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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 35=

Today, I want

to share with you

a few heartfelt words.

You're well aware

that Xingzhou and Binglan

were originally betrothed.

But due to a misunderstanding,

the engagement had to be called off.

You've been too indulgent with Xingzhou.

He's no longer a child

and carefully considers

all his decisions.

Even so,

Binglan suffered greatly

because of him.

After you reprimanded her harshly

the other day,

she stopped eating and drinking for days.

She's been crying

and hasn't

left her room since.

If this continues,

she'd be collapsed.

Rumors are swirling

in Zhenzhou,

saying that Xingzhou

abandoned Binglan for you,

blinded by beauty.

That rumor

does her reputation no good

at all.

I've pondered this

for many sleepless nights

and thought…

Perhaps

both you and Binglan could

become wives of equal status

and marry him together.

Wives of equal status

are usually a practice among merchants

who travel far and wide.

With one wife in the south

and one in the north,

it works out peacefully.

But if two wives reside

within the same mansion,

even the most virtuous could

lose their virtue.

If you refuse,

you'd be labeled as jealous.

A reputation for jealousy…

I don't care.

But it could tarnish the Cui's name.

Consort Dowager,

your words

have shattered the sincerity

I've held onto for so long.

I've genuinely cared for you.

I've even given you that hairpin.

I thought so.

I lost my mother when I was young.

During my time in the mansion,

I've always treated you as my mother.

I believed,

despite your sharp tongue, you had a soft heart

and would warm up to me

one day.

It wasn't until Madam Zhao's birthday banquet

that I realized

you still disapprove of me.

Today, you've crossed

my bottom line.

I'll take my leave

from the mansion now.

Please rest well,

Consort Dowager.

I'll take my leave.

(Virtuous and Disciplined)

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Minister Shi,

if reinforcements from the Ji and Lu armies do not arrive soon,

the Zhenzhou army will be annihilated.

Your Majesty,

the Ministry of War has issued three urgent orders,

urging them to dispatch troops.

However, the two generals reported

that although the Hebei Camp's soldiers have arrived,

the provisions are not yet ready.

Why?

They expected

the nearby counties

to supply the necessary provisions,

but

when they reached the Hebei Camp,

they found the numbers were inflated.

This is a lingering problem

from the previous Wu regime.

They've already sent men back

to their respective counties

to requisition grain.

When will they be able to deploy?

As soon as the provisions arrive.

At the earliest, four days.

We can't afford any more delays.

Your Majesty,

an army marches

on its stomach.

Traitor Lu is fortified

at three passes of Tongyu,

which are easy to defend and hard to attack.

Without enough provisions,

we mustn't proceed.

Moreover,

I have been busy these past few days,

arranging

the war supplies

and military fees.

I've ordered all departments to coordinate.

Your Majesty,

without sufficient funds and provisions,

the troops

may rebel.

I understand.

Let's hope the Zhenzhou army

can hold on for another ten days.

With a pincer attack,

Traitor Lu

will surely fall.

Consort Dowager,

Princess Huaisang has left through the back gate.

She really left?

She left something for you.

Quickly.

Bring her back.

Yes, ma'am.

I know you're a filial girl.

But now that you're the Empress,

let the servants

handle these tasks.

Father, do you know the origin of the Deer Calls cakes?

Did you want me here

just to chat?

I'm not some palace concubine.

I don't care

about

the cakes.

Father, you've always doted on Xuelu.

Can't you see

this is her pastry?

It's good

that you are so close.

Xuelu's skills are impressive.

These are as fine

as the palace's delicacies.

Not exactly.

At least,

this piece is different.

I've added

deadly poison to it.

Deadly poison?

What do you want?

I am wholly devoted to His Majesty

and ask for your support

in aiding Lord Huaiyang.

Did he put you up to this?

This is my decision.

From the Shi family to the palace,

I've never had a choice.

But today,

it seems Father is the one without a choice.

- You… - Father, do you know

the consequences

if I die today?

Consequences?

The Shi family's position in the court

is because of me.

Me.

It was,

but not anymore.

Father always said

I wasn't important at home.

