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 31]

The liquor I sell...

- Be careful! - Is made by myself.

Look at this one...

Which type is most suitable for making medicinal wine?

You should buy that at the pharmacy.

The lady who used poison was attacked in my residence.

- Inform all the secret guards. - Yes.

Hurry.

How dare you show up?

[Duke Su's Residence]

Shijie,

how are you doing?

What happened?

I don't know what happened either.

A lady named Jiuyue, and the guards of Duke Su suddenly came to my residence.

They claimed they were there to treat Magistrate Xue's illness.

Later, assassins appeared out of nowhere, attempting to assassinate that lady.

Everything happened too suddenly.

How is Magistrate Xue?

We brought him here.

Duke Su said it isn't safe recently, so he'll be settled in his residence.

Are they hurt?

What about you? Are you okay?

I'm fine, but that lady named Jiuyue seems to be injured severely.

I'll check on her first.

Duke Su,

are you hurt?

I'm fine.

How is Jiuyue?

She is safe and is currently unconscious. She'll be fine after resting for a few days.

Jiuyue is the princess of Zhao.

Zhao's envoy is arriving soon.

She is the key figure in our alliance with Zhao.

Everyone has set their sights on her.

That's why I need to make sure she's safe.

So, someone doesn't want Zhao and Yan to form an alliance.

Yes.

When Jiuyue was treating Magistrate Xue, others got the chance to take action.

If she doesn't recover, I won't be at ease.

When she gets better, I'll visit her every day.

- Really? - What?

You said you'll visit my place every day.

Wait a minute. [Jingzhao Office's Notice]

- What are these? - Some clothes.

Come here.

- Next. - Go.

Go.

Did you see anyone suspicious?

No.

- No... - Are you sure?

Look up.

Did you see anyone suspicious?

- No, no. - What about you?

No.

Did you see someone around this tall?

- No. - Think again.

- No. - My Lord,

we have people assigned to monitor every spot.

We have yet to find Chu Ian.

Continue to patrol around.

The city is heavily guarded. He won't be able to escape.

With the Eldest Princess still under house arrest,

it seems his only hiding place left is Li's Residence.

They certainly wouldn't be so foolish to hide someone in their home.

We only need to alert them.

Yes.

Where is Du Shi?

Isn't he here yet?

Mr. Shen, Mr. Du's grandmother in Wuzhou has fallen ill.

He rushed back last night.

Before leaving, he wrote a letter to explain the situation, and asked me to give it to you.

Since the people I appointed are useless, I'll take volunteers.

Who among you is willing to join Second Lady Jiang in impressing His Majesty?

Before going home today, if no one volunteers, I'll nominate based on talent and knowledge.

What... [Dream Pool Essays]

Based on talent and knowledge, we shouldn't be selected.

Why are you looking at me?

Whoever wants to go can go. I'm not going anyway.

Mr. Du got so scared that he escaped the capital.

Except for Mr. Zhao, our talent and knowledge aren't up to par.

When it comes to scholarly abilities, I'm not good enough either.

Who is Jiang Li?

She won first place in the Entry Exam.

A heroine who dares to lead the people to bring a complaint to His Majesty.

Considering talent, knowledge, and courage,

only Mr. Shen is worthy of her in the entire Hanlin Academy.

Yes. Why won't Mr. Shen participate?

He knows we dare not perform with Jiang Li.

Could it be...?

Could it be...?

Didn't you hear?

Jiang Li looks exactly like Mr. Shen's deceased wife.

Did Mr. Shen fall in love with Jiang Li?

Perhaps he has fallen for her already.

If he has nothing to hide, why does he need to stay away from her?

That makes sense.

- Yes. - That's right.

What are you talking about?

- The food is delicious. - Yes, yes.

Hurry, eat up.

- This is delicious. - Have more.

Try mine. Try this.

- Delicious. - This is good.

- Delicious. So good. - Try this.

Unbelievable.

These are my favorite.

You're bribing me?

You prepared all this.

What kind of hard and tiring work do you want me to do?

It isn't hard or tiring.

It just requires some acting skills.

Act as what?

To perform at the alliance banquet, and bring glory to the Jiang family,

I've put in a lot of effort.

Tomorrow is the time to wrap things up.

Wrap things up?

Mr. Shen and I will quit and withdraw from taking part in the reception.

You're performing and quitting?

This is confusing.

This is called retreat in order to advance.

If I back out, Mr. Shen will ask someone from the Jiang family about the situation.

He might even serve as a mediator.

That person from the Jiang family is me?

After that?

Use your eloquence to make him come to Jiang's Residence to see me.

