EP 1—5 | The bloody contract actually bloomed with an ambiguous spring|[贵嫡The Fallen Lady Returns]
=The Fallen Lady Returns= =Episode 1= (On the 8th day of 12th month,) (in the winter) (of the 23rd year of Dayu,) (the entire Zhang Clan perished.) (My husband Zhou Yihong) (and his secondary wife Li Yuewan) (strangled me
before my parents’ spirit tablets.) Why? If you do not die, how can I take over
all your family’s shops? My dear wife. You need not have died in such agony. The Spring Pill I gave you was never a cure
for your incurable malady but poison to send you
on the road to Hades. So, you killed my father, my mother, and the hundreds of lives in my family? It was my scheme. I also asked Mother to sentence your entire family to death. Mother? (Li Yuewan.) (Zhou Yihong.) (I was wrong to trust you two.) (If there’s another life,) (I’ll make you pay with blood.) ♪Wandering in the world♪ ♪Braving the storms♪ (What’s happening?) (Wasn’t I already dead?) ♪I’m trapped in a web of intrigue♪ ♪My eyes reflect the cold world♪ (Is this just a dream?) (Why can’t I feel pain?) ♪On a night fraught with peril♪ ♪The abyss yawns before my gaze♪ (These furnishings) (feel so familiar.) (Oh, it’s) (Wind Chamber.) ♪And becoming my sun♪ ♪You are my light♪ ♪Driving away endless darkness♪ (I’ve returned to the past.) ♪Rushing toward dawn♪ (Judging by this scene,) (I believe) (I’ve been reborn.) My Lady. The heir and the new lady
have been long waiting for you. They’re asking for your answer. What do you think about the secondary wife? Secondary wife? (Isn’t this what happened) (the second year
after Zhou Yihong and I wed?) (Have I) (been reborn?) Dear. Dear. You’re awake. Dear. This lady here is Yuewan. I was attacked by refugees
in the borderlands, and Yuewan risked her life to save me. Out of duty and gratitude,
I cannot let her down. So, I wish to take her as my secondary wife. Do you have any objections? Greetings, Xiyin. I’ve heard you struggle
with an incurable malady, so I brought the Spring Pill from the borderlands. It’s said to work wonders for coughs. The Spring Pill I gave you was never a cure
for your incurable malady but poison to send you
on the road to Hades. It must be amazing then, right? You are truly generous to share such a rare remedy with me. – What are you doing?
– Yuewan. Fetch the physician. Yes. It seems Xiyin dislikes me. Zhang Xiyin, let me make this clear. Whether you agree or not, Yuewan will be my secondary wife. Let’s go. If you insist on marrying her, then divorce me. Our marriage was granted by the Empress. You have no right to dissolve it. It was my scheme. I also asked Mother to sentence your entire family to death. (Mother?) (Could Li Yuewan be
the Empress’s daughter?) (Seems the Empress’s marriage decree
hides more.) Since I can’t get a divorce, I’ll just wait and see what you intend to do next. Living again in this life, I will take back everything that belongs to me this time. These fermented glutinous rice balls
smell lovely. Eating glutinous rice balls is best with family. If only Xiyin were here. Yes. She loves this dish the most. Shall we send some to her another day? That sounds good. – (Father.)
– You two. – (Mother.)
– Eat a bit more. (Brother.) You all should try it. (Living again) (and seeing you all) (is truly wonderful.) Father. Mother. Brother. – Xiyin.
