Subtitles By TVB USA
[Can't Buy Me Love]
Episode 23
Szeto Ngan Ping fought with the assassin and almost recognized him.
If she pursues the matter, she'll eventually connect me to the assassin.
What if...
You're sure he's the assassin?
According to the description of the doctor
that man's injuries matched the assassin.
I fought him and I recognized his pattern.
I checked against some kung fu manuals.
He's using Blue Gravel Hand from the Ching Shing Sect.
Ching Shing Sect?
To practice the Blue Gravel Hand, one must be a recognized disciple.
They don't have that many.
I must go there to check it out.
Her Highness Lady Wai.
Greetings, Lady Wai.
At ease.
Serve tea!
Yes, Princess.
You haven't been to the Palace, I missed you.
The Imperial kitchen made braised meat.
It's fat but not greasy, tender but not mushy.
I told Mama Shum to make some for you.
It's made of shredded bamboo shoots covered with meat
diced onions, and ginger, and steamed with stew powder.
It looks so appetizing.
How kind of you, Lady Wai.
Now that the Dowager is away, the harem is under my jurisdiction.
It's my duty to look after the Princesses
or else what would I tell His Majesty?
He should be back from his tour soon.
Tea, Lady Wai and Princess.
Since when have you become interested in martial arts?
We were almost killed by the assassin.
I collected manuals from different sects for Ngan Ping's reference.
We should try to protect ourselves.
Well said!
If everyone was like you, there'd be peace throughout the land.
I always know my place, but some people likes to stir up trouble.
I like it when you live in ease and comfort.
This tea is special... fragrant and strong.
It's sweet and mellow...
This is a specialty from Tin Ping village.
Chiu Yeung, isn't that your home town?
The Princess and I are from the same village.
Really?
Your handkerchief, Milady.
Chiu Yeung traced the assassin to the Ching Shing Sect.
You're wise, Milady.
What should we do? I'm afraid they'll get to the truth soon.
Let's see who can act faster.
I heard you wanted to see me right away?
Did you miss me?
Of course, you've been gone for so long.
But I'm here for a different matter.
What is it?
While you were on your tour, Lady Wai and I were attacked by assassins.
Were they caught?
One killed himself after he was captured, and the other one got away.
I traced them to the Ching Shing Sect.
I put Ngan Ping on the case, and we found a very important lead.
What is it?
The Sect has close ties with the Wai family of Langnan Shan.
That is Lady Wai's hometown and where her family is from.
I suspect she's connected with the assassin.
Why would she do that?
I sent Ngan Ping and Eunuch Li to Langnan Shan.
They'll be back when they find anything.
Your Majesty, Lady Wai has been injured outside Purple Cloud Palace.
His Majesty, the Emperor arrives.
Greetings, Your Majesty.
At ease! How is Lady Wai?
Lady Wai was injured in the arm. It's just a flesh wound, nothing serious.
I gave her a dressing and will prescribe a tranquilizing tea.
Right away!
I'll take my leave...
Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.
What happened?
I was enjoying the flowers in the garden, when I ran into the assassin.
Luckily, Yu Cho protected me, and the guards arrived in time.
They killed the assassin on the spot.
An assassin in the palace? I must get to the truth!
Your Majesty, I know who wants me dead.
Who has the audacity?
It's Chiu Yeung!
That's absurd! It's a lie.
You're the thief who cries thief. You wanted to kill me!
Heaven knows what you're up to.
I have taken care of you, but you still hate me out of spite.
- You abused your power for personal gain. - You won't get away with your evildoing!
You tried to kill me in the royal garden.
You tried to kill me last time, and today you did it again.
That's a trumped up charge. I need a motive for murder.
Why would I try to kill you?
Because I know your secret.
I have no secrets.
Precisely because you have, you must silence those who know.
You...
Your secret is... you're not a Princess.
You're not His Majesty's daughter.
You're an impostor! You lied to His Majesty.
Watch what you're saying!
Why do you say she's not my daughter?
I have evidence to prove it.
Chiu Yeung is not your daughter. You've been kept in the dark.
That's insane! Why are you doing this?
If I've lied about any of this, I'm willing to accept any punishment.
