WEBVTT 00:07.040 --> 00:09.800 Recently, Youting has been sending local specialties as gifts 00:09.800 --> 00:14.720 to noble families and officials in the capital for the Mid-Autumn Festival. 00:14.720 --> 00:17.840 Even Minister Dou has accepted lavish gifts from him. 00:17.840 --> 00:19.920 Their interactions have grown frequent. 00:19.920 --> 00:21.800 What's your take on this? 00:23.520 --> 00:25.720 I would not criticizea senior minister lightly. 00:25.720 --> 00:29.320 Besides, with the northern Lichen clan petitioning for additional grain supplies, 00:29.320 --> 00:35.520 only Minister Dou, fluent in their language, can navigate such delicate diplomacy. 00:35.520 --> 00:40.960 If we dismiss him based on mere associations, it would unsettle the people of Liaodong. 00:40.960 --> 00:45.920 You don't suspect that Prince Qing's friendship with Dou Shishu 00:45.920 --> 00:49.400 might be a ploy to undermine your standing as the crown prince? 00:49.400 --> 00:50.920 Your health is already fragile. 00:50.920 --> 00:53.800 If we fight among ourselves now, it would be the height of filial impiety 00:53.800 --> 00:59.240 and would only amplify the court's atmosphere of suspicion and division, 00:59.240 --> 01:03.200 disappointing both officials and the people. 01:10.120 --> 01:13.440 You've grown wiser, but remember, 01:13.440 --> 01:17.480 one hand alone cannot clap, and a single tree cannot support a forest. 01:17.480 --> 01:19.960 Leadership requires unity and collaboration. 01:19.960 --> 01:24.280 You should learn from your brother on how to win the hearts of the capable. 01:28.040 --> 01:31.400 I may lack finesse, but I focus on diligence, self-discipline, 01:31.400 --> 01:33.440 loyalty, and serving the people. 01:33.440 --> 01:38.040 I've spent years giving my all to live up to the responsibility of being the crown prince 01:38.040 --> 01:39.960 and honoring... 01:40.800 --> 01:43.600 the legacy of our ancestors. 01:45.400 --> 01:47.320 You may go. 02:04.560 --> 02:07.720 What do you think of the crown Prince? 02:10.920 --> 02:13.480 This concerns the successor of the throne. 02:13.480 --> 02:15.760 I wouldn't dare to speak out of turn. 02:15.760 --> 02:19.440 You watched him grow up. 02:19.440 --> 02:25.600 He appears proud and reserved, but he actually has a kind heart. 02:25.600 --> 02:27.480 Every year on my birthday, 02:27.480 --> 02:31.120 others try to curry favor with auspicious gifts or mystical advisors, 02:31.120 --> 02:36.920 but he consistently sends locust samples, seedlings, and raw silk from across the empire. 02:36.920 --> 02:41.320 He doesn't even know how to put on a show, let alone build factions. 02:41.320 --> 02:46.960 I don't know whether to blame Liang Jifang for teaching him too well or too naively. 02:46.960 --> 02:49.040 Your Majesty, your efforts have borne fruit. 02:49.040 --> 02:51.680 The crown prince's integrity and uprightness 02:51.680 --> 02:55.160 will naturally inspire loyalty from worthy officials. 02:55.160 --> 02:59.240 Yousheng is not just the crown prince of the empire, 02:59.240 --> 03:01.800 he's also my son. 03:01.800 --> 03:04.760 Yantang is a sword sharp enough to be of use. 03:06.480 --> 03:10.160 It's time the crown prince learns how to wield it. 03:32.000 --> 03:33.720 [Yizhi Hall] 03:35.360 --> 03:39.680 So the crown prince's moves were meant to monitor and warn you, 03:39.680 --> 03:41.920 not to draw you to his side. 03:41.920 --> 03:45.240 The crown prince's focus is on securing the empire. 03:45.240 --> 03:47.920 He already sees the throne as his. 03:47.920 --> 03:50.240 He isn't the mastermind behind this. 03:52.560 --> 03:58.040 If the crown prince's influence weakens, and Prince Qing really wants to seize the throne, 03:58.040 --> 03:59.840 what would his first move be? 03:59.840 --> 04:03.040 First, he'd target military power. 04:03.040 --> 04:06.360 Many of the noble families who command troops already favor Prince Qing. 04:06.360 --> 04:08.880 With the horse market in Liaodong and control of the border trade, 04:08.880 --> 04:11.200 he could sustain any army size. 04:11.200 --> 04:17.120 Dou Shishu oversees the Ministry of War and manages all troop deployments. 04:17.120 --> 04:18.800 If he sided with Prince Qing, 04:18.800 --> 04:23.000 they could quietly amass forces and march straight into the capital. 04:23.680 --> 04:26.720 Second, before initiating a rebellion, 04:26.720 --> 04:29.520 Prince Qing would need to silence key officials to block any warnings. 04:29.520 --> 04:34.640 If he succeeded, he would then require the support of the civil officials to stabilize governance. 04:34.640 --> 04:37.880 If that's the case, other than Fifth Uncle, 04:37.880 --> 04:40.240 there must be many within the Six Ministries, the Nine Court Ministers, 04:40.240 --> 04:44.080 and even the palace who secretly support Prince Qing. 04:44.800 --> 04:48.760 I've heard from Mr. Chen that Mu Chuan's promotion to Minister of Works 04:48.760 --> 04:51.280 was thanks to Empress Wan. 04:53.040 --> 04:55.360 Beyond military power and the outer court, 04:55.360 --> 04:58.200 the key lies within the palace and the capital's defenses, 04:58.200 --> 05:01.480 especially the Imperial Guards. 