1 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:30,960 {\an8}ADAPTED FROM A SHUQI.COM NOVEL ORIGINAL AUTHOR: SENLIN LU 2 00:01:34,000 --> 00:01:35,720 Whatever kind of person I am, 3 00:01:35,800 --> 00:01:37,840 that's what the Prince of Duan's daughter is. 4 00:01:37,920 --> 00:01:39,160 You don't get to judge. 5 00:01:39,760 --> 00:01:40,960 Today, 6 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:43,240 I'll purge the traitor for the Prince of Duan! 7 00:01:45,800 --> 00:01:47,480 What a loyal subordinate, 8 00:01:47,560 --> 00:01:49,480 to murder his lord's sole surviving daughter. 9 00:01:49,560 --> 00:01:51,840 Would you have his line end with me? 10 00:02:05,160 --> 00:02:07,160 I shouldn't have trusted you. 11 00:02:07,720 --> 00:02:10,720 To think you would give up your title as the county princess 12 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:12,160 to seek revenge with me. 13 00:02:12,240 --> 00:02:13,800 I have been 14 00:02:13,880 --> 00:02:15,080 way too foolish. 15 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:18,160 You are indeed foolish. 16 00:02:19,560 --> 00:02:21,800 On the day I hosted the banquet to kill the Right Chancellor, 17 00:02:22,320 --> 00:02:24,320 the Imperial Guards surrounded my mansion. 18 00:02:24,400 --> 00:02:27,240 Did you truly believe your safe escape 19 00:02:27,760 --> 00:02:30,160 was solely the work of your patron? 20 00:02:30,240 --> 00:02:32,280 After that, the murders in the palace 21 00:02:32,360 --> 00:02:33,880 and the nursery rhyme in the Western Capital… 22 00:02:33,960 --> 00:02:35,560 You charged ahead, 23 00:02:35,640 --> 00:02:37,240 while he schemed in the shadows. 24 00:02:38,000 --> 00:02:41,080 You thought he was plotting the great cause with you, 25 00:02:41,600 --> 00:02:42,960 but have you ever wondered 26 00:02:43,480 --> 00:02:45,560 why he chose you, of all people? 27 00:02:46,360 --> 00:02:48,680 Because we both wanted Cui Minzhong dead, 28 00:02:48,760 --> 00:02:51,720 and I happened to be the sharpest blade he could wield. 29 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:53,400 With such formidable power, 30 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:54,840 what kind of blade couldn't he find? 31 00:02:54,920 --> 00:02:57,360 It's only because I chose you. 32 00:02:57,880 --> 00:02:59,480 He only valued 33 00:03:00,000 --> 00:03:02,160 your status as my father's former subordinate. 34 00:03:03,600 --> 00:03:04,880 If the plan succeeds, 35 00:03:04,960 --> 00:03:07,680 you will be eliminated because you know too much. 36 00:03:08,200 --> 00:03:09,520 If it fails, 37 00:03:10,160 --> 00:03:11,760 you will be the perfect scapegoat. 38 00:03:13,160 --> 00:03:15,360 Do not fabricate lies out of thin air. 39 00:03:17,880 --> 00:03:20,200 Haven't you realized that he has abandoned you? 40 00:03:20,920 --> 00:03:23,720 Do you think assassinating Consort Shu is some act of righteousness? 41 00:03:23,800 --> 00:03:28,240 It is just the perfect way to pin all the blame on you. 42 00:03:29,120 --> 00:03:30,800 Would he care about my grievance over the loss 43 00:03:31,960 --> 00:03:33,760 or your suffering from injustice? 44 00:03:34,280 --> 00:03:37,240 It's nothing but a chess game to take down the Cui family. 45 00:03:37,800 --> 00:03:39,080 On the chessboard, 46 00:03:39,600 --> 00:03:40,760 everyone is a pawn. 47 00:03:43,000 --> 00:03:44,640 I can't kill Consort Shu 48 00:03:45,160 --> 00:03:46,760 nor can I bear to kill you. 49 00:03:47,280 --> 00:03:48,720 As long as he remains, 50 00:03:49,240 --> 00:03:51,080 revenge can still be achieved. 51 00:03:51,160 --> 00:03:53,200 Then why don't we make a bet? 52 00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:55,280 He must have promised 53 00:03:55,360 --> 00:03:57,760 to escort you out once the job is done. 54 00:03:57,840 --> 00:03:59,480 Then let's see 55 00:04:00,000 --> 00:04:01,640 who he sends. 56 00:04:01,720 --> 00:04:02,960 Someone to help you escape 57 00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:05,560 or the Imperial Guards for your arrest. 58 00:04:05,640 --> 00:04:07,040 If you win, 59 00:04:07,120 --> 00:04:08,440 I will let you go 60 00:04:08,520 --> 00:04:11,240 and stop standing in the way of your revenge. 61 00:04:11,800 --> 00:04:12,800 And if I win… 62 00:04:14,040 --> 00:04:14,920 What do you want? 63 00:04:15,520 --> 00:04:16,800 I will surely win. 64 00:04:22,440 --> 00:04:25,240 Prepare the prize. Now, we shall see. 65 00:04:39,760 --> 00:04:41,280 A CALM BREEZE, A CLEAR MOON 66 00:04:46,040 --> 00:04:49,000 We heard Consort Shu was attacked and came as soon as possible. 67 00:04:49,080 --> 00:04:51,360 The General of the Imperial Guards has come in person? 68 00:04:52,880 --> 00:04:55,240 Consort Shu went to rest, and there was no assassin. 69 00:04:55,840 --> 00:04:57,960 Just a petty thief. I already caught him. 70 00:04:58,040 --> 00:04:59,360 So don't worry. 71 00:04:59,960 --> 00:05:00,840 You caught him? 72 00:05:03,040 --> 00:05:06,360 Where is he? We can take him into custody. 