01x31 - Episode 31

[bunniefuu]

I made the wine

-Watch it!
-I sell myself.

-Just look at this one...
-Which is most suitable as medicinal wine?

You should buy that at the pharmacy.

The lady who uses poison
was attacked in my residence.

-Inform all the secret guards.
-Yes.

Hurry.

How dare you show up?

DUKE SU'S MANSION

RETURN OF THE CLOUDS

Shijie,

how are you doing?

What exactly happened?

I don't know what happened either.

A lady named Jiuyue

and a guard of Duke Su
suddenly came to my residence,

claiming they'd treat
Magistrate Xue's illness.

Later on,
assassins appeared out of nowhere,

attempting to k*ll that lady.

Everything happened too suddenly.

How is Magistrate Xue?

We brought him here.

Duke Su said it isn't safe recently,

so he'll be staying here for now.

Are they hurt?

What about you?

Are you all right?

I'm fine,

but that lady named Jiuyue

seems to be injured severely.

I'll check on her first.

Duke Su,

are you hurt?

I'm fine.

-How is Jiuyue?
-How is Jiuyue?

She's out of danger

and is still unconscious.

She'll be fine
after resting for a few days.

Jiuyue is the princess of Great Zhao.

Great Zhao's delegation is arriving soon.

She is the key figure
in our alliance meeting with Zhao.

Everyone has set their sights on her.

That's why I need to make sure she's safe.

So,

someone doesn't want Great Zhao
to have an alliance meeting with us.

Yes.

When Jiuyue was treating Magistrate Xue,

others got the chance to take action.

Before she fully recovers,

I won't feel at ease.

When she gets better,

I'll visit her every day.

-Really?
-What?

You said

you'll visit my place every day.

Wait a minute.

What are these?

-Some clothes.
-Come here.

Next.

Go.

Go.

-Did you see anyone suspicious?
-No.

-We didn't.
-Are you sure?

Look up.

-Did you see anyone suspicious?
-No.

-What about you?
-No.

Did you see this person, around this tall?

-No.
-Think again.

-I really didn't.
-My lord,

we have people monitoring every spot.

We have yet to find Chu Lan.

Continue to patrol around.

The city is heavily guarded.

He won't be able to escape.

With the Eldest Princess still grounded,

it seems the only
hiding place left for him

is Li Residence.

He certainly won't be foolish enough
to hide him at home.

We only need to send a warning
to our opponent.

Yes.

Where is Du Shi?

Isn't he here yet?

Mr. Shen,

Mr. Du's grandmother
in Wuzhou has fallen ill.

He rushed back last night.

Before leaving, he wrote a letter about it

and asked me to give it to you.

Since the people I appointed are useless,

I'll take volunteers.

Who among you is willing
to join Ms. Jiang Li

in impressing His Majesty?

Go.

I don't want to do it.

You do it.

Before going home today,

if no one volunteers,

I'll nominate
based on talent and knowledge.

-Well...
-Well...

Based on talent and knowledge...

I don't think we'd be selected.

Why are you looking at me?

Whoever wants to go can go.

I'm not going anyway.

Mr. Du got so scared
that he escaped the capital.

Except for Mr. Zhao,

our talent and knowledge aren't up to par.

When it comes to talent and knowledge,

I'm not good enough either.

Who is Jiang Li?

An Annual Exam first placer.

A heroine who dares to lead people
to petition to His Majesty.

With her talent, knowledge, and courage,

only Mr. Shen is worthy of her

in the entire Hanlin Academy.

Yes.

Why won't Mr. Shen participate?

He knows we dare not
perform with Jiang Li.

Could it be...

-Could it be...
-Could it be...

Didn't you hear?

Jiang Li looks exactly like

Mr. Shen's late wife.

Is Mr. Shen afraid
of falling in love with Jiang Li?

Perhaps he has fallen for her already.

If he has nothing to hide,

why does he need to stay away from her?

That makes sense.

-Yes.
-That's right.

What are you talking about?

Well...

-The food is delicious. Eat up.
-Yes.

Hurry and eat.

