01x24 - Episode 24

[bunniefuu]

"Drifting through the Willow Trees" by Zhou Shen

♫ Flowers falling by the river again Turning the clear waves red ♫

♫ Sparrows singing in celebration ♫

♫ Calm years pass by the silent bustling city Sitting at home ♫

♫ No one knows love's outline like I do ♫

♫ If one day the river breeze blows again ♫

♫ I won't be a mere reflection in the mirror ♫

♫ Dreams can shatter; Memories remain ♫

♫ Rich fragrance A*DS; Light ink writes ♫

♫ In the deep red windows lies mundane dust ♫

Are You the One

[Episode 24]

Everyone, please take a look. Today, we present to you

a belt hook carved from rhino horn inlaid with mutton fat jade.

The headpiece is set with a fire pearl,
which is the national treasure of Mi Kingdom.

We also have thumb rings, a jade belt,

- and this...
- Xingzhou has always been in the military camps,

so he doesn't need such fine items.

Lord Huaiyang, do you also command troops
in the capital?

No, I dare not.

There you go. Pick one

and consider it a gift from Prince Sui.

Your Ladyship, you're too kind.

Why not let Xingzhou try it on first,
to see if it fits him?

Try this jade belt on Lord Huaiyang.

Yes.

Wait. How dare you, a rough man, serve Lord Huaiyang?

Let this girl do it.

Yes.

Your Ladyship, take a look at this.

Let me see.

My Lord.

I heard you broke off your engagement
with Ms. Lian.

Honestly, it's for the best since
the Lian family isn't of high nobility.

General Rongguo's wife is my cousin.

Her daughter just came of age,
and she's very gentle and sensible.

I've invited her mother for a pitch-pot game
the day after tomorrow.

You should come and join us.

Your Ladyship, honestly,

Xingzhou has a loved one in Zhenzhou.

He even gave her a gift intended for me.

It's the face powder from Scent Store,
rare and hard-to-get.

He gifted it to her.

Lord Huaiyang, which noble lady
has caught your eye?

She's not from a noble family,

but she's my equal in every way.

Due to certain circumstances

and her own future considerations, we parted ways.

Did you send her betrothal gifts?
Have you met her parents?

Do you still have feelings for her?

Sorry, My Lord. Sorry, Your Ladyship.

I dropped this belt,
and chipped this corner of the belt.

I wouldn't dare let His Lordship
wear it anymore.

Why not choose your accessories today?

Our shopkeeper will then select, and deliver
a replacement for His Lordship on another day.

[Duke Qing's Mansion]

My Lord! My Lord!

Sister, you go in first.

What is it?

Ms. Liu was taken to
the former Crown Prince's residence.

Ms. Liu, this way, please.

Please come on in.

You've decorated this place
to resemble Mount Yang.

I've added more furnaces, since you
always said the nights there were chilly.

How have you been lately?

Everything is as usual.

So you're still a merchant's wife.

How is your husband?

No different from that day in Qingzhou.

Miantang,

how long will you keep this from me?

I know all the grievances you've endured.

Cui Xingzhou took advantage of your amnesia,
and used marriage as a trap,

leaving you with no choice.

When I found out,

I stayed awake night after night, filled with despair,

regretting every moment
and longing for our reunion.

But...

I also feared that you might hate me.

Or think I would control you with my power,

as he did.

Miantang,

for me,

nothing matters more than your feelings.

Nothing can change

what we once were.

I haven't congratulated you
on achieving your goal, Your Majesty.

In your presence, I'll always be Ziyu
from Mount Yang.

Ziyu.

No matter how detestable Cui Xingzhou is,

you have no right to blame him.

My leaving Mount Yang that night
has something to do with you.

If not for your indulgence,

Yun'er would never have pushed me to such despair.

And Prince Sui behind her.

She picked the fight on the night
of the Shangsi Festival,

and k*lled all my friends in Xizhou.

I know.

You came to the capital for revenge.

Since you know that,

why did you summon Prince Sui
to the palace today?

Did you want to protect him?

Your Majesty,
do you really think I would k*ll him today?

