Blossom (2024) s01e22 Episode Script

1
Dou Ming has her own wet nurse
to attend to her.
Doesn't she know
whether she's pregnant or not?
She didn't even breathe a word.
What was she trying to do?
For so long,
Ming has been either worried
about the household expenditure
or worried about getting
a position for me.
Besides, she has just become a wife.
How would she have known so much?
How would she dare
to take her child's life as a joke?
She was bold enough
to steal her sister's marriage.
Is there anything she dares not do?
If your bride was Dou Zhao at the time,
you'd have enough
for three generations of the Wei family,
let alone a marquis' residence.
That's enough. Say no more.
Ultimately, this is just about money.
Anyhow,
regarding matters of this residence,
please stay out of it in future.
I think you've been hexed
by that vamp.
You can't even recognise
your own sister now.
You
My Lady, please behave yourself.
What did you call me?
The eldest sister is like a mother.
All these years,
I've helped you to handle everything
in this residence.
You now have a wife.
So you've totally forgotten
about everything I've done for you.
Stop speaking about doing things for me.
All these years, you've not been
happy in Duke of Jing's Residence.
I know.
And it pains me to watch you suffer.
If you're considerate,
you should put yourself in Ming's shoes.
From now on,
you can stop worrying
about this residence.
(Marquis of Jining's Residence)
If I was as capable as my sister,
things wouldn't have come this far.
Don't think like that, Ming.
After so long,
don't you know what kind of person I am?
I originally knew.
But your sister said
I know.
Ultimately, the dispute
between my sister and your mother
is just about worldly wealth.
If that's the case, I'll acquire it.
Our life will then be peaceful.
You've found a way?
In the past,
many people sought my paintings.
But they were common uncouth people.
I just wasn't willing to deal with them.
Your calligraphy and painting
are outstanding.
If you're willing to lower yourself,
painting collectors
will surely crowd at our door.
If you can make a name
in the world of painting,
your paintings will be passed on
for generations.
Isn't this your dream too?
Things will get better for us in future.
I'll do this for you.
(Blossom)
(Episode 22)
Madam, you went to great pains
to find His Lordship a duty
but he wouldn't accept it.
He'd rather stoop to selling paintings
than taking up the position.
Why did Fifth Young Lady
marry a wimp?
Don't drivel.
No matter how bad he is,
he is still our son-in-law.
No matter what,
I have to pave the way for Ming.
I can't let her take the path I took.
Is this how you navigate the carriage?
Madam, I trust you've
been well since we parted.
(Jieyi Hall)
Your father sent troops
to suppress bandits.
Why didn't you notify us?
All these years, we've helped you
make quite a lot of money.
Are you burning the bridge now?
I wasn't able to.
My family consecutively held
two weddings for two daughters.
I still can't find the time
to discuss this with my father.
Madam, you're playing us like monkeys.
If you still want to fool us today,
I'll let you taste
this extremely toxic blade.
Go on then. Kill me.
It will good for both of us this way.
Madam, what are you talking about?
Shut up.
You can either
kill me right now.
I'd like to see
whether or not my father
who's the Minister of War
will let you off the hook.
Or you can release me now.
We can sit down and talk this out.
Guys.
Yes.
Release her.
Madam,
I'm sorry.
You know my men and I
are only in this for the money.
You have money to hold weddings
for your daughters.
But why don't you have money
to repay the loan?
If this goes on,
my men will become desperate.
We will have to rob
Marquis of Jining's Residence
in exchange for a chance to live.
Marquis of Jining's Residence
is now left with promissory notes
and pawn tickets.
You can try to rob it
if you don't believe me.
In my opinion,
if you really have the courage
to burn your boat,
why don't you rob another household?
Come here.
Why?
Stand straight.
Close your eyes.
I said close your eyes.
What is going on?
No peeking.
What are you doing?
Don't move.
Almost done.
Shouldn't this be done at night?
Why can't it be done during the day?
It's bright during the day.
I get to see more clearly.
You feel hot?
Why are you sweating?
No.
I don't feel hot. I don't.
Done.
Done?
Are you surprised?
Yes.
You made this for me?
I've measured you just now.
It fits perfectly.
I thought
I overthink it.
When I gave you a bath previously,
I saw a lot of wounds on your body
due to the friction
of an armor that doesn't fit.
Now that you're guarding
the imperial city,
you should wear an under-layer
of golden silk soft armor.
Firstly, it increases protection.
Secondly, it reduces friction.
It will keep your safe.
What's wrong? You don't like it?
I like it.
You've been looking
at the soft armor Her Ladyship made
and sighing for one hour.
