01x01 - Episode 1

[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 1]

[Zhengyang Gate]
In the 10th year of the Qingyan era,

the Princess Royal's influence
over the Imperial Court was absolute.

Her tyranny sparked turmoil.

[Tiande Hall]
Nanwu's army invaded Zhou.

The realm was thrown into utter chaos.

I was born and raised

in Zhou.

Why must you and your daughter

hunt me down and spare no mercy?

Why must you leave me
with nothing but misery?

I never thought

my end would come at your hand.

[Yu]

If I could start over,

would the outcome be any different?

[Jiang Si, daughter
of the Count of Dongping,]

[the fourth girl
among her siblings and cousins]

[Ling'an]

You're awake.

Have some water

and food.

[Yu Qi, Chief of the Red Plume Cavalry]

Are you feeling better?

Why did you try to m*rder me?

m*rder you?

Maybe I shouldn't have saved you.

Miss, why did you hit him?

[Long Dan, Yu Qi's servant]
You fell into

the Jinshui River last night.

The Chief saved your life.

He didn't k*ll you.

Jinshui River?

Chief.

I think the fall

must have

damaged her mind.

Let's not argue with her.

Why did I fall into the river?

Could it be...?

What time is it?

Past the Shen hour.

You've been asleep

for almost a day.

What year is it?

Wait, you hit him.

Can't you at least apologize?

What year is it now?

The 23rd of the Jingming era.

The 23rd of the Jingming era?

What happened?

I'm ten years in the past.

I fell...

Ji Chongyi...

[Jinshui River]

Hello.

Mr. Ji!

Miss Si?

Go now.

Miss Si.

Mr. Ji.

We are engaged.

How could you cheat on me?

You're mistaken.

Please hear me out.

Please.

Miss Si.

Stop defending her!

Jiang Si, hear me out!

Jiang Si!

Jiang Si!

That night,

Ji Chongyi pushed me into the river.

If that is the case,

my family

should still be alive.

Miss.

Are you feeling unwell?

How about we get you a physician?

Never mind.

I'm still a bit dazed.

Thank you for saving me.

I'm going to head home

and check in with my family.

Goodbye.

I can walk you there.

It's alright.

My family is strict.

I'll go alone.

You fell into the river.

Don't catch a cold.

My name is Yu Qi.

How do I address you?

Thank you, Mr. Yu.

Chief.

Why did you bring her back?

So she'd recognize me.

She fell into the water!

The Flame Emblem of Nanwu
is on her neck.

I suspect

she is a spy from Nanwu.

Why did you let her go?

So she could lead me

to the bigger prize.

Freshly made milk cake!

Have a look!

Si, this is delicious!

Let's get some for a night snack!

Everyone,

have a look.

Great price and great taste!

Come on!

Miss, freshly made milk cake.

Care for a piece?

Si.

Help me.

Zhan.

Go!

Hurry!

Si!

Stop staring!

Go home!

Go!

Keep walking.

Hurry!

Father.

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

[Mourning]

Did Father and Zhan

not survive their tragic fate?

We just retrieved the body.

He did drown, didn't he?

See the injuries on his face?

Yes.

A son of a rich family.

He wears premium clothes.

Mr. Zhan

Zhan!

Zhan!

Jiang Ancheng, Observatory Director
of the Directorate of Astronomy,

has been found guilty

of falsifying the astronomical forecast.

Execution
will be carried out immediately!

Si!

Go home!

I'm back.

Are you still alive?

Miss Si.

Welcome back!

Miss Si?

Miss Si?

Quick!

Miss Si is back! Quick!

Miss Si? You're safe!

That's great!

Miss Si, didn't you...?

Miss Si.

Welcome back.

Madam... Madam Xiao asked us

to prepare this.

Understood.

Get back to work.

[Memorial Tablet of Jiang Si
from Count of Dongping's Mansion]

[Memorial Tablet of Jiang Si
from Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Thankfully,

they only prepared mine.

You are worthless!

We've paid extra silver

so the carpenter works faster

to deliver the coffin!

Look at the time!

Where is the coffin?

