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 33]

[Yong'an Pavilion]

Scared now?

Don't worry, I won't kill you.

Grand Chancellor Jiang is still outside.

I don't want to be arrested for the crime of harming the Grand Chancellor's daughter.

What exactly are you up to?

Be patient. You will know.

Go and take a closer look.

Zhao?

So?

Are you surprised that Xue Zhao is still alive?

I always like to have an ace up my sleeve.

To prevent the Xue family from seeking revenge,

I have kept him imprisoned here all along.

Since it has come to this, let's lay everything out in the open.

Xue Fangfei, do you want to save your brother?

I don't know her.

Whether you know her or not is just a test away.

Wanning.

Wanning.

Wanning!

Wanning!

Stop!

Stop! Stop!

Tell me. What do you want me to do?

Shen Yurong in exchange for Xue Zhao.

If you retract your testimony during the interrogation, he'll be free.

What if you don't release him?

Why would I keep him imprisoned?

So Xiao Heng could find out about me?

Who do you think you're to negotiate with me?

Since it's a condition,

I'll state mine too.

From now onward, you are not allowed to lay a hand on him.

Otherwise, we shall perish together.

You do your part, and naturally, I'll do mine.

Zhao.

Zhao.

Li.

Grand Chancellor Li, sorry to make you wait.

We had a girls' talk and got too engrossed, right?

Yes.

Second Lady Jiang, come and have tea with me next time.

Li,

what did the Eldest Princess do to you?

I'm fine, Father.

I had some conflict with Her Highness previously,

but I realized it was a misunderstanding later.

I didn't have time to explain it.

When she found out about what happened to me, she comforted me and even apologized.

Stop!

- Help me. - Stop!

Fangfei, help me.

Help me.

Release him!

- Lady Jiang. - Zhao!

Lady Jiang, what's wrong?

Prepare ink for me.

Yes.

Deliver this letter to Jiuyue quickly. [To Situ Jiuyue]

Wait until she finishes reading it before leaving.

Miss Jiang, did something happen back at Eldest Princess' Residence?

Do I need to inform Duke Su?

You don't need to inform him about this.

Yes.

My Lord, Zhao Ke sent news.

Second Lady Jiang told him to deliver a letter to Jiuyue.

Why does she need Jiuyue?

Should I retrieve the letter?

No need.

That makes me look like a scoundrel who likes to spy on people.

Zhao Ke said that Second Lady Jiang looked absent-minded

after leaving Eldest Princess' Residence.

The Eldest Princess must've said something to her.

Send more men to keep an eye on Wanning.

Notify me immediately of any news from the Jiang family.

Yes.

[Court of Judicial Review]

I, Jiang Yuanbai, have served in the imperial court for many years.

Never did I imagine such absurd hardships would befall my daughter.

At the banquet held by the Shens, in full view of the guests,

Shen Yurong went against ethical norms, and attempted to take advantage of Jiang Li.

He doesn't deserve the official uniform bestowed upon him by His Majesty.

Shen Yurong has no shame.

Grand Chancellor Jiang, we know you're upset.

When a court official is involved in such a scandal, we are also angry.

Don't worry, Grand Chancellor Jiang.

These past few days, I have questioned the witnesses who were present at the scene,

and they have all truthfully recounted what happened that day.

With both witness testimony and physical evidence in place,

once we confirm Miss Jiang's statement one more time,

Shen Yurong can be convicted.

Good.

Li, go.

[Confessed criminal: Shen Yurong] [Victim]

[Shen Yurong]

I want you to tell everyone you seduced Shen Yurong.

Just say you admire Mr. Shen.

You took the opportunity during the banquet to express your feelings to him.

After getting rejected, you got embarrassed and angry.

That was why you ended up injuring him.

Li.

I cannot... sign this document.

You...

Why?

Because...

I've always admired Mr. Shen.

During the banquet...

Jiang Li.

Please be mindful of what you say in front of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

During the banquet, I wanted to express my feelings to Mr. Shen.

I was rejected. That caused the misunderstanding.

Why didn't you explain back then?

It was too sudden.

I panicked and didn't have time to explain.

These past few days, I've been feeling guilty.

I don't want Mr. Shen to suffer because of me.

That's why I'm here today to clear Mr. Shen's name.

Please forgive my unintended mistake.

This was solely my doing.

Miss Jiang, regardless of your intentions behind saying these words,

I'll give you one more chance.

