01x06 - Episode 6

[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 6]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

I'll be gentle.

Bear with me, Qian.

Mother,

Father went to Madam Ruan's chamber.

Let him be.

That heartless man might as well

die in that wench's place.

He only cares about his career,

and not his family.

Mother,

did you know?

I envy the main branch now.

Jiang Si was shoved accidentally

into the river by Ji Chongyi.

She wasn't even hurt,

yet Uncle Ancheng defended her fiercely.

He annulled the wedding

and brought the case
to the Capital Administration Office.

If Jiang Si was the one injured now,

he would have confronted the Cao family

for an explanation.

If only Father loved me

half as much as Uncle Ancheng
does his daughter,

perhaps Cao Xingyu

wouldn't dare to hit me at all.

Qian.

It's all my fault.

I made this marital arrangement.

It's my fault.

Mother!

Why are you doing this?

It seems like marrying into the nobility

doesn't bring a happy ending either.

You finally get it, Pei.

Since I was young, I have always envied

Qian.

Who would have thought

that she's had

such a miserable life?

You know what?

I should stop

dreaming of marrying into nobility

and find a scholar,

a frail one

who can do nothing

but write.

That way,

he won't hit me.

Exactly!

Mother.

You were just trying to secure

a bright future for me.

You're the only one here
who cares for me.

Grandmother and Father

will never protect me

as fervently as you do now.

My poor child.

I carried you

for ten months.

It hurts more

to see him hit you

than to be hit myself.

Mother!

It's not your fault.

It's mine.

I'm to blame.

Madam.

I beg of you.

Please don't send Miss Qian back

or she might truly be k*lled.

Qian.

Worry not.

I will protect you

at all costs.

I won't let you

suffer the same anymore.

Mother!

Who's there?

I have a solution.

Ridiculous!

And I thought

you had a great idea.

You're trying to do Qian in.

Didn't Qian say

that she

would do anything to free herself

from that scum's t*rture?

If we take it
to the Capital Administration Office,

she

might be able to leave him.

Let's say you're right.

Qian went
to the Capital Administration Office

and brought a case against Cao Xingyu.

What about the Marquis of Changxing?

Will he spare her?

But there's no

other option now.

If she goes back, she'll live in fear

and pain.

And one day, she might lose her life.

When that happens,

Cao Xingyu can just claim

that she died from an illness
and remove all evidence.

We won't be able

to do anything.

You saw Uncle Anmou's attitude

just now.

He's not going to defend anyone.

Two women like you here

don't have

a final say regarding repudiation.

No.

If we involve
the Capital Administration Office,

Cao Xingyu has countless other ways

to make my life miserable.

Jiang Si.

I had no choice

but to send you to them.

Do you hate me so much?

You're trying to profit
from my misfortune.

You're pushing me

so you can use me

as your weapon.

If I keep quiet, I might live.

Seriously?

You're simply resigned to your fate.

Based on the ligature mark

on the corpses,

we can deduce

that these ladies

were strangled to death

by the same man using a rope.

Anything else?

Not at the moment.

Why is

her ligature mark different
from the others?

Perhaps her constitution was different.

Or perhaps she put up a fierce struggle

before she died.

It's hard to tell
by looking at her body.

Check if there's anything

inside her throat.

Sure.

Please take a look.

This is...

a button.

Yu Qi

said that?

Yes.

He said

it didn't implicate Anzi.

And he wanted to interrogate you.

Oh?

It didn't implicate Anzi?

Then someone has to take his spot.

My dear sirs,

I came

with an important piece of information.

While Anzi has confessed to his crime,

I thought it was rather bizarre.

He was

an honest man.

He wouldn't have the audacity

to m*rder someone.

You were so sure

that he was the culprit.

And your father k*lled him.

Why?

This happened not long ago

and now, you're changing
your allegations?

Does life mean nothing to you?

But his death

isn't unjustified.

Father was fair

in his handling of matters.

I combed through my mansion

and found out
that Anzi wasn't the culprit,

but the accomplice.

[Justice Prevails]

Then who

is the culprit?

It's none

other than my spouse,

Jiang Qian.

Stop barking.

[Arrest Warrant
Issued by the Capital City Garrison]

Cao Xingyu accused Qian

of wrongdoing?

Yes.

He claimed that Jiang Qian

was the culprit of the m*rder.

Miss Qian!

Qian.

They are the culprits.

This is unfair!

Madam Qian,

please follow me.

Si is right.

I should have listened to her

and brought Cao Xingyu to justice.

