01x20 - Episode 20

[bunniefuu]

♫ 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 A*DS; Light ink writes ♫

♫ In the deep red windows lies mundane dust ♫

[text]

[Episode 20]

Xingzhou is back.

Perfect timing.

- Let's take a look.
- Aunt.

What did I say?

You've been waiting for him every day.

Finally, Xingzhou is back.

You're truly blessed.

The days of having a full house
of descendants are still ahead.

Binglan, why are you standing there? Greet your aunt.

Aunt, Greetings.

What's the matter? When he wasn't here, you missed him.

Now he's right in front of you.

Why pretend not to see him?

I know I'm not likable.

Rather than making Xingzhou uncomfortable,
I'd rather have Aunt criticize me for rudeness.

Come on. Sit down.

You always make yourself suffer.

Just now, I explained to your cousin.

What happened before is a misunderstanding.

We are family.

How could we be estranged?

I understand your kindness.

However, during the time Xingzhou was away, the
Lian family has faced quite a lot of criticism.

If he returns and we show up shamelessly,

wouldn't that make them mock us?

No wonder you refused to come today,
saying the engagement was canceled.

You were worried about your aunt's health.

Now Xingzhou is back.

She said she'd keep a distance.

What are you talking about? I've decided.

A new engagement will be drafted immediately.

When you marry Xingzhou properly,
I believe no one will dare to speak ill of you.

I believe no one will dare to speak ill of you.

Aunt.

Binglan.

Is there anything else?

I just want to see if you're well.

I'm well.

- If you've seen enough, then go back.
- Xingzhou

It was a misunderstanding before.

Don't you care about the old affections at all?

Between my cousin and me, there's cooperation,
compromise, and mutual benefit.

But there's absolutely no affection.

Xingzhou. Binglan's turned down many good proposals for you.

Do you really want to be this heartless person?

Aunt.

My cousin chose me among many other cousins

because of the position of Princess Huaiyang.

I agreed. Her grandma passed away. She observed mourning for 3 years. I waited.

To pacify the western tribes,
Binglan didn't want to compromise on marriage.

I also accommodated.

How am I heartless?

I was not unwilling to marry.

I was truly ill at that time.

Later, I wanted to explain
and make amends with you.

But it was too late.

Xingzhou.

I've always had only you in my heart.

The engagement is canceled.

I won't look back.

Mother, I have someone I admire.

I will marry only her.

This...

Which noble lady is she?

Why have I never heard of this?

She's not a noble lady.

But we genuinely care for each other.

I hope Mother will support us.

Xingzhou. You are so heartless.

Is it for that mistress?

Sister.

Your son has long had a mistress.

She was captured by mountain bandits. She was an impure woman.

I've wanted to tell you for a long time.

But I held back, fearing you'd be angry.

May I ask which noble family

would have mistresses without a wife?

Xingzhou. Is what they say true?

Hearing them, she does sound like a mistress.

But in fact, she is treated as
a legitimate wife beside me.

You...

Have you lost your mind
because of her deception?

Mother, she never deceived me.

Rather, it's I who deceived her all along.

I can't let her go.

It was my decision after much thought.

It will not change.

She is a woman of a poor background.

Her name is Liu Miantang.

She is from a good family.

In the future, if I hear any insults
toward her again,

no matter who it is,
I will not forgive them easily.

Mother, I will take my leave now.

Xingzhou.

Xingzhou.

Are you going to defy your mother for her?

Sister.

- Sister.
- Aunt.

Don't let it affect your health. Sister.

I heard that this time,
you made the madam very angry.

After Father's death, I haven't seen
you and the madam quarrel like this.

Didn't you say before that it didn't matter
whom you married,

as long as she could take on the role
of the Princess?

People do change.

Now I only feel that status doesn't matter,
as long as I marry her.

Xingzhou.

You've never been infatuated
with romantic love.

Now, with the court and you at odds,

anything could become a tool for malicious people.

Do make sound decisions.

Isn't it unsound to marry someone I don't love?

- Xingzhou.
- Xingdi.

My mind is made up.

I know I can't persuade you.

I only hope you won't regret it.

I'm leaving.

Madam.

What's wrong?

Fresh candied hawthorn.

The street is full of porcelain shops.

It's best not to break any.

- But he
- Candy.

- Still sells unlucky fringes.
- Not sweet, no money.

It's strange.

- There are always fools.
- Candied hawthorn.

Fresh candied hawthorn. Fresh candied hawthorn.

I've seen you.

At the market.

How much is this hairpin? [Jewelry]

- One guan.
- The jade on it is real, right?

Only one guan?

I misspoke.

One tael of gold.

I changed places.

Fresh candied hawthorn.

Not sweet, no money.

How much is this hairpin?

One guan of silver.

