WEBVTT 00:00.040 --> 00:04.040 There is no comparison, no equal. 00:09.000 --> 00:12.320 Master, it's late. 00:12.400 --> 00:16.360 We must hurry on our way... 00:21.560 --> 00:25.120 I wanted to be a loyal subject. 00:25.480 --> 00:28.320 But reaching this height, 00:28.880 --> 00:32.200 what's left for those scholars? 00:32.280 --> 00:39.280 Why would they still crave official ranks? 00:42.760 --> 00:46.320 I think I've reached 00:46.880 --> 00:48.360 the end of my loyalty. 00:50.640 --> 00:51.640 What do you think, 00:52.080 --> 00:53.160 Your Highness? 00:54.200 --> 00:56.200 (Crown Prince, Zhu You Sheng) 00:57.520 --> 01:00.400 Back then, my uncle, Duke of Ding, 01:00.600 --> 01:04.120 and 237 members of the Jiang family were framed and slaughtered. 01:05.480 --> 01:07.680 53,000 soldiers of Duke of Ding's Army 01:08.200 --> 01:09.480 were disgraced and wronged. 01:11.200 --> 01:12.200 And today, 01:12.680 --> 01:14.320 I wonder how many in the Eastern Palace 01:14.600 --> 01:16.200 and the capital will be slaughtered? 01:17.760 --> 01:19.320 You defy the throne 01:20.600 --> 01:22.840 and aided Prince Qing in his treacherous bid for power. 01:23.400 --> 01:24.760 Turns out this was all about 01:25.680 --> 01:27.760 clearing the name of Duke of Ding's Army. 01:29.200 --> 01:30.480 And you are blaming it 01:31.560 --> 01:34.320 on me and my father. 01:35.960 --> 01:38.200 When a ruler suspects his ministers, they are doomed to death. 01:38.560 --> 01:41.120 (Song Mo) Are you really saying I've wronged you? 01:49.680 --> 01:50.680 Song Mo, 01:51.840 --> 01:53.360 I pity you. 01:54.040 --> 01:55.840 Your revenge is misplaced. 01:57.600 --> 01:58.600 I've lost, 02:00.400 --> 02:02.920 but in the end, you'll lose everything as well. 02:13.200 --> 02:14.760 Your Highness! 02:18.440 --> 02:20.600 I would rather die 02:21.200 --> 02:22.800 than let a traitor have his way. 02:50.520 --> 02:52.280 General, we found it. 02:53.720 --> 02:54.800 Congratulations, sir. 02:54.880 --> 02:56.960 Grand General's blood feud is half avenged. 03:05.080 --> 03:06.080 He said 03:06.920 --> 03:08.600 I took my revenge on the wrong people. 03:12.360 --> 03:14.440 (In the winter of the 27th year of Chengping reign,) 03:14.840 --> 03:16.400 (as the Emperor's gravely ill,) 03:16.800 --> 03:19.520 (General of Agile Cavalry Song Mo supported Prince Qing.) 03:19.760 --> 03:21.080 (Under the guise of tending to the Emperor,) 03:21.160 --> 03:22.440 (he launched an attack on the capital at night.) 03:22.480 --> 03:24.760 (He sought to clear the name of Duke of Ding.) 03:34.320 --> 03:36.120 Possessing over a hundred weapons in secret is a grave crime. 03:36.200 --> 03:38.760 My Lady, did you know that Prince Qing and General Song Mo would rebel? 03:38.840 --> 03:40.840 The capital is in chaos. 03:40.920 --> 03:42.680 The streets are filled with rogue soldiers and refugees. 03:42.800 --> 03:43.800 When survival itself is at stake, 03:43.920 --> 03:45.400 (Dou Zhao, wife of Wei Ting Yu) what use is talk of law? 03:45.480 --> 03:47.000 -Grab them! -Yes, ma'am! 03:55.920 --> 03:58.040 Song Mo is a ruthless killer. 03:58.520 --> 04:01.520 He even killed his own father and brother. 04:02.200 --> 04:04.640 Now he's leading rebel troops back into the capital. 04:05.080 --> 04:08.400 Everyone's saying he is going to massacre the entire city. 04:08.520 --> 04:10.320 I had to run for my life! 04:11.360 --> 04:12.760 (Wei Ting Yu, Marquis of Jining) How insolent! 04:12.800 --> 04:14.040 Matters of the court 04:14.200 --> 04:16.520 are not for a lowly servant like you to gossip about. 04:16.640 --> 04:17.680 Flog him harder! 04:19.160 --> 04:20.320 Song Mo, that traitor... 04:21.520 --> 04:22.720 He's here for revenge. 04:32.880 --> 04:34.720 (Chen Jia) 04:52.520 --> 04:53.760 (Wang Ge, eunuch of Directorate of Ceremonial) 05:05.160 --> 05:06.360 After tonight, 05:06.680 --> 05:08.440 Prince Qing will take the throne. 05:09.400 --> 05:11.760 General Song, you'll be credited with the greatest merit. 05:12.280 --> 05:13.280 Allow me to offer 05:13.920 --> 05:15.280 my congratulations in advance. 05:15.720 --> 05:16.760 You should know 05:17.440 --> 05:18.680 that everything I've done 05:18.760 --> 05:20.720 is solely to clear Duke of Ding's name. 05:21.960 --> 05:23.120 Once I meet His Majesty, 05:23.720 --> 05:25.840 I'll hand this over to Prince Qing myself. 05:28.640 --> 05:31.320 His Majesty and His Highness are having a private conversation. 