Original subtitles

=Tigers Sniff the Rose=

(Based on the novel of the same name by Yiren Kuikui)

=Episode 22=

You still

carry a knife around?

Is this how Sheng'an welcomes its guests?

Without an audience at court

there are to be no private visits.

General Meng,

don't you know the rules?

A military governor

must attend court

before requesting a private audience.

How cold.

Tonight, I'm not the governor paying respects to Your Highness.

I'm here as an old friend

to visit my old friend.

What,

not happy to see an old friend?

You have no friends here!

You won't get the better of me.

Blades are dangerous.

You'd better calm down.

You may be heartless,

but I can't be ungrateful.

Back in North Jing, I often wondered

how you'd fare

after returning to the capital.

Would you lie awake at night,

haunted by the man you'd killed?

As you can see,

I'm doing just fine.

Really?

If you're doing well,

then I'm happy for you.

But...

Your Highness?

Who's there?

It's me.

Your Highness, are you still awake?

Yan Shang requests an audience.

So, it's your new favorite.

While I was away,

he kept you company.

I suppose he deserves some credit.

Why not let him in

so I can thank him?

I didn't summon you.

What brings you here?

You seem troubled tonight, Your Highness.

I was worried you wouldn't sleep well,

so I came to see

if you needed anything.

No, thank you.

I'm worried about you.

May I come in?

I'm tired.

I'm turning in.

Go back.

Do as I say.

You're tired and troubled.

This is when you need me most.

Why send me away?

Unless...

You've grown tired of me

and found someone else.

Why make it so hard?

Let him in to join us.

What's the harm?

Will you ever stop?

I'm tired. Can't you understand?

Your Highness...

Keep this up, and you'll never see me again.

Go back now!

Understood.

As you wish.

Why must you be so harsh?

I almost feel sorry for that poor lad.

I have no time for your nonsense.

What exactly do you want?

Once you're back in North Jing with me,

you really should learn

to control that temper of yours.

Who said I'd go back with you?

You've got quite a short memory.

Who was flirting with me back then?

Who begged me to take her away?

Wasn't it you?

You certainly have a way with stories.

But never mind.

Since I returned to the capital,

I've been the subject

of countless rumors.

And yours is hardly

the strangest.

Me, flirting with you?

Go ahead and spread that story.

Let's see how long the teahouses here

gossip about it.

Let's see how long the secrets from North Jing

keep Sheng'an buzzing.

Given our history,

let's cut to the chase.

You can stay in Sheng'an,

live in luxury and keep your male favorites.

Is it really because your father dotes on you?

Or because your title as Princess Danyang

makes you too valuable to touch?

It's simply because

you're a bargaining chip.

We made a deal before.

I'm just here to claim what I'm owed.

Go ahead and try me.

What if...

I'd killed Meng Baiyu for you back then?

Would we be together now?

General Meng,

things have changed.

You should know that.

Living in Sheng'an costs a fortune now.

My price

isn't what it used to be.

Let's hear it.

Kill Yu Cheng'an for me,

and then we'll talk.

Yu Cheng'an?

You think killing Meng Baiyu was enough?

Shouldn't the mastermind die too?

So you hated Meng Baiyu

not because you cared for me,

but because you truly hated him.

Of course.

So you never had feelings for me.

It was all a lie.

That's right.

You only figured that out now?

I was only humoring you back then.

Using you.

I got close to you

just to kill your uncle.

Too bad I failed to kill you as well.

Have you forgotten?

When you left North Jing,

you told me

that I killed Meng Baiyu.

Otherwise, how else

would I have taken his place?

Your Highness,

it's me again.

I've thought it over and over,

but I still can't rest easy.

Are you asleep?

I'm coming in.

Yan Shang,

you've gone too far.

Your Highness.

Why is it you again?

May I ask who you are, sir?

Your Highness.

You refused to see me

so you could meet him here in secret?

Show some respect!

