Original subtitles

THATCHED COTTAGE

Come on.

Winter's just around the corner.

Who knows if we'll see Changyu by New Year's.

You old woman,

no vision at all.

Changyu's out there doing great things.

What's all this fuss about coming home for New Year's?

You old one.

You just went off and fought one battle. How much more vision do you have than me?

Don't kid yourself.

During my time, the horses I saw outnumber the steamed buns you've eaten.

My vision's opened up wide.

You're just a horse watcher.

What else would you see but horses?

-What else could you possibly see? -Who's there?

-Ning! -Quick!

-Quick, inside. -Hurry, come in. Let's go.

Quick!

Quick. This way.

Hide.

Xie Qi.

Xie Qi?

Uncle, Auntie, it's safe outside now.

Really safe?

Where's Ms. Yu?

Ms. Yu?

-Ms. Yu! -Bao'er.

Bao'er.

ADAPTED FROM THE NOVEL ZHU YU BY TUAN ZI LAI XI ON JJWXC.NET

You're saying she held a knife to her own throat,

threatening you to release Yu Bao'er?

Yes.

Whatever arm you used to strike her, cut off that arm.

If the lady doesn't wake up,

you'll be buried with her.

I thank your grace.

You're awake.

You two physicians, come here.

Save her immediately.

If anything happens to her,

none of you will leave alive.

She has a knife wound.

The wound burst open, causing a high fever.

Then figure out a solution now.

-Yes. -Yes.

We are on it. On it now.

Don't kill innocent people.

If you kill them…

I don't want to live either.

You can't die.

As long as you live, I'll promise you anything.

Qianqian.

Qianqian!

Bring me every physician from miles around!

You.

Next one.

Get in.

Next one.

-Spare me! -You.

-Spare me! -Get in.

And you.

LEGACY OF WISDOM AND LOYALTY

She's… She's awake.

She's awake.

Qianqian.

You're finally awake.

You promised me you wouldn't kill anyone.

How could you…

-Guards! -Here.

Wake them up.

Yes, sir.

Get up.

-Get up. -Forgive us, my lady.

We're unharmed. We've disturbed your rest.

See?

Playing dead.

I just knocked them out, scared them a little.

In a backwater like this,

if you don't threaten their lives,

these quacks won't give their all to save you.

Every word you said,

I remember.

Send them back.

-Get up. -Get up.

Get up.

Move.

Faster. Go.

Faster.

This knife

almost cost you your life.

Why did you step in front of that little brat?

-Mother! -Take out the little one, not the woman.

Don't move.

Go quickly. Find Uncle Xie Qi.

-Go. -Mother!

Run.

If you dare loose those arrows, I'll kill myself.

See how you explain that to that madman.

Even a tiger won't eat its own cubs.

You'd kill your own son.

I don't know what these people see in you.

Aren't you afraid one day,

you'll kill them too?

In the end,

you're still angry I tried to kill Yu Bao'er.

You're clever enough

to know Xie Zheng would use him to control the realm.

This child came at the wrong time.

Just focus on recovering.

Once I ascend the throne and rule over all,

we'll have as many as you like.

Right.

I've prepared a surprise for you.

Come in.

My lady.

Zisu.

You're alive. Thank goodness.

You're finally awake.

See?

I brought back the maid who knows

how to care for you best.

With her here, you'll recover in no time.

UNRIVALED IN MERIT

Changyu, are you settling in well at the general's residence?

It's fine.

Just too few people, not lively enough.

I've never lived in such a big place.

My voice echoes when I speak.

To be honest,

I'm afraid to call out at night.

It's quite eerie.

Bengong… No.

Your Highness.

"Your Highness"?

I prefer it when you call me "Miss Bengong".

Oh, I have something for you.

Come, open it.

I picked out these clothes especially for you.

And some jewelry too.

Take it. Wear them when you have time.

Even if we're generals now, we can still be pretty young ladies.

But this is too much, too precious.

Between us, don't say such distant things.

-Try this on. -This one I'm wearing is fine.

-Just try it. It's so pretty. -I'm fine in this. Really.

-Don't try it now. -Just try it once.

-No, really. -Changyu.

-Just try it. It'll look great. -I'm not used to clothes like this.

I am sure.

-It's gorgeous. -Let me see it.