I know you went there today
just to scout and explore options.

You're thoughtful, but so is Prince Sui.

Wu's accomplice hasn't been dealt with yet. Prince Sui hired all the skilled masters to keep him protected and secure.

Anyone with bad intentions towards him
should be prepared for the worst.

Therefore, my edict was not to safeguard him,

but to protect you.

I want to help you.

The court is now in Prince Sui's control.

How can I let someone else
call the shots where I should?

Prince Sui is my enemy too.

So, Miantang,

let me help you.

We can still be like Lu Wen and Ziyu
as we once were.

You must have gone to great lengths

to get the crab apple tree in the backyard.

Yes.

Does it look like the one in Mount Yang?

I always remember teaching you
to play chess under that tree.

I really miss those days.

They're different.

It's cold in the mountains.

The crab apple flowers won't bloom this early.

If the flowers can't stay the same,

how can people?

Ziyu, thanks for talking with me today.

This is the 300,000 taels of silver
you left with me.

I've kept it safe with Lu Zhong all this time.

And now, I'm returning it to you untouched.

Miantang,

let me at least be...

a part of your current plans.

Your Majesty.

Come in.

Why are you coming here now?

Since ascending the throne, you've been busy
with state affairs, neglecting sleep and meals.

Grand Empress Dowager
is concerned about your health.

So she sent me with some tonic soup.

Ginseng, deer antler, gorgon fruit,
and lotus seeds.

What a potent brew.

Don't you think that's too much?

I'm not much of a cook.

Please forgive me.

I was just joking.

Don't be punctilious.

Your Majesty, you love crab apple flowers,
right?

You Majesty, you're frugal.

You haven't initiated any construction
since your ascension.

But you've planted many crab apple trees
in the palace.

There must be a special meaning behind this.

There was a crab apple tree in Mount Yang.

You're right.

The crab apple tree does hold some memories
for me.

The likes of Prince Lu take advantage
of their seniority.

Your Majesty, you have shown the highest
courtesy by sending officials to greet them.

Exactly.

And as for those stubborn old men
from Youzhou and Beizhou,

we don't need to beat around the bush
with them.

Why not simply send troops to intimidate them?

Minister Cui?

Minister Cui?

I said that if all the lords were like
Minister Cui, I wouldn't be so troubled.

Zhenzhou is remote and poor,
especially compared to other fiefs.

Lord Huaiyang, do you have
something on your mind?

You... You seem quite distracted.

Exactly.

I was distracted, thinking about the lunch plan
with my elder sister.

I beg Your Majesty's pardon.

Then I'm afraid Young Lady Guo
will be disappointed.

I'd like you to stay for lunch.

Your Majesty, today Yangzhou
sent a tribute of 20 crabs.

Unlike the usual spring crabs, these crabs
have plumper legs and are full of roe.

That's quite rare.

Marinated raw crabs are fresh,
while sweet crabs are mellow.

Your Majesty, which one do you prefer?

These two dishes are too ordinary.

To truly savor the crab's freshness,
crab roe rice is the best.

I'm not sure if Minister Cui will like it.

What's so special about crab roe rice?

Your Majesty, thank you for your kindness.

Crabs are tasty.

But I haven't seen my sister for a long time.

And we already have a lunch plan.

I can't disappoint Sister.

So I'll have to decline Your Majesty's offer.
Now, I'll take my leave.

Cui Xingzhou...

Send these crabs to the Duke of Qing's Mansion.

Such delicacies should be cherished.

Once the time passes, they'll be gone.

The security at Prince Sui's Mansion is tight.

He's escorted by skilled experts during travel.

It won't be easy to make a move.

Have some tonic soup to ward off the cold.

Spring chills can be tricky
and lead to illness easily.

I'll serve myself.

I've heard there's a royal hunting event
in March,

with banners waving and mountains in view.

The royal family and nobles will all attend.

Is this true?

Yes, the spring hunt is in three days.

Then, Prince Sui will leave his mansion

with fewer guards around in the lush woods.

That might be a good opportunity.

This is my first spring hunt
since ascending the throne.

Grand Empress Dowager will go, too.

