WEBVTT 00:17.240 --> 00:18.920 Leave me. 00:25.400 --> 00:29.280 Your Highness, you're still indulging in this? 00:31.760 --> 00:34.600 Aren't the most indulgent things... 00:35.320 --> 00:38.160 always those with a little harm? 00:38.800 --> 00:43.680 I was even hoping we could share another puff of orchid tobacco. 00:44.520 --> 00:48.200 I came in haste, so I didn't bring any with me. 00:48.200 --> 00:49.600 You can use mine. 00:49.600 --> 00:51.200 I wouldn't dare. 00:51.200 --> 00:56.640 During the time when you were away, I had given up this habit. 01:01.560 --> 01:05.040 You're always saying you wouldn't dare. 01:05.040 --> 01:08.240 Yet you're the only one in the world bold enough... 01:09.400 --> 01:11.200 to lecture me. 01:13.080 --> 01:19.200 Congratulations on returning safely... from Lizhen. 01:19.200 --> 01:22.080 If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave. 01:22.080 --> 01:23.960 I haven't dismissed you! 01:23.960 --> 01:28.360 I was hoping to hear you play the zither again, like in the old days. 01:28.360 --> 01:31.320 Just as I've quit smoking, 01:31.320 --> 01:36.320 the zither... has long been left to gather dust. 01:41.800 --> 01:44.440 That's Marquis of Jining's signal flare. 01:44.440 --> 01:46.040 Young Lady. 01:46.560 --> 01:47.920 Young Lady Ming is missing. 01:47.920 --> 01:49.920 Madam has sent servants to search everywhere, 01:49.920 --> 01:52.040 but it's been two hours, and no one has seen her. 01:52.040 --> 01:54.080 Dou Ming left after she was eliminated. 01:54.080 --> 01:56.080 She hasn't been seen since. 01:56.720 --> 01:58.680 Could the two of them be together? 01:58.680 --> 02:00.240 The Imperial Guards are nearby. 02:00.240 --> 02:02.640 - I'll go and request reinforcements. - Your Grace. 02:04.840 --> 02:06.840 The Marquis of Jining cares about his reputation the most. 02:06.840 --> 02:08.680 This matter can't be made public. 02:08.680 --> 02:11.640 Why don't I go with you? 02:37.360 --> 02:38.520 I'll go and take a look first. 02:38.520 --> 02:40.680 Please join me a bit later. 02:41.280 --> 02:43.680 How could you be so careless? 02:44.280 --> 02:46.400 I didn't notice earlier. 02:46.400 --> 02:48.200 It's nothing serious. 02:52.800 --> 02:54.600 Fourth Young Lady? 02:55.520 --> 02:57.520 Sis? 02:59.360 --> 03:02.280 It's not what you think. 03:02.280 --> 03:05.880 I was just upset about the elimination, 03:05.880 --> 03:09.000 and then I happened to see a rabbit. 03:09.000 --> 03:11.080 Please don't blame Fifth Young Lady. 03:11.080 --> 03:14.720 We saw a rabbit. We wanted to set it free. 03:14.720 --> 03:17.200 Yes, we walked the horses here. 03:17.200 --> 03:19.680 We didn't ride together or cross any boundaries. 03:22.160 --> 03:23.560 What happened to your foot? 03:23.560 --> 03:25.320 I sprained my ankle. 03:25.320 --> 03:27.000 It's nothing serious. 03:27.520 --> 03:29.640 This place is quite remote. 03:29.640 --> 03:32.640 None of you can ride back, so you'll have to ride with me. 03:32.640 --> 03:35.360 - I'm fine. Take him back first. - I'm fine. Take her back first. 03:41.880 --> 03:44.560 You and the marquis are engaged. 03:44.560 --> 03:47.480 It's only proper for you to share the ride. 03:47.480 --> 03:50.400 Once you're back, you can send someone to fetch me. 03:50.400 --> 03:52.000 It's still against decorum. 03:52.000 --> 03:54.320 Even with an engagement, you're not yet married. 03:54.320 --> 03:56.440 So that's still improper. 03:56.440 --> 03:58.160 Since the marquis and I are kindred spirits, 03:58.160 --> 04:00.400 I'll take him back instead. 04:01.160 --> 04:03.160 Kindred spirits? 04:04.880 --> 04:06.760 It's just a dislocated joint. 04:11.000 --> 04:12.520 I admire your refined demeanor, 04:12.520 --> 04:15.000 though your constitution is a little fragile. 04:17.120 --> 04:20.600 Once you report to the Imperial Guards, I'll train you myself. 04:21.520 --> 04:23.520 Thank you, Your Grace. 04:25.240 --> 04:27.360 Wait! What Imperial Guards? 04:36.800 --> 04:40.280 Fourth Young Lady, are you all right? 04:46.080 --> 04:49.120 Oh, sorry! I'm so, so sorry! 04:49.120 --> 04:51.240 Lord Dong, the hunt is over. 04:51.240 --> 04:53.520 Why did you shoot at us? 04:53.520 --> 04:55.560 Everyone, I apologize. 04:55.560 --> 04:57.920 Lord Song was wearing brown, 04:57.920 --> 04:59.640 and I mistook him for a bear. 04:59.640 --> 05:02.440 I fired the arrow in a moment of panic. 05:02.440 --> 05:04.520 I'm terribly sorry. 05:05.320 --> 05:07.560 Fourth Young Lady, are you all right? 05:07.560 --> 05:10.520 Sis, are you hurt? 05:14.040 --> 05:15.120 I'm fine. 05:15.120 --> 05:16.400 Where could she be? 05:16.400 --> 05:19.080 - Father. Mother. - Ming'er! 05:19.080 --> 05:21.400 Where have you been? Are you all right? 05:21.400 --> 05:23.800 I went into the woods for some fresh air, but I got lost. 05:23.800 --> 05:26.200 Luckily, Sis found me. 05:27.720 --> 05:29.720 Nanny Zhou, walk Ming'er back to her room. 05:29.720 --> 05:31.280 - I'll take her back myself. -All right. 05:31.280 --> 05:32.840 Come, Ming'er. 05:32.840 --> 05:35.000 - Did you get hurt? - No. 05:35.000 --> 05:37.160 What were you thinking, child? 05:37.800 --> 05:39.400 Stop! 05:40.400 --> 05:42.520 You competed for first place and sought imperial favor. 