14th, I know that 4th and you have the same mother.
You won't say anything.
But think about it.
Does 4th consider you to be that close?
10th, you usually don't have an opinion.
But no matter what today, you must say something.
What do you think I should do?
9th brother, I'm not criticizing you.
8th brother has asked that you stop a long time ago.
But you didn't really listen.
And 4th brother gave 8th brother another document.
If you're not criticizing me, what are you doing right now?
8th brother.
Are there any other ways?
I've already asked 4th brother to deliver the accounts to Imperial Father.
8th brother, what did you say?
I've done all I can.
You've done your best?
You call this doing your best?!
You're trying just trying to save yourself!
9th brother.
How can you say that to 8th brother?
Am I wrong?
Yes, I'm have only myself to blame.
I thought that we were all in the same boat.
But before the storm came, everyone has already abandoned ship.
Fine. Don't worry.
No matter what Imperial Father does to me,
I won't let any of you be implicated.
Could you calm down?
How do you want me to calm down?
Think about it.
What would you do if you were 8th brother?
Even if 8th brother asks 4th brother to cover up,
4th brother might not do it.
In the end, he will have to suffer people's gossip.
8th brother.
You have really miscalculated your move.
If only at that time, the account books were burnt to ashes...
Then 4th brother won't have any evidence.
10th, just go home.
Why do I feel so awkward whenever I hear you speak?
What do you mean?
I'm thinking on your behalf.
If you were thinking on my behalf,
then please first go home and bring your brain.
And then, think again about a way to help me.
Your words sound so awful.
At home, I suffer from Mingyu's temper.
Now I have to suffer from yours.
I...
Was I born to suffer your tempers?
Stop arguing!
No matter what.
I'm a man.
I will follow through what I said.
Don't worry.
As long as the corrupt Crown Prince is still around,
even if I have to die, he will fall along with me.
The Crown Prince men have already curbed their excesses.
You don't need panic and lose your head.
Imperial Father won't do anything to you.
So these are the so called pillars of the state, the state's foundations?
This incident is thus concluded.
The people involved in the case are exempted from questioning.
Their sentence will be limited to making compensation.
Everyone is dismissed.
I will take my leave.
We will take our leave.
Ruoxi, come up.
Greetings 4th Prince. Greetings, 13th Prince
Rise.
Why aren't you two seeking shelter from the rain?
Ruoxi, why don't you tell me?
How should corrupt officials who abuse the law be handled?
I am just a palace maid.
How would I know what should be done?
13th Prince, please joke at my expense.
Don't try to fool me.
I think I roughly know what's going on in your mind.
Since ancient times, the word "corruption"
has always been followed by "abuse of the law".
It's true that stealing the people's blood, sweat and tears is abominable,
but what is more detestable is abusing the law for the love of money.
The people at the top and bottom collaborate with each other,
becoming mutual cover-ups, thus no justice is upheld.
This is even more harmful to human life.
There will always be people using underhanded means to achieve their goals.
Stop talking in circles, answer the question directly.
Strict punishment with no leniency.
A moment of tolerance leads to a rise in corruption. I'm afraid that would only cause poor governance.
Poor governance is even more scary than corruption.
If officials don't behave like officials,
the ordinary people will have no way of making a living.
Naturally they won't behave like citizens anymore.
If I said to you...
The crime was committed by 9th Brother.
Then what should be done?
Then whatever needs to be done should be done.
Do you really believe a prince should undergo the same punishment as an ordinary person?
Return the money he laundered.
Punish him with a few beatings of the plank
so that he won't be able to get out of bed for six months.
And then, send him to the streets to be a beggar for three months.
Let him experience what the poor people must do to go on living.
Henceforth, he will know what's it like to be in the other person's shoes.
With regards to the other offenders,
they should all be severely punished.
Let them serve as a warning to others.
No one can protect people who violate the law.
In the future, those corrupt officials won't dare to be greedy anymore.
To think that you can come up with such an idea
You are not sparing a thought for your brother-in-law.
In this matter implicated 9th Prince?
Not as of yet.
Today, Imperial Father said to stop questioning the officials involved.