What do I do, Mother?

Fear not, Qian.

You're not leaving.

Seize her.

What are you doing?

- Miss Qian!
- Stop!

- Miss Qian!
- Qian!

Find Jiang Si!

Only she can help me.

Mother!

Let go of me!

[Capital Administration Office]

You might as well confess

to your crime now.

You had an affair with Anzi.

He was close

to those women,

and you became jealous.

Thus, you asked Anzi

to m*rder them.

I have married an accursed soul.

Nonsense.

I did no such thing!

I haven't never met

those women before.

Why would I k*ll them?

Believe me, sir.

Like those women, I am a victim

of Cao Xingyu's physical abuse.

Yet we are too afraid to take action.

To my dismay,

he framed me for m*rder.

Sir,

please check the wounds on her body.

They are the same wounds

as the ones

on the victims.

But I have evidence

proving that this wretched woman

had an affair with Anzi.

She then asked Anzi to commit the crime.

This is a button

Jiang Qian left in Anzi's abode.

Anzi's wife also

testified in writing

that she saw them committing adultery

and plotting the m*rder.

Bring it to me.

He's framing me!

He has but found a random button

and threatened Anzi's family

into lying

to frame me, sir!

I saw with my own eyes

that Anzi buried the bodies.

And that night,

Jiang Qian

was sleeping in her chamber.

She couldn't possibly be the culprit.

So you were the one
who reported the incident.

Sir,

they are sisters.

They must have put the blame on me

because their deception

is about to be discovered.

You must help me, sir.

[Jiang Qian and Anzi had an affair.
She k*lled out of jealousy.]

Summon the witness.

Summon the witness!

Sir, the witness is here.

What is your name?

My name is Chi Shuying, sir.

Tell me.

Do you know the Jiang sisters?

No, they have nothing

to do with me.

Do you know

Cao Xingyu then?

Yes,

sir.

This wicked man

lured me
to the Marquis of Changxing's Mansion.

He then imprisoned me
in the Western Garden

where he tortured me every day.

I...

I saw how he m*rder*d the victims.

Liar!

Come back.

Sir, she seduced me first.

She wanted me to leave my wife.

I said no,

so she's taking revenge on me.

Sir, my wounds

are the evidence.

Miss Chi.

You saw Cao Xingyu m*rder someone.

Did you see the weapon he used?

Sir,

he used a horsewhip.

Run! I dare you!

Is it fun?

Isn't it exciting?

She

is trying to frame me.

Do not believe her.

I will preside over this trial

with fairness.

Do you know

where the whip is?

It is
in the Marquis of Changxing's Mansion...

Miss Chi!

Think twice before you speak.

I am the heir apparent to my father.

You can't just accuse me like that.

You might be the heir apparent,

but in my court, you need

to watch your behavior.

Miss Chi.

Do not fear.

Please continue.

I am speaking the truth.

The weapon is
in the Marquis of Changxing's Mansion...

Shut your mouth!

Miss Chi.

Miss Chi!

Long Dan!

Commandant Yu!

Are you all right?

Let go of me!

Get up!

How dare you,

Cao Xingyu.

You endangered the lives of others

in my court with a weapon.

Take him away.

I am the heir apparent
to the Marquis of Changxing.

You can't touch me!

Long Dan!

Put him in a cell for his trial!

Yes, sir!

Let go of me!

Commandant Yu!

Get a physician.

Are you all right, Commandant Yu?

I'm fine.

Commandant Yu!

Sir,

how is Mr. Yu?

He was fortunate
to receive prompt treatment.

Any moment later

and he might be too far gone

for even the greatest physician.

Most of the toxins in his body

have been cleared out.

What wonderful news.

Thank you, sir.

However, do not leave his side tonight.

Notify me

if anything happens.

Come with me to my store

to get some detoxifying herbs.

Miss Jiang, could you...?

Don't worry.

I'll stay

to look after Commander Yu.

Let's get the herbs.

You thought I was the Saintess.

Yet you didn't k*ll me.

You even risked your life to save me.

You're awake.

Thank you for taking care of me,
Miss Jiang.

You were injured because of me.

I will not forgive myself

if I don't take good care of you.

I'm already used to

such trivial injuries.

Do not worry about me.

This is not a trivial injury.

The physician said

that if we arrived later,

we might

have to bury you.

Commander Yu.

You and I are strangers.

Why did you risk your life to save me?

I didn't expect

the arrow to be poisoned.

Miss Chi and you

are strangers too.

Yet you risked your life to save her.