05:31.400 --> 05:32.800 It wouldn't be proper to interrupt. 05:33.000 --> 05:34.320 Once His Highness ascends, 05:35.080 --> 05:37.080 an audience will be arranged for you. 05:38.040 --> 05:39.040 Very well. 05:41.840 --> 05:43.840 When he becomes the new ruler, 05:44.040 --> 05:45.160 tell him to come find me. 05:46.320 --> 05:47.640 All troops, hear my command! 05:48.160 --> 05:49.160 Yes, General! 05:49.720 --> 05:51.480 We will move to the outskirts of the city 05:52.640 --> 05:54.200 and await the Emperor's decree! 05:54.680 --> 05:55.680 Yes, General! 06:05.280 --> 06:07.000 (A new Emperor's unable to ascend the throne) 06:07.160 --> 06:09.080 (and a rebel army camped outside the capital,) 06:09.840 --> 06:12.400 (it was a stalemate that was chaos in disguise.) 06:14.200 --> 06:15.960 (At the time, I could never have imagined) 06:16.920 --> 06:19.840 (Marquis of Jining's Residence) (that the seemingly stable walls of this household) 06:20.160 --> 06:22.600 (were already riddled with cracks.) 06:23.800 --> 06:24.840 Starting tonight, 06:25.400 --> 06:27.640 halt all banquets, entertainment, and repairs. 06:28.200 --> 06:29.680 Tomorrow, stewards will purchase 06:30.200 --> 06:33.200 a month's supply of provisions for the household. 06:34.320 --> 06:36.320 Patrols will follow this route around the estate 06:36.760 --> 06:37.760 in four rotating shifts. 06:38.040 --> 06:40.680 Ten armed guards are to stand watch at the front and back gates, 06:40.920 --> 06:41.960 day and night. 06:42.600 --> 06:43.720 Post two guards outside 06:44.000 --> 06:45.200 His Lordship's, Ming's, 06:45.280 --> 06:46.720 and the three concubines' quarters. 06:47.040 --> 06:48.040 Yes, My Lady. 06:48.120 --> 06:49.120 My Lady. 06:50.120 --> 06:52.120 His Lordship has ties to Prince Qing. 06:52.280 --> 06:53.880 (Tuo Niang) Now, nobles, marquises, 06:53.960 --> 06:56.960 and ministers in the capital are asking to see His Lordship. 06:57.720 --> 06:58.720 At a time like this, 06:59.040 --> 07:01.120 Prince Qing's faction wants to crown a new emperor, 07:01.160 --> 07:03.080 (Dou Ming) while the loyal ministers are ready to die defending the old one, 07:03.480 --> 07:04.960 And then there are the fence sitters, 07:05.680 --> 07:07.880 all eager to drag His Lordship into the fray. 07:11.000 --> 07:12.000 Turn them away. 07:14.200 --> 07:15.520 But if I refuse to see them, 07:16.240 --> 07:17.560 I'm bound to offend them. 07:18.760 --> 07:20.000 Bring it in. 07:28.680 --> 07:29.680 I'm sick. 07:30.000 --> 07:31.040 Gravely ill. 07:31.680 --> 07:33.840 My Lord, you're too busy tending to your ailing wife 07:34.040 --> 07:35.040 to receive guests. 07:35.520 --> 07:36.960 That's far too improper. 07:37.320 --> 07:39.520 What use is propriety when the world is falling apart? 07:39.720 --> 07:42.280 Nothing matters more than life and death. 07:43.240 --> 07:44.240 With a coffin in place, 07:45.320 --> 07:46.560 they will leave you alone. 08:39.640 --> 08:41.520 Purchase 200 pounds of silver frost charcoal. 08:41.600 --> 08:43.720 Since His Lordship and Ming like calligraphy and painting, 08:43.800 --> 08:45.480 stock an additional 100 feet of jade paper. 08:45.560 --> 08:47.800 Also, have the stewards from the estates and shops 08:48.440 --> 08:50.080 report back after lunch. 08:50.520 --> 08:51.520 Yes, My Lady. 08:52.400 --> 08:53.400 My Lady. 08:54.800 --> 08:55.800 Here. 08:58.680 --> 09:00.040 My Lady, you almost died 09:00.680 --> 09:02.240 when you had a miscarriage last year. 09:02.520 --> 09:03.920 Your priority now should be 09:04.280 --> 09:05.640 taking care of your health. 09:06.040 --> 09:07.520 You cannot overwork yourself. 09:11.920 --> 09:14.200 How can the matron of a noble family not take on responsibilities? 09:15.280 --> 09:16.400 Serving my husband, 09:17.520 --> 09:19.400 looking after the concubines and their children, 09:20.160 --> 09:22.280 managing over a hundred servants in this household, 09:23.160 --> 09:25.040 along with dozens of estates and businesses, 09:25.520 --> 09:26.520 there's no end to it. 09:27.520 --> 09:29.920 And that's not even counting the endless social obligations. 09:30.680 --> 09:31.880 You're so unwell, 09:32.640 --> 09:34.400 yet His Lordship hasn't shown the slightest concern. 09:34.880 --> 09:36.480 Fifth Young Lady came all this way 09:36.880 --> 09:38.280 claiming she'd help care for you, 09:38.600 --> 09:40.200 but she has been nowhere to be seen. 09:40.600 --> 09:42.040 She's from another mother, after all. 09:42.120 --> 09:43.600 -No heart... -Tuo Niang. 