Original subtitles

You are on duty today.

I'll have dinner ready

and wait for you to come home.

That's thoughtful.

But I made plans with Ding Zhi and the others

to hear the new songs at Yunshao House.

But we...

What about us?

Things between us

have changed.

How have they changed?

About what happened last night,

I'll take responsibility.

What happened between us was by mutual consent.

We both got what we wanted.

If you take it seriously,

you're the one who's mistaken.

But we've already consummated...

I will take responsibility to the very end.

For the rest of my life,

there will only be you.

I've spent my life wandering through pleasure houses.

Never once have I cared

about preserving my chastity.

Nor would I ever spend my life

tied to one man over something as trivial as virtue.

It was just a brief encounter.

Let's leave it at that.

=Blossoms of Power=

(Adapted from the novel, After My Bloom, All Flowers Wither by Jin Huang)

=Episode 25=

I have learned that Cui Jinbai and Bu Shulin

spent the entire night drinking at Yunshao House yesterday.

They stayed in the same room.

They didn't leave together until this morning.

Keep watching their movements.

Find out the nature of their relationship.

If anything unusual comes up,

report to me immediately.

Yes.

My Lord.

You're investigating

Young Master Bu and Vice Minister Cui?

Rumors about

those two have been circulating for some time.

But Cui Jinbai

is well known for his impeccable conduct.

How could he become so close

to a notorious playboy like Bu Shulin,

and even move into his residence?

I simply can't believe

Vice Minister Cui

would develop feelings

for another man.

That's hardly the only suspicious thing.

The Crown Princess is known for being aloof and reserved,

yet she became close friends

with that libertine Bu Shulin.

Even the Crown Prince allows the Crown Princess

to associate so closely with another man.

Ever since Father intended for Bu Shulin

to marry Princess Anling,

he latched onto Cui Jinbai

and single-handedly ruined the match.

Bu Shulin is the only young master of the Marquis of Shunan.

Yet he's in no hurry to marry,

and the Marquis seems completely unconcerned.

That makes no sense.

My Lord,

have you already formed a theory?

What if

Bu Shulin

isn't actually a man?

If Bu Shulin were a lady,

then everything that seems so strange

would make perfect sense.

My Lady,

you truly are perceptive.

If that's really the case,

once Bu Shulin's identity as a lady is exposed,

the Marquis of Shunan will surely be charged with deceiving the Emperor.

If you expose the Marquis of Shunan,

you'll have the best chance of taking command of the Shunan army.

You think so highly of me.

I am truly gratified.

As your wife,

it's only natural for me to ease your burdens.

I am willing to do anything for Your Highness.

My Lady,

have you already come up with a plan?

The best way

is to have His Majesty

arrange a marriage for Young Master Bu.

What you said to Second Prince just now,

could it be seen as overstepping your place?

I know I'm not blessed with breathtaking beauty,

nor do I come from a powerful family.

Second Prince's heart belongs to Shen Yingruo.

I've never hoped

to share some fleeting romance with him.

Only in this way

might I become

someone he cannot do without.

Greetings to Father and Grandmother.

Rise.

Father, Grandmother.

I'm here with good news.

Qingshu is expecting.

- Good. - Great.

That is wonderful news indeed.

If she gives birth to the royal family's eldest grandson,

that would truly be a blessing.

Changmin,

only after becoming a father

will you understand how difficult it is to raise a child.

You should also start thinking about your own future.

Thank you for your guidance, Father.

I have one more matter

I'd like to discuss with you.

Speak freely.

I'd like to ask Father

to arrange a marriage for Young Master Bu.

Has Young Master Bu asked you to do this?

Not at all.

Recently,

while reviewing cases at the Censorate,

I found that nearly half the pending cases involve Young Master Bu.

Some were for trampling crops while riding recklessly.

Others for drinking and violating the curfew.

He even got into street fights with the sons of noble families.

I was thinking,

why not

find him a young lady from a distinguished family?

She could guide him with proper conduct

and bring order to his household.

The Crown Prince has arrived.

Greetings to Father and Grandmother.

Huayong, you're here.

Rise.

Huayong,

your second brother

has been worrying about Bu Shulin's marriage.

