Original subtitles

That tree hasn't flowered or grown leaves in decades.

There are no fallen leaves to sweep.

Why bother sweeping the floor every day?

Master says sweeping is a form of cultivation.

Whether there are leaves or not, it must be done daily.

Stubborn mule.

The abbot wanted you to cleanse your mind,

not a patch of ground.

It's raining.

Come sit with me,

have some tea, and take a break.

The tree is flowering.

Look!

You were born emotionally detached,

with little understanding of feelings,

much like this withered tree.

Alive,

yet without flowers or leaves.

This withered tree neither flowers nor grows leaves.

It's dark and unsightly,

completely out of place in this elegant courtyard.

Why don't you dig it up and throw it out?

Everything exists for a reason.

When you've grown

and experienced the complexities of the mortal world,

you'll understand that even a withered tree can bloom again.

If I'll understand when I grow up,

why did my father send me here?

Everyone has their own karmic path.

Being emotionally detached might be seen as a burden in the mortal world,

but in the pure land of Buddhism, it's a blessing.

Since you are fated to walk this path,

I will give you the Dharma name "Yuantong."

(Blossom)

(Episode 18)

This is strange.

He's even escorting me home?

The fearsome man has suddenly turned nice.

What on earth is he up to?

This is a disaster. I used to rebuke the Dou family for scheming,

and now I'm the one with an agenda.

How am I ever going to change his impression of me?

Thank you for saving me,

and for the trouble of escorting me home.

I might have acted too harshly during the Dragon Boat Festival.

Consider this an apology.

I hope you'll forgive me.

Goodbye.

You're not here to propose as well, are you?

No, I was...

on duty today. I just happened to pass by.

But your spooked horse couldn't have been accident.

Firecrackers don't go off on their own.

I've sent my men to look into it.

You must have offended quite a few people when turning down

suitors for Young Lady Zhao.

A man without sin, but with a treasure, invites envy.

A jade of great value, if surrendered too easily

like in the tale of the Spring and Autumn Annals' Yu Shu,

it'll only end up unappreciated.

Shou Gu is far more precious than any jade.

I'd rather resign

than let her marry those scoundrels.

Her father may seem soft,

but when it comes to important matters, he does show some backbone.

Do you like the Spring and Autumn Annals as well?

I read it occasionally.

The subtle wisdom and profound lessons in it

reveal something new with every reading.

We must discuss it someday

when there's a chance.

I'd be honored.

No need to walk me in.

Lu Ming, buy me a copy of the Spring and Autumn Annals,

the latest annotated edition.

My Lord, didn't you have a photographic memory?

You'd read books once and then donate them to the charity house.

Did I say I was going to read it?

It's for display.

What you're reading isn't history,

it's the art of romance.

My Lord, we've caught the man responsible for spooking the horse.

He's a servant of Lord of Haichang.

But he's tight-lipped and refusing to talk.

It's obvious.

His master must've been furious after his proposal was rejected.

Still, the firecracker was unusually large,

almost too big for standard fireworks.

Someone might be hoarding gunpowder.

Should we look into it?

Good idea. It's the perfect excuse to take Lord of Haichang a lesson.

If anyone pressures you into marriage again,

show them this.

You have the right to choose,

the right to refuse anyone,

even your father or uncle.

No one can force you anymore.

He could've asked His Majesty grant him your hand in marriage,

but instead, he only asked for your freedom to choose.

That shows just how genuinely he cares for you.

If you agree to my proposal,

five days later,

tie a red ribbon on this magnolia tree.

I'll see it from afar.

If you intend to turn me down,

tie a white one.

And I will never bother you again.

Little dreamer.

Ji Jian Ming?

What are you doing here?

I told you, didn't I?

After all that drama, they still ended up married.

You can't hide in Zhending forever.

This situation could either blow over or become a major problem

for the Dou family

if no one smart steps in to fix it.

Want to hear my plan?

If it's another one of your selfish schemes, I'm not interested.

This one isn't selfish,

it's selfless.

Let's just sleep together and get married.

Ji Jian Ming!

We're just platonic soulmates,

who on earth want to sleep with you!