Madam, I was told that Mr. Ji

pushed Miss Si into the water.

What?

She was

truly unfortunate.

Miss Si.

The heir apparent of Duke of Anguo

pushed his own fiancee

into the water.

This is ridiculous, even for a rumor.

Bring some food

to the servants sent by the main branch

to search for her remains by the river.

Then, relay a message.

Take a break if they need to.

Her body will show up sooner or later.

Any updates from the troupe?

Aunt Xiao?

[Nanny Li,
the steward of the second branch]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]
It's Miss Si!

[Xiao Shi, Madam Xiao]

[Wife of Jiang Ancheng's younger brother]
Madam!

Oh My!

What...

What...

Miss Si, you're alive.

Yes, I am.

Sorry to disappoint you.

Si, I'm glad you made it back.

We thought the worst

had happened to you.

Your father is leading his men

on a search for you by the river.

Enough

about that.

I couldn't sleep last night.

I bet you were so thrilled

that you had trouble sleeping.

Oh heavens!

How could you think

so badly of me?

When chaos reigns,

I will be their anchor.

Your father is no good
now that he is a drunkard.

And your brother

is doing nothing with his life.

Your mother died

as soon as you were born.

This is a matter of life and death.

It's up to me

to take care of everything.

A free-loader who contributes nothing.

A jinx who brought death

to her own mother.

Children raised without a mother

should learn some manners

because you have none!

Madam!

It's alright.

We didn't lose any money.

There was an error in the ledger.

It's still necessary to beat

some sense into them.

They disrespected me.

Let them kneel there.

They mustn't get up.

Aunt Xiao.

There was a bug on your face!

Did it sting you?

I...

Maybe try your other hand next time.

How dare...

The couplets,

the list of songs,

and the coffin

were all tailored to your taste, no?

You know I bring misfortune.

It's wise to stay away from me.

You wouldn't want to be struck

with any misfortune.

However, if that day ever comes,

I'll put all of your favorite items

to good use.

I won't miss anything.

Madam!

Miss Si!

Aman.

[Aman, Jiang Si's maid]
I'm back.

I've made it back.

Let's go find my father.

That's Jiang Si!

Stop staring!

Remove everything!

Take them down!

His Lordship and Mr. Zhan

have been waiting

by the Jinshui River.

You were collecting jars and bottles.

What are those for?

His Lordship led the servants

on a search for you.

He hired everyone in Ling'an

who could swim.

He said he'd give everything he had

to find you.

But Madam Xiao

controls the money.

She wouldn't spare anything.

Mr. Zhan asked me to come back

and pawn some valuable items.

Every coin counts at this point.

Nothing over here!

Anything over there?

Let's look.

Anything on the east side of the bridge?

Nothing!

Search the water!

My Lord, my men and I
have been searching

for a day.

There has been no sign of your daughter.

Should we continue?

Absolutely.

[Jiang Ancheng, Count of Dongping]
I'll keep searching

[Jiang Zhan, Jiang Si's elder brother]
even if it takes a lifetime!

You only gave us

Ten guan of money.

It's not enough.

Father.

This is the last stuff

my mother left for you!

This is

the only valuable thing I have left.

I can help you with the money.

Sir,

I have collections of paintings
and calligraphy at home.

They are worth a considerable sum.

When the job is done,

you may come with me to my house

and collect them.

Please don't give up now.

Please.

I beg of you!

Okay, I'll consider this
an act of kindness

and help you.

Much appreciated.

I'm very grateful.

Thanks, gentlemen.

Father!

Zhan!

Father!

Father.

I think I heard Si

calling my name.

Wouldn't that be great?

I did it too.

My mind is fuzzy.

I heard Si calling for me.

Zhan!

Zhan!

Father!

I think I saw her.

I see her

come and go before my eyes.

Zhan! I'm over here!

Si!

When your mother passed away,

I saw her a lot too.

Si!

Zhan!

Si!

I failed to keep her safe.

Father, it's her! Si is here!

[Ji, Jiang Zhan's servant]
My Lord, it's really her!

Father!

Si!

