Original subtitles

♪Pink hands so fine♪

♪Gold-branded wine♪

♪Spring paints green willows palace walls cannot confine♪

♪East wind unfair♪

♪Happy times rare♪

♪In my heart sad thoughts throng♪

♪We've severed for years long♪

♪Wrong, wrong, wrong♪

[Si Jin]

[Adapted from Si Jin, by Dong Tian De Liu Ye]

[Episode 20]

[Haitang House]

Yi, you came back after so long.

Are you still used to it?

Everything at home

is so familiar,

as if I've never left home.

But when I think about it,

I've been married and living away for years.

Yi.

Since you're already back,

you shouldn't be upset

over your unfortunate relationship.

I just don't understand

how I was wrong about him.

He had always been

a modest gentleman ever since our first encounter.

We spent so many years living together.

I only managed to see his true colors

at the end of our marriage.

That's not your fault.

He deceived everyone.

All of us were responsible.

If any of us

could detect

what was going to come,

you wouldn't need

to go through such a trial.

However, I don't regret it.

Really?

But why?

It's because we were in love before.

Back then,

he was the man I held dear.

He had a gentle glow, like the moon.

Though things turned out this way,

and I see him

for who he is now,

I

still remember

those amazing moments we shared.

Isn't that enough?

But the ending

isn't good.

For certain things,

we should focus on more than their endings.

If so...

If so, do you think it's worth giving it a try

even though one is destined to part from their beloved?

Si, when you were saying that,

were you thinking of

Commandant Yu?

Yi, you caught me again.

True feelings

always find a way out.

I realized that you fell for him

when we were in Lingshui.

And he has fallen

even deeper for you.

Is that so?

Do you really think

that Commandant Yu is concerned about me?

One cannot see the truth within a situation

simply because they are within it.

Greetings, My Lord.

I'm Cui Xu, Bulwark General of the State.

I'm also the commander of the Imperial Insignia Guards.

From today onward, you all will be

a part of the Imperial Insignia Guards.

You all must be diligent and dutiful,

and do your best

to protect His Majesty,

our city,

and the state of Zhou!

- Yes, sir! - Yes, sir!

[Border of Ling'an]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Excellent.

It's good to have you back.

I'm glad.

I've missed you so much.

How about you two chat for a bit?

I'll prepare a feast.

Let's enjoy ourselves

tonight.

Thank you, Father.

Pei, you're back after a long journey.

Have some tea.

All right, Qiao.

I do miss the tea

we serve in the family.

Did the Lin family

dock your expenses for tea?

Aunt, what are you talking about?

To the Lin family,

the tea we serve at home

is rather uneconomical.

My mother-in-law is teaching me how to handle the accounts.

I must set an example.

Although the tea I chose

wasn't very expensive,

it has an exquisite taste.

Next time,

I'll bring some back for you all.

Now that Pei has gotten married,

she's really grown up.

Indeed.

She's looking the part now.

My mother-in-law excels at needlework.

I've learned plenty of things from her.

I embroidered some small trinkets as well.

I'll gift them to our elders later.

For the next few days,

both of you

shouldn't visit

your mother's place.

Zhan has assumed his position as an Imperial Insignia Guard.

They're upset about it.

If so, all the more reason for visiting them.

I need to make our household proud.

Although I didn't marry into a wealthy family,

my husband's career is flourishing.

He's nice to me too.

He was supposed to come back with me

if he didn't have

any official affairs to attend to.

Miss.

Your business is doing great.

None of your business.

This street has never been safe.

You're only able to do your business in peace

because of

our protection.

You see,

don't you think you need to express your gratitude somehow?

Precisely.

Wait.

He...

It's fine.

The streets aren't safe

all thanks to you people.

You!

Thirty copper coins every month.

Will you pay us or not?

Fine. I'll pay.

Hey buddy!

How dare you?

Wretch! I'll kill you!

How dare you cause trouble in front of an Imperial Insignia Guard?

Imperial Insignia Guard?

Buddy, he's one of them!

You...

