Original subtitles

♫ The falling snow ♫

♫ Is bitter cold ♫

♫ My sigh ♫

♫ Misted the path in front of me ♫

♫ The moonlight knows my intention ♫

♫ I just want to make a place for me in your heart ♫

♫ I laugh and I cry ♫

♫ Quietly building a pond in my heart ♫

♫ I accept all the gifts from sorrow ♫

♫ I can't let down my regrets ♫

♫ I won't admit defeat ♫

♫ I slowly chew on the bitterness of life ♫

♫ The fragrance remains the same after the bleak winter ♫

♫ Awaiting spring to color the way back home ♫

[The Double]

[Episode 25]

- Madam Ji. - What happened? Where's Li?

Second Lady is hosting the people of Huaixiang at Ye's Residence.

She's not coming back.

What...

Why don't I go invite her myself?

No need.

Li brought those people here.

Although they're common folks, they've been summoned by His Majesty.

She should be around on such an important occasion.

Old Madam.

This is the welcome banquet especially prepared for Li.

Shuran, I don't think it's a problem.

She is a grownup now. If she doesn't try to make her way out there, she won't grow.

I think Li is just as ambitious as my brother.

Indeed. If it wasn't for her persistence, they wouldn't be able to bring this to His Majesty.

Indeed.

Honey, let's eat.

We haven't had such a sumptuous meal for a long time.

Here. Let's eat.

Here, Mr. Liu. Join us.

Third Uncle.

It's delicious indeed.

Good liquor.

- Do you want this? - Here, a toast to you.

- Here. - Okay.

- What a joyful day. - Have a drink.

- Is it delicious? - Yes.

- Here. Mr. Liu, here's to you again. - Okay.

Second Lady Jiang.

- Who are you? - My Lord invited you over.

Go ahead and eat. I'll be back soon.

Not bad.

Only one skewer is done?

The Ye family is wealthy, yet they didn't give you enough food?

- Have you given me time to eat? - Isn't it the same to eat here?

You're fuming.

I'm not in the mood to joke with you.

Why did you ask me to come?

Are you mad?

You're mad at me, for not inviting you to the celebration dinner?

What do you think?

You're Duke Su.

Ye Shijie won't believe that he's so honored.

That's not what I want to talk to you about.

Let me ask you.

Who's the person you should thank the most for this petition?

That must be you.

You're so calm when you tell a lie.

I'm thanking you sincerely.

Be it rescuing the officers at the mine, or helping the fugitives in Dingzhou,

or helping me find the maiden to confront the Eldest Princess,

or setting me straight at the grave in Qingcheng Mountain.

I couldn't have made it this far without you.

Thank you for your help.

Do you know where Miss Situ is?

We had a fight and she left.

How could you have a fight with her and let her leave?

You never come here without asking for a favor, don't you?

I was wondering why you would leave those people behind for me.

Turns out there's an intention.

I'm really thankful for you.

But Magistrate Xue is very sick.

The imperial physicians can't help, so I thought of Miss Situ.

This wine tastes awful.

See our visitor out.

Second Lady Jiang, this way.

When you know about Miss Situ's whereabouts, please let me know.

I'll definitely remember your kindness.

You look handsome when you're angry.

Father. You used to tell me that a person needs to be upright

to be a gentleman, to have friends everywhere, and to achieve great things.

If one has evil thoughts, he'll be despised by everyone.

But why did the reality do this to you?

How come good people never get rewarded?

Li.

Father, I'm here.

Father.

Those who harmed us are still living a happy life.

I'm very close to them now.

Very close.

Justice will be on our side.

Shijie.

Why are you here?

Nothing. I just want to ask why Duke Su wanted to see you.

Just something trivial.

How could it be trivial?

Nothing is trivial when it comes to you and Duke Su.

Shijie.

Like I said, just something trivial.

Li.

I know you have a mind of your own, and don't like to be told what to do.

But I still want to ask this.

Did Duke Su give you a hard time?

I've never seen him associate with anyone in the imperial court.

He approaches you. Did he oppress you with his power?

No.

Duke Su helped me. I know what to do.

Okay. Good that you know that.

For the time being, please take care of Magistrate Xue.

I'll come by when I have time.

Don't worry. I'm around.

Jiang Li is sure winning people's hearts.

