Original subtitles

[A Dream Within A Dream]

[Episode 20]

[Song Residence]

How come it's you?

Miss Song Yiting, you gave me such generous gifts.

How could I not come?

I want to see Li Shiliu.

Chief is extremely busy,

so he assigned this matter to me.

Miss Yiting, feel free to make any requests.

I'll certainly comply.

Don't call me that.

And also,

keep your distance.

Let me be honest with you.

Today, only Li Shiliu

can take what I have in my possession.

That's a bit unreasonable, isn't it?

That belongs to Waning River Crescent.

Is that so?

It belongs to Waning River Crescent?

Either

you let me see Li Shiliu today,

or

Mr. Chu from the capital prefecture's office

would be very interested to know

how his precious sword

ended up in your hands.

I bathed myself and put on perfume

only to encounter such filth.

What rotten luck.

[Noon]

[Early Afternoon]

[Late Afternoon]

[Evening]

I can't take this anymore.

An official's daughter

dares to double-cross the Nightwalkers.

I'm going to take that sword back right now.

I'll take all the blame if anything goes wrong.

Can you calm down?

You think the Song Residence is some gang

you can just barge into?

Listen.

When dealing with officials' families,

we need to follow proper protocol.

Then what do you suggest we do?

If we don't get that sword back,

we can't hide it from Chief anymore.

Bring me my battle robe.

At critical moments,

I'm still the one who has to step in.

Thank you,

Miss Song Yiting.

Mr. Li, why so formal?

Just call me Yiting.

Miss Yiting, feel free...

Don't call me that.

Keep your distance.

My Lady, what exactly would it take

for you to return

what you've stolen from me?

How can you call it stealing?

That sounds so harsh.

I gifted you 73 paintings

and merely took

a small token in return.

If you're so attached to it,

perhaps we could arrange a trade?

Offering yourself in marriage is certainly out of the question.

The Waning River Crescent doesn't engage in such transactions.

You jest, Mr. Li.

It's not that serious.

I only ask for three days.

You need three days?

You misunderstand.

You were right before.

I have no experience with the martial arts world,

and you don't understand noble family customs.

Our backgrounds are worlds apart,

so this relationship may not be suitable.

But if we don't even give each other a chance,

then there's definitely no possibility of a future.

How do you propose we try?

Let's spend three days together

to get to know each other's lives.

If after three days,

you still feel nothing for me,

I'll return the sword.

But if you do fall for me,

then you must ask my parents for my hand.

For your hand?

Playing for such high stakes?

♪ Clap once, we ride together in the bridal sedan ♪

You've experienced all sorts of things.

Surely this small request

♪ Clap twice, the Song family's rocket shoots high ♪

doesn't frighten you, right?

♪ Riding in the bridal sedan ♪

♪ Riding in the bridal sedan ♪

♪ The bridal sedan is fabulous ♪

Rather than handing over Miss Song Yiting

to strengthen someone else's power,

why don't you marry both sisters?

Marry a virtuous wife

and have a pretty concubine.

Firmly grasp the Song family's influence in your hands.

My answer

is still the same.

Very well.

Nan Heng clearly has

the idea of us sisters marrying one husband.

Is there no way to avoid

these iconic scenes from the script?

The palace is full of treachery.

One must be careful everywhere.

Even if you don't harm others,

you must guard against others harming you.

He may not want to kill me,

but I will certainly die because of him.

These are the rules.

It's destined.

Then, break the rules.

Destroy what's destined.

No.

At least I can survive until the second-to-last episode.

But if Song Yiting is deceived by him,

that's a lifetime matter.

I must defy fate.

Nan Heng,

I'm sorry.

My Lady.

My Lady,

how could you do

such labor yourself?

Let me do it instead,

so you won't hurt yourself.

Yimeng,

I heard that after the ladies left that day,

you had quite a talk with Heng.

Have you changed your mind?

My Lady,

I was foolish before.