What is wrong with it?
That day I saw that my uncle and aunt
were very much in love
despite being on the battlefield.
Grand General and his wife
were a loving couple indeed.
What about Dou Zhao and me then?
Are we different?
Her Ladyship is courageous
and resourceful.
She keeps the household
in perfect order.
Since she came to the residence,
the duke has been hesitant
and rarely picks fight with you.
Her Ladyship is indeed
a perfect spouse for you.
I feel that
she doesn't love me.
My Lord,
Her Ladyship has done so much for you.
She even made you this soft armor.
How can you say she doesn't love you?
That's right.
No.
I'm not talking about that kind of love.
Just like what I told Dou Zhao.
We will progress and stick it out
for each other.
And she treats me
like how a military counselor
would treat a general.
Just like how you two treat me.
This isn't love.
My Lord, I do love you.
I love you too.
No, no.
This isn't what I meant.
Her love for me
isn't the kind of love
between a husband and a wife.
Do you get it?
I'm not married yet.
Hence, I don't really get it.
You don't like her
to treat you like this?
It's not that too.
Her Ladyship is unromantic.
It's close. Go on.
My Lord, I'm only 17 years old.
I haven't found someone I like.
I'm afraid there's nothing more
I can add to it.
Kids have no idea about love.
I have no idea about love?
Despite your age, you aren't
married yet. How dare you criticize me?
So what?
I'm protecting His Lordship intently.
Yan Tang,
you really don't want to go
to Zuixian Tower?
I heard
they have many new
and beautiful performers.
Besides, you get to eat, drink
and listen to music there.
It's my treat.
Let's go.
I've also heard that
they have some new and
good-looking male escorts who can sing.
You want to be like Princess Shude?
Such a petty guy.
I get it.
You're jealous.
You're drunk.
No.
Why did you choose this kind of music?
You're shallow and ignorant.
This is called spicing things up.
Do you think someone will recite
classic texts when they are drunk?
Are you sure this will work?
It suits the occasion so much.
Such a great voice.
This isn't something
a gentleman would do.
I think you should just
stay single forever.
What's wrong with being single?
It's good to be single.
You two look like
you're hatching a plot.
Be honest.
What are you trying to pull
on Her Ladyship?
Not only does your residence have stars,
this place has them too. Look.
I hated your eyes in the past.
But now, I
What?
Your eyes
look like they have stars in them.
They sparkle.
They are so pretty.
Look.
The reflection in the water
is like the flower in a fog
or the moon among the clouds.
You can see them
but you can't touch them.
It makes them even prettier.
Do you like this?
Yes, I like this.
I like this very much.
I like you too.
Look.
The lanterns are pretty.
Just like your eyes.
My Lord.
My Lord.
Head back home first.
Prepare hot soup and ginger tea
for Her Ladyship.
Wait for my return.
My Lord, there are so many
people along the way back.
Are you going to carry Her Ladyship
all the way?
If you don't get them ready in time,
you'll have to run ten miles
with heavy loads.
Yes, My Lord.
Come on.
That lantern
is so pretty.
Okay. I'll get it for you.
I'll give you anything you want.
My father says you're shameless.
I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
I wouldn't dare say such nonsense.
As long as my wife is happy,
I'm happy to do it.
Yan Tang.
Yan Tang.
Since you're drunk, wouldn't this
be considered as taking advantage?
I'll let you go today.
Yan Tang.
Actually, I'm not drunk.
You're up, My Lady?
Don't worry.
I'm the one who helped you get dressed.
As for this hangover soup,
His Lordship made it himself.
You got so drunk last night.
I can't remember clearly indeed.
I only remember us going out last night
to enjoy a show and music.
And then
And then what?
You'll have to ask His Lordship,
of course.
You held His Lordship the whole night.
When His Lordship came out this morning,
his neck was bruised.
You'll have to ask him, of course.
You're up?
I thought you would sleep
a little longer.
Last night
Yan Tang.
Last night
I was too fond of alcohol
and drank too much last night.
Apart from that thing,
I didn't do anything
out of place, did I?
What "thing"?
Well, that thing is really nothing.
What I'm saying is,
I wasn't roaring drunk
or something, was I?
You've always been calm and composed.
How would you do that?
You just dragged me around
to look at reflections and stars.
You wanted me to buy
the things you pointed along the way.
You even held me and talked nonsense
the whole night.
The words I said after I was drunk
need not be taken seriously.
In that case, when you said
my eyes were gentle and pretty,
was that false too?
You said you like
Yan Tang.
You should head to the office now.
You're going to be late.
-All right.
-Go.
