Original subtitles

♪Having survived the winter I'm expecting the flower season♪

♪Smiling in a spring breeze I'm immersed in it♪

♪Whose breath warmed my cold heart♪

♪And stirred up ripples♪

♪A figure may be reflected in my eyes♪

♪Bring back numerous memories♪

♪Through my life I've endured hardships for love♪

♪With you My mind is still and peaceful♪

♪Don't blame fate and providence♪

♪And the merciless fortune♪

♪Wandering in the world of mortals like it's a game♪

♪Risking my heart♪

♪Isn't to be regretted♪

♪I'll exchange it for the love of my life delightedly♪

=A Dream of Splendor=

=Episode 26=

You're a treasure.

You're not supposed to fall into the mire.

Let me take care of you

and protect you,

will you?

I'm like a trailing vine.

You're like a big tree.

Now I entrust myself to you.

May you treat me with tenderness.

I won't fail your deep affection.

Zhaodi.

Zhaodi!

Did you get any ice?

I didn't get any ice.

I met an old acquaintance who asked me for money.

But I bought lotus root.

It's okay. Once only.

Lotus root is also good.

I'll make some lotus root soup.

It can also relieve the heat.

I have money in my room.

I'll get it for you now.

No need. Come back.

Did you see Yinzhang on your way back from the alley?

No.

That's not good.

I sensed something wrong

after I got her on the boat.

I was muddled.

What happened?

Who's that?

Who's that?

What can I do for you?

Is this Ms. Song's house?

Yes.

I'm Shen Ruzhuo's steward.

This is a letter from Ms. Song.

I'm here to pick up her pipa.

Thank you.

(Give Moon to the person who comes. Written by Song Yinzhang)

What did Yinzhang mean?

Is she going to stay at Shen's Mansion and not come back

just because you had a spat yesterday?

I slipped yesterday.

You slipped?

Don't you think

Yinzhang has different feelings for Gu Qianfan

the whole time?

I do.

Every time I mentioned Deputy Commissioner Gu,

she would keep talking

like a guest in our teahouse

who just finished listening to the music.

Do you mean Yinzhang also fell for Deputy Commissioner Gu...

Why else would she suddenly get mad

at Pan'er yesterday

and move to Shen's Mansion now?

Has she been unaware

of what's going between Pan'er and Deputy Commissioner Gu?

I guess so.

Today I told her

that Pan'er and Gu Qianfan got engaged.

It was my fault.

Don't tell Pan'er

that you just met Yinzhang.

I noticed

that Pan'er hasn't been herself today.

What's more, the people of the Capital Security Office

are patrolling the street.

I suspect

something might have gone wrong with Deputy Commissioner Gu.

No way.

How could you come here when you are hurt like this?

I can't rest assured until I see you.

What's more,

it's not the first time

you've seen me hurt.

That was before.

It's different now.

Let me ask you,

how did you know

whether the sword was poisonous or not?

I learned it from a military doctor when I was a child.

My father was the Ningbian Army's Chief Military Inspector.

Every time he came back from war with the army,

my mother and I helped treat them.

You learned well.

You know what,

the doctor told me

if it wasn't for your timely treatment,

I might have died.

Of course I would try my best.

It tastes salty.

Don't cry again, okay?

Your eyes are puffy from crying.

You won't look pretty.

Now the Hat Demon case has been solved.

I promise you

I'll stay safe

and not make you worry that much.

Also,

I found some restaurants

to be resold and made a list.

I'll ask Chen Lian to send it to you next time.

You can visit them one by one.

And also,

I really can't wait.

I don't care about Lei Jing.

I want to marry you

as soon as I get better.

I want to...

Chief...

Hush.

He is sleeping.

When he wakes up,

I have to take him back to the Capital Security Office.

Can I go with you?

No.

There are too many things involved in the Hat Demon case.

In case of accidents,

Commissioner Lei won't even let Chief go back to his mansion.

He had to set up a quiet room at the South Section

of the Capital Security Office for Chief to rest.

But Pan'er,

you can take care of Chief

for the rest of your life.

I'll leave him to you.

Rest assured.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

I'll put a few secret guards here

and in the yard these days.

If the business is not doing well,

just take a few more days off.

Okay.

Mr. Gu is safe now.

