Original subtitles

Dou Ming has her own wet nurse to attend to her.

Doesn't she know whether she's pregnant or not?

She didn't even breathe a word.

What was she trying to do?

For so long,

Ming has been either worried about the household expenditure

or worried about getting a position for me.

Besides, she has just become a wife.

How would she have known so much?

How would she dare to take her child's life as a joke?

She was bold enough to steal her sister's marriage.

Is there anything she dares not do?

If your bride was Dou Zhao at the time,

you'd have enough for three generations of the Wei family,

let alone a marquis' residence.

That's enough. Say no more.

Ultimately, this is just about money.

Anyhow, regarding matters of this residence,

please stay out of it in future.

I think you've been hexed

by that vamp.

You can't even recognise your own sister now.

You...

My Lady, please behave yourself.

What did you call me?

The eldest sister is like a mother.

All these years,

I've helped you to handle everything in this residence.

You now have a wife.

So you've totally forgotten about everything I've done for you.

Stop speaking about doing things for me.

All these years, you've not been happy in Duke of Jing's Residence.

I know.

And it pains me to watch you suffer.

If you're considerate,

you should put yourself in Ming's shoes.

From now on,

you can stop worrying about this residence.

(Marquis of Jining's Residence)

If I was as capable as my sister,

things wouldn't have come this far.

Don't think like that, Ming.

After so long,

don't you know what kind of person I am?

I originally knew.

But your sister said...

I know.

Ultimately, the dispute between my sister and your mother

is just about worldly wealth.

If that's the case, I'll acquire it.

Our life will then be peaceful.

You've found a way?

In the past, many people sought my paintings.

But they were common uncouth people.

I just wasn't willing to deal with them.

Your calligraphy and painting are outstanding.

If you're willing to lower yourself,

painting collectors will surely crowd at our door.

If you can make a name in the world of painting,

your paintings will be passed on for generations.

Isn't this your dream too?

Things will get better for us in future.

I'll do this for you.

(Blossom)

(Episode 22)

Madam, you went to great pains

to find His Lordship a duty

but he wouldn't accept it.

He'd rather stoop to selling paintings than taking up the position.

Why did Fifth Young Lady marry a wimp?

Don't drivel.

No matter how bad he is,

he is still our son-in-law.

No matter what,

I have to pave the way for Ming.

I can't let her take the path I took.

Is this how you navigate the carriage?

Madam, I trust you've been well since we parted.

(Jieyi Hall)

Your father sent troops to suppress bandits.

Why didn't you notify us?

All these years, we've helped you make quite a lot of money.

Are you burning the bridge now?

I wasn't able to.

My family consecutively held two weddings for two daughters.

I still can't find the time to discuss this with my father.

Madam, you're playing us like monkeys.

If you still want to fool us today,

I'll let you taste this extremely toxic blade.

Go on then. Kill me.

It will good for both of us this way.

Madam, what are you talking about?

Shut up.

You can either

kill me right now.

I'd like to see

whether or not my father who's the Minister of War

will let you off the hook.

Or you can release me now.

We can sit down and talk this out.

Guys.

Yes.

Release her.

Madam,

I'm sorry.

You know my men and I are only in this for the money.

You have money to hold weddings for your daughters.

But why don't you have money to repay the loan?

If this goes on,

my men will become desperate.

We will have to rob Marquis of Jining's Residence

in exchange for a chance to live.

Marquis of Jining's Residence

is now left with promissory notes and pawn tickets.

You can try to rob it if you don't believe me.

In my opinion,

if you really have the courage to burn your boat,

why don't you rob another household?

Come here.

Why?

Stand straight.

Close your eyes.

I said close your eyes.

What is going on?

No peeking.

What are you doing?

Don't move.

Almost done.

Shouldn't this be done at night?

Why can't it be done during the day?

It's bright during the day. I get to see more clearly.

You feel hot?

Why are you sweating?

No.

I don't feel hot. I don't.

Done.

Done?

Are you surprised?

Yes.

You made this for me?

I've measured you just now.

It fits perfectly.

I thought...

I overthink it.

When I gave you a bath previously,

I saw a lot of wounds on your body

due to the friction of an armor that doesn't fit.

Now that you're guarding the imperial city,

you should wear an under-layer of golden silk soft armor.

Firstly, it increases protection.

Secondly, it reduces friction.

It will keep your safe.

What's wrong? You don't like it?

I like it.

You've been looking at the soft armor Her Ladyship made

and sighing for one hour.

What is wrong with it?