Think carefully before you speak again.

Or this won't be resolved just because you claim it's a misunderstanding.

You previously claimed that Shen Yurong tried to molest you,

and you injured him in self-defense.

There are witnesses who have given their statements.

If you retract your testimony now, Shen Yurong will be innocent.

However, falsely accusing court officials is a serious offense.

So you need to think carefully about it.

I've thought it through. That's the truth.

I'm sorry, Grand Chancellor Jiang.

If things are indeed as she says, then this case will need to be resolved differently.

Today, Miss Jiang retracted her testimony herself,

confirming her guilt. There's no need for further investigation.

The Court of Judicial Review must deliberate on the punishment now

and submit it to the Ministry of Justice for approval.

Therefore, the Jiang family cannot take custody of her as you did last time.

Li, did the Eldest Princess threaten you?

Tell us.

Or...

Do you have any concerns?

I simply spoke truthfully about my own wrongdoing, and cleared Mr. Shen's name.

Someone.

- Yes. - Take her away.

Yes.

My Lord, Jiang Yuanbai just brought Second Lady Jiang to the Court of Judicial Review.

But suddenly, she retracted her testimony, and was detained on the spot.

What?

Gentlemen, can I have a word with Second Lady Jiang?

You found a nice backer for yourself.

She insisted on saving you at all costs.

I never asked her to save me.

She captured my brother and tortured him every day in a secret dungeon.

Don't you know about that?

Xue Zhao?

- Is he still alive? - Drop the act, Shen Yurong.

You're so close. How could she possibly hide that from you?

I really don't know.

She exchanged my brother for you.

Shen Yurong, after you leave, don't just indulge in pleasure.

Keep in mind that each moment you live comes at the cost of the Xue family's suffering.

Do you think I'm that kind of person?

I once believed your conscience was intact, and gave you a chance.

However, you chose Wanning.

I wish you happiness.

I didn't choose her.

I just couldn't abandon my mother and sister.

I know that well.

Just like how you abandoned me, my father, and my brother, right?

I won't have any expectations of you now.

I'll eventually expose all the evil deeds you've done to the public.

Li.

Don't call me that again.

This time, I find it disgusting for real.

Is this what you call being forced by circumstances?

I need your help regarding something.

Now you're asking for my help?

You're the only person I trust to do this.

What is it?

Pick up my brother at Eldest Princess' Residence.

Xue Zhao is still alive?

But he's barely alive.

After I get him, then what?

What about you?

I'm waiting for Jiuyue's reply.

If possible, please urge them.

Are you not afraid?

This isn't the first time.

Duke Su, please make sure my brother is safe first.

Little Leopard Cat isn't adorable when it cries.

Duke Su, you came personally to pick him up?

Where is he?

I've sent him to your residence.

[Duke Su's Residence]

Duke Su, how could I possibly let you and your people

see Xue Zhao walk out of here with your own eyes?

I thought you'd continue to keep this card in your hands.

Duke Su, you don't know me at all.

I keep my promises.

Besides, the show has just begun.

Killing him and ending it so easily.

How could I let her have her way?

I want her to see her brother become a cripple, unable to walk.

That's far more devastating than simply killing him.

I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed.

What do you mean?

She isn't as greedy as you.

As long as he's alive, that's enough for her.

Don't call me that again.

This time, I find it disgusting for real.

Yurong?

Mother asked me to bring you dinner.

Go have the servants clean up the room I used to stay in.

Are you moving back?

Yes, I'm moving back.

That's great.

Would you like me to get anything for you?

There's no rush.

You've lost weight and look even better.

Your Highness, you've also lost weight.

Have you thought it through?

Yes.

While in prison, I failed you. I deserve to die a terrible death for my doing.

Tell me. What do you plan to do?

Xue Fangfei won't be sentenced to death.

The Jiang family and Xiao Heng will find ways to save her.

She won't be imprisoned for long.

So?

As long as Xue Fangfei stays with the Jiangs, no one can lay a finger on her.

We should make her leave the Jiang family first, and place her in the Shen family's care.

What are you trying to do?

I'll request His Majesty to arrange for me and Xue Fangfei to get married.

What was that?

I said, I'll request His Majesty to arrange for me and Xue Fangfei to get married.

Has this always been a part of your plan?

To reunite with your Mrs. Shen.

She ruined me, leaving me with nothing.

It was you who saved me.