What proof do you have?
If Chiu Yeung is an impostor, who is the real Princess?
The real Princess is... Ng Sz Tak.
What?
She's my daughter?
That's right.
What proof do you have?
Mama Shum is the witness.
Go on... tell His Majesty what you know.
I'm sorry, Your Highness.
That's impossible! I'm an orphan from Tin Ping village.
I don't know you.
I saw you 25 years ago.
Tell me exactly what happened.
Tzi Kuen was my best friend.
25 years ago, she and her husband broke the law and were sentenced to death.
Before she died, she entrusted her newborn daughter, Lui Siu Yuen, with me.
I ran away in the night.
When I passed by Tin Ping village, I saw a woman going into labor.
It was Yu Yin.
Her mother went to fetch the midwife.
I helped Yu Yin deliver the baby, but she died during childbirth.
She told me to give the baby to her mother.
I was afraid the soldiers would come after Lui Siu Yuen.
I swapped the baby girls.
Go on...
I ran off with Yu Yin's daughter.
Before I left Tin Ping Village, I ran into the soldiers and I was scared.
I left the baby girl in the brushwood
and prayed that Heaven would take pity and let her live.
You made the announcement you intended to bring
the 6-year-old Princess Chiu Yeung to the Palace.
Mama Shum realized then Yu Yin met you and her daughter was the real Princess.
She was glad Siu Yuen managed to survive and was recognized as a Princess.
But she also felt guilty of depriving the real Princess of a life of luxury.
You delivered the baby girl 25 years ago.
How can you prove Sz Tak is the real Princess?
When I delivered Yu Yin's baby
she had a butterfly birthmark on the back of her neck.
When I visited Princess Chiu Yeung with Lady Wai
I saw the same birthmark on Sz Tak.
Eunuch Kwok, check it out.
Mama Shum is telling the truth.
Mama Shum knows the implication of telling the truth, but said it anyways.
I still don't have solid proof. I can't decide.
We can do a blood test, Your Majesty.
Good idea! Do it now!
Yes, Your Majesty.
Clouds cannot cover the sky.
Heaven will make a final decision.
The blood test will tell you who is your flesh and blood.
I'll draw your blood now, Your Majesty.
This is Princess Chiu Yeung's blood.
The two drops cannot mix.
Princess Chiu Yeung is not your daughter.
Continue.
This is Ng Sz Tak's blood.
See? They merged.
Ng Sz Tak is undoubtedly your daughter.
She's the real Princess.
Chiu Yeung is not my daughter?
And you are?
I'm a... Princess?
How dare you swap my daughter!
I will tear you to pieces!
Please have mercy, Your Majesty.
Milady, on account of my loyalty...
Mama Shum has committed a heinous crime.
But at least she told the truth and tried to right a wrong.
Please have mercy on her.
A life was at stake.
She swapped my daughter with that of a convict.
That's no different from murder.
By law, a murderer must be executed.
I hereby sentence her to death.
Please spare me, Your Majesty...
- Take her away! - Yes!
Your Majesty... Milady... I deserve to die.
Thank you for looking after me, Milady.
One will get retribution for one's evildoing.
I'll never forget what you told me.
Get up!
- Milady... - Get up!
Milady...
Move it!
Milady...
Mama Shum has been sentenced to death.
Shall we do the same to the convict's daughter?
The blood test can only prove she's not my daughter.
It can't prove she's Lui Siu Yuen.
Even if that is true, she hired an assassin to kill me.
As you said, by law, all murderers must be executed.
I didn't send any assassins! I didn't do it!
The assassin is still at large.
We have yet to learn the truth.
We must not make hasty decisions.
If Chiu Yeung is not my daughter, her title and privileges will be revoked.
Take her into custody.
Who'd have guessed Sz is a Princess?
It's like eating a cucumber at night.
What does that mean?
You can't tell which side is up!
If the Princess is not a Princess, then Dor Luk is not a Prince.
That's no big deal.
But Chiu Yeung was probably framed for a murder rap.
The Princess has a kind heart.
She's not a cruel person.
Dor Luk...
Yau Wai!
Is it true about the Princess?
I'm afraid so.