– Xiyin. Why are you here so late? Is something wrong? Did something upset you? Mother. I missed you all. Silly child. If you need anything, just tell Xiangye, and I will go see you. That’s right. Why did you come yourself? It’s so late for a visit. Have you eaten anything yet? Father. Mother. Brother. Today, I’ve come to discuss
something important. This is simply outrageous. Back then, the Zhous pleaded for you. Now they treat you with such disrespect. Before the wedding,
Marquis Ding’an promised to honor our monogamy rule. But now, he’s broken his word. I believe this is nothing but marriage deception. Who is this secondary wife? Zhou Yihong said he met refugees causing trouble
at the borderlands, and Li Yuewan gave up her chastity
to save him. So, he promised her
the secondary wife’s title to thank her. How could a gentle lady like her have saved the heir
from rioting refugees? Father. Mother. Brother. The power behind this woman could crush our family like ants. Xiyin, tell us the truth. Are you hiding something from us? I… (The more they know,
the greater the danger.) (Li Yuewan’s ties to the Empress) (must remain secret.) I overheard it by accident. The Zhous plan to seize our family business, so they’re using the silk deal
as a cover to frame us. Xiyin might truly have a point. Our status as imperial merchants
draws envy. Tomorrow, Father and I will go to sign the silk deal contract. Father, we must never agree to the silk deal. If what you said is true, the Zhous surely have further plans. We can’t just sit and wait for disaster. But the Zhous hold great power. We are but humble imperial merchants. It’s hard to stand against them. Brother, do not worry. If he seeks to ruin our family, I will make sure he loses everything he holds dear. (Without the silk deal,) (the Zhous won’t let this go.) (Now, our family stands all alone.) (I must find a way) (to find support soon.) Stop right there. Stop running. – Don’t move.
– Don’t move. Don’t come closer. Or I’ll kill her. Let’s see if your saber is swifter than my arrow. (It’s him.) It’s the dead of night. Why are you here? I’m Zhang Xiyin, the wife of the heir of Marquis Ding’an. I just returned from my maiden home. The Imperial Office is on a case. Leave at once. I will take my leave now. Wait. Your foot is injured. It’s hard for you to walk. You should ride back. Thank you, My Lord. ♪Braving the storms♪ ♪Destiny twists and turns♪ ♪I’m trapped in a web of intrigue♪ ♪My eyes reflect the cold world♪ ♪Feuds and grievances tie my heart♪ (In the past life,) (he saved me.) ♪On a night fraught with peril♪ ♪The abyss yawns before my gaze♪ ♪Beneath a defiant facade♪ ♪Grief is tightly wrapped inside♪ ♪Suddenly, a ray of light appears♪ His Majesty has issued a decree. Regarding the Zhangs’ case, there is not enough evidence. A new hearing will be set. (He is Prince Ji,
His Majesty’s brother.) (He’s never allied
with any court faction.) (Perhaps I can use him) (to stand against the Zhous) (and the Empress.) It’s a good idea. Xiangye. (Affidavit)
I always insist on documentation. If there are no objections, let’s sign the affidavit now. (Signed by: Zhou Yihong) My Lord. My Lady. Young Master. Eunuch Fang brings the decree. Hurry, let’s go greet him. It must be my son’s reward. Hurry. Oh, my. My Lady, the heir went too far. How could you agree to that? I heard the heir earned merit
at the borderlands. He’s sure to be promoted. After you married him, you served their whole family and even used your dowry to help. Now, you two live apart, and all the benefits
will go to Li Yuewan. Who said that’s the heir’s reward? Is the primary wife of the heir here? Yes. You are Li Yuewan, the secondary wife? A secondary wife is like a concubine. I’m asking for the primary wife. How dare you answer to that? (Erudite and Resolute) Zhang Xiyin, the primary wife
of the heir, receive the decree. Yes. He is calling for me. Would you please step aside? By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Zhang Xiyin, the heir’s wife is generous, pure, and kind. She excels in her household duties, serving as a model
for ladies of the capital. She is hereby named Countess
of Grace and Virtue of Rank II, with a bestowal of ten qing of land and one country estate, ten thousand qian, ten bolts of fine silk, twenty jin of fragrance, and 3,000 guan of an annual stipend. Thus decreed. Thank you. Xiyin. After all, we are family, aren’t we? As the primary wife of the heir, such an honor is truly rare. We’re all glad for you, aren’t we? Come, everyone. Take all of this back. – Wait.
– Hurry up. Mother. These imperial gifts
were bestowed on me. I’ve just signed the affidavit
with the heir. Naturally, I should bring these gifts back to my maiden home. – Xiangye.
