01x11 - Episode 11

[bunniefuu]

♪Pink hands so fine♪

♪Gold-branded wine♪

♪Spring paints green willows
palace walls cannot confine♪

♪East wind unfair♪

♪Happy times rare♪

♪In my heart sad thoughts throng♪

♪We've severed for years long♪

♪Wrong, wrong, wrong♪

[Si Jin]

[Adapted from Si Jin,
by Dong Tian De Liu Ye]

[Episode 11]

The black market is full
of unsavory characters.

His accomplices
are probably lurking nearby.

Arrest them.

[Capital Administration Office]

What law did I break?

What right do you have to arrest me?

Don't pretend you don't recognize this.

Use this chance to train yourself.

Where's the Nightingale Sect's base?

How do you

usually communicate?

You lackeys of Zhou.

Get over yourselves.

Listen.

Even if I have to die here today,

I won't reveal a single thing.

Is that all you've got?

Feels more like a tickle.

Tough guy.

Forget it if you don't want to talk.

Wait.

Where are you going?

Fishing.

Nightingale Seal?

Has the Nightingale Sect

tracked me down already?

The only one who knows
about my Saintess Emblem

is Yu Qi.

Could he be testing me?

I distinctly masked it with fragrances.

How could it be?

It seems that this painting

still aroused Yu Qi's suspicion towards me.

Liu had previously

infiltrated Tianxiang Pleasure House.

I wonder if she's still there now.

Maybe she could help me.

Chief.

You gave

the Nightingale Seal to Jiang Si.

What if she really is the Saintess?

If she is, she'll lead us
to the Nightingale Sect.

And what if she doesn't do anything?

That makes her a little less suspicious.

[Capital Administration Office]

Help me. Hurry.

Someone, come.

Are you all right?

Mr. Zhen, you're a scholar.

Why are you practicing martial arts?

You wouldn't understand.

There's someone I wish to protect.

If danger comes,

I want to be able

to protect her.

If Yu Qi can do it,

so can I.

I heard that Miss Si likes flowers.

I happened to find

this orchid in the mountains,

so I thought I'd bring it here.

Understood.

Mr. Zhen, you went through such trouble

to find this.

I'll definitely let Miss Si know.

Thank you, Aman.

[Tianxiang Pleasure House]

Excellent!

Miss,

women are not allowed in.

I came here to look for someone.

Then all the more reason
you can't enter.

Madam,

could you do me a favor?

Please don't cause trouble.

If every woman in Ling'an

came here

looking for someone,

no men would dare

to visit anymore.

Please leave.

Sir,

maybe I can hold it for you.

No need.

I'm practicing pitch-pot.

Fighters never stop throwing punches,

while I never stop spitting
with my mouth.

Spitting with your mouth?

I've never seen anyone practice

pitch-pot with their mouth before.

Your skill

is truly surprising.

My dear sister,

you're either managing the household

or running the store.

It's impossible to find you

for a chat.

That's why I came here.

That's more like it.

Serve the tea.

The tea leaves

were freshly picked this morning.
Try it.

You've been
to Tianxiang Pleasure House, right?

What's that?

I don't even know

where the entrance is.

If I find out

who's been badmouthing me to you,

I'll skin them alive.

I thought

you knew about it

and could help me out.

In that case,

I'll need to figure something else out.

What do you mean?

Are you planning to dress as a man

and sneak into a brothel?

If there's no other way,

I have to go there myself.

No! I've been there before.

You have?

Didn't you just say

you didn't even know

where the entrance was?

I'm very familiar with it.

Familiar?

No, that's not it.

I saw it before

when I passed by the building.

If so,

you must do me a favor.

Take me to Tianxiang Pleasure House

to meet someone.

To meet someone?

You wouldn't fall for someone

who frequents there, would you?

I won't approve.

Zhan, the one I wish to meet

is the top courtesan, Liu Yan'er.

You even know of her?

But that's inappropriate.

You're a noble lady.

If Father finds out

that you meet with a courtesan,

he'll beat me to death.

Everyone in Ling'an City knows

that Liu Yan'er's incense-making skills
are unmatched.

Many people spend fortunes

just to watch her

burn the incense.

That's true.

Even Tianxiang Pleasure House

is named after her.

You wish to have
a skill exchange with her?

You know me best.

Of course.

Si, stay close to me.

No. Look away.

Misters,

do you have a favored lady?

It's you.

No, not me.

I haven't been here before.
You must have mistaken me.

Madam,

could you make an exception?

We'd like to meet Miss Liu.

Since you've snuck in,

I won't call you out

for the sake of this mister.

