Original subtitles

♪ The falling snow ♪

♪ Is bitter cold ♪

♪ My sigh ♪

♪ Misted the path in front of me ♪

♪ The moonlight knows my intention ♪

♪ I just want to make a place for me in your heart ♪

♪ I laugh and I cry ♪

♪ Quietly building a pond in my heart ♪

♪ I accept all the gifts from sorrow ♪

♪ I can't let down my regrets ♪

♪ I won't admit defeat ♪

♪ I slowly chew on the bitterness of life ♪

♪ The fragrance remains the same after the bleak winter ♪

♪ Awaiting spring to color the way back home ♪

[The Double]

[Episode 36]

The Eldest Princess' marriage is supposed to be a major event.

Why is it organized so sloppily?

[Court of Judicial Review] Dingzhou suffered from disasters.

The Eldest Princess wants a modest wedding,

so the people know

the imperial family's heart is with the people.

Do you believe in the imperial family?

We are wondering

if the Eldest Princess is carrying an illegitimate child.

It is not Mr. Li's.

The Li family is just acting as a cover.

It seems like the Eldest Princess's pregnancy is true.

[Li Residence] The imperial family rushed the wedding

to stop other people from spreading rumors.

[Great Virtue Brings Prosperity to Future Generations]

I feel dizzy.

I feel so dizzy.

Eldest Princess, please drink the wedding wine with the Prince Consort.

Prince Consort.

Interesting.

How dare you!

You dare throw my wine away?

Meixiang, I'm tired.

Yes.

Prince Consort, didn't you hear what I say?

♪ Time flies, who cares for the youth with no desire to chase the fleeting beauty? ♪

♪ A dream is not enough to pass a life of bitterness and loneliness ♪

♪ I thought I would walk alone in the ups and downs of life ♪

♪ Not afraid of being loved or humiliated ♪

♪ Not waking from the dream unexpectedly ♪

♪ The bustle becomes a mirage ♪

♪ Wasted a life of wisdom ♪

♪ Yet not clearly seeing the beautiful scenery ♪

♪ Giving away my life just to find out that love and hate are both emotions ♪

♪ I hope for peace ♪

♪ And a calm life ♪

♪ My life has been destined to not have any peace ♪

♪ The trouble never stops ♪

♪ Wasted a life of wisdom ♪

♪ Yet not getting back the beautiful scenery ♪

♪ Following my life just to find out that love and hate are heartlessness ♪

What's wrong with your brother?

I think his matter with Eldest Princess has been covered up.

He is feeling much more relaxed.

Eat. Why are you spacing out?

Yes. Let's eat.

[Conceal the talent and draw no attention]

Yurong, I heard

His Majesty has granted a marriage between Eldest Princess and Duke Li.

What's your plan?

Can you still become Prince Consort?

Prince Consort is just a title.

Is it that important?

What do you mean?

Eat.

[Duke Su's Residence]

How do you feel? Better?

You should stop visiting me so often.

I'm still alive. I'm satisfied now that I can meet you

and Father.

Not only do I want to save you,

but I also want you to live on.

I heard people say

Eldest Princess is married. Is it true?

It's true.

Not with Shen Yurong?

It's a part of my plan.

Anyway,

everything is going according to plan.

That's great.

When your plan succeeds,

I want to return to Huaixiang with you.

I want to visit Qiongzhi.

I wonder if she has cleared her debt.

Do you still remember Qiongzhi?

Of course.

Perhaps she has forgotten about me.

She still remembers you.

When I went to Luyang,

she was the one who told me that Father was still alive.

Why would you find her?

When I first arrived in Luyang, I didn't know where to go

and thought about her.

She was grateful for your help.

You suffered and helped her find her father's whereabouts.

Did she ask you

why I didn't go and look for her after that?

She cried badly when she found out you were dead.

How is she now?

She married a good man

and went to a faraway place.

No one

will bully her again.

Good. That's great.

She's living a good life now

and she still remembers me.

That's good enough for me.

The medicine is boiled.

Zhao, who did you make it for? You're putting a lot of effort into it.

The person I love.

When we first met,

I was still a lady with virtue.

I think he is probably disappointed in me.

