WEBVTT

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[Ding]

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You need to rest more.

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A head injury is no small matter. It can be serious.

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It's just a minor injury, nothing to worry about.

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But your shoulder injury, it flares up every time it rains.

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You've had it for five or six years now.

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It's nothing. The humidity in Futing makes it worse.

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Maybe it'll actually get better when I return to the capital.

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Commander Chen,

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what exactly is the reason why His Majesty asked the Duke of Ding to return to the capital?

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How could we dare to speculate on His Majesty's thoughts?

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Rest assured, General. We deeply respect His Grace.

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This visit is routine business, and we'll ensure his safety.

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Yantang, enough.

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Stop frowning all the time. I'll be fine.

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His Majesty probably just wants to ask me about the maritime disaster.

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Take good care of your aunt when I'm away.

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Please, Your Grace.

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Grand General, the storm and tsunami may have passed,

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but over a hundred families' houses are still unrepaired.

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What about our relief task?

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Listen up, soldiers!

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No matter what happens, relief work must go on.

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As soon as the flooding is cleared, help the people get their crops planted.

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Only when the fields are sown will the people feel secure.

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Is that clear?

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-Yes, sir!
-Yes, sir!

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Grand General!

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The Duke of Ding's Residence has been surrounded by Shadow Guards.

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No one is allowed in or out.

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What's going on?

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This case is far more complicated than it seems.

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General, the front and back courtyards are guarded by Shadow Guards.

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There must be 40 or 50 of them.

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If this were just a routine summons, why would there be such a show of force?

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General, let's storm in and rescue His Grace's family!

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Yes.

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Don't act recklessly.

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- Wait here for me.
- Yes, sir.

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[Two weeks later]

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Pardon our intrusion. My master's surname is Mei, a merchant from the south.

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We humbly request lodging for the night.

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Young Lady, you're awake.

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What time is it?

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Just past the third quarter of the Yin hour*.
(3:00-5:00 a.m.)

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Young Lady, a caravan arrived at the estate seeking lodging.

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Their leader calls himself Young Master Mei.

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But these men have calloused palms and move silently.

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Mr. Chen has sent people several times asking if you're awake yet.

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Invite Mr. Chen over now.

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The servants in the estate are very tight-lipped.

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All we know is that the one in charge is referred to as Fourth Young Lady.

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Fourth Young Lady, I'm afraid we've encountered trouble.

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Those people aren't common folk.

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They're soldiers under the Duke of Ding.

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What makes you say that?

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The man posing as a bookkeeper, dressed in green robes, is Yan Chaoqing.

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He's one of the Duke of Ding's most trusted officers.

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You know him?

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Forgive me for deceiving you.

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I haven't been entirely honest...

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about my past.

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I know who I saw.

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He was once the advisor of Zhang Kai, the former governor of Futing.

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His real name isn't Chen Qushui, it's Chen Bo.

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Zhang Kai? The one my uncle executed on the battlefield?

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15 years ago, when the Dongyu pirates besieged Futing,

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Governor Zhang Kai abandoned the city and fled for his life.

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He was captured and executed by the Duke of Ding.

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My former master was Zhang Kai himself.

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Deserting the city was a grave disgrace, and Yan Chaoqing will undoubtedly see me

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as a dishonorable man.

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I've brought you trouble, Young Lady. I...

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Please get up, sir.

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When I took you on as my advisor, I promised not to ask about your past.

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Your master's cowardice was beyond your control.

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What I can't figure out is, Zhending has no grain to spare and no troops to deploy,

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why would they come here under false identities?

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Young Master Mei is traveling with a baby.

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A baby?

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A lone minister gazes upon the cold sea,

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ten years of steadfast loyalty guarding the southeast.

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Alas, regret that the rain and long night meet,

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where can the weeping orphan find shelter?

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"Alas, regret that the rain and long night meet,

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where can the weeping orphan find shelter?"

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Duke of Ding must be in trouble.

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Nanny.

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Did he still throw up milk before sleep?

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It's much better since we came indoors.

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But after traveling for several days in the rain on bumpy roads,

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if we didn't stop to rest, I was worried the child wouldn't be able to handle it.

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Don't worry, we're almost there.

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Since ancient times, the will of the ruler has been unpredictable.

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Your uncle's fate is uncertain,

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and with things as they are, I fear none of us will escape this calamity.

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[Duchess of Ding, Madam Liu]
This is your uncle's only child.

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Aunt, I'll take you all with me.