09:59.560 --> 10:00.560 My Lady, look. 10:00.880 --> 10:02.120 Spring hasn't even arrived, 10:02.400 --> 10:04.320 and the white magnolias are already blooming. 10:04.400 --> 10:07.520 This is the first time I've seen magnolias blooming in the snow. 10:09.280 --> 10:10.400 If my mother were here, 10:11.480 --> 10:12.680 she'd surely be delighted. 10:15.960 --> 10:17.560 If Seventh Madam were still with us, 10:18.640 --> 10:21.600 you wouldn't have to bear all this burden alone. 10:30.320 --> 10:31.320 What is that smell? 10:33.440 --> 10:34.440 Medicinal herbs. 10:36.640 --> 10:38.120 The fragrance is strong. 10:40.880 --> 10:42.520 Looks like Ming hasn't been slacking off. 10:43.080 --> 10:44.560 She must be brewing medicine for me. 10:44.640 --> 10:45.640 You're right, My Lady. 10:45.960 --> 10:48.160 Don't bring up the matter of different mothers again. 10:48.720 --> 10:50.760 It will upset Ming if she hears it. 10:50.920 --> 10:51.920 Yes, My Lady. 10:56.480 --> 10:57.800 The medicine might have burned. 11:07.760 --> 11:08.760 Don't worry. 11:08.920 --> 11:11.320 The doctor said she doesn't have much time left. 11:11.680 --> 11:13.760 Once she's gone and the mourning period is over, 11:15.360 --> 11:16.400 I'll marry you. 11:24.920 --> 11:26.040 He's not wrong. 11:28.400 --> 11:30.160 Our marriage was arranged by our parents, 11:31.120 --> 11:32.320 with no affection between us. 11:33.360 --> 11:34.720 If they really love each other, 11:36.520 --> 11:37.640 after I pass, 11:39.160 --> 11:40.280 his marriage to Dou Ming 11:41.800 --> 11:43.560 will benefit both our families. 11:44.520 --> 11:46.760 -It'll be a lasting alliance. -Oh, My Lady... 11:48.040 --> 11:49.040 Let's go. 11:50.680 --> 11:52.000 But what if Father refuses? 11:53.000 --> 11:55.440 After all, her mother and mine were sworn sisters. 11:56.280 --> 11:59.760 And her mother died because of my mother's affair with my father. 12:02.440 --> 12:03.440 Mother... 12:04.320 --> 12:06.200 I can't believe she's the reason Mother died. 12:11.920 --> 12:13.960 All my efforts to run this household, 12:15.120 --> 12:18.560 and in the end, I've paved the way for my enemies. 12:20.520 --> 12:21.680 The kitchen is on fire. 12:22.440 --> 12:24.400 -Call the servants. -Yes, My Lady. 12:25.920 --> 12:26.920 You can trust me. 12:27.520 --> 12:28.680 Don't you know me by now? 12:30.000 --> 12:31.640 Even if I have to go through hell, 12:32.000 --> 12:33.040 I'll marry you. 12:33.880 --> 12:35.080 No one can tear us apart. 12:43.760 --> 12:44.760 What's that noise? 12:45.320 --> 12:46.320 The kitchen is on fire! 12:47.520 --> 12:49.320 Bring water! The kitchen is on fire! 12:50.120 --> 12:52.320 Fire in the kitchen! 13:01.000 --> 13:03.080 My dear, it's my fault. 13:03.160 --> 13:04.360 Please don't hurt Ming. 13:05.280 --> 13:06.280 I won't hurt her. 13:08.400 --> 13:09.840 In fact, I should thank you both. 13:11.040 --> 13:12.760 You've saved me from living in ignorance. 13:14.240 --> 13:15.920 -Sister... -Don't call me that. 13:16.800 --> 13:18.760 I never expected love from my husband 13:19.920 --> 13:21.120 or the bond of sisterhood, 13:22.080 --> 13:23.080 but you both 13:23.520 --> 13:25.640 couldn't even spare me the smallest shred of decency. 13:26.520 --> 13:28.120 Tell me, how did my mother really die? 13:31.920 --> 13:33.440 That was before I was born. 13:33.800 --> 13:35.520 I've only overheard the elders mention it. 13:36.120 --> 13:37.600 I don't know the details. 13:39.040 --> 13:40.680 I will get to the bottom of it. 13:43.000 --> 13:44.520 But as for what's happened today, 13:45.640 --> 13:46.920 we will settle it here and now. 13:50.520 --> 13:51.520 You... 13:56.920 --> 13:59.120 I have been married into this family for ten years. 13:59.800 --> 14:01.160 I've poured my heart 14:01.520 --> 14:02.760 into managing the household, 14:04.120 --> 14:06.560 never once failing Wei Ting Yu or Dou Ming. 14:08.280 --> 14:09.840 Even amidst the chaos in the capital, 14:10.280 --> 14:12.440 I pushed through my illness to protect this family. 14:12.640 --> 14:13.640 And yet, 14:14.160 --> 14:15.720 they committed adultery in broad daylight in the kitchen 14:15.960 --> 14:17.360 and cursed me to an early death. 14:18.800 --> 14:20.960 A heartless man is unworthy of trust, 14:21.920 --> 14:23.920 and the daughter of my enemy cannot be family. 