Original subtitles

Miss.

What did Duke Su want from you today?

Maybe he can't accept that I used him

to return to the Jiang family.

He tested me today

probably because he suspects my true identity.

Will you be in danger, miss?

No worries.

I've already made things clear.

Let's just avoid offending him in the future.

No matter what happens,

don't pawn this jade pendant again.

No one is worth giving up this pendant again.

My lady, Jiang Yu'e wants to see you.

She's already here.

Jiang Li.

This is Jiang Yu'e, the third concubine's only daughter,

who likes throwing her weight around.

She has been Jiang Ruoyao's lackey since childhood.

This is a music score from Ruoyao.

She's also inviting you to the courtyard.

RUI FAMILY'S SECRET MUSIC SCORE

How deliberate of you.

The Jiang Residence has really become undisciplined.

Even a maid dares to scold the master.

Yu'e, you're indeed well-mannered,

coming to your sister's place to reprimand the maid.

Tong'er.

The music score is dirty. Burn it.

Yes.

How insolent!

You're impetuous!

You're insolent!

Yu'e, you are precious.

Please take your filth with you.

It's wasted here.

No good deed goes unpunished.

I've delivered Ruoyao's message.

Do as you see fit.

She's still the same when she was kid,

bullying the weak, fearing the strong, like a dog relying on its master's power.

As if!

Woof!

It seems like I should meet Ms. Jiang Ruoyao.

Nice song.

Jiang Li.

I suppose you are Ruoyao.

It's a pity that such a beautiful melody was interrupted.

You've spent years in Zhennv Hall. Do you know music too?

I only learned a bit there.

It's nothing much.

This guqin originally wasn't mine.

Last time, I passed by a tea house

and heard a singer playing it.

It's a good guqin,

but the singer played it poorly

and wasted it.

I just took it to play with it.

Now that it's broken,

it should be thrown away.

Just the string is broken. There's no need to throw it away.

If something is mine, it's mine.

Even if I don't want it,

others can't take it.

How do you know that others will want

what you don't want?

It's best if they don't.

Otherwise, they won't end up well.

Jiang Li, you must be over 15, right?

Tomorrow is my Hairpin Ceremony. Jiang Li, you must come.

Of course.

I will definitely bring a gift.

Jinhua.

My lady.

Bring out my best clothes and jewelry.

At tomorrow's Hairpin Ceremony,

I want her to see

how a true Jiang family lady should be.

Yes.

Is Ruoyao asleep?

Not yet.

I asked Jinhua.

She said that Ms. Ruoyao opened her wardrobe

and tried on different clothes

and jewelry repeatedly.

She's too busy to sleep.

The daughters of the Jiang family are all beautiful.

But no matter how good the clothes and jewelry are,

who can they outshine at the Hairpin Ceremony?

Ms. Ruoyao is still young

and naive.

We must think more for her then.

I will ensure Ms. Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony

is perfect.

Ms. Jiang Li.

This is a beauty-keeping soup especially prepared by the kitchen.

Madam Ji sent it to nourish your body.

After drinking this soup, you'll be prettier.

Anything else?

Ms. Jiang Li.

You need to drink the soup while it's warm to become beautiful.

I'll drink it once you leave.

All right.

Tong'er.

Miss.

The silver needle.

The silver needle?

This is serious.

I'll report this to Old Madam and his lordship now.

It must be Ji Shuran's doing.

Although there is evidence,

who would dare to be the witness

that would cost her life?

Then what should we do?

What if this is meant to kill you?

If I die in Jiang Residence,

Ji Shuran must show up and kneel at the government office.

It's unlikely that she'd kill me.

This poison is probably

just to keep me from attending the Hairpin Ceremony.

Tong'er.

This beauty soup is really delicious.

My, Xiangqiao!

Are you all right?

I…

I'm fine.

I'm…

waiting to collect the bowl from Ms. Jiang Li.

Ms. Jiang Li, did you drink it all?

This beauty soup is really delicious.

Ms. Jiang Li,

you've become so beautiful in such a short time.

I think so too.

You drank it all.

You look so pretty!

Tong'er.

Come with me

to find a way out.

Madam Ji.

Just as you expected,

Jiang Li pretended to drink a few sips,

then secretly poured it out.

