Original subtitles

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

It's not poisoned.

Even if it is poisoned,

a silver needle can't detect it.

Your Ladyship, should we ask for ingredients

and let me do the cooking?

Poisoned or not,

we won't know till we taste it.

You two

are so silly.

Tasting your food is our duty.

If something goes wrong,

we should die before you.

Just in case, take one pill morning and night.

It can save your life.

Your Ladyship, what about you?

Save the fruit from each meal. Store it somewhere cool.

It'll be useful later.

PRINCE OF DUAN'S MANOR

Your Ladyship, what's wrong?

Your Ladyship!

Heaven's still on my side.

Someone's lost their patience.

I'll get someone to treat you.

No need!

How are you and Yuebai?

Yuebai fell ill this morning.

I'm weak all over, but I'm holding up.

Your Ladyship,

is someone trying to kill us?

I don't know what poison they used.

Keep taking the medicine I gave you.

Starting today, don't show yourselves again.

Don't touch the food or water.

Just eat the fruit you saved.

What about you?

I have to play along

and finish the act.

No one came to visit today.

Why did Your Ladyship come in person?

The weather's turning cold. People get sick.

So I let them rest.

Your Ladyship is ill too?

Should we report it?

If it's not too much trouble, then please do.

Forgive me. I'll report it now!

- Her Ladyship is ill! Report it at once! - Understood!

Your Ladyship, it's been reported.

Starting today, I'll bring the meals straight in.

No need.

Maybe walking around will help me recover faster.

Your Ladyship, this food is poisoned. Don't eat it!

If you don't eat, how will you get out?

If you want His Majesty to relent,

you don't have to really eat it.

Just put on a show.

No need to risk your life.

Don't worry.

My life still has a purpose.

I won't let myself die.

But this time,

there can be no pretending,

or it'll all be for nothing.

Your Ladyship…

Mutton is most nourishing in autumn.

Your Majesty doesn't like it?

This is a northern frontier mutton recipe.

The Princess Consort of Duan gave it to you back then.

Today you specially asked me here for mutton.

Do you have something to say?

Nothing gets past Your Majesty.

About that child's situation, Your Majesty must know already.

She's just playing tricks and acting pitiful.

No matter what she does, it won't surprise me.

All she wants is to make me soften.

We thought she'd forgotten that old matter from 15 years ago.

But thinking back now,

that pain she can't speak of has been tormenting her.

It's heartbreaking.

Besides,

if what she said is true,

there may be a hidden truth.

If we can find out the truth

and the one behind it,

that would be good for Your Majesty too.

Good for me?

The truth?

A hidden truth in the Prince of Duan case?

Consort Shu,

are you implying I failed to see it?

Your Majesty, I meant no such thing.

From now on,

whoever pleads for Li Peiyi again

can go to keep her company.

Your Majesty!

Your Highness…

His Majesty heard Her Ladyship is ill

and has sent Medical Officer Zhao to check on her.

You should've enjoyed the meal. Why bring up old matters?

You're asking for trouble.

So this is what you've been eating for the past ten-odd days?

Yes.

Her Ladyship said a silver needle might miss it,

so she had us save every meal.

That way, if anything happened,

we'd have proof to trace.

You're really bold and careful too.

You saw it all coming,

and you even went this far,

making yourself like this.

If I still can't catch the culprit for you,

I'd be utterly useless.

Then I'm counting on you.

No matter how tough I am, I can't hold on much longer.

Don't worry. Now I'm here.

You'll have a hard time dying.

Let me check you two first.

How long since you stopped eating the meals?

Two days.

But we've kept taking the pills Her Ladyship gave us.

What pills?

Some life-saving pills my master left me.

They can't cure poison,

but they protect the heart.

Same as you,

they were poisoned with cinnabar.

But their symptoms aren't as obvious as yours.

Yet the poison was in the food.

Cinnabar isn't colorless or tasteless.

A silver needle should detect it.

So why couldn't you find it?

Medical Officer Zhao,

you said the food was poisoned!

We can't taste a thing.

Whoever did this has a skilled hand.