Even if I lost my position as Empress,

there are other Shi daughters.

But if I die today

from eating

my elder sister's pastry,

I wonder

how the Shi daughters will ever marry into the royal family again

and how will you

explain it to the public.

Of course,

you could snatch it

from my hand.

If you want it,

you can have it.

Nonsense.

Utter nonsense!

Father,

if you leave today,

you might not even have a choice

to make tomorrow.

Do you know what you must do now?

Your Highness.

Why are you all so nervous?

I spoke my mind

to my father today.

What a relief.

These cakes aren't enough.

Go.

Get me more pastries.

Go.

Yes, Your Highness.

What should we do now?

Your Majesty.

What unnerved you so?

An imperial decree.

His Majesty decrees:

General Shi

has volunteered to lead the troops southward to reinforce.

His bravery ensures peace in our country and comforts me.

Shi's female members are all to be bestowed with honorary titles.

(Minister's Mansion) We thank His Majesty.

General Shi, please rise.

Please rise.

I rushed here to bestow the honorary titles

upon the female members of the Shi household

before the General's departure.

Congratulations, General Shi.

Congratulations, Mrs. Shi.

Congratulations, ladies.

General Shi, His Majesty also said

that the Empress is virtuous

and her reputation will be recorded in history.

This is a testament to the Shi family's excellent upbringing.

Mrs. Shi shall bring the Empress's sisters

to the palace the other day.

The Grand Empress Dowager will preside

over the selection of suitable husbands for the ladies.

Good.

You must all thank His Majesty.

We thank His Majesty.

General Shi,

I have other official duties to attend to

and must take my leave.

Of course.

If I were you,

I'd be in tears by now.

Why?

Didn't you catch the meaning?

Everything the Shi family has now

is because of Xueji.

As she rises,

so does the Shi family.

Her position as Empress

is irreplaceable now.

We march.

That old fool, Shi Yikuan,

must have

been completely bewitched

by the fatuous emperor.

He left for the front lines overnight,

claiming to supervise the battle.

But in truth,

he rushed to the Hebei Camp

to lead reinforcements for Cui Xingzhou.

He's harbored enmity towards Cui Xingzhou.

Is it possible that he is going to assist him?

Regardless of his true intentions,

Zhenzhou's defenses are now vulnerable.

I've already sent Gongsun Ye there.

Let your assassins meet up with him.

I want the family of Cui Xingzhou.

It has been days now,

and there hasn't been a word

from her since she left.

It seems

she is serious this time.

After all, she hails from a humble background,

lacking the magnanimity anyway.

Consort Dowager,

those involved are often confused,

while onlookers see clearly.

What are you implying?

I don't think

she likes to put on a show.

She treats you with sincerity.

If you wish to resolve it properly,

you must treat her with sincerity.

Make your intentions

clear and honest,

or it will be difficult

to bring this to a good end.

Only the one who tied the knot can untie it.

As an outsider,

I shall not interfere any further.

I will take my leave now.

Take care.

(Graceful Blossoms)

Pass an order:

no one is allowed to discuss the matter

of Princess Huaisang leaving the mansion.

Yes, ma'am.

Consort Dowager.

Why has this letter

been returned?

The dispatch from the front lines reports

that the courier route has been blocked.

The letters cannot be delivered.

Madam, spies have infiltrated the Western Camp,

and the provisions have been destroyed.

We failed to hold back Prince Lu's forces.

Prince Lu's two armies have formed

a pincer movement at Tongyu,

forcing His Lordship to retreat to Mount Li.

The stalemate continues,

and the situation remains unresolved.

Is he in danger?

Since Xingzhou has retreated to Mount Li,

it must be because

the terrain is easier to defend

and suits his next move.

He never fights a battle he isn't prepared for.

I believe he will find a way to break through.

Madam,

the courier route has been blocked due to the battle,

and all trade routes to Dongzhou have been severed.

Recently, many wandering merchants

appeared in Zhenzhou.

My Lord,

our troops tightened the encirclement

of Mount Li to Tingyun Gorge.

We have now secured

every way to retreat from Mount Li.

