Original subtitles

YONG'AN PAVILION

MEMORIAL TABLET OF NOBLE CONSORT LIU YUNXIAN

Are you scared now?

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

Chancellor Jiang is still outside.

I don't want

to be arrested for the crime of harming the Chancellor's daughter.

Why exactly are you bringing me here?

Be patient. Take it slow.

Go and take a closer look.

Xue Zhao?

What do you think?

Are you surprised that Xue Zhao is still alive?

I always like having an ace up my sleeve.

To prevent the Xue family from taking revenge against me,

I have imprisoned him 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!

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 trial, he'll be free.

What if you don't release him?

Why would I leave him alive?

So Xiao Heng could investigate me?

Who do you think you are to negotiate with me?

Since it's a negotiation,

I'll state my request too.

From this moment on,

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.

Xue Zhao.

Xue Zhao.

Li'er.

Chancellor Li, sorry to make you wait.

We had a girls' talk

and really got along, right?

Yes.

Ms. Jiang Li, come and have tea with me again next time.

Li'er,

what did the Eldest Princess do to you?

I'm fine, Father.

I had some conflict with Her Highness before,

but realized it was a misunderstanding later on.

I didn't have time to explain to you.

When she found out about what happened to me,

she comforted me and even apologized.

Stop!

-Help me. -Stop!

Xue Li, help me.

Help me.

Release him!

-My lady. -Xue Zhao!

My lady, what's wrong?

Prepare ink for me.

Yes.

Deliver this letter to Jiuyue urgently.

Leave only after she finishes reading it.

My lady,

did something happen at Eldest Princess' Mansion?

Do I need to inform Duke Su?

You don't need to inform him about this.

Yes.

My lord, Zhao Ke sent news,

saying Ms. Jiang Li told him to deliver a letter to Jiuyue.

Why does she need Jiuyue?

Should I retrieve the letter?

There's no need.

You make me sound like a scoundrel who likes spying on people.

Zhao Ke said Ms. Jiang Li looked distracted after leaving

Eldest Princess' Mansion.

The Eldest Princess must have discussed something with her.

Send more men to keep an eye on Wanning.

Notify me at once on news about 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 an absurd hardship

would befall my daughter.

At the banquet held at the Shen Residence, in full view of everyone,

Shen Yurong went against ethical norms

and attempted to sexually assault Jiang Li.

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

Shen Yurong has no shame!

Chancellor Jiang, we know you're upset.

When an official is involved in such a scandal,

we are also angry.

But don't worry, Chancellor Jiang.

In the past few days, I have questioned

the witnesses present at the scene,

and they have all truthfully recounted

what happened that day.

With both witnesses and physical evidence in place,

once we confirm Ms. Jiang Li's statement one more time,

Shen Yurong can be convicted.

Good.

Li'er, go.

CONFESSED CRIMINAL: SHEN YURONG VICTIM

SHEN YURONG

I want you to tell everyone

you seduced Shen Yurong.

Just say you admire Mr. Shen.

and you expressed your feelings to him

during the celebration banquet at his residence.

After getting rejected, you got embarrassed and angry.

That was why you injured him.

Li'er.

I cannot

sign this document.

You...

Why?

Because...

I've always

admired Mr. Shen.

During the banquet...

Jiang Li.

Be mindful of what you say

in front of Court of Judicial Review Minister.

I wanted to express my feelings to Mr. Shen at the banquet.

I was rejected and it caused a misunderstanding.

Why didn't you explain back then?

It was too sudden.

I panicked and didn't have time to explain.

In the 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.

I hope Mr. Shen would forgive my unintended mistake.

This was solely my doing.

Ms. Jiang Li,

I don't care about your intention for saying this,

but I'll give you one more chance.

Think carefully before you speak again,

or this can't be resolved by just saying it's a misunderstanding.

You previously claimed that Shen Yurong tried to molest you

and you injured him in self-defense.

There are also witnesses who have given their statements.

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

On the contrary, your crime of falsely accusing Imperial Court officials

is a serious offense.

So you need to think carefully.