The Seventh Prince is such a wonderful person,

and I failed to cherish him.

Thanks to you

for never giving up on me,

I now have the chance to marry him.

It's just...

What's wrong?

Has Heng mistreated you?

No,

His Highness hasn't mistreated me.

My Lady,

after meeting those noble ladies,

he started ignoring me completely.

I followed your instructions

and gave him those pastries,

but after taking them,

he just turned and left,

without saying a single kind word to me.

I'm worried

that he might've taken a fancy to one of those noble ladies

and is thinking of taking a concubine.

That's impossible.

Those ladies that day

were all terrified by Heng.

In this capital, the only woman with such courage

is you, Yimeng.

Thank you, My Lady.

That's what I've been telling myself too.

But...

But as long as I'm not by his side,

I can neither eat nor sleep properly.

I'm afraid

that I might pass away

before our wedding day arrives.

Yimeng.

Yimeng.

Yimeng!

Yimeng!

Quick!

Quickly call the imperial physician!

Yes,

My Lady.

All illnesses can be cured,

but lovesickness has no remedy.

My Lady,

I beg you.

Please let me go to the Prince's residence

to be with the Seventh Prince,

would you?

Good child,

I promise you.

I'll grant you anything you wish.

Thank you, My Lady.

My Lady,

your acting was terrible.

Why don't you learn from me sometime?

You have the nerve to say that?

You put chili sauce in there.

I wonder if she noticed.

Whatever.

Both of you, listen carefully.

From now on,

I'll keep a close eye

on Nan Heng.

You two

watch Song Yiting closely.

Yimeng is so desperate

to leave the palace and see Heng

that she'd go to such lengths.

Miss Song has gone to great trouble.

She must be deeply in love with His Highness.

Love grows deeply,

blossoms, and bears fruits.

They'll have many children

and many generations!

So you

took the initiative to tell Mother

to come

and serve me?

Your Highness is busy.

Since I'm about to become your wife,

I need to learn

how to serve you well.

Then in the future,

I can pass down your genes,

blossom and bear fruit,

and have many children

and generations.

Got it.

Then...

You may leave.

Did I do something wrong?

Or Your Highness,

do you not want to see me at all?

Fine.

If you are well,

everything is great.

I'll leave now.

From now on,

I won't disturb your life anymore.

I'm really leaving.

You said you cared about me.

You said you wanted to protect me forever.

People change easily,

but love is hard to break.

What a pity for my sincerity.

I loved the wrong person.

Come back.

What's wrong, Your Highness?

Your acting is not good.

Don't act next time.

However,

since you've already spoken with Mother,

you should stay here in the residence.

It's not safe outside these days.

Don't go out

and cause me trouble,

understand?

I got it.

Your Highness is truly

the best fiancé in the world.

I'll go settle in now.

Your Highness,

what are you looking at?

What's so interesting about hands?

What is it?

Chancellor Gao has brought his advisors

to discuss state affairs with you.

They're waiting in the main hall.

Got it.

Your Highness,

Chu Guihong just came to steal something,

and now Miss Song comes to stay.

What's going on here?

She says she's here to serve me personally,

but there's not a word of truth in what she says.

Keep an eye on her.

If she needs anything,

make sure it's properly arranged.

But Your Highness,

your instructions are contradictory.

Should I be guarding against her

or taking care of her?

You've been with me for so long.

Don't you know how to be flexible?

[Brilliant Heavenly Sun]

Your Highness.

I'm slow.

Please give me another chance.

Your Highness!

Miss Song.

Nan Heng definitely started seducing Yiting

by exchanging love letters with her.

Not it.

His Highness had half a bowl of porridge for breakfast.

[Peace and Serenity]

Miss Song,

this is a private study.

What are you doing here?

I'm

just looking around.

His Highness told me to get familiar with my surroundings.

I'm going

to explore elsewhere now.

Your Highness,

Chancellor.

