01x24 - Episode 24

[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 24]

Over here!

You won't be drenched here!

Here.

Come up here.

It rained all of a sudden.

I'm afraid the palace gate
will be closed soon.

Are you leaving the palace?

That's right.

[Princess Fuqing]
Is it fun out there?

Certainly.

It's much livelier than here,

especially the Lantern Festival
of the Western Marketplace.

With all sorts of lanterns,

it's such a sight!

Oh, there are also fireworks.

It's brilliant.

You should go and see it

when you get the chance.

Haven't you been there before?

The rain should stop soon.

I'll take you out of the palace.

But...

Is that all right?

Certainly.

Much appreciated, Miss.

Princess Fuqing?

Is she the princess who is rumored

to have an eye disease?

Your Highness!

Your Highness!

I've finally found you.

Are you hurt?

Greetings, sir.

Your Highness, I was so worried

when the downpour came.

You must never leave

without informing us again.

Your Highness.

I didn't recognize you just now.

It was rude of me.

I hope you can forgive me.

Don't worry about it.

No one has ever

told me what you said.

They are all afraid of upsetting me.

They never tell me
about the wonders and fun

they see out there.

Nanny Hua.

This gentleman is leaving the palace.

See him out for me, will you?

Yes.

Let's go back, Your Highness.

Goodbye, Your Highness.

My Lady!

My Lady, bad news!

Is it about Commandant Yu?

Not him.

It's the Duke Of Anguo's son!

He suddenly died while drinking

at a pleasure house.

A sudden death?

But what about Qiaoniang?

I thought you might ask.

So, I asked around.

Everyone
in the Duke of Anguo's household

is eagerly awaiting
the birth of her child.

As the only legitimate grandchild,

it's incredibly precious.

I hope Qiaoniang is safe.

Ji Chongyi is dead.

He died even sooner in my past life.

I thought that a change in fate

had saved his life.

But his death seems inevitable.

Perhaps such is his karma.

It smells great.

When will it be ready?

Soon enough.

Here, try it out.

Is it good?

Delicious!

I want more!

Chief.

The noodles are ready.

I'll pass.

What?

Waiting for Miss Jiang's fish soup?

You worry too much.

Put your effort into your work instead.

Fine.

I'll leave you two be.

I'll head out after I eat.

[Lushengxiang Store]

Stop sighing

before you scare away

all the customers.

Qi is the best.

He has great looks and personality.

He is perfect for your sister.

Lift your arm.

So what?

My sister

is too good for any man alive.

Be reasonable.

Only a selected few in Ling'an

can be considered more outstanding

than Qi.

Now, this arm.

That can't be right.

I think I'm as outstanding

as him.

I might

even be slightly better.

Hold on a minute.

What was that supposed to mean?

I think everyone has

their own taste.

Comparisons are unnecessary.

Ever since he became close to Si,

Si barely

had any time for me.

Things can't go on like this!

Look at you.

You're obviously jealous.

So what's next?

Are you going to sulk

when Miss Jiang gets married?

Yu Jin!

What are you doing here?

Why are you here?

I have something
to discuss with you, of course.

What is it?

Won't you let me in?

What if I make a scene

and let the whole world know?

I certainly don't mind.

The door is over there.

Yu Jin!

Yu Jin!

What? This is where you live?

It must be miserable.

When

will His Majesty reinstate your status?

I heard that you two

had already met

during the Mid-Autumn Hunt.

What are you getting at?

Yu Jin.

I want you to know

that I am your family.

Your dog is attacking me!

Yu Jin!

Cui Mingyue, just spill it

and leave.

Yu Jin,

if you insist on being so cold...

I will talk

to Jiang Si instead.

Your Highness,

did you forget my warning?

I always keep

your words in mind.

Even though you're so distant,

I can't bear to hold it against you.

But Jiang Si is a different story.

A mere daughter of a count

is no threat to a princess.

But if you...

But if you give me what I want,

I won't bother making trouble for her.

Can we sit down

and start talking?

I have nothing to say to you.

But heed my warning.

Stay away from Jiang Si.

The Seventh Prince speaks
with such authority.

I bet she doesn't know

your true identity.

You're a prince, after all.

