Original subtitles

Wang Ying Xue thinks she's so clever,

so I have to stay one step ahead of her.

The divination results don't matter.

What matters

is planting doubt in Wei Ting Zhen's mind.

Wei Ting Zhen already has her suspicions.

With you suddenly being so friendly,

she's bound to investigate it.

So, if she investigates,

what exactly will she find out?

That's where you two come in.

I'll need you to put on a convincing show.

What?

-Infertile? -That's right.

I went to ask Dou Zhao's personal maids as you instructed.

After a few drinks, she spilled everything.

Your mistress looked terribly unwell the last time we saw her.

So, Her Grace asked me to prepare some tonics for her.

She's had more tonics than I can count,

but none of them seem to help.

No wonder.

There's such a strong smell of medicine on her.

I brew so much medicine for her that I'm practically soaked in it.

The medicine smells so strong.

What illness does your mistress have?

Well, she's...

Nanny, don't mind her.

My sister is drunk. She's rambling nonsense.

Young Lady Zhao isn't seriously ill.

That medicine was for me.

It was obviously a lie.

Who would believe that?

After much effort,

I followed them until dawn

and saw them burying something

wrapped in white cloth under a tree.

I dug it up and asked someone familiar with herbs about it.

They said the heavy medicine

was for women with severe deficiencies,

the kind who can't conceive.

Madam, you should've seen it,

the tree was scorched and nearly bare!

No wonder one was acting sneaky, and the other's suddenly changed her attitude.

She's known all along that Dou Zhao is infertile!

They're worried she won't find a match and are trying to push her onto us!

Oh, Wang Ying Xue...

She has no respect for even the gods.

Have the study send a letter to the Dou family

to pause the wedding arrangements for now.

Since Dou Zhao is unwell,

the wedding will have to be postponed.

Let's see

which of us runs out of patience first.

-Madam, please calm down. -What on earth is

Wei Ting Zhen playing at now?

Hold out your hands.

What on earth did Dou Zhao say to you?

Don't blame her.

It was my own fault for having thoughts I shouldn't have.

Useless fool!

The Marquis of Jining's household has borrowed

against their income for the next ten years.

Nine out of ten of their properties are losing money.

With Wei Ting Yu's abilities,

he couldn't pay that back in a hundred lifetimes!

I'm marrying Dou Zhao into that family

so Wei Ting Zhen can bleed her dry and make her life difficult!

Do you think the rumors about maids being beaten half to death

and thrown out of the Duke of Jing's Residence are just gossip?

Wei Ting Yu that lecherous man must've seduced her.

Ming has been sheltered her whole life and doesn't know how to judge people.

That's why she fell for his sweet talk.

Young Lady, say you're sorry.

I'm sorry.

Do you really realize your mistake,

or are you just saying that because my punishment hurt?

Mother, actually, His Lordship and I...

Let me give you four words,

over my dead body!

Mother!

Master Shi Ying has always cared about you,

it all comes down to Master Shi Shu.

It takes two to tango.

Right now, it's the Wei family who's backing out.

Uncle Shi Shu will probably just play dumb as usual.

But I feel bad for Dou Ming.

Wang Ying Xue has found out about her and Wei Ting Yu.

She's bound to punish her harshly.

Serve me some ice cream,

and I'll gladly help you out of this mess.

Ji Jian Ming,

knock it off.

What are you doing in the capital?

The moment the horse market opened, all those sycophantic fools

flocked to it like flies to garbage.

And I refused to play along.

So, Prince Qing sent me back to the capital to report on my duties.

Tuber fleeceflower and rehmannia glutinosa?

These are specifically used to treat infertility in women.

Are you pretending to be infertile?

A proper show requires the full act.

By dumping these medicine dregs outside,

it'll help Wei Ting Zhen make up her mind.

No wonder Uncle Shi Ying mentioned that the wedding is delayed again.

But why go through all this trouble?

If you want to call off the engagement, just say the word.

I have plenty of quick and effective ideas.

I specialize in cutting off rotten romances.

Domestic matters aren't like court politics.