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

I'm sorry, Chancellor Jiang.

If it's indeed as she says,

this case will be resolved differently.

Today, Ms. Jiang Li retracted her testimony herself.

There's no doubt about her guilt and no need for a trial.

The Court of Judicial Review must discuss the sentence now

and submit it to the Ministry of Justice for approval.

Therefore, the Jiang family cannot supervise her at home

like you did last time.

Li'er, 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.

Guards!

-Yes. -Yes.

Take her away.

-Yes. -Yes.

My lord,

Jiang Yuanbai just brought Ms. Jiang Li to the Court of Judicial Review.

But for some reason, she retracted her testimony

and was detained on the spot.

What?

Gentlemen,

can I have a word with Ms. Jiang Li?

You really 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 now, Shen Yurong.

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

I really didn'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're living

comes at the cost of the Xue family's suffering.

Is that the kind of person

you think I am?

I once believed your conscience was intact

and gave you a chance.

However, you still chose Wanning.

I wish you two happiness then.

I didn't choose her.

I just can't abandon my mother and sister.

Of course I know that.

It's just like how you abandoned me,

my father, and my brother,

right?

I won't have any expectations of you from now on.

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 again?

I need your help

regarding something.

Now, you think about asking for my help?

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

What is it?

Pick up my brother at Eldest Princess' Mansion.

Xue Zhao is still alive?

But he's worse than dead.

After I get him, then what?

What about you?

I'm waiting for Jiuyue's reply.

If possible, please urge her.

Are you not afraid?

This isn't the first time.

Duke Su, please make sure

my brother is safe first.

The little civet isn't adorable when it cries.

Duke Su,

you even came personally to pick that person up?

Where is he?

I've already sent him to your mansion.

DUKE SU'S MANSION

DUKE SU'S MANSION

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 all is so easy.

How could I let her have her way?

I want her to see her brother

become a useless cripple.

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.

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 add anything there for you?

There's no rush.

You've become thinner and look even better.

Your Highness, you've also lost weight.

Have you thought it through?

Yes.

I failed you in prison. I deserve to die.

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's in the Jiang family,

no one can lay a finger on her.

We should get her out of there first

and place her in the Shen family.

What do you mean?

I want to request His Majesty to grant Xue Fangfei and my marriage.

What did you say?

I said

I want to request His Majesty to grant Xue Fangfei and my marriage.

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

and restored my honor and future.

I'm not a fool.

Why would I want to reunite with her?

If you have a wife,

how will you be my Prince Consort?

Your Highness is a 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 speak.

Adorn Your Highness with accessories

and pin your hair, 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.

It's rare to smile in this troubling world,

go back full of chrysanthemums on your head when in full bloom.

You really went to great lengths

to persuade me to agree to the marriage.

The marriage is just an act,

ultimately aimed to please you, Your Highness.

If the Jiang family disagrees,

the emperor won't force them.

That's why we need someone else

to bring this up to His Majesty.

Who?

Consort Li.

This is indeed an available pawn.

DUKE SU'S MANSION

How is he?

His injuries are serious,

but 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?

Is there anything on him?

No. He has always been impartial.

Ms. Jiang Li's false accusation against an official is already confirmed.

The Court of Judicial Review is currently discussing the sentence.

How did the Jiang family react?

A scout found out

that the Chief Secretariat went to His Majesty,

but was told to go to Zhou Dezhao.

So the Chief Secretariat is at the Court of Judicial Review every day.

It seems like His Majesty intends to be a bystander.

Prepare my carriage.

Your Highness, Eldest Princess is here.

Consort Li.

It's indeed rare for Your Highness

to visit me personally.

I'm a bit late.

I should have come earlier to offer my regards

when Mrs. Jiang was in trouble.

Your Highness must be here

for a reason.

Speaking of which,

if you didn't use 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 talking about this now?

I have an idea

for you to avenge your sister.

It depends on whether you're willing.

Tell me.

Request His Majesty to grant marriage

between Jiang Li and Shen Yurong.

Grant marriage?

What do you mean?

