Original subtitles

ADAPTED FROM A SHUQI.COM NOVEL ORIGINAL AUTHOR: SENLIN LU

Jianning Iron Army was quietly dismissed after the incident.

The leading generals disappeared into thin air.

Has Your Ladyship truly

never wondered what lies behind all this?

You were the only one who delivered the decree that night?

That's right.

It's just your one-sided story

that my father went crazy and killed everyone.

To slander my father, are you even worthy?

A Left General of the Imperial Guards

is not qualified to send decrees to Prince of Duan.

No more games.

Who did His Majesty send to deliver the decree?

Confess.

Get him.

Hold the exit.

Search the area carefully.

Search every corner.

Your Ladyship.

We are here for reinforcement.

He jumped into the river.

Our men are after him.

- Mr. Xiao sent you? - Yes.

Lv Chongshan.

Your master must know that I found you.

You need to make a decision.

Who's more likely to save you, your master or me?

I don't need you to save me.

Stop.

- Are you alright? - I'm fine.

Mr. Xiao. What should we do next?

He can't leave the ward. Search southward.

- Understood. - Understood.

- Who are you? - A debt collector.

We searched all around the canal.

Nothing.

Lv Chongshan is very likely hiding in someone's house.

It's hard to search every household.

By the time we obtain a warrant,

Lv Chongshan may have fled.

We know who he is now.

The poison and injuries need treatment, after all.

I'm worried he might die.

We made such a commotion.

The mastermind might get rid of him.

Look into Lv Chongshan's background.

Who transferred

a Left General of the Imperial Guards to the Andong Protectorate?

Understood.

Why isn't Mr. Xiao back yet?

Your Ladyship.

A servant from the Xiao's Mansion is here for something urgent.

Greetings, Your Ladyship.

Young Master is in trouble.

- What? - Young Master came home unexpectedly

and asked Master out to discuss some matters.

Young Master, you're back.

Qingfeng. Please get my father.

I'd like to talk to him at the Swallow House over a drink.

Tell him to bring the sachet my mother made for me.

The one I've been wearing lately. I'll be waiting in the carriage.

Understood.

He is still on duty today.

As an official of the Astronomical Bureau,

he invited me to the Pingkang Ward for a drink?

This is bad.

Something is wrong.

Young Master said it on purpose.

He didn't want you to show up.

Should I tell him that you're still out?

Something is threatening him to lure me out.

If I don't show up, he will be in deeper trouble.

Should I ask the guards to encircle them and save Young Master?

Huaijin said not to bring anyone. Let's not take any chances.

After I get in, send someone to follow us in secret.

Qingfeng. Go to the Palace Investigation Bureau

and ask Her Ladyship for help.

Understood.

I couldn't stop Master, so I rushed here.

Are they still following the carriage?

Our people lost track of it.

But I think it's heading to the Chongren Ward.

Sachet. Chongren Ward.

Mr. Gu. Come with me.

PRINCE OF DUAN'S MANOR

- Father. - My darling.

- Did you miss me? - I missed you so much!

Let's go.

Your Ladyship.

MEMORIAL TABLET OF PRINCE OF DUAN

Confess your crime in front of the memorial tablets

of the Prince of Duan and Princess Consort of Duan.

I didn't frame the Prince of Duan.

- Xiao Huaijin. - Stay back.

I'll make him confess his crime in front of the Prince of Duan.

He deserves it.

Xiao Huaijin.

Are you alright?

I'm fine.

- Look after your father. - Be careful.

PROPITIOUS WINDS AND NOURISHING RAINS

Uncle Luo?

CHEN LUO, MODAO CORPS COMMANDANT, JIANNING IRON ARMY

I never thought Your Ladyship would still remember me.

Commandant of Jianning Iron Army. When you came for the duty report,

you stayed with us for a while and taught me swordplay.

But why did you abduct Grand Tutor Xiao and Astronomer Xiao?

I, Chen Luo, must avenge the Prince of Duan.

This man slaughtered the entire household.

That night, did the Jianning Iron Army really enter the city?

The Jianning Iron Army has always been loyal to the Great Tang.

We understand the rule that we shall not

enter the capital without summons.

But at that time, we had no other choice.

Around the Winter Solstice, His Highness returned.