14:24.520 --> 14:27.040 When this disgrace and betrayal are brought to the court, 14:27.200 --> 14:28.440 you will all be my witnesses. 14:33.520 --> 14:34.520 From this moment on, 14:35.160 --> 14:36.800 I am no longer Marchioness of Jining. 14:46.800 --> 14:47.800 My Lord! 14:49.040 --> 14:51.040 My Lord, Her Ladyship has left the residence. 14:51.240 --> 14:53.320 You think I don't know that? 14:53.680 --> 14:55.040 Didn't I ask you to guard the door? 14:55.120 --> 14:57.400 Why are you still standing there? Go fetch our clothes! 14:57.560 --> 14:59.400 Yes, My Lord. Please excuse me. 15:03.040 --> 15:05.840 If I'd known it would come to this, I should've listened to my mother! 15:06.080 --> 15:08.200 I should've put stronger poison into her medicine 15:08.520 --> 15:09.800 and gotten rid of her for good! 15:12.440 --> 15:13.880 What are you standing there for? 15:13.960 --> 15:15.440 If she takes this to the authorities, 15:15.560 --> 15:17.120 neither of us will ever have peace again. 15:17.160 --> 15:18.160 Don't worry. 15:18.560 --> 15:20.480 My family's century-old reputation 15:20.640 --> 15:22.160 won't be ruined by her. 15:28.760 --> 15:33.200 Such towering ambition is wasted in vain. 15:34.120 --> 15:38.720 A lifetime's passion is never unchained. 15:48.640 --> 15:50.840 Young Lady, it's snowing heavily. 16:00.960 --> 16:02.040 This isn't snow. 16:20.080 --> 16:22.240 Tuo Niang, give them some food. 16:25.440 --> 16:28.320 The land is in ruins, the nation on the brink. 16:29.120 --> 16:30.120 Life is unpredictable. 16:31.560 --> 16:33.160 My departure this time 16:33.800 --> 16:34.880 marks our final farewell. 16:44.600 --> 16:45.720 The willows are alive, 16:46.160 --> 16:47.400 spinning the top. 16:47.880 --> 16:48.960 The willows are green, 16:49.240 --> 16:50.480 ringing the bell. 16:51.280 --> 16:52.520 The willows sprout, 16:52.600 --> 16:53.600 play... 16:59.880 --> 17:00.880 Tuo Niang. 17:02.120 --> 17:04.560 I was still young when my mother passed. 17:05.560 --> 17:08.320 Can you think of anything unusual about that time? 17:09.520 --> 17:12.760 Your father had just passed the imperial exams. 17:13.440 --> 17:15.400 And it was also the birthday of your cousin. 17:16.000 --> 17:18.240 Your mother ordered me to take you 17:18.480 --> 17:20.480 to share the good news with your uncle, Zhao Si. 17:21.000 --> 17:23.240 When we returned, your mother had already passed away. 17:23.800 --> 17:25.680 Soon after, Wang Ying Xue married your father. 17:27.960 --> 17:29.680 Tuo Niang, watch out! 18:06.520 --> 18:08.240 (He has a spear that shatters the earth.) 18:08.720 --> 18:10.240 (He is a young man with white hair...) 18:10.720 --> 18:11.720 Song Mo? 18:12.480 --> 18:14.440 Young Lady, are you hurt? 18:14.520 --> 18:15.520 Young Lady... 18:27.760 --> 18:28.760 Did you hear that? 18:29.520 --> 18:30.520 If you don't stop crying, 18:30.840 --> 18:32.840 I'll send you to the big bad demon, Song Mo. 18:34.040 --> 18:35.040 He eats children. 18:37.440 --> 18:38.520 I'm not crying! 18:48.320 --> 18:49.320 Give me the food. 18:52.040 --> 18:53.040 Go home. 19:00.040 --> 19:03.520 (He doesn't seem as cruel as the rumors say.) 19:04.480 --> 19:06.160 General, since you know your infamous name 19:06.240 --> 19:07.840 can stop children from crying, 19:09.080 --> 19:10.400 (Ji Yong, Reverend Yuan Tong) you should 19:10.520 --> 19:12.120 try to commit less sins from now on. 19:17.560 --> 19:19.600 The carriage belongs to Marquis of Jining's Residence. 19:19.720 --> 19:20.840 (Lu Ming) 19:23.440 --> 19:24.800 With the capital in chaos, 19:25.960 --> 19:27.280 why have you come here? 19:30.160 --> 19:31.400 I'm going back to my hometown. 19:45.040 --> 19:46.120 Given your condition, 19:46.680 --> 19:48.240 the journey is too harsh for you. 19:48.560 --> 19:49.560 You might as well 19:50.040 --> 19:51.440 just return to to heaven instead. 19:53.320 --> 19:54.560 Come to the temple and rest, 19:55.600 --> 19:57.240 warm yourself with some hot medicinal soup. 19:59.360 --> 20:00.360 Hold on. 20:00.480 --> 20:01.600 In such times, 20:01.920 --> 20:04.200 (Lu Zheng) how can we shelter people we barely know? 20:04.480 --> 20:05.480 Lu Zheng. 20:24.680 --> 20:26.440 -Soldiers, hear my command! -Yes, General! 20:26.520 --> 20:27.920 Move to the back mountain of Wanfo Temple! 20:28.080 --> 20:29.080 Yes, General! 