This girl is so scheming.

She endured living in Zhennv Hall for so long.

She should have some ability to cope.

This was done to lower her guard.

Do as I said for the next step.

COURT OF JUDICIAL REVIEW

The deadline has passed.

If you still won't let me go, don't blame me for going after you!

What are these?

Those aren't mine.

Burn them.

So much fun.

This is so fun.

You…

Those are all money.

It's not yours. Why are you making a fuss?

I just…

Who wouldn't feel bad seeing money being burned?

I don't feel bad.

I don't run a casino

or a brothel,

unlike you.

What's wrong, Mr. Qin?

After being here for the past few days,

your accounts are showing no income.

Are your businesses about to collapse?

No.

I can catch every single one of your private salt traffickers.

After hitting them for a while,

someone will get scared and tell the truth.

But I don't want to go through the trouble.

Mr. Qin,

if you're willing to save me the trouble,

I promise you

that I'll return

your money.

I'll set you free too. How about it?

It seems you're not willing to help me with this.

Then forget it.

I won't bother asking anymore.

You can just wait

for your last meal.

Wen Ji.

Seal his shackles. It's troublesome to leave them open.

Wait.

I split the salt trafficking money 50-50

with Yang Song

from the Bureau of Salt and Iron.

Are you really going to let him go?

What if he's lying?

If he was, he wouldn't dare implicate the Bureau of Salt and Iron.

According to the secret guard,

Yang Song went to the local office of the Bureau of Salt and Iron

and was on his way back.

Keep a close watch.

As soon as he returns, arrest him at once.

Yes.

Tomorrow, I'll take a day off to watch Little Taohong's performance.

My lord, Taohong won't be performing tomorrow.

Why?

At Ms. Jiang Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony,

Ji Yanlin invited Taohong's troupe to perform.

I didn't tell you earlier because you've been with Mr. Qin.

Is Shen Yurong on the guest list?

That'll be more interesting to watch than a performance.

JIANG RESIDENCE, AUSPICIOUS

Dear.

Tell her

to hurry up and get dressed.

If she can make it, fine.

If not, she shouldn't come out.

All right.

Madam Li.

Isn't this Taohong, the famous actress from the capital?

Yes. A chance to see her performance is rare.

-We're in for a treat today. -Duke Sun.

-Duke Liu. -This way, please.

Chancellor, it is an honor to attend

Ms. Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony.

Thank you for coming.

Chancellor.

Mrs. Jiang.

We're late.

MARQUIS OF NINGYUAN

You're personally presenting the gift.

My daughter will surely be delighted.

I'm already engaged to Ruoyao.

Today is her Hairpin Ceremony. I must bring a gift.

This way, please.

Madam Ji, today…

So many of you are here.

Chancellor Jiang.

Mrs. Jiang.

Wait.

Where is Ms. Jiang Li?

I brought her a gift.

Mrs. Liu,

I will accept it on Li'er's behalf.

There's no need.

I want to give it to her personally.

She has suffered in the past

and is still a bit scared.

I'm also worried today's event might overwhelm her,

so I let her rest.

Ms. Jiang Li hasn't been back in the capital for a long time.

She must have forgotten the rules she learned.

She was already difficult to discipline as a child.

Madam Ji spent a lot of time on her.

Indeed.

Someone initially educated her,

but she was later abandoned in Zhennv Hall for more than ten years.

Forget about etiquette.

It's a miracle she's alive and back.

Right?

She should be punished for forgetting the rules,

but what about those

who forgot her?

No parent

wants to see their child suffer.

When I lost my child,

I was heartbroken too,

so I let my husband handle the situation.

When I realized it,

my heart ached terribly.

Mrs. Liu, rest assured.

Now that Li'er is back,

I will certainly make it up to her.

You are

too kindhearted.

Mrs. Liu.

Jiang Li's suffering in Zhennv Hall

wasn't anyone's intention.

However, don't forget

why she ended up there.

-If it weren't for-- -Today is Yao'er's Hairpin Ceremony.

Let's not bring up the past anymore.

Mrs. Liu.

Mrs. Liu, this way.

-Mrs. Liu. -Everyone is here.

-Madam Wang. -Mrs. Liu, we've been waiting for you.

Tong'er.

Tong'er!

Oh no.

