01x40 - Episode 40

[bunniefuu]

song credit

♫ 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 ♫

[Episode 40]

I do not beg for mercy.

Alas, in this world, no one has ever
truly understood me, or even loved me.

But I have not lost.

None of you will ever forget Rong Yang!

Father!

♫ Life is like a wilting flower,
blooming and withering with the seasons ♫

♫ The wind leaves its trace,
swaying, yet holding firm ♫

♫ Not asking for more care
from the heavens ♫

♫ May I enjoy the blessings
in the days to come ♫

♫ Only wishing for a life
free from entanglements ♫

♫ Fate plays its tricks.
We are but mere mortals ♫

♫ Looking back, I dare not gaze too long
at the road I've traveled ♫

♫ As the day fades,
the wise redeem themselves ♫

♫ I only wish to awaken one day ♫

♫ If I enter the game, what fear is there
if the whole board is lost? ♫

♫ Is it too late to bemoan about downfall? ♫

♫ Is it too hard to be numb to joys and sorrows? ♫

♫ How many regrets are left unfulfilled? ♫

♫ A chance to mend, to make it whole ♫

♫ An inch of longing, a lifetime untold ♫

♫ Is the resting shore too shallow to stand? ♫

♫ Is the yearning heart too distant to span? ♫

♫ Though splendor fills the land ♫

♫ I remain trapped ♫

♫ Gone is the fateful encounter,
and my life is dulled for good ♫

♫ Is the resting shore too shallow to stand? ♫

♫ Is the yearning heart too distant to span? ♫

♫ Though splendor fills the land ♫

♫ I remain trapped ♫

♫ Gone is the fateful encounter,
and my life is dulled for good ♫

♫ Gone is the fateful encounter,
and my life is dulled for good ♫

The Marquis of Changxing
committed treason and rebellion.

He was sentenced to death by slow slicing.

Princess Rong Yang bravely defended The Emperor in Tiande Hall,
[Tiande Hall]

but unfortunately perished.

She is posthumously conferred
the title Princess Royal Xian Jing and will be buried in the imperial mausoleum.

Cui Xu is conferred Duke of Zhenguo.

Jiang Zhan is appointed General of Territories.

Long Dan, Commander of
the Imperial Insignia Guards.

Xie Yin Lou, Commandant of
the Capital Administration Office.

Zhen Heng, Left Chancellor.

I wanted to fly a kite.

I planned to use it to send you a message, but...

I know.

I know everything.

But I still wanted to see with my own eyes
that you were safe.

I thought I would never see you again.

Fu Qing, I wish to marry you,
and be with you for the rest of my life.

Will you marry me?

You once asked me why I refused
His Majesty's arranged marriage.

Why did you refuse a marriage with me?

I only saw you as my disciple then.

I didn't dare to overstep my place.

But now, after experiencing life and death,
I've realized something.

You have always been in my heart.

I have genuinely fallen for you.

Others only see your gentle and delicate side,
but I see your courage and strength.

I admire and respect you.

Even though you have lived in darkness,
you have always tried to bring light to others.

You protect people in your own way,
even as you endure everything yourself.

I want to embrace everything about you.

I only hope that you can be happy,
free, and healthy.

I feel the same way about you.

Then, will you marry me?

I will.

We owe it to you, Jin.

It was thanks to General Cui.

You little rascal.

Don't try to pull that on me.

Cui Xu only came because of Jiang Si, didn't he?

She's a good woman.
You've made a wise choice.

Thank you for your praise, Father.

Oh, right, Father.

I was entrusted with a responsibility
in a time of crisis.

The imperial jade seal has now
been safely returned.

You're grown up now.

What are your plans for the future?

Tell me.

I would like to go to Nanwu and see Jiang Si.

- To Nanwu?
- Yes.

I can agree to anything else, but now is
absolutely not the best time to go to Nanwu.

Then... Then when can I go?

[Tiande Hall]

I will never set foot in Tiande Hall again.

As for the right timing,
that will be up to you to figure out.

These years, because of Rong Yang,
your mother and I have argued countless times.

This incident has frightened her again.

I want to take her away for a while,
to clear our minds.

[Streets of Nanwu]

Grand Elder. These are all top-quality fragrances.

Such luxury is rarely seen in Zhou.

Nanwu is renowned for
producing aromatic substances.

Look. Every household is engaged
in making fragrances.

Grand Elder, have you ever considered
encouraging the people to go into trade?