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If you do, none of us will make it out.

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You know that.

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Promise me you'll protect him.

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Aunt, I swear on my life,

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he will not shed a single drop of blood.

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The Duke of Ding was deeply favored by His Majesty.

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Just earlier this year, he secured a great victory on Zhou Island

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and personally led the relief efforts during the typhoon and tsunami in Futing.

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Even our stationery shops in the capital haven't reported anything unusual.

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The Duke of Ding is a superior-rank duke...

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commanding 50,000 troops of the Duke of Ding army.

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If something were to happen, it would be handled under a sealed order,

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with Shadow Guards escorting him in secret.

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Any public disclosure could risk a rebellion.

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The court can't handle that.

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How do you know all that, Young Lady?

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High merit breeds suspicion from the throne.

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It's been that way.

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As for the infant,

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last September we received a letter from Futing saying

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His Grace's household was purchasing baby supplies.

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The only one likely expecting would be the Duchess.

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If this is them trying to entrust the infant to someone before things go down,

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and they learn that I could jeopardize it,

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they won't leave any loose ends to risk exposure.

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Do you recognize Young Master Mei?

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This Young Master Mei, though he's young, his presence is commanding,

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and the others treat him with exceptional respect.

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Young, yet able to mobilize the elite forces

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of the Duke of Ding's army during such a critical time.

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In all the land,

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only Song Mo could do that.

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Song Mo?

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At thirteen, he led a surprise attack on Yu Island.

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Earlier this year, during a time of crisis,

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he achieved a great victory on Zhou Island.

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If it really is him, none of us will survive.

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We've checked.

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There are 42 women in the estate and 20 servants and attendants.

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There's also an elderly woman being cared for by maids, and she's already asleep.

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Lu Zheng and Lu Ming are guarding the entrances securely.

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Everyone is in place.

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Young Lady, about ten people from the caravan have disappeared.

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They've surrounded all the exits of the estate.

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They're going to silence everyone.

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Forget it. This was all caused by me.

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I'll take responsibility. I'll go to them.

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Let them kill me, and it ends there.

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Mr. Chen!

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Hiding an orphan is a crime punishable by the extermination of the entire clan.

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If I were in their position,

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for the sake of the child, my soldiers, and my family,

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I'd do the same and eliminate everyone here.

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To avoid suspicion,

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they'll act before sunrise, before the rain stops.

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We don't have much time.

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Go tell Tuo Niang to lock all the doors and windows,

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and don't let Grandmother be disturbed.

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[A Halo of Light Gives Birth to the Night]

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My Lord, they're making a move.

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Should we tell our men...

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My Lord, I know you've never harmed women or children,

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but to protect the young lord, there's no other way.

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Chen Bo is of low character,

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and those around him are surely no better.

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If word of this gets out,

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the consequences will be unimaginable.

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This is Uncle's only child.

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I swore before my aunt to protect him.

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If it means I'll face divine punishment or go to hell,

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I'll bear it.

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Make it quick and quiet.

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Don't disturb the baby.

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Yes, sir.

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Fourth Young Lady,

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where are you hurrying off to in such a storm?

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The wind and rain are fierce.

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Allow me to escort you.

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It's useless. They're using army crossbows.

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No one within a hundred paces can escape.

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I'm sorry.

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My Lord, you're making a mistake.

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My Lord?

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The Duke of Ding was arrested for defying imperial orders

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and using private funds for disaster relief.

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He's currently being escorted to the capital under charges of rebellion,

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with his entire family being detained.

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My Lord, your bond with His Grace is as close as father and son.

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Traveling in haste on a rainy night with an infant,

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I suppose you're trying to hide His Grace's only bloodline.

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Who are you?

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I am an officer of the Palace Surveillance.

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His Majesty anticipated your actions

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and ordered me to wait here to deliver his decree.

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Do you intend to share the Duke of Ding's charge of treason?

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The Palace Surveillance is under the charge of Chen Shun.

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Are you one of his subordinates?

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Don't try to test me.

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There is no one named Chen Shun among the departments.

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Do you have an imperial token?

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A token...

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Song Mo...

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Since you know who I am,

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you must also know I've interrogated countless corrupt officials and pirates.

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You grasp the nuances of court affairs well enough to mimic them convincingly.

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But when it comes to the details, your unease betrays you.

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Your palm is sweating.

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You couldn't have planned this alone.

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Who sent you?

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Speak, and I'll grant you a quick death.

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Young Lady! We got him!

