Original subtitles

Miao An Su defended you.

She said that at the start of the year,

you had said that maritime trade had reached its peak,

and that it was time to pull out of the business in Futing.

It's as if

you predicted my uncle's death.

Of course not.

In business,

it's all about buying low and selling high.

After the victory at Zhou Island,

maritime trade flourished, and everyone rushed to claim a share.

Of course I had to seek other opportunities.

Dou Zhao,

your heartbeat is all over the place.

I can tell

you're hiding something from me, something that involves me.

Why won't you tell me?

Say it!

I...

If I survive,

I promise I'll explain everything.

I'll trust you one more time.

I'm Ji Yong, a secretary from Irrigation and Transportation Office.

The Miao family borrowed funds to build ships but has yet to repay their debts.

Under the orders of the Futing Provincial Administration,

I am here to investigate the case

and summon Dou Zhao and Miao An Su for questioning.

(Blossom)

(Episode 10)

Young Lady!

They're on our side.

The act has to be convincing.

Young Lady Zhao,

you've got quite the connections.

People from all over the land would risk their lives for you.

Too bad you ended up in my hands,

no one's getting the chance to play the hero and save the damsel.

Wrong.

You're overstepping your authority here. Now you're in my hands.

You're a mere seventh-ranked official from the Ministry of Works,

yet you're meddling in a case under the jurisdiction of Maritime Trade Office.

Who's really overstepping their authority here?

The Provincial Administration oversees all regional matters.

I'm acting under direct orders,

legally and by the book.

You, on the other hand,

you were trying to coerce a confession.

You really think you can stop me

from solving the case?

Oh, I haven't even started.

Watch this.

-Ji Yong! -Lord Ji!

My Lord, someone's injured.

You've assaulted a court official.

You'll be charged and thrown into prison!

Careful, Young Lady!

Let them fight.

It's even better if he kills someone.

The blame won't fall on me anyway.

Song Mo, stop!

-Young Lady, careful! -I've seen enough. Let's go.

Let go!

-Support me. -Yes, sir.

Good thing I came prepared to fool Ding Wei.

You knew we were acting?

I heard from the jailer that Lord Song was interrogating you personally.

I figured he wouldn't be that stupid,

and that he could see through Ding Wei's setup.

I could never compare to you, Lord Ji.

Wherever you go,

you're ready to sacrifice everything for the lady.

They're still watching. Quick, insult me

You scoundrel!

What, you big mantis? Kill me if you dare!

Looks like this is real.

Order our men to wait a little longer.

Let them finish their fight. We'll clean up the mess afterward.

Yes, sir.

-Kill me if you dare! -Don't push me!

Do it!

They're gone.

Alright, let go.

They're gone.

Thank you both for your help.

Su Lan, go check on Su Su.

Keep watch outside. Alert us if anyone comes.

Yes, Young Lady.

It's going to leave scar if you don't get it treated.

You've applied medicine?

Military medicine is only good for stopping bleeding.

This, however, is a premium healing ointment.

I've always heard that you're brilliant but emotionally detached.

Yet here you are, risking life and limb for Young Lady Zhao.

You're quite the romantic after all.

Little dreamer and I have known each other since we were little.

She's my soulmate, so of course she's special to me.

It's a bond you could never understand.

Come.

Something just feels off the more I think about it.

How could we let Lord Ji go in there?

What if he ends up fighting with General?

General only instructed us to keep a close eye on Ding Wei

and not cause unnecessary trouble.

I'm just worried about General.

As soon as we arrived in Futing and heard

that Young Lady Zhao had been taken in,

General went into the prison to save her without hesitation.

Can't you see, Zheng?

General has fallen in love with her.

You...

Do you think General is brainless like you?

Interesting.

This way, please, sir.

The night Uncle died,

someone saw Ding Wei leaving his residence late at night,

but that alone isn't solid evidence.

Now, with him falsely accusing the Miao family of colluding with the enemy,

it's like the thief crying thief, he's exposed himself.

