[MULTISUBup]EP13/33 嫁金釵 Where the Mask Ends|Tian Xi Wei/Yan An|杨龙执导|周末编剧|田曦薇/闫桉领衔主演|王一楠/尹文萱/毛林林/孔琳/恬妞/代高政/杨青/李佑川/潘珺雅等特别出演|优酷

‪ADAPTED FROM ‪JIA JIN CHAI‪, ORIGINAL NOVEL ‪BY XIAOJIAREN ON JINJIANG LITERATURE CITY She… She's an impostor. She's… Not the real one… Why isn't the physician here yet? Hurry! Not the real… Grandmother. You already knew the one at the Duke's Residence wasn't the real one. This old woman's words were hardly needed. She made a grave mistake at the Wei Residence and hoped the Zhou family would take her in. To end up like this… She only has herself to blame. She is from the Earl of Cheng'an's Residence, after all. Send for the Wei family and have them take her away. Take her away. If you wanted to question her, you could've done it anywhere at Xianzhuang. Why take her all the way to the rear hill, send the guards away, and question her alone? Unless this secret has something to do with you. Nothing you've done tonight makes sense. - I shouldn't have indulged you. - Yes! I did it. You know, my father abandoned his wife and daughter to serve his country. My mother abandoned me for power and glory at the palace. Then there's my grandmother, obsessed with family's honor. They all got exactly what they wanted. Every one of them is selfish! Then why am I the one expected to be selfless? Yes. I'm spoiled and willful. I'm cruel to servants. I'm bad. I'm vicious. I've done every awful thing imaginable! But I'm scared. I'm scared she'll tell Maternal Grandmother everything I've done and make you all hate me. I won't let that happen. I won't! - Rao, I… - Don't you love me, Jue? Every year, the Huo family caravans bring treasures back from the Western Regions. You always pick the finest ones for me. If you love someone, you put them first. You have to stand by me no matter what. Even if you're bad? Even if you're vicious? Even if I'm vicious. Even if I do terrible things, you still have to help me. Huo Jue. I need you. DUKE'S RESIDENCE My Lady. Lady Li is watching your every move. You're already in danger yourself. How can you worry about those refugees? Why don't we have Liangcai quietly fetch Madam Qiao and your sister, and hide them somewhere safe? That would keep you out of danger. Lady Li threatened me today only to throw me off balance. If I send someone to hide Mother now, I'll only lead her straight to Mother. She hasn't made a move only because she fears the Empress Dowager and the Lu family. Tell me, why is everyone so afraid of Lady Li? Because she's the Emperor's favorite consort. She has the Emperor's power behind her, giving her status and authority. But now I have a title too. - But your title is… - An empty title. It's prestigious in name only. Unless… Unless… I become a true thane with real power, with the people's support and authority in my hands, with real power and prestige. Then what could a palace consort possibly do against me? After all, the Empress Dowager rules the palace, the court has its officials, and the people have a voice. She can't rule over everyone yet. The 500 mu refers to fertile farmland. Beyond the hills, there's still plenty of uncultivated wasteland, about another 500 mu. The harvests have been poor lately. Hutuo has kept raiding the border. Refugees are coming nonstop from the north. Why not clear more land? The Han family has built homes all over this area and raised vast estates, taking on huge numbers of workers. The refugees all become their bonded servants, working for free and doing every kind of labor. They don't even have freedom. The wasteland they work so hard on. Who does it all end up to? The Han family has controlled this area for years. They have vast fertile lands and immense power. They have thousands of servants and tens of thousands of dependents. Will the crops grown on this land… also become the Han family's wealth to fund their private army? Exactly. He'll never give up his hold on this place. He'll do everything he can to drive you out for good. - What are you doing? - Back up! - Get back! - Back up! - Now we can't even use the well? - What are you doing? - You're trying to kill us! - Indeed. - Exactly! - That's right! I said you can't use it, so you can't! Not even a drop! Smash them all! - Stop! - Don't do this! What are you doing? Do you have a death wish? - Fang! - Grandpa! No! I'll kill you! You've gone too far! Seize them! Nobody move! Your Ladyship, please