01x25 - Episode 25

[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 25]

[Prince Qi's Mansion]

When I joined the Red Plume Cavalry,

as a way to keep my mind sharp,

I took an oath of duty.

Should I drink,

I shall be punished by military law.

I wouldn't dare go against
Your Highness' order.

Lang.

Don't take it seriously, Jin.

I was messing with you.

I wouldn't force you.

That's right, Jin.

You may not know,

but the Crown Prince loves

to joke around with his brothers.

I was joking too.

Lang, don't take it seriously.

Your Highness.

I didn't invite you beforehand.

I shall punish myself with a drink.

You hold your liquor well, Zhang.

Take a seat.

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

The "Golden Hawk" Stance!

Hurry up!

Here I come!

You can't catch me!

You can't catch me!

I'll catch you!

Not even close!

What's wrong?

Father.

My back.

Zhan. Look what you've done.

I'm getting old.

Even the slightest movement

causes me pain.

Oh, you...

Yan, have you not had

enough fun yet?

I think you're the one who's not done.

Go.

Bring Si over to join them.

Your Lordship.

The servants said

Miss Si is not in Haitang House.

She left for the Prince Qi's Mansion.

Didn't Si say she wouldn't go?

I have no idea, Miss Yi.

Grandmother must have forced her to go!

I'll go bring her back right now.

Father.

That's the Prince Qi's Mansion.

We can't just barge in.

You're right.

But what's there to be afraid of?

Even if some nobleman

takes a liking to her,

he can't force her into marriage

without my approval.

Father, do you really not want Si

to marry into a noble family?

Waters in noble families run deep

and treacherous.

I just hope Si doesn't fall

for some nobleman

at Prince Qi's Mansion today.

Rest assured, Father.

Si's heart already belongs to someone.

Who?

Uncle Yu!

Uncle Yu!

Quiet, Yan.

Come on. Let's go play over there.

Uncle Yu!

Get back here!

Commandant Yu?

Commandant Yu

is quite handsome.

I imagine
he must have a lot of admirers.

Nothing of the sort.

Yu is disciplined and reserved.

I've never seen him around any women.

He works
at the Capital Administration Office.

He doesn't earn much.

But at least he's a military officer.

And he's skilled in martial arts.

He can protect Si.

What if he takes advantage of her?

Who will teach him a lesson?

Me?

I'm no match for him.

He is young,

yet composed and has a grand air.

Si won't suffer

if she's with him.

You hang around him

like you two are brothers.

Don't try to sweet-talk me!

This concerns Si's happiness!

You can't make decisions

based on your loyalty to him!

I… I'm just stating facts.

Besides, Si…

What?

Did Commandant Yu

help you win the arena

and then move in next door,

all for Si?

Their feelings are mutual.

Mutual?

He's just laying his traps,
step by step.

I think
you just don't approve of anyone.

What was that?

You win.

That's really generous of you,
Your Highness.

Even rare delicacies like this

are being served.

This is an imperial dish,
Land and Sea Delicacy Soup.

It's prepared with…

It's prepared with fish and shrimp.

Once it cools,
a fishy taste is unavoidable.

That would be a waste

of your good intentions.

Perhaps we should savor it
while it's hot?

I was just about to say,

this soup contains pepper.

Its color looks mild and soothing,

but it actually has a spicy kick to it.

Miss Jiang, are you all right?

Thank you for your concern,
Your Highness.

These are costly ingredients,

so I'm honored to have a taste today.

But I didn't expect

the Grand Preceptor's Mansion

to have such overbearing manners.

Even guests must submit to them.

Who is that noble lady?

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

The beauty of Ling'an City?

Call her over.

That may not be appropriate.

Why not?

There's no need to hurry.

Once everyone has eaten
and drunk their fill,

my wife has arranged a scenic viewing
in the courtyard.

But Jin's attention is solely

on her.

I harbor no such intentions.

I do, then.

Your Highness must be mistaken.

Remove the screen.

That's not proper.

The dance of candlelight
has always flattered true beauty.

A hint of mystery
amplifies the attraction.

The screen conceals not her looks

but her charm.

I must see her appearance for myself!

Remove it!

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

humbly greets Your Highnesses.

Tall, graceful, and poised.

No wonder your name is well-known.

Reward her.

Serve her a plate of houttuynia relish.

The houttuynia is white.

The sauce is red.

The garnish is green.

The colors are vibrant and appetizing.

But the taste…

Since I have received
Your Highness' reward,

it is only proper

that I return the favor.

The Crown Prince,
as the heir to the throne,

has first failed to show care
for his brothers

and then failed
to show kindness to a lady.