Getting married and receiving a fief

is a custom from the previous dynasty,

but there are also precedents that can be followed.

If you wish to legitimately bypass this rule,

the only way is...

By becoming the crown prince.

But currently among the six ministries,

only the Minister of Revenue is

willing to support me.

If I propose to be named crown prince now,

I fear Mr. Song

will think my intention to marry Song Yimeng is impure.

Isn't this precisely why you are marrying

Minister Song's eldest daughter?

Indeed.

Otherwise, why would you marry Miss Song?

Yes.

That's right.

That's the reasoning.

Enough.

I'll make my own judgment on this matter.

You all may leave.

Yes.

Uncle,

is there something else?

You originally had two goals in forcing the marriage with Song Yimeng.

First, to break up the alliance between the Song and Chu families.

Second, to gain Song Yude's support.

Now that Song Yimeng

will definitely break off the engagement with Chu Guihong,

the Song-Chu alliance exists in name only.

However, Song Yimeng has always been willful,

and I fear there will be too many variables.

I believe...

You should change course

and seek another bride.

Haven't I told you before?

Political struggles

are best fought in court.

Marriage is merely an external factor.

Uncle, you needn't worry about these matters.

Could it be that you have feelings for Song Yimeng?

Regarding the provincial assignment,

I'll find my own solution.

If this woman isn't removed,

she will surely become great trouble.

Come here.

Consort.

To-be.

Consort-to-be.

Consort-to-be.

You must be tired after a long day.

Here,

have something to eat.

I prepared this specially for you two.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Where does His Highness frequently visit these days?

Could you tell me a little about it?

Well...

Consort-to-be,

His Highness's whereabouts are confidential.

If we were to reveal anything,

it could cost our lives.

Listen to yourself.

You make us sound like strangers.

He is the prince

and I am his consort.

Aren't you just the Consort-to-be?

Why are you being so stubborn?

Even with the "to-be," I'm still a consort, aren't I?

Telling outsiders

would be leaking information.

But telling family

is just everyday sharing.

Fine, fine,

I won't pressure you anymore.

You just have to tell me now

if the prince

has been frequently visiting the Song family these days,

especially going to see—

Song Yimeng,

are you here to take care of me

or the horses?

What are you doing in the stables?

Your Highness.

Your Highness, how come you're here?

Be serious.

I just

want to know everything about you, that's all.

So that's why

you went snooping in my study?

Well, I couldn't exactly

go snooping in your bedroom, could I?

Behave yourself.

Go wait for me in the room.

I'll deal with you later.

As you wish, Your Highness.

I'll take my leave.

Your Highness.

She's trying to seduce you.

Should I go test her intentions?

You test her?

What exactly would you test?

What could you possibly test?

Well...

Since you have nothing better to do,

go feed the horses.

Yes, sir.

Test her?

What are you looking at?

Go feed the horses!

The horses have already been fed.

I'm more worried the man is still hungry.

I can't believe this.

Nan Heng is so cunning,

hiding things so well.

Good thing I'm quick-witted

and good at acting.

Oh my goodness,

I actually found it.

Wait, that's not right.

Both men and women have long hair in ancient times,

so this doesn't count.

What are you looking for?

I just wanted to see

if you sleep on a soft or firm bed.

If it's too soft,

I thought I could replace it with a firmer one

as it's not good for your back.

If you want something,

just tell me directly.

There's no need for this.

Besides, no one likes feeling distrusted,

especially me.

And especially by you.

I...

I didn't!

[Heaven-Heard]

Big, big, big!

Open!

Big, big, big!

Open!

Open it!

Open it!

I won!

I won!

Come on,

pay up!

Let's go again!

Mr. Li,

is this how

you usually live your life?

Yeah.

People of the martial arts world seek freedom, pleasure,

wine, women, wealth, and excitement.

I'm quite accomplished in all of them.

What's wrong?

You don't like it, Miss Song?

If you don't like it, wait outside.

