Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ☯ Strange Dreamers Team ☯ @ Viki.com

♫ The fresh breeze blows through the alley ♫

♫ The fragrance of ink on you ♫

♫ The brush meandering on the paper ♫

♫ This love will last forever ♫

♫ The moonlight pours in the water ♫

♫ I can't help but start to sing ♫

♫ You play a melodious song ♫

♫ It recorded our sweet time ♫

♫ Being drunk but happy in the world (Spend the rest of my life with you) ♫

♫ Watch the wood in a deep dye (Let's ride a horse to see the world) ♫

♫ With you in my life, I'm not afraid of any storm ♫

♫ I feel safe (You whisper in my ear) ♫

♫ There is a distant call (I fell into the light of your halo) ♫

♫ It's too hard to break from your embrace ♫

♫ Immersed in wine and time goes by ♫

♫ Being drunk but happy in the world (Spend the rest of my life with you) ♫

♫ Watch the wood in a deep dye (Let's ride a horse to see the world) ♫

♫ With you in my life, I'm not afraid of any storm ♫

♫ I feel safe (You whisper in my ear) ♫

♫ There is a distant call (I fell into the light of your halo) ♫

♫ It's too hard to break from your embrace ♫

♫ Immersed in wine and time goes by ♫ [A Girl Like Me]

[Episode 9]

At this stage, just tell me the truth, General.

Do you have it or not?

We've assisted His Majesty for years

and we know how tough the situation is.

He's new to the throne with little support.

If he doesn't have the Tiger Tally, what will he

and the court officials think?

General, you've already retired and don't need it anymore.

Count Rong, the Tiger Tally was gone when General was attacked.

Our two families have been close for years.

I'm utterly disappointed

that you aren't working

to seize the assassin first.

I've told you everything.

You...

should leave.

His Majesty has sent Count Rong here.

Princess, the Tiger Tally...

Yan Hui and the others must've provoked His Majesty

into asking for the Tiger Tally back.

Once it falls into someone else's hand, our Ban family will be doomed.

I didn't expect that would be the last time I would see Count Rong.

After Father passed away,

Mother had his death investigated thoroughly.

Yet in a few days,

she hung herself in the room

following my brother's mysterious death,

and leaving me all alone

in the palace.

I'm sorry for your family's tragedy,

but it has nothing to do with the Bans

or me.

Your Highness, the Tiger Tally led to my father's tragic death.

How can you deny it?

How dare you!

Are you accusing me of murdering your parents?

I wouldn't dare.

But the clues I've collected these years

all point to General Ban's Tiger Tally.

Please give me an explanation.

That's the least I deserve.

I said... the Bans have nothing to do with it.

Your Highness,

Father once said...

that the Ban family and the Rong family had been friends for generations.

Please...

Let me be clear.

Whatever you are up to is your business.

Our Ban family won't interfere.

Stay away from Hua Hua. Or as the one watching you grow up,

I'm sure His Majesty would like to know

what you've done behind his back.

I understand.

His Majesty also cares a lot about you and he won't turn a blind eye

to your disease.

Stop!

I'm already over it.

Be a bigger man, can't you?

Never mind.

It's my fault

that I'm more understanding than others.

Whatever disputes we have, the birthday banquet must go on.

In order to work together, one must compromise.

So I've forgiven you regarding the Longjing Cake.

But just so you know, from now on, I'll be in charge of everything

in regard to the banquet.

Say something!

What's there to say?

Why didn't you respond to all that I've said?

Aren't you a role model for scholars?

Where are your manners?

I apologize for everything.

Please excuse me.

Good day.

Rong Xia, what's wrong with you?

What's that attitude?

Do I owe you anything or does my family?

Why are you laughing?

I'm laughing at myself.

I assumed you'd be different.

You're right.

You don't owe me anything. Neither does your family.

I'm the one to blame from beginning to end.

I shouldn't have dragged the Ban family or you into this.

I was alone...

and I'll always be. I'm used to it.

Rest assured. I'll never bother you again.

What was that?

It's just some dessert, isn't it?

What's the matter with him?

What a grand banquet! I heard Crown Prince arranged it.

That's right.

No wonder it's above the standard.

Everyone is here.

I know.

