WEBVTT 00:08.040 --> 00:11.120 Wang Yingxue thinks she's so clever, 00:11.120 --> 00:13.280 so I have to stay one step ahead of her. 00:13.280 --> 00:15.880 The divination results don't matter. 00:15.880 --> 00:19.080 What matters is planting doubt in Wei Tingzhen's mind. 00:19.080 --> 00:21.000 Wei Tingzhen already has her suspicions. 00:21.000 --> 00:24.240 With you suddenly being so friendly, she's bound to investigate it. 00:24.240 --> 00:28.480 So, if she investigates, what exactly will she find out? 00:28.480 --> 00:30.080 That's where you two come in. 00:30.080 --> 00:32.680 I'll need your help to put on a convincing show. 00:32.680 --> 00:34.240 What? 00:34.240 --> 00:36.600 - Infertile? - That's right. 00:36.600 --> 00:40.400 I went to ask Dou Zhao's personal maids as you instructed. 00:40.400 --> 00:43.360 After a few drinks, she spilled everything. 00:43.360 --> 00:46.720 Your mistress looked terribly unwell the last time we saw her. 00:46.720 --> 00:51.400 So, Her Grace asked me to prepare some tonics for her. 00:51.920 --> 00:53.800 She's had more tonics than I can count, 00:53.800 --> 00:56.200 but none of them seem to help. 00:56.200 --> 00:59.560 No wonder. There's such a strong smell of medicine on her. 00:59.560 --> 01:02.480 I brew so much medicine for her that I'm practically soaked in it. 01:02.480 --> 01:04.280 The medicine smells so strong. What illness does your mistress have? 01:04.280 --> 01:07.400 The medicine smells so strong. What illness does your mistress have? 01:07.400 --> 01:09.600 Well, she's... 01:11.840 --> 01:15.480 Nanny, don't mind her. My sister is drunk. She's rambling nonsense. 01:15.480 --> 01:17.800 Fourth Young Lady isn't seriously ill. 01:17.800 --> 01:19.400 That medicine was for me. 01:19.400 --> 01:22.800 It was obviously a lie. Who would believe that? 01:22.800 --> 01:25.880 After much effort, I followed them until dawn 01:25.880 --> 01:31.520 and saw them burying something wrapped in white cloth under a tree. 01:34.600 --> 01:36.920 I dug it up and asked someone familiar with herbs about it. 01:36.920 --> 01:40.280 They said the heavy medicine was for women with severe deficiencies, 01:40.280 --> 01:42.880 the kind who can't conceive. 01:42.880 --> 01:45.640 Madam, you should've seen it. 01:45.640 --> 01:49.600 The tree was scorched and nearly bare! 01:50.920 --> 01:54.160 No wonder one was acting sneaky, and the other suddenly changed her attitude. 01:54.160 --> 01:56.080 She's known all along that Dou Zhao is infertile! 01:56.080 --> 01:59.160 They're worried she won't find a match and are trying to push her onto us! 01:59.160 --> 02:01.400 Oh, Wang Yingxue... 02:02.080 --> 02:04.760 She has no respect for even the gods. 02:05.840 --> 02:08.240 Have the study send a letter to the Dou family 02:08.240 --> 02:11.240 to pause the wedding arrangements for now. 02:11.240 --> 02:16.320 Since Dou Zhao is unwell, the wedding will have to be postponed. 02:16.320 --> 02:20.560 Let's see which of us runs out of patience first. 02:20.560 --> 02:23.880 [Now, that Fourth Young Lady is feeling ill, we extend our sympathies. While she is recovering, we can discuss the marriage at length. The two families are of the same mind, and we are looking forward to a long future.] 02:26.800 --> 02:29.200 - Madam, please calm down. - What on earth is 02:29.200 --> 02:31.560 Wei Tingzhen playing at now? 02:39.960 --> 02:41.960 Hold out your hands. 02:46.560 --> 02:48.640 What on earth did Dou Zhao say to you? 02:48.640 --> 02:50.080 Don't blame her. 02:50.080 --> 02:52.760 It was my own fault for having thoughts I shouldn't have. 02:52.760 --> 02:55.440 Useless fool! 02:55.440 --> 02:59.040 The Marquis of Jining's household has borrowed against their income for the next ten years. 02:59.040 --> 03:01.760 Nine out of ten of their properties are losing money. 03:01.760 --> 03:05.560 With Wei Tingyu's abilities, he couldn't pay that back in a hundred lifetimes! 03:05.560 --> 03:07.240 I'm marrying Dou Zhao into that family 03:07.240 --> 03:10.080 so Wei Tingzhen can bleed her dry and make her life difficult! 03:10.080 --> 03:12.680 Do you think the rumors about maids being beaten half to death 03:12.680 --> 03:15.640 and thrown out of the Duke of Jing Residence are just gossip? 03:15.640 --> 03:17.760 Wei Tingyu, that lecherous man, must've seduced her. 03:17.760 --> 03:20.320 Ming has been sheltered her whole life and doesn't know how to judge people. 03:20.320 --> 03:22.520 That's why she fell for his sweet talk. 03:23.960 --> 03:26.800 Fifth Young Lady, say you're sorry. 03:27.640 --> 03:29.800 I was wrong. 03:32.560 --> 03:35.120 Do you really realize your mistake, 03:36.160 --> 03:38.040 or are you just saying that because my punishment hurt? 03:38.040 --> 03:41.280 Mother, actually, His Lordship and I... 03:41.280 --> 03:45.080 Let me give you four words: over my dead body! 03:48.280 --> 03:50.280 Mother! 03:56.040 --> 03:58.160 Seventh Master has always cared about you, 03:58.160 --> 03:59.960 it all comes down to Fifth Master. 03:59.960 --> 04:01.920 It takes two to tango. 04:01.920 --> 04:04.080 Right now, it's the Wei family who's backing out. 04:04.080 --> 04:06.960 Fifth Uncle will probably just play dumb as usual. 