You may enjoy your time here.

Just don't cause trouble.

Miss Liu

is very crucial

to Tianxiang Pleasure House.

My business relies on her.

I won't let you bother her.

Madam...

I also wish to meet her.

Would that be possible?

Yu?

Well...

If you wish to meet Miss Liu,

please come with me.

Hold on.

You enjoy this kind of pastime as well?

Aren't you the same, Mr. Jiang?

As I thought, Yu Qi

was using the Nightingale Seal
to test me.

Let them come in with me.

Mister,

we have a rule here.

Miss Liu

only meets one guest at a time.

You may enter alone,

but you can't bring others with you.

Do me this favor.

Oh.

Well...

Please come this way.

Over here.

Miss Liu,

the three of them...

Miss Liu, you're well known
for your incense-making skills.

I have a formula

for which I wish to seek your guidance.

Three qian of clove,
half a liang of gurjan,

one qian of sandalwood,
and a small amount of storax.

What do you think, Miss?

Chunniang, give us the room.

All right.

Mister, the formula you just mentioned

is my exclusive recipe.

I dare not reveal your secret.

However, there's one key ingredient

I can't figure out.

Could you enlighten me?

It's rare to find a kindred spirit.

Mister,

please step forward
to the incense table.

Yu, let's have a drink.

I don't drink.

Have some apricots then.

I'll drink alone.

Mister, why not try this incense?

It helps calm the mind.

[Liu Yan'er,
a spy of the Nightingale Sect]

Jiang Si,

this is your third martial sister,
Liu Yan'er.

She just returned from Ling'an.

She'll be teaching you
incense-making skills from now on.

Greetings, Liu.

Be careful.

Are you all right?

I'm fine.

Come with me.

This formula is correct.

That's correct too.

Si, smell this.

This smells nice.

All right.

They're asleep now.

I don't recognize you, Miss.

Why have you suddenly come to me?

I'm Zhao Yu,

an envoy of the Northern Border Division
of the Nightingale Sect.

I'm in trouble,

and I had no choice but to seek you out.

Trouble?

While carrying out my mission,

I discovered a woman

bearing the Saintess Emblem.

However, after investigation,

I found

that she had never left Zhou,

nor did she have a connection
with Nanwu.

Why didn't you report

to your direct leader?

Everyone in the sect knows

that whoever finds the Saintess
will be handsomely rewarded.

The Northern Border Division is strict,

and our leader

cannot tolerate any mistakes.

If I bring this woman back

without verification,

all will be well if she's the Saintess.

But if she's not,

I'll face severe punishment.

It's known

that in Ling'an,

you're the most experienced member.

So I'm more than happy
to share the reward

with you.

I can't make a judgment

without seeing the person.

I wanted to bring her to you,

but you know

how heavily guarded the city is.

Miss, if I may ask,

aside from the Saintess Emblem,

what other traits

identify her?

Prophecy.

Word has it that the Saintess
can foresee the future

and lead Nanwu to prosperity.

As I am now,

of course, I know
what will happen in the future.

So I,

for the very wrong reasons,
have become the Saintess.

[Tianxiang Pleasure House]

I didn't drink.

But why did I pass out?

Normally,

I hold my liquor quite well.

This is unbecoming.

Are you all right, Si?

I'm good.

Oh, right, Zhan,

there's this Qingbao Hall nearby.

They sell

delicious iced yogurts.

That should help clear your head.

I've always wanted to try it.

Iced yogurts?

But it's a bit far.

Let's hurry.

Let's go.

No...

We'll make it in time.

I know that shop. I'll go.

You're too slow

to get there before the shop closes.

Thank you, Commandant Yu.

You're so kind, Yu.

We'll wait for you

on this street.

All right.

Let's go.

Zhan, you're dizzy.

Let's walk slowly.

I think I've only had one drink.

Dear!

Is that how you ride a horse?

Get out of my way!

Move aside!

Stop right there!

Do you have a death wish?

Get out of my way!

Riding recklessly in broad daylight?

Do you have no respect for the law?

Apologize to the lady.

To think

I'd run into her again.

Si, don't worry.

I'm here.

No one can drive you

out of here.

I'll protect you.

Get out of my way!

Stop right there!

Do you have a death wish?

Get out of my way!

Riding recklessly in broad daylight?

Do you have no respect for the law?

Apologize to the lady.

Apologize?

I, the princess, am the law.

I don't care who you are.

Your horse knocked someone over.

You must apologize.

You do have a death wish.

Say that again.

You have a death wish!

I'll k*ll you!

Wake up, Zhan!