If we can get a confession out of him,

we'll have grounds to convict him,

Ding Wei claimed he found those bandit blades

on the Miao family's merchant ship.

The Directorate of Ceremonial must be looking into it.

He's desperate to pin the blame on someone.

I've looked into Ding Wei.

He's been selling off disaster relief grain to line his pockets,

while extorting the common folk.

And now, he's trying to frame the Miao family.

The deeper we dig,

the more skeletons we'll uncover.

If I can get on board the merchant ship,

I'll find the answers.

-I have to go. -Not just Duke of Ding,

the Miao family deserves justice too. I'm going as well.

What?

Don't tell me you're going to board the ship together?

How about this,

I'll pretend to flatter Ding Wei

and find a way to steal his token during our dinner.

Let's hope Mantis Song won't mess up.

I've spoken with Eunuch Ding.

Since you're here to search the ship for jewelry,

please wait here, My Lord.

What's that supposed to mean?

Are you trying to stop me?

Please calm down, My Lord.

Eunuch Ding has given strict orders,

no one is allowed to board the ship.

Officer, everything is clearly stated in this paper.

When this ship was seized,

it happened to be carrying

a shipment of jewelry I purchased from overseas.

They're worth a fortune.

If I don't get them back,

the madams will never forgive me.

Comfort me.

Alright, don't cry.

Oh, my sweetheart, don't cry.

Do you hear that?

We just want to find the jewelry. Let us on board now.

I'm sorry, My Lord.

It's just that the ship is still under seal.

Perhaps I could escort you with some soldiers to help search?

Officer, are you treating me as some kind of criminal?

Exactly.

With so many people tagging along, it ruins all the fun.

Do you have no sense of propriety?

I wouldn't dare, My Lord.

It's just we're in a difficult position.

Is it easier now?

Well...

How about this, just him alone will go with you

to guide you to the cargo hold to search for it.

One incense stick's time should be more than enough, right?

Fine. Come on.

People call him a handsome general.

More like a lecherous scoundrel.

This way, My Lord.

Young Lady Zhao, have you had enough of this seductive act?

Even real married couples

don't cling to each other all the time.

My Lord, you're usually so composed,

but when it comes to acting out flirtation and romance,

you seem like a complete novice.

Real married couples are respectful and reserved,

but lovers are different.

They hold onto each other constantly,

and never take their eyes off one another.

Is this convincing enough?

You're quite the quick learner.

As if pulling the night shift wasn't bad enough,

but now I have to watch this?

At least they can hug to stay warm.

What about me?

This ship has a draft of fifteen feet.

On the stretch of shallow water my uncle traveled,

it would've certainly run aground if it had actually made the journey.

The ship is this unstable

because someone deliberately removed the ballast.

Ding Wei's attempt to cover up the truth is undeniable.

-It's not enough. -Not enough?

My Lord, half an incense stick is gone.

Don't you think you've admired the sea and moonlight enough by now?

It's time to actually look for the jewelry.

Where's the cargo hold? Lead the way.

My Lord, please hurry and find it. I need to report back.

If anyone comes later,

I'll draw them away. Get off the ship when they aren't looking.

Got it.

These fruits are covered in mold.

Even this bronze brazier has spots of corrosion.

But those bandit blades only had bloodstains,

no signs of corrosion.

It doesn't matter. None of it matters.

Chief.

Who's up there?

Lord Song and a courtesan.

They wanted to look for jewelry in the cargo hold.

Who permitted you to let them in?

They had Eunuch Ding's written order and token.

Useless fools!

-You lot, come with me! -Yes, sir!

Even the tea bricks have mold.

This proves that the blades were never on the ship,

they were planted later.

All of this can be used as evidence.

Song Mo...

A woman can be just as capable as any man.

In books, there is beauty to be found.

It was him.

Someone's here.

Stay on guard!

Anyone who comes out through this passage,

kill them on sight.

-Yes, sir! -But that's Lord Song.

I said kill them on sight!

You few, go!

They've over there!

Get them!

Give me the bow.

Jump!