Medical Officer Zhao is just like Her Ladyship,

so unafraid of death.

It is cinnabar poisoning.

I'll go back to the Medical Office.

Tomorrow I'll bring the antidote.

It's already harmed your heart.

If we don't detox it soon, you may die.

I'll take these back.

I will uncover the method of poisoning.

Medical Officer Zhao,

can we report to His Majesty

that someone poisoned Her Ladyship

and have him investigate?

I can report it.

But if I can't prove the method of poisoning,

His Majesty won't believe me.

How could he not?

Her Ladyship is already this ill.

Don't blame anyone else for that.

I can only blame myself.

Yudi, I'm counting on you now.

From now on, the meals they send really can't be eaten.

I'll handle your food.

Give me three days. I will get the answer.

I'm here by His Majesty's order to treat Her Ladyship.

Why won't you let me in?

We're under orders as well.

No one is allowed inside.

Has Medical Officer Zhao returned?

You let me in last night.

What's changed?

Last night we were under orders.

Today we're under orders too.

Please don't make it hard on us.

Then take this medicine in

and tell the two maids,

three times a day, one packet each time.

Simmer on low heat for an hour,

and take it with ginseng slices.

Her Ladyship is confined.

Neither people nor medicine can go in.

She's been poisoned.

She'll die!

Who can take responsibility for that?

But if she takes it and something happens,

who can take responsibility for that?

This is absurd!

Medical Officer Zhao!

Wuren, you're here at last.

Her Ladyship is very ill.

By His Majesty's order, I'm here to deliver her medicine.

But they won't let me in, not even the medicine itself!

Are you defying the imperial order?

Letting her in would be defying it.

If you don't believe us, go to the palace and ask.

Her Ladyship is very ill.

By the time we return, she may already be gone.

How many lives do you have

to risk Her Ladyship's life like this?

Don't you understand?

Whoever granted Medical Officer Zhao access yesterday

is also the one forbidding it today.

If anything happens to Her Ladyship,

none of you will live!

Miss,

I advise you to go to the palace for orders.

Don't waste time here.

I'm begging you, sirs.

Send the medicine in.

We'll go ask for orders right now.

Her Ladyship may have fallen from favor,

but saving her life

beats letting her die on your hands.

Don't kneel to them.

They're all accomplices.

It takes so little, yet it can save a life.

Just this one packet should hold her till you go ask for orders.

If you can't save her, don't blame us later.

Let's go to the Palace and beg Consort Shu.

His Majesty must be furious.

Without hard evidence, His Majesty won't believe it.

I'll go back and find proof now.

Your Ladyship!

Your Ladyship.

Your Ladyship.

Are you alright?

Huaijin.

Sir, you haven't slept all night again?

It's almost done.

One more night won't matter.

LIFE-SAVING PILLS: RAW LICORICE ROOT MUSKMELON PEDICEL, FIGWORT ROOT

A SURE ANTIDOTE TO ARSENIC

Paper burns easily. Don't come close.

Take it away!

Sir, get some rest.

What day is it now?

The 23rd.

It's been 15 days.

I can't make her wait any longer.

In the 10th year of Tianbao,

Chen Village was struck by a strange Water Plague.

Where's Xiao Huaijin?

I asked you, where's Xiao Huaijin?

At the Records Office.

Her Ladyship is dying,

and you're studying stars here?

What's wrong with Peiyi?

She's been poisoned.

His Majesty won't allow anyone to visit.

She can only wait to die.

Give me an hour.

I can save her.

ZICHEN HALL

Your Highness, you should go back.

Waiting here

will only anger His Majesty.

Last time, Her Ladyship waited here as well.

I don't ask His Majesty to forgive Peiyi.

I only ask to let Medical Officer Zhao detox her.

I've already reported it.

But… His Majesty still hasn't decided.

Then report it again.

I'll do my best.

Your Highness, go back and wait.

I'll wait outside.

Got you.

An hour's up.

I'm taking these into the palace.

- Zhu Qing, prepare the carriage. - Understood.

Make way!

HEYUE CONGEE SHOP

Make way!

