01x21 - Episode 21

[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 21]

My Lady,

Commandant Yu
is waiting for you.

Aman, wait at home.

Yes.

Zhao Yu
from the Northern Border Division.

Go to Ling'an.

Find the Tianxiang Pleasure House.

That is a Nightingale Sect hideout.

But what about you, Qi?

If I survive,

I'll meet you there.

Go!

Du'er?

No, I should leave.

You're mistaken.

Chief, do you believe it now?

Jiang Si is in contact

with the sect.

We couldn't act

due to a lack of evidence.

Then, you called out

the investigation

because she wasn't the Saintess.

We have concrete evidence now.

You can't pretend this isn't happening.

I didn't think the letter

would fall into your hand.

I envy Commandant Yu
for having the affection

of a fine lady like you.

Chief, use this.

Nice teamwork.

A match made in heaven indeed.

It's a shame.

Commandant Yu
is aiming his arrow at you.

How ironic.

Once again, you are pointing

your arrow at me.

I'll do it.

My answer is still

no.

Why not?

You asked if I could

take her life without hesitation.

My answer is

no.

She is the Saintess!

No!

[Tianxiang Pleasure House]

Head back

and bring backups.

Yes.

You're not Zhao Yu.

What do you mean?

Perhaps we should be more candid
with each other.

I am Mr. Du, the owner

of this gambling parlor.

And who might you be?

You are Du'er,

the leader of the sect.

Perhaps our definitions of "candid"

don't align.

Not many get to live

while knowing my identity.

Who are you?

Jiang Si, from the Count
of Dongping's Mansion.

I'm not an enemy.

Where did you get the Nightingale Seal?

How do you know our secrets?

My Nightingale Seal belonged

to Sang Qi.

The seal is our identification.

It's not for outsiders.

How did you

get his seal?

I could get into

the prison
of the Capital Administration Office.

You and Commandant Yu are close.

Why would you betray them?

Do you take me for a fool?

Let go.

Qi.

Must you always interfere

when I train Si?

You can't strike her hands like that.

Look at the welts on her palms.

It's for her own good.

Strict supervision

helps her learn faster and better.

The slightest mistake
with the fragrance

could be disastrous.

She is a beginner.

The harsher you are,

the worse she learns.

This was how the Grand Elder

trained us.

Don't you remember?

Qi, Liu.

This is my fault.

I'll give it my best

and keep trying.

Take her side all you want.

You'll get punished next time.

Fine, hit me instead.

What now?

I need a way to stop him.

I could save Sang Qi

without bloodshed.

Why?

I have my reasons.

Promise me

you and your people won't make a move.

If I fail,

you can still act accordingly.

Yu Qi.

Surrender now

or I'll k*ll Jiang Si!

Use the backdoor.

What do you mean?

Leave if you want to survive.

Go before it's too late.

Wait for Sang Qi
at the derelict temple outside

the western gate.

Chief!

Where is he?

He got away.

Chief!

Miss Jiang, are you hurt?

No.

Chase him down.

Yes.

I'm not hurt.

This is the Nightingale Sect's emblem.

Soldiers are here!

Get down!

- Get on the ground!
- Drop down!

Sir.

- Stay still.
- Stay put!

Crouch down!

Don't move!

[Zhou Yi, Minister of Rites]

Explain yourself.

Why were you there just now?

Du'er intercepted my letter.

I didn't expect him

to show up.

Who were you expecting, then?

Was it Zhen Heng?

No!

There was another man?

None of your concerns.

This concerns the case
of the Nightingale Sect.

The Capital Administration Office

must investigate.

Very well.

I'll tell you.

You know the man

I was expecting.

But tonight,

he aimed his arrow at me!

It wasn't me.

It was Long Dan.

You suspected me

because I was meeting Du'er, right?

But Du'er acted quickly.

Otherwise.

Your arrow could've

k*lled me.

Impossible.

I would never do anything

that would hurt you.

Is that so?

So, why did you give me

the Nightingale Seal?

I admit.

It was a test.

I don't know why,

but what if

I was indeed

the Saintess of Nanwu?

What would you do?

To me,

you will always be

the Fourth Lady
of the Count of Dongping's Mansion.

You will never

seek to harm our nation.

Saintess or not,

it won't matter.

What if I actually

defected to Nanwu?

