WEBVTT 00:00:06.720 --> 00:00:08.360 align:center Madam. 00:00:09.960 --> 00:00:14.000 align:center There's no place to hide it. No place... 00:00:14.000 --> 00:00:17.040 align:center Yes, we can't hide it. 00:00:17.040 --> 00:00:22.520 align:center Go now. Put it up for me. The more visible, the better. 00:00:32.520 --> 00:00:34.240 align:center Come on. 00:01:14.320 --> 00:01:16.400 align:center I remember everything now. 00:01:16.400 --> 00:01:20.800 align:center Madam asked me to hide it. She wanted you to have it. 00:01:27.640 --> 00:01:30.040 align:center What happened back then? 00:01:30.800 --> 00:01:35.960 align:center This letter was a painting. 00:01:38.080 --> 00:01:39.880 align:center Madam! 00:01:41.760 --> 00:01:43.560 align:center Madam! 00:01:44.480 --> 00:01:48.080 align:center Madam! There is a letter from the Duke of Ding! 00:01:52.200 --> 00:01:54.120 align:center [From Meisun to Huisun] 00:02:09.240 --> 00:02:12.800 align:center Meisun is playing guessing games with me again. 00:02:14.120 --> 00:02:17.640 align:center Bring me a brush. Dip it in some water. 00:02:33.880 --> 00:02:35.360 align:center My dear sister, please don't worry. 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:38.560 align:center His Majesty's summons for me to enter the capital will not bring trouble. 00:02:38.560 --> 00:02:41.440 align:center The typhoon disaster in Futing stemmed from the seawall, 00:02:41.440 --> 00:02:43.720 align:center and the corruption involves many high-ranking officials. 00:02:43.720 --> 00:02:46.600 align:center I will present these matters to His Majesty in person upon my arrival. 00:02:49.880 --> 00:02:52.080 align:center [Dou Shishu, Song Yichun, Dou Shiying] 00:02:57.080 --> 00:02:59.840 align:center Your Grace, you're coughing up blood! 00:03:00.560 --> 00:03:04.600 align:center Qixia, dry the painting and hide it. 00:03:04.600 --> 00:03:10.280 align:center Don't give it to anyone, and don't tell anyone about it. Only tell Yantang. 00:03:10.280 --> 00:03:12.800 align:center - Yes, Madam. - Go. 00:03:16.600 --> 00:03:21.760 align:center Where should I hide it? Your Grace, where should I hide it? 00:03:25.120 --> 00:03:27.320 align:center Nowhere is truly safe. 00:03:27.320 --> 00:03:29.120 align:center Qixia. 00:03:31.160 --> 00:03:36.520 align:center Put it up in plain sight, somewhere as conspicuous as possible. 00:03:36.520 --> 00:03:39.400 align:center Don't worry, Your Grace. I'll make sure His Grace gets it. 00:03:39.400 --> 00:03:42.280 align:center - Go! - Yes, Madam! 00:04:12.120 --> 00:04:16.280 align:center Father, how could you do this? 00:04:16.280 --> 00:04:19.520 align:center - She's my mother! - She was never your real mother. 00:04:19.520 --> 00:04:23.920 align:center With Shuyao, we three are a true family. 00:04:23.920 --> 00:04:27.480 align:center I've owed your mother for so many years. 00:04:27.480 --> 00:04:30.160 align:center I don't want her to compromise any longer. 00:05:51.360 --> 00:05:54.400 align:center It's all becoming clear. 00:05:54.400 --> 00:05:58.600 align:center With this list in our hands, we have Prince Qing by the throat. 00:05:58.600 --> 00:06:02.880 align:center He has tampered with the foundation of the nation. The evidence is irrefutable. 00:06:04.840 --> 00:06:06.560 align:center His Majesty is a wise ruler. 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:09.000 align:center But His Majesty's health is deteriorating by the day. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:12.240 align:center What if this follows the same path as the Duke of Ding's downfall? 00:06:12.240 --> 00:06:17.160 align:center And the law rarely punishes the majority. How this will play out remains uncertain. 00:06:17.160 --> 00:06:20.560 align:center Why is my father's name on this list? 00:06:20.560 --> 00:06:23.960 align:center Uncle Shishu has long been part of Prince Qing's faction. 00:06:23.960 --> 00:06:28.400 align:center Could it be he's trying to drag my father into it? 00:06:50.120 --> 00:06:51.920 align:center [Dou Residence] 00:06:51.920 --> 00:06:55.920 align:center What brings you by? You didn't even send word ahead. 00:06:55.920 --> 00:07:00.200 align:center Wait a moment. Gao Sheng, brew some of the After Rain Longjing tea I just brought. 00:07:00.200 --> 00:07:04.160 align:center - Yes, Master. - Leave us. There's no need to serve us. 00:07:06.560 --> 00:07:08.560 align:center I have something to tell you as well. 00:07:08.560 --> 00:07:10.400 align:center Gao Sheng. 00:07:16.400 --> 00:07:18.200 align:center Seventh Master. 00:07:27.520 --> 00:07:31.560 align:center Father, these houses aren't exactly cheap. 00:07:31.560 --> 00:07:35.600 align:center These houses are something I specifically set aside for you to have as assets. 00:07:35.600 --> 00:07:38.040 align:center A while back, I put some spare money 00:07:38.040 --> 00:07:40.480 align:center into the new Yunfei Jewelry Pavilion that opened in the capital. 00:07:40.480 --> 00:07:42.480 align:center The profits have been excellent. 00:07:42.480 --> 00:07:46.720 align:center I'm using the returns from the shop to pay the installments on the houses. 00:07:46.720 --> 00:07:49.640 align:center I know most of the capital's jewelry and jade shop owners, 00:07:49.640 --> 00:07:52.560 align:center but I've never heard of Yunfei Jewelry Pavilion. 00:07:54.760 --> 00:07:58.400 align:center Father, you're an honest man, but you're also easily swayed. 00:07:58.400 --> 00:08:00.360 align:center Be careful with your investments. 00:08:00.360 --> 00:08:04.840 align:center Don't let the lure of small profits end up draining your assets. 00:08:04.840 --> 00:08:08.800 align:center I worked in the Ministry of Revenue, after all. I've checked the accounts thoroughly. 00:08:08.800 --> 00:08:13.200 align:center This jewelry shop's craftsmanship is excellent, and it has a steady clientele. 