Original subtitles

Episode 22

Miss Hua, what brought you here today?

I thought about your suggestion, Miss Meng.

It seemed like a good idea

so I came here to discuss it in detail.

Sister Hua, you're indeed a smart girl.

It's just that I know nothing

about Zhong's Garden.

I'm afraid I won't be of any help

to you, Miss Meng.

I have lived here for many years.

If you have any questions, you can ask me.

If you agree to cooperate with me

I will definitely tell you everything.

In that case...

do you know what Lord likes?

You've asked the right person.

Lord has a sweet tooth.

You can't go wrong

if you cater to his pleasure.

Sweets? But there are so many choices.

Remember the time

when Her Highness asked you

to deliver something to Lord.

It must have taken time and effort

to deliver lychees to Huangcheng

during this season.

Well, the Queen Mother dotes on you

Your Highness.

Not me.

It's because her grandson loves lychee.

Lord loves lychees

and also lychee honey...

Lord never shows his emotions.

I only found out about it after living

in Zhong's Garden for a while.

Sister Hua, please keep it to yourself.

I can see that Lord treats you differently.

If you move into Zhong's Garden

like me someday

don't forget me.

Where are your manners?

What's the rush?

Lord just had a meeting with the butlers.

Step out and come back later.

But Lord told me to inform him immediately

if Miss Hua comes to Zhong's Garden.

-She's here? -Yes, Lord.

Miss Hua is now in Miss Meng's compound.

Greetings, Lord.

Lord, did you just have a meeting

with the butlers?

Yes. And I'm here for Hua Qian.

We have something important to discuss.

Lord, you came just in time.

Sister Hua and I are wrapping up

our conversation.

Why are you visiting Meng Yifei

so frequently these days?

Lord, it seems like you don't want me

to hang out with Meng Yifei.

This is the second time you came to interrupt us.

Why is that?

You seldom come here, but every time you come

you visit either my mother or Meng Yifei.

It's fine if you visit my mother

but why does Meng Yifei see you

more often than I do?

Why didn't you bring your guard

to Zhong's Garden today?

It's just a visit to Zhong's Garden.

I don't need so many servants around me.

Really?

I heard that you had been very close

to your guard in the past few days.

I remember you left me in a hurry

after you learned that he was injured.

I thought he was more than

just a servant to you.

Hua Rongzhou is my guard.

He is loyal to me.

He was injured because of me.

Of course, I had to show concern for him.

Is he just a guard?

Lord, do you like lychee honey?

Are you asking me about my preferences?

Few people know this.

Although I have a sweet tooth

I must avoid honey.

I ate it by mistake when I was a child

and it almost killed me.

The physician said I was allergic to honey.

This concerns my safety.

Fearing that someone would poison me

my mother got rid of all the servants

who knew about this

I don't mind telling you

but do keep it to yourself.

So, there's more to it than that.

You can ask me directly

if you want to know anything in the future.

Lord, will you tell me everything?

Have you found the assassin

who killed my brother?

Qian.

Just leave this to me.

I promise. I won't let the mastermind off

so you don't have to worry so much.

Leave everything to me.

You need not do anything.

But...

if I knew who the mastermind were

I would deal with the matter myself.

Do as you please.

Roasted chestnuts! Delicious chestnuts!

Freshly roasted chestnuts!

Come and try some!

Roasted chestnuts!

-Do you want some chestnuts? -Yes.

Come and try some! Roasted chestnuts!

Big and sweet roasted chestnuts!

Miss, buy some roasted chestnuts.

A bag of roasted chestnuts, please.

Sure!

-Here you are. -Here!

Thank you.

Here. It's all yours.

Roasted chestnuts!

Come and try some. Roasted chestnuts!

Freshly made.

Sweet and delicious roasted chestnuts.

Come and try some!

It's so sweet.

-Why are you not eating... -Qian!

It's you! The murderer!

It really is you, you damn murderer!

I didn't expect to see you here.

There is justice in this world!

My poor dead father-in-law...

Thank goodness!

Madam, let's talk it over calmly.

He is my guard.

If you slander an innocent man

I can report to the authorities

and have you arrested.

-You... -I swear.

I didn't slander him.

If it's not true...

My dear, take a look.

Isn't he that little bastard?

He killed your father.

I can recognise him even if he turns into ashes.

That's right! He killed my father.

Murderer! He's a murderer!

Everyone, he's a murderer!

I am the daughter-in-law of Master Li

a rich merchant in a border town.

My father-in-law took pity on this little bastard

and brought him on as a servant.

But this wretched kid was ungrateful.

He killed my father-in-law, took some money

and escaped.

This happened seven years ago.

Thank goodness there's justice in this world.

We meet him here again.

Everyone!

Please report to the authorities

and have him arrested!