A count's daughter like her

is not worthy of you.

Yu Jin, you deserve a wife

who matches your influence,

your status,

and your background.

Jiang Si

is indeed pretty.

She has her mother's allure as well.

It's hard not to fall for her.

But you know what?

Your relationship is transient.

Even without my meddling,

you're not meant to be.

Who's there?

I want you gone.

Let her in.

Warm, caring, and full of tenderness.

I suppose Su Ke used

the same trick to seduce
my father back then.

You got rejected

by Commandant Yu,

but why are you taking it out on me?

Since you spoke ill

of my mother and me,

perhaps you could try

seducing him too.

See if it works.

The method's nature doesn't matter

as long as it works.

Shameless woman.

You thought it was a compliment?

You came uninvited

to speak with Commandant Yu

and even forced him to chat with you.

That is an act of seduction.

However, it didn't work
on Commandant Yu.

I've never seen a girl

who refuses to leave

despite the rejection.

Impressive, Your Highness.

Very courageous.

An upright woman like me

can't even compare.

Your Highness, will you leave,

or must I make you?

Stop.

He is the Seventh Prince.

You should know your place.

You'll regret this.

You know it now.

I wanted to tell you.

I didn't mean to keep it from you.

Your Highness, please mind your conduct.

I was unaware of your identity.

My apologies.

Aman, let's go.

Yu Jin, you deserve a wife

who matches your influence,

your status,

and your background.

Come and eat.

Dig in.

Neither of you are eating.

Chief.

Who would split firewood

in the middle of the night?

Besides,

we are fighters,

not exactly woodcutters.

Come on, stop.

If it's necessary,

I'll apologize to Miss Jiang for you.

All right?

Whoah.

Take this.

For m*rder?

Tell her to come at me

instead of keeping all the frustration

to herself.

Relax, Chief.

Miss Jiang will feel

your sincerity once I apologize

to her.

I'll go now.

Go on.

This

is for my husband,

Yu Qi.

Why did you k*ll him too?

Do you truly think

he's simply the Yu Qi you know?

Yu Qi is the Seventh Prince

known to bear an ill fate.

He has never mentioned it.

The Princess Royal

must have felt threatened

after learning his real identity.

So, she took Yu Qi's command
over the army

and seized the Red Plume Cavalry

to tell the world he was dead.

But Cui Mingyue

fell in love with Yu Qi,

so his life was spared.

He was trapped in the palace.

My Lady, are you still upset?

Perhaps

I could use the secret passage

and talk to Commandant Yu.

No, the Seventh Prince.

I'll beat him up

for you.

Who says I'm upset about him?

I'm mad at myself.

I should have

known him better.

He's kept me in the dark for so long.

However,

you two haven't known each other

for that long.

From the annulled engagement,

to when he moved in,

and...

I think

it feels like two lifetimes.

♪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?♪

♪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?♪

♪I still can't let you go♪

♪No matter how far the journey takes me♪

♪If love is strong,
what is there to fear?♪

♪In this lifetime♪

[Prince Qi's Mansion]

As Your Highness expected,

the Crown Prince
and Her Highness are close.

Last night, I tailed him and found

that His Highness

and a high-ranking official

went to Her Highness' mansion together.

Who was it?

Pardon me,

I tried to take a closer look,

but I was spotted
by His Highness' guard.

I did my best to escape.

Their identity is unknown.

Go and get some rest.

Much obliged, sir.

Where's the mask?

Your Highness,

I probably dropped it during the fight.

My apologies. Please have mercy.

Fear not.

Your Highness, no one

could have seen my face.

Years of training

have gone to waste.

Your Highness.

A grand funeral for him

and 100 taels of silver for his family.

A hundred taels?

He's served me for years.

It's the right thing to do.

I wish

I could save the money

and spare his life.

Serving Your Highness

is a great honor.

What is this for?

I went to the palace

to greet Mother today.

I learned that the Seventh Prince
had returned

from the Southern Frontier.

He serves
at the Capital Administration Office.

[Princess Consort Qi]
I took it upon myself

to prepare a welcoming gift for him
on your behalf.

You are always

the thoughtful one.

I was wondering

how I should approach a brother

I haven't seen in years.

