Subtitles by DramaFever
[Lost Love In Times]
[Episode 23]
You know very well that I'm here to tell you about this matter.
The princess consort I seek is now standing before me.
However, the person standing before you already has someone on her mind.
She could no longer fall for anyone else.
I understand it now.
I never should have said these words to you.
Yuan Ling, if only you knew that the one on my mind has been you all along.
That is why I can't let you know the truth.
If breaking my heart could keep you alive and well
not even the bone-chilling agony could waver my decision.
Qing Chen...
How should I behave toward you?
What is it? You've thought it through?
I have already made a decision.
Therefore, I called Duo Xia out yesterday to turn her marriage proposal down.
I had thought it would--
Unfilial son!
Who told you to make your own decision?
This will affect the entire nation.
If handled poorly, both states might then be at war!
It could also make A-Chai Tribe take side with Liang State!
What you did could put us in the crossfire between two states!
I have led the army to war since I turned 16 years old.
I would rather shed my blood on the battlefield than tie a marital bond.
Get lost!
Go and kneel outside the hall!
Come in to tell me of your decision only when you have thought it through!
Yes. Father.
Father, what is troubling you?
It's Prince Ling.
He insisted on rejecting the marriage proposal from A-Chai Tribe.
His Majesty was furious and punished him to kneel outside Zhiyuan Hall.
Don't you know what Prince Ling's temperament is like?
Sure enough, he just knelt there all day without getting up.
What's wrong?
I'm all right.
Minister, Li Lin of Prince Zhan's manor is here to see you.
He said that there are more gifts for Miss Qing Chen.
This Prince Zhan...
He... Why does he hold you in such high regard?
He's sending gifts again?
Prince Zhan is an elegant man.
We are both fond of music.
That was why we were in contact with each other often.
Father, do not think too much of it.
All right... I won't take this too seriously.
Why can't two music lovers share a friendship?
Go on.
Don't keep him waiting or it would make us seem impolite.
I'll be right back.
Your Ladyship, His Highness had me bring this to you.
Is this the book you have been looking for?
[Do not panic.]
It is this book indeed.
Prince Zhan is most thoughtful.
He could actually find the only copy.
His Highness said that he only remembered this book after you reminded him.
He is giving this book to comfort his bosom friend in music.
Please tell His Highness that I'll study this book in my manor.
I thank His Highness.
I take my leave.
Convey my orders.
Set out right away back to A-Chai Tribe.
Your Highness, this is--
The discussion of the marital bond has come to a conclusion.
There's no need to wait any longer.
It seems Yuan Ling called on the princess yesterday to turn her down.
Whatever decision Wei State has made
Your Highness need not worry.
As long as I'm here, I won't allow Liang State to invade A-Chai Tribe!
We never are in need of help from others to protect our people of A-Chai Tribe.
This is all destined.
It has already come to such.
There's no need to keep insisting.
At the moment, domestic trouble and a foreign invasion are brewing.
How could I not panic?
[A-Chai Tribe, Marital Bond, Liang State]
His Majesty is well aware of the threat Liang State poses to Great Wei.
That's why he wishes to form an alliance with A-Chai Tribe.
Establishing a martial bond is the most suitable method.
- Miss Qing Chen - Miss Qing Chen.
Miss Qing Chen.
Senior.
Take a trip to the inn and invite Princess Duo Xia here.
Tell her that I have important matters to discuss with her.
Yes.
Should Her Highness ask me for details, how am I to answer her?
Just tell her...
It's related to the person on her mind.
Tell her that she must come.
Yes.
Hold on!
Head out from the back door.
Bring Princess Duo Xia in from the back door as well.
Make sure that no one sees you.
Feng Manor has their men watching us at the front door.
You must act cautiously.
Yes, I understand.
Greetings, Your Highness.
Princess Qingping has sent me here to invite Your Highness
to Muyuan Hospital for a few words.
I have never interacted with her in private.
Why has she suddenly invited me over?
Her Ladyship said that it concerns the person on Your Highness's mind.
Therefore, she'd ask that Your Highness head over to see her.