04:06.960 --> 04:08.840 But I feel bad for Dou Ming. 04:08.840 --> 04:12.160 Wang Yingxue has found out about her and Wei Tingyu. 04:12.160 --> 04:14.240 She's bound to punish her harshly. 04:14.240 --> 04:16.360 Serve me some ice cream, 04:16.360 --> 04:20.440 and I'll gladly help you out of this mess. 04:24.960 --> 04:26.600 Ji Jianming, knock it off. 04:26.600 --> 04:29.160 Ji Jianming, knock it off. 04:29.160 --> 04:31.560 What are you doing in the capital? 04:33.640 --> 04:36.400 The moment the horse market opened, all those sycophantic fools 04:36.400 --> 04:38.400 flocked to it like flies to garbage. 04:38.400 --> 04:40.880 And I refused to play along. 04:40.880 --> 04:45.360 So, Prince Qing sent me back to the capital to report on my duties. 04:45.360 --> 04:47.360 Tuber fleeceflower and rehmannia glutinosa? 04:47.360 --> 04:50.280 These are specifically used to treat infertility in women. 04:52.120 --> 04:54.080 Are you pretending to be infertile? 04:55.040 --> 04:56.760 A proper show requires the full act. 04:56.760 --> 05:00.600 By dumping these medicine dregs outside, it'll help Wei Tingzhen make up her mind. 05:00.600 --> 05:03.800 No wonder Seventh Uncle mentioned that the wedding was delayed again. 05:03.800 --> 05:05.200 But why go through all this trouble? 05:05.200 --> 05:07.840 If you want to call off the engagement, just say the word. 05:07.840 --> 05:10.920 I have plenty of quick and effective ideas. 05:10.920 --> 05:14.040 I specialize in cutting off rotten romances. 05:14.040 --> 05:17.240 Domestic matters aren't like court politics. 05:17.240 --> 05:19.800 Acting too hastily could harm others in the process. 05:19.800 --> 05:23.200 Besides, the Wei family is already looking for an excuse to back out. 05:23.200 --> 05:27.080 Don't go doing anything rash. I don't need your help. 05:33.880 --> 05:35.800 Too bad. I'm helping anyway. 06:02.880 --> 06:04.760 Bravo! 06:04.760 --> 06:07.160 Bravo! 06:07.160 --> 06:09.720 Truly worthy of being the finest performer in the capital! 06:09.720 --> 06:11.440 Well done! 06:12.840 --> 06:15.080 Are you enjoying it, Your Highness? 06:15.080 --> 06:17.640 To bring joy to Your Highness and Your Grace 06:17.640 --> 06:20.520 is undoubtedly the greatest honor of his life. 06:22.280 --> 06:25.120 Who would have thought the once-dashing young general 06:25.120 --> 06:28.200 now spends his days indulging in opera houses? 06:28.200 --> 06:29.960 Your Highness, you may not know this, 06:29.960 --> 06:31.880 but ever since His Grace purchased Guanghe House, 06:31.880 --> 06:35.320 performances here have been on every night. 06:35.320 --> 06:38.760 If there's something you'd like to see, 06:39.680 --> 06:43.440 please don't hesitate to let me know. 06:45.160 --> 06:47.200 This is disgraceful! 06:51.640 --> 06:55.400 Your Highness, my performers are delicately nurtured. 06:55.400 --> 06:57.640 Please don't frighten them. 06:58.440 --> 07:03.440 Bravo! Bravo! 07:04.120 --> 07:07.000 You're still in mourning, and you're being criticized at court. 07:07.000 --> 07:09.680 You're just putting on a show, aren't you? 07:12.280 --> 07:16.160 His Majesty exempted me from mourning, I simply follow his orders. 07:16.160 --> 07:20.440 Besides, loyalty to His Majesty is the ultimate form of filial piety. 07:22.200 --> 07:24.800 Amazing! 07:24.800 --> 07:27.600 I know you're lying low, 07:27.600 --> 07:29.600 pretending to be indulgent and debaucherous, 07:29.600 --> 07:34.400 just to make people forget your resentment and your hatred. 07:36.520 --> 07:40.600 If you want to investigate the Duke of Ding's case, 07:40.600 --> 07:43.600 I might be able to help. 07:43.600 --> 07:46.840 [Melodious Songs Are Like Strings of Pearls] 07:48.320 --> 07:50.400 My uncle was killed by pirates. 07:50.400 --> 07:52.440 His Majesty has made his ruling. 07:52.440 --> 07:56.760 Or do you have doubts about that, Your Highness? 08:05.480 --> 08:08.160 And what about your father setting you up? 08:08.160 --> 08:10.680 Are you going to let that go, too? 08:11.400 --> 08:14.400 Family is family. What's there to set up or not? 08:14.400 --> 08:16.960 At the end of the day, he's my father and I'm his son. 08:16.960 --> 08:18.280 What can I possibly do to him? 08:18.280 --> 08:19.840 The only things I can control 08:19.840 --> 08:23.160 are the spoiled brats and troublemakers on the training grounds. 08:23.160 --> 08:27.400 Well, and this little haven of mine. 08:28.040 --> 08:30.120 Bravo! 08:30.120 --> 08:33.760 What a waste of your capabilities. 08:33.760 --> 08:37.760 My capabilities, of course, are at Your Highness's service. 08:46.760 --> 08:48.520 Life in the palace can be restrictive. 08:48.520 --> 08:52.360 I'll pick a few performers for you to keep in a private spot and enjoy. 08:52.360 --> 08:55.080 What do you take me for? 08:55.080 --> 08:57.640 Count of Yunyang and Princess Jingyu think so highly of you. 08:57.640 --> 09:00.160 They're so wrong! 09:00.160 --> 09:02.600 Do come again, Your Highness! 09:04.840 --> 09:07.640 Bravo! 09:09.800 --> 09:12.080 Your Grace, this is a brilliant idea. 09:12.080 --> 09:14.840 Nearly every official in the capital loves the opera. 09:14.840 --> 09:16.400 Disguising ourselves as an opera troupe 09:16.400 --> 09:18.880 makes it easier to move unnoticed and gather intelligence. 