That was why he stopped looking for me.

She married a good man

and went to a faraway place.

No one

[Zhao] will bully her again.

I'm lucky today. I got a big one.

Xiao Heng, you can take a part of the credit.

How long are you going to do this? I'm dying from the heat.

Let's go. I'm almost done.

Thanks for accompanying me today.

It's rare for you to thank people.

What? You only allow Li to thank you

but not me?

Are you still angry?

Why should I be angry at her?

She didn't offend me.

Besides, even if I get angry,

will you defend me?

No.

That's enough.

When are you leaving?

Tomorrow.

The discussion fell through? Did my brother trouble you?

Not really. He only mentioned some conditions.

Since returning to Great Zhao, Jiuyue has had no appetite.

It felt like she had become another person.

Ever since you came here,

it felt like she was alive again.

Even if I'm dull,

it's hard for me

not to notice a girl's intention.

Xiao Heng, you know that.

Jiuyue is

the last family member I have in this world.

I want her to be well.

What do you mean, Your Majesty?

A marriage alliance.

I hope you can become a prince consort in Great Zhao.

You are a confidant of the emperor of Great Yan

and Jiuyue is my sister.

If you two get married,

we will become a family.

No promise is more reliable than this.

Jiuyue is at an age suitable for marriage.

As far as I know,

you are not engaged as well, Duke Su.

In addition to the current situation between Great Zhao and Great Yan,

I think

this is a match made in heaven.

How did you reply to him?

Naturally, I told him it would all depend on you.

If I say...

Jiuyue,

His Majesty seeks peace now,

but Lord Cheng is totally different.

Lord Cheng is ambitious and prefers war.

Even if he obtains Great Yan,

he won't give up that easily.

When the Great Yan and Great Zhao fight,

- It will... - Stop.

You know I don't understand all this.

I'm sure

you know what I want to hear.

All right.

I'll tell you honestly then.

One, I must borrow your troops.

Two, I can't agree to the marriage.

Three, if you won't promise my first two conditions,

I will await my death in Great Yan.

You said it would all depend on me.

I want you to reject your brother.

Bah!

No wonder you came to accompany me today.

Turns out you have an ulterior motive.

I'm disappointed.

Why would I fall for a scoundrel like you?

Flattery is what a scoundrel does.

Isn't it good to tell you honestly?

Forget it if you won't save us. I'll await my death in Great Yan.

Come back!

This is the final time.

After this,

I don't care where you will die.

Go away! All of you!

Prince Consort.

What's wrong?

Eldest Princess said breakfast made her feel disgusted.

Leave.

Yes.

Your Highness, I heard them say

the food did not suit your tastebuds.

I find them disgusting.

The food

was prepared by my mother especially for you

after she asked the physician.

There's a lot of variety.

It's normal if you don't like some of them,

but I don't think

you will hate all of them.

Every person has a different taste.

I find it disgusting.

Are you going to force me to eat it?

I dare not.

I'll ask the kitchen

to prepare some new dishes with various flavours

and send them to Your Highness.

Haitang, how is it?

- Lady Jiang. - Sister.

Zhao?

Sit.

Why did you come out?

Duke Su is coming back.

I want to welcome him too.

I feel bad for being taken care of at the Duke's Residence

for so long.

How is Father doing today?

He is asleep.

Father's condition is getting better.

He looked at me

and called my name.

I felt so emotional that I almost cried.

I think it won't be too long

until Magistrate Xue wakes up.

What's wrong?

Where are you going?

The meat has been roasted. It can be served after slicing.

We won't disturb you and Brother-in-law.

He's coming.

You...

Who are you?

Who are you?

I'm asking who you are.

I'm Jiang Li, Second Lady Jiang.

The Jiang family.

Tortoise Jiang, right?

Tortoise Jiang?

Yes. He does things like a coward.

Isn't he Tortoise Jiang?

But his daughter

is quite energetic.

General, I was going to pick you up.

Why didn't you wait for me?

You don't want me here at the Duke's Residence, right?

Can't I visit my grandson's place?

General, you misunderstand.

The lord hasn't returned yet.

I wanted

to inform you when he arrived.

Inform me?

My hair is grey from waiting. Is he back yet?