Who else could it be on my mind but Yuan Ling?
However, it is Princess Qingping that Yuan Ling is devoted to.
Since it is so, I might as well meet her before I leave.
All right.
Who could have known?
You were the most popular courtesan in Celestial Dance House back then.
In just a matter of days
now you're the daughter of Feng family, Princess Qingpin
as well as the owner of Muyuan Hospital.
Your Ladyship truly is a very mysterious woman.
One's identity and title are simply for identification purposes.
If it pleases Your Highness
you could continue to see me as the musician in Celestial Dance House.
It matters not to me.
What a straightforward young lady.
It's not wonder that someone holds you in such high regard.
Your Highness, do you know that this someone you spoke of
has been kneeling outside Zhiyuan Hall for hours already?
You asked me here today because of this matter?
Prince Ling refused to tie the marital bond with you.
His Majesty punished him to kneel till he changes his mind.
This concerns the alliance between Wei State and A-Chai Tribe
no officials dare utter a word.
Even my father, Minister Feng couldn't do much about it.
Since this happened because of A-Chai Tribe
only Your Highness could change His Majesty's mind now.
Perhaps you are right.
If I were to talk to His Majesty, he might be appeased.
Do you know that Prince Ling only turned down this marriage proposal
solely out of his affection for you?
Therefore, it would have been fine if someone else asked me for this favor.
Yet, it was you who asks for my help.
Why should I help you?
Your Highness needs only know that it's impossible
for Prince Ling and me.
Moreover, this marriage means very much to Your Highness.
Compared to Great Wei
A-Chai Tribe would be in need of this marital bond.
Perhaps, you are right.
But a person's affection won't change so easily.
How would you make Prince Ling change his mind?
Your Highness, where have you been?
Get my carriage ready.
I'm taking a trip to the palace.
We are all set and ready to head back home.
Your Highness wishes to bid farewell to the emperor of Wei?
It's still too early to bid him farewell.
Convey my orders.
We'll postpone our return.
There's a turn of events.
Why would Your Highness say so?
Do you still have your hopes up for Wei State?
I know that you're worried about me.
We grew up together.
You're the one who knows me best.
As long as it's what I set my mind to
and there's still a flicker of hope, I never just give up.
Indeed.
Minister.
I have been keeping a close eye on Muyuan Hospital.
Miss Qing Chen hasn't left the premises at all.
No suspicious persons were spotted going into the hospital.
Are you sure that you've kept a close eye on her?
There's nothing suspicious going on?
Everything is normal.
There's nothing suspicious at all.
Father, I'm home.
You're home?
How is everything at Muyuan Hospital?
I haven't been there for a few days so there are minor issues to handle.
Other than that, all is well.
Good, good!
This is very good.
Qing Chen.
Your Muyuan Hospital is opened to offer treatment to the people
and has received great compliments.
His Majesty also pays great attention to it.
You must be sure to manage it carefully.
I understand.
Should I run into any matters that I couldn't handle
I'd need Father to offer some guidance.
With pleasure!
I have to head out to handle some matters.
Go and get some rest soon.
Father, take care.
- Feng Qiu. - Present.
- Get my horse ready. - Yes.
Prince Ming visits the manor about every ten days or so.
This is the day he's visiting.
I have to make use of Xian Wu to see how much he knew of her death.
Ming...
You've finally come to see me.
Xian Wu! Xian Wu!
Why didn't you save me?
Do you know how much pain I was in?
You're my husband.
How could you watch me die so tragically?
That was the poison of The Mages.
I couldn't save you.
What poison was it?
Who had wanted to kill me?
I know that you've been waiting for me.
But I got here too late.
How could you collude with The Mages to kill my mother?
I don't believe in it.
Who said that I killed your mother?
What evidence do you have to say that I killed your mother?
It was Minister Feng.
He destroyed all the evidence.
He wouldn't let me investigate into it.
He was afraid that you'd implicate the entire Feng family.
But I didn't believe in him.
I must seek out the truth!
I know that you have left me some clues.
