WEBVTT 00:00:08.080 --> 00:00:09.800 align:center This is the permit to take the ship. 00:00:09.800 --> 00:00:14.000 align:center Go. I won't drag you into this again. 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:19.600 align:center Let's never see each other again. 00:00:38.600 --> 00:00:41.200 align:center You've cast loyalty aside, but what about filial piety? 00:00:41.200 --> 00:00:44.200 align:center You're drowning yourself in sorrow and torment. 00:00:44.200 --> 00:00:46.800 align:center Will the Duke rest in peace knowing this? 00:00:47.400 --> 00:00:50.680 align:center The dead are like extinguished lamps. 00:00:50.680 --> 00:00:53.000 align:center He wouldn't know anymore. 00:00:55.200 --> 00:00:57.080 align:center You're not as good as him. 00:00:57.080 --> 00:00:59.200 align:center No, I'm not. 00:01:15.200 --> 00:01:17.600 align:center Your Grace, 00:01:17.600 --> 00:01:20.400 align:center you were the Grand General of Futing's army and its people. 00:01:20.400 --> 00:01:26.000 align:center The comfort and prosperity I've enjoyed are thanks to you. 00:01:26.000 --> 00:01:30.400 align:center You fought with your life to protect Futing's lands 00:01:30.400 --> 00:01:33.200 align:center and bring peace to its people. 00:01:33.200 --> 00:01:36.280 align:center Thank you. May you rest in peace. 00:01:37.880 --> 00:01:41.480 align:center His Majesty has killed the witnesses and closed the case with a decree. 00:01:41.480 --> 00:01:45.480 align:center If I don't overthrow the throne, how else can I change any of this? 00:01:49.800 --> 00:01:53.480 align:center Are your eyes only used to interrogate me? 00:01:53.480 --> 00:01:55.800 align:center If His Majesty really wanted to frame the Duke of Ding, 00:01:55.800 --> 00:01:59.280 align:center would he have spared the Jiang family just because of a ruler? 00:01:59.280 --> 00:02:03.000 align:center Trust me, His Majesty knows the truth. 00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:06.800 align:center He only closed the case because the circumstances forced his hand. 00:02:09.800 --> 00:02:11.400 align:center And I'm just supposed to swallow my shame and hatred, 00:02:11.400 --> 00:02:13.800 align:center return to court, and climb the ranks like nothing happened? 00:02:13.800 --> 00:02:16.280 align:center You've spent years away from the capital. 00:02:16.280 --> 00:02:18.400 align:center You don't know much about the current political landscape. 00:02:18.400 --> 00:02:19.800 align:center How can you hope to overturn the case 00:02:19.800 --> 00:02:21.800 align:center when the enemy hides in the shadows and you're completely exposed? 00:02:21.800 --> 00:02:24.000 align:center Right now, not only are all leads cut off, 00:02:24.000 --> 00:02:28.000 align:center but your ambition, resolve, and very nature are known throughout the court. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:29.720 align:center You're like an unsheathed blade; 00:02:29.720 --> 00:02:32.200 align:center its sharpness glaringly obvious for all to see. 00:02:32.200 --> 00:02:35.600 align:center Don't you see? The true strength of a blade isn't in striking but in restraint. 00:02:35.600 --> 00:02:39.680 align:center Only by sheathing the blade, by concealing your edge, 00:02:39.680 --> 00:02:41.800 align:center can you observe the bigger picture 00:02:41.800 --> 00:02:44.480 align:center and decide your next move with clarity. 00:03:00.200 --> 00:03:02.680 align:center Duke of Ding fought hard with his life 00:03:02.680 --> 00:03:06.600 align:center to protect Futing's lands and ensure peace for its people. 00:03:06.600 --> 00:03:09.400 align:center He doesn't live on just in your heart, 00:03:09.400 --> 00:03:12.280 align:center he lives in the hearts of everyone in Futing. 00:03:12.280 --> 00:03:15.600 align:center Everything you say, 00:03:15.600 --> 00:03:18.200 align:center carries the legacy he passed on to you. 00:03:18.200 --> 00:03:21.680 align:center Song Mo, listen to me. 00:03:21.680 --> 00:03:26.080 align:center From this day forward, you are him. 00:04:09.760 --> 00:04:12.080 align:center Your Grace, you're here! 00:04:14.280 --> 00:04:15.480 align:center Your Grace, 00:04:15.480 --> 00:04:19.280 align:center I've gathered news from the palace regarding the Duke of Ding. 00:04:21.800 --> 00:04:23.240 align:center What did you hear? 00:04:23.240 --> 00:04:25.920 align:center The eunuchs have been gossiping. 00:04:25.920 --> 00:04:28.800 align:center They say His Majesty kept staring at the broken ruler and muttered nonsense, 00:04:28.800 --> 00:04:30.800 align:center tormented by restless dreamsnight after night. 00:04:30.800 --> 00:04:33.080 align:center The physicians and fortune-tellers are being summoned more frequently. 00:04:33.080 --> 00:04:36.360 align:center It seems His Majesty feels guilty about you. 00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:38.360 align:center Why not take advantage of it? 00:04:39.280 --> 00:04:41.680 align:center Dou Zhao was right once again. 00:04:41.680 --> 00:04:43.680 align:center If it wasn't for that broken ruler, 00:04:43.680 --> 00:04:46.680 align:center the Jiang family might not have been spared. 00:04:46.680 --> 00:04:49.160 align:center But how did she know? 00:04:49.160 --> 00:04:51.080 align:center Despite His Majesty's regret over the Duke of Ding's unjust death, 00:04:51.080 --> 00:04:53.360 align:center why would he still feel compelled to close the case? 00:04:53.360 --> 00:04:55.560 align:center Who could the mastermind possibly be, 00:04:55.560 --> 00:04:59.200 align:center for even His Majesty to act against his own conscience to protect them? 00:04:59.880 --> 00:05:01.880 align:center In a game of cards, 00:05:01.880 --> 00:05:05.560 align:center sometimes you have to lose a hand to protect the bigger picture. 00:05:05.560 --> 00:05:08.560 align:center For an emperor, the stakes are much higher: 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:12.280 align:center It's the entire court, the entire realm. 00:05:12.280 --> 00:05:15.280 align:center During the southeastern typhoon, His Majesty sent the crown prince to lead 00:05:15.280 --> 00:05:19.880 align:center the disaster relief and win public favor, but His Grace opposed it and took charge himself. 00:05:19.880 --> 00:05:22.160 align:center Could it be that His Grace's refusal to support 00:05:22.160 --> 00:05:24.280 align:center the crown prince provoked retaliation? 00:05:24.280 --> 00:05:26.360 align:center Are you saying... 00:05:27.080 --> 00:05:32.280 align:center that His Majesty concealed the truth to protect the crown prince? 00:05:36.240 --> 00:05:38.360 align:center When the Duke of Ding was escorted to the capital, 00:05:38.360 --> 00:05:40.200 align:center did the princes make any move? 00:05:40.200 --> 00:05:43.560 align:center Only the crown prince and Prince Qing came to ask about it. 00:05:43.560 --> 00:05:45.560 align:center There were no other movements. 00:05:47.880 --> 00:05:51.320 align:center Your Grace, we've got a problem at the Futing military camp! 00:05:59.000 --> 00:06:01.080 align:center Young General hasn't returned. We can't disband. 