This time,

I must stop Zhan

before he clashes with Cui Mingyue.

Your horse knocked someone over,
and you owe her an apology.

You can't leave until you apologize.

You're courting death!

It's my brother's fault.

I apologize on his behalf.

Please forgive us, Your Highness.

Please calm down.

What are you talking about?

Zhan, no.

Who are you?

It doesn't matter who I am.

Pay no mind to me,

Your Highness.

I've long heard that Princess Mingyue

possesses unparalleled elegance
and beauty in all of Ling'an.

After meeting you today,

I can see that your reputation
is well deserved.

What a sweet tongue you have.

But he offended me just now.

If you truly want to apologize
on his behalf,

kneel

and kowtow to me.

Then, I'll spare you.

What do you think?

Don't push your luck!

That's right.

This is bullying.

Si.

Your Highness,

we have overstepped.

Please forgive us.

Very well. At least you know your place.

I'll let it slide.

Walk on.

Are you all right, Si?

I'm fine, Zhan.

Why

did you apologize to her?

They are both women,

yet they're so different.

One is arrogant and ridiculous,

while the other is courteous,

composed, and beautiful.

I believe

this young lady

only humbled herself

to keep her brother safe.

She's truly admirable.

Are you saying

I'm inferior to her?

I...

Stop right there!

Stop right there!

How dare you!

As the princess of Zhou,

you recklessly rode through the city

and caused injuries.

You should be punished with caning.

Who are you to arrest me?

Let go.

I'm the Commandant
of the Capital Administration Office.

I'll take her back first.

Remember to eat this.

Let go!

Great!

Great!

Great!

[Main Hall]
My daughter was ignorant.

[Capital Administration Office]
Thank you, Commandant Yu.

I'll discipline her properly.

I won't impose further.

I shall take my leave.

That man is unbelievable.

How dare he arrest me.

He'll have to pay for this.

Father,

you're the Great General of Bulwark.

Does he deserve your apology?

Mingyue.

If you make mischief again,

I'll hand you over

to your mother.

Can't you behave?

I'm sorry.

Father, don't be angry.

Come here.

Your Highness.

Who were those two

who confronted me

earlier?

Your Highness,

they are the young master and young lady

of the Count of Dongping's Mansion.

Count of Dongping's Mansion?

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Aman, listen.

From today on,

I'll examine

every meal for Zhan

before you serve them.

Aside from you and me,

no one else should touch them.

Understood?

Understood.

Good. They're safe.

Take them to him.

Chief, did you follow Jiang Si

to Tianxiang Pleasure House?

What did you find?

Is she the Saintess?

Do we need to take action?

She is neither the Saintess

nor a member of the Nightingale Sect.

As for the emblem on her,

she has no idea how she got it.

Could she be conspiring with someone

to deceive us?

I trust her.

Go to Tianxiang Pleasure House
and keep an eye on Liu Yan'er.

She's a member of the Nightingale Sect.

Miss.

Remove my nameplate.

I'm not receiving guests for now.

Yes.

Miss,

what would you like to drink?

Sir,

a cup of tea, please.

All right.

A cup of tea.

A cup of light tea.

Here's your tea.

Thank you.

Miss, would you like some tea?

Yes.

Wontons and noodles for sale!

Fresh wontons and noodles.

Wontons. Generous filling
wrapped in thin skin.

Please have a look.

Miss, have a look.

Have a look at this wind chime.

Where did she go?

Freshly made iced glutinous rice ba*ls!

Please have a look.

Freshly made iced glutinous rice ba*ls!

Please have a look.

Freshly made iced glutinous rice ba*ls!

Sir.

What would you like, Miss?

I'll have a bowl
of iced glutinous rice ba*ls.

All right, please wait a moment.

It'll be served soon.

Here you are. Iced glutinous rice ba*ls.

Thank you.

Please enjoy, Miss.

Sir,

do you know
the Count of Dongping's Mansion

on this street?

I do.

I've been doing business here

for years.

Why do you ask?

Nothing. Just curious.

Have they

always lived here,

or did they move from the south?

They've been here

for generations.

They aren't newcomers here.

Do you know Miss Si from the mansion?

That's very kind of you, Miss.

You don't have to do this.

You mean Jiang Si, right?

She often comes here with her brother

to buy drinks.

Was she born and raised

in the Count of Dongping's Mansion?

Yes.

She was born and raised here.

You know what?

She has a mind of her own.

The most popular fragrance store

in Ling'an

belongs to her.

What's the name of the store?

Lushengxiang.

[Lushengxiang Store]

[Lushengxiang Store]

I didn't expect Zhao Yu's skills

to be very well my equal.