We agreed on three days for me to make my choice,

but it hasn't even been one day

and you're already fed up?

Anyone else want to place a bet?

Hurry up if you're betting!

Mr. Li,

this is getting boring.

Let's make a bigger wager.

What do you have in mind?

This is my family heirloom sword,

the Mountain Cleaver.

It's worth a fortune.

On top of that,

one house,

five acres of land,

and my two hands.

Let's settle it in one round.

That's a fine sword,

but unfortunately,

I have nothing of value to wager,

so I can't join the game.

I have no interest in gold or treasures.

This woman, however, would do nicely.

I can see she's elegant,

refined,

and worth gambling for.

Sure.

He agreed!

You're using me as a wager?

Yeah.

You're the one who insisted on following me.

Since you're mine,

what's wrong with using you as a wager?

If you don't like it,

you can still leave now.

Fine.

Since I'm at the table,

there's no reason to quit halfway.

Yes.

Wagering me

is fine,

but I'll hold the cards myself.

Double axes?

-Royal flush? -Royal flush!

-Royal flush? -Royal flush!

This...

Bring that sword over here.

Please have someone

from the store bring this sword

and these items to my residence.

These hands he wagered

will serve as labor payment.

Help yourself.

Miss Song Yiting,

I had no idea

you were such a skilled gambler.

It's just mathematics.

Anyone with hands can do it.

Also,

take off your hat.

If you want to set up a trap to scare me off next time,

at least use some fresh faces.

I've seen this person many times before.

Don't you agree?

I...

Mr. Li,

I'd like to go shopping tomorrow,

and I request that you come alone to accompany me.

Shangguan.

This Song Yiting

is hard to deal with.

We can't get the sword back.

My sword is gone too.

And my house,

my land,

and my...

Beard.

Judging by Nan Heng's reaction,

he was clearly panicking.

There must be something suspicious in that bedside box.

Love letters?

A token?

It can't be

an aphrodisiac for Yiting, right?

Let go of me!

Let go!

Let go of me!

Since you're being cruel,

don't blame me for being disloyal.

Nan,

you forced me to do this.

Come.

Come.

Sir,

I've heard that this place

is the largest clinic in the capital.

If I wanted some of that...

You know...

That special medicine,

would you happen to have any?

I'm very knowledgable about

these domestic affairs.

Are you looking for fertility medicine,

or perhaps abortion pills?

What are you thinking?

It's neither.

I want something that

makes someone abstain from women,

purifies their mind, and reduces desires,

preferably something that would make them become a monk on the spot.

[Song Residence]

Shangguan,

Miss Song Yiting is about to come out.

Before you put on your battle robe,

please repeat today's mission once more.

Alright.

Combining our Chief's arrogance,

Nan Rui's ignorance,

and Chu Guihong's dullness,

I vow to be the most detestable man in Great Jing.

I will surely destroy

Miss Song's feelings for me.

Everything depends on this one move.

♪ Oh my, baby ♪

♪ What earrings do you like this time? ♪

[400 copper coins]

So expensive.

♪ Such expensive earrings are puzzling ♪

♪ Do they think it rains money? ♪

[Jewelry]

♪ It rains money ♪

So ugly.

♪ Sploosh, splash ♪

♪ It rains money ♪

♪ I'm getting rich, I'm getting rich ♪

[Jewelry Shop]

Why are you

holding the packages?

Oh, right.

[Candle Shop]

Does it look nice?

I want to wear this tomorrow when I meet my friends.

It's ugly.

Extremely ugly.

You're wearing this to meet your friends?

People might think you're trying to seduce someone.

And you call yourself a noble lady?

In my opinion,

you're nothing but a vulgar woman

who tries to win over men.

What else do you need to buy?

Can you hurry up?

Waning River Crescent has a meeting soon.

A successful man like myself

simply doesn't have time

to waste on such shallow matters.

Enough.

If your goal

is to make me dislike you,

then congratulations.

You've succeeded.