My Lord, Song Mo boarded the ship with a woman

and went straight for the helm.

They're obviously looking for clue.

My Lord, when we planted those blades, it was done too hastily.

I'm afraid the ship won't hold up under scrutiny.

Could they have found some evidence?

What if I can get Dou Zhao to testify

that the treasonous acts were all Miao An Su's doing?

Well then,

I'll report it to His Majesty

and credit you for your service.

Oh, no! I've been tricked!

Eunuch Wang has arrived at the Judicial Office.

He has asked to see you at once.

-You may go. -Yes, sir.

I can't go, I can't go!

Listen, hurry home and gather my valuables.

Get a carriage ready. I have to go.

-Go, now! -Yes, sir!

This is bad, this is bad.

You're badly injured.

It's just a scrape.

The arrow didn't even stay in.

I'll help you with the bandage.

It's fine.

I've always handled it myself.

This won't do.

Trust me.

Come on.

Are you feeling shy?

Why would I be shy?

Hang in there.

If it gets too painful, just scream.

The Tale of the Silken Robe

Young Lady Zhao,

have you watched it before?

Bravo! Bravo!

He took another arrow for me.

But this time, neither of us died.

No, I haven't.

Anyway, you didn't board the ship to look for evidence,

you must have known Ding Wei was faking things.

So why didn't you just arrest him?

Why go along with this act?

A petty figure like Ding Wei isn't capable

of orchestrating the murder of Duke of Ding.

Look at the archers on the ship today.

They're well-trained,

far beyond ordinary soldiers.

There's definitely a more powerful mastermind behind this.

Ding Wei is just a pawn.

So, you're using this to lure the mastermind out.

Knowing he's caught, Ding Wei will try to escape.

We have to hurry back.

Don't worry.

I'm counting on him to run.

My Lord, I've packed everything. No one in the residence was alerted.

Good.

My Lord.

Which direction should we take?

Any direction is fine, just get moving!

Go, go!

M-my Lord!

Why did you stop?

Turn around!

Hurry!

Am I seeing things now?

Why are there two of him?

Su Su!

Young Lady Zhao said if she doesn't return by morning,

I'm to get you out first. Let's go.

Easy.

How dare you try to break her out of jail!

Stop!

Ding Wei was apprehended while attempting to flee

after being found guilty of fabricating evidence.

This case has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Service.

But, My Lord,

this woman has signed a confession.

We have no authority to release her.

You're a special kind of idiot, aren't you?

If she signed a confession,

there's definitely a prepared retraction letter as well.

If you don't release her now,

are you going to be complicit in Ding Wei's crimes?

Let her go now!

Are you alright?

Let me see.

I'm fine.

Thank goodness your hands are fine.

Zhao,

I didn't betray you.

I know.

The Miao family's merchant ship is no longer under suspicion.

You don't need to take the blame anymore.

Come on, I'll take you home.

Come.

-Stay back! -Young Lady!

Or I'll kill her now!

Duke of Ding's case is far too complicated.

From the Maritime Trade Office

to the Judicial Office and the Provincial Administration,

everyone has been under immense pressure

to wrap this case up quickly!

Where are your men now?

They were just throwing their weight around here the other day.

How come not a single one is here to save you?

Is your life really that worthless?

I was just too desperate

and ended up believing their lies.

But the Miao family has been arrested.

If we release them now,

where would that leave the dignity of the government offices?

Wouldn't the people of Futing rebel?

Eunuch Ding,

you're quite the slippery eel of the officialdom.

Even in a stagnant pond,

you can still wriggle your way into an escape hole.

Regardless of anything,

my life is for His Majesty and Eunuch Wang to decide.

My Lord, your thirst for revenge

has blinded you,

but Eunuch Wang will ensure justice is served.

At this point,

keeping up the act with me is pointless,

don't you think?

Talk.

Who's the mastermind behind you?

This has nothing to do with me.

What mastermind are you talking about?

My swordsmanship is skilled.

Surely you've heard about it?

General Song,

Duke of Ding is already dead.