So this is the full star chart?

Yes.

Following my grandmaster's instructions, I've remade the observing lens.

It can magnify, making the far seem near.

Everything marked in red is a newly observed star.

This chart still needs some time to complete,

but at most three years. It will be far more detailed,

working with the Dayan Calendar.

And the calendar will be more precise and thorough.

Does it match the Dayan method?

I've matched them one by one.

Good.

Very good!

The foundation of a thriving realm lies in this.

At last,

something has put me at ease.

Tell me.

What do you want? I'll reward you.

Deputy Director,

His Majesty is most gracious.

You've earned great merit.

Name your reward.

However, His Majesty is always fair in rewards and punishments.

With your clear mind,

you should know reward is reward, and punishment is punishment.

Don't mix them up.

ETERNAL RENEWAL IN IMPERIAL SPLENDOR

I, Xiao Huaijin,

ask Your Majesty to grant a marriage.

I wish to marry the Princess of Fuchang County,

Li Peiyi.

Please grant my request.

Approved.

Hurry and give thanks!

Thank you for Your Majesty's grace!

Eunuch Guo,

- handle the marriage decree. - Understood.

Deputy Director, you've worked hard.

Get some rest.

Understood.

The Deputy Director is a clever one.

He really solved Your Majesty's problem.

What problem do I have?

Your Majesty has no problems.

Your Majesty is just soft-hearted.

So you do understand me.

I wouldn't dare.

About the poisoning,

in the end,

is she just faking it,

or is it the real thing?

Medical Officer Zhao Yudi just reported.

This poison was laid very cleverly.

They likely used water laced with cinnabar to cook the meals.

But in each dish, the cinnabar was only a trace.

Even a silver needle test couldn't detect it.

But little by little,

it will strike before long.

And what's more,

there's no proof of poisoning.

Then how did she find it?

Zhao Yudi checked old texts

and found a case where cinnabar got into a well,

poisoning an entire village.

That inspired her.

So,

she boiled down all Her Ladyship's meals.

After the liquid was cooked off,

she tested it with a silver needle,

and the poison showed.

So who wants Peiyi dead?

Well…

I truly don't know.

Could it really be tied to the Prince of Duan's case?

Your Majesty is suspecting…

Back then, the Prince of Duan submitted his memorial and command tally.

If you hadn't found them,

they could have been lost under my desk for ages.

What is it? Say it.

The Prince of Duan's memorial back then was heartfelt.

He simply didn't want to keep fighting outside.

All he wanted was to hand back command

and stay in Western Capital with his wife and child.

That's why Your Majesty

had this servant send a young eunuch

to the Prince of Duan's manor with the message.

Not to haul the Prince of Duan in,

but to invite him.

But that young eunuch arrived too late.

That eunuch died in the Prince of Duan's manor too, right?

Back then, I only thought he met with sudden misfortune.

But thinking back now,

with so many Imperial Guards there,

they could have protected

a eunuch delivering Your Majesty's decree.

What are you getting at?

If what Her Ladyship suspects is true,

then that young eunuch…

wasn't killed by the Prince of Duan.

Fine…

Fine…

Ghost Festival was ages ago,

and there are still ghosts hopping around out there.

I'll send men to investigate at once!

Enough.

That child has plotted for years,

even betting her own life on it.

Let her investigate it herself.

How is Her Ladyship?

Won't you go in and see her?

So many eyes are fixed on this place.

Until she wakes,

I don't want to stir up trouble.

I'll come again tomorrow.

PRINCE OF DUAN'S MANOR

Boss.

Deputy Director tried hard to save you.

He made a scope

and recopied several boxes of books.

His Majesty was over the moon,

so he finally agreed to see him.

Consort Shu and Medical Officer Zhao

have worried themselves sick over you.

Can you stop risking your life like this?

So many people are worried about you.

Boss,

guess what

Mr. Xiao asked His Majesty to reward him with?

I'll tell you in secret.

But pretend you don't know later.

Mr. Xiao

asked His Majesty

to grant a marriage for you two.

What did you say?

Boss.

You're awake?