This is Military Governor Meng Zaishi

of North Jing's Central Circuit.

And this is Yan Shang, this year's third-ranked scholar.

I haven't taught him well.

Please forgive his rudeness.

Apologize to General Meng at once.

Since you and Her Highness go way back,

why did you frighten her

at the night market earlier?

This third-ranked scholar

has to get to the bottom of things.

You've spoiled him rotten.

I already apologized.

Please forgive his rudeness.

When I was in North Jing,

General Meng looked after me. We were quite close.

After such a long separation,

we were just joking around.

Yet you took it seriously.

Your Highness knows so many people.

Can you blame me for being suspicious?

Enough.

Watch your mouth in front of General Meng.

Have you no sense of propriety?

General Meng, forgive me.

It's late.

Thanks for visiting me, General Meng.

Perhaps you should head back now.

You really care about him, huh?

You came to see me

without first attending court.

That's a serious offense itself.

If someone gets killed in my residence,

do you think you'll make it back to North Jing?

Let him see me out.

I'll do it...

Allow me to see the General out.

I'll come by again in a few days.

Don't let a new favorite

make you forget the old.

Please.

Come to think of it,

I really should thank you.

What for, General Meng?

You're quite good at keeping her happy.

While she's temporarily staying in Sheng'an,

knowing you're looking after her

puts my mind at ease.

You're too kind, General Meng.

Sheng'an has always been her home.

It's hardly a temporary stay.

The Princess is of noble birth

and the pride of the Huai.

What a sharp tongue.

So that's her type now.

Mu Wanyao's temper

isn't easy to deal with.

Thanks for looking after her.

It's my pleasure.

In Sheng'an, hundreds upon hundreds

admire Princess Danyang.

To serve Her Highness up close

is a blessing from a past life.

Don't let her spoiled ways fool you.

She has a lot on her mind.

Does she still toss and turn at night,

unable to sleep?

Getting her to sleep is no easy feat.

Third-Place Scholar,

look after her well.

Thanks for your concern.

With me around,

Her Highness always sleeps soundly.

Watch your step.

(Tierong, Meng Zaishi's personal guard) General.

General.

Let's go.

Go back.

General,

we've just received word.

An incense stick ago,

Governor Mu Xianqing of the Eastern Circuit arrived outside Sheng'an.

General,

Mu Xianqing thinks

you're still in North Jing.

With his ragtag troops,

he thinks he can keep me out of the capital?

What a joke.

Exactly.

He has no say

in whether you come to Sheng'an.

That old fool thinks

that without the court's appointment

and the Emperor's investiture,

my claim to Meng Baiyu's post is illegitimate.

Let him keep thinking

I won't make it in time for the Longevity Festival

or get to see the Emperor.

Tierong.

Tell me, what's so special

about Sheng'an anyway?

♪Be the ferry where you wait for the sun♪

Your Highness.

♪Be the blue silk that catches your tears♪

I'm fine.

♪Be the sleeve we held, worn by dust and years♪

♪Let's conspire to grow old together♪

♪Let me be a captive beast bound by the same lock as you♪

Did he hurt you?

You were too reckless earlier.

You scared me.

You scared me more.

You know,

I can always tell when you don't mean it.

When you're in danger,

how could I not know?

He's a vicious wolf from North Jing.

He's capable of anything.

He was plotting to kill you just now.

Do you know?

♪If we say forever, then forever it shall be♪

He's a vicious wolf.

All the more reason I can't leave you alone.

♪However deep the snow, I'll wait if you're there♪

♪We'll be gods above, or wandering souls♪

♪In heaven or the underworld, you're all I need♪

♪If we can stay, let's return to the village of our first meeting♪

What's wrong?

♪- May time be free of pain - Lights fade, seasons turn♪

Just like the day I shot Zheng Xing,

having you by my side

feels wonderful.