05:42.520 --> 05:45.760 When will you stop embarrassing our family? 05:45.760 --> 05:47.800 You even offered to serve the court? 05:47.800 --> 05:49.560 Do you really think you're that capable? 05:49.560 --> 05:52.240 You think I don't know you were just trying 05:52.240 --> 05:55.360 to delay your marriage to the Marquis of Jining? 05:55.360 --> 06:00.160 Also, you even gambled, as a woman no less! 06:00.160 --> 06:03.320 Are you trying to drag your entire family down with you? 06:03.320 --> 06:06.640 Don't think staying silent will make this go away. 06:09.320 --> 06:11.000 Where are you going? 06:11.000 --> 06:13.280 Walking off like you've lost your soul. Hey! 06:13.280 --> 06:14.960 Stop right there! 06:16.520 --> 06:19.080 Why isn't she talking back today? 06:19.080 --> 06:21.600 Not that I'd want to hear it anyway. 06:41.720 --> 06:44.600 Once again, it's a brush with death. 06:44.600 --> 06:47.200 Is destiny really unchangeable? 06:47.200 --> 06:50.280 Are we really fated to be shot to death in the end? 06:59.280 --> 07:01.880 You told me 07:01.880 --> 07:04.000 that with enough momentum, 07:04.000 --> 07:07.120 even mountains could collapse, and rivers could reverse their flow. 07:07.120 --> 07:09.200 I've changed so many things. 07:09.200 --> 07:11.560 Why is this still happening? 07:13.240 --> 07:15.400 All things follow their destined course. 07:15.400 --> 07:18.440 Cause and effect are part of a larger cycle. 07:18.440 --> 07:21.360 Look at that boulder in the water. 07:21.360 --> 07:23.800 It weighs a hundred pounds, 07:23.800 --> 07:27.400 yet only splits the stream momentarily. 07:27.400 --> 07:32.600 Eventually, the water flows together again behind it. 07:32.600 --> 07:36.680 The strength of one person is far too small 07:36.680 --> 07:40.400 against the vast currents of history. 07:40.960 --> 07:43.400 So everything is preordained. 07:44.960 --> 07:47.600 Nothing can truly be changed after all. 08:12.320 --> 08:15.480 What's wrong? What happened? 08:15.480 --> 08:16.600 Nothing. 08:16.600 --> 08:19.760 You'd have fallen into the water if I hadn't pulled you. 08:19.760 --> 08:21.440 What's wrong? 08:22.480 --> 08:26.640 It's probably because I haven't eaten anything. 08:26.640 --> 08:28.800 I'm feeling a little weak. 08:34.680 --> 08:40.040 You know, I started as a cook when I first joined the army. 08:40.040 --> 08:42.240 This is a reunion stew from Futing. 08:42.240 --> 08:45.840 You can throw in anything: vegetables, meat, eggs. 08:46.840 --> 08:50.080 It's called Fortune Stew. 08:50.080 --> 08:51.480 It smells amazing. 08:51.480 --> 08:53.000 My mother used to make it for me. 08:53.000 --> 08:55.200 She'd always add something new: 08:55.200 --> 08:57.680 mushrooms, seafood, you name it. 08:57.680 --> 09:00.320 She'd say life is like that. 09:00.320 --> 09:02.200 Even an old, familiar dish 09:02.200 --> 09:05.400 changes completely with a few new ingredients. 09:05.400 --> 09:06.920 That's true. 09:07.440 --> 09:09.680 Things are always changing. 09:09.680 --> 09:13.080 Just like how Father found a new love, 09:13.080 --> 09:16.640 had a new child, and started a new family. 09:17.360 --> 09:19.000 Every household has its battles: 09:19.000 --> 09:22.200 legitimacy, seniority, status. 09:22.200 --> 09:25.520 Everyone fights for their share of the pot. 09:25.520 --> 09:27.400 Even Lizhen's army, at Zhenbei Pass, 09:27.400 --> 09:29.560 fell to an uprising by a concubine's son. 09:29.560 --> 09:31.560 When the imperial family fights for their share, 09:31.560 --> 09:35.240 family squabbles become matters of state. 09:35.240 --> 09:38.800 Now that you've gained His Majesty's favor and command of the troops, 09:38.800 --> 09:41.080 the crown prince and Prince Qing will surely try to win you over. 09:41.080 --> 09:43.320 What's your plan? 09:43.320 --> 09:46.840 I'm going to follow your example. 09:46.840 --> 09:48.720 My example? 09:49.280 --> 09:52.160 Right now, I'm presenting myself as someone who's let go of his hatred, 09:52.160 --> 09:54.560 and solely focused on ambition and gain. 09:54.560 --> 09:56.240 So, I'll watch their performances first, 09:56.240 --> 10:00.120 then decide what role I want to play. 10:23.520 --> 10:25.040 Someone's coming. 10:25.040 --> 10:26.520 Hide! 10:48.600 --> 10:50.840 I haven't tried the Fortune Stew yet. 10:58.440 --> 11:00.600 Something's bothering you. 11:00.600 --> 11:03.000 Something's been off with you all day. 11:03.000 --> 11:05.120 What's going on? 11:12.720 --> 11:14.760 The arrow? 11:14.760 --> 11:16.880 Does it have to do with that arrow? 11:16.880 --> 11:19.800 Why would that incident disturb you so much? 11:26.240 --> 11:29.200 Do you really think you can see through everything about me? 11:29.200 --> 11:33.120 Whether it's today's incident or Wei Tingyu, 11:33.120 --> 11:36.280 does figuring me out make you feel accomplished? 11:37.000 --> 11:40.960 The ability to read people started as a skill I used in interrogations. 11:40.960 --> 11:43.440 Most of those I questioned were broken, physically and mentally, 11:43.440 --> 11:46.040 some even biting off their own tongues. 11:46.840 --> 11:49.280 So, believe me, 11:49.280 --> 11:53.320 knowing what someone else is thinking has never given me any satisfaction. 