Tong'er.

Tong'er.

Tong'er.

Wake up.

Miss, I dreamed someone was pinching my face.

Wake up.

Miss, why are you up so early?

It's not early.

We overslept.

We overslept?

Has the Hairpin Ceremony already started?

We couldn't have both overslept.

They must have done something to us.

But miss, didn't we already dodge it yesterday?

I was careless.

The soup was a diversion.

Never mind that first.

-Quick. Get me dressed. -Yes.

Yuanbai.

Congratulations.

Father.

This is a gift from Consort Li.

It's a reward from His Majesty.

I couldn't refuse,

so I brought it here.

As you know,

although she became a consort,

she's still the youngest in our family and very close to us.

Consort Li is also giving attention

to Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony.

Father, you and Consort Li are very thoughtful.

Her gift is too precious.

We cannot accept it.

We're all a family.

Shuran.

Accept it.

-Take it. -Yes, Father.

I am retiring soon.

Our families' honor and disgrace are shared.

You've met Shuran's cousin, right?

Think about it

and mention him to His Majesty.

Father,

why are you bringing this up again?

Appointing people based on kinship

won't sound good.

His Majesty follows law and justice.

It's not something that'll be decided by my husband's words.

I got it.

Today is Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony.

It's not a good time to discuss.

We can talk about it another day.

Fine.

We'll do as you say, Yuanbai.

I'll go in first then.

Duke Ji, this way, please.

Greetings, Chancellor Jiang,

Mrs. Jiang.

Mr. Shen, you're so courteous.

I was saying

that Mr. Shen should visit often

to guide Ruoyao.

Thank you, Mrs. Jiang.

As expected of the Chief Secretariat.

His residence is much grander than ours.

Don't be fooled by their plain appearances.

I heard that everyone present

is at least of the third rank.

If you fancy anyone, let your brother know.

Mother.

None of them are young.

Old ones are affectionate.

-Give it to me. -All right.

This is outrageous.

They even sent people to guard us.

I'm going to make a scene.

If you do that now, the whole city will laugh at us.

If the Jiang family is embarrassed, you'll be humiliated too.

Ji Shuran is truly ruthless.

What should we do now?

I hope the big gift I sent yesterday

wasn't in vain.

Jiang Yuanbai is so cunning.

Even if he married you,

he remains indifferent

to the Ji family's affairs.

You are also incompetent.

After marrying into the Jiang family for so long,

you're not making any plans for our family.

Was he the one you wanted me to marry back then?

Now, you see

he's rising smoothly

and you want to exploit him.

Don't speak so harshly.

Remember.

You're part of the Ji family,

so you must always consider our family's benefits.

-Duke Su. -Duke Su.

-Why is he here? -Yes.

Why is Duke Su here?

It's not a friendly visit.

He comes with blades too.

Something big must be happening.

Duke Su, are you here on official business?

You must be joking, Chancellor Jiang.

I have no official business today.

You have a lot of prestige.

Even Little Taohong canceled my reserved performance.

I could only come here

to join the fun.

Chancellor Jiang, you don't mind, do you?

In that case,

Duke Su, help yourself.

Where is Ms. Jiang Li?

Duke Su.

Li'er is feeling unwell today

and resting in her room.

Chancellor Jiang.

I even gave half of my ceremonial weapons to Ms. Jiang Li.

Out of courtesy,

she should come out today to thank me.

Indeed, it is disrespectful.

In that case,

I'll send someone to check on her again.

Duke Su.

Help yourself.

Investigate.

Yes.

Nice, "Ruoyao is 15 now

and virtuous talents offer their praise.

The azure bird flies not alone,

for she has found someone to hold her hand."

-Ms. Jiang Ruoyao and Mr. Zhou -Ms. Jiang Ruoyao and Mr. Zhou

-make a wonderful couple. -make a wonderful couple.

Today is Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony.

Thank you all for coming.

Where have you been?

I had a stomach ache.

Where's my father?

We have a beauty in Jiang Residence,

peerless and independent.

Like a lotus emerging from clear water,

she's naturally adorned.

Her hands are delicate

and her skin is as smooth as cream.

I found her. Two people are guarding the door.

She probably can't come out.

I knew she was not one to avoid crowds.

Apparently, she is locked up.

