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Seventh Lady, isn't it a bit wasteful

to use the Mongolian milkvetch
and peony tonic

as fertiliser for the hardy begonia?

From now on,
when Mother sends over the tonic,

use it to water the hardy begonia

every now and then.

Yes.

Do you suspect something again?

I suspect there is something more

to my mother's death.

The truth will come clear in a few days.

Seventh Lady.

Seventh Lady, Madam Lin has requested
your presence at Chengjing Hall.

An official has come and is reporting

the details of Fifth Master Qiao
and Chen Si's case to Second Master.

Registrar Luo, the trial for Chen Si's case
has reached a conclusion.

I've come to inform you.

Has he confessed?

He has admitted to ordering his men to ambush
Seventh Lady at Yuanjing Pavilion

disguised as bandits,
luring us into the residence,

and bribing Lian Qing
to frame Seventh Lady.

He confessed to it all.

However, he insists that he acted alone,

without anyone else behind him.

He has been sentenced
to eight years in prison.

All right.

Thank you for your efforts.

It's my duty.

I'll take my leave now.

Butler Bai.

Yes.

Escort the guest out.

- Prepare a small gift as well.
- Yes.

Thank you, Registrar Luo.

Thank you, Madam.

Chengzhang,

why did everything suddenly become

Chen Si's doing alone?

This is what First Master Qiao and I

agreed upon.

Both the Luo and Qiao families

are influential.

If word of this gets out,

it would be a disgrace for both of us.

So, we are just letting

the Qiao siblings off the hook.

You misunderstand.

How could this be letting them off?

You've seen Qiao Yuechan punished

at the Ancestral Shrine.

I've already sent her
to the countryside residence.

Her brother has been expelled
from the Qiao family,

and all their shops and lands

have been reclaimed.

This is their punishment.

But Father, do you remember

you promised to give me

a proper explanation
for my mother's death?

Of course, I do.

Chen Si has been punished,

and the Qiao siblings have been
expelled from the residence.

That is the explanation.

So you want this matter

to be swept under the rug.

How is it unclear?

The law has been enforced,
and the family rules have been upheld.

Do you two really want
to drive Qiao Yuechan to her death?

We "want"? What does that mean?

Qiao Yuechan's crimes

are indeed unforgivable,

but she has served this household

for over 20 years.

Just because she acted heartlessly
doesn't mean we should be ruthless.

This is a family scandal.

Airing it out would bring shame

to the Luo family.

Yining,

if your mother were still alive,

she would agree with this.

For the Luo family,

reputation and honour come first.

So, to you,

family bonds and love don't compare

to something as shallow as reputation.

You…

You simply don't understand

the burdens a head of the Luo family

must bear.

So be it.

So be it.

Qing Qu.

Find a suitable residence for me.

It doesn't have to be big, just livable.

I plan to leave Luo's Residence soon.

Leave Luo's Residence?

What about Old Madam?

I am her granddaughter.

I'll take care of her and make sure

she lives comfortably in her old age.

But within a year,

I will uncover the truth

of my mother's death,

and then I'll leave.

Young Master,
did Senior Daoyan send word

because we're close

to restoring Official Chen's name?

I understand his concerns.

We only have half of the ledger.

Even if we have the full records
and the testimony,

it's still unlikely
we'll be able to overturn the case.

The mastermind must be
someone of great power and influence.

Besides evidence,

we'll need support
from influential people.

What's the progress
on the other half of the ledger?

We've discovered that Song Yingshan
has a surviving granddaughter,

but her whereabouts are still unknown.

Our men are still searching.

Meanwhile, Senior Daoyan remains

on the government's wanted list,

so we can't act rashly.

Right.

How's the academy's progress?

It'll be ready in a couple of days.

Have Qi send this letter
to Senior Daoyan

along with a message.

Tell him

that even if we can't overturn the case
before the trial period ends,

we have other ways.

And tell him

not to risk his life.

Understood.

Although, Young Master,

you've been showing increasing concern

over Seventh Lady's matters.

Don't you think it might be a little…

A little what? Out with it.