05:01.480 --> 05:05.720 From Wei Lue's coup at Gaoping Tomb to the Xuanwu Gate Incident in the Tang Dynasty, 05:05.720 --> 05:09.800 the critical blow in each case came from the support of the Imperial Guards. 05:09.800 --> 05:14.440 No matter which direction they launch their rebellion from, they can't bypass you. 05:15.000 --> 05:17.800 Which is why, after the chaos of the bandits entering the capital, 05:17.800 --> 05:20.760 they replaced the city's defenses with their own men. 05:20.760 --> 05:26.440 When the time comes, they could either open the gates wide or directly confine His Majesty. 05:26.440 --> 05:28.800 It would all be over in one move. 05:28.800 --> 05:32.240 Among the eunuchs, aside from the two Eunuch Wangs, 05:32.240 --> 05:35.920 there are six or seven others who wield great power. 05:35.920 --> 05:40.320 If we investigate each one individually, we risk alarming them. 05:40.320 --> 05:43.600 The crown prince has always carried himself as if he has no ambitions. 05:43.600 --> 05:45.520 It's hard to discern his true intentions. 05:45.520 --> 05:49.000 But if he's aware of what Prince Qing is trying to do, 05:49.000 --> 05:51.320 would he panic and react rashly, 05:51.320 --> 05:56.160 or would he quietly maneuver behind the scenes? 05:56.160 --> 06:00.200 Perhaps we should first test the crown prince's influence. 06:00.920 --> 06:03.800 Prince Qing seems to have the stronger odds. 06:03.800 --> 06:09.920 But if I side with Prince Qing, even if he succeeds, 06:09.920 --> 06:12.600 he'll forever be branded as a thief of the throne, a traitor to the dynasty. 06:12.600 --> 06:17.320 Whether he succeeds or fails, the outcome won't end well for his supporters. 06:19.960 --> 06:24.480 Prince Qing hasn't even taken the throne yet, 06:24.480 --> 06:28.200 and he's already setting out to eliminate his allies. 06:36.400 --> 06:40.320 Don't worry. I know where to draw the line. 06:40.320 --> 06:44.000 I won't let blind loyalty cause you any suffering. 06:49.480 --> 06:54.120 Fifth Uncle has aligned himself with Prince Qing. Conspiring to undermine imperial authority. 06:54.120 --> 06:57.840 If uncovered, it would be a grave offense. 06:58.640 --> 07:03.240 My grandmother, father, and even I would be implicated. 07:03.920 --> 07:07.520 When Empress Wan pushed for our marriage, 07:07.520 --> 07:12.360 it must have been part of the scheme to make you hesitate in your actions. 07:13.800 --> 07:15.720 As the art of war teaches, 07:15.720 --> 07:19.680 to overthrow armies and kill generals, you must exploit their five vulnerabilities. 07:19.680 --> 07:22.160 The cruelest among them is leveraging their compassion, 07:22.160 --> 07:24.480 forcing a general to exhaust himself in rescue missions, 07:24.480 --> 07:27.040 or worse, using his loved ones as shields on the battlefield 07:27.040 --> 07:31.200 to break his resolve without a fight. 07:31.200 --> 07:35.960 In ruthlessness, I am no match for Dou Shishu. 07:35.960 --> 07:38.360 But I refuse to be anyone's shield. 07:38.360 --> 07:42.800 I am a person, not a tool for coercion. 07:42.800 --> 07:46.200 I won't repeat Mother's fate or the path of the Duke of Ding. 07:47.160 --> 07:50.600 What they couldn't fight for, we will. 07:52.680 --> 07:54.840 Agreed. 07:54.840 --> 07:58.760 From now on, I'll dye your hair every month, 07:58.760 --> 08:03.440 so you won't turn into an old man with white hair. 08:04.120 --> 08:06.000 It's a deal. 08:15.640 --> 08:17.360 Madam, you've always been so creative. 08:17.360 --> 08:20.040 This new design is beautiful. 08:21.200 --> 08:24.000 Madam! 08:24.000 --> 08:27.000 We have a problem, Madam! 08:27.000 --> 08:31.800 Princess Shude just sent a message, saying she's in urgent need of help! 08:31.800 --> 08:33.880 What's going on? 08:34.760 --> 08:36.720 They're missing one for Mahjong. 08:45.720 --> 08:48.640 [Palace of Tranquil Longevity] 08:54.680 --> 08:58.840 Dou Zhao, if Her Majesty hadn't reminded me, 08:58.840 --> 09:02.960 I would've almost forgotten my best Mahjong partner. 09:02.960 --> 09:05.240 This is the empress, 09:06.240 --> 09:08.200 and this is the crown princess. 09:09.480 --> 09:13.520 Greetings, Your Majesty. Your Highness. 09:14.160 --> 09:17.120 I've heard much about your talents for wealth. 09:17.120 --> 09:19.800 Truly, you are a role model for women. 09:19.800 --> 09:22.640 - You flatter me, Your Majesty. - You've arrived just in time. 09:22.640 --> 09:25.200 We were short one player. 09:25.200 --> 09:27.600 Let's get started. 09:27.600 --> 09:29.520 Bring it in. 09:31.920 --> 09:37.040 I must ask Your Majesty and Your Highnesses to forgive me if I appear clumsy at this. 09:39.000 --> 09:41.360 Nine. 09:41.360 --> 09:43.760 I wonder how my luck will hold today. 