11:53.800 --> 11:56.520 Right now, I just want to help you. 11:57.080 --> 12:01.560 I want to... lighten your burden. 12:06.960 --> 12:11.520 My burden will be lighter if you stay away from me. 12:12.160 --> 12:15.000 It's for your own good, and for mine, too. 12:15.000 --> 12:18.320 Why? I don't understand. 12:18.320 --> 12:20.120 Is it because of Wei Tingyu? 12:20.120 --> 12:21.560 Let's just say it's for Wei Tingyu. 12:21.560 --> 12:23.680 What do you mean, "let's just say"? 12:23.680 --> 12:25.680 That's too dismissive. 12:30.240 --> 12:32.040 Your Grace, take care. 12:34.960 --> 12:45.320 ♫ I will enter a life of Nirvana for you without regrets ♫ 12:49.560 --> 12:53.000 It's Marquis of Jining's fault that we had to do this extra training. 12:53.000 --> 12:55.600 It's going to be rough for us. 12:55.600 --> 12:57.640 - What are we going to do? - Marquis Wei! 12:57.640 --> 12:58.960 - Say no more. - Oh, My Lord! 12:58.960 --> 13:00.960 My Lord, please come! 13:00.960 --> 13:03.640 Come on. This way. 13:03.640 --> 13:05.960 Sit here. 13:05.960 --> 13:08.880 Hang on. Song Mo isn't here yet.< It doesn't feel right for me to sit. 13:08.880 --> 13:10.800 This is how we usually do things. 13:10.800 --> 13:12.400 We just sit down for briefings. 13:12.400 --> 13:13.760 And we're done in an hour. 13:13.760 --> 13:15.160 Come on, have some of this. 13:15.160 --> 13:17.160 Thank you. 13:20.720 --> 13:23.480 I heard His Grace plans to tighten discipline around here. 13:23.480 --> 13:25.680 Discipline for you, not us. 13:25.680 --> 13:27.960 We're just here for show. 13:27.960 --> 13:31.760 Thanks to you, we're all in for tough times. 13:31.760 --> 13:34.600 All because of you! What do you mean by that? 13:34.600 --> 13:37.400 Song Mo and Minister Dou have a mountain of grudges. 13:37.400 --> 13:41.280 Everyone knows Lord Song and the Dou family are like fire and water. 13:41.280 --> 13:43.240 You're the Dou family's soon-to-be son-in-law. 13:43.240 --> 13:46.320 Of course, he's going to take it out on you! 13:47.920 --> 13:50.360 This is so unfair! 13:53.720 --> 13:55.920 Your-Your Grace. 13:56.560 --> 13:58.600 Candied olives for tribute? 13:58.600 --> 14:00.840 Just one costs 300 copper coins. 14:00.840 --> 14:04.280 Which of you here so generously bought this? 14:04.280 --> 14:07.520 It was Marquis Wei. He wanted to keep us energized. 14:07.520 --> 14:10.000 - After all, the training will... - No, how could you... 14:10.000 --> 14:11.760 Yes, he bought it. 14:11.760 --> 14:13.760 I see. 14:14.720 --> 14:17.960 In the military, we have rules about standing and sitting, and eating personal snacks is strictly forbidden. 14:17.960 --> 14:19.800 Anyone who ate these 14:19.800 --> 14:23.240 will carry a stone weight and crawl ten miles! 14:23.240 --> 14:26.640 Here, rank means nothing, only your position in the military matters. 14:26.640 --> 14:30.920 Anyone who misaddresses me again will lose their post! 14:30.920 --> 14:34.600 And as for the one who started this, an extra ten miles. 14:34.600 --> 14:36.640 But you ate some, too! 14:36.640 --> 14:41.720 Because I know that nothing is more important in the military than unity. 14:43.480 --> 14:47.720 So, I'm going to share the punishment with you! 14:47.720 --> 14:51.920 Your Grace... No, I mean, Lord Commander. 14:51.920 --> 14:53.880 They set me up. I didn't buy these— 14:53.880 --> 14:56.640 - Shut up! Come on! - Lord Commander, I can explain! 14:56.640 --> 14:58.640 Hurry up! Keep moving. 15:02.280 --> 15:03.880 Come on! 15:03.880 --> 15:05.480 Faster! 15:11.760 --> 15:15.040 Move it! Move it! Faster! 15:15.040 --> 15:16.720 Faster! 15:29.720 --> 15:31.640 I'm done. 15:35.880 --> 15:38.400 - Get up. - I can't. 15:38.400 --> 15:40.480 I can't do this anymore. 15:41.160 --> 15:43.120 Why are you making me do this, Your Grace? 15:43.120 --> 15:44.920 Your Grace! 15:48.120 --> 15:50.040 Well done! 15:54.000 --> 15:55.400 It's so high, Your Grace. 15:55.400 --> 15:57.440 How am I supposed to climb up there? 15:57.440 --> 15:58.960 Just cut me some slack, Your Grace. 15:58.960 --> 16:02.560 If I don't see you up here, you can forget about lunch. 16:03.200 --> 16:05.280 No lunch? That won't do. 16:05.280 --> 16:09.320 Why don't you just pull me up? 16:09.320 --> 16:11.040 Come on. 16:12.000 --> 16:13.360 Here. 16:13.360 --> 16:15.440 One, two... 16:26.960 --> 16:28.400 No one's fighting you for it. 16:28.400 --> 16:30.040 But really, as the Marquis of Jining, 16:30.040 --> 16:32.560 your table manners could use some work. 16:33.720 --> 16:35.520 You don't understand. 16:35.520 --> 16:37.320 I'm not used to physical training. 16:37.320 --> 16:41.440 And today, this plain bun tastes better than the delicacies back at my estate! 16:42.000 --> 16:45.240 I'd better train you harder, then. 16:45.240 --> 16:46.320 What? 16:46.320 --> 16:47.880 Please don't, Your Grace. 16:47.880 --> 16:50.520 Didn't you say we were kindred spirits? 16:50.520 --> 16:53.200 Why are you picking on me? 16:53.200 --> 16:57.320 I know, it's true Fourth Young Lady and I are engaged, 16:57.320 --> 17:01.000 but I swear, I have no intention of siding with the Dou family! 17:02.520 --> 17:07.040 My Lord, aren't you marrying Fourth Young Lady soon? 17:09.320 --> 17:10.520 You think it's my choice? 