I'm doing this not only for Seventh Lady

but also out of gratitude

to Madam Gu for raising me.

All right.

Whatever you say.

(Marquis Anbei's Residence)

You said you couldn't find out

their whereabouts that day?

Uncle.

Yuanjing Pavilion was chaotic that day.

No one saw those two.

I sent people to investigate secretly
at Luo's Residence.

Although Seventh Lady was chased,

both she and Third Young Master

returned home that night as usual.

Uncle,

shall I go and ask around myself?

No need.

It's likely Luo's Residence

is just covering up
their family scandal.

Keep an eye on them.

If those two

leave the residence,

report immediately.

Understood.

Seventh Lady, look.
The hardy begonia is blooming.

Yes.

Looks like the Mongolian milkvetch
and peony tonic

isn't harmful to plants after all.

But then what about the hardy begonia

that Mother watered

with the medicine?

Medically speaking,
the flowers must have been poisoned.

Someone likely tampered

with Madam Gu's medicine.

Seventh Lady,
Third Young Master is here.

Shenyuan.

What brings you here?

Do you have time?
I'd like to take you somewhere.

Qing Qu, come with me.

If Grandmother or Mother ask,

say I've gone to Baiyun Temple to pray.

- Yes.
- Smart.

Of course.

Young Master, we're here.

Why doesn't this carriage
have a step stool?

Forgive us, Seventh Lady.

Young Master usually jumps down

since he has long legs,

so we didn't prepare a stool.

What's that supposed to mean?

Are you saying our lady has short legs?

Seventh Lady, I didn't mean that at all!

Don't you…

What do you mean, "you"?

Sounds like exactly what you meant.

Stop trying to deny it.

Seventh Lady,
I swear, I didn't mean that.

- I meant…
- Enough.

Shenyuan,

where are we?

Come here.

What is this place?

Together.

Hold this side.

(Minglan Hall)

(Minglan Hall)

♪Family is the safe haven
surrounding me♪

This is an orphanage.

Lately, they've been struggling,

so I donated some money

under Madam Gu's name.

They were grateful

and renamed the place Minglan Hall.

Now, Madam Gu's kindness

can continue.

Thank you.

Can I continue

to support this place?

Of course.

Mother would be glad.

♪People far away catch the last wave♪

♪Palm lines and tree rings
smile at each other♪

Let me play too!

♪The clouds on the journey home
roll and drift, shining brightly♪

Kick the ball here.

Bring it here.

Here it comes!

So, you suspect

that the Mongolian milkvetch
and peony tonic

your mother drank was poisoned,

and she didn't die
from childbirth complications?

Otherwise, how do you explain

the death of the hardy begonia?

I remember that hardy begonia.

Your mother cared for it
for over a decade.

It wouldn't have just died like that.

I've been too hasty.

Now that Mistress Qiao has been sent
to the countryside,

it's difficult to investigate further.

All those who served your mother

were dismissed

after her death.

Even Physician Qi, who treated her,

has passed away.

How did you know about this?

Did you secretly investigate
because you also found her death suspicious?

I do find Mistress Qiao untrustworthy,

so I looked into it.

I found out
that Physician Qi had a disciple

who also treated your mother.

I'll find him.

Thank you.

Go sit down.

Thank you, Young Master.

Enjoy your meal.

I see now

why you always take this road.

You must come here often.

We haven't even ordered,

yet she brought the wontons right over.

Are you here

for the wontons

or for her?

Is that something a young lady

should be asking?

Fine. I won't ask.

A gentleman reasons with words,
not fists.

Of course, I'm here for the wontons.

But I do admire

her self-reliance.

She doesn't need to depend on anyone.

You haven't seen the struggles

she goes through
just to earn a little money.

That may be true, but it's still better
than relying on others.

Indeed. The world is too harsh

on women.

They're restricted
to live their whole lives

only within the walls
of the inner chambers.

No matter how much they struggle,

they can never escape that narrow world.

That's why I have to leave

this tiny residence.

All I seek is what brings me joy.

If that's what you want,

I'll support you.