Arrest him!

You said it had been seven years

so you might have mistaken him for someone.

You can't slander someone here

without any evidence.

I've mistaken him for someone?

Look at his evil face.

There's no mistake!

We bought him due to his good looks

but never did we expect that

we had invited trouble.

He's not the only good-looking man

in this world.

Miss, you are deceived by this murderer

because of your kindness.

Don't worry. I'm here

and I won't let you get slandered.

What if it isn't slander?

Miss.

I told you before. I have killed someone.

You...

Did you hear what he said, everyone?

Did you hear?

He has confessed to the murder.

-Send him to the authorities! -How dare you!

No one can arrest my guard.

You're shielding a murderer!

Magistrate Wang is here...

-Make way! -Magistrate Wang is here.

Magistrate!

Magistrate!

Magistrate, please grant us justice.

That man killed my father-in-law.

Quickly arrest him before he runs away.

I am the daughter-in-law of Master Li

a rich merchant in a border town.

My father-in-law took pity on him

brought him on as a servant.

But this wretched kid killed my father-in-law

while we were away.

He then took some money and escaped.

He's gone scot-free for seven years.

Magistrate, it's all true!

Magistrate, please grant us justice.

Move! Don't crowd around here.

Miss Hua.

This lady here stopped me to hear her complaint.

-Just go. -I can't ignore her.

Miss Hua, please step aside.

I will take him back for investigation.

This incident has just happened

and here you already are, Magistrate Wang.

Looks like nothing in Huangcheng

escapes your eyes.

You should be commended

for your prompt action.

I happened to pass by

and heard about a murder case

so I rushed over.

Miss Hua, I hope you can be cooperative.

Be cooperative?

Someone has slandered

a member of the Hua family.

Are you saying I can only stand by and watch you

arrest my guard?

Of course not...

Miss Hua, I won't make a ruling

before an investigation.

Since an investigation is required

why don't you arrest him

when the investigation is complete?

You can't make an arrest based on a few words.

Don't tell me you're afraid that

that the Hua family will cover up for him

and help him escape?

Chen Yuan did a good job.

Qian.

Come here, Qian.

Someone tried to set me up. I can't...

Do you really know the man you're protecting?

Be good and follow me.

Hua Rongzhou is wronged.

Wronged? His surname is not even Hua.

Hua Rongzhou...

It's too crowded here.

Come with me and I will tell you everything.

What will Magistrate Wang do to Hua Rongzhou?

I don't want to hear you

worrying about him anymore.

-Lord. -This is Lin Jiang.

He's my chief guard.

He normally works in the shadows.

Hold on, Mistress.

Mistress, my brother was rude to you.

Allow me to apologise on his behalf.

Do you have a brother?

Miss Hua, are you referring to Chen Yuan?

You have also met him before.

He is my subordinate.

Qian.

It wasn't my intention to sound you out

at the tea house that day.

Your brother was making a scene

so I told them to help the pipa musician.

I didn't expect you to show up.

What do you want to say about Hua Rongzhou?

Miss Hua, you will understand

after reading these.

The name "Qi Rongzhou" written on these papers

refers to Hua Rongzhou who works for you.

His surname is Qi

and his hometown is in Huiyang County

a few thousand miles from here.

Qian.

I don't think you know anything about this.

Don't you do background checks

on the people around you?

I hadn't taken notice of him

until he suddenly stood in front of you

at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

And I thought he looked familiar.

He was the street beggar you met

and the waiter at the tea house as well.

It was obvious he got close to you on purpose

so I sent someone to investigate him.

How did you run into him on the street?

I just happened to see him

crash into your carriage.

Is it such a coincidence?

We are talking about your guard now.

I know him.

Hua Rongzhou isn't that kind of person.

Miss Hua.

Even if Qi Rongzhou

didn't murder Master Li for money

he has killed more than once.

Miss Hua, have you ever heard of

a craftsman named Wei Xian?

Do you know where the best blacksmith shop is?

I heard that

there was a female craftsman named Wei Xian

who was the most skilled.

A female craftsman? I have never heard of her.

All the girls admired her.

Unfortunately, she passed away a while ago.

This sounds familiar.

Wei Xian is the most skilled female craftsman

outside Huangcheng.

Everyone knew her

but she was killed last year.

At first, most people thought

it was just another case of revenge killing.

When my subordinates were investigating

Qi Rongzhou

they accidentally discovered that Wei Xian

once had an apprentice named Rongzhou.

On the night before Wei Xian's death

someone spotted Qi Rongzhou at the scene.

And after that, he disappeared.

But the incident soon blew over.

I gave you this bracelet to protect yourself

not to kill yourself.

Qian.

Qi Rongzhou hid his identity well.