You should be happy.

I did this to him.

I just wanted to give him a push

and let him see

the true colors of Qi Mu.

But I didn't expect...

Young Master Qianfan risked his life

to save you and Young Master Wei.

He is so filial.

It means he has been

caring about the Xiao Family.

He is just as stubborn

as his mother.

Although I'm the Grand Secretary now,

I don't have

many capable confidants in the court

who I can trust.

I wouldn't have put him

in such a dangerous situation

if none of his brothers

were up to the task.

That Zhao

acted in a calm

and decisive manner.

Looks like she will be a good housewife.

It's a pity

that her status is way too lowly.

Master.

Are you really going to let Mr. Gu marry Zhao?

Is there anything else I can do right now?

After all, Zhao saved his life.

Look at the way when they are together,

there is no way to break them up.

No one makes it easy for me.

Xiao Wei actually wants to marry District Princess Rongyang.

He can't even

get a proper place in the Imperial Examination,

if he marries the daughter of an idle family,

I think he is going

to live on air forever.

Father.

Last time you sent me to Shaanxi Road to look into something.

There is a lead now.

Yinzhang went to Shen's Mansion?

No way.

Don't go there right now.

It's not appropriate to show up there suddenly.

Besides, I don't think

Yinzhang wants to see us now.

Where is her letter?

Here.

There is only one line in the letter

and nothing else.

She left all her clothes and luggage here.

The servant of the Shen Family said

Shen Ruzhuo sees her as a treasure.

Everything

is brand new.

There are even four maids waiting on her.

She left without telling us.

Let her go.

Last night,

I was worried about Qianfan,

but she came to me and said

she wanted to invite Qianfan to a feast to return the favor.

I couldn't help

saying something harsh.

I see.

I thought it was just a spat.

I wasn't expecting this.

Never mind.

There is always an end to everything.

Now she has chosen her own path,

she can walk it on her own.

Yinzhang is famous in the capital.

Shen Ruzhuo is also a court official.

I think he will treat her well.

By the way,

what happened to Gu Qianfan?

Can you tell me about it?

He was badly hurt,

but the good thing is

his life is not in danger.

I'm sorry.

The teahouse may need to be closed for a few more days.

There is no need to apologize.

The Hat Demon thing is no joke.

We should be careful.

Gu Qianfan helped us a lot

to open a teahouse in the Eastern Capital.

Since we enjoyed the benefits,

we also have to take the downside.

But we don't have to close the teahouse.

We can't get ice these days anyway,

and Yinzhang won't play pipa there.

Let's just open it

in the morning.

It's cool in the morning,

and we should at least do this for our regulars.

Okay.

I can also

go to check other restaurants.

By the way, I want to ask you seriously,

are you really willing to sell the teahouse

and open a restaurant?

Yes.

Let's give it a try then.

We can carve out a new area

and try something new.

Okay!

Okay.

Ms. Zhao!

Just half a day?

Ms. Song is not here, either.

I'm sorry.

She can't come.

That's why the pastries

and drinks here

are half price.

It's not the money that we care about.

All right, just be content.

Ms. Song is expensive now.

She even turned down a one-million-coin offer.

You've heard it several times for free.

What else do you want?

You're right.

All right.

You're here for pipa,

but I like their tea and delicious pastries.

Ms. Zhao, I want a cup of red fruit drink.

Just a second.

What are you waiting for?

Come here and sit down.

Come on.

The fan is ready for you.

Sit down.

Let me cool off first.

There she is.

Give him one.

He'll pay for it himself.

Please enjoy.

It's actually cold.

Did you find ice?

It has been soaked in well water.

Great. Great.

It's cool.

But,

it's going to be a problem

if you can't find ice all the time.

Yeah.

Pan'er!

We got ice!

Really?

Is it from Wang's Ice Shop or Chen Lian?

Neither of them.

That guy was weird.

He said it's a thank-you gift for some pork liver.

He also sent some honeydew melons.

Pork liver?

He said they were newly sent from the south.

It's the perfect time to eat them now.

What pork liver?

I know who this is from.

It's Du Changfeng.

He can't see clearly at night.

So I asked him to eat more pork liver.

I see.

Don't be weird about it.

You know how much I don't like him.

If we weren't in urgent need of ice,

I wouldn't take it.