- Prince Luo. - Prince Luo.

Let's go.

Cousin, I didn't ask you to copy sutras for me.

Whatever game you're playing, I haven't forgiven you.

Don't feel so good about yourself.

I just feel you've been unlucky lately.

I did that to help you.

I...

Are you all right?

[Yan Zhen: Eldest Son of the Yan Family, the Most Spoiled Young Master in Daye]

Your Grace, ladies of all households have arrived. They're waiting for you.

- Let's go. - Yes.

Hua Hua made this tea especially for you.

Please have a taste, Crown Princess.

It's as good as I thought.

Well... it's about time.

Where's Princess Royal?

Grandmother is still dressing herself up to look proper when His Majesty arrives.

I'll go assist her so that she won't be late.

You two take the back door and get Grandmother's Physician Zhang here.

Yes.

All rise.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

We're having a family banquet, not court. Just relax.

Be seated, everyone.

How's the preparation?

Your Majesty,

guards here have been swapped over to make way for our secret agents

to search for the Tiger Tally.

I see.

Zhang'er, the banquet seems different from before.

You must've put in a lot of effort.

I'll reward you handsomely.

Thank you, Royal Father.

It's just that Rong Xia drafted the speech.

I don't think I should read it.

Zhang'er!

Huai.

Your Majesty, where's Princess Royal?

I've carefully chosen a gift for her.

If Mother knows you've come with a gift, she'll be even more excited.

I'm sure she's tidying up as we speak.

Please have some drinks first and congratulate her once she arrives.

All right. Let the banquet begin.

What are you doing here?

- Princess. - Nanny Zhang,

what happened?

Grandmother! Is she all right?

She's been sick for a while without telling anyone

because she knows once it gets out, the Xie family will have no scruples

about ganging up on your family.

How did you know? And why are you here?

Right now, you should focus on those guests instead of me.

Need you tell me that?

I've had maids go get Physician Zhang.

That takes time

which you don't have, because His Majesty

is waiting for Princess Royal now.

During Count Rong's last visit, I overheard him arguing with Her Highness.

We must be careful.

Come on in, Physician Zhang!

Hurry. Check on my grandmother!

She hasn't been in a coma for long.

There's medicine to wake her up.

Good.

Dissolve it in warm water and feed it to her.

Got it.

Her Highness has asked me to keep her condition secret.

- I should leave. - Sure. Take care.

Your help won't be forgotten.

This is odd. The medicine is darker than before.

We're running out of time.

[General-in-chief of the State's Tablet, Princess Royal Dening's Tablet]

What did you do, Count Cheng'an?

Zhang'er, how come Princess Royal hasn't shown up yet?

Royal Father, I have no idea, either.

Really?

Brother, how could you not know

as the organizer of the banquet?

Is something wrong?

Princess Ban and Count Rong aren't here, either.

Do you also not know where they are?

If Crown Prince can't get hold of a few people,

how can he rule the entire state?

Brother, Great-aunt is yet to be seen.

If she doesn't receive birthday congratulations in time

and her health is affected,

can you take that responsibility?

Please be patient, Your Majesty. Let me go check.

Never mind. I'll do it myself.

Go! Go!

Go seize that quack!

- Go! - Yes. - No need.

Someone else must be behind the poisoning.

Don't alert the culprit, but follow the lead and catch him.

Fine. But...

Older Sister, it's a mess in the front hall.

What are you still doing inside?

What to do? We have no medicine.

I have it.

How come?

Save Her Highness first.

Why are you helping me?

Princess, ever since we met,

I've never intended to harm you

and I sure won't this time.

His Majesty has arrived!

Auntie.

Young Master Ban, is Her Highness inside?

Well,

the door stands as a screen, separating the inside from the outside.

So we can only guess what's happening there.

- That's... - What are you talking about, Ban Heng?

I'm confused. Move!

I tried but couldn't open it.

Great-aunt.

Great-aunt.

Auntie, I came to greet you in person.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

I was caught up with affairs.

Thank you for your concern.

Don't mention it. That's what I should do.

Today is your birthday.

Officials are waiting to congratulate you.

Let's go to the front hall together.

After you, Your Majesty.

