with the food, and spare the courtesy.

Yes.

It's a family meal, but you're a guest.

Mr. Pan, here's to you.

Yes, you're right, darling. Come on. Mr. Pan, here's to you.

Thank you, Grand Commandant. Thank you, Mrs. Jia.

Jing was young when our parents passed away.

I brought her up by myself.

An elder sister is like a mother. Jing has always set her sights high.

She's been courted by many princes and young masters, but she just wants to marry you.

You must treat her well, and don't let her down, Mr. Pan.

Don't worry, Mrs. Jia.

There's something I'd like to ask you, Mr. Pan. Can you answer honestly?

Please go ahead, Mrs. Jia.

I've heard rumors that you're involved with a Miss Shangguan.

Is that true?

Yuan, don't buy into those rumors out there. They're all made up by some backstabbers.

If it's just rumors, then why did you fight with her in the Fengya Garden?

Miss Shangguan and I have known each other since we were little.

I'm also close friends with her brother.

That's why our families have been seeing each other more often.

I've explained all this to the princess.

With your experience and wisdom, I'm sure you can tell the facts, Mrs. Jia.

Be it a sister or a friend,

if you are determined to marry Jing,

you can only have her in your heart and eyes from now on.

A gentleman should be prepared for the unexpected, and not be under suspicion.

I'm sure you understand that.

I don't want Jing's life to be the talk of the town.

You should sever your ties with her as soon as possible.

It's better for you and Jing, as well as Miss Shangguan's reputation.

Mr. Pan, what do you think?

Don't worry, Mrs. Jia. I know what to do.

Darling, can I start eating now?

This Osmanthus Steamed Sea Bass will turn fishy if it gets cold.

Come on, look.

Here, here's your favorite sea bass face.

Try it.

Your Highness.

Mr. Pan, I've seen your portraits before.

At the time, I thought this man had a great ambition.

I never thought you'd become Jing's husband.

It's really fate that brings us together.

Grand Commandant, you flatter me. You and your wife are a perfect match.

That's true. When I met her, I was just a humble soldier.

Who would have thought I could marry her?

All right. Why are you talking about this?

That's embarrassing.

- Here, dig in. - Come on, dig in.

Here, Mr. Pan.

Mr. Pan, this way, please.

The princess will get married soon.

Just let the sisters have a few words.

I'll show you around the garden. Let's relax.

I'd like to thank you for helping me out just now.

I hope you won't get offended. That's the way my wife is.

She's actually quite easy to get along with.

But when it comes to the princess, she's overly nervous.

I was afraid you'd argue with her to the end.

She's just worried about the princess. Of course I don't mind.

That's good. But if you're an imperial family member,

you'll be subject to the rules of imperial families.

Things like that are going to happen again.

Can you give me some words of advice?

We can't think of ourselves as husbands.

We have to be gardeners.

- Gardeners? - Yes.

Take care of your wife the way you take care of these delicate flowers.

Get to know their temperaments and preferences.

Don't ask what's right or wrong, just do what she wants.

That's how you can be called a qualified prince consort.

How wise of you. I'm truly enlightened.

Besides, bear this in mind.

There are so many eyes on us.

These people look down on us, openly and secretly.

No matter how capable we are, they still say we're benefiting from our wives.

I didn't think you'd still feel this way after all these years of meritorious service.

I may be the Grand Commandant, but I do nothing more than paperwork for the army.

Since we've married the princesses, and got the glory that doesn't belong to us,

we have no choice but to accept the criticisms uttered behind our backs.

But even with all the grievances, you're still so gentle and considerate to your wife.

I can't thank and love her enough for marrying me.

As for any grievances I may have suffered outside, I'll put up with them.

There's no need to bring them home.

Grand Commandant, watch out!

Mr. Pan! Guards!

Mr. Pan! Mr. Pan!

- Sir! - Hurry! Summon the imperial physician!

Yes!

Mr. Pan!

What's wrong, Young Lady?

I'm fine.

I don't know what's wrong with me today, but I've been feeling restless.

Ling, there's still no letter for me at the door?

I've just asked them. No.

It's already the hour of Xu.

Pan Yue should be back from the meal at the Grand Commandant's Residence.

Young Lady, bad news!

News has just come from the Grand Commandant's Residence that Mr. Pan was ambushed.

What?

You always say that our residence is safe from attack,

but today the assassin had been in our residence to kill. What's going on?

Sorry, Darling. I didn't expect an assassin to be on the roof for the ambush.

Besides, it's been only a few days since Mr. Pan returned to the capital.

I haven't heard of any political rivals of his in the court.

Why would an assassin target him?

- Imperial Physician. - Imperial Physician, how's his injury?

His bleeding has stopped. Fortunately, he's not hurt badly.

Luckily, God has blessed him.