I will surely find them.
What clues have you found?
None.
I couldn't find any clues.
Xian Wu! Xian Wu...
Xian Wu, Xian Wu...
Xian Wu?
Xian Wu! Xian Wu!
Xian Wu...
- Xian Wu! - Your Highness!
- What are you doing? - Xian Wu!
- Xian Wu! Xian Wu! - Prince Ming!
Minister.
Come!
Xian Wu? Xian Wu...
Xian Wu, where are you?
- Xian Wu! - Prince Ming!
Prince Ming!
- Be careful. - Xian Wu?
Xian Wu, don't leave!
I have to talk to you!
- I know that they won't let me see you. - Father...
- Xian Wu, do you know... - Your Highness, let her go.
She is Qing Chen! Let go of her!
- Your Highness. - Xian Wu...
Feng Qiu, escort Prince Ming home.
Yes, Minister.
- Prince Ming, be careful. - Xian Wu...
- Prince Ming, be careful! - Xian Wu...
Have the imperial physician see to him!
Yes!
Father, what is wrong with my brother-in-law?
Xian Wu passed away and he's bereaved.
It seems that he's acting up again.
This matter concerns the reputation of Feng family and the imperial family.
Don't tell anyone about it.
Don't worry, Father.
Good, go and get some rest in your room.
Yes.
Why would these two scented sachets have the same fragrance?
Prince Ji said that he was given this scented sachet by a young palace maid.
If Prince Ming has any dealings with dark sorcery
could the woman who slipped into the dance house
be the same person who gave Prince Ji the sachet?
How is that woman related to Prince Ming?
I'm afraid Cai Qian is going to kick up a huge fuss at home because of Ling.
However... Why would Zhan be so willing to help Ling this time?
Where's the young mistress? Why has she gone missing again?
Cai Qian!
Be careful!
Slow down!
Jump off now.
Silly Che, if you can't catch me properly again, you're dead!
Don't worry, I surely will this time!
Jump now, go on.
I caught you this time, right?
What are you smiling at? Put me down.
Put me down!
- You said it. - Yes, I said it!
Silly Che, you're such a fool!
Look at you.
You don't even look like a young mistress of the nobility.
It's no wonder Zhan gets a headache when he speaks of you.
What are you doing?
- The pot calling the kettle black! - It hurts!
You're not any better!
At least, I don't leave my manor climbing over the walls.
Even if I do, I won't need anyone to catch me.
Who told you to?
Where's the young mistress?
They are coming! Let's go!
Hurry up!
Quickly!
Quickly! Hurry up!
Where's the young mistress?
Over there! Let's go!
Prince Zhan.
Your Highness came to the palace as expected.
What do you mean, Your Highness?
Could it be that you know what brings me to the palace?
As of now, there's only person who could've made you come.
I didn't know that Your Highness is interested in this matter as well.
What brings Your Highness here today?
I am also here for the person that you are here for.
I'm a bit baffled now.
Why would you help Prince Ling?
Could it be purely out of your brotherly affection?
Could I not do so out of my brotherly affection?
I wonder how Your Highness intends to resolve this issue?
Only Your Highness could save Ling.
My method is the method that you have in mind.
Buns! Would you like a bun?
Come and take a look.
I'll have two buns.
Sure!
How ungrateful.
Your Highness, Prince Che.
Prince Che also keeps a beautiful lady by your side?
We thought that you only care about Prince Ling.
What is there to look at!
Am I to get Master Yin here?
We wouldn't dare.
We'll take out leave now.
Let's go. Keep searching.
They said that you only care about Prince Ling.
Is this true?
If you keep looking at me like this...
Believe it or not, I'll yell.
Prince Che, be a gentleman and let me off.
By the way, what were you doing in my backyard today?
What is it?
Didn't Zhan tell you?
He told me to come and get you.
Zhan arranged for me to sneak out as well.
Could Zhan mean to have us...
Go to the palace now?
Minister, I've checked.
No one has touched anything in Miss Xian Wu's room.
Her clothes are all still in there.
The person Prince Ming saw in the room...