-This is delicious.
-Have more.

-Try mine.
-Try this.

Delicious.

This is good.

-Delicious. So good.
-Try this.

How ridiculous.

These are my favorites.

You're bribing me?

You prepared all this.

What kind of hard and tiring work
do you want me to do?

It isn't hard or tiring.

It just requires some acting skills.

What kind of act?

To perform at the alliance meeting

and bring glory to the Jiang family,

I've put in a lot of effort.

Tomorrow is the time to wrap things up.

Wrap things up?

I'll tell Mr. Shen about quitting
and back out from reception duties.

You're performing

and quitting?

This is confusing.

This is called
retreating in order to advance.

If I back out,

Mr. Shen will ask someone
from the Jiang family about the situation.

He might even serve as a mediator.

That person from the Jiang family is me?

And then?

Use your eloquence

to make him come
to the Jiang Residence to see me.

-That's it?
-Yes.

So, actually,

you're asking me to act as myself?

Don't think that Mr. Shen

will come to Jiang Residence
just because you want him to.

Jiang Li.

I have to admire your insight.

If you ask Liu Xu or Ye Shijie for help,

they will surely fail to do it.

But you came to me.

It's as if the heavens

opened a new path for you.

It seems like the heavens
is kind to you as well.

How dare you say that
and not get struck by lightning?

But I've thought it over.

Why would someone like Duke Su

love watching you put on an act?

Your idea is to head east,

but you tell everyone you're heading west.

Even though your stories
are poorly written,

they somehow make people
want to keep reading.

I want to know what your idea
of heading east is.

Is this what they call

suspense?

You see through it but remain silent.

You'll get more delicious food
in the future.

All right.

HANLIN ACADEMY

He really came.

-Mr. Shen.
-Mr. Shen.

Mr. Shen,

what brings you here?

I came to see
how the preparations are going.

It is a crucial time now.

Everyone needs to stay on high alert.

Don't slack off.

If there is any difficulty,

please let me know in advance.

-Yes.
-Yes.

Is anyone absent today?

Shijie isn't here.

He went to the palace
on official business.

Shijie told me.

Everyone has been arriving early
and leaving late recently

without taking any leave.

Such dedication and effort

deserve praise.

-Thank you, Mr. Shen.
-Thank you, Mr. Shen.

You may get back to work.

Hey, what should I do?

-Goodness.
-I...

Jingrui.

You are close to Liu Xu and Jiang Li.

Do you know about her quitting?

Yes.

What happened?

Should we talk in private?

It's because of the collaborative
performance with Hanlin scholars.

No one wanted to perform with her,

so she fell ill.

That's open for discussion.

She fell ill because of this?

Do you know what people
are saying about Jiang Li?

They say

she looks just like your late wife,

so she's trying hard to get close to you.

So to avoid arousing suspicion,

you're avoiding her.

Who said that?

That's nonsense!

Mr. Shen, your reputation
is well-established, so you're not afraid.

But for a young lady

who is not yet married,

such rumors can be as sharp as a knife.

If I were Jiang Li, I'd rather just die.

As her family and friend,

you should advise her

to not pay attention
to this filthy gossip.

You've overestimated me.

I wouldn't know how to advise a lady.

I'm at a loss too.

Otherwise, I wouldn't be anxious here.

If the delegation's reception is delayed,

the blame will fall on the Jiang family.

What should we do then?

Uncle Yuanbai is still traveling.

Aunt Ji isn't in her right mind,

and Grandmother is elderly.

No one in our family can persuade her.

However,

I often hear Jiang Li
speak highly of you, Mr. Shen.

Perhaps you could help
talk some sense into her?

Yes.

Mr. Shen,

whoever started the trouble should end it.

Ms. Jiang Li is in a bad mood.

She doesn't want to see anyone.

I know she's annoyed at me.

I won't go in. I won't.

Baixue,

please bring Mr. Shen in.

This...

might be inappropriate.

Mr. Shen,

saving a life

is of boundless beneficence.

As her cousin,

I really...

need you to help her.