Undefeated?

That's what he's capable of?

Just by slowly wearing him down,

I can exhaust Cui Xingzhou

completely.

I congratulate you.

My Lord,

everything has been arranged.

However, without reinforcements,

breaking out would result

in even greater losses.

Take some elite soldiers to the top of the mountain.

Prepare according to the plan

I just mentioned.

As you command.

Great Deities,

please protect Xingzhou

and keep him

safe and sound.

Consort Dowager.

Liu Miantang?

I brought her here.

Xingdi, why are you here?

It is quite urgent.

Ladies,

please

remain calm.

Some bandits

secretly came to Zhenzhou.

They disguised as peddlers,

evading the patrols.

They are heading here right now.

Where did they come from?

While His Lordship is not here,

are they trying

to revolt?

His Lordship has been ordered to the front lines in Dongzhou,

yet these bandits have come directly to his mansion.

They likely intend

to capture Xingzhou's family

to force him

to retreat.

Brother Xingdi and I made some preparations.

I ask that all of you come with me

to leave the mansion and take shelter.

Nonsense.

Let alone the bandits,

are our guards here not more capable

than a woman like you?

Staying here

is the safest option.

Why should we follow you?

I want to stay with Xindi.

I understand

that this is unexpected,

but every moment we delay increases the danger we face.

We don't have time to argue.

The enemy lurks in the shadows.

If they're after his family,

the mansion is now their target.

No one can guarantee

that this place is safe.

Princess Huaisang is correct.

It was she who first noticed it

and immediately informed me.

Before leaving,

Xingzhou entrusted the shadow guards to Princess Huaisang.

Her decisions

are Xingzhou's decisions.

Must we really leave the residence?

Consort Dowager, rest assured.

Brother Xingdi and I have decided

to take you all to a safe place for the time being.

Whether Xingzhou is crushing the enemies

or finding a way out of a desperate situation,

the most important thing is that his family is safe.

If he's about to attack

and yet the enemy is holding your life as a bargaining chip

to force him to retreat,

what do you think

he should do?

Well...

Consort Dowager, please leave with me.

Please, follow Princess Huaisang.

I swear to defend the mansion with my life.

Halt.

Where is the Consort Dowager?

- She is... - Speak.

In the inner chambers.

Lead the way.

Seize them.

Please have some tea.

How are things?

The shadow guards sent word

that it was fortunate

that you left in time.

A group of bandits

attacked shortly after.

Thankfully,

Xingdi and the guards

set a trap

and ambushed the bandits

in the courtyard by the northwest gate.

We don't know how many of them there are.

And since those bandits

didn't find any family members,

they'll surely be searching around the mansion.

It is uncertain

when they might search Lingquan Town.

Mother.

I have already stationed men

to guard the North Street.

There's been nothing unusual so far.

No one is likely to approach us tonight.

We will have to make do here for the night.

I will think of a plan soon.

What?

Stay here?

In this shabby,

ramshackle hut?

Mother.

Consort Dowager

is of such noble birth,

how can she endure this?

The situation is uncertain now,

and our safety lies in vigilance.

Everyone must be cautious tonight

and not leave the courtyard.

If someone causes a commotion

and attracts trouble,

it's hard to say

what might happen

in this shabby place.

Consort Dowager,

you're awake.

I'll go prepare some food for you.

Here.

Please, do not worry too much.

Xingzhou is likely safe.

How come?

Those bandits who broke into the mansion

were likely

after Xingzhou's family.

They dared to act so recklessly

because the battle in Dongzhou

is not going in their favor.

Those with ill intentions in the dark

are making a desperate gamble,

hoping to capture his family

and use them as leverage.

He will be fine.

Please, eat.

Stop.

Come here.

You.

Make us some noodles.

Stop.

Why did you smile?

You owe us.

You brought me and Binglan

to this filthy place.

Those bandits

are after the Cui family.

But I'm from the Lian family.

I don't need to hide like this.

You intentionally

dragged us

into this mess.

Since we're here,

let's make the best of it.

It's late.

You should get some rest.

We have a distance to walk tomorrow.