00:08:13.200 --> 00:08:16.080 align:center It was Minister Mu who introduced us to it. Your uncle and I have invested some money. 00:08:16.080 --> 00:08:18.160 align:center It's trustworthy. 00:08:25.000 --> 00:08:27.360 align:center My Lord, I've found out everything. 00:08:27.360 --> 00:08:31.320 align:center The owner of the jewelry shop is the Duke of Jing, the Zhang family. 00:08:32.760 --> 00:08:36.360 align:center Which officials or nobles in the capital have invested in it? 00:08:36.360 --> 00:08:38.760 align:center The shop workers are tight-lipped, 00:08:38.760 --> 00:08:44.480 align:center but according to the neighbors, most of the visitors are high-ranking officials. 00:08:45.080 --> 00:08:47.080 align:center The Zhang family has money to burn. 00:08:47.080 --> 00:08:49.400 align:center They spend tens of thousands of taels just to renovate a courtyard. 00:08:49.400 --> 00:08:52.240 align:center With them backing it, and so many colleagues eager to invest, 00:08:52.240 --> 00:08:54.600 align:center that tells us it's reliable. Doesn't it? 00:08:55.520 --> 00:08:59.680 align:center You work in the Ministry of Revenue. So you know the current state of the court. 00:08:59.680 --> 00:09:02.040 align:center The treasury collects three million taels of silver in annual taxes, 00:09:02.040 --> 00:09:04.200 align:center but expenditures reach six million taels. 00:09:04.200 --> 00:09:07.120 align:center The court is drowning in debt, and the people are barely scraping by. 00:09:07.120 --> 00:09:10.480 align:center How is it that the Zhang family can easily spend tens of thousands of taels? 00:09:10.480 --> 00:09:11.760 align:center What is the Duke of Jing's salary? 00:09:11.760 --> 00:09:15.240 align:center How can he afford such properties? How can he back such ventures? 00:09:18.760 --> 00:09:23.000 align:center Maybe he has other businesses outside his official duties. 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:25.240 align:center Money makes money, that's all. 00:09:25.240 --> 00:09:28.480 align:center Public funds and private wealth shouldn't be lumped together. 00:09:28.480 --> 00:09:31.880 align:center Father, the Zhang family is the empress's maternal family. 00:09:31.880 --> 00:09:34.200 align:center Their money comes from the Liaodong horse markets. 00:09:34.200 --> 00:09:36.360 align:center Prince Qing and the crown prince are now openly at odds. 00:09:36.360 --> 00:09:39.920 align:center Those profits are being used to win over court officials. 00:09:40.880 --> 00:09:43.880 align:center T-These are separate matters. 00:09:43.880 --> 00:09:46.880 align:center Business is business, and court politics are court politics. 00:09:46.880 --> 00:09:50.440 align:center The Duke of Jing has always stayed out of politics. 00:09:51.240 --> 00:09:54.840 align:center You believe they're separate matters? 00:09:54.840 --> 00:10:01.760 align:center Then let me ask you this. Did you sign your name on the investment contract? 00:10:10.720 --> 00:10:13.520 align:center Prince Qing is getting prepared to seize the throne. 00:10:13.520 --> 00:10:16.880 align:center That signed contract ties you directly to him. 00:10:16.880 --> 00:10:20.880 align:center Whatever he does in the future, you'll either have to support him, 00:10:20.880 --> 00:10:24.640 align:center or pretend you know nothing. 00:10:24.640 --> 00:10:26.880 align:center I never intended to form factions. 00:10:26.880 --> 00:10:28.880 align:center Fifth Uncle has long been part of his faction. 00:10:28.880 --> 00:10:32.120 align:center He is dragging you into this now, so he could take advantage of your identity 00:10:32.120 --> 00:10:35.240 align:center as Yantang's father-in-law and coerce him into obeying them. 00:10:39.080 --> 00:10:42.080 align:center Getting involved in a succession battle and forming factions for personal gain 00:10:42.080 --> 00:10:44.360 align:center will get the entire family executed. 00:10:44.360 --> 00:10:45.840 align:center This won't do. 00:10:45.840 --> 00:10:48.040 align:center I have to withdraw from the business. 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:51.120 align:center Father, let me handle it. 00:10:51.120 --> 00:10:53.280 align:center I'll go to the jewelry shop now. 00:10:53.280 --> 00:10:55.080 align:center Shougu... 00:11:00.400 --> 00:11:03.120 align:center What should I do, Yantang? 00:11:03.120 --> 00:11:05.520 align:center Should I take a leave of absence? 00:11:05.520 --> 00:11:07.640 align:center Maybe I'll just resign. 00:11:07.640 --> 00:11:10.480 align:center Father, even if you resign, 00:11:10.480 --> 00:11:14.840 align:center it doesn't change the fact that you are Shougu's father and my father-in-law. 00:11:15.520 --> 00:11:19.280 align:center I made a promise to keep Shougu's family safe. 00:11:19.280 --> 00:11:22.800 align:center Their target is me. I'll take care of this. 00:11:23.880 --> 00:11:25.400 align:center Assemble our dormant soldiers. 00:11:25.400 --> 00:11:30.360 align:center My Lord, Prince Qing and his people are investigating our men. 00:11:30.360 --> 00:11:33.800 align:center If they set a trap, we might walk right into it. 00:11:34.760 --> 00:11:37.600 align:center When it comes to deploying forces in the capital, 00:11:37.600 --> 00:11:43.200 align:center who is the trap and who is the prey won't be for him to decide. 00:11:51.920 --> 00:11:53.800 align:center Dormant soldiers? 00:12:00.200 --> 00:12:02.680 align:center [Yunfei Jewelry Pavilion] 00:12:02.680 --> 00:12:04.960 align:center Please come in, Young Master Wang. 00:12:04.960 --> 00:12:06.760 align:center Welcome, welcome. 00:12:15.760 --> 00:12:17.480 align:center Duchess of Ying. 00:12:17.480 --> 00:12:20.480 align:center Her Grace has some big business to discuss with your master. 