So the imperial guards will be fully deployed.

I'm afraid it might be hard.

If not the spring hunt, then when?

I thought Grand Empress Dowager's
birthday banquet next month would work.

But I was worried that she wouldn't
be able to handle it at her age.

After all, she is Prince Sui's birth mother.

Miantang, don't worry.

We'll make new plans after the spring hunt.

This moment brings Mount Yang to my mind.

We used to play the same game
and strategize together.

Miantang, do you miss those times?

Let's talk about us when the revenge is over.

Okay.

After I avenge my followers,
I will have something for you.

Your Majesty.

It's getting late.

Uncle is still waiting for me.

I'll escort you.

Lord Huaiyang didn't return to
the Duke of Qing's Mansion.

He went to the jewelry shop.

It seems that they met each other
the day before.

Miantang.

Does anyone else know about you posing as
a merchant from Western Regions?

Prince Sui is cunning. I'm worried he'll find out.

It's fine.

Aren't we going back to the jewelry shop?

You've been in the capital so long,
but haven't visited the night market.

I also want to feel the lively crowd.

In early spring, women wear flowers
in their hair.

Aren't you afraid someone might recognize you?

To common folks, they only care
about the daily lives.

I'm just a stranger to them.

Even if they do recognize me,

they'll be disappointed to see I'm just a man
with two eyes and a mouth.

The first edict I issued after ascending
was to lift the curfew.

Those old scholars tried so hard
to dissuade me,

saying the unstable politics
and potential trouble.

But look.

The moon is high,
and the night market glows like daylight.

It was all worth it.

Your Majesty, you are praising
yourself as a wise ruler.

I just want you to know that I have never
forgotten, and will never break my promise

about the peaceful world we envisioned.

Ziyu.

You are a good emperor.

If not for the disguised guards
among the crowd,

I would almost believe this is a time of peace
and happiness.

I've just ascended the throne.

Please give me some credit.

Missed it.

Anyone else want to try?

Sir.

Ten rings, please.

Here you are.

Which one do you like?

Any of them.

Well...

[Flower hairpin]

How about a flower hairpin?

Now you want to play?

I'm afraid you might lose.

[A flower hairpin] - Congratulations, ma'am.

- You won a flower hairpin.
- Impressive!

A master in the tea house set up
a Go games with isolated positions,

challenging anyone to solve it.

The prize is a famous painting.

Both sides are at a deadlock.

This game is intense!

This is... a quadruple ko?

Neither side is willing to give up,
entering the cycle state, a quadruple ko.

Then the game ends in a meaningless draw.

Mr. Ziyu, what's this?

Neither side is willing to give up,
entering the cycle state.

Then the game ends in a meaningless draw.

Interesting.

Miantang, what do you think?

Isn't it cheating?

It's a draw. What's the point of continuing?

To break this deadlock, someone has
to step back, and give up the double ko.

But that's a loss.

Who does that will lose.
That's worse than a draw.

I don't like draws.

I will give up.

Black makes a ko threat.

But even if so, white is still behind
by seven points.

The result is set.

There's no turning back.

I agree.

If you don't try, how will you know the result?

That day in Qingzhou, I lost to you
because I was distracted.

But it's different now.

I want to see if you can still beat me.

Mr. Cui, have you heard of "unstoppable force"?

Be careful.

One more wrong move,
and you'll lose everything.

But have you heard of "born anew
from a hopeless situation"?

White comes alive.

What a brilliant move.

You only know expansion.

But you didn't realize that your core is empty.

Like me, you have no retreat.

Let's go.

Black is doomed to lose.

In this way, it's a comeback from despair.

Brillant.

Keep quiet while watching the game.

Ganging up on one person isn't gentlemanly.

This is a game set up in the tea house.

Anyone can compete for the prize.

Miantang and I have always been a team.

It was the same in Mount Yang,
and it remains so today.

You may solve one game, but you
can't solve the predetermined Go path.

So each move is fraught with danger,
and there is no way out.

Predetermined...

You lose.

Stop here.

Since our parting in Qingzhou,
Mr. Ziyu's Go style has changed.

