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♪Flowers falling by the river again♪

♪Turning the clear waves red♪

♪Sparrows singing in celebration♪

♪Calm years pass by the silent bustling city♪

♪Sitting at home♪

♪No one knows love's outline like I do♪

♪If one day the river breeze blows again♪

♪I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror♪

♪Dreams can shatter; Memories remain♪

♪Rich fragrance aids; Light ink writes♪

♪In the deep red windows lies mundane dust♪

=Are You The One=

=Episode 26=

It's been so long. Why hasn't the girl come out yet?

Do you even need to ask?

His Lordship is a vigorous man.

(Where are the great men of the past)

Why are you looking at me? Look at your writing.

That stroke, the pen, pause, pause for a moment.

My lord, I barely recognize a few characters, let alone practicing calligraphy.

(Where are the great men of the past? And where are those of future years?)

(The sky and earth forever last; Here and now I alone shed tears.)

Not only did he not touch me, but he also forced me

to practice writing all night.

Even now, my wrist is sore.

Do you still remember what he made you write?

I only recognize something like "men of the past, sky, and earth".

Where are the great men of the past? And where are those of future years?

he sky and earth forever last; Here and now I alone shed tears.

That's all the characters.

You may leave now.

It seems Cui Xingzhou is feeling quite troubled.

It must be because he hasn't achieved his goal on this trip.

I think he will soon return disappointed.

Lord Huaiyang is not an ordinary person.

He wouldn't come all the way here to give up.

This poem was clearly a message for you, my lord.

I'm afraid there are hidden meanings within it.

Deliver this secret letter to the capital immediately.

About Lord You...

He has made up his mind. There's no point in persuading him.

His Majesty has promised to make the first lord to come to the capital

the Monetary Commissioner of the four counties in Beizhou.

I believe many of the northern lords are farsighted and pragmatic.

He never mentioned to me that His Majesty had made such a promise.

Well played, Lord Huaiyang. He deceived me.

Even if these lords in the Northern Region are favored by the imperial court,

who can shake your position?

I don't care about others, but if it's that person...

Keep watching.

I want to know all of Cui Xingzhou's movements.

Yes.

My lord, do you not need to take more troops to Beizhou?

No need.

There are some important matters that I must handle alone.

- These are two bolts of silk. - Take a look.

- What about that one? - Top-quality animal hides.

- Four bolts of silk, eight bolts of silk. - Take a look, take a look.

Look.

- I'll take this one. - Okay.

Take a look.

- Pack it up. - Pack it up.

- You have a good eye. - Top-quality animal hides.

Sister, I'll leave it to you.

- Please come inside. - Listen, Miantang.

Do come again.

The goods are not enough to sell.

When the waterway to Beizhou and Xizhou opens up,

we'll buy a warehouse in Xizhou. The trade route there is broader.

With the north-south thoroughfare, the fur business will only get bigger.

Sir, these are all top-quality animal hides. Take a look.

- This one? - How about it?

Uncle, is it far from here to Beizhou?

It's very close. The official road was just built.

If we change horses, it will only take a dozen days.

You little girl, are you homesick?

My grandfather should still be waiting for us at home, right?

- Then this one. - Of course.

- Take care. - Let me tell you.

If we ever go back in the future,

we must have Mrs. Lin make your favorite butter pastry,

and my favorite roast goose.

Our whole family will be happily together in the courtyard.

No matter how big our business gets, Beizhou will always be our home.

What is it?

It saves your life.

Clever girl.

Please enjoy, Your Highness.

Your Highness,

these pen shells were delivered to the palace yesterday.

The imperial chefs selected the freshest ones.

Chonghua Palace is the first to receive them.

It smells so good.

Let's have a taste.

Yours.

- Yours. - Thank you, Your Highness.

The chefs at Shi Mansion used to make puffer fish soup too.

It looked similar to the one in the palace.

But the taste was worlds apart.

Firstly, the ingredients are fresh.

Secondly,

the imperial chefs must have used more artemisia,

reed shoots, and Chinese cabbage.

That's why it tasted sweeter.

- Drink more. - Drink it while it's hot.

- It's really delicious. - It's delicious.

- Please have a taste. - Have a taste.

It's really good.

Yes, it's indeed very good.

- Let me pour you some, Your Highness. - Drink more.

Fu Yushen seeks your audience, Your Highness.

Mr. Fu, what brings you here?

His Majesty instructed me to invite Her Highness for a chat.

Please continue your meal, Your Highness. I will wait here.

Go get the tea.

Your Highness.