You should be fulfilling your duty in the imperial city.

Why are you here?

You tried to bully the weak and extort money from them.

Should I not interfere?

You've threatened the order of society with your actions.

Should I not interfere?

Or, do you need me

to get the Capital Administration Office involved?

Scram!

- Excellent! - Bravo!

The Imperial Insignia Guards are brilliant indeed!

Everything's fine now.

You all may resume your trade.

Jiang Zhan, you're something else now.

You've become eloquent

ever since you assumed your position.

Haven't I been eloquent from the start?

It's so heavy.

The golden hawk?

This is the exclusive emblem

of the Imperial Insignia Guards.

Do you know it?

It's not that cool.

It's not as cool

as my dagger.

Jiang Zhan.

You just assumed your position,

yet you didn't go home.

Don't tell me

you came here just to show off.

I...

I...

I'm very busy, you know?

I was just

passing by.

Mr. Zhan!

I saw someone causing trouble.

Mr. Zhan!

You walked too fast.

But our home

isn't in this direction.

It isn't?

Goodness. I can't find my way home

after assuming my position.

Where should we head?

Hey! Your sword!

Aji, take it!

Greetings, Grandmother.

Zhan.

Come closer. Let me take a look.

You look great.

In our mansion,

you have the lousiest grades,

and you're the most disobedient

and most mischievous

among all the kids.

You're inferior to your brother, Cang.

Mother, how is that a compliment?

But no one would've expected you

to bring the most honor

to the family.

Grandmother, I have something to say.

When we reported for duty,

we had plenty of members there.

But Mr. Cui, our commander,

chose me

to serve His Majesty for the Mid-Autumn Hunt.

Which Mr. Cui?

Cui Xu?

That's right. Do you know him?

Zhan, you've finally made a name for yourself.

Come on.

Let's have a drink.

Ancheng,

Zhan just assumed his position.

You should at least

wait until Mother finishes

her words.

Forget it. Just let them be.

Zhan,

listen up.

Now that you're an Imperial Insignia Guard,

you must fulfill your duties.

You were designated by His Majesty.

You must perform your duties

better than anyone else

so that you won't let His Majesty down.

Yes, Grandmother!

Mother, we shall make a move first.

Let's go.

Tell Yi and Si to join us.

Let's celebrate the occasion

as a family.

Sure.

I want to invite Yu as well.

Look at that smug attitude.

I wasn't just saying that

for Zhan to listen.

It was also meant to encourage you.

Ancheng didn't make a name for himself.

But now,

they're getting better and better.

The second branch

needs to put in more effort now.

Then our family

will flourish!

Yes, Mother.

Yes, Mother.

All right. You may leave.

Anmou.

Anmou, don't be dejected.

Jiang Zhan is nothing.

At best,

he's just a low-ranking military official.

Unlike our eldest son, Cang.

He's a properly educated

individual.

He may be

a low-ranking magistrate now,

but he'll be transferred back to Ling'an City

in two years.

He'll have a bright future ahead of him.

So what if he's an Imperial Insignia Guard?

Enough!

No matter how lowly Jiang Zhan's rank is,

he's still part of the Jiang family.

You're being petty

while trying to compare to them.

Haven't we

embarrassed ourselves enough?

Why are you venting it out on me?

Anmou,

did you just return from Old Madam's place?

Zhan has become an Imperial Insignia Guard.

I assume Old Madam

has criticized our branch.

Even if I'm unsatisfied,

what can I do?

That brother of mine

loaves around all day instead of doing work.

I'm a civil official myself.

Don't you think...

Anmou.

It's great that Zhan

has assumed such a position.

It suits his personality.

What do you mean?

In my opinion,

the two branches of our family may be competing all the time.

But

we're bound together,

for better or worse.

If Zhan makes a name for himself,

our family's reputation will be improved.

If

Cang returns to Ling'an as well,

he could be a great help to him.

You have a point.

If Zhan

does make a name for himself,

I suppose that's good too.

Shu.

You do know me the best.