Their punishment is to return the money.
The Emperor only wanted the money to be returned?
In the accounts, the amount was over 400 thousand taels of silver.
A plot of land is worth only about seven to eight taels of silver.
A tael of silver is enough to support an ordinary family of five for one month.
That's about 200 thousand people's monthly supplies of food.
This matter has been settled already.
It's no use thinking about it anymore.
Where's 4th Brother?
All of a sudden, he's just vanished.
Aren't I here?
In a while, I'm meeting a beautiful lady for a date.
This rain shows no signs of stopping.
I won't be able to accompany you two anymore.
I'll be taking my leave first.
Actually since you came back from the expedition, I wanted to give this to you.
But so many things happened, so the gift has been delayed.
I can't accept this.
14th brother.
You tricked me.
Who would've thought that would work.
You're that afraid of 14th brother?
I'm not afraid.
If you follow me out of here, 14th brother may see you.
-See. -Come over here.
Pals.
Let's drink and toast 9th Prince. He made it through safely. Come and have a drink.
Come on. Have a drink. Congratulations, 9th Prince.
What is there to celebrate?
9th Prince.
What are you angry about?
There's an old saying -- A gentleman can wait 10 years for his revenge.
That's right.
Miss, what do you need?
-Sir, please give me a jar of wine. -Alright.
I don't think you have to wait for 10 years, you can have your revenge now.
This.
See.
This lady is close to 13th Prince.
Their relationship is beyond normal friends.
Do you know who is she?
She do look familiar.
I think I've seen her at a brothel.
It's great that she's from a brothel. If 13th Prince can have her, so can our 9th Prince.
Yes, 9th Prince.
-9th Prince can have her too. -Yes.
If 9th Prince is afraid of trouble, let's forget about it.
-What do you mean? -That's right.
Ask her to come over.
Okay.
Go.
Go on. Come over.
This is our 9th Prince.
What can I do for you, Sirs?
Our 9th Prince wants you to drink with him.
Here.
Drink up. Have a drink. Drink.
Thanks for your drink, 9th Prince. I shall drink this now.
Good. Well done. Great.
-Again. -Goodbye.
-Don't go. -Without my permission, who can go?
That's right. You wanted to go?
9th Prince, I've important matters at home.
9th Prince, please allow me to go.
Sit down.
Sit.
Drink.
I really cannot drink.
Drink up. Finish this.
Drink up. Come on.
9th brother.
Why are you so late?
What are you doing?
Let go.
14th Prince.
Don't bother about that. Have your drink.
Miss Luwu, follow me out.
9th Prince, this...
Letting her off like that?
Continue to drink.
Have some tea. Boss, come. Quickly.
14th Prince. Thanks for saving me.
I'm sorry for 9th brother's behavior. He's usually not like that. Maybe he's been unhappy recently.
That's why he's behaving improperly to you.
14th Prince, don't take this to heart.
9th Prince is only offering me a drink.
It's because I didn't accept, that's why he got angry.
You are too kind. You are being bullied but you're still speaking for him.
14th Prince, I don't see that as bullying.
Please don't tell 13th Prince about it.
13th Prince is a loyal and impartial person. I'm afraid that he will get into trouble because of me.
You know how to think for other people. It's 13th brother's good fortune to have you as a friend.
I think he's too good for me.
If 13th brother hears that, he will not be happy.
But that's indeed how I feel in my heart.
I... I always felt that if 13th Prince was with me, there would be bad rumors about him.
Do you think that 13th brother will mind?
But I don't want others to spread rumors about him.
Especially if it was my fault.
I think 9th Prince's men will not come after me.
I can return on my own. Thanks, 14th Prince.
It's okay. I should help.
It will also be inconvenient if you walk along with me.
I take my leave.
Alright, but do be careful on the way.
This look really exquisite. I'm sure it's hard to make.
I knew you would like it.
You should thank 10th brother. He snatched this lantern from someone else.
You really know how to embarrass me. Didn't you have your eyes on this lantern first?
You suggested to get this for Ruoxi first.