The Ministry of Rites has drafted the list of noble ladies to be conferred a rank.

You should take a look.

Yes, Your...

Your Majesty.

(List of Noble Ladies)

(First Rank Lady, Third Rank Lady)

Is there any mistake or omission?

The Ministry of Rites has considered everything thoroughly.

I believe there is no mistake.

Nonsense.

Sorry, I hope Your Majesty can enlighten me.

Is it better now?

You may rise.

You must feel lonely in the palace.

I have already permitted Lady Shi to visit the palace.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Have you memorized my instructions?

Yes, I have.

It's all different now. In the palace, you must act with caution

and not give others a chance to criticize you.

Understood.

Your Highness, Lady Shi.

Your Highness,

the Landscaping Office has sent over the newly cultivated Rhododendrons.

According to the rules, they are first brought to

Chonghua Palace for Your Highness to choose from.

Those pink Rhododendrons are elegant and rare.

Her Highness is the mistress of the palace.

She deserves the most magnificent red color to display her dignity.

But I prefer...

Your Highness, do you intend to let Jingyang Palace

have the red ones and choose those secondary colors?

Leave these few pots here.

Yes.

No matter how rare the color, it is for consorts.

It cannot be here.

I had hoped you could assist your father in the palace

and secure protection for our family.

But you are so timid.

This encourages the arrogance of the woman in Jingyang Palace.

Mother, the situation has just stabilized.

I am also cautious in the palace and it is not appropriate to stir up conflicts.

Your inaction stands for our family's inaction.

It's just a small matter, why be so petty?

Xueji, do you know

how you got your position as Empress?

I can see that you are a smart child.

Naturally, you know what His Majesty values

is your father and our family's support.

Therefore, the Empress has to

be a daughter of the Shi Family.

You're the Empress, and also the Empress of the Shi Family.

In the past, you might have relied on some wild luck.

But if you cannot perform your duties to the family,

your father will have to choose another from his many sensible daughters.

I see.

See Lady Shi off.

Good bye, Madam.

Your Highness, Lady Shi has left.

Songhua, do you find this Rhododendron beautiful?

This is not something left over by others.

This is the best Rhododendron in the world.

I originally thought that escaping the cage would make a difference.

But in fact, nothing has changed.

(Qiao Residence)

(Strive for Perfection)

Father, please spare me, Father.

If it weren't for the New Emperor's ascension and the Government Office

sending two Pardon Decrees,

would you two rebellious sons have planned

to keep the matter of Mount Yang hidden forever?

Hiding it from me until the entire family is executed?

Father, I don't have such courage.

I was just helping to cover it up. It was all my elder brother's idea.

I left the family affairs to you, not for you to protect and help them.

Father, you can't keep hitting him, Father.

If you keep hitting, my elder brother will die.

It's almost enough. I'm bleeding.

Since you have the face to come back, you should know

- that I must beat you to death. - Yes, yes.

Miantang is so young, it's one thing to take her along for mischief,

but involving her in such disputes is another.

It was her idea.

What did you say?

I mean, I shouldn't have caused trouble

with Miantang and brought this disaster upon us.

Father, I was wrong.

But Miantang and I helped the Emperor.

Now that the New Emperor has ascended the throne,

we can stay home with fame.

From now on, we'll live a peaceful life

and no longer meddle in political affairs.

Nonsense.

The Emperor's followers all get promoted and ennobled in the capital.

You were just cannon fodder.

An inconsequential Pardon Decree

that exempts you from corvée and forgives past offenses

is all you have.

Yes.

The political situation will still be chaotic for a while.

You two listen to me, you must not get involved in

these disputes again.

From now on, you must never speak of this matter to anyone.

- Yes. - Keep a low profile and live quietly.

Yes.

Is there anything else you're hiding from me?

No, just this one thing.

Master, Miss Liu has returned.

Dad.

Grandfather.

Dad.

Why are you hitting yourself?

Take it out on me if you must, why hit yourself?

I'm back.

All these years, I always thought you could stay

in the capital as Mrs. Cui.

I even hoped you would have a child soon and live a happy life,

supporting your husband and educating your child.

But what did you do?

It's my unfilial behavior that has disappointed your expectations.

You are indeed unfilial.

Tell me honestly,

what exactly is going on between you and His Majesty?

Please don't get too upset. I'll tell you.

Ziyu is an old friend that my uncle made during his early years as a bodyguard.

I met him at that time, but I didn't know who he was.

Later, I didn't want a blind marriage

and become the wife of Cui Jiu whom I had never met.

So I begged my uncle to seek refuge at Mount Yang.