You restored my honor and future.

I'm not a fool.

Why would I want to reunite with her?

If you have a Mrs. Shen, how will you be my husband?

Your Highness, you are the princess.

If you were to marry me in the future, we can demote her from wife to maid.

That way, she can serve you forever.

Your Highness, don't you want to see her grovel at your feet?

Do you hate her that much?

I have no one but you now.

What does that mean?

Stand up and talk.

Adorning you, and helping you wear your hairpin, my darling.

My darling.

This is the first time you've given me a gift.

That's because you're noble, and have everything, including me.

We have to enjoy this rare happiness to the full,

even with chrysanthemum flowers all over our hair.

You really went to great lengths to persuade me to agree to the marriage.

The marriage by decree is just an act, aimed to please you, Your Highness.

If the Jiang family disagrees, the Emperor won't force them.

Thus, we need to have someone else bring this up to His Majesty.

Who?

Consort Li.

This is indeed an available pawn.

[Duke Su's Residence]

How is he?

Although the injuries are serious, they are not life-threatening.

Currently, he is asleep after taking some calming medicine.

What did the physician say about his leg?

Can it be healed?

The physician said he might need to use crutches for the rest of his life.

Have you looked into Zhou Dezhao?

Anything on him?

Not yet. He has always been impartial.

Second Lady Jiang's false accusations against a court official have already been finalized.

The Court of Judicial Review is currently discussing the sentence.

Did the Jiang family say anything?

A scout found out that the Secretariat Director went to His Majesty,

but His Majesty told him to go to Zhou Dezhao.

Thus, the Secretariat Director is at the Court of Judicial Review every day.

It seems His Majesty intends to remain a bystander.

Prepare my carriage.

Your Highness, Eldest Princess is here.

Consort Li.

It's indeed rare for you to visit me personally.

I'm a bit late.

I should have come earlier to offer my well wishes when Mrs. Jiang had her accident.

Your Highness, you must be here for a reason.

Speaking of which, if it weren't for you using my sister as a pawn,

she wouldn't have ended up in such a situation.

Even if I hadn't teamed up with her, she would have clashed fiercely with Jiang Li anyway.

She isn't Jiang Li's match.

It was Jiang Li who brought harm to Mrs. Jiang.

What's the point of bringing this up now?

I have an idea, for you to avenge your sister.

It depends on whether you're willing.

- Say it. - Request His Majesty to arrange for a marriage

between Jiang Li and Shen Yurong.

An arranged marriage?

What do you mean?

The Secretariat Director treasures his daughter dearly, and the Jiang family protects her well.

We can't do anything to her.

But Shen Yurong belongs to me.

If she comes to the Shen family, then we'll have control over her.

That does sound like a good idea.

However, I won't let myself be used as a pawn by you like my sister was.

How could I possibly use you as a pawn?

At most, I'll threaten you.

What?

I heard that there was a disturbance of evil spirits in the imperial harem,

and the Office of Imperial Diviner went to exorcise it.

Strangely, Consort Xian passed away.

Besides the Imperial Diviner,

everyone else involved from the Office of Imperial Diviner

has resigned and returned to their hometowns.

That's so strange.

Where did they go?

You know, and I know.

Speaking of which, I must thank you.

If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have thought of this trick of exorcism,

which ended up causing your sister to suffer so much.

Do you think I'm afraid of you?

You didn't root out the problem back then, so it's too late to be cruel now.

You sent a palace maid who knew about the incident back home.

Later, I found her.

With a little coercion, she would surely disclose the whole truth to His Majesty.

Simply persuading His Majesty to arrange a marriage

is certainly easier than explaining why you killed Consort Xian.

Once the matter is settled,

I will promptly return the palace maid to you, for you to handle as you see fit.

Why stand there, Your Highness?

Come over and have some tea.

Your Majesty, are you going to stay out of Jiang Li's case?

Do you really think I have nothing better to do than to meddle in such a minor case?

What if Wanning is involved in this?

I've previously instructed you to watch over your pawn carefully.

Why would you need a dead pawn?

Why the rush?

They have yet to take action, right?

Xiao Heng, concern causes anxiety.

Your Majesty, Her Highness Consort Li invites you to a stroll in the imperial garden.

I should take a break.

You can head back.

I think your pawn is calmer than you.

Shen Yurong has entered the palace.

Continue watching him.

Inform me as soon as there is any news.

Yes.

