WEBVTT 00:06.400 --> 00:09.600 [Exalted Sentiments are Frequently Born] 00:10.400 --> 00:14.560 Marrying off a daughter is supposed to be a joyous occasion, and yet you cried. 00:14.560 --> 00:16.840 You made a fool of yourself. 00:19.640 --> 00:26.840 Raised to wed a good man, yet unaware of the pain of parting in the world. 00:35.320 --> 00:37.920 Father. Fifth Uncle. 00:38.960 --> 00:41.120 Dou Zhao? 00:41.120 --> 00:42.760 Seventh Brother. 00:42.760 --> 00:47.240 How do you plan to handle the aftermath of this? 00:47.960 --> 00:51.080 Fith Brother, why are you asking me? 00:51.080 --> 00:54.160 I was kept in the dark too. How would I know what to do? 00:54.160 --> 00:55.800 Spare me the act. 00:55.800 --> 01:00.240 Ming couldn't have come up with a bold scheme like replacing her sister as the bride on her own. 01:00.240 --> 01:03.880 If the Marquis of Jining's family escalates this and takes it to court, 01:03.880 --> 01:06.880 where will that leave our family's reputation? 01:06.880 --> 01:11.360 In my opinion, we should convince the Wei family to formally accept this marriage 01:11.360 --> 01:14.680 and send an additional dowry to smooth things over. 01:14.680 --> 01:17.920 That way, they won't blame Ming'er. 01:17.920 --> 01:20.920 Shougu was supposed to marry into their family anyway. 01:20.920 --> 01:24.120 Adding her dowry to Ming'er's is only fair, isn't it? 01:24.120 --> 01:26.920 The audacity of you to even want a piece of Shougu's dowry! 01:26.920 --> 01:31.000 Tell me the truth! Was this bride swap your idea? 01:31.000 --> 01:34.960 I know you feel bad for Shougu, but Ming'er is also our daughter! 01:34.960 --> 01:36.800 I gave birth to her. 01:36.800 --> 01:38.800 How could I not do something for her? 01:38.800 --> 01:41.680 Was I supposed to just let her kill herself instead? 01:41.680 --> 01:45.480 Are you seriously trying to justify your shameless acts now? 01:45.480 --> 01:47.760 This is all because you allowed it to happen! 01:47.760 --> 01:50.720 - How could you do that to Shougu? - Enough! 01:50.720 --> 01:53.160 This isn't the time for us to fight amongst ourselves. 01:53.160 --> 01:55.760 As the eldest daughter of our family, I trust Shougu will show magnanimity. 01:55.760 --> 02:00.240 What matters now is to figure out how we can salvage our reputation. 02:00.240 --> 02:02.960 Shougu, since you knew about their relationship, 02:02.960 --> 02:05.240 you should have told us sooner. 02:05.240 --> 02:07.520 We could have made other arrangements. 02:07.520 --> 02:09.320 She didn't want to marry him anyway. 02:09.320 --> 02:11.040 She's got what she wanted now. 02:11.040 --> 02:13.760 As for Ming'er, she's always been so obedient. 02:13.760 --> 02:16.800 Who knows what made her suddenly fall for Wei Tingyu? 02:16.800 --> 02:20.120 Maybe someone here manipulated her. 02:21.000 --> 02:22.960 I'm injured. 02:22.960 --> 02:25.000 And none of you even bothered to call a doctor, 02:25.000 --> 02:27.400 all because you're afraid of a scandal. 02:27.400 --> 02:29.560 And now, to smooth things over, 02:29.560 --> 02:32.080 you're pinning all the blame on me? 02:32.080 --> 02:34.440 Things have gotten out of hand, 02:34.440 --> 02:37.720 and we have to explain to the Duchess of Jing tomorrow. 02:37.720 --> 02:40.200 This is what we can do. You'll write a statement 02:40.200 --> 02:43.440 saying your poor health makes it unlikely for you to have children, 02:43.440 --> 02:45.600 so you voluntarily ended the engagement 02:45.600 --> 02:48.240 to protect the Wei family's legacy. 02:48.240 --> 02:50.560 If the Wei family causes trouble later, 02:50.560 --> 02:54.560 we will compensate them with Shougu's dowry. 02:54.560 --> 02:57.560 It's only right since this is our family's fault. 02:57.560 --> 03:01.560 That will also secure Ming'er's position. 03:05.120 --> 03:08.360 When I refused to marry him, you all forced me 03:08.360 --> 03:10.680 with talk of family duty and parental authority. 03:10.680 --> 03:12.480 Now that this has happened, 03:12.480 --> 03:15.280 you're demanding me, the victim, to be the bigger person? 03:15.280 --> 03:16.920 If we can't settle this today, 03:16.920 --> 03:18.960 I'll take the marriage agreement to the authorities tomorrow 03:18.960 --> 03:20.960 and let the people judge who's in the wrong! 03:20.960 --> 03:22.680 - Have you lost your mind? - Nonsense! 03:22.680 --> 03:24.120 Do you not care about our reputation? 03:24.120 --> 03:25.320 Shut up! 03:25.320 --> 03:26.800 That's enough! 03:29.400 --> 03:32.120 Seventh Brother, what are you... 03:32.120 --> 03:34.800 All you care about is the family reputation. 03:34.800 --> 03:37.480 You're blaming everything on my daughter, 03:37.480 --> 03:41.600 ganging up on her and forcing her to swallow this humiliation. 03:41.600 --> 03:44.440 She's my daughter, not yours! 