Is that really you?

Father!

Si!

Father!

Si!

My dear daughter!

Si!

Father, I'm alright.

I'm so glad you're safe.

Si, you didn't fall into the river?

Were you hurt?

I'm alright, Father.

I thought we'd never see you again.

Zhan, promise me

you will never

come near the Jinshui River again.

I won't.

Wait.

Don't go near any river.

I won't.

Father, promise me

you'll never

work for the Directorate of Astronomy.

Please.

You have my word.

You must never go back there.

I promise you.

From now on,

I'll stay home and spend my time

with my precious daughter.

Chief, we checked Jiang Si's background.

She is the fourth daughter

of Count of Dongping.

Her father is Jiang Ancheng.

Her mother's father
was Lingshui's richest man.

Jiang Si's mother died

after her birth.

The Count even made

a huge fuss over it.

He was stripped

of his position and title.

He's been listless ever since.

Therefore,

people are saying

Jiang Si is actually...

What is it?

Have some tea.

They say she is a jinx,

that she brought death to her mother

and caused the family's downfall.

Ridiculous.

People love to blame their misfortune

on the innocent.

What else?

The Count of Dongping's Mansion

is now controlled

by Madam Xiao of the second branch.

Seeing the family falling apart,

she made arrangements

for Jiang Si to be engaged.

It was the third son

of the Duke of Anguo, Ji Chongyi.

The wedding
is on the 8th day of next month.

What?

Annulling the engagement?

Ji Chongyi

was cheating on me.

He lied to me

and tried to drown me.

How could I ever

marry such a villain?

Si is right.

It was merely a close call.

Mr. Chongyi had an affair.

Your father is upset,

but so am I.

But his father is the Duke of Anguo.

By marrying him,

Si becomes the principal wife.

Nothing can change my mind.

Si.

I understand

it is unfair to you.

But are you aware of

how much effort I've put into

making this marriage happen?

I went through a lot of trouble

to find you a powerful family.

All the maidens in Ling'an

are envious of you.

Why not give Jiang Pei

this great honor?

Indeed.

You and your brother just love
arguing with me.

You'd love

to paint a bad light on me.

They mean you no harm.

Ancheng.

Si has always

been nice and obedient.

How did she

lose her only redeeming quality

after falling into

the Jinshui River?

Xiao.

It's rude of you to say that.

I may sound rude,

but I spoke the truth.

Don't you want to marry her

into a prominent family?

Your wife

would want that for her daughter.

If she was watching from heaven,

she'd want her daughter to marry
the Duke of Anguo's son.

Yes or no? Be quick with it.

A firm no.

If your mother was alive,

she'd agree with me.

We want the children

to live a peaceful life.

Ancheng, I've been gracious to you.

Marrying or not is not up to you.

It's not up to me, either.

When Mother is back,

we'll let her decide!

This is outrageous.

♪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♪

[Haitang House]

♪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♪

My tragedy started

when I was engaged to Ji Chongyi.

This time,

I must not

let the past repeat itself.

No matter what the cost is,

I must annul the engagement.

Here.

These are your favorites.

Wait for me!

Quick, I bought them for you.

The roasted chicken of Guangju Parlor.

This is Si's favorite.

Is that so?

I bet it's your favorite.

We both love it!

Today, we gather

to celebrate, for fortune comes

to those who endure hardship.

Cheers.

Oh, right. Si.

Who saved you

after you fell into the water?

A passerby

saved me.

We should

show our gratitude someday.

Indeed.

Never mind, Father.

I didn't ask for his name.

I doubt we can find him again.

How could you forget to ask the name

of your life savior?

You are...

Father.

Si must have been traumatized.

Si.

Be honest with me.

Do you really want
to annul the engagement?

Father.

Ji Chongyi is already
in love with someone else,

and betrayed his promise to me.

Besides,

he has not the slightest respect

for this engagement.

We shouldn't embarrass ourselves.

Otherwise, our life would be

even more trying.

We'll call it off, then.

That cursed two-timer

is not worthy of you.

Si.

Whatever decision you make,

you'll have my support.

