WEBVTT 00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:14.200 align:center [Accumulate Merit and Virtue] 00:00:14.200 --> 00:00:20.480 align:center The abbot has said that if you have come to burn incense and worship Buddha, this temple welcomes you. 00:00:20.480 --> 00:00:22.800 align:center But if you seek answers to worldly affairs from the past, 00:00:22.800 --> 00:00:28.200 align:center he will not create more karmic entanglements, nor should you torment yourself further. 00:00:35.200 --> 00:00:38.000 align:center You fool! 00:00:38.800 --> 00:00:42.680 align:center You fool! How could you be so foolish? 00:00:42.680 --> 00:00:44.480 align:center Brother. 00:00:52.080 --> 00:00:55.280 align:center I only just learned that Father kept a mistress here. 00:00:58.600 --> 00:01:00.840 align:center This is none of your business! 00:01:00.840 --> 00:01:02.000 align:center Father... 00:01:02.000 --> 00:01:05.160 align:center Father, I know you're hurting and upset, just take it out on me instead. 00:01:05.160 --> 00:01:06.920 align:center There have been too many misunderstandings between you and Brother. 00:01:06.920 --> 00:01:08.640 align:center I don't want the hatred between you to grow deeper. 00:01:08.640 --> 00:01:11.960 align:center Just blame everything on me instead, for the sake of our family. 00:01:13.120 --> 00:01:14.920 align:center You... 00:01:18.320 --> 00:01:20.120 align:center Your Grace! 00:01:20.920 --> 00:01:24.080 align:center Your Grace, we found this in the woman's room. 00:01:30.000 --> 00:01:32.920 align:center The tassel on my belt went missing, so I had a maid to make one for me. 00:01:32.920 --> 00:01:36.040 align:center But it turned out terrible, so I am burning it. 00:01:39.040 --> 00:01:43.720 align:center The tassel you burned was her gift. 00:01:43.720 --> 00:01:45.120 align:center Father... 00:01:45.120 --> 00:01:47.200 align:center Father brought me here once to learn the flute. 00:01:47.200 --> 00:01:49.800 align:center She gave me the tassel to curry favor. 00:01:49.800 --> 00:01:51.320 align:center You caught me when I was trying to burn it that day. 00:01:51.320 --> 00:01:53.840 align:center I didn't mean to lie, I just... 00:01:54.680 --> 00:01:57.480 align:center Brother, you can read facial expressions. 00:01:57.480 --> 00:02:00.080 align:center You must know I'm not lying. 00:02:02.040 --> 00:02:06.280 align:center You've always been the person I respect most. 00:02:06.280 --> 00:02:08.680 align:center Every family has its skeletons. 00:02:08.680 --> 00:02:12.760 align:center I just don't understand why you insist on digging up all this muck and are making it worse. 00:02:12.760 --> 00:02:18.160 align:center The Duke of Ying's household isn't just skeletons and muck. 00:02:23.440 --> 00:02:25.960 align:center Do you think that now this woman is dead, 00:02:26.800 --> 00:02:33.720 align:center I'll stop digging, pretend nothing happened, and reconcile with him? 00:02:33.720 --> 00:02:36.120 align:center But he's still our father! 00:02:39.000 --> 00:02:42.160 align:center Guards, escort the second son back to Yizhi Hall. 00:02:42.160 --> 00:02:44.400 align:center - Take him away. - Brother... 00:02:44.400 --> 00:02:46.200 align:center Brother! 00:02:47.240 --> 00:02:49.320 align:center I... 00:02:49.320 --> 00:02:51.600 align:center - Come on. Walk! - Brother! 00:02:51.600 --> 00:02:53.720 align:center Brother! 00:02:53.720 --> 00:02:56.800 align:center Mother was your wife for twenty years. 00:02:56.800 --> 00:03:00.720 align:center You didn't even shed a tear when she died. 00:03:00.720 --> 00:03:04.280 align:center It turns out your heart belonged to someone else all along. 00:03:04.280 --> 00:03:07.480 align:center Makes sense. You're selfish and cowardly. 00:03:07.480 --> 00:03:09.600 align:center If you hadn't really loved her, 00:03:09.600 --> 00:03:13.040 align:center you would never have dared to secretly keep a woman tied to a family with a criminal past. 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:24.840 align:center So what if she's from such a family? 00:03:24.840 --> 00:03:27.800 align:center I found someone I loved and kept her outside. 00:03:27.800 --> 00:03:31.320 align:center Who are you, as my son, to pass judgment? 00:03:31.320 --> 00:03:34.160 align:center I feel sorry for Mother. 00:04:09.240 --> 00:04:14.080 align:center Fate and karma unfold as they will, yet you insist on defying destiny. 00:04:17.200 --> 00:04:22.200 align:center Please inform the abbot that Ji Yong requests an audience. 00:04:25.120 --> 00:04:28.600 align:center [Accumulate Merit and Virtue] 00:04:28.600 --> 00:04:30.320 align:center The abbot asks, years ago, 00:04:30.320 --> 00:04:35.760 align:center Emperor Taizong ascended to the throne through a bloody purge in the capital. 00:04:35.760 --> 00:04:40.560 align:center Later, he commissioned this temple to pray for the souls of the departed. 00:04:40.560 --> 00:04:43.680 align:center To the world, it seems he did a great service to future generations. 00:04:43.680 --> 00:04:45.480 align:center What do you think? 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:50.120 align:center Emperor Taizong simply sought to ease his own conscience. 00:04:50.120 --> 00:04:54.040 align:center Regardless of his original intent, 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:58.240 align:center ultimately, he did something good for the people. 00:04:58.240 --> 00:05:01.280 align:center A century passes in the blink of an eye. 00:05:01.280 --> 00:05:07.440 align:center Does the original motive truly matter to those living today? 