FANGFEI COURTYARD

Mr. Shen.

Have a seat.

I've heard from your cousin
about the rumors.

I will investigate
and find out who started them.

It's just that the Zhao delegation
is about to arrive

and the alliance meeting with Great Zhao
is very important to His Majesty.

I hope you won't let rumors affect you.

Or it could bring trouble to your family

if His Majesty pursues it.

Mr. Shen,

enough of such high-sounding rhetoric.

Do you truly not know
where the rumors originated from?

After you ignored my letter,

you first sent me
to the Music Affairs Division,

then you declined me before His Majesty.

Even if I have the opportunity
to perform with Hanlin scholars,

you kept asking them to brush me off,
humiliating me.

If I don't resemble your late wife,

would you still treat me this way?

Ms. Jiang Li,

this has nothing to do with your looks.

If that's the case,

why don't we

perform together?

What did you say?

The best way to dispel rumors

is to confront them directly.

If, as you say,

it has nothing to do with my appearance,

then our performance together
would be the best proof.

It'll prove that you can distinguish
between me and your late wife,

that you aren't deliberately avoiding me,

and that we have a clear conscience.

Mr. Shen, you're indeed scared.

I'm very curious

whether you love or hate your late wife.

You must hate her.

Because I resemble her,

you've projected your hatred

toward your late wife onto me,

targeting me and avoiding me
in any possible way.

You two weren't the loving couple

like people say.

You hate her.

Stop it!

I'm sorry,

Mr. Shen.

I must have been deeply hurt by the rumors

to ask such questions.

I have crossed the line.

I'm going back inside.

I love her.

Mr. Shen, what did you say?

I love her.

I'm sure your late wife

would be very happy to hear that.

From now on,
come to the Hanlin Academy daily at 3 p.m.

I'll perform with you.

Have you hidden Chu Lan well?

Father, don't worry.

I've arranged for him to stay
at the Palace Security Office.

The security is tight there,

so even Xiao Heng's people can't get in.

It took me considerable effort
to win over Yuan Jiang,

the Commissioner
of the Palace Security Office.

Don't mess things up for me.

Don't worry, Father.

Yuan Jiang only
pledged allegiance recently.

This is precisely the opportunity
for me to test their loyalty to you.

Jin'er,

be extra careful too.

Yes.

Are you all right?

When you look at him,
I can see affection in your eyes.

He isn't the person I love.

I don't do romance.

It's up to you to save me or not.

You're both liars.

We're both liars?

What does that mean?

Ignore her.

What are you holding?

This is the chrysanthemum tea
I dried myself.

It dispels heat.

Wen Ji.

Brew some and give it to Jiuyue.

This isn't about pacifying her.

It's a jealousy issue.

Go find Lu Ji.

Twenty canes, right?

Even 200 canes
won't alleviate this jealousy!

Have those who attempted
to assassinate Jiuyue been caught?

We're on it.

What about you?

Is everything going as planned?

It's almost time for harvest.

I heard you're playing
the guqin for Shen Yurong.

Duke Su, I thought
you didn't like to probe.

Why do you monitor my every step?

I don't even need to probe.

Once I hear about it,

it feels unsettling.

Then next time,
I'll bring some mandarin peels.

What does that mean?

To alleviate jealousy.

You're actually planning

to perform together with Jiang Li?

What are you thinking?
Do you have a death wish?

What if Her Highness finds out?

Do you want our entire family to die?

Keeping the most dangerous person close
is the safest.

Son,

are you still in love with Xue Fangfei?

Don't forget

that Jiang Li and Xue Fangfei are enemies

of Her Highness.

If you don't distance yourself

and actively get involved,

what would Her Highness think?

Mother, don't worry.

I know what I'm doing.

Your Highness.

They're really rehearsing together?

These few days,

they've been rehearsing together
at Hanlin Academy.

Do you want Mr. Shen to come over?

No need.

It's useless to say certain things.

He needs to see it with his own eyes

to understand what he should not do.

Who is he?

A servant of the Jiang family.

Luckily, he was around.

