WEBVTT 00:06.040 --> 00:08.080 [Cui Residence] 00:08.960 --> 00:14.520 If that's what you've decided, I'll support you. 00:14.520 --> 00:19.560 Your mother used to say that there's no right or wrong choice in love, 00:19.560 --> 00:23.000 as long as it's from the heart and without regret. 00:23.000 --> 00:25.720 She would have supported you, 00:25.720 --> 00:29.720 just as she never regretted marrying your father. 00:29.720 --> 00:34.440 If Gu Qiu's spirit could see that you've found someone you're happy with, 00:34.440 --> 00:37.160 she'd surely be even happier than I am. 00:37.160 --> 00:42.280 Thanks to her blessings, my career has been smooth sailing all these years. 00:42.280 --> 00:46.040 I've prepared twelve carriages of gold and silver as your dowry. 00:46.040 --> 00:47.600 I won't let you be embarrassed. 00:47.600 --> 00:50.440 Uncle, I already have more than enough dowry. 00:50.440 --> 00:52.800 Life in Diannan is hard, and being an official there is even harder. 00:52.800 --> 00:54.960 You should save this gold and silver for Cousin. 00:54.960 --> 00:56.480 What I've prepared for you is yours. 00:56.480 --> 00:58.640 I've made separate arrangements for Ru'er. 00:58.640 --> 01:00.680 Everything is taken care of. 01:00.680 --> 01:05.040 I've bought a four-room residence facing south in the capital. 01:05.040 --> 01:08.480 Once I retire, I'll come back and reunite my family. 01:10.600 --> 01:12.240 Father! 01:12.240 --> 01:13.840 Ru'er! 01:13.840 --> 01:15.840 - Ru'er... - You're back! 01:17.880 --> 01:22.080 Shougu is getting married, why haven't you found a husband yet? 01:22.080 --> 01:25.800 If you keep delaying, you'll become an old maid. 01:25.800 --> 01:28.000 Come back to Diannan with me, I'll find you a husband. 01:28.000 --> 01:31.480 If we keep looking, I'll only end up with more guy friends all over the world. 01:31.480 --> 01:32.960 You're retiring soon. 01:32.960 --> 01:36.400 Let's wait until you're back. All right? 01:36.400 --> 01:38.000 What's wrong? 01:38.000 --> 01:39.760 What's wrong? 01:39.760 --> 01:43.000 Thanks to your cousin-in-law's men. 01:43.000 --> 01:47.040 They said they were worried about bad guys threatening the estate, 01:47.040 --> 01:49.160 and mistook me for one. 01:49.160 --> 01:52.240 Tell me. Do I look like a bad person? 01:52.240 --> 01:55.320 - A little. - That hurts. 01:55.320 --> 01:57.400 - Easy, easy! - My arm. 01:57.400 --> 01:59.520 - Where are you hurt? - Everywhere. 01:59.520 --> 02:01.440 Here and here! 02:01.440 --> 02:03.520 Uncle was just a minor official in his previous life, 02:03.520 --> 02:05.480 constantly suppressed and ostracized. 02:05.480 --> 02:09.800 When I got married, he couldn't even take time off to attend the wedding. 02:09.800 --> 02:13.720 But now, his career is flourishing, and he's reunited with his daughter. 02:13.720 --> 02:15.440 Good for him. 02:28.720 --> 02:30.280 Your Grace. 02:30.280 --> 02:31.480 How is it going? 02:31.480 --> 02:34.800 We've searched the entire eastern and western hills, but we haven't found anything. 02:34.800 --> 02:36.080 This area has been flooded several times. 02:36.080 --> 02:39.120 Even if it wasn't washed away, it would have been moved long ago. 02:39.120 --> 02:42.640 Trying to find it overnight is like looking for a needle in a haystack. 02:42.640 --> 02:44.120 Keep digging. 02:44.120 --> 02:45.280 Yes, Your Grace. 02:45.280 --> 02:47.400 Your Grace, maybe we should give up. 02:47.400 --> 02:48.880 It's about to rain. 02:48.880 --> 02:51.240 There's still so much to prepare for the wedding. 02:51.240 --> 02:56.200 Besides, Fourth Young Lady Zhao said it wasn't a big deal. 02:58.720 --> 03:01.200 Even though I couldn't see her face, I could hear it in her voice, 03:01.200 --> 03:04.840 when she said it wasn't a big deal, it was anything but. 03:04.840 --> 03:07.000 I don't want her to have any regrets. 03:18.360 --> 03:20.080 What's this? 03:22.600 --> 03:24.240 It's padding for a wine jar. 03:24.240 --> 03:26.040 Someone found it. 03:28.280 --> 03:32.040 Lu Ming, find out who was in charge of this military farmland. 03:51.400 --> 03:53.760 No, to the right. 03:53.760 --> 03:55.280 Center the flower. 03:55.280 --> 03:56.800 Got it. 03:57.800 --> 03:59.960 That's more like it. 04:06.360 --> 04:09.160 A bad guy really sneaked in. 04:11.000 --> 04:13.040 You two, come down. 04:23.480 --> 04:24.880 Does he look like a bad guy? 04:24.880 --> 04:27.040 - He does. - A really bad one. 04:27.040 --> 04:31.000 On the count of three, let's go together. 04:31.000 --> 04:32.600 Three! 04:37.040 --> 04:38.840 Where is he? 04:49.560 --> 04:51.880 Why did you attack me? 04:52.600 --> 04:55.000 I should be asking you that. 04:55.000 --> 05:00.080 What are you doing sneaking around this residence? 