[Togetherness like Ox Yoke]

Why are you everywhere? Get lost!

Stop!

Is that how you speak to a noble prince? Show some respect!

Hey...

Young Master, you're finally out.

Did you tell His Majesty about Princess Royal's condition?

Didn't get to. Physician Zhang is sneaky.

Have someone follow him.

Already done.

Something else is strange.

- What is it? - A group of secret agents sneaked in without

alerting the guards on duty.

Seems like they've all come.

Keep them under watch in case they take action against the Ban family.

Yes.

I wish you boundless fortune and longevity, Your Highness.

I wish you boundless fortune and longevity!

Auntie, hearing that you might feel unwell, I was worried

so I went to check on you.

I'm fine.

Don't be misled by the ill-intentioned

who are eager to sow discord between us.

I agree. You're right.

You and I are family.

May you live long and healthy.

May you live long and healthy.

Your Majesty, you've prepared something for Grandmother. Right?

What is it?

I can't wait to have a peek.

Bring it in.

Present the birthday gift.

This is a congratulatory speech I wrote for Auntie years back.

She helped me through thick and thin, and protected me wholeheartedly.

I'm forever in debt to her.

This congratulatory speech

is to show all of you how much I value her and the Ban family.

All that we've owned is bestowed by Your Majesty.

We've only been

doing our duty.

Great-aunt, I've also prepared a gift for you.

It's not as precious as Royal Father's, but it's quite unique.

Say something nice.

Best wishes to you!

Best wishes to you! Best wishes to you!

How adorable!

Thank you, Crown Prince.

I'm glad you like it.

Long live Crown Prince!

Long live Crown Prince! Long live Crown Prince!

Long live Crown Prince! Long live Crown Prince!

Long live Crown Prince! Long live Crown Prince!

Long live Crown Prince! Long live Crown Prince!

Get rid of it!

I'm sorry, Royal Father.

I... I have no idea about it.

Where did you get that myna?

Royal Father, it's... it's...

it's a gift from someone else.

Idiot!

Royal Father, Brother was too busy organizing the banquet

to see to everything himself

and had a little lapse.

This banquet is of great significance.

Under this circumstance, a thorough investigation is needed

in case someone takes this chance

to harm Her Highness.

Who are you to make decisions here, blabbermouth?

Just quit your job and tell stories for a living.

How dare you call me names! Are you guilty?

Shut your pie hole! Blabbermouth!

- Old fart! - Blabbermouth! - Old fart!

- Blabbermouth! - Old fart!

Your Majesty, my father is right despite his foul language.

It's just a bird, isn't it?

If you ask me, your parrot is much better.

Don't let it ruin your mood.

Crown Prince is a good boy.

He always treats us with filial respect.

I suggest we let it slide.

I agree.

All the bickering on my birthday

is giving me a headache.

I'm going back to rest.

Report!

Bad news, Your Majesty. We've got a situation outside.

They fought for the gold foil the Ban family handed out,

[Manor of Peace and Longevity] and injured my brother.

[Mansion of Peace and Longevity] I demand compensation!

- They must compensate for it! - That's right! Yes!

[The Bans are corrupt...] Sign it, everyone!

[The Bans are corrupt...] Sign it.

Expel those troublemakers

to not ruin the banquet.

Yes.

Your Majesty, the Ban family are corrupt.

Please, bring them to justice!

Your Majesty!

Your Majesty, Minister Mei is defaming us.

He wouldn't make such an accusation

without proof, Your Majesty.

Minister Mei, present it now if you have anything

to His Majesty.

Your Majesty, this is a complaint signed by the public.

Princess Ban made an extravagant purchase for the banquet,

stirring public outrage.

They jointly drafted this. Please read it, Your Majesty.

Can you be any quicker, Minister Mei?

They've just started a protest outside, and here you are with the so-called proof.

That shows I'm diligent as always.

You rich brats wouldn't understand.

- You... - Would you? You're dirt-poor.

What do you know about being rich?

Enough!

Your Majesty.

Anger is mounting outside.

The masses are waiting for your response, Your Majesty.

The line must be drawn here to pacify the irate crowd.

Blabbermouth, stop fanning the flame!

Your Majesty, stop covering for the Ban family

because of your personal bond with them.