But from what I heard from Mother,

His Majesty hasn't reinstated

his status.

That baffles me

as well.

Jin was summoned back

but was asked

to work with an alias.

What for?

Jin has garnered some influence

in the military.

The Red Plume Cavalry

he personally led

is famous.

But before that,

my father almost forgot

about this son.

So, why now?

Perhaps there are issues

no one else could handle,

except him.

Zhen Heng
of the Capital Administration Office

may be strong-willed,

but still a scholar nonetheless.

His methods are not aggressive.

Father tried Cao Xingyu personally.

Now, I suppose

Jin was the one who made it happen.

I know nothing about court affairs.

However, Jin is still a brother

who shares a mother with you.

Blood is thicker than water.

If he is influential in the military

as you mentioned,

I'm sure it will be
beneficial to have him

on your side.

Well said.

Father must have summoned Jin
back to Ling'an

because he's put the past

behind him.

Jin might get a powerful position.

Getting on his good side now

is a sound plan.

In my opinion,

we should throw him

a welcoming banquet at home.

From what I know, He isn't married yet.

I can invite some noble ladies

I know well

to liven things up.

How does that sound, Your Highness?

Sounds great!

It'll be a chance for me

to examine his personality.

I want to see
if he is after power, money,

or women.

Erniu!

Erniu!

I'm counting on you.

Go!

Erniu?

Look, My Lady.

An apology.

[Qi]

Jin.

Jin.

We finally meet again,

my brother.

I prepared

a gift for you.

Thank you, Your Highness.

Don't be a stranger.

You can call me Zhang.

Zhang.

I didn't know you were back.

I can't believe

you live here.

It must have been tough.

Until you get your title back,

you can stay with me.

That won't be necessary.

I am used to

living by myself.

I shan't bother you

and your wife.

Don't be silly.

We are brothers.

However, I won't force you to move in

if you want to stay here.

You finally returned to Ling'an.

It's only right for us

to have a reunion.

My wife prepared a banquet for you

to welcome your return.

I...

You don't have to.

I like the quiet life here.

Yu Jin.

In Ling'an,

life gets difficult

without

proper socializing.

[Recipient: Yu Jin,
the Seventh Prince]

Thank you, Zhang.

I have work to tend to.

I must go now.

Very well. Go on ahead.

I'll wait for you at home.

Chief.

Are you going to the banquet?

Not a chance.

Your Highnesses,

the invitations for tomorrow's banquet

have been prepared

according to the list of names
we agreed on.

They've been delivered as well.

Add another one.

The Count of Dongping's Mansion.

Yes, sir.

The Count of Dongping's Mansion?

Jiang Si is indeed
one of the most famous beauties

in Ling'an City.

But she was once engaged to the son

of the Duke of Anguo.

Things got ugly

and her image was tarnished.

I'm concerned Jin might think

we took the matter too lightly.

That won't be a problem.

I'm more concerned

about the chances

of him not attending.

You are brothers of the same mother.

He wouldn't bring

such shame to you.

I hope you're right.

[Recipient, Jiang Si,
Daughter of the Count of Dongping]

Mother.

I don't want Si to go.

But this is

Prince Qi's banquet.

All the guests

are prominent figures

in Ling'an City.

If Si somehow

caught the eyes
of someone from a powerful family,

that's her fortune.

I don't want her

to get involved

with the rich and powerful.

She will likely suffer

if she marries one of them.

Ancheng, you worry too much.

In the past,

Si might indeed suffer

because of her personality.

But ever since she fell into the river,

she has become so headstrong.

I'd be glad

if she didn't make others suffer.

I wonder

if any of the rich and powerful

would want to marry her.

As if they are worthy

of my daughter!

Old Madam, Miss Si is here.

Grandmother.

Father.

Aunt Xiao.

Si,

did Afu catch you up to speed?

You got an invitation
from Prince Qi to attend

his banquet.

Proper preparations are due.

I have

a set of fine jadeite head ornaments.

Make sure you put it on.

I appreciate that.

But I have no intention

of attending it.

Is Prince Qi not worthy

of your attention?

I don't yearn for life

in a prominent family.

I only want a normal life.

Great! I expected nothing less
from my daughter!