73 00:05:08,040 --> 00:05:09,760 It's too late. 74 00:05:11,400 --> 00:05:14,960 That man was bold enough to cause trouble in Consort Shu's palace. 75 00:05:15,040 --> 00:05:17,320 I've cut him into pieces right away 76 00:05:17,400 --> 00:05:18,400 and fed him to the dogs. 77 00:05:20,040 --> 00:05:21,640 Your Ladyship, please stop teasing me. 78 00:05:21,720 --> 00:05:23,320 We are here on orders. 79 00:05:23,400 --> 00:05:26,080 We must do our job and take him back with us. 80 00:05:28,840 --> 00:05:30,200 In that case, 81 00:05:30,800 --> 00:05:31,720 it is tricky. 82 00:05:32,240 --> 00:05:33,400 I don't want to make things hard for you. 83 00:05:34,080 --> 00:05:36,400 How about this? Take me back. 84 00:05:36,480 --> 00:05:37,520 I will explain to him. 85 00:05:37,600 --> 00:05:40,360 - What… - And it will be my chance to see 86 00:05:40,880 --> 00:05:42,680 whose orders you are following. 87 00:05:45,720 --> 00:05:46,680 Please forgive us. 88 00:05:47,200 --> 00:05:50,480 We merely heard there was an assassin in Consort Shu's palace 89 00:05:50,560 --> 00:05:52,360 and came to protect Her Highness and Your Ladyship. 90 00:05:52,440 --> 00:05:55,080 Her Highness is fine, and so am I. 91 00:05:55,160 --> 00:05:56,760 The petty thief is dead. 92 00:05:56,840 --> 00:05:58,480 What else concerns you? 93 00:05:59,920 --> 00:06:02,600 We still need to see the body to be certain. 94 00:06:02,680 --> 00:06:04,400 Didn't you hear me? 95 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:05,720 I fed him to the dogs. 96 00:06:06,600 --> 00:06:09,000 Do you want me to cut the dogs open to reassure you? 97 00:06:10,200 --> 00:06:11,120 I dare not. 98 00:06:15,480 --> 00:06:16,600 Rest assured, Your Ladyship. 99 00:06:16,680 --> 00:06:18,480 Tonight, we shall guard outside 100 00:06:18,560 --> 00:06:20,440 and stay alert. 101 00:06:24,720 --> 00:06:26,040 The Right Chancellor has just fallen, 102 00:06:26,560 --> 00:06:28,400 and someone is here to surround Consort Shu's palace. 103 00:06:29,280 --> 00:06:31,440 How swiftly the times change. 104 00:06:32,120 --> 00:06:35,640 But Consort Shu is His Majesty's consort, after all. 105 00:06:37,480 --> 00:06:38,640 Whose power 106 00:06:39,440 --> 00:06:41,000 are you trying to usurp? 107 00:06:42,400 --> 00:06:43,480 We dare not, Your Ladyship. 108 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:46,040 We were merely overanxious out of concern. 109 00:06:46,120 --> 00:06:48,200 We didn't mean to displease you. 110 00:06:48,280 --> 00:06:49,760 We will leave right away. 111 00:06:50,280 --> 00:06:51,360 Our regards to Her Highness. 112 00:07:02,280 --> 00:07:03,320 What's wrong? 113 00:07:03,400 --> 00:07:04,280 You know him? 114 00:07:06,320 --> 00:07:08,520 Just two days ago, we were allies. 115 00:07:09,040 --> 00:07:11,560 But today, he wants me dead. 116 00:07:15,120 --> 00:07:16,040 Fine. 117 00:07:17,080 --> 00:07:18,200 Kill me if you want. 118 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:20,200 My life is yours. 119 00:07:21,280 --> 00:07:22,600 I don't want your life. 120 00:07:23,120 --> 00:07:25,520 But I can help you seek vengeance. 121 00:07:30,800 --> 00:07:31,840 Your Ladyship. 122 00:07:31,920 --> 00:07:33,880 The mastermind wants him dead. 123 00:07:33,960 --> 00:07:35,560 Keep him safe 124 00:07:35,640 --> 00:07:36,720 at the Palace Investigation Bureau. 125 00:07:36,800 --> 00:07:39,080 Make sure he confesses to all his crimes. 126 00:07:39,760 --> 00:07:40,600 Understood. 127 00:07:54,840 --> 00:07:57,040 Did you suspect that I'd hurt Consort Shu? 128 00:07:58,600 --> 00:08:00,360 I was sure you had a plan. 129 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:02,400 Then why are you upset? 130 00:08:04,760 --> 00:08:05,640 Boss. 131 00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:08,160 You've been planning for so long. 132 00:08:09,440 --> 00:08:11,200 Will you finally be able to take revenge? 133 00:08:14,920 --> 00:08:16,920 It might happen soon. 134 00:08:18,320 --> 00:08:19,440 Then I'm happy. 135 00:08:23,040 --> 00:08:24,560 Go check on Mr. Xiao. 136 00:08:24,640 --> 00:08:26,440 He's been waiting for you. 137 00:08:26,520 --> 00:08:27,880 Considering his slight frame, 138 00:08:27,960 --> 00:08:30,080 he may fall ill again if he waits any longer. 139 00:08:49,400 --> 00:08:52,800 You've had a hard day, Mr. Xiao. 140 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:54,240 I'm sorry I made you suffer. 141 00:08:55,080 --> 00:08:56,040 It's alright. 142 00:08:57,160 --> 00:08:59,760 I shouldn't have involved you in this. 143 00:09:00,600 --> 00:09:01,560 I'm very glad 144 00:09:02,800 --> 00:09:04,240 that you involved me. 145 00:09:30,960 --> 00:09:32,800 I knew you would understand. 146 00:09:32,880 --> 00:09:35,480 I didn't believe that you would hurt Consort Shu 147 00:09:35,560 --> 00:09:37,880 with Chen Luo just for revenge. 148 00:09:38,480 --> 00:09:39,920 The fingertip blade you left me 149 00:09:40,000 --> 00:09:41,760 showed that you hoped I could 150 00:09:41,840 --> 00:09:43,000 escape and help you. 151 00:09:44,720 --> 00:09:47,400 The only one you ever wanted revenge against 152 00:09:47,480 --> 00:09:48,880 was the Right Chancellor. 