But I knew well that you would not want me to associate with people of unknown origin.

That's why I resorted to this desperate measure.

Pretending to get married and using the name of mountain bandits,

I orchestrated this absurd elopement drama.

After I went to Mount Yang, I spent every day with Ziyu.

Gradually, I came to know who he was and understood his plans.

You and your uncle kept me in the dark all along.

You two really put on a good show.

All these years, you have been with His Majesty?

I deserve punishment for deceiving you all this time.

But now, I don't want more people to know about it.

I hope you will keep this secret for me.

No matter what happened in the past,

now he is the ruler and has nothing to do with me.

At least in these years, I have become self-reliant

and learned a lot about doing business.

I will stay in Beizhou and earn some money to supplement the household expenses.

Once my life is stable, I will help my uncles

to reorganize the escort agency.

What good is it to have seen some of the world?

From today on, stay at home obediently.

My escort agency can still hold on.

You don't need to worry about business matters.

Did he really go to Beizhou?

Absolutely.

Lord Huaiyang should have entered the city by now.

If Lord Beizhou receives the reward, won't he be like a tiger with wings?

Wouldn't he soon outrank me?

My lord, you're full of concerns and unwilling to go to the capital.

Lord Beizhou is not someone easy to deal with either.

What you say makes a lot of sense.

Given Lord Beizhou's fiery temper,

Lord Huaiyang will definitely not have a good time there.

I will not go to the capital no matter what.

I will not covet the reward from His Majesty.

His Majesty knows that you're apprehensive

about going to the capital, so he specifically asked me to bring a message.

Over the years, the correspondence

between the lords of Beizhou and the Wu clan

has all been in the hands of His Majesty.

However, he did not read a single letter before burning them all.

So, what's your point?

I know you're afraid of the new emperor's reckoning,

fearing to lose your lordship and family.

On my way to Beizhou, I saw the great landscape.

Beautiful mountains and rivers, thousands of grand mansions,

and vast fertile lands.

But that's all you have.

To confront the imperial court, you still lack the leverage.

Do you think that I will be intimidated by what you said?

Lord Huaiyang, you came from Youzhou, right?

Did they give you cold shoulders?

Even Lord You is unwilling to go to the capital.

Why should I be the one to take the lead?

Lord You is a wise man.

I just need to give him some time to think, and he will naturally go to the capital.

Lord Huaiyang, why are you still holding on?

Even though Lord You is foolish, he is not willing to be a scapegoat.

If you still don't believe me, then I can only willingly become a hostage.

Just detain me in Beizhou.

As for whether Lord You is a touchstone or a scapegoat,

you will just have to wait and see the result.

It won't harm you in the slightest.

If Lord You goes to the capital to pay homage and returns safely as I said,

you will know how benevolent and honest His Majesty is.

What if he doesn't return?

Then you can kill me for breaking my promise.

Cui, are you trying to lure me into a trap?

So you can have a good reason to wage war against Beizhou.

I came with only this many attendants.

My troops are stationed far north of the great river.

They are far from Youzhou and your Beizhou.

If I wanted to lure you into a trap, I wouldn't have the capability.

Alright.

Alright.

Since you want to stay as a hostage,

then let's follow your words and take this step first.

But during this period, if you leave Beizhou even half a step,

don't blame me for being rude.

I won't.

Magistrate Li Guangcai is an old friend of mine from the imperial examination.

We haven't seen each other for many years.

It'll be convenient for me to live with him. I hope you will permit it.

Since you're willing to risk your life as a hostage,

I will grant you this convenience.

Stop the carriage.

- My lord. - Don't follow me.

Since we parted in the capital, I didn't expect to meet you here.

Sorry, I mistook you for someone else.

Sir, how much is this?

Wumei Courtyard.

Just a random name.

This small courtyard of mine is not even as good as the woodshed in your residence.

Had I known you were coming, I would have repaired it properly.

Such a scene brings back memories.

I really didn't expect that you would come to Beizhou as a hostage

regardless of your own safety.

You have a backup plan, right?

It's not much of a plan.

As long as I stay in Beizhou, behave myself, and treat the Lord Beizhou kindly,

some people will naturally become anxious.

I knew you were not someone who acted on impulse.

If this succeeds, it will be a great achievement.

Lord Huaiyang, with your illustrious military achievements,

have you thought about what kind of reward you want to ask from His Majesty?

It's still too early to say.

However, I do have a request.

By the way, there's something. I'm not sure if I should mention it.

Go ahead.

It's actually not a big deal.

The Qiao Family is looking for a son-in-law.