I heard that,

you just said we're soulmates.

So don't you dare talk about going our separate ways ever again.

Childish.

It's fixed?

Western gadgets aren't easy to repair.

It probably cost more than buying a new one.

It did, three months of my salary, in fact.

Consider it a symbol of us making up.

Careful not to damage it again.

Oh, and your father said not to come back no matter what happens,

he'll take care of everything.

No matter which side we choose,

we'll offend the other.

If I follow my father's approach and stay neutral,

it'll be seen as an insult to the imperial family

and offend His Majesty.

My father has a scholar's temperament,

idealistic and inflexible.

He won't be able to handle this.

But this must never fall into my uncle's hands.

You're worried that Uncle Shi Shu would use your marriage

to drag Dou family into the throne succession struggle?

Court politics are treacherous.

How many have bled and died

for power and status?

All I want is a life of peace,

happiness, and freedom.

Teach me how to read the stars.

You're someone with a unique destiny, able to grasp the workings of fate.

Why do you need to read the stars?

Because the road ahead feels completely dark.

I can't see anything.

Why cling to worldly troubles?

Roam the land, sail the seas,

how much freer could life be?

Do you remember anything from your previous life?

Who could possibly remember that?

Even when I read the stars, I can only see the present.

I'm no all-knowing sage.

Is everything in life predetermined?

If something is meant to happen,

does it always come to pass?

Have you heard of "stars shift, fortunes change"?

The constellations change, and so do people.

If everything were set in stone,

why would you need to worry?

Life is exciting because of its uncertainties.

(Zhaowen Bookstore)

Welcome back, Young Lady.

What has Song Mo been up to lately?

Just his usual duties.

Oh, and there's suspicion that Lord of Haichang has been illegally

manufacturing gunpowder and firecrackers.

Song Mo is investigating the case.

Unbelievable!

He's still working and investigating cases?

At a time like this?

How does he even have the mind to focus on that?

Is there something wrong with that?

Nothing at all.

Let him do his duty, and I'll do mine.

Mr. Zhao,

show me the newest gilded stationery!

His Lordship is an imperial guard.

What's wrong with him doing his duty?

Higher.

A little higher.

Why does it have to be white?

Master Shi Shu sent you to the estate.

What if he catches you sneaking back?

Higher.

We should go back, Young Lady.

Su Xin, take down that white kite.

Yes, Young Lady.

I'll do it.

How did you get into this courtyard?

The gatekeeper said we could come in to fetch our kite.

Don't play near this tree again, understood?

Go now.

Su Xin, take down the white tail as well.

-Quickly. -Yes, Young Lady.

The firecracker factory on the outskirts

is connected to Lord of Haichang.

He's been colluding with men from the Shenji Battalion

in the eastern suburbs.

Lord of Haichang is one of Prince Qing's men.

If this gunpowder is linked to Prince Qing,

does that mean

Prince Qing is also colluding with the Shenji Battalion?

Then this isn't just about Lord of Haichang being bitter

over Master Shi Ying rejecting his marriage proposal.

My Lord!

My Lord,

I caught someone following us.

Worried it might be one of Lord of Haichang's men,

I had him captured and interrogated under duress.

And then...

And then what? Speak up!

He confessed.

He said he works for

Chen Qu Shui.

Chen Qu Shui's man was following His Lordship?

But Chen Qu Shui has got nothing to do with Lord of Haichang.

If he's Chen Qu Shui's man,

that means he works for Dou Zhao.

Dou Zhao actually sent someone to follow me.

And you beat him up!

How else was I supposed to find out who he worked for?

But don't worry,

he's no tough guy, he confessed almost instantly.

And the beating? It wasn't...

That harsh.

What should I do now?

I couldn't take the beating,

so I confessed.

Then, Lord Song personally untied me

and even gave me a gold ingot

before letting me go.

Did Lord Song say anything?

His Lordship asked me

to pass along his regards to you.

I've never seen so much money in my life.

I didn't dare spend it.

I thought I should bring it back to you.

You've been through enough.

Consider it your compensation for medical expenses.

Keep it.