Trade?

Nanwu has never produced merchants.

Only farmers and soldiers.

Supporting the military is a heavy burden.

If there is no w*r, the soldiers can return home,
and find their own livelihoods.

As for the farmers, Nanwu's terrain
is not very suitable for agriculture.

But if we don't farm, what will we eat?

Farming is for self-sufficiency.

But if we can't even feed ourselves,
the only option is to enlist and fight wars

in exchange for more resources.

But the fact is, there is a better way for us all.

Nanwu is rich in fragrances,
which are rare and expensive in Zhou.

If the people of Nanwu focus on trade instead,

selling these precious fragrances to Zhou
in exchange for what they need,

then, even without farming,
they will live better lives.

Who would still want to go to w*r?

You mean selling these to Zhou, and exchanging
them for food, ironware, and other goods?

Both realms would get what they need.

The people on both sides would have better lives.

The century-old conflict might finally come
to a true resolution.

This might indeed be a better path.

Very well. Let's implement it as you suggested.

We will follow the Saintess' proposal!

This is heavy!

- Handle them with care.
- Yes.

♫ Words fail to convey
how our paths have diverged ♫

♫ May you find your haven
in life's drifting tides ♫

♫ What more could I ask?
I'll stay for you ♫

Chief...

Your Majesty. This is so heavy.

If you wear it for a whole day,
your neck might just snap from the weight.

♫ Fate has faded into the past,
but home lies ahead ♫

♫ I wish to stay by your side
and hold you close ♫

May your love be fruitful and abundant.

May your descendants flourish.

May your lineage continue endlessly.

May your family prosper and thrive.

The ceremony is complete.

Put these away.

Really?

- We'll try them on once she returns.
- Understood.

Jiang Si.

Chu Chu. Take a seat.

Dear Saintess, you've been busy
with Nanwu's affairs for a while now.

Isn't it time to take a break?

Chu Chu. I called you here today
to tell you something.

I need you to make a trip back to Zhou first.

Does that mean I can return to Ling'an?

What about you? Aren't you going back?

I can't just yet.

Once you go back, inform my sister and the others
about the situation here.

I need their help.

Also, take note of the types of fragrances
that the nobles in Ling'an City prefer,

and send word to me promptly.

Got it.

When the day comes that Zhou and Nanwu establish
trade, remember to give me credit for it.

Of course!

Here, take a look.

These are some of the rarest fragrances
I've gathered from Nanwu recently.

Dear Yu Jin, I have successfully negotiated
with the Nanwu people for a one-year period,

ensuring that during this year,
I will stay in Nanwu.

Nanwu can now achieve unprecedented prosperity
without the need for w*r.

I am confident that I can make this happen.

Not even a single word about me?

Your Majesty.
Chancellor Zhen requests an audience.

Let him in.

Princess Royal Fu Qing
requests an audience as well.

- Zhen Heng
- Fu Qing

- greets Your Majesty.
- greets Your Majesty.

You came together.

What is the matter?

I, Zhen Heng, sincerely seek to marry Princess
Royal Fu Qing, and vow to share a lifelong bond.

People say that I am rigid, dull,
and as temperamental as a rock.

I don't deny it.

But only Fu Qing never minded my stubbornness,
and treated me with sincerity.

Your Majesty, after the recent turmoil
caused by the Marquis of Changxing,

I have come to realize that the most important
thing in life is to cherish the person before me.

Therefore, I am willing to dedicate my life
to protecting Princess Royal Fu Qing,

respecting her, and loving her.

I humbly ask for Your Majesty's approval.

And does this person share the same sentiment?

That is also my wish.

Chancellor Zhen.

I have never seen you like this before.

Your Majesty, please don't tease me.

Get up.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

You two look like a pair of star-crossed lovers.

If word gets out,
they'll say I have no sense of compassion.

Chancellor Zhen. Fu Qing.

I shall be present at your wedding.

And I will bestow this, this, and this as gifts.

This ink stone, green as jade,
is a true treasure among treasures.

They were carefully selected for Your Highness.

Oh, right.

And this, too.

A gold jewel-encrusted little turtle.

Your Majesty, those gifts look
incredibly familiar to me.

But I believe the greatest gift you can give us
is your approval.

Should I grant it?

Granted!

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Grand Elder, look.

These are the goods and fragrances
being transported to Zhou.

Your Majesty.

There is a letter for you.