That day I saw that my uncle and aunt

were very much in love despite being on the battlefield.

Grand General and his wife were a loving couple indeed.

What about Dou Zhao and me then?

Are we different?

Her Ladyship is courageous and resourceful.

She keeps the household in perfect order.

Since she came to the residence,

the duke has been hesitant

and rarely picks fight with you.

Her Ladyship is indeed a perfect spouse for you.

I feel that

she doesn't love me.

My Lord, Her Ladyship has done so much for you.

She even made you this soft armor.

How can you say she doesn't love you?

That's right.

No.

I'm not talking about that kind of love.

Just like what I told Dou Zhao.

We will progress and stick it out for each other.

And she treats me

like how a military counselor would treat a general.

Just like how you two treat me.

This isn't love.

My Lord, I do love you.

I love you too.

No, no.

This isn't what I meant.

Her love for me

isn't the kind of love between a husband and a wife.

Do you get it?

I'm not married yet.

Hence, I don't really get it.

You don't like her to treat you like this?

It's not that too.

Her Ladyship is unromantic.

It's close. Go on.

My Lord, I'm only 17 years old.

I haven't found someone I like.

I'm afraid there's nothing more I can add to it.

Kids have no idea about love.

I have no idea about love?

Despite your age, you aren't married yet. How dare you criticize me?

So what? I'm protecting His Lordship intently.

Yan Tang,

you really don't want to go to Zuixian Tower?

I heard

they have many new and beautiful performers.

Besides, you get to eat, drink and listen to music there.

It's my treat.

Let's go.

I've also heard that

they have some new and good-looking male escorts who can sing.

You want to be like Princess Shude?

Such a petty guy.

I get it.

You're jealous.

You're drunk.

No.

Why did you choose this kind of music?

You're shallow and ignorant.

This is called spicing things up.

Do you think someone will recite classic texts when they are drunk?

Are you sure this will work?

It suits the occasion so much.

Such a great voice.

This isn't something a gentleman would do.

I think you should just stay single forever.

What's wrong with being single?

It's good to be single.

You two look like you're hatching a plot.

Be honest.

What are you trying to pull on Her Ladyship?

Not only does your residence have stars,

this place has them too. Look.

I hated your eyes in the past.

But now, I...

What?

Your eyes

look like they have stars in them.

They sparkle.

They are so pretty.

Look.

The reflection in the water

is like the flower in a fog or the moon among the clouds.

You can see them but you can't touch them.

It makes them even prettier.

Do you like this?

Yes, I like this.

I like this very much.

I like you too.

Look.

The lanterns are pretty.

Just like your eyes.

My Lord.

My Lord.

Head back home first.

Prepare hot soup and ginger tea for Her Ladyship.

Wait for my return.

My Lord, there are so many people along the way back.

Are you going to carry Her Ladyship all the way?

If you don't get them ready in time,

you'll have to run ten miles with heavy loads.

Yes, My Lord.

Come on.

That lantern

is so pretty.

Okay. I'll get it for you.

I'll give you anything you want.

My father says you're shameless.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.

I wouldn't dare say such nonsense.

As long as my wife is happy,

I'm happy to do it.

Yan Tang.

Yan Tang.

Since you're drunk, wouldn't this be considered as taking advantage?

I'll let you go today.

Yan Tang.

Actually, I'm not drunk.

You're up, My Lady?

Don't worry. I'm the one who helped you get dressed.

As for this hangover soup,

His Lordship made it himself.

You got so drunk last night.

I can't remember clearly indeed.

I only remember us going out last night

to enjoy a show and music.

And then...

And then what?

You'll have to ask His Lordship, of course.

You held His Lordship the whole night.

When His Lordship came out this morning,

his neck was bruised.

You'll have to ask him, of course.

You're up?

I thought you would sleep a little longer.

Last night...

Yan Tang.

Last night...

I was too fond of alcohol and drank too much last night.

Apart from that thing,

I didn't do anything out of place, did I?

What "thing"?

Well, that thing is really nothing.

What I'm saying is,

I wasn't roaring drunk or something, was I?

You've always been calm and composed.

How would you do that?

You just dragged me around

to look at reflections and stars.

You wanted me to buy the things you pointed along the way.

You even held me and talked nonsense the whole night.

The words I said after I was drunk

need not be taken seriously.

In that case, when you said my eyes were gentle and pretty,

was that false too?

You said you like...

Yan Tang.

You should head to the office now.

You're going to be late.

-All right. -Go.