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A diversion to buy time.

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You tricked me?

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I mean no harm.

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This is the only way to make you agree to sit down and talk.

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Why waste words with them, Young Lady?

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With the baby in our hands now,

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they wouldn't dare stop us from getting you out of here.

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Sure!

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You should wake Old Madam in the main chamber, too.

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I'll send you all off together!

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[Every Day of Every Month Passes through Heaven]

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My Lord, wait!

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Stop talking nonsense!

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We only took the baby hostage to discuss a solution that would satisfy both parties,

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not to escape.

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Whether it ends in bloodshed or discussion is up to you.

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[Trees in Spring and Clouds during Sunset]

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The Duke of Ding is still en route under escort,

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and His Majesty's judgment remains undecided.

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My Lord, you've risked alerting the local authorities,

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the Ministry of Justice, and even the Court of Judicial Review

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by attempting to silence everyone here.

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I suppose the person you intend to entrust the child to is nearby.

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Tan Manor is far removed from politics and is known for their loyalty and righteousness.

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I've heard the Duke of Ding once did the Tan family a great favor.

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They are indeed the perfect choice.

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This woman is cunning and full of schemes.

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My Lord, you must not engage with her further.

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You need not see me as an enemy.

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I have always admired the Duke of Ding and the Jiang family.

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What is his current situation?

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I ask because the crux of this matter isn't the child, but His Grace.

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If His Grace can escape his predicament,

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his child will naturally be safe,

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and you won't have to resort to such unjust measures.

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His Grace's loyalty and courage are known throughout the land.

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Those in court who can discern the truth will surely submit petitions in his defense.

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So, it's none of your concern, Young Lady.

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I imagine the Duchess of Ying is currently running from pillar to post,

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rallying old allies to submit joint petitions

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to proclaim His Grace's innocence.

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Normally, that would be the right move,

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but the Duke of Ding is no ordinary man.

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Such well-intentioned efforts may only serve as a death warrant for the Duke of Ding.

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How dare a country girl like you spout such absurd claims!

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You...

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Fourth Young Lady,

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please carry on.

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When Wang Jian demanded land, Emperor Qin simply dismissed it with a laugh.

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Xiao He defamed himself, and Emperor Gaozu of Han never doubted him.

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Yet Zhou Yafu, despite his triumph in subduing the Seven Kingdoms,

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fell to slander and died in injustice.

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Why?

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When one's achievement overshadows the ruler,

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it invites envy and slander from petty men seeking to deceive the emperor.

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As Su Shi said,

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suspicion must arise first for slander to take root.

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If His Majesty did not already harbor doubts,

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slander would never succeed.

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You're a traitor.

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What would you know about loyalty and service?

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Petitions pleading innocence challenge imperial authority.

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They appear as factionalism and coercion.

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Would such actions ease His Majesty's doubts or deepen his mistrust?

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What do you think we should do then?

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In my opinion, why not take the opposite approach?

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Let the court officials turn against the Duke of Ding and add insult to injury.

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If he appears isolated and without support,

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His Majesty's suspicions will naturally dissipate.

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Remembering their years of service together,

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His Majesty will likely issue only a minor punishment.

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Moving forward, for the sake of political stability,

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His Majesty will surely rely on His Grace even more.

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But who can truly predict His Majesty's thoughts?

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Wouldn't this approach be far too risky?

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Fourth Young Lady, though you're far removed from court politics,

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you're remarkably adept at gauging situations

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and reading human nature.

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How do you know so much about the Duke of Ding's case?

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Who are you, really?

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And why are you hiding out here?

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Nanny!

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Su Lan, put down your weapon.

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Do not act rashly.

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Lu Ming, let the nanny in.

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He's still hiccuping nonstop.

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Has he been like this since birth?

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Cold body and clammy with sweat?

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Su Xin, go and warm up the goat's milk I'd prepared and bring it over.

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Yes, Young Lady.

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You're an unmarried young lady and yet you know how to care for a baby?

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I've taken care of many infants in the estate,

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so naturally, I know more than you men do.

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He's drinking it! He's drinking it!

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He's premature and frail, unable to digest human milk properly.

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He needs to be fed goat's milk.

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Within a hundred miles, only our estate keeps goats.

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I'll make sure it's delivered to Tan Manor regularly in the future.

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Young General.

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Since everyone's hungry, why don't we put down our swords and share a meal together?

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That's a great idea!

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Move. Let me do it.