Everyone is siding with her. I don't even get to say my opinion.

Madam, don't worry too much.

As long as she's in the Jiang family, we'll find a way to deal with her.

She used to be unknown and unwelcome.

No one backed her up, so it wasn't hard to deal with her.

But right now, she stood out from all the noble ladies.

She's even protected by the Ye family.

After going to Luyang, she even impressed His Majesty.

She has risen to fame.

Even I have to be cautious when dealing with her.

If we don't chase her out of the Jiang family soon, we won't have the chance anymore.

But what can we do?

Find an opportunity and hit it right at the bull's eye.

By the way, there's a letter from the Princess' Residence.

Why would the Eldest Princess write to my husband?

This letter is for you.

[To Madam Ji of the Jiang Family]

[Princess Wanning's Residence]

Your Highness, why did you invite me here today?

Mrs. Jiang.

Do you think this Jiang Li is the real one?

Old Madam and Master Jiang said she is.

Seems like you acknowledge that she's your daughter.

So I have to blame you, the mistress of the family, for my house arrest.

If our daughter was wrong, it's of course our fault as her parents.

But Jiang Li hasn't been with me since young, and she isn't my biological daughter.

It's naturally hard to manage her.

If you want to blame me, please also be considerate of me.

It must be hard to be a stepmother.

Do you need my help?

She's the daughter of the Jiang family after all.

If she's not taught well, her future doing is going to harm the entire family.

I would be very grateful for your advice.

There was a ghost in the palace.

Some people in the palace were possessed and died tragically.

Everyone was panicking.

The Imperial Diviner was asked to remove the impurities.

It was found that a consort was possessed by an evil spirit.

His Majesty sentenced her to death to calm the chaos in the palace.

Do you think Jiang Li is also possessed by an evil spirit?

After listening to what you said, I also think it's odd.

Not just me, even the elders at home think Jiang Li became another person

after coming back from Zhennyu Hall.

When I think about it now, it's just as you said.

Not to mention other matters, since Jiang Li is back,

the third daughter of our family who was a smart girl

is now behaving like she lost her mind.

I understand your hardship.

Your family can't stay restless.

I told the Imperial Diviner what happened in the Jiang family.

He likes to help, and is willing to exorcise for the Jiang family.

But having an exorcism at home is a big matter.

Grand Chancellor Jiang and Old Madam Jiang need to agree with this.

Telling them the pros and cons shouldn't be hard for you, right?

It's for your family's sake after all.

Thank you for your advice, Your Highness.

Have a cup of tea.

Imperial Diviner,

it's your turn now.

[To the Imperial Diviner]

I'll be at Her Highness' service.

We shall wait for your good news.

Let's take action.

Yes, sir.

Heaven's will is defied. Severe punishments will ensue.

Heaven's will is defied. Severe punishments will ensue.

When did this happen?

It happened last night.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

People who passed by here witnessed the whole process.

It's said that it was very strange.

Other than these three, are there any other casualties?

- No. Only the three of them. - Heaven's will must have been defied.

- Clear this up. - Yes, sir.

It may be related to the house arrest of the Eldest Princess.

It's said that His Majesty is wary of Lord Cheng.

So he found an excuse to put her sister in captivity.

Lord Cheng is stabilizing the border in the north, and fighting off the enemy.

His sister should be treated well.

That's right. This is indeed not a policy of benevolence.

My Lord.

The coroner took the corpses back.

The concrete situation needs more time to be investigated.

Someone must have done it deliberately.

Find out the truth soon to stop the rumors.

Yes, sir.

Someone is being restless.

Seems like something big is going to happen in the capital.

Should I send a message to Second Lady Jiang to tell her to go out less?

Let's go.

Do you think he meant yes or no?

If he didn't want you to go, he would've sent you back to be punished.

That's right.

I bet he's still angry with Second Lady Jiang.

Even when he thinks about her, he doesn't want to say it out loud.

Miss, a stew.

Miss, Duke Su sent a letter saying that it's not peaceful recently.

He told you not to go out often.

No wonder they're getting restless after the court discussion.

But fortunately, Master Jiang and Old Madam Jiang are on your side.

When you didn't come back for the welcome banquet,

Ji Shuran wanted to take the opportunity to degrade you.

I didn't expect Master Jiang and Old Madam to put in good a word for you.