09:43.760 --> 09:46.000 Luck? There's no such thing in Mahjong. 09:46.000 --> 09:49.120 Skill matters more than luck. 09:49.120 --> 09:53.880 A good game depends on the player. 09:53.880 --> 09:59.080 If you want to win, it depends on who you're playing with and how you play. 09:59.760 --> 10:01.240 You're right, Mother. 10:01.240 --> 10:06.360 Every game has its winners and losers. 10:06.360 --> 10:10.680 Sometimes, though, the outcome isn't clear right away. 10:10.680 --> 10:12.520 Three bamboos. 10:22.440 --> 10:24.720 Mahjong! 10:24.720 --> 10:26.920 Seven-dot wait. 10:27.600 --> 10:28.960 I don't believe this. 10:28.960 --> 10:32.480 Let's play eight more rounds. I have to see if your luck holds up. 10:32.480 --> 10:34.960 It's just a lucky streak. 10:34.960 --> 10:38.560 When it comes to real skill, no one beats Mother. 10:38.560 --> 10:40.120 Eight rounds? 10:40.120 --> 10:45.440 With a princess, an empress, and a crown princess? 10:45.440 --> 10:49.800 This isn't Mahjong, it's my funeral. 10:54.720 --> 10:58.880 Mahjong! That was exhilarating! 10:58.880 --> 11:02.760 But Dou Zhao, your luck doesn't seem to be with you today. 11:03.400 --> 11:05.600 You've lost to three of us. 11:05.600 --> 11:09.480 Duchess, you're not letting us win, are you? 11:10.200 --> 11:12.000 I've only just learned to play. 11:12.000 --> 11:14.840 Please forgive me for not being good at this. 11:17.880 --> 11:22.800 I heard that when the Duke of Ying went to Liaodong to help resettle the Jiang family, 11:22.800 --> 11:27.240 he and Prince Qing bonded instantly, 11:27.240 --> 11:29.680 finding much in common. 11:31.600 --> 11:34.160 Yantang did approach His Highness for assistance 11:34.160 --> 11:37.400 to ensure that the elderly and ailing in the family could receive medical care, 11:37.400 --> 11:41.120 and that leaky homes could be repaired. 11:41.120 --> 11:45.080 Perfectly understandable. Loyalty and filial piety go hand in hand. 11:45.080 --> 11:47.960 Without filial piety, where does loyalty come from? 11:47.960 --> 11:51.120 Prince Qing grew up under my care until he was twelve, 11:51.120 --> 11:55.120 then was sent to a barren fiefdom without the benefit of scholarly guidance. 11:55.120 --> 11:58.440 Yet, he has still earned the respect of court officials, 11:58.440 --> 12:03.760 thanks to his reputation for loyalty and courage in serving the country. 12:09.280 --> 12:12.160 Five dots. Mahjong! 12:14.080 --> 12:18.400 Duchess, you are indeed clever. Your game is most impressive. 12:26.800 --> 12:29.760 Madam, wasn't it just a game of Mahjong? Why do you look so exhausted? 12:29.760 --> 12:32.320 We've been playing since the afternoon. 12:32.320 --> 12:35.680 I never imagined people could have such stamina for a game. 12:35.680 --> 12:39.000 That wasn't just any game, it was a battlefield. 12:39.000 --> 12:40.840 So, who won the most? 12:40.840 --> 12:44.320 Judging by the results, it was undoubtedly Her Majesty. 12:45.000 --> 12:49.000 Duchess, Her Majesty has requested your presence. 12:49.000 --> 12:52.280 Please proceed to Kunning Palace. 13:00.160 --> 13:03.200 It's an honor to be summoned by Her Majesty. Please lead the way. 13:03.200 --> 13:04.880 Please come. 13:12.320 --> 13:14.000 Your Majesty, the Duchess of Ying is here. 13:14.000 --> 13:16.120 - Your Majesty. - Ah, finally, someone to give me advice. 13:16.120 --> 13:18.640 Come, take a look at these papers. 13:18.640 --> 13:20.720 His Majesty is enforcing a frugality campaign 13:20.720 --> 13:24.600 cutting back on everything from clothing allowances to paper usage. 13:24.600 --> 13:26.520 Give me some advice. 13:39.120 --> 13:41.520 The palace uses over nine million sheets of paper annually, 13:41.520 --> 13:44.480 half of which is used for bookmaking and record keeping. 13:44.480 --> 13:46.400 While bamboo and hemp paper are cheaper, 13:46.400 --> 13:48.840 they're prone to pest damage and don't last long. 13:48.840 --> 13:51.080 I recommend switching to straw paper. 13:51.080 --> 13:54.840 If it's produced locally near the capital with simplified methods, 13:54.840 --> 13:57.440 costs can be reduced by 40%. 13:57.440 --> 14:01.440 Additionally, recycling used paper could save even more. 14:01.440 --> 14:06.120 You really know your craft. You've saved me a lot of trouble. 14:06.120 --> 14:08.200 You flatter me, Your Majesty. 14:08.200 --> 14:11.640 You're a woman of exceptional intellect and business acumen, 14:11.640 --> 14:14.920 and your husband is a brave and stalwart pillar of the nation. 14:14.920 --> 14:18.920 If he were to train troops in Liaodong, he could secure peace and protect the nation. 14:19.680 --> 14:22.120 Though his health is a concern. 14:22.120 --> 14:24.480 Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. 14:24.480 --> 14:27.560 The rare Snow Mushroom from Liaodong, said to grow only once every 300 years, 14:27.560 --> 14:30.200 is believed to heal wounds and revive the gravely ill. 14:30.200 --> 14:34.400 This Snow Essence Pill contains a fraction of its essence. 