What would you do?

I would protect Zhou.

I will keep you safe.

[Capital Administration Office]

Commandant Yu.

A decree from the palace.

The Mid-Autumn Hunt

will be held on Mount Cuiluo.

Those above the seventh rank
must participate.

The Mid-Autumn Hunt?

Yes.

Plenty of officials

would use this opportunity

to showcase their abilities
before His Majesty.

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

So,

about Mr. Xiao...

Qiao,

you should meet him.

Madam Xiao and I

will go with you.

I will be waiting

in one of the side chambers.

And

Madam Ruan

could have a look as well.

Anmou.

How could you?

She is right, Father!

Please reconsider.

Father.

Have I upset you in some way?

It's too late.

Too late.

It's all too late!

The Xiao family prefers you.

They want to meet you.

Madam Xiao took matters
into her own hands

and agreed.

She even used

our family seal

on the letter to them.

What else can we do?

You are Qiao's father.

If you object,

they'll have to give up.

Father!

I need your help.

Father! Please help her!

Qiao is...

He is the son of Lingbei's governor!

I will lose my job

if I keep ruffling feathers!

If it were that simple,

I could've sent a letter instead.

That settles it. You're meeting him.

Qiao.

Qiao.

Madam Xiao.

Any words from Xiaoxiang Garden?

Mr. Anmou said yes.

They can't refuse.

However,
Miss Qiao is rather crestfallen.

Who knows what she does

locking herself in the room?

According to the kitchen staff,

she barely touched the food

they sent her.

She is young and insensible.

We found her an influential family.

She is from the second branch.

She can't get

a better husband than that.

Unbelievable.

We've all

been through struggles.

Keep an eye on her.

Tell the kitchen staff
to bring her decent food.

She mustn't starve.

Yes.

How thoughtful of you, Madam Xiao.

Wait.

Just to be safe,

bring her here.

Pei, how are things
in your married life?

Rest assured, Mother.

He treats me well.

You're now all grown-up and married.

You're become mature and thoughtful.

Pei, you've always

been my favorite.

She is always sweet when she sees me.

Such a nice and obedient girl.

Indeed.

Miss Pei always listens
to you, Madam Xiao.

Now that you're married,

I started missing you

since I don't get to see you
all the time.

I was wayward and immature.

Thank you for tolerating me.

You're married.

It's a great relief.

However, I am now worried

about Jiang Qiao's

betrothal.

It's time

she gets married.

She can't spend her life

in this mansion.

The son of the Xiao family

is a great candidate.

Talk some sense into her.

Miss Pei.

I don't mean to be rude,

but Madam Xiao's lecture
comes from her concern

for your best interest.

She asked for your help

convincing Miss Qiao

for our family's harmony.

Perhaps you could

reconsider?

Alright, Nanny Li.

I must go now.

Why is Pei

getting involved
with the Yaxin Garden again?

You should leave the room

more often for sunshine.

That should

take the edge off.

Sometimes, things will pass

once we start

coming around.

I am tired.

I shall take a nap.

You sent for me

for this thing?

Of course.

The box contains a mechanism.

I know.

Can you open it?

Absolutely.

Contracts?

All were signed

by Manager Du.

These people

are all knees deep in gambling debts.

The contracts say
they can finish one job

for the Nightingale Sect

to waive the debts.

Minister of Rites.

Very well.

After I capture all of them,

I'll get some answers out of them.

Use an excuse unrelated

to the sect.

Understood.

We wouldn't want to alert the enemy.

"The hunt begins
at the third quarter of the Wu hour."

"Glory to Nanwu,
ruins to Emperor Jingming."

The Nanwu language is banned in Zhou.

How can you read it?

It seems you're familiar
with the language too.

Does it mean the Nightingale Sect

is making a move
during the Mid-Autumn Hunt?

Emperor Jingming died this year
in my past life.

But he died from an illness.

Was his death connected

to the Nightingale Sect?

What was that?

If they make a move during the hunt,

we must stop them

at all costs.

But why at the third quarter
of the Wu hour?

The third quarter of the Wu hour.

Why would they

choose this time?

It's the hour of Wu.

Why isn't the meal here yet?

At this rate,

the punishment

will take a toll on you.

Besides,

today is Mid-Autumn.

Wait.