Soon after, we heard rumors that celestial signs indicated rebellion,

and His Majesty planned to kill His Highness

on the night of the Lantern Festival.

We were worried for His Highness,

so we sent him letters through intermediaries,

but there was never any reply.

As the day drew near,

we grew increasingly anxious for His Highness

and risked violating military orders.

We decided

to sneak in during the Lantern Festival night

when the curfew was lifted to gather information.

How many people came?

About a dozen of us.

To avoid suspicion,

we wore plain clothes and carried no weapons.

But I fell seriously ill at the last moment,

so they went ahead.

By the time I arrived,

the streets were filled with undercover guards.

Our people were detained right after they entered the city.

I hid in the crowd and escaped capture.

After that,

I rushed straight to His Highness without any delay.

I tried to see that man's face,

but I just couldn't.

However, I noticed the unique design

of the jade pendant he wore.

I saw someone approaching

and feared I would be discovered

and cause His Highness trouble.

So I left in a hurry.

But the next day, news spread throughout the Western Capital

that His Highness had gone mad on the Lantern Festival night

and slaughtered his entire household.

But I knew that the man

who showed up at the manor framed His Highness.

I wanted to find the culprit,

but I didn't know anyone in the capital,

and a jade pendant alone

couldn't help me find that person.

Thankfully, not long after,

I heard that Your Ladyship wasn't home that night and survived.

I decided then that I must tell you the truth.

Your father never went crazy or plotted a rebellion.

Why didn't you come to me all these years?

After the incident, there were undercover guards everywhere.

I didn't dare show myself easily.

Then you moved into the palace. I had even less chance to meet you.

Finally, a few months ago,

I heard you were returning from Ping'en County.

So I waited at the county border.

I didn't know who you were with, so I didn't approach you.

Instead, I stepped back and waited in secret.

Your Ladyship, please.

I kept drawing that jade pendant every day.

Even with my eyes closed,

I could sketch it perfectly.

For more than ten years, I've searched tirelessly,

and there, it just showed up.

I can finally

avenge His Highness.

But Grand Tutor Xiao is not the culprit.

That night, I was home.

Astronomer Xiao saved me from death,

and his father escorted me into the palace.

They are not our enemies.

But…

I swear I saw…

That night, both of us arrived too late.

I acted foolishly and rashly, nearly making a grave mistake.

Once our vengeance is fulfilled, I will accept any punishment.

Please get up.

You only meant to avenge the Prince of Duan.

With a subordinate like you, he can rest without regrets.

Your Ladyship. Your father had no intention of rebellion.

Grand Tutor, do you know

the General of the Andong Protectorate, Lv Chongshan?

I have heard that name before.

But…

Fifteen years ago,

he was the Left General of the Imperial Guards.

He also told me

that there were rumors about my father plotting a rebellion.

So it seems

someone framed your father, fueled His Majesty's suspicions,

and then used court rumors to lure the Jianning Iron Army in

to solidify the evidence of the rebellion.

But if His Majesty knew about it,

why did he let it slide?

Even if he spared my life out of familial bond,

why would he put his favorite consort to look after me?

Did he realize that your father

had no rebellious intentions?

The Prince of Duan must have heard the gossip

and the celestial signs of "Mars invades the Heart".

In fact, he was planning to step down,

return the command tally, and stay in the capital

with his family.

Judging by His Majesty's attitude afterward,

the command tally was clearly returned.

If that's the case,

His Majesty shouldn't have suspected His Highness,

and our brothers wouldn't have disappeared without a trace.

Lv Chongshan said that His Majesty summoned my father,

but my father refused the order.

That's why Lv Chongshan went to bring my father.

Do you know about this?

Uncle Luo.

What time did you arrive at the manor that night?

We agreed to enter the city at the hour of Hai,

but I was already running late.

I can't remember exactly when

I reached the manor.

And you?

I don't remember clearly either,

but it was definitely after the hour of Hai.

BEGINNING OF THE SI HOUR

GRACEFUL VIRTUE, TIMELY RAINS

When the sun is high above the head and the shadow is short at the feet.

- What time is that? - The Wu hour.

But at that time, the water clock at home read the Si hour.

The water clock was two hours slow.