At the imperial court,

Grand Chancellor Jiang was forced to do an autopsy by the Eldest Princess.

He refused and shielded me from a sword strike.

Right now, he isn't likely to identify me at the moment.

But he's starting to doubt my identity.

To Ji Shuran, this is the best time for her to deal with me.

But even the Eldest Princess can't do anything to us, let alone them.

The Eldest Princess has made a killing move against me.

Although we survived that, she won't give up.

Despite being put under house arrest, she'll still find a way to kill me.

Tong, in this situation, we're surrounded.

Are you afraid?

Miss, I'm not afraid. I haven't been afraid for a while.

I think we're fortunate enough to come this far.

Not only that I'm not afraid, I'm feeling excited.

Even if we can't make it to the end,

I would like to move forward more to see more bad people get punished.

I think it's worth it.

We'll surely make it to the end.

[Office of Imperial Diviner]

Madam, is this the place?

[Office of Imperial Diviner]

Pick me up after two hours.

Yes, Madam.

[Visitor Card]

Please wait here.

The Imperial Diviner will see you.

It's been so long.

Why isn't the Imperial Diviner here yet?

Hit him.

No!

Stop it!

Father.

Father.

Stop hitting him!

No!

Father.

Father.

Stop hitting him!

Stop hitting him!

Mrs. Jiang, you've come.

I came to see you upon the Eldest Princess' instruction.

I noticed that you're interested in that painting.

I'm not interested.

But this painting is very similar to a painting of my previous painter.

Are you still in contact with that painter?

He passed away in an accident.

Was it an accident or was it caused by men?

What do you mean?

[Liu Wencai]

You...

You're Liu Wencai.

Impossible.

Impossible.

You thought that fire could make me disappear from this world?

Wencai.

You're still painting me.

I can only paint with my left hand now.

How was your life in the past years?

I used up all my savings to open a little shop in my hometown.

I painted and sold my paintings.

I thought my fellow villagers would care for me.

I didn't expect them to bully me even more when they saw that I was disabled.

When someone wanted to tear your painting, I struggled to defend it.

I hit him out of anger, and got into a lawsuit because of that.

I couldn't stay in my hometown anymore.

So I could only come to see you in the capital with my paintings.

Since you knew that I'm Mrs. Jiang now, you shouldn't have come to see me.

I thought you wouldn't come.

But you came.

Shuran.

You want to kill me?

You shouldn't have come to see me.

I don't owe you anything anymore.

Shuran.

Shuran.

Shuran!

Shuran!

Shuran, come back!

Ji Shuran, come back!

Ji Shuran!

Let go of me!

Look at me.

Look at me!

I tried so hard to protect my face with my hands in that fire.

I thought if I could survive, I needed to make sure you can recognize me.

But that was good.

If you hadn't intended to kill me, I wouldn't have had the same experience as today.

You went to see the Eldest Princess

and told her there were evil spirits in the Jiang family.

You want to get your revenge on me.

If I wanted to get my revenge on you, I wouldn't have waited until today.

It has been so many years.

Why do you only appear now?

Your life has been a smooth sail.

Even if I found you, I couldn't have made you do anything for me.

But right now,

you finally need to beg me.

I can get rid of Jiang Li for you.

Let's see if you're willing.

Madam, you're back.

Madam. What happened to you?

I'm fine. I would like to be alone.

You take a break.

Madam.

I'm fine. Leave.

Leave!

Leave now.

[Jiang's Residence]

My Lady.

[Jiang's Residence]

Didn't Mr. Zhou come?

- No. - Serves her right.

Her husband didn't come back to visit his mother-in-law with her.

Does she think she's favored?

Has he sent anything over recently?

Mr. Zhou did keep sending things over for a while.

But Ms. Sun intercepted it.

Since you didn't say anything, he stopped sending things over.

Yes.

Fourth Lady is funny.

So what that she's back? What is there to brag about?

Madam.

Is Zhou Yanbang still sending things to Ruoyao?

Yes.

I'm on guard.

Have Mr. Qi propose marriage as soon as possible.

If Ruoyao continues to entangle with Zhou Yanbang,

sooner or later something bad will happen.

Madam. You look terrible.

- I'm fine. - Let me get you a physician.

No need. I'm alright.

- What a great daughter. - Put it there.

She brought back so many things.

Put them here.