03:44.440 --> 03:49.760 If anyone is to answer to the Wei family, it'll be me, her father, not you! 03:49.760 --> 03:51.600 And you! 03:52.280 --> 03:56.280 After orchestrating such a shameless, disgraceful scheme that dishonored our family, 03:56.280 --> 03:59.360 you have the audacity to covet Shougu's dowry? 03:59.360 --> 04:01.880 You're absolutely disgusting! 04:03.040 --> 04:06.800 As elders of the Dou family, you keep claiming it's all for the family's sake, 04:06.800 --> 04:08.720 yet all you think about is appeasing the Wei family. 04:08.720 --> 04:11.720 Have any of you bothered to think if this is fair for Shougu? 04:13.240 --> 04:15.800 Fine, take care of it yourself! 04:15.800 --> 04:17.960 Good! Stay out of it! 04:19.800 --> 04:22.200 Shougu, let's go. 04:47.680 --> 04:48.920 Does it still hurt? 04:48.920 --> 04:52.400 How about I call an imperial physician over to take a look? 04:52.920 --> 04:54.520 It's fine. 04:58.000 --> 05:01.200 You uncle has always prioritized the bigger picture. 05:01.200 --> 05:03.080 He wronged your mother back then, 05:03.080 --> 05:07.160 but I won't let anyone wrong you this time. 05:07.160 --> 05:10.480 What happened today may seem like your stepmother's fault, 05:10.480 --> 05:14.560 but in truth, it's my years of indulgence 05:14.560 --> 05:18.800 and your uncle's support that gave her such audacity. 05:18.800 --> 05:21.800 You don't have to sign the marriage agreement if you don't want to. 05:21.800 --> 05:24.280 If you want to take it to the authorities, I'll go with you. 05:24.280 --> 05:27.920 Don't worry about anything else, I'll take care of it. 05:27.920 --> 05:29.680 The punishment your stepmother deserves, 05:29.680 --> 05:31.640 the compensation you're owed, 05:31.640 --> 05:33.880 I will handle it impartially. 05:35.920 --> 05:38.720 You've had a long day. 05:39.640 --> 05:41.440 Get some rest. 05:47.760 --> 05:49.360 Father. 05:54.120 --> 05:56.440 Are you really awake now? 05:57.320 --> 05:59.200 Yes. 05:59.200 --> 06:01.080 I'm awake now. 06:01.080 --> 06:04.640 I won't turn a blind eye again. 06:28.720 --> 06:31.520 Fourth Young Lady, you're not really taking this to court, are you? 06:31.520 --> 06:33.720 It was just an angry outburst. 06:33.720 --> 06:36.240 I've had a headache all day, 06:36.240 --> 06:38.840 it's only fair Wang Yingxue suffers a little, too. 06:43.000 --> 06:44.520 Dou Zhao. 06:47.400 --> 06:49.080 I'll marry you. 06:54.280 --> 06:56.520 Su Lan. 06:56.520 --> 06:58.840 Go buy me a bowl of tofu pudding. 06:59.880 --> 07:01.480 Yes, Young Lady. 07:10.040 --> 07:12.480 How did you know the bride wasn't me? 07:12.480 --> 07:16.200 The moment I saw her, I just knew. 07:17.920 --> 07:21.360 Dou Zhao, marry me. 07:21.360 --> 07:24.360 You don't have to compromise yourself in your family anymore. 07:24.360 --> 07:26.320 I'll treat you well, 07:26.320 --> 07:28.920 and I promise no one will ever dare mistreat you again. 07:28.920 --> 07:31.680 Do you think this is some kind of game? 07:32.560 --> 07:34.600 Just because Wei Tingyu married my sister, 07:34.600 --> 07:38.400 I'm supposed to find someone with a higher status, greater influence, 07:38.400 --> 07:41.840 and more prestige than him to marry out of spite? 07:41.840 --> 07:44.160 I just want to live my own life. 07:44.160 --> 07:45.920 Why bother competing with them? 07:45.920 --> 07:48.120 What do you really want? 07:48.800 --> 07:51.320 I don't want to get married. 07:51.320 --> 07:55.640 Besides, you and my uncle are mortal enemies. 07:55.640 --> 07:57.600 He is him, and you are you. 07:57.600 --> 07:59.280 These are separate matters. 07:59.280 --> 08:03.080 For your sake, perhaps I could tolerate him a little longer. 08:04.560 --> 08:07.120 I'm not acting on a whim. 08:07.120 --> 08:09.640 I've never been more serious. 08:11.640 --> 08:13.560 I don't love you, 08:14.680 --> 08:16.800 so I can't marry you. 08:27.760 --> 08:29.680 You're lying. 08:31.520 --> 08:36.720 - I'm not. - That's not what I see in your eyes. 08:48.400 --> 08:52.480 This is my mother's favorite magnolia tree. 09:00.360 --> 09:02.360 In the eighth year of Chengping, 09:03.240 --> 09:05.680 she hanged herself right in front of me. 09:07.080 --> 09:09.480 My father was having an affair with Wang Yingxue. 09:09.480 --> 09:15.200 My mother's hopes for love were as fragile as porcelain, 09:15.640 --> 09:18.080 shattered in an instant. 09:18.680 --> 09:21.240 My family even tried to use the Seven Grounds for Divorce 09:21.240 --> 09:24.960 to pin false charges on her to force her to give in. 09:29.360 --> 09:35.440 I'm terrified of love and marriage. 09:37.040 --> 09:43.320 Your Grace, I appreciate that you care about me, but... 09:43.320 --> 09:47.640 No wonder you rely on yourself for everything. 09:49.000 --> 09:50.960 But I can tell... 09:53.640 --> 09:56.360 you're still withholding something from me. 09:57.240 --> 09:58.360 Fine. 09:58.360 --> 10:00.240 I'll tell you everything. 10:00.240 --> 10:02.040 I once had a strange dream. 