Anmou, you don't need to worry.

Yes.

I won't.

The son of the Transport Commissioner?

He does have

a brutish look about him.

[He Zhiyuan] The son of Lingnan's commandant?

It's good that he has medical skills.

But he doesn't look dashing enough

for Jiang Qiao.

This candidate is great.

[Xiao Lang] The son of Lingbei's governor.

He comes from a good background too.

He's 25.

Young, handsome, and distinguished.

In his early years on the battlefield, he was left...

He was left with a chronic illness?

No wonder

he hasn't gotten married at the age of 25.

What kind of name list

did the matchmaking agency send us?

This...

None of them is good enough.

I'll notify them the matches are unsuitable.

Don't be impatient.

The governor, huh?

He commands his own territory

and wields considerable power.

He's a military official as well.

I suppose it's better

than the Imperial Insignia Guards.

Before this,

Qian had a brave and valiant husband.

Now, it doesn't count.

Pei

got married to a civil official.

We have to find someone

with considerable military strength

to bring honor to our branch.

Yes, he has some health concerns,

but his family is quite prominent.

The son of the governor, huh?

I suppose Jiang Qiao is marrying into a higher status.

She should consider herself lucky.

By the way,

find

a portrait of Jiang Qiao

and send it to the matchmaking agency.

We need to show the Xiao family her portrait.

Yes, Madam Xiao.

This is pretty good.

Aunt, where's Qiao?

Your mother summoned her.

She should return by now.

Qiao.

What happened?

Did something happen?

Come on. Have a seat.

Hurry.

Did your mother put you on the spot?

Have some tea first. You can tell us about it.

Here.

Mother is arranging a marriage for me.

Isn't that great?

What kind of family is it?

Do you not like him?

She never harbored any good intentions.

Look at

the kinds of husbands

she found for her daughters.

Qian has to move all the way to Lingxi,

let alone Qiao.

Aunt, help me out.

All right.

Tell me

the details.

Mother summoned me.

After that, she hired someone

to draw my portrait.

And then, she'll deliver the portrait to...

No.

This won't do.

Why don't I send my men

to make an inquiry first?

No! I don't want to get married!

There's nothing to inquire about.

She just wants you

to marry into a higher status

so that she can compete with Zhan's success and please Anmou.

Qiao,

I haven't asked you

about your ideal marriage yet.

What kind of husband

are you looking for?

I don't want

to be married to a stranger.

I want to be married to someone I love.

Qiao, I hope that your wish will come true.

What exactly should I do?

Don't worry.

I'll come up with a solution for you.

- Excellent! - Bravo!

The secret tunnel is very complex.

It's filled with traps and dangers.

One will perish

if they lose focus even for a second.

Li Qingyun relied on

his exceptional courage and wisdom

to conquer one trap after another.

Lastly, at the end of the secret tunnel,

he found a...

Do you know what he found?

Zhan, your expression

is different now.

He's different after becoming an Imperial Insignia Guard.

- Indeed. - That's right.

Come on.

Let's congratulate my son

on becoming an Imperial Insignia Guard.

It's nothing worth mentioning.

I shall drink tea instead of liquor.

All right.

Congratulations, Zhan.

Congratulations.

- Congratulations, Zhan. - Congratulations, Jiang.

Thank you.

Please take your seats.

I'll proceed first.

Jiang, here.

Yu?

It's engraved with a Ruyi design.

Jiang, may you stay safe.

Now, you're an Imperial Insignia Guard.

Although you don't need to go to the battlefield,

you still have to be careful.

This way, your family won't need to worry about you.

Yu,

I'm just a guard.

Yu,

you're thoughtful indeed.

Thank you, Yu.

Commandant Yu has a point.

I've made

a protective pouch

for Zhan.

Zhan, may you stay safe and free from worries.

Yi, I'm a grown-up now.

You shouldn't have.

Zhan,

I've also made a scented pouch

for you.

I named it

Yangui.

No matter the distance

or the weather,

the wild geese will always return.

Zhan, may you always return safely

from your duties.

