[MULTISUBup]EP27/33 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 His Majesty has arrived! Quick! Take everything away! Hurry! - Your Majesty. - No, no. There's no need for formalities. Here. Are you feeling any better? Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My illness comes from a broken heart. I'm afraid I'll never recover. I've served Your Majesty for over twenty years, always with respect and devotion. And now, a young girl dares to talk back to me. Worse, Lady Li slapped me. In front of everyone, I was utterly humiliated. What's the point of living anymore? Didn't I send her to apologize to you? You're the one who turned her away. Who wants her fake sympathy? Behind my back, she arranged Liu Shuo's marriage to the Xie family. Then she rushed to bring Hongxian into her household! Why does she get every good thing in the world? Your Majesty, how can she be so overbearing? Your Majesty! Ask that precious son of yours! Now that he's Crown Prince, he's grown ever more lecherous. The beauties in his residence outnumber the palace's attendants. He even abducted women, causing public outrage! I had already pardoned him. Yet he persuaded you to stir up more trouble! I was the one who arranged Liu Shuo's marriage. And you dare question my judgment? It seems I shouldn't have come here today. Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please! I know I was wrong! I… I was foolish! From now on, I'll make sure to advise the Crown Prince to watch his words and actions. Please forgive me, Your Majesty. Get up. You're still ill. Don't let that ungrateful son upset you and make you worse. Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is kind and devoted. He'd even risk his life to save you in a moment of danger. No one can match his loyalty to you as both ruler and father. He's simply too young and easily misled by petty schemers. If Your Majesty appoints more honest advisers to guide him, I'm sure he'll change his ways. I know. I still have state affairs to attend to. I'll return to Xuanshi Palace. Your Majesty, please stay for dinner. I've asked the kitchen to prepare ginseng chicken soup especially for you. Your Majesty rarely visits Furong Hall. And now, you can't even bear to share a meal with me? I… Once I've finished my work, I'll come back and dine with you. I won't blame you for the Crown Prince's mistakes. Thank you, Your Majesty. You there. Bring me the herbs the Crown Princess sent. Yes, My Lady. Go greet your elder sister. Of course. Why so quiet, sister-in-law? What should you call me? I was disrespectful to you before. Please forgive me, Rao. The one you resented was never me. No old grudge at all, it's only right that we make peace. Rao, don't tease her. She's a proper young lady. She is, but you're not. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been sneaking around behind our backs. Everyone, take a seat. SPLENDID AS BLOSSOMS The infected from Anzhou have entered the capital. I'm sure the palace has heard by now. I've been busy with matters at my estate lately. I won't be able to visit the palace often. If Your Ladyship needs anything, have Yinggu bring me a message. Mother won't change Rao's mind. There's no point wasting your breath. Stubborn to the bone, as always. Rao, please be careful. I will. Your Ladyship, His Majesty has sent word. He won't be joining you for dinner today. Please dine without him. Whose palace has he gone to? Furong Hall. Lady Zheng? Well, that's a first. ZHAOYANG PALACE Something isn't right at Furong Hall. For His Majesty's safety, Prince Fu and the others should be informed. Don't worry, Rao. I'll handle it. Rao. Please be careful. I will. You know, Rao spent years living among commoners. Before she even knew I existed, Mother would constantly remind me… Remember what I'm telling you. In the palace, no matter how many siblings you have, they've all got their own schemes. None of them are really on your side. You have only one true sister, born of the same mother. Then where is my real sister? With the Wei family. Shuo, remember this. When you're older, respect her. Treat her well. And on my behalf, make up for what she's suffered. Give her all the love you can. YOUNG LIU SHUO Mother wouldn't let me see her before. She feared I'd bring trouble upon her. Now we've finally been reunited. But no matter how sincerely I open my heart to her, I