Looking for a son-in-law?

Is she in such a hurry to get married?

Yes.

Back when this happened in your family,

Princess Dowager Chu married your sister to a man in the capital.

How long has it been?

Alright, looking for a son-in-law.

What did you just say?

Nothing.

Do they have any other movements?

That, I wouldn't know.

Alright.

Aunt.

Miantang.

I was afraid you might not be used to the cold

in Beizhou after staying in the capital for so long.

I asked Qingying to bring her quilt for you.

Aunt, thank you for your concern. Please have a seat.

Cousin.

Qingying, long time no see.

Why did you tell me you were coming, so I could have welcomed you?

I just want to take a good look around this courtyard.

Haitang Courtyard is still the same as before. Nothing has changed.

It's Yuying.

After I moved in, this place was renamed Yuying Courtyard.

Silly girl, your cousin just returned, why are you telling her all this?

You are the eldest legitimate daughter of the Qiao Family.

Are you afraid your cousin will take your inheritance?

Miantang, I see you have become

much thinner since you got married.

You must have suffered a lot at your husband's family.

I fell seriously ill the year before last, so I didn't remember many things clearly.

Therefore, I have been living in seclusion

in a separate residence of my husband's family, but I haven't suffered much.

However, because of my illness, I cannot bear offspring.

So, no matter how kind my husband's family is, they only have one child.

After my health improved, we discussed

and decided on an amicable separation.

Poor child.

Here, take this money.

If you lack anything in the future, just tell me.

It's not easy for you, Aunt, to manage the household.

Even though the nights are cold, you wear such thin brocade.

It breaks my heart.

These are all made of hemp cloth.

I only have a few clothes, so I wear them in rotation.

You're so frugal.

This is a small token from me. I hope you can accept it.

What is this?

I am currently staying at my maternal grandparents' home,

and all my living expenses need to be covered.

Although this is not much, it is enough for the current expenses.

Miantang, you don't have to do this.

This is not appropriate.

I'm one more mouth to feed, so I have to cover the expenses.

Aunt, please don't decline it.

Since you put it that way, I won't refuse.

Quick, give the quilt to your cousin.

Oh my, so much money!

This little girl really knows how to read the situation.

She knows who to bow to in this family.

Although Grandfather seemed very angry when she returned,

he favors her in his heart.

Not only did he give her this courtyard,

he also gave her a new Su Silk quilt cover, which even I hadn't seen before.

It must be a treasured item from Grandfather's private collection.

Don't you know this girl's tactics?

Even before she moved into the Qiao Family,

she was always trying to win your grandfather's favor.

Indeed, in a few days, I'll ask for a quilt like that for you too.

I'll say it's for your dowry.

Mother, that Su Silk quilt cover

isn't anything special.

You know she's been scheming since she was young.

Don't let her money cloud your judgment.

She said it was an amicable separation or whatever.

Do you really believe her?

She was probably divorced and rushed back to claim her share of the family property.

Early this morning, I asked Li the Blind to do a divination,

and today is very auspicious.

It's the perfect day to look at marriage prospects.

The lady who just passed by must be from the Qiao Family.

Considering her age, she must be Miss Qiao.

I can't believe she's so elegant.

She is Master Qiao's granddaughter.

Her father's family is in decline, so she is temporarily staying with us.

I wonder if you are in charge of this young lady's age card.

She is not a Qiao.

Well, you should ask my father-in-law about this.

I am not sure.

Miantang,

why did you send Lu Zhong back to Beizhou in advance without discussing it with me?

Previously, you mentioned that the situation

at home was not good, but you were vague about it.

I thought, if the family was not in dire straits,

you would not have brought it up.

You girls should not be troubled by family matters.

As you said, it's a family matter. Am I not a part of this family?

Lu Zhong went to Beizhou as a merchant.

He found out that my grandfather was looking for a buyer for the Escort Agency.

I didn't know the family is so destitute now.

Someone wants my grandfather's property for a dowry.

Even the matchmaker personally went to greet them.

How could my grandfather not be anxious?

It seems you've had a plan all along.

I am preparing to give a reply to Lu Zhong and hope you can assist me.

I remember that you love meat, Grandfather.

As I get older, my appetite is declining.

You are too thin.

Later, take an extra five hundred coins from the accounts to nourish her properly.

Yes.

Has Qingying's matter been settled?

Not yet.

The Su Family showed no concern for Qingying but kept asking the matchmaker about Miantang.

As her aunt, I can't say much.

I can only say that you're a generous and kind man.

You favor the divorced granddaughter more than your legitimate granddaughter

who has not yet married.