10:02.040 --> 10:05.280 We were both shot through with an arrow and died together with it. 10:05.280 --> 10:09.400 If our fates continue to intertwine, I'm afraid... 10:10.320 --> 10:14.880 That's why you've always been so afraid of me, isn't it? 10:15.520 --> 10:17.760 I've had strange dreams, too. 10:20.440 --> 10:22.480 But a dream is just a dream. 10:22.480 --> 10:25.160 No, it's not just a dream. 10:25.160 --> 10:28.000 The mole behind my ear is proof. 10:43.440 --> 10:47.520 But there's no red mole behind your ear. 10:51.240 --> 10:53.040 No, there is. 10:55.400 --> 10:57.040 It's really gone. 10:57.040 --> 11:00.000 I know you've always covered it with powder, 11:00.000 --> 11:03.680 but now it's really gone. 11:09.120 --> 11:13.400 If one day, you possess the strength 11:13.400 --> 11:17.840 to collapse the towering mountains before you, 11:17.840 --> 11:21.680 the river's course will change. 11:22.240 --> 11:23.720 Dou Zhao. 11:28.160 --> 11:30.040 What is this? 11:30.040 --> 11:31.840 This is the imperial decree. 11:33.040 --> 11:37.080 Throughout history, countless women have suffered a lifetime of misery 11:37.080 --> 11:40.280 due to marriages forced upon them by their parents. 11:40.280 --> 11:43.520 Your attempt to for their right to choose is admirable. 11:43.520 --> 11:45.440 By my decree, 11:45.440 --> 11:49.000 Fourth Young Lady's marriage shall not be bound by traditional customs. 11:49.000 --> 11:51.400 She is free to decide for herself. 11:51.400 --> 11:52.960 If the wedding has not been completed, 11:52.960 --> 11:56.600 her engagement with the Marquis of Jining may be annulled. 11:57.560 --> 12:01.240 If anyone pressures you into marriage again, show them this. 12:01.240 --> 12:07.280 You have the right to choose, the right to refuse anyone, even your father or uncle. 12:07.280 --> 12:09.880 No one can force you anymore. 12:11.360 --> 12:16.320 I do believe the Nine-Layered Purple can thrive on its own. 12:17.640 --> 12:20.200 But I also believe that 12:20.200 --> 12:22.600 with someone to lean on, 12:22.600 --> 12:24.720 it can grow even stronger. 12:26.800 --> 12:28.640 You don't have to answer me right away. 12:28.640 --> 12:31.080 Take your time to think it over. 12:31.080 --> 12:34.400 If you agree to my proposal, five days later, 12:34.400 --> 12:37.680 tie a red ribbon on this magnolia tree. 12:37.680 --> 12:40.160 I'll see it from afar. 12:40.160 --> 12:44.280 If you intend to turn me down, tie a white one. 12:45.120 --> 12:50.120 And I will never bother you again. 12:51.880 --> 12:53.480 Goodbye. 13:03.240 --> 13:06.160 [Marquis of Jining's Residence] 13:19.080 --> 13:24.200 It's understandable that the newlyweds would wake up a little late after their wedding night. 13:30.840 --> 13:32.360 Sis— 13:32.360 --> 13:34.240 What's wrong? 13:36.680 --> 13:39.200 Come out for a moment. I want to tell you something. 13:39.200 --> 13:41.320 You can just tell me right here. 13:41.320 --> 13:44.360 - I... - Go on, tell me. 14:00.960 --> 14:03.120 How come it's you? 14:03.560 --> 14:06.560 How dare the Dou family pull such a stunt! 14:06.560 --> 14:09.080 My elder brother had a bit too much to drink last night. 14:09.080 --> 14:10.800 He's now resting. 14:10.800 --> 14:15.320 Madam Wei, if you have any concerns, you can discuss them with me and Yingxue. 14:16.200 --> 14:20.040 You swapped the brides and deceived us for the dowry. What else is there to talk about? 14:20.040 --> 14:23.080 We're family now. There's no need to be like this. 14:23.080 --> 14:27.760 Who's family with her? Is her name written on the marriage agreement? 14:27.760 --> 14:32.040 That agreement will become evidence of fraud. 14:35.560 --> 14:37.440 Mother. 14:40.160 --> 14:44.960 Since the bride swap has already happened, we'll own up to it. 14:44.960 --> 14:49.240 As the saying goes, sometimes fate works in unexpected ways. 14:49.240 --> 14:53.200 As long as the children are happy, isn't this act of goodwill 14:53.200 --> 14:54.960 worth breaking a few old traditions? 14:54.960 --> 14:56.440 It doesn't harm anyone. 14:56.440 --> 15:00.080 Madam Wang, you think with your father as the Minister of War 15:00.080 --> 15:05.200 and Fifth Master Dou backing you, you can rewrite the laws of this dynasty? 15:05.200 --> 15:09.600 Bride swapping and marriage fraud are punishable by flogging! 15:09.600 --> 15:12.040 Madam Wei, if you're serious about taking this to court, 15:12.040 --> 15:17.520 shouldn't you be at the Office of State Affairs right now instead of yelling at us here? 15:17.520 --> 15:19.160 The wedding has been held. 15:19.160 --> 15:21.240 If you report us to the authorities now, 15:21.240 --> 15:26.000 both our families' reputations will be dragged through the mud. 15:26.000 --> 15:30.040 Just tell us how you want to handle this. 15:30.720 --> 15:33.040 This marriage is null and void. 15:33.040 --> 15:38.640 You will return the betrothal gifts, three times their value, and we'll let this slide. 