- That's it? - Yes.

So, you're asking me to act as myself?

Don't think that Mr. Shen will come to Jiang's Residence just because you want him to.

Oh, Jiang Li.

I have to admire your insight.

If you ask Liu Xu or Ye Shijie for help, they will surely fail to do it.

But you came to me.

It's as if fate has opened a new path for you.

Well, it seems like fate has been kind to you as well.

How dare you say that? Aren't you afraid of getting struck by lightning?

But I've thought it over.

Why would someone like Duke Su love watching you putting on an act?

You have an idea to head east, but tell everyone you're heading west.

Even though your stories are poorly written,

they somehow make people want to keep watching.

I want to know what your idea of heading east is.

This is what they call suspense.

You see through it but don't point it out. You'll get more delicious food in the future.

All right.

[Hanlin Academy]

He's here for real.

Mr. Shen.

Mr. Shen, what brings you here?

I came to see how the preparations are going.

It is a crucial time now.

Everyone needs to stay on high alert. Don't slack off.

If there is any difficulty, please let me know in advance.

Yes.

Is anyone absent today?

Shijie isn't here.

He has gone to the palace on official business.

Shijie told me.

Everyone has been arriving early and leaving late recently without taking any leave.

Such dedication and effort deserve praise.

Thank you, Mr. Shen.

You may get back to work.

So, how...?

I...

Jingrui.

You are close to Liu Xu and Jiang Li.

Do you know about her quitting?

- Yes. - What happened?

Should we talk in private?

It's because of the collaborative performance with the Hanlin scholars.

No one wanted to perform with her, so she fell ill.

That's debatable.

Did she fall ill because of this?

Do you know what people are saying about Jiang Li?

They say she has a face just like your deceased wife's,

so she's trying hard to get close to you.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Mr. Shen is avoiding her.

Who said that? Nonsense!

Mr. Shen, your reputation is well-established, so you're not afraid.

However, for a young lady who is not yet married,

such rumors can be as sharp as a knife.

If I were Jiang Li, I would rather just die and be done with it.

As her family and friend, you should advise her to not pay attention to the filthy gossip.

You overestimated me.

I wouldn't know how to advise a lady.

I'm at a loss too.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be anxious.

If the reception of the delegation is delayed, the blame will fall on the Jiang family.

What should we do?

Uncle is still traveling.

Aunt is not in her right mind, and Grandmother is elderly.

No one in our family can persuade her.

But I often hear Jiang Li speak highly of you, Mr. Shen.

Perhaps you could help talk some sense into her?

Yes.

Mr. Shen, whoever started the trouble should end it.

Second Lady Jiang is feeling upset. She doesn't want to see anyone.

I know she's annoyed at me.

I won't come in. I won't.

Baixue, please bring Mr. Shen in.

This...

- is inappropriate. - Mr. Shen...

saving a life is a good deed.

As her cousin, I really...

need you to help her.

[Fangfei Garden]

Mr. Shen.

Have a seat.

I've heard from your cousin about the rumors.

I will investigate and find out who started them.

It's just that the Zhao delegation is about to arrive,

and the alliance with Zhao is very important to His Majesty.

I hope you won't be influenced by rumors.

Otherwise, if His Majesty pursues it, it could implicate your family.

Mr. Shen, enough of such high-flown rhetoric.

Do you truly not know where the rumors originated from?

After you ignored my application, you first sent me to the Music Affairs Division,

and then you fired me before His Majesty.

Even though I had the opportunity to perform with the Hanlin scholars,

you kept asking them to brush me off, humiliating me.

If I didn't resemble your deceased wife, would you still treat me this way?

Second Lady Jiang, this has nothing to do with your looks.

If that's the case, why don't we perform together?

What did you say?

The best way to dispel rumors is to confront them directly.

If, as you say, it has nothing to do with my appearance,

then our performance together would be the best proof.

It'd prove that you can distinguish between Jiang Li and your deceased wife,

prove that you weren't deliberately avoiding me,

and prove that we have a clear conscience.

Mr. Shen, you're indeed scared.

I wonder if you love or hate your deceased wife.

I suppose it must be hatred.

Because I resemble her,

you've projected your resentment toward your deceased wife onto me,

targeting me and avoiding me in any possible way.

You two weren't the loving couple as people say.

You hate her.

Stop it!

I'm sorry, Mr. Shen.

I must've been deeply hurt by the rumors to ask such questions.

I have crossed the line.

I'm going back to my room.

I love her.

Mr. Shen, what was that?

I love her.

♫ The magpie guides me to my fate ♫

I'm sure your deceased wife would be very happy to hear that.