So the Prince of Duan didn't intend to defy the imperial decree.

The water clock in his manor had been tampered with.

He thought it was still early, but His Majesty believed

he was refusing to enter the palace.

It gets dark early in winter. It's hard to tell the time by the sky.

That's why the Prince of Duan didn't realize.

So, an unjust charge can be fabricated so easily.

It was a setup from the beginning.

Grand Tutor.

Mr. Xiao.

I acted recklessly.

This is unforgivable.

There's no need to blame yourself.

Blame fate for its cruel trick.

Father.

Your wound…

I was desperate to stop him. That's how he got this.

What weapon is it?

Lv Chongshan's hidden weapon.

I've seen wounds like this.

The tragedy that night

could never have been caused by the Prince of Duan going mad.

That night, before I found Huaijin, I saw a severely injured young eunuch

in the alleys near the Prince of Duan's manor.

Who did this?

Why are you here?

Who sent you?

The wound on his neck was just like this.

The flesh around it was torn, as if hooked by barbs.

Lv Chongshan killed that eunuch?

I couldn't tell who had killed him,

but he must have been sent

by the palace to deliver an edict.

I bet he knew what had happened inside the manor.

I wanted to ask more,

but he was badly injured.

That wound was enough to take his life.

After that, I ran into Huaijin and you.

I handed you over to Inspector Du and left.

I remember now.

I saw your clothes stained with blood. It was at that hour.

All these years, I've hated the wrong person.

Lv Chongshan knew exactly

what kind of wound a fingertip blade would leave,

so he would do his best to cover his tracks.

I followed the investigation

of the Imperial Guard and the Palace Investigation Bureau.

There was no record of a eunuch's death.

Since they could twist the truth and claim that the Prince of Duan

went mad and slaughtered everyone,

disposing of a single eunuch's body would have been easy.

But delivering an edict to Prince of Duan

requires more than just one young eunuch.

I also investigated the records

of eunuchs sent out of the palace that night.

But…

To find out the truth,

there's only one way left.

You must not act rashly.

But only he knows who else visited my home that day.

Mr. Gu.

Has Her Ladyship gone crazy?

We can't stop her.

She will break through this wall,

even if it bleeds her dry.

ZICHEN HALL

Your…

Your Ladyship.

His Majesty still won't see me?

His Majesty refuses to see you for your own good.

So His Majesty knows why I've come.

He should also know I must ask about this matter.

Your Ladyship.

You know how much His Majesty cares for you.

Well… You shouldn't push him so hard.

His Majesty won't see you.

That's already an extraordinary favor.

No one understands

why His Majesty would care about someone like me,

a parentless and unruly cursed lone star.

Of course, I know there's no such thing as unconditional favor.

That's why I want to ask His Majesty for any explanation.

His Majesty shows you compassion.

What more could Your Ladyship possibly want?

I've always had the habit of digging to the root of things.

That's why I became an investigator.

Your Ladyship, I'm afraid, even if you keep kneeling like this,

i-it's all in vain.

No way.

His Majesty can't stay inside forever just to hide from me.

Once he can't stand it, he'll see me.

ZICHEN HALL

The night is deep.

His Majesty must be tired.

Your Ladyship, have you considered the consequences?

I've fought to live until today for this very reason.

One benefit of being a cursed lone star

is that no one gets implicated.

His Majesty can't wipe out my entire clan.

What's there to fear?

Then, please follow me inside.

It seems some things can hold you back.

- Why don't you wait a bit? - Let's go.

You won't even observe the basic etiquette now?

If Your Majesty can tolerate my questions,

you won't hold my disrespect against me.

If you can't, then just kill me. How I behave makes no difference.

You use my indulgence toward you

to defy me.

I just want to know

whether you are showing me compassion or making up for something?

Aren't you afraid of death?

People say I act recklessly, beyond all laws.

But they don't know

I've always struggled to stay alive

just so I could die for something that truly matters.

If I can exchange my life for the truth,

then it's worth it.

VIRTUE SHINING, EVER-PROGRESSING

First, you chose the wrong moment.

Second,

you overvalued your own life.

Third,

everything you possess

can be taken away at any time.

Your Ladyship. His Majesty has sent an oral decree.

He said

that since you are obsessed with the truth,

stay at the Prince of Duan's manor to investigate.