15:39.920 --> 15:42.360 So, in the end, it's about money. 15:42.360 --> 15:44.360 But isn't three times the value a bit... 15:44.360 --> 15:48.760 Even if you're making outrageous demands, that price is absurd. 15:48.760 --> 15:51.440 Do you think our family's money grows on trees? 15:51.440 --> 15:53.360 Go ahead and take it to the court, then. 15:53.360 --> 15:58.280 Did you forget that the Marquis of Jining and my daughter haveconsummated their marriage? 15:58.280 --> 16:00.880 And you have the nerve to come here making demands. 16:01.800 --> 16:03.760 If the local authorities can't handle this, 16:03.760 --> 16:07.520 I'll take it to His and Her Majesties! 16:08.320 --> 16:10.200 Sister! 16:14.880 --> 16:19.160 I swear before heaven and earth, the blame for this lies solely with me. 16:19.160 --> 16:21.520 Ming'er had nothing to do with it. 16:21.520 --> 16:24.960 Unbelievable. Is this coward really stepping up and taking responsibility? 16:24.960 --> 16:28.640 I was the one who convinced Ming'er to go through with the bride swap. 16:28.640 --> 16:31.680 Whatever compensation or punishment is required, I will bear it alone. 16:31.680 --> 16:34.960 And I'll say the same before His Majesty, 16:34.960 --> 16:39.800 Nonsense! They're the ones at fault. Why are you taking responsibility for it? 16:39.800 --> 16:43.680 Now that's the kind of demeanor befitting the Marquis of Jining. 16:57.680 --> 17:01.360 I promised I'd protect you, and I'll keep my word. 17:02.280 --> 17:04.600 Ming'er and I love each other. 17:04.600 --> 17:07.920 I don't need any dowry from your family. 17:08.840 --> 17:11.400 All I ask is for our families to amend the marriage agreement 17:11.400 --> 17:14.640 and officially recognize our union. 17:17.280 --> 17:22.560 Minister Dou, if you really love me, could you carry me 17:22.560 --> 17:28.000 out of the bridal sedan and spin me around a few times on our wedding day? 17:28.000 --> 17:29.960 I will. 17:34.080 --> 17:37.640 At this point, it must be so. 17:37.640 --> 17:40.120 You... You're being stubborn again! 17:40.120 --> 17:43.080 Did all your books and lessons teach you nothing? 17:43.080 --> 17:46.680 People will laugh at you for the rest of your life for marrying a wife like her. 17:46.680 --> 17:49.960 Let them laugh if they want. It's my life. 17:49.960 --> 17:53.560 She is my wife, nothing will change that. 17:59.200 --> 18:02.400 Madam Wei, how do you feel about your own marriage? 18:03.160 --> 18:05.800 Don't change the subject. 18:15.320 --> 18:18.080 When I was Ming'er's age, 18:18.720 --> 18:22.320 I too dreamed of someone who would love 18:22.320 --> 18:25.640 and protect me for life. 18:28.320 --> 18:32.560 It didn't happen for us, 18:33.720 --> 18:38.280 but there's still hope for the children. 18:40.960 --> 18:46.200 Madam Wei, if you still remember the promise I made during the Dragon Boat Festival, 18:46.200 --> 18:48.600 please come with me. 19:04.080 --> 19:06.960 Father, I've wronged Sister. 19:06.960 --> 19:08.960 I'll go and apologize to her now. 19:08.960 --> 19:12.120 No, it's my fault. 19:12.120 --> 19:15.040 I'll go and ask Fourth Young Lady for her forgiveness. 19:21.000 --> 19:23.840 Fifth Young Lady and Wei Tingyu are coming here. 19:23.840 --> 19:26.240 Young Lady, it's like he's become a different person. 19:26.240 --> 19:29.000 He's taking responsibility for once, saying he's coming to apologize to you. 19:29.000 --> 19:32.520 I don't have time for that right now. Come here and look. 19:32.520 --> 19:37.000 - Is the red mole behind my ear really completely gone? - Young Lady. 19:37.000 --> 19:40.440 You've been checking it all morning. Have some water first. 19:41.240 --> 19:46.160 Oh, by the way, Wang Yingxue took Madam Wei into her room earlier, acting all secretive. 19:46.160 --> 19:49.240 What could they possibly need to discuss in private? 19:49.240 --> 19:51.960 Everyone's out for their own gain. 19:51.960 --> 19:57.440 Right now, there's no better solution than splitting the interests with Wei Tingzhen. 20:06.320 --> 20:10.160 These are all my loansharking businesses in the capital. 20:10.160 --> 20:13.360 All the associated government offices are eager to curry favor with my father. 20:13.360 --> 20:17.680 Adding a little extra interest won't disrupt the cash flow. 20:18.360 --> 20:22.440 As long as you sign here, half of the profits 20:22.440 --> 20:28.280 will be sent to your residence every month through various banks. 20:28.280 --> 20:32.000 Madam, you're straightforward. 20:37.080 --> 20:41.320 As for the marriage agreement, we'll pick an auspicious time tomorrow. 20:41.320 --> 20:47.480 I'll have my husband invite a few princes from the Court of the Imperial Clan to witness it. 20:47.480 --> 20:50.120 That'll silence any gossip. 