Acting too hastily could harm others in the process.

Besides, the Wei family is already looking for an excuse to back out.

Don't go doing anything rash.

I don't need your help.

Too bad. I'm helping anyway.

(Blossom)

(Episode 16)

Bravo!

Bravo!

Truly worthy of being the finest performer in the capital!

Well done!

Are you enjoying it, Your Highness?

To bring joy to Your Highness and Your Lordship

is undoubtedly the greatest honor of his life.

Who would have thought the once-dashing young general

now spends his days indulging in opera houses?

Your Highness, you may not know this,

but ever since His Lordship purchased Guanghe Restaurant,

performances here have been on every night.

If there's something you'd like to see,

please don't hesitate to let me know.

This is disgraceful!

Your Highness,

my performers are delicately nurtured.

Please don't frighten them.

Bravo! Bravo!

You're still in mourning, and you're being criticized on court.

You're just putting on a show, aren't you?

His Majesty exempted me from mourning,

I simply follow orders.

Besides, loyalty to His Majesty is the ultimate form of filial piety.

Amazing!

I know you're lying low,

pretending to be indulgent and debaucherous,

just to make people forget your resentment and your hatred.

If you want to investigate

the Duke of Ding's case,

I might be able to help.

My uncle was killed by pirates.

His Majesty has made his ruling.

Or do you have doubts about that, Your Highness?

And what about your father setting you up?

Are you going to let that go too?

Family is family. What's there to set up or not?

At the end of the day, he's my father, and I'm his son.

What can I possibly do to him?

The only things I can control

are the spoiled brats and troublemakers in the training grounds.

Well,

and this little haven of mine.

Bravo!

What a waste of your capabilities.

My capabilities, of course, are at Your Highness's service.

Life in the palace can be restrictive.

I'll pick a few performers for you

to keep in a private spot and enjoy.

What do you take me for?

Count of Yunyang and Princess Jingyu think so highly of you.

They're so wrong!

Do come again, Your Highness!

Bravo!

My Lord, this is brilliant idea.

Nearly every official in the capital loves the opera.

Disguising ourselves as an opera troupe

makes it easier to move unnoticed and gather intelligence.

It also allows us to meet and plan without drawing suspicion.

I'm just sorry that all of you have had to set aside your skills

and hide your identities.

It's a sacrifice I don't take lightly.

You honor us too much, My Lord.

About the Crown Prince's visit in disguise

and his deliberate mention of the case,

it can't be just an attempt to win your favor.

My Lord,

during today's private opera performance for the courier station officer,

we stumbled upon a new lead.

While drunk, he swore that before Grand General entered the capital,

he sent a personal letter to your mother.

Since it wasn't sent through the military courier, it went unnoticed.

After the upheaval at home, I searched through all the letters in the house.

There was no letter from Uncle.

That letter vanished as soon as it reached the capital.

Even the courier who delivered it is nowhere to be found.

Incidentally, the courier station officer

is a cousin of the Crown Princess.

Send word to Chen Jia, ask him to investigate.

Keep a close eye on everyone in the Eastern Palace.

Find every opportunity to connect with the Crown Prince's close aides,

including their family members.

Yes, My Lord.

(Su Yan)

This is 30-year-old Jinyin wine.

So, the one on top really believes

the Duke of Ding's letter

poses no threat?

The Duke of Ding and his forces are long gone.

It's just a letter.

What kind of trouble could it possibly cause?

I just don't know what madness

my rebellious son will stir up next.

Could my mother's death

be connected to my uncle?

Conviction, assassination,

sudden illness, family upheaval,

all these events came crashing down at once.

Unraveling the truth requires not just meticulous investigation

but also patience.

As Young Lady Zhao said,

we must plan carefully and think things through.

My Lord, we got a situation outside.

Where?

Pei Jin, your painting is truly exquisite,

such precise brushwork and masterful use of ink.

What talent!

Jian Ming, meeting you feels like destiny delayed.

Your words resonate deeply with me.

Here's to you.

Here.

Jian Ming, I'm feeling so troubled.