Murder is a serious charge.
What's your plan?
My head is spinning, I don't have a clue.
Ngan Ping will be caught up in this.
Where is she now?
An order for the Kam family.
Lui Siu Yuen is suspected of trying to murder Lady Wai.
His Majesty has ordered a thorough investigation.
Everyone in the family will be questioned.
Did Chiu Yeung meet with any strangers?
She has never gone out!
Did she sneak around and seem evasive?
She's open and upright!
Drink it!
Do I have to? I've been drinking all night!
Drink or talk.
Did Chiu Yeung express any hatred for Lady Wai?
Does she want her dead?
I said no.
Does she seem spiteful?
Talk or drink.
Does Lui Siu Yuen seem violent?
Did she scold anyone?
No, I already told you.
Did she hit Prince Dor Luk?
Was she abusive to the staff?
No! She's very pleasant and accommodating.
You're related to the Kams, did you...
I want to know Chiu Yeung's situation.
She's in jail.
What about her maid? Where is she?
Probably at large.
Are you sure?
Is she in jail with Chiu Yeung?
Are you telling the truth?
Was there a trial? Did you torture her to confess?
Who's doing the questioning here?
Even if you ask me 1,000 times, the answer is still no.
Someone framed my wife.
Why don't you tell me how she's doing in jail?
Is she cold or hot? Does she have a bed?
Is she eating enough? Anyone to wait on her?
Bring her hot tea? Tell me!
Calm down! I'm just doing my job.
I'm too concerned about my wife.
Can I help you?
How is her mansion?
It has been sealed off.
What? I must pack up her things.
- But... - I thought you were helping me.
Hurry up!
Your request has been approved.
Hurry up and pack up what you need.
Thank you, Eunuch Kwok.
[Homilies]
Dor Luk!
His Majesty has shown great leniency.
He allowed me a visit.
How are you, Princess?
Stop calling me Princess.
I'm not a Princess anymore.
Even Grandma is not my grandma.
I'm the daughter of a convict.
My mother is Tzi Kuen.
My name is Lui Siu Yuen.
Who you are is not important. All I know is that you're my wife.
My wife is not a murderer.
I have no grudges against Lady Wai.
Why would I want to kill her?
First and foremost, we must clear your name.
Can anyone help you inside the Palace?
It's always easy to add flowers to a brocade.
But who will bring coal in the winter?
People are afraid of getting implicated.
They'd run from me.
What about Lady Suen?
The tea is cold when the guest is gone.
Everyone is playing it safe.
Then I'll rely on myself.
I'll have someone draft a complaint and submit it to His Majesty.
I'll overturn the case and clear your name.
You're taking on Lady Wai. It's a hopeless battle.
I believe in the long arm of the law.
I won't let you take a murder rap.
'Black clouds may cover the sky, but they'll be blown away by the wind.'
This paper dragonfly you picked up fits your situation perfectly.
I didn't pick them up, I wrote them.
You did?
Grandma wanted me to share the spirit of Homilies.
I copied the sayings onto paper dragonflies.
Each year on her birthday, February 2nd
and September 8th, the anniversary of her death
I'd go up to the seven-tier pagoda in the Palace
and cast them into the wind.
I see! Each year in February and September
Cheung On gets a south-easterly wind.
The paper dragonflies sailed in the wind
and found their way to Breezy Gulf outside the Palace.
That was where I picked them up.
You did?
I picked them up and I didn't throw them away.
'Despite the thunder and rain, I look for the sunny day in my heart.'
'Without severe cold weather, how can you enjoy the fragrant plum blossoms?'
You picked up my paper dragonflies?
Whenever I feel defeated, I use them to cheer me up.
You have been my pillar of strength all along.
We have been in contact without knowing it!
This is destiny.
It takes 100 lifetimes' effort to earn our fate in this life.
You must hang in there, don't give up.
I will save you and clear you name.
'Don't be afraid of climbing the mountain. You'll find an easier turn.'
Time's up, you have to go.
Take care of yourself.
Come on!
Father!
At ease! Sz Tak, you will be a Tang Princess.
- I'll name you Tak Sin. - Thank you, Father.