Thus, I present Your Highness

with a plate of assorted sweets,

to help Your Highness

grow some wits.

Jiang Si!

And another.

I also offer Your Highness
a cup of clear liquor.

So Your Highness may use the liquid

as a mirror to reflect upon yourself.

How dare you, Jiang Si!

You are in no position to reprimand me!

Yu Jin!

Well, well.

Right in front of all the noble ladies,

you've put on quite the show.

The princes are at an age

full of youthful vigor.

A moment's impulse

should not be enough

to break the harmony between brothers.

Very well. Let me hear

who acted on impulse first,

and for what reason.

It wasn't me.

I even tried to break up the fight.

I didn't get involved.

Zhang.

Yes, Father.

This is all your fault.

Is this the kind of banquet you planned?

I will accept my punishment.

Zhang has always been proper
and well-mannered.

He arranged this banquet
to welcome Yu Jin

with good intentions.

He never expected things

to turn out like this.

He is innocent.

I ask Your Majesty to reconsider.

Crown Prince,

is this the example you set

for the world?

It was Yu Jin who defied his superior

and openly attacked me.

He removed the screen

and made inappropriate comments
about a young lady.

He was the one
who disrespected at first.

Jiang Si
from Count of Dongping's Mansion

insulted me…

You were the one who provoked her.

Enough!

Do you know

what the imperial family
is most wary of?

Brothers turning against each other.

History is full

of tragic lessons.

Beyond being brothers,
you are also subject and ruler.

You are not behaving as brothers should.

Will you one day

disregard your roles
as subject and ruler as well?

- I dare not.
- I admit my mistake.

You must be severely punished

to ensure you never forget this lesson.

Refer to the palace rules.

Find the harshest punishment for them.

Your Majesty.

The other princes can be punished

according to the law.

But the Seventh Prince…

What about Jin?

The Seventh Prince
holds no official rank.

What of it?

The laws of the palace

apply to all members
of the imperial family.

The Seventh Prince is not listed
in the jade records,

nor has he been granted a title.

So

he is not officially part
of the imperial family.

How dare you!

Are you saying

I cannot punish my own son?

It is not within the law, Your Majesty.

Fine.

Tell me,

which title has yet to be used?

Yan.

Then I shall confer him
the title of Prince Yan.

Now, I can punish him!

I obey Your Majesty's decree.

Your Majesty,

this is a serious matter...

Your sons have made mistakes.

As their mother,
you, too, bear responsibility.

All of you must reflect on this.

That is all. Everyone may leave.

- I'll take my leave.
-I'll take my leave.

You promised me

I could continue to be Yu Qi.

But you went back on your word.

I just made you Prince Yan,

and you're still not happy?

"A longing for quiet,
amidst relentless chaos."

You wish to stay in Ling'an

while avoiding conflict.

I'm afraid you can't have both.

You've seen it for yourself.

The palace is full of people

who flatter the high
and trample the low.

Lacking the weight of a title,

how would you shield yourself

and those you hold dear?

I do not care about these things.

But I do.

All right. You may go.

Carry yourself with caution from now on.

After all, you are now Prince Yan.

Thank you, Father.

I respectfully bid farewell
to Your Highness.

This incident came at the perfect time.

Your Majesty is wise.

Your Majesty.

It's raining!

The dry spell has lasted so long.

The rain couldn't have come
at a better time.

Jin has been

a burden to me
since the day he was born.

I never thought
he'd still bring trouble as an adult.

May your anger be appeased,

Mother.

Don't let this affect your health.

Please sit down.

No matter what,

Yu Jin is my younger brother

and your son.

He is accursed!

It was written in his fate from birth.

But it seems Father no longer cares

about this matter.

Otherwise, why would he use

our punishment

as an excuse to confer him

the title of Prince Yan instead?

When Jin returned
to the capital without permission,

Father barely punished him

and never mentioned it again.

His Majesty's mind is unpredictable.

Today, he raised Jin's status.

Tomorrow,

he could just as easily

place all the blame on him.

Zhang.

Do you understand?

I will simply distance myself
from Yu Jin.

No.

With his new title,

we must proceed with utmost propriety.

We cannot afford to give anyone cause

to accuse us of impropriety.

I will do as you advise.

It is pouring.

Maybe we should come back another day?

Is this the place?

I think so.

Knock on the door.

No… No one answered.

Could you not use more force?

Move aside!

Well, this is unfortunate.

He's not home?

Father,
why don't we come back another day?

You're right.

I was too rash.

Thinking about it carefully,

we should gather more information

about Yu's background first.

Yes.