00:06:01.080 --> 00:06:04.480 align:center That's right, we can't disband! 00:06:04.480 --> 00:06:06.560 align:center The damned court killed the Grand General. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:08.080 align:center Why should we remain loyal? 00:06:08.080 --> 00:06:10.480 align:center Instead of enduring this humiliation... 00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:11.760 align:center We might as well become bandits! 00:06:11.760 --> 00:06:13.080 align:center Yes! Yes! 00:06:13.080 --> 00:06:15.760 align:center Let's become bandits! 00:06:15.760 --> 00:06:17.760 align:center Such talk will get you executed. 00:06:17.760 --> 00:06:19.480 align:center Don't ever say it again! 00:06:19.480 --> 00:06:21.760 align:center Young General! Young General! 00:06:21.760 --> 00:06:24.360 align:center I've been stripped of my rank. 00:06:24.360 --> 00:06:25.960 align:center I'm not your young general anymore. 00:06:25.960 --> 00:06:27.880 align:center I came to say goodbye. 00:06:27.880 --> 00:06:31.280 align:center From now on, we go our separate ways 00:06:31.280 --> 00:06:33.080 align:center and forge our own paths. 00:06:33.080 --> 00:06:36.480 align:center Young General, we're soldiers. None of us fear death. 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:38.360 align:center Living as cowards, with no clarity or justice, 00:06:38.360 --> 00:06:39.880 align:center would disgrace Grand General's spirit! 00:06:39.880 --> 00:06:41.560 align:center We dream of avenging him! 00:06:41.560 --> 00:06:42.880 align:center We'd gladly give our lives for it! 00:06:42.880 --> 00:06:45.480 align:center If we knew who the murderer was, we'd have exacted revenge! 00:06:45.480 --> 00:06:48.680 align:center Young General! 00:06:50.560 --> 00:06:53.880 align:center If you still see me as your young general, 00:06:53.880 --> 00:06:56.160 align:center here's my order: 00:06:56.160 --> 00:06:59.360 align:center Duke of Ding's army is disbanded, effective immediately! 00:06:59.360 --> 00:07:00.680 align:center What? 00:07:00.680 --> 00:07:02.760 align:center Disband? 00:07:02.760 --> 00:07:06.560 align:center Officers ranked vice commander and above, follow me to the tent for a council. 00:07:07.440 --> 00:07:10.200 align:center - I'm not going anywhere. - Me, too. 00:07:12.280 --> 00:07:15.360 align:center You all have shown unwavering loyalty to my uncle, 00:07:15.360 --> 00:07:18.480 align:center so I will not deceive you. 00:07:18.480 --> 00:07:22.080 align:center Though the imperial judgment has been issued, the true mastermind remains at large. 00:07:22.080 --> 00:07:25.480 align:center I intend to uncover the truth and take vengeance on the real killer. 00:07:25.480 --> 00:07:27.280 align:center This path will be fraught with danger. 00:07:27.280 --> 00:07:30.880 align:center From now on, you can no longer serve as soldiers in the open, 00:07:30.880 --> 00:07:33.280 align:center but must serve as agents in the shadows. 00:07:34.680 --> 00:07:37.280 align:center We knew you wouldn't abandon us! 00:07:37.280 --> 00:07:39.960 align:center For over a decade, we've been stationed at the border, 00:07:39.960 --> 00:07:42.280 align:center knowing little of the inner workings of the court. 00:07:42.280 --> 00:07:44.880 align:center That ignorance has left us vulnerable to schemes time and again. 00:07:44.880 --> 00:07:47.880 align:center Now, whether it's to overturn the case 00:07:47.880 --> 00:07:50.880 align:center or preserve a remnant of the Duke of Ding's army, 00:07:50.880 --> 00:07:55.280 align:center we must plant our eyes and ears within the court. 00:07:55.280 --> 00:07:57.480 align:center Young General, just give the orders. 00:07:57.480 --> 00:07:59.560 align:center Bring the wine! 00:08:02.360 --> 00:08:04.360 align:center A force of 50,000 is too conspicuous. 00:08:04.360 --> 00:08:07.280 align:center Select the 500 most elite soldiers to follow me to the capital. 00:08:07.280 --> 00:08:11.960 align:center The rest will disperse as ordered, laying low to preserve our strength 00:08:11.960 --> 00:08:15.080 align:center until the time comes to rise again. 00:08:15.080 --> 00:08:17.160 align:center The 53,000 soldiers of the Duke of Ding's army 00:08:17.160 --> 00:08:19.760 align:center are ready to go through hell and high water for this cause! 00:08:19.760 --> 00:08:22.480 align:center Through hell and high water! 00:08:22.480 --> 00:08:25.080 align:center - Drink! - Drink! 00:08:42.160 --> 00:08:44.440 align:center [Futing, Miao family's warehouse] Stop fighting for it! 00:08:45.280 --> 00:08:46.760 align:center We've just been released. 00:08:46.760 --> 00:08:48.320 align:center We're victims in this, too. 00:08:48.320 --> 00:08:51.720 align:center The charges of colluding with the enemy have been cleared. 00:08:51.720 --> 00:08:53.840 align:center What you're doing is outright robbery! 00:08:53.840 --> 00:08:56.680 align:center - Don't take that way. - Please don't take that away! 00:08:56.680 --> 00:08:59.320 align:center Madam Liu! You only invested 10 taels, 00:08:59.320 --> 00:09:02.160 align:center but this bag of jewelry and jade is worth 50 or 60 taels! 00:09:02.160 --> 00:09:05.440 align:center Your family didn't pay back the money on time, don't we deserve a little interest? 00:09:05.440 --> 00:09:07.360 align:center Move! 00:09:11.440 --> 00:09:14.720 align:center According to the law, breaking into a house to rob is a serious crime. 00:09:14.720 --> 00:09:17.880 align:center Even if you fail, it's 20 lashes and three years of exile. 00:09:17.880 --> 00:09:21.560 align:center If you do succeed, you're looking at either exile or the noose. 00:09:21.560 --> 00:09:25.040 align:center And committing this in broad daylight? That makes it even worse. 00:09:28.920 --> 00:09:31.400 align:center They owe us money. Isn't it only fair that we take what we're owed? 00:09:31.400 --> 00:09:33.120 align:center Oh, is that so? 00:09:33.120 --> 00:09:34.720 align:center Fair, you say? 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:37.680 align:center Is it also fair to smash things and hurt people? 00:09:37.680 --> 00:09:40.920 align:center Hurting someone? The punishment for that is even harsher. 00:09:40.920 --> 00:09:44.080 align:center What choice do we have? 00:09:44.080 --> 00:09:47.440 align:center Our goods rotted away on those impounded ships. 00:09:47.440 --> 00:09:49.600 align:center Everything we worked so hard for is gone! 00:09:49.600 --> 00:09:52.600 align:center - That's right. - Yes. 00:09:58.840 --> 00:10:02.160 align:center I am Dou Zhao, a daughter of the Dou family from the capital, 00:10:02.160 --> 00:10:04.480 align:center and also the master of the Miao family. 00:10:04.480 --> 00:10:08.600 align:center I will sign an agreement right now to settle this debt in ten days. 00:10:10.840 --> 00:10:13.200 align:center This jade bracelet is a family heirloom, 00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:15.520 align:center and I'll leave it with the authorities as collateral. 00:10:15.520 --> 00:10:19.120 align:center I'll pay you back in ten days. 00:10:20.800 --> 00:10:24.120 align:center That's your mother's keepsake. You can't! 00:10:26.800 --> 00:10:30.080 align:center If you trust me, sign the agreement. 