Original subtitles

You need to rest more.

A head injury is no small matter.

It can be serious.

It's just a minor injury,

nothing to worry about.

But your shoulder injury,

it flares up every time it rains.

You've had it for five or six years now.

It's nothing.

The humidity in Futing makes it worse.

Maybe it'll actually get better

when I return to the capital,

Commander Chen,

what is His Majesty's purpose in summoning

Duke of Ding to the capital?

How could we dare to speculate on His Majesty's thoughts?

Rest assured, General.

We deeply respect His Grace.

This visit is routine business,

and we'll ensure his safety.

Yan Tang, enough.

Stop frowning all the time.

I'll be fine.

His Majesty probably just wants to ask me about the maritime disaster.

Take good care of your aunt when I'm away.

Please, Your Grace.

Grand General, the storm and tsunami may have passed,

but over a hundred families' houses are still unrepaired.

What about our relief task?

Listen up, soldiers!

No matter what happens,

relief work must go on.

As soon as the flooding is cleared,

help the people get their crops planted.

Only when the fields are sown

will the people feel secure.

Is that clear?

Yes, sir!

Grand General!

The Duke of Ding's Residence has been surrounded by Jiying Guards.

No one is allowed in or out.

What's going on?

This case is far more complicated than it seems.

General,

the front and back courtyards are guarded by Jiying Guards.

There must be 40 or 50 of them.

If this were just a routine summons,

why would there be such a show of force?

General,

let's storm in and rescue His Grace's family!

Yes.

Don't act recklessly.

Wait here for me.

Yes, sir.

(Blossom)

(Episode 5)

(Two weeks later)

Pardon our intrusion.

My master's surname is Mei, a merchant from the south.

We humbly request lodging for the night.

Young Lady, you're awake.

What time is it?

Just past the third quarter of the Yin hour.

Young Lady,

a caravan arrived at the estate seeking lodging.

Their leader calls himself Young Master Mei.

But these men have calloused palms

and move silently.

Mr. Chen has sent people several times asking if you're awake yet.

Invite Mr. Chen over now.

The servants in the estate are very tight-lipped.

All we know is that the one in charge is referred to as Young Lady Zhao.

Young Lady Zhao,

I'm afraid we've encountered trouble.

Those people aren't common folks.

They're soldiers under Duke of Ding.

What makes you say that?

The man posing as a bookkeeper, dressed in green robes,

is Yan Chao Qing.

He's one of Duke of Ding's most trusted officers.

You know him?

Forgive me for deceiving you.

I haven't been entirely honest

about my past.

I know who I saw.

He was once the advisor of Zhang Kai, the former governor of Futing.

His real name isn't Chen Qu Shui,

it's Chen Bo.

Zhang Kai? The one my uncle executed on the battlefield?

15 years ago,

when the Dongyu pirates besieged Futing,

Governor Zhang Kai abandoned the city and fled for his life.

He was captured and executed by Duke of Ding.

My former master

was Zhang Kai himself.

Deserting the city was a grave disgrace,

and Yan Chao Qing will undoubtedly see me

as a dishonorable man.

I've brought you trouble, Young Lady.

I...

Please get up, sir.

When I took you on as my advisor,

I promised not to ask about your past.

Your master's cowardice

was beyond your control.

What I can't figure out is,

Zhending has no grain to spare

and no troops to deploy,

why would they come here under false identities?

Young Master Mei is traveling with a baby.

A baby?

A lone minister gazes upon the cold sea,

ten years of steadfast loyalty guarding the southeast.

Alas, caught in endless rainy night,

where can the weeping orphan find shelter?

Alas, caught in endless rainy night,

where can the weeping orphan find shelter?

Duke of Ding must be in trouble.

Nanny.

Did he still throw up milk before sleep?

It's much better since we came indoors.

But after traveling for several days

in the rain on bumpy roads,

if we don't stop to rest,

I'm worried the child won't be able to handle it.

Don't worry, we're almost there.

Since ancient times, the will of the ruler is unpredictable.