Your Majesty, it's been a while since we had a chance to take a stroll together.

Yes.

I've been too busy lately.

I just finished dealing with the alliance with Zhao,

and now there's another pile of matters to be handled.

Are you talking about Second Lady Jiang and Mr. Shen?

Their affairs are causing quite a stir.

It seems tensions are rising between the Shens and Jiangs as well.

Mr. Shen and the Secretariat Director are both trustworthy court officials.

They are both important to me.

I'm in a dilemma too.

I have an idea.

It can solve your concerns, and satisfy both the Jiang and Shen families.

Speaking of which, Li is my sister's daughter.

Despite their past misunderstandings, I've always considered Li my niece.

A lady in prison.

Her dignity and reputation are all gone.

It's heartbreaking to see this.

I sent someone to inquire about the reason from Mr. Shen,

only to find out it was all a misunderstanding.

What's wrong, Your Majesty?

I was thinking what kind of misunderstanding it was.

I've sent someone to invite Mr. Shen here.

Why don't we let him explain to you in person?

Sure.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Greetings, Your Highness Consort Li.

Consort Li told me what happened between you and Jiang Li was a misunderstanding.

It was my fault.

After all, in this case, a lady's reputation is more important.

I believe Second Lady Jiang acted in a moment of confusion

rather than with malicious intent.

I also implore Your Majesty to pardon her, and refrain from pursuing this matter further.

Do you truly not mind?

I naturally will not hold it against Second Lady Jiang.

Mr. Shen, you're a gentleman and magnanimous.

You'll make a wonderful husband.

With this incident, Li's reputation will likely be tarnished.

After she made such a mistake, it may be difficult for her to marry a good man.

She previously professed affection for Mr. Shen.

Since Mr. Shen doesn't mind,

why don't you arrange for them to get married, Your Majesty?

It can resolve the matter and preserve Li's reputation.

But it would indeed be quite unfair to Mr. Shen.

If it can preserve Second Lady Jiang's reputation,

I'm willing to heed Consort Li's words.

Marriage is a significant matter.

Naturally, I must inquire about the Secretariat Director's opinion.

However, Mr. Shen has agreed not to pursue the matter...

Issue a decree to the Court of Judicial Review to dismiss the case.

Tell them to release Jiang Li, and let the Jiang family take her home.

Yes.

I will ask the Secretariat Director.

If both families agree to this,

I am more than willing to accumulate merit by arranging such a good match.

Sure, let's do as you say.

I am willing to go to the prison, issue the decree, and escort Second Lady Jiang home.

Go ahead.

They want His Majesty to decree an arranged marriage.

So, that's the plan they've been working on.

My Lord, should we return to the palace or head to the prison?

Let's go to the prison directly.

Yes.

Second Lady Jiang, you may leave.

I'll escort her out.

Yes, Mr. Shen.

You've suffered the past few days.

Will you marry me?

Are you crazy?

Aren't you curious about why you were released?

His Majesty intends to arrange for us to get married.

We love each other, so what you did was not a crime.

Was this your plan from the beginning?

Yes.

So, you married me once, killed me once,

and now you want to marry me a second time to kill me again?

What if I say I'm protecting you this time?

Do you believe that?

I do.

Your words merely disgust me.

Li, you can choose not to trust me,

but ultimately, the Emperor's decree cannot be defied.

I'll give you a ride home.

Think about what I said.

Your carriage leads to the road to the underworld.

I dare not ride it again.

Are you planning to walk back to Jiang's Residence?

Someone will escort me.

My hand is cramping.

Loosen your grip a bit.

I won't move.

Just now, Shen Yurong said that His Majesty wants to arrange for me to marry him.

I heard about it.

It was Consort Li who initiated it.

How did she get involved?

Did she ally herself with Wanning?

In the past, she didn't, but now, I'm not certain.

I've already sent someone to investigate.

Consort Li should know that Wanning might put her in danger.

Ji Shuran's downfall was partly due to Wanning's failure.

Now that Consort Li is willing to help Wanning,

there must be some hidden motive behind it.

Don't overthink it for now.

Let's wait for news from our scouts.

I'll take you to my residence first to see your brother.

While we're at it, prepare an excuse before returning to the Jiang family.

[Duke Su's Residence]

Fangfei.

Zhao.

Fangfei.

Everyone is saying that you're dead.

I thought you were dead, too.

And Father.

Did you see him?