All right.

I can't keep up the pretense.

I like them so much.

Thank you all so much.

This is great.

Pei, welcome home.

Here.

Here. Try this.

Thank you, Father.

Qiao, why aren't you eating?

Perhaps she has no appetite.

Qiao, maybe just a few bites?

Qiao, if you're not enjoying the food,

we can try a different restaurant next time.

Try it.

Why is she crying?

Qiao, what's wrong?

Anmou, I have a request.

What is it?

Madam Xiao wishes to arrange a marriage for Qiao.

It's with the Xiao family, the family of Lingbei's governor.

Lingbei's governor?

He

has a great reputation.

And, his ancestors had rendered military merits in the past.

Wouldn't it be great

for my daughter to marry into their family?

I asked someone to look into it.

It is supposed to be Xiao Lang,

the second son of the official wife.

He takes medicine and tonics every day.

He's a sickly man.

I've heard of that before.

The Xiao family has a son who possesses powerful might.

It's a shame

that he was left with a chronic condition.

He never went on the battlefield

since then.

Seems like we're referring

to that man.

Anmou.

All these years,

I've never made a plea

in front of you.

You brought me to your family,

kept me well-dressed and well-fed,

and provided me with a home.

But I only have two daughters.

I can't just let Qiao

be married to a sickly man.

You shouldn't say that.

Mr. Xiao served the country to the best of his abilities.

He has established

a good reputation.

But Qiao

isn't enlisting in his ranks.

No woman in the world

is willing to be married to a sickly man.

Qiao was pampered by Old Madam and you

from a young age.

How could she get used to such a rough life?

If she does marry into the family,

she'll suffer.

Anmou!

Qiao, what do you think?

Father.

Can you please not chase me out?

I don't wish to get married yet.

All right.

Understood.

Today's a joyous day indeed.

Even the moon looks bigger tonight.

If only this moment

could last forever.

If only I could have a scented pouch

called Yangui.

Mr. Yu, we see each other

almost every day.

It's not like you're going anywhere.

I came from Yangui City.

It

might be a remote border town,

but it's busy in its own way,

and the people there enjoy a peaceful life.

I love

living in a town like that.

Is that so?

That's right.

I've also thought about it before.

If someday,

I no longer wish to live in Ling'an City,

I'll go

somewhere pretty,

get some farmland

and put up a small house.

I'll live there

and lead a simple yet free life.

By then,

I'll take Father,

Yi,

Zhan,

Chuchu,

Aman,

and Long Dan with me.

And...

And Erniu.

That's good.

And you.

Are you willing to join me, then?

Absolutely.

Is this

considered a promise between us?

Of course.

All right. I'll remember it.

Will you deceive me, then?

Impossible.

Actually, I...

What is it?

I just wanted to tell you

that the moon looks bigger now.

It's even prettier now.

My Lady, you're elated today.

Is it because of Commandant Yu?

Not entirely.

Now,

my family is reunited.

I have a place to return to.

It's rare

and blissful for me.

Aman.

If only

our days could be like this

for the rest

of our lives.

Wouldn't it be great?

Meat again? Seriously?

Didn't I tell you

Madam's on a vegetarian diet?

Forget it.

I'm alone.

I don't eat much anyway.

I'll skip my meal.

Miss Pei has returned.

The dweller of Xiaoxiang Garden was in for a treat.

Mr. Anmou ordered a feast.

They had a meal in her room.

She's just a vixen who entered through the backdoor.

She's just plain lucky.

I don't know why Anmou

fell for her.

He's not tired of her even after so many years.

Mr. Anmou.

Anmou?

Anmou, why are you here?

Get us a pot of liquor. Hurry.

Anmou, you haven't eaten yet, right?

Great timing. Come on.

Let's have a meal together.

I came here to tell you something.

The food they serve outside

isn't as good as our home-cooked food.

Come on.

Anmou, let's have a drink.

I'll do it.

Dear.

You don't have to

worry about Qiao's marriage anymore.

They can

make the decision

themselves.

