Original subtitles

♪When sorrow and joy blend into ink♪

♪Flowers fade, rain falls, helpless as time♪

♪Lament this frail body, tangled in love and hate♪

♪Yet I still wrestle with fate♪

♪Snow drifts down, burying all glory♪

♪Blame this destiny granted to me♪

♪Trapped in the chains of love and cause♪

♪When the dust finally settles♪

=Glory in Shadows=

=Episode 23=

(Li Manor)

Why are you here so early today?

I woke up early this morning.

So, I went to made some soup.

Father, please have a taste.

You look rather nice today.

Xingwan,

come here.

One.

What do you mean by that?

Two.

What exactly do you mean?

Three.

Well?

It's tormenting, isn't it?

Don't be afraid.

I won't let you die.

I'll make you suffer every day,

as if ants were gnawing at your bones.

So long as you obey me,

I'll give you one antidote each day

to ease the pain.

What are you trying to do?

Didn't you say you liked me?

Then marry me.

You've lost your mind.

Do you want our honor ruined?

I'd rather die than agree.

As I told you,

I won't let you die.

You've been bedridden for three years.

All your senses were sharp,

yet your body could not move.

That must've been unbearable, right?

Do you wish to taste that again?

This poison...

Zhao Qingru didn't do it.

It was you.

Zhao Qingru, that fool.

How could she know such a cunning trick?

Of course, I did it.

What exactly are you after?

I want to be the matriarch

of Li Manor.

(Li Manor)

Marquis.

Father.

Father.

Father, you're finally willing to see me.

I've missed you dearly,

Father.

Everyone has arrived.

Jingxu, why kneel?

Stand up.

What did you just call me?

Get up first.

The Master is about to announce a joyful event today.

Master?

Master,

everyone is gathered.

Please, speak.

The matriarch has passed suddenly.

The position of my wife is now vacant.

I have made my decision.

I will take Li Xingwan as my wife.

Father,

she...

She's your daughter!

I was never his real daughter.

Whether it's his daughter or his wife,

it's just a title.

I've merely taken on a different title.

Li Xingwan,

have you lost your mind?

Even if you're not bound by blood,

you've called him father for years.

And now you want to marry him?

Do you want our family

to become the laughingstock of the city?

If things get that lively,

all the better.

Do you even know what you're doing,

Li Xingwan?

How dare you call me by name?

I'm now your mother-in-law.

You ought to kneel and greet me with respect.

Utter madness.

Once our wedding date is set,

this household will be lively.

Nonsense.

Father,

what has Li Xingwan done to you?

Tell me.

How could you let her become the matriarch?

Jingxu,

you are a legitimate son.

The Master is getting old.

Many matters are beyond his strength.

I can no longer bear another child.

Once I become the matriarch,

you will be the sole legitimate son

and the only one worthy to inherit the title.

What do you think of that?

You...

You're willing to be so generous

and let me inherit the title?

Li Jingchuan is a concubine's son.

Even with his great military feats,

he still has no claim to it.

Father.

Father,

really?

Can I inherit the title?

If you have any objections,

then I can...

No.

No objections.

No objections at all.

How should you address me now?

Mother.

Please accept my bow.

Excellent.

Excellent.

Why have you become like this?

Li Xingwan, you're crazy.

All of you are crazy.

Attendants!

Shen has shown no respect for her mother-in-law

and has plotted against her husband.

Put her to death with the rod now.

What's this?

You're ignoring my orders?

I am now the matriarch

of this household.

Anyone who defies me

will end up just like Shen.

Move, now!

Wait.

Mother,

I have long-standing grudges against her.

Could you let me deal with her?

Very well.

She's yours.

Take care of her.

You wretched little thing.

You found Li Qiang and intercepted the letter.

Look what trouble you've brought upon me.

You've made me a cripple.

Today, I'll make you pay dearly.

I've been wondering

what Li Jingchuan's treasured lady

is really like.

Even tied up, you're still defiant.

You passed out?

How dull.

Attendants!

(Li Manor)

Where is she?

Still not found.

She can't possibly get away.

She must still be in the manor.

Search for her at once.

- Yes. - Yes.

(Elegant Spring Residence)

Let's see how far you can run.

Where did she hide?

Check over there.

Let's go.

Deputy Xu.

Lady Xingwan.

Are you here for my brother?

No.

I'm here to find Mrs. Li.

Have you seen her?

Oh, Yaochu?

I think I saw her

heading toward the back mountain.

Thank you.

Jingchuan.

Have a sip.

Are you planning to die alongside Shen Yaochu?

What did you say?

Yaochu is dead?

That's right.

Why would I ever let her live?

Jingchuan,

you'll never see her again.

Li Xingwan.

This may not be poison,

but it will drain your strength

and make you follow my lead.

Stop struggling.

I don't believe you.

I'm going to find her.

Give up already.

You can only be with me.

I am now the matriarch.

Everyone is at my command.

If I wish someone gone,

then they will be gone.

You're completely mad.

Jingchuan,

right now,

you have only me.

My Lady, she's still not found.

The manor isn't that large.

Where could she possibly hide?

Where is he?

♪New snow falls thick beneath the eaves♪

♪Covering the courtyard gate♪

♪Your gaze melts winter into spring♪

♪Turning back from the boundless multitude♪

♪Gazing at you in that fleeting moment♪

♪All the hardships fade into drifting dust♪

♪A foolish dream turns earnest with you in it♪

♪Even a feigned play can grow into true affection♪

♪Too many dusks walked alone beneath my umbrella♪

♪Yet I crave the warmth left in your embrace♪

♪Among thousands of bright lamps, is there one♪

♪That waits quietly for me?♪

♪Time grinds through the rings of memory♪

♪Only you keep me warm in the long night♪

♪Scars left by the days gone by♪

♪Lie upon the lines of our hands together♪

♪I hold out a heart sincere and true♪

♪Crossing the deep courtyard♪

♪Just to trade it for one kiss from you♪

♪Praying our hair turns gray without regret♪

♪So that true love will finally come to be♪