14:35.240 --> 14:38.440 With your knowledge of medicine, 14:38.440 --> 14:42.560 perhaps you could try it and see if its claims are truly miraculous. 14:42.560 --> 14:46.520 Lord Shi once tried gifting this very remedy to the duke, 14:46.520 --> 14:51.360 but the duke didn't even glance at it. He threw Lord Shi out on the spot. 14:51.360 --> 14:53.440 A husband and wife may share one mind, 14:53.440 --> 14:59.040 but are you really willing to put his life at risk, Your Grace? 15:03.000 --> 15:06.720 Your niece is a clever and capable woman. 15:06.720 --> 15:10.080 I'd like to help her if I could. 15:10.080 --> 15:11.880 She's certainly capable, 15:11.880 --> 15:14.480 so capable that she dragged someone who never meddled in court affairs 15:14.480 --> 15:16.560 into these murky waters. 15:16.560 --> 15:20.560 You're the one who dragged me into it. 15:21.360 --> 15:24.880 The entire court knows it was my recommendation that elevated you. 15:24.880 --> 15:28.600 By aiding Prince Qing, you've made itappear to my brother and the court 15:28.600 --> 15:33.320 that I, too, support his ambitions to seize the throne. 15:36.080 --> 15:41.160 I'm a member of the royal family, and you should know where my boundaries lie. 15:41.160 --> 15:45.000 Whatever you've done, stop it now. 15:45.840 --> 15:49.560 - It's too late to stop. - You're even disobeying me now? 15:50.440 --> 15:53.200 - Please calm down, Your Highness. - I didn't tell you to kneel! Get up! 15:53.200 --> 15:55.400 As your subject, I have no reason not to kneel. 15:55.400 --> 15:57.200 Life is like swimming against a fierce current. 15:57.200 --> 16:03.080 You must abandon all that's unnecessary to fight your way upstream. 16:03.080 --> 16:06.200 You taught me that all those years ago. 16:07.320 --> 16:10.400 When did I ever teach you that? 16:11.280 --> 16:16.320 Back when I was serving as a county assistant in Dengzhou, my origins were humble, 16:16.320 --> 16:18.240 and I had no prestigious mentors to back me. 16:18.240 --> 16:22.320 For years, I lived like a shadow of a man, 16:22.320 --> 16:26.000 nothing more than a stepping stone in the eyes of others. 16:26.000 --> 16:29.840 The accomplishments I worked tirelessly for became their promotions to magistrate, 16:29.840 --> 16:32.680 to positions in the capital. 16:32.680 --> 16:34.920 And I remained that stepping stone. 16:34.920 --> 16:39.440 So, I thought of resigning to retake the imperial exams, 16:40.080 --> 16:42.840 but even that was denied. 16:44.560 --> 16:49.720 At that time, I had just lost my elderly husband. 16:50.320 --> 16:53.560 I secluded myself in the temple, performing rites and praying. 16:53.560 --> 16:56.920 You wrote me a piece of ceremonial prose, 16:57.720 --> 17:01.600 and I repaid you with a ladder to ascend. 17:01.600 --> 17:04.920 Now you're the Second Assistant Grand Secretary. 17:06.200 --> 17:08.480 Isn't that enough? 17:10.040 --> 17:12.920 The ceremonial prose you wrote for me was excellent. 17:13.880 --> 17:16.040 I should do something in return for you. 17:16.040 --> 17:18.520 I just wish to resign and retake the imperial exams, 17:18.520 --> 17:23.960 so I can earn a higher rank, and be assigned to a place where I can really make a difference. 17:23.960 --> 17:26.320 There's no such place. 17:27.280 --> 17:30.760 I've written you a letter of recommendation to the Ministry of Personnel. 17:30.760 --> 17:35.240 You'll be the magistrate of Haiyan County next month. 17:35.240 --> 17:36.680 But I want to achieve this on my own. 17:36.680 --> 17:39.880 Taking a shortcut is nothing to be ashamed of. 17:39.880 --> 17:45.680 Dignity and ideals, they're luxuries you can't afford right now. 17:45.680 --> 17:48.840 I've abandoned so much, 17:48.840 --> 17:52.000 endured people calling me a sycophant, shamelessly climbing my way up. 17:52.000 --> 17:54.240 But I don't care. 17:54.240 --> 17:59.600 I just want to see how high the shortcuts I took, sacrificing my dignity and ideals, 17:59.600 --> 18:03.640 can carry me. How high I'm meant to go! 18:03.640 --> 18:08.240 Our Dou family might have started as peddlers, 18:08.240 --> 18:13.200 but through me, we'll stand tall as an unshakable noble house. 18:13.200 --> 18:15.240 Shishu, 18:15.240 --> 18:20.320 I traded my happiness in marriage to secure wealth and freedom, 18:20.320 --> 18:23.080 but I've never harmed anyone in the process. 18:23.080 --> 18:26.560 The road you're taking is far too dangerous. 18:26.560 --> 18:30.960 You'll ruin yourself, and me along with you. 18:35.480 --> 18:39.400 Your Highness, I will help you. 18:39.400 --> 18:44.240 One day, everything you desire, 18:44.240 --> 18:46.880 I will make sure it's yours. 18:57.440 --> 18:59.560 You're back. 18:59.560 --> 19:02.120 Where did this Snow Essence Pill come from? 19:02.840 --> 19:05.040 I took it from the empress. 