Not sweet, no money.

But it's just some silk flowers.

How can it be sold like jade?

Sir.

Did you make a mistake?

This kind of hairpin is worth
at most one hundred wen.

Yes. My memory is poor.

I made a mistake. It's one hundred wen.

Fresh candied hawthorn.

Two wen each.

The remaining accounts
must be delivered tomorrow.

My eyelid keeps twitching these days.

I'm worried there might be something bad.

- Yes. Rest assured.
- Miss.

Miss.

Lord Huaiyang and the army
have returned to Zhenzhou.

Mrs. Cui should have returned as well.

Prepare. To the North Street.

Yes.

Sister, Sister.

Sister, someone sent this for you.

It must be from some suitor admiring our lady.

Jasmine is the heavenly flower.

The fragrance cools down.

My Lord.

Miss He. Long time no see.

Glad to see you're safe.

What?

Did you miss me?

You sent supplies for the country.

I wouldn't want you to die in battle.

I missed you.

After returning to Lingquan Town,
it seemed you were avoiding me.

I've been looking for you.

Did you know?

After I sent you off that day,

my heart ached deeply, reluctant to part.

Later, on the b*ttlefield,
I've experienced extreme danger.

I fell and hurt my head
and then was captured.

Every time, it was extremely dangerous.

Every time I faced danger,

I thought of you, secretly relieved.

Fortunately, I sent you away,

- and you weren't there.
- Lord Zhao.

What are you trying to say?

Miss He. You're independent and graceful.

When I see jasmine, I think of you.

Zhao Quan. I know what you're up to.

Ms. Liu returned with the army.

Lord Huaiyang is worried.

He sent you here to block my words.

That's their family matter.

If you regard Liu Miantang as a friend,
you should wish her well.

Why do this thankless job?

Besides, even if you told her,
what if Liu Miantang forgives the Lord?

Wouldn't you be causing trouble for yourself?

We don't lie to each other.

I'll tell Miantang the truth.

Whether she forgives him,
that's their business.

I'll have no guilt.

Miss He. Miss He.

I'll tell you honestly.

Times have changed.

They've fallen for each other.

Through lies?

I mean they reunited on the b*ttlefield.

They like each other.

They took that chance to clear everything up.

He's about to propose to her.

Well.

Does Ms. Liu already know?

So, I'm worried that if you speak carelessly,
you'll provoke unwanted hostility.

I'm just being considerate.

Are you deceiving me?

Deceive?

Deceive?

Why?

Why would I deceive you?

Think about it.

They're a couple.
They have experienced danger together.

Compared to life,
these small matters are nothing.

Besides, has Lord Huaiyang
never seen a woman?

If he can't even speak about this, either he is a useless piece of mud or

he is a dark-hearted maniac.

How can he govern Zhenzhou?

You've seen him.

What do you think?

With Liu Miantang's temperament,
she has been deceived like this.

How could she endure it?

No other waters can beat the sea.

She could.

She could.

Say it again.

Lord Zhao gave flowers to Miss He
and accompanied her.

They talked for a while.

I was following them.

The Lord said he missed Miss He.

I thought this matter had come to an end.

Unexpectedly, the situation turned around.

Good, good.

What's good?

Perhaps the Lord was trying to buy porcelain.

The Lord said something about the sea.

No other waters can beat the sea.

- On the b*ttlefield...
- So,

he realized his feelings for Zhen.

I knew it.

Perhaps that's what he meant.

The Lord also mentioned a proposal.

What? A proposal?

Miss He said, "Are you deceiving me?"

They also mentioned Lord Huaiyang.

Lord Huaiyang as the matchmaker?

Good.

That's great.

Great. Very good.

How could I marry Zhao Quan?

Nonsense.

Lord Zhennan has found a matchmaker.

How can you be so picky?

But I have no feelings for him at all.

Lord Zhao is so proactive.

You should seize it.

But at the critical moment, you...

You are useless.

Besides, when borrowing the convoy,

he also personally agreed to the engagement.

Father, you should know.

To borrow the convoy, the Lord was willing
to agree to anything verbally.

Father. Don't be deluded.

The Lord's family isn't one
our family can reach.

Where are you going?

To the porcelain shop.

Someone.

Without my permission,
she's not to leave this room.

- Yes.
- Yes.

Father.

Open the door.

I won't marry him.

Why did you come back so late?

Did the Lord ask you to stay for a meal?

A meal?

They didn't even let me in.

Said it's inappropriate to discuss marriage
after the w*r.

They said Zhen was a woman of great virtue.

He's not worthy.

I think he wants to go back on his word.

Unbelievable.

Father. Well. Calm down.

I still have a brilliant plan.

A brilliant plan?

[dialogue]

[dialogue]

The game is over.