He doesn't want to meet me, right?

I don't want to meet him as well.

I brewed two extra jars.

Keep it for yourself.

I'm leaving.

Are you the person who helped build the late emperor's kingdom

with impressive contributions, Xiao Dachuan,

General Xiao Senior?

Do you hear that?

She is honey-tongued. She's saying some nice things.

I like that.

I'm going back home.

Let me send you off!

[Duke Su's Residence]

My Lord, you're back?

Wen Ji, go and get flogged ten times.

I said not to let anyone enter the residence.

That's...

Both of you came back at the right time.

Leave them.

I'll ask someone to throw them away later.

- This is from General Xiao Senior... - I know.

He sends them every year and I throw them away every year.

Why?

Are you sure my relationship with the wine sender

is the first thing we want to talk about

after we've not met for so long?

What's that fragrant smell from the yard?

Xue Zhao and Haitang prepared roast meat

to welcome you, Duke Su.

Is Great Zhao not willing to lend us troops?

They are willing to do it but...

They want me to marry to Great Zhao as a matrilocal son-in-law.

Is that so?

Just go.

Yes. Then...

I think it's still not too late to agree to it.

Haven't you agreed to it?

I'll find a fast horse for you.

Li, do you hope I become

someone else's prince consort badly?

Duke Su, you must be joking.

I dare not manipulate your choices.

If I agree to it,

you won't forgive me easily.

How so?

I know that.

Do you also know

that Wanning has married Li Jin?

Is this different from your plan?

There are some changes

but it is an unexpected gain.

Li Jin is arrogant.

I'm sure he won't feel comfortable

to see Wanning every day.

The Li family seems calm on the surface,

but there's a storm brewing within.

Let's see who will take the blame

when the drug loses its effect.

It's a nice move.

I learned it from you, Duke Su.

What about Great Zhao? Are you confident now?

I used another method to let them lend us the troops.

There are no worries now.

When the time comes,

the fish will swim into the trap on their own.

[Setting an Example for Ages]

Mr. Shen, I've found

the ancient books with rare herbs recorded on it

you want.

I've added bookmarks to the records.

All right. I understand.

Order me again if you need me.

My Lord, the remaining soldiers of the Capital Security Office

have been banished to the borders according to your orders.

However, one of them wanted to live

and provided us with information.

He is in charge of guarding

the Capital Security Office armory.

He heard someone saying

that the Capital Security Office

obtained extra weapons exceeding the applied numbers three months ago.

However, the extra weapons

did not pass through his hands.

The weapons are distributed uniformly.

They are reported by each unit

and verified by the Armour Office

before a document is sent to the armory.

They'll distribute the number according to the document.

If extra weapons were obtained and they weren't stored back,

that means the extra weapons...

Lord Cheng took them.

Lord Cheng is indeed hiring troops recently.

Weapons are controlled items.

In that case,

not only did the Capital Security Office not control the distribution of weapons,

but it also let Lord Cheng obtain weapons.

That means there is even a traitor in the Armour Office.

I investigated it.

The person in charge of verifying the weapons

used by the Capital Security Office at the Armour Office was Cao Bin.

My Lord, do you want to go to the Armour Department?

Go to Cao Bin's residence and arrest him directly.

Yes.

Dear, wake up!

Dear!

Dear, wake up!

Dear!

We are late again.

They are using this trick of covering up a murder

with suicide again and again.

Dear!

There are traces of paper burning here.

What was Cao Bin burning before he committed suicide?

Cao Bin's will.

He admitted to colluding with the Capital Security Office

by going against the law and verifying extra weapons.

However, he didn't mention where the weapons went.

They are lies forged meticulously.

Duke Su.

My Lord, he is Official Huang from the Armour Office.

Official Huang,

you are quite well-informed.

Are you here

to protect your subordinate?

[Huang Xiansong] Duke Su, please don't speak nonsense.

I just found out

and rushed here.

Your subordinate sold weapons privately by colluding with the Capital Security Office.

Do you know about that?

Of course, I don't.

The verification of weapons is carried out by the deputy official.

The person who verified the weapons for the Capital Security Office

was Cao Bin.

I never expected

the Capital Security Office to bribe him.