00:05:07.440 --> 00:05:09.400 align:center Are you suggesting that since Li Yaoniang has been 00:05:09.400 --> 00:05:13.200 align:center worshiping Buddha here for over a decade, regardless of her reasons, 00:05:13.200 --> 00:05:16.240 align:center everything from back then should just be buried and forgotten? 00:05:16.240 --> 00:05:22.520 align:center Li Yaoniang entrusted her secret to this temple to avoid further bloodshed. 00:05:22.520 --> 00:05:25.880 align:center And for someone like you, Dou Zhao, with a kind heart, 00:05:25.880 --> 00:05:28.200 align:center you must know that the truth can harm others and yourself. 00:05:28.200 --> 00:05:31.040 align:center Some things from the past are better left unasked. 00:05:31.040 --> 00:05:36.000 align:center There's an old saying, "To do good with intent may go unrewarded, 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:38.760 align:center and to do evil without intent may go unpunished." 00:05:38.760 --> 00:05:43.120 align:center By your reasoning, Emperor Taizong's redemption lays in 00:05:43.120 --> 00:05:47.920 align:center his willingness to acknowledge his past actions, repent for the lives lost, 00:05:47.920 --> 00:05:52.880 align:center and bring peace and prosperity to his people as atonement. 00:05:52.880 --> 00:05:58.240 align:center But if someone deliberately buries the truth under the guise of repentance, 00:05:58.240 --> 00:06:04.640 align:center while the innocent continue to suffer, where is the justice in that? 00:06:10.440 --> 00:06:13.960 align:center Your Grace, we've got the entire estate under control. 00:06:13.960 --> 00:06:16.280 align:center Li Yaoniang's death was supposed to be handled by the Office of State Affairs 00:06:16.280 --> 00:06:17.960 align:center or the Ministry of Justice. 00:06:17.960 --> 00:06:20.320 align:center Keeping them confined in Yizhi Hall might not be appropriate. 00:06:20.320 --> 00:06:23.640 align:center Your uncles have gone to the palace to seek help. 00:06:25.120 --> 00:06:31.280 align:center They're quick to act, which only proves the truth is worth me stepping out of line for. 00:06:31.280 --> 00:06:35.880 align:center If people from the palace come, they can serve as witnesses. 00:06:39.640 --> 00:06:44.560 align:center 18 years ago, Li Yaoniang and my mother were both pregnant. 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:47.760 align:center She frequently visited Wanfo Temple, and as fate would have it, 00:06:47.760 --> 00:06:51.120 align:center my mother was startled into premature labor there. 00:06:52.280 --> 00:06:57.320 align:center Li Yaoniang is Song Han's real mother, isn't she? 00:06:58.320 --> 00:07:00.880 align:center You've lost your mind. 00:07:00.880 --> 00:07:03.080 align:center This is baseless nonsense. 00:07:03.080 --> 00:07:05.560 align:center It's written clearly on the records. 00:07:05.560 --> 00:07:07.920 align:center Li Yaoniang was from an official's family in Futing. 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:11.160 align:center During that time, you were stationed in Futing with the army. 00:07:11.160 --> 00:07:15.720 align:center When her entire family was imprisoned, there are records of you visiting her twice in jail. 00:07:15.720 --> 00:07:20.560 align:center If she wasn't Song Han's biological mother, why would she have the same style of tassel as him? 00:07:21.160 --> 00:07:24.080 align:center You two clearly had a history. 00:07:28.720 --> 00:07:30.520 align:center Song Mo, 00:07:32.000 --> 00:07:36.520 align:center you're just afraid that Han'er might take your place as the heir, aren't you? 00:07:36.520 --> 00:07:39.280 align:center That's why you're fabricating such slander against him. 00:07:39.280 --> 00:07:43.320 align:center Don't forget, he's your brother. 00:07:43.320 --> 00:07:45.760 align:center Do you think this is what your mother would have wanted? 00:07:47.120 --> 00:07:51.240 align:center You're spewing such lies in front of Mother's memorial tablet. 00:07:51.240 --> 00:07:54.000 align:center Don't you feel even an ounce of shame? 00:07:56.920 --> 00:08:00.040 align:center Your argument is compelling. 00:08:00.040 --> 00:08:01.840 align:center However, what transpired today 00:08:01.840 --> 00:08:05.440 align:center may not have stemmed entirely from Li Yaoniang's intentions. 00:08:13.960 --> 00:08:17.920 align:center What is right for one may be wrong for another, such is the nature of all things. 00:08:17.920 --> 00:08:21.680 align:center Your measure of intent may differ from mine, 00:08:21.680 --> 00:08:24.840 align:center yet it doesn't diminish that our intentions are both good. 00:08:25.800 --> 00:08:31.040 align:center I implore you to tell us the truth, and bring justice to both families. 00:08:41.080 --> 00:08:48.240 align:center Since you insist, perhaps fate has chosen you to resolve this grievance. 00:08:48.240 --> 00:08:51.680 align:center 18 years ago, on the day of Jingzhe, 00:08:51.680 --> 00:08:56.080 align:center Madam Li and Lady Jiang were indeed at Wanfo Temple. 00:08:56.080 --> 00:09:02.080 align:center Li Yaoniang came with a one-month-old infant, 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:05.280 align:center claiming she wished to pray for blessings. 00:09:05.280 --> 00:09:09.320 align:center Meanwhile, the Duchess of Ying, Lady Jiang, gave birth prematurely in the temple. 00:09:09.320 --> 00:09:14.080 align:center The Duke of Ying announced that she delivered a son, 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:22.800 align:center but I saw clearly, that she gave birth to a daughter. 