By the way,
the lantern is at the front courtyard.
This lantern
Last night,
His Lordship asked Mr Yan
to bring it back.
You even wanted to take it to bed.
That lantern is so pretty.
Okay.
I'll give you anything you want.
My Lady.
-My Lady. You can't do that, My Lady.
-Push it into the room.
-Hurry.
-Stop pushing it.
This lantern was specially ordered
by Duke of Jing of North Ward
for his mother's birthday.
It's 100 inches tall
to symbolize
that she'll live a long life.
Do you like it, My Lady?
I do.
But I'd be taking her life
No, I mean, I'd be taking away
her wish for having a long life.
It's not right, isn't it?
Don't worry about it.
His Lordship has ordered
a new one for Old Duchess of Jing.
Your happiness is all that matters.
In that case, My Lady,
do you want us to put this lantern up?
This lantern is too eye-catching.
Hang it at the back door.
Yes, My Lady.
On second thought, just bring it back.
Good.
There are plenty of crane paintings
in the capital,
but very few capture
such spirit and charm.
This is a masterpiece.
I'll offer 1,000 taels.
My husband has devoted years to his art,
creating thousands of works.
This is indeed one of his finest works.
But there are a few adjustments needed.
First, the background,
replace the mountains
with a field.
A field?
Cranes are symbols
of solitude and nobility,
their calls resonating
through mountains.
How could it reside in a field?
This painting is intended
as a gift for Lord Chen.
His mobility isn't what it used to be.
Wouldn't he feel dispirited seeing
steep mountains he cannot traverse?
A crane in a field
has its own charm as well.
The feathers are too simplistic.
They need to look fuller
to make the painting look valuable.
Also, the red on the crane's
crown is too pale. It lacks
You clearly don't understand art.
I'm not selling it anymore.
I only sell to those who appreciate it.
This is the first time I've encountered
a deal where haggling isn't allowed.
Our apologies, Mr. Zhou.
Even though the sale doesn't work out,
our friendship remains.
My Lady, you're so gracious.
You're not only beautiful
but also cultured and courteous.
How dare you hit on my wife.
Guards, throw him out with a beating!
-Yes, My Lord!
-Pei Jin
What have I done?
-Pei Jin
-Walk!
What did I say, My Lord?
-My Lord
-Walk!
Let go of me!
Out!
You
1,000 taels is enough to cover
our household's expenses for a year.
He may be a mere art dealer,
but he's helped elevate many artists.
Through his connections,
your paintings could end up in private
collections or even in the palace.
Ming, painting is
meant to cultivate
one's spirit and
express true emotions.
To paint with ulterior motives
or against one's will
would disgrace the very art itself.
If you won't compromise on your art,
why won't you focus on your job
at the Warden's Office?
With your title as a Marquis,
you could make a name for yourself
and build a real career.
It's precisely because of my title
that I'm mocked by my colleagues
that I had to rely on
your family's support.
I don't care about that position at all.
That's only because you're new.
It's normal to encounter
some friction at first.
How about we host a banquet at Zuixian
Tower and invite your colleagues?
It'll help foster goodwill and support.
Being mocked is one thing,
and now you want me to host
a feast for those vulgar buffoons?
That would only add to my humiliation.
Fine.
Since you won't put your pride aside,
I'll do it instead.
I'll make some embroidery and sell them,
maybe open a small shop
to sell pastries.
Earning money is earning money.
it doesn't matter who does it.
Absolutely not!
You're the Marchioness.
If you start dealing with the public
like that, everyone will mock me.
You must never follow in
your mother's footsteps.
What's wrong with my mother?
She may have made mistakes,
but selling grain and porridge
just to support the whole family,
how was that wrong?
Ming.
Ming.
I
That's not what I meant.
Fine, I'll change.
I'll take the position, happy now?
My Lord.
An old servant from
Duke of Ying's Residence
requests an audience.
Let him in.
My Lord,
I was a stableman at
Duke of Ying's Residence.
I'm Ma Qiang.
I've been investigating the matter
of former servants leaving the estate,
but you've remained hidden until now.
What brings you here today?
I stayed hidden before
because I was afraid.
But now, I've come to speak with you
about my wife, Qi Xia.
She
She used to serve the Duchess.
Where is Shou Gu?
At the bookshop.
Go fetch her now.
Yes, My Lord.
Most of the old servants who
worked in the inner house are gone.
Qi Xia used to serve the Duchess.
Later, when she fell ill
and lost her wits,
they sent her to the kitchen
to tend the fire.
That's probably how she escaped.
Judging by her condition,
I doubt we'll be able
to get much out of her.