153 00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:50,720 I had to add fuel to the fire 154 00:09:50,800 --> 00:09:54,000 to force him into your chess game. 155 00:09:57,160 --> 00:09:58,080 No one understands me 156 00:09:58,160 --> 00:09:59,600 as you do. 157 00:10:02,440 --> 00:10:04,760 But there's one thing I don't understand. 158 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:05,880 What? 159 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:08,840 The fireworks. How did you pull it off? 160 00:10:10,520 --> 00:10:12,880 I distracted my opponent and used his plan against him. 161 00:10:12,960 --> 00:10:16,120 I caused a commotion at my mansion. 162 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:17,920 It lured the Right Chancellor 163 00:10:18,000 --> 00:10:19,920 and those who'd long been watching him. 164 00:10:20,520 --> 00:10:21,360 So, 165 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:23,840 someone seized upon mine and Chen Luo's desire for vengeance 166 00:10:23,920 --> 00:10:25,320 to carry out his own scheme. 167 00:10:26,080 --> 00:10:28,040 While Chen Luo held back from me, 168 00:10:28,120 --> 00:10:30,760 I was quietly investigating what he was doing. 169 00:10:30,840 --> 00:10:32,360 Before the Grand Festival, 170 00:10:32,440 --> 00:10:34,480 you realized he was preparing fireworks. 171 00:10:36,200 --> 00:10:37,320 Instead of stopping him, 172 00:10:37,400 --> 00:10:38,640 I turned his plan to my advantage. 173 00:10:39,160 --> 00:10:41,120 I changed the phoenix solo dance 174 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:43,240 into the "Dragon and Phoenix in Blissful Harmony". 175 00:10:48,160 --> 00:10:49,160 Pretty, wasn't it? 176 00:10:51,960 --> 00:10:52,800 Yes. 177 00:11:01,920 --> 00:11:04,480 What fate joins our necks as mandarin ducks, 178 00:11:05,520 --> 00:11:08,560 soaring together, wing to wing? 179 00:11:12,000 --> 00:11:13,120 Since His Majesty is at ease, 180 00:11:14,160 --> 00:11:15,400 I can rest my mind. 181 00:11:23,800 --> 00:11:25,280 Thank you for trusting me. 182 00:11:28,120 --> 00:11:29,360 Thank you 183 00:11:30,320 --> 00:11:31,480 for trusting me, too. 184 00:11:50,120 --> 00:11:51,560 CUI'S MANOR 185 00:12:06,400 --> 00:12:09,520 ONE TRUE MASTER IS ENOUGH 186 00:12:35,160 --> 00:12:36,320 There you are. 187 00:12:37,880 --> 00:12:38,720 Sorry for the wait. 188 00:12:39,520 --> 00:12:41,320 What a festive attire. 189 00:12:42,600 --> 00:12:44,240 What are we celebrating? 190 00:12:45,520 --> 00:12:47,120 It's the 15th day of the first month. 191 00:12:47,200 --> 00:12:48,040 The Lantern Festival. 192 00:12:52,600 --> 00:12:54,880 If I remember correctly, 193 00:12:55,840 --> 00:12:58,000 you never celebrate the Lantern Festival. 194 00:12:59,960 --> 00:13:01,440 This is an exception. 195 00:13:04,640 --> 00:13:05,880 You brought your sword? 196 00:13:08,280 --> 00:13:09,240 As always. 197 00:13:09,320 --> 00:13:10,720 Are you here 198 00:13:11,840 --> 00:13:13,080 to kill me? 199 00:13:16,200 --> 00:13:17,240 Yes. 200 00:13:19,720 --> 00:13:21,880 Does His Majesty know? 201 00:13:23,520 --> 00:13:25,280 Does Consort Shu know? 202 00:13:28,880 --> 00:13:30,160 Cui Minzhong, the disgraced official, 203 00:13:32,160 --> 00:13:33,080 accept the decree. 204 00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:40,280 A few days away from court, and you've forgotten your manners? 205 00:13:40,840 --> 00:13:42,160 Accept the decree on your knees. 206 00:14:15,080 --> 00:14:16,720 I, Cui Minzhong, the sinned official, 207 00:14:17,600 --> 00:14:18,880 accept the decree. 208 00:14:23,240 --> 00:14:25,240 "By thorough investigation, it has been found 209 00:14:25,960 --> 00:14:27,400 that for many years, the Right Chancellor Cui Minzhong 210 00:14:27,480 --> 00:14:30,560 has sold offices and bartered ranks, formed cliques for selfish ends, 211 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:33,400 and framed the loyal ministers to eliminate dissent. 212 00:14:34,400 --> 00:14:36,480 Sixteen years ago, he forged an imperial decree 213 00:14:36,560 --> 00:14:37,920 and murdered the entire household of the Prince of Duan. 214 00:14:38,520 --> 00:14:40,240 To conceal his crimes, 215 00:14:40,320 --> 00:14:43,440 he relentlessly pursued and harmed the royal descendants. 216 00:14:43,960 --> 00:14:46,760 Now, with his crimes exposed, to stay alive, 217 00:14:46,840 --> 00:14:49,240 he has resorted to vile sorcery, 218 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:50,920 slaughtered the innocent, 219 00:14:51,520 --> 00:14:54,000 cursed the nation's fate, and plotted rebellion. 220 00:14:54,800 --> 00:14:55,840 His accumulated evils 221 00:14:56,440 --> 00:14:58,040 are too numerous to record. 222 00:14:59,520 --> 00:15:01,840 He is hereby granted death. 223 00:15:03,520 --> 00:15:04,800 Let those in charge carry it out." 224 00:15:11,960 --> 00:15:13,000 I'm wronged. 225 00:15:14,320 --> 00:15:15,400 I'm wronged. 226 00:15:16,280 --> 00:15:17,360 Li Peiyi. 