– Xiyin. When you act, you must consider both families. The heir and I
were married only in name. There’s nothing to consider. Servants, take these things away. Well… Tsk. (Change of Fortune) My Lady, how did you know that the reward was not meant for the heir? We must steer our own fate. Only then will blessings come. I can concede
regarding the secondary wife, but Brother, you must find Censor Fang. My father-in-law? Censor Fang oversees the officials. He will surely act against injustice. Please ask him to inform His Majesty that Zhou Yihong ignored his betrothal and his rewards should be revoked. Yet I am still willing to let Li Yuewan become
his secondary wife to repay her for my husband. By doing so, your virtue will be known, and you might even be awarded. (Change of Fortune) Honey. Father, Mother. His Majesty wouldn’t reward her
for no reason. She must have done something. Her brother’s father-in-law
is Censor Fang. Yuewan, the ins and outs of this matter must be verified with the Empress. Be sure not to forget my son’s rewards. At the very least, he must keep his post
as a Feather Guard. Sure, Father, rest assured. I will go at dawn tomorrow. I thought Zhang Xiyin was sensible to let you be the secondary wife. However, she brought the imperial gifts
back to her maiden home. Clearly, she does not wish to serve us. Everything of the Zhangs belongs to us. Not a single coin should leave here. Xicui. Xicui. Choose a few quick hands from our servants, intercept those imperial gifts, and return at once. Yes, My Lady. I’ll see to it right away. Beware of fire when it’s dry. You can’t go this way. Leave your things here. What are you waiting for? If you know what’s good for you,
hand it over. Sir, we’re just bringing home supplies. Could you please let us through? You can go, but the goods stay. Help! We’re being robbed! Keep your mouth shut. Help! Please help! I told you to shut up!
Didn’t you hear me? My eyes! Stop! Please stop! Please stop! It’s an ambush! Your Highness. So, you already know who I am. Your Highness, your presence shines and is known to all. My imperial gifts were stolen. I beg you to seek justice for me. What a coincidence that it happened right under my nose. You prepared means of self-defense and even smeared phosphorus powder
on the carriage. My Lady, why should we put phosphorus powder
on the carriage? To lure the culprit, there must be bait. The phosphorus powder glows
in darkness. It sticks to clothes and skin
and is hard to wash off. If someone tries to steal
our imperial gifts, we’ll catch them right away. But we’re just women. How could we catch them? Everything is ready. After the curfew tonight, we’ll take Tianshui Lane and return home. Alright. (I remember in my past life,) (Prince Ji hadn’t yet returned
to the capital.) (He must have his reasons
for coming back early.) (This is perhaps a chance) (to discuss an alliance with him.) It’s no coincidence. Someone at home wants to harm me. I prepared something for my safety and came to seek your protection. Sorry, I cannot help you. The view here is limited but perfect for watching
the Marquis Mansion. What are you implying? If I’m not mistaken, the person you seek to capture is at the Marquis Mansion. (except Marquis Ding’an’s Mansion.) Listen up, everyone. Today, His Majesty’s imperial gifts
were robbed. Intruders broke into the mansion. The safety of all here is at risk. The Imperial Office was called
to investigate. Anyone refuses to cooperate… They shall be beheaded. Why are you causing trouble again? Honey. I just ran into some bandits. They took all the imperial gifts. I followed their tracks all the way here. I suspect there’s a traitor inside. So I came with officials to investigate. If it’s really an inside job, we will handle it. There’s no need to involve outsiders. This thief is truly bold to covet His Majesty’s grace. He shows no respect for the law. I advise you two to hand him to the Imperial Office to avoid suspicion of sheltering him. If you refuse to cooperate, don’t blame me for following the law. My Lord, I wouldn’t dare. However, you barged in to search my mansion on only Xiyin’s words. You’re showing little respect for us. If you find something, all is well, but if you find nothing, it will ruin our good name. How will you answer for it? Father, please rest assured. I have already taken precautions. I applied phosphorus powder
to the imperial gifts. If fire draws near,