00:12:20.480 --> 00:12:23.000 align:center Please ask Lady Wei to come here now. 00:12:24.280 --> 00:12:27.840 align:center I'm known for my impatience and ill-tempered. She'd better hurry, 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:34.360 align:center or the Duchess of Ying causing trouble here might sabotage your business. 00:12:36.520 --> 00:12:38.600 align:center I'll notify Master immediately. 00:12:38.600 --> 00:12:40.680 align:center Please make yourself comfortable here. 00:13:03.480 --> 00:13:05.280 align:center Duchess. 00:13:06.000 --> 00:13:08.280 align:center My master is ready to see you. 00:13:12.240 --> 00:13:15.360 align:center I'll pay ten times the principal and interest my father invested. 00:13:15.360 --> 00:13:18.480 align:center The Miao family's client network and the craftsmen from Zhaowen Bookstore 00:13:18.480 --> 00:13:20.000 align:center can all be negotiated as part of the deal. 00:13:20.000 --> 00:13:25.920 align:center In exchange, release my father's contract, and nullify the agreement. 00:13:26.840 --> 00:13:31.600 align:center This deal is as good as free money falling from the sky. 00:13:31.600 --> 00:13:34.760 align:center Duchess, our shop has a strict rule, 00:13:34.760 --> 00:13:40.200 align:center once a contract is signed, no matter life, death, profit, or loss, it cannot be voided. 00:13:40.200 --> 00:13:44.880 align:center So the rules of this shop override national laws, huh? 00:13:44.880 --> 00:13:50.240 align:center It might appear as an investment, but they've actually signed a slave contract. 00:13:50.240 --> 00:13:53.800 align:center Lady Wei, you've always been profit-driven, yet now you suddenly change your ways? 00:13:53.800 --> 00:13:59.040 align:center It seems the hidden profits of this shop far outweigh anything I could offer. 00:14:00.160 --> 00:14:02.960 align:center The audacity of you to say that. 00:14:02.960 --> 00:14:07.240 align:center What benefits have I ever gotten from you? 00:14:07.240 --> 00:14:14.520 align:center You have bled my family dry, leaving us ruined and broken! 00:14:15.120 --> 00:14:20.720 align:center Allowing your father and uncle to invest was a favor to you. 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:26.120 align:center And now you dare to demand annulment? 00:14:26.120 --> 00:14:28.400 align:center Go ahead, smash everything if you want. 00:14:28.400 --> 00:14:34.880 align:center I refuse to believe the Office of State Affairs will let you get away with it. 00:14:34.880 --> 00:14:39.000 align:center Wei Tingzhen, I've shown you courtesy before resorting to force. 00:14:39.000 --> 00:14:40.880 align:center Today, I've offered you respect. 00:14:40.880 --> 00:14:45.200 align:center Tomorrow, it won't be so easy to come by. 00:14:46.480 --> 00:14:48.080 align:center Tomorrow? 00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:51.520 align:center When the throne changes hands, forget about respect, 00:14:51.520 --> 00:14:56.000 align:center you and your husband might not even make it alive. 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:17.000 align:center [Dismantle the Beizhen main family and you will be promoted to Military Justice Officer...] 00:15:17.000 --> 00:15:19.440 align:center They say once you gamble, you're hooked for life. 00:15:19.440 --> 00:15:22.400 align:center Do you know why? 00:15:25.760 --> 00:15:30.160 align:center It's because once someone gets a taste of turning pennies into fortunes, 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:33.000 align:center of the rush of striking it rich overnight, that rush is unforgettable, 00:15:33.000 --> 00:15:36.880 align:center even if it costs them broken bones or severed fingers. 00:15:36.880 --> 00:15:42.200 align:center Prince Qing's game is no different; borrow a little, owe a fortune. 00:15:42.200 --> 00:15:46.240 align:center The bigger the stakes, the bigger the reward. 00:15:49.240 --> 00:15:52.000 align:center I gave up gambling a long time ago. 00:15:52.000 --> 00:15:55.760 align:center I'm afraid I'll have to decline His Highness's offer. 00:15:55.760 --> 00:15:58.880 align:center Fine then. Something was stolen from His Highness's residence today. 00:15:58.880 --> 00:16:01.080 align:center And you've just been caught in the act. 00:16:01.080 --> 00:16:03.200 align:center What are you going to do now? 00:16:04.040 --> 00:16:08.080 align:center Prince Qing's recommendation for you as a Military Justice Officer has been issued. 00:16:08.080 --> 00:16:10.320 align:center Do you think Song Mo will still save you? 00:16:10.320 --> 00:16:16.080 align:center If you don't want to play, plenty of others are eager to take your place. 00:16:18.240 --> 00:16:19.840 align:center Oh, right! 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:24.000 align:center Don't forget about Young Lady Zhao. 00:16:29.520 --> 00:16:31.280 align:center Dou Shishu had Zou Er deliver an invitation, 00:16:31.280 --> 00:16:35.480 align:center asking you to meet him tomorrow at midnight at the jewelry shop to discuss the contract. 00:16:35.480 --> 00:16:38.480 align:center Our men are ready. 00:16:38.480 --> 00:16:42.040 align:center Dou Shishu is ruthless and selfish to the core. 00:16:42.040 --> 00:16:46.080 align:center Unless you pledge your allegiance, he won't hand over the contract. 00:16:46.080 --> 00:16:49.200 align:center I think you should avoid this trap. 00:16:49.200 --> 00:16:51.520 align:center Let us investigate the secrets behind this jewelry shop first. 00:16:51.520 --> 00:16:53.320 align:center No. 00:16:53.320 --> 00:16:56.480 align:center During the martial competition, Prince Qing and I made our stances clear. 00:16:56.480 --> 00:16:59.040 align:center He won't give me time to stall. 00:16:59.040 --> 00:17:00.480 align:center Haven't you noticed? 00:17:00.480 --> 00:17:04.080 align:center Imperial Physician Lu has been visiting less and less frequently. 00:17:05.080 --> 00:17:10.800 align:center Imperial Physician Lu attends only to you and His Majesty. 