Hawk, rooster
Young Lady, do you remember
Duke of Ying's Residence?
Hawk, rooster
Yes, yes, I remember.
-Hawk
-Time to take your medicine.
Rooster, hawk.
-Qi Xia.
-Rooster.
Qi Xia, come on, take your medicine.
Hawk.
-Yes, I remember.
-Yes, yes.
Hawk, rooster.
Take it.
No, I won't drink it!
No!
No!
Why is she getting
so agitated over medicine?
It's always been this way.
Ever since she fell ill,
she refuses to take any medicine.
Is it because it's too bitter?
-It's poisoned! Poisoned!
-Qi Xia! Qi Xia!
-It's poisoned! Poisoned!
-It's not poisoned, Qi Xia!
-Poisoned!
-Qi Xia! Qi Xia!
Alright, calm down.
Licorice root isn't poisonous.
Did she refuse to take it as well?
No, not at all. Licorice is
sweet and nourishing.
She used to drink it infused
in water all the time.
Think carefully, when did
she start refusing licorice?
It It must have been
after the Duchess fell gravely ill.
Alright now, Qi Xia.
The only people who could have tampered
with my mother's medicine or food
are her close maids.
Could it have been
Mei Rui?
I've searched
the storage rooms,
kitchen, and herb rooms
in the residence.
There's no licorice
to be found anywhere.
I don't know much about medicine.
Do you have any trusted imperial
physicians you can consult?
I've only been back
in the capital for a year.
I trust no one.
I know someone who can help.
The prescription itself is sound.
For urinary retention,
you need something to
reduce swelling and
dissolve obstructions.
Euphorbia is indispensable for this.
However, Euphorbia and licorice
are incompatible.
Taken together,
they result in fatal toxicity.
After my mother's death, I examined
all the leftover medicine residues.
Everything matched the prescription,
there was no licorice.
But for the lethal reaction, both
substances must be consumed together.
If the licorice wasn't
in her medicine
Did your mother have
any particular eating habits?
She hated bitterness.
She always ate candied fruits
after taking her medicine.
She left this to me
before I went to Futing.
This is it.
These candied fruits
weren't made with honey
but steeped in large amounts of licorice
from Hexi to create the sweetness.
Eating these daily,
she wouldn't have lived past a month.
Who gave them to her?
My Lady.
Come.
She used to be a maid
serving the Duchess of Ying.
She later fell into madness,
so we can't get any answers from her.
Could you treat her?
No
No, no
Bring her to me every seven days,
before the hour of Shen.
I'll use acupuncture to regulate
her pulse and try to restore her sanity.
I'll do what I can
and leave the rest to fate.
What we see isn't always the truth.
We can't jump to conclusions
based on the licorice alone.
There's no smoke without fire.
If we trace the source of the licorice,
the truth will reveal itself.
Acting rashly
will only alert the culprit.
In noble households like these,
the suppliers for daily necessities
are often long-established.
If we can acquire the treasury key
and access the accounts,
we might uncover some clues.
For now, let's bring Qi Xia to
Yizhi Hall and take good care of her.
It'll make it easier
to treat her condition,
and since she once served
the late Duchess,
she shouldn't be left
to fend for herself.
We might even uncover more answers.
Didn't you tell me
that those wretched maids were all dead?
We searched everywhere
and couldn't find her.
She's been out of her mind for years.
I thought she must have died
from her illness by now.
Then how is she alive
and well in Yizhi Hall now?
Idiot!
Your Grace!
Get out of my sight!
If they keep digging,
it's only a matter of time
before they trace everything back to us.
Our informants from the brigands
report that Wang Ying Xue has
colluded with the Cangbei Gang
to bring the bandits into the city
and raid Dou Zhao's dowry.
Perhaps we could send Song Mo away
and take advantage of the chaos to
Dou Zhao is a pawn strategically
placed to trap Song Mo.
Are you trying to ruin the entire game?
What if this isn't merely
a simple robbery?
If it turns into
a major upheaval in the capital,
it could provide an opportunity
to reclaim military power
and reorganize the city's defenses.
His Majesty hasn't been feeling well.
He is going to the Western
Hills Palace for recuperation soon.
As Commander of the Imperial Guards,
Song Mo will have to go with him.
The Imperial Guards' primary duty
is to ensure His Majesty's
safety after all.
If he abandons his post
to save his wife, it's treason.
If he doesn't,
he won't be able to save her.
What a brilliant plan!
That ungrateful son is bound to lose
no matter which choice he makes!
The two most critical pawns
are about to be sacrificed.
Minister Dou, don't you find it a pity?