still can't move her even a little. Sometimes I really envy Lord Lu. Somehow, he managed to melt her icy heart. Someday, she'll understand how you feel. I wish I knew how he did it. I'm so jealous. It just doesn't seem fair. My sister and I should be closer than anyone else in the world. Shouldn't we? Here. - Take it straight over there. - All right. Hurry! Hurry! Do you have enough ginger? Coming. - Careful, it's hot. - This one is ready. Here. I'll take it. Mother? - We need someone over here, too. - Coming! You can't be here. If you are here, why can't I? If I stay away, no one else will come. But if I am here, no one will dare to stay away. You're just like my Zhuo. He always leads his men into battle. You two really are a perfect match. Besides, I'm hardly of noble birth. My own father was an army physician. A little plague doesn't scare me. Mother, treating plague patients is no joke. Neither am I. If we hadn't stopped her, the Dowager Lady would've come along, too. We'll do exactly as I said. Changning, Changhui, come help! - Coming! - No! I don't want to go over there! The plague is spreading. No one is safe. Hearing of Her Ladyship's charity in medicine, the noblewomen all followed suit. Even your mother is out there, doing everything to gather herbs. Old Madam said no one in our family runs from danger. The ladies won't fall behind. If you leave now, you'll never set foot in the house again, and call yourself one of us. I… - All right, all right. - Now hurry up. Mint leaves, burdock seeds, and scallions. What remedy are you using? The patients have chills and dampness in their systems. Many suffer from headaches and pressure in the forehead, fever, chills, coughing, and shortness of breath. I gathered every physician in the city for a consultation. We've agreed to treat them with Wind-Dispelling Decoction. My father once told me… This works well in the early stages. But once fever and yellow phlegm appear, switch to Ganlu Disinfection Pills. Their medicine is too cooling. Change it. See? The nausea is easy to treat, too. Just add half a spoonful of ginger juice. That should do the trick. Do it. Now do you believe me? Thank you for your help, Mother. Come on! Let's add more firewood - and brew the medicine again! - I'll take this over. Coming! Thank you! Isn't she afraid? She fears neither death nor filth. No wonder the people worship her. Even I have nothing but respect for her. The young ladies keep asking me about her. They all want to meet Noble Lady Wu'an. You don't know how lucky you are. Keep finding fault, and you'll regret it. Here. Here. ZHAO Another one collapsed? All right! Resume your drills! That's the seventh in three days. Lu Zhuo, we can't go on like this. They're not just trying to disrupt the capital. They want chaos in the army, too. What are they after? Now isn't the time for that. Inspect the barracks first. Move the sick to a ward for treatment. XUANSHI PALACE Your Majesty, a plague has broken out in the army. Twelve soldiers have fallen ill. I ordered the physicians to inspect the barracks. We isolated the sick overnight in separate wards. Fortunately, we caught it early. The disease hasn't spread. Nothing must happen to the army. I obey, Your Majesty. Father, as Emperor, the realm rests on your shoulders. For the sake of your people, I humbly beg you to withdraw to the Hot Springs Palace until this crisis has passed. Absolutely not! Father, I risk my life to plead with you. The Emperor is the father of his people. They now trapped in their homes. Father, you are the one taking command. If the Crown Prince fears the plague so much, he's welcome to flee on his own! I wish to stay and defend the capital with you, Father! What a devoted son you are. You only care about your own reputation, yet nothing about Father! Father, I believe we must reassure the people. Your health comes first. Best to withdraw to the traveling palace. Will it be the Crown Prince or Prince Fu? Your Majesty! Your Majesty, Grand Minister Zhao caught the plague. He's passed away. You heard that? Emperors always took shelter from plagues. Personal safety is a minor concern. The foundation of the realm is at stake! You're just showing off to win praise. You're neither a dutiful son nor a loyal subject! - Grand Minister Zhao was nearly eighty! - Your Majesty. Father is still in his prime! How can you compare the