227 00:15:17,880 --> 00:15:19,080 You set me up. 228 00:15:19,880 --> 00:15:21,440 This talk of vile sorcery 229 00:15:22,040 --> 00:15:23,840 is a baseless accusation! 230 00:15:23,920 --> 00:15:25,000 You… 231 00:15:26,880 --> 00:15:28,960 - You… - I'm sure you have received 232 00:15:29,040 --> 00:15:32,400 countless rewards over the decade, Right Chancellor. 233 00:15:33,640 --> 00:15:35,440 Were you so overjoyed by the death sentence 234 00:15:35,520 --> 00:15:37,360 that you forgot all propriety? 235 00:15:38,640 --> 00:15:39,480 Show your gratitude. 236 00:15:42,440 --> 00:15:44,440 I-I must see His Majesty. 237 00:15:44,960 --> 00:15:46,960 I must see Consort Shu. 238 00:15:47,040 --> 00:15:49,200 Do not think that this imperial decree 239 00:15:49,280 --> 00:15:50,560 allows you to distort the truth. 240 00:15:51,600 --> 00:15:54,120 I never harbored rebellious intent. 241 00:15:54,200 --> 00:15:57,240 You and Xiao Huaijin conspired to frame me. 242 00:15:57,840 --> 00:16:00,120 I did everything out of self-defense. 243 00:16:03,280 --> 00:16:04,640 I have been here, 244 00:16:05,160 --> 00:16:07,000 copying sutras in repentance, 245 00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:09,880 confined in reflection. 246 00:16:10,840 --> 00:16:11,760 His Majesty 247 00:16:12,360 --> 00:16:14,200 will forgive me. 248 00:16:14,880 --> 00:16:16,800 His Majesty won't kill me. 249 00:16:18,160 --> 00:16:19,920 I've done so much for His Majesty. 250 00:16:20,000 --> 00:16:21,960 He can't kill me. 251 00:16:22,840 --> 00:16:24,600 You have committed countless evil deeds. 252 00:16:25,120 --> 00:16:28,800 The retribution is now before you. 253 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:29,720 Are you finally scared? 254 00:16:30,320 --> 00:16:31,360 Am I scared? 255 00:16:32,160 --> 00:16:33,280 Of what? 256 00:16:33,880 --> 00:16:35,920 Why would I be scared of a young maiden like you? 257 00:16:36,000 --> 00:16:38,280 Your father lost to me. So will you. 258 00:16:40,640 --> 00:16:42,280 I only regret one thing. 259 00:16:43,040 --> 00:16:45,520 I shouldn't have asked Consort Shu to raise you 260 00:16:46,040 --> 00:16:48,120 and allowed you to be a threat. 261 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:51,680 I really enjoy 262 00:16:51,760 --> 00:16:53,400 your whole act of bluffing 263 00:16:53,480 --> 00:16:54,840 and the empty threats. 264 00:16:56,640 --> 00:16:59,600 When you were rising high, basking in His Majesty's favor, 265 00:17:01,840 --> 00:17:03,600 your hands were drenched in blood, 266 00:17:03,680 --> 00:17:05,599 yet you paid no price. 267 00:17:06,119 --> 00:17:07,800 But you've lost His Majesty's favor. 268 00:17:07,880 --> 00:17:08,720 DEATH 269 00:17:08,800 --> 00:17:10,560 I bet you didn't expect 270 00:17:11,960 --> 00:17:13,720 that death comes on a breath. 271 00:17:14,240 --> 00:17:15,520 I must see His Majesty. 272 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:18,720 I must see His Majesty. 273 00:17:19,359 --> 00:17:20,640 I must see His Majesty. 274 00:17:20,720 --> 00:17:22,200 Without his imperial decree, 275 00:17:22,720 --> 00:17:24,400 no one shall lay a finger on me. 276 00:17:33,240 --> 00:17:35,960 What do you intend to tell His Majesty? 277 00:17:36,760 --> 00:17:38,520 The injustice you suffered? 278 00:17:39,120 --> 00:17:40,680 Your bitterness and grievances? 279 00:17:41,760 --> 00:17:44,920 Thanks to you, I've tasted all of that, over and over again. 280 00:17:46,640 --> 00:17:48,200 When you stole justice from me, 281 00:17:49,080 --> 00:17:50,720 His Majesty didn't intervene. 282 00:17:50,800 --> 00:17:52,120 What makes you think 283 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:54,320 you deserve justice for yourself? 284 00:17:58,240 --> 00:18:00,280 When you stood above all others, 285 00:18:00,360 --> 00:18:01,560 looking down on everyone, 286 00:18:02,520 --> 00:18:04,560 did you ever feel sorry for my late parents? 287 00:18:05,080 --> 00:18:06,360 Did you ever feel sorry for me? 288 00:18:06,440 --> 00:18:07,680 No, you didn't. 289 00:18:08,280 --> 00:18:11,040 You believed that those who oppose you shall perish, 290 00:18:11,120 --> 00:18:13,080 and we brought it all upon ourselves. 291 00:18:13,680 --> 00:18:15,200 You killed so many people 292 00:18:15,720 --> 00:18:16,560 without a shred of remorse. 293 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:19,600 It's your turn now. Why are you so terrified? 294 00:18:20,600 --> 00:18:23,240 Did you think you'd live forever? 295 00:18:23,840 --> 00:18:25,360 Did you think you could take lives 296 00:18:25,880 --> 00:18:28,240 and never pay with your own? 297 00:18:30,600 --> 00:18:32,360 You can't kill me. 298 00:18:33,720 --> 00:18:34,960 You can't kill me. 299 00:18:35,560 --> 00:18:37,160 Why can't I kill you? 300 00:18:38,080 --> 00:18:41,040 You ordered the water-clock apprentice to slow our water clock. 301 00:18:41,120 --> 00:18:43,040 You made my father miss his appointment, 302 00:18:43,120 --> 00:18:44,160 disturbing His Majesty. 