By the way, the lantern is at the front courtyard.

This lantern...

Last night,

His Lordship asked Mr Yan to bring it back.

You even wanted to take it to bed.

That lantern is so pretty.

Okay.

I'll give you anything you want.

My Lady.

-My Lady. You can't do that, My Lady. -Push it into the room.

-Hurry. -Stop pushing it.

This lantern was specially ordered

by Duke of Jing of North Ward

for his mother's birthday.

It's 100 inches tall

to symbolize that she'll live a long life.

Do you like it, My Lady?

I do.

But I'd be taking her life...

No, I mean, I'd be taking away her wish for having a long life.

It's not right, isn't it?

Don't worry about it.

His Lordship has ordered a new one for Old Duchess of Jing.

Your happiness is all that matters.

In that case, My Lady,

do you want us to put this lantern up?

This lantern is too eye-catching.

Hang it at the back door.

Yes, My Lady.

On second thought, just bring it back.

Good.

There are plenty of crane paintings in the capital,

but very few capture such spirit and charm.

This is a masterpiece.

I'll offer 1,000 taels.

My husband has devoted years to his art, creating thousands of works.

This is indeed one of his finest works.

But there are a few adjustments needed.

First, the background,

replace the mountains

with a field.

A field?

Cranes are symbols of solitude and nobility,

their calls resonating through mountains.

How could it reside in a field?

This painting is intended as a gift for Lord Chen.

His mobility isn't what it used to be.

Wouldn't he feel dispirited seeing steep mountains he cannot traverse?

A crane in a field has its own charm as well.

The feathers are too simplistic.

They need to look fuller

to make the painting look valuable.

Also, the red on the crane's crown is too pale. It lacks...

You clearly don't understand art. I'm not selling it anymore.

I only sell to those who appreciate it.

This is the first time I've encountered a deal where haggling isn't allowed.

Our apologies, Mr. Zhou.

Even though the sale doesn't work out, our friendship remains.

My Lady, you're so gracious.

You're not only beautiful but also cultured and courteous.

How dare you hit on my wife.

Guards, throw him out with a beating!

-Yes, My Lord! -Pei Jin...

What have I done?

-Pei Jin... -Walk!

What did I say, My Lord?

-My Lord... -Walk!

Let go of me!

Out!

You...

1,000 taels is enough to cover our household's expenses for a year.

He may be a mere art dealer,

but he's helped elevate many artists.

Through his connections,

your paintings could end up in private collections or even in the palace.

Ming, painting is meant to cultivate

one's spirit and express true emotions.

To paint with ulterior motives or against one's will

would disgrace the very art itself.

If you won't compromise on your art,

why won't you focus on your job at the Warden's Office?

With your title as a Marquis,

you could make a name for yourself

and build a real career.

It's precisely because of my title

that I'm mocked by my colleagues

that I had to rely on your family's support.

I don't care about that position at all.

That's only because you're new.

It's normal to encounter some friction at first.

How about we host a banquet at Zuixian Tower and invite your colleagues?

It'll help foster goodwill and support.

Being mocked is one thing,

and now you want me to host a feast for those vulgar buffoons?

That would only add to my humiliation.

Fine.

Since you won't put your pride aside,

I'll do it instead.

I'll make some embroidery and sell them,

maybe open a small shop to sell pastries.

Earning money is earning money.

it doesn't matter who does it.

Absolutely not!

You're the Marchioness.

If you start dealing with the public like that, everyone will mock me.

You must never follow in your mother's footsteps.

What's wrong with my mother?

She may have made mistakes,

but selling grain and porridge just to support the whole family,

how was that wrong?

Ming.

Ming.

I...

That's not what I meant.

Fine, I'll change.

I'll take the position, happy now?

My Lord.

An old servant from Duke of Ying's Residence

requests an audience.

Let him in.

My Lord,

I was a stableman at Duke of Ying's Residence.

I'm Ma Qiang.

I've been investigating the matter of former servants leaving the estate,

but you've remained hidden until now.

What brings you here today?

I stayed hidden before

because I was afraid.

But now, I've come to speak with you about my wife, Qi Xia.

She...

She used to serve the Duchess.

Where is Shou Gu?

At the bookshop.

Go fetch her now.

Yes, My Lord.

Most of the old servants who worked in the inner house are gone.

Qi Xia used to serve the Duchess.

Later, when she fell ill and lost her wits,

they sent her to the kitchen to tend the fire.

That's probably how she escaped.

Judging by her condition,

I doubt we'll be able to get much out of her.