05:00.080 --> 05:01.520 Who are you? 05:01.520 --> 05:05.880 I'm Zhao Zhangru, Dou Zhao's cousin. Who are you? 05:07.640 --> 05:09.120 I'm sorry. 05:09.120 --> 05:11.040 I didn't know you were Young Lady Zhao. 05:11.040 --> 05:15.240 In that case, please pass this on to the newlyweds. 05:15.240 --> 05:17.320 Just say it's from Chen Jia. 05:17.320 --> 05:22.880 I wish His Grace and Her Ladyship a long and happy marriage, and many children. 05:29.400 --> 05:31.120 Weirdo. 05:34.280 --> 05:37.360 Young Lady Zhao, what happened here? 05:37.360 --> 05:41.360 Some shady guy attacked me, then turned around and gave Shougu a gift. 05:41.360 --> 05:43.040 He's so weird and nonsensical. 05:43.040 --> 05:44.640 He said his name was Chen Jia. 05:44.640 --> 05:46.080 Chen Jia? 05:46.080 --> 05:47.760 Commander Chen was here? 05:47.760 --> 05:49.240 He's one of the Shadow Guards? 05:49.240 --> 05:52.120 No wonder he had to be so sneaky even giving a gift. 05:54.720 --> 05:55.880 Strange. 05:55.880 --> 05:57.760 Why would he gift a smashed jade pomegranate? 05:57.760 --> 06:00.840 Exactly, he's so weird. 06:07.160 --> 06:09.080 I'm the one who smashed it. 06:09.800 --> 06:12.600 [Cui Residence] 06:15.400 --> 06:16.920 What's going on? 06:16.920 --> 06:20.600 The auspicious hour has passed, but the wedding procession still hasn't arrived. 06:20.600 --> 06:22.520 Let's wait a little longer. 06:36.480 --> 06:39.160 Any sign of them? Are they here? 06:39.160 --> 06:41.000 I've sent a servant two miles out to check. 06:41.000 --> 06:43.640 There's no sign of the wedding procession. 06:43.640 --> 06:45.520 We can't be this unlucky, can we? 06:45.520 --> 06:50.240 It was a bride swap last time, don't tell me this time it's a runaway groom? 06:53.080 --> 06:54.840 And you're still in the mood to eat? 06:54.840 --> 06:56.720 Figure something out! 06:56.720 --> 07:00.640 Until the sky falls, you still need to eat. 07:00.640 --> 07:02.960 Besides, His Grace isn't that kind of person. 07:02.960 --> 07:05.720 Something must have held him up. 07:10.040 --> 07:12.560 Your Grac! 07:13.920 --> 07:15.000 Your Grace! 07:15.000 --> 07:16.960 This is urgent. Let me through. 07:16.960 --> 07:18.320 Your Grace! 07:18.320 --> 07:20.560 - I'm sorry! - This isn't proper. 07:20.560 --> 07:22.000 Please stop, Your Grace! 07:22.000 --> 07:24.840 Song Mo, barging in like this is against propriety. 07:24.840 --> 07:27.720 Lord Zhao, I have something important to tell Shougu. 07:27.720 --> 07:29.000 The wedding procession will be here soon. 07:29.000 --> 07:32.600 You've missed the auspicious hour, and now you're breaking tradition by forcing your way in? 07:32.600 --> 07:34.840 I'm sorry about this. 07:34.840 --> 07:36.600 Such disrespect! 07:36.600 --> 07:37.680 Stop him! 07:37.680 --> 07:39.960 You can't go in! Come back! 07:40.560 --> 07:42.800 Give him another quarter of an hour. 07:42.800 --> 07:44.840 If he still doesn't show up... 07:46.600 --> 07:48.800 I'll go find him myself. 07:48.800 --> 07:51.280 You're going to find him? 07:53.560 --> 07:55.400 May I come in? 07:55.400 --> 07:56.360 Dou Zhao? 07:56.360 --> 07:57.600 No, absolutely not! 07:57.600 --> 07:59.440 What groom barges into the bride's room? 07:59.440 --> 08:00.520 It's against tradition! 08:00.520 --> 08:01.960 You're an hour late. 08:01.960 --> 08:03.920 You swore you'd marry our young lady. 08:03.920 --> 08:05.320 - Why did you disrespect her? - Song Mo, you have to go! 08:05.320 --> 08:06.720 Dou Zhao, trust me! Just crack the door open a little. 08:06.720 --> 08:09.560 - You cannot go in. - I won't go in, and I won't look. 08:09.560 --> 08:10.960 What are you doing, Yantang? 08:10.960 --> 08:12.560 - Song Mo! - This is bad luck! 08:12.560 --> 08:14.800 - Dou Zhao, give me your hand. - Song Mo! 08:14.800 --> 08:16.440 - Listen to me! - Dou Zhao! 08:16.440 --> 08:17.960 - Your Grace! - Dou Zhao! 08:17.960 --> 08:20.600 Song Mo, get out! 08:20.600 --> 08:23.360 - This is bad luck! - Your Grace! 08:23.360 --> 08:24.920 You cannot go in! 08:24.920 --> 08:27.880 Yes, please listen, Your Grace. 08:27.880 --> 08:29.760 You can't come in. 08:29.760 --> 08:31.080 How did you hurt your hand? 08:31.080 --> 08:32.280 It's nothing. 08:32.280 --> 08:34.520 Just give me your hand. 08:34.520 --> 08:36.560 It's hurt badly. This isn't nothing. 08:36.560 --> 08:41.320 ♫ I stand on my tiptoes and kiss your eyebrows ♫ 08:41.320 --> 08:47.240 ​♫ There is no need to hide my heart in the future ♫ 08:47.240 --> 08:52.480 ♫ Covered in frost and snow, side by side with you again ♫ 08:54.000 --> 08:55.720 How did you find it? 08:55.720 --> 08:58.640 - Dou Qi, hand over the bracelet! - What bracelet? 