Open them.

Put them at the side.

Aren't these gifts your dowry?

It must have been a mistake. I got many presents in the Zhou family.

Keep them first. I'll bring them home next time.

Yu'e, is the Zhou family really treating you well?

Did they mistreat you?

Don't worry, Mother. I'm well.

It's all because my rank is too low.

And I'm a concubine's son.

I've caused you to suffer.

If your in-laws ever give you the cold shoulder, you should...

What's wrong?

Nothing.

Let me see it.

Let me see it.

What happened?

Nothing. I fell.

This isn't an injury from a fall.

Mother, lower your voice.

Did Zhou Yanbang hit you?

My dear, I'm going back to my parents' house tomorrow. Can you...

Shut up!

I said I don't want to see you.

Jiang Li.

Jiang Li is back?

Yes.

Jiang Li is back.

Jiang Li is back.

What does it have to do with you?

Isn't Jiang Ruoyao enough?

- Are you still thinking about Jiang Li? - Go away!

If you didn't get onto my bed, Jiang Li and I wouldn't end up like this.

Wretch!

How decent do you think Jiang Li is?

The note you gave to Jiang Li was given to me by her personally.

You thought she liked you? Dream on.

That was just your wishful thinking.

What do you mean?

What happened?

Make it clear to me.

It was she who planned for me to see you.

I didn't tell you because she's my sister.

She has no interest in you at all.

That's why she pushed me to you.

Nice one, Jiang Li.

As long as I bear his child and give birth to a boy,

I'll become the mistress of the Zhou family.

Everything will be fine by then.

My Lady. Mr. Zhou isn't treating Jiang Yu'e well.

Those presents weren't from the Zhou family.

It was the dowry of Jiang Yu'e.

I knew it. He would never fall for Jiang Yu'e.

Mr. Zhou seems to have mentioned Second Lady.

Jiang Yu'e also said that for the palace banquet,

- Mr. Zhou wanted to invite Second... - Impossible.

He must still be thinking about me.

Madam.

Leave the room.

Yes, Madam.

Yao. I've arranged a marriage for you with the Qi family.

Let's meet him together.

Mr. Qi is handsome.

You two would get along well.

I'm talking to you. Did you hear me?

I heard you.

Do you know how many families I was inquiring for you?

You just broke off an engagement and have a bad name.

It wasn't easy to find you another good partner.

The Qi family has a high status.

That child also has a good way with people.

You should be more attentive.

Get yourself changed.

I'm tired today. Let's do it another day.

What has happened to you recently?

You're not dressed well.

You also haven't been eating well.

You look like you're half dead.

I can't go today.

I'm very tired.

Then we'll go in a few days.

You have to go anyway.

Does it matter if I go?

Isn't this set in stone already?

- What is this? - What are you doing, Mother?

Mother.

Mother.

Eternity may come to an end. [Bang]

But this hatred will never end.

You're still in touch with Zhou Yanbang behind my back?

This is none of your business.

- Ms. Sun. - Yes, Madam?

Bring over the new clothes for Ruoyao.

You are going to see Mr. Qi in two days.

Mother. Mother.

If you don't listen to me this time, I'll assume I've never given birth to you.

Li.

Yu'e.

Long time no see.

I was in a rush. I haven't had time to thank you yet.

You don't need to thank me.

I didn't do anything that deserves your gratitude.

Of course you did.

Without you, I wouldn't be able to marry into the Zhou family.

If in the future, I become the mistress of the Zhou family,

I'll definitely come back to thank you properly.

I'm back.

Yu'e.

She's ignoring me.

Rui.

I'm back.

Let me tell you.

The disaster in Dingzhou is over.

Liu Xu and her father are cleaning up the mess.

We'll be worshiping our ancestors, so I came back.

I heard about it.

Your story was thrilling.

It was such a shame that I wasn't around when this happened.

If you really wanted to witness it, you wouldn't have gone to Dingzhou.

What are you talking about? Of course I want to.

You came back suddenly because you made Liu Xu mad, and were told to leave.

What are you talking about? How is it possible?

- Am I that kind of person? Impossible. - You're that kind of person.

Did Liu Xu tell you something in a letter?

Tell me.

Jiang Jingrui, don't you know men and women should keep their distance?

Tell me.

No way.

- No way. - Come on!