20:32.720 --> 20:34.960 I mistook you for an enemy scout earlier. 20:35.240 --> 20:36.520 I apologize for the offense. 20:37.320 --> 20:38.320 Lu Ming, 20:39.760 --> 20:42.560 repair the carriage and escort Her Ladyship to the temple. 20:43.000 --> 20:44.000 Yes, General! 20:45.080 --> 20:46.080 Young Lady. 21:20.720 --> 21:22.960 The carriage only contains valuables. 21:35.280 --> 21:36.800 The snow makes the roads treacherous. 21:36.960 --> 21:38.000 What's so urgent 21:38.680 --> 21:40.400 that you had to travel in your poor health? 21:42.480 --> 21:43.760 It's a private family matter, 21:43.960 --> 21:45.600 not something we can share. 21:45.840 --> 21:47.520 General has treated you with kindness, 21:47.800 --> 21:49.280 offering shelter from the snow. 21:49.720 --> 21:51.200 Yet you still refuse to be open. 21:51.800 --> 21:53.680 -Are you hiding something? -Lu Ming. 21:56.760 --> 21:57.760 Young Lady... 21:59.160 --> 22:00.160 My Lady, surely you know 22:00.760 --> 22:02.880 that the fate of the nation will be decided in these few days. 22:02.960 --> 22:05.040 In such times, when survival is at stake, 22:07.960 --> 22:09.520 everything must be carefully examined. 22:11.360 --> 22:12.760 -General... -Tuo Niang. 22:16.280 --> 22:17.880 It's nothing particularly important. 22:18.760 --> 22:20.480 I just feared that, should I speak of it, 22:20.800 --> 22:22.240 it would offend your ears. 22:23.640 --> 22:26.480 Marquis of Jining and my half-sister 22:27.440 --> 22:28.640 have been committing adultery 22:29.040 --> 22:30.040 while I've been ill. 22:30.840 --> 22:32.200 I caught them today. 22:33.080 --> 22:34.640 I intended to divorce him immediately, 22:35.440 --> 22:38.400 but there is no one in the Office of State Affairs who can process my case 22:38.560 --> 22:39.920 due to the chaos in the capital. 22:40.840 --> 22:41.840 So, 22:42.480 --> 22:44.480 I have no choice but to return home and report it. 22:46.440 --> 22:47.480 I see. 22:48.520 --> 22:49.520 Forgive my rudeness, 22:50.520 --> 22:51.520 My Lady. 22:52.200 --> 22:53.320 Your apology is not needed. 22:56.360 --> 22:58.120 I'm no longer Marchioness of Jining. 22:59.600 --> 23:00.600 My surname is Dou, 23:02.280 --> 23:03.920 and I'm the fourth child in my family. 23:05.800 --> 23:08.120 A man can leave a woman easily, 23:08.760 --> 23:10.880 while it's harder for a woman to leave a man. 23:11.600 --> 23:13.160 The sooner you see someone's true colors, 23:13.280 --> 23:14.680 the sooner you can cut ties. 23:19.720 --> 23:20.960 Young Lady Dou, 23:21.440 --> 23:23.000 you are the luckiest among the unlucky. 23:26.400 --> 23:27.840 General, you control the new dynasty 23:28.800 --> 23:30.080 and hold unparalleled power, 23:31.360 --> 23:32.840 yet why has your hair turned gray, 23:33.840 --> 23:35.800 and your eyes filled with regret? 23:40.720 --> 23:41.760 General! 23:45.240 --> 23:46.240 General... 23:52.960 --> 23:53.960 Forgive me. 23:55.240 --> 23:57.200 I'm a dying man who has squandered his efforts 23:57.600 --> 23:58.840 on those who do not deserve it. 24:03.640 --> 24:04.640 Indeed. 24:05.560 --> 24:06.800 We have squandered our efforts 24:08.720 --> 24:10.080 on those who do not deserve it. 24:21.360 --> 24:22.360 It will soon be dawn. 24:23.080 --> 24:25.720 I'll have my men escort you back to your hometown, Young Lady Dou. 24:26.840 --> 24:28.480 Today's celestial signs are strange. 24:29.520 --> 24:30.840 The comet enters the Purple Star, 24:30.920 --> 24:32.280 an omen of disaster and turmoil, 24:32.520 --> 24:34.760 yet we also see shooting stars streaking across the sky. 24:34.880 --> 24:35.960 The unrest in the capital 24:36.040 --> 24:37.960 certainly corresponds with the comet's entry, 24:38.280 --> 24:39.280 but the shooting stars... 24:45.400 --> 24:47.120 They might signal fortune lies within misfortune. 24:47.200 --> 24:49.280 You two are intertwined in fate. 24:51.040 --> 24:52.800 You overestimate me, Reverend Yuan Tong. 24:53.760 --> 24:55.760 I am just a powerless woman, 24:56.680 --> 24:58.760 merely a passerby seeking a bowl of medicinal soup 24:59.080 --> 25:00.720 and sheltering from the snowstorm. 25:01.560 --> 25:04.840 How could I possibly be entwined with General Song's fate? 25:19.000 --> 25:20.000 What is this? 25:20.120 --> 25:22.480 Prince Qing won't even show up to tell me the truth? 