Changmin has always been strict with himself,

yet remarkably considerate toward others.

I agree with Second Brother.

It wasn't until after I married that I realized

a man only truly matures

once he has a family.

Well said.

The Marquis of Shunan has only one heir, Young Master Bu.

I've also been thinking

it's time he married,

so the Marquis' family line may continue.

How about this?

Mother, I'll trouble you with this matter.

Choose a young lady from a distinguished family to be his wife.

What do you think?

Rest assured.

It's time we found him a virtuous wife

to keep him in line.

- Thank you, Father, Grandmother. - Thank you, Father, Grandmother.

Changmin already suspects that Bu Shulin is a lady.

He plans to expose it through an arranged marriage.

We must act before they do

and find Lin a marriage.

But finding a bride who can conceal Lin's identity

and never betray her

is no easy task.

Your Highness.

An invitation has arrived from Prince Ning's Mansion.

It's for Fourteenth Prince's seventh birthday banquet.

Prince Ning has invited Lady Song of Bright Deportment

to host a banquet at his residence.

Young Master Bu is also among the guests.

(Prince Ning's Mansion)

- Greetings, Your Highnesses. - Greetings, Your Highnesses.

Let's go see the birds later.

Be sure to come soon.

All right.

Let's go.

Mother.

(Xiao Changhong, Fourteenth Prince) I want to feed the birds.

(Xiao Changhong, Fourteenth Prince) Changmin's residence

(Xiao Changhong, Fourteenth Prince) has many rare birds.

(Lady Song of Bright Deportment) All right.

(Lady Song of Bright Deportment) But you mustn't run around,

(Lady Song of Bright Deportment) or you might get hurt.

Take Fourteenth Prince to see the birds.

Watch over him carefully.

Yes.

Prince Ning. Princess Consort Ning.

Thank you for holding Changhong's birthday banquet.

It's been arranged so grandly.

I truly appreciate it.

You're too kind, Lady Song.

Changhong is the youngest of the princes

and exceptionally bright.

Not only is he dearly loved by Father,

but all of us brothers are fond of him as well.

His birthday banquet has always been held in the palace.

This year, I thought we'd do something different.

If there's anything lacking,

I hope you'll forgive us.

Not at all.

Changhong is delighted.

This way, everyone.

Your Highness, slow down.

Slow down, Your Highness.

- Changhong! - Be careful!

Changhong, you're here.

Look! The birds are so beautiful.

Look! It's eating.

Miss, shall we go over there?

Sure.

Slow down.

Be careful.

Help!

Fourteenth Prince has fallen into the water!

Help!

Changhong!

- Changhong! - Help!

Fourteenth Prince has fallen into the water!

Help!

Your Highness, something has happened.

Fourteenth Prince accidentally fell into the water.

How is he now?

He's fine. Young Master Bu has already rescued him.

Prince Ning.

What happened?

Changhong accidentally fell into the water.

What?

Don't panic, Lady Song.

Fortunately, Young Master Bu was nearby.

He has already rescued Changhong.

The Imperial Physician is examining him now.

Take me there at once.

Lead the way.

Yes.

Physician Zhou.

Is Changhong all right?

Your Highness,

Fourteenth Prince only caught a chill.

He's out of danger.

Thank heavens.

Changhong is fine.

Where is Young Master Bu?

It's all my fault.

I was only thinking about Changhong.

Where is Young Master Bu now?

Young Master Bu is changing in a side room at Wancui Garden.

I hope he hasn't caught a chill either.

Physician Zhou.

Come with me to check on him.

Yes.

Young Master Bu.

Are you in there?

Young Master Bu.

I've brought the Imperial Physician.

Are you all right?

Could something have happened?

Quick.

Get up.

This...

Young Master Bu, you...

Please don't misunderstand.

I was changing just now.

She insisted on barging in and throwing herself into my arms.

Isn't that Fifth Young Lady Yu,

Second Prince's wife's younger cousin?

Brother-in-law, I...

Bu Shulin!

Outrageous!

This is absolutely outrageous!

Your Majesty,

I was framed.