Could it really be his hallucination?
No one in the manor would disguise as Miss Xian Wu.
Let's not forget that we have a newcomer in the manor.
Since Miss Qing Chen returned to the manor
I've had our men keep a close watch on her discreetly as you instructed.
Apart from the first day she returned to the manor
she has never entered that room.
On that note, should Prince Ming find her similar to Miss Xian Wu
that is also possible.
The both of them do look very much alike.
Indeed.
She and Xian Wu really do look very much alike.
Even at times, I find myself confused as well.
However, the fact is
she definitely isn't my daughter, Xian Wu!
Minister, if you're worried--
I know what to do.
You are dismissed.
Yes.
Ling rejected the marital bond because of me.
Now that His Majesty punished him to stay on his knees
I must think of a way to help him.
Ling did it for you?
Could it be that Zhan told you so?
Do I need Zhan to tell me that?
I know it all too well.
Last time, Ling even held my hand to practice swordsmanship.
Each and every stance he guided me through showed that he cared.
Ling also held my hand to practice swordsmanship.
There are tens of thousands of soldiers in the Black Armor Army
and half of them were all taught swordsmanship by Ling.
How could that be the same?
If Ling isn't always spending time with the lot of you
he'd probably already be married by now!
How could Princess Duo Xia have the chance to propose to him?
I find Ling and Princess Duo Xia quite compatible.
She's at least much better than someone who is so full of herself.
What a joke!
I bet Princess Duo Xia must be ugly!
If not, why would Ling--
Princess Duo Xia.
What were you saying about Ling?
Nothing!
Ling, do your legs hurt?
Don't worry, Ling.
I know what you have on your mind.
Anything that you wish to do, I will surely help you--
Stop messing around. Head home.
Don't worry about me.
I'll plead on your behalf to His Majesty.
What is all this?
Is this some rebellion?
What is all this about?
You all wish to go against me?
Your Majesty, since Prince Ling has refused to tie the marital bond
why don't Your Majesty make an imperial decree to--
Select a princess consort for Prince Ling!
Ling, play along with it.
Get yourself out of this fix first.
I beseech Your Majesty to resolve this issue with the most impartial method.
Allow A-Chai Tribe, Wei State
and Prince Ling a chance to make another choice.
Your Majesty, there are better candidates for Prince Ling's consort in Great Wei.
We don't have to tie a marital bond!
Father, it's not ideal to drag this matter out much longer.
Since Princess Duo Xia has proposed this herself
and it's a feasible method that doesn't go against the state's ceremonial system
isn't that the perfect solution?
It does make sense.
Ling is at the age to take a wife.
We'll announce it according to the regulations of Great Wei.
The princess consort of Ling will be selected.
What do you say to that?
May I be so bold as to ask Father
if I select a princess consort according to the ancestral code
is the final outcome determined by the result of the selection process?
Are you doubting me?
Thank you, Father.
Zhan, I really have to thank you for helping me out this time.
However, you don't seem to be pleased with it?
Isn't this the outcome you wanted?
Father gave you the right to make the final decision.
But the lady I yearn for doesn't wish to marry into my manor.
I remember that you once told me
we must always give it our all on the battlefield.
It's because no one knows what the outcome would be until the end.
It is the same with your situation.
The same theory applies.
The battle of life and death on the battlefield is actually much easier.
It's unlike one's unpredictable mind.
That doesn't sound like what you would normally say.
I'm actually here to let you know
I wish to compete with you fair and square
over some matters as well as someone.
Everyone says that you're good at playing mind games.
Who knew that you would be so straightforward today?
It's unlike you.
Ling, you mustn't forget either.
Although you have the right to choose your wife
the pressure of tying the marital bond still exists.
Hence, it might seem that you have helped me out of the fix
you are actually helping Qing Chen.
You know that she won't marry me.
However, she won't stand by doing nothing to help me.
You are intentionally doing her a favor.
Ling, you're indeed clever.
Therefore, when it comes to Qing Chen, who knows how it will turn out
until the very end?
It seems that you've come prepared.