19:09.000 --> 19:12.080 She thinks this so-called cure will coax me into bowing to her will, 19:12.080 --> 19:15.480 but you know full well I'll never compromise my integrity for the sake of survival. 19:15.480 --> 19:19.680 I know you want justice and vengeance, 19:19.680 --> 19:22.920 but Mr. Chen has searched far and wide for Snow Mushroom without success. 19:22.920 --> 19:26.880 Now that this pill is right here in front of us, shouldn't we at least try it? 19:26.880 --> 19:29.320 The empress and Prince Qing are counting on this. 19:29.320 --> 19:32.480 If this pill actually works and gives me hope for a longer life, 19:32.480 --> 19:35.320 you won't bear to lose me, and I won't want to leave you. 19:35.320 --> 19:37.480 By then, we'd crave a second pill, a third pill. 19:37.480 --> 19:39.840 Whatever she demands, 19:39.840 --> 19:42.800 We'll deal with the future when it comes. 19:42.800 --> 19:46.120 As long as there's even the slightest hope, I want you to live. 19:46.120 --> 19:48.360 Then we'll be playing right into the empress's hands. 19:48.360 --> 19:51.360 This is her way of pulling us into Prince Qing's camp. 19:51.360 --> 19:54.320 I know the empress has ulterior motives, 19:54.320 --> 19:59.720 but don't worry, I stole this pill. 19:59.720 --> 20:01.520 You stole it? 20:02.400 --> 20:06.640 I found out that Prince Qing was sending a shipment of treasures to the empress today, 20:06.640 --> 20:09.240 including the Snow Essence Pill. 20:11.240 --> 20:12.880 Beat them up! 20:12.880 --> 20:15.480 Take all the treasures with us! 20:15.480 --> 20:17.440 Come on, let's go! 20:19.920 --> 20:25.200 I have no intention of siding with Prince Qing, but I want my husband to stay alive. 20:25.200 --> 20:26.640 I'm sorry, Shougu. 20:26.640 --> 20:29.000 I misunderstood you. 20:29.840 --> 20:35.360 In the past, I was so consumed by seeking truth and revenge that I'd risk everything. 20:35.360 --> 20:39.680 But now that you've given me a home, I'm no longer just living for myself. 20:41.600 --> 20:46.320 I promise you, even if I face impossible choices in the future, 20:46.320 --> 20:48.840 my priority will be protecting our home. 20:52.640 --> 20:54.680 I'll take the pill now. 21:00.960 --> 21:03.680 He had already sided with Prince Qing by then. 21:03.680 --> 21:05.480 He must've taken the pill then, 21:05.480 --> 21:09.480 yet he still had white hair and signs of poisoning. 21:10.600 --> 21:12.400 Wait. 21:13.240 --> 21:16.160 - Su Lan. - Yes, Your Grace. 21:16.160 --> 21:18.760 Bring me a bowl of warm water and fetch my medicine box. 21:18.760 --> 21:20.560 Yes, Your Grace. 21:21.680 --> 21:25.960 You think there's something wrong with this pill? 21:41.480 --> 21:43.880 Poisoned blood turns purple-black. 21:43.880 --> 21:47.760 If this really is an antidote, there should be some reaction. 21:51.360 --> 21:53.880 Look! It's changing color. 21:53.880 --> 21:56.640 That means it works. 22:02.480 --> 22:03.680 Shougu! 22:03.680 --> 22:05.080 Cousin! 22:05.080 --> 22:06.880 Shougu! 22:07.680 --> 22:08.880 You're back? 22:08.880 --> 22:10.480 Weren't you in Diannan visiting Uncle? 22:10.480 --> 22:12.080 What brings you back so soon? 22:12.080 --> 22:14.680 Mid-Autumn Festival is coming up. I rushed back to celebrate. 22:14.680 --> 22:16.880 Looks like you've been so busy you forgot. 22:16.880 --> 22:21.960 You've never been this enthusiastic about any festival before. 22:23.880 --> 22:27.960 Is there someone special to celebrate with this year? 22:27.960 --> 22:29.480 No one. 22:29.480 --> 22:32.360 The lantern festival is about to start. Why are you still here? 22:32.360 --> 22:34.960 I'm going to check it out first. 22:38.160 --> 22:39.680 Come on. 22:39.680 --> 22:41.480 Let's go check it out. 22:46.560 --> 22:51.480 The bandits dared to rob imperial stuff? 22:51.480 --> 22:54.560 This is ridiculous. 22:54.560 --> 22:57.560 They appear to be remnants of the Cangbei Gang. 22:57.560 --> 23:00.280 The Cangbei Gang was wiped out. 23:00.280 --> 23:06.160 Besides, how could it be a coincidence that the Snow Essence Pill was among the stolen items? 23:08.880 --> 23:10.880 Could it be Dou Zhao? 23:10.880 --> 23:12.680 It doesn't make sense. 23:12.680 --> 23:16.560 She rejected it so determinedly before. 23:16.560 --> 23:22.480 If she wouldn't take it when offered, why go to such lengths to steal it now? 23:22.480 --> 23:25.880 Looks like these people were simply after wealth. 23:25.880 --> 23:28.680 It can't be that simple. 23:30.480 --> 23:33.160 Dou Zhao is meticulous and cunning. 23:33.160 --> 23:34.640 She must be behind this. 23:34.640 --> 23:36.280 Since she won't accept kindness, she'll respond to force. 23:36.280 --> 23:38.880 Shall I have Dou Zhao brought in? 23:38.880 --> 23:40.680 No. 23:40.680 --> 23:44.240 Without evidence, we can't touch her. 23:45.560 --> 23:51.120 Since she won't join us as an ally, she is an enemy then. 23:53.280 --> 23:54.760 Lantern riddles! 