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- Fetch me a few plates.
- Got it.

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Lay it here. Come on.

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Awesome!

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Smells so good!

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Dig in, guys.

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Please help yourself.

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This is good!

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Here, have some more.

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Fourth Young Lady, now that you've stepped into this mess,

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if the Shadow Guards come investigating and discover

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you knew but didn't report it, you'll be charged with a grave crime.

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Do you not regret it?

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My Lord, you have someone you'd risk your life to protect,

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and so do I.

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If I didn't take this risk, I wouldn't have been able to save everyone in the estate.

24:55.240 --> 24:59.120
Besides, the Duke of Ding is someone I deeply respect.

25:01.080 --> 25:04.680
I'm poisoned. My time is running out.

25:04.680 --> 25:08.560
I only regret that I can't clear the Duke of Ding's name before I die.

25:08.560 --> 25:11.040
Instead, I've dragged you into this.

25:12.160 --> 25:15.440
I don't want to see a man forced by fate

25:15.440 --> 25:18.120
onto a path of no return.

25:30.960 --> 25:33.320
Move! Move!

25:34.040 --> 25:35.520
Su Lan.

25:44.200 --> 25:46.360
Master Tan is here!

25:46.360 --> 25:49.720
[The Landscape of the Moon and Sky]

25:52.320 --> 25:56.080
Thanks to His Grace's help back then, my family has what it does today.

25:56.080 --> 26:00.120
My Lord, rest assured, I will protect His Grace's son with my life.

26:00.120 --> 26:01.960
Master Tan, your loyalty is admirable,

26:01.960 --> 26:05.280
but today's situation calls for extreme measures.

26:05.280 --> 26:08.720
During the recent floods, Fourth Young Lady provided relief and sent grain,

26:08.720 --> 26:10.240
offering help and kindness.

26:10.240 --> 26:14.080
If it wasn't for her, Tan Manor wouldn't have survived the disaster.

26:15.240 --> 26:18.440
I humbly beg for leniency.

26:18.440 --> 26:20.680
We pledge our lives to guarantee that Fourth Young Lady,

26:20.680 --> 26:22.760
with her noble character and integrity,

26:22.760 --> 26:24.520
would never betray this secret.

26:24.520 --> 26:27.120
My Lord, please spare her and her people!

26:27.120 --> 26:30.720
My Lord, please spare her and her people!

26:36.080 --> 26:38.280
Young Lady Zhao,

26:38.280 --> 26:42.440
your estate is safe.

26:50.880 --> 26:53.760
[Trees in Spring and Clouds during Sunset]

26:53.760 --> 26:55.400
This is foxtail grass.

26:55.400 --> 26:59.920
See, doesn't it look just like a fox's tail?

27:00.600 --> 27:01.920
Really?

27:01.920 --> 27:04.480
So this is foxtail grass.

27:06.000 --> 27:08.760
By the way, why are you here?

27:08.760 --> 27:10.600
Why aren't you going home?

27:10.600 --> 27:13.000
I don't have a home.

27:13.000 --> 27:14.640
Everyone has a home.

27:14.640 --> 27:17.520
Why don't you have one?

27:19.280 --> 27:23.000
Not everyone has a home.

27:25.760 --> 27:28.720
He feels like a completely different person

27:28.720 --> 27:31.440
from the one I saw last night.

27:32.640 --> 27:35.800
I've long heard of Mr. Chen's exceptional talent.

27:35.800 --> 27:39.880
How about becoming my advisor?

27:39.880 --> 27:42.280
Mr. Chen's past allegiance was misplaced.

27:42.280 --> 27:45.120
His surrender and abandonment of the city were not his decisions.

27:45.120 --> 27:46.840
He's been with me for over ten years.

27:46.840 --> 27:48.000
He's not a dishonorable man.

27:48.000 --> 27:50.000
And if...

27:50.000 --> 27:52.160
I insist?

27:52.800 --> 27:54.880
Is he trying to keep a hostage?

27:54.880 --> 27:57.240
He still doesn't trust me.

27:58.280 --> 28:00.600
Fourth Young Lady!

28:11.000 --> 28:16.240
My Lord, if you still have doubts, why not leave General Yan in the estate?

28:16.240 --> 28:18.640
Once things settle, we can arrange an exchange.

28:18.640 --> 28:20.040
Wouldn't that be more advantageous for you?

28:20.040 --> 28:22.000
General Yan is one of my closest aides.

28:22.000 --> 28:23.920
How could he remain behind?