You're determined to win.
What would you say to that?
I should not let my brother down.
How could I not accept the challenge?
Father would soon have the decree announced.
It will start getting busy in your manor soon.
You're right.
I have to ask Mister Mo for an auspicious date.
Ling, let's see if you could get the last laugh.
I never fight a losing battle.
Unless I choose to give it up.
His Majesty made a decree for Prince Ling to select his princess consort.
That's good to know.
Your Highness must take advantage of this opportunity.
I'm afraid that with Your Ladyship's identity
you would also be among the candidates?
As for my marriage, I'll leave it to my father to decide.
Prince Ling would defy his own father because of you.
Would you really choose not to fight for him?
Your Highness, your concern is misplaced.
I have made it very clear to you what my attitude is.
Since we're both women
I could tell that Your Ladyship also has Prince Ling on your mind.
Otherwise, why would you ask me again and again to help him?
Should Your Ladyship have a change in mind during the selection process
we could both compete fairly.
I'm truly impressed by Your Highness's magnanimity.
I'm also in awe of your wisdom.
From now on, I shall regard you as my competitor.
Your Ladyship, be ready to take on my challenge.
I take my leave.
Her Highness truly is forthright and daring in her affection.
Ling.
How is it at Muyuan Hospital?
There's nothing special...
But my secret agent just reported back
that Princess Duo Xia had been to Muyuan Hospital.
Princess Duo Xia?
She's never had any interaction with Qing Chen.
What was she doing there?
Ling, what is on your mind?
I already find it strange that
Princess Duo Xia would go to Zhiyuan Hall today to plead on my behalf.
Princess Duo Xia might have done so because of Qing Chen.
You mean...
It seems that Miss Qing Chen is always paying attention to your every move.
If she had really asked the princess for this favor
it will then put me in a great dilemma.
Since you have no affection for me
why would you bother making me marry another?
Since she helped me out of this fix...
I will repay her kindness.
That woman came of an unknown origin.
You must be exceptionally cautious of her.
Judging by your description of Prince Ming's behavior in your manor
it must be an enchantment.
We only allowed her into Feng Manor to seek out her true identity.
When I took Xi Xie away from Celestial Dance House
I once heard her address him as Mentor.
She must be one of The Mages.
If you are concerned that she might sabotage our plans
we could just get rid of her as soon as possible.
There's no rush.
Let's observe her a while longer.
I've never heard of her in The Mages.
When did Xi Xie take in such a disciple?
She thought that she was smart enough to fool everyone.
Yet the tattoo on her wrist is identical to Luan Fei's.
Since the tattoo is identical, she must be an impostor.
Others might not know of it but I could tell in one glance.
You are indeed the most influential Minister Feng.
You would dare to keep your enemy by your side.
Since it is so, everything is then within your control.
If you keep her around, you could at least lure Tao Yao out.
It won't be enough to appease my hatred by just killing Xi Xie.
Back then, it was Tao Yao who had me murdered.
Since I managed to survive, I will make her pay for it.
However, once Tao Yao discovers that Ding Shui is still alive
it's hard to say that she wouldn't trace it back to you.
I went to great lengths to wipe out all traces of evidence
and even had the empress silenced.
This is just so that I could conceal my identity airtight.
Your daughter was only killed because she found out too much.
Let's not forget that you had her killed with your own hands.
It's worthwhile to sacrifice her alone for the sake of the entire Feng clan.
Forget it.
Just tell me what I should do next.
Since they dared to wipe out Jade Blood Chamber
don't blame me for being ruthless.
This time, I will have them know who the true master of The Mages is!
Please hand this over to Qing Chen.
May I be so bold as to ask why
Your Highness won't hand this to her personally?
I'll do my best to help Qing Chen with what she wishes to do.
Now that she is investigating into the scented sachets
everything I could find out about them is already on this scroll.
Although I had my doubts about her
I don't wish to see her harmed either.
Is Your Highness worried about Qing Chen?
From Pingxing County to Heavenly Capital
I've doubted her every move.
Yet, there is one matter I know for sure.