Do you want me to go and…

There's no need.

The Jiang family is full of mixed characters,

but she insists on returning.

Now, we can see

how much she wants to show herself.

The auspicious time has come.

The Hairpin Ceremony begins!

Dear.

Honoree, get into position.

A talented man and a pretty woman.

What a perfect match!

A gifted scholar

and a beautiful lady.

A match made in heaven

-and earth. -And earth.

Next, Mrs. Jiang will dress the honoree

and place the ceremonial hairpin.

In this auspicious month and day,

you begin to wear your first adult attire.

Leave behind your childish pursuits

and follow the path of virtue.

May you enjoy long life and good fortune

and receive abundant blessings.

The ceremony is complete!

Bow in thanks.

Wonderful!

Nice!

Mrs. Zhou, you're truly fortunate.

You'll gain

such a talented and graceful daughter-in-law.

I'm lucky.

I'm also lucky to be able

to marry Ruoyao.

Fireworks!

Well…

-Where are the fireworks? -Where is it?

What happened?

Where are the fireworks?

-There's none. -No fireworks.

Did they save money for fireworks?

Where are the fireworks?

The fire… Fireworks…

My lord!

The fireworks…

They didn't go off.

They didn't go off?

They didn't go off?

Resolve this!

Such beautiful flowers.

Isn't this beautiful?

Who is that? She's so elegant and refined.

Isn't she

Ms. Jiang Li, who just returned from Zhennv Hall?

She's the one who tried to kill her mother and brother.

Is this Ms. Jiang Li?

Yes, it's her.

Mother.

A ghost.

Mother.

It's Xue Fangfei.

It's her.

Mother, it's her.

Mother.

Mother, she's back for revenge.

Shut up.

Ruoyao.

Here's a small gift

for your 15th birthday.

Li'er, you finally made it.

Why are you so late?

I'm not yet familiar with the residence's layout,

so I was delayed a bit.

Fortunately,

I made it in time for Ruoyao's Hairpin Ceremony.

Allow me to introduce her.

This is my second daughter who has just returned,

Jiang Li.

Chancellor Jiang has acknowledged his daughter.

Don't mention her attempt to kill her mother and brother anymore.

Yes.

Mother.

Mother, isn't she my sister-in-law?

How can someone

look identical to her in this world?

As expected of the Chief Secretariat's daughter.

Despite being away for many years,

her every move

is still elegant and dignified.

Chancellor Jiang is truly fortunate.

Mrs. Liu, you flatter us.

Every parent

is concerned for their children.

I know

my father had been very worried about me.

That is why he brought me home.

Seeing you today

makes me feel sentimental.

During all these years you have been away,

I have never seen your Hairpin Ceremony.

Who dressed your hair back then?

In the humble conditions of Qingcheng Mountain,

I never had a Hairpin Ceremony.

So Mrs. Jiang didn't even visit Li'er

when she was 15.

She never visited even once in ten years? Jiang Li is so pitiful.

A chancellor's daughter didn't even have a Hairpin Ceremony.

-That's inexcusable. -Mrs. Jiang shouldn't have done that.

Mother had been busy with household matters.

If she had overworked herself for me,

I would have felt guilty.

Today is not too late.

You're not yet 20.

Here.

This

is a hairpin.

As ancient people say,

a hairpin symbolizes adulthood.

Today,

I'll give it to you

to make up for the Hairpin Ceremony you missed.

Come. I'll put it on your hair.

Mrs. Liu, thank you for your kindness.

But with my mother present,

I dare not accept your gift.

How silly of me.

Mrs. Jiang is still here.

Come on, Mrs. Jiang.

You should be the one

giving her the hairpin.

Li'er.

I will adorn your hair.

Thank you, Mother.

Please bring it

to see my father.

Tell him

I'm suffering greatly and filled with resentment here,

but I've done nothing wrong.

I never did anything wrong.

I hate him.

I hate the entire Jiang family.

Even in the netherworld,

I would curse them all to a tragic end.

-Jiang Li! -Jiang Li!

-Chancellor Jiang, you are truly blessed. -Jiang Li!

Your eldest legitimate daughter has extraordinary grace!

-Chancellor Jiang. -Jiang Li!

-Your daughter is unforgettable! -Jiang Li!