00:17:10.800 --> 00:17:13.840 align:center Could it be that His Majesty's condition has worsened? 00:17:13.840 --> 00:17:15.560 align:center The arrow is on the string. 00:17:15.560 --> 00:17:18.960 align:center If I can't become Prince Qing's weapon, 00:17:18.960 --> 00:17:22.200 align:center he will see me as the thorn that he must remove. 00:17:26.040 --> 00:17:28.720 align:center - Madam. - Did you retrieve the contract? 00:17:28.720 --> 00:17:31.880 align:center Perhaps something even better than the contract. 00:17:33.200 --> 00:17:36.600 align:center Our weaknesses are also their vulnerabilities. 00:17:38.160 --> 00:17:40.960 align:center The stars are dim and clouds cover the sky. 00:17:40.960 --> 00:17:42.840 align:center Gentlemen, don't linger. 00:17:42.840 --> 00:17:47.360 align:center It's midnight. Time to pack up! Pack it up! Hurry! 00:17:49.040 --> 00:17:54.920 align:center I never thought I'd live to see the day where you would greet me personally, Minister Dou. 00:17:54.920 --> 00:17:57.240 align:center I thought you wouldn't show up. 00:17:57.240 --> 00:18:00.680 align:center I didn't expect you cared so much about my brother. 00:18:00.680 --> 00:18:05.320 align:center Unfortunately, we seem to look out for him in very different ways. 00:18:06.840 --> 00:18:08.240 align:center Sir, hold on. 00:18:08.240 --> 00:18:10.080 align:center We run a small business here. 00:18:10.080 --> 00:18:13.200 align:center If these gold and jade items are damaged, we will suffer losses. 00:18:13.200 --> 00:18:16.880 align:center I must ask you to leave your weapons behind. 00:18:16.880 --> 00:18:22.160 align:center By His Majesty's special decree, even in his royal presence, we're not required to disarm. 00:18:22.960 --> 00:18:28.080 align:center If you see me as an enemy, forget about the meeting then. 00:18:28.080 --> 00:18:32.280 align:center This concerns family secrets, and I said I would only meet you alone. 00:18:32.280 --> 00:18:34.600 align:center It's just a conversation over tea. 00:18:38.160 --> 00:18:40.680 align:center - Wait outside the building. - Yes, Your Grace. 00:18:52.000 --> 00:18:56.880 align:center You've been avoiding me, so I had no choice but to trick you. 00:18:57.520 --> 00:18:59.800 align:center Don't blame Minister Dou for this. 00:19:04.560 --> 00:19:07.280 align:center Minister Dou chose this path himself. 00:19:08.760 --> 00:19:10.920 align:center There's nothing to blame. 00:19:12.640 --> 00:19:15.040 align:center I really have the Snow Mushroom. 00:19:15.040 --> 00:19:19.640 align:center Once you cure the poison, you can live a long and happy life with your wife and child. 00:19:19.640 --> 00:19:23.080 align:center With the Dou family for governance, and the Duke of Ying for defense, 00:19:23.080 --> 00:19:24.800 align:center my empire would be harmonious and prosperous. 00:19:24.800 --> 00:19:27.000 align:center What could be better? 00:19:27.000 --> 00:19:30.880 align:center The poison may be cured, but my hatred won't be. 00:19:32.600 --> 00:19:38.040 align:center Throughout history, no wise ruler has risen to power without sacrifices. 00:19:38.680 --> 00:19:43.040 align:center These are merely means, not the goal. 00:19:43.040 --> 00:19:45.400 align:center If it's about your mother's death, 00:19:46.040 --> 00:19:52.400 align:center tomorrow, I can send you Song Han's head as a gesture of sincerity. 00:20:01.160 --> 00:20:04.280 align:center It's true that your uncle stood in the way of my great cause, 00:20:04.280 --> 00:20:06.920 align:center and my mother and I did intend to remove him, 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:09.520 align:center but the Duke of Ding was a peerless warrior. 00:20:09.520 --> 00:20:15.240 align:center If His Majesty really trusted him fully, would he have met such an end? 00:20:16.720 --> 00:20:20.400 align:center He died because he misplaced his loyalty. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:22.000 align:center Who do you think his spirit will really resent? 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:26.200 align:center Wang Ge? Me? Or my mother? 00:20:26.200 --> 00:20:29.080 align:center The twelve imperial edicts that recalled Yue Fei 00:20:29.080 --> 00:20:33.600 align:center were issued by Zhao Gou, not Qin Hui. 00:20:35.240 --> 00:20:36.960 align:center That's true. 00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:42.640 align:center Zhao Gou should kneel and be scorned before the statue of Yue Fei. 00:20:42.640 --> 00:20:47.240 align:center But that doesn't mean Qin Hui should stand tall because of it. 00:20:51.600 --> 00:20:53.440 align:center Song Mo! 00:20:53.440 --> 00:20:56.560 align:center His Highness has shown you enough respect. 00:20:56.560 --> 00:20:58.400 align:center If you refuse to comply, 00:20:58.400 --> 00:21:01.920 align:center tonight you'll die here, accused of attempting to assassinate Prince Qing. 00:21:01.920 --> 00:21:04.480 align:center Shougu will become a widow. 00:21:04.480 --> 00:21:07.600 align:center Will you still get your revenge then? 00:21:08.520 --> 00:21:12.840 align:center Your Highness, you certainly have a way of leveraging what people care about. 00:21:13.720 --> 00:21:21.280 align:center But the cleverest people often die caught in their own traps. 00:21:28.720 --> 00:21:32.200 align:center I told you before, your soldiers are useless. 00:21:33.080 --> 00:21:34.360 align:center How dare you, Song Mo! 00:21:34.360 --> 00:21:36.600 align:center Do you know the punishment for attempting to murder a prince? 00:21:36.600 --> 00:21:40.960 align:center If revenge were as simple as killing him, I could fulfill my wish tonight. 00:21:40.960 --> 00:21:42.440 align:center Don't forget, 00:21:42.440 --> 00:21:45.440 align:center - you're here for the contract. - It's you who have forgotten it. 00:21:45.440 --> 00:21:47.240 align:center I never did. 00:21:55.200 --> 00:21:56.480 align:center Don't worry. 