Our Flower-Adorned General,

with such beauty,

the Marquis of Wu'an is truly fortunate.

Your Highness, General.

In two days, officials will arrive to instruct the General in court etiquette.

What?

OFFICE OF RITES AND CEREMONIES

Standing there like a lump of wood.

Just in the way.

How rude are you. You're the one who bumped into him.

What's it to you?

-You… -Wu.

Let it go. Better to avoid trouble.

Thank you, Wu, for speaking up.

We've been stuck here doing menial labor for almost a year now.

No idea when His Majesty will see fit to employ us again.

I've almost forgotten what year it is out there.

Yeah.

I've almost forgotten what color the sky

in the capital is.

Song, you're a scholar too.

Why do you put up with their bullying?

My mother has passed.

There's no family left to support me.

Food, lodging, travel in the capital…

It all costs so much.

If I don't swallow my pride

and lose this hard-won stipend,

I'll end up on the streets.

I'll endure a little longer.

There's always a way out.

Back in Lin'an,

when I passed the provincial exam,

everyone in the village celebrated me.

I thought I was a dragon among men.

Now that I'm in the capital,

I see nobles everywhere.

Toss a wine jar at random

and you'll hit several scholars just as talented and stuck as I am.

Truly, as they say,

-"Wild geese fly south. Every branch is -Wild geese fly south. Every branch is

-full of phoenixes with no place to land." -full of phoenixes with no place to land.

Well said.

"Wild geese fly south.

Every branch is full of phoenixes with no place to land."

Song, your talent shines. You'll surely achieve great things.

Song. Hear me.

Minister Liu of the Ministry of Rites has a dispatch for you.

The capital just appointed a new Flower-Adorned General.

Minister Liu wants me to instruct her in court etiquette.

That Flower-Adorned General is a fourth-rank official.

Teaching etiquette to high officials is a plum assignment.

Never expected Minister Liu

to think so highly of you, Song.

But I hear this female general

used to be a peasant,

crude and ill-mannered,

unfit for polite company.

Song, your talent outshines all in the capital.

An assignment like this,

it's a waste of your abilities.

You flatter me, Wu.

The Master said, "In teaching, there should be no distinction of class."

If the Flower-Adorned General sincerely wishes to learn etiquette,

I am willing

to offer what little help I can.

UNRIVALED IN MERIT

Ministers, please have some tea.

Minister Liu, please.

Please.

I pay my respects to the Great General.

Great General,

Song Yan, Secretary of the Ministry of Rites,

comes by imperial decree to instruct you in the essentials of court etiquette.

Reporting to the General,

Secretary Song is deeply versed in matters of etiquette.

-He is certainly qualified to-- -Secretary Song, what rank are you in?

Reporting to the General,

rank ninth, junior level.

-However, Secretary Song… -Fan Changyu.

You're the Flower-Adorned General?

How dare you!

You address the Great General by her personal name?

And you're from the Ministry of Rites?

Long time no see,

Song Yan.

So the Great General and Provincial Graduate Song are old acquaintances.

That's wonderful.

I don't deserve the term "old acquaintance".

Changyu--

The kindness of the General's family,

I will remember it for the rest of my life.

-What I did back then-- -By the laws of the realm,

one with scholarly rank need not kneel before officials.

-Help him to his feet. -Yes.

The money my father gave for the coffin and your tuition,

you've already repaid it.

We're even.

There's no "great kindness"

like you say.

Yes.

Still, congratulations

on achieving your wish.

Rank ninth, junior level.

Still something.

Your mother must be proud.

Well,

you know I won't be using you. You may go.

We ministers will take our leave now.

Let's go. Quick.

Come here.

What happened between you and the General?

Between us…

It's a long story.

Then make it short.

Why didn't you tell me earlier?

You and the Great General have this kind of history.

You nearly got me killed, you know that?

Isn't that Provincial Graduate Song?

Really?

Guard Jin.

SKY IN CLOUDS, EARTH IN WHITE

Provincial Graduate Song holds quite a high position now.

Where are you headed, Provincial Graduate Song?

Let me see you off.

-Guard Jin. -I'll walk myself.

-Guard Jin. This is not allowed! -You dare strike an official?

Misunderstanding.

I'm a seventh-rank sword-bearing guard,

kindly seeing you off. How did that become striking an official?

Besides, our boss hasn't spoken yet.