A drink can chase away any sorrow.

A good night's sleep will make everything better.

Come, this way.

-Come on. -Jian Ming.

Since when did those two become so close?

My Lord, Young Lady Ming has just entered Guanghe Restaurant.

Dou Ming?

He's in that room.

Thank you.

Amazing!

Yes! Bravo!

Somebody!

Get me some water.

Ming?

Am I dreaming?

Ming, what...

What are you doing here?

What are you trying to do?

Ji Jian Ming said you had something urgent to discuss.

So, I changed into a maid's uniform and rushed over.

But you were drunk and unconscious!

I wanted to ask for some sobering soup,

only to find the door locked from the outside.

You're despicable!

I...

Hang on, Ji Yong was the one who invited me for drinks.

I might have told her about you,

but I never asked him to bring you here.

This won't do.

I'll get Ji Yong here and clear this up.

Ji Yong!

Open the door!

I've tried.

It's locked from the outside.

You can't open it.

Well...

Ming, I...

I didn't mean for this to happen.

I may have a reputation for being a flirt,

but I would never force a woman.

Especially not you,

the woman I love.

I...

But spending a whole night like this,

there'll be no way to explain it.

Who knows who'll open the door tomorrow,

and what kind of rumors will spread after that?

I'll be drowned in gossip and condemnation!

I'll bring shame to my sister, my parents and my grandfather.

I might as well just die now!

No, Ming!

You risked everything to come here for me.

If preserving your honor means dying,

I'll swallow gold and die with you.

No, no!

You're of noble birth. Why would you throw your life away for me?

Ming, I've made a vow before.

I would marry no one but you.

Even if our families tear us apart,

and we are never meant to be husband and wife,

in life or in death,

I'll never abandon you.

Our bodies and hair are gifts from our parents.

This is their will for us, their blessing.

With this lock of hair,

I swear never to betray you.

Since we are unafraid of death,

how can we fear facing our true feelings?

Mission accomplished.

You again, you meddling mantis!

What did I ever do to you?

Have you even considered Dou Zhao's feelings

and what this could do to her situation?

Ordinary people only see what is, not what will be.

I'm helping Dou Zhao.

You...

This is all my fault.

Take it out on me. Leave her alone.

-My Lord? -I'm fine.

-Lu Ming, lock the door. -Yes, My Lord.

-Make sure no one comes in or out. -Got it.

Pei Jin, did they beat you up?

Song Mo, Pei Jin has already resigned from his post at the Imperial Guard.

What gives you the right to lay a hand on him?

Ting Zhen, it's my fault.

Keep your mouth shut and make sure your residence does the same.

The Marquis lost his way late at night and accidentally took a fall.

I kindly escorted him back.

That's the only version anyone is to hear.

If a single word about tonight gets out,

I'll come and cut your tongue.

Understood.

What the hell is going on?

-What are you... -Ting Zhen.

I can't marry Dou Zhao.

Please allow me to marry Dou Ming instead.

You...

Wang Ying Xue,

you wicked woman!

Knowing that your elder daughter couldn't marry in,

you schemed to have the younger one take her place.

You're determined to latch onto our family, aren't you?

My Lord,

he's nothing but a fickle, greedy,

and lecherous scoundrel.

Why not use this opportunity to...

It's true Wei Ting Yu is a scoundrel,

but he's still engaged to Dou Zhao.

If what happened tonight gets out,

the scandal and ridicule

will follow her for the rest of her life.

The Wu family's downfall is a clear warning.

But if you just let Wei Ting Yu go,

doesn't that mean Young Lady Zhao will still have to marry him?

He wouldn't dare!

I'm escorting His Majesty to the Western Hills in a few days.

I'll come up with a plan then.

Mother,

I don't want to go to the temple, please.

Go.

I don't want to go.

-Move. -That's enough.

You'll stay at the temple for a few days.

If anyone asks, we'll say you're there for spiritual practice.

And what happened at Guanghe Restaurant never happened.

Mother,

even though His Lordship and I didn't cross the line, we...