Boss, you're finally awake!

- Let go. - I won't!

Let go!

No!

You're choking me to death!

You scared me to death!

Stop crying.

I told you

I'm hard to kill. I won't die.

You're just lucky.

So many people are risking their lives for you.

Yeah.

I guess I am pretty lucky.

That's right.

I'll tell Xibai and Yuebai to send word.

We'll let Consort Shu, Medical Officer Zhao,

and Deputy Director Xiao celebrate!

Boss,

you were one foot in the grave,

yet you still wouldn't let this go.

You never treasured my gifts to you like this.

This is something Huaijin has carried for over ten years.

And what did you give me?

Buns and pancakes.

Boss,

are you losing it?

What did you just call him?

Right.

What I said was,

Mr. Xiao asked His Majesty

to grant a marriage for you two.

Li Peiyi actually woke up!

She was this close.

I didn't expect her to be so hard to kill.

A single more day's delay, and she would've died for sure.

What's the point of saying all this now?

I laid the poison very carefully.

Even if they know she was poisoned, they won't trace it to me.

She doesn't know that 15 years ago, I was the one who led troops to her home.

But His Majesty knows!

If she died without a sound this time,

I'd still have room to maneuver.

But now that she crawled back from death,

what will His Majesty think?

So what if they can't trace it to you?

His Majesty already knows

I made a move on her!

I… I'll do it again…

This time, I definitely… can… can get rid of her.

You useless fool!

Have you found Lv Chongshan?

Not yet.

Find him. Then I'll spare your life.

Otherwise,

I'll send you to meet Du Zhixing!

- Get out! - Understood!

I'll bring Lv Chongshan back!

XIAO'S MANSION

- Put it there. - Understood.

His Majesty hasn't issued the decree yet.

Why rush to prepare all this?

Once His Majesty decrees it,

we'll have to plan the wedding.

By then, we won't have time to scramble.

What if His Majesty won't issue the decree?

Then our family would become a laughingstock.

I've asked around.

Consort Shu is already preparing her dowry.

As for the marriage decree, Eunuch Guo is handling it himself.

It won't be wrong.

Being impatient does no good.

It's not that I'm impatient.

I'm afraid we'll slight Her Ladyship.

That child has had it hard.

I won't just be her in-laws.

I must think of her natal family too.

She has Consort Shu as her backing.

Why worry so much?

Consort Shu may be noble,

but she has never raised a child herself.

When she plans things,

she may not think of everything.

You're getting more and more improper.

Fine.

Do as you wish.

Father. Mother.

I didn't discuss it with you first

and asked His Majesty for the marriage on my own.

That was my fault.

But it was urgent.

Please forgive me.

Silly child,

what nonsense are you saying?

We're happy beyond words.

Father, rest assured.

Even if I marry Her Ladyship,

I'll still stay at the Astronomical Bureau

and keep out of court affairs.

It's a joyful matter.

Why bring that up?

You went to such lengths to marry her.

You must treat her well.

Got it.

Always like this,

he just can't speak nicely.

Sit.

Have you gone to see Peiyi?

She woke up the other day.

Why haven't you gone?

I asked to marry her

without her consent.

I don't know if she'll mind.

And His Majesty hasn't decreed it yet,

but the news is already out.

If I show up rashly, it could hurt her reputation.

If you can't go in person,

you can at least send word.

You asked to marry her,

yet you won't even show up.

What will she think?

I'm waiting for the right chance.

Chances are made,

not waited for.

Mother,

I came back today

to ask you to go with me to call on her.

That way, it's proper,

and people won't gossip about her.

If I go,

that's a formal proposal.

Before you propose,

you must tell her exactly how you feel.

Did you ask to marry her because you like her

and value her deeply?

Or was it merely a desperate measure

taken in the moment to save her?

Of course…

I truly like her.

I'm sure she understands.

Whether she understands or not,

you must say it clearly.

For a woman, that matters.

You're right.

I didn't think it through enough.

Silly child.

GRACEFUL VIRTUE, TIMELY RAINS

It's been three days.

He doesn't know I'm awake?