Are you really going to throw away your future and your life for this?

The human body has over a hundred acupoints

and dozens of joints.

Do you know

which one hurts the most?

This is only the first cut.

I'll talk! I'll talk!

I'm a eunuch,

with only a nephew left to carry on the family line.

Two years ago, the boy made a foolish mistake.

Duke of Ding caught him smuggling salt.

I begged him humbly, pleaded for mercy,

asking for even exile as a punishment,

but he showed no leniency,

and my family's line was cut off.

So,

when he was being escorted to the capital,

I decided it was time for revenge.

Don't try to fool me with half-truths and lies!

The Jiying Guards who traveled with my uncle were skilled fighters.

With the useless men you had,

how could you have pulled this off?

I'll ask you one more time.

Who's the mastermind?

Who lent you those assassins?

It was revenge for the end of my family line.

It wasn't under anyone's orders.

The Military Command or the Directorate of Ceremonial?

Even if you keep your lips tight,

as long as your heart is beating, your muscles are moving,

and your face shows any expression,

I can piece together most of it.

People from both the agencies helped you,

but they're not the masterminds, are they?

Someone in the Directorate of Ceremonial?

Or a royalty?

You'd rather bite your tongue.

Fine, I'll exchange your life for the truth then.

Took you long enough.

Drop your bow,

or the woman you hold dearest

will die because of you.

The act I played with you, they believed it.

I have nothing to do with this case,

and I have no relationship with him.

You've really misunderstood.

Stop lying.

Song Mo,

I know she's your woman.

I want to trade her life for Eunuch Ding's.

What do you think of that deal?

She's just one of my pawns.

Her life means nothing to me.

You're lying!

Let's bet on it then.

Her frail little body

is as easy to pierce as a piece of paper.

Young Lady Dou,

I'll play a tune

from The Lovers' Reunion at the Pavilion to mourn you

every year during Qingming Festival.

Striking with the dominant hand, slashing downward from the upper right.

No wonder the cut was narrow at the front and wide at the back.

You're the ones who killed my uncle.

Getting involved with Song Yan Tang is bound to bring trouble.

To clear Duke of Ding's name, he would even risk his own life.

Would he care about Young Lady Zhao's life?

I care.

I'll save her.

I wanted to use Ding Wei as bait to lure them out.

I didn't mean to drag you into this.

I'm sorry.

You helped me and the Miao family escape trouble.

Of course they'd assume we're working together.

It's not your fault.

Why are your hands shaking so much?

I'm fine.

Being shot with two arrows in two days

would terrify most people.

But, Young Lady Zhao,

you're not like most people.

When I was a child,

I had a dream of being pierced by an arrow.

A dream?

That man was just a distraction.

Their real plan is to burn the ship and silence everyone.

Didn't it occur to you that maybe I was waiting for them to come?

Drop your weapons,

and we'll spare your lives.

You've set up an ambush?

It's hard to make one person talk,

but getting a group to spill the truth is much easier.

Next time we meet, don't forget to tell me about your dream.

Are you alright?

I know you never planned to return alive,

but staying alive

is better than a fate worse than death.

No matter how you torture us,

we will never betray our master!

Very well!

You're all men who value loyalty above life itself!

But will your parents, wives, and children

survive our torture?

I may not be able to find your master,

but do you think

I won't find your families?

General is fair and just.

About Duke of Ding's death,

you're just pawns carrying out orders.

Now that you've been captured alive,

think about what your master would do to your families.

Tell us who the mastermind is.

I will protect your family.

Loyalty is priceless,

and I, Song Mo,

will return the favor!

My daughter is only four.

I... I'll talk.

I'll tell you!

Say it.

Dou Zhao!

Young Lady!

-Eunuch Wang... -Are you hurt?

These men are assassins sent to kill us onboard.

They've agreed to confess.

With overnight questioning, they're bound to reveal the truth.

My Lord, your intelligence and bravery are unmatched.

Thank you for your efforts.

Young Lady Zhao must be quite shaken.