00:10:30.080 --> 00:10:33.400 align:center If not, come with me to the authorities. 00:10:33.400 --> 00:10:35.240 align:center Let's see who owes more, the Miao family 00:10:35.240 --> 00:10:38.840 align:center or you all with your looting, smashing, and injuries. 00:10:44.880 --> 00:10:47.720 align:center - I'll sign. - Me too. 00:10:48.960 --> 00:10:50.880 align:center Me as well. 00:11:01.960 --> 00:11:05.720 align:center [Dou Zhao] 00:11:09.360 --> 00:11:11.440 align:center Hang in there. 00:11:13.920 --> 00:11:16.680 align:center Luckily, the wound isn't deep. 00:11:18.200 --> 00:11:22.320 align:center Sister Zhao, I can't let you pawn your bracelet for those people. 00:11:22.320 --> 00:11:26.120 align:center You came all the way to Futing for me. I'm grateful to you. 00:11:26.120 --> 00:11:28.520 align:center This is my burden to bear. 00:11:28.520 --> 00:11:31.680 align:center I'll go to the pawnshop and sell the warehouse and store, 00:11:31.680 --> 00:11:33.440 align:center whatever it takes to get your bracelet back. 00:11:33.440 --> 00:11:35.560 align:center Pawnshops wodn't recognize their true value. 00:11:35.560 --> 00:11:39.600 align:center What's a store or warehouse compared to you? 00:11:39.600 --> 00:11:43.040 align:center Why don't you just pawn yourself to me instead? 00:11:44.040 --> 00:11:46.200 align:center That works, too. 00:11:46.200 --> 00:11:51.120 align:center At the going rate for a steward's wages, I'd need to work for you 00:11:51.120 --> 00:11:54.160 align:center for 3,224 days. 00:11:54.160 --> 00:11:57.720 align:center That's about eight or nine years, it should be enough to pay it off. 00:11:57.720 --> 00:11:59.960 align:center I'm kidding. 00:11:59.960 --> 00:12:04.960 align:center If my mother knew her bracelet was being put to such good use, she'd be thrilled. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:06.440 align:center Don't worry about it. 00:12:06.440 --> 00:12:10.680 align:center I'm the richest person in Zhending, do you really think I can't get a bracelet back? 00:12:18.840 --> 00:12:21.280 align:center Here it says the six-percent interest was supposed to cover goods purchased, 00:12:21.280 --> 00:12:23.120 align:center but the accounts don't add up. 00:12:23.120 --> 00:12:24.800 align:center Where are the goods? 00:12:26.120 --> 00:12:30.600 align:center I invested it as stock in a food shop. 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:32.840 align:center Investing in a food shop during a famine year? 00:12:32.840 --> 00:12:37.560 align:center Brilliant move, turning gold into dust. 00:12:37.560 --> 00:12:40.680 align:center - We still have Ansu's dowry, don't we? - You good-for-nothing! 00:12:40.680 --> 00:12:42.480 align:center Stop eyeing your sister's dowry. 00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:47.440 align:center She's of marrying age, how is she supposed to get married without money? 00:12:47.440 --> 00:12:49.200 align:center What about Anping then? 00:12:49.200 --> 00:12:51.000 align:center Anping is sitting for the imperial exam this year. 00:12:51.000 --> 00:12:53.680 align:center Are you going to let him beg his way there? 00:12:53.680 --> 00:12:59.080 align:center If it means paying off the debt, then so be it, dowry or no dowry. 00:12:59.080 --> 00:13:03.080 align:center My dowry exists thanks to Zhao's kindness. 00:13:03.080 --> 00:13:07.640 align:center And now I'll use it to settle the debt and spare her from trouble. 00:13:08.960 --> 00:13:10.280 align:center It's not just for Anping. 00:13:10.280 --> 00:13:13.560 align:center Ansu, are you really fine with it? 00:13:13.560 --> 00:13:15.480 align:center I'm not. 00:13:18.800 --> 00:13:20.560 align:center Sister Zhao. 00:13:21.320 --> 00:13:24.600 align:center There's still a lot of goods on the ship. Have you taken inventory? 00:13:24.600 --> 00:13:28.240 align:center Things just settled down, and the local authorities in Futing are still in chaos. 00:13:28.240 --> 00:13:30.720 align:center I haven't had the chance to do it yet. 00:13:32.120 --> 00:13:34.800 align:center [Dou's Residence] 00:13:34.800 --> 00:13:40.080 align:center Fifth Brother, Yingxue insisted I ask about Ming and Dezhen's engagement. 00:13:40.080 --> 00:13:43.880 align:center She said if we have my father-in-law mediate, 00:13:43.880 --> 00:13:46.920 align:center Grand Secretary Wu might agree. 00:13:52.040 --> 00:13:56.240 align:center - A letter from Mu Chuan? - He has just risen to the Grand Secretariat. 00:13:56.240 --> 00:13:58.960 align:center Most of the old allies of the Duke of Ding in the previous administration 00:13:58.960 --> 00:14:01.040 align:center have retired to their hometowns. 00:14:01.040 --> 00:14:04.400 align:center Wu Yifen is advanced in years. 00:14:04.400 --> 00:14:06.880 align:center How much longer can he hold on? 00:14:08.080 --> 00:14:10.320 align:center What are you trying to say? 00:14:10.320 --> 00:14:13.400 align:center That faction's influence is fading fast. 00:14:13.400 --> 00:14:17.840 align:center The Wu family's standing will inevitably collapse. 00:14:18.480 --> 00:14:21.240 align:center Is there still a point in forming ties with them? 00:14:22.000 --> 00:14:27.840 align:center You should have Yingxue focus on strengthening connections with the Wei family instead. 00:14:28.520 --> 00:14:32.680 align:center [Cui's Residence] 00:14:38.600 --> 00:14:40.280 align:center Come. 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:46.600 align:center Now that you've delivered the gifts, you can go. 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:50.960 align:center If you stay longer and catch an illness, you'll blame it on Shougu again. 00:14:50.960 --> 00:14:53.920 align:center It's rude to kick people out right after receiving gifts. 00:14:53.920 --> 00:14:56.200 align:center Even if Fourth Young Lady isn't up to seeing guests, 00:14:56.200 --> 00:14:59.960 align:center she could at least say thank you. 00:15:00.880 --> 00:15:02.800 align:center This is the Dou family's business. 00:15:02.800 --> 00:15:08.040 align:center Shouldn't you consider your identity first if you want to meddle? 00:15:08.040 --> 00:15:11.400 align:center - I'll have you know... - Can I meddle then? 00:15:11.400 --> 00:15:13.560 align:center Grandmother. 00:15:13.560 --> 00:15:17.600 align:center You're causing trouble here in broad day light. 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:21.680 align:center In all these years, you've barely delivered gifts during festivals. 00:15:21.680 --> 00:15:27.160 align:center Now that both Shougu and I are unwell, what are you scheming? 00:15:27.160 --> 00:15:29.120 align:center Mother, you've misunderstood. 00:15:29.120 --> 00:15:31.440 align:center I heard that Zhao came down with smallpox, 00:15:31.440 --> 00:15:34.280 align:center so I specially went to the temple to get a smallpox protection statue. 00:15:34.280 --> 00:15:39.320 align:center This isn't like other gifts, it must be personally enshrined by Zhao herself, 00:15:39.320 --> 00:15:42.240 align:center or it won't be effective. 