Does he know what happened to us?

Yes, he does.

Father is doing well.

What about the gold mine on Dong Mountain?

Are they still mining?

No.

No, Zhao.

You did a good job.

The blueprint you drew has saved many lives.

I'm glad to hear that.

- Fangfei, I want to ask... - That's enough.

First, focus on recovering from your injuries.

I'll tell you everything later, okay?

Zhao,

I'm not Xue Fangfei now.

I have a new identity.

I'm Jiang Yuanbai's daughter, Jiang Li.

Jiang Li?

Fangfei, I didn't know you'd suffered so much.

It's all in the past now.

You and Father are both alive.

That makes me happy.

Anyway, why did I hear you were killed by bandits?

After receiving the letter that day, I didn't want Father to worry,

so I went to the capital alone to find out the truth.

I felt something was amiss,

so I had someone write to the magistrate of the capital.

Unexpectedly, on the way there, I encountered a gang of bandits.

Who's lying in ambush here?

Show yourself now!

When I woke up, I found myself in the secret dungeon of Eldest Princess' Residence.

I later discovered the Eldest Princess was behind this.

She never showed herself before, and just kept me locked there without a word.

I thought I'd die there without anyone finding out.

I never thought someone would come to my rescue.

Now, I even get to see you again.

Father is also in the capital.

It seems that Heaven has left a path for us.

Fangfei, they say after hardship comes comfort.

We've endured hardships, so surely better days lie ahead for us.

Focus on recovering.

If you need anything, send someone to Jiang's Residence to find me.

I need to go back and handle some matters for now.

Okay.

Father, I'm back.

I knew you were coming back, and I was planning to go pick you up.

However, you weren't there.

Duke Su came to pick me up.

He asked me about the details of the case, so that took some time.

Why did Duke Su suddenly get involved?

Perhaps it was related to the Eldest Princess, so he came to ask me some questions.

I know you and Duke Su often contact each other.

Since you trust him, I won't say much more.

But you changed your testimony.

Did Wanning have something on you?

I know because of what happened in the past, you don't trust me at all.

But we're still father and daughter.

If you need anything, you can always come to me.

Even if the sky were to fall, I'd protect you.

This sudden change in testimony must've embarrassed you.

I thought you'd reprimand me.

I know your temperament.

Your actions may seem reckless, but you always have your reasons.

Since I've decided to come back and help you, I've also decided to trust you.

If you want to explain, go ahead.

If you don't, just tell me what I can do to help.

Father, now that the matter with the Eldest Princess has been resolved,

there's no need for you to worry about it.

However, there's another urgent matter at hand now.

What is it?

His Majesty intends to arrange for me to marry Shen Yurong.

When did that happen?

I just heard it from Shen Yurong while I was in prison earlier.

What do you think?

I don't want to, but His Majesty has agreed to the marriage.

A formal decree hasn't been issued yet.

Consort Li has been entrusted with handling the specifics.

Consort Li also took the initiative to ask His Majesty to arrange the marriage.

Her sudden involvement shows that she has ulterior motives.

His Majesty arranging a marriage is a matter of bringing glory to one's ancestors.

From past dynasties to now,

there has never been a precedent of refusing such an arrangement.

The groom is Shen Yurong, whom I claim to have feelings for.

If you refuse the marriage arrangement, Consort Li can make a huge issue out of it.

Defying the imperial decree could place you in a difficult position.

Is Mother doing well?

Besides being a bit deranged, she's otherwise fine.

Mother and Consort Li need to meet up.

Given Ji Shuran's current condition, I'm afraid she may not be able to persuade Consort Li.

Let's give it a try first.

Please make the arrangements, Father.

No problem.

My Lord, I've found the information you requested.

The scout reported overhearing Wanning and Consort Li

discussing the supernatural events that occurred in the palace years ago.

The death of Consort Xian?

Yes, the scout reinvestigated, and realized there's more to it.

Evidence?

We're still investigating whether any of the palace maids who were released

knew what happened.

Since Wanning has approached Consort Li, she likely has the evidence in hand.

Start investigating her.

Should we inform His Majesty about this?

No need.

His Majesty may be in the know.

Then we need to conduct the investigation discreetly, but it might take some time.

I'm afraid by the time we find out the truth,

Consort Li might've already arranged the marriage.

I'll promptly proceed with the investigation.

Tell Li about this.

Yes.

♫ 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 ♫