09:18.880 --> 09:21.720 It also allows us to meet and plan without drawing suspicion. 09:21.720 --> 09:24.240 I'm just sorry that all of you have had to set aside your skills 09:24.240 --> 09:25.600 and hide your identities. 09:25.600 --> 09:27.200 It's a sacrifice I don't take lightly. 09:27.200 --> 09:29.240 You honor us too much, Your Grace. 09:29.880 --> 09:32.960 About the crown prince's visit in disguise 09:32.960 --> 09:35.120 and his deliberate mention of the case, 09:35.120 --> 09:38.440 it can't be just an attempt to win your favor. 09:39.680 --> 09:43.800 Your Grace, during today's private opera performance for the courier station officer, 09:43.800 --> 09:45.760 we stumbled upon a new lead. 09:45.760 --> 09:48.400 While drunk, he swore that before Grand General entered the capital, 09:48.400 --> 09:51.440 he sent a personal letter to your mother. 09:52.560 --> 09:56.360 Since it wasn't sent through the military courier, it went unnoticed. 09:57.280 --> 09:59.920 After the upheaval at home, I searched through all the letters in the house. 09:59.920 --> 10:01.720 There was no letter from Uncle. 10:01.720 --> 10:04.080 That letter vanished as soon as it reached the capital. 10:04.080 --> 10:06.880 Even the courier who delivered it is nowhere to be found. 10:06.880 --> 10:10.920 Incidentally, the courier station officer is a cousin of the crown princess. 10:15.360 --> 10:17.680 Send word to Chen Jia, ask him to investigate. 10:17.680 --> 10:19.280 Keep a close eye on everyone in the Eastern Palace. 10:19.280 --> 10:21.520 Find every opportunity to connect with the crown prince's close aides, 10:21.520 --> 10:23.320 including their family members. 10:24.160 --> 10:26.080 Yes, Your Grace. 10:27.640 --> 10:32.200 [Lu Ji Dentistry] 10:53.080 --> 10:55.080 [Su Yan] 10:55.080 --> 10:58.400 This is 30-year-old Jinyin wine. 11:27.400 --> 11:33.080 So, the one on top really believes the Duke of Ding's letter 11:33.080 --> 11:35.000 poses no threat? 11:35.000 --> 11:39.040 The Duke of Ding and his forces are long gone. 11:39.040 --> 11:41.400 It's just a letter. 11:41.400 --> 11:44.200 What kind of trouble could it possibly cause? 11:46.640 --> 11:52.600 I just don't know what madness my rebellious son will stir up next. 11:56.600 --> 12:00.800 Could my mother's death be connected to my uncle? 12:01.560 --> 12:05.680 Conviction, assassination, sudden illness, family upheaval, 12:05.680 --> 12:08.600 all these events came crashing down at once. 12:09.440 --> 12:14.720 Unraveling the truth requires not just meticulous investigation but also patience. 12:14.720 --> 12:17.880 As Fourth Young Lady said, 12:17.880 --> 12:20.800 we must plan carefully and think things through. 12:23.080 --> 12:26.160 Your Grace, we got a situation outside. 12:30.040 --> 12:32.400 Where? 12:32.400 --> 12:35.880 Peijin, your painting is truly exquisite, such precise brushwork and masterful use of ink. 12:35.880 --> 12:38.320 What talent! 12:38.320 --> 12:41.240 Brother Jianming, meeting you feels like destiny delayed. 12:41.240 --> 12:43.960 Your words resonate deeply with me. 12:43.960 --> 12:46.720 Here's to you. 12:46.720 --> 12:48.320 Here. 12:55.440 --> 12:59.040 Brother Jianming, I'm feeling so troubled. 12:59.040 --> 13:03.320 A drink can chase away any sorrow. A good night's sleep will make everything better. 13:03.320 --> 13:05.480 Come, this way. 13:05.480 --> 13:08.440 - Come on. - Brother Jianming. 13:12.560 --> 13:15.880 Since when did those two become so close? 13:17.200 --> 13:20.640 Your Grace, Fifth Young Lady has just entered Guanghe House. 13:20.640 --> 13:22.520 Dou Ming? 13:38.400 --> 13:41.240 - He's in that room. - Thank you. 13:42.320 --> 13:44.400 Amazing! 13:44.400 --> 13:47.040 Yes! Bravo! 14:11.760 --> 14:13.560 Somebody! 14:15.640 --> 14:18.040 Get me some water. 14:24.040 --> 14:25.920 Ming'er? 14:27.800 --> 14:30.240 Am I dreaming? 14:33.080 --> 14:35.920 Ming'er, what... 14:37.680 --> 14:39.640 What are you doing here? 14:39.640 --> 14:41.200 What are you trying to do? 14:41.200 --> 14:44.480 Ji Jianming said you had something urgent to discuss. 14:44.480 --> 14:47.400 So, I changed into a maid's uniform and rushed over. 14:47.400 --> 14:48.800 But you were drunk and unconscious! 14:48.800 --> 14:50.560 I wanted to ask for some sobering soup, 14:50.560 --> 14:53.320 only to find the door locked from the outside. 14:56.240 --> 14:59.040 - You're despicable! - I... 15:01.160 --> 15:04.040 Hang on, Ji Yong was the one who invited me for drinks. 15:04.040 --> 15:08.240 I might have told him about you, but I never asked him to bring you here. 15:10.320 --> 15:13.760 This won't do. I'll get Ji Yong here and clear this up. 15:13.760 --> 15:17.160 Ji Yong! Open the door! 15:17.160 --> 15:20.240 I've tried. It's locked from the outside. 15:20.240 --> 15:22.560 You can't open it. 15:22.560 --> 15:24.160 Well... 15:25.160 --> 15:27.640 Ming'er, I... 15:29.440 --> 15:31.840 I didn't mean for this to happen. 15:31.840 --> 15:35.840 I may have a reputation for being a flirt, but I would never force a woman. 