25:26.040 --> 25:27.040 General Song, 25:27.640 --> 25:29.280 no matter how great your achievements, 25:29.480 --> 25:30.760 after what you did, 25:31.200 --> 25:32.320 His Highness has no choice 25:32.800 --> 25:34.800 but to give you a death sentence. 25:35.760 --> 25:37.000 Those who take the throne 25:37.680 --> 25:39.280 are equally cold and ungrateful. 25:39.840 --> 25:42.120 Duke of Ding fought on the frontlines for 15 years, 25:42.720 --> 25:44.440 only to be framed for treason 25:44.520 --> 25:46.000 and have his entire family executed. 25:46.080 --> 25:48.520 Prince Qing hasn't even taken the throne yet, 25:49.120 --> 25:51.360 and he's already setting out to eliminate his allies. 25:52.240 --> 25:54.600 Doesn't he fear what people will say about him? 25:58.000 --> 25:59.600 General Song, don't worry about that. 25:59.760 --> 26:00.760 If this gets out, 26:01.200 --> 26:04.720 it'll be nothing but a scandal of Marquis of Jining's family. 26:05.200 --> 26:07.920 What does it have to do with Prince Qing? 26:09.600 --> 26:11.520 Don't you agree, My Lord? 26:17.080 --> 26:18.880 By order of Prince Qing, 26:19.880 --> 26:23.440 Song Mo has grown arrogant with his merits. 26:24.080 --> 26:27.560 He seduced Marchioness of Jining, Dou Zhao, and ran off with her. 26:28.040 --> 26:29.480 Wei Ting Yu, you... 26:29.560 --> 26:32.960 With all the evidence, they shall be executed to set things right. 26:35.160 --> 26:36.680 He's shifting the blame onto a woman. 26:37.360 --> 26:39.920 Prince Qing is even more shameless than his father. 26:40.480 --> 26:41.480 General Song, 26:42.120 --> 26:44.760 if you surrender the imperial seal 26:44.840 --> 26:45.960 and end your life now, 26:46.360 --> 26:50.600 His Highness may leave you with a whole corpse. 26:51.080 --> 26:52.080 Too bad. 26:52.520 --> 26:53.520 I'm far too petty 26:54.240 --> 26:55.920 to leave you with a whole corpse. 27:05.160 --> 27:10.200 Kill! 27:17.080 --> 27:19.560 My Lady, please come with me to the back mountain. 27:20.120 --> 27:21.560 Come on, we have to go. 27:25.000 --> 27:27.160 When Prince Qing stopped me from seeing His Majesty, 27:27.320 --> 27:29.200 I knew then he intended to kill me after using me. 27:29.280 --> 27:30.880 -Eunuch... -I gave him a chance. 27:31.440 --> 27:33.400 If he had kept his promise and come to meet me, 27:33.840 --> 27:35.280 I would've let him live. 27:36.120 --> 27:38.440 But instead, he went to the Western Mountain palace. 27:39.920 --> 27:41.080 It proves that my efforts 27:41.760 --> 27:44.360 to deploy Duke of Ding's elite troops there weren't in vain. 27:45.440 --> 27:47.520 What benefit would killing me bring to Song Mo? 27:48.040 --> 27:49.600 Even if he wants to take control of the regency, 27:49.640 --> 27:51.320 (Prince Qing, Zhu You Ting) I will grant it to him. 27:51.440 --> 27:54.560 -Kill! -Kill! 27:56.480 --> 27:57.560 Prince Qing 27:58.360 --> 28:00.080 is probably a corpse by now. 28:04.920 --> 28:06.520 Empty threats. 28:07.680 --> 28:08.680 Seize him! 28:13.520 --> 28:14.800 Eunuch Wang... 28:23.520 --> 28:25.600 -Prepare for battle! -Prepare for battle! 28:25.720 --> 28:28.120 Kill! 28:32.960 --> 28:33.960 Young Lady... 28:35.880 --> 28:36.880 Careful. 29:07.040 --> 29:08.440 Duke of Ding's Army has always been skilled in battle. 29:08.560 --> 29:11.320 Now that we've been surrounded, what are we going to do? 29:11.400 --> 29:13.400 Don't worry. As long as your wife is dead, 29:14.360 --> 29:15.720 no matter how capable Song Mo is, 29:15.840 --> 29:17.800 he'll just be a general who has committed a crime. 29:19.720 --> 29:20.720 My Lord! 30:20.960 --> 30:22.800 Young Lady, run! 30:31.680 --> 30:32.720 I'm going to kill you! 30:36.680 --> 30:39.640 You're just a weak woman, 30:40.360 --> 30:41.440 who can you possibly kill? 31:02.200 --> 31:03.200 Tuo Niang! 31:56.000 --> 31:57.000 General! 32:01.160 --> 32:03.760 General, I really didn't know Wei Ting Yu would do that. 32:07.880 --> 32:09.040 I'm poisoned. 32:09.960 --> 32:11.040 My time is running out. 32:12.120 --> 32:13.440 I only regret that I can't clear 32:13.800 --> 32:15.680 Duke of Ding's name before I die. 32:16.480 --> 32:17.960 Instead, I've dragged you into this 32:18.320 --> 32:20.680 and led you to bear this disgrace, costing you your life. 32:21.480 --> 32:22.680 You saved my life 32:23.960 --> 32:25.480 in the fields last night. 32:28.920 --> 32:30.600 It's me who have brought you trouble. 