28:23.920 --> 28:27.120
And if I also insist?

28:28.920 --> 28:31.120
They've prepared some snacks for you in the kitchen.

28:31.120 --> 28:33.000
- Go on.
- All right!

28:57.240 --> 28:59.000
Nanny.

28:59.000 --> 29:00.560
My Lord,

29:00.560 --> 29:02.720
the young lord has fallen asleep after having some goat's milk.

29:02.720 --> 29:04.640
Good.

29:04.640 --> 29:07.520
We'll reach Tan Manor once we cross this river.

29:07.520 --> 29:10.240
He will soon be safe and settled.

29:18.040 --> 29:20.800
- What have you found?
- My Lord, we've gathered some information.

29:20.800 --> 29:23.640
She is the eldest daughter of the Dou family from the capital. Her name is Dou Zhao.

29:23.640 --> 29:25.920
Her grandmother is from the renowned Cui clan.

29:25.920 --> 29:28.800
They say she has been ruthless since little, scheming to seize family assets.

29:28.800 --> 29:31.520
So, her family abandoned her to this estate.

29:32.360 --> 29:34.520
Abandoned?

29:34.520 --> 29:36.800
Haven't I also been cast out and kicked out by my father?

29:36.800 --> 29:40.360
Tales of infighting among women in the household are never flattering.

29:41.040 --> 29:45.200
This Fourth Young Lady Dou is clever, perceptive, and highly adaptable.

29:45.200 --> 29:48.120
Her actions indeed don't resemble those of a typical sheltered lady.

29:48.120 --> 29:51.760
Also, the workers on her estate are all trained fighters,

29:51.760 --> 29:55.120
and even her personal maids are skilled in martial arts.

29:55.120 --> 29:57.600
Her father works in the Ministry of Revenue,

29:57.600 --> 30:00.280
and her uncle, Dou Shishu, was recently promoted to a senior post in the Ministry of Rites.

30:00.280 --> 30:03.960
Last night's events are likely more complex than they appear.

30:05.840 --> 30:09.240
Years ago, His Majesty and the Duke of Ding shared a ruler.

30:09.240 --> 30:12.080
They split it in two, each keeping a half.

30:12.080 --> 30:16.240
It symbolized their mutual trust and commitment to counsel each other.

30:17.040 --> 30:20.240
But perhaps the relationship between ruler and subject

30:20.240 --> 30:22.360
has always been devoid of true sentiment.

30:22.960 --> 30:24.840
My Lord,

30:24.840 --> 30:26.760
when His Grace returns to the capital,

30:26.760 --> 30:32.200
perhaps you can present the ruler to His Majesty as a gesture of humility.

30:32.200 --> 30:38.240
Perhaps seeing the object will remind His Majesty of what once was.

30:39.400 --> 30:41.960
The way she looked at me

30:41.960 --> 30:44.000
was strange,

30:44.000 --> 30:46.840
as if we had met before.

30:46.840 --> 30:49.160
I can't quite figure her out yet.

30:49.880 --> 30:52.480
Having been away from the capital for so long, I'm out of touch with court affairs.

30:52.480 --> 30:55.880
Investigate the Dou family thoroughly, just to be safe.

30:55.880 --> 30:57.560
- Yes, My Lord.
- Yes, My Lord.

31:00.520 --> 31:01.920
Here.

31:12.800 --> 31:14.680
Young Lady, you stayed so calm when staring down swords,

31:14.680 --> 31:17.760
but now that it's all over, why do you seem so shaken?

31:17.760 --> 31:20.800
That calmness was just an act.

31:20.800 --> 31:23.480
I've heard Song Mo has a way of seeing right through people,

31:23.480 --> 31:26.320
like his gaze could strip away every secret.

31:26.320 --> 31:29.800
Just thinking about it now makes my heart pound with fear.

31:29.800 --> 31:32.880
I never want to see those eyes again.

31:32.880 --> 31:35.920
If he's so dangerous, why did you help him?

31:35.920 --> 31:39.000
You haven't seen him at his worst.

31:39.640 --> 31:42.120
If the Duke of Ding were to truly die unjustly,

31:42.120 --> 31:46.160
with his nature, he'd likely do something far more insane.

31:46.160 --> 31:48.560
And that would be a far greater catastrophe.

31:50.280 --> 31:53.480
By the way, did Grandmother notice anything last night?

31:53.480 --> 31:56.880
She burned benzoin incense before bed.