08:58.640 --> 09:01.480 We've found the jar of Nuerhong in your house. 09:01.480 --> 09:03.280 Now hand over the bracelet. 09:03.280 --> 09:05.880 Something dug up in the wilderness 09:05.880 --> 09:08.040 - belongs to whoever finds it. - Give it to me! 09:08.040 --> 09:13.840 ♫ I don't listen to the advice of the mortals ♫ 09:13.840 --> 09:15.760 You want the bracelet, huh? 09:15.760 --> 09:18.400 I'd rather burn it as firewood than give it to you! 09:21.160 --> 09:26.120 ♫ I chase you one step closer and can't bear to stop ♫ 09:26.120 --> 09:28.440 Now that the bracelet and the wine have been found, 09:28.440 --> 09:30.280 you can put your mind at ease. 09:30.280 --> 09:32.640 I'm sorry that I barged in and broke the rules. 09:32.640 --> 09:34.480 The wedding procession will arrive soon. 09:34.480 --> 09:36.640 I'll step out and wait. 09:37.720 --> 09:39.200 Wait! 09:42.640 --> 09:48.000 ♫ I picked a star and hung the moon to illuminate your night ♫ 09:48.000 --> 09:51.960 ♫ I only send my heart to one person, leaving no vacancies ♫ 09:51.960 --> 09:53.960 Your wound will fester if you don't treat it soon. 09:53.960 --> 09:57.160 I can't feel at ease going through the wedding ceremony like this. 10:02.040 --> 10:03.840 Go about your business. 10:13.920 --> 10:16.560 Hold on. This might hurt a little. 10:18.560 --> 10:21.760 Two perfect jade bracelets, 10:21.760 --> 10:25.280 just like two hearts perfectly matched. 10:25.280 --> 10:28.600 I can tell Yantang really loves her. 10:28.600 --> 10:33.000 The grudges of the previous generation are long past. 10:33.000 --> 10:38.760 What matters now is that they find happiness together. 10:44.080 --> 10:47.000 [Double Happiness] 10:52.240 --> 10:53.920 Hurry up! 10:55.200 --> 10:57.480 Our groom has brought plenty of gifts! 10:57.480 --> 10:59.400 Move them all inside! 10:59.400 --> 11:01.040 Hurry up now! 11:01.040 --> 11:03.480 We don't want to delay the wedding! 11:07.760 --> 11:11.680 Dou Zhao, the fourth daughter of the Dou family of Beilou, 11:11.680 --> 11:14.440 is to marry into the Song family today. 11:14.440 --> 11:16.720 Such a moment is bittersweet. 11:16.720 --> 11:19.040 [Memorial Tablet of Lady Zhao] 11:24.640 --> 11:26.640 By the command of His Majesty and my father, 11:26.640 --> 11:29.440 I humbly accept this union and pledge to honor it. 11:29.440 --> 11:33.440 As you join your new family, never forget to uphold reverence and propriety. 11:33.440 --> 11:38.320 Remain mindful of your duties, and never stray from your obligations. 11:49.440 --> 11:54.040 These are my savings from all these years. 11:54.040 --> 11:57.840 Don't worry, I've prepared some for Ming'er as well. 11:58.680 --> 12:02.880 I know you've endured far too many hardships over the years. 12:02.880 --> 12:07.440 I sold a few shops under my name to add to your dowry. 12:07.440 --> 12:09.240 Father... 12:11.120 --> 12:15.000 Song Yantang, if you treat her well, 12:15.000 --> 12:19.040 both the Dou and Cui families stand behind you. 12:19.040 --> 12:22.720 If you dare to mistreat her, we won't let you off easily. 12:22.720 --> 12:26.640 I will keep that in mind and honor my promise to her. 12:31.920 --> 12:35.240 With her stepmother's bullying and her uncle's oppressive behavior, 12:35.240 --> 12:39.440 it's nice to see that there are people who really care for her in this family. 12:39.440 --> 12:42.640 ♫ The jade terrace drifts like a shadow, all devoid of magnificence ♫ 12:42.640 --> 12:46.040 ♫ Thousands of soldiers stop at your feet ♫ 12:46.040 --> 12:52.440 ♫ I lean over to kiss you and say goodbye ♫ 12:52.440 --> 12:55.720 ♫ The golden-feathered and fierce horse travels to the end of the world ♫ 12:55.720 --> 13:04.840 ♫ In this life, if there is no you, what is there to envy ♫ 13:04.840 --> 13:11.640 ♫ Let me put down my sword and thank the sea of ​​sand, and give you a jade hairpin ♫ 13:11.640 --> 13:18.720 ♫ I want these thousands of trees to bloom for you overnight ♫ 13:18.720 --> 13:24.960 ♫ I'll just write in bold ink for you ♫ 13:24.960 --> 13:34.440 ♫ Apart from that, let the rest pale in comparison ♫ 13:50.800 --> 13:54.080 With all this grandeur, Dou Zhao must be over the moon. 13:54.080 --> 13:57.960 Dou Shiying has emptied his coffers for her. 13:57.960 --> 13:59.800 With such blatant favoritism, 13:59.800 --> 14:03.400 how is Ming'er supposed to hold her head high in her husband's household? 14:11.600 --> 14:13.200 Was the letter delivered? 14:13.240 --> 14:18.040 It's been delivered to the Duke of Ying Residence as you instructed. 14:18.040 --> 14:24.240 That place may seem glamorous and wealthy, but it's really a den of vipers. 14:24.240 --> 14:27.040 Both father and son have blood on their hands. 