In different environments and roles,
the Go style changes as well.

And what's the current role
of the lady who made that move?

My business is none of your concern anymore.

I've lost.

- Miantang, let's...
- Uncle is waiting for me.

From here on out, I'll walk alone.

Your Majesty.

Keep a closer watch during the spring hunt.

Yes.

♫ We still joke about the cause and effect ♫

[Green]

[Peace]

♫ Loving rightly but choosing wrong
with joys, sorrows, partings and reunions ♫

♫ Everyone travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

[Blade]

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
love shines like stars ♫

[Tolerate]

♫ If it weren't for travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ I can drink with you
and feel the separation ♫

♫ After enjoying spring flowers,
we sigh over the autumn moon ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♫

♫ Time flows as we dream
through four seasons ♫

♫ I wish to journey with you forever ♫

Have you packed everything?

Yes, I have.

Are you sure about this?

If we let Ziyu know,
there may still be room for negotiation.

Trust me, Uncle.

This is the best, and the last chance.

After enduring the last winter, I feel like

all my strength has been drained.

The imperial physicians say
you're in good health.

Don't read too much into it,
Great-Grandmother.

All my thoughts are focused
on a few specific things.

The political situation is settled.

You choose a date to crown the empress.

Then I'll have nothing else
to concern myself with.

It concerns the foundation of the kingdom.

I'm still discussing it with ministers.

It cannot be rushed.

I'm old now.

These days, Xueji has helped me a lot.

She has managed the harem affairs very well.

You flatter me, Grand Empress Dowager.

I'm not that skilled.

I just ran a few errands.

Since you've signed the marriage certificate
with His Majesty,

by common standards,
you are his legitimate fiancée.

So, I should keep her by my side
and guide her well.

However, her current yard is too remote.

How about this.

Let her move into Chonghua Palace soon.

That way, she'll live much closer to me.

Your Majesty, what do you think?

Chonghua Palace is for the Empress.

Since it involves of crowning the Empress,
I'm afraid I can't agree to that right now.

Alright then.

Rest assured, Great-Grandmother.

I'll give you an answer after the spring hunt.

Very well, I'll wait a few more days then.

But there's one more thing on my mind.

Wuhua has been with me since she was a kid.

She's received my care.

Now that she's of age,
I'm reluctant to part with her,

but I must find her a good match.

Wuhua has long come of age.

But since you brought this up, do you
have a prince consort in mind for her?

You can really read my mind.

Your Majesty, what do you think
of Lord Huaiyang?

I've heard that Lord Huaiyang
has distinguished military achievements.

He's a promising young man.

However, he's spent most of his life
on the b*ttlefield.

If his temperament is a bit rough,
he might not suit Princess Wuhua.

When Lord Huaiyang was young,
he came here a lot.

I've seen him.

He has a calm disposition,

not at all like a rough military man.

Your Majesty, what do you think?

Lord Huaiyang is both a scholar and a warrior,
and he's of similar age to Wuhua.

They would make a good match.

But it's about her marriage.

Wuhua's opinion must be considered.

Of course.

The day after tomorrow is the spring hunt day.

Why not let them meet each other?

Great-Grandmother is getting old,
and has lived through political upheaval.

These days, thanks for your attentive care.

Right, despite this, Xueji,
you are kind and wise,

I'll always respect you
regardless of your status in the palace.

Your Majesty.

I can see that Grand Empress Dowager
put you in a difficult position.

You have your considerations,
and I know my own position.

Because I know that the person you love

is neither me nor Ms. Sun.

I have seen loving couples before.

The way they look at each other is the same as

how you gaze at the crab apple tree
in the courtyard.

So, please don't worry.

Do you really think so?

Your Majesty, you and I were
bound by interests.

I'm well aware of my position,
and dare not harbor any illusions.

Your Majesty, perhaps your proposal
was just an act of generosity.

But to me, you saved me from a tough situation.

I will always remember your kindness.

You've been cooped up since childhood.

Even now that you're in the capital,

you haven't had a chance
to go out and have fun, right?