303 00:18:44,240 --> 00:18:46,560 When His Majesty ordered you to bring my father, 304 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:49,280 you forged an imperial decree and slaughtered everyone. 305 00:18:50,120 --> 00:18:52,440 Fortunately, my father had handed in his command tally, 306 00:18:52,520 --> 00:18:54,080 proving his loyalty. 307 00:18:54,680 --> 00:18:56,240 Seeing that your plan failed, 308 00:18:56,320 --> 00:18:57,880 you killed the eunuch sent from the palace 309 00:18:57,960 --> 00:19:00,280 and made up a lie about my father going mad, 310 00:19:00,360 --> 00:19:02,800 resisting arrest, and slaughtering everyone. 311 00:19:07,400 --> 00:19:08,960 He left me no choice. 312 00:19:09,760 --> 00:19:12,680 The Prince of Duan left me no choice. 313 00:19:15,280 --> 00:19:17,480 I kept reaching out in goodwill, 314 00:19:17,560 --> 00:19:19,600 but he met me with opposition at every turn. 315 00:19:21,760 --> 00:19:23,000 If I didn't kill him, 316 00:19:23,520 --> 00:19:25,040 sooner or later, 317 00:19:26,440 --> 00:19:28,000 he would kill me. 318 00:19:30,560 --> 00:19:33,360 Military men kill with swords and blades. 319 00:19:33,960 --> 00:19:34,800 Civil officials 320 00:19:35,640 --> 00:19:37,560 kill with their minds. 321 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:38,840 Both are killers. 322 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:41,440 There is no noble or base. 323 00:19:41,520 --> 00:19:44,760 The victor becomes king, the vanquished a bandit. That's all. 324 00:19:44,840 --> 00:19:47,200 What could a mere woman like you 325 00:19:48,080 --> 00:19:50,160 know of the power struggles 326 00:19:50,680 --> 00:19:52,240 and the stratagems? 327 00:19:53,000 --> 00:19:55,600 When your men threw me into the Moonlit Pond, I was only 8 years old. 328 00:19:56,240 --> 00:19:58,640 You violated even the Five Constant Virtues. 329 00:19:58,720 --> 00:20:00,040 A civil official? 330 00:20:00,120 --> 00:20:02,600 You are nothing but a vicious, treacherous minister, 331 00:20:03,360 --> 00:20:05,480 a power-grasping in-law of the royal clan who abuses his power. 332 00:20:17,720 --> 00:20:20,280 So you knew all along. 333 00:20:21,040 --> 00:20:23,120 You've spent all these years 334 00:20:23,720 --> 00:20:25,640 scheming with such effort 335 00:20:27,000 --> 00:20:28,440 just to kill me. 336 00:20:31,720 --> 00:20:34,360 If you hadn't inherited your father's stubbornness 337 00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:37,480 and had learned to read the tides and adapt, 338 00:20:38,080 --> 00:20:41,040 we wouldn't end up in mutual ruin. 339 00:20:42,040 --> 00:20:45,240 You were raised under my sister's care. 340 00:20:45,840 --> 00:20:49,040 We could have been close like family. 341 00:20:51,320 --> 00:20:53,600 And you've come to force my hand, too. 342 00:20:58,520 --> 00:21:00,240 Li Peiyi. 343 00:21:00,320 --> 00:21:02,120 How dare you hurt me? 344 00:21:02,200 --> 00:21:04,080 Don't you dare mention 345 00:21:04,920 --> 00:21:06,160 Consort Shu or my father. 346 00:21:09,640 --> 00:21:10,520 I can't die. 347 00:21:12,440 --> 00:21:13,680 I won't die. 348 00:21:14,400 --> 00:21:16,360 I must see His Majesty. 349 00:21:19,000 --> 00:21:20,040 I must… 350 00:21:20,560 --> 00:21:22,360 I must see His Majesty. 351 00:21:22,440 --> 00:21:24,600 ONE SUPREME TALENT SUFFICES 352 00:21:35,400 --> 00:21:36,920 As the daughter of the Prince of Duan, 353 00:21:37,560 --> 00:21:38,960 I can't kill you. 354 00:21:40,240 --> 00:21:42,320 Because I must abide by the law of the Great Tang. 355 00:21:48,680 --> 00:21:49,600 As an Inner Guard, 356 00:21:50,200 --> 00:21:51,560 I can't kill you. 357 00:21:51,640 --> 00:21:53,280 Because the stability of the court must be preserved. 358 00:22:00,240 --> 00:22:03,800 I sought justice within the rules, 359 00:22:04,360 --> 00:22:06,960 only to find you standing above them. 360 00:22:07,720 --> 00:22:08,880 You grew reckless in your triumph, 361 00:22:09,480 --> 00:22:10,600 thinking I couldn't do anything to you. 362 00:22:26,360 --> 00:22:28,600 You thought the court relied on you 363 00:22:29,160 --> 00:22:30,640 and His Majesty favored you. 364 00:22:31,160 --> 00:22:32,960 You thought no one dared to cross you. 365 00:22:35,760 --> 00:22:37,640 Then I shall make the court fear you 366 00:22:38,160 --> 00:22:39,320 and His Majesty despise you. 367 00:22:40,080 --> 00:22:41,880 You thought you sat secure in your high position, 368 00:22:41,960 --> 00:22:43,240 basking in His Majesty's favor. 369 00:22:45,240 --> 00:22:48,000 Then I shall give His Majesty a reason to kill you. 370 00:22:52,000 --> 00:22:53,280 You thought 371 00:22:54,000 --> 00:22:56,680 you stood above the rules of this world? 372 00:22:58,760 --> 00:23:00,800 Then I will turn your rules against you 373 00:23:03,720 --> 00:23:04,560 and kill you with them. 374 00:24:45,520 --> 00:24:47,560 You handled this matter well. 375 00:24:47,640 --> 00:24:48,600 A reward is due. 376 00:24:49,120 --> 00:24:51,720 But any reward from me might be ill-fitting. 