Original subtitles

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by 🪷 Vigilante 🪷 Team @Viki.com

song credit

♫ 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 38]

Yurong,

why are you suddenly telling us to pack up and go back to our hometown?

It's just to lay low for a while. Tell everyone we're going back to manage the family estate.

Besides me, don't have any contact with anyone.

Yurong, what happened?

Just do as I say.

Our hometown is remote and poor. We're going back to suffer much.

And you're not even telling us what's going on.

Do you look down on us and want to drive us away?

Do you really want to know what's happening in the capital?

I dare say it, but do you dare to listen?

Yurong, you...

Since you refused to tell us, it's fine.

I'll pack our things with your sister now.

- Mother... - By the way,

be careful while you're here.

Come on. Let's go.

- But Mother... - Hurry up.

Presumptuous!

Lord Cheng is bringing so many troops back to the capital.

Is he planning to rebel?

This memorial is well written. He's using the ceremony of presenting captives as a reason

to increase the number of troops escorting the captives.

It's reasonable. You have to approve this memorial, Your Majesty.

But this doesn't seem like a plan that Lord Cheng and the Eldest Princess could come up with.

- There's a mastermind behind them? - It's hard to tell.

Whether I approve this is another matter now.

According to the report, Lord Cheng's troop is already on the way here.

Are we just letting them march back to the capital and camp their troops outside the capital?

Should we strike first, and capture Lord Cheng during the grand sacrificial ceremony?

No, we cannot.

If we do this, Your Majesty will be accused of persecuting loyal officials and soldiers.

Lord Cheng's troops are just outside the capital.

When the time comes, the capital will be in chaos.

I'm afraid some changes may happen to the imperial court too.

Are we just going to sit and wait for death?

[Five days later]

Official Ye, please review to see if we missed anything.

Thank you for your hard work.

The grand sacrificial ceremony concerns the fate of the nation.

It's quite challenging for me to take on this responsibility for the first time.

Fortunately, I have your full support.

Before the ceremony tomorrow,

I will inspect each location again to ensure everything is perfect.

We will strive for excellence, and leave no room for error.

All right.

[Outside the Capital]

Your Highness, someone from the capital requests an audience.

Let him in.

Everyone else, leave us.

- Yes, Your Highness. - Yes, Your Highness.

Your earlier plan was excellent.

Now, with my army pressing in, the capital is within our grasp.

No wonder Wanning is so fond of you.

Upon meeting today, you are indeed extraordinarily talented.

Your Highness flatters me.

Now, Your Highness only lacks a just cause for launching the campaign.

Do you have any brilliant ideas?

That depends on how far Your Highness is willing to go.

The best justification for war...

would be to kill the Princess and frame the Emperor.

Aren't you afraid that I might kill you right now for proposing such a plan?

Your Highness has been stationed at the northern borders for years. Success or failure hinges on this step.

I trust that Your Highness is not someone with a soft heart.

Wanning is, after all, my own sister.

I can't bear to exchange her life for this.

However,

if she were to fake her death,

that might be acceptable.

So, Your Highness already has a plan?

With your brilliance, the plan you propose is certainly more thorough than mine.

All right.

The moment we do this,

the Eldest Princess will not be able to appear before the public.

But with her temperament, she certainly wouldn't agree to this.

Therefore, I don't plan to inform her in advance.

At that time, I will have her take the potion to fake her death, and finish the act.

Once it's done, I ask that Your Highness defends me

when the Eldest Princess pursues this matter.

My sister would never agree to something that humiliates her.

Very well.

If she blames you afterward, I will put in a good word for you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

However, to help Your Highness accomplish this,

I daringly request one thing from you.

What is it that you want?

Lord Cheng! Lord Cheng! Lord Cheng!

Lord Cheng! Lord Cheng! Lord Cheng!

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Please rise.

No need for formalities.

Your guarding of the northern borders ensures the security and peace of our Great Yan.

If Father in the hereafter knew,

he would be pleased to see the Great Yan enjoying peace and harmony.

Serving you and the nation is only natural.

Your Majesty's benevolent rule blesses the people.

Today's prosperity in the Great Yan is a result of Your Majesty's care for the people.