32:32.000 --> 32:33.640 Come, let me take you away. 32:43.600 --> 32:44.600 Yuan Tong... 32:44.680 --> 32:45.680 Reverend Yuan Tong! 32:47.200 --> 32:48.200 Yuan Tong. 33:06.680 --> 33:08.680 (Chronicles of the World) 33:08.760 --> 33:09.760 Go. 33:11.000 --> 33:12.000 Go. 33:12.360 --> 33:13.680 -That way. -Let's go together. 33:13.760 --> 33:14.760 I don't matter. 33:14.880 --> 33:17.440 Within misfortune lies fortune, you two are bound by fate. 33:17.920 --> 33:19.680 The course of destiny is now in your hands. 33:20.160 --> 33:22.000 Go now. Go! 33:22.560 --> 33:25.560 They're over there! Get them! 33:54.320 --> 33:55.320 Watch out! 34:33.720 --> 34:36.200 (To live as a woman is to live at the mercy of others.) 34:37.640 --> 34:40.840 (A lifetime of joys and sorrows controlled by someone else.) 34:44.160 --> 34:47.000 (It is not only in marriage that one is bound,) 34:49.080 --> 34:51.640 (even rulers and ministers are no different.) 34:54.480 --> 34:55.560 (One moment you're favored,) 34:57.720 --> 34:59.320 (the next, you're sentenced to death.) 35:15.280 --> 35:16.320 (Throughout my whole life,) 35:17.880 --> 35:19.480 (I never had a moment) 35:19.560 --> 35:20.960 (Record of Truths) 35:21.040 --> 35:22.600 (where I could choose my own fate.) 36:21.960 --> 36:22.960 You're finally awake. 36:23.200 --> 36:24.520 You were so absorbed in your reading, 36:24.600 --> 36:26.320 you bumped straight into the mirror frame. 36:42.320 --> 36:43.320 I... 36:44.040 --> 36:45.040 How... 36:45.640 --> 36:46.640 Shou Gu? 36:47.960 --> 36:48.960 Young Lady? 36:50.400 --> 36:52.240 -Shou Gu. -Young Lady. 36:53.080 --> 36:54.680 (Zhao Gu Qiu, Matron of Dou Family) You're awake. 37:07.560 --> 37:08.560 Mother? 37:13.040 --> 37:14.040 Tuo Niang? 37:21.280 --> 37:22.440 You're still here! 37:30.480 --> 37:32.480 Why are you acting like a little girl? 37:38.280 --> 37:39.280 It's all my fault. 37:40.560 --> 37:42.800 Madam went to pray to the Buddha to bless Master 37:43.000 --> 37:44.640 with success in the imperial exams, 37:44.960 --> 37:46.600 and I went with her. 37:47.080 --> 37:48.760 I should've kept watch over Young Lady. 37:49.360 --> 37:51.120 Success in the exams? 37:52.320 --> 37:54.640 Is this the eighth year of the reign Chengping? 37:57.200 --> 37:58.200 Yes. 38:00.280 --> 38:02.840 But I clearly lived through a lifetime. 38:03.800 --> 38:04.800 Just now, 38:05.600 --> 38:07.480 the temple was filled with Jiying Guards. 38:08.640 --> 38:10.320 I died right in front of the mirror. 38:12.320 --> 38:13.320 Young Lady... 38:14.520 --> 38:16.920 Sometimes, a dream seems so real that it feels like reality. 38:17.200 --> 38:18.480 But still, it's just a dream. 38:19.040 --> 38:21.720 You got too caught up in the stories, 38:22.000 --> 38:23.720 and bumped your head. 38:24.160 --> 38:25.920 The story is just a story, but you are real. 38:30.880 --> 38:32.440 Record of Truths? 38:33.400 --> 38:35.520 It's a book left by a carefree recluse, 38:35.760 --> 38:37.360 meant for someone destined to find it. 38:39.000 --> 38:41.640 Looks like you're that lucky one. 38:41.920 --> 38:43.440 Thank you, Master Yuan Tong. 38:45.760 --> 38:46.960 You're Yuan Tong? 38:58.040 --> 38:59.040 Mo! 39:02.520 --> 39:03.520 You're finally awake. 39:05.360 --> 39:06.360 Mo, 39:06.720 --> 39:08.880 I couldn't wake you up from a nightmare. I was worried sick. 39:09.160 --> 39:11.560 Fortunately, the abbot calmed your spirit and treated you. 39:11.960 --> 39:14.240 (Duchess of Ying, Jiang Hui Sun) How do you feel now? 39:15.760 --> 39:16.800 Mother, 39:17.240 --> 39:19.600 I had such a long dream. 39:21.040 --> 39:22.880 But now I can't remember 39:23.360 --> 39:24.840 anything from it. 39:25.640 --> 39:26.960 It's just as well. 39:27.520 --> 39:28.760 All living beings 39:29.360 --> 39:31.560 have the wisdom and nature of the Buddha within them. 39:31.800 --> 39:33.720 It is only because of delusion and attachment 39:34.800 --> 39:36.480 that they cannot attain enlightenment. 39:36.720 --> 39:37.720 Thank you, Abbot. 39:39.120 --> 39:40.600 But I feel like there are things 39:42.200 --> 39:43.360 I shouldn't have forgotten. 39:49.480 --> 39:51.880 On the day of triumphant success, the spring breeze brings joy, 39:52.640 --> 39:54.880 But the magnolia withers in autumn. 39:55.840 --> 39:58.440 The aspiring ones soar with the wind, 39:59.160 --> 40:02.160 yet regretful, they choose the coldest branches in the best of times. 40:03.040 --> 40:04.560 Triumphant in the imperial exams, 40:04.800 --> 40:06.840 yet why does it speak of withering and decline? 