the marks will appear. If the thief hides among the servants, there will be nowhere to escape. You want to search the mansion on your words alone? What if nothing is found? If the thief isn’t caught today, then I will bear all the losses. My Lord, I found phosphorus powder on him. Come with me to have a look. Zhang Xiyin, what are you doing? Of course, I’m catching the thief. My Lord, the missing imperial gifts are found. Whose storeroom is this? The Marchioness’s. Zhang Xiyin, how could you be so cruel to hide the imperial gifts
in Mother’s storeroom to frame her? You truly are a merchant’s child. So cunning and sly. Guards, take her away. Don’t you dare move. Loot is needed to convict a thief. We’ve caught
both the thief and the loot, yet you still try to frame me. My dear daughter-in-law. Your imperial gifts are our honor. These imperial gifts just made a round trip and returned to our mansion. If you truly desire them, just take them all home. They’re all yours. These are always my imperial gifts. How can a few words turn them into your charity? You are the wife of the heir. You must keep our mansion’s honor
in mind. If reputation matters to you, you wouldn’t resort to such acts. You… We are all family here. Let us settle this as kin. Why not tell the official that this is all a misunderstanding and ask him to return? Mother, you don’t think
that could erase what happened today, do you? Dear, how dare you do such disgraceful deeds
behind my back? Honey, I’m sorry. I should not have acted on my own. Honey, please forgive me. Honey, honey. She’s failed His Majesty. Take her away. Zhang Xiyin. Zhang Xiyin, you scheming woman. I will have Yihong abandon you. Just wait. Zhang Xiyin. (Marquis Ding’an’s Mansion) It seems the entire mansion lacks the person I’m seeking. I’ll remember your kindness. In the future, come fire or flood, please command as you wish. That won’t be necessary. Since this place does not have what I want, let’s end our cooperation here. May I ask who you’re looking for? That doesn’t concern you. I guess the person you seek is related to Xiliang. Zhang Xiyin. It’s impossible to use me again. Your Highness, will you reconsider? (In the entire Dayu,) (only he can rival the Empress.) (Since he refused me,) (I must find another way.) Zhang Xiyin, how dare you frame my mother? I’ll kill you! Are you seeking death? Have you come to your senses? Mother’s robbery is now known citywide. Do you want your women’s scandal to become gossip across the city? Do not forget it was Mother who tried to set me up first today. If you wish to stand up for her and want me dead, go ahead. All this began
with His Majesty’s imperial gifts. If you kill your wife here, what about your position as the heir? You and Li Yuewan’s wedding draws near. Whether it’ll be a celebration
or a mourning is up to you. You’ve done all this just to keep me from marrying Yuewan? The moment you signed that affidavit, you were already dead to me. Very well. Let me ask you this. You’ve stayed in the mansion for years. When did you have contact
with the Imperial Office? Yihong. Yihong, please do not be upset. Return to the room with me. Xiyin, you should rest well. Yihong. Yihong. Don’t worry. I’ve written to Mother. My Lady. My Lady, are you okay? Zhou Yihong won’t let this go. We must win Prince Ji’s favor fast. But His Highness declined you last time. We must find another way. At this point, we can only seek help from others. (Princess Jinyang) (Princess Jinyang
is Prince Ji’s eldest sister.) (Perhaps she could be my go-between) (Meditation Room) (to resume my partnership
with Prince Ji.) My Lady, Princess Jinyang is here. I’ll begin my meditation now. No one is to disturb me. Understood. Wait for me here. Yes. I’m Zhang, an imperial merchant, seeking an audience with Her Highness. The Princess is meditating. No visitors. Please leave. But I have urgent matters to discuss. Please leave. My Lady. The Princess won’t see you. What should we do now? It’s still early. Once the Princess finishes meditating, we’ll request an audience again. Alright. Your Highness, that’s him. Do you have any proof? We found this on him. Xiliang has lost for years, yet you still haven’t learned. Do you really think sneaking into Dayu and stealing a few battlefield maps would guarantee your victory? My Lord, I’m innocent. Speak! What is your true aim? I’ll talk; I’ll talk. I’ll tell you everything. Set fire to Huaguang Temple. This is the latest news. That’s all I know. Please spare me. Huaguang Temple? Isn’t that where Princess Jinyang stays? My sister… My Lady, something’s wrong. The Great Hall is on fire. Hurry! Go alert the visitors in the temple. Tell everyone to run at once. Find more servants for help. – Yes.