Apart from verifying the Capital Security Office, which unit

did he verify weapons for recently?

I think it was the Imperial Guard Office.

In that case,

there's also a problem with the use of weapons

at the Imperial Guard Office.

I just found out

that Cao Bin took all the documents in the office

related to the Imperial Guard Office and the Capital Security Office.

He said there was a problem and wanted to verify them one by one.

I think the documents were the items

burned in the fire bucket.

When the Imperial Guard Office went to obtain weapons from the armory,

was there any proof left?

Yes. Every time weapons were distributed,

the armory would record it.

Wen Ji, go with Official Huang

and retrieve the records for the Imperial Guard Office.

Yes. Official Huang, let's go.

My Lord, are you suspecting that the Imperial Guard Office is also...

Since there's a problem with Cao Bin,

we need to check every place related to eliminate all future troubles.

Should we inform the old general?

After all, he was the one

who promoted the commander of the Imperial Guard Office, Zhang Wei.

I don't even inform His Majesty when I investigate someone.

Why should I inform him?

Yes.

[Li's Residence]

Your Highness.

Where are you going?

Do I need to inform you about where I'm going?

I'll accompany you.

Are you going to keep an eye on me?

I dare not. If Your Highness goes out,

Neither of us can't bear the responsibility

if something happens to the child.

How dare you curse me?

Your Highness, if you insist on refusing my company,

I won't force you.

I hope you return soon, Eldest Princess.

I searched the ancient books, but I found nothing.

I heard you were

the most knowledgeable person in the capital, Physician Wang.

I want to trouble you to help me find out

whether this herb exists.

If you can find it, I'll reward you handsomely.

Don't worry, Mr. Shen.

- I will do my best. - Brother.

The Eldest Princess is here.

Your Highness, if you need something, just ask Yurong to find you.

Why did you come here in person?

This is such an honor for the Shen family.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Madam Shen,

I have something to discuss with Mr. Shen.

I don't want anyone to disturb us.

Yes.

I also hope no one finds out

about my visit to the Shen's Residence.

The Eldest Princess has never visited the Shen's Residence.

[Conceal the talent and draw no attention]

Let's go, Mr. Shen.

This way, please.

[Painting Skills Producing Winds]

You came here as soon as you married into the Li family.

People might spread rumors about this.

Rumors?

I'm already following your plans.

Are you still afraid of rumors?

I'm just afraid that Mr. Li will have a grudge against me

if he finds out.

Let's see if he dares to do that.

Forget him. You, on the other hand,

are traveling around when you are pregnant.

If something goes wrong,

what will I do?

Don't worry.

I'm fine now, right?

However, if I continue to stay at the Li's Residence,

it'll be dangerous.

Were you bullied at the Li's Residence?

He dare not bully me.

However, I fail to do anything there.

I'm so annoyed.

I'm sure you threw a tantrum again.

[Fragrance of Ink]

I only threw a few bowls

and Li Jin looked at me with a gloomy face.

Who does he think he is?

It must be tough for you.

Why aren't you taking me away if you know that?

The day when Lord Cheng succeeds in his ambition

will be the day when we get engaged.

But I want to remind you, Wanning.

No one will treat you like I do.

So, you must control your temper.

Don't act bossy towards Li Jin.

He is born with a golden spoon after all.

He has never experienced such a grievance before.

For the child, you must see the bigger picture.

Spending this period peacefully

is most important for you.

All right. I know.

You're so talkative.

Hug me.

[Fragrance of Ink]

Shen,

what should we name our child?

You must be a part of the child's name.

I hope his life can be calm and peaceful

and as pure as snow.

Shen Ningxue.

I'll call his nickname.

Xue'er.

Great. If you listen to me,

Xue'er

will grow healthily.

[Imperial Guard Office]

Duke Su,

I wonder why you are here.

It's nothing much.

Can't I come and visit?

[Zhang Wei] Of course, I welcome you.

However, I see

that you've been busy with the Capital Security Office case.

You shouldn't be free to visit.

I didn't expect Commander Zhang

to follow the Capital Security Office case.

This is about the attempted assassination of Grand Zhao's Princess.

The whole capital was shocked.