I know that I don't wish to see her harmed in Feng Manor.
I have made The Mages a promise.
I promised to clear your name.
In terms of that, I share the same sentiment as Qing Chen.
It seems that His Highness is still very protective of Qing Chen.
Who knew Prince Ming is skilled in disguise?
Very few knew of it.
However, some veteran servants in the palace remembered.
Many years ago, Prince Ming performed for His Majesty's birthday banquet
and had changed into various disguises.
All of them were different.
Each one of them was disguised to perfection.
Even those close to him couldn't make out the differences.
His Majesty was delighted at his performance.
If so, it is not difficult at all for Prince Ming to appear as a woman.
Then many matters would now make sense.
What is it that you recall?
This is such rare information.
You've done well in finding it.
As you said, that was 10 years ago.
It was also a private banquet in the palace.
There are no records of it in the palace's "Everyday Notes."
How did you find out about it?
Elder Mo told me about it.
Mister Mo?
Mister Mo only started working in the palace a year ago.
Moreover, he's stationed outside the palace
so how could he know of such a private event in the palace?
I don't know.
Right, Prince Ling seemed to have made a visit to the Astronomy Bureau.
I understand.
There's one other piece of information.
It is said that before Feng Xian Wu died
she had been studying a medical classic.
It seems to be written in the language of the Western Regions.
This should be it.
This is the book title. Find me one.
Mister Mo could read the language
so please have him translate it for me as soon as possible.
Yes, I'll get it done now.
Greetings, Mother.
Do rise.
I heard from His Majesty that
you'll be selecting a princess consort soon?
I have come to visit you because of this matter
as well as to see if you have any requests.
You already run your own manor.
You should make your own decisions.
I only wish for you to find someone of your affection
so as not to leave any regret.
Mother should know that as a member of the imperial family
it's really hard to do as one wishes.
Indeed.
Life hardly turns out the way we want.
Let's not mention it.
There is one other matter that I'm here for.
All these years, Mother has never asked anything of me.
You only told me to protect The Mages discreetly.
I'd like to know if Mother knew what had happened with The Mages then.
Moreover, have you heard of an Elder called Ding Shui?
I do know the veteran sorcerers and sorceresses.
They only had two Elders.
The Mages have always been a mysterious tribe.
They rarely interact with outsiders.
What about the death of the empress?
Were there any suspicious sightings in the palace then?
The death of the empress?
It just came to my mind.
Xian Wu was leaving the palace that day and I happened to run into her.
I noticed that there was a strange dark red tint on her fingers.
The imperial physician later confirmed that the empress was poisoned
by a unique poison of The Meandering Skies, Flame Poison.
It's been said that Xian Qu had actually murdered the empress.
Flame Poison?
Exactly.
After Elder Mo learned of this information
he sent me here to inform you right away.
There's this book as well.
This is what you asked me to look for.
Why would you be so concerned about this book?
This book was placed on Xian Wu's desk.
The pages were worn around the edges.
It means that Xian Wu used to read it very often.
There could be clues in it.
However, the book is now covered in dust.
No one has flipped through it for quite some time.
I'm worried that it will arouse suspicion if I touch it.
That's why you had me search for another copy?
If writings are done on metal with very thin juices of grass
they would only appear when smeared with juices of the dancing-doll orchid.
Dancing-doll orchid?
There are many of such orchids in Prince Zhan's manor.
I got it!
It wasn't a stain on the copper mirror!
It was a clue that Xian Wu left behind.
The contents in this book can remind others how to find the clues.
Ming Yan, inform Mister Mo to do me a favor.
Perhaps, we shall find out the truth very soon.
Yes.
Ling, didn't you say that you'd stay out of matters concerning Feng Manor?
Why would you still bring your men here personally to assist her?
Mister Mo has asked a favor of me.
It had nothing to do with anyone else.
If dark sorcery can't be eliminated, our people will never be safe.
Why would we make a fuss about such a small favor?
I'm afraid that you share the same mind as someone else?
Elder Ding Shui.
Here you are, at last.
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