377 00:24:51,800 --> 00:24:54,040 So just tell me what you want. 378 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:02,680 Your Majesty, 379 00:25:03,200 --> 00:25:05,760 whatever you grant Her Ladyship will be appreciated. 380 00:25:06,360 --> 00:25:07,880 It lacks novelty for Her Ladyship 381 00:25:07,960 --> 00:25:09,960 to demand something. 382 00:25:10,040 --> 00:25:12,040 We await Your Majesty's decree. 383 00:25:15,280 --> 00:25:16,320 Li Peiyi. 384 00:25:17,200 --> 00:25:18,200 I decree 385 00:25:18,280 --> 00:25:20,280 that you shall oversee the Palace Investigation Bureau. 386 00:25:20,360 --> 00:25:21,520 What do you say? 387 00:25:23,240 --> 00:25:24,640 I am unruly by nature 388 00:25:25,160 --> 00:25:27,520 and unworthy of such a responsibility. 389 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:31,760 Is it that you are unworthy 390 00:25:32,360 --> 00:25:34,040 or that you are unwilling? 391 00:25:34,920 --> 00:25:38,320 Did you really think of it as a tool for your private investigations? 392 00:25:38,840 --> 00:25:39,760 You want to quit now? 393 00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:43,280 I only feel ashamed. 394 00:25:44,040 --> 00:25:45,480 Even if I uncover the truth, 395 00:25:46,000 --> 00:25:48,400 I'm rarely allowed to bring it to light. 396 00:25:49,800 --> 00:25:52,240 I investigate cases and hold trials by the laws, 397 00:25:52,840 --> 00:25:55,040 only to find that the laws 398 00:25:55,120 --> 00:25:56,800 are nothing but tools of the royal clan. 399 00:25:56,880 --> 00:25:58,480 The laws punish the multitude, 400 00:25:58,560 --> 00:25:59,840 but not the royals. 401 00:26:01,480 --> 00:26:03,520 Within the inner palace, 402 00:26:03,600 --> 00:26:05,360 I no longer know how to conduct an investigation. 403 00:26:06,520 --> 00:26:09,040 I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness. 404 00:26:09,120 --> 00:26:10,600 I am truly unworthy of such responsibility. 405 00:26:16,160 --> 00:26:18,720 Are you accusing me of bending the law for personal gain? 406 00:26:19,840 --> 00:26:22,240 The entire realm is Your Majesty's private domain. 407 00:26:22,320 --> 00:26:24,120 How can there be any "personal gain"? 408 00:26:25,560 --> 00:26:26,760 Li Peiyi. 409 00:26:27,840 --> 00:26:29,520 Do you truly believe 410 00:26:29,600 --> 00:26:30,720 I'm unaware of your schemes? 411 00:26:30,800 --> 00:26:33,200 I have tolerated you, accommodated you, 412 00:26:33,280 --> 00:26:35,400 and even allowed you to execute Cui Minzhong. 413 00:26:35,480 --> 00:26:36,400 You are still displeased? 414 00:26:39,280 --> 00:26:42,720 Your Majesty knew of Cui Minzhong's countless, unforgivable crimes, 415 00:26:42,800 --> 00:26:44,280 each deserving a thousand deaths. 416 00:26:44,880 --> 00:26:46,480 Yet you still chose to shield him. 417 00:26:47,080 --> 00:26:48,640 Without your favoritism, 418 00:26:48,720 --> 00:26:51,520 I wouldn't have waited until today to seek justice for my family. 419 00:26:53,120 --> 00:26:55,640 Do you wish to be reunited with your parents? 420 00:26:57,480 --> 00:26:59,520 You have just cleared my father's name. 421 00:27:00,120 --> 00:27:02,080 How could you execute his only surviving daughter? 422 00:27:02,680 --> 00:27:03,960 Even if you feel no pity for me, 423 00:27:04,560 --> 00:27:06,880 surely you care about your own reputation. 424 00:27:12,440 --> 00:27:13,920 Get lost. 425 00:27:14,000 --> 00:27:15,240 Get out of here. 426 00:27:15,320 --> 00:27:16,720 Don't ever come back. 427 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:17,640 Get lost. 428 00:27:24,640 --> 00:27:27,600 I lack the fortune to deserve your grace. 429 00:27:29,040 --> 00:27:30,640 But I will always be grateful to you 430 00:27:31,720 --> 00:27:32,880 for raising me. 431 00:28:27,040 --> 00:28:28,040 Your Highness. 432 00:28:35,160 --> 00:28:36,000 You're leaving? 433 00:28:39,960 --> 00:28:43,440 I always knew this day would come. 434 00:28:45,240 --> 00:28:46,960 You don't even ask where I'm going? 435 00:28:48,880 --> 00:28:50,200 Wherever you wish to go 436 00:28:50,720 --> 00:28:54,600 must be a place where you can find shelter and peace of mind. 437 00:29:01,720 --> 00:29:02,640 Your Highness. 438 00:29:02,720 --> 00:29:04,200 Come with me. 439 00:29:04,760 --> 00:29:07,160 This place is suffocating. 440 00:29:09,320 --> 00:29:10,880 This is my place of shelter. 441 00:29:11,560 --> 00:29:14,040 But does it bring you peace? 442 00:29:14,560 --> 00:29:15,800 This is not a home. 443 00:29:17,160 --> 00:29:18,520 How can it not be? 444 00:29:22,040 --> 00:29:23,840 I am His Majesty's consort. 445 00:29:24,600 --> 00:29:26,360 This is the home His Majesty gave me. 446 00:29:26,960 --> 00:29:28,400 Always trying to read his mind, 447 00:29:28,920 --> 00:29:30,640 always having to wear a smiling face… 448 00:29:31,240 --> 00:29:32,920 That is not what a wife should do. 449 00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:35,600 Favor and fall from grace can change in a single dawn. 450 00:29:35,680 --> 00:29:37,600 That is not what a wife deserves. 451 00:29:38,320 --> 00:29:39,600 Come with me. 452 00:29:40,280 --> 00:29:41,720 I will take care of you. 453 00:29:42,320 --> 00:29:44,360 With the edge of jade and the heart of orchids. 