01x15 - Episode 15

[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 15]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]
I'm truly happy

that my grandson is able

to come home alive.

Only now can we

all sit together

as a family.

Our ancestors have indeed blessed us.

Grandmother, I'm unfilial.

Sorry for making you worry.

It's more than just your grandmother.

Everyone in the family

was worried about you.

Your sister, Si,
even talked back to members

of the Princess Royal's Mansion
because of you.

Now that she has offended them,

I wonder what consequences await her.

Now that I think about it,

it's all thanks to Si.

She held her ground
and refused to plead guilty.

That's right.

We have to choose
the lesser of two bad endings.

Having Zhan back

is the greatest blessing

for our family.

As long as Zhan is safe,

any risk we take is worth it.

My grandson was able
to return alive this time,

all thanks to Commandant Yu and Miss Lu.

On behalf of my entire household,

I sincerely thank you both.

Yu, Miss Lu,

we've been through
life and death together.

If you ever need me in the future,

I, Jiang Zhan,

will do everything to help you two.

Miss Lu, I heard
that you looked after my son

day and night in the wilderness.

If her reputation is affected,

you must take full responsibility.

Understood?

Sit down.

Father,

we shouldn't return
her kindness with trouble.

Please let Miss Chuchu off.

Zhan,

don't cause any trouble again
in the future.

Look.

Do you know how old your father is?

More of your father's hair
has turned grey over the past few days.

Enough, Anmou.

He is finally back.

You should stop telling him off.

Zhan,

from now on,

you can do whatever you like,

as long as you're happy.

Grandmother,

Father,

it was all my fault.

I've caused you too much worry.

After overcoming this trial,

I finally understood why Si

kept telling me to practice martial arts

and improve myself.

If I could excel in martial arts

like Yu

and have an official title
like Mr. Zhen,

no one would dare to bully me again.

They've bullied me because I'm weak,

so I need to be stronger in the future.

They've bullied our family

because we are no longer influential,

so, I shall bring honor to the family

with my own abilities.

All in all,

I won't slack off
and be complacent again.

Grandmother, my elders,
please don't worry about me.

Excellent.

I'm glad to see you
come to such a realization.

There's hope for our family now.

Jiang, if you don't mind,

I'll train in martial arts
with you in the future.

That will be great.

Count me in as well.

All right now.

You just came back.

There's no need to rush

to your success.

Ancheng,

I beg to differ

from what you said just now.

When it comes to improvement,

time is of the essence.

Experience needs to be accumulated.

Zhan, since you want
to improve yourself,

I'll give you all the classics
and historical texts

your elder cousin studied

for his exams.

Uncle Anmou,

I don't intend to take
the imperial exam.

I want to be an Imperial Insignia Guard.

[Haitang House]

This is for you.

It's a token of my appreciation.

It's not overly sweet or rich,
but crisp and pure.

I like it.

I custom-made this fragrance for you

according to your personality.

Thank you.

Chuchu,

thank you for rescuing my brother.

You don't need to thank me.

Seems like you have no idea.

Qi instructed me to do all these.

Did he not tell you about it at all?

No.

Ever since your brother went missing,

Qi barely got any sleep for days.

He led a nighttime search

and thoroughly studied
the river defense maps.

He managed to deduce

Jiang Zhan's location after that
and sent me to look for him.

I managed to find him at the end.

So,

both of you knew

that Zhan was still alive?

Jiang Si, I'm sorry.

Qi reminded me

not to bring him back.

If not,
and should the Princess Royal find out,

he'll die for sure.

To ensure his safety,

we didn't even tell you about it.

I understand.

Thank you.

[Guangju Parlor]
After the trial,

it's as if Jiang Zhan has been reborn.

He woke at the rooster's crow

and worked tirelessly
from dawn till dusk.

The complacent dandy back then

strove hard to improve himself.

He made it through
a rigorous selection process

and became an Imperial Insignia Guard.

You hit it!

Mr. Zhan, you hit the target!

Mr. Zhan, you're amazing!

The Cui, Yang, and Zhang families

have lost their beloved sons.

The heir apparent of Duke of Anguoguo
falsely accused others in court

while Princess Mingyue
feigned illness to avoid disgrace.

The case...

Excellent!

Thank you.

How will the case end?

Stop keeping us in suspense.

Exactly. Just tell us already.

Allow me to share the story bit by bit.

Chang'an was shocked by the case.

Not only did the people talk about it,

even the imperial palace
caught hold of the news.