Thank you, Young Lady Zhao!

Young Lady,

I sent the wrong man for the job.

Please punish me.

I'm the one who asked you to send someone to follow him.

It's not your fault.

I'm just feeling a little embarrassed now.

Young Lady.

Why don't you have some pastries and take a break?

What's going on?

Looks like the fireworks factory on the outskirts of the city exploded.

I hope Lord Song and his men weren't there.

Bring more water!

This way!

How did the explosion happen?

Whose fireworks factory is this?

Song Mo!

Song Mo!

Get more water! Get more water!

-Song Mo! -Young Lady Zhao!

-What are you doing here, Young Lady? -Where is His Lordship?

I'm still looking for him.

What can I do?

Song Mo!

-Have you seen His Lordship? -His Lordship is still in there.

-Song Mo! -Young Lady!

Song Mo!

Fu! Fu!

I found it. It's fine.

Thank you, My Lord!

Come, let's go.

It's very dangerous here.

What are you doing here?

Come with me.

Is everything alright?

I grew up on the estate,

surrounded by advisors and guards.

I've always focused on

protecting myself

and living on my own terms.

But I've never stopped

to think about what I really wanted.

But just now,

I realized it.

Song Mo...

I like you.

Deep down,

I think I've always known,

but I was too afraid to face a future I couldn't control.

But now,

I'm even more afraid of losing you.

I know

you've had to stand tall

and smile through hardships

just to survive.

But with me,

you can be yourself.

I'll respect any decision you make

and protect you.

However,

I might not be a good wife.

I can't follow the traditional

"husband leads, wife obeys" rules,

but I'll do my best to be your best partner.

Good.

That's good.

I won't let rigid traditions bind you.

If you fear the Seven Grounds for Divorce,

I'll write you Seven Promises instead.

My Lord!

The warehouse is full of fireworks. The fire is impossible to put off!

Clear the surrounding area.

-My Lord... -Don't let the fire spread.

We'll handle it, My Lord.

-You're so clueless! -Huh?

Just go!

Su Xin, Su Lan.

Go help them

This is all your fault. We got caught!

I just wanted a closer look!

Even though I've accepted your proposal,

I doubt my father, my uncle,

and even your father

will approve so easily.

Don't worry about that.

Since I've decided to marry you,

I'll handle your father.

I'll propose formally and marry you with all proper rites.

How could I let you face it alone?

I'll help you.

But the time we agreed upon is almost here.

I'm afraid it's too late

to hang the red ribbon on the tree by the gate.

That doesn't matter anymore.

Having the champion of the hunting tournament

teach me to ride feels like overkill.

Your steed looks incredibly valuable.

You really don't mind me riding it?

Of course.

Do you like it, Your Highness?

I do.

As long as you're happy,

I'm at your service anytime.

This is my first time riding.

I'm a little nervous.

The key to riding is to stay relaxed.

As long as you sit steadily, nothing will go wrong.

Yan Tang, riding is actually quite fun.

Will you come and teach me every day?

If that's you want,

I'd be happy to.

Stop, stop.

The Ballad of the Mountain Spirit

carries a tone of deep affection and gentle elegance.

Zi Mu admires her beauty and grace.

You haven't grasped the depth of its meaning.

Mother's gone.

What's the point of practicing this?

You...

Your Grace, Young Master.

What's the matter?

Go back and reflect on it.

Yes, Father.

-What is it? -Lord Song has been out

with Princess Jingyu for three days in a row.

They were just at the riding grounds together.

Everyone's talking,

saying he and the princess might get married.

His Majesty did hint at a marriage proposal during the hunting tournament.

He clearly isn't letting this opportunity slip by.

Ever since Song Mo moved out,

he's been abusing His Majesty's favor to do as he pleases.

If he becomes the princess's consort,

he'll trample

all over me.

Marriage is dictated by parental consent.

If you arrange a match for him first,

it would make it difficult for His Majesty to decree another.

Your Grace,

these ladies are from distinguished families,

graceful, intelligent, and virtuous.

They're also just the right age for Lord Song.

Leave us.

If you have any preferences or concerns,

please let me know.