Shut up! You may not have shame, but I do!

I've sent someone

to urge the Wei family to set a date.

For the sake of all three families,

Dou Zhao's wedding

must happen.

Mother!

My whole life,

I've lived cautiously,

always holding back and enduring what I could.

But this time,

His Lordship and I have made a vow to each other.

I just want to be brave for once,

like you were when you fearlessly married Father.

You foolish child.

A man only cherishes

what he has had to fight hard to earn.

I rushed into my marriage in a moment of passion,

and all I've gotten in return is his indifference.

Years of distance and loneliness in this marriage,

haven't you seen enough to understand?

Why would you follow in my footsteps?

Mother,

all my life

you've made me practice calligraphy, study painting, and perfect my manners.

Is it really supposed to make me happier?

Or is it just so I can marry into a prestigious family

and bring you honor?

What did you just say?

You made me embroider so many landscape tapestries,

gifting them all over the capital,

but all you ever did was criticize every mistake I made.

Nothing I did was ever good enough!

But Wei Ting Yu is different.

He saw the scars on my hands,

and told me I was enough.

With him, I don't have to struggle so hard anymore.

I spent over ten years raising you with everything I had,

And now, some sweet words from a man have made you lose your senses?

Let me tell you this one last time,

love is fleeting,

it fades.

The only things that can really protect you

are a man's future

and his wealth!

Mother!

Please, I'm begging you!

I don't want to go, Mother!

Mother!

Once your sister marries him,

you'll wake from this dream.

Take her inside!

-Mother... -Come on, Ming.

Mother, don't send me away!

-Move, Ming. -Mother!

-Come on. -Mother, don't send me away!

Mother!

No, Mother!

Mother!

Mother!

Madam.

Oh, you're here. Have a seat.

Your Grace,

I've come today

to talk about the wedding.

This tea

smells delightful.

But when you drink it, it's bland and flavorless.

Could it be that someone's swapped it for an inferior brew?

Please, Your Grace, you must believe us,

it wasn't swapped by us.

It must have been an outsider.

Your Grace,

I came here specifically to clear up this misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding?

Don't think I don't know about your schemes.

Your family seems intent on clinging to our family.

When one plan fails, you push another.

Let me tell you, we aren't so easily fooled.

Your Grace,

please calm down.

I'm here to tell you

that Dou Zhao is not only virtuous

but also possesses a considerable fortune.

With her assets, you'll enjoy a life of endless luxury.

Think about it,

when she's married into your family,

all of that wealth

will be at your disposal.

As for her health,

with proper care,

she'll recover in time.

Please try it again.

I've chosen the perfect date,

ten days from now would be a perfect day for the wedding.

Ruining someone's reputation and benefiting at their expense!

You think you're the smartest person in the world, don't you?

For someone who's read the classics,

you sure act like you're above everyone else.

You are reckless and thoughtless.

Good thing things didn't blow up this time.

If they had,

do you think Dou Ming would still be alive?

If you keep worrying about this and that,

then you deserve to suffer.

If you were willing to marry Wei Ting Yu,

I wouldn't have had to resort to these ridiculous schemes.

I don't want to marry him,

but I had a foolproof plan.

It was all under control until you interfered.

Your so-called plans were either faking illness or death.

You call that foolproof?

At least I've never hurt others for my own selfish desires.

How is what you've done

any different from what Wang Ying Xue did back then?

You're comparing me to Wang Ying Xue?

My way is quick and effective.

You got your wish to break off the engagement,

so what if Dou Ming and Wei Ting Yu have to endure a little of gossip?

If it weren't for Song Mo, that meddling mantis,

they'd be thanking me and inviting me to their wedding feast.

Everything I've done has been for you.

If Song Mo hadn't interfered,

you would've ruined our entire family.

You keep saying you're doing this for me,

but have you ever stopped to think about what I actually want?

Whatever you think doesn't matter.

If you and Wei Ting Yu really end up married,

do you honestly believe they won't cheat on you?

Don't worry.

The doctor said she doesn't have much time left.