Upon hearing this,
His Majesty issued an imperial decree

to punish evil

and uphold justice.

Cui Mingyue, the daughter
of the Princess Royal,

failed in personal virtue

and lacked integrity
in words and actions,

yet considering her young age,

and the fact
that she was misled by villains,

she will receive a minor punishment,
which serves as a major warning.

She shall be demoted to the rank
of a county princess

and be relocated to Lingshui
for her to reflect on her actions.

Ji Chongyi,
the son of the Duke of Anguo,

is utterly corrupt
and hopelessly unruly.

He misled the princess,

indulged in selfish desires,
and caused a tragic incident.

He is permanently banned

from the imperial exam
and any official position.

The Duke of Anguo had failed
to educate his son properly.

His salary will be forfeited
for three years.

May she abide by the laws

and speak and act with caution.

The authorities will enforce the decree.

The authorities will enforce the decree.

Come and receive the decree.

His Majesty has issued a decree.

Jiang Zhan
of the Count of Dongping's Mansion

is intelligent, diligent in learning,
and exceptional in martial skills.

He has been granted a special promotion
to the Imperial Insignia Guard.

The Count of Dongping had done well
in educating his child.

He is granted the hereditary title
for up to five generations.

The authorities will enforce the decree.

Count of Dongping, Mr. Jiang,

receive the decree
and thank His Majesty's grace.

- Thank you, Your Majesty.
- Thank you, Your Majesty.

Please rise.

This is great.

Sir, thank you for coming.

I've worked hard for so long.

But now, due to the imperial decree,

I don't even need

to attend the selections.

This is good.

Zhan, you're lucky.

Zhan,

this is truly great news.

It was a blessing in disguise all along.

His Majesty

has treated
the Count of Dongping's Mansion well.

Treated us well?

His Majesty has treated
the Princess Royal's Mansion well.

He tosses us

a small benefit

and expects us to drop the matter.

It's all to ensure

that Cui Mingyue stays unharmed.

Stop it.

If others hear what you said,

the consequences will be dire.

Look at this child.

Zhan,

I thought our hereditary title

would've ended

at your father's generation.

But you've managed to extend it
for two more generations.

You've contributed a lot

to the Count of Dongping's Mansion.

Grandmother,

do you think

that beating I took

was totally worth it?

What are you doing here alone?

I...

Your family is worried about you

because they can't find you.

I just want to...

How did you know that I was here?

I was just trying my luck.

You and I first met at this spot.

Since the weather is good,

I thought you might be here

to enjoy the view again.

I just want some time alone.

If so, just treat it as if I'm not here.

Hey, I said I needed some time alone.

You're so annoying.

I just never expected His Majesty

to extend our hereditary title,
which is a huge deal,

just to silence us.

The funniest thing

is that taking that beating

was actually the best thing

I've ever done for my family.

I'm sure you think I'm useless.

You know, I've loved

reading storybooks

ever since I was a kid.

I wanted

to be a wandering swordswoman.

However, I've never
stepped outside my house before.

I could only travel the world

in my dreams.

But look at me.

I'm sitting right in front of you now.

Therefore,

no matter how far our destination is,

as long as we hold it
close to our hearts,

we'll arrive eventually.

We'll arrive eventually, huh?

We'll arrive eventually.

I already told you.
I'm not going to Lingshui.

Mother,

I don't want to go to Lingshui.

Like it or not, you're going there.

Do you dare defy the imperial decree?

Mother,

you should make a plea
for me in front of Uncle.

He listens to everything you say.

How could you not understand?

He's sending you there
so that you can lay low.

Right now, the civil officials

in the court are criticizing you.

Everyone on the streets
is talking about what you've done.

Public opinion is terrifying, you know?

I managed to procure

this imperial decree

after a lot of effort.

Your Highness,

Her Highness has already done
everything she could.

You should lay low
in Lingshui for the time being.

Once everything settles down,

Her Highness
will definitely ask His Majesty

to grant your return.

You're Her Highness's only daughter.

How could she bear

to part with you?

If so,

how long do I have to stay there?

Until you truly repent of your actions

and stop causing trouble.

Mother,

I know my fault now.

Don't worry.

I'll head to Lingshui
just like I'm supposed to.

I'll head to the ancestral hall

and chant sutras
for my late cousin every day.

I'll never cause any trouble again.

The weather is getting colder,

so bring her more warm clothes.

She has always had a sensitive stomach
and is quite picky with food.

Send two chefs from the household
to cook for her.