My son has a rebellious nature.

Those gentle and virtuous ladies won't be able to handle him.

Find him

a mean shrew instead.

A shrew?

That's quite an unusual request.

I've never heard that before.

But there is someone who might fit the bill.

There's Dou Zhao, the fourth daughter of the Dou family.

She's said to be arrogant,

feisty, and quite shrewish.

She grew up in the countryside of Zhending.

Rumor has it she's a shrew.

Really?

Yes!

Even the Marquis of Jining would rather endure the scandal of abandoning her

and marry her sister, Young Lady Ming instead.

That says plenty about how unvirtuous Dou Zhao must be.

Excellent.

Excellent!

Go and make the arrangements!

Yes, Your Grace.

Your Grace,

are you really considering Dou Zhao?

The Dou family is perfect.

Song Mo and Dou Shi Shu are already

at each other's throats like fighting cockerels.

If those two end up married,

he won't have

a moment of peace in his household.

By the way,

just to be safe,

go to Zhending and find out more about this girl.

Yes, Your Grace.

Young Lady Zhao only has the dowry left by her birth mother,

which I'd estimate to be

no more than one or two thousand taels of silver.

Young Lady Ming, on the other hand,

has a maternal grandfather who's the Minister of War.

Compared to Young Lady Ming, she's definitely at a disadvantage.

But isn't Dou Zhao said to be the wealthiest in Zhending?

That was in the past.

Now that maritime trade isn't doing well,

-she's lost most of her money. -That's right.

And all her remaining assets are under the control of her stepmother.

These days, she's basically

living off the dowry her birth mother left her.

She's nothing but a mean shrew.

When the heavy rains nearly flooded Zhending,

we suggested substituting sorghum for wheat.

But no matter how we pleaded, she flat-out refused

and insisted the farmers deliver wheat.

She made things hard for us.

She's not just a shrew, she's vicious.

Young Lady Zhao once took a fancy to Young Master Pang Kun Bai

from the Pang family in the capital

and demanded to marry him.

Naturally, the young master refused.

And she had her guards beat him up.

Everyone in Zhending knows about Dou Zhao.

Her grandmother raised her,

but she turned out to be an ungrateful wretch.

To climb the social ladder,

she abandoned her grandmother and moved back to the capital.

She even bribed the county court,

in case the Pang family went to sue her.

In the end, Young Master Pang was branded as someone who harassed women.

It's despicable!

Such audacity.

She really does sound like

a ruthless and spiteful woman.

I heard you put in a good word for me with His Majesty.

Not only have I been reinstated,

but His Majesty even praised me.

Your reinstatement is entirely

due to your own wisdom and integrity.

His Majesty recognizes your love and concern for your daughter.

Though there were criticisms,

he couldn't bear to be too harsh.

But I didn't really do anything noteworthy.

On the contrary.

Putting Dou Zhao's matter aside,

we also owe you for the swift resolution

of the fireworks case outside the city.

The fireworks case?

How am I involved in that?

Your courage in kicking Lord of Haichang out of your house despite his rank

was something few officials would dare to do.

Because of your boldness, Lord of Haichang's plot was uncovered,

and the case was solved so quickly.

The credit is yours.

Frankly, I should be thanking you.

Hearing that from you,

I do feel rather pleased.

-Please enjoy. -Enjoy.

This is excellent wine!

It would be wasted sitting in my residence.

You must accept it.

This is Ganlubai wine, a gift from His Majesty!

Just a small token of my gratitude.

You have countless classics here, a vast ocean of knowledge.

It's truly impressive that you can sit down and read them.

This is a rare copy from a previous dynasty.

If you like it,

you can have it.

No.

A gentleman does not take what another treasures.

You should keep it, since you read it often.

I've long heard of your elegant and refined calligraphy,

though I've yet to see it for myself.

These writing utensils are fit for a scholar of the highest caliber.

They're wasted in the hands of a mere military man like me.

This is Jijin ink.

And a purple-haired brush.

An enamel inkstone.

They say it keeps the ink warm and prevents it from drying out.

This is absolutely ridiculous!