- Can he win?
- Definitely not.

If he can't, then leave.

I admit defeat.

[dialogue]

[dialogue]

[dialogue]

- Yes, very clever.
- Very clever.

- This move is too clever.
- Clever.

From the move, I knew who it was.

[dialogue]

[dialogue]

I admit defeat.

Guangcai. Long time no see.

Thank you all. Let's meet another day.

Goodbye.

Xingzhou. Long time no see.

But I've heard about you in Beizhou.

In a situation of overwhelming odds,
you achieved a great victory.

I'm deeply impressed.

As a scholar, I find it hard
to compare with you.

Enough, enough. Can't you be less modest?

The No.3 scholar.

If the late Emperor hadn't withdrawn your
paper, and you missed the Palace Exam,

how could I have ranked among the top three?

Back then, in the mansion,
you and my sister started the poetry society.

Every poem you wrote left me utterly defeated.

Years have passed.

How is your sister, Mrs. Guo?

She is well.

How about you, Guangcai?

I'm doing well. I'm well.

It's just that I can no longer write poetry.

I've completely changed my interests.

I've taken up Go.

By the way, I was on my way
back to the capital to report my duties.

Hearing that you had urgent business with me,
I changed my route here.

What's the urgent matter?

You've been the magistrate
in Beizhou for many years.

Have you heard of the Shenwei Escort Agency?

Of course.

It's a time-honored brand in Beizhou.

It declined and closed years ago,
but their master is still alive.

What? Are you investigating a case?

Be my matchmaker.

- You?
- Yes.

What's so strange? Help me propose.

Xingzhou, you must be joking.

How could I be joking with you?

You're among the top three,
and hold an important position in Beizhou.

You're the most suitable.

But I didn't expect that they had such an
outstanding woman who could be your match.

I forgot to tell you.

This woman is in Zhenzhou.

After hearing so much from me today,
do you understand why I must marry her?

Not quite.

But since you trust me so much,
I will definitely help.

That's good.

By the way, there's another matter.

This person is named Qiulin Xian.

He is a suspect involved with the tribes.
[Qiulin Xian]

He appeared in Beizhou before.

This kid is really capable.

That's right.
He was recommended by the boss.

- Fugui.
- Watch on him.

Okay.

Come.

Boss. We're praising the worker you brought.

He really makes things easier.

That's good.

This is a new batch of goods. Go check it.

Okay, I'll go immediately.

You, come with me.

Qiulin. He's a Qi person with a tribe surname.

Pay more attention to him.

See if there's anyone named Lin
who's an escaped convict.

I remember the "Clan Records" said the western
tribes' Qiulin in the Han people is Lin.

Nobles change their surname to Qiao.

How's the situation in Beizhou?

Don't worry.

My alias is very convincing.

Even if he's smart, he'll only check the Lins.

How would he think that I'm a Qiao?

What about Grandfather?

Your grandfather
thinks you've married into the Cui family.

He knows nothing about the iron mine. So he won't be implicated.

But if he knew what you had done these years,

he would definitely break my legs.

Lu Zhong and Lu Yi will be in Zhenzhou soon.

Your plan will soon come to fruition.

Check everyone one by one.

What's going on?

Are you two workers here?

Yes.

What's inside?

Those are newly painted clay bricks.

They must be kept in a cool place.
No sunlight.

No sunlight?

If you lift this curtain,
we will have wasted two days' work.

There are ten worker plates. But only nine people. Where's the tenth one?

Come on. Take down your plates.

- Hurry up.
- Alright.

- Hurry up.
- Hurry up.

- Move.
- Move.
- Hurry up.

Hurry up.

[Huang Zichun]

Whose plate is this?

It's still hanging here. I thought it was lost.

Ms. Liu. I'm late.

What's going on?

Just a routine inspection.

Are you also a worker here?

I thought I was an untalented painter.

Sir, please don't make fun of me.

Let's go.

Get back to work.

- Yes.
- Hurry up and work.

Thank you for your help.

To be honest, this is my uncle.

He has suffered some false accusations back home,

so he came here to avoid them.

Ms. Liu, no need to explain.

Ms. Liu. Everyone knows your character.

Moreover, these people are all grateful
and repay the kindness.

Goodbye.

Come, My Lord.

The people haven't arrived yet. Why serve the wine?

Yes. When will Father
and the uncles arrive?

They are almost here.

While the elders haven't arrived,

let me first offer a drink
to the contributors of the grain transport.

- Without your joint efforts...
- No need for that.

Today, I'm here to clarify matters with Mr. He.

When will he arrive?

Perhaps he is delayed at the ancestral hall.

Zhen, fill the cup and drink with the Lord.

Quarrels in bed are soon reconciled.

A couple's grudge won't last overnight.

Stop talking nonsense.