20:50.120 --> 20:53.600 Don't worry. She's my sister-in-law now. 20:53.600 --> 20:56.400 I'll treat her well. 20:57.880 --> 21:01.000 Thank you, Madam Wei. 21:04.720 --> 21:09.680 Ming'er, if you don't know what to say, I'll apologize first. 21:15.080 --> 21:16.760 My Lord. Young Lady Ming. Please leave. 21:16.760 --> 21:19.400 Fourth Young Lady doesn't want to see anyone. 21:24.280 --> 21:27.040 Sister, I'm sorry. 21:27.040 --> 21:32.320 Fourth Young Lady, Ming'er acted out of desperation and broke your heart. 21:32.320 --> 21:34.720 Please blame it on me instead. 21:34.720 --> 21:36.320 Broke her heart? 21:36.320 --> 21:41.120 My Young Lady has Lord Song now. She doesn't have time to care about them. 21:41.120 --> 21:44.640 My wife and I owe you a great deal. 21:44.640 --> 21:49.560 If our family can ever be of help to you in the future, just say the word. 21:49.560 --> 21:55.200 I will see it done to repay your kindness in making our union happen. 22:07.160 --> 22:12.960 Wei Tingyu is a fickle and shallow man, yet he's now genuinely devoted to Dou Ming. 22:12.960 --> 22:17.880 Perhaps they really are fated to be together. 22:25.200 --> 22:29.160 This is a banknote of 5,000 taels. Keep it. 22:29.160 --> 22:30.640 Father... 22:30.640 --> 22:34.360 I know that everything that's happened over the years 22:34.360 --> 22:36.720 can't be fixed with money, 22:38.160 --> 22:43.320 but I don't know what else I can do for you. 22:43.320 --> 22:47.200 When you were born, I promised your mother 22:47.200 --> 22:52.960 I would give you everything and make you happy. 22:53.560 --> 22:56.440 When you were little, you were always clinging to me. 22:56.440 --> 23:01.480 Whether I was studying or socializing, you'd hang onto my neck the whole time. 23:01.480 --> 23:03.640 But... 23:03.640 --> 23:06.600 Ever since Gu Qiu passed away, 23:07.920 --> 23:10.920 it feels like you've grown distant. 23:12.280 --> 23:14.680 Every time I visit the estate... 23:14.680 --> 23:16.920 - Grandmother. - What is this? 23:16.920 --> 23:19.240 These are lotus root dumplings that Shougu and I made. 23:19.240 --> 23:21.800 But they got all mushy as soon as they hit the pot. 23:21.800 --> 23:25.000 All right, let me try it. 23:26.520 --> 23:28.440 What do you think? 23:28.960 --> 23:32.880 This mushy lotus dumpling tastes even better than the proper ones. 23:32.880 --> 23:36.000 Master, why do you never go inside to see them? 23:36.000 --> 23:37.520 Sit. 23:37.520 --> 23:43.080 I thought your lives would be difficult without me. 23:43.080 --> 23:47.160 But seeing how happy you were, I realized 23:47.160 --> 23:50.120 I was the one who didn't belong. 23:55.240 --> 23:59.360 Father, I don't need the money, 23:59.360 --> 24:02.800 but I do hope you can promise me something. 24:03.480 --> 24:05.920 From now on, if anyone comes to propose marriage, 24:05.920 --> 24:08.200 please turn them all away for me. 24:08.200 --> 24:10.200 Shougu, 24:10.880 --> 24:13.960 you have a long life ahead of you. 24:13.960 --> 24:18.960 Don't punish yourself because of my mistakes in the past. 24:19.640 --> 24:22.520 Marrying the wrong man is the real punishment. 24:22.520 --> 24:27.640 Besides, I have Grandmother, you, close friends, and my businesses. 24:27.640 --> 24:29.800 There's so much in this vast world, 24:29.800 --> 24:34.880 so many fascinating, mysterious things to see and learn. 24:34.880 --> 24:37.160 That's the life I want. 24:37.160 --> 24:42.240 It's not that I don't want to marry; I just won't marry the wrong person. 24:44.400 --> 24:50.080 I promise you. From now on, your marriage will be entirely up to you. 24:51.240 --> 24:53.160 Thank you, Father. 24:54.800 --> 24:59.440 There's another thing, it's about Wang Yingxue. 25:00.760 --> 25:02.680 What has she done now? 25:05.160 --> 25:07.520 [Miss Wang's Answer, Yimeng Lane Alley] 25:07.520 --> 25:09.600 [The Moonlit Night Reflects the Snow* (Yingxue)] 25:15.080 --> 25:16.960 Minister. 25:16.960 --> 25:20.840 Hand over the household management token to Shougu. 25:25.120 --> 25:28.160 We just resolved Ming'er's problem, 25:28.160 --> 25:31.040 and you can't wait to take away my authority? 25:36.200 --> 25:39.480 Did Wei Tingyu's heartfelt words... 25:40.400 --> 25:46.000 not remind you of the vows you once made to me? 25:49.520 --> 25:53.880 The letters and poems you wrote to me, 25:53.880 --> 25:56.240 I've kept them all. 26:01.920 --> 26:03.720 Fine. 26:04.920 --> 26:07.400 Let's talk business then. 26:07.400 --> 26:11.720 When those noble families failed to pay their taxes, 26:11.720 --> 26:13.680 tell me, who took care of it for you? 26:13.680 --> 26:16.600 When you couldn't balance the accounts, 26:16.600 --> 26:19.520 who went door to door pleading for you? 26:19.520 --> 26:22.320 It was me, Wang Yingxue! 26:22.320 --> 26:25.160 So why should I hand over the token to her? 26:25.880 --> 26:30.040 Do you think the sun wouldn't rise tomorrow without you? 26:30.040 --> 26:33.640 I can manage just fine without you! 26:33.640 --> 26:38.440 Madam, your capabilities clearly go beyond just balancing accounts. 