Right, Minister Liu?

Yes. Guard Jin is right.

He fell on his own.

You're using your authority to settle a personal score.

Settle a personal score?

So what if we are?

Back in the village,

weren't you quite the bully?

Picking on Changyu.

-Now, -You…

-you're not even fit to shine her shoes. -Exactly. You!

I know the General holds a noble position now,

and I know I'm not worthy to speak of the past.

I only hope you'll remember,

my original intentions and aspirations

-have never changed. -Let's go.

You want another beating?

What kind of heavenly law did you break?

You've offended everyone in the General's residence.

-Scared you, didn't I? -Tell me.

What did you do? Tell me.

Live-in husband?

Fan Changyu didn't abandon you.

Instead, she helped you climb the ranks and enjoy wealth and honor.

-In what way am I inferior to-- -What nonsense are you spouting?

Marquis.

Please don't mind him.

Marquis. What… What are you doing here?

You've seen me here today, returned to the capital without imperial summons.

If you impeach me before His Majesty,

you could buy yourself a lifetime of wealth and honor.

Marquis, I wouldn't dare!

I saw nothing, nothing at all. Marquis.

What are you standing there for? Pay your respects to the Marquis of Wu'an!

Marquis, he saw nothing either. Neither of us saw anything.

Marquis of Wu'an.

Look up.

Wild geese fly south.

Every branch is full of phoenixes with no place to land.

Marquis, he is…

Who is this?

Such a weak constitution.

A minor clerk from the Ministry of Rites. Haven't seen much of the world.

Your presence must have overwhelmed him just now.

Marquis, please forgive his rudeness.

The Marquis is telling Minister Liu to spread the word that he's in the capital.

Got it?

I… I wouldn't dare.

I swear on my life.

Please assure the Marquis.

If a single whisper drifts through the capital skies,

-you can hold me responsible. -Really don't get it, do you?

You can hold me responsible. Really.

I swear on my life.

What are you crying for? I'm the one who should be crying.

Get up.

What did I do to deserve such bad luck, bringing a jinx like you along?

Go on. Get out of here. So embarrassing.

FAN

GUO'S TAVERN, NOODLES

You came out with me like this,

not afraid of being seen?

I promised to show you the sights of the capital.

How could I break my word?

What's wrong?

Meeting Song Yan put you in a bad mood?

So you do remember him.

I thought you'd forgotten.

It's not that I don't remember him.

I never considered him worth my attention.

Jealous?

Your eyes just changed.

Ridiculous.

Good.

Otherwise, you'd be lowering yourself.

Remember back in Lin'an,

I said

when you become a big official and run into Song Yan again,

you'd help me humble him, get even.

Fine.

It's not too late to humble him now.

-Stop the carriage. -No.

That's not what I meant.

A nobody like Song Yan, does he really need the Marquis of Wu'an to humble him?

MEIYU FRESH FLOWERS

The capital is beautiful.

In the old days,

I would have envied Song Yan for coming here.

But now,

with Chancellor Wei, Grand Tutor Li, and the rest,

the capital is nothing special.

Don't worry.

One day,

all these traitors and power holders

will be swept away.

And the world will know peace again.

Fireworks.

Now we can "watch the blaze from across the river", right here in the carriage.

Why "watch it from across the river"?

Let's go.

Stop the carriage.

Why get out?

Where are we going?

Follow me.

Waiter, private table for two.

Coming right up. This way, please.

JINGQUE HOUSE

Look.

Coming to the capital without authorization, that's a serious crime.

What's wrong with me coming to the capital?

Who dares impeach me?

Even if someone dared, would that boy emperor dare accept it?

You've always talked about

seeing the capital at night.

How could we just stay in the carriage?

Actually,

there's one thing I'm especially grateful to Song Yan for.

Grateful for what?

I'm grateful Song Yan

couldn't see your worth.

You once said

I was like uncut jade.

Even with your name carved on it, I'd never truly be yours.

But now I finally understand.

You're the true jade.

Your Highness, you must be tired from your journey back.

This is a private residence of our Li family.

You may rest here safely.

I've already sent men

to keep close watch on Fan Changyu's residence.

From there, we'll follow the trail

and charge Xie Zheng with the crime of returning without imperial summons.