It must have been tough for you all these years.
I believe this is Heaven's will.
You must have suffered.
I'll try my best to make it up to you.
I thought I was an orphan.
I thought if I could find my parents
I wouldn't ask for riches and fortune.
I wanted them to ride on horses with me, herd cows and sheep.
We'd plant trees and plow the land.
Gather firewood and eat every meal together.
I'm glad you're content with a simple life.
No money can buy domestic bliss.
But I'm tied up with state affairs and cannot spend time with my children.
That has always been my greatest regret.
I meant that as a civilian.
You're not only my Father, you're also the head of state.
The whole country is your responsibility.
I'll be happy if you can eat with me now and then.
I promise.
Thank you, Father.
Anything else?
Gold? Fabric? Land and a mansion?
I ask for your leniency.
You're interceding on Chiu Yeung's behalf?
I waited on her for a long time.
I know how she treated her staff like family.
She would never hire an assassin to kill anyone.
You must conduct a full investigation.
It breaks my heart to see her in trouble.
I spent 20 years with her and I loved her.
I hope this is a mere misunderstanding.
Don't worry, I won't let her suffer any grievances.
Thank you, Father.
Tak Sin!
Hello, Tak Sin.
Forgive me for not welcoming you.
Please sit down! Serve tea!
Yes!
I brought you a gift, Tak Sin.
Silks and satin are perfect for your slim figure.
Pearl hairpins go well with your virtues.
Ginseng is good for your health.
I can't accept such lavish gifts.
Don't be so formal with us.
We're sisters, flesh and blood.
Father is busy with state affairs.
We're happy to keep you company.
Let's go for a boat ride in this fair weather.
We should enjoy the blooming flowers in the garden.
Let's go for a walk and enjoy the scenery.
Her Highness, Lady Suen.
Greetings, Lady Suen.
At ease! All the Princesses are here!
We came to visit Tak Sin and invite her for a walk and some tea.
You'll have to pick another day.
I'm hosting a dinner at Lai Ching Palace in Princess Tak Sin's honor.
We invited her first.
Filial piety should take precedence.
After all, Tak Sin is like my daughter.
I'm not in the mood for a walk or flowers
or have the heart to talk and visit.
I'm worried about Chiu Yeung.
She's innocent.
Lady Suen, can you help her?
You're very kind, Tak Sin, but you can't be sure about anyone else.
Power struggles are common in the harem.
You can't know what's on the mind of a convict's daughter.
But...
Members of the harem are forbidden to get involved in state affairs.
You should tell me what you like to eat so I can tell the kitchen to prepare it.
Milady, Lady Suen sent jewelry and fabric as a show of goodwill.
She certainly blows with the wind.
She sided with Chiu Yeung against you, and suffered an utter defeat.
That's why she's kissing up to you now.
You should send something back.
As the situation changes, a friend can become an enemy.
Wise decision, Milady.
Chiu Yeung wanted to pin the assassination attempt on me.
I couldn't stand pat and wait for my doom.
Now she has become an impostor.
She can barely save herself.
A centipede doesn't die so easily.
Chiu Yeung has always been His Majesty's pet.
Maybe he'll spare her life.
He won't play favorites, and I won't let her get away with it.
What worries me the most is Ngan Ping and Eunuch Li are still at large.
They may be able to turn things around.
They have become fugitives.
Ngan Ping won't get away so easily, either.
But the night is long...
We must beat His Majesty in finding them, and get rid of them for good.
I'll get on it right away.
They're posted everywhere.
All the gates are heavily guarded.
I thought this outpost was more secluded, but I was wrong.
We must leave Cheung On and reach Langnan Shan
to follow the lead on the Ching Shing Sect.
To save the Princess, we must have evidence against Lady Wai.
How can we leave Cheung On?
We can't take the regular path.
Not through the outposts?
We'll take a side road.
Even if we run into the soldiers, we might still stand a chance.
Someone is coming... he's not a friend.
You? Blue Gravel Hand?
Run! Save the Princess, Ngan Ping! Run...
I can't believe no one in Cheung On would write up a complaint for me.
Who'd dare file a law suit for you?
To oppose His Majesty takes guts.