23:54.760 --> 23:57.080 Come try your luck, Young Lady. Two coins a turn. 23:57.080 --> 23:59.400 Guess right, and you win a lantern. 24:08.280 --> 24:12.280 At the year's end, fish and rice abound. 24:12.280 --> 24:17.280 I recognize the words, but putting them together... 24:21.880 --> 24:24.280 - The answer is "scale". - Scale? 24:24.280 --> 24:26.680 Let me see. 24:26.680 --> 24:28.280 You got it right! 24:28.280 --> 24:31.680 Not only are you skilled in martial arts, but you're also really clever. 24:32.480 --> 24:34.480 Here's your lantern. 24:34.480 --> 24:35.680 It's so cute! 24:35.680 --> 24:37.280 It's a little rabbit. 24:37.280 --> 24:39.080 Adorable. 24:39.080 --> 24:41.080 Look at it. 24:44.680 --> 24:46.880 Do you like this lantern? 24:52.320 --> 24:54.120 Yes. 24:59.080 --> 25:00.680 Shougu... 25:12.080 --> 25:13.880 What's wrong? 25:13.880 --> 25:15.480 I feel like someone's following us. 25:15.480 --> 25:17.160 Who? 25:24.560 --> 25:26.280 Maybe I was just being paranoid. 25:26.280 --> 25:28.280 Let's go then. 25:30.440 --> 25:31.800 Why did you stop me? 25:31.800 --> 25:33.200 No cheating. 25:33.200 --> 25:34.600 We had a bet, remember? 25:34.600 --> 25:37.880 If you interrupt them now, it counts as breaking the rules. 25:37.880 --> 25:40.840 I wasn't planning to interrupt. 25:40.880 --> 25:43.080 I just don't want to lose them. 25:43.080 --> 25:45.760 Let's go. 25:51.880 --> 25:53.680 Are you all right? 25:54.680 --> 25:56.480 Yes. 26:00.000 --> 26:01.800 Let me carry you. 26:06.880 --> 26:09.280 This is so embarrassing. 26:10.680 --> 26:12.480 Careful. 26:16.160 --> 26:18.680 I'm going to fall off. 26:23.480 --> 26:25.880 Let me guide you. 26:25.880 --> 26:30.280 Let's see who's faster, you or my little rabbit lantern? 26:34.680 --> 26:36.760 How did they disappear in the blink of an eye? 26:36.760 --> 26:38.680 Let's look around. 26:46.680 --> 26:48.480 Oh no, oh no! She definitely saw me! 26:48.480 --> 26:50.280 It's so dark, she couldn't have seen you. 26:50.280 --> 26:52.280 - Don't worry. - She definitely saw me! 26:52.280 --> 26:54.560 We locked eyes just now. 26:55.080 --> 27:00.280 It was just a short moment, she probably didn't see us. Right? 27:00.280 --> 27:01.960 What's wrong? 27:03.200 --> 27:05.080 Commander Chen? 27:06.480 --> 27:08.960 Wait! No, we're not going that way. 27:08.960 --> 27:12.480 We should turn around. We're going the wrong way. 27:12.480 --> 27:14.560 No, this is the way. 27:30.080 --> 27:35.280 Your Graces, Young Lady Zhao twisted her ankle. 27:36.080 --> 27:38.680 I'll make sure she gets back to the residence safely. 27:38.680 --> 27:40.680 Please don't worry. 27:44.080 --> 27:48.080 Cousin, just take care. 27:48.080 --> 27:49.880 Shougu... 27:59.360 --> 28:00.680 Regardless of anything, 28:00.680 --> 28:03.680 Chen Jia had the courage to step forward and explain himself. 28:03.680 --> 28:05.760 That shows some responsibility. 28:07.760 --> 28:10.160 So, are we done following them now? 28:10.160 --> 28:11.880 Yes. 28:24.680 --> 28:29.280 Then, can we finally enjoy the lantern festival together? 28:53.000 --> 28:54.800 Second Young Master. 29:01.080 --> 29:02.760 Young Lady Miao. 29:03.800 --> 29:06.720 I brought you this lantern from the festival. 29:06.720 --> 29:11.000 It's Mid-Autumn Festival today, but I didn't see you out there. 29:13.440 --> 29:15.120 Mid-Autumn? 29:16.960 --> 29:20.680 Who do I even have left in the world to celebrate with? 29:28.080 --> 29:31.600 This is freshly made Dingsheng cakes, with a bit of peanut filling. 29:31.600 --> 29:34.240 I saved some especially for you. 29:35.040 --> 29:40.320 Eating these during Mid-Autumn symbolizes progress and peace. It's a lucky tradition. 29:42.200 --> 29:43.960 Thank you, Young Lady Miao. 29:43.960 --> 29:50.000 But the things you're talking about, none of that is possible for me anymore. 29:53.520 --> 29:58.480 Young Master, one's path in life is forged step by step. 29:58.480 --> 30:01.680 Back when my family faced hard times, 30:01.680 --> 30:04.600 we gritted our teeth and bore through it together. 30:04.600 --> 30:07.320 Even the toughest days eventually passed. 30:07.320 --> 30:09.800 Things will get better, little by little. 30:13.520 --> 30:15.320 Here, try one. 30:34.560 --> 30:36.240 You're right. 30:36.240 --> 30:39.680 The worst is behind me now. 30:39.680 --> 30:41.320 Thank you, Young Lady Miao. 30:41.320 --> 30:43.760 You always find a way to comfort me when I'm at my lowest, 30:43.760 --> 30:47.200 and I don't know how to repay you. 30:48.320 --> 30:51.040 When you handed me the cake, your hands were so cold. 30:51.040 --> 30:52.560 Here. 30:56.560 --> 31:01.920 If a few casual words can make you feel better, that makes me happy too. 31:01.920 --> 31:06.640 It may seem like just a few kind words to you, 31:06.640 --> 31:10.680 but to me, they're like warmth in the snow. 31:15.360 --> 31:17.880 I can't keep hiding like this. 31:17.880 --> 31:25.280 It's time I walk out of this house, stand tall, and carve my own path. 31:27.840 --> 31:34.200 Look! In this silence, the moon seems even more beautiful. 