But when I heard that the owner only wanted to display this lantern but won't sell it for any price.
I already gave up that idea.
However, you told him your identity and insisted that he sold it to you.
I was also embarrassed by you.
It's just a non-essential item to me, but this is another person's treasure.
Return this quickly.
I've already taken it, how can I return now?
Keep it.
It's just a lantern. We already paid for it, don't be so particular about that.
Return it quickly.
Alright. Such a waste of my effort.
Why didn't you advise him not to do it?
Ask him if I advise him or not.
I did but he must listen to me too.
When he's stubborn about something, only three people in this world can persuade him.
I'm not one of those three.
Which three people?
8th brother.
Ruoxi.
The last one is your arch enemy since young, the current 10th Fujin.
13th brother.
9th brother. 13th brother, stop it.
Don't go over, you cannot fight here.
13th, what do you want?
14th brother, let him go. I shall see what he can do to me.
Stop it, 9th brother.
Take 9th Prince away.
If His Majesty heard about this, there will be trouble.
Alright. Let's go, 9th brother.
Quickly.
-13th Prince. -Go.
-13th Prince. -Alright.
Go to my place first.
Why did you stop me from beating that beast?
If you fight with him and blow this matter up, I'm afraid it would really not be good for Miss Luwu.
I just heard about this matter last night.
So when I saw him just now, I become agitated.
I just want to give him a few punch.
What happened?
14th brother, thanks for your help this time.
Last time, you helped me to resolve my problem with Princess Minmin.
You don't have to thank me.
Furthermore, it's 9th brother's fault.
What did 9th Prince do to Luwu? I thought she already redeemed herself a few years ago.
She is only an entertainer and not a prostitute.
As an unmarried young girl, why ask so much?
That fellow is too bold. He tried to bully Luwu in the broad daylight.
Luckily, 14th brother was there and saved her.
I knew that 9th Prince is lecherous, but I never expect this from him.
He actually bullies any pretty girls he comes across. What a total heartless son of a bitch!
Ruoxi.
I think you should get a few people to catch him. Cover his head and bash him up.
Shut up. Ruoxi.
Since Luwu is save, the best method to resolve this matter is to reduce the impact.
Why should you blow thing up?
Do you want the whole Capital to know about this?
That will only make things worse and rumors will fly.
How do you expect Luwu to continue her life?
14th brother.
Pass him a message.
From now on, if he dares to do this again to Luwu or any other girl. I will kill him regardless of what dangers I will face.
I'm sure he won't do it again.
Stop here.
I need to be left alone.
It's alright, don't worry.
Aren't you too bold? How dare you scold a Prince?
How many heads do you have?
Actually you cannot blame 9th brother entirely.
That day, he indeed had a few drinks.
Someone around him knew that Luwu is from a brothel previously.
They goaded him.
That's why he lost control.
So it's Luwu and 13th Prince's fault?
I've really learned something new today.
I think I've been a good savior for nothing.
9th brother was angry at me for many days because I saved Luwu.
Now, you are angry with me too.
If I knew this matter was so tricky, I shouldn't have helped.
I was overwhelmed with anger, I should thank you instead.
Why don't you scold me and vent your anger?
I don't want to be bothered with you.
14th Prince.
What else can I do for you?
According to 9th Prince's character, he won't let this matter rest.
Since I'm involved, I will see it through.
I begged 8th Brother to talked to him. I'm sure he will give us some face.
Thanks.
You have only met Luwu a few times, why are you so concerned about her?
Her character and abilities are top-notch.
Although I didn't have much interactions with her...
But not to mention the link with 13th Prince,
even as a girl, I cannot just standby and do nothing.
You still haven't changed that temperament of yours.
You don't care one bit about your status.
You casually discuss yourself and courtesan as if you are on equal terms.
You and 13th brother are really broadminded.
13th Prince is a refined and cultured person.
The way he treats Luwu is not what all of you are thinking.
Because he admires her talents and feels pity for her life's experience,
that's why he has been protecting her all these years.
But from my perspective, the way Luwu looks at 13th brother...
She doesn't seem to regard him as just a friend.