00:15:42.240 --> 00:15:45.360 align:center Guardian idols and deities? I've never believed in these things. 00:15:45.360 --> 00:15:48.120 align:center - Take it all away. - That won't do, Mother. 00:15:48.120 --> 00:15:50.080 align:center Inviting the gods is easy, but sending them away is difficult. 00:15:50.080 --> 00:15:53.640 align:center Neglecting the statue could harm the family's fortune. 00:15:53.640 --> 00:15:57.880 align:center I'm sure Zhao wouldn't want that to happen, would she? 00:15:57.880 --> 00:16:00.840 align:center Fourth Young Lady, just show yourself... 00:16:01.760 --> 00:16:03.280 align:center Stop! 00:16:03.280 --> 00:16:06.440 align:center Smallpox patients must avoid drafts. Cover her up at once. 00:16:06.440 --> 00:16:08.280 align:center Yes, Grandmother. 00:16:08.280 --> 00:16:10.480 align:center Fine, I'll accept these gifts on Shougu's behalf. 00:16:10.480 --> 00:16:14.040 align:center I'm sure things are busy for you in the capital, so I won't keep you. 00:16:14.040 --> 00:16:19.240 align:center If there's nothing else, you should leave, and don't come back again. 00:16:19.240 --> 00:16:22.680 align:center Old Madam, our mistress only came with the best intentions. 00:16:22.680 --> 00:16:24.480 align:center Nanny Zhou. 00:16:25.120 --> 00:16:29.080 align:center Please pass the statue to Zhao, Mother. 00:16:29.080 --> 00:16:31.880 align:center We'll take our leave now. 00:16:53.280 --> 00:16:55.000 align:center -Move. -Grandmother... 00:16:55.000 --> 00:16:56.880 align:center Move! 00:17:01.440 --> 00:17:03.920 align:center What's going on? 00:17:03.920 --> 00:17:07.880 align:center Shougu... She went to freshen up. She'll be back soon. 00:17:07.880 --> 00:17:11.360 align:center At this point, you can stop covering for her. 00:17:12.160 --> 00:17:15.040 align:center Shougu is in Futing. 00:17:17.600 --> 00:17:21.440 align:center Futing is a highly sensitive area right now. What's she doing there? 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:25.400 align:center Does... Does she have something to do with that case, too? 00:17:25.400 --> 00:17:28.320 align:center The Maritime Trade Office seized the Miao family's merchant ship. 00:17:28.320 --> 00:17:32.920 align:center Shougu was worried about Ansu going alone, so she... 00:17:33.760 --> 00:17:36.360 align:center Ridiculous! 00:17:36.360 --> 00:17:39.560 align:center - You girls... Absolutely ridiculous! - All right now, all right. 00:17:39.560 --> 00:17:42.560 align:center Madam, are we leaving already? Shouldn't we take a closer look? 00:17:42.560 --> 00:17:44.360 align:center Didn't you notice just now? 00:17:44.360 --> 00:17:47.480 align:center That hand was smooth and flawless. 00:17:47.480 --> 00:17:51.560 align:center If she really had smallpox, how could there not be any rash? 00:17:51.560 --> 00:17:54.520 align:center Our trip here wasn't wasted after all. 00:17:54.520 --> 00:17:57.960 align:center Ah, I see. 00:17:57.960 --> 00:18:00.360 align:center Let's go back to the capital. 00:18:00.360 --> 00:18:01.480 align:center [Dou Residence] 00:18:01.480 --> 00:18:04.160 align:center That Zhao is brazen and reckless. 00:18:04.160 --> 00:18:07.360 align:center As a young lady from a noble family, she not only shows her face in public, 00:18:07.360 --> 00:18:10.080 align:center she even went to Futing on her own. 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:14.400 align:center Futing is in chaos right now because of the Duke of Ding case. 00:18:14.400 --> 00:18:16.960 align:center I hear there have been outbreaks of unrest among refugees lately. 00:18:16.960 --> 00:18:19.200 align:center Oh, Zhao... 00:18:19.200 --> 00:18:23.920 align:center Master. Madam. The Marquis of Jining's family has invited you both 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:26.480 align:center and the young ladies to a banquet tomorrow. 00:18:26.480 --> 00:18:29.320 align:center We can't possibly attend a banquet now. 00:18:29.320 --> 00:18:30.880 align:center Since it's a specially arranged banquet, 00:18:30.880 --> 00:18:33.680 align:center they might want to discuss the betrothal. 00:18:33.680 --> 00:18:36.880 align:center Decline it. We'll talk about it after I bring Shougu back. 00:18:36.920 --> 00:18:38.680 align:center Someone, prepare the carriage. 00:18:38.680 --> 00:18:41.320 align:center We mustn't decline it, Husband. 00:18:41.320 --> 00:18:44.760 align:center If word of Zhao went to Futing gets out, 00:18:44.760 --> 00:18:50.160 align:center not just her own marriage prospect, it will ruin Ming'er's too. 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:54.800 align:center How about we say you and the girls have caught a cold, 00:18:54.800 --> 00:18:57.080 align:center and I'll attend the banquet alone? 00:18:58.760 --> 00:19:01.280 align:center Fine, I'll leave it to you. 00:19:01.280 --> 00:19:03.800 align:center Handle it as you see fit. I should get going. 00:19:03.800 --> 00:19:05.520 align:center Yes, my dear. 00:19:11.440 --> 00:19:14.000 align:center This side dish is quite unique. 00:19:15.080 --> 00:19:17.560 align:center Is it a specialty of Futing? 00:19:17.560 --> 00:19:20.960 align:center I found a lot of spoiled food when we were clearing out the inventory. 00:19:20.960 --> 00:19:23.800 align:center But there was a crate of tubers from the West that hadn't gone bad. 00:19:23.800 --> 00:19:25.600 align:center I roasted a few of them. 00:19:25.600 --> 00:19:28.400 align:center They're soft, fragrant, 00:19:28.400 --> 00:19:30.120 align:center and a bit like yams. 00:19:30.120 --> 00:19:34.640 align:center But many of them have sprouted. We can't eat or sell them anymore. 00:19:35.160 --> 00:19:37.240 align:center We can't eat them... 00:19:37.920 --> 00:19:39.920 align:center But we can plant them! 00:19:40.880 --> 00:19:44.120 align:center If they sprout even in the damp, dark conditions of a ship's hold, 00:19:44.120 --> 00:19:46.600 align:center they must be easy to grow. 00:19:47.200 --> 00:19:49.720 align:center If you plant them now, 00:19:49.720 --> 00:19:53.000 align:center you could have a harvest in about three months. 00:19:53.000 --> 00:19:56.160 align:center So, don't rush to repay me just yet. 00:19:56.160 --> 00:19:59.400 align:center Use it to rent some unused land and start planting. 00:19:59.400 --> 00:20:03.000 align:center With all the floods this year, food is already in short supply. 00:20:03.000 --> 00:20:06.560 align:center If you grow enough, not only will you feed people, 00:20:06.560 --> 00:20:10.240 align:center but you'll also introduce a new food crop. 00:20:10.240 --> 00:20:12.680 align:center No grain merchant would turn that away. 00:20:18.200 --> 00:20:21.120 align:center At 50 coins per jin for white flour, 00:20:21.120 --> 00:20:23.960 align:center one mu of land could yield around 300 jin. 00:20:23.960 --> 00:20:27.880 align:center With ten mu of land in a year, that's over a hundred taels of silver! 00:20:27.880 --> 00:20:29.280 align:center That's a great idea. 00:20:29.280 --> 00:20:31.040 align:center Let's do it your way. 00:20:31.040 --> 00:20:33.120 align:center What good stuff do you have there? 