save us! None of us can survive like this! Everyone, kneel! Beg Her Ladyship! Kneel! Beg Her Ladyship! Please save us! Please, Your Ladyship! Your Ladyship, please save us! Han Liao! I'll make you and your lackeys run away with your tails between your legs! And leave this land forever! Did you all hear what she just said? Such bold words. I'm absolutely terrified. Barely made a Noble Lady, and already you think you're above everyone. I'd love to see how Noble Lady Wu'an plans to drive me out herself! No! Bullying the old and weak. How despicable! Fetch the physician. Help the wounded get treatment. Yes. My Lord, didn't you say Lord Han had another beautiful estate that he gave me as well? I'd like to see it. It's just ahead. Let's go. Keep watch. If anyone makes a move, tie up and send to the magistrate's. Keep a close eye on them! My Lord, should we… No rush. I control the only irrigation canal. What can she possibly do? Sooner or later, she'll come crawling back to beg me. All along the way, flowers bloom in the east, while grapevines fill the west. From the Lingbi stones in the garden to the golden-red fish in the pond, and the colorful parrots on their perches, every treasure here cost a fortune. Opulent, yet tasteful. Extravagant, yet full of charm. No wonder Han Liao knows how to please the Empress Dowager. He certainly knows how to enjoy the finer things. But this estate is yours now. You rarely spent time in the capital before. Most people don't know you. Use your title as Noble Lady Wu'an to invite the noble families and build some useful connections. That huge Lingbi stone we just saw was hauled over a thousand li from the south to the capital. Who knows how many died along the way? You said you'd drive Han Liao out for good. That won't be easy. The refugees and thugs who follow him will keep coming. The moment swords are drawn and blood is spilled, the Han family will have countless charges ready against you. They've probably already written the accusations. They're just waiting for you to walk into their trap. CAISHU HALL I do need to host a gathering. Now you're talking. Have the Duchess of Ying host it and invite the Eldest Princess. Let's see if the Han family still dares to cause trouble. THE FRAGRANT ORCHID Once the Eldest Princess arrives, the refugees will vanish. But once the royals leave, they'll show up like moles all across the fields again. That's how ruthless Han Liao is. I won't invite the noble families. Nor any imperial relatives. Then who will you invite? The people. No. I'll invite the voices no one can silence. My Lord, these past two days, quite a few scholars have come to the estate. I cut off her canal and ruined the livelihood of the fields. She should be taking those refugees to petition His Majesty. Why is she hiding instead? My Lord, since the indentures and deeds are destroyed, why don't we just seize the estate? Idiot. His Majesty gave his word. We can't act so openly and give them grounds against us. Go on. Why has Noble Lady Wu'an gathered all those penniless scholars? Everyone says Noble Lady Wu'an is incredibly generous to guests. She holds feasts every day for anyone who comes. Anyone can attend. Her Ladyship charges nothing. She has only one condition. Before leaving, every guest must leave behind a work of art. Poetry or paintings, either will do, but they must praise her beauty and generosity and spread her fame throughout the realm. If the work is good, she even pays them for it. I thought she'd risk everything for those paupers. Turns out she's just chasing fame, feeding a bunch of freeloading parasites so they'll sing her praises. Vain and shortsighted. Can I go now? - If I'm late, I'll miss the feast. - Get lost. I gave her far too much credit. Is everything ready? Everything is ready as your Ladyship ordered. Your Ladyship. - Greetings, Your Ladyship. - Greetings, Your Ladyship. Everyone. Liu Ziyang. You're usually arrogant and think you're above everyone. Fine. But Noble Lady Wu'an invited you to her feast. You stuffed yourself, yet couldn't even thank your host? What kind of manners are those? - Exactly. - That's right. - It's improper. - That's hardly decent. Your Ladyship is certainly beautiful, but I see little talent or virtue. You earned a title without a single achievement and then bought yourself a good name with petty favors. Yet you fail to understand that the finest