You're not allowed to leave without His Majesty's decree.

It seems I made the right bet this time.

W-What do you mean you gambled right?

His Majesty knows something, but not the whole truth.

The mastermind has some nerves.

When I find that person,

His Majesty will learn the full story, too.

Your Ladyship.

His Majesty is confining you

in a manor abandoned for 15 years.

How can you still think about these things?

You should be considering your own predicament.

His Majesty hasn't killed me yet.

So I won't stop.

Besides, that is my home. What is there to fear?

Your…

Your Ladyship.

By decree, you are grounded here.

Guards will deliver meals every day.

Consort Shu has also

sent your maids here to serve you.

Your Ladyship. Please.

PRINCE OF DUAN'S MANOR

No one has lived here for 15 years. I wanted to clean it up a bit.

I have plenty of time to pass here.

If you clean it all now, I might die of boredom.

I'll get you out of here.

I've gotten myself into serious trouble.

Then I'll think of an unusual way to save you.

Well, you made me curious.

Boss.

Boss.

Your Ladyship.

I'm punished, not rewarded.

With so many people here,

one might think I'd done something great.

Boss, have you figured out how to get out of this?

How should I help?

Of course not.

Aren't you the master at getting out of trouble?

There are many ways to prevent water from boiling,

but when it's already 99% there,

no matter what you try, it will boil.

Is there really nothing we can do?

Perhaps Heaven will help me.

Or perhaps Mr. Xiao will find a way.

Your Ladyship.

It's time to go in.

Let us escort Her Ladyship inside.

Please don't make things difficult for me.

Her Ladyship is grounded here.

She may not leave without summons,

and no outsiders are allowed to visit.

Can't we even escort her inside?

No.

Wait.

These items must be inspected by the guards first.

Eunuch Sun, are you so convinced that I'll never get out of here?

Your Ladyship…

Even now, you're still trying to scare me?

I…

Fine.

Just this once. Never again.

From now on, don't come to visit.

Don't upset His Majesty.

We're going to tidy up the place for Your Ladyship.

Boss. Take care of yourself.

You're the one who needs to take care.

Your Ladyship. Rest assured.

I will take good care of her.

You'd better keep your word.

He might not have the fortune for that.

How could that be?

Everyone says I'm naturally blessed, born with good fortune.

You might not be able to handle this.

Boss. We'll take our leave.

Let's wait for Mr. Xiao.

How do you even do your job with such poor judgment?

Let's go.

Wait… Your Ladyship.

Why are you frowning?

Although I'm grounded, at least I'm alive.

I'll get you out of here.

I know.

I want you to believe

that I'll get you out.

I believe you.

I know what you're hoping for.

You didn't find the person who framed your father,

but you know that they're watching you.

You got into trouble and were kicked out.

This is a great opportunity for them.

You're waiting for them to grow impatient

and make a move against you,

so you have a chance to catch them.

Nothing escapes you.

And you claim you can't divine fortunes?

Then tell me.

Will I catch them?

- They want to kill you. - And I want to kill them.

But they're not worth risking your life.

I'll get you out of here.

After that, we'll figure something out.

Can you give me some time?

During that time,

don't harm yourself.

How can there be someone as good as you?

It seems I'm not always so unlucky.

And I may not be so awful.

You have always been good.

And you're not unlucky.

Someone has done evil.

We will find them.

When calamity arrives,

retribution follows without error.

Those who sow evil seeds will surely reap bitter fruit.

I will make sure you see it.

Your Ladyship. Mr. Xiao.

I'm sorry, but it's about time.

Get going.

I hope you understand me.

Peiyi.

Don't let anyone hurt you.

Don't hurt yourself.

Rest assured.

With you around, I can't bear to die.

PROPITIOUS WINDS AND NOURISHING RAINS

Father.

Mother.

I'm back.

Let's go play.

Let's go play.

Let's go play.

Your Ladyship, be careful.

Let's go play.

GRACEFUL VIRTUE, TIMELY RAINS

The crane cries under the sun.

The crane cries under the sun.

The dragon rides the clouds.

The dragon rides the clouds.

Is that right?

Yes.

The wolf-eyed Jin Xuan looks back.