Father, he is close with Mr. Zhen

from the Capital Administration Office.

Perhaps

we should ask around there?

Good idea.

Let's go now!

Now?

Father!

This downpour is quite severe.

Is this really necessary?

Please have some tea, Your Lordship.

Thank you.

Mr. Zhen.

I came here today

to ask you about something.

By all means, ask away.

All right.

You and he both serve
at the Capital Administration Office.

You must be familiar

with Commandant Yu's family background.

Are you not aware

of his true identity?

I haven't looked into it in detail.

I've only heard

that he is from a prestigious clan.

But there are

many descendants in his family,

and he isn't highly regarded.

So he had to rely on himself
to make a living.

Is that what you've heard?

Mr. Zhen,

is there something
you're not telling us?

Mr. Zhan, please have a seat.

Mr. Zhen, you are honest

and trustworthy.

This matter is very important to me.

Please do not hide anything from us.

The tea has gone cold.

Let me pour you some hot tea.

Please, Your Lordship.

Thank you.

Mr. Zhan.

I'm good.

Mr. Zhen, why don't you just tell us?

Yes.

His identity

might be a little different

from what you imagined.

Different?

Is he

not actually

from a prestigious clan?

No.

Or is he

an orphan with no parents?

Mr. Zhen.

Why such a big reaction?

Even if we guessed correctly,

it's not a big deal.

Yes.

As long as he has a good character,

his roots matter little.

Your Lordship.

Mr. Zhen.

Even if Yu were left with nothing

but his own company,

he would still be

my good friend.

Mr. Zhen.

Please enlighten us

on Commandant Yu's background.

Fret not.

We can handle the truth.

Yes, we can.

Are you certain, Your Lordship?

Of course.

Yes.

We can.

Commandant Yu

is...

His Majesty's seventh son.

Prince Yan.

He is Prince Yan.

Father?

Give me a moment.

Your Lordship, are you

all right?

Mr. Zhen,

you must be joking

with us.

Yes.

Your Lordship. Mr. Zhan.

This isn't a joke

I can afford to make.

Yu, that liar!

What's wrong, Your Lordship?

That liar!

Your Lordship!

Father!

Father!

Wait for me!

Good heavens!

That was close!

Did you just say that a prince

was left with nothing

but his own company?

You were the one
who said he was an orphan!

Father!

Well,

now there's no need to worry

about Si marrying
into a high-ranking family.

No matter how high they are,

they won't be higher than Yu.

That's true.

But if she marries
into an ordinary family

and things go wrong,

she can at least get a separation
and leave.

If she marries into the imperial family,

she will be at their mercy!

What should we do, then?

We can't let Si

fall into this misery!

Let's hurry home and think of a plan!

Let's go!

No one's answering the door.

And there's no doorman.

We'll just have to wait.

[Haitang House]

My Lady, why don't you sit

and have some water?

He assaulted the Crown Prince
because of me.

I wonder how His Majesty
will punish him.

Are you waiting for news about Yu…

about His Highness?

Who said I was waiting for his news?

It's just that this matter started

because of me.

He assaulted the Crown Prince.

If His Majesty punishes him,

and something really happens to him,

then I'll owe him.

Aman, leave us.

Then you should owe me more.

That way,
you won't be able to ignore me.

It appears you're fine, after all.

Indeed.

His Majesty cares
about Your Highness very much.

Wait.

His Majesty made me Prince Yan.

I see.

My congratulations to you,
Your Highness.

Hiding my identity from you
was never my intention.

I never saw it as something important.

Being a prince and receiving a title,

I didn't think
it would affect you and me.

But I did overlook

your feelings.

I know

you only want to protect your family

and live an ordinary life.

I want the same.

But I can only protect you

if I first secure my own position.

From now on,

you will be the first

to know everything from me,

without delay.

Who wants to know everything about you?

I have better things to do.

But there is one thing

you must know.

What is it?

I have feelings for you.

My heart yearns

for Miss Jiang Si

from Count of Dongping's Mansion.

♪A sudden glance,
just like our first meeting♪

♪Feelings remain,
but things are ever unclear♪

♪Memories replay♪

♪My heart hesitates♪

♪Can I make it through
another long night?♪

But I fear...

that even if our love is reciprocated...

♪Afraid of losing you again♪

our time together may not last.

Because of my title?

I may have been granted a title,

but I am still

the Yu Qi you know.

That's not what I meant.

Then what is it?

♪I count the petals as they fall♪

♪Each one a time I've thought of you♪

Fine. Even if I believe

you only wish to be Yu Qi,

your princely identity

remains beyond your grasp.

Today, you are given a title.