But this path won't be an easy one.

Achieving one's wish

is never easy.

It definitely won't be
as simple as just reaching for it.

I've already asked Qing Qu

to help me find a suitable residence.

One day,

I'll leave the Luo Residence.

And then?

I can do paper cutting.
I can also paint,

and I've learned bookkeeping

from my mother.

I can support myself.

I have some skills.

I won't let myself starve.

What about you?

Are you planning

to hide in the Luo Residence forever

just to achieve your goals?

Of course not.

Within books,
there's wealth beyond measure.

Within books, there's a house of gold.

If a man wants to fulfill his ambitions,

he should diligently study
the Six Classics by the window.

The triennial provincial exam
is approaching.

Are you planning
to take the imperial exam?

I have considered it.

But…

You're thinking that since I'm not
officially listed in the family register,

what identity would I use
to sit for the exam, right?

I'll just use another identity.

I'll find a way somehow.

Shenyuan.

I'll help you
get into the family register.

Seventh Lady, can you really do that?

Then Young Master won't be
an unregistered son anymore.

Go back and eat your food.

Once you're in the family register,

you can study and take
the imperial exam openly,

just like other sons
from proper backgrounds.

If you become an official,

even though the Luo Residence
isn't that prestigious,

the Luo family could still provide

some support for your career.

Both Grandmother and Mother

have already accepted you.

Sixth Uncle and Sixth Sister

treat you well too.

Why not make the change

and accept it?

♪Fates intertwine like a shuttle,
yet remain unbreakable♪

That way, we can become

a real family.

♪Afraid of missing out and mistakes,
of the begonias blooming and withering again♪

A family.

♪The more we care,
love becomes harder to express♪

I'm really happy to be out today.

Back when I was in the side yard,

I didn't have so many eyes on me.

I could sneak out
to have some fun sometimes.

I knew you liked this place,

so I brought you here.

Look around for anything you like.
I'll buy it for you.

You do know me best.

Have a look at my wares.

Yining.

Sir.

You have so many different patterns.

Did you cut all these yourself?

Yes. You seem to know
a thing or two about paper cutting.

I've learned paper cutting
since I was young.

I know few techniques.

Your craftsmanship is exquisite.

Take your time and look.

Uncle,

that girl
is the Seventh Lady of Luo's Residence.

Seventh Lady.

Seventh Lady.

This is my uncle,

Marquis Anbei, Lu Jiaxue.

I've mentioned to you before

that he likes paper cutting too.

I didn't expect we'd meet again

at a stall selling paper cuttings.

Pleased to meet you, Seventh Lady.

I am Lu Jiaxue.

Why are you here by yourself?

Did you get separated from your family?

Do you need us to escort you back?

(He had eye issues)

(and couldn't see my face.)

(If I speak,)

(will he recognise my voice?)

Why aren't you speaking?

I've been looking everywhere for you.

- How did you end up here?
- Third Young Master.

Mr. Cheng.

Uncle,

this is the Third Young Master
of the Luo Residence,

Luo Shenyuan.

It's an honour, Marquis Lu.

Mr. Cheng.

I didn't expect Mr. Cheng

would remember me
after only a brief encounter

at the Luo Residence.

Though we haven't officially
met before this,

Shanyuan

has told me about you.

We happened to run

into Seventh Lady here.

But for some reason,

she suddenly lost her voice.

My sister recently had a severe illness,

and her vocal cords were damaged.

She hasn't recovered yet.

Please kindly overlook

any offenses.

Health is most important.

Seventh Lady,
please go back and rest well.

I wish you a speedy recovery.
I look forward to meeting you again.

Goodbye.

They didn't do anything to you,
did they?

Shenyuan!

Who are you?

Why are you trying to kill us?

Shenyuan!

Run!

Young Master! Seventh Lady!

Young Master!

Young Master!

We finally found you.

- Come on.
- Seventh Lady, are you all right?

Let's go.

Marquis.

She wasn't hurt, was she?

No, Your Lordship.

I avoided her as best I could.

She wasn't harmed.