Your Majesty,

- I...
- Even if you're serving the Emperor,

you don't need to be so formal,
like those old scholars at court.

Since you're so considerate, I'll reciprocate.

You'll join me on the spring hunt,

and get to see the outside world.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

[Qi'an]

Ms. Sun, are you okay?

I can't bear the wind.

Close the curtains more tightly.

Don't worry, Ms. Sun.

The physician said your injury is healing well.

Is it?

It seems the scar has faded a lot.

With proper care, it will fully recover.

Where are we now?

Ms. Sun. We're nearly at the palace.

His Majesty will come and pick me up.

I don't want him to see this scar.
It's unsightly.

Go fetch me some powder.

You are not unsighty.

Everything you do is for His Majesty.

He will only feel compassion for you.

Yes, His Majesty has waited so long just to
bring you into the palace to be the Empress.

From now on, you'll be the most powerful woman.

Yes.

When I become the Empress,
I'll go take revenge on that Liu wretch.

Open the door.

Sister.

Great Uncle.

They've visited three families today.

Ms. Liu is a great businesswoman.

We'd better wait for a while.

Wuhua is late.

I greet and apologize to Great-Grandmother.

Rise up.

Thank you, Great-Grandmother.

Today, you should take care of yourself.

The mountain air is cold,
and riding can make you sweat.

Don't catch a cold.

It's okay.

I'll hunt a tigress to honor Great-Grandmother.

What nonsense.

Princess Wuhua has the same spirit
as the Grand Empress Dowager in her youth.

We ladies can only watch and admire.

Xueji, you are not going?

I'm not good at riding and archery.
I can't even draw a bow.

I'll stay here and await
the good news from you.

Greetings, Your Majesty.

- Greetings, Great-Grandmother.
- Greetings, Grand Empress Dowager.

You may rise.

Today, during the spring hunt,

I hope everyone enjoys themselves
to the fullest.

We look forward to
a prosperous new year for all.

In high spirits, I've decided to add a prize.

After Emperor Taizu founded the kingdom,

he came across a white deer during the

spring hunt, considered it a good omen,

and had this white jade crafted.

He named it "Deer Calls Pedant".

Today, whoever takes the top prize

will win this jade pendant.

- Thank you, Great-Grandmother.
- Thank you, Grand Empress Dowager.

Everyone, show your best efforts.

We will do our best.

I'll take my leave.

We'll take our leave.

Go on.

Go.

Xingzhou.

Do you remember Wuhua?

When you were young,
you often came to the palace,

met with Wuhua, and always
praised her in front of me.

Today is the spring hunt.

She is a girl.

Riding along mountain paths
can be tough for her.

I hope you can accompany her
and take care of her along the way.

Cui Xingzhou.

Have we really met before?

I don't remember you at all.

Back then, I was just a child,
and you were probably an infant.

Let's be clear.

I want to get that jade pendant.

Don't slow me down.

Your Highness.

If you don't fall off your horse,
I'll consider myself very fortunate.

Are you underestimating me?

Alright, let's see whose horse is faster.

"A Lifelong Promise" by Cai Ziyi

♫ The boat drifts,
bringing back the sunset ♫

♫ When we reunite, we still joke
about the cause and effect ♫

♫ Who passed by, the crab apple
falls with a turn ♫

♫ Loving rightly but choosing wrong ♫

♫ With joys, sorrows, partings and reunions ♫

♫ Everyone travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part ♫

♫ Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♫

♫ Long hidden in the eyes,
flickering in and out ♫

♫ Let go of the flowers blooming
in the yard last night ♫

♫ Let go of the waves in the stream
in half a lifetime ♫

♫ Let those dust and chaos go on endlessly ♫

♫ In this lifetime,
my wish is to the vast sky ♫

♫ There are many more ♫

♫ Everyone travels far,
seeing clouds and snow ♫

♫ Always hard to stay, yet easy to part ♫

♫ Crossing spring waters and autumn trials ♫

♫ A couple under the moonlight,
can stay together ♫

♫ Time flows as we dream through four seasons ♫

♫ I wish to journey with you forever ♫

♫ Year after year ♫

♫ For many years to come ♫