swords come from Wuyue… Liu Ziyang! And the finest jade comes from Mount Jing. A phoenix only chooses a worthy place to land. The wise have always followed those worthy of serving. Your Ladyship buys loyalty with fine wine and meat. All you attract are useless freeloaders. - You… - You! - And those silly verses they wrote? - What does he say? - How arrogant. - My advice to Your Ladyship is not to spread them around. You'll only make yourself a laughingstock. Liu Ziyang, who are you calling freeloaders? She invited you here out of kindness. How dare you be so rude? Ungrateful and shameless! You're a disgrace to all scholars! - Exactly! - That's right! - Shameless! - Absolutely shameless! - Stop. - Ashamed to be with him. What? Is Your Ladyship going to kill me? I made it clear from the start. Every scholar who attends my feast receives a parting gift. Please accept it, sir. How ugly. - How can he say that? - That's simply outrageous. - Good! nicely done! - Serves him right! Everyone here came to speak up for the people. We have no use for someone who judges by looks and is as arrogant as he is ignorant! - Throw him out. - Yes. - Your Ladyship! - Your Ladyship! - Your Ladyship! - Please give us justice! Your Ladyship! CAISHU HALL - Please give us justice, Your Ladyship! - Please give us justice! Your Ladyship, please give us justice! Please give us justice! Please don't kneel. If you've been wronged, just tell me what happened. The Han family cut off our only canal. Our crops are about to die! They seized our fields and took over the wells. More than half our livestock have died of thirst… Look at these wounds. The Han family's men did this to us. Please, have mercy. Please save us! Please save us, Your Ladyship! - Please give us justice, Your Ladyship! - What can we do? Your Ladyship. We're just poor scholars from humble families. We can barely feed and clothe ourselves. What power could we possibly have to save all these people? You are all learned men, the future pillars of this nation. Your day to soar will surely come. You won't be down on your luck forever. I'd like to do what little I can and provide simple meals and lodging each day. You're all welcome to stay and focus on your studies. But the grain and vegetables here are all grown by the local people. If they're driven to ruin, this estate won't survive either. So please put your talents to use and speak from the heart. Write poems about the people's suffering. CAISHU HALL How could I, Liu Ziyang, miss a righteous cause like fighting evil and helping the people? We don't need you. I was blind and foolish. You care for the people's suffering and hardships. You truly have a heart of gold. I sincerely beg your forgiveness. It's never too late to admit mistakes. You're defending him? Your Ladyship's noble heart has won my deepest respect. But while we're here, eating the grain these people grow and drinking the wine they brew, how can we stay silent just because we fear the powerful? - If you won't, I will! - Are you writing or not? You've misunderstood. I'm not asking you to risk petitioning the court, or offend the powerful. Just write a few simple rhymes or folk verses. Ideally, a catchy tune that even the unlettered can sing along to. Catchy tunes? So that's what she meant. That's easy to write. That's all? Her Ladyship asked you to write, so get to it. Do it well, and Her Ladyship will reward you handsomely. Come on, let's go. - Let's get ink and brushes. - I'll write. Everyone, please get up! - Thank you, Your Ladyship! - Thank you, Your Ladyship! THE FRAGRANT ORCHID You've written this one? - Nice one. - Well written. - How charming. - Take a look at mine. - You know where to spread these? - Yes, I do. That's real talent. - Leave it to me. - What are you doing? - Nice. - Let's read yours. My Lord. There are places you can't get into. I'll have to arrange those myself. Leave everything to Jiede. Yes. Rao is entertaining guests inside, right? I'll go take a look. My Lord. What is it? Your Ladyship invited scholars from everywhere. Why can't I go? Her Ladyship said the Han family resents her most for taking this land. It had nothing to do with the Lu family. As long as you stay out of it, this remains a private feud between her and the Han family. If you keep getting involved with the estate, the feud between the Lu and Han families will only deepen. Besides, the hall is full