31:56.880 --> 32:00.160
She slept deeply. I don't think she has any idea what happened.

32:00.800 --> 32:03.080
- That's a relief.
- Sister Zhao!

32:03.080 --> 32:04.880
Ansu?

32:08.480 --> 32:10.800
- Sister Zhao!
- Ansu!

32:12.360 --> 32:13.880
Didn't you go to Futing with my cousin?

32:13.880 --> 32:16.560
- Shougu! Su Su!
- Cousin?

32:16.560 --> 32:19.040
- Come to the front hall, there's good news!
- What good news?

32:19.040 --> 32:21.000
Just come!

32:21.000 --> 32:22.440
Old Madam Cui, congratulations!

32:22.440 --> 32:24.080
Young Master Ji has placed third in the imperial exam,

32:24.080 --> 32:27.280
becoming the youngest top scholar in our dynasty.

32:27.280 --> 32:31.400
Aside from that, after learning

32:31.400 --> 32:34.880
of your generous disaster relief efforts,

32:34.880 --> 32:39.560
Master Shiying has secured a commendation for you from the court.

32:39.560 --> 32:43.320
We've all benefited greatly from your support, Old Madam Cui.

32:43.320 --> 32:48.080
Tomorrow, we'll surely come to share a celebratory drink and add to the joy.

32:48.080 --> 32:51.480
- All right, all right.
- We'll take our leave for now.

32:51.480 --> 32:52.720
Farewell, Old Madam.

32:52.720 --> 32:55.160
Please, no need to see us off.

32:55.160 --> 32:57.080
- Come out.
- You heard that, right?

32:57.080 --> 33:00.800
We're family here. Let's be open and honest.

33:01.600 --> 33:03.200
Come on.

33:05.960 --> 33:07.560
- Grandmother.
- Grandmother.

33:09.640 --> 33:12.960
I suppose you've heard everything.

33:13.480 --> 33:15.200
Fourth Young Lady was worried

33:15.200 --> 33:17.680
about your relationship with Master Shiying before.

33:17.680 --> 33:19.280
She can put her mind at ease now.

33:19.280 --> 33:20.560
With a little effort,

33:20.560 --> 33:23.800
there's no grudge between mother and son that can't be resolved.

33:23.800 --> 33:25.920
Father has made such an effort.

33:25.920 --> 33:28.360
Grandmother, you must be pleased.

33:28.360 --> 33:32.000
Small gestures don't mean much to me.

33:33.000 --> 33:34.600
She won't admit it,

33:34.600 --> 33:37.480
but this morning she personally made shepherd's purse wontons

33:37.480 --> 33:39.800
and sent them to Seventh Master.

33:39.800 --> 33:44.240
You talk too much, like a sieve leaking everything.

33:44.240 --> 33:46.320
Yes, yes. I'm sorry.

33:46.320 --> 33:49.960
Didn't you just say family should always be open and honest?

33:49.960 --> 33:52.600
Yes, it's been a while since we've seen you this happy.

33:52.600 --> 33:55.040
Just admit it.

33:55.040 --> 33:59.720
You little rascals, fine, fine! I can't argue with you.

34:01.480 --> 34:03.640
The tutor has been praising Ming'er lately,

34:03.640 --> 34:05.680
saying her poetry is coming along well.

34:05.680 --> 34:08.200
Shiying, why don't you test her a little?

34:08.200 --> 34:13.520
Ming'er studies calligraphy, poetry, and the arts for her own joy and relaxation.

34:13.520 --> 34:17.080
Testing her would just spoil her mood.

34:17.080 --> 34:18.800
Right.

34:19.400 --> 34:24.440
Master, why don't you take a break and have some dessert?

34:25.080 --> 34:28.320
Mother sent over some shepherd's purse wontons this afternoon.

34:28.320 --> 34:30.000
I had several bowls.

34:30.000 --> 34:33.440
I'm really full.

34:35.440 --> 34:39.880
Father, Mother knows you've been busy and stressed.

34:39.880 --> 34:42.880
She spent the whole afternoon preparing sweet taro with osmanthus.

34:42.880 --> 34:45.920
It's perfect for soothing and replenishing your energy.

34:48.320 --> 34:50.240
Bring me a bowl.

34:59.920 --> 35:04.560
Something sweet after a full meal sounds just right.

35:04.560 --> 35:07.120
So you like shepherd's purse wontons.

35:07.120 --> 35:10.200
I'll make them for you more often.