After I rescued Fourteenth Prince,

I was taken to Wancui Garden to change my clothes.

But for some reason,

I suddenly felt feverish and my mind became clouded.

Then Fifth Young Lady Yu burst in

and insisted on sleeping with me.

I fought with all my strength to resist,

but unfortunately,

my body would not obey me.

She almost had her way.

Fortunately, everyone arrived in time.

Otherwise,

I could never have cleared my name.

Nonsense!

You're highly skilled in martial arts.

How could a mere weak lady

strip off your clothes?

Father,

Young Master Bu is telling the truth.

When Prince Ning forced the door open,

I smelled a strange fragrance in the room.

It was the scent of Three-Leaf Nine-Blade Herb.

What does that have to do with this matter?

The scent of Three-Leaf Nine-Blade Herb

can cloud one's mind and arouse desire.

Come to think of it,

Fifth Young Lady Yu

is Changmin's sister-in-law.

Your Highness,

what exactly

do you mean by that?

If Fifth Young Lady Yu

had consummated the marriage with Bu Shulin,

then you and Bu Shulin

would have become family.

Changmin,

how do you explain this?

Father,

I never intended to use this

to win over the Marquis of Shunan's household.

Please allow me some time.

I will uncover the truth

and give Young Master Bu an explanation.

Very well.

I

allow you to prove your innocence.

Work with the Chief Minister and the Chief Justice

to investigate this matter together.

Thank you, Father.

(Contemplating the Pine Breeze)

Greetings, Young Master Bu.

Remarkable.

It's truly remarkable.

Xihe,

where did you find such a treasure?

His name is Shen Shijiu.

He serves in the Northwestern Army.

When my brother came to the capital,

I saw that his build and appearance

were eighty percent like yours,

so I kept him in the capital.

But he looks exactly like me.

I thought I was looking into a mirror.

I asked Physician Xie to use his bone-sculpting technique

to alter his face, from eighty percent resemblance

to a perfect match.

The Crown Prince also used Tagara Incense

to make his voice sound like yours.

From now on, Shen Shijiu will stay by your side

to learn your way of speaking,

your handwriting, and your mannerisms.

If anyone ever tries to expose you,

he'll prove useful.

Thank you, Xihe,

for thinking of everything.

Shen Shijiu,

you must study well.

You must not make a single mistake.

One careless slip,

and it will mean utter ruin.

Yes.

You may leave.

Lin,

have you made up your mind

about you and Cui Jinbai?

Careful with it.

(Marquis of Shunan's Manor)

I've imposed on you these past few days.

Today, I'll take my leave.

You're too polite.

You'll always be welcome here.

Vice Minister Cui,

you're welcome back anytime.

For a drink or a song.

Thank you for taking me in.

(Marquis of Shunan's Manor)

(Court of Judicial Review)

Please see the truth, Vice Minister Cui.

I have never admired Young Master Bu,

nor did I ever use an aphrodisiac against him.

That day, I was drugged as well

and lost consciousness.

When I awoke, I was already in that room.

Please uncover the truth, Vice Minister Cui,

and clear my name.

Fifth Sister,

your elder sister is my wife.

I've always treated you as my own sister.

But in this matter,

the evidence is conclusive.

Only by confessing truthfully

can Vice Minister Cui

show leniency.

Fifth Young Lady Yu,

after learning that my residence

would be hosting Fourteenth Prince's birthday banquet,

you begged me repeatedly to let you enter the manor,

just to catch a glimpse of Young Master Bu from afar.

It's my fault as well.

I softened for a moment

and agreed to your request.

Nonsense!

When did I ever tell you I admired Young Master Bu?

You were the one who invited me to the birthday banquet.

I only accepted out of respect for Second Prince.

I couldn't very well refuse.

Vice Minister Cui,

every word I've said is the truth.

I haven't uttered a single lie.

Please see the truth, Vice Minister Cui.

Did you find any other clues

in Fifth Lady Yu's room?

Reporting to you, My Lord,

we found a box of incense made from Three-Leaf Nine-Blade Herb

hidden in a secret compartment in Fifth Young Lady Yu's bedroom.

We also found a portrait of Young Master Bu.

The incense?