00:21:56.480 --> 00:22:01.600 align:center Every single one of the contracts in the secret room downstairs will be fine. 00:22:06.240 --> 00:22:07.920 align:center I've measured it. 00:22:07.920 --> 00:22:11.320 align:center The main hall is 16 steps long and 12 steps wide, 00:22:11.320 --> 00:22:14.960 align:center with three rooms and six supporting pillars. 00:22:14.960 --> 00:22:16.640 align:center I've cross-checked it. 00:22:16.640 --> 00:22:19.760 align:center There's a discrepancy of one zhang between the inner and outer dimensions of the first floor. 00:22:19.760 --> 00:22:21.960 align:center There must be a hidden room here. 00:22:26.280 --> 00:22:27.640 align:center While you confront Prince Qing, 00:22:27.640 --> 00:22:31.320 align:center I'll lead a team to blow open the outer wall and retrieve the contracts. 00:22:33.400 --> 00:22:35.200 align:center Your Highness! 00:22:38.720 --> 00:22:43.320 align:center Your Grace, all the contracts are here. 00:22:43.320 --> 00:22:45.120 align:center Good job. 00:22:52.440 --> 00:22:54.240 align:center Song Mo has gone mad. 00:22:54.240 --> 00:22:57.280 align:center He set off explosives in the streets and endangered the people. 00:22:57.280 --> 00:22:59.200 align:center Execute him on the spot! 00:23:01.400 --> 00:23:07.400 align:center I'll present these contracts along with the Duke of Ding's letters to His Majesty. 00:23:07.400 --> 00:23:12.400 align:center What do you think His Majesty will do about your crimes of factionalism? 00:23:13.240 --> 00:23:15.560 align:center Jiang Meisun amassed troops in the southeast, 00:23:15.560 --> 00:23:17.560 align:center and now you're trying to carry out a massacre in the capital. 00:23:17.560 --> 00:23:19.440 align:center The citizens are witnesses tonight. 00:23:19.440 --> 00:23:23.280 align:center How can the Jiang family claim loyalty and integrity? 00:23:23.280 --> 00:23:26.120 align:center You are unworthy of even mentioning our family name! 00:23:29.560 --> 00:23:31.360 align:center My Lord! 00:23:33.760 --> 00:23:36.320 align:center Song Mo has attempted to assassinate me. 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:40.320 align:center Whoever kills him will be greatly rewarded. 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:43.240 align:center Stop! 00:23:44.200 --> 00:23:46.160 align:center Move! Move! 00:23:46.160 --> 00:23:47.960 align:center Don't move! 00:23:56.320 --> 00:23:58.120 align:center Yantang. 00:23:58.760 --> 00:24:00.640 align:center What are you doing here? 00:24:04.480 --> 00:24:09.000 align:center Prince Qing, Duke of Ying, and Minister Dou, 00:24:09.000 --> 00:24:12.520 align:center please come with me to the palace to meet His Majesty. 00:24:12.520 --> 00:24:14.080 align:center You wretched servant, are you blind? 00:24:14.080 --> 00:24:15.840 align:center Song Mo set fires and attempted to assassinate me. 00:24:15.840 --> 00:24:17.360 align:center He should be executed on the spot! 00:24:17.360 --> 00:24:20.960 align:center And that vile woman dared to scheme against me, she should die too! 00:24:24.400 --> 00:24:27.040 align:center Yantang! 00:24:28.920 --> 00:24:32.560 align:center So she is your weakness. 00:24:33.640 --> 00:24:36.160 align:center I am merely carrying out His Majesty's orders. 00:24:36.160 --> 00:24:38.880 align:center Please forgive me, Your Highness. 00:24:51.000 --> 00:24:54.200 align:center They say it's bad luck for a pregnant woman to see blood. 00:24:55.440 --> 00:24:57.560 align:center You shouldn't have come. 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:04.680 align:center Didn't we make a promise to each other? 00:25:05.320 --> 00:25:10.400 align:center No matter what happens, we'll face it together. 00:25:13.480 --> 00:25:15.560 align:center I'll go to the palace with you. 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:35.520 align:center Father, Song Mo set a trap and started the fire. 00:25:35.520 --> 00:25:40.120 align:center If I hadn't drawn my sword to protect myself, I might not be standing before you now. 00:25:41.480 --> 00:25:45.080 align:center Do you think that's something a prince should say? 00:25:46.400 --> 00:25:51.400 align:center Your Majesty, Prince Qing has formed factions, engaged in corruption on a grand scale, 00:25:51.400 --> 00:25:54.720 align:center and used the guise of a jewelry shop to bribe high-ranking officials, 00:25:54.720 --> 00:25:57.440 align:center corrupt the bureaucracy, and exploit the common people. 00:25:57.440 --> 00:26:00.480 align:center The records of his faction and the contracts are all here. 00:26:00.480 --> 00:26:02.840 align:center I request you to make a fair judgment. 00:26:03.680 --> 00:26:05.720 align:center Are the high-ranking officials 00:26:05.720 --> 00:26:10.080 align:center you're referring to the same ones who recently impeached the crown prince? 00:26:10.080 --> 00:26:15.480 align:center You're stirring up discord between me and my brother just to seek revenge, are you not? 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:19.200 align:center Words can be false, but signatures and seals cannot lie. 00:26:19.200 --> 00:26:23.680 align:center The ledger tracks millions of taels of silver, with every transaction fully documented. 00:26:23.680 --> 00:26:28.280 align:center I petition for a thorough investigation into all implicated officials. 00:26:29.960 --> 00:26:31.760 align:center Your Majesty... 00:26:32.440 --> 00:26:36.040 align:center Duke of Ying, this matter involves too many individuals. 00:26:36.040 --> 00:26:39.280 align:center His Majesty is physically and mentally exhausted. 00:26:39.280 --> 00:26:40.680 align:center Your Majesty... 00:26:40.680 --> 00:26:42.480 align:center Your Majesty. 00:26:43.440 --> 00:26:47.320 align:center Prince Yu'an, Prince Jihuai, and Duke of Jing request an audience. 