17:10.520 --> 17:11.880 Our parents arranged it. 17:11.880 --> 17:13.760 I have no say in it. 17:13.760 --> 17:16.080 You have no idea, Fourth Young Lady is coarse and ill-mannered, 17:16.080 --> 17:18.360 hardly a suitable match. 17:26.000 --> 17:30.160 Your Grace... No, I mean, Lord Commander, 17:30.160 --> 17:32.720 why are you looking at me like that? 17:34.440 --> 17:36.280 You're absolutely right. 17:36.280 --> 17:40.040 Fourth Young Lady is far from a decent person. 17:41.080 --> 17:43.280 You think so, too? 17:45.040 --> 17:47.560 Truly, great minds think alike. 17:47.560 --> 17:50.760 Fourth Young Lady was sent to live on a country estate when she was little. 17:50.760 --> 17:52.240 She grew up among common riffraff. 17:52.240 --> 17:54.080 She has no respect for her elders and no regard for propriety. 17:54.080 --> 17:56.960 If it weren't for her looks, she'd be utterly worthless. 17:56.960 --> 18:00.080 Though, I'll admit, she does have one redeeming trait, 18:00.080 --> 18:02.800 that is, she has good taste for fancying me. 18:02.800 --> 18:06.080 She's been pestering her uncle to set the wedding date. 18:06.640 --> 18:11.760 Oh, well! I'll just think of it as marrying a hen that lays golden eggs. 18:11.760 --> 18:15.560 Here, Your Grace, have an egg. 18:19.920 --> 18:21.880 You. Come practice mounted archery with me. 18:21.880 --> 18:24.280 Your-Your Grace! Your Grace! 18:24.280 --> 18:25.440 I haven't finished lunch! 18:25.440 --> 18:27.720 Didn't he say they were kindred spirits? 18:27.720 --> 18:30.440 Looks like the marquis is about to lose his life. 18:30.440 --> 18:32.160 Kindred spirits? 18:32.160 --> 18:34.760 He's treating him like an enemy. 18:38.840 --> 18:40.920 [Everlasting Moonlight] 18:58.200 --> 19:02.680 [I toss and turn in my sleep thinking about you. I have a thousand words to say, but I still hope to see you again.] 19:02.680 --> 19:04.480 I don't know much about painting, 19:04.480 --> 19:07.800 but the poetry here is certainly full of love. 19:08.680 --> 19:12.960 Sis, I never tried to seduce him. I swear on it. 19:12.960 --> 19:16.680 If you want me to believe you, burn the painting. 19:33.360 --> 19:37.600 Since you really like it, keep it. 19:38.600 --> 19:40.680 I don't like Wei Tingyu. 19:41.320 --> 19:44.640 Even though we're engaged, I'll never marry him. 19:44.640 --> 19:47.400 You were just testing me? 19:48.600 --> 19:53.720 But even so, Mother would never agree. 19:53.720 --> 19:55.880 She'll kill me. 19:55.880 --> 19:58.320 I know your mother has been hard on you all these years 19:58.320 --> 20:00.440 because your marriage didn't go as planned. 20:00.440 --> 20:04.120 But whether it's learning painting or deciding who to marry, 20:04.120 --> 20:07.240 you shouldn't do it just to please her. 20:07.240 --> 20:08.880 You're an adult now. 20:08.880 --> 20:11.960 It's time to start making decisions for your own life. 20:14.560 --> 20:17.160 [Yizhi Hall] 20:17.160 --> 20:20.640 Wei Tingyu's eyes are blind, and his heart is rotten. 20:20.640 --> 20:22.560 He's absolutely unworthy of Fourth Young Lady. 20:22.560 --> 20:24.080 He may have a thousand flaws, 20:24.080 --> 20:26.480 but he's still the one engaged to Dou Zhao. 20:26.480 --> 20:30.240 He's her fiance, yet he spoke ill of her behind her back. 20:30.240 --> 20:31.880 His character is deplorable. 20:31.880 --> 20:35.360 Should we warn her about him? 20:38.240 --> 20:41.360 I can't shake the feeling that Dou Zhao is lying to me. 20:41.360 --> 20:45.480 My burden will be lighter if you stay away from me. 20:46.120 --> 20:49.600 It's for your own good, and for mine, too. 20:50.560 --> 20:53.000 I have to figure out what's on her mind. 20:54.160 --> 20:57.520 Your Grace, there's a eunuch outside asking to see you. 20:57.520 --> 20:59.920 - Let him in. - Yes, Your Grace. 21:03.920 --> 21:05.400 Your Grace. 21:09.360 --> 21:12.880 Marquis of Jining has accused you of abusing your power and training him to the point of serious injury. 21:12.880 --> 21:16.360 He's teamed up with several sons of noble families and filed a formal complaint against you. 21:16.360 --> 21:19.720 [In the past, he served with loyalty, but today... I hope the ministers will investigate... With my utmost sincere gratitude...] 21:19.720 --> 21:23.960 This Wei Tingyu is quite something, isn't he? 21:23.960 --> 21:32.160 [Guanghe House] ♪ Long-lasting... ♪ 21:32.160 --> 21:34.600 Bravo! 21:34.600 --> 21:40.720 ♪ Short-lived... ♪ 21:40.720 --> 21:45.960 Bravo! 21:45.960 --> 21:49.240 In the end, this is still about our marriage alliance. 21:49.240 --> 21:51.880 Song Mo and Fifth Master Dou have a bad relationship. 21:51.880 --> 21:55.960 Who could've guessed he'd hold such a grudge and take it out on Peijin? 21:55.960 --> 22:00.240 Just look at what he's put him through. 22:02.240 --> 22:06.680 Madam, why bother stooping to the level of a mad dog that bites indiscriminately? 22:06.680 --> 22:09.840 If you ask me, Song Mo may have been reinstated, 22:09.840 --> 22:13.840 but he spends all his days mingling with those opera performers. 22:13.840 --> 22:15.240 What future could someone like that possibly have? 22:15.240 --> 22:16.480 Unbelievable. 22:16.480 --> 22:17.800 And I heard, 22:17.800 --> 22:20.680 he even has those opera singers 22:20.680 --> 22:22.800 - warm his feet at night! - Really? 