I was wondering

what brought you here.

So, you came here

because of Madam Ruan, huh?

The reason doesn't matter.

Anyway,

stay out of this.

I'm getting involved anyway.

Why? Do my words mean nothing now?

Anmou,

I'm your official wife.

I'm also the female head

of the Count of Dongping's Mansion.

The marriages of our children

are my responsibility.

You've always been decisive with your words.

But we shouldn't break the rules.

We can't afford to embarrass

the Count of Dongping's Mansion

for the sake of a concubine's daughter.

Why complicate things?

Is there nothing new

in Ling'an City?

Are all of them

keeping an eye on my daughters?

Besides,

Pei's mother

arranged the marriage for her too.

Look at

how well she's doing now.

If you want to blame someone,

you should blame yourself for finding the wrong candidate.

For Pei,

I wanted to betroth her

to Mr. Zhen Heng of the Capital Administration Office.

But they took advantage of the situation

and married her off

while I was sick.

Anmou,

you should listen

to both sides of the story.

Qiao is the third eldest girl

in the family.

She's no longer young.

Besides, she is

shy and quiet.

Bringing her out

is like bringing someone who's always in her shell.

Arranging a marriage for her

is no easy feat.

In addition,

our family's reputation

has deteriorated over the years.

Jiang Si insisted on annulling her marriage before this.

The entire Ling'an City

has heard about it.

Isn't it embarrassing enough?

Do you want the daughters of our branch

to imitate her?

Dear.

You're a mother yourself.

No matter how good Mr. Xiao is,

you should search your conscience.

Is he truly a good candidate

as a husband?

Mr. Xiao

just has a weak body.

That was also because he battled on the front lines.

That's why he has a health condition.

To His Majesty,

he has rendered military merits.

Many have earned military merits.

And His Majesty favors

numerous others.

You can't expect Qiao to marry a sickly man.

I know.

You held a grudge against Madam Ruan all these years.

But even if you wish to vent your anger,

you shouldn't vent it

on my child.

Anmou.

Why would there

be a grudge between me and Madam Ruan?

Why would I vent my anger

on the children?

Anmou.

I'm doing this for your sake.

I'm trying to bring honor to our branch.

When Zhan left Mother's room

after he assumed his position,

other people might not know

what you were thinking,

but I knew what was on your mind.

Stop it!

I've never seen

a female head

like you

who stirs up trouble and distorts the truth.

No matter how cowardly I am,

I'll never jeopardize

my daughter's future for the sake of my success.

Dear.

Not everyone

is a pawn.

I suppose

Qian left you because of this very reason.

What a shame.

Anmou, you're one step too late.

What do you mean?

I've already accepted

the Xiao family's invitation.

I've delivered the letter.

And, I've affixed it

with the seal of the Count of Dongping's Mansion.

You!

How could you act on your own initiative?

Mother knows about this.

And, when it comes to the marriages of our children,

it's logical

for the official wife

to make all the calls.

You are unbelievable!

Anmou, if you're not willing,

it's fine.

It's just a letter.

You can imitate your brother.

Go to the Xiao family and destroy that letter.

You!

Anmou!

[A crimson red bean within the intricate dice,]

A crimson red bean within the intricate dice,

my love for you, an ache deep in my bones.

My Lady, that sounds great.

No.

I am not being demure enough.

You're just conveying your love.

Is it that complicated?

You don't understand.

Let me write a few more.

[She throws a peach to me. I give her a white jade.]

♪Through endless twists in the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows, the heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun if the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers, our love story writes itself♪

[At the hour of Chen, Jiuqu Pavilion, moon admiration]

This is it.

[Tianxiang Pleasure House]

Hour of Chen, Jiuqu Pavilion, Moon Admiration?

Seems like Jiang Si

has feelings for Commandant Yu.

I'm uninterested in such worldly affairs.

Let's get to business.

Du'er, don't kill the mood.

Moreover,

this is business itself.

What do you mean?

Jiang Si once impersonated

the envoy of the Northern Border Division.