– Sure. Hurry and move! Princess. (Another fire set on purpose.) (In my past life,) (you used the same trick) (to bring ruin to my clan.) (Now,) (I won’t let you succeed again.) Your Highness. Your Highness, please wake up. Your Highness. Your Highness. My Lady. My Lady, My Lady. My Lady. My Lady. My Lady. My Lady. (Meditation Room) (Lion’s Roar)
Greetings, I’m Zhang Xiyin. Please, have a seat. Is your foot alright? It’s nothing. Thank you for your concern. Thank you for last night. Once I return, I’ll report it to His Majesty. You are too kind. This is my duty as your subject. You were the one requesting my audience
during the day, right? Yes. Rest assured. You saved my life. I will never forget this favor. Thank you. I do need a favor from you. Yihong. You came for me in such haste. Is something wrong? Prince Ji captured the ones
we sent to set fire to Huaguang Temple last night. It’s all right. They are all loyal servants of Mother. However, Princess Jinyang was also
at the temple last night. She was saved by Zhang Xiyin. Yuewan, hurry to the barracks now, tell them that Zhang Xiyin brought her servants
into the temple, trying to harm Princess Jinyang, and that I’ve found the evidence, and ask them to help at once. Yihong, this plan is brilliant. Go ahead. Stop right there. You assassins. How dare you set fires
and attack the Princess! Zhou Yihong! What nonsense are you saying? Master Yihong, my lady and this official
just saved the Princess. The Xiliang spies
have entered the capital. Zhang Xiyin, you brought
your servants here without reason. And it just so happens the Princess
was here too? There was even a sudden fire. All these strange clues make clear that you’ve conspired with Xiliang. I was there at the scene. I can vouch that Zhang Xiyin
has no ties with Xiliang. You want to vouch for her? Who do you think you are? I am Duan Jianli. How dare you pretend to be Prince Ji? You must be seeking death. Arrest them. Don’t you dare lay a hand on Prince Ji. (Order)
Look at this. Greetings, Your Highness. Greetings, Your Highness. How dare you not kneel before me? Greetings, Your Highness. Sorry for offending you. I beg you for forgiveness. Just now, you said Wait outside for me for a moment. What are you doing? What are you doing? You saved me last night. Naturally, I must tend to your wounds. Your Highness, do you suspect me as well? Ordinary ladies bring only a few servants at most
when praying. But yesterday, you brought many servants. Have you forgotten someone wants to harm me? It seems you already know who set the fire. So what if I know? The Zhangs are a family
of imperial merchants. Yet the Zhous dare act so boldly as to try to burn Princess Jinyang. Don’t you find this odd? This… So, what’s your conclusion? Across the capital, only someone from the imperial family could allow them to act so brazenly. (The Xiliang spy knew about the fire.) (The Zhous set the fire.) (Could the Zhous
truly be linked to Xiliang?) (Perhaps I can use this
to investigate further) (about who is behind them.) You saved my sister. I must repay you. Tell me what you want. I want you to look into a matter for me. I’m listening. I wish to know what happened to Li Yuewan and Zhou Yihong at the borderlands. You may speak plainly. What exactly do you want to know? What I wish to uncover is Li Yuewan’s true identity. I wonder what Prince Ji sees in her. The Zhangs are a family
of imperial merchants. I heard Prince Ji
has long lacked supplies at the borderlands. Perhaps, he has long set his sights
on the Zhangs’ fortune. If you ask me, you two should wed as soon as possible so the Empress will be at ease. Only then can we secure
all the business of the Zhangs. Mother, why not take advantage of the wedding and have Xiyin hand over
household stewardship? (Marquis Ding’an’s Mansion) (Erudite and Resolute) My Lady, under the pretext of preparing
for Li Yuewan’s wedding, the Marchioness has been granted leave
to return home. Marquis Ding’an wouldn’t have let her be detained
for long anyway. The Empress wouldn’t ignore this either. My Lady, if you ask me,
let’s not return to the Marquis Mansion. They’re preparing for the wedding
and must be short on funds. Now that you’re in charge
of the household, they’ll surely ask you for money. Strategists step into the game. Now that the game has begun, there’s no reason to retreat. (In my past life,) (Li Yuewan seized household stewardship
to prepare the wedding) (and used the phoenix hairpin
to frame me for offending the Empress,) (making her wedding) (become my nightmare.) In this life, she should reap what she sowed. Xiyin. Sorry about those rewards. I’m here to apologize today. As your daughter-in-law,