I dare not claim credit.

You don't claim credit or become complacent.

I will make sure to reward you generously.

Eunuch Su, issue the decree.

Edict!

By imperial decree, Lord Cheng, Zhao Sheng, guards the northern borders.

He is diligently contributing to the state's welfare.

He is granted a Seven-Star Longyuan Sword,

two chests of jewels, two golden and jade Buddhas,

two Ancient Sea Night Pearls, and a pair of iron decree.

- By the words of the Emperor. - Thank you, Your Majesty.

You deserve all these.

I have also found twenty chests of treasures in the northern borders and I present them to Your Majesty.

I wish Your Majesty good health, and wish Great Yan long-lasting peace.

Excellent.

You're very thoughtful.

How about staying in the capital after tomorrow's ceremony?

Father in Heaven wouldn't want you to be away from home for long.

Honestly, I plan to return to the northern borders after tomorrow's ancestral ceremony.

Although the border is peaceful now, we must take the situation in the northern region seriously.

In my absence, those from the Dai Country may cause trouble.

I ask for Your Majesty's understanding.

Sheng, the Great Yan is truly blessed to have you.

Please come inside.

Your Majesty, after you.

It's been a long time, Sheng.

You've lost weight. It pains me to see you like this.

During your absence from the capital, I've been concerned about you.

But you always ignore me.

Don't you think it's unfair?

Wanning, drop the act.

Sheng, I've heard that His Majesty has given you many rewards.

Leave us.

I want to talk to the Eldest Princess alone.

Those worldly possessions are just reminders of the Emperor's grace,

telling me not to act recklessly.

I've endured in the north for so many years.

I did not do it for those petty rewards.

Sheng, are you planning to take action now?

You were easily deceived by a herb that could fake a pregnancy.

Did pregnancy make you foolish?

If we fail to maintain a good relationship with Li Zhongnan,

we can forget about our ambitions.

Sheng, you are heroic and exceptional now.

You even dare to blame me.

As if you've forgotten how you fled the city in disgrace.

If it weren't for Xiao Minghan's interference back then,

the one sitting on the throne today wouldn't be Zhao Ye.

A remarkable figure like Xiao Minghan had surprisingly raised such a devoted son

who loves only beautiful women but not power.

Let's go pay respects to Mother.

[Yong'an Pavilion]

[Tablet of Consort Liu]

Mother, wake up.

Mother, I will behave in the future.

Mother. [Consort Liu]

Mother, you'll be fine. [Young Wanning., Young Lord Cheng]

I don't come from a prestigious family,

nor am I your father's favorite consort.

Although I was titled as the Imperial Consort since I gave birth to you,

I still had to be cautious and vigilant all the time.

I fear that a single misstep would lead to being plotted against.

In this palace, I've seen coldness and malice

and how heartless people can be. [Tablet of Consort Liu]

After I'm gone, you must support each other, and take care of yourselves.

Understand?

Understood.

Sheng. Jing.

Remember.

Survival in the palace is about survival of the fittest.

Only through competition can you survive.

Only supreme imperial power [Tablet of Consort Liu Yunxian]

Can truly help you protect yourselves.

Grand Chancellor Li?

Lord Cheng, Eldest Princess.

Tell me your plans.

The uprising will be at tomorrow's evening banquet.

We need to divide our forces into four.

[Imperial Court]

You are wise, resourceful, and give great contributions.

I will definitely reward you generously.

It's all thanks to the Eldest Princess's strategic planning.

Grand Chancellor Li, I know nothing about strategic planning.

Sheng, let me introduce someone to you.

You have a military adviser?

Sheng, this is Shen Yurong, whom I mentioned to you before.

Greetings, Lord Cheng.

Mr. Shen is wise and resourceful. What position are you currently ranked at?

An academician at Hanlin Academy, fifth rank.

My younger brother really doesn't know how to judge people.

Rest assured. After this is done, I will ensure your success.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Long live Your Majesty.

[Imperial Court]

Is everything ready?

I have been waiting for eight years. Finally, this day has come.

It feels somewhat surreal.

Li, do you remember the question you asked me in the prison at the Court of Judicial Review?