Today, I invited you here
to explain to the elders

the promises made when
you asked for our assistance.

As I said, this is a misunderstanding.

A misunderstanding.

I'm here today to clear things up
with everyone.

It's not a misunderstanding. It's deceit.

How can you say that?

Your words are too harsh.

I didn't deceive you.

I won't talk to you. When your father arrives later, I'll confront him directly.

How dare you mention my father?

It was your idea to confine me at home,
wasn't it?

You were confined?

Why are you sitting here?

If it were my idea,
I would keep you confined forever.

Things will be simpler.

See? It's your idea.

You're afraid I would come out and ruin the good plans of you nobles.

You...

Come on, My Lord. Calm down.

- I will tell her.
- Dare you!

You speak grandly but deceive and cheat. I won't tolerate it.

Who are you talking about?

- Nothing.
- Nothing.

You've made me feel hot.

My Lord.

My Lord.

Father should be here. I'll go to welcome him.

Go ahead.

Have you been drinking?

There's tea on the table. Have some to sober up.

What are you saying?

I said there was tea on the table.

Go drink a cup to help you sober up.

How much have you drunk? Come on. Have some tea.

No.

I haven't been home these past few days.

Are you angry?

It was common for you
to not return for Go games before.

Now you have official duties. I'm very glad.

How could I be angry?

Anyway, you're different now.

You now have a bright future.

As your wife, I don't want to fall behind.

Miss He, I rarely see you like this.

My Lord.

You speak so harshly.

It's really not proper.

Then I won't speak.

What are you laughing at?

Why is it so hot in this room?

What are you looking at?

You're really beautiful.

Sweating.

The beautiful lady is drinking.

You should be happy,

and drink with me.

Nonsense.

Talking in riddles.

Aren't you hot?

Yes.

Miss He.

Miss He.

Miss He. Miss He.

My Lord. Stop shouting.

It seems we've been drugged.

Someone!

Hurry and come!

Hurry and come! Hurry and come!

Help! Help!

Someone!

Help me! Someone!

Seems something happened.
Should we go check?

Don't meddle.

- It's my private room.
- Is anyone there?

I know what's going on.

Let me out!

- Get me another pot of wine.
- Someone!

Help!

Dry wood meets a fierce fire.

Let me out!

Miantang.

I've said before.

I promised you

that when we returned to Zhenzhou, I would live a good life.

Now that day is approaching.

So, don't be so hard on yourself.

If one day you feel tired and weary,

just let go

and leave everything to me.

I'll give you everything you want.

Honey. Can you take me to meet Lord Huaiyang?

You... Why do you want to see him?

The Lord has been very kind to you.

Out of gratitude, I should go thank him.

He is secluded and taking care of
the Consort Dowager.

I can't even see him.

How filial of the Lord.

Once he returned to Zhenzhou, he's forgotten about the soldiers who risked their lives for him.

No, no. He won't.

The Lord values the soldiers.

The Lord will set up a memorial altar,

for the soldiers who died in battle,

to save their souls.

Why are you so worried? I'm not talking about you.

Well. I'm not worried.

Honey, sleep in the guest room tonight.

I'm not feeling well.

Why?

My period.

Since you're unwell, I can't go.

Get up.

What should we do?

Don't look at me like that.

It's too cruel.

Aren't you a physician? Where are your needles?

Miss He, stay calm. Who brings silver needles when going out?

Don't make any beastly acts.

At this moment...

Beastly?

My Lord.

Miss.

My Lord.

Miss.

I'm sorry.

Zhao Quan!

Is it better?

For the next few days, don't go out.

Zhenzhou is under martial law.

The Lord will send additional personnel
for patrols.

It's a good time for you to rest.

The w*r is over. Why is there still martial law?

That rat might come to Zhenzhou.

Are you sure?

I'm not sure.

Just being cautious.

I see.

I'm feeling much better now.

Zhao Quan.

You're awake.

You...

Where's Zhen?

Lord Zhennan is also here.

Did they spend the night?

I used something for them.

You jerk!

- Father.
- Is this your solution?

You're ruining our family's reputation!

My Lord. My Lord.

Don't touch me.

My Lord, please spare me. Please spare me.

It's my fault for not disciplining my son.

My daughter, Zhen, has also offended you.

Miss He, and I

are clean and innocent.

Once we leave this door,

I will protect Miss He's reputation.

Of course.

If Miss He still feels unsettled,

I will take full responsibility.

With all the rituals, I will marry you.

Thank you, My Lord.

My...

My Lord.

From now on,

if anyone dares to speak ill of you,

I will make them have no place

to live in Zhenzhou.

[team credit]

[song title]

♫ The boat drifts,
bringing back the sunset ♫

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

♫ Who passed by, the crab apple
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 ♫