00:20:33.960 --> 00:20:37.280 align:center Ji Yong, you scared us again. 00:20:37.280 --> 00:20:39.240 align:center You got food here. 00:20:42.040 --> 00:20:43.600 align:center Try it. 00:20:46.800 --> 00:20:48.040 align:center Not bad. 00:20:48.040 --> 00:20:50.040 align:center But it can be sweeter. 00:20:50.640 --> 00:20:54.400 align:center Young Master Ji, why are you wearing such a scary mask? 00:20:54.400 --> 00:20:55.800 align:center It attracts fortune. 00:20:55.800 --> 00:20:58.000 align:center I'm here to bring you money. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:21:00.040 align:center You've made the deal? What's the price? 00:21:00.040 --> 00:21:01.800 align:center Who's the buyer? 00:21:01.800 --> 00:21:04.640 align:center Want to see it? Beg me. 00:21:07.480 --> 00:21:10.640 align:center - Please. - You actually begged? 00:21:10.640 --> 00:21:12.640 align:center Well, that's no fun. 00:21:16.400 --> 00:21:17.880 align:center Look. 00:21:19.680 --> 00:21:22.360 align:center The Ministry of Works is paying so much for the ship! 00:21:22.360 --> 00:21:25.720 align:center The court has never bought civilian ships before! 00:21:25.720 --> 00:21:28.720 align:center If it weren't an unprecedented move, I wouldn't have bothered. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:32.360 align:center I submitted a proposal to Duke Mu Chuan advocating for reforms in maritime trade, 00:21:32.360 --> 00:21:34.360 align:center selling civilian ships to the government 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:36.720 align:center and consolidating overseas trade under the court's control. 00:21:36.720 --> 00:21:40.200 align:center This way, we can ease people's burden and replenish the national treasury. 00:21:41.600 --> 00:21:43.920 align:center Thank you, Young Master Ji. 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:47.840 align:center No need to thank me. Mu Chuan only agreed to see me because Dou Zhao 00:21:47.840 --> 00:21:49.880 align:center sent the invitation under the Dou family's name. 00:21:49.880 --> 00:21:53.640 align:center - Sister Zhao... - No need for thanks between us. 00:21:53.640 --> 00:21:58.680 align:center Now that the crisis is over, let's go back together tomorrow. 00:21:58.680 --> 00:22:03.720 align:center Sister Zhao, I can't go back with you. 00:22:03.720 --> 00:22:05.520 align:center Every year during the sailing season, 00:22:05.520 --> 00:22:09.400 align:center I'd come here with my parents to oil and polish the ship. 00:22:09.400 --> 00:22:13.600 align:center From a small boat to a big ship, now it's all gone in an instant. 00:22:14.360 --> 00:22:16.520 align:center It's time for me to grow up. 00:22:17.080 --> 00:22:20.800 align:center You're staying in Futing to help with the family business? 00:22:20.800 --> 00:22:22.600 align:center Sister Zhao, 00:22:23.280 --> 00:22:26.200 align:center I won't let you down. 00:22:26.200 --> 00:22:28.280 align:center What I've lost today, 00:22:28.760 --> 00:22:30.840 align:center I'll earn back in the future! 00:22:30.840 --> 00:22:32.640 align:center All right! 00:22:32.640 --> 00:22:34.600 align:center Let's wish for our wishes to come true, 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:38.160 align:center and for the days ahead to be peaceful, free, and full of joy. 00:22:38.160 --> 00:22:41.040 align:center Peaceful, free, and full of joy! 00:22:41.040 --> 00:22:42.840 align:center Free and full of joy! 00:22:50.360 --> 00:22:52.360 align:center Greetings, Duke Mu. 00:22:53.080 --> 00:22:54.800 align:center Greetings, Duke Mu. 00:22:54.800 --> 00:22:57.200 align:center [Minister of Works, Mu Chuan] 00:22:58.480 --> 00:23:00.720 align:center This way, please, Lord Mu. 00:23:11.880 --> 00:23:14.840 align:center This idea of selling the ships is priceless. 00:23:14.840 --> 00:23:17.280 align:center I owe you a huge favor. 00:23:18.120 --> 00:23:20.560 align:center What favor? It was just a game. 00:23:20.560 --> 00:23:23.800 align:center The fun I had was worth more than any fortune. 00:23:24.920 --> 00:23:27.720 align:center Besides, I won Mu Chuan's favor with the proposal. He submitted it to His Majesty under his name. 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:32.120 align:center In return, he recommended me for the position of secretary at the prince's residence. 00:23:32.120 --> 00:23:34.000 align:center That role is low-ranking and full of tedious responsibilities. 00:23:34.000 --> 00:23:36.040 align:center You'll have to guide and advise the prince 00:23:36.040 --> 00:23:38.200 align:center while also reporting regularly to His Majesty. 00:23:38.200 --> 00:23:40.480 align:center It's a thankless job that pleases no one. 00:23:40.480 --> 00:23:43.800 align:center The harder the job, the easier it is to stand out. 00:23:43.800 --> 00:23:45.720 align:center I prefer to work smart, not hard. 00:23:45.720 --> 00:23:48.720 align:center I'm not about to let myself rot away like those unsold goods on the ship. 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:50.880 align:center Since the crown prince isn't favored, 00:23:50.880 --> 00:23:54.640 align:center I might as well take a bigger gamble and support another prince. 00:23:57.200 --> 00:24:00.280 align:center You're going to the Prince Qing Residence? 00:24:01.440 --> 00:24:05.520 align:center The crown prince's mother, Empress Shen, came from a humble background and passed away early. 00:24:05.520 --> 00:24:07.600 align:center He doesn't have many allies among the court officials. 00:24:07.600 --> 00:24:10.880 align:center Prince Qing, on the other hand, is known for valuing talent, holds military power in Liaodong, 00:24:10.880 --> 00:24:13.400 align:center and his mother, Empress Wan, is favored by His Majesty. 00:24:13.400 --> 00:24:17.200 align:center With me on his side, his chances of surpassing the crown prince are much higher. 00:24:19.040 --> 00:24:22.080 align:center I once heard that Prince Qing's rebellion succeeded 00:24:22.080 --> 00:24:25.760 align:center thanks to an extraordinarily brilliant strategist by his side. 00:24:25.760 --> 00:24:27.640 align:center Could it be him? 00:24:27.640 --> 00:24:30.720 align:center If Ji Yong goes to Liaodong to assist Prince Qing, 00:24:30.720 --> 00:24:33.640 align:center will he meet a tragic end again because of it? 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:37.280 align:center I'd advise you to think it through carefully. 00:24:38.160 --> 00:24:40.840 align:center I'll be straight with you. 00:24:40.840 --> 00:24:43.280 align:center Prince Qing is rebellious, he'll overthrow the throne one day. 00:24:43.280 --> 00:24:46.080 align:center Don't forget why you entered officialdom in the first place. 00:24:47.560 --> 00:24:51.840 align:center If he rebels, wouldn't that align perfectly with my original intent? 00:24:58.720 --> 00:25:00.680 align:center You've known all along... 00:25:00.680 --> 00:25:06.640 align:center What happens in the future, heaven knows, earth knows, I know, and you know. 00:25:06.640 --> 00:25:08.680 align:center I observe the world without being controlled by it. 00:25:08.680 --> 00:25:12.720 align:center Princes and kings, in my hands, are nothing more than tools to a greater vision. 