Your uncle's fate is uncertain,

and with things as they are,

I fear none of us will escape this calamity.

(Duchess of Ding, Madam Liu) This is your uncle's only child.

Aunt,

I'll take you all with me.

If you do,

none of us will make it out.

You know that.

Promise me you'll protect him.

Aunt,

I swear on my life,

he will not shed a single drop of blood.

Duke of Ding was deeply favored by His Majesty.

Just earlier this year, he secured a great victory at Zhou Island

and personally led the relief efforts

during the typhoon and tsunami in Futing.

Even our stationery shops in the capital

haven't reported anything unusual.

Duke of Ding is a superior-rank duke

commanding 50,000 troops of the Duke of Ding's Army.

If something were to happen, it would be handled under a sealed order,

with Jiying Guards escorting him in secret.

Any public disclosure could risk a rebellion.

The court can't handle that.

How do you know all that, Young Lady?

High merit breeds suspicion from the throne.

It's been that way.

As for the infant,

last September we received a letter from Futing saying

His Grace's household was purchasing baby supplies.

The only one likely expecting would be the Duchess.

If this is them trying to entrust the infant to someone

before things go down,

and they learn that I could jeopardize it,

they won't leave any loose ends to risk exposure.

Do you recognize Young Master Mei?

Though he's young,

his presence is commanding,

and the others treat him with exceptional respect.

Young,

yet able to mobilize the elite forces

of Duke of Ding's Army during such a critical time.

In all the land,

only Song Mo could do that.

Song Mo?

At thirteen, he led a surprise attack on Yu Island.

Earlier this year, during a time of crisis,

he achieved the great victory at Zhou Island.

If it really is him,

none of us will survive.

We've checked.

There are 42 women in the estate and 20 servants and attendants.

There's also an elderly woman being cared for by maids,

and she's already asleep.

Lu Zheng and Lu Ming are guarding the entrances securely.

Everyone is in place.

Young Lady, about ten people from the caravan have disappeared.

They've surrounded all the exits of the estate.

They're going to silence everyone.

Forget it.

This was all caused by me.

I'll take responsibility.

I'll go to them.

Let them kill me, and it ends there.

Mr. Chen,

hiding an orphan is a crime punishable by extermination of the entire clan.

If I were in their position,

for the sake of the child,

my soldiers, and my family,

I'd do the same and eliminate everyone here.

To avoid suspicion,

they'll act before sunrise, before the rain stops.

We don't have much time.

Go tell Tuo Niang to lock all the doors and windows,

and don't let Grandmother be disturbed.

My Lord, they're making a move.

Should we tell our men...

My Lord, I know you've never harmed women or children,

but to protect the young lord, there's no other way.

Chen Bo is of low character,

and those around him are surely no better.

If word of this gets out,

the consequences will be unimaginable.

This is Uncle's only child.

I swore before my aunt to protect him.

If it means I'll face divine punishment or go to hell,

I'll bear it.

Make it quick and quiet.

Don't disturb the baby.

Yes, sir.

Young Lady Zhao,

where are you hurrying off to

in such a storm?

The wind and rain are fierce.

Allow me to escort you.

It's useless.

They're using army crossbows.

No one within a hundred paces can escape.

I'm sorry.

My Lord,

you're making a mistake.

My Lord?

Duke of Ding has been accused of treason for defying imperial orders

and using private funds for disaster relief.

He's currently being escorted to the capital under charges of rebellion,

with his entire family detained.

My Lord, your bond with His Grace is as close as father and son.

Traveling in haste on a rainy night with an infant,

I suppose you're trying to hide

His Grace's only bloodline.

Who are you?

I am an officer of the Palace Surveillance.

His Majesty anticipated your actions

and ordered me to wait here

to deliver his decree.

Do you intend to share

Duke of Ding's charge of treason?

The Palace Surveillance is under the charge of Chen Shun.

Are you one of his subordinates?

Don't try to test me.

There is no one named Chen Shun

among the departments.

Do you have an imperial token?