Why has the sky gone dark?

A shadow

fell across the sun,
stealing its light.

There will be a great calamity!

Why are they ringing the bell?

Madam, Emperor Jingming passed away.

The bell is sounded
to mourn his passing.

Why?

It means

His Majesty died during a solar eclipse.

It's said they didn't even

get to light the candle.

This can't be happening.

A solar eclipse.

A quarter before midday,
there will be a solar eclipse.

How do you know about the eclipse?

I am the Saintess.

I can foresee the future.

Why so surprised?

Alright.

It seems

the Nightingale Sect

will use the eclipse

to assassinate His Majesty.

Will you be at the Mid-Autumn Hunt?

Certainly.

Will you help me?

[From Jiang Qiao]

[Sent by Jiang Qiao]

[Main Hall
of the Capital Administration Office]

Sort the testimonies we collected

last night.

Yes, sir.

You've worked non-stop for a day.

You need rest.

Dismissed.

Thank you, Commandant Yu.

Any progress?

They are mere gamblers.

A fine and a few days in jail

will suffice.

But they said

the underground gambling parlor

has operated for years.

Yet, we never found out.

Thankfully, you were here.

You acted swiftly.

You thwarted the operation
that brought harm to the world.

I'm flattered, Mr. Zhen.

Since you hold me in such high regard,

I am obliged to assist you.

How about this?

Give me a warrant.

I'll interrogate the Minister of Rites,

Zhou Yi.

Really?

Yes.

You don't need a warrant.

Why?

He is one of the arrested gamblers.

What are the odds?

Miss Jiang.

Mr. Zhen.

I didn't expect to see you here.

The Director of the Census Division?

The Director of the Evaluation Division,
Ministry of Personnel.

The Assistant Division Director,
Ministry of Personnel.

The Vice Minister of the Division
of Gardens, Forestry, and Hunting.

I thought the officials were clean.

Yet,

a small gambling parlor

[Contract]
manages to ensnare our officials

in debt traps and make them
spill confidential information.

Yes.

Mr. Zhen.

This gambling parlor might be

connected to the Nightingale Sect.

What?

Madam Ruan.

I am sorry.

I failed as a daughter.

I must go now.

Qiao?

When we spoke earlier today,

I noticed something unusual.

So, I kept an eye on you.

Are you running away?

Yes. I must leave.

Where can you possibly go?

Anywhere but here.

Because of the betrothal?

I can't make any decisions

about how my life should be.

I might as well leave.

I'm done being a noble lady
trapped in this mansion.

From now on, I'm just me.

For better or worse,

my life shall be my own.

But you've never

ventured beyond these walls.

If you forsake

this sheltered life,

how will you survive

in the harsh world?

The world holds countless dangers

you can't even imagine.

Are you worried about me?

Or are you concerned

about giving Madam Xiao
a proper explanation?

How is this about her?

I saw it when Nanny Li walked you back

to the Xiaoxiang Garden.

What's wrong?

Is something the matter?

Miss Qiao, are you leaving?

Start talking.

It's the middle of the night.

What trouble did you get into this time?

Old Madam,

the servants heard some noises

when patrolling

the Xiaoxiang Garden.

I was concerned.

So, I went there with a group.

To my surprise,

Miss Qiao was planning
to run away from home.

What?

Are you sure about this?

I'm certain of it.

Miss Qiao was carrying

this traveling sack with her.

There was

a farewell letter on the desk.

[From Jiang Qiao]

See for yourself.

This is her handwriting.

It's your daughter.

Were you really trying to leave

this family?

Anmou.

She must have been too anxious

over the engagement.

She would never dare

leave this family behind.

Qiao, quick.

Apologize
to your grandmother and father.

Qiao.

Yes.

I've failed as a daughter.

Why you...?

You...

What about your parents and siblings?

Are you leaving them too?

This family is abandoning me.

I'd rather wander the world freely

than be married off like an object.

We haven't settled on the marriage.

Even if

you are displeased
with this arrangement,

we can always

talk things out.

Grandmother, what else
do you expect me to say?

My will

means nothing compared

to a letter with a family seal.

All right. I'll accept it.

Thank you.

Mother.

Hurry. Take it inside.
Place it on her bed.

Afu, help her out.

No need for that.

She can do it alone.