00:26:57.760 --> 00:27:00.240 align:center The princes are all inside, 00:27:00.240 --> 00:27:03.640 align:center and outside the Fengtian Gate, several ministers and high-ranking officials 00:27:03.640 --> 00:27:05.880 align:center are ready to impeach Song Mo. 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:08.440 align:center He's brought this upon himself. 00:27:08.440 --> 00:27:11.280 align:center Do you really intend to die with him? 00:27:13.280 --> 00:27:18.000 align:center The explosion in the secret room was your plan, wasn't it? 00:27:18.000 --> 00:27:20.160 align:center Do you know the penalty for illegally manufacturing explosives? 00:27:20.160 --> 00:27:22.240 align:center A capital offense. 00:27:22.240 --> 00:27:24.520 align:center But as the one who controls military power, 00:27:24.520 --> 00:27:29.000 align:center you will inevitably be seen as complicit in your niece's actions. 00:27:29.000 --> 00:27:30.760 align:center - You... - If it comes to that, 00:27:30.760 --> 00:27:36.440 align:center will the empress and Prince Qing sacrifice you to ensure that Song Mo and I go down? 00:27:36.440 --> 00:27:39.840 align:center You... You're so devious! 00:27:39.840 --> 00:27:41.240 align:center You're going to drag the entire family down with you! 00:27:41.240 --> 00:27:43.040 align:center I'm saving our family. 00:27:43.040 --> 00:27:46.360 align:center Prince Qing has tampered with the foundation of the nation, and the evidence is irrefutable. 00:27:50.040 --> 00:27:51.760 align:center His Majesty is a wise ruler. 00:27:51.760 --> 00:27:54.560 align:center With so many people involved, 00:27:54.560 --> 00:27:57.160 align:center His Majesty will have no choice but to make a decisive judgment. 00:27:57.160 --> 00:28:00.200 align:center Lady Dou, you may excel at managing a household, 00:28:00.200 --> 00:28:03.880 align:center but you oversimplify matters of the court. 00:28:08.040 --> 00:28:09.640 align:center You've worked hard, Minister Dou. 00:28:09.640 --> 00:28:12.680 align:center - Go and take a break. - Yes, Your Majesty. 00:28:14.000 --> 00:28:19.280 align:center You're becoming a mother yourself, you should understand a parent's heart. 00:28:20.160 --> 00:28:24.320 align:center No matter how justified Song Mo may be, he's still just an outsider. 00:28:24.320 --> 00:28:29.680 align:center No matter how grave Youting's mistakes, he remains His Majesty's own flesh and blood. 00:28:29.680 --> 00:28:34.960 align:center His Majesty is not just Prince Qing's father, he is the sovereign of all. 00:28:34.960 --> 00:28:38.440 align:center As the sovereign, he must prioritize the bigger picture. 00:28:38.440 --> 00:28:42.240 align:center If every royal and high official guilty of corruption were to be executed, 00:28:42.240 --> 00:28:44.000 align:center could the court still function? 00:28:44.000 --> 00:28:47.480 align:center Would the people still trust the court? 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:50.200 align:center The law cannot punish the masses, let alone close relatives. 00:28:50.200 --> 00:28:53.040 align:center Prince Yu'an is His Majesty's uncle, 00:28:53.040 --> 00:28:56.320 align:center and Prince Jihuai is His Majesty's younger brother. 00:28:56.320 --> 00:28:59.840 align:center The contracts may not be undeniable evidence of guilt, 00:28:59.840 --> 00:29:03.760 align:center but they are certainly a crushing weight that will bury you and Song Mo. 00:29:06.720 --> 00:29:10.000 align:center Song Mo, you've just been appointed Commander of the Warden's Office. 00:29:10.000 --> 00:29:12.880 align:center Yet you set fire to a jewelry shop and acted like a bandit. 00:29:12.880 --> 00:29:16.680 align:center You are the commander of the Imperial Guards, and yet you assaulted a prince in the street. 00:29:16.680 --> 00:29:18.960 align:center Your arrogance and disregard for decorum [Prince Yu'an, Prince Jihuai] 00:29:18.960 --> 00:29:20.520 align:center disgrace the imperial favor bestowed upon you. 00:29:20.520 --> 00:29:23.920 align:center The people's anger cannot be appeased if you're not punished severely. 00:29:23.920 --> 00:29:28.120 align:center According to the laws, royal kin are forbidden from interfering in state affairs. 00:29:28.120 --> 00:29:29.560 align:center As for the charges of dereliction and arson, 00:29:29.560 --> 00:29:31.760 align:center I stand by my actions and will take responsibility. 00:29:31.760 --> 00:29:39.640 align:center But if your name appears on these contracts, will you admit to it? 00:29:43.120 --> 00:29:46.000 align:center Your Majesty, the ancestral teachings left by the founding emperor state 00:29:46.000 --> 00:29:47.400 align:center that a harmonious family leads to a prosperous nation. 00:29:47.400 --> 00:29:51.240 align:center The royal family is the model for all, governing with filial piety. 00:29:51.240 --> 00:29:54.440 align:center Nothing is more forbidden than mistrust between father and son or strife between brothers. 00:29:54.440 --> 00:30:00.240 align:center As a subject, to sow discord within the royal family is a crime punishable by death! 00:30:00.240 --> 00:30:06.040 align:center I held your hand and copied those words, one by one. 00:30:06.040 --> 00:30:08.920 align:center Your Majesty, have you forgotten? 00:30:08.920 --> 00:30:13.200 align:center Song Mo's accusations are slander, a desperate attempt to absolve himself of his crimes. 00:30:13.200 --> 00:30:17.520 align:center Your Majesty, with your wisdom, surely you have seen through his schemes. 00:30:17.520 --> 00:30:20.040 align:center - Make a wise judgment, Your Majesty! - Make a wise judgment, Your Majesty! 00:30:20.040 --> 00:30:22.960 align:center [Names of all those who signed the contract] 00:30:34.040 --> 00:30:36.480 align:center This contract... 00:30:37.840 --> 00:30:40.320 align:center is stained with blood. 00:30:44.360 --> 00:30:47.240 align:center The names are unclear. 