14:27.040 --> 14:29.920 Her life there won't be easy. 14:29.920 --> 14:33.040 Her father-in-law is even more ruthless than I am. 14:33.040 --> 14:36.920 I wonder if her father-in-law will even let her in that door. 14:36.920 --> 14:40.240 "Zhao grew up on a country estate. 14:40.240 --> 14:44.120 She lacked proper guidance and discipline. 14:44.120 --> 14:49.520 While she may appear obedient, her actions are impulsive and unrefined. 14:49.520 --> 14:55.520 I hope you will forgive her shortcomings, and guide her well in the future." 14:58.040 --> 15:01.320 Wang Yingxue sounds sincere, 15:01.320 --> 15:05.440 but what she's really saying is that Dou Zhao is an uncouth, conniving woman, 15:05.440 --> 15:08.240 a typical troublemaker in the household. 15:08.240 --> 15:10.720 It's not just her stepmother who dislikes her. 15:10.720 --> 15:13.440 I asked around. 15:13.440 --> 15:20.040 Even the neighborhood children say Young Lady Zhao would snatch their kites from them. 15:20.040 --> 15:21.120 She's fierce as can be. 15:21.120 --> 15:24.920 A clear sign she's nothing but a shrew! 15:24.920 --> 15:30.040 Lord Song is in for a miserable time with her. 15:31.200 --> 15:37.320 For my son to marry such a shrew, I'm greatly comforted! 15:38.800 --> 15:42.040 I can't wait any longer. Let's go and welcome the bride now! 15:44.440 --> 15:46.240 [Double Happiness] 15:46.240 --> 15:47.840 It's the auspicious hour! 15:47.840 --> 15:49.920 Begin the ceremony! 16:03.320 --> 16:06.520 [Memorial Tablet of Lady Jiang] 16:09.240 --> 16:11.720 Bow to the parents! 16:18.720 --> 16:22.880 Crown Prince and Princess Shude have arrived! 16:29.920 --> 16:35.040 Your Highnesses, I apologize for not welcoming you sooner. 16:35.040 --> 16:38.560 By order of His Majesty, I am here to offer congratulations. 16:39.240 --> 16:42.800 Greetings, Your Highnesses. 16:42.800 --> 16:45.320 Duke of Ying, receive the imperial decree. 16:48.120 --> 16:51.360 "By His Majesty's command, 16:51.360 --> 16:57.440 On this joyous occasion of the union of Song Mo and Dou Zhao, I am greatly pleased. 16:57.440 --> 17:02.160 I bestow upon both of their families reed pipes and chime stones, 17:02.160 --> 17:07.720 symbolizing harmony and unity between the two families, for generations to come. 17:07.720 --> 17:10.160 Thus is my decree." 17:10.160 --> 17:13.200 I humbly accept the decree. 17:22.960 --> 17:25.880 I hear that you are skilled in playing the reed pipe. 17:25.880 --> 17:29.400 Surely you know that no matter how beautiful a solo, 17:29.400 --> 17:32.840 it cannot compare to the harmony of reed pipes and chime stones played together. 17:33.640 --> 17:36.560 Only with harmony between father and son, 17:36.560 --> 17:41.920 can the honor of five generations of the Duke of Ying's legacy be upheld. 17:41.920 --> 17:46.080 I will faithfully heed His Majesty's teachings. 17:47.840 --> 17:49.520 The ceremony continues! 17:49.520 --> 17:52.040 Step over the fire basin! 18:06.600 --> 18:09.480 Enter the bridal chamber! 18:10.720 --> 18:13.000 What's taking Su Su so long? 18:13.880 --> 18:15.680 Come on! 18:17.200 --> 18:20.000 Well, this is rare, someone leading a donkey down Changle Street. 18:20.000 --> 18:23.360 But Yizhi Hall doesn't have a stable for donkeys. 18:25.040 --> 18:26.280 It's Lord Song's wedding. 18:26.280 --> 18:28.520 No unauthorized people are allowed inside. 18:28.520 --> 18:31.360 I'm a close friend of the bride, here to attend the banquet. 18:31.360 --> 18:35.560 Merchants are prohibited by law from wearing silk or riding in carriages. 18:35.560 --> 18:37.040 Do you have an invitation? 18:37.040 --> 18:38.960 I'm transporting so many goods, it's buried somewhere. 18:38.960 --> 18:41.000 I'll miss the banquet by the time I find it. 18:41.000 --> 18:43.480 If a merchant girl like you were Her Grace's close friend, 18:43.480 --> 18:46.960 then I'm the Jade Emperor's childhood buddy! 18:47.920 --> 18:50.200 How dare you look down on people! 18:50.200 --> 18:52.000 Young Master Han. 18:53.160 --> 18:54.640 What's wrong with being a merchant? 18:54.640 --> 18:56.880 Earning an honest living with her own skills 18:56.880 --> 19:00.080 is far better than being the lackey of some noble family. 19:02.200 --> 19:03.880 I'm Song Han. 19:03.880 --> 19:05.160 I've long heard of my sister-in-law's 19:05.160 --> 19:08.040 close friendship with the esteemed Miao family's daughter. 19:08.040 --> 19:11.600 And you must be Young Lady Miao. 19:11.600 --> 19:13.120 Thank you, Young Master Han. 19:13.120 --> 19:17.600 These are Zhao's personal belongings, but I'm not sure where they should go... 19:17.600 --> 19:19.400 Here. 19:21.400 --> 19:23.200 Your face. 19:27.360 --> 19:29.760 Move the boxes to the inner courtyard. 