31:34.200 --> 31:36.000 It does. 31:37.240 --> 31:42.160 I remember there's a poem about the moon and bamboo. 31:42.160 --> 31:43.840 What was it again? 31:43.840 --> 31:47.560 "What night has no moon? What place has no bamboo and cypress? 31:47.560 --> 31:51.560 But few are as carefree as the two of us." Is that it? 31:51.560 --> 31:53.040 Yes. 32:17.280 --> 32:20.080 [The Water and Trees Are Bright and Clear] 32:39.320 --> 32:41.000 Shougu? 32:43.840 --> 32:46.840 Shougu, why are you crying? 32:51.800 --> 32:57.040 This antidote only suppresses the poison temporarily. 32:57.040 --> 33:01.240 It doesn't cure it, it just buys you some time. 33:05.040 --> 33:06.600 It's all right. 33:06.600 --> 33:09.240 Look at me. I'm fine, aren't I? 33:09.240 --> 33:13.240 Besides, maybe the poison will never flare up again. 33:14.200 --> 33:16.040 We'll figure something out. 33:16.760 --> 33:18.600 Don't cry anymore, all right? 33:24.200 --> 33:25.920 [Liaodong] 33:36.120 --> 33:38.920 Your Highness, your arrows never miss their mark, each shot is flawless. 33:38.920 --> 33:42.160 Your skill with the bow is unmatched. 33:43.040 --> 33:45.400 You brothers are quite the pair. 33:45.400 --> 33:48.720 One goes out of his way to reject my goodwill, 33:48.720 --> 33:54.400 while the other travels miles just to flatter me. 33:55.600 --> 34:02.720 My brother and father may have let you down, but I'm not like them. 34:03.400 --> 34:06.040 I have no use for incompetents. 34:08.560 --> 34:13.200 Nor do I care for disloyal men. 34:16.320 --> 34:23.280 I didn't have a choice in the past, but now, I want to make one for myself. 34:23.280 --> 34:26.120 I refuse to spend my life beneath others. 34:26.120 --> 34:27.880 All I need is one opportunity, 34:27.880 --> 34:32.320 and the loyalty I repay you with will rival anything my brother could offer. 34:33.960 --> 34:35.760 I'm listening. 34:37.080 --> 34:41.480 Just now, you released your arrow before the target even fully emerged. 34:41.480 --> 34:44.720 It's clear you've practiced extensively with that particular target 34:44.720 --> 34:47.440 and know its trajectory inside out. 34:47.440 --> 34:51.360 But on the battlefield, things are unpredictable. 34:51.360 --> 34:57.360 If you had a sparring partner to simulate such unpredictability, 34:57.360 --> 35:01.080 you could truly achieve unfailing precision. 35:02.560 --> 35:07.560 And if I were to miss, the gossip would not be flattering. 35:09.120 --> 35:15.720 If your arrow is aimed at Song Mo, with me by your side, you won't miss. 35:15.720 --> 35:18.320 Compared to a mere servant, you need someone with status 35:18.320 --> 35:21.800 to navigate the circles of young nobles and officials on your behalf. 35:21.800 --> 35:23.040 Someone who understands military strategy 35:23.040 --> 35:25.640 to uncover schemes in the court and adapt to shifting dynamics. 35:25.640 --> 35:28.720 And someone skilled in combat to ensure that the capital's defenses 35:28.720 --> 35:31.560 don't fall entirely into Song Mo's hands. 35:40.240 --> 35:48.960 By your logic, it sounds like I need you more than you need me. 35:51.640 --> 35:56.800 If you examine lineage, martial skill, or strategy individually, 35:56.800 --> 35:58.480 I might not be your best choice. 35:58.480 --> 36:03.760 But I embody all three, coupled with the resolve to fight my way out of any dead end. 36:05.680 --> 36:08.320 Warfare thrives on deception, 36:08.320 --> 36:12.240 and I was born to be the unpredictable piece Song Mo can never counter. 36:12.240 --> 36:18.040 Only I can silently stir the winds and reshape the tides for you. 36:29.120 --> 36:31.720 The officials are soon to petition my father 36:31.720 --> 36:35.360 to open an imperial examination to recruit fresh talent. 36:35.360 --> 36:41.640 If you can prove yourself in the imperial exams, I will make good use of you. 36:42.520 --> 36:44.640 Thank you, Your Highness. 36:52.800 --> 36:54.600 Teacher. 36:56.080 --> 36:59.600 Song Han's every word and move was just as you predicted. 36:59.600 --> 37:01.480 Your foresight is unparalleled. 37:01.480 --> 37:03.440 It's just a plan of setting a tiger against a wolf. 37:03.440 --> 37:05.080 Song Han is at the edge of desperation. 37:05.080 --> 37:08.840 If he cannot rise to become a fierce wolf, his suspicious and calculating nature 37:08.840 --> 37:11.920 will trap him in a constant state of fear and guilt. 37:11.920 --> 37:15.280 At that point, he will find life unbearable. 37:16.720 --> 37:20.360 Song Han's predicament mirrors my own. 37:20.360 --> 37:26.000 No matter how capable he is, Song Mo will never allow him to shine. 37:26.000 --> 37:29.320 As an illegitimate son with neither title nor standing, 37:29.320 --> 37:36.480 his only chance for legitimacy lies in supporting my ascent to the throne. 