Did you hear that?

See her temperament?

No son of a prestigious family

would dare mess with her.

That cursed Long Dan.

Why is he late?

Aman.

Aman.

Stop right there!

Miss Si doesn't want me to see you.

Aman.

Dear Aman.

Please tell me

how we can cheer

Miss Si up.

Chief is splitting firewood

out of frustration every day.

Now, there's enough firewood
to last until next year.

He won't eat

or sleep.

He's lost so much weight.

It pains me to see him like this.

Please.

He lied to Miss Si.

He deserves it!

You're an accomplice.
You deserve it too!

Chief only made

the same mistake

that all men make.

Why must Miss Jiang

be so unforgiving?

What?

Long Dan!

You know?

Miss Si got invited

to Prince Qi's banquet.

She will see

if every man in the world

is like Mr. Yu!

My Lady!

I won't stop you. Go ahead.

Fine, Long Dan!

So be it!

She can't go!

Aman, time to go.

They left.

I said, "Don't go!"

I thought it was "Go ahead."

[Princess Royal's Mansion]

Aunt.

What is it this time?

Aunt, did you know this?

Jin just came back
from the Southern Frontier

without telling anyone.

He is working with an alias

at the Capital Administration Office.

I was told even the Marquis of Changxing

was brought down by him.

Could it be

Father's order?

What is Father's stance

regarding Jin?

Is it going to affect my position

as the Crown Prince?

Calm down.

You are the Crown Prince.

You must stay composed.

Aunt, how can I not panic?

Father was never pleased with me.

I only

became the Crown Prince

because I was
the late Empress' only son.

Zhang and I have been

on equal footing for years.

Well...

Now, his brother, Jin,

made a sudden return.

He...

He is bound to be even more powerful.

Relax.

Yu Jin returned to Ling'an

without His Majesty's order.

His Majesty is just covering for him

due to fear of impeachment.

Really?

Why would I lie to you?

Sit.

Having said that,

he and Prince Qi have the same mother.

The Red Plume Cavalry respects him.

He is a threat.

You are right, Aunt.

I will be cautious.

Aunt, I wouldn't know what to do

without you.

How sweet of you to say so.

Mother?

It's rude to yell.

Mingyue is still innocent

like a child.

Lang, you're here too.

Mother.

Have you heard?

Prince Qi is throwing a banquet

to welcome the Seventh Prince's return.

What's the big deal?

I heard that Prince Qi invited

many noble ladies of Ling'an.

I suppose the banquet
is merely a facade.

He is actually matchmaking
for the Seventh Prince.

There are plenty of men
from the royal family.

You never seemed

so interested in any of them.

Lang.

Mother.

Perhaps you haven't heard.

When I fell

into the Jinshui River that day,

it was the Seventh Prince who saved me.

Your point being?

Therefore,

I want to...

You're in love with Yu Jin?

I can grant you anything else,

but you cannot be with Yu Jin.

Why not?

Just because you have a feud
with Imperial Concubine Xian,

and I'm not allowed

to marry the man I love?

He is a prince

destined for a life of misfortune.

He is not worthy

of your affection.

Mingyue, you're of age now.

It's time to talk about marriage.

I already have

a few candidates lined up for you.

I'll tell you about them.

I don't care.

I only want the Seventh Prince.

Aunt.

Mingyue is but a young girl.

It's normal for her to be lovestruck.

Besides,

Jin grew up

at the frontier.

He's not close with Prince Qi

and Imperial Concubine Xian.

If he marries Mingyue,

we can use him

to grow

our own influence.

How many times do I have to say it?

Mingyue must not get involved

with the power struggles!

Crown Prince,

did you forget?

You are right, Aunt.

I'll keep it in mind.

Guard!

Yes, ma'am.

Before Prince Qi's banquet ends,

watch the Princess closely.

She must not go outside.

Yes, ma'am.

Your Highness, please.

No fair!

Aunt, Mingyue is immature.

She didn't mean it.

Don't be upset.

I'll go talk to her.

Yu Jin,

the Seventh Prince...

Mingyue?

Mingyue?

What are you doing here?

You should stay in the room

for my mother's lecture.

Why are you out here?