00:25:12.720 --> 00:25:15.000 align:center The court is decayed, 00:25:15.000 --> 00:25:17.160 align:center foreign enemies are poised to strike, 00:25:17.160 --> 00:25:20.240 align:center and all I want is someone who recognizes my worth 00:25:20.240 --> 00:25:22.040 align:center and grants me the power to enact reform. 00:25:22.040 --> 00:25:24.360 align:center Healing individuals is a small matter, 00:25:24.360 --> 00:25:27.240 align:center healing a nation is where my true strategy lies. 00:25:27.240 --> 00:25:30.880 align:center I can extend this dynasty's life by a hundred years. 00:25:35.560 --> 00:25:38.320 align:center Uncle Mu, they're here. 00:25:44.320 --> 00:25:48.320 align:center So, these are the tubers you mentioned in your letter, the ones that don't spoil easily? 00:25:48.320 --> 00:25:50.480 align:center The people of Futing call it a potato. 00:25:50.480 --> 00:25:55.760 align:center Many of the other goods were ruined after the delay, but these remained intact. 00:25:58.480 --> 00:26:00.800 align:center Looks like this crop 00:26:00.800 --> 00:26:04.080 align:center is far more valuable than... 00:26:05.360 --> 00:26:07.480 align:center the rest of the cargo on the ship. 00:26:07.480 --> 00:26:09.000 align:center Here. 00:26:10.080 --> 00:26:13.360 align:center This strawberry ice dessert is only available in Futing. 00:26:13.360 --> 00:26:15.800 align:center Once I go to Liaodong, there'll be no chance to have it. 00:26:15.800 --> 00:26:19.240 align:center Didn't you say that strawberry ice dessert is too cold for the stomach 00:26:19.240 --> 00:26:21.320 align:center and can make you feel lightheaded if you eat too much? 00:26:21.320 --> 00:26:25.040 align:center Silly. If you get sick, I'll just treat you. 00:26:25.040 --> 00:26:26.520 align:center Eat up. 00:26:27.200 --> 00:26:31.360 align:center Real men drink wine and eat meat. 00:26:31.360 --> 00:26:33.320 align:center Look at that grown man 00:26:33.320 --> 00:26:37.400 align:center eating dainty sweets fit for women and children. 00:26:37.400 --> 00:26:40.320 align:center So now taste preferences come with gender labels, too? 00:26:40.320 --> 00:26:42.720 align:center How childish. 00:26:42.720 --> 00:26:44.400 align:center You two might drink and eat meat, 00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:48.920 align:center does it make you conquer battlefields or govern a nation? 00:26:48.920 --> 00:26:50.560 align:center How arrogant! 00:26:50.560 --> 00:26:54.440 align:center Young Lady, he's clearly not a suitable match! 00:26:54.440 --> 00:26:57.120 align:center Right! Unlike you two, you're perfect for each other. 00:26:57.120 --> 00:26:58.800 align:center You... 00:26:58.800 --> 00:27:01.040 align:center Don't be mad. Let's drink. 00:27:01.040 --> 00:27:02.760 align:center Drink. 00:27:03.600 --> 00:27:06.120 align:center - Here. - By the way, 00:27:07.600 --> 00:27:09.200 align:center I got this for you. 00:27:10.160 --> 00:27:12.920 align:center The snow in Liaodong is heavy, and there are many hunting pits. 00:27:12.920 --> 00:27:15.560 align:center I've noticed you always squint when you look at things. 00:27:15.560 --> 00:27:17.480 align:center I figured your eyesight isn't great. 00:27:17.480 --> 00:27:21.080 align:center I went around the capital and found this for you. 00:27:22.000 --> 00:27:24.320 align:center Consider it a parting gift. 00:27:25.120 --> 00:27:27.280 align:center You even noticed that? 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:41.320 align:center Looking up close now, 00:27:41.320 --> 00:27:43.480 align:center you're actually not that ugly. 00:27:45.960 --> 00:27:48.800 align:center All right, I'll give you something in return. 00:27:48.800 --> 00:27:52.160 align:center I always save the strawberry on my ice dessert for the last 00:27:52.160 --> 00:27:55.040 align:center because I can't bear to eat them right away. 00:27:55.040 --> 00:27:56.720 align:center I'll give it to you now. 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:03.000 align:center Shougu. 00:28:03.720 --> 00:28:05.000 align:center Father? 00:28:05.000 --> 00:28:07.000 align:center - Are you all right? - What are you doing here? 00:28:07.000 --> 00:28:08.600 align:center If we had come any later, 00:28:08.600 --> 00:28:12.080 align:center you'd have probably turned Futing upside down by now. 00:28:12.080 --> 00:28:14.680 align:center - Fifth Uncle. - You really are something. 00:28:14.680 --> 00:28:17.480 align:center Disgracing the family and running off to elope. 00:28:17.480 --> 00:28:20.200 align:center You found yourself the perfect match, huh? 00:28:20.800 --> 00:28:24.840 align:center Shougu, a young lady like you traveling all the way to Futing on your own, 00:28:24.840 --> 00:28:26.760 align:center do you have any idea how worried we've been? 00:28:26.760 --> 00:28:29.520 align:center Father. Fifth Uncle. 00:28:30.520 --> 00:28:33.840 align:center This is Ji Yong, a cousin of the Cui family from Jian'an. 00:28:33.840 --> 00:28:36.920 align:center He's also the official in charge of Maritime Trade Office's cases. 00:28:36.920 --> 00:28:39.120 align:center Ah, so you're Master Ji's son. 00:28:39.120 --> 00:28:41.360 align:center Greetings, uncles. 00:28:43.000 --> 00:28:45.680 align:center You've truly gone to great lengths to disgrace our family's name 00:28:45.680 --> 00:28:47.680 align:center all the way here in Futing! 00:28:47.680 --> 00:28:50.920 align:center I came to Futing to help the Miao family out of their predicament. 00:28:50.920 --> 00:28:54.960 align:center I'm the investor of Ansu's family shipping business. 00:28:54.960 --> 00:28:57.560 align:center I couldn't just sit back and do nothing. 00:28:57.560 --> 00:29:01.200 align:center What morals and obligations outweigh propriety and decency? 00:29:01.200 --> 00:29:05.680 align:center An unmarried young lady like you are supposed to be staying at home preparing for marriage, 00:29:05.680 --> 00:29:06.840 align:center This is disgraceful! 00:29:06.840 --> 00:29:10.120 align:center The Miao family were mere tenant farmers on an estate. 00:29:10.120 --> 00:29:13.040 align:center Now they're merchants, a world apart from you. 00:29:13.040 --> 00:29:14.400 align:center You don't have a friend like her. 00:29:14.400 --> 00:29:17.600 align:center Didn't our own Dou family of the North rise from being peddlers? 00:29:17.600 --> 00:29:21.400 align:center Later, to establish hierarchy, we divided into the Eastern and Western Dou branches. 00:29:21.400 --> 00:29:24.040 align:center Should we also disown our ancestors for their humble beginnings? 00:29:24.040 --> 00:29:27.240 align:center You... You dare debate family heritage with me? 00:29:27.240 --> 00:29:29.160 align:center - You're out of line! - Fifth Brother... 00:29:29.160 --> 00:29:30.520 align:center Calm down. 00:29:30.520 --> 00:29:34.280 align:center Fifth Uncle, Dou Zhao contributed strategies to resolving the maritime trade crisis. 00:29:34.280 --> 00:29:37.200 align:center She is considered a servant of the court. You can't hit her. 00:29:37.200 --> 00:29:39.200 align:center Stay out of this. 