two? My elixir. Bring me my elixir. - Your Majesty! - Father! - Your Majesty! - Father! - Summon a physician! - Father! - Father! - Father! Your Majesty! Father! Father! His Majesty collapsed from a fit of rage. He will take the consorts to the Hot Spring Palace to avoid the plague. Qi Zhongkai and I will escort him. We leave tomorrow. The Crown Prince or the Prince of Fu, who goes and who stays? The Crown Prince stays. Prince Fu accompanies. The Empress Dowager resents the Han family case. A lasting rift between them. She harshly rebuked the palace envoy sent to ask her to leave. She insists on staying at Weiyang Palace. His Majesty's life is too precious to put at risk. {\an8}At a time like this, it's best he seeks refuge elsewhere. What? Reluctant to part with me, Lord Lu? Even if I dragged you along, you'd still refuse. - Am I right? - I'm not going. I have too much to do here. I'll wait for your return. Watch out for hidden attacks. We're about to part ways. No proper goodbyes, my dear? Why must you keep nagging me? Lord Lu, the Duke summons you urgently. You heard it. Grandfather wants a word. {\an8}Shouldn't you go? I know. You may leave. My Lord. Newlyweds parted so soon. Can't they have a few tender words? You've delivered your message. Give them some privacy. I'll return first and inform His Grace. How tactless. FLOURISHING LIKE THE PINES My Lady. Lady Shou'an sent over some Baoyuan Pills. She says your cousin paid a fortune from a renowned physician in Jiangnan. They're supposed to protect you from the plague. Lady Shou'an was very insistent. She wants you to take one right away, just to be safe. My cousin couldn't have predicted this outbreak. This life-saving medicine was clearly meant for my grandmother. I can't accept it. Send it back. - But, My Lady… - I'm perfectly healthy. I don't need it. Go on. Yes, My Lady. ADORNED WITH AUTUMN'S FRAGRANCE My Lady! Don't make a fuss. It's just a slight chill. - I'll be fine. - But you… More people are falling ill in the city. Send word to the Duke's Residence. Tell them to shut the gates now. No outsiders are to be admitted. Mother and Fourth Aunt must stop visiting, too. We can't risk bringing the plague in. My Lady… I'll take a hot bath to warm up. Prepare it. Aman. I need you to visit someone for me. Who might you be, miss? Noble Lady Wu'an just passed Zhang Sheng's Bakery. She remembered how much you love their date cakes. She asked me to bring you some. No wonder the magpies were chirping this morning! A distinguished guest has come to visit! How kind of Her Ladyship to remember an old woman like me. Please, come inside. Something suspicious about this old woman. I'll keep watching here. Go report it. Yes. Miss. Here. Thank you for coming all this way. Remember what Her Ladyship said. - Governess Liu, take care of yourself. - I will. The city's in chaos. Keep your doors locked. I'm just an old woman now. Thanks to Her Ladyship, I can live in peace. I know what to do. Tell Her Ladyship not to worry. Thank you. Take care on your way back, miss. Get something to eat. My Lady, Liu is here. My Lady, Feng Sheng has fallen ill, too. Got it. How dare you! When Lord Lu was in the capital, at least someone was looking out for you. But since he left, you've been working here day and night. No one can talk you out of it. My Lady, surely you know the saying. A wise person doesn't court danger. Don't fool me because I had little schooling. Aren't you Confucian scholars all about accepting the will of Heaven? If someone dies doing what they believe is right, isn't that an honorable death? With you at Zhuyu Estate, everyone stands united. Nothing can shake us. But if anything happens to you, everything we've built will fall apart! - My Lady! - My Lady! I'm fine. - My Lady! - My Lady! - My Lady! Fetch the physicians! - My Lady! Get the physicians! FLOURISHING LIKE THE PINES Have you two physicians reached a diagnosis? Her Ladyship's pulse is rapid and superficial. The illness came on suddenly. She has a persistent fever, body aches, and a headache. And she's suddenly feeling chills. I'm afraid… It's definitely the spring plague. My Lady. Thank you both. My Lady. - Liu Ziyang. - My Lady. Starting today, you're in charge of the estate. Yes, My Lady. - Xiao. - My Lady. All the estate guards will be under your command. Make sure you keep order in the estate. Don't let any