00:31:00.400 --> 00:31:03.880 align:center You've been kneeling here long enough. You've fulfilled your duties as a wife. 00:31:03.880 --> 00:31:06.080 align:center Now it's time to think of yourself. 00:31:06.080 --> 00:31:09.040 align:center Sever ties with Song Mo and return to the Dou family. 00:31:09.040 --> 00:31:12.400 align:center Your uncle will ensure your family's safety. 00:31:12.400 --> 00:31:15.680 align:center I will also keep a position here for you. 00:31:15.680 --> 00:31:21.000 align:center Be the wife of a condemned criminal, or the noble daughter of a prominent family. 00:31:21.000 --> 00:31:23.080 align:center It's a simple choice, isn't it? 00:31:25.240 --> 00:31:32.920 align:center My choice doesn't depend on whose wife or daughter I am 00:31:32.920 --> 00:31:35.720 align:center but on who I am as a person. 00:31:35.720 --> 00:31:38.720 align:center A noble person acts according to their principles. 00:31:39.800 --> 00:31:43.240 align:center I will stay here and wait for Song Mo to walk out on his own. 00:31:46.560 --> 00:31:50.680 align:center The paths of a ruler and subject are distinct by nature. 00:31:50.680 --> 00:31:54.760 align:center For Song Mo to walk out of here unscathed today, there is only one way. 00:31:54.760 --> 00:31:58.520 align:center He must confess that his actions tonight were instigated by his father-in-law, 00:31:58.520 --> 00:32:01.960 align:center shifting all the blame onto Dou Shiying. 00:32:05.120 --> 00:32:12.640 align:center The only name I can make out is Dou Shiying. 00:32:12.680 --> 00:32:15.560 align:center You went to Yunfei Pavilion for him, didn't you? 00:32:15.560 --> 00:32:21.480 align:center He must have made a mistake, leading to the rift between you and Youting. 00:32:23.240 --> 00:32:26.600 align:center The events at Yunfei Pavilion were my doing alone. 00:32:26.600 --> 00:32:29.160 align:center My father-in-law knew nothing of it. 00:32:29.160 --> 00:32:32.760 align:center Your Majesty, if you wish to blame it on someone, blame me alone. 00:32:32.760 --> 00:32:35.480 align:center It has nothing to do with anyone else. 00:32:35.480 --> 00:32:37.280 align:center Song Mo! 00:32:38.680 --> 00:32:40.320 align:center Your Majesty... 00:32:40.320 --> 00:32:43.920 align:center Your Majesty cherishes your talents! 00:32:43.920 --> 00:32:48.760 align:center Please don't stubbornly take the blame, and throw away your future for nothing. 00:32:48.760 --> 00:32:52.400 align:center Your Majesty, Song Mo's actions tonight are unforgivable! 00:32:52.400 --> 00:32:54.120 align:center Each offense is a capital crime. 00:32:54.120 --> 00:32:56.720 align:center How can you continue to show leniency to this man? 00:32:56.720 --> 00:33:00.760 align:center If he's not executed now, are we to wait until he kills off the entire royal family? 00:33:00.760 --> 00:33:02.960 align:center Enough! 00:33:11.640 --> 00:33:16.960 align:center Should we have the Directorate for Credentials clean and restore it, or burn it? 00:33:21.240 --> 00:33:24.080 align:center Keep it for now. 00:33:24.080 --> 00:33:25.760 align:center Put it on hold. 00:33:25.760 --> 00:33:27.560 align:center Yes, Your Majesty. 00:33:31.080 --> 00:33:33.360 align:center You've done well. 00:33:34.440 --> 00:33:37.840 align:center Your mother has taught you really well. 00:33:39.200 --> 00:33:41.680 align:center If not for tonight's events, 00:33:41.680 --> 00:33:48.000 align:center I wouldn't have realized how much my uncle and my brother value you. 00:33:48.960 --> 00:33:50.760 align:center Father! 00:33:53.760 --> 00:33:59.200 align:center Those who achieve great things must sacrifice and compromise on certain things. 00:33:59.200 --> 00:34:04.560 align:center Acting on impulse will only cost you everything. 00:34:06.400 --> 00:34:13.080 align:center Dou Shiying incited a court official to frame a prince, plunging the capital into chaos. 00:34:13.080 --> 00:34:15.480 align:center - Guards... - Your Majesty! 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:18.720 align:center I cannot play the game of weighing gains and losses, sacrificing others to save myself. 00:34:18.720 --> 00:34:22.320 align:center If someone must be held accountable, I will take the blame then. 00:34:22.320 --> 00:34:24.120 align:center If my uncle were still alive, 00:34:24.120 --> 00:34:32.680 align:center he would never have allowed me to sacrifice those I care about for personal gain. 00:34:32.680 --> 00:34:35.600 align:center Preposterous! How dare you invoke the name of a traitor to pressure His Majesty? 00:34:35.600 --> 00:34:38.640 align:center Do you even respect the authority of the throne? 00:34:38.640 --> 00:34:46.080 align:center Are you trying to continue the rebellion Jiang Meisun failed to complete? 00:34:46.080 --> 00:34:47.640 align:center What did you say? 00:34:47.640 --> 00:34:49.720 align:center Drawing your blade here, are you trying to commit regicide? 00:34:49.720 --> 00:34:53.160 align:center - I'm going to kill you! - Song Mo, have you gone mad? 00:34:59.520 --> 00:35:05.160 align:center Staying clear-headed is a hundred times more painful than losing oneself to madness. 00:35:05.160 --> 00:35:08.440 align:center Sacrificing justice for family ties... 00:35:11.240 --> 00:35:14.760 align:center You've done it more than once. 00:35:14.760 --> 00:35:17.680 align:center Why should I put up with it any longer? 00:35:17.680 --> 00:35:21.480 align:center Why should I continue to hold any expectations for you? 00:35:28.880 --> 00:35:30.880 align:center Your Majesty... 00:35:32.720 --> 00:35:34.520 align:center Your Majesty... 00:35:35.560 --> 00:35:41.320 align:center You've... been... 00:35:43.840 --> 00:35:46.200 align:center resenting me. 00:36:06.480 --> 00:36:07.560 align:center Your Majesty! 00:36:07.560 --> 00:36:12.400 align:center Your Majesty! Your Majesty! 00:36:12.400 --> 00:36:13.920 align:center Summon Imperial Physician Lu! 00:36:13.920 --> 00:36:15.960 align:center Your Majesty! 