Yes, Your Highness. Don't worry.

I've made the necessary preparations.

You must reflect upon your actions.

Do not disappoint me again.

Understood, Mother.

Xiaolyu.

What have I done wrong?

I was wrong for not being cruel enough.

I should have stabbed Jiang Zhan

at least a dozen times

to make sure that he was dead.

Wait.

You just rescued me.

Tell me.

What do you want?

Go.

Send a letter to Zaoshu Alley.

Tell Yu Qi

to see me off tomorrow
at the Wuli Pavilion

outside the city.

Tell him this.

If he doesn't show up,

I'll invite the Jiang family there.

Yes, Your Highness.

Let's have some tea first.

Zhan had a close shave this time.

I'm sure all of us

were anxious and nervous.

Now that everything is getting better,

why don't we go on a trip?

Let's go and have some fun, shall we?

- Sure.
- Sure.

Where are we heading?

Let's head to...

Lingshui.

Si and I intend to head back

and pay respect to our ancestors anyway.

Since I survived this ordeal,

I should tell Yi about it.

You're quite clever, huh?

You're making us escort you there

so that you can perform your duties.

It's more fun this way.

Besides,

the scenery along the way is enchanting.

I guarantee that you'll like it.

I need to join

the Imperial Insignia Guards
in a few days.

We don't have time to waste.

I'll head back

and notify Father.

Let's depart tomorrow.

Zhan, we should see Mr. Zhen

before our departure.

This is your second time

dropping your charges.

Indeed.

The mastermind, Cui Mingyue,

was deemed as an accomplice.

She merely received
a demotion by one rank.

How is that a punishment?

Mr. Zhan, you were abused by them.

Do you intend
to let them off just like that?

Or are you choosing

to keep quiet

because of the rewards you've received?

Mr. Zhen, are you belittling me?

His Majesty issued the decree

as a gesture of consolation and a test.

If the Count of Dongping's Mansion
rejected the reward and pressed charges

to the very end,

Cui Mingyue

would get the punishment she deserves.

Mr. Zhen, it's easy for you to say.

What would you do

if you were in my shoes?

If I were in your shoes...

I would definitely press charges
against her until the end.

Only death may stop me.

Miss Si,

Mr. Zhan,

I do not indulge in endless discussions

without taking action.

As long as you two are willing,

I'll accompany you until the end

even if it means I have to risk

losing my position.

If, in the future,

His Majesty still chooses
to practice favoritism,

I'll definitely offer my counsel
to His Majesty

even at the cost of my life.

Thank you. Mr. Zhen.

But

that will be unnecessary.

Miss Si, do you not believe me?

I do believe you.

But the Count of Dongping's Mansion

is unworthy of such a favor.

Mr. Zhen, all of us know

that you're a good official.

So you should fight for the benefit

of the people of Ling'an.

You shouldn't take such a huge risk

for the sake

of our family.

Moreover,

we know that you're noble and fearless.

However,

we're mere commoners.

Although the Count of Dongping's Mansion

isn't exactly satisfied

with the current result,

we understand the importance
of recognizing the situation.

Mr. Zhen, please don't worry about us.

Farewell.

[Main Hall
of the Capital Administration Office]

Miss Si, wait.

Mr. Zhen, do you need anything else?

I...

It's nothing.

I just wish to speak with you

in private.

Zhan, you can wait for me

over there.

All right.

Miss Si,

I still have feelings...

Mr. Zhen.

Zhen, in the future,

you don't need

to waste your time on me.

Did I make you upset

with my words just now?

That's not it.

Zhen, you have an upright nature.

I'm impressed

by what you said just now.

Miss Si,

I knew that you could understand me.

The Princess Royal wields
absolute authority.

I will surely not press the issue

if it were someone else.

But you are Miss Si

who fears neither gossip

nor power and wealth.

You could even...

Zhen.

My brother has just experienced

a near-death crisis.

He was lucky enough

to have survived the ordeal.

In the future,

I only hope that my family and I

can lead peaceful lives.

Also, about what you said just now,

the Jiang Si who once had the courage

to stand up in court

is not all that I am.

Most of the time,

I'll fear, go into hiding,

and weigh the pros and cons.

You don't need
to belittle yourself like that.

As the saying goes,
true courage appears as caution.

How many women in this world

can muster the same courage

as you?

I didn't belittle myself.

Zhen,

I'm not as good

as you imagine.

The sky has dark clouds,

just like how people have shadows.

In the court,

I once lied.