Hawk, rooster...

Young Lady, do you remember Duke of Ying's Residence?

Hawk, rooster...

Yes, yes, I remember.

-Hawk... -Time to take your medicine.

Rooster, hawk.

-Qi Xia. -Rooster.

Qi Xia, come on, take your medicine.

Hawk.

-Yes, I remember. -Yes, yes.

Hawk, rooster.

Take it.

No, I won't drink it!

No!

No!

Why is she getting so agitated over medicine?

It's always been this way.

Ever since she fell ill, she refuses to take any medicine.

Is it because it's too bitter?

-It's poisoned! Poisoned! -Qi Xia! Qi Xia!

-It's poisoned! Poisoned! -It's not poisoned, Qi Xia!

-Poisoned! -Qi Xia! Qi Xia!

Alright, calm down.

Licorice root isn't poisonous.

Did she refuse to take it as well?

No, not at all. Licorice is sweet and nourishing.

She used to drink it infused in water all the time.

Think carefully, when did she start refusing licorice?

It... It must have been after the Duchess fell gravely ill.

Alright now, Qi Xia.

The only people who could have tampered with my mother's medicine or food

are her close maids.

Could it have been

Mei Rui?

I've searched the storage rooms,

kitchen, and herb rooms in the residence.

There's no licorice to be found anywhere.

I don't know much about medicine.

Do you have any trusted imperial physicians you can consult?

I've only been back in the capital for a year.

I trust no one.

I know someone who can help.

The prescription itself is sound.

For urinary retention, you need something to

reduce swelling and dissolve obstructions.

Euphorbia is indispensable for this.

However, Euphorbia and licorice are incompatible.

Taken together,

they result in fatal toxicity.

After my mother's death, I examined all the leftover medicine residues.

Everything matched the prescription, there was no licorice.

But for the lethal reaction, both substances must be consumed together.

If the licorice wasn't in her medicine...

Did your mother have any particular eating habits?

She hated bitterness.

She always ate candied fruits after taking her medicine.

She left this to me before I went to Futing.

This is it.

These candied fruits weren't made with honey

but steeped in large amounts of licorice from Hexi to create the sweetness.

Eating these daily, she wouldn't have lived past a month.

Who gave them to her?

My Lady.

Come.

She used to be a maid serving the Duchess of Ying.

She later fell into madness, so we can't get any answers from her.

Could you treat her?

No...

No, no...

Bring her to me every seven days, before the hour of Shen.

I'll use acupuncture to regulate her pulse and try to restore her sanity.

I'll do what I can and leave the rest to fate.

What we see isn't always the truth.

We can't jump to conclusions based on the licorice alone.

There's no smoke without fire.

If we trace the source of the licorice,

the truth will reveal itself.

Acting rashly will only alert the culprit.

In noble households like these, the suppliers for daily necessities

are often long-established.

If we can acquire the treasury key and access the accounts,

we might uncover some clues.

For now, let's bring Qi Xia to Yizhi Hall and take good care of her.

It'll make it easier to treat her condition,

and since she once served the late Duchess,

she shouldn't be left to fend for herself.

We might even uncover more answers.

Didn't you tell me that those wretched maids were all dead?

We searched everywhere and couldn't find her.

She's been out of her mind for years.

I thought she must have died from her illness by now.

Then how is she alive and well in Yizhi Hall now?

Idiot!

Your Grace!

Get out of my sight!

If they keep digging,

it's only a matter of time

before they trace everything back to us.

Our informants from the brigands

report that Wang Ying Xue has colluded with the Cangbei Gang

to bring the bandits into the city

and raid Dou Zhao's dowry.

Perhaps we could send Song Mo away and take advantage of the chaos to...

Dou Zhao is a pawn strategically placed to trap Song Mo.

Are you trying to ruin the entire game?

What if this isn't merely a simple robbery?

If it turns into a major upheaval in the capital,

it could provide an opportunity to reclaim military power

and reorganize the city's defenses.

His Majesty hasn't been feeling well.

He is going to the Western Hills Palace for recuperation soon.

As Commander of the Imperial Guards,

Song Mo will have to go with him.

The Imperial Guards' primary duty

is to ensure His Majesty's safety after all.

If he abandons his post to save his wife, it's treason.

If he doesn't,

he won't be able to save her.

What a brilliant plan!

That ungrateful son is bound to lose

no matter which choice he makes!

The two most critical pawns are about to be sacrificed.

Minister Dou, don't you find it a pity?