♪- Be my one and only in this world - Be my one and only in this life♪

♪My last untouched innocence♪

♪- If there's still - Some warmth left in this world♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

Your Majesty, it's past the hour of Mao.

We must hurry.

I know.

Stop nagging!

What's all the fuss?

Get out!

Aren't you tired?

I'm even more exhausted than you!

Longevity Festival.

Long live the Emperor...

Line up by rank.

(Zheng Qian, Secretary of Ministry of Rites)

One at a time. No pushing.

Meng Zaishi?

I remember our teacher saying

North Jing once had three circuits: East, West, and Central.

The Eastern Circuit was always the strongest.

Its military governor, Mu Xianqing, is of the imperial clan.

Yuan Jia, military governor of the Western Circuit,

always followed Mu Xianqing's lead.

But then,

the Central Circuit wiped him out.

Isn't the Central Circuit

where the Princess was married off?

After its governor Meng Baiyu died,

his cousin's son, Meng Zaishi,

took over as military governor.

He killed Yuan Jia himself.

So it seems

there are now two rival powers in North Jing:

Mu Xianqing and Meng Zaishi.

The Eastern Circuit is powerful and claims legitimacy.

It's long had its eye on the Mengs' territory.

Looks like someone else

is the one losing sleep,

Meng Zaishi.

This wine set must go before Lord Yu.

No one else is to touch it.

Understood?

Got it.

Go on!

A little more.

Honestly!

You scared me!

I'm sorry.

Oh, it's Wenji.

I'm not worthy of that.

You're a big shot now.

Excuse me.

That's right.

You're a man of importance now.

Of course you don't have time for us.

All right.

Go on.

I study late until midnight,

learning characters.

Even now, I can only make out sixty or seventy percent of the gazette.

Tell me,

why does he know so many characters?

Ever since he met Lord Yu,

he's been acting like a big shot.

The Central Circuit's military governor is here!

I forgot to warn you last night.

If you want to keep your position,

stay away from Mu Wanyao.

General, you've got the wrong man.

Last night,

we never met.

The military governor is here!

The military governor is here!

- It's Governor Mu! - Where is he?

(Mu Xianqing, Military Governor of North Jing's Eastern Circuit)

Governor Mu,

it's been a while.

But that's strange.

I thought you'd get here before me.

A brat really does move faster than his elders.

What an exquisite spread.

The carvings are beautiful.

It's been a while.

It's been a while.

It's been a while.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.

Come on, Chunhua.

Your Highness.

Are you tired?

Careful.

Stand up!

What a strong wind.

It's freezing.

The wind cuts right through you.

How much longer must we wait?

My hands are frozen.

Who knows?

Honestly, my hands are frozen solid.

Mr. Wei.

Hot eggs?

Where'd you get them?

Warm up your hands.

Chunhua should stay home and rest.

She'd be in a much better mood

if you weren't hovering over her.

But look,

you just had to bring her along,

without a thought for us women.

I'm fine, Your Highness.

Here, have some.

Give me that.

This tastes better.

(Why is he here?)

(Why is he dressed as a eunuch?)

Chunhua?

Chunhua?

Why aren't you eating?

Let me feed you.

I beg to be excused

for a moment.

Chunhua...

Still eating?

Go check on her.

You little brat!

Did you do it?

I didn't do it!

It wasn't me...

I'm innocent...

Tell me. Was it you?

I swear it wasn't me!

You still...

Admit it!

It wasn't me!

Liu Wenji.

A glass goblet just went missing.

Did you take it?

What goblet?

When you came in,

you were holding one.

So it was you, Liu Wenji!

The banquet's about to begin.

Hurry! Hand over the goblet!

I remember

I left it right there.

I didn't take it when I went out.

Didn't you hear?

Mr. Wang saw you with it.

Still denying it?

I really didn't take it.

Now I see.

Liu Wenji was acting strange

all morning,

hovering around the table.

He must've waited till everyone was busy,

snatched a goblet,

slipped it up his sleeve,

and thought no one would notice.