I didn't answer that day. Now, ask me again.

Duke Su, did any of your close ones die unjustly?

Yes.

My father had been leading the Longwu Army all his life,

only to be abandoned outside the capital by Lord Cheng for his own gain,

causing him to die in that remote place.

I have also sounded the Dengwen Drum at the city gate for him.

But I couldn't clear his name at that time.

For these eight years, I've been wondering.

What was my father thinking before his unjust death?

Did he regret believing in such ambitious and treacherous people?

My father also loved the people like his own children.

If General Xiao were still alive, they would surely hit it off and have a drink together.

Xiao Heng,

you once told me to look back at the cause, seek justice, and uphold righteousness.

I've done that.

Heaven's justice is clear, Karma will not be unjust. And karma never misses.

The late General Xiao will bless you from above.

You've never believed in Heaven.

You only believe in yourself.

No.

I also believe in you.

Please believe in me too.

Lord Cheng framed loyal ministers and virtuous generals, for his own selfish gain.

Wanning tolerated corrupt officials, for the so-called power.

In their hearts, they never care about the people. They only care about power.

Be it Heaven's will or human nature, they won't get what they want.

Also,

I will not abandon you no matter what.

[Jiang's Residence]

This morning, Ruoyao sent me a letter.

She said she's doing well in Yongzhou.

This child also reminded me not to overwork myself

and to delegate household matters to Li.

Unbelievable.

Mother, I've been thinking a lot lately.

If I hadn't agreed to be the Secretariat Director for the late Emperor back then,

would our Jiang family be in a different situation now?

You are Ye's teacher.

All his knowledge comes from you.

His character can truly benefit the people.

Now,

I'm about to place him in the most dangerous position.

As for your position, I need to consider it too.

I will follow your edict.

I will appoint you as the Secretariat Director.

After my death, make sure he grows up well,

and help him consolidate his imperial authority.

Your Majesty, I actually...

Accept it.

Old man, continue your loyalty to him as yours to me.

I am grateful, for your grace.

The higher the position, the harsher it gets. If I, as the Secretariat Director,

fail to protect the young emperor and lead to a change in the throne,

it will bring disaster upon us.

If one becomes too domineering and makes the monarch wary,

they will eventually die a terrible death too.

So after the Emperor could handle state affairs himself,

I deliberately loosened my grip

and let Li Zhongnan and others have some power too.

We criticized each other, but also covered for each other.

It was all to stand firm and safely in this capital.

I'm not blind to what's happening in the family.

I just lack the ability and time to deal with it.

Leaving that aside, these younger ones at home ending up either gone or injured...

is all my fault.

As long as you can understand that, it's fine.

However, you suddenly brought up the matters of the court with me.

Does Lord Cheng return to the capital with ill intentions?

What would you do if he rebelled?

I have long made a choice.

The late Emperor entrusted me with his legacy.

I won't let him down.

My visit today is to let you prepare in advance.

In case...

I am unable to withdraw from this,

please take care of the Jiang family for me.

With me here, you can rest assured.

You've suffered over the years.

Seeing you like this now, I am reminded of someone.

Who's that?

My dear husband, your son has finally inherited your spirit.

Are you sure you heard it right?

There's going to be a rebellion. How could I have misheard?

So, if Lord Cheng rebels, whose side should we be on?

Lord Cheng's military achievements in the northern regions are illustrious,

and he commands a strong army.

If a real conflict breaks out, His Majesty stands no chance.

If His Majesty falls, the first to suffer will be our Jiang family.

No. Quickly pack up and go to your mother's house to hide.

Get rid of the Jiang family?

Excuse me.

Start packing!

Your Majesty, Official Ye has had everything ready.

Tomorrow, Your Majesty will only need to rise from sleep, depart from Taiji Hall at the hour of Yin,

perform sacrificial rites at Wu hour, review the armed forces at Wei hour,

and return to the palace for the banquet at the hour of Xu.

Eunuch Su,

how many years have you been with me?

Since you ascended the throne, it's been over ten years.

After tomorrow night,

I will reward you handsomely if I'm still sitting in this chair.

I only wish for Your Majesty's well-being.