35:11.160 --> 35:14.200
I often had stomach trouble when I was little.

35:14.200 --> 35:16.800
Mother would pick shepherd's purse and make wontons for me.

35:16.800 --> 35:18.800
It always made me feel better.

35:19.880 --> 35:22.760
After she moved to the estate,

35:22.760 --> 35:24.440
others tried making it,

35:24.440 --> 35:26.800
but it was never quite the same.

35:28.960 --> 35:33.120
In a few days, the commendation I requested for Mother will arrive.

35:33.120 --> 35:35.000
It'll be the perfect opportunity

35:35.000 --> 35:38.400
to invite her to return to the capital with me so I can care for her properly.

35:38.400 --> 35:40.240
What do you think, Wife?

35:41.320 --> 35:45.000
You've worked hard to secure this honor for Mother.

35:45.000 --> 35:49.000
If this brings reconciliation, it'll be a blessing for our family.

35:49.000 --> 35:52.040
Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease.

35:52.800 --> 35:55.640
Master, Commissioner Lu has arrived.

35:55.640 --> 35:58.000
Invite him to the Tongwen Hall and serve him tea.

35:58.000 --> 35:59.480
Yes, Master.

36:05.360 --> 36:07.360
Please excuse me.

36:16.200 --> 36:17.640
Master?

36:17.640 --> 36:19.240
I'm fine.

36:19.240 --> 36:22.280
Mother, Father still cares about you.

36:22.280 --> 36:26.200
He was already full, but he still ate your dessert.

36:26.680 --> 36:28.800
Care about me?

36:28.800 --> 36:31.760
But he clearly cares about them more.

36:31.760 --> 36:34.640
When that old hag brings Dou Zhao back,

36:34.640 --> 36:37.680
will there even be a place for us to have a say in this family?

36:37.680 --> 36:39.680
[Cui Residence]

36:40.720 --> 36:43.680
Uncle Shishu spent ten years just to pass the imperial exam.

36:43.680 --> 36:45.240
Young Master Ji is much smarter.

36:45.240 --> 36:48.360
So young, and he ranked third on his first try.

36:48.360 --> 36:51.040
If it were me, I'd throw banquets everywhere,

36:51.040 --> 36:53.040
brag to all my relatives, and soak in the glory.

36:53.040 --> 36:56.640
But what does he do? He doesn't even come back.

36:56.640 --> 36:59.320
He's never liked celebrating with banquets.

36:59.320 --> 37:01.960
He'd just find it boring and a waste of time.

37:01.960 --> 37:04.760
Only you could understand his odd personality.

37:04.760 --> 37:06.880
Still, passing the exam is a good thing, isn't it?

37:06.880 --> 37:09.360
But look at his letter, it's full of frustration.

37:09.360 --> 37:11.480
When His Majesty asked him about his ambitions,

37:11.480 --> 37:13.680
he said he wanted to become Grand Secretary within ten years

37:13.680 --> 37:15.440
and reform the government.

37:15.440 --> 37:16.880
That's an impressive ambition!

37:16.880 --> 37:19.640
But this isn't some opera performance. He was too bold.

37:19.640 --> 37:22.400
His Majesty rebuked him, saying that he was chasing fame and fortune.

37:22.400 --> 37:25.800
His talk of reform practically branded the entire court as corrupt.

37:25.800 --> 37:27.840
How could they tolerate that?

37:28.680 --> 37:30.560
His Majesty denied him the top scholar title

37:30.560 --> 37:32.440
and a position in the Hanlin Academy.

37:32.440 --> 37:34.680
Instead, he sent him to Futing to observe and assist.

37:34.680 --> 37:38.000
With Ji Yong's pride, how could he accept that?

37:38.000 --> 37:41.880
Forget it. Someone like him would never make a good match for our family.

37:41.880 --> 37:44.280
He's impossible to figure out.

37:44.280 --> 37:45.840
Aren't you going to have some?

37:45.840 --> 37:48.600
Later. I have to write him a reply first.

38:03.040 --> 38:08.360
[Respect Heaven and the Laws of our Ancestors]

38:10.400 --> 38:11.960
Your Majesty,

38:11.960 --> 38:15.480
it is precisely because the Duke of Ding has abused his power and indulged in debauchery

38:15.480 --> 38:17.840
that Futing has been overrun by corrupt officials,

38:17.840 --> 38:20.120
plagued by recurring floods, and has caused the people to suffer.