22:22.800 --> 22:26.040 Bravo! 22:26.040 --> 22:29.080 People come and go here. Someone might overhear you. 22:30.760 --> 22:34.760 Just ask Fifth Master Dou to arrange a respectable position for Peijin [Duke of Jing] 22:34.760 --> 22:37.000 at the Directorate of Ceremonies. 22:37.000 --> 22:40.320 For now, let's focus on getting this marriage settled. 22:40.320 --> 22:43.160 After all, starting a family comes before building a career. 22:43.160 --> 22:47.280 It's no easy task to bring both families together to discuss engagement, 22:47.280 --> 22:51.120 and look at you, your mind is entirely on that play. 22:51.120 --> 22:54.920 Even the children had lost interest and left. 22:54.920 --> 22:57.640 Bravo! 22:58.960 --> 23:01.440 Fifth Young Lady! 23:01.440 --> 23:04.280 Fifth Young Lady, why are you avoiding me? 23:04.280 --> 23:06.960 My parents are downstairs. Just go away. 23:06.960 --> 23:10.920 Don't you know how I feel about you? 23:10.920 --> 23:12.520 It's never going to happen between us. 23:12.520 --> 23:15.000 Looks like they really love each other. 23:15.000 --> 23:17.560 Why hasn't Marquis of Jining requested a change in the marriage arrangement? 23:17.560 --> 23:19.520 His marrying Fifth Young Lady would be the perfect solution for everyone. 23:19.520 --> 23:21.920 Wei Tingzhen has probably shut him down. 23:21.920 --> 23:26.560 If Wei Tingyu were the decisive type, 23:26.560 --> 23:29.480 he wouldn't have cowered after just two days on the job. 23:29.480 --> 23:34.080 I heard that His Grace was impeached over his training drills at the Imperial Guards' camp. 23:34.080 --> 23:37.720 Marquis of Jining led the complaint, claiming he got seriously injured during training. 23:37.720 --> 23:40.600 Not long after His Grace learned about Marquis of Jinings's engagement with you, 23:40.600 --> 23:42.800 His Grace immediately targeted him. 23:42.800 --> 23:45.680 Why do you think that was the case, Young Lady? 23:46.920 --> 23:50.160 Are you implying that Song Mo is jealous because of me? 23:50.160 --> 23:51.960 I didn't say that, 23:51.960 --> 23:54.800 but now that you put it that way, it all makes sense to me. 23:54.800 --> 23:56.280 You... 23:58.920 --> 24:01.360 Wei Tingzhen must've realized they couldn't curry favor with Song Mo, 24:01.360 --> 24:03.600 so now she's pushing for the wedding. 24:03.600 --> 24:06.440 I had hoped that earning first place in the noblewoman exam 24:06.440 --> 24:09.160 might earn me an appointment as a female official by His Majesty. 24:09.160 --> 24:11.560 That way, I'd be stationed in Liaodong for three to five years, 24:11.560 --> 24:13.720 and the engagement could quietly fall apart. 24:13.720 --> 24:16.280 - Who would've known... - I can walk on my own. 24:23.200 --> 24:26.440 Fourth Young Lady, instead of enjoying the opera, you've come here. 24:26.440 --> 24:29.560 Are you meeting your lover in secret? 24:29.560 --> 24:31.280 Your Grace, I heard you can't sleep 24:31.280 --> 24:33.760 without having an opera performer to warm your feet every night. 24:33.760 --> 24:35.120 Cold feet at night? 24:35.120 --> 24:37.880 That's a sign of kidney yang deficiency. 24:39.240 --> 24:41.520 You really ought to take care of yourself. 24:44.480 --> 24:46.360 Go, go. 24:49.760 --> 24:53.080 Marquis of Jining is bedridden from his training, 24:53.080 --> 24:55.480 and you didn't show the slightest concern for him. 24:55.480 --> 24:59.640 Instead, you're worried about me? 25:05.120 --> 25:07.960 Are you really going to marry Wei Tingyu? 25:08.560 --> 25:12.640 Do you really need a singer's song to lull you to sleep every night? 25:14.320 --> 25:18.200 My little act can't possibly fool you. 25:23.040 --> 25:27.480 But you still haven't answered my question. 25:42.240 --> 25:44.920 Why are you running away? 25:47.520 --> 25:49.360 What the hell are you doing? 25:53.440 --> 25:56.120 Fourth Young Lady, are you all right? 25:56.120 --> 25:59.840 How dare a nobleman like you bully a defenseless young woman! 26:11.360 --> 26:12.920 Defenseless young woman? 26:12.920 --> 26:16.840 That's not how you described her the other day. 26:16.840 --> 26:18.320 I... 26:20.160 --> 26:21.320 What did I say? 26:21.320 --> 26:22.680 What I said isn't important. 26:22.680 --> 26:26.240 What matters is that I saw you bullying her. 26:27.480 --> 26:29.280 Why are you snickering? 26:30.480 --> 26:33.080 Fourth Young Lady, don't be afraid. 26:33.080 --> 26:34.640 In broad daylight... 26:34.640 --> 26:38.360 No, under the bright moon, 26:38.360 --> 26:40.920 he wouldn't dare act improperly. 26:43.480 --> 26:45.920 What are you trying to do? 26:49.680 --> 26:51.560 Just wait and see. 27:00.960 --> 27:02.960 Lecher! 27:04.720 --> 27:07.400 - Fourth Young Lady... - Young Master Wei. 27:07.400 --> 27:09.400 Please come with me. 27:13.280 --> 27:15.400 All right. 27:15.400 --> 27:18.880 My Lord, there's just the two of us here, 27:18.880 --> 27:20.920 so I'll just speak plainly. 27:20.920 --> 27:22.800 - I... - Say no more. 27:22.800 --> 27:24.920 I know you want to confess your love. 27:24.920 --> 27:27.560 You had your mother sign the marriage contract with my family, 27:27.560 --> 27:31.480 and you even fought to take first place on the noblewoman exam for me. 27:31.480 --> 27:32.840 For you? 27:32.840 --> 27:35.680 That's right. I know your feelings for me run deep. 27:35.680 --> 27:37.320 I've seen it clearly. 