454 00:29:44,880 --> 00:29:46,440 You have your own name. 455 00:29:47,040 --> 00:29:48,560 You don't have to be Consort Shu. 456 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:50,280 You are Cui Yuyao. 457 00:29:58,160 --> 00:30:00,520 Nobody has called me Yuyao for a long time. 458 00:30:06,200 --> 00:30:08,400 You've done what you had to do. 459 00:30:08,920 --> 00:30:10,760 But I haven't. 460 00:30:11,840 --> 00:30:13,760 His Majesty needs a Consort Shu. 461 00:30:14,480 --> 00:30:16,040 The Cui family needs a Consort Shu. 462 00:30:16,640 --> 00:30:18,560 To ease His Majesty's anger 463 00:30:18,640 --> 00:30:20,200 and preserve the Cui family, 464 00:30:20,280 --> 00:30:22,000 I must stay here 465 00:30:22,600 --> 00:30:23,720 to atone for my brother's sins. 466 00:30:24,320 --> 00:30:27,160 But His Majesty and the Cui family never truly cared about you. 467 00:30:27,680 --> 00:30:29,280 Why must you live for them? 468 00:30:31,520 --> 00:30:33,040 Peiyi, I am not like you. 469 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:38,080 I do not know for whom to live 470 00:30:38,760 --> 00:30:40,200 if not for His Majesty 471 00:30:41,240 --> 00:30:42,960 or the Cui family. 472 00:30:44,720 --> 00:30:46,400 I lost "me" a long time ago. 473 00:30:47,040 --> 00:30:48,480 All that's left is "Consort Shu". 474 00:31:07,200 --> 00:31:08,360 Don't worry. 475 00:31:10,160 --> 00:31:11,280 I will live well. 476 00:31:15,440 --> 00:31:16,480 You must also 477 00:31:18,240 --> 00:31:19,760 live well. 478 00:31:28,280 --> 00:31:30,560 ETERNAL RENEWAL IN IMPERIAL SPLENDOR 479 00:31:30,640 --> 00:31:32,120 What do you have to say? 480 00:31:32,640 --> 00:31:34,000 Are you also resigning? 481 00:31:36,000 --> 00:31:36,840 Yes. 482 00:31:36,920 --> 00:31:38,920 I handed in my resignation days ago. 483 00:31:39,000 --> 00:31:40,120 I'm grateful for your appreciation. 484 00:31:40,200 --> 00:31:41,840 I now take my leave. 485 00:31:48,080 --> 00:31:51,240 Get out of here with Li Peiyi. 486 00:31:51,840 --> 00:31:53,360 Thank you, Your Majesty. 487 00:32:30,640 --> 00:32:31,960 Li Peiyi. 488 00:32:35,840 --> 00:32:38,400 Xiao… Xiao Huaijin, how dare you! 489 00:32:39,080 --> 00:32:40,640 You've grown some nerves. 490 00:32:44,760 --> 00:32:45,880 Your Ladyship. 491 00:32:45,960 --> 00:32:47,040 Mr. Xiao. 492 00:32:47,560 --> 00:32:49,040 There are people around. 493 00:32:49,120 --> 00:32:51,880 Mind your words and conduct. 494 00:32:55,200 --> 00:32:56,200 - Mind our words and conduct. - Mind our words and conduct. 495 00:32:56,280 --> 00:32:57,480 - Your Ladyship. - Mind our words and conduct. 496 00:32:57,560 --> 00:33:00,120 - Mind our words and conduct. - You must not jest with me. 497 00:33:00,200 --> 00:33:00,920 Who is Mr. Xiao? 498 00:33:01,000 --> 00:33:02,880 - His Majesty will criticize me. - Who's Your Ladyship? 499 00:33:02,960 --> 00:33:04,040 - Who's Your Ladyship? - Your Ladyship! 500 00:33:04,120 --> 00:33:05,480 Please stop. 501 00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:10,880 Please. 502 00:33:10,960 --> 00:33:12,600 Mind your conduct. 503 00:33:12,680 --> 00:33:15,080 Mind your conduct. 504 00:33:16,520 --> 00:33:17,400 What… 505 00:33:38,000 --> 00:33:39,120 Bravo. 506 00:33:43,840 --> 00:33:45,640 Bravo! 507 00:33:45,720 --> 00:33:46,960 Bravo. 508 00:34:00,760 --> 00:34:01,760 Last night, 509 00:34:03,120 --> 00:34:04,240 I had the same dream again. 510 00:34:07,960 --> 00:34:09,800 I was in the dark, 511 00:34:11,679 --> 00:34:13,880 with only a faint glimmer of light in the distance. 512 00:34:30,520 --> 00:34:32,159 Why are you taking my rabbit lantern? 513 00:34:34,639 --> 00:34:36,000 Father? 514 00:34:36,600 --> 00:34:37,760 Mother? 515 00:34:38,280 --> 00:34:39,880 The Lantern Festival is over. 516 00:34:39,960 --> 00:34:41,239 So we're taking the lanterns off. 517 00:34:41,840 --> 00:34:43,920 That's right. The Lantern Festival is over. 518 00:34:44,520 --> 00:34:46,800 The Lantern Festival is over? 519 00:34:56,880 --> 00:34:58,680 Father and Mother told me 520 00:35:00,880 --> 00:35:01,960 that the Lantern Festival 521 00:35:03,560 --> 00:35:04,680 is over. 522 00:35:15,240 --> 00:35:16,160 It's been hard on you. 523 00:35:18,880 --> 00:35:20,120 You've waited 524 00:35:21,200 --> 00:35:22,400 16 years for this day. 525 00:35:25,360 --> 00:35:26,840 But dawn always comes. 526 00:35:28,680 --> 00:35:29,920 I will stay with you 527 00:35:30,680 --> 00:35:32,080 on this day every year 528 00:35:33,120 --> 00:35:34,040 until dawn. 529 00:36:29,120 --> 00:36:30,760 To Boss. 530 00:36:33,600 --> 00:36:34,880 One more time. 531 00:36:34,960 --> 00:36:35,800 One more time. 532 00:36:36,440 --> 00:36:37,800 To Boss. 533 00:36:42,400 --> 00:36:43,320 Sit. 534 00:36:48,920 --> 00:36:50,840 The case of the Imperial Food Service 535 00:36:53,520 --> 00:36:54,360 is yours. 536 00:36:55,520 --> 00:36:56,560 Really? 537 00:36:58,600 --> 00:36:59,760 Thanks, Boss. 538 00:37:06,840 --> 00:37:08,120 Who could be craving 539 00:37:08,720 --> 00:37:10,440 the frozen delicacy in this deep winter? 