15:35.840 --> 15:39.280 Especially not you, the woman I love. 15:39.280 --> 15:40.800 I... 15:41.680 --> 15:47.120 But spending a whole night like this, there'll be no way to explain it. 15:47.120 --> 15:49.040 Who knows who'll open the door tomorrow, 15:49.040 --> 15:52.160 and what kind of rumors will spread after that? 15:52.160 --> 15:54.960 I'll be drowned in gossip and condemnation! 15:54.960 --> 16:00.920 I'll bring shame to my sister, my parents, and my grandfather. 16:02.000 --> 16:04.240 I might as well just die now! 16:04.240 --> 16:07.080 No, Ming'er! 16:12.440 --> 16:16.160 You risked everything to come here for me. 16:20.000 --> 16:24.280 If preserving your honor means dying, I'll swallow gold and die with you. 16:24.280 --> 16:26.880 No! No! 16:26.880 --> 16:29.080 You're of noble birth. Why would you throw your life away for me? 16:29.080 --> 16:32.680 Ming'er, I've made a vow before. I would marry no one but you. 16:32.680 --> 16:34.920 Even if our families tears us apart, 16:34.920 --> 16:38.400 and we are never meant to be husband and wife, in life or in death, 16:39.240 --> 16:41.960 I'll never abandon you. 17:00.320 --> 17:03.840 Our bodies and hair are gifts from our parents. 17:03.840 --> 17:08.360 This is their will for us, their blessing. 17:24.640 --> 17:28.280 With this lock of hair, I swear never to betray you. 17:28.280 --> 17:32.600 Since we are unafraid of death, 17:32.600 --> 17:35.520 how can we fear facing our true feelings? 17:45.320 --> 17:47.600 Mission accomplished. 17:51.400 --> 17:53.960 You again, you meddling mantis! What did I ever do to you? 17:53.960 --> 17:57.760 Have you even considered Dou Zhao's feelings and what this could do to her situation? 17:57.760 --> 18:00.160 Ordinary people only see what is, not what will be. 18:00.160 --> 18:02.640 I'm helping Dou Zhao. 18:02.640 --> 18:04.240 You... 18:09.320 --> 18:11.560 This is all my fault. Take it out on me. 18:11.560 --> 18:13.480 Leave her alone. 18:15.040 --> 18:16.360 [The Marquis of Jining Residence] 18:16.360 --> 18:17.400 - My Lord? - I'm fine. 18:17.400 --> 18:19.320 - Lu Ming, lock the door. - Yes, Your Grace. 18:19.320 --> 18:21.800 - Make sure no one comes in or out. - Got it. 18:23.360 --> 18:25.880 Peijin, did they beat you up? 18:25.880 --> 18:29.080 Song Mo, Peijin has already resigned from his post at the Imperial Guard. 18:29.080 --> 18:32.040 - What gives you the right to lay a hand on him? - Sister, it's my fault. 18:32.040 --> 18:34.120 Keep your mouth shut and make sure your residence does the same. 18:34.120 --> 18:37.760 The marquis lost his way late at night and accidentally took a fall. 18:37.760 --> 18:39.720 I kindly escorted him back. 18:39.720 --> 18:43.800 That's the only version anyone is to hear. 18:49.880 --> 18:53.440 If a single word about tonight gets out, 18:53.440 --> 18:56.400 I'll come and cut your tongue. 18:58.360 --> 19:00.160 Understood. 19:05.440 --> 19:07.800 What the hell is going on? 19:07.800 --> 19:09.400 What are you... 19:09.400 --> 19:12.000 Sister, I can't marry Dou Zhao. 19:12.000 --> 19:13.800 Please allow me to marry Dou Ming instead. 19:13.800 --> 19:15.440 You... 19:18.840 --> 19:23.760 Wang Yingxue, you wicked woman! 19:23.760 --> 19:26.120 Knowing that your elder daughter couldn't marry in, 19:26.120 --> 19:28.640 you schemed to have the younger one take her place. 19:28.640 --> 19:32.040 You're determined to latch onto our family, aren't you? 19:33.320 --> 19:38.360 Your Grace, he's nothing but a fickle, greedy, and lecherous scoundrel. 19:38.360 --> 19:40.560 Why not use this opportunity to... 19:40.560 --> 19:45.400 It's true Wei Tingyu is a scoundrel, but he's still engaged to Dou Zhao. 19:45.400 --> 19:47.160 If what happened tonight gets out, 19:47.160 --> 19:51.360 the scandal and ridicule will follow her for the rest of her life. 19:51.360 --> 19:53.520 The Wu family's downfall is a clear warning. 19:53.520 --> 19:55.560 But if you just let Wei Tingyu go, 19:55.560 --> 19:57.440 doesn't that mean Fourth Young Lady will still have to marry him? 19:57.440 --> 19:59.160 He wouldn't dare! 20:00.560 --> 20:03.840 I'm escorting His Majesty to the Western Hills in a few days. 20:03.840 --> 20:06.000 I'll come up with a plan then. 20:06.720 --> 20:09.360 [Kindness and Salvation of All Living Beings] (A Buddhist term) 20:09.360 --> 20:14.520 Mother, I don't want to go to the temple, please. 20:14.520 --> 20:16.200 Go. 20:16.200 --> 20:17.680 I don't want to go. 20:17.680 --> 20:20.320 - Move. - That's enough. 20:20.320 --> 20:22.520 You'll stay at the temple for a few days. 20:22.520 --> 20:25.400 If anyone asks, we'll say you're there for spiritual practice. 20:25.400 --> 20:28.640 And what happened at Guanghe House never happened. 20:28.640 --> 20:32.040 Mother, even though His Lordship and I didn't cross the line, we— 20:32.040 --> 20:35.240 Shut up! You may not have shame, but I do! 20:36.720 --> 20:41.600 I've sent someone to urge the Wei family to set a date. 20:41.600 --> 20:44.040 For the sake of all three families, 20:44.040 --> 20:48.440 Dou Zhao's wedding... must happen. 20:48.440 --> 20:53.520 Mother! My whole life, I've lived cautiously, 20:53.520 --> 20:55.560 always holding back and enduring what I could. 20:55.560 --> 20:59.640 But this time, His Lordship and I have made a vow to each other. 20:59.640 --> 21:01.200 I just want to be brave for once, 21:01.200 --> 21:04.560 like you were when you fearlessly married Father. 