The Chief Secretariat treasures his daughter dearly

and the Jiang family protects her,

so we can't do anything to her.

But Shen Yurong is on my side.

If she goes to the Shen family,

then we'll have control over her.

That does sound like a good idea.

However, I won't let you use me as a pawn

like you did to my sister.

How could I possibly use you as a pawn?

At most, I'll just threaten you.

What?

I heard

that there was an evil spirit in the harem before

and the Imperial Diviner Office went to perform exorcism.

For some reason, Consort Xian

passed away.

Aside from the Imperial Diviner,

everyone involved in the Imperial Diviner Office

all resigned and returned to their hometowns.

That's so strange.

Where did they go?

You know about it

and I know too.

Speaking of which, I must thank you.

If it weren't for you,

I wouldn't have thought of this trick of exorcism,

which made your sister end up like that.

Do you think I'll be afraid of you?

You didn't root out the problem back then,

so it's too late to be ruthless now.

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

Later on, I found her.

With a little coercion,

she would surely disclose the whole truth to His Majesty.

Simply persuading His Majesty

to grant a marriage

is certainly easier than explaining

why you killed Consort Xian.

Once the matter is settled,

I will promptly return that palace maid to you

to handle as you see fit.

Why are you still standing there?

Come over and have some tea.

Is Your Majesty really staying out of Jiang Li's case?

Do you really think

I have nothing better to do than meddle in such a minor case?

What if Wanning is involved in this?

I told you

to watch over your pawn well.

Why would you need a dead pawn?

What's the rush?

They have yet to make a move, right?

Xiao Heng, concern causes confusion.

Your Majesty,

Consort Li invites you to a stroll in the imperial garden.

I should take a break.

You can head back first.

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

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 has been a while

since we took a stroll together.

Yes.

I've been too busy lately.

I just finished dealing with Great Zhao's alliance

and there are matters to be handled.

Are you talking about Ms. Jiang Li

and Mr. Shen's incident?

The incident between them is causing quite a stir.

It seems like the Shen and Jiang families are on bad terms too.

Mr. Shen and the Chief Secretariat

are both trustworthy Imperial 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.

Well, Li'er is my sister's daughter after all.

Even if they had misunderstandings

in the pasat,

I've always considered Li'er my niece.

Look, a lady

goes to prison.

Her dignity and reputation are all gone.

It's heartbreaking to see this,

so I sent someone to check what happened with 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 matter,

a lady's reputation is more important.

I believe Ms. Jiang Li was just confused

and had no malicious intent.

I also implore Your Majesty to pardon her

and refrain from pursuing this matter further.

Do you truly not mind?

I naturally won't hold it against Ms. Jiang Li.

Mr. Shen is a gentleman

who's magnanimous.

He'll make a wonderful husband.

With this incident,

Li'er'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 what she did,

why don't Your Majesty

grant them marriage?

It can not only resolve this matter,

but also preserve Li'er's reputation.

But this would indeed

be quite unfair to Mr. Shen.

If it can preserve Ms. Jiang Li's reputation,

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

Marriage is a major matter.

Naturally, I must ask the Chief Secretariat's opinion.

But since Mr. Shen agreed not to pursue the matter...

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

release Jiang Li, and let the Jiang family take her.

Yes.

I will ask the Chief Secretariat.

If both families agree to this,

I am more than willing to accumulate merit

by arranging a good match.

Sure, let's do as you say.

I am willing to go to the prison to pass the decree

and escort Ms. Jiang Li home.

Go ahead.

They want His Majesty to grant marriage.

So that's what they want to happen.

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

-Let's go to the prison directly. -Yes.

Ms. Jiang Li, you may go.

I'll escort her out.

Yes, Mr. Shen.

You've suffered in the past few days.

Will you marry me?

Are you crazy?

Aren't you curious

about why you were released?

His Majesty intends to grant us marriage.

We love each other,

so what you did was not a crime.

Is this your plan from the beginning?

Yes.

So you married me before,

killed me once,

and now you're marrying me again

to kill me once more?

What if I say

I'm protecting you this time?