I've resorted to certain means

outside the court

in order to achieve my goals.

Zhen, in your world,

everything is either black or white.

Therefore, you and I

don't suit each other.

I beg to differ.

Constant dripping wears away the stone,

and faith will move mountains.

But I'm not the one you're seeking.

Miss Si, you rejected me
and didn't even give me a chance.

It's because you already
have someone you fancy,

right?

I rejected you

merely because

we don't suit each other.

It has nothing to do with anyone else.

I see.

Farewell.

Miss Si.

Has Yu Qi

seen your dark side before?

Does he know everything about you?

He does.

[Capital Administration Office]

What do you think? Do they look good?

They look great.

Yu Qi, you're here.

What is it?

Look. I arranged these flowers for you.

Do they look nice?

You rescued me that night.

Naturally, I have to thank you.

I wouldn't have rescued you

had I known you were the culprit.

Yu Qi.

Don't force me to make you

comply the hard way.

Farewell.

Yu Qi, I know who you are.

What are you trying to say?

You returned to Ling'an
without being summoned.

Does His Majesty know about it?

Are you blackmailing me?

You're an intelligent man.

You should know what I mean.

I don't.

Yu Qi, I've taken a liking to you.

I don't care

if you're an exiled prince

or a mere commandant.

As long as you follow me to Lingshui,

I promise that you'll lead
a luxurious life

and rise through
the ranks in the future.

A county princess is telling a prince

that she can provide him
with a luxurious life

and that he
can rise through the ranks, huh?

Seems like the Princess Royal can do

whatever she wants in Ling'an City.

Why did you bring up my mother?

Do you all truly think

that everything will proceed

according to your will
just because you have power?

If so, how did Cao Xingyu
of the Marquis of Changxing's Mansion

end up in prison?

How was Ji Chongyi
of the Duke of Anguo's Mansion

banned from all official positions?

And you, the esteemed Princess Mingyue,

was demoted to a county princess.

You're leaving Ling'an City in disgrace.

Your Highness, I don't think

I need you to worry about my future.

Let me offer you a piece of advice.

Do not repeat your mistake

and ruin your future.

Is it all because of that wretch,
Jiang Si?

Mark my words.

If anyone dares

to covet the person I like,

I'll gouge out her eyes

and cut off her hands.

Try it if you dare.

If you dare

lay a finger on Jiang Si,

you'll get to see

whether this mere commandant

will take your life

or not.

No men ever dared to reject me.

Yu Qi,

one day,

I'll make you marry me

of your own accord!

Aman.

Miss Chuchu.

I was planning to visit you.

What are you doing here?

Mr. Zhan hasn't had

much of an appetite these past few days.

Miss Si told me to buy some snacks

so that he could have them
during the trip.

Seems like he was deeply affected

by the incident with Princess Mingyue.

Miss Chuchu, you have no idea.

Just now, I saw Princess Mingyue

board the carriage for Lingshui.

She brought so many valuables

that it didn't seem like she was exiled.

It seemed like
she was going on a trip instead.

Aman, you head back first.

Tell Jiang Zhan

that I'll be there later.

Miss Chuchu...

Should I have kept it from her?

[Jiang]

Chuchu and I were supposed
to meet at this time.

Where is she?

Mr. Zhan?

Mr. Zhan.

Aman,

have you seen Miss Chuchu

on your way back?

Miss Chuchu said
she had something to attend to.

She'll come here later.

She had something to attend to?

Mr. Zhan,

I also have things to attend to.
I'll leave now.

Wait.

Aman,

did she not tell you
what she went to do?

[Lingshui County]

[Lingshui County]

[Lingshui County]

Over here.

[Lingshui County]

What's the matter?

Why are you all in a daze? Keep going.

[Lingshui County]

[Lingshui County]

Why haven't we arrived at the inn yet?

Your Highness, please pardon us.

I was perplexed as well.

We should have arrived
at the inn long ago.

Maybe we took the detour.

Useless fool.

It's so hot in here.

Your Highness, I think

we just passed by this place.

Are we stuck

in some kind of ghostly illusion?

What nonsense are you talking about?

Seems like someone needs

to spend the night in the woods.

Who's there?

After her!

Stop right there!

- Stop right there!
- Stop right there!

Stop right there!

Stop right there!

Stop right there!

Stop right there!

Chuchu,

where exactly did you go?

I was out for a stroll.

Aman, are you done packing?

Well, if you were out for a stroll...

Is your arm injured?