I thought you'd be curious

about who wanted to k*ll me first.

The authorities will investigate clearly.

He didn't stab hard
and the injury isn't severe.

Come with me.

A thief got into the Hanlin Academy.

I'll have someone escort you home.

That person's Qinggong is great.

I chased him for several streets,

but still lost him.

Do you think Shen Yurong sent

the assassin today?

It seems like the assassin

stabbed Shen Yurong viciously.

Had he not restrained his force in time,

it might have pierced his chest

and k*lled him.

So it was

Wanning's men.

What a pity.

He would've been
a great witness and evidence.

So this was your plan all along.

Did you...

fly here?

Obviously.

Initially, you said
you're approaching Shen Yurong

just to get evidence against him.

It seems like

that's not all you want.

You even want to use this
to provoke Wanning.

The evidence
against Shen Yurong is Wanning.

I told you not to get yourself
involved in the scheme.

Did you not remember a single word?

Zhao Ke is secretly protecting me.

And I

trust the man you sent

will protect me.

Don't flatter me.

If Zhao Ke couldn't stop
the assassin today

and if you...

What would you do?

While getting involved directly
may not be the best strategy,

given the current circumstances,

I have no choice but to do it this way.

I just didn't expect Wanning

to directly send someone to k*ll me.

She ended up taking this step
because of this man.

Don't change the subject.

I don't care about Wanning.

I know.

You care about me.

Rest assured,

getting involved directly

will bring success this time.

I promise I won't do it again.

You're eloquent.

Then decline the performance
with Shen Yurong tomorrow.

-Shen Yurong took a stab for me today.
-Was that an act?

-It was true.
-So?

So I'm thinking
maybe I can take a different approach.

Is this approach still going
to get yourself involved?

Not this time.

Duke Su,

please trust me

like how I trust you.

GAZEBO

Yurong,

you've become impressive.

Not only did you take a stab for her,

but after recognizing my man,

you also dared to protect her.

If Your Highness kills someone
at Hanlin Academy's gate,

I, the one in charge
of the book compilation,

will be taken away
for questioning tomorrow.

I guess

it's my fault then.

I just want to remind Your Highness

that if you want to k*ll her again,

don't involve me.

Why are you playing dumb?

Xiao Heng is by her side.

As I missed this chance to k*ll her,
I won't get another one.

Actually,

you were the one who made me angry.

Why didn't you inform me

before performing a song with her?

No one in Hanlin Academy
wants to perform with her.

This is a task entrusted to me
by His Majesty.

If I don't handle it well,

I will definitely be punished.

With me around,

who would dare to punish you?

This matter concerns state affairs.

I don't want to be someone
who relies on Your Highness.

If I were that way,
you wouldn't like me too.

Besides,

I have moved on

and have a clear conscience.

That's why I dare
to perform with Jiang Li.

Avoidance is a sign
of a guilty conscience.

You really have a way with words,

but you'd better speak the truth,

or you know my personality.

I dare not lie to you, Your Highness.

In that case,

focus on your state affairs

and let me see
your so-called clear conscience.

When I'm not grounded anymore,

I will go meet her properly.

A few days ago, thieves broke
into the Hanlin Academy.

We've already found out
that they're bandits on the run.

Everyone should be cautious.

Tomorrow is the day the Zhao delegation
enters the capital.

It's a critical time,
so everyone must not slack off.

Give your full effort.

After everything goes smoothly,

not only will everyone
receive rewards from His Majesty,

but I'll also host a banquet
at home to reward everyone

and thank you for your hard work.

-Thank you, Mr. Shen.
-Thank you, Mr. Shen.

Prepare accordingly.

-We're going to be busy these days.
-Yes, let's go.

I'll go with you.

Jiang Li, when everything's done,

let's drink.

Yes, we haven't gathered in ages.

Sure.

We'll go ahead.

-There are still many things to do.
-Go.

-Let's go.
-All right.

Jiang Li.

Jiang Li.

Let me tell you,

these days have passed so quickly.

I haven't had enough yet.

What's the matter? Have you become
addicted to receiving gifts?