of scholars today. If you go inside, people may accuse the Lu family of recruiting followers - for its own gain. - It doesn't sound like a ballad at all. Good one here. This one too. Mine will be remembered for the ages! She doesn't mind troubling Qi Zhongkai or dragging outsiders into this, but she's afraid of troubling me. How thoughtful of her. What a considerate wife. Your Ladyship. - Hurry! - Let her see it. Yes, yes! - Your Ladyship. - Your Ladyship. - Please read this one. - Mine too. THE FRAGRANT ORCHID Show it to Her Ladyship. MARQUIS OF XITING'S RESIDENCE Look at the rat. It still has skin Yet a man has no shame If a man has no shame, why does he still live? Look at the rat. It still has teeth. - Yet a man knows no bounds. - What nonsense are you spouting? Go! - Come hit me! - Stop talking nonsense! - Hit me! - Come on, hit me! - My Lord. - Run! I'll bring them back at once. The palace summons must be urgent. We can't delay. We'll go to the palace first. Yes. That corrupt official treats lives like nothing! A butcher! These rich and powerful men all treat human lives as worthless. Corrupt official! "Last year I passed Mount Yaowang, and heard the people's cries of injustice. Now the canal is cut, and many lie dead. The grain is stained with the people's blood." "The Han kitchens overflow with meat, their stables with fat horses. Yet the people starve, and bodies litter the fields!" The whole city is talking. They say your Han family seized the people's land, lives in excess while bleeding the realm and its people, and deceives the throne! So answer me, Han Liao! How much can one man possibly eat? How many beds can one man sleep in? How did your greed become so boundless? I deserve death! These are malicious false accusations! False accusations? Ten essays condemning corrupt officials, 30 folk songs and 18 long poems! How vile must you be for the people to want to flay you and devour your flesh, and for all those scholars to condemn you as a corrupt villain? Han Liao, the people say you deserve death! To appease people's anger and quell public outrage, even if every charge were false, you'd still deserve death by a thousand cuts! I deserve death! I am guilty! Your Majesty. I'll have the canal reopened at once and compensate the injured people. I'll personally apologize to Noble Lady Wu'an. Your Majesty. Lord Han offered his land to escape punishment, then cut off the canal and ruined the people's livelihood. He is a criminal who deceived Your Majesty. Lord Lu! The tenant farmers rejected their new master. They caused the trouble themselves. As for cutting off the canal, I knew nothing about it. Powerful clans have long seized land and forced commoners into servitude. It's a grave threat to the realm. It must be punished harshly as a warning to others. Your Majesty, at Bailu Plain, the Empress Dowager's tomb is under construction. Why not move the entire Han clan to the counties around the tomb? That would also stop a few refugees from causing trouble. Your Majesty! The Han clan would gladly give our lives for the realm. How could we leave Your Majesty's grace? Building the tomb is a matter of state. Unless… Lord Han refuses to serve the Empress Dowager! Lu Zhuo, you… Enough. That's settled. The Han family has enraged the people. I have no choice but to punish you. Go outside and take 50 strokes. And one more thing. Noble Lady Wu'an spared you from hard labor, yet you repaid her kindness with betrayal. So I sentence you to serve Wu'an as a servant for one month to make amends. I… I accept Your Majesty's decree. You spread rumors to destroy everything I've built. Then you schemed to have my clan exiled to Bailu Plain. How vile and ruthless. But who would ever know that the honorable Lord Lu is actually cold-blooded and vicious? Han Liao. The night our army raided the Hutuo camp, who betrayed his own men for selfish gain and left them to die far from home, their souls unable to rest? That blood debt has never left my mind. Sooner or later, we'll settle it. You have no proof. It's pure slander! Don't celebrate too soon. The woman you married is clearly a venomous snake. Sooner or later, you'll die by her hands. No need to be jealous. You'll never have that luck to end. MARQUIS OF XITING'S RESIDENCE Get out! My Lord. Let me clean you up. You're the daughter of the Marquis of Andu, yet you spend every day cowering like you're ashamed