- Tell me, hurry. - No, I won't.

How come I can't even choose who to love?

My Lady.

A letter from Mr. Zhou.

Why would he...

Today at Hai hour, please meet me at the back alley.

My Lady, don't be reckless.

Mrs. Jiang is trying to set you up with Mr. Qi.

If she finds out...

Besides, Mr. Zhou hasn't written to you for a while.

He suddenly asked for you.

And he didn't come to visit you, but asked you out instead...

You don't get it. He always has a place for me in his heart.

My Lady.

[To Jiang Ruoyao]

Did you touch the thing in my box?

No.

Has anyone been here today?

Ms. Sun came to send you these new clothes.

She said Madam Ji especially tailor-made them, for the meeting with the Qi family in two days.

She told you to keep them well.

She also told you to carefully think about the meeting, and pull yourself together.

It's Mother.

She took my hairpin.

My Lady.

Do you think you can make me stop thinking about Zhou Yanbang by doing so?

Dream on.

Madam. I saw Young Master go out to see Jiang Ruoyao.

Madam.

If this gets out of hand, no one will benefit from this.

Besides, Young Master said that he's sleeping in the study.

I get it. Leave.

It's time for me to sleep too.

Yes, Madam.

Yao.

Dear.

I made an appointment with the tailor from Ruixiang Store to make you new clothes.

Or should I get the tailor here to save you the trouble of going there?

I told the cooks to make this especially for you.

Here. Have another one.

Am I a pig? You're feeding me too much.

Dear, where are you going?

Don't bother me.

I know that you went out last night.

What did you say?

Why don't I ask you what you're up to?

I'm standing right here as your wife.

Why did you have to see Jiang Ruoyao?

Isn't it good to have a happy life with me?

How dared you follow me?

I'm warning you.

Don't you tell anyone about what happened last night.

Otherwise, I won't forgive you.

Dear.

You really want to learn medicine to treat Magistrate Xue?

It won't hurt to learn medicine.

By the way, let me tell you something.

Jiang Ruoyao went on a blind date today.

She went there and came back with a long face.

It seems she has upset the Qi family.

Ji Shuran went into her chamber, and has stayed there for hours.

She must be scolding her now.

I didn't expect Jiang Ruoyao to be...

Stupid.

What did you say?

It's normal to be blinded by love.

It's stupid when it's not worth it.

But Jiang Ruoyao is quite pitiful.

Judging from Ji Shuran's personality, even if it doesn't work out with the Qi family,

there'll be the Zhang family and the Wang family to come.

If she doesn't know how to resist, she can't blame anyone.

Do you think everyone is like you?

Acting recklessly.

But that's good.

When they're busy, they don't have time to bother you.

The coroner has done the examination.

Nothing unusual is found.

They haven't found out why those people caught on fire.

It's written in "Records of Diverse Matters" that when there is a war and people die,

human and horses' blood will turn into phosphorus.

Phosphorus is like dew on the ground, grass, and trees.

It's almost invisible.

When someone touches it, his body will illuminate.

Rotting wood and corpses may spontaneously com bust, and produce a ghost light phenomenon.

The so-called supernatural is just people playing tricks.

I see.

The ghost fire was man-made.

Those who were burned to death must have acted by order of someone.

Otherwise, they wouldn't say those things.

Investigate the whereabouts of the deceased before they died.

Find the similarities.

Yes, sir.

The ghost fire is just a trigger.

The real show is yet to come.

♫ If there are no happy memories ♫

♫ How can we traverse the forbidden land of sorrow? ♫

♫ Two cold and unfeeling bodies ♫

♫ Holding hands, can we get through the snow season? ♫

♫ In the cold wind, in the long night ♫

♫ Embracing the remaining warmth ♫

♫ The depth of the sea, unfathomable ♫

♫ Can it bury yesterday's sighs? ♫

♫ Continue to love, cherishing it with my life ♫

♫ Continue to live, even with only a glimmer of hope ♫

♫ Whether in sorrow or joy, I believe in you ♫

♫ I'd rather be trapped in the world's extremes ♫

♫ Continue to live, exhausting all courage ♫

♫ Continue to love, until the breath runs out ♫

♫ Traversing half a lifetime of loneliness, just to meet you ♫

♫ After the hardships, never to part again ♫

♫ After the hardships, never to part again ♫