She loves the things that you gave her.

Lately, she has been smiling
at me a lot more.

But honestly,

as long as I receive
the gifts accordingly,

I can continue to help you.

All right.

Jiang Li.

I'll go ahead then.

All right.

Shijie.

I heard that since no one

at the Hanlin Academy
wants to perform with you,

you have to perform with Mr. Shen.

But there seems to be no conflict

between you and Zhao Qi.

Mr. Shen's talent is unmatched
at the Hanlin Academy.

Performing with him is naturally the best.

I'm going to rehearse now.

Your Majesty, the Ministry of Rites

has already prepared everything to welcome

the Zhao delegation.

Today, the Court
of State Ceremonial's Minister

will personally welcome
the delegation into the city

and bring them to the official guesthouse.

After resting and settling in, they will
enter the palace for the banquet.

Thank you, Minister Shen.

Have you captured Chu Lan?

He should be
at the Palace Security Office.

Palace Security Office?

Have they also sided with Li Zhongnan?

How is Great Zhao's princess?

She is recuperating in my residence.

We'll suffer a drawback if this goes on.

That's what I'm worried about too.

We're having the alliance meeting soon

and Jiuyue is severely injured.

With the assassin still at large,

Great Zhao is bound
to doubt our sincerity.

If Prince Cheng rises in rebellion
someday, it will be another variable.

Let's use this chance to get rid
of the Palace Security Office then.

How can I allow my city gates
to be controlled by Prince Cheng?

My secret guards alone

can't get rid
of the Palace Security Office.

What do you want to do?

I want the Longwu Army.

The Longwu Army?

After training them secretly for so long,

do you want to expose them now?

Since they have already set up the stage,

why don't we put on a good show

as a deliberate act to warn them?

Remember,

city defense is crucial
for the stability of the capital.

Please always remember your mission.
Do you understand?

I'll complete the mission successfully.

Very good.

Chancellor Li.

How did you find the time to come
to the Palace Security Office, Duke Su?

I received intelligence

that an assassin
from the north is hiding here.

Duke Su, do you have any evidence?

Chancellor Li, my specialty
lies in intelligence gathering.

The evidence is
in the Palace Security Office.

We'll know after I investigate.

Guards!

Duke Su, the Palace Security Office
is not a place to be messed with.

Your display of power

might not work effectively here.

By order of His Majesty,
the Longwu Army is conducting a search

of the Palace Security Office.
General Yuan, please open the gates.

If it is an imperial order,
where is the decree?

General Yuan, you seem to be confused.

The Longwu Army has the privilege
to act first and report later.

Xiao Heng,
the Palace Security Office's guards

protect the capital's gates.
It's different from anywhere else.

Please bring the decree with you, Duke Su.

Search the place.

k*ll anyone who dares to stop you.

-Search the place!
-Yes!

Chancellor Li, you should stay away.
Weapons are dangerous.

They might accidentally

k*ll you first and report later.

Duke Su, have you considered
the consequences?

When the flood irrigates the fields,

don't let the mice escape.

-Yes.
-Yes.

How dare you come here?

This time, you can't escape.
I brought my sidekick along.

He's a ruthless, not talkative,

and specializes in dealing
with defeated enemies.

Get them!

Prince Cheng's subordinate got away again.

The relationship
between Prince Cheng and Chu Lan

is akin to yours and mine.

It won't be easy to catch him.

We can take this opportunity

to replace everyone
in the Palace Security Office.

I didn't hold back yesterday.

Quite a number of people
must recuperate at home.

Because of this incident,
many people want to impeach you.

Yuan Jiang harbored a fugitive

and even allowed his subordinates
to release Chu Lan.

This crime alone
is enough to silence people.

He's quite clever. He found
a subordinate to take the blame

and resigned from his post.

Do you want me to interrogate him?

With foreign envoys in the capital,

it's not the time
to handle internal cases.

Reclaiming control
of the Palace Security Office

has already neutralized
one of Prince Cheng's moves.

We'll settle the scores with Yuan Jiang
and Li Zhongnan in due time.