to be seen. I wasted 50,000 gold coins buying you. You walk around looking miserable all day. Your whole family is useless, with nothing but empty titles! What good are you to me? My wife went to admire the moon in the garden and tragically drowned in the lake. Send word to the Empress Dowager. Tell her the Han family must hold a funeral, so our clan cannot leave the capital for now. As for relocating the clan and my month of servitude, ask the Empress Dowager to appeal to His Majesty for us. We'll need a little more time. After all, the dead come first. I'm sure Noble Lady Wu'an… will understand. - It looks really good. - Really? - Have some water first. - Three! Four! His Lordship sent me here as a martial arts instructor, but General Qi took all the work. - He even said… - Keep your stance steady! What did he say? He said this is Noble Lady Wu'an's estate. - Everyone must obey Her Ladyship. - Five! Her Ladyship asked him to find an instructor, so Your Lordship needn't trouble yourself. What kind of nonsense? Her Ladyship is also Lord Lu's wife. She's our lady too. If your orders… - Stop. - don't work here… - Six! - He's the one overstepping, like he's the master here. Those blind fools probably think he's Her Ladyship's husband! Hold it! - Up! - My Lord. You idiot! Can't you take a hint? Just running your mouth. And you made it worse by tattling. - You've really messed things up. - Keep going! I was only worried about His Lordship. - Eight! - Losing men is one thing. - Losing his wife is worse. - Enough! You haven't trained long enough! Your basics are weak! My Lord! I teach moves meant for killing on the battlefield. Attack. Don't defend! Keep your back straight! Nine! You have no idea. When the Han family's lands and servants were divided up, everyone in the capital had something to say. Some said the Han family were relatives of the Empress Dowager, and Han Liao was one of her favorites. They said anyone who took their land would be asking for trouble. Now His Majesty had Han Liao flogged. If the Han family hadn't just suffered a death and the Empress Dowager hadn't intervened, the whole clan would've been sent away to build the tomb. Now the talk in the capital has completely changed. Everyone says our Noble Lady is blessed beyond measure. They all change sides the second the wind shifts. I hear your new estate has the charm of the countryside, like some heavenly retreat. All my friends keep asking me when you'll finally host us there and open the estate so everyone can come enjoy it. Yesterday, second cousin even said he wants to invite some noble friends and hunt a few wild animals. They say braised muntjac gives you strength to cross three mountains. Let's go to the estate for barbecue and wine. Rao, we'll just borrow your estate. We'll bring everything we need ourselves. How about it? No, no. These youngsters only care about fun, not knowing there's more between noble families. Friends, foes, allies, spies… Everyone has an agenda. They're waiting to see our responses. So, we might as well openly invite them all and let them see everything for themselves. That makes sense. We're family, so we shouldn't draw lines between us. But this estate is different. Wei Rao earned it herself. That's not right, Sister. Han Liao framed the Lu family. This estate and its lands were compensation from the Han family. When Han Liao used his power to cause trouble at the ancestral temple, I didn't see you risk your life to stop him. At Xuanshi Palace, under pressure from the Imperial Family, I didn't see you challenge the Empress Dowager and Prince Rong. When the Hans cut off the water and hurt the farmers, I didn't see you step up and help either. Now that everything's peaceful, you either want to hunt or throw a feast. How can you even ask? What do you mean by that? Ask Noble Lady Wu'an yourself. This land… Was it really so easy to claim? The Duke's Residence backed her all the way. When the Hans caused trouble at the ancestral temple, which of our brothers didn't step in to help? - Go on, tell me. Go on! - Enough. Enough. We only meant well. The Han family is cunning and vicious. They're experts at dirty tricks. If we invite the noble families here, we'll make it clear this is Lu family property. That'll stop anyone else from coveting it. Privately, it'll still be your estate, Your Ladyship. We already said we'd only borrow it. Just borrowing