26:38.440 --> 26:40.960 How else did you convince Madam Wei? 26:40.960 --> 26:45.160 Even Shougu found out. Do you really think you can keep this hidden? 26:45.160 --> 26:47.600 Loansharking is a grave crime. 26:47.600 --> 26:50.520 You could get our family killed! 26:51.200 --> 26:52.800 I didn't. 26:52.800 --> 26:56.080 I didn't! She's framing me! 26:56.080 --> 27:00.840 Gao Sheng overheard your conversation with Madam Wei. Don't bother denying it. 27:00.840 --> 27:04.440 All these years, you made the household accounts look so perfect, 27:04.440 --> 27:07.000 I really thought you were managing things diligently. 27:07.000 --> 27:09.960 But now I see the truth. 27:09.960 --> 27:13.840 Let's go see your father and have him investigate how his own daughter 27:13.840 --> 27:15.520 has been sabotaging him all these years! 27:15.520 --> 27:19.600 No! Minister, please, no! I'm sorry! 27:19.600 --> 27:21.440 I'm sorry! 27:21.440 --> 27:26.400 You can't tell my father. No, you can't let anyone know! 27:26.400 --> 27:31.800 All the money I earned over the years has been spent on our family. 27:33.960 --> 27:36.760 Fifth Brother knows! He knows everything! 27:36.760 --> 27:39.720 Let's go ask him, Minister. 27:40.240 --> 27:42.440 You will stay in the side houseand reflect on your mistakes. 27:42.440 --> 27:44.680 From now on, Shougu will manage the household. 27:44.680 --> 27:48.280 Not a single dirty coin will ever enter our family again! 28:00.840 --> 28:01.800 [Dou Residence] 28:01.800 --> 28:04.680 - Open the door! - Open the door! 28:04.680 --> 28:06.400 Open the door for us! 28:06.400 --> 28:08.960 Open it! Open! 28:14.040 --> 28:18.800 Where are all the geese squawking from early in the morning? 28:18.800 --> 28:23.280 Please calm down, gentlemen. Please don't push, everyone. 28:24.080 --> 28:26.680 Calm down. 28:28.720 --> 28:31.880 No, no, no! I absolutely refuse to accept any betrothal geese. 28:31.880 --> 28:33.840 Gentlemen, please, you should leave. 28:33.840 --> 28:36.400 This is a recommendation letter from Prince Qing. 28:37.240 --> 28:39.240 And I serve under the crown prince. 28:39.240 --> 28:44.160 Master Dou, you and I value moral philosophy. Such a rare bond. 28:44.160 --> 28:48.560 I've been widowed for years, and Fourht Young Lady Dou is no longer so young herself. It would be perfect... 28:48.560 --> 28:51.760 Fourth Young Lady Dou is over 20 years younger than you. 28:51.760 --> 28:54.920 Master Guo, this doesn't sound like moral philosophy to me, 28:54.920 --> 28:59.840 it's more like an old tree leaning over fresh blossoms. 28:59.840 --> 29:01.280 You... 29:01.280 --> 29:04.160 It's true I don't compare to you, young and ambitious, 29:04.160 --> 29:07.160 yet unable to take a proper wife and have a house full of illegitimate children. 29:07.160 --> 29:08.960 - What's that supposed to mean? - Exactly what you think it means. 29:08.960 --> 29:10.920 - How dare you! - Screw you! 29:10.920 --> 29:13.440 - Screw you! - Did you just hit me? 29:14.240 --> 29:16.440 - You're dead meat! - Bring it on! 29:16.440 --> 29:19.160 Master, Minister Liang is here to see you. 29:19.960 --> 29:21.320 Invite him in. 29:21.320 --> 29:23.520 Gentlemen, something has come up. 29:23.520 --> 29:26.120 Minister Liang must have important matters to discuss. 29:26.120 --> 29:28.360 You'll have to excuse me. 29:28.360 --> 29:30.880 Minister Dou, my letter! 29:30.880 --> 29:32.880 This is all your fault! 29:33.360 --> 29:34.520 Minister Liang. 29:34.520 --> 29:39.520 Shi Ying, my fourth son is just the age to start discussing marriage prospects. 29:39.520 --> 29:41.360 You... 29:44.280 --> 29:46.880 Oh, dear! I think my migraine is acting up. 29:46.880 --> 29:50.800 Excuse me, I must take my leave! 29:57.160 --> 29:59.080 Come. 30:01.640 --> 30:03.800 Bear with me. 30:04.640 --> 30:07.680 I'm fine. It doesn't hurt. 30:07.680 --> 30:09.640 I'm much better now. 30:11.400 --> 30:14.480 Master, what should we do with the geese in the courtyard? 30:14.480 --> 30:16.080 Throw them out. 30:16.080 --> 30:19.440 Just the sight of those beady eyes and flapping wings gives me a headache. 30:19.440 --> 30:22.640 Tossing them out would be harsh. 30:23.840 --> 30:26.160 Return them quietly at night. 30:26.160 --> 30:28.040 Yes, Young Lady. 30:29.880 --> 30:32.840 After the scandal with the bride swap, 30:32.840 --> 30:36.160 they're taking advantage of our family's misfortune. 30:36.160 --> 30:38.080 Why should we care about saving their pride? 30:38.080 --> 30:42.760 They are scoundrels. Why get upset over them? 30:43.520 --> 30:48.240 I actually made you some goose soup to help you cool down, 30:48.240 --> 30:51.960 but then I realized a goose is also sharp-beaked and winged. 30:51.960 --> 30:54.480 I'll just ask the kitchen to prepare something else instead. 