It's alright to tell the Su Family about Miantang.

It has to be discussed eventually.

By the way, let the matchmaker find a good family.

It would be best if my granddaughters could get married

on the same day with a grand ceremony.

Good things come in pairs, after all.

I never thought about getting married, nor do I plan to remarry.

I will find you a husband according to Qingying's standards.

Don't worry.

Father, having both ladies marry at the same time

would indeed be a double blessing.

But if we follow Qingying's marriage standards and prepare two dowries,

then we will barely be able to manage a decent meal in the future.

I will not get married.

Nonsense, how can a woman not get married?

A woman doesn't necessarily have to get married to have a meal.

I want to revive the family business and live my own way.

I'll sustain myself. Don't worry, Grandfather.

As for those who love to gossip,

they must be jealous that my life is better than theirs.

I should be happy about that.

Aunt, when eating rice tofu,

you need to dip it in vinegar to get the crab flavor.

Miantang, when have I ever let you go hungry at home?

I have already chosen a buyer for the Shenwei Escort Agency.

You don't need to worry about the family business or money.

I have worked hard in Beizhou for most of my life.

Do you think I can't even afford my granddaughter's dowry?

What a joke.

The flowers are blooming exceptionally well this spring.

Have you two ever seen such a beautiful scene in previous years?

None can compare to this spring.

Your Highness,

actually, I might have seen you when I was young.

When I was young, I often accompanied my mother

to visit Lady Shi at the Shi Mansion in Qingzhou.

At that time, your elder sister Xueshuang

was still unmarried.

She and I were quite close.

Xueshuang was an expert in perfumery.

I learned the art of fragrance from her.

It's been so long that I don't remember much.

But your fragrance is familiar. It's from my sister's prescription.

You must be mistaken.

You are the younger sister of the Minister of Rites

and the legitimate daughter of Duke Li.

Naturally, you would associate

with the legitimate daughters of the Shi Family.

At that time, Her Highness was secluded

in the inner chambers, and there was a distinction between

legitimate and concubine-born daughters.

How could you have seen her?

Thinking about it, it seems I was indeed careless.

She actually said there is a distinction

between legitimate and concubine-born daughters.

That's all the passing eunuch in the Imperial Garden heard.

Her Highness did not respond and endured it herself at that time.

These Hele Meatballs are truly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

One bite fills your mouth with savory flavor.

Your Highness should publish a book called, Food Commentary from the Imperial Kitchen.

Your Majesty.

Rise.

You're enjoying it quite well.

Your Majesty, how do you like fragrance?

It's soothing.

But the scent is somewhat unusual. I've never smelled it before.

What kind of fragrance is it?

It's the one I used when I was young. It's nothing special.

But if Your Majesty likes it, you can ask Consort Rong about it.

She is an expert in fragrance.

Consort Rong.

The fragrances she uses are even more exquisite.

How has His Majesty been treating you lately?

With great favor.

In the past, he would come to my palace

once every six or seven days.

But this month, he comes every two or three days.

He even allowed me to take leave on the first and fifteenth of each month

to visit you and my foster mother.

Very good.

Arranging for Consort Rong to enter the palace

was to assist you, not to divide your favor.

This is my intention.

I understand, Father.

What unusual actions has that concubine-born girl

of the Shi Family taken?

Shi Xueji has shown no reaction to another consort in the harem.

On the contrary, she gets along well with Consort Rong.

She often seeks her advice on qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Well, she knows her place well.

She learns these skills because she's aware of her inelegance.

Go greet your foster mother.

Yes.

♪The boat drifts, bringing back the sunset♪

♪When we reunite, we still joke about the cause and effect♪

♪Who passed by, the crabapple falls with a turn♪

♪Loving rightly but choosing wrong♪

♪With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions♪

♪Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow♪

♪Always hard to stay, yet easy to part♪

♪Crossing spring waters and autumn trials♪

♪A couple under the moonlight, can stay together♪

♪Long hidden in the eyes, flickering in and out♪

♪Let go of the flowers blooming in the yard last night♪

♪Let go of the waves in the stream in half a lifetime♪

♪Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly♪

♪In this lifetime, my wish is to the vast sky♪

♪There are many more♪

♪Everyone travels far, seeing clouds and snow♪

♪Always hard to stay, yet easy to part♪

♪Crossing spring waters and autumn trials♪

♪A couple under the moonlight, can stay together♪

♪Time flows as we dream through four seasons♪

♪I wish to journey with you forever♪

♪Year after year♪

♪For many years to come♪

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