it. Just borrow it. - Even so… - Mother, please decide. Rao, this is your decision to make. Can you handle it all on your own? Thank you, Aunts, for looking out for me. But right now, the estate is still under renovation. It's not ready for guests yet. Everyone knows the Han family built a lavish estate filled with grand pavilions. This estate even rivals an imperial retreat. Rao, are you just reluctant to share it and making excuses? You child… Bitao. Old Madam, please take a look. The Hutuo have raided the border repeatedly in recent years. War has ravaged the north. The people are suffering and displaced. When winter comes, even more refugees will head south. So I plan to build, in front of the residences, threshing yards, silkworm rooms, and workshops, along with livestock pens. We'll stockpile plenty of winter supplies so we can shelter more refugees. The estate sits at the foot of Mount Yaowang. This hillside must be cleared before winter and planted with cold-and drought-resistant fruit trees. The soil in this valley is poor, but there's plenty of sunlight. Next year, after improving the soil, we can grow medicinal herbs and flowers. As for these homes, I'll rent them cheaply to poor scholars and commoners. Those who can't afford rent can work it off. But if we do that, the estate won't be fit for entertaining noble families. If you want to be charitable, just give out more money and grain. But giving such a fine estate to those common people would be such a waste. You're the wife of a noble heir, yet all you talk about are fields, farms, sheep pens, and pigsties. People will laugh at you. You're far too calculating. Changning, watch your tongue. Anyone can indulge in romance, beauty, and luxury. But how many people today would sacrifice themselves for others? I think this land… I… Rao, with everything planned this way, next year the livestock will thrive, and the orchards will bear abundant fruit. Trees, thorns, mulberry, and hemp will turn this place into a market. This estate and its lands were nothing but a playground for the Han family's pleasure. But in your hands, they can finally serve a real purpose. Good child. You have vision and generosity. Such selflessness is truly rare. Remarkable. Yes. Remarkable! The Han family used the funeral to delay their relocation. I'm afraid they'll go back on their word and come back for trouble. So I turned this area into a training ground and picked some strong young locals to train so they can defend themselves. But I know nothing about military strategy. I don't know where to set up defenses to protect the water source and the estate. That's easy. Who knew a life of luxury and careful upbringing could raise someone never work and can't tell wheat from rice. Aim high, do nothing, and know nothing of the people's pain. Every great general's glory is built on countless bones. Our family's honors are built on countless soldiers' blood. They were all sons of poor farmers. You call them filthy commoners. Then what does that make you? Hiding behind our family's privilege, you're useless, yet you think you're better than everyone else! Mother, he's gone too far! Our brothers only wanted to go hunting and asked me to speak for them. It's hardly a terrible crime. There's no need to go this far. Changning only asked because she meant well. She didn't mean well. She's selfish and greedy. Aunts, when you married into the Lu family, when did we ever covet your private property? Lu Changning. Those men call themselves real men, yet they sent you to ask? - Tell them to speak to me! - Look, over here. My army could use a few more soldiers. I'll find them some real work and give them a proper workout. Throwing your weight around at home as the heir? Zhuo is right. That's exactly how it is. - But yell at his sister like that? - Exactly. Enough! Are you all finished? - He… - Zhuo, come here. Rao wants to train people and set up defenses. Isn't that your specialty? You're an undefeated general. Surely you can help your wife. Grandmother, you don't know her. She handles everything herself and hates troubling me. She has to actually let me help first. I've lived a long life, and I've never heard of a landowner giving his own homes to tenant farmers. Rao's estate is truly unlike any other. Come. You two are husband and wife. You must stand together and work toward the same goal. I want to see it with