Justice must be upheld!

Stay out of it!

I'll deal with you once we get back.

Count Rong!

- Yes. - You assisted in the preparation for the banquet

and you must know the expense. What do you think?

Every penny spent is accounted for.

Here's the book for you to review.

What a coincidence!

That you happen to bring it with you to the banquet.

You're trying too hard to suck up to the Bans.

Better be careful,

or you may be guilty of deception.

Minister Mei is doing his job diligently,

and so am I.

You...

Every bill has been checked and signed

by Crown Prince,

me, and the contractor.

It can be double-checked anytime.

Royal Father, as grand as the banquet seems,

it's within the budget.

Eldest Brother, with that being said,

were the Ban family as clean-handed

as they claimed,

what about the crowd outside?

300 taels of silver are left.

Princess took 700 more from her own pocket

to make it 1,000 for me

to build shelters outside the city for the homeless.

Maybe people outside

are expressing their gratitude.

Utter nonsense! Do you know...

Sir Shi Jin requests an audience.

Your Majesty, it's been confirmed that

someone incited the riot outside.

Organizers have been arrested, pending sentence.

How dare they!

Your Majesty, we always keep a low profile

and help those in need quietly.

Such defamation is outrageous.

Your Majesty, please clear our name.

Auntie, please rise, all of you.

Be careful, Mother.

I know you're wronged, Hua Hua.

I'm glad...

that the Ban family are compassionate.

I'll reward you with 500 taels of gold.

I thank you on behalf

of the homeless.

Your Majesty, someone intended to tarnish

my grandmother's image on her birthday

and must be punished.

That's fair.

Guards!

Take Official Mei out,

flog him 100 times and strip him of his rank.

Your Majesty, I'm innocent!

I'm innocent, Your Majesty!

I'm innocent...!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Who is it? Stop!

Stop right there!

Your Majesty, there are fireworks outside.

We can watch them in the garden.

I'm a bit tired.

You youngsters just go have fun.

Count Rong,

I'm still confused

about what happened earlier.

How come you had the right medicine?

I can let go of the past,

but today,

you owe me an explanation.

Stay away from Hua.

Or as the one watching you grow up,

I'm sure His Majesty would like to know

what you've done

behind his back.

Normally,

I'd slap you

for keeping me in the dark.

But, somehow,

I can still tolerate you.

Count Rong,

you once said my parents and I get along so well.

The truth is a relationship goes both ways.

Only if you're honest with others

will they trust you.

I do, so I accepted the medicine you had.

What about you?

Can you do the same to me just this once?

Princess,

please...

excuse me.

I know...

deep down inside,

you have tons of secrets.

Still, I hope that one day,

you'll step out of your shell.

At least, when we're together,

you can put aside your secrets

and burdens.

Princess,

I...

don't deserve this.

That's my call.

Few are worth my attention all over the state,

and you're one of them.

You can't say no to me...

because...

I've made my decision.

- But I... - In my eyes,

you're who you are

and you mean a lot to me.

What was I thinking? Why did I say that?

Relax, Your Grace.

What you did to Count Rong is nothing new.

Your Grace!

Found it!

Count Rong's gift is so easy to miss.

I looked everywhere and found it in the corner.

Forget it. I don't want to see it.

I do. Let me check.

Come to think of it, it's a gift for my grandmother.

I should open it myself.

Do it now.

What's this? A box of desserts?

That's his gift?

Count Rong is cheap.

I... I agree.

That alone proves he's not the one in black.

The one in black.

I almost forgot.

Your Grace, are we going to strip Prince Luo off?

Yes.

Given Jiang Luo's shenanigans today,

he must be the one in black.

And he sent those my brother caught outside.

From what Ruan Jinjin said,

I believe that thief

must be his man, too.

- Ruan Jinjin and Ying Bangbang. - Yes.

Gear up. Let's teach him a lesson today.

Yes. Let's go.

[Manor of Peace and Longevity]

Gentlemen, it's nice talking to you.

We can meet again some other day.

See you then, Your Highness.

[Manor of Peace and Longevity]

Who did this?

- Your Highness. - Your Highness.

Get off me! Back off!

How dare you!

- Let me help you. - Dry yourself.