40:28.040 --> 40:29.040 Shou Gu. 40:31.560 --> 40:32.560 What are you reading? 40:34.560 --> 40:36.120 Is this book that interesting? 40:37.760 --> 40:38.760 He made it... 40:39.960 --> 40:40.960 He made it? 40:41.440 --> 40:42.440 Madam! 40:43.160 --> 40:44.160 Madam! 40:44.760 --> 40:45.920 Master made it! 40:47.920 --> 40:50.200 Master made it onto the list! The seventh in the second division! 40:52.160 --> 40:53.160 This is wonderful! 40:53.720 --> 40:55.080 Shi Ying's hard work 40:55.320 --> 40:56.600 has finally paid off. 40:59.080 --> 41:00.320 Shou Gu, 41:00.520 --> 41:02.280 how did you know your father succeeded? 41:02.960 --> 41:05.800 -I... -This temple is so miraculous. 41:06.360 --> 41:07.400 You even came to pray for 41:07.480 --> 41:09.680 Young Lady Wang Ying Xue's family matters before, Madam. 41:09.760 --> 41:10.920 Wang Ying Xue? 41:14.120 --> 41:15.800 After studying diligently for years. 41:16.240 --> 41:18.560 Father finally succeeded in the imperial exam that year. 41:19.160 --> 41:20.400 When we were celebrating, 41:21.360 --> 41:22.480 Mother fell ill. 41:22.560 --> 41:24.640 Mother? Are you all right, Mother? 41:25.160 --> 41:26.160 Soon after she died, 41:26.880 --> 41:30.040 Wang Ying Xue married into the family and became my stepmother. 41:30.120 --> 41:32.640 After all, her mother and mine were sworn sisters. 41:33.360 --> 41:36.920 And her mother died because of my mother's affair with my father. 41:38.360 --> 41:40.200 Gao Sheng, prepare the horse. 41:40.520 --> 41:41.520 Yes, Madam. 41:42.440 --> 41:43.920 Tuo Niang, take Shou Gu 41:44.040 --> 41:46.040 to the Zhao residence to deliver the good news to my brother. 41:46.120 --> 41:48.080 -It happens to be Zhang Ru's birthday... -No. 41:50.120 --> 41:52.160 It's been such a long time since I saw Father. 41:52.440 --> 41:54.680 Why not invite Uncle and Zhang Ru to our home 41:54.920 --> 41:55.920 to celebrate together? 41:56.040 --> 41:57.200 Uncle is an Imperial Censor 41:57.240 --> 41:58.720 with the power to impeach officials. 41:59.040 --> 42:00.600 His reports even go directly to His Majesty. 42:00.680 --> 42:03.360 Father's future career will benefit from connections. 42:05.640 --> 42:08.480 When did you become so knowledgeable about such things? 42:10.640 --> 42:14.160 Alright then. I haven't seen my brother in a long time either. 42:14.360 --> 42:15.760 Please invite him then. 42:16.880 --> 42:17.960 When I married into this family, 42:18.080 --> 42:20.560 I buried a jar of Huadiao wine for Shi Ying. 42:20.920 --> 42:22.240 It's finally time to open it. 42:22.760 --> 42:24.160 I must thank the gods. 42:24.400 --> 42:25.640 Give it to me. 42:27.160 --> 42:28.240 Walk slowly. 42:29.920 --> 42:32.160 Tuo Niang, the imperial exams were held in the capital. 42:32.240 --> 42:34.120 Is Wang Ying Xue also living in the capital? 42:34.360 --> 42:35.360 Yes. 42:35.520 --> 42:37.440 Young Lady Wang's father was demoted, 42:37.760 --> 42:39.000 and her family fell on hard times. 42:39.080 --> 42:41.680 She had to sell cotton and rice to support her family in Chaxi. 42:42.040 --> 42:43.560 When Master was studying in Chaxi, 42:43.640 --> 42:46.720 Madam even asked him to bring some money for Young Lady Wang. 42:49.440 --> 42:50.760 Quickly, invite Uncle over. 42:51.040 --> 42:52.040 The sooner, the better. 42:53.600 --> 42:54.600 Yes, Young Lady. 43:02.440 --> 43:04.000 The past cannot be changed, 43:04.840 --> 43:06.400 but the future can still be made. 43:07.880 --> 43:08.880 Since Record of Truths 43:09.520 --> 43:11.240 records this so-called fate, 43:12.600 --> 43:13.600 and now that I possess it 43:14.960 --> 43:16.160 and can foresee the ending, 43:16.680 --> 43:18.200 I can change it. 43:20.800 --> 43:21.800 Mother, 43:22.200 --> 43:23.920 however difficult or dangerous it may be, 43:24.000 --> 43:25.040 I will protect you. 43:26.120 --> 43:27.800 I won't let anyone hurt you. 43:45.840 --> 43:47.560 When Dou Shi Ying was studying, 43:47.800 --> 43:48.920 he committed adultery! 43:49.200 --> 43:50.600 If you pressure my sister again, 43:50.800 --> 43:52.680 I'll risk my life 43:52.760 --> 43:55.160 to make sure we go down together! 43:55.240 --> 43:56.920 If you really won't forgive me, 43:57.360 --> 43:59.280 grant me a white silk ribbon so I can hang myself then. 43:59.400 --> 44:00.520 If you really want to die... 44:01.120 --> 44:02.120 Here.