Third Young Master Luo doesn't appear

to know martial arts.

Moreover, he did not react

when I attacked his back.

Are you certain?

Yes.

Uncle,

do you suspect he was pretending?

I lost my patience

and went to test that girl first.

I might have alerted them.

No matter.

A fox will always reveal its tail.

Keep watching

that Seventh Lady.

Yes, Uncle.

(Jimo House)

Young Master,

the man who ambushed you today.

Was he one of Lu Jiaxue's men?

He kept aiming at my back.

It was definitely him.

I must have been followed
as soon as we left.

We'll have to be even more careful.

Seventh Lady.

Mei, when my eyes are healed,

I want you to be the first person I see.

Lu Jiaxue sent me

to get rid of you.

Seventh Lady,

drink this mind-calming tonic.

You've looked unwell

since you returned from the market.

Did something happen

while you got separated?

Nothing.

I'm just tired

from all the walking.

You've had a long day too.

Go and rest.

Anything else?

Why are you so determined

to help the Third Young Master
get into the family register?

Second Master surely won't agree.

I'm not just helping him,

I'm helping

the Luo Residence as well.

He's talented.

If he ever becomes an official,

his future will be bright.

If he could take charge
of the Luo family,

it would be good for the Luo Residence,

for Grandmother, and for Mother.

So, how do you plan to help him?

Although Old Madam's attitude
toward the Third Young Master

has improved a bit,

it's still indifferent.

Drop by drop, water wears through stone.

I believe Grandmother

will accept him one day.

(Danhua Abode)

Go ahead.

Well?

Speak up!

Madam Chen.

Sixth Lady's waist
has grown three inches

since last time.

How did you gain so much weight?

You must have been
eating behind our backs.

I have not.

Lian Hong, kneel.

You're punished
with 20 strikes on the hand.

Mother, maybe it's because

I drank too much water last night.

Please let me off this one time.

Mother, if anyone is to blame, it's me.

Why punish Lian Hong?

She's your personal maid.

She did not stop her mistress.

Therefore, she must be punished.

Enough!

- Sixth Lady.
- Sixth Lady.

Sixth Lady.

- Sixth Lady.
- Mother, I know I was wrong.

Please don't hit her.

Please forgive me this time.

I won't eat behind your back again.

Pass my order. From today on,

Sixth Lady's diet

is limited to vegetables.
Everything else is banned,

- including fruit.
- Yes.

Mother, are you trying
to turn me into a nun?

Even nuns get to eat two buns per meal!

If you try to bargain again,

I'll stop the vegetables too.

No! I still want the vegetables.

Didn't Lin Mao say his medicine

would stop me from gaining weight?

He lied to me.

Sixth Lady, where are you going?

Lin Mao! You're a quack of physician!

You liar!

What's going on?

What's going on? I'm getting fatter!

No, you're not.

- I think you've slimmed down.
- Stop lying.

Ever since I took your medicine,

I've been craving food every day.

My waist is three inches bigger.

And you still have the nerve
to say I've slimmed down?

Calm down.

This prescription is something I'm trying
for the first time, so I need more feedback.

I'll adjust it right now.

You're using me as a test subject,
aren't you?

No!

I swear

I'll see this through to the end.

I'll make sure your waist is slimmed.
I'll take full responsibility!

Bah!

What are you doing?

Heaven has a road,
but you refuse to take it.

Instead, you walk straight into trouble.

Don't touch my Fugui!

This goose is so fat.

I'm going to eat it.

Give it back!

Let go!

You…

Don't hold a grudge against Fugui.

If you eat it, your mother
will never let you hear the end of it.

It's fine. I'll eat it first

and then apologise to her.

Don't touch Fugui!

Yixiu!

Bear with it.

Will my hand rot
after applying this medicine?

You can say I'm uneducated and ignorant,

but don't doubt my healing salve.

If you don't believe me, go ask…

Forget it.

Believe what you will.

It doesn't seem to hurt as much now.

And the swelling has gone down a bit.

This is good.
I'll take some back for Lian Hong.

This is expensive medicine.

Take it.

Consider it my apology to you.