00:09:28.440 --> 00:09:32.080 align:center Father, am I really not Mother's son? 00:09:32.080 --> 00:09:33.800 align:center That's absurd! 00:09:33.800 --> 00:09:36.680 align:center Han'er was recorded as Huisun's legitimate son in the family registry. 00:09:36.680 --> 00:09:41.960 align:center And you're basing this nonsense on a mere tassel? 00:09:42.560 --> 00:09:47.720 align:center Have you heard of a bone blood test? 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:51.040 align:center A drop of living blood placed on the bones of the deceased, 00:09:51.040 --> 00:09:55.840 align:center if it seeps in, it confirms a blood relation. 00:10:03.680 --> 00:10:06.440 align:center Huisun has already been laid to rest. 00:10:06.440 --> 00:10:07.920 align:center Are you going to exhume her now? 00:10:07.920 --> 00:10:10.800 align:center You think I would desecrate my mother's grave for you? 00:10:10.800 --> 00:10:12.600 align:center Bring her in. 00:10:20.680 --> 00:10:22.400 align:center Don't touch her! 00:10:22.400 --> 00:10:24.080 align:center Where should I cut? 00:10:24.080 --> 00:10:26.320 align:center - The skull? - Don't touch her! 00:10:26.320 --> 00:10:27.680 align:center Or the leg bone? 00:10:27.680 --> 00:10:30.000 align:center Leave her alone! 00:10:31.320 --> 00:10:35.920 align:center Look at these hands, so elegant from playing the zither. 00:10:36.840 --> 00:10:38.760 align:center You wouldn't dare! 00:10:40.800 --> 00:10:42.880 align:center What wouldn't I dare? 00:10:43.680 --> 00:10:45.440 align:center Stop! 00:10:45.440 --> 00:10:47.440 align:center I didn't betray your mother. 00:10:47.440 --> 00:10:51.360 align:center The only person I've ever wronged in my life is her. 00:11:06.200 --> 00:11:10.520 align:center Li Yaoniang was her stage name at the Bureau of Music. 00:11:10.520 --> 00:11:14.520 align:center Her real name was Li Shuyao, daughter of the prefect of Futing. 00:11:14.520 --> 00:11:18.960 align:center Back then, I was merely an illegitimate son stationed outside the Duke's estate. 00:11:19.960 --> 00:11:25.200 align:center I first met her by the seaside in Futing. 00:11:26.400 --> 00:11:30.440 align:center I played the sheng*, and she accompanied me with her flute. (A hand-held free-reed mouth organ made from a dried gourd and 13 or more bamboo pipes) 00:11:30.440 --> 00:11:33.960 align:center Our harmony was perfect. 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:36.800 align:center We promised to be together forever. 00:11:37.840 --> 00:11:44.640 align:center But everything was destroyed by Jiang Meisun. 00:11:44.640 --> 00:11:50.960 align:center He led troops to raid the Li family, and ruined Shuyao's life. 00:11:53.120 --> 00:11:56.280 align:center Fate plays cruel tricks. 00:11:56.280 --> 00:12:02.320 align:center During the imperial hunt, His Majesty decreed that I marry the sister of my enemy. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:07.120 align:center The titles, career, and wealth I had pursued for years, 00:12:07.120 --> 00:12:10.080 align:center I gained it all in an instant. 00:12:10.080 --> 00:12:14.680 align:center Yet, despite it all, I met her again in the Bureau of Music... 00:12:16.520 --> 00:12:21.000 align:center and we had a child together. 00:12:24.480 --> 00:12:26.400 align:center I've reviewed the case file. 00:12:26.400 --> 00:12:31.640 align:center The Li family was punished for embezzlement in accordance with the law. 00:12:31.640 --> 00:12:38.200 align:center You claim guilt toward her, but what about my mother? 00:12:40.920 --> 00:12:47.000 align:center She died without ever holding her own child. 00:12:51.360 --> 00:12:53.280 align:center Where is that child? 00:12:58.680 --> 00:13:00.480 align:center Tell me! 00:13:02.520 --> 00:13:04.840 align:center That child died long ago. 00:13:04.840 --> 00:13:07.160 align:center That child was Jiang Meisun's debt to me! 00:13:07.160 --> 00:13:09.800 align:center If he hadn't led a raid against the Li family, 00:13:09.800 --> 00:13:12.640 align:center would I have ended up in this wretched state? 00:13:12.640 --> 00:13:17.240 align:center Han'er should have been my legitimate heir! 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:20.680 align:center My uncle acted according to the law, and my mother treated you with sincerity. 00:13:20.680 --> 00:13:22.840 align:center You owe them two lives. 00:13:22.840 --> 00:13:25.720 align:center No, three. 00:13:25.720 --> 00:13:28.080 align:center Brother, Father was just speaking out of anger. 00:13:28.080 --> 00:13:30.080 align:center Family ties can't be severed. 00:13:30.080 --> 00:13:34.560 align:center Besides, His Majesty himself wished for our family to live in harmony. 00:13:34.560 --> 00:13:38.040 align:center If you have even a shred of conscience left, tell me the truth. 00:13:38.040 --> 00:13:41.440 align:center Who rescued Li Yaoniang from the Bureau of Music for you? 00:13:41.440 --> 00:13:43.200 align:center I got her out myself! 00:13:43.200 --> 00:13:44.600 align:center Still lying! 00:13:44.600 --> 00:13:47.800 align:center You got a courtesan out of the Bureau of Music, and hid her in the capital for years. 00:13:47.800 --> 00:13:50.680 align:center Such a scheme couldn't succeed without powerful assistance. 00:13:51.360 --> 00:13:56.080 align:center You killed my mother because she discovered Li's existence. 00:13:56.080 --> 00:13:58.040 align:center She was my wife. 00:13:58.040 --> 00:14:00.160 align:center How could I possibly kill her? 00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:01.840 align:center She died of illness! 