19:29.760 --> 19:31.120 Yes, Young Master. 19:31.120 --> 19:33.120 Hurry! 19:33.120 --> 19:34.600 You've worked hard. 19:34.600 --> 19:37.520 I'll have someone take you to the inner hall to freshen up. 19:37.520 --> 19:40.640 Don't worry, you won't miss the toast. 19:40.640 --> 19:42.440 Thank you, Young Master. 19:43.640 --> 19:52.320 Lift the veil! Lift the veil! 19:57.400 --> 20:01.280 Yes! 20:01.280 --> 20:06.600 The groom must sit on the bride's veil to signify that he'll always have the upper hand, 20:06.600 --> 20:09.640 leading while she follows. 20:09.640 --> 20:11.440 That's not a custom in my household. 20:11.440 --> 20:13.240 My wife and I are equals. 20:13.240 --> 20:16.520 Skip any ceremony that implies otherwise, please. 20:16.520 --> 20:18.520 Then... 20:18.520 --> 20:22.400 Mutual respect and love are the foundation for a lasting relationship. 20:22.400 --> 20:25.640 Yes, yes! Let's move on to the unity wine. 20:25.640 --> 20:28.080 Looks like she has no sense of tradition. 20:29.440 --> 20:32.160 Yantang is completely under her thumb. 20:32.160 --> 20:35.160 Who knows what chaos this household will descend into? 20:42.240 --> 20:45.920 The couple shall hold their cups and drink together. 20:45.920 --> 20:50.840 From this day forward, they will share joy and hardship alike, 20:53.040 --> 20:57.920 bound by love until their final days. 21:09.640 --> 21:11.520 Yes! Yes! 21:11.520 --> 21:17.840 From this moment on, may you live in harmony and grow old side by side. 21:17.840 --> 21:19.840 The ceremony is complete! 21:19.840 --> 21:21.440 Awesome! Yes! 21:21.440 --> 21:23.720 Time to drink! Your Grace, let's go and drink! 21:23.720 --> 21:25.840 - Come on! - Yantang. 21:25.840 --> 21:27.920 My wife wants to tell me something. 21:27.920 --> 21:30.240 Come back soon. I have something to give you. 21:30.240 --> 21:32.440 All right, I'll be back soon. 21:32.440 --> 21:35.160 - Let's go and drink! - Allright, allright. 21:37.880 --> 21:39.240 Let's drink until you drop. 21:39.240 --> 21:41.640 Come on! 21:41.640 --> 21:44.000 Yantang has changed. 21:44.000 --> 21:47.880 Lady Jiang used to say he was always so careless, 21:47.880 --> 21:52.040 wearing the wrong clothes, or even putting his shoes on backward. 21:52.040 --> 21:56.280 But now, it seems he's found someone he loves and cherishes. 21:57.360 --> 22:01.200 Today's ceremony went smoothly thanks to you for stepping in. 22:01.200 --> 22:03.320 Please, take a seat and rest for a moment. 22:03.320 --> 22:04.680 Forgive my boldness, 22:04.680 --> 22:06.520 but may I ask for your blessing to bring good fortune to the bridal bed? 22:06.520 --> 22:08.120 Come. 22:08.120 --> 22:09.920 Please sit. 22:11.360 --> 22:17.000 That blessing should come from someone whose marriage is harmonious and who has children. 22:17.000 --> 22:21.160 I, however, have no children, and have been widowed for over a decade. 22:21.880 --> 22:28.920 I believe that living freely, with confidence and joy, makes one a truly blessed person. 22:30.160 --> 22:34.480 Now I see why Yantang holds you so dear. 22:37.720 --> 22:39.720 What did you say? 22:39.720 --> 22:44.440 Duke of Ying happily welcomed Dou Zhao into his household? 22:44.440 --> 22:46.440 I made it crystal clear in my letter 22:46.440 --> 22:50.520 that Dou Zhao is nothing more than an uncultured, unruly wild girl! 22:50.520 --> 22:55.040 Could it be that the duke is just too thick-headed to pick up on your meaning, Madam? 22:55.040 --> 22:58.120 Are you saying it's my fault for not being clear enough? 23:00.040 --> 23:04.440 Looks like the duke really is a clueless fool. 23:04.440 --> 23:07.440 No wonder he can't even outwit his own son. 23:07.440 --> 23:10.000 [Yizhi Hall] 23:12.640 --> 23:17.240 I didn't really trust His Grace before, but now I see how much he cares for Sister. 23:17.240 --> 23:18.520 I'm so happy for her. 23:18.520 --> 23:22.640 I'm happy for her too, but I can't help feeling a little envious. 23:22.640 --> 23:25.640 Finding a good husband is no easy task. 23:25.640 --> 23:29.240 When will it be my turn, Su Su? 23:32.840 --> 23:36.240 You two are blood brothers, yet your aim at this game is terrible. 23:36.240 --> 23:38.520 You've lost three matches in a row! 23:42.040 --> 23:44.320 You don't really deserve that jade belt. 23:44.320 --> 23:47.640 Why not give it to me as a wager? 23:47.640 --> 23:49.040 It's just a matter of luck. 23:49.040 --> 23:51.320 I can play for him and beat you. 23:52.120 --> 23:55.240 Young Master Han, you may not be good at this game, but your charm is undeniable. 23:55.240 --> 23:58.440 Even a merchant girl is jumping in to defend you. 23:59.840 --> 24:01.520 This jade belt was a gift from His Majesty. 