GOVERN PEOPLE, SERVE THE HEAVENS

Father.

Who leaked the news that Chu Lan
is in the Palace Security Office?

I have no idea.

The Palace Security Office
is heavily guarded.

Besides them,

only the three of us knew about this.

-Could Chu Lan have leaked it himself?
-Father.

If it wasn't him,
then it must be one of us.

It's either me or you!

Father.

It's Xiao Heng.

I find it hard to swallow the fact

that Xiao Heng repeatedly sabotaged
our major plans.

Those in the Palace Security Office
are not to be trifled with.

How many secret guards
can Xiao Heng possibly have?

They wouldn't be Yuan Jiang's match,

which was why I used Chu Lan as bait

to lure him over.

It also gave me a chance to test
the Palace Security Office's loyalty.

But I never expected

that Xiao Heng
would bring the Longwu Army.

Father, it's my negligence

and my mistake.

-Please punish me.
-Fool!

-Father.
-What a fool who dared to act on your own.

You ruined the pawns
I painstakingly laid out

before they could even be put into use!

Now that the Palace Security Office
is out of our control,

how can we turn the tide?

Father, give me another chance.

I won't fail this time.

You incompetent fool.

You won't get another chance.

Father!

Father!

LIANGDU GUESTHOUSE

-Welcome, Emperor of Great Zhao!
-Welcome, Emperor of Great Zhao!

GREAT ZHAO EMPEROR

Welcome to our nation,
Emperor of Great Zhao.

Our emperor ordered Duke Su

to lead our officials and scholars
to greet you.

I am Xiao Heng, Duke Su of Great Yan.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

Please rest in this guesthouse today

and enter the palace tomorrow.

The gracious hospitality
of Great Yan's Emperor

is deeply appreciated.

Duke Su, is my sister inside?

Jiuyue!

Brother!

I'm here.

I heard you got injured.
Are you all right?

Did they catch the culprit?

Who did this?

Thanks to Duke Su's help,

I'm fine.

Duke Su is still investigating the matter.

Don't blame him.

Since you trust Duke Su this much,

I won't pursue the matter.

However, please give me an explanation

in the future, Duke Su.

Of course.

This way, please, Your Majesty.

LIANGDU GUESTHOUSE

HENING GATE

HEAVEN'S AUSPICIOUS RESPONSE
TO MONARCH'S HIGH VIRTUE

Your Majesty.

Thank you, Great Yan,

for the meticulously
prepared collection of classics

and this splendid banquet.

It allowed us to experience
Great Yan's inclusive spirit.

I am especially grateful to Your Majesty

for helping me find my long-lost sister.

May Great Zhao and Great Yan
establish everlasting friendship

and form an enduring alliance.

Your reunion with the princess

is a fortunate event for us.

Suddenly hearing that immortals
had arrived in Penglai,

I suspect it might be an old friend
descending from the heavens.

At sunrise, memories of youth come
flooding back while riding a boat.

At night, longing ages the soul.

The emperor's Imperial Court
welcomes guests.

Countless spring flowers
laugh with the wind.

Talking about good wine,
we get drunk again.

Stars scattered across the sky,
tears flowing like tides.

Who says the mortal world
is full of loneliness?

Bottoms up,

the mountains and rivers
stretch endlessly.

HEAVEN'S AUSPICIOUS RESPONSE
TO MONARCH'S HIGH VIRTUE

Today, I will escort
the Emperor of Great Zhao and Jiuyue

to the border.

When will you be back?

I'm not sure.

What do you think of the music
I played yesterday?

It was extremely unpleasant.

I also feel it was
the most unpleasant performance

I've ever delivered in my life.

Next time, I'll play a different piece
for you, all right?

I'll remember that.

Don't go back on your word.

I won't.

Duke Su, you should leave and return soon

so I can repay my debt earlier.

Before leaving,
I have a piece of advice for you.

What is it?

Be it the previous life or the current,
just live to the fullest.

Never compromise yourself

to become someone else
just to please others,

including me.

RETURN OF THE CLOUDS