A token...

Song Mo...

Since you know who I am,

you must also know I've interrogated countless corrupt officials and pirates.

You grasp the nuances of court affairs

well enough to mimic them convincingly.

But when it comes to the details,

your unease betrays you.

Your palm is sweating.

You couldn't have planned this alone.

Who sent you?

Speak,

and I'll grant you a quick death.

Young Lady!

We got him!

A diversion to buy time.

You tricked me?

I mean no harm.

This is the only way

to make you agree to sit down and talk, My Lord.

Why waste words with them, Young Lady?

With the baby in our hands now,

they wouldn't dare stop us from getting you out of here.

Sure!

You should wake Old Madam in the main chamber too.

I'll send you all off together!

My Lord, wait!

Stop talking nonsense!

We only took the baby to ask for a chance of negotiation,

not to escape.

Whether it ends in bloodshed or discussion

is up to you.

Duke of Ding is still en route under escort,

and His Majesty's judgment remains undecided.

My Lord, you've risked alerting the local authorities,

the Ministry of Justice, and even Court of Judicial Review

by attempting to silence everyone here.

I suppose the person you intend to entrust the child to is nearby.

Tan Manor is far removed from politics

and is known for their loyalty and righteousness.

I've heard Duke of Ding once did the Tan family a great favor

They are indeed the perfect choice.

This woman is cunning and full of schemes.

My Lord, you must not engage with her further.

You need not see me as an enemy.

I have always admired Duke of Ding and the Jiang family.

What is his current situation?

I ask

because the crux of this matter

isn't the child,

but His Grace.

If His Grace can escape his predicament,

his child will naturally be safe,

and you won't have to resort to such unjust measures.

His Grace's loyalty and courage are known throughout the land.

Those in court who can discern the truth will surely

submit petitions in his defense.

So, it's none of your concern, Young Lady.

I imagine Duchess of Ying is currently running from pillar to post,

rallying old allies to submit joint petitions

to proclaim His Grace's innocence.

Normally, that would be the right move,

but Duke of Ding is no ordinary man.

Such well-intentioned efforts

may very well become his death warrant.

How dare a country girl like you spout such absurd claims!

You...

Young Lady Zhao,

please carry on.

When Wang Jian demanded land,

Emperor Qin simply dismissed it with a laugh.

Xiao He defamed himself,

and Emperor Gaozu of Han never doubted him.

Yet Zhou Ya Fu, despite his triumph in subduing the Seven Kingdoms,

fell to slander

and died in injustice.

Why?

When one's achievement overshadows the ruler,

it invites envy and slander from petty men

seeking to deceive the Emperor.

As Su Shi said,

suspicion must arise first

for slander to take root.

If His Majesty did not already harbor doubts,

slander would never succeed.

You're a traitor.

What would you know about loyalty and service?

Petitions pleading innocence challenge imperial authority.

They appear as factionalism and coercion.

Would such actions ease His Majesty's doubts

or deepen his mistrust?

What do you think

we should do then?

In my opinion,

why not take the opposite approach?

Let the court officials turn against Duke of Ding and add insult to injury.

If he appears isolated

and without support,

His Majesty's suspicions will naturally dissipate.

Remembering their years of service together,

His Majesty will likely issue only a minor punishment.

Moving forward, for the sake of political stability,

His Majesty will surely rely on His Grace even more.

But who can truly predict His Majesty's thoughts?

Wouldn't this approach be far too risky?

Young Lady Zhao, though you're far removed from court politics,

you're remarkably adept at gauging situations

and reading human nature.

How do you know so much about Duke of Ding's case?

Who are you, really?

And why are you hiding out here?

Nanny!

Su Lan, put down your weapon.

Do not act rashly.

Lu Ming, let the nanny in.

He's still hiccuping nonstop.

Has he been like this since birth?

Cold body and clammy with sweat?

Su Xin,

go warm up the goat's milk I've prepared and bring it over.

Yes, Young Lady.

You're an unmarried young lady

and yet you know how to care for a baby?