27:37.320 --> 27:38.600 But the more devoted you are, 27:38.600 --> 27:42.360 the more uneasy I feel because the one I love is Fifth Young Lady— 27:43.160 --> 27:45.240 Why did you kick me? 27:45.240 --> 27:47.680 I get it. When it comes to this relationship, 27:47.680 --> 27:49.640 I've wronged you, I'm at fault. 27:49.640 --> 27:51.360 Hit me and scold me all you want. 27:51.360 --> 27:53.760 But love... love is unpredictable. 27:53.760 --> 27:55.800 Even if you have me in name, you'll never have my love. 27:55.800 --> 27:57.800 Enough, My Lord! 28:01.320 --> 28:03.440 I know you don't love me, 28:03.440 --> 28:05.280 and I know you love someone else. 28:05.280 --> 28:07.960 So why not break the engagement and marry her instead? 28:07.960 --> 28:11.600 Marriage is determined by the will of the parents. 28:11.600 --> 28:14.760 With both my parents gone, my elder sister has taken their place, 28:14.760 --> 28:17.120 and I dare not disobey her. 28:17.120 --> 28:20.120 I know this is unfair to you, 28:20.120 --> 28:22.680 and even more so to the one I love. 28:22.680 --> 28:25.960 If only Fifth Master could step in, 28:27.840 --> 28:30.280 wouldn't that make things much simpler? 28:30.280 --> 28:32.320 You and Dou Ming are so deeply in love, 28:32.320 --> 28:35.600 yet you are gutless to disobey them while expecting me to do so instead. 28:35.600 --> 28:38.960 If I were Dou Ming, I would've slapped you. 28:38.960 --> 28:40.760 Very well. 28:41.440 --> 28:43.880 Since you can't make up your mind, 28:43.880 --> 28:48.040 let's have our families proceed with tradition and perform a divination then. 28:48.840 --> 28:50.640 Perform a divination? 28:50.640 --> 28:53.840 I... I don't think we need to rush things. 28:53.840 --> 28:56.440 Let me discuss this with my sister first. 28:56.440 --> 28:58.760 We should consider it carefully. 28:58.760 --> 29:00.760 Now, if you'll excuse me. 29:02.760 --> 29:04.600 Divination my foot! 29:04.600 --> 29:06.560 Wei Tingyu is all talk and no action. 29:06.560 --> 29:08.040 How spineless! 29:08.040 --> 29:09.840 No wonder His Grace despises him so much. 29:09.840 --> 29:11.320 Even I feel like punching him. 29:11.320 --> 29:13.560 Passive, indecisive, and completely irresponsible, 29:13.560 --> 29:15.040 leaving all the hard choices to a woman. 29:15.040 --> 29:17.000 What a pampered personality, clearly raised among women. 29:17.000 --> 29:19.640 Absolutely unreliable. 29:19.640 --> 29:21.520 I wonder what Dou Ming thinks of this. 29:21.520 --> 29:24.320 I've sent someone to keep an eye on Fifth Young Lady. 29:24.320 --> 29:27.720 But are you really going to leave things to fate 29:27.720 --> 29:29.840 and follow through with the divination? 29:29.840 --> 29:31.840 Fate? 29:33.760 --> 29:35.680 Fate is wonderful. 29:35.680 --> 29:39.320 Fate is something no one can defy. 29:42.920 --> 29:45.200 Just as you suspected, Your Grace. 29:45.200 --> 29:48.280 Fourth Young Lady doesn't really want to marry Wei Tingyu. 29:48.280 --> 29:51.240 She's just putting on a show. 29:51.240 --> 29:54.200 I'll let her finish her performance, then. 29:59.240 --> 30:02.280 These memorials were submitted by the Marquis of Jining and the Duke of Jing 30:02.280 --> 30:04.720 over the past few days. 30:04.720 --> 30:06.600 Tell Wei Tingyu this: 30:06.600 --> 30:09.840 He can come plead his case after he masters archery and horsemanship, 30:09.840 --> 30:12.560 and proves himself a proper marquis. 30:12.560 --> 30:16.920 From now on, his memorials need not be presented. 30:16.920 --> 30:18.560 Yes, Your Majesty. 30:18.560 --> 30:21.640 Your Majesty, Song Mo holds a critical position in the Imperial Guard, 30:21.640 --> 30:23.360 yet he has been spending his nights in opera houses, 30:23.360 --> 30:25.640 often disturbing respectable women. 30:25.640 --> 30:28.920 Such behavior tarnishes the court's reputation. 30:28.920 --> 30:32.880 However, Song Mo has indeed rectified the lax discipline within the Imperial Guards. 30:32.880 --> 30:35.800 With your family's daughter and Marquis of Jining already engaged, 30:35.800 --> 30:39.520 Minister Dou, could your comments right now be driven by personal grievances? 30:39.520 --> 30:41.360 You... 30:43.360 --> 30:45.400 No man is without flaws. 30:45.400 --> 30:49.600 Since he has set aside past grievances and devoted himself to the court, 30:49.600 --> 30:52.080 I am pleased. 30:52.080 --> 30:56.360 You two, as in-laws in private 30:56.360 --> 30:59.760 and colleagues at work, 30:59.760 --> 31:04.200 should not stoop to mutual accusations before me over such trivial matters. 31:04.880 --> 31:07.640 - We are incompetent. - We are incompetent. 31:13.480 --> 31:15.680 Order within the family leads to order in governance, 31:15.680 --> 31:18.040 which then leads to peace in the realm. 31:18.040 --> 31:23.280 Without a family, a man is like a kite with a broken string; aimless and unsteady. 31:23.280 --> 31:25.720 Be it Yantang, the Dou family, 31:25.720 --> 31:28.280 or the Wei family, all must uphold propriety. 31:28.280 --> 31:31.520 Let there be no more scandals like the Wu family's, 31:31.520 --> 31:35.160 which made the court a laughing stock among the people. 