Right.

Who would have thought
that the arrow was poison?

Let me get you some water.

Miss Si, let me do it.

Aman, I can do it.

Miss Jiang.

Mr. Zhen.

Let me do it.

Sure.

What do I do?

What am I supposed to do?

Cao Xingyu

is imprisoned.

His father will do everything he can

to clear his name.

If Cao Xingyu is freed,

Qian

will be in danger once more.

Anmou, help us.

Anmou!

Mother.

Mother.

Mother, help us.

Qian grew up

under your watch.

You won't sit by

and watch her die, will you, Mother?

Anmou,

do something.

See if you can find any aid

in the Imperial Court.

Mother.

Qian

is also my proudest daughter.

I too care for her.

I have asked around today,

but I was shunned by all.

They are afraid

of the Marquis of Changxing too.

But Mother,

an opportunity
might present itself in the future.

Hurry up and help Mother unwind.

I should leave you two be.

Anmou!

Anmou!

Anmou!

Don't go, Anmou!

Please.

Commandant Yu.

Commandant Yu.

Have some water.

Right, your hand is injured.

Let me feed you.

My left hand's still good.

Can you

put the cup next to me?

So,

how are you?

Nothing much.

Did you find the evidence?

I did.

Every time I encounter cases like this,

it reminds me

of how depraved

humanity can be.

I have adjudged

many cases,

yet I still cannot

get used to it.

Mr. Zhen, that's because

you have empathy.

And thus, you can adjudge

with fairness.

No innocent men

will be wrongfully convicted,

and no criminal can walk away

scot-free.

You seek a life

of accountability.

Miss Jiang...

That's why the people need

the Capital Administration Office,
Mr. Zhen.

Especially you.

Laws cannot force everyone

to be kind.

But it can make them

think twice

before doing

evil.

You're right, Commandant Yu.

Miss Jiang.

But some people

are not afraid of laws.

Because they are not humans.

They are animals.

Ease your mind, Commandant Yu.

The evidence is as secured as it can be.

Cao Xingyu will not get away.

But Mr. Zhen,

you must take precautions.

The Marquis of Changxing

will be taking action

before the trial.

He will use all his connections

in the Imperial Court

and do anything

to put you under pressure.

I am impressed

by your foresight, Miss Jiang.

Worry not,

Miss Jiang.

Whatever it is,

I will not cave

under any pressure.

I

can vouch for that.

He is quite impervious.

See?

His injury is almost healed.

Thank you for the compliment,
Commandant Yu.

You know what?

I

will look after Commandant Yu today.

You have had a shock just now,

so you ought to take some rest.

Long Dan

went with the physician
to collect some herbs.

He'll be back soon.

I can stay

to brew the medicine for Commandant Yu.

Don't.

That is a menial task.

Long Dan can do it.

I can do it too.

Perhaps Miss Jiang should stay.

I gave Long Dan

some other tasks.

For the Capital Administration Office.

Or I can arrange for two guards
to come here.

You can't possibly ask Miss Jiang

to stay up all night for you.

Since when did you learn
to be so protective

of women?

Thank you, Mr. Zhen.

Have a good rest, Commandant Yu.

I'll visit tomorrow.

Miss Jiang,

let me see you out.

Sure.

Please stay, Mr. Zhen.

You need to look after Commandant Yu.

Commandant Yu.

Commandant Yu.

Is it just me

or is Miss Jiang

quite different

from the other ladies out there?

She was so ravishing

when she stood her ground

in the courthouse.

Besides, she's

very grateful for her savior.

Commandant Yu?

Commandant Yu?

Did you hear me?

Well,

if I had taken the arrow instead,

perhaps...

Perhaps we would have a funeral repast.

A repast?

That

would be great.

The Cao family is horrible.

I feel sorry for Qian.

Shu,

this is

my family.

[Madam Ruan, Jiang Anmou's concubine]
Qian is my daughter.

So I do care for her.

Please don't blame me.

I didn't know

things would turn out

this way.

I thought I could just power
through it with grit.

Alas,

Cao Xingyu turned around

and accused us of wrongdoing.

He

is imprisoned,

but there's nothing much we can do.

If the Marquis manages to save him,

Qian

will suffer a lot.

Even if the Marquis manages to save him,

so long as Qian

is freed from the wicked man's t*rture,

you, Qiao,

Pei, and I

remain together.

That's better than anything.

Anmou, the future
is full of possibilities.

Just believe

that what goes around, comes around.

Well said.