The portrait?

How could these be in my room?

It was you!

You framed me!

You...

Have you lost your mind?

You've gone completely mad.

Don't touch me!

Now that it's come to this,

my parents have cast me aside like a worthless rag.

They no longer care whether I live or die.

What more is there for me to say?

Stop her!

Have you lost your mind?

I know you've come fully prepared today

to frame me.

Then I'll use my own life

to prove my innocence.

The wicked

will meet a bad end.

Princess Anling, please step aside.

The path is so wide.

Isn't there enough room for you to pass?

How dare you!

You dare block my way?

Princess Consort Ning is pregnant.

She isn't able to move about easily.

Princess Anling, please step aside.

She looks perfectly fine to me.

What's inconvenient about her?

Move aside.

Princess!

Princess!

The Princess is bleeding!

Gu Qingshu!

How dare you let your maid injure me!

What happened?

Sister-in-law.

You came at the perfect time.

Princess Consort Ning has gone too far.

I've never had any grievance with her.

Yet the moment we met today, she not only forced me to give way.

She even let her maid shove me.

Greetings, Crown Princess.

You've misunderstood, Princess.

There are bottomless lakes on both sides.

Ruyi feared the Princess and I might bump into each other.

She only wanted both sides to give way.

So neither side would be inconvenienced.

Who would've thought the Princess would take offense,

insist on pushing forward,

and nearly run into me?

Is what she says true?

But...

She clearly forced me to give way.

Princess Anling was the one at fault.

You should apologize to Princess Consort Ning.

I...

I was too rash.

Please forgive me, Second Sister-in-law.

We're family. There's no need to stand on ceremony.

Please don't take it to heart, Princess.

The Princess was indeed out of line.

But Princess Consort Ning's maid

showed no regard for rank.

Those who serve their masters should be loyal.

But they mustn't see only their own master.

I was foolish.

I never meant to offend the Princess.

I beg Your Highness for forgiveness.

Execute her.

Yes.

Spare me, Your Highness!

Please spare me, Your Highness!

Spare me, Your Highness!

Princess Consort Ning, save me!

Sister-in-law...

Please spare me, Your Highness!

It's getting late. You should head back now.

Yes.

Mercy, Your Highness!

Help!

Save me!

Princess Consort Ning.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Thank me?

If not for Your Highness's reminder,

I wouldn't have realized

that keeping such a reckless servant

by my side

would bring endless trouble.

Your Highness is far more farsighted

than I could ever hope to be.

A reckless servant?

You're far too modest.

Under your guidance,

this servant became

quite adept at harming others.

I don't understand what Your Highness is talking about.

Still pretending?

Shall I recount everything you've done,

one by one?

What have I done?

I have no idea what you mean.

Very well.

Let me refresh your memory.

To win the Empress Dowager's favor,

you gained Hu Yingrao's trust.

You used vervain

to make her break out in a rash.

Then you seized the chance to perform.

You created

a touching tale of two devoted sisters.

Then you deliberately presented the Empress Dowager with roses,

keeping her awake at night.

After that,

you gave her a scented sachet to help her sleep.

What a perfectly staged performance.

You ordered Young Master Wen to assassinate Prince Ning.

Hu Yingrao died saving Prince Ning.

Even in death, she paved the way for you,

allowing you to climb step by step

to the rank of imperial consort.

You held Fourteenth Prince's birthday banquet

and set a trap for Young Master Bu.

You drove Fifth Young Lady Yu

to take her own life.

Everyone connected to it

was silenced by you.

Yet you alone walked away unscathed.

Gu Qingshu,

everything you've done

was made possible by this maid.

Her death today

is of her own making.

I don't know how I've offended Your Highness,

for Your Highness to judge me so harshly.

You may deny it,

but you should know

everything you've done,

once brought before His Majesty,

will only lead to your own death.

I know what Your Highness is capable of.

But you'd better hurry,

because

I'll soon be the mother of the dynasty's eldest grandson.

(East Palace)

Greetings, Crown Princess.

No need for formalities.

Please, have a seat.

I've come unannounced today

because there's a marriage

I'd like to ask Your Highness to arrange.