my own eyes as you two build this one-of-a-kind estate from the ground up. Careful. Don't drop it. Your Ladyship, we're almost done packing. - Load these onto the carriage first. - Yes. Take everything out. Yes. Rao, what's all this? Traveling between here and the estate every day isn't convenient. I've already spoken to Grandmother. I'll stay at the estate for a while. You're moving out? And you didn't even tell me? I meant to discuss it with you, but you went to the palace early this morning. So I had to inform Grandmother first. I'll make sure they're careful with everything and don't damage anything. I'll explain everything when I get back. My Lord. Ever since we left Xianzhuang, you've addressed me as "My Lord" and kept me at a distance. {\an8}Did you think I wouldn't notice? You already know the truth. - I was never… - You are. Unless Noble Lady Wu'an thinks you no longer need me as your husband, or need my protection, you're free to cast aside your title of my wife as if it meant nothing to you. Open that door and walk away without any concern. - I… - Wei Rao. {\an8}I never know when you're playing hard to get or when you're actually being sincere. You're unpredictable, and you read people too well. {\an8}You like seeing me jealous over you {\an8}because it helps keep you safe. You're overthinking it, My Lord. I wouldn't dare. Don't try to fool me. {\an8}I saw through your games long ago. Please forgive me, My Lord. I've struggled all my life to survive. I've only wanted to stay alive. One who commands soldiers is called a general. One who commands generals is called a commander. A game of chess is like a battlefield. The commander is what decides victory from afar. You should know that. At a critical moment like this, who… is truly useful to you? The heir to the Duke of Ying, of course. Wei Rao's rightful husband. Then say it to me yourself. Say what? Say you need my protection. That you want to be my wife. You still need me just as desperately as before. Of course I need you. Without you, I'll die. What should you call me? My dear. I'll move there with you. LV LUN, GOVERNESS CHANG'S HUSBAND My Lady. As for how Chang deceived me before, I won't hold it against her anymore. From now on, you know what to do, don't you? Please have mercy, My Lady. Spare my life. From now on, whatever you command, I will obey. You may go. The Wei family sent men to collect Governess Chang's coffin. I had some important instructions to give, so I came myself. While you were gone, Grandmother sat in your courtyard every day, all day long. You should understand her position. She's not just your grandmother. She's also the head of the Wei family. If she truly loves me, why would she side with outsiders? Aunt Yufeng, I don't care for empty words. I only want to know what secret Governess Chang planned to tell my maternal grandmother. Well… What exactly did she say? She only said Aunt bribed the wet nurse to abandon me on purpose. But I think she was lying. She must have been hiding something. Aunt Yufeng, please tell me exactly what happened, word for word. What could there possibly be? She was just a greedy old woman who stole money. How can you believe a word she said? Your aunt's heart toward you is a hundredfold truer than any pearl. You can doubt anyone, but never her. If she found out, she'd be heartbroken. Aunt Yufeng, don't dodge the question. Governess Chang served the Wei family for years. She knew when to switch sides and how to flatter those in power. Why would she flee for her life over something as trivial as money? All she said was that the wet nurse abandoned Rao. She never said what happened after that. A child vanished for an entire year. What could she have gone through? Why were the wet nurse and guards ambushed and killed? Were they killed to silence them? - Unless the child they brought back was… - Enough! Child, let me give you some advice. Stop digging into the distant past. Let the past stay buried. Digging any deeper… will do you no good at all. Do you understand? Good girl. Forget about Governess Chang. Pretend you never met her. Those questions in your heart, bury them deep inside. Forever. Never, ever ask them out loud. If anything troubles you, go to your aunt for advice. Everyone in this world may hurt you. But she alone… will protect you. ‪NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED ‪IN THE MAKING OF THIS SHOW