21:06.520 --> 21:08.960 You foolish child. 21:08.960 --> 21:14.120 A man only cherishes what he has had to fight hard to earn. 21:14.920 --> 21:19.400 I rushed into my marriage in a moment of passion, 21:19.400 --> 21:21.280 and all I've gotten in return is his indifference. 21:21.280 --> 21:24.200 Years of distance and loneliness in this marriage, 21:24.200 --> 21:26.080 haven't you seen enough to understand? 21:26.080 --> 21:28.680 Why would you follow in my footsteps? 21:28.680 --> 21:31.400 Mother, all my life 21:31.400 --> 21:34.440 you've made me practice calligraphy, study painting, and perfect my manners. 21:34.440 --> 21:36.840 Is it really supposed to make me happier? 21:36.840 --> 21:38.920 Or is it just so I can marry into a prestigious family 21:38.920 --> 21:42.320 and bring you honor? 21:42.320 --> 21:43.800 What did you just say? 21:43.800 --> 21:47.760 You made me embroider so many landscape tapestries, gifting them all over the capital, 21:47.760 --> 21:50.320 but all you ever did was criticize every mistake I made. 21:50.320 --> 21:53.120 Nothing I did was ever good enough! 21:53.120 --> 21:56.000 But Wei Tingyu is different. 21:56.000 --> 22:00.280 He saw the scars on my hands, and told me I was enough. 22:00.280 --> 22:03.480 With him, I don't have to struggle so hard anymore. 22:03.480 --> 22:07.120 I spent over ten years raising you with everything I had! 22:07.120 --> 22:11.120 And now, some sweet words from a man have made you lose your senses? 22:11.880 --> 22:15.080 Let me tell you this one last time, 22:15.080 --> 22:20.520 love is fleeting; it fades. 22:20.520 --> 22:24.160 The only things that can really protect you 22:24.160 --> 22:27.520 are a man's future and his wealth! 22:27.520 --> 22:30.400 Mother! Please, I'm begging you! 22:30.400 --> 22:34.400 I don't want to go, Mother! Mother! 22:34.400 --> 22:38.200 Once your sister marries him, you'll wake from this dream. 22:38.200 --> 22:39.520 Take her inside! 22:39.520 --> 22:42.320 - Mother... - Come on, Ming. 22:42.320 --> 22:43.880 Mother, don't send me away! 22:43.880 --> 22:46.160 - Move, Ming. - Mother! 22:46.160 --> 22:49.200 - Come on. - Mother, don't send me away! 22:49.200 --> 22:51.320 Mother! 22:51.320 --> 22:54.200 No, Mother! 22:54.200 --> 22:58.320 Mother! Mother! 23:09.920 --> 23:12.040 Madam. 23:12.040 --> 23:14.880 Oh, you're here. Have a seat. 23:20.640 --> 23:26.640 Your Grace, I've come today to talk about the wedding. 23:27.320 --> 23:29.320 This tea... 23:30.240 --> 23:32.240 smells delightful. 23:34.840 --> 23:37.520 But when you drink it, it's bland and flavorless. 23:37.520 --> 23:41.240 Could it be that someone swapped it for an inferior brew? 23:41.240 --> 23:45.040 Please, Your Grace, you must believe us, it wasn't swapped by us. 23:45.040 --> 23:47.200 It must have been an outsider. 23:47.840 --> 23:52.440 Your Grace, I came here specifically to clear up this misunderstanding. 23:52.440 --> 23:53.720 Misunderstanding? 23:53.720 --> 23:56.040 Don't think I don't know about your schemes. 23:56.040 --> 23:59.040 Your family seems intent on clinging to our family. 23:59.040 --> 24:02.040 When one plan fails, you push another. 24:02.040 --> 24:05.840 Let me tell you! We aren't so easily fooled. 24:07.120 --> 24:11.040 Your Grace, please calm down. 24:11.040 --> 24:15.040 I'm here to tell you that Dou Zhao is not only virtuous 24:15.040 --> 24:17.240 but also possesses a considerable fortune. 24:17.240 --> 24:20.040 With her assets, you'll enjoy a life of endless luxury. 24:20.040 --> 24:23.040 Think about it. When she's married into your family, 24:23.040 --> 24:28.240 all of that wealth will be at your disposal. 24:31.720 --> 24:37.920 As for her health, with proper care, 24:37.920 --> 24:39.840 she'll recover in time. 24:39.840 --> 24:41.840 Please try it again. 24:45.840 --> 24:47.840 I've chosen the perfect date, 24:47.840 --> 24:52.120 ten days from now would be a perfect day for the wedding. 24:59.240 --> 25:02.240 Ruining someone's reputation and benefiting at their expense! 25:02.240 --> 25:04.240 You think you're the smartest person in the world, don't you? 25:04.240 --> 25:05.920 For someone who's read the classics, 25:05.920 --> 25:07.520 you sure act like you're above everyone else. 25:07.520 --> 25:09.320 You are reckless and thoughtless. 25:09.320 --> 25:11.040 Good thing things didn't blow up this time. 25:11.040 --> 25:14.440 If they had, do you think Dou Ming would still be alive? 25:14.440 --> 25:18.240 If you keep worrying about this and that, then you deserve to suffer. 25:18.240 --> 25:19.840 If you were willing to marry Wei Tingyu, 25:19.840 --> 25:21.640 I wouldn't have had to resort to these ridiculous schemes. 25:21.640 --> 25:24.920 I don't want to marry him, but I had a foolproof plan. 25:24.920 --> 25:28.440 It was all under control until you interfered. 25:28.440 --> 25:30.640 Your so-called plans were either faking illness or death. 25:30.640 --> 25:32.840 You call that foolproof? 25:32.840 --> 25:36.040 At least I've never hurt others for my own selfish desires. 25:36.040 --> 25:40.120 How is what you've done any different from what Wang Yingxue did back then? 25:40.120 --> 25:42.040 You're comparing me to Wang Yingxue? 