Original subtitles

[Episode 7]

Why are you looking at me?

I heard from A Ding

that you've accepted the post of Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture.

In a few days,

you'll go to Jingzhao Prefecture to take office?

That is true.

Why?

You've been idle for so many years,

and you have your leg problems.

Why were you suddenly appointed?

Didn't you tell me

that I shouldn't be trapped,

and that I shouldn't live my life as a show for others?

So I've pulled myself together

and accepted His Majesty's assignment.

What's wrong?

Are you unhappy?

I'm very happy.

Wu You?

What are you doing?

Be quiet.

Was it my sister-in-law who just left?

Go back first.

Sister-in-law has been going out a lot lately.

Who did she meet?

Wu You.

Didn't I tell you?

We are your family.

If there's any problem you can't solve,

you must tell us.

Here.

This wine is really good.

Is this that master's residence?

Yes.

What is your mother trying to do?

During these years, ever since my father passed away,

my mother has been obsessed with ghosts and deities, and praying to them.

She always wishes to see my father again.

Before, it was just money, which was fine.

But recently, Madam Zhou introduced Master Wang to her.

He claims to have the power to communicate with the dead

and help people see beyond the mortal world.

He told Mother that every day at midnight,

she must drink water from a deep well.

And everything she eats must be raw.

Then she must bathe in black dog's blood.

He even made her copy scriptures with her blood.

I hate it when people are forced to copy scriptures.

All charlatans

actually play the same tricks.

That charlatan also said

as long as she keeps doing this for 49 days,

she will be able to see beyond the mortal world.

With this mortal body, I pray for spiritual contact.

Within the three realms,

the living and the dead are worlds apart.

I pray for divine power

to clear the obstacles and let us see clearly.

Drink it.

But it's on fire.

How am I supposed to drink it?

Open your eyes.

Xiu Wen.

Did you see him?

Mother said Master Wang truly has great divine powers.

But anyone who starves for over a month

and then gets smoked like that

would have hallucinations.

Master Wang is clearly a fraud.

Have you ever told your uncle about this,

or tried to persuade your mother?

Ever since Father passed away,

Mother has been devastated.

She wanted to follow him to the afterlife.

She tried to take her life several times, but she was always saved.

But it made our entire family

live in constant dread.

We were afraid she would do it again.

Sister-in-law tried to take her life?

But since she started to believe in ghosts and deities,

she hasn't had tried to take her life again.

I know this is just her delusion.

But it's not a bad thing if it can keep her calm

and give her something to rely on.

But I didn't expect this charlatan to be so malicious.

He's torturing her with these absurd tricks.

Report it to the authorities.

Report it? Are you going to...

But what about Mother?

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

Your mother has lived in her dream for eight years.

It's harming her now,

so she has to wake up.

Zhao De Sheng?

Yes.

Zhao De Sheng.

Originally from Hongzhou, Jiangnan,

he was a local thug.

Using his father's connections with the authorities,

he became a henchman for Constable Li Zhong Liang.

He extorted money in the name of the authorities.

Once, a flash flood hit Hongzhou.

To extort more money,

he intentionally delayed the rescue,

and the Inspector's son's died because of that.

He changed his name after that and spent his time on the run.

He pretended to be a divine master

to swindle people out of their money.

But

with just my birth chart,

he knew that my husband was gone.

Madam Zhou

told him your information.

Madam Zhou?

Zhao De Sheng paid her well.

Madam Zhou sold your information to him.

Then, she introduced him to you

and took you to see him.

That's impossible.

Is it impossible that she'd sell your information just for the sake of money,

or that she would ever harm you?

Do you know how famous you are among those charlatans?

Many of them know

there's a Lady Wen who is generous and easy to deceive.

They are all scrambling to buy information from Madam Zhou.

50 guans.

100 guans.

Some would even pay 200 guans.

Zhao De Sheng didn't offer the highest price,

but he offered the biggest cut.

After the deal, of all the money you donated,

he'd take 40 percent,

and Madam Zhou took 60 percent.