31:35.160 --> 31:36.520 I shall obey, Your Majesty. 31:36.520 --> 31:38.160 Yes, Your Majesty. 31:38.160 --> 31:41.880 [Achieve High Aspirations] 31:43.160 --> 31:44.960 She's sick? 31:44.960 --> 31:47.920 She just agreed to the divination ritual a few days ago. 31:47.920 --> 31:49.240 How did she suddenly fall ill? 31:49.240 --> 31:51.760 Fourth Young Lady said she caught a chill due to the colder weather. 31:51.760 --> 31:54.800 Her energy seems fine, but her forehead is still burning, 31:54.800 --> 31:56.160 and she can't get out of bed. 31:56.160 --> 31:58.440 Has a doctor been called? Take good care of her. 31:58.440 --> 31:59.880 Don't let it turn into something serious. 31:59.880 --> 32:01.560 Yes, Master. 32:04.120 --> 32:07.000 Shougu agreeing to the divination means she's finally come around 32:07.000 --> 32:09.080 and isn't so resistant to the marriage anymore. 32:09.080 --> 32:12.720 Why do you still look so troubled? 32:12.720 --> 32:14.120 Nothing. 32:14.120 --> 32:17.880 I was just thinking, since this is a divination ritual, 32:17.880 --> 32:21.400 wouldn't her falling ill at this time be considered inauspicious? 32:21.400 --> 32:23.040 Their birth charts have already been checked. 32:23.040 --> 32:26.440 Burning tortoise shells is just a formality. 32:29.160 --> 32:34.040 Master and Madam, the Duchess of Jing has arrived. 32:37.200 --> 32:40.040 This is Master Ma, the most renowned diviner in the capital. 32:40.040 --> 32:43.440 He's provided guidance to many noble families. 32:46.360 --> 32:48.840 All right, you may go. 32:53.280 --> 32:55.200 Ming'er? 32:55.200 --> 32:56.960 Ming'er? 32:57.600 --> 32:59.280 Ming'er? 33:03.160 --> 33:05.280 Ming'er. 33:05.280 --> 33:07.200 What are you doing here? 33:07.200 --> 33:09.320 You weren't replying to my letters. 33:09.320 --> 33:10.480 I had to come and see you. 33:10.480 --> 33:13.760 - Go home, I don't want to see you. - Don't push me. 33:13.760 --> 33:15.760 Are you hurt? 33:16.640 --> 33:19.160 - Are you all right? - I'm fine. 33:19.160 --> 33:20.800 Our family just dealt with a scandal recently. 33:20.800 --> 33:26.000 If someone sees you, you'll face punishment, too. 33:26.000 --> 33:28.160 So, you're worried about me? 33:32.800 --> 33:34.800 - How did it go? - Wei Tingyu wasn't there. 33:34.800 --> 33:38.520 Apparently, he and Duke of Jing don't believe in divination. 33:38.520 --> 33:42.440 He's probably trying to figure out a plan to avoid this. What about the divination ritual? 33:42.440 --> 33:46.200 Wei Tingzhen said as his sister, she could handle it on his behalf. 33:47.360 --> 33:50.560 Tell Mr. Chen and Su Lan to proceed. 34:09.400 --> 34:11.160 Don't worry, Ming'er. 34:11.160 --> 34:13.560 Everyone's in the main house burning tortoise shells for the divination. 34:13.560 --> 34:15.000 No one will come here. 34:15.000 --> 34:18.240 I just want to tell you something. Once I'm done, I'll leave. 34:19.200 --> 34:21.880 They're already performing the divination. What more can you say? 34:21.880 --> 34:24.200 Whatever it is, I don't want to hear it. 34:24.200 --> 34:25.960 - Just go! - Ming'er. 34:25.960 --> 34:29.320 My sister wanted that, not me. I... 34:35.480 --> 34:38.120 Give it back! 34:38.120 --> 34:39.640 The red beans grow in the southern land, 34:39.640 --> 34:42.280 sprouting with the arrival of spring. 34:48.920 --> 34:50.920 Look at this. 35:01.600 --> 35:03.880 We clearly love each other. 35:03.880 --> 35:05.880 Why won't you... 35:06.960 --> 35:08.800 I've asked around. 35:08.800 --> 35:12.480 Other than reciting poetry and painting, 35:12.480 --> 35:16.280 your favorite pastime is frequenting brothels to indulge in debauchery. 35:16.280 --> 35:19.000 At home, you're surrounded by countless beautiful maids. 35:19.000 --> 35:22.680 Even when painting, you need several attendants just to prepare the ink. 35:22.680 --> 35:24.880 Why bother coming to see me? 35:32.560 --> 35:35.560 I swear by the heavens and the earth, I, Wei Tingyu, vow to dismiss 35:35.560 --> 35:38.240 all the maids in my house 35:38.240 --> 35:40.240 and never step foot in a brothel again. 35:40.240 --> 35:42.240 From now on, 35:42.880 --> 35:45.360 my brush will paint only Dou Ming. 35:45.360 --> 35:50.000 Should I break this vow, may swords pierce my heart, and may I die miserably— 35:50.880 --> 35:53.080 I haven't even agreed to anything. 35:53.080 --> 35:55.560 Why make such a drastic oath? 35:59.680 --> 36:01.720 Do you believe me or not? 36:04.360 --> 36:06.840 Even if you really mean that, 36:06.840 --> 36:09.800 you wouldn't dare disobey your sister. 36:09.800 --> 36:12.320 And I don't want to embarrass my family either. 36:13.440 --> 36:16.480 Don't worry. I've come up with a plan. 36:16.480 --> 36:18.640 Let me show you something. 36:19.360 --> 36:22.240 Guards, catch the thief! 36:22.240 --> 36:23.880 - Go! - Thief! 36:23.880 --> 36:27.520 - Leave! - Ming'er, you have to see this. 36:30.120 --> 36:33.000 Catch the thief! Search the houses! 36:33.000 --> 36:35.320 Don't let him get away! 36:35.320 --> 36:37.040 A thief in broad daylight? How is that possible? 