24:01.520 --> 24:04.240 If you want to wager it as a prize, what does that say about your respect for His Majesty? 24:04.240 --> 24:06.440 So what if it's an imperial gift? 24:06.440 --> 24:08.120 Young Master Han, you're best at sword dancing. 24:08.120 --> 24:10.440 Why don't we combine it with poetry? 24:10.440 --> 24:13.840 Last time, when you performed to "Draped in orchids and belted with thyme, 24:13.840 --> 24:15.840 breaking off fresh blossoms to send as a token of longing," 24:15.840 --> 24:18.440 the way your sword moves matched the verse was stunning. 24:18.440 --> 24:20.840 I've always despised people like you who flaunt your background! 24:20.840 --> 24:22.840 Arrogant and full of yourselves. 24:22.840 --> 24:24.720 Exactly! 24:24.720 --> 24:27.440 What does "Draped in orchids and belted with thyme" mean? 24:28.240 --> 24:30.040 You don't know Qu Yuan's "Mountain Spirit"? 24:30.040 --> 24:33.000 To think His Graces's wife has friends like this. 24:33.840 --> 24:35.920 I know Mountain Spirit, and I know Qu Yuan, too. 24:35.920 --> 24:39.040 Put them together, and I've got no idea! So what? Not knowing is no big deal. 24:39.040 --> 24:41.640 As long as the dumplings and the wine taste good, what's the problem? 24:41.640 --> 24:43.240 You want to play flick chess? 24:43.240 --> 24:44.720 Fine! 24:45.440 --> 24:47.440 I'll play with you. 24:47.440 --> 24:50.040 Dou Zhao grew up on a country estate. 24:50.040 --> 24:53.120 Don't tell me she's as uncouth as you? 24:54.640 --> 24:55.640 I... 24:55.640 --> 24:57.240 [Not Yet a Tea House] 24:57.240 --> 24:58.840 Your Grace, mind the steps. 24:58.840 --> 25:00.040 Song Mo! 25:00.040 --> 25:01.840 Song Mo, wait! Song Mo! 25:01.840 --> 25:04.640 I've drunk too much. 25:04.640 --> 25:05.840 He's drunk, Your Highness. 25:05.840 --> 25:12.840 The young general, losing on the battlefield of the drinking table? No way. 25:12.840 --> 25:15.240 - Come on, let's drink some more! - Your Highness! 25:15.240 --> 25:18.440 Look at Song Mo, he's going to throw up if he drinks any more. 25:18.440 --> 25:20.640 My wife... 25:20.640 --> 25:22.840 Ah, Dou Zhao's waiting for you? 25:22.840 --> 25:24.840 Got it. 25:24.840 --> 25:26.640 Go on, go on. 25:26.640 --> 25:28.920 - Easy, Your Highness. - Thank you, Your Highness. 25:28.920 --> 25:31.440 - Let's keep drinking! - Enjoy, Your Highness! 25:31.440 --> 25:33.000 Come on! 25:33.640 --> 25:35.440 More drinks! 25:43.840 --> 25:46.640 All you can think about now is Dou Zhao. 25:46.640 --> 25:49.720 A married friend is like a lost friend. 25:49.720 --> 25:53.040 You're always busy with your drills, now you've got a wife. 25:53.040 --> 25:56.520 I doubt we'll have many chances to sit together and drink like this again. 25:56.520 --> 26:01.640 You're the one who said making a girl wait too long builds resentment. 26:03.360 --> 26:06.040 And what about your dear friend's resentment? 26:06.040 --> 26:08.160 It's love over friendship now. 26:09.320 --> 26:12.240 - Best wishes for your marriage, Your Grace. - Best wishes for your marriage, Your Grace. 26:12.240 --> 26:13.640 Thank you, Your Grace. 26:13.640 --> 26:16.440 - Thank you, Your Grace. - You may go. 26:32.840 --> 26:34.320 Shougu? 26:35.120 --> 26:36.840 Shougu? 26:36.840 --> 26:38.640 Come here. 26:40.680 --> 26:42.680 What are you doing here? 26:43.960 --> 26:45.760 Come. 26:46.520 --> 26:49.840 Your Highness, we've searched inside and out of Yizhi Hall. 26:49.840 --> 26:52.040 There's no sign of that letter. 26:53.520 --> 26:55.640 Yes, Your Highness! 27:03.840 --> 27:06.920 A few days ago, the Shadow Guards found out that the clerk delivering my uncle's letter 27:06.920 --> 27:08.640 was taken to the Eastern Palace. 27:08.640 --> 27:12.920 His fate is unknown, and the letter is missing. 27:13.680 --> 27:15.800 You suspect the crown prince? 27:17.040 --> 27:19.520 He's deeply suspicious of me and constantly testing me. 27:19.520 --> 27:21.680 He must be hiding something. 27:21.680 --> 27:26.440 Whether those inside or outside this residence are allies or enemies is still uncertain. 27:28.040 --> 27:30.600 That sounds dangerous. 27:30.600 --> 27:33.200 Aren't you afraid I might run away? 27:35.800 --> 27:37.600 Just kidding. 27:44.640 --> 27:48.000 Wife, you astonish me. 27:51.040 --> 27:53.480 Let me take off your phoenix crown. 28:06.040 --> 28:08.040 My wife is so beautiful. 28:09.120 --> 28:10.920 Come with me. 28:16.640 --> 28:18.440 Sit down. 28:20.120 --> 28:22.200 There is something I want to show you. 28:22.200 --> 28:24.400 I've kept it hidden for many years. 28:24.400 --> 28:26.640 I think you'd like to see it. 28:26.640 --> 28:28.520 Wait here for a moment. 