I hate to see women cry.

Besides, you're my sister.

Mother was too mean.

Since I am grounded,

you can attend it for me.

Please.

Lang, please do me the favor.

Fine.

I will ruin

the banquet for you.

[Prince Qi's Mansion]

The world must have gone mad.

Even a nobody can enter

Prince Qi's Mansion.

I want to see it.

The invitation could be fake.

[Ji Fanghua, the third daughter]

[of the Duke of Anguo]
Nonsense!

It was Princess Consort Qi

who sent Miss Jiang the invitation.

What are you doing?

Even the servant is insolent.

Looks like your whole family

has no manners.

Today,

I shall teach her a proper lesson.

You just resent me

because I annulled my engagement

with your brother.

And you are taking it out on her.

What a joke.

It was my brother

who was unwilling to marry
a jinx like you.

Let's not dwell on the past.

[Kou Lingbo, the granddaughter
of Grand Preceptor Kou]

Let me have a look.

Princess Consort Qi is my cousin.

This is not her handwriting.

She does raise some suspicion.

I knew it.

Why would Prince Qi invite a girl

from a humble family?

I'm sorry,

but I never heard of any masters

who would write their own invitations

to the guests.

Indeed!

Even a humble family like ours

would ask the servant to write it.

You!

Lingbo can't be wrong.

Do you know Princess Consort Qi

better than her?

I don't.

But since Her Highness

invited me here,

she must have her reasons.

If you two insist on

stopping me from entering the mansion,

I need to give Her Highness
a clear explanation.

Otherwise, Her Highness might think

I am being rude.

Please relay a message for me.

Tell them

I was stopped by these two ladies,

so I can't attend the banquet today.

Yes.

Wait.

Go inside if you want.

I'm not afraid of you.

Lingbo is
from the Grand Preceptor Kou's Mansion.

Her uncle is the Left Chanceller.

You're from

a fifth-rank count's family.

You'll only

embarrass yourself sitting next to her.

Being born into nobility means nothing

if even a commoner

speaks more reasonably than you.

Aman, let's go.

Yes, Miss.

Everyone,

we are here to welcome
my brother,

Yu Jin's grand return.

Welcome home.

Let's raise a toast for him.

- Yes!
- Cheers.

The Crown Prince arrives.

- Greetings, Your Highness.
- Greetings, Your Highness.

Why

did you invite all your brothers

except me?

It's just a few of us

having a simple dinner.

Am I not

your brother?

Your Highness is a busy man.

I wouldn't dare trouble you.

Sit.

Take a seat.

Jin, you are here too.

Your Highness.

Prince Qi,

I must fault you for this.

Why didn't you inform me?

Well...

It was my oversight.

Please forgive me.

Jin,

we are meeting

for the first time,

but make yourself at home.

Yes, Your Highness.

I heard about your return.

I was going to take our brothers

to have a drink with you.

However,

you still haven't regained
your title and mansion.

We don't have a proper place

to drink.

We can have a drink anywhere.

It's all about the people,

not the place.

In that case,

since all that matters
is the people we are with,

it'd be wrong

for us to not make Jin

have a wonderful night.

Isn't that right?

- Yes.
- Lang is right.

Today, we shall drink

to our hearts' content with Jin.

I really appreciate the thought,

Your Highness.

But, I don't partake of alcohol.

I'll raise a toast to you
with tea instead.

That's my fault.

Come on, bring some tea over.

I was told

your Red Plume Cavalry
never lost a battle.

A fearsome warrior like you

can certainly handle a cup of liquor.

Your Highness.

The eight of us don't get to

gather around all the time.

Whether it's tea or liquor,

the bond we share with our brothers

will stay strong.

If it makes no difference,

why must he drink tea?

What if I insist

on seeing how much liquor

Jin can handle?

Jin,

go ahead.

You are persistent, Lang.

Then I shall gladly comply.

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 wonder what His Majesty will think

when he finds out about this.

Never mind.

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

Lang, to your health.

Yu Jin, was that a threat?

I wouldn't dare.

I'm merely doing what you demand.

I'm risking my life for you.

Don't take it seriously, Jin.

I was messing with you.

[The End of Episode 24]

♪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♪