Aunt.

If you think

I've implicated you,

you're free to seek a better refuge.

Aunt.

Mother.

Let's go.

What?

Are we leaving now?

As you ordered,

I led a unit of elite soldiers to feign an attack,

pretending to be defeated and retreat.

As expected, this emboldened the enemy,

and their night watch has become somewhat lax

compared to previous days.

We will do the same tomorrow.

We must make them believe

we are desperate and cornered,

fighting for our lives.

Understood.

Madam.

Mother.

Sorry about all the fuss.

The situation was urgent,

and I had no time to explain.

This strategy was born

out of necessity.

I hope

you can understand.

Don't mention it.

You protected the mansion

and ensured everyone's safety.

You did well.

Can we return now?

There are still some bandits

lurking around.

They will soon reach Lingquan Town.

Therefore,

you must leave this place as soon as possible.

What should we do?

Madam.

Mother.

I understand

your fear and anxiety at this moment.

As a son,

I vow to protect my family with my life.

As Xingzhou's elder brother,

I will fight with all my might

to defend the mansion.

I've already ordered the guards

to conduct a thorough search of Zhenzhou.

Within three days,

I will eliminate all threats

and welcome you all back.

Where are

Mrs. Lian

and Binglan?

My troublesome sister has

been making things difficult for Miantang.

She stormed off in a huff,

taking Binglan with her.

I don't know if the people Miantang sent

have found them yet.

Even if we find them,

we still need to leave.

But where

can we go now?

Consort Dowager, Aunt,

I have

packed our belongings.

There's a porcelain kiln

on a mountain outside the town.

We'll go there to hide for a while.

Brother Xingdi, I don't have enough men.

I need you to send more people

to find Mrs. Lian and Binglan.

Don't worry. I'll have the guards

search for them right away.

The conditions in the mountains will be harsh.

I apologize for the discomfort

you will have to endure.

As long as Xingzhou can fight

without worries,

this hardship is nothing.

The greater good is paramount.

I'll do as you say.

I have to stay behind

to eliminate any remaining threats

and cannot accompany you.

I hope Princess Huaisang

will take good care

of the Head Lady and Mother.

There's no need for such formalities.

I will not fail you.

I am

deeply grateful.

Search this place.

- Aye. - Aye.

No one in the front yard.

No one here either.

- No one in the backyard. - No one here either.

Search every checkpoint

and nearby village.

Don't let them escape.

- Aye. - Aye.

Be careful.

We're here.

We're here.

Come on.

Let's go.

Be careful.

Soldiers.

Aye.

In ancient times, renowned generals scaled cliffs

and conquered the Motian Ridge, launching a surprise attack on Yinping

and achieving extraordinary victory.

Today,

it is our turn.

Failure

means death,

but success means

our chance to strike the enemy.

I thank you all

for standing by my side

through life and death.

We will follow you till death.

Move out.

Your Highness, the Zhenzhou army is launching a night attack.

What?

Cui Xingzhou...

General,

Lord Huaiyang has taken the opportunity

to launch a night raid on Prince Lu's army.

This is our chance.

We must send our troops now

and not let Cui Xingzhou claim all the glory.

I wonder how Xingzhou is doing.

He will be safe and sound.

He's such a devoted family man.

As soon as he can,

he'll rush back without stopping.

If we take care of ourselves,

that will be his greatest comfort.

What's wrong?

Are you feeling unwell?

I never expect I still cannot

discern the true nature of people at my age.

Those bandits were after me.

Thankfully, you were here.

Otherwise, I would have become a burden to my son.

But I've dragged you into this mess.

I am sorry,

both to you and to Xingzhou.

Don't be so harsh on yourself.

My family runs an escort agency.

I'm used to traveling and facing hardships.

I'm not just talking

about the present situation.

It's good that I've experienced hardship.

It has allowed me

to finally see

who my true family is,

and who will stay by my side

and care for the Cui family when disaster strikes.

It's all in the past.

You are Xingzhou's mother.

We are family.

There's no conflict or misunderstanding within a family

that can't be resolved.

My Lord.