Go ask around in the streets.

People will tell you how Song Mo

forcefully seized his father's residence.

When he saved me from the startled horse last time,

I realized he's not like the rumors say.

He's a well-rounded,

courteous, and reliable young man.

People envy talent.

That's why the rumors are baseless and exaggerated.

Besides, I promised Shou Gu

that her marriage would be her choice.

And don't forget, she has an imperial edict

granting her that right.

The world has gone mad!

Since when does a woman get to choose her husband?

Dou Zhao doesn't know what she's doing,

and you're indulging her.

Even if you want him as your son-in-law,

Duke of Ying that old fox

will never agree.

Master!

Master!

Master, Duke of Ying has sent betrothal gifts for his son.

The chests are lined up outside our gate!

Are you talking about Song Yi Chun, the Duke of Ying?

Yes, Master Shi Shu.

His Grace's name is written right there on the letter.

Didn't I tell you?

Your father would come bearing a betrothal gift in three days.

Just as you predicted, my strategist.

If I openly declared I wanted to marry you, he'd never let it happen.

By doing the opposite and letting him think he had chosen a shrew to break up

my supposed match with the princess, I got exactly what I wanted.

Of course,

we couldn't have done it without Princess Jingyu's help.

Congratulations on your victory, My Lord.

Congratulations on your triumph, Young Lady.

Mission accomplished!

A flawless execution!

-A perfect match! -Harmony and unity!

A couple destined for greatness!

What? Isn't that right?

Or should I have said, "May you be blessed with children,

endless happiness, prosperity,

and great fortune in the Year of the Dragon"?

Master.

We received a letter from the silversmith.

Bring the betrothal gifts into the residence.

Yes, Master.

Higher. There.

Higher, higher.

Good.

This paper cutting is so beautiful.

I know, right?

The cuffs need to be taken in by half an inch,

and the skirt lengthened by an inch.

As for the phoenix crown,

embroider a phoenix flying through peonies,

then embellish it with some red and blue gems, and cat's-eye stones.

Alright, Su Su.

Stop fussing.

You made this special trip back,

but you haven't even had time to sit down for a proper chat.

You've been busy picking fabrics,

adjusting measurements, and choosing patterns.

Just look at your poor fingers.

I'm enjoying myself.

You better not say it's not worth the effort.

Even if you end up stitching a bald phoenix, I'll still wear it.

Oh, I hired a security bureau to deliver the personal belongings

you left with me and the profits from the potato business.

They're already on the way.

But that's a hefty sum.

Do you really trust Song Mo?

Shou Gu! Su Su!

This is the 28th variation of wedding pastries I've made.

Su Xin, Su Lan, why don't you taste them for Shou Gu first?

My stomach's feeling a bit off. I need the restroom.

I'm going to adjust the dress for Su Su.

Hang on...

-Su Su... -Zhang Ru,

don't overdo it.

We've tried seven or eight batches of wedding pastries a day.

How's our stomach supposed to handle that?

I just want to the best wedding pastries for Shou Gu!

These are already the best.

If you send these out,

you'll put half the pastry shops in the capital out of business.

Really? You hear that?

Young Lady.

-Young Lady. -Grandmother.

Old Madam wouldn't let anyone else touch this chest.

She insisted on handing it to you personally.

I've been saving up these jewelry pieces

and estates for you.

A woman can never have too much dowry to stand on her own.

The more secure you feel,

the more at ease I'll be.

This pendant has been passed down through generations of Cui family.

In the future,

the scholarly officials and upright ministers from the Cui Academy

will also serve as your support as the wife of Lord Song.

I told you I'd take you to see the beauty of the mountains and rivers,

but now I'm getting married before that.

Grandmother, I promise I'll...

That can wait.

A beautiful flower does not bloom for those who only seek fleeting fragrance.

As long as Song Mo cherishes you,

the beauty of the mountains and rivers will always be within reach.

Marriage isn't the only path for a woman.

But since you've chosen this path, it must be a fulfilling and happy union.

If you're ever wronged,

don't bear it in silence.

This will always be your home.

By the way, after working all afternoon, why haven't we seen Uncle around?