Dou Zhao is now
a part of the Song family.
This is a matter of their family.
As for Wang Ying Xue,
she's always been a pawn.
It's about time she served her purpose.
This is a reward from Madam.
Where is the stuff?
Madam.
There's something I don't understand.
If the plan is to use the Cangbei Gang
to get rid of Dou Zhao,
why drag Wei Ting Yu into it?
Cangbei Gang came after me
because I couldn't cover the gap
in the loansharking business.
All of this happened
because Wei Ting Zhen
that greedy woman threatened me.
Besides,
she's also tied to the business.
The Duke of Jing's maternal family
is connected to the Empress.
If things go south,
they won't just sit back and do nothing.
That's a well-conceived plan, Madam.
Dou Zhao,
no one will come
to your rescue this time.
Madam, it's a divine blessing.
Thank you for your protection.
Stay here tonight and focus on
practicing your calligraphy.
You must not leave the residence.
Father
What are you up to?
Are you
going to set up Mo?
He's my brother!
Foolish boy!
He's the mountain crushing
down on you, a harbinger of doom.
He's left the city.
You don't need to worry about him.
Just know,
whatever happens tonight,
it's all for paving your future path.
Remember,
stay calm and focused.
Keep practicing.
Keep a close watch on him.
If anything happens,
you can kiss your life goodbye.
Yes, Your Grace.
I've searched all over the capital,
and every expert says it can't be fixed.
Mr. Chen,
didn't you say you could fix anything?
It's not that I don't want to help,
but this is smashed into pieces,
the cracks are irregular,
and there's missing material.
This is a job
I simply can't take on.
Mr. Chen, you know
I always pay generously.
Please just help me out.
I'm a craftsman, not a merchant.
I can't do something
that would ruin my reputation.
Mr. Chen
Just give it a try, Mr. Chen.
Give it a try.
You
Sit here.
I
Da Fu, where's my official token?
Don't you usually carry
it with you, My Lord?
Perhaps check again?
It's not on me.
Where could I have left it?
Hurry, go back and look for it.
Wait.
Never mind, I'll go back
and find it myself.
My Lord.
You Ming.
Off to sell paintings again?
Sell paintings?
No, I'm on my way
to the Warden's Office.
It's my duty day today.
Why don't you join us for a drink?
Drink? But
No 'but's.
Everyone knows the position
your mother-in-law
arranged for you
is just a ceremonial post.
I've invited some of
the Warden's Office officials today.
You need to build connections, right?
-Come on.
-Come with us.
-Alright.
-Yes!
Come on.
Su Xin.
-What's all the noise outside?
-There's a fire outside, My Lady.
Su Lan has gone to check on it.
Fire?
My Lady,
there's a fire in the northern district.
The flames are severe.
I've sent His Lordship's name card
to the Warden's Office.
They should dispatch help soon.
If the fire is that severe,
waiting for the Warden's Office
to respond might take too long.
General Yan, take some men
and help with the rescue.
My orders from His Lordship
are to stay here and ensure your safety.
Don't worry, if His Lordship were here,
he'd make the same decision.
Besides, Mr. Chen, Su Xin, and Su Lan
are here with me. Go and help them.
Alright then.
You few, stay here and protect
Her Ladyship. The rest, follow me!
Yes, sir!
What are you doing here?
Sir, the imperial road is blocked.
We've been ordered to clear it.
Open the gates!
-You may enter.
-Thank you, sir.
Come on!
Hold on, what's in those carts?
You Cangbei Gang really don't play fair!
Dou Zhao's assets include
ten thousand taels of gold.
Such a big, juicy piece of meat,
do you really think
you can keep it all for yourselves?
Even the imperial treasury
doesn't have that much.
-Who tipped you off?
-None of your business.
You can have Yizhi Hall,
but the northern district's shops
and grain stores are mine!
Let's go!
-Boss, are you sure
-Let's do it quick and clean. Come on!
Your Majesty.
How can I help you, Lord Song?
I have urgent matters
to report to His Majesty.
May I trouble you to inform him?
His Majesty just took his medicine
and has finally fallen asleep.
If it's not too urgent,
it can wait until morning.
I've seen flames
lighting up the capital.
It's clearly a major incident.
I fear this cannot wait
My Lord,
as a subject, your duty is to
ease His Majesty's burdens.
His recovery is the top priority.
Besides, the Warden's Office
is in charge of the city.
Your focus should remain on
safeguarding this palace.
The west gate has been breached!
The bandits have forced their way in!
If they dare to set foot in here,
we'll make sure
none of them leave alive!
Where do you think
you're running to, lady?
You wretch!