She came to me with the Nightingale Seal

to inquire about the Saintess.

What's wrong with that?

I investigated her after that.

She was born in Ling'an.

She had never left Zhou before.

Why would she

know about the Saintess?

And, she even figured out

the formula of my incense.

Interesting.

If she is the Saintess,

she'll rebel once she develops feelings for Commandant Xu.

We should capture her and teach her a lesson.

If she's not,

I want to see

who exactly she is.

My Lady, what about this outfit?

It's vibrant.

It'll make you look charming and delicate.

It's too vibrant.

Find me another one.

All right.

My Lady!

This looks great.

It looks exquisite.

It's truly befitting of a noble lady.

But the embroideries look too grand.

But many noble ladies in Ling'an City

love to wear such outfits.

The guys love it.

Is that so?

Find me another one.

Are you done?

I'm almost done.

All right. You may turn around now.

How is it? Do I look good?

It looks perfect on you.

What about that outfit?

That looked great too.

So, both outfits look great?

It's mainly because you look great.

That won't do.

You have to pick one.

Stop putting me on the spot here.

I mingle with those men

all the time.

I don't know much

about women's apparel.

That won't do.

You have to pick one.

Which of them looks better?

In my opinion,

it depends on whether you feel comfortable with it or not.

If it's comfortable, it'll look great on you.

It has nothing to do with outsiders' preferences.

You're not an outsider.

Let me ask you this, then.

Will your feelings for me change

if I were

to change my outfit today?

Of course not.

It's the same for me.

[At the hour of Chen, Jiuqu Pavilion,] I found this

[moon admiration.] in Liu Yan'er's room.

I'm sure her accomplice from Nanwu wrote this.

Seems like they'll conduct a large operation tonight.

The handwriting

resembles Jiang Si's.

Is she truly the Saintess of Nanwu?

I think

there's a misunderstanding.

Chief.

If Jiang Si is the Saintess of Nanwu,

and she's the one who ordered the Nightingale Sect

to come up with all those plots,

that means she has deceived you since the beginning.

If so, can you sever your ties with her

and end her life?

The flame is pretty hot.

Mother.

Mother.

It's late now.

What are you doing here?

My family

gifted me a silk quilt.

The fabric

is soft and shiny.

It's very comfortable.

The key is, the quilt itself

is scented. It can help us to sleep better.

That's why I'm gifting it to you.

That sounds great.

All right. I'll accept it.

Thank you.

Mother.

Hurry. Take it inside. Place it on her bed.

Afu, help her out.

No need for that.

She can do it alone.

You can make us some tea.

Here, Mother.

You weren't spotted, right?

No.

I was very cautious.

However,

there's no way we can hide this matter.

What if Old Madam asks us

about it?

No worries.

I've brought up

the marriage in front of Old Madam before.

She didn't object to it.

Coincidentally,

I requested her seal a few days before this.

We can treat it

as if she affixed the seal then.

Even if she finds out,

it's nothing major.

Madam, why are you putting in so much effort

to help Madam Ruan's daughter?

The more she disagrees with it,

the more I'll arrange for it.

How dare she report me to Anmou?

She doesn't appreciate my intention at all.

If so, I'll act on my own initiative

and rain on her parade.

Deliver this letter

to the Xiao Mansion tomorrow morning.

Yes, Madam Xiao.

[The End of Episode 20]

♪Through endless twists♪

♪In the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows♪

♪The heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun♪

♪If the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers♪

♪Our love story writes itself♪

♪We lock eyes and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges, we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls♪

♪Can weather all storms♪

♪We cross paths and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us♪

♪To the sea of stars♪

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We cross paths and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us to what we desire♪

♪We lock eyes and promise to stay together forever♪

♪Through frost-kissed trails, and starry space♪

♪Moon-silvered dreams♪

♪On love's embrace♪

♪Hearts bound as one, through time's soft grace♪

♪Love's tide guides, beyond our mortal space♪

♪A moment kept with your embrace♪

♪Where blooms have found their place♪