Don't bother accompanying me tomorrow.

Besides the one Miss Song Yiting is wearing,

this one is for you.

For me?

[Half a month ago]

The men's and women's outfits really match!

Mr. Li is a person of integrity.

This blue color suits him perfectly.

He often engages in martial arts contests,

so his clothes can't just look good.

They must also be durable

and lightweight.

Areas that touch the skin, like the cuffs and collars,

must be crafted with care.

Madam,

I need your help with something.

Go ahead.

Mr. Li has a condition on his face

and doesn't show his true appearance.

But I believe

he is the most handsome man in the world.

Only the most vivid mask

would be worthy of him.

These are my designs.

Take it!

I've run this tailor shop for many years,

and Miss Song Yiting is a regular customer,

but I've never seen her care so much about someone.

Such fine things

are wasted on someone like you.

Pah!

I don't want your money.

[Righteousness and Virtue]

This is...

A tonic?

Miss Song,

isn't this bowl

a bit too large?

I came here

specifically to take care of

His Highness's health.

Without some strong medicine,

how can I properly nourish him?

Your Highness,

please drink it while it's hot.

If it gets cold,

the medicinal effects won't be as good.

Drink up now.

So what exactly are the effects of this medicine?

It nourishes

the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys—

everything.

It's good for your health.

Drink it quickly.

Are you trying to make him plump like me?

You're too young.

You don't understand.

I don't think this is a tonic.

You're trying to poison me, aren't you?

I...

Your Highness,

for the sake of my future happiness,

I certainly wouldn't harm you.

Excessive eagerness to help

means you're up to no good.

Your Highness,

let me taste it for you.

No!

You can't drink it.

It's such expensive medicine.

How can you drink it?

You're too young.

This medicine

is only for His Highness.

Your Highness,

let me

help you take your medicine.

Alright.

Come,

open your mouth.

You're too far. I can't reach.

Come, be a good boy.

Open your mouth.

Still can't reach.

Come closer.

Your Highness,

please take your medicine.

Wait.

Sit here to feed me.

Sit?

Sit?

Is this really necessary?

Whether it's necessary or not

depends on how badly

you want me to take this medicine.

Fine!

Then I'll sit here

and feed you your medicine slowly.

Come on, Your Highness.

Can you drink it now?

You're still not close enough.

Your Highness,

aren't you afraid I might

shove this spoon right down your throat?

You wouldn't dare.

Fine then.

Let's see

whether I dare or not.

Come on, be good,

open your mouth.

Is this close enough?

Close enough?

Here,

time for your medicine.

I...

Come on.

I'm sorry,

my foot slipped.

You did that on purpose, didn't you?

What...

What are you doing?

Next time you want to throw yourself into my arms,

remember to

dress more elegantly.

I...

Take it easy.

Miss Song Yiting showed me nothing but sincerity,

yet I threw her genuine feelings on the ground

and trampled on them carelessly.

Even the wickedest person in the martial world

couldn't be worse than me.

Shangguan,

don't think too much.

You were just doing your job.

You didn't want to do that,

right?

Tomorrow

is the last day.

Get

the sword back.

Never

see her again.

That's right, Shangguan.

You can't be blamed for being harsh.

You rejected her so clearly,

yet she still kept pestering you.

After all,

it's just feelings from a brief encounter.

How deep can it really be?

She'll most likely

forget all about it after a while.

-Yes. -Yes.

-Yes. -Yes.

She's not like me.

Shangguan,

tell me,

if you had met Miss Song Yiting

at a different time,

in a different place,

would you have fallen for

a girl like her?

She's in love with the fake Li Shiliu.

A person like me

will never get married.

Some relationships are not meant to be,

so some questions

should never be asked.

What a shame.

Guys,

do you think the Waning River Crescent

has bad feng shui?

Our Chief Master is single,

and so is our Second Master.

If you ask me,

we might as well become monks,

instead of looking for some sword.

So,

you lost the sword?