00:14:01.840 --> 00:14:05.800 align:center If it wasn't your intent, it must be the one backing you who ordered it. 00:14:05.800 --> 00:14:09.560 align:center They killed my uncle, fearing the power of the Jiang family supporting my mother. 00:14:09.560 --> 00:14:12.640 align:center - Am I wrong? - Nonsense! 00:14:12.640 --> 00:14:16.240 align:center You want revenge so badly that you've lost your mind! 00:14:19.080 --> 00:14:21.160 align:center You're right about that. 00:14:25.280 --> 00:14:27.240 align:center Bring it in. 00:14:36.080 --> 00:14:41.120 align:center The licorice candies conflicted with the spurges in Mother's prescription. 00:14:41.120 --> 00:14:42.680 align:center You're the one who bought them. 00:14:42.680 --> 00:14:45.760 align:center You're the one who killed her! 00:14:46.600 --> 00:14:48.080 align:center I'm not a doctor. 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:51.160 align:center How would I know the two would conflict? 00:14:51.160 --> 00:14:53.000 align:center They were just sweets. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:14:57.400 align:center As the head of the household, how could I possibly oversee every detail? 00:14:58.120 --> 00:15:01.080 align:center - So you deny it? - I have no crime to confess! 00:15:03.400 --> 00:15:04.840 align:center You saw it. 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:06.840 align:center He left me with no choice. 00:15:07.440 --> 00:15:09.080 align:center Take him to the main hall! 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:10.800 align:center - Yes, Your Grace! - Brother! 00:15:10.800 --> 00:15:12.080 align:center - Brother... - You... 00:15:12.080 --> 00:15:13.880 align:center - Walk! - Walk! 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:19.000 align:center This is an old case buried in the past, tied to the secrets of a noble family. 00:15:19.000 --> 00:15:21.080 align:center Intervening now will only breed resentment. 00:15:21.080 --> 00:15:23.040 align:center Why don't we stay here? 00:15:23.040 --> 00:15:26.840 align:center I'll warm some tea, and we can discuss a proper strategy. 00:15:27.720 --> 00:15:31.160 align:center Yantang is blinded by hatred now. 00:15:31.160 --> 00:15:33.160 align:center He's going to kill Song Yichun. 00:15:33.160 --> 00:15:35.720 align:center I have to stop him. 00:15:35.720 --> 00:15:37.920 align:center Arrows soaked in blood, vengeance left hollow, 00:15:37.920 --> 00:15:39.920 align:center and betrayal tearing apart the family. 00:15:39.920 --> 00:15:42.280 align:center Song Mo killed his father and brother in one night, turning his hair white overnight. 00:15:42.280 --> 00:15:46.000 align:center Could it all have started with Li Yaoniang's death? 00:15:51.040 --> 00:15:52.880 align:center What's done is done. 00:15:52.880 --> 00:15:54.600 align:center Even if you stop him now, 00:15:54.600 --> 00:15:57.520 align:center you might stop this now, but you can't change the course of destiny. 00:15:57.520 --> 00:16:01.240 align:center Even if my efforts are insignificant, even if I can't change fate, 00:16:01.240 --> 00:16:03.960 align:center I'll stay by his side and face it with him. 00:16:16.760 --> 00:16:20.920 align:center That mantis is so fortunate to have you. 00:16:22.320 --> 00:16:24.080 align:center Brother... Brother! 00:16:24.080 --> 00:16:27.320 align:center All I know is that Jiang Huisun is the mother who raised me, 00:16:27.320 --> 00:16:31.160 align:center Song Yichun is our father, and you are the brother I've always admired most. 00:16:31.160 --> 00:16:34.280 align:center This family is etched into my very bones. 00:16:34.280 --> 00:16:35.880 align:center You're still pleading for him. 00:16:35.880 --> 00:16:37.560 align:center I'm thinking of you. 00:16:37.560 --> 00:16:42.400 align:center If your hatred runs that deep, I'll take my own life right now without saying more. 00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:50.360 align:center If you really think of me as your brother, tell me the truth. 00:16:50.360 --> 00:16:52.920 align:center When did you realize the truth? 00:16:53.760 --> 00:16:55.960 align:center Today. 00:16:55.960 --> 00:16:58.080 align:center I had felt something was off before, 00:16:58.080 --> 00:17:02.440 align:center but after Mother was gone, I was scared you'd abandon me, too. 00:17:02.440 --> 00:17:04.920 align:center So I pretended nothing was wrong. 00:17:09.320 --> 00:17:11.240 align:center Brother! Stop this. 00:17:11.240 --> 00:17:13.480 align:center Please. 00:17:13.480 --> 00:17:15.360 align:center Do you remember this? 00:17:16.680 --> 00:17:20.400 align:center You gave me this dagger and said you'd take me to the battlefield one day. 00:17:20.400 --> 00:17:22.320 align:center This is a dagger confiscated from the pirates. 00:17:22.320 --> 00:17:24.480 align:center It's yours now. 00:17:24.480 --> 00:17:25.560 align:center Thank you, Brother. 00:17:25.560 --> 00:17:26.760 align:center I know you love roasted venison. 00:17:26.760 --> 00:17:29.520 align:center I was planning to hunt a deer for you tomorrow. 00:17:29.520 --> 00:17:30.600 align:center That's nice. 00:17:30.600 --> 00:17:32.320 align:center If I get to eat the deer you hunt, 00:17:32.320 --> 00:17:36.600 align:center I promise to ask Father to take you to Futing and earn some military merits next year. 00:17:36.600 --> 00:17:39.160 align:center Deal! You better keep your word! 00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:42.920 align:center - Mother was still around at that time. - Don't you dare bring up Mother! 00:17:42.920 --> 00:17:45.120 align:center Uncle was killed before he could see His Majesty, 00:17:45.120 --> 00:17:47.600 align:center Mother was betrayed and insulted. 