Am I right?

Search me if you like.

Who'd be stupid enough

to carry stolen goods on them?

You stepped out just now

and have hidden it somewhere.

I swear I didn't take it.

Please investigate

and clear my name.

Still being stubborn?

You won't confess?

Guards!

Seize him!

Hold him down!

Your word isn't proof.

What makes you think I took it?

What?

You want proof?

Fine.

Then I'll prove it right now!

What's all the shouting?

Making such a scene.

I'm warning you,

if you disturb the noble guests,

your punishment will be even worse!

I said I didn't do it!

Let me go!

Shut up!

- Let go... - Stop making a scene!

Mr. Han.

How does palace law deal with

a thief like this?

Rest assured.

I know the rules.

First, break his legs,

then throw him out of the palace.

Let me go!

What right do you have?

- Why are you framing me? - Look at me!

- Why frame me? - Look at me!

- Look at me! - Why...

I said look at me!

I knew you were an ungrateful snake.

I didn't expect you

to show your true colors so soon!

I said I didn't do it!

Let me go!

Listen here.

I've hated the sight of you for ages!

I'll teach you a lesson today!

I told you I didn't take it.

Let him go!

Who... who are you?

Chunhua.

Hurry!

Greetings, Your Highness.

What are you doing here?

It's filthy here.

Why'd you come here?

Your Highness,

I've caused trouble.

Please forgive me.

Wh-What happened?

Just now,

I saw how pretty that eunuch's glass goblet was,

so I took it.

Then I accidentally

dropped it into the pond.

Well, accidents happen.

If you like it,

I'll send you a bunch.

But

these eunuchs

are making such a fuss over it.

It's just a cup.

Let's say I dropped it by accident.

No big deal.

Back to your places.

Understood.

Move along.

Easy now.

Easy.

Careful!

Easy.

Easy.

Greetings, Your Highness.

Watch your step.

Chunhua, look.

A toad.

Oh, it's dead.

You...

Why are you being shy?

You're a prince

of noble status.

Hurry back to your seat.

I just threw up.

I need some fresh air.

Then... come find me soon.

Hurry.

♪Why must this world know joy and pain?♪

So it really was you.

♪And break a heart that bears no blame?♪

♪The moon wanes and waxes, lovers part and reunite♪

♪One moment too late, love slips from sight♪

♪I've tasted the ache of wanting in vain♪

♪Time lies sealed beneath clouds heavy with rain♪

♪As darkness engulfs the palace and wildlands sway♪

Wait.

♪What can I do, with no one to light the way?♪

We're already on different paths.

♪One fleeting moment, forever captive♪

Why did you help me?

No matter what you become,

♪Yet round we turn, to meet again♪

I won't change.

I never did,

and I never will.

♪I pray our years ahead bring peace♪

You know, even if you help me,

♪Each quietly endures the passing years♪

I won't thank you.

I'm helping you

because losing a cup won't cost me anything.

But if you're framed, you'll lose your life.

I don't need your gratitude.

I just want you to live well.

♪Fate falls just short of granting our plea♪

♪Yet round we turn, to meet again♪

♪The past dissolves like smoke♪

♪Ask not why longing has no end♪

♪I pray our years ahead bring peace♪

♪May sorrow end, though sleepless we lie apart♪

♪Each quietly endures the passing years♪

♪Though close at hand, we're worlds apart♪

(Chunhua...)

(If one day)

(I rise above them all,)

♪Could we meet anew in another life?♪

(would we)

(no longer have to live this way?)

♪How sweet the spring, how hard to leave♪

Indeed.

What a feast today.

Your Royal Highness.

Your Highness.

His Majesty has arrived!

Greetings, Your Majesty!

Please, be seated.

Thank you, Your Majesty!

Greetings, Lord Yu!

(Zhao Zongze, General of the Left Imperial Guard, Zhao Lingfei's Father)

Come on.