A compendium of Nanwu medicinal herbs
is appended to this letter.

It contains remedies for various ailments,
and will benefit the people of Zhou.

[Addressed to Yu Jin]

Nanwu's transformation is not easy,
but progress is being made.

I require skilled water management experts
from Zhou to help build water defenses

to protect the farmland here.

Also, I miss you.

And Er Niu too.

So this letter is just to ask me to send people
to build water defenses for Nanwu?

If someday,
I no longer wish to live in Ling'an City,

I'll go somewhere pretty, get some farmland,
and put up a small house.

I'll live there and lead a simple yet free life.

By then, I'll take Father, Yi, Zhan, Chu Chu,
Ah Man, and Long Dan with me.

And...

And Er Niu.

That's good.

And you.

Are you willing to join me, then?

Send Er Niu to her.

She misses it.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Poor carrier pigeon.

It's been flying for days
just to deliver two words.

I miss you.

You're the Emperor now.

Couldn't you bring more people with you
when you go out?

This isn't enough.

Not enough? These would take years for my sister
to finish even if she did nothing else.

I bought everything I could find.

Look. Is it enough?

- This amount looks about right.
- Right?

Let's check out a few more places.

More?

[The Essentials of Trade and Industry]

[Treaties on Architectural Methods and State
Building Standards and other business classics]

Since everything is gathered, send them to her.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[Addressed to Jiang Si]

[Addressed to Jiang Si]

You're leaving early tomorrow morning?

My belongings are already packed.

I came today to bid farewell to you, Mother.

The northern border is vastly different from
Ling'an in terms of customs and way of life.

Although it is your ancestral homeland,
you have never been there before.

Now you are suddenly being sent to the
northern border as the Protectorate General.

I wonder if you'll be able to adapt.

Rest assured, Mother.

The northern border is vast,
but has remained underdeveloped.

Jin entrusted the northern border to me and
told me I could manage it however I saw fit.

That assurance is enough for me.

You used to be overshadowed by the Crown Prince,
and never had the chance to showcase your talents.

Now, you finally have the opportunity
to realize your ambitions.

But who knows how many years will pass
before I return?

I will no longer be able to stay by your side
as before.

And Jin still has misgivings about you.

That is what worries me the most.

Jin?

Jin has been visiting me more frequently lately.

Really?

He doesn't say much each time,
and leaves after the formalities,

but he is at least willing to visit me now.

That's good.

At least it's a start.

I think so too.

Zhang.

Accompany me, for a little longer.

Of course, Mother.

I'll go for a walk with your father
in a couple of days.

Zhan.
[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

Maybe you should take a few maids with you.

They can take care of your daily needs.

Father. I'm going to Yangui as the
envoy of the Southwestern Regions

to ensure the security of trade
between both regions.

I will not be there for pleasure.

Besides, I am fully capable of
taking care of myself.

It's you I'm worried about.

Si and I won't be by your side.

You have to take good care of yourself.

Be more mature, all right?

You'll be traveling alone.

I can't help but worry.

Who said I'd be alone?

Who else is going with you?

Who else could it be?

Miss Chu Chu is going with you?

I suppose so.

Good for you, little brat!

That young lady is willing to follow you
across great distances.

You'd better settle this marriage quickly!

You need to learn from me
when it comes to taking responsibility.

Stop nagging. We have our own plans.

Plans? What kind of plans could you possibly have?

You're leaving soon.

Congratulations on becoming
the envoy of the Southwestern Regions.

Does this mean it'll be difficult for us to meet?

Probably.

Do you have anything you'd like to say to me?

Chu Chu.

I've always wanted to tell you...

I...

Nothing.

What are your plans next?

Me?

Same as always.

It's a big world out there.

I want to enjoy it and see as much of it as I can.

I don't want to be tied down to any one place.

That's true.

You're a wandering heroine at heart.

Well, I wish you a life full of the adventures
you dream of.

But you know, Jiang Zhan, after spending time
with you traveling together, I realized something.

I want to be a heroine,
and I want to see the world.

But what I love most is doing what I love...

with the person I love.

With the person you love?

Doing what you love...

There's no one else here.

You love me?

I love you.

What?

I love you!

I didn't quite hear that.

I'm fond of you! I'm fond of you!

So it's a horse.

[One year later]

[Count of Dongping's Mansion]

All the ingredients are ready.

I can see the flowers!

Si loves flower pastries. Add more honey.