00:17:47.600 --> 00:17:52.040 align:center If I can't even protect my own family, what kind of son am I? 00:17:52.040 --> 00:17:58.600 align:center Even if the world condemns me today, I will demand justice and fairness. 00:17:58.600 --> 00:18:00.880 align:center Brother... 00:18:00.880 --> 00:18:04.920 align:center For my sake, please spare Father. 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:18.320 align:center If you still see me as your brother, return to Xixiang House. 00:18:18.320 --> 00:18:19.560 align:center - Take him away. - Yes, sir! 00:18:19.560 --> 00:18:23.720 align:center Brother... Brother... Brother! 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:25.520 align:center Brother! 00:18:37.120 --> 00:18:39.040 align:center Release me! 00:18:41.120 --> 00:18:43.240 align:center I am the Duke of Ying! 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:45.960 align:center This case falls under His Majesty's judgment. You have no authority to deal with me! 00:18:45.960 --> 00:18:51.240 align:center Fine. Then confess everything, who's behind all of this? 00:18:52.080 --> 00:18:55.080 align:center So that's what you're after? 00:18:55.080 --> 00:18:58.280 align:center All right then, do it. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:10.480 align:center Even God is helping me. 00:19:10.480 --> 00:19:14.720 align:center If your mother were still alive, she would never let you do this! 00:19:14.720 --> 00:19:16.080 align:center How dare you bring her up! 00:19:16.080 --> 00:19:19.240 align:center Shuyao has always been the only one I love. 00:19:19.240 --> 00:19:22.160 align:center Jiang Huisun meant nothing to me, she was just a means to an end. 00:19:22.160 --> 00:19:28.520 align:center Having you with her is the biggest regret of my life! 00:19:30.640 --> 00:19:33.080 align:center - Your Grace? - Your Grace! 00:19:33.080 --> 00:19:34.880 align:center You can't even hold your blade steady. 00:19:34.880 --> 00:19:39.280 align:center The more you hate, the more pain you feel, don't you? 00:19:40.720 --> 00:19:45.360 align:center Poison... When did you poison me? 00:19:46.200 --> 00:19:51.280 align:center When did you notice your first strand of white hair? 00:19:51.280 --> 00:19:54.040 align:center That day, I only meant to give you a small punishment, 00:19:54.040 --> 00:19:56.520 align:center but Lv Zheng went behind my back and added poison. 00:19:56.520 --> 00:19:59.800 align:center As for who's behind all this, you'll never need to know. 00:19:59.800 --> 00:20:01.880 align:center The staff was laced with poison. 00:20:01.880 --> 00:20:08.000 align:center When the poison seeps into your bones, and turns all your hair white, 00:20:08.000 --> 00:20:11.360 align:center your time will be up. 00:20:14.320 --> 00:20:17.560 align:center Yantang! Stop right now! 00:20:18.640 --> 00:20:21.640 align:center Yantang, don't do anything reckless. 00:20:22.840 --> 00:20:26.840 align:center I swore to protect you for the rest of my life, 00:20:26.840 --> 00:20:32.000 align:center yet here I am, trapped in a web of lies, unable to even protect my own family. 00:20:32.000 --> 00:20:34.040 align:center That's not true. 00:20:34.040 --> 00:20:37.000 align:center You can't let cruel fate drive you into darkness. 00:20:37.000 --> 00:20:40.160 align:center If the heavens are unjust, I'll claim justice myself! 00:20:40.160 --> 00:20:42.280 align:center Do it! 00:20:45.960 --> 00:20:50.400 align:center No matter how hard or painful the road ahead may be, 00:20:50.400 --> 00:20:53.120 align:center I'll walk it with you. 00:20:57.880 --> 00:20:59.680 align:center Yantang! 00:21:00.360 --> 00:21:02.160 align:center Yantang! 00:21:03.400 --> 00:21:05.200 align:center Yantang... 00:21:05.920 --> 00:21:08.840 align:center Orders from His Majesty! 00:21:08.840 --> 00:21:15.760 align:center His Majesty commands the Duke of Ying and his son to appear before him in court. 00:21:15.760 --> 00:21:17.760 align:center Go ahead, kill me! 00:21:17.760 --> 00:21:23.080 align:center If you do it now, you'll be guilty of defying an imperial order, punishable by death! 00:21:27.160 --> 00:21:32.880 align:center His Majesty has instructed that if you are injured or ill, you shall be treated in the palace. 00:21:32.880 --> 00:21:34.800 align:center Your Grace! 00:21:38.520 --> 00:21:41.320 align:center Yantang! 00:21:41.320 --> 00:21:46.120 align:center - Yantang! - Madam, until summoned, you are to remain here. 00:21:48.280 --> 00:21:50.280 align:center Madam! 00:21:50.280 --> 00:21:52.400 align:center Yantang! 00:21:56.760 --> 00:22:01.080 align:center Your Majesty, His Grace has been poisoned with Grudgebane. 00:22:01.080 --> 00:22:03.880 align:center This poison is exceedingly rare. 00:22:03.880 --> 00:22:07.680 align:center At first, there are no symptoms, the pulse remains steady, 00:22:07.680 --> 00:22:10.160 align:center but the hair will turn white prematurely. 00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:14.240 align:center Once symptoms manifest, the pain is excruciating, as if seeping into the bones. 00:22:14.240 --> 00:22:19.240 align:center When the hair is fully white, death is inevitable. 00:22:22.680 --> 00:22:25.480 align:center He is barely past his youth. 00:22:29.720 --> 00:22:31.880 align:center Is there any cure for this poison? 00:22:31.880 --> 00:22:33.600 align:center The poison is called Grudgebane. 