That day, I was afraid that 9th brother's henchmen would make trouble on the sly,
so I decided to escort her back personally.
When we were walking, she pleaded me
that this incident must not be known to 13th brother no matter what.
She don't want to create trouble for 13th brother.
In the same situation, a normal girl will be crying her heart out. But she had no complaints at all.
It's as she was only worried for 13th brother.
I wonder if its her fortune or misfortune to have met 13th Prince.
I'm afraid she will never confess her feelings for him.
You shouldn't think for other people only. Think about your own problem too.
You have also reached the age of discharge. Instead of waiting for Imperial Father's order, you could ask him for a marriage of your choice.
Actually, 8th brother is really good to you.
If you married him, I'm sure he won't control you.
If you want to ride a horse or go out with 10th brother or me on the Lantern Festival,
I'm sure he will agree to your request.
Don't say anymore.
I'm going back.
Go ahead.
It seems that Minmin has found her "star".
This place is really nice. No wonder 4th Prince likes to come here.
I can cry out loud and also laugh out loud here.
Miss Ruoxi.
Greetings, Crown Prince and Prince.
Be raised.
I just received Minmin's letter. Thanks, Prince Heshu.
Minmin wanted to let you know her latest news.
You don't have to thank me.
If Minmin is half as sensible as you. My father and me will not have to worry about her.
You have to work in palace now. But in the future, I will invite you to our grassland for some fun.
That will curb your temper too.
Prince Heshu.
She won't have that chance.
Imperial Father takes her along with him all the time.
But in a few years time, she will reach the age of discharge.
I'm sure Imperial Father will order a marriage for her.
If you want to invite her, I think it wouldn't be her alone.
I need to do my duty now. If there's nothing else, please excuse me.
Alright, you may go.
Jie'jie, should I serve Huzhang and Yulan tea to 10th Prince?
The Imperial Physician told me that this combination could help to reduce swelling.
Is 10th Prince injured? What happened?
You didn't know?
10th Prince was beaten up by 10th Fujin. I thought you knew.
Respects, 14th Prince.
Respect, 14th Prince.
Be raised.
Yunxiang, you go first.
Yes.
14th Prince.
I heard that 10th Prince was beaten up by 10th Fujin.
This pair of funny couple.
I don't know who owned who a debt.
How's 10th Prince now?
Imperial Physician said that he's alright, don't worry.
That's good.
Have some tea here.
Alright.
If I didn't know you since young, I would really misunderstood you. Who acts like you? You seem to be too concerned about them.
What goes in your mind?
Oh no.
Jie'jie, there's trouble.
What happened?
Just... Just now, the Crown Prince asked His Majesty to grant a marriage.
He wanted to marry you, Jie'jie.
What?
Jie'jie, what happened to you? Don't scare me.
Where's 14th Prince?
After 14th Prince heard about the Crown Prince's request, he was so angry that he left.
Before he left, he asked me to stay by your side and take care of you.
Jie'jie, don't panic. His Majesty has not decided yet.
Repeat whatever you saw today to me. Tell me every details.
Do not even miss His Majesty's small movements.
Alright.
I have given this matter a serious thought. I already have a few wives, but I still need someone who is meticulous by my side.
Miss Ruoxi is well educated.
I really like her.
Therefore, I boldly request for Imperial Father to give her to me as my wife. I promise to treat her well.
Please agree to my request.
Ruoxi has been serving me for years. She did a good job too.
I also know that she should get married soon.
But I'm also getting old.
I need someone like her, who knows how to serve and care for me, and to stay by my side too.
For my own selfishness, I would like to keep her by my side for a few more years.
After that, I will arrange for a good marriage for her.
I will also give her a big dowry and have her married in style.
That will repay her for serving me all these years.
Your request came in a sudden today.
I need to consider this.
At that point, I've already served the tea and needed to go.
I don't know what else His Majesty said to the Crown Prince afterwards.
I can understand what's on Crown Prince's mind.
There are three reasons why he wanted to marry me.
1) Because of His Majesty.
2) Because of the Mongolians.
3) Because of my father.
Ultimately, he only wants to strengthen his own position.