My Lord.

My Lord.

Cui Xingzhou and Shi Yikuan joined forces

and defeated Prince Lu.

My Lord, I have failed in my duties

and beg for your forgiveness.

So many days have passed,

and after sending so many assassins,

you haven't captured a single person, huh?

I've warned you before

that Liu is full of tricks.

You should have been more vigilant.

But time and again,

that couple has played you for a fool.

Do you still have the face to see me?

Consort Dowager, please rest well.

Miantang,

I'm a bit frightened.

Stay with me for a while, will you?

Of course.

I'll stay with you.

There's a forest near this kiln.

At this time of year,

it's full of bright red berries

that make a delicious tea when boiled.

I'll go pick some for you

in the morning.

I'm sure you'll love it.

Now I understand why,

despite Xingzhou's high standards

and indifference toward women,

he chose you

eventually.

What's that sound?

Someone's here.

This kiln has been discovered.

Should we leave?

You take care of the Consort Dowager.

- Be quiet. - All right.

Miantang, be careful.

Who's there?

Be careful.

Leave my daughter-in-law alone.

- Ma'am. - I'll fight you.

Xingzhou?

Xingzhou!

Are you hurt?

Mother,

sorry I'm late.

I've made you suffer.

Are you all right?

I'm all right.

We're all fine.

Thanks to Miantang,

otherwise, we might never

have met again.

Xingzhou,

you've found a wonderful wife.

Lord Huaiyang found Princess Huaisang before I did.

I was a bit late.

Shouldn't he have been securing the battlefield

and clearing out the remaining enemies?

After defeating Traitor Lu,

Cui Xingzhou led a team of elite soldiers

and hurried back to Zhenzhou overnight.

He reunited with his family

then returned to the residence.

Cui Xingzhou truly moves with remarkable speed.

It was my failure.

I was unable to locate Princess Huaisang's hiding place

and could not assist her in time.

Who attacked Zhenzhou?

It was the subordinates

of Prince Sui and Consort Xian.

Summon Mr. Meng to the court.

Have him send a letter

commanding Cui Xingzhou to report to the capital immediately

and not to linger in Zhenzhou.

I shall reward him.

Yes, Your Majesty.

(The Mansion of Lord Huaiyang)

Lately, Binglan has been in a daze,

smiling foolishly.

She calls everyone she sees "Cousin."

If this continues,

I fear she might lose her sanity.

I…

What should I do, Sister?

Say something.

I'm not a physician.

How would I know?

We've all suffered this

because of Xingzhou.

I'm just an old woman,

and it doesn't matter if I'm humiliated.

But Binglan…

Her reputation is ruined.

Look at the state she's in.

How am I supposed to live with this?

Aunt,

Princess Huaiyang is delicate

by nature.

Please don't scare her

with such

crazy talk.

You only care about your new beloved,

but look at your cousin.

Look at what she has become.

Xingzhou,

one must not be ungrateful.

Today, I demand

a clear answer from you.

I've told you many times before.

No matter how many times you ask,

my answer remains the same.

In this life,

I will only marry Liu Miantang,

and I will never

take a concubine.

Why don't you kneel

and beg Princess Huaisang to be magnanimous

and give you a place in her household?

My poor daughter,

your merciless cousin won't take you in.

How will you

live the rest of your life?

Princess Huaisang, please take her in

as you would a stray dog or cat.

Binglan will serve you

without complaint,

bringing you tea and all.

I'm so useless,

having no husband

to support me,

and even

my sister

refuses to help.

I'm willing to exchange my life

for Binglan's place.

Let me go.

Let go. Princess Huaisang.

I'm begging you.

If you do not agree,

on your wedding day,

we will hang ourselves

in front of the mansion.

Aunt.

If you're so determined,

then I'll have two coffins prepared for you.

I've already given you enough respect.

Sister.

Is this the fine son you've raised?

Enough.

Mother,

this ends here.

Binglan.

Look at her. Will she end her life?

Enough.

If she truly intended to take her life,

why didn't you go after her?

Sister.

All of you, please leave.

I need to have a word with your aunt.

♪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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