trouble start. - Rest assured, My Lady. - You may all leave. While I'm ill, don't let my grandmother or the Weis… I understand, My Lady. I won't tell anyone. You've taken your medicine, My Lady. Please rest. I'm just exhausted. I'll be fine after some rest. Don't worry too much. FLOURISHING LIKE THE PINES Aman. Aman. About Her Ladyship's illness… Should we inform Lord Lu? Her Ladyship doesn't want word getting out. Send someone to the palace discreetly. Aman. I've already spread word that Her Ladyship fainted from exhaustion. But the people… They follow her and trust no one else. If she doesn't appear soon, panic will spread. Her Ladyship's health comes first. As for everything else, we can't worry about that now. I heard Lord Han once asked you to identify Wei Rao in person. Yet you deliberately gave him vague answers. You've been playing both sides. Back then, I really didn't recognize her. I wasn't trying to deceive anyone! I… I wouldn't dare! Never again! You'd be wise to cooperate. Just say exactly what I tell you, and these gold bars are yours. Otherwise, you'll get to experience all eighteen instruments of torture! Whatever Your Ladyship says, I'll do exactly as I'm told. Your Highness. That old woman has confessed everything. - Really? - Everyone has their price. What would a petty beggar know about loyalty or honor? We threatened her with a beating and offered her a fortune. Naturally, she spilt it all. Nothing will go wrong this time. People of such low birth… they of course have no backbone. Whatever I tell her to say, she'll repeat it word for word. Even if she's plotting something and hasn't truly joined our side, once the Empress Dowager pronounces guilt before all, there'll be no turning back. Good. I'll go see Grandmother at the palace right away. What did you say? I've secured a witness who can prove Wei Rao is nothing but an impostor and a commoner's daughter. His Majesty granted her the title of Noble Lady. If you're accusing her for that, you'd better have solid proof. Your Majesty, It's exactly because His Majesty bestowed this title himself. Lady Shou'an and her daughter knew she was an impostor and went to great lengths to cover it up. They've clearly deceived the Emperor. Such a crime is unforgivable. In that case… We ought to deal with that old woman as well. Anyone who deceives the Emperor deserves to die. By executing her, Your Majesty is rooting out treachery for the state. By the time His Majesty returns, it'll be too late. He's your own son. What could he possibly do? Grandmother, the dead cannot be brought back. We mustn't let a dead woman undermine your authority. To protect the royal family's reputation, Father will have no choice but to see her as a traitor. We may never get another chance. Please make your decision, Grandmother. Make the arrangements. - Yes, Your Majesty. - Yes, Your Majesty. - Continue your patrol. - Yes, sir. What are you looking at? Since I left, I wonder is Wei Rao eating and sleeping well? You really think highly of yourself. Do you think without you, Noble Lady Wu'an has no one to look after her? She's as stubborn as a mule, with a will of her own. She'd never listen to anyone else. What are you doing? That's what you get for making me jealous. It's enough to make my teeth ache. Since you can't sleep anyway, why don't you spar with me? So be it. Let's find somewhere I can put you through your paces. Follow me. My Lady. Who's on watch tonight? Xiao doesn't trust anyone else to do it. He insists on guarding you himself. - Let him in. - Yes, My Lady. Xiao. I sent Hongxian to the Fourth Prince's Residence. Do you hate me for it? If she'd ended up with me, she would regretted it forever. It's this unjust world that's to blame. Not her. Certainly not you. You've been serving me all this time. It's been unfair to you. I've spoken with Lord Lu. You should be in the army for better merit. One day, you'll accomplish great things. When I see those corrupt, incompetent officials, I want to tear them apart. Even in the army, only noble sons can rise through the ranks. I'm not going anywhere. I'll stay by your side for the rest of my life. All right. From this day forward, you'll be the sharpest blade in my hand. Right now, there's something I need you to do. I'm at your command, My Lady. ZHUYU ESTATE Who dares trespass on Zhuyu Estate? By order of the Empress Dowager, we're