From now on, come to the Hanlin Academy daily at Shen hour.

I'll perform with you.

♫ I turn back to look at your smile ♫

♫ Knowing my loss is not trivial ♫

♫ How fickle fate can be ♫

Have you hidden Chu Ian well?

Father, don't worry. I've arranged for him to stay at the Capital Security Office.

The security is tight there, so even Xiao Heng's people can't get in.

Yuan Jiang, the Commissioner of the Capital Security Office.

It took me considerable effort to win him over.

Don't mess things up for me.

Don't worry, Father.

Yuan Jiang has only recently pledged allegiance.

This situation is precisely the opportunity, for me to test their loyalty to you.

Jin, be extra careful.

Yes.

Are you alright?

Your eyes are affectionate when you look at him.

He isn't the person I love.

I don't do romance.

It's up to you whether you want to save me or not.

Two liars.

Two liars?

What does that mean?

Ignore her.

What are you holding?

This is chrysanthemum tea I brewed myself.

It clears heat.

Wen Ji.

Brew some and deliver it to Jiuyue.

This isn't about pacifying her.

It's a jealousy issue.

Go find Lu Ji.

20 beatings, right?

Even 200 beatings won't alleviate this jealousy!

Have those who attempted to assassinate Jiuyue been caught?

We're on it.

What about you?

Is everything going as planned?

It's almost time for the finale.

I heard you're going to play the qin for Shen Yurong.

Duke Su, I thought you didn't like to probe.

Why monitor my every step so closely then?

I don't even need to probe.

Once I hear of it, it feels unsettling.

Then next time, I'll bring some mandarin peels.

What does that mean?

To alleviate jealousy.

You're actually planning to perform together with Jiang Li?

What are you thinking? Are you out of your mind?

What if the Eldest Princess finds out?

Do you want our family to die?

Keeping the most dangerous person close is the safest.

Son, are you still in love with Xue Fangfei?

Don't forget that Jiang Li and Xue Fangfei are enemies of the Eldest Princess.

If you don't distance yourself and instead actively involve yourself,

how do you think the Eldest Princess will perceive it?

Mother, don't worry.

I know what I'm doing.

Your Highness.

Are they really rehearsing together?

These few days, they have been rehearsing together at Hanlin Academy.

Do you want Mr. Shen to come over?

No need.

Some words are better left unsaid.

He needs to see it with his own eyes to understand what he should not do.

Who is he?

- A servant of the Jiang family. - Luckily, he was around.

I thought you'd be curious about who wanted to kill me first.

The authorities will investigate thoroughly.

He didn't stab hard, and the injury isn't severe.

Come with me.

The Hanlin Academy was invaded. I'll have someone escort you back.

[Jiang's Residence]

That person has exceptional qinggong.

I went after him for several streets, but still lost him.

Do you think the assassin today was sent by Shen Yurong?

It seems the assassin aimed to strike Shen Yurong with a vicious blow.

Had they not restrained their force in time,

it might have been fatal, piercing through his chest.

So it was Wanning's men.

What a pity.

That would be a great piece of evidence.

So, this was your plan all along.

You...

Did you fly here?

Obviously.

Initially, you said you were getting close to Shen Yurong to get something on him.

It looks like that's not all you want.

You want to provoke Wanning.

Shen Yurong's leverage is Wanning.

I told you not to get yourself involved in this scheme. Did you not remember a single word?

Zhao Ke is secretly protecting me.

I trust the man Duke Su sent will protect me.

Don't flatter me.

If Zhao Ke couldn't stop the assassin today, and if you...

What would you do?

While getting involved directly may not be the best strategy, given the current circumstances,

I have no choice but to proceed this way.

I just didn't expect Wanning would directly send someone to kill me.

She ended up taking this step because of this man.

Don't change the subject.

I don't care about Wanning.

I know.

You care about me.

Rest assured, getting involved directly will bring success this time.

I promise I won't do it again in the future.

You're eloquent.

Then decline the joint performance with Shen Yurong tomorrow.

- Shen Yurong took a stab for me today. - Was that an act?

- It was true. - So?

So I'm thinking maybe I can take a different approach.

Is this approach still going to get yourself involved?

Not this time.

Duke Su, please trust me like how I trust you.

Shen, you've grown up.

Not only did you take the stab for her,

but after recognizing my man, you also dared to protect her.

Your Highness, if you kill someone at the entrance of the Hanlin Academy,

tomorrow I, as the person in charge of editing, will be taken away for questioning.

Looks like it's my fault after all.

I just want to remind you that if you want to kill her again in the future,

don't involve me.

Why are you playing dumb?