You can make us some tea.

Here, Mother.

The family seal is a symbol
of our honor!

We only agreed

to meet in person.

We haven't decided on the engagement.

The meeting is insignificant.

So are the engagement

and my marriage.

What exactly counts as serious

in your book?

I don't want

to spend my life

accomplishing nothing.

The daughters in this family

have mastered the art of arguments.

They have no respect for manners.

I can't believe it.

Look at what you've done.

I don't want to be troubled.

Anmou, this is for your branch

to deal with.

Yes, Mother.

Lock her up.

Make sure she reflects on what she did.

Anmou, have mercy on Qiao.

You're no better.

You failed to educate her.

As punishment,
copy the virtues ten times!

You should learn

how others

educate their children!

The children are acting up

because someone broke the rules.

[Prison]

Mr. Zhou.

Mr. Zhou!

Who is it?

Come with us.

Yes.

- Mr. Zhou!
- Mr. Zhou!

Don't leave us here!

Mr. Zhou!

Help us!

Mr. Zhou!

You invited us!

Mr. Zhou!

Mr. Zhou!

Don't leave us here!

Madam Ruan.

Do you fault me for this?

For what, exactly?

For my rash action
that got us into trouble,

for running away.

When you ran away,

everything nice

the family has given you

was as good as

denied by you.

Of course your father

feels disheartened.

But I know

you still care about

this family.

Even I have a place in your heart.

You and Father,

and the others

have treated me well.

I will never forget that.

I'd hate to cast all of that aside.

But I feel so lost

and helpless.

I know.

I understand your woes.

Sorry, Madam Ruan.

I know you've always

been so cautious

with everything in this family

as though you are walking on eggshells.

But now,

because of me...

It's alright.

Don't worry about it.

Why would I care about

their opinions?

You and Pei

are my only daughters.

If you're happy,

then I shall be content.

I'll help you copy the books.

Silly girl.

Why are you asking
for punishment yourself?

Madam Ruan, Qiao?

Pei.

Madam Ruan, Qiao.

I got you some snacks

from the Guangju Parlor.

Freshly made.

They are still warm.

This is

Qiao's favorite.

They smell delightful.

Qiao, try them out.

I'm not hungry.

I'll make some tea.

Yes.

Never mind.

I'm not parched.

It's rare we three

get together like this.

Let's have some tea together.

Maybe someone here

would rather be in the Yaxin Garden.

She might just be avoiding us.

Qiao, why did you say that?

I brought you snacks.

Yet, you bashed me for no reason.

You're unreasonable.

You know very well

why you came here.

I never thought

you still ingratiate yourself
with Madam Xiao

after you're married.

What can she

possibly give you?

Madam Xiao?

Pei, what have you done?

Why would I do that?

It's a baseless claim.

Madam Ruan,

I saw Nanny Li walk her back

with my own eyes.

Pei and Madam Xiao

spoke in private.

Afterward, she tried
to convince me to meet Mr. Xiao.

That was exactly Madam Xiao's idea.

As soon as I left the bedroom,

Pei showed up out of nowhere.

And then, Nanny Li happened

to arrive

and caught me as I left.

I bet

Pei informed them

of my decision to leave.

Pei, have you lost your mind?

Why are you getting involved with them?

Did the past

teach you nothing?

Is that what you think of me?

You have a track record.

I didn't think...

Old habits die hard.

Qiao is your sister!

How could you

help Madam Xiao plot against her?

Since you hold such disdain for me...

I shouldn't stay.

I should leave,

not her.

After a quarrel in the Xiaoxiang Garden,

Miss Pei packed her belongings

and left.

She must have gone home.

There's pouring rain

from Ling'an to Lingbei.

The letter will take a few more days

to reach the Xiao family.

That wouldn't be bad.

Jiang Qiao can use some time

to come around.

Good results take time.

What is wrong with this family

lately?

None of the children

have given me a moment's peace.

Sorry about last night.

Commandant Yu and I

prepared some dishes

to apologize.

You have my thanks.

Cheers.

This thing

is such a nuisance.

Mr. Zhen.

I must thank you.

The hard work was mainly on your part.

Mr. Zhou.

Take a look at this.

Isn't this your name?

[Contract signed by Zhou Yi]

Yes!

[The End of Episode 21]

♪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♪