It's a losing battle, who'd help us?
Chiu Yeung is waiting for me in jail.
Don't worry, we'll think of something...
It takes more than one to come up with a good plan.
There'll be a way out...
We'll manage, Dor Luk...
Don't try to console me.
I know it's tough on you too.
Madam Loi Hei, Master Ting is here with his wife.
Uncle Wong! Aunt Chi! There you are!
- Yes! - Serve tea!
- Yes! - I heard about the Princess.
Can we do anything to help?
Money is not an issue.
You're a friend when we're in need.
Blood is thicker than water.
We didn't save you from the kidnappers for nothing.
After all, we're family.
I'll never forget your kindness.
But... there's something we have to say.
Something we must do...
Please sign this, Loi Hei.
What? Severing ties with us?
What?
'I, Ting Loi Hei, hereby renounce blood relations'
'with Ting Choi Wong of Yangzhou'
'and sever all ties with his family.'
'We will not fraternize in any way'
'or share any trouble and fortune until we die.'
'I sign here as proof...'
No wonder you offered to help!
You intend to cut us off.
That's so mean! You think we'll implicate you?
They don't want to get involved.
They go for safer grounds in times of trouble.
Snobs!
Selfish pigs!
When you were kidnapped, if Mother didn't risk her life to save you
you'd both be dead by now.
There's no justice in this world.
You're breaking my heart.
Don't be mad, we're not being selfish.
We have our reasons.
Yan Chi and I have eaten more salt than ginger.
We can almost smell our coffins. We're not afraid to die.
We don't want to ruin Yau Wai's future.
He's in his 20s. He's still single and has no children.
He earned his position by doing well on the state exam.
He's a brilliant boy.
His life is just beginning. He has a promising future.
If the Princess is found guilty, Yau Wai will undoubtedly be embroiled...
Stop finding excuses.
You're obviously a coward who's after money.
- No! - You're a fair weather friend.
This is not the first time for you.
I swear, I'm telling the truth.
It's easier to catch a tiger than ask for a favor.
I'm begging you, Loi Hei.
Give Yau Wai a chance...
Don't listen to them!
- I beg of you... - Get away!
Stop trying to play on our sympathy.
Dor Fook! Siu Yuk! Don't argue with them.
If it's a destined calamity, the Kam family won't escape.
We should try to spare as many as we can.
We're innocent.
That's right! So are we!
Master Ting! Madam Ting.
- Yes? - Tea.
Siu Ho, take it back.
What?
Siu Ho, fetch me a pen so I can sign this.
Yes, Madam Loi Hei.
Loi Hei is so nice, we had a close call.
But Toady is still here.
Hold it!
What? A good dog gets out of the way.
Nothing nice ever comes out of your mouth.
Where are you going in such a hurry?
That's none of your business. Get out of my way.
Wait... you came with one bundle. Now you're leaving with two.
Something is fishy, Master.
Fishy or not, it's none of your business.
Let me see!
No!
My jewelry! You stole my jewelry!
- Give them back to me! - This is what I deserve!
Be careful, Yan Chi.
How can you say that...
The Princess is in jail, the Kams will be in trouble.
You're related to Madam Loi Hei.
You're likely to be executed.
Bite your tongue!
How can you be so vicious?
I'm telling the truth.
If you're involved, I'm your cousin, I'll be in trouble too.
I must leave right away.
That's why I must take this with me.
My daughter will marry someone else. She'll need a dowry.
Be grateful I didn't take everything.
Have her arrested...
Hold on, let's get this straight.
What's the matter?
You want the truth to come out?
You want to scare your wife?
Hey...
Stop her... Yau Wai!
Mother, you're panting...
Watch your heart, don't get excited.
- That's right! - Come...
- Sit down! - Sit down over here
- Sit down! - Get some rest!
You let that thief get away!
Father and I will report her!
Why bother? Consider that charity money for Toady.
She's gone!
The money is gone but we have peace of mind.
I'll buy you new jewelry.
- You said it! - Yes!
- Don't forget! - No problem!
Mother, Father really loves you.
Money is only a worldly possession.
What matters is we're safe.
As long as we're together and we have food, I don't care about being rich.