29:06.680 --> 29:08.480 No peeking! 29:27.840 --> 29:31.520 I once came across a playbook called "The Chronicles of the World." 29:31.520 --> 29:35.920 This is the tapestry of life depicted in the book. 29:35.920 --> 29:39.440 The stories recorded in it mirror our current reality. 29:39.440 --> 29:40.920 According to the playbook, 29:40.920 --> 29:46.120 Prince Qing will stage a rebellion in the 27th year of Chengping, which is next year. 29:55.840 --> 30:01.240 You're really as brilliant as Zhuge Liang, worth every effort it took to marry you. 30:01.240 --> 30:03.240 Am I not being clear enough? 30:03.240 --> 30:07.640 Treason is no trivial matter, yet you seem so indifferent, Your Grace. 30:07.640 --> 30:09.440 It's not indifference. 30:09.440 --> 30:12.920 It's that His Majesty has only two sons. 30:12.920 --> 30:16.040 Who ultimately inherits the throne is still undecided. 30:16.040 --> 30:18.920 Even if Prince Qing were to seize power, 30:18.920 --> 30:24.640 it wouldn't be all that surprising, would it? 30:26.480 --> 30:28.840 I guess that's true. 30:28.840 --> 30:33.240 But the key isn't Prince Qing or Crown Prince, it's you. 30:33.240 --> 30:35.720 You hold the military power over the Imperial Guards. 30:35.720 --> 30:38.040 Neither of them can bypass you. 30:38.040 --> 30:43.240 What they want now is either to win you over or eliminate you. 30:47.160 --> 30:54.000 Thank you for being honest with me, but court politics can't be resolved in a day. 30:54.040 --> 30:58.640 Today is our wedding day, after all. 31:02.120 --> 31:04.520 You're right. It's my fault. 31:04.520 --> 31:08.640 I just couldn't wait to tell you everything on my mind. 31:08.640 --> 31:11.120 I didn't consider the timing. 31:11.120 --> 31:13.840 You're right, these matters can wait. 31:40.280 --> 31:41.720 You haven't eaten all day. 31:41.720 --> 31:43.000 You must be starving. 31:43.040 --> 31:45.440 I'll ask the kitchen to prepare something for you. 31:45.440 --> 31:47.040 It's fine. 31:47.040 --> 31:52.520 I don't want the servants to think you've married a gluttonous wife. 31:54.000 --> 31:56.840 I'll cook for you myself, then. 31:59.040 --> 32:02.600 Let me do the grilling. Your hand is injured. 32:02.600 --> 32:05.240 It's fine. I can manage. 32:09.640 --> 32:14.520 A year ago, you were holding a blade to my throat to threaten me. 32:14.520 --> 32:18.320 Who would've thought that we'd be family a year later? 32:20.960 --> 32:22.760 Family? 32:23.480 --> 32:26.240 I grew up in the military with my uncle. 32:26.240 --> 32:29.160 I didn't know what having a family meant. 32:29.160 --> 32:32.120 Until I saw my uncle and aunt together. 32:32.120 --> 32:36.600 That's when I realized, "So that's what family looks like." 32:36.600 --> 32:38.960 What about the Duke of Ying Residence? 32:41.040 --> 32:44.640 I mean, when Lady Jiang was still alive? 32:45.440 --> 32:47.360 Even then, 32:48.720 --> 32:50.720 it didn't feel like a family. 32:53.720 --> 32:55.920 I understand. 32:55.920 --> 33:00.200 When I was little, I'd see other families of three... 33:00.840 --> 33:06.320 and wonder why my mother would leave me behind, 33:06.320 --> 33:09.400 and why I couldn't stop it from happening. 33:10.960 --> 33:15.600 Whenever I couldn't figure it out, I'd run off to the back hills. 33:15.600 --> 33:21.000 I'd watch the chubby wife of the Lang family in Gao Village chasing her drunk husband around. 33:21.000 --> 33:24.360 Everyone in the estate would come out to watch the spectacle. 33:24.360 --> 33:29.200 I also saw a peddler buying two sesame buns 33:29.200 --> 33:32.560 on their way home to give to their daughters. 33:33.320 --> 33:38.880 The more I saw of people and their lives, I realized there are all kinds of families, 33:38.880 --> 33:41.320 some like this, some like that. 33:41.320 --> 33:45.600 But at the end of the day, there are more happy families than unhappy ones. 33:48.760 --> 33:52.440 Growing up in the military had its perks. 33:52.440 --> 33:54.800 I learned to be self-reliant. 33:54.800 --> 33:58.640 This grilled fish is my specialty, made with a secret recipe. 33:58.640 --> 34:00.440 Give it a try. 34:10.720 --> 34:15.400 I've heard you could slice a live fish 3,000 times, 34:15.400 --> 34:18.320 and when you put it back into the water, it could still swim away. 34:18.320 --> 34:20.200 Is that true? 34:21.440 --> 34:24.640 Even if you're scared now, it's too late. 34:39.840 --> 34:42.240 Shougu! 34:44.840 --> 34:46.040 Cousin. 34:46.040 --> 34:49.040 You guys really are here. 34:49.040 --> 34:51.240 There, there. 34:51.240 --> 34:52.840 Don't cry, Cousin. 34:52.840 --> 34:54.840 There, there. 