It's hard not to follow the case.

I heard the case is going to be closed.

It's closed

but it's not at the same time.

We realised the Capital Security Office

bribed Cao Bin who was in charge of verification at the Armour Office.

He obtained extra weapons from the armory

and sold them privately.

Did something like that happen?

Apart from

verifying the weapons for the Capital Security Office,

which unit do you think Cao Bin

was in charge of verifying as well, Commander Zhang?

Duke Su, don't worry.

We obtained the weapons according to the regulations.

We store as many weapons as we obtain.

We will never go against the law!

I requested the records of the Imperial Guard Office

from the official at the Armour Office.

If there are no problems,

I want to verify it

for the sake of fairness.

Of course.

Xu Zhi!

Yes.

This is Xu Zhi, our deputy military officer

[Xu Zhi] in charge of weapons.

Greetings, Duke Su.

There's a problem at the Armour Office.

He wants to investigate the weapons of our unit.

You must work well with him.

Yes.

Duke Su. This way, please.

Someone,

send a message to General Xiao Senior

and tell him I want to meet him.

Yes.

Duke Su, please take a look.

This is the letter of request when we want to request weapons

from the Armour Office.

This is the receipt

after we obtained the weapons.

Lu Ji.

Yes.

There are two copies for every document.

One copy will be sent to the Armour Office

and the other copy will be kept by us.

The numbers match

the records from the armory.

Can I keep these documents?

Just take them.

However, please return them when you're done using them.

My Lord,

[Imperial Guard Office] it seems perfect on the surface

as if they've practiced for it.

Cao Bin burned the documents in a hurry.

The suspicion of the Imperial Guard Office

obtaining extra weapons cannot be eliminated.

However, the records match.

That means

extra weapons were brought out

but the records were tampered with.

My Lord.

Official Huang from the Armour Office found out

the number of weapons produced by the Weapons Manufacturing Bureau

exceeds the number of weapons distributed by the armory.

That means Cao Bin did collude with the Imperial Guard Office

to tamper with the records

and distributed extra weapons.

Surround the place.

Arrest Xu Zhi.

Yes.

Why would Xiao Heng investigate the Imperial Guard Office?

Isn't this the Capital Security Office case?

It is found that the Armour Office

are smuggling weapons.

So, he suspects that our unit is involved as well.

General.

I'm sure you know Duke Su's temper.

When he is sure of something,

he will do everything he can to find out the truth.

Moreover, his interrogation methods are incredible.

So, I...

Are you looking for me because you don't want him to keep investigating?

No.

My unit is not afraid of any investigation.

But he needs evidence

to investigate this.

If you arrest my subordinate

without evidence and punish him,

I won't give up easily.

You promoted me before,

so I thought about it

and figured I should inform you

to avoid any misunderstanding.

I won't tolerate him

if he simply does things.

I'm relieved to hear you say this.

Your Highness, you came back so late. Where have you been?

I...

No one will treat you like I do.

So, you must control your temper.

Don't act bossy towards Li Jin.

He is born with a golden spoon after all.

For the child, you must see the bigger picture.

I went back to my residence to pack up some things.

I remember your residence and Shen Yurong's residence

are in two different directions.

You followed me?

Your Highness, you are still my wife in name right now

yet you simply

went to another man's house.

If someone saw that and asked me about it,

may I know

how should I explain that?

Li Jin,

don't speak to me

in a peculiar way.

It's a blessing for the Li family that I marry you.

After all,

this is a collaboration.

If you sincerely help me,

I will reward you well in the future.

If you cause me trouble here,

sorry.

I will come for the Li family to take revenge any time.

I dare not cause you trouble.

I just want to protect you

and your child.

After all, if news of you and Shen Yurong

spreads to the public,

all of us will be embarrassed.

Who does he think he is?

I would've ripped your mouth

if it wasn't for my child!

Your Highness, please calm down. Your child is more important.

If I don't deal with him, he might end up bullying me.

Greetings, Xu Zhi.

It's you?

What do all of you want?

Didn't I give you

all the documents?

You can go and check the inventory

and verify the documents.

Do you think after Cao Bin committed suicide

and burned the documents,

we won't be able to investigate

about the tampering and forgery of records?