Now, Zhao De Sheng is awaiting trial at Jingzhao Prefecture.

He will probably stay in prison for the rest of his life.

But...

But she has been staying with us since she was a child.

She grew up with me.

20 guans for a referral.

50 guans for a talisman.

200 guans for a ritual.

What an exorbitant profit.

Money,

power,

and time

are the greatest corruptors of one's mind.

They turn someone you are familiar with

into a complete stranger.

I caught Madam Zhou

when she tried to flee.

She is currently locked in the woodshed.

She is your personal attendant, after all. So I will leave her

for you to handle.

But I...

But I really saw Xiu Wen in my dream.

I really did.

I often dream of

my mother as well.

I really...

I really want to see him again,

even if it's only in a dream.

Even if it's only in a dream...

Stop!

Prince Ding is here to take office at Jingzhao Prefecture.

Where are his seal and badge?

How dare you!

I am merely following regulations.

Your Highness, please don't make it difficult for me.

Show him.

By imperial decree, Prince Ding

is taking over as Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture.

Do you need to see it?

I wouldn't dare.

This way, Your Highness.

You'll carry the sedan chair.

I have other official duties.

From now on, carrying me to work

will be your official duty.

Yes.

- Greetings, Governor. - Greetings, Governor.

[Vice Governor] [Zheng Zuo Shi] I'm the Vice Governor, Zheng Zuo Shi.

Greetings, Governor.

You two have been out on duty since the Hour of the Rabbit,

and only returned now.

What have you seen?

Governor.

I went with Vice Governor Zheng to inspect the East Market.

The merchants are very displeased with the provisional tax collection.

[Civil Officer] Some have even threatened

[Li Yu Feng] to join forces and go on strike.

- They're outrageous. - I only took office today.

When did I order a tax collection?

Governor, you're new here,

so you may not know this.

Did you order the tax collection?

The funds in the Jingzhao Office's accounts

have already run dry.

My question is,

did you order the tax collection?

Yes.

Then, Vice Governor,

you'd better pacify the merchants yourself.

If the East Market goes on strike,

do not blame me

for punishing you for misrule and dereliction of duty.

As you command, Governor.

Is there anything else to report?

If not...

[Military Officer] [Wang Su Wu]

You are Prince Ding?

Rank comes first here.

You should address me as Governor.

I am the Military Officer, Wang Su Wu.

Greetings, Governor.

The soldiers and civilians who died unjustly at Xiaoshui County of Suixue Pass,

along with the 27 wronged souls

of my entire family,

send you their regards.

How dare you!

I am

a Military Officer appointed by the Ministry of Personnel.

I hold the lower seventh rank.

May I ask,

what is his position?

What is his rank?

What right does he have to talk down to me here?

You...

The regards from those who died unjustly at Xiaoshui County

and the 27 wronged souls

of your entire family

are

well received.

Your Highness.

Your Highness. First Madam is waiting for you in the hall.

If it weren't for Li this time,

I would still be kept in the dark.

I almost made a grave mistake.

Ever since your brother passed away,

I've been wallowing in grief,

and I couldn't get over it.

I neglected those around me

and was indifferent to Wu You.

I...

I deserve to die.

Sister-in-law, don't say that.

If anyone is to blame, it's me.

With my brother gone,

I should have looked after you and Wu You.

It was my negligence

that put you in danger

and got Wu You

bullied.

I can't blame it on you.

All these years,

you haven't had it easy either.

It's okay as long as you've pulled yourself together.

Brother-in-law,

you must pull yourself together, too.

No matter what,

as long as we stay together safe and sound,

it means more than anything else.

Now we also have Li with us,

so our lives will surely get better.

Please thank Li for me.

I'll take my leave now.

Where is Princess Ding now?

Her Highness...

Where is Her Highness?

Hurry!

Stand properly.

Apologize to him.

We misbehaved

and bullied you, our classmate.

Please forgive us, Your Highness.

What's wrong?

Listen.

I saw it clearly just now.