25:42.040 --> 25:43.640 My way is quick and effective. 25:43.640 --> 25:44.720 You got your wish to break off the engagement, 25:44.720 --> 25:47.840 so what if Dou Ming and Wei Tingyu have to endure a little gossip? 25:47.840 --> 25:49.720 If it weren't for Song Mo, that meddling mantis, 25:49.720 --> 25:52.520 they'd be thanking me and inviting me to their wedding feast. 25:52.520 --> 25:54.240 Everything I've done has been for you. 25:54.240 --> 25:58.320 If Song Mo hadn't interfered, you would've ruined our entire family. 25:58.320 --> 26:00.840 You keep saying you're doing this for me, 26:00.840 --> 26:03.040 but have you ever stopped to think about what I actually want? 26:03.040 --> 26:05.240 Whatever you think doesn't matter. 26:05.240 --> 26:07.440 If you and Wei Tingyu really end up married, 26:07.440 --> 26:11.240 do you honestly believe they won't cheat on you? 26:14.040 --> 26:15.120 Don't worry. 26:15.120 --> 26:18.040 The doctor said she doesn't have much time left. 26:18.040 --> 26:20.040 Once she's gone and the mourning period is over, 26:20.040 --> 26:22.040 I'll marry you. 26:23.520 --> 26:26.640 All I did was speed up the inevitable. 26:26.640 --> 26:29.240 If you don't cut ties with Wei Tingyu, that jerk, 26:29.240 --> 26:31.640 you'll be the one suffering later. 26:31.640 --> 26:35.840 I just don't want to see you heartbroken and in tears. 26:36.920 --> 26:38.640 You're right. 26:38.640 --> 26:40.840 You're right about everything, 26:40.840 --> 26:43.240 but I don't want to hear it. 26:43.240 --> 26:45.840 My world is too small for someone like you. 26:45.840 --> 26:47.640 I don't want to associate with someone who would 26:47.640 --> 26:50.520 ruin another's reputation just to achieve their goals. 26:51.920 --> 26:54.240 From this moment on, 26:54.240 --> 26:57.920 you go your way and I'll go mine. 26:58.640 --> 26:59.920 Fine, Dou Zhao. 26:59.920 --> 27:03.520 But if trouble comes your way, don't come running to me. 27:19.720 --> 27:21.640 We just brought Fifth Young Lady back. 27:21.640 --> 27:24.680 And when we weren't looking, she just... 27:24.680 --> 27:25.840 [Overwhelming Spirit] 27:25.840 --> 27:27.640 Ming'er... 27:27.640 --> 27:29.440 Ming'er! 27:33.360 --> 27:35.640 You will keep this to yourself. 27:38.040 --> 27:39.600 Thank heavens. 27:39.600 --> 27:41.720 Quickly, bring Young Lady a cup of tea. 27:41.720 --> 27:43.440 Yes, Madam. 27:43.440 --> 27:44.920 Are you all right, Ming'er? 27:44.920 --> 27:48.720 Mother, I'm sorry. 27:48.720 --> 27:50.440 Just let me die. 27:50.440 --> 27:54.040 No. No. 27:54.040 --> 27:55.640 Silly girl. 27:55.640 --> 28:00.320 No man in the world is worth sacrificing your life for, 28:00.320 --> 28:02.640 especially not Wei Tingyu. 28:02.640 --> 28:05.240 Maybe he isn't good enough, 28:05.240 --> 28:11.040 but... what is poison to one is honey to another. 28:12.120 --> 28:14.440 When we pledged ourselves to each other, 28:14.440 --> 28:19.520 we swore that if we couldn't stay together in life, 28:19.520 --> 28:21.440 we would be together in death. 28:21.440 --> 28:26.320 No... No! 28:35.760 --> 28:37.640 [Western Hills Palace] 28:37.640 --> 28:40.480 Song Mo, there are five or six routes here, 28:40.480 --> 28:42.000 yet you deliberately took a detour 28:42.000 --> 28:45.880 so I would see the barren lands and the people stripping bark from trees 28:45.880 --> 28:48.800 on the Marquis of Jining's territories. 28:48.800 --> 28:51.720 Your actions are clearly aimed at him. 28:51.720 --> 28:55.840 How dare you abuse your position like this! 28:56.720 --> 28:59.720 It's true that I had personal motives in choosing this route, 28:59.720 --> 29:01.040 but what Your Majesty witnessed today 29:01.040 --> 29:03.720 is the result of the Duchess of Jing forcibly requisitioning that land 29:03.720 --> 29:05.640 to fund the Marquis of Jining's wedding. 29:05.640 --> 29:08.840 The tenant farmers don't even have seeds left for spring planting. 29:08.840 --> 29:12.240 This is the truth, not something I fabricated. 29:12.240 --> 29:15.640 When the nobility exploits the common people to celebrate their joyous occasions, 29:15.640 --> 29:17.040 it sets a dangerous precedent. 29:17.040 --> 29:19.440 Other aristocrats will follow suit, 29:19.440 --> 29:22.240 and the public's resentment will grow harder to quell. 29:22.240 --> 29:23.640 Your Majesty, you are wise. 29:23.640 --> 29:25.640 Wei Tingyu has lived off his hereditary stipend for years 29:25.640 --> 29:27.440 without contributing to the nation. 29:27.440 --> 29:29.520 He's repeatedly acted in disgraceful ways. 29:29.520 --> 29:33.240 He is unworthy of marrying the top-ranked lady from the noblewoman competition. 29:33.240 --> 29:39.640 You're well aware that I intend to marry Princess Jingyu to you. 29:39.640 --> 29:42.240 Are you implying you wish to marry Dou Zhao? 29:42.240 --> 29:45.040 Their families have completed the betrothal rituals. 29:45.040 --> 29:46.840 Do you think you can disrupt this as you please? 29:46.840 --> 29:48.720 Kneel as long as you like, 29:49.640 --> 29:51.240 but it won't change anything. 