Let me see. Dry it. Let me check.

Stay away from me!

Help! Your Highness!

He's even weaker than me.

He needs exercise.

Say no more. Let's go. Let's go.

Your Highness, don't catch a cold.

Help!

Bastards!

How dare you do this to me!

Come back! I'm the second prince of Daye!

Pick up my clothes!

Come back!

Zhen'er, have you lost your mind?

How dare you try to speak for the Ban family during that occasion!

Don't be mad, Father. I...

I don't think Princess Ban is as bad as they said.

You fool! Do bad people bear tags?

Use your brain for once!

You're still young. What do you know about politics?

How many times have I told you

to be obedient? Don't act rashly.

But what did you do?

Besides, are you and Ban Hua close?

Since when did you know her?

Why are you blushing?

I see.

The Ban family is evil from top to bottom.

You're ganging up on me, aren't you?

Fine. This isn't over!

Greetings, Your Highness.

There you are!

Look at the plan you made!

We went to great lengths to file a complaint together,

but only got dismissed.

The Ban family and Crown Prince got away with it.

Look who's in trouble! Me!

His Majesty left with Crown Prince,

but asked you to receive guests.

Don't you get that?

The banquet Crown Prince put together

has brought you and the officials closer.

Who do you think is the winner?

When you put it like that,

it makes sense.

But Royal Father ignored that bird

and Official Mei's words.

Why did he give Crown Prince the cold shoulder?

Long story.

Just take one step at a time.

Your priority is to win His Majesty over.

As for the dirty business,

leave that to me.

Sure.

I trust you.

This is probably overdue.

Once I ascend the throne, your sister

will be my empress.

Everything is in preparation.

I hope you'll keep your promise.

[Rong Family Memorial Tablets]

I'm here

to apologize

for be unable to find out the truth

and bring the culprit to justice.

Young Master, wasn't the medicine your leverage

to force Princess Royal to tell the truth? Why...?

I don't think...

that's the right thing to do.

If I used Princess Ban, who doesn't know anything,

and disregarded the Ban family's kindness to me

all to fulfill my mission,

wouldn't I be the same

as those who'd do anything

to reach their goals,

including killing my parents?

Father, Mother, Brother...

[Rong Family Memorial Tablets] Trust me.

[Rong Family Memorial Tablets] The truth will prevail eventually.

I'll bring justice to you

even on my own.

Young Master.

Here you are.

Xie Chongjin, Count Zhongping's eldest son,

pays respects to you.

Inspector of Pingzhou.

What are you doing in the capital

and why did you ask to see me all of a sudden?

I'm here for you, of course.

I have the information you need

and that you lack.

The Xie family has nothing to do with that case.

The Yan family are the ones to blame.

Do you actually expect me

to believe you that easily?

That's naive.

You're a wise man, Count.

You know how capable my father is.

Frankly speaking, he didn't have

the brains or the guts for the job.

Read it first

before you choose to believe me or not.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by ☯ Strange Dreamers Team ☯ @ Viki.com

♫ Paper kite, blue tile, Begonia in midsummer ♫

♫ Make jasmine tea in the room ♫

♫ Sing a song and fiddle with Pipa ♫

♫ Her bright smile and gloomy expressions ♫

♫ Crimson clouds flew into the house ♫

♫ Can't control the feelings It's all in the dream ♫

♫ The rain pours down on a sunny day, washing out all the affections ♫

♫ Faith is like a flower ♫

♫ We promised to live a free life ♫

♫ But can be flicked away like dust with fingers ♫

♫ Only want to live a carefree life with her ♫

♫ Travel around the world while we are still in our youth ♫

♫ Nothing is impossible in the dream ♫

♫ Go to the end of the world together ♫

♫ The fleeting life is just a moment ♫

♫ With no fear, willing to take her hands to see the big world ♫

♫ We promised to live a free life ♫

♫ But can be flicked away like dust with fingers ♫

♫ Only want to live a carefree life with her ♫

♫ Travel around the world while we are still in our youth ♫

♫ Nothing is impossible in the dream ♫

♫ Go to the end of the world together ♫

♫ The fleeting life is just a moment ♫

♫ With no fear, willing to take her hands to see the big world ♫