The parents of those kids were all seething with rage.

They'll surely get a beating when they get home.

They didn't want to apologize to me.

They only apologized

because they were forced to.

I was injured, and my status is higher than theirs.

They were scared,

so they apologized to me.

So what?

Who cares if they wanted it or not?

Your purpose today was to let them know

that even if they didn't want to,

you had the power to make them apologize.

If they mean to repent,

you win their apology.

If they don't,

you harvest their fear.

I see.

Besides,

what happened today

is just a small warning.

If they dare to do it again,

I have plenty of ways to deal with them.

Like what?

Too many to list.

For example, your uncle.

He's now the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture.

Do you know how many spoiled rich men have been

locked up in Jingzhao Prefecture's prison?

But we'd be abusing our power, right?

Of course not.

Someone made mistakes and hit others.

Shouldn't Jingzhao Prefecture

protect the people under its rule?

We are also the people under its rule.

Besides, even if he weren't the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture,

he is your uncle after all.

And I am his wife.

If we run into any trouble,

he should stand up for us.

Uncle.

Where did you two go?

To collect a debt.

Aunt took me to the academy

and made those classmates who bullied me apologize to me.

If you get bored with the academy,

you can go to Chongwen House.

I've already made the arrangements.

You can start early next month.

I'm not leaving. I'm not afraid of them.

That's right. Don't be afraid.

Then I'll assign two guards from our family to you.

Thank you, Uncle, but I don't need that.

Aunt said A Ding will accompany me.

Then I'll send you a study attendant who knows martial arts.

It's just a scuffle between kids.

There's no need for a martial arts expert.

A Ding alone is enough.

Let's eat.

What's wrong?

Did you burn yourself?

- I'm fine. - Your Highness.

His Highness has been busy lately. He has excessive internal heat,

and has developed mouth sores.

When I lived on the mountain,

I had no vegetables to eat in winter,

so I often got mouth sores.

So I always carry medicine with me.

Let me apply some for you.

No need. You can eat first.

Open your mouth.

Here?

Here?

Found it.

I made this medicine myself.

So it's not bitter at all.

Your Highness

shut yourself in the room before

and never stepped out into the sunlight.

And you didn't have much of an appetite.

It's easy for you to get mouth sores.

Done.

You'll need another application tonight.

I'll do it myself.

Alright.

I ran into Sister-in-law

at home just now.

She asked me to thank you for her.

What about you?

You said "thank you" for her,

but shouldn't I get one from you, too?

- Thank-- - Forget it.

We are one as husband and wife.

Your sister-in-law is also my sister-in-law.

Your nephew is also my nephew.

So there's no need to say "thank you."

Eat this.

It reduces internal heat.

You too.

You too.

Mo Xiu Yao.

Let me treat your legs.

Master Helai from Li Mountain

is a renowned medical expert.

He wrote "Treatise on Injuries."

Have you heard of it?

I learned the art of treating bone injuries from him.

While I lived on the mountain, I treated similar cases.

I noticed that when Jin

helped you to get about every day,

your legs could actually support some weight.

They haven't lost all sensation.

Let me try.

Maybe there's still a chance.

Uncle, Aunt, I'm full.

Please take your time eating. I'm going to buy some dessert.

Your Highness, it's dangerous for Wu You to be alone. I have to keep him safe.

Let's go.

- Your Highness, then I'll... - Go ahead.

It reduces internal heat.

Wei Zhuang is the steward of my shop.

Do you know him?

He's my senior brother from Li Mountain Academy.

His leg was injured before, and he limped for many years.

I am treating him now.

He says my therapy is more

effective than a doctor's.

His pain has eased significantly.

I remember your legs

also hurt on cloudy days, right?

Let's eat first.

We will talk about this later.

Fine.

My lady.

Don't worry.

I won't.

This jade is perfect for Madam's birthday.

She will definitely like it.

Is this price acceptable?

This is truly a fine piece.

You both have a keen eye.

This is quite beautiful.

What else would you like to see?