I've taken care of many infants in the estate,

so naturally, I know more than you men do.

He's drinking it, he's drinking it!

He's premature and frail, unable to digest human milk properly.

He needs to be fed goat's milk.

Within a hundred miles,

only our estate keeps goats.

I'll make sure it's delivered to Tan Manor regularly in the future.

General.

Since everyone's hungry,

why don't we put down our swords

and share a meal together?

That's a great idea!

Move. Let me do it.

-Fetch me a few plates. -Got it.

Lay it here. Come on.

Awesome!

Smells so good!

Dig in, guys.

Please help yourself.

This is good!

Here, have some more.

Young Lady Zhao, now that you've stepped into this mess,

if Jiying Guards come investigating and discover

you knew but didn't report it, you'll be charged with grave crime.

Do you not regret it?

My Lord, you have someone you'd risk your life to protect,

and so do I.

If I didn't take this risk,

I wouldn't be able to save everyone in the estate.

Besides, Duke of Ding is someone I deeply respect.

I'm poisoned. My time is running out.

I only regret that I can't clear Duke of Ding's name before I die.

Instead, I've dragged you into this.

I don't want to see a man forced by fate

onto a path of no return.

Move! Move!

Su Lan.

Master Tan is here!

Thanks to His Grace's help back then,

my family has what it does today.

My Lord, rest assured,

I will protect His Grace's son with my life.

Master Tan, your loyalty is admirable,

but today's situation calls for extreme measures.

During the recent floods,

Young Lady Zhao provided relief and sent grain,

offering help and kindness.

If it wasn't for her,

Tan Manor wouldn't have survived the disaster.

I humbly beg for leniency.

We pledge our lives to guarantee that Young Lady Zhao,

with her noble character and integrity,

would never betray this secret.

My Lord, please spare her and her people!

My Lord, please spare her and her people!

Young Lady Zhao,

your estate

is safe.

This is foxtail grass.

See, doesn't it look just like a fox's tail?

Really?

So this is foxtail grass.

By the way, why are you here?

Why aren't you going home?

I don't have a home.

Everyone has a home.

Why don't you have one?

Not everyone has a home.

He feels like a completely different person

from the one I saw last night.

I've long heard of Mr. Chen's exceptional talent.

How about becoming my advisor?

Mr. Chen's past allegiance was misplaced.

His surrender and abandonment of the city were not his decisions.

He's been with me for over ten years.

He's not a dishonorable man.

And if

I insist?

Is he trying to keep a hostage?

He still doesn't trust me.

Young Lady Zhao!

My Lord, if you still have doubts,

why not leave General Yan in the estate?

Once things settle, we can arrange an exchange.

Wouldn't that be more advantageous for you?

General Yan is one of my closest aides.

How could he remain behind?

And if I also insist?

They've prepared some snacks for you in the kitchen.

-Go on. -Alright!

Nanny.

My Lord,

the young lord has fallen asleep after having some goat's milk.

Good.

We'll reach Tan Manor once we cross this river.

He will soon be safe and settled.

-What have you found? -We've gathered some information.

She is the eldest daughter of the Dou family from the capital

Her name is Dou Zhao.

Her grandmother is from the renowned Cui clan.

They say she's ruthless since little, scheming to seize family assets.

So, her family abandoned her to this estate.

Abandoned?

Haven't I also been cast out and kicked out by my father?

Tales of infighting among women in the household are never flattering.

Young Lady Zhao is clever, perceptive,

and highly adaptable.

Her actions indeed don't resemble those of a typical sheltered lady.

Also, the workers on her estate are all trained fighters,

and even her personal maids are skilled in martial arts.

Her father works in the Ministry of Revenue,

and her uncle, Dou Shi Shu, was recently promoted

to a senior post in the Ministry of Rites.

Last night's events are likely more complex than they appear.

Years ago, His Majesty and Duke of Ding shared a ruler.

They split it in two and each keeping a half.

It symbolized their mutual trust and commitment to counsel each other.