This blind guy knows how to return a favor.

Let's go.

I'll carry this bucket.

There's always one way out.

I was so worried earlier.

But when I saw the shy smile on Sanniang's face,

I thought

I can tolerate anything in the world.

But Song Yinzhang still hurt your feelings.

A little bit.

But it's nothing compared with your wound.

Don't worry about my feelings.

Although Yinzhang calls me her elder sister all the time,

she is not a child anymore.

We should have respected her opinions.

You're the one I'm worried about.

You were badly hurt.

You don't have to come over to see me.

I'm not used

to your sudden tenderness.

Well, do you get used to it now?

It's okay.

When are you going to move out of the Capital Security Office?

We always meet outside.

It's too tiring for you.

Maybe in a day or two.

The Hat Demon this time

was the Commander of the Office of Imperial Guards in disguise.

The person he wanted to kill is Minister Duke Xiao.

One is His Majesty's trusted official.

The other is the Grand Secretary.

There has been a bloody storm

in the court these days.

It's safer for us to meet here.

Censor Qi.

I heard from a guest at the teahouse

that the Hat Demon also went to his mansion

and frightened him.

He is fine.

The best way

for a person

to distance himself

from a case

is pretend to be the victim.

The person behind the Hat Demon case is...

He used to be the man I respected the most,

but not anymore.

Let's change the subject.

Well,

you should have told me about the ice.

Chi Pan must be tired of living.

He dared mess with you.

Just wait and see.

After I get better,

I'll take my time to teach him some lessons.

It's nothing.

Doing business is just like this.

There are ups and downs.

Besides, we have ice now.

How long is he gonna support you

with the little money he has?

The Capital Security Office is in charge of the ice well

which supplies ice only to the inner court.

I won't use my power for personal gain,

but at least I can buy some ice

from them for you.

Really?

Chief!

Chief!

The Emperor summoned you.

Go ahead.

I need to go to the Wangyue Restaurant, too.

How many restaurants have you seen?

This is the third one.

I heard you were badly injured

when you were solving the Hat Demon case.

Have you recovered?

Thank you for your concern.

I'm fine now.

You are a young hero indeed,

but you should also take good care of yourself.

Yes.

Qianfan.

Are you blaming me

for not visiting you?

Let me see where the wound is.

I'm too inferior to trouble you.

I heard you were startled by the Hat Demon.

His Majesty summoned you to the palace

and permitted you to leave the court to recuperate.

May you take care of yourself.

I should leave.

Come on, this way, please.

Come on.

The private rooms are in the west wing.

The lobby is in the east wing.

There are five Tea Sages,

six Wine Sages,

seven brewmasters,

four cooks,

and more than twenty servers.

This way.

The price is two thousand strings of coins.

It's the best price we can offer.

If I wasn't in a hurry to go back to my hometown,

I wouldn't offer such a low price.

The location is ordinary.

It's almost evening,

and there aren't that many customers.

I'll give you 1,700 strings at most.

Yeah.

There are many customers.

See, there are few empty seats.

1,900 strings. I won't take less.

1,800 strings. It sounds lucky.

Since you're in a hurry to sell the restaurant,

you should at least give us a better price.

Yes.

The way you bargain

is like buying vegetables at a market.

All right. It's a deal.

Inside, please.

It's a deal.

Come on.

Serve tea!

Sit down, please.

Thank you.

Please enjoy.

When are we gonna draw up the deed?

Whenever your husband has time.

I'm free all the time.

My husband?

Ms. Zhao is not married yet.

I misspoke.

You can ask your father or your brother

to sign the deed.

Ms. Zhao, are you going

to run Wangyue Restaurant yourself?

- Is there any problem? - Is there any problem?

Of course there is.

I don't think we can close the deal.

Don't go!

Why can't we close the deal?

Don't pull me!

- Make it clear. - No, no.

Tell us why we can't close the deal.

Don't touch me. Don't touch me.

I won't touch you. Say it.

It's my fault that I didn't ask about that.

I guess you two

don't know the rules of the restaurant business.

There is not a woman in the Eastern Capital

who can run a restaurant.

But we ran a teahouse well

on Mahang Street.

Yeah.

You're not fooling us, are you?

If you put it that way,

what about the Hupo Mutton Shop

across the street?