- Your Majesty, Consort Li... - Your Majesty.

I insisted on coming back.

Eunuch Su, step back first.

Your Majesty, don't hide anything from me.

Will Lord Cheng and others act tomorrow?

Or else why would you suddenly want me to leave the palace?

That's not true.

Listen to me. You go first.

I won't leave.

I won't feel at ease if you don't go.

If even I am absent, won't Lord Cheng become suspicious?

I must stay.

Do you know what it means to stay at tomorrow night's banquet?

It's precisely because I know that I want to stay by Your Majesty's side, and face it with you together.

I won't allow that.

Your Majesty.

Your Majesty, if I fall into enemy hands,

I would rather die than bring trouble to Your Majesty.

My dear.

[Tomb of the Great Emperor Xiao]

In the spring, with solemn ceremonies, we offer sacrifices and libations,

respectfully presenting offerings at the ancestral temple to express our admiration and longing.

We pay our respects,

perform ablution rituals, offer incense, and honor the ancestors.

Since Father passed this throne to me, no matter what,

I will not allow anyone to take this position from me.

You old man, you must carefully watch who the true owner of this kingdom is.

[Tomb of the Great Emperor Xiao]

It reads!

Establishing the way of Heaven, called Yin and Yang.

Establishing the way of earth, called softness and firmness.

The teachings of saints and sages, venerating Heaven and earth.

A perpetual lamp in the long night.

Achieving great unity under Heaven.

All of you, leave.

Yes, Your Highness.

[Late Emperor]

Father.

You've returned.

I'm glad.

Are you comforting me or comforting yourself?

You knew very well what kind of life I would have when you sent me to the Dai Country as a hostage.

I lived in a sheepfold every day, enduring humiliation, going hungry, barely clothed.

I'm Jing. A princess.

Father, I'm not even worthy of being called a human.

I'm just some dirt in the sheepfold.

My dear Jing, I am sorry for this.

Truthfully, there was not a moment in Dai when I was not missing you.

I fantasized every day that one day, you would come to the Dai Country to take me home.

I fantasized every day that you would love me, cherish me, and hold me like you did when I was little.

Your daughter has returned.

Eldest Princess Wanning has returned.

I have...

let you down.

Father, I also want to ask you this.

Besides loving yourself, and your son,

- have you ever loved me for a day in your life? - Jing, don't say anything anymore.

When they made such demands back then, they put me in a difficult position.

I had no choice.

Father, I asked if you have ever loved me.

Father, you should take your medicine.

After taking the medicine, you will recover.

The pillow is dirty.

Let me change it for you.

- Here. - Jing. Please, Jing.

Father.

Father, you were the one who did me wrong first.

All of you owe me this.

I heard that your army in the north is incredibly brave, and renowned far and wide.

The people welcomed you on your way into the capital.

With such a strong army, the Great Yan can continue to thrive for generations.

It's all thanks to Your Majesty's support.

We're one, be it the army in the north or the army in the Central Plains.

There is no distinction.

Sheng, go back and rest for a while.

We shall drink to our heart's content at the banquet tonight.

Duke Su.

It has been almost nine years since we last met.

I can't believe you're this tall now.

I remember when I left the capital, you were only this tall.

If your parents were still alive, they would be glad to see you how you'd turned out now.

My father had bad luck, and couldn't survive on the battlefield.

If he could see your achievements now, he would also be very pleased.

I have to thank General Xiao.

If he hadn't come to my rescue from the south back then,

I wouldn't have been able to make amends, and reclaim lost territory.

It's a pity.

He died with an arrow piercing his heart in the valley.

I'm also deeply saddened by it.

It's all old history. There's no need to bring it up.

Master wouldn't listen to advice. I told him not to pursue the defeated enemy relentlessly.

He clearly had the chance to turn back. But he insisted on going to the end.

It's truly regrettable.

I hope you won't repeat my master's mistakes.

I don't like taking risks. Stability is the most important thing.

Why give yourself a hard time?

At the banquet, I will humbly seek advice from you again.

I hope to see you again later.

Of course.

Fate has never been kind to me since I was young.

As they say, surviving a great calamity brings great fortune.