Some of the scents

are actually my formulas.

But how did she know about them?

She asked me about the Saintess.

Could it be

that she is the Saintess herself?

Which explains why she knows everything.

If she is the Saintess,

why is she concealing her identity

from the Nightingale Sect?

The northern border is far away.

It'll be a long trip

if I want to verify her identity.

I must find a way to figure it out

as quickly as possible.

[Princess Royal's Mansion]

Yu Qi
from the Capital Administration Office

is the Seventh Prince?

Yes.

His Majesty isn't aware

that he has returned to Ling'an, is he?

No.

If Yu Qi claims his status

as a prince,

it'll be troublesome.

We need to plan ahead.

Yu Qi is a prince?

We can make good use

of the fact that he defied
the imperial decree

to return here.

Mr. Cui.

Dear.

Is this how you discipline
your daughter?

She must stop behaving

so arrogantly.

What happened?

What happened, you ask?

Mingyue almost injured someone

while riding earlier today.

Not only did she refuse
to admit her fault,

but she even whipped
the innocent people.

The Capital Administration Office
caught her in the act.

If I hadn't intervened,

she would've been caned by now.

Mingyue is my precious daughter.

How could they
have the nerve to hurt her?

Look at yourself.

Look at yourself.

It is exactly this attitude of yours

that has spoiled her.

What rights do you have

to lecture me?

You claim I've spoiled Mingyue?

Have you ever truly cared about us

all these years?

Aren't you still

hanging up

on the wretched woman
from the Count of Dongping's Mansion?

Rong Yang, after all these years,

why are you still dwelling on

the Count of Dongping's Mansion?

Isn't it true?

You scared me.

Your Highness.

Keep it down.

Your Highness,

how could you eavesdrop?

[Nanny Xu]
You'll be in trouble

if Her Highness finds out.

Stop nagging.

Tell me.

Is the wretched woman

who drives my parents apart

from the Count of Dongping's Mansion?

I... I don't know.

Spare me the lies.

You're my mother's wet nurse.

You know everything about her.

Tell me.

I won't tell Mother.

Your Highness, she is

a pain in the neck of Her Highness.

She...

Please stop asking.

If you don't tell me,

I'll find out myself.

Oh, Your Highness.

That wretched woman has long been dead.

She's dead?

Zhan.

How's your progress
with the military book?

I've already mastered it.

Here, Zhan.

Si,

I don't need medicine.

If you truly care about me,

can you let me get some sleep?

This isn't medicine. It's a tonic.

You must take it before breakfast.

Your breakfast will be served soon.

Tonic?

No.

You've been acting strangely

these days.

I'm perfectly fine.

But why did you

bring in a physician for me?

Besides, the physician has said

I'm in excellent health

and can easily live up
to be 88 years old.

This tonic is also from the physician.

It's not for illness.

It helps strengthen your body.

Zhan, I woke up before dawn

to prepare the tonic for you.

No wonder you have dark circles
under your eyes.

Fine, I'll have it.

Have it while it's warm.

It may taste bitter.

Here's some candied fruit.

Here, take one.

Come on. Take one more sip.

More?

One more sip.

By the way, Zhan,

please stay at the mansion

for this month.

A whole month?

If you have nothing else to do,

it's best

if you stay in your own abode.

Wait.

You don't have a fever,

but why are you talking nonsense?

You want me to stay here
for a whole month?

You might as well k*ll me.

That would be easier.

What are you talking about?

Enough with

your ominous talk.

Touch wood. That doesn't count.

Si,

why are you angry?

I'm not angry.

Zhan,

since we were kids,

I've never really asked anything of you,

right?

I beg you this time.

Just one month.

Stay home and practice

martial arts with Master Qin

or study military books

for one month.

After that,

you can go

wherever you want.

I won't stop you.

But I've already worked very hard.

Staying home for the entire month

is a tall order.

Zhan, you see,

in one month's time,

it'll be
the Imperial Insignia Guards selection.

If you make it in,

I'll be able

to marry anyone I want to

without compromise.

Zhan, please do me this favor

for the sake of my marriage

and lifelong happiness.

All right?

Just one month.

All right.

You're the best, Zhan.

My Lady, breakfast is ready.

Zhan, you can eat now.

I was just starting
to feel a bit hungry.

By the way, Zhan,

I've already informed Grandmother

that you'll be having your meals

in your own room from now on.

You don't have to dine
with everyone else.

Why not?

Zhan, here.

Eat some eggs.

Wait.

I...

Aman.

Why?

Aman, lock the door.