00:36:19.680 --> 00:36:25.440 align:center By imperial decree, Song Mo is guilty of negligence and dereliction of duty, 00:36:25.440 --> 00:36:28.280 align:center resulting in the incident at Changle Street. 00:36:28.280 --> 00:36:32.680 align:center In light of his past meritorious service, he is spared from execution. 00:36:32.680 --> 00:36:35.160 align:center He is stripped of all official positions. 00:36:35.160 --> 00:36:40.880 align:center He is to be immediately escorted to the prison, awaiting further judgment. 00:36:48.640 --> 00:36:51.560 align:center It's such a shame, Lady Dou. 00:37:04.040 --> 00:37:05.840 align:center Yantang! 00:37:07.240 --> 00:37:08.760 align:center Father is safe now. 00:37:08.760 --> 00:37:10.160 align:center I'll be fine. 00:37:10.160 --> 00:37:12.120 align:center Don't worry. 00:37:12.120 --> 00:37:13.800 align:center Yantang! 00:37:13.800 --> 00:37:15.600 align:center Yantang! 00:37:16.360 --> 00:37:18.160 align:center Yantang! 00:37:20.200 --> 00:37:26.160 align:center ​♫ There is no need to hide my heart in the future ♫ 00:37:26.160 --> 00:37:28.560 align:center ♫ Covered in frost and snow ♫ 00:37:28.560 --> 00:37:30.360 align:center Shougu! 00:37:30.360 --> 00:37:32.160 align:center Shougu! 00:37:36.240 --> 00:37:38.040 align:center Shougu... 00:37:40.280 --> 00:37:41.960 align:center Doctor! 00:37:41.960 --> 00:37:44.400 align:center Summon the doctor! 00:37:46.840 --> 00:37:53.040 align:center ♫ I don't listen to the advice of the mortals ♫ 00:37:55.760 --> 00:37:57.560 align:center Yantang... 00:37:58.880 --> 00:38:00.440 align:center Yantang... 00:38:00.440 --> 00:38:03.560 align:center I have to save Yantang. 00:38:03.560 --> 00:38:05.440 align:center You can't save him. 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:09.760 align:center The Wenqu Star is shining brightly, while the Tianchong Star has grown dimmer. 00:38:09.760 --> 00:38:11.760 align:center It is about to fall. 00:38:11.760 --> 00:38:13.120 align:center Song Mo doesn't have long to live. 00:38:13.120 --> 00:38:16.560 align:center Lord Ji, please stop the carriage and help Her Ladyship first! 00:38:16.560 --> 00:38:18.360 align:center We can't stop. 00:38:18.360 --> 00:38:20.720 align:center Those from the Duke of Ying's residence must be looking for her. 00:38:20.720 --> 00:38:23.680 align:center We have to get Dou Zhao to a safe place first. 00:38:46.280 --> 00:38:49.760 align:center His Majesty's health is failing. He has been sick for too long. 00:38:49.760 --> 00:38:54.600 align:center I pray for Buddha's blessing and protection. 00:38:56.520 --> 00:38:59.760 align:center [A Good Environment Produces Excellent People] 00:39:10.480 --> 00:39:12.200 align:center Godfather, you've been running back and forth tirelessly. 00:39:12.200 --> 00:39:13.960 align:center It's too much for you. 00:39:13.960 --> 00:39:17.600 align:center His Majesty has decreed that I will take over the affairs 00:39:17.600 --> 00:39:20.280 align:center and the Imperial Guard for the time being. 00:39:20.280 --> 00:39:22.960 align:center You only need to focus on attending to His Majesty. 00:39:22.960 --> 00:39:25.160 align:center His Majesty is ill. 00:39:25.160 --> 00:39:27.240 align:center How could he have issued such a decree? 00:39:27.240 --> 00:39:31.200 align:center When His Majesty is indisposed, Her Majesty often interprets his wishes. 00:39:31.200 --> 00:39:36.840 align:center Her Majesty has said that His Majesty cannot go even a moment without your care. 00:39:40.600 --> 00:39:42.760 align:center Please come with me, Godfather. 00:39:54.720 --> 00:39:58.960 align:center Song Mo, as a high-ranking official, openly set fire and caused chaos in the imperial city. 00:39:58.960 --> 00:40:02.880 align:center If he is not executed publicly, the people's anger won't be appeased. 00:40:21.400 --> 00:40:23.320 align:center Ji Jianming? 00:40:23.320 --> 00:40:26.160 align:center What are you doing here? 00:40:26.160 --> 00:40:27.320 align:center How insolent! 00:40:27.320 --> 00:40:32.160 align:center His Highness regards me as a teacher, do you think you're worthy of calling me by name? 00:40:34.080 --> 00:40:39.680 align:center Dou Zhao is my sister-in-law and the Duchess of Ying. 00:40:39.680 --> 00:40:42.760 align:center It's only right for me to bring her back. 00:40:42.760 --> 00:40:47.680 align:center But you, an outsider, abducted her while she was unprepared. 00:40:48.920 --> 00:40:51.680 align:center Don't think I'm unaware of your motives. 00:40:51.680 --> 00:40:54.600 align:center You want to use Dou Zhao to control Song Mo's forces. 00:40:54.600 --> 00:40:58.040 align:center The one taking advantage of her unprepared state is you. 00:41:01.320 --> 00:41:04.240 align:center If you ruin Prince Qing's plans, His Highness won't let you off. 00:41:04.240 --> 00:41:08.720 align:center If His Highness finds out you've rescued his enemy, he'll kill you just the same. 00:41:10.920 --> 00:41:14.440 align:center When did His Highness ever instruct you to lay your hands on the Duchess of Ying? 00:41:14.440 --> 00:41:18.800 align:center Song Mo's guilt hasn't even been decided, and you're already making your move. 00:41:18.800 --> 00:41:22.680 align:center Do you think His Highness doesn't see through your selfish agenda? 00:41:25.040 --> 00:41:28.280 align:center Whether he thinks I'm selfish or not, we'll see soon enough. 00:41:28.280 --> 00:41:30.080 align:center Search! 00:41:49.680 --> 00:41:52.560 align:center ...the grudgebane, will make your suffering unbearable. 00:41:52.560 --> 00:41:56.360 align:center Savor the agony as the poison takes effect. 00:41:56.360 --> 00:41:57.880 align:center Yantang... 00:41:57.880 --> 00:41:59.360 align:center Yantang... 00:41:59.360 --> 00:42:01.040 align:center Yantang... 00:42:01.040 --> 00:42:04.840 align:center Madam? Please don't scare me. Madam!