29:51.240 --> 29:53.240 Dou Zhao has been forced by her elders to comply with this engagement, 29:53.240 --> 29:55.240 despite several attempts to break it off. 29:55.240 --> 29:59.040 I've lost nearly everyone I've ever wished to protect or save. 29:59.040 --> 30:01.640 This is the one wish I have left. 30:01.640 --> 30:05.040 It neither undermines imperial authority nor harms anyone else. 30:05.040 --> 30:07.240 I only ask that the person I care for most 30:07.240 --> 30:09.920 be granted one chance at true happiness. 30:29.040 --> 30:30.720 When the bridal sedan crosses the bridge, 30:30.720 --> 30:33.240 I'll set it on fire with this. 30:33.240 --> 30:36.040 You'll push the burning sedan into the water, 30:36.040 --> 30:38.240 and I'll escape by pretending to drown. 30:39.040 --> 30:41.640 This is covered in flint dust, 30:41.640 --> 30:44.320 and you'll have to jump into the water. 30:44.320 --> 30:48.040 This is a dangerously risky plan. 30:48.040 --> 30:52.840 Why won't you ask Old Madam Cui for help, Fourth Young Lady? 30:52.840 --> 30:54.840 Grandmother is getting older, 30:54.840 --> 30:58.040 and she has been unwell for years. 30:58.040 --> 31:01.440 I don't want to burden her with any more worries. 31:04.840 --> 31:08.240 Fourth Young Lady, Wang Yingxue has sent some maids 31:08.240 --> 31:11.240 to purchase wedding attire and jewelry. 31:11.240 --> 31:13.640 The wedding isn't happening anyway. 31:13.640 --> 31:16.120 If she wants to play the role of the mistress of the house, let her. 31:16.120 --> 31:19.240 Our sources told us that Wang Yingxue hired the finest tailor 31:19.240 --> 31:20.840 to make an extra wedding dress, 31:20.840 --> 31:23.040 but it's not in your size. 31:30.640 --> 31:33.040 Since the founding of our dynasty, 31:33.040 --> 31:36.720 women have only been allowed to wear 31:36.720 --> 31:39.640 this phoenix coronet on their wedding day. 31:39.640 --> 31:42.240 I've never had the chance to wear it. 31:45.040 --> 31:47.640 I hope that when you wear it tomorrow, 31:47.640 --> 31:50.720 it will bring you a lifetime of peace and happiness. 31:56.720 --> 32:01.920 Mother, do you really want me to take her place? 32:05.440 --> 32:07.240 Ming'er, 32:09.640 --> 32:14.240 you are my flesh and blood, my very life. 32:14.240 --> 32:16.840 How could I bear to see you die? 32:16.840 --> 32:18.720 Mother... 32:38.120 --> 32:40.240 Dou Ming's voice is hoarse. 32:40.240 --> 32:42.720 She must have harmed herself in resistance. 32:42.720 --> 32:45.040 Wang Yingxue had no choice 32:45.040 --> 32:47.760 but to give in because she's her own daughter. 32:48.440 --> 32:49.640 That works out then. 32:49.640 --> 32:52.040 You don't have to put yourself in danger now, Young Lady. 32:52.040 --> 32:57.040 But you don't look particularly happy about it either. 32:57.040 --> 33:00.040 I've done everything I can to break off this engagement, 33:00.040 --> 33:02.840 while she's done everything she can to marry the man she loves. 33:02.840 --> 33:05.440 We're both fighting for what we want. 33:06.520 --> 33:10.840 But the Marquis of Jining's household is rotten to the core, 33:10.840 --> 33:13.920 and Wei Tingyu is an unreliable man. 33:15.240 --> 33:18.640 Dou Ming has never wronged me in this life. 33:18.640 --> 33:21.720 I can't just stand by and watch her walk into hell. 33:29.520 --> 33:31.600 [Dou's Residence] 33:31.600 --> 33:33.760 Congratulations! 33:34.520 --> 33:35.720 The Marquis is here! 33:35.720 --> 33:37.040 How grand! 33:37.040 --> 33:38.440 Congratulations, My Lord! 33:38.440 --> 33:39.640 Congratulations, My Lord! 33:39.640 --> 33:41.920 Congratulations! 33:59.440 --> 34:01.040 Sister. 34:03.720 --> 34:06.640 The ceremony will take all day. 34:06.640 --> 34:08.040 You might get hungry, 34:08.040 --> 34:10.520 so I prepared some food for you. 34:15.440 --> 34:18.040 Su Lan, leave us. 34:18.040 --> 34:19.920 Yes, Young Lady. 34:28.840 --> 34:31.240 This is lotus seed and lily soup. 34:31.240 --> 34:33.440 It symbolizes a long and harmonious marriage 34:33.440 --> 34:35.720 filled with happiness and peace. 34:37.120 --> 34:40.200 I wish the same for you, happiness and peace, 34:40.200 --> 34:42.640 and that you'll find a man you love. 34:50.960 --> 34:53.280 Congratulations! 34:56.240 --> 34:57.600 It's a shame Ming'er is still unwell 34:57.600 --> 35:01.240 and couldn't see her sister get married. 35:01.240 --> 35:03.280 But don't worry, Shi Ying, 35:03.280 --> 35:07.480 I'll find a good match for Ming as well. 35:07.480 --> 35:11.000 [Double Happiness] 35:15.880 --> 35:18.000 I thought she had some brilliant plan, 35:18.000 --> 35:20.680 but in the end, she still has to marry him. 35:23.520 --> 35:25.120 Wait! 35:29.640 --> 35:34.320 You have to take good care of yourself there. 35:34.320 --> 35:36.240 Go on. 35:44.200 --> 35:46.480 So, she used a substitute. 35:50.440 --> 35:53.640 As expected, Young Master Ji, you're the clever one. 35:54.480 --> 35:58.120 The question is, is certain someone clever enough to realize it? 36:09.120 --> 36:10.640 Wait! 36:30.440 --> 36:33.640 Your Grace, this is my wedding. 36:33.640 --> 36:35.720 What are you trying to do? 36:36.960 --> 36:38.400 You fool, don't do anything stupid. 36:38.440 --> 36:39.720 - Do you know... - I know. 36:39.720 --> 36:41.640 That's not Dou Zhao. 36:41.640 --> 36:43.640 Why did you stop them then? 36:43.640 --> 36:45.840 I only just found out. 36:45.840 --> 36:49.640 I knew it, she'd never actually marry Wei Tingyu. 