I dare not accept. Xiyin, look. Mother made this soup for you with the finest ingredients. Even after all you’ve done, Mother still treats you kindly. You should accept her goodwill. The soup is too hot now. I’ll let it cool before drinking. Here, Xiyin. Have a cake to cleanse your palate. Thank you. If you have something to say, please don’t hold back. I don’t know how to ask you. Then think it through before you speak. I’m done eating. Xiyin. As mistress of the mansion, you hold the household stewardship. But you need to rest now, and with my wedding coming, I feel bad troubling you. So? So, Xiyin, why not let me handle the household? Don’t worry. I’ll just manage it temporarily. Once you’re well, I’ll return it to you. Then I’ll trouble you with this. You’d really let me do it? If you don’t wish to, I can keep managing things too. I want to. Zhang Xiyin is so shameless. Why are all these trunks empty? Well. Yuewan, stop looking. Did she hide
the family’s money somewhere? Yuewan, I… I’ll go ask her for the ledger now. If she really hid any money, you must write her a dismissal letter and let her leave. No, that’s not it. Li Yuewan is here. Xiyin, I was just wondering why you gave up the stewardship
so quickly. As it turns out,
you’ve long gotten the money. Why not check the accounts carefully and see what the money was spent on? So you were falsifying
the accounts all along to ruin Yihong and my wedding. Is that it? Young Master, should I explain it, or will you confess to her? Enough. Don’t try to sow discord. Yuewan, let’s go. I’m not leaving. I won’t leave until things are clear. Look at you now. You must be unaware of the fact that there’s no money left. That can’t be. Our family is vast and wealthy. How could there be no money? Ever since I married the heir, they’ve long been drowning in debt. It was my dowry
that paid off what they owed. Then my family kept the mansion afloat. Now that the heir and I live apart, the accounts must be kept separate too. Is everything she said true? Securing an official post ended up costing quite a bit. Then what about our wedding? That’s a fair question. A secondary wife is like a concubine. Unless the whole city is stirred up, I’m afraid no one would know your true status. I’ll find a way for the wedding. At worst, let Mother ask some kin to help out. Paying for a wedding with debts? If word gets out, it’ll be disgraceful. No. I can’t borrow money for my wedding. With my status, how could my wedding seem so humble? I understand. Can we discuss this later? Hurry. If we’re late, the gates will close. Yes. My Lady,
Li Yuewan has entered the Palace. Let’s wait for her good news. Xiyin, on the 5th of next month, it’s an auspicious day. That’s when Yihong and I
will have our wedding. Congratulations. Tribute silk. An imperial treasure. (Erudite and Resolute)
How joyful. Congratulations to you. Congrats. Please come in. – Come in, please.
– Congrats. You’re here; please step in. Congratulations. A perfect match. Indeed. Such a fine couple. A perfect match. Why isn’t Zhang Xiyin here yet? Lady Xiyin is here. This is Lady Xiyin? Yes, indeed. She carries herself so well. Graceful and elegant. She really is poised. Her manners are impeccable. Yes, that’s right. What an honor she brings. That’s right. Xiyin, have some tea. Xiyin. I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it. It’s all right. Xiyin, your hairpin… Oh, dear. Your hairpin… Oh, my. That is a phoenix carved on it. Only the Empress can wear a phoenix. Lady Xiyin, you broke a serious rule. This could cost you your life. How improper this is. Oh, no. Xiyin, do you want to doom the whole family
to steal my thunder? Zhang Xiyin, how could you be so cruel? Take off her headpiece now. Everyone, (Erudite and Resolute) ♪Wandering in the world♪ ♪Braving the storms♪ ♪Destiny twists and turns♪ ♪I’m trapped in a web of intrigue♪ ♪My eyes reflect the cold world♪ ♪Feuds and grievances tie my heart♪ ♪On a night fraught with peril♪ ♪The abyss yawns before my gaze♪ ♪Beneath a defiant facade♪ ♪Grief is tightly wrapped inside♪ ♪Suddenly, a ray of light appears♪ ♪Piercing right through my doubts♪ ♪And becoming my sun♪ ♪You are my light♪ ♪Driving away endless darkness♪ ♪Guiding me toward what’s to come♪ ♪Rushing toward dawn♪ ♪You are my light♪ ♪You shine upon my path♪ ♪Walk this journey with me♪ ♪Echoes of time resound♪ ♪Each year settles in my heart♪ ♪Wherever you are♪ ♪You kindle a fire in my chest♪ ♪Give me the strength to soar♪ ♪Through the boundless crowds♪ ♪Step by step, I’m walking♪ ♪Closer to your side♪