36:37.040 --> 36:41.080 Master, I saw him run straight into the inner house. We're chasing him now. 36:41.080 --> 36:44.040 Go and check on Ming'er and Shou'er now! 36:44.040 --> 36:46.600 Yes, we have to check on Ming'er. 36:46.600 --> 36:48.720 Madam Wei, let's find someplace to hide. 36:48.720 --> 36:50.520 How has the capital come to this? 36:50.520 --> 36:52.320 How are we supposed to hide from a thief? 36:52.320 --> 36:54.080 This is absurd! 36:54.560 --> 36:56.280 - Go! - Take a look at this pouch. 36:56.280 --> 36:58.200 Not now! You have to go! 36:58.200 --> 37:01.000 - But you haven't looked at the pouch. - Now is not the time for that! 37:01.000 --> 37:03.200 - Go! - Search that place! 37:03.200 --> 37:06.080 - Hurry! - Remember to look inside the pouch! 37:07.880 --> 37:10.560 Young Lady! 37:10.560 --> 37:13.320 - Fifth Young Lady, are you all right? - Yes. 37:33.320 --> 37:35.120 As expected, it's exactly the same. 37:35.120 --> 37:36.920 Another "great fortune" prediction. 37:36.920 --> 37:38.440 If I were to truly believe in this, 37:38.440 --> 37:41.240 I'd probably end up with another arrow straight to the heart. 37:55.240 --> 37:57.040 Go. 37:58.440 --> 38:00.800 Great misfortune. 38:00.800 --> 38:02.680 She even pretended there was a thief. 38:02.680 --> 38:06.440 Does she really think a petty trick like this could break off the engagement? 38:06.440 --> 38:09.480 She has no respect for gods or spirits. No wonder she lost her mother. 38:09.480 --> 38:11.400 Good thing you were cautious 38:11.400 --> 38:15.440 and prepared a few tortoise shells. 38:15.440 --> 38:17.360 Experience triumphs, after all. 38:17.360 --> 38:21.840 The moment she agreed to the divination, I knew she'd pull a stunt like this. 38:23.000 --> 38:24.920 Someone's here. 38:24.920 --> 38:27.840 Could she have come back? Hurry! 38:36.680 --> 38:38.680 Ming? 38:59.240 --> 39:01.600 Why... 39:01.600 --> 39:05.040 How could she... Great misfortune? 39:05.040 --> 39:08.560 Since when did Ming'er start meddling with this? 39:08.560 --> 39:11.560 Hurry and switch it back. Don't let Ming'er... 39:11.560 --> 39:13.840 Ming took the tongs with her. 39:13.840 --> 39:16.160 Use your hands then. 39:16.880 --> 39:18.240 It's scorching hot, Madam. 39:18.240 --> 39:19.880 Useless thing! I'll do it myself. 39:19.880 --> 39:22.240 Careful, Madam! Careful! 39:22.240 --> 39:24.080 Hurry! 39:24.080 --> 39:26.080 Got it. 39:26.080 --> 39:28.680 They're back. Come on. 39:28.680 --> 39:31.840 It seems some of the guests in the outer houses 39:31.840 --> 39:35.040 mistook someone for a thief and spread a false alarm. 39:35.040 --> 39:37.440 My apologies for alarming you, Madam Wei. 39:37.440 --> 39:40.000 I just hope it didn't disrupt the ritual. 39:40.000 --> 39:43.680 A water-element male paired with a metal-element female, and there are no cracks on the shell. 39:43.680 --> 39:46.000 This is a most auspicious sign! 39:46.000 --> 39:48.680 Their matrimony will bring wealth and a successful career. 39:48.680 --> 39:51.680 What about children? The matter of heirs is the most important. 39:51.680 --> 39:54.160 They will have many children and a flourishing lineage. 39:54.160 --> 39:58.280 This union will be a blessing for both families! 39:58.280 --> 39:59.360 Wonderful! 39:59.360 --> 40:02.520 I say we should finalize this as soon as possible. 40:02.520 --> 40:04.960 There's an auspicious date next month. 40:04.960 --> 40:06.480 As the lady of the house, 40:06.480 --> 40:09.320 I've already prepared the dowry gifts. 40:17.040 --> 40:19.200 After all that trouble, it still came out as "great fortune." 40:19.200 --> 40:21.200 How frustrating. 40:22.440 --> 40:24.640 She's here. I'll explain to you later. 40:24.640 --> 40:27.160 - Just do as I told you. - Yes, Young Lady. 40:28.040 --> 40:30.880 [A Peaceful Mind and Elegant Style] 40:30.880 --> 40:33.040 Madam Wei, please wait. 40:33.600 --> 40:34.880 Madam Wei. 40:34.880 --> 40:36.880 Weren't you unwell? 40:36.880 --> 40:40.480 I realize now I've been rude in the past. 40:40.480 --> 40:44.000 These fresh lilies just arrived from Jiangnan. 40:44.000 --> 40:47.280 They're a small gesture to make amends 40:47.280 --> 40:49.400 and wish for harmony. 40:49.400 --> 40:52.640 I sincerely hope we can have the wedding soon. 40:52.640 --> 40:56.640 It seems falling ill has done wonders for your attitude. 40:57.680 --> 40:59.520 Thank you. 41:06.920 --> 41:10.120 Wang Yingxue thinks she's so clever, 41:10.120 --> 41:12.240 so I have to stay one step ahead of her. 41:12.240 --> 41:14.880 The divination results don't matter. 41:14.880 --> 41:18.120 What matters is planting doubt in Wei Tingzhen's mind. 41:18.120 --> 41:19.880 Wei Tingzhen already has her suspicions. 41:19.880 --> 41:23.280 With you suddenly being so friendly, she's bound to investigate it. 41:23.280 --> 41:27.280 So, if she investigates, what exactly will she find out? 41:27.280 --> 41:28.960 That's where you two come in. 41:28.960 --> 41:31.760 I'll need your help to put on a convincing show. 41:45.600 --> 41:49.120 When Dou Zhao marries into your family, 41:49.120 --> 41:51.720 all her assets will naturally be under your control. 41:51.720 --> 41:53.720 I have only one wish, 41:53.720 --> 41:55.480 that is, to see the one I love 41:55.480 --> 41:57.600 to get what she wishes for, even just once. 41:57.600 --> 41:59.600 Wait!