Shu,

you're the only one

who knows

how to comfort me in this family.

You and your daughter

k*lled my entire family,

forcing me to leave Zhou.

And you continue to hunt me down
to the Southern Frontier.

Today is my wedding day.

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?

Sooner or later, you will be punished

for your cruelty!

Yu Qi should feel honored

that my daughter fancies him.

Whoever my daughter wants,

I'll get them for her.

Jiang Si,

you can't think

that a man

will stay loyal to you forever.

Pen the letter of separation

and Yu Qi will know

to give up on you.

Mingyue and he

are bound to get married.

Just give up already.

I will not pen the letter.

Someone.

Qi!

Qi!

What did you do to him?

Let go of me.

Don't hurt him!

You will decide

what I'll do to him.

Pen

the letter of separation

and jump off the cliff,

and I will spare his life.

Otherwise,

his life

will be at my mercy.

Stop!

Don't!

[Yu Qi]

Yu Qi,

despite our time together,

I haven't been
completely honest with you.

When we met,

I was all alone

and was looking for someone
to fall back on.

♪A sudden glance,
just like our first meeting♪

I now realize...

♪Feelings remain,
but things are ever unclear♪

that I do not love you at all.

♪Memories replay♪

Thank you for looking after me.

No need to search for me.

♪Can I make it through
another long night?♪

From now on...

we're on our own.

♪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♪

[Jiang Si]

♪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♪

♪Can I make it through
another long night?♪

♪Afraid of losing you again♪

♪The pain lingers deep inside♪

♪Leaving dreams incomplete♪

♪I still can't let you go♪

♪No matter how far the journey takes me♪

♪I'll do anything to save♪

If there was a second chance

and I managed to avert all misfortune,

perhaps we

wouldn't be separated

and reach

a bitter ending.

Miss Si, here's your perilla drink.

Miss Si?

Miss Si,

are you worried about Commandant Yu?

Didn't you say

he was fine and would recover

in a few days?

Are you letting your worries
get the better of you?

Aman.

Tell me.

If there's a man in your life,

you know

that he and you

might not have a happy ending.

Maybe it's a misunderstanding.

Perhaps...

Regardless,

he and you might end in misery.

Will you

stay with him?

That depends

on whether we're meant to be.

What if you are?

Miss Si,

did Commandant Yu confess to you?

I'm asking you a question.

If it were me...

I...

would stay with him.

It's hard

to find your other half
in our short life.

On many occasions,

we cannot

be our authentic selves.

If two souls in love

cannot express their love freely,

then what is

the joy

in life?

How come Yu

was arrested?

Didn't you handle everything already?

A witness suddenly came forth.

How could this be?

Is the witness...?

Don't worry about the witness.

They want to find out the truth.

I'll make them find a body instead.

They'll be stumped.

When will Yu ever be freed then?

He won't eat

or sleep well in the prison.

He's suffering.

Enough!

Quit whimpering.

Where

is the Golden Plant I bought in Lingnan

for you?

- Wu!
- Wu!

- You're here.
- Wu!

Thanks for your hard work.

Get some food.

Thanks, Wu.

Enjoy while it's warm.

I'll leave you two be.

I go inside first.

Thank you.

Miss Chi, your food is here.

Thank you, sir.

You must be starving.

Eat something.

Chief was right.

You are the mole among us.

[Haitang House]

Si.

Zhan.

Where are you going?

I want

to check on Commandant Yu.

Great.

I want to pay him

a visit too.

Let's go together.

Sure, let's go.

Sir.

Didn't we just visit Commandant Yu?

My sister cannot be alone

with him in a room.

Besides,

can't you smell how delicious it is

the soup she's carrying?

Mr. Yu.

Yu.

Jiang Si brewed the soup for you.

Try it.

Thank you.

It smells good.

Like good liquor,

soup is best enjoyed together.

Perhaps Jiang,
you should do the honor first?

No.

It's for your recovery.

It's okay.

I can't do that to you.

Bring us a bowl.

But sharing

makes this more meaningful.

Here.

Mr. Yu, there's another bowl here.

- See?
- We have a bowl.

I'll dig in then.

Be my guest.

Never have I

had such refreshing fish soup.

There's not even a hint of gamey taste

in it.

Yu, I'm not just bragging

about my sister.

But this soup has

such a nuanced flavor profile.

She put her soul into it.

And she's also thoughtful.

She knows you're wounded

and must avoid spices.

So she didn't add pepper.

It...

Do we have pepper?

Here.

Mr. Yu.

Thank you so much.