Also, I'll promise

I will slim your waist.

This is about my reputation.

I'll make a new prescription right away.

Aren't you in the capital
to take the imperial exam?

Why do you spend every day
doing other things?

I see Xuan and Shan

studying every day.

I'm gifted.

Studying two days
before the exam is enough.

You all have the same teacher.

How come Xuan always gets praised,

but you can't even write

a comprehensible essay?

Is it that hard to write a coherent essay?

When Xuan has questions,
the teacher explains everything in detail,

but with me, I get no patience.

Even your own mother is running
out of patience with you.

No wonder the teacher isn't kind either.

Rewrite these

before tomorrow.

Why are you complaining?

Go rewrite them now!

Young Master Shan.

Madam, don't worry too much.

Young Master Shan is still young.

Young?

The triennial provincial exam
is right around the corner.

With his current abilities,

how is he going to pass?

If he doesn't pass this year,
he'll have to wait another three years.

Back when my first son was only four,

he had already begun his studies.

He was brilliant
and everyone praised him.

If he were still here,

would I have to worry like this?

Madam,

it's been years since he passed away.

Please don't be so sad.

Yixiu is greedy, Shanyuan is lazy,

and only Yiyu is well-behaved.

But she's just a girl.

Why is my life

so bitter?

Rest assured, Madam.

Young Master Shan will surely
amount to something.

That's right.

What did my brother say
about hiring an esteemed teacher

for Shan?

I was just about to tell you.

First Master Chen sent this.

Please take a look.

Set up a time for me.

I'll request their services myself.

If Shan is recommended

by a famous scholar,

perhaps he can get

a government position.

Young Master Xuan,

Second Master is waiting for you
in the study.

Second Master only called for him.

Go back and continue studying.

I expect a new essay
for me to review in a few days.

Xuanyuan,

the provincial exam is approaching.
You cannot slack off.

I want you to succeed

and bring honour to the Luo family.

Yes, Father.

You may leave.

Is there anything else?

Speak.

Are you still so upset
with Mistress Qiao

that yon't even see Yilian?

No matter
what mistakes Mistress Qiao made,

Yilian is still

your own flesh and blood.

Don't meddle in matters
of the inner courtyard.

Put all your focus

on your studies.

Ever since Mistress Qiao left,

the conditions at Bilian Pavilion
have worsened.

Yilian tries her best for my sake,

but they shun her with disdain.

Recently, the heat has been unbearable.

Yilian, feeling sorry for me,

tried to have someone bring ice,

but it never worked out.

Do you see any ice

in my study?

Can you not study without ice?

What does it mean to "harden one's sinews
and temper one's mind"?

Many poor scholars

in rundown homes eat coarse food

and eventually become great scholars,

respected by all.

You're just living

a little less comfortably than before.

If you can't endure

this small hardship,

how will you

achieve greatness?

Xuan.

Xuan.

Xuan.

Is this all the dishes?

The kitchen said each household
has its rations.

Bilian Pavilion used to prepare
its own meals

and ate too well.

What kind of nonsense is that? You…

Xuan.

Xuan, just make do and eat something.

You still have to study.

I'll make some snacks for you
in the afternoon.

I'll sell some jewellery

to buy you some ice.

You just focus on studying.

This isn't just about
the ice or the meals!

This is humiliation!

Which is why you need to work harder,
study diligently,

and rise to the top.

Father only has you as a son.

Even though he's harsh on you now,

if you pass with flying colours,

we can return to the life we once had.

Then our mother will have
a chance to come back.

She was given 50 strikes

and sent to the countryside.

Who knows what her life is like now?

Xuan,

you're our only hope.

I wonder if she even has decent food

in the countryside.

I understand.

I'm studying hard every day, aren't I?

Eat more.

You're practising your calligraphy

yet you are restless.

How could you write with a steady hand?

Grandmother,

I'm still recovering.

I must not be feeling well.

You've always been like that.
Whenever you practise writing,

suddenly everything hurts
and you're uncomfortable.

Practising calligraphy

is about honing
your patience and character.