Do you believe that?

I do.

Your words merely disgust me.

Xue Li,

you can choose not to believe me,

but His Majesty's decree can't be defied.

I'll take you home first.

Think carefully about what I said.

Your carriage leads to death.

I dare not ride it again.

Are you planning to walk back to Jiang Residence?

Someone will escort me.

My hand is cramping.

Loosen your grip a bit.

I won't move around.

Just now, Shen Yurong said

that His Majesty wants to grant my marriage with him.

I heard about it.

It was Consort Li who proposed it.

Why did she get involved?

Is she Wanning's ally?

In the past, she wasn't. But now, I'm not certain.

I've already sent someone to investigate.

Consort Li should know the risk of working with Wanning.

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 the scouts.

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

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

DUKE SU'S MANSION

Xue Li.

Xue Zhao.

Xue Li.

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?

He does.

Father is doing well.

What about the gold mine on East Mountain?

Are they still mining?

No.

They're not, Xue Zhao.

You did a good job.

The map you drew saved many lives.

I'm glad to hear that.

Xue Li, I want to ask...

That's enough.

First, focus on recovering.

I'll tell you everything later,

all right?

Xue Zhao,

I'm not Xue Fangfei now.

I have a new identity.

I'm Jiang Yuanbai's daughter,

Jiang Li.

Jiang Li?

Xue Li,

I didn't know you suffered so much.

It's all in the past now.

Having you and Father alive

makes me so happy.

As for you,

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 capital's governor.

Unexpectedly, on the way there,

I encountered a gang of bandits.

Who is lying in ambush here?

Show yourselves now!

When I woke up,

I found myself in the Eldest Princess' Mansion's secret dungeon.

I only discovered later

that the Eldest Princess was behind this.

She never showed herself before,

and just locked me there with an indifferent attitude.

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 like the heavens

still left a way for the Xue family to survive.

Xue Li, they say that after hardship comes comfort.

We've endured hardships,

so surely better days

lie ahead for us.

Focus on recovering first.

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

I need to go back and handle some matters now.

All right.

Father, I'm back.

I knew you were coming back,

so 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 is Duke Su suddenly involved in this matter?

Maybe because it's related to the Eldest Princess,

so he came to ask 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.

Does Wanning have something on you?

I know that 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 have 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,

the matter with the Eldest Princess has been resolved,

so there's no need for you to worry.

However, there's a more urgent matter at hand now.

What is it?

His Majesty intends to grant marriage between me and Shen Yurong.

When did that happen?

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

What are your thoughts?

I don't want to.

However, His Majesty has already agreed to grant the marriage.

But a formal decree isn't issued yet.

Consort Li will be handling the specifics.

Consort Li is also the one

who asked His Majesty to grant this marriage.

Her sudden involvement in this matter

shows that she has ulterior motives.

His Majesty granting a marriage

brings glory to one's ancestors.

From past dynasties until now,

no one ever refused a granted marriage.

The groom

is Shen Yurong,

whom I claim to have feelings for.

If you refuse the granted marriage,

Consort Li will make a huge issue out of it.

Defying the imperial decree

could place you in a difficult position.

Is Mother doing well now?

Aside from being disoriented,

she's fine.

Mother and Consort Li need to meet up now.

Given Ji Shuran's current condition,

I'm afraid she can't persuade Consort Li.

Let's give it a try first.

Please make the arrangement, Father.

No problem.

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

The scout reported

overhearing Wanning and Consort Li

discussing the evil spirit incident in the palace years ago.

The death of Consort Xian?

Yes, the scout reinvestigated

and realized there's more to it.

Any evidence?

We're still checking if any released palace maids back then

knew what happened.

Since Wanning has approached Consort Li,

she likely has the witness in hand.

Start investigating around her.

Should we inform His Majesty about this?

There's no need.

His Majesty may be in the know.

Then we need to conduct the investigation discreetly,

but it might take some time.

By the time we find out the truth,

Consort Li might already get the marriage granted.

I'll quickly investigate now.

Tell Li about this news.

Yes.