Grand Tutor Li,

why not let that foolish emperor issue a decree,

summon Xie Zheng openly,

commanding him to bring his army back for rewards?

What do you mean by that?

Among the Chongzhou prisoners, many are loyal to me.

They've already infiltrated the Yanzhou army

returning to the capital.

Prince Changxin

spent his life trying to seize Dayin's capital,

never imagining

that I could use Xie Zheng's hand

to bring a rebel force openly into the city.

With soldiers, victory is possible.

Your Highness truly carries the royal blood.

Wisdom beyond measure, methods beyond compare.

I am yours to command,

to help you achieve your grand ambition.

UNRIVALED IN MERIT

Close the door.

-You're summoned by imperial decree? -Yes.

They knew I'm back, but they had

His Majesty summon me officially.

Also, a message from the falcon.

Qi Min has deployed all his death warriors. He's taken Ms. Yu.

Damn it. I'm bringing Qian back.

Wait. Don't rush.

I've already sent men to rescue her.

We need…

a different approach.

What approach?

That Qi is a mad dog. When he goes crazy, he even bites himself.

Qi Min seems vicious,

but he's deeply devoted to Ms. Yu.

He won't kill her.

-Changyu. -Something terrible!

Word's spreading everywhere. The emperor wants you as his noble consort.

I've said it before. I'm already married.

Exactly.

Who'd give up being a proper general to become someone's concubine?

Would you? That's just nonsense.

The Flower-Adorned General's fame has spread throughout the capital.

Now, she has the people's support.

His Majesty wants to use the General's influence

to counter the two powerful ministers, Wei and Li.

Right.

They came to sound you out.

-You interested? -Pfft!

And I actually felt sorry for him.

If he dares lay a hoof on me, I'll nail him on the spot.

Show him

this pig-slaughtering general isn't just for show.

MATCH

Minister Fan, come.

I've written a few characters especially for you,

to express my heart.

See if you like them.

"A graceful maiden is a fine gentleman's match."

Beautiful writing.

Sadly, I don't know many characters.

Just these two.

No matter. Let me explain.

This is a famous verse from the Book of Songs. It praises your beauty,

so captivating that even I cannot help but admire you.

In short, you are the most beautiful woman in all of Dayin.

What beauty?

I just have some brute strength.

Your Majesty may not know.

Back in the village,

I was once jilted by a provincial graduate.

I had to take in a live-in husband

just to save face and keep our family's pig stall.

Your Majesty,

you must stand up for women like me,

heirs of a broken line.

Change the Dayin Code.

Women don't need to marry a man to survive.

If we can support ourselves

and pay our land taxes,

we should count as a household.

No men required.

Don't you think so, Your Majesty?

Minister Fan,

you've already risen high.

Don't dwell on the past.

As for changing the law, I promise you.

After all, you are someone I hold dear.

On behalf of all women out there on their own, I, Fan Changyu,

thank you, Your Majesty.

Rise, Minister.

Quite a strong grip.

What other interests do you have?

Tell me.

Let's get to know each other.

I do. I like slaughtering pigs.

Why not find a pig, Your Majesty?

I'll show you how it's done.

Strip the bones, take out the heart and lungs…

Enough.

I'll be direct.

I intend to take you as my Noble Consort.

From now on, you'll stay in the palace and enjoy wealth and honor.

What a pity.

I already have a husband.

I can't marry you.

Didn't you say before your husband's whereabouts are unknown?

Just some husband.

A farmer, a common laborer.

How could he compare to me?

Besides,

if I wish to unite with you,

is it for selfish desire?

No.

It's for the sake of all Dayin,

to keep those power holders from controlling the court.

And you,

though you're just a pig-slaughtering woman,

I don't despise you.

See?

I'm sacrificing for you, thinking of your good.

Can't you understand a little righteousness?

Your Majesty is sacrificing yourself

for the greater good?

Fine.

I'll write to Xie Zheng now for a divorce.

Cast him out.

Excellent. Wait.

Who did you just say you're divorcing?

Xie Zheng.

Xie Jiuheng.

The Marquis of Wu'an.

Do you know him?

Yes.

-I know him very well. -Then I'll take my leave.

Wait.

Minister Fan.

No, General Fan.

Why didn't you tell me this earlier?

You've had me misunderstanding for so long.

The Marquis of Wu'an is also loyal and patriotic.

Marrying anyone serves the greater good, right?