Isn't it run by a woman?

Lady, don't touch me.

Sit down.

Sit down.

A teahouse is a teahouse.

A small shop is a small shop.

How can you compare them

with respectable registered restaurants like Wangyue Restaurant?

Registered restaurants?

I guess you two don't know it.

The court doesn't allow people to make wine without permission.

In a city as big as the Eastern Capital,

there are only 72 registered restaurants

that have the imperial court's permission to make wine.

Other shops are just insignificant shops.

Since ancient times,

making wine requires the yang spirit of men.

Women are of yin spirits.

If you touch the distiller's yeast,

the wine will become sour.

Therefore,

the guild laid down the rules long ago.

Women

can own a registered restaurant,

but the person who runs it

must be a man.

These rules don't make any sense.

But that's how the rules have always been.

The head of the guild

is the owner of Xinyue Restaurant, Landlord Ren.

He's a semi-official registered at the Ministry of Revenue.

If you annoy him,

no one will supply vegetables and meat to you.

Even the cook

won't work for you anymore.

I want to close the deal

more than you do,

but not selling it to you

is also for your good.

Well, I'm rather busy here.

Why don't you...

Thank you for your time.

I won't see you out.

Teahouses, ice shops, and restaurants

have to listen to the guild.

Why do they stretch their arms that long?

We finally found a restaurant

we like.

They're in this business,

so they want to set the bar high

to keep everyone else from getting a piece of the pie.

There is no such thing as that women can't touch the distiller's yeast.

Exactly.

I read it in a book that female official

who made wine for King Wen of Zhou was called Wine Lady.

Let's go and reason with Landlord Ren.

Never mind.

The owner had a point.

It's not in our interest

to offend the guild.

Besides, we know nothing about making wine.

Why do we have to hold on to these prideful registered restaurants?

There are many restaurants in the Eastern Capital.

Let's try another one.

One day,

we're gonna change this unreasonable rule

that looks down on women.

Can we do it?

We can do it as long as we have the courage to think about it.

I hope Yinzhang can also play such joyful music

at Shen's Mansion.

I haven't seen Yinzhang for a while.

I miss her.

(Wangyue Restaurant)

(Self-esteem by Ke Zheng)

(Self-esteem by Ke Zheng)

Great. Great.

You used to praise me with quotes.

Now you just said one word.

Being simple is better.

Give it to me.

Yinzhang.

What's wrong?

You look dispirited.

Did you not sleep well last night?

Or did you not like the breakfast?

No.

I know why you're upset.

I have a secret cure.

Lean over.

A beauty

should be cherished

by being held in the arms.

We're gonna be together

for a long time.

Don't be shy.

Put me down.

What are you doing in the middle of the day?

Can we do it in the evening?

I won't talk to you.

Yinzhang, you're the best. I was wrong.

Don't be angry.

Just forgive me this time

for the sake of this.

This is the Hepu pearl, a tribute.

It's hard to get.

I don't like pearls.

What about this?

This is the superior fire coral.

I only like fire coral.

Easy.

Ping.

Find all the fire corals in the mansion

and bring them to Ms. Song.

Yes, Master.

Let's go. There will be a lot of fire corals.

Put it on for me.

Okay.

You're beautiful.

Even if you want the moon in the sky,

I'll take it off for you.

(United and Harmonious)

Long live Your Majesty.

You may rise.

Official Gu deserves a lot of credit

for Minister Xiao's safe return.

Your Majesty, you're overpraising me.

I don't deserve this.

It's my duty.

Gu Qianfan

is royal, brave, and decisive.

I promote him to Director of Receptions, and Capital Security Office Commissioner.

Lei Jing has been in charge of the Capital Security Office for years.

He made contributions.

I also promote him to Inspector of Puzhou,

and Deputy Director of Palace Domestic Service.

- Yes, Your Majesty. - Yes, Your Majesty.

I'm overwhelmed with trepidation because of the promotion.

But there is one thing I wish Your Majesty can show your grace on.

My mother died when I was young.

I was lucky to have my aunt take care of me.

To confer a posthumous title on your aunt?

Is there any precedent?

Yes.

The sister-in-law of Ma Ce, Defense Commander of the Tang dynasty,

was made Commandery Mistress for her rearing.