Xiao Heng is by her side.

As I miss this chance to end her once and for all, there won't be another.

In fact, you were the one who made me angry.

Why didn't you inform me before agreeing to perform a song with her?

No one in Hanlin Academy wants to perform with her.

This is a task entrusted to me by His Majesty.

If I don't handle it well, I will definitely be punished.

With me around, who dares to punish you?

This matter concerns state affairs.

I don't want to be someone who relies on you.

If I relied on you, you would despise me too.

Besides, I have moved on and have a clear conscience.

That's why I dare to perform with Jiang Li.

Avoidance is a sign of a guilty conscience.

You have a way with words,

but you better speak the truth, or you know what I'm capable of.

I dare not lie to you, Your Highness.

In that case, focus on your state affairs, and let me see your clear conscience.

When my house arrest ends, I will go meet her properly.

A few days ago, the Hanlin Academy was broken into by thieves. They were fugitives.

Everyone should be cautious.

Tomorrow is the day the Zhao delegation enters the capital.

It's a critical time, so everyone must not slack off.

Give your full effort.

Once everything goes smoothly, not only will everyone receive rewards from His Majesty,

but I'll also host a banquet at home to reward everyone, and thank you all for your hard work.

Thank you, Mr. Shen.

Prepare yourselves accordingly.

- We're going to be busy these few days. - Yes, let's go.

With you.

Jiang Li, when everything ends, let's drink.

Yes, we haven't gathered in ages.

- Sure. - We'll take our leave now.

There are still many things to do.

- Go. - Let's go.

Okay.

Jiang Li. Jiang Li.

Let me tell you, these days have passed so quickly.

I haven't had enough yet.

Why? You've become addicted to receiving gifts?

She loves the things you gave us.

Lately, she's been smiling at me a lot more.

But honestly, as long as I receive the rewards accordingly,

I can continue to help you.

No problem.

Jiang Li.

- I'll take my leave now. - Okay.

Shijie.

I heard it was because no one at the Hanlin Academy wanted to perform with you,

so you had to perform with Mr. Shen.

But there seemed to be no conflict between you and Zhao Qi.

Mr. Shen's talent is unmatched at the Hanlin Academy.

Performing with him is naturally the best.

I'm going to rehearse now.

Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites has already prepared everything for welcoming

the Zhao delegation.

Today, the Chief Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial

will personally greet the delegation to enter the city.

They will stay at the official guesthouse.

After resting and settling in, they will enter the palace for the banquet.

Thank you, Official Shen.

Have you captured Chu Ian?

We have basically narrowed it down to the Capital Security Office.

Capital Security Office?

Have they also sided with Li Zhongnan?

- What about the Zhao princess? - She is now recuperating in my residence.

We'll suffer a drawback if this goes on.

That's what I'm worried about too.

We're about to form an alliance, and Jiuyue is severely injured.

With the assassin still at large, Zhao is bound to doubt our sincerity.

If Lord Cheng, rises in rebellion someday, it will be another variable.

Let's use this opportunity to get rid of the Capital Security Office.

How can I allow my city gates to be controlled by Lord Cheng?

My secret guards alone cannot get rid of the Capital Security Office.

- What do you want? - I want the Longwu Army.

Longwu Army?

After training in secret for so long, do you want people to know about them now?

Since they have already set up the stage,

why don't we put on a good show as a deliberate act to warn them?

Remember, city defense is crucial for the stability of the capital.

Please always remember your mission. Do you understand?

I'll complete the mission successfully.

Good.

Grand Chancellor Li.

How did you find the time to come to the Capital Security Office, Duke Su?

I received intelligence there is an assassin from the northern border hiding here.

Duke Su, do you have evidence?

Grand Chancellor Li, my specialty lies in intelligence gathering.

The evidence is within the Capital Security Office.

We'll see after I investigate. [Yuan Jiang]

Come!

Duke Su, the Capital Security Office is not a place to be messed with.

Your display of power might not work as effectively here.

By order of the Emperor, Longwu Army is conducting a search

of the Capital Security Office. General Yuan, please open the gates.

If it is an imperial order, where is the decree?

General Yuan, you seem to be confused.

The Longwu Army has the privilege to act first and report later.

Xiao Heng, the Capital Security Office's guards protect the capital.

This place is of great importance. Please bring the decree with you, Duke Su.

Search the place.

Kill anyone who dares to stop you.

- Search the place! - Yes!

Grand Chancellor Li, you should stay away. Weapons have no eyes.

They might accidentally kill you first and report later.

Duke Su, have you considered the consequences?

When the flood arrives, don't let the mice escape.