What about tomorrow?

How can you escape

the struggles of power and politics?

Well,

I can be a carefree prince.

We'll just shut the world out,

live our own lives,

and find our freedom.

♪In this lifetime♪

I fear that fate won't be so kind.

♪A sudden glance,
just like our first meeting♪

♪Afraid of losing you again♪

♪The pain lingers deep inside♪

♪Leaving dreams incomplete♪

♪I count the petals as they fall♪

♪Each one a time I've thought of you♪

♪Past lives fade like smoke,
can the dreams be undone?♪

Then tell me.

What kind of life do you wish for?

Let me hear it.

I'll have to think about that.

Take your time.

We have a long future ahead of us.

♪I'll do anything to save♪

♪Our shared past♪

Where is she?

Why are you here?

Why am I here?

Are you

hiding something from me?

What?

Something big.

Something earth-shattering!

If you have something to say, say it.

Don't waste my time.

You knew Yu Qi was a prince

all along!

Keep your voice down.

There are many ears around.

So you did know.

And you didn't tell me!

If he didn't say it himself,

how could I go around

spreading it like some gossipmonger?

You could have told me with discretion!

What kind of relationship
do we have, huh?

What relationship?

Well…

Say it.

We're as close as siblings, aren't we?

Who's like that with you?

Don't pretend to be angry.

I… I'm the one

who's angry.

I'm mad because…

He and I are as close as brothers,
you know?

And you and I…

We're close, too, aren't we?

So, how can we keep secrets

from each other?

You and he

kept a secret from me.

Then,

you and I shouldn't have

any secrets between us…

Even the dog saw me.

But you didn't.

Chief.

How did it go?

Did it work out?

What do you think?

Let's go.

Hurry.

All these clothes

look so gaudy.

Didn't I tell you?

Wherever
the Count of Dongping's Mansion shops,

you follow suit.

Why are you still there?

- Yes.
- Yes.

Idiots.

- Your Highness.
- Your Highness.

Mother.

What's gotten you upset now?

The fabrics they bought

weren't to my liking.

I told them to go buy new ones,

and scolded them a little.

You've always hated Jiang Si.

And now you want to dress like her

to please a man?

How can my daughter

lower herself like this?

Yu Jin likes her type.

What can I do about it?

Even so, you shouldn't have encouraged

the Crown Prince
to visit Prince Qi's Mansion.

Although it was unfair to Lang,

Yu Jin benefited from it

and was granted a title.

Doesn't that make him
a perfect match for me?

He carries an ill-fated destiny.

Even as a prince with a title,

he won't amount to much.

If you must marry,

it should be the Crown Prince.

With me paving the way,

one day

you will be the Empress.

Who cares about that?

Even Empress Di and the Crown Princess

must bow to you.

You are

the most powerful woman in Zhou.

But I…

I only wish to marry the one I love.

You like him.
But are those feelings returned?

Do you think

just your own feelings

can win a man's heart?

Mother.

All these years,

the nobles and royals around me

only ever sought power and status.

They all vie for the favor
of our mansion.

But Yu Jin is different.

Ever since he saved me
from the Jinshui River,

I have set my heart on him.

I ask for nothing else

but this one thing.

Please help me, Mother.

Your affections never last.

How do you know

this isn't just a fleeting fancy?

Even if it is,

I will have him.

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Tonight is my wedding night.

You are the Princess Royal.

Just because your daughter

is in love with my husband,

you now want me to pen
a letter of separation

and jump off this cliff?

His life

will be at my mercy.

Jiang Si.

Even if I die,

it won't change your fate.

You will never be together.

Look, Miss Si.

An apology.

I have feelings for you.

My heart yearns

for Miss Jiang Si

from Count of Dongping's Mansion.

This time...

Can we have

a happy ending?

All right.

There are still many official documents

waiting for your review.

I'll just check her out for a moment.

Your Highness.

Your Highness.
The Prince Yan's Mansion has been built

according to His Majesty's decree.

Please come inspect it.

Very well.

[Prince Yan's Mansion]

Your Highness.

Does this mansion

meet your satisfaction?

It's good.

But it feels like something is missing.

If Your Highness wishes to add anything,

just give the order.

I will see to it immediately.

♪Through endless twists
in the mundane world♪

A pavilion there?

No.

Plant a begonia.

A thousand-year-old begonia.

♪I ask the Sun
if the light has taken root♪

♪As it prospers,
our love story writes itself♪

That is the west courtyard.

It is still under construction.

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

Chief!

Chief!

I'm here!

This mansion is enormous!

Take a look over here!

Your Highness, this way, please.

All right. Lead the way.