Chen Yuan noticed that

the Li family had been spying on him.

This led him to more clues

about Qi Rongzhou's past.

He killed for money

when he was only ten years old.

And later on, he killed his master.

Qian, I know you're kind and compassionate

but how can I let such a dangerous man

be around you?

The couple we met on the streets earlier on...

You set it up, didn't you?

I did it for you.

You might not believe what I say

so I told Chen Yuan to bring the Li couple here.

But putting on that act on the streets

was his idea.

I was worried that Qi Rongzhou

would be upset and hurt you

so I came to protect you.

I might not believe what you say?

Lord, did you really come

because you were worried that

Hua Rongzhou might hurt me?

But of course!

Do you think I was there to see you

defending him regardless of the facts?

Thank you, Lord.

If you lack guards

you can pick either Lin Jiang or Chen Yuan.

They normally work in the shadows

and both of them are just as highly skilled

in martial arts as him.

They belong to you, Lord.

I shall decline.

As they were offered to you

they now belong to you.

Lord, I appreciate your kindness

but it's a lot to take in.

Please give me some time

before we talk further.

Lord.

Master Zhong's guard was nearby just now.

It's okay.

Qian...!

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

I was so worried about you!

I heard what happened.

I was so worried

I almost went out to look for you.

Then, I heard Magistrate Wang has made

arrangements for someone to escort you back

only then I felt relieved. You...

Sorry to make you worry, Father.

Qian, get this.

Pay extra attention when you choose

your servants in the future.

I won't allow you to keep those

with questionable backgrounds.

Especially those...

Especially those you brought back

from Zhong Residence.

I'd suggest you do background checks

on them again.

It's not limited to the servants.

What did you say?

Nothing. I just feel a little tired.

Look how inconsiderate I am.

You just encountered a frightening event.

Of course, you need to take a good rest.

Have a good rest.

Take good care of her.

Yes, Master.

Miss...!

I'm begging you. Please save Guard Hua.

He can't be a murderer like they claimed.

He must have been framed.

Please save him!

Cuizhu, please leave me alone for a while.

Miss, I'm begging you!

-Let's go. -Miss, I'm begging you!

-Let's go. -Miss, please save him!

Miss...

Miss.

Mu Yao sent someone to deliver a letter.

Miss...

Ridiculous.

How ridiculous!

Tell me.

Why did everything come to me at once?

Miss, what are you going to do?

The escaped slave in the woodshed...

Throw him out tonight.

I'm not wasting any more food on him.

Yes, Miss.

I thought you made up your mind to be a coward

and pretended not to know that I was here.

Qian has decided to let you go.

I was wondering about

Hua Qian's bold behaviour.

It turned out that you were plotting against me

behind my back.

Qian doesn't know that

I have come to let you go.

She is gentle by nature

and has always been timid and cowardly.

She shouldn't get involved in such things.

After you leave

remember to keep your mouth shut.

Do not say what you shouldn't say.

She is gentle by nature?

She is timid and cowardly?

Are you suffering from some eye disease?

I know my daughter.

You're free to go.

Why did you come here instead of leaving?

To seek revenge?

My negligence was to be blamed

for what happened at the banquet.

Someone saw an opportunity and took it.

What happened to your family is my fault.

Are you here to apologise?

So, you also think that my brother was unlucky

and got killed due to the chaos?

It's my fault.

I caused your brother's death.

Do you know that

I was the assassin's target

and Hua Shen died protecting me?

I had no idea...

Yes.

It was chaotic

at the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet.

Everyone was frantically fleeing.

No one could notice anything else.

Even you, one of the masterminds

didn't know what exactly happened.

How would anyone else know?

I am to blame and cannot evade accountability.

Come at me

if you still want to settle scores.

Just...

leave her alone.

Since you are so worried

why don't you just take her away?

Why do you let her stay on?

She has made her choice

and I respect her decision.

You respect her decision?

Kill someone for me

and I won't bother her ever again.

You and your father have been

manipulated me long enough

and I won't get involved in your affairs again.

You know my father?

So, Butler Hua didn't tell you about it either.

What is it?

You can ask him yourself.

He doesn't seem to be lying.

But in the previous life

they had never met each other.

What's going on?

I owe you big time

for what happened to your brother.

But if you set Mu Yao up again

I won't stand by and do nothing.

Are you saying you won't get involved

if Mu Yao causes problems for me?

But if I cause problems for Mu Yao

you will step in?

So much for standing by and doing nothing.

Mu Yao won't cause problems for you again.

No matter how I see it

I feel that I am at a disadvantage.

What do you want?

Remember.

You owe me big time.

You have to pay this debt one day.

All right, I'll be waiting.

Are you hurt?

In the third drawer of the bookshelf

there is Jindao Powder

good for stopping bleeding and pain relief.