Hurry.

Your Majesty.

Forgive me for keeping you waiting.

No matter.

Long live

Your Majesty!

Long live Your Majesty!

Long live Your Majesty!

The Chief of the Court of State Ceremonial presents

a collection of birthday greetings from various nations

in a gilded box!

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices presents

three volumes of the newly composed "Longevity Movement."

Princess Danyang.

Your birthday gifts each year

are always so original.

What have you prepared this year?

What's this?

Father,

this precious stone comes from Mount Lufu,

where I prayed for Mother.

After bringing it back, I found skilled craftsmen

to carve it into this inkstone.

The carving took some time,

but thankfully, it's ready for today.

Wanyao, how thoughtful of you.

What a coincidence.

It seems I'm destined to cross paths with Princess Danyang.

Your Majesty,

my gift is also made of stone.

However,

it surely pales in comparison to Princess Danyang's fine gift.

I hope Your Majesty

will forgive its roughness.

Bring it in!

What's that enormous thing?

What is it?

It's a stone stele

from the Central Circuit.

After a century of wind and rain, it still stands firm.

A fitting gift to wish Your Majesty

many more years of life.

How thoughtful, General.

Your Majesty, why not ask

what's so special about this stele?

It and the merit stele

the court erected in North Jing over a decade ago

come from the same place.

They're two halves of the same stone.

It's... the merit stele!

Oh...

Mr. Yan.

Could he mean

the stele from the Rebellion of the Seven Military Governors?

The Shence Army marched on North Jing back then

and suffered heavy losses before barely defeating the rebels.

They carved a stele there to commemorate their victory.

So he's...

challenging the court?

Exactly.

Meng Zaishi now commands a hundred thousand troops.

At his command,

they could march straight on Sheng'an.

If war breaks out again,

victory is far from certain.

So this stele

isn't a birthday gift.

It's an insult.

As the saying goes, one good turn deserves another.

Since they share the same origin,

how could I not return the favor?

And besides,

a little stone stele

hardly conveys my sincerity.

I've already ordered

my Central Circuit troops at the border

to join me in wishing Your Majesty

a long and prosperous reign.

(Next Episode Preview)

I beg Your Majesty

to grant me Princess Danyang's hand.

Father, I have something to say.

It's the perfect time for a hunt.

Why not have him compete

with the other suitors here?

Whoever wins,

I'll marry him.

♪Be the ferry where you wait for the sun♪

♪Be the blue silk that catches your tears♪

♪Be the sleeve we held, worn by dust and years♪

♪Let's conspire to grow old together♪

♪Let me be a captive beast bound by the same lock as you♪

♪- Through trails of mud and blood; - let grief drown in your eyes♪

♪Soar with the wind; plunge into hellfire as one♪

♪Burning bright as a song♪

♪See how roses and green bamboo enchant♪

♪Be the vow I make with all my heart♪

♪If we say forever, then forever it shall be♪

♪Not a single hour less♪

♪However deep the snow, I'll wait if you're there♪

♪We'll be gods above, or wandering souls♪

♪In heaven or the underworld, you're all I need♪

♪If we can stay, let's return to the village of our first meeting♪

♪- May time be free of fear; - boats rock♪

♪- May time be free of pain; - lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪Sharp winds or fierce rain, nothing can break us♪

♪Be mine in this world; be mine in this life♪

♪My last untouched innocence♪

♪If only we could return to the village where we first met♪

♪Stay by me; help me forget the frozen dream of last night♪

♪Fireflies glow, flowers kiss our lips; just us, through dawn and dusk♪

♪- May time be free of fear; - boats rock♪

♪- May time be free of pain; - lights fade, seasons turn♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

♪By your side, through joy and pain, is that eternity?♪

♪Till fireworks flood the town♪

♪Till the lake is still and clear♪

♪You're the only one I need♪

(No animals were harmed or mistreated in production.)