Dou Zhao is now a part of the Song family.

This is a matter of their family.

As for Wang Ying Xue,

she's always been a pawn.

It's about time she served her purpose.

This is a reward from Madam.

Where is the stuff?

Madam.

There's something I don't understand.

If the plan is to use the Cangbei Gang to get rid of Dou Zhao,

why drag Wei Ting Yu into it?

Cangbei Gang came after me

because I couldn't cover the gap in the loansharking business.

All of this happened

because Wei Ting Zhen that greedy woman threatened me.

Besides,

she's also tied to the business.

The Duke of Jing is the Empress' maternal family.

If things go south,

they won't just sit back and do nothing.

That's a well-conceived plan, Madam.

Dou Zhao,

no one will come to your rescue this time.

Madam, it's a divine blessing.

Thank you for your protection.

Stay here tonight and focus on practicing your calligraphy.

You must not leave the residence.

Father...

What are you up to?

Are you

going to set up Mo?

He's my brother!

Foolish boy!

He's the mountain crushing down on you, a harbinger of doom.

He's left the city.

You don't need to worry about him.

Just know,

whatever happens tonight,

it's all for paving your future path.

Remember,

stay calm and focused.

Keep practicing.

Keep a close watch on him.

If anything happens, you can kiss your life goodbye.

Yes, Your Grace.

I've searched all over the capital, and every expert says it can't be fixed.

Mr. Chen,

didn't you say you could fix anything?

It's not that I don't want to help,

but this is smashed into pieces,

the cracks are irregular,

and there's missing material.

This is a job

I simply can't take on.

Mr. Chen, you know I always pay generously.

Please just help me out.

I'm a craftsman, not a merchant.

I can't do something

that would ruin my reputation.

Mr. Chen...

Just give it a try, Mr. Chen.

Give it a try.

You...

Sit here.

I...

Da Fu, where's my official token?

Don't you usually carry it with you, My Lord?

Perhaps check again?

It's not on me. Where could I have left it?

Hurry, go back and look for it.

Wait.

Never mind, I'll go back and find it myself.

My Lord.

You Ming.

Off to sell paintings again?

Sell paintings?

No, I'm on my way to the Warden's Office.

It's my duty day today.

Why don't you join us for a drink?

Drink? But...

No 'but's.

Everyone knows the position your mother-in-law

arranged for you is just a ceremonial post.

I've invited some of the Warden's Office officials today.

You need to build connections, right?

-Come on. -Come with us.

-Alright. -Yes!

Come on.

Su Xin.

-What's all the noise outside? -There's a fire outside, My Lady.

Su Lan has gone to check on it.

Fire?

My Lady,

there's a fire in the northern district.

The flames are severe.

I've sent His Lordship's name card to the Warden's Office.

They should dispatch help soon.

If the fire is that severe,

waiting for the Warden's Office to respond might take too long.

General Yan, take some men and help with the rescue.

My orders from His Lordship

are to stay here and ensure your safety.

Don't worry, if His Lordship were here,

he'd make the same decision.

Besides, Mr. Chen, Su Xin, and Su Lan are here with me. Go and help them.

Alright then.

You few, stay here and protect Her Ladyship. The rest, follow me!

Yes, sir!

What are you doing here?

Sir, the imperial road is blocked. We've been ordered to clear it.

Open the gates!

-You may enter. -Thank you, sir.

Come on!

Hold on, what's in those carts?

You Cangbei Gang really don't play fair!

Dou Zhao's assets include ten thousand taels of gold.

Such a big, juicy piece of meat,

do you really think you can keep it all for yourselves?

Even the imperial treasury doesn't have that much.

-Who tipped you off? -None of your business.

You can have Yizhi Hall,

but the northern district's shops and grain stores are mine!

Let's go!

-Boss, are you sure... -Let's do it quick and clean. Come on!

Your Majesty.

How can I help you, Lord Song?

I have urgent matters to report to His Majesty.

May I trouble you to inform him?

His Majesty just took his medicine

and has finally fallen asleep.

If it's not too urgent, it can wait until morning.

I've seen flames lighting up the capital.

It's clearly a major incident. I fear this cannot wait...

My Lord,

as a subject, your duty is to ease His Majesty's burdens.

His recovery is the top priority.

Besides, the Warden's Office is in charge of the city.

Your focus should remain on safeguarding this palace.

The west gate has been breached!

The bandits have forced their way in!

If they dare to set foot in here,

we'll make sure none of them leave alive!

Where do you think you're running to, lady?

You wretch!