You have been so kind

toward me

and I do not know how to repay it.

Perhaps I...

No need to betroth her.

Perhaps I can repay your kindness

with more sumptuous meals.

Drink while it's warm.

Slow down,

or you'll choke.

I'm sorry that I couldn't give you

a more comfortable life.

Once

we find our way

back to Ling'an,

I'll cook you
a feast of delicious dishes.

What

will you make?

I have to imagine it.

Sure.

I'll find

a fresh crucian carp

in the Jinshui River.

Then I brush egg white

and huangjiu on it

to marinate it.

After that,

I put it in a hot pan

and fry it till it's golden brown.

Then, I'll add condiments

such as ginger and chenpi

before simmering it for two hours.

The fish will be flavorful

and tender,

and its soup will be a milky color.

Miss Jiang.

Miss Jiang?

My hand is still wounded.

Don't worry about it.

Thank you.

♪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♪

Miss, you know what's good.

This is a dagger

used by Nie Yinniang.

Check it out.

It's genuine. I'm not lying.

You can trust us.

I knew I made the right choice.

Sir,

did you just say

this was a dagger used by Nie Yinniang?

Sir, do you want it too?

Miss, he...

It's you.

It's you.

I was wondering who in this world

would believe

that this was a dagger
used by Nie Yinniang.

You want what I want.

Are you doing this on purpose?

- Me?
- Sir.

I wanted this dagger first.

Right.

How much is it?

Fifty liang. It's very cheap.

I offer 60 liang.

That's a good offer.

Seventy.

Miss.

I offer 100 liang.

And I'm buying other things too.

You...

Can I see this?

What a fine choice, sir.

This is the legendary

Twelve-Hour Plate

from the Imperial Treasury
of the Tang Dynasty.

Each hour on top

has a corresponding zodiac sign.

Twelve-Hour Plate, huh?

Yes. It's one and only

in the world.

Can you count it?

How many hours are there?

No need to count.

It's for you to check the time,

right,

sir?

Eleven hours.

So this is...?

And this one.

Sir, could this be...?

This is the remaining last stone

used by the Goddess Nyuwa

when she was repairing the sky.

Exactly.

What do you think of this stone?

Why do I feel like

he's a scammer?

That took you so long!

He is a scammer.

Let's go.

But I...

What's going on?

So

Nie Yinniang's dagger

is also fake?

No such dagger exists

in this world.

You're quite smart.

You know how to identify it.

Everyone on this street except for you

knows it's fake.

Thank you for helping me out.

You can have this back.

Seriously?

You...

I ran some errands, earned some money,

and decided to repay my debt to you.

My money is back.

Come on. I'll buy you a meal.

Great!

[Guangju Parlor]
Bravo!

I might not

have enough money to buy you a meal.

Oh, my dear money!

Have some.

This too.

- Great!
- Splendid!

- Wonderful!
- Excellent!

For today's tales of oddities,

let's talk about the cursed soul,

the Seventh Prince.

Do you still remember

the battle by the frontier 20 years ago?

It was a dim night.

Those Nanwu scoundrels
attacked our realm

without a sign.

Our soldiers were taken by surprise,

and many people died.

Yet that night,

the Seventh Prince

was born.

The Imperial Palace was basking
in merriment.

Yet

as news of the defeat

spread to Ling'an,

everything

changed.

What happened to him then?

Stop running

or I'll ask the Nanwu barbarians
to take you away.

As the crisis approached its precipice,

the Directorate of Astronomy
submitted a memorial,

claiming that the Seventh Prince
was the reincarnation of misfortune.

His birth

had brought about unrest at the border.

That night,

hundreds of officials
knelt in the palace,

urging His Majesty to eliminate
the Seventh Prince

to save the realm.

But he was born moments ago.

His Majesty didn't have it in him

to do so,

so he had someone

send the baby

to the Southern Frontier.

If he makes it through, it's up to fate.

Should he die,

it will offer solace
to the valiant soldiers.

And that was enough to placate
everyone in the palace.

Interestingly,

since then,

we

have never won a battle.

Our realm shrinks in size.

All because

the embodiment of misfortune lives

in the army.

That's right.

Sheesh.

- Exactly.
- Indeed.

The accursed Seventh Prince...

Who did that?

What's going on?

What the heck?

This is unacceptable!

What is the meaning of this?

You

fabricated a baseless story.

I shall rip your tongue out.

Spare me, miss. I'm just doing my job.

Chuchu?

Long Dan?

[The End of Episode 6]

♪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♪