I escaped death once before.

If there's good fortune to come, please give that fortune to Xiao Heng.

[Duke Su's Residence]

I need some of you to keep watch at the west court.

- The rest keep watch at the east court. - Yes, sir!

Is something going to happen? Why is the residence heavily guarded?

Mr. Xue, please rest assured. It's just a regular drill in the residence.

It's about taking precautions.

Are my sister and the others doing well?

Don't keep it from me. With your actions, you can't fool me.

You only need to stay in the residence. We have made the arrangements for Miss Xue.

There are secret guards both inside and outside the residence to ensure nothing unexpected happens.

Move out!

I'll be counting on you tonight.

Don't worry. Duke Su has made a thorough plan.

The secret guards will keep watch outside Jiang's Residence.

- Master. - I was just looking for you. Zhao Ke.

I was away from home for a few days, right? No one took care of the plants in the garden.

I noticed that one of the plants was having some issues earlier. Can you go over and take a look?

Old Madam called for me because she needed something.

I can't get you to do anything for me right now, can I?

I'll go with you.

Look at this. How can this perfectly good plant wilted just like this?

It's such a shame. This is the only memory my mother left for me.

You must help me save it.

I think I smell something rotten. Are the roots rotting inside?

Take a sniff.

Based on its appearance, it's probably been exposed to the sun for too long.

I'll move it to a shady spot, water it regularly, and fertilize it.

It should revive after a few days.

No, that's not it. It must be the roots rotting.

Come closer and smell. Come over and smell.

Sir, Old Madam is still waiting for me.

I need to take leave now.

Zhao Ke!

My Lady, a letter from the Duke's Residence.

[Something important to discuss. [Make haste to the Duke's Residence.]

My Lady, could something have happened?

The Duke asked me to go to his residence urgently.

He said there's something important to discuss.

Why is he asking to see you at this time?

Maybe you should go tomorrow instead.

At a critical moment like this, he must have urgent matters to discuss with me.

Baixue, leave for now.

Yes, My Lady.

Accompany me to the Duke's Residence.

Yes.

I hope my father and Zhao are fine.

Zhao Ke, how long until we arrive?

Second Lady Jiang, we'll arrive in a quarter-hour.

Second Lady Jiang?

Miss Jiang, do you have any instructions?

Miss Jiang.

Could it be this Zhao Ke...

Zhao Ke, you usually deliver letters from the Duke's Residence.

Why did you give it to Baixue today?

I was helping tidy the garden in the afternoon.

Maybe the messenger couldn't find me.

He's indeed suspicious.

Stop the carriage.

Watch your steps.

Zhao Ke, wait here. I need to buy something.

It looks like you've seen through it.

Let me go! Help! Help!

Help!

Let me go!

Let me go!

How does it feel to relive your past experience?

Who is he?

Nobody has been able to see through his skills in mimicking voices and disguising.

But you...

are pretty impressive.

Why did you capture me?

To settle the scores of you faking my pregnancy, of course.

But I can wait until Xiao Heng arrives.

So he can watch with me how things end for you.

What do you think?

He even handed over the Longwu Army.

He's no longer a threat to all of you anymore.

Why can't you just leave him alone?

You're in a perilous situation yourself.

Yet, you're still worried about him.

Your love for each other really moves me.

Do you know what it's like to lose a child?

Do you know how painful it is to have one's hopes shattered?

I don't know.

But I do know what it feels like to be buried alive by someone I loved and trusted.

Sometimes, I quite like you, Xue Fangfei.

If it weren't for Shen Yurong, we could have been friends.

I'll never be friends with someone as despicable as you.

I know you're trying to provoke me.

But before Xiao Heng arrives, I won't lay a finger on you.

Because I want to see both of you suffer together.

You call me despicable?

If you were in my shoes, you might be even more ruthless.

You and Shen Yurong are truly a perfect match.

You use the same excuse to justify yourselves.

That's why I like him.

Your once innocent husband has finally been dragged into the mess by me.

And this is where he's supposed to be, to begin with.

Timing and Subtitles brought to you by 🪷 Vigilante 🪷 Team @Viki.com

song credit

♫ 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 ♫