00:22:33.600 --> 00:22:37.560 align:center A heart free of resentment and hatred could ease the pain. 00:22:37.560 --> 00:22:42.280 align:center But with Lord Song in his current state, 00:22:42.280 --> 00:22:48.120 align:center even with the finest remedies, he has at most... a year to live. 00:23:01.200 --> 00:23:03.600 align:center Your Majesty! When the poison takes hold, the afflicted 00:23:03.600 --> 00:23:05.680 align:center will become uncontrollable, violent, and deranged. 00:23:05.680 --> 00:23:08.880 align:center Your Majesty, for your safety, you must not go near him. 00:23:08.880 --> 00:23:10.800 align:center Your Majesty! 00:23:10.800 --> 00:23:13.960 align:center I want him to live a long life. 00:23:13.960 --> 00:23:18.520 align:center If you can't find a cure within a year and he dies, 00:23:18.520 --> 00:23:20.920 align:center all of you will share his fate. 00:23:20.920 --> 00:23:23.400 align:center As you command. 00:23:23.400 --> 00:23:28.160 align:center If word of His Grace's poisoning gets out, you know what will happen. 00:23:28.160 --> 00:23:30.920 align:center I understand. 00:23:37.920 --> 00:23:41.920 align:center Uncle, I won't let that mistress into our home. 00:23:41.920 --> 00:23:45.520 align:center He's the one who switched Mother's child. 00:23:45.520 --> 00:23:50.040 align:center There must be someone behind him. Find them. Find them. 00:23:50.040 --> 00:23:53.520 align:center - Yantang... - Uncle... 00:23:53.520 --> 00:23:57.160 align:center It's my fault. I couldn't protect Mother. 00:23:57.160 --> 00:24:01.480 align:center - Punish me. Blame me, Uncle. - Please wake up, Your Grace. 00:24:01.480 --> 00:24:05.280 align:center This is His Majesty. Remember your place. 00:24:05.280 --> 00:24:09.120 align:center Yantang, you'll be fine. 00:24:09.120 --> 00:24:14.320 align:center Your mother and uncle's deaths will not be in vain. 00:24:15.920 --> 00:24:22.600 align:center Your Majesty, the matters of the Duke of Ying still awaits your judgment. 00:24:41.320 --> 00:24:45.360 align:center Eunuch Wang! Eunuch Wang, please show mercy! 00:24:45.360 --> 00:24:47.640 align:center Li Yaoniang took her own life. 00:24:47.640 --> 00:24:51.120 align:center Without living witnesses, there's no way to prove these accusations hold weight! 00:24:51.120 --> 00:24:53.040 align:center Eunuch Wang! 00:24:53.040 --> 00:24:55.240 align:center Eunuch Wang, our family's ancestors risked their lives 00:24:55.240 --> 00:24:57.080 align:center to follow the late emperor and secure the foundations of this empire. 00:24:57.080 --> 00:25:01.200 align:center That loyalty earned us the Duke of Ying title and generations of honor. 00:25:01.200 --> 00:25:06.240 align:center Surely a mistake over an illegitimate child doesn't warrant taking my second brother's life! 00:25:06.240 --> 00:25:09.480 align:center Orders from His Majesty! 00:25:14.000 --> 00:25:17.800 align:center The Duke of Ying, Song Yichun, is guilty of adultery, 00:25:17.800 --> 00:25:21.760 align:center child-swapping, and violating the sanctity of lineage. 00:25:21.760 --> 00:25:25.880 align:center He is hereby stripped of his title as the Commander of Warden's Office of the Five Wards 00:25:25.880 --> 00:25:30.400 align:center but retains his title to reflect on his misdeeds. 00:25:31.520 --> 00:25:38.280 align:center I am deeply ashamed and accept my punishment. 00:25:38.280 --> 00:25:44.800 align:center But my son, Song Han, was neither complicit nor aware. 00:25:44.800 --> 00:25:48.760 align:center I plead for Your Majesty's mercy 00:25:48.760 --> 00:25:52.280 align:center to preserve his place in the family register. 00:25:54.920 --> 00:25:59.080 align:center Propriety and ethics are the pillars of the nation. 00:25:59.080 --> 00:26:02.240 align:center The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate heirs is the bedrock of familial and societal order. 00:26:02.240 --> 00:26:05.560 align:center The switched legitimate daughter of yours remains missing. 00:26:05.560 --> 00:26:12.280 align:center What mercy does His Majesty owe to the spawn of an illicit affair? 00:26:30.160 --> 00:26:33.800 align:center This one is for calming agitation and stress, and this one is for colds. 00:26:33.800 --> 00:26:35.680 align:center Make sure you don't mix them up. 00:26:35.680 --> 00:26:39.360 align:center You're clearly frazzled. Brewing each dose individually? 00:26:39.360 --> 00:26:41.360 align:center Doesn't the Imperial Academy of Medicine have these medicines? 00:26:41.360 --> 00:26:44.960 align:center Did you send Su Lan to ask me down the mountain just for this? 00:26:46.040 --> 00:26:49.200 align:center Su Xin, fetch some more spring water. 00:26:49.200 --> 00:26:50.800 align:center Yes, Madam. 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:58.560 align:center No matter what happens, things are going to get hectic from now on. 00:26:58.560 --> 00:27:03.200 align:center I'll need you and An Su to help keep an eye on things at Zhaowen Bookstore. 00:27:04.440 --> 00:27:07.440 align:center I'm only here for you, Dou Zhao. 00:27:07.440 --> 00:27:10.720 align:center Don't drag me into Mantis Song's mess. 00:27:30.520 --> 00:27:34.960 align:center This is for reducing scars. Apply it daily. 00:27:38.880 --> 00:27:43.520 align:center Ever since you got married, your life seems downright dull. 00:27:43.520 --> 00:27:47.640 align:center If you ever want to leave, I've got plenty of ways to help you. 00:27:49.880 --> 00:27:55.640 align:center Knowing what's to come only makes me more determined to try and change it. 00:27:55.640 --> 00:27:58.360 align:center I'll live true to my heart, 00:27:58.960 --> 00:28:04.520 align:center and the outcome is not something I need to worry about. 00:28:14.280 --> 00:28:16.000 align:center Your Grace. 