But perhaps the relationship between ruler and subject

has always been devoid of true sentiment.

My Lord,

when His Grace returns to the capital,

perhaps you can present the ruler to His Majesty

as a gesture of humility.

Perhaps seeing the object

will remind His Majesty of what once was.

The way she looked at me

was strange,

as if we had met before.

I can't quite figure her out yet.

Having been away from the capital for so long,

I'm out of touch with court affairs.

Investigate the Dou family thoroughly, just to be safe.

Yes, My Lord.

Here.

Young Lady, you stayed so calm when staring down swords,

but now that it's all over,

why do you seem so shaken?

That calmness was just an act.

I've heard Song Mo has a way of seeing right through people,

like his gaze could strip away every secret.

Just thinking about it now makes my heart pound with fear.

I never want to see those eyes again.

If he's so dangerous,

why did you help him?

You haven't seen him at his worst.

If Duke of Ding were to truly die unjustly,

with his nature,

he'd likely do something far more insane.

And that would be a far greater catastrophe.

By the way,

did Grandmother notice anything last night?

She burned benzoin incense before bed.

She slept deeply. I don't think she has any idea what happened.

-That's a relief. -Zhao!

An Su?

-Zhao! -An Su!

Didn't you go to Futing with Zhang Ru?

-Shou Gu! Su Su! -Zhang Ru?

Come to the front hall, there's good news!

What good news?

Just come!

Old Madam Cui, congratulations!

Young Master Ji has placed third in the imperial exam,

becoming the youngest top scholar in our dynasty.

Aside from that, after learning

of your generous disaster relief efforts.

Master Shi Ying has secured a commendation for you from the court.

We've all benefited greatly from your support, Old Madam Cui.

Tomorrow, we'll surely come to share a celebratory drink

and add to the joy.

-Alright, alright. -We'll take our leave for now.

Farewell, Old Madam.

Please, no need to see us off.

-Come out. -You heard that, right?

We're family here.

Let's be open and honest.

Come on.

Grandmother.

I suppose you've heard everything.

Young Lady Zhao was worried

about your relationship with Master Shi Ying before.

She can put her mind at ease now.

With a little effort,

there's no grudge between mother and son that can't be resolved.

Father has made such an effort.

Grandmother, you must be pleased.

Small gestures

don't mean much to me.

You won't admit it,

but this morning you personally made shepherd's purse wontons

and sent them to Seventh Master.

You talk too much,

like a sieve leaking everything.

Yes, yes. I'm sorry.

Didn't you just say family should always be open and honest?

Yes, it's been a while since we've seen you this happy.

Just admit it.

You little rascals,

fine, fine! I can't argue with you.

The tutor has been praising Ming lately,

saying her poetry is coming along well.

Shi Ying, why don't you test her a little?

Ming studies calligraphy, poetry, and the arts

for her own joy and relaxation.

Testing her would just spoil her mood.

Right.

Master,

why don't you take a break

and have some dessert?

Mother sent over some shepherd's purse wontons this afternoon.

I had several bowls.

I'm really full.

Father,

Mother knows you've been busy and stressful.

She spent the whole afternoon preparing sweet taro with osmanthus.

It's perfect for soothing and replenishing your energy.

Bring me a bowl.

Something sweet after a full meal sounds just right.

So you like shepherd's purse wontons.

I'll make them for you more often.

I often had stomach trouble when I was little.

Mother would pick shepherd's purse and make wontons for me.

It always made me feel better.

After she moved to the estate,

others tried making it,

but it was never quite the same.

In a few days,

the commendation I requested for Mother will arrive.

It'll be the perfect opportunity

to invite her to return to the capital with me

so I can care for her properly.

What do you think, Ying Xue?

You've worked hard to secure this honor for Mother.

If this brings reconciliation,

it'll be a blessing for the our family.

Hearing you say that puts my mind at ease.

Master, Commissioner Lu has arrived.

Invite him to the Tongwen Hall and serve him tea.

Yes, Master.

Please excuse me.

Master?

I'm fine.