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:41.120 align:center Ungrateful child! 00:29:41.120 --> 00:29:45.240 align:center Do you even know your grandmother has been sick for days because of you? 00:29:45.240 --> 00:29:47.120 align:center What happened to Grandmother? 00:29:49.160 --> 00:29:50.560 align:center What's wrong with her? 00:29:50.560 --> 00:29:53.160 align:center Your grandmother fell ill from missing you too much. 00:29:53.160 --> 00:29:54.960 align:center Yingxue is taking care of her now. 00:29:54.960 --> 00:29:56.360 align:center Wang Yingxue? 00:29:56.360 --> 00:29:59.320 align:center You're so full of ideas and so capable. 00:29:59.320 --> 00:30:02.000 align:center What does the death of a family member even mean to someone like you? 00:30:02.000 --> 00:30:04.640 align:center Fifth Uncle, I've learned my lesson now. 00:30:04.640 --> 00:30:06.640 align:center Traveling to Futing was a mistake. 00:30:06.640 --> 00:30:08.200 align:center I'll accept any punishment you see fit. 00:30:08.200 --> 00:30:11.920 align:center Please just allow me to return home quickly to care for Grandmother. 00:30:14.320 --> 00:30:17.360 align:center Deliver this letter to the local authorities 00:30:17.360 --> 00:30:20.880 align:center and make it clear that our family's legitimate daughter was never in Futing. 00:30:20.880 --> 00:30:22.600 align:center Got it. 00:30:31.440 --> 00:30:35.800 align:center Father. Fifth Uncle. I know Grandmother's condition best. 00:30:35.800 --> 00:30:38.760 align:center This can't be delayed. Why don't we set out tonight? 00:30:38.760 --> 00:30:41.280 align:center Now you feel the urgency? 00:30:41.280 --> 00:30:44.680 align:center Your mother is looking after her now. There's no rush. 00:30:44.680 --> 00:30:49.520 align:center But your father and I have traveled a long way, 00:30:49.520 --> 00:30:51.680 align:center pulling countless strings, 00:30:51.680 --> 00:30:56.160 align:center all for the sake of protecting you. 00:30:57.040 --> 00:30:59.480 align:center I understand completely, Uncle. 00:30:59.480 --> 00:31:04.880 align:center I will hand over all my private assets in Futing to the family to atone for my mistakes. 00:31:07.480 --> 00:31:09.000 align:center What nonsense! 00:31:09.000 --> 00:31:10.920 align:center Do you think your father and I 00:31:10.920 --> 00:31:13.200 align:center came all this way just to take over your meager assets? 00:31:13.200 --> 00:31:15.280 align:center That's not what I meant. 00:31:15.280 --> 00:31:18.000 align:center I'm willing to return home, stay under house arrest, 00:31:18.000 --> 00:31:20.720 align:center and fully submitting to the guidance of my elders. 00:31:22.040 --> 00:31:23.920 align:center Shougu means well. 00:31:23.920 --> 00:31:27.400 align:center Fifth Brother, why don't we set out now? 00:31:29.840 --> 00:31:31.840 align:center We've traveled far and deserve a few days of rest. 00:31:31.840 --> 00:31:33.720 align:center We've traveled far and deserve a few days of rest. 00:31:33.720 --> 00:31:35.640 align:center But fine. 00:31:35.640 --> 00:31:38.440 align:center We'll rest tonight and leave at dawn. 00:31:38.440 --> 00:31:40.440 align:center Thank you, Fifth Uncle. 00:32:02.600 --> 00:32:04.640 align:center [Tea] 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:07.360 align:center Sir, what can I get for you? 00:32:07.360 --> 00:32:09.160 align:center Sir, what can I get for you? 00:32:34.840 --> 00:32:37.800 align:center We could've stayed overnight in Wu Town, 00:32:37.800 --> 00:32:40.160 align:center but she insisted on traveling without rest. 00:32:40.160 --> 00:32:43.720 align:center Now we're stuck in the middle of nowhere! 00:32:44.280 --> 00:32:47.640 align:center Fifth Brother, have some water and calm down. 00:32:48.640 --> 00:32:51.680 align:center Shougu is just eager to see her grandmother. 00:32:51.680 --> 00:32:54.400 align:center She's just really worried about her. 00:32:54.400 --> 00:32:59.000 align:center Since everyone's tired, let's set up camp here for the night. 00:33:01.760 --> 00:33:05.360 align:center Fifth Master. Seventh Master. Tthere's a military camp just ahead. 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:19.480 align:center Are you Fifth Master and Seventh Master from the Dou family? 00:33:20.320 --> 00:33:21.720 align:center Yes, that's us. 00:33:21.720 --> 00:33:24.040 align:center And how are you, sir? 00:33:24.040 --> 00:33:26.640 align:center Greetings, my lords. We are troops stationed on the outskirts. 00:33:26.640 --> 00:33:30.560 align:center The camp ahead is a rest area our army has prepared for travelers on the road. 00:33:30.560 --> 00:33:33.640 align:center You can rest there without concern. 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:35.920 align:center We wouldn't dare impose on military's duties. 00:33:35.920 --> 00:33:38.440 align:center Serving you well is part of our duty. 00:33:38.440 --> 00:33:42.560 align:center Food and wine will be brought shortly. Please don't refuse. 00:33:45.440 --> 00:33:47.480 align:center Thank you then, General. 00:33:47.480 --> 00:33:49.160 align:center This way, please. 00:33:50.080 --> 00:33:51.720 align:center You must be weary from your long journey. 00:33:51.720 --> 00:33:53.280 align:center Thank you for your trouble. 00:33:53.280 --> 00:33:55.080 align:center - You're welcome. - Enjoy. 00:34:00.560 --> 00:34:02.600 align:center This meal is quite lavish. 00:34:02.600 --> 00:34:06.840 align:center It's almost too lavish, it doesn't feel like something a military camp would prepare. 00:34:06.840 --> 00:34:08.960 align:center - Thank you. - Let me fill your glass. 00:34:08.960 --> 00:34:10.360 align:center Thank you. 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:14.760 align:center Young Lady, traveling in such a rush might have upset your stomach. 00:34:14.760 --> 00:34:16.560 align:center It's best to avoid these heavy, greasy dishes. 00:34:16.560 --> 00:34:19.360 align:center I'll go and see if they have some light porridge. 00:34:32.760 --> 00:34:34.360 align:center Oh... 00:34:46.600 --> 00:34:50.680 align:center Officer, may I know what time it is now? 00:34:50.680 --> 00:34:53.680 align:center It's the hour of the Yin, Fourth Young Lady. 00:34:55.120 --> 00:34:57.280 align:center Fourth Young Lady? 00:34:57.280 --> 00:34:59.440 align:center They're Futing soldiers. 00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:03.360 align:center If I'm not mistaken, they're the Duke of Ding's army. 00:35:03.360 --> 00:35:06.280 align:center What's the Duke of Ding's army doing in Hanzhou? 00:35:06.280 --> 00:35:08.280 align:center I'll explain later. 00:35:19.960 --> 00:35:23.920 align:center [Yuzhou] 00:35:25.960 --> 00:35:27.800 align:center Travel permit, please. Where are you sending these? 00:35:27.800 --> 00:35:29.800 align:center The market. 00:35:29.800 --> 00:35:31.600 align:center Thank you. 00:35:42.840 --> 00:35:45.920 align:center Seventh Master, they say as bandits have been rampant in Yuzhou City, 00:35:45.920 --> 00:35:48.400 align:center we need a travel permit to enter the city. 00:35:48.400 --> 00:35:51.680 align:center We left in such a rush. We haven't prepared any travel permits. 