It's nothing. I just bumped

into a carriage during my walk.

Miss Chuchu.

I'm done packing.

Where's Miss Si?

She's at Haitang House.

Let's go see her.

Sure. Let's go.

Mr. Zhan, please join us.

Let's go.

What's with all the secrecy?

I'll get you some ointment.

Chief,

there's progress on the incident
related to the Directorate of Astronomy.

Back then,
the Chief Astronomer, Mr. Chu,

and the Registrar, Mr. Xiao,
were the first ones

to submit a false memorial
accusing you of being ominous.

Where are they right now?

They're both at Lingshui.

Lingshui?

If so, let's return to the city first.

We'll depart for Lingshui tomorrow.

There's no need to return.

I've already brought everything

we needed.

We can depart now.

Back then, a fortune teller said

that I was ill-fated.

It caused my father

to send me to somewhere distant.

If the weak

are unjustly blamed

with baseless accusations by others

yet refuse to seek the truth

or fight back,

they only validate

those wicked people's lies

and become their accomplices.

If I were framed,

I'd make sure those responsible

pay the price.

Chief.

Chief?

Chief,

were you worried about Miss Si just now?

I don't know

if I should say this.

But I'm worried that Miss Si

has already included you in her plans.

Chief, I'm not done yet.

I haven't started my analysis yet.

I think Miss Si really

has the Saintess's ability
to predict the future.

Chief!

Yu.

Qi.

Where are you all going?

Now, I'm a member
of the Imperial Insignia Guards.

I wish to return to our hometown
at Lingshui with my sister

and pay respect to our ancestors
before assuming my position.

We're using the opportunity
to go on a trip as well.

I've never been to Lingshui before.

That's why I joined them.

That sounds pretty fun.

Commandant Yu,

why don't you join us, then?

Yeah. The more the merrier.

That's right.

Chief has some official affairs
to attend to.

Official affairs?

I thought you

came all the way here to see us off.

We're not exactly here to see you off.

Just now, we...

Just now,
we were wandering around nearby

with no particular purpose.

I guess we could join you

for the trip.

That's great.

Yu,

they're so slow.

I wanted

to race against someone, you know?

You think you can race against Qi?

Try to catch up with me first.

You didn't do the countdown.

All right. You two can go ahead.

I'll take a breather first.

All right. We'll see you later.

What's wrong?

Are you homesick?

I'm fine.

I'm glad that you're here with me.

Miss Jiang,

the scenery is great.

Would you like to take a walk?

Thank you, Commandant Yu.

But it's fine.

I'll enjoy the view in the carriage.

We aren't in court.

Don't call me Commandant Yu.
It sounds distant.

I'll call you

Mr. Yu, then?

Sure.

Mr. Yu.

I have to thank you

for rescuing my brother.

Close neighbors are more reliable
than distant relatives, you know?

If you ever

need any help in the future,

just let me know.

Are you sure you two
are just close neighbors?

I think there are at least

eight families in the neighborhood.

Mr. Yu, I never saw you

putting in that much effort
to help them out.

Miss Si, it's all because of you.

You and your silver tongue.

Mr. Yu,

before this, I had a nightmare.

I dreamt that my brother
would be in trouble.

When I told other people about it,

they all thought I was overthinking it.

You were the only person who believed me

when I told you about it.

You had no reason

to lie to me anyway.

But seeing your dreams come true

must be quite interesting.

Have you dreamed

of anything else?

Maybe you can predict the future.

Mr. Yu, you must be joking.

How could an ordinary person like me

possess such a power?

Yu, Si,

there's a beautiful stream up ahead.

Let's go there together

and take a break.

I caught it!

Long Dan, you're amazing!

Chief! I caught one!

Hurry. Put it in the basket!

You're amazing!

That's a huge fish!

Hurry. It's slippery.

That's such a small fish.

I'll catch a big one for you.

Come on, then.

Mr. Zhan, are you sure about this?

Zhan, you should start the fire.

I think I'll go and start the fire.

We don't have any firewood.

I'll help you.

I'll gather some dry branches
over there.

Sure.

Be careful not to cut your hand.

Jiang Zhan, look!

I caught one!

You're amazing!

What's wrong?

What happened?

Wait for me.

What's wrong? Did you sprain your ankle?

Let me carry you on my back.

Can you get on my back?

One, two, up!

Let's go.

Put me down.

It's going to rain.

I'll carry you to the woods ahead.

Let's go.

Be careful.

Be careful.

[The End of Episode 15]

♪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♪