Go get it yourself.

Fly away!

I fell in love with you at first sight

so I couldn't get you out of my mind.

Spare me your lies.

I'll count to three.

If you don't leave, I'll scream.

One.

Don't you wonder why I keep pestering you?

-Two. -You'll come to me one day.

Three.

What's the matter?

I'm sorry.

I'm the one who should apologise.

Why are you apologising?

She's right.

The plans were laid in secret

but the outcome revealed answers.

There are things that I wish

you'll never find out.

What are you talking about?

To be honest with you...

I had an ulterior motive

when I first approached you.

But then, you piqued my interest.

Now that I think about it

I realise I don't really fancy you that much.

So, going forward

don't ever feel guilty towards me.

Don't come looking for me.

Don't even bother thinking of me.

Hua Residence

How are Wu Shuomo and Father connected?

They didn't cross each other's paths before.

And I haven't noticed anything in this life.

Cuizhu, you can't come in here.

Cuizhu, you can't come in here.

Cuizhu, Miss just woke up and hasn't eaten yet.

You will have to wait.

-Cuizhu! -Leave us.

I know you like Hua Rongzhou

but things are complicated, allow me to...

No, Miss.

I'm here to confess.

I have made a mistake.

Please punish me.

-You don't have to... -Guard Hua...

You're the only woman Guard Hua fancies.

It has always been so.

I noticed it from the very beginning.

I felt indignant

and that led me to commit nasty mistakes.

The incident

at Concubine Mu's wedding banquet...

I told her where Young Master Hua was

and sent away all the servants in the backyard.

That was how Concubine Mu

had the opportunity to set him up.

At the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet...

I held on to Guard Hua on purpose

and that was how the assassin managed to

knock you unconscious and take you away.

I've engaged in many deceitful acts

because of my selfish desires.

I should be regarded as a disloyal servant.

So, Miss, I have no objections

even if you beat or punish me.

But Guard Hua...

Guard Hua puts your life before his own.

He risked his life to save you

on numerous occasions.

Regardless of what others may say

he never has any intention of harming you.

I swear on my life.

I know how well he treats me.

I don't need you to tell me that.

Miss, I beg you not to leave him in the lurch!

Get up.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

Miss, please punish me.

-Miss... -Come with me to the prison.

Miss, you are here.

Don't...

I'm filthy.

You're not filthy.

Not at all.

Your surname is not Hua, right?

I...

Why did you say your surname was Hua?

I disliked my previous surname

so I had always gone without a surname

until I met you, Miss.

I gave myself this surname.

Why didn't you like your previous surname?

Why did you kill...

that rich merchant Master Li?

And where did you...

get this bracelet?

Miss, since you already know everything

why bother asking me?

Because I want to hear it from you.

How dare they whip you!

Miss!

Miss, don't you want to listen to me?

Miss, you asked me

if I still hated that rich family.

And now...

do you still hate the rich family

who mistreated you?

Not anymore.

Why?

It was because I killed him.

I was born in a village.

My father was a rural scholar.

He had big ambitions but was lazy.

My mother ran the household.

When I was five years old

my mother fell ill and collapsed.

Rongzhou, be careful.

Mother, have some medicine.

Don't make medicine for me anymore.

It's a waste of money. It's not going to work.

You have a long way ahead of you.

You need the money.

Mother, are you going to leave us behind?

Tuberculosis is contagious.

Take him away.

Mother...! I don't want to leave you!

I don't want to leave you!

Be a good boy.

Be good, son.

Mother! No!

I want my mother!

I don't want to leave you, Mother!

Mother!

My mother passed away soon after that.

The following year, my father

took the money that my mother

refused to use for medicine

and married someone else.

That woman

had a child with my father.

When I was ten years old

there was a famine in my hometown.

That woman urged my father to sell me away.

She told me that she chose to sell me away

because I was good looking.

My younger brother didn't have good looks

so he wouldn't fetch a good price.

Father, thank you

for looking after me for ten years.

Our father and son relationship

has come to an end.

We will never see each other again.

From now on

I will be called Rongzhou.

I will abandon your surname Qi.

I hope...

you will take good care of yourself.

I was fine with being sold.

Ever since my mother passed away

it didn't make no difference to me where I was.

My father would bring up

my late mother from time to time

and that woman got jealous

so she sold me to the notorious

rich merchant Master Li.

Notorious?

Bonus footage

Lord.

Magistrate Wang has locked up that man

while that couple took advantage of the chaos

and slipped away.

Do you want me to find them?

My lord.

Do you want to go back to Zhong's Garden?

Yes.

Yes, my lord!

Tell Magistrate Wang to wait for three days.

No interrogations during the three days.

Just wait.

Yes, my lord.