The brushwork is lush and the ink is vibrant.

It is truly a masterpiece.

I've heard authentic works were hard to find

since last year in Suzhou.

Look at this blood-red glaze.

Look at this ring-pommel iron sword.

The seal script engraved on the guard...

Here, take a look.

The seal on this signature has lasted a century,

yet it remains clearly legible.

I asked my friends of the Canal Guild

to get it from a long-standing family in Jiangnan.

If you hang this in your hall,

it will add immense elegance,

and its value will only grow over time.

Zhou, perhaps we should put this treasure away for now.

Sure.

Wait!

I'll take it.

Thank you for your purchase.

This way, please.

Your Highness. We've made another fortune.

Back when Brother Wei was at Li Mountain Academy,

his photographic memory,

his excellence at arithmetic,

and expertise in business brought him great fame.

Had he entered the civil service,

he would easily become successful.

Managing a few shops is just

a piece of cake for him.

Master Wei is truly impressive.

Murder!

- Third Uncle? - You didn't see me.

- You didn't see me at all. - What's going on here?

Ye Wen Shen! You scoundrel!

Ye Wen Shen!

Get out here!

Where are you hiding?

Come out if you have the guts!

Did you see him?

No.

Don't let me find you.

I'll skin you alive if I do!

Ye Wen Shen!

Get out of here!

I saw someone go that way.

- Which way? - That way.

Thank you.

[Shende House]

What on earth happened?

It's all just a misunderstanding.

Madam Wang

is that big oaf's wife.

She often goes to my place to pay...

to burn incense and pray.

She's very pious and very generous.

You know how I am.

No matter who I deal with,

I always remain grateful.

Maybe I was

just overly warm towards her.

So people started to gossip,

saying that she and I

were having a sordid affair.

And that big oaf actually believed it.

He insisted on talking to me.

I thought, fine, let's talk.

But before I could even speak,

he drew his blade and tried to hack me!

Luckily, I reacted quickly.

Otherwise, I wouldn't just be beheaded.

I'd be dismembered in public!

- So, did you do that or not? - I...

Of course not!

Madam Wang's looks... I have to say,

if you'd seen her, you'd know...

Even if she wanted to,

I wouldn't agree.

I can't go back to Changsheng Shop now.

They keep an eye on my house, too.

My dear niece,

let me

stay at your current place

to hide for a while.

It'll be just a few days.

You think you'll be safe at my place?

Of course.

That's Prince Ding's Mansion.

Your husband is Prince Ding,

and now the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture.

He wouldn't dare

even if he could.

Since you've made up your mind,

how can I say no?

I must say,

you are the one

who cares for me most.

Your Highness, I'll go get the carriage.

Li.

After a second thought,

I'll go back to Changsheng Shop to grab some things first,

because I'll be staying at your place for quite a while.

You should go back first.

Aren't you afraid of bumping into your enemy again?

There is a back door at a place.

Alright then. I'll have them prepare a room for you.

- You're so nice, Li. - Your Highness!

Ye Li.

You must be my nephew-in-law.

As expected,

he looks noble in his purple robes

and handsome with a jade belt on.

This is my third uncle,

the shrine master of Changsheng Shop, Ye Wen Shen.

Nephew-in-law,

I might have to stay at your place

and trouble you for a few days.

I left in a hurry today,

so I didn't bring a meeting gift.

But I have some good tea.

It's the top-grade Mengding Shihua.

Wait for me. I'll go get it later.

The back door is this way, right?

Wait for me!

He just said he needed to stay at my place?

Yes.

My third uncle has been in some trouble lately.

Someone is blocking the gate of Changsheng Shop.

They're shouting and threatening to kill him every day.

He doesn't dare go back,

and he wants to hide in our place and lie low for a while.

Then why didn't he go back to your maiden family?

My first uncle is the most successful one in my maiden family.

But compared to you, the Governor of Jingzhao Prefecture,

he's just a lowly official.

My third uncle isn't stupid.

He surely seeks help from someone powerful.