Yes.

How dare you return?

This time, you can't escape. I brought my sidekick along.

He is a ruthless and not talkative man, who specializes in dealing with defeated enemies.

Get them!

Lord Cheng's subordinate got away again.

The relationship between Chu Ian and Lord Cheng is akin to yours with me.

It won't be easy to catch him.

We can take this opportunity to replace everyone in the Capital Security Office.

I didn't hold back yesterday.

Quite a number of people have to recuperate at home.

Because of this incident, many officials have accused you.

Yuan Jiang privately harbored a fugitive

and even allowed his subordinates to release Chu Ian.

This accusation alone is enough to silence them.

He's quite clever. He found a subordinate to take the blame

and resigned from his post in disgrace.

Do you need me to interrogate him?

With foreign envoys in the capital, now is not the time for us to handle internal cases.

Reclaiming control of the Capital Security Office

has already neutralized one of Lord Cheng's moves.

We'll settle the scores with Yuan Jiang and Li Zhongnan in due time.

- Father. - Who leaked the news about Chu Ian

being in the Capital Security Office?

I have no idea.

The Capital Security Office is heavily guarded.

Besides them, only the three of us knew about this.

Chu Ian couldn't have leaked it himself, could he?

- Father. - If it wasn't him, then it must be one of us.

It's either me or you.

Father.

It's Xiao Heng.

I find it hard to swallow the fact

that Xiao Heng repeatedly sabotaged our major plans before.

Those in the Capital Security Office are not to be underestimated.

How many secret guards could Xiao Heng possibly have?

He wouldn't be Yuan Jiang's match, which was why I used Chu Ian as bait to lure him over.

It also gave me a chance to test the loyalty of the Capital Security Office.

But I never expected Xiao Heng would bring the Longwu Army.

Father, it's my negligence and my mistake.

- Please punish me. - Fool!

Father.

Despite being a fool, you took action on your own.

The intricate pawns I painstakingly laid out

were ruined by you before they could even be put into use.

Now that the Capital Security Office is out of our control, how can we turn the tide?

Father, give me another chance.

I won't fail this time.

Incompetent fool.

You won't get another chance.

Father! Father!

[Liangdu Guesthouse]

Welcome, Emperor of Zhao!

[Emperor of Zhao]

Welcome to our country, Emperor of Zhao.

The Emperor of Yan has ordered Duke Su to lead our officials and scholars to greet you.

I am Xiao Heng, Duke Su of Yan.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Please rest in this guesthouse, and enter the palace tomorrow.

The gracious hospitality of Yan's Emperor is deeply appreciated.

Duke Su, is my sister inside?

Jiuyue!

Brother!

I'm here.

I heard you got injured. Are you doing well?

Did they catch the culprit?

Who did this?

Fortunately, with Duke Su's help, I'm fine.

Duke Su is still investigating the matter.

Don't blame him.

Since you trust Duke Su this much, I won't pursue the matter.

However, I must demand an explanation from Duke Su in the future.

Of course.

This way, Your Majesty.

[Liangdu Guesthouse]

[Hening Gate]

[Prosperous Era]

Your Majesty.

Thank you, the Great Yan,

for the meticulously prepared collection of classics, and this splendid banquet.

It has allowed us to experience Yan's inclusive spirit.

I am especially grateful to Your Majesty

for helping me find my long-lost sister.

May Zhao and Yan establish everlasting friendship, and form an enduring alliance.

Your reunion with the princess is a fortunate event for both countries.

Suddenly heard that immortals had arrived in Penglai,

I suspect it might be an old friend descending from the heavens.

At sunrise, memories of youth come flooding back while riding on a boat.

Through the night, longing ages the soul.

Emperor's court, welcoming guests.

Countless spring flowers accompany the laughter of the wind.

Talking about good wine, we get drunk again.

Stars scattered across the sky, tears flowing like tides.

Who says the mortal world is full of loneliness?

With a cup drained, mountains and rivers stretch endlessly.

[Prosperous Era]

Today, I will escort the Emperor of Zhao and Jiuyue to the border.

When will you be back?

Not sure.

What do you think of the music I played yesterday?

It was extremely unpleasant to listen to.

I also feel it was the most unpleasant performance I've ever delivered in my life.

Next time, I'll play a different piece for you, okay?

I'll remember that.

Don't go back on your word.

I won't.

Duke Su, you should leave and return soon, so I can repay my debt earlier.

Before leaving, I have a piece of advice for you.

What is it?

Be it the previous life or the current, just live to the fullest.

Never compromise yourself to become someone else just to please others,

including me.

♫ 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 ♫