00:35:51.680 --> 00:35:54.720 align:center Su Lan, I bet someone has made arrangements for us. 00:35:54.720 --> 00:35:56.560 align:center Call Gao Sheng over. 00:35:58.640 --> 00:36:00.360 align:center Young Lady. 00:36:00.360 --> 00:36:02.160 align:center Tell the guards that your masters 00:36:02.160 --> 00:36:05.880 align:center are the officials from the Ministry of Rites returning to the capital on assignment. 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:07.440 align:center See if that gets us through. 00:36:07.440 --> 00:36:10.280 align:center - Have you checked the goods? - All good. 00:36:10.280 --> 00:36:13.520 align:center Sir, could you allow my master to pass first? 00:36:13.520 --> 00:36:15.520 align:center What's your master's official position? 00:36:15.520 --> 00:36:18.520 align:center Dou Shishu, an official from the Ministry of Rites. 00:36:19.840 --> 00:36:21.520 align:center Lord Dou from the Ministry of Rites? 00:36:21.520 --> 00:36:23.560 align:center Yes. 00:36:23.560 --> 00:36:26.760 align:center Clear the way! Let them through! 00:36:26.760 --> 00:36:28.760 align:center Clear the way! 00:36:30.800 --> 00:36:32.880 align:center When we passed through Yuzhou City before, 00:36:32.880 --> 00:36:34.960 align:center we'd never been given such priority. 00:36:36.440 --> 00:36:38.560 align:center What's going on here? 00:36:38.560 --> 00:36:41.880 align:center My Lord, they say it was an order from above, 00:36:41.880 --> 00:36:44.360 align:center that Lord Dou from the Ministry of Rites is to be given priority passage. 00:36:44.360 --> 00:36:46.360 align:center Really? 00:36:56.680 --> 00:37:01.080 align:center Believe me, this has nothing to do with either of us. 00:37:51.440 --> 00:37:53.640 align:center Young Lady, the wheel is stuck. 00:37:53.640 --> 00:37:55.320 align:center Why have we stopped? 00:37:55.320 --> 00:37:57.800 align:center Fourth Young Lady's carriage is stuck. 00:38:08.920 --> 00:38:11.760 align:center They're coming to rob us! 00:38:18.960 --> 00:38:20.720 align:center Shougu! 00:38:20.720 --> 00:38:23.120 align:center Give me a hand here! 00:38:23.120 --> 00:38:25.760 align:center One, two, three! 00:38:25.760 --> 00:38:28.480 align:center One, two, three! 00:38:28.480 --> 00:38:31.960 align:center One, two, three! 00:38:41.480 --> 00:38:43.400 align:center Who are you? 00:38:43.400 --> 00:38:45.240 align:center We're villagers from around here. 00:38:45.240 --> 00:38:46.520 align:center The roads here are uneven. 00:38:46.520 --> 00:38:49.920 align:center When it rains, carriages often get stuck. 00:38:49.920 --> 00:38:52.720 align:center We're just here to lend a hand pushing them out. 00:38:53.880 --> 00:38:55.600 align:center Thank you all. 00:38:55.600 --> 00:39:00.600 align:center Su Lan, give them some silver pieces as a token of appreciation. 00:39:01.360 --> 00:39:03.960 align:center We're not here for rewards, just to help. 00:39:03.960 --> 00:39:05.400 align:center There are more of us ahead. 00:39:05.400 --> 00:39:08.280 align:center Wishing you a safe journey, Fourth Young Lady. 00:39:08.280 --> 00:39:11.000 align:center Let's go. 00:39:14.040 --> 00:39:16.040 align:center How do they all know to call you Fourth Young Lady? 00:39:16.040 --> 00:39:18.840 align:center Don't say anything. Get in. 00:39:20.040 --> 00:39:21.440 align:center I rarely travel far, 00:39:21.440 --> 00:39:24.880 align:center but seeing this now, we're really living in a time of peace. 00:39:24.880 --> 00:39:27.400 align:center What time of peace? 00:39:27.400 --> 00:39:29.920 align:center They're here especially for your daughter. 00:39:29.920 --> 00:39:33.400 align:center God knows how she got involved with those unsavory people. 00:39:34.920 --> 00:39:37.040 align:center Fourth Young Lady is a kind and generous person. 00:39:37.040 --> 00:39:39.560 align:center Heaven is always looking out for her. 00:39:40.840 --> 00:39:42.520 align:center You must be joking, Fifth Brother. 00:39:42.520 --> 00:39:45.120 align:center How could Shougu possibly know them? 00:39:45.120 --> 00:39:47.040 align:center Let's keep moving. 00:39:52.640 --> 00:39:56.760 align:center [Cui Residence] 00:40:07.920 --> 00:40:09.560 align:center Shougu. 00:40:10.240 --> 00:40:12.040 align:center Fifth Brother. 00:40:12.680 --> 00:40:14.760 align:center Aren't you going in to visit Mother? 00:40:14.760 --> 00:40:16.960 align:center Are you really going in the estate? 00:40:16.960 --> 00:40:18.640 align:center What about your work at the Ministry of Revenue? 00:40:18.640 --> 00:40:20.800 align:center But Mother is still ill. 00:40:20.800 --> 00:40:22.360 align:center And we're not doctors. 00:40:22.360 --> 00:40:24.400 align:center Seeing us won't make her better. 00:40:24.400 --> 00:40:26.960 align:center She's got Shougu and Yingxue to take care of her. 00:40:26.960 --> 00:40:31.000 align:center Father. Fifth Uncle. I'll go see Grandmother now. 00:40:32.040 --> 00:40:35.080 align:center Since the marriage agreement has been signed, 00:40:35.080 --> 00:40:37.400 align:center you should now focus on fulfilling your duties 00:40:37.400 --> 00:40:40.320 align:center and prepare yourself for the wedding. 00:40:40.320 --> 00:40:41.880 align:center Marriage agreement? 00:40:41.880 --> 00:40:43.960 align:center Didn't your father tell you? 00:40:43.960 --> 00:40:45.800 align:center While you were in Futing, 00:40:45.800 --> 00:40:50.080 align:center your father and mother signed a marriage agreement for you. 00:40:50.080 --> 00:40:51.680 align:center It was a pressing matter. 00:40:51.680 --> 00:40:54.000 align:center I had wanted to discuss it with you after you returned, 00:40:54.000 --> 00:40:58.680 align:center but Yingxue went ahead and signed the agreement. 00:41:00.080 --> 00:41:01.880 align:center Shougu! 00:41:04.080 --> 00:41:08.320 align:center That Fifth Dou and Seventh Dou are shallow and heartless. 00:41:09.240 --> 00:41:11.160 align:center Unlike you, My Lord, 00:41:11.160 --> 00:41:13.160 align:center you escorted Fourth Young Lady all the way here 00:41:13.160 --> 00:41:15.520 align:center without even letting her know. 00:41:16.800 --> 00:41:19.880 align:center She made it clear she didn't want to see me again, 00:41:19.880 --> 00:41:22.120 align:center so there's no need to disturb her. 00:41:22.120 --> 00:41:25.120 align:center As long as she can see her grandmother a little sooner, 00:41:25.120 --> 00:41:27.120 align:center that's what matters. 00:41:34.800 --> 00:41:40.240 align:center Zhao, I'm so glad to see you home safely. 00:41:55.800 --> 00:41:58.200 align:center Song Mo killed his father and brother this same year. 00:41:58.200 --> 00:42:01.040 align:center Could there be another reason, besides avenging the Duke of Ding, 00:42:01.040 --> 00:42:03.360 align:center that caused such a drastic change in his character? 00:42:03.360 --> 00:42:06.680 align:center My personal guards are in danger and my mother has just died. 00:42:06.680 --> 00:42:08.120 align:center I've stepped into a deadlock, 00:42:08.120 --> 00:42:12.960 align:center and what I need now is the strength to fight.