here to arrest Wei Rao for deceiving the Emperor. Anyone who interferes will face the same charges! My Lady, something terrible! The Imperial Guards have forced their way into the estate! They… they're… What do you think you're doing? My Lady! You vicious woman. I've finally got you. What? Nothing to say? This is but private vengeance. You're the first to die. I'll send Lu Zhuo to join you in the underworld soon. Move. My Lady! Move! - My Lady! - My Lady! ADORNED WITH AUTUMN'S FRAGRANCE - After her! Hurry! - This way! - Stop! - Keep up! Stop! Cut her off! Why aren't we there yet? Don't worry, Grandmother. We're almost there. But there are patients at the estate. You promised me you'd only see Wei Rao from outside the gates. Once you know she's safe, we'll head back. Please keep your word. I know. I'm not as selfless as she is, risking my life to save others. I just want to see Wei Rao get the medicine. Then I'll leave right away. Lady Shou'an! Something awful has happened! - Why have they arrested her? - Exactly! Why have they tied her up? Sound the gong! Gather the townspeople! Let them see for themselves how this fraud deceived everyone and passed herself off as a noblewoman! - That can't be true! - How is that possible? - How can they do such a thing? - They've arrested Her Ladyship! Why would they arrest her? What did she do wrong? - She's a good person! - Why are they doing this to her? - You can't do this! - Exactly! - Let her go! - Why arrest her? That's right! What has she done? - She's helped so many people! - Let her go! You'll pay for this soon enough. What's wrong with that man? - Why did he shove her down? - How can he do it? The Empress Dowager has arrived! Look! Look at those carriages! What's with this huge procession? - That's our land! - Those are our crops! They're crushing all our food! Exactly! How could they do this? We worked so hard to grow those crops! Why are they destroying our food? How could you do this to us? This is outrageous! They've trampled everything! - The Empress Dowager's here! - They're destroying our crops! How could they do this? Greetings, Your Majesty. Kneel! Your Majesty. These mountain refugees don't know proper manners. Please don't mind them. - That's right! - Make them kneel! They trampled our crops! All of you, kneel! - You crushed our crops! - We won't kneel! - Kneel! - Get down! We won't! - Kneel! - We refuse! - We won't! - You destroyed our crops! These ignorant peasants are out of control. Clearly, Wu'an has failed to teach them. If this continues, rebellion will follow. Bring in the witness. Tell us everything you know. Leave nothing out, and your crimes will be forgiven. I was close to Governess Chang, a trusted servant of the First Madam at the Earl of Cheng'an's Residence. One day, after she'd been drinking, she told me how the Fourth Lady Wei had gone missing as a child. Later, I happened to see her true face. She looked just like my neighbor, A-Chou. So I plotted with A-Chou's mother, Madam Qiao, to pass her off as Lady Wei for money. Lord Lu! Word from Zhuyu Estate! Her Ladyship is gravely ill! What proof do you have? I have proof! Look! See all these old scars on her arm? This one came from a hot pot when she was five. And this one was from when her master beat her with red-hot tongs. Deny it all you want. Burned skin always leaves a scar. You used to collect night soil! She's nothing but a fraud! - You're lying! - That's a lie! How could Her Ladyship be a fraud? You're lying! - Exactly! - She's framing her! - Nonsense! - That's right! All lies! - She's making it up! - Liar! Get out of the way! Help her up. Put this around her. Grandmother. Your Majesty. My poor Rao once lived among the common folk. But as for which Wei Rao is real, that matter was settled long ago. She is indeed Wei Rao, Lady Li's own daughter. If Your Majesty still has doubts, why not ask her birth mother instead of some old woman we know nothing about? Lady Shou'an, Lady Li may be Wei Rao's birth mother, but palace rules kept them apart for years. How could she tell? Poor Rao lost her parents My parents raised her as their own. We grew up together from infancy. I can vouch for her. So can everyone at the Earl's Residence. Old Madam Wei is gravely ill, and doesn't have long to live. That's why you dare spout such nonsense. You keep claiming you know her. How could someone your age