-Chancellor Jiang, I'm so lucky -Jiang Li!

-to meet your eldest daughter today! -Jiang Li!

-Such elegance -Jiang Li!

-is rarely seen! -Jiang Li!

-Azure robes frame her body. -Jiang Li!

The light green color highlights her fair skin.

-She is naturally charming and graceful! -Jiang Li!

-Jiang Li! -Jiang Li!

-Ms. Ruoyao! -My lady!

Ruoyao!

-Ruoyao! -Ms. Ruoyao!

-Ruoyao, are you all right? -Ms. Ruoyao!

-What's wrong? -Ruoyao!

-What's going on? -Get someone to check on her.

My lady, are you all right?

-Ruoyao! -Ms. Ruoyao, wake up!

-Ruoyao! -Ms. Ruoyao, are you all right?

-My lady! -Ruoyao!

Li'er, did you see that?

This Hairpin Ceremony is my gift to you.

Jiang Li.

Thank you.

-What should we do? -What now?

-What should we do? -My goodness!

-What should we do? -Ruoyao.

Ms. Ruoyao.

-Quickly find a doctor! -What should we do?

-What should we do? -My lord!

JIANG RESIDENCE, AUSPICIOUS

Mrs. Liu, thank you so much for today.

There's no need for thanks between us.

If you need anything in the future, just let me know.

All right.

I will leave now.

How did you let the Liu family corner you like this?

Father, are you asking me?

I should ask you.

When will our feud with the Liu family ever end?

At my daughter's Hairpin Ceremony,

I was forced to bless Jiang Li instead.

All right.

It's just a Hairpin Ceremony.

I noticed that Duke Su

kept looking at Jiang Li earlier.

Do you know when she got involved

with the Duke Mansion?

Father, have you forgotten

half of Duke Su's ceremonial weapons?

I can't let Jiang Li stay here.

JIANG RESIDENCE

Ms. Jiang Li.

We meet again.

You may already have forgotten,

but we met at your doorstep last time

and you…

I didn't expect you to be Jiang Li.

You have grown even more beautiful

since our engagement when we were kids.

Mr. Zhou.

By the way,

here's a small gift from me.

I want to give it to you

to make it up to you.

Mr. Zhou.

You're already engaged to Ruoyao.

I should not accept your gift.

Please give it to the right person.

Mr. Zhou.

This way, please.

Why does Jiang Li

look so much like Xue Fangfei?

Yurong.

-Has she returned from the dead? -Shut up.

In today's Hairpin Ceremony,

the Jiang family clearly confirmed her to be their daughter,

so she's the Chancellor's daughter.

The resemblance is just a coincidence.

Be careful with your words

or you'll get into trouble.

Let's go.

Mr. Shen.

Mrs. Shen.

Hurry up. Let's go.

Ms. Jiang Li.

What are you looking at?

I thought I would miss this drama,

but I didn't expect you

to be so eloquent,

forcing everyone into a corner.

As for your cousin,

he's a master of misdirection.

-You're done for. -It hurts so much!

Why did you hit me?

-It hurts! -It hurts!

You're finished.

It was you!

Don't go!

How could you hit me and leave?

-You can't escape. -Come down!

-Let go of me. Come down! -How dare you hit me!

Let go!

Don't leave!

Why did you come to the Jiang family?

Duke Su, I don't understand what you are asking.

I thought the Jiang family

had a proper and warm household.

You coveted their warmth so much

that you even schemed

against me to return.

Now, I see

your situation with the Jiang family isn't so great after all.

The Jiang family is my home.

Of course I must come back.

Duke Su, you are meddling a bit too much.

If I hadn't meddled so much,

could you have returned?

Tell me.

How will you repay me?

Duke Su, thank you for bringing me back to the capital.

However,

I also helped you solve the case in Qingcheng Mountain.

I think I've repaid you.

We are even now.

I won't hold you accountable for wrongfully accusing me either.

Please also be kind

and do not pursue this further.

Now you reminded me.

No one

has ever called me brainless before.

Jiang Li.

How will we settle that score?

Then call me names too.

Since you don't want to,

let's consider the matter closed.

I'll go ahead.

Xue Fangfei.

Ms. Jiang Li, something happened.

Madam Ji is calling for you.