I will go to Duke of Anguo's Mansion

to return the gifts.

Nanny Li, give me a list.

Yes.

A pair of filigree gold hairpins
with dangling ornaments,



[Jiang Pei, Jiang Si's younger cousin,]
a phoenix-headed ewer

[fifth girl among siblings and cousins]
with a pearl-inlaid beast motif,

a floral-mouthed vase

with handles and lotus patterns,



and 200 liang of gold.

Mother.

These are fine trinkets.

If I could marry him instead,

these would all be yours.

That jinx from the main branch

gets nothing.

These are mine,

no matter who is married to him.

Pei,

do not act as though

you've never seen luxuries.

To marry a rich husband,

you must refine
every aspect of yourself.

It's no wonder Jiang Si

is the superior one.

Yes.

I'll keep your wisdom in mind.

However,

don't you think

ever since Si fell into the river,

she's been a different person?

She was never bold enough

to argue with you.

She is but a girl

and not a threat.

Forget about her.

Nanny Li.

I want you to keep these items

somewhere safe.

Let's see how she can annul
the engagement

without returning the gifts.

Father, Si.

I've made up my mind.

The triennial

field examination

is tomorrow.

The three divisions will be there.

If I win the sparring contest,

I should become the Commandant

of the Capital Administration Office.

Then,

you can come with me

and escape Aunt Xiao's tyranny.

Not bad, boy.

That's impressive.

But you mustn't go.

Why not?

You should know by now
you're not a fighter.

An actual sparring contest

is not a child's play.

I...

You might not come back alive

after the contest.

Si?

Father is right.

Zhan, you must never go there.

It sounds too dangerous.

But I...

That settles it.

Do not bring this up again.

Father, why aren't you eating

the chicken feet?

Don't give me that.

Did you even hear

what I told you?

The meat in the middle tastes the best.

Listen up.

If you go there,

I'll break your legs when you're home.

Every epicure loves chicken feet.

It tastes better the more you chew.

Why don't you eat them?

I have a drumstick.

And I only get the chicken feet?

Father, Zhan,

I'm so glad to see both of you

alive.

Thankfully,

it's not too late.

Father, Zhan,

this time, I'll make sure

both of you survive.

[Training field]

General Cui.

My Lord.

Take a seat.

Please.

[Cao Yong, Marquis of Changxing]

[Cui Xu, General of Defense]

Yu, come forth.

Meet General Cui.

[Cao Xingyu, heir apparent to Cao Yong]
I've heard of your heroic deeds.

When you work
for the Capital Administration Office,

you will need General Cui's guidance.

I appreciate it, General Cui.

This is the field examination.

There are no taboos and rules
in the sparring match.

When a person falls from the arena,

the match ends.

The last one standing

shall be named Commandant

of the Capital Administration Office.

Let the test begin!

Father, Si,

I'll prove my worth.

I can win this for sure.

Great!

Bravo!

You can fall now.

- Yeah!
- Yeah!

- Yeah!
- Yeah!

Chief, Zheng is here as expected.

I'll isolate him.

[Zheng Ming, Garrison Commander]

Excuse me.

Let me through.

Coming through, thank you.

Pardon me.

Let me through.

Excuse me.

Zhan!

Si?

Zhan!

Did you see that?

It was nothing.

Aji,

when did Zhan

learn to fight like that?

He paid these guys to put up an act.

Don't worry about it.

Next contestant!

Zhan! Go for it!

Excuse me for a moment.

Sure.

Captain Zheng.

Wait.

Your title nowadays

is Garrison Commander Zheng.

How have you been?

Mr. Yu, long time no see.

When did you come to Ling'an?

You could've told me

so I could welcome you.

Zheng Ming.

How does it feel
to have a meteoric rise

as you walk on the corpses

of your late comrades?

[Southern Frontier]

Come on!

Remember the battle at Longgu Pass?

Had you not leaked the intel

to Nanwu,

[Xue Qiang, Deputy of Red Plume Cavalry]
my deputy

wouldn't have died.

Is this supposed to be a joke?