I've loved the Crown Prince for many years,

but I also know

the Crown Prince

doesn't love me.

I've come today

not to pursue the Crown Prince,

but to ask Your Highness to arrange a match.

I'm willing to marry Young Master Bu.

I've long known

Young Master Bu

is a lady.

When I was ten,

I got lost at the Lantern Festival

and was saved by Young Master Bu.

We were in a private room then.

Young Master Bu thought I was unconscious,

so she let down her guard.

She took off her outer robe

and let down her hair.

Young Master Bu saved my life,

so I've kept this secret

and never told anyone.

Since you already know Young Master Bu's identity,

why do you still wish to marry her?

Yesterday, Prince Ning went to see my aunt

and asked her to find Young Master Bu

a young lady with no parents and no one to rely on.

Quite a clever plan.

With no one to rely on,

she'd be easier for them to control,

with nowhere to turn.

I know

Your Highness is close to Young Master Bu

and will surely protect her.

Why not let me

protect this secret?

In this world,

there's no one more suitable than I am.

If you marry into Young Master's Manor,

from this day on,

wealth and honor will be yours.

Young Master Bu and the Marquis of Shunan

will both be forever grateful to you.

Your younger brother will also receive the finest education.

When he comes of age,

Young Master Bu will pave a bright future for him as well.

But the price you'll have to pay

is never being able to spend your life with your true husband,

sharing a lifelong, loving marriage.

I want to protect Young Master Bu,

but I don't want to ruin someone else's life.

Your wish to repay your debt of gratitude is admirable,

but you must think it through carefully.

Don't act on impulse.

After our conversation today,

I truly admire Your Highness.

I finally understand

why the Crown Prince is devoted to you,

and why the two of you can stand side by side.

(Clarity and Serenity)

Your Highness,

has your poison flared up again?

Yunhuai has spared no effort.

Don't worry.

Tian Yuan told me

the treatment

is very painful.

It's nothing.

To me,

it's nothing at all.

Being able to see you for one more day

is already a blessing.

Ever since you added the delicate qionghua blossoms,

this medicine has become much easier to take.

The braided cord you asked for on Chinese New Year's Eve.

I wove mugwort and calamus into it.

They say

wearing a mugwort and calamus charm

can ward off evil, avert misfortune, and bring longevity.

So this braided cord

was specially made for me by you?

It was specially made for you.

May everything go smoothly for you.

May illness and misfortune be driven away.

May you enjoy a long and healthy life.

Is Your Highness feeling unwell again?

Don't you think today's fragrance is rather special?

It has a cool and refreshing scent.

Indeed.

It's called Moonlit Cool Fragrance.

Xihe blended it herself.

Qionghua is also known as the Beauty Beneath the Moon.

That's why she named it Moonlit Cool Fragrance.

Xihe also said

this fragrance is for me alone.

She wants

me to be surrounded by her scent.

Your Highness,

there's nothing you won't say these days.

I'll take my leave.

Why does it smell so bloody?

It's a pregnancy pulse.

Since when?

I've decided to marry.

I'll find a lady who won't expose my identity and marry her.

This cup of tea

is to sever all ties between us.

Dispatch our most elite men

at once to capture Bu Shulin.

♪How can you be so wonderful?♪

♪I've hidden so many words♪

♪Too reluctant to tell you♪

♪So never uncover♪

♪The sand that slips away with one grasp♪

♪The flower that withers after one bloom♪

♪Silently buried deep inside my heart♪

♪Every answer I gave♪

♪Was both bittersweet and absurd♪

♪Hiding my tear-filled eyes when I hurt you♪

♪How hard it truly was?♪

♪The wounds that healed with just a little comfort♪

♪The lies made whole with a single embrace♪

♪Pretending to be brave as if I'd never been hurt♪

♪It's a shame I never could♪

♪Give you a moon in return♪

♪With the same open heart you loved me♪

♪I've crossed the wasteland of memories♪

♪Never knowing I was lost♪

♪Why don't you take me away?♪

♪Lead me out of this endless game of hide-and-seek♪

♪You'll never♪

♪Know how much I long to, long to♪

(No animals were harmed in the making of this film)