36:52.640 --> 36:54.120 It's someone else's wedding. 36:54.120 --> 36:56.240 I've heard there's some bad blood between their families. 36:56.240 --> 36:57.320 Really? 36:57.320 --> 36:58.640 What are they doing in there? 36:58.640 --> 37:00.640 What's up with them? 37:21.840 --> 37:25.080 Those who join in matrimony, 37:25.080 --> 37:28.040 how many of them really love each other? 37:28.040 --> 37:31.080 Most are just resentful matches made out of obligation. 37:34.440 --> 37:37.840 Lovers lament the long night, 37:37.840 --> 37:42.400 tormented by thoughts of one another. 37:43.040 --> 37:46.600 Too fragile to give as a gift, 37:46.600 --> 37:50.880 yet I dream of a perfect reunion. 38:07.240 --> 38:08.920 Ming'er! 38:08.920 --> 38:10.920 It's really you! 38:20.840 --> 38:24.240 This is wonderful! How did heaven send you to me? 38:31.040 --> 38:32.960 That's an important soup. 38:32.960 --> 38:34.560 I'm sure there's more. 38:34.560 --> 38:36.840 Go and get another bowl. 38:36.840 --> 38:39.200 Sister, I'm too ashamed to face you. 38:39.200 --> 38:41.560 I didn't want to do this to you. 38:43.880 --> 38:45.400 Dou Ming, 38:45.400 --> 38:48.000 marriage is a lifelong matter that determines your happiness or suffering. 38:48.000 --> 38:49.520 You must think it through. 38:49.520 --> 38:52.720 The Marquis of Jining's household is a pit of vipers. 38:52.720 --> 38:54.880 Wei Tingyu is not a good man. 38:54.880 --> 38:56.120 If you marry him, 38:56.120 --> 38:58.440 you may end up spending your life managing the household. 38:58.440 --> 39:02.080 You'll likely come to see his cowardice and weakness for what they are. 39:02.080 --> 39:04.040 You may suffer greatly, 39:04.040 --> 39:06.080 and your relationship might even fall apart. 39:06.080 --> 39:08.240 Have you thought about all of that? 39:08.240 --> 39:09.960 If you change your mind now, 39:09.960 --> 39:12.040 I can still fix things. 39:13.520 --> 39:18.520 All my life, I've done what Mother wanted. 39:18.520 --> 39:22.840 I've tried to be the daughter she would be proud of. 39:22.840 --> 39:24.840 But no one has ever cared 39:24.840 --> 39:29.040 about what I think or what I want. 39:29.840 --> 39:33.320 Young Master Wei is the first person 39:33.320 --> 39:37.800 who really appreciates me for who I am. 39:39.440 --> 39:41.560 I love him. 39:42.640 --> 39:45.720 He's not as terrible as you think. 39:45.720 --> 39:47.720 He's just been suppressed by his sister. 39:47.720 --> 39:50.920 He even stood up to her for my sake. 39:50.920 --> 39:53.840 He cares for me. And he's trying hard for me. 39:53.840 --> 39:56.440 I believe people can change. 39:56.440 --> 39:59.920 I'm changing, and so is he. 39:59.920 --> 40:03.320 He has dismissed his concubines for me. 40:03.320 --> 40:08.840 Isn't it possible that people grow better through their experiences? 40:10.600 --> 40:12.600 Change... 40:13.720 --> 40:17.920 This time, instead of following anyone else's expectations, 40:17.920 --> 40:23.640 I'm going with what my heart wants. 40:23.640 --> 40:26.440 Since you're determined to marry him, 40:26.440 --> 40:28.280 I'll step aside for you. 40:28.920 --> 40:31.840 - No, I can't. - Just do it before someone comes. 40:31.840 --> 40:33.640 - Come on, do it. - I wouldn't dare! 40:33.640 --> 40:35.840 - Now. - No. 40:38.040 --> 40:39.720 Sister! 40:39.720 --> 40:41.520 Are you all right? Did I hit you too hard? 40:41.520 --> 40:44.240 I can't believe you really went all out. 40:45.240 --> 40:47.680 I'm so sorry, Sister. 40:49.240 --> 40:51.240 Slowly. 40:59.120 --> 41:02.240 I owe you a debt of gratitude I can never repay, Sister. 41:02.240 --> 41:05.240 If blessings are really finite, 41:05.240 --> 41:08.440 I'd gladly give mine to you. 41:10.440 --> 41:13.240 I knocked out my sister and married you in her place. 41:13.240 --> 41:15.040 Tomorrow, the world will mock me 41:15.040 --> 41:18.040 for being shameless and betraying my family. 41:19.040 --> 41:23.320 My love, you committed such a bold act for me. 41:23.320 --> 41:27.920 I will never forget such a sacrifice. 41:27.920 --> 41:31.040 No matter how many hardships come our away after this, 41:31.040 --> 41:32.640 I will protect you. 41:32.640 --> 41:35.240 I'll never let anyone wrong you. 41:36.440 --> 41:42.640 ♫ I don't listen to the advice of the mortals ♫ 41:42.640 --> 41:49.640 ♫ This love is as clear as the moon, without a single false word ♫ 41:49.640 --> 41:54.920 ♫ I chase you one step closer and can't bear to stop ♫ 41:54.920 --> 42:00.440 ♫ I will devote my whole life to you ♫ 42:00.440 --> 42:03.240 ♫ I'm not afraid of seeing this side of you ♫ 42:03.240 --> 42:05.520 We should convince the Wei family to formally accept this marriage. 42:05.520 --> 42:07.840 Shougu was supposed to marry into their family anyway. 42:07.840 --> 42:10.240 Adding her dowry to Ming'er's is only fair, isn't it? 42:10.240 --> 42:11.640 Now that this has happened, 42:11.640 --> 42:13.520 you're demanding me, the victim, to be the bigger person? 42:13.520 --> 42:14.920 Do you not care about our reputation? 42:14.920 --> 42:16.040 Shut up! 42:16.040 --> 42:17.840 Have any of you bothered to think about whether this was fair for Shougu? 42:17.840 --> 42:20.440 Dou Zhao, I'll marry you.