I don't know what you're saying.

- Wonderful!
- Great!

Xingyu, why did you...

Recognize this?

The emblem

of the Nanwu Saintess!

What Nanwu Saintess?

The folks of Nanwu believe

her rise will help Nanwu prosper.

Zhou will fall.

In search of the Saintess,

they founded the Nightingale Sect.

But they've found nothing

over the years.

This is all that I know.

Please, have mercy on me.

Mercy?

When you got our brothers

slaughtered,

did you ever

show them any mercy?

Zhan!

Stop!

Zhan!

Stop!

No!

Zhan!

Who was that?

Yu Qi?

Why is he here?

You should've stuck your nose elsewhere.

You have a death wish, huh?

Who is this intruder?

Guards, seize him!

But he fell off the arena.

People win and lose all the time.

Your son has done his best.

It's alright.

Wait.

I hereby announce

that the winner
of this field examination

is that young man.

An excellent fighter

and a gentleman of virtues.

A man of his qualities

is needed.

May I know your name?

Are you willing

to be Commandant
of the Capital Administration Office

to protect the city of Ling'an?

My name is Yu Qi.

I came to save a life,
not to land a job.

However, I won't deny interrupting

the examination.

I disrupted the selection.

I am sorry for that.

I am willing to temporarily
hold that position

until you can appoint
someone more suitable.

Well said!

- Yes!
- Yes!

They don't know each other,

but why did Yu Qi save Zhan?

We met in Ling'an, and now he is

the new Commandant.

How will this

change the course of history?

My savior Yu Qi,

you have my salute.

Don't mention it.

Mind the injury.

Mr. Yu,

we're from Count of Dongping's Mansion.

I am Jiang Zhan.

This is my younger sister,

Jiang Si.

Greetings, Miss Jiang.

Where do you live now?

I shall drop by to express my gratitude.

I just arrived in Ling'an.
I've yet to find a place to stay.

You could

stay at our place.

Zhan.

Mr. Yu must have come here

on business.

It's rude to decide so rashly for him.

Pardon me.

It's alright, Miss Jiang.

I am new here.

I wonder where I can

procure a house.

You got the right man.

There is an empty house

next to our residence.

Ling'an has

plenty of vacant houses.

Mr. Yu,

you should check the western suburbs.

If it's too far,

try the southern

market district.

Much appreciated.

Those spots are too far away.

There is an empty house

next to ours.

The two of us

can meet up more often.

Mr. Yu,

where are you from?

From Yangui City in the South.

Yangui City is near the Southern Frontier.

It's right next to Nanwu.

Beautiful scenery.

Have you two been there before?

[Yangui City]

Yangui City is so beautiful.

I've never seen

such scenery

in my hometown.

There are many views

you haven't seen.

We can travel across the world

and see them all.

Had I not been exiled

to the Southern Frontier,

we wouldn't have met.

He once said

he'd never returned to Ling'an.

Did he lie to me?

My brother and I

have never even left Ling'an.

Just as Long Dan investigated.

But if she has never been

to the Southern Frontier,

how did she become the Nanwu Saintess?

The Southern Frontier is too far.

My sister would've cried and begged

to come home

when she was halfway there.

Zhan, you are injured.

We should head home

and get some rest.

I...

See you.

Farewell.

Yu, we shall meet again.

Let's hang out sometimes.

I think Yu and I

were bound to meet.

Did you see that?

He was interested in everything I said.

A soulmate like that is hard to come by.

Si, why do I feel like

you're frustrated to see him?

I was hoping to invite him

to our place.

Zhan, we should avoid

getting involved with him.

Why is that?

Si, had he not stepped in,

you and I would've

both died.

I know.

You've never met him in your life.

It's best to be cautious.

Start packing.

Going back to Yangui City?

We're staying.

Chief,

it's already risky to come back

without an order.

Besides, our brothers

from the Red Plume Cavalry

are waiting for us.

Perhaps we should

go back for now.

Chief!

We have a new lead.

We even saw the emblem of the Saintess.

We can't leave just yet.

[The End of Episode 1]

♪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♪