She's in luck!
Don't call me selfish, son.
Now that the Kams are in trouble, we have cut off all ties with them.
Ngan Ping is now a fugitive.
If you run into her, make sure you turn around, all right?
I'm sorry!
You go first.
Though I didn't take your place on purpose
you spent 20 years drifting around.
I'm sorry you had to suffer.
No, I'm sorry.
Now that I'm reinstated, I can live the life of a Princess.
But your life of luxury is gone, and you ended up in jail.
I don't know how good it is to be a Princess.
These elaborate clothes and jewelry don't make me happy.
Living in the Palace is no better than working for the Kams.
I'm only glad I found my Father.
I don't want to see you in jail, though.
I'm not in jail for being an impostor, but for trying to assassinate Lady Wai.
You'd never murder anyone!
Not unless the sun rises in the west.
I can see for myself what, and who, you are.
You're nice to me, Ngan Ping, Granny Kam, and Madam Loi Hei.
You did it from the heart.
You can't fool me!
Thank you.
Is there anything I can do for you? I'll try my best.
I want to see someone. I think it will help me.
Master Luk?
No, Ting Yau Wai.
Dor Fook!
What's wrong with your hands?
He was hacking down a tree with an axe.
He wrapped them up to get a good grip.
What?
The crow was making so much noise, I couldn't sleep last night.
Me too!
That's a bad omen, but since I couldn't catch it
I decided to hack down the tree and crush its nest, so it won't have a home.
Bite your tongue!
Madam Loi Hei, Minister Ting is here.
Yau Wai!
Hello, everyone.
- Yau Wai. - Yau Wai.
- Serve tea. - Yes.
How nice of you to visit with us.
Unlike your parents, who cut us off.
Like father is not like son.
The father is selfish, but the son is nice.
It's the thought that counts.
We're in trouble now, you should stay away.
I'm here on Chiu Yeung's order.
- What? - What?
You saw her? How is she?
Does she have any appetite? Did she lose weight?
- When can she come out? - Has she been tortured?
- When will they let her go? - Say something, Yau Wai!
Let him finish...
To sum it up, she's doing fine.
I'm so relieved.
Dor Luk, she wanted me to give you this.
A letter?
Sort of, a letter of separation.
What? She wants a separation? Why?
Murder is a serious charge.
If she cuts you off, she'll be able to protect you.
That's so silly of her!
Dor Luk's marriage is full of ups and downs.
This will be the third time!
Is it Heaven's will to keep you apart?
You're not destined to be married?
I won't accept it.
You're her husband, you can get into big trouble.
I'm not afraid, I'm not leaving her.
Dor Luk, I have your back.
Me too.
Me three.
And me.
Good! I'll tear this up.
I must remind you, Chiu Yeung told me she's in trouble because she was framed.
A trumped-up charge is hard to beat.
The consequences can be quite substantial.
If your family is labeled as rebels
not only will your estate be removed, but the whole family will be executed.
Hold on... if Dor Luk rejects the separation, the family will be involved.
We'll all die? Dor Fook...
- What? - You mustn't die!
Maybe... it's not that serious.
Dor Luk is in trouble, I must back him up. He's my flesh and blood.
What kind of brother am I if I abandon him?
You only care about your brother! What about me? I'm your wife!
Brothers are like limbs, while a wife is like clothes.
I can change clothes, but I can't chop off my limbs.
Don't you understand, Siu Yuk?
What about the baby?
What baby?
I'm having a baby! I'm carrying your son.
If anything happens to me, your family line is finished.
- You're pregnant? - You're pregnant?
I meant to tell you.
But you're so worried about Chiu Yeung I didn't have the heart to say it.
I'm going to be a father?
I'll be a grandma!
You want the baby to die before it's born?
Before it enters the ancestral shrine?
You want us all to die?
Maybe it's not that serious.
Mom Loi Hei, Heaven is benevolent.
The baby is innocent.
The separation determines the fate of the family.
We should have a say before we make a decision.
I suggest we take a vote.
We'll let majority rule.
Yau Wai, you'll be the referee.
Those who oppose the separation, raise your hand.
Subtitles By TVB USA