Jie'jie, don't lose heart.
Since His Majesty said that he need to consider. He may not marry you off to Crown Prince.
But I don't know what's on His Majesty's mind.
If His Majesty agrees to it, what should I do?
Must I really marry the Crown Prince?
Or... Can I reject the edict?
Or maybe...
I should prepare a white sash (for hanging herself).
Jie'jie!
Don't have funny ideas.
I knew everybody's ending. But I don't know my own ending.
Don't tell me Heaven prepared this ending for me?
8th brother, you need to help Ruoxi.
What happened to her?
The Crown Prince wanted Imperial Father to marry Ruoxi to him.
When did this happen?
Yutan just informed me and Ruoxi.
It should have happened today.
Ruoxi... What happened to her?
After she heard about it, she fainted.
All these years, Ruoxi encountered several major events.
I'm sure she can hang on.
Since Crown Prince requested for her, I think Imperial Father will not reject him.
14th brother, bring me the records and account book of the Fujian case.
Imperial Father has already closed the case.
Why do you need that?
I think we should think of a way to save Ruoxi now.
I'm trying to save her now.
One knock can create vibration but no one bothered to add another final knock.
8th brother means that...
I want to add a final knock to this case and send a strong wave in court.
This way, we could save Ruoxi.
Many years ago, I felt sad when I saw 10th Prince being ordered into marriage.
Now, I finally realize that it's not only sadness. I felt utterly hopeless too.
When I recall the face of Crown Prince.
The lustful look when he saw Princess Minmin.
I felt so disgusted with him.
Was I wrong?
Because of my persistence, did I land myself into deep trouble?
4th, 14th and 8th Prince.
All of them reminded me before.
But I always thought that I'm lucky and there's a few more years to go.
I didn't realize that someone hankered after me.
Now, it's too late to regret.
Jie'jie, stop thinking about it.
Why are you so hot?
Jie'jie, you are running a fever. I will ask Eunuch Li to get the Imperial Physician.
Water.
I'm thirsty... Water.
Since Imperial Father did not send an edict. It means that you still have a chance.
Don't think about anything now. Listen to the Imperial Physician and rest well.
I lured Yutan away, but she's coming back soon. I cannot stay for long.
I stopped here and dare not move on.
So that the tragedy cannot continue.
The following night, you wrote our parting.
You...! I told you about it a few years back but you didn't heed my advise.
Now it finally happened, what's the point of holding me now?
We walked too fast on this path.
We hang on to an unrealistic desire.
We can't wait to return and admire.
Magnolia fragrance cannot hide the sorrows.
I cannot give you any promises now.
Because I don't know if I can do it. You must understand that the person in question is the Crown Prince.
But don't worry. I will not leave you without caring.
Don't sign about what's happening
and the ray of hope that we can't see.
Don't see the sun ray that passes through the clouds.
Don't search for the paradise we agreed upon.
Don't sign about what's happening
and the ray of hope that we can't have.
That paradise is where I loved you.
Jie'jie, have some food.
You didn't have a bite yesterday, you must be hungry.
The Imperial Physician said that your fever is gone. You looked so much better now.
If His Majesty really wanted to grant this marriage...
What can I do to stop His Majesty from marrying me to Crown Prince?
Jie'jie, you are thinking too much. Come and have some food.
If I can hang on until this time next year,
I think His Majesty should not give me to the Crown Prince.
Why not?
Because in the coming year, the Crown Prince will...
What will His Majesty do?
You look better than yesterday.
Ruoxi.
Respects, 14th Prince.
Be raised.
You are sick, don't be so polite.
14th Prince, if there's nothing else. I shall go now.
Do you know why the Crown Prince wanted to marry you?
King Suwanguaerjia asked Imperial Father to grant Princess Minmin and Prince Zuoyin's marriage.
The request just reached the court today.
He already got the news beforehand.
I will explain the details to you on another day.
Let me ask you.
Do you want to marry the Crown Prince?
8th Prince cannot come and visit you.
But he wanted me to tell you that...
You must try to delay this and gain more time.
In about 10 days, you will see your chance.