♪Where blooms have found their place♪

Prince Yan.

Your Highness.

Your Highness, Zhen Heng
of the Capital Administration Office,

greets you.

Mr. Zhen.

What brings you here?

I heard

that Your Highness was moving
into your new residence today.

I came to offer my congratulations.

Are you

out of your mind?

My mind is fine,

but I am rather anxious.

Your Highness has shown me
great kindness.

I will meet

your expectations.

I am willing to serve you

with unwavering loyalty.

Bring them in.

All of them.

Put them here.

Over there.

Prince Yan, please take a look.

This inkstone, green as jade,

is made
of the finest Tao River green stone.

Please look here.

This round musk ink,

glossy as lacquer,
its fragrance penetrates to the bone,

a true treasure among treasures.

Now, look at this.

This azure glazed ewer

and gold-inlaid lotus box

were carefully selected

for Your Highness.

What's gotten into Mr. Zhen?

He has lost his mind.

Oh, right.

I have one more gift.

A gold jewel-encrusted

little turtle.

These are

my humble offerings.

May Your Highness accept them.

I appreciate your devotion.

It would be a shame

not to accept such generous gifts.

It is my greatest honor.

All right.

Enough with the flattery.

I was once so imprudent

as to jest with you.

But now,

I wouldn't dare.

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Commandant Xie,
why have you come to Ling'an?

I resigned from my post in Lingshui.

I plan to settle in Ling'an.

Why?

Miss Jiang,

do you genuinely not know?

You are outstanding and heroic.

Whether in Lingshui or Ling'an,

noble ladies surround you.

You shouldn't waste your time on…

I let go once before.

I refuse to lose it again.

She is the only woman I wish to marry.

You know that.

I have already decided.

I will not marry again.

Since coming home,

I've found solace
in my family's presence.

Watching Yan grow day by day,

my life is simple and peaceful.

I don't have to please anyone.

I am content

with my life.

[Jiang]

I wish to continue like this.

I'm sorry, Commandant Xie.

I was too abrupt.

I only thought of expressing my feelings

without first asking

how you felt.

You are living well now.

I am happy for you.

I waited in Lingshui for seven years.

I don't mind waiting another seven.

If you change your mind,

I will always be here.

Princess Fuqing.

Your Highness, please keep this well.

It's you.

Yes.

I'm honored
that Your Highness remembered.

Your Highness!

Mr. Zhen?

Eunuch Liu.

Mr. Zhen?

Thank you.

You need not thank me, Your Highness.

Your Highness,

please stop playing
with that bamboo bird.

How would I explain it to His Majesty

if you accidentally hurt yourself?

I wanted to fly kites,

but unfortunately,
I couldn't see anything.

Your Highness.

I know of a kind of kite

that can speak.

Even if you can't see it,

you can still hear

where it flies.

A kite that can talk?

Does a kite like that really exist?

Yes.

Next time I enter the palace,

I will bring one for you.

Then I shall trouble you, Mr. Zhen.

Many thanks, Mr. Zhen.

It is my honor.

You're treating me to a meal
out of the blue.

Do you need something?

No.

I simply wanted

to treat you to a bowl of noodles.

Speaking of noodles,

I don't know why,

but it reminds me of my sister.

You may not know this,

but my sister actually has

quite a few flaws.

For example,

sometimes she takes things
too seriously.

That makes those

who don't take things seriously

feel ashamed.

Also,

she's incredibly stubborn.

When she sets her mind on something,

nothing can change it.

And

when she gets angry,

even I, her own brother,

am afraid of her.

Why are you telling me all this?

I want you to talk to His Highness…

Talk to Qi about this.

Try to persuade him.

There are plenty of fish in the sea.

I've heard of asking others
to speak well of them on their behalf.

This is my first time getting a request

to speak ill of someone.

He finally found someone

he loves.

I can't bring myself to say that.

I already can't win against him
in a fight.

Now, he's a prince with a title.

If he bullies my sister in the future,

who will be able to stand up for her?

Another bowl of noodles, please!

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Your Highness.

Greetings, Mr. Jiang.

Your Highness has come in person.

Please forgive me

for not welcoming you properly.

No need for formalities.

Mr. Jiang, I will go see Si first.

Your Highness.

Your Highness has spent
your youth far from home,

alone,

fighting on the frontier,

earning great military achievements.

Now in Ling'an City,

you lead
the Capital Administration Office,

solving countless cases
and upholding justice.

You possess exceptional talent,

a rare find indeed.

You are too kind.

However, Your Highness,

I cannot entrust Si

to you.

[The End of Episode 25]

♪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♪