00:28:17.680 --> 00:28:22.440 align:center The poison matter must be kept from Dou Zhao. 00:28:22.440 --> 00:28:28.040 align:center But if your condition worsens, how can you possibly hide it from her? 00:28:29.160 --> 00:28:32.080 align:center I promised to protect her all my life, 00:28:32.920 --> 00:28:37.800 align:center and now I've failed her. 00:28:38.760 --> 00:28:43.640 align:center The more entangled the case becomes, the sooner I have to eliminate every threat. 00:28:43.640 --> 00:28:48.080 align:center If I leave her to face those wolves and jackals alone a year later, 00:28:48.640 --> 00:28:53.800 align:center even in the afterlife, I'll never find peace. 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:01.040 align:center Then... 00:29:01.040 --> 00:29:04.240 align:center What's your plan now, Your Grace? 00:29:06.360 --> 00:29:08.960 align:center Give me a moment alone. 00:29:58.040 --> 00:30:01.800 align:center If I can spend my last days with Shougu by my side, 00:30:01.800 --> 00:30:04.640 align:center my time in the world won't have been in vain. 00:30:08.560 --> 00:30:10.200 align:center Your Grace. 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:13.160 align:center Chen Jia has sent word. 00:30:14.000 --> 00:30:16.360 align:center Your Grace, have mercy! 00:30:16.360 --> 00:30:19.440 align:center I swear, I didn't know it back then. 00:30:19.440 --> 00:30:22.800 align:center I really knew nothing! 00:30:22.800 --> 00:30:24.760 align:center You're still lying. 00:30:28.480 --> 00:30:32.920 align:center Back then, the duke ordered me to care of a baby girl. 00:30:32.920 --> 00:30:36.280 align:center But... But the child was born premature and frail. 00:30:36.280 --> 00:30:39.160 align:center She didn't survive more than a few days. 00:30:42.960 --> 00:30:45.400 align:center Please, Your Grace, have mercy! 00:30:45.400 --> 00:30:47.240 align:center What really happened back then? 00:30:47.240 --> 00:30:49.000 align:center Tell me now! 00:30:49.000 --> 00:30:56.280 align:center I only remember the baby was brought from the madam's chambers. 00:30:56.280 --> 00:31:00.040 align:center Other than that, I really know nothing more. 00:31:02.680 --> 00:31:07.680 align:center Strip him of his post, banish him to the barracks. Keep him alive, but just barely. 00:31:07.680 --> 00:31:08.640 align:center Yes, sir! 00:31:08.640 --> 00:31:10.200 align:center - Come on! - Your Grace! 00:31:10.200 --> 00:31:12.560 align:center Your Grace, I made a mistake! 00:31:12.560 --> 00:31:14.320 align:center Your Grace! 00:31:29.040 --> 00:31:31.520 align:center I've tried to put myself in your shoes. 00:31:31.520 --> 00:31:34.440 align:center To escape the constraints of lineage and status, 00:31:35.440 --> 00:31:37.920 align:center you married a woman you didn't love. 00:31:38.560 --> 00:31:42.840 align:center Regret became your excuse for doing whatever it took. 00:31:43.280 --> 00:31:48.200 align:center But those who control you, what did they promise? 00:31:48.200 --> 00:31:52.240 align:center Did they guarantee a title for Song Han? 00:31:54.480 --> 00:31:59.480 align:center You and your Jiang family have always been so sanctimonious, 00:31:59.480 --> 00:32:04.760 align:center acting like saviors of the world. 00:32:04.760 --> 00:32:10.200 align:center Let me make one thing clear today, I don't need anyone's terms or favors. 00:32:11.880 --> 00:32:14.920 align:center To get Li Yaoniang out of the Bureau of Music, 00:32:14.920 --> 00:32:17.240 align:center you needed connections in the Ministry of Justice. 00:32:17.240 --> 00:32:19.320 align:center You had help. 00:32:19.960 --> 00:32:21.520 align:center I'm a duke. 00:32:21.520 --> 00:32:25.720 align:center No one could stop me from getting a courtesan out of a bureau. 00:32:25.720 --> 00:32:29.200 align:center You've secretly been serving Liaodong all along. 00:32:29.200 --> 00:32:31.080 align:center So, Song Han must be, too. 00:32:31.080 --> 00:32:32.240 align:center Han'er isn't involved in this! 00:32:32.240 --> 00:32:33.920 align:center So, you're saying you're involved in this. 00:32:33.920 --> 00:32:35.640 align:center Enough! 00:32:35.640 --> 00:32:39.000 align:center After the bandits stormed the city, you took the opportunity to replace the Warden's Office 00:32:39.000 --> 00:32:41.480 align:center and much of the capital's defense with Prince Qing's men. 00:32:41.480 --> 00:32:43.120 align:center I'd wager the Six Ministries, the Nine Court Ministers, 00:32:43.120 --> 00:32:47.000 align:center and even the Four Bureaus and Twelve Offices in the palace are under his thumb as well. 00:32:47.000 --> 00:32:51.640 align:center With such a setup, he's no longer just vying for the successor position, 00:32:51.640 --> 00:32:54.880 align:center he's preparing for rebellion. 00:32:58.760 --> 00:33:03.440 align:center I have no idea what you're talking about. 00:33:07.480 --> 00:33:10.000 align:center Have you thought about Song Han? 00:33:10.000 --> 00:33:13.880 align:center Do you really believe that he'll get away unscathed if you die? 00:33:13.880 --> 00:33:16.160 align:center He'll be left alone in the world. 00:33:16.160 --> 00:33:18.520 align:center Can you really rest easy? 00:33:19.080 --> 00:33:20.800 align:center Han'er is innocent! 00:33:20.800 --> 00:33:24.680 align:center - If you dare harm him... - It doesn't have to be me. Others will. 00:33:24.680 --> 00:33:25.800 align:center What? 00:33:25.800 --> 00:33:30.640 align:center You're nothing but a discarded pawn now. 00:33:30.640 --> 00:33:38.640 align:center Even if you take every secret to the grave, they won't let Song Han live. 00:33:47.600 --> 00:33:50.040 align:center You're on your own now. 00:34:37.640 --> 00:34:40.200 align:center [Loving Sister] 00:34:50.560 --> 00:34:53.640 align:center [Loving Sister] 00:35:08.720 --> 00:35:10.920 align:center How did you know I'd be here? 00:35:13.800 --> 00:35:16.480 align:center General Yan told me everything. 