You don't have a problem with that, do you?

He's your third uncle.

Since you insist on bringing him back, what can I say?

Is Your Highness done with the Jingzhao Office's affairs?

Come and get in the carriage. Let's go home together.

Bravo!

Thank you.

The monkey got away!

What's wrong?

- Li! - Ye Li!

Ye Li, are you alright?

What's going on?

I'm so sorry for scaring you.

What are you doing? Hurry and catch your monkey!

It's alright.

Jin.

Let's go back.

Qing Shuang.

What's wrong?

My Lady.

There's a monkey.

A monkey?

That's impossible.

The monkey was already taken back by the trainer.

It's true.

I really saw it.

It's in the courtyard.

Right over there.

It even bit me.

Don't be afraid.

I'm here.

There's a monkey.

There's nothing there.

Qing Shuang.

Qing Shuang?

Qing Shuang?

Qing Shuang!

Qing Shuang, where are you?

Qing Shuang!

Qing Shuang?

Qing Shuang?

Who is it?

Your Highness. What are you doing here alone?

The monkeys.

Where did the monkeys go?

The monkeys.

What happened?

There are monkeys.

So many...

So many monkeys!

I didn't find them.

Your Highness.

Are you hurt anywhere?

Don't worry, Sister-in-law.

I'm fine.

Brother-in-law said you saw monkeys in the mansion?

Aunt, you must have been mistaken.

The Capital is heavily guarded,

and our mansion has high walls.

No monkeys could run wild here.

But on the rockery in the west corner of the courtyard,

jackdaws often perch.

They aren't jackdaws.

They are monkeys.

I'm not mistaken. There really are monkeys.

I know you don't believe me.

But I...

Forget it.

I won't bother.

Pass down my orders.

Lock down the entire mansion.

Take your men and search the grounds

thoroughly once more.

Yes.

Then

Wu You...

Wu You and I will return to our rooms.

Get some good rest.

Aunt,

I shall take my leave.

Your Highness, are you alright?

Should I call a doctor to check on you?

Let Princess Ding rest first.

Yes.

I remember you said

there were monkeys in Li Mountain, too.

Would they sneak into the academy?

Yes.

They always sneaked in and stole things.

They didn't just steal my dishes.

They also stole my books.

With so many people at Li Mountain Academy,

weren't they afraid?

And they even dared to steal?

Those monkeys

were very bold.

I even got bitten by them.

Look.

Don't worry.

I've already had Jin patrol the courtyard.

Get some rest first.

I promise no monkeys will scare you.

I can't sleep.

I'll stay with you.

I'll leave after you fall asleep.

Your Highness.

We've searched the entire mansion.

We didn't see any monkeys.

Perhaps Her Highness was mistaken.

Assign more men

to patrol through the night.

Yes.

[Tuisi House]

An invitation from Prince Li's family?

Is it from Princess Li?

She actually invited you to a boat trip on Chengxin Lake.

I'm not going.

[Invitation from Prince Li's Family] Your Highness,

are you still troubled by nightmares recently?

I told you, it wasn't a nightmare.

I really did see many monkeys

inside our mansion.

Alright. Whether it's true or not,

I think His Highness believes you.

Why do you think so?

I heard it from Jin.

He said as soon as His Highness arrived at Jingzhao Prefecture today,

he ordered a ban on monkey shows in the city.

Wasn't it because he didn't want you to be startled by monkeys again?

- He ordered a ban? - Yes.

Does Jingzhao Office have the authority to do that?

He said no, and they just left as he ordered?

It looked like an order,

but actually, His Highness used his money to pay them to leave.

The staff of Jingzhao Office sent money to them one by one.

Since they got the money, of course, they were willing to leave.

[On the Next Episode]

Do you think it looks bad?

No.

Do you feel a chill?

You...

must be Prince Ding's newlywed wife.

Headmaster Xu has written many books.

But why are his words and actions

completely different?

As long as I have you,

anywhere is fine.

When you say that,

don't you find it ridiculous?