Don't worry, Grandmother.
Everything is prepared.

Yes.

I wonder if Si has gained or lost weight.
I've missed her so much.

I wonder if she'll be leaving again
after this visit.

- Grandmother.
- Grandmother.

My grandchildren are back.

I missed you all.

I missed you too.

- Please sit down, Grandmother.
- All right.

Over the past year, I've read extensively.

In Yang's Family Heritage Prescriptions,
I found a remedy for cold pathogens in your legs.

- I'd like to try it for you, Grandmother.
- You are very thoughtful.

You've changed a lot since I last saw you.

You no longer resemble an ordinary young lady.

You carry yourself with the grace of a scholar.

You flatter me, Grandmother.

I owe it all to Si.

If not for her,
I might never have taken this step.

The past is the past.

From now on, only good days lie ahead.

Greetings, Madam Jiang.

Commandant Xie.

Commandant Xie, you're here.

Yi still has many flowers
that need crushing for her moon cakes.

Hurry and help out!

Why are you standing there?
Give me a hand.

All right.

An Mou, your dough-making skills are dreadful.

Look at this dough of yours.

If someone knew,
they'd know you were making flower pastries.

If they didn't, they'd assume you were
making a batch of paste instead.

You think it's easy? Why don't you try?

Fine, I'll try then.

Your dough is too runny.
Here, sift some more flour in.

Stop! How much flour are you adding?

How much do you need?

I told you to add a little flour.
You were only supposed to add a bit.

- I added flour!
- You added half a sack!

- I added water too!
- Oh, you two.

Honestly, you two brothers.

- That dough is getting bigger by the second.
- It is.

At this rate, we'll be feeding the whole city
of Ling'an with our flower pastries.

- You have to knead it with force!
- See? Mother does it best.

[Tiande Hall]

There's something I never told you.

We looked into it.

Your mother, Su Ke, was actually from Nanwu.

She was later adopted by Mr. Su at the border.

This is the fate that ties you to Nanwu.

A Saintess must experience life and death.

You are the Saintess, so you must
already be privy to the truths of the past.

Indeed.

Only after experiencing life and death
did the emblem appear on me.

This ancient manuscript contains secrets
about the Saintess' origins.

[Yu]

Nanwu ancient arts.

With strong enough willpower,

one can sacrifice their own life to give their
loved one a one-in-ten-thousand chance at rebirth.

It's Yu Jin who risked his life,
for my chance to change my fate.

Yes.

The price he paid was not only his life,
but also forgetting you completely.

♫ I count the petals as they fall ♫

Si. I've missed you so much.

I've missed you too.

♫ I still can't let you go ♫

The only one I've ever truly loved is Yu Jin.

♫ In this lifetime ♫

♫ Can I make it through
another long night? ♫

♫ Afraid of losing you again ♫

I've replayed this moment in my mind
countless times before.

But every time I woke up, I was alone.

It's strange, really.

For so many years, I traveled alone in the army,
and I never felt lonely.

Don't worry.

You'll never be alone again.

I'm back.

That depends. Will you leave again?

Never.

♫ I still can't let you go ♫

♫ No matter how far
the journey takes me ♫

♫ I'll do anything to save ♫

♫ Our shared past ♫

I had a dream last night.

I dreamed that we had built a home in Ling'an.

Missing home again?

What's our home in Ling'an like?

Of course, it had you in it.

And all of our family members were there too.

Do I still need to guard the borders?

In the dream,
Zhou and Nanwu had already made peace.

There was no more w*r.

The people of both realms
were living in peace and prosperity.

I wish that day could come sooner.

If that day had arrived a little earlier,

you would never have had to go through
all the suffering you endured.

Being exiled to the frontier as a child,
and fighting brutal battles as a youth.

But I think it was precisely all those hardships
that gradually led me to you.

So perhaps my purpose in this world has always
been to meet you and spend my life with you.

[Tiande Hall]

Welcoming the Empress.

On this day, I, Jiang Si, was granted the grace
of His Majesty, and entered the Central Palace.

I shall serve with devotion
and set an example for all.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

♫ Through endless twists
in the mundane world ♫

♫ The breezy wind blows ♫

♫ The heart grows tender and bitter ♫

Kneel.

- Long live the Emperor.
- Long live the Emperor.

- Long live the Empress.
- Long live the Empress.

Bow.

Bow again.

♫ 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 ♫

[The End]

♫ 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 ♫