Lord Ji, please take her home.

Come on.

My Lord, please come with me to the Judicial Office

for a thorough interrogation.

A recorded confession will make the case airtight.

Of course.

-Lu Ming. -Yes, sir.

Hand them over.

Sheathe your blades!

Wang Yuan, how dare you!

What are you doing?

The investigation has concluded.

Duke of Ding and his kin were guilty of treasonous collusion.

All male members of the family are to be exiled,

and the women returned to their ancestral home.

The Duke's death has been concluded as the sole act of Ding Wei.

The case is hereby closed.

This is justice.

At least the Jiang family's lives are spared.

You're here to silence the witnesses.

Song Mo,

for obstructing official duties,

is ordered to return to the capital.

So decreed!

You...

Eunuch Wang, every word and action of yours comes directly from His Majesty.

His Majesty knows there's more to Duke of Ding's death than meets the eye.

Why then?

Why did His Majesty kill these witnesses?

Why does His Majesty want to bury the truth?

What...

What truth is so terrible it can't be revealed?

I owe my life to His Majesty.

It's never been mine to give.

My Lord, if you wish to vent your anger,

just kill me then.

But if you still want to uncover the truth, know this,

not just the Jiang family,

but your own family

and Duke of Ding's loyal troops who defied the imperial decree,

all of you will die.

His Majesty and Duke of Ding shared decades of camaraderie.

Planting seeds of doubt in His Majesty's mind is no easy task.

And who could possibly command Ding Wei,

someone directly under the jurisdiction of the inner palace?

The one pulling the strings, wielding power over such diverse forces,

must hold a position of power that few would dare to challenge.

Tell me why.

There is no why.

Since Ding Wei entered the palace at the age of seven

and called me his godfather,

I've looked after him for 20 years.

If there were any way to save him,

do you think I would let him die?

Every reward or punishment comes as a grace from the ruler.

When a ruler commands a subject to die, to disobey is treason.

My Lord,

I had no choice,

but you still do.

Get up!

Grand General spent his life fighting to protect this nation.

He doesn't deserve to die dishonored

and bear such disgrace!

Duke of Ding's Army has defended the nation and safeguarded the land.

They are the pillar of the court and the backbone of the country.

His Majesty bestows upon them the Yuanyang Blades

to honor their achievements.

-So decreed! -Your Majesty,

I'm more comfortable with the sword

you personally forged for me

before your ascension to the throne.

I doubt I'll be able to get used to these new blades.

I come all the way here to honor the troops.

If you publicly reject my gift,

what's left of my imperial dignity?

Right, right.

Pass them to my successor then.

Song Mo.

Loyalty...

Take it.

Filial piety...

Your Majesty, I will uphold the spirit of the Duke of Ding's Army,

carry on my uncle's legacy,

serve the nation with unwavering loyalty, and repay your grace!

How can I

offer loyalty to a nation like this?

How can I

repay a nation that's lost its way?

To guard the land and protect its people,

steadfast in righteous resolve.

A lone soul, a loyal heart,

now lamenting beneath the eternal skies.

No wonder he only used the spear that night,

without the Yuanyang Blades.

It was on this very day

that the big change crushed his spirit,

leaving him disheartened.

He cast aside loyalty and filial piety,

leaving only hatred.

These blades were bestowed by His Majesty.

Damaging them would be considered a grave act of disrespect.

The Emperor is cold and ungrateful, repaying loyalty with betrayal.

Why should I remain loyal to such a ruler?

If heaven wrongs me,

I will defy heaven.

If the way betrays me,

I will abandon the way.

Even loyal subjects would end up in unjust death.

Then why shouldn't I turn into

the very traitor and villain they fear?

This is the permit to take the ship.

Go.

I won't drag you into this again.

Alright.

Let's never see each other again.

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

and led you to bear this disgrace, costing you your life.

Don't you see? The true strength of a blade

isn't in striking, but in restraint.

From this day forward,

you are him.

I intend to uncover the truth and take vengeance on the real killer.

Through hell and high water!