00:35:17.440 --> 00:35:19.000 align:center What did he tell you? 00:35:19.000 --> 00:35:22.080 align:center He told me about your late sister. 00:35:22.080 --> 00:35:25.440 align:center So, I thought you might come here to mourn for her. 00:35:31.800 --> 00:35:37.720 align:center The physician said your fainting spell was triggered by anger. 00:35:37.720 --> 00:35:41.280 align:center This medicine should help. 00:35:44.800 --> 00:35:47.200 align:center Why do you look so pale? 00:35:48.760 --> 00:35:50.600 align:center Let me check. 00:35:58.360 --> 00:36:01.880 align:center Does your hand still hurt? 00:36:04.480 --> 00:36:05.760 align:center Not anymore. 00:36:05.760 --> 00:36:07.560 align:center I'm sorry. 00:36:08.920 --> 00:36:10.800 align:center This is all my fault. 00:36:14.080 --> 00:36:21.080 align:center Losing someone all over again must make it hurt even more. 00:36:27.880 --> 00:36:30.480 align:center I've made you worry. 00:36:30.480 --> 00:36:32.480 align:center You did the right thing. 00:36:32.480 --> 00:36:37.160 align:center If something like this happens again, stop me no matter what. 00:36:38.080 --> 00:36:40.680 align:center I can't lose control like that again. 00:36:41.640 --> 00:36:44.320 align:center You've said everything I wanted to say. 00:36:47.760 --> 00:36:51.160 align:center Now, drink this while it's still warm. 00:36:58.280 --> 00:37:02.680 align:center When I fought my way back to Duke of Ying's residence alive, 00:37:02.680 --> 00:37:06.280 align:center I thought I had gone through the worst ordeal in my life. 00:37:06.280 --> 00:37:10.680 align:center From as far back as I can remember, Song Yichun obeyed my mother in everything. 00:37:10.680 --> 00:37:13.760 align:center They were the picture of respect and harmony. 00:37:13.760 --> 00:37:16.560 align:center Whenever he went to the border towns, 00:37:16.560 --> 00:37:19.680 align:center he'd always bring back some local specialties for her. 00:37:20.760 --> 00:37:23.160 align:center I used to think that was love, 00:37:23.880 --> 00:37:28.080 align:center but it was endurance, it was hatred. 00:37:30.760 --> 00:37:36.360 align:center My whole life, I don't know if anything has ever been real. 00:37:38.360 --> 00:37:43.280 align:center Your mother's love for you, the Duke of Ding's teachings, 00:37:43.280 --> 00:37:48.160 align:center the unwavering loyalty of the Duke of Ding's army, they are real. 00:37:49.640 --> 00:37:51.560 align:center And so am I. 00:37:59.080 --> 00:38:04.280 align:center You shouldn't have to bear this sadness with me. 00:38:05.280 --> 00:38:10.080 align:center Husband and wife are meant to share fortune and hardship, joy and sorrow. 00:38:10.080 --> 00:38:16.560 align:center From now on, pour all your pain and troubles onto me. 00:38:16.560 --> 00:38:21.160 align:center We're not like your parents. 00:38:30.080 --> 00:38:36.960 align:center Yantang, I'll pay my respects to your sister, and then, let's go home. 00:38:38.800 --> 00:38:40.480 align:center All right. 00:38:47.680 --> 00:38:48.880 align:center Look! Fireworks! 00:38:48.880 --> 00:38:51.480 align:center They're so beautiful! 00:38:51.480 --> 00:38:58.280 align:center ♫ I wish to be like the moon hidden in the sea, like a butterfly in love with the flowers ♫ 00:38:58.280 --> 00:39:05.160 align:center ♫ Like a thousand inksticks fading into my heartstrings, blurring my longing ♫ 00:39:05.160 --> 00:39:09.080 align:center Do you remember the first time we saw fireworks together? 00:39:09.080 --> 00:39:11.360 align:center It was outside the imperial prison. 00:39:12.880 --> 00:39:16.880 align:center Dou Shishu and his subordinates had been sending memorials to impeach me. 00:39:16.880 --> 00:39:19.760 align:center Yet you sent Gu Yu in there to protect me. 00:39:19.760 --> 00:39:21.880 align:center What were you really after? 00:39:21.880 --> 00:39:26.080 align:center Even fireworks come in different colors. 00:39:26.080 --> 00:39:29.360 align:center He is him and I am me. 00:39:31.560 --> 00:39:33.480 align:center At the time, I thought, 00:39:33.480 --> 00:39:39.160 align:center if this person could become my strategist, I'd have nothing to fear. 00:39:39.160 --> 00:39:43.760 align:center So, that's why you kept Mr. Chen by your side for so long. 00:39:45.280 --> 00:39:47.560 align:center You're not much better yourself. 00:39:47.560 --> 00:39:49.960 align:center Didn't you lock General Yan in the coal shed? 00:39:49.960 --> 00:39:53.680 align:center When I saw him, he was covered head to toe in coal dust. 00:40:02.680 --> 00:40:06.320 align:center Time really flies, doesn't it? 00:40:06.960 --> 00:40:13.440 align:center Beautiful things are always fleeting, impossible to hold onto. 00:40:32.360 --> 00:40:37.480 align:center Beautiful things may be fleeting, but you can hold onto them. 00:41:06.280 --> 00:41:09.960 align:center You may be my strategist, but all I need is for you 00:41:09.960 --> 00:41:13.080 align:center to live peacefully as the madam of the household. 00:41:45.680 --> 00:41:48.760 align:center I will stay by your side, through life and death, without regret. 00:41:48.760 --> 00:41:53.000 align:center I had thought I could protect you for the rest of your life, 00:41:53.000 --> 00:41:56.760 align:center but now, I know I can't.