30:54.480 --> 30:59.080 No, keep the soup. If you made it, it'll work. 31:11.200 --> 31:13.960 - Did you burn yourself? - No, I'm fine. 31:13.960 --> 31:16.280 It's really good. 31:21.240 --> 31:23.240 Don't worry, 31:24.200 --> 31:28.160 even if they send a hundred more geese, I'll send them all back. 31:28.760 --> 31:30.960 Slow down. 31:35.320 --> 31:40.040 Master, the Lord of Haichang is here to propose marriage. 31:40.760 --> 31:42.880 Lord of Haichang? 31:46.600 --> 31:50.120 Isn't he the one who's infamous for visiting every brothel in the capital? 31:50.120 --> 31:51.560 Help! 31:51.560 --> 31:52.840 - Stop right there! You're dead! - He's trying to kill me! 31:52.840 --> 31:54.240 - You're dead! - Master! Master! 31:54.240 --> 31:55.640 How dare you! 31:55.640 --> 31:58.600 Master! Please calm down, Master! 31:58.600 --> 32:00.040 - Calm down... - Move! 32:00.040 --> 32:02.280 You rascal! The nerve of you to come here to propose! 32:02.280 --> 32:03.800 Do you take my family for a brothel? 32:03.800 --> 32:06.120 Seventh Master Dou, why are you so mad? 32:06.120 --> 32:09.880 No one wants to marry Fourth Young Lady now. I'm offering to marry her out of kindness. 32:09.880 --> 32:12.040 Shameless brat! I'm going to kill you! 32:12.040 --> 32:13.320 - Help! - What's all this commotion? 32:13.320 --> 32:16.040 - Stop running! - Please calm down, Master! 32:16.040 --> 32:17.920 Seventh Master Dou is trying to kill me! 32:17.920 --> 32:19.520 Stop right there! 32:19.520 --> 32:22.720 - Master... - Help! 32:22.720 --> 32:25.200 - Help him up! - Master! 32:25.200 --> 32:28.120 You got carried away. You shouldn't have laid hands on him. 32:28.120 --> 32:30.400 Lord of Haichang's family have been nobles for generations. 32:30.400 --> 32:31.920 You can't just beat him up. 32:31.920 --> 32:35.360 Those shameless fools think they can marry Shougu? 32:35.360 --> 32:37.360 They deserve to be thrown out of the house. 32:37.360 --> 32:39.240 You... 32:39.240 --> 32:42.000 I'm sorry to have caused you trouble. 32:42.000 --> 32:43.720 You think breaking off the engagement means freedom? 32:43.720 --> 32:47.280 At least a marriage arranged by the family can ensure your safety. 32:47.280 --> 32:51.520 If outsiders start scheming against you, you'll see how dangerous it really is. 32:52.280 --> 32:55.880 Forget it. You've been wanting to see your grandmother, right? 32:55.880 --> 32:58.040 Why don't you return to the estate and lay low for now? 32:58.040 --> 33:01.880 It'll give us some peace and quiet. 33:01.880 --> 33:03.560 Yes, Uncle. 33:04.160 --> 33:07.480 Those lords are just a bunch of bottom-feeding scum! 33:07.480 --> 33:11.400 Even Wei Tingyu was better than them. Who in the Zhending Market doesn't know my Sister Zhao? 33:11.400 --> 33:15.760 How dare they bully you! I'll gather my men and gut that lecherous lord! 33:17.680 --> 33:21.600 Your uncle is a Grand Secretariat minister now, 33:21.600 --> 33:25.120 yet he still has to send you away to clean up the mess. 33:25.680 --> 33:30.480 Sending me away is perfect. Better yet, don't ever call me back. 33:31.600 --> 33:36.640 Times have changed. The Dou family is now a rising star in the court. 33:36.640 --> 33:41.600 Your uncle might very well be the next Grand Secretary. 33:41.600 --> 33:46.600 Those he used to curry favor with are now his equals, 33:46.600 --> 33:50.560 or even trying to curry favor with him. 33:50.560 --> 33:53.280 With Uncle holding power, Father managing the money, 33:53.280 --> 33:55.840 and the bride swap scandal, 33:55.840 --> 34:00.040 I'm practically easy prey in the eyes of outsiders. 34:01.360 --> 34:05.080 Shiying finally showed some backbone this time. 34:05.080 --> 34:09.600 But this isn't just a matter of your marriage, 34:09.600 --> 34:15.760 it's a question of whether the Dou family sides with the crown prince or Prince Qing. 34:17.640 --> 34:22.760 Everyone at court is watching to see where the Dou family stands. 34:22.760 --> 34:28.360 Perhaps even His Majesty is waiting to see where the Dou family's loyalties lie. 34:28.360 --> 34:30.600 Then don't pick either of them. 34:31.680 --> 34:33.800 Stepping back to observe isn't a bad idea. 34:33.800 --> 34:38.720 Only by seeing the full picture can you plan your next move. 34:38.720 --> 34:41.480 You're talking about marriage like it's a military strategy. 34:41.480 --> 34:44.600 If His Majesty really has this much time on his hands, why not stage another bride swap? 34:44.600 --> 34:47.000 I'll take Shougu's place this time. 34:48.640 --> 34:51.600 Grandmother, these raisins are so sweet. 34:51.600 --> 34:53.520 Try some. 34:56.840 --> 35:00.280 - Sweet, right? - Grandmother is healthy and happy now. 35:00.280 --> 35:01.200 Try it. 35:01.200 --> 35:04.520 Everything seems to be going in a better direction. 35:17.480 --> 35:20.640 Young Ladies. Old Madam. Please enjoy some tofu pudding. 