540 00:37:10,520 --> 00:37:11,680 I searched everywhere for it. 541 00:37:14,960 --> 00:37:17,160 Well, of course… 542 00:37:17,240 --> 00:37:19,880 It's the boss who wants it. 543 00:37:24,800 --> 00:37:25,840 There you go. 544 00:37:43,400 --> 00:37:44,480 Thanks, Boss. 545 00:37:59,120 --> 00:37:59,960 Lan'er. 546 00:38:00,040 --> 00:38:00,960 How many pots is this now? 547 00:38:01,040 --> 00:38:03,240 You're going to burn all my monthly stipend. 548 00:38:03,320 --> 00:38:05,960 Martial arts are hard to learn. 549 00:38:06,040 --> 00:38:08,800 So is medicine. 550 00:38:10,680 --> 00:38:13,000 Fine, let's go for fried sweet-dough pockets. 551 00:38:13,080 --> 00:38:13,960 Really? 552 00:38:16,840 --> 00:38:17,760 Let's go out of the palace. 553 00:38:24,680 --> 00:38:28,280 PENGLAI TERRACE 554 00:38:31,480 --> 00:38:32,440 Your Highness. 555 00:38:36,000 --> 00:38:38,040 It's the Lantern Festival again. 556 00:38:38,680 --> 00:38:40,480 I hope everything is fine 557 00:38:41,560 --> 00:38:42,520 over there. 558 00:38:45,120 --> 00:38:45,960 I caught you. 559 00:38:46,040 --> 00:38:47,360 I caught you. 560 00:38:47,440 --> 00:38:49,280 Come catch me! 561 00:38:49,360 --> 00:38:51,200 I caught you. 562 00:38:51,280 --> 00:38:52,760 - Don't run. - Come! 563 00:38:52,840 --> 00:38:54,520 Come on! 564 00:38:55,920 --> 00:38:57,080 Don't run. 565 00:38:57,160 --> 00:38:59,520 - Don't run. - Stop there. 566 00:38:59,600 --> 00:39:01,440 Wait! Stop there! 567 00:39:05,400 --> 00:39:06,560 Wuren. 568 00:39:10,840 --> 00:39:12,440 It's freezing out here. 569 00:39:14,320 --> 00:39:15,200 Come with us 570 00:39:15,280 --> 00:39:16,760 for some nice tavern food. 571 00:39:21,360 --> 00:39:22,200 Don't worry. 572 00:39:22,280 --> 00:39:23,880 They're playing dice. They won't notice. 573 00:39:27,080 --> 00:39:28,680 Look at that! How nice. 574 00:39:32,480 --> 00:39:34,720 Look at that! 575 00:39:34,800 --> 00:39:36,320 A dragon! 576 00:39:36,400 --> 00:39:37,840 - There's a snake! - A snake! 577 00:39:37,920 --> 00:39:39,120 - Look at that. - Over there! 578 00:39:39,200 --> 00:39:40,040 So beautiful. 579 00:39:40,120 --> 00:39:41,120 Look at that one! 580 00:39:41,200 --> 00:39:42,240 That one. 581 00:39:42,320 --> 00:39:43,280 It's over there! 582 00:39:43,360 --> 00:39:45,160 That one looks like you! 583 00:39:46,840 --> 00:39:48,440 Great music. 584 00:39:48,520 --> 00:39:50,120 - Excellent. - Nice. 585 00:39:50,200 --> 00:39:55,960 - Nice. - Bravo! 586 00:39:57,800 --> 00:40:00,840 - Bravo. - Bravo. 587 00:40:00,920 --> 00:40:01,760 Brilliant. 588 00:40:01,840 --> 00:40:03,640 - One more. - One more song! 589 00:40:06,080 --> 00:40:07,120 I finally saw her performance. 590 00:40:23,760 --> 00:40:24,640 Jin Niang. 591 00:40:26,920 --> 00:40:28,560 - What brings you here? - It's the Lantern Festival. 592 00:40:28,640 --> 00:40:30,000 I just made this. Try some. 593 00:40:37,480 --> 00:40:38,400 Alright. 594 00:40:40,160 --> 00:40:41,240 Let me try them. 595 00:40:45,720 --> 00:40:46,880 Is it good? 596 00:40:47,760 --> 00:40:48,680 Climb the tree? 597 00:40:48,760 --> 00:40:49,880 I don't know how. 598 00:40:50,400 --> 00:40:51,840 - I will teach you how. - Hey, kids. 599 00:40:51,920 --> 00:40:53,960 Slow down, kids. 600 00:41:09,840 --> 00:41:10,920 Take it easy. 601 00:41:12,600 --> 00:41:13,760 Yi'en. 602 00:41:13,840 --> 00:41:15,720 Have you recited today's texts? 603 00:41:17,240 --> 00:41:18,080 Mother. 604 00:41:18,160 --> 00:41:19,200 It's a festival today. 605 00:41:19,280 --> 00:41:20,720 Please stop quizzing me. 606 00:41:21,240 --> 00:41:23,280 Let me perform a sword dance for you instead. 607 00:41:24,720 --> 00:41:25,560 Go ahead. 608 00:41:52,680 --> 00:41:54,200 Why did you come here? 609 00:41:55,280 --> 00:41:57,200 Don't tell me you covet my beauty. 610 00:42:00,760 --> 00:42:01,960 You are so skilled at painting eyebrows. 611 00:42:02,600 --> 00:42:04,800 Could you do ours too? 612 00:42:10,560 --> 00:42:11,400 Alright. 613 00:42:13,040 --> 00:42:15,280 Though none of you can compare to my looks, 614 00:42:16,000 --> 00:42:18,080 painting my own brows every day does grow dull. 615 00:42:19,440 --> 00:42:21,480 A hundred beauties, a hundred brows. 616 00:42:22,000 --> 00:42:22,840 Let me do yours. 617 00:44:32,200 --> 00:44:35,640 {\an8}THE END 618 00:47:12,200 --> 00:47:13,040 Your Highness. 619 00:47:14,160 --> 00:47:15,760 How did His Majesty decide? 620 00:47:16,280 --> 00:47:17,480 Chen Luo confessed to all charges. 621 00:47:17,560 --> 00:47:18,560 Cui Minzhong is dead. 622 00:47:18,640 --> 00:47:21,280 Consort Shu is going to pray in seclusion when spring arrives. 623 00:47:22,720 --> 00:47:24,240 What about Li Peiyi and Xiao Huaijin? 624 00:47:24,760 --> 00:47:27,200 They both resigned and left the Western Capital today. 625 00:47:28,680 --> 00:47:29,920 They left? 626 00:47:32,200 --> 00:47:33,960 But they know 627 00:47:34,800 --> 00:47:35,880 far too much. 628 00:47:42,880 --> 00:47:44,600 Kill them all. Spare no one. 629 00:47:45,840 --> 00:47:47,240 Yes, Your Highness.