But he still needs a few days of rest and recuperation, in case his wound gets worse.

- Okay. - Thank you, Imperial Physician.

[Grand Commandant's Residence]

[Grand Commandant's Residence]

Ze.

- Miss Yang. - How's Pan Yue doing?

Miss Yang, don't worry. Mr. Pan is all right now.

It's only because he was attacked at the Grand Commandant's Residence

that Mrs. Jia felt sorry for him,

so she'd like to keep him here for a few days.

I'm on my way to Shuyu Abode to get some of his clothes.

I'd like to go in and see him. Can you help me?

Miss Yang, well...

After the assassination of Young Master Pan,

the Grand Commandant's Residence has increased its security, especially Mr. Pan's room.

So it will be guarded at all times.

I think there's someone who can help me.

Your Highness.

I'm going in to see Mr. Pan.

Yes.

Leave me alone. I'll call you if there's anything else.

Yes, Your Highness.

Pan Yue.

Why are you here?

Be careful. I'll help you up.

You're so bold.

If Mrs. Jia sees you, she'll give you a hard time.

I've assured Miss Yang that you're fine,

but she insisted on seeing you before she can rest assured.

Besides, at this moment, I don't think there's any cure

that works better than seeing Miss Yang yourself.

Since I'm already here, do you still want to drive me away?

How do you feel now? Does it hurt?

It hurt a lot just now. But it stops hurting now.

Thank you, Your Highness. I'm cured now.

It's not a good time for jokes.

Oh, right. Who tried to assassinate you today?

It was Zhuo Lanjiang.

- Jiang? - Listen to me.

When the sword came, there was no way I could dodge it.

If he had really wanted to kill me,

with Jiang's skills, there's no way I could survive it.

So I don't think he really wanted to kill me.

You mean Jiang was forced to do it?

Yes.

There's a good chance that he left without saying goodbye

in order to infiltrate the mastermind behind the operation.

This assassination is a retaliation for the trouble we caused at Shiluo Garden,

and a test of his loyalty.

Jiang wants to avenge his father's death, so he takes such risks.

Oh, right.

A few days ago, Mr. Zhang was assassinated on the outskirts of the city.

The assassin was a young man with a sword.

I think that might be Zhuo Lanjiang.

He must be in a very precarious situation.

I failed to take Pan Yue's life due to my incompetence.

Please forgive me, Master.

I remember when you killed Mr. Zhang, he was guarded by many men.

However, you killed him effortlessly.

Why did you fail this time?

I sparred with Pan Yue in Heyang before.

He knew my sword moves, so he could dodge my attack.

Master, please give me one more chance.

Whatever.

You tried your best.

This time, he's just lucky to have survived it. We'll find another chance after this.

Thank you for the impunity, Master.

Take him to his room.

From now on, he's one of us.

Yes.

So Mr. Chen has been hiding here all along.

This is your room. Don't go out without an order.

Noted.

He doesn't fully trust me yet.

I have to wait for the right moment to strike.

[Grand Commandant's Residence]

Mr. Pan, stay here and recuperate.

You got injured in my residence. It was caused by our negligence.

You're leaving when you're just a little bit better. Are you blaming us?

Grand Commandant, don't say that.

It's thanks to the timely treatment of my injury

at your residence that I've recovered so well.

But there are still a lot of things to be arranged for the wedding.

I'm afraid it's not appropriate, for me to keep staying here.

- But... - Quan, Yuan, just listen to him.

I'll take good care of him.

You've not even got married yet. But you're already defending him.

Yuan.

- All right. - I'll see him out now.

I've asked someone to go to the Ministry of Personnel,

to investigate the household registrations of all the officials.

If there's any news, I'll inform you right away.

Okay.

♫ Like the dew, we wait for the glimmer of light to greet the morning ♫

♫ How many looks do we need to affirm each other? ♫

♫ It's sincerity that fools me ♫

♫ But it's seriousness that traps you ♫

♫ The depth of the past is best left unexplored ♫

♫ How many more falls do I have to experience ♫

♫ Before I can face love and hatred with grace? ♫

♫ Don't ask if it's a moment ♫

♫ Of liberation or cowardice to let go ♫

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

♫ It's an unwillingness to be just a passer-by with you ♫

♫ Even if I were to die after a few intense struggles ♫

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Perhaps it's a misstep into your heart, it's a hasty feeling ♫

♫ It's an unwillingness to be just a passer-by with you ♫

♫ Even if I were to die after a few intense struggles ♫

♫ I would have lived a life worth living ♫

♫ If grasses and trees are sharp blades, if mountains and waters are temples ♫

♫ It's good to be alive even for a short moment ♫

♫ I wish I could be worthy of the thoughts ♫

♫ And I wish I could be worthy of the love ♫

♫ Be worthy of this love ♫