My son may not be the most eloquent

or quick to act,

but at least he cares a lot and keeps his promises.

Shou Gu,

the bracelet your mother left you wasn't just one,

it was a pair.

A pair?

Yes, the other one was originally worn by Shi Ying.

When you were born, it was agreed

that the bracelets would be passed on to you and your future husband.

Two perfect jade bracelets,

just like two hearts perfectly matched.

On the first anniversary of Gu Qiu's passing,

Shi Ying buried the bracelet

along with a jar of Nuerhong wine

under the large tree on the estate.

But over the years,

that area was repurposed for military farmland, the tree was cut,

and several floods followed...

How can

Gu Qiu rest easy

if Shou Gu marries without it?

Father.

I'm sorry,

Shou Gu.

Let us find it.

My Lord, why don't you go over to her?

Why are we watching from here?

Didn't they say meeting before the wedding brings bad luck?

It's just a bracelet, is this really necessary?

It's a keepsake from my mother.

You're too indifferent to understand something like this.

You're feeling unsure about the marriage,

so you want a keepsake for reassurance.

How about I give you something more practical?

This is a true champion horse from the Liaodong horse market.

If you ever grow tired of it, regret it,

or are mistreated,

you can ride it and come find me.

I guarantee Song Mo won't be able to catch up to you.

Ji Yong is everywhere!

Bai?

Bai?

Bai?

All Mother ever wished for was for me

to find a perfect match who loved me as much as I loved him.

And yet, I couldn't find the other jade bracelet.

Has she lost faith in me?

Shou Gu.

Why are you covering your eyes?

It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding.

Your father said so.

I'll help you look for it.

It's fine.

We've looked for it for so long,

I don't think we'll find it.

There's so much to prepare for the wedding.

You should go take care of that.

It's really no big deal.

Tomorrow's the big day.

I'd like to go over everything for the wedding one more time.

We've got 100 taels of gold, 500 taels of silver,

and five chests of embroidered dresses...

Let go of me! I wasn't eavesdropping! Let go!

-Walk! -Release me at once!

Lord Song is about to be married, and you dare to spy on her?

-You insolent brat! -Who sent you?

Uncle?

-Shou Gu! -Uncle?

Hands off me!

So you're Lord Zhao! My apologies!

I worked hard to get half a month off,

and I traveled a long way to attend your wedding,

and yet I've been treated like a thief!

Tell me, do I look like a thief?

With all these armed guards around,

is this a wedding or a prison transfer?

Sir, His Lordship only stationed us here to prevent

another bride-swapping incident.

You had mud on your shoes and were lurking around the wall...

-Let's go! -That's why I misunderstood.

You messed up again.

You've seen it yourself.

Just looking at Song Mo's men,

you can tell he's naturally suspicious and ruthless.

Are you really going to marry

such a cruel and violent man?

Uncle,

others also say I'm selfish,

fierce, greedy,

and that I have the face of a shrew.

Outsiders are often biased.

Don't take them seriously.

Song Mo isn't like that.

Back in Futing, he devoted himself to protecting the people,

leading troops to eradicate the pirates.

How could someone so dedicated to the people

be a violent brute you're describing?

Don't let your feelings cloud your judgment

or let his appearance fool you.

I've heard rumors

that he slaughtered all the guards in his residence for no reason.

Do you think someone like that is a good person?

Have you considered

that the Duke of Ying's family is a den of tigers and wolves?

A noble family is far more treacherous than a mere official's family.

Just look at the Duke himself,

their family is not a good family to marry into.

I know you're saying this for my own good,

but I believe he really cares for me and will protect me.

I want to marry him.

If that's what you've decided,

I'll support you.

Your mother used to say

that there's no right or wrong choice in love,

as long as it's from the heart

and without regret.

She would have supported you,

just as she never regretted marrying your father.

If Gu Qiu's spirit could see

that you've found someone you're happy with,

she'd surely be even happier than I am.

Is the letter delivered?

I wonder if her father-in-law will even let her in that door.

It was a bride swap last time,

don't tell me this time it's runaway groom?

Dou Zhao!