Mother,

Father still cares about you.

He was already full, but he still ate your dessert.

Care about me?

But he clearly cares about them more.

When that old hag brings Dou Zhao back,

will there even be a place for us to have a say in this family?

Uncle Shi Shu spent ten years just to pass the imperial exam.

Young Master Ji is much smarter.

So young,

and he ranked third on his first try.

If it were me, I'd throw banquets everywhere,

brag to all my relatives, and soak in the glory.

But what does he do?

He doesn't even come back.

He's never liked celebrating with banquets.

He'd just find it boring and a waste of time.

Only you could understand his odd personality.

Still, passing the exam is a good thing, isn't it?

But look at his letter, it's full of frustration.

When His Majesty asked him about his ambitions,

he said he wanted to become Grand Secretary within ten years

and reform the government.

That's an impressive ambition!

But this isn't some opera performance.

He was too bold.

His Majesty rebuked him, saying that he was chasing fame and fortune.

His talk of reform

practically branded the entire court as corrupt.

How could they tolerate that?

His Majesty denied him the top scholar title

and a position in the Hanlin Academy.

Instead, he sent him to Futing to observe and assist.

With Ji Yong's pride,

how could he accept that?

Forget it. Someone like him would never make a good match for our family.

He's impossible to figure out.

Aren't you going to have some?

Later. I have to write him a reply first.

Your Majesty,

it is precisely because Duke of Ding has abused his power,

and indulged in debauchery

that Futing has been overrun by corrupt officials,

plagued by recurring floods, and caused the people to suffer.

Tomorrow, please submit memorials

to impeach Duke of Ding for abusing his power, acting tyrannically.

Yes, My Lord.

Minister, surely you haven't forgotten

(Minister of Revenue, Liang Ji Fang) that it was the Duke of Ding

who ensured ten years of uninterrupted maritime trade in Futing?

(Grand Secretary, Wu Yi Fen) Are you saying

all that credit belongs to him alone?

Your father is the Minister of Personnel.

(Gu Yu) Have him accuse Duke of Ding of laziness and autocratic behavior.

Got it.

Your father is the Vice Minister of Revenue.

Have him criticize His Grace for neglecting his wife.

Being autocratic, got it.

Neglecting his wife, got it.

That's not yours.

Your father's should be...

Never mind, it's the same.

Duke of Ding's laziness and autocracy

must be punished.

He should be reassigned to a harsh borderland post

to prevent any further trouble.

As the commander of an army,

he has openly neglected his wife and exploited others.

(Emperor, Zhu Si Yuan) His lack of heirs

is proof of his unfilial behavior.

Minister, I must disagree.

Duke of Ding's Army's embezzlement of military funds is a grave crime.

I implore Your Majesty to impose severe punishment

to preserve the foundation of the state.

I delivered your message exactly as you said,

but I still don't understand.

Why have the officials

submit impeachment requests that contradict each other?

That's precisely the point.

When His Majesty hears their baseless accusations and incoherent arguments,

he'll realize my uncle is a loyal subject,

with no factions or allies.

His suspicions and distrust will naturally dissipate.

Contradictions upon contradictions...

This is all nonsense.

Your Majesty...

-Can you believe... -I know.

Grand Secretary, Grand Secretary!

What I said before His Majesty wasn't directed at you.

I had to answer His Majesty's question impartially.

Impartially...

For the sake of stabilizing the court, you did right.

But this matter concerns major issues in the southeast.

It has nothing to do with the Ministry of Rites, right?

It's the time of the Dragon Boat Festival.

Minister Dou, why don't you take a few days off to rest at home?

Since you've said so,

I'll follow your instruction.

Young Master Wu Shan is unconscious.

Young Lady Zhao has ordered him carried to the open area in the back courtyard.

How dare you harm Grand Secretary Wu's only grandson!

By the time the doctor arrives, Young Master Wu will already be dead.

Dou Zhao, are you trying to get the whole family killed?

Since you can read people, you can tell I'm not lying.

I can save him.