I didn't take any weapons.

I didn't collect any extra weapons.

We've investigated the Armour Office.

The Imperial Guard distributed extra weapons.

Why didn't you say they sold it privately?

Very good.

Being stubborn?

I won't be lenient with you then.

Stop!

My Lord,

how is the interrogation?

He's still stubborn.

Let's lock him up for a night.

I think he will confess tomorrow.

Keep interrogating him.

I can't wait until tomorrow.

Yes.

Reporting!

Commander of the Imperial Guard Office, Zhang Wei,

is leading his men to surround the Duke's Residence.

[Duke Su's Residence]

Commander Zhang, what is the meaning of this?

If you want to visit,

you shouldn't bring so many men.

Visit?

I'm not that close with you, Duke Su.

You took my subordinate

without giving me an explanation.

I want you to hand him over in one hour.

What if I don't hand him over?

Try it.

Don't move!

What's wrong, Zhang Wei?

General,

I told you before this.

If he doesn't respect me, I have no choice but to do this.

You must hand over my subordinate today.

Commander Zhang, you are so anxious.

Are you afraid that Xu Zhi might expose you?

You...

All of you, don't move!

Zhang Wei,

show me some respect.

I'll return him to you within one day.

General,

thank you.

Retreat!

[Duke Su's Residence]

[Duke Su's Residence]

Release him.

Confining someone from the Imperial Guard Office

and torturing him.

You've become lawless.

I'm doing things according to His Majesty's orders.

You've overstepped your boundaries.

The Imperial Guard Office case is trialed by the Three Offices.

I will send Xu Zhi to the Three Offices to be trialed.

You can try him with them,

but you can't have a private trial and torture him.

Is this

related to you?

Come. Let's talk inside.

You can speak here.

You've become lawless

after you left my tutelage.

Eight years ago, my father died a bizarre death

but you didn't investigate.

Right now, I want to investigate the person you promoted but you saved him.

Why do you do this?

Your father's death was an accident.

Release him

and come home with me to talk about it.

I no longer have a home.

Shut the door!

[Duke Su's Residence]

Arresting without approval, confinement, and using punishment.

Can't you change your methods?

The Imperial Guard Office is the imperial army.

They are not literary officials who are scared of you.

This is the result if you can suppress them.

Your Majesty, why didn't you say

that all of them only dared complain to me behind my back?

Stop saying this.

The whole incident is clear.

The Armour Office and the Imperial Guard Office

might have a problem.

Why won't you choose an easier method

and go for the hard way instead?

Can't you learn from General Xiao Senior?

It seems like his booklet is one of them.

His booklet is inside.

His booklet is the only one that pleads for you.

The whole capital is spreading news

of Zhang Wei surrounding your residence.

Many people are complaining

that you force people to confess

without evidence and use torture.

Right now,

everyone is using the Imperial Guard Office's reason

to bring up their hatred for you.

Every booklet is a complaint of you.

How can I protect you?

Isn't that great?

You can obviously see

how the parties are split in the imperial court.

This is public opinion.

Release him first.

Go back and rest for a few days.

How can I rest at a time like this?

This is a time when you should go back and rest!

There's a limit to everything.

It's time to cultivate your blessings.

I've sent the imperial edict

to confine you at home for two days.

♪ If there are no happy memories ♪

♪ How can we traverse the forbidden land of sorrow? ♪

♪ Two cold and unfeeling bodies ♪

♪ Holding hands, can we get through the snow season? ♪

♪ In the cold wind, in the long night ♪

♪ Embracing the remaining warmth ♪

♪ The depth of the sea, unfathomable ♪

♪ Can it bury yesterday's sighs? ♪

♪ Continue to love, cherishing it with my life ♪

♪ Continue to live, even with only a glimmer of hope ♪

♪ Whether in sorrow or joy, I believe in you ♪

♪ I'd rather be trapped in the world's extremes ♪

♪ Continue to live, exhausting all courage ♪

♪ Continue to love, until the breath runs out ♪

♪ Traversing half a lifetime of loneliness, just to meet you ♪

♪ After the hardships, never to part again ♪

♪ After the hardships, never to part again ♪