Lock the door?

Wait, Si.

You can't do this to me.

You can't lock the door!

Si!

[Chief Secretary Lin,
Zhen Heng's fellow scholar]

Yan.

Mister, please have some tea.

These two

are such a perfect match.

Finally, I'm out.

It's been so boring these days.

Master Qin Feng!

What brings you here?

I've missed you so much, Master Qin.

Master Qin.

[Master Qin]
It's been a while, Zhan.

You've grown so much.

I nearly didn't recognize you.

Of course.

I'm handsome

and charming now.

Aji,

hurry and prepare some dishes.

I must have a good drink

with Master Qin.

Got it.

Why did you come here, Master Qin?

I just returned to Ling'an,

and Miss Si came to me

and asked me to train you every day.

So, starting today,

you'll wake up at the hour of Yin

to practice martial arts with me.

It helps strengthen your body.

What time again?

At the hour of Yin every day.

Let me count it.

The sequence goes as Zi, Chou, Yin...

Since Miss Si has entrusted you to me,

I can't let her down.

Master Qin, you may not know this...

You're home, Si.

Master Qin.

This brat.

Do you think

you can run away from this?

Thank you so much

for today.

Don't mention it.

We'll take our leave.

Sure.

[Wang's Matchmaking Agency]

Thank you, Madam Zhen.

Please sit, Miss Si.

Sure.

I'm doing this

because of you.

Otherwise,

with her temperament,

I wouldn't have bothered.

Thank you, Madam Zhen.

Thank you, Mr. Zhen.

Actually, Pei

was influenced by others.

She's kind by nature.

She was merely led astray
because of bad influences.

If she can really

marry Chief Secretary Lin,

I believe she'll change.

Chief Secretary Lin

is quite particular

when choosing a wife.

I never expected

he would like your cousin

at the first meeting.

Guess fate really

brings people together.

Miss, the tea is ready.

Both of you

are of age

but remain single,

yet you're busy

matchmaking for others.

Why don't you consider

your own future?

Mother.

Please have some tea, Madam.

Madam,

allow me

to treat you to this tea.

Why?

Are you trying to brush me off

with this tea?

It's not that easy.

Excuse me.

Coming.

I heard there are fresh tea leaves
drying in the backyard.

Take me there.

This way, please.

Miss Jiang,

do you

want more?

I'll do it myself, Mr. Zhen.

It's fine. Let me.

Thank you.

What do you think?

The man I introduced is decent, right?

He has an elegant look.

However,

he's only a sixth-rank official.

Our family

is of noble rank, after all.

It's just titular, though.

You know the current status

of our family very well.

We may not be able to keep this honor.

A sixth-rank official may be minor,

but he holds real power.

If you find the right husband,

you won't be hopeless

for the rest of your life.

I thought you'd have expected more,
Madam Ruan.

Your mother did.

She was so ambitious

that she married Qian

into a prominent family.

But look how that turned out.

You see that yourself.

One can't be greedy

and demand more than they deserve.

You must stop

expecting more.

Pei,

listen to me.

If you miss this man,

you may not get another.

Chief.

I lost track of Liu Yan'er last night.

She removed her nameplate

and disguised herself before going out.

She only went
to some ordinary marketplaces.

Nothing unusual.

But she is rather cautious.

She doesn't act like a mere courtesan.

Don't follow too closely.

Otherwise, our efforts will turn futile.

Yes, sir.

It's Miss Jiang.

Miss Jiang,

don't call me Mr. Zhen

outside the office.

It makes us sound like strangers.

What

about

Zhen?

Sure.

Zhen.

[The End of Episode 11]

♪Through endless twists♪

♪In the mundane world♪

♪The breezy wind blows♪

♪The heart grows tender and bitter♪

♪I ask the Sun♪

♪If the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers♪

♪Our love story writes itself♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪After countless challenges,
we are still us♪

♪Our inseparable souls♪

♪Can weather all storms♪

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us♪

♪To the sea of stars♪

♪Our destined paths♪

♪The years will hold♪

♪A light shines at the tunnel's end♪

♪Where happy endings will transcend♪

♪We cross paths
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪The tapestry of destiny
is filled with our youth♪

♪Our blissful time together♪

♪Will lead us to what we desire♪

♪We lock eyes
and promise to stay together forever♪

♪Through frost-kissed trails,
and starry space♪

♪Moon-silvered dreams♪

♪On love's embrace♪

♪Hearts bound as one,
through time's soft grace♪

♪Love's tide guides,
beyond our mortal space♪

♪A moment kept with your embrace♪

♪Where blooms have found their place♪