38:20.120 --> 38:22.560
Tomorrow, please submit memorials

38:22.560 --> 38:26.720
to impeach the Duke of Ding for abusing his power, acting tyrannically.

38:28.760 --> 38:29.800
Yes, My Lord.

38:29.800 --> 38:31.960
Minister, surely you haven't forgotten

38:31.960 --> 38:34.760
[Minister of Revenue, Liang Jifang]
that it was the Duke of Ding

38:34.760 --> 38:38.320
who ensured ten years of uninterrupted maritime trade in Futing?

38:38.320 --> 38:42.640
[Grand Secretary, Wu Yifen]
Are you saying all that credit belongs to him alone?

38:43.600 --> 38:45.520
Your father is the Minister of Personnel.

38:45.520 --> 38:48.080
[Gu Yu]
Have him accuse Duke of Ding of laziness and autocratic behavior.

38:48.080 --> 38:49.400
Got it.

38:49.400 --> 38:51.760
Your father is the Vice Minister of Revenue.

38:51.760 --> 38:54.400
Have him criticize His Grace for neglecting his wife.

38:54.400 --> 38:55.800
Being autocratic, got it.

38:55.800 --> 38:57.640
Neglecting his wife, got it.

38:57.640 --> 38:58.960
That's not yours.

38:58.960 --> 39:01.200
Your father's should be...

39:01.680 --> 39:02.960
Never mind, it's the same.

39:02.960 --> 39:06.320
The Duke of Ding's laziness and autocracy must be punished.

39:06.320 --> 39:10.560
He should be reassigned to a harsh borderland post to prevent any further trouble.

39:10.560 --> 39:12.600
As the commander of an army,

39:12.600 --> 39:15.120
he has openly neglected his wife and exploited others.

39:15.120 --> 39:18.840
[Emperor, Zhu Siyuan]
His lack of heirs is proof of his unfilial behavior.

39:18.840 --> 39:20.880
Minister, I must disagree.

39:20.880 --> 39:24.120
The Duke of Ding's army's embezzlement of military funds is a grave crime.

39:24.120 --> 39:26.160
I implore Your Majesty to impose severe punishment

39:26.160 --> 39:28.680
to preserve the foundation of the state.

39:28.680 --> 39:30.760
I delivered your message exactly as you said,

39:30.760 --> 39:32.520
but I still don't understand.

39:32.520 --> 39:34.040
Why have the officials

39:34.040 --> 39:36.640
submit impeachment requests that contradict each other?

39:36.640 --> 39:38.080
That's precisely the point.

39:38.080 --> 39:40.680
When His Majesty hears their baseless accusations and incoherent arguments,

39:40.680 --> 39:43.920
he'll realize my uncle is a loyal subject, with no factions or allies.

39:43.920 --> 39:46.960
His suspicions and distrust will naturally dissipate.

39:50.720 --> 39:52.960
Contradictions upon contradictions...

39:54.000 --> 39:56.200
This is all nonsense.

40:03.640 --> 40:05.320
Your Majesty...

40:12.480 --> 40:15.280
- Can you believe...
- I know.

40:20.480 --> 40:23.120
Grand Secretary! Grand Secretary!

40:26.120 --> 40:28.760
What I said before His Majesty wasn't directed at you.

40:28.760 --> 40:32.960
I had to answer His Majesty's question impartially.

40:34.280 --> 40:36.400
Impartially...

40:36.400 --> 40:40.000
For the sake of stabilizing the court, you did right.

40:40.000 --> 40:43.360
But this matter concerns major issues in the southeast.

40:43.360 --> 40:46.520
It has nothing to do with the Ministry of Rites, right?

40:48.640 --> 40:50.680
It's the time of the Dragon Boat Festival.

40:50.680 --> 40:56.680
Minister Dou, why don't you take a few days off to rest at home?

40:59.400 --> 41:03.320
Since you've said so, I'll follow your instructions.

41:33.960 --> 41:35.360
Young Master Wu Shan is unconscious.

41:35.360 --> 41:37.480
Fourth Young Lady has ordered him carried to the open area in the back courtyard.

41:37.480 --> 41:39.520
How dare you harm Grand Secretary Wu's only grandson!

41:39.520 --> 41:41.920
By the time the doctor arrives, Young Master Wu will already be dead.

41:41.920 --> 41:44.880
Dou Zhao, are you trying to get the whole family killed?

41:44.880 --> 41:48.040
Since you can read people, you can tell I'm not lying.

41:48.040 --> 41:49.320
I can save him.