34:54.840 --> 34:57.040 All right now. 34:57.040 --> 34:58.920 Who bullied you? 34:58.920 --> 35:00.640 Who could possibly bully me? 35:00.640 --> 35:02.440 These are tears of joy. 35:02.440 --> 35:07.640 Shougu, you got married today, and I'm 99% happy for you. 35:07.640 --> 35:11.440 But there's this tiny part of me that feels a little sad. 35:11.440 --> 35:14.440 Not everyone can happily marry the man they like. 35:14.440 --> 35:17.640 I feel like I'll never get married. 35:17.640 --> 35:20.040 Aren't there plenty of men in the world? 35:20.040 --> 35:23.840 Finding the one you like can't be that hard. 35:23.840 --> 35:27.640 Your Grace, isn't that right? 35:29.320 --> 35:31.840 Absolutely! Without a doubt! 35:33.080 --> 35:36.040 These are some of the finest men in the Imperials Guards, 35:36.040 --> 35:38.720 with good family backgrounds, military ranks, distinguished in battle, 35:38.720 --> 35:41.400 and many even hold titles of nobility. 35:44.640 --> 35:45.840 No, they won't do. 35:45.840 --> 35:49.320 If they're all brawn, they're probably short on brains. 35:51.640 --> 35:56.560 Cousin, why don't you just lay out your ideal criteria? 35:56.560 --> 35:58.080 His Grace will find someone based on that. 35:58.080 --> 36:01.400 There are even scholars among the Imperial Guards. 36:01.400 --> 36:03.880 Scholars? No, absolutely not. 36:03.880 --> 36:07.680 All that nitpicking over words would drive me insane. 36:07.680 --> 36:12.120 The person I like should have a skill they excel at, 36:12.120 --> 36:15.760 know some martial arts to protect me. 36:19.280 --> 36:21.840 He should be a little good-looking. 36:23.440 --> 36:25.680 A little cool. 36:26.440 --> 36:30.840 And most importantly, have good manners. 36:30.840 --> 36:32.120 I'm sorry. 36:32.120 --> 36:34.640 I didn't know you were Young Lady Zhao. 36:35.760 --> 36:41.800 Cousin, do you already have someone in mind? 36:43.240 --> 36:46.040 - I... - Who is it? 36:46.040 --> 36:49.720 - Who is he? - No one! I was just making it up. 36:51.280 --> 36:53.760 It's not even close to anything real yet. 37:16.640 --> 37:20.640 Shougu, I broke your "many children, many blessings" token. 37:20.640 --> 37:23.440 Don't worry, I'll get it fixed no matter what. 37:23.440 --> 37:26.840 Otherwise, it'll turn into "no children, no blessings." 37:26.840 --> 37:29.520 What nonsense is she talking about? 38:14.440 --> 38:16.320 Morning, Your Grace! 38:17.080 --> 38:20.320 Your Grace, why are you coming out of the study? 38:26.280 --> 38:27.720 Your Grace. 38:27.720 --> 38:30.440 [Not Yet a Tea House] 38:36.560 --> 38:38.440 Are you awake, Shougu? 38:49.160 --> 38:50.680 Have you seen Shougu? 38:50.680 --> 38:53.000 No, we haven't. What's wrong? 38:53.000 --> 38:55.400 Did the bride run off last night? 38:58.800 --> 39:00.680 Your Grace. 39:00.680 --> 39:02.720 Mr. Chen, where is my wife? 39:02.720 --> 39:04.520 Please come with me. 39:09.400 --> 39:11.200 Your Grace. 39:22.640 --> 39:24.240 [Memorial Tablet of Lady Jiang] 39:24.240 --> 39:29.720 Lady Jiang, I should call you "Mother" today. 39:30.520 --> 39:33.440 I imagine this is as surprising to you as it is to me. 39:33.440 --> 39:36.840 That Yantang and I have ended up together. 39:37.760 --> 39:44.720 At first, he was so intense that I was afraid of him and even tried to avoid him. 39:44.720 --> 39:49.520 But over time, I came to see the weight he carried. 39:49.520 --> 39:52.840 Losing the Duke of Ding nearly destroyed him, 39:52.840 --> 39:56.920 and then when you passed, his own father turned against him. 39:56.920 --> 40:00.440 Loyalty and duty became weapons used to tear him apart. 40:00.440 --> 40:03.720 Anyone would have broken after going through that. 40:04.520 --> 40:08.200 But thankfully, he made it through. 40:09.080 --> 40:11.440 I'll be by his side from now on. 40:12.440 --> 40:15.520 I'll make sure he never goes through such suffering again. 40:15.520 --> 40:20.240 In the days ahead, Yantang and I will support each other. 40:20.240 --> 40:22.760 I will help him fulfill his aspirations. 40:22.760 --> 40:26.600 [The Meritous Deeds of every Hill] 40:47.800 --> 40:50.520 [Memorial Tablet of Lady Jiang] 40:50.520 --> 40:55.040 Mother, please rest easy. 40:55.040 --> 40:59.520 I am no longer alone. 41:05.360 --> 41:09.840 Mother, she's the one I'll protect for the rest of my life. 41:09.840 --> 41:13.040 If you're watching over me from above, 41:13.040 --> 41:18.120 I ask that you watch over her as well. 41:34.240 --> 41:36.440 Yantang. 41:36.440 --> 41:39.120 - Call me Husband. - Song Mo! 41:43.240 --> 41:46.640 All these years, I've used my own savings to help you, and you think I'm being unreasonable? 41:46.640 --> 41:51.720 Heaven must be blind not to strike you down with lightning, you ungrateful wretch!