The wolf-eyed Jin Xuan looks back.

The Han founder bears the dragon's visage.

The Han founder bears the dragon's visage.

Is that right?

Very good.

Have some more.

Naughty girl.

Oh la la!

Oh la la!

Little greedy cat, is it good?

Yes!

Father, I want to swing.

Alright.

Let me take you to the swing.

- Be careful. - Come on.

Come on.

Alright, sit tight.

- Is it fun? - Yes!

Do you want it higher?

Yes!

Your Ladyship. Yuebai is still tidying up the room.

It will be ready soon.

No rush.

I've been away for 15 years.

I'll look around.

The manor is huge.

Only Yuebai and I are here,

so it will take some time to tidy everything up.

But we'll start with the areas you want to visit.

We'll leave the other areas for later.

This way, you can at least live comfortably.

I'm back at home. It's comfortable, anyway.

It's locked.

Why is there a new lock?

There's no dust or cobwebs on it.

Please don't!

Stop!

Your Ladyship, are you alright?

Do you wish to enter? I'll try to open the door.

You know how to pick locks?

Not really.

Although the lock is new, the door itself is rotten.

I might be able to remove the door.

You've become quite like me after all these years.

To be honest, I'm not sure about what I want.

Since a decision has been made for me,

I won't enter for now.

You can divine fortunes?

It's from Mr. Xiao?

Mr. Xiao. How can you still have an appetite?

How can we save my boss?

By earning merit.

By earning merit?

Only by earning merit can we petition His Majesty for favor.

Then how do we earn merit?

I know one thing His Majesty desires,

yet no one has been able to complete it.

I will be in seclusion for a few days.

Please visit Peiyi for me.

You're going into seclusion now?

What if Her Ladyship gets into trouble?

Enter the palace and seek Consort Shu's help.

Also, find Zhao Yudi.

Mr. Xiao, you're not abandoning Her Ladyship, right?

With my current abilities, I can't look after her.

Only through seclusion might there be a slim chance.

How long will it take?

At least half a month. Or more.

I'm not sure.

- You… - Wuren.

Mr. Xiao

must have his reasons.

Well, at least tell us what you'll be doing.

I can't disclose that.

Take care.

You…

I know you're worried.

But

you have to trust Mr. Xiao and Her Ladyship.

Master.

All of you, leave.

How did you enjoy the show?

If I perform after the Southern Suburb Ceremony

at the banquet,

will His Majesty like it?

Intimidating and authoritative. His Majesty will love it.

Speak. What is it?

Li Peiyi knelt outside Zichen Hall for 16 hours.

Then His Majesty decreed…

Decreed what?

That she be confined to the Prince of Duan's manor.

Confinement can still end one day.

U-Understood.

Can't you handle things more neatly?

Why don't you choose one between you and her

to keep Du Zhixing company?

I'll take care of it.

What are you looking for, Mr. Xiao?

Let me do it.

Mr. Xiao, what are you…

Bring them inside.

From today onward,

deliver one meal and a pot of water each morning and evening.

At all other times,

do not disturb me, no matter what happens.

Mr. Xiao, are you sure His Majesty…

I'll prepare water and food now.

- If anyone asks… - I will claim no knowledge.

Prepare these for me.

MEAL BOX FOR PRINCE OF DUAN'S MANOR

Brother Guard, it's cold at night now.

Please bring some charcoal.

Her Ladyship's daily necessities will be delivered on schedule.

Any extra requests must be reported.

Then please report it as soon as possible.

If Her Ladyship falls ill, we'll all be held accountable.

What's wrong?

Aren't you assigned here to keep Her Ladyship safe?

Of course I am.

I will get back to you.

Your Ladyship, your meal is ready.

Sister Yuebai, what's wrong?

I asked the guard for some charcoal for the night,

but he acted strangely.

Is he looking down on us because Her Ladyship is in trouble?

If that is the case, I can manage.

I'll figure something out.

But he seemed hesitant, as if hiding something.

It's unsettling.

It's alright.

They need time to weigh the situation

and decide how to treat me.

This guard doesn't seem very clever. If he'd just weighed the meal box,

he wouldn't dare neglect you.

I'll go tell him to deliver the charcoal tonight.

Your Ladyship. Is there something wrong with the food?