37:36.480 --> 37:39.320 Teacher, your vision is far-reaching. 37:44.440 --> 37:46.720 A small token of appreciation. 38:01.520 --> 38:04.640 Just watching them move all this over is exhausting. 38:04.640 --> 38:07.240 What do I need all these treasures for? 38:09.560 --> 38:10.680 Forget it. 38:10.680 --> 38:12.480 Where are you going? 38:12.480 --> 38:15.080 Back to the capital. 38:15.080 --> 38:18.600 With Her Majesty's recognition, and your eagerness to learn, 38:18.600 --> 38:20.520 I had intended to help you achieve great things. 38:20.520 --> 38:21.680 But you? 38:21.680 --> 38:25.240 Lavishing gold, flattering words, and not a shred of honesty. 38:25.240 --> 38:27.200 Why should I waste my time? 38:27.200 --> 38:30.440 If you want to silence me, feel free to send someone after me. 38:30.440 --> 38:32.240 Teacher, wait! 38:38.520 --> 38:41.600 My sincerity is evident for all to see. 38:42.600 --> 38:45.000 Sincerity? 38:45.000 --> 38:48.880 Yet you wouldn't tell me how the Duke of Ding met his end. 38:50.440 --> 38:52.320 A paranoid master like you 38:52.320 --> 38:56.000 will only wreck the carefully laid plans I've worked so hard to craft. 38:56.000 --> 38:57.720 Your rebuke is right. 38:57.720 --> 39:02.200 I promise I'll tell you the entire truth of the Duke of Ding's demise. 39:02.200 --> 39:06.840 When we achieve success, you shall be my foremost Grand Secretary. 39:08.080 --> 39:12.600 Let me guess. You promised Dou Shishu the same thing, didn't you? 39:13.880 --> 39:17.680 You and Dou Shishu are both indispensable to me. 39:17.680 --> 39:21.120 But Dou Shishu has offered the horse market as a gesture of loyalty, 39:21.120 --> 39:23.760 even at the expense of his niece. 39:23.760 --> 39:28.160 Yet you have yet to help me bring Song Mo into my fold. 39:29.440 --> 39:33.640 Song Mo? He's His Majesty's trusted subject. 39:33.640 --> 39:37.760 Recruiting him would be openly opposing His Majesty. 39:37.760 --> 39:40.400 Do you think any sovereign would tolerate that? 39:40.400 --> 39:42.520 And what would you do then? 39:42.520 --> 39:45.840 Launch a rebellion from distant Liaodong? 39:45.840 --> 39:47.160 Are you really prepared for such a move? 39:47.160 --> 39:50.240 But if we don't eliminate him, he'll remain a constant threat. 39:50.240 --> 39:54.320 The Imperial Guard is the palace's defense, it cannot fall into his hands. 39:54.320 --> 39:56.160 Precisely why... 39:57.520 --> 40:01.360 I advised you to recruit Song Han. 40:01.360 --> 40:04.760 What cannot be dealt with in the court can be resolved within the family. 40:04.760 --> 40:07.520 For the sake of a title, he'll turn against his brother. 40:07.520 --> 40:10.360 Then it simply becomes a Song family affair. 40:10.360 --> 40:14.880 No matter how it plays out, it works to your advantage. 40:17.640 --> 40:19.640 Understood. 40:19.640 --> 40:22.440 This ice cream is so good. 40:31.760 --> 40:35.080 [Lu Ji Dentistry] 40:42.200 --> 40:45.840 Song Han is an illegitimate love child, how is he worthy of joining us? 40:45.840 --> 40:48.440 Our master believes he's a rare asset. 40:48.440 --> 40:53.760 If used well, he might even alter the course of the game. 40:53.760 --> 40:58.080 Lowly in status but ambitious to the core. 40:58.080 --> 41:04.000 Such a person will gladly serve as pawns for the promise of power. 41:09.120 --> 41:11.000 I lost. 41:12.600 --> 41:17.280 Minister Mu, I suppose you only let me win because you have a favor to ask of me? 41:17.280 --> 41:19.120 I'll be honest with you. 41:19.120 --> 41:22.080 My son isn't cut out for the literary exams, 41:22.080 --> 41:27.000 but when it comes to the martial exams, my family could really use some help. 41:27.000 --> 41:29.440 The court is desperate for capable generals. 41:29.440 --> 41:32.840 His Majesty places great importance on this examination. 41:32.840 --> 41:38.000 Our master asked me to oversee the exams, which means he has a preferred candidate. 41:38.000 --> 41:40.920 I'm afraid I'll have to let you down. 41:43.560 --> 41:46.160 One should not overstep their station, of course. 41:46.160 --> 41:53.560 But the way things proceed in the examination hall hinges on your discretion, does it not? 41:55.080 --> 41:58.360 The literary portion of the exam can be adjusted, 41:58.360 --> 42:02.240 but the martial examination requires real skills. 42:02.240 --> 42:05.640 Rest assured, sir. He just needs to pass the literary portion. 42:05.640 --> 42:11.760 My son may lack in other areas, but when it comes to martial arts, he's pretty good at it. 42:33.720 --> 42:35.800 I'm earning my place and title through my own efforts. 42:35.800 --> 42:37.120 Why are you trying to stop me? 42:37.120 --> 42:39.600 You might as well just kill me in front of His Majesty. 42:39.600 --> 42:41.680 Mantis Song is now a target for everyone. 42:41.680 --> 42:45.480 For your own sake and for the Dou family, you can't take risks with him. 42:45.480 --> 42:47.560 Leave him.