35:20.640 --> 35:22.600 Tofu pudding? 35:38.240 --> 35:41.880 It tastes like Lin Restaurant's. And it's still warm. 35:44.200 --> 35:47.960 Lin Restaurant? Isn't that shop in the capital? 35:47.960 --> 35:49.680 How did you get these? 35:49.680 --> 35:52.080 Lu Ming brought them over. 35:55.400 --> 35:57.720 [Tea] 36:11.280 --> 36:14.120 Why are we doing this tofu pudding training every day? Why so many questions? 36:14.120 --> 36:16.160 His Lordship said we must master our riding skills. 36:16.160 --> 36:19.400 To travel a thousand miles without breaking the tofu pudding. The point is to strengthen our core. 36:19.400 --> 36:21.320 - Yes, sir! - Yes, sir! 36:21.320 --> 36:25.640 Your Grace, are we going to eat the unbroken tofu pudding ourselves? 36:25.640 --> 36:28.720 Dream on. You eat the broken ones. 36:28.720 --> 36:31.520 Send the unbroken ones to the estate. 36:32.080 --> 36:34.800 Impressive. Two birds with one stone! 36:34.800 --> 36:39.520 If Lu Ming brought them, that means they're from Lord Song. 36:40.000 --> 36:42.480 - Sweet, huh? - Mine's savory. 36:42.480 --> 36:44.160 I'm sure even savory tofu pudding taste sweet now. 36:44.160 --> 36:45.920 Just eat, will you? 36:45.920 --> 36:50.360 Even if it's savory in your mouth, it's sweet in your heart. 37:18.240 --> 37:22.560 What flower is this? You seem to treasure it greatly. 37:22.560 --> 37:24.720 I do believe it can thrive on its own. 37:24.720 --> 37:29.320 But I also believe that with someone to lean on, 37:29.320 --> 37:31.800 it can grow even stronger. 37:37.360 --> 37:41.760 Shougu. Are you ending the flowers all by yourself, huh? 37:41.760 --> 37:43.720 Grandmother. 37:49.880 --> 37:51.800 Shougu, 37:53.120 --> 37:57.760 when I was wandering around this courtyard alone, 37:57.760 --> 38:02.160 I'd also find myself thinking about the one who played that melody that night. 38:02.160 --> 38:06.120 Grandmother, what are you talking about? 38:06.120 --> 38:10.080 I'm talking about the person on your mind right now. 38:10.680 --> 38:12.880 Tell me honestly. 38:13.720 --> 38:18.200 When Song Mo gave you that imperial decree, what were you thinking? 38:18.200 --> 38:21.480 How did you know Song Mo gave me an imperial decree? 38:21.480 --> 38:26.320 Did you think living in the manor made me deaf and blind? 38:26.320 --> 38:29.800 I have my eyes and ears in the Dou Residence. 38:29.800 --> 38:31.520 Who are they? 38:31.520 --> 38:33.760 Don't change the subject. 38:33.760 --> 38:37.000 Just tell me what you thought. 38:39.760 --> 38:45.600 When I first heard him say that, I was shocked. 38:45.600 --> 38:48.760 Then, I found it utterly unbelievable. 38:48.760 --> 38:53.640 We were practically strangers, yet he's done so much for me. 38:53.640 --> 38:56.560 I don't know how to repay him. 38:58.680 --> 39:02.800 You see, he didn't ask His Majesty 39:02.800 --> 39:07.200 for a decree for himself, he asked for one for you. 39:07.200 --> 39:09.720 He could've asked His Majesty to grant him your hand in marriage, 39:09.720 --> 39:14.600 but instead, he only asked for your freedom to choose. 39:14.600 --> 39:18.800 That shows just how genuinely he cares for you. 39:19.320 --> 39:25.000 With someone like him protecting you, I can finally feel at ease. 39:31.200 --> 39:33.000 [Qianqing Palace] (Palace of Heavenly Purity) 39:33.000 --> 39:38.080 A simple matter of marriage, yet it's caused such a scandal across the entire capital. 39:38.080 --> 39:41.160 I've granted her an imperial decree. 39:41.160 --> 39:46.240 Are you telling me there isn't a single man in all the land worthy of her? 39:46.920 --> 39:52.640 Your Majesty, I have promised my daughter I will not interfere in her choice of a husband. 39:54.400 --> 39:57.840 Fine. Take your time to decide. 39:57.840 --> 40:00.360 Don't bother coming back to your duties until you pick someone suitable. 40:00.360 --> 40:03.040 Thank you, Your Majesty. 40:10.240 --> 40:12.560 Come and have a look! 40:12.560 --> 40:15.680 Fresh veggies! Fresh veggies for sale! 40:52.280 --> 40:55.800 Lord Dou, are you all right? 41:04.080 --> 41:07.440 This is strange. He's even escorting me home? 41:07.440 --> 41:09.680 The fearsome man has suddenly turned nice. 41:09.680 --> 41:12.320 What on earth is he up to? 41:23.160 --> 41:26.480 This is a disaster. I used to rebuke the Dou family for scheming, 41:26.480 --> 41:29.280 and now I'm the one with an agenda. 41:30.120 --> 41:33.240 How am I ever going to change his impression of me? 41:47.800 --> 41:50.560 Looks like the fireworks factory on the outskirts of the city exploded. 41:50.560 --> 41:52.560 - Song Mo! - Fourth Young Lady! 41:53.080 --> 41:56.840 Song Mo, I like you. But I'm even more afraid of losing you. 41:56.840 --> 41:59.760 If you fear the Seven Grounds for Divorce, I'll write you Seven Promises instead. 41:59.760 --> 42:04.120 I'll respect any decision you make and protect you.