This rabbit lantern is for you.

Peiyi…

I'm sorry.

I shouldn't have waited till today to see you.

I thought it over and over

and didn't know how to explain it to you

or how to do it without hurting your reputation.

But I ignored how you felt.

I forgot that even being one moment late

would still hurt you.

You're overthinking it.

I asked His Majesty to grant the marriage

to save you,

but not just to save you.

Are you playing word games with me?

Peiyi, believe me.

This is the moment I least wanted to ask His Majesty to let me marry you.

I wanted to tell you how I feel

with no trouble in the way.

If fortune favors me

and you would take me as your own,

then I'd ask His Majesty for the marriage decree.

If His Majesty thinks I'm unworthy,

I'll do all I can to become worthy of you.

If His Majesty still refuses,

I'd risk my life to prove my heart.

This is something

I should have first asked your consent for.

But I was too anxious.

I was afraid that harm might befall you.

I was afraid that one moment's delay…

would mean losing you.

So I came up with this foolish plan,

thinking I was being clever.

But after that,

I started worrying again.

You always have your own plans.

I don't know

if this messed up what you meant to do

or if it made you feel

like I'm full of myself.

My head is a mess.

The more I think, the less I understand.

I never knew you could talk this much.

My head is spinning from it.

But did you just say

you like me

and want to marry me?

Peiyi…

I like you.

I want to marry you.

Will you say yes?

ZICHEN HALL

Heed His Majesty's decree!

Peiyi, Princess of Fuchang County,

comely in demeanor, pure in heart,

virtuous within and fair without,

is hereby granted the title Princess Yong'an.

Now that Her Highness has reached a marriageable age

and Xiao Huaijin, Deputy Director of the Astronomical Bureau,

a man of wide learning and complete virtue,

has long admired Princess Yong'an and seeks her hand,

we are deeply pleased.

We bestow upon them 100 mu of fertile land

and 1,000 bolts of fine silk.

We hereby marry off Princess Yong'an

to Xiao Huaijin.

The Ministry of Rites and Consort Shu

shall confer and arrange the wedding date.

Let this decree be executed.

Accept the decree!

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Eunuch Guo, please lead the way.

We must see His Majesty and give thanks in person.

His Majesty understands Your Highness has only just recovered.

He has spared you these formalities,

so that you may return, rest,

and prepare for the wedding.

Does His Majesty know what happened to me while I was confined?

Of course he knows.

His Majesty was furious

and ordered the Court of Judicial Review to investigate.

Ordered them to investigate?

What is there left to investigate?

I nearly forgot to congratulate Your Highness.

His Majesty also granted extra favor.

The Prince of Duan's Manor

will be renamed Princess Yong'an's Mansion

and bestowed on you as your home.

From now on,

Your Highness can go home again.

Since Your Majesty won't see me,

I will take my leave.

I only ask Your Majesty to take pity on me

and allow me to host a banquet

at my residence to entertain guests

and give thanks for Your grace!

His Majesty's oral decree. Her Highness's request is granted.

Princess Yong'an,

you're truly cherished by His Majesty.

His Majesty has approved it.

Hurry and give thanks.

Peiyi

thanks Your Majesty for boundless grace!

Thank you, Eunuch Guo.

Peiyi.

You've endured this far.

Don't let it all be for nothing.

He clearly knows who poisoned me.

He clearly knows who killed my whole family.

Why won't he say it?

But he didn't stop you from digging deeper.

Some things,

His Majesty can't say himself or do himself.

His silent consent

already shows his stance.

I don't want a stance.

I want an answer.

One answer he could give with a single word!

Since he won't say it,

we'll find it ourselves.

I've already staked my life

to prove that 15 years ago,

the man sent with the message

was the one who killed my whole family.

He knows it in his gut,

yet he won't lift a finger.

What else can I do?

Someone really did try to kill you.

But their tie to the massacre 15 years ago

needs evidence.

You have me now.

I'm willing to risk my life

to help you find the killer.

Maybe I just haven't tried hard enough

to make that person pay.

Then I'll try harder.

I'll try harder too.