know? Do you think your word carries more weight than Wei Rao's own mother and grandmother? And don't forget how you became Crown Princess. Your second uncle gave his life fighting on the battlefield to earn you that title. Yet here you stand, slandering his only child! Have you no conscience? Have you no shame? How dare you! The royal family respects you because you once nursed my father. How dare you speak so wildly, playing the elder like that! The Earl of Cheng'an told Her Majesty everything. That woman is a fraud who swindled people out of money! Guards! Take the criminal A-Chou to the imperial prison. Kill anyone who resists! - Let her go! - Release Her Ladyship! - Let her go! - Stand back! Hear me? Stand back! - Let her go! - Release Her Ladyship! Your Majesty, Wei Rao… was personally granted the title of Noble Lady Wu'an! Any charges must be heard by the court. His Majesty is away avoiding the plague, and no one is presiding over the court. How can you simply imprison someone who holds a noble title? Grandmother. Don't you understand yet? The witness doesn't matter. Neither does her testimony. The Empress Dowager is taking advantage of the Emperor and Lady Li's absence to get rid of me. She wants to wipe me out so I'll never pose a threat again. Once I leave Zhuyu Estate today, I'll likely die in some nameless valley. By the time His Majesty returns, it'll be too late. There'll be no one left to tell the truth! Silence! A criminal has no right to speak here! Why did you hit him? - What are you doing? - Stop it! If Lu Zhuo were here, he could fight me. But you think you can take me on? Han Liao! My cousin has nothing to do with this. Don't hurt an innocent man! Still defending that pretty boy? I'll cut off his head and hang it over the gates of Zhuyu Estate! Your Majesty! Grandmother, don't beg her! - Grandmother! - Your Majesty! I was foolish and stubborn before. I offended you time and again. I alone am to blame for everything. Beat me or punish me however you wish. Get up. Please, get up! Get up! My dear Rao has suffered so much in her life. She knows how hard life is for ordinary people. That's why she worked so hard to build this estate, to shelter the poor and helpless. What has she done wrong? You wanted to see her hands, didn't you? Then take a closer look! Rao works alongside the common folk. Her hands are covered in scars and calluses. Even the clothes she wears are never made of soft silk. She wears cotton woven here at the estate. All the gold, silver, and jewels His Majesty gave her were traded for coarse grain to feed the hungry. The granaries are completely empty now. She's given everything to save lives. So here, I beg Your Majesty to show mercy. Take me away in chains instead. Please, spare her. No. Don't, Grandmother. Lady Shou'an, you and your daughter are both blind to the truth. You actually believe this impostor, and killed the real Wei's daughter. And you still refuse to admit your mistake. Now, in your pursuit of power, you've only made things worse. You've sealed your own fate. You brought this woman, who falsely claimed noble birth, into the palace and deceived the Emperor. Defending her only proves you're guilty, too. Guards. Take them both to prison and interrogate them under torture. Grandmother! Wei Rao! Guards! - Release Her Ladyship! - Let her go! Let go of me! - Release Her Ladyship! - Let her go! - Grandmother! - Let go! - Grandmother! - Let go of me! - Grandmother! - I won't let go! Rao! I won't let go! - Han Liao! - Rao! His Majesty holds Lady Shou'an in the highest regard! Rao! Aren't you afraid he'll make you pay? If you must arrest someone, arrest me instead. Your Majesty, this fraud has committed a terrible crime. Throwing her in prison would be letting her off too easily. What do you suggest? Anyone caught deceiving the realm should be paraded in a wooden collar to the sound of the gong. Let her serve as a warning to everyone. See to it. - Rao! Rao! - Wei Rao! - Release Her Ladyship! - Let her go! Anyone who helps her will be punished! - Release Her Ladyship! - Let her go! You brought this on yourself. Heavens above, open your eyes! Why do those who trample the poor live in luxury, while those who work so hard go hungry? He's taking away the one who saved us! You can't take Her Ladyship away! Set Her Ladyship free! ‪NO ANIMALS WERE HARMED ‪IN THE MAKING OF THIS SHOW