Just…

Please consider

today's events as if they never happened.

What do you say?

I…

obey the decree.

Marquis, Grand Tutor Tao has arrived.

Master.

Returning by decree, leading a triumphant army.

This counts as appearing in the capital

with full legitimacy.

Seems…

His Majesty is within your calculations too.

If not for fear of shaking the court,

destabilizing the realm,

and giving the Northern Jue an opening,

that puppet king

might actually think he's safe on his throne.

The catastrophe 17 years ago

has left today's court

tangled beyond measure.

Those knots are impossible to untie.

Seventeen years of lessons, yet no peace,

only more turbulence.

Truly, we've regressed.

Jiuheng,

this journey to the capital marks your first direct confrontation with Wei Yan.

Uncle and nephew reunited,

danger at every turn.

Are you ready?

The day I enter the capital

is the anniversary of my mother's death.

He and I…

we'll meet eventually.

Greetings, Mother.

What did you summon me for?

What have you been busy with lately?

Studying chess manuals.

In my spare time, I've also copied some sutras for you, Mother.

That's all?

Lately, your maid Jianjia

has been visiting the cold palace frequently. What for?

Maybe she's kind-hearted, wanted to give out some food.

Shu.

Mother.

I happened to discover that in the cold palace,

there might be a witness to the upheaval 17 years ago.

Who else knows about this?

Just me and Jianjia. No one else.

This matter must never be mentioned again.

Treat it as if it never happened.

In seven days, the palace banquet will be held.

You cannot delay your coming of age any longer.

You may go. The ceremonial dress has been sent to your quarters.

Mother.

If Wei Yan truly dares to go this far,

then we should uncover the truth of 17 years ago,

exterminate his nine clans,

and take back imperial power from his hands. Isn't that right?

Why are you and my brother

so afraid of him?

A life of luxury has made you far too naive.

Wei Yan is not so easily brought down.

I've walked on eggshells,

endured humiliation, just to survive these 17 years.

If you have any filial piety at all,

listen to me. Do not touch this matter again.

Shu.

Yes, Mother. I understand.

I'll take my leave.

I don't know why

my heart

is unsettled, fearful.

As if 17 years ago were happening again.

GATHERING OF GRACE AND COMPASSION

Reporting to Your Majesty.

The Marquis of Wu'an has led his army

to the outskirts of the capital.

In three days,

he will enter the city by imperial decree.

Even earlier than I expected.

Could he have discovered

my interest in Fan Changyu and rushed to the capital?

-What a wolfish ambition. -Yes.

A pig-slaughtering woman, and he has to compete with me?

Yes.

-Tell me. Why is my fate so bitter? -Yes.

No! Not bitter, not bitter at all.

Chancellor Wei is Cao Cao. Grand Tutor Li is a slippery eel.

A slippery eel.

I finally found a country woman easy to manage,

and now she's… she's a marchioness.

If the Jizhou army and Yanzhou army unite,

won't that create another Prince Changxin?

Well…

No.

I can't let them join forces.

And…

where is the imperial grandson from the former Eastern Palace?

Reporting to Your Majesty, still no news.

And these past few days,

Chancellor Wei's side has been quiet. No unusual movements.

Look at you, all your doing.

Come back.

I can't just wait for death.

-Quick. Summon Grand Tutor Li. -Yes, sir.

Yes. I will go at once.

Hurry.

Guards. Summon Grand Tutor Li for an audience.

I pay my respects to Your Majesty.

Lately, rumors about the imperial grandson have been spreading everywhere.

Grand Tutor Li,

do you have any insight on this?

Your Majesty,

these rumors are hard to distinguish.

But emerging at such a critical moment,

in my view,

someone must be deliberately

stirring the pot from behind.

I was thinking the same.

Do you have anyone in mind, Grand Tutor?

Your Majesty,

the Marquis of Wu'an now commands heavy forces,

his army openly camped outside the capital.

His ambition is clear for all to see.

I humbly offer my counsel,

cut through this knot swiftly,

and uproot this threat entirely.

No.

Impossible.

That would mean

offending Chancellor Wei.

Your Majesty, I have a plan

that can help you succeed in this.

Word is, there's a lead in the cold palace,

the late Consort Qi's maid.

NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS EPISODE

Subtitle translation by: Wanjiao Song