You didn't practice enough
when you were a child.

No wonder your father says

your handwriting lacks strength.

All right.

I'll arrange for a tutor

to teach you.

A tutor?

There's no need for that.

We have one right at home.

Who?

Help me up.

Look at this.

This is Third Brother's handwriting.

Dignified and powerful,
with great presence.

Look.

Not only does he write well,

but he also composes excellent essays.

Sharp words and good force.
Impactful and impressionable.

Despite your father always disliking him

and no one teaching him properly,

he managed to write so well.

It's due to his diligence and efforts.

Grandmother, are there any great scholars
in the imperial court who,

like my third brother,
come from humble origins

but succeeded through self-study?

You brought so many things

to show me,

and now you've spoken on his behalf.

What's your

real motive?

Grandmother,

I want to help him
enter the family registry.

I want him to be officially recognised

in Luo's Residence.

Did he ask you to do this?

Of course not.

He's always been there

to protect and help me.

I just wanted to do something
for him in return.

This will be difficult.

Your father has always held a grudge

against his birth mother.

That's why he hasn't allowed him
into the family registry,

keeping him merely
living in the household.

To have him acknowledge him as a son?

That would be difficult.

Grandmother,

as long as you agree,

there will always be a way
to convince Father.

Besides,

if he could take the imperial exam
as a member of the Luo family and pass,

wouldn't that bring great honour

to our family?

All right.

I'll think about it.

Yining,

did you really talk to Old Madam

about putting me in the family registry?

I always keep my word.

She wasn't opposed to the idea
when I brought it up.

Grandmother has good judgment
and can recognise talent.

I feel that this matter

won't be as easy as you think.

I don't want you to end up
in a difficult position.

Leave this matter to me.

I'm confident.

Stop fiddling with that plant.

Just focus on your studies
and prepare for the exam.

All you need to do is succeed.

Got it.

Shenyuan, come and take a look

at my writing. Have I improved a bit?

Your strokes are not balanced.

It's crooked.
Handwriting reflects the person.

Your characters lack proper form.

At the very least,

your writing should be upright.

Let me show you how it's done.

(Yining)

You shouldn't teach me anymore.

Go back to your plants.

It appears you've aroused
Lu Jiaxue's suspicion too.

How about this?

Bring more people along

when you go out from now on.

And

if we ever run into danger again,

don't try to protect me.

You must run away.

I can't do that!

You've saved me
from danger countless times.

How could I not protect you?

♪Stirring up trouble, loneliness,
stirring up a sky full of fireworks♪

♪Through the trials we faced,
who set it in motion, and who bore the consequence?♪

Young Master. Seventh Lady.

Physician Qi's disciple has been found.

Good. Change into Xue Zhi's clothes.

We'll head out together.

All right.

Seventh Lady Luo,

here are all the medical records
my master kept for Madam Gu.

Madam Gu's body was weakened

after childbirth,

so Luo's Residence asked my master
to help with her recovery.

Did Physician Qi keep
all the records of her treatment?

Not all.

You may speak freely.

My master said

that although Madam Gu was weakened,

with proper care,

she could have recovered.

But after

a few doses of medicine,

though she showed improvement,

she suddenly passed away.

My master found it puzzling,

so he kept all the records

and often reviewed them.

My mother passed suddenly?

Physician Qi had doubts

about her death as well?

Perhaps there were some doubts
about the situation,

or maybe there were
undiscovered issues in her illness.

We cannot say for sure.

Did Physician Qi ever prescribe
Mongolian milkvetch and peony tonic

for my mother?

He did.

Here it is on this page.

It's a common restorative prescription

and generally consistent.

Could someone have tampered

with the content?

I personally handled all the herbs

and prepared the medicine
under my master's guidance,

and he himself delivered it.

My master found

Madam Gu's sudden death odd.

He thoroughly checked the medicine
multiple times but found nothing unusual.

So

the tonic wasn't the problem?

There's nothing wrong
with the medicine he prescribed.

There shouldn't be anything wrong
with the preparation

and concoction of the medicine either.

We were very careful.