Rearing a child takes more efforts than giving birth to one.

In this case,

I'll confer the title of District Mistress on Gu

so that Official Gu can fulfill his filial piety.

Commissioner Gu must be overwhelmed with joyousness.

Thank His Majesty now.

Thank Your Majesty for your grace.

I finally got you what you wanted.

I feel relieved now.

Minister Duke Xiao, you made a nice move.

You used the bitter meat strategy

to get rid of Qi Mu

and take control of the Capital Security Office.

You've lived up to your reputation as a thorough planner.

When did I say I would intervene in the Capital Security Office?

Qianfan.

Do you still think

I'm using you?

I know you as much as you know me.

If there is something you want,

you won't openly try to get it,

but you will fan the fire in the dark,

just like the way you treat prey.

You have to corner them

and leave them nowhere to escape.

You are not my prey.

You are my biological son.

No matter what happens,

father and son always fight together.

I need you

to sit tight in the court.

Unfortunately, that's not my ambition.

After my mother's new grave is finished,

I will marry Pan'er

and get a sinecure.

As for the Capital Security Office,

you can give it to whoever you like.

I don't care.

You're only 30 years old.

Isn't it too early for you

to live an easy and comfortable life?

Do you think

you can really give up your ambition?

I'm not like you. Why can't I?

I hope so.

It is a pity

that Qi Mu also thinks

you are just like me when I was young.

All right, you haven't recovered yet.

I'm not gonna push you.

There will be plenty of time for us

to discuss it.

Build your mother's grave first.

You must inform me in advance

when the date of the relocation is set.

After all, I'm her husband.

Minister Duke Xiao, this way.

(Tomb of Ms. Gu, the daughter of Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites)

Mother, I'm unfilial.

It took me so long to see you.

But I got a promotion.

Now I have been promoted

to the Fifth Rank.

I asked His Majesty

to confer a posthumous title on you.

You will be honored by the court

and no longer drift outside of the Gu Family.

I'll give you what he can't.

(Tomb of Ms. Gu, the daughter of Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites)

Mother, I remember you used to say

that you loved to see me in red when I was a kid.

Well, do I look spirited?

(Tomb of Ms. Gu, the daughter of Vice Director of the Ministry of Rites)

Qianfan.

Don't light the lamp.

His Majesty promoted me

and conferred a posthumous title on my mother.

I'm a fifth-rank official now.

It's great.

Actually, I kind of knew

that His Majesty would reward me handsomely this time.

A thirty-year-old fifth-rank official.

Isn't that something to be proud of?

Yeah.

You got what you've always wanted.

You should be happy.

I just went to visit my mother's grave.

I was going

to have a good cry at her grave

and tell her

she can finally

rest in peace.

I made it.

But I didn't do that.

I...

I couldn't say it.

I couldn't cry

or laugh.

I don't know if I should be happy

or sad.

Well, when I think about it,

this is what I want.

Do you understand?

I do.

I understand.

I don't even know what I'm talking about.

Does it really matter?

Isn't half of your life

worth a fifth-rank post?

Just because you got what you wanted

not in the way you like,

the decades you spent at the Capital Security Office

means nothing?

Don't think about the past.

Look forward.

All I know is my future husband got a promotion.

My mother-in-law will be honored by the court.

I can finally have a home.

It's a good thing.

I'm happy.

Do you remember you told me I'm not allowed to cry?

But I don't want to see you smile like this, either.

Now that we're together,

I'll share

half of your joys and sorrows.

Tell me,

will it hurt you

if you see me so upset?

It will hurt me.

♪A feeling of depression♪

♪Falls on those will part just like moonlight♪

♪How can we forget each other♪

♪Wind blows and time flies♪

♪When the splendor fades away only the smell lingers♪

♪In the corner of memories there are sad moments♪

♪Emotions go on and on♪

♪Because time is short but love is hot♪

♪Stars wink for you♪

♪Romance is crazy about you♪

♪Who even waits for you♪

♪Until the end of her life♪

♪When I look back one day♪

♪I'll let go of everything♪

♪I'll hold your hand and never let you down♪

♪Ah Ah Ah♪

♪When our eyes get wet with tears for each other♪

♪Ah Ah Ah♪

♪I'll enjoy a simple life with you♪