Once she's gone and the mourning period is over,

I'll marry you.

All I did was speed up the inevitable.

If you don't cut ties with Wei Ting Yu that jerk,

you'll be the one suffering later.

I just don't want to see you

heartbroken and in tears.

You're right.

You're right about everything,

but I don't want to hear it.

My world is too small for someone like you.

I don't want to associate with someone who would

ruin others' reputations just to achieve their goals.

From this moment on,

you go your way, and I'll go mine.

Fine, Dou Zhao.

But if trouble comes your way,

don't come running to me.

We just brought Young Lady Ming back.

And when we weren't looking, she just...

Ming...

Ming!

You will keep this to yourself.

Thank heavens.

Quickly, bring Young Lady a cup of tea.

Yes, Madam.

Are you alright, Ming?

Mother,

I'm sorry.

Just let me die.

No.

No.

Silly girl.

No man in the world

is worth sacrificing your life for,

especially not Wei Ting Yu.

Maybe he isn't good enough,

but... what's poison to one

is honey to another.

When we pledged ourselves to each other,

we swore that

if we couldn't stay together in life,

we'll be together in death.

No...

No!

(Western Hills Palace)

Song Mo, there are five or six routes here,

yet you deliberately took a detour

so I would see the barren lands and the people stripping bark from trees

on the Marquis of Jining's territories.

Your actions are clearly aimed at him.

How dare you abuse your position like this!

It's true that I had personal motives in choosing this route,

but what Your Majesty witnessed today

is the result of the Duchess of Jing forcibly requisitioning that land

to fund the Marquis of Jining's wedding.

The tenant farmers

don't even have seeds left for spring planting.

This is the truth,

not something I fabricated.

When the nobility exploit the common people

to celebrate their joyous occasions,

it sets a dangerous precedent.

Other aristocrats will follow suit,

and the public's resentment will grow harder to quell.

Your Majesty, you are wise.

Wei Ting Yu has lived off his hereditary stipend for years

without contributing to the nation.

He's repeatedly acted in disgraceful ways.

He is unworthy of marrying the top-ranked lady

from the etiquette competition.

You're well aware

that I intend to marry Princess Jingyu to you.

Are you implying you wish to marry Dou Zhao?

Their families have completed the betrothal rituals.

Do you think you can disrupt this as you please?

Kneel as long as you like,

but it won't change anything.

Dou Zhao has been forced by her elders to comply with this engagement,

despite several attempts to break it off.

I've lost nearly everyone I've ever wished to protect or save.

This is the one wish I have left.

It neither undermines imperial authority nor harms anyone else.

I only ask that the person I care for most

be granted one chance at true happiness.

When the bridal sedan crosses the bridge,

I'll set it on fire with this.

You'll push the burning sedan into the water,

and I'll escape by pretending to drown.

This is covered in flint dust,

and you'll have to jump into the water.

This is a dangerously risky plan.

Why won't you ask Old Madam Cui for help, Young Lady?

Grandmother is getting older,

and she has been unwell for years.

I don't want to burden her with any more worries.

Young Lady,

Wang Ying Xue has sent some maids

to purchase wedding attire and jewelry.

The wedding isn't happening anyway.

If she wants to play the role of the mistress of the house, let her.

Our sources told us that Wang Ying Xue hired the finest tailor

to make an extra wedding dress,

but it's not in your size.

Since the founding of our dynasty,

women

have only been allowed to wear

this phoenix coronet on their wedding day.

I've never had the chance to wear it.

I hope that when you wear it tomorrow,

it will bring you a lifetime of peace and happiness.

Mother,

do you really want me to take her place?

Ming,

you are my flesh and blood,

my very life.

How could I bear to see you die?

Mother...

Dou Ming's voice is hoarse.

She must have harmed herself in resistance.

Wang Ying Xue had no choice

but to give in because she's her own daughter.

That works out then.

You don't have to put yourself in danger now, Young Lady.

But you don't look particularly happy about it either.

I've done everything I can to break off this engagement,

while she's done everything she can to marry the man she loves.

We're both fighting for what we want.

But the Marquis of Jining's household

is rotten to the core,

and Wei Ting Yu is an unreliable man.

Dou Ming has never wronged me in this life.

I can't just stand by and watch her walk into hell.

(Dou's Residence)

Congratulations!

The Marquis is here!

How grand!

Congratulations, My Lord!

Congratulations, My Lord!

Congratulations!

Zhao.

The ceremony will take all day.

You might get hungry,

so I prepared some food for you.

Su Lan,

leave us.

Yes, Young Lady.

This is lotus seed and lily soup.

It symbolizes a long and harmonious marriage

filled with happiness and peace.

I wish the same for you, happiness and peace,

and that you'll find a man you love.

Congratulations!

It's a shame Ming is still unwell

and couldn't see her sister get married.

But don't worry, Shi Ying,

I'll find a good match for Ming as well.

I thought she had some brilliant plan,

but in the end, she still has to marry him.

Wait!

You have to

take good care of yourself there.

Go on.

So, she used a substitute.

As expected, Young Master Ji, you're the clever one.

The question is, is certain someone clever enough to realize it?

Wait!

My Lord,

this is my wedding.

What are you trying to do?

You fool, don't do anything stupid.

-Do you know... -I know.

That's not Dou Zhao.

Why did you stop them then?

I only just found out.

I knew it,

she'd never actually marry Wei Ting Yu.

It's someone else's wedding.

I've heard there's some bad blood between their families.

Really?

What are they doing in there?

What's up with them?

Those who join in matrimony,

how many of them really love each other?

Most are just resentful matches made out of obligation.

Lovers lament the long night,

tormented by thoughts of one another.

Too fragile to give as a gift,

yet I dream of a perfect reunion.

Ming!

It's really you!

This is wonderful! How did heaven send you to me?

That's an important soup.

I'm sure there's more.

Go and get another bowl.

Zhao, I'm too ashamed to face you.

I didn't want to do this to you.

Dou Ming,

marriage is a lifelong matter that determines your happiness or suffering.

You must think it through.

The Marquis of Jining's household is a pit of vipers.

Wei Ting Yu is not a good man.

If you marry him,

you may end up spending your life managing the household.

You'll likely come to see his cowardice and weakness for what they are.

You may suffer greatly,

and your relationship might even fall apart.

Have you thought about all of that?

If you change your mind now,

I can still fix things.

All my life,

I've done what Mother wanted.

I've tried to be the daughter she's proud of.

But no one has ever cared

about what I think

or what I want.

Young Master Wei is the first person

who really appreciates me for who I am.

I love him.

He's not as terrible as you think.

He's just been suppressed by his sister.

He even stood up to her for my sake.

He cares for me.

And he's trying hard for me.

I believe people can change.

I'm changing,

and so is he.

He has dismissed his concubines for me.

Isn't it possible

that people grow better

through their experiences?

Change...

This time,

instead of following anyone else's expectations,

I'm going with

what my heart wants.

Since you're determined to marry him,

I'll step aside for you.

-No, I can't. -Just do it before someone comes.

-Come on, do it. -I'm scared.

-Now. -No.

Zhao!

Are you alright? Did I hit you too hard?

I can't believe you really went all out.

I'm so sorry, Zhao.

Slowly.

I owe you a debt of gratitude I can never repay, Zhao.

If blessings are really finite,

I'd gladly give mine to you.

I knocked out my sister

and married you in her place.

Tomorrow, the world will mock me

for being shameless and betraying my family.

My love,

you committed such a bold act for me.

I will never forget

such sacrifice.

No matter how many hardships come our away after this,

I will protect you.

I'll never let anyone wrong you.

We should convince the Wei family to formally accept this marriage.

Shou Gu